In first letter, Tapia informs comandante he sought help of Opatas in peace negotiations with Apaches and that 30 Sumas arrived but he was unable to outfit them because of shortage of equipment. In second letter, Tapia says Chiricahuas won't negotiate for peace, or release captive soldier Felix Guerra, until Spaniards release Apache prisoners in Chihuahua, especially those held by teniente Ortega in Gallego. Muniz (2/14/1778) warns Tapia that Gileno talk about recalcitrant Chiricahuas may be a ploy, that Indians, especially Comanches, often blame their misdeeds on other tribes. (T. Sheridan) (1977)