A response by 11 Jesuit missionaries of the north to the viceroys request for information on feasibility of missions to pay tribute and Diezmos. The padres offer a well organized and comprehensive picture of the status-economic as well as social-of the Indians with whom the missionaries work in the north. And they refute point by point the information which had been provided by the bishop of Durango. An excellent summary of the Jesuit work in the north circa 1638. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Writing on the Basis of information regarding the riches of the Jesuits missions in the north provided by the bishop of Durango the viceroy requests that various interested parties provide him information on the pros and cons of requiring the missions to pay Diezmos. (D. Deeds) (1977)

A long exposition of charges against a captain of a mining area in the north (apparently near Dolores) and how he abuses all citizens in the area. Spanish, Indian, religious alike as well as his own soldiers. Warns of Indian uprising and other dire happenings if something isn't done. (D. Deeds) (1976)

A document listing the Principal clauses regarding an agreement granting authority to Manuel de Ozio to found a Villa near his mine in California and defining relationships with the existing presidios and mission. Also gives license to build ocean going ships. (D. Deeds) (1976)

Contains testimonies concerning disturbances in previous expediente; concerns loyalty to Fernando Septimo after Napoleon's invasion of peninsula; concerns costs of Spain's war with France declared July 8, 1793; also concerns celebration of Fernando Septimo's birthday and vandalism done to Santa Iglesia in Monterrey out of protest for his return to throne; if clergy in Monterrey had been united and had set good example, disturbances would not have happened; administrative corruption in backwater regions of state, lack of priests in countryside, peasants live like animals, bestiality prevalent; general complaints about conditions in countryside and how they were at root of disturbances, discontent and call for restoration of Fernando Septimo to throne. (K. Hubin, may, 1990)

Lengthy Series of documents dealing with priest Valdez request to receive payment of sinodos for 23 years for serving missions and visitas of Rahun, Potan, and Belen; he argues he never received money with exception of $500 pesos once, and now that he is ill and old he needs some money. Request is accompanied of several documents testifying to all his good deeds accomplished in those missions; there is mention of his good treatment of Indians and that in many Cases he assisted Fueros in the pacification of some Indians. Revilla Gigedo orders that this request should be studied to See if Valdez merits the sinodos. several government officials agree with Valdez statements and write to Corvalan to verify payment of $500 pesos. it is discussed that Valdez had previously requested sinodos and that marquez de Croix had denied it. Investigation of Croix rejection reveals that secular priests established in those missions after Jesuit expulsion were not supposed to receive sinodos, but were to live from the food raised in the missions as well as from contributions. (J. Tapia, February 1988)

Lengthy document by Garrido y Duran informing Revilla Gigedo on the causa de policia,judicial, economic, and military conditions of Sonora and Sinaloa up to 1790. On judicial Side, it is mentioned that province consists of 11 jurisdictions headed by a jefe de tribunal with the power to appoint local town officials; these officials operate without salary due to lack of funds caused by Apache depredations and poor harvests. Mention that in the recent past Indians were forced to work in mines, haciendas, and Ranchos, and that they were exploited and did not have time to cultivate their own land; now he has prohibited this, and that Indians will work on a voluntary Basis. Discussion that community wealth is administrated by the missionaries, and that they often are more concerned for their own interests allowing community conditions to deteriorate. It is also mentioned a lack of prisons. With respect to causa de policia, it is mentioned that Apache attacks have frightened the population and have prevented increases in commerce, mining, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Mention of lack of civil and administrative office in many towns; there is lack of hospitals, casas de Obraje, schools, and public meat and seeds stores. Mention that people are divided in two groups, one consisting of good people involved in commerce, mining, and agriculture; the other consisting of house servants and Manual laborers, who are drunkards and have other vices. Economics- list of different tax collection offices. Mention of the different partidos as well as the people holding these offices and amount of money payed for such offices. In order to attract more merchants to frontier, no tax is Charged on their goods. With respect to military affairs, it is mentioned that enemy Indians live in dispersed hamlets, lack supreme chief, and operate separately; Indians described as thieves. Mention of 6 military groups of soldiers, and 3 of Indian auxiliaries; short discussion of soldier's living conditions in presidios, as well as expenses involved for maintenance of troops. (J. Tapia, January, 1988)

Obispo requests adjustments to salary to cover travel and living expenses; Croix writes virrey on Obispo's behalf, stating that funds of comandancia insufficient to meet Obispo's request; increase granted. (L. Kerr, April 1989)

. (L. Kerr, April 1989)

Croix defends approach to administering missions in Sonora, arguing that missions and missionaries receive sufficient funds, are not suffering as purported. Contends missionaries should not expect Indians to cultivate land because climate does not support activity, and Indians accustomed to fishing, gathering yerbas y raizes. states that while missionaries have not received everything requested, certainly have not been ignored in manner conveyed by Prestamero (See ff 63-100). Croix cites cedulas, particularly that of 8-5-73, as precedent for present decisions. Criticizes missionaries' punishing of Indians for not attending rosario, Misa y doctrina, for getting drunk, refusing to work en los Bienes de la comunidad que Se llaman temporalidades, and for leaving village sin expresa licencia de Sus padres ministros. fiscal declares Croix has satisfied Prestamero's complaints perfectamente (Oficio summarizes issue, provides some background, folios 121-123.), that law of 8-5-73 not meant to discriminate against Franciscanos, and missionaries should not enforce abovementioned rules so that Indians no imaginen Pesado el suabe yugo de cristianismo. (L. Kerr, April 1989)