19
The Begimungs of Revolution in Texas, 1810-1812
Aldama, on the Chief of Staff of the Mexican Revolutionists, had been commissioned by Jimenez at Saltillo on February 8 to proceed without delay to the United States to secure troops and munitions. Father Salazar, a chaplain in Jimenez' army, was a confirmed Revolu- tionist, an author of numerous revolutionary pamphlets, and secretary to Envoy Aldama. On this mission Jimenez and all the chieftains of the Revolution had pinned their hopes for success. The distinguished emissaries had noted en route to San Antonio signs of discontent and reaction against the insurgent cause. The zealot, Father Salazar, had some harsh words with Captain Jose Dias de Busta- mante, commander of the presidio at Laredo. Bustamante let him know that he would rather turn over his command to the French, the English- or even the barbarous Indians-than to the Revolutionists. Father Salazar immediately advised Jimenez to remove him from command. As for the people, they were indifferent and unconcerned." To Zambrano the arrival of the two envoys was a godsend. He im- mediately foresaw possibilities of removing Casas as the first step to the attainment of his goal. He waited until the sun had set before going to speak to Father Salazar. He thought he could talk more frankly and come to an understanding more easily with the cleric than with Aldama. To invite confidence, he unbosomed himself as one cleric would to another. He declared that he was an ardent advocate of the Revolution and because of this fact deplored, as did all good citizens of Bexar, the abuses committed by Casas. Zambrano maintained that Casas was unfair in ignoring a man like Saenz for a minor offense, and in failing to recognize a man like Delgado, who had been so valuable in winning over the City Council. Above all, he asserted, the arbitrary actions of Casas were becoming intolerable. Zambrano asked Father Salazar whether he deemed it advisable to organize a council of citizens to depose Casas. Father Salazar listened but refused to commit himself, since he knew that a change of any kind at this time might prove disastrous to the Revolution. His penetrating black eyes seemed to fathom the secret recesses of Zambrano's scheming mind. He bluntly informed his brother cleric that neither he nor Aldama had any authority to interfere with the officers approved by General Jimenez. Zambrano had met his match. It was now Saenz' turn. He called upon Father Salazar the following day and with genuine feeling told him all his grievances. Father Salazar was still unmoved and unconvinced. He regretted that neither UGarrett, op. cu., 52.
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