Handbook for translators of Spanish historical ... - University Library

HANDBOOK FOR TRANSLATORS OF SPANISH HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
the extirpation from this kingdom of all imaginary coins,
and the establishment of copper coins.
Adverse opinions have no other foundation than the
great difficulties brought forth by the whims of men
who are satisfied with established custom whether or not
it is beneficial, especially when the harm is felt less
where it cannot do its full damage.
I wish to overcome any difficulties that may have any
bearing on the royal service and the general welfare,
and my zeal shall be unfailing in realizing and pronioting
their happiness. Thus I will try to fulfill the
obligations of my office, loyalty, gratitude, zeal, and
love which I dedicate at the feet of the king with the
deepest respect. I beg Your Excellency to make all this
known to His Majesty, and to give me whatever instructions
may be forthcoming in view of this letter.
May God guard Your Excellency many years.
Mexico, March 27, 1790.
El Conde de Revilla G-igedo
Don Antonio Valdez-^
Imaginary money of various types was used in isolated
provinces, where little bullion was to be found. On the
Texas coast, for instance, in the year 1828, the following
statement was recorded:
...an opportunity was offered to trade an order of
five cows and calves for hewed logs sixteen feet long
to build one room; . . .The order of one cow and calf
had by custom become a circulating medium for $10,
hence the order for five cows and calves for these logs.
The economist or the numismatist may be greatly concerned
about the state of international exchange at different
periods of history. We assiune that the historian, however,
is usually satisfied merely with an approximate working
equivalent for the par value of obsolete coins. Proceeding
on this assumption, therefore, in the determination of
Transcripts, The Archives Collections, The University of
Texas
'^Mrs. Mary Sherwood Helm, Scraps of Early Texas History.
B. R. Warner & Co . , Austin, TexasT
-94-
1884 , p. 47.