Prisoners (War)

Cuerbo y Valdes answers Garaycochea's letter about rescue of Picuries held captive by Apaches which was requested by their cazique Lorenzo. Governor questions two natives of Moqui about access to carry out rescue of such captives. Governor orders christianized Indians to help in defense of their own lives and properties against rebels. Autos pertaining to various happenings, from the appearance of a man on a queso de Sibola (See ff.56-61), to lack of enough missionaries to man doctrinas and missions in province, and why Picuries should be rescued from Apaches. (A. Dell'acqua, June 1987)

Vidal de Lorca's defense against charges made by fray Garcia de Esparza for misuse of troops. Info on mulato militia and areas of Indian incursions, Spaniard taken prisoner, troop placements and difficulty of defending provinces. (G. Lavalley, January 1987

Menchaca provides details about attack of 200 Lipan on Laredo; he notes; capture of almazen de Polvora; soldiers wounded in a Baluarte; terrain in area; attacks made by Spaniards after Indian assault; nature of wounds inflicted on defenders (caused by arrows, bullets etc.). (J. Williams, February 1987)

Concerns confidential letters on lamentable situation of province cause of which are ferocious invasions of hostile Indians requests arms; notes special problems of livestock guards; Indians captured by Ugalde; and strategy and tactics best suited to fighting Indians; viceroy praises Emparan's methods. (J. Williams, February 1987)

Concerns captive Indians (Collera de indias) under charge of Munguia, which were held in province at that time; notes that they were imprisoned as rebels; security of their captivity; includes table of information with notes on tribal names, number of warriors, children and women (f. 290). (J. Williams February 1987)

Series of letters and reports concerning Indian prisoners and escape of group of them. Pacheco reports on arrival of Indian prisoners at Saltillo, condition of captivity, number of prisoners, and transfer of women prisoners to Rio Grande presidio as ordered. Also recounts in detail escape of prisoners and attempt to recapture them. Series of reports written by Scribe I name of Pacheco attesting to escape and efforts made to recapture prisoners. Draft letters from viceroy(?) Concerning proper treatment of prisoners and matter of their escape. (S. Fiederlein, 4-20-87)

Letter detailing theft of cattle by a group of Apaches and a subsequent counterattack by Spanish and recovery of stolen property. Governor restates need for massive military action as peaceful measures have not produced any significant results. (T. Cederstrom, February 1987)

Mezieres proposes to destroy Apaches by hunting them down and destroying their livelihood. Notes that one result will be strengthened ties with peaceful nations and more successful campaigns against osage, who are deemed to be much more terrible than Apaches. Requests permission to sell captives taken in expedition. (T. Cederstrom, October 1986)

Nava informs virrey that due to Urias' having fallen ill, Montenegro will lead Collar of 95 prisoners of war to Mexico. Nava adds that 14 of aforementioned prisoners have died en route. (J. H. Ochs, March 1988)

Extensive documents pertaining to Indian depredations, punitive expeditions and taking of Indian prisoners. Included are documents concerning transfer of Comanche prisoners of war to Mexico City, accompanied by Lipan peace emissaries, and detailing need for interpreters, military expenditures, and manifests of goods and services provided to Indians while in transit. In addition, military needs and goals for preservation of peace in Provincias Internas and state of relations with Comanche, Lipan and Mescalero Apaches are discussed. Specific a three week diary of capt. Bustamante's punitive expedition against Comanche horse thieves in Vicinity of Laredo; (f.458-464), a single document by Pedro de Nava which summarizes in detail state of Spanish-Indian relations, providing fairly rich ethnographic data. (J. Carpenter, December 1986)