Our Catl,olic fl eritoge in Texas
Pacheco and his lieutenant, arrive in San Antonio. Fray Ignacio Maria Lara sent word to the governor how loud and moving had been the lamentations of the Orcoquisacs when the determination of the viceroy was made known to them. "You have betrayed us," cried in anguish the old and faithful Chief Calzones Colorados, "just when we were learning to pray. You are leaving us without protection." In view of the genuine dismay of the natives, and fearing their revenge, Captain Pacheco explained to Ripperda that he had decided to leave three soldiers to protect the two Padres, who chose to stay among the inconsolable natives, hoping that the garrison would soon return. The weary band of i;o1diers left their sickly post on December 17, 1770 and would have arrived in San Antonio on foot, had not the governor sent a scouting party with remounts to meet them. They consumed fifty-five days in the painful journey. In March the governor informed the viceroy that he had received word from the missionaries at Orcoquisac, that the Indians were unwilling to let them retire or to accompany them to San Antonio. The most they would consent to do was to go to the Brazos, where they demanded that the presidio and the mission should be established. The governor asked the viceroy to Jet him know his decision. After patiently waiting, and not hearing from him, the missionaries and the three soldiers finally abandoned the ill-fated presidio of San Agustin and the unfortunate Mission of Nuestra Senora de la Luz. 10 Practical withdrawal from Los Adaes. Pursuant to the orders of July 24, 1770, Ripperda issued similar instructions to Lieutenant Gonzales on September 19, to send all but ten men to San Antonio. The men set out for their destination on November 2, and after innumerable difficulties, arrived in San Antonio on February 12, having consumed on the road three months and ten days, due to flooded streams, sickness, and lack of horses. The ten that remained in Los Adaes to protect the two missionaries and to keep informed regarding the activity of the Indians might have just as well been recalled at this time. 11 Establishment of the Post of Santa Cruz on the Cibolo. As early as July, 1770, the citizens of San Antonio remonstrated that the increasing lORipperda to the Viceroy, September 19, 1770; same to same, February 12, 1771; also letter of March 8, 1771. Provi,,cias '"'""as, Vol. 100, pt. t, pp. 67-69, 70-82; 91-92. llLetter1 of Ripperda to the Viceroy, September 19, 1770; February 12, 1771 ; and March 8, 1771. In Ibid.., pp. 67-69, 70-82, 91-92.
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