Civil Offices (Misconduct)

(See preceding folios for introduction to issue discussed here.) Documents include uncomplimentary review of Fueros' character, past record, summary of charges against and action taken to replace him, mention of other governors targetted for replacement; Potau appointed governor replacing interim replacement for Fueros; 'autos' from witnesses attesting under oath to Fueros' incompetence, negligence in office, ineffective handling of Indians in both peaceful and military situations (continued in sequence 5). (L. Kerr, February 1989)

(See preceding folios for establishment of issues discussed here.) Fueros informed of replacement, acknowledges arrival of Carmona, who is to occupy governorship of Coahuila until Gutierres available; Ugalde confronts Fueros with evidence of personal incompetency; Fueros' 'escolta' for trip to Mexico discussed; Fueros defends honor, counters accusations in lengthy missive to virrey (consists of 106 'capitulos' (folios 90-134), follows no obvious thematic sequence, possibly response to enumerated charges or specific 'borradores'), mentions political and military successes, explains actions regarding provincial and military affairs (names, places, campaigns mentioned), especially relations with Indians of the region (details vague), places blame for some errors elsewhere, notes weaknesses of men appointed to replace him, argues (#29, folio 104) that Ugalde's motive 'no Es otro que quitar a los que no Se conforman con su particular modo de pensar.' (issue continued in sequence 5) (L. Kerr, February 1989)

(See preceding folios for introduction to issue discussed in this precis.) Cazorla appointed interim governor of Coahuila, replacing Fueros, but Dies before installed; Gutierrez sought as alternate replacement, since unable to enter office immediately Fernandez appointed meantime to fulfill duties; includes collection of 'autos,' from Indians taken prisoner by Fueros' men, and 'autos' and letters from various residents and officials of province regarding state of province, general behavior of Fueros; reviews both favorable and not. (See sequence 3 for continuation of Saga.) (L. Kerr, February 1989)

Ugalde concerned about apparent lack of useful, effective officials in Provincias Internas de oriente at all levels, including that of governor, informs virrey, through letters and 'informes reservados,' of personal and professional shortcomings of various high-ranking colleagues, recommends replacement with healthier, Younger, more amicable, less vainglorious individuals, several named; Fueros, governor of Coahuila, first whom Ugalde pursues; virrey requests and receives substantiating evidence; virrey informs Fueros of termination, interim replacement notified but Dies before installed, another replacement considered (See following folios for continuation of issue). (L. Kerr, February 1989)

Regidor Mora defends himself against public accusations made by administrador de Alcavalas, that he is 'ladron y usurpador'; allegedly took tax money belonging to Morales; autos concern illegal transaction; justicia steps in, has Mora produce the necessary money, settling matter. (L. Kerr, June 1989)

Includes 3 expedientes, numeros 30-32, first two somewhat related. Numero 30 includes copies of letters describing Munoz's military service history, letter in which Munoz appointed interim governor of Nuevo Santander, succeeding Vidal. 31 includes anonymous letter from 'vecinos de Nuevo Santander' in which they accuse Vidal of stealing ruthlessly from them; authors beseech virrey to arrest Vidal, reimburse them for money, goods stolen over years; fiscales evaluate claims, but that without known accusers and more specific charges, unable to prosecute. In 32, 3 Pison Indians request assistance in returning to mission after traveling to Mexico City to 'reclamar sobre Tierras de que Les ha desposeido.' (L. Kerr, June 1989)

Documents concern the death of the conde de Sierra Gorda. Gives lengthy biography of his services to the crown, of his settling and establishing of villages and repelling Indians attacks. A detailed account of his early military career in Querataro is given. His various promotions and especially of his successful campaigns against the Indians. A good account is given of his establishing of numerous towns and missions and of his pacification of the Indians and of their conversion to catholicism. Conde de Sierra Gorde decorated with the titulo de Castillo, thus freeing him of payment of Media Annata. Account of 1742 battle with English nation and of their attack on Veracruz. Later documents concern charges brought against him by citizens of his province for his over-aggressive style. royal commission sent to investigate. Conde de Sierra Dies before case completed. His son's role in defending his deceased Father against the charges. Commission's finding of no substance to charges. Additional letters concern the request that the governorship become a hereditary post and that the deceased's son, Manuel, shall be named as governor. His son's biography is extensively listed-military campaigns, settlement of towns, and pacification of Indians. A further request is made that assistance be given to the entire family. Names of family members given and their newly-granted offices and titles listed. Governorship granted to Manuel. Throughout the volume are good descriptions of founding of towns and resulting battle with the Indians. Folios 145-149 are especially strong in describing la Campana en Tamaulipas, including number of deaths, injured and prisoners taken. Also detailed are Indian banditry and the attempt to convert them through education and the missions. (P. Lenz, September 1989)

Chaplain complains that governor Mier doesn't behave properly when treating local inhabitants and ask the viceroy to remove him. Cedula issued for Vaamonde, governor of N. R. de Leon. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Series of letters sent to viceroy about the conflict between inhabitants of real de Vallecillos and government officials. Reports to viceroy is more concise and only makes a brief overview of the controversy but stress need for more military personnel in that area. People from Vallecillos are supposed to provide for one soldier each, so militia can be organized. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Concerns letters from Cordero Ruiz and Amezua, asking government official to approve refund of money which was given to alcalde baes for military protection of real de Vallecillos. Series of autos and testimonies dealing with prosecution of Amezua and Cordero Ruiz, who are accused of illegal handling of stores and silver mines. Amezua was put in jail and got sick before testifying. Cordero Ruiz escaped from jail. Court reviews Cordero Ruiz and Amezua's claim of having businesses and silver mines. Salaries for mine workers are reviewed by the court. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)