Published by The History Press
Charleston, SC
www.historypress.com
Copyright 2019 by Ray John de Aragn
All rights reserved
Cover images: Authors collection and courtesy New Mexico Historical Society.
First published 2019
e-book edition 2019
ISBN 978.1.43966.664.7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018966269
print edition ISBN 978.1.46714.131.4
Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to historical and cultural phenomenon Padre Don Antonio Jos Martnez, New Mexicos iconic folk hero priest. In nineteenth-century New Mexico, Padre Martnez was known as El Conciliador (The Conciliator), one who serves to mediate between opposing factions or armies. This extremely dedicated Roman Catholic priest was constantly fighting for the rights of the poor, the oppressed and the handicapped. He was ahead of his time and place. Padre Martnez was a champion of the Native Americans, always looking out for their best interests. He firmly believed in the conservation of wildlife and the environment and fought for the disadvantaged. Americans called Martnez The Grey Eminence of Taos, because he spoke out against the fur trade, the needless killing of animals and those who unmercifully capitalized on downtrodden people.
Padre Martnez began the first bilingual (Spanish and English) school in the United States around 1833. The marvelous priest added the arts, including music, dance and visual arts into his curriculum. He printed his own textbooks and the first newspaper in the West, called El Crepsculo (The Dawn). This very popular cleric maintained an orphanage, and trained youth for the priesthood and young girls for religious orders. He promoted the learning of law and is credited with opening the first law school west of the Mississippi. Bishop Don Jos Antonio Laureano de Zubiria appointed Padre Martnez as vicar and ecclesiastical judge of Taos and northern New Mexico. The padre was an expert in civil law, and Americans, including Bishop Lamy, consulted him in many cases. Several of the priests students became successful attorneys and Mexican and American governmental leaders in Mexico City and Washington, D.C. The vociferous priest strongly stated his causes as a delegate in the Mexican National Congress. Native Americans regarded Padre Martnez as a great holy man because he was a major proponent of their human rights and equality. The honorable priest helped to define the Hispanic New Mexican and national Hispanic American experience. He was thought of as a saint, yet he was maligned and, after his death, became a victim of calumny and denigration from outsiders and others who maliciously charged him as a womanizer and with fathering countless children. Hateful accusations were meant solely to destroy his honorable life and excellent reputation. His blackened memory still clouds the New Mexican horizon.
Padre Don Antonio Jos Martnez is considered New Mexicos folk hero priest who fought injustice in the church and society. Courtesy Dora Martnez de Armijo.
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
As we look back into New Mexico governmental and military history, we find there were several accomplished leaders. There was Congressman Antonio Manuel Fernndez, as well as Senators Dennis Chvez and Joseph Montoya. In the New Mexico state capital, Miguel Antonio Otero, Ezequiel Cabeza de Baca and Octaviano Larrazolo were early governors. Each and every one served with distinction. During the Civil War, thousands of New Mexicans served the Union, and Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Antonio Chvez, who was a young cadet in the Mexican-American War, is recognized as a famous hero. Many soldiers in New Mexicos history were awarded medals, including the posthumous medal given to Daniel Fernndez, who saved several of his comrades during the Vietnam War and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism.
Our New Mexico children and youth have much to be proud of and many to look up to. A good self-image and self-esteem can certainly be nurtured by much of our New Mexico history and our accomplished leaders. It is imperative that we know this history, especially when it comes to the Mexican-American War in New Mexico.
Jerry Apodaca, twenty-fourth governor of New Mexico
When he was elected in 1974, Governor Apodaca became the first Hispanic governor of New Mexico since 1918. The New Mexico State Public Education Department building in Santa Fe is named the Jerry Apodaca Building. Former New Mexico congressman and governor Bill Richardson called Apodaca a champion of education.
Hispanic women for the most part have been left out of New Mexico history books. This has been especially true when periods of war and military are written about. Ray John de Aragn brings to life the turbulent history of the Mexican-American War in New Mexico. When wars are recounted, it appears as though women did not take part in any events. Yet, in New Mexico, there were medicine women tending the wounded, providing meals for the troops and comforting the dying, all while placing their own lives in danger. These heroic women need their place in history, as they lost fathers, husbands and sons in battle. New Mexico Hispanic women have blazed trails in all walks of lifegovernment, business, education, the arts and the military. There are many who most certainly serve as role models for our female youth. The myths this book shatters will hopefully lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the real history.
Clara Apodaca, former first lady of New Mexico
Clara Apodaca served on the board of directors of the Museum of New Mexico. She also served as secretary of the New Mexico State Office of Cultural Affairs and on the board of directors of the Washington Performing Arts Society. She was also on the White House Millennium Commission. Apodaca was the president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation.
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL SETTING
Prayer On the Battlefield
Smoke and dust are around me; the cannon are roaring,
And their death-blasts, like bolts from the heavens are pouring;
Their lightening is darting; the earth is all red;
I hear not, and see not, save dying and dead.
To Thee, oh Omnipotent! Humbly I bow,
There is none that bears rule in the battle but Thou!
Thou only Omnipotent! Whether the sea
Calms her pride and her wrath, as she listens to thee;
Or whether thou biddest the dead from the grave,
Or speakest in battle, Thou only canst save.
Thou knowest, my Father, that dangers betide;
Be thou my Protector, my Saviour, and Guide.
Thou knowest, our Father, we war for the right;
To thee looks our countryoh, arm in Thy might!
