Crimes (Theft)

Tigua Indian Juan Caititi is found guilty of apostasy and horse stealing and is sentenced to life term working the San Joseph del Parral mines. (R. Davis) (1980)

2 unfavorable letters concerning new missions of San Xavier. First (7/20/1749) notes murder of 2 soldiers, theft of horseherd at hands of Apaches. States that River either floods everyone out or dries up. Claims that despite holy zeal of missionaries, Indians didn't want to work or sow fields, but instead pursue trade between French and Spanish, moving on to Adaes, finds many buildings in ruins, not repaired because of lack of people. In second letter (8/10/1749), points out lack of land, water, Indians in San Xavier area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Gobernador Almazan notes shortage of arms, clothing, supplies at Espiritu Santo presidio and blames it on lack of military discipline maintained by capitan Romero and his son Diego. States that soldiers gamble away their military equipment, fail to clean their weapons. Describes outbreak of hostilities between Indians camped next to presidio and soldiers. After fight, Indians fled. About half tracked down and taken prisoner by capitan Ramon, but they escaped jacal where they were held. Capitan Ramon received wound that killed him 8 days later. Almazan notes isolation of presidio, difficulty of fortifying it because humidity makes Adobe-making difficult. Advises that presidio be moved como Dos tiros de fusil to peninsula formed by River. Mentions Apache hostilities, including theft of livestock from Espiritu Santo, Rio Grande presidios. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Apaches attack San Antonio presidial horseherd, steal 86 horses. 30 soldiers, Indian auxiliaries, plus eight soldiers from Espiritu Santo presidio equipped, sent to recover horses, leaving San Antonio area underdefended, many of remaining soldiers underequipped. 180 Head of livestock recovered, 20 Apache women, children taken prisoner. After much argument fray Gonzalez convinces capitan of presidio to send one woman prisoner to Apaches as emissary, offering prisoners in return for peace. 4, then 30 Apaches show up. Capitan refuses to negotiate for peace unless all Apache leaders present, antagonizes Apaches and almost precipitates a battle. Only fray Gonzalez' restraint and trust Apache prisoners had in him prevents fight soldiers feel they might have lost, being poorly armed, mounted. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Documents concerning loss of 4000 pesos worth of goods destined for Franciscan missions in Texas. Soldiers stated they hid goods in mountains when they couldn't cross River in flood, and Indians grabbed goods. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Franciscans request more soldiers to guard missions in Texas, noting widespread theft of livestock perpetrated by guatsa Indians living around Bahia del Espiritu Santo. Guatsas, in rebellion against Spaniards, apparently influencing Texas Indians to do same. 8 soldiers who form mission guard lack weapons and 4 are sick. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Establishes punishments and judicial proceedings for 8 classes of insurgents. 1) all officers, defenders of fortifications, or armed when captured. 2) spies of all types. 3) guerillas and agitators 4) deserters 5) civil servants who join the rebel cause 6) those whose published or public opinions are sympathetic to the rebels 7) thieves who take advantage of political instability 8) civil servants continuing to serve in areas controlled by the rebels. The first four groups and the eight, if military personnel, will be tried in a consejo de guerra. The last four groups, if civilian, will be tried by civil authorities. (P. Hayes) (1977)

Jose Phelipe Quinteros, a Coyote, is Charged by his boss, Salcido, with having sold several Head of cattle and kept the proceeds. The investigation reveals no one who bought any, and the charges are dropped. (R. Perez) (1977)

Juan Cardenas is caught with a stolen horse, confesses, and implicates a multi-ethnic band of cattle thieves. Cardenas gives a complete history of his run-ins with the law (imprisoned 5 times). (R. Perez) (1977)

Garcia stole a hog, slaughtered it and sold the meat to various people (mostly poor people- mulatos, widows). He is exiled from the real (this being his second offense) and those who purchased the meat are fined 20 pesos each. (R. Perez) (1977)