Legal

A sworn testament by the deceased giving very detailed instructions as to disposition of his estate. The document also includes a petition by an applicant seeking official recognition of his responsibility as guardian of the children of the deceased. Numerous documents follow which pertain to what must have been a very complicated settlement of the estate. (C. Needham) (1975)

This document concerns the efforts of Phelipe Catalan, who for motives of caridad is attempting to purchase the liberty - at properly accessed prices - of a six-month old Mulata slave. The author charges that the present Owner is delaying the release until the child reaches a more Mature age, and the price reaches a higher level. Testimony of clerical officials is also included. (C. Needham) (1975)

Documents which contain declarations of silver mined, affirmations that the quinto has been paid and requests for renewal of licences to continue mining. (C. Needham) (1975)

A petition on the part of several priests for past salaries. The document contains supporting testimony by civil and military authorities regarding the work of the curas in the area. Information may be derived concerning the amount of salaries, as well as relations between the religious authorities, the civil authorities, the Audiencia and the Spanish crown. (C. Needham) (1975)

Capitan Baltasar de Ontiberos is permanently suspended from office in Nueva Viscaya. (C. Needham) (1975)

A long, wordy, repetitious - and bitterly contested - estate settlement which contains considerable information regarding legal procedures, imprisonment for debt, slavery, social relations, etc. The highly complicated settlement involves officials of the province, the Audiencia, and even appeals to the king. Account books provide insight into economic, commercial, practices. Testimony is included from a large number of people interested in the case - family, debtors, creditors, and govt. Officials. (C. Needham) (1975)

This document provides some insight into the conflicts of authority between civil and military officials of the frontier. The case concerns a capitan who has the responsibility of providing security for the roads and who has been imprisoned in the jail by the local alguacil mayor, allegedly for causing disturbances and displaying a lack of respect for the civil authorities, namely the alguacil himself. Eventually, governor Valdez must decide the case. (C. Needham) (1975)

An interesting case which provides some insight into cross-cultural attitudes toward marital relations. The case concerns the murder of one Indian by another, the quarrel revolving around a woman. Testimony is provided through interpreters; the sentence was death by hanging; and records of the execution order (in the public Plaza) are included. (C. Needham) (1975)

Possibly an important document in which the author provides many reasons why a repartimiento of Indians to work in the mines would benefit both the area under consideration and the real. Information is provided regarding relations with Indians and a list of Indians residing in several visitas is included in the request. (C. Needham) (1975)

A petition on the part of a meat Contractor detailing his services in past years and requesting exclusive rights to supply mutton to the pueblos and missions of the real. (C. Needham) (1975)