Natural Resources

Concerns letter from Canaveral to viceroy explaining a whole strategy to accomplish Indians reduction. For this the governor suggests distributing land in Santa Gertrudis, where conditions are good for that purpose, in spite of cold Weather. Plan includes reorganization of presidios and authority in Nayarit (more personnel, new salaries, more supplies etc). Letter describes inaccessible conditions of Nayarit, stubborness of Indians who workship idols and progress being made in their reduction to the crown. Political reorganization of alcaldias in the area is also suggested. (M. Marroquin, April 1989)

Details of Principal concerns and needs for California establishments. Detailed information on climate, agricultural conditions, pasturing livestock, geographical measurements and features of terrain, arable lands, irrigation, social and safety measures for settlers/recruits, food and other supplies for population, horses and mules. Other documents list family relationships and Vital statistics of colonists requesting land tenure rights, lists of types and numbers of cargo animals for missions, planned distribution of & place purchased of these & smaller domestic food/clothing animals. Description of geography, Flora and potential for irrigation of rivers in region. Founding and contruction of presidio San Joseph (Guadalupe). (J. M. Johnson, January 1989)

Fueres reports on problems caused by Indians at placeres: diminished work due to Indian hostilities, decrease in number of workers, inhabitants abandoning area, interruptions of food supplies. Mentions that his escort of troops not at Orcasitas when he arrived. Troops on campaign on Vizcaya frontier. Complains that he does not have sufficient troops to defend placers, but would strive to defend operations and see that extraction of gold continues. Additional partida de tropa utilized to give more protection and so workers back at work again without fear. Asks for establishment of destacamento at real. Notes richness of land. (S. Fiederlein, 5-5-87)

A very detailed informe on present military strength and capability of new presidios transferred as a result of reglamento of 1772; includes details on weapons; constructions at new sites; commanders and officers at posts; geography of region; explorations of O'Conor; and many related details of historical merit. This document has been published in Spanish (Flores and almada) and in translation in English (moore and beene 1961). (J. Williams, April 1987)

Discourse from Lumbreras, commander of presidio of Buenavista to viceroy Bucareli y Ursua concerning atrocities committed by Piatos and Pimas Bajos in Vicinity of aforementioned presidio. Atrocities include pervasive cattle and horse rustling, murder of Indians and a Spaniard, abduction of Indian woman. Lumbreras adds that he has no spare forces to battle unrest, and requests detachment of 20 or 30 soldiers be stationed at San Jose de Pimas to suppress Piman bellicosity and guard road to Cieneguilla. He also adds that lawless behavior manifested by Indian groups is result of semi-nomadic lifestyle. Included is letter to Lumbreras, forwarded to viceroy, from missionary at Tecoripa describing events which corroborates information given by Former. In responses to autos, viceroy suggests that Lumbreras commence further reduccion of barbarous Indians, using force if necessary; letter authorizing installation of Trespalacios as lieutenant of flying company of Buenavista upon retirement of Viarraga from position. (J. H. Ochs, July 1987)

Documents relating to archives of area of Provincias Internas requested by Caballero de Croix new appointee of king to be comandante general. These documents include every aspect of life in such provinces going back many years. (A. Dell'acqua, March 1988)

Concerning the founding of the presidio Sacramento. Discusses- agricultural potential of the proposed site, its ability to support a mission, its location in terms of communication with other presidios and a deterrent to enemy communication, and its closeness to reportedly rich Mineral deposits. (R. Perez) (1977)

Report on journey to California from Mexico. Descriptions of Indians. Remarks on California wealth. Reports on conditions along the way. Description of California potential as route to east. Detailed account of the journey. Tried to make California appealing. Stressed Mineral wealth. (J. Grusin) (1975)

Documents concerning establishment of new presidio, reestablishment of missions abandoned by Franciscans because of lack of military protection, in junta de los Rios area. Mineral riches as well as souls of converted Indians notes as reasons for resettlement, as well as more efficient communication/transportation between Nueva Vizcaya, Coahuila. Lengthy description of major settlements, presidial system of northern frontier provinces. New presidio to have 50 soldiers- 20 from San Bartholome presidio; 15 each from Cerrogordo and Conchos. Major document by marques de Altamira (Mexico, 6/14/1747) detailing proposals (pp.87-110). Also includes diario y derrotero of expedition itself, written by gobernador Rabago y Teran (Monclova, 1/23/1748), noting Flora, fauna, geography, Mineral wealth, Indian groups, water sources, pasturage, etc. (pp.115-46). (T. Sheridan) (1977)