Agriculture

Orobio y Basterra's informe concerning his expedition to territory of Horcoquiza Indians in order to survey area, choose best sites for missions, etc. Notes lay of land, agricultural possibilities, best areas for irrigation. Learns that year or so before, some Englishmen had landed at Bahia de San Fernando asking for firewood. explores Bahia de San Fernando-Rio Trinidad area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Appears to be identical but incomplete copy of Altamira's lengthy description of Texas- its history, state of presidios, French-Spanish relations, etc. Precised already from Nacogdoches archives- See DRSW serial 4685. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Detailed description of geography of Texas (and north America in general, from Canada to isthmus of Panama) and its history including- discussion of French colonies, French-Indian relations; location/number of troops of Texas presidios; brief description Texas found, Flora; first explorers; Frenchmen in Texas; Spanish responses to French, military activities, including founding of missions, presidios; fertility of land and possibilities of trade with Vera Cruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo; quality of presidial soldiers; French-Spanish relations. See also DRSW serial 4633. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns conditions of San Antonio presidio, surrounding missions, including- controversy between Franciscans and capitan Flores; Apache raids, campaigns, peace negotiations; investigations of murder of Antonio Gonzalez (Correo) by Indians; construction of acequia to irrigate mission orchards, fields of cotton maiz; mission Indian weaving industry of cotton, wool; murder of capitan Ramon by Indians in Espiritu Santo area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

In letter of 10/21/1723, capitan Flores describes Apache raid on San Antonio horseherd and his successful pursuit of raiders onto the plains, in which 34 Indians killed, many horses recovered. Notes goods possessed by Apaches. Asks Apache prisoner why the Indians attacked his horseherd and Apache replies that they trade (tienen Cambalaches) horses with Spaniards to north. Prisoner also states that raiding party composed of 5 capitanes with 12 men each. Concerning foodstuffs carried by Apaches, prisoner says that they raise maize themselves, get beans from Spaniards. Flores decides to sue for peace, so he sends prisoner (woman) back to her people with promise that 19 Apache prisoners at San Antonio will be freed if peace prevails. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Review of colonization, missionization of Provincia de Texas from time of Alonso de Leon to 1716. Texas, Caodaches Indians described as mas politica in province, sowing many crops. Population of area estimated to be un million. Indian groups between Coahuila and the land of Texas Indians listed (See 201). Texas Indians belief in afterlife briefly described. Missionaries claimes that early soldiers set bad example for Texas Indians, mistreating them and stealing their women. Franciscan missionary efforts delineated. Texas disatisfaction with Spaniards, abandonment of missions in 1693 noted. French trade with Indians mentioned. Texas Indians had 11 pueblos, chocta (choctaw) Indians outside of Movila had 32, Nache Indians had 11. Flora, fauna, agriculture of eastern Texas described, where Indians caultibando la tierra con las quixadas de los benados. Indians live in wooden houses, sleep on raised beds and farm en Comun. Indian enemies of Texas- Apaches, Yojuanes, Cubipanes, Canas- noted. Absence of pulgue, otras bebidas, but presnece of Peyote among Texas Indians mentioned. Province continually described as very fertile. Indian use of wild fruits, walnuts, acorns noted. Lead mines near Texas Indians mentioned. Force of 60 soldiers needed for conquest, colonization of Texas, to be gathered from other presidios of Nueva Vizcaya. Apparently, fiscal doesn't think much of idea. Excellent summary of early Texas history, including Leon, Ramon entradas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Documents concerning Ramon's entrada into Provincia de Texas to establish missions among Texas Indians. Included are both Ramon's diario and Franciscans' diario of expedition. Indians groups, agricultural products, geography, Flora, fauna of province noted. Numerous buffalo hunts mentioned. Ramon and Franciscans also both write informes to virrey concerning reasons for establishment of missions. Indian enemies as well as allies of Texas Indians mentioned. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Larios petitions for rations for remaining 5 Guachichile Indians. Rest of group died in smallpox epidemic. Authorities point out shortages of food supplies. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Description of El Paso by an unnamed citizen. Gives location via coordinants and landmarks. Lists missions and Indians (Mansos now extinct; Indians and Spanish mixed in their habitation). Detailed description of irrigation. Very detailed description of agriculture (including types and quality of crops). Population statistics. Commerce. Exchange Rate (silver to pesos). Scarcity of Ganado mayor and mayor; abundance of fish (described in detail). Lists diesmos. (R. Perez) (1977)