Franciscans

Concerns royal appointment of Rouset as bishop of Sonora; papel replaces Martinez Galisonga; papel bulls delayed in arriving; Rouset requests 5,000 peso stipend be released to him for journey to and installation at Arispe, June 1796; Nava as com. Gen. Refuses until royal warrant is submitted to him; real hacienda refuses on the same grounds; Rouset sends copies of letters to real hacienda concerning granted requests of the same nature for Bustamante y Bustillo and Candamo; Rouset finally beseeches Branciforte directly which brings about the monies being released in August of 1797; letter from archbishop to Branciforte outlining royal decree stipend amounts. (E. Wilson, October 1989)

Dionis went to Diego Ramon's presidio to present the map of the summary of autos written in 1688 and 1689 on the Asinay and Tejas Indians, their lifestyle, descriptions of the presidio called Espiritu Santo or San Luis or San Bernardo, its need to be populated by Spanish settlers rather than French and the measures taken to convert the Indians, establish security and trade. Leon sets off from Coahuila in 1684 to investigate a French settlement near the Rio Grande del Norte. Its location in degrees and minutes is given. Boat wreckage from French settlers is found. Leon suggests that presidios into the Tejas provinces be established for at least 1 million Indians could be converted and land is very fertile for farming. Very little progress made until after 1693 (reasons listed on ff. 440-445). Details of the Indians lifestyle and the settling of the Tejas provinces continues through ff. 451. Continuance of hearing of French spies trespassing into Tejas provinces (See Vol. 181.iii) in front of tribunal from ff. 452 - 471. Equiping of presidios and missions is covered in detail. List of those living at the San Antonio Paraje is on ff. 508. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

French trespassing into the Tejas provinces by San Dionis under pretext of buying livestock for Luisiana. They are believed to be looking for more land to occupy and trade with the Indians. Translation of San Dionis observations and map from San Juan presidio to Diego Ramon's at the Rio Grande cause Audiencia general to approve the establishing of missions in the Tejas provinces in order to maintain control over the Indians there. Descriptions of fertile lands and friendly Indians. Trade is to be stopped with the French. Supply lists and salary expenses for military escort for missionaries. Ramon and Espinosa travel from Saltillo to the Tejas or Asinai provinces with 75 people comprising of soldiers, missionaries and civilian men, women and children. They travel from February to April and establish 4 missions. Heads of 4 missions declare supplies needed to equip Indian nations absorbed by missions listed. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Apache Indian attack during the night raids and steals horses from San Antonio corrals. 80 horses are stolen. Flores follows them all night only to return in the morning to gather men and Indians for a search group. After 2 months horses and Indians are found. In the ensuing capture, enemy Indians are killed and taken hostage with their women, children and supplies. One Indian captive claims they stole horses for other Spaniards with whom they have 'cambalache' or trade. Peace is offered to them if all chiefs involved will return to the camp within 20-days. Beginning at ff. 352 three French deserters are seeking passports to Veracruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo, they are Rosel, Barroi and Martin. Garza Falcon disbelieves their claim and considers them spies for the French. They are given an escort to be brought to justice. The French are known for having strong influence over the Indians and consider the Cumanches, Canzeres, Pananas and Apaches as theirs. Flores endorses Ramon for position of captain of San Antonio presidio due to his campaigns in the Tejas provinces. Trade could be increased with improved relations with the Indians. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Military personnel and civilians are sworn to testify in response to questions on; how they heard of the French trespassing the Colorado River into Spanish territory; when they first heard of it; how much land they believe the French have occupied; and what outposts or presidios the French may have built on said land (ff. 163 - 171). Ratifications (ff. 171 - 180). Indian interpreter relates French trade activity with the Indians. Spaniards describe black slave mistreatment by the French and consider their potential to become loyal Spanish subjects. Junta de guerra y hacienda considers weight of testimonies and action to be taken, if any (ff. 208 - 215). French crown has paid multilingual spies planted, which the Spaniards condemn. (E. Wilson, December 1989)

Revilla Gigedo orders Barrios y Jauregui, present governor of Texas, to investigate whether Barrio Junco y Espriella, Former governor of Texas, was involved in illegal trade with French. Declarations and ratifications from ff 74 - 80 mostly from military leaders at San Xavier sworn to secrecy not to tell of the investigation. All denied any knowledge or possibility of contraband dealings connected with Barrio Junco y Espriella, Ruiz or Losoya. Barrios y Jauregui makes outline of six trespassing into Spanish territory ignoring the Mississippi Indians. They each answer these questions on ff 81 - 95. Declarations are from ff 95 -99. (E. Wilson, November 1989)

Documents concerning mismanagement of temporal and spiritual resources leveled by bishop of Guadalajara and others against Ramon, interim governor of Coahuila, and vaga, padre comisario. Also, real cedula ordering that viceroy remedy problems in aforementioned province. (J. H. Ochs, December 1987)

Peramas' copy of documents concerning division of Californias between Franciscans and Dominicans. Includes real cedula ordering division; document giving names, ages, towns of origin of 24 Spanish Dominicans to be sent to new world, and salaries to be payed to prelates. Also, order that 5 missions be established along Lower Gila, Colorado rivers; Corbalan's of description Garces' entradas into Papagueria, Yumeria. Various documents from visitador Galvez to virrey concerning division of province. (J. H. Ochs, October 1897)

Letter found seeking money and help from other Indians in order to free Juan Tonate et Al from jail in Mexico, and to join together to kill missionaries; testimony taken from witnesses; three men from San Lucas and one from Guazamota sentenced to five years in jail; three of four released after four years served, one Dies in jail; prisoners questioned; prisoners transferred; judge named; captain expresses concern Indians in towns planning to come together in resistance; question whether letter fabricated by guazamotecos; idols found which point to unrest; captain stresses that Ladino Indians from San Lucas and Guazamota not be allowed to mix with Nayaritas; fray Ibarra doubts whether the Nayaritas involved in plot based on their rusticity; residents of San Lucas and Guazamota express fear that Tonate would kill natives and steal livestock when released from jail, so did not join conspiracy to kill priests; brigade formed to stem Indian hostilities; Nayaritas and guasamotecos seen to be quiet; bishop supports request to release prisoners as crime small in relation to punishment. (p. Coyle, October 1989)

Padre presidente of Franciscans in Tepic considered for the Curato of San Blas. Because post considered so important bishop of Guadalajara details qualifications of candidate, listing areas of responsibility. Bucareli refers to new 1988)