The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-11

keep together. so that they might aid each
other. but this was impossible. For eight
years they wandered separately among
the tiercest and most bloodthirsty savages,
and It is evident that the negro manifested
the same tact and ability as the white
men for the maintenance of himself among
savages and for exploration 1t Is due to
history to state this latter fact. Each of
these unfortunate Spanish wanderers la
bored as a slave. and ali finally rose to be
medicine men OF great distinction among
the Indians. They became so expert IN
healing the sick that the savages came
from great distances to be healed, and
crowds followed them from place TO place.
stephen Dorantes, the black explorer,
was as successful as his white brothers,
and became exceedingly familiar with all
the Indian dialects and Indian character
Ills eight years experience gained Ia his
jOurneyings on this expedition was after
wards very valuable TO him. Al the con-
clusloD of their wanderngs, Estevan's
three white companions left for Spain, but
lgstevan remained in Mexico where he
was highly regarded and held in special
esteem by those who We're interested In
exploration.
Stephen Dorantes was not long In Mexico
before he was appointed guide for the ex-
ploration in the Indian territories, by the
government of New Spain, then the strong
est government in the new world. No
expedition for exploration could be under
taken without royal favor. hence ths-royal
favor gave Estevan the opportunity of his
life. He evidently had a strong ambition
to become an explorer and a discoverer
on his second expedition Dorantes proved
himself 20 be a most successful guide and
interpreter The story of the search for
the new and valuable country is most In
terestng. but too long for insertion here.
Suffice 1t TO say that though he lost his
life, he succeeded in discovering the fa-
nous Seven Cities Of the Zuni Indians
"a consummation devoutly wished for by
many another explorer and discoverer.
In most, If not all, the Spanish narra-
lives and documents accessible, relating
TO this part of American history, 1t will
be found that no one disputes the fact OF
Stephen Dorantes' valuable services and
discovery. In fact, the case of stephen
Dorantes the discoyerer of New Mexico.
Is one of the best authenticated cases Of
ITS times. Cortez was not less the con-
queror OF Mexico than Stephen Dorantes
the discoverer OF New Mexico
The importance of the discovery of Ste
phen Dorantes 10 his times and Its influ-
ence upon the early progress of Spanish
America may be judged from the fact
that various expeditions had been planned
for this discovery. but had failed Her
nando Cortez had yainly spent nearly
twelve years In trying 10 push his expe-
dltion into the northern country There
was at this time a Wild desire on the
part Of the explorers and discoverers to
find the long talked OF Seven Cities"
which turned out TO be che villages Of the
Zunl IN the western part Of New Mexico.
Coronado longed to be the discoverer and
did visit the country, short time after
Estevan's death. Mr.. Bandelier, who gives
all the credit to the lazy monk, Fray Mar
COS de Nizza, asserts that this journey
which he acknowledges 20 have been led
by Stephen Dorantes, was of the greatest
value to Chrstendom, and TO Spain In
particular. The great value Of this discov-
cry would seem to give to Stephen Do
rantes, rightfully, an important place
among the early explorers and discover
ers of this country.
II Is not inappropriate to conclude this
article with an extract from a letter from
the noted historian, Clements r. Mark
ham. Of London, England. He writes:
Owing 20 Information brought to Mex
leo by Cabeza de Vaca In 1928 $3.50, The
vlccroy Don Antonio Mendoza. determined
TO send an expedition to search for the
powerful towns reported to exist In the
North OF Mexico. a friar named Marcos de
Mia was sent in search OF these towns
negro named Estevan, VINO had previously
served In the expedition or Cabeza de
vaca, accompanied MIA; and they set out
from cullacan, on the Gulf OF California.
in March, 1888.
MIA and his negro companion met with
a good reception everywhere. They crossed
deserts and came TO the indians, who had
never heard Of the Spaniards. Here they
received tidings that In an extensive plain
some days journey to the north. there
were several large towns. Mia sent his
faithful negro companion alone and wait
ed for his return with news Estevan sent
back word TO Mia that he had found the
way to the great city called Clbola. Mia
then followed; but after few days he re-
ceived news from an Indian that Estevan
had reached Cibola, but had been killed
by the natives. Mia fled back TO Mexico
This" concludes the English historian.
lis one Instance Of negro having taken
an imporiant part in the exploration OF Inc
continent Esteyan was the discoverer o
raha,a thai i New Mexico.
- XNrtohk