Exploration

Series of letters describing establishment of presidios arrival of the English and Indian activities in Texas province 1772-1773 to fray Julian Arriaga and Antonio Bucareli. Page 4- discusses sending of gifts to help restore peace between Apaches, Texas and Vidays Indians. Page 8- viceroy advises having informed governor of Texas against giving arms to Indians in Natchitoches presidio. Page 12- viceroy informs uncertainty of English presence in bay of San Bernardo. Page 15- discusses need for presidio in San Sabas area and trade relationships between Indians French and English. Page 24- report of present peace with norteno and Apache Indians. Page 25- discusses disadvantages to English presence near Bahia del Espiritu Santo presidio. Page 27- report on expedition to Orocquisac area to determine extent of English presence in area. Page 34- letter informs sending of report concerning entrance of missionaries from San Xavier del Bac towards Colorado River giving brief summary of content. Includes description of conditions in Tucson, Gila River and San Xavier area. (J. Erbe) (1978)

Fr. Crespi informs Galvez of his appointment by Serra to accompany Gomez in his search for the puerto de Monte rey. Speaks of the Pueblo de la Canal and its inhabitants, including mention of technology and social organization. This is the expedition in which the group reaches but not recognizes its destination, Monte Rey, but arrives at San Francisco instead. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Juan Nentuig's description of Sonora. Published in several locations. (R. Mendoza) (1979)

Concerns legal matters of California mission lands. (R. Mendoza) (1979)

Escandon writes to the virrey asking that he be retained in his position and tries to discount certain bad rumors about him. Confirmation of his request is given in the margins. (M. Bowman) (1978)

Escandon writes to Mexico of his intention to establish the hacienda de San Juan for the purpose of dominating the Indians of the region. (M. Bowman) (1978)

Comments at length on Indian disturbances in the area, at times exhibiting a strong anti-Indian sentiment. Is basically a retelling of Escandon's previous consultas. (M. Bowman) (1978)

A long and often rambling summary report by the auditor de guerra the marques de Altamira. Evidently in part a response to a request from the Jesuit vice provincial for increased military action against the Apaches and comment on the Jesuit's recommendations, the auditor outlines the status of the various presidios and includes a brief history of various Indian, uprisings, comments on the various political problems centering governors Huidobro and Vildosola and makes recommendations concerning crown policy toward presidios, missions, Indians etc. (D. Deeds) (1977)

An extremely important letter from the Jesuit Father provincial de Oviedo to viceroy and auditor de guerra marques de Altamira in which he presents an analysis of the Indian problems in the north- particularly the Apache incursions and outlines a grand strategy for expansion and founding of a new presidio in the Gila, Colorado River area. Additional comments are made concerning difficulties of military logistics, Apache tactics, etc. And ends with comments on the civilian politics of the provinces and recommends that a visitador be sent to clear up divisions and reorganize the administration. (D. Deeds) (1977)

A day by day account of padre Sedelmayr's 21 day trip to the Gila River in 1743. Describes the geography, agriculture and appearance of the Pimas and comaricopa. (D. Deeds) (1976)