Military Salaries

(A. Dean, July 1989)

Ff. 0544-0548 partial indices of governor's correspondence with real Audiencia gobernadora for January 1785, and with Galbez November, December 1785. Letter discussing increased Indian depredations following 8 month hiatus in Coahuyla, Nuevo Leon and Nuevo Santander. Night of February 19, 1785 20 Indians entered province by way of Santa Rita killing 3 muleteers; his promotion to brigadier; Fato's request two mortars be placed at Mamulique to deter attacks; Cueto be paid back wages in order to return to Spain to settle estate of dead Brother. Letter welcoming new virrey conde de Galbez. Acknowledgement of flour production, Echeagaray's 3 month business leave, sealed paper and the administrator of Rentas de Tabaco, Ezpeleta's fulfillment of order re salaries of companias presidiales, Dias' posting to dragones de Mexico, request by fiscal del real hacienda concerning the whereabouts of Marroquin, appointment and salaries of protectores de Misiones, Chichimecos charges against Bartolo. (J. Higgins, February 1989)

Correspondence between Gonzalez de Santianez, miel Noriega and Mayorga discusses Indian mission desertion, unspecified hostilities at Punta de Lampasos and cost/necessity of reestablishing garrison there. Confirmation of royal orders concerning use of sealed paper in Indian grievance petitions; general and military pardons in honor of royal birth; deregulation of mercury trade; sales tax collection. Letters Infanteria, arrival in Monterrey to assume governorship, reestablishment of abandoned nitrate works at Punta de Lampasos. (J. Higgins, January 1989)

A series of letters among the authors that discuss: the promotions of Ramon and Castaneda to capitan, the dedication that Ramon has shown in his career, military service record of Ramon and the qualifications offered in support of his petition for promotion, procedures for adjusting the salaries of Dufay after he was given retirement status, virrey's acknowledgement of receipt of index of letters 60-63, letter 60 relates that prompt transmittal of information on the salary adjustment of Dufay will not be possible, note from virrey acknowledging receipt of index of letters 65-69. (O. Velez, October 1988)

A Series of letters written by Vaamonde and virrey concerning a promotion sought by Vaamonde and a dispute over a tax (Media with the way his petition for promotion was subverted by rumors and innuendos, his feeling that the dishonor caused to him and his family by his continuation in his current post may be the cause of his resignation, virrey's response that no action can be taken until the legal proceedings related to the case are concluded, Vaamonde's procurement of inspector Nava to conduct thorough investigation of their allegations of impropriety and thus clear his name, the impossibility of his being able to provide for family and other obligations if he is not exempted from the, media annata tax imposed on his salary, cites his predecessors exemption from tax and seeks the Same, virrey's response that his request is reasonable but that the matter is not within his domain, Vaamonde's contention that the area under his control is unproductive and does not provide a supplement to finances of Nuevo Leon. (O. Velez, November 1988)

Document listing hazardous duty pay given to sergeants who showed valor in protecting pueblos from Apache and Comanche hostilities. (A. Dean, January 1989)

Letters concerning military pay and review, and hiring of civil servants. Administration of tobacco trade. Distribution of arms to citizens. Indian raid on livestock near Altamira; beginning of Indian war. Transactions of royal treasury and other fiscal matters. Appointment of comandante to bring Pames to new mision de Nuestra Senora. Pacification and conversion of prisoners taken in Indian wars. Armed escort to accompany refugees back toranches raided by Apaches. (A. Dean, January 1989)

Letters concerning payment of troops. Concerns reward to be payed to soldiers who turned in deserters. Concerns rey Carlos III declaring war on England; Medina plans to increase security in Nuevo Santander. Concerns ports and coastal towns measures against invasion. Concerns apparent embezzlement of a store of liquor. Describes troop movements. Medina requests funds to build a parapet for cannons at Soto la Marina. (A. Dean, January 1989)

Correspondence concerning: proposed and actual 'visitas' by Ossorio, accounts of 'alcavalas' collected, how much, from whom; arrest of five captains for unnamed crimes, pursuit of suspect in murder case; mention of receipt of testimony concerning commerce between Spain and Luisiana; antiguo and moderno squadrons of Nuevo Santander listed, including number of captains, sergeants, subalternos and soldiers, where stationed; brief mention of mining in various towns; several letters concerning Palacio's impending departure, 'grave accidente' he experienced in Aguayo, how Indians carrying him, updates on health; letters from Rubio stating that information on troops, salaries en route, also concerning structuring of squadrons, that was satisfied with Palacio's work, itinerary of Palacio's departure route. (L. Kerr, October 1988)

Correspondence includes letters concerning: 'visitas' to various towns, amount of 'alcavala' collected and from whom, that agricultural towns excused since little currency available; strategies of how to stabilize relations with Indians and facilitate 'reduccion' near missions and towns, specific discussion of 'reduccion' of Xanambres in Llera, also how to isolate 'bravos' in sierra; need at new missions for more 'ornamentos' and 'vasos sagrados' in order to continue 'reduccion'; mariscal de campo criticism of system of 'reduccion' and conversion, finding it inadequate method of controlling Indians (folio 467); details of escape by 'capitan reformado', mention that his 'concubina' questioned; issues discussed at junta between officials of 'batallon de Tampico y Panuco' as recounted by Alarcon; Indian who converted but continued to rob and murder; military finances and salaries, including 'promptuarios de oficiales y soldados' of squadrons stationed in Nuevo Santander, listing salaries, wages 'vencido,' 'recivido,' and 'refulta.' (L. Kerr, October 1988)