Indians (Intertribal Relations)

Begins with review of previous testimonies and conclusions drawn. All witnesses believe Colorado River to be the boundary between the two territories. Barrio believes Misisipi (Sic) River to be boundary. Testimonies are considered hearsay and not conclusive. Governor of Texas deems necessary to establish boundary between territories and move French presidios from la Isleta to Nachitos. Questions discussed; engineer to survey boundaries, squadron of 20 soldiers and one official to observe the French, wine and aguardiente trade with French, 36 French companies each of 50 men and 100 swiss men, slaves fleeing French masters, Frenchman San Denis bestowing titles of rank on Indians in Spanish territory, French lenguarazes in Spanish territory. French are described as machinaciones, wanting to trade with anyone and that the only way to control them is by populating presidios with more Spaniards. Ff. 253 - 264 junta de guerra y hacienda discusses same as aforementioned including; one-third advance on pay to soldiers; governor of Texas to determine amount of land usurped by French, names of French towns and presidios established on Spanish territory. All witnesses believe the French occupied lands from 1734 - 36, no new towns have been built, French trade gunpowder, clothing, etc.., with Indians in Texas. Many Indian tribes ally with the Texas Indians and the French. These same Indians consider the Spanish the enemy. Ff. 264 - 275 junta de guerra y hacienda discuss and resolve the following eight points. The governor of Texas should inform commander of Nachitos to return to his Side of the Colorado River, the boundary. The governor will not be sent engineers to map and restore usurped land. A twenty-man squadron with one official will not be sent to the San Pedro River to observe the French. No decision yet as to whether the Texas squadron will be reinforced as the Nueva Veracruz squadron, only a break in relations could decide that. Wine and aguardiente trade with the French desired due to the cold winters is prohibited. Decree proclaiming black French slaves free is prohibited as provocation of the French. Spanish Indians in Texas are not prohibited to trade with the French as the Spanish want to keep the Indians happy and possibly sway the Indians to trade with the Spanish. The second part of this point decides to prohibit the French from bestowing titles of rank on Spanish Indians. The final point permits the French lenguarases to remain in Spanish territory so as not to provoke the French. (E. Wilson, January 90)

Concerns relocation of presidio del sacramento to areas of loma pintada and Ayacacho because of a better strategic position to fight the Indians from those places. Military official disagrees with the idea because there is still a need to protect provinces and presidios in the Former place of the Sacramento presidio. Relocation is advocated because the new place has plenty of natural resources, fertile land, and some minerals. New place is said to be better because of better opportunity to put the Indians to work in agriculture. Reallocation of military personnel. Redistribution of land in places secured by presidios. Reorganizaton of presidios to take care of provinces is suggested by Balaunzaran who visited the area where presidios were being reorganized. (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Concerns campaigns against Indians; presidio of Sacramento; Indians negotiate surrender but others refuse. Petition to relocate presidio of Sacramento to Santa Rosa Valley because of better strategic location to fight the Indians. Cura Flores gives accounts of events with Indians to viceroy; report is also given about the charity from missions toward Indians (items given to the Indians include cloth and food). Cura Flores argues that Santa Rosa Valley would be a better place for new presidio. Protection is asked for missions, specially for Nadadores, Santiago de Xalisco and San Buenaventura. Mention is given about the abundant Mineral and water resources in Santa Rosa de Coahuila. (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Documents concerning Tarahumaran conspiracy to revolt and subsequent investigation carried out by Gutierrez. Many autos of fairly redundant testimony given by Indians, non-Indians regarding events leading up to apprehension of conspirators; also, yllin's petition to viceroy requesting greater military assistance to Jesuit missionaries in Sierra. Concluding documents concern fiscal's suggestions, viceroy's decision regarding issue.

Documents concerning foundation of missions of Jesus and San Francisco Xavier in Coahuila; discuss Indians' petition for land and indoctrination in catholic faith, search for appropriate mission location. Also, Ramon's auto de Fundacion of mission San Cristoval accomplished while returning from campaign against Tobosos. (J. H. Ochs, December 1987)

Documents concerning Ortiz Parrilla's expedition against Seris. Includes Correa's physical description of Isla del Tiburon; Ortiz Parrilla's discussion of condition of province, and military plans, indictment of Rodriguez Gallardo's plans vis-a- Vis Seris and Rodriguez Gallardo's rebuttal and countercharges. Also, testimony concerning condition of Seris after expedition. (J. H. Ochs, November 1987)

Excellently detailed testimony on war between Comanches and Lipanes and persecution by Cabo Nabayra of Comanches for their hostile actions in frontier region. (J. Acheson, August 1988)

Series of documents concerning peaceful Indians being resettled in presidios. Mention is made of unwillingness Indians have to being moved, prefering to stay where they were born. Results of military campaigns against Apaches is reported to viceroy, outcome of military actions involved some Indians killed, soldiers injured, Indians taken prisoners including women and children. Document is made of several reports on military campaigns against Indian rebels and is repetitive. (M. Marroquin, December 1988)

Series of documents reporting on Indian conflicts due to some killings occurred between Pimas and Yaquis; Apaches stole horses and other animals in the hacienda of a priest; Series of reports about Indian hostilities in Sonora; military post is requested to protect presidios and other properties from Indian robberies; Series of reports about Indian attacks against presidios, Indians usually stole and killed animals in this sort of action. (M.marroquin, December 1988)

Concerns letters reporting on military campaigns against details of military actions against Indian rebels, several charts are included summarizing the results of military actions such as number of Indians and soldiers killed in combat, horses. Other letters mention fight among Indians resulting in several casualties. Report on novedades in provincias del Poniente such as Indian robberies and military campaigns. Letter recommending captain de la concha break relationship between Indian Yutas and Apaches. Notice is given about Indians willing to make peace with Spaniards and make alliance in order to revenge Indian Lipanes. Summary of operations against Indians who stole cattle and horses from presidios (chart is included). Indians surrendered to Spaniards bringing women and children. (M. Marroquin, December 1988)