Crimes (Fraud)

Documents from Parrilla Ortiz and others concerning debts incurred during expedition against Seris, construction costs of presidio of Horcasitas. Contain descriptions presidio size, materials used, etc.; followed by documents concerning rapid and untimely decay of said presidio with intent of determining guilty party or parties. (J. H. Ochs, October 1987)

Series of documents concerning the request to buy a ship and to conduct a commercial exchange of food and goods between Mexico and California using the frigate Concepcion. Correspondence mentions problems with fraud and contraband with commercial shippers. Perez is given permission to buy ship and to carry out a commercial expedition between San Blas and California in which he was ordered to obey all laws of Spain and America and to report all incidences, exchanges and people that he comes in contact with. (S. Tisdale, October 1989)

New accusations against Vaamonde are raised in a confidential frontier, gambling. Anonymous vecinos of Monterrey ratify these charges and Argue that all the evidence Vaamonde presented in his favour (ff.7-38) was written by people who owed him money as a result of gambling. The viceroy warns Vaamonde that unless he presents satisfactory explanation, he will be removed from his post. He also urges Vaamonde to go to Punta de Lampazos and take care of the military company personally. In his reply, Vaamonde reviews the law in force regarding the place where officers must reside and describes the arms he needs to equip the company in his charge. (A. Nielsen, September 1989)

Residents of various Villas retained faulty measuring devices for seeds. The devices were burned, the owners fined and new devices were distributed. Ff.260 appears to contain list of

Incorrect measuring devices for seeds were discovered in Mier. It appears they were to have been changed per an order in February (ff.254). Incorrect devices burned, owners fined and given new devices. Fines to be used for jail and sala capitular (ff.255). (S. Langmack, October 1989)

Concerns Series of documents dealing with confiscation of property from deceased governor of Nuevo Reyno de Leon. Money was given to him for administrative purposes. Wife of deceased governor petitioned not to be deprived of personal items. List of soldiers from presidios to be assisted with stolen money given. Money was provided, among other things, for administration of la Renta del tabaco. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Concerns letters from Cordero Ruiz and Amezua, asking government official to approve refund of money which was given to alcalde baes for military protection of real de Vallecillos. Series of autos and testimonies dealing with prosecution of Amezua and Cordero Ruiz, who are accused of illegal handling of stores and silver mines. Amezua was put in jail and got sick before testifying. Cordero Ruiz escaped from jail. Court reviews Cordero Ruiz and Amezua's claim of having businesses and silver mines. Salaries for mine workers are reviewed by the court. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Concerns Nuevo Santander and Huasteca livestock, especially cattle. Arana complains of problems of people selling stolen cattle to new settlers, as he suffered fraud in exchange of livestock. Arecheo and buacareli believe insisting on branding licenses would cause problems. Sierra Gorda confirms Arana's complaint that region abounds in thieves selling what is not theirs to strangers, advises punishing them. Need to Aquire cows and Mares for region; need to register brands. Mention of docility of Indians in region. (L. L. Woodward, November 1988)

Concerns petition for retirement. Testimonies dealing with military misconduct of captain Oca. List of Indians put in prison for workshiping idols. (M. Marroquin, April 1989)

Concerns Series of letters from commander Oca, reporting on the undertaking of command of presidio facility. Letter reporting on Indians being mistreated by local Jesuits priests. Letter of various kinds have been halted; notice is given about a fraud of 5000 pesos. Commander Oca, solicits permit to leave and take care of health problems caused by bad climatic conditions (M. Marroquin, April 1989)