Our Catholic Heritage in T e.i:as
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the lower road, or from the Colorado by the upper road. When De Mezieres visited the town in 1778, he noted the possibilities for the settlement becoming the basis of a lucrative trade with New Orleans which might be carried on through the Trinity River and Opelousas if the government permitted trade between the two provinces. 31 As proof of the determination to put an end to the tracle with the French and to establish new connections with San Antonio as a source of supply. Ibarbo arranged in 1776 to secure all supplies from this town. He entered into a contract with a merchant in San Antonio named Juan de Ysurrieta, who was to furnish all the goods needed by the settlers and to receive in exchange their products. Ibarbo took a supply of the most essential things needed by the colonists when he returned in January, I 776, "in order to put a stop to the use of all imports from Louisiana." 3 z Prospects for missions. The relations between the new settlers and the surrounding Indians were very friendly. There is a strong suspicion that the source of the amicable relations was the mutually profitable, but illicit trade under the existing regulations. Be that as it may, the new colony did not suffer during the early years from the destructive raids of hostile natives. The northeastern tribes had welcomed the return of the Spaniards to this area and their friendship, particularly that of the Tawakonis and Tonkawas, had saved the settlers from the fury of the Comanches. The Bidais and the Tejas frequently visited the new settlement and in the absence of a priest or missionary were wont to ask the settlers to baptize the dying. Great hope was held out to the officials for the conversion of these Indian nations. The Cocos and the apostates from the San Antonio missions. who Jived in this area, had begun to frequent Bucareli. If a missionary or parish priest were sent there, it was thought that a mission for these Indians could be easily established. 33 Securing a priest for Bttcareli. It has been noted that lbarbo and his companions requested from the beginning only one favor from viceregal authorities, namely that a priest be provided for the new settlement at Paso Tomas on the Trinity at royal expense for a period of ten years. But as late as November, 1775, this modest request had not been granted. 31Ripperda to the Viceroy, January 25, 1776; De Mezieres to Croix, March 18, 1 778. A. G. M. Historia, Vol. 51. 3ZRipperda to the Viceroy, January 25, 1776, in Ibid., vol. 51, 344- 33/ bid., 35.
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