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Ottr C atl1olic Heritage in Texas
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The matter of establishing a civil settlement in connection with the mission had not been a part of the original plans. But the idea was highly commendable, Navarro observed. The coastal Indians were known to be fickle. The experience of Missions Espiritu Santo and Rosario bore eloquent testimony to that fact. Consequently, a civil settlement would provide a permanent nucleus and set a good example to the natives. But this should be located at least one league from the mission itself. Father Garza had suggested before leaving, that the garrison be increased to thirty men. Father Silva was of the same opinion. Navarro was careful not to commit himself as to the number, and left the matter for the commandant general to determine, but he declared that regardless of the size of the guard decided upon, the garrison should not be required to do menial work as in the past. Such labors were unworthy of soldiers and caused the Indians to lose respect for them. If a civil settlement was decided upon, married soldiers should be offered lands on which to settle in the community upon the expiration of their term of enlistment. The question of expenses for the permanent and firm establishment was of great importance, Navarro agreed. He pointed out that the original estimate made by Father Garza was 6,610 pesos, according to the record. 55 Father Silva, however, had requested only 4,000, declaring that if this amount was granted, it would suffice to place the mission on a self-sup- porting basis. Under the circumstances, the request of Father Silva was reasonable, commented Navarro. 56 Pedro Nava, the commandant general, approved the recommenda- tions made by the auditor and instructed Governor Munoz on July 5, 1794, that the mission might be moved to such a location as would be deemed more suitable; that officials in Texas were to give all possible aid to the missionaries in order to enable them to feed, clothe, and instruct the Indians of Refugio; and that two missionaries were to be assigned to the new mission for a period of three years. He was informed that the royal treasury at Saltillo was to pay 4,000 pesos to Domingo Ot6n, sindico, who was to hold the money at the disposal of Father Silva; that the guard of the mission was to be reduced to eight or ten men, including a corporal, who were not to work on the construction of mission 55 Memorla de lo que por ahora se juzga precisamente necesario para la nueva fundaclon del Refugio. Undated, A. G. !., Audiencia de Guadalajara, 104-1-1 (Dunn Transcripts, 1790-93, pp. 183-186). 56 Gallndo Navarro to Pedro Nava, June 26, 1794. A . G . .A., A11tliencia de Guadalajara, 104-1-1 (Dunn Transcripts, 1754-98, pp. 14-33).
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