Crimes (Theft)

Padres address auto to capitan comandante Rivera that Osio took cattle belonging to mission, killed and sold them. Money should be recovered and returned to them. Osio says cattle were on disputed land, geographical boundaries in error and were his. Osio ordered for further testimony before justicia mayor Rivera. Determines number of cattle owned by mission since 1734 and concludes Osio guilty. Traces sale of cattle by Osio and fines him 1000 pesos. Osio appeals claiming can determine his family's right of ownership. (J. M. Johnson, July 1989)

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)

Herrera acknowledges receipt of royal announcements and decrees and Paisanos; reglamento del Montepio; timely administration of justice for military personnel; legal action against military personnel limited to 100 pesos; royal pardon for deserters from real Armada; permission for Albarez to sign with his last name only; criminal case against Bustamante for theft; requirement that service records for various civil officials be submitted every two years. (D. Marksz, October 1987)

Index to quadernos (numbered 1-16) concerning Indian raids in Sierra de Tamaulipa, peace proposals by village Indians, damage done by palalquelquas, Lazaga's discussion of Chichimecos, transport of Indians in chaingangs, troop increases, supply of weapons for troops, proposed peace with Lipanes, efforts at pacification in Nuevo Santander. Lasaga emphasizes need for additional settlements to counter advantage Indians have attacking existing settlements; proposes two - three new settlements of Approximately 50 people; outlines measures to be taken to make settlements economically viable, integrated with existing settlements. Mentions success of other settlements created for greater defense. Mentions legalities of ensuring equitable land tenure; certain amount of land would be set aside for livestock to remove expensive need to import meat from Veracruz. (O. Velez, February 1990)

Account of pursuit of Comanches who stole mules from Vecino de Monterrey; battle and capture, some participants wounded; little significant data; letters and military diario. (D. J. McClelland, July, 1989)

Series of letters between virrey and real Audiencia primarily captured, imprisoned pending their transferral to Havana; during imprisonment two women die (f.12); Apache Reo imprisoned for robbing habilitacion, sentenced to Ten yrs hard labor; folios of significant information. (D. J. McClelland, March 1989)

Accounts consist of listing of clothing and supplies for settlers and recruits for Monterrey expedition by households, sometimes detailed by quantity and prices. Later marginal notes comment on purchases and actions taken. Detailed list provided of items sold to Moncada for expedition. Later dated Yumas, theft of horses and mules, Alcabala, petition of Joseph Villa for past due pay, commissions for various soldiers, deserters on Rio Colorado expedition and expenses incurred on same. (J. M. Johnson, July 1988)

(D. Marksz, December 1987)

Discussion and copy of diary of Carrasco's campaign. Extensive use made of Indian auxiliaries. Documents include list of recaptured livestock identified by brands and colors. (D. Marksz, November 1987)