A very involved suit between the marques de la Penuela and Cuerbo y Valdes; charges against Valdes by councilmen and soldiers, that during his entire governorship he had altered the accounts and unfairly paid them low prices for their merchandise; that he was guilty of tyranny, extracting forced labor from residents by threatening them with hanging; that he was a violent man, a number of whose servants and slaves wished to leave him. Also, at the time of the assumption of the governorship by the marques, the handing over of the power was accompanied by violent disagreement between himself and Valdes as to who should pay certain expenses. There is also a charge that the marques was the instigator of an Apache raid on livestock of Valdes. The papers here are incomplete and the outcome of the suit is not given. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Discusses animal life of California, including domestic and wild animals, birds, some insects, sea creatures, and plant life, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, trees. Also remarks on minerals. Generic, rather than scientific names are used. The author frequently made distinctions between species and described the qualities and use of almost all species listed. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Notification on a plague of locust; with a detailed physical description of the insect (especially the mouth), and a description of their eating habits, including the types of plants they prefer. (R. Perez) (1977)

Mention of search for missionary for Bacoachi Apaches; still funding problem. Escalante has store of corn, wheat seed he plans to ration weekly to Apaches, but grain has weevils (gorgojo la palomilla), other insects in it; longer he stores it, more is wasted by pests, mildew. Problems distributing grain. Letter relating services Escalante has performed in management of Bacoachi Apaches; all duties as comisionado described in detail. Echeagaray, others certify that Escalante speaks Apache, is honest, well-qualified. (A. Dean, may, 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)