Military Life

Uprising of Tanos and Teguas. Vargas offers amnesty. Interrogation of Indian prisoners. (D. Coates) (1980)

This travel account traces Morfi's journey northward from central Mexico to Texas and New Mexico. It is rich in geographic and economic data, as well as in information on presidios and towns. Morfi, however, lacked insight into the things he saw. Also, he mentioned the Indians only in passing and made little effort to study them. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Remarks on presidio and mission conditions around San Diego, Anza expedition, and his journey to San Gabriel mission. The account has some detail on things he saw. Remarks on fr. Gregorio amurrio. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Begins with remarks on Apache life and culture. Data is largely in generalities in an effort to account for their aggressiveness. Then remarks on life in the presidios and the characteristics of the soldiers. Describes Indian attack procedure, and then Spanish campaign tactics and discipline. Makes suggestions to improve Spanish discipline. Finishes with a list of all the tribes in the region and a brief description of their life-style and relationship with the Spanish. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Regulations for the captains or commanders of frontier presidios. Spies, Indian auxiliaries, manpower, punishments, discipline, captives, warfare. (T. N.) (1975)

Responding to virrey's order (7/27/1747) to send 9 soldiers from San Antonio presidio, 13 soldiers from Bahia presidio to establish themselves along Rio San Xavier and protect new missions there, Capitan Orobio Bastherra points out poor state of Bahia presidial force. Notes that due to many duties, as well as needs of own families, few soldiers present at Bahia presidio itself. Proposes instead that 10 soldiers from Adaes presidio be stationed among new missions. Mentions many Apache raids on Bahia horseherd, livestock. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Appears to be identical but incomplete copy of Altamira's lengthy description of Texas- its history, state of presidios, French-Spanish relations, etc. Precised already from Nacogdoches archives- See DRSW serial 4685. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Detailed description of geography of Texas (and north America in general, from Canada to isthmus of Panama) and its history including- discussion of French colonies, French-Indian relations; location/number of troops of Texas presidios; brief description Texas found, Flora; first explorers; Frenchmen in Texas; Spanish responses to French, military activities, including founding of missions, presidios; fertility of land and possibilities of trade with Vera Cruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo; quality of presidial soldiers; French-Spanish relations. See also DRSW serial 4633. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Fray Hidalgo takes testimony of fray Gonzalez concerning Apache peace negotiations and his dispute with capitan Flores. Fray Gonzalez emphasizes poor state of presidio, including lack of supplies, arms, horses, trained men, and notes widespread illness among presidial soldiers throughout Texas. For these reasons, he believed it necessary to deal with Apaches diplomatically. Capitan Flores deposition also included. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Declaracion of officers concerning Asinay, Cadodacho Indians. Note Asinay rebellion, repeating information found in other declaraciones. State buffalo range infructuoso, range plants unsuitable to livestock. Describe various military endeavors to reconnoiter area, especially rivers. Note fatigue of soldiers, poor state of horseherd, lack of arms, clothing, other supplies. Briefly discuss Cododacho political organization, settlement pattens. Note abandonment of missions among Asinay, inability of Franciscans to convert them. Describe scattered settlement patterns of Asinay, making it hard for missionization, reduccion to take place. Mention custom of Asinay to call each other texa, meaning friend. Describe expedition under command of capitan Martinez, composed of 20 soldiers, 10 muleteers, 300 well-armed Jumano auxiliaries, although Jumanos act more or less independently. (T. Sheridan) (1977)