Mission Establishment

Letter to viceroy by fray Fernandez criticizing role of military personnel in reduction of Apaches and advancement into in northern territories. Fray Fernandez describes areas by deduction and by information gained from travelers about such northern territories. Fray Fernandez also describes danger of advancement by French to colonize a bigger territory than Nueva Espana assuring crown he would be able to conquer these territories with a handful of soldiers and missionaries if permission is given. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Letters relating to re-establishment of presidio and mission de la Bahia del Espiritu Santo to a healthier and better defensive place, capitan Bustillos communicates that Actual site has deteriorated to an irreparable manner lack of wood makes it impossible to repair also for fuel of families there is not enough wood, area is full of swamps and water is not as good. Capitan Bustillos also complains about lack of priest as president of missions refuse to send a religious guide to presidio. Capitan describes a new explored site with plenty of wood, water and rocks to be utilized for construction, two creeks to provide with drinking water and irrigation of lands and site being only six leagues from bay stressing defensive emplacement. If viceroy desires such move it has to be carried out before winter. Capitan also participates arrival of convoy from presidio Adays and San Antonio four months after it left due to heavy rains. Comisario general of missions sends letter to presidente of missions by order of viceroy ordering him to send a priest to take charge of new mission built in new site of presidio of Bahia. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Capitan Costales request license from viceroy to mine salt in Indian lands for consumption in presidio Bahia del Espiritu Santo, viceroy consults visitador Rivero who disapproves such step as Indians could become rebellious. Costales also requests return of nine of his soldiers who are attached to missions as most of his garrison is sick. He also requests that as it is very far from his presidio to settlement of people from canary islands, his soldiers should not be protecting such settlers as there are many Indians in area of his presidio to watch for. Rivera advises viceroy that there are too many soldiers guarding missions and these should be from presidio San Antonio instead of Bahia. Rivera also mentions that rumors of soldiers selling their arms and horses are unfounded. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Military chaplain has been administering sacraments to Seris in absence of real missionary, but one is needed soon at Pitic. Description of sacraments. now that mission San Ignacio de Onavas has been established for Seris, reduccion should begin in earnest to rid them of their depraved customs. Martinez is named missionary, plans to start baptisms, formal services, breeding livestock at mission to feed Seris, building Adobe houses for them, clothing them properly. Claims Seris readily accept christianity. Mentions fiscal matters of mission, transactions with treasury. (A. Dean, may 1989)

Concerns need to find missionary who has same zeal for conversion as Granados for Bacoachi Apaches. Suggests using some of religious paraphernalia meant for Seris to supply Apaches. Need for support for establishment of mission at Bacoachi. Wants money from treasury to get tools to teach agriculture (with ploughs) to Indians. Granados tells that Jacinto, Chacho asked him personally for minister for all Apaches there; mention of petition to same effect. Pau reports there isn't enough money in religious funds to afford a new missionary. Suggests asking for priest from apostolic colleges. Grimarest speaks of 200 pesos to be paid in charity to Pima missionaries; says some of that could go toward Bacoachi mission. Also willing to allow some auxiliaries to work in fields to support mission, but doubts Indians would be good at it; it isn't in their character to be industrious, only warlike. Granados brags of turning fierce Seris from wolves into lambs, baptising them himself. Nava speaks of granting parcels of land to Apaches to make them self sufficient, at same time sell them livestock for ranching, using profits to build mission so that it's not so expensive. Mention of Jacinto, Alexandro planting corn. (A. Dean, April 1989)

Ugarte y Loyola has gathered peaceful Chiricahuas at Bacoachi; bishop of Sonora asks for missionary to be sent. Speaks of distribution of lands. Treasury says money for mission has to come out of ration funds. Need for missionary for Seris at Pitic. Mention of deporting Apaches to Havana as example to others. Mention of successful conversion of Seris; money donated for purchase of musical instruments. Medina is warned of suspected revolution by Seris. References to Noriega's salary. (A. Dean, April 1989)

Documents concerning acquisition of land for use as a church site in Guaymas. Includes letter from Verdes asking for permission to use a certain lot (cuartel) as church site, subsequent letters of approval from Corbalan, virrey. (J. H. Ochs, January 1988)

Correspondence concerning hunger suffered by Indians at mission due to drought in region; request for assistance in constructing 'presa' to store water for agricultural use, particularly cultivation of corn; governor explains that situation causing Indians to 'vaguear en el Campo,' compromising religious education; subsequent letters address details of 'presa,' amount of materials needed, cost, location selected; no one contracts to construct 'presa,' governor requests that necessary amount instead be sent directly to 'presidente' of mission; funds approved, almost two years after original request. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Includes 'diligencias' concerning 'remate' of goods from Santo Toribio de Lievana mission, sworn statment that only best bids accepted, names of 'postores,' amount of 'posturas,' items bought; statement by Sierragorda that copies of original document accurate, that money from auction in his possession; official 'Cuenta' of money received; 'diligencia' concerning 'remate' of goods from San Juan Nepomuceno de Helguera mission, money used to purchase supplies (corn, rice) for new Helguera mission. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence spanning several years concerning establishment of new mission for mistreated Pinto Indians, entailing selection of 'ministro,' lengthy discussion of costs, problems involved; cost of 'ministro'S' transportation to Palmitos covered by government, he and other fray express need for generous financial assistance to establish mission, Argue that hungry Indians not receptive to religious education, also request 'vasos sagrados y ornamentos'; discussion of need for sacred objects continues throughout correspondence, speculation that objects from previous mission still at Helguera, 'ministro' permitted to remain at colegio Apostolico until matter solved; action stymied for year or so until found that sacred objects no longer at Helguera, purchase of new objects ordered, Pintos move to mission and substitute 'ministro' assigned, governor requests that Pintos receive supplies of corn, rice, several Head of cattle, etc., in order to establish and sustain themselves until harvest; list of 'utensilios de Campo' (folio 97), itemized list, including costs, of 'utensilios' and sacred objects (folios 100-101); drought in region (1795) threatening crops planted by Indians, request by governor for additional cattle, staples to sustain Pintos till harvest. (L. Kerr, December 1988)