Horses

Eighteenth century, original copy of Rubi statistical table. Table showing presidios, location, captains, troop strength and type, number of horses and their condition, founding dates, and budgets. Also for Nueva Vizcaya it lists Principe the 4 flying companys and in Sonora the Opata unit of Bavispe, indios de Bacoachi, and the Pimas of San Rafael. (T.n.) (1975)

Soldier from Rio Grande del Norte presidio tells of murder of Antonio Gonzalez (Correo) by Indians 14 leagues from San Antonio, detachment led by capitan Flores fails to catch up with Indians, but military officials skeptical murder perpetrated by Apaches, despite Apache-type arrows. Apaches use saddles while murderers of Correo, according to soldier, rode bareback (montado en pelo). Furthermore, soldier frightened them away merely by showing his arcabus, such timidity also uncharacteristic of Apaches. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

In letter of 10/21/1723, capitan Flores describes Apache raid on San Antonio horseherd and his successful pursuit of raiders onto the plains, in which 34 Indians killed, many horses recovered. Notes goods possessed by Apaches. Asks Apache prisoner why the Indians attacked his horseherd and Apache replies that they trade (tienen Cambalaches) horses with Spaniards to north. Prisoner also states that raiding party composed of 5 capitanes with 12 men each. Concerning foodstuffs carried by Apaches, prisoner says that they raise maize themselves, get beans from Spaniards. Flores decides to sue for peace, so he sends prisoner (woman) back to her people with promise that 19 Apache prisoners at San Antonio will be freed if peace prevails. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Teran notes poor state of horseherd, soldiers in his expedition, describing lack of arms, clothing, food, other supplies. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diary of Leon's expedition to Bahia del Espiritu Santo from Coahuila. Accompanied by French prisoner with many contacts among Indians, Spaniards- encounter gathering of Indians of 5 naciones - Hapes, Jumenes, xiabu, Mescales, y otra- living in casilla cuvierta de Cueros de cibola- who hang heads of enemies from poles in front of their dwellings; note petroglyphs; journey thru great stretches of Mesquite, Nopales so thick at times they have to dismount; describe Flora, fauna, especially trees, commenting on great numbers, good quality of native walnuts, and buffalo; hear of 4 French traders operating among Indians, trading knives, tobacco for buffalo hides which they transported on dogs; lose over 100 horses in stampede, of which all but 36 recovered; reach French settlement and find it destroyed by Indians- books, bones, broken arcabuces scattered thru wreckage, explore Rio San Marcos; told by Indians that French community at Espiritu Santo suffered epidemic of smallpox (viruelas) which killed more than 100, then were tricked by Indians who came from far away under pretext of desire to trade and killed French in their homes; encounter Texas Indians, some of whom accompany Spaniards back to Coahuila presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diary of March from Pitic to Buenavista to look for water and enemies. Found water and 1 family of rebel Sibubapas in Nopalera canyon. Only other sources of abundant water- las Cruces canyon and San Marcial. No other enemies encountered, although they found 50 horses abandoned by enemies. (R. Perez) (1977)

On a reconnaissence for water in the Cerro Prieto Anza encountered Apaches holed up in a canyon. He was unable to enter into battle but did manage to acquire all 126 of their horses. The search for water turned up almost nothing; the only sources being in a canyon called el Cosari and in the real del Aguaje, and this water was more like humid mud than water. (R. Perez) (1977)

In response to the viceroys decree asking for donations of horses for the king's army fighting the insurgents, the Ayuntamiento calls a junta of vecinos. Given are the names of vecinos, the number of horses they donated and their corresponding value. (P. Hayes) (1977)

Lieutenant Valles, in pursuit of Apaches near Santa Barbara, requires fresh horses, which he requisitions from the citizenry. Only three men have substantial herds, Armendariz, Abila and Amparan. Amparan, who has the largest herd, sends the lieutenant to the other two. Armendariz is rather upset, and registers this complaint regarding equitable requisitions. (R. Perez) (1977)