Gómez & Rosales Family of El Paso, Texas

In October of 1681 Spanish Gov Otermin was preparing to lead a force north to see if he could reestablish control of New Mexico and he needed experienced men. He demanded explanations from men who did not show up for the mandatory muster. Here is Thomé Domínguez de Mendoza's explanation:

144 REVOLT OF THE PUEBLO INDIANS

[Pg 144, Revolt, Part II] "In this post and rancho of Maestre de Campo Thomé Domínguez de Mendoza, on the second day of the month of October, 1681, I, Sargento Mayor Juan Lucero de Godoy, lieutenant of the señor governor and captain—general, notified the aforesaid Maestre de Campo Thomé Domínguez de Mendoza in person of the above auto. Having heard and understood it, he said that it is a matter of common knowledge that for four months he has been in the grip of illnesses, among them gout and a stomach disorder, besides being sixty—one years old; and that since he reached years of discretion he has been in the provinces of New Mexico serving his Majesty, as is well known to all the citizens, residents, and inhabitants of that kingdom, with the assistance of his four legitimate sons, one of whom died in the royal service, he being Sargento Mayor Thomé Domínguez de Mendoza.

On the same occasion another of his sons, named Captain Juan Domínguez, came out badly wounded, from which wound he is still suffering, as a result of poisoned arrows; and also another of his sons, named Captain Diego Domínguez de Mendoza, came out wounded; and another son, named Captain Francisco Domínguez, likewise took part in the said encounter and battle. In this general rebellion which took place in the provinces of New Mexico they killed many of his sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, two sons—in-law, brothers, nephews, and two callados[1], as is well known, all of which was because of the assistance which with all zeal and humble obedience the aforesaid has given in the service of the two Majesties, as is a matter of public knowledge.

Furthermore, this is apparent from his service papers and from certifications given by the señores governors who have governed those provinces during the time of fifty years, more or less, that he has served his Majesty in them. Finding himself now, as he does, prostrated by so many ailments that he cannot mount a horse or even travel afoot except with great discomfort, it is not possible for him to receive any salary as a settler, much less as a soldier. If his Majesty, whom God keep, in view of his many services should be pleased to give him an alms without any obligation, he will accept it in order to maintain himself because of his great poverty, for he also lost his property in the general rebellion, the enemy taking all of it, as is well and publicly known. And for the purpose of making clearer his evident misfortunes, he requested me, the said Sargento Mayor Juan Lucero de Godoy, to intimate to the señor governor and captain—general that his lordship be pleased to order that he be given a certification with regard to his present indispositions, and that because of them he is legitimately excused, all of which the señor governor and captain—general saw for himself when he came to honor this house while making his general list. He gave this as his reply today, the said second day of October, 1681, and he signed it with me and the assisting witnesses. Juan Lucero de Godoy (rubric) ; Thomé Domínguez de Mendoza (rubric) ; Antonio Lucero; Antonío de Avala (rubric)."

1. It has been suggested that the word callados as used here may refer to deaf—mutes, or that perhaps it is a euphemism used to refer to illegitimate children.

From: REVOLT OF THE PUEBLO INDIANS AND OTERMIN'S ATTEMPTED RECONQUEST 1680-1682, Charles Wilson Hackett, The University of New Mexico Press, 1942. Vol 8,9 of the Coronado Historical Series.