Military Misconduct

Four soldiers are attacked while on watch on January 13, 1724. Two are killed, one wounded and one escaped without harm. Governor Almazan begins an investigation of the events leading up to the attack. Questions asked of the commanders of the presidio at which nation of Indians are responsible?, how many soldiers are at the presidio?, were the soldiers armed, on horseback or on foot?, and was there negligence on behalf of the commanding officers? This information was to be collected on declarations. Approximately one month after a local Indian uprising by the Cojanes, Carancaguases and Guapites nations, Arge spots an Indian in a nearby oak grove lighting a fire and reports it to Diego Ramon. Garza mounts a horse to investigate returning shortly having seen nothing. Whether men should be outfitted with horses and arms is disputed. That night, January 30, 1724, four sentinels are attacked. The men are poorly armed and on foot. Sentinel Juan Rodriguez returns on foot with two arrow wounds while sentinel Miabe escapes unarmed to the mission where he borrows a horse. Sentinels Antonio Garcia and Ramon de Burgos are killed. Governor Perez de Almazan visits the presidio to find it in disrepair, the men poorly armed, clothed and showing poor military training due to Diego Ramon according to the governor's report. The original uprising occurred on December 19, 1723 when 40 Indians retaliated for a soldier knifing an an Indian. In Olivan de Rebolledo's final report, he suggests garrza be relieved of his rank of sargent, Diego Ramon be relieved of his rank of captain and the lieutenant (?) of his rank. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Nava informs Revilla Gigedo Lipanes at Norte requesting peace in Coaguila, Texas. Told peace must be ratified by virrey. Will collect information concerning Lipane's condition, numbers, intertribal relations, motives. Lipan Joseph Antonio made prior overtures at San Fernando, may be helpful in establishing perace in Lower Lipaneria. At present most Mescaleros, Llaneros, Faraones at peace, residing in Vicinity of Norte, Paso. Diaz informs Nava of Lipan arrival in Norte requesting peace despite cruelty of treatment by Munos at Coahuila. Revilla gigiedo in agreement with Nava awaiting further information before entering into peace with Lipanes; will advise Castro of Lipan initiative, in interim Lipan emissaries to be treated well. Revilla Gigedo advises Munos, Castro of peace initiative soliciting any objections they may have. Nava relates emissary Bilansatliche's account of causes of Lipan hostilities to Revilla Gigedo. Prior peace broken by Ugalde, Valdes and lipans obliged to fight against their will. Following negotiations with Ugarte y Loyola emissaries dispatched to Santa Rosa to confer with Castro. When these did not return emissary dispatched to San Fernando also did not return. Under no circumstances will they negotiate with Castro due to Santa Rosa experience. Mescalero Lascashigo told Lipanes of fairness of treatment in north convincing them to negotiate with Nava. Lipan leaders Chadichule, Joseph Antonio, bidajta, Tuna-Yilten and their people assembled at Agua Prieta near Rio Colorado awaiting response. Though ylgiditelde not present also wishes peace. Messengers dispatched to locate Lower Lipanes and advise them of peace plans. Lipanes have few stock, most lost to Cumanches and northern tribes. Will return captives held, request Lipan women prisoners be returned to them. Castro not notified of peace efforts due to distance involved and complications this might create. Revilla Gigedo communicates Lipan concerns, accusations to Castro as described to Nava by Bilansatliche. Solicits Castro's opinions so that he may make his decision. (J. Higgins, April 1989)

Continuation Cordero's report concerning pacified mescalleros, their interaction with troops, citizens in Paso and Norte; Uranga's account of weapons, munitions distribution. Summary of report trading with Indians upheld; thefts committed by Indians of isolated rancherias, Apaches Faraones of the Sierras de Sacramento, Guadalupe, Blancas, Diablo; troop number should be increased to deter rebellion, pursue and punish thieves; Indian disunity should be encouraged, loyal Indians should participate in actions against rebels. Nava's report to Revilla charges of misconduct, illegal weapons trade by troops; Cuerno Verde only Mescallero Rancheria believed involved in thefts; account of marquez stock transactions with Indians and troop under Ugalde's command; Picax-Ande only one in Norte to petition for peace; Lipanes present only when Emmisary Bilansatliche petitioned for peace; supports Cordero's recommendations for increased vigilance; men sent to Guanajuato, Paso; organizing for punitive action against Apaches Faraones. Revilla Gigedo acknowledges receipt of Nava's report recognizing need of measures outlined to punish thieves and maintain peace. (J. Higgins. April, 1989)

Preamble to viceroy's response to Castro's criticisms of peace efforts cautioning him to obey orders without delay or further discussion. Castro assures viceroy of compliance with orders insure peace between Lipanes and other tribes; troops to cease patrols, engagements with Lipanes. Revilla Gigedo responds unfavorably to Castro's initiation of measures above noting they violate, distort his orders and it is not his place to ratify conditions of negotiated peace. Castro expresses astonishment, remorse, confusion , etc. Over viceroy's admonitions, threat of retiring Castro from his comandancia. Viceroy applauds Castro's new-found humility assuring him he will not be decommissioned, only that another officer will conduct negotiations. Castro embarks on lengthy dissertation on historical nobility, loyalty, honor of himself, his family in king's service claiming his honor unjustly besmirched by viceroy noting he has petitioned king to address this injustice. Revilla Gigedo expresses increasing irritation with Castro and fact his remonstrances have not served to enlighten Castro but only inspire greater effrontery, insubordination on Castro's part. Notes matter has been turned over to judgement of his majesty for resolution. (J. Higgins, April 1989)

Detailed response to Castro's criticism of peace with Apaches Lipanes. Cautions Castro for insubordinate, self- indulgent, insulting tone, content of letter. Suggests Castro's interpretation of his, others' orders distorted, simplistic. Extermination of Lipanes militarily-financially impossible, morally deplorable. Indian attacks now decreased in number, severity. Long discussion of Lombrano's flight from Santa Rosa, seen as reasonable given cruelty of unprovoked attacks on Lipanes at Bexar, Santa Rosa by troops under Pacheco, Ugalde. Peace with southern Lipanes is rational, necessary. Discusses causes, effects of Indian unrest in Coahuila, Nueva Mexico, Nueva Vizcaya, Sonora noting Mescalero wars began due to murders by ranchers. Soquina, Soxaes charges against Munoz unsubstantiated, said can be reconciled to peace with Lipanes given proper inducements. Nava will conduct negotiations in his command, if Castro unable, unwilling to do same he will be retired and another appointed who is willing to do so. (J. Higgins, April 1989)

Expedientes requests beds for San Juan de Dios Hospital in Durango to take care of soldiers, 20 beds sent; regimento de dragones established in Durango; difficulties in housing soldiers and horses expressed, lack of pasture; bishop works out arrangement so horses can graze on local hacienda; 470 rifles with bayonets are received in Durango; three soldiers jailed after deserting dragones to join other regimento, other soldier jailed after selling his equipment; 100 more rifles requested for ranchers; money requested and received to put 470 rifles in working order; grouping includes volume index nos. 1-4 (p. Coyle October 1989)

Series of documents concerning the suspension of Francisco Lavastida's pay for not fulfilling his duties and obligations as contador de Navio de San Blas. Include reports from a surgeon and doctor concerning Lavastida's illness, letters commending his good work and letters from Lavastida protesting his suspension of pay. Lavastida mentions his part in preparing the delicate expedition of the British court to the american coast. Which was also the destination of the virrey; called the expedition de limites (f.188). Brief mention of captain Alexander Malaspina. (S. Tisdale, October 1989)

Letters concerning charges of embezzlement filed against the clerk of the real hacienda of San Blas (Nunez). Nunez denied charges. He accused fellow workers of embezzlement. Nunez's wages were suspended. Letters detailing amounts of money thought embezzled. Nunez was found guilty.

Letters, informes, and interrogatives concerning accusations filed by Nunez against several employees of the real Caja of San Blas. Nunez filed accusations in response to charges filed against him for misconduct. Those Charged are accused of not paying debts to the Caja. The charges were not verified. Letter stating Nunez's actions the result of madness (demencia). (K. Mckaston, March 1990)

Documents concerning charges of misconduct filed against Nunez. Nunez, clerk of the real hacienda of San Blas, was Charged with embezzlement, alcohol abuse, mistreating his wife, and delirium. Nunez responded by making various allegations against local officers. Interrogatives concerning charges. Records of transactions conducted at the real hacienda of San Blas. (K. Mckaston, March 1990)