Military Tactics

Nava informs virrey that he will recruit about 1000 Indians to fight Apaches. Nava instructs Concha to be very careful not to let Comanches know their friendship is useful only in war against Apaches. Virrey orders Nava to put one Destacamento Saltillo, another in Alamo de Parra, to facilitate communication between two comandancias. Nava informs virrey of Castro's petition for 400 soldiers, says request is impossible but with Comanche alliance he will be able to help Castro. Copy of letter from Castro to Nava concerning how to prepare an attack on Lipanes without jeopardizing comandancias. Comandante of presidio del Norte informs Nava of situation with Indians. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Correspondence between virrey and Nava; virrey orders Nava to help Castro fight Lipanes; Nava explains why he cannot send troops to help. Gutierrez sends information to Nava concerning events of may 1-2 in Santa Rosa. Nava agrees to help Castro. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Castro informes virrey of situation in Texas, that Indian leaders have not been killed, presence of Indian spies. Virrey replies that he does not disapprove of helping Indians, be careful with spies. Castro inspects northern presidios, finds a Spanish woman who escaped from Indians, survived days without supplies; virrey asks Castro to interrogate her, send him information. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Castro requests instructions from virrey concerning Indians; virrey replies that problems are not New, Castro is not responsible. Vaamonde asks Castro to stop continuous incursions of Indians; details damage to colony, people's inability to defend themselves. Castro complains to virrey that he hasn't enough forces to combat attacking Indians; requests more troops, relocation of presidios near Rio Grande. Virrey firmly rejects request. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Castro informs virrey that capitan Tovar and troop did not kill Indian leaders Canoso and Lombrana as was reported. Castro defines how he interprets Galvez's instructions for campaigns against Indians; requests troops, political change in comandancia to give him total control of military in four against Indians. Virrey agrees to all except granting extra troops. Castro reports to virrey reactions of gobernadores, military officers to his nomination. Riogrande presidio reports names of 50 soldiers who fought in battle against Lipanes on July 10, 1791. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Military documents from Castro to virrey; capitan of Lampazos describes to Castro destruction by Indians passing through provincia, comandante requests help to fight them; Castro asks for description of damage, cost estimate. Virrey also asks for clear documentation of destruction; Castro sends him Lampazos comandante's diary of novedades of Nuevo Reyno de Leon; detailed report of damage, theft, injuries, deaths of men, women. Gobernador of Nacogdoches informs Texas gobernador of Indian behavior, copy sent to Castro; news of Indian attacks in jurisdiction of Espiritu Santo also sent. Virrey writes in support of Castro's action. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Letters between Castro and virrey concerning situation of Indians in provincias; Castro informs virrey of Indian attack on Nuevo Reyno de Leon; Nava informs Castro that it is impossible to send him 400 soldiers; Castro describes to virrey strategies he may follow in war against Indians; virrey summarizes circumstances that resulted in Castro's present complicated position; virrey ends with maxima del articulo 29 que asegura nos sera Mas fructuosa Una Mala Paz con todas las naciones que la soliciten, que los esfuerzos de Una Buena guerra. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Several letters from Castro to virrey requesting instructions or sending information about the Indian enemies; Castro reports that enemy tracks are everywhere, that he urgently needs Nava's troops. Informs virrey that famous story of capitan Tovar killing two Indian leader in battle is not true; virrey requests summary of the facts. Castro questions validity of Galvez's tactical instructions because Indians now know presidio's weak points; virrey partially agrees. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Castro informs virrey that capitanes are instructed to treat Comanches well as they are organizing campaign against Apaches; detailed report of battle against Lipanes, Mezcaleros. Virrey replies in support of Castro's tactics, plans. Castro requests promotions for military in active duty, virrey agrees. Report of military wounded, possibility that money may be given them to help pay their debts. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

First page is list of salaries of compania volante de Nuevo Santander. Correspondence between Lasaga, others and Galvez concerning relations with Lipanes, strategies for controlling them. Discusses lack of loyalty from Indians even after treaties are made, how best to convert them to insure docility. General overview of circumstances with Indians in reduccion, those still raiding villages. Mentions possibility of using tobacco taxes to fund weapons, new troops. (A. Dean, Jul 1990)