Rivertls Inspection and Removal of ll1issions to San Antonio 265
1731. The most important matter was the maintenance of peace, he declared. Captain Bustillo y Ceballos had had considerable experience in dealing with the natives in the past and had demonstrated his tact and good judgment during the time he was at La Bahia. When he went there the Indians were openly hostile and had no love for the Spaniards, but before he left that post, peace had been concluded with three tribes that had revolted, and general contentment prevailed. Nevertheless, in view of the circumstances described by the governor in his letter as existing among some of the nations of East Texas, it would be well to remind him to act with all prudence so as not to give occasion or provoke the natives to become hostile. If the soldiers were not fully equipped, he pointed out, it was because of the neglect of the former captain. It would be a question of a short time for Bustillo to remedy this situation, his activity and diligence in such matters being well known. The lances and the horses he could pro- vide. Although the type of the soldiers, according to the list reported, was not as high as it should be, it would be too expensive to enlist enough Spaniards to replace the various breeds enumerated. These made just as good soldiers for frontier service. In regard to the lack of powder, His Excellency should order that a box should be sent to Los Adaes imme· diately, in order that the ammunition might be used in case of need tc repel an attack or to fire salutes as occasion demanded. The question of trade with the French had always been a very delicate matter. It is surprising, therefore, to find Rivera take the news of the exchange of goods and supplies between the soldiers of the Presidio of los Adaes and the French from Natchitoches so calmly. The new com- mander of the post, he said, was capable of enforcing the regulations con- cerning illicit trade with foreigners and would know how far the innocent exchange of products raised by the French at Natchitoches should go, without putting in jeopardy the peace now existing between the two crowns. The extensive trade now carried on between the Indians of the Province of Texas and the French could not be stopped by the presidio, he explained, because of its location and the intimate relations that existed between the natives and the foreign traders at Natchitoches. To attempt it at this time might not only antagonize the Indians but would displease the French with whom Spain was at peace. The extent of the trade, he commented, was not of sufficient importance to endanger the tranquility that now prevailed, so no attempt should be made to stop the barter. The exchange of vegetables between the soldiers of the two frontier outposts
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