The Dawn of a New Era
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Orleans nine missionaries from Saint-Lazare-a Spanish Brother and six Spanish priests among them-volunteers for work in Texas, who were bringing him many letters. 27 One of these was a communication from Father Jean Baptiste Etienne, Vincentian Procurator General, dated August 9, with brief but concise instructions in regard to the Texas project. It is evident from the content this missive was but a summary of the more detailed instructions ·previously sent with the notice of the agreement reached with Cardinal Fransoni. It was at the suggestion of Cardinal Fransoni, no doubt, that Nozo sent so many Spanish missionaries intended to care for the Mexican population in Texas. This implies that Propaganda must have had other sources of information concerning Texas than Count Farnese's report, who, given his very short acquaintance with Texas, could not have included details on the general character of the population. After months of impatient waiting, Timon was ready to set out on his great undertaking, a survey of conditions to supply the basic informa- tion for formulating a plan to restore Catholic activity in Texas. The instructions he received late in November were brief. He was to make an exploration of conditions in the Republic of Texas and forward a re- port of his findings to Rome and Paris. The Sacred Congregation of Car- dinals and the Motherhouse of the Vincentians together would then deter- mine the steps to be taken. 28 The very day he received his instructions Timon informed Etienne that he was leaving immediately for Louisiana, where he would select from the recently arrived missionaries a companion for his journey. He planned to sail for Texas at the first opportunity, visit the most important settlements, "take suitable measures for a central establishment, and return to dispatch ... missionaries thither." 29 While awaiting a steamboat for New Orleans, he wrote his old friend and Texas enthusiast, Bishop Simon Brute at Vincennes, Indiana, to acquaint him with his plans and to ask for suggestions and information concerning Texas. On the eve of his departure Timon also wrote Bishop Rosati, probably his friend of longest standing in Missouri. He had not informed him of any of these plans for fear of the Bishop's dis- approval, because he knew Rosati would not want him to do anything which could jeopardize his services to the Diocese of St. Louis as Vicar General. Timon wrote that the report in L'Ami de la Religion concerning 27 Benito Paradela, Resum~n historico de la Congregacion de la lllision en Espana, desde IJ04 a 1868.
28 Etienne to Timon, November 27, 1838, C. A. T. 29 Timon to Etienne, November 27, I 838, C. A. T.
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