Don Pedro De Peralta
— 1610 —
(left tablet)On March 30, 1609, the Viceroy of New Spain appointed Don Pedro de Peralta Governor and Captain-General of New Mexico, instructing him to proceed to New Mexico with the greatest dispatch accompanied by twelve soldiers and priests. Instructions were that en-route Indians were not to be harmed and just prices were to be paid for all sustenance and help. He was to take horses and livestock and a quantity of tools and implements for farming.
Above all, Peralta was ordered to found the Villa of Santa Fe. The inhabitants thereof were empowered to elect their own aldermen and mayors, who were to try civil and criminal cases arising in the town and surrounding area. The town council was to elect a constable and scribe, and pass ordinances. These officials had no jurisdiction over Indians. Only the Governor and his lieutenancy were to have such powers.
Each resident of the Villa was allotted lots for a house, garden, orchards, vineyards and olive groves, and four tracts for crops with water for irrigation. The Villa was to be divided into six districts and once plaza for the Royal buildings.
The new Governor was instructed to consult closely with religious and civil leaders, and carry out policies by common consent. He was admonished to proceed with great care and mature consideration.
(right tablet)
El 30 de Marzo de 1609 el Virrey de la Nueva Espa?a nombr? a Don Pedro de Peralta Gobernador y Capit?n General del Nuevo M?xico, orden?ndole que deber?a salid para Nuevo M?xico con la mayor brevedad con doce soldados y religiosos. Fu? ordenado que en ruta no se causar?an inquietudes n? da?os a los Indios y que se pagar?a justo precio por el sustento y ayuda que le diesen. Deber?a de llevar consigo caballos y boyada y una cantidad de herramientas y dem apero necesario para las labranzas.
Antes de todo se le orden? que fundase la Villa de Santa F?. Los habitantes de esa Villa tendr?an el derecho de elegir sus regidores y alcaldes, quienes juzgar?an los casos criminales y civiles que ocurriesen en la Villa y cercan?as. El cabildo podr?a elegir un aguacil y un escribano y hacer ordenanzas. Estos oficiales no podr?an tener jurisdicci?n sobre los Indios. S?lo el Gobernador y sus lugarteniente tendr?an dicha jurisdicci?n.
A cada vecino de la Villa se le se?alar?a solares para casa, jard?n, huertas, vi?edos, olivares y cuatro caballer?as para sembrar con el agua para su riego. La Villa se dividir?a en seis distritos y una plaza donde se construir?an las Casas Reales.
El nuevo gobernador se le encarg? que consultarse con los religiosos y civiles en com?n acuerdo. Fu? advertido que procediese con gran consideraci?n y maduro consejo.
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