Historical Introduction to Studies Among the Sedentary Indians of New Mexico Part 14

[185] Compare W. H. Holmes, _U. S. Geographical Survey_, 1876, p. 404.

[186] That stones were used, both in offensive as well as in defensive warfare, is proven by Castaneda, ii. cap. v. p. 178; i. cap. xii. p. 69.

It is possible that the pebbles used were kept on the roofs, as was the custom among the ancient Mexicans.

[187] Thus the probability of the destruction of a part of Pecos by the Tanos, on the 10th of August, 1680, is still further increased.

[188] Therefore the ma.s.sacre of all their available men by the Comanches, already mentioned. I could not as yet find the date of the event. It is a well-known tradition, however. It occurred in the _moro_.

[189] That constant guard was kept on the housetops is stated by Castaneda, ii. p. 179.

[190] The defensive constructions of the pueblos, as late as 1540, were the houses. The wall of Pecos is an exception. Castaneda says (i. cap.

xiv. p. 80): "As these villages have no streets, that all the houses are of the same height and common to all the inhabitants, these large houses must be captured first, because they are the points of defence."

[191] The church of Pecos, although it had lost all its former splendor, still was used till about 1840. Afterwards it was abandoned.