Juan Velarde Colodro, 1612-1614 
465 
the witnesses named to be present should be examined in conformity with 
the purport of the following questions: 
First, they shall tell whether they know the captain and the fiscal of 
his Majesty; whether they know that, in conformity with the cédula of 
his Majesty which ordered the expedition to New Mexico, Don Juan de 
Oñate was named governor and captain-general, and that he led men into 
the province of Los Zacatecas in the year 1596; whether Captain Juan 
Velarde Colodro was the first to enlist as a soldier under the royal stand¬ 
ard ; whether he went at his own expense, taking with him soldiers, arms, 
and other munitions of war; whether he took part with the general in 
enlisting the men; whether he aided in transmitting all the despatches 
during the expedition; and whether, in the performance of this duty along 
the road until New Mexico was reached, he was exceedingly busy for the 
reason that he was of importance on account of his skill and efficiency. 
They shall say whether they know this to be so, or whether they know to 
the contrary. 
They shall tell whether they know that, when the governor had arrived 
at the provinces of New Mexico and the natives had been pacified and 
reduced to obedience to his Majesty, they gave their submission before 
the captain as secretary elected for this purpose. Let them say, et cetera, 
or whether they know to the contrary. 
They shall say whether they know that the captain was present during 
the conquest, pacification, and settlement, not only during the five years 
which composed the term of the grant by his Majesty, but seven years in 
addition, during which he was at pains to explore the land faithfully and 
carefully and to inquire concerning the secrets of those parts, during 
which time he suffered many hardships. Let them tell, et cetera, or whether 
they know to the contrary. 
Whether they know that the captain made the march with the general 
to the South Sea 98 and the port which it has, a march upon which he 
suffered great hardships, nakedness, and hunger in common with the 
army; that he suffered the same hardships in the journey to the Gran 
Ranchería, 99 a journey 450 leagues long, upon which were discovered the 
plains of the buffalos, abounding in barbarians and infidels; and that it 
was discovered that there was in this country great riches of silver and 
gold. Let them say, et cetera, or whether they know to the contrary. 
Whether they know that, in the conflict with the barbarous enemies 
from the Ranchería, who without cause attacked the Spanish army, the 
captain valiantly defended the army, achieving thereby great renown and 
fame. Let them tell, et cetera, or whether they know to the contrary. 
Whether they know that the captain was beloved and esteemed by the 
Spanish army for his qualities, efficiency, and valor, whether he always 
held positions of responsibility, was secretary of the government, adviser 
of the apostolic commissary, and held other commissions, in which he 
gave a good account of himself. Let them say, et cetera, or whether they 
know to the contrary. 
Whether they know that the captain, having served the twelve years 
at his own expense—during which time more than eighteen thousand infi¬ 
dels were baptized—having exhausted his fortune, and endured great 
