Gold

(R. Davis) (1980)

Discusses possession and extraction of gold and silver. (R. Graham) (1980)

(Robert H. Jackson) (1980)

This informe by fr. Esteban de Salazar to the presidente of the missions, fr. Juan Chrisostomo deals with the questions- a) whether temporalities can be taken care of by the missionaries without them having to do with gold and silver; B) whether one sinodo will be sufficient for the needs of two missionaries. This informe is original bearing the autograph of fr. Esteban de Salazar, and was written from the mission of Tubutama. (microfilm catalog)

This informe was sent by fr. Joseph Soler to the presidente of the missions expressing his opinion; a- regarding the use of temporalities by the missionaries in such a manner that they need not handle gold or silver; b- whether his mission could be supported by uno sinodo for two missionaries. This is an original document, written from the mission of San Francisco del Ati, and has the autograph of fr. Joseph Soler. (microfilm catalog)

An accounting of the gold and silver which was confiscated from the Jesuit colegio in Chiguagua and the upper and Lower Tarahumar missions. Peso value and weights of each individual piece are given. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Gives population figures for the three pueblos under his administration. Describes their location. Mentions epidemics. Mentions gold deposits discovered near Bacoachi, of such magnitude that he fears the effects of a massive influx of Spaniards. Attributes several deaths to the Apaches. Notes that they are in danger of losing the province due to military inaction. Discusses the placement of new missions among various Indian groups, as well as the successes of established ones. (R. Perez) (1977)

Attempts to trace the path of a shipment of gold through the province and through the mission bureaucracy. (R. Perez) (1977)

General index of expedientes from the province of Sonora from 1730-1793. Chronological list of expedientes concerning varied topics. More information and richer detail for last twenty years Tepocas, discovery of 'Camino' to peninsula of Californias, comercio, mining, government administration, governing of Sinaloa and Nueva Vizcaya, budget of presidio of Santa Rosa, expedicion of Sonora, Placeres of gold, archbishopric of Durango, mines of real del Rosario, expenses from administration of Yuma Indians. Many references made to presidios. Not much information given on any one topic but good reference for general affairs of Sonora. (J. Acheson, December 1988)

Includes copies of documents from Fernando VI, others, regarding construction of Casa de Moneda in Guatemala in 1740's; information used by Constanzo as guideline for construction of casa de moneda in Arispe in 1780's. Machinery used in minting of coins, such as corte, torculo de Cordon, Volante, etc, described. King suggests exploitation of Mineral wealth in Sonora and Nueva Vizcaya, proposes construction of casa de moneda in region; viability of plan discussed, disadvantage being lack of funds to mine area effectively, advantages including proximity of Casa to mines and key ports. King orders construction of Casa in Arispe, 3-2-1782; Constanzo named ingeniero in charge, lists tools to be provided to each carpinter and 'herrero' as well as wages for several operarios and maestros; Constanzo explains that delay in executing royal order due to shortage of sujetos de havilidad y conducta. (L. Kerr, may 1989)