Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
of the Cross of St. Louis. Father Ramirez went on to explain that this man had known the natives from his childhood, that all the Indian nations for many miles around loved him as a father. Ripperda adds that he con- sulted De Mezieres concerning the character of young St. Denis, and was given a glowing account of his qualifications and character. St. Denis knew Spanish and he could speak many of the dialects of the nations of the north. If the viceroy was in favor of the plan, the settlement could be started with thirty or forty of the families living at Los Adaes at present. If the presidio was suppressed to found the new post, the settlers there would naturally follow.n Neither the proposal for the presidio nor the mission among the northern nations was approved. The request for a change in policy with regard to the sale of arms and ammunition to these Indians in order to retain their friendship called forth a long opinion from the Fiscal. He could see no possible justification for arming the natives and encouraging them to live from the chase, when they might as well be taught the more peaceful pursuits of agricultural life as had been done through the missions from time immemorial. "It seems best," he declared, "to offer them the imple- ments for the cultivation of their lands, than those of the chase, which they may abuse and use to our sorrow and the injury of the missionaries, who have always attracted them with gifts, kindness and love." 11 The viceroy adopted the recommendations. The new viceroy, Bucareli y Ursua, who took office in 1772, gave serious consideration to the alarming conditions that prevailed along the entire northern frontier. In a letter to the king he reveals a knowledge, not suspected, of the real issues with regard to Indian relations. The reports showed that all the troubles had a common origin and varied only in detail. Under the name Apache numerous nations were included, from whose depredations no place along the frontier was free. In Texas it seemed the northern tribes were not as dangerous as the Apaches, because the former kept their word, while the latter were faithless. In his opinion the greatest menace was the possible alliance of the Apaches with the Bidais and the Tejas which would enable them to obtain firearms. This eventuality justified the fears of Governor Ripperda. The viceroy declared that he was not surprised that the English should sell arms to the natives, but it was unbelievable that the subjects of the king in Louisiana should follow this practice. It made useless the orders
17Ripperda to the Viceroy, July 5, 1772. A. G. /If. Historia, Vol. 51, pp. 36-41. IIDictamen Fiscal, Julio 31, 1772. A. G. M. Historia, Vol. 51, pp. 12-21.
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