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Explorations and Settlements A long tlte Rfo Grande
next three days they cut fifty-five more logs for the proposed presidio and its stockade. On January 12, the entire expedition started on its return march, and by the 15th, arrived in San Juan Bautista. Governor Garza Falcon, who was sick, made his report from here on January 17. 6 In his report the governor declared that the site on .San Diego River was the best for the proposed presidio. It had sufficient water and irrigation was practical. The lands along the river were rich and could be easily cultivated. There were abundant pastures and good timber. Furthermore, the site was on the outskirts of the Apache country and on the main trail used by these Indians in raiding Candela and the other Spanish outposts of Coahuila. With his report he sent the official diary of the exploration. He added that he was going to recruit the fifty men for the garrison in Coahuila and Nuevo Leon as ordered, but that this was going to prove a difficult task, unless the men were offered a full year's pay in advance to enable them to buy the most necessary supplies and move their families. 7 The report and recommendations were referred to the Auditor on February 9, 1736. Before this official gave his detailed opinion, Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, son of the governor, informed the viceroy on February 13, of his father's death. He explained that he had accom- panied his father in the recent expedition and had commanded the party that explored the country north of San Diego River. His father had left eleven children and his widowed mother without much support. Out of regard for his father's services and his own and the plight of the bereaved family, he begged the viceroy to grant him the appointment of captain for life of the new presidio which had been tendered to his father. Captain Miguel had journeyed to Mexico City to present his petition, which the viceroy promptly granted on the same day.• Establislmzent of Presidio del Sacramento, 17 36. But it was not until July that the Attditor made his report. After reviewing the history of the proposed presidio from 1726 to date, he warned the viceroy that it was common for all governors to want the new presidios to be within their own jurisdictions and with as large a garrison as possible. For this reason they generally exaggerated the danger from the Indians. He was suspicious of the site chosen, which 6 /bid., 132-134. 7 Garza Falcon to the Viceroy, January 17, 1736. In Testimonio de la fundacwn (Coahuila, 17 33-17 38), I 39-142. •Miguel de la Garza Falcon to the Viceroy, February 13, 1736. Order for appoint- ment, same date. Testimonio de la fundacion (Coahuila, 1733-1738) 1 163-166.
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