Our Catltolic /{eritage in Texas
32
of San Antonio in 1838. He had come to Texas from Maryland, had served during the Revolution, and had been sent in 1839 as special ao-ent of the Republic to New York, where he wrote his plan on March b . 2 , 1839, for the restoration of the Catholic Church in Texas. He began by asserting that although religious leaders were urging migration to Texas, Roman Catholics would not go until a bishop was appointed by the Holy See. He then cited the example of Baltimore. Immediately upon the erection of the Archdiocese a vast wave of Cath- olic immigrants poured into the country from Europe. In addition to encouraging immigration, many other benefits would result. Such a course of action would silence the existing slander that the war waged by Texas against Mexico was really fought against Catholicism. The tacit acknowledgment of the political independence of Texas by the Papacy would have a favorable effect on all Catholic countries, France in particular. With immigration would come priests, who would aid and stimulate the "great cause of education, in which the Catholic clergy are everywhere so distinguished." He then went on to express his opinion as to the character of the incumbent to occupy the first archdiocese in Texas. An American, well known to the American public and enjoying its confidence and good opinion, would be highly desirable. He went as far as to suggest Dr. Charles Constantine Pise, the assistant pastor of St. Peter's Church, whom Daingerfield had met in New York. He was a prominent priest, a Roman student, an American of fine manners and address, and a popular and eloquent orator. Daingerfield recommended San Antonio, the oldest Catholic settlement in Texas, as the logical seat for the first archbishopric. The plan was first submitted to Richard G. Dunlap, Texan Minister Plenipotentiary in Washington, who, in turn, urged its submission to James Pinkney Henderson, Texas envoy to the Court of Louis Philippe of France, so that he could sound out the Papal legate in Paris. In a letter to President Lamar, Dunlap stated that he had suggested to Henderson the propriety of letting the Papal legate in Paris know that the appointment of a bishop for Texas would be welcomed by the Texas Government. He then added: "Mexico has induced all the Catholic countries to believe that the situation in T:xas was caused alone by hostility to the Catholics. The Pope's appointment will be almost a
Powered by FlippingBook