"The translation was made from a photostat copy of the manuscript in the New York Public Library, one of many copied for and gathered by Juan Bautista Muñoz of Madrid for his own historical writings ... dated 1783."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 184-188).

This informative book presents for the first time a complete English translation of Gaspar Castaño Sosa's journal of his expedition from northern Mexico into New Mexico in 1590-91. The annotated commentary details the route of travel, identifies the Indians and pueblos visited, and provides information on many points of historical and archeological interest. This entrada, which opened a new road into the Southwest during the Spanish period of exploration, was undertaken between Antonio de Espejo's expedition of 1582 and the planting of the first Spanish colony in New Mexico in 1598. Castaño's journal not only documents the hardships of penetrating new country but also presents considerable detail on the way of life of the northern Rio Grande Pueblo Indians. His efforts played an important part in the selection of the site for the first settlement eight years later. Castaño's journal is an interesting, first-hand documentary record as well as a fascinating adventure story -- Book jacket.

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