Sugar Cane

Copy of Series of documents forwarded to captain general of the new kingdom of Leon, to various viceroys and to the king, reporting Indian depredations and describing military garrisons, ranches, crops, settlements churches, missionaries and population. It includes a report of January 11, 1735 to the viceroy describing Indian tribes and settlements of the new kingdom of Leon. (Bexar precis). Also discusses architecture of churches, in particular the one at Monterrey. (R. Graham) (1979)

Index of letters that are included in this Series; Bonavia establishes duty on goods entering the port of Sonora, models it on San Blas duty at meeting of junta provisional de real hacienda; letter from virrey acknowledging receipt of above letter; intendent of Guadalaxara receives information on meeting of junta provisional; long letter furnishing information on the regulations, rights, and other details of the process by which duties are Charged in San Blas, letter divided into 28 capitulos which in general discuss; the distinction between duties and taxes and the related question of jurisdiction, economic motivation for their imposition and effect on commerce and prices, importation of cotton from Panama and foreign producers and a complete list of the duties Charged on this merchandise. Cites the increased costs being suffered because of the revolution in the context of seeking additional revenue, cites the benefits to the port of San Blas because of the increase in commerce, mention made of the taxes and duties Charged on goods that are foreign but have gone through Spain before coming into the Americas, more specifically there are different rates on foreign goods that have been espanolizado depending on which american port they enter, San Blas has a privileged status in this regard; second half of letter titled derecho de entreda, duros de internacion , up until capitulo 12 has a description of duty Fee percentages, the prestamo patriotico is reduced by 1/2 percent for those who pay duties, comparison of these rates with those in Lima - compare favorably, virrey has stated that the charging of these duties should be arranged so as to most resemble reglamento Al comercio Libre del Ano de 1778, lists the taxes that will be paid on foreign goods that first are espanolizados and pass through Guatemala, Santa Fe, and Peru before passing through the port of San Blas, analysis in the change of these taxes with those that had been inuse before, lists the commodities that will be Charged duties, last part of letter goes into the context of the situation as justification for these new taxes and lastly cites all the names of those who were part of the junta general and were witness to these new changes. (O. Velez, September 1989)

Gonzalez Santianes defends himself against accusations of failing been a long history of Indian hostilities in the area dating long before his command. Contends that Indians in area have been reduced, but that they continually engage in robberies against missions because missionaries often renig on promises of payment for labor services, and otherwise mistreat Indians. Contends that frequency and level of raids under his administration have been exagerrated, and that all such acts have been adequately responded to with military force. (A. Tukey, July 1989)

Testimonies on state of missions in Nuevo Santander provide of Indians at mission and identification of their ethnic group, number of Indians christianized, inventory of livestock, political offices held by Indians, amount of land owned, description of agricultural production, quality of soil, rainfall or irrigation specified. Mention of group of Sierra tamualipan Vieja, mention of Mesquites' participation in dances, Mitotes, drinking, and Peyote use, and also past harmful behavior before making peace. Robbery by several Indian groups. Discussion of need for more soldiers to punish Indians who stray from towns and missions. Possibilities of use of cotton and sugar Cane. Also provides information of number of soldiers stationed at missions, military expenses for salaries and supplies, sinodo expenses, and commercial endeavors such as sale of hides. (L. L. Woodward, may 1989)

Corbalan states not enough sugar Cane in provinces to make aguardiente. Since Mescal is regional drink, requests permission to make, regulate Mescal instead. Croix refuses request. Warns drunkenness among Indians must be prevented. (T. Sheridan, 1976)

Detailed descriptions of Nayarit and native inhabitants, with especially rich account by covarribias (ff. 66-69). Includes accounts of phonetics and grammatical structure of Indian language, Indian diet, general nature of Indians, and problems facing their conversion to christianity. Also describes geography, climate, fruits and vegetation, and wildlife (especially problems with vampire bats) of Nayarit. Concludes with Series of pleas to viceroy for payment of reparations for damage caused to Indian lands and life by conquest and governorship of Flores de San Pedro. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Plans by Gonzalez del Castillo to increase production of Fondo Piadoso haciendas and related fiscal correspondence. Exceptionally detailed accounts of climate, livestock management, irrigation techniques, and labor problems. Includes descriptions of miserable living conditions and personal nature of hacienda laborers and servants, and related problems with low labor output, contraband, servant indebtedness, and degenerating morality. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Main body of documents consists of letter from Gonzalez del Castillo appraising present and future conditions of haciendas owned by Fondo Piadoso as well as prospects for their leasing to private managers. Gonzalez del Castillo argues against such leasing as this practice by other religious organizations has led to personal enrichment of managers and decreased hacienda productivity. (A. Tukey, July 1988)