CHAPTER I
REORGANIZATION AND NEW POLICIES, 1770-1800
Contrary to the statement made by a pioneer historian of the state that "There is little to be recorded of Texas during the last two decades of the century," 1 these years are replete with significant details of new policies and developments essential to the understanding of subsequent events. The immediate effect of the cession of Louisiana to Spain was the abandonment of the frontier establishments in East Texas and the reorganization of the line of presidios from California to the Gulf of Mexico. This, however, was followed by a series of changes in the traditional Indian policy along the entire frontier, dictatec:1 by the increasing danger of aggression on the part of the English colonies and by the realization that the northern tribes which crowded upon the outposts of Spain's dominions in North America could no longer be controlled by the time-honored institution of the mission. The ascension of Charles I II to the throne inaugurated a period of political reorgani- zation both at home and abroad, that was to result in fundamental changes in the administrative machinery of the northern provinces of New Spain. These changes were to have a profound effect on distant Texas. Closely related to the administrative reforms was the revision of the missionary system and the policies of the government pertaining to the conversion and civilization of the natives. This resulted in the secularization of the old missions of San Antonio and La Bahia. The innovations of the energetic Charles III were to affect profoundly the social and economic life of Texas. Indian policy. The abandonment of East Texas made more urgent than ever the control of the northern tribes, the traditional enemies of Spain and the loyal friends of France in America. The adoption of Rubi's recommendation to wage a war of extermination against the faith- less Lipan-Apaches required the cooperation of their northern rivals. This meant a complete reversal of the-Indian policy pursued d\lring the greater part of the century. An equally important consideration, and one that did not escape the minds of frontier officials, was the danger lurking in the development of bonds of interest and friendship
1 Bancroft, H. H., Nortli Mexican States and Te:ras, I, 634.
[ I ]
Powered by FlippingBook