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Our Catl,olic Heritage in Texas
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themselves and their families. Those, who after making peace distin- guished themselves in campaigns against other Indians, were to be encouraged in their zeal by the distribution of special gifts and extra allowances comparable to those received by chiefs. In the new rancl,erias established by the former nomadic Apaches, practical independence was to be allowed the Indians in the administra- tion of their affairs and the chiefs were to be permitted to administer justice in the'less important cases. The chief was to be shown special con- sideration. In the event that there were more than one chief in the same ra11cl1ersa, the most capable and loyal to Spanish interests was to be singled out, given a baton, and appointed Indian governor. The advantages of keeping the peace were to be emphasized to the chiefs and all the Indians. No insults were to be tolerated from them. They should be made to respect the Spaniards. Petty thefts were to be severely punished to discourage repetition and prevent graver abuses. Friendly Indians, who absented themselves without permission, or ran away to join the enemy, were to be severely punished, if they were caught or returned. It is of interest to note that the linguistic handicap was fully realized. In his instructions the viceroy urged frontier officers to learn the language of the natives in order to dispense with interpreters. He recommended that the children of the soldiers be allowed to play with the little Indian boys. This was the easiest and best way of learning their language and of winning their confidence. Indians taken in battle were not to be released to their people either for ransom or in an exchange of prisoners, nor as a gesture of good will. Such captives were to be turned over to the missions or sent to the interior where they could be Christianized and made useful members of society. No Apache chief was to be granted permission, except with the consent of the commandant general, to visit Chihuahua to negotiate peace. From those who were at peace, the frontier commanders were to obtain all information possible concerning the life and habits of the hostile nations, the location of their principal rancherfos, and their favorite haunts and meeting places. Whenever hostile Indians were known to have congregated in the vicinity of an outpost within twenty to forty leagues, they were to be attacked instead of being permitted to begin hostilities. Such Indians as made peace and came to live near the presidios were to be treated kindly as long as they observed the terms of the treaty
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