1720s Spanish Colonial Mexico Military Commission — Don Juan, Captain Jacinto de Fuentes — Signed by Juan de Acuña, Marqués de Casafuerte, Viceroy of New Spain
Original Spanish Colonial Military Manuscript — New Spain — Presidio Infantry Company — Marqués de Casafuerte
Offered is an important original Spanish colonial military document appointing Don Jacinto de Fuentes as Captain of a Company of Spanish Infantry serving in a presidio of New Spain, during the administration of Don Juan de Acuña y Bejarano, Marqués de Casafuerte (1658–1734), Viceroy of New Spain.
The manuscript begins with the formal language announcing that the infantry company is vacant and that Captain Don Jacinto de Fuentes is to receive command. The document concerns the organization and command of a military company and reflects the Spanish Crown's extensive military administration of the northern frontier of New Spain.
Of exceptional importance is the large signature appearing at the head of the document, which appears to read “D. Juan de Acuña.” Juan de Acuña was the celebrated Marqués de Casafuerte and Viceroy of New Spain from 1722 to 1734. He was one of the most important military and governmental figures in colonial Mexico and was responsible for major reforms of the presidial system.
During Casafuerte's administration, Brigadier Pedro de Rivera conducted his famous inspection of the northern presidios, resulting in substantial reforms concerning the organization, personnel, pay and discipline of the frontier garrisons. Surviving archival records document Acuña's direct involvement in these military reforms.
The manuscript retains a large embossed Spanish colonial paper seal, now substantially damaged but still clearly visible. The document exhibits the folds, wear and handling expected of an official manuscript that was carried and preserved as part of an 18th-century administrative record.
Historical significance
This is an unusually tangible document from the military administration of New Spain's frontier presidios, providing the name of an individual officer, his appointment to command, and the authority of the viceroy under whom he served.
For collectors of Spanish colonial America, New Spain, early Mexican history, military history, presidios, Spanish colonial manuscripts and important viceroyal autographs, this is an especially attractive piece.
An original 18th-century manuscript—not a modern reproduction or later transcription.
Original Spanish Colonial Military Manuscript — New Spain — Presidio Infantry Company — Marqués de Casafuerte
Offered is an important original Spanish colonial military document appointing Don Jacinto de Fuentes as Captain of a Company of Spanish Infantry serving in a presidio of New Spain, during the administration of Don Juan de Acuña y Bejarano, Marqués de Casafuerte (1658–1734), Viceroy of New Spain.
The manuscript begins with the formal language announcing that the infantry company is vacant and that Captain Don Jacinto de Fuentes is to receive command. The document concerns the organization and command of a military company and reflects the Spanish Crown's extensive military administration of the northern frontier of New Spain.
Of exceptional importance is the large signature appearing at the head of the document, which appears to read “D. Juan de Acuña.” Juan de Acuña was the celebrated Marqués de Casafuerte and Viceroy of New Spain from 1722 to 1734. He was one of the most important military and governmental figures in colonial Mexico and was responsible for major reforms of the presidial system.
During Casafuerte's administration, Brigadier Pedro de Rivera conducted his famous inspection of the northern presidios, resulting in substantial reforms concerning the organization, personnel, pay and discipline of the frontier garrisons. Surviving archival records document Acuña's direct involvement in these military reforms.
The manuscript retains a large embossed Spanish colonial paper seal, now substantially damaged but still clearly visible. The document exhibits the folds, wear and handling expected of an official manuscript that was carried and preserved as part of an 18th-century administrative record.
Historical significance
This is an unusually tangible document from the military administration of New Spain's frontier presidios, providing the name of an individual officer, his appointment to command, and the authority of the viceroy under whom he served.
For collectors of Spanish colonial America, New Spain, early Mexican history, military history, presidios, Spanish colonial manuscripts and important viceroyal autographs, this is an especially attractive piece.
An original 18th-century manuscript—not a modern reproduction or later transcription.
