Geography

Concerns autos, plans and conditions for establishment of Reynosa by Escandon. Area first populated to pacify Indians, become familiar with the land and to test feasibility of irrigation in area. Escandon provides instructions for agricultural methods until construction of well completed. Escandon conducts, with assistance of others, review of population, property, land, Esquadra and Indians. Asks for reports regarding probability of permanence of Indians in area and need for new mission. Contains list of families including marital status, name, age and property. Contains list of Esquadra with same information. States conditions for population and Esquadra and their obligations to the town. Provides information on all Indian nations, whether armed or not, name of capitan, where raised, if baptised and likelihood of remaining peacefully in area. Mentions food supplies and basic sustenance. Contains list of property in town including horses, cattle and mules. Includes detailed description of land and digging of well. Mentions which lands need irrigation, which are fertile. Indians working for Spanish are given clothing and dry-goods. Includes city plan with provisions for church and convent and drawing of rivers around location. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

Concerns all info regarding population and land pertaining to decision to formally establish Camargo. Date of establishment by Escandon. says people sent to area to pacify Indians, build azequias and plant crops. Perez suggests methods of agriculture pending construction of well. Escandon, assisted by others, performs inspection of land, climate, and Indians. Provides information on Indians congregated in area and probability of permanence at mission. Contains list of families including all names, marital status and age. Also, list of animals owned by each and Villa as whole. Describes different tribes in area, saying they are armed, some are baptised and most are peaceful. Contains list of Esquadra, their families and property. States conditions for residents and soldiers and their obligation to remain in Camargo. Description of land and availability of maiz and Trigo. Autos by others containing similar evaluations. Includes planned layout of city identifying Plaza, church, convent, distance from other Villas and surrounding rivers. Mentions use of special paper for autos. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

This is Escandon's final report about his expedition to the seno Mexicano, the area of the worthwestern coast of the were involved, how many soldiers were provided by each military company, the geography with special emphasis in potential resources which could facilitate future settlement (wood, minerals, arable land, irrigation potential, salt, possibilities of communication, etc.), and the Indian groups, with names and gross estimates of their numbers. He refers to a map that was attached to the document, but now is missing. The last part of the account is a plan of settlement, recommending the foundation of 14 villages. The advantages of the proposed locations are described, both from the point of view of the prospective settlers, and for the general policy of the state. He finally suggests where the financial resources for such enterprise could come from. (A. Nielsen, October 1989)

Escandon reports his advances in the exploration of the northern territory, describing the landscape, resources (lands, salt, minerals, woods, water sources, etc.) and Indian groups. He underlines the convenience of founding a village in a Valley called Voca de Santa Rosa. This proposition is well received by the authorities, who decide to effect it in the near future. Concluding the trip, Escandon recommends authorities send missionaries to preach in the area. The authorities are interested and continue to support the undertaking. (A. Nielsen, October 1989)

Concerns relocation of presidio del sacramento to areas of loma pintada and Ayacacho because of a better strategic position to fight the Indians from those places. Military official disagrees with the idea because there is still a need to protect provinces and presidios in the Former place of the Sacramento presidio. Relocation is advocated because the new place has plenty of natural resources, fertile land, and some minerals. New place is said to be better because of better opportunity to put the Indians to work in agriculture. Reallocation of military personnel. Redistribution of land in places secured by presidios. Reorganizaton of presidios to take care of provinces is suggested by Balaunzaran who visited the area where presidios were being reorganized. (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Concerns petition to relocate presidio del sacramento to the area of Ayacacho and loma pintada; description of the neighboring area is given. Other presidios in this area are mentioned. Strategic position is given as a reason for relocation; some of these reason are economical, military, topographic position and personnel for the presidio. Documents repeat narration of initial reconaissance and expeditions made by Garza Falcon by the time of the selection of site for Sacramento presidio (summary of document can be found in folio 302). Spaniard settlements within protected area of presidios is mentioned (i. E. San Bartolome). (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Concerns relocation of Sacramento presidio to the Valley of Santa Rosa due to difficulties in irrigation and water transportation and extraction in the area; soil was to sandy for Canals. Document explains strategy of the new place with respect to stopping Indians from attacking Spaniards population. Petition for money advances for purposes of war and peace operations. Review of clauses in the creation of Sacramento presidio. (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Concerns the beginning of the populating of new presidio of Sacramento. Soldiers and families are sent to the new presidio. Distribution of land begins, but irrigation problems resulted due to site of presidio being higher than the level of the River. Falcon reports on the events and activities in the new presidio. Patrols and reconnaissance operations are made in the presidio's surroundings. Reasons for the selection of San Diego as place for new presidio are give. This place is said to be more strategic for defense of provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Texas and Rio Grande. Difficulties in agricultural work are encountered due to the position of the presidio with respect to the River. (M. Marroquin, January 1989)

Concern dispute on prices for food and other supplies in new presidio. Also conflict about salaries paid to soldiers. Confusion about the jurisdiction under which new presidio will be placed with respect to the other presidios. Conflict is held about which would be the best place for construction of new presidio. Some government officials advocate paraje of Santa Rosa and others the site of Junta de los Rios del norte. Santa Rosa is said to be a better place for its strategic position to fight the Indians and also because of its abundant natural resources. (M. Marroquin, January 1989)

Concerns construction of military facility named presidio del Santisimo sacramento in Junta de los Rios Grandes del norte. Purpose of this presidio is to protect people and property from continuous attacks made by Indians. Documents are descriptive of the area chosen for the construction of such facility. Construction of presidio is also important to control Indian population in the area in case they are not converted to be christians. Military personnel are appointed. Salaries are established for commanders and soldiers. Place for construction of presidio is said to be abundant of natural resources and minerals. Soldiers for the new presidio are going to be transferred from other presidios so it will not be costly to the crown. (M. Marroquin, January 1989)