Spies And Spying

Documents with different topics; letters from Vidal requesting payment to his military Brother who is comissioned in Luisiana; Onis writes an interesting letter to the virrey of the political consequences if people from the united states continue to settle down in Spanish lands. Onis writes from Washington in October 1809; Vidal informs virrey in detail about his military career and requests payment; Arredondo describes the difficult situation lived by the people of Saltillo with the disease; fiscal sagasurrieta informs virrey about the situation in Saltillo and about the sacrifice of the cabecilla Ximenez. Obispo from Nuevo Reyno de Leon informs virrey that the Hospital is in good condition but the problem is caused by the peste. (D. Bautista, February 1990)

Querque brings Series of letters by Trudeau and Laffitte to Arredondo. Concern rebel plans incite and equip Lipanes uprising in Coahuila to divert Spanish forces from rebel sea landings in Texas. Discusses problem of highway robbers operating from safe havens on U.s. Side of Sabinas. Captured letter by Laffitte relates rendezvous of Spanish rebels on Vacas islands to await transport to mainland, thus getting around proclamation by U.s.president prohibiting launching of attacks against New Spain from U.s. territory. Includes news received by Trudeau that all european powers have declared war on France. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Salcedo advises viceroy of news from Onis of arrival of napoleonic spies in Philadelphia with final destination in new Orleans with purpose of inciting revolution among Spanish possessions. Also relates news of american takeover of Spanish forts at Baton Rouge and mobile. Includes copy of letter from president Madison stating that takeovers are justified as they are part of territory gained by U.s. Under Louisiana purchase. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Series of documents concerning tensions between americans and Spanish on Louisiana-Texas frontier. Relates efforts by English and americans to bribe Indians to rebel against Spanish. Includes reports by Spanish agents in Louisiana on american construction of fortifications in Natchitoches and concentration of american troops there under Burr and Wilkinson. Spanish troops in Texas and surrounding areas put on alert as U.s. breaks relations with Spain. Orcoguisac presidio abandoned as Spanish military build-up ensues in Texas. (A. Tukey, September 1988)

Salcedo informs virrey that 7000 american troops have been stationed in Natchitoches under general Wilkinson. Includes copy of letter from Cordero to Wilkinson warning that any troops crossing over Sabinas River will be considered hostile. Cordero petitions Salcedo for reinforcements as many soldiers protecting frontier have succumbed to fever. Reply from Wilkinson denies hostile intentions. Also includes correspondence from marques de Casa Yrujo of conspiracy between Burr, Wilkinson, and Baron de Bastrop to secede western U.s. states from the union, along with takeover of Florida and parts of New Spain. Details by Casa Yrujo on U.s. president's misleading account of affair as reported to american public. Burr's movements watched closely by informant in Philadelphia known as el gordo, who is suspected by Salcedo of being double agent. (A. Tukey, August 1988)

Salcedo informs virrey of report from Onis in Philadelphia of plot between Mexican insurgents, Frenchmen, and americans in new Orleans to subvert government of New Spain. (A. Tukey, August 1988)

Salcedo advises virrey of his concern over reports from Spanish minister of trade in Washington that 4000 american troops are being sent to new Orleans to observe British movements. Also includes correspondence between Salcedo and Wilkinson over trespassing of Pike expedition on Spanish territory and confiscation of american pirogue caught on Sabinas River. (A. Tukey, August 1988)

Arteaga ill with eye infection thus can not go on ship; diary of Arteagas eventual trip to California, describes in general terms being blown off course, unloading ballast in Monterrey, transporting Neve, drops of supplies in presidios along coast, is followed by a Spy ship, drops off and picks up passengers including missionaries at San Carlos and Santa Clara; short, detailed list of supplies received signed by Junipero Serra and Gallo; addendum of Artega's diary describes San Francisco bay; Hijosa requests return to Spain, arrangments for successor; notice of arrival of two new surgeons in San Blas with salaries; Hijosa clears his accounts in order to get permision to leave San Blas (p. Coyle, March 1990)

Letters concerning petition of a soldier to get a raise in his salary and the denial of the same petition. Letters from and to Salcedo concerning an american scientific expedition conducted by Lewis in the River Missuri, and the suggestion that in order to protect the Spanish territory the members of the expedition should be arrested before the government of the united states oficially declares the borders of the state of Luisiana. Letters concerning the decision of the president of the united states to send expeditions to the rivers Colorado, Arkansas, San Francisco and Mississippi in order to make maps, building of a fort in Nachitoches by the american army as well as the alocation of money by the government to build two ships with 16 guns each in order to prove to the electorate that the republican government is strong. (T. Kahana. January 1988)

Letters concerning military measurements to be taken in Texas due to american presence in the area, includes petitions for man power, ammunition, guns and all kinds of supplies; recommendations not to shoot americans found in Spanish territory in order to avoid open confrontation with the united states. Translations to Spanish of letters asking Spanish support of an american geographical expedition to Colorado and Mississippi rivers, at same time recommendations to Spanish officials to do anything to delay the expeditions, including sending spies into expedition to learn 'real' purpose of it. (T. Kahana, March 1990)