Tlee Beginnings of Civilized Life in Texas, 1731-1745
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site to which Los Adaes could be moved, which could have been found in much less time by one more interested in the removal. 4 Be that as it may, the incident illustrates conclusively the dependence of Los Adaes for its very subsistence upon the French, against whose designs it was supposed to protect the Spanish dominions. This fact should be kept in mind as the chief reason for the failure of the missionaries in Christian- izing the Indians of this locality or in bringing them under Spanish influence. By a curious coincidence shortly before the admission by the viceroy of the dependency of Los Adaes on Natchitoches for food supplies, the Spanish garrison practically saved the French post from total destruction by the Natchi- toche Indians. In July, 1730, this nation, irritated by abuses committed by the French, attacked the post four hundred strong. Taken by surprise the French suffered considerable losses and severe damage. The Spanish garrison, upon being warned, had stood under arms in expectation of an attack by the infuriated natives, but nothing happened. On October 5, the Indians again attacked Natchitoches at dawn. St. Denis sent an urgent call for help. The Spanish commander immediately dispatched seventeen men and a large contingent of friendly Asinai warriors. For twenty-two days the enemy kept Natchitoches practically in a state of siege, but they were finally driven away with heavy losses, thanks to the effective aid of the Spanish soldiers and their allies. The attackers lost about two hundred men killed. Deeply grateful for the timely and efficient aid rendered by the Spaniards, the French commander sent several comely Indian maids as a present to the officers of Los Adaes. The token of appreciation was not accepted, for the maids were returned to the French commander by the Spaniards. 5 Spanisle soldiers save Natc/1itoches from destmction. Conditions in Los A daes. The wretched condition of the garrison and the families of the soldiers during the early years is appalling. The men were most of the time literally in rags and their wives and children so poorly clothed, they could not attend religious service without offending common decency. During the winter of 1734 they presented a pitiful sight. The men had practically no clothing and were forced to go about 4 Marques de Altamira, Testimonio de un Parecer, 1744. Nac<>gdoc/us Archives, vol. I, 117-II 9. 5 Bustil!o y Ceballos to the Viceroy, November 26, 1731. Nacogdoc/,es Archives, vol. 1, 6-8.
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