Silver Mining

Series of documents about discovery of two new silver mines. Discussion of salaries for workers, food provisions, and possibility of increasing number of people in area. Mention that mine owners not happy with Ugarte's decision to have workers paid daily, for operating expenses may be equal or higher than profit. They prefer to pay salario ajustado. there is also description of size of mines, and amount of mercury needed to operate them. There is also mention that with discovery of mines there would be an increase in population resulting in fewer Apache raids. Discussion that several merchants have established in the area in order to sell goods to miners. (J. Tapia, March, 1988)

(S. Gibbs, September 1987)

Concerns priests'fulfillment of mission duties: education of indians, religious functions. Mentions governor's previous request to leave office due to failing health, conflicts with local tribes. Contracts, uniforms to be sent to capital. Discovery of 30 veins of silver at Helquera. (L. Deatherage, July 1987)

Request to build a presidio in Sonora, orders to find best location to serve Sinaloa and Sonora against Indian attacks. (A. Dell'acqua, March 1987)

Cancio on assuming office of gobernador discusses topics presidios, particularly Sacramento and Bejar; discovery of new mines, San Jose de la Sierra Madre, near Santa Rosa presidio most productive; Lucas y Laraga appointed administrator of mines, discussion of economic, defense and technological problems of silver mining, including long section on drainage; Mescalero attacks and theft of livestock; F. 242, letter from Ximenez to Cancio describing Apache attack on San Sava and thanking him for defense of missionaries and Indians; ff. 249-251, detailed lists of food, supplies, equipment, clothing received as emergency aid to presidio families and soldiers; office of governor turned over to Ortiz Parrilla. (J. M. Johnson, January 1987)