Our Catleolic Heritage i1t Texas
to penetrate the Spanish dominions at all costs and incite the leaders to rebel against the mother country. Saavedra passed on his information that a group of prominent citizens of Mexico had made proposals to Great Britain to place New Spain under her protection in the event that France subjugated Spain. He expressed deep concern over the presence of General Wilkinson in Louisiana and the large number of French families residing in that provincc. 106 Bonavia attempted to allay Saavedra's fears. He wrote that he was of the opinion that Wilkinson's presence in New Orleans in itself constituted no danger to Spanish interests and was not indicative of any plan on the part of the United States to attack. He admitted, however, that the large number of French sympathizers in Louisiana did constitute a danger. As for \,Vilkinson, his character was such that he had lost his Government's confidence. As a matter of fact, Wilkinson had been removed from command and replaced by General Hampton, because he was pro-English, whereas the American Congress was pro-French. 107 The dissatisfaction of the Creoles in Mexico was in the meantime crystallizing into open rebellion. The officials in Texas were soon faced with the problem of preventing the spread of discontent from New Spain and the entrance of agents into the province. Within a year, the parish priest of Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, raised the standard of revolt against the tyrannical rule of Spain in America and began the struggle for independence which was soon to spread to Texas, and cause the temporary arrest of both the governor and the commandant general. Don Nemesio Salcedo issued a proclamation on October 24, 1810, to warn the inhabitants of Texas against the machinations of French agents, whom he blamed for the revolt in Mexico. He entreated the citizens of Texas not to be misled by false promises, and pointed out that the rebels were the agents of Napoleon, who aimed to usurp authority in the Spanish colonies and destroy religion. He warned against inactivity which would produce disastrous results, and called upon all the officers in Texas to redouble their vigilance. The viceregal decree against the rebels informed the people that those harboring or giving comfort to French agents would be considered traitors, tried as such, and executed within twenty-four hours after pronouncement of sentence; that those found guilty of spreading seditious propaganda would be condemned to I06Saavedra to Lizana, December 12, 1809. A. G. Ir/., Ojeraciones de Guerra (Barker Transcripts). I07Bonavia to Saavedra, May 16, 1810. Nacogdoches Ankives, XV, pp. 65-67.
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