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Show 996 LEADING FACTS OF NEW MEXICAN THE HISTORY cliff, leaped over, four of them escaping with small bruises. Three others had escaped from the rocky height, and all joined Alférez Casas, who had been left in charge of the horses. A council of the survivors was held, and Captain Tabora was sent to overtake the captain-general; two or three went to warn the friars in the outlying districts, and the remainder went back to San Gabriel. In this battle, which took place on the 4th day of December, eleven lost their lives. The list as given in the account, which has been preserved, reveals the names of Captains Diego Nufiez and Felipe de Escalante, Alférez Pereyra, Araujo, Juan Camacho, Martin Ramirez, Juan de Segura, Pedro Robledo, Martin de Riveros, Sebastian Rodriguez, two servants, a mulatto, and an Indian, and the leader, Captain Juan de Salvidar. The wounded were Leon Zapata, Juan de Olague, Cavanillas, and the alguacil real, Las Casas, who was struck twice with stones. When the messengers reached San Gabriel, bringing the news of the disaster, all was commotion. Funeral ceremonies were held CONQUEST OF NEW MEXICO 327 the Spaniards appeared before Acoma, Captain Villagra having gone to Cia for supplies.??8 At the pueblo the Indians celebrated with great rejoicing the results which had come from following the advice of their cacique, Zutucapan. It was believed that this victory was the beginning of greater successes which would crown the native arms in their efforts to drive out the invader. Giocombo, another prominent chief, who had not agreed with the course advocated by Zutucapan, now called together a council of the principal men of his tribe as well as representatives from adjoining nations. At this council it was agreed All declared themselves ready for that war could not be averted. the struggle, and preparations were at once begun for the safety of Zutucapan, however, emboldened still the women and children. further by his success, proclaimed his ability to hold the Rock of Acoma against any army that the Spaniards could bring. When the Spaniards under Salvidar appeared upon the plain, crowds of men and women were seen upon the walls of the pueblo, dancing stark naked; with great outbursts of defiance they heaped insults of every kind upon their enemies below them. The Spaniards sent word to the chieftains to come down and and these were hardly concluded when Captain Tabora returned with the news that he had been unable to find Ofiate. Alférez Casas volunteered for this service, and after many difficulties succeeded in finding him. The captain-general returned to his quarters answer for the murder of their companions, but their only reply was and spent the night in prayer before a rude cross, and the following preparations morning endeavored to console his men. He then proceeded to San Gabriel, where on the 21st day of December his arrival was celebrated with a te deum in the chapel which had been constructed. The friars were called into council as to the best course to pursue against the rebellious natives; they were asked respecting the elements of a just war against the inhabitants of Acoma and it was decided to send Don Vicente Salvidar, with a substantial force, to avenge the death of his brother and his unfortunate companions. It was determined to assault and burn the town and that all who resisted must be taken prisoner and enslaved. Ofiate selected seventy of his bravest soldiers for this enterprise, commanded by the captains Zubia, Romero, Aguilar, Farfan, Villagra, and Marquez, Alférez Juan Cortés, and Juan Velarde as secretary. Leaving San Gabriel on the 12th of January, 1599, on the 21st a continuance of their insulting actions. The Spaniards for pitched the their assault. camp It was upon known the that places at which an ascent of the rock could be made. plain there and made were two Salvidar deter- mined to assault one of the pefioles with his main force, while a small but chosen band other. should hold themselves in readiness to ascend the All night long the sounds of revelry and rejoicing could be The Spanheard coming from the tops of the houses of the pueblo. On the morning of the iards quietly awaited the approach of dawn. 22nd of January the Indians began arrows. What the battle with a great flight of seemed to be the entire Spanish force was now sent by Salvidar to assault one of the entrances, at which point was soon 828 Immediately upon the departure of Salvidar for Acoma, the San Gabriel became alarmed lest that village be attacked by the the vicinity. Consequently they made great preparations for the the capital, all of which is most graphically and minutely described Villagra, who also refers to the heroic offer of Dofia Eufemia to lead of the settlement in battle against the common enemy. people of natives of defense of by Captain the women |