SALINAS "In the Midst of a Loneliness": The Architectural History of the Salinas Missions

LIFE AND TIMES IN THE CONVENTO (continued)

The Cell

For the trip to New Mexico, each friar received an issue of supplies which was to feed and clothe him for the duration of the trip. Most of these materials were apparently intended to last beyond the trip itself, and formed a basic stock of personal equipment and supplies. Clothing issued was:

 2 pairs of shoes.
 2 pairs of stockings.
 2 pairs of leggings.
 6 yards of Rouen.
15 yards of burlap.
 1 hat and hat-box.

Bedding:

2 blankets.
9 yards of canvas for making mattresses.
1 travelling bag of leather or canvas for the mattress.

Other personal items included:

1 wine-bottle.
1 drinking jug.
1 chest with a lock and key.
1 large brass basin.
1 hundred-weight of tallow candles.
2 brush-axes for cutting firewood.
2 tin-plated lanterns.
1 table and benches.

The tin-plated lanterns were provided for saying mass on the road, but again would have been available for use in the convento after more permanent provisions were made. The table and benches were to be used to make a temporary altar on the road and while in the Pueblo before a permanent altar was completed, but would have thereafter been available for use in the convento. [64]

Over the years, the missionaries ordered the shipment of additional furnishings and luxury items for the convento, such as a large clock or chocolate for the friars. [65] Other items would have been made either by the friar himself or on his request by local craftsmen. These would probably have included chairs, a desk, a bed frame, and extra tables as needed. [66]

Every three years the friar received additional supplies for use in the convento:

  8 gallons of lamp oil.
 1 ream of paper.
 2 blankets.
 3 pairs of sandals.
 2 pairs of woolen stockings.
 1 friar's hat.
 1 pound of domestic yarn.
 1 hundred yards of sack-cloth.
12 yards of Rouen.
12 yards of linen.
 2 pairs of scissors.
12 awls with handles.
12 square needles.
12 coarse needles.
24 regular needles.
20 large knives.
 6 common rosaries.

The last two items may have been intended for use as trade goods or gifts. Knives, rosaries and rings were commonly ordered gift items in the Texas missions of the Eighteenth century. The provision of cloth and sewing equipment rather than finished clothing indicates that the friar was expected to make or have made his own garments.