Visitas (Civil)

Series of unnumbered letters from Vaamonde to virrey conde that interpret royal announcement relating to religious institutions, sending of 7 converted Indians under escort of 3 soldiers to be presented to the virrey during his visit to capital of Nuevo Leon, request that the virrey provide Indian converts with food and transportation, Vaamonde's anxiety that false rumors about him may be the cause of his not getting the promotion to Coronel de Infanteria del ejercito, improvement in the status of his province and once again the promotion. (O. Velez, November 1988)

Correspondence concerning: proposed and actual 'visitas' by Ossorio, accounts of 'alcavalas' collected, how much, from whom; arrest of five captains for unnamed crimes, pursuit of suspect in murder case; mention of receipt of testimony concerning commerce between Spain and Luisiana; antiguo and moderno squadrons of Nuevo Santander listed, including number of captains, sergeants, subalternos and soldiers, where stationed; brief mention of mining in various towns; several letters concerning Palacio's impending departure, 'grave accidente' he experienced in Aguayo, how Indians carrying him, updates on health; letters from Rubio stating that information on troops, salaries en route, also concerning structuring of squadrons, that was satisfied with Palacio's work, itinerary of Palacio's departure route. (L. Kerr, October 1988)

Correspondence from Mariscal de Campo to Croix concerning 'visitas' to various towns and business attended to therein, such as collection of taxes; several brief letters stating that visita had gone well, no details included; others concerning how Mariscal dealt with murder of Indian; regarding treatment of Indians at certain missions, importance of spiritual training, conversion to and marriage of Indians according to Christian faith, 'repartimiento' of clothing among Indians; concerning Mariscal's organization of compania volante and associated squadrons, appeals for financing from real hacienda, nomination of suitable officers, relacion indicating structure, salaries, 'destinos' of compania once officially formed; regarding visitas to all squadrons of province, requests for adjustments to captains' salaries; discussing problems incurred in navigating certain rivers due to winds, tidal shifts, effects on local economy, Mariscal incorporates information on issue collected from 'peritos'; concerning granting of permission to foreign vessels to dock at ports; regarding discovery of new passages in old mines, statement of ownership and description of deposits. (L. Kerr, October 1988)

Correspondence concerning observations made by Mariscal de Campo while visiting Villas in Nuevo Santander; comments on mines inspected in Tamaulipa, recommendations for various modifications in mining procedures and policies; Mariscal informs of illegally imported tobacco confiscated by his men; describes state of hacienda de Dolores where Indians receive little religious education, stresses need for such influence as well as for proper protection of Indians by all missions; itemizes taxes and other money collected at each town for real hacienda; Mariscal's companion in charge of 'repartimiento'; both men involved in selection of gobernador Interino. (L. Kerr, October 1988)

Documents include signed testimonios from hacienda owners and administrators in Nuevo Leon promising to 'pasar el Correo' from hacienda to hacienda between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi, since pueblos so far apart, explanation by governor of how this would be accomplished; letters from governor informing virrey of provincial affairs, requesting assistance on certain matters, including civil military affairs, Indian relations, disappearance of squadron commander, problems created, regarding possible British invasion, collection of a new tax, that departure for 'Corte' and to visit various 'companias' delayed due to tertian fever and several relapses; copy of virrey's statement granting establishment of monthly 'correo' between Saltillo and San Luis Potosi. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Crespo informs virrey that intendent has not carried out inspection of mines due to cost. (J. H. Ochs, September 1987)

Documents between Belena an viceroy regarding various issues in provinces of Sinaloa and Sonora of which inspecting of mines to control usage of gunpowder was primary issue. Also, establishment of official selling of gunpowder, tobacco and playing cards was achieved. Belena also established site for a Caja Marca due to discovery of gold in Sinaloa to assure royal fifth and usage of this monies to pay for expedition to California by visitador Galvez, purchasing and transportation of corn for presidios and families being established in such presidios. Also, documents regarding attacks by Pimas to towns and ranches, Belena gathers a small army to punish perpetrators. Curious documents regarding expedition to California of French scientists to study the Passage of venus and the sun (eclipse?). (A. Dell'acqua, may 1988)

Letters from Gutierrez de la Riva to virrey concerning employment petition as visitador en la Renta del Tabaco. Letters from Lama, Vazquez, Bohorquez and others supporting de la Riva's petition.

Letter of padre Lauria to padre Echevaria stating that he has received Echevarias letter and is concerned about report of visitador to governor. Also mentions some silver mining and shipments to Chiguagua. (R. Davis) (78)

Report by hacienda real concerning alleged misappropriation of funds and misrepresentation of mission operations by society of Jesus missionaries. Visitador Galvez accuses Peninsular Californian priests of embezzling money from crown by claiming expenses on non-existant presidios, missions and Indian labor. Galvez charges mis-use of funds in many frontier provinces of New Spain, California, Cinaloa and Sonora. Attached are statements supporting charges. Also, note on Margin states that testimony was taken on November 18, 1773. (D. Miller) (1978)