Permanent Occupation of Texas, 1715-1716
Frenchmen among the Natchitoches and their intention of establishing a post among the Cadodachos. Many of the military guard had run away, others had fallen ill and four of them had died. The fugitives had taken the best mounts, naturally, to make their getaway safer, and as a result of this desertion Ramon had lost more than forty horses. 62 Unless the officials in New Spain took immediate action to reenforce the insufficient garrison, to supply the missionaries with the most indispensable necessities, and to encourage settlers to come to Texas, the possession secured at such a sacrifice would be lost and the conversion of the Indians would have to be abandoned a second time as in 1693. It had become evident that a halfway station between the Rio Grande and the new presidio and missions was essential to the maintenance of this remote establishment. Spain could not afford now to neglect this distant outpost of its colonial empire, nor could the hardships and disappointments suffered discourage the fervent zeal of the determined sons of Saint Francis. The means to hold securely what had been gained so painfully and to extend the work of evangelization and civilization would have to be found. 6 :i.Domingo Ramon to Martin Alarcon, May 21, 1717. Tiu Gulf Regi°", 81-84 (Dunn Transcripts).
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