Tlie Beginning of Formal Colonization
Clouet's proposed settlement. Brady and Despallier, like Minor, claimed that their plans had originated with Casa Calvo. The petitioners listed thus far were not the only ones who were inspired by the Marques. On June 12, 1804, the new commander of Nacogdoches reported that Juan Garnier and Pedro Arsenaux, residents of Attakapas, Louisiana, had just arrived in the vicinity of Orcoquisac. Upon being questioned, they said that they had come to find a location suitable for the settlement of 300 Louisiana families who had promised the Spanish Boundary Commissioner to move to this area. 41 Garnier claimed to be a Spanish subject and a Catholic. He had been born in France, but had been taken at the age of four to Attakapas, where he had lived ever since. In spite of his long residence in Louisiana under the Spanish flag, he could not even understand much less speak Spanish. 42 No immediate action appears to have been taken. Salcedo several months later sent the governor written instructions that the settlers who, in fulfillment of Casa Calvo's plans, came to establish themselves on the lower Trinity were to be made to comply with the general regu- lations before they could be admitted. He pointed out that since the petition of Barr to reoccupy the abandoned presidio of Orcoquisac had been granted, Garnier and Arsenaux should be requested to come to San Antonio to discuss their contemplated settlement and to report on the families they intended to introduce. If the petitioners gave unmis- takable proof of their loyalty to Spain, they were to be permitted to immigrate and to introduce approved settlers. Salcedo seemingly was dubious of them, for he instructed the governor to inform Garnier and Arsenaux that such families as were brought could settle either on the Guadalupe or in some other location designated by the governor. They could come by water if they desired, but their arrival was to be reported immediately to the Spanish officials in order that an agent might be commissioned to assign them lands. 43 It turned out that Garnier and Arsenaux were the agents of Lieutenant Brogne de Clouet, of Attakapas. On October 18, 1805, Acting Governor Antonio de Cordero informed Clouet that he could introduce 300 families and establish them anywhere between the Trinity River and San Antonio
•0 Valle to Elguezabal, June 12, 1804. Bexar Archh 1 es. 0 Affidavit of Garnier, October 10, 1805. Bexar Archives. 43 Salcedo to Elguezabal, July 9, 1805. Bexar Arcltit 1 es.
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