Plans for tl1e Reorganization of tlte Frontier
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my desire that my new subjects shall not experience any vexations as the result of the change of sovereignty." On March 24, 1768, by royal decree direct trade with Spain was duly authorized and the corresponding regulations drawn. Ships engaged in this commerce were not to stop in any port in the Spanish possessions or to engage in trade with them either on the way to or from Spain. But if driven into port by adverse weather they were to be allowed to make repairs and restock themselves in whichever port necessity and emergency drove them. Furthermore, if the ships were completely disabled, making the continuance of their voyage impossible, the shipmasters were to be allowed to dispose of their cargoes on payment of a ten per cent impost.n The cession of all Spanish and French territory east of the Mississippi to Great Britain in 1762, and the prompt occupation of that area had brought grave fears to Spanish officials, who foresaw the inevitable penetration of English goods into the Gulf Coast provinces of New Spain. As early as the fall of 1764, the presence of a large fleet at Pensacola had been reported by the viceroy of New Spain, who had suggested on November 28 of that year the advisability of providing a coast guard to watch the movements of foreigners. The king's secretary acknowledged the Jetter and informed the viceroy on February 9, 1765. that the suggestion would be given serious consideration by the Council.u But the viceroy felt that the matter was urgent, and on his own respon- sibility, dispatched several ships to watch the movements of the English in the Gulf. 23 Fear of tlee Englis/1. Rumors soon reached the viceroy that the English were in fact planning to establish themselves on the islands along the coast between San Bernardo Bay and the Rio Grande. Colonel Ortiz Parrilla, who was in Monclova had reported that in a recent expedition to the Gulf coast he had discovered two long, narrow islands on which, it was said, the English were planning to erect a fort. At this time Don Jose de Escandon was about ready to set out on a tour of inspection of Nuevo Santander. The viceroy requested him to investigate the truth of the report. The 11 Arriaga to the Viceroy, May 3, 1768. A.G. M. Historia, Vol. 3:.11, pp. 198-199. A copy of the printed regulations of March 3, I 768, was enclosed. It was printed in Madrid. Real decreto q11e 'f>reviene las reglas y condicio11es co11 q11e se ;uede /lacer el comercio desde Es'f>ana a la Provincia de la Louisiana. Madrid, 1768. Copy in I bid., pp. 200-207. ZZArriaga to the Viceroy, February 9, 1765. Rea/es Cedulas, 1678-177:a (Bolton Transcripts) p. 4 I. UManuel Rivera, Los gober,ra,rtes de Alerit:o, I, 404.
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