T lie Beginning of F onnal Colonization 2 99 that along the Guadalupe River there were many places suitable for settling Louisiana families. This area had water in abundance, extensive and fertile fields of gentle slope, and navigable lakes and lagoons that connected the region with Matagorda Bay. Elguezabal, in full accord with the plans of Brady and Despallier, studiously avoided committing himself on the matter of the port, but pointed out that the prospective immigrants would be saved considerable trouble and hardships in reaching their new homes, if the Guadalupe River was designated as the location for the proposed settlement. 21 Prompt was the decision made by the commandant general. It seems that, as reluctant as he was to consent to the admission of foreigners, he could not escape the fact that a barrier was an absolute necessity, and to that end the settlement of Texas was indispensable. He, accord- ingly, on May 23 gave his formal approval to the petition and assented to all but a few of the proposals made. Following Elguezabal's sug- gestion, he drew up a set of instructions for the new settlers. Immigrants from Louisiana were not to bring Negroes, mulattoes, or any other servants, unless they, like their masters, were practical Catholics. Lands were to be assigned in proportion to the size of the family and the means of the applicant. Justifiable requests for other land for cultivation, cattle raising, and mining were to be granted. Settlers were to be per- mitted to plant any crop except tobacco. Commerce through Matagorda Bay or any of the neighboring harbors was to be strictly prohibited, and colonists were not to venture forth into the Gulf without the consent of the Government. Immigrants were not, however, restricted to settle on the Guadalupe. They could choose a location in or near San Antonio, La Bahia, in any part of Coahuila or Nueva Vizcaya, or in any other province under the immediate jurisdiction of the viceroy. No one could settle in or near Nacogdoches, as this locality was unsafe and unsuitable for colonization. The real reason for this restriction was the distrust which Salcedo and all other Spanish officials had always felt for those, who, while loudly protesting against American misrule, yet sought per- mission to settle in Texas as close as possible to the frontier. The governor was ordered to instruct the prospective settlers to terminate their business in Louisiana before setting out, and to make the necessary preparations to bring all their effects in one trip, because they would not be permitted to return under any conditions. Upon notification, the Spanish officials would extend the help and protection
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