Indians

Corbalan's response to viceregal letter in which he suggests Seri harvest be stored and meted-out to them, and believes 800 fanegas should be sufficient to feed Seris. Viceroy's answer states that this task be given to Seri missionary, and further orders that none of Seri harvest be purchased. (J. H. Ochs, December 1987.)

Informe concerning complaints from Concepcion against a number of frays from misiones fernandinas. Complains include doctrination of Indians in their own languages, baptism without previous instruction, economic inequality between missions, and a number of petty complaints, Concepcion is accused of being crazy, and transfering him to another colegio is recommended. Follows letter from Concepcion asking for audience from virrey and detailed account of situation. Questionnaire sent by Borica to comandantes of presidios asking about situation in misiones; answers describe in some detail every day life of converted Indians including housing, daily diet and clothing in misiones (folios 10-41). Follows copy of informe previously sent to Branciforte by Borica, and now sent to Azanza. Letter from Buenaventura describing in detail con un Muchacho y Le mando que Se Vaya a fornicar. Borica certifies Arenaza's good record in official document. Follows summary of book-keeping in missions of Nueva California. History of religious, military and civil dominance in California since 1772 is described in some detail by Lull, asking to clear the name of the Missiones in California. Fiscal de la real hacienda suggests sending Concepcion back to Spain to avoid scandals. Unsigned document explaining how missions in California should be divided among different orders. In a long document Laruen summarizes in detail everyday life in missions in California special detail on punishment to Indians, number of lashes, instrument etc, claiming that if something, the treatment to Indians is very soft (mui blando el trato), also very detailed account of aranceles of all missions in California. Laruen asks to dismiss the whole incident with Concepcion, explaining that it is all based in anger of neighbor misiones and presidios due to his bad attitude toward them, follows similar detailed account on housing including measurements of dwellings, materials of clothing, money allocated. This informe and particularly the one that follows are an answer to accusations made by Borica and a number of captains of presidios in the area. (folios 63-101, 104-111). Following is a long document from Arillaga explaining discrepancies between reports from missionaries and military personnel, he explains cada uno dice de la Feria, como Le fue en ella. (folios 112-119). Letters from fiscal de la real hacienda clear the misiones from any fault, concluding the expediente

Tovar sends Ugarte y Loyola a journal of all interactions with Indians at Janos. Describes peace negotiations with Yagonxli, his Father Natanifui, others of their band. Gifts (clothes, maiz, candy, salt, cigars, etcetera) given to all who come to Janos in trade for confidence, cooperation with peace plan. Yagonxli bargains with Tovar for papers to travel to Mimbres. Ugarte y Loyola writes back warning not to get too friendly with Apaches, fears they may incite revolt among other Indians. Draft of letter praising Janos peace with Gilenos, mentions campaign against hostile Indians in Sonora and Nueva Vizcaya. (A. Dean, March 1989)

Letter describing Apache raid on Cienega. Son of Quegocga captured. Mention of war in Chiricahua mountains, Chiricahua troop and fugitives camped at Bacoachi. All of Aysose's followers in reduccion at Bacoachi, also Neya and 25 of his tribe (apparently submitted to this to be reunited with his Brother, captive elsewhere). Pozo imprisoned for trying to rally Chiricahua converts against Spaniards. Mention of Tarahumara delinquents imprisoned in Durango. 100 Tarahumaras in Sonora detachment commanded by Marrufo. Mention of intent to form corps of military, citizens, Indians of pueblos, Gentiles toward effort to destroy Gilenos. (A. Dean, March 1989)

Two letters from Concha to Flores concerning various tribes of carries message from Sierra Blanca Apaches requesting peace negotiations. Concha seems well acquainted with individuals and general ethnography of several tribes, describes interactions with Faraones, others. Mention of Echeagary placing Chiricahuas in military company. Unsigned draft of letter to Concha restating atrocities of recent Apache raids, friendly Indians' mistrust for Apache advances. Letter from Ugarte y Loyola to Revilla Gigedo discussing above correspondence, mentions Equeracapa to visit Chihuahua to discuss last Comanche campaign against Apaches. (A. Dean, March 1989)

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)

This is Escandon's final report about his expedition to the seno Mexicano, the area of the worthwestern coast of the were involved, how many soldiers were provided by each military company, the geography with special emphasis in potential resources which could facilitate future settlement (wood, minerals, arable land, irrigation potential, salt, possibilities of communication, etc.), and the Indian groups, with names and gross estimates of their numbers. He refers to a map that was attached to the document, but now is missing. The last part of the account is a plan of settlement, recommending the foundation of 14 villages. The advantages of the proposed locations are described, both from the point of view of the prospective settlers, and for the general policy of the state. He finally suggests where the financial resources for such enterprise could come from. (A. Nielsen, October 1989)

Concern dispute on prices for food and other supplies in new presidio. Also conflict about salaries paid to soldiers. Confusion about the jurisdiction under which new presidio will be placed with respect to the other presidios. Conflict is held about which would be the best place for construction of new presidio. Some government officials advocate paraje of Santa Rosa and others the site of Junta de los Rios del norte. Santa Rosa is said to be a better place for its strategic position to fight the Indians and also because of its abundant natural resources. (M. Marroquin, January 1989)

In travel brief, Escandon and Valcarzel briefly describe overall stability of Santander, Dolores, Revilla, Mier, Camargo, San Fernando. Agricultural success, revealed through high numbers of healthy cattle, good rangeland, successful commerce, compliments Indian pacification. Escandon's Rancheria set up at Santander notes as instrumental in reduccion. Unzaga mentions Tanambre Indian murders near Hoyos; Escandon notes positioning of Escuadra de San Gregorio in Camargo; Altamira testifies to validity of preceding autos. (S. Gibbs, October 1989)