Ot1r Catholic Heritage in Texas
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to think that Edwards was inclined to disregard Mexican authority and that he was determined to assume an arbitrary attitude. At long last Saucedo declared the election of Chaplin null and void, confirmed Norris in office, ordered him to demand possession of the archives, and declared that Edwards had no authority either to require old settlers to show their titles or to sell any land. Norris was ordered to inform Trammel that he had no right to Sertuche's land, which he ' had bought from Edwards, and that he must, therefore, restore it to its rightful owner, Sertuche. Suspicion and distrust having been aroused, Edwards, the local leaders, and Saucedo henceforth misjudged each other and attributed all subse- quent action to personal animosity. Edwards became convinced that he was the victim of Mexican incapacity and personal hatred. The Political Chief and the State and Federal officials became equally convinced that Edwards' actions were dictated by contempt for Mexican authority and an irrepressible desire to assume independent sovereignty. Sepulveda, recently elected captain of a company of eighty-two, gladly gave Norris his assistance. Chaplin had no alternative but to retire with as much grace as circumstances permitted. 54 Instead of submitting after this almost fatal incident, Edwards remonstrated vigorously against the ruling of Saucedo and again charged that Sepulveda, James Gaines, and their friends were disturbers of the peace. Saucedo replied by reminding Edwards that Norris had received the majority of legal votes, that Edwards could always appeal to the State Government if he was not satisfied, that the law prescribed the method of procedure in securing redress, and that nothing could be done about conflicting land claims until the appointment of a commis- sioner, the only officer authorized to settle such claims. He concluded by warning Edwards that there were charges pending against him for declaring himself military commandant, selling land and demanding proof of titles." Reconciliation was ~ow impossible. Accusations accumulated. It was claimed that Edwards had failed to present his credentials to the alcalde upon arrival as required by law; that he had an alarmingly large supply of arms at home; that he had incited Chaplin to enlist the support of border ruffians to avenge his removal from office; that he had denied the authority of the Political Chief; that he had gone to New Orleans S4Norris to Saucedo, March 22, 1826; Chaplin to Saucedo, April 3, 1826, Nacogdoc/,1s A,-cl,iv,s. "Saucedo to Hayden Edwards, May 1, 1826, Bera,- A,-cl,;ves.
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