Oñate's Thoughts Turn Once More to Riches, Ocean

By Miguel Encinias
For the Journal
After the trial of the survivors of the Acoma tragedy in February 1599, discontent among the Spanish settlers -- which had started almost from the time of entry to New Mexico -- once again surfaced.
In addition, many of the settlers felt they had overstayed their welcome at San Juan Pueblo. The record does not indicate how the original inhabitants felt, but one can imagine.
Juan de Oñate, conscious of the dissatisfaction and contention that mounted daily, still had thoughts of finding something of greater value -- precious minerals, better land or perhaps a trade route to the ocean -- before settling down and establishing a capital.
The year before, when he had started out to find the South Sea (Pacific Ocean), one of his captains had found signs of mineral deposits. But the weather and the death of his nephew, Juan de Zaldivar, at Acoma had forced him to abandon his trip west.
He also had heard the Mexican Indian Jusepe Rodriguez, the sole survivor of the illegal Leyva and Humana expedition of 1593, speak of the very populous and perhaps rich land of Quivira (Kansas).
But uppermost in his mind was the need for reinforcements and supplies. For this, he needed support from Mexico City.
Capt. Gaspar de Villagra, who had proven to be not only one of Oñate's most effective officers but also had become one of his most trusted men, was selected to lead the expedition south.
Going with him was ensign Bernabe de las Casas, who had been promoted to that rank for his good work in finding the governor after the attack on Zaldivar at Acoma. Also going was Father Commissary Alonso Martinez and two other friars. The small force departed March 15, 1599.
A few weeks later, the entire colony picked up camp and moved to the pueblo of Yoongeh Oweengeh a short distance across the Rio Grande from San Juan, displacing its inhabitants. They were sent to live in San Juan and other nearby pueblos.
The Spaniards christened the new capital San Gabriel.
In June, Vicente de Zaldivar was sent west to complete the search for the ocean.
He returned in early September to report that he and his small troop had met with few people who had even an inkling of the South Sea, and said that the terrain was so bad that they had to abandon their horses and proceed on foot.
Hearing that an ambush was being prepared against them, they thought it wiser to recover their horses and return to San Gabriel.
Zaldivar reported that, on the way out the Jumano, Indians of the eastern Manzano foothills had refused to trade for provisions and had shown little respect. He asked permission to go back and punish them.
Oñate, who was probably glad to get away from the contentious atmosphere and rumors of mutiny, said he would go himself. After organizing a force of 50 soldiers, he set out toward Jumano land.
At the first pueblo, he first asked for tribute, probably to test the natives. He withdrew from the pueblo after receiving what he considered a pittance.
The next day he informed the inhabitants that he was going to punish them for their insolence. He ordered his men to set fire to some of the houses.
As the Jumanos retreated, Oñate gave the order to fire. Six of the townspeople were killed and several wounded. Later, two of the apparent Jumano leaders were hanged.
With that, Oñate returned to more bad news at home.
NEXT: Desertion looms.

Miguel Encinias is an Albuquerque historian. His novel, "Two Lives for Oñate," was published this year by the University of New Mexico Press.