Slaves (Freeing)

Maria torno gives freedom to Lucia, a 15 year old ^negra criolla^ slave. (T. Barnes) (1976)

Begins with review of previous testimonies and conclusions drawn. All witnesses believe Colorado River to be the boundary between the two territories. Barrio believes Misisipi (Sic) River to be boundary. Testimonies are considered hearsay and not conclusive. Governor of Texas deems necessary to establish boundary between territories and move French presidios from la Isleta to Nachitos. Questions discussed; engineer to survey boundaries, squadron of 20 soldiers and one official to observe the French, wine and aguardiente trade with French, 36 French companies each of 50 men and 100 swiss men, slaves fleeing French masters, Frenchman San Denis bestowing titles of rank on Indians in Spanish territory, French lenguarazes in Spanish territory. French are described as machinaciones, wanting to trade with anyone and that the only way to control them is by populating presidios with more Spaniards. Ff. 253 - 264 junta de guerra y hacienda discusses same as aforementioned including; one-third advance on pay to soldiers; governor of Texas to determine amount of land usurped by French, names of French towns and presidios established on Spanish territory. All witnesses believe the French occupied lands from 1734 - 36, no new towns have been built, French trade gunpowder, clothing, etc.., with Indians in Texas. Many Indian tribes ally with the Texas Indians and the French. These same Indians consider the Spanish the enemy. Ff. 264 - 275 junta de guerra y hacienda discuss and resolve the following eight points. The governor of Texas should inform commander of Nachitos to return to his Side of the Colorado River, the boundary. The governor will not be sent engineers to map and restore usurped land. A twenty-man squadron with one official will not be sent to the San Pedro River to observe the French. No decision yet as to whether the Texas squadron will be reinforced as the Nueva Veracruz squadron, only a break in relations could decide that. Wine and aguardiente trade with the French desired due to the cold winters is prohibited. Decree proclaiming black French slaves free is prohibited as provocation of the French. Spanish Indians in Texas are not prohibited to trade with the French as the Spanish want to keep the Indians happy and possibly sway the Indians to trade with the Spanish. The second part of this point decides to prohibit the French from bestowing titles of rank on Spanish Indians. The final point permits the French lenguarases to remain in Spanish territory so as not to provoke the French. (E. Wilson, January 90)

Concerns Series of documents dealing with the construction of a church in Teul. Indians who are building the church asked their freedom in exchange for free labor they are providing. Indian auxiliaries from Teul solicit the grant of land for favors provided to the king in the conquest of Nayarit (document gives account of the events in which Indians helped the captain fighting Indian enemies in Nayarit. (M. Marroquin, July 1989)

Documents relating to promotions of military personnel in various areas of Provincias Internas. Treatment of junior officers by judicial authorities, wealthy persons in Provincias Internas. Orders by king and viceroy dealing with escaped black slaves from other foreign areas to be freed when they take refuge in Provincias Internas. Revocation of orders to suppress minor convents of order of mercy; collection of money for redemption of captives. (A. Dell'acqua, November 1987)

Informe about ambush by Apaches of Pueblo of Acoma. Sargento Iribarri follows and captures Navajos with families in Sierra Acoma. Navajos claim they are peaceful and sent to Pueblo de Laguna for better control of group. Diaz Hurtado describes battle in Xemes and extraordinary valor of two defenders. General report from governor about rebellion and rescue of women kept as slaves by Navajos; policy about Navajos issued. (A. Dell'acqua, June 1987)

Documents concerning enslavement of Chichimec Indians and Indians from Sinaloa, New Mexico and Nueva Leon, requesting king to issue cedula freeing these Indians and prosecuting slave sellers. Also, note that Maos from China also enslaved and sold. Includes correspondence from fiscal Haro y Monterroso and from Audiencia de Guadalajara. (T. Sheridan) (1979)