Droughts

Describes effect of the drought on crops and livestock. (R. Perez) (1976)

In addition to an extended drought, an epidemic of great proportion has arrived. Padre Blas refers to it as measles, saying that it has not only killed many people, but also cattle and other animals. (R. Perez) (1977)

Ff.289-294 is letter by Escandon describing failure of most of corn crop during two-month drought, followed by severe flooding (trees falling, Xacales washing away, etc). Describes first his own household's experience, servants and slaves (Mulattos) ill, dying in March to higher ground; second part is survey of damage to each Pueblo around colony. Good detail. Ff.295-303 concern gunpowder supply to troops of Nuevo Santander. (A. Dean, March 1990)

Correspondence concerning hunger suffered by Indians at mission due to drought in region; request for assistance in constructing 'presa' to store water for agricultural use, particularly cultivation of corn; governor explains that situation causing Indians to 'vaguear en el Campo,' compromising religious education; subsequent letters address details of 'presa,' amount of materials needed, cost, location selected; no one contracts to construct 'presa,' governor requests that necessary amount instead be sent directly to 'presidente' of mission; funds approved, almost two years after original request. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence spanning several years concerning establishment of new mission for mistreated Pinto Indians, entailing selection of 'ministro,' lengthy discussion of costs, problems involved; cost of 'ministro'S' transportation to Palmitos covered by government, he and other fray express need for generous financial assistance to establish mission, Argue that hungry Indians not receptive to religious education, also request 'vasos sagrados y ornamentos'; discussion of need for sacred objects continues throughout correspondence, speculation that objects from previous mission still at Helguera, 'ministro' permitted to remain at colegio Apostolico until matter solved; action stymied for year or so until found that sacred objects no longer at Helguera, purchase of new objects ordered, Pintos move to mission and substitute 'ministro' assigned, governor requests that Pintos receive supplies of corn, rice, several Head of cattle, etc., in order to establish and sustain themselves until harvest; list of 'utensilios de Campo' (folio 97), itemized list, including costs, of 'utensilios' and sacred objects (folios 100-101); drought in region (1795) threatening crops planted by Indians, request by governor for additional cattle, staples to sustain Pintos till harvest. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Chrisanto goes to Tiburon, returns with mulato Cavesilla bien malo,5 families- 25 people. Accompanied by 5 Tiburones seeking pardon and permission to remain on Island. All rebel Seris have taken refuge on Tiburon, fearing Piato attack, except Marcos, 4 families, who returned to mainland because of lack of meat on Island. After 2 aguazerus, Anza leaves in pursuit of Piatos. Another detachment pursuing Piatos lose 5 horses who die of thirst while 8 men suffer heat prostration. Water carried in botas. 23 families of suaquis o sibubapas reduced in Belem- only 6 left and they're ready to surrender because of lack of water, death of Thomas, Paderon campaign against Piatos first priority including possible invasion of Cerro Prieto in October. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Anza, Vildosola, 120 troops pursue rebels probably Seris, to Marismas. Tracks at Tastiota but no water at Pozo Salado. Men, horses, 24 hours without water. Troops have to turn back. All Aguajes except Cajon de corsari dry. Bergosa, 60 troops dispatched to pursue Suaqui rebels 6 Suaqui warriors killed, as well as 3 women, 2 kids, including 2 cavesillas los Mas obstinados, one-paderon- a gentile, the other- Thomas-former gobernador of Suaqui and autor de la sublevacion de su su nacion. 17 Suaqui families-62 people-reduced at Belen only 43 Piato families remain in rebellion. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Vague but interesting correspondence of Bonavia regarding necessity of defense along border with Louisiana due to possible U.s. hostility and land encroachment; Bonavia expresses dismay that borders not defended better, problems and costs of defense mentioned, but its importance stressed; problem of drought as impediment to troop movement discussed; slight description of U.s. forces in Louisiana mentioned; population in border region discussed. (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Documents concern naming of officials for new presidios in Janos, San Carlos and San Buenaventura. Details discussed appointments to fill vacated posts; transportation arrangements, including delays due to travel difficulties caused by drought and deserts; replies of receipt of travel orders by officials and granting of passport. Other documents concern supplies for soldiers, need for recruiting volunteers to transfer to California, instructions to presidio habilitados (paymasters) and new regulations in effect. (J. M. Johnson, February 1989)

Concern expressed by Moreno that housing expensive and food short as it is eaten by horses; Mendinueta recommends seed be made available at low price so soldiers do not desert; Wall of cavalry quarters in ruins, soldiers uncomfortable, horses damaged; discussion of (high) price of corn in region; price for corn gone from four to nine pesos per carga because of lack of rain; desertions continue as troops unhappy; soldier in Hospital incurring costs; haciendas asked for grain; baker stops making bread for regimento for lack of wheat; 25,000 pesos already given over from real Caxa of Durango; request that either horses be moved out to pastures away from the city, or 500 fanegas of corn be made available so corn is left for people in city; request for virrey to support Coronel in forcing Hacendados to keep prices low; testimony of Hacendados concerning their (lack of) grain; argument between Moreno and virrey concerning establishment of blame for shortages; certification that corn once selling for 4 pesos per carga now selling for 12 to 15 pesos per carga; lack of housing seen as resulting from increased number of shops; request for 12,000 to 14,000 pesos from real hacienda; Hacendado records the augmentation of 50 on his ranch because of lack of rain in other areas; bishop points out danger of leaving horses on haciendas outside city because of wild Indians; regimento is packed up for Querataro; royal decree that regimento retreat from Durango; regimento withdrawn from Durango for lack of grain; very repetitive; many copies. (p. Coyle November 1989)