Cabildo Digest

City Archives
New Orleans Public Library

Digest of the Acts and Deliberations of the Cabildo
Land Grants

Introduction to the Digest

Subject Book Volume Page Date Description

Land Grants 1
44 10/19/1770 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this meeting Don Francisco Sismar de Belislle asked for title to a piece of land granted to him by Don Alejandro O’Reilly.

Land Grants 1
56 2/8/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time the Provincial Judge (Du Vizen) and Don Daniel Fagot requested title to lots which had been granted to them by O’Reilly. Later (page 219) these lots, on Conde Street, were returned to the city.

Land Grants 1
63 5/10/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – The Royal Ensign (De Reggio) and the Chief Constable (Fleurian) also request titles to lots granted to them by O'Reilly.

Land Grants 1
66 6/28/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Commissioners agreed to grant title of a lot belonging to the city, to a man named Conso.

Land Grants 1
104 8/14/1772 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Luis Trudeau, a former judge, requests title to a lot granted to him by O’Reilly.

Land Grants 1
105 9/11/1772 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Nicholas Forstall requests title to land granted him by O’Reilly.

Land Grants 1
125 5/28/1773 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Mrs. Francisca de Culauge asks title for two lots made in the form of a concession to her by O’Reilly.

Land Grants 1
237 3/1/1776 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Francisco Caminada asks title on a vacant lot which is the property of the city.

Land Grants 1
261 4/11/1777 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time the Commissioners agreed to grant and did grant to Don Guy Dufossat a lot in Conde Street bounded on one side by the Royal Warehouse and on the other side by a lot granted to Don Pedro Piernas. (See “Roads.) An order was given to issue the corresponding title for his absolute possession, on condition that he pay the taxes due the City Treasury.

Land Grants 2
189 7/11/1783 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time Don Guydo Dufossat solicits payment for the portion of land which was taken from him for the construction of the public warehouse, and requests that the yearly taxes he must pay on this land be reduced. The Commissioners agreed that payment for the land taken from him for the public building should not be taken into consideration because he had not paid the annual taxes as per agreement when the land was granted to him. As the house on the land belongs to His Majesty, it was decided to address an official letter to the Governor so that the Governor may decide whether to sell the house or demolish it; in order that Dufossat may have the fourth portion, and its free use which he solicits.

Land Grants 2
205 12/19/1783 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time an answer was received from the Intendant General, Martin Navarro, regarding the petition of Don Guydo Dufossat, owner of a lot located at the corner of Almacenes Street on which two buildings, the property of His Majesty, were constructed, and on which he (Dufossat) is paying taxes to the City Treasury. The Intendant suggested that the lot belongs to the buildings and not the buildings to the lot, but refused to commit himself to a definite decision. The Commissioners (page 206) decide to inform his Majesty and ask his decision. (See “Warehouses.”)

Land Grants 3 I 91 1/27/1786 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – The Commissioners again take up the matter concerning the ownership of the land situated at the corner of Dumaine and Conde Streets, on which they had asked a decision by the Governor whether to demolish or sell the buildings thereon in order to collect the taxes from Guido Dufosset, to whom the land had been granted. The Governor replied that he had not the right to sell the land nor demolish the buildings. The Commissioners referred to the Act of December 19th, 1782 (above) and agreed to send a copy to the Governor that he might take the necessary action. –(Later the Governor presents an official letter enclosing a Royal Order in which His Majesty decides to keep for his Royal Treasury the lot of ground next to His Royal Warehouses. See Cabildo Book 3, Volume II, page 5).

Land Grants 3 III 22 4/18/1788 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. – The Commissioners refused to grant to Don Luis Miguel Ficher Davigny a piece of ground near the Royal Tobacco Warehouse between the levee and the first line of houses.

Land Grants 4 I 136 7/15/1796 Governor Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Attorney General states that he has had frequent complaints from residents whose lands border the public lands of the city where they are forbidden to cut fire wood. They state that these lands belong to them, which if true the city would have lost all its public lands. He states that no one had authority to grant said lands, and should there be any titles granted by concession before this Province was transferred to Spain, such titles should be null and void; and all lands granted without right should revert back to the public domain. He recommended that a survey be made and those persons dispossessed who are not lawful owners. The Commissioners agreed to ask the Governor to issue the corresponding judicial decree.

Land Grants 4 II 1 7/14/1797 Governor Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Don Francisco Bermudez requested that he be granted three arpents of land “at the edge on the left side of the Carondelet Canal to build an apiary and a laboratory to bleach wax.” (At the next meeting, page 6, the Commissioners petition the King for this grant.) - (Later a Royal Edict is received granting Bermudez “three square arpents of land” – See Cabildo Book 4, Volume III, page 145. It was then found that a cemetery in which non-Catholics were buried would prevent the square measurements called for (page 163). The Attorney General ruled, page 183, that the measurements could be re-arranged in order to grant the necessary ground.

Land Grants 4 II 120 4/3/1798 Governor: Gayoso: Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Royal Ensign (Almonaster) requests certified copies of the deeds through which 10 lots were granted to certain tenants, which lots comprise the front on two sides of the Plaza, and belongs to His Lordship. (See “Orphans.”)

Land Grants 4 III 46 7/19/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time an official letter is received from Don Juan Ventura Morales, Head Accountant of the Army and Royal Treasury and Acting Intendant, enclosing four printed copies in both French and Spanish, of the rules governing the distribution and sales of all kinds of Royal lands. The commissioners forwarded these to the Attorney General for his opinion. (At a later meeting, page 61, the report of the Attorney General is read showing excerpts of various laws covering this matter. (Recorded on pages 62 to 68), and the Commissioners instructed him to take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of the city.)

Land Grants 4 III 89 8/23/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners considering that the City Treasury is short of funds and heavily indebted, decided to petition His Majesty requesting him to grant to the City Treasury the lots of land located at the two extreme ends of the city, and the lots of land granted to certain people by the two former Governors. Carondelet and Gayoso, the old cemetery, the edge of the river in all its frontage, and small parcels of public land. (Also the proceeds of taxes on taverns, billiard halls, refreshment houses, lodging houses and inns which are now established and those to be established in the future.)

Land Grants 4 IV 100 6/19/1801 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners mention the fact that they are under the impression that the lots within the city belong to the city as well as the land on the outskirts of same, over which matter there are proceedings pending in the office of the Intendant. They cite instances wherein the King has permitted construction of a granary on a lot which became vacant after the last fire, between the Fort of St. Louis and the New Street. He also permitted the subdivision and rental of a portion of public lands to defray the expenses of the Lighting Department. (See “Lighting.”)

Subject	Book	Volume	Page	Date	Description
Land Grants	1		44	10/19/1770	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this meeting Don Francisco Sismar de Belislle asked for title to a piece of land granted to him by Don Alejandro O’Reilly.
Land Grants	1		56	2/8/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time the Provincial Judge (Du Vizen) and Don Daniel Fagot requested title to lots which had been granted to them by O’Reilly. Later (page 219) these lots, on Conde Street, were returned to the city.
Land Grants	1		63	5/10/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – The Royal Ensign (De Reggio) and the Chief Constable (Fleurian) also request titles to lots granted to them by O'Reilly.
Land Grants	1		66	6/28/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Commissioners agreed to grant title of a lot belonging to the city, to a man named Conso.
Land Grants	1		104	8/14/1772	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Luis Trudeau, a former judge, requests title to a lot granted to him by O’Reilly.
Land Grants	1		105	9/11/1772	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Nicholas Forstall requests title to land granted him by O’Reilly.
Land Grants	1		125	5/28/1773	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Mrs. Francisca de Culauge asks title for two lots made in the form of a concession to her by O’Reilly.
Land Grants	1		237	3/1/1776	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – Don Francisco Caminada asks title on a vacant lot which is the property of the city.
Land Grants	1		261	4/11/1777	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time the Commissioners agreed to grant and did grant to Don Guy Dufossat a lot in Conde Street bounded on one side by the Royal Warehouse and on the other side by a lot granted to Don Pedro Piernas. (See “Roads.) An order was given to issue the corresponding title for his absolute possession, on condition that he pay the taxes due the City Treasury.
Land Grants	2		189	7/11/1783	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time Don Guydo Dufossat solicits payment for the portion of land which was taken from him for the construction of the public warehouse, and requests that the yearly taxes he must pay on this land be reduced. The Commissioners agreed that payment for the land taken from him for the public building should not be taken into consideration because he had not paid the annual taxes as per agreement when the land was granted to him. As the house on the land belongs to His Majesty, it was decided to address an official letter to the Governor so that the Governor may decide whether to sell the house or demolish it; in order that Dufossat may have the fourth portion, and its free use which he solicits.
Land Grants	2		205	12/19/1783	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time an answer was received from the Intendant General, Martin Navarro, regarding the petition of Don Guydo Dufossat, owner of a lot located at the corner of Almacenes Street on which two buildings, the property of His Majesty, were constructed, and on which he (Dufossat) is paying taxes to the City Treasury. The Intendant suggested that the lot belongs to the buildings and not the buildings to the lot, but refused to commit himself to a definite decision. The Commissioners (page 206) decide to inform his Majesty and ask his decision. (See “Warehouses.”)
Land Grants	3	I	91	1/27/1786	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – The Commissioners again take up the matter concerning the ownership of the land situated at the corner of Dumaine and Conde Streets, on which they had asked a decision by the Governor whether to demolish or sell the buildings thereon in order to collect the taxes from Guido Dufosset, to whom the land had been granted. The Governor replied that he had not the right to sell the land nor demolish the buildings. The Commissioners referred to the Act of December 19th, 1782 (above) and agreed to send a copy to the Governor that he might take the necessary action. –(Later the Governor presents an official letter enclosing a Royal Order in which His Majesty decides to keep for his Royal Treasury the lot of ground next to His Royal Warehouses. See Cabildo Book 3, Volume II, page 5).
Land Grants	3	III	22	4/18/1788	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. – The Commissioners refused to grant to Don Luis Miguel Ficher Davigny a piece of ground near the Royal Tobacco Warehouse between the levee and the first line of houses.
Land Grants	4	I	136	7/15/1796	Governor Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Attorney General states that he has had frequent complaints from residents whose lands border the public lands of the city where they are forbidden to cut fire wood. They state that these lands belong to them, which if true the city would have lost all its public lands. He states that no one had authority to grant said lands, and should there be any titles granted by concession before this Province was transferred to Spain, such titles should be null and void; and all lands granted without right should revert back to the public domain. He recommended that a survey be made and those persons dispossessed who are not lawful owners. The Commissioners agreed to ask the Governor to issue the corresponding judicial decree.
Land Grants	4	II	1	7/14/1797	Governor Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Don Francisco Bermudez requested that he be granted three arpents of land “at the edge on the left side of the Carondelet Canal to build an apiary and a laboratory to bleach wax.” (At the next meeting, page 6, the Commissioners petition the King for this grant.) - (Later a Royal Edict is received granting Bermudez “three square arpents of land” – See Cabildo Book 4, Volume III, page 145. It was then found that a cemetery in which non-Catholics were buried would prevent the square measurements called for (page 163). The Attorney General ruled, page 183, that the measurements could be re-arranged in order to grant the necessary ground.
Land Grants	4	II	120	4/3/1798	Governor: Gayoso: Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Royal Ensign (Almonaster) requests certified copies of the deeds through which 10 lots were granted to certain tenants, which lots comprise the front on two sides of the Plaza, and belongs to His Lordship. (See “Orphans.”)
Land Grants	4	III	46	7/19/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time an official letter is received from Don Juan Ventura Morales, Head Accountant of the Army and Royal Treasury and Acting Intendant, enclosing four printed copies in both French and Spanish, of the rules governing the distribution and sales of all kinds of Royal lands. The commissioners forwarded these to the Attorney General for his opinion. (At a later meeting, page 61, the report of the Attorney General is read showing excerpts of various laws covering this matter. (Recorded on pages 62 to 68), and the Commissioners instructed him to take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of the city.)
Land Grants	4	III	89	8/23/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners considering that the City Treasury is short of funds and heavily indebted, decided to petition His Majesty requesting him to grant to the City Treasury the lots of land located at the two extreme ends of the city, and the lots of land granted to certain people by the two former Governors. Carondelet and Gayoso, the old cemetery, the edge of the river in all its frontage, and small parcels of public land. (Also the proceeds of taxes on taverns, billiard halls, refreshment houses, lodging houses and inns which are now established and those to be established in the future.)
Land Grants	4	IV	100	6/19/1801	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners mention the fact that they are under the impression that the lots within the city belong to the city as well as the land on the outskirts of same, over which matter there are proceedings pending in the office of the Intendant. They cite instances wherein the King has permitted construction of a granary on a lot which became vacant after the last fire, between the Fort of St. Louis and the New Street. He also permitted the subdivision and rental of a portion of public lands to defray the expenses of the Lighting Department. (See “Lighting.”)

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