Ships

Letters concerning destinations, nomination of Naval officers, and priests for ships el Paquebot, el Principe and San Carlos, bound for presidios of Monterrey, and San Diego. In a letter dated August, 1779, it states that war has been declared on the nacion britanica. (R. Gomez, October 1988)

Discussion of establishment of junta de justicia related to tobacco contraban. Mention of Malte who has gone to Texas to collect bills and finance church of Bucareli, also inhabitants of Bucareli ask for a priest. Various letters giving detailed description of shipwreck of French brigantine. Discussion of losses suffered by fire in presidio del Orquizac. Petition by Cazorla for title of lieutenant general. (M. Vasquez, April 1988)

Preparations Elizondo expedition-1) arrival infantry San Blas from Guaymas 5/18. 2) dispatchment second compania volante from Guaymas to Terrenate under captain Vildosola 5/23; division first compania volante between Pitic, Buenavista presidios. (T. Sheridan, 1976)

Corbalan's letter to Croix describes silver mining areas and discoveries of gold and silver and control of gold. Cornelio depopulated because of lack of water though rich in gold. Soldiers of Altar find gold in Aguas Frias. Aid of rations to compania de fusileros, but need to avoid expenses; transport costs, baker must be paid by compania; lack of uniforms complained of. Transport of troops by ship and details on carrying water; describes poor maritime transport service on pacific coast. Letter confirms completion of expedition; discusses availability of rations on ship for infantry. Yaquis don't grow food and need rations. Concerns inspection and salary payment of dragones de Espana y Mexico and participation in expediton. (L. L. Woodward, August 1988)

Informs Croix Panocha, meat, lard, tallow, soap sent to California aboard schooner (Goleta) Nuestra Senora de Pilar. (T. Sheridan, 1976)

Tienda reports ship is one of those traveling to California, not an enemy ship. People are exaggerating greatly. (J. Tapia, April, 1988).

Possible enemy ship seen in the coast. Soldiers are sent to investigate. Mention it is possibly from England since two countries are at war. Expeditions against Indians suspended until further notice. In Culiacan troop is being formed to protect the coast from attack. Weapons and gunpowder being collected. Also mention that due to an epidemic some soldiers cannot be of much assistance. (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)

Concerns events related to Elizondo's expedition; participation of the catalonian volunteers; their assignments in California; fighting at Cerro Prieto; supplying troops for assignments; troop movements and relocations to area around San Blas; most of documents relate to relocation of combined force of members of the catalonian volunteers and the regiment of America, who were ordered southward to a garrison near Tepic; the collection includes many interesting details about their sea voyage and March; including notes on misfortunes caused by storms; food; and inflated prices. It illustrates the significant problems of troop movement between central New Spain and frontier. (J. Williams, September 1987)

Concerns debt owed to real hacienda by Gallego in Nueva California; sale of Mezcal in Santiago Papasquiaro and hopes to stop illegal sale; request for gun powder for provinces for year concerns when Garibay began receiving his salary for San Bernardino capitancy; order about punishment of soldiers not wearing uniforms. Marini's letter to Mayorga discussing his merits and trip from Havana and virrey's response asking Croix to be of service to Marini. Concerns pension for Martinez' wife and discussion of discounts and Martinez' salary; also concerns Munis' wife's pension and sending salary to Spain. Concerns shipment of canons to Santa Barbara and shipment of money and supplies to California presidios. Mentions importance of ships in providing aid to vast area. Concerns licencias of useless individuals in Faxes' company. Concerns quality of postal service and documents to be provided by administrator. (L. L. Woodward, June 1988)