Our Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
been appointed leader of the expedition, Father Olivares had been fully authorized to found his mission, and all preparations had been made and approved for carrying out the establishment. Interesting and romantic as this new episode of the colorful French adventure is, it has no relation with the founding of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero and con- sequently forms no part of our narrative. The reasons for the founding of a mission and the establishment of the nucleus for a civil settlement on the San Antonio River are to be found in 'the reports of Domingo Ramon and the missionaries and in the efforts of Father Olivares, who may justly be called the true father of the idea. It was he and no other who conceived the plan, succeeded in winning the approval of the viceroy, and was instrumental in obtaining the final authorization of the project. Ever since 1709 he had longed for an opportunity to put his plan into execution and his singleness of purpose, as in the case of Father Hidalgo, was at last to result in the establishment of a new center for missionary activity. The reports of the Fiscales were presented to the J tmta General con- voked by the viceroy on December 2, 1716. By a majority of the members present, it was decided that the recommendations concerning the imme- diate occupation of the San Antonio River be put into effect by the viceroy and that the necessary expenses be paid out of the royal treasury, from such funds as His Excellency might designate. No action was taken by the Junta, however, on the more extensive recommendations of Velasco concerning the fitting out of a large expedition to reenforce Ramon, the appointment of a governor, the settlement of La Bahia del Espiritu Santo, and the founding of a capital for the new establishments. Alarcon appointed leader. The viceroy, however, took upon himself to act on these recommendations independent of the opinion of the Junta, a thing which was entirely proper when, as he stated, it was "to the better interests" of His Majesty. Consequently, on December 7, he pro- ceeded to appoint Don Martin de Alarcon, Knight of the Order of Santiago and Governor of Coahuila, Captain General and Governor of the Province of the Tejas and such other lands as might be conquered. 7 7Martin de Alarcon was a typical soldier of fortune. He had seen service at Oran, had been in the royal navy, had a commission as Captain of infantry in Valencia from the Count of Cifuentes, and since his arrival in Mexico early in 1690 had held a number of distinguished positions; such as Alcalde Mayor of Tacona and Zamora, protector oi the Indians of Mazapil, and Sarge11to Mayor of militia in Guadalajara. On August 5, he had been appointed Governor of Coa-
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