l7i
Preparing to Weatlzer the Storm, I790-I800
effort to improve the fortifications of this outpost on the Gulf coast was made. When Revillagigedo assumed his duties as viceroy, he gave serious consideration to many of the suggestions made by the able frontier com- mander of the Interior Provinces. He, consequently, requested Munoz to make a formal report on the practicability of irrigating the lands in the vicinity of La Bahia, the cost of such an improvement, and an estimate of the repairs needed to .put the presidio in condition to with- stand attack. 19 The governor appointed Pedro Huizar to go to La Bahia to make a careful study of the needs of the presidio and the possibility and cost of irrigating the lands at the post, or in its vicinity. It seems that Angel Anglino and Francisco Araujo, an engineer, had previously made a survey and had recommended the digging of an irrigation ditch at several locations. Huizar proceeded to investigate the places designated, and carefully explored and surveyed the sites suggested on Garcitas Creek, Palitos Blancos, Islitas, Mission Rosario, and Babillas. He reported to the governor that the missionaries of Mission Espiritu Santo had attempted to dig an irrigation ditch at Garcitas, but had been forced to abandon it as impractical. A similar attempt had been made at Babillas Creek, where he examined the remains of the dam that had been attempted and some old wells dug for the same purpose. He estimated that the cost of completing the dam would be prohibitive and concluded that the character of the stream and the sandy soil made the project impossible. The San Antonio River at La Bahia flowed three and one-half varas below its banks; the general character of the surrounding country was sandy and the water of the river not abundant. These factors made irrigation at this point equally impractical. The suggestion of Araujo for the construction of an aqueduct to supply La Bahia with water from Palitos Blancos was not feasible, according to Huizar. 20 Report of Pedro Huizar. Needs of tlze presidia. At about the same time, Manuel Espadas, the commander ad interim of the Presidio of Nuestra Senora del Pilar, made a detailed report on the condition of the post and its needs. In his opinion the presidio should be completely rebuilt of limestone. This material was available a short distance from La Bahia. The stone, too, 19 Revillagigedo to Munoz, December 10, 1790. A.G. A-I., Historia, Vol. 93, p. 48. 26 Pedro de Huizar to Manuel Munoz, March 4, 1791. A.G. ,If., Historia, Vol. 93, pp. 65-66. Transmitted by Munoz to the viceroy on March 26. Ibid., p. 67.
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