The Pino brothers, Facundo, Miguel E. and Nicolas were all very influential in the affairs of New Mexico at the time of General Kearny's Capture of Santa Fe. The Pino family members held prominent positions under the Mexican government, were reputed fighters of daring and courage. They raised companies and procured arms and ammunition in response to governor Manuel Armijo's call for volunteers in preparation to resist Kearney at Apache Canyon, but were disgusted and dismayed when Armijo disbanded the forces and fled to Mexico. None of the Pinos immediately took Kearny's required oath of allegiance to the U.S. following the occupation, still considering themselves citizens of the Mexican republic. Soon after, they participated in meetings led by Don Diego Archuleta at a home near the military church, La Castrenza, in Santa Fe, where Tomas Ortiz was elected as governor with Archuleta as commanding general. A rebellion was planned to take place on December 19, 1846, and later postponed to Christmas Eve. Mexican loyalist emissaries were sent out to all nearest points demanding that the people take part in the uprising in Santa Fe upon the third bell for midnight mass (Missa del Gallo), when all of the American officers would be captured. This plan fell through, however, after it became known to Donaciano Vigil, by way of the proprietress of the city's largest gambling house, Tules Barcelona. Vigil informed General Sterling Price, of the Second Missouri Mounted Volunteers, who had a number of conspirators arrested, including Nicolas Pino. Tomas Ortiz, Nicolas' cousin, escaped in the garb of a servant girl and fled to Chihuahua. General Price stationed soldiers at the homes of every know revolutionist.Ralph Emerson Twitchell, The History of the Military Occupation of the Territory of New Mexico (1909) pp.310-321
