Tlee Prefecture, 1840-1841
51
of San Antonio alone. The bustling new port of Linnville was almost completely destroyed in August. An attack made on Victoria during the same month caused serious loss of life and property in the old settle- ment. Father Estany, left there by Odin, wrote his superior that the Indians had robbed him of everything during the raid. They had taken his liturgical equipment, his clothing, his household goods, and his horse. Within a week, Odin rushed to him "the things necessary for the administration of the Sacraments," and promised to send him addi- tional supplies as soon as possible. Odin was able, the first week in September, to send him a trunk full of effects with a train of carts that was going to Linnville. 33 About the middle of September Odin decided it was safe to make a tour of inspection of the old missions in the vicinity of San Antonio. Accompanied by Navarro, he visited what remained of the venerable institutions. He found the ruins of Espada and Capistrano missions beyond repair and too distant from San Antonio for protection and safety. But San Jose and Concepcion, located five and three miles from the city, respectively, were in much better condition. He was struck by the beauty of the abandoned church and convent of San Jose. "What a pity," he mused, "were this mission to fall into the hands of Protes- tants." Veramendi, who had acquired title to its 1,500 acres of land, was asking $10,000.00 for the property, Odin remarked, and tantaliz- ingly assured Bishop Blanc that Veramendi probably would accept $6,000.00. The convent could easily be converted into a college or seminary, he added, and for that matter the location was ideal for a boys' school. He was equally impressed with the possibilities offered by Mission Concepcion, just three miles from San Antonio, whose state of preser- vation was better than that of San Jose. He described it as a "charming" place for the establishment of a girls' academy under the management of English-speaking Sisters. "I am going to Austin," he told the Bishop, "within a few weeks to obtain a decision from Congress that will se- cure these religious buildings for Catholic cult." 34 San Antonio was alive with activity by late September. More than two hundred men had gathered for a campaign against the Comanches. So great was the resentment aroused by the wanton murders committed by these savages that the troops were given instructions not to spare S 3 0din, Diary, entries for August 17 1 24, September 3 1 October 13 1 1840; Odin to Blanc, October 2, 1840; Odin to Etienne, April 11, I 841, C. A. T. "Odin to Blanc, San Antonio, October 2, 1840 1 C. A. T.
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