Stolen 500-year-old manuscript, bearing the signature of Hernán Cortés, is returned to its rightful owner by the United States.
In a significant development, a stolen manuscript signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés has been returned to Mexico following an extensive cross-border investigation. The manuscript, dating back to 1527, outlines the payment of expenses in preparation for the discovery of the spice lands and provides a detailed accounting of the logistics related to Cortés' journey to what eventually became New Spain.
The manuscript was stolen from Mexico’s General Archive of the Nation sometime between 1985 and 1993. Mexican archivists discovered the loss in 1993 during a microfilming project of Cortés documents. It wasn't until last year that Mexico formally requested the assistance of the FBI’s Art Crime Team to find the missing page.
The investigation traced the document to the United States. The FBI's Art Crime Team, based in New York City, coordinated with other US agencies, the Mexican government, and NYPD Det. Rigel Zeledon to locate, verify, and facilitate the manuscript’s return. Key procedural steps included having all former and current holders legally relinquish claims to the document, enabling its seizure and repatriation without filing charges against any past possessors due to the complex chain of custody.
The repatriation of the manuscript marks the second time in two years that the FBI has returned a stolen Cortés document to Mexico. In July 2023, a 16th century letter from the conquistador that authorized a purchase of rose sugar was repatriated. The FBI Supervisory Special Agent Veh Bezdikian stated that the United States is one of the largest consumers of art and antiquities, and it is important for the U.S. to stay ahead of art trafficking and support foreign partners.
The FBI Boston recovered the stolen manuscript, which was returned after a binational investigation. Mexico's National Archives originally counted the repatriated manuscript among a collection of historical documents hand-signed by Hernán Cortés, only to realize that 15 pages of the document were missing when an inventory was carried out while microfilming the collection in October 1993. The FBI said the exacting details in the manuscript helped investigators find the document and authenticate it.
The FBI is resolved to locate and repatriate the other missing pages, demonstrating a model of international cooperation in recovering stolen cultural heritage. This recovery further highlights ongoing binational efforts to protect and restore culturally significant historical artifacts.
- The recovery of the stolen manuscript, detailing the logistics of Cortés' journey, emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in preserving important cultural heritage.
- In a significant turn of events, the investigation into the stolen Hernán Cortés manuscript involved both Mexico's General Archive of the Nation and the FBI’s Art Crime Team, signifying a cross-border effort.
- The repatriation of the manuscript not only marks a triumphant return of a piece of Mexican history but also further bolsters the ongoing binational efforts in protecting and restoring culturally significant artifacts.
- Although the manuscript's account of Cortés' expedition has provided valuable insights into the conquistador's preparations for the discovery of the spice lands, it is still a matter of concern that 15 pages of the document remain missing.
