Restvraticm of Royal Autlwrity
41
the "defense and maintenance.: of pcacc" within the province placed under his charge. 35 But Don Manuel had a will of his own. Ile was no less stubborn than his uncle. Once more he expostulated, humbly but at the same time with righteous indignation, that he could not and would not assume the responsibilities of his oflice under a cloud of suspicion. He was entitled to recognition for his services in putting down the Revolution throughout the northern provinces of New Spain. He made the plea that if Cordero .md Herrera had been promoted and if their services had been publicly acknowledged, then he deserved thc s:unc trcatmcnt. He did not want to appcar selfish, nor did he intend that his statements concerning his col- leagues be detrimental to them, but he pointed out, the truth of the matter was these two men had worked under his direction to carry out the plan for capturing- the lcaclcrs of the Revolution at Baj.in. Manuel Salcedo's futile appeal for justice was pathetic. "I am particu- larly sensitive about my reputation," he wrote. "At all times I have striven to merit the good opinion of my superiors by sacrificing my health and risking my life in the service of our Sovereign. My meager pay I have frequently contributed whenever it has been necessary for the benefit-of the Crown. I have laid bare the feelings of my heart and I plead with you to lay aside all considerations of kinship in order that justice may be done to a loyal subject and faithful vassal of His Majesty in accord with his merits. It is not reward that I seek, but the satisfaction of being in- vested with the office of governor with the same public approval and honors as were granted to Antonio Cordero. 36 Don Nemesio remained unmoved. To the lengthy appeal of his nephew, he replied on November 26, 18u, by peremptorily ordering him to take charge of the government as instructed, and "as you should have done without excuse or pretext upon receipt of the previous order of October 15." Don Manuel had failed to convince his uncle. He could no longer post- pone obeying his emphatic orders without being guilty of rank insub- ordination. On December 15, 1811, Don Manuel formally took over the government of the Province of Texas and reported to Don Nemesio the next day that he had done so as "proof irrefutable of my blind obedience and respect."n 35 Nemesio Salcedo to Manuel Salcedo, Chihuahua, October 1 S, 18 JJ, ibia. Evidently the letter was sent by special messenger, as it arrived within eight days. 36 Manuel Salcedo to Nemesio Salcedo, Bejar, November 4, 18JJ, ibid. 37 Nemesio Salcedo to Manuel Salcedo, Chihuahau, November 26, 181 I; Manuel Salcedo to Nemcsio Salcedo, Bejar, December 16, 18n, HiJJoria, 0,;1r<Uioru1 a,
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