[12], [3]-118, [26, some folded] pp. With folding lithographed map hand-colored in outline; folding lithographed plan; 2 folding tables; 3 duotone lithographed plates of military personnel. (8vo) 20.2x14 cm (8x5½"), modern leather.

Scarce report relating to Mexico’s establishment of military colonies to deal with the general state of lawlessness existing along the border between Mexico and the United States. The other purpose of the establishment of these colonies was for the final subjugation of the native tribes who had managed to maintain their strongholds through several centuries of Spanish and Mexican rule. There is a wealth of military detail in the report, including such facts as that the side-arms will be six-shot Colt revolvers.The report reflects the ongoing efforts by first Spain and then Mexico to gain control of the wild Borderlands where neither peace nor justice could be found. The regulations and provisions are amazingly detailed and offer great insight into the Mexican military and civilian establishments. All levels of the army and navy are covered, as are regulations for the colonies, such as the establishment of schools and agricultural practices. The excellent map is "Carta general de una parte de República Mexicana, formada para el reglamento de la ley de 27 de Abril del año de 1868 por el Ingeniero Agustin Díaz" (47.5x76.2 cm plus margins). It shows the Mexico-U.S. borderlands from the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas to San Diego in California, including La Paz in Baja California. It is partially color-coded for towns, U.S. forts, proposed Mexican military colonies, haciendas, ranches, “rancherias de indios,” minerals, waterholes, etc. Laid in to the book is a short typed note from Richard Dillon to Warren Heckrotte, thanking him for a loan of the book and commenting on the "fine map of the Border. It shows the Comanche Trail crossing very plainly (at Big Bend), and a number of vados (fords) -- my first sighting of these!..."

Provenance: Argonaut 11/89

References: None found. Bancroft, Mexico, Vol.6, p 366 has one sentence on the founding of the Colonia Militares.