Disasters (Fires)

The first several documents are practically illegible but appear to be interrogatories pertaining to a fire which occurred in the home of Garcia (in the Pesqueria Grande Valley) during a weekend fiesta February 3, 1798; another, in the home of Rubalcava the preceeding October, also during a fiesta, is mentioned. Later, Llanos y Valdes submitted a document in which he accused Rubalcava, the contador of Diezmos, of setting fire to the Naipes; the bishop consequently excommunicated Rubalcava. Berria and many others respond on behalf of Rubalcava, requesting that the excommunication be lifted. One witness mentions that Pedro and Geronimo de Herrera are the brothers of the governor, whose name they didn't mention, so it's probably Simon. (S. Langmack may 1990)

Fire burned old church and 35 houses in San Blas during celebration of San Juan Nepomuceno. Documents include testimonios regarding fire (ff. 437-447); list of losses to church and individuals due to fire (ff. 447-452). now more urgent than before to build new church, but need money; list of donations collected (ff. 465); description of work completed as of August 1, 1791 (ff. 471-472); Cuenta of expenses (ff. 473-474); manifesto of expenses paid by real hacienda (ff. 486); push to take advantage of dry season to finish construction. When nearly complete, church suffers damage in dry lightning storm; estimate of cost of necessary repairs (ff. 494). (D. Uhlman, August 1988)

Attempts made to control Indians via mission establishment at Cruillas. Military strength increased, guns purchased and distributed, weapons replaced at Padilla, Santillana and Marina. Iron and wax sold for financing of poor missions. Indian prisoners to be transported by de la Garza to Mexico. Land allotments described along with profits, expenditures of mission production. (L. Deatherage, July 1987)