Military Corruption

Assures Escobar of his love, support of Jesuits and notes need for new missionaries. Mentions Apache menace and the bad conduct of various military capitans who served under Huidobro, especially Bustamante (2/5/1745). Discusses mission affairs and affirms support of missionaries (8/29/ 1745). (T. Sheridan) (1978)

A well-documented list of complaints against el capitan Don Gregorio. Includes- instances of harassing priests; 3 incidents of harassment of Pimas by presidio soldiers; the capitan augments his fortune in commerce and mining through the use of military personnel to the detriment of the functioning of the presidio. Gives number of killings for 8 years of- Pimas killed by Apaches (130); Apaches killed by Pimas (30-35); and Apaches killed by soldiers (15). (R. Perez) (1976)

Blames the lack of control of raiding Apaches on the corruption of the military. Gives example of treatment of an Indian who lodged a complaint. (R. Perez) (1976)

Concerns controversy over position of justicia mayor and the sad state of Sonora province in general. Following incomplete document criticizes Tunon y Quiroz for inaction. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

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)

A long exposition of charges against a captain of a mining area in the north (apparently near Dolores) and how he abuses all citizens in the area. Spanish, Indian, religious alike as well as his own soldiers. Warns of Indian uprising and other dire happenings if something isn't done. (D. Deeds) (1976)

Orders from king in Madrid and receipt in Mexico regarding need for complete garrisons at the presidios and Plazas in the Islas de Barlovento; full number of troops and to avoid fraud in carrying out orders. (L. L. Woodward, August 1989)

Tueros asks permission to travel to capital to restore health, finish la reduccion de las reales. Complains that his salary of 40 pesos/month is insufficient, he loses it all gambling. Some documents concerning his wages, salaries of companias Voluntarias. Inquiry into Tueros' involvement in gambling operation. List of charges made against Tueros includes using treasury funds to create gambling establishment in his own house; corrupting people of breeding (states la gente bulgar y pleveya son naturalmente inclinada a estos exercicios F.147), causing mine operators, merchants to lose their fortunes; making 500 pesos/year just in gambling profits. (A. Dean, August 1989)

Ff.72-81 are letters by Arredondo, others complaining of mistreatment of troops by higher officials, withholding pay, rations. Ff.82-98 concern official reaction to revolutionaries led by Hidalgo, Allerde. Mentions group of bandits composed of Gutierrez, Spanish emigrants to U.s., some English-americans, supporters of revolution as main threat to security. Copies of letters organizing counter-revolution, appointing Sambrano as presidente de la junta de la contrarevolucion. Mentions Saltillo as hotbed of unrest. (A. Dean, November 1989)

Correspondence between governor Sandoval an viceroy about difficulties of Sandoval being respected and obeyed by officers of presidio de San Antonio principally its captain Urrutia who wrote letters against governor accusing him of corruption, lewd behavior and incompetence, forcing settlers of area not to obey governor also. Desertion of eight soldiers who did not obey orders of governor to escort new governor of province, such deserters expressed were following orders of Urrutia not to obey orders from governor. Governor confronted Urrutia in front of witnesses making him relent and issue orders of capture against such soldiers. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)