179
Escandon and Settlement of Lower Rio Grande, 1738-1779
site of Santa Dorotea, on the north bank of the San Antonio River by Captain Joaquin Orobio y Basterra, who shortly afterwards resigned his post. His successor, Manuel Ramirez de la Piszina, appointed by the viceroy on November 8, arrived at the new post on February I, 1750, at which time he inspected the garrison and found it consisted of twenty- nine men, all well armed and provided with six and seven remounts each. On the 6th, he made a careful inspection of the new establishments, and on the 18th, he made a detailed report to the viceroy. He declared that the presidio was located on the San Antonio River, ten leagues southwest from its former location, on a high hill which afforded excellent possi- bilities for fortification. Stone, lime, and sand were found in the vicinity and good timber could be secured a short distance away. To the south, southeast, and southwest sloped spacious plains well suited to grazing, while in the immediate vicinity of the presidio there were good arable lands. For the attainment of its full development, the encouragement of civil settlers in the new site was not only advisable but indispensable. A large barrack, twenty-five varas long aud seven wide, made of oak and thatched with grass, had been constructed. Next to the building there was a stable, twenty varas long, for the horses. Forty temporary houses had been constructed for the soldiers and their families, and the captain had a house with several rooms· for his own use. He found six cannon (eight-pounders), seven al'robas (about 175 pounds) of powder, four boxes of shells, a gunstock, one three-foot chain, one pair of handcuffs, and a drum. The chapel of Nuestra Senora de Loreto had been completed. It was twenty •varas long and seven wide, made of oak (encino} with a thatch roof. Such was the appearance and condition of the Presidio and Mission of Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo by February, 1750, less than six months after its removal to the new site at Santa Dorotea on the San Antonio River. 55 When the detailed reports of Captain Ramirez de la Piszina were referred to the Marquis of Altamira, this official drew up a series of instructions for a fuller report on the new establishment. He recommended that the commander of the presidio inform the viceroy as to the size of the river, direction in which it flowed, character of the crossing, distance 55 Manuel Ramirez de la Piszina to the. Viceroy, February 6, 18, :lo, 1750. A. G. "1., Provi11cias /11/ernas, vol. 179, pt. 2, pp. 538-544. He was appointed ad interim by the viceroy on November 8, 1749. The king confirmed the appointment and issued him a royal patent on June 1 1 1754. A.G. /., Audiencia de Guadalajara, 194-6-8 (Dunn Transcripts, 1710-1738).
Powered by FlippingBook