Preparing to Weather tlze Storm, 1790-1800
captain of La Bahia notified Father Jaudenes that the five soldiers assigned to the mission were to be withdrawn, the friar replied that such action would force him to abandon the mission. To remain at his post under the circumstances would endanger his life. The unhealthful climate, constant labor, and endless privations had undermined the strong consti- tution of the missionary, and in September of that year he had to go to San Jose for treatment and rest. Father Cardenas sent Father Pedrajo to care for Rosario during the interim. 54 · It will be recalled that Governor Munoz had made a personal visit to La Bahia that fall in connection with the secularization order of April 10, 1794. He found the conditions such that he urgently requested the postponement of secularization, a plea that was granted by Nava. But conditions grew worse. In 1796 some of the Indians of Rosario went to live in Refugio, and others returned to the woods. Father Jaudenes went to Boca de Leones in Nuevo Leon for supplies and aid in order to be able to continue his labors. By September of that year he was back in Rosario and informed Munoz that the natives had returned to the mission on September 9. In spite of previous hardships and dis- appointments, he was as enthusiastic as ever. He told the governor that many more Indians had sent word that they would come soon. The neophytes had elected Manuel Zertuche governor of the mission pueblo, and Captain Cortes had invested him with the insignia of his office. In a supplementary report made on October 23, he explained that of the one hundred seven Indians actually living at the mission, only thirteen were not receiving instruction in catechism. 55 Request of Cocos to be taken into Rosario. The high hopes of Father Jaudenes were probably the result of a request made at this time by ninety-seven Cocos and Karankawas to enter Mission Rosario. He wrote Munoz that, shortly after his return, these Indians had solicited per- mission to join the mission. They were not members of Chief Frazada Pinta's tribe, nor had they ever been in a mission. They came from beyond the mouth of the Colorado River. He had told them to return in two weeks, and although he had not expected to see them again, they came back on April 5. 56 54 Manuel Munoz to Cardenas, May 15; Francisco Vazquez to Fray Jaudenes, August 11; Cardenas to Munoz, October 2, 1794. Bexar Arcllives. 55 Cortes to Munoz, January 15; Jaudenes to Munoz, September 9, and October 23, l 796. Bexar Arcllives. 56 Juan Cortes to Munoz, March 24; Jaudenes to Cortes, April S, 1797. BJxar Arcllives.
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