CHAPTER VIII
M1ss10NARY AcTIVITY AMONG THE ArACHEs: THE SAN SABA MISSION, 1743-1758
In previous chapters the bitter enmity of the relentless Apaches, whose fierce and frequent attacks upon the frontier outposts of New Spain extended from Sonora through Nueva Vizcaya to New Mexico, Coahuila, Nuevo Reyno de Leon, and Texas has been partly discussed. 1 From the time when the Spaniards unwittingly befriended the Tejas Indians of the Asinai Confederacy in East Texas, the Apaches conceived a deep hatred for the white men who had favored their natural enemies. The line of communication with the distant outposts in Texas was continuously menaced by their roving bands and the fate of the struggling settlement on the San Antonio often hung by a thread. Brother Pita was one of the first victims of their unabated fury. The number of settlers, mission Indians, and soldiers who were killed in their numerous raids up to 1749 runs into hundreds. The early policy adopted by the viceregal government was the simple one of retaliation and punishment. But the results were contrary to the expectations, for it only increased the resentment of the embittered foes, who redoubled their attacks at every opportunity. 2 Advocation of a policy of conciliation. The experienced and aged Fray Francisco Hidalgo, pioneer missionary of Texas, was the first to suggest that a new policy towards this powerful nation might accomplish what force had failed to do. In 1725, shortly before his death, this zealous friar had implored the authorities in Mexico to grant him permission to go alone into their country to work for their conversion. 3 His request was not granted. What he might have accomplished single-handed is doubtful, but it is safe to conclude that had he failed in the attempt, his failure, lSee Chapters II-VII and Index under Apache. IThe best discussion in English is found in Dunn, W. E., "Apache Relations in Texas, 1718-1750," Tl1e Quarterly, XIV, 199-274. A good summary is also given in Bolton, Texas in t/,e iWidd/e Eighteenth Century, 42-101; 263-278. In Spanish the standard source is Arricivita; Cnronica. l'v[orfi in his Memorias ,para la Historia de Texas, Ms., gives many interesting details regarding the Apaches, but a better organized account of the San Saba .Mission is found in his Historia. See Castaneda, Morft's History of Texas, Quivira Society Publications, Vol. VI, pt. 2, Chapter IX. 3Dunn, "Missionary Activity among the Eastern Apaches previous to the Found- ing of the San Saba Mission," Tlie Quarterly, XV, 188.
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