Our Catholic Heritage in T e%as
violation of neutrality. Political ambitions, selfish passions, and the pursuit of easy wealth made strange companions in a foreign land. Toudo attempts t,o ruin the Mina e%peditwn. It was at this juncture that Toledo, disillusioned and discouraged, came to Philadelphia to see Onis. During a period of despondency in the summer of 1815, Toledo had fallen under the lure of the ever-watchful Father Sedella, of New Orleans, who pointed out to him the futility of his efforts in behalf of Spanish-American independence. The offer of a full pardon and an opportunity to return to Spain with his wife proved too much of an inducement for the unstable and impulsive leader of ill-starred expedi- tions. Gladly he confessed the part he had played in various plots and revealed, insofar as he knew them, the details of all schemes to overthrow legitimate government in Spanish America. He recommended pardon for all except his hated rival, Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara. 56 Shortly before Mina and his friends came to Philadelphia, Toledo arrived with instructions from Onis to break up the Mina plot if possible, or at least to gain a position of t,,ust in order to keep Spanish authorities informed of developments. Accordingly, the ubiquitous "man of talent," now approached Mina to have himself named commander of the expedi- tion as the recognized leader of the Revolutionists of northern Mexico. His efforts proved futile. Mina was ready late in August, 1816, to start despite all efforts of Onis and Toledo to thwart his plans.s 1 Mina and Aury. Before the sailing date, it had been agreed that Mier was to proceed to New Orleans to contact Herrera, and that with the aid of Aury he was to explore Matagorda Bay to ascertain the best place for establishing a base. Mina in the meantime was to go to Port Au Prince to secure aid from Haiti before joining Mier in New Orleans. Misfortune, however, hounded the Spanish patriot from the moment he started his journey. Heavy seas buffeted the little fleet and seriously damaged the Caudo,i_i.a on her arrival in Haiti. While repairs were being made, Mina saw President Petion. The latter offered three battalions of Negro troops, whom Mina would have to feed, equip, and transport. Such conditions, of course, were beyond the means of Mina. During the wait in Haiti the officers tired of their prolonged idleness and began abandoning the expedition. Many, completely disappointed, returned UQnis to the Captain General of Cuba, December 26, J 816, Papeles d11 C11ba, A.G./. nonis to the Captain General of Cuba, Philadelphia, August 21, 1816, Pa;eus d11 C11ba, A.G. I.
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