(thoric cederstrom) (1980)

(thoric cederstrom) (1980)

Diego de Vargas informs the viceroy of the precarious among the natives; the settler population has been decimated by an epidemic, with the loss of Vital personnel such as soldiers, and others of frontier experience; there are insufficient domestic animals for the working of the land, resulting in great hardship for the residents, making them susceptible to sickness; the discovery of a metal deposit, hoped to attract immigrants, has produced disappointing results. (Lloyd Kendall) (1980)

Diego de Vargas writes to viceroy transmitting facts concerning lack of supplies (agricultural and military) in certain missions and presidios. The information comes from fray Francisco Vargas' letters. He explains situation of families and lack of proper tools for irrigation and sewing crops. He describes certain metal assays he has done which have possibility of being lucrative. He closes by reafirming the immediacy of the need for delivery of arms and munitions. (John Zilboorg) (1980)

(R. Davis) (1980)

Account of an expedition undertaken with Franciscans into the north of Nueva Viscaya. Much ethnographic information of Chichimecos (naked gatherers) and Pueblo Indians (including their architecture, agriculture, animal husbandry, population figures. (R. Perez) (1977)

Review of colonization, missionization of Provincia de Texas from time of Alonso de Leon to 1716. Texas, Caodaches Indians described as mas politica in province, sowing many crops. Population of area estimated to be un million. Indian groups between Coahuila and the land of Texas Indians listed (See 201). Texas Indians belief in afterlife briefly described. Missionaries claimes that early soldiers set bad example for Texas Indians, mistreating them and stealing their women. Franciscan missionary efforts delineated. Texas disatisfaction with Spaniards, abandonment of missions in 1693 noted. French trade with Indians mentioned. Texas Indians had 11 pueblos, chocta (choctaw) Indians outside of Movila had 32, Nache Indians had 11. Flora, fauna, agriculture of eastern Texas described, where Indians caultibando la tierra con las quixadas de los benados. Indians live in wooden houses, sleep on raised beds and farm en Comun. Indian enemies of Texas- Apaches, Yojuanes, Cubipanes, Canas- noted. Absence of pulgue, otras bebidas, but presnece of Peyote among Texas Indians mentioned. Province continually described as very fertile. Indian use of wild fruits, walnuts, acorns noted. Lead mines near Texas Indians mentioned. Force of 60 soldiers needed for conquest, colonization of Texas, to be gathered from other presidios of Nueva Vizcaya. Apparently, fiscal doesn't think much of idea. Excellent summary of early Texas history, including Leon, Ramon entradas. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

San Denis authorized by French authorities in Louisiana to travel to Texas to buy livestock (9/12/1713). He and 24 French canadians go from Louisiana to presidio del Norte. Capitan Ramon sends Frenchmen to Mexico City. Spaniards take San Denis' declaracion of his journey, noting his encounters with various Indian groups, especially Texas Indians (6/6/1715). Fiscal (8/15/1715) informs virrey of situation, implying that San Denis is French Spy. Junta de guerra (8/22/1715) discusses French threat and recommends reestablishment of missions among Texas Indians. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

A succinct geographical description of the important economic, agricultural and mining regions from the Rio de acapaneta to the Rio Yaqui, or Culiacan, Sinaloa, and Ostimuri. Special emphasis is given to which mines are productive. (G. Miller) (1977)

Regarding a 28 day expedition- only killed 4 Seris; encountered very few Pimas (some 10 families living in pairs, and very frightened of the troops); found some Piatos in the canyon el Diablo y Loreto, killed 2 men and 2 women; used Suaquis as guides. Also notes a placer strike at Nacameri. Asks for the total restitution of forces at Tubac and Terrenate, or at least 50 soldiers that are badly needed in campaigns against Apaches. (R. Perez) (1977)