Indians (Moral And Social Characteristics)

Concerns the response of governors and capitans of presidios to the viceroy's instructions for a new method of government. Contains a complete list of governors to receive the report. Comments on use of the method as pertains to the missions of Texas. Describes the condition of missions and the relations with Indians. Descriptions of religious routines, prayer, teaching, baptisms and weekly religious activities. Relates new year's process of election of governor, mayor and sheriff. Concerns economic conditions and mission sustenance crops of corn, beans, cotton and cana de Castilla. There was an abundance of cattle (bovine, ovine and caprine) but lacking equine due to frequent attacks. Cotton cloth, ponchos and blankets were made in missions. Contains detailed description of mission life, men and women's duties as well as wardrobe of converts and Elite. Suggestions made for improvements by example such as increasing Spanish populations to serve as examples of culture, government, industry and civil harmony. Authors offer the missions under their administration as examples and describe older methods which have served their development. Under Menchaca, necessities are kept and equally distributed in the missions and used to maintain troops. All administrators feel current system of government to be effective.

Concerns Series of autos and reports about need to create a militia force in Nayarit and vicinities to protect Spanish assets and mines produce to Spain. Military officials report hostile Indians in the area to justify request. Document contains strategies for logistic organization of militia forces I.e., giving some auxiliaries Lanzas and others fire arms shipped from Spain through Veracruz. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Concerns Series of documents about organization of militias in Colotlan and Nayarit, under leadership of Vivanco because of his experience and knowledge of the territory. Indians are said to be distrustful of Spaniards. Firearms are suggested for militias to be created. Weapons sent from Cadiz via Veracruz. Documents allude to extreme poverty of Indians. Militias are formed to safeguard presidios and silver production to Spain. Some financial aspects of military organization is given. Mines being discovered in Bolanos. Military report stresses the rich potentiality of mines. Accounting personnel appointed for bookkeeping of mine production. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)