Our Cat/1olic Heritage in Texas
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permit his undertaking the exploration and in\'estigation personally, Croix ga\'e Governor Cabello full power to appoint anyone in whom he could place full trust. When the governor received the letter of the Comandante General, he was at La Bahia, suffering from a dislocated left arm as the result of a fall from a horse. He replied that he was flattered by the confidence placed in him, but that the investigation requested would require much time and would involve considerable expense. The condition of his arm and the depleted state of his personal finances made it impossible for him to undertake the investigation immediately, but if necessary, he was willing to sacrifice his comfort and well-being. There was, however, a greater obstacle, the need of a person well versed in geography and the art of map-making to accompany him to draw accurate and reliable maps and plans of the two sites. If Croix could supply him with such a person, in whose judgment and ability full confidence could be placed, the governor was willing to set out immediately upon his arrival. Cabello made it clear to Croix that he was fully aware of the intrigues that had played so powerful a part in obstructing·the approval of the original settlement at Bucareli and of the criticism already advanced against the obvious reasons that had forced the removal to Nacogdoches. He was anxious to avoid being drawn into a controversy that could only bring undeserved censure upon his long and loyal career. 82 The frank and earnest appeal of the scrupulous Cabello met with an equally frank refusal. Croix wrote him in June, 1780, that he sympathized with his sickness and deplored the inability to aid him financially, there being no available fund for the investigation at this time. While it was true that he had two engineers in his office, it was impossible to spare the services of either to accompany him in his expedition. Croix reiterated his high opinion of the governor and his ability to undertake the investi- gation alone. 83 Governor Cabello apparently did not deem it necessary to carry out a new investigation, when in his mind he was convinced that Nacogdoches was a better site than Bucareli. The untimely death of De Mezieres in January, had removed the only serious objector to the new settlement, and Croix had intimated his satisfaction with Nacogdoches and practically left the decision to him. Consequently, without formal action, by tacit consent, the permanent settlement of Nacogdoches was 82 Governor Cabello to Teodoro de Croix, April 1, 1770. A.G. M. HistorJa, Vol. 51, pp. 574-579. 83 Croix to Cabello, June 19, 1780. In Ibid., pp. 579-58:2.
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