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.