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

Correspondence, Contracts, Decrees, Appointments, Reports, Notices & Proceedings pertaining to DeWitt’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.

ix

TOPICAL LIST leagues of land granted by the government to Byrd Lockhart. Surety and bond posted by DeWitt’s Colony (#16-22); see also #835-910 Green DeWitt and George Managhan. (Gonzales, D.S., 4 pp.) 16. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio 4/26/1831 34/31, p. 833 List of documents compiled by Commissioner Navarro contained in a file of important 22. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio documents for DeWitt’s colony. The items listed List of colonists granted land by José Antonio here, with the exception of the last two (title and Navarro in DeWitt’s colony, including the names plat of the Gonzales town tract), are found on of the grantees, their civil status, number of pp. 813-836 in Box 34, Folder 31. The title and persons in each family, amount and plat to the Gonzales town tract are in Box 33, classification of the land granted, and the Folder 45. (D., 1 p.) payments due. The last page is a tabulation of these categories. (Gonzales, D.S., 10 pp.) 0/0/1833 34/31, p. 811 11/9/1832 34/32

17. Viesca [Gov. José María] to Comm. José Antonio Navarro 48. Establishing ’s Colony Appointing José Antonio Navarro commissioner Founding of Martín de León’s colony, with copies for Green DeWitt’s colony. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 4 of the following documents: copy of Martín de pp.) Leon's petition to the Texas Provincial Deputation seeking permission to establish a 1/29/1831 34/31, p. 813 colony (4/8/1824), the deputation's approval (4/13/1824) and Governor Gonzales' ratification (10/6/1825) (p. 241); letter from Political Chief 18. Green DeWitt’s empresario contract Ramón Músquiz to Commissioner Fernando de Green DeWitt's empresario contract for 400 León transcribing a communication from the families with the state of Coahuila and Texas, governor in response to claims on behalf of De with copies of DeWitt's petition (4/7/1825) and León’s colony (7/19/1831) (p. 249); copy of two the terms and conditions of the contract decisions of the Permanent Deputation of the (4/15/1825). This certified copy made by Juan state Congress upholding Power and Hewetson's Antonio Padilla on 4/15/1825. (Expediente, contract and denying the assertions of De León copy, 7 pp.) and the ayuntamiento of Goliad (July and 4/15/1825 34/31, p. 817 August 1831) (p. 253); letter from Acting Political Chief José Antonio de la Garza to Martín de León transcribing a communication from the 19. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Byrd governor advising of the lapse of DeWitt's Lockhart contract and the activation of the contract obtained by Manchola on behalf of De León Appointing Byrd Lockhart principal surveyor for (8/29/1832) (p. 257); copy of the 1827 DeWitt’s colony. Bond for Lockhart posted by instructions to commissioners (p. 261); Governor James Kerr and Charles Lockhart. (Gonzales, Viesca's approval of De León's request, through D.S., 3 pp.) Rafael Antonio Manchola, to settle an additional 4/14/1831 34/31, p. 825 150 families (4/30/1829) (p. 265); Martín de León's request for a commissioner (12/1/1830) and Gov. Letona's appointment of Fernando de León to this position (4/20/1831) (p. 269); 20. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. appointment of José M. J. Carvajal as principal of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Navarro surveyor of De León’s colony and bond posted by Transcribes the governor's communication of him (9/17/1832) (p. 273); appointment of James 3/10/1826 approving, with modifications, the Kerr as principal surveyor of De León’s colony plan for the town of Gonzales. (Béxar, L.S., 2 and bond posted by him (4/7/1835) (p. 275); pp.) letter from Ramón Músquiz to Fernando de León transcribing the governor's decision invalidating 4/4/1831 34/31, p. 829 that part of De León’s colony that was in conflict with Green DeWitt's and authorizing Músquiz to 21. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Kimber resolve questions of this nature in the future W. Barton (6/5/1831) (p. 277); letter from Músquiz to Fernando de León communicating that Juan Appointing Kimber W. Barton surveyor for four

10 Guajardo had been ordered to desist from acting Saucedo's referral of De León's petition to the as commissioner in Power and Hewetson’s governor (8/21/1825) and Governor Rafael colony until such time as his appointment could Gonzales' decision in this matter (10/6/1825) be verified (12/6/1832) (p. 281); letter from [pp. 88-91]; another petition by De León asking Músquiz to Fernando de León authorizing him to that a commissioner be appointed to establish distribute land and to establish the town of the boundaries of his colony (5/18/1827), Guadalupe Victoria and transcribing a Governor Víctor Blanco's order to Political Chief communication from the governor to the effect Saucedo to appoint a commissioner for the that Power and Hewetson's contract was colony (6/15/1827), and Saucedo's offer to recognized by the federal government and that perform this duty (7/8/1827) [pp. 91-94]. the claims of individuals to land in the area of (Expediente, copy, 24 pp.) their contract were to be respected (8/1/1832) 7/8/1827 124/4, p. 71 (p. 285). (Legajo, 50 pp.) RTEC, pp. 55-69. 4/8/1824 97/1, p. 240 445. Letona [Gov. José María] to [Ramón 62. Green DeWitt’s empresario contract Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Green DeWitt's empresario contract, with a copy Transcribing his communication to José Antonio of DeWitt's petition to the governor for the right Navarro, commissioner for DeWitt’s colony, to settle 400 families (4/7/1825) and the terms indicating that since the grant given to Rafael and conditions of the contract (4/15/1825). Manchola [attorney for Martín de León] on April (Saltillo, expediente, copy, 5 pp.) 30, 1829, conflicted with boundaries previously 4/15/1825 117/19, p. 27 approved for DeWitt’s colony, said grant could RTEC, p. 19. have no effect. Circulated by Músquiz to the alcaldes and commissioners on June 14, 1831. 369. Kerr, James, Agent for DeWitt’s Colony, (Leona Vicario, L.S., 3 pp.) to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of 5/2/1831 124/4, p. 97 Dept. of Texas RTEC, p. 70. Acknowledging the appointment of José Antonio Saucedo as commissioner for DeWitt’s colony 686. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón and offering to present the town plat of Gonzales Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to him for the modifications ordered by the governor. (San Felipe de Austin, L.S., 2 pp.) Transcribes a communication from the commandant general on the advisability of 6/19/1826 123/7, p. 75 removing the scattered settlers and families who RTEC, p. 292. were not part of a colony into the colonies of Green DeWitt and Austin; instructions to political chief. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) 443. Martín de León’s Colony 7/14/1831 125/20, p. 234 Expediente pertaining to the approval of Martín de León’s colony and its boundaries. The file includes copies of the following documents: 687. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of communication from the alcalde of Goliad to the Dept. of Béxar to [José María de Letona,] governor relative to foreigners settling at Governor of Coahuila and Texas Guadalupe Victoria and lack of Mexican settlers there (3/26/1825) [p. 71]; Political Chief José Communicating that he had requested from Antonio Saucedo’s report to the governor on Austin a report on the number of settlers in Martín de León’s colony (6/10/1825) [p. 72]; Texas who did not live within a colony, another copy provided by Baron de Bastrop of Martín de from José Antonio Navarro concerning his plan León's petition to the provincial deputation and for relocating these settlers in DeWitt’s colony, list of settlers coming with him to settle the town and indicating certain difficulties relative to this of Guadalupe Victoria [pp. 74-78]; approval by measure. (Béxar, Df., 3 pp.) the provincial deputation of De León's petition and the rules and regulations governing his 8/14/1831 125/20, p. 235 settlement (4/13/1824) [pp. 78-80]; Martín de León's petition for the appointment of a 689. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of commissioner to establish the boundaries of his Dept. of Béxar to José Antonio Navarro colony and to resolve the dispute with Green Cover letter enclosing a transcription of the DeWitt [1825] [pp. 81-83]; Political Chief governor's communication relative to removing

11 scattered settlers to DeWitt’s colony (Box Transcribing the conditions of Green DeWitt's 125:20, pp. 234, 235) and requesting a report on empresario contract of 4/15/1825. (Saltillo, this matter from Navarro. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) L.S., 4 pp.)

8/17/1831 125/20, p. 238 5/19/1825 126/18, p. 176 RTEC, p. 19 690. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 836. Kerr, James, Agent for Green DeWitt, to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Informing that when he received the reports Dept. of Texas from Austin and Navarro on removing scattered settlers to DeWitt’s colony, the political chief's Acknowledging receipt of the resolutions of the concerns about this measure would be governor pertaining to the confirmation of addressed. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) Empresario Martín de León's 1824 contract and his right to establish the town of Guadalupe 9/2/1831 125/20, p. 239 Victoria; also the proposed adjustments to the boundaries between DeWitt's and De León's colonies. (San Felipe de Austin, L.S., 5 pp.) 733. Austin, Stephen F. to José Antonio

Saucedo, Political Chief of Dept. of Texas 12/12/1825 126/19, p. 178 Requesting the appointment of a commissioner for his colony and recommending Seth Ingram 837. DeWitt, Green to José Antonio Saucedo, and Horatio Chriesman as surveyors for his Political Chief of Dept. of Texas colony and James Kerr for DeWitt’s colony. (San Cover letter to accompany a power-of-attorney Felipe de Austin, L.S, 2 pp.) authorizing James Kerr to engage in all the

business of the colony (in English, with 5/8/1826 126/3, p. 25 translation to Spanish). (Lavaca, L.S., 2 pp.)

742. Elozúa, Antonio, Principal Commandant 7/14/1827 126/19, p. 181 of Texas, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 838. DeWitt, Green to José Antonio Saucedo, Requests a report on whether the 57 persons Political Chief of Dept. of Texas unloaded by the sloop Hetta at Lavaca belonged Acknowledging receipt of the order to move his to Austin’s colony. Includes draft of Músquiz' colony to Gonzales, explaining why the original answer of 9/14/1830 indicating that the location was selected, and requesting an immigrants in question had located temporarily extension of time to move the settlers (in in DeWitt’s colony but intended to relocate in English). (L.S., 2 pp.) Austin’s colony. (Béxar, A.L.S., Df., 2 pp.) 9/13/1827 126/19, p. 182 9/6/1830 126/4, p. 36 839. [Saucedo, José Antonio, Political Chief of Dept. of Texas] to Green DeWitt 744. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Extending to December 1, 1827, the time for Dept. of Béxar to Antonio Elozúa, Principal removal of his colony to Gonzales. (Béxar, Df., 1 Commandant of Texas p.) Reporting that the 57 immigrants unloaded at 9/28/1827 126/19, p. 183 the Lavaca by the sloop Hetta had located temporarily in DeWitt’s colony but intended to 840. relocate in Austin’s colony. Draft of this letter Synopsis in Spanish of DeWitt's letter of found in Box 126:4, p. 36. (L.S., 2 pp.) 9/13/1827 (see Box 126:19, p. 182). (Béxar, D.S., 1 p.) 9/14/1830 126/4, p. 38 9/26/1827 126/19, p. 184 DeWitt’s Colony (#835-910); see also #16-22 841. DeWitt, Green and colonists to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Dept. of 835. Gonzales, Gov. Rafael, to [José Antonio Texas Saucedo,] Political Chief of Dept. of Texas Requesting an extension of time to gather crops and remove to Gonzales; includes 15 signatures

12 (in English). (Lavaca Station, L.S., 2 pp.) (in English). (Gonzales, A.L.S., 1 p.) 9/13/1827 126/19, p. 185 2/18/1829 126/20, p. 194

842. [Saucedo, José Antonio, Political Chief 849. DeWitt, Green to Ramón Músquiz, of Dept. of Texas] to colonists on the Lavaca [Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] Extending time for removal to Gonzales as per Cover letter to accompany statements from their request (see Box 126:19, p. 185). (Béxar, several individuals relative to Laurence Flood's Df., 1 p.) complaint against Green DeWitt (in English). 9/28/1827 126/19, p. 186 (Gonzales, A.L.S., 1 p.) 2/18/1829 126/20, p. 196 843. Synopsis in Spanish of the DeWitt settlers' 850. Flood, Laurence to Political Chief of petition of 9/13/1827 (see Box 126:19, p. 185). Dept. of Béxar (Béxar, D.S., 1 p.) Complaining that Green DeWitt took payment 9/26/1827 126/19, p. 187 and offered to set aside a league of land for him that DeWitt later took for himself. (Béxar, L.S., 3 pp.) 844. DeWitt, Green to José Antonio Saucedo, Political Chief of Dept. of Texas 12/9/1828 126/20, p. 198 Acknowledging receipt of a communication from Saucedo of 7/7/1827 on the introduction of 851. Porter, Fielding individuals who were not part of the contracted Statement relative to Laurence Flood's complaint families. (San Felipe de Austin, L.S., 1 p.) against Green DeWitt. (Gonzales, L.S., 2 pp.) 9/1/1827 126/19, p. 188 12/28/1828 126/20, p. 200

845. 852. McCoy, John Synopsis of DeWitt's letter of 9/1/1827 (Box Statement relative to Laurence Flood's complaint 126:19, p. 188). (Béxar, 1 p.) against Green DeWitt. (Gonzales, L.S., 1 p.) 9/26/1827 126/19, p. 190 12/29/1828 126/20, p. 201

846. Principal Commandant of Texas to 853. Burns, Arthur Commandant General Statement relative to Laurence Flood's complaint Cover letter to accompany the question raised by against Green DeWitt. (Gonzales, L.S., 2 pp.) the commandant of La Bahía relative to Green DeWitt’s colony. Letter from the commandant of 12/28/1828 126/20, p. 202 La Bahía not found here. (Béxar, copy, 1 p.) 854. Oliver, John 10/2/1827 126/19, p. 191 Statement relative to Laurence Flood's complaint against Green DeWitt. (Gonzales, L., 1 p.) 847. Viesca [Gov. José María] to [José 12/28/1828 126/20, p. 203 Antonio Saucedo,] Political Chief of Dept. of Texas 855. Looney, J.K. et al Extending through the first six months of 1828 Certificate bearing the signatures of 20 residents the time allowed DeWitt's settlers on the Lavaca of Gonzales relative to the statements of Burns, to move inside the limits of his colony. (Saltillo, Porter and Oliver on Laurence Flood's complaint L.S., 3 pp.) against Green DeWitt. (Gonzales, D.S., 1 p.) 11/17/1827 126/20, p. 192 12/28/1828 126/20, p. 204

848. DeWitt, Green to Ramón Músquiz, 856. Flood, Laurence [Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] Acknowledging receipt of cattle and Acknowledges letter of 11/18/1828 informing relinquishing his claim to the league in dispute him that the jurisdiction of San Felipe de Austin with DeWitt. (Gonzales, D.S., 1 p.) extended to his colony in civil and criminal cases

13 12/29/1828 126/20, p. 205 consult with the commandant general on the admission of 54 foreign families in DeWitt’s 857. Flood, Laurence colony (Box 126:21, p. 210). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Certifying that his misunderstanding with Green 8/3/1830 126/21, p. 211 DeWitt originated through a mistake and stating that he believes that DeWitt had always wished 863. Eca y Músquiz [Gov. Rafael] to [Ramón to act correctly. (Gonzales, D.S., 1 p.) Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 1/5/1829 126/21, p. 206 Ordering that stamped paper be given to José Antonio Navarro in his capacity as commissioner 858. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of [to distribute land in Wavell’s colony]. Includes Dept. of Béxar also the draft of a letter dated Nov. 6, 1830, from Cover letter to accompany copy of Martín de Músquiz to the governor confirming that he had León's contract with the provincial deputation complied with this order. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 and supreme government of the state. Copy of pp; Béxar, Df., 1 p.) contract not found here. (Goliad, L., 2 pp.) 10/8/1830 126/21, p. 212 10/31/1829 126/21, p. 207 864. Navarro, José Antonio to [Músquiz, 859. Aldrete, José Miguel [Alcalde of Goliad] Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Expresses thanks for sending transcription of Béxar letter from José de las Piedras, military Reporting the arrival of 54 American families at commandant of Nacogdoches, holding him the port of Lavaca destined for DeWitt’s colony blameless in the matters related to his and inquiring whether they should be permitted commission to distribute land in Wavell’s colony. to proceed in view of the provisions of the law of (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) April 6 [1830]. (Goliad, L.S., 2 pp.) 1/23/1831 126/21, p. 213 6/14/1830 126/21, p. 208 865. Navarro, José Antonio to Ramón 860. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Dept. of Béxar to [José Miguel Aldrete,] Transcribing a communication of January 29, Alcalde of Goliad 1831, from the governor appointing him commissioner to distribute land in Green Reporting that Aldrete's inquiry on whether the DeWitt’s colony. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 54 American families at Lavaca should be allowed to proceed to DeWitt’s colony had been 2/25/1831 126/21, p. 214 forwarded to the state authorities (see Box 126:21, p. 208). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 866. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar to Comm. José Antonio 6/23/1830 126/21, p. 209 Navarro Congratulating him on his appointment as 861. Viesca [Gov. José María] to [Ramón commissioner for DeWitt’s colony and requesting Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar in due time a report on the land titles issued in said colony. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) Instructing that the 54 American families that landed at Lavaca be allowed to remain in 3/8/1831 126/21, p. 215 DeWitt’s colony pending on this matter with Commandant General Mier y Terán 867. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to (see Box 126:21, p. 209). (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of pp.) Béxar 7/9/1830 126/21, p. 210 Acknowledging the governor’s order that new American settlers were not to be granted land 862. [Músquiz, Ramón,] Political Chief of and that augmentations to established settlers Dept. of Béxar to Military Commandant of were to be denied for as long as the law of April Goliad 6, 1830, remained in effect. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) Communicating the governor's intention to

14 3/2/1831 126/21, p. 216 (Béxar, A.L.S., 1 p.) 4/4/1831 126/22, p. 222 868. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of 874. Salinas, José María to Ramón Músquiz, Béxar Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Inquires who is to put him in possession of the Acknowledges a transcribed communication four leagues of land granted to him by the from the governor to the effect that governor in 1827. Includes also communication commissioners were not to collect a fee for from Músquiz dated April 4, 1831, notifying issuing titles to town lots; states his objections Salinas that since his land was within the area to this measure. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) of DeWitt’s colony he should resort to José 3/26/1831 126/21, p. 217 Antonio Navarro. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.; Df., 1 p.)

4/5/1831 126/22, p. 223 869. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Navarro 875. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Transcribing the governor's approval of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio 3/10/1826 of the plan for the town of Gonzales Navarro (Box 126:22, p. 220). (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Naming Navarro commissioner to put José María 4/4/1831 126/21, p. 218 Salinas in possession of land. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 4/6/1831 126/22, p. 224 870. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of 876. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Béxar Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Acknowledges a communication approving the plan for the town of Gonzales. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 Acknowledging his appointment as pp.) commissioner to put José María Salinas in possession of land. (Béxar, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 4/5/1831 126/21, p. 219 4/5/1831 126/22, p. 225 871. Arizpe [Gov. José Ignacio de] to [José Antonio Saucedo,] Political Chief of Dept. of 877. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Texas Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Approving the plan for the town of Gonzales. (Saltillo, L.S, 2 pp.) Transcribing his correspondence with Green 3/10/1826 126/22, p. 220 DeWitt and instructions given on the matter of removing settlers from land selected for location by José María Salinas. (Gonzales, A.L.S., 9 pp.) 872. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio 4/30/1831 126/22, p. 226 Navarro

Cover letter to accompany a copy of Martín de 878. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of León's contract showing the limits of his colony Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio for purposes of avoiding difficulties between De Navarro León and DeWitt. Referenced contract not found here. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Requesting a report on the number of settlers and value of their improvements in the area 4/4/1831 126/22, p. 221 selected by José María Salinas for location of his four-league grant. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) 873. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to 5/11/1831 126/22, p. 231 [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 879. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Acknowledging receipt of the copies of Martín de [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of León's contracts (see Box 126:21, p. 221). Béxar

15 Cover letter remitting a report on the 884. Ruiz, Francisco, Commandant of improvements made by the two families of Tenoxtitlán, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal settlers living in the area selected by José María Commandant of Texas Salinas for his four-league grant. Report not found here. (Gonzales, L.S., 2 pp.) Acknowledging receipt of the communication concerning the expiration of DeWitt's contract. 6/7/1831 126/23, p. 232 (Tenoxtitlán, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 6/10/1831 126/23, p. 238 880. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio 885. Bradburn, Juan Davis, Commandant of Navarro Anáhuac, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Commandant of Texas His intention to travel to DeWitt’s colony to resolve matters pertaining to the conflict Acknowledging the communication relative to resulting from José María Salinas' desire to the expiration of Green DeWitt's contract and locate his four-league grant in an area where the order to oppose the introduction of families other settlers also had claims. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) destined for that colony. (Anáhuac, L.S., 1 p.)

8/11/1831 126/23, p. 233 6/24/1831 126/23, p. 239

881. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 886. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Dept. of Béxar, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Commandant of Texas Béxar Transcribing a communication to the alcaldes Requesting that Elozúa's order to the military pertaining to the expiration of DeWitt's contract commandants in regard to opposing the and asking Elozúa to request the commanders of entrance of families destined for DeWitt’s colony military posts to prevent the entrance of settlers be clarified as it applied to the commander of the going to said colony. (Goliad, A.L.S., 2 pp.) detachment at Gonzales so as not to interfere with Navarro's authority as commissioner. 5/26/1831 126/23, p. 234 (Gonzales, L.S., 2 pp.) 6/7/1831 126/23, p. 240 882. Elozúa, Antonio, Principal Commandant of Texas, to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief 887. [Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of of Dept. of Béxar Dept. of Béxar] to Comm. José Antonio Navarro Acknowledging the communication relative to the expiration of Green DeWitt's contract (Box Stating that he was transcribing the 126:23, p. 234) and informing that he had communication of Elozúa to the commander of ordered the military commanders to prevent the the detachment at Gonzales. (Transcription of entrance of settlers headed for said colony. Elozúa's communication not found here.) (Béxar, (Goliad, A.L.S., 2 pp.) Df., 1 p.)

5/27/1831 126/23, p. 236 7/18/1831 126/23, p. 241

883. Piedras, José de las, Commandant of 888. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Nacogdoches, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Commandant of Texas Navarro Acknowledging receipt of Elozúa's order on Transcribing a communication of 5/2/1831 preventing the entrance of settlers for DeWitt’s from Governor Letona regarding the extension of colony and remonstrating that the failure of the the boundaries of Martín de León’s colony that military and political authorities to back him in proved to be in conflict with land in DeWitt’s the case of Alexander Thompson and other colony. (Béxar, copy, 1 p.) families who entered contrary to his orders had undermined his authority. (Nacogdoches, A.L.S., 6/7/1831 126/23, p. 242 2 pp.)

6/6/1831 126/23, p. 237 889. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio

16 Navarro 894. Veramendi, Juan Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicating the governor's decision of 5/2/1831 voiding the extension of the De León Requesting the appointment of a commissioner colony boundaries in conflict with DeWitt's; to put him in possession of lands on the Comal, order to grant land to no more than 25 families Guadalupe and San Marcos rivers. (Béxar, L.S., in this area. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 3 pp.) 9/22/1831 126/24, p. 250 7/21/1831 126/23, p. 243

895. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 890. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Dept. of Béxar, to Antonio Elozúa, Principal Navarro Commandant of Texas Notifying him of his appointment as special Transcribing Navarro's communication of commissioner to put Juan Martín de Veramendi 6/7/1831 (see Box 126:23, p. 240) and asking in possession of five leagues of land. (Béxar, Elozúa to order the commander of the copy, 2 pp.) detachment at Gonzales to act in consultation with Navarro in the matter of opposing the 9/23/1831 126/24, p. 252 entrance of new families to DeWitt’s colony. (Goliad, A.L.S., 2 pp.) 896. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 6/21/1831 126/23, p. 244 Dept. of Béxar, to Vice-Governor Juan Martín de Veramendi 891. [Elozúa, Antonio,] Principal Sketch of a letter communicating the Commandant of Texas to Ramón Músquiz, appointment of José Antonio Navarro as special Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar commissioner to put Veramendi in possession of land. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Communicating his order to the commander of the detachment at Gonzales that he act in 9/23/1831 126/24, p. 253 consultation with Commissioner Navarro in the matter of opposing the entrance of new families 897. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of to DeWitt’s colony. (Goliad, Df., 1 p.) Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio 6/23/1831 126/23, p. 245 Navarro Acknowledging receipt of eight [sic] expedientes 892. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to of grants made by Navarro to Esnaurrizar, Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Veramendi, José María Salinas, Jesús Cantú, Béxar Eligio Gortari and Anastacio Mansolo. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) Acknowledging receipt of the transcription of the governor's decision on declaring void the 1/30/1832 126/24, p. 254 extension of the boundaries of De León’s colony that conflicted with DeWitt's; comments on Músquiz' order limiting to 25 the families that 898. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of could be granted land in this area (see Box Dept. of Béxar, to [José María de Letona,] 126:23, p. 243). (Gonzales, A.L.S., 3 pp.) Governor of Coahuila and Texas Informing him of the grant of eleven leagues to 8/1/1831 126/24, p. 246 Antonio María Esnaurrizar. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 1/10/1832 126/24, p. 255 893. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to

Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 899. Campos [Gov. Juan Vicente] to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Explaining his inability to comply with the order on frontage of surveys on watercourses because Letter accompanying a copy of the second part of most surveys in DeWitt’s colony had been made Article 1 of an empresario contract (issued prior to his arrival as commissioner. (Gonzales, 5/1/1832 to Juan Vicente Campos as agent for A.L.S., 3 pp.) Domínguez, Soto, De la Rosa, and Beales) covering all the area formerly included in 8/1/1831 126/24, p. 248 Benjamin Milam's expired contract and part of

17 the area in DeWitt's expired contract and 905. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to advising that no land should be granted in this [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of area without the consent of the new Béxar . See Box 126:24, p. 258 for a copy of referenced Article 1. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 Letter to accompany a detailed list of 162 pp.) grantees in DeWitt’s colony to whom Navarro issued titles during 1831 and 1832. List 5/12/1832 126/24, p. 256 included here on pp. 264-268. (Gonzales, A.L.S., 7 pp.) 900. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar, to Governor of Coahuila and 11/9/1832 126/25, p. 263 Texas Acknowledging receipt of the communication of 906. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of 5/12/1832 (see Box 126:24, p. 256) relative to Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio not granting land in the area of Milam's and Navarro DeWitt's expired contracts without the consent Acknowledging receipt of a detailed list of 162 of the new empresarios. (Béxar, copy, 2 pp.) grantees put in possession of land by Navarro. 6/2/1832 126/24, p. 257 (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) 11/20/1832 126/26, p. 269 901. Copy made this date of the second part of Article 1 of the Campos, et al, empresario contract. See 907. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Box 126:24, p. 256. (Leona Vicario, copy, 1 p.) [Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar] 5/12/1832 126/24, p. 258 Letter to accompany nine expedientes of titles issued by virtue of land grants from the 902. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of government. (Gonzales, A.L.S., 2 pp.) Dept. of Béxar, to Alcaldes of San Felipe de Austin and Gonzales 11/9/1832 126/26, p. 271 Sketch of a letter transcribing the communication of the governor dated 5/12/1832 (see Box 126:24, p. 256) relative to 908. Valle, Santiago del, Secretary of the granting land in the area of Campos' empresario State Government, to [Manuel Ximénez,] contract. (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Acting Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar Communicating for transmittal to José Antonio 2/5/1833 126/24, p. 259 Navarro the government's approval of the expediente he formed as commissioner of the 903. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to government. (Monclova, L.S., 2 pp.) [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 5/23/1833 126/26, p. 273 Letter to accompany a detailed list of the native 909. Arciniega, Miguel, Acting Political Chief and naturalized Mexican citizens to whom of Dept. of Béxar, to [,] Navarro issued titles. The list, included here (p. Secretary of the State Government 261), shows the grantee, amount of land received, classification of land and amounts due. Acknowledging receipt of the communication (Gonzales, A.L.S., 3 pp.) relative to the government's approval of the expediente prepared by José Antonio Navarro as 11/9/1832 126/25, p. 260 commissioner of DeWitt’s colony and reporting that the communication addressed to Navarro 904. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of had been delivered to him. (Béxar, Df., 2 pp.) Dept. of Béxar, to Comm. José Antonio Navarro 6/19/1833 126/26, p. 274 Acknowledging receipt of the list of native and 910. Carvajal, José María Jesús to Manuel naturalized Mexican citizens to whom title had been issued by Navarro (see Box 126:25, p. 261). Ximénez, Alcalde of Béxar (Béxar, Df., 1 p.) Remonstrating against the appointment of Byrd Lockhart as surveyor for the municipality of 11/20/1832 126/25, p. 262 Béxar without having obtained Carvajal's

18 consent and approval as principal surveyor of 1121. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of that district. (Béxar, A.L.S., 4 pp.) Dept. of Béxar, to Fernando de León Transcribing a communication from the 6/10/1833 126/26, p. 275 governor dated 5/2/1831 advising that the dispute over land between Martín de León and 1022. Arizpe [Gov. José Ignacio de] to [José Green DeWitt had been resolved in favor of the Antonio Saucedo,] Political Chief of Dept. of latter. (Guadalupe Victoria, Df., 1 p.) Texas 6/5/1831 128/3, p. 22 Acknowledging receipt of a copy of ' call to revolt and of a letter to Green 1140. Letona [Gov. José María de] to [Ramón DeWitt; advises that assistance had been Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar requested from the federal government. (Saltillo, L.S., 2 pp.) In response to a letter from Músquiz dated 6/4/1832 forwarding a petition from Martín de 2/7/1827 127/20, p. 161 León, orders the reinstatement of the original boundaries called for in De León's contract of 1111. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, 4/30/1829, DeWitt's empresario contract having Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar expired. (Leona Vicario, L.S., 2 pp.) Reporting the settlement of several DeWitt 8/4/1832 128/4, p. 42 colonists in the area of De León’s colony and asking that they be ordered to abstain from locating there. This page also contains a draft 1159. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of letter from Músquiz to DeWitt dated Dept. of Béxar, to [Rafael A. Manchola,] 10/13/1830 instructing him to order his Alcalde of Goliad colonists to relocate within the boundaries of Acknowledging Manchola's report of 4/21/1831 DeWitt’s colony or to seek the consent of De (see Box 128:6, pp. 67-68) and giving the Yorks León if they preferred to remain in that colony. one month and 15 days to evacuate their (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) location on the Lavaca and remove to DeWitt’s

colony. (Béxar, Df., 4 pp.) 8/16/1830 128/2, p. 12 8/16/1831 128/6, p. 70 1112. León, Martín de to Ramón Músquiz, Political Chief of Dept. of Béxar 1373. Navarro, Comm. José Antonio to Requesting Músquiz' assistance in collecting a [Ramón Músquiz,] Political Chief of Dept. of debt from Green DeWitt. Also, a draft dated Béxar 10/13/1830 of Músquiz' response to this letter and to De León's letter of 8/16/1830 (see Box In response to the political chief's request of 128:2, p. 12). (Béxar, L.S., 2 pp.) 4/14/1831, transcribes Green DeWitt's communication on the number of families and 8/16/1830 128/2, p. 13 single men in his colony and his reasons for not having fulfilled his contract. Also contains Navarro's suggestion to bring foreigners in Texas 1119. Músquiz, Ramón, Political Chief of not belonging to any colony into DeWitt’s colony Dept. of Béxar, to [José María de Letona,] to help blunt the Indian attacks. (Gonzales, Governor of Coahuila and Texas A.L.S., 4 pp.)

Acknowledging receipt of the transcript of a 4/30/1831 129/26, Doc. 5 letter from the governor to Commissioner José Antonio Navarro resolving the dispute over land included both in Green DeWitt's and in Martín de León's contracts and authorizing the political chief to resolve such matters in the future. (Goliad, Df., 2 pp.)

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

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