Spanish king (later confirmed by the Mexican government) and included the present city of Corpus Christi.[6]  Villareal, who was asked by Kinney to carry back letters to Arista and Canales, "professed to know nothing of an intention of his government to invade Texas," but, reported Price, who investigated the situation, "assured Mr. Kinney, if an invasion did occur, that his person and (property) effects should be scrupulously respected." Price wrote the Secretary of War,

I deem it my duty to inform you that from the best information I could obtain, Mr. Kinney intends to avail himself of the proffered protection. From the fact of Mr. K's ranch being convenient and accessible by vessels of considerable draft, I feel confident he could be of much service to the enemy in case they were to invade this country. I also have assurance that Kinney has promised his assistance to the enemy. There is a twelve pound cannon (iron) at Kinney's, mounted on two wheels, with all the appurtenances requisite for service. It was left by Gen. Canales last summer. I would respectfully suggest the propriety of its removal as soon as possible; and also that some means be adopted by the Government to render ineffectual, if possible, the treasonable designs of Mr. Kinney.[7]

James Gourlay made substantially the same statements under oath six months later concerning Colonel Kinney's relations with the Mexicans. Gourlay says he was asked by Kinney to translate the letters that he had received from Canales and Arista, and that the one from the latter informed Colonel Kinney that he "was perfectly willing that he [Kinney] should remain tranquil and undisturbed at his rancho in Corpus Christi, and pursue his commercial business by paying to the Mexican government the duties on the goods he received, the same as he had heretofore done to Gen. Canales, and also request[ed] of Col. Kinney to keep him advised from time to time of the movements of Texas."[8]  The letter from Canales had simply stated that he had talked to General Arista in regard to his remaining in the Corpus