Political

Discussion of costs and benefits (especially spiritual) of establishment of a presidio in Cordillera and subsequent administration. Discussion of possible commanders and selection of Luis de San Denis as best candidate. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Account of peace attempts by captain Mezieres and thefts of cattle and horses from various missions and ranches by hostile Indians. Relation of attempts to recapture lost livestock and to punish those responsible. Joseph Miguel is suspected as main instigator of problem. Repeated requests on how to proceed in his case. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Commentaries and opinions of fiscal about proposals of Riperda to trade weapons with Indians of Texas. Riperda claims it is only way to keep them from dealing with French and English. Fiscal questions peacefulness and loyalty of Indian groups in question and notes that their barbarous way of life (hunting and trapping) is not conducive to christianization or peaceful relations with Spaniards. Recommends strongly that they be settled and taught agriculture. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Incomplete and faded request for decision on what to do about a runaway Indian, Joseph Miguel, who left mission of San Antonio de Balero with his wife and family. Appears to be involved with disrupting Indian nations of north to keep them from ratifying a peace treaty. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Interim gobernador of Californias, Arrillaga, requests a legal opinion (consulta) as to what should be done about neutral ship which put into a Spanish port asking for aid, but then after having received help continued to land at other ports. Final decision is based on treaties, signed in Madrid in 1795, between Spain and United States, and Spain and France. These treaties define territorial limits for navigation and commerce between signatory nations. Royal orders of May 3 and 31, 1792 gave detailed instructions for protection of heartland by coast guard. These contribute to a royal resolution proclaimed on July 15, 1805, which authorized legal seizure (comiso) of ships and cargo of ships of any nation whatsoever that breaks or exceeds boundaries agreed upon in earlier treaties. Most interesting aspect of these documents, including ones to-from virrey of Buenos Aires, is great preoccupation with Anglo-American and-or British incursions into waters of Spanish territories. Opinions are exchanged which fear that many of these ships under pretense of emergency aid are actually engaged in illegal activities such as contraband and-or whaling, fur, or leather trade. (J. M. Johnson, December 1986).

Summary of status of taxation of persons living in Spanish territories since 1808 when policy of collecting taxes from Indians, mulatos and blacks was changed. Because heavy taxation caused economic and political difficulties, policy was submitted to supremo consejo de las indias for review. Former policy was put into force again to be enforced by Spanish authorities in all colonies and to be communicated throughout empire. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Two deserters from russian fragata juno first taken to San Francisco mission, then sent to Veracruz via San Blas, Guadalaxara and Mexico. from Veracruz, the two sent on to la Havana to be turned over to russian authorities. They are joined by 4 Anglo-Americanos and 2 indios gentiles from non-Spanish territory who will be sent as far as Mexico to determine how to turn them over to officials from their countries. These 6 deserted from fragata imperial. Lists of daily expenses are kept for all eight deserters, so that Spanish government can be recompensed by their respective governments. These documents are followed by ones which are advised in 1806 that three russian fragatas, juno, nedeyda and Neva request permission to stop in San Francisco for provisions and repairs. An exception is made and three will be allowed to land (they do not have a pasaporte from Spain). A copy of an original French pasaporte is attached, as well as a translation from russian of an official document from tsar Alejandro I, stating that ships are on official exploration and trade missions with russian-american company. This document requests that foreign governments provide diplomatic safety to russian ships while in foreign territories. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Boston merchants request pasaporte for Anglo-Americano fragata alexander de boston to enter Spanish ports. Ship arrives at San Diego seven months later in February 1803 and is provisioned by Spaniards with water, cattle and salt. On board 492 otter skins pieles de nutria are discovered which are confiscated as contraband (fur trade was forbidden to foreigners). Captain Brown says that two people, perhaps indios gentiles were responsible. Comandante tries to determine how, from where, by whom furs were brought on board and if they were purchased or exchanged for supplies. Information relayed to virrey. Further documents deal with correspondence with fiscal contaduria mayor del real tribunal y Audiencia de Cuentas de Mexico. Letter written to virrey about repairing, preserving and selling skins to public to benefit real hacienda (royal treasury). (J. M. Johnson, November 1986)

Various administrative documents concerning shipment of arms (40 carabinas and 30 pares de pistolas) from San Blas to presidios of Monterrey and San Francisco. almacenes at Pexote lacked escopetas from Spain that were to be shipped; replaced by carabinas. Information about arms (type, quality, weight, See especially ff.572) and many different officials involved in transaction (1791-1807). Records of transactions and acknowledgement of their arrival in San Blas for shipment to California. Conflicting reports on number of weapons sent. Some confusion over whether arms sent on from San Blas. Costs of arms discussed (ff. 581-600) and reimbursement of presidios (1807-1810). (S. Fiederlein, 2-3-87)

Documents from Audiencia de Guadalajara concerning conviction of Juan Antonio Hernandez and others of complicity in theft. Hernandez sentenced to four years in Alta California. Many documents and records concerning his sentence, his transportation to and from Monterrey with his family (via fragatas Concepcion and Princesa), and provisions provided them (ff.444-478, 490, 535-539 deal with Hernandez case and that of Villasenor who Dies in San Blas prison before reaching California). Details of costs incurred by government. Assortment of reports and letters from government officials at Monterrey, San Blas, Guadalajara, and Mexico. Ff. 479-489 and 491-534 concern sentencing of other criminals also to be sent to Alta California as pobladores with their families (M. Vela, T. Prado, J.m.Carrillo, J.c. Simental, R. Ramirez, R. Ruiz, and others). Details about sentences and costs incurred to carry them out. Letter from Arrillaga to viceroy discussing complaints about behavior of criminals sent to Alta California as pobladores (ff. 500-501). Further discussion of this matter by Borbon. Carrillo discusses bad example pobladores sentenced to California present to mission Indians (ff. 515-516). Opinions of other officials in California, Guadalajara, and Mexico on matter of sentencing criminals to be pobladores in Alta California. (S. Fiederlein, 2-3-87)