Presidios (Establishment)

Viceregal orders to diputados de Chihuahua re: freeing of funds in treasury for salaries for Aguero and Marques de Rubi, and construction of two presidios in Nueva Vizcaya. Included are diputados' responses to these orders. (J. H. Ochs, June 1988)

Brief commentaries re: defense of Alamos; visit by Oconor and new regulations for presidios; finances of mounting 4 presidios amobiles on frontier and distribution of arms to civilians in these areas; income from tobacco, gunpowder, playing cards; lack of moneda sellada in province. (J. Johnson, February 1988)

Diaz considers various proposals related to founding of a presidio and mission on Colorado River at Yuma villages; includes references to; new establishments in California; new lines of communication; Anza's expedition; lack of Apache threat in Yuma country; possible expenses caused by a new presidio there; Diaz notes of military importance of mission auxiliaries y estos Tan adelantados en el manejo de las Armas, y industrias de la guerra; que juzgo indispensable aumentar la Tropa en Sus fronteras; he recognizes Apache's diligence in war; necessity of having strong detachments; detachment of men from Buenavista at Suaqui; of another force from same presidio at Pitiqui; a detachment from Altar at Caborca; value and combat ability of troops; problems created by presidial relocation; number of men deployed elsewhere in province; list of reasons to support relocations; Bucareli acknowledges receipt of Diaz's points. (J. Williams, April 1987).

A word for word copy of Bonilla's informe on Sonora on ff. 7-33 of this Tomo (88). (J. Williams, April 1987)

Concerns O'Conor's general campaign and implementation of new regulation of presidios (1772); includes notes on troop movements; troop Inspections; harvest of auxiliary Indians effect on campaigns; detailed assignments for troops in expedition; organization of presidios of line; presidio constructions; manpower shortages in construction; nature of Indian warfare; proposed routes of expeditionary forces; aid of Opatas in Sonoran presidio constructions. (J. Williams, April 1987)

Concerns Bucareli's further instructions to O'Conor on implementing new regulation of presidios (1772); includes notes on missionization. (J. Williams, April 1987)

A very detailed report providing information about nature of defense and economy of province of Sonora, largely as it related to implementation of royal regulation of 1772; includes information about subjects such as; presidio relocations; site selection; campaigns of Vildosola; battles at Tecoripa; battles at Bisanic; mission Indian alliance with barbarians; Cerro Prieto campaigns; peace negotiations; hardship caused by wars; fertility of region; progress of missions; present ruin of missions due to wars; Mineral richness of province; commerce; presidio Inspections; combat capability of troops stationed in province; daily duties of presidials; scouts; raids on various missions; troop assignments; proposals of troop assignments; corrections to Lafora map; auxiliaries (Indians and civilian); opening of a route to California; proposals to found missions and presidios along northern frontier; Bonilla includes two tables of alternate troop assignments in new defensive line; many significant references to future Yuma settlements. Taken together a document of extreme importance to history of Sonora. (J. Williams, April 1987)

Documents deal with experiences and troubles encountered by Cancio on his trip from Mexico to Buenavista. The purpose of new presidio is to control warring Seris and Pimas. Cancio decides to travel by ship in order to reach destination promptly. Unable to travel by sea, and he continues by land. He complains of hot Weather, lack of food and water along route. He also complains of difficulties in getting people to become soldiers; and their fear of Indians. Other documents deal with lack of food, arms, and clothing for troops at Buenavista. Stated that soldiers must set good example in order to be respected by the Indians. (J. Tapia, April, 1988)

Notes deal with various subjects. On some notes unknown person acknowledges being informed of Indian raids to various places. Other notes mention establishment of new presidio in Buenavista. Mention of soldiers for presidio. Others mention one plan to prevent depopulation of the area. Other notes mention a white deer that should be sent to Mexico. (J. Tapia, April, 1988)

Discussion that establishing new presidio of Buenavista will help combat enemy Indians in the area, but small number of soldiers makes this difficult. Mention of several Indian raids to various places stealing horses and taking captives. Indian battle tactics briefly mentioned. (J. Tapia, April, 1988).