Indians (Relations)

Series of documents concerning the exploration of the rivers of the north and the problems of opening commerce with the north such as taxes and defense against Indians from the islands. (D. Bautista, June 1990)

Concerns descriptions of province of Texas for recommendation as sight of new port and further expansion of settlers due to abundance of land, water and fertile soils; new settlements desired to establish trade with Louisiana and also to keep French and English from expanding further into region; contains descriptions of Flora and fauna and geographic and climatic descriptions; contains eloquent statement by Mesieres against French, English and hostile Indian tribes in region. (K. Hubin, June 1990)

Contains letters from governors of Luisiana and Texas, Galvez and Cavello, concerning expenditures of Demecieres in the form of gifts to Indians and salaries of soldiers and officials who accompanied him on his journey to north. Contains news of Demecieres' death by natural causes. (K. Hubin, June, 1990)

Concerns different jurisdictions in province of Texas, settlers, governments and enemy Indian tribes in region; contains descriptions of fertility of presidio and mission lands in region; fairly extensive information on Indian populations and lands inhabited by them; also concerns Demesieres' campaign in north and broadening of frontier boundaries encroaching further on Indian lands (Tavoayases); problem of Indian hostilities in Coahuila province addressed and its relationship with residents of Louisiana trading with hostile Indians discussed; contains letters from Demesieres to Galvez describing his trip north with detailed descriptions of lands around Colorado, Trinidad, and Brazos rivers; includes descriptions of Indian tribes of region (friendly and hostile), dress, agriculture and in particular deals with Tuacanas and Tancagues; Mesieres suggests founding settlement of Spaniards and Tlaxcaltecas as key to northern regions to open possibilities for trade and to better deal with hostile tribes (Comanches and Osages) and also to impede any further expansion of English into area. (K. Hubin, June, 1990)

Apache Indian attack during the night raids and steals horses from San Antonio corrals. 80 horses are stolen. Flores follows them all night only to return in the morning to gather men and Indians for a search group. After 2 months horses and Indians are found. In the ensuing capture, enemy Indians are killed and taken hostage with their women, children and supplies. One Indian captive claims they stole horses for other Spaniards with whom they have 'cambalache' or trade. Peace is offered to them if all chiefs involved will return to the camp within 20-days. Beginning at ff. 352 three French deserters are seeking passports to Veracruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo, they are Rosel, Barroi and Martin. Garza Falcon disbelieves their claim and considers them spies for the French. They are given an escort to be brought to justice. The French are known for having strong influence over the Indians and consider the Cumanches, Canzeres, Pananas and Apaches as theirs. Flores endorses Ramon for position of captain of San Antonio presidio due to his campaigns in the Tejas provinces. Trade could be increased with improved relations with the Indians. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Assembled, transcribed letters by Ciprian concerning attempt to establish missions along Seno Mexicano; 12 missionaries sent out from semanary at Zacatecas on November 26, 1749. Escandon, Marmolejo, Ciprian trying to cooperate to facilitate work. Ciprian later reports on missionaries' progress, itineraries, reduccion of Indians. Last several folios are original reports (redundant, beaurocratic) to Marmolejo from individual missionaries, 1752. (A. Dean, may 1990)

Transcribed documents concerning establishment of Revilla. List of 14 families (names, ages of children, ethnicity, weapons and livestock owned) to settle first, followed by list of 26 families to follow. Discussion of privileges, access to water, land, firewood equal to that held earlier. Instructions for assignment of land. Suggests placing Indians (now settled where Revilla will be) in separate mission, giving them land one league from Villa, seed, access to communal firewood supply, spiritual guidance. Last folio is map of Revilla, with locations, dimensions of church, capitan's house, rivers, land temporarily granted Indians. (A. Dean, may 1990)

Documents contain information resulting in formal establishment of Horcasitas. Reports on conditions of people, mission, Indians. Ciprian says Indians should be moved to Tamaulipa and provided with clothes, tobacco and machetes so can open road to Sotolamarina. Reports on present advantages, Fabricas and crops. Considering new location for mission. Escandon goes on expedition with soldiers and friendly Indians to explore area. Indians gave warm welcome. Description of Indians. Feast of beans, squash, yams, corn, platano. Abundant minerals. Good land and water. Contains list of families and Escuadra and property. Discusses conditions and obligations of residency. Abundant saltpetre adn good pastures. Campaigns against Tanambres. Description of homes and town. Distances from other Villas. Escandon gives instructions to increase residents. Includes city plan. (M. Dannemiller, April 1989)

Documents contain information resulting formal establishment of Santa Maria. Provides good geographical description of area and distances to other Villas. Escandon went to recognize families joined by olarazan. Escandon and others conduct review of well and other conditions. Contains complete list of families and members of Escuadra including names, ages and property owned. Description of relations with Indians. says San Marcos has most abundant water. Contains description of possible drilling depths and composition of each level. Review of timber, minerals and land says all plentiful. Cold climate. Commerce with Llera possible for supplies and minerals. Need mission for Indians congregated in area. Escandon officially establishes sta. Maria close to San Marcos. Provides instructions for construction of homes, provision of more cattle and seed, and for administration of property and mines. Contains city plan. Last document contains list of Villas established in Nuevo Santander including captains, missions, Indians, families, soldiers and Patron saints. (M. Dannemiller, April 1989)

Concerns reports by Escandon and others concerning conditions in Altamira and feasibility of official establishment as Villa. Contains review of mission, Fabricas, Indians, land, climate and distances from Altamira to other Villas along frontera. Contains complete lists of families, Escuadra and all property. Mentions conditions established for residents and their obligation to stay in Altamira. Mentions financial support for Villa. says peaceful relations with Indians who receive corn rations from Altamira. Cyprian says location is perfect, good land, easy transportation on rivers, abundant fish and other reasons. Recommends uniting with Panuco and Tampico to secure the coast. says temperate with few Mosquitos. Also mentions cultivation of Calabazas. Instructions by Escandon for future activity such as building of homes, treatment of Indians and church construction. Contains city plan including rivers surrounding Villa. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)