Tl,e Begi1111iugs of Presmt Nacogdocl1cs
It is hardly credible that in the Yast area surrounding San Antonio the Adaesanos (settlers of Los Adaes) could not find Yacant lands on which to settle. The choice of the proposed site near l\l ission Dolores in the country of the Ais is also significant. It will be recalled that it was in this Yicinity that the Lobanillo ranch of lbarbo was located, that his mother and sister were left there, together with twenty-four other persons, and that the bulk of his interests were in this region. Reasons for the sympathy of Ripperda '.J. 1 itk the petitio11.:rs. Shortly after his arrival in Texas, Governor Ripperda had come to the conclusion that the friendship of the northern tribes was of the utmost importance to the peace of the province. Under the influence of the capable Athanase de Mezieres, who was to attain even greater ·influence over Spanish officials in determining the policy with regard to the native tribes, the go,·ernor became convinced of the soundness of his policy and staunchly advocated the establishment of a presidio and mission among the northern tribes. His proposals in this regard and the use made of the new fear and danger of possible English incursions as the result of the Louisiana cession ha\'e already been discussed. 4 It was well known that the eastern tribes living between the Neches and the Trinity had always been friendly towards the Spaniards, but more recently the Tejas and the Bidias were becoming too friendly with the Apaches, whom they were accused of supplying with firearms. This made the maintenance of close relations with the east Texas tribes a very important policy. 5 It was only natural, therefore, that the governor should look with fa\'Or upon a petition that might re'sult in the restoration of direct communication with the eastern tribes. He promptly replied that it was beyond his power to grant a request that implied the infraction of a royal order. They should try more earnestly to find appropriate lands in or near San Antonio, the Cibolo, or the abandoned ranches in the vicinity. Should they fail, howe,·er, to find suitable lands, they might then present their petition directly to the viceroy. 6 I barbo and Flores sent to 111 e:-cico. The A dat·sanos may or may not have exerted themselves to find suitable locations to establish themselves in or near San Antonio. They waited o,·er a month, howe,·er, before deciding to follow the advice of the go\'ernor. On December 7, repre- 4See pre,·ious chapter. :lExpedicnte sobre proposiciones del Gobern:idor de Texas Baron de Ripper<li ... A.G. Al. Historia, Vol. 51, pp. 1-60. 'lUpperdi to the settlers of Los Adaes, October 4, Ii73, .4. G. ,1/. H islr.1ri<1, \ 'ol. 51, pp .. 2 l 6-2 l 7.
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