O"r Catliolic Heritage in Texas
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the agreement between Saint-Lazare and Rome was correct, that he had just learned that the Vincentians had been called to conduct a mission in Texas, and that he would soon have to leave for New Orleans. He assured the Bishop, however, that no Vincentians from Missouri would be sent in the immediate future to Texas, since the missionaries who had come from France would be sufficient for all that might have to be done there for some time. Timon assured Rosati that he would be absent no longer than necessary to make a brief preliminary survey. 30 The reply of Bishop Brute reached Timon in New Orleans. Texas had a great future, the Bishop declared. The mission, he warned, would prove difficult and would require patience and tact, because the country was racially and politically divided. It would be well, he advised, to find out from Bishop Blanc whether Father Ganihl (Anthony Ganihl, of Kentucky) had Faculties from the Bishop of Monterrey. Bishop Brute estimated the population to be between 70,000 and 100,000-mostly Americans. He appeared puzzled by Nozo's dispatching Spanish priests from France and speculated on the possibility that they were sent to counteract American influence. He advised Timon to purchase David Edward's book on the geography of Texas. 31 After arriving in New Orleans, Timon conferred with Bishop Blanc, and selected as his companion for the inspection of Texas Father John Francis Llebaria, C.M., one of the recently arrived Spanish missionaries, who could also speak French fluently and could, therefore, act as in- terpreter for him. The twenty-four-year-old Llebaria, just ordained, joined Timon in New Orleans on Christmas Eve. The young priest was deeply impressed by Timon, whom he came to love during the trip and about whose activities he wrote with warm affection to the Superior General. Timons preliminary mrvey. Christmas Day found the two mis- sionaries aboard the steamer Cuba, on the broad waters of the Gulf of Mexico bound for Galveston. Timon had delivered the sermon at the 30 Timon to Rosati, November 30, 1838, C. A. T. Charles G. Deuther, in The life and Ti,nes of t/ie Rt. Rev. Jolin Timon, D.D., erroneously misled by the Timon Memoir, written many years later, stated that Rosati participated in the Texas negotiations. The facts appear to be that Bishop Rosati was quite displeased with Timon for failing to take him into his confidence on the matter. Cf. Bayard, ot. cu., p. 29, n. 17. llBrute to Timon, December 7, 1838, C. A. T. The book recommended was Tl,e History of Texas: or the Emigrant's, Farmer's, and Politician's Guide to tl,,e C/,aracler, Climate, Soil, and Production of that Country. Geographically Arra11ged from Personal Observation aJtd Experience.
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