Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
over the government from Herrera. It would be unwise for him to assume that office, he declared, " ... until my conduct in the disagreeable events in Texas has been examined by a court-martial." He asserted that the many serious problems in Texas required unquestioned authority and full trust in the person in charge. To face the grave situation without having been first cleared of the cloud of suspicion still hanging over him would do little honor to the Commandant General or to the Governor. Rebellion had been repressed but not obliterated. Casas' associates and co-workers roamed the streets of Bexar at will, and were·waiting for an opportunity to strike again. He could not assume the responsibility unless he were first exonerated, and given full discretion to act in order to extirpate the last vestiges of rebellion and take the firm action required. 33 Without waiting for a reply, Don Manuel hurried on his way to Texas, where he had tasted the bitter fruit of temporary failure and where he was eventually to meet an inglorious death. When he was greeted on September 10, 1811, by an enthusiastic and cheering crowd, he probably felt that his sacrifices had not been entirely in vain. Seven months had elapsed since he had marched in chains out of the city in company with Colonel Herrera, who was now there to greet him. In his report to his unrelenting uncle he stated that he was welcomed with joy, "apparently," he added guardedly. He had once been betrayed by these very people and although he desired to believe that their demonstrations were sincere, he could not be certain of their loyalty. He did not take over the government from his old friend and fellow sufferer in· misfortune. He waited to hear from his uncle. He wanted to be reassured that the past had been forgotten, or that he would be given an opportunity to clear his good name of the charge of neglect of duty. Days dragged on into weeks, but no answer came.u Late in October came a curt letter from the Commandant General. He was doubtlessly irked by his nephew's insisting on some form of public approval for his conduct. His reappointment as governor was sufficient public recognition of his services, Don Nemesio asserted dryly. If he were still suspected of negligence or inability, he would surely not have been restored to his former position. He did not need special powers, for he had full authority to act and take any measures deemed necessary for "Manuel Salcedo to Nemesio Salcedo, Mapimi, August 14, 181 I, ibid. 14 Manuel Salcedo to Nemeslo Salcedo, September 18, 18II, Historia, Operaciones de Guerro, vol. I, pt. I, A. C. N.
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