Joseph de Urrutia (1678-1740)

Commandancia

1678 - BIRTH

Joseph was born in Spain in the year 1678

Location - Guipúzcoa, Spain

1690 - Expedition

Location: East Texas, Mission Texas State Park

1690–1691: Arrival at the First East Texas Mission

May 1690: The San Francisco de los Tejas Mission is established on San Pedro Creek (near present-day Augusta) as the first Spanish mission in East Texas.
1691: Urrutia arrived in the region as a soldier with the Domingo Terán de los Ríos expedition. He was part of a force of fifty soldiers escorting priests and livestock to reinforce the mission.

1692 - Expedition

Location - Neches River, Texas

August 1692: First Apache Campaign While stationed at the Neches River garrison as a young soldier, Urrutia participates in a joint military expedition with the "Texas" (Hasinai) Indians. The group marches westward into Apache territory.
The Night Ambush: During the expedition, the company is surprised by a night attack while sleeping. According to Father Francisco Hidalgo, the group is saved from total destruction only by the firearms of the Spanish soldiers, including Urrutia. This marks one of Urrutia's earliest recorded encounters with the Apache nation.
c. late 1692: Major Military Victory: Urrutia continues to serve in Spanish-Indian coalition forces. In a subsequent campaign during this period, the alliance achieves a decisive victory, reportedly killing 136 Apaches.
Significance: These early successes establish Urrutia’s reputation as a capable warrior among the local tribes, laying the groundwork for his later appointment as their "Captain General" during his seven-year stay (1693–1700).
At Mission Tejas 1692: Hostility grew as the local tribes responded to the friars with "growing impudence," prioritizing the theft of horses over religious instruction.

### **Sources**

- **Primary Account:** Report by **Father Francisco Hidalgo** (chronicling the August 1692 expedition).
    
- **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas_.

1693 - Expedition

Colorado River, Texas

Arrival and Abandonment: Urrutia was a young soldier stationed at a Spanish garrison near the Neches River during the Terán expedition.
June 1693: A relief expedition led by Gregorio de Salinas Varona found the Mission Tejas in a state of crisis, with rampant illness among the Indians and a severe shortage of supplies.
October 1693: Conditions at Mission Tejas became unsustainable. The friars buried the mission's cannon and bells, packed their vestments, and set fire to the mission buildings before beginning a retreat to Coahuila.
The 1693 Departure: When Spanish forces withdrew from the area in 1693, Urrutia did not return with them. He remained in East Texas as one of only four soldiers left behind.
He suffered an accident on the Colorado River which forced him to stay among the Indigenous populations.
Integration and Leadership: He lived among the Kanohatinos, Tohos, and Xarames for seven years. During this time, he rose to the rank of "Captain General" for a confederation of tribes.
Military Campaigns: Utilizing his Spanish military background, he led these nations in several extensive and successful campaigns against their common enemy, the Apaches.

### Sources

> **Primary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families._ **Supporting Documentation:** Official statement by Joseph Urrutia to the Viceroy of New Spain, dated May 9, 1738.

This period marks the most legendary chapter of Joseph de Urrutia’s life—his transition from a Spanish soldier to a powerful leader among the Indigenous nations of the Texas coastal plains.

1694 - Expedition

Location: East Texas, Mission Texas State Park

1694: The Choice to Stay Behind

February 1694: The official retreat party reached Monclova, but Joseph de Urrutia was not among them. He was one of four soldiers who chose to stay in the wilderness rather than return to Spanish civilization.
Conflicting Reports of Conduct: The Desertion Account: Official mission records state that Urrutia and his companions "deserted" the retreating party to live among the Indians. However, other accounts say he was left behind due to an injury.
- The "Faithful Indian" Report: In a 1694 report to the Viceroy, Father Damián Massanet (Manzanet) noted that an Indian informant saw the soldiers return to the abandoned mission site to help local tribes dig up the buried Spanish supplies and tools.
- San Francisco de Los Tejas Mission - TSHA Online

1694–1700: Leadership Among the Cantona Tribes

Geographic Shift: Although he was stationed at the "Texas" (Hasinai) mission, historian Herbert E. Bolton clarifies that Urrutia spent his seven-year stay further west among the Cantona Indians near the lower Colorado (San Marcos) River.
Tribal Integration: He lived intimately with the Cantujuanas, Toos, and Yemes (Kanohatinos, Tohos, and Xarames).

Cultural Mastery: During these seven years, he became intimately acquainted with their customs and mastered their various languages, knowledge that would later make him the Spanish government’s most valuable asset in the region.

"Captain General" Status: Recognizing his Spanish military expertise, a massive alliance of tribes east of the Colorado River appointed him their "Captain General".
- Military Command: He claimed to lead joint campaigns against the Apaches with forces numbering between 10,000 and 12,000 warriors.
- Strategic Role: He served as the primary strategist for these allied nations in their long-standing war against the Apache.

### **Sources**

> - **Primary Archival Record:** Manzanet to the Viceroy (1694), A.G.I., Guadalajara (Citing the "faithful Indian" report).
>     
> - **Historical Analysis:** [[Castañeda, Carlos E.]], _Our Catholic Heritage in Texas_, Vol. I.
>     
> -  Bolton, Herbert E. _The Hasinais: Southern Caddoans as Seen by the Earliest Europeans_ (citing Manzanet/Massanet and Castañeda).
>     
> - **Literary Reference:** [[Chabot, Frederick C.]], _With The Makers of Texas_.
>   
>   -  _San Francisco de los Tejas Mission_, Handbook of Texas Online (TSHA).

1697 - JAN - 06 - MARRIAGE - To Antonia Ramon

Joseph de Urrutia (Male) married Antonia (Antta.) Ramón at Santiago Apóstol, Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico.

Location - Santiago Apostol, Monclova, Coahuila

### **Sources**

- **:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas - Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families._
    
- **:** Coahuila, Mexico, Catholic Church Records, 1627-1978; Santiago Apóstol, Monclova (Marriage of Joseph de Urrutia and Antta. Ramon).

1698 - BIRTH - Child: Antonia de Urrutia-Ramon

1700 - Return from Expedition

Location - San Juan Bautista Mission

The timeline of Joseph de Urrutia's "seven years" among the Indians is up for debate.

Reconciliation of the "Seven Years" (1691–1697):
- Departure: Urrutia departed Monclova with the Terán Expedition on May 16, 1691.
- The Abandonment: He remained in East Texas when the soldiers withdrew in 1693.
- The Duration: If he married in Monclova in January 1697, his actual time in the Texas wilderness was approximately six years (1691–1697), rather than the seven years traditionally cited in his 1738 statement.
The 1700 Return to Service:
- Rejoining the Spanish: While he was already back in Mexico by 1697 for his wedding, historical accounts state he formally "rejoined his countrymen" in a military capacity shortly after the founding of San Juan Bautista Mission in 1700.
- Strategic Placement: This mission was located on the Rio Grande, serving as the gateway back into the Texas territory he had previously lived in for years.

1703 - MARRIAGE - To Rosa Flores-Y-Valdez

Location - Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Abt. 1704 - BIRTH - Rosa-Micaela de Urrutia

Santiago Apostol, Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: She married Pedro-Jose Godoy in Boca de Leones, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Death: She passed away approximately in 1774 in Boca de Leones.

1706 - December 05 - BIRTH - Cathalina de Urrutia

Santiago Apostol, Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Don Joseph de Plaza (born abt. 1704).
Death: Occurred between 1778 and 1809 in Boca de Leones, Nuevo Leon.

Abt. 1707 - BIRTH - Captain Toribio de Urrutia

San Juan Bautista del Rio Grande, Presidio del Norte, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriages: First to Maria-Josefa Flores-de-Valdez (1735); Second to Ana-Josefa-Maria Farias-Flores-de-Abrego.
Military Career: He succeeded his father as Captain of San Antonio de Bexar in 1740.
Civic Duty: Served as the Justicia Mayor of San Antonio in 1743. He contributed $1 peso toward the construction of San Fernando Church in 1738.
Issue: Married twice but had no children.
Death: June 26, 1763, in San Antonio, Texas.

1709 - July 25 - BIRTH - Juana-de-Dios de Urrutia

Santiago Apostol, Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriages: First to Ignacio Gonzalez-de-Inclan (abt. 1735); Second to Pedro-Mariano de Ocon-y-Trillo (1746).
Land Dispute: On June 18, 1745, she appeared before the city council to object to land being granted to Don Luis Antonio Menchaca.
Property Sale: In 1746, as a widow, she sold property on the north side of the plazas in San Antonio to Lieutenant Don Diego Ramon.
Death: After July 19, 1745, in San Antonio, Texas.

Abt. 1710 - BIRTH - Joaquin de Urrutia

Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Maria-Josefa Hernandez-Longoria (abt. 1732).
Philanthropy: In 1738, he gave $100 pesos towards the construction of San Fernando Church in San Antonio, Texas
Land Grant: Received a grant in 1742. His land was bounded by the San Pedro Creek and the property of his father-in-law, Francisco Hernandez.
Death: November 01, 1768, in San Antonio, Texas.

Abt. 1711 - BIRTH - Francisco Esteban (Pedro) de Urrutia-Hernandez (1711- UNK)

Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Gertrudis Flores-y-Valdez (abt. 1739) in Saltillo.
Contribution: In 1738, he gave $5 pesos towards the construction of San Fernando Church in San Antonio, Texas

Key Genealogical Insights

Name Variation: While primarily known to history as Joseph de Urrutia, contemporary records (such as his son Pedro's 1739 marriage document) also identify him as Don Pedro de Urrutia.
Family Alliances: His marriages connected two of the most influential frontier families of the era: the Ramón family of Coahuila and the Flores de Valdés family of San Antonio.
Documented Lineage: The 1739 record specifically identifies Pedro de Urrutia as the legitimate son of the Captain of San Antonio Pedro de Urrutia and Rosa Flores de Baldés, confirming the second marriage, his alternate name, and the family's status in the San Antonio presidio.

- **:** Mexico, Select Marriages Index, 1556-1989 & Translated Marriage Record of Don Pedro de Urrutia (1739).

1712/13 - January 15 - BIRTH - Manuel de Urrutia

Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Note: The records indicate that he died young.

1714 - Petition for Urrutia’s Return

Lasting Indigenous Influence: Even years after his departure, Urrutia and Father Francisco Hidalgo remained deeply respected by the Asinais (Hasinai) people.
The St. Denis Encounter: When the French explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis arrived among the Asinais in 1714, the tribe used his expedition as a diplomatic channel to reach Spanish authorities.
A Specific Request for Leadership: The Asinais requested that St. Denis petition the Mexican government to send two specific men back to them:
- Father Francisco Hidalgo: To serve as their minister and missionary.
- "Captain Urrutia": Specifically requested because of the years he spent living among them, his mastery of their language, and his intimate knowledge of their customs.
Coinciding Service: This record confirms that Urrutia’s legendary stay in the Texas wilderness was contemporary with Father Hidalgo’s early missionary efforts in the same region.

> - **Primary Reference:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families_.
>     
> - **Supporting Context:** Documentation regarding the St. Denis expedition to Mexico (1714).

1715 - Authority and the "Gran Quivira" Proposal

Recognition as an Expert: Following his return from his "seven years" in the wilderness, Urrutia was recognized in Mexico as the leading authority on the indigenous peoples of Texas.
Administrative Appointment: He was officially appointed as the "Protector of the Indians" in Nuevo León.
The Aguayo Connection: Urrutia earned the trust of the powerful Marquis of San Miguel de Aguayo, who described him as a "man of much honor" from Guipúzcoa.
The Gran Quivira Expedition: Aguayo recommended that Urrutia lead an expedition to discover the legendary "Gran Quivira".
- Urrutia’s Confidence: He asserted that he could successfully reach Quivira with only 10 or 12 men, relying entirely on the goodwill and protection of the many nations that remained his friends.
- Desire to Return: Writing from the Mines of Mazapil, Aguayo noted that even after an absence of nearly twenty years, Urrutia still "anxiously desires" to return to his indigenous allies.
Legacy of the Apache Conflict: The early decision by Spaniards like Urrutia to aid the "Texas" (Hasinai) tribes permanently marked the Spanish as enemies of the Apaches. This "Apache terror" would go on to overshadow the entire history of Spanish Texas and the founding of San Antonio.

Historical Note: The mention of Urrutia serving at the Mines of Mazapil without cost to the Royal Treasury demonstrates his high social standing and personal wealth during this period.

1716 - September 15 - BIRTH -Ignacio-Cayetano de Urrutia

Santiago Apostol, Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Rosa Sanchez-Navarro-y-Gomez in Saltillo, Coahuila.

Abt. 1718 - BIRTH - Joseph-Miguel de Urrutia

Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Clara Cantu.
Service: Recognized for many years of service to the Spanish Crown.
Royal Grant: Received a Royal Grant in 1744.
Death: After 1744, San Antonio, Texas.

1719 - June 06 - BIRTH Anna-Maria-Gertrudis-Josephina de Urrutia

Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Marriage: Married Antonio-Nicolas de Trevino-Gutierrez in 1740.

1726 - The Calm Before the Conflict (1726–1730)

This entry documents a brief period of regional stability during the years preceding Joseph de Urrutia's appointment as Captain in San Antonio.

A Period of Relative Quiet: Between 1726 and 1730, historical documents indicate a significant lull in hostilities committed by the Apaches.
Historical Context: This temporary peace occurred while Urrutia was still serving in northern Mexico, prior to his 1733 arrival in San Antonio.
Presidio Life: During these years, the lack of recorded conflict suggests that the missions and the Presidio de San Antonio de Béjar experienced a rare window of security before the "Apache terror" intensified again in the 1730s.

### Source
 **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families_.

1732 - The Appointment to Captaincy (1732–1733)

Location: San Antonio, Texas

The Governor’s Campaign: In 1732, the Governor launched a formal military campaign against the Apaches.
The Failed Peace: This campaign resulted in a superficial "peace". Under the guise of this treaty, Apache groups entered San Antonio—which was geographically exposed and near their territories—to commit outrages and instill panic among the residents.
Loss of Trust: These events proved to the inhabitants of San Antonio that Apache diplomatic promises could not be trusted.
Call for Relief: Following urgent petitions from the Governor for better security, the central government initiated measures to protect the settlement.
Urrutia Named Captain: As a primary security measure, Don Joseph de Urrutia was appointed Captain of the Presidio of Béjar.
Reason for Selection: He was specifically chosen for this prestigious command because of his "long experience" and unique history living among the various Indian nations.

### Source

**Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families_.

1732 - Death - Of Son Manuel de Urrutia

record not located

1733 - Captaincy of San Antonio

Location: San Antonio, Texas

This period marks the pinnacle of Joseph de Urrutia’s career, as he was formally recognized as the crown's most vital asset for the survival of San Antonio.

July 4, 1733: Observations on Tribal Alliances
In a letter written weeks before his official appointment, Urrutia noted a significant shift in frontier politics. He expressed surprise that the Jumanes had joined his enemies, the Apaches, noting that during his time living among them (1693–1700), these groups were "declared enemies".

July 18, 1733: The Recommendation for Command
Following a failed peace treaty and the murder of Spanish soldiers, **Don Juan de Olivan Rebolledo formally recommended Urrutia for the command of the Presidio of San Antonio.

Justification: The recommendation was based on Urrutia's "seven years" of immersion with tribes hostile to the Apaches and his status as the best-informed Spaniard on Indian affairs, with 40 years of service across Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Texas.

July 23, 1733: Formal Appointment as Captain
By official decree, Joseph de Urrutia was ordered to take immediate possession of the Presidio of San Antonio de Béjar.
Mission: His primary charge was to leverage his old alliances with indigenous tribes to form a united front against the Apaches.
Military Reinforcements: Under his command, the garrison was increased by 25 men—drawn from the presidios of La Bahía and Los Adaes—to protect the Villa of San Fernando and the local missions from "relentless" Apache harassment.

### Sources

* **Primary Source:** *Bexar Archives*, July 18–24, 1733 (Rebolledo’s Opinion and Casafuerte’s Order).
* **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. *With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families*.
* **Reference:** *Texas Handbook Online*, Texas State Historical Association.

1734 - The Apache Terror (1734–1738)

Between 1734 and 1738, Joseph de Urrutia's tenure as Captain of the Presidio de Béxar was defined by the relentless "Apache terror" that dictated the daily lives of San Antonio's settlers.

Daily Life and Constant Vigilance: From 1734 to 1738, the history of San Antonio was a grim succession of Indian raids and murders, making the Apaches the most prominent concern for everyday citizens.
Signal Firearm Protocols: To prevent false alarms, the Governor issued strict orders that no citizen of Béxar could discharge a firearm unless they witnessed Indians entering the settlement; a single shot served as the formal signal of an attack.
Urrutia’s Enforcement: Carrying out these orders, Captain Joseph de Urrutia mandated that any citizen needing to fire a gun for cleaning purposes must first obtain an official license from the captain of the guard.
Confirmed Service Record: On November 13, 1734, official records noted that Captain Commander Jose de Urrutia had served the Spanish crown for over 40 years with the full approval of the authorities.
The "Red Hair" Conspiracy: Urrutia reported a major rumored plot involving the influential Apache chief Cabellos Colorados (Red Hair). Before his imprisonment, the chief allegedly conspired with the "Capitán Grande" of the Apache tribes to steal all horses from the presidios of Béxar, Río Grande, Coahuila, and Sacramento, followed by a total slaughter of the inhabitants.
Period of Quiet (1737–1738): During the imprisonment of Cabellos Colorados and his band (December 1737 to September 1738), San Antonio experienced a rare period of peace with no recorded Apache depredations.
Formal Investigation: Governor Orobio Bazterra eventually launched an investigation into Cabellos Colorados' actions to provide the Viceroy with evidence of Apache bad faith and to secure further relief for the people of Béxar.

### Source

**Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families_.

1735 - Military Administration & Legal Conflict (1735)

The year 1735 reveals the complex administrative and financial responsibilities Joseph de Urrutia held as Captain of the Presidio de Béxar. Records document a significant legal dispute over military logistics and his role as a financial intermediary for his soldiers.

April – June 1735: The Reimbursement Dispute (Urrutia vs. Costales) Joseph de Urrutia entered into a protracted legal battle with Gabriel Costales, Captain of the Presidio of La Bahía, concerning expenses for a squadron of La Bahía soldiers stationed at Béxar.
- Authorization of Supplies: Acting on an order from Governor Manuel de Sandoval, Urrutia had provided horses, arms, and provisions to the La Bahía soldiers to ensure the "royal service" was not interrupted.
- The Detailed Ledger: Urrutia presented meticulous notebooks documenting items furnished to the soldiers, including corn, piloncillo (sugar), soap, tobacco, salt, shoes, and horses.
- Accusations of Profiteering: Captain Costales contested the bill (totaling 1,048 pesos), accusing Urrutia of greed and charging excessive prices—specifically for horses and corn—claiming Urrutia was seeking "ambitious purpose and harm [to] my interests".
- Urrutia’s Health and Appeal: During the proceedings, Urrutia was notably confined to his bed due to illness ("I am in bed, as everybody knows"). Lacking legal counsel, he eventually recused the Governor’s local judgment and appealed the case to the Superior Government of the Viceroy in Mexico City.
September 1735: Power of Attorney and Financial Oversight Urrutia’s influence extended into the personal finances of his garrison.
- Salary Collection: Several soldiers granted Urrutia (or his associate Juan de Angulo) power of attorney to collect their annual salaries directly from the royal treasury.
- Tax Application: A portion of these collected salaries was used to pay Urrutia’s own taxes, demonstrating a high level of financial entanglement between the Captain and his men.

Genealogical Insights & Household Details

Family References: In 1734, Governor Sandoval sent "affectionate regards" to Urrutia’s wife, Doña Juana.
Domestic Goods: The military ledgers of 1735 show that Urrutia was supplying not just military gear, but also domestic items such as "woman's shoes" for the soldiers' wives, highlighting the presence of families within the presidio community.

### **Sources**

- **Primary Source:** _Bexar Archives_, April 27, 1735 – June 12, 1735 (Identifier: `e_bx_001927`). Proceedings: Joseph de Urrutia vs. Gabriel Costales.
    
- **Primary Source:** _Bexar Archives_, September 25, 1735 (Identifier: `e_bx_001939`). Powers of attorney granted to Joseph de Urrutia.
    
- **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. _With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families_.

1736 - Personal Legal Disputes

In 1736, Captain Joseph de Urrutia faced further legal and financial challenges within the San Antonio community, as documented by records from the Bexar Archives.

Financial Litigation (Rodríguez vs. Urrutia): In April 1736, a legal proceeding was initiated by José Antonio Rodríguez against Captain Joseph de Urrutia.
Demand for Payment: Rodríguez filed a formal demand seeking the payment of a specific amount of money owed to him by Urrutia.
Chronological Context: This dispute occurred during Urrutia's active tenure as the Captain of the Presidio de Béxar, following the previous year's extensive litigation with Captain Gabriel Costales.
Administrative Documentation: The proceedings were recorded and translated as part of the official Spanish colonial records for the Province of Texas.

### Source

**Primary Source:** _Bexar Archives_, April 23, 1736 – April 30, 1736 (Identifier: `e_bx_001943`). Proceedings: José Antonio Rodríguez vs. José de Urrutia.

1737 - Captivity of Cabellos Colorados

The imprisonment of the influential Lipan Apache chief Cabellos Colorados (Red Hair) in late 1737 brought a temporary and significant peace to San Antonio, while highlighting Joseph de Urrutia’s role in uncovering frontier conspiracies.

December 11, 1737: Capture of the Chief

Following years of raids, Spanish forces captured the Lipan Apache chief Cabellos Colorados at El Chapintillo, located approximately 30 miles from San Antonio.
The chief and his band were brought to the Presidio de Béxar as prisoners.

Discovery of a Frontier Conspiracy

Captain Joseph de Urrutia reported a chilling rumor regarding the chief's plans prior to his capture.
According to Urrutia, Cabellos Colorados had allegedly conspired with the "Capitán Grande" of the Apache tribes to orchestrate a massive, synchronized strike.
The plot involved stealing all horses from the presidios of Béxar, Río Grande, Coahuila, and Sacramento, followed by a systematic slaughter of the regional inhabitants.

The Period of "Forced Peace"

From December 1737 through September 1738, while the chief was held at the presidio, Apache depredations at Béxar ceased entirely.
This lull in violence confirmed the chief's immense reputation and influence over his people.

Governor’s Formal Investigation

Governor Prudencio de Orobio y Basterra initiated a formal investigation into the crimes committed by Cabellos Colorados.
Evidence of "Apache bad faith" was meticulously compiled to petition the Viceroy for permanent relief and defensive reinforcements for the San Antonio settlers.

### **Sources**

* **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. *With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families*.
* **Reference:** *Handbook of Texas Online*, "Cabellos Colorados," Texas State Historical Association.
* **Research Report:** *Mescalero Apache Research Report*, Texas Department of Transportation.

August 1737 - Formal Representation (1737)

An administrative record from August 1737 highlights Joseph de Urrutia’s reliance on professional agents to manage his complex legal and financial affairs while serving as Captain of the Presidio de Béxar.

August 23, 1737: Power of Attorney
Joseph de Urrutia granted a formal power of attorney to Ignacio González de Jordán.
This document allowed Jordán to act as Urrutia's legal representative in official matters, likely facilitating the collection of salaries or the resolution of the various lawsuits (such as Urrutia vs. Costales or Rodríguez vs. Urrutia) that marked this period.
Chronological Alignment
This legal delegation occurred just months before the capture of Chief Cabellos Colorados in December 1737, a period during which Urrutia was managing intense frontier hostilities alongside his administrative duties.
The use of a formal representative suggests that Urrutia’s responsibilities at the Presidio—and perhaps his recurring health issues noted in 1735—necessitated professional assistance for his business in Mexico City or other provinces.

### Source

**Primary Source:** *Bexar Archives*, August 23, 1737 (Identifier: `e_bx_001947`). Translation of Power of Attorney: José de Urrutia to Ignacio González de Jordán.

1739 - The San Saba Campaign (1738–1739)

San Saba Region -

This map is an estimation based on where a later fort was established

In the final years of his career, Joseph de Urrutia took decisive, independent action to address the deteriorating security of San Antonio, culminating in a major military expedition into the Texas interior.

1738: Petition for Independent Command

Frustrated by repeated Apache raids and bureaucratic delays, Captain Urrutia bypassed local authorities and petitioned the Viceroy directly for permission to lead a campaign on his own responsibility.
He described a "state of constant terror" in San Antonio, where families were fleeing the settlement and residents were too afraid to tend to their livestock.
Urrutia provided a harrowing account of Apache stealth, noting they could enter the center of the presidio plaza at night and steal horses tied to house doors without being heard.
He reported that mission Indians were deserting in mass numbers to escape Apache "tyranny," fleeing toward the coast or the "Monte Grande" (Big Wood).

The Bid for Leadership

In his petition, Urrutia emphasized his unique qualifications: his seven-year residence among the tribes, his fluency in their languages, and the personal affection the Indians held for him.
Historians suggest his detailed list of "necessary qualifications" for frontier leadership was a strategic move to promote his own candidacy for the governorship.
He demanded sole command of the expedition to prevent "other chiefs" from interfering with his strategy.

The Winter of 1739: Expedition to San Saba

Although originally planned for April, the campaign was delayed until the winter of 1739.
Urrutia led his forces into the San Saba region, reaching approximately the same point achieved by Juan Antonio Bustillo y Ceballos in 1732.
The campaign's funding was based on a "spoils" system: expenses were to be met by the sale of captives, with participants sharing in any secured plunder.

### Source

**Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. *With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families*.

1740 - Final Years & Estate (1740–1741)

The final years of Captain Joseph de Urrutia’s life and the subsequent settlement of his estate provide an intimate look at the family legacy and the material culture of a high-ranking Spanish officer on the Texas frontier.

Comandancia (Spanish Governors Palace) - San Antonio, Texas

1740: Death and Succession

Succession of Command: Joseph de Urrutia was succeeded as Captain of the Presidio de Béxar by his son, Toribio de Urrutia, who continued the family’s military leadership in San Antonio.
The Final Will: On July 4, 1740, while in San Antonio, Urrutia drafted his last will and testament.
Date of Passing: Although some secondary sources list his death as July 16, 1741, his general executor, Joseph de Plaza, explicitly stated in legal records that Urrutia died on July 16, 1740.
Residence: At the time of his death, he lived in the Comandancia (known today as the Spanish Governor's Palace), where he was known to converse with prisoners in the adjoining jail during the afternoon siesta.

He may be buried at the San Juan Bautista Mission

1741: Estate Settlement and Inventory

Testamentary Proceedings: Legal proceedings to settle the estate began on February 27, 1741, led by executor Joseph de Plaza to ensure debts were paid and the remainder divided among the heirs.
Property and Assets:
Real Estate: The inventory identified a house and lot owned in Saltillo, Mexico, but noted that Urrutia did not own a home in San Antonio.
Financial Standing: Despite his rank, Urrutia described himself as a "poor man" burdened with many children and family. However, his accounts showed that soldiers and residents owed his estate over 12,400 pesos at the time of his death.

Method	Estimated Total Value (12,400 Pesos)	Perspective
Metal Content	~$300,000	The "floor" value of the raw silver.
Purchasing Power	~$1.5 Million	What that money "felt" like to spend in 1740.

Personal Property: His high social standing was reflected in luxury goods found in his home, including silver plates and spoons, an embroidered chair, a silver-handled sword, and a painting of Our Lady of Sorrows (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores).
Documented Heirs: The proceedings list his widow, Rosa Flores y Valdés, and his legitimate children: Joseph Miguel, Toribio, Pedro, Joaquín, Ignacio, Gertrudis, Juana, Rosa Micaela (deceased), and another daughter married to Francisco Menchaca.

Historical Notes & Questions

What is the Expediente sobre la campaña? This is not a published book, but rather an official "Expediente" (a legal file or dossier) regarding his military campaigns where he documented his financial struggles and service history.
Where is he buried? While the exact location is not named in these excerpts, the inventory mentions a red velvet suit (coat, trousers, and waistcoat) that was set aside specifically for his funeral and burial.
He may have been buried in present day Guerrero, Mexico at the Mission San Juan Bautista

### **Sources**

* **Primary Source:** *Bexar Archives*, Feb 27, 1741 – March 8, 1741 (Identifier: `e_bx_001959`). Testamentary proceedings for the settlement of Joseph de Urrutia's estate.
* **Secondary Source:** Chabot, Frederick C. *With The Makers of Texas: Genealogies of the Early San Antonio Families*.

Sources

Wikipedia: Joseph de Urrutia
Texas Handbook Online: Joseph de Urrutia

Sources For Children Unless Otherwise Noted

Primary Source: Inclan, John. The Descendants of Captain Pedro de la Garza Falcon y Trevino.

Supporting Documentation: Chabot, Frederick C. With the Makers of San Antonio; De La Teja, Jesus F. San Antonio de Bexar; Gonzalez de la Garza, Rodolfo. Mil Familias III.