Harvests

Information concerning the bad harvest of that year due to frost and a local lack of water. Gives amount of harvest of grapes, corn, wheat. (R. Perez) (1976)

Concha states that Mimbrenos, Gilenos, Apaches, Faraones, Navajos, Yutas and Cumanches are present in New Mexico --the latter two being numerous and strong. Provincia composed of 8 jurisdictions. Reports that town Indians are applied workers that cultivate carefully their lands, selling part of their crops, and dressing selves with fabricated textiles. Indians reported to enjoy a comfort greater than in anywhere in the two Americas. Indians also credited as robust and agile in war. Notes that Spanish population, much more numerous, is equally dedicated to agriculture and care of livestock. Women weave cotton and wool skillfully. Notes snowy Weather conditions. Provincias, use of bartering and coins called pesos de la tierra. Reports that residents and Indians are very obedient in military campaigns; however, they are not richly provided for. Indians lack instruction from missions while Spanish have little. Description of makeup and excellent quality of troops in provincia. Notes advantages of alliance with Cumanches, Nabajoes, Yutas to unite against common Apache enemy. Geographic and military plans of two summer campaigns which utilize Allied Indian nations. (J. Hiller, may 1989)

Tueros informs of material conditions of his provincia Coahuila --fertility of land, livestock, troops, enemies, and provisions for defense. Notes that military salaries inadequate for care of horses, transport of provisions for campaigns, clothing. Remarks that conditions are miserable for such honorable obligations. Hostile enemies are Apache Mescaleros although Lipanes have also enriching companies with apt officials; augment four companies to 120 men each; and provide good salaries. (J. Hiller, may 1989)

Documents concern flooding that occurred along Lower Salado and Rio Grande rivers in Nuevo Leon. Includes detailed testimonies of loss of life, homes, crops and livestock for most heavily damaged settlements, along with final tabulation of money compensation to be awarded to each resident by real hacienda. Gobernador sends troops into area to prevent Indian looting and to help with reconstruction. Several towns relocated away from River banks. Affected region made exempt from tax payments and Diezmos until recovered from disaster. (A. Tukey, January 1989)

Correspondence concerning hunger suffered by Indians at mission due to drought in region; request for assistance in constructing 'presa' to store water for agricultural use, particularly cultivation of corn; governor explains that situation causing Indians to 'vaguear en el Campo,' compromising religious education; subsequent letters address details of 'presa,' amount of materials needed, cost, location selected; no one contracts to construct 'presa,' governor requests that necessary amount instead be sent directly to 'presidente' of mission; funds approved, almost two years after original request. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence spanning several years concerning establishment of new mission for mistreated Pinto Indians, entailing selection of 'ministro,' lengthy discussion of costs, problems involved; cost of 'ministro'S' transportation to Palmitos covered by government, he and other fray express need for generous financial assistance to establish mission, Argue that hungry Indians not receptive to religious education, also request 'vasos sagrados y ornamentos'; discussion of need for sacred objects continues throughout correspondence, speculation that objects from previous mission still at Helguera, 'ministro' permitted to remain at colegio Apostolico until matter solved; action stymied for year or so until found that sacred objects no longer at Helguera, purchase of new objects ordered, Pintos move to mission and substitute 'ministro' assigned, governor requests that Pintos receive supplies of corn, rice, several Head of cattle, etc., in order to establish and sustain themselves until harvest; list of 'utensilios de Campo' (folio 97), itemized list, including costs, of 'utensilios' and sacred objects (folios 100-101); drought in region (1795) threatening crops planted by Indians, request by governor for additional cattle, staples to sustain Pintos till harvest. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Letter from Calleja requesting information on status of disease in towns, haciendas, and ranches; letter making it clear that geographical impediments have resulted in some people not being reached by medical attention and therefore still suffering from disease; despite fevers, the city of Linares and the Valley of Pilon were able to produce enough of a corn harvest to meet their food supply needs; Herrera informs Calleja that the fever has struck his area for a second time; discussing measures to be taken in reference to the latest development above. (O. Velez, October 1989)

42 more suaquis o sibubapas reduced to Guaymas, bringing total to 62 men, 171 persons de ambos sexos y edades. New Pueblo named San Carlos to be established for reduced rebels near Velen. Only 48 Pima Altos de Arco y flecha left, yet only 2 Pima families took advantage of pardon. Rancherias of Pima capitanes Vipisi and Guejuriguchi still at large. Pressure to be put on rebels during pitahaya harvest to prevent Indians from eating fruit, making pitahaya wine. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Unsuccessful campaign against Piatos. However, Vildosola attacks Suaquis, killing 12 men, 4 women, taking 14 prisoners. Superior fire power of Spaniards took field. Later 30 Suaquis with families- 83 people- surrendered, reduced to Velem, antigua Morada de esta nazion. Pimas Altos, described as mas obstinados of rebels, ask for pardon. After stern lecture, pardon granted, but Pimas don't show up at appointed time. Troops, then dispatched to chase rebels during pitahaya harvest. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

Discusses general affairs of expedition. Best time to attack rebels during pitahaya harvest when they leave refuges to gather fruits. Reduced Seris choose land between San Miguel presidio and Pitic along Rio Sonora. Mentions Papago unrest. (T. Sheridan) (1980)