Our Catleolic Heritage in Texas
selves, but he told him that since the Indians did not want the Spaniards any more they would leave. Secretly the valuable ornaments were packed, the heavier articles, such as cannon, bells, and other things of similar nature were buried, and when everything was in readiness, on October 25, 1693, fire was applied to the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, founded with so many sacrifices and so much expense. In the fitful glare of the conflagration, the fugitives stole away. For several days, they were followed at a distance by their former friends, who although they threatened the runaways, did not attack them. Four of the soldiers, Joseph Urrutia, Nicolas Rodelo, Francisco Gonzalez and Marcos Juan, deserted the little group to join the Indians. At the Colorado, one of the faithful Indians of the mission overtook the fugitives and informed the Padres that the soldiers who had deserted, had gone back to the mission and helped the Indians dig up the buried articles. For forty days they wandered over the trackless wilderness, completely lost. Finally they drifted to the coast and there found their bearings. After suffering incredible hardships and dangers, the worn-out little band finally arrived in Monclova on February 17, 1694.s 7 When Father Massanet was presented with the orders of the viceroy to suggest new sites for missions in northern Coahuila, he replied that he had marked out sites before, but that without supplies and the necessary support, he could do nothing. He declared, however, that he was ready to do the viceroy's bidding. The enthusiastic missionary who had labored so long and so faithfully, was sick at heart. His exper iences in East Texas had dampened his zeal. The Indians were fickle by nature, he now realized by many trials. For a time he had had enough of mission life anywhere. When the matter was again referred to the Fiscal, this official reported that the unfavorable conditions along the northern frontier did not war- rant further efforts for the extension of missionary work. The Padres should be in!)tructed to return to their college until a more fitting occasion arose for the continuance of these labors.sa His recommendations were approved by the ltmta de Hacienda the following day and Governor Salinas Varona was ordered to furnish the missionaries with whatever they needed for their return to Queretaro. Father Massanet was again S7Massanet to the Viceroy, February 1 7, 1694, in Prosiguen los Autos de la Retirada de los Religiosos Misioneros . .. in A. G. I., Audiencia de Guadalajara, 67-4-11, St. Edward's University), pp. 1-6. s•Respuesta Fiscal, March 11, 1694, in Ibid. , 13-1 5.
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