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Ottr Catholic Heritage in Texas
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Ominous forebodings. Weeks and even months passed, but no Indians came to the new and well-supplied mission, where Fray Alonso and his two companions waited silently and with desires welling in their hearts / for the wayward children of the plains. The zealous and stern leader frankly informed Don Pedro de Terreros of the hopeless outlook and left it up to him and the viceroy to decide whether they should continue with the project. To the Guardian of Queretaro he wrote with genuine Christian resignation that he would stay at his post, come what may. Although he had once doubted the good faith of Colonel Parrilla, he now had only praise for him. "I doubt that there are two more like him in America," he said. "He is a gentleman and is thoroughly in harmony with our work." Neither the viceroy nor Don Pedro were discouraged by the unfavorable reports concerning the gloomy outlook. The rich miner of Pachuca, like his cousin, was of a stern and unwavering disposition. He assured the viceroy that he was ready to continue with his part of the agreement. Under the circumstances the viceroy informed Fray Alonso on September 30 of the decision reached and requested him to wait for the Apaches. 95 From time to time scattered bands of Indians like flocks of swallows going south, would stop temporarily to rest in the mission and enjoy its liberal hospitality. But they all consistently refused to linger, or to agree to stay permanently. They invariably promised they would return. After a short visit they would continue on their march south. An increasing number of reports reached the friars and the commander that the N ortei'ios (northern tribes) were gathering in great numbers to descend upon their hated enemies, the Apaches, and to destroy them with one blow at San Saba. The flying bands, like small clouds before a storm, hurried past the dreaded spot, not trusting to the protection of the Spanish soldiers in the fort. The winter of 1757-1758 slowly dragged on without the expected attack materializing. The rumors ceased to alarm either the soldiers or the ,padres and life settled down to an even tenor. In the lonely mission lived the three friars with a guard of five soldiers, eight or ten faithful Tlascalteca families, and a few Indian servants. Early in January a friar from the College of San Fernando arrived. This was Father Fray Miguel Molina, destined to be the 9nly survivor of the doomed mission. Fray Francisco de 95Alonso Giraldo de Terreros to the Viceroy, July 4, I 7 ~7; Parrilla to the Viceroy, July S, 17 57 ; Viceregal decree, September 27, 17 57. All m San Fra11cisco el Grande Arcltive, Vol. 24, pp. 46-50, 57-58, 8 2 ,
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