Title

Detail of Initial or Dropped Capital from Francisco Nuñez Melián's Report

Description

Detail of initial or dropped capital from Francisco Nuñez Melián's report to Spain's King Philip. The style used for his report is called an inhabited initial which included plants and animals as a decorative elements.  

The salvage of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita was a major undertaking, both financial and political. A report had to be sent to Spain, accounting for both the treasure and Melián’s expenses. Melián had his attorney draw up a lengthy description of his efforts that was soon of such interest that it ended up being published.

Basing his case on his documented achievements, Melián lobbied King Philip for both compensation and favor. In 1630, he was rewarded with the governorship of Venezuela. After he took his new post, the search for the 1622 wrecks continued under his Havana-based lieutenants, though with much less success.

Source: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.