Indians (Social And Moral Characteristics)

Reply to request concerning intelligence about the eastern Comanches. Notes that they are fierce, and warlike, yet generous with friends. Describes Comanche ceremonies with buffalo hides and tobacco in detail as well as women's roles in these. Also discusses the eastern Comanches trade of captured horses for arms and powder with western Comanches and other tribes. Mentions that their Actual numbers and military strength as well as the number of rancherias are difficult to determine due to their nomadism. Furthermore, Cabello discusses their geographic location and reports the name of some chiefs. Finally there is a discussion of the character of the chiefs and of the Comanches in general, as well as a description of the electoral system of chiefs. (R. Graham) (1980)

Discusses peace plan with Comanches and of visit to Bexar. Also requests some intelligence concerning Comanches such as tribal customs and political and military strength of various rancherias. Also discusses attempts to secure peace with New Mexico Comanches and writes of the work done by Vial and Chaves in this area. (R. Graham) (1980)

Asks for information concerning Comanche social organization and customs. Discusses attempts to make peace with Yupes and Yamparicas. Commends Taboayases and Obedsitas for help to Vial and Chaves. Also mentions meeting in Taos of July of 1785. (R. Graham) (1980)

(R. Davis) (1980)

3 letters by Tapia, same date, concerning peace negotiations, prisoner exchange with Apaches. Number of Spanish prisoners recovered now 14, but Toribio Bojorquez not one of them. Apache prisoners in Chihuahua being rounded up to exchange for Spanish prisoners among Apaches, horses stolen from San Bartholome. Tapia describes Rivera's encounter with Nantaneju and his band of Apaches of Rio Casas Grandes concerning Spanish doubts of Apache fidelity, prompting Pachateju to come to Janos to tell Tapia Apaches mistrust Spaniards because Former Janos presidial capitanes have always imprisoned them during peace negotiations. Pp. 267-68, Theresa Garcia, vecina of Valle de Buenaventura, states she has received her son Juan Jose marques, formerly Apache captive, from Tapia. Pp.271-297, copies of Tapia's letters, 12/18/1777-2/28/1778. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Informs comandante of search for missing soldier of primera compania Felix Guerra, and of good faith shown by Apaches seeking truce. States Apaches helped care for horseherds, joined search for missing soldier. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Rubio's detailed instructions for sustained campaign against various Apache groups. Nueva Vizcaya presidial forces divided into primera and segunda divisiones. Primera division commanded by capitan Peru, included Carrizal, Janos, San Eleceario, San Buenaventura presidios. Segunda division, led by capitan Martinez, consisted of Rio del Norte, San Carlos, Cerrogordo presidios. Each division to campaign against Apaches in their own territory on alternating months while rear guards, other division protected frontier. Pp.25- 28 (may 28, 1777) Rubio's reflections on nature of warfare, what makes a good soldier, vile character of Indian enemies, etc. Includes chart showing number of troops, men at arms at each presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diligencia de matrimonio concerning Antonio Narciso Becerra and Barbara Madrid, both Apache servants in Janos. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diligencia de matrimonio concerning Nicolas de Mara, Opata Vecino of Janos presidio, born in Huachinera who wants to marry Maria, a Jano Indian. Noriega unable to find any reason the two shouldn't be married. Mara, incidentally, is literate. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Describes effects of Yaqui revolt in Pimeria Baja. States rebels Haven't reached Movas or Tonichi yet. Describes rebels as Yaquis, Mayos and Pimas. States that Yaqui rebel leader Juan Calixto wrote him June 18, saying that Yaqui rebels were good catholics, that blame for rebellion does not lie with padres, but with algunos Espanoles. (T. Sheridan) (1977)