Aftermatle of San Saba Massacre us October 4, various circumstances, chiefly the weather and the impassa- bility of the roads, prevented the various officers summoned from reaching San Antonio until the end of the year. When the Ju11-ta finally met on January 3, 1759, Jacinto Barrios y Jauregui presided, because of his rank as Governor of the Province of Texas. Among those present were Angel Martos y Navarrete, Governor of Coahuila; Colonel Diego Ortiz Parrilla, commander of the Presidio of San Luis de las Amarillas; Captain Manuel Rodriguez of the Presidio of San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande; Captain Manuel Ramirez de la Piscina, of the Presidio of Nuestra Senora de Loreto of La Bahia; Lieutenant Jose de Eca y Musquiz, of San Luis de las Amarillas; and Joseph de Castillo y Teran, of the Presidio of Monclova. The first question to be considered was the number of troops that would be required for a formal campaign against the northern tribes. After much discussion it was agreed that a total of not less than five hundred men was necessary to insure the success of the enterprise. This number was to include presidial soldiers, volunteer militiamen, Tlax- calteca Indians, and mission Indians. In the opinion of the Ju11-ta the campaign should be directed against the Tawakonis, Tonkawas, Wichitas, Taovayas, and Iscanis who, it had been reasonably established, were responsible for the attack which resulted in the destruction of the Mission of San Saba, the death of two mis- sionaries, and the loss of several Spanish lives. The Comanches had also taken part in the sacrilegious attack, but their country was far distant and unknown. These Indians were said to be very numerous and their fixed habitat was a matter of conjecture. Under the circumstances it would be unwise to attempt at this time to carry the campaign into their country. If their known allies in Texas were duly chastised, this would serve as an example that should restrain them in the future. It was decided that the best time for the undertaking of the proposed punitive expedition would be in June. Although at this time of the year most of the rivers in Texas were at flood stage, the expedition could be provided with portable bridges or other suitable means to enable them to cross the streams. The chief advantage of setting out at this time was that the fields were then covered with good grass. This would obYiatc the necessity of carrying forage for the horses and stock. In discussing the nature and character of the enemy tu bl! attacked. the Junta explained that these nations had congn:gated n:cently in the upper Sabine River. On this stream they had rc:gular villages. similar to those of the Neches and Nasonis in the vicinity of Nacogdoches. They planted corn and vegetables, raisl'cl hor~cs, and li,·L'cl in their pueblos
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