339
Frenc/z, Intervention in Spain and Its Reaction in Texas
a time," says a modern historian, "like a volcano in labour, and then burst forth in an explosion of fury." 3 Napoleon's interest in tlie colonies. How Napoleon, without a fleet, intended to make use of Spain's vast colonial empire is still a matter of conjecture. But even before the fateful overthrow of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain, he had begun preparations to win the friendship and trade of the Spanish colonies. As early as April 15, 1808, he had written to his Minister of the Interior to establish and foster trade with the Spanish colonies by all means possible. He suggested at this time that commercial companies be organized with Government subsidies in leading French ports, and ordered ships to be built especially for this purpose. Aware of the possibility that the French might not be well received, he planned to counteract American antipathy by sending agents to prepare Spain's colonials for the change that was to take place. The agents were to show the colonists the advantages they would derive from the new order of things. On April 25 Napoleon wrote Vice Admiral Decres to learn whether or not he had dispatched the agents to Mexico and Montevideo as instructed, and to order him to send more.' In support of these emissaries, he issued instructions for sending ships and arms, particularly to La Plata and Mexico. Six light vessels were to be built for fast communication with the colonies. Marshal Junot was ordered to reserve three ships for carrying dispatches to the viceroy; one was to depart for Vera Cruz every eighth day. A public announce- ment was to be made in Madrid on May 22 to acquaint the people with the fact that six ships had already left French ports with letters, proclamations, and instructions for the Spanish authorities in America. The colonists were to be assured of France's protection against England and told that the French were their best friends. 5 Napoleon offered Gregorio de la Cuesta the office of viceroy of Mexico on May 25, and urged him to accept the position for the sake of securing Mexico for Spain, the vassal of France. He desired to see Mexico recognize Joseph as king so as to forestall a rupture with the mother country. The following day, the Emperor wrote to the Due de Berg to inform him of Cuesta's appointment and to suggest that he draw up the commission, and name three or four colonels, brigadiers, or field 3Rose, John H., T/1e Life of Napoleon I, 154. 4 Correspo11dance de Napoleon fer, XVII, 1-2; 47. (32 vols., Paris, 1865.) 5 Napoleon to Junot, May 15, 1808; Napoleon to the Due de Berg, May 22, 1808. Ibid., XVII, 104; 110-111; 157.
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