Our Catltolic Heritage in Texas
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see how, by this time, he had managed to extricate himself from the embarrassing position in which he was when he first arrived in Mexico, and how he had been able to win the friendship of the Indians, who undoubtedly were deeply attached to him. What influence in his actions his love affair with the granddaughter of Diego Ramon, at San Juan Bautista on the Rio Grande, had is difficult to determine, but from the practical character of the man as revealed in all his affairs and the ease with which he adjusted himself to circumstances, it may have been as much a matter of the heart as of good business policy. It has already been fully demonstrated how his mission was purely a commercial venture. His stay at San Juan Bautista and his journey to Mexico City may have opened to him the broad vista of large profits in the rich trade with the northern provinces. By entering the service of the viceroy and marrying into the family of Ramon he had much to gain and nothing to lose in furthering the primary purpose of his real mission, the establishment of trade between Louisiana and New Spain. In these considerations is to be found the true motive for his inconsistent attitudes and deeds during this period of his life. Religious officials were also interested in the success of the projected expedition. Father Fray Juan Lopez Aguado, Guardian of the College of La Santa Cruz of Queretaro, made a special trip to Mexico City to discuss the matter of the proposed missions. On October 24, be presented a memorial requested by the viceroy, and there mentioned the things that were absolutely necessary for the missionaries who were to enter the province of the Tejas and he made free to offer some suggestions for the success of the enterprise. In the note accompanying the list and the recommendations, the Guardian humbly begged His Excellency to give his immediate attention to his petition, as he was anxious to return to Queretaro as soon as possible, where the friars that were to go on the expedition were awaiting his arrival before setting out. Here is the list of things which he considered essential for the proper administration of the sacraments and for the celebration of the Sacrifice of the· Mass: "First, four sets of ornaments, one for each mission, which consist of an amice, alb, chasuble, burse for corporals, chalice veil, antependium, altar clothes, corporals, and purificators. "Four chalices with patens, "Twelve candlesticks of brass-three for each mission. "Four altar bread irons, "Four copper holy water fonts,
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