Tlze Beginning of Formal Colonization
2 97
wished to follow the flag of Spain and, impelled by a sense of gratitude for all that the king had done for them, they were ready to shed their blood for it, if need be. It was pointed out that, should war break out between Spain and the United States, the petitioners would find them- selves in the deplorable predicament of being forced to take up arms against Spain. Such a situation should not be permitted to arise. Skillfully, the petitioners then recited the benefits that would accrue to the crown from the admission of this substantial group of settlers. Their immigration would weaken a strong and aggressive neighbor and greatly strengthen the frontier defences of Spain by contributing to the development of the vast, unpopulated, and undeveloped province of Texas. The new colonists would devote themselves primarily to the cultivation of tobacco, hemp, cotton, and other staples. Their labor, enterprise, and initiative would soon convert into productive fields the fertile lands that now lay unused. Spain would then possess in Texas the products essential for developing a powerful navy without having to depend for them upon foreign countries. The increased population would tend to check Indian hostilities and eventually put a stop to the heavy expense of maintaining peace with the natives through the wasteful distribution of gifts. Time and circumstances had conspired to help Spain. This was a golden opportunity to build an effective barrier to the economic as well as to the political penetration of the scheming Americans. The widespread dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of Louisiana with the Government of the United States would surely drive large numbers from that province. If Spain did not permit them to move into Texas, as they ardently desired, they would have to go somewhere else. The plan proposed would bring to the province many men of varied and useful trades and put new life into industry. With the increase of industrious settlers, the troops stationed on this remote frontier would no longer experience difficulty in obtaining supplies. Having outlined the advantages of the proposed colony. Brady and Despallier then made a bold request which seems to indicate, incidentally. the true purposes of the enterprising petitioners. A port, they declared, was essential to the success of the new colony; as a matter of fact, without it the families could not immigrate, and the whole plan would he doomed to failure. Thev went on to explain that a port. throu~h which the colonists could export their products, would de,·clop comml'rce rapidly, and the duties collected on exports and imports would be sufficient to defray the cost of go\"erning all the Interior Provinces.
r I I
Powered by FlippingBook