Aftermath of San Saba 11'/assacre
107
Texas, Parrilla, and other frontier officers of experience. The Junta was to discuss the character and number of the Indian tribes to be attacked, plan a systematic campaign, determine the number of troops needed and the best time for setting out. They should present an estimate of the supplies, arms, and munitions needed and a statement of the approximate total cost of the campaign. Out of regard for the fact that the presidio offended had been San Luis de las Amarillas, Parrilla should be placed in command of the projected expedition. To assure the assistance of the various officials summoned to the Junta, the viceroy should instruct them that failure to attend would be sufficient cause for sus~nsion from office. It was highly advisable that the Junta meet at the earliest date possible and submit the plans for viceregal approval without delay.' The viceroy, who was in sympathy with the recommendations of the Junta, approved them on June 27, and the corresponding orders were issued on the following day from San Angel to Parrilla, the Governors of Coahuila and Texas, and Jose de Eca y Musquiz. 10 On July 5, 1758, the viceroy sent Parrilla a list of instructions for his guidance. In the first place he was to determine, with the aid of the missionaries, the attitude of the Apache Indians with regard to the establishment of missions for their people in the San Saba area. He was to find out specifically what their opinion was concerning the present site and whether these Indians would· rather be congregated either on the San Marcos or the Guadalupe, or in some other place more acceptable to them. He was to carry out the proposed investigation as soon as possible and to make the corresponding report, in order that the viceregal authorities might be able to decide whether the Presidio de San Luis de las Amarillas was to be maintained at San Saba or moved to a more favorable locality. /11stmctio11s to Parrilla. In order that proper safety might be insured, all vacancies occasioned by the recent attack of the Indians and by subsequent desertions should be filled and the garrison brought to its full strength. At the same time Parrilla was to call a J1111ta in San Antonio of thl! Governors of Coahuila and Texas and the commanders of the neighboring presidios. The date should be fixed at such a time as to permit the arrival of the different officials. The deliberations of the Junta regarding the proposed campaign should not be prolonged, and a decision should be 9 Junta de Guerra y Hacienda, June 15-27, 1758. A. G. /., A11diencia de Alhico (Cunningham Transcripts, 1763), pt. 2, pp. 139-146. 10 Decreto de! Virrey, June 27, 1758. Ibid., 146-147.
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