Our Cat/1olis /I eritage in Texas
J08
reached as soon as possible in order that the members might return to their posts without loss of time. The /tmta was enjoined to determine as far as was possible the nations to be attacked, their character, and the arms which they were in the habit of using. It was to estimate the distance to the country of the enemy, to suggest the best time in which to undertake the campaign, to calculate the number of Spanish troops and Indian allies that would be required, and the amount of munitions, arms, supplies, and horses that would be needed. As soon as the /1111ta had completed its deliberations, Parrilla was to make a full and detailed report on the plans and needs of the proposed campaign. particularly of the estimated costs. 'With this information, viceregal officials would be able to authorize the campaign at an early date. 11 A ttitttde of tl,c Apacl,es to-wards San Saba. The instructions of the viceroy reached Parrilla early in August. The diligent commander replied on the II th of this month acknowledging receipt and explaining that he would carry them out without delay. He had at this time already reqt1ested the Governors of Texas and Coahuila and the commanders of the neigh- boring presidios to meet with him in San Antonio on October 4. He could not report the attitude of the Apaches now, because ever since the destruction of the mission in March no Indians had been living at San Saba. Small bands came from time to time to the presidio while on · their way to or from buffalo hunts and raiding expeditions. They lingered for only a few days and departed, fearful lest the Comanches should surprise them. There were good reasons for their fears, Parrilla assured the viceroy. Only a few weeks before, a group of Apaches were ambushed by a considerable force of northern Indians, who lay in wait for them a short distance from the presidio. More than fifty were killed and only a few managed to escape. Ever since the attack bands of northern Indians had been seen boldly prowling in the vicinity, and on more than one occasion had come within sight of the presidio to taunt the discourage<l garrison. Under the circumstances, the commander expressed some fear that in the meantime he might not be able to hold his post without additional men until the campaign was undertaken. He took occasion, therefore, to
11 Instrucciones, July 5, 17 58. A. G. I., A11die11cia de Afexico (Cunningham Tran- scripts, r 763), pt. 2. pp. 148-1 52.
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