Indians (Pacification)

Concerns negotiations for peace with Lipan Apaches (who were then hunting bison); proclamations on marriage; case of Menchaca case of Rodriguez. Rodriquez includes a petition in which he explains why he feels he has been unjustly treated by royal office in province; petition contains interesting details on daily life. (J. Williams, February 1987)

Concerns Galvez peace program in eastern prov. Internas providing and transporting gifts for Indians in Texas. Gives accounts of goods but does not list them in this letter. (J. Williams, February 1987)

O'connor replies to new rules for consolidating presidios of Texas. Points out that Mezieres is not to be trusted; that he has fooled governors in past and that his true loyalty probably is not with Spain. O'Connor reviews Indian situation in Texas. Note from fiscal Areche to order O'Conor to put a stop to illegal arms trade, reminding him that only trade from ports of Veracruz and Acapulco is legal. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Two letters from Luis Antonio Menchaca, captain of San Antonio de Bexar presidio, reporting on peace efforts with different Indian groups. Menchaca doubts their effectiveness. Reports on illegal arm trading with Indians and efforts to combat it. Various accounts of livestock and horse thieving. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Bucareli again denies permission to trade arms with friendly nations even if to offset influence of English. Commends governor for his good job. Negates possibility of a formal war due to lack of money. Recommends religious instruction and sweet talking to pacify Indians. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987).

Ripperda informs Bucareli of latest activities of different Indian groups. Everything relatively quiet on northern frontier. (T. Cederstrom, March 1987).

Account of visitation to some friendly Indian groups and supplying them with certain goods. Activities of these groups against enemy groups (Apaches). (T. Cederstrom, March 1987)

Ripperda argues for need of a presidio in north. Enemy tribes are well-supplied by French; Vidays receive arms from French and in turn supply Apache. The Comanche are raiding cattle and horses. Account of peace efforts by Mezieres. (T. Cederstrom, February 1987)

Bucareli y Ursula responds to Ripperda's repeated letters. Orders him to maintain peace with friendly nations and to only conduct a defensive war with Apaches and not to unduly upset them. Viceroy notes that those provinces of north have been relatively peaceful in recent times. Captain Mezieres is ordered to return to presidio of Natchidoches in Luisiana. (T. Cederstrom, February 1987).

Request by Ripperda for establishment of a presidio to protect northern border. Cites problems with Panis-Mahas and Tavayas, supported by English, as a reason for such a presidio. Cites also economic and commercial benefit of presidio. (T. Cederstrom, February 1987).