in everything the tool of his wily and avaricious counsellor.
Yucatan had not been neglected. Not only had troops been provided for her defence as early as 1645,[1] but in 1672 forts were ordered by the king to be built, and garrisons placed in them.[2] In 1690 the wall around Campeche had been in process of construction for several years. Early in the year thirty pieces of artillery of various calibres were mounted thereon.[3] The forts of Campeche were begun in 1692 and finished in 1769. Eight castles were successively erected. Spain at first furnished fifty-six poor pieces of iron of small calibre; but in 1739 and 1740 eighty-eight pieces of large size were sent, part of brass and part of iron.[4] The citadel of San Benito in Mérida had five small bulwarks on an artificial hill commanding the whole town. The artillery consisted of old 18-pounders.[5]
In the island of Tris in the laguna de Términos was established a presidio for which a regulation was issued in 1791. It had a governor commanding the forces.[6] In Tabasco was built in 1683 the castle of Santiago, which was garrisoned with a paid infantry company.[7] Acapulco, the chief Mexican port on the Pacific, was considered in 1642 sufficiently defended with its fortifications and garrison.[8]
- ↑ Cogollvdo, Hist. Yuc., 204-5, 702-3; Calle, Mem. y Not., 85; Montemayor, Svmarios, 187-8.
- ↑ The viceroy of New Spain was directed to afford all aid. Mancera, Instruc., in Doc. Inéd., xxi. 495-6.
- ↑ Sierra, Efemérides, Ancona, Hist. Yuc., ii. 273.
- ↑ Spain in 1795 and 1808, and Mexico in 1827, increased the armament to over 200 pieces. Villevéque, Descrip.
- ↑ It had two inexhaustible wells of water, and warehouses with arms, etc. Echánove, Cuadro Estud., 1813; Ancona, Hist. Yuc., ii, 362-3.
- ↑ The command consisted of one adjutant, one surgeon with his hospital and assistants, two chaplains, one paymaster and his assistant; one infantry company of 100 men and 3 officers; one dragoon company of 43 men and 3 officers; one officer and 30 artillerymen; 23 settlers, some invalid soldiers, one negro slave of the king's, and some mechanics. Revilla Gigedo, Bandos, no. 55, 1-56; Hospital, Instruc., 1-15. In 1798 this presidio had 3 militia companies of 100 men each. Azanza, Instruc., MS., 174-5.
- ↑ There was also a company of colored men. Chiap. y Yuc., Jurisdic, Ecles., 31-2.
- ↑ It had a governor commanding the garrison, who could call to his aid all men dwelling on the coast. Palafox, Instruc., in Morfi, Col. Doc., MS., 15.
