Revolution, Flares Again
83
one thousand Americans would soon arrive in Matagorda Bay, in addition to those now on the march from Natchitoches." As the curious crowd gathered to learn the latest, bugles sounded, drums rolled, and church bells rang the alarm. Captain Montero ordered the troops to mount and parade through the streets to arouse the martial spirit of the inhabitants. The civilians, however, quickly dispersed to broadcast from house to house the advent of the Americans. They were not alarmed; rather, they received the news with apparent pleasure. Captain Montero halted the troops in the main square to make a patriotic appeal to the soldiers and people. But the citizenry were not there. His spirit dampened, Captain Montero informed the troops that they would march immediately to Bexar. The order was received in gloomy silence. Led by Captain Montero and Colonel Zambrano, the troops marched out of Nacogdoches. The men became more sullen as they jolted along the road and meditated on their ignominous retreat. They had not gone far when a captain of militia suddenly and without authority gave the command to halt. He galloped up to Captain Montero and informed him that neither he nor the men would retreat farther without first learning whether the army advancing upon the town was friendly or hostile; that they were determined to stay in Nacogdoches to protect their families. As all but ten men supported the captain of militia, Montero had no alternative. With Colonel Zambrano and the ten faithful followers, he continued the march to Trinidad, the rest joyously returned home. Nacogdoches was all excitement. The citizens and the returning soldiers busied themselves with preparations to welcome the army of Gutierrez and Magee. A deputation was sent to greet the liberators camped at the place where the advance guard had been stationed to warn against the approach. The delegates were instructed to inform the commander that the people of Nacogdoches were ready to welcome him and his men, provided they were not coming to harm individuals or confiscate private property. Colonel Magee readily assured the delegation that he had no other purpose than to save the people from the tyranny of Spain and prevent them from fall- ing into the clutches of the English. The wildest dream of Magee and his followers was realized on August 12. The whole town turned out at dawn and marched in a joyful pro- cession to meet "the Republican Army of the North." Liberators had never received a more enthusiastic welcome. Everything was placed at the disposal of the Americans. With an eye to business, Quartermaster Samuel ·"Pedro Procela to Montero, Nacogdoches, August I I, 181:2; Pedro Aldape to Montero, August 1:2, 1812, Bexar A,-c/iives.
Powered by FlippingBook