Summary of a letter written by Salinas Varona describing San Denis' travel in Texas 1713-1717. (R. Graham) (1979)

(Robert H. Jackson) (1980)

The diary recounts a sea voyage along the coast of California, leaving the bay of San Bernabe with a final destination of San Diego, although the diary ends before this point is reached. The customs, language, and technology of Indians, who came to the ship by canoe as well as those which were reached by landing parties are discussed. Description is highly detailed with regard to some aspects of dress and body ornamentation. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Correspondence between viceroy, Garces and de Anza concerning Garces's explorations in upper Colorado River with attachment of letters from fray Escalante about Zunis and area in case Garces travels to New Mexico from Colorado River. Accounts by de Anza on expedition to California, his turning command over to comandante Moncada, refusal of Moncada to travel to San Francisco to explore area for establishment of presidio and missions, de Anza travels with teniente Moraga, one priest and eight soldiers to explore San Francisco bay. de Anza gives an rich description of bay with its good soil, abundance of water, pastures, and wild animals and fish, meeting with Indians who fish with nets and use of balses made with reeds to cross bay and fish. de Anza does not name Indians but describes them as gentle. He also describes area to be rich with woods from which construction of fort would be easy. de Anza establishes places where missions and presidio should be built returning to Monterrey where he requests meeting with Moncada without success. Serra meets with Anza preoccupied with moncadas' attitude with friars and families from Sinaloa, teniente Moraga in letter to Anza believes comandante Moncada has lost his mind which results in his not wanting to follow planned agenda. Documents about rebellion in San Diego are not very clear, de Anza also describes desertions of some muleskinners and two soldiers who steal some horses and moragas capture of desertors in Gila where de Anza punishes them with laboring in construction of presidio and missions in San Francisco. Anza informs viceroy about Garces return to Colorado River leaving him foodstuffs for his sustenance as Anza returns, also fray Exiarc returns with Anza to Tumacacori mission. Capitan Palma and three Yumas with accordance with his people attaches himself to Anza to travel to Mexico. Viceroy answers Anza letting him know he is displeased as Anza did not finish his comission as he left before construction of fort and missions began. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Documents from to viceroy in regards to arrival to Havana and Veracruz of families from canary islands, lists of names, lists of supplies problems with diseases and deaths of members, desertions and overall happenings during travel to Texas where such families will be established. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Three detachments in field against rebels. First, under Gallo, encounters no rebels. Second, under Bergosa, encounters group of Seris killing one warrior while other escapes to Tiburon in a Balsa. 5 women, 4 children taken prisoner. Third, under Anza, attacks Rancheria of capitan Vipisy, killing 17 women, children, capturing 10. Only 3 warriors there, who escape. Rest out hunting or rustling cattle. Elizondo reiterates efficacy of new military tactic of keeping 2-3 detachments of 50 soldiers each infield all the time. (T. Sheridan) (1980)

French trespassing into the Tejas provinces by San Dionis under pretext of buying livestock for Luisiana. They are believed to be looking for more land to occupy and trade with the Indians. Translation of San Dionis observations and map from San Juan presidio to Diego Ramon's at the Rio Grande cause Audiencia general to approve the establishing of missions in the Tejas provinces in order to maintain control over the Indians there. Descriptions of fertile lands and friendly Indians. Trade is to be stopped with the French. Supply lists and salary expenses for military escort for missionaries. Ramon and Espinosa travel from Saltillo to the Tejas or Asinai provinces with 75 people comprising of soldiers, missionaries and civilian men, women and children. They travel from February to April and establish 4 missions. Heads of 4 missions declare supplies needed to equip Indian nations absorbed by missions listed. (E. Wilson, March 1990)

Military personnel and civilians are sworn to testify in response to questions on; how they heard of the French trespassing the Colorado River into Spanish territory; when they first heard of it; how much land they believe the French have occupied; and what outposts or presidios the French may have built on said land (ff. 163 - 171). Ratifications (ff. 171 - 180). Indian interpreter relates French trade activity with the Indians. Spaniards describe black slave mistreatment by the French and consider their potential to become loyal Spanish subjects. Junta de guerra y hacienda considers weight of testimonies and action to be taken, if any (ff. 208 - 215). French crown has paid multilingual spies planted, which the Spaniards condemn. (E. Wilson, December 1989)

Concerns reports by Escandon and others concerning conditions in Altamira and feasibility of official establishment as Villa. Contains review of mission, Fabricas, Indians, land, climate and distances from Altamira to other Villas along frontera. Contains complete lists of families, Escuadra and all property. Mentions conditions established for residents and their obligation to stay in Altamira. Mentions financial support for Villa. says peaceful relations with Indians who receive corn rations from Altamira. Cyprian says location is perfect, good land, easy transportation on rivers, abundant fish and other reasons. Recommends uniting with Panuco and Tampico to secure the coast. says temperate with few Mosquitos. Also mentions cultivation of Calabazas. Instructions by Escandon for future activity such as building of homes, treatment of Indians and church construction. Contains city plan including rivers surrounding Villa. (M. Dannemiller, March 1989)

Documents concerning Ortiz Parrilla's expedition against Seris. Includes Correa's physical description of Isla del Tiburon; Ortiz Parrilla's discussion of condition of province, and military plans, indictment of Rodriguez Gallardo's plans vis-a- Vis Seris and Rodriguez Gallardo's rebuttal and countercharges. Also, testimony concerning condition of Seris after expedition. (J. H. Ochs, November 1987)