SELECTIONS FROM THE CATALOGUE OF THE SPANISH COLLECTION OF THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE Part II

Transcription

1 SELECTIONS FROM THE CATALOGUE OF THE SPANISH COLLECTION OF THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE Part II Correspondence, Empresario Contracts, Decrees, Appointments, Reports, Notices & Proceedings pertaining to Power and Hewetson s Colony Compiled and written by Galen D. Greaser Texas General Land Office 2003

2 PREFACE How to Use the selections in this Catalogue Each entry in the topical list has been assigned a number, followed by the addresser and addressee and the description of the document or expediente. The place of origin, nature, and length of the document are noted in parentheses at the end of the description. The last line of each entry supplies the date of the record and its location. The location of the record is given by a number such as 43/2, p. 138, where 43 refers to the box, 2 is the folder number, and p. 138 is the page number, usually found in the upper-right corner of the record. The location of items included in the copybooks kept by the political chief of Nacogdoches is given by reference to the specific copybook (PCCVP, PCNSS, or CPCNA), followed by the page number. If a translation of a document has been located, this is also noted at the end of the entry. The abbreviation RTEC, for example, refers to a bound volume of translation in the Texas General Land Office called Record of Translations of Empresario Contracts. Signs and Abbreviations A. Autograph D. Document Df. Draft L. Letter S. Signed [ ] Information supplied from a source other than the document Omissions [?] Doubtful Comm. Commissioner Gov. Governor GSC General Business Regarding the Spanish Collection Laws Kimball, J. P., Laws and Decrees of the State of Coahuila and Texas Papers McLean, Malcolm, Papers Concerning Robertson s Colony in Texas CPCNA Correspondence between the Political Chief of Nacogdoches and the Ayuntamiento PCCVP Political Chief [of Nacogdoches] Correspondence with Various People PCNSS Political Chief of Nacogdoches to Secretary of State Government RTEC Record of Translations of Empresario Contracts (bound volume of manuscript translations at the Texas General Land Office) G.D.G. ix

3 TOPICAL LIST Power and Hewetson s Colony (#25-42); see also # , # James Power and James Hewetson s empresario contract James Power and James Hewetson's 1828 empresario contract with the state of Coahuila and Texas with copies of the following: James Hewetson to the governor requesting the government's consent to settle 400 families in the littoral reserve from the Nueces to the Lavaca and from the mouth of the Trinity to the Sabine and parallel with it 40 leagues (9/29/1826); the governor [Víctor Blanco] to the minister of state and relations forwarding Hewetson's petition and reporting on it, with the suggestion that the proposed area be restricted to that between the Guadalupe and Lavaca rivers (10/2/1826); Minister Cañedo to the governor communicating the president's approval of Hewetson's petition with a reduction of the area originally requested (4/22/1828); power-of-attorney conferred by James Power to Manuel Músquiz authorizing him to negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract with the government (12/10/1827); terms and conditions of the contract, Víctor Blanco acting as agent for the empresarios (6/11/1828). This certified copy made by Juan Antonio Padilla in Additional certificates added that same year by Manuel Ortiz de la Torre, undersecretary of state, and R. Pakenham, British charge d'affairs. (Expediente, copy, 17 pp.) 6/11/ /1, p. 255 RTEC, p Viesca, Gov. José María to James Hewetson Hewetson's petition to the governor requesting that the area of Power and Hewetson's contract be extended to the Nueces River (3/13/1829) and Governor Viesca's approval (4/2/1829). (Leona Vicario, copy, 3 pp.) 4/2/ /1, p. 269 RTEC, p Cañedo, [Juan de Dios,] Minister of State and Interior, to Gov. José María Viesca Communicating the president's approval of Power and Hewetson's request to colonize the littoral leagues. This copy made in 1832 by order of the governor. (Copy, 2 pp.) 4/22/ /2, p James Power and James Hewetson s empresario contract, with augmentation of area Terms and conditions of James Power and James Hewetson's 1828 empresario contract (6/11/1828) and the governor's approval of an augmentation of the area covered by the contract (4/2/1829). This copy made by Santiago del Valle, n.d. (Leona Vicario, copy, 7 pp.) 4/2/ /2, p Viesca, Gov. José María to James Power Power's petition to the governor for the right to settle 200 additional families under his and Hewetson's contract (2/23/1831) and Governor Viesca's approval (2/26/1831). This copy made by Santiago del Valle on 2/28/1831. (Leona Vicario, copy, 3 pp.) 2/26/ /2, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [Gov. José María Viesca] In response to a request from the governor dated 4/21/1830 (see Box 43:3, p. 273), forwards with supporting comments the report of the ayuntamiento of Goliad (see Box 43:2, p. 129) relative to James Power's request to establish a new town at the site of Mission Refugio. This copy made on 4/8/1831. (Copy, 3 pp.) 7/3/ /2, p Ayuntamiento of Goliad to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Report of the deliberations of the ayuntamiento of Goliad on the matter of James Power's request to establish a new town on the site of Mission Refugio, recommending that the town be settled exclusively by Mexicans. This copy made by Santiago del Valle on 4/8/1831. (Copy, 4 pp.) 6/5/ /2, p [Letona, Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Instructions pertaining to the sale of mission lands, the location of a town at the site of Mission Refugio, the granting of land to Indians of the extinguished missions, and the issuing of titles to Mexicans in the littoral leagues through 10

4 Power and Hewetson's empresario contract. Document copied by Santiago del Valle on 5/25/1831. (Leona Vicario, copy, 4 pp.) 5/25/ /2, p. 130 RTEC, p Letona [Gov. José María de] Decisions of the Permanent Deputation of the state Congress (7/23/1831 and 8/13/1831), written by Aguirre, finding in favor of Power and Hewetson's contract and against the representations made by the ayuntamiento of Goliad, Empresario Martín de León, and the political chief of Béxar. This decision approved by Governor Letona. Copy made by Santiago del Valle on 8/19/1831. (Leona Vicario, copy, 6 pp.) 8/13/ /2, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José Antonio de la Garza,] Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicates the decision of the national government in regard to Martín de León's and Power and Hewetson's rights to colonize the littoral leagues, orders the political chief to form an expediente and forward it to the governor if the empresarios cannot agree on their boundaries, and instructs the Mexicans who claim land in the littoral leagues to petition the governor for purposes of obtaining title to it. This copy made by Santiago del Valle 3/30/1832. (Leona Vicario, copy, 3 pp.) 3/10/ /2, p. 136 RTEC, p Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas to Gov. José María de Letona In response to Commandant General Mier y Terán's communication to the governor dated 1/1/1832 opposing Power and Hewetson's colonization of the coast leagues, transcribes the resolution of Congress instructing the governor to inform Mier y Terán of his lack of authority to interfere in matters reserved to the state and includes a copy of the decision of Congress relative to Power and Hewetson's contract and to the right of the state to sell the land of the extinguished Mission Refugio. This copy made by Santiago del Valle on 10/13/1832. (Leona Vicario, copy, 10 pp.) 3/23/ /2, p Viesca [Gov. José María] to James Power In response to Power's petition, included here, concerning the lands of Mission Refugio, states that only those lands expressly included in the title of Mission Refugio were to be considered mission lands and instructs the political chief of Béxar to provide a report for the purpose of answering Power's request to establish a town on the site of the former mission. This copy made by Santiago del Valle on 4/8/1831. (Leona Vicario, copy, 3 pp.) 4/21/ /3, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José Antonio de la Garza,] Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicates the decision of the national government in regard to Martín de León's and Power and Hewetson's rights to colonize the littoral leagues, orders the political chief to form an expediente and forward it to the governor if the empresarios cannot agree on their boundaries, and instructs the Mexicans who claim land in the littoral leagues to petition the governor for the purpose of obtaining title to it. This copy made by J. Miguel Falcón on 12/7/1833. See another copy in Box 43:2, p (Leona Vicario, copy, 4 pp.) 3/10/ /4, p. 283 RTEC, p Power, James to Rafael A. Manchola, Alcalde of Goliad Asking him if he had received the orders of the government relative to Power's rights as empresario. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 p.) 9/29/ /5, p Manchola, Rafael A., Alcalde of Goliad, to James Power In response to Power's letter of 9/29/1831 (Box 43:5, p. 164), indicates that the orders alluded to had been publicized and asks for a meeting with him. (Goliad, L.S., 1 p.) 10/1/ /5, p Garza, Tomás de la, Comisario of Police of Guadalupe Victoria, to James Power Asks to be issued an amparo on land occupied by an American. (Guadalupe Victoria, A.L.S., 2 pp). 9/27/ /5, p

5 41. Garza, Tomás de la, Comisario of Police of Guadalupe Victoria, to James Power Acknowledges seeing the order pertaining to Power and Hewetson's rights as empresarios but will not publicize it until ordered by the alcalde of Goliad. (Guadalupe Victoria, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 10/3/ /5, p Barberena, José Manuel, Military Commandant of Guadalupe Victoria, to James Power Transcribes a communication from Capt. Aniceto Arteaga, commandant of Lavaca, indicating that Martín de León was the only empresario he recognized for the town of Guadulupe Victoria and that he had an order from the alcalde of Goliad, Rafael Manchola, to prevent Power from surveying any land until he appeared before the civil authorities. (Guadalupe Victoria, A.L.S., 4 pp.) 10/6/ /5, p Nixon, Comm. Jorge Antonio Instructions to surveyors in the area covered by Burnet s, Vehlein s, and Zavala s empresario contracts (in English). (Copy, 4 pp.) 0/0/ / James Power and James Hewetson s empresario contract Power and Hewetson's empresario contract, with copies of the following: Hewetson's petition to the governor requesting the right to settle 400 Mexican and Irish families in the coast leagues from the Nueces to the Lavaca rivers and from the mouth of the Trinity to the Sabine River (9/29/1826); Governor Víctor Blanco to the minister of state and relations forwarding the petition and advising of other petitions for some of these same lands (10/2/1826); Minister Cañedo to the governor with the president's approval for the area between the Nueces and Lavaca (4/22/1828); a power-of-attorney from James Power to Manuel Musquis authorizing him to negotiate the colonization contract (12/10/1827); a substitute power-of-attorney from Musquis to Víctor Blanco (5/28/1828); and the terms and conditions of Power and Hewetson's empresario contract for 200 families (6/11/1828). (Expediente, copy, 9 pp.) 6/11/ /30, p. 149 RTEC, Vidaurri y Villaseñor, Gov. Francisco to José Jesús de Vidaurri José Jesús de Vidaurri's appointment as commissioner for Power and Hewetson s colony. (Monclova, certified copy, 4 pp.) 6/19/ /11, p. 132 RTEC, p Vidaurri, José Jesús de to Juan Nepomuceno Seguín, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicates Vidaurri s appointment as commissioner for Power and Hewetson s colony. (Mission Refugio, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 7/22/ /11, p. 139 RTEC, p Seguín, Juan Nepomuceno, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Jesús de Vidaurri Acknowledges the communication (Box 123:11, p. 139) of Vidaurri's appointment as commissioner for Power and Hewetson s colony. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 7/29/ /11, p. 140 RTEC, p Power, James to Gov. Miguel Falcón James Power requests the appointment of a commissioner for John Cameron's contracts. Also, the governor's appointment on 7/28/1835 of José María Portilla as commissioner. (Monclova, certified copy, 5 pp.) 7/24/ /12, p. 143 RTEC, p Letona [Gov. José María] Resolutions of the Permanent Deputation, approved by the governor, denying the petitions of the ayuntamiento of Goliad and of Martín de León which asked the government to void Power and Hewetson's contract to settle the coast leagues. (Leona Vicario, copy, 5 pp.) 8/18/ /4, p. 101 RTEC, p Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Asking the political chief to prevent James Power from taking possession of the land he claimed between the mouth of the Lavaca River and Aranzazu Creek in view of the claims by the ayuntamiento of Goliad and Martín de León. 12

6 (Matamoros, copy, 2 pp.) 10/22/ /4, p. 107 RTEC, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to James Power and James Hewetson Requesting the empresarios or their representative to appear within 60 days with any document they wished to have considered for the purpose of defining the limits between their colony and Martín de León's. (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) 5/1/ /4, p. 109 RTEC, p. 74. Power and Hewetson s Colony (# ); see also #25-42 and # Alamán, [Lucas,] Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to [José María de Letona,] Communicating the vice-president s decision in the matter of Martín de León's petition requesting revocation of the possession granted to James Power in the coast reserve between the mouth of the Lavaca River and the Nueces River. This copy dated 12/7/1833. (Mexico City, copy, 2 pp.) 12/23/ /10, p. 277 RTEC, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Instructions pertaining to the disposal and sale of lands belonging to the extinct Mission Refugio; Power and Hewetson to accept in their colony all Mexican families presenting themselves as settlers; Mission Refugio designated the site for the town of the colony unless a more suitable site is found. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 4 pp.) 5/25/ /10, p. 279 RTEC, p Power, James and James Hewetson to Gov. Francisco Vidaurri y Villaseñor Petition from empresarios Power and Hewetson requesting permission to admit English, Germans and Americans in their colony; also, copy of Vidaurri's decree of 8/27/1834 granting this request. (Refugio, copy, 3 pp.) 8/2/ /10, p. 287 RTEC, p Alamán, Lucas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Richard Pakenham, British Charges d' Affairs Reporting that orders had been given authorizing James Power to colonize the area assigned to him in (Mexico City, copy, 2 pp.) 12/23/ /21, p. 405 RTEC, p [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to James Power Acknowledging Power's letter communicating the many misfortunes suffered by the colonists during their journey and offering measures for their relief. (Béxar, L.S., 3 pp.) 5/28/ /21, p. 417 RTEC, p Padilla, Juan Antonio, Secretary of the State Government, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicating the resignation of Manuel del Moral as commissioner for Power and Hewetson s colony and the appointment of José Jesús de Vidaurri to replace him. (Monclova, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/20/ /21, p. 423 RTEC, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Acting Governor of Coahuila and Texas Transmitting Empresario McMullen's letter of 7/17/1832 (Box 127:24, p. 206) and recommending the appointment of a commissioner to examine the titles issued by José Antonio Saucedo and to resolve the differences between McMullen and James Power over the boundaries of their colonies. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 9/22/ /24, p León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reporting that James Power had exhibited a colonization contract at the town of Guadalupe Victoria and had been informed that part of the area in that contract was already occupied by De León and his colonists. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) 2/12/ /2, p. 8 13

7 1109. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Gov. José María Viesca Letter in support of Martín de León's representation to the government regarding the conflict between the location of his colony and the colony awarded to James Power [and James Hewetson]. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 7/4/ /2, p León, Comm. Fernando de to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Requesting clarification of his duties as commissioner in view of Martín de León's contracts and of the fact that the settlers' had located within the 10 coast leagues and within the area designated for Power and Hewetson s colony. The original letter and expediente forwarded by Músquiz to the governor on 7/16/[1831]. (Guadalupe Victoria, Df., 1 p.) 6/23/ /3, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Informing that communications Nos. 168 and 171 (see Box 128:3, pp. 24, 25) received from Músquiz had been forwarded to the Executive Council for reconsideration of the decision on the ayuntamiento of Goliad s request that the coastal land contained in Power and Hewetson's contract be assigned instead to Martín de León s colony. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 8/1/ /3, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José Antonio de la Garza], Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicating the decision of the supreme government on the right to settle a stretch of the coastal leagues claimed by both Power and Hewetson and by Martín de León and other particulars in this regard. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 3/10/ /4, p [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to James Power and James Hewetson Ordering the empresarios or their representative to show the political chief the documents defining the limits between their colony and Martín de León s, complying in this manner with the order of the governor dated 3/10/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 32). (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 5/1/ /4, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Martín de León Abridged draft of letter transmitting to De León the contents of Músquiz' letter to Power and Hewetson dated 5/1/1832 (see Box 128:4, p. 35) and asking him also to exhibit the documents that could help demarcate the limits between the Power/Hewetson and De León colonies. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 5/24/ /4, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León Abridged draft of letter ordering Commissioner De León to begin the distribution of land and to demarcate the limits between the Power/Hewetson and De León colonies, Power and Hewetson having failed to present the documents requested within the prescribed time (see Box 128:4, p. 35). (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 8/1/ /4, p York, Thomas to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reporting that he had removed from Gonzales to the lower Lavaca to avoid the Indian depredations and requesting permission to stay there unmolested until the arrival of Empresario Hewetson. This document is in English. A translation to Spanish found in Box 128:6, p. 63. (Lavaca Station, A.L.S., 1 p.) 5/1/ /6, p Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Cover letter forwarding a letter from James Power and James Hewetson (see Box 128:6, p. 81). (Matamoros, L.S., 1 p.) 7/5/ /6, p Power, James and James Hewetson to Manuel de Mier y Terán, Commandant General Relative to the location of several American families within the boundaries of their colony without their consent, in particular John York, 14

8 who was suspected of seeking the commandant general's approval to settle permanently. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 5/7/ /6, p Manchola, Rafael A., Alcalde of Goliad, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Returns the expediente relative to the Yorks, indicates that contrary to orders they had not vacated the land, and relays the rumor that they enjoyed the favor of James Power. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 10/6/ /6, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [Rafael A. Manchola,] Alcalde of Goliad In response to Manchola's communication of 10/6/1831 (Box 128:6, p. 89), indicates that with reference to the Yorks his order of 8/16/[1831] should be followed and that James Power could not sponsor anyone included in said order. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 10/12/ /6, p. 90 Power and Hewetson s Colony (# ); see also #25-42 and # Power, James to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Forwarding to the political chief via Robert Caralile [Carlisle] the documents Músquiz requested in a letter dated 5/1/1832 (see Box 128:4, p. 35) and arguing for recognition of his rights over those of Martín de León. (San Patricio, copy, 3 pp.) 6/23/ /7, p Viesca, Gov. José María to James Power and James Hewetson Copy of the terms and conditions of James Power and James Hewetson's empresario contract of 6/11/1828 (Víctor Blanco, agent) and the extension of the limits of the colony granted 4/2/1829 (José Mariano Grande, agent). This copy made by Santiago del Valle in May (Leona Vicario, copy, 7 pp.) 6/11/ /8, p. 144 RTEC, p Músquiz, Ramón [Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] to [Ayuntamiento of Goliad] Copy of a petition presented by James Power to the governor of the state on establishing a town on the site of the abandoned Mission Refugio (4/21/1830) and the governor's request for a report on this matter from the political chief (4/21/1830). (Leona Vicario, copy, 2 pp.) 5/26/ /9, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Ayuntamiento of Goliad Forwarding James Power's petition and the governor's resolution on establishing a town at the site of Mission Refugio (Box 128:9, p. 153) and requesting a report from the ayuntamiento on the usefulness of this proposal. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 5/26/ /9, p Aldrete, José Miguel [Alcalde of Goliad] to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Cover letter transmitting a copy of the report of the ayuntamiento of Goliad on establishing a town at the site of the extinguished Mission Refugio. The report is not found here, but the gist of its contents can be ascertained by reference to the political chief's letter to the governor dated 7/3/1830 (see Box 128:9, p. 157). (Goliad, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 6/17/ /9, p [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to [José Miguel Aldrete,] Alcalde of Goliad Acknowledging receipt of Aldrete s communication of 6/17/1830 (Box 128:9, p. 155) and reporting that the ayuntamiento's report on establishing a town at the site of Mission Refugio had been forwarded to the governor. The date is clearly in error and should probably be 7/7/1830. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 6/7/ /9, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José María Viesca,] In response to the governor's request for a report on the proposal to establish a town on the site of the secularized Mission Refugio (Box 128:9, p. 153), attaches the report of the ayuntamiento of Goliad (not found here) and agrees with it that preference should be given to the property rights 15

9 of Mexicans in the area and that if a town were established it should be with Mexican families. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 7/3/ /9, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledging receipt of the political chief's communication forwarding the petition from the ayuntamiento of Goliad asking that the coast leagues in Power and Hewetson s colony be left to Martín de León; advises that the petition had been passed to the Executive Council. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/23/ /9, p [Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] to Ayuntamiento of Goliad Abridged draft of letter transmitting the governor's communication dated 6/23/1831 (Box 128:9, p. 158). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 7/19/ /9, p Viesca [Gov. José María] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledging the list provided by the political chief under date 6/6/1830 concerning the land that could be designated private property to the Indians who lived at missions Espíritu Santo and Refugio and advising that the matter of distributing the lands of the former missions was still pending resolution. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/23/ /9, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José María Viesca,] Transcribing part of a communication from Col. José de las Piedras, military commandant of Nacogdoches, on the fraudulent sale of land in the United States by James Power. (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) 8/16/ /9, p Legislative Commission Copy of a resolution of the Legislative Commission instructing the governor of the state to advise Commandant General Manuel de Mier y Terán not to intervene in the colonization affairs of the state, particularly with respect to Power and Hewetson s colony. This copy made 4/6/1832 by Santiago del Valle. (Leona Vicario, copy, 7 pp.) 3/23/ /10, p Letona, Gov. José María de to Inhabitants of Coahuila and Texas Decree No. 184, Congress of Coahuila y Texas, extending for three years Power/Hewetson s empresario contract. Passed by José Antonio de la Garza, acting political chief, to Angel Navarro, the alcalde of Béxar, and by him ordered publicized. (Leona Vicario, imprint, 2 pp.) 3/26/ /10, p. 176 Kimball, Laws, p Veramendi, Vice-Governor Juan Martín de to Inhabitants of Coahuila and Texas Decree No. 226 of the state Congress annulling Decree No. 184 (see Box 128:10, p. 176) that extended Power/Hewetson's contract for three years. Passed by Manuel Ximénez, acting political chief, to Juan Angel Seguín, alcalde of Béxar, and by him ordered publicized by bando. (Monclova, imprint, 2 pp.) 4/24/ /10, p Hernández, Juan José, Alcalde of Goliad, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Indicating that he would provide a monthly list of the individuals who appeared before him asking to be put in possession of land. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 5/18/ /10, p Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Conveying his opinion that the dispute over the rights of empresarios Power/Hewetson and De León in the coast area between the Lavaca and the Aranzazú was a matter to be resolved by the central government and requesting that Power not be allowed to colonize in this area, permitting him, however, to colonize between the Aranzazú and the Nueces provided the settlers were not Americans. (Matamoros, L.S., 3 pp.) 16

10 10/22/ /11, p Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Requesting a copy of Power s empresario contract and the suspension of all matters pertaining to the establishment of his colony for the reasons he explains. (Matamoros, L.S., 2 pp.) 10/5/ /11, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [Manuel de Mier y Terán,] Commandant General In response to the commandant general's communications of 10/5/1831 (Box 128:11, p. 181) and 10/22/1831 (Box 128:11, p.179), reports that he immediately ordered implementation of the measures suggested by Mier y Terán, but that orders received since from the state government ran counter to those advised by Terán. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 11/10/ /11, p Manchola, Rafael A. [Alcalde of Goliad] to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledging receipt of the state government's order relative to establishing Power and Hewetson s colony and requesting advice on how to proceed in the event that the military authorities should disavow the order and James Power then resort to him for assistance. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 11/18/ /11, p Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas to [José María de Letona,] Governor of Coahuila and Texas Copy of the communication from Commandant General Mier y Terán dated 1/1/1832 claiming authority to intervene in colonization matters affecting Power and Hewetson's contract in the coast leagues and the discussion and resolution of the Congress in this matter categorically denying him any such authority. (Leona Vicario, copy, 12 pp.) 3/23/ /11, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to José Antonio de la Garza, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Transcribing the resolution of the state Congress of 3/23/1832 (Box 128:11, p. 185) regarding Mier y Terán's claim to authority in colonization matters affecting Power and Hewetson s colony in the coast leagues. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 4/6/ /11, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José María de Letona,] Acknowledges receipt of the governor s communication of 4/6/1832 (Box 128:11, p. 191). (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 5/5/ /11, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José María Viesca,] In response to the governor's order of 3/31/1830 for a report on the selection of land by the natives of missions Refugio and Espíritu Santo, makes his recommendations and forwards a report on this matter from the ayuntamiento of Goliad (not found here) and a list of the Jaraname Indians of Mission Espíritu Santo entitled to a grant. (Béxar, Df., 7 pp.) 6/6/ /12, p [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to Alcalde of Goliad Transcribing an order of the governor dated 5/25/1831 granting to Power and Hewetson the land of Mission Refugio. Attaches a list compiled by José Miguel Aldrete on 5/18/1830 showing the Jaraname Indians of Mission Espíritu Santo who were to be admitted in Power and Hewetson s colony and supplied with a team of oxen and tools by them (see list in Box 128:12, p. 197). (Goliad, Df., 1 p.) 6/20/ /12, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José María de Letona,] Acknowledges the governor's order of 5/25/1831 granting the lands of Mission Refugio to Power and Hewetson, requests instructions on how to proceed with regard to the Carancahuas congregated there and on the responsibilities contracted by Power and Hewetson for supplying the Jaranames, and reports his suspicion that the residents of Goliad would feel demeaned by 17

11 having to apply for land to foreign empresarios. (Goliad, Df., 2 pp.) 6/16/ /12, p Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar In response to the political chief's letters of 3/28/1830 and 6/16/1831 (128:12, p. 200), states that the Carancahuas could apply for land to the empresarios like anyone else and that no one should feel demeaned by having to apply to the empresarios, who were obligated to respect any existing property rights. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 7/9/ /12, p [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to [Rafael A. Manchola,] Alcalde of Goliad Transmitting the governor's communication (abridged here) dated 7/9/1831 (Box 128:12, p. 201). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 8/3/ /12, p Manchola, Rafael A., Alcalde of Goliad, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicating the opinion of the ayuntamiento of Goliad that title should issue to the lands held by usucaption and in good faith by its residents and that these residents should not be reduced to the status of colonists. Requests a resolution of this matter. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 8/12/ /12, p Venabides, Plácido, Alcalde of Goliad, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reporting the presence of Irish colonists settling in the vicinity of Mission Refugio on lands claimed by Mexicans; requests advice on how to proceed in the event they should refuse to obey his order to vacate this location. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 3/21/ /12, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [Plácido Venabides,] Alcalde of Goliad In response to his letter of 3/21/1834 (Box 128:12, p. 204) concerning the location of Irish colonists on land claimed by Mexicans, advises locating the new colonists on vacant land and investigating those who refused to move or to comply with the measures ordered by the alcalde in this regard. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 3/26/ /12, p Venabides, Plácido, Alcalde of Goliad, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar In response to the political chief's communication of 3/26/1834 (Box 128:12, p. 205), reports that he ordered the new Irish settlers to move from their location near Refugio or to appear before him. Having done neither, he had ordered them brought before him. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 4/14/ /12, p Seguín, Juan N., Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Alcalde of Goliad Abridged letter transmitting a communication from the political chief to Power and Hewetson regarding complaints contained in a letter from Goliad dated 11/26/1834 (see Box 128:13, p. 209). (Goliad, Df., 2 pp.) 12/4/ /12, p Becerra, Manuel to Juan N. Seguín, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledging receipt of the expediente on James Power, the colony's commissioner and the ayuntamiento of Goliad and explaining why the original documents requested by the political chief could not be sent. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 10/17/ /13, p Becerra, Manuel to Juan N. Seguín, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reports complaints from the Jaraname Indians, the Carbajals and the widow of Tomás Buentello about the survey lines run by Power and Hewetson's surveyors and requests clarification from the government regarding the measurement of the coastal reserve. (Goliad, L.S., 3 pp.) 11/26/ /13, p Seguín, Juan N., Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to James Power and James Hewetson 18

12 Transmitting the communication from Manuel Becerra dated 11/26/1834 (Box 128:13, p. 209) and reminding them of their obligations to the Jaraname Indians and to the citizens that already had title to their land. (Béxar, Df., 3 pp.) 12/4/ /13, p Power, James to Juan N. Seguín, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar In response to the political chief's communication of 12/4/1834 (Box 128:13, p. 211), protests bitterly the conduct of Goliad towards his colony and answers the complaints concerning his treatment of the Jaraname Indians and the Mexicans. (Refugio, L.S., 5 pp.) 12/19/ /13, p [Navarro, José Angel] Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to James Power Communicating the order of the governor dated 1/21/1835 requiring Power to comply with the offer made in Article 5 of the resolution of the governor dated 8/28/1834. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 2/11/ /13, p Power, James to José Angel Navarro, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledges and responds to Navarro's communication dated 2/11/1835 (Box 128:13, p. 217); states that he had never forgotten his obligations; describes his efforts to attract the Carancahuas, who had not responded; and requests advice. (Refugio, L.S., 4 pp.) 2/18/ /13, p Santos, José Guadalupe de los, Acting Alcalde of Goliad, to José Angel Navarro, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Complaining, in general, that the surveys run off for Power and Hewetson' colonists encroached on Goliad lands because the 10 coast leagues had not been properly surveyed and reports on the specific case of Juan Moya, whose land by title from Commissioner Miguel Aldrete had now been surveyed as part of Power and Hewetson s colony. (Goliad, L.S., 4 pp.) 9/26/ /13, p Navarro, José Angel, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to [José Guadalupe de los Santos, Acting Alcalde of Goliad] Acknowledging the communication of 9/26/1835 (Box 128:13, p. 220) and indicating that the appropriate measures would be taken. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 10/8/ /13, p Power, James to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Giving notice of his arrival with over 140 colonists, reporting on the difficulties encountered, and requesting the appointment of a commissioner for his colony. (Aranzazú, copy, 2 pp.) 5/23/ /14, p [Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] to James Power In response to Power's letter dated 5/23/1834 (Box 128:14, p. 223), expresses regret for the difficulties encountered on the sea journey, advises that he would seek to hasten the presence in the colony of commissionerdesignate Manuel del Moral, and informs that he had requested the residents of Goliad to provide assistance. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 5/28/ /14, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Ayuntamiento of Goliad Requesting the ayuntamiento to assist Power's shipwrecked colonists and avoid difficulties with them. (Béxar, copy, 2 pp.) 5/28/ /14, p Venabides, Plácido, Alcalde of Goliad, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Expressing the ayuntamiento's willingness to assist Power and Hewetson's shipwrecked colonists. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/12/ /14, p Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Secretary of the State Government Cover letter forwarding the original of James Power's letter communicating his arrival and the shipwreck of his colonists and a copy of Músquiz's response. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 6/2/ /14, p

13 1243. [Seguín, Juan Nepomuceno,] Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to James Power and James Hewetson Draft of a letter transcribing a communication (abridged here) from the secretary of the state government (Box 128:14, p. 230) acknowledging receipt of the letters concerning the shipwreck of Power and Hewetson's colonists. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 7/17/ /14, p Padilla, Juan Antonio [Secretary of the State Government] to Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledges a communication of 6/2/1834 (Box 128:14, p. 228), conveys the governor's regrets, and indicates that a commissioner would soon be appointed for Power and Hewetson s colony. (Monclova, L.S., 3 pp.) 6/12/ /14, p Buentello, Tomás to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Dept. of Texas Remitting a list of the individuals of La Bahía that had been put in possession of land by virtue of grants from the state government. The list, which includes the names of Father José Antonio Valdez, Gerónimo Huízar, Ermenegildo de la Cruz, and Juan Bautista Sedick, is found on p. 232B. (La Bahía, L.S., 4 pp.) 8/16/ /15, p Navarro, José Angel, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Ayuntamientos of Goliad and Guadalupe Victoria Requesting a list of the grantees in these municipalities and the amounts due the government. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 9/10/ /15, p Valdez, José María [Alcalde of Goliad] to José Angel Navarro, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledging receipt of Navarro's letter of 9/10/1835 (Box 128:15, p. 235) and indicating that the requested report could not be supplied immediately but would be prepared as soon as possible. (Goliad, L.S., 3 pp.) 9/18/ /15, p Valdez, José María [Alcalde of Goliad] to José Angel Navarro, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Sending a list of the residents of that municipality who had received land grants, the amount, and dates in response to Navarro's letter of 9/10/1835 (Box 128:15, p. 235). The list is found on page 239. (Goliad, L.S., 3 pp.) 9/23/ /15, p Prado, Francisco del to James Hewetson Copy of Francisco and Gerónimo del Prado s petition to the governor asking to be granted 11 leagues of land each in sale (1/18/1831) and Gov. Viesca s approval of their petition. Also, a power-of-attorney from Francisco del Prado dated 5/20/1834 authorizing James Hewetson to obtain possession of 22 leagues of land granted in sale by the governor of Coahuila and Texas. (Leona Vicario, copy, 9 pp.) 5/20/ /16, p Hewetson, James to [José María Viesca,] Copy of James Hewetson's petition asking the governor to grant him in sale 11 leagues of land and the governor's approval of this request. (Leona Vicario, copy, 2 pp.) 12/24/ /17, p Power, James to [José María Viesca,] James Power's petition asking the governor to grant him in sale 11 leagues of land and the governor's approval of this request. (Leona Vicario, copy, 2 pp.) 12/24/ /18, p Peña, Francisco de la to [José María Viesca,] Francisco de la Peña's petition asking the governor to grant him in sale 11 leagues of land (7/5/1830) and the governor's approval of this request (7/8/1830). This copy certified by various officials and deposited for file in the General Land Office by Volney E. Howard on 12/22/1846. (Saltillo, certified copy, 5 pp.) 7/5/ /19, p

14 1253. Hewetson conveyance to Power James Hewetson, acting as attorney-in-fact for Francisco de la Peña, conveys to James Power for 100 pesos 11 leagues of land obtained by De la Peña in sale from the government. (Refugio, certified copy, 4 pp.) 10/29/ /20, p Hewetson, James to [Juan José] Elguézabal, James Hewetson's petition for himself and James Power asking to be put in possession of the premium lands accruing to them (11/20/1834) and the governor's approval (11/21/1834). Copy made by Juan Antonio Padilla 12/16/1834. (Monclova, copy, 4 pp.) 11/21/ /21, p Hewetson, James to [Marcial] Borrego, James Hewetson's petition requesting that he and James Power be allowed to select their premium lands anywhere vacant lands might be found in the state (4/2/1835) and the governor's approval (4/6/1835). This copy made by José María Falcón on 4/7/1835. (Monclova, copy, 3 pp.) 4/6/ /21, p