Disease (Smallpox)

Correspondence on new governor to be instructed by Cuellar; mention of conflict between Cuellar and Aguero; petition by Cuellar to go back to Tarahumara and leave expedition in charge of captain of Durango; concern about his Brother being replaced in battalion of savoya. Description by Rodriguez of unfortunate situation with Indians in Monclova and Santa Rita. Cuellar reports of his situation and that of his troop, and of his encounters with Indians to Croix. Part of diary by Leizaola reporting in detail the situation of his troops in following tracks of Apaches near Chiguagua. Cuellar congratulates Faini as new governor of Nueva Vizcaya and tells him of his plans related to military expediton, also describes in detail clashes with Apaches, their military tactics, explains why he does not follow order given by visitador general in war against Indians, mentions failure to capture Indians who attacked Chihuahua and imprisonment of three Indian women, and death of Ten Young people due to smallpox (?). (M. Vasquez, August 1988)

Documents concern meeting by Nayarit Indians in home of Valdes y Gamboa in which plans were made to March to Mexico City to demand audience with viceroy for removal of Spanish troops and missionaries and restoration of losses incurred by conquest of Nayarit. Plan revealed through Indian Spy. Includes frequent incidental references to smallpox. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Documents relate state of Sonora. expected uprising by Papagos is defused by capitan Anza by convincing Indian governors of Tucson and Rio Gila about futility of rebellion. Governor abandons Pitic due to illness; moves to Horcasitas leaving military matters at Pitic to Coronel Elizondo. (A. Dell'acqua, October 1987)

Governor relates intensification of attacks by Apaches in letter to viceroy. Apaches take advantage of plague overtaking Spaniards, pacified Indians and poor condition of presidio horses to create havoc, desecrate churches and steal. Governor relates poverty of presidiales and priest of area. (A. Dell'acqua, June 1987)

Missionary struggles to abolish polygamy, drunkenness among Indians. Eulogy Perez, one of earliest missionaries. Mentions hunger driving Indians into mountains to search for herbs, roots. Notes Indian deaths from various diseases. Notes Jesuit attempts to preach in native languages, Indian acceptance Christian doctrine, practices. Account Hurdaide hurdaide campaign against rebellious Zoes along Rio Cinaloa. Notes success mission San Ignacio, which comprehends Rios Yaqui, Mayo, Nebome. States smallpox worst, most prevalent disease. Notes death Hurdaide. Describes fiesta honoring priests in Chinapa, with bowers, music, maiz, Pinole. Notes fertility Chinapa Valley, large harvests. Notes missionary work among varohios (Warihios) and related groups-tepozes, Guazapares, Haporas, Bayezitos, Cazosopas, Tzayeus. Mentions troubles fr. Olinano, missionary to Nebomes, encountered with various mountain Indians who used poison arrows. Mention Coupas, Hoisuaues (guasaves?), Ashaques. (T. Sheridan) (1976)