the isle of San Juan de Ulúa was the key of New Spain, and the object of special solicitude.[1] Efforts were made and means supplied in order to put the defences in a condition to resist attacks.[2] The formation of plans and the building of a new fortress were in charge of Captain Jaime Franck. Objection having been made to the work, the subject was laid before certain officials for their opinion.[3]
When a portion of the fortress was constructed, a small garrison was placed there under an officer who bore the title of castellano, subordinate to the governor of the town. In the course of years the title was changed to teniente rey, and the officer succeeded the governor at his death or absence. Both officers had high military rank, the governor having charge of the garrisons of Ulúa and Vera Cruz.[4]
The fortifications on San Juan de Ulúa were in 1767 strengthened with cannon brought from Spain.[5]
- ↑ From 1648 to 1673 the place was well supplied with means of defence Repairs were begun in 1671. The commander proposed a plan of fortification involving heavy expense, but affording great strength. It was referred to the king. After some changes of policy in regard to the garrison, it was decided finally in 1670 and 1671 to keep a force there of about 300 men. The white militia and the companies of free negroes and mulattoes were tolerably well disciplined. During the years above mentioned there were expended upon San Juan de Ulúa $403,278, besides $183,914 on other defences, and for men, war materials, etc. Mancera, Instuc., in. Doc. Inéd., xxi. 490-3. Money was being constantly spent on supplies for the defences. Montemayor, Svmarios, 188-9.
- ↑ Sigüenza y Góngora was very sanguine in 1692, when he said that the new fortress of San Juan de Ulúa was in a good condition to defend the jiort, and all accomplished within a few months at a moderate expenditure. Carta al Almirante, MS., 39.
- ↑ Several of the persons consulted eluded the responsibility. The mathematician Sigüenza y Góngora recommended that no change should be made, considering the defences almost impregnable, though chiefly from the natural strength of the position. Memorial, in Morfi, Col. Doc., i. 211, 223-39.
- ↑ Till about the middle of the 18th century the garrisons of the city and castle had been necessarily small, but always being gradually increased. In 1727 there were in the fort, besides the Castellano, one major, one alférez, one surgeon, and 153 rank and file of infantry, one captain and 101 rank and file of artillerists. The captains were enjoined to swell their ranks with Spaniards from the mother country, and if possible with veterans, but as the sons of Spaniards born in Mexico could not be prudently excluded 'se permitia que en cada compañia pudiera haber catorce, y nada mas.' Lerdo de Tejada, Apuntes Hist., 384.
- ↑ The same year was put up in Tacubaya a factory for cannon; and the
creet as well as energetic and brave, and thus make themselves feared, 'para cobrar reputacion, pues esto bastará á atemorizar los ánimos de los cosarios.' Recop. Ind., i. 260-1, 567-617.
