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Our Catliolic Heritage in Texas
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shortage was more than made up when Captain Juan Cortes of La Bahia turned over to the new mission thirty-nine more, brought by Felipe Flores. 68 This number was sufficient to supply more than one bull a day, which, considering the number of Indians congregated, between forty and fifty, should have been enough to provide a reasonable amount of meat for each person. Securing laborers and teaclters. Father Silva had agreed to erect permanent buildings and complete the physical plant of the mission. As early as May, Ii95, he sent Fray Jose Manuel Pedrajo to San Antonio to hire skilled laborers. He asked the governor's cooperation and assured him the workmen who agreed to come would be paid current salaries in cash and given the best treatment possible. 69 But tradesmen such as carpenters, masons, cabinet-makers, and blacksmiths were not easily avail- able even in San Antonio. After a month of searching, Father Pedrajo found one carpenter and a possible violin instructor, an Indian, who might prove very useful in training the neophytes to play and sing in the choir. 10 He was Jose, of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Father Silva assured the governor that the violinist would be most useful in the organization of a choir. There was a real need for music during the Sunday services. Furthermore, the Indian, Jose, was kinsman of some of those in Refugio and would therefore be welcomed. 11 The first carpenter engaged to go to Refugio was named Losoya. Father Silva was elated at the prospect of securing the services of a skilled craftsman to teach his trade to the mission Indians. But, for some reason, Losoya did not arrive. Father Silva asked the governor in August to inquire from Father Zambrano, parish priest in San Antonio, concerning the probable cause of delay. In September, he gave up hope and sent word to Losoya that he need not come. 12 Not until the first week in August did Guadalupe Cerda and Juan Jose Garza, a foreman and· a carpenter respectively, arrive in Refugio. But Garza had an affliction in one eye, which became serious and pre- vented him from working. In disgust, Father Silva sent Fray Francisco 61 Fray Manuel Silva to Governor Munoz, April 22, May 10, 1795; Juan Cortes to Manuel Munoz, May 16, 1795. Bexar Archives. 69 Fray Silva to Governor Munoz, May 18, 1795. Bexar Arcliives. 10 Fray Silva to Governor Munoz, June 23, 1795. Bexar Archives. 11 Fray Silva to Munoz, June 29, 1795. Bexar Archives. ?Zfray Silva to Munoz, June 29, August 22 1 and September 27, 1795. Bexar Arcnives.
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