Mines (Inventories)

A list of 59 miners and summary of the mining equipment they possess. (R. Perez) (1977)

A complicated case involving the disposition of a silver mine in San Juan de Indehe. The case concerns debt settlement, the use of sponsers or bond-holders, and relations between the church (in this case the holy tribunal of the inquisition) and the civil authorities. Also a rather complete description of the equipment necessary to operate a silver mine can be obtained. (C. Needham) (1975)

Autos concerning the reported discovery of Almagres along the Colorado River in southern Texas in 1755. Miranda sets out with Ramon, Seguin and a group of men from the presidios San Antonio, Bahia del Espiritu Santo and San Xavier and a couple of Indians as guides. After a month of travel north from San Antonio, the group returns early March 1756 with a sample of the Almagres. Summary of trip, development potential of the mine area for settlers and the granting of a portion of the mines to the men, from ff. 17 - 19. Testing is performed on top and deep samples to determine quality and consistency. Small amounts of silver, greta, plomo and Magistral are found. Debates as to costs, practicality and richness of mine based on experienced Miner's opinion. (E. Wilson, November 1989)

Report of diputacion cabecera de Jurisdiccion de minas; begins with three printed pages of guidelines for reports from each real (mining town). Each real to list 1) number of people, condition of town; 2) names of mines, owners, products; 3) number, names of haciendas supported by mines; 4) quantity of Mineral extracted; 5) quantity of Azoque needed proportional to Actual mine products; 6) list of natural resources in area of mines; 7) drawbacks of area. Report concerns primarily mines of Chihuahua, Santa Eulalia, Cosiguriachi, Parral. Gives total, annual silver production 1703 to 1791 in Santa Eulalia, 1731 to 1791 in Chihuahua. Discusses peso value of silver, distances between mines, other places; history of founding of Santa Eulalia, including names of all duenos with list of assets of each. Mentions some women mine owners; mine disasters; raiding by Apaches; mining supplies. (A. Dean, August 1989)

Fayni refers to Bucareli's previous letter re: remittance of mined silver to casa de moneda. Asserts intention to promote commerce and mining for state interests. Includes mining figures. Announces intent to remit report of internal presidios in next mail. (S. Gibbs, October 1987)