Though born into a family which was originally Jewish, Gonzalo was the first child baptized to the Christian faith in Granada after its reconquest from the Moors.
Consequently, he was granted titles, special privileges, and at an early age, appointed royal page to the Catholic Monarchs at court in Granada, despite his otherwise New Christian pedigree.
Prior to the appointment of a Viceroy in New Spain, Gonzalo had worked, alongside Pedro Almíndez Chirino, Alonso de Estrada (who preceded him, and succeeded him—they were on bad terms), and others, and endured power struggles and controversy.
Gonzalo's father, Doctor Guadalupe de Salazar, a Sephardic Jewish converso to Catholicism, was royal physician, to the Catholic monarchs, and one of 16 regidores (administrators) of Granada during the struggle to oust the Moors.
A powerful member of the ruling class in the New World, Gonzalo, became an encomendero (holder of an encomienda) of Tajimaroa (Michoacán), and held lands, and titles elsewhere.
Pedro de Maluenda was commissary for Hernán Cortés; witnessed the destruction of the Aztec Empire, but died of a fever 6 months after the conquest.
The first decree directed that they join the already-formed government of Estrada, Albornoz and Zuazo as its fourth and fifth members, provided that the two groups could reconcile their differences.
In order of importance, these were Salazar (tax collector), Almíndez (inspector), Estrada (treasurer), Albornoz (accountant) and Zuazo (justicia mayor).
On April 20, 1525, Salazar and Almíndez proclaimed that no officials were to recognize the authority of Estrada and Albornoz, on pain of 100 lashes and confiscation of property.
When refugees were forced to leave a church, Father Valencia protested the violation of sanctuary by excommunicating Mexico City until the prisoners were restored.
On 28 January 1526, a messenger (Martín de Orantes a.k.a Dorantes), arrived at the Franciscan monastery in Mexico City to announce the imminent return of Cortés.
On the night of 28th/29th January, Alvarado led the assembled party through the city in moonlight, calling on all of Cortes’ supporters to join them at the monastery.
The appointment of Estrada was met with popular acclaim, less so in regards to Albornoz (who had been witnessed leaving Salazar’s house before attending the meeting, no doubt to warn him of what was afoot).[3].
A crowd of about 500 strong, led by Tapia & Alvarado, accompanied Estrada & Albornoz to Salazar’s house, which was by now protected by cannon & 200 men, to demand his resignation.