Our Catholic Heritage, Volume V

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Our Catholic Heritage in Texas

and others who were not principally interested in agriculture, were to be urged to settle in Coahuila or farther in the interior rather than in Texas. With regard to American deserters - there were a number of them now - they were to be given asylum but were not to remain in Nacogdoches or on the eastern frontier any longer than was absolutely necessary to ascertain their identity. They were to be sent to San Antonio, where every assistance was to be given them in selecting lands for their permanent settlement. 20 Until this time those Spanish vassals from Louisiana who had been admitted, had been restricted in their choice of lands for settlement to the Interior Provinces under the jurisdiction of the commandant general who had reluctantly acceded to their insistent demands. Viceroy Iturri- garay had been even more hesitant in permitting them to enter his dominions. Thus, Nuevo Leon and Nuevo Santander continued to be forbidden territory until May, 1804, when, in view of the favorable attitude of the crown towards immigration and settlement evinced in the royal decree of September 24, 1803, and the approval of the regulations of Salcedo in November of the same year, Iturrigaray relaxed his vigi- lance. Salcedo, however, imposed an added restriction on those entering New Spain. He ordered that all settlers be warned to terminate their business in Louisiana before setting out, because they would not be per- mitted under any condition to revisit their former homes. 21 American Indians join tlie immigrants. Closely related to the problem of the defence of the frontier was the Indian question. The friendship of Louisiana Indians, with whom trade had been established during the period Spain held that province, was naturally considered of importance. The governor was instructed to tell all the Indian chiefs of the nations of the north visiting San Antonio that the Americans were cruel and treacherous in their dealings with the natives, and to point out, as an example, that they had forced the Alabamas, Choctaws, and Apalaches to seek refuge among their friends, the Spaniards. 22 As early as 1804, a group of Tinzas and Apalaches made application for settlement in Texas through their agent, Valentin Layssard. Gov- ernor Elguezabal was suspicious of Layssard. Commandant General Salcedo, following his recommendations, refused to grant the permission

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20 Salcedo to the Governor of Texas, March 27, I 804. Bexar Archives. 21 Salcedo to the Governor of Texas, May 22, 1804. Bexar Archives. 22 Salcedo to the Governor of Texas, May 22, 1804. Bexar Arc/rives.