Ocmpation of tlte Trinity River, z746-z772
91
plaza, and halting in front of Pacheco's quarters, called for him to surrender his sword. The captain, awakened by the martial noise of his would-be captors, of whose approach he seems to have had some knowledge, sprang to his feet, and musket in hand.defied the little band. Undaunted, Ruiz read the governor's orders. Martinez Pacheco replied indignantly that he had no other superiors than the viceroy and the king, that he would not give himself up alive, that they should return to Los Adaes. He then raised his musket and fired wildly into the crowd. One of the men rushed at him and grabbed his gun. A free-for-all attack followed. After a few minutes the scuffle was over, the Captain had recovered the musket and his servants had come to his rescue. Impressed by the determination of the commander, Ruiz thought it best to retire to a safe distance to decide upon the next move. He took a position behind the mission and waited there for the return of Del Rio. A messenger was r-ent after him. In a short while he came. Informed of the orders of the governor, Del Rio agreed to place himself under the command of Ruiz and to try to induce Pacheco to surrender. In the meantime the Captain had barricaded himself in the presidio with two cannon loaded and ready to fire. The Spaniards realized that before proceeding with their unpleasant task it was essential to secure the support of the Indians. Del Rio found that they had been given arms by the commander. He explained the situation to Chief Calzones Colorados. The experienced old chief wisely shook his head and declared he wanted three days in which to try to induce Captain Martinez Pacheco to submit peacefully, that if after that time he persisted in resisting, he would be ready to do whatever Ruiz ordered. In the presidio the Captain watched day and night with lighted torch by the two cannon, a stack of loaded muskets by his side. His half-sick brother Leandro guarded one window, while Ambrosio Brioso and Andres Zambrano watched the other. In vain did the invaders try to communicate with the besieged. Del Rio and Chief Calzones Colorados attempted daily during the next three days to speak or convey a message to Captain Martinez Pacheco without success. Juan Valdez was sent by Ruiz with a letter, informing the commander that unless he surrendered the fort would be set on fire, but the letter was returned unopened. Fray Luis Salvino, desirous of avoiding bloodshed, attempted to convince the obstinate Pacheco, but was equally unsuccessful. The fair Rosa Guerra, one of the young maidens of the settlement, added her pleadings but to no avail. The three days of grace passed. Chief Calzones Colorados and his
Powered by FlippingBook