Continued Foreig1, ltitrigues and Turnwil, 1813-1818
133
to aid the revolutionary leaders in Cartagena or Texas. 37 Although well past fifty, Humbert had retained his vigor and enthusiasm. Robinson's wild scheme captivated the fancy of the old warrior, who had been casting about for something to do. He, accordingly, set out for Texas shortly after his conversation with the dynamic schemer. His arrival in Louisiana, early in September, created quite a sensation among French and Spanish officers in New Orleans. Talk of a combined land and sea expedition to be launched with the full support of the Baratarian pirates soon spread. It was rumored that more than six hundred Irish, French, and American volunteers. were on their way to Natchitoches for the invasion of Texas and that a naval expedition was being fitted out to attack Matagorda or La Bahia. Shaler, still in Natchitoches, became quite alarmed. 38 Before Humbert left for the frontier, he seems to have reached an understanding with a brother officer, General Irenee Amelot de Lacroix, whom Robinson had already talked into an expedition to support the Texas defenders of liberty. Lacroix, who was to enlist men and bring them to Louisiana, proved to be as resourceful and unscrupulous as Robinson himself. While Humbert discussed the details of the invasion with would-be revolutionists in New Orleans, his fellow conspirator published a proclamation in the New Engla,id Palladium of Boston on November 29, 1813, calling for volunteers. To make the appeal more effective, Lacroix dated it as if originally issued in San Antonio on September 27, 1813, completely ignorant of the fact that no rebel government existed at that time. With equal disregard for the niceties of accuracy, he affixed to the document the names of Toledo and a Carlos Jose de la Cruz, whom he made interim secretary of state. Lacroix next assumed the rank of Major General of the Third Division of the Army of Liberation and proceeded to issue commissions. When a certain James J. Johnson, commissioned a lieutenant by Lacroix, wrote Toledo in January, 1814, that he was ready to join him, the successor to the unfortunate e?(:pedition of Gutierrez was surprised and quite dis- turbed.59 Under no circumstances did he wish to be identified with any French agents. 5 7Warren, Tl,e Sword was their Passport, 77-78. 31 The watchful Onis reported Humbert's activities in a letter to the Captain General of Cuba on August 20, 1813. For the alarm of Shaler, sec his letter to Monroe, Natchez, September 19, 1813, Shaler Papers, N. A. W. 39 James J. Johnson to Toledo, January 9, 1814; Toledo to Captain Locket, January 10, 1814, Mexico, Filibustering Expeditions, N. A. W.
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