|
Biographical Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Vazquez de Coronado
|
|
|
On June 29, 1541, Coronado reached the River of Quivera (Arkansas River). A few days after they crossed the river via a ford (later to become an essential part of the Santa Fe Trail) they met inhabitants from Quivera. They were then near present day Lyons, Kansas. It was soon apparent that their guide had lied and that there was no great wealth in the area. The guide was executed and in mid-August 1541 Coronado turned back toward Tigeux to over winter. He reached Tigeux in mid-September 1541. On October 20, 1541, he wrote a report to Emperor Charles V recounting the results of his expedition to date. It was a report filled with disappointment. At Tigeux Coronado learned that the native peoples to the south along his route of march from Mexico were in open rebellion and his base at Sonora had been abandoned. On December 27, 1541, Coronado suffered a serious injury to his head when he fell from his horse. He never fully recovered from the injury.
|
|
|
That winter Coronado and most of the army decided that it was time to return home. A few of his senior officers disagreed and there was considerable dissention in camp. Coronado's illness reduced his effectiveness as a leader. It was a difficult time full of intrigue and suspicion, but early in April 1541 Coronado and his army began their march home. Three friars decided to remain with their Christian converts but all of the rest of the Spaniards accompanied the general. The march home was not without incident. The Spaniards were harassed by rebellious indians and dissention broke out anew among those who wanted to continue their search for treasure. Coronado prevailed and the army returned to Culiacan where it was formally disbanded in June 1542. Coronado went on to Compostela where he rested before continuing on to Mexico City. His report to Viceroy Mendoza was not well received. A lot of money had been spent and there were no tangible results. At the same time Mendoza understood that Coronado could not be faulted for his efforts and their personal friendship remained in tact.
|
|
|
In the fall of 1542 Coronado returned to Nueva Galcia as governor but instead of establishing himself at Compostela he moved into new quarters in Guadalajara. Although still suffering the after effects of his riding accident, Coronado remained as governor for two more years. During this time numerous complaints began being aired about Coronado's leadership of the Cibola Expedition and his governorship. On September 7, 1543, the Emperor appointed Lorenzo de Tejada, a judge of the Royal Audiencia in Mexico City, to head up an official inquiry into the expedition and to investigate charges that Coronado had abused his position as Governor of Nueva Galicia. In August 1542 Tejada set up office in Guadalajara and interviewed a number of people who had a grudge against Coronado. Because of his illness Coronado proved to be a poor witness in his own defense. At the end of the investigation Tejada fined Coronado a total of 650 pesos, stripped him of the lands that he owned, and removed him as governor. He was also ordered to leave Guadalajara and move to Mexico City.
|
|
|
Coronado immediately appealed the Tejada decision to the Emperor and it was not enforced pending the outcome of the appeal. Meanwhile his handling of the Cibola expedition was still under investigation by Tejada. Witnesses for this trial were spread all over the face of the earth and testimony was taken in a number of far flung locations, but the center of the trial was Mexico City. On February 16, 1546, Coronado was completely cleared of all of the charges against him by the Royal Audencia in Mexico City. Viceroy Mendoza headed the Audencia and Tejada was one of the five judges who signed the decision even though it is known that Tejada at least thought that Coronado's performance could legitimately be criticized for important failures.
|
|
|
Following the trial Coronado remained in Mexico City. He gave up his governorship of Nueva Galicia and was elected to the City Council instead. In 1545 and again in 1551 he served as mayor of Mexico City. During this entire period he continued to fight to regain control of the lands that had been taken away from him earlier. In 1549 he was granted an economienda "for meritorious services in discovery and conquest." He died on September 22, 1554, and was buried in the Church of Santo Domingo in Mexico City.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|