Mining

An account, with testimony of several people, of a mine accident resulting in the death of a number of miners. The documents, unfortunately, are barely legible in many places because of ink seepage, But, provided they can be deciphered, may be of some interest to historians of mining. It seems that considerable attention is directed to the location and recovery of the bodies of those killed in the accident. (C. Needham) (1975)

Manifests of silver mined, presented before the Alcalde mayor, to insure correct payment of the quinto upon arrival at Durango. A useful record of the amount extracted during this period of time. (C. Needham) (1975)

Despite the title, these formal documents concern authorization from the Alcalde mayor for the despatch of the royal Quinto to Durango. The documents probably served both as orders and as certifications of compliance with the laws concerning the kings share of the metal extracted. Most are addressed to muleteers and owners of transport vehicles. (C. Needham) (1975)

Domingo and Phelipe were elected at open meeting to be reps of town to hire Antonio to present their case before the Guadalajara Audiencia. A request to the crown that royal restrictions of mining and expansion be eased up. Persons- Juan de Aguileta, Alcalde mayor; lic. Antonio Perez Ramero, Vezino, Abogado of Guadalajara; Domingo de Apressa, Vezino of Parral; Phelipe Catalan, Mercador, Vezino of Parral. (R. Davis) (1975)

Alonso de Ontiveros applies for authorization to open a mine-hacienda for silver in San Diego. A citizens group led by Juan Martin Lineros and Guasan Guesrico protest saying the claim includes a spring which the many citizens need for water. They protest to governor Enrique Davila y Pacheco and a hearing is held. In the end Alonso gets to open his mine anyway. (R. Davis) (1975)

Reyes and Eda make claim on mine discovered by Reyes, seconded by Eda. Persons- Juan de Aguileta, Alcalde mayor; capt. Bartolome de los Reyes, Vezino, Miner of Parral; Manuel de Eda, Vezino of Parral. (R. Davis) (1975)

Don Bartolome requests final recognition of his purchase of the mine San Joseph from Don Joseph Barrazas. The lt. Allows a couple months after public notice of sale and after some nondescript testimony finalizes ownership of mine by Bartolome. Persons- Bartolome de las Reyes, Vezino and Miner of San Diego; capt. Alonso Garcia de Cardinas, lt. Of Alcalde mayor; Don Joseph Barrazas. (R. Davis) (1975)

In this rambling document the citizens-hacienda owners are writing to the king via the Audiencia in Guadalajara and also thru the cabildo there that times are tough in Parral area the haciendas have been subject to Indian raids and the Weather is bad, food is needed. This seems to be a response to a routine (?) Visit by Andres and hernanco and they are to carry the ward back. Persons- Juan de Aguileta, Alcalde mayor of San Joseph de Parral; Hernando Enriquez del Calle (catillo?), public Scribe of Guadalajara cabildo; Andres Venegas de Torres, procurador of cabildo of Guadalajara. Vezinos and mineros- Domingo de Apressa Falcon; Phelipe Montano de la Cuerva (order of Santiago); Sebastian Gonzalez de Valdez; Bachillero Diego de Rivera Zapata; Diego de Arballo; alfarez Valerio Cortes; Domingo Lorenco; capt. Juan Leal; capt. Estevan de Icuario. (R. Davis) (1975)

Davila y Pacheco orders all mine owners to follow regulations he issued on construction of mine tunnels, etc., so that the number of accidents and deaths maybe reduced. (T. Barnes) (1975)

Pablo killed Marcos Perez at a mine. Is jailed and confesses to padre* his crime - also includes information that Sebastian aided him. Trial held. They are sentenced to 10 years at prison farm. On 20 of June they are sold at public auction to Diego Mularo for 130 pesos, who is buying for capitan Sebastian Gonzalez de Valdez. (R. Davis) (1975)