Mission Establishment

Junta de guerra concerning French in Texas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Review of colonization, missionization of Provincia de Texas from time of Alonso de Leon to 1716. Texas, Caodaches Indians described as mas politica in province, sowing many crops. Population of area estimated to be un million. Indian groups between Coahuila and the land of Texas Indians listed (See 201). Texas Indians belief in afterlife briefly described. Missionaries claimes that early soldiers set bad example for Texas Indians, mistreating them and stealing their women. Franciscan missionary efforts delineated. Texas disatisfaction with Spaniards, abandonment of missions in 1693 noted. French trade with Indians mentioned. Texas Indians had 11 pueblos, chocta (choctaw) Indians outside of Movila had 32, Nache Indians had 11. Flora, fauna, agriculture of eastern Texas described, where Indians caultibando la tierra con las quixadas de los benados. Indians live in wooden houses, sleep on raised beds and farm en Comun. Indian enemies of Texas- Apaches, Yojuanes, Cubipanes, Canas- noted. Absence of pulgue, otras bebidas, but presnece of Peyote among Texas Indians mentioned. Province continually described as very fertile. Indian use of wild fruits, walnuts, acorns noted. Lead mines near Texas Indians mentioned. Force of 60 soldiers needed for conquest, colonization of Texas, to be gathered from other presidios of Nueva Vizcaya. Apparently, fiscal doesn't think much of idea. Excellent summary of early Texas history, including Leon, Ramon entradas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Franciscans discuss Texas Indian tribes they are attempting to missionize, including Texas Indians, who are described as ydolattras, tienen Casas de adoracion, y el Fuego Perpetuo en la Casa Principal del ydolo (pg. 189). Request detachment of 100 soldiers be stationed among them. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Documents concerning Ramon's entrada into Provincia de Texas to establish missions among Texas Indians. Included are both Ramon's diario and Franciscans' diario of expedition. Indians groups, agricultural products, geography, Flora, fauna of province noted. Numerous buffalo hunts mentioned. Ramon and Franciscans also both write informes to virrey concerning reasons for establishment of missions. Indian enemies as well as allies of Texas Indians mentioned. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

From Julimes. (T. Sheridan) (1977) los Rios pueblos (8 within 6 leagues of each other), accompanied by escort of 30 soldiers, 20 Indian auxiliaries from Julimes. See also DRSW 3026, 3027, 3028. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

San Denis authorized by French authorities in Louisiana to travel to Texas to buy livestock (9/12/1713). He and 24 French canadians go from Louisiana to presidio del Norte. Capitan Ramon sends Frenchmen to Mexico City. Spaniards take San Denis' declaracion of his journey, noting his encounters with various Indian groups, especially Texas Indians (6/6/1715). Fiscal (8/15/1715) informs virrey of situation, implying that San Denis is French Spy. Junta de guerra (8/22/1715) discusses French threat and recommends reestablishment of missions among Texas Indians. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

After the Pima revolt of 1751, the procurators of New Spain were sent to Rome and Spain to lobby for more missionaries. This letter accompanies them. It is of little substance, but interesting in regards the politics involved. It notes the dire need of making more conversions north of the Colorado River and in California. (R. Perez) (1977)

Anza was able to persuade all but 3 families in Tucson to remain there, on condition that a mission be established. Reminded that they had not previously wanted one, they denied this, saying that they had made repeated requests to the missionaries. (R. Perez) (1977)

Crespi tells of his departure from the mission de la Santisima Concepcion in February 26, 1769, and of his arrival in the puerto de San Diego. Includes a brief description of native inhabitants and the suitability of one of the surrounding villages and its plain for settlement and cultivation. The heathens are poor- describes dress. Ends by asking guardian for additional supplies. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Concerns the request of four captains of the naciones Yoguanes, Deadoses, Mayeyes, y Rancheria Grande, for the establishment of missions and the administration of the sacraments. They also requested military protection. Franciscans given control over these parishes. The natives are to be converted and then settled. Tone of respect for Indian populations, especially those of the Rio Grande and Texas areas, is significant. (C. Briggs) (1975)