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Texas on tlie Eve of the 1Jlexican Revoltttion
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expelling anybody, did not consider a trip to Atascosito m the rainy season essential. Depopulation. While the commandant general seemed to be of the opinion that undesirable settlers ought to be expelled, the authorities in Texas were becoming quite concerned over the fact that many settlers were leaving the province and going to New Orleans. So great was the fear that the entire eastern frontier might become depopulated that Governor Salcedo, who had succeeded in persuading the commandant general to abandon his policy calling for the expulsion of foreigners, took the liberty of issuing a proclamation to the inhabitants of Nacog- doches on July 29, 18m. He promised a pardon upon return to all who, because they had been accused of dealing in contraband trade, had fled the country, and to any others who may have left Texas.sa He held out to them the inducement of a more liberal trade policy and various other measures to promote prosperity. All those who had fled either through fear of punishment or in despair of ever improving their condition under the existing regulations, he invited to return to help develop the country and to enjoy the fruits of the new regulations which the Government planned to adopt. He reminded them of the great danger to their Catholic faith resulting from contact with heretics and unbelievers and urged them for the sake of their religion and out of their loyalty to Spain to return to Texas. In the name of Ferdinand VII he offered a full pardon to all those who had fled to Louisiana, even if they had taken their stock with them, on condition that they returned before November I and pre- sented themselves to the proper authorities to be placed in possession of their lands again. He assured the foreigners residing in the province, whose cases were still pending, a favorable decision which would permit them to remain permanently in secure possession of all their property. "Be relieved of your forebodings," the governor entreated, "and enjoy the paternal solicitude of the kindest and wisest government."s 9 Governor Salcedo became alarmed at the number of foreigners and Spanish subjects who, instead of seeking admission were now anxious to leave, impelled by the fear of impending revolution and political per- secution. He appealed to Bonavia to do something to check the outflow S 8 Proclamation of Governor M. de Salcedo to the Inhabitants of Nacogdoches, July 29, 18 Io. Bexar Arc/1ives. The text of the proclamation is reproduced in a poor English translation as Appendix 19 in Hatcher, The Ope11;ng of Texas to Foreign Settlement, 332-333. 59Proclamation of Governor M. de Salcedo to the Inhabitants of Nacogdoches, July 29, 1810. Bexar Arcllwes.
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