Recreation (Gambling)

Two Alcaldes ask for Cabello's instructions concerning gambling, and co-habitation by soldiers and village women. Cabello replies and punishments are determined. (D. Coates) (1980)

Testimonies of residencia of busttillos y Zevallos. They are generally favourable and show that he did not abuse authority, that he helped canary islanders settle in Texas and that he did not abuse soldiers or the Indians. He ensured that the latter be instructed in Christian doctrine. Natives testify to this fact in the hearing. (R. Graham) (1979)

Autos formed against Basques accused of theft of cattle from Sanchez. While Palacio is in charge of the new colony as gobernador Sanchez accused Basquez. Martinez is commissioned to make an investigation and to send the conclusions to Palacios. Basquez complains about the procedures because the judge is not questioning Sanchez about his gambling activities. When Sanchez and his sons lost in the game they drive out Basquez without the cattle he won in the game from Sanchez. Gobernador Palacio orders an appraisal of the cattle's value to be paid by Basques. Sanchez and Basques do not agree on the estimates and a third party has to mediate. Palacio states that if Basques refuses to pay he will be embargado. Basques complains to the virrey. (D. Bautista, June 1990)

Tueros asks permission to travel to capital to restore health, finish la reduccion de las reales. Complains that his salary of 40 pesos/month is insufficient, he loses it all gambling. Some documents concerning his wages, salaries of companias Voluntarias. Inquiry into Tueros' involvement in gambling operation. List of charges made against Tueros includes using treasury funds to create gambling establishment in his own house; corrupting people of breeding (states la gente bulgar y pleveya son naturalmente inclinada a estos exercicios F.147), causing mine operators, merchants to lose their fortunes; making 500 pesos/year just in gambling profits. (A. Dean, August 1989)

Documents concern reopening of case against Ramon. Charges brought against Ramon are stated, witnesses testify against him. Libertine life of troops under Ramon's command; gambling among troops and with Ramon; drinking to excess; Ramon employs soldiers illegally in his personal services; and steals cattle from neighboring lands; Ramon's releasing of youth in company Charged with rape; and Ramon's arbitrary use of power to imprison others are all cited against him by the witnesses. Later documents concern Ramon's background and Superior record. Ramon denies all charges against him and gives his reasons for his actions. Ramon describes in detail the soldiers in his service and of their work in his mines and household. He also denies excessive gambling and drinking. (P. Lenz, October 1989)

Legal cause against Castro, indicted for insubordination, gambling and drinking. Testimonies, confession of defendant and transcript of defense. (transcription of testimonies reflect coloquial language). Castro's defense (being drunk), is not accepted. Follows appeal to virrey. He is pardoned under November 9th royal pardon. (T. Kahana. December 1989)

Documents concern information resulting in formal establishment of Santa Barbara. Escandon and others conduct review of residents, Indians, mission, climate, crops and general advantages of area. Includes complete list of all residents and members of Escuadra including names, ages, marital status and property owned. Also, 10 families live around mission with same privileges as those in Villa. Mentions Indian groups in area. Reviewers say Santa Barbara one of most important establishments in Colonia as stop-over place and has most fertile lands and most abundant timber. Provides distances to other Villas. Discussion of moving mission to Alberca which Escandon later approves. Escandon gives instructions for construction of homes and a road to Llera. says gambling and liquor to be outlawed. Contains record of admission of one family to Villa. Provides instructions for administration of both Villa and mission. Contains map, city plan of town including surrounding rivers. (M. Dannemiller, April 1989)

Documents concerning mismanagement of temporal and spiritual resources leveled by bishop of Guadalajara and others against Ramon, interim governor of Coahuila, and vaga, padre comisario. Also, real cedula ordering that viceroy remedy problems in aforementioned province. (J. H. Ochs, December 1987)

Documents present information requested by virrey concerning conditions of troops led to Lampazos by Ugalde. Contains lists of uniforms, armaments and horses. Contains also relacion regarding finance of troops and provisions to each soldier by name. Includes nine testimonies of officers of said troops testifying that there were public card Games in camps, selling of military horses was permitted and soldiers received harsh reprimands and were otherwise mistreated. Vaamonde discusses costs of mules, supplies and maintaining soldiers and asks virrey to supply these funds. Includes accounts of money spent for items sent to troops in Lampazos.(M. Dannemiller, December 1988)