Indians (Crimes)

Correspondence between capitan Urrea and viceroy about military life in province including attacks of Apaches and Piatos in which Indians killed of soldiers civilians, and friendly Indians and theft of horses from towns and presidios. Three letters referring to expedition of Anza to Monterrey; second Hiaquis request that capitan Tueros not leave, for they consider him their protector while working in the gold mines; third, the orders by inspector general O'Conor to find suitable land to establish 2 missions in land occupied by Papagos of which Quitaquison area is recommended by Urrea. (A. Dell'acqua, December 1987)

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)

Aragon informs virrey of murder of Spaniard committed by Pimas Bajos; suggests that Yaquis, Mayos be disarmed. (J. H. Ochs, February 1988)

Concerns Castilla y Theran's accounts and reporting of Indian attacks (murder and robberies), especially at Santa Rosa and at the mission at San Francisco Bizarron. Also mention of the hard life led by those living in towns under Castilla y Theran's jurisdiction due to financial difficulties, etc. Final documents are from 1784 and are biographical of Castilla y Theran, including mentioning the number of descendants he currently had (66). (S. Langmack, July 1990)

Orders and documents from Castilla y Theran regarding various Coahuila matters including his own merits and Indian relations. Reason for Castilla y Theran's biography to be included not mentioned. Apparently when the king named marques de Zesma was named interim governor. Most of these documents deal with Indian matters. Mention is made on ff. 120 of a decision to wage a military campaign against indios enemigos who is was said were committing many inhumane cruelties in Chihuahua. Cuellar was to lead the campaign. Reference was made to an Indian attack on some Vaqueros at San Pablo ranch; after they had corralled some 400 horses, they were set upon by some 50 Indians. Two vauqeros and an Indian were killed. A few other such confrontations are mentioned. (S. Langmack, July 1990)

Concerns relations with the Lipanes, Apaches, and other Indian tribes; mentions military conflicts with the Apaches. In particular, the Indian texa, as he is continually referred to, apparently killed a Lipan named Joseph el Coxo in the Plaza of the Valle of Santa Rosa and was caught; thus, many of the documents relate to that incident. (J. Hiller, 1989)

Tax on sales to be used to aid expedition sale of cards (4 real tax) and tobacco; tobacco to be packaged according to provisions. Problems among capitans affecting jurisdiction of governor over the vecinos of their presidios, capitans complain they do not have control of troops to fight enemy invasions, waiting for license to do away with all Indians who do not speak Spanish; Corbalan to Croix regarding prohibition of alcohol, complains that Mescal prohibited and not even found for medicinal use, difficulty aquiring caldos de Castilla, request that some be allowed to produce Mescal; Croix responds that the Mescal factory and use of the drink must be abolished. Pimas described cooperating in robbery with rebel Indians--Corbalan describes their tactics in escaping from troops. Corbalan sends inspection reports on Varios military groups and fiscal affairs of the expedition; lack of funds and currency. Mesia writes Corbalan about his opinion of worth of two companias volantes in Guaymas. Notification of recipients of promotions within companias volantes; discussion of provision of supplies to expedition. Corbalan will publish vandos about establishment of lottery. Corbalan to Croix regarding Alamos treasurer, and treasury instruccion written by Belena; additions to the instruccion provided which concern debtors, control of treasury keys, papel sellado, division of land among employees, collecting tribute, and cost of treasury office supplies. (L. L. Woodward, July 1989)

According to vandos, use of Mescal prohibited, and Corbalan will pass orders relating alcohol use to judges. Corbalan thanks Croix for position as governor; Belena's request of approval of chapter of instruction for directing Alamos treasury regarding return of silver and gold approved by Corvalan. Accounting of gold and silver consigned to Echeveste for processing. Report heavy rains ruining crops and mill in Horcasitas, and loss of wheat destined for troops. Request for funds for Sonora expedition and for the Alamos treasury; viceroy informs Corbalan of 4% Alcabala charge; receipt of vandos and description of their contents, including banishment of Jesuits. Echeverte provided with 67o357 pesos and supplies for the expedition, and request for more funds. Accounting of amounts of iron at Alamos factoria and its value. Corbalan informs Croix that he is sending documents on military Inspections of troops to be sent to the expedition, as well as documents on military expenses. Viceroy to Corbalan regarding prohibition of Indian use of alcohol, Indian excesses (robbery, insults) and need for punishment. Delivery of silver late, and discussion of availability of quicksilver. Lack of food supplies in Rosario, and insufficient amounts to supply boats or send to California; Valenzuela appointed capitan and Justica mayor in Mazatan. (L. L. Woodward, July 1989)

Lengthy, repetitious testimony taken from the eye witnesses to the stabbing of Santiago by Cristoval Geronimo and well as the latter two. Four Indians originally held in jail until three let go as innocent. Treatment for victim described. Case finally decided in Mexico. (J. M. Johnson, April 1990)

Murgier orders his troops to mountain top from which they have have advantage over Indians greater numbers. Murgier claims that when Indians discovered it was he leading troops they decided to ask for peace. He offered to grant it only if Tanambres would establish permanently in one place, work for subsistence. Tanambres agree, promise to meet with Murgier at Llera. Mentions Tanambres have left Sierra de Tamaulipa to resettle near Horcasitas; other Indians have fled further into Sierra. Vidal de Lorca comments on cost of expedition. Virrey notes receipt of Murgier's diary, agrees with idea of forming 30-man contingent to monitor Indians who have resettled below Sierra de Tamaulipa. Vidal de Lorca complains that Uglade publically accused him of theft; asks virrey that he not be obliged to take advice from Ugalde after such enmity. Mentions Murgier as interim gobernador to replace Vidal de Lorca in his absence. Discusses contingency plans in case of breach of treaty by Indians. Murgier reports that Indians settled in Croix seem most suspect. Mentions that company in Laredo is inactive while other companies are continually moving. (O. Velez, March 1990)