11 Facts About Gonzalo Guerrero

Gonzalo Guerrero is presumed to have reached the New World aboard a Spanish expedition in the late 15th or early 16th century.

Gonzalo Guerrero is thought to have served Chetumal or their allies during the 1517 Hernandez de Cordoba and 1518 Juan de Grijalva entradas.

Gonzalo Guerrero and his wife's children are considered among the first mestizos in the New World, along with the children of Caramuru, in Bahia, and Joao Ramalho, in Sao Paulo, who were born between 1510 and 1520 in Brazil.

Gonzalo Guerrero declined Cortes' offer, noting he was duty-bound to care after his family in Chetumal.

Cortes, on hearing this, renewed his offer, granting Gonzalo Guerrero leave to bring his family along.

Again, Gonzalo Guerrero declined, this time noting he was further duty-bound to the provincial governor, of whom he was a slave.

Gonzalo Guerrero tried to win him over by sending him a longish letter reminding him of his Christian faith, offering him his friendship and a complete pardon, and asking him to come to the caravel.

Montejo, like Cortes before him, promptly invited Gonzalo Guerrero to join his campaign, promising high military honours.

Gonzalo Guerrero again declined, citing his state of enslavement, though 'offering' Montejo his friendship.

Gonzalo Guerrero, who is thought to have lead or been among the Chetumal detachment reinforcing Cicumba's troops, died in battle from an arquebus shot.

Cortes exchanged letters with Gonzalo Guerrero, but did not meet him face to face.