(MEXICAN MANUSCRIPTS) Signed viceregal order to release a pr

Sale 2517 - Lot 297

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Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200

(MEXICAN MANUSCRIPTS.) Signed viceregal order to release a prisoner arrested for protesting abuses against farmers. [10] manuscript pages, stitched; minor wear, minimal worming. Cholula and Mexico City, 1616

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In 1616, one Francisco Hernández Domínguez claimed to have been imprisoned by corrupt officials for speaking out against their racketeering and extortion of Cholula's farmers and agricultural workers. Specifically, the alcalde mayor of Cholula was charging extralegal fines for having livestock they rightfully possessed. While Francisco organized resistance, the lone scribe in Cholula forged seditious documents in his name which led to his wrongful arrest. The viceroy, Diego Fernández de Córdoba, 1st Marquess of Guadalcázar, agreed with his claims, and ordered the officials to cease their illicit activity and free Francisco. The lot also contains, in addition to the order and Francisco's plea, testimony from the corregidor and a second order from the viceroy. As seen here, Indians were not always the only ones exploited by corrupt public servants in colonial Mexico.