Commtmications Between Santa Fe and San Antonio
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in the village until December 15, by which time he had fully recovered and was ready to resume his journey to Santa Fe. Setting out from the Quiscat village of the Tawakonis in the vicinity of Waco on December 15, Vial and his companion followed the river in a general northwestern direction until December 2r, when they observed a smoke signal. They had travelled thirty-six leagues or approximately ninety miles. This places them in or near Dennis. They made a counter signal and were soon met at the river by two Wichitas and a Spanish captive named Juan de la Cruz. Conversation disclosed that these Indians belonged to the band that had raided San Antonio. Visit with tlie Taovayas and Widtitas. Vial and his companion took a more northerly course in order to visit the pueblos of the Taovayas and Wichitas. On Christmas day they crossed a river, which probably was the Trinity, at or near Bridgeport; and, on December 28, after travelling thirty-six leagues, they arrived in the pueblos of the Taovayas on Red River in the vicinity of modern Spanish Fort. The arrival of the visitors created considerable interest and the chiefs of the Taovayas and Wichita villages gathered at the house of Chief Corichin to inquire about the fate of those who had recently gone to San Antonio to steal horses. Vial told them the truth, and upbraided them for their failure to observe the peace. The chiefs brought out a peace pipe, and after solemnly smoking it, assured Vial that the raiders were irresponsible young warriors; that the chiefs were the friends of the Spaniards; and that, because they wanted peace, they were sorry for the misdeeds of the young men. Vial remained in the house of Chief Corichin until January 5, 1787. Visit witlt tire Comandtes on Red River. While in the village of the Taovayas, a delegation of six Comanches came to guide Vial to their village. Setting out on January 6, in company with his guides, he went west for twelve leagues and came to the village of Chief Zoquine, where he arrived on January 11. This must have been in the vicinity of modern Byers. Chief Zoquine was a good friend of the Spaniards and was genuinely happy to see Vial and Santos. A peace smoke was held and Vial explained the purpose of his exploration, assuring the Comanches that the Spaniards in both Santa Fe and Texas were their friends. Chief Zoquine attempted to persuade the travellers to stay with his people until the spring. when
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