Frenclt Settlement and Spain's Renewed luterest
11
strong protest against the invasion of Spanish territory in time of peace. He sent word that he would follow shortly and pay the fort a personal visit. When on March 23 the Spanish expedition reached Biloxi, they were politely entertained and feasted by the French. But the courtesy of the invaders, who regaled the Spaniards with such delicacies as fresh bread, milk, eggs, wine, and even brandy, did not make Arriola forget his duty. He again protested in the strongest terms against the French settlement of Spanish territory and demanded the evacuation of the set- tlers. The commander of Biloxi politely replied he had taken possession of the land by order of his king to keep the English out; that he could do nothing without orders from France. To attack the fort was out of the question. Arriola remained at Biloxi four days and started on his return trip on March 27. But misfortune haunted the Spaniards. Three days later a terrific hurricane destroyed all but one vessel. Most of the men swam ashore and drifted into the French fort where they were given gracious hospitality until new vessels could come from Pensacola to take them home. 25 The reports of Arriola and his officers convinced the Spanish officials in New Spain that to attempt to oust the French was futile with the resources at hand. It was necessary to await the pleasure of the king before any further steps were taken. Thus the French gained a permanent foothold on the Gulf coast, which, like a thorn, rankled constantly the sensitive honor of Spain's officials and resulted ultimately in the formal occupation of Texas. Deatlz of Clzarles II. The imbecile Charles II was rapidly reaching the end of his inglorious reign. Spain and its immense colonial empire seemed crushed under an evil genius that paralyzed all action. The impo- tence of the viceregal officials in coping with foreign aggression on the Gulf coast was but a faint reflection of the incapacity of the ruler and his equally worthless advisers. France had violated the sovereignty of Spain in America with impunity and firmly established herself ·at the mouth of the Mississippi, laying the foundation for the permanent occu- pation of the vast territory of Louisiana. At last, death stepped in to end the feeble existence of Charles II, who died in November, 1700. The grandson of the powerful Louis XIV promptly ascended the throne as Philip V, first of the new Bourbon line.
25 Arriola to the Viceroy, June 4,
1700, in A. G. /., A11dieucia de ilfb:ico, 61-6-22
(Dunn Transcripts).
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