CRUZ, Juan Bautista Valerio de la (crooth), cacique and captain-general of the Chichimecas, born in Texcoco, Mexico, about 1517; died in the City of Mexico in 1572. He was a descendant of King Netzalhualcoyotl. When the Spaniards occupied Mexico he was baptized, and, entering the Spanish militia, was appointed ensign of the royal guards two years afterward. Antonio de Mendoza gave him command of 80 Spanish soldiers and 400 Indian archers, and sent him to enlist volunteers and conquer the territories occupied by the Chichimecas. When Mendoza left Mexico, in 1550, he appointed Cruz cacique of all territories that he might conquer, and in 1559 Luis de Velasco advanced him to the rank of captain-general of the Chichimecas. Cruz gave the Church and convent of Tula to the Franciscan friars in acknowledgment of their work in favor of the natives, and built the bridge of that City. Charles V. rewarded him with new privileges, and Cruz continued his services during the rest of his life. His remains were buried in the convent of Santiago Tlaltelolco of Mexico.