(Photo: Indians at the mission in San Francisco)*
Other Indians, who had escaped, were attracted to Pomponio, joining his band of rebellious dissidents.
The ragtag “army’s” immediate problem was getting food and weapons.
Having lived at the missions, they knew where the supplies were located–and in short order became highly successful at plundering for their needs.
Insuring the success of his hit-and-run techniques, Pomponio enlisted the aid of sympathetic Indians at missions he intended to raid. From these sympathizers he could shape a strategy as to when and where to strike.
Pomponio and his gang were soon accused of every crime ranging from robbery to murder to rape–and the young rebel was feared at every mission in California.
But the authorities could not find the elusive Pomponio. Reports never seemed to pinpoint his whereabouts as he moved from hideout to hideout.
He was becoming a hero among his own people, safe from betrayal.
Then followed a long stretch of time when nothing was heard of Pomponio. The robberies had come to an end–and the trail was cold.
*Photo: San Mateo County History Museum. Please visit the museum located in the historic Redwood City Courthouse.
…To Be Continued…