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Our Catlwlic Heritage in Texas
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of its heroic deeds had been sent the King. The only one he slighted was his own nephew.: Coat of an,,s for Sa,i Antonio. The Commandant General considered that the frontier town itself deserved recognition for its loyalty. Pending final approval by the Crown, Don Nemesio elevated the status of San Fernando de Bejar from that of a 'llilla to that of a ciudad. He, accord- ingly, asked the Governing Junta to request the City Council to send him a transcript of the act of foundation, together with all the honors and privileges granted the first settlers, as also suggestions for the coat of ~nns deemed appropriate for the faithful and valiant outpost that had successfully overthrown the iniquitous government of the perfidious Casas.• The Governing Junta was flattered no end. They promptly replied that they knew little or nothing about coats of arms, but that they de- sired his anns placed upon the shield of the city, and a column sustained by twelve stout cords to represent the president and the twelve members of the Governing Junta.' When the suggestions reached Don Nemesio, he turned the whole matter over for further comments to Colonel Simon Herrera, governor ad interim. After almost six months, Herrera made a detailed report to be forwarded to the King for his approval. By this time a design of the coat of arms apparently had been drawn in accord with the wishes ex- pressed by the Junta. It is described as having in the center the coat of arms of the Commandant General on a field of blue, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the president and the twelve members of the Junta who had overthrown the usurper Casas. Herrera thought most ap- propriate the motto, "Loyalty Conquers Perfidy." In keeping with the new dignity of a ciudad, an honor richly earned by its loyal citizens, San Fernando de Bejar was considered entitled to a cahildo. But because the population was small, it was suggested that for the time being it be granted a cabildo of only six members, who should be appointed in perpetuity. The number of the permanent cabildo was to be determined later. The citizens were to be given the right to elect 2 Answer of the Governing Junta to the Commandant General's request for a list of penons who took an active part in suppressing the revolutionary movement, San Fernando, June 19, 1811; Nemesio Salcedo to Governing Junta, Chihuahua, May 25, 1811, Nacogdodies Archives, XVI. 1 Nemcsio Salcedo to the Provisional Governing Junta, Chihuahua, May 35, 1811, Nacogdoches Archives, XVI. 'Juan Manuel Zambrano and Jose Saucedo to Brigadier General Nemesio Salcedo, San Fernando, June 19, 1811, Nacogdoches Archives, XVI.
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