Gregg's Commerce of the Prairies (Volume 1-32); Or, the Journal of a Santa Fe Trader, 1831-1839 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1905. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... As the remains of heretics are not permitted to pollute either the church-yard or Campo Santo, those Americans who have died in Santa Fe," have been buried on a hill which overlooks the town to the northward. The corpses have sometimes been disinterred and robbed of the shroud in which they were enveloped; so that, on a few occasions, it has been deemed expedient to appoint a special watch for the protection of the grave. CHAPTER XIV The Pueblos -- Their Character for Sobriety, Honesty, and Industry -- Traditional Descent from Montezuma -- Their Languages -- Former and present Population -- The Pueblo of Pecos -- Singular Habits of that ill-fated Tribe -- Curious Tradition -- Montezuma and the Sun -- Legend of a Serpent -- Religion and Government -- Secret Council -- Laws and Customs -- Excellent Provisions against Demoralization -- Primitive Pastimes of the Pueblos -- Their Architecture -- Singular Structures of Taos, and other novel Fortifications -- Primitive state of the Arts among the Pueblos -- Style of Dress, Weapons, etc.-- Their Diet -- The Guayave. Allus1on has so frequently been made to the aboriginal tribes of New Mexico, known as Los Pueblos, that I think I shall not be trespassing too much upon the patience of the reader, in glancing rapidly at some of the more conspicuous features of their national habits and character. Although the term Pueblo in Spanish literally means the people, and their towns, it is here specifically applied to the Christianized Indians (as well as their villages)-- to those aborigines whom the Spaniards not only subjected to their laws, but to an acknowledgment of the Romish faith, and upon whom they forced baptism and the cross in exchange for 268] the vast possessions of which they robbed them. All that was left...