Geography

Due to arrival of Pineda, Tienda unable to complete reduccion of Seris, and to visit presidios as planned. He is preparing a relacion geografica of Sonora and other documents which will be present to viceroy upon arrival. (J. Tapia, April, 1988).

Tienda infoms delay of campaign against Indian due to epidemic; however, he was able to get soldiers from different presidios to start campaign against Seris and Pimas. Indian guide reports warring Indians located in Cerro Prieto and Trinidad. Soldiers sent out to combat Indians. Few Seris were killed, women and children taken hostages, and some horses were recovered. (J. Tapia, April, 1988).

Tienda reports several Apache raids; Apaches kill people, take captives, and steal cattle near fronteras; soldiers kill some Indians and recover cattle. Apaches kill people and take horses near Terrenate. Soldiers encounter and fight Apaches along Jilla River. Troops of fronteras and Terrenate have been reinforced, and several soldier groups search for Apaches. In a fight near Chirriones soldiers recover an Opata and a Yaqui Indian taken captives by Apaches. Vildosola states Apaches seek peace and want to exchange prisoners with soldiers. Apaches state they want to be good and will behave; they want prisioner exchange to take place away from presidio for fear of being captured. Vildosola agrees hoping that Apaches would settle in reducciones. other documents on various raids conducted by Pimas and Seris. Pimas attack Soyapa killing people, taking cattle, and later hide in Cerro Prieto. Seris and Pimas kill people, take captives and cattle in Cumuripa. Soldiers attack them near Cerro Prieto killing some Indians and recovering cattle. Due to these raids, Tienda plans new campaigns against different Indian groups. (J. Tapia, April, 1988)

Account by Ortega on state missionary activity in Nayarit complains of continuing rampant idolatry among Indians. Suggests more vigorous campaign for destruction of idols and corresponding increase in number of soldiers to deal with Indian uprising that will probably follow. Also suggests action against Indian Juan Santos for being known throughout province as yhuari, or king of the Nayarit. Rivera counters that troop increase is not necessary, given past experience with destruction of Nayarit adolatorios. Accounts of type of offerings made to idols as well as nature of idols. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Concern moving of population of Santa Gertudis to Erastzata because of extremely cold climate. Includes short references to Indian Christian religious practices and Indian dress. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Detailed descriptions of Nayarit and native inhabitants, with especially rich account by covarribias (ff. 66-69). Includes accounts of phonetics and grammatical structure of Indian language, Indian diet, general nature of Indians, and problems facing their conversion to christianity. Also describes geography, climate, fruits and vegetation, and wildlife (especially problems with vampire bats) of Nayarit. Concludes with Series of pleas to viceroy for payment of reparations for damage caused to Indian lands and life by conquest and governorship of Flores de San Pedro. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Series of documents concerning retirements of military officials. Request of military weaponry for presidios (list includes ammunition, cannons, shotguns, birolas, Espadas...). Approval for a chaplain for Terrenate. Diaries sent to viceroy on expedition to Rio Colorado and Gila; new Indians are found; prisoners are taken; tobacco is requested to deter soldiers from desertion. Viceroy recommends treating Indians well. (M. Marroquin. September, 1988)

Documents concerning transfer of responsibilities of presidio of Terenate to Vildosola. Marriage license requested to wed Vildosola's daughter to military official. Expedition and discovery trip to Monterrey and authorization of more military personnel is sought. Expedition through Rio Colorado and Gila with emphasis on surveying Indian population, routes, rivers and other geographic characteristics; orders to keep diaries is given by the viceroy. Vildosola asks permission to go to Mexico due to health problems. (M. Marroquin. September, 1988)

Concerns military activity in Sonora, mostly involving Altar; including; campaigns and raids by rebel Indians and Apaches; negotiations; military support for Cieneguilla; missionary instruction; detachment at Santa Ana; naming of Crespo as governor; naming of O'Conor as military commander; inspection at Altar; Anza's campaigns and mission to Terrenate; Gila Pima's victory over Apaches; Tiburones request for peace and settlement near Pitic; creation of Chihuahua city reserve by O'Conor; missionary death at Carrizal; attack at Saric; campaigns of Galvez; reflections on strategic problems; death of Sastre and Father Gil; trial of Gil's murderer; problems of Vildosola at Terrenate; effect of new regulation (1772). These documents include an interesting diary and related Padron of Indians surrendering under jubirilirci, that include much info on social organization, language, motivation for surrender, and methods used by the Spanish to negotiate with Indians. (J. Williams, September 1987)

Concerns events related to Elizondo's expedition; participation of the catalonian volunteers; their assignments in California; fighting at Cerro Prieto; supplying troops for assignments; troop movements and relocations to area around San Blas; most of documents relate to relocation of combined force of members of the catalonian volunteers and the regiment of America, who were ordered southward to a garrison near Tepic; the collection includes many interesting details about their sea voyage and March; including notes on misfortunes caused by storms; food; and inflated prices. It illustrates the significant problems of troop movement between central New Spain and frontier. (J. Williams, September 1987)