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could be converted into the 'lime necessary for the mortar. White sand, though not of the best quality, could also be obtained in the vicinity, and there was an abundance of cedar wood which would make excellent beams and rafters. All the water needed for the use of the garrison, as well as such as might be needed in the construction of a new presidio, had to be brought in carts or barrels rolled up the bank by the men. The soldiers could help with the work of construction but they knew nothing about masonry. There were no tools, such as crowbars, hatchets, trowels, and other implements needed for construction work. But most of these could be made by the blacksmith if he was provided with the iron. He concluded by pointing out that the materials required for the reconstruction of the presidio were available, that the garrison could furnish the unskilled labor, but that artisans would have to be brought, and that only a few minor materials, such as iron, would have to be secured abroad. He estimated that the cost of the labor and supplies need_ed to rebuild the presidio would probably be about twenty-five hundred pesos. 21 This report and that of Huizar were sent by Munoz to the viceroy for his information. When the viceroy consulted Ramon Castro, the recently appointed com- mander of the Eastern Interior Provinces, he replied that in spite of the difficulties pointed out by Huizar and the expense of the undertaking, the irrigation project for La Bahia should be attempted. Castro deemed the project essential for the development and welfare of the settlement and the presidio at La Bahia. Only in this way could crops be assured. He fully agreed with the opinion that the enterprise would require a considerable outlay by the royal treasury, but he believed it would be a wise investment. With regard to the presidio, he was even more emphatic. He pointed out that La Bahia was more than fifty leagues from San Antonio, that it was the only outpost for the entire Gulf coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Mfssissippi, and that, as such, it should be reenforced. The present presidio was on a high bluff, about a cannon-shot's distance from the San Antonio River, and dominating the surrounding country. But the building had been poorly planned and constructed. The cannons were placed at the corners of the quadrangle. Unwittingly, however, the soldiers and settlers had subsequently built their houses outside the 21 Manuel de Espadas to Munoz, March 10, 1791. A. G. M., Hi.rtoria, Vol. 93, pp. 61-62. Also Calculo prudencial que forma el Comdte. Into. de la Bahia de Esptu. Santo, Don Manuel Espadas. Ibid., p. 62.
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