borderlands politics.

Some boring blogs, that's for sure.

In my research of the Borderlands I was surprised by the rigorous protocol used by the Spanish government during this period. Expeditions and explorations had to be officially sanctioned, and the proper forms and documents must have been obtained before venturing onto the frontier. Very different from what was going on in the Eastern US with the English colonists.

The English colonists did whatever they wanted, pushing westward without so much of a thought. The Spanish on the other hand operated under tighter restrictions. I don't know the exact reason, but my hypothesis is that official requests were issued in order to divide the plunder properly. Making a name for yourself in the new Spanish frontier seems almost as important as the Roman Cursus. With commendations, land, and inheritance for your family at stake, I'm sure it was really important to get the proper authorization. 

What's great is that many of these documents still exist today, giving the reader a glimpse into the possible reasons for an expedition. 

Standard equipment for a trip included soldiers, merchants, priests, converted Indians, translators, and lots of animals. Horses, mules, steer, dogs, sheep, goats.... it was a circus. Getting these expeditions off the ground was a difficult procedure.