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French Intervention i11-Spain and Its Reaction in Texas
mandant general that he himself had ordered them there. 52 While it is true that Cordero's arguments to exonerate the settlers justified their actions somewhat, nevertheless, the cases cited show that Cordero and his fellow officials had been lax almost to the point of criminal negli- gence in admitting suspicious characters whose activities more than bore out the fears of the commandant general. Nemesio Salcedo now attempted to remedy the situation by ordering the expulsion of the worst offenders with the warning that they would be severely punished if they returned. The orders were transmitted early in January, 1809, to the new governor of Texas, Manuel Maria de Salcedo, who forwarded them to the commander of Villa de Salcedo. The settlers affected immediately protested that they were unable to leave, because they had lost most of their stock during the winter and needed time to gather their scattered property and to dispose of what they had "accumulated by the sweat of their brow during their residence in Texas." They were not without a staunch defender. Father Sosa, who, it will be remembered, had been sent to care for the new settlers of Villa de Salcedo, entered a strong plea in their behalf. He pointed out that they had always shown an interest in the teachings of the Church. They had, however, been greatly impeded in learning the doctrines of the Church by their inability to understand Spanish and their lack of time for taking instructions after working long hours to make a living. Father Sosa reported that, in spite of these handicaps, they all had been baptized and, consequently, must be considered Catholics. Local authorities joined their pastor in his plea and attested to the fact that some of those coming under the expulsion order had been industrious, useful, and loyal. Their combined efforts, neverthe- less, proved unavailing. Tomas Dallete, Juan Eromdreke, his wife, Sera- fina Esmiete, Remigio Bodro, and Maria Magdalena Benua (charged with immorality) had to leave Trinidad de Salcedo. 53 Cordero, irritated by the commandant general's repeated incrimina- tions, informed him in January, 1809, that he was planning a tour of inspection of all the new settlements and outposts. Salcedo, thereupon, instructed him to gather ·au the evidence possible on undesirables and to have them expelled immediately. To avoid difficulty in the future s 2 cordero to N. Salcedo, December 15, 1808. Bexar Arc/rw,u. SlM. de Salcedo to the commander of Trinidad, February 4, and March 21, 1809; commander of Trinidad to M. de Salcedo, including the statement by Father Sosa. Bexar Archives.
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