Our Catlrolic Heritage in T e:xas
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from Cicuye ( old Pecos) for a distance of one hundred and fifteen leagues or approximately three hundred and fifty miles, and abandoning this stream they had been the first to make their way cross-country to the Rio Grande at a point nearby, where the Conchos enters the main stream. It was this route which was followed in large part by Mendoza one hundred years later. Bancroft has aptly intimated the significance of this intrepid undertaking. "The expeditions of Rodriguez and Espejo must be regarded as most remarkable ones, modestly and accurately recorded, and in their practical results vastly more important than the earlier efforts which gave such fame to Niza and Coronado." 48 The reports of Rodriguez and Espejo aroused widespread interest and a deep desire to occupy the lands visited. These expeditions had shown that the natives were well disposed and would welcome the Spaniards if they came in peace. The climate and natural products of the regions visited seemed to invite settlement. Ores said to be rich in silver had been found in the country explored and the development of profitable mines could confidently be expected. But the spiritual prospects were even more flattering. Everywhere the Spaniards had wandered they had found thousands of natives of superior intelligence who were awaiting conversion. Then just at this time, too, rumors of the designs of the English reached the court of the viceroy. A certain Father Marquez, who had been made prisoner, was taken before Queen Elizabeth. He told of having been subjected to a severe and searching investigation. "There the English queen," says Villagra, "in whose name great discoveries had already been made in these regions, learning that he was a native of New Spain, questioned him at length about these lands. Having answered fully, he was given his freedom and immediately repaired to the court of Spain where he reported [everything] ." 49 Little wonder then, that Rodrigo Rio de Loza, when consulted by the viceroy, said, speaking of the advisability of taking formal possession and occupying the lands discovered: "This will prevent all nationals, such as the French or the English, from occupying them, which would be a serious menace for all these kingdoms of the Indies." 50 4BBancroft, History of Arizona a11d New Mexico, 90-91. 49Vi1Jagra, History of New Aferico (Gilberto Espinosa tr.), Quivira P11blicatio11s, IV, 69. SORodrigo Rio de Loza to the Viceroy ( 1 584), in Pacheco of Cardenas, Docu- mentos, XV, 139.
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