Revolt of 1837 (New Mexico)
Encyclopedia
The Revolt of 1837, also known as the Chimayó Rebellion, was a popular insurrection in [[New Mexico]] against [[Albino Pérez]], the [[Mexico|Mexican]] governor at the time.
Background
[[Albino Pérez|Governor Pérez]] had arrived from central Mexico in 1835. The Pérez administration was opposed by the people and especially by the inhabitants of the northern part of the territory, who resented the “outsider” forced upon them by President [[Antonio López de Santa Anna|Santa Anna]]. Their dissatisfaction was exacerbated when, following Santa Anna’s defeat in [[Texas]], the Mexican government drafted a [[1835 Constitution of Mexico|constitution]] that tightened administration and tax-collection and imposed property qualifications on political participation. New Mexicans assumed that Pérez would attempt to levy the taxes and completely restructure the regional political system in accordance with the new constitution. Other grievances included Pérez's reinstatement of [[Francisco Sarracino]], a former governor who had been suspended for fraud from his position as subcomisario (a customs official); Pérez's appointment of a civil servant named Ramón Abreu as prefect when others thought they were better candidates; Pérez's failure to rein in customs officials who defrauded American traders on the [[Santa Fe Trail]], some of whom lived in [[Taos, New Mexico|Taos]] in [[northern New Mexico]]; and the inadequate food and bad conditions endured by men forced to serve in the militia against the [[Navajo people|Navajo]]s and [[Apache]]s. Some may also have resented his adultery (he openly had a relationship with his housekeeper, his wife being in [[Mexico City]]) and his wealth and luxurious possessions, as most New Mexicans were poor (Lecompte 1985, pages 11–18). Opposition to Pérez increased, with his opponents circulating rumors of enormous taxes. The Departmental Assembly's list of three nominees for the next gubernatorial term did not include him. Opposition culminated in the summer of 1837, with the spark that set off the rebellion having to do with the alcalde (mayor) of [[Santa Cruz, New Mexico|Santa Cruz de la Cañada]], Juan José Esquibel. Esquibel had accepted a bribe from a relative to release him from jail when charged with a "grave crime" and had defied Pérez's order to pay a fine and return his relative to jail. Then Esquibel supported two merchants against a man who had documentation that they owed him money. Pérez's appointee as prefect, Ramón Abreu, suspended Esquibel and on learning of the bribe, had him put in jail in irons. At the end of July a mob freed Esquibel, and he organized a rebellion (Lecompte 1985, pages 19–20).Revolt
On August 1, rebels from the northern New Mexica[[File:]]n communities gathered at [[Santa Cruz, New Mexico|Santa Cruz de la Cañada]] (near [[Chimayo, New Mexico|Chimayó]]) with [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indians]] from the surrounding [[pueblo]]s. They called themselves the Cantón (neighborhood or district). On August 3 their twelve leaders, including Esquibel, issued the following declaration: NEWLINE- NEWLINE
- For God and the Nation and the Faith of Jesus Christ! The principal points we defend are the following: 1. To be with God and the Nation and the Faith of Jesus Christ. 2. To defend our country until we shed every drop of our blood in order to obtain the victory we have in view. 3. Not to admit the Department Plan. 4. Not to admit any tax. 5. Not to admit any disorder desired by those who are attempting to procure it. God and the Nation! Encampment Santa Cruz de la Cañada, August 3, 1837.