Legal

Contains testimony from both accusers and the Indian Charged with stealing mules in the roads of the real. Probably of little interest except to researchers interested in legal proceedings in criminal Cases. (C. Needham) (1975)

The title of this document is somewhat misleading since the inquiry is not directed towards an investigation of the circumstances of death of Pedro Aracaval, a muleteer, was killed during an uprising of the Tarahumara Indians on June 14 of the preceeding year. He left Ten mules as an estate which are the subject of a dispute between a self-proclaimed creditor, a free mulato named salavador de Barrio Nuebo and the civil authorities. (C. Needham) (1975)

The title of this collection is very misleading. The documents actually concern a case involving a mulato slave who is Charged with intimidating his master with two swords. The slave argues through his defender that his purpose in holding the weapons was completely innocent; nevertheless, he is convicted to suffer public humiliation and two hundred lashes administered by an Indian named Mateo. One can speculate whether he would have survived the ordeal; but actually he was rescued by a priest during the course of the punishment and given refuge in the church. (C. Needham) (1975)

Despite the title, this is not a case of robbery; rather, the case concerns a mulato (not a mestizo) who has been jailed as an escaped slave. The mulato, Antonio de Salazar, insists that he is of a free status and that, moreover, there are those in the city who can testify to such. He demands release from jail. (C. Needham) (1975)

Beginning in August 11, 1648 Fernando requests of the justicia Juan Fernandez del Carrion, that he order Juan de Berdego to return a ^Casa^ and ^mesa de trucos^ to him, Juan presents his story in the next documents saying Fernando promised to pay so much for the Casa and billards table (or pool hall?) but never did so Juan is simply re-possessing his goods. The justicia finds in Juan's favor. Fernando is angry and writes to the king requesting an overturn of the justicia's decision but it comes to nothing. In the movement of events here Juan Dies, there is a copy of his testimonio and his widow Isabela actually sees the case to the end. Persons- licensio Fernando de Bastillo (Bustillo?) of Parral; Juan de Berdego (verdiguer?), Vezino of Parral; Isabela de Samona, Juan's wife. (R. Davis) (1975)

A long, wordy request for judicial assistance in the collecting of money owed to the petitioner. The document may contain some useful information regarding capital expenditures typical for the area and time. (C. Needham) (1975)

Don Luis deniso y Valdez, Minero of Parral is in debted to capt. Domingo de la Barra Cevallos, Vezino of Parral for 272 pesos and the capitan threatens to have Luis jailed if debt isn't paid. Justicia orders it to be paid. And it is. (R. Davis) (1975)

Gov. Diego appoints capt. Juan capt-general over the minas y provincias of Santa Barbara, Todos Santos, Valle de San Bartolome, San Geronimo and over the Conchos indios. (R. Davis) (1975)

These documents may be considered as part of the complicated affair of capitan Baltasar de Ontiberos. The charge, filed by a merchant, involves an old debt of the unfortunate capitan, a charge of violent seisure of a Bar of silver, poor administration of justice - and ultimately the residencia. Testimony provided by witnesses on both sides of the case. (C. Needham) (1975)

An interesting document which contains testimony from witnesses who, while standing at the Door of their house, overheard conversations between two Indians concerning the uprising nearby of Indians. When, for example, the Indian Antonio was told that capitan Juan de los Reyes had been dispatched to provide help in the difficult situation, he replied, in a sarcastic manner (como burla) pobre Reyes. other remarks were made and the suspicion lingers that Antonio may also have provided material support to the rebels. (C. Needham) (1975)