Presidios (Establishment And Organization)

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Franciscans discuss Texas Indian tribes they are attempting to missionize, including Texas Indians, who are described as ydolattras, tienen Casas de adoracion, y el Fuego Perpetuo en la Casa Principal del ydolo (pg. 189). Request detachment of 100 soldiers be stationed among them. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerning controversy between fray Gonzalez, gobernador Almazan over state of presidios in Texas, marques de Aguayo notes that presidial soldiers not given their salaries directly because they would squander it on juegos y mugeres without buying food. Discusses Apache hostilities, various Spanish legal restrictions concerning war against Indians. Mentions proposal to gather soldiers from Coahuila, Espiritu Santo, Rio Grande del Norte, San Antonio presidios to campaign against Apaches- such company to be composed of 80 Spaniards, 100 Indian auxiliaries. Because of peace with French, gobernador Almazan feels 30 soldiers could be spared from Adaes presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Fray Mariano Francisco de los Dolores notes requests of several Apache groups for permission to settle in Rio Guadalupe area and mentions that Apaches suffering from smallpox epidemic. Apaches describe whereabouts of other Apache bands Allied with Julimes. Severe drought noted for Texas provincia. Fray Benito Fernandez de Santa Ana requests presidial soldiers at San Xavier rejoin San Antonio presidio, as well as detachment from Bahia, and that soldiers, other Spaniards establish fort, settlement at Pedernales, near Apache camp. Much discussion of mission frontier. Documents include peticiones from Franciscans, responses from officials in Mexico City. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

An informe to the viceroy on what needs to be done to send troops to Alta California. The authors recommend reinforcing only San Francisco, Monterrey, and San Diego. The major obstacle will be the lack of ships available in San Blas. (G. Miller) (1977)

This informe outlines the reasons for and steps that should be initiated to fortify the Alta California coast in response to expected encroachments from the russians and British. Three general proposals are at the heart of the letter, beef up defenses at San Diego, Monterrey and San Francisco; encourage, immigration; and have Monterrey the initial stop for the Manila trade rather than Acapulco. (G. Miller) (1977)

Inventory of documents relating to Cuerpo de dragones provinciales de San Carlos. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

New regulations for frontier military forces, especially cavalry. Gives numbers of men and animals to be used. Kind of tactics to use against Indians. Use of presidios. Structure, use and number of presidial personnel. (T. Barnes) (1977)

These documents are labeled papeles Varios. indeed they are various. However, excellent information about military organization and the organization of civil government from 1780-1795. Worth the time to cull out the best documents. Also shows confusion and resentment over reorganization of Colonial government after 1780. (T. Barnes) (1977)