THE QUARTERLY OF THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
VOLUME VIII. JULY, 1904, TO APRIL, 1905.
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. John H. Reagan, 1 Z. T. Fulmore, C. W. Raines, George P. Garrison, Mrs. Bride Neill Taylor. EDITOR. George P. Garrison. ASSOCIATE EDITORS. Herbert Eugene Bolton. Eugene C. Barker. AUSTIN, TEXAS: PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION. 1905.The Texas State Historical Association.
Organized March 2, 1897.
PRESIDENT,
John H. Reagan. 2
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
D. F. Houston, F. R. Lubbock,
W. D. Wood, T. S. Miller.
RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN,
George P. Garrison.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND TREASURER,
Eugene C. Barker.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:
Mrs. Dora Fowler Arthur, D. F. Houston,
W. J. Battle, F. R. Lubbock,
R. L. Batts, T. S. Miller,
Eugene C. Barker, C. W. Raines,
S. P. Brooks, John H. Reagan, 2
Beauregard Bryan, Mrs. Bride Neill Taylor,
Z. T. Fulmore, John C. Townes,
George P. Garrison, Dudley G. Wooten.
CONTENTS.
NUMBER 1; JULY, 1904.
Bonilla's Brief Compendium of the History of Texas, 1772, Elizabeth Howard West 3
The Work of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in Behalf of the Alamo Mrs. Adèle B. Looscan 79
Notes and Fragments. 83
Book Reviews and Notices. 87
Affairs of the Association. 90
NUMBER 2; OCTOBER, 1904.
DeWitt's Colony Ethel Zivley Rather 95
Book Reviews and Notices. 193
Affairs of the Association. 196
NUMBER 3; JANUARY, 1905.
De Leon's Expedition of 1689 Elizabeth Howard West 199
Richard Montgomery Swearingen George P. Garrison 225
Explanation to the Public Concerning the Affairs of Texas by Citizen Stephen F. Austin Ethel Zivley Rather 232
John R. Fenn Adèle B. Looscan 259
Samuel Price Carson Z. T. Fulmore 263
Reminiscences of the Schnively Expedition of 1867 A. Whitehurst 267
Notes and Fragments. 272
Book Reviews and Notices. 276
NUMBER 4; APRIL 1905.
The Municipal Government of San Fernando De Bexar, 1730-1800 Mattie Alice Austin 277
Affairs of the Association. 353
Book Reviews and Notices. 357
INDEX TO VOLUME VIII.
Accessions to the Library 91-93
Acuña, Juan de 338
Adoes, presidio at, 11, 33, 34, 37, 40, 45, 47, 61, 73-78, 287, 291; Mission at, 11, 31, 33, 35, 38, 61; Indians 65
Affairs of the Association 90, 196
Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, manuscript belonging to 4
Aguayo, San Miguel de, Expedition to Texas, 31-36, 291-294, 329; his Diario referred to, 32-34; Mission 35
Ahumada, presidio of (See San Augustin de Ahumada).
Ais, mission among the 11, 28, 38, 61 (see Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Aais).
Alamazan, Juan Antonio Perez de 343, 346
Alamo, fall of, 79; work of Daughters of the Republic in behalf of, 80-82; Alamo Monument, The 83-84
Alarcón, Martin de, expedition to Texas 28-31, 285-286, 291
Alcalde, 298, 303, 304, 305; powers 314-318, 349
Alcalde mayor provincial 322, 323, 324, 325, 349
Alcalde provincial 321, 323
Alférez, real 321, 322
Alguacil Mayor, 299; functions 318-319, 322
Almazan, San Fernando Perez de, governor of Texas 36-37
Alorete, José Miguel 140
Altamira, his Testimonio, 4-44, 72-78; auditor 46-47
American Historical Review 193, 276
Amichel, province of 199
Anahuac, disturbances 145, 146
Anchoses, Indians 46
Anglo-American Colonization of Texas 95-100, 138-144
Antoñita, Karankawa Chief 134
Apaches 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 50, 52, 54, 58, 60, 65, 66
April 6, law of 140, 141
Archebeque, Juan 16
Arkansas Gazette 272
Arrington, W. W. 148
Asinais, Indians 27, 283
Austin, Mattie Alice, 3, 7; article by 277-352
Austin, Moses 98
Austin, Stephen F., 98, 99; relations with DeWitt's Colony, 100-161, passim; Explanation concerning the affairs of Texas, 232-258; commissioner to Mexico, 246; imprisonment, 249, 251; correspondence of 255-258
Ayers, Ezekiel 260
Ayuntamiento (see consejo cabildo), the Spanish, 124-125; organized in Gonzales, 126; functions, 127-130, 307-314; minutes of, 181-188; of San Fernando 298-314
Bahía del Espíritu Santo, memorial of, 239 (see La Bahía and Espíritu Santo).
Baker and Bordens, publishers 83
Bancroft, H. H. 87
Barker, Eugene C. 96, 193, 276
Barrio y Espriella, Pedro del, governor ad interim of Texas 47
Barrios y Jauregui, Jacinto de, governor of Texas 48-56
Bastrop, Baron de 98
Bedi, tribe 259
Béjar, relations with De Witt's colony, 105-161, passim; founded 286; (see San Antonio de Vejar or Bejar).
Bernardino, Indian chief 24
Béxar Archives 277 et seq.
Biembille (Bienielle), governor of Louisiana 73
Bolton, Herbert E. 3, 4, 5, 7, 96, 193, 279
Boneo y `M'orales, Justo, governor of Texas 6, 46, 78
Bonilla, Antonio, 4; his Breve Compendio, 3-78; estimate of 71-72
Bonilla's Brief Compendium of the History of Texas 3, 78
Boundary disputes, between Spanish and French 56
Bragg, General, R. M. Swearingen with 227
Breve Compendio (see Bonilla's Brief Compendium).
Bravo, Rio 206
Brooks, S. P. 353
Bucareli, viceroy 3
Burnet, David G. 83
Bustamante 145
Bustillo y Bustamente, Juan Antonio 338
Bustillo y Zevallos, Don Juan, governor of Texas, 40-42, 72
Cabello, governor 309
Cabildo, Spanish, 299-300; at San Fernando, 301-314, 347-350; functions 307-314
Cadillac, Antonio de la Mota, governor of Louisiana 21, 22, 23, 27, 283
Cadodaches, Indians, 19, 23, 27, 282, 284; river, 20, 31; French retreat to, 33; fort 34
Caldwell, M. 126
Campos, Vicente 143, 144
Canary Island families, 35, 41, 293-296; lists of, 295, 331-338; instructions for transporting 329-331
Cannon, taken to Gonzales, 137; demanded by Ugartechea 146-150
Caocos, Indians 46
Capuchins, with La Salle 14
Carabajal, Cristóbal 292
Carabajal, Mateo 292
Carancaguazes, Indians 57
Carrington, Capt. 270
Carson, George 267
Carson, John 264
Carson, Kit 267
Carson, Samuel Price 263-266
Casafuerte, `M'arquis de, viceroy 40, 41,73, 297, 315
Casís, Lilia M. 3, 5, 279
Castañeda 151-155
Chenis, Indians 41
Ciudad, the Spanish 299
Civil colony, the, in Texas 287-352, passim.
Clark, R. C., 5, article by, referred to 23
Clements, Joseph D. 126
Coaguila (see Coahuila) 9, 15, 19, 29, 37, 50, 51
Coahuila, 18, 203, 223, 224, 291, desire of Texas to separate from, 145-149, 233-258, relations with Texas discussed, ibid.
Coen, John 267
Coffey, Rich 270
Colonization Laws of Coahuila and Texas 98-100, 116, 117, 119, 141, 143
Colorado (Red) River 29
Comanches 50, 52, 64, 66, 67, 131, 132, 137
Commissioner, the importance of in the colonization system 115
Concepción, La Purisima, mission 11, 27
Concho River 267-270
Conductor de viveres, title of San Denis 25
Consejo (see Cabildo, Ayuntamiento) 299
Contador de menores 322
Convention, held at San Felipe de Austin in 1833 240-241
Coronado 199
Corpus Christi, river near the Texas 25
Cottle, Almond 126
Cotton, G. B. 275
Crockett, David 264
Croix, Theodore de 304
Crozat, Antoine 283
Cunningham, Capt. 270
Dalrymple, Cornelius 267-270
Darst, D. S. H. 96, 154
Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Work in Behalf of the Alamo 79-82
Davis, George W. 148
Davis, James C. 126
De León, Alonso, 199-224, 281; Itinerary translated 203-224
De León, Martin, empresario, 102; dispute with DeWitt 108-113
De León's Expedition of 1689 199-224
Demeciers (De Mezières), Antonio de, reduces the Northern Indians, 64; extracts from his report 66-68
Depositario de los embargos 321, 325
Depositario de propios 328
Derrotero of Ramón's expedition 25
De Soto 199
DeWitt, Green, 100-193, passim; his contract, 100-101; returns to Missouri, 104; his petition 173-175
De Witt's Colony, 95-193; quarrel with De León's colony, 104-113; dissatisfaction of, 114; organization, 114-130; Indian relations, 130-138; in the revolution, 144-161; location of, 144; list of original settlers, 163-167; list of lots granted, 168-172; list of inhabitants 189-191
De Zavala, Miss Adina 80-82
Diario y Descripcion, Terañ's 19-20
Dickinson, Mrs. 160
Dienst, Dr. Alex, article by 83-84
Dispatch, schooner 106
Dolores, Nuestra Señora de los (see Nuestra Señora de los Dolores), presidio 34, 37, 38, 40
—, Fray Mariano de los, asks for a new mission 46, 50
Donaldson, Nanna Swithwick 196
Driscoll, Miss Clara 80-82
Durbin, Basil 103, 104
Eca y Musquez, Josef de, sent to Texas 48, 54
Elections at San Fernando 304, 306
Empresario system 99-101
Errata 192
Escambia, schooner 109
Escribano de consejo y público 298, 326
Espinosa 7, 27, 284, 290, 291
Espíritu Santo (see Bahía, La Bahía) bay, mission, presidio 11, 12, 14, 19, 20, 34, 35, 37, 38, 43, 45, 47, 57, 280-285, 329, 330
Espiritu Santo de Zuñiga, mission 35, 287
Exidos 340
Explanation to the Public Concerning the Affairs of Texas, By Citizen Stephen F. Austin 232-258
Fannin, J. W., Jr. 156
Fees, from colonists in Texas 116
Fenn, Miss Belle 82
Fenn, Eli 259
Fenn, John R. 259-262
Fenn, Joseph Johnson 260
Fenn, Marion Otis 260
Fiel executor 322
Filibustering expeditions to Texas 97
Fisher, John 148
Fisher, Mrs. Rebecca J. 82
Fitzgerald, David 259
Fort St. Louis 96
French, in Texas 96, 199-224, 277-280, 283-284, 286-287
Franciscans (see Querétaro and Zacatecas) 280, 282
Franquelin, map 12-13
Franquis, Carlos de, governor ad interim of Texas 74-78
Fredonian rebellion 112, 139
Fulmore, Z. T., article by 263-266
Fuqua, Silas 126
Gagsley, T. P. 156
Galicia, families from requested for Texas 35
Galve, Conde de 30
Garay 199
Garcia, correspondence with Austin 255-256
Garrison, promised Gonzales 136
Garrison, George P., 1, 5, 96, 193, 276, 279; article by 225-231
Goliad, 147, municipal ordinances of 310-313
Gonzales, 101-161, passim; beginnings of, 101-104; destruction of first town, 103; how laid out, 120-122; organization of government 123, 126-130
Gonzales, Joseph, lieutenant at los Adaes 73
Gonzales, Rafael 102
Goras, Juan Leal 294, 298, 305, 314, 316
Governor, of Texas, his control of municipal government 308-310
Graham, James 263
Gran Montaña, la, between Los Adaes and Natchitoches 73, 76
Grayson, P. W. 156
Gresham, Mrs. Walter 82
Gritten, Edward 149
Grolette, Santiago 16
Guadalupe river, discovered 211, 222
Hamilton, Peter J. 200
Handbook of Texas Libraries 193
Handy 160
Hapes, tribe 205
Hardeman, General 270
Hermandad 324-325
Hernandez, Francisco 292
Herndon, Robert 260
Hidalgo, Fray, urges occupation of Texas, 21; in Texas 22-23
Hidalgos, settlers made 300
Hinds, Geron 103
Hodges, James 148
Holly, Tom 267
Hondo, Rio 208
Houston, Sam, arrives at Gonzales 159
Hoyett, Mrs. 270
Hunter, Abe 267
Hunter, Malcolm 267
Hunter, Warren 267
Indian affairs of De Witt's colony, 130-138; hostilities with 135-136
Indians given offices by Spaniards, 27 (see various tribal names).
Jack, Pat C. 156
Jalot, Don Medar, with San Denis 21
Jessee, Miss Jennie 226
Jessee, Lea 226
Jesuits, with La Salle 14
Jesus María, Padre Francisco de 288
Johnston, Joseph E., R. M. Swearingen with 228
Jones, Mrs. Anson 82
Jues comisario of the Hermandad 325
Jues de campo 313, 350
Jumenes, tribe 205
Junta de guerra y hacienda 3, 24, 48, 51, 54, 57, 61
Justicia mayor 347
Karankawa, Indians (see Carancagues), 131, 132; peace with 134, 259
Karnes, Henry 160
Kechi, Indians 131, 132
Kerr, James, 101-193, passim; made surveyor general for De Witt, 101; chooses Lavaca site 105
Kerr's Creek, the site of Gonzales 102
King, V. O., Collection 277
La Candelaria, mission 49
Lacopseles, Indians 46
Laguna, Marquez de, viceroy 15
Land, in De Witt's colony:—prices of, 117; sold at auction, 122; sample titles, 176-180; at San Fernando:—instructions for surveying, 338-343; apportionment 343-346
Lane, Col. 270
Larchieverque (Larcheveque), Juan 221
Larios, Francisco Garcia, governor ad interim of Texas 46-47
La Salle, Cavalier de 12-14, 34, 200
Lavaca settlement 104-105
Lawley, W. N. 96
Leon, Alonso de (see De León), expeditions into Texas, 15-16; Derrotero of, referred to 15-16
León, Arroyo de 210
Linares, Duque de, viceroy 21, 22
Lockhart, Byrd 115
Lockhart, Charles 126
Looscan, Mrs. Adèle B., articles by 79,-82, 259-262
Loreto (see Bahía del Espíritu Santo) 34, 35
Los Almagres 54, 63, 64
Los Chanas 53
Louisiana cession 97
Lugar de Españoles 299, 300, 301
Lugo, Carlos Benites Franquis de, governor ad interim of Texas 43-44
McBunnels, Dr. 268
McClure, Bartlett D. 148
`M'cKeever, J. J., Jr. 260
Macheyes, Indians 66
Manchola 142
Manzanet, Carta of 14-17
Manzanet, Fray Damian 214, 280-282
Maps, of De Witt's Colony, facing 193; of De León's route, facing 199
`M'aqueis, Indians 57, 66
Margil, Father, in Texas 28, 284, 289
Martin, Wiley 259
Martinez, Francisco 214
Martos y Navarrete, Angel de, governor of Texas 57-58
Matagorda Bay 200
Mayordomo, 299; functions of 319-321, 349
Media Villa y Ascona, Don Melchor de, governor of Texas 37-40
`M'edina River 9, 209
Memorials, to legislature of Coahuila and Texas, 238-239; to Mexico 240-241-243
Mescale, tribe 205
Mescaleros, tribe 52
Mexican Advocate, The 272-274
Mexico, invaded 259
Mier y Terán, Manuel de 140
`M'ilby, Mrs. Charles H. 82
Miller, E. T. 353
Miller, James B. 147
Miller, James H. C. 136
Miranda, Don Bernardo de, looks for gold at los Almagres 54
Missionaries in Texas, Motives of 278
Missions, in Texas 277-284
Mitchell, Eli 126
Monclova, Conde de, viceroy 12, 15
Montes de Oca, Juan Joseph Montes 314
Moore, John H. 154, 155
Morris, William Alfred 87
Murray, John 268
Musquiz, Ramón, political chief 136, 137, 138
Nacogdoches (see Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Nacogdoches), 11, 27, 38, 61, 97, 145 283
Nacogdoches Archives 277-278
Nadadores, Rio de 203
Nasones, mission (see San Josef de los Nazones) 27, 38
Natajes, Indians 52
Natchitoches, presidio, 11, 27, 33, 43, 44, 73-78; Indians, 23; river 29
Natchitoches Courier 272
Navarro, José Antonio 115, 142, 144
Nemos, William 88
New York Courier 273
Neutral Ground treaty 97
Northern Indians, great victory over Spaniards in 1758, 54-55, 57; De `M'ezières treaty with, 64; described by De Mezières 66-68
Norton, James 111, 123
Nueces River, discovered 207
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 283
Nuestra Señora de la Assumpcion, mission 35
Nuestra Señora de la Concepción de los Asinais, mission 35, 38
Nuestra Señora de la Luz, mission 11, 57
Nuestra Señora del Pilar de los Adaes, presidio of, 9, 11; mission 11, 29, 34 35
Nuestra Señora del Rosario 11
Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais, mission (see Ais) 38
Nuevos Filipinos (Texas) province of 9, 32
Nuevo Reglamento, of Casafuerte 315
Oak, Henry Lebbeus 88
Oconor, Hugo de, governor ad interim of Texas 62
Oldivar, Doctor 110, 111
Olivares, Padre 284-288
Orcoqruisac, presidio 11, 57, 61
O-Reylli, Alexander 68
Oreilly, Alexander, Ordinances and Instructions of 315, 324
Orobio y Basterra Prudencia de, governor ad interim of Texas 44-45
Ortiz, Fray Francisco, reports on Texas Indians 46
Osage, Indians 68
Out West, reviewed 87, 357
Pacheco, Rafael Martinez 57
Padilla, Juan Antonio, report on Texas Indians 131
Padrón, Joseph, case of 316
Pandis, Indians 41
Parella, Diego Ortiz 51, 54, 55
Parker, Mrs. E. W. 196
Patrick, James B. 126, 147, 148
Peñalosa 279
Pénicaut, his Relation referred to 21-28
Perez, Antonio, attacks Apaches 41
Pimeda 199
Pinillo, Fray Miguel, president of Texas missions 49
Pipe of peace ceremony, enacted 26
Platfield, J. J. 88
Pollard, A. 156
Ponton, Andrew 126, 146, 151, 158
Powell, Thomas 109, 110, 111
Pritchett, J. W. 96
Procurador 319
Propios 340, 342
Publications of Southern History Association 276
Puntos del Parecer 7 et seq.
Purísima Concepcion 283
Quarterly of the Oregon Historical Society, reviewed 87
Quautitlan 295
Queisseis, Indians 52
Quertseis, Indians, 57; described 66
Querétaro, college of 21, 38, 280, 282, 284, 287, 292
Quivira 279
Rábago y Terán, Pedro de 49
Rábago y Terán, Felipe, made captain of the presidio of San Xavier 48
Ramirez, collection 5
Ramón, Capt. Diego, killed by Apaches 37
Ramón, Capt. Domingo, expedition to Texas, 21-27, 283-284; his Derrotero 25
Ramos, Arroyode 206
Randolph, Nathaniel 260
Rather, Ethel Zivley, articles by 95-193, 232-258, 353
Reagan, John Henninger, 8; memorial page 355
Recopilacion de los Leyes de los Reynos de los Indias, referred to, 277-352, passim; violated at San Fernando 300-306
Regidor, 298, 303; duties of 321-326, 346-350
Regidor decano 298, 320-326
Rerenor, commandant at Natchitoches 33
Residencia, defined 44
Revilla Gigedo, Conde de 47
Revolution, the Texas, De Witt's colony in 144-161
Ripperdá, Baron de, governor of Texas, 1, 62-66; his propositions 65-66
Rivera, Don Pedro de, revista of, 37-40; dictamen of 40-41, 287, 292
Robinson, B. 267
Robinson, Temp 267
Roxo [Red] river 22, 23
Rubi, Marques de, his revistas and visitas, 59-62; his dictamen 59
Rutersville 155
Ryan, William. 260
Sabinas, Rio 204
Salaries, of municipal officers at San Fernando 327-328
Salinas, Gregorio, governor of Pensacola 29
San Augustin de Ahumada, presidio of 56, 70
San Antonio de Padua, mission 288
San Antonio de Valero, mission 11, 38
San Antonio de Véxar (see Béxar), presidio of, 10, 30, 31, 34, 35, 37, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 55, 58, 61, 62, 63, 73, 281-352, passim.
San Bernardo, mission, 11; bay 14, 20
San Denis, Luis de, son of Luis Juchereau 65, 69
San Denis, Luis Juchereau de, in Texas and Mexico, 21-32, 283; his Declaracion, referred to 21
Sandis, Indians 41
San Estevan, Fray Josef de 53
Sandoval, case of, 6; governor of Texas 42-44
San Felipe, convention at 145
San Fernando de Béxar, The Municipal Government of 277-352
San Fernando de Béxar, villa of, 11, 40, 51, 58, 288-352, passim; settlers before 1718, 291-2; founded, 293-296; origin of name, 296; government of, 297-352, passim; first officers, 298, 346-347; instructions for assigning land, 338-343; for organizing government 346-347
San Francisco de la Espada, mission 11
San Francisco de las Neches (Téxas), mission 35, 38
San Francisco de las Téxas, mission of founded 17, 27, 35, 281, 282, 283
San Francisco de Valero, pueblo 35
San Ildefonso, mission 49
San José de Aguayo, mission 35, 287
San Josef, mission 27, 38, 283
San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande, presidio 24-29, 47, 75
San Juan Capistrano, mission 11
San Juan, French fort visited by San Denis 22
San Marcos River, explored, 15; 221-222; San Denis at, 24; suggested as site of missions 48, 50, 53
San Miguel de los Adaes (see Adoes), mission 35, 284
San Savas (Saba), presidio and mission 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 70
Santa Anna, Lopez de 145, 146, 148, 158, 250
Santa Rosa de Aleazar, proposed as site of presidio 57
Santa Rosa del Sacramento, presidio 47
Santissima Nombre de María, mission 282
Santísima Virgen de los Dolores 284
San Xavier, river, 46, 47, 48, mission 47, 48, 49, 287
Sanz, Fr. Mathías 289
Sarco, Rio 207
Schnively Expedition of 1867, Reminiscences of 267-271
Schnively, Jacob 267-271
Schools, at San Fernando 309
Seguin, Erasmo 147
Sevillano, Fray Miguel, president of Texas missions, complains of Rivera's proposals 40
Sigüenza y Góngora, Carlos 201
Síndico procurador 312
Sinks, Mrs. Julia Lee, memorial page 197
Smith, Deaf. 103, 160
Smith, W. P. 155
Somerville, Alexander 259
South Atlantic Quarterly 357
Sowell, — 154
Sowell, J. A. 259
Spanish colonial methods in Texas, 95-98, 277-279
Spanish law, departure from in San Fernando 300-302
Special grants (see Land) 118
St. Louis Beacon 273
Stone, Mrs. C. B. 80, 82
Suertes 341
Swearingen, Frederick 225
Sweringen, Garret van 225
Swearingen, Richard J. 225
Swearingen, Richard Montgomery, sketch of 225-231
Swearingen, Samuel 225
Talamantes, his Historia, referred to 7 et seq.
Talon, Pedro and Magdalena 16
Tancagues 66, 67
Vol. VIII. JULY, 1904. No. 1.
The publication committee and the editors disclaim responsibility for views expressed by contributors to the Quarterly.
Introductory Note.
Bonilla's Breve Compendio, of which a translation is here given, is one of several known summaries of the early history of Texas written in Spanish. 4
In 1772, Barón de Ripperdá, the governor of Texas, presented to Viceroy Bucareli a report embodying certain measures which he thought it advisable to put into effect in Texas. Thereupon the viceroy ordered that the government office “whose duty it is” should make a summary of all the previous history of the province, so as to have data upon which a junta de guerra y hacienda afterward to be held could base its action. The task fell to Antonio Bonilla, 5 then an officer of the Secretaria de Cámara of Mexico. He finished the work in fifteen days. 6
The Breve Compendio, as he called his report, consists of four main divisions: 1. A description of the Province of Texas as it was in 1772 (Secs. 1-2); 2. A summary of the history of Texas from 1685 to 1770 (Secs. 3-24); 3. A summary of Ripperdá's reports made in 1770 and 1772, and of a report of de Mezières, with such of the history of Texas from 1770 to 1772 as bears upon these reports. 4. The conclusion, which is an expression of Bonilla's personal opinion. Even though Bonilla had as a guide Altamira's Testimonio, mentioned in the list on page 1, the Breve Compendio is quite a remarkable document, especially when one considers what a mass of material Bonilla used, and what a short time he was at work. It is written in a spirit of fairness, and so far as I have had time and opportunity to compare it with other documents, is in the main correct, notwithstanding some mistakes of detail. Not counting the copies recently made by students in the United States, there are at least four copies of the Breve Compendio known to be extant, viz.: 1. A manuscript belonging to the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. 7 This copy is hereafter designated in this paper as A. 2. The first document in volume 27 of the Memorias de Nueva España. A copy 8 of this, in the possession of The University of Texas, and used by me, is herein designated as M. 3. Document No. 9 in volume 43, Sección de Historia, Archivo General. 9 4. A document in volume 302 of the same collection. 10
The text from which the subjoined translation is made has been obtained by a comparison of M and A. The text is mainly that of A, which bears prima facie evidence of greater accuracy, except in a few instances. For convenience in collation, however, M is taken as the basis.
There are numerous differences between these two texts, in mechanical form and in content. A, for example, uses more abbreviations than M; it usually writes out numbers, while M, for the most part, uses numerals; it often uses older forms than M does. M often omits individual words, or even phrases or sentences, which are found in A. Occasionally, however, M is fuller than A, notably, in that it contains the appended Nota del Padre Colector, 11 which A lacks. Different words are often used at corresponding places in the two manuscripts, especially words of nearly the same form, or of nearly the same meaning. 12 As to the relationship of these four copies, nothing positive can now be stated. It is hoped that more definite conclusions can be reached later.
In addition to translating Bonilla's history, I have made a somewhat detailed comparison of it with Altamira's Testimonio, by which, as has been stated, Bonilla was aided in his work. In making this summary, Altamira was carrying out an order given in royal cédula of July 15, 1740, in virtue of which Boneo y Morales, afterwards [1743] appointed governor of Texas, was called upon to sketch the previous history of Texas. 13
Altamira's summary 14 emphasizes the question of international claims and rights. Its descriptions are more detailed than those of the Breve Compendio. Its narrative, however, except in the Sandoval case, is more condensed. A comparison with other documents will show that it is in the main accurate. 15 Besides giving additional information in the Sandoval case, it has been helpful in gaining an understanding of the Breve Compendio, and, in one case, in ascertaining the text. Bonilla was so far influenced by the Testimonio as to use, in some instances, almost its very words.
The copy of the Testimonio to which reference is here made is the reprint given in Yoakum, A History of Texas, I, Appendix A. The original has not yet come to light, either in the Bexar or the Nacogdoches Archives, to which some of the old Bexar papers have found their way. There is an abridgment of the Testimonio, known as the Puntos del Parecer. 16
The only other compendium with which comparison has been possible in this article, is the Historia of Talamantes, copies of which, made in the City of Mexico 17 in 1903 are now in the Texas State Historical Library and at The University of Texas. It consists of thirty-two sections, and is based upon Espinosa's Crónica Apostólica. Its relationship to the Breve Compendio is much less close than is that of the Testimonio; its emphasis, owing to its dependence upon Espinosa, is mainly upon the ecclesiastical side of the history. 18
It would be impracticable, in a translation of this sort, to note all textual variations. Such as are considered sufficiently important, however, are indicated, either in the body of the translation or in footnotes. Additions from M to A are bracketed and italicised. Additions to A from M are enclosed within asterisks. The translator's amplifications are bracketed. Doubtful or unusual translations are followed by the corresponding Spanish printed in Italics and enclosed within parentheses. For the sake of convenience, the section headings, which are in the margin of A, are printed in the middle of the page.
Spanish proper names are consistently retained in the form given by A. Spanish words having no exact English equivalent are also retained. For the sake of clearness, abbreviations are usually written out in full. A is usually followed in the matter of writing out numbers, instead of using numerals, except in the case of dates including months.
It has been the translator's purpose to render the meaning of the Spanish with the utmost possible accuracy, and at the same time to secure good English. With this end in view it has been necessary to break the long, involved sentences of the text, and to omit words such as y [and] and dicho [said], where they add nothing to the sense.
The annotation is by no means complete. So great was the mass of material upon which Bonilla drew that a complete set of notes, giving reference to the documents he used, would be a work of immense proportions. It is hoped, however, that enough has been done in this line to throw some light upon the character and the value of the Breve Compendio.
MEXICO, NOVEMBER 10, 1772.
[Compendium of all the events which have occurred in the Province of Texas from its conquest, or reduction, to the present date.] 20
Compiled from royal cedulas and orders which I have seen in the Secretaria de Camara of this viceroyalty, and from the bulky volumes (quadernos) of reports 21 which are in the Government Offlce of Don Joseph Gorraez, which likewise I have examined freely.
The Province of Texas. or Nuevas Filipinas, is worthy of the closest attention, equally because of its extensive, rich, and very fertile lands, and of the immense number of warlike nations of heathen Indians who infest it and who may work its ruin and desolation.
At the Medina River, where the government of Coaguila ends, that of Texas begins; it ends at the Presidio 22 of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de los Adaes. Its length from south to north is estimated as two hundred and forty leagues, and its width from east to west 23 as eighty. To the southeast it borders on the Seno Mexicano [Gulf of Mexico], and to the east-northeast on Luisiana.
All the country is level. It is crossed by twenty-seven rivers and very deep creeks (arroyos) which in their freshets and overflows form many small sreams 24 and lakes.
The rivers abound in fish, and the forests in large and leafy trees, some bearing savory chestnuts, 25 nuts, persimmons, 26 and mulberries; and likewise in buffalo, deer, bears, rabbits, partridges, and other animals.
This very spacious region contains the Presidio of San Antonio de Vexar, eight leagues 27 distant from the Medina River, and three hundred and seventy from this capital. 27 I has a garrison composed of a captain, a lieutenant, an alférez, 28 a sergeant, two corporals and thirty-nine soldiers. 29 Under its protection are the Villa of San Fernando and five missions, namely (tituladas): San Antonio de Valero, La Purisima Concepcion, Señor San Josef, San Juan Capistrano, and San Francisco de la Espada. 30 Taking a southeasterly course one finds at forty leagues' distance from the said Presidio of Vexar that of Espiritu Santo, with the missions of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and San Bernardo. 31
The Presidio of Orcoquisac used to be situated in the center of the province, and in its immediate neighborhood was the Mission of Nuestra Señora de la Luz. 32 Since it is at present abandoned, however, its garrison, composed of a captain, a lieutenant, a sergeant, and twenty-five soldiers, is to be found in San Antonio de Vexar.
At a distance of a little more than a hundred and twenty-six leagues from the above-named Mission of Nuestra Señora de la Luz are situated (tienen su establecimiento) those of Nacogdoches and los Ais.
The Presidio of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Ios Adaes is the capital and most remote settlement of the province. It has adjoining it the mission of the same name. It is seven leagues distant from the Presidio of Nachitoches, which belongs to the government of Luisiana, twenty from the Mission of los Ais, forty-seven from that of Nacogdoches, one hundred and fifty from the Presidio of Orcoquisac, two hundred from that la Bahia, two hundred and forty from that of San Antonio de Vexar, 33 and six hundred from this capital. Its force consists of a captain,—the governor of the province holds that office,—a lieutenant, an alférez, a sergeant, six 34 corporals, and forty-one soldiers.
At present, therefore, the the province contains four presidios, one villa, and eleven missions, and has assigned for its defense one hundred and sixty 35 effective troops, including nine officers, whose salary and stipend amount to eighty-eight thousand and ninety-six pesos a year.
In a letter of December 31, 1686, His Excellency the Viceroy, Conde de Monclova, gave to His Majesty, in connection with a statement that Frenchmen had established themselves on the Bay of Espiritu Santo, an account of having ordered the making of two pirogues, which were to go out of Vera Cruz, on the twenty-fifth day of the same [month], to make an investigation of this [matter]. This precautionary measure was approved in royal cédula 36 of April nineteenth of the following year, 1687.
The suspicions were not groundless, inasmuch as Roberto Cavalier de la Sala, a native of Ruan [Rouen], at the time (siendo) a citizen of Canada, had undertaken the discovery of the Misisipi River. When, in the year 1684, he took two Indian chiefs (principales) to Paris, and presented the map 37 and description of the said river to the Most Christian King, the latter gave him the title of marques and a small box of louis d'or, 38 and ordered him to return to take possession of the river (a su conquista) with a ship of fifty guns (cañones), a large pink, 39 a sloop, and a tender (patache); with a troop of infantry, families to settle, seeds, goods for barter, and some Jesuit and Capuchin missionaries. He suffered the ill-fortune, however, of missing the entry into the Misisipi, and landed on our Bay of Espiritu Santo, properly [called Bay of] San Bernardo, which he named [Bay] of San Luis. Here, in the year 1685, he erected a fort of the same name. Leaving it garrisoned, he set out by land with twenty men in search of the Misisipi, went inland as far as the country of Texas, 40 and, in the year 1686, was murdered by an English sailor or soldier 41 whom he had in his company.
The designs of Sala could not be found out, despite the efforts 42 made by their Excellencies the Viceroys, the Marques de Laguna and the Conde de Monclova, until, in the year 1689, 43 a Frenchman 44 named Juan Henrique 45 was arrested near Coaguila.
He made known the entry 46 of the French into the Bay of Espiritu Santo, and, by order of His Excellency the Conde de Monclova, Captain Alonzo de Leon, governor of Coaguila, went thither.
He began his expedition with a hundred men on the twenty-third 47 day of March of the said year 1689, taking with him the above-mentioned Frenchman Juan Henrique. On the twenty-second day of April they found the fort which they were seeking dismantled, the buildings sacked, and the Frenchmen dead. On the twenty-third, [Leon] examined the bay, where only small vessels could anchor, and on the twenty-sixth [he explored] the San Marcos River, which has its outlet through the said bay. On the first of May, 48 the chief of the Texas presented himself, bringing in his company two Frenchman, 49 streaked with paint like the Indians. [The Frenchmen] brought news that more than a hundred of their companions had died of small-pox, and that the rest, surprised by the Indians, had miserably perished by stabs and blows. [Alonzo de Leon treated the chief of the Texas kindly. The latter, very much pleased, offered to go with some of his nation to the Province of Coaguila.]
In the year 1690, the aforesaid Alonzo de Leon returned with a hundred and ten soldiers. He rescued two Frenchmen and one Frenchwoman. 50
The feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated among the Texas on the twenty-fifth day of May, in the presence of the [Indian] chief and all his nation. When mass was over, the ceremony of raising the standard in the King's name was gone through with, possession was taken of the country, and the Mission of San Francisco de los Texas was founded. 51
Report was given to His Majesty of these entradas, and of Captain Alonzo de Leon's having disclosed the fertility and abundance of that province, 52 and the anxious desire with which the Texas Indians were beseeching that missionaries be sent to them, for their conversion to our Holy Faith. [The report] set forth (manifestando) that in pursuance of this purpose (con este motivo) extensive neighboring territories would be discovered and reduced to subjection. Finally, the King was informed of the pious tradition that the Texas Indians were some of the fortunate Indians whom the Venerable Sister Maria de Agreda used to visit and teach. 53 On the twenty-seventh of May, 1690, 54 he issued his royal cédula which ordered that His Excellency the Conde de Galve should put this work of conversion (estas conversiones) into the charge of the religious of San Francisco, that some should go from the College of the Holy Cross of Queretaro, and that, in order not to burden the royal treasury, there should be discussed and sought out some ways of meeting the expenses. 55 In another royal cédula of the twelfth of November, 1692, His Majesty ordered that a new exploration be made, by sea and land. 56
For the land expedition Don Domingo Teran de los Rios was commissioned, being appointed governor of Coaguila and Texas, with a salary of two thousand and five hundred pesos a year, and being given the proper instructions. He took in his company fifty soldiers, fourteen Franciscan religious—seven [of them] lay-brothers, [the rest] priests. 57
On the sixteenth day of May, 1691, 58 Teran set out from the Presidio of Coaguila with his men and baggage, travelling in a northerly direction. On the fourth 59 of August following they arrived at the Mission of San Francisco de los Texas, which the first discoverer, Alonzo de Leon, had founded.
On the eighth of September, 60 they met the company (gente) of the captain of the sea-expedition, who had been on land since the twentieth 61 of July preceding, staying at the Bay of Espiritu Santo.
The ill-feeling (disgustos) and the disagreements which arose between the governor and the missionary fathers 62 rendered this expedition ineffectual. The lack of progress of the mission established by Captain Alonzo de Leon, and the severe season, which brought very heavy snows and overflows of rivers, 63 threw the minds of all into consternation; and Governor Teran returned by sea to Vera Cruz from the Bay of Espiritu Santo, or San Bernardo, leaving in charge of [the mission] fifteen religious 64 and one corporal. 65
The only thing accomplished by this entrada was the discovery that the Cadodachos 66 River was navigable; for, although the religious devoted themselves to founding the missions, these were of very short duration, because of the failure of crops, the death of stock, and the disaffection (disgustos) of the Indians, who stoutly held (acerimos en seguir) to their superstitions, believing that the water of baptism caused them to die. 67 To the foregoing [reasons] were added the [facts] that the soldiers caused them [the Indians] many vexations, and that, as a result of the whole [situation], threats had been made against the religious. Dreading death at the hands of the Indians, they left the country in the year 1693, 68 abandoning everything; and the diligent efforts (diligencias] made up to that time with immense expense to the royal treasury, were frustrated. 69
Twenty-two years had passed without their thinking again about the conversion of the Texas, 70 when, in the year seventeen hundred and fifteen, 71 while His Excellency the Duque de Linares was governing this Nueva España, there came in from Luisiana to the Rio Grande del Norte Don Luis de San Denis and Don Medar Jalot with two 72 other Frenchmen. They brought a passport from their governor, Monsieur de la Mota Cadillac, and an order to buy horses, cattle, and other stock from our Texas missions, which they believed to be in existence. 73
San Denis stated (declaró) that he had been summoned by the aforesaid governor for that purpose; that having left Movila [Mobile] with twenty-four Canadian soldiers, he had sailed westward along the Misisipi River, forty leagues to the fort of San Juan, of which he was captain for the Most Christian King 74; that from there he had continued his course to the Roxo [Red] River, forty leagues farther to the north; that eighty leagues to the west he had disembarked among the Nachitoches, a nation that for fourteen years had been trading with the French. 75
From this point he had followed on foot the route to the Texas, where he and his party were well received. When San Denis' intention of coming to our frontiers became known to the Indians, they charged him straitly to ask in their name that missionaries be sent to them, and among these the Padre Fray Francisco Hidalgo de la Cruz of Queretaro, and a Viscayan named Captain Urrutia, whom they had known since the establishment of the old, abandoned missions, [both of whom] were most acceptable to them. 76
Accompanied by twenty-five Texas with their aged chief, Bernardino 77 and three Frenchmen, 77 leaving the rest at that place, 78 San Denis set out in search of the Presidio of San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande.
On the banks of the San Marcos River, they met about two hundred Indians on the warpath (of course they must have been Apaches), enemies of the Texas; and, after waging a bloody combat, the latter were victorious. At once, however, they concluded a peace, or truce, twenty-one of those [Indians] who were accompanying San Denis returning from the said river. With the four remaining, and his three Frenchmen, he came at last to the Presidio of San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande, a year and nine months after his departure from Movila. 79
Report was given to His Excellency the Viceroy of the entry of these foreigners. In consequence of his orders they were taken to Mexico, where they arrived in the month of June, in the year seventeen hundred and fifteen. Their reports and declarations being ratified, the fourth entrada into the Province of the Texas was decided upon, in junta de guerra y hacienda. 80
The alférez Domingo Ramon was appointed head of this enterprize, with an annual salary of five hundred pesos. Don Luis de San Denis was given the title of conductor de viveres 81 with an equal salary (assignacion). Four hundred pesos were assigned to each of the twenty-five soldiers. This small body (numero) of troops, with their commandant and conductor, five missionary religious from the College of the Holy Cross of Queretaro, four from the [College] of Zacatecas, and three lay-brothers, 82 set out from the Presidio of San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande del Norte on the twenty-fourth 83 day of April in the year seventeen hundred and sixteen. On the eighteenth of June following they came to the river which they named Corpus Christi, not very far from the village (poblacion) of the Texas.
There they were received by the Indians with unspeakable kindness and special demonstrations of good faith (sincero animo). Accompanied by these and by other new friends who had joined them from time to time, they continued their march.
The conductor, Don Luis de San Denis, had gone ahead to let the chief of the Texas know about the entrance (entrada) of the Spanish into his territory. He accomplished the mission very quickly. Having sent a son of the leader, Domingo Ramon, to carry back news of this, he presented himself [in camp] on the twenty-sixth day of June, with five captains, and twenty-nine Indians. 84
These came on horseback, some armed with French guns; they followed San Denis in single file; as soon, however, as they came to the camp of the Spaniards, they dismounted, leaving their horses to other Indians, [who were] on foot (peones). Still in single file (baxo del mismo orden), they approached our men, who were waiting for them drawn up in two lines, between which were (cuyo centro ocupaban) Captain Domingo Ramon and the missionary religious. 85
All in turn embraced one another, with especial marks of love and friendship. After a salute of musketry, they betook themselves to a hut [covered] with leafy boughs, which the Spaniards had prepared for their reception. There, when all were seated according to their rank, the Indians gave the sign of peace, using the [accustomed] ceremony. Their chief commander (capitan comandante) took out a pipe, much adorned with white feathers, filled it with tobacco, and, lighting it, smoked it first, and obliged everybody to do the same. All responded with like demonstrations on their part. 86 This act was finished with a serious harangue delivered by the Indian [chief in which] according to the interpretation of San Denis, who understood perfectly the language and vernacular of that nation, he manifested his pleasure that the Spanish were settling his country. Afterward various chiefs and families of Indians joined the party, and all with demonstrations of rejoicing submitted themselves to the dominions of our King and Lord and became his vassals.
Captain Ramon distributed lavishly among the Indians the presents which he was bringing for them. He appointed as captain-general of those nations a son of the chief [of the Texas]; he appointed also the alcaldes and fiscals of each village. Finally, there were founded the four missions of San Francisco, la Purisima Concepcion, San Josef, and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, where more than five thousand persons of the same vernacular were congregated. The most remote of these missions was situated seven leagues from Nachitoches. As early as the year 1716, the French erected (havian erigido) there a post of the same name, and established themselves among the Cadodaches. 87
The conversion of the heathen of the North would have been completely accomplished had not Don Luis de San Denis fallen into misfortune. This man, worthy of eternal remembrance, facilitated the entrada of the Spanish into Texas; his kindly manner rendered the Indians docile, and he gave the most consistent proofs of his fidelity.
He had married a niece of the Commandant Domingo Ramon, and, with a view to becoming a citizen in the Spanish dominions, he went to Mobila to get his goods, which he transported in fourteen packs.
Accusation was made against this unfortunate man that he had brought in through the Rio de Nachitoches, or Colorado, 88 four frigates laden with contraband goods. It was charged against him that he held familiar intercourse with the Indians, 89 that they loved him dearly, and that he knew their vernacular.
These calumnies found support in the information given by the Governor of Pansacola, Don Gregorio Salinas, that some Frenchmen 90 had come to his presidio, with much stock, publishing [the fact] that they had penetrated to Coaguila. As a result of all this, His Excellency the Viceroy, the Marques de Valero, who had just taken charge of Nueva España, ordered San Denis brought a prisoner to this capital; but after a searching inquiry [into his proceedings], they found only the above-mentioned fourteen bales.
Report of this occurrence was made to the King, and in a royal cédula of the thirtieth of January, seventeen hundred and nineteen, his Majesty ordered, in the case of San Denis, that his goods be returned to him, and that he be compelled to establish himself with his wife in Guatemala; in the case of his uncle Ramon, that he be removed from the Presidio of San Juan Bautista [del Rio Grande], and be given another place (destino) far away from possibility of communication with the French; the latter, however, died a natural death in the said Presidio of San Juan Bautista *del Rio Grande* in the year seventeen hundred and twenty-four; and after all we shall see Mr. de San Denis commandant of the Post of Nachitoches in the year seventeen hundred and nineteen. 91
The missionaries kept anxiously begging for San Denis, with a view to the subjection of the Indians, and clamoring for a reinforcement of people helpful in promoting their stability. 92 But His Excellency the Marques de Valero gave the appointment of governor of Coaguila and Texas to Don Martin de Alarcon of the order of Santiago, 93 with a salary of two thousand and five hundred pesos a year.
He had been, at the beginning of the century, an adventurero 94 in the royal navy (armada), a distinguished soldier in Oran; captain of [a company of] infantry in the kingdom of Valencia, with a title granted by the Conde de Cifuentes; alcalde mayor of the Villa of Tacoma y Zamora, by appointment of the viceroy, Conde de Galve; and last, sergeant-major (sargento mayor) of the militia of Guadalaxara.
This new governor was under orders to carry fifty married soldiers, three master-carpenters, a blacksmith, and a stone-mason, 95 to teach the Indians and put the settlement on a firm basis, each one, like the soldiers, drawing a yearly salary of four hundred pesos. These measures were approved in royal cédula of the 11th of June, 1718.
A year's salary was advanced to Alarcon, and at the beginning of [17] 18 he entered the Province of Texas. But, although he founded the Presidio of San Antonio de Vexar, the missionary fathers at once made complaint that he had not brought the master mechanics, or filled out the number of the [fifty] soldiers, and [that] those [he did bring were] idle fellows, and very hurtful, on account of belonging, for the greater part, to the most corrupt and worthless classes in all Nueva España; and, finally, that his irregular measures endangered success in the reduction of the heathen. 96
Alarcon asked at the same time for an increase of troops and other auxiliariies. 97 On being refused everything, he tendered his resignation of the governorship, which was accepted. In a royal cédula of the 31st of October, 1719, however, orders were given that he be thanked for his zeal and painstaking.
War having broken out between Spain and France during the regency of the Duque de Orleans, the French invaded the Presidio of Panzacola, on the 19th of May, 1719; and on the same day in the month of June following Don Luis de San Denis took the opportunity to relieve his outraged feelings, by attacking, with the aid of the Indians of the North, 98 the missions of los Adaes and Texas and compelling their inhabitants to retreat post-haste to the Presidio of San Antonio de Vexar. 99
He would have succeeded in dislodging our Spaniards from all the province, had not His Excellency the Viceroy, Marques de Valero, accepted the worthy and laudable proposition which the Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo made him, in offering his fortune and his person to carry on the war against the French.
With the appointment of the governor and captain-general of las Nuevas Filipinas and Nueva Estremadura, 100 approved by His Majesty in Royal cédula of the 6th of May, 1721, the aforesaid Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo started on his march to Texas in the year 1719, 101 with five hundred dragoons which he had levied at his own cost, and two companies of cavalry, 102 paying all expenses 103 occasioned by this expedition. He came without opposition to the Adaes country, as the French had retreated to their posts of Candodachos and Nachitoches, and the general convocation of the Indians which San Denis had assembled, had disappeared.