Architecture (Civil)

Escandon writes report regarding building of dam in Nuevo Santander for irrigation and building of a church. Aranda backs up Escandon's request mentioning need for water control during rains and cost of building dam. (L. L. Woodward, September 1989)

Very interesting record of investigation into death of Yxart, gobernador de Nuevo Santander, April 18. Alva is placed in charge of inquiry into suicide. letter from Caleja suggesting perhaps miscreant from volante killed him, created appearance of suicide for revenge. Transcription of questioning of soldiers, blacksmith interspersed throughout. Testimony by reputable sources of deceased's character, recent actions, events surrounding discovery of corpse. Long letter from moquira speculating on circumstances that may shoe, stabbed with knife; all doors to room closed. F.95 is detailed floorplan of governor's Palace with drawing of scene inconclusive evidence for foulplay; no prosecution undertaken. Yxart given ecclesiastic burial anyway. (A. Dean, July 1989)

Map or diagram of Monterrey with notations indicating the locations of significant buildings, Plazas, and other landmarks; drawn by architect, Juan Crouset. Includes notation of ojo de agua for the city. (S. Langmack, April 1990)

Documents concern information resulting in formal establishment of Santa Barbara. Escandon and others conduct review of residents, Indians, mission, climate, crops and general advantages of area. Includes complete list of all residents and members of Escuadra including names, ages, marital status and property owned. Also, 10 families live around mission with same privileges as those in Villa. Mentions Indian groups in area. Reviewers say Santa Barbara one of most important establishments in Colonia as stop-over place and has most fertile lands and most abundant timber. Provides distances to other Villas. Discussion of moving mission to Alberca which Escandon later approves. Escandon gives instructions for construction of homes and a road to Llera. says gambling and liquor to be outlawed. Contains record of admission of one family to Villa. Provides instructions for administration of both Villa and mission. Contains map, city plan of town including surrounding rivers. (M. Dannemiller, April 1989)

Concerns reports by Escandon and others concerning conditions in Altamira and feasibility of official establishment as Villa. Contains review of mission, Fabricas, Indians, land, climate and distances from Altamira to other Villas along frontera. Contains complete lists of families, Escuadra and all property. Mentions conditions established for residents and their obligation to stay in Altamira. Mentions financial support for Villa. says peaceful relations with Indians who receive corn rations from Altamira. Cyprian says location is perfect, good land, easy transportation on rivers, abundant fish and other reasons. Recommends uniting with Panuco and Tampico to secure the coast. says temperate with few Mosquitos. Also mentions cultivation of Calabazas. Instructions by Escandon for future activity such as building of homes, treatment of Indians and church construction. Contains city plan including rivers surrounding Villa. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

Concerns autos and information regarding the establishment of Santander. Discusses distances from Santander to many other towns in Vicinity. Description of Villa and surrounding lands. says need review to determine if population, Indian groups and maiz supplies are increasing or decreasing. Contains complete list of families, Escuadra and all property in town and explains residents' obligation to remain in Santander. List of provisions given to settlers, Indians and military. Santander has hope for large population. experiencing problem with Indian raids but area prospering and developing well. Contains map of town and plans for further construction. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

Contains autos and reports by Escandon and others discussing possible difficulties of establishing Sotolamarina. says original purpose was to establish new Paraje for growing population and to pacify Indians. Were given two Religiosos and 10,000 pesos but after one year in a location without having planted any crops, lack of food, water, cattle and horses has resulted in several deaths. Describes several reasons why they were unable to sustain themselves. Documents discuss whether they should continue to bedova or establish in closer location along River. Gives geographic location of several possible Villas along Nueces. Ciprian says they should avoid impending problems at Bedoya and locate elsewhere since difficulty and cost of north River unreasonable. Escandon stops group in Santander where they report conditions. Decided that 50 families and Escuadra will establish Sotolamarina. Description of area including climate, pastures, fertile lands and abundancy of salt and fish. Escandon allocates money for construction of homes and other town buildings and says will provide sufficient corn seed. Includes town plan, rivers in area and exact coordinates of Sotolamarina. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

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)

Series of documents concerning roof repairs on houses of accountant and treasurer of the navy in San Blas. Documents include estimate for repairs and recommendation for a new roof. Final Bill includes the addition of a Wall around the house and a Series of letters discuss whether the Wall should be paid for since it was not included in the original estimate. (S. Tisdale, October 1989)