Our Catholic Heritage in T cxas
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reputed explorations and campaigns against the Comanches and to estimate the strength of these Indians and their attitude with regard to Santiago de Taos. This being an important post, he was to make a report on its defense. It was with regard to Texas, however, that he was given the most detailt:d instructions. Beginning with the Presidio of San Jose del Paso del Rio del Norte, then within the jurisdiction of New Mexico. he was to examine the condition of the garrison, the defense of the fort. and the activity of Captain Pedro de la Fuente, and to determine the advisa- bility of moving this post to a more advantageous position. In the case of the Royal Presidio of San Saba, founded on the border of Texas and New Mexico to restrain the Indian nations that raided Coahuila, Nueva Vizcaya, and Texas, he was to ascertain the need of maintaining it in its present location, or of moving it in consequence of the proposed settlement of Cheti Manchac, planned by Governor Ulloa of Louisiana. Since the posts of Los Adaes and Natchitoches were so close to each other, it might be advisable to suppress one of them in view of the cession of Louisiana. He was, therefore, to make recommendations concerning this important point. With regard to the Presidio of Nuestra Senora de Loreto at La Bahia. Rubi was to decide whether it should be moYed to a point closer to the coast. The reported activity of the English along the coast from the Bay of San Bernardo to the Panuco and the rumored occupation of the adjacent islands might make the change advisable. With a view to putting an end to the excessiYe drain on the royal treasury caused by the permanent maintenance of presidios along the northern frontier, Rubi was requested to select with care the site of new posts. "He shall keep ever present," declared the viceroy, "how useful it would be to establish presidios in locations where population might in time be capable of dispensing with the aid of the garrisons for their subsistence, so that after a number of years these may be advanced to more exposed positions, leaving their rear protected by the new settlements." 39 The Marques de Rubi was to be paid twelve pesos a day over and above his regular salary, the same as Rivera. from the day he left Mexico City until his return to the capital and the completion of his mission. He was
39Jnstrucciones al Marques de Rubi, March 10, 1766. A. G. I. Audie11&ia de Guadalajara, 104-6-13 (Dunn Tr., 1757-1766) pp. 240-244.
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