From San lore11zo to Retroc:cssio11- of Louisiana, 1795-1801
225
whatsoever, because they would continue to trade in Rapide, and there was danger of terminating the peace. Elguezabal, who knew the allega- tions were well founded, appealed to the governor of Louisiana to prevent the emigration of the Choctaws. At the same time Del Moral wrote Layssard to delay their departure until a decision was made by the higher officials, to whom the matter had been referred. 40 Commandant Nava promptly adopted the recommendation of Elgue- zabal, and the governor issued orders to prevent their admission. But Layssard was not discouraged in his plan. He realized that the only valid objection to his proteges was the existing enmity between them and the Texas tribes. If this was removed, the Choctaws would have to be admitted. Immediately, he prepared a speech praising the virtues of peace which he forwarded to Jose Vidal, Spanish consul at Natchez, with instructions for its prompt delivery to the grand chief of the Choctaws. Following the instructions of their patron, they applied again for admission, and after a short time succeeded in obtaining their end. 41 Trade in leorses and cattle. The scarcity of horses and cattle in Louisiana had long been recognized, and officials in Texas had repeatedly been authorized to give temporary relief. On May 1, 1780, the king, in approving the action of the viceroy in this respect, g:1se blanket authorization for the future, conditioned on the request of the governor of Louisiana. "The king," wrote the secretary, "has approved your action in ordering the governor of Texas to send fifteen hundred head of cattle to Louisiana immediately to replenish the notable want in that territory. His Majesty has likewise approved your instructions to the governor of Texas, requesting him to give any help or assistance within his power to the governor of Louisiana without awaiting his royal authorization. It is his will that your lordship order that stock continue to be sent to Louisiana whenever its governor requests it." 4 : This provision let down the floodgate and permitted numerous foreign traders to penetrate even beyond Texas to distant Coahuila and.Nuevo Santander in search of wild horses and cattle. An idea of the extent of traffic in horses may be judged by the reports made on this subject in 1801 alone. On April 20, Miguel Musquiz wrote 40 Del Moral to Elguezabal, July I 1, and 27, I 800. Bexar ArcMves. ~ 1 Nava to Elguezabal, August 4, and September 30, 1800; Layssard to the Great Chief of the Choctaws and Other Nations, September 1 5, 1800; Layssard to Vidal, same date. Bexar Archives. 42 Real Orden, May 1, 1780. A.G. II{., Hisloria, Vol. 413, pt. I.
Powered by FlippingBook