Founding of El Paso and Establishment of Missions
261
he burned several pueblos. but was unable to reestablish Spanish authority in the revolted territory. \,Vriting to the viceroy on February I J, from Estero Largo, forty leagues from El Paso, Governor Otermin gave a detailed account of his expedition and of his plans for the re-organization of the settlement at El Paso upon his return. He explained how upon entering the province, he succeeded in bringing back to Spanish allegiance five hundred eleven persons of all ages and both sexes of the Tigua Indians at Isleta (New Mexico), but that upon going further into the province, he learned that some of these Indians were joining the rebels; whereupon he had determined to return and to bring back to El Paso all the Tiguas who had renounced their apostasy. They had now been reduced to three hundred five. After giving the reasons for abandoning the campaign, he says : "And lastly, I believe, Sir, that e,·en in case we should have had the good fortune of reducing [to obedience] a good portion at this time, we would not have been able to hold it. Because it is an [undeniable] truth that those [Indians] whom we bring along with us come of their own freewill and not through any effort or vigi- lance on our part. I am taking these [Tiguas] with the purpose of [placing them] together with the others of their nation who came the other time, and of settling them where it may be most suitable. I am leaving also with the intention of congregating and settling the Spaniards [close] to two or three towns, together with the presidio, wherever it may be most convenient and of making them plant [their lands]. since on these [crops] their subsistence depends. I am removing [ from the province] those who have renounced their apostacy, both to protect them against the invasions of the hostile Apaches and to use them to convert the Mansos and the Zumas who live among us, who are very numerous, and who dwell [also] clown the river. They will help to safeguard Parral. Casas Grandes and Sonora from this side." 33 This statement of Otermin proves conclusively that some Tigua Indians had been previously trans- ferred to the new location in 1680 and had already been settled. It was because of this fact and their known loyalty. that he was introducing those who had now renounced their apostasy. to use them in converting the less tractable Mansos and Zumas of the country between El Paso and La Junta de los Rios. In the summary made by the Fiscal of this report, he says: "He [the Governor] declares that it is his purpose to settle the Indians that he brought out from the Pueblo of Isleta (New
33 Letter of Otermin to the Viceroy, Estero Largo, February I I, I 683. A 11/os l'a/,•11cri,·11lt'.f . A.G. ,11.., l'rm•i11cit1s /11/cn111s. Vol. 37, ff. 104-106.
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