Civil Offices (Misconduct)

Letter from Survier to viceroy Revilla Gigedo indicting most of his acquaintances in government of Nuevo Santander for their indolence, sophism, hypocrisy, tyrrany, greed, lack of integrity, and general stupidity. Written with caustic wit, considerable intelligence, literary style, and flawless handwriting. Footnoted digressions make up one-third of document. Mentions Antonio Fabian de Puga's murder of five non-hostile Indians (discussed in ff. 0107-0115, exp. 23 of this volume). (A. Dean, February 1989)

Cotrino becomes Alcalde mayor of Nombre de Dios after death of Gomez Sanudo. Testimonies from Gomez Cordera, vallartas, aryza, concio, Cayetano, Casasola, Sadzon, and Alfaro y alzedo protest Cotrina's appointment. Objections to Cotrina focus on cotrin's conduct and occupation in Guadalaxara. There, under the pseudonym Franco, Cotrina played the role of Galan in a local theater. Casasola says Cotrina consorted with Juana Ximenez and did not play opposite his wife, instead acting opposite another woman. Sadzon states that cotrina's history as an actor shames the position of Alcalde mayor and suggests that another be named for the post. Testimonies detail aspects of the performing arts, salaries of civil officials, different kinds of tobacco, and the appointment process of Alcaldes mayores. Considerable discussion of what makes a good civil official. (S. Gibbs, February 1989)

Concerns document dealing with dispute of authority between government officials. alcalde mayor of Xeres is stripped of his authority to appoint justices and order building constructions. Letters explains detail of controversy over controlling real de Bolanos such as incapability of mayor of Xeres, who had jurisdiction in the area, to handle tasks like administration of justice among Indians, agricultural improvements to avoid floods etc. Gorospe is appointed corregidor of Bolanos and relieved from paying taxes. (M.marroquin, June 1989)

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 in which Urresti communicates news worthy of virrey's attention, concerning missions under his command, at nearby mission, suspected by Urresti of only seeking relief from viral epidemic decimating nation, Piedracitos request same at other mission, duplicitous intentions suspected also, quiet, peaceful behavior of Indians at another mission noted, participation in 'cosecha de Frutos' also peaceful, military skirmishes along Rio Blanco involving Indians discussed, establishment of 'las Pazes' per virrey's 'mandato'; letters from virrey commenting on, commending, actions taken by Urresti, approving request by interim governor of Coahuila for 50 soldiers, ordering that silver, though in 'corta cantidad', continue to be mined at Yguana, informing of 'insultos' from siguis(?); letter concerning 'quadernos' containing information on Munoz y Villavicencio's conduct in office. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Letters from Aguero to authorities in Guadalajara concerning fine of 1000 pesos supposedly imposed on him for referring to Arangoiti as oydor fiscal instead of Sr. Oydor fiscal. Actual reason for fine is Aguero's refusal of Pasage to Arangoiti. The fine is cancelled by virrey Croix. (T. Kahana, August 1988)

Anza chosen to lead second expedition from Sonora; difficulties, duties and finances discussed. Guerra dismissed from post and appeal to Corbalan rejected for poor administration of Renta de sales. Caudales (ff. 352-370) of gold, mercury, salt, bulas, silver, papel sellado, Monte Pio, tobacco, gunpowder and playing cards; ff. 359-360 inventory equipment and furnishings; ff. 365-366 payments made for presidios by real hacienda; F. 369 list of remittances and summary data. Regular correspondence will cease as Corbalan is on route to Mexico. (J. M. Johnson, April 1988)

Ozejo, who governs at Batuco, provides a report on conditions, notes retirement of Torre Casio for his excesses; other minor administrative problems including great distance from nearest padre minister, and a troublesome vezino de razon who is inspiring bad conduct in Indians. (J. Williams, September 1987)

Stinging response to Mendoza's suggestions; notes problems that will grow out of stationing men in Chihuahua city; Apache infested areas; possible benefit of presidio transfer to Santa Clara; limited value of Taraumares as auxiliaries (whom he calls a nation of cowards); Mendoza's administration of civil government, Indian affairs is sharply criticized; his failure to discipline Indians; use of forced labor; and lack of mission schools are offered as examples of Mendoza's incompetence. (j.williams, may 1987)