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Ot1-r Catlzolic Heritage in, Texas
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Indians t1t Texas. As early as I 806, Cordero had made a detailed report on the Indian tribes in the province. At that time the Tonkawas occupied the area between the Trinity and the Brazos and roamed both north and south of the road to Nacogdoches. They had established rancherias on most of the river crossings, and were generally friendly towards the Spaniards, with whom they engaged in trade. The Tawakonis had their ranclw'ias along the Brazos, with their chief pueblo at Tortuga. They were suspicious of the Americans, whom they had come to know while trading with them on Red River. They were well acquainted with the various routes to East Texas and had furnished the Spaniards with guides and interpreters on various occasions. They had expressed their desire for instructions and their willingness to cooperate with the Spaniards to prevent the intrusion of Americans into their lands. The Taovayas, originally on the upper Red River in the vicinity of present Wichita, had been forced farther to the south and were now in the territory between the Trinity and the Brazos, above the Cami110 Real. The new chief, Elias Coq, was anxious to cooperate with the Spaniards, but found the members divided in their allegiance. Seven families had remained at their old rancherf.a on Red River. Cordero pointed out that these Indians were treacherous and should be treated with caution. The Comanches, who ranged south of the Red River and west as far as the San Antonio, were implacable enemies of the American pioneers, declared the provisional governor, and were ready to help the Spaniards. The former nations of the Assinai Confederacy: the Tejas, Ais, Ainaes, Nacogdoches, and Nacogdochitos, had grown cold but were not inimical to the Spaniards. Their friendship could be reviYed by trade and gifts. Although they accepted presents from the Americans, they were not known to have cooperated with them. In this same category, and living in the same area between the Neches and Trinity were the Quichas ( Qui tseys). The Alabamas, Choctaws, and Coshates had of late joined the Orco- quisacs along the coast between the Trinity and the Colorado. These tribes were all friendly to the Spaniards. The new arrivals had, in fact, been driven from their former homes by the American frontiersmen and could, therefore, be counted upon in any activity against them. 'vV est of the Colorado, roving along the coast, southward as far as the San Antonio River, were the Karankawas. These fierce tribesmen had
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