Another abbreviation I expect

[Fernando P-M]

Check the "l" in Palacios and has no tilde like in Slata, besides all the "t"s I see have the tilde.

Regards,

Fernando PM

[Martin "Spuff" Spufford]

Hi Tad,
I so postulated in my original question . "Slata" or "Stata"
As Fernando has said it must be a surname because of the Rubrica below the name but neither sound likely!!
 
As for more scans here is the 3rd and last scan of the front of the cover.

[Tad Mackie]

Dumb question:  Any chance that "Slata" is really "Stata"?  In the second part of the document the "l" in "Palacios" is written as a loop......

Perhaps seeing the whole thing would be helpful......

[Fernando P-M]

This guy's last name was Palacios and that name is still around. The rubrica is the drawing or garygole very artistically done below the name. It is very seldom used nowadays.

Fernando.

[Martin "Spuff" Spufford]

About the "rubrica" I have learned something both new and interesting to-day.
Thank you Fernando..
Here is another one (rubrica) from another part of the document.

[Fernando P-M]

I think it must have been, because many surnames have dissapeared with time due mostly to lack of male descendants to carry the name, I think the name is very clear and it has the "rubrica" below, meaning that it was his name.

I have witnessed a couple of finished names in my lifetime.

Fernando PM

[Martin "Spuff" Spufford]

"Slata". Is that an Hispanic surname Fernando?

[Fernando P-M]

Slata must be the last name of the "Srio" short for "Secretario"

Fernando PM

[Martin "Spuff" Spufford]

   Anyone care to tell me what the word "Slata" or "Stata" is an abbreviation for.
 
I assume "prio" is "prioridad" and "De oficio" is self-explanatatory.
 
spuff