Om· Catleolic Heritage in Texas
England was now the ally of Spain. This factor would also deter the Americans from an open break. 44 The commandant general was shocked by and indignant at Bonavia's support of the governor, but he was furious with the governor for boldly disregarding his formal and explicit instructions. He immediately wrote a sharp rebuke to Governor Salcedo for having presumed to interpret definite orders, for having dared to suggest modifications of the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and for having suspended execution of his formal command. He reminded the governor that orders were to be carried out literally and commanded him to undertake the tour of inspec- tion without further delay. He instructed the governor to make a thorough investigation of the defences of the province, to suggest a means of improving them, to list all Indian tribes, and to report on their general attitude towards the Spaniards and their desire for missionaries. Bonavia was similarly reprimanded and ordered to cooperate with the governor in immediately executing his instructions without exception. 45 In spite of these explicit orders to start at once, Governor Salcedo still delayed his departure from Bexar for more than a month. In the mean- time, the commandant general regained his composure and reconsidered the whole matter. The previous warnings of Onis and other Spanish agents in regard to the presence of a large number of French and Ameri- can revolutionists in New Orleans made him conclude that the arbitrary expulsion of foreigners from Texas would but furnish additional infor- mation and recruits to this band of filibusters. Perhaps the governor was right. Consequently the orders of February 6 were modified by supple- mentary instructions on March r and 13, 1810. Commandant General Salcedo again ordered Governor Salcedo to leave at once on his tour of inspection. He was instructed to investigate carefully the character of all foreigners and the circumstances under which they had been admitted. He was, likewise, to warn those who had entered the province illegally that their cases would be taken under advisement and that they would be expelled if there were no attenuating circumstances. Those who desired to leave at once were to be allowed to go, and those who desired to await the decision in their cases were to be permitted to stay. One thing they were not to be permitted to do: move into the interior. 46 "'Bonavia to N. Salcedo, January 23, 1810. Bexar Archives. 45N. Salcedo to M. de Salcedo, February 6, 181 o; N. Salcedo to Bonavia, February 6, 1810. Bexar Arcliives. 4 6Bonvia to M. de Salcedo, March 1, 1810; N. Salcedo to M. de Salcedo, March 13, 1810. Bexar Archives.
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