Lot 28
Serra, Father Junipero. Anything from the hand of Father Junipero Serra is a legendary rarity. Franciscan priest and the Apostle of California for his missionary efforts in the New World.
Extremely Rare Document (Signed Twice). One page, Two-sides, Large Quarto, San Gabriel Mission (Mission of the Arch-Angel San Gabriel de los Temblores, November 19, 1778. This document grants asylum to four soldiers at the Mission of San Gabriel. Inculded is a full translation of the document. A second signature of Father Junipero Serra appears in the first line of text.
The true significance of this document lies in that it clearly established the hands-on authority of Father Serra's day-to-day management of the mission as the focus of his concerns. As a mission builder, his life demanded careful attention to the Indians, soldiers, colonists, crops, buildings, mules, supply ships from Mexico. During this critical mission-formation period between 1770 and 1775, relations between Spain's military and its religious authority in California were frequently at ends. The goal of both, of course, was the colonization of the country through Christianization of the natives. This had been Spain's method in the New World through some three centuries of missionary activity. However, as far as Serra, the padre presidente was concerned, the military commander and his soldiers were merely policemen to guard and assist the mission padres. Whereas, the military commander believed that it was his orders that ruled the territory. Accordingly, succeeding military commanders rationed the Indians food supplies diverted the Indians from mission labors to become servants for the soldiers. Serra became more and more insistent that soldiers with families, especially Indian wives, should be replaced and allowed to remain as settlers. He wanted to purge the priapic soldiers and encourage permanentt residency. This explains the importance of this document as it represents the very heart and soul of Serra's missionary zeal to establish Christian roots among the local inhabitants. By the year of 1774, Father Junipero Serra had taken his place among the ranks of our founding fathers, from Cortes to Washington, to Lewis and Clark; all of whom played decisive roles in the European settlement of the New World.
Fine. Accompanied by a certification of authenticity by Charles Hamilton, Feb. 6, 1996.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 17,500.
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| Realized $15,525 |
