The Royal Decree of Carlos III, King of Spain (r. 1759–1788), informing all subjects and authorizing all vassals "to seek amends by way of reprisals and to commence hostilities, on land and by sea, against the subjects, ships and estates of His British Majesty, treating them as my true enemies ..."

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This decisive declaration of war set the course for the eventual support of rebellious English colonies in the Americas by Spain.  The support came in the form of money collected as a one-time voluntary donativo ("donation") made by Spanish citizens capable of giving two pesos and by Indian citizens of the Spanish realms in the Americas to give one peso.

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In March 1784, it was officially acknowledged that a total of 3,677 pesos were collected from the citizens of New Mexico. Of this total, 247 pesos were collected from the soldiers of the Santa Fe Presidio. Currently, the DAR recognizes 122 soldiers of the presidio. At the time the donativo was collected, the presidio consisted of six officers, including Governor don Juan Bautista de Anza, and two troops, including the "Tropa de Cuero--Leather Jacket Troop".  In addition, the presidio had a chaplain, an armorer and a drummer. Also included & recognized by the DAR are 12 regional alcalde mayores (city mayors).