Aftermath of San Saba i11assacrc
I 17
the activity of the French and the designs of the northern tribes, against whose treachery and cunning Le Blanc had warned, were legitimate reasons for the earnest request to reorganize and strengthen the entire frontier of Texas and the adjoining provinces. But it was not to be until after the inspection of the Marques de Rubi. Although Chief Tac(1 had gladly and spontaneously offered to join the expedition, the hmta was of the opinion that the Lipan Apaches should not be encouraged, much less invited formally to accompany the Spaniards in the proposed expedition. To ask them to join the Spanish _forces would be tantamount to placing them on a footing of equality in a fight against their mortal enemies. This would increase their pride, making them feel that the Spaniards had to depend on them to fight the northern tribes. There was one other consideration. If asked to accompany the Spaniards, they would very likely flock to the campaign in such numbers that they would constitute a real problem in feeding the throng and in maintaining discipline. It would be best to hire about twenty-five Apaches to serve as guides and scouts, since they were well acquainted with the country to the north, and to allow no others to go. The Junta proceeded to outline the general policy that should be henceforth observed in regard to the Lipan Apaches. As the missionaries had pointed out, these Indians had been soliciting missions for eight years, yet when given an opportunity to join a mission, they always had some excuse to put off formal reduction. Little wonder that the Padres had come to despair of their conversion. It would be well to wait until the end of the proposed campaign. Immediately thereafter, notice should be served upon them and a limit set for their formal reduction to mission life. If they failed to comply this time they should be treated as enemies and made to feel the weight of Spanish might. It was high time to put a stop to their insolence and their treachery practiced under the guise of friendship. 19 Troops and equipment req1'ested. The ltmta estimated that a total of six hundred twelve men would be required for the campaign. Not since the days of the Aguayo expedition to drive the French out of Texas had plans been made on such a scale. Of this number five hundred were to be used in the campaign against the enemy and one hundred twelve to garrison the outposts left behind to prevent a possible surprise by the treacherous Apaches. A detailed list of the men to be contributed by the
19 Junta de San Antonio, January 3-30, 17 59, A. G. /., Auduncia de Alexic., ( Cunningham Transcripts, 1 763), pt. 2, pp. 273-293; A ,,-icivila, Cf'onica, :.180-281.
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