Silver

Padre Lauria writes to padre provincial, Andres Xavier Garcia, narrating scandalous activities of one padre Martin Ballauta who has been working Yaqui missions without licence, has found or stolen some silver and is living with women and creating a political problem. (R. Divis) (78)

Neuman notes decline of presidios due to shortage of soldiers but doesn't feel there is risk of a new uprising in the region. Discusses Carichic church and notes that more than 1000 pesos of silver stolen 2 years ago. Mentions need for corn to feed Indians. States that more than 700 families inhabit four pueblos of his mission. (T. Sheridan) (1979)

Labaquera's reports to king concerning- 1) military force of 40 necessary to protect miners, prevent fraud, reopen Pimeria Alta silver mines discovered 1738; 2) importance Cabo San Lucas to Manilla trade, threat English piracy; 3) exploration Rio Colorado by Kino, Sedelmayer, Consaq; importance further exploration because of possible French settlement/utilization Colorado, possible route to sea, renewed English interest northwest Passage, reduction/conversion indios barbaros; 4) Apaches range, raids, ineffectiveness Spanish cavalry against mountain people, need for force 200 mountaineers, description necessary weapons/tactics, plans for reduction Apaches, problems presidios, including predominance Inferior mulato soldiers, prevalence gambling, corruption captains, need for reforms in wage payment, advocates land grants to presidial soldiers. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Review of events of discovery of silver in Pimeria Alta area and subsequent regulation of mining activity. (R. Davis) (1977)

A review, by the lawyer of the council of Indies, of the events transpiring since announcement of discovery of silver in Pimeria Alta area- primarily administrative information; reports that have been sent, when received and current status. (R. Davis) (1977)

Viceroy Juan Antonio de Vizarron y Eguiarreta relays testimony taken by Audiencia of Guadalajara verifying discovery of silver in Pimeria Alta. (R. Davis) (1977)

Report by fiscal of Audiencia in Mexico City to crown confirming discoveries of silver and asserting the legal position of the royal authorities to regulate all future mining. (R. Davis) (1977)

Lengthy presentation mining law/technology/geological treasure or from mine. Because of distance, viceroy, fiscal decide to leave judgment up to Anza. Mentions that Yaqui (Hiaqui) Indian first discovered silver. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Account contradictory assays to determine whether silver balls from Arizona from natural vein or treasure. Viceroy's belief silver probably natural. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

King requests more information concerning silver discoveries Pimeria Alta. Reminds viceroy Crespo's unfavorable account territory/Indians (Apaches, Moquis, 12 other nations) between Pimeria, New Mexico. Reiterates need for junta to consider benefits/expenses northern expansion. (T. Sheridan) (1976)