Our Catlwlie Heritage in Texas
Onis refused to believe that men who had so long pursued a military career could resign themselves to a life so bucolic. But the suspicious Spanish minister could not make up his mind who represented the greater danger to the interests of his King-the French adventurers, or the grasping Americans. He watched with equal concern the American designs on Florida and Texas and the activities of the French refugees, interpreting the favor shown the refugees as part of the general policy of the United States against Spain. He resolved, therefore, to win the refugees to his side. Onis later confessed to Viceroy Apodaca that in order to keep them from establishing a colony on the Tombigbee, he had suggested to them that His Majesty might permit them to find asylum in Texas. He went further and held out the possibility of employment in the royal service if they were willing to live peacefully and defend the Spanish dominions in America. 5 Lallemand readily took up the proposal and late in December, 1817, set out for New Orleans with 156 followers. He carried a letter of introduc- tion from the Spanish minister to Viceroy Apodaca, with whom he was to discuss the details of the proposed colony, which came to be known as the Champ d'Asile. The Viceroy, in a letter to the King, stated Onis had acted precipitately; that he should have known that only the King could grant permission for settlement; and that the appearance in Mexico City of such a person at this -time would have a very bad effect upon those who favored independence. He, therefore, issued immediate instructions to the officials in Vera Cruz, Tampico, Texas, and New Mexico to refuse General Lallemand admission.' The Spanish consul in New Orleans reported that the objective of the French was the conquest of New Spain. Onis, now thoroughly aroused, was of the opinion that the expedition would establish a base on the Trinity River, occupy the Province of Texas, and penetrate to the rich mines in northern New Spain. He warned the Viceroy to use every means possible to prevent their gaining a foothold. 7 Apodaca was not impressed by the alarming reports of either Onis 5Luis de Onis to the Viceroy, Washington, December 28, 1817, Pa-Jelu de Estado, Mezieo, A.G. I. 'Juan Ruiz de Apodaca al Ministro de Estado, Mexico, March 31, 1818; Apodaca to the commandants of Vera Cruz, Tampico, Texas, New Mexico, April 7-8, 1818, Pajeles de Estado, Mezieo, A. G. I. 7 Onis to the Viceroy, Washington, March 16 1 1818; Felipe Fatio to Luis de Onis, New Orleans, February 14 1 1818, Pajeles dt1 Estado, Mezieo, .A. G. I.
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