Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
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supposedly on the insistence of the Padre, who it will be remembered had rejected Hiram's proffer of firearms because he considered it un- necessary. Strange, indeed, that in his deposition made later, Miller stressed that he was unused to firearms, that he relied entirely on his knife for defense, that he returned for the pistol to humor Father Diaz and brought only one loaded pistol-and without extra powder or balls. They set out again shortly after breakfast on November 3. Father Diaz appeared much worried. He stopped a moment to pray before de- parting, and asked Miller to pray for him. He took his Crucifix, looked tenderly at the crucified Savior, resolutely mounted his horse, and fol- lowed Miller on the road leading to the Coushatti Village, three miles distant. As the road looked unfamiliar, Father Diaz asked if they had not taken the wrong trail. Miller replied it was the right road. After traveling beyond the village for a mile or two, the old man again asked if they were on the right road and was again reassured that they were. By nightfall they had gone some twenty miles to Big Sandy Creek, where they watered their horses, proceeded for about a mile to a small creek or branch to camp for the night. Miller, although a pioneer, had difficulty starting the fire. The experienced missionary took the flint and quickly had a blaze going. They cooked a frugal meal, Miller made a tent for the Padre by spreading a blanket over a pole, and the two retired for the night. About midnight Father Diaz awoke to find Miller standing by the fire, apparently warming himself. He joined Miller and they talked about religion, although they could not understand each other very well. Miller said they talked about the morrow and went back to sleep. About an hour before daybreak of November 4, Miller attested that he was awakened by something, but he swore he did not hear a shot. All that he remembered was that he awoke with a start and heard a strangling sound. Feeling chilly, he went to the fire and there saw the body of Father Diaz with blood trickling from his mouth. "As I was not ac- customed to carry firearms, I at the moment did not think of the pistol ... but first proceeded to examine for a large knife I had . . . I then thought of the pistol." He found it, he claimed, "near the body." Such is the uncorroborated testimony of the only person known to be in the company of the Padre on that fateful night. 68 "Deposition of Philip Miller, Nacogdoches Archives, Vol. 79, pp. 142-146. Nacogdoches Chief of Police H. Rueg requested an investigation and asked that if "any person or persons are suspected of having committed this atrocious crime," they l,e Immediately sent to Nacogdoches. The request had to be repeated on
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