Our Catl,olic Heritage in Texas
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states, and that has the necessary means at its command for the accom- plishment of the purposes desired must keep the people of a monarchical government always on the alert, with the spring of its resources far removed and the need of waiting for decisions and resources that must come from [the seat of power] more than two thousand leagues away." The governor of Texas, he pointed out, could not possibly maintain friendly relations and, from this distant residence in San Antonio, attend to the exigencies of trade with the Taovayas, Wichitas, Tawakonis, lscanis, and Quitseys. These Indians were well-disposed towards the Spaniards at this time. Advantage of their receptive mood should be taken. Their request that a fort be established in their midst should be granted immediately. Such an act would give great power to the Spaniards in holding the area indicated. It would serve as a trade center and a rallying point for allies in the event of hostilities. The country occupied by the nations enumerated offered easy access to the provinces of Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. With the proper commander in a post established among them, foreigners could be effectively kept out of the three provinces. Kind and fair treatment of the warlike nations would win their friendship, and the establishment of trade would develop ties of interest that would strengthen their attachment. Gasiot further pointed out that through these Indians the Comanches also could be brought under the influence of Spain. The plan suggested by Nicolas Lamathe to accomplish this was imprac- ticable. Special commissioners to deal with the various Indian nations gave rise to conflicting policies. Too many administering officials resulted in inconsistencies. Gasiot advocated the appointment of one agent or governor of Indian affairs to handle all the northern nations. One Indian agent could and should be placed under the immediate direction of the governor of Texas, the nearest important official. He could easily go to San Antonio once or twice a year for instructions and to secure the presents to be distributed among the new allies. He concluded by stressing the importance of establishing trade rela- tions with Louisiana through La Bahia and by way of the mouth of the Trinity River. Such trade would bring the settlers of the two provinces closer together, increase their prosperity, build ties of union, and make effective their mutual cooperation in resisting the advance or penetration of the English.11
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l7Juan Gaslot to Felipe Neve, October 9, 1783. San Francisco El Grande Archives, xxxm, pp. 1s1-162.
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