Indians (Relations)

Fray Vera can no longer administer San Geronimo de Taos. He seems to have an infirmity which makes him temperamentally unfit for the job, which requires someone with a more affable and persuasive personality, who can smooth relations with, and maintain the friendship and loyalty of the residents to Spanish rule. Again, a warning of the necessity for great vigilance in regard to the threat of subversion by Jose Napoleon's government, especially due to the province's proximity to Luisiana- plans for surveillance and apprehension of foreigners; use of espionage; importance of keeping friendship of Indians (especially the Comanches) through preferential treatment, gifts, etc... Detained and interrogated, Smith and his companions stick to their explanation that they are in the province solely for mercantile reasons. That, dissatisfied with English rule in Luisiana, they came to Nueva Mexico hoping to be granted tenancy and domicile. Also, reference to a letter, written in English, sent earlier on to the comandante general. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

The gobernador ynterino sends a detailed account of the campaign against the Apaches, recently concluded by the Spaniards and their Comanche allies, to the comandante general. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Letter regarding the projected campaign against the Apaches Faraones and Mescaleros, of the Spaniards and their Comanche allies - tactical arrangements of troops, etc. And regarding an order of last March 21, on the naming of a protector partidiario for the aid and defense of the Indians of the pueblos of the province - pointing out the urgency of such a nomination. Also, lists of categories of the men who are to go on the above mentioned campaign. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Salcedo warns of the threat that Napoleon's government Poses to the security of Spanish sovereignty in the Americas and of any foreigners in the province; the detention of any foreigners who cannot give satisfactory reasons for their presence in the province; the cultivation of the amity of the Indian nations through gifts and general munificence; the preparedness of the armed forces. Salcedo points out that this province is particularly vulnerable because of its proximity to Luisiana and its remoteness from the rest of the Spanish dominions. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Concerning a projected campaign against the Apaches, the Comanche generals, with some of their retinue, have arrived to consult with the Spaniards. The Comanches expect gifts, and the governor proposes to let them have any horses they may capture from the Apaches. The governor considers the eventuality of problems involving the Anglo-Americans which would require an abandoning of the campaign, to attend to the security of the province, which security merits primary attention. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Letter concerning an impending attack by the Comanches who had been assembling in the Sierra de Jumanes, against the Apaches Faraones and Mescaleros in Sacramento. The governor considers the strategic pros and cons of the impending campaign, and makes reference to nations of the north and Anglo-Americans as having some influence in the matter. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)