Ports And Harbors

Documents relating to request by Californias gobernador for issuance of flags to presidios along maritime shores to aid ships. Issuance of flags also recommended by comandante of San Blas fleet. Description of materials and design of flags. (A. Dell'acqua, may 1988)

Concerns illegal act of american captain who left 11 people, including one woman on shore near Monterrey, against will of governor of Californias; the 11 are sent to San Blas, then Marched to Veracruz, where they are to be sent to Habana and subsequently back to their native countries, as commanded by virrey; one Dies of illness on March, one flees on board portuguese ship in San Blas, six go on to Habana while three remain behind in Veracruz, requesting to be converted to catholicism and incorporated into Spanish realm; those remaining behind include an Englishman, Prichard, and bostonian Husband and wife, Andres and Juana Lambert; questions arise as to whether Juana is also married to another man, serious investigation ensues, conclusion is she has always been married board by Daw and prices; ff. 433, request in English for conversion, catholic marriage and repatriation signed by by drink, Andres not her legitimate Husband; ff. 556-9, question their fidelity to crown and church; ff. 574-586, personal letters from Andres to Juana used as evidence of their faithful marriage; further documentation includes Series of testimonies by military commanders on road from Tepic to Mexico that captives had been given no reason to complain of bad treatment, and final decision of virrey to give lamberts choice between Spain and Baja California as ultimate place of residence. (D. J. McClelland, June, 1988)

(Actual documents appear later in volume, ff. 404-616). (D. J. McClelland, June 1988)

Mayorga relates situation of war with English in vando including description of battles, plans for spring campaign, condition of Spanish and English Naval forces and casualties suffered at Gibraltar. Considerable description. (D. J. McClelland, June 1988)

Two anonymous letters of accusation against contador and tesorero of San Blas precipitate Series of inquiries by virrey and Eliza to ascertain nature and validity of accusations; accusations include vice of gambling and drinking, withholding debts from salary, illicit sales of supplies designated for use of marineria. Women included as wife of accused tesorero, and participating in gambling. Issue resolved by Monterde and Rosales vowing to give up their evil ways. (D. J. McClelland, may 1988)

Correspondence between Bertodano, Berenguer de Marquina, Revilla, Malaspina and others concerning reimbursement of Cajas de Manila for expenses incurred by Goleta Valdes under command of Bertodano; further documentation includes salaries of crew, detailed list of supplies taken on board and weights; detailed account of hurricane survived by Valdes and subsequent condition of ship and crew; discussion of preferable routes and seasons for Valdes to return to San Blas considering Weather conditions and currents; brief discussion of salaries of crew and Bertodano; economic situation of real Armada during war with English; disarmament of Naval shipyards. (D. J. McClelland, may 1988)

Concerns conflicting arguments on shipment of merchandise and other supplies from San Blas to San Diego. Subsequent complaints from captains of ships concerning slander from contador general when investigating loss of such supplies. List of merchandise and groceries, See folios 83 through 99. (M. Marroquin, June 1988)

Eliza, comisario de San Blas sends virrey constructor Arteaga's expense account for materials needed to repair frigate aranzazu. virrey and junta Superior approve release of funds. (J. H. Ochs, July 1988)

Correspondence between junta de Marina de San Blas and Mexico concepcion, which was damaged by a hurricane while returning from the dark and rainy port of Nutka. (J. H. Ochs, July 1988)

Correspondence between comisario de contaduria de San Blas, fiscal affairs for departamento and port of San Blas. Includes accounts of debits and credits for 1788, plus proposed budget for 1789. Folios 57-114 deal with comisario's request for more funds upon exceeding proposed budget for 1794. Presence of highwaymen (bandidos) on overland routes of commerce is mentioned in folios 97-104. (J. H. Ochs, July 1988)