Mendinueta expresses regret that he has not completed inspection orders from inspection of 1769 because of preoccupation with Cumanche hostilities. Recounts Cumanche murders and kidnappings and Apache thefts over large area. Croix grants Mendinueta some freedom to use his own discretion in dealing with Indians. (S. Gibbs, August 1987)

(S. Gibbs, August 1987)

Mendinueta relates Cumanche murders, scalpings, and attacks on Spanish and Tutas. Observes that when Indians attack Indian villages, villagers hold their ground; but when Indians attack Spanish settlements, Spanish retreat and abandon their possessions. Suggests that disunity of Spanish keeps frontier unstable. Mentions plans for military expedition against Apaches. (S. Gibbs, August, 1987)

Mendinueta recounts 1768 Cumanche hostilities in Ojo Caliente. Blames continuation of poor Indian relations on predecessor Urriosola. Mendinueta claims he has tried to improve relations and frontier commerce. Maintains only way to establish peace is to fortify frontier. (S. Gibbs, August 1987)

Mendinueta relates that prior calmness of Cumanches on frontier is gone. Relates Cumanche raids and murders. Complains of inefficiency of tracking Cumanches because of terrain and lack of water; tells of incident in which Apache guides were deceitful. Notes plains south of Colorado River unsuitable for settlement. Croix responds but has no suggestions on how to track Indian offenders. (S. Gibbs, July 1987)

(D. Marksz, July 1987).

(D. Marksz, July 1987)

Three indices of oficios sent to virrey.

Describes use of funds including construction, salaries, and purchase of supplies. Need for comandante inspector's approval in sending troops to friendly nations in peace efforts. Describes Texas and Tauayas' trip with interpreter. Movement of troops for defence. Peace efforts with Indians include hopes to change impression made by English. English traders on Orcoquiza coast offering merchandise to other nations. Refugee from Indians Adaes convoy in lomaville. After 3 months of quiet, Comanche stampede and horse thefts and subsequent campaign. Comanche prisoner taken by Vecino. Hopes of regaining Spanish captives in Comanche hands. Texas Indian hostilities with Apaches. Escort needed to go for mail in San Luis Potosi. Escaped mission Indians asked to be returned in relations with French traders. (L. L. Woodward, may 1988)

Administrative concerns: Cabildo, Tabacco. Abandonment of presidios of Adaes, Orcoquiza, and San Antonio and of missions. Concerns transport of artillery, remaining property of king, troops and 500 vecinos. Establishment of new detachment. Need to obey Oconor's instructions in the new regulations. Mission inventories received. Details of participants, including escorts and interpreter in visit to Indians. Request of corn, beans, salt for Indians. Peace successful with 3 friendly nations. Over 4,000 pesos spent on gifts for Indians. Abuses of arms given to Indians. Details of campaign against Comanches for livestock thefts. Apache thefts. Suspension of Cabildo. Freedom granted to mission Indian. Insubordination of Pacheco. Visit of Oconor and inspection by Rubio. Comments on quality and condition of troops and equipment. Concerns power and authority of presidio capitans under new regulations; capitans subordinate to comandante inspector. Request for coastal Indians for missions; apostate Indians for auxiliaries. Tancahues arrive in display of peace. Publication and distribution of vandos about collection of old currency. (L. L. Woodward, May 1988)