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Missionary Activity Among tlze Apaclzes, 1743-1758
Captain Juan Antonio Bustillo, and Captain Jose de Jauregui, all former officers in Texas, who were in Mexico at this time. 6 As usual the matter was referred to the Auditor. In his report he pointed out there were three other documents alleging reasons why the extension of missionary labors to the Apaches at this time was impractical. After analyzing the proposal of Fray Benito and the arguments of Fray Jose de Guadalupe. he declared the plan would require a garrison and would in\'olve expense without sufficient evidence of success. It would be well to consult Captain Sandoval, who was now in Veracruz, and had formerly been Governor of Texas. 7 The conflicting reports puzzled the officials and they adopted the usual policy of procrastination. No action was taken and the zealous Fray Benito was left to his own devices for two more years. First description of tlie Comanclies, 1743. When Fray Benito presented his proposal for the reduction of the Apaches he sent in a separate report on the Comanches "for such interest as it may have for the royal crown." He recounted how the Apaches in their far-flung raids had penetrated some three hundred leagues to the north and east and encountered a powerful nation which they called Comanches. It was a numerous people, well provided with excellent horses. Their weapons were short spears, well tipped with steel, a sort of pointed hatchet, bows made of bone, and arrows with feathers all the way to the flint-head. When the Apaches retreated, a band of this sturdy people followed their tracks into their country. Although outnumbered and cognizant that they would all be killed, they fought bravely and refused to surrender until all were dead but one. The Apaches were about to devour the sole prisoner, but fear of this determined enemy overcame "their desire to eat human flesh." It was decided to set him free that he might return to his people and warn them of the fate that awaited them, should they dare to wander into the Apache country. But they underestimated the valor and courage of the Comanches, who led by the lone survivor invaded the northern limits of the Apache domain shortly afterwards and by now had actually driven out the Pelones Apaches from the Cadodacho River (The Red). Although the Apaches maintained that the Comanches had never seen a Spaniard, a captive had assured him that these Indians, who had 6 Fray Jose de Guadalupe to the Viceroy, June 21, 1743. A. G. M. Prwi11&uu /nternas, Vol. 236, pt. 1. 7Marques de Altamira to the Viceroy, June 27, 1743. Ibid.
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