Legal

Document in which bishop of Nueva Vizcaya asserts the right to examine and approve all missionaries entering to work in his jurisdiction. If so approved Jesuits would then be authorized to provide all sacraments to mission Indians. but had to submit to episcopal visitation. The bishop carried out such a visit to many of the Sonora missions in may and June of 1679. And reports on his reception and other issues in expediente number 21. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Long, repetitive testimonies concerning a complaint filed by fray Juan to secure transference of the Sumas of Carretas (administered by Jesuits) to Casas Grandes (administered by Franciscans) due to the harsh living conditions at Carretas. The Sumas didn't want to so they fled to the mountains. Partly motivated by their ties to the Indians of Babispe (estaban enparentados). Contains good info on Suma agriculture techniques supplemented by gathering; also inter-Pueblo social ties. (R. Perez) (1976)

Case brought before the Audiencia by protector of Indians in Sinaloa Francisco Luque charging that in many Cases the military authorities and missionaries were exploiting the Indians by taking their crops and not paying them for their services. Rebutted by padre Daniel Marras of Matape court ordered publication of testimony in all parts of Nueva Vizcaya and orders that such abuses end. Affadavits that the orders were published. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Good inventory with prices. (R. Perez) (1976)

Several documents of a case which went to the Audiencia of Guadalajara involving a general conflict between the Jesuits of Matape and San Francisco Borja and the Spanish interests around the real mine of San Miguel, Sonora area. The Spanish groups spokesman made a long list of charges against the Jesuits mostly centering around their alleged exploitation of the Indians and their commerce of products from their hacienda. Activities which supposedly detracted from the orderly development of this mining area. Court evidently held in favor of Jesuits. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Fragments of 2 letters concerning business affairs and alleged improprieties at Matape colegio. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Legal decisions regarding the conduct of civil officers. (R. Perez) (1976)

A complete account of all the earnings and expenditures of the missions located in the provinces and regions listed in category 281 of this entry. (R. Perez) (1977)

A very clear and comprehensive account by a Jesuit missionary in the Parras area who turned over his mission to the secular clergy. He recounts how the change affected the Indians, quarrels with the bishop, inadequacies of the clergy etc. In a second letter a month later the padre recounts a conflict over the water supply and that all the Indians left for other places save the infirm, leaving the agriculture in decline. (D. Deeds) (1977)

The new Cura wants to move the population of Santiago to el Pozo. The Indians objected, and left Santiago for either the woods, Mapimi, or Cuencame*) (1976)