Commerce (Weapons)

Detailed description of Comanche raids, attacks on Taouacanes. Raids caused by Indians who escaped from San Bernardo mission. Discussion concerning English doing illegal commerce of weapons with Orcoquizas. Detailed orders on what to do in case English are arrested. Discusses petition of Taouacanes to end war in exchange for Comanche prisoner held by Spaniards. Mentions problems caused by dry Weather and visits by Taranames. Describes various unsuccessful campaigns against Comanches. (M. Vasquez, March 1988)

Concerns previous letters sent by Ripperda. Also includes copy of letter to Ripperda in ff. 83-85. (M. Vasquez, February 1774)

Warns Comanches untrustworthy. Reprimands Ripperda for permiting commerce of weapons and ammunitions with indios del Norte and for letting French maintain this commerce. Advises to cut correspondence with French and governor of Natchitoches and to obey Oconor. (M. Vasquez, February 1988)

Letter from Gutierrez Castillo to virrey explaining delay in carrying out inventory of blackpowder in possession of Salazar. (J. H. Ochs, June 1988)

Expediente, accompanied by several cover sheets, containing letters to and from Ugarte concerning funds for maintaining peace with Comanches, Yutas, and Navajos and for use in fighting various Apache groups. Mention of 6000 pesos reserved annually for use of governor of Nueva Mexico for these purposes. Other horses, mules, carbines, medals, ammunition, cloth, glass beads, steel knives, etc.; salaries of Indian leaders; arms to be given to Comanches; weapons obtained by Indians from Luisiana; orders from Ugarte to Beregana regarding remission of funds from Chihuahua to Anza; orders from Ugarte to Anza regarding receipt and use of funds; medals to be awarded to various Indian leaders includes Anza's response to Ugarte's orders and acknowledgement of receipt of annual funds for 1787. Additional responses from Anza's successor (Concha) concerning Anza's overspending and asking for an additional 2000 pesos to cover excess. Mention of campaigns against Apaches. Ff. 159v-162 is a detailed account of goods purchased for Indians in tabular form. Also includes order from Ugarte to Diaz de Hortega concerning Anza's overexpenditure and measures to correct this. Orders to Concha and Abilitado at Santa Fe regarding same situation. Response from Beregana to Ugarte acknowledging orders and reporting compliance. Also includes report from Ugarte to Florez of situation. Letter from marques de Sonora to the comandante-general informing him of king's approval of steps taken. Auto from Beregana relating activities of royal treasury at Chihuahua. Ff. 0173-0192 is and informe giving detailed account of uses of money and the situation in Nueva Mexico from Ugarte to Florez. (W. Copas, may 1988)

Series of letters from Fermin de Mendinueta to the viceroy. Concerns Indian depredations from June 1773-August 1775. Picuris, Nambe, Santa Clara, San Juan, Pecos, Alburquerque, Bernalillo, Jemez, Cochiti, Zuni, Laguna, Taos, pojaque, San Yldefonso, Sandia, la Alameda, Galisteo, and Zia. Apache raids occurred at Alburquerque, Laguna, Betlem, and Tome. Discussion o casualties on both sides, killed and wounded. Other topics Alburquerque against Navajos, sales of arms to friendly Indians, campaign against Comanches by presidial troops and Indian auxiliaries, discussion of animals taken during raids, and attempts to establish peace with Apaches. (W. Copas, April 1988)

Rodriguez reports on Indian crimes and depredations committed in area and discusses how to deal with them. Also discusses his military service, need for salaries to be paid, and death of chaplain and need to replace him. Letters interspersed with notes to Rodriguez by unknown official(S) on issues in letters. Alderete recounts (to Rodriguez) battle with Indians where cabo was injured and discusses actions taken against Indians. Discussion of behavior of different Indian groups (Lipanes and Mescaleros), Indian interaction with Spanish, and Indian trade I weapons with English. (S. Fiederlein, 4-3-87)

O'connor replies to new rules for consolidating presidios of Texas. Points out that Mezieres is not to be trusted; that he has fooled governors in past and that his true loyalty probably is not with Spain. O'Connor reviews Indian situation in Texas. Note from fiscal Areche to order O'Conor to put a stop to illegal arms trade, reminding him that only trade from ports of Veracruz and Acapulco is legal. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Two letters from Luis Antonio Menchaca, captain of San Antonio de Bexar presidio, reporting on peace efforts with different Indian groups. Menchaca doubts their effectiveness. Reports on illegal arm trading with Indians and efforts to combat it. Various accounts of livestock and horse thieving. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Bucareli again denies permission to trade arms with friendly nations even if to offset influence of English. Commends governor for his good job. Negates possibility of a formal war due to lack of money. Recommends religious instruction and sweet talking to pacify Indians. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987).