Sheep

Correspondence in which Emparan informs virrey of poor relations with Indians of province, deteriorating further due to drought and famine in region; Indians stealing, killing horses, cattle, sheep from Ranchos, haciendas and presidios, also killing, taking hostage civilians and military personnel; 2 'estados' listing occurrences of Indian attacks, numbers of men, women, children, domestic animals killed or taken (folios 192, 209-211); in discussing dilemmas, Emparan tells virrey 'mi Pluma Es mui devil para pintar lo que padese Mi Espiritu,' drought so severe that often residents have only Mescal to consume, that Indian incursions endanger farmers proceeding with cultivation of corn, other crops, additionally burdening area's food supply; Emparan assembles troop to search out, kill Indians responsible, appoints interim governor; limited success, incursions continue, Young Boy escapes from Indians, identifies leaders for Emparan (continued in following folios). (L. Kerr, February 1989)

Documents contain information sent to virrey, his response and acknowledgement of instructions regarding defense in Texas and Coahuila. Chimariguanes request peace. Land to be distributed to them where they may cultivate and can be easily monitored. Santiago is told of limited water supplies on land and asked to approve it. Relates details of incursions experienced in area. Concerns incident in which sheepherders foil Indians' attempt to steal horses but lose 200 sheep in process. Virrey orders troops from Coahuila and Texas to work together. Sierra Gorda says he can't spare troops because the number is already insufficient and the lack of troops in Texas has allowed losses of cattle and destruction of crops. Virrey stresses need for cooperation and restates order. Contains description of Indian raids by town. Serna presents diaries of expeditions. Serna recovers stolen property, takes several prisoners and presents Munoz with several ears which he displays on the Picota. (M. Dannemiller, November 1988)

Concerns dispute over mission grazing land. Complaint by missionaries that populations encroaching on mission pastures. Lack of irrigation; only resource of population is cattle raising. Concern of cattle in regards to salt petre formation and sheep pasturing. Attested that population assigned escessive lands and that cattle must be well treated. Need to settle people according to the laws. Favorable environment for cattle described in area around rivers. Land between Tamaulipas assigned to populations. Testimonies on legitimacy of land titles and marking of boundaries; use of land and existence of soldiers to protect from enemy Indians and escort cattle. Request of land from missions for soldiers; need for resolution about 30 lots. Description of earlier settlement, division of land, problems with Indians, military occupation, raising of cattle and sheep. Affirmation that land belongs legally to missions. (L. L. Woodward, October 1988)

Concerns division and distribution of Reynera hacienda lands and livestock among settlers which belong to California missions. (L. L. Woodward, may 1989)

Documents discussing contributions given by various people to cazique summa for tools and oxen for the land of San Lorenzo, mention of tools and beasts given by Cuellar. Notarized documents concerning management of public funds by capitulares of Cavildo and deputies of commerce and mines of Chihuahua funds to be used as ordered by Cuellar while he is absent in expedition against Indians. Tunon appointed as temporary governor on Cuellar's absence. Documents stating man-power of Cuellar's troops for expedition and his plans to examine land on frontiers of Nueva Vizcaya. Testimonies giving detailed description of auction of sheep, of bidders, prizes and money gained - will be used for extraction of water, also mention of scarcity of cattle meat. Cuellar expresses doubts about effectiveness of such action. (M. Vasquez, July 1988)

Correspondence concerning discussion of defective artillery received by Cuellar, of donations given by inhabitants of Parras and Mapimi for expedition against Indians, and of donations not yet given by Lasaga. Mention of need of priest for Cuellar's expedition and of visitas to check upon royal wealth in Chihuahua. Documents by cabildo dealing with supply, auction, price and distribution of sheep in Chihuahua -money from sale of sheep to be used to develop water supply. nomination of three candidates to replace Cuellar as governor of Tarahumara and Tepehuan while Cuellar goes away on expedition. (M. Vasquez, June 1988)

Anza's written orders to Almacenero of Santa Fe for gift goods to be given to emissaries, and/or auxiliaries of Comanche, Navajo, Lipan tribes. (J. H. Ochs, may 1988)

Informe to viceroy about problems of miners in Parral with Indian incursions. Account of deaths of soldiers and civilians, destruction of ranches, abductions of children; difficulties in continuing to mine silver and gold in area due to lack of protection and supplies. (A. Dell'acqua, December 1987)

Viceroy Croix orders civilian authorities of area to end disputes over water rights. Documents and dispositions go back and forth as ranches belong to two different municipalities. Owner of ranch claims cattle drink water from his ojo de agua which is reserved for his sheep; believed that if cattle drinks from same water sheep will die. (A. Dell'acqua, December 1987)

Documents relate to charging diesmos by padre doctrinero of Presas del Rey, viceroy requests investigation as town charter exempt diesmos when town founded. Citizens and officials relate historical, ethnographical details of towns. Visitador Palacios imposes diesmos, copy of document issued by Santianer setting and directing payment of diesmos by all in Santander province under penalty of jail and excommunication if not obeyed. List with stated amounts to be paid by each citizen. Also, a list of Arancel de Curato issued by bishop. Capitan Blanco documents differences of diesmos in province complaining of excesses by some priests, Blanco called to northern frontier to stop Indian incursions and investigation comes to a halt. Fiscal mayor requests reimbursement of expenses incurred by Blanco which are approved by viceroy. (A. Dell'acqua, September 1987)