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Show 144 LEADING FACTS OF NEW MEXICAN HISTORY ized to take with him the Indians who came with Dorantes, and who were to form a part of Coronado’s expedition. The friar was instructed to note carefully the kind of people, their numerical strength, and their mode of living; the quality and fertility of the land, its climate, the trees and plants, domestic or savage animals, the aspect of the country, whether rugged or level, the streams, if large or small, and the rocks and metals. He was also advised that if a large settlement be found, suitable for the erection of a monastery, he was secretly to advise the viceroy of this fact, ‘‘in order that everything be prepared without commotion, and that, in the pacification of what may be discovered, the service of our Lord and the good of the people of the country be properly secured.’’ Friar Marcos left San Miguel de Culiacan on the 7th day of March, 1539, accompanied by Friar Onorato, Estevan, and some of the Indians who had gone to the City of Mexico with Cabeza de Vaca, where they had espoused the cause of Christ, learned the Spanish language, and had been given their freedom by Mendoza expressly for the purpose of taking part in his explorations. Friar Onorato was taken ill when the village of Petatlan was reached, and there he was left by Friar Marcos. Leaving Petatl4n in company with the Indian guides and the negro, Estevan, Friar Marcos proceeded on his journey, and was received at all times and places by the natives with great rejoicing, owing to the statements made to them by him that no more Indians would be stolen by the Spaniards for purposes of slavery. the large villages whither they at times went as day-laborers are wont to do in Spain.’’ to work and Fr. earn their living, When the above was written by Motolinia, Fray Marcos was the provincial of the Franciscans, to which order Motolinia belonged. In appealing to the religious zeal of the Franciscans, very judiciously. had he engaged the Securing monks as explorers or scouts, he saved a great deal of accomplished more. The friars were bound to report the truth. interest was Viceroy acted He knew that it would have jeopardized his own position the credit of the Crown in any doubtful enterprise. By to bias their judgment and they travelled very expense, and No worldly economically . Accustomed to receive charity, they knew also how to do charity to such as were poorer than they. A double end could be obtained ; first, an inexpensive and yet profitable journey; second, an impression could be made upon the feelings of unknown and therefore doubtful tribes, through the meekness and pliability of the emissary. That Fray Marcos should have been selected for this task certainly speaks in his favor.’’—Bandelier, A. F., Contributions, p. 108. Francisco de los Angeles 6 Quinones, of Franciscans, 1521 General of the Order |
