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).

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.

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).

Boston merchants request pasaporte for Anglo-Americano fragata alexander de boston to enter Spanish ports. Ship arrives at San Diego seven months later in February 1803 and is provisioned by Spaniards with water, cattle and salt. On board 492 otter skins pieles de nutria are discovered which are confiscated as contraband (fur trade was forbidden to foreigners). Captain Brown says that two people, perhaps indios gentiles were responsible. Comandante tries to determine how, from where, by whom furs were brought on board and if they were purchased or exchanged for supplies. Information relayed to virrey. Further documents deal with correspondence with fiscal contaduria mayor del real tribunal y Audiencia de Cuentas de Mexico. Letter written to virrey about repairing, preserving and selling skins to public to benefit real hacienda (royal treasury). (J. M. Johnson, November 1986)

Letter from Castro to virrey concerning measures to prevent illegal trade in Texas with French, American merchants. (J.H. Ochs, March 1988)

Concerns illegal act of american captain who left 11 people, including one woman on shore near Monterrey, against will of governor of Californias; the 11 are sent to San Blas, then Marched to Veracruz, where they are to be sent to Habana and subsequently back to their native countries, as commanded by virrey; one Dies of illness on March, one flees on board portuguese ship in San Blas, six go on to Habana while three remain behind in Veracruz, requesting to be converted to catholicism and incorporated into Spanish realm; those remaining behind include an Englishman, Prichard, and bostonian Husband and wife, Andres and Juana Lambert; questions arise as to whether Juana is also married to another man, serious investigation ensues, conclusion is she has always been married board by Daw and prices; ff. 433, request in English for conversion, catholic marriage and repatriation signed by by drink, Andres not her legitimate Husband; ff. 556-9, question their fidelity to crown and church; ff. 574-586, personal letters from Andres to Juana used as evidence of their faithful marriage; further documentation includes Series of testimonies by military commanders on road from Tepic to Mexico that captives had been given no reason to complain of bad treatment, and final decision of virrey to give lamberts choice between Spain and Baja California as ultimate place of residence. (D. J. McClelland, June, 1988)

(Actual documents appear later in volume, ff. 404-616). (D. J. McClelland, June 1988)