The Beginning of Fonnal Colonization 2 95 until more proof of the good conduct and loyalty of the Indians in question was presented. That the governor was not entirely wrong in his suspicions of Layssard is shown by the latter's petition, presented shortly afterwards, that he be made agent for the Indians in Texas. When it was referred to Salcedo, he replied that William Barr was already in charge of the Spanish trade among the Indians in the province.u Undismayed, the Indians again appealed to the governor, stating that they desired to move to Texas because they preferred the rule of Spain, that they were Catholics, and that they were anxious to receive religious instruction. Their chief was Luis Tinza. They were living at the time in Opelousas and Rapide. Their second petition was endorsed by the commander of Nacogdoches. Juan Manuel Salcedo, governor of Louisiana and brother of Nemesio, joined him in pleading for the admission of the Tinzas and Apalaches. Juan Manuel testified that the applicants were good Catholics; that they loved the Spaniards and hated the Americans. Shortly afterward the governor of Texas himself declared that an investigation had disclosed that the Tinzas and Apa- laches were good Catholics, good farmers, and peace-loving friends of the Spaniards. Their extensive connections with the various tribes of Louisiana would prove of great value in extending Spanish influence over other tribes. Faced with this evidence of Governor Elgue- zabal, Commandant General Nemesio Salcedo granted their request and instructed the governor to assign them lands along the coast in the area between the Sabine and the Trinity. They were to be told that they were not to extend their settlements beyond these two rivers, and that they were expected to be self-supporting. The commander of Nacog- doches was to have general supervision over their establishment in Texas. They would be expected to keep him informed of the movements of the other tribes. 14 Again the Spaniards, in their anxiety to create a buffer against the Americans, had made a fundamental mistake. The applicants were not different from any other natives. In spite of the Indians' protestations of loyalty, little trust could be placed in their word. Their long asso- 2lElguezabal to Salcedo, February 29, 1804; Salcedo to the Governor of Texas, March 13, and 2 5, 1804. Bexar Arcltives. ·14 Ugarte to Elguezabal, April 3, 1804; Juan Manuel Salcedo to Nemesio Salcedo, November I I, x 803; Elguezabal to Manuel Salcedo, April 11, 1804; M. Salcedo to the Governor of Texas, May 8, 1804. Bexar Arc/rives.
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