97
Tlte Fotmding of Mission Nuestra Seii.ora del Ref1'gio
Puelles in September, 1795, to recruit laborers in Boca de Leones, Mon- clova (Tlascala de Monclova) and Revilla. Before the end of the month, Jose Najera, a carpenter by trade, arrived with Fray Puelles and began to work. He knew his trade and was satisfied with room and board. The first products of his labor at Refugio were two benches, three chairs, a table, and an altar. He started the doors for the new chapel that was being built of adobe. 73 But the rush season stopped all work on buildings. The corn, planted with much difficulty and delayed by prolonged droughts, was ready for harvesting. The Padre estimated the yield at two hundred fanegas (four hundred bushels). The Indians who had gone to the coast returned on September 22, and everybody was busy harvesting. 74 By January, 1796, the need for a blacksmith at Refugio had become urgent. But the only one in San Antonio who was willing to go, was being detained by his debtors. Father Silva appealed to the governor to permit the blacksmith to spend a month and a half in Refugio. He could work off his debts after his return, the Padre explained. Father Silva was disgusted with the difficulties experienced in securing and managing labor. He assured the governor that of several workmen who had come to the mission, only three earned their salary. The others had proved a constant source of trouble. 75 But in spite of grumblings and apparently needless delays, a new adobe church had been completed, and the natives had been initiated not only in the fundamental teachings of Christianity but also in the various trades and the habit of daily labor. The poor quality of the soil for making adobes was perhaps responsible for the collapse of one of the wings of the new church. When Captain Cortes visited the mission in February, 1796, he found the Indians repairing the damage.a By March, an additional adobe structure to serve as quarters for the Padres, storeroom and shop, had been finished. It was duly dedicated and blessed during Holy Week. Many Indians from Mission Rosario attended the ceremony. The Padre complained, however, that these neighbors were a nuisance. That this was true will be seen in the course of this chapter. He likewise complained that a carpenter named Jose Maria Uraga had left without notifying him. He had made seventy- 73Fray Silva to Governor Munoz, September 9, and 27, 1795. Berar Arcliivts. 1 4 /bid., Bexar Archives. 7SFray Silva to Governor Munoz, January 12, 1796. Berar Archives. 7 6 Captain Cortes to Governor Munoz, February I J, I 796. Berar Arclrivu.
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