Labor Force (Mining)

The man in question gambles and usually loses. He lives off mission supplies while mining, and the mission Indians work in his mine. Aguirre postulates that this is the reason why the mission is in such a sad state. He recommends that Zevallos find some pretext to remove him to some college. (R. Perez) (1977)

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)

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)

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)

Includes copies of documents from Fernando VI, others, regarding construction of Casa de Moneda in Guatemala in 1740's; information used by Constanzo as guideline for construction of casa de moneda in Arispe in 1780's. Machinery used in minting of coins, such as corte, torculo de Cordon, Volante, etc, described. King suggests exploitation of Mineral wealth in Sonora and Nueva Vizcaya, proposes construction of casa de moneda in region; viability of plan discussed, disadvantage being lack of funds to mine area effectively, advantages including proximity of Casa to mines and key ports. King orders construction of Casa in Arispe, 3-2-1782; Constanzo named ingeniero in charge, lists tools to be provided to each carpinter and 'herrero' as well as wages for several operarios and maestros; Constanzo explains that delay in executing royal order due to shortage of sujetos de havilidad y conducta. (L. Kerr, may 1989)

Galvez grants several Catalan families licencia to settle in Sonora and work newly discovered mines; Pujol placed in charge of group's transportation and welfare. List of individuals making journey provided, including age, physical description, marital status; each to receive 2 reales daily to cover costs. Sail in fragata nuestra Senora de la Concepcion, heading first to Havana segun las reglas del comercio Libre. en route, Pujol requests financial auxilios, as per diem too small. Group ordered to resume travel conforme a la contrata signed in Spain or all financial aid. Members lodge complaints against Pujol, described as malicious. Pujol defends himself, denies accusations, arguing contract impossible to fulfill if per diem not increased, that group practically forced to beg. Croix assigns Fages to carry additional money to group and take charge; Fages finds members dispersed (See folio 29), difficult to organize for remainder of trip. Moreno decides Pujol may be cruel, but per diem indeed too low, increases it to 3 reales. (L. Kerr, April 1989)

Copies of documents concerning taxation issues. Concerns indios, Negros Libres, and mulatos mine workers at Jurisdiccion de Nueva Galicia who are intended to pay tribute. (R. Gomez, December 1989)

Perez de la Barreda's petition to move from Puebla to Sonora in order for him to engage in tax enforcement activities. Copies of autos concerning taxation regulations. It establishes the family size, age, gender, ethnic group, and occupation characteristics of the population who are to pay taxes. The tax regulations are for Spaniards, Negros, mulatos, Indians and mine workers in jurisdiction of Guadalajara and Zacatecas. (R. Gomez, November 1989)

Population census from San Ildephonso de la Cieneguilla carried out by governor Crespo in 1774-1775. It consists of a list of men, women, and children. An estimation of the number of Hiaqui and Pima Indians is also given. Tueros requests Bucareli not move him from Cieneguillas to el Pitic. Informes from Michelena, Maitorena, and Bergana to Crespo concerning the condition of commerce in los Placeres. All of them emphasize that the condition of production of los Placeres decreases from may to October because the Indians go to the hills and the Spaniards engage in agriculture tasks. Includes a report from Crespo dealing with the mine, commerce, population and agricultural conditions of los Placeres. (R. Gomez, November 1989)

Bauptista de Anza notifies Bucareli about defense strategies adopted in order to defend provincias de Sonora against the attacks of Indian Seris and Apaches. Lumbreras notifies Bucareli of discovery of silver mines next to presidio de San Carlos, at Sierra de San Marcial. Lumbreras suggests Bucareli to erect a new town -real de San marical- at the site. Includes a very simple map of the town to be erected. Includes a description of the site as well as the number of mines, the number of workers to be employed for the mines, and an estimation of the amount and quality of silver expected. (R. Gomez, November 1989)