Revolutionary Lull
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to have Colonel Simon Herrera ordered to come to his rescue, as he had once before, but considered it unfitting as his former colleague was now his superior in rank and his senior in years. He, therefore, proffered an altemative--replacing the troops in Texas with others from the western provinces. Those stationed in Texas would thus be removed from close friends and relatives, who were the cause of their doubtful loyalty.' Three weeks later the Governor repeated his plea. He was convinced that the United States was deliberately ignoring the organization of a filibuster expedition in Louisiana. The American Government had de- cided, he stated, to let a band of vagabonds and revolutionists form the vanguard for a march of conquest. If seasoned and loyal troops were not rushed by sea to repel the impending invasion, the frontier could not be held. The troops in Bexar and the entire Province of Texas were Indian fighters, not soldiers. Their lack of discipline and ignorance of European warfare, as well as their undependability, had to be considered. The prov- ince would fall an easy victim to American land-greed and might prove the initial step in the absorption of the entire Kingdom of New Spain. Such were the ominous misgivings consuming Manuel Salcedo. 10 Since no reply from the Viceroy was forthcoming, Salcedo turned to the Commandant General for help. Knowing full well the character of his uncle and his distrust, he pathetically declared in asking for immediate aid: "I am anxious neither to win fresh laurels, nor to earn new rewards ... I only aspire to die sword in hand, true to my oath as an officer of the King in a post where merit is shrouded in doubt by the clouds of impending doom." Little did he realize that his wish would be fulfilled within a year. Salcedo was indeed prophetic. Within three months, he warned his uncle, either the United States would declare war on Spain, or a group of bandits from the Neutral Ground would join rebel leaders like Gutierrez, deserters, and fugitives from the Spanish dominions for the purpose of renewing the revolution in Texas. To repel such an attack, he had only the veterans and auxiliaries from Bexar-troops both unreliable and un- disciplined. The Company from Parras, Coahuila, were dependable, as were those at La Bahia, but the militia units, who were, on the whole, trustworthy and had demonstrated a loyal and willing spirit, might prove of doubtful value. He gave as his reason for this opinion that exist- ing regulations provided less pay for militia than for auxiliary and veteran units. 'Manuel Salcedo to the Viceroy, San Fernando de Bejar, June 2, 1812, Historia, Ojeraciones de Gueffa, vol. I, pt. 1, A.G.N. 10 Manuel Salcedo to the Viceroy, San Fernando de Bejar, June 25, 1811, Historia, Ojeraciones de Gunra, vol. I, pt. 1, A.G.N.
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