Church Rules

Index and extractions from legajo 4 (1757), quadernos 1-10, containing abundance of administrative, military, and religious information regarding numerous provincias. Indexed information includes Martos y Navarrete's taking governorship; sentence given to leaders of Monclova uprising; auto aiming to attract Guadalaxara missionaries to Indians of Seno Mexicano; movement of Indians from San Juan Bautista to San Bernardo mission; regulation approved for standard troop uniform; desertion of Zibolos from Bizarron mission; requests for travel permissions; homicides executed by soldiers; Barrios y juaregui petitions for Coronel ranking; missionary conduct; conduct of French clergyman; recognition and demarcation of new territories in Nueva Orleans area; presidio founding near River Trinidad; synod payment; soldier salaries; relocation of presidio San Agustin de Ahumada and Rio de la Trinidad; hostile enemies; dividing Huefuguilla company; edict that soldiers enter church with hair untied; Gualeguas missionaries' severe treatment of Indians; remission of gunpowder; hurricane damage; mine discovery in Nayarit; campaign against Seris, Pimas (J. Hiller, July 1989).

Royal order decreed stating that 'limosnas' to be used in 'rescate de cautivos'; administrative missives. (L. Kerr, February 1989)

Documents concerning affairs of cathedrals of Chihuahua and Durango; architectural details; religious ceremonies, including one to honor comandante general. Etiquette of civil-religious encounters; censure of Parinana, rector of Durango seminary, for failing to kiss governor's hand. Marriage of infant prince Carlos to infant Princess of Brazil, ensuing scandal. Affairs of bishop of Durango. (A. Dean, February 1989)

Blanquer asks retirement and pension as an invalid; notice that Blanquer served only one year at Principe and left with unearned salary, which was eventually paid back; very detailed biography of Blanquer; passport of Blanquer; some records of works completed; various scandals and disturbances concerning opposition to vacant seat of Dean y Cavildo pointed to as evidence of lack of qualification for Blanquer and seen as reason for his departure from Durango to Principe; Ugarte y Loyola points to 200 pesos given for transport against wages and then stolen in route, and Blanquer's slow arrival at Principe as further evidence of bad character; pension denied by fiscal because Blanquer not long enough in post, for not repaying advance of salary, and for lack of money in real Caja (p. Coyle November 1989)

Concerns issue of whether or not to secularize 'curato' of Hoyos following death of fray Diaz Cardena; governor wants authority to select 'curas' and decide number necessary; Obispo argues that such authority lies with Franciscans, informs governor, others, of need for at least 3 'curas' in 'curato' because Indians leaving area, returning to Sierras, and that distance between Ranchos, haciendas great. Both parties cite extensively historical legal decisions (cedulas, Leyes) which support own Side of argument. (L. Kerr, June 1989)

Correspondence concerning: statements summarizing testimony on various subjects; re-establishment of mission; problems created when pacified Indians subjected to 'revistas', order passed halting 'revistas' due to violence engendered, otherwise smooth progression of pacification and reduction in province; state of Indians at missions, poor relations between neighboring Indian groups due to death of one chief, request for military assistance in order to secure peace; collection of taxes from various individuals; edict that soldiers enter churches with 'cabello suelto'; 'indice de cartas', with brief summary of topics discussed in expediente; lack of 'papel sellado'; establishment of 'pueblos' and need for military protection; desertion by soldiers in Coahuila; examination of 'cuadernos de autos' in order to determine reasons for 'excesos' committed by squadron at hacienda; military assistance need in Coahuila and Texas to defend against Apaches; discovery of mine, its effect upon growth of economy in area; discussion of metals, silver found in other mines, quality and quantity. (L. Kerr, November 1988)

Virrey(?) Mentions that Olivares has disobeyed church rules; asks Fayni to obtain his testimony. Mentions celebrations related to meeting of Echeverria. Concerns inclusion of 30 administrative padres in chapter of Santa Iglesia and movement of said chapter from Concepcion to new location. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)

Documents relate to charging diesmos by padre doctrinero of Presas del Rey, viceroy requests investigation as town charter exempt diesmos when town founded. Citizens and officials relate historical, ethnographical details of towns. Visitador Palacios imposes diesmos, copy of document issued by Santianer setting and directing payment of diesmos by all in Santander province under penalty of jail and excommunication if not obeyed. List with stated amounts to be paid by each citizen. Also, a list of Arancel de Curato issued by bishop. Capitan Blanco documents differences of diesmos in province complaining of excesses by some priests, Blanco called to northern frontier to stop Indian incursions and investigation comes to a halt. Fiscal mayor requests reimbursement of expenses incurred by Blanco which are approved by viceroy. (A. Dell'acqua, September 1987)