Our Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
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son in particular aroused resentment in Toledo. After spending some time in Natchitoches discussing his project with friends, Robinson had set out for Washington to make his report and present his new plans to the Secretary of State. Unaware of his dismissal from the service by Secretary Monroe, he had prepared a detailed account of his mission to Chihuahua and recommended the military occupation of Texas. He tried to con- vince Monroe of the necessity of intervening in favor of the Mexican Revolution by occupying all or a part of Texas to protect the claim to that province as part of Louisiana. He pointed out that little cooperation could be expected from Gutierrez on that score. He urged the organiza• tion of an expedition-which he would gladly lead-to help the Mexican Revolutionists wrest freedom from Spain, gain the good will of the Re· public, and protect the claims to Texas. 30 Since the war with England was drawing to a close, the excuse for aiding revolutionists against Spain as an ally of England no longer exist- ed. The United States desired to maintain the good will of Spain so as to bring to a successful conclusion a treaty settling the Texas-Louisiana boundary. A cold ear was turned, therefore, to the tempting proposals of the discharged official. Robinson was not easily discouraged. Early in August he attended a meet.ing held in a Philadelphia tavern in his honor by eighteen "demo- crats." Posing as the representative of the Texas patriots, he called for volunteers to join Toledo's army, and urged the formation of societies to aid the revolution. The public statement brought an immediate protest from Onis. Robinson then returned to Washington to plead his case be- fore Monroe. Not finding the Secretary, he left some leading questions in writing: Would the United States accept Florida if offered to her? Would a "patriot" army be permitted to march across American territory te>' Texas? Would Cuba, when freed from European influence, be ad- mitted into the Union? No reply was made. 31 Robinson hurried to Pittsburgh, where he promised volunteers honor, glory, and wealth. Participants, he said, would be granted citizenship, given a section of land, and guaranteed pensions if disabled; soldiers would be paid twenty-five dollars a month, and officers, up to five thousand 30Monroe to Robinson, June 6, 1813; Robinson to Monroe, July :26 1 1813 1 Mezi&o, Filibuste,-ing Expeditions, N. A. W. 31 0nis to Captain General of Cuba, Philadelphia, August 31, 1813, Papeler de Cuba, A. G. /.; Robinson to Monroe, November s, 1813, Mexico, Filibustering Ex,Peditiom, N. A. W.
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