Escandon and Settlement of Lower Rfo Grande, I738-I779
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them married, lived. The chain of hills described is very likely the one seen today in the vicinity of Rio Grande City. 32 At this time Escandon reported that several settlers had already moved north of the Rio Grande. "A thing I have encouraged," he says, "because of its importance in holding that land, attracting the numerous Indians found there, making possible the working of the salt pits, and insuring the safe communication with the Presidio and Mission of La Bahia del Espiritu Santo." 33 The mission had prospered steadily. In 1755 there were still about five hundred Indians who attended the doctri11a 1 went to prayers at the ring of the bell, and received the sacraments periodically, and who had learned many trades. There were carpenters, stonemasons, adobe makers, and soap makers. It is worthy of note that this is the area in Texas where the first soap was manufactured. On the farm they raised corn and beans. "Judging from its progress," declared Escandon, "it will shortly be one of the best missions in the Indies." The friary was of stone and mortar, with a flat roof and beams in the ceiling. A new church had just been started. By 1757, when Tienda de Cuervo made his inspection, San Agustin de Laredo was taking on the appearance of a real mission. The new church, twenty-five varas long and seven wide, was halfway com- pleted. Near it stood the Padre's residence, also of stone and mortar with an arched gallery, and about the two were grouped the huts of the mission Indians, who numbered almost two hundred and fifty. Their houses were of adobe, thatched with grass or straw. The neophytes not only attended the doctriua and received the sacraments, but were indus- trious in their various tasks. They even brought back safely lost settlers and hunters from the woods. They all had their horses and their lots were fenced with adobes. They planted a large farm and raised corn, beans, pumpkins, watermelons, and melons in good years. It is curious to note that here also cabbage, destined to become a prolific truck product of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, was first cultivated. The friars declare that the plants yielded so abundantly that it was not rare for one stock to have two and even three heads. The missionary received four hundred pesos annually from the king. With this amount he bought spices, chocolate, two tunics, two pair of sandals, underwear, wax, wine, and flour for his use and divine service. 3 2 Statement of Father Fray Juan Bautista Resu:irez, April 26, 1755. A. G. M., Provincias /11ter11a.s, vol. 179, pt. 2, pp. 628-638. 33 Mapa de las fundaciones . . . August 8, 1755. Publicaciones del Archivo de la Nacion, XIV, 32-33.
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