He was eager to enter in and take the land, even at the cost of becoming for the time being a more or less nominal vassal of Spain; and he was ready to promise, in return for this privilege of settlement, to form a barrier state against the further encroachment of his fellows.

When fettered by the checks imposed by the Central Government, he not only threatened to revolt and establish an independent government of his own, but even now and then darkly hinted that he would put this government under the protection of the very Spanish power at whose cost he always firmly intended to take his own strides towards greatness.

As a matter of fact, whether he first established himself in the Spanish possessions as an outright enemy, or as a nominal friend and subject, the result was sure to be the same in the end.

The only difference was that it took place sooner in one event than in the other.

In both cases alike the province thus acquired was certain finally to be wrested from Spain.
Spanish Dread of the Westerners.
The Spaniards speedily recognized in the Americans the real menace to their power in Florida, Louisiana, and Mexico.