Presidios (Establishment And Organization)

Orders from Teodoro de Croix for the establishment of several new communities in order to take advantage of natural resources, to occupy unoccupied citizens and to help defend against Indians. Very detailed instructions as to how each town will be formed. (T. Barnes) (1977)

In further attempts to re-organize the presidio system the governor has capt. Berroteran interview the soldiers of the squad posted at Durango to find out how they are spending their time. (T. Barnes) (1977)

More threats, letters and orders concerning the presidial reforms of Pedro de Rivera. Good information on structure and working of presidios. (T. Barnes) (1977)

Fray Bazo warns of impeding uprising among Indians at junta de los Rios missions, noting sus desordenes, Mas de lo Comun, assi en bailes embriagueses de Peiote, Tlatoles, y otras acciones, (note indication of Indian drug use), and asks that presidio be established there. Gobernador Caravajal conducts investigation of rumor, told by Indian gobernadores of Julimes, Tapacolmes pueblos that junta de los Rios Indians were quietos, that many were muy ladinos, and that these Indians frequently migrated south to work in Chihuahua mines, haciendas. Indian gobernadores of junta de los Rios missions meet with Carvajal, state that rumor is false and declare their loyalty to the crown. Carvajal, concludes that although junta de los Rios Indians are at peace, nevertheless a presidio in the area would be of grandissima utilidad to contain hostile Indian raids. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

The governor calls for a general report from all the presidios. He concentrates on the presidio of Mapimi. Good information on personnel, their length of service and equipment. Biggest problem is salaries of presidio personnel. Governor also sets down new general regulations for the operation of the presidios. See frames 0329-0334 for follow up. (T. Barnes) (1977)

Viceroy's instructions to gobernador Alday of Nueva Vizcaya concerning defense of New Mexico. Notes presence 6000 French 60 leagues from Santa Fe. Advises that Spanish form alliance alliance with Apaches to impede French access to New Mexico. Discusses manpower/material shortages presidio of Santa Fe. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Letters, autos, peticiones concerning Leon de Herrera's request to repopulate real de Mapimi, form presidio there of 34 soldiers transferred from other Nueva Vizcaya presidios, compania de Compana, including 10 from Conchos, 6 from Cerrogordo. Lists of all soldiers, including their rank, length of service, induction date, from Gallo, Cerrogordo, Conchos, el Pasaje presidios, compania de compania. Implication no presidio existed at Mapimi before this time. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Notification of the sentence imposed in the criminal case of capitan Baltasar de Ontiberos. A fine of quinientos (500) pesos applied to the costs of the new presidio at San Miguel was exacted. (C. Needham) (1975)

Good background on Indian problems in the north, esp. With the expansion, necessitating the establishment of Cerro Gordo. Good on admin also. (T. Barnes) (1975)

Detailed account of the founding of the presidio at Cerro Gordo. Includes personnel named to go there and the money to be spent. The requirements placed on the nearby towns or presidios in the form of donations of men and money to engage in construction of the harvest of the first crop. Presidio deemed necessary by Luis de Valdez for admin. Purposes in a growing area and for protection of haciendas against Indians. (T. Barnes) (1975)