Indians (Relations)

Three letters from Ugalde to Florez. First two discuss past situation with each band of Apaches; how he anticipates future of treaty, necessary military stance to ensure compliance. F.202 third letter Ugalde mentions personal friendship with Picax-Ande, how far he thinks he can trust Lipan's intentions. F.205 mentions treaty signed July 10, 1788 at Rio Puerco, stipulations, bands involved, aftermath. F.206 livestock, cigars, grain given to Picax-Ande for treaty; he then attends mass. Some physical description of Apaches camped at San Fernando. Ff.206-207 detailed description of ceremony Apaches perform in celebration, including war dance toward destruction of Comanches; further description occasionally through F.219. Periodic mention of rations given to Indians (apparently accompanying Spanish on March.) F.219 discusses reasons for baptism as told to Indians. Interesting, well-written, easily legible documents. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Concerning maintenance of peace ordained by Picax-Ande's treaty. F.183 reports no trouble with Indians in January through February, in April seven citizens killed near Rio Savinas; raiding. F.184 accuses Lipanes of trying to encourage animosity between Mescaleros and Lipanes' enemy Comanches. F.187 reports soldiers at outposts unhappy, poorly equipped, underpaid. Plans laid for shoring up military to safeguard peace. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Documents concerning peace treaties with Lipiyanes, Mescaleros. Ff.163-165 deal with award of title capitan grande to Picax-Ande, calling him natural prince, giving him and his captains credit for subordination of Apaches. F.165 Apaches believe he is oracle through whose mouth gods speak. F.166 ratification of his peace treaty. F.167 peace to be maintained by 8 Mescalero captains. F.168 describes teaching table manners to Indian captains. F.173 Ugalde complains of missionaries' despotism, needless mistreatment of Indians in reduccion. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Documents deal with implementation of peace pact. Ten Capitancillos Mescaleros, in exchange for protection and hunting rights, agree to relocate rancherias in areas around presidio del Norte. Troops from Coahuila, led by Ugalde, engage in battles with rancherias causing distrust among Indians. Diaz informs Rengel of increasing problems in maintaining positive relations with Mescaleros due to Ugaldes refusal to return prisoners and caballerias that were captured during illicit raids. Diaz, in spite of Ugalde's lack of cooperation, obtains the release of captured soldiers by promising the Indians that their belongings would be returned. (L. Carrion, March 1988)

Correspondence in which Urresti communicates news worthy of virrey's attention, concerning missions under his command, at nearby mission, suspected by Urresti of only seeking relief from viral epidemic decimating nation, Piedracitos request same at other mission, duplicitous intentions suspected also, quiet, peaceful behavior of Indians at another mission noted, participation in 'cosecha de Frutos' also peaceful, military skirmishes along Rio Blanco involving Indians discussed, establishment of 'las Pazes' per virrey's 'mandato'; letters from virrey commenting on, commending, actions taken by Urresti, approving request by interim governor of Coahuila for 50 soldiers, ordering that silver, though in 'corta cantidad', continue to be mined at Yguana, informing of 'insultos' from siguis(?); letter concerning 'quadernos' containing information on Munoz y Villavicencio's conduct in office. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Documents include signed testimonios from hacienda owners and administrators in Nuevo Leon promising to 'pasar el Correo' from hacienda to hacienda between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi, since pueblos so far apart, explanation by governor of how this would be accomplished; letters from governor informing virrey of provincial affairs, requesting assistance on certain matters, including civil military affairs, Indian relations, disappearance of squadron commander, problems created, regarding possible British invasion, collection of a new tax, that departure for 'Corte' and to visit various 'companias' delayed due to tertian fever and several relapses; copy of virrey's statement granting establishment of monthly 'correo' between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence concerning: statements summarizing testimony on various subjects; re-establishment of mission; problems created when pacified Indians subjected to 'revistas', order passed halting 'revistas' due to violence engendered, otherwise smooth progression of pacification and reduction in province; state of Indians at missions, poor relations between neighboring Indian groups due to death of one chief, request for military assistance in order to secure peace; collection of taxes from various individuals; edict that soldiers enter churches with 'cabello suelto'; 'indice de cartas', with brief summary of topics discussed in expediente; lack of 'papel sellado'; establishment of 'pueblos' and need for military protection; desertion by soldiers in Coahuila; examination of 'cuadernos de autos' in order to determine reasons for 'excesos' committed by squadron at hacienda; military assistance need in Coahuila and Texas to defend against Apaches; discovery of mine, its effect upon growth of economy in area; discussion of metals, silver found in other mines, quality and quantity. (L. Kerr, November 1988)

Letters concerning: description of vegetation, terrain where Indian groups live, general location within province, livelihood in that region, hostilities committed by group, whether or not group is lazy or active, good or bad, observation that peripheral towns and haciendas attacked more frequently; second letter regarding need for and assignment of soldiers to serve as 'escoltas' at several haciendas, due to attacks from 'indios apostatas y gentiles', salaries and rations for soldiers discussed, as well as how the assignments will strengthen plan to pacify and Christianize all Indians of Nuevo Leon within 8 to 10 years. (L. Kerr, November 1988)

Concerns Indian murders, horse thefts and unsuccessful attempts by villagers to catch offenders due to snow and poor mounts. Mentions peaceful Navajos who have planted on ancient grounds. Virrey(?) Acknowledges receipt of letters and indicates hope that 1500 horses will aid in apprehending Indian offenders. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)

Virrey(?) Admits utility of military expedition to Gila, Colorado rivers. Promises to forward Oconor's battle plans to Mendinueta. Mentions 1500 horses and some officers will be sent to augment Mendinueta's force. Also expresses desire to build missions which will improve religious communication with California. Contains information about padres who teach catechisms among Yuma. Mendinueta includes index of contents of documents which he has sent to virrey by number of document. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)