Indians (Mistreatment)

(See first volume folios for intro.) Includes lengthy oficios and autos from padres and president of Bizarron, in which explanations for recent despotic behavior toward Indians given; Argue that many of the Indians 'reduccidos' have become 'revoltosos,' insubordinate and insolent toward missionaries, some have run away; Indians present own Side in auto, asserting that mistreated by missionaries, underfed, overworked, missionaries disclaim assertions, stating that Indians have no fear of god, play card Games day and night 'hasta la Ropa que visten,' witnesses questioned; 'estado de cargo y data' of Bizarron provided, expenditures include wages, horses and supplies purchased, etc. (continued on following folios) (L. Kerr, March 1989)

Series of lengthy 'oficios' from Ugalde to virrey concerning various matters of 'Provincias Internas'; informs virrey of reasons for dividing the 'comandancia general' between east and west, basing argument on political and military inefficiency, inequities of present situation, contends that inability to communicate quickly and directly via postal service or other method dangerous, that shortage of officers developing in east, also that personal salary inadequate for responsibilities demanded; 'comandancia' officially divided, Ugarte y Loyola 'comandante general' of west, Ugalde of east; Ugalde pursues reports that missionaries treating Indians 'reduccidos' despotically, undermining peaceful relations (continued in sequence 10). (L. Kerr, March 1989)

Documents contain information sent to virrey, his response and acknowledgement of instructions regarding defense in Texas and Coahuila. Chimariguanes request peace. Land to be distributed to them where they may cultivate and can be easily monitored. Santiago is told of limited water supplies on land and asked to approve it. Relates details of incursions experienced in area. Concerns incident in which sheepherders foil Indians' attempt to steal horses but lose 200 sheep in process. Virrey orders troops from Coahuila and Texas to work together. Sierra Gorda says he can't spare troops because the number is already insufficient and the lack of troops in Texas has allowed losses of cattle and destruction of crops. Virrey stresses need for cooperation and restates order. Contains description of Indian raids by town. Serna presents diaries of expeditions. Serna recovers stolen property, takes several prisoners and presents Munoz with several ears which he displays on the Picota. (M. Dannemiller, November 1988)

Continues description of Collera de Apaches begun in preceding sequence. Complete account of disposition of Apaches transported from Chihuahua and Pilar de Conchos to Mexico, record of baptisms, deaths, burials by place including names of citizens receiving sick Indians. Enderica's daily log of distances traveled, places stopped. Complete cost accounting of expenditures for mules, cattle, corn, other supplies with written receipts. Certification of Enderica's cost accounting and receipt for funds in excess of expenditures returned to Cajas Reales, Mexico from advance received for expenses. (J. Higgins, March 1989)

Account of manner in which Collera de Apaches is to be if attacked while in transit. Census of Apache prisoners and troops under Enderica's command. Discusses prisoners to be picked up enroute; Indian deaths in prison; educability of Apache children captured under age 7; restriction of future women hospitalized at San Juan de Dios; Apache dead by suicide, soldiers, illness or left with citizens due to illness (J. Higgins, March 1989)

Several years correspondence dealing with treatment of Apache, mayhem perpetrated by escapees; strategies to deter escape; mistreatment of captives re causes of escape-desertion and accountability; funds for sustaining Indian captives; problems encountered with captives in various localities; plans for relocation of Nuevo Santander Apaches to Habana and Vera Cruz separating men, women, children; use of Indian prisoner labor in tobacco harvests. (J. Higgins, March 1989)

Concerns recommendations by Barri based on information provided by Palou. says the southern territory is the most fertile in California and populations should be established according to Galvez' instructions. Suggests movement of Spanish families to restore and defend the area and avoid losing lands to Indians. Agrees with Palou's suggestions for new ways to populate. Suggests ideas for mission administration and payment of Cura to administer. Suggests incorporation of ranch and farm. Relates conditions in Loreto including lack of working Indian families and lack of water for crops which inhibits mission enlargement. Has 39 Indians who fled Todos Santos due to inhumane treatment by Castro. Has asked padre presidente to replace Castro and Dominguez but hasn't yet. Includes short letters to Barri from Marcelino and Castro y Moreno. Includes decree from fiscal suggesting replacing mayordomos because they provide an opposite example of that which viceroy uses his funds to create. Decree by Bucareli orders fiscal's suggestions be carried out and that Indians not be treated as slaves. Bucareli requests that Barri compile information and submit report on verity of accusations against Ibarzabal. (M. Dannemiller, March 1988)

Concerns Barri's order requesting information on mayordomo's treatment of Indians. Moreno y Castro includes witness' accounts of several Indian deaths due to beatings and mistreatment by mayordomo. States that some abuses are specifically ordered by priests. Accounts of Indian prisoner deaths due to hunger. Mention of specific prisoners and their lack of food and medical attention in prison. (M. Dannemiller, March 1988)

Concerns informes received by Araujo in Querataro. Marquis instructs that every Jesuit be replaced by catholic missionary and that there be 14 missionaries in every mission in Sonora. Regarding the need for synods in missions that are not self-sufficient. Demands that all Indians be treated fairly, be allowed to communicate and trade among themselves and be taught Castellano. Requests lists of all natives in Sonora and Sinaloa and separate lists of Spanish individuals and property. Letter from Galvez is response to inventory request. Complete lists of all items in missions and priests' homes including sacred goblets, ornaments, record books, bells, and baptismal baths. Also includes inventory of items in warehouse.

Murgier requests permission to return to Europe because of Father's death; he is only son, sole inheritor of estate. explains in request that he participated in successful pacification of Mescaleros in Nuevo Santander. Wishes to join dragones or cavalry in Spain; provides service record. Murgier becomes ill, suffers from chest pains, requests permission to go to Mexico City to seek help. Receives permission to travel to Spain, but in mean time has killed 5 peaceful Indians in 'sangre Fria'; 'licencia' suspended until matter straightened out. (L. Kerr, August 1989)