CHAPTER VIII
FIRST CLASHES WITH THE UNITED STATES
It has been shown that Spanish officials in Texas and New Spain had become fully aware of the importance of conciliating the Indians. Their policy of appeasement as the most likely solution of this vexing problem has already been noted. But more significant was the effect of the full realization of the import of foreign designs on Texas. The Spaniards were now compelled to be on guard against the Spanish vassals in Louisiana whom they distrusted; against the French, whom they could not classify either as friend or foe; against the English, who were openly antagonistic because of their commercial interest in the Spanish colonies; and against the Americans, whom, because of their aggres- siveness and daring, they feared most of all. When in the opening years of the nineteenth century the retrocession of Louisiana to France made Texas again the bulwark of Spain's dominions in North America, these considerations naturally determined the new policies adopted for the safeguard of the distant province. Philip Nolan's activities. No incident prior to 1801 had so profound an influence in confirming the long-felt fears of Spanish officials respect- ing the ulterior designs of American adventurers than the Nolan affair. It aroused the entire frontier into frantic action; it sowed suspicion so deep that it was never again fully dispelled. The mystery surrounding the activities of the intrepid "dealer in horses," his connection with high American and Spanish officials, the participation of American, French, English, and Spanish subjects in his expeditions, and the dramatic qualities of the adventurer could not help creating a deep and lasting impression. Nolan first came to New Orleans in 1789 as the trusted business agent of Wilkinson, whom he served as bookkeeper and shipping clerk until 1791. 1 When the general, disappointed by the failure of his tobacco monopoly, decided to reenter the Army this year, Nolan was obliged to 1 Clark, Daniel, Proofs of tlte Corruption of General James Wilkinson, 57-66; Wilkinson, James, Memoirs of My Own Times, II, 84. Much conjecture exists about his early years and parentage, but there is no ground for any longer maintaining that he was either the natural son of Wilkinson or that the general reared him from infancy.
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