Civil Offices (Corruption)

Secret investigation of Alvarez de Nava ordered by virrey. Have you known Alvarez de Nava; what is quality of his work; opinion of others in San Carlos of Alvarez de Nava; if he is sociable; if he has used wealth of Alcabala for personal profit; involvement in silver mining; if he is friends with governor; and if he has caused trouble--7 witnesses respond. Escandon writes Cruillas concerning mining in Tamaulipa; mining operation continuing despite illness and invasion of Apostate Indians of which it is now free although Principal Miner dead. (L. L. Woodward, October 1988)

Concerns autos by Munoz against Cabildos (municipal administrative heads) from Santa Barbara, Santo Domingo and Santa Maria. Former Cabildos, Actual ones and colaborators as well as others are accused of being using ilegal Medidas (grain measures) in trade transactions. All the accused in the three Villas volunteer (self-punishment) money, which is to be used in the construction of a jail, administrative offices, and one food storage (Alondiga). Includes a relation by Ixart of the money spent by Munos in various issues. (R. Gomez, September 1989)

Concerns Series of documents about prosecution of Puga and Murgier accused of Murdering Indians who were at peace with Spaniards. Jurors for courts are appointed and selected among military officials. Transference of Indian prisoners from Croix to Aguayo (M. Marroquin, March 1989)

Concerns Series of documents, autos and certifications about military responsibilities of governor Vaamonde; also militia rolls and legal proceedings against Valdez, Alcalde ordinario, who consented extramarital relations between a slave and one of his soldiers. Refund to ventin approved by Vaamonde. Series of testimonies in proceedings against mayor of Valle de Molta. Prosecution against Joseph Pariente. Fernandez is elected judge of Valle de Molta. Notice that Valdez exceeded his responsibilities as a justice. (M. Marroquin, March 1989)

Summary of embezzlement charge against Sal and investigation into debt in funds he managed. Interrogations made by Soler seeking knowledge of vices, distractions or other expenses beyond the expected made by Sal. Witnesses agree that expenses of accused were inflated but no vices were observed. Sal's inventory of 23 different items (f.185), including items of cloth, sword, ink well, pistols, flasks, livestock, and otter pelts and their monetary values to be received by depository. Sal provides listing of charges and expenses produced under his leadership from January 1782 to September 1787. Accountants Zuniga and Arguello provide similar listing (f.230-236) for same time period. Sal presents a defense (f.239-242).(J. Hiller, December 1988)

Vague letters of political, military bureaucratic ramblings. Letters concerning rent on salt mines near Altamira, tariff on measures of salt. Letter accusing Zuniga of considerable injury to Indians, acting illegally; requests report of circumstances, details of crime in order to proceed against him. (A. Dean, June 1989)

Correspondence between virrey and gobernador concerning various promotion in military status; Velasco's comments on tranquility of province, abundance in corn and cattle found during 'visita general,' whose purpose was to nominate two towns as 'capitulares'; explanation that serious illness following 'visita' delayed further communication; responses by virrey about receipt of documents and letters, including those concerning Munoz y Villavicencio's conduct in office; grants Velasco permission to recuperate in Monte-Rey, discusses his successor. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Letters concerning bad behavior of teniente Cordova who took money from company funds. Also refers to election of another teniente. (M. Vasquez, February 1988)

Concerns annual election of offices. Discusses unfair election of certain people, one of them having previously been exiled by a priest. (M. Vasquez, February 1988)

Concerns salaries paid to missions and haciendas. Debate among government officials due to irresponsibilities of Pedro Junon who was in charge of administration of mission affairs. folio 244 contains a signed document stating that Pedro Junon refused and failed to carry out viceroy's orders. Chart in folio 251 contains list of missions and sinodos paid along with claim that such sums of money were not the ones reported to viceroy.