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1762-The Second Regiment of Catalonian Volunteers is raised in the city of Barcelona in preparation for the Invasion of Portugal during the closing phase of the Seven Years War (1756-1763). The regiment is composed of fusilers or light infantryman. Traditionally the Spanish army raised light infantry from the kingdoms of Aragon and Catalonia.
April 1767- A detachment of 90 privates, 4 corporals, 2 drummers, 4 sergeants, 2 sub-lieutenants, Lieutenant Pedro Fages and Captain Agustin Callis, designated la Compañia Franca del Voluntarios de Cataluña (the Free Company of Catalonian Volunteers), are recruited for service in America. Originally intended as garrison troops for Havana, the company is instead detailed to serve in Mexico. The company maintains the uniform colors, arms and equipments of its parent unit, the Second Regiment.
May 27, 1767- The company embarks from Cadiz.
August 1767- The company arrives at the port of Veracruz. One month later they reach Mexico City.
November 12, 1776- Viceroy Bucareli transfers Second Company to the Interior Provinces under the authority of Commandant General Teodoro de Croix.
December 24(?)-February 7, 1777- Captain Fages marches the Second Company from Guadalajara to Alamos, Sonora. Their route of march is from Guadalajara, Tepic, Rosario, Mazatlan, Culiacan, Villa de Sinaloa, El Fuerte, Alamos. The march covers 211 leagues (almost 600 miles) over 46 days, the company averaging 5 to 6 leagues a day.
April 22, 1778- Company arrives at El Pitic, and is equipped with horses, saddles, mules, food and other supplies.
Summer/Fall 1778- At the request of Juan Bautista de Anza, Second Company is sent to garrison the hard pressed presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate.
1779- Near Terrenate 5 Volunteers and 2 presidials attacked by estimated 300 Apaches. Soldiers take refuge in an abandoned house, and return fire, each man expending over 70 rounds. Apaches retire with 3 dead an many wounded. 2 Volunteers wounded.
1779- At the mission of Cocospera, a detachment of 10 Volunteers attacked by 150 Apaches. 4 Apaches killed, remainder driven off.
December 1780- Fages sent to Mexico City for recruits and supplies. Company at half strength due to deaths, desertions and retirements. 1781- Company again stationed at El Pitic.
March 1781- Sent to deal with the Seris, who are again in rebellion.
September-October 1781- Fages and 50 volunteers and 70 presidials sent to the Colorado River on the first Punitive expedition against the Quechan Indians after the "Yuma Massacre" of July 1781. 63 Spanish captives rescued, and the remains of Father Francisco Garcés and three other slain missionaries recovered. Some 25 Quechans killed in various skirmishes.
November - December 1781- Second Punitive expedition against the Quechans. On December 7, some 1500 Quechans assault the Spanish camp. After a two hour battle they are driven off. Although the Spaniards inflict many casualties on the Quechans, they fail to subdue the tribe. The Catalonian Volunteers return to Pitic.
February - April 1782- Fages with 10 volunteers and 12 presidials travel via the Yuma Crossing to San Gabriel in Alta California.
August - October 1782- Fages and his men participate in Third Punitive Expedition against the Quechan. Several skirmishes are fought, but no decisive results achieved. In September Fages is appointed Governor of Alta California. Small detachment of Volunteers probably returns to Pitic, after the expedition ends. The Yuma Crossing is closed to Spain forever.
June 24 - June 30, 1783- Mixed force of Catalonian Volunteers and presidials from Tucson and Santa Cruz led by Captain Allande of Tucson campaigns against Apaches.
December 1783- Catalonian Volunteers sent to presidios of Buenavista and Pitic from Fronteras where they had been acting against the Apache. This in response to a Seri Revolt.
March 1785- Review of the forces in Sonora shows the Second Company of Catalonian Volunteers at a strength of 62 men with the captaincy vacant.
1789- Second Company stationed in the Villa de Chihuahua, campaigning against Apaches in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.
c.1803- Second Company transferred to central Mexico, at the fortress of El Perote.
1808-1815- Second Company fights for the Royalists in several engagements in the Mexican War of Independence. The company is eventually absorbed into larger units and ceases to exist as an independent command.
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