Tlte Beginning of Formal Coloni:;ation
301
they could not communicate regularly with foreigners through any harbor or port, or sail out on the Gulf without the express consent of the Go,·ernment. 31 But Despallier and his colonists appear to have been more interested in trade than in simple agriculture. and more desirous of maintaining close communications with their former associates and the world at large than of becoming good Spanish isolationists. When informed of the restrictions imposed on overseas com- munications, Despallier appealed to the viceroy, stating definitely that his settlers preferred the Trinity to the Guadalupe. He wrote that the majority of the colonists who planned to emigrate from Louisiana were families of substantial means, their immigration would be an expensive enterprise, and preparation of the fields for cultivation and construction of new homes would consume a considerable amount of time during which they would be unable to carry on productive activities. He con- tinued that, in view of these circumstances, he wished to be allowed to settle on the banks of the Trinity River-a location which offered greater opportunities for export trade. He belie,·ed that a port on San Bernardo Bay at the mouth of the Trinity should be opened in connection with the new settlement. He ignored the fact that this was the very thing Spanish officials desired to pre\'ent. He went on to argue that the development of the colony would be not merely retarded but made impossible if trade with Vera Cruz, Havana, and other Gulf ports should be disallowed, because restrictions on the exportation of stock to Louisiana deprived the prospective settlers of the means of making the trip O\'er- land. A port, he was convinced, was indispensable not only to the success of the proposed colony but also to the welfare of the entire province. Despallier terminated his petition by strongly protesting that the settlers of his colony were loyal and enthusiastic supporters of Spain, and were ready to defend her interests and their new homes against all enemies. In a second petition transmitted through the governor, Despallier added that rich immigrants could bring their stock, slaves, furniture, tools, and resources only by sea, and would come on the condition that a port be opened for their benefit. 32 These two memorials left no room for doubt about Despallier's designs, if there had been any before. Despallier's request for a port. 31 Elguezabal to Salcedo, June 20, 1804; Salcedo to Elguezabal, July 17, 1804. Bexar Archives. 32 Despallier to Salcedo, and Elguezabal to Salcedo, December s, 1804. A. G. /., Audiencia de Alexico, Leg. 18, N,1111. 18.
Powered by FlippingBook