Indians (Conversion)

Three unrelated sets of documents from Coahuila. F.238 concerns cannons acquired by lizarrara's church being traded for donation from presidio. F.245 letters by priests suggesting convert and treat humanely those helpful to Spanish (opposed to present undifferentiated mistreatment of all Indians). Speaks of founding new presidio; better management of milicias. F.250 concerns Estrada, who claims to be legally retired, but who is being sought as deserter; presently taking refuge in church. (A. Dean, March 1990)

Three unrelated letters from 1770. F.234 discusses administration of Hospital real in Durango. Ff.235-236 are report of deaths by Indian attack, mentions cache of Spanish goods found and reported by Mescaleros. F.237 speaks of conversion of Apaches. (A. Dean, March 1990)

Cartagena writes of transfer of jurisdiction of Texas and Coahuila missions to Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Zacatecas college. Faltering health of Acaria de los Reyes and sending of Garces' journal noting entrance into Gila and Colorado rivers' area are also mentioned. (J. Hiller, July 1989)

Correspondence with Roque de Medina regarding Provincia de Coahuila. Informes include report from Lipan of fighting between Lipanes and Comanches (total of 300 Indians) in Rio de San Diego. Roque de Medina expresses fear of providing Lipanes with gunpowder and cannons. Lipanes have great fear of Comanches. Request made of Texas gobernador to furnish Monclova with necessary supplies and ammunition to aid Lipanes. Cannons taken from Adaes to fortify Monclova. Report of Apache March to Santa Rosa to cause damage for unknown motive. Talk that Lipanes should be treated with much love so they become rooted in Christian faith. Continual praise of Lipan faithfulness and aid provided in hostile situations. Inspection of presidio Sacramento and its state of fortification and defense. Establishment of presidio Babia and its need of shotguns met by warehouses of San Luis Potosi. Martinez Pacheco presents information regarding relations with Mescaleros and Peyotes. (J. Hiller, July 1989)

Correspondence concerning 'real cedula' mandating that certain 'limosnas' to be used for 'redencion de cautivos'; strong box built to enforce order; cites importance of decree to saving of Indians who live in 'esclavitud de los Enemigos de la religion'; 'real cedula' suspended 9-8-87; 1791, virrey requests information on state of 'fondo de limosnas', 'cuentas' of amounts collected and invested submitted, per request. (L. Kerr, February 1989)

Folios 334-336 from Fages to Bucareli concerns question of distribution of land and furnishing of cattle to settlers who marry Indian women converts in Monterrey jurisdiction. Remaining supplies and cattle for Lower California missions and presidios; of necessary personnel, food, cattle and arms for their defense; advises of shipments and receipts of items to same by paquebots San Carlos, el Principe and San Antonio. 2) ff. 341-344 are 1770 instrucciones from Croix to the Cabo of the Escolta de la mision in 16 capitulos including regulations for distribution of weapons, defensive measures to be taken, treatment and punishment of Indians, care of horses and cattle, food supplies and rations, relations with missionaries and Gentiles, punishments for contraband and illicit sexual relations with Indians. (J. M. Johnson, July 1989)

Very useful analysis of conditions of Nueva California with details as to funds and costs to be incurred by military and include - economic benefits and improvements in cattle raising, improvements in agriculture techniques and crops grown. Role of missionaries and changes due to and since Jesuit expulsion. Provisions to be supplied to Indians, settlers, military and missionaries; militia formation; housing and choosing community leaders; required annual inspection of establishments; work habits, recreation and rewards to combat idleness. Salt supply and transportation. Appeal to be made to viceroy to enforce law should clergy refuse to oppose regulations. Relocation of include - establishment of towns, workshops, mills with suggestions on where to locate, what to produce, what to teach Indians. Military service for residents of Nueva California. Use of whale sperm and fat. Shipbuilding. Development and taxes. Investments and profits. Accounting procedures for agriculturalists and religious. Military, religious, Naval salaries. Better communication needed for cooperative trade between two Californias. Importance of further exploration of coast. (J. M. Johnson, may 1989)

First page is list of salaries of compania volante de Nuevo Santander. Correspondence between Lasaga, others and Galvez concerning relations with Lipanes, strategies for controlling them. Discusses lack of loyalty from Indians even after treaties are made, how best to convert them to insure docility. General overview of circumstances with Indians in reduccion, those still raiding villages. Mentions possibility of using tobacco taxes to fund weapons, new troops. (A. Dean, Jul 1990)

Stray Indian found on the streets of Mexico one night is taken in to be baptized. After a supposed drunken attack on the Cura, he is taken to prison. Inquiries into his background lead to his identity as that of a desertor of family and post in New Mexico turned Spy. Nothing is proven. (E. Wilson, November 1989)