declaring that the commands of the sovereign would receive his humble obedience, and even bidding the knight welcome as a valued neighbor. Satisfied, Castilla encamped at Tetlan, preparatory to entering Jalisco on the morrow.[1]
The object of Guzman's message was to throw the recipient off his guard. Following it came Captain Ojiate with some fifty trusted cavalry to seize upon whatsoever advantage might offer. Informed of the negligence prevailing in the enemy's camp, he pointed out the easy task of capturing the company. It was finally agreed to undertake it, and, stealing forward under cover of the night, at the first break of dawn they fell upon the camp with a thundering "Viva Dios y el rey, y su gobernador Nuño de Guzman." The soldiers of Castilla were so completely taken by surprise that they made no eflort at resistance, and all were quickly disarmed under the eyes of their leader, whom Oñate sought to reassure with affected consolation. Finding that his person was respected, Castilla's fears abated, and he hastened to use the permission granted to exhibit his credentials at headquarters. On beholding him, Guzman broke forth with the fierce inquiry why he presumed to enter with an armed force into his territory. Castilla answered by presenting the royal commission in dignified silence. This being read, Guzman kissed it with great humility. As for obeying it, that was another matter. The cédula had evidently been issued under false representations, for the province of Jalisco had never been subjugated by Cortés, and as the sovereign could not desire to give to another his hard-earned conquests, wherein he had founded the first settlements, he must appeal to Spain before obeying the order. While a notary drew up the answer and protest, the governor sought to charm his captive by a display of his bril-
- ↑ Some of his followers expressed doubts about Guzman's sincerity, but Castilla maintained: 'No hay que recelar.' Mota Padilla, Cong. N. Gal., 94. Another account refers to the preliminary capture of some of Castilla's stragglers. Guzman, 4a Rel. Anon., 481-2.
