Crimes (Slander And Defamation)

Lawsuit involving Joseph de Ulloa, Vecino of Rio Chico, accused of various misdeeds by his Amanuense (clerk) Pedro Casso. Involved libel. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Abalos accuses Olasaran of viciousness, treason, imperiosity, among other things. Olasaran accuses Abalos of calumny, being an imposter (Abalos claims his Father is C. Abalos; Sanchez claims C. Abalos had no son). Frequently mentioned that Abalos is mestizo. Many letters from character witnesses protesting for/against each party. Inserted in middle of these is Series of letters concerning death of Guzman (f.262-265), in which Abalos is apparently implicated. Buena is widow of Guzman. It seems Abalos is arrested, his punishment discussed. (A. Dean, July 1989)

Correspondence between governor Sandoval an viceroy about difficulties of Sandoval being respected and obeyed by officers of presidio de San Antonio principally its captain Urrutia who wrote letters against governor accusing him of corruption, lewd behavior and incompetence, forcing settlers of area not to obey governor also. Desertion of eight soldiers who did not obey orders of governor to escort new governor of province, such deserters expressed were following orders of Urrutia not to obey orders from governor. Governor confronted Urrutia in front of witnesses making him relent and issue orders of capture against such soldiers. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Most important documents will be referenced below by folio no. Most unusual document is letter to Pison signed and likely written by his wife regarding his importance to family (f. 308). Incredibly filthy swear words attributed to him, directed against priest during mass, quoted and underlined in ff. 244-245. Useful diagnosis of ailment (sinocat putrida) and simple treatment prescribed of better diet, sleep, exercise by surgeon (f. 316 ?) Traces processes of judicial procedure in determination of charges of other bad conduct on Pison's part, brought by teniente de gobernador Moreno in Loreto. Included is detailed service and conduct record and witnessed testimonies of Pison's past military service; and other biographical information. Accused of years of drunkenness, womanizing, thievery, setting bad examples for mission Indians. Jailed at mission; some witnesses testify that he reacted to provocation by others; Pison requests change of venue for unbiased trial and accessibility to witnesses for his defense who are themselves in prison in Guadalajara. Released by authorities on bail paid by Ramon Espinosa; although his mine personal effects are kept. At trial, jailed prisoners clear him of murder of Osio, by swearing latter died by drowning. Pison countercharges Moreno with beating and refusal to allow his case to go before Barri. Provides motive for Moreno's silencing him by citing evidence of Former's absconding with treasury funds and illegal trade in alcoholic beverages. Missionaries and Armona testify to his generally good character, despite drinking bouts. Final decision, however, by Valcarcel; approved by viceroy is that Pison must be punished by losing personal effects, mine, military title and lifetime banishment from Californias. Ff. 328-331, when punishment given, Pison petitions Bucareli to allow him for temporary stay in Loreto with family to make financial arrangements before his expulsion. (J. M. Johnson, July 1989)

Concerns military misconduct and criminal accusations of Juan Bautista de las Casas; accused of murder, very little information as to details of crimes committed by Casas; consists mainly of accusations and counter-accusations by different parties out of personal resentments; Garrote as form of capital punishment mentioned. (K. Hubin, March, 1990)

(A. Tukey, October 1988)

Representacion from Father Corrales concerning scandalous life of Pedro Guemes, resident of Altamira; Corrales describes Guemes' as abusive drunk, especially with regard to wife, describes other offensive behavior such as saying 'cosas irregulares contra el projimo'. Corrales' believes behavior warrants Guemes' expulsion from village, even provincia; includes testimonios, letters from teniente y justicia mayor, others village residents, vouching for Corrales' observations; Sierragorda orders Guemes into custody of captain Serna, who will punish him justly. (L. Kerr, August 1989)

Series of testimonies taken (under oath), from witnesses and military personnel about abusive manners used by Alferez Guillermo Dufay, against subordinates and the general public. Testimonies give examples of abusive language and name calling, used by this military official (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Series of documents dealing with home arrest and transfer of Alferez Dufay who was accused of using abusive language against subordinates. Dufay is also accused of mismanagement of resources. Series of notices of legal documents exchange between prosecuting officials give. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Concerns Series of documents dealing with abuses committed by Alcalde mayor Juan Baez who took away other people's property and money because, allegedly, there was the need to create militias in Vallecillos where Indians came and made problems. Goats are taken from Hacendados. Document explains details of conflict between authorities and local inhabitants of Vallecillos. Alcalde Baez is accused of running illegal businesses and of being promiscuous, I.e. Baez took someone else's woman and lived with her. Document explain what should have been done to save problems, such as not allowing this kind of people to serve the community. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)