Manuel de Sandoval

Manuel de Sandoval was a prominent Neomexican soldier who served as governor of Coahuila (1729–1733 ) and Texas (1734–1736). During his administration in Texas, he lived in and worked on the problems of Bexar, but he neglected Los Adaes, which was the capital of Texas. He served to control French expansion and prevent it from reaching Texas. On February 4, 1729, the Viceroy of New Spain, Vizarrón y Eguiarreta, appointed him governor of Coahuila (today a state in Mexico). He finished his term as governor of that province on September 4, 1733.

Administration of Texas In early 1734, following his services to Coahuila, he was chosen as governor of Texas by the Viceroy. In addition, he was "to keep an eye on the French" to inform the viceroy if he perceived that they were transferring some of their presidios to Texas.

Repercutions and last years After Franquis de Lugo came into power, he ordered the imprisonment of Sandoval, accusing him of "seven counts of official misconduct" (amongst them, financial misappropriation). In 1737 the Viceroy ordered Sandoval to show his "official accounts" and, therefore, how he conducted the financial policy while governed Texas. Sandoval was found not guilty of the above charges, but was accused of not keeping correct book-keeping practices of his administration and for not having lived at Los Adaes when he was governor of the province. For both, he was ordered to pay a significant amount of pesos (the equivalent to $500) and imprisoned. He spent several years in prison and got his freedom in 1741. After leaving prison, he continued to hold military positions.

From this moment on, he lived in Mexico City for the rest of his life. There, Sandoval joined the "Regimento Urbano del Comercio" (Urban Regimental of Commerce), where he managed to occupy the rank of sergeant major. He held this position until the end of his life.

Sandoval Case Research conducted on the Sandoval Case was extensive and covered some thirty volumes. In addition, another forty volumes of information was elaborated on the events that had occurred in Texas in a period prior to Sandoval's administration. This material is important because, in the early 19th century, it was used by the great powers (Spain, France & the United States) to negotiate their domains on eastern frontier of the province.