Friendly Betrayal

by José Antonio López

  “Look up my friend, heavy clouds are upon us. It’s about to rain and it looks like a strong wind has begun. Let’s make a run for it once the rain starts. The creek bed just ahead floods easily after a rainstorm. If we cross before they do, we’ll be free. If we turn ourselves in, our trial will be on the closest tree they can find. The lies they’ll tell Don Raul. He will have no choice but to accept their side of the story. At least we’ll have a chance to explain our side to him and the authorities later. What do you say, amigo.”

  Just then a thunderbolt of lightning lit up the darkened brush. Rain, heavy rain began to fall. The posse leader tried to speak over the thunder and lightning to no avail. Neither could Raulito hear what they were saying. He figured they still wanted them to surrender.

  Without saying a word, Raulito slipped under the wagon and unhitched the mules. He motioned to Porfirio to join him and together they grabbed the thick leather straps. Porfirio nudged one of the mules and they pulled the two men, heading toward the creek. The posse never knew what happened.

  Sure enough, the creek already had a strong current running through it. Porfirio was right. Once across, they separated the mules from each other. They mounted them bareback and headed north. With nothing to eat and no weapons other than Raulito’s 30.30 and pistol without spare ammo, their future was bleak.

  Two thoughts occupied Raulito’s mind at the time. One, he had to prove his innocence to the town constable. His father already knew they were innocent, so that didn’t bother him. Two, to be safe, the farther north they went the better.

  Meanwhile, Don Raul was told of the fatal incident involving his pay wagon and the alleged role his own son played in the robbery. Of consolation was the fact that the strong boxes carrying the payroll was delivered to Don Raul intact.

  Curiously, when the constable went to inform Don Raul, the surviving guard chose to remain in town. He didn’t want to return to the mine. He faked an injury to his leg and was allowed to stay behind. Knowing that the governor’s office would soon send an investigator, the guard was ordered not to leave town.

  Adding to Don Raul’s problems, the foreman’s family wanted revenge. The foreman came from an influential local family. They didn’t need Don Raul’s support, since they did not work at the mine. Thus, they would seek justice, regardless of the consequences. Although Don Raul considered the dead man’s father a long-time friend, a family feud soon developed between the two wealthy men.

  In the interim, Raulito and Porfirio were able to put some distance between them and the robbery scene. Porfirio’s wound had stopped bleeding. Even though it was still painful, he had by now gained all his faculties. An alarming thought occurred to him. What will happen to his family back home? Who will take care of them? His only hope was to try to meet up with Brother Javier during one of his trips to isolated ranchos in the area.

  Taking a chance, the two men stayed on the same trail and soon reached a small rancho. A middle-aged man walked out of the corral. He welcomed the two tired men and offered them something to eat and drink. When asked about the priest’s regular visits, Porfirio and Raulito were happy to hear that he was expected at any moment to baptize one of the old man’s grandchildren.

  As they waited for the priest, Porfirio and Raulito helped their host finish the enclosure. In return, the old man gave each a saddle for the mules they were riding. An entire week passed with no news of the priest. Then, on Sunday, the most appropriate day of the week, the old man’s wishes for a baptism seemed to be a message sent from God himself.

  First, they heard singing. So they assumed that the padre was not alone. Sure enough, there were at least three people in the group. Then, suddenly, Porfirio said, “That’s my brother Rayo”. He began to shout his brother’s name, “Rayo, Rayo, Rayo; it’s me, your brother Porfirio”.

  They both ran toward each other and embraced. Neither could believe their eyes. “Porfirio, I’m so happy you are safe. Just before we left, we heard about the robbery.”

  Don Chema interrupted. “Don’t worry.” He continued, “Raulito, your father knows you were framed. The problem is that at least for now, both of you have a price on your heads.”

  Don Chema explained that the governor’s office was investigating the incident. However, the foreman’s family had sworn they would not wait for the official inquiry. They were offering rewards for Raulito and Porfirio, dead or alive.

  “The good news is that they think you’re hiding out close to the mine. It’ll be some time before they come looking this way.”

  Because the men didn’t want to spoil their host’s baptism plans, they decided to delay their discussion. Soon, they joined in the celebration. The priest led the small gathering in prayer. Shortly after, the baby was baptized and the festivities continued until dusk.

  It was later in the evening that Don Chema came up with what he considered a brilliant idea. Both Porfirio and Raulito would continue on to Revilla with him and Rayo. Although hesitant at first, both men well understood the predicament they were in. With the governor’s men and bounty hunters in pursuit, there was no time to wait. Considering all their options, it was the best idea of all. They would go with Don Chema and Rayo.

  Early the next morning, they said goodbye to their host and to the priest. The four men proceeded north on their way to the Rio Grande. Porfirio and Rayo spent most of the time catching up with family news.

  Meanwhile, Raulito spent most of his time trying to figure out how he was going to defend themselves from the accusations. Several family members had already moved to Las Villas del Norte. So, he was happy that he would have some level of support once they arrived.

  Chapter 11

  “It is not a home, until the first fire is built.”

  By the time the travelers headed north, they had a pretty good idea of how to reach their destination. All they had to do was follow El Camino Real. In large sections, the road was easy to follow due to the deep ruts that for years “carretas” had carved out on the ground.

  Mule-drawn Carretas (wagons or carts) was the only means available for transferring large amounts of supplies from one place to another. The job was grueling and tough. Yet, those in the business of freight hauling were some of the happiest men alive. It was a job that provided lifelong employment. It’s hard to believe that before modern transportation systems such as highways, motor transport, and railroads, carretas did it all!

  Other parts of the trail were a bit tricky. Navigating was a matter of dead reckoning and luck. That was especially true in the thick brush fields whose density made the going difficult. Still, Don Chema was quite adept at travelling the Camino. He kept his group on target. Of course, his legendary mastery of riddles was a special treat, keeping his companions entertained for hours. Too, his wit, singing, and sage advice made the tough trip a pleasant one.

  The well-known trail had been built by Alonso de León many years before. De León traveled extensively in what is now Texas in the late 1600s. He is credited with establishing what later became known as the Camino Real (Kings Road). A segment of the Camino led travelers to San Antonio. As far as the group travelling to Revilla, this part of the road started in Monclova, Coahuila and stretched through the Texas brush country reaching the tall pines region of East Texas.

  It was in East Texas that De León helped establish the first Spanish mission, San Francisco de los Tejas. He became the governor of Nuevo León and Coahuila and enjoyed great respect from the King of Spain. It was De León who led the Spanish to the East Texas area to stop French incursions into Spanish land. Specifically, he made it his mission to find the reported LaSalle Colony.

  Sadly, De León s expedition found the colony in ruins, the result of a vicious Karankawa Indian attack. Although the French trespassing was non-existent, the journey served to record valuable details regarding the region then known as the sparsely populated Provincia de Tejas. De León is also credited wit
h naming most of the rivers in Texas.

  People of Spanish European descent had come to this part of northern Mexico in the mid-1700s. As with most decisions made in New Spain at the time, it was with royal permission. Along the Rio Grande, this vast territory included the San Juan Bautista Presidio (Gateway to Texas), today located in what is now the Eagle Pass, Texas, and Guerrero, Coahuila region. From there, it extended east to the communities known collectively as José de Escandón’s Villas del Norte, located along the lower Rio Grande. The towns included those that stretched from Laredo to Villa Refugio, today’s Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and Brownsville, Texas.

  Although fairly safe from bandits and unfriendly indigenous people, security along the Camino was risky. Don Chema was well aware of it. He was as wily as they come and was especially good at telling from a distance what to expect from other travelers. His gut hunch was on target one hundred percent.

  For example, Don Chema welcomed the many small family clans. They were not a threat. In fact, constantly trying to make a living off the land, they were usually unarmed. The only visible items they carried that could be considered weapons were walking sticks. The women normally carried stone and bone tools they adeptly used to dig roots.

  Most of these groups, Don Chema would welcome into his camp and share whatever food he had, especially if they included small children. At other times, he noticed that some travelers kept their distance and would not attempt any positive communication. These, he watched closely, since they were only hoping for a chance to rob Don Chema at the first opportunity. Luckily, regular patrols of soldier citizens from the villas known as Compañías Volante (Flying Squadrons) kept these marauding groups to a minimum.

  On good days, travelers on the Camino Real could advance about thirty miles. As such, a distance of one hundred miles could be covered in three days. While the group had trekked nearly forty miles since beginning their journey, the weather significantly delayed their progress. Dark cloud patterns continued to develop. Appearing first on the horizon, wind currents advanced them quickly and drenched the group with torrents of rain.

  Creeks that normally would be dry this time of year were swollen with raging torrents of water and debris. Flooding was always a hazard that could develop in an instant. That made traveling extremely hazardous. The success of the trip depended on the question of whether one stayed put and wait or press on hoping for some relief of the relentless rain.

  Since the terrain was basically flat, refuge from the elements was rare. The idea was to find the largest tree around and seek shelter underneath its branches until the storm passed.

  When facing low water crossings, Don Chema spent most of the time figuring out what area of flooded creek beds was safer. Since on this trip he was joined by three others, he fanned them all out along the bank. Then, together they carefully crossed the difficult obstacles. Often, one of the men would wade across to assure its safety and lead the others to the other side.

  Finally, the heavens cleared up and radiant rays of sunshine appeared once more. The sun made the wet grass and brush glisten creating a natural thing of beauty. That beautiful panorama lasted for just a few moments. The sun quickly dried everything.

  Soon, it was hot again. Thick swarms of mosquitoes and gnats made the going uncomfortable. Yet, the men were glad to see a hunting group from Revilla that was camping nearby. It was a sure sign they were near their destination.

  An alguacil (constable) came to meet them. By the time they reached the central plaza, a small group of residents had gathered, eager to engage Don Chema. While strangers were judged with a suspicious eye, Don Chema’s three companions were warmly welcomed.

  Afterwards, the four men walked to Don Chema’s house. He pointed to an abandoned structure across the path and told Rayo that it would become his new home. Until they decided on what to do, Raulito and Porfirio would stay with him. The dilemma didn’t seem to matter to Rayo’s brother, who wanted to catch up with some rest after his long ordeal. Meanwhile, Raulito was trying to figure out how to send word to his father.

  Although in poor shape, Rayo responded with enthusiasm to Don Chema’s offer of his new home. He entered the large one-room shelter. With a few repairs to the roof, he knew he would be happy here.

  It was then that someone tapped him on his shoulder. “And what are you doing in my house, stranger?” Rayo turned to see the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. “Hello, my name is Rayo”, adding “I’m sorry, do you live here?” he continued, “Padrino José Maria told me…”

  “Oh, you should have said so. I only come here when I want to be alone. But, who are you?” After explaining to her how it was he was in Revilla. Confidently, he made a prediction.

  “You know, you and I will be married in two or three years”, he tells the stunned young lady. He continues, “You are correct, this is your house. Well, it will be our house, once we get married.” Noticing the large hearth, Rayo stepped outside for a moment to gather kindling for a fire.

  The usually talkative Miranda was shocked beyond words, but in a most satisfying way. She had finally met someone as bold as she. They had just met moments before, but she already liked this young man Rayo.

  Entering the small house once again, he told her, “however, it’s not a home, until the first fire is built”.

  Chapter 12

  Las Villas del Norte

  Before going any further in the story, a refresher summary of Las Villas del Norte is in order. Following is a summary of the details:

  The foundation of this part of Northern Mexico took about two hundred years to explore and settle by our Spanish ancestors. The region includes what is now South Texas.

  Because U.S. history teaches a predominantly Anglo Saxon viewpoint with people migrating to the west, it is difficult for descendants of the original Spanish Mexican occupants of the Southwest to tell their story.

  According to mainstream U.S. history textbooks, the terrain west of the Mississippi was uninhabited, except for Native American nomads that incoming white immigrants would push into reservations and displace them of their land, just as they had on the east coast.

  The story goes that the U.S. expanded its borders westward by subsuming empty living space. The truth tells a different story and explains why it is that so many towns and natural features in Texas and the Southwest have Spanish names.

  As Spain looked for ways to protect its families living in early Texas between the years 1718 through the 1730s, the need for a better system to sustain them became crucial. Three problems surfaced almost immediately.

  One, the great distance between San Juan Bautista Presidio “The Gateway to Texas” and settlements to the north;

  Two, persistent rumors that the French were ready to encroach on New Spain land from Louisiana to claim territory west of the Sabine River; and

  Three, the constant threat of hostile natives who wanted all Europeans out of their lands.

  The Spanish King tasked the New Spain Viceroy for answers. The viceroy then sought ideas from his advisers. A brilliant citizen answered the call with a comprehensive plan. His interesting story follows.

  José de Escandón was born on May 19, 1700, in Soto La Marina, Santander, Spain. His family was fairly well-to-do. He received a good education, and while still a young man of fifteen, the youth’s wish for adventure came true. He sailed to America.

  Escandón’s military prowess was proven numerous times in Yucatán where he began his worthy reputation as a proven military leader of men, friend of the court, and explorer. Due to favorable reports from his superiors, the King of Spain was truly impressed by the dashing cavalryman. He quickly rose through the ranks.

  Soon, the young soldier returned to Spain; got married in 1727, but lost his wife shortly after. He sailed back to New Spain and was posted in Queretaro. He married for the second time and he and his wife, Josefa de Llera y Bayas, had seven children
. Soon, he became interested in the region of Sierra Gorda, today’s Northern Mexico and Texas.

  Since Cabeza de Vaca’s travels in the early 1500s and the sad fate of 200 shipwreck survivors on the Texas coast in 1554, the region was thought to be inhabited by unfriendly natives. Out of many recommendations to settle the unfamiliar region, José de Escandón’s idea was accepted.

  The massive enterprise became known as Las Villas del Norte, the largest and most complicated settlements in what is now Texas. Rather than one large body of people traveling together, Escandón used a multi-route approach and each successfully reached its destination.

  With families he recruited in Queretaro, Count Escandón established over 20 communities on both sides of the Rio Grande during the years 1749-1755. The first of these along the Rio was Camargo, established in 1749. Quickly in succession came Reynosa (1749), Refugio (1749), Dolores (1750), Revilla (1750), Mier (1753), and Laredo (1755).

  Camargo families came from the state of Nuevo León, mainly from the towns of Cadereyta, Cerralvo, Monterrey, and Pesquería Grande. Families in Reynosa came from Monterrey, Cadereyta, Cerralvo, and Montemorelos (Rio Pilón area). In 1749, some Camargo and Reynosa families united and settled Refugio (today’s Matamoros/Brownsville) and initiated the vaquero cattle raising industry in the area.

  Dolores was established by Captain José Vásquez Borrego, a wealthy rancher from Coahuila who had expanded his ranching enterprise to include the lower Rio Grande region. Revilla was established with over 50 families from the state of Nuevo León. The growth-from-within approach continued with a number of Camargo families settling the town of Mier. Don Tomás Sánchez brought his brothers, their families, and other extended family from Nuevo León to his new Villa de San Agustín de Laredo.

  For 100 years, the Villas string of pearls radiated faith in God and family unity and thrived. The Spanish Mexican pioneer settlers built a system of roadways (Caminos del Rio) connecting the Villas. In fact, parts of highway U.S. 83 are built on these very caminos built by our Villas ancestors with their bare hands. As a midpoint from Monclova to points north in Texas, Dolores and Laredo served as much welcomed stopping points on the Camino Real.