Our Catholic Heritage in T e:xas
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Indians had the advantage over the Spaniards in that they knew the country better, were generally less impeded in their movements, and better mounted. Immediate pursuit, consequently, was essential to success. The most effective method of destroying the largest number of Indians possible was to follow them to their ranclzerias, feign a retreat, and thereby draw them into an ambush. The viceroy urged frankness and honesty in reporting all Indian engagements, and condemned the practice of those officers, who continually exaggerated the strength of the enemy in order to exalt their own prowess. Such reports were responsible for numerous misrepresentations. In the relentless war against the Apaches, the settlers had a moral obligation to aid the troops whenever necessary. The government would supply them with arms and munitions. If settlers proved indifferent, the governors of the various provinces not only could, but also would be obliged to conscript them. The war against the Apaches was to be persistently and vigorously prosecuted, but after the Indians had been vanquished and had sued for peace, a treaty was to be granted and its stipulations enforced. Reasonable and even generous terms, it was hoped, would make the peace permanent. Treachery, however, should be punished with harshness in order to compel obedience to authority. 11 In time the Indians would develop respect for the Spaniards. Presidio del Paso del Norte was strategically located to prosecute the war against the Apaches. The viceroy instructed the new commandant general of the Interior Provinces to make a special study of the condition, the state of the defences, and the needs of the post. If more arms and ammunition were required by the settlers to defend themselves and cooperate with the garrison, these would be supplied. Because of its location as a half-way station between Chihuahua and the Province of New Mexico, and the habit of the various Apache tribes of visiting this post, this presidio was in position to learn much about the plans of the Indians, influence them for peace, and keep open the line of communication between Nueva Vizcaya and New Mexico. Recommendations concerning El Paso and New 1Jfe:xico. With regard to New Mexico, the settlements and presidios in that province were too distant from El Paso to expect any material aid from
UBernardo Galvez to Jacobo Ugarte, August 26, 1786. Nacogdoclles Arclli-ves, VI, pp. 222-241.
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