Military Tactics

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)

Correspondence concerning: receipt of revistas; discovery of mines at San Nicolas; construction of mission; financial and administrative business, particularly regarding rentas; departure of ship bound for Spain carrying silver and fruit; search for pelicans per superior order of virrey, but response is that none were sighted; conflicts with many Indian groups, description of attacks on missions, haciendas, rancherias; who involved in military actions, whom killed, number of horses, mules killed or stolen by Indians; description of pursuit of Indians by military, efforts made to reduce population or to negotiate. (L. Kerr, September 1988)

Series of documents dealing with Ugalde's military campaigns against Mescaleros, Comanches, Lipanes, and Lipiyanes in Coahuila. Discussion of Ugalde's arrival to Coahuila and his survey of the area in preparation for his campaign; he is informed of combats with Comanches, and there is a good description of the military tactics employed by the Indians; there is also reference to trade between soldiers and Comanches after battle. Ugalde sends detailed diary of his campaigns to viceroy. Lists number of soldiers employed, as well as the number and types of weapons used in the expedition; clothing of Indian auxiliaries are described, as well as amount and type of food required by soldiers and Indian auxiliaries; there is good discussion of the mass given before departure of troops, as well as the use of an effigy of the virgin of Guadalupe in order to receive divine assistance. Ugalde also informs of problems associated with lack of water and death of many horses. He gives a good description of the area referring to the many rivers, lakes, aguajes, and mountains encountered in his path. Includes summary of all Indians that were killed, injured, and taken captives, and of all tribes that sought peace. He complains many Mescaleros fled to presidio del norte where they were given refuge, and that this diminishes to some extent, all the gains made in the campaign. In other letters the viceroy approves of Ugalde's actions and requests more cooperation between Ugarte and Ugalde. (J. Tapia, October, 1987)

Many letters by Ugalde with additional suggestions for troop organization, food supply points, areas of surveillance; later revised orders according to progress being made. F.502 mentions peaceful Mezcaleros living at Norte. F.514 proposes forming Apache auxiliaries against Comanches. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) by Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to companies of Monterey. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) by Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to segunda compania del Reyno de Leon. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) from Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to company of Parras. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) by Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to company of Saltillo. (A. Dean, April (1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) by Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to Monclova. (A. Dean, April 1990)

Continuation of set of instructions (Vol. 111 ff.362-393) by Ugalde for imminent campaign against Apaches. These folios pertain to companies of Babia, Aguaverde. (A. Dean, April 1990)