(R. Davis) (1979)

(R. Davis) (1979)

Consists of a Series of 16 questions answered by various people, regarding the feasibility of establish the presidio on the trinity River. Questions concern, wildlife, native vegetation, water supply, Indians, missionary worth, and the French threat. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Governor of Texas writes to the viceroy describing area around Santa Rosa and orconzito creek, during a trip to consider fray Abad's petition to establish a presidio in the region. Excellent description of distances, wildlife, plant life, I.e. necessary requirements for establishing of mission. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Luis de St. Denis (the Younger) has built house in. What is assumed to be Spanish territory. Documents attempt to prove this. The method used is that when St. Denis was born, his Father requested that a Spanish friar baptise him and the friar has to cross into French territory to do so. Before passing into French territory, he was near where the present St. Denis has built his cattle Rancho. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Series of documents in favor of relocation of presidio at San Xavier to the San Saba River. Relates previous expedition made to area in 1732 by Juan Antonio Bustillo to guard against the Apaches and Comanches. Finally, documents concern question of in whose jurisdiction San Saba falls, Coahuila, New Mexico, or Texas. Determines boundaries of each province. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Concerns two different topics. 1) apprehension and punishment of Frenchmen entering New Spain. Came to trade with the Indians and taken prisoner by Spanish. Their goods confiscated, some were sent to Mexico City and others imprisoned in los Adaes. 2) formation of a mission at mouth of trinity River. Comments are given on available natural resources for building of mission, the Indians of the region, and the necessary Spanish to people the settlement, most of latter coming from los Adaes. The threat of French encroachment is used to emphasize importance of new mission. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Blancpain was arrested for trading in Spanish territory. Spaniards interested in determining whether he has connections with the French government. Blancpain denies he acted in official capacity for the French gov't Blancpain states he has a store in Nachitos and has traded only with the Atacapa Indians, and not the Vidais Atacapas extend from trinity River to Cheti lagoon. He says they are very numerous and have many rancherias. Included is list of good taken with Blancpain by the Spaniards, some of which are armaments of war. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Though main concern centers on relocation of French fort into Spanish territory, other types of French encroachments are also detailed- 1) commerce between Spanish presidial soldiers and French in Louisiana-French clothes for Spanish meat, silver and other goods. 2) arrival of troops in new Orleans. 3) French trade with Indians in Spanish territory of Texas, especially in materials of war; also intention to trade with New Mexico Indians. 4) increasing contact between Spaniards and French in general. Recommends- 1) reports submitted proving location of French in Texas. 2) vigilance against-illicit trade. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Suite involves the murder of two men. The killers were an Indian, a Coco, and a soldier. The reason was the soldier was having an affair with the wife of the now dead layman. The priest was killed because he was not liked. This fact is born out by the testimony of one murderer the Indian, who gives the names of many soldiers wishing to kill the priests. Good geographical descriptions frames 319-320. (M. Bowman) (1979)