The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 16, July 1912 - April, 1913 Page: 259

Retreat of ihe Spaniards from New Mexico in 1680 259

THE RETREAT' OF THE SPANIARDS FROM NEW MEX-
ICO IN 1680, AND THE BEGINNINGS OF EL PASO
II
CHARLES WILSON HACKETT
IV. THE RETREAT OF THE TWO DIVISIONS TO LA SALINETA
Having despatched the above letter to Parraga with orders for
the Rio Abajo people to wait for him, no other autos were drawn
up by Otermin and no further communication passed between the
two divisions until the northern refugees joined those at Fray
Crist6bal on September 13. With all the survivors of the prov-
ince united in one body, Otermin determined to call a council of
all the officers and men of experience and prestige in his camp,
that they might help to. decide what ought to be done in the light
of present conditions.' Accordingly, on the same day this de-
cision of the governor was made public in the camp. by voice of
the public crier.'2 After the meeting was assembled, the first to
avail themselves of the opportunity which Otermin gave for all
to express their opinions, were eight of the missionaries. They
stated briefly, though characteristically, that as "liege vassals of
his majesty, and as his ministers in those parts for the adminis-
tration of the Holy Sacrament, and for instructing in the Holy
Faith both Spaniards and natives" they were willing "without
any repugnance to follow the person of his Excellency and the
royal standard in whatever resolution or determination he and the
other persons might agree upon."3
Following the religious a joint statement was made and
signed by the maestres do campo, Francisco G6mez Robledo,
Thome Dominguez de Mendoza, Juan Dominguez de Mendoza,
1"Autto (de Otermfn)," in Auttos tocantes, 32-33.
2Auto of Xavier, in Auttlos tocantes, 33.
'Auto of the Religious at Fray Crist6bal, in Auttos tocantes, 34. This
auto was signed by the following: Father Nicolas Hurtado, Father
G6mez de la Cadena, Father Antonio de Sierra, Father Thomas de
Tobalina, Father Francisco Mufioz, Father Juan de Zaballeta, Father
Joseph de Bonillo, rFather AndrOs Duran.