«Por el imperio de mi crédito»: Perceptions about What is Right and Wrong in the Governance Exercise through the Trial of Luis de Valdés (New Biscay, 1650)

Abstract

This paper examines the Trial of Residence of Luis Valdes y Rejano, governor of New Biscay, in a broad sense. Beyond the rigor of the then legally considered to integrate the Residence, the text also explores allegations made in San Joseph del Parral that ultimately left out of the trial; allegations made by government agents, aware of the legally appropriate. At the same time, it makes visible the implementation of mechanisms activated in parallel, such as the Canonical Censures. This case study is intended to contribute to the debate on the understanding of the control mechanisms put in place by the Hispanic Monarchy in the Indies. With emphasis on the political and ritual uses of the trial, the ways of structuring discourses, the importance of interpersonal relationships. It seeks as well to approach the political culture of the early modern period: what then understood by good governance, the fear of scandal, the role and value of honor.

Keywords

• juicio de residencia
• gobernadores
• honor
• nueva vizcaya
• siglo xvii