Animals (Wild)

Ugalde proposes trip designed to establish peace with Mescaleros. Gives account of relations between Mescaleros and Comanches, suggesting that Spanish stop providing military escorts for hunting parties. Tells of need to move certain groups of Mescaleros to Rio de Savinas; policies concerning prisoners and exchange procedures. (L. Carrion, March 1988)

Continuation of correspondence with Escandon concerning affairs along Costa del Seno Mexicano; epidemic of unspecified disease which has caused suspension of labor in mines of Sierra Tamaulipa; damage to corn crops and livestock caused by drought in 1764; petitions virrey to promote to rank of Mariscal; sends expedition to survey northern coastline of Nuevo Santander. Expedition describes complex system of outer sand banks, discovery of Island off of San Juan mission near mouth of Nuezes discovery of wreckages of English and French ships. Also includes accounts of establishment of three Villas along coast between mouths of Rios Grande and Nuezes, and of theft of livestock by Indians inhabiting Sierra Sihuy. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Correspondence concerning: donation of benado blanco sano y robusto, coche con mulas y cochero con guarnission de soldados and other supplies; brief mention of apprehension of deserters; collection of taxes and sale of tobacco, 'polvo y rama'; populating of Cruillas and other newly founded towns; congratulating Marques de Croix for appointment to virreynato, informing him that revistas and 'libretas' en route; service records of Teniente Martiarena and Capitan Urresti. (L. Kerr, November 1988)

Mendinueta relates that prior calmness of Cumanches on frontier is gone. Relates Cumanche raids and murders. Complains of inefficiency of tracking Cumanches because of terrain and lack of water; tells of incident in which Apache guides were deceitful. Notes plains south of Colorado River unsuitable for settlement. Croix responds but has no suggestions on how to track Indian offenders. (S. Gibbs, July 1987)

Cruillas asks Cachupin to get (white ?) Does from pacified Indians living next to the Cumanche nation. Cachupin replies that he managed to catch and tame some Young deer of alzane breed, but assures virrey that there are no white deer in Nueva Mexico; they are to be found only in hot climates, near la Linea equinocial. (D. Marksz, 1987)

Virrey(?) Requests that Cachupin catch and send him as many white deer as he can. Cachupin responds that he has not seen nor caught any white deer. (D. Marksz, August 1987)

Rich details of history and settlement of missions and presidios near San Fernando. Founding and abandonment of presidio of Texas. Details of Indian invasion of mission of los Adaes, French and Indian fighting against Spanish. Gives geographical limits of province of Texas, describes fruits cultivated, resources for pasturing, construction, water, wildlife, animals, commerce, mining. Discusses war with Apaches and inability to reduce them. Establishment of San Fernando and population figures. Request for troops in San Sabas; cattle, horses, provisions in Adaes due to Indians leaving missions, ranches needing to be reestablished, Indian war hindering exploitation of land, risk of families leaving. Ripperda responds that movement of troops will be held up until he can provide for detachment to San Sabas. (L. L. Woodward, February1988)

Notes deal with various subjects. On some notes unknown person acknowledges being informed of Indian raids to various places. Other notes mention establishment of new presidio in Buenavista. Mention of soldiers for presidio. Others mention one plan to prevent depopulation of the area. Other notes mention a white deer that should be sent to Mexico. (J. Tapia, April, 1988)

Lopez y Padilla argues for reduction of military presence in Nayarit based on passivity of native inhabitants. Describes concentration of Indians into three pueblos by Jesuits, with further security provided by restrictions on travel and possession of weapons. Argues that danger to missionaries minimal due to presence of Milicia at nearby silver mine and the fact that entire area is surrounded by Spanish settlements. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Detailed descriptions of Nayarit and native inhabitants, with especially rich account by covarribias (ff. 66-69). Includes accounts of phonetics and grammatical structure of Indian language, Indian diet, general nature of Indians, and problems facing their conversion to christianity. Also describes geography, climate, fruits and vegetation, and wildlife (especially problems with vampire bats) of Nayarit. Concludes with Series of pleas to viceroy for payment of reparations for damage caused to Indian lands and life by conquest and governorship of Flores de San Pedro. (A. Tukey, July 1988)