Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/364

344 From the new capital Escandon proceeded north in quest of the valley of Flores. Crossing the Rio Conchas, and passing along the banks towards its mouth at Salinas bar, he came upon a friendly Indian chief who had formed a settlement of Pintos. Leaving several Franciscan friars with the natives, he pushed forward to the Rio Bravo del Norte, expecting to meet with some families coming from Linares and other places, with whom to form a settlement. He soon arrived at Camargo, which had been provisionally founded by one Barrero from Nuevo Leon, and formally established the town on March 5th, leaving Captain Falcon in command. A little to the south a mission was erected with the Franciscan, Juan García, in charge; this friar was also the first curate of Camargo. Thence proceeding west, the town of Reinosa and a mission were established, with families from Nuevo Leon under Captain Cantun. After despatching Captain Basterra to form a settlement on the Nueces River, Escandon returned to Salinas, where, with families brought by Captain Merino, he founded San Fernando. On this return march the natives showed signs of hostility, and an inclination to dispute the passage. They were appeased, however, by Escandon's kind words and by presents.

About April 27th Altamira was located near the coast, and on May 9th the city of Horcasitas was founded with more than ordinary pomp. Ten days after this, Santa Barbara and the mission Soledad were established, after which Escandon returned by way of Tula to Querétaro, to report on the progress of his enterprise. Remaining there during the whole of the following year, he prepared a second expedition. At no time during the colonial history of New Spain had so many settlements been founded in such