Climate

(Robert H. Jackson) (1980)

This long informe gives a complete account of the mission de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. It was sent by fr. Juan de Dios de Larrondo to fr. Antonio de Vebina, and speaks of the govierno politico and espiritual de los indios including the gastos and the limosna a los pobres, etc. This is an original document with the autograph of fr. Juan de Dios Larrondo. (microfilm catalog)

Part of book five focuses on Ofm missionary activity in Texas. Includes its development, contacts with the Indians, Indian customs, religious practices, political system, conversions plus success of missionary activity. Also, remarks on animals, plants, and climate of the mission region. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Copy of report on the Indian population, administration, products, climate and socio economic condition of 16 missions and their visitas. Most are in Chihuahua and are Tarahumara. Contains tables, descriptive texts, general report, and a summary list. (T.n.) (1975)

Daily diary of the March. Indians, rivers, presidios, water, pasturage, Weather. Ethno-historic, info is general and sketchy. (T.n.) (1975)

2 unfavorable letters concerning new missions of San Xavier. First (7/20/1749) notes murder of 2 soldiers, theft of horseherd at hands of Apaches. States that River either floods everyone out or dries up. Claims that despite holy zeal of missionaries, Indians didn't want to work or sow fields, but instead pursue trade between French and Spanish, moving on to Adaes, finds many buildings in ruins, not repaired because of lack of people. In second letter (8/10/1749), points out lack of land, water, Indians in San Xavier area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Gobernador Larios argues that transfer of 17 of the 60 soldiers composing Adaes presidio to Paraje of San Xavier would- 1) leave Adaes underdefended and unable to meet French threat; and 2) 17 soldiers from Adaes, 13 from Bahia presidio would be insufficient to guard San Xavier missions from Apaches. Includes lengthy discussion of deployment of Adaes troops, poor land, climate around Adaes, dependence of Adaes on foodstuffs obtained from French. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Rivera recommends closing of Texas presidio, and virrey marques de Casafuerte heeds his advice (4/26/1729). Franciscans (8/20-1729) eloquently defend need for presidio, however, arguing that San Francisco, Concepcion and San Joseph missions would be lost without it. Missionaries state Rivera made inspection of Texas presidios during driest season in 13 years and so was misled about ease of travel. They ask that it be reestablished with 50 men instead of 25. Gobernador Mediavilla y Ascona (8/31/1729) supports missionaries, noting that Rivera's recommendations had reduced Texas military by 75 plazas- 40 from Aldaes presidio, 25 from Texas presidio, 10 from San Antonio presidio. Gobernador argues that distances too great, Indians too well armed with French guns, powder for presidios of San Antonio and Bahia de Espiritu Santo to be sufficient. Paredes gathers all above documents together, summarizes Franciscan position and sends representacion to comisario general. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (1977)