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Ctmtinued Foreign Intrigues and Turmuil, r813-r8r8
thereafter rumors became rife that San Antonio would soon be attacked by a . large army of volunteers; that Matagorda and one other port on the coast of Texas would be opened by the liberators to trade with the United States; that the United States would openly support the new government and that from thirty to forty thousand land-hungry Ameri- cans would be allowed to settle in Texas.' 7 Battle of New Orleans. But whatever the plans of the perennial schemers were, they had ·to be postponed temporarily to meet the crisis arising from the attack of the English on New Orleans. The participation of the pirates of Barataria does not constitute part of the history of Texas. It is of interest to note, however, that they generously offered their services and that General Jackson, who had denounced them as worthless canaille, praised their bravery. The Revolutionary leaders in New Orleans, putting aside their personal differences, likewise volunteered for the defense of the city. Colonel Ellis P. Bean, Bernardo Gutierrez, Henry Perry, General Humbert, and the recently arrived self-styled representative of the Mexican Revolutionary Government, Jose Mariano Anaya, all took part in the battle. Toledo served with commendation as an aide to Governor Claiborne. When late in the spring the city celebrated not only the victory but also the news of the peace with England, the flags of Cartagena and the Mexican Republic were raised "at the side of those of the European Powers on the· occasion of the fiestas' held. Gutierrez, but a few months before denounced as a blood- thirsty "monster" and now acclaimed a hero, must have reflected on the fickleness of human nature. 41 Occupation of Galvestu11, Island. After the Battle of New Orleans, when schemes for the occupation of the Texas coast were renewed, Galveston Island came to play an important role in the plans. The New Orleans Associates, a loose organization at its best, whose membership included merchants, pirates--even United States officials-had long been interested in Florida, Texas, and commerce on the high seas. For this purpose they had kept in close touch with General Humbert, Toledo, Gutierrez, and other leaders who frequented the city. Early in February, 1815, Toledo decided to contact the wandering Mexican Congress in one last effort to revolutionize northern Mexico. He asked that he be issued a formal commission as captain and a 47 Murphy to Onis, New Orleans, November 25, 1814, Papeles d11 Cuba, A. C. I. 48 Warren, op. ciJ., II5-u8; Onis to the Viceroy, May 1, 1815, Notas Diplumaticas, A. C. M.
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