Juan Velarde Colodro, 1612-1614 
483 
journey to the Gran Ranchería, upon which this witness went, the distance 
being as stated in the question, at which time the fertile buffalo plains 
rich in gold and silver were discovered. This he responds, etc. 
To the sixth question this witness said that he saw, during the fray 
mentioned in the question, that Captain Colodro demonstrated his great 
spirit and valor, showing himself to be a great soldier, acquiring a name 
for valor and bravery and great renown. This he responds, etc. 
To the seventh question this witness said that he always saw that 
Captain Juan Velarde was always loved and esteemed by all the army for 
his excellent parts and his efficiency; and that, as he was capable of them 
all, he held offices of great responsibility; for instance, he was secretary 
of the government and legal adviser of the apostolic commissary, and 
this witness saw that in all these offices he gave a good account of him¬ 
self, there being no complaint from anyone. This he responds, etc. 
To the eighth question this witness said that he knows that after the 
captain had participated in the conquest for the twelve years mentioned, 
and had spent a great part, indeed, almost all, of his estate, in baptizing 
more than twenty thousand infidels, all for the purpose of advancing the 
service of his Majesty and the extension of the domain of the royal crown, 
he came to this city for men for a relief expedition, and led them to New 
Mexico, having been placed in their charge by the Marquis of Salinas. 
He went as leader of the party, enduring many hardships and travelling 
many leagues. The relief expedition which he led was of great impor¬ 
tance, for if he had not taken them the land would have been laid waste, 
because the people in it were poor and very few and in straitened circum¬ 
stances. This he responds, etc. 
To the ninth question this witness said that he has known Captain Juan 
Velarde Colodro well for sixteen years, and knows and has seen that he 
is the person mentioned in the titles which he presents, and he knows that, 
all the time that he himself served in the conquest of New Mexico, Colodro 
was also there and served in it also. And this witness knows that Colodro 
received no compensation for his services, but that he was always present 
with his arms, horses, and servants whenever occasion arose in his 
Majesty’s service, bearing all the cost himself, spending his estate and 
serving at great risk to his life. This is a thing well known, and there is 
nothing to the contrary to be said. This is his response, all of which is the 
truth, etc. 
sent / said / it goes / and / he responds / it goes 
it is erased / it corresponds / it doesn’t go. 108 
In the City of Mexico on the tenth day of the month of May, 1640, 
the president and oidores composing the government, I, Juan Gallegos 
Osorio, escribano de cámara of the royal Audiencia, had this transcript 
made of the official statement which . . . mention has been made at com¬ 
mand of the president and the oidores of the royal Audiencia, and it is a 
true and faithful [copy]. The witnesses are Cosme de Medina, Cris¬ 
tóbal Vicente, and Juan de Esquivel, residents of Mexico. 
And I affixed my sign in testimony of truth. 
Juan Gallegos Osorio. 
