Galicia winked at more than one raiding excursion, destined to reënter Jocotlan and gain possession of its mines. Some sixteen soldiers, deserters of Mercado's expedition, with the connivance of the authorities, started for that region, and on reaching Cacatlotlan, near Jocotlan, found there the Franciscans Francisco de San Lorenzo, and another named Juan, who were rejoiced at seeing them. But that night, while asleep, most of the soldiers and the two friars were slain by Indians.[1]
The story of the discovery of the first mine in New Galicia is told as follows: When Captain Pedro Ruiz de Haro died in 1542 he left a poor widow and three daughters. The widow, Leonor de Arias, retired to the interior, where she owned a little place called Miravalles. Being an Indian woman she could here the better support herself, surrounded by kinsfolk and acquaintance. While standing at her door one day, there came a poor Indian who begged something to eat. Roused to pity she cheerfully gave of the little she had. After three days the Indian returned and expressing thanks for her kindness handed her a stone the greater part of which was native silver, saying: "To you and yours I give the mine in the Tololotlan Mountains, whence this argent ore was taken; for it I have no use; haste you thither, take with you laborers, and may you and yours be happy and rich!" Thereupon the Indian disappeared. The mine thus revealed was named Espíritu Santo, as though a pure benefaction from above, and for centuries it made opulent the benevolent widow and her descendants.[2] However all this may have been, it is certain that rich mines were discovered and worked in
- ↑ It is presumed this occurred in the latter part of 1560. The two Franciscans had been many years successfully at work in New Galicia, and everywhere won the good-will and friendship of the natives. Beaumont, Crón. Mich., v. 317-27; Vetancvrt, Menolog., 5, 6.
- ↑ Frejes, Hist. Breve, 177-8. It is added that the eldest daughter of the widow Arias received the title of marchioness of Miravalles, and from her have sprung the distinguished family of that title.
