Our Cat/1olic Heritage i11, Texas
I\ ew ~lt:xico who knew the Comanche language. They explained that the party was made up of Comanches and Taovayas, that these Indians were looking for the Apaches, but that they wanted to have a peace meeting with the Spaniards. For three days the unwelcomed visitors stayed in friendly discourse just outside the walls of the presidio. During this time the peace pipe was smoked, dances were held each night, and presents were exchanged. Captain Rabago gave his guests clothes, piloncillos ( brown sugar loaves), tortillas ( corn cakes), and various trinkets from the supplies just received. Let it be said in all justice that the Indians had allowed the train to enter the presidio unmolested. On Christmas eve, the Comanches and Taovayas took leave of the Spaniards in the best of spirits. But on January 2, 1768, another band of hostile Indians suddenly swept down upon the garrison in a vain effort to take the presidio. The attack was repulsed and the Indians disappeared almost as rapidly as they had come. They had attempted a surprise and had intended to steal the horses of the presidio, but they failed in both their objects. Twelve days later, another group rushed out from the river bed, took eight horses at the very walls of the presidio and rode away in triumph without a Spaniard daring to pursue the malefactors. From an Indian captured in the raid of January 2, the Spaniards learned that the Tawakonis, Tonkawas, Taovayas. and Comanches were being encouraged by the French to harass the fort on the San Saba. He told the surprised Rabago that they had been told there were many supplies in the presidio, that many Apaches were living with the Spaniards. and that they had silver plate. This was the reason why they had been trying to surprise the post and take possession of it. 57 In vain did Rabago make frantic appeals for help or for permission to abandon this spot which he had begun to think in good faith was accursed. On February 29, 1768, the Indians, who were still prowling in the vicinity like hungry wolves. surprised Lieutenant Joaquin Orendain and three soldiers who were out hunting turkey against the strict orders of Rabago. All four were cruelly tortured and killed. The commander of San Saba was sick in bed at the time. He had, in fact, been severelv ill for several months. As early as December 2. of the previous yea.r, he had asked permission from the viceroy to go to Mexico City for treatment. He explained that ever since he was in prison he had contrnctecl malignant sores. These were now on his feet. arms. and leg-s. S1Aulos of Don Felipe de Rabago y Teran. A. G. M., Historia, Vol. 94, pt. 1, pp. 151-187. Epidemic at San Saba.
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