Political

Series of letters between Nava and Branciforte concerning refusal of request by Manuel Diaz de Solorzano to transfer to Spain. Diaz reassignment as military attache to Camara de virreynato. (G. Lavalley, December 1986).

Copy of royal order from king granting retirement/annual salary of 300 pesos to Manuel Serrano (Oficial Primero de Caja real de Chihuahua). Appointment of Ysidro Madero to vacant post. Two letters by Pedro de Nava confirming retirement and new appointment. (G. Lavalley, November 1986).

Collection of documents dealing with group of tahuacan Indians who request permission to travel to Mexico City to petition viceroy for a Spanish settlement on Rio Colorado near their people. Much discussion back and forth before permission is granted. Included is interview with Indians once in Mexico about relations with other Indians, their history, economy, etc. Discussion also on illegal trade in Texas. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

O'connor replies to new rules for consolidating presidios of Texas. Points out that Mezieres is not to be trusted; that he has fooled governors in past and that his true loyalty probably is not with Spain. O'Connor reviews Indian situation in Texas. Note from fiscal Areche to order O'Conor to put a stop to illegal arms trade, reminding him that only trade from ports of Veracruz and Acapulco is legal. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Two letters from Luis Antonio Menchaca, captain of San Antonio de Bexar presidio, reporting on peace efforts with different Indian groups. Menchaca doubts their effectiveness. Reports on illegal arm trading with Indians and efforts to combat it. Various accounts of livestock and horse thieving. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Viceroy gives additional advice on consolidation of presidios of Adaes and Orcoquiza with presidio of San Antonio de Bexar and instructions for inspection of presidio of la Bahia del Espiritu Santo (T. Cederstrom, March 1987).

Letter on reduction policy and military activities toward certain hostile Indian groups. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Bucareli y Ursula responds to Ripperda's repeated letters. Orders him to maintain peace with friendly nations and to only conduct a defensive war with Apaches and not to unduly upset them. Viceroy notes that those provinces of north have been relatively peaceful in recent times. Captain Mezieres is ordered to return to presidio of Natchidoches in Luisiana. (T. Cederstrom, February 1987).

Letter that outlines current peace status of different Indian groups with Spaniards and among themselves. Comanches and Apaches are most unstable and bothersome. Possible advantageous and disadvantageous alliances among different Indian groups are discussed. Letter discusses return of wife of chief of Tavayas as a means of securing peace with them. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Letter of support from Ripperda for Mezieres' proposed campaign against Apaches and possible provisioning of soldiers. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)