95
Tlee Founding of Mission Nttestra Seiiora del Refttgio
Cortes. There were forty-three Indians present. All property that could be moved from the original location had been brought by Father Silva and the Indians. The long caravan of cattle, carts, and natives finally reached the new site on January 8. On one of the carts had been loaded the new hand-carved doors for the mission chapel and the bells that had come from distant Mexico, while the pots, the rude furniture, and such supplies as there were, had been loaded on other carts and mules. On a broad plain, not far from the new site, the cart with the bells and doors broke down and had to be left until the weather permitted its rescue from the mire. There were no other mishaps. 64 The site chosen was approved by Nava on February 26, as well as the arrangements made by Governor Muiioz to supply the mission with food from La Bahia. 65 Slow growt/r, and development. Almost in the same breath, Father Silva reported both the reestablishment at Santa Gertrudis and the urgent need of food. Cattle sufficient to feed the Indians for a year would have to be supplied at once to save the mission herd. The success of the entire enterprise would otherwise be endangered. He suggested that fourteen hundred and fifty-two pesos be turned over to him out of the Mesteiia Fund in San Antonio to buy the necessary stock in Nuevo Santander. 66 Nava immediately sensed an inordinate desire on the part of Father Silva to handle money and to manage everything. He con- sequently instructed Governor Munoz not to accept the proposal. He warned that only the Indians actually living in the mission were to be fed. Those who came merely to get supplies in order to return to the coast were to be told that they had to stay in the mission if they wanted to be fed. Cattle were not to be brought from outside the province. 67 The governor did his best to provide for the immediate needs of the mission. On April 22 Father Silva acknowledged receipt of two hundred twenty-seven bulls sent from La Bahia to be slaughtered for the hungry Indians at the mission. Seemingly it was agreed that three hundred sixty-six bulls would suffice for the first year. One hundred thirty-three more were delivered on May IO to bring the total received to six less than the number upon which they had agreed. A few days later the "Fray Manuel Silva to Governor Munoz, January 12, 1795; Juan Cortes to Munoz, January 16, 1795; Munoz to Pedro Nava, January 26, 1795. Bexar Arclriv4s. 65 Pedro Nava to Manuel Munoz, February 26, 1795. Bexar Arcliiv4s.
66 Manuel Silva to Munoz, January 12, 1795. Bexar ArcniV4S. 67 Pedro Nava to Munoz, February 26, 1795. Bexar Ardiv4s.
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