Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1886-11-06
BURIED TREASURE.
A scrap OF History Two Centuries

A Scrap OF History Two Centuries Old.
In August. 1850. the Pueblo Indians
and their more savage allies, in a COM
oined movement, drove the Spanish
settlers from Santa Fe and other points
n the northern portion of this territory
from their homes. At the same time
the missions throughout New Mexico
were destroyed, and the Franciscan and
other monks slaughtered whenever
they fell into the hands of their merci-
less enemies as were also the natives who
had embraced the Christian religion and
refused 10 become apostatcs. The retu-
gees from Santa Fe and other points
North. when but a few miles from
SocorrO, were so sorcly pressed that
they were about to succumb 10 their
savage foe, when large body Of armed
men from this point came 10 their res
cue and defeated the rebels. The unit
ed Spanish forces retreated to Socorro,
then known rs the mission of San Mig
uel. The poor, hunted SpaniardS. find
ing no other means OF testifying their
gratitude, named the place ''SocorrO, :"
which means SuccUr or reliet-a name
it has ever since borne. though the par
ish continues to be known ~ that OF San
Miguel.
Accesions TO the population Of Socorro
continued to arrive rapidly from the
various missions which had been des-
troyed and depopulated by the insurgent
Pucblos, and this great increase in their
number made sad havoc with the sup
ply of provisions in the place, and rs the
crop, in the vicinity had been destroyed
it soon became evident that the town
would, sooner or later, have to be aband-
oned by its brave defenders. Another
danger also mcnaced the place in the
form of a rapid concentration of Indian
forces who having devastated the other
settlements, were rapidly surrounding
Socorro. and would soon present such
an overwhelming superiority in numbers
that retreat on the part of the people of
this city would be impossible As these
facts became more apparent council
was called which resulted in a decis-
ion TO withdraw from the place during
the night and retreat 10 FL Paso. No
sooner was this decided upon than il
was put into execution. and the church
treasures, consecrated bells. and church
ornaments. rs we'll H. much private
treasure, under heavy escort was con-
veyed to point within the present city
limits and in the dead of night was buri-
ed.
The evacuation of Socorro took place
quietly, and when the sun arose the
sayages entered the place, plundered
what was left, and set fire to the town.
The gallant inhabitants escaped to FL
Paso and Socorro remained in its
abandonment and solitude until the
year 1916. when it was reoccupied,
principally by settlers from Belen. La
iona, and other points above, Twenty
five years ago Mr.. 5. Vrain made
some effort to recover the treasures
which had been buried so long but fail
ed. There is no doubt whatever as to
the fact of this cache having been made,
and sooner or later someone will stumb-
lie upon this wealth by accident or as
the result of systematic search. This
will add several pages to the church
records, which will no doubt be recover
ed at the same time, and throw light
on the history of this part of the terri
tory which is now wrapped in mystery
and oblivion. SOcorro "a. N.Y. BHiiion.