French Settlement and Spain's Renewed Interest
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F1·e11cli settle Louisiana. Upon leaving Pensacola on January 30, the French expedition made its way to Mobile Bay, where it spent a few days before proceeding along the coast to present day Ship Island. From here the exploration of the coast was continued in canoes until the mouth of the Mississippi was finally discovered on March 2. In order to avoid any risk of passing by the river, Iberville hit upon the idea of using two long canoes to explore the coast more minutely. Fifty men and a missionary, the experie'1ced Father Anastasius Douay, who had been with La Salle fourteen years before, accompanied Iberville. With almost no difficulty he came upon the goal of his search. "We per- ceived a pass between two banks which appeared like islands. We saw that the water had changed; tasted and found it fresh . • • As we advanced we saw the passes of the river, three in number ... On the third a Te Demn was sung in gratitude for having found the river." 15 In April a temporary fort was built at Biloxi and Iberville, having accom- plished the main purpose of his expedition, prepared to return home at once to make further plans for the development of the new colony. Out of regard for his powerful protector he named the fort Maurepas. 16 But let us return to the Spaniards at Pensacola. It seems strange they did not take more active measures to prevent the French from landing on the coast. As a matter of fact, it was a full year before they even discov- ered the existence of the French settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi, and fourteen years before definite steps were taken to prevent their efforts to penetrate into Texas. To understand this paradox, let us see what effect the visit of the French had upon Arriola, and why the viceregal govern- ment, after displaying such activity in occupying this harbor, did nothing to oust the French from the coast region. No sooner had the French squadron departed than Arriola called a council of war. The Spanish garrison had not been deceived by the visitors. It was plain that they intended to found a settlement somewhere on the Gulf coast. Arriola now submitted three questions to the assembled officers. First, was it advisable to send a boat to observe the movements of the French? Second, should Arriola remain at Pensacola or embark for i\'Iexico without loss of time to secure the necessary naval force and supplies to prevent the French from carrying out their designs? Third, were there any suggestions for defence? The council of war was unanimous on the inadvisability of sending a boat to watch the movements of the French
15 French, Historical Collections of Louisiana and Florid,z, II, 52-57. 16 French, Historical Collectio11s of Lo11isi,111tJ a11tl Florid.,z, II, 110-11 J.
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