The Spaniards who first explored and conquered the vast territory of New Mexico for their King were brave men who opened the way for the settlement of this part of the New World. But many of them paid no heed to the rights of the Indians who inhabited the country, and were guilty of acts of repression and cruelty. In 1680, the outraged Indians drove the Spanish settlers from the Kingdom of New Mexico and for twelve years silence reigned over the great country north of the Rio Grande.

In 1692, the nobleman Don Diego de Vargas received permission from the Spanish Crown to make an attempt to reconquer the lost Kingdom. He felt that making war was not the way, and that peaceful means should be used. Having outfitted a small band of cavalry at his own expense, he went northward, accompanied by three Franciscan friars. Traveling great distances and despite grave perils to himself and his men, he recovered the territory in an action-packed campaign of four months in which he nevertheless fought no battles and took no lives. His weapons in winning back the Indians were persuasive words and fearlessness in the face of danger.

In this biography Rosemary Buchanan recounts Don Diego's exciting adventures and includes other experiences of his life in Spain, Old Mexico, and Santa Fe. She tells of the jealous plots of his Spanish rivals, of his resettlement of New Mexico, and of his wise rule as governor of the province.

From the dust jacket