Architecture

Construction of cathedral, Hospital, and convent for monjas Capuchinas in Monterrey halted. Discussion of damages, injuries, grievances resulting from the construction which was overseen by Llanos y Valdes (bishop) and built by Crouxet. Bishop accused of ignoring economics and considering only asthetics in the construction. Problems were caused by the bishop wanting to move the episcopal seat to Saltillo. Herrera mentioned there had been discussion in Monterrey of whether the bishop had the right to make such decisions independently. Mention made of Crouxet's earnings on the project on ff.158. Ff.164 includes gastos de fabrica espiritual. (S. Langmack, April 1990)

In 1793, bishop wrote a Monterrey Official, Garcia, requesting land for the construction of a new cathedral, offices, seminary, and palacio episcopal on the outskirts on Monterrey. In 1798, Herrera inserted this and another document into this volume, #196, as part of the investigation into why the bishop subsequently had halted that construction (permission had been granted). A third letter on October 1, 1793 from the bishop to Garcia refers to the construction of a convent for monjas Capuchinas. Ff. 149 is a map of Monterrey. (S. Langmack, April 1990)

Map or diagram of Monterrey with notations indicating the locations of significant buildings, Plazas, and other landmarks; drawn by architect, Juan Crouset. Includes notation of ojo de agua for the city. (S. Langmack, April 1990)

Two informes written by the architect, Crouset, containing dimensions and descriptions of the partially constructed Hospital and cathedral in Monterrey. Construction had been halted by bishop (probably Llanos y Valdez). (S. Langmack April 1990)

This Series of documents contains interrogatories of Crouset and his responses to the halting of the construction been enough money for materials, workers, etc. Ff. 121 & 122 contain biographical information on Vedia y Pinto, Bengochea and Crouset. (S. Langmack, April 1990)

Scandal caused by bishop's decision to halt the construction of cathedral and Hospital in Monterrey. Apparently, the diocesis Yglesia Parroquial esta sirviendo de Catedral. construction materials were sent elsewhere. Herrera (governor) wrote complaining about the halted construction. When bishop wrote Azanza, he came to his own defense, noting that he himself had some experience with construction; he mentioned traveling from Guatemala to Nicaragua and never seeing an yglesia de boveda con Coro de Madera. Canales wrote that many people greatly suffered because of the bishop's practices, although he wasn't specific how. Bishop accused of halting the construction of the cathedral and Hospital on a pretext; he didn't indicate what the pretext was or what it was a pretext for. (S. Langmack March 1990)

Letter to Azanza concerning performance of bishop (apparently Llanos de Valdes) in Monterrey. Bishop wanted to move the seat of the dioces to Saltillo. author (Herrera) considered this a bad idea and stated he didn't understand why to Saltillo considering it was at the farthest edge of the Obispado. Others preferred other places such as the Valley of Santa Rosa. This desire to move the seat caused a lot of conflict. author contends that halting the construction was only a pretext on the part of the bishop, although he never clearly says what it was a pretext for or what the bishop's stated pretext was. author contended that the bishop's real reason for stopping the construction was that he wanted to move the seat of the diocese to Saltillo. author said that the bishop halted the construction and then bought houses and other property with the money intended to finance construction. The absence of a Hospital, in addition to the retiring of a doctor, made life especially difficult for the poor and the ill served by them. Also reference to viruelas in the city. author refers to the obligation of public officials to inspect (visitar) hospitals, which he implies hasn't been done. author lists Obispado, inspecting only the area immediately surrounding Monterrey; he hadn't delivered sacraments, so many were dying without having received them. (S. Langmack, March 1990)

Description of measurements of the new cathedral and the advances made in the construction. Description of the construction of the convento de capuchinas in Monterrey. An accounting of the costs in the construction. The relacion contains the names of 40 workers. The date of the relacion is December 1, 1796; Obispo of Nuevo Reyno de Leon writes to virrey describing the progress of the construction of the cathedral. Letter from the ayuntamiento of Monterrey for virrey requesting him to tell the Obispo to moderate his impulsive behaviors, because he is making a lot of trouble with frequent excommunications. (D. Bautista, February 1990)

Documents contain information resulting in formal establishment of Guemes. Describes well drilling and associated difficulties at various levels. Escandon and others conduct review of people, land, Indians, crops, rivers, timber. Contains complete lists of families and Escuadra including names, ages and property owned. Describes planting of crops. Abundant Mesquite and Nogales. Reports from others telling Escandon that more people coming to Guemes. He must allocate more corn and tools. Escandon says must plant wetter lands in sta. Anna because of difficulties in well construction. Also says have taken so much Cascara of Sabinos that have left them dry and dying. Practice will punished, must use palms for roofs. Instructions for Ciprian to direct residents and congregate residents. Escandon names location for mission. Includes city plan. (M. Dannemiller, April 1989)

Concerns autos and information regarding the establishment of Santander. Discusses distances from Santander to many other towns in Vicinity. Description of Villa and surrounding lands. says need review to determine if population, Indian groups and maiz supplies are increasing or decreasing. Contains complete list of families, Escuadra and all property in town and explains residents' obligation to remain in Santander. List of provisions given to settlers, Indians and military. Santander has hope for large population. experiencing problem with Indian raids but area prospering and developing well. Contains map of town and plans for further construction. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)