Instructions Issued to the First Governor-General of Brazil, Tomé de Sousa, on 17 December 1548

I the king make it known to you, Tomé de Sousa, gentleman of my household, that I deem it essential, both in the service of God and in my own interests, to maintain and ennoble the captaincies and settlements of my territories in Brazil. It is essential too to instill order and to effect some means by which men may more safely and effectively go over there to populate the territory, thus to glorify our Holy Faith and to bring profit to my realms and territories and to their inhabitants. I have commanded that in that territory a fortress should be built, as well as a large and sturdy township in a place suitable for that purpose. I have ordered that assistance be given by that township to the other settlements, that justice be administered, and that attention be given to those matters that are in my interest and in that of my treasury, not to mention the good of the country. I have been informed that the bay known as Bahia de Todos os Santos is the most suitable place along the Brazilian coastline for such a township and settlement to be located. Accordingly, because of the nature of the harbor and the rivers that flow into it, as well as the productive and healthy characteristics of the land and, indeed, other aspects, I deem it to be in my interest that this township should be constructed in Bahia. For that purpose, a fleet is to sail out there with men, artillery, arms, munitions, and everything else that is necessary. Because of the great faith that I have in you and because I trust that you will know how to serve me with all due loyalty and diligence in a matter of such major importance, I deem it appropriate to send you as governor-general of my territories in Brazil. In that role, you are to build the fortress in the manner set out below and you will be both captain of the fortress and of the territory of Bahia.