Architecture

Letter by Ansa (Elder) concerning expedition to find suitable land route to California from Sonora. Discussion of whether or not California is Island. Mentions discovery of native silver in Pimeria Alta. Brief, detailed description of ruins 15 leagues from Janos toward Gila River, building materials, proportions, artifacts; likened to Palace of Madrid. In Margin is related letter by Civan concerning Jesuit missionaries in California, Pimeria. Mentions some English exploration of California (Drake). Mentions locations, with latitude, longitude, of Indian tribes of northern Nueva Mexico; conversion of some of these. (A. Dean, August 1989)

Documents from Parrilla Ortiz and others concerning debts incurred during expedition against Seris, construction costs of presidio of Horcasitas. Contain descriptions presidio size, materials used, etc.; followed by documents concerning rapid and untimely decay of said presidio with intent of determining guilty party or parties. (J. H. Ochs, October 1987)

Concerns an entire range of mission activities as described by Sonoran leaders to viceroy. Contains many suggestions for administration of missions, mostly on treatment of Indians. Quotes original purpose of conquest as stated by Alexandro VI. expresses need for schools, the teaching of Castellano, written permission for traveling Indians, static position of priests, appointment of two priests in case of illness and even distribution of Spanish population. Discusses the punishment of Indians, prohibiting them from liquor, gambling and salary advances. Describes Indian life and agriculture, their crops, cattle and weavings. Priests want them to establish in towns accessible to church in homes of stone or Adobe which resist fire. Relates difficulties and distances in reaching jobs and transporting goods. States that each Indian should have a horse to hunt Javali with their zaetas and harpoons. Hiaquis are hardworking but basically very lazy so must be given fruitful labor and compensate accordingly to men, women and children over 10. Spanish should not be permitted to buy Indian homes or land. Suggests jobs which benefit others such as in mines. Concerns Indian obligation to church in terms of tribute, priests salary and community building. Asks tithes from Durango be passed to Sonora. Describes gold and silver adornments and wine supplies of some churches and destruction of others due to Zeris and Pimas. Description of trip made by Ganzes to know and convert Indians. Finally, while Indian foreman should be chosen to give priests more freedom, governors should be appointed not elected by Indians. (M. Dannemiller, October 1987)

Very important document on instructions and rules for founding new missions, presidios and towns. Neve expresses need for equalization of salaries for same rank/position among military, religious and civil personnel. Document divided into titulos, transportation, accountability, rations; crops; horses, mules; craftsmen. II. - lists of officers at each mission, presidio; description of terrain, Indian settlements for planning defensive positions; military escorts to establishments at Santa Barbara channel; salaries of officers/soldiers at four sailers and craftsmen on blandra Pilar, lanchas Lauretana and San Juan hepomuceno. III. - clothing; canons. IV. - armour distribution, types, purposes and accountability of funds; procedures for filling vacancies; evaluations by service reports. Ix. - requires monthly status report of each company. X. - Indian treaties. Xi. -gubernatorial functions regarding (ff. 386-390). - details on selection/training of habilitados (paymasters); accountability to real hacienda, Naval/military superiors and settlers; F. 390 consists of inventory and production data of small animals, cattle, horses, mules. Xiv. Settlement and use of land; supplies; irrigation and crops; house construction; cattle; taxes; regulations re. Establishment and defense in Canal; optimum placement for defense and religious organization along frontier and Camino real. (J. M. Johnson, February 1989)

Correspondence between Croix and viceroy regarding military appointments, state of troops in Sonora and Sinaloa provinces. After Indians settle, military helps with food and gifts from presidio's monies for short period of time. Desire of Croix to map entire Provincias Internas, also passports to different officers chosen by Croix to assist in running prov. Internas as well as a priest for his spiritual needs. Transportation of Croix family and baggage from Mexico to Durango. (A. Dell'acqua, March 1988)