Occupation of tlie Trinity River, IJ46-I772
61
declarations of Elias George and Antonio Dessars. Monsieur George explained that at the time of the capture they had twenty-three hundred deerskins, which were taken by the soldiers and distributed among themselves. He accused Diego Ramon, one of the soldiers, of having sent two mule loads of goods to his brother. 23 Not until August 27 did the Fiscal make his report. He reviewed all the facts of the case, analy'sed the declarations of the prisoners and the recommendations of the governor and the Auditor, and concluded that the matter was urgent. In his opinion the temporary occupation of the Trinity ordered by the governor should be approved. As to the missions contemplated, that official should consult with the Indians, the President of the missions of East Texas, and persons of experience as to the location best suited for the purpose, and report at · which time the matter could be formally approved. Wisely he ignored the suggestion that Jesuits be sent to Texas and expressed the hope that in time several missions might be founded for the Orcoquisacs. He did not think that a civil settlement was necessary at this time. The governor could be instructed to enlist volunteer settlers and offer them lands and the honors of first settlers as inducements, but the royal treasury should not be burdened with additional expenses for this purpose. Action of autl,orities. Taking notice of the claim of Blancpain as to the incomplete report of Ruiz and Governor Barrios concerning the goods taken from him, the Fiscal suggested that this matter should be investigated. This was essential in order to make a correct report to His Majesty. If part of the merchandise had been distributed among the soldiers, this should be recovered by the governor and kept safely by him subject to the orders of the viceroy. 2 ' When the matter was again referred to the Atditor, this official replied immediately by urging the need for prompt and determined action. In his opinion the failure of the French to win completely the friendship of the Comanches had induced them to seek an easier route along the coast. He pointed out that it was the policy of French officials to employ 23 Declaraciones de Jose Dlancpain, Elias George y Antonio Dessars, February 19-21, 1755, San Francisco el Grande Arc/1ive, Vol. 6, pp. 181-189; Doctor Andreu · al Virrey, August 27, 1755; List of goods declared by Blancpain a!I taken from him, October 22, 1755; Razon de la Ruta, October :.zs, 1755, in . .J. G. / ., ,.J11dimci,1 d1 Guadalajara, 103-6-23 ( Dunn Transcript~, 1 7 56), pp. 83-911. 24 Respuesta fiscal, August 27, 1755, A. G. /., A udimd,i tit CJ11cJ,/,i/.,j,ircJ, 103-6-23 (Dunn Transcripts, 1756), pp. 46-65. Copy also in ScJ11 f'r,mcisco d GrcJ1ul1 Archiv,, Vol. 6.
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