Early Exploration of Big Bend Country, 1683-1731
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of Apaches or any other enemies discovered in either place. He sent word to Diego Jimenez, who had stayed behind with thirty men and the baggage at San Rodrigo River, to join him at his new camp on the San Diego. On April 10, Berroteran decided to call a council of his officers and most experienced men to consult with them about the policy he should follow. The Indian scouts did not seem reliable and it looked as if they were purposely delaying the advance in order to consume all the provi- sions and cause the expedition to return to San Juan Bautista or desist, at any rate, from going farther. 'When the officers had been assembled, they all declared they knew nothing about the country they were to explore. Upon questioning the oldest and most experienced soldiers, no additional information could be gained. He was forced, therefore, to depend upon such information as the scouts could give him from day to day. On April Ir, the expedition resumed its march to Las Vacas, but halted after traveling about six leagues. The following day they arrived at Las Vacas River. a small stream in the present site of Villa Acuna, opposite Del Rio. From there he followed the west bank of the Rio Grande, and, after traveling seven leagues, or approximately twenty miles, he came to the crossing known as Las Cibolas, on April 13. This must have been in the neighborhood of present day Comstock. Opposite this little town there are some springs on the east bank of the Rio Grande. But as the riYer runs through a fairly deep canyon along this area, Berroteran did not dis- cover the spring. Unable to continue along the river, he sent scouts to dis- cover a possible route and an appropriate place to water the horses and stock. On April I 5, he obtained news that there was a place where the horses and stock could be watered on the river above the camp. In order to reach it, however, the expedition would have to make a long detour to the west. The following day they started and traveled eight leagues before they came to a place to camp, which they called Virgen del Socorro. From here the march was resumed on April 17, in search of some water holes said to be to the northwest, about fourteen leagues beyond. By traveling since before dawn on April 18 they managed to reach the watering place they were looking for, after marching about fourteen leagues. All the Indian scouts who had been sent out returned to the camp and informed Berro- teran that the river was about six leagues distant and that the road crossed to the east or north side. On April 19, early in the morning, the expedition again set out and
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