Our Catholic Heritage in T e:xas
Father Garza assured the Indians that he would try to fulfill their request, explaining to them he would have to take up the matter with the Capita,i Grande, the viceroy, and promised them he would return as soon as possible. He hurried back to Espiritu Santo to write a full account of the circumstances to Father Silva. At the same time he requested permission from and solicited the support of Governor Munoz. He again pointed out that the location called Cayo del Refugio, pre- viously chosen, was the best site for the contemplated mission, because it was where the Ka~ankawas habitually camped the greater part of the year. Captain Juan Cortes, the new commander at La Bahia, verified the report of Father Garza on November 8, stating that the number of Karankawas who had solicited the mission and who were ready to join it was one hundred eighty-six. Governor Mufi.oz, without awaiting further details, transmitted the request to the viceroy on November 20, with his full approval of the project. 25 At this time the Province of Texas was not under the jurisdiction of the commandant of the newly created Interior Provinces, but directly under that of the viceroy. Prompt approval by viceroy. With incredible speed, the viceroy approved the plan for the proposed mission at the place called Refugio on December 31, 1791. Having consulted Ramon de Posada, the Fiscal de Real Hacienda, he instructed Father Garza to proceed with the con- struction of the necessary buildings and to secure the things and supplies necessary for divine service. At the same time Governor Munoz was authorized to furnish the essential supplies for the establishment of the mission. The orders were formally transmitted by viceregal decree on January 4, 1792. Only one missionary was assigned to Refugio, who was to draw his salary from the royal treasury at San Luis Potosi. 24 Unexpected delays. Ignorant of the success with which the efforts of Father Garza had met both among the Indians and before the viceroy, Father Silva arrived in· Mexico from Zacatecas early in March and prepared a long memorial in support of his cherished project. While the report and petition were dated March 10, 1791, they were not pre- sented to the viceroy until March 13. Father Silva explained in detail 15 Pedro Nava to the King, November 6, 1794 • .A. G. /,, .Audiencia de Guada- lajara, 104-1-1 (Dunn Transcripts, 1794-98, pp. 51-62). Bolton gives the date as November 22, 1791, oj. cit., XIX, 403. UNava to the King, November 11, 1796. /bid., pp. 51-52; also Galindo Navarro to Pedro Nava, June 26, 1794. A.G. I., Aud.iencia de Guadalajara, 104-1-1 .(Dunn Transcripts, 1794-98, pp. 14-33),
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