The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 79, July 1975 - April, 1976 Page: 180
528 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
18. No less delicate is the situation of the barbaric tribes of the sur-
rounding area by which the province is in danger of being desolated and
her inhabitants ruined by the hostilities that are carried out with the
greatest cruelty. Those [Spanish] settlements are pitiful victims of the fury
of some enemies so bloody and lascivious that they nurture their spirits
with the thought of spilt blood, applying the most extraordinary torture
to Spaniards whom they capture. These woeful dangers are largely offset
by the good conduct and vigilance of a governor with experience, close
knowledge of the makeup of that province, and a prolonged administration.
But alas, when [governors] attain understanding, making their knowledge
and zeal useful, their authority ceases, it being transferred to another who
lacks it entirely.
This province is the most northern of all those of New Spain and is
the defense outpost for Sonora and Nueva Vizcaya. It has fewer militia
forces and troops than either of the two and a greater number of enemies
that harass and combat it, but the natives and residents raised here are
stronger, warlike, and accustomed to great fatigue, which qualities make
up for the shortage of their number. They are not deterred by the mass of
enemies and have greater strength and confidence when the governor is
at their head, proving his valor and giving them an example of fortitude.
If this province were destroyed, the other two would suffer the same pitiful
ruin as a consequence, and the exploitation of their rich minerals would
not be possible.
The jurisdiction of the settled part of New Mexico is divided into
seven alcaldias mayores [districts]. The subjects who are named [by the
governor to head each district] serve the king without salary or substantial
reimbursement, serving just for the honor and distinction that they ac-
quire. They have the great burden of defending their jurisdictions from
the outrages and attacks of the barbarians, opposing them in command of
their militia. They give aid to the missionaries who minister to the subdued
Indians, also overseeing the preservation and tranquility of the latter and
the observance of religion so that the Indians do not live idly or as vagrants
nor have secret communications or trade with the heathen. And they
[alcaldes mayores] give the governor an account of what happens [of
significance]. Selection for these positions is made from among the men
with the most distinction, valor, potential, and experience in the country
so that they can report on warfare, in which activity they deserve royal
attention because of their excellence.
Efficient dedication requires giving prompt notice about events that
come to light and happen in the remote and vast province of New Mexico.I80
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 79, July 1975 - April, 1976, periodical, 1975/1976; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101203/m1/212/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.