Franciscans

Lardizabal, contador de la Renta de Correos, certifies that colegio Apostolico de San Fernando de Mexico owes 1013 reales or 126 pesos for postal service provided missionaries in Nueva California. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Procurador general of fernandino missions of Nueva California writes virrey requesting payment of sinodos for year 1809 for 38 missionaries administering 19 missions. Documents verify payment made by Mesa de Memorias y alcances de la contaduria del real tribunal y Audiencia de Cuentas. Correspondence requests disembarkation for Spain of several missionaries ending service in colegio Apostolico de Propaganda Fide de San Fernando missions who sailed from San Diego to San Blas. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Gobernador of California requests permission and pasaportes from virrey for three priests from colegio Apostolico de San Fernando de Mexico to be sent to California missions to replace recently deceased missionaries. Sent on fragata Princesa from San Blas via Santa Barbara where they receive mission and presidio fiscal records to deliver to gobernador in Monterrey. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

In 1804, Juan Brown (Negro) (Anglo-Americano) deserts fragata Ocain off of San Quintin, B.C., asks comandante of San Diego presidio to relay to appropriate authorities his request for baptism in order to remain in Spanish territory. Documents include cuenta de los socorros franquedos detailing expenses incurred by Brown while in Spanish custody. Joaquin Felix (Alias Tomson, Manuel Jose Joaquin) deserts from fragata Alexander, claims he is baptised Catholic and volunteers to render service to Spain. Later documents, perhaps confusing him with another American, state his baptism occurred in Mexico in 1806. Later documents say he solicited a pasaporte and position as pilot in Spanish navy, but disappeared in Mexico, final whereabouts unknown. Good intentions of his baptism and stay in New Spain questioned by officials. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Seven Franciscan missionaries arrive in Veracruz on fragata San Apostolico de San Fernando de Mexico. Letters dated 1805-1809 between gobernador de California and officials in Mexico regarding case of Francisco Antonio farensio, an italian Franciscan who on return from Manila on fragata Concepcion became ill. Requests permission to remain in Spanish territory from gobernador who writes virrey to resolve problem of granting a foreigner right to residency. Farnesio sent to Convento de San Francisco de Mexico via San Blas. Letters from the Superior of Convento to Arzobispo de Mexico testifying to Farnesio's exemplary religious conduct, loyalty to Spanish crown and inability to travel to Europe because of serious illness. Later letter recommends he be sent to Italy when well. In 1809, guardian del colegio Apostolico de San Fernando de Mexico requests permission and pasaportes from virrey for Franciscan missionaries, Pedro Panto and Marcelino Marquines who are to replace recently deceased priests in missions of Nueva California. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Two deserters from russian fragata juno first taken to San Francisco mission, then sent to Veracruz via San Blas, Guadalaxara and Mexico. from Veracruz, the two sent on to la Havana to be turned over to russian authorities. They are joined by 4 Anglo-Americanos and 2 indios gentiles from non-Spanish territory who will be sent as far as Mexico to determine how to turn them over to officials from their countries. These 6 deserted from fragata imperial. Lists of daily expenses are kept for all eight deserters, so that Spanish government can be recompensed by their respective governments. These documents are followed by ones which are advised in 1806 that three russian fragatas, juno, nedeyda and Neva request permission to stop in San Francisco for provisions and repairs. An exception is made and three will be allowed to land (they do not have a pasaporte from Spain). A copy of an original French pasaporte is attached, as well as a translation from russian of an official document from tsar Alejandro I, stating that ships are on official exploration and trade missions with russian-american company. This document requests that foreign governments provide diplomatic safety to russian ships while in foreign territories. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Requests for payment of sinodos similar to ff. 437-457 of same volume. Includes list of Head administrators at each of 18 missions in California. (A. Tukey, June 1988)

Cortes and Lopez ask viceroy that sinodos owed to California missions be paid through Cajas de Zacatecas. Lopez' letter includes summary of policies of previous viceroys in regard to payment of sinodos. (A. Tukey, June 1988)

Cortes complains to viceroy that Cajas de Guadalaxara has failed to pay 15,200 pesos worth of sinodos. Because goods shipped from southern ports are expensive, life for missionaries in California has become miserable without sinodos. (A. Tukey, June 1988)

Plans by Gonzalez del Castillo to increase production of Fondo Piadoso haciendas and related fiscal correspondence. Exceptionally detailed accounts of climate, livestock management, irrigation techniques, and labor problems. Includes descriptions of miserable living conditions and personal nature of hacienda laborers and servants, and related problems with low labor output, contraband, servant indebtedness, and degenerating morality. (A. Tukey, July 1988)