Geography

Three chain gangs sent from Guadalaxara to Mexico and costs expected to feed each adult and child; children may be given away for adoption to be educated and christianized; Loredo is in charge of gang that originated in Arispe consisting of escapees and he is to pick up more in Guadalaxara that are destined for Mexico City. expense records are to be kept to justify monies received in Guadalaxara for the real hacienda in Mexico. Loredo receives an escort from Guadalaxara to Mexico City. Receipts of monies spent along the trail are signed by local leaders. expense lists are on ff# 85-86. (E. Wilson, October 1989)

Primarily copies of correspondence between Bonavia, Cordero, Salcedo and virrey regarding defense of Texas border with Louisiana and plans to increase military personnel, artillery, bestias, almacenes, cuarteles, arms, etc. To effectively defend against U.s. land encroachment; included are various letters, to ship military supplies, discussion of local economies and how they will withstand such a population increase (Soldados), discussion of mistakes made by expedition of troops in 1806 and need for better planning and supplies this time, a brief discussion of factories to be established to employ various Indians in region; reference to four packages of gazetas de Nuevo Orleans and fact that communication with Louisiana is prohibited; one letter describes tribes of Indians in region and their way of subsistence (brief but informative); of particular (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Very interesting copies of correspondence between Salcedo and Bonavia regarding defense of land bordering with U.s. And much discussion of U.s. Military potential and mention of some U.s. aggression; at core of correspondence is concern that Spanish military not powerful or well organized enough to defend north provinces against americans; discussion of fidelity of Indians shifting to americans due to corruption by merchants; much discussion of logistics, statistics, hypothetical situations; it is agreed that artilleria volante desperately needed among 154, 158, 160-163. (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Series of letters and diarios regarding Comanche hostilities and border defense in Texas; discussion of border defense requirements include building new cuartel and expenses involved, more arms also needed; diarios of military pursuit of Comanches give accounts of Indians being killed (including one woman), and pursuit and tracking of Indians, made difficult by heavy rains; interesting though jumbled. (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Documents primarily concerning Comanche raids and subsequent military pursuit of Comanches, including detailed accounts of pursuit in letter and diary form; accounts of what exactly Comanches did, I.e. murder, mutilations and Robos; Bustamante is wounded in pursuit of Indians, tracks are lost due to rain; Indian hostility blamed on French and anglos; brief discussion of shortage of arms along borders, and list of supplies suggested; very interesting documents. (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Letters concerning military measurements to be taken in Texas due to american presence in the area, includes petitions for man power, ammunition, guns and all kinds of supplies; recommendations not to shoot americans found in Spanish territory in order to avoid open confrontation with the united states. Translations to Spanish of letters asking Spanish support of an american geographical expedition to Colorado and Mississippi rivers, at same time recommendations to Spanish officials to do anything to delay the expeditions, including sending spies into expedition to learn 'real' purpose of it. (T. Kahana, March 1990)

Rivera y Moncada directs his petition for payment to the comandant general of the Provincias Internas. His accounts for rations, salaries, logistical and geographical problems of expedition to California, relations with Indians along route and information on recruits from Sinaloa. Viceroy orders past salary due Rivera to be given to heirs. Lengthy discussions between various treasury officials regarding exact amount due; final decision made by viceroy based on prior reglamentos. Long discussion on 800 pesos paid in Loreto, returned to Alamos. In 1783, Rivera's wife and Brother write Croix for special action to expedite payment to them by resolving questions of his salary and Monte Pio militar. (J. M. Johnson, September 1988)

Loyola submits Cordero's diary of expedition against Indians. Diary includes table listing places visited; days and months spent at each; and numbers of Indians killed and taken captive at each. Cordero includes letter to Loyola telling what a good job certain individuals did in campaign. Virrey responds, granting Cordero grade of teniente Coronel. (D. Marksz, November 1987)

Discussion and copy of diary of Carrasco's campaign. Extensive use made of Indian auxiliaries. Documents include list of recaptured livestock identified by brands and colors. (D. Marksz, November 1987)