Indians (Languages)

Detailed descriptions of Nayarit and native inhabitants, with especially rich account by covarribias (ff. 66-69). Includes accounts of phonetics and grammatical structure of Indian language, Indian diet, general nature of Indians, and problems facing their conversion to christianity. Also describes geography, climate, fruits and vegetation, and wildlife (especially problems with vampire bats) of Nayarit. Concludes with Series of pleas to viceroy for payment of reparations for damage caused to Indian lands and life by conquest and governorship of Flores de San Pedro. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Instructions to comandantes de puestos for treatment of Apaches de Paz in Nueva Vizcaya. Includes guidelines for granting peace; prevention of Indian hostilities; interest in learning Apache language; dispersal of food and clothing rations; requirement for passports for Indians traveling away from posts; Indian agriculture. (D. Uhlman, June 1988)

Letters, accompanied by a cover sheet, from Ugarte to Anza and the marques de Sonora concerning establishment of peace with Comanches and Yutas, Ugarte's support of Anza's actions, continuing negotiations between Spaniards and Comanches, orders from Ugarte to Anza regarding policy, value of Ecueracapa's services and his salary, arrangements for the placement of Spanish officials near rancherias, ongoing negotiations in Texas providing Indians with interpreters, continuing war between Spaniards and Apaches, treatment of captive children and adults, conversion of non-christian Indians, instruction of Indians in Spanish language and customs, acculturation of Indian children, commerce with Indians, warlike nature and customs of Comanches, efforts to convince Comanches to practice agriculture, supplies of money and livestock for Indians, and description of ornamentation and appearance of Comanche men and women meeting with Ugarte. (W. Copas, April 1988)

A Ladino of castillian tongue arrives in El Paso and tells Spaniards that his fidelity to them nearly cost him his life. He tells of revolt conspiracy and present state of affairs in New Mexico, as well as of Pueblo-Apache relations. Don Luis Tupata is present leader of pueblos, and he and his henchmen have killed persons siding with Spaniards and will not allow catholicism to be practiced or Spanish language to be spoken. (C. Briggs, 1975) Indians tell of death of sargento mayor Sechavez and Juan Mendoza. (A. Dell'acqua, may 13, 1987)

Cover letter and detailed report by Croix on defense of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila. Indian attacks. Frequent referral to Oconor inspection 1773-1775. Brief information on Apache languages and Mescalero Rancheria locations. (G. Lavalley, February 1987).

Three letters to padre Gandara from; 1) padre Juan Armesto, Mexico, January 29, 1767, 1 page, informs death of Hermano Guller and his inability to continue work. 2) padre Joachin Tapia, Chicomoselo, may 28, 1766, 1 page, informs of poor health. 3) padre Juan Lorenzo Salgado, Uiribis, July 19, 1766, 3 pages, informs problems due to inability to speak Indians languages. (J. Erbe) (1978)

Letter concerning padre Ortiz' feud with padre Garcia and Ortiz' own conduct. Notes that Ortiz still can't speak Yaqui. Defends padre Ortiz. (R. Mendoza) (1979)

Padre Galdamez reports to padre Lauria on mission work at San Joseph de los Pimas and use of Indian language to teach religion. (R. Davis) (78)

Padre Lauria defends his administration of mission in letter to provincial padre Andres Javier Garcia, and claims padres Roldan and Ballauta are working against him, especially mentions issue of using native languages for religious teaching. Includes discussion of Pimas and Opatas languages. (R. Davis) (78)

Ortiz rants, raves about fellow Jesuits responsible for attempting to remove him from his mission. Incredible language- calls one of his enemies un pedazo de mierda. also, accuses them of being mulatos and Lobos. One of reasons for his removal is his inability to learn Yaqui. (T. Sheridan) (1979)