Military Organization And Administration

Borica's 1783 letters to Peru concerning frontier military affairs, including troop movements, impending presidial Inspections. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Assorted 1783 documents by Peru, including- 1) fragment of instructions to destacamentos engaged in Apache campaign (n.d.); 2) revista de la companias del real presidio de Janos, containing roster and Destino of all members of company, for each month of 1783; 3) inventory of arms, mounts, clothing of Indian members of company stationed in San Buenaventura. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Letters of Diego de Borica concerning presidial affairs, including provision/maintenance of weapons, prohibition against replacing sick soldiers with Paisanos of area, prohibition against la concurrencia a fandangos de la Tropa Por lo que en ellos pierde el decoro de unos oficiales de onor. (pp.135), planting of barley (cebada) around El Paso. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Rubio's detailed instructions for sustained campaign against various Apache groups. Nueva Vizcaya presidial forces divided into primera and segunda divisiones. Primera division commanded by capitan Peru, included Carrizal, Janos, San Eleceario, San Buenaventura presidios. Segunda division, led by capitan Martinez, consisted of Rio del Norte, San Carlos, Cerrogordo presidios. Each division to campaign against Apaches in their own territory on alternating months while rear guards, other division protected frontier. Pp.25- 28 (may 28, 1777) Rubio's reflections on nature of warfare, what makes a good soldier, vile character of Indian enemies, etc. Includes chart showing number of troops, men at arms at each presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Rubio informs Peru of the duties, responsibilities of comandante de las Armas de la primera division de frontera, which includes Janos, San Buenaventura, Carrizal, San Eleceario presidios, Peru to assume post. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

O'conor orders presidial forces, partidos del Cuerpo Volante mutually assist each other, and that the extra horses of the Partido de pastured with presidial mounts to provide greater horsepower in case of Indian attack. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns proposed expedition to Cerro Prieto to attack Seri, Pima rebels there. Corbalan describes Cerro Prieto, noting its rugged terrain, and many thickets (malezas) impeding movement. States Seris, Pimas live in canyons there. Vividly describes hardships such a military campaign would entail, especially for european soldiers unaccustomed to desert. Indian guerrilla tactics. Notes need for 200 soldiers- 100 dragones, 100 Infanteria, 300 Opata auxiliaries, 200 Yaqui auxiliaries. Opatas called muy fiel, and los mejores Guerreros despues de los Jovas. Yaquis to serve primarily as laborers. Feels 150 soldiers can be secured from six Sonora presidios, especially those of Altar, Buenavista and San Miguel, since Fronteras, Tubac, Terrenate have to guard against Apache. Total expedition to consist of 1050 men- 550 Spaniards (200 infantry, the rest cavalry, including 200 Milicianos), 300 Indian auxiliaries. Soldiers cautioned to treat Indian auxiliaries well. 200 men to be sent in Canoas to Tiburon to cut off rebel retreat, rest of troops to surround, penetrate Cerro Prieto. Discusses procurement of food supplies, other necessities. Describes problem of finding enough ships to bring troops from Matanchel, Acapulco to Guaymas. States pearl boats may be used, but no saber con puntualidad el numero de los sugetos que hacen Este trafico. describes benefits- both material, spiritual, to be gained from Seri, Pima reduccion. Excellent overview of preparations for military campaign. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Gobernador Junca y Espriella's review of Bahia del Espiritu Santo presidio, including- roster of soldiers; number/ condition of weapons; interrogation of officers, vecinos and soldiers- no complaints against capitan Orobio y Bastherra. Equipment in order, soldiers well-disciplined, relations with coastal Indians (See 201) good. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

In response to Indian attacks near Linares and Valle de Labradores, where 23 were killed, junta de guerra in Monterrey decides to send 20 soldiers de companias milizianas under capitan de guerra Martin de la Pena to area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Request from king through minister of war for reports necessary for the reorganization.