The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905 Page: 111

De Witt's Colony.

Manchola, when they were convinced that they were not to be im-
mediately annihilated, that they could be persuaded to do so.
After taking possession of the colonists' guns, which they promised
soon to return,1 and seizing all of Powell's property, the troops
withdrew, taking with them to La Bahia several of the colonists,
among' whom was De Witt, his head still on his shoulders, be it
noted.2
During all this disturbance Oldivar was at the station helping
the Mexican officials in every way possible, and "exercising," as
Kerr said, "great pomp and dictatorialship." " His next move was
an attempt to secure De Witt's removal from the position of em-
presario and to bring him into disgrace. To accomplish this pur-
pose he tried to make an agent of James Norton, the alcalde.
On November 7, the day before Manchola's troops left the La-
vaca, Oldivar went to Norton, and promised that if, in his official
communication to the governor, Norton would commend him for
good conduct and reputable behavior, he in turn would attempt to
secure for him De Witt's position as empresario. This he consid-
ered would be easy to accomplish, for he claimed that there were
papers in the possession of the government which, if brought to
light, would ruin De Witt. But Norton firmly refused to listen
to such a proposal, claiming that De Witt's conduct had always
been patriotic and loyal to the government.4
Kerr was by this time fully convinced that Oldivar was acting
under a bribe from De Le6n. So great was the feeling of sus-
picion now existing between the two colonies that Kerr felt that if
De Witt and the other prisoners were detained at La Bahia and the
affair investigated there the worst consequences might be feared.
Three men, therefore, were sent to Bejar to urge the politi-
cal chief to have all parties appear before him. Kerr and De Witt
1 Some of the guns were returned later, but in such a condition that they
were worthless (Kerr to Austin, January 24, 1827. Austin Papers, class
F, no. 1). This was a great hardship, as the colonists had daily use for
their guns, either to provide themselves with game, or as a means of de-
fense against attack (De Witt to Austin, April 3, 1827. Austin Papers,
class P, no. 1).
2 Kerr to Austin, November 11 and 12, 1826. Austin Papers, class P,
no. 1. Kerr says De Witt did not know whether or not to consider him-
self a prisoner.
8 Kerr to Austin, November 11, 1826. Austin Papers, class P, no. 1.
4Norton to Austin, December 13, 1826. Austin Papers, class E, no. 126.
SKerr to Austin, November 11, 1826. Austin Papers, class P, no. 1.

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