Political

Enclosed are the testimonies of three Frenchmen, Luis del Fierro, Pedro Sastre, and Joseph Miguel, in response to fourteen questions put to them by Spanish authorities after their arrival in Taos with a number of Comanches after coming from new Orleans. Of special importance is their descriptions of the indigenous peoples and the geography they encountered along the way. Also included are descriptions of the same territory by other officials and another Frenchman. (G. Miller) (1977)

Accounts of articles, both durable and perishible, shipped usually on an annual Basis through port of San Blas, to the Franciscan missions (ultimately totaling 15) of upper California. Accounts, which are separate for each mission, cover period 1770-1800 depending on mission founding date. Some years shipments are broken down to each article no matter how small and its cost (probably market Guadalahara); other years only total cost of shipment provided. No entries for some years but generally appears complete. Final section lists names, dates and travel expenses for friars on official missions to upper California. Accounts close 1800. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Asks advice of viceroy whether same wage system employed by Jesuits on mission properties should be continued. Relates that many Indians had drifted off the haciendas. Vice regal replies that in order not to upset Indians same system should be employed. (D. Deeds) (1977)

This correspondence covers a whole array of problems faced by the man named to supervise the expulsion of the Jesuit missionaries from the Chiguagua area and especially the Alta Tarahumar missions. A partial list of themes- Jesuit-Indian relations, Spanish-Indian relations, logistics of Jesuit expulsion, efforts to obtain secular clergy, early administration of missions and Jesuit properties including very very simple accounting and inventories, political justifications, recommendations as to new land tenure and property distribution of missions and haciendas, problems with hostile Indians, ways to administer to mission Indians etc. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Concerns missions and pleads with viceroy to support Jesuits. Followed by note with no date, no author concerning deteriorating situation of Jesuits in northwest New Spain.

Discussion of several political conflicts among officials in the north, in part because of shifting loyalties to Galvez. Comments on how the Jesuit effort is going cada Dia va atrasandose Mas. includes the memorial for needs of mission Saguaripa. (D. Deeds) (1977)

(T. Sheridan) (1978)

Previously the use and cultivation of tobacco had been denied to Indians of the mission. The marques questions this practice and asks about the feasibility of encouraging the natives to cultivate tobacco. An effort which could benefit all concerned. Ask the missionaries help. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Census data on the mision de Matape and its Pueblo de visita, Nacori. Reference is made to the reduction in population due to an epidemic, famine and enemy attacks. (R. Perez) (1976)

Census of the mision de Caborca and its pueblos de visitas Busanic and Pitic. (R. Perez) (1976)