Commerce (Regulation)

(S. Gibbs, October 1987)

Concerns trade regulations and expenditures for tobacco, salt, gunpowder, and playing cards. (L. Deatherage, July 1987)

Governor Emparan describes steps taken to limit exporting of grain in attempt to control prices; notes on official proclamation relating to such problems. (J. Williams, February 1987)

Bucareli chastises Ripperda for trading arms with friendly Indian nations through presidio of Natchidoches, reminding him that it is against laws and that only items received through ports of Veracruz and Acapulco can be traded. Also reminds him that a council of war and hacienda is needed before war can be made against Apaches and that in mean time he should only conduct a defensive campaign. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Interim gobernador of Californias, Arrillaga, requests a legal opinion (consulta) as to what should be done about neutral ship which put into a Spanish port asking for aid, but then after having received help continued to land at other ports. Final decision is based on treaties, signed in Madrid in 1795, between Spain and United States, and Spain and France. These treaties define territorial limits for navigation and commerce between signatory nations. Royal orders of May 3 and 31, 1792 gave detailed instructions for protection of heartland by coast guard. These contribute to a royal resolution proclaimed on July 15, 1805, which authorized legal seizure (comiso) of ships and cargo of ships of any nation whatsoever that breaks or exceeds boundaries agreed upon in earlier treaties. Most interesting aspect of these documents, including ones to-from virrey of Buenos Aires, is great preoccupation with Anglo-American and-or British incursions into waters of Spanish territories. Opinions are exchanged which fear that many of these ships under pretense of emergency aid are actually engaged in illegal activities such as contraband and-or whaling, fur, or leather trade. (J. M. Johnson, December 1986).

Details on cargos and itineraries of ships destined for lists of supplies and provisions with estimated amounts and costs based on consumption of (dried) meat and fish, bread, staple items, lard, spices, water and firewood. Most important to California missions, with buying price in San Blas, selling price in San Diego. Ff. 164-193 inventory and specifications of Paquebot el Principe (San Antonio), including; ship dimensions and volume capacity, masts, hull, sails, pantry, cables and rigging, anchors, armor, auxiliary boats. Ff. 148-150 and 155-163 provide many details on the fragata Santiago (Nueva Galicia). (J. M. Johnson, September 1988)

Detailed lists of goods carried by the fragata Santiago (Nueva Galicia) to Monterrey and San Francisco. Ff. 140 and 143 are price lists of food items for buying price in San Blas and selling price at Monterrey and San Francisco, respectively. Regulations in effect add automatic 150 increase to buying price for transportation costs. (J. M. Johnson, September 1988)

Pose asks viceregal permission and assistance to build schooner in order that he may transport frutos y efectos to presidios in California. Virrey accedes request on condition that Pose is not a foreigner. Eliza and Hijosa assure virrey that Pose is indeed a Spaniard. (J. H. Ochs, July 1988)

Notice of derechos de extranjeria for apparently illegal shipment of cloth coming from Panama. Authorities withhold shipment until decision is made. Notice of commercial items such, such as cacao and cotton, arriving from Acapulco. (M. Marroquin, July 1988)

Correspondence and government documents dealing with import-export regulations from Panama and other ports; job application for son of a government official; cheating of a government official with regard to his salary. (M. Marroquin, 1988)