406 INDIANS. 



Comanches were at that time the most numerous and 

 powerful tribe of the southern plains, and were in a 

 chronic state of war with all the world. When about 

 thirteen years of age, Espinosa was permitted to accompany 

 a party on a raid against the Tonkaways, in which he so 

 signalised himself that at fourteen he became a warrior, 

 and subsequently a distinguished one. Though apparently 

 thoroughly an Indian, identified with all their interests, 

 fighting, stealing, and committing outrages with the 

 others, taking part in all their ceremonies, married and 

 having a family, he had never forgotten his native land 

 arid people, nor forgiven the violation and murder of his 

 mother. 



He hated the Indians and their ways with the most bit- 

 ter, unrelenting hatred, and his heart yearned for return 

 to his own country. Whether, in spite of most careful dis- 

 simulation, he revealed something of this feeling, or from 

 the natural craft and suspicion of the Indian, no opportunity 

 was ever given him to put his wishes into practice. Though 

 a dozen raids were made yearly into Mexico, he was 

 never permitted to be one of a party that went near the 

 Eio Grande. When he had been with the Indians nine- 

 teen years, and was twenty-eight years old, he went with 

 a party into the Guadalupe Mountains to hunt black bear. 

 One night, when the other Indians were asleep, he slipped 

 among the horses, selected the two best (without regard 

 to ownership), and by morning had put thirty miles 

 between himself and his late companions. After a long 

 journey he arrived safely at Laredo, where, the memories 

 of his boyhood being perfect, he soon made himself known 

 to his relatives. In course of time he married and settled, 

 and, when I knew him, was a useful and thoroughly 

 respected member of the community in which he lived 



In 1849 I commenced my 'plains' life at Fort 

 Lincoln, Texas, not on the plains, but on a military line 

 established to protect the southern settlements of Texas 

 from the incursions of the plains Indians. Covering the 



