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011r Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
Equally as harmful as these seditious ideas in the inflammatory pam- phlets were the persistent rumors of effective aid being organized to insure the success of the Revolution. Captain Montero, in transmitting evidence of the materials being distributed, asserted that the report of General Wilkinson marching with six thousand soldiers to join Gutierrez in Natchi- toches was rife in the Bayou Pierre district. He added that, in expecta- tion of an immediate declaration of war against Great Britain, settlers from Natchitoches were leaving to participate in the conquest of Florida. The general opinion was that Gutierrez would direct operations in Texas. 34 The indefatigable Bagenas in the meantime had returned to Natchi- toches for more supplies. Misfortune, however, cut short his revolutionary activities. On June 27, 1812, Captain Montero joyfully informed Gover- nor Salcedo that the dangerous agent had been taken prisoner by three loyal soldiers of Nacogdoches. At the time of his capture he had in his possession forty-three pamphlets and four copies of "The Friend of Men,'-' all signed by Gutierrez. Unfortunately, two companions with additional literature and important letters to friends of Gutierrez in Revilla and Camargo had escaped. He suggested that the Governor send scouts to intercept the two couriers, whom an Indian guide was escorting to the Rio Grande by the trail along the Texas coast. 35 Messengers set out posthaste from San Antonio to warn the Rio Grande outposts against the agents of Gutierrez leisurely making their way along the coast. Captain Bustamante immediately issued instructions to commanders along the Rio Grande and ordered out a special detach- ment to capture the dangerous emissaries. But the Indian guide eluded the vigilant frontier commanders to reach Camargo safely. It was reported in October that the mayor of the Indian village of Revilla had been seen on the road to Saltillo innocently driving a flock of sheep. It was learned, however, that his actions were not so innocent as seemed, because wherever he drove his flock, he distributed the proclamations signed by Gutierrez. He assured the people that the arrival of the distinguished leader and his American troops was being anxiously awaited in Revilla. 16 S4Masmela to .Montero, Natchitoches, June 9, 1812; Trudeaux to Montero, June 10, 1812; De Soto to Montero, Bayou Pierre, June 2, 1912, O,Peraciones de Guerra, Salcedo, A.G. M. (copies also in Nacogdoches Arc/Jives). UBagenas was on an important mission at the time of his capture. The two mes- sengers who escaped carried a remarkable document addressed to Ignacio Rayon, written by Gutierrez: with the aid of Shaler. It informed the leader of the Mexican Revolution of the favorable attitude of the United States in the event of war with Great Britain. Shaler to Monroe, June 12, 1812, Staie Department, cited by Gar- rett in Gree" Flag, 129-130. "Bustamante to Manuel Salcedo, Camargo, July 18, 1812; Cordero to M.
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