Primary Sources
Excerpt of James VI of Scotland’s (James I of England) treatise, Trve* Lawe* of free Monarchies, 1598
THE KINGS THEREAFTER in Scotland were before any estates or ranks of men within the same, before any Parliaments were holden* or laws made; and by them was the land distributed (which at the first was wholly theirs), states erected and decerned*, and forms of government devised and established. And it follows of necessity that the Kings were the authors and makers of the laws and not the laws of the Kings. . . . And according to these fundamental laws already alleged, we daily see that in the Parliament (which is nothing else but the head court of the King and his vassals) the laws are but craved by his subjects, and only made by him at their rogation* and with their advice. For albeit* the King made daily statutes and ordinances, enjoining such pains thereto as he thinks meet, without any advice of Parliament or Estates, yet it lies in the power of no Parliament to make any kind of law or statute without his sceptre* be to it for giving it the force of a law. . . . And as ye* see it manifest that the King is overlord of the whole land, so is he master over every person that inhabiteth* the same, having power over the life and death of every one of them. For although a just prince will not take the life of any of his subjects without a clear law, yet the same laws whereby he taketh them are made by himself or his predecessors, and so the power flows always from himself; as by daily experience we see good and just princes will from time to time make new laws and statutes, adjoining the penalties to the breakers thereof, which before the law was made had been no crime to the Subject to have committed. Not that 1 deny the old definition of a King and of a law which makes the King to be a speaking law and the law a dumb King; for certainly a King that governs not by his law can neither be countable to God for his administration nor have a happy and established reign. For albeit it be true, that 1 have at length proved, that the King is above the law as both the author and giver of strength thereto, yet a good King will not only delight to rule his subjects by the law, but even will conform himself in his own actions thereunto; always keeping that ground, that the health of the commonwealth be his chief law.
Citation:
James I. “James VI and I: True Law of Free Monarchies, 1598.” Internet History Sourcebooks, sourcebooks.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/james1-trew2.asp.
THE KINGS THEREAFTER in Scotland were before any estates or ranks of men within the same, before any Parliaments were holden* or laws made; and by them was the land distributed (which at the first was wholly theirs), states erected and decerned*, and forms of government devised and established. And it follows of necessity that the Kings were the authors and makers of the laws and not the laws of the Kings. . . . And according to these fundamental laws already alleged, we daily see that in the Parliament (which is nothing else but the head court of the King and his vassals) the laws are but craved by his subjects, and only made by him at their rogation* and with their advice. For albeit* the King made daily statutes and ordinances, enjoining such pains thereto as he thinks meet, without any advice of Parliament or Estates, yet it lies in the power of no Parliament to make any kind of law or statute without his sceptre* be to it for giving it the force of a law. . . . And as ye* see it manifest that the King is overlord of the whole land, so is he master over every person that inhabiteth* the same, having power over the life and death of every one of them. For although a just prince will not take the life of any of his subjects without a clear law, yet the same laws whereby he taketh them are made by himself or his predecessors, and so the power flows always from himself; as by daily experience we see good and just princes will from time to time make new laws and statutes, adjoining the penalties to the breakers thereof, which before the law was made had been no crime to the Subject to have committed. Not that 1 deny the old definition of a King and of a law which makes the King to be a speaking law and the law a dumb King; for certainly a King that governs not by his law can neither be countable to God for his administration nor have a happy and established reign. For albeit it be true, that 1 have at length proved, that the King is above the law as both the author and giver of strength thereto, yet a good King will not only delight to rule his subjects by the law, but even will conform himself in his own actions thereunto; always keeping that ground, that the health of the commonwealth be his chief law.
Citation:
James I. “James VI and I: True Law of Free Monarchies, 1598.” Internet History Sourcebooks, sourcebooks.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/james1-trew2.asp.
Excerpt from Thomas Hobbs, Leviathan. 1651, revised 1668
Hobbs was an English philosopher (1588-1679) who tutored the children of aristocrats and had to flee England when the English Civil War broke out. Hobbes spent eleven years living in exile in France, where he wrote his book Leviathan, about the structure of society and government.
During the time men live without common power to keep them all in aw, they are in the condition which is called war… In such condition, there is no place for industry… no arts; no letters; no society; and, which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death. And the life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…
Without the terror of some kind of power to cause them to be observed, justice, equity, modesty, and mercy are contrary to our natural passions. Covenants without the sword are but words, and of no strength. The only way for men to erect a common power is for men to confer all their strength on one man or one body of men that may reduce their wills to one will.
Citation:
Hobbes, Thomas. “Chapter XIII. Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery. Hobbes, Thomas. 1909-14. Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan.” Leviathan , The Harvard Classics, 1909, www.bartleby.com/34/5/13.html.
Hobbs was an English philosopher (1588-1679) who tutored the children of aristocrats and had to flee England when the English Civil War broke out. Hobbes spent eleven years living in exile in France, where he wrote his book Leviathan, about the structure of society and government.
During the time men live without common power to keep them all in aw, they are in the condition which is called war… In such condition, there is no place for industry… no arts; no letters; no society; and, which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death. And the life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…
Without the terror of some kind of power to cause them to be observed, justice, equity, modesty, and mercy are contrary to our natural passions. Covenants without the sword are but words, and of no strength. The only way for men to erect a common power is for men to confer all their strength on one man or one body of men that may reduce their wills to one will.
Citation:
Hobbes, Thomas. “Chapter XIII. Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery. Hobbes, Thomas. 1909-14. Of Man, Being the First Part of Leviathan.” Leviathan , The Harvard Classics, 1909, www.bartleby.com/34/5/13.html.
Excerpts for the journal of Cristoforo Colombo (Christopher Columbus) on his trip to the New World
[Columbus often referred to himself and his men in 3rd person in his writing, he would refer to himself as, “the Admiral”]
Thursday 11 October (1492)
The land was first seen by a sailor called Rodrigo de Triana…
At two o'clock in the morning the land was discovered, at two leagues' distance…they found themselves near a small island, one of the Lucayos, called in the Indian language Guanahani. Presently they descried people, naked, and the Admiral landed in the boat, which was armed, along with Martin Alonzo Pinzon, and Vincent Yanez his brother, captain of the Nina.
…Numbers of the people of the island straightway collected together. Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: "As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass beads, and hawk's bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces…
Weapons they have none, nor are acquainted with them, for I showed them swords which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish-bones or other things at the ends. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. I saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and demanded by signs the of them; they answered me in the same way, that there came people from the other islands in the neighborhood who endeavored to make prisoners of them, and they defended themselves. I thought then, and still believe, that these were from the continent. It appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion. They very quickly learn such words as are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I intend at my return to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language. I saw no beasts in the island, nor any sort of animals except parrots." These are the words of the Admiral.
Sunday, 14 October (1492)
In the morning, I ordered the boats to be got ready, and coasted along the island toward the north- northeast to examine that part of it, we having landed first at the eastern part. Presently we discovered two or three villages, and the people all came down to the shore, calling out to us, and giving thanks to God. Some brought us water, and others victuals: others seeing that I was not disposed to land, plunged into the sea and swam out to us, and we perceived that they interrogated us if we had come from heaven. An old man came on board my boat; the others, both men and women cried with loud voices--"Come and see the men who have come from heavens. Bring them victuals and drink." There came many of both sexes, every one bringing something, giving thanks to God, prostrating themselves on the earth, and lifting up their hands to heaven. They called out to us loudly to come to land, but I was apprehensive on account of a reef of rocks, which surrounds the whole island…
…I do not, however, see the necessity of fortifying the place, as the people here are simple in war-like matters, as your Highnesses will see by those seven which I have ordered to be taken and carried to Spain in order to learn our language and return, unless your Highnesses should choose to have them all transported to Castile, or held captive in the island. I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased.
… the inhabitants [of these islands] living at war with one another, although a simple race, and with delicate bodies.
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “Columbus's Journal.” Digital History, 2016, www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=3892.
[Columbus often referred to himself and his men in 3rd person in his writing, he would refer to himself as, “the Admiral”]
Thursday 11 October (1492)
The land was first seen by a sailor called Rodrigo de Triana…
At two o'clock in the morning the land was discovered, at two leagues' distance…they found themselves near a small island, one of the Lucayos, called in the Indian language Guanahani. Presently they descried people, naked, and the Admiral landed in the boat, which was armed, along with Martin Alonzo Pinzon, and Vincent Yanez his brother, captain of the Nina.
…Numbers of the people of the island straightway collected together. Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: "As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass beads, and hawk's bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces…
Weapons they have none, nor are acquainted with them, for I showed them swords which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish-bones or other things at the ends. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. I saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and demanded by signs the of them; they answered me in the same way, that there came people from the other islands in the neighborhood who endeavored to make prisoners of them, and they defended themselves. I thought then, and still believe, that these were from the continent. It appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion. They very quickly learn such words as are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I intend at my return to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language. I saw no beasts in the island, nor any sort of animals except parrots." These are the words of the Admiral.
Sunday, 14 October (1492)
In the morning, I ordered the boats to be got ready, and coasted along the island toward the north- northeast to examine that part of it, we having landed first at the eastern part. Presently we discovered two or three villages, and the people all came down to the shore, calling out to us, and giving thanks to God. Some brought us water, and others victuals: others seeing that I was not disposed to land, plunged into the sea and swam out to us, and we perceived that they interrogated us if we had come from heaven. An old man came on board my boat; the others, both men and women cried with loud voices--"Come and see the men who have come from heavens. Bring them victuals and drink." There came many of both sexes, every one bringing something, giving thanks to God, prostrating themselves on the earth, and lifting up their hands to heaven. They called out to us loudly to come to land, but I was apprehensive on account of a reef of rocks, which surrounds the whole island…
…I do not, however, see the necessity of fortifying the place, as the people here are simple in war-like matters, as your Highnesses will see by those seven which I have ordered to be taken and carried to Spain in order to learn our language and return, unless your Highnesses should choose to have them all transported to Castile, or held captive in the island. I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased.
… the inhabitants [of these islands] living at war with one another, although a simple race, and with delicate bodies.
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “Columbus's Journal.” Digital History, 2016, www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=3892.
Excerpt from Columbus’s letter to Luis de Santangel (a patron who helped fund the first voyage)
…they are artless and generous with what they have, to such a degree as no one would believe but him who had seen it. Of anything they have, if it be asked for, they never say no, but do rather invite the person to accept it, and show as much lovingness as though they would give their hearts…
…their Highnesses [Queen and King of Spain] may see that I shall give them as much gold as they need .... and slaves as many as they shall order to be shipped
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “The Letter of Columbus to Luis De Sant Angel Announcing His Discovery.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association, 4 July 1995, www.ushistory.org/documents/columbus.htm.
…they are artless and generous with what they have, to such a degree as no one would believe but him who had seen it. Of anything they have, if it be asked for, they never say no, but do rather invite the person to accept it, and show as much lovingness as though they would give their hearts…
…their Highnesses [Queen and King of Spain] may see that I shall give them as much gold as they need .... and slaves as many as they shall order to be shipped
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “The Letter of Columbus to Luis De Sant Angel Announcing His Discovery.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association, 4 July 1995, www.ushistory.org/documents/columbus.htm.
Excerpt from Michele de Cuneo’s Letter on the 2nd Voyage, 28 October 1495
(de Cuneo was a friend of Christopher Columbus and also fellow explorer .)
While I was in the boat I captured a very beautiful Carib woman, whom the said Lord Admiral [Christopher Columbus] gave to me, and with whom, having taken her into my cabin, she being naked according to their custom, I conceived desire to take pleasure. I wanted to put my desire into execution but she did not want it and treated me with her finger nails in such a manner that I wished I had never begun. But seeing that (to tell you the end of it all), I took a rope and thrashed her well, for which she raised such unheard of screams that you would not have believed your ears. Finally we came to an agreement in such manner that I can tell you that she seemed to have been brought up in a school of harlots.
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “Full Text of ‘Myths And Atrocities Of Christopher Columbus.’” Internet Archive, 1996, archive.org/stream/MythsAndAtrocitiesOfChristopherColumbus/Myths%20and%20Atrocities%20of%20Christopher%20Columbus_djvu.txt.
(de Cuneo was a friend of Christopher Columbus and also fellow explorer .)
While I was in the boat I captured a very beautiful Carib woman, whom the said Lord Admiral [Christopher Columbus] gave to me, and with whom, having taken her into my cabin, she being naked according to their custom, I conceived desire to take pleasure. I wanted to put my desire into execution but she did not want it and treated me with her finger nails in such a manner that I wished I had never begun. But seeing that (to tell you the end of it all), I took a rope and thrashed her well, for which she raised such unheard of screams that you would not have believed your ears. Finally we came to an agreement in such manner that I can tell you that she seemed to have been brought up in a school of harlots.
Citation:
Columbus, Christopher. “Full Text of ‘Myths And Atrocities Of Christopher Columbus.’” Internet Archive, 1996, archive.org/stream/MythsAndAtrocitiesOfChristopherColumbus/Myths%20and%20Atrocities%20of%20Christopher%20Columbus_djvu.txt.
Observations by Bartolome de las Casas from his book, “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies”, 1552
(Bartolome de Las Casas was a Spanish Catholic priest/missionary living in the Americas, this was written after he witnessed the cruelty against the Taino in the 1500s.
Since the Admiral [Columbus] perceived that daily the people of the land were taking up arms, ridiculous weapons in reality [wooden spears and bows]… he hastened [hurried] to proceed to the country and disperse and subdue, by force of arms, the people of the entire island… For this he chose 2000 foot soldiers and 20 cavalry [soldiers on horses], with many crossbows and small cannon, lances, and swords, and a still more terrible weapon against the Indians, in addition to the horses: this was 20 hunting dogs, who were turned loose and immediately tore the Indians apart…
(Bartolome de Las Casas was a Spanish Catholic priest/missionary living in the Americas, this was written after he witnessed the cruelty against the Taino in the 1500s.
Since the Admiral [Columbus] perceived that daily the people of the land were taking up arms, ridiculous weapons in reality [wooden spears and bows]… he hastened [hurried] to proceed to the country and disperse and subdue, by force of arms, the people of the entire island… For this he chose 2000 foot soldiers and 20 cavalry [soldiers on horses], with many crossbows and small cannon, lances, and swords, and a still more terrible weapon against the Indians, in addition to the horses: this was 20 hunting dogs, who were turned loose and immediately tore the Indians apart…
…They [the Conquistadors] would erect long gibbets (gallows)… and bind thirteen of the Indians at one time, in honour and reverence, they said, of Our Redeemer and the twelve Apostles, and put firewood around it and burn the Indians alive. |
…And thus pregnant and nursing women and children and old persons and any others they might take, they would throw them into the holes until the pits were filled, the Indians pierced through by the stakes, which was a sore thing to see, especially the women with their children… …Another time, because the Indians did not give him [Columbus] a coffer filled with gold… they killed an infinite number of souls, and cut off the hands and noses of countless women and men, and others they threw to the savage dogs, who ate them and tore them to pieces. |
Citation:
De las Casas, Bartolomé. “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, written 1543, published 1552.” National Humanities Center, nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/amerbegin/contact/text7/casas_destruction.pdf.
De las Casas, Bartolomé. “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, written 1543, published 1552.” National Humanities Center, nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/amerbegin/contact/text7/casas_destruction.pdf.