SOON AFTER THE DECREE OF SECULARIZATION.

From an old print.] [Illustration: FIGURE OF CHRIST, MISSION SAN JOSE ORPHANAGE.] After the changes brought about by political administration the number of Indians rapidly decreased, and the property acquired by their united toil quickly dwindled away, until little was left but poverty and suffering.
At the time secularization was effected in 1835, according to the inventory made, the estate, aside from church property, was valued at $36,000.

Six years after secular authorities took charge only about 70 Indians remained, with 45 cattle, 25 horses, and 865 sheep,--and a large debt had been incurred.

On June 4, 1846, the Soledad Mission was sold to Feliciano Soveranes for $800.
One of the pitiful cases that occurred during the decline of the Missions was the death of Padre Sarria, which took place at Soledad in 1835, or, as some authorities state, in 1838.

This venerable priest had been very prominent in missionary labors, having occupied the position of _Comisario Prefecto_ during many years.