Our Catlwlic Heritage in T e:ras
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November. He reported that irrigation was impractical because of the low banks of the river but that the land was fertile and well suited to cultivation. The scarcity and poor condition of the horses made it impos- sible for him to visit the neighboring tribes as instructed. He had only been able to see the Bidais in whose country the new settlement was and the Tejas to whom he had paid a visit. When the escort returned to San Antonio, the governor reported to the viceroy that there were many families who were anxious to join the others, but the shortage of horses ·kept them from going to Pilar de Bucareli. He estimated at this time that seventy men capable of bearing arms and their families were already established in the new settlement. 25 Reasons for the selection of the site. What had decided the former citizens of Los Adaes and the Governor of Texas to choose the location on which the new settlement was founded? The recently abandoned presidio of Orcoquisac had fully demonstrated the unhealthy character of the country and the climate, but the chief difficulty as a military post was its inaccessibility. In his correspondence Ripperda explained that the new site was selected because it was approximately midway between San Antonio and Natchitoches, on the main road and would be invaluable in maintaining communication with the latter post. This was, however, the strongest reason for the opposition of Oconor. A second reason for its location was said to be the protection against the Comanches which the friendly Tawakonis and Tonkawas afforded it. Furthermore, its fertility and facilities for raising cattle and horses showed conditions favorable to provide San Antonio and La Bahia with these and other necessities. A fourth reason was its strategic position in cutting off the French contra- band trade. In this respect a fifth argument was advanced. Being in the middle of several Indian nations who were friendly, it would be invaluable in maintaining and extending Spanish control over the natives of the entire northern, eastern, and southern areas through trade and missionary activity. Lastly, Pilar de Bucareli was an advantageous location from which to keep a watch on the incursions of the English who were begin- ning to penetrate this region. 26 The sincerity of Ripperda was questioned, however, in spite of the fact that at his request lbarbo conducted a thorough exploration of the %5Rfpperda to the Viceroy, September 1, and November 15, 1774, A.G. M. Historia, Vol. 51, pp. 312-316. %6Rfpperda to _the Viceroy, September 1, and November IS, 1774, and January IS, 1776. /b;d., 312-316; 337-342; De Mezieres to Croix, March 18, 1778.
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