Alta California, Early colonial document

California

About this Item

MANUSCRIPT]. Alta California, c. 1796/7 1 1f . Incipit: Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca y Branciforte, a prominent 56gure who held various high-ranking positions within the Spanish Empire, SIgned by Branciforte with his printed coat of arms, numerous signatures to verso. Marginal paper restoration touching Branciforte, and fold lines. The document pertains to Francisco Garciam a "soldado de inválidos" (soldier of invalids), with roles serving with the Presidio of Santa Barbara and the "Compañía de Caronia del Presidio San Diego." This indicates that Garcia was part of a speci56c company stationed at the Presidio of San Diego, one of the key military installations in Spanish California. The mention of both the Presidio of Santa Barbara and the Presidio of San Diego suggests that the document pertains to military or administrative orders that involve multiple locations within Alta California. The document, signed by Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca y Branciforte, a notoriously corrupt Viceroy of New Spain, could involve the reassignment, duties, or recognition of Garcia within these presidios. The dual reference to Santa Barbara and San Diego highlights the interconnected nature of military governance in Spanish California, where soldiers like Garcia, even in a "soldado de inválidos" capacity, played crucial roles in maintaining the Spanish Empire's control over these distant territories. This document underscores the complexities of colonial administration and the importance of military presence in securing and managing the Spanish frontier in the late 18th century.

Seller Inventory # California1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Alta California, Early colonial document
• Binding: No Binding
• Condition: Very Good