Missionaries (Franciscans) (Lists)

King notes Leon's expedition to Bahia de Espiritu Santo in search of French, and his reports of numerous gentile Indians in area, especially Texas Indians, who could easily be converted. Texas Indians described as algo politicos y de usso Mas racional y tratable que los demas. instructs bishop to establish 5 or 6 missions in area to convert Indians, secure area against French. States that 6 missionaries accompanied Leon on his second entrada. King not too impressed with Franciscan missionary efforts in Coaguila. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Letter (10/7/1684) concerning depredations of Janos, Suma, Conchos Indians, who killed fray Beltran and others. Fiscal's reply concerning military action to be taken against Indians and about Mendoza's expedition to Texas (1/22/1685). (T. Sheridan) (1977)

On advice from Rivera and Rebolledo, king turns down fray parede's request for military escort for Franciscan missionaries in Texas returning fugitive Indians to missions. Virrey's compliance (2/15/1734). (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Part of book five focuses on Ofm missionary activity in Texas. Includes its development, contacts with the Indians, Indian customs, religious practices, political system, conversions plus success of missionary activity. Also, remarks on animals, plants, and climate of the mission region. (J. Grusin) (1976)

2 unfavorable letters concerning new missions of San Xavier. First (7/20/1749) notes murder of 2 soldiers, theft of horseherd at hands of Apaches. States that River either floods everyone out or dries up. Claims that despite holy zeal of missionaries, Indians didn't want to work or sow fields, but instead pursue trade between French and Spanish, moving on to Adaes, finds many buildings in ruins, not repaired because of lack of people. In second letter (8/10/1749), points out lack of land, water, Indians in San Xavier area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Orobio y Basterra's informe concerning his expedition to territory of Horcoquiza Indians in order to survey area, choose best sites for missions, etc. Notes lay of land, agricultural possibilities, best areas for irrigation. Learns that year or so before, some Englishmen had landed at Bahia de San Fernando asking for firewood. explores Bahia de San Fernando-Rio Trinidad area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerning Franciscan request to have Sacramento presidio moved from present location in Coahuila to Rio San Xavier in Texas, 190 leagues away, marques de Altamira replies that such an action would- 1) disturb present presidial line of defense; 2) leave new but prospering settlements in Valle de Santa Rosa (location of Sacramento presidio) defenseless against Apache attack; 3) would not contribute to defense against Apache since Indians in San Xavier area not Apaches, require round trip journeys of more than 400 leagues. Mentions foundation of new missions in provincia de navajoos. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Soldiers of San Antonio presidio complain that fray Dolores has forgotten su religiosidad and is interfering in payment of their salaries. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Rivera recommends closing of Texas presidio, and virrey marques de Casafuerte heeds his advice (4/26/1729). Franciscans (8/20-1729) eloquently defend need for presidio, however, arguing that San Francisco, Concepcion and San Joseph missions would be lost without it. Missionaries state Rivera made inspection of Texas presidios during driest season in 13 years and so was misled about ease of travel. They ask that it be reestablished with 50 men instead of 25. Gobernador Mediavilla y Ascona (8/31/1729) supports missionaries, noting that Rivera's recommendations had reduced Texas military by 75 plazas- 40 from Aldaes presidio, 25 from Texas presidio, 10 from San Antonio presidio. Gobernador argues that distances too great, Indians too well armed with French guns, powder for presidios of San Antonio and Bahia de Espiritu Santo to be sufficient. Paredes gathers all above documents together, summarizes Franciscan position and sends representacion to comisario general. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns conditions of San Antonio presidio, surrounding missions, including- controversy between Franciscans and capitan Flores; Apache raids, campaigns, peace negotiations; investigations of murder of Antonio Gonzalez (Correo) by Indians; construction of acequia to irrigate mission orchards, fields of cotton maiz; mission Indian weaving industry of cotton, wool; murder of capitan Ramon by Indians in Espiritu Santo area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)