Our Catliolic Heritage in T exa.s
exempted from all military duty in order that he might keep the arms in repair. Each soldier was to have six horses, one stallion, and a mule. The Indian scouts were to have three horses each and in each presidio they were to be given five mules for the transportation of the baggage of the ten. The soldiers shoul~ be required to keep day and night one horse ready for immediate service within the presidio. The saddles to be used were to be simple, with wooden stirrups and saddle bags. Large and fancy stirrups were strictly prohibited. The uniform to be worn by all frontier troops assigned to the presidios was to consist of a short coat of blue cloth, trimmed with a red collar, trousers of the same color and material, and a cloak to match. The cartridge pouch, chaps, and carbine belt were to be of deer skin, the name of the presidio being embroidered on the belt to distinguish the various garrisons. A black tie, hat, and shoes were to complete the uniform. 25 Indian warfare. "War should have as its object the attainment of peace" says the new Reglamento. A new policy was outlined for the future. The declared enemies of the king were to be vigorously pursued and attacked in their own ranclterias if possible, but the prisoners taken in the campaigns were to be treated with fairness and kindness. The death penalty was to be imposed upon any one who maltreated or killed in cold blood those taken prisoner. The same rations allowed to Indian auxiliaries should be given to the men, women, and children captured. In the case of the Apaches, who under different names harassed the frontier, no peace was to be granted to them by any captain. They had repeatedly abused the magnanimity of the king, pleading for peace when hard pressed, and breaking their pledged word when strong. Only a short truce might be negotiated. to allow the matter to be consulted with the viceroy, who alone was to stipulate the terms. The exchange of prisoners was to be encouraged and the natives made to realize the value of sparing their victims from torture and death. The exchange should be man for man, but officers might agree to give two, and e,·en three Indians for one Spaniard. This was not to apply to the rescue of Indian allies, who were to be exchanged strictly on an even basis. Whenever an exchange was agreed upon, this was to be carried out with the greatest solemnity, in the presence of all the officers and troops and the principal chiefs of the enemy in order that they might be duly impressed with the ceremony.
% 5 /bid., r 7-23.
Powered by FlippingBook