Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo
| Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo | |
|---|---|
| 15ºGovernor of the Spanish Colony of Texas | |
|
In office 1736–1737 |
|
| Preceded by | Manuel de Sandoval |
| Succeeded by | Prudencio de Orobio y Basterra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1691 Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain |
| Died | Unknown Mexico or Spain |
| Spouse(s) | Ángela de Alarcón y Ocaña |
| Profession | Political |
Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo, (1691–?) was a Spanish governor of Texas between 1736 and 1737. Despite being sent to Texas to collaborate with Manuel de Sandoval in the administration of that province, he instead filed criminal charges against Sandoval and sent him to prison. He then reduced the number of guards watching the missions from three to one per mission. Ultimately, his economic mismanagement of Texas led the province to near bankruptcy. He implemented the first "dula" for the distribution of river waters and granted lands to retired soldiers and military widows. He was arrested and accused of arrogant behavior. After he stepped down as governor in September 1737, he was found not guilty in his trial and became an officer of the garrison of Veracruz, Mexico.
Franquis was born in La Orotava, Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) in 1691. When he was young, he moved to Havana, Cuba, where he married Ángela de Alarcón y Ocaña. In 1736, Philip V appointed him governor of the province of Tlaxcala, Mexico. However, when Franquis arrived in Mexico, he learned that the office of governor of Tlaxcala was not yet vacant, as it was still being held by his predecessor. Because Franquis could not take office, the Viceroy, Archbishop Vizarrón, appointed him governor ad interim of Texas to collaborate with Manuel de Sandoval to improve the administration in that province.
On September 26, 1736, Franquis came to San Antonio. He refused to show his Spanish credentials. From the beginning, he rejected the civil and religious authorities in the area. In 1737, Franquis deposed Sandoval of his charge, filing criminal charges against him. Accused of seven counts of official misconduct, Sandoval was later sent to Prison. In doing so, Franquis replaced Sandoval in the government of Texas.
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