Jesuit Expulsion

In response to viceroy's request, Verger makes suggestions in 22 parts for physical and spiritual development of missions. says new missions should be delayed until older ones are firmly established with sufficient arms and military protection. Must grow food for all mission and presidio residents. Storage and distribution should never be left to Indians. nor should be left to caudillos and capitans since after Jesuit expulsion California example shows they destroy missions. Under priests' control more churches built, more ornaments retained, larger harvests collected. says some form of punishment is necessary because Indians will abuse and steal property without it. Indians should be treated fairly and paid a salary. Describes daily masses and visits to sick and widowed. Discusses corn, bean, lentil crops, weekly rations and duties of women. Discusses also Indian jobs, products and locations of trade. Discusses differences between present conditions and those of Conquistadores. Relates difficulties with jefes who replace hardworkers with incompetents. References to decree by Valero ordering military protection for missions. Discusses power struggle between military and missionary. Verger claims arms are not needed for conversion, only evangelical preaching. (M. Dannemiller March 1988)

Concerns Antonio's reference to improvements, suggested by Barri, being made in missions in California. says after Jesuit expulsion, Franciscans received missions of southern California with more than 1,000 Indians. Contains list of each mission and numbers of Indians drastically reduced in only four years. Priests told archbishop decline due to Galvez having sent Indians from two other missions to Todos Santos where they died of disease or deserted. Said decline also due to loss of cattle and tools on expedition to Monterrey; Indians became dependent on missions who couldn't provide for all. Antonio says Indians wouldn't flee if given weekly rations of meat and seed because they suffer from starvation. Treatment is inconsistent with Christian message. Approves of Barri's idea to incorporate missions. Relates abuses of some priests who administer sacraments without any license from bishop. says this may be case with Ibarzabal. Suggests judicial clergy to monitor mission activity and that inventory be taken annually. Contains separate decrees by fiscal and viceroy summarizing and approving these suggestions. Regarding selection of Visitador General Antonio suggests a person to correct missionaries, cooperate with governors, withstand the climate and one who is not currently in a mission. Suggests Gomez for position. Areche requests Antonio to compile information on Gomez and Ibarzabal. Areche requests viceroy to declare who will pay 2,000 pesos to new visitador. Viceroy recommends matter to Mangino who replies that charging the California missions would pressure an already strained budget. Dominicans have added responsibilities from new missions acquired. says each mission should contribute funds according to amount of property owned. Concerning licenses, Areche will send 27 priests to missions to request to See licenses for religious activities. Those without proper authority will be suspended. Group will inform on weekly collections and on state of missions. (M. Dannemiller, March 1988)

Concerns informes received by Araujo in Querataro. Marquis instructs that every Jesuit be replaced by catholic missionary and that there be 14 missionaries in every mission in Sonora. Regarding the need for synods in missions that are not self-sufficient. Demands that all Indians be treated fairly, be allowed to communicate and trade among themselves and be taught Castellano. Requests lists of all natives in Sonora and Sinaloa and separate lists of Spanish individuals and property. Letter from Galvez is response to inventory request. Complete lists of all items in missions and priests' homes including sacred goblets, ornaments, record books, bells, and baptismal baths. Also includes inventory of items in warehouse.