Indians (Mistreatment)

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)

Auto describing testimony in defense of Indians. Good detailed description of exploitation of Indians, appropriation of children, violent castigation. Concerns education and indoctrinaton of Indians, missions of de la Virgen y Martin Santa Catalina del Verde. Distribution of lands to Indians. (J. Acheson, March 1988)

Several letters from Escandon to fray Abasolo requesting him to reassign fray Orozco to the mission he had been in. The Indians petition for fray Orosco's return and state that they will leave the mission if he is not returned. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Indians complain to the virrey of the bad treatment they are receiving from the soldiers of Escandon. The soldiers do not respect their possessions. Indians comment to the virrey that they received help only from the Resendis family.

Indians complain that their land was taken away and the Spaniards do not want to recognized it. Virrey order that the land must be returned to the Indians. Alferez Trevino is commissioned to measure the Indian land. The measurements are made in the pueblo de purificacion. The tools used for the measurement were cordel bien estirado, encerado y Una Vara castellana. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Letters from Indians complaining to virrey about how they are suffering from the continuous attacks of Escandon's soldiers. The Indians also mention that the only person that is helping them is Dona Resendi. The Indians want to stop the policia economica y christiana. They also provide examples of how they have been fighting in favor of the king of Spain when they, the Indians, attacked English ships. (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Autos from Mecos Indians complaining that they are mistreated by the Spaniards and request protection from virrey. He orders an investigation from both the authorities of Monterrey and the mission, and wants sworn testimony and without delay. The investigation is focused only on the land of the Indians but not on who is mistreating them. Stated on folio 168 is desde su Nacimiento Se Han alimentado, como son la Flor de Tuna, Mesquite, Coma, maguacatas, Mescales aguamiel... (D. Bautista, April 1990)

Concerns conflict of authority between military officials; woman is kept in captivity; Indians complain of mistreatment by Munoz and ask for his removal so problems between Indians and Spaniards will stop; very detailed narration of Indians being killed by government troops who went in their pursuit, indio Tomas is interrogated under oath, he describes how Indians survived and attacked the Spaniards; Indian prisoner gives account of how Indians planned attack against Spaniards, some Indian nations colluded to attack Spaniards in conjunction and trade items among themselves; report on Indian child being interrogated by Spaniard (text of the interrogation is included); diaries of the pursuit of Indians is sent to the viceroy, chart about the final result of the campaign is included here, chart shows number of Indians and soldiers who were killed in combat, ammunition, weapons used, horses, mules etc.; governor certifies the public exhibition of genitals and limbs of Indians killed in combat during campaign; letter is sent to the viceroy praising heroic action of captain Bustamante against Indian rebels in Palo Blanco; chart showing the general military status of San Antonio de Bexar, chart includes list of military officials and soldiers, horses, mules and different kinds of weapons; statistical chart showing population of the pueblos of Nuevo Santander, its missions and population in every city and town; complete review is carried out of the presidios of the province of Nuevo Santander, report about the visita is sent to the viceroy, report takes into account physical aspects, military conditions, troop's health situation, description of the valleys, rivers and strategic position of presidios. (M. Marroquin, December 1988)

Letters between viceroy, comandante generals discussing peace negotiations with Lipanes. F.400 describes location of camps of Apache Capitancillos, some of whom have gone to rejoin their bands; mentions none are on horseback. F.401 mentions treaties with various Apache bands of Nueva Vizcaya, suggests those now seeking peace are false, should be considered a disease and exterminated . . . Subsist on war, only pretending to wish peace. detail on Spanish idea of Lipan character. F.416 mentions severe rains of October, 1792 making travel miserable. F.418-421 discusses part of real reglamiento de presidios (apparently) stating that opposition to treaties with Indians is diametrically opposed to spirit of peace Spanish are trying to convey. F.424 discusses heirarchy of bands of Apaches, good detail. F.426 mentions Mescaleras curing bison meat. F.427 discusses broad union of Mescaleros, Lipanos, llaneros seemingly for hunting together; mentions murder of Lipanes by Spanish civilians, what to do with captives. (A. Dean, October 1989)

Nava informs Revilla Gigedo Lipanes at Norte requesting peace in Coaguila, Texas. Told peace must be ratified by virrey. Will collect information concerning Lipane's condition, numbers, intertribal relations, motives. Lipan Joseph Antonio made prior overtures at San Fernando, may be helpful in establishing perace in Lower Lipaneria. At present most Mescaleros, Llaneros, Faraones at peace, residing in Vicinity of Norte, Paso. Diaz informs Nava of Lipan arrival in Norte requesting peace despite cruelty of treatment by Munos at Coahuila. Revilla gigiedo in agreement with Nava awaiting further information before entering into peace with Lipanes; will advise Castro of Lipan initiative, in interim Lipan emissaries to be treated well. Revilla Gigedo advises Munos, Castro of peace initiative soliciting any objections they may have. Nava relates emissary Bilansatliche's account of causes of Lipan hostilities to Revilla Gigedo. Prior peace broken by Ugalde, Valdes and lipans obliged to fight against their will. Following negotiations with Ugarte y Loyola emissaries dispatched to Santa Rosa to confer with Castro. When these did not return emissary dispatched to San Fernando also did not return. Under no circumstances will they negotiate with Castro due to Santa Rosa experience. Mescalero Lascashigo told Lipanes of fairness of treatment in north convincing them to negotiate with Nava. Lipan leaders Chadichule, Joseph Antonio, bidajta, Tuna-Yilten and their people assembled at Agua Prieta near Rio Colorado awaiting response. Though ylgiditelde not present also wishes peace. Messengers dispatched to locate Lower Lipanes and advise them of peace plans. Lipanes have few stock, most lost to Cumanches and northern tribes. Will return captives held, request Lipan women prisoners be returned to them. Castro not notified of peace efforts due to distance involved and complications this might create. Revilla Gigedo communicates Lipan concerns, accusations to Castro as described to Nava by Bilansatliche. Solicits Castro's opinions so that he may make his decision. (J. Higgins, April 1989)