Social-Organization

Melchor, Xemes Indian from la Isleta, is suspected in mysterious drowning of his wife, Catarina. Evidence scanty, though some testify to Melchor's having mistreated and been unfaithful to his wife. On sight investigation by initial Juez receptor, Juan Gonsalez Bas. Accused petitions gobernador for his release to care for his four orphaned sons. Granted due to little evidence of guilt; banished for two months; case can be reopenned. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Per order of gobernador Bustamante, Juez receptor Juan Gonsalez Bas releases personal property of deceased Tigua, Phelipe of la Isleta, who, accused of witchcraft, died in prison. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Antonio Torres is accused by his suegra, Antonia de Moraga, of an illicit relationship with his Cunada, Juana Martin. Series of testimonies - mainly from family and in-laws- taken by Alcalde mayor Francisco Montes. Discrepancies over guilt of Torres, and number and parentage of Juana's children. No decision. Remission of case to gobernador. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Gobernador Bustamante turns over case in sodomy proceedings against Romero and Sandoval to his lieutenant, general Perez Velarde. Ratification of witnesses and testimonies continue with accused claiming they have been slandered and falsely accused. Claim witnesses bribed to testify against them. Questions of perjury and robbery surface. Chief witness against Romero, Miguel Martin, denies charges and gives citations of St. Augustine. Case remitted to gobernador on October 24, 1728. Dealt with next by new gobernador, Cruzat y Gongora, in August, 1731. No final solution. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Fragmentary criminal proceedings against Francisco Xavier Romero of Santa Cruz for sodomy. Mmss begins and ends incomplete. Charges initially brought against Romero by Miguel Martin whose 15 year-old son was homosexually molested by accussed. The Boy, Juan Pablo, seems to have been mentally affected by the incident. Testimonies by Romero's legitimate wife and many others seem to verify his lewd conduct. Romero's generosity to the church, other extra marital relations and charge for like crime against Antonio de Sandoval punctuate mmss. No sentence or final decision. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Petition by Miguel Martines de Sandoval for justice in regard to disputed exchange of two horses for a Mule. To help out Joseph Chaves, Sandoval exchanged his two horses for his Macho. Subsequently Joseph's Father Nicolas de Chaves, took the Macho from Sandoval's son saying his son Joseph had no right to effect the exhchange. Sandoval wanted his horses returned. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Unsigned draft of letter from gobernador to viceroy regarding visit to Jicarilla Apaches. Concerns religious needs and mentions that half of Indians killed in attacks by Comanches. Asks viceroy to determine what should be done. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Auto by Alcalde mayor Ramon Garcia Jurado of Bernalillo sentencing Juan Galvan for concubinage to three months destierro in Santa Fe. Documents show that Juan violated destierro and returned to Zia. Ajoining testimonies verify this as well as describe scandalous behavior and disturbance surrounding arrest of Juan Galvan's Mother, la India Juana, for disrespect to Alcalde mayor of village. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Auto by gobernador Bustamante detailing complaint against guardian and vice-custodio of Santa Fe convent, fray Joseph Guerrero. The Fraile, during Corpus Christi observances, failed to receive, as customary, the gobernador and officials in the Door of the church and hence caused a public scandal. There was also some disagreement regarding the use and carrying of arms during the ceremonies. Two Alcaldes' testimonies are attached to gobernador's account. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Petronila Garsia Jurado addresses petition of protest against capitan Antonio Montoya for delaying division of her late Husband's possessions. Will seems to be disputed because two families are involved. Petronila was esposa legitima of priest's certification of Baca's funeral; undated but signed and certified letter of Bienes (perhaps a will?); Alcalde mayor of Bernalillo turns case over to gobernador who sends his secretary who takes inventory and divides goods accordingly, settling dispute. (Raul Saba) (1980)