The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 15, July 1911 - April, 1912 Page: 193
382 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Missionaries Among the Apaches
193
observations by saying that it seemed to be expected that solely
on the strength of a request unsupported by details the work of
years in Texas should be undone at a single stroke. His chief
criticism of the plan was the lack of protection for the citizens
of San Antonio in case the presidio were removed; and he doubted
whether there was a single family available for the proposed pueblo.
No exact information was given about the Apaches, although suffi-
cient time had elapsed since the beginning of the negotiations
with them to obtain full particulars concerning those who wished
to enter missions. Nevertheless, he deemed the matter of suffi-
cient importance to warrant the calling of a council at San
Antonio to discuss the advisability of the removal to the Peder-
nales, and he reported to the viceroy to this effect.1
Two days later Father Santa Ana was shown the auditor's re-
port, which had been, as usual, accepted by the viceroy, and in
reply submitted a long report, as he had promised, in justifica-
tion of his plan. In this document he summarized past relations
with the Apaches, and endeavored to explain fully all points to
which the auditor had objected. He had suggested the use of
the presidio of Bexar because he believed it was most suitable for
the purpose, since its captain was both loved and feared by the
Indians and its soldiers were competent and well paid.2 He had
chosen the Pedernales region because it was the gateway to the
Apache country and a pueblo and presidio located there would
serve the double purpose of defense and conversion. As there
seemed to be much doubt in the minds of the authorities concern-
ing the peaceful disposition of the Apaches, in spite of the many
assurances that had been given to this effect by the captain of
B6xar and the priests, Father Santa Ana suggested that the cap-
tain of La Bahia or the lieutenant of Santa Rosa should be sent
to explore the Pedernales country and make a report upon the
whole matter for the instruction of the viceroy. The College of
Santa Cruz, he said, was ready to undertake the conversion of the
Apaches, and he felt assured that the same success would attend
their efforts as had been gained in the region between the Rio
'Auditor's parecer, February 13, 1750, in "Memorias de Nueva Espania,"
XXVIII, ff. 133-135.
'This phrase, "well paid," can hardly be accepted unless taken in a
comparative sense.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 15, July 1911 - April, 1912, periodical, 1912; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101056/m1/198/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.