II3
Last Attempts at Jlfissionary Control of Indians
Coahuila. Nuevo Leon might also be suppressed, if necessary, but never those of Santander and Texas, the coast line of which extended from the Sabine River to Tampico. He sent to the viceroy a map of the coast line and sketches of the course of several of the more important rivers. 4 The commandant general concluded by urging that the office of gov- ernor of Texas be not suppressed, that measures be taken immediately for rebuilding the fortifications and constructing an irrigation system to encourage settlement at La Bahia; and that similar improvements be undertaken at Nacogdoches. In order to improve conditions at the last named post and stimulate settlement, he recommended the removal of its commander, Antonio Gil Ibarbo, whom he suspected of permitting French and English traders to enter the province. But the most important con- sideration, he asserted, was the control of the numerous and warlike nations of the north, who would be emboldened beyond measure should the province be abandoned and its governor removed. "If the Indians held in check in Texas are permitted to reach the frontiers of Coahuila and Nuevo Santander [unhindered]," he declared, "they will sweep across the Rio Grande of the North and, swollen with the insolence of victory, they will carry the war to the very heart of the kingdom of New Spain. These things and much more will the Indians of the north dare, should they succeed in driving the Spaniards from the Province of Texas." 5 The commander of the Interior Provinces of the East enjoyed the well-earned reputation of being one of the most loyal servants of the king and one of the most determined Indian fighters on the northeastern frontier. His vigorous and earnest representation convinced the viceroy of the necessity of maintaining the office of governor in Texas and of the advisability of strengthening the Spanish outposts in the province. Thus was a measure tantamount to the complete abandonment of Texas averted and the realization of the importance of the Indian problem brought strongly to the attention of the viceroy.' Ugalde was engaged in a campaign against the Apaches at the very time he wrote to the viceroy. Shortly thereafter he penetrated into the area of present Changes itt Indian policy and conditions in Texas. 4 These maps would prove of considerable interest if found. They probably are in the vast archives of Mexico City. 5 Juan Ugalde to Manuel Antonio Flores, October 30, 1788. A. G. M., Historia, Vol. 93, pp. 3-1 t. 6 Manuel Antonio Flores to Juan Ugalde, February 3 1 1789. A. G. Al., Hi.storia, Vol. 93, pp. 12-13.
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