Presidios (Establishment And Organization)

A damning critique of the Jesuits and military by a Franciscan. This proposal for consolidation of presidios includes- the number of troops stationed in several presidios; the amount of money earned by several missions. Alos comments that the presidios function as markets; the Misioneros (Jesuits) do not comply with their spiritual obligations but rather with economic ones (noting that all their missions are located near gold or silver mines). (R. Perez) (1976)

Concerns need for new presidio along Rio Gila to contain Apaches, open route to Moqui and protect new missions to be established along Rios Gila and Colorado. Also, recommends that Terrenate presidio be fixed at Suanca, that a detachment of soldiers be stationed at San Xavier del Bac, that Seris be reduced to Populo, that soldiers be stationed 2 or 3 more years at Pitiqui and that Natora Indians be distributed among other pueblos. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Concerns- 1) proposed transfer of Pitic presidio to San Miguel and its effect on Seris; 2) establishment of mission at Guaymas among Guaymas, Pimas, Bajos and Upanguaymas; 3) resettlement of Apaches suing for peace; 4) difference between Apache and Seri hostilities; 5) need to place armed garrisons along Apache frontier; 6) lack of land, water at San Miguel. Argues that Pitic better location militarily, politically, agriculturally than San Miguel. States 200 families occupy Populo, Nacameri and los Angeles. Excellent document. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Brief note concerning transfer of missionary personnel and mission supplies. (April 4, 1732). Followed by letter enumerating mission personnel in Sonora (DRSW 060-00244). Final letter (January 25, 1722) concerns poor state of Corodeguachi presidio, including vacancies, lack of arms, supplies and horses, etc. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

(T. Sheridan) (1978)

Asks that soldiers be added to the presidio de Conchos, because the indios realize that the best time to attack is when the capitan and his troops are on their visitas. (R. Perez) (1976)

Two letters concerning affairs in Tarahumara country, including harsh measures taken by capitan Berretoran against Tarahumaras accused of various crimes despite intercession of missionaries, other Spaniards in area. Argues that establishment of presidio in area would do more harm than good, that missionaries like padre Goye pacify Indians more effectively than soldiers. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Concerns damage done by attacks of los Enemigos barbaros (presumably Apaches) to province of Sonora and of the need for Tapisques (harvest workers?). States presidial capitan unable to protect inhabitants, punish enemies or provide escorts because of shortage of arms and manpower. says if labor shortage persists, Yaquis could be hired to harvest crops. (T. Sheridan) (1978)

Informe on the conditions of the Valley of Teuricatzi, including good agricultural description. (R. Perez) (1976)

(T. Sheridan) (1978)