365
Fre11cli /11te1·vention in Spain and Its Reaction in Texas
of his shady connections with contraband traders, joined the group of alarmists who were pressing the harassed officials of New Spain to greater efforts against the aggressive plans of the United States and France. He pointed out that the French sympathizers in the United States were enjoying great popularity.s 6 Thoroughly aroused to the danger, both Viceroy Garibay and Com- mandant General N. Salcedo made frantic efforts to meet the threat impending along the frontier of New Spain. The gravity of the situa- tion took on an even more ominous aspect when the commandant general received instructions from Spain's Junta Central to preYent the landing of the king and queen or any of their representatives in any port, and to refuse them admission, should they present themselves at the frontier. This communication declared that Napoleon, in desperation, had decided to send the king and queen to America to create dissension, and thus enable him to gain control of the colonies. The order explained that Napoleon was forcing the sovereigns to take refuge in the colonies. Should they appear, they were to be taken into custody, treated with the respect due them, kept from communicating with anyone, and sent back to Spain with all their entourage. Commandant General N. Salcedo sent this order to the officials in Texas and added his own instructions to keep a close watch on Juan Cortes, of Natchitoches, and Baron de Bastrop, who were suspected of being implicated in the French and American plots. He declared that it was absolutely necessary to cut off all immigration and communication with Louisiana as a precautionary measure against spies. No one was to be admitted, therefore, regardless of documents, affidavits, or passports, until further instructions. More- over, those returning from Louisiana were to be arrested at the frontier.s 7 New military commander for Texas. It was in this crisis that the ltmta Central decided to send Brigadier General Bernardo Bonavia, governor of Durango, to take charge of military operations and to act as coordinator of defence in the remote province of Texas. This appoint- ment was not intended as a reflection on Cordero, who had served long on the frontier and, according to his liberal ideas, faithfully. Cordero, still governor of Coahuila, was sorely needed there at the time. He S6 Someruelos to Viceroy Pedro de Garibay, February 2, 6, and 12, 1809; Vidal to Garibay, February 13, 1809. Nacogdoclus Archives. S 7 Order of the Supremo J1111ta Central, l\farch 1 1 1809, transmitted with letter of N. Salcedo to Bonavia, June 22, 1809. Nacogdoches Archives,· and A. G. I., Audiencia de Guadalajara, 104-2-25 (Dunn Transcripts, 1800-1819, p. 212).
Powered by FlippingBook