Mines

Series of letters from Escandon to virrey concerning state of and sugar Cane; discussion of precautions against attack by English along Costa del Seno Mexicano; ongoing efforts at evangelization and reduction of of Indians in area; protection of mining operations in Sierra Tamaulipa against Indian attack; Series of undetailed accounts of raids by Tanambres against town in Sierra Tamaulipa. Also includes letter from fray Chacon complaining that missions in Nuevo Santander do not have Indians and blames situation on lack of sufficient military pressure against rebel tribes. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Series of correspondence to Gobernador Escandon: tables of numbers of troops stationed at towns and missions of Nuevo Santander; notes ship carrying aguardiente run aground near port of Tampico; notes trip of virrey to Coautitlan; death of Amarillas and appointment of Caxigal de la Vega as new virrey; undetailed accounts of attacks by Xanambres and Taumaves against towns in Sierra Tamaulipas and internment of prisoners from these raids at Queretaro; undetailed accounts of celebrations at various villas in Nuevo Santander of coronation of new Spanish king, including dances, plays, mass, bullfights, loas (?), reenactment of battles between Christians and Moors, moxigangas (?), and music. Also includes letter from Escandon to virrey concerning cattle and corn harvests, notes cases of theft from Pisones by Xanambres and general state of poor relations between these tribes, migration of Apaches into northern part of colonia, and abundance of unspecified minerals in Sierra Tamaulipas. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Documents include signed testimonios from hacienda owners and administrators in Nuevo Leon promising to 'pasar el Correo' from hacienda to hacienda between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi, since pueblos so far apart, explanation by governor of how this would be accomplished; letters from governor informing virrey of provincial affairs, requesting assistance on certain matters, including civil military affairs, Indian relations, disappearance of squadron commander, problems created, regarding possible British invasion, collection of a new tax, that departure for 'Corte' and to visit various 'companias' delayed due to tertian fever and several relapses; copy of virrey's statement granting establishment of monthly 'correo' between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Officials' correspondence includes summaries of and references to documents not included in expediente; governor Munoz' 'papel sellado'; efforts of squadron to control Indians; operations at certain mines; 'librando' Munoz of governorship in face of accusations of misconduct; reinstatemnt of teniente of presidio; comandante Interino's correspondence includes accounts to virrey of state of province concerning, for example, three missions suffering small pox epidemic, general fiscal affairs, request by Cometunas for establishment of mission in area for purpose of protection, granted on condition that group live according to 'christiana politica', and militia's need for arms, as well as for officers to replace those who died; governor Velasco's correspondence to virrey refers briefly to military and fiscal affairs, establishment of 'correo' in Nuevo Leon, reduction and protection of Indians. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence concerning: index of letters included; discovery of new mines, metals, silver, flooding of various mines, damages incurred; lack of arms and soldiers along frontera, effect upon countering of Indian attacks, tranquility of Chichimecas, many of whom had converted; debate over sending soldiers to missions to ensure la quietud y custodia of the Indians; reviews by Ussel y Guimbarda of military conditions and salaries, military relations with Indians, mining. (L. Kerr, November 1988)

Various documents from Vidal de Lorca in Nuevo Leon. Documents concern defense of frontier. Letters saying that poor are not to be exploited and that individuals should be responsible for transport of own goods. Index (238) of contents. Discusses visita of gobernador and details of what he should See E.g. condition of frontera and minas reales. Discussion of previous gunpowder embargo of Equiluz. Documents outbreak in Coahuila. (J. Acheson, November 1988)

Various letters of correspondence of Vidal de Lorca and Echeagaray in years of 1772-1773. Index of documents (f.163) petition of widow to governador for pension from her deceased Husband's salary; letter granting Echeagaray responsibility of soldiers in Monterrey; letters discussing need for reconstruction of mine in real de Vallecillo; letter to procurador general of Monterrey concerning restitution of hacienda which is located in Indian village. Letters also include transportation of cloth (lienzos pintados) from las Islas Filipinas; military tables (149) with clear data on military rolls, salaries, occupations, equipment. (J. Acheson, oct, 1988)

Gachupin acknowledges receipt of inspection reports from virrey. Citing Indian hostilities, Gachupin says avoiding Indians will reduce skirmishes. Reports Indians have damaged population, buildings, mines, commerce of presidios. Includes population information. Suggests reinforcement of presidios by Vecino recruitment alone will not improve defense. Advocates interpresidio cooperation against Indians. (S. Gibbs, July 1987)

Concerns formation of defence for presidio and receipt of arms and supply for vecinos. Missionization of orcozas. Use of Indian auxiliares and vecinos to serve in missions instead of soldiers. Discusses need for louisianan hunters to campaign against Indians not to defend presidio. Request for 200 men as escort while presidio established in almagrez. Ripperda suggests captains provide tobacco for each presidio as incentive to soldiers; refers to set tobacco price. Orders about prisoner Bermudez delayed, prisoner kept in captain's house, discusses route to royal jail, viceroy hopes Bermudez will be sent soon. (L. L. Woodward, March 1988)

Rich details of history and settlement of missions and presidios near San Fernando. Founding and abandonment of presidio of Texas. Details of Indian invasion of mission of los Adaes, French and Indian fighting against Spanish. Gives geographical limits of province of Texas, describes fruits cultivated, resources for pasturing, construction, water, wildlife, animals, commerce, mining. Discusses war with Apaches and inability to reduce them. Establishment of San Fernando and population figures. Request for troops in San Sabas; cattle, horses, provisions in Adaes due to Indians leaving missions, ranches needing to be reestablished, Indian war hindering exploitation of land, risk of families leaving. Ripperda responds that movement of troops will be held up until he can provide for detachment to San Sabas. (L. L. Woodward, February1988)