New Mexico Territorial Laws and Treaties NM TERR LAWS KEARNY CODE ADMIN § 8

If the validity of a will be contested, or the executor be a minor or absent from the territory, letters of administration shall be granted during the time of such contest, minority or absence to some other person, who shall take charge of the property and administer the same according to law under the direction of the prefect, and account for, pay and deliver all the money and property of the estate to the executor or regular administrator when qualified to act.