Beginning of Sec11lari::ation in San Antonio 353 should be declared to form part of the jurisdiction of the Villa by formal proclamation. They should then be divided into convenient plats and their respective limits marked with stone and mortar mounds. The former neophytes should be given first choice in the selection of their plats, each one drawing his portion by lot. The remaining lands were to be distributed in the same manner to the settlers of Los Adaes, giving to each one of them possession of their respective farm lands. The extensive pastures were to be disposed of in the same manner, reserving a portion for the communal lands of the Villa. The implements and the tools as well as the grain and other products stored in the granary, and all the domestic animals and the cattle were to be equitably distributed among the mission Indians to whom they rightly belonged. The same was to be observed with regard to the mission houses, but those left over might be given to the new settlers. The streets of the Villa were to be extended to the mission and its pueblo, and the lands enclosed within the mission walls were to be divided into building lots. These were to be distributed to the settlers at a public drawing and assigned to them for the construction of their houses. The Indians were to be allowed to draw their lots first. Within four years after the new settlers were formally put in possession of the apportioned building lots, farm lands, and pastures, they were to fence them, build their houses, and cultivate the land. Failure to build permanent houses and make improvements on their lands forfeited the right of the holders to the property, which was then to be declared vacant and given to more worthy settlers. Furthermore, no settler could sell or transfer any part of the land assigned to him, nor his building lot during the first four years. After this period the consent of the governor was required and a certified statement that the party disposing of his property had fulfilled the terms of the grant by ma.king the prescribed improve- ments. But under no circumstances could any of the lands distributed pass into mortmain. Such a transfer was to be null and void and the property involved was to revert to the public domain of the king. The settlers receiving land under the conditions outlined were to incur other obligations. They were to be required to provide themselves with arms and horses and to be subject to call for inspection by the governor as often as that official deemed it proper. While not expected to render regular military duty, they were to be ready at all times to aid in repelling attack and to pursue the enemy whenever ordered to do so by the governor. The A sesor General further recommended that the governor of the
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