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Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
repeatedly assured the colonists he had full confidence in the coopera- tive spirit of both Father Muldoon and General Teran. The delicate question of separation from Coahuila was evidently discussed by Aus- tin with Muldoon, for he specifically instructed Williams on April 16 to consult the Padre "as to policy of forming a territory of Texas and request that he give his opinion." 76 It is strange that Muldoon did not register his appointment and list of powers as Vicar General in the San Fernando records book as did Pena and Maynes, who also had exercised jurisdiction over the new colonies. Strange too, that he did not communicate with Father Diaz de Leon, who, by appointment of Lobo, was at this time in Nacogdoches, one of the new colonies. By the middle of May Father Muldoon was in the heart of the colonies and ready to set out on a visitation of his scattered flock. His penchant for publicity and pomposity characterizing his every action is evidenced in a communication he submitted to the M e:xica,z, Cif,i,zen for publication, which was printed on May 26. The first part was an official notice in which he styled himself "Parish Priest of [San Felipe de] Austin and Vicar General of all the Foreign Colonies of Texas, Already Existing, or that May Be Hereafter Established, Invested with Plenipotentiary Papal and Episcopal Powers, etc." He informed all parties concerned that during his visit through the colony he would baptize and marry Negroes of both sexes without exacting any gratuity from them or their masters, and that he would give aid and comfort to the sick, the sorrowing and the unfortunate. The second part was a lengthy doggerel relating his experiences as he traveled through the colony. 77 The verses begin with a vivid description of a typical spring storm in Central Texas while he was at the home of a Mr. Edwards. Then follows a pleasing description of the estate of Mr. Leaky, which he crossed the next day on the way to Mr. Walker's home in company with Alcalde Johnson and Mr. Lessassier. Walker, an uneducated, itinerant preacher "... produced a solar system, printed, he said, by himself, although he never learnt to write!" Muldoon continues that after delivering an improvised sermon, Walker "threw himself on my fatherly protection for direction of himself and his family.... He is a most excellent farmer and I dare say one of the last to swerve from his religious or political allegiance." 76 Austin to Williams, April 16, and May 8, 1831, ibid., II, 646, 662. 77Letter of Father Michael Muldoon in the Mexican Citizen, San Felipe de Austin, May 26, 183 x.
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