P1·cpari11g to ~Veatlecr the Storm, I790-1800
1 93
Cortes reported to the governor that he was co1winced of their sincerity. He pointed out that these Indians, being sedentary in their habits, had permanent pueblos similar to those of the Bidais, the Tejas, and the Orcoquisacs. In recent years they had maintained peace with the Spaniards. The women were excellent workers and knew how to grind corn and make very good tortillas (hand-patted corn cakes). Cortes believed that they would soon learn to make their own clothes. He was particularly impressed with their industry. While waiting for an answer to their request, they had busied themselves in clearing a field, plowing it, and planting a bushel of corn. 58 Nava, when informed of the incident, agreed with :Munoz in that the Indians should be induced to come to San Antonio, if possible. Only as a last resort were they to be permitted to stay at La Bahia, in which case, the Cocos should be placed in Rosario and the Karankawas sent to Refugio. In either event the approval of Father Cardenas, president of the missions, should be obtained. The expenses incurred in their reduction to mission life were to be met out of the funds assigned to the mission and not the Mesteii.a Fund which had been drawn upon to pay for the fifty fa11egas of corn sent by the governor. Munoz was instructed to furnish only the most essential supplies for the new arrivals. Not having heard the ultimate disposition made in the case, Nava again urged in July that both the Cocos and the Karankawas should be induced to come to San Antonio where they would enjoy the advan- tages of irrigation for cultivating the fields and much better protection against their enemies. If they preferred to remain in La Bahia, they were to be made to understand that they would have to work in the fields and help raise crops for their maintenance in order that they would not become an added burden to the royal treasury. 59 Mission guards at Rosario and• Refugio. The arrival of the party of Karankawas and Cocos had made Father Jaudenes appeal to Captain Cortes for three or four additional guards. Three more soldiers were accordingly assigned to Rosario with the approval of Elguezabal. But since these had to be taken from Mission Refugio, Father Puelles. who was temporarily in charge, ardently protested the action to Governor Muii.oz. In his deprecation Puelles maintained that the life of a mis- sionary--one of hunger, suffering, and endless prh·ations-was difficult 51 Cortes to l\Iufioz, April 7; list of supplies needed, same date; Cortes to Munoz, April 22, 1797. Bexar Archives. 59 Pedro Nava to Munoz, May 2, June 13, and July 1, 1797. Bexar Arc/rives.
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