Preparing to Weather the Storm, I790-I800
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quadrangular wall and directly in the line of fire. If attacked, the defenders would have to fire across the outlying buildings, and thereby cause considerable damage to their own property and that of the settlers. The present wall, moreover, had been so poorly constructed that it was now in ruins. He suggested, therefore, that a larger enclosure be built of solid rock, and that all the settlers and families be ordered to build their homes within the new walls. The expense of reconstruction would be more than offset by the savings in the cost of frequent repairs that were now required at relatively short intervals. Furthermore, if rebuilt along the lines proposed, it would afford greater protection and security to the settlers and be in condition to repel attacks. He warned that the latter possibility was not so remote as might be thought. The estimate of Captain Espadas was reasonable and the oxen needed for hauling the required materials could be secured in San Antonio. The carts could be built in La Bahia at royal expense. 22 Fiscal Posada approved the recommendations of the commandant gen- eral and declared that the estimate of the expense involved was not excessive. The viceroy submitted the question of the reconstruction of the presidio and the building of an irrigation system to the Junta Superior de Hacienda ( Superior Finance Council), which rendered a report on July 13, 1792. The Junta was of the opinion that the irrigation project was not practical, but it approved the reconstruction of the presidio, and authorized the expenditure of the twenty-five hundred pesos as suggested by Espadas and Castro. Revillagigedo issued the necessary order on November 1, instructing Governor Munoz to draw · on the intendent of San Luis Potosi for the amount authorized by the /tmta. If this appropriation was found inadequate to complete the work. the governor was to submit for approval the additional needs. He was requested to keep an accurate account of all expenses incurred for the undertaking. 23 Cannons at La Ba/eta and Nacogdoclus. Captain Juan Cortes reported in January, 1795, that there were eight cannons at La Bahia, twelve and sixteen-pounders, all of which were well mounted and in good condition. Unfortunately, however, there was not a single soldier in the garrison who 22 Ram6n de Castro to Viceroy Revillagigedo, May 15, 1792. A. G. ,11., Historia, Vol. 93, pp. 71-79. 23 Dictamen del Fiscal Posada, June 26, 1792; Junta Superior de Real Hacienda, July 13, 1792; Auto de! Virrey, November 1, 1792. A.G. "1., Histori,1, Vol. 93, pp. 80-85.
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