Fire

Discussing proposal to burn Indian out of Tenuaje, Elizondo points out flaws in tactic- 1) rebel territory so vast that rebels can always find another refuge; 2) country desert and very rugged; 3) rebels might seek revenge by burning villages; 4) burning would destroy every pasture upon which Spanish horses depend. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Letter concerning campaign against rebel Indians discusses plan to burn rebel Rancheria, Bosque where they are hiding, at Tenuaje. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

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)

Series of documents concerning voyage of Goleta Valdez from San Blas to Acapulco. Correspondence about storm which delayed arrival in Acapulco, also problems with the Piloto's illness during the voyage along with Naval inquiries about the diario of the Piloto not being completed and inefficiency of reporting procedures (1-17); correspondence requesting permission to build a Wall around a Naval casement in San Blas to protect it from fires which seem to be prevalent in the surrounding mountains; includes construction contract and budget (18-23). Series of documents concerning voyage of the ship San Pedro de Alcantara from Cadiz to Veracruz includes inventory of supplies with values; correspondence deals with arrangements for pick up and delivery of supplies (24-43). (S. Tisdale, September 1989)

Concerns an entire range of mission activities as described by Sonoran leaders to viceroy. Contains many suggestions for administration of missions, mostly on treatment of Indians. Quotes original purpose of conquest as stated by Alexandro VI. expresses need for schools, the teaching of Castellano, written permission for traveling Indians, static position of priests, appointment of two priests in case of illness and even distribution of Spanish population. Discusses the punishment of Indians, prohibiting them from liquor, gambling and salary advances. Describes Indian life and agriculture, their crops, cattle and weavings. Priests want them to establish in towns accessible to church in homes of stone or Adobe which resist fire. Relates difficulties and distances in reaching jobs and transporting goods. States that each Indian should have a horse to hunt Javali with their zaetas and harpoons. Hiaquis are hardworking but basically very lazy so must be given fruitful labor and compensate accordingly to men, women and children over 10. Spanish should not be permitted to buy Indian homes or land. Suggests jobs which benefit others such as in mines. Concerns Indian obligation to church in terms of tribute, priests salary and community building. Asks tithes from Durango be passed to Sonora. Describes gold and silver adornments and wine supplies of some churches and destruction of others due to Zeris and Pimas. Description of trip made by Ganzes to know and convert Indians. Finally, while Indian foreman should be chosen to give priests more freedom, governors should be appointed not elected by Indians. (M. Dannemiller, October 1987)

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)