Mission 2000 Database

Notes: He died sometime prior to February 15, 1815.

According to his service record he was 31 years old in 1775.

Don Pedro Sebastian de Villaescusa, Captain of Cavalry of the Royal Presidio of San Carlos de Buenavista in the Province of Sonora places himself at the royal feet of Your Grace and says that he has had the honor of serving in His Majesty's Royal Armies of Europe and this one of New Spain for thirty-two years and two months; first as a soldier, first corporal, and second sergeant for twelve years, six months, and five days in the Infantry Regiment of Granada; seven years, seven months, and eight days in his first appointment in New Spain as second lieutenant of the Royal Presidio of Terrenate; five years, six months, and ten days as lieutenant commander of the Pima Company of San Rafael of Buena Vista(1) , which was formed by superior order; and the remaining, six years, five months, and twenty-eight days in his present appointment as captain. In his time he has made thirteen campaigns against the Apache nation. He was present during seven attacks made by large numbers of the same enemy against the detachment that served to guard the horse herd of the said Presidio of Terrenate. With nine soldiers and a few residents, he resisted an attack by a multitude of barbarians of the same nation, intent upon devastating the village of Dolores. He participated in ten forays, in which he killed twelve trouble-makers, among whom was a chief killed by his hand. During this time he brought in five captives, captured a hundred and ninety-seven horses and ten head of cattle. In these actions he received six wounds, four by lance and two with arrows. He has carried out the particular commissions of his service to the satisfaction of his commanders. He contained the rebellion instigated among the Indians and residents of the Fuerte and Mayo Rivers. In the past year of 1793 he went to the Presidio of Pitic to calm the restless spirit of the Seris who were disgruntled and intent upon abandoning the village to occupy the terrain of their known stronghold for invading the province. Finally, in keeping with his devotion for the service, he brought twenty-three Tiburón and Tepoca Indians of both sexes to the village, the governors of whom killed one of the Seri chiefs who had fled the said Presidio of Pitic. For all of this he petitions Your Grace to grant him the grade of lieutenant colonel, which he graciously waits to receive of the piety of Your Grace.
San Carlos de Buenavista, September 26, 1794.
Pedro Villaescusa (rubric)

(1) Orignially called the Pima Company of San Rafael de Buena Vista it would later be known as the Pima Company of San Ignacio de Tubac.

Archivo General de Simancas, SGU 7037-3, Bloque 5. ff. 7-8v