01'r Catlzolic Heritage in T exas
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oughly investigated, he declares, and recommends that since the Governor of Texas is engaged in the investigation of irregularities connected with the French border, the viceroy should appoint at once a special agent to report on San Xavier. No changes should be made in the meantime. The allowance to the College of Queretaro for the six missionaries assigned to San Xavier should be continued in view of the probability of the early return of the neophytes to Candelaria and San Ildefonso. The Guardian of the College should be requested to provide missionaries for the abandoned missions without delay and both Fray Mariano and the garri- son should be instructed to cooperate actively in the reestablishment of the rnissions. 67 Almost two weeks later, on October 6, 1752, the Auditor Altamira rendered his opinion. The entire San Xavier question should be reopened. The governor should be given specific instructions to conduct a thorough investigation not only into the recent tragic incidents, but also into the character of the land, the amount of water, and the general facilities of the San Xavier River for the establishment of a permanent settlement. He should also inspect officially the San Marcos and any other sites that may offer facilities for settlement. 68 But no action was taken because of the contradictory and conflicting reports that continued to come from Texas. It was not until December 6, 1752, that the Fiscal finally made detailed recommendations for the solution of the many problems that had arisen at San Xavier. He em- phatically declared the reports were confusing, that the governor could not conduct the investigation needed ; and that another person or persons would have to be found for the purpose. He recommended, therefore, the immediate removal of Captain Felipe Rabago to some other presidio outside of Texas, the appointment of someone in his place with instruc- tions to conduct an inquiry into the recent deaths, and into the character of the land and the amount of water. The agent, whoever he was, should act independently of the governor and all other officials, but these should be ordered to lend him whatever assistance he needed. 69 The matter being referred again to Altamira, he agreed with all the recommendations and suggested Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, of 67Dictamen Fiscal, September 27, 1752. In Testimonio de las Diligencias, pp. 252-259. "Dictamen of Altamira, October 6, 17 52. In Testimonio de las Diligencias, pp. 262-279. 69Respuesta Fiscal, December 6, 1752. In Ibid., pp. 280-294.
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