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The first measure enacted, entitled "An Act Confirming the Use and Occupation and Enjoyment of the Churches, Church Lots, and Mission Churches to the Roman Catholic Congregation, living in or near the vicinity of the same," specifically acknowledged and declared "the churches at San Antonio, Goliad and Victoria, the church lot at Nacogdoches, the churches at the Mission of Conception, San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and the Mission of Refugio, with outbuildings and lots," the property of the chief pastor of the Roman Catholic Cburch in the Republic of Texas, and his successors in office, in trust forever. Significantly, the property was restored, not to the congregations or parishes, but to the chief pastor and his successors. The restored prop- erty was to be used for religious and educational purposes "and none other." The measure granted title to no lands "except the lots upon which the churches are situated, which shall not exceed fifteen acres." The second Act, signed by ~t _-On] anuary 1~ "yielded and granted for the use of the Catholic Church upon the same terms and conditions as the churches of Conception, San Jose, San Juan, and others, the Church of the Alamo in the city of San Antonio."Sl Timon did not learn of this action until late in April. He was back in Cape Girardeau when he received letters from Saligny and Burnet acquainting him with the facts. He immediately wrote the French Cliarge, "I thank Almighty God for this success and you for your in- valuable help." At the same time he wrote Burnet to please "accept my grateful thanks. In a few days I start for Europe, and will myself present this pleasing mark of your obliging consideration to Cardinal Fransonius." 54 Visit of Timon and Odin to East Texas. Without waiting to learn the outcome of the Bill, Timon and Odin left Austin long before dawn on January 1, and after traveling twelve miles, stopped at the farmhouse of Napoleon von Hamins, a Belgian-Prussian settler, where a group had gathered to hear Mass. After Mass Timon preached, then the two missionaries continued their journey. A week before, Father Stehle had visited the place and had baptized several children on Christmas Eve. The two Vincentians arrived in Bastrop at nightfall and were cor- dially welcomed by some twenty Catholics. The Padres spent the night with the Doyles and held services the next day at O'Connell's cabin. 53 For the text of the two Acts cited, see H. P. N. Gammel, Laws of T,uu, II, 492-496. 54 Timon to Saligny, April 28, 1841; Timon to Burnet, same date, C. A. T.
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