Missions

The only account pertinent to the geographic area of DRSW is entitled mission and journey to the Tepehuanes. it includes a wealth of ethnographic data- clothing, food, architecture, marriage customs (pre-hispanic), religious beliefs, agriculture, and inter-tribal relations. Also information on a monolithic idol (vuamari, a pillar topped with a likeness of a human Head.) Gives number of baptisms for 1607. Discusses severe epidemic. (R. Perez) (1977)

Notes Mayos participation campaign against rebel Tehuecos, plans fr. Pedro Mendez to begin missionary work among them. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

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)

Serra reports on the return of the frigate San-Tiago from her explorations. Crespi and Pena were apparently on board, and their diaries are reported with parts enclosed (although they are not included in the correspondence file). The interesting part of the description is a statement upon the dance and dress of some of the inhabitants encountered. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Auditor marques de Altamira (pp.107-114) states Spaniards must protect 3 missions along Rio San Xavier in order to set good example for Indians. Mentions that Indians of San Ildefonso had fled that mission. States 48 soldiers to be detached from 6 presidios (San Juan Bautista, Espiritu Santo, San Antonio, Coahuila, Sacramento, Adaes), stationed among new missions. Fiscal's informe (1/7/1750) on San Xavier missions also included (pp.100-107). (T. Sheridan) (1977)

2 unfavorable letters concerning new missions of San Xavier. First (7/20/1749) notes murder of 2 soldiers, theft of horseherd at hands of Apaches. States that River either floods everyone out or dries up. Claims that despite holy zeal of missionaries, Indians didn't want to work or sow fields, but instead pursue trade between French and Spanish, moving on to Adaes, finds many buildings in ruins, not repaired because of lack of people. In second letter (8/10/1749), points out lack of land, water, Indians in San Xavier area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Orobio y Basterra's informe concerning his expedition to territory of Horcoquiza Indians in order to survey area, choose best sites for missions, etc. Notes lay of land, agricultural possibilities, best areas for irrigation. Learns that year or so before, some Englishmen had landed at Bahia de San Fernando asking for firewood. explores Bahia de San Fernando-Rio Trinidad area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Fiscal argues that despite opposition from officials in Texas, soldiers should be transferred from Adaes, Bahia presidios to San Xavier missions. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Gobernador Larios argues that transfer of 17 of the 60 soldiers composing Adaes presidio to Paraje of San Xavier would- 1) leave Adaes underdefended and unable to meet French threat; and 2) 17 soldiers from Adaes, 13 from Bahia presidio would be insufficient to guard San Xavier missions from Apaches. Includes lengthy discussion of deployment of Adaes troops, poor land, climate around Adaes, dependence of Adaes on foodstuffs obtained from French. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Responding to virrey's order (7/27/1747) to send 9 soldiers from San Antonio presidio, 13 soldiers from Bahia presidio to establish themselves along Rio San Xavier and protect new missions there, Capitan Orobio Bastherra points out poor state of Bahia presidial force. Notes that due to many duties, as well as needs of own families, few soldiers present at Bahia presidio itself. Proposes instead that 10 soldiers from Adaes presidio be stationed among new missions. Mentions many Apache raids on Bahia horseherd, livestock. (T. Sheridan) (1977)