Military Tactics

Mendinueta relates Indian abductions, murders, and ransoms. Declares frustration with weakness of Spanish forces. Complains of always being on defensive. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)

(S. Gibbs, August 1987)

Mendinueta relates Cumanche murders, scalpings, and attacks on Spanish and Tutas. Observes that when Indians attack Indian villages, villagers hold their ground; but when Indians attack Spanish settlements, Spanish retreat and abandon their possessions. Suggests that disunity of Spanish keeps frontier unstable. Mentions plans for military expedition against Apaches. (S. Gibbs, August, 1987)

Mendinueta recounts 1768 Cumanche hostilities in Ojo Caliente. Blames continuation of poor Indian relations on predecessor Urriosola. Mendinueta claims he has tried to improve relations and frontier commerce. Maintains only way to establish peace is to fortify frontier. (S. Gibbs, August 1987)

Mendinueta reports Cumanche hostilities and suggests reinforcement of frontier to increase number of captures in order to induce peace. Croix approves proposal to reinforce frontier. Detailed report of 1768 campaign in Vicinity of Rio Napeste. (S. Gibbs, July 1987)

Mendinueta reports deceptiveness of Apaches; warns peace is fragile. Mentions that he retains Apache prisoners in order to learn language so that negotiations can reestablish peace. Virrey expresses sympathy for Apache insults. Orders Mendinueta to hold prisoners only until they have restored what they have taken. Acknowledging fragility of peace, virrey entrusts Mendinueta with reestablishment of peace on grounds that Mendinueta is most familiar and qualified to stabilize relations. (S. Gibbs, July 1987)

Apaches can best be punished and their boldness contained by making it difficult to take refuge. Barrio refers to attached expediente about administration of Suma nation. (D. Marksz, July 1987)

Recommendations to virrey as to how Indians might best be pacified. (D. Marksz, July 1987)

Describes use of funds including construction, salaries, and purchase of supplies. Need for comandante inspector's approval in sending troops to friendly nations in peace efforts. Describes Texas and Tauayas' trip with interpreter. Movement of troops for defence. Peace efforts with Indians include hopes to change impression made by English. English traders on Orcoquiza coast offering merchandise to other nations. Refugee from Indians Adaes convoy in lomaville. After 3 months of quiet, Comanche stampede and horse thefts and subsequent campaign. Comanche prisoner taken by Vecino. Hopes of regaining Spanish captives in Comanche hands. Texas Indian hostilities with Apaches. Escort needed to go for mail in San Luis Potosi. Escaped mission Indians asked to be returned in relations with French traders. (L. L. Woodward, may 1988)

Administrative concerns: Cabildo, Tabacco. Abandonment of presidios of Adaes, Orcoquiza, and San Antonio and of missions. Concerns transport of artillery, remaining property of king, troops and 500 vecinos. Establishment of new detachment. Need to obey Oconor's instructions in the new regulations. Mission inventories received. Details of participants, including escorts and interpreter in visit to Indians. Request of corn, beans, salt for Indians. Peace successful with 3 friendly nations. Over 4,000 pesos spent on gifts for Indians. Abuses of arms given to Indians. Details of campaign against Comanches for livestock thefts. Apache thefts. Suspension of Cabildo. Freedom granted to mission Indian. Insubordination of Pacheco. Visit of Oconor and inspection by Rubio. Comments on quality and condition of troops and equipment. Concerns power and authority of presidio capitans under new regulations; capitans subordinate to comandante inspector. Request for coastal Indians for missions; apostate Indians for auxiliaries. Tancahues arrive in display of peace. Publication and distribution of vandos about collection of old currency. (L. L. Woodward, May 1988)