Franciscans

Correspondence to viceroy concerning problems of bridges and acequias, drainage of public works projects. Folios 243, 249, 257 written by nuns (abadesas) recounting rise of water level, smell and possible disease to convent. Also, inability to pay contribution due to lack of income by convent. Other documents discuss financial matters of payments by finqueros, and specify areas and houses responsible to contribute. Remedies listed to resolve drainage problems to neighborhood, but also benefits to be gained by project and street paving. (J. M. Johnson, January 1989)

Important document regarding the political and geographical and Alta. Valdello went with Ruiz to explore lands. Discussion of advantages (spiritual and temporal) of dividing government of Antigua and Nueva Californias, including faster Indian conversion Rate and agricultural progression. Reference to historical annexation of California to Sonora and movement of government from Loreto to Monterrey (500), leaving captain acting as teniente of government of Baja California. Notes great geographic distance between these sites and remoteness of Loreto to Monterrey leaders busy with, among other things, northern new establishments and spiritual needs (conversion). Division is suggested for these reasons. Governmental division will expedite Monterrey-to-Loreto correspondence to 60 or 70 days (502). Discussion of moving governor to border to open communication between north and south. Sonoran captains' annual salary (505). River usage for communication and commerce. (J. Hiller, April 1989)

Correspondence between Mendibil and others regarding exemption of mailing charges of missionary communication. Exemption applies to ports where correspondence was received -originating either within or outside of provincia. Decree effective may 6, 1773. Accounts importance of correspondence to mission's sustenance. Correspondence mainly amongst missionaries and with San Fernando college; often deals with marriages of individuals of troop. Requests that teniente of Loreto and mail carriers be made aware of exemption. Informe to administrator of mail of Mexico mandating that presidios use funds from real hacienda to pay port charges, not missions. Request that copies of degree be sent to postal administrator. Informes from fiscal de real hacienda and the real tribunal de Cuentas to mail Assesor. (J. Hiller, February 1989)

(D. Marksz, July 1987)

Documents concerning fernandinos missionaries shipwrecked when sailing in fragata galga. They were taken to Isla Guadalupe and then to puerto Rico where 5 died. The documents state el Fondo Piadoso de las misiones de California must support the pension expenditures given to missionaries instead of real hacienda. (R. Gomez, October 1988)

* * * (M. Vasquez, June 1988)

(A. Tukey, July 1988)

Concerns military activity in Sonora, mostly involving Altar; including; campaigns and raids by rebel Indians and Apaches; negotiations; military support for Cieneguilla; missionary instruction; detachment at Santa Ana; naming of Crespo as governor; naming of O'Conor as military commander; inspection at Altar; Anza's campaigns and mission to Terrenate; Gila Pima's victory over Apaches; Tiburones request for peace and settlement near Pitic; creation of Chihuahua city reserve by O'Conor; missionary death at Carrizal; attack at Saric; campaigns of Galvez; reflections on strategic problems; death of Sastre and Father Gil; trial of Gil's murderer; problems of Vildosola at Terrenate; effect of new regulation (1772). These documents include an interesting diary and related Padron of Indians surrendering under jubirilirci, that include much info on social organization, language, motivation for surrender, and methods used by the Spanish to negotiate with Indians. (J. Williams, September 1987)

Letter to governor of Sonora ordering that a detachment of soldiers be posted at Pitic, and that additional Franciscan prelate be assigned to Pueblo in order to curb perverse customs of Seri residents. (J. H. Ochs, September 1987)

Informes concerning spiritual and temporal life at missions in upper and Lower Pimerias; included is number of inhabitants, births, deaths, etc; means of livelihood of inhabitants, and religious state of affairs. Documents describe depredations due to inhospitable climate and Indians (i.e. Apaches), and also discuss feasibility of uniting outlying populations into larger groups to facilitate civil, religious administration. Informes written in response to order and carta de cordillera sent by viceroy, and president of colegio de Santa Cruz de Querataro, respectively. (J. H. Ochs, July, 1987)