Spanish-U.S. Relations

Trudeau passes on latest local and international news to Varela. Relates that travel in eastern Texas unsafe due to highway robbers who seek refuge on U.s. Side of Sabinas. Discusses rumors that expeditionary force under Perry to attack presidios at Bahia and San Antonio. Relates news of French defeat of Allied forces seeking to install Louis XVIII during battle at Loire River. Comments on rumors that Spain has ceded Florida and Louisiana to English. Finally relates that attempts by Perry to move heavy canons across Sabinas were unsuccessful and resulted in many drownings. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

(A. Tukey, September 1988)

(A. Tukey, September 1988)

Correspondence between Salcedo and viceroy concerning rebel encampments along U.s.side of Sabinas River. Includes daily log by Toro of March along Texas coast searching for rebel meeting places. Testimony by local resident indicates that rebel bands have settled near Nacogdoches and mouth of Nechas River. Also includes precautions taken in Texas in light of reports from vice-consul in new Orleans of imminent pirate attacks against coastal settlements, with possible connections with rebels. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Salcedo advises viceroy of news from Onis of arrival of napoleonic spies in Philadelphia with final destination in new Orleans with purpose of inciting revolution among Spanish possessions. Also relates news of american takeover of Spanish forts at Baton Rouge and mobile. Includes copy of letter from president Madison stating that takeovers are justified as they are part of territory gained by U.s. Under Louisiana purchase. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Arredondo advises viceroy that coastguard ships from Veracruz have been deployed along Texas coast to prevent arms shipments to rebels. Petitions viceroy for funds for payment of synods, stipends to retirees, invalids, and widows, and procurement of arms and munitions to fight rebels. Also advises viceroy of talks with U.s. to prohibit rebel meetings in new Orleans and bribing of Indians to revolt against Spanish. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

(A. Tukey, September 1988)

Salcedo relates to virrey his concerns about reports of american military build-up aimed at invasion of Florida and Texas. Petitions virrey for more troops and reconquest of fort at Baton Rouge. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Series of documents concerning tensions between americans and Spanish on Louisiana-Texas frontier. Relates efforts by English and americans to bribe Indians to rebel against Spanish. Includes reports by Spanish agents in Louisiana on american construction of fortifications in Natchitoches and concentration of american troops there under Burr and Wilkinson. Spanish troops in Texas and surrounding areas put on alert as U.s. breaks relations with Spain. Orcoguisac presidio abandoned as Spanish military build-up ensues in Texas. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Salcedo informs virrey that 7000 american troops have been stationed in Natchitoches under general Wilkinson. Includes copy of letter from Cordero to Wilkinson warning that any troops crossing over Sabinas River will be considered hostile. Cordero petitions Salcedo for reinforcements as many soldiers protecting frontier have succumbed to fever. Reply from Wilkinson denies hostile intentions. Also includes correspondence from marques de Casa Yrujo of conspiracy between Burr, Wilkinson, and Baron de Bastrop to secede western U.s. states from the union, along with takeover of Florida and parts of New Spain. Details by Casa Yrujo on U.s. president's misleading account of affair as reported to american public. Burr's movements watched closely by informant in Philadelphia known as el gordo, who is suspected by Salcedo of being double agent. (A. Tukey, August 1988)