Mission Establishment

Copy of auto from Diego Ramon to Francisco Cuerbo y Valdes relating events surrounding founding of mission of San Francisco Solano. Attached is auto from Cuerbo y Valdes approving founding of mission. (J. H. Ochs, January 1987)

Royal order by king to establish missions in territory of Gila and Colorado rivers and conversion of peoples in such areas to Christian faith. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Informe about Salvador Palma captain and Head of Yumas, his conversion to catholicism, surrender of his power and his land in exchange for founding of missions in his territory of Gila and Colorado rivers; also view of Ansa about establishment of such missions. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Request by Salvador Palma, Head of Yumas, to viceroy to give approval to establish two missions along rivers Gila and Colorado. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Exploration and foundation of presidio, port and mission of San Francisco and exploration of lands surrounding that presidio. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Reports to viceroy by Ansa and Garces about exploration of Gila and Colorado rivers and establishment of new missions in area. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Exploration of areas along Gila and Colorado rivers by fray Garces who affirms peoples are of same language and physical build but have become separate due to wars. Affirms Opas better at agriculture than Yumas. Describes best places to establish missions. Arrives at lagoon where Talchedunes have large settlement near Colorado River. Describes seed named equiesa which is utilized to make bread and atole. Garces sends letter to missions in New Mexico with old yabapai hoping it will arrive one day. Returns to Tubac by route used by Ansa on his way back from California. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Exploration of land route from Tubac to Californias by way of Gila and Colorado by Anza, Diaz and Garces. Anza describes historical pacification of Sonora by Urrea. Discusses possibility of gold before Gila River. Half of Yumas want to stop expedition and kill Spaniards but for Palmas intercession. Descriptions of Yuma mourning ceremony. Hardship on horses for lack of food and water. Richness of California land for agriculture. Discovers silver near Valley of San Jose. Anza travels to San Diego from San Gabriel to look for food stuffs. Garces and other soldiers sent back to Rio Colorado. Returns from Monterrey by different route, encountering Serra who is arriving from Mexico City. Anza is ambushed near puerto real de San Carlos and captures four Indians who are punished by flogging. Returns to Rio Colorado where Garces is waiting for him. Anza explores upper Colorado to land of Cocomaricopas. Garces remains in area to explore land of Moquis. Anza returns by way of Sutaquison where he describes architecture of big Palace and affirms that ancestors of these people established Mexico City. Before arriving in Tubac, stops in Pueblo of Tugson for one day. (A. Dell'aqua, 1/87)

Series of letters from Cancio to viceroy discussing affairs at Santa Rosa presidio (1762) in detail. Discusses formation of cavalleria; number of horses; problems with yerva seca the horses eat; problems had when presidio was without a captain; situation with local Indians -- detailed report, including copy of reports from V. Rodriguez, on encounters with Indians, Indian activities, and Indian supplies and weapons (ff. 185-1920); problems at San Saba and with establishing missions in that area. (S. Fiederlein, 3-20-87)

Discussion of costs and benefits (especially spiritual) of establishment of a presidio in Cordillera and subsequent administration. Discussion of possible commanders and selection of Luis de San Denis as best candidate. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)