Military Campaigns

Elizondo, other military leaders decide to change tactics and pursue rebels in small, mobile detachments. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Three detachments in field against rebels. First, under Gallo, encounters no rebels. Second, under Bergosa, encounters group of Seris killing one warrior while other escapes to Tiburon in a Balsa. 5 women, 4 children taken prisoner. Third, under Anza, attacks Rancheria of capitan Vipisy, killing 17 women, children, capturing 10. Only 3 warriors there, who escape. Rest out hunting or rustling cattle. Elizondo reiterates efficacy of new military tactic of keeping 2-3 detachments of 50 soldiers each infield all the time. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

States rebels probably don't number 300 de Arco y flecha now. Notes proposed invasion of Tiburon, where most of Seris hiding. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Indian auxiliaries, presidial soldiers attack Pima Rancheria in Sierra del Purgatorio. 7 soldiers killed, rest of troops barely escape, have to ask for help from Altar presidio. Vildosola and troops encounter rebels gathering bledo near Cerro Prieto. All but 3 of 20 rebel warriors killed or wounded. 6 women killed, 5 children captured. Captives say no Seris or Pimas left in Cerro Prieto - only a quadvilla of Sibubapas under capitan Thomas. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Troop details- 4 divisions involved in Cerro Prieto invasions. Includes number of Opata, Eudeve, Yaqui, Pima auxiliares. Followed by order detailing plan of invasion. Strategy- occupy alturas of Cerro Prieto from 4 major entrances, trapping rebels in canyons below. Pinole, Tasajo provisions of troops. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

4 divisions of troops invade Cerro Prieto. Armona, Peyran encounter about 40 rebels who flee up mountainsides. Yaqui captive says rebels few in number - only 11 Seris left. Rest of Seris fled to Tiburon, Suaquis to Sierra de los Pilares, Pimas Altos to unit with Vipise west of Pitic. Peyran encounters 9 rebels, killing 2 women and 4 men, including gobernador of Suaqui, the autor de la suble-vacion de esta nacion. further reconnaissance uncovers no more rebels. Elizondo realizes that Spaniards have underestimated fragosidad of Cerro Prieto. Notes rebel have small plantings of maize, Calabasas there, as well as 100 ollas of water in strategic location. However, rebels now fleeing in small groups rather than massing in Cerro Prieto. Spanish strategy of defeating rebels in one great battle no longer feasible. Troops need to be broken down into small, mobile detachments to pursue rebels. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Bergosa, troops discover Pima Rancheria of 15 families led by capitan Naspre - 23 killed, 3 women, 8 children, 20 horses captured. Artifacts of murdered Cura from Baroyeca, presidial soldier found in Rancheria. Troops then search Marismas for Seris-find no tracks. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Anza, 80 soldiers, 4 Seri guides led by Chrisanto search for rebels. Capture Pima woman, who tells them a Rancheria of Seris, Sibubapas camped in mountain canyon. At least 4 Seris killed. Rest flee to nearby Bosque, escaping troops por su mayor agilidad a Pie. Marcos, hidden in espesura, tells Chrisanto he's going to kill him for guiding Spaniards. Another detachment of 70 troops sent out to search for Seris. Pimas, Suaquis believed to be in Cerro (Prieto). (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Hostilities halted because of pardon granted to Sibubapas. Notes alboroto del Rio fuerte, which apparently had run its course before Elizondo's troops got there. States that Marcos sent Galvez 2 Jaras indicating desire for peace on part of Seris. Pimas trying to sabotage peace negotiations between Spaniards, Seris, Sibubapas. (T. Sheridan) (1980)