Facundo Melgares
Encyclopedia
Facundo Melgares - unknown) was a prominent Spanish military and the last Spanish governor of New Mexico. Melgares was, like most of the officials of the Spanish crown in his time, a member of the Spanish upper class.
). His family had a great social prestige, both in Spain and the New World. Thus, one of the guys from Facundo presided as judge of the Audiencia
of New Spain
. Due to its noble status, Melgares obtained a good education and military training that raised him, eventually, to the position of lieutenant
. It was through his father-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel
Albert Maynez, a future governor of New Mexico
, the assistant of the New World to the Commanding General of the Western Provinces, based in Chihuahua, Mexico
, Melgares decided to open his military career in New Spain
, near the border astringent north of Mexico, instead of making in Mexico City
.
of San Fernando de Carrizal, south of El Paso del Norte. Like most soldiers of the border seasoning gained through their many battles with the Apaches, who were incessant raids on settlements along the Rio Grande
, leaving the safety of the Spanish border.
After hearing the news that recalcitrant Pawnee people, had recently attacked a Spanish scouting party, Melgares had the mission to fight against them, demonstrating the strength of the Spanish army. To do this, arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico
under the command of an army of sixty well-equipped soldiers. This was his first arrival in the Spanish province of America. The governor of New Mexico, Joaquin del Real Alencaster called to Melgares he went to the provincial capital on May 30, 1806. He obeyed his request. During this temporary assignment, Facundo Melgares participated in an episode of international intrigue that link your name to the history of U.S. military border all time.
The governor Alencaster, asked to Melgara to carry out three goals: The first one was down by the Red River and struggle against the interlopers Americans were being established in New Mexico due to the expansionist idea of Thomas Jefferson
, who pushed this migration and invasion in the Spanish territory. The second objective was to explore the province of New Mexico to the Missouri River
. And the third, was visiting the Pawnees to negotiate a treaty with them in which they agreed to prevent the Anglo Americans go through their land. Melgares held a meeting with several heads of Pawnee, and managed to convince them to sign a formal agreement with Spain. Salcedo revealed the plan to build a fort on the Arkansas. Convinced that he had secured the loyalty of the Pawnee, Melgares returned to Santa Fe on October 1, 1806.
There, he met to Zebulon Pike
and, despite the enmity between Spain and the United States, they became close friends, to the Extent That the second of Them their friendship acknowledged that would remain with him even if they were forced to face eventually a war. Was Pike's guard as Melgares Replaced on May 6. Presented Pike at Melgares shotgun, and they parted with pledge of friendship. Described Pike it as "the Bravest man I ever met."
On one occasion, Melgares requested for 200 of his militia to turn back home, he stopped his march and built a gallows. Then he separated the petitioners from the rest of the army. He noted the man who had filed the lawsuit, and had whipped as an example to anyone who contemplates mutiny. This incident underlines the determination Melgares' to avoid the embarrassment that was Pedro Vial. On the other hand, indicates the degree to which he was willing to carry out their duties successfully.
Shortly after the declaration of independence from Mexico in 1810, promoted Melgares the rank of captain, he led an army of Carriza against the troops of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a leading insurgents of Mexico, Saltillo (Coahuila). After the defeat of the rebels in Puente de Calderón, near Guadalajara
, Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende
retreated to northern Coahuila
. At the north of Mexico, Allende sought refuge among the supporters of the rebels in Saltillo
. Before reaching the walls of protection, however, broke Melgares army in the rebel stronghold only to be rejected. After several days of heavy fighting, the March 21, 1811, Melgares defeated the insurgents and their leaders arrested near Monclova, Coahuila. Melgares returned to his post on the northern border after his brief campaign in Coahuila.
, also gave a fair and equitable treatment as a civil administrator. So Melgares view of the law on the establishment of municipal governments as the expansion of the Pueblo Indians. When the 1812 Constitution stated that all residents are citizens of the New World, Melgares interpreted this also applies to the Pueblo people. The governor ruled that the Pueblo Indians should be considered exactly like the Spanish "in all things", especially their right to vote and stand as candidates for public office. At the end of 1820 most of the Pueblo people had set up officials municipal governments.
In 1817, political developments in Europe and the United States led to new threats to New Mexico. Then Facundo Melgares has served as commander of the presidio of Santa Fe.
Melgares reached Santa Fe in July 1818, leading a detachment of veteran troops and a detailed strategy to defend the city. Shortly after he took over as acting governor of the province. A month later, the king, supported by the Viceroy
Ruiz de Apodaca
and General García Conde, appointed him governor of New Mexico and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
and the viceroy in Mexico City
. His responsibilities ranged from administrative functions to the military supervision of the needs of defense throughout the province. Melgares also had maintenance and regular troops of the prison and civilian militia. In this regard, protection against the hostility of Native Americans by the governor throughout his jurisdiction was essential. Melgares also assumed the responsibility to vigilance against foreign intruders, after hearing the news of the threats to peace on the northern border.
After the first month in office, Melgares made these obligations two fronts. In early September, Melgares received reports of mayors who were concerned about the attacks that were causing the Navajo village in the north. The governor issued a proclamation to all citizens of New Mexico, calling for grain contributions and other supplies to aid forces stationed in Santa Fe. Therefore, Melgares issued a proclamation to all the citizens of New Mexico, calling for the supply of cereals and other products to help armies in Santa Fe. Melgares himself, made a personal donation of cereals and sheep. It was also important to the shortage of metal for the manufacture of weapons. Therefore, Melgares donations made metal. A local priest donates his local church bell to be cast into munitions.
The Presidio of Santa Fe had only 167 soldiers prepared for battle against the Navajos. So the governor had to ask for help from Chihuahua, and he had a great need for local militias to the punitive expedition. Melgares was praised by his superiors thanks to decisive action against the violence of the Native Americans
. It was also important to General Garcia Conde transfer of a detachment of sixty armed regular presidio of San Eleazario near El Paso
to help in the war against the Navajos.
In late October, Melgares Sent to Captain Andres Gomez Sanudo, chief of the military second in Taos
, with instructions to go to the town of Jemez and start the war later than November 7. Lieutenant Colonel
Melgares decided to submit to any Navajo, or take them to the California desert. He did not differentiate between the Navajos and Apaches, in his view, the two were a threat to the border.
Two months before the viceroy alert against the U.S. invasion, Facundo Melgares had ordered a recognition of the Arkansas Valley to verify the rumors about the U.S. presence among the Pawnees. Melgares derives its information from the statement of Sergeant Jose Cayetano Hernandez, who said that while he was in captivity, a U.S. army officer visited the Pawnees to propose a plan of unification with the Kiowas in a cooperative effort to invade the Spanish territory. The officer, according to Hernandez, pledged to arm the Indians in exchange for their pledge of allegiance. Both tribes will meet in the fall in the water Gerbidora (Colorado Springs, Colorado) to finalize plans for the attack on New Mexico. While admitting that he never really saw any American, he judged that more than 300 Indians received arms and training
Although Melgara not believe in his testimony, he sent a copy of the statement of Hernandez to General Garcia Conde. However, he also sent Lieutenant Jose Maria de Arce north of New Mexico, to confirm the statement of Hernandez. Arce left Taos with 120 men on September 1, 1818. Shortly after his departure from northern New Mexico, some 400 men under the command of Juan de Dios Peña, the mayor of Taos, joined the expedition. Arce should observe the activity of the Americans and report their movements back to the governor. Arce's men crossed the Blood of Christ
in the Huerfano Valley and proceeded to the Platte River
. After a month of recognition, the officer returned to Santa Fe, elivering reports that had not known the existence of intruders at the site. Arce also confirmed that the Amerindians were still loyal to the crown, and will issue a warning before any danger.
The apparent guarantees the security of borders, made Melgares submit his report to Mexico City. Despite these assurances, Ruiz de Apodaca insisted that El Vado, Ojo Caliente, Taos had to be strengthened.
For this reason, the Melgara requested a reinforcement of 500 soldiers usual, half of which had to be infantry, armed with rifles and bayonets, and expressed their commitment to strengthening the outposts further north. In addition, Melgares also decided to resume the war against the Navajo. Proposed to realize both goals, dividing his army on two fronts: 600 soldiers to defend Taos, and 400 to El Vado, insurance against the possibility of foreign attack. Another 800 men are held in reserve to deal with the problems with the Navajo.
Apparently, the Viceroy did not share the confidence of Melgares in military preparedness of the State of New Mexico. Moreover, he questioned the Merger Assessment on U.S. attack because he considered it unlikely. For this reason, Ruiz de Apodaca ordered the commander of the Internal Provinces of Chihuahua, Durango transfer to military activities to examine more closely.
In February 1819 it seemed that the US-Mexico border was safe except for the Navajo common assault. The Commander General Antonio Cordero asked the governor that he should make peace with Native Americans
in every way he could. However, Melgares returned to fight under the excuse that the Hopi
had requested Spanish protection against his implacable foe. The request, according Melgares is unprecedented, so he said, hoping thereby to improve diplomatic relations with the Hopi, tradicional enemies of the Spanish.
When Viceroy Ruiz de Apodaca received the news that Melgares had started another war against the Navajo, sent a message to General Cordero asking him to let him know that he and Cordero were against his decision and that he would give the recommendations were needed. Despite this reprimand staff Melgares ended the war with the Spanish victory, and came to a formal peace agreement between Spain and the Navajo on August 21, 1819.
Over the next three years in office, Governor Melgares had relative peace in New Mexico. His last years as governor was marked by a strong devotion and seemingly almost inevitably to the Spanish monarchy, even to the time of Mexican independence. A few weeks after Agustin de Iturbide
, the most important insurgent independence from Mexico, announced his famous Plan of Iguala
, the New Mexico magistrate issued a proclamation against all citizens of the province to reaffirm their loyalty to the Crown and the Constitution of 1812. However, when you issue a direct order from Major General Garcia Conde to swear allegiance to the new republic, diehard royalists reluctantly agreed. Melgares permit it, perhaps, more like an obligation to obey a direct ordenn by a desire to patriotism of the new republic.
It seems that his last days as governor without controversy. On July 5, 1822, citizens of the province charges against the governor resulting in his expulsion from the administrative fee. He continued to serve as a soldier until October, when his successor, Francisco Xavier Chávez, he served as governor. While the exact nature of the charges against Melgares not known, may be related to an incident involving a priest of the town of Abiquiu. The bishop tried to transfer community property located in the village to the church. Melgares said the illegal operation. In August 1823, the former governor was acquitted of all charges against him.
The years that followed his administration are unknown. Thus, as neither know the date and place of his death.
Early life
Melgares was born in 1775 in Villa Carabaca, Murcia (SpainSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
). His family had a great social prestige, both in Spain and the New World. Thus, one of the guys from Facundo presided as judge of the Audiencia
Audiencia
The Royal Audiencia was a court that functioned as an appellate court in Spain and its empire. The name of the institution has been sometimes translated as Royal Audience. The additional designation cancillería was applied to the appellate courts in early modern Spain...
of New Spain
New Spain
New Spain, formally called the Viceroyalty of New Spain , was a viceroyalty of the Spanish colonial empire, comprising primarily territories in what was known then as 'América Septentrional' or North America. Its capital was Mexico City, formerly Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire...
. Due to its noble status, Melgares obtained a good education and military training that raised him, eventually, to the position of lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
. It was through his father-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Albert Maynez, a future governor of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, the assistant of the New World to the Commanding General of the Western Provinces, based in Chihuahua, Mexico
Chihuahua, Mexico
Chihuahua, Mexico, may refer to:* The State of Chihuahua in Mexico* The City of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, its capital...
, Melgares decided to open his military career in New Spain
New Spain
New Spain, formally called the Viceroyalty of New Spain , was a viceroyalty of the Spanish colonial empire, comprising primarily territories in what was known then as 'América Septentrional' or North America. Its capital was Mexico City, formerly Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire...
, near the border astringent north of Mexico, instead of making in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
.
Early
In 1803, Melgares began about ten years of enlistment in the PresidioPresidio
A presidio is a fortified base established by the Spanish in North America between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. The fortresses were built to protect against pirates, hostile native Americans and enemy colonists. Other presidios were held by Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth...
of San Fernando de Carrizal, south of El Paso del Norte. Like most soldiers of the border seasoning gained through their many battles with the Apaches, who were incessant raids on settlements along the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
, leaving the safety of the Spanish border.
After hearing the news that recalcitrant Pawnee people, had recently attacked a Spanish scouting party, Melgares had the mission to fight against them, demonstrating the strength of the Spanish army. To do this, arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
under the command of an army of sixty well-equipped soldiers. This was his first arrival in the Spanish province of America. The governor of New Mexico, Joaquin del Real Alencaster called to Melgares he went to the provincial capital on May 30, 1806. He obeyed his request. During this temporary assignment, Facundo Melgares participated in an episode of international intrigue that link your name to the history of U.S. military border all time.
The governor Alencaster, asked to Melgara to carry out three goals: The first one was down by the Red River and struggle against the interlopers Americans were being established in New Mexico due to the expansionist idea of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
, who pushed this migration and invasion in the Spanish territory. The second objective was to explore the province of New Mexico to the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
. And the third, was visiting the Pawnees to negotiate a treaty with them in which they agreed to prevent the Anglo Americans go through their land. Melgares held a meeting with several heads of Pawnee, and managed to convince them to sign a formal agreement with Spain. Salcedo revealed the plan to build a fort on the Arkansas. Convinced that he had secured the loyalty of the Pawnee, Melgares returned to Santa Fe on October 1, 1806.
There, he met to Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Montgomery Pike Jr. was an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named. As a United States Army captain in 1806-1807, he led the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River,...
and, despite the enmity between Spain and the United States, they became close friends, to the Extent That the second of Them their friendship acknowledged that would remain with him even if they were forced to face eventually a war. Was Pike's guard as Melgares Replaced on May 6. Presented Pike at Melgares shotgun, and they parted with pledge of friendship. Described Pike it as "the Bravest man I ever met."
On one occasion, Melgares requested for 200 of his militia to turn back home, he stopped his march and built a gallows. Then he separated the petitioners from the rest of the army. He noted the man who had filed the lawsuit, and had whipped as an example to anyone who contemplates mutiny. This incident underlines the determination Melgares' to avoid the embarrassment that was Pedro Vial. On the other hand, indicates the degree to which he was willing to carry out their duties successfully.
Shortly after the declaration of independence from Mexico in 1810, promoted Melgares the rank of captain, he led an army of Carriza against the troops of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a leading insurgents of Mexico, Saltillo (Coahuila). After the defeat of the rebels in Puente de Calderón, near Guadalajara
Guadalajara
Guadalajara may refer to:In Mexico:*Guadalajara, Jalisco, the capital of the state of Jalisco and second largest city in Mexico**Guadalajara Metropolitan Area*University of Guadalajara, a public university in Guadalajara, Jalisco...
, Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende
Ignacio Allende
Ignacio José de Allende y Unzaga , born Ignacio Allende y Unzaga, was a captain of the Spanish Army in Mexico who came to sympathize with the Mexican independence movement. He attended the secret meetings organized by Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, where the possibility of an independent New Spain was...
retreated to northern Coahuila
Coahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
. At the north of Mexico, Allende sought refuge among the supporters of the rebels in Saltillo
Saltillo
Saltillo is the capital city of the northeastern Mexican state of Coahuila and the municipal seat of the municipality of the same name. The city is located about 400 km south of the U.S. state of Texas, and 90 km west of Monterrey, Nuevo León....
. Before reaching the walls of protection, however, broke Melgares army in the rebel stronghold only to be rejected. After several days of heavy fighting, the March 21, 1811, Melgares defeated the insurgents and their leaders arrested near Monclova, Coahuila. Melgares returned to his post on the northern border after his brief campaign in Coahuila.
Rights for the Pueblo amerindians
He also highlighted contradictory attitude to the Indians. Among his wars with the NavajoNavajo
Navajo or Navaho may refer to:* Navajo people* Navajo Nation, the governmental entity of the Navajo people* Navajo language, spoken by the Navajo people-Places in the United States:* Navajo, San Diego, California* Navajo, New Mexico...
, also gave a fair and equitable treatment as a civil administrator. So Melgares view of the law on the establishment of municipal governments as the expansion of the Pueblo Indians. When the 1812 Constitution stated that all residents are citizens of the New World, Melgares interpreted this also applies to the Pueblo people. The governor ruled that the Pueblo Indians should be considered exactly like the Spanish "in all things", especially their right to vote and stand as candidates for public office. At the end of 1820 most of the Pueblo people had set up officials municipal governments.
In 1817, political developments in Europe and the United States led to new threats to New Mexico. Then Facundo Melgares has served as commander of the presidio of Santa Fe.
Melgares reached Santa Fe in July 1818, leading a detachment of veteran troops and a detailed strategy to defend the city. Shortly after he took over as acting governor of the province. A month later, the king, supported by the Viceroy
Viceroy
A viceroy is a royal official who runs a country, colony, or province in the name of and as representative of the monarch. The term derives from the Latin prefix vice-, meaning "in the place of" and the French word roi, meaning king. A viceroy's province or larger territory is called a viceroyalty...
Ruiz de Apodaca
Juan Ruiz de Apodaca, 1st Count of Venadito
Juan José Ruiz de Apodaca y Eliza Gastón de Iriarte López de Letona y Lasqueti, 1st Count of Venadito was a Spanish Basque naval officer and viceroy of New Spain from September 20, 1816 to July 5, 1821, during Mexico's War of Independence.-Military career:Ruiz de Apodaca was born in Cádiz into a...
and General García Conde, appointed him governor of New Mexico and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Governor of New Mexico
All civilian and military activities in New Mexico were under his control, subject to scrutiny by the commanding general of ChihuahuaChihuahua, Mexico
Chihuahua, Mexico, may refer to:* The State of Chihuahua in Mexico* The City of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, its capital...
and the viceroy in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
. His responsibilities ranged from administrative functions to the military supervision of the needs of defense throughout the province. Melgares also had maintenance and regular troops of the prison and civilian militia. In this regard, protection against the hostility of Native Americans by the governor throughout his jurisdiction was essential. Melgares also assumed the responsibility to vigilance against foreign intruders, after hearing the news of the threats to peace on the northern border.
After the first month in office, Melgares made these obligations two fronts. In early September, Melgares received reports of mayors who were concerned about the attacks that were causing the Navajo village in the north. The governor issued a proclamation to all citizens of New Mexico, calling for grain contributions and other supplies to aid forces stationed in Santa Fe. Therefore, Melgares issued a proclamation to all the citizens of New Mexico, calling for the supply of cereals and other products to help armies in Santa Fe. Melgares himself, made a personal donation of cereals and sheep. It was also important to the shortage of metal for the manufacture of weapons. Therefore, Melgares donations made metal. A local priest donates his local church bell to be cast into munitions.
The Presidio of Santa Fe had only 167 soldiers prepared for battle against the Navajos. So the governor had to ask for help from Chihuahua, and he had a great need for local militias to the punitive expedition. Melgares was praised by his superiors thanks to decisive action against the violence of the Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
. It was also important to General Garcia Conde transfer of a detachment of sixty armed regular presidio of San Eleazario near El Paso
El Paso
El Paso, a city in the U.S. state of Texas, on the border with Mexico.El Paso may also refer to:-Geography:Colombia:* El Paso, CesarSpain:*El Paso, Santa Cruz de TenerifeUnited States:...
to help in the war against the Navajos.
In late October, Melgares Sent to Captain Andres Gomez Sanudo, chief of the military second in Taos
Taos
Taos can meanPlaces*Taos Pueblo, a Native American pueblo, Tua-tah*Taos dialect, a dialect of the Tiwa language*Taos County, New Mexico, United States*Taos, New Mexico, a city, the county seat of Taos County, New Mexico...
, with instructions to go to the town of Jemez and start the war later than November 7. Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Melgares decided to submit to any Navajo, or take them to the California desert. He did not differentiate between the Navajos and Apaches, in his view, the two were a threat to the border.
Two months before the viceroy alert against the U.S. invasion, Facundo Melgares had ordered a recognition of the Arkansas Valley to verify the rumors about the U.S. presence among the Pawnees. Melgares derives its information from the statement of Sergeant Jose Cayetano Hernandez, who said that while he was in captivity, a U.S. army officer visited the Pawnees to propose a plan of unification with the Kiowas in a cooperative effort to invade the Spanish territory. The officer, according to Hernandez, pledged to arm the Indians in exchange for their pledge of allegiance. Both tribes will meet in the fall in the water Gerbidora (Colorado Springs, Colorado) to finalize plans for the attack on New Mexico. While admitting that he never really saw any American, he judged that more than 300 Indians received arms and training
Although Melgara not believe in his testimony, he sent a copy of the statement of Hernandez to General Garcia Conde. However, he also sent Lieutenant Jose Maria de Arce north of New Mexico, to confirm the statement of Hernandez. Arce left Taos with 120 men on September 1, 1818. Shortly after his departure from northern New Mexico, some 400 men under the command of Juan de Dios Peña, the mayor of Taos, joined the expedition. Arce should observe the activity of the Americans and report their movements back to the governor. Arce's men crossed the Blood of Christ
Blood of Christ
The Blood of Christ in Christian theology refers to the physical blood actually shed by Jesus Christ on the Cross, and the salvation which Christianity teaches was accomplished thereby; and the sacramental blood present in the Eucharist, which is considered by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and...
in the Huerfano Valley and proceeded to the Platte River
Platte River
The Platte River is a major river in the state of Nebraska and is about long. Measured to its farthest source via its tributary the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which in turn is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to...
. After a month of recognition, the officer returned to Santa Fe, elivering reports that had not known the existence of intruders at the site. Arce also confirmed that the Amerindians were still loyal to the crown, and will issue a warning before any danger.
The apparent guarantees the security of borders, made Melgares submit his report to Mexico City. Despite these assurances, Ruiz de Apodaca insisted that El Vado, Ojo Caliente, Taos had to be strengthened.
For this reason, the Melgara requested a reinforcement of 500 soldiers usual, half of which had to be infantry, armed with rifles and bayonets, and expressed their commitment to strengthening the outposts further north. In addition, Melgares also decided to resume the war against the Navajo. Proposed to realize both goals, dividing his army on two fronts: 600 soldiers to defend Taos, and 400 to El Vado, insurance against the possibility of foreign attack. Another 800 men are held in reserve to deal with the problems with the Navajo.
Apparently, the Viceroy did not share the confidence of Melgares in military preparedness of the State of New Mexico. Moreover, he questioned the Merger Assessment on U.S. attack because he considered it unlikely. For this reason, Ruiz de Apodaca ordered the commander of the Internal Provinces of Chihuahua, Durango transfer to military activities to examine more closely.
In February 1819 it seemed that the US-Mexico border was safe except for the Navajo common assault. The Commander General Antonio Cordero asked the governor that he should make peace with Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
in every way he could. However, Melgares returned to fight under the excuse that the Hopi
Hopi
The Hopi are a federally recognized tribe of indigenous Native American people, who primarily live on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona. The Hopi area according to the 2000 census has a population of 6,946 people. Their Hopi language is one of the 30 of the Uto-Aztecan language...
had requested Spanish protection against his implacable foe. The request, according Melgares is unprecedented, so he said, hoping thereby to improve diplomatic relations with the Hopi, tradicional enemies of the Spanish.
When Viceroy Ruiz de Apodaca received the news that Melgares had started another war against the Navajo, sent a message to General Cordero asking him to let him know that he and Cordero were against his decision and that he would give the recommendations were needed. Despite this reprimand staff Melgares ended the war with the Spanish victory, and came to a formal peace agreement between Spain and the Navajo on August 21, 1819.
Over the next three years in office, Governor Melgares had relative peace in New Mexico. His last years as governor was marked by a strong devotion and seemingly almost inevitably to the Spanish monarchy, even to the time of Mexican independence. A few weeks after Agustin de Iturbide
Agustín de Iturbide
Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Aramburu , also known as Augustine I of Mexico, was a Mexican army general who built a successful political and military coalition that was able to march into Mexico City on 27 September 1821, decisively ending the Mexican War of Independence...
, the most important insurgent independence from Mexico, announced his famous Plan of Iguala
Plan of Iguala
Plan of Iguala, also known as Plan of the Three Guarantees , was a peace treaty proclaimed on February 24, 1821, in the final stage of Mexican War of Independence from Spain. The plan attempted to establish a constitutional foundation upon which an independent Mexican Empire would be based...
, the New Mexico magistrate issued a proclamation against all citizens of the province to reaffirm their loyalty to the Crown and the Constitution of 1812. However, when you issue a direct order from Major General Garcia Conde to swear allegiance to the new republic, diehard royalists reluctantly agreed. Melgares permit it, perhaps, more like an obligation to obey a direct ordenn by a desire to patriotism of the new republic.
It seems that his last days as governor without controversy. On July 5, 1822, citizens of the province charges against the governor resulting in his expulsion from the administrative fee. He continued to serve as a soldier until October, when his successor, Francisco Xavier Chávez, he served as governor. While the exact nature of the charges against Melgares not known, may be related to an incident involving a priest of the town of Abiquiu. The bishop tried to transfer community property located in the village to the church. Melgares said the illegal operation. In August 1823, the former governor was acquitted of all charges against him.
The years that followed his administration are unknown. Thus, as neither know the date and place of his death.
The failure of its management
Although Melgares did everything possible to fulfill their duty to the king of Spain, their efforts, all too often in vain. So, once again, his superiors ordered him to place defensive fortifications along mountain passes in northern New Mexico. The governor responded with a detailed plan for the construction cost of temporary facilities instead of permanent. The viceroy sent the suggestions to their Royal Engineers, who immediately rejected because they were structures "inadequate to the ground." The decision to Melgares forced to halt further construction and detailed maps of the topography of the city of Mexico-1, 500 miles away! When Commander General Melgares informed that he could not ignore the 500 soldiers who request, the governor offered an alternative plan. If Garcia Conde provided New Mexico with 4,500 pesos per month, plus the necessary equipment, Megares promised to reorganize and train personnel of the local militia to fight effectively. The viceroy rejected his proposal.External links
- http://www.newmexicohistory.org/discussion/?threadID=0121 New History of New México: Facundo Melgares.