History

Serra tells of his arrival at San Diego, the causes of delay in his arrival, and the land and Indians encountered on the way. Describes the subsistence practices of the coast Indians, although very briefly. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Geographic description of the province of Sinaloa, history of missionary efforts; censuses (given by River- Sinaloa, Fuerte, Mayo, Yaqui) listing missions and visitas, giving number of families and number of individuals for each. Notes that Yaqui is the Principal language of the province, but each River region has different dialects. The texts of 'oratio dominica', 'oratio angelica' and 'symbolum' appear in latin and Yaqui. (R. Perez) (1977)

Folders 1 and 2 contain English translation of triunfas (not precised here.) Folder 1 also contains historia de Cinaloa, which summarizes religious and military activity from 1591 to 1620. Includes much ethnographic data, population statistics, geographic description. (R. Perez) (1977)

Contents- part 1- the expulsion from Sonora and Sinaloa, with various notes on temporal matters, civil government, politics (especially in California). A brief relacion by a Sonoran missionary outlining the Principal events. Part 2- expulsion of the missionaries of the Tarahumara nation. Relacion on the Apaches and efforts made against these and other enemy Indians. Jesuit successes in the new world. (R. Perez) (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)

An informe to the viceroy on what needs to be done to send troops to Alta California. The authors recommend reinforcing only San Francisco, Monterrey, and San Diego. The major obstacle will be the lack of ships available in San Blas. (G. Miller) (1977)

This informe outlines the reasons for and steps that should be initiated to fortify the Alta California coast in response to expected encroachments from the russians and British. Three general proposals are at the heart of the letter, beef up defenses at San Diego, Monterrey and San Francisco; encourage, immigration; and have Monterrey the initial stop for the Manila trade rather than Acapulco. (G. Miller) (1977)

A diary of an exploratory expedition from Santa Maria to Monterrey by land. none of the numerous Indians encountered along the way are identified, but are nevertheless described. (G. Miller) (1977)

A general description of the Baja California peninsula, with little detail or significance. (G. Miller) (1977)