Title
Pedro Corbalan. Instruction de don Pedro Corbalan sobre el modo de hacer la expedicion de Sonora.
Documentation
Mexico. April 22, 1766. 20p. Instruccion. Original.
Summary
Concerns proposed expedition to Cerro Prieto to attack Seri, Pima rebels there. Corbalan describes Cerro Prieto, noting its rugged terrain, and many thickets (malezas) impeding movement. States Seris, Pimas live in canyons there. Vividly describes hardships such a military campaign would entail, especially for european soldiers unaccustomed to desert. Indian guerrilla tactics. Notes need for 200 soldiers- 100 dragones, 100 Infanteria, 300 Opata auxiliaries, 200 Yaqui auxiliaries. Opatas called muy fiel, and los mejores Guerreros despues de los Jovas. Yaquis to serve primarily as laborers. Feels 150 soldiers can be secured from six Sonora presidios, especially those of Altar, Buenavista and San Miguel, since Fronteras, Tubac, Terrenate have to guard against Apache. Total expedition to consist of 1050 men- 550 Spaniards (200 infantry, the rest cavalry, including 200 Milicianos), 300 Indian auxiliaries. Soldiers cautioned to treat Indian auxiliaries well. 200 men to be sent in Canoas to Tiburon to cut off rebel retreat, rest of troops to surround, penetrate Cerro Prieto. Discusses procurement of food supplies, other necessities. Describes problem of finding enough ships to bring troops from Matanchel, Acapulco to Guaymas. States pearl boats may be used, but no saber con puntualidad el numero de los sugetos que hacen Este trafico. describes benefits- both material, spiritual, to be gained from Seri, Pima reduccion. Excellent overview of preparations for military campaign. (T. Sheridan) (1977)
Places
Cerro Prieto
Guaymas (Puerto)
Pitic
California (Golfo)
Opam-Guaymas (Real de Minas)
San Joseph de Guaymas (Mision, Despoblada)
Colorado (Rio)
Matanchel
Guadalajara
Acapulco
Hiaqui (Yaqui) (Rio)
Grande (Rio)
Terrenate (Presidio)
Tubac (Presidio)
Fronteras (Presidio)
Altar (Presidio)
San Miguel de Horcasitas (Presidio)
Buenavista (Presidio)
Tiburon (Isla)
Ostimuri (Provincia)
Sonora (Provincia)
Gila (Rio)
First Location
TXU, Lat. Amer. Col. Wbs no. 1737 pp. 001-020
Original Location
TXU, Austin, Lac, Wbs no. 1737 pp. 001-020
Notes
Document damaged, illegible in places.
Rights
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