Indians (Intertribal Relations)

In first letter, Tapia informs comandante he sought help of Opatas in peace negotiations with Apaches and that 30 Sumas arrived but he was unable to outfit them because of shortage of equipment. In second letter, Tapia says Chiricahuas won't negotiate for peace, or release captive soldier Felix Guerra, until Spaniards release Apache prisoners in Chihuahua, especially those held by teniente Ortega in Gallego. Muniz (2/14/1778) warns Tapia that Gileno talk about recalcitrant Chiricahuas may be a ploy, that Indians, especially Comanches, often blame their misdeeds on other tribes. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Spaniards exchange 3 Apache girls taken on campaign in Sierra Florida for 2 Spanish boys, 1 mulato Boy taken by Apaches in Valle de San Buenaventura, Santa Cruz de Tapacolmas at Malpais. Tapia commands Apaches to help him look for missing soldier Felix guerra. In earlier letter (January 17, 1778), pp.221-223, Tapia notes Apaches' wish to delay prisoner exchange until end of Mescal harvest, request for Apache girls currently in households of Crespo, O'Conor. Apaches reassure him they are enemies of recalcitrant chiricahuis. additional documents concerning prisoner exchange. Tapia's letter (February 18, 1778; pp. 255-56), and Muniz' replys (January 19, 1778, pp.253-54), and (February 26, 1778; pp. 257). (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Series of letters between Arrieta, Muniz and Noriega concerning Apache peace proposals in El Paso. Apaches claim pressure, murder of their leaders at hands of Comanches, but Spaniards fear treachery. Apaches from Sierra Sacramento, Hueco selling firewood to El Paso residents in return for maiz, saying Comanches defeated them at Paraje de San Mateo. Apaches under Chajalote seek permission to settle near El Paso. Salineros ask for peace from capitan Tobar. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

One old Apache sent by Apache leader pataneju, 2 Apaches selling Mescal associated with Apache leader el Surdo, reiterate Apache desire for peace and state el Surdo himself traveling thru Apacheria, visiting inhabitants of Sierras Hacha, Florida, Mimbres, Cobre, Blanca, and Rio del Paso del Norte arguing for end to hostilities. el Surdo however can't assure truce between Spaniards, yndios chiricahuo (Chiricahua Apaches), because Chiricahuas Surdo's enemigos declarados. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns proposed expedition to Cerro Prieto to attack Seri, Pima rebels there. Corbalan describes Cerro Prieto, noting its rugged terrain, and many thickets (malezas) impeding movement. States Seris, Pimas live in canyons there. Vividly describes hardships such a military campaign would entail, especially for european soldiers unaccustomed to desert. Indian guerrilla tactics. Notes need for 200 soldiers- 100 dragones, 100 Infanteria, 300 Opata auxiliaries, 200 Yaqui auxiliaries. Opatas called muy fiel, and los mejores Guerreros despues de los Jovas. Yaquis to serve primarily as laborers. Feels 150 soldiers can be secured from six Sonora presidios, especially those of Altar, Buenavista and San Miguel, since Fronteras, Tubac, Terrenate have to guard against Apache. Total expedition to consist of 1050 men- 550 Spaniards (200 infantry, the rest cavalry, including 200 Milicianos), 300 Indian auxiliaries. Soldiers cautioned to treat Indian auxiliaries well. 200 men to be sent in Canoas to Tiburon to cut off rebel retreat, rest of troops to surround, penetrate Cerro Prieto. Discusses procurement of food supplies, other necessities. Describes problem of finding enough ships to bring troops from Matanchel, Acapulco to Guaymas. States pearl boats may be used, but no saber con puntualidad el numero de los sugetos que hacen Este trafico. describes benefits- both material, spiritual, to be gained from Seri, Pima reduccion. Excellent overview of preparations for military campaign. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diligencia de matrimonio concerning Nicolas de Mara, Opata Vecino of Janos presidio, born in Huachinera who wants to marry Maria, a Jano Indian. Noriega unable to find any reason the two shouldn't be married. Mara, incidentally, is literate. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

First letter (7/14/1741) a lengthy diatribe concerning Yaqui revolt, including- 1) perfidy/imprisonment of 2 Yaqui leaders of rebellion, Muni and Bernabe, from Rahum, Huirivis, at Buenavista presidio; use of Peyote by Yaqui hechiceros; severe criticism of Huidobro; execution of Muni, Bernabe at Buenavista June 23, 1741; rebellion led by Juan Calixto Ayamea, also from Rahum; peace prevailing presently at Garcia's own Pueblo of Torim. Eloquent presentation of Spanish view of rebellion. Second letter (4/30/1742) describes campaign of teniente Canas, 12 soldiers against rebel group of Mayos, Yaquis and Pimas led by Siboli in which Canas, another soldier died; ultimate destruction of Siboli's band, more criticism of Huidobro for his arbitrary dispensation of justice; praises sizeable number of Yaquis who remained faithful to Spaniards, blames Huidobro for rise of los Munis, los Bernabes, los Calixtos. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns Yaqui rebel activity in Ostimuri, Pimeria Baja. Notes abandonment of reales of Rio Chico, Guadalupe, which rebels then sacked. Describes resistance of Pimas from Onavas to rebels, and Pima's victory over rebels, 5 of whom taken prisoner. Includes translation of 6/16/1740 letter to Arce from Yaqui rebel leader Juan Calixto, who assures Father rebels are catholics and lays blame for uprising on gobernador Huidobro, implying Yaqui resistance to imposition of Spanish civil authority. Excellent document. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Describes chaos in Sonora following outbreak of Yaqui revolt, including Huidobro's flight, failure to defend province. Notes missionary efforts to keep Pima Bajos in line. Describes revolt as nothing more than cosa ridicula, y juego de indios at first, but failure of Spanish soldiers to quell it made it grow. Mentions Pima Bajo revolt in Cerro Prieto. Notes that Seris never have been subjugated, and that el placer de Perlas entre la Isla de Tyburon, y esta Costa, no Se beneficia Por miedo de los Seris. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

States that Pimas from Buenavista, Cumuripa and Suaqui have joined Yaqui rebels. Pimas from Tecoripa resisting rebels, however. Segesser hopes Tecoripa Pimas won't fight, because they'll be overwhelmed. (T. Sheridan) (1977)