AZCUÉ, FERNANDO DE (?-?). Fernando de Azcué, alcalde mayor of Saltillo, is credited with the first definite crossing of the Rio Grande by a European. In 1665, in response to continuing Indian attacks, Azcué recruited a company of 103 men from Saltillo and Monterrey. His force, bolstered by 300 Indian allies, forded the Rio Grande near the site of present Eagle Pass and penetrated twenty-four leagues beyond it, where it fought an all-day battle with Cacaxtle Indians. At the conclusion of hostilities, more than 100 natives had been killed and an additional seventy had been captured.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Carlos E. Castañeda, Our Catholic Heritage in Texas (7 vols., Austin: Von Boeckmann-Jones, 1936-58; rpt., New York: Arno, 1976).

Donald E. Chipman