Missions

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Declaracion of Joseph, Indian accompanying French (probably San Denis) in Texas, concerning large Rancheria of Juman (jumano?) Indians led by Juanillo in rebellion against Spaniards. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Documents concerning loss of 4000 pesos worth of goods destined for Franciscan missions in Texas. Soldiers stated they hid goods in mountains when they couldn't cross River in flood, and Indians grabbed goods. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Review of colonization, missionization of Provincia de Texas from time of Alonso de Leon to 1716. Texas, Caodaches Indians described as mas politica in province, sowing many crops. Population of area estimated to be un million. Indian groups between Coahuila and the land of Texas Indians listed (See 201). Texas Indians belief in afterlife briefly described. Missionaries claimes that early soldiers set bad example for Texas Indians, mistreating them and stealing their women. Franciscan missionary efforts delineated. Texas disatisfaction with Spaniards, abandonment of missions in 1693 noted. French trade with Indians mentioned. Texas Indians had 11 pueblos, chocta (choctaw) Indians outside of Movila had 32, Nache Indians had 11. Flora, fauna, agriculture of eastern Texas described, where Indians caultibando la tierra con las quixadas de los benados. Indians live in wooden houses, sleep on raised beds and farm en Comun. Indian enemies of Texas- Apaches, Yojuanes, Cubipanes, Canas- noted. Absence of pulgue, otras bebidas, but presnece of Peyote among Texas Indians mentioned. Province continually described as very fertile. Indian use of wild fruits, walnuts, acorns noted. Lead mines near Texas Indians mentioned. Force of 60 soldiers needed for conquest, colonization of Texas, to be gathered from other presidios of Nueva Vizcaya. Apparently, fiscal doesn't think much of idea. Excellent summary of early Texas history, including Leon, Ramon entradas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Franciscans discuss Texas Indian tribes they are attempting to missionize, including Texas Indians, who are described as ydolattras, tienen Casas de adoracion, y el Fuego Perpetuo en la Casa Principal del ydolo (pg. 189). Request detachment of 100 soldiers be stationed among them. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Documents concerning Ramon's entrada into Provincia de Texas to establish missions among Texas Indians. Included are both Ramon's diario and Franciscans' diario of expedition. Indians groups, agricultural products, geography, Flora, fauna of province noted. Numerous buffalo hunts mentioned. Ramon and Franciscans also both write informes to virrey concerning reasons for establishment of missions. Indian enemies as well as allies of Texas Indians mentioned. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Brief account of Indians of provincia of Texas, of whom the Spanish have encountered 50 naciones, noting- their dress; receptiveness to Spanish language/religion; presence of valuable minerals among them; absence of ydolatria formal although hechiceros, curanderos present; hunting activities especially buffalo; production of tanned deer hides which they trade to Spaniards; absence of drunkenness among them, which Olivares notes may be due to fact that no hay Magueyes en abundancia, o porque ygnoran el modo de cultivarlos (pg.119); dances to celebrate ware victories, which often cause trouble among them; ceremonial use of Peyote que usan Por bebida del Peiotte y de otras yerbas que suelen causas turbacion en los sentidos de que procede el vervisiones, y fantasmas (pg. 119). (T. Sheridan) (1977)

From Julimes. (T. Sheridan) (1977) los Rios pueblos (8 within 6 leagues of each other), accompanied by escort of 30 soldiers, 20 Indian auxiliaries from Julimes. See also DRSW 3026, 3027, 3028. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

San Denis authorized by French authorities in Louisiana to travel to Texas to buy livestock (9/12/1713). He and 24 French canadians go from Louisiana to presidio del Norte. Capitan Ramon sends Frenchmen to Mexico City. Spaniards take San Denis' declaracion of his journey, noting his encounters with various Indian groups, especially Texas Indians (6/6/1715). Fiscal (8/15/1715) informs virrey of situation, implying that San Denis is French Spy. Junta de guerra (8/22/1715) discusses French threat and recommends reestablishment of missions among Texas Indians. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Declaracion of officers concerning Asinay, Cadodacho Indians. Note Asinay rebellion, repeating information found in other declaraciones. State buffalo range infructuoso, range plants unsuitable to livestock. Describe various military endeavors to reconnoiter area, especially rivers. Note fatigue of soldiers, poor state of horseherd, lack of arms, clothing, other supplies. Briefly discuss Cododacho political organization, settlement pattens. Note abandonment of missions among Asinay, inability of Franciscans to convert them. Describe scattered settlement patterns of Asinay, making it hard for missionization, reduccion to take place. Mention custom of Asinay to call each other texa, meaning friend. Describe expedition under command of capitan Martinez, composed of 20 soldiers, 10 muleteers, 300 well-armed Jumano auxiliaries, although Jumanos act more or less independently. (T. Sheridan) (1977)