[Mexico]: Philip IV of Spain:

$1,250 · Offered by William Reese Company · No longer available

[MANUSCRIPT REAL CEDULA FROM KING PHILIP IV OF SPAIN, WITH STAMPED SIGNATURE "YO EL REY," ORDERING THE VICEROY OF NEW SPAIN TO DELIVER ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND ORDERS TO HIS INCOMING SUCCESSOR, ... A manuscript royal order from Philip IV, with his stamped signature "Yo el Rey," directing the Viceroy of New Spain to deliver all orders, letters, and other relevant papers addressed to himself as well as those addressed to all previous viceroys to his successor. The order specifies that he is to hand over everything of relevance in all "matters of spiritual and temporal government, war and finances, and particularly with regard to the education and good treatment of the Indians" [our translation]. The document is further endorsed "Por mando del Rey" and signed by the secretary for the Council of the Indies and New Spain on the verso of the first leaf. The second leaf of the bifolium contains text dated the 27th of June, 1650 (the day the new Viceroy arrived in Mexico City), and is signed by three members of the Audienca, confirming that the order has been carried out as directed. The exact reasons for Philip's specifications are unclear, but it seems more than likely that we have Juan de Palafox y Mendoza to thank. Palafox, known in equal parts for his interest in education, efforts on behalf of indigenous Americans, and his endless quarrels with the Jesuit order, was Viceroy himself in 1642 and remained in the powerful position of visitador general until his recall in 1648; hi

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