Our Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
288
romances, as in the case of the three already listed, or whether they developed during the long journey. Jose Leal, son of Juan Leal Goraz, married Ana Santos, daughter of Antonio Santos; and Juan Delgado, son of Lucas Delgado, married Catarina Leal, the young daughter of Juan Leal Goraz. 31 Contrary to the general belief, the list of settlers does not include all those that actually arrived in Veracruz. It seems that some of ti-tern made their escape shortly after they disembarked. The long and tiresome trip, the inexcusable delays, and the prospects of many more long marches to distant Texas discouraged a few of the colonists, who decided to run away from the little band in Veracruz. In a letter of the viceroy to the Alcalde 111ayor, dated August 28, 1730, he enjoins the official to do everything he can to make the stay of the Canary Islanders as pleasant and comfortable as possible. He should spare no pains in supplying all their needs and in giving them an opportunity to recuperate from the hardships of their long journey. He was told to exercise special vigi- lance, however, to prevent any of them from escaping as they had done in Veracruz. In addition to supplying them with everything they might need, he was ordered to give them a daily allowance of three reales.u On August 30, the Alcalde 111ayor informed the viceroy that everything had been done in accord with his instructions to make the settlers as comfortable as possible, but that Juan Leal Goraz, the oldest member of the group who acted as their leader, and Juan Curbelo, had asked him for permission to appear before His Excellency to explain to him person- ally the wants of the little band. The viceroy readily acceded to the request on August 31, and instructed the Alcalde Mayor to permit the two gentlemen to come and see him. 33 As a result of the interview and the reports of the Alcalde 111ayor, the daily allowance of three reales a day was increased to four on Sep- tember 6. 3 ' Sickness broke out among the little group. They were worn out by the fatigue of the long journey, their health had been seriously impaired by the poor and irregular rations they had received during the apparently endless trip. On September 13, it became necessary to call a JISee list of settlers made at Cuatitlan on September 9, and November 14, 1730. A. G. N., Provi11cias /11ter11as, Vol. 32; Historia, Vol. 84. 32The Viceroy to the Alcalde 1Jfayor, August 28, 1730. A. G. N., Provincias /11/ernas, Vol. 32. 33The Viceroy to the Alcalde 1J1ayor, August 31, 1730. A. G. N., Provincias /11len1as, Vol. 32. HThe Viceroy to the Alcalde Mayor, September 6, 1730. In Ibid.
Powered by FlippingBook