Spanish Attack Comanche Village, 1779 |
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In 1779, New Mexico Governor Don Juan Bautista de Anza put together
an army of lancers supported by 259 Utes and Apaches for a punitive
expedition against the Comanches. From Santa Fe, he marched into Colorado
and attacked a Comanche village on Fountain Creek. Many villagers were
killed and others taken captive. About 500 horses were recovered as
well as all the camp's baggage. From the captives Anza learned that
most of the warriors had gone to Taos on a raid. This war party was
led by Cuerno Verde (Green Horn) whose father had been a chief and had
been killed by the Spanish. To avenge his father's death, Cuerno Verde
had destroyed many pueblos and killed hundreds of people.
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