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the treaty negotiated by Poinsett, the exchange was not effected in time, with the result that the question of the boundary survey was left to President Jackson for solution. His views on the subject were certainly inclined to favor the claims of the western pioneers; it is doubtful, nevertheless, what attitude he would have taken in reopening the question had not Colonel Anthony Butler exerted his influence. The Colonel, lately from Kentucky, was an unscrupulous, passionate, and scheming character, who, having personal interests in Texas, con- vinced Jackson that it was not the Sabine but the Neches River that was meant as the boundary defined by the Florida Treaty of 1819. Whatever the circumstances, new instructions were sent to Poinsette through Butler. On his way to Mexico, Butler passed through Texas, evidently to ascertain conditions and check on his property. Before Butler reached Mexico, however, the state of affairs had changed radi- cally. Poinsette had been recalled at the request of the Mexican Gov- ernment, and the danger of the Spanish invasion had passed. Jackson, unfortunately, appointed Butler to succeed Poinsett. No choice could have been worse, particµlarly at this time. "His unscrupulous intrigues for the next six years removed from the Mexican mind the last lingering doubt of Jackson's willingness to balk at nothing to obtain Texas.'' 31 The new proposal of Butler confirmed beyond reasonable doubt all suspicions. As far as the Mexican officials in Texas, Coahuila, and Mexico were concerned, there was an ominous relationship between the offers for the purchase of Texas and its rapid settlement by Americans. They remembered all too well that the refusal to consider the first offer in 1826 had been followed by the East Texas rebellion. Hardly had this affair been brought under control when the proposal was repeated and a pointed reference made to the constant danger of rebellion. Aus- tin's colonists, they knew, had rallied to the support of Mexican au- thority, but they were not certain whether their action was prompted solely by loyalty, or partly by expediency. Here was a third offer, a more liberal financial consideration as an inducement. Me,:ico's defensive reaction. Distrust breeds distrust and restrictions beget rebellion. Knowing this, the Mexicans decided to establish a garrison in Nacogdoches to defend the frontier and check immigration. Early in June Colonel Jose de las Piedras arrived in Nacogdoches with 13 Barker, Life of Ste-plien F. At1stin, 297. For a detailed account of the negoti- ations under Jackson and the intrigues of Butler, see Barker, "President Jackson and the Texas Revolution," American Historical Review, XII, 788-798.
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