Labor Force (Indians)

In response to charges of Alcalde mayor Morrillo that missionaries- 1) don't pay Indians; 2) oppress Indians in their factories and; 3) live in great elegance, Solis writes that civil authorities only attempting to wrest Indians from missionaries to work as slaves in their mines and haciendas. Solis also states that missionaries distribute all mission products to Indians, that Indians pay for baptisms, etc. To adorn churches, that Indians labor willingly for missionaries. Miranda concurs with Solis defense. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

This document includes the rationale for the compulsory labor system to work in the mines of Sonora, definitions and limitations on using the native workers, penalties etc. It specifies how many men were to be sent from each Pueblo Arizpe, Chinapa and Bacsache. (D. Deeds) (1977)

An order for Tapisques (Indian laborers) to work in the mines at Basochuca- 4 from Chinapa, 6 from Arispe. To be rotated every 15 days. Note nahuatl counting system. (R. Perez) (1977)

Recounts the actions of capitan Garcia, who along with 8 soldiers forcibly removed the Indian governor for disobedience in not sending workers as requested and imposed a new governor. Padre requests his Superior to check and See if the capitan acted within legal bounds. Answer was that only the Alcalde mayor had this power. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Brief letter from Alcalde mayor of Oposura requesting that the padre approve taking four Indians to work for the Spanish settlers agriculture. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Orders from several Alcalde mayores in Sonora to Indian pueblos that they send topiles (workers) for service in the mines. State that they will be well treated, paid and able to return home after unspecified time. Other insights into this practice of compulsory labor. (D. Deeds) (1977)

A brief analysis of the laws governing the use of Indian labor by various groups including the Jesuit order and the problems this caused in relations between civil and religious authorities. (D. Deeds) (1976)

Requests that missions facilitate the commerce of foodstuffs produced by the Indians and not needed by them. To the Spanish miners, ranchers and soldiers of the area so that all would mutually benefit and prevent conflicts of the past. (D. Deeds) (1977)

An order to the gobernadores of Tuapa, Opodepe, and Cucurpe to send Tapisques (laborers) every 15 days to develope the mines in the Valley of Vacanuche. Requirements for each Pueblo- 6 from Tuapa; 6 from Opodepe; 8 from Cucurpe. Note nahuatl counting system. (R. Perez) (1977)

A plea for the viceroy to send a visitador to the presidio of Sinaloa to verify the following charges- 1) that inadequate protection is being provided; 2) that the captain is engaged in illegal economic activity by commandeering maiz from the Indians and selling it at the mines; 3) that he then forces Indians to grow maiz to supply his troops; and 4) that this has resulted in many Indians fleeing to the mountains in order to survive. Each charge documented with specific examples. (R. Perez) (1977)