Our Cat/10/ic Heritage in Texas
more kindly upon the undecided fate of Bucareli. Before he had time to approve its establishment on the Trinity, however, it will be shown that circumstances developed which forced the settlers to seek refuge in the country of the Tejas Indians. From 1774 to the spring of 1778, the settlers of Bucareli had enjoyed freedom from attack by the dreaded Comanches. This long respite suddenly came to an end in May of that year. The circumstances surrounding the causes of hostility and the attack itself are somewhat clouded in mystery. It seems that on May 5, 1778, a band of Comanche warriors, led by the son of the most redoubtable chieftain of this fierce nation named Evea, appeared in the vicinity of Bucareli late in the afternoon and apparently made their camp for the night. Some settlers, who were returning home from their fields, discovered the unwelcome visitors and alarmed by their sight, made haste to warn the unsuspecting inhabitants of Bucareli. The whole settlement was aroused by the danger that threatened the pioneer outpost. Drums and bugles called and warned the people, who rushed to their houses, procured their arms, and manned the stockade. Others rushed out to round the horses and cattle and drove them into the safety of the corrals. Amidst great commotion and no little .confusion the settlement prepared for resistance. Even if due allowance is made for exaggeration and unneces- sary excitement, the fact remains that the presence of Comanches in a neighborhood, where they had never been seen before, and the knowledge of their bitter enmity against the Spaniards must have deeply affected the settlers of Bucareli. Comanche hostilities at Bucareli. As darkness fell and no attack was made, a reconnoitering party set out and soon returned to report that the enemy had fled, terrorized perhaps by the preparations for defense. Their haste had not been so great, however, that they did not find time to take a few stolen horses with them. 53 Ibarbo immediately organized a pursuit party of thirty men and early next morning he took up the fresh trail of the raiders. In true Comanche fashion, however, the enemy had traveled fast all night and put considerable distance between themselves and their pursuers. Ibarbo knew Indian character and did not give up the chase. A day later he 53 Athanase de Mezieres to Teodoro de Croix, November I 5, I 778; lbarbo to Governor Cabello, January 7, I 779 ; Fray Jose Francisco Mariano de la Garza to Governor Cabello. A. G. Al. Historia, Vol. 5 I, pp. 588-592, 484-490, 482-484. Mezieres staunchly maintained the Comanches came to Bucareli looking for him to make peace, but the weight of the evidence is against this contention.
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