Epidemics

Criticizes Rodriguez Gallardo's proposals concerning formation of new settlements along frontier, stating that population concentration will encourage more Apache attacks. Argues that, la jente Es la que falta en esta provinzia. Discusses proposal to move Terrenate presidio to land of Pimas Sobajipuris (Sobaipuris). States that many missions could unite because epidemics have depopulated many areas. Notes that many Spaniards have abandoned frontier, leaving only Indians. Vividly describes Apache menace. Urges more soldiers be assigned to frontier. Suggests reassignment of existing presidiales among six frontier presidios. Makes numerous suggestions for reorganization of presidial duties. Excellent document concerning Sonoran military situation. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

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)

Discusses declining Indian populations and the difficulties in keeping frontier pueblos, occupied due to sparse populations and Apache attacks. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Describes how his visita was delayed, first due to Yaqui and Mayo unrest, then due to an epidemic that had spread from Mexico. Discusses his itinerary, noting that he will travel near the region where Indians are in revolt (near the rectorate of San Xavier). Requests permission to travel directly to these missions, where his investigation will be most beneficial. A reply from Marciano (ures, 11/19/1740) grants his request. Followed by the concurring opinions of Echagoyan (acotzi, 11/20/1740), Toral (Guepaca, 11/21/1740), and others. (R. Perez) (1977)

Index and extractions from legajo 10 (1763), quadernos 1-8, containing administrative, military, and religious information regarding provincias of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Texas, San Sabas, Nayarit, and Californias. Indexed material includes election of captain of Rosario missions; request for firearms and gunpowder for Guadalaxara; problems with and punishments of Apaches, Seris, Pimas; Tubac captain presents teniente and Alferez titles; proclamation of peace with England and France published; petition of payment for clothing and arms costs for soldiers sent to San Saba; company organization against Apaches; military salaries; two priests murdered by Apaches; lack of corn in Coahuila; Piedras Indians ask for mission; Velasco asks permission to run market; ship run aground at Coopanes; epidemic in Santander; Tamaulipa mines; cannons; population projections; topical summary listing for index (J. Hiller, July 1989).

Documents concerning violent fever contracted by soldiers at Espiritu Santo. Fearing an epidemic that would cripple Spanish forces during critical campaign against insurrection, Arredondo petitions virrey for immediate medical attention. Suspects that illness introduced by Indians crossing from U.s. territory. Includes fascinating inventory of medicines ordered for treatment. (A. Tukey, October 1988)

Letter from Herrera informing Onesimo that the fever has returned to Pilon, Linares and Salinas causing deaths and illness, fears that the disease may spread more rapidly due to hot Weather climate; presence of druggist in Cadereyta had prompt effect in terms of the illness; in Linares a junta de caridad was established to help fund the costs of treating the sick; Rio acknowledging orders to communicate the status of disease in his college of Guadalupe; Garrido responding affirmatively to virrey's plea for help from mission personnel in aiding those areas suffering from disease commits his colegio Apostolico de pachuca in this effort; letter mentioning plea to real padre custodio del tampico in regards to providing assistance in combating disease; Calleja relating to virrey that he has received correspondence from governors in areas that for the most part say that the disease has abated substantially; Yrart responding to Calleja that he has not been able to compile the list of those affected by disease that Calleja requested because the justicias have not provided him with lists he needs; letter mentioning how the disease has struck especially hard in Cadereyta, plans to have medicine available for free, Linares had the good fortune of having a French doctor in area when disease struck and he was able to assist people stricken, in fact was detained in area until his work was completed. (O. Velez, October 1989)

Letter from Calleja requesting information on status of disease in towns, haciendas, and ranches; letter making it clear that geographical impediments have resulted in some people not being reached by medical attention and therefore still suffering from disease; despite fevers, the city of Linares and the Valley of Pilon were able to produce enough of a corn harvest to meet their food supply needs; Herrera informs Calleja that the fever has struck his area for a second time; discussing measures to be taken in reference to the latest development above. (O. Velez, October 1989)

Letter listing those people who made up the junta provincial that dealt with the fever, need information from governors on the status of the epidemic in their respective areas; a Series of letters aknowledging the orders to communicate information on epidemic; letter that discusses possible funding (aside from public) that can be used for the epidemic; invoices for medical supplies are in San Carlos; letter informing that epidemic has abated in Santander. (O. Velez, October 1989)

Herrera agrees with doctors that it is bad idea to send medicine into towns and have general population administer the medicine themselves because the likelihood is that they will not take it, asking those affected to travel to Monterrey to receive medicine for free is not feasible, the epidemic has abated in Monterrey; have characterized this epidemic as spring fever called pleurecia inflamatoria bastarda, no general cure applicable depends on the individual; letter from Duran informing virrey that he has received news of the epidemic and is prepared to take measures that are called for by the competent individuals; acknowledgement of above letter from the virrey; doctors mentioned earlier agree that reports of headaches that turn into body pains is too general for them to distribute medicine to distant towns, need more exact description of the symptoms; letter from Yrart (or Ysart) that epidemic in Nuevo Santander has abated somewhat, use of medicines proposed by doctors would be of little use since local population has tradition of using traditional botanical medicines; letter to Duran from Martinez and two doctors informing that epidemic has not been felt to any great degree in San Fernando because it has a Hospital and pharmacy. (O. Velez, October 1989)