Bernardo Bonavía y Zapata

Bernardo Bonavía y Zapata (?? – 1812) was the Governor - Intendant of Durango (in the modern Mexico; 1796 - 1809), corregidor (in Mexico) and military commander of Texas (1809 - 1812). Bonavía was also appointed Governor of Texas in 1786, but he did not exercise this office, because he had to serve in other places. In addition, he was Caballero de Alcántara.

Biography

Bernardo Bonavía y Zapata was born in Toro, in the province of Zamora (Castile and León, Spain) to Bonifacio María Bonavía, a Mariscal de Campo, and Ramona Zapata. He had, al least, a sibling: Margarita Bonavia. He was Mariscal de Campo de los Reales Ejércitos (Mariscal de Campo of Royal Armies).^[1]

In 1758, Bernardo Bonavía y Zapata joined the service of the king of Spain. The King appointed him Governor of Texas in 1786. However, he had to serve in other places, so that he did not exercise his office as governor of Texas. Later, in 1796, Bonavia was appointed by the King of Spain as Governor - Intendant of Durango (in the modern Mexico), remaining in that position until 1809, the date on which he was appointed military commander of Texas. Upon arrival in Texas, he asked all senior officials to submit written statements of their views on protection and development of the province. Based on these reports and his own observations, recommended to Nemesio Salcedo y Salcedo, commanding general of the Provincias Internas (Interior Provinces), which strengthened border defenses immediately. In addition, Bonavia called a meeting with the governors of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Texas, with the aim of developing a discussion about the measures that should be taken to develop Texas; The group's recommendations were forwarded to the Commandant General in June 28, mainly by free trade and immigration. In addition, the Spanish military commander also established liberal reforms decided by Charles III of Spain in the commercial sector, especially in Mexico, developing it in the provinces of this place, especially in Texas.

On July 20 of that year (1809), Bonavia called another meeting to discuss the establishment of a direct relationship between water Texas and Veracruz, as well as opening a free trade port. He also recommended that, based on the decree of May 30, 1804, the provincial Presidios be reorganized into regiments defense. However, this proposal was rejected.

In late 1810, Bonavia, returned to Durango to suppress a revolt that was developing in favor of the independence of New Spain. So, Bonavía led royalist troops in Oaxaca in 1812, to face off against the liberating troops of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, being defeated. Bonavia was captured and executed on December 2 of that year (1812).^[2] However, according to other sources, he may have died, in 18 April 1833, with 93 years old.^[1]

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