Indian Fugitives

Information is sought regarding the whereabouts of Apache Indian Rodriguez. Includes questioning of Delgado regarding his experiences with Rodriguez. Although Delgado testifies to not knowing a Rodriguez, he describes Apache Espili, who fits Rodriguez' description, as a vagabond with poor behavior. (J. Hiller, April 1989)

Several letters from Garcia Alexo for virrey informing him of the tranquility of the provincias at his command; Quixano informs virrey that the Indians rebels escaped. They were being sent to Durango. (D. Bautista, July 1990)

Monumental Tome detailing everything you ever wanted to know about the missions of Nuevo Santander. One document comprising many assembled, transcribed reports from missions of Jalpam, Conca, Tancoiol, Tilaco, Landa, Herrera, Rioverde. Most of first half deals with Tancoiol, second half with Conca; others interspersed. F.359 concerns Landa; F.365 Jalpam; F.374 Conca; F.386 caderreita, Sierragorda; F.387 Rioverde, Nuevo Santander. Topics shuffled together, include minutely detailed description of architecture, ornamentation, furnishing of missions; reports on population (especially ff.349, 358, 375), crops planted (f.356), Indian labor in construction (344), livestock. Occasional mention of number of weddings, deaths of Indians. F.388 mentions Guastecos at Conca deserting. F.399 Indians gathered from mission to search of deserters. Throughout document are references to various missionaries, their document appears on ff.407-417 of this volume; See next entry. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Signed testimonies by several Spanish citizens giving opinions of benefits, problems since conquest of Nayarit; all read about the Same, mentioning mines (one specific reference to lead mine), harassment by Naiarites not easily subjugated by missionaries, fugitives in mountains, Cora raids on haciendas (f.361). F.368-370 letter by Martinez on same topics, more specific info on Naiares; mentions capturing sick Naiares. (A. Dean, February 1990)

F.316 is report that Naiarit is pacified except for about 100 Indian fugitives in Barranca. Mentions pay for some officials. F.326 gives full title and name of Baltazar Zuniga y Gusman sottomaior y Mendez marques de Balero (virrey). Ff.334-5 list all soldiers from Chalchiguites. F.336 lists all Indians (Christian names) of Mesquital; F.337 of thenaraca; F.338 of Santa Maria de Ocotan; F.339 of Yonora. Documents seem to follow same theme, but after F.320 are dated 1722 instead of 1724. (A. Dean, February 1990)

Documents generally about dealing with Indians in aftermath of reconquest of Nayarit. Mentions rounding up Indians hidden in Barrancas (some pueblos abandoned), sending food to those at missions. Some letters indirectly mention again investigation into death of Luna; Cruz, Armenta as interpreters. (A. Dean, February 1990)

Reports of several excursions of soldiers with Indian auxiliaries patrolling for enemy Indians; apparently not finding many. F.203 mentions Rioxa y Carrion leading troop of 8 soldiers with 15 Indian archers. F.204 discusses arrest of Jacinto on suspicion of helping fugitives from chaingang being taken to Mexico City. F.218 mentions sending 190 Indian archers, 8 soldiers to Coionqui to root out Indians believed to be hidden there. F.221 mentions Cruz as interpreter among Cora (a.k.a. Naiarit), tecualme, Mexicana, castellana. (A. Dean, February 1990)

Copies of letters describing arrival at Balero of Luis, a Tarahumara armed with bow and arrow, who said he had served as soldier in transporting chaingang of Tovozos to Mexico City; now forming Posse with civilians, officers to look for fugitives. Other letters mention supply of livestock to Collera (chaingang), Indian raids on Chimaltitan. (A. Dean, January 1990)

Francisco and six families of Seris returned to Pitic on August 30, looking very hungry. Speaks of rations of grain, meat. Mentions agreement made when Seris first conceded peace in 1784. Tiburones, Tepocas embracing christianity, should be used as examples for Seris. Discussion of process for religious education for Young, older Indians. Lists Seris in reduccion, amount of grain each receives weekly Chepillo declared guilty (charge unclear) by entire Seri nation, is to be deported. Speaks of purchase of livestock for Seris. (A. Dean, may 1989)

All Seris except Chepillo and family flee Pitic on July 15, 1790. Chepillo imprisoned. Detachment sent to Cerro Prieto to find and reconcile ingrates, begin new reduccion. Since Seris aren't raiding, revealing location, troop can't find them. With Seris gone, Ugarte y Loyola cuts off supplies ordered by bishop of Sonora for Seri mission. Francisco, two envoys come to Pitic to negotiate better arrangement. Seris want independent nation, to trade fish, antelope with Spaniards for grain, to participate in christianity only when they want. No deal made, but Seris start appearing for mass at Banamichi. Mora named missionary there. Seris slowly trickle back to Pitic. Occasional brief references to plan for staging campaign against frontier Apaches. 450 men, including Opatas, Pimas reserved for fighting. (A. Dean, may 1989)