Ow· C atlzolic H e1·itage in Texas
Many of the basic principles were incorporated into the colonization law of Mexico, under which American immigrants were to pour into Texas after 1821. Pedro Nolasco Carrasco, who had aided Cordero a few years before in founding Villa de San Andres de Nava, Coahuila, was given orders on September 17 to proceed with a detachment of 120 men to the site proposed for the new settlement of Santisima Trinidad de Salcedo. These troops proved to be, in reality, the first settlers, although they were sent to establish a military post and to guard the settlers en route to, and after their arrival on the Trinity. Carrasco's orders stated that several families-intended as a nucleus for a villa near the military post-were to accompany the troops, but their number was not given, nor were their names. Carrasco was instructed to watch the civilians closely to prevent them from engaging in contraband trade. He was reminded, in partic- ular, that the importation of goods from Louisiana and the exportation of horses, mules, and cattle from Texas were strictly prohibited. Violators of the law were to be arrested and sent to San Antonio for trial, and their property was to be seized and confiscated. It is to be noted that a carpenter, who had contracted to build a flat ferryboat and two canoes, went with the troops. Before leaving San Antonio, he had been paid 40 pesos, and upon completion of the work according to specifications he was to be paid roo pesos more. Perhaps another reason for sending a carpenter at this time before the formal approval of the villa, was that a carpenter would prove invaluable to settlers in building their homes. 51 Not until December 20 did the first and only group of official settlers from San Antonio set out for the Villa de Salcedo, as the new settle- ment generally came to be designated. 59 Although the details of Villa de Salcedo's formal founding are meager, we know from Governor Cor- dero's letter to Commandant General Salcedo that a group of volunteers set out on that date. The 1809 census indicates that the group included Pedro Cruz; his wife, Juana Maria Amador; their sons, Jose Antonio Cruz (born in La Bahia r8 years before); and two younger children, Estanislado and Maria Cesaria, aged 7 and 9. respectively; Jose Borreg-o and his wife, Maria Manuela Ramona; Jose Manuel Casanova and his wife. Maria del Carmen; Francisco Travieso and his son. Jose Antonio; Jose Luis Duran and his wife. Guadalupe Travieso, and their two
SIJnstructions to Pedro Nolasco Carrasco, September 17, 1805. Bexar Archives. 59 Salcedo to Cordero, January 28, 1806. Bexar Archives.
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