Don’t forget that the Franciscans actually moved the Monterrey mission so that the Indians wouldn’t be victimized by or get bad habits from the Spanish soldiers!
The California Missions were late 18th and early 19th century missions (quite a bit later than the Florida and Southwest missions) and I think by then it was clear that the Indians were not going to survive their encounter with the outside world intact.
One of the reasons that the California missions were more enclosed and “collectivized” than the other missions was that the friars thought they were building a little utopian society for the Indians. That is, it was a sort of protected, ideal world, where the day began with prayer, the Indians worked at their crafts or trades a few hours a day and then farmed, the unmarried women lived modestly and safely in sort of “barracks,” etc. The missions were guarded by Spanish soldiers, but only married men who were known to be of good moral character were permitted.
Like most Utopian schemes, the missions failed, although that was in part because of the pressure of first the Mexican ranchers and then the Americans, who wanted the land and the profitable cattle operations of the missions.
They had similar problems with the Presidio at Branciforte. Those soldiers were the bottom of the barrel.
I think by then it was clear that the Indians were not going to survive their encounter with the outside world intact.
Clear to us, but I don't share the conclusion that the Franciscans had made that observation without a quote.
That is, it was a sort of protected, ideal world, where the day began with prayer, the Indians worked at their crafts or trades a few hours a day and then farmed, the unmarried women lived modestly and safely in sort of “barracks,” etc.
Knew that too. Why do you feel the necessity to "instruct" me? Really, it's insulting.
The missions were guarded by Spanish soldiers, but only married men who were known to be of good moral character were permitted.
Such as there weren't. Syphilis was the end of the California Indian. Tuberculosis paled by comparison.