SELECTIONS from the CATALOGUE of the SPANISH COLLECTION of the TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE Part II

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 De León’s Colony

Compiled and written by Galen D. Greaser

Texas General Land Office 2003

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.

TOPICAL LIST 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 33. Letona [Gov. José María de] Guadulupe Victoria and that he had an order Decisions of the Permanent Deputation of the from the alcalde of Goliad, Rafael Manchola, to state Congress (7/23/1831 and 8/13/1831), prevent Power from surveying any land until he written by Aguirre, finding in favor of Power and appeared before the civil authorities. (Guadalupe Hewetson's contract and against the Victoria, A.L.S., 4 pp.) representations made by the ayuntamiento of 10/6/1831 43/5, p. 170 Goliad, Empresario Martín de León, and the political chief of Béxar. This decision approved by Governor Letona. Copy made by Santiago del Martín de León’s Colony (#48-49); see also Valle on 8/19/1831. (Leona Vicario, copy, 6 pp.) #443-450, #1104-1155 8/13/1831 43/2, p. 132

34. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José 48. Establishing Martín de León’s Colony Antonio de la Garza,] Acting Political Chief of Founding of Martín de León’s colony, with copies Dept. of Béxar of the following documents: copy of Martín de Communicates the decision of the national Leon's petition to the Texas Provincial government in regard to Martín de León's and Deputation seeking permission to establish a Power and Hewetson's rights to colonize the colony (4/8/1824), the deputation's approval littoral leagues, orders the political chief to form (4/13/1824) and Governor Gonzales' ratification an expediente and forward it to the governor if (10/6/1825) (p. 241); letter from Political Chief the empresarios cannot agree on their Ramón Músquiz to Commissioner Fernando de boundaries, and instructs the Mexicans who León transcribing a communication from the claim land in the littoral leagues to petition the governor in response to claims on behalf of De governor for purposes of obtaining title to it. León’s colony (7/19/1831) (p. 249); copy of two This copy made by Santiago del Valle decisions of the Permanent Deputation of the 3/30/1832. (Leona Vicario, copy, 3 pp.) state Congress upholding Power and Hewetson's contract and denying the assertions of De León 3/10/1832 43/2, p. 136 and the ayuntamiento of Goliad (July and RTEC, p. 148. August 1831) (p. 253); letter from Acting Political Chief José Antonio de la Garza to Martín de León transcribing a communication from the 37. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José governor advising of the lapse of DeWitt's Antonio de la Garza,] Acting Political Chief of contract and the activation of the contract Dept. of Béxar obtained by Manchola on behalf of De León (8/29/1832) (p. 257); copy of the 1827 Communicates the decision of the national instructions to commissioners (p. 261); Governor government in regard to Martín de León's and Viesca's approval of De León's request, through Power and Hewetson's rights to colonize the Rafael Antonio Manchola, to settle an additional littoral leagues, orders the political chief to form 150 families (4/30/1829) (p. 265); Martín de an expediente and forward it to the governor if León's request for a commissioner (12/1/1830) the empresarios cannot agree on their and Gov. Letona's appointment of Fernando de boundaries, and instructs the Mexicans who León to this position (4/20/1831) (p. 269); claim land in the littoral leagues to petition the appointment of José M. J. Carvajal as principal governor for the purpose of obtaining title to it. surveyor of De León’s colony and bond posted by This copy made by J. Miguel Falcón on him (9/17/1832) (p. 273); appointment of James 12/7/1833. See another copy in Box 43:2, p. Kerr as principal surveyor of De León’s colony 136. (Leona Vicario, copy, 4 pp.) and bond posted by him (4/7/1835) (p. 275); letter from Ramón Músquiz to Fernando de León 3/10/1832 43/4, p. 283 transcribing the governor's decision invalidating RTEC, p. 148. that part of De León’s colony that was in conflict with Green DeWitt's and authorizing Músquiz to resolve questions of this nature in the future 42. Barberena, José Manuel, Military (6/5/1831) (p. 277); letter from Músquiz to Commandant of Guadalupe Victoria, to Fernando de León communicating that Juan James Power Guajardo had been ordered to desist from acting as commissioner in Power and Hewetson’s

10 colony until such time as his appointment could (Expediente, copy, 24 pp.) be verified (12/6/1832) (p. 281); letter from 7/8/1827 124/4, p. 71 Músquiz to Fernando de León authorizing him to RTEC, pp. 55-69. distribute land and to establish the town of Guadalupe Victoria and transcribing a communication from the governor to the effect 444. Viesca, Gov. José María to Rafael A. that Power and Hewetson's contract was Manchola, Attorney for Martín de León recognized by the federal government and that Terms and conditions of Martín de León's second the claims of individuals to land in the area of empresario contract. (Leona Vicario, copy, 2 pp.) their contract were to be respected (8/1/1832) (p. 285). (Legajo, 50 pp.) 4/30/1829 124/4, p. 95 4/8/1824 97/1, p. 240 RTEC, p. 69.

445. Letona [Gov. José María] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 370. Arizpe [Gov. José Ignacio de] to [José Antonio Saucedo,] Political Chief of Dept. of Transcribing his communication to José Antonio Texas Navarro, commissioner for DeWitt’s colony, indicating that since the grant given to Rafael Requesting the nomination of a suitable person Manchola [attorney for Martín de León] on April as commissioner for Martín de León’s colony. 30, 1829, conflicted with boundaries previously (Saltillo, L.S., 2 pp.) approved for DeWitt’s colony, said grant could 6/15/1827 123/7, p. 76 have no effect. Circulated by Músquiz to the RTEC, p. 292. alcaldes and commissioners on June 14, 1831. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 3 pp.) Martín de León’s Colony (#443-450); see also 5/2/1831 124/4, p. 97 #48-49; #1104-1155 RTEC, p. 70.

443. Martín de León’s Colony 446. Letona [Gov. José María] Expediente pertaining to the approval of Martín Resolutions of the Permanent Deputation, de León’s colony and its boundaries. The file approved by the governor, denying the petitions includes copies of the following documents: of the ayuntamiento of Goliad and of Martín de communication from the alcalde of Goliad to the León which asked the government to void Power governor relative to foreigners settling at and Hewetson's contract to settle the coast Guadalupe Victoria and lack of Mexican settlers leagues. (Leona Vicario, copy, 5 pp.) there (3/26/1825) [p. 71]; Political Chief José 8/18/1831 124/4, p. 101 Antonio Saucedo’s report to the governor on RTEC, p. 71-74 Martín de León’s colony (6/10/1825) [p. 72]; copy provided by Baron de Bastrop of Martín de 447. Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant León's petition to the provincial deputation and General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief list of settlers coming with him to settle the town of Dept. of Béxar of Guadalupe Victoria [pp. 74-78]; approval by the provincial deputation of De León's petition Asking the political chief to prevent James Power and the rules and regulations governing his from taking possession of the land he claimed settlement (4/13/1824) [pp. 78-80]; Martín de between the mouth of the Lavaca River and León's petition for the appointment of a Aranzazu Creek in view of the claims by the commissioner to establish the boundaries of his ayuntamiento of Goliad and Martín de León. colony and to resolve the dispute with Green (Matamoros, copy, 2 pp.) DeWitt [1825] [pp. 81-83]; Political Chief Saucedo's referral of De León's petition to the 10/22/1831 124/4, p. 107 governor (8/21/1825) and Governor Rafael RTEC, p. 101. Gonzales' decision in this matter (10/6/1825) [pp. 88-91]; another petition by De León asking 448. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of that a commissioner be appointed to establish Dept. of Béxar, to James Power and James the boundaries of his colony (5/18/1827), Hewetson Governor Víctor Blanco's order to Political Chief Requesting the empresarios or their Saucedo to appoint a commissioner for the representative to appear within 60 days with any colony (6/15/1827), and Saucedo's offer to document they wished to have considered for the perform this duty (7/8/1827) [pp. 91-94]. purpose of defining the limits between their

11 colony and Martín de León's. (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) coast leagues (De León’s colony). (Matamoros, L.S., 2 pp.) 5/1/1832 124/4, p. 109 RTEC, p. 74. 5/15/1831 125/6, p. 66 RTEC, p. 378. 449. Viesca [Gov. José María] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 836. Kerr, James, Agent for Green DeWitt, to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Communicating the appointment of Juan Dept. of Texas Antonio Padilla as commissioner general to put Martín de León, among others, in possession of Acknowledging receipt of the resolutions of the land. De León notified by Músquiz on governor pertaining to the confirmation of 1/8/1829. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) Empresario Martín de León's 1824 contract and his right to establish the town of Guadalupe 12/4/1828 124/4, p. 111 Victoria; also the proposed adjustments to the RTEC, p. 75. boundaries between DeWitt's and De León's colonies. (San Felipe de Austin, L.S., 5 pp.) 450. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 12/12/1825 126/19, p. 178

Transmitting the communication from the 858. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of governor dated 4/20/1831 appointing him Dept. of Béxar commissioner [for Martín de León’s colony]. Cover letter to accompany copy of Martín de (L.S., 3 pp.) León's contract with the provincial deputation and supreme government of the state. Copy of 6/4/1831 124/4, p. 113 contract not found here. (Goliad, L., 2 pp.) RTEC, p. 75 10/31/1829 126/21, p. 207

474. Alamán, [Lucas,] Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to [José María de Letona,] 872. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Governor of Coahuila and Texas Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Navarro Communicating the vice-president’s decision in the matter of Martín de León's petition Cover letter to accompany a copy of Martín de requesting revocation of the possession granted León's contract showing the limits of his colony to James Power in the coast reserve between the for purposes of avoiding difficulties between De mouth of the Lavaca River and the Nueces River. León and DeWitt. Referenced contract not found This copy dated 12/7/1833. (Mexico City, copy, here. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 2 pp.) 4/4/1831 126/22, p. 221 12/23/1831 124/10, p. 277 RTEC, p. 146 873. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Dept. of Béxar, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Béxar Commandant of Texas Acknowledging receipt of the copies of Martín de Reporting that he was informed of the supreme León's contracts (see Box 126:21, p. 221). government's decision to permit the settlement (Béxar, A.L.S., 1 p.) of Mexicans in the coast leagues reserve and 4/4/1831 126/22, p. 222 that it had been communicated to Martín de León. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/20/1831 125/3, p. 39 888. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of RTEC, p. 361. Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Navarro 558. Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to [Antonio Elozúa,] Principal Transcribing a communication of 5/2/1831 Commandant of Texas from Governor Letona regarding the extension of the boundaries of Martín de León’s colony that Transcribes a federal government resolution proved to be in conflict with land in DeWitt’s regarding approval of certain settlements in the colony. (Béxar, copy, 1 p.)

12 6/7/1831 126/23, p. 242 1106. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 889. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Inquiring whether the admission of foreign Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio settlers in his colony would be counted toward Navarro the number of families he contracted to settle. A note in Músquiz' hand on this letter indicates Communicating the governor's decision of that he saw no difficulties in including some 5/2/1831 voiding the extension of the De León foreign families in the number contracted if they colony boundaries in conflict with DeWitt's; met the requirements of the law. (Guadalupe order to grant land to no more than 25 families Victoria, L.S., 1 p.) in this area. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 1/28/1830 128/2, p. 7 7/21/1831 126/23, p. 243

1107. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, 892. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reporting that James Power had exhibited a colonization contract at the town of Guadalupe Acknowledging receipt of the transcription of the Victoria and had been informed that part of the governor's decision on declaring void the area in that contract was already occupied by De extension of the boundaries of De León’s colony León and his colonists. (Guadalupe Victoria, that conflicted with DeWitt's; comments on L.S., 2 pp.) Músquiz' order limiting to 25 the families that could be granted land in this area (see Box 2/12/1830 128/2, p. 8 126:23, p. 243). (Gonzales, A.L.S., 3 pp.) 1108. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 8/1/1831 126/24, p. 246 Dept. of Béxar, to Secretary of the State Government Martín de León’s Colony (#1104-1155); see Transcribing part of a communication from also #48-49 and #443-450 Commissioner Fernando de León regarding a grant made by Antonio Vásquez, alcalde of 1104. Martín de León’s colonization Goliad, and Músquiz' advice to the government agreement that said grant should not be recognized Martín de León's colonization agreement of because Vásquez had exceeded his authority. 10/6/1825, with copies of the following (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) documents: De León's petition to the Texas Provincial Deputation (4/8/1824); the provincial 6/29/1834 128/2, p. 9 deputation's admission of the petition and the conditions governing the establishment of the 1109. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of colony (4/13/1824); and Governor Rafael Dept. of Béxar, to Gov. José María Viesca Gonzales' confirmation of the agreement 10/6/1825. This copy was made from the Letter in support of Martín de León's original by Santiago del Valle on May 21, 1830. representation to the government regarding the (Leona Vicario, copy, 5 pp.) conflict between the location of his colony and the colony awarded to James Power [and James Hewetson]. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 10/6/1825 128/1, p. 1 7/4/1830 128/2, p. 10 1105. Gonzales, Gov. Rafael to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Dept. of Texas 1110. Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to Antonio Elozúa, [Principal Resolution of the governor confirming the Commandant of Texas] provincial deputation's 1824 colonization agreement with Martín de León and advising Copy of a letter transcribing a communication that a commissioner would be appointed to from Mier y Terán to Col. José de las Piedras demarcate the boundaries of the town and issue explaining that the law of April 6, [1830] did not titles to the settlers. (Saltillo, L.S., 3 pp.) affect existing rights in Texas. (Matamoros, copy, 1 p.) 10/6/1825 128/2, p. 5 RTEC, p. 65-66. 6/14/1830 128/2, p. 11

13 1111. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, unauthorized Anglo-Americans. The comisario's Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar letter is found in Box 128:3, p. 18. (Goliad, L.S., Reporting the settlement of several DeWitt 2 pp.) colonists in the area of De León’s colony and asking that they be ordered to abstain from 4/23/1831 128/3, p. 16 locating there. This page also contains a draft letter from Músquiz to DeWitt dated 1116. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 10/13/1830 instructing him to order his Dept. of Béxar, to [Rafael A. Manchola,] colonists to relocate within the boundaries of Alcalde of Goliad DeWitt’s colony or to seek the consent of De León if they preferred to remain in that colony. Acknowledging Manchola's letter of 4/23/1831 (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) (Box 128:3, p. 16) and ordering him to obtain from the comisario of Guadalupe Victoria a report on the foreigners located within the coast 8/16/1830 128/2, p. 12 leagues and on those who had landed at the mouth of the Lavaca. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 1112. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 5/6/1831 128/3, p. 17 Requesting Músquiz' assistance in collecting a debt from Green DeWitt. Also, a draft dated 1117. Garza, [Comisario] Tomás de la to 10/13/1830 of Músquiz' response to this letter Rafael A. Manchola, Alcalde of Goliad and to De León's letter of 8/16/1830 (see Box Reporting the presence of unauthorized 128:2, p. 12). (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) foreigners in the coast leagues and foreigners landing on the Lavaca River. (Guadalupe 8/16/1830 128/2, p. 13 Victoria, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 4/20/1831 128/3, p. 18 1113. Elozúa, Antonio, Principal Commandant of Texas, to Ramón Músquiz, 1118. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Dept. of Béxar, to [Rafael A. Manchola,] Reporting inquiries from the commanders at Alcalde of Goliad Lavaca and Goliad on how the resolution of the Reminding him of his request for a report from government pertaining to the ten coast leagues the comisario of Guadalupe Victoria on was to be applied to the Mexicans already unauthorized foreigners within the coast located within this area. (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) leagues. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 2/2/1831 128/2, p. 14 7/19/1831 128/3, p. 19

1114. [Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of the Dept. of Béxar] to Antonio Elozúa, 1119. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Principal Commandant of Texas Dept. of Béxar, to [José María de Letona,] Governor of Coahuila and Texas In response to Elozúa's communication of 2/2/1831 (Box 128:2, p. 14), offers his opinion Acknowledging receipt of the transcript of a that the Mexicans of De León’s colony and the letter from the governor to Commissioner José Mexican residents of Goliad who had located in Antonio Navarro resolving the dispute over land the ten coast leagues were exempt from the included both in Green DeWitt's and in Martín de León's contracts and authorizing the political prohibitions against these locations. (Béxar, Df., chief to resolve such matters in the future. 2 pp.) (Goliad, Df., 2 pp.)

2/10/1831 128/2, p. 15 6/2/1831 128/3, p. 20

1115. Manchola, Rafael A., Alcalde of Goliad, 1120. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León Béxar Acknowledging notice of Fernando de León's Transmitting a communication from the appointment as commissioner for Martín de comisario of Guadalupe Victoria reporting the León’s colony and instructing him to keep a presence within the littoral leagues of record of the grantees and amounts due the

14 government for their land. (Guadalupe Victoria, coastal land contained in Power and Hewetson's Df., 2 pp.) contract be assigned instead to Martín de León’s colony. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/5/1831 128/3, p. 21 8/1/1831 128/3, p. 26 1121. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León 1126. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Transcribing a communication from the Dept. of Béxar, to Ayuntamiento of Goliad governor dated 5/2/1831 advising that the Notifying the ayuntamiento of the governor's dispute over land between Martín de León and decision to submit for reconsideration to the Green DeWitt had been resolved in favor of the Executive Council the matter of which latter. (Guadalupe Victoria, Df., 1 p.) empresario should be allowed to settle the coastal lands between the Guadalupe and 6/5/1831 128/3, p. 22 Lavaca rivers. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.)

1122. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 8/24/1831 128/3, p. 27 Dept. of Béxar, to Alcaldes and Commissioners 1127. Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant Abridged draft of a circular informing the General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief alcaldes and commissioners that the governor of Dept. of Béxar had authorized the political chief in a communication dated 5/2/1831 to resolve Communicating his opinion that the dispute disputes in certain cases of conflicting claims to over the coast leagues was a matter to be land. (Goliad, Df., 1 p.) decided by the supreme government of Mexico. (Matamoros, L.S., 3 pp.) 6/14/1831 128/3, p. 23 10/22/1831 128/3, p. 28

1123. León, Comm. Fernando de to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 1128. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Requesting clarification of his duties as Reporting that settlers were requesting to be put commissioner in view of Martín de León's in possession of their land but that he had contracts and of the fact that the settlers' had desisted, pending a response to the questions located within the 10 coast leagues and within raised in June 1831 (see Box 128:3, p. 24). the area designated for Power and Hewetson’s (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) colony. The original letter and expediente forwarded by Músquiz to the governor on 2/10/1832 128/3, p. 30 7/16/[1831]. (Guadalupe Victoria, Df., 1 p.) 1129. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, 6/23/1831 128/3, p. 24 Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Reporting discontent among his colonists at not 1124. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of having received title to their lands. (Guadalupe Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) Transcribing Músquiz' communication to the governor regarding the inquiries contained in 2/10/1832 128/4, p. 31 Fernando de Leon's letter of 6/23/1831 (Box 128:3, p. 24). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 1130. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [José Antonio de la Garza], Acting Political Chief of 7/19/1831 128/3, p. 25 Dept. of Béxar Communicating the decision of the supreme 1125. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón government on the right to settle a stretch of the Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar coastal leagues claimed by both Power and Hewetson and by Martín de León and other Informing that communications Nos. 168 and particulars in this regard. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 171 (see Box 128:3, pp. 24, 25) received from pp.) Músquiz had been forwarded to the Executive Council for reconsideration of the decision on 3/10/1832 128/4, p. 32 the ayuntamiento of Goliad’s request that the

15 1131. [Garza, José Antonio de la,] Acting Commandant of Texas Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to Alcalde of Goliad Requesting him to order the military commander of Lavaca to render the assistance required to Abridged draft letter transcribing the governor's bring before the authorities four American communication dated 3/10/1832 (Box 128:4, p. interlopers located on the banks of the Lavaca 32). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) River. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.)

4/8/1832 128/4, p. 33 6/6/1832 128/4, p. 38

1137. Elozúa, Antonio, Principal 1132. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Commandant of Texas, to Ramón Músquiz, Dept. of Béxar, to Martín de León Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Abridged draft of letter, in response to Martín de León's of 2/10/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 31), In response to the communication from Músquiz transcribing the governor's communication of dated 6/6/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 38), reports that 3/10/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 32) and assuring De the commander at Lavaca has been ordered to León that titles would soon be issued to his assist, if requested, in detaining the four settlers. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) American interlopers on the Lavaca River. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 4/25/1832 128/4, p. 34 6/7/1832 128/4, p. 39 1133. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to James Power and James 1138. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Hewetson Dept. of Béxar, to Alcalde of Goliad Ordering him to investigate the accusations by Ordering the empresarios or their representative Martín de León against Thomas, John and to show the political chief the documents James York and Stephen Betts and to bring defining the limits between their colony and them to justice if the accusations proved true. Martín de León’s, complying in this manner with (Béxar, Df., 2 pp) the order of the governor dated 3/10/1832 (Box

128:4, p. 32). (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 6/7/1832 128/4, p. 40 5/1/1832 128/4, p. 35

1139. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 1134. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Abridged draft of letter ordering Commissioner In response to a communication from Músquiz De León to begin the distribution of land and to dated 5/8/1832, states that no one with a grant demarcate the limits between the from the government had petitioned him to be Power/Hewetson and De León colonies, Power put in possession of land, but that if such and Hewetson having failed to present the should occur the political chief would be documents requested within the prescribed time notified. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) (see Box 128:4, p. 35). (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 5/16/1832 128/4, p. 36 8/1/1832 128/4, p. 41

1135. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 1140. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Dept. of Béxar, to Martín de León Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Abridged draft of letter transmitting to De León the contents of Músquiz' letter to Power and In response to a letter from Músquiz dated Hewetson dated 5/1/1832 (see Box 128:4, p. 35) 6/4/1832 forwarding a petition from Martín de and asking him also to exhibit the documents León, orders the reinstatement of the original that could help demarcate the limits between the boundaries called for in De León's contract of Power/Hewetson and De León colonies. (Béxar, 4/30/1829, DeWitt's empresario contract having Df., 1 p.) expired. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.)

5/24/1832 128/4, p. 37 8/4/1832 128/4, p. 42

1136. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 1141. Garza, José Antonio de la, Acting Dept. of Béxar, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Martín de

16 León Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Abridged draft of letter transcribing the Requesting Músquiz to forward to the state governor's communication dated August 4, 1832 Congress via the governor a petition from his (Box 128:4, p. 42). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) colonists seeking an augmentation to their pasture lands. The document also contains 8/29/1832 128/4, p. 43 Músquiz' draft response dated 1/12/1833 at Guadalupe Victoria to De León indicating that the petition had been forwarded to the governor. 1142. León, Comm. Fernando de to [Ramón (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar In response to a communication from Músquiz 1/5/1833 128/5, p. 51 dated 8/1/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 41), reports that he had requested Surveyor José María Jesús 1147. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Carbajal to repair to Guadalupe Victoria for the Dept. of Béxar, to [Rafael Eca y Múzquiz,] purpose of beginning the distribution of land. Governor of Coahuila and Texas (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.) Transmitting Martín de León's letter of 8/8/1832 128/4, p. 44 1/5/1833 (Box 128:5, p. 51) and the petition of his colonists to the governor and seconding their 1143. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón request, particularly in view of the audacity of Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar the foreign settlers who had advocated separating Texas from Coahuila. (Guadalupe Requesting clarification of his instructions as Victoria, Df., 2 pp.) regards the layout of the town and grants within the coast leagues. (Guadalupe Victoria, A.L.S., 2 1/10/1833 128/5, p. 52 pp.)

8/8/1832 128/4, p. 45 1148. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 1144. León, Comm. Fernando de to [Ramón Forwarding to Músquiz a petition from José M. Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar J. Carvajal asking to be put in possession of ten leagues of land in De León’s colony by virtue of a Reporting the presence of Juan Guajardo grant from the state government. Músquiz' draft claiming to have been commissioned by the of a response to De León dated 1/22/1833 is government to demarcate the coast leagues and found with this same letter. (Guadalupe Victoria, issue titles to the settlers within it, forwarding a L.S., 2 pp.) copy of the exchange of communication with Guajardo, and requesting a clarification of this 1/22/1833 128/5, p. 53 situation. The communications between Guajardo, the comisario of Guadalupe Victoria and Fernando de León are found in Box 128:5, 1149. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of pp. 47-48. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 6 pp.) Dept. of Béxar, to Alcalde of Goliad Abridged draft of a letter transcribing the 11/22/1832 128/5, p. 46 governor's communication of 8/4/1832 (Box 128:4, p. 42) and ordering that Martín de León not be impeded in the location of his colonists. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 1145. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of

Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. Fernando de León 2/5/1833 128/5, p. 54 Reporting that he had instructed Juan Guajardo to desist from acting as a commissioner until he could authenticate his appointment and to 1150. León, Martín de to Vice-Governor Juan abstain from surveying within the littoral Martín de Veramendi leagues between the Guadalupe and Lavaca Asking that the layout of the town of Guadalupe rivers. Orders Fernando de León to continue Victoria not be altered because the town was exercising his duties as commissioner until laid out and buildings were constructed prior to instructed otherwise. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) the issuance of the instructions governing this matter. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 3 pp.) 12/6/1832 128/5, p. 49 2/22/1833 128/5, p. 55 1146. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz,

17 1151. León, Comm. Fernando de to Manuel 5/29/1834 128/5, p. 61 Ximénez, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 1198. Power, James to Ramón Músquiz, Reporting that his work as commissioner was at Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar a standstill and that he intended to travel to the Forwarding to the political chief via Robert United States for four months on personal Caralile [Carlisle] the documents Músquiz business and to dispel the gloom caused by the requested in a letter dated 5/1/1832 (see Box death of his wife. Indicates, also, that in his 128:4, p. 35) and arguing for recognition of his absence Plácido Benavides would keep the rights over those of Martín de León. (San archives of his office. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., Patricio, copy, 3 pp.) 2 pp.) 6/23/1832 128/7, p. 117 4/7/1833 128/5, p. 57 1205. Letona [Gov. José María de] to Ramón 1152. Valle, Santiago del, Secretary of the Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar State Government, to Miguel Arciniega, Acknowledging receipt of the political chief's Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar communication forwarding the petition from the Communicating that the acting governor had ayuntamiento of Goliad asking that the coast forwarded to the next session of Congress Martín leagues in Power and Hewetson’s colony be left de León's petition for an augmentation of land to Martín de León; advises that the petition had for his colonists (see Box 128:5, p. 51). This been passed to the Executive Council. (Leona letter was transcribed and sent to De León by Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) Arciniega 8/29/1833 according to a note on this document. (Monclova, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/23/1831 128/9, p. 158

8/10/1833 128/5, p. 58 1213. Mier y Terán, Manuel de, Commandant General, to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief 1153. Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar of Dept. of Béxar Index of correspondence with the empresarios Conveying his opinion that the dispute over the and commissioners for 1833 (only three items rights of empresarios Power/Hewetson and De listed). (1 p.) León in the coast area between the Lavaca and 0/0/1833 128/5, p. 59 the Aranzazú was a matter to be resolved by the central government and requesting that Power not be allowed to colonize in this area, 1154. León, Comm. Fernando de to Miguel permitting him, however, to colonize between the Arciniega, Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Aranzazú and the Nueces provided the settlers Béxar were not Americans. (Matamoros, L.S., 3 pp.) Reporting that he was ready to proceed to the formal establishment of the town [of Guadalupe 10/22/1831 128/11, p. 179 Victoria] and to the election of the ayuntamiento and requesting a copy of the pertinent laws. A draft letter from Músquiz dated 4/8/1834 on this same document informs De León that the election of the ayuntamiento required the approval of the state Congress. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.)

2/5/1834 128/5, p. 60

1155. León, Comm. Fernando de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Advising Músquiz that he had been informed that Antonio Vásquez, alcalde of Goliad, had given possession of two leagues of land on the west bank of the Guadalupe and was unaware by what authority this act was performed. (Guadalupe Victoria, L.S., 2 pp.)