Our Catliolic Heritage in Texas
could not supply the required forty-six. The Indians themselves were needed to help provide the necessities of life to their families. Further- more, the neophytes of the San Antonio missions had been running away as much as those of La Bahia. Who could be certain that those sent to help keep the others within the missions would not escape themselves? To the second and more vigorous request, Fray Lanuza replied that he could not comply with the wishes of the person asking for assistance because the fundamental law of self-preservation prevented it. Ripperda, chagrined at the refusal, insisted a third time, making Fray Lanuza responsible for the consequences that might follow his refusal to cooperate in saving La Bahia. The good Padre was still adamant. He coolly replied that every one knew the danger that threatened La Bahia had passed, that it was foolish to expect him to send seven or even five Indians on foot to participate in a campaign, that such an act would hinder rather than contribute to the success of the proposed campaign. The governor was forced to admit the reasonableness of the Padre's contention. 15 The most influential chief of the Tejas was Bigotes. To him Ripperda sent special presents in July, 1771, which were presented by Father Fray Pedro Ramirez. This Indian was the only one in Texas who was given one of six medals and a Spanish flag by order of the king of Spain through Governor O'Reilly, who sent it to him with De Mezieres. When he received the presents sent by Ripperda, he handed Father Ramirez two buffalo rugs, ·one white, signifying peace, and the freeing of the roads from blc;,odshed, and the other with four crosses neatly drawn upon it, to signify he would obtain peace for the Spaniards with four other nations in the vicinity of Los Adaes. The old chief was taken to Natchitoches and there feasted by De Mezieres. The eastern tribes had long since ceased to live in missions. But they were on friendly terms, visited the missionaries, and called them when any Indians were sick. Riperda explained to the viceroy at this time that Chief Bigotes had manifested to Lieutenant Gonzalez that his people and their friends, such as the Bidais and others, resented the refusal to give or sell them arms as in the past. They complained that the French refused to furnish them guns since they had become brothers of the Spaniards, but that they sold them to other nations who were their enemies. The IS Fray Lanuza to Ripperda, August 1, 1771 ; Ripperda to Fray Lanuza, August 2, Fray Lanuza to Ripperda, August 3, 1771, Ripperda to Fray Lanuza, August 4, 1771; Cabildo de la Villa de San Fernando to R!pperda, August 2, 1771. A. G. M. Provincias '"'""as, Vol. 100, pt. 1, pp. 202-214.
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