A bandomnent of East Texas
295
instructions to Oconor. He gave him at the same time copies of all the reports which the Governor of Texas had made prior to the arrival of the new regulations and of the proposals for the solution of the problems that faced him in Texas. In view of the new orders, the establishment of a presidio and mission among the northern tribes was out of the question. He should be instructed to carry out the abandonment of the presidios and missions in east Texas without delay, and apprised of the allowance of two thousand pesos for the construction of a new fort on the Cibolo. 36 Instructions for tlte abandonment of east Tezns. Pursuant to the orders of the viceroy and the king, Oconor prepared with care the instructions that should serve as guidance to Governor Ripperda. He was to proceed at once to the suppression of the four missions of the College of Zacatecas: Nuestra Senora del Pilar de los Adaes, Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches, and Nuestra Senora de la Luz de) Orcoquisac. He was to make an inventory of all the ornaments and sacred vessels given to each mission by the king, which were to be turned over to him by the respective missionaries. These he was to retain and be personally responsible for until the viceroy disposed of them. He was likewise to destroy and abandon the Presidio of Los Adaes. The artillery, ammunition, and all other property, as well as the ornaments and sacred vessels of its chapel were to be listed and transported to San Antonio. All the families living in Los Adaes, and any that might ha,·e settled at Orcoquisac or the suppressed missions were to be mo,•ed to Villa de San Fernando and given lands and the privilege of constructing an irrigation ditch at their expense to water their farms, but the property of the citizens of San Fernando and the missions was not to be violated. The aged and faithful Lieutenant Joseph Gonzalez of Los Adaes was to be given an honorable discharge. 37 Ripperda prepares to carry out i11stmctio11s. The copy of the new regulations and the letter of the viceroy requesting the governor to proceed to its fulfillment were received on April 15. 1773. On that date 36 The Viceroy to Hugo Oconor, March 1, 1773. A.G. I. Audiencia de GuadauJjara, 104-6-14 (Dunn Tr., 1755-1776) pp. 112-115. 37 Ynstrucci6n reservada, que ha de tener prezente el Coronel de Cavalleria Baron de Ripperda de la Provincia de Texas. March 3, 1773. A.G. M., Audiencia de Guada- lajara, 104-6-14 (Dunn Tr. 1773-1774) pp. 27-57. Copy also in A.G. ,I/. Hislorfo, Vol. 51, pp. 161-182.
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