Ottr Catholic Heritage in Texas
210
When Bouligny returned to Balize he was accompanied by Lafreniere, Marquis, and Milhet. O'Reilly received them on the deck of his flagship, surrounded by all his officers assembled there for the purpose. The leaders of the rebellion presented their respects to the commander and assured him of their submis- sion to the King of Spain. With great politeness the veteran commander replied in gracious terms, promised them he would listen impartially to all explanations in due time, and invited them to have dinner with him. The courtesy and courtly bearing of General O'Reilly disarmed and reassured the former rebel leaders. They returned much pleased by the kind treatment they had received. But O'Reilly had no intention of forgetting the affront which these men and their companions had offered to his royal master. On August 18, he anchored with his entire force in front of the City of New Orleans. Aubry and all the other French officers went aboard and presented their respects to the new governor. He then came ashore and returned the courtesy. Arrangements were made for the landing of the Spanish force and for the formal act of possession to take place late that afternoon. "A signal gun at five o'clock announced that the disembarkation had commenced." Aubry and all his men were drawn up in the main square, ready to receive them. "The Spanish soldiers, with great precision, marched down the flying bridges, in solid columns, clad in the glittering parapher- nalia of war, with arms blazing in the sun, and with an appearance of strength and invincibility that elicited the admiration of the beholders. :\•loving on like clockwork, they drew up in battalions, forming the three sides of a square, and were followed by the artillery of more than fifty cannon and mortars, and by about one hundred mounted men. Of course it was the most imposing scene ever witnessed in New Orleans up to that time. Every flag was flying from the vessels and from the houses, for now everybody seemed loyal to Spain. Every bell in the city was ringing. When the troops had taken their respective positions, General O'Reilly came down the bridge preceded by ahendants in royal livery, bearing long silver maces, and surrounded by a dazzling array of brilliantly uniformed officers. "He advanced to the center of the square, where Governor Aubry stood with his retinue, waiting to receive him and where from a tall mast still flew the flag of France. Here the credentials were exhibited and exchanged, and here the instruments were read which transferred Louisiana to the crown of Spain." Salutes were fired, the large crowd assembled, cheered, and shouted "Long live the King," and the officials marched in state to the cathedral where they were received
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