Collection ID: LMC 1225
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Collection context

Summary

Abstract:
The Crame mss., 1774-1819, consists of the papers of brigadier general in the Spanish corps of engineers Agustín Crame, -1780.
Extent:
2 Boxes (2 standard)
Language:
Materials are in Spanish .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Crame mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Agustín Crame, -1780, was a brigadier general in the Spanish corps of engineers.

In 1771, Crame came from Havana to be governor of Ulua in Nueva España. There, he began a survey of the fortifications of Ulua and Veracruz. In 1774, Crame was sent to the West Indies and Central America to make comprehensive reports on the number and condition of fortifications and arms in the Spanish colonies there. Between 1774 and 1779, he concentrated on Margarita, Guiana, Cumana, Maracaibo, Santa Marta-Rio Hacha, Cartegena de Indias, Nicaragua, Omoa, Campeche, Yucatan, Merida-La Grita, and sites in Trinidad, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, New Granada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Honduras.

On October 10, 1779, Crame filed his report with the king, Carlos III, and petitioned Jose de Galvez, marques de Sonora, minister to Carlos III, to allow him to participate in Spain's war with Great Britain. His request, however, was not approved. Earlier that year, on September 15, Carlos III had directed him to go to Yucatan, but Crame never assumed the governmental position there, as he died in Havana early in 1780.

Scope and Content:

The manuscripts in the collection consist of correspondence between Crame and the governors and officials of the Caribbean provinces concerning the arrival and mission of Crame, his salary, traveling conditions, etc., and correspondence with the "Junta de generales" established by Carlos III to evaluate Crame's reports. These reports were received very favorably by the Junta. Included also among the papers are detailed records kept by Crame and other engineers, the arms found in the fortifications, their condition, manpower suggestions for the reconstruction of forts, and plans for defense. The material after Crame's death deals with the implementation of his plans as well as those of other engineers on the fortifications in the Spanish colonies.

For biographical information on Agustín Crame, see José Antonio Calderón Quijano, Historia de las fortificaciones en Nueva España , Seville [Escuela de Estudios Hispano-Americanos de Sevilla], 1953, (F1231 .C2).

Acquisition information:
Purchase: 1967
Arrangement:

The contents of this collection are arranged chronologically.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Crame mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu