Aguayo Expedition and San Jose 111ission, I719-1722
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and called Captain Lorenzo Garcia, who in the presence of the missionaries and all those present, explained to the Indians all the requisites for the act of possession. Having listened to everything, the Indian chiefs declared they have desired and do desire to be given land and water in order to live as Christians; that they will work to build an irrigation ditch and will cultivate the soil; that they will teach their children to do these things; that they wish to live according to the law of God; that they and their children will always obey the missionary fathers; and that they will observe and cause to be observed whatever they, the Padres, order for the service of God.Js He then took the Indian chiefs by the hand and led them over the fields. The Indians pulled grass, scattered rocks and dirt over the land, cut branches of trees, and did other things in evidence of ownership. Captain Valdez now gave them possession, in the name of His Majesty and the governor, of all the lands necessary for the new mission, and the right to irrigate them by drawing water from the river, as well as to use the woods and timber. A place was selected on which to build the pueblo and on this was marked where the church, the cemetery, the hos- pital, the jail, and the plaza mayor, or public square, were to be located. The last was to be one hundred and twenty varas square. The houses were to be arranged along streets and these were to be of uniform width. The Indians were told they were to build their own houses and make their furniture under the direction of the missionaries, and they were to be allowed to raise chickens and other yard animals. Having placed the Indians in possession of the lands for the new mission, Captain Valdez proceeded to the election of officers. Juan, Chief of the Pampopas, was made governor of the new pueblo; Nicolas, Captain of the Suliajames, was appointed Alcalde; and Alonso, Chief of the Pastias, was made A lguacit. Francisco, a Pampopa Indian, and Antonio, a Suliajame, were chosen regidores. Captain Valdez, through his inter- preter, Lorenzo Garcia, explained to each one of them their respective duties and enjoined them to try to live as Christians and to cause all orders and regulations to be obeyed. The new establishment, after being officially named San Josey San Miguel de Aguayo, was placed under the care of Father Margi!, as president of the missions established by the friars from the College of Zacatecas in the Province of Texas. Fathers Miguel Nunez de Haro and Agustin Patron were left in charge of the Js Auto de Possession. In Testimonio de Possession y Mission ... A. G. / ., A udencia de Guadalajara, 67-3-1 I.
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