249
Establiskment and Early Progress of San Xavier Missions
aid from the viceregal authorities. It was not until almost the close of the year 1745 that Fray Ortiz arrived in Mexico City, because on October 11 he was still at Lampazos (Nuevo Leon). On this date his visitation was officially certified by his secretary, prior to his setting out for Mexico. Just when he reached his destination and when he began to carry out his commission is not definitely known, but shortly after his arrival he authorized his agent, Francisco Xavier Marquez, to present a formal petition to the viceroy. Marquez carried out his wishes early in February, 1746. In a formal memorial presented to the viceroy, he described how the Yojuanes, Deadoses, Mayeyes, and Yerbipiames had solicited the year before, that missions be established in their lands for their people and how Fray Mariano had since visited them. In support of his account Marquez presented copies of the letters of Fray Mariano of June 12, and July 25, 1745. He then formally pleaded that the viceroy grant the request of the Indians and of the College of Queretaro, authorizing the establishment of missions and giving the necessary aid for their erection and maintenance. "The cause," Marquez concluded, "is worthy of the glory of God, our Lord, the increase of the Holy Catholic Church, and the extension of the dominions of our Catholic Monarch."' The memorial made an impression upon the viceroy. On February 18, I 746, he issued a decree ordering the Governor of Texas and the Captain of the Presidio de San Antonio de Bejar to institute immediately a formal investigation of all the facts presented in the petition and the two letters of Fray Mariano concerning the erection of new missions. He requested these officials to express their opinion concerning the project and the need for new missions and missionaries in the region suggested ; to give the approximate distance from Los Adaes and. from San Antonio to the proposed site for missionary activity, and the direction from each of these places; and to consult persons of intelligence and experience con- cerning all points involved. He urged that the report of the investigation and findings be sent to him at the earliest possible moment in order to take whatever measures were most conducive to the public good. 9 Development of opposition to tlie plan. While the report of the officials in Texas was being awaited, other persons, now in Mexico who 8 Marquez to the Viceroy, prior to February 18, 1746. ArcMvo del Colegio de la Santa Cruz. (Dunn Transcripts, 1716-1749.) 9Decree of the Viceroy Conde de Fuenclara, February 18, I 7 46. A rcl,ivo del Colegio .. . (Dunn Transcripts, 1716-1749).
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