San Antonio de Valero and 11'/issionary Activity, I7I6-I719 75
the considerations taken into account by the officials of New Spain, often thought to have been narrow-minded and provincial in their general policies. Turning again to the question of the Bay of Espiritu Santo, the Fiscal declared that its occupation was essential to hold Texas and to cut off effectively all French trade in that province. It would prove of great value, furthermore, in reducing the cost of transportation of men, equip- ment, and supplies for the distant garrison. From Veracruz to Espiritu Santo it was only two or three days sail, and from this bay to the Tejas, according to all the information available, it was only fifty or sixty leagues. The reduction in the cost of transportation of supplies would make it possible to effect a corresponding saving in the pay allowed to the soldiers, while the relatively shorter distance and less time required to reach the country of the Tejas would make it possible to send timely reenforcements and heavy artillery in case of war or hostilities, a thing that was impossible under present conditions. He now turned to the question of the proposed mission on the San Antonio River which was the occasion for his long report. Whatever the considerations already_presented, he stated, the establishment of the mis- sion suggested by Father Olivares was highly advisable. The location chosen, as pointed out by the Padre, was between the Bay of Espiritu Santo and the province of the Tejas and it was well suited for the purpose. The Indians of that region were fond of this missionary, who had visited and talked to them on various occasions and understood their language. Furthermore, the mission would be a valuable link between the Tejas and the Bay of Espiritu Santo when this important point was occupied. But should it become impossible to occupy the bay at this time, the mission on the San Antonio River would be all the more important, as a watch could be kept from this point on any attempt made by the French to take possession of the bay or to land goods there for introduction into the northern provinces of New Spain. If Father Olivares succeeded in establishing a large settlement on the San Antonio River, as he expected, the Bay of Espiritu Santo would serve as a very convenient port for the various supplies needed, and artillery, should it be necessary for its defence, could be sent this way much more easily than overland from Coahuila. Plans for a new expedition. For the success of the missions already established and in order that other nations might be brought under the
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