The Red Captain. The Life Of Hugh O'Conor,

MARK SANTIAGO

Publication: Arizona Historical Society, 1994, N P

First edition. 8vo. Printed wrappers, vii [1], 127 [1] pp., frontispiece, acknowledgments, illustrated, maps, notes, bibliography, index. Museum Monograph # 9. Life and adventures of the commandant inspector of the interior provinces of New Spain. This biography of O’Connor concentrates on his overseas experience beginning in Cuba in 1763 and then on his career in Mexico City and Texas. O’Connor is appointed as commandant Inspector of the Provincias Internas of northern New Spain. Attention is given to his rise in rank, the result of having connections in high places, particularly cousin Alejandro O’Reilly and their mutual friend viceroy Antonio Maria Bucareli. O’Connor was commissioned to implement new plans for a strong northern presidial line and for Indian control on both sides of that frontier. To this end, he devised a strategic plan for subduing various Apache and other Indian groups, a plan that was only partially successful. In 1775, O'Conor, Colonel of the Infantry in the Royal Armies of New Spain, selected the site for his most lasting legacy, the Presidio of San Augustin which would later become Tucson, Arizona. As new, unread copy.

Inventory Number: 50233