Figure 4.1. 1576, “Bienes de don Domingo de Mendoza”, including the African slave named Francisco. AGN: Civil Expediente 822, foja 191r.
Summarizing the testimony in the case against don Domingo, it is evident that the Zapotec lord felt powerful enough to instruct lesser-ranking indigenous nobles and to command humble subjects. He failed, however, to remember that his subjects expected him to fulfill certain obligations as a ruler. Furthermore, he abused his role as tax collector, committing a very serious crime against the Spanish Crown. On September 30, 1579, a licenciado named Salgado, fiscal in the case against Don Domingo, recommended that the governor and his accomplices be placed in jail, where they were to await their sentences.37 Don Domingo was not wealthy or
37
AGN Civil Expediente 822 foja, 339r. “El licenciado Salgado [?] fiscal en la causa contra Don Domingo governador de Tlacolula y los demás sus consortes sobre los tributos que con el hurtaron en la cual dijo que la causa esta con la y vista y conviene para la pronunciación de las sentencias el dicho gobernador y consortes se pongan en la Real cárcel para en ella oír las dichas sentencias. Suplico a Vuestra Alcaldía mande que los susodichos se pongan en la dicha cárcel…”
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