Civil Offices (Corruption)

Fragment of residencia of Don Luis de Valdes, presenting complaint that he and his administrators were corrupt. (R. Davis) (1977)

Don Melchor is investigated and found to be misusing royal funds. Is jailed for 5 days and ordered to pay 2,000 ducat fine. (R. Davis) (1975)

This possibly important document, addressed to the king, concerns past abuses in the administration of estates in Nueva Viscaya. The document requests that, in conformity with past cedulas which extend into the 16th century, the Superior jurisdiction over the real be recognized as in the power of the presidente of the Audiencia at Guadalajara and his oidores and fiscales. Records of testaments and the administration of estates will be reviewed by a royal officer to See if criminal charges must be made. (C. Needham) (1975)

Capitan Baltasar de Ontiberos is permanently suspended from office in Nueva Viscaya. (C. Needham) (1975)

Criminal charges resulting from previous investigations (See 2 previous documents) Charged with mis-use of state funds. See 2 previous forms. (T. Barnes) (1975)

Case of high level corruption. Beginning with charges against Antonio Gonzales de Villalba for graft and inefficiency, and progressing to charges by Luis de Valdez of a white-wash by the investigating orders of the ciud. de Guadalajara, Luis de Valdez is appealing to the king. Apparently, the troubles of Nueva Viscaya are due to, in Valdezs eyes, the lack of competency on the part of officials, of whom Gonzales Villalba is of the worst. The robbing and killing by the Tobosos and Conchos y otras naciones are directly related to Gonzales villalbas grafting of money meant to pay soldiers and buy their supplies.

Pedro states that the local government representatives took one of his mules and he wants and receives compensation an order for his Mule to be returned. (R. Davis) (1977)

Alcalde mayor Francisco uncovers a conspiracy on part of Espindola; Lopez de la Cueba, a. de Cepeda and 7 or 8 others to avoid paying royal fees. Case goes to Audiencia in Guadalajara, in jail terms and fines (range 27-120 pesos) and a royal cedula authorizing new elections for an Aguacil mayor and an Alcalde ordinario for Saltillo. (R. Davis) (1977)

Assures Escobar of his love, support of Jesuits and notes need for new missionaries. Mentions Apache menace and the bad conduct of various military capitans who served under Huidobro, especially Bustamante (2/5/1745). Discusses mission affairs and affirms support of missionaries (8/29/ 1745). (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Reprimands Vildosola for inaction on complaints filed by Jesuits against an unnamed Alcalde mayor. Recapitulates charges, which include mistreatment of the Indians of Senoquipe, and failure to adequately protect Motepore from raiding Apaches. (R. Perez) (1977)