CHAPTER VII
LAST FILIBUSTERING EXPEDITIONS AND THE ATTAINMENT OF INDEPENDENCE, 1817-1820
In 1817 the struggle for independence in Mexico and in Texas reached its lowest ebb. The forces of the Viceroy had crushed all resistance. The remnants of Morelos and Mina had been scattered and all concerted action between the rebels had ceased. In March of 1818 Viceroy Apodaca proudly reported the occupation by Royalist troops of Boquilla de Piedras, Nautla, Misantla and all ports previously held by rebels south of Tampico, "to which came all the ships from New Orleans to bring supplies and aid to the Insurgents." Guadalupe Victoria, Guerrero, Moreno Torres and the other leaders had been deprived of their vital source of supplies. 1 Graphic reports of the landing of foreigners on Matagorda Bay reached Governor Martinez. He became no little worried because he could not take immediate steps to repel them. Sh.ortly after his return to San Antonio, scouts sent to observe the strangers brought news that there were two thousand men in New Orleans ready to invade the province. It was, therefore, imperative to destroy the Matagorda Bay settlement before it could be reinforced. While Martinez was still wondering what he could do, a messenger from La Bahia brought a strange story that precluded the need for action. On July 9 a party sent to reconnoiter found that the ships in the bay had been seriously damaged and abandoned. Some were stranded on the beach or sand bars, and partly filled with water. The soldiers boarded one of the vessels and with considerable exertion removed six cannon of large caliber, which they left on the shore until they could be hauled away later. The rifles and muskets were distributed among the troops, who were in dire need of both arms and munitions. As they explored the shore opposite the wrecked fleet, they came upon a freshly covered ditch. Investigation disclosed that it was filled with bodies hastily buried. Although there were no signs of an attack by land, the condition of the ships and of the bodies gave evidence of a terrific fight. Mysteri01,s destrttction of tlie enemy. 1 Juan Ruiz de Apodaca to the Ministro de Estado, Mexico, March 3 I, I 8 I 8, Pa,Peles de Estado, Mexieo, A. G. I.
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