FBI returns missing 16th-century document signed by conquistador Cortés to Mexico

A stolen 16th-century manuscript signed by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés has been found and returned to the Mexican government, the FBI said Thursday

A stolen 16th-century manuscript signed by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés has been found and returned to the Mexican government, the FBI said Thursday.

The rare item offers a glimpse into the government of New Spain, which grew to cover a vast stretch of land from modern-day Washington state to Louisiana and Central America.

Signed by Cortez on Feb. 20, 1527, the document details payments in pesos of gold for expenses, the FBI said.

Special Agent Jessica Dittmer, with the FBI’s art crime team, said in a press release that the document "really gives a lot of flavor as to the planning and preparation for unchartered territory back then."

"Pieces like this are considered protected cultural property and represent valuable moments in Mexico’s history, so this is something that the Mexicans have in their archives for the purpose of understanding history better," she said.