Indians (Reduccion)

This informe written to the virrey by fr. Joseph Pinilla asks for the extension of the mission territory so that more Indians may be converted. It speaks of the mission de la Bahia and del Rosario. It has no date. This is an original document autographed by fr. Joseph Pinilla. (microfilm catalog)

Establishes rules for supervising Apaches living in towns and for negotiating or forcing pacification of unsettled Apaches. They deal with all aspects of contact with both groups of Indians. (J. Grusin) (1976)

A detailed chronicle of missionary activity in California between 1530 and 1767. Includes remarks on pacification, conversions, the religiosity of Indians, sermons, priests involved, mission finances, Indian tribes. This work is rich in detail in several subject areas and provides important background data to the works of Palou, Serra, and Crespi. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Instructions for strengthening Spanish authority on the frontier. Special emphasis on procedures for dealing with the Indians. Including making war and rules on making and sustaining peace. Also suggests ways to encourage Indians to live at the missions. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Examines the status of the California missions following the Jesuit expulsion. The impact of new missionaries on the Indians, especially their increasing race in non-mission economic activity. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Report on the missions of California. Includes remarks on foundation, success of evangelizing, the mission economics, and the Indians living at the missions. It is rich in description, but does not mention specific tribes. (J. Grusin) (1976)

A plan for making colonization and pacification on the frontier financially self-sufficient. The goal was to reduce the numerous small bands to mission life and use them to sustain both forts and missions. He discusses the bands of Indians in terms of their willingness to stay on the missions. He lists them, as well as nomadic bands. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Recounts efforts to halt Apache raids. He remarks on his Indian allies and some inter-tribal rivalaries. He concludes with remarks on the San Xavier mission. Including success of reduction efforts. (J. Grusin) (1976)

A letter describing conditions at San Xavier. He relates success of reduction efforts, life at the mission, numbers of baptisms, the Indians religiosity, and the need for supplies. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Mentions Island Rio Yaqui 2 leagues from mouth where largest concentration Yaquis have their fields, describes Yaqui flood plain agriculture (maize, beans, squash), including 2 planting seasons. States cotton, Mescal (agave), otras semillejas not cultivated, but apparently Tuna (opuntia) was. Notes Lower pueblos' exploitation sea resources, especially fish. Mentions continuous warfare with Nebomes, Mayos. says Yaquis, surrounded by enemies, unable to leave territory, desire friendship with Nebomes especially, because Yaquis wish to trade with Guaymas (Seri group), parientes de los Nebomes. for shells, beads. Notes scattered Rancheria style settlement pattern from Tesano to sea (14 leagues). Houses of petate, located near fields. Describes aid Yaqui leaders in missionization process. Stresses isolated, beleaguered nature Yaqui society, desire for security from enemies. Notes that although Yaqui leaders don't possess power over others, their example respected, followed. Describes friendly reception missionaries. 1600 children baptized. Adults feared baptism because of epidemic (cocoliztli), which they equated with Sacrament. says Yaquis beginning to build Adobe homes. Also states Yaquis chose 12 sites for reduction 16,000 inhabitants to permanent settlements, 2 of which uncomfortable and will be reduced finally to 10. Nuris noted as friends of Yaquis, desirous of reduction as well to area with better land. Discusses desire other mountain groups for missionaries. Notes attempts to end indecent dances, drinking bouts, with fiestas de dios. Mentions Indians' preference for beef over wild game. says Yaquis now cutting hair shoulder length instead of wearing it long, customary among warriors. (T. Sheridan) (1976)