Revolution Flares A gai.n
71
The fears of Shaler were soon realized, but Gutierrez did not act without justification. He had been struggling against numerous proposals, because he wished to show his gratitude for the encouraging help promised him in Washington. Early in May, 1812, a messenger brought news from the distant Rio Grande which proved too much for the loyal revolutionist. He learned that his properties had been confiscated, that his family-his brother and his mother-had been ordered imprisoned by the heartless Arredondo, and that they were expecting him to come to their rescue. Here were irresistible reasons for returning to his country without delay. Dutifully he wrote Chief Clerk Graham a report of the news he had just received and asserted that, in view of these misfortunes, he would have to redouble his efforts to secure the necessary means to reenter his country as soon as possible to help the leaders of the Revolution and bring relief to his dear one5. The temper of the people of Natchitoches was such that he would not have to overexert himself in finding recruits to join him. The frontier outpost was alive with political talk and wild schemes. War with England was the general topic of conversation. To the frontiersmen, this meant the long-awaited opportunity to save the Interior Provinces from falling into the hands of the British. It was generally believed that because of the existing alliance between Spain and England, British forces would be permitted by Spain to attack the United States through the northern provinces. 22 Shaler' s new plan. The State Department's agent had so far limited himself to the role of confidant, gently guiding and advising the in- experienced Gutierrez. A filibustering expedition by adventurers was "not in comport with the policy or the dignity of the United States," ac- cording to Shaler. Worried by the turn of affairs, he now presented an aggressive plan of action to the Secretary of State to prevent the departure of an unauthorized expedition and to protect the integrity of the United States. He proposed_the removal of the fort at Natchitoches to a con- venient site beyond the Neutral Ground on the Sabine River, well within Spanish territory. The garrison, once moved, was to be increased to not less than five hundred men plus a troop of cavalry. In urging this daring and fantastic plan, he argued that if war should be declared against Great Britain, it would be essential for the United States to establish immediate contact with the "Republicans" in the interior of Mexico, to UGarrett, op. cit., u4-xx6; Gutierrez to Graham, Natchitoches, May 16, 1812, Me:dcan Filibustering E:r:peduions, State De,Partme,u Records, N . .A. W.
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