Social-Organization

Settlement of estate of Francisco Afan de Rivera who died in Nueva Viscaya. Evaluation and division of estate among four Maria de Pina, Mother of Francisco del Castillo, petitions gobernador in 1736 for release of her son's share since he has been absent (and presumed dead) for past twelve years. Request granted. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Cedula calling for observance of cedula of March 15, 1787 in regard to criminals who obtain religious sanctuary, especially as regards those obtaining salvoconductos from priests or ecclesiastical judges. Reference to edict of papal Nuncio (1717) and sets forth Series of articles dealing with relations between civil-military and ecclesiastical justice. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Joseph de Reano brings suit against Francisco Mascarenas for taking unfair advantage of his nephew, Juan Mascarenas - a minor -, and selling his land and livestock. Juan, an orphan, was under guardianship of Reano's wife. Antonio de Uribarri, Alcalde mayor of Santa Fe, carries out investigation. Gobernador Cruzat y Gongora rules in favor Reano and Young Mascarenas. Land and livestock sold contrary to rights before law. Interesting data on long time Santa Fe residents, Paez Hurtado, Arias Quiros, etc. (Raul Saba) (1980)

Juana Montano accuses her Husband Nicolas de Chaves, and her mother-in-law Luzia Hurtado of severely mistreating her with insults, beatings and excessive work, to the extent that she had to flee for fear of her life. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

A motley group of Apaches Faraones come into Pecos; apparently in peace, but the Pecos are hostile to the point of wanting to kill them. The governor investigates and discovers that the Pecos generally consider the Apaches Faraones to be thieves and killers, and that at some time in the past a Pecos had been murdered by one or more members of this same group. The governor must hand down justice. He splits up the group, sending the two strong males to work in the mines; an old woman he sends off to live with someone in la Canada; and two women and two boys he sells into slavery in Sonora or such parts. The proceeds from this sale he distributes as alms to some poor residents, and as payment to some of the persons involved in the apprehending of the Apaches Faraones. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

The governor takes an opinion Poll among the military, and priests of Nueva Mexico, concerning whether or not certain old, Pagan customs of the native Indians should be proscribed. The military, generally, seen in favor of such proscription. The priests, however, are divided in their views. Some say yes to proscription; some are non-committal, saying that the viceroy should order as he sees fit; others urge caution, pointing out that the issue is extremely delicate. And, that the natives should be weaned gradually and carefully away from their traditions, as abrupt prohibition could result in defiance, violent resistance and uprising. The governor dispatches these depositions to the viceroy. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Juana Montano accuses Nicolas de Chaves of promising to marry her, then taking her virginity and siring her two children, and now refusing to marry her. Chaves is taken prisoner. He admits that he did promise marriage to Montano, but says that he later had reason to suspect her fidelity, and was not certain that the second child was his. Later, Chaves agrees to marry Montano, and the governor releases him from prison. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

The governor severely criticizes the custom which seems prevalent among the natives, of couples who have been duly married in the catholic church, but who live apart, the wife residing with parents or relatives, and the Husband off somewhere living in a separate house; the two spouses having little to do with each other. The governor thinks that only evil consequences can come of such an arrangement. He asks that the priests take measures to See that the couples they marry, live together. And he issues an order to be published by the Alcaldes mayores, through interpreters, that the penalty for spouses living apart shall be fifty lashes and two months in prison, for the first infraction, and for repeat offenders, four years of forced labor. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Maria de Benabides accuses Antonia de Moraga of slander; and Josepha Martin with assault, causing injury to her face, during an altercation that also involved Moraga and Xptobal Martin, both the parents of Josepha. The Alcalde mayor attempts to arrest them, but Moraga and Xptobal resist and insult the Alcalde, making derogatory remarks about his Indian race. He eventually subdues them and they are imprisoned. Pesos, and the costs of the suit, fourteen pesos. The fine and costs are paid, and the prisoners are released. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Phelix Lujan is accused of habitually mistreating his wife with beatings and harsh words. He is arrested but escapes, and takes refuge in a church. The governor conducts an investigation which seems to establish Lujan's guilt. Then, the governor receives a petition from Lujan's wife, asking that her Husband be pardoned and allowed to reunite with her. The governor complies, pardoning Lujan, but with a stern warning that he mend his ways. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)