His instructions.

Previous to Ovando’s departure from court, the monarchs were particular in giving him instructions both verbal and written.  Among these instructions was one which Isabella especially insisted on, namely, “that all the Indians in Hispaniola should be free from servitude and be unmolested by anyone, and that they should live as free vassals, governed and protected by justice, as were the vassals of Castile.”  Like the vassals in Spain, the Indians were to pay tribute; they were also to assist in getting gold, but for this they were to be paid daily wages.  Other commands were given at the same time for the conversion of the Indians, and to insure their being treated kindly.

  Advice to Ovando on the duties of A governor.

Respecting the general government of the country, it was arranged that on Ovando’s going out, all those who received pay from the government in the Indies, as well those who had accompanied Bobadilla as those who had come out originally with Columbus, should return to Spain, and that a new set to replace them should go out with Ovando.  This was done because most of these soldiers and officials had necessarily been connected with the late troubles in the colony, and it would be a good plan to start afresh, as it were.  At the same time it was provided that no Jews, Moors, or new converts were to go to the Indies, or be permitted to remain there; but negro slaves “born in the power of Christians, were to be allowed to pass to the Indies, and the officers of the royal revenue were to receive the money to be paid for their permits.”  This is the first notice with respect to negroes going to the Indies.  These instructions were given in the year 1501.

On Ovando’s arrival in the colony, Bobadilla was to undergo the ordeal of a “residencia,” a kind of examination well known and constantly practised in Spain, to which Authorities were subject on going out of office—­being of the nature of a general impeachment.  It is satisfactory to find, that amongst the orders given to Ovando, there are some for the restitution of the admiral’s property, and the maintenance of his mercantile rights.

Just before Ovando took leave of the king, he received a formal lecture upon the duties of a governor.  The King, the Queen, and a privy councillor, Antonio de Fonseca, were the persons present; and, as I imagine, the latter addressed Ovando on the part of their Highnesses.  As it is not often that we have an opportunity of hearing a didactic lecture on the modes and duties of government given in the presence of a great master of that art, and probably looked over, if not prepared, by him, we must enter the royal cabinet, and hear some part of this discourse.