Military Campaigns

Transcribed letter from hacienda owners to Revilla Gigedo stating Apache raids are taking immense toll in lives and property, begging official assistance. Draft of letter to owners suggesting raising militia of 100 Tarahumaras and citizens for protection until troops can be brought in. (A. Dean, March 1989)

Reports of Apache raids against haciendas, ranches, mines, pueblos in Nueva Vizcaya. Each incident described in detail, listing livestock, Spaniards, Indians captured or killed. Mention of a Tarahumara Spy being killed in a mine raid. Hacienda administrators and deputies ask Diaz de Hortega for military assault against Indians. (A. Dean, March 1989)

Award of bonus to Herrera for long Marches and expenses suffered (ff. 74-76); Cordero requests bonus (ff. 79); informe that Herrera receives bonus for completing March from Coahuila to Texas (ff. 80-82); argument that Cordero deserves pay for governorship of Coahuila and Texas as Texas governor Elquezabal request for more information of how Cordero assumed charge of Texas (ff. 85-87); copy of Cordero's Marching orders and other documents relating to his taking office (ff. 88-90); argument that Cordero only receive half of second salary (ff. 91-94); response that since Cordero was primarily governor of Texas, not Coahuila, bonus rejected (ff. 95); mostly very general, except for salary figure of 4000 peso per year for post of governor (p. Coyle, March 1990)

Documents concerning military retirements and promotions. Detailed military histories included for those persons for promotion. Relaciones stating ranks held, military groups membership, and military campaigns involved in. (K. Mccaston)

Scribe named; testimony of sargent concerning desertion; testimony of Salcido, includes account of Comanche attacks; Salcido says he deserted because he was stuck with nothing to eat and no help after Indian attacks, hides in church; notice from presidio chaplain that Salcido hid out there; azarte gives Salcido two months in jail and Ten years of military service depending on good behavior; Salcido freed by virrey June 21, 1820. (p. Coyle December 1989)

Apache Indian attack during the night raids and steals horses from San Antonio corrals. 80 horses are stolen. Flores follows them all night only to return in the morning to gather men and Indians for a search group. After 2 months horses and Indians are found. In the ensuing capture, enemy Indians are killed and taken hostage with their women, children and supplies. One Indian captive claims they stole horses for other Spaniards with whom they have 'cambalache' or trade. Peace is offered to them if all chiefs involved will return to the camp within 20-days. Beginning at ff. 352 three French deserters are seeking passports to Veracruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo, they are Rosel, Barroi and Martin. Garza Falcon disbelieves their claim and considers them spies for the French. They are given an escort to be brought to justice. The French are known for having strong influence over the Indians and consider the Cumanches, Canzeres, Pananas and Apaches as theirs. Flores endorses Ramon for position of captain of San Antonio presidio due to his campaigns in the Tejas provinces. Trade could be increased with improved relations with the Indians. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Coronel Escandon, in charge of the conquest and colonization of territories north and northeast of Mexico City, reports about the preparation of the expedition. He plans to attack from all possible sides at the same time, counting for this on the cooperation of the military authorities of all the military detachments of the area (he specifies how many soldiers will provided by each of them). He thinks this strategy will result in a better control over the area than the classical isolated military raids. The authorities give him full support, but warn him against using any violence with the Chichimecas unless strictly necessary. (A. Nielsen, October 1989)

Concerns reports on Indians stealing horses from Sacramento. Review of the motion to relocate presidio del sacramento to valle de Santa Rosa; relocation of presidio is said to be necessary to stop Indians who do not want to accept faith. Relocation is good also, for strategic position to fight against the rebels. Missionaries support the relocation saying is good for the missions and for the Indians who eventually could be converted. Jesuits are opposed to the relocation (M. Marroquin, February 1989)

Concerns relocation of presidio located at Junta de los Rios del norte y Conchos to the area of loma pintada and Ayacacho. Reasons for the relocation is said to be security of families in the latter places and also the need to stop and block the path of Indians who commit hostilities against the people of the provinces. Review of documents on the relocation of Sacramento presidio. Details of how military and economic policies were made at the time of the relocation of presidio del sacramento. List of presidios from which military personnel will be cut is included. (M. Marroquin, February 1989)