Indians (Prisoners)

Neve requests that audencia reimburse him for expenses incurred in moving Seris to Mexico City; states that Indians have begun to fall ill due to conditions; briefly explains that Seris in Collera committed crimes such as murder, robbery, otras atrocidades. (L. Kerr, June 1989)

Request by Casanova and Bautista Romero for military retirement with fuero militar and uso de uniforme. illness and old age reasons for desire to retire. Military records given. F. 227 lists each military post held by Casanova. F. 227-228 gives detailed summary of major campaigns of Casanova. Battle of San Ignacio de Piantla and battle of Rio de San Pedro figure prominently. Massive details (date, place, length, number of dead and wounded) given for each battle. Killings and imprisoning of Gandules and Apaches also cited. Muno testifies to having given medical assistance to Casanova for his enfermedad nerviosa of the stomach and Head. Doctor describes his prescription for Casanova and deems Casanova unfit for continuance in military. Other documents concern Bautista romer's request for retirement. F. 230 lists record of his military employment and briefly acccounts his military campaigns. His role in attacks contra enemigos of Tucson stated. Lopez testifies on Bautista Romero's enfermedad senil that makes retirement necessary. (P. Lenz, February 1990)

Documents contain Gaspar's testimony in court case brought against him. Details affiliations between various Indian tribes. Includes description of physical characteristics, costume, racial and marital status of Indians implicated in crimes. Crespo calls for continuation of case pending verification of circumstances of crimes described by Gaspar. (D. Uhlman, February 1988)

Court case brought against Indian prisoner Gaspar; indication that other Indians including Pimas rebeldes may have been involved in robberies and murders of Spaniards. One testimonio contains identification of various Indians including physical description, marital status, residence, ethnic affiliation and type of dress. Spaniards referred to by Indians as Nacaries. (D. Uhlman, January 1988)

Transcripts of inquisition into murder of Luna. F.263 begins Series documenting apprehension of about 30-35 Indians (names, pueblos given), interrogation through interpreters Cruz (Cora Alias Naiarit, Mexicano, castellana) and Martinez (Mexicana). F.276 Armenta joins as interpreter. F.289 mentions several imprisoned at San Francisco de Ocotan. (A. Dean, February 1990)

F.18 is status report on Collera (chaingang) of Indians being escorted to Mexico by soldiers from Pasaje. Ff.19-30 are general reports on efforts to convert Indians in small pueblos; defense of pueblos. Seems to be establishing discreet jurisdictions, outlining problems of a few of these, for appointment of a missionary and/or Coronel to be responsible for each. F.27 mentions Geronimo de la Cruz as interpreter for cora, Alias Naiarit; tecualme; Mexicana; y castellana. (A. Dean, January 1990)

Copies of letters describing arrival at Balero of Luis, a Tarahumara armed with bow and arrow, who said he had served as soldier in transporting chaingang of Tovozos to Mexico City; now forming Posse with civilians, officers to look for fugitives. Other letters mention supply of livestock to Collera (chaingang), Indian raids on Chimaltitan. (A. Dean, January 1990)

Series letters between Bonavia and virrey concerning arrival in Chihuahua of Jose Antonio Montes, an Gileno Indian, soliciting position as comandante of Gilenos at any frontier presidio. It is finally determined that Montes and his two women companions are runaways from their Spanish adoptive families. Includes interesting account of Montes' prior work history in service of Spanish. (A. Tukey, August 1988)

Correspondence between viceroy and capitan Azuela concerning running away of Seris and Tiburon families while governor goes on expedition against Apaches, Azuela using help of some Seris and Tiburones request such families to come back to settlement. Azuela also relates death in prison of Indian who killed a priest. Azuela indicates based on orders to advise a Superior in his Jurisdiccion of all events while governor is absent complying with orders he advises de Anza. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Francisco and six families of Seris returned to Pitic on August 30, looking very hungry. Speaks of rations of grain, meat. Mentions agreement made when Seris first conceded peace in 1784. Tiburones, Tepocas embracing christianity, should be used as examples for Seris. Discussion of process for religious education for Young, older Indians. Lists Seris in reduccion, amount of grain each receives weekly Chepillo declared guilty (charge unclear) by entire Seri nation, is to be deported. Speaks of purchase of livestock for Seris. (A. Dean, may 1989)