Note 10 — Chapter I · THE AUDIENCIAS OF THE SPANISH COLONIES

As established in 1503, the Casa de Contratación consisted of a treasurer, auditor (comptroller), and factor.10 That the institution flourished and increased in importance may be deduced from the reform of Philip II, on September 25, 1583, whereby the above mentioned officials were retained and a royal audiencia was created within the Casa. This was composed of three jueces letrados and a fiscal, besides the numerous subordinate officials who usually accompanied the judicial tribunal.11 Though at first it exercised some of the functions which belonged later to the Council of the Indies, it came subsequently to be subordinate to that body.12 It was transferred to Cádiz in 1717, and was suppressed by the royal decree of June 18, 1790.13 its remaining attributions being assumed by the Consulado of Seville.14