Agricultural Methods

Sixty two Indians (uo Sibolas; 30 Nortenos, and 19 Cholomes) enter the presidio asking for missionaries and friendly relations. They state that they are on friendly terms with the Tarahumaras and the Apaches (nations that border their lands). They want to work part of the year at Conchos in return for supplies because their agricultural yield is low. Information is given on their location and agricultural practices. (R. Perez) (1977)

Testimony in a dispute between the Jesuit colegio and Bartholome de Soza over rent of land belonging to the colegio. Contains information on water rights and availability, as well as some Indian agricultural practices. (R. Perez) (1977)

Causa criminal against 3 Sonora Indians, 1 Mulatto for various robberies, murders, acts of banditry, especially in Rio Florido area. Defendants working on various haciendas when they went on rampage. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

naturales (Indians) of mission and Pueblo San Jeronimo de Huexotitlan request title to certain pieces of arable land around Pueblo, especially place called los Sandias, where they raised squash, watermelons, which they claim they farmed until la invacion de los Enemigos, y otros accidentes, forced them to abandon fields. Fields now farmed by Diego de Molina and others, who claim Indian request plot by caciques to get land, that land hasn't been intensively farmed by Indians for more than 50 years. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

A general visita by the governor to the Valley of San Bartolome. Most of the inspection concerns haciendas, with the governor inspecting the conditions of laborers, the financial status of the hacienda. (T. Barnes) (1976)

Shortage of wood in the Valley of San Bartolome produces litigation as to who owns what. The lack of trees has caused erosion, leading to floods and washed out fields. Farmers accuse miners of denuding forests. Case goes to the Audiencia in Guadalajara. (T. Barnes) (1976)

A summary of the inhabitants and territories of the three judicial districts of the province of Texas and the Indians who live there. Also of special historical interest is the founding of San Fernando by the marques de Casafuerte in 1730 with inhabitants of the canary islands, at a cost of 720 pesos to the crown. Attached is a detailed chart giving the population, arms, distances, and crops of each Pueblo, presidio, and mission in Texas. Pop 3103 (4 slaves) (G. Miller) (1977)

Previously the use and cultivation of tobacco had been denied to Indians of the mission. The marques questions this practice and asks about the feasibility of encouraging the natives to cultivate tobacco. An effort which could benefit all concerned. Ask the missionaries help. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Discusses the politics of naming a new captain for the area and talks about agricultural progress. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Discusses missionization plans for the Sobaipuris. Includes references to political considerations, placement of presidios. Mentions that the Indians of Chinapa plant their fields at a place called Setaveratzi. Gives some distances between settlements. Recommends moving some people from Chinapa to Setaveratzi as a better defense against Apaches. (R. Perez) (1977)