PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
Perceiving, however, that these· considerations, which appeared so co- gent and irresistable in his own mind, had produced but littl~ effect upon the public functionaries, his hopes of succor began to diminish, and finally closed in despair when he was informed that the Province in which he was about to operate, belonged to the United States; and that she was preparing to assert her claims to it as far ·as the Riogrande, .. as a part of Louisianna, which she had purchased of France, and which France had claimed by virtue of Lasalle's discovery. Against this, measure he solemnly protested; and on being requested to give his· reasons in writing, he civilly declined, but expressed his readiness to defend the claims of Spain orally. Whilst he was thus occupied in his negotiation, he received the un- welcome intelligence, that his companion in misfortune whom he had left at Natchitoches collecting volunteers, had abandoned the patriot cause, and compromised his difficulties with his former persecutors. }fonchaca had succeeded in raising a fine Company and had marched with them to the Neutral Ground, when he was bought up by Salcedo, and Herrere, who were to indemnify his losses, and give him future-- protection.- Deserting his gallant little band who were ready to die- for him and his cause, he hastened to Santonio to enjoy the reward of his perfidy. And what did he receive-the gold of Salcedo ?-No-The: protection of Herere? Certainly not. But he was paid in the ven- geance of both; for immediately on his arrival, he was seized by their- order, and thrown into prison. The next day, his head was seen on the public gate. Such was the fate of Monchaca. His crime deserved the punishment. But his murderers were made to rue the deed; for they too as will hereafter be shewn were doomed in their turn to a righteous retribution. Failing in the main object of his visit, yet pleased in every other respect, Guiterez prepared to leave the city. Before his departure, however, it it [ sic] may be well to remark, that he was visited by a>. man by the name of Toledo, a Creole from Hava..nna, who was then, residing in Philadelphia. This ambitious and designing individual' being extremely anxious to connect himself in some way with the ·mis- sion, proposed to Guiterez to allow him to remain in Washington as his successor, and desired that he would prevail upon the government.: to receive him as such, whilst Guiterez himself should return to Texas,. and gathering the friends of Independence, organize a government to, direct the Revolution in that Province, and through which all neces-- sary communications might be made and proper information dissemi-.. nated. Guiterez felt the propriety of having the Revolutionary party- represented at Washington, and was ready to give his assent to this: proposition, when he was admonished by some of the Cabinet who knew the character of Toledo to have nothing to do with him. Receiving· this advice partly as an intimation that the proposed arrangement would not he recognised by the government, he declined the overtures of 'roledo, who returned, disappointed and resentful, to Philadelphia; whilst our hero himself, very shortly after commenced his homeward journey, delighted with the personal attentions which had been paid him, and not ungrateful to the government for defraying his expenses in the Capital and supplying him with the necessary funds for his re-
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