and Andrés Pico becoming alférez in 1839. Salazar was habilitado, and more often than any other during the decade is named as acting commandant, though every other officer of the company held the command at times.[1]
The military organization was, however, but a shadow of its former strength. In 1830, as we have seen, the total force was about 120 men. During the first half of this decade the presidial cavalry company shows a muster-roll varying from 35 to 25. Six artillerymen and three Mazatecos are mentioned in 1833; nine and 17 of the same classes in 1836. In 1835, of the 27 soldiers 11 were on duty at the presidio, 13 at San Gabriel, and one at San Juan. In 1837 the troops were sent north in the sectional disputes, and never returned as a body. From that date the presidio was abandoned, though a force of one soldier is reported in 1839. The organization had, however, been kept up at San Luis, where in September 1839 the remaining eight soldiers quit the service to save themselves from starvation. Pay-rolls of the company show a theoretical expenditure of from $800 to $900 per month, never paid. It appears that a sum of $500 was sent down from the capital in 1833; the commandant was notified in 1839 that there was $1,000 in the treasury for his company; and presumably the men did not live without occasional rations. Military correspondence is devoted almost exclusively to complaints of destitution.[2]
- ↑ For presidio annals of S. Diego in 1821-30, see vol. ii. p. 539 et seq. The scattered archive references for the official list as given above I do not deem it worth while to present, they being more bulky and complicated than important. Many of them are included in note 2.
Santiago E. Argüello was receptor of customs in 1833-4; and was succeeded by Martin S. Cabello under a Mex. appointment of July 22, 1833. He was required to give bonds for $2,000. Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., vii. 5; Id., Ben. C. & T., iii. 21. He had trouble with the local authorities in 1836, and the place was held for a time by Andrés Pico. In 1837-8 Bandini, Pico, and Cabello are named confusedly as in charge of the revenues; and in 1839-40 nothing appears on the subject. S. D. Arch., MS., 5, 41, 95, 107, 118; Dept. St. Pap., Cust.-H., MS., iv. 1-4; Hayes, Doc., MS., 8.
- ↑ May 17, 1832, want of resources prevents the organization of a frontier co., as the gov. thinks. Minister Alaman urges the necessity. Sup. Govt St.
