373
Frenclt Intervention in Spain and Its Reaction in Texas
He declared that territory was fertile and could be brought under cultivation. It would be well, however, to adopt measures for improving sanitary conditions. That the people of this frontier outpost were not disloyal to the king was attested to by the fact that many of them had served him long and faithfully. He recommended holding both Nacogdoches and Bayou Pierre. Withdrawal would be interpreted as an indication of military weakness by the Americans, who would probably advance on the heels of the Spaniards to occupy the abandoned terri- tory. He urged the maintenance of a respectable force in Texas to guard the frontier and prevent American explorers and traders from penetrating Spanish territory with impunity. 64 Bonavztt's co11clusio11s. Finding that his able associates shared his own opinions and that his position was strengthened by their support, Bonavia wrote to Commandant General N. Salcedo that the situation was grave and required immediate attention to enact effective measures. Texas, he declared, was the keystone to the king's dominions. As such, its defence was imperative--no matter what the cost-but the forces and means at his disposal were inadequate. Referring to his instructions of March 24, which called for evacuation of the Nacogdoches area. reduc- tion of military forces, further restriction of immigration, and postpone- ment of the opening of the Port of San Bernardo, Bonavia presented arguments in refutation of each of these measures which. he declared. were diametrically opposed to the development of the pro\"ince and its defence. There was no gainsaying the fact that the Americans had been displaying considerable interest in the vast, uninhabited areas along the frontier, and that they would continue their advance into Spanish terri- tory and increase their claims until they reached the Rio Grande and even the country beyond-unless these lands were settled by Spanish subjects, and a force capable of commanding respect was maintained in Texas. Bonavia pleaded for additional forces and the whole-hearted support of the commandant general and the viceroy. He protested his impotence to place the province in a state of defence unless his recommendations were approved and acted upon immediately. It was of vital importance, he pointed out, to take advantage of American inactivity by adopting effective measures and taking the necessary steps to defend the frontier at once against future advance. Of his recommendations. he considered the opening of a port the most important. He exprt'ssed great surprise 64 Herrera to Bonavia, April 2 S, 1809. Bexar Archives.
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