Commerce

Examines the status of the California missions following the Jesuit expulsion. The impact of new missionaries on the Indians, especially their increasing race in non-mission economic activity. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Reveals in some detail conditions in the two provinces remarks on tribute payment, Indian towns, commerce, the military situation, prices, supply problems, also, includes recommendations for reform. Special emphasis on reforming commercial code to prevent abuses by merchants. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Capitan Orobio y Bastherra informs virrey of request by Horcoquiza Indians to be reduced, missionized. States Horcoquizas consist of 5 pueblos, o rancherias, totaling 300 families. Notes their location along Rios Trinidad, Naeches, Sabinas. States these Indians trade on annual Basis with French. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Appears to be identical but incomplete copy of Altamira's lengthy description of Texas- its history, state of presidios, French-Spanish relations, etc. Precised already from Nacogdoches archives- See DRSW serial 4685. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Detailed description of geography of Texas (and north America in general, from Canada to isthmus of Panama) and its history including- discussion of French colonies, French-Indian relations; location/number of troops of Texas presidios; brief description Texas found, Flora; first explorers; Frenchmen in Texas; Spanish responses to French, military activities, including founding of missions, presidios; fertility of land and possibilities of trade with Vera Cruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo; quality of presidial soldiers; French-Spanish relations. See also DRSW serial 4633. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns need for Spanish soldiers at Adaes presidio to trade with French for food supplies. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns Apaches, French in Texas. Notes French trade in weapons with Apaches. States that despite peace in Europe between 2 crowns, French on Spanish frontier still instructed to turn Indians against Spaniards. Discusses Indian rebels of Coahuila and Nueva Vizcaya, and justice in waging guerra de Sangre y fuego against them. Mentions Indians who took refuge in colegio de Parras. Notes peace with Apaches arranged by capitan Flores. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

In letter of 10/21/1723, capitan Flores describes Apache raid on San Antonio horseherd and his successful pursuit of raiders onto the plains, in which 34 Indians killed, many horses recovered. Notes goods possessed by Apaches. Asks Apache prisoner why the Indians attacked his horseherd and Apache replies that they trade (tienen Cambalaches) horses with Spaniards to north. Prisoner also states that raiding party composed of 5 capitanes with 12 men each. Concerning foodstuffs carried by Apaches, prisoner says that they raise maize themselves, get beans from Spaniards. Flores decides to sue for peace, so he sends prisoner (woman) back to her people with promise that 19 Apache prisoners at San Antonio will be freed if peace prevails. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Review of colonization, missionization of Provincia de Texas from time of Alonso de Leon to 1716. Texas, Caodaches Indians described as mas politica in province, sowing many crops. Population of area estimated to be un million. Indian groups between Coahuila and the land of Texas Indians listed (See 201). Texas Indians belief in afterlife briefly described. Missionaries claimes that early soldiers set bad example for Texas Indians, mistreating them and stealing their women. Franciscan missionary efforts delineated. Texas disatisfaction with Spaniards, abandonment of missions in 1693 noted. French trade with Indians mentioned. Texas Indians had 11 pueblos, chocta (choctaw) Indians outside of Movila had 32, Nache Indians had 11. Flora, fauna, agriculture of eastern Texas described, where Indians caultibando la tierra con las quixadas de los benados. Indians live in wooden houses, sleep on raised beds and farm en Comun. Indian enemies of Texas- Apaches, Yojuanes, Cubipanes, Canas- noted. Absence of pulgue, otras bebidas, but presnece of Peyote among Texas Indians mentioned. Province continually described as very fertile. Indian use of wild fruits, walnuts, acorns noted. Lead mines near Texas Indians mentioned. Force of 60 soldiers needed for conquest, colonization of Texas, to be gathered from other presidios of Nueva Vizcaya. Apparently, fiscal doesn't think much of idea. Excellent summary of early Texas history, including Leon, Ramon entradas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Brief account of Indians of provincia of Texas, of whom the Spanish have encountered 50 naciones, noting- their dress; receptiveness to Spanish language/religion; presence of valuable minerals among them; absence of ydolatria formal although hechiceros, curanderos present; hunting activities especially buffalo; production of tanned deer hides which they trade to Spaniards; absence of drunkenness among them, which Olivares notes may be due to fact that no hay Magueyes en abundancia, o porque ygnoran el modo de cultivarlos (pg.119); dances to celebrate ware victories, which often cause trouble among them; ceremonial use of Peyote que usan Por bebida del Peiotte y de otras yerbas que suelen causas turbacion en los sentidos de que procede el vervisiones, y fantasmas (pg. 119). (T. Sheridan) (1977)