The First Republic of Texas
to Don Nemesio Salcedo in Chihuahua. Secretary of State Monroe, there- fore, decided to send him with a message to the Commandant General of the Interior Provinces. In July, 1812, Monroe instructed Robinson to proceed to Mexico with a personal message from the President to Don Nemesio expressing regret for the disturbances recently plaguing the Interior Provinces, which resulted in part from the activities of disrep- utable characters in the Neutral Ground. Strangely enough, the instruc- tions to Robinson issued before Gutierrez and Magee crossed the frontier, stated that the action was prompted by the fact that banditti in the Neutral Ground had invaded Spanish territory in disregard of the au- thority of the United States and Spain. Possibly Shaler, in his efforts to precipitate American activity, had deliberately anticipated or predated the invasion in his reports to the Department of State. Robinson was then to make manifest to Don Nemesio the need for cooperation between the two governments in order to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. This course was either a ruse intended to remove all suspicion of American collaboration with the filibusters, or it was a sincere bid for Mexican cooperation against the British in the event that Spain joined forces with Great Britain. Be that as it may, Robinson was au- thorized to discuss measures to promote trade between the two countries and to settle the boundary question. 13 The arrival of Robinson in Natchitoches was a shock to Shaler, who told Monroe frankly that he believed the mission was too late on account of the rapidly developing events on the frontier. He assured his chief, nevertheless, that he had given Robinson all assistance possible. 14 The new agent must have spent a few days with Shaler before proceeding on his mission, as he did not reach the camp of Gutierrez and Magee on the Trinity until October 15. Surprise and wonderment swept the encamp- ment. There was no mistaking the importance of the man, for prominently displayed on his baggage was the flag of the United States. Robinson was immediately conducted to Magee, who, after questioning him closely, informed him that his army had already declared Texas a republic from the Sabine to the Trinity. A council of war was called the next day to determine what action should be taken. It was agreed by Magee and his staff to permit Robinson to continue on his way on four conditions. Briefly, he was to leave behind him the American flag, take 13 Monroe to Robinson, July 1, 1812, Alezico, Filibustering Ez,;e,titwns, Stau Department Records, N. A. W.; Cox, "Monroe and the Early Mexican Revolutionary Agents," American Historical A ssociatwn, Annual Re,;ort, 19 I I, I, I 97-:111 5. 14 Garrett, Green Flag Ovw Tezas, 163.
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