Our Catl,olic Heritage it, Texas
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Spencer. As the territory between the Sabine and Natchitoches was the Neutral Ground, neither Spaniards nor Americans were supposed to enter it. Perez inquired what the Americans were doing there. Captain Beard answered that he had orders to prevent Spaniards from crossing the river and that he had been sent to arrest Long. He courteously recommended that American settlers not actively connected with Long be allowed to return to the United States. Perez replied that he would investigate each case, and keep in mind the recommendation of the American commander. A few days later Perez released eighteen Americans.4° Settlement at Pecan Point. While on the Sabine, Perez learned of a new settlement on the Red River at a place called Pecan Point. From testimony given by Ignacio Ibarbo and Jose Lafitte, it appears that the settlement had started three years before. Although the wit- nesses did not know the purpose of this settlement or who governed it, they had heard that American officials had formally ordered the settlers-estimated to be between five hundred and one thousand-to evacuate. They merely ignored the order, and the settlement continued to grow. They were certain that the United States Government was aware of the continued existence of the colony, because the citizens of Natchitoches, Bayou Pierre, and Los Adaes were required by local officials to work regularly twelve days a month on a road being built from Natchitoches in the direction of Pecan Point. Perez learned further that there were at least two settlements, if not three, about a league apart, one of which was beyond any doubt on the Spanish side of the river. There were many families already established and extensive farms were being cultivated. The settlers took their wares and produce to sell and purchased all their supplies in Natchitoches. The American officials placed no restrictions on this trade. In his report Perez urged the immediate destruction of this new settlement to prevent farther penetration into Spanish dominions. He, likewise, suggested that a garrison of eighty to one hundred men be permanently established at Nacogdoches to encourage the return of former Spanish settlers and to prevent future incursions.' 1 On November 2 Perez began his return march to Nacogdoches. He '°Perez: to Arredondo, Los Ais, November 2, 1819, Hisl.oria; vol. 162, part 2, pp. 262-265, A. G. M. ' 1 Perez to Arredondo, November 2, 18 x9; Declaration of Ignacio Ibarbo and Jose Lafitte, November 8, x8x9; Perez to Governor Martinez, December 3, 1 8 x 9, Hisl.oria, vol. 162, part 2, 262-265, 314-338, 405-409, A. G. M.
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