Transportation (Maritime)

Interim gobernador of Californias, Arrillaga, requests a legal opinion (consulta) as to what should be done about neutral ship which put into a Spanish port asking for aid, but then after having received help continued to land at other ports. Final decision is based on treaties, signed in Madrid in 1795, between Spain and United States, and Spain and France. These treaties define territorial limits for navigation and commerce between signatory nations. Royal orders of May 3 and 31, 1792 gave detailed instructions for protection of heartland by coast guard. These contribute to a royal resolution proclaimed on July 15, 1805, which authorized legal seizure (comiso) of ships and cargo of ships of any nation whatsoever that breaks or exceeds boundaries agreed upon in earlier treaties. Most interesting aspect of these documents, including ones to-from virrey of Buenos Aires, is great preoccupation with Anglo-American and-or British incursions into waters of Spanish territories. Opinions are exchanged which fear that many of these ships under pretense of emergency aid are actually engaged in illegal activities such as contraband and-or whaling, fur, or leather trade. (J. M. Johnson, December 1986).

Three deserters, Juan Blanco (espanol Europeo), Juan Bautista (espanol asiatico) and an indio gentil reach presidio of Santa Barbara. Statements are taken from two christians covering details of where ship came from, was going, nature and purpose of trade, repairs, etc. Ship they deserted was Anglo-american mercurio (marcure) engaged in fishing and hunting otter. Captain's name was George Desentory. Three are taken to San Blas for further investigation and indio gentil is baptised Roman catholic. (J. M. Johnson, December 1986).

Gobernador authorizes missionaries to return to colegio de San Fernando de Mexico by ship. Faura served at San Juan Capistrano from 1798 to 1809; Yturrate at San Juan Bautista from 1800 to 1809. Embarked on fragata Princesa at San Diego for San Blas November 17, 1809; arrived Mexico January 22, 1810. Tesoreria general de exercito y real hacienda informs that each one should be 400 give pesos as abono for 66 days of travel. (J. M. Johnson, December 1986).

Comandante Arrillaga reports that four Anglo-american sailors were apprehended off coast by Escolta de San Juan Capistrano. Their ship is believed to be same one which requested water and firewood in spring 1805 around San Luis. Captain Kimbell of Vergantin piacook (peacock) in original and translated letters states purpose of expedition was fur trade and fishing. These four, plus two russians and two Indian deserters from fragata imperial off San Diego, sent to San Blas on fragata Concepcion. Detained in Celaya, awaiting request for funds in silver to take them to Guadalajara. In Celaya, William Webb asks for catechism and catholic baptism which are given him. Prisoners taken to Veracruz to be turned over to authorities of their respective governments. Americans sent to Boston. Lists of expenses kept for prisoners in order for Spanish government to be reimbursed by foreign governments.

Itemized expenditures for 9 individuals in custody from time they leave Alta California aboard fragata Concepcion until day they leave Guadalaxara for Mexico. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Seven Anglo-Americans, one Spaniard and one indio gentil desert american fragata eclipse off San Juan del Cabo. They are apprehended and taken prisioner trying to escape in a cayuco. They are to be returned to their respective countries upon reaching Veracruz via San Blas and Mexico. Americans are sent to new Orleans. Lists of expenses incurred on their behalf are detailed in order to receive payment from their government. In 1807, an Anglo-american captain of ship, maryland of new York, requests permission to make an emergency stop for repairs to his ship. After providing Spanish authorities with a written explanation of damage and good conduct documents from other governments, he is allowed to land. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Procurador general of fernandino missions of Nueva California writes virrey requesting payment of sinodos for year 1809 for 38 missionaries administering 19 missions. Documents verify payment made by Mesa de Memorias y alcances de la contaduria del real tribunal y Audiencia de Cuentas. Correspondence requests disembarkation for Spain of several missionaries ending service in colegio Apostolico de Propaganda Fide de San Fernando missions who sailed from San Diego to San Blas. (J. M. Johnson, November 1986).

Documents from Audiencia de Guadalajara concerning conviction of Juan Antonio Hernandez and others of complicity in theft. Hernandez sentenced to four years in Alta California. Many documents and records concerning his sentence, his transportation to and from Monterrey with his family (via fragatas Concepcion and Princesa), and provisions provided them (ff.444-478, 490, 535-539 deal with Hernandez case and that of Villasenor who Dies in San Blas prison before reaching California). Details of costs incurred by government. Assortment of reports and letters from government officials at Monterrey, San Blas, Guadalajara, and Mexico. Ff. 479-489 and 491-534 concern sentencing of other criminals also to be sent to Alta California as pobladores with their families (M. Vela, T. Prado, J.m.Carrillo, J.c. Simental, R. Ramirez, R. Ruiz, and others). Details about sentences and costs incurred to carry them out. Letter from Arrillaga to viceroy discussing complaints about behavior of criminals sent to Alta California as pobladores (ff. 500-501). Further discussion of this matter by Borbon. Carrillo discusses bad example pobladores sentenced to California present to mission Indians (ff. 515-516). Opinions of other officials in California, Guadalajara, and Mexico on matter of sentencing criminals to be pobladores in Alta California. (S. Fiederlein, 2-3-87)

Series of documents concerning damaged barrel of aguardiente delivered to military outpost in California and whose responsibility loss is. Reports from Menendez of fragata (S. Fiederlein, 1/12/87) Concepcion that delivered barrel saying it was already damaged, and from Habilitado Carcaba certifying barrel was not damaged when sent. Sargento Roca of Piquete reports on delivery of damaged barrel. This and other problems with memorias reported by Arrillaga. Various reports by Gomez and others from real tribunal y Audiencia de cuentas, by fiscal Borbon, and by bachiller. Testimonies on issue by Soler, Carrillo, and Martinez. More correspondence from Roca and Arrillaga. Incomplete report from official at San Blas.

Comandante Arrillaga of Loreto presidio requests reimbursement for supplies provided to ships based in San Blas. Five ships supplied from 1791-1795 (fragata Princesa, Goleta saturnina, Paquebot San Carlos, fragata Concepcion, fragata Aranzazu) and three from 1799 to 1800 (Goleta sutil, balandra Horcasitas, Bergantin activo). Memoranda from various officials discussing matter and how much reimbursement should be. Various financial records concerning provisions to ships and activities at Loreto. Views of officials from real tribunal de cuentas presented (1801). Documents from officials at San Blas. Copies of other supply records to prove Loreto's claim; includes names of officers on ships and some activities while in port (ff. 242-258). Final rulings made (1817). (S. Fiederlein, 12-15-86)