Preparing to Weather the Storm, 1790-1800
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matter was submitted to the Junta Real de H acic11da, on September 19. 1794, the claim was denied. Under the circumstances, the revival of the old claim should be disregarded, declared Navarro. Elguezabal should be informed of the antecedents and instructed to proceed to investigate whether or not the mission was able to pay. Whatever property, seed, cattle, or other goods, that was not actually needed for the support of the Indians, was to be attached. If the mission was as destitute as Father Jaudenes claimed, the governor should be notified in order that he might determine the cause for its failure. A report on the number of Indians at the mission, their daily occupation, and the resources of the establishment would enable officials to decide whether the mission should be continued or abandoned. Elguezabal evidently must have concluded that the mission was able to pay the amount, for on January 19, 1798, Nava authorized him to collect the debt. 61 Population of La Baltia. The census report of 1797 showed there were twelve hundred twelve persons living at La Bahia. Of this number, four hundred sixteen were Spaniards; the others were Indians in the two· missions. In January, 1798, Elguezabal reported the population as thirteen hundred seventy, showing an increase of one hundred fifty-eight persons.. The chief occupations were agriculture and cattle raising, but he added that without irrigation the crops were uncertain. 62 When Ugalde recommended in 1789 the improvement of the fortifications in Nacogdoches and La Bahia. he also called attention to the deplorable conditions that existed in San Antonio, pointing out that since this was the seat of government and the only settlement worthy of the name, it deserved more consideration in the plans for defence. It is to be remembered that it was Ugalde who argued so strenuously at that time for the preservation of the office of governor. 63 Co11ditio1ts in San Antonio. Not until Viceroy Revillagigedo took charge the following year were the recommendations of Ugalde respecting Texas acted upon. Munoz declared in the meantime that the most urgent need was the construction of a guard-house. The property necessary for the purpose had been ceded 61 Elguezahal to Nava, June 2 5. 1797; Dictamen de! Auditor Galindo Navarro, August 1, 1797; Nava to Ei,l;'uezabal, January 19, 1798. Be.rar Archhles. 62 Census reports in the Bexar Arc/lives. 63 See pages I I I-I I J.
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