The Beginnings of Revolution in Texas, 18IO-r812
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ment until they could tum the province over to the Insurgents. Fortu- nately, the plot was discovered just in time and the conspirators were captured before they could carry out their plan. Saenz and his com- panions were returned under heavy guard to Mission Valero. It was a close call. The following day Governor Salcedo, comprehending the seriousness of the situation he faced in San Antonio, promptly counter- manded his order for the march to the Rio Grande. 14 Two days later, a general meeting was called to discuss measures to prevent a repetition of the ·incident and to pacify the people. Representa- tives of the Cahildo, the Church, and the military attended. The Junta unanimously expressed strong disapproval of the plot and denounced all revolutionary activity as dastardly and criminal. They solemnly professed their unshakable loyalty to the King and to their religion, and gave a vote of confidence to Governor Salcedo and Commandant Herrera for promptly arresting the conspirators. The Junta discussed and approved plans for the immediate strengthening of the villa de- fenses. In view of the situation that had arisen, they recommended for the present the abandonment of the contemplated march to the Rio Grande. 15 Despite the profession of loyalty made by the Junta, the seeds of re- bellion and discontent adroitly planted by revolutionary agents had taken root in the hearts of many, both among the soldiers and the citizenry. For the time being open revolt was narrowly averted. Calm followed the abortive effort of Saenz to seize power, but like the calm that precedes the storm, it was stifling and filled with almost unbearable suspense. The Casas revolt. Captain Juan Bautista Casas, a retired officer of the Nuevo Santander militia, was residing in San Antonio at this time. His sympathies were with the cause of the Insurgents and his per- sonal ambition prompted him to take advantage of the situation. Older and more experienced than the two emissaries, he had watched and bided his time. He knew that the protestation of loyalty on the part of the municipal and ecclesiastical officials did not express the feelings of the people or of the soldiers. The assurances given by Salcedo that the troops would not be ordered to the Rio Grande had not completely allayed the fears of the people, for they were wondering what he would do next. 14 Manuel de Salcedo to Domingo Rodriguez, January 16, 1811, Ber.or Arc/iives,· Chabot, op. cit., 24. 15 Minutes of the Junta held in San Fernando de Bexar, January 18, 1811, Bexar .Arc/iives.
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