Indians (Reduccion)

Fragments of letters from marques de Croix written in response to letters and informes of Elizondo concerning military affairs in Sonora. Issues include reduction and resettlement of rebel Seris; authorization given to Anza to pursue Apaches accused of stealing horses from presidio of Tubaca; changing of capitancy of presidio of Terrenate; reform of flying companies. (J. H. Ochs, June 1987)

36 Piatos reduce themselves, as well as 4 families of Piatos led by gueyjuriguachi. Cueras still at large-Papagos agree to capture him and turn him over to Spaniards. Juan Antonio and his family (Seris) reduce themselves. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Discusses Seri reduccion near Pitic at Cerrito de Combeniencia. States Chrisanto and 3 other Seris going to Mexico to obtain general pardon and title to new settlement. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

4 Seris led Crisanto destined for Mexico. Second document grants passports to Indians as well as Teran and Olias for journey. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Pardoned Seri rebels settled within tiro de fusil de Pitic at foot of Cerrito de la Combeniencia where they have fields, acequia and dam along River for irrigation. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Paito chief Gueijuriguchi plans to formally ask pardon of Elizondo and reduce himself and his followers. 2 captives returned to Spaniards. 5 families-22 Piatos- already reduced. Marcos' Brother agrees to persuade Marcos and followers on Tiburon to surrender. Elizondo feels that since so few rebels left at large, the presidial forces should be sufficient to handle them. Includes an itinerary which troops returning to Mexico should follow. Recommends that primera compania volante be stationed at Pitic, 2a volante at Terrenate. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Group of 8 Suaquis reduce themselves. Piato Rancheria led by Gueyjuriguchi still on the loose. Martinez and troops chase Indian horse thieves from Guaymas. 4 Seris under Marcos still at large on Tiburon. Cueras and 5 other Piatos try to join Apaches but Apaches refuse-they don't ally with anyone. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

5 families of Piatos remanded to Pitiqui. 21 families of Piatos reduced so far. 2 rancherias led by Guijuriguchy and Cueras numbering 20 families remain at large. 6 Seri families who took refuge on Tiburon contacted by Crisanto and promise to surrender. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Excellent overview of campaign against rebel Seris, Piatos, Suaquis. Notes 2 majorinvasions of Cerro Prieto (11/25/1768; 10/19/1769), after which rebels split into small groups across vast territory. Spaniards respond by breaking into small quadrillas in pursuit. Rebels now asking for pardon-rather than trying to exterminate them, Elizondo recommends that pardon be granted if Seris reduce themselves to Vicinity of Horcasitas and Suaquis to Velen (Belem). Discusses past injustices perpetrated by Spaniards against Seris beginning with Rodriquez Gallardo. Notes escape of Seri, Apache prisoners in Sinaloa, leading to depredations in Sonora. Thumbnail history of Seri-Spanish relations 1748-1771. States Seris more athiest than gentile and need priest. Arques Indians shouldn't be disarmed - will cause them to lose trust in Spaniards. Besides, they need weapons to hunt and to fight Apaches, especially the Pimas, in general, Elizondo feels that gentle rather than harsh treatment of rebels only way to secure peace. (T. Sheridan, 1980)

Family of Seris (6 people) reduce themselves. Formerly living on Tiburon, where they had made an alianza with naturales of that Island. Need to reduce Pima nation. (T. Sheridan, 1980)