Denis: A Canadian who had been trading successfully with the Indians in Louisiana traveled to Natchitchoes to establish markets with the Spaniards. St. Denis traveled south 30 miles beyond what is today called Eagle Pass to a point in Mexico. There he was arrested by the Spanish, sent to Mexico City for interrogation. Finding no reason for his travels into Texas and alarmed by the French intrusion, the Spanish agreed to rebuild the mission in East Texas as a buffer zone from foreign intervention. The Spanish decided to assigned St. Denis as second in command, because of his supposed love to bring Christianity to the Indians. The Spanish hoped to learn from St. Dennis how to speak the Indian language, acquire knowledge of the Texas terrain, and duplicate his ability to befriend the Indians. ...
