Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
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under Governor Salcedo. The Royalists and the disappointed Revolu- tionists found a leader in Juan Manuel Zambrano, a subdeacon of Nuevo Leon, who had returned to his native city of San Antonio. Al- though retired, Zambrano was by no means a worn-out old man. His contemporaries declared he was a person of spirit, enterprise, tact, force, and courage. His political skill and his clerical dignity proved invaluable in carrying out the delicate task required to remove the despotic Casas from power. At the time of the Casas coup d'etat Zambrano wisely chose to leave the city and retire to his hacienda at La Laguna de las Animas, some twenty leagues away. But from his ranch he kept in close touch with developments. As discontent grew and the Royalists became more determined to restore the authority of Ferdinand, everybody instinctively turned to the retired subdeacon to lead them. 30 For the Royalists, the real purpose of the movement was the restora- tion of the legitimate Spanish Government. Zambrano tactfully gave the impression to the Insurgents that the object was to put an end to the despotism of Casas. Ably assisted by the disappointed Delgado, Zambrano won the support of the leading citizens by asserting that they were for the new government which had saved the interests of the King and had established a rule by Americans, thus defeating the schemes of foreign powers. Since Casas had abused his power, it was necessary to remove him from office. Saenz directed all his zealous efforts to winning over the soldiers. Although the work of the counter- revolutionists was gaining more and more adherents, there was still considerable hesitation.n While this indecision prevailed and an air of uncertainty and expect- ancy remained, there came into the city a party of strangers. Their arrival during the long hours of the afternoon could not have been better timed to attract attention. Heading the party was Marshal Ignacio Aldama, resplendent in his uniform with gold epaulettes and fou"agere. He was accompanied by Father Juan Salazar and several Franciscans. Several soldiers completed the train. No common travelers were these. Not since seeing General d'Alvimar had Bexar beheld a more resplendent uniform or a more imposing retinue. Curious eyes watched the new- comers as they wondered who they were. IOThe Bishop of Nuevo Leon, Recommendation in favor of Juan Manuel Zambrano, October 17, 181 S; Petition of Zambrano to the King, May 31, 181 6. Chabot, Te:ras ;,, 1811, 114-119. >IReport of the Deputies of the Province of Texas to Commandant General, May 21, 1811, Nacogdoches Archives.
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