1lfissio11ary Activity Among the Apaches, 1743-1758
369
Apaches could be established. These would require a strong garrison of not less than one hundred men. But the additional soldiers needed to make up this number could be drawn from the nearby presidios. From the San Saba or the Florido, once the Apaches were reduced to mission life, the Comanches might likewise be brought under Spanish influence. At any rate from this strategic position, communication and trade could be opened with New Mexico and the neighboring provinces of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. The close relations between these provinces and Texas would preclude future French incursions and increase the royal revenues with the development of trade. The occupation of the San Saba or the Florido by the establishment of a presidio there, would bring up the question of jurisdiction over this unexplored area. The governors of Texas, New Mexico, and Coahuila would claim it was within their respective jurisdictions. Until a careful investigation was made to determine with accuracy to which province this territory belonged, it would be best, Don Pedro thought, that the new establishment, if authorized, be made independent of all three and subject directly to the viceroy. 48 A comparison of the plan proposed by Don Pedro and that outlined by Galvan reveals many points in common. In the essentials they are the same, but in detail they offer alternative means for the accomplishment of the same end. That Fray Mariano discussed the whole question with the new commander of San Xavier, just as he supervised the writing of Galvan's proposals, there can be little doubt. The fact that in closing, Don Pedro frankly expresses a preference for the Guadalupe River for one or two missions over the San Marcos and the Colorado is a clear indication of the zealous friar's influence. Be that as it may, the import- ance of the plan outlined by Don Pedro lies in the fact that it was to be combined with that of Galvan and that it marks a step in the development of the San Saba project as finally worked out. Exploration of tlze Apaclie country by Don Pedro Rabago y Tera11, 1754-1755. Fray Benito Fernandez de Santa Anna appears to have gone to Mexico in the fall of 1753. When Galvan's report was referred to the Fiscal, together with Fray Mariano's memorial to the governor and the latter's reply, he suggested that this document be turned over to Fray Benito for his opinion. His advice was followed on November 29, 1753. 48 Pedro Rabago y Teran to the Viceroy, September 12, 17 54. Testimonio de los autos fechos a consulta . . . A . G. I. Audi411cia d4 Mexico, 92-6-:u (Dunn Tr., 1748-1763, pt. 1), pp. 184-205.
Powered by FlippingBook