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Show airs 392 FACTS LEADING eS ASA ANY NORE ASCO Ml HISTORY MEXICAN NEW OF ii ommendation of John S. Watts,**7 in whose integrity and loyalty Judge Watts persuaded President Lincoln had great confidence. the president that notwithstanding the pro-slavery tendencies of Otero and the position which he had taken just prior to the breaking out of hostilities, under all the conditions then existing in New Mexico, he was the man of New Mexican birth best fitted to carry out the policies of the administration in this jurisdiction. Otero had been the delegate in congress since 1855 and Watts was his successor, having been elected with practically no opposition over Diego Archuleta. Otero held the office of secretary during the year 1861 when he was succeeded by James H. Holmes, who also served but one year. He, in turn, was replaced by W. F. M. Arny, who held the office until 1867 and again in 1872. Owing to the illness of Governor Connelly of the secretary- the duties of executive, during Arny’s incumbency ship, were largely performed by the latter. The civil officials of the war period cooperated in every way POSsible with the commanding general of the military department of Mexico. New At the of time the occupation Confederate of the capital there were several prominent citizens and merchants, not of native birth, who were distinctly disloyal and openly greeted the coming of the army under General Sibley with expressions of conThere were, however, among the native population, gratulation. largely through ally to his influence with themselves the that citizens leading the invading Confederates of Mexico New General under refused Sibley. His services t0 Socially he was a man of great refinement and intelligence. He died at Santa Fé, in the month of July, ee deserve a monument. 817 John S. Watts was a native of the state of Indiana, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He was a prominent figure in New Mexican affairs for many years. He was named one of the associate justices of the supreme court of New Mexico by Millard Fillmore at the time New Mexico was made a territory and was assigned to the second judicial district with headHe held office until 1854 when he was succeeded quarters at Alburquerque. by Perry E. Brocchus, appointed by Franklin Pierce. Judge Watts removed to the capital where he began the practice of law. In 1861 he was elected delegate to congress, with practically no opposition. He enjoyed the confidence of Abraham Lincoln. His career as delegate was marked by great industry in behalf of the people of New Mexico. and Be was was appointed succeeded chief justice, in in this position He was not a candidate for reélection 1868, by after Judge the Palen, death who of was Judge Slough. appointed by President Grant. Thereafter he resumed the active practice of the law and was a very important factor in the affairs of the territory until he returned to his native state, where he died in 1876. Judge Watts was 4 great student he wrote seven During his incumbency of historical research. and fond opinions which appear in the New Mexico. supreme court reports. Prominent Men of Affairs in New Mexico last halt of the Nineteenth 1. Wilson Waddingham. 4. John P. Sellar. 29. Lawrence 5. Don Lorenzo Century P. Browne. 6. Lopez. 3. Marcus William H. Brunswick. Chick Bete |