Hunger

Notes food shortages suffered by la gente pobre y miserable in Parral during 1782. Another document, 11/8/1785, notes failure of Parral corn crop because of drought. Finally, in 1787, Parral officials call for creation of deposito to store and sell grain at equitable prices. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Isidro de Bera and several Vaqueros are out rounding up cattle when they encounter a band of Tarahumara living on their hacienda, killing cattle. In the ensuing battle 2 Vaqueros are killed and one is wounded. Several Tarahumara are killed, and the remaining men escape. Bera rounds up the women and children. Contains subsistence and material culture data on Tarahumara. Also many accounts of depredations by Tarahumara and Apaches. (R. Perez) (1977)

The Indians in the Vicinity of Lajas petition the Alcalde mayor and the governor for land, as they don't have enough to support themselves. After conferring with nearby pueblos, the gobernador grants their request. Good detail on crops, animals. Also census for three villages. (T. Barnes) (1976)

Census data on the mision de Matape and its Pueblo de visita, Nacori. Reference is made to the reduction in population due to an epidemic, famine and enemy attacks. (R. Perez) (1976)

Excellent overall account of the conditions in the Pimeria in 1754. Of special note is the Pima attacks on Santa Anna and San Ignacio, led by Luis del Sariqui and Luis del Pitique de Roxas gives hunger as cause for these uprisings. (R. Perez) (1976)

Contains a description of the missions food stores, notably a complete absence of beef. Describes Indians who come to the mission for food (it is a time of food shortage) only to be given small amounts of corn and mutton. (R. Perez) (1976)

Ff.289-294 is letter by Escandon describing failure of most of corn crop during two-month drought, followed by severe flooding (trees falling, Xacales washing away, etc). Describes first his own household's experience, servants and slaves (Mulattos) ill, dying in March to higher ground; second part is survey of damage to each Pueblo around colony. Good detail. Ff.295-303 concern gunpowder supply to troops of Nuevo Santander. (A. Dean, March 1990)

Reports from presidios, padres in Villas concerning growing uneasiness at threat of Indian attack. F.135 mentions people of Durango taken to streets in such unrest that soldiers had to control them. F.137 lists arms received by Reina (sent from his home); lists to whom of his company arms are distributed. F.139-140 Aguilar reports on situation of Mesquital; convent hosted Flores, 30 soldiers. F.141 are medical credentials, license of Ruiz Calero, being hired by San Juan Hospital. Ff.145-158 are brief reports tracking troop movements, preparation for reconquest of Nayarit from Nueva Vizcaya. F.150 is nearly illegible letter by Ernandes describing famine in Tenaraca, barely enough corn to ration to citizens, none for Indians. (A. Dean, January 1990)

Document divided in 3 sections. First one is a historical summary conquest of California beginning in 1536. Discussion of lack of food and other problems faced in this early period. exploration and conquest by Salvatierra with own funds, and when these diminished king set aside funds for continuation of enterprise. Some discussion on founding of some missions and presidios. Second section deals with arrival of Franciscans to California's missions after expulsion of Jesuits, and later transfer of Franciscans to Sonora. Dominicans take care of missions in old California, and fernandinos take care of upper California. Discussion of poor living conditions of the natives due to sterile soils, and their reduccion to other missions where they are encouraged to cultivate the land. Discussion of establishment of new missions, towns, and haciendas, as well of money required for such enterprises. Mention of land for raising animals and cultivation of corn and wheat. Mention of funds for Anza's expedition to Monterrey. Third section deals with total funds of California's missions located in San Andres. Summary of funds collected up to 1776, as well as expenses in salaries of priests, founding of missions, salaries of government officials, and expenses for improvement and maintenance of haciendas. (J. Tapia, December 1987)

Documents relating to events in transporting families from canary islands to settle in Texas, lists of materials in clothing and all kinds of tools needed. Lists of supplies of foods, salary to be paid to guide, increase of daily maintenance for every person, census of families with physical description of every individual in expedition, proposals by church to marry every girl from 12 to 18 years of age and every Boy from 24 to 12 years of age. Appointment of priest to cure families, itinerary of trip. Also, lists of expenses incurred in transportation from Veracruz to San Antonio. Maps with planned areas in which such families could settle near San Antonio without conflicting with other settlers in area drawn by marquez de Aguayo in ff. 187. A plan to scale and drawing of proposed Villa to be established in ff. 201 and orderly issuing of lands to be given to families for planting. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)