Exploration

Viceroy Cruillas says has received governor Martos letters protesting sending aid to Bexar, the removal of San Agustin de Ahumada, exploration of Texas coast and need for missionization of tehuacana Indians. (R. Davis) (1979)

Governor of Texas writes to the viceroy describing area around Santa Rosa and orconzito creek, during a trip to consider fray Abad's petition to establish a presidio in the region. Excellent description of distances, wildlife, plant life, I.e. necessary requirements for establishing of mission. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Concerns two different topics. 1) apprehension and punishment of Frenchmen entering New Spain. Came to trade with the Indians and taken prisoner by Spanish. Their goods confiscated, some were sent to Mexico City and others imprisoned in los Adaes. 2) formation of a mission at mouth of trinity River. Comments are given on available natural resources for building of mission, the Indians of the region, and the necessary Spanish to people the settlement, most of latter coming from los Adaes. The threat of French encroachment is used to emphasize importance of new mission. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Jazinto de Barrios y Jaurigue sent Marcos Ruiz to investigate reports of a French settlement at mouth of trinity River in Texas. Ruiz took 25 soldiers and received help of 31 Vidai Indians. He took four people prisoners and an inventory of goods captured, which is given. When threatened with attack by Indians friendly to French. Ruiz threatened to kill French if Indians attacked. French were persuaded to calm their Indian friends. Documents also includes request of Orcoquisas Indians for a mission. One of prisoners was Jose Blanpen (Blancpain). (M. Bowman) (1979)

Main topic of this collection of documents is the encroachment of the French in the Texas region. Discusses the founding of the San Xavier presidio to combat the French. Mentions the case with which French could enter New Spain. Also discusses illicit trade between Spaniards and French, especially with the Former governor of Texas. Finally the documents probe relationship between the disgruntled Luis de San Dionizio and the Indians of Texas, and the latter's preference for dealing with the French. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Orders to governor of Texas requesting that twenty-five presidial soldiers from los Adais be given to Jose de Escandon to help him explore and pacify the Gulf Indians. (R. Graham) (1979)

Accounts of expeditions into Texas interior which are investigating French intrusions. Gives a description of geography of area and discusses French trade with native peoples. (R. Graham) (1979)

Concerns Juan de Olivan's appointment as governor of Nuevas Philipinas. His duties and salary, and the extent of his jurisdiction are discussed. Also discussed are orders that neighboring governors have to help in defense matters and in the subjugation of Indians, should the need arrive. (R. Graham) (1979)

Rebolledo asks king why he has not yet been dispatched to Texas. He includes copy of letter stating that he has been appointed to conquer Texas to counter French incursions. (R. Graham) (1979)

Summary of a letter written by Salinas Varona describing San Denis' travel in Texas 1713-1717. (R. Graham) (1979)