Indians (Reduccion)

Documents concerning arrest, transport, quartering of Dufay. Dufay complains of mistreatment, of lesser men receiving military promotions over him, as reason for resigning. Concerning money apparently owed Dufay to reimburse what he paid Indian spies. F.571 concerns events of search for San Christobal rebels, reduccion of those captured. In F.576 Dufay requests licence to return to switzerland because he is too poor to support himself in Nueva Espana. (A. Dean, September 1989)

First folio lists all titles, lands of king Carlos, then names Dufay as Alferez Segundo in Monterrey company. F. 522 lists full name, all titles of Florez on printed form documenting Dufay's promotion to Alferez Primero in Nuevo Leon volante; includes elaborately drawn coat of arms for Florez. Letters concerning Dufay's retirement, cessation of pay. F.541 mentions Dufay in charge of reduccion of San Christoval Indians, who fled to Sierra Madre; mentions Indian spies (no specifics). (A. Dean, September 1989)

Series of documents dealing with the home arrest of Alferez Dufay. He argues that personal discrepancies with high ranking military assistance to the comander of Nuevo Reyno de Leon, are the causes the unfair treatment he receives. This documents is full of details envolving possible reasons why Dufay deserved to be arrested, I. E. Disorganized corn distribution to Indians in San Cristobal mission and bad aministration of resources and supplies. Dufay smuggled letters to the governor explaining contradictions with military official. (M. Marroquin, August 1989)

Ladron de Guevara to viceroy regarding request of reduccion of Indians in Nuevo Leon and Huasteca in order to have cattle production and mining. Removal of families and soldiers from Nuevo Leon. Mention of Indians in Leon not under mission control that could be removed as they are raiding fronteer. Discusses availability of water in different settlements and situation to rivers and quality of land. Ladron de Guevara's project to remove population in Nuevo Santander to save expenses to real hacienda of military protection; lack of irrigation thus abandoning coastal areas to Indians. (L. L. Woodward, October 1988)

Complaint by Pizones of mistreatment by fray Estrada of Hoyos mission Indians. Indians were to give labor and land to mission for 4 years in exchange for half of the production and their needs taken care of. For the last 2 weeks rations have not been supplied; missionary not meeting needs. Estrada requested to treat Indians well and return their lands as laws prohibit mistreatment of Indians. Description of mission church at Hoyos. Count of oxen, horses and mules of mission; Indians contest that there were more cattle and that they were more Mature. Request that Ramirez be responsible for management of cattle, previously mismanaged. Estrada has had harvests collected and has spent money all over; sale of almost all mission cattle by Blanco. Discussion of Indians attendance of mass, absence of idolatry. Ordovas to make journey to mission to investigate but complains of illness, distance, and dangerous Mecos which has delayed trip; told he must go despite these excuses. Puga to investigate and return land to Indians. Indians having to travel in search of food. 3 Pizones and a Pame went to Mexico City to testify that a year has passed without rations and land taken by Estrada. Descriptions of vegetable and Milpa crops grown. Testimonies of mission apames and Pizones indicate that Estrada gave corn rations the first two years and describe bloody beating by Alcaldes but directed by Estrada, and Indians given other land of lesser quality. (L. L. Woodward, September 1988)

Reports by asesores, visitadores, regidores suggesting high; 2, spread of disease among cattle and sheep which causes hair to fall out; 3, sterility of seeds provided for planting; 4, Indian depredations; 5, Estanco de sales competes with local salt industry; 6, moral degeneration and lack of discipline of troops in Nuevo Santander. To deal with last problem, suggest payment in cash be terminated to prevent rampant gambling among troops. Repeat of accusations against Gonzalez Santianes that he has not done enough to prevent Indian attacks. Notes throughout state of poverty in Nuevo Santander, except for discovery of mineral de tamaulipa (?). Beginning folio 235, detailed lists of livestock stolen from inhabitants of Altamira between 1768 and 1772. Followed by Series of less detailed accounts of livestock theft and murder committed against various Villas and rachos in area. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Repetitious Series of testimonies pertaining to case against Gonzalez Santianes for failing to contain Indian depredations robbery and murder against small Villas and Ranchos. Notes that Texas Indians seem particularly well provisioned with powder, munitions and guns, perhaps supplied by foreign power(S). Includes undetailed account of discovery of unspecified number of English or French victims of Indian raid near Rio Grande. Includes Series of testimonies of conditions of extreme poverty that Indian raids against livestock have caused. Inhabitants of Villa Mier petition for exemption of payment of Alcabala taxes as Indian raids have left the town destitute. Much discussion by officials on whether to Lower Alcabala for entire province. Includes lists of horses stolen from various towns in area. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Gonzalez Santianes defends himself against accusations of failing been a long history of Indian hostilities in the area dating long before his command. Contends that Indians in area have been reduced, but that they continually engage in robberies against missions because missionaries often renig on promises of payment for labor services, and otherwise mistreat Indians. Contends that frequency and level of raids under his administration have been exagerrated, and that all such acts have been adequately responded to with military force. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Discusses settling of Indian groups in Nuevo Santander; review of locations and Indians in each area. Need for greater defence of missions. In order to reduce Indians, need to dominate Indians through punishment, and food distribution. Discussion of seeds and cattle for food production and surplus need to keep accounts of agricultural production and livestock; also tells whether rainfall or irrigation agriculture practiced and future possibilities. Indians described as deserters and apostates who are causing damage in northern provinces. Mention of frey Rodriguez' request for mission. Description of ethnic groups and population of rancherias, their water source and suggestion of moving Indians to three new settlements between Padilla and Guemes or take advantage of irrigation. (L. L. Woodward, may 1989)

Testimonies on state of missions in Nuevo Santander provide of Indians at mission and identification of their ethnic group, number of Indians christianized, inventory of livestock, political offices held by Indians, amount of land owned, description of agricultural production, quality of soil, rainfall or irrigation specified. Mention of group of Sierra tamualipan Vieja, mention of Mesquites' participation in dances, Mitotes, drinking, and Peyote use, and also past harmful behavior before making peace. Robbery by several Indian groups. Discussion of need for more soldiers to punish Indians who stray from towns and missions. Possibilities of use of cotton and sugar Cane. Also provides information of number of soldiers stationed at missions, military expenses for salaries and supplies, sinodo expenses, and commercial endeavors such as sale of hides. (L. L. Woodward, may 1989)