Explorations and Settlements Along the Rio Grande
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Rc11ez..1ed i1ttercst in la Junta, Ii46. Early in 1746 Father Fray Juan ]VI iguel Menchero of the Custodia of New Mexico presented a long memorial to the viceroy. He declared that Fray Juan Fogueras, Commissary General of missions, had given him instructions to explore the Rio Grande from El Paso to La Junta in order to inform the king of the needs for the reestablishment of missions. \.\Then he arrived in the area he found the Indians in revolt. The Apaches and the Zumas had forced the Christian Indians to abandon their missions, and the mis- sionaries had been obliged to take refuge in Villa de San Felipe, Chihuahua. Father Menchero had gone to San Felipe and had sent out two missionaries to gather the dispersed Christian Indians at La Junta while awaiting aid from the viceroy for the reestablishment of the missions. He pointed out that there were many rancherzas of Apaches and Zumas between El Paso and La Junta and suggested that five men be detailed from each of the neighboring presidios to escort the Padres and settlers to their former location. Soldiers from these presidios should make frequent periodic visits to teach more respect for life and property to the Indians. The request was readily granted and the corresponding orders issued, but no action followed. 15 A new outbreak of hostilities at La Junta prevented Father Menchero from carrying out his plans and no effort was made by the commanders of the neighboring presidios to undertake the proposed expedition. Con- sequently on April 10, 1747, Father Menchero again sought aid for the reestablishment of the partially abandoned missions at La Junta, repeating his plea on May 27. The Fiscal and the Auditor strongly advised that Father Menchero's request be granted, that new orders be issued to the Captain of San Bartolome for a thorough exploration, and that Father Menchero be entrusted with the supervision of the erection of a new presidio at La Junta for the protection of the missions. 16 Instructions for exploration from San Juan Bautista to la ftmta, 1747. In an interesting report to the viceroy, the Marquis of Altamira suggested IS Father Menchero to the Viceroy, March 28, I 746. Testimonio de auttos fhos a ynstanzia de! RP fr. Juan Miguel Menchero, sobre varias providencias que pide para el restablecimiento de las J\-lisiones de! Rio de la Junta, en el Govno. del nuevo Mexico y demas que dentro se espresa. A. G. I., Audi,mcia de Jllexico, 89-2-23 (Dunn Transcripts, 1746-1747), 1-6; Altamira, Dict,wien, in Ibid., 6-12. 16 Testimonio de auttos fhos a ynstancia ... A. G. I., Audiencia de A/Jxico, 89-2-23 (Dunn Transcripts, 1746-17 47 ), 12-20.
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