Social-Organization

Concerning controversy between fray Gonzalez, gobernador Almazan over state of presidios in Texas, marques de Aguayo notes that presidial soldiers not given their salaries directly because they would squander it on juegos y mugeres without buying food. Discusses Apache hostilities, various Spanish legal restrictions concerning war against Indians. Mentions proposal to gather soldiers from Coahuila, Espiritu Santo, Rio Grande del Norte, San Antonio presidios to campaign against Apaches- such company to be composed of 80 Spaniards, 100 Indian auxiliaries. Because of peace with French, gobernador Almazan feels 30 soldiers could be spared from Adaes presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Alonso de Leon's account of his entrada into provincia of Texas and his encounters with Texas Indians, who received him well. Briefly describes Texas agriculture and other aspects of culture, including wooden houses, raised beds, and cleanliness of Indians. Encounters Indians in league with French who attenpt to induce him to trade all his horses, clothing to them. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Fray Mariano Francisco de los Dolores notes requests of several Apache groups for permission to settle in Rio Guadalupe area and mentions that Apaches suffering from smallpox epidemic. Apaches describe whereabouts of other Apache bands Allied with Julimes. Severe drought noted for Texas provincia. Fray Benito Fernandez de Santa Ana requests presidial soldiers at San Xavier rejoin San Antonio presidio, as well as detachment from Bahia, and that soldiers, other Spaniards establish fort, settlement at Pedernales, near Apache camp. Much discussion of mission frontier. Documents include peticiones from Franciscans, responses from officials in Mexico City. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

After the Pima revolt of 1751, the procurators of New Spain were sent to Rome and Spain to lobby for more missionaries. This letter accompanies them. It is of little substance, but interesting in regards the politics involved. It notes the dire need of making more conversions north of the Colorado River and in California. (R. Perez) (1977)

Description of El Paso by an unnamed citizen. Gives location via coordinants and landmarks. Lists missions and Indians (Mansos now extinct; Indians and Spanish mixed in their habitation). Detailed description of irrigation. Very detailed description of agriculture (including types and quality of crops). Population statistics. Commerce. Exchange Rate (silver to pesos). Scarcity of Ganado mayor and mayor; abundance of fish (described in detail). Lists diesmos. (R. Perez) (1977)

Regarding a 28 day expedition- only killed 4 Seris; encountered very few Pimas (some 10 families living in pairs, and very frightened of the troops); found some Piatos in the canyon el Diablo y Loreto, killed 2 men and 2 women; used Suaquis as guides. Also notes a placer strike at Nacameri. Asks for the total restitution of forces at Tubac and Terrenate, or at least 50 soldiers that are badly needed in campaigns against Apaches. (R. Perez) (1977)

Anza was able to persuade all but 3 families in Tucson to remain there, on condition that a mission be established. Reminded that they had not previously wanted one, they denied this, saying that they had made repeated requests to the missionaries. (R. Perez) (1977)

Report on a general meeting of the captains of the district (Este Quartel). The main concerns being- 1) the extreme difficulty of hunting the Apaches in the Cerro Prieto (reasons given); 2) the urgency of preventing Apache entry into the Cerro Prieto by sending 80-100 soldiers into the north and west; and 3) the strategic importance of the province of Ostimuri, 130 Pima auxiliaries should be sent to Buenavista from Tubac. (R. Perez) (1977)

Anza received word from the Cocomaricopas of the Gila River that an expedition of four Spaniards and many Indians passed through their lands, asking if there were any other Spaniards nearby, they requested that their presence be made known, and then continued northward. Anza wonders if this might be part of the Monterey expedition. (R. Perez) (1977)

On a reconnaissence for water in the Cerro Prieto Anza encountered Apaches holed up in a canyon. He was unable to enter into battle but did manage to acquire all 126 of their horses. The search for water turned up almost nothing; the only sources being in a canyon called el Cosari and in the real del Aguaje, and this water was more like humid mud than water. (R. Perez) (1977)