Labor Force (Indians)

General letter commenting on use of mission Indians to transport correspondence from Mexico to la Bahia, that fray Marenti had visited presidio, as had visitador Ribera who was provided with an escort. (R. Davis) (1979)

Captain Thobar suggests to padre that Indians missing work through religious fiestas days. (R. Davis) (1979)

For the good of citizens of San Fernando, Barrios y Jaurigue has ordered that 1) all property owners apply for new titles; 2) discontinuance of the labor for corn; 3) discontinuance of trade between the Indians and the governor and soldiers. The citizens desire to repeal these acts, showing that the acts are beneficial to the town. Some information on crops grown. Shows relationships between various sectors of town. Includes copy of original order. (M. Bowman) (1979)

O'conor commends Peru on his securing 60 Opata workmen for fabrica material at Janos presidio. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns proposed expedition to Cerro Prieto to attack Seri, Pima rebels there. Corbalan describes Cerro Prieto, noting its rugged terrain, and many thickets (malezas) impeding movement. States Seris, Pimas live in canyons there. Vividly describes hardships such a military campaign would entail, especially for european soldiers unaccustomed to desert. Indian guerrilla tactics. Notes need for 200 soldiers- 100 dragones, 100 Infanteria, 300 Opata auxiliaries, 200 Yaqui auxiliaries. Opatas called muy fiel, and los mejores Guerreros despues de los Jovas. Yaquis to serve primarily as laborers. Feels 150 soldiers can be secured from six Sonora presidios, especially those of Altar, Buenavista and San Miguel, since Fronteras, Tubac, Terrenate have to guard against Apache. Total expedition to consist of 1050 men- 550 Spaniards (200 infantry, the rest cavalry, including 200 Milicianos), 300 Indian auxiliaries. Soldiers cautioned to treat Indian auxiliaries well. 200 men to be sent in Canoas to Tiburon to cut off rebel retreat, rest of troops to surround, penetrate Cerro Prieto. Discusses procurement of food supplies, other necessities. Describes problem of finding enough ships to bring troops from Matanchel, Acapulco to Guaymas. States pearl boats may be used, but no saber con puntualidad el numero de los sugetos que hacen Este trafico. describes benefits- both material, spiritual, to be gained from Seri, Pima reduccion. Excellent overview of preparations for military campaign. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

A general account of the status of missionizing efforts. Included is a general description of- the land and its productivity; the division of labor among the reducidos, and their proper interaction with the Spanish. Some Pima baptism figures are cited. It is noted that Sinaloa is the poorest, least productive province, and that the missions give ample supplies (including Indians) to military campaigns. (R. Perez) (1977)

Leon notes lack of government in Tlascalteco Pueblo, or Pueblo of mission Indians of San Francisco de Coaguila, lack of vigilance against enemy Indians. Orders election of Indian officials. Lays down numerous regulations concerning Indians. Orders patrols 3 times a week- once by 4 presidial soldiers, other times by Indians themselves- to guard against hostile Indians. Mentions crews have to be assigned to clean acequias and caminos of Indian pueblos. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Roger Davis, 11-16-82

F.j. public work projects are to be the responsibility of all classes

(R. Davis) (1980)