occupied himself with agriculture and stock-raising, entertaining meanwhile various projects of discovery.
On taking possession of the domains of his marquisate, in the valley of Oajaca, the inhabitants of the town refused to accept him as their feudal lord.[1] This action of the Indians was doubtless owing to the town having been included in the limits of the Spanish settlement of Antequera which adjoined it;[2] and from this time forward the people of Antequera and Cortés were involved in frequent and violent disputes. The marquis justly regarded the founding of the city as an encroachment upon his domain, a hostile intrusion. His people were always in trouble with the Spanish residents, who in their turn appropriated portions of the best ground, seized upon his water privileges, and treated his agents with indignity.[3]
The central and advantageous position of the town had induced Cortés to begin building a palace in Oajaca, but he now discontinued the work, and erected a house a quarter of a league distant. This removal of his seat and the narrow confines to which Antequera was limited effectually checked the prosperity of the city,[4] and instead of a flourishing settlement,
- ↑ The towns of Oajaca and Antequera may be considered as one. The first audiencia founded the Spanish town of Antequera close to the Indian village of Oajaca on land belonging to the marquis. Cortés maintained that this was done to injure him, and presented a petition to the second audiencia regarding the matter. Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série 11. tom. v. 146-7. Florencia states that the king granted Cortés four villas in exchange for the city. Comp. de Jesvs, 231.
- ↑ In March 1531 the oider Salmeron informs the India Council that the settlers in Antequera wished to have the villa removed elsewhere, before they had erected many buildings; or have the town of Oajaca given to them. Salmeron advises that the latter proposition be adopted. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xiii. 203.
- ↑ On one occasion the alcaldes imprisoned his agent, Diego del Castillo, and submitted him to outrageous treatment. Id., xii, 551-4.
- ↑ Charles gave it the name and privileges of a city April 25, 1532. Medina, Chron. San Diego, 246. Villa Señor names April 25, 1531, as the date, Theatro, ii. 112, which is probably incorrect, as Cortéz, writing on the 25th of January, 1533, to the Council of the Indies, represents that a proctor had been despatched to Spain by the Spaniards of Antequera for the purpose of petitioning that their villa be elevated to the rank of a city, and opposes the request by bringing forward his own claims. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xil. 545-6. According to Herrera, exemption was granted the city for 30 Years, 'del seruicio ordinario.' dec. v. lib. ii. cap. vii.
