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Our Ctltliolic Heritage in Texas
that the four families, who had gone to start it at his bidding, be accorded all the exemptions, privileges and distinctions of first or pioneer settlers as provided by the Laws of tlte Indies. He sent a party at the same time to scout for the most suitable location for a permanent settlement on the Brazos, where he intended to establish also a post of twenty-five soldiers to guard and manage a ferry. He pointed out that a ferry on this river was of the utmost military impor- tance to maintain communications, as well as to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies. The military outpost and the civil settlement here, as on the Trinity, would be of mutual benefit and support. Further- more, the projected settlements would be invaluable in preserving good relations with the important Indian nations of the Tawakoni, the Tonka- was, and the Comanches. In fact, these Indians had already signified_ their willingness to cooperate, for they had agreed to trade with the new settlements and help stop petty thieving. The good will and friendship of the natives would assure to the settlers a profitable trade in pelts and hides. 1 First regulations co1tcerning settlers. But it was the cession of Louisiana to France and its subsequent sale to the United States that started the flood of immigrants into Texas. Immigration, at first a mere trickle--which the officials sedulously tried to control and prevent from becoming a tidal wave--soon grew into a steady stream that wore down resistance, and at last burst the dam to rush with a mighty sweep into the vast unpopulated province. Let us trace its origin and development. As the news of the sale of Louisiana spread, the governor of Texas, Juan Bautista Elguezabal, began to be importuned with requests for permission to move into Texas. The petitioners generally alleged that, as faithful subjects of His Catholic Majesty, they desired to continue to live under his benign protection and declared that they could not entertain the idea of living under a foreign power. In April, 1803, the governor decided to consult the commandant general on the course he should follow. Salcedo was anxious to develop the remote province of Texas, which had again become a frontier province and the main bulwark against the westward march of the Anglo-Americans. The appeal of the former subjects of His Catholic Majesty for permission to continue to live under his jurisdiction by removing to Texas found a strong and
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1 Cordero to Salcedo, September 24, 1805. Nacogdoches Arcltives, X, pp. 32-35.
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