Military Misconduct

Most important documents will be referenced below by folio no. Most unusual document is letter to Pison signed and likely written by his wife regarding his importance to family (f. 308). Incredibly filthy swear words attributed to him, directed against priest during mass, quoted and underlined in ff. 244-245. Useful diagnosis of ailment (sinocat putrida) and simple treatment prescribed of better diet, sleep, exercise by surgeon (f. 316 ?) Traces processes of judicial procedure in determination of charges of other bad conduct on Pison's part, brought by teniente de gobernador Moreno in Loreto. Included is detailed service and conduct record and witnessed testimonies of Pison's past military service; and other biographical information. Accused of years of drunkenness, womanizing, thievery, setting bad examples for mission Indians. Jailed at mission; some witnesses testify that he reacted to provocation by others; Pison requests change of venue for unbiased trial and accessibility to witnesses for his defense who are themselves in prison in Guadalajara. Released by authorities on bail paid by Ramon Espinosa; although his mine personal effects are kept. At trial, jailed prisoners clear him of murder of Osio, by swearing latter died by drowning. Pison countercharges Moreno with beating and refusal to allow his case to go before Barri. Provides motive for Moreno's silencing him by citing evidence of Former's absconding with treasury funds and illegal trade in alcoholic beverages. Missionaries and Armona testify to his generally good character, despite drinking bouts. Final decision, however, by Valcarcel; approved by viceroy is that Pison must be punished by losing personal effects, mine, military title and lifetime banishment from Californias. Ff. 328-331, when punishment given, Pison petitions Bucareli to allow him for temporary stay in Loreto with family to make financial arrangements before his expulsion. (J. M. Johnson, July 1989)

Concerns accusation of desertion of Maldonado; left his company to complain about commander, claimed he has permission of viceroy to leave. (K. Hubin, April, 1990)

Contains Faustino Garcia's request to be allowed to return to Escandon at age of 24 after being expelled at age of 18 for juvenile crimes; also deals with expulsion from military of Jose Andres Guajardo. (K. Hubin, March, 1990)

Concerns military misconduct and criminal accusations of Juan Bautista de las Casas; accused of murder, very little information as to details of crimes committed by Casas; consists mainly of accusations and counter-accusations by different parties out of personal resentments; Garrote as form of capital punishment mentioned. (K. Hubin, March, 1990)

Concerns accusations by Joseph Arguelles of alleged criminal actions of Joseph Parra including disorderly conduct and desertion. Witness testimony as to Parra's conduct and his own defense claiming harassment by Arguelles and his subsequent release from jail. violent disposition of Arguelles and his personal dislike of Parra, accusations unfounded. (K. Hubin, February 1990)

Concerns documentation of invalid status of various soldiers. Case brought against Grimaldi for insulting Roldan. Concerns retirement due to invalid status in Nueva Vizcaya companies, listing rank, name, company, destination of each applicant. Total of 13 soldiers from Nueva Vizcaya, Sonora are finally granted invalid status. (O. Velez, January 1990)

Documents concern naming of officials for new presidios in Janos, San Carlos and San Buenaventura. Details discussed appointments to fill vacated posts; transportation arrangements, including delays due to travel difficulties caused by drought and deserts; replies of receipt of travel orders by officials and granting of passport. Other documents concern supplies for soldiers, need for recruiting volunteers to transfer to California, instructions to presidio habilitados (paymasters) and new regulations in effect. (J. M. Johnson, February 1989)

Documents discuss recovery and redistribution of horses, mules, weapons and military effects of deserters from Monterrey. Diaz provides inventory and accounts for losses. (J. M. Johnson, February 1989)

Lists of volunteer recruits from Sonoran presidios for California. Documents include instructions for transporting them; debts they owe before leaving posts; vacancies created in presidios; data on individual personnel and necessary supplies; problems with recruitment and desertions for family reasons back to Former posts. (J. M. Johnson, February 1989)

Malnourished Seri fugitives arrive at Pitic, are given rations of corn, wheat by presidio. Reference to 1784 when Seris Tepocas, Tiburones conceded peace, were given rations of wheat and land sufficient for survival, on conditions they wore clothes and ceased practicing their religion. Troop from Pitic with Seri, Pima auxiliaries meets Apache family traveling on Cienega road, attacks them. Mentions 24 Chiricahuas who concede peace at Bacoachi, September 20. Mention of 96 Seri residents in Pitic. Original copy of official order by viceroy that any soldier or auxiliary who kills or injures any Indian in reduccion or under treaty will be Charged with treason. (A. Dean, April 1989)