Mission Life

These are copies of two relaciones made by the Jesuits concerning their entrance into the provinces of Sonora and Pimeria. The first has to do with the expedition made in November and December of 1750. The second bears the following title- relacion Clara y distinta del Actual Estado y deplorable sistema de la parte Mas considerable, y Mas digna de atencion de esta America en las provincias de Cinaloa, Sonora, Pimeria, Taraumara, y las demas que componen las Dos vastos governaciones de Cinaloa y Nueva Vizcaia. These have no signatures. (microfilm catalog)

This is a dictamen of the auditor regarding the subjection of the Apaches. It was written in reference to the informes of fr. Mariano Francisco de los Dolores and capitan Don Thoribio de Urrutia of the presidio de San Antonio de Bexar. It was sent from Mexico City. That this is an accurate copy of the original is testified to by Joseph de Gorraez on February 7, 1750. (microfilm catalog)

This extensive informe was written by fray Miguel Sevillano de Paredes, vice-prefecto de las Missiones en la India Occidental, to the prefect of the congregation of Propaganda Fide. It was written in the name of the colegio de Santa Cruz when fr. Miguel was presidente de todas las Missiones en la Provincia de Texas. It is an original document and has the autograph of fr. Sevillano. (microfilm catalog)

This informe written to the virrey by fr. Joseph Pinilla asks for the extension of the mission territory so that more Indians may be converted. It speaks of the mission de la Bahia and del Rosario. It has no date. This is an original document autographed by fr. Joseph Pinilla. (microfilm catalog)

Two relaciones that give much data on conditions in Texas missions. Many suggestions for drastic reform included. Much discussion on the impact of the missions and remarks on plans for new missions. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Books, II, III, IV are important. Two deals with frontier missionary activity through the lives of the priests. Book III focuses on the status of the missions supervised from Querataro. Book IV focuses on Garces' work. In the Pimeria Alta. (J. Grusin) (1976)

A collection of letters that focus on developments on the Texas frontier. The contents include remarks on relations with the Apaches, the use of other tribes to fight the Apaches, inter-tribal relations, campaigns against unpacified Indians, mission conditions, including finances, civil administrative problems, agricultural development. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Report on the missions of California. Includes remarks on foundation, success of evangelizing, the mission economics, and the Indians living at the missions. It is rich in description, but does not mention specific tribes. (J. Grusin) (1976)

A plan for making colonization and pacification on the frontier financially self-sufficient. The goal was to reduce the numerous small bands to mission life and use them to sustain both forts and missions. He discusses the bands of Indians in terms of their willingness to stay on the missions. He lists them, as well as nomadic bands. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Report on the dismal condition of Sonoran missions and efforts to improve the situation. Remarks on the lives of mission Indians included. Comments on decline of population of missions. Makes suggestions for reform. (J. Grusin) (1976)