Disease (Fever)

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)

Series of documents concerning the suspension of Francisco Lavastida's pay for not fulfilling his duties and obligations as contador de Navio de San Blas. Include reports from a surgeon and doctor concerning Lavastida's illness, letters commending his good work and letters from Lavastida protesting his suspension of pay. Lavastida mentions his part in preparing the delicate expedition of the British court to the american coast. Which was also the destination of the virrey; called the expedition de limites (f.188). Brief mention of captain Alexander Malaspina. (S. Tisdale, October 1989)

Series of documents concerning the charges of adultery brought against Jose Maria Monterde by his wife Maria Ferera del Valle. Documents include detailed information about Monterde's affair with Antonia Cortes from his wife's perspective. Series of correspondence between lawyers and Naval officials, however personal responses from Monterde are not included. (s.tisdale, October 1989)

Monthly reports with daily entries from Linares presidio to Juan Ugalde on Indian attacks, pillaging, horse rustling, desertion, and renegade soldiers; payroll distribution and widespread illness with fever. (E. Wilson, June 1989)

Mesia has not provided Corbalan with accounts on wealth attained under his command and on expedition due chills and fever. Publication of vandos and their distribution on return of Caudales and profits to Spain. Funon named royal accountant. Priests and commissioners not to require tithes on Indians, mission temporalities or community harvests. Josef Vildosola complains of bad state of presidio left by predecessor including missing firearms. (L. L. Woodward, September 1988)

Letter from viceroy to Corbalan mentioning matters on treatment of Indians; troop payments; supplies; and veteran troops. Corbalan reports his ill health. Concerns application of Alcabalas and shipper who owes taxes. (L. L. Woodward, August 1988)

Crespo request that Reyes be moved to Hospital de San Juan de Dios. Reyes is suffering fever with no hope of cure and is contagious to other prisoners. (D. Marksz, September 1987)

Documents relating to military appointments, transfers, invalid licences to different officers of presidios of Provincias Internas. Orders from viceroy to Ugarte not to correspond directly with consejo de indias as his transfer to Guadalaxara is in effect at this time. (A. Dell'acqua, October 1987)

Correspondence between virrey and three officers in Santander; Vidal de Lorca requests more munitions, money and troops to respond to Indian depredations; Maxent retires due to fever and illness suffered in San Luis Potosi; Quixas requests permission to go to Mexico City to See someone for cure, explains his sad position and excellent record; virrey is informed that Quixas, who is blind, has received permission from previous virrey but done nothing about it other than complain, causing previous virrey to impose perpetual silence on Quixas so virrey denies him permission to go to capital, but grants him permission to seek cure elsewhere; documents in Series, but intermingled. (D. J. McClelland, September 1988)

Concerns Medina taking over responsibility of arms shipment for Grimarest because of problems of negligence, contradiction of orders and tertian fever; Grimarest writes letter in defense mentioning his deeds. Discussion of goal of capturing Chiquito capitan who escaped along with his family and other Indians; concerns investigation of escape and interview of guards; describes attempts to follow fugitives; description of escape, death of soldier and men involved; suggests freeing jailed sentinels and need to not trust Chiquito capitan. (L. L. Woodward, July 1988)