PREFACE
The period of Texas history covered in this volume is one about which there is little definite information. In fact the years from 1694 to 1714 have been generally referred to as silent years in the history of the State. But a careful search of the numerous manuscript sources gathered by the University of Texas and the Texas Knights of Columbus Historical Commission in the last twenty years has made it possible for the writer to reveal for the first time many details and facts little known or ignored entirely heretofore. It is the purpose of this volume to present a con- nected narrative of life in Texas during the period covered, of the motivating forces that resulted in the permanent occupation of the State, of the conflicting interests of individuals and of nations, and of the sterling nature of the pioneering Padres and Spanish officials who laid the foundations of civilization in the wilds of Texas. The history here presented is much more than that of the missions in Texas. It is rather as complete a na-rrative of events as the author has been able to weave together from all the sources at his command. Heretofore the only connected narratives available were Bancroft's History of the Nortli Mexican States and Texas and Bolton's Texas in tlze Middle Eighteentlz Centz,ry. Recently, with the publication of Pichardo's Treatise on tlze Limits of Louisiana and Texas by Dr. Charles W. Hackett, an invaluable general work of reference for Spanish Texas was brought within the reach of students. More recently the author pub- lished the long sought History of Texas of Fray Juan Agustin Morfi. But the treatment in these various works is unsatisfactory because of their documentary character. In the present volume a more systematic, continuous, and complete account of the permanent occupation of Texas is given for the first time, the detailed development of mission life is revealed and the authentic record of the establishment of the first civil settlement in Texas is made available. The early exploration of the Big Bend country, which has generally been neglected by historians of the State, forms a part of our narrative. It goes without saying, that here is to be found the fullest account of the establishment of ·the missions in Texas, and of the heretofore untold labors and sacrifices of the saintly Padres, who worked patiently for the salvation of souls and even faced death for their faith. The author wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to the Texas
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