Our Catliolic Heritage in Texas
128
withering fire checked the onrush of the Spanish cavalry, who wheeled about and quickly gained the refuge of the timber again, leaving three men in the field. They now realized that the retreat of the small band of Indians had been a well-planned ruse. When the main body of the expedition came up, Parrilla ordered a careful reconnaissance to be made of the enemy's position and their strength. From the vantage point of the protecting timber belt, it was noted with growing astonishment that the Indian village consisted of a large number of cylindrical huts, much higher than the ordinary ones, thatched with straw. The whole rancher,a was completely surrounded by a stout and well built stockade, which was further defended by a deep moat several yards wide and more than a yard deep, filled with water diverted from the river which flowed behind the village. "All the Spaniards," declared the witnesses, "plainly saw a large French flag flying within the fort." In addition to their native fifes the Indians had a number of French drums with which they kept up a lively music during the battle. Evidently the residents of the village were not in doubt as to the outcome of the conflict, nor very much disturbed about their safety, for the Spaniards noticed quantities of white linen spread out to dry within the village, while the women and children fought for advantageous seats on top of the houses, from where they could watch the progress of the fight. To the left of the village, extending along the river, there were well cultivated fields where corn, beans, pumpkins, and watermelons were growing. These fields were all fenced and had irrigation ditches. To the right wound the narrow road that led to a side entrance of the fort, not far from the river. This road was also defended by skillfully constructed stockades. Back of the village could be seen the large corrals where the horses and beasts were kept. Farther in the distance were numerous tepees of the Comanche allies, distinguishable by their shape. The observers variously estimated the enemy to be from two to six thousand, but Parrilla, who seems to have been a truthful man, says only that there can be no doubt that they outnumbered the Spaniards considerably. From the prisoners captured a few days before, it was learned that the enemy included Taovayas, Comanches, Tawakonis, Wichitas, and other northern tribes, all having gathered here to check the advance of the Spaniards into their lands. Parrilla proceeded to organize his entire force and prepared for a combined assault of the enemy's position. The centt:r was formed by seasoned Spanish troops, the right flank was protected by Tlaxcalteca Indians, and the left by the mission Indians and the Apache allies. This
Powered by FlippingBook