In 1746 José de Escandon, an officer of the Querétaro militia, who had already shown great ability by reducing a large portion of the Sierra Gorda region, was commisioned by the viceroy of Mexico to pacify and settle the Gulf coast country. The district put under his control, extending from the Pánuco River to Texas, and “sixty or eighty” leagues west from the coast, was called la Colonia del Nuevo Santander. During the conquest, accomplished in two expeditions, and occupying the years 1748-55, more than twenty towns were established by Spanish and converted Indian families, who joined the expeditions. One of these settlements was Dolores, on the north side of the Rio Grande. Of this place, Laredo, founded ten leagues farther up the river, was an offshoot, as the accompanying documents show. Dolores was subsequently abandoned, and Laredo remained the only permanent Spanish settlement on the north side of the lower Rio Grande. 41
The documents here translated set forth the circumstances of the beginnings of Laredo and show the progress the settlement made during the first two years of its existence. They were copied from the manuscript originals in the Archivo General de Mexico. Volumes 53, 54, 55 and 56 of the History Section of this collection comprise the results of an Inspección of the colony of Neuvo Santander, made in 1757, by Captain Tienda de Cuervo, Jues Inspector of the Mexican Gulf, assisted by Agustín Lopez de la Cámara Alta, both acting under commission from the viceroy, the Marques de las Amarillas. 42
The material included in these reports relative to Laredo, founded two years before the Inspección, is given here in full, except that duplicated evidence is given but once. Cuervo's report, though based upon the depositions following, is given first because it contains the fullest information concerning the steps leading up to the foundation of the town.
In the translation, the manuscript has been followed in the spelling of proper names, and in capitalization, except where proper names were written without capitals. All words enclosed in brackets were supplied by the translator.
TOWN OF LAREDO.
This little settlement was formed on the 15th of May, 1755. 44 It was located on the north banks of the large river of this name [Rio Grande del Norte] in a dry, level country. Its temperature is Hot in summer and cold in Winter, and its inhabitants say that it is healthy.
Its foundation sprang from the circumstances that, the present Captain, Dn. Thomas Sanchez, finding himself placed with his Goods and Stock on the other bank 45 of the River, opposite the Hacienda de Dolores, went, in the year [1]754, 46 to see Dn. Joseph de Escandon, whom he found in Revilla, 47 to Urge that he might be permitted to found a Settlement in this region North of the River, offering to lead out families for that purpose at his own expense, provided that sufficient lands for Stock should be assigned to them—a Proposition that was readily accepted by Dn. Joseph de Escandon. But, as the latter desired to settle el Rio de las Nueces, 48 he encouraged the said Dn. Thomas to go and learn about those districts, to see if it was possible to establish a settlement there. With the results he was to go to Dn. Joseph Vasqz. Borrego, whom he would charge with the measures which might be necessary, in order that assistance might be near at hand.
The said Captain Sanchez went, with this object, to see the lands on said Rio de las Nueces. Not finding there any opportunity to settle, he reported what he had seen to Borrego, acquainting him with the reasons why it was impossible to locate families there, and at the same time showed him the ease with which he could settle them at ten leagues from Hacienda de Dolores, up the River, and at two [leagues] distance from a passable ford Called Jacinto.
Said Borrego reported all to Dn. Joseph de Escandon, 49 and the latter, being informed, agreed that Dn. Thomas might settle, where he had proposed, a Town by the name of Laredo; allotted fifteen leagues of Cattle pasture land for the Inhabitants; and conferred the title of Captain of the town upon he same Dn. Thomas. The latter, to carry out his scheme, took his family, with others, to the proposed place, and there made suitable huts for their dwellings. He has assisted them, now continues assisting them, and still is desirous to take others there.
Those [families] that I found in the inspeccion which I made were eleven in all, with four single men, as is shown by Notebook 19 (folios 12 to 13) of the review that I made, in which may be seen, likewise, the goods with which this establishment was begun. As the other facts regarding it appear minutely in the Depositions, I refrain from troubling Your Excellency with the Relation of them, and from setting forth others than those from which, according to the judgement I have formed, I conclude that the advantages and the growth which this Settlement may have must be based upon the breeding of stock, inasmuch as it is a country as well adapted to that purpose as any in the whole Colony; but so far as crops are concerned, I am of the opinion that they promise little benefit. The public advantage in this settlement is its being the usual crossing for the Province of Texas and its Presidios, from Neuvo Rno. de Leon and the Province of Coaguila, whose frontiers are seven leagues distant in the place called Carrizo Prieto, this Settlement [Laredo] being the last in the Colony toward the North, situated (as I was able to ascertain) in twenty-six and one-half degrees of Latitude. Its newness does not admit of sufficient knowledge to establish with certainty a notion of the advantages it may afford; but from its having occasioned no expense to the Royal Hacienda and its occasioning none now, it appears to me it will be expedient that it continue until the results which it brings forth and the increase of which it is capable are better known.
The inhabitants settled [there] desire a Priest, which they lack, to aid them, and since their limited means do not suffice for his maintenance, they ask that this Spiritual benefit be supplied them by the King. I present the matter to Your Excellency for the measure to which your piety inclines you. If due consideration of the burden upon the Rl. Hacienda should be considered, I believe a priest might be found who would take charge of the administration of this town and of the Hacienda de Dolores, with the remuneration of the first fruits and obventions which one and another would pay him, since both are burdened with having to repair to the minister of Revilla for the viaticum, burials, Baptisms, and the annual communion, and with paying for his services with tithes.
The permanent boundary of the Lands of the vicinity will have to be established, and a formal distribution made of them to the settlers; 50 and as they complain that the people of Revilla have been Extending along the other bank of the River, as far as opposite this Settlement, it will also be necessaray to arrange those boundaries so as to Avoid all question.
The River of this Settlement abounds in Fish, especially in very large Perch. Its forests lack suitable timber for Building, but it abounds in stone and materials for walls. Its land abounds in game of all kinds, and its climate is hot and dry.
Order. 54
In the Town of Laredo, on the twenty-second day of the month of July, Seventeen hundred fifty-seven, Sor. Dn. Joseph Tienda de Cuervo, Knight of the order of Santiago, Captain of Dragoons of the new city of Veracruz, and Jues Inspector of the Gulf of Mexico, for the most excellent Viceroy, Marques de las Amarillas. Having arrived at this place on the above date at nine in the morning, having learned that its location is across the Rrio Grande, on the North side, and that its population is very small, and being desirous to set about the examination and report of its condition, he ordered that its Captain, Dn. Thomas Sanchez, be notified, so that he might summon and prepare the Settlers and inhabitants, in order that, tomorrow, the twenty-Third instant, he may present them for passing review in front of the hut (Jacal), in the presence of the said Sor. Tienda de Cuervo,, and that in the interim be taken such Depositions as may be considered suitable for arriving at the most Exact Knowledge of its condition, taking that of the said Captain, and those of such other persons as may be expedient for the said inquiry, by means of those questions which apply to the affairs of this little settlement, comfortable with the Articles of insruction, avoiding all its [sic] prolixity (considering that this Settlement does not have the same elements as others, whereby it may be examined by the same method), and thus permitting the saving of time and expense which the delay would cause. For the fulfillment of all the foregoing, thus he decreed, ordered, and signed with his assisting witnesses.
Joseph Tienda de Cuervo. Roque Fernandez Marcial. Franco. Joseph de Haro.
Procedure. 55
On the said day, the twenty-second of July, seventeen hundred fifty-seven, Captain Dn. Thomas Sanchez, who is captain of this settlement of Laredo, was notified that he should prepare its inhabitants for tomorrow, the twenty-third instant, at nine o'clock, according to, and in the manner that the foregoing Order commands. And in order to establish the fact it is recorded as a judicial proceeding.
Tienda de Cuervo. Roque Fernandez Marcial. Franco. Joseph de Haro.
Deposition of Dn. Thomas Schez [Sanchez]. 56
In the town of Laredo, on the twenty second day of the month of July, seventeen hundred fifty-seven, executing his orders, said Sor. Dn. Thomas Tienda de Cuervo caused to appear before him Dn. Thomas Sanchez, Captain of this Settlement, and its first settler, of whom he took oath before God and on a cross that he would speak the truth with regard to whatever he might be asked.
Having done and promised as he was required, he was asked, how many years ago this settlement was established, with whose permission, of how many inhabitants it was composed at its beginning, and who it was that founded it or promoted its foundation. He said:
That in the year of fifty-five, in the month of May, the Deponent made the first settlement in this place, bringing with him three other families, 57 who settled at the same time, coming from Dolores for this purpose; that Colonel Escandon gave permission to the deponent and the others to come to settle in this place, through Dn. Joseph Borrego, Captain and Owner of the Hacienda de Dolores 58; that he who founded this settlement was the deponent himself, who bore the expense, 59 and brought over the first families, as well as those which since have come; and that in all there are ten families and some others, single men; and that up to the present he has aided them and is still aiding them in all that is necessary for their maintenance. And thus he answers.
Being asked if this place was on a highway, or was discovered, or if in it there was any rancho, or other beginning of a settlement, he said:
That this place was on a highway and was discovered some nine years before the deponent formed said settlement; that its crossing was discovered by one named Jacinto de Leon; 60 whence has clung to it the name of el Paso de Jacinto; that it is up stream from this settlement something like a quarter of a league, and continues passable up to the present; and that there was no rancho in this vicinity, nor any thing else. And thus he answers.
Being asked under what circumstances the deponent and the other inhabitants settled in this place, he said:
The circumstances under which this settlement was established was [sic] the agreement and Contract which the deponent made with Colonel Escandon in the settlement of Revilla where he communicated with him 61 to this effect, in the year fifty-four, and was granted permission to settle in this part of the North. But especially was he [Escandon] desirous of peopling el Rio de las Nueces, whither he [Sanchez] went, and explored it on one side and the other, but was not able to find a suitable place in which to settle. Having returned, he planned to settle in this present location, some time passing before some families came to him and begged him to interest himself in settling them, with which motive he returned to appeal to said Colonel, through said Captain Dn. Joseph Borrego, who facilitated all the steps necessary for this purpose. Thus they came to the knowledge that he would allow them the free use of these lands, with the promise that he would give them in ownership, without indicating the number [of families]. And thus he answers.
Being asked what this place was called, and with what motive it has been given the name of Laredo, which it now bears, he said:
That the name which this place had was el Paso de Jacinto, 62 and that for naming it Laredo they had no other motive than Colonel Escandon's naming it thus in the deed which he has given to the deponent, the Captain, and in the other letters and orders which he has sent him. 63 And thus he answers.
Being asked what advantages this district offers for the maintenance of this settlement, and if it in any way promotes the frontier Provinces, he said:
That the advantages which this district offers to its inhabitants is [sic] the breeding and the keeping of sheep, goats, and cattle—indeed it is extremely well fitted for this purpose because of its good pastures, and they multiply rapidly; that although they have very good lands for cultivation, yet, as they are exposed to weather conditions, and these, in seasons, very contrary, because of the great drouths which are experienced between rains, it happens, that, rain coming early, the crops are put in fine condition, and afterwards the rains are so far apart that all the crops wither and dry up; and that for the frontier Provinces it offers, indeed, a crossing so free, and easy, and useful for its business that there is nothing more to desire. 64 And thus he answers.
Being asked what boundary is designated for them, how many leagues it includes, and what crops they have sown, he said:
That this settlement has no designated boundary, nor is any formality observed in this matter, nor in any other, because up to now Colonel Escandon has not come to it, nor sent any instructions, and thus they are using the land, as far as they can spread themselves out, 65 under the good faith of the permission which was given them to come here; that, as to crops, up to this years they have not begun to make any; but finding themselves at present with seven or eight almudes sown and up 66 they appear in such deplorable state, through lack of Water, that they do not hope for any harvest. And thus he answers.
Being asked if he believes that this Settlement—as well the inhabitants which it now has, as those by which it might be increased—could subsist and maintain itself solely by the Stock which it raised, he said:
That, if lands should be given them sufficient to extend the breeding of their Stock, he is certain they could maintain themselves, because of the great amount of traffic which they have in them, some selling them here, and others taking them to other parts. And thus he answers.
Being asked who administered the sacraments to these inhabitants, and if they are any Indians agregados 67, or any hopes of being able to get them, he said:
That he who administered the sacraments is the Missionary Father of the Settlement of Revilla, distant from this settlement twenty-two leagues, whom they bring in Emergencies and for the fulfillment of the annual communion. They defray his expenses—indeed, on the last occasion, which was in the past month, they gave him thirty pesos in goods produced by the inhabitants—and, besides, they pay him the first fruits. There are not, and have not been, any Indians agregados, nor any hopes of having them, because of no provision having been made for that purpose. And thus he answers.
Being asked what nations of Indians are the nearest to this settlement, what might be their number, at what distance they are, and if they cause any trouble, he said:
That the names of the nearest Barbarian Indians are such that they can not be understood; 68 that they are situated some thirty or forty leagues from this settlement; that although some of the Apaches are accustomed to approach this neighborhood, yet they keep the Peace; and that neither from one nor another have they suffered harm since coming here. And thus he answers.
Being asked if any subsidy has been given for the support of these inhabitants, or under pretence of maintaining Indians, he said, That no subsidy has been given here, neither for the inhabitants nor for Indians, because the deponent has relieved the necessities that have occurred with his own means. And thus he answers.
Being asked whether there is any payment made by His Majesty in this settlement, or any other charge on the account of the Royal Hacienda, he said, That there is no payment made here on the account of His Majesty, nor up to now has His Royal Hacienda borne any charge in this settlement. And thus he answers.
Being asked what the river is called which flows by this town, where it rises, where it empties, and if they hope to be able to have an irrigating Canal from it, or if they might have one from any springs, he said:
That the river is called el Grande del Norte; that he does not know where it rises, but that it empties into the Sea; and that he has no hopes that an irrigating Canal can be constructed from it, 69 nor has this settlement springs through which this Benefit can be secured. And thus he answers.
Being asked what crossing the river affords near this settlement where a canoe can be put for the most convenient passage, and if putting one there is thought of, he said:
That in front of this town is a crossing suitable for placing a canoe and for gaining the convenience of a passage; and that the Deponent is intending to place one there at His own cost 70; and that meanwhile they cross and ford the river in the place which they call Miguel de la Garza, distant from this settlement three leagues. This ford is convenient, since sheep and goats cross by it. And thus he answers.
Being asked if he knows of any Mines in these parts, he said, That he does not know of any. And thus he answers.
Being asked what are the provinces adjoining this colony, and which of their settlements are the nearest, he said:
That they are [1] Tejas; that of this, the nearest settlement is the Presidio which they call Sta. Dorotea, distant from this colony some fifty leagues, more or less. The Settlement and presidio of Sn. Antonio de Vejar of the same Province, is some fifteen leagues farther; [2] That of the province of Coaguila the presidio named Rio Grande del Norte, with the appellation of San Juan Baptista, is distant from the frontier of this colony some twenty-five leagues; and [3] that of Nueva Rno. de Leon the settlements on the frontier of this colony are la Punta, some thirty leagues from the boundary, and Sabinas, about another thirty, or a little more. 71
And that which he has said he declares to be the truth, by the Oath which he took, and he affirms and ratifies it; and he signed it and said it was the truth that he was forty-eight years old. Said Sor. Tienda de Cuervo signed it with the Assisting witnesses.
Joseph Tienda de Cuervo. tomas Sanchez 72 Roque Fernando Marcial. Franco. Joseph de Haro.
Review. 73
In the said town of Laredo, on the twenty-third day of July, seventeen hundred fifty seven, said Sr. Dn. Joseph Tiendo de Cuervo, pursuing his best information as to the survey and report of this settlement, executed the review of its population as he was ordered, and with that purpose, its inhabitants having presented themselves with their Arms before the Jacal where he was staying, he performed this act, examining said Arms, and asking those questions which were considered suitable. All was executed in the following form:
Order.
As appears from this review, this population is composed of eleven families, comprising eighty-five persons, having in their possession 74 seven hundred twelve Breeding horses, one Hundred Hundred twenty-five Mules, two Yokes, nine thousand eighty Head of sheep and goats, one Hundred one Head of Cattle, fifteen She-asses, sixteen He-asses and one hundred sixty two Horses for Service.
All the aforesaid being established in this review, the said Sor. Tienda de Cuervo ordered that it be caused to appear in these proceedings, in the terms stated, to show the facts to which they correspond. And he signed it with his assisting witnesses.
Joseph Tienda de Cuervo. Roque Fernandez Marcial. Franco. Joseph de Haro.
Order 75
In the said town, on the twenty third day of the month of July, Seventeen hundred Fifty seven, Sr. Dn. Joseph Tienda de Cuervo, having seen executed in this settlement the proceedings relative to the examination of its condition, according to his orders, and so far as the smallness of the settlement permits; considering them sufficient for his report; having seen, and informed himself of other matters suitable; being desirous not to delay other things which he ought to do for completion of his commission as quickly as possible; and in order to avoid the expense to the Rl. Hacienda which delay might cause, ordered that everything done in this settlement be put into a separate notebook for its better comprehension.
Thus he decreed, and signed with his Assisting witnesses.
Joseph Tienda de Cuervo. Roque Fernandez Marcial. Franco Joseph de Haro.
Procedure. 76
In the said town, on the said day, month, and year, all done in and relating to this settlement was collected and put in this notebook according to order; and in order that it may appear it is recorded as a judicial proceeding.
Tiendo de Cuervo. Roque Fernandez Marcial. Franco. Joseph de Haro.
It it situated on the margin of the Rio Grande, or Bravo, on the North Bank, in a plain two leagues in extent, reaching to the Hills of Sta. Barbara, which meet it, with two small Arroyos, of which the upper, to the southwest, is called Arroyo de Lomas Altos, and that on the east Side, Arroyo de Charcon.....
This settlement is important, and it is expedient that it increase in size, for the sake of the Crossing from the interior Provinces of Texas.
The population pays attention to nothing except breeding Stock, which is very profitable to it, and to gathering salt from some salt lakes which are 40 leagues [distant] in the direction of el Rio de las Nuezes, in its lower course.
Roads lead out for the Presido of Sn. Antonio de Begar, and in the other direction to the Capital of Coaguila, which is Santiago de la Monclova, distant 50 leagues. Rancho de Dolores is distant 10 leagues, Revilla 22 leagues. To el Paso del Nuevo Reyno de Leon, it is about 30 leagues; to the line of division called Carrizo Prieto, where it separates Nuevo Reyno, Coaguila and Colonia, 5 leagues. From this village [Laredo] to the Presidio of Sta. Dorotea, Called by the other name of la Bahia del Espiritu Sto. (which is distant 14 leagues from the sea), it is 60 leagues: to la Vezerra, 5; to el Pato, 5; from here to Salado, 4; to la Caxeta, 4; to Sn. Joseph, 6; to el Mesquite, 6; to el Paso del Rio de las Nuezes, 6—which makes thirty-six leagues from el Rio del Norte to el Rio de las Nuezes—by the road to Agua Dulce, 8; Arroyo de las Mugeres, 8; Santa Dorotea, [or] Presidio de la Bahia del Espiritu Sto., 8; which makes the 60 leagues. 78
El Rio de las Nuezes, which is distant about 20 leagues at its nearest point, rises in the Province of Coaguila at 100 [leagues] distance from la Colonia, in a Valley which some small mountains, called Nueces, form—whence it takes its name—and flows from the North West to the Eeast. In dry times it becomes small and stands in large pools. It empties into the sea. Between la Bahia del Espiritu Santo and the Rio Grande there extends into the Sea a Head-land of Sand, which forms a sort of Harbor, and which they have named San Miguel. But it is of no use by reason of its not having bottom nor being safe, like la Bahia del Espiritu Sto., for both are sandy beaches, extensive and unprotected, presenting no advantages, and very unhealthy. In consequence they can not be populated, as is true of all the country between the Rio Grande and the Nueces, which is wooded, low, with little Water, and that which there is, unhealthy. According to reports of those who have investigated, in some parts of this Country (where I did not go, considering it useless) they have been four days journeying without finding Water, and the horses which have carried them have died.
42. Of these volumes, numbers 55 and 56, entitled (on the backs, in manuscript) Expedientes relativos á Ynspeccion y Estadistia de la Colonia de Santander, contain the primary results of Tienda de Cuervo's operations, in the form of autos, diligencias, declaraciones, etc., written on the ground where the examinations were made. Number 54 called (on the title page) Informe del Reconocimiento e Ynspeccion de la Colonia del Seno Mexicano, etc., is Tienda de Cuervo's autograph report to the viceroy summarizing the results of his survey, and making recommendations based upon it; while number 53, designated (on the title page) as Descripcion General de la Nueva Colonia de Santander, y Relaciones Individuales, etc., is Lopez's description of the colony based upon the documents in volumes 55 and 56, supplemented by his own observations.
43. Archivo General, Sección de Historia, 54, folios 208-213, document number 19. This report to the viceroy is dated October 13, 1757.
44. Thrall (Pictorial History of Texas, 30), copying a mistake from the Texas Almanac (1868- p. 111), says Laredo was founded in 1757.
45. Prieto (Historia, Geografia y Estadistica, 188) says that Sanchez had crossed the Rio Grande and established his rancherías where he later founded Laredo.
46. It is interesting to note how the rancheros occupied this district in advance of the government. Sanchez was a proprietor of Coahuila who, in search of grazing lands for his stock, had reached the Rio Grande. Similarly, Dn. José Vasquez Borrego, who in 1750 founded Dolores under the authority of Escandon, had previously pastured his stock and begun a settlement there. Prieto, Historia, 175, 187, 188.
47. Revilla had been founded in 1750 on the right bank of the Rio Grande some twelve leagues below Dolores. Prieto, Historia, 173.
48. Escandon had sent Captain Basterra, in 1749, with some families from Nuevo Leon, to found a settlement on the left bank of the Nueces. Finding the designated place unsuitable, they returned south, and after experiencing hardships, founded the villa of Soto la Marina. Prieto, Historia, 155, 167, 188.
49. Prieto (Historia, Geografia y Estadistica, 188) makes it appear that Borrego did not, at this juncture, refer the matter to Escandon. He also says (Ibid.) that Sanchez threatened to give up the enterprise unless allowed to settle at Laredo, the place he had formerly designated.
50. This division was not made till 1767. In that year the commissioners known as La General Visita distributed the land, heretofore held in common, and made the official foundation of the town. The report of their acts, called La General Visita, is in the Archivo General de Mexico. In the Spanish department of the General Land Office of Texas, at Austin, is an imperfect copy of the same, with a translation. The latter bears the title, Act of Visit of the Royal Commissioners to the Village of San Augustin of Laredo in 1767.
51. The two tables given in these documents, though essentially the same, in some ways supplement each other.
52. I can not, from the sources at hand, give with certainty the meaning of Indios congregados and Indios agregados, but among the explanations I have found the most plausible is as follows: Indios congregados were those belonging to a single family or tribe, grouped together for the purpose of religious instruction, government, or employment. They might or might not be at a mission or a presidio. It sometimes happened that these different congregations, from their number or their distance apart, could not be managed separately, and so they were brought together—aggregated—at a presidio or mission, and were called Indios agregados. Señor Dn. Luis González Obregón, of the City of Mexico, inclines to the above view, and has kindly furnished me an extract tending to support it. Usage of these terms seems to have lacked uniformity.
53. Archivo General, Historia, 56, document number 10, thirteen folios.
54. Ibid., folio 1 and vuelta.
55. Archivo General, Historia, 56, document number 10, folio 1 and vuelta.
56. Ibid., folios 5-9.
Three depositions were taken at Laredo on the same day. Juan Eusebio Treviño was first sworn, then Thomas Sanchez, captain of the place, followed by Juan Baptista Sanchez. The questions asked of all were identical in substance, and nearly so in form. The answers given by the deponents were also to a large extent the same. Hence to avoid repetition only the testimony of Thomas Sanchez, the founder and chief person of the place, is given here in full. In each case where the other witnesses supplemented or contradicted the captain's testimony, the fact is indicated in the notes.
57. Prieto (Historia, Geografia y Estadistica, 188) carelessly says that the settlement was begun with eleven families, which is the number it had in 1757. Treviño (Archivo General, 56, Document number 10, folio 2), in his deposition, says the first settlers were five in number; but Juan Baptista Sanchez says (Ibid., folio 9, vuelta) that the captain brought three families.
58. Captain Tienda de Cuervo explains more fully than the witnesses the circumstances leading up to the founding of Laredo. (See ante, p. 188.)
59. Treviño (Archivo General, Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 2) says that Captain Sanchez gave them `the animals and other supplies needed for their transportation; that the circumstances under which they settled was [sic] with the promise that lands sufficient to maintain their herds would be given them; that the said Captain Dn. Thomas Sanchez thus aided them by virtue of the agreement concerning the matter that he had with Colonel Escandon.'
60. Treviño says (Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 2) `this place was passed through before its foundation, by the soldiers of the Presidio of la Bahia del Espiritu Santo, in which way it was discovered. [It was] not used by any other travelers; the said soldiers, in going through this vicinity, crossed by fording the River at the place called el Paso de Jacinto.'
I am informed by Mr. Bethel Coopwood, of Laredo, that, although there has been some doubt as to the location of these fords, the view is probably correct that Paso de Jacinto was what is now called Paso de los Indios, a landmark at the upper side of the Fort McIntosh reservation; and that Paso de Miguel de la Garza (see page 196, note 3) was in the vicinity of “la Cañada de los Abiones” where the third league of the original tract terminated on the left side of the river. Paso de Miguel de la Garza was named in the Borrego grant of Dolores.
61. That is, Sanchez went to see Escandon.
62. Treviño (Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 2, vuelta) says it was so called `because of its nearness to the ford which formerly the soldiers of the presidio of Spiritu Sto. used in going to the Province of Coaguila or to Neuvo Rno. de Leon, it being the shortest route.'
63. Treviño (Ibid., folio 2, vuelta) says that Escandon ordered the captain to so name it, but the other Sanchez (Ibid., folio 10) makes a statement similar to that of the captain.
64. Treviño (Ibid., folio 3) says `there has been discovered a new ford across this large River, called the San Miguel de la Garza, three leagues down stream from this settlement, so easy that the sheep and goats cross it; by means of which a direct road is open from this settlement to Coaguila and Texas; and over which numerous travelers pass without any difficulty.'
65. Treviño (Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 3, vuelta) says `thus they pasture their flocks and herds, each one according to his will, wherever it best suits his convenience.'
66. Treviño (Ibid., folio 3, vuelta) says: `But the Captain has made it [the beginning] with two yokes of oxen, and between him and other inhabitants they have prepared about enough land to sow a fanega [about one hundred pounds] of corn; and they have sown perhaps about seven almudes.' An almud, as a measure of grain, is in some places about one-twelfth, and in others one-half, a fanega; as a measure of land it is about half an acre.
67. See note 3, page 191.
68. Treviño (Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 3, vuelta, and 4) says `the nearest Barbarian Indians are the Borrados and Bocas Prietas, who are some fifty or sixty leagues distant, and whose number he can not estimate; but the common report is that they are many.' Juan Baptista Sanchez (Ibid., folio 11) says that the `Indians nearest are Borrados and Carrizos, who are some twenty leagues from this settlement; that he does not know their number, but that the common report is that they are numerous.' All agree in saying that the Indians have caused no trouble.
69. Treviño (Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 4) explains the inability to construct a canal from the river thus: `because of the depth of its bed it never can rise above the elevation of land where this settlement is situated.'
70. Treviño (Ibid., 56, Doc. 10, folio 4, vuelta) says `its not having been put there before now has been because of the scarcity of suitable timbers, it being necessary to bring them a long distance, inasmuch as this vicinity lacks them entirely.'
71. It is interesting to note the different estimates of distances. For example, Santa Dorotea is variously stated to be fifty, thirty-two or thirty-four, and seventy leagues from Nuevo Santander. This shows that the settlers knew very little about the country beyond them.
72. The other deponents did not sign because they did not know how.
73. Historia, 56, No. 10, folios 12-13.
74. To give an idea of the relative unimportance of Laredo in 1757 it need only be cited that Reynosa, founded by Escandon on the south side of the Rio Grande below Laredo, contained 470 inhabitants (Spaniards, Mestizoes, and Indians), 14,000 head of goats and sheep, and 1600 head of cattle. At the same time Camargo, founded also by Escandon, contained 638 inhabitants, 71,770 head of sheep and goats, 2620 cattle, and 1000 horses. Revilla had 357 inhabitants, 45,000 sheep and goats, 4200 horses, 1000 cattle, and 3200 tamed animals. Mier, above Carmago, founded in 1753, contained 400 in habitants, 38,659 sheep and goats, 3760 cattle and horses, and 600 tamed beasts. (Prieto, 154-155, 174, 181-187.) These figures are taken from the Ynspeccion.
75. Historia, 56, Doc. 10, folio 13, vuelta.
76. Ibid., folio 13, vuelta.
3—Q
77. Historia, 53, folios 163-165. Of what Lopez says about Laredo much is nearly identical with what has gone before. The characteristic feature of his report is the geographical setting of Laredo.
78. For the location of most of these, see a map in Prieto, opposite page 152. This is a copy of an original map of the route of Encandon.
How to cite:
Bolton, Herbert Eugene, "TIENDA DE CUERVO'S YNSPECCION OF LAREDO, 1757. Translation and Notes ", Volume 006, Number 3, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 187 - 203. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v006/n3/article_2.html
[Accessed Mon Nov 23 13:14:59 CST 2009]
