This royal writ or decree, by order of the Emperor Charles V, confers upon the city of Tlaxcala, Mexico, a coat of arms and the title of "Loyal City," in recognition of the services "which the noblemen and towns of the said province have accomplished for us." It was the first of only three such titles given by the emperor to cities in New Spain. This direct recognition by the emperor of the indigenous noblemen of Tlaxcala went on to determine the course of Tlaxcalan history, as the indigenous province always defended this privilege against those who wanted to reduce her rights. The decree was signed in Madrid on April 22, 1535. The Center for the Study of the History of Mexico rescued the document in 1974. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, 1500-1558; Devices (Heraldry); Indians of Mexico; Indigenous peoples; Royal decrees; Tlaxcalan Indians