In letter of 10/21/1723, capitan Flores describes Apache raid on San Antonio horseherd and his successful pursuit of raiders onto the plains, in which 34 Indians killed, many horses recovered. Notes goods possessed by Apaches. Asks Apache prisoner why the Indians attacked his horseherd and Apache replies that they trade (tienen Cambalaches) horses with Spaniards to north. Prisoner also states that raiding party composed of 5 capitanes with 12 men each. Concerning foodstuffs carried by Apaches, prisoner says that they raise maize themselves, get beans from Spaniards. Flores decides to sue for peace, so he sends prisoner (woman) back to her people with promise that 19 Apache prisoners at San Antonio will be freed if peace prevails. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Antonio de Escudero, Lorenzo Ventura, Miguel Peinado, Juan (all Apaches), and Theodoro a mulato) are all accused of robbing the home and store of Ignacia Barbara de lorriaga. They are convicted and sentenced to prison. Lorenzo died in prison of natural disease before the proceedings were completed. (R. Perez) (1977)

A complaint against the teniente general, alleging that on several occasions he sold prisoners their freedom. This instance relates the case of Domingo Garcia who bought stolen goods from a mulato slave. See also frames 0146, 0159, 0164, 0172-0173, 0182-0185. (R. Perez) (1977)

Gobernador Alday reviews legal records of Durango, including registration of brands, payment of royal fifth, examination Libros de Cuenta of servants on haciendas. Notes all prisoners in city jail debtors except for Indian governor of San Juan de Anelco, whose case is pending. Similar visitas noted below. Autos de visita general del real de San Antonio de Cuencame*) (1976)

Alcalde mayor of Papasquiaro Vasques requests transfer of two Indian prisoners, Nicolas de Valenzuela, gobernador of Atotonilco*) (1976)

Mulatto Libre Manuel imprisoned without being Charged with crime. Diego Franco recommends release. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Reyes and Ugarte y Loyola submit informes to Galvez noting disastrous condition of missions and towns. Proposal to create Custodia de San Carlos and movement of capital to Ures. Reyes reports having walked to Arispe, seeing 14 mission towns, their churches and houses almost in ruins. Reports that Indians are without respect and obedience to their priests. Spoke with comandante general who shared bishop's goal of saving important province of Sonora from ruin. The two make plans for founding Custodia de San Carlos, rebuilding churches, missionaries' homes and cultivating of lands. Reyes asks that Galvez publish such a mandate to motivate Indians and Spaniards to work and pay administrative fees. Reports of prison being built (materials used included) but other spendings and buildings ordered by king will be lost. Describes Arispe terrain as sterile and without pasture and with little water, wood, and other building materials. In contrast, Vega de Ures is described as very fertile. These two locations along with Banamichi are evaluated as potential capital sites. Specific administrative plans for leaders and governing regulations. Indian drunkenness and spies are mentioned. (J. Hiller, June 1989)

Ugarte y Loyola informs of judicial, administrative, spiritual, economic, and defensive conditions in Sonora and Nueva Vizcaya. Notes problems in judicial branch including inexperience of secondary judges; lack of prisons, lawyers to consult with, and scribes to handle judicial proceedings; costs of prisons, paper, mail, etc.. Reports (f.30) of robberies and murders committed by Apaches and others, including bands of Taraumaras escaped from their mission. Proposed creation of a high court (f. 31.5). Discussion of founding capital city of 6 provincias (f. 32.5) and its relation to comandante general's residence and site of high court. Most advantageous site would be in San Bartholome Valley. Salt production and prices (f. 34). Report (35.5) that spiritual of gospel deeply affected. Much information (f. 37) regarding many Indian nations with respect to their geographic domains, hostilities, and relations to Spanish plan for defense. (J. Hiller, may 1989)

List of procedures to be followed by military responsible for forced laborers in Veracruz; includes description of civil construction; instructions for keeping track of prisoners; and details pertaining to clothing and pay allowance, health care, and visits by women and religious personnel. (L. L. Woodward, September 1989)

Most important documents will be referenced below by folio no. Most unusual document is letter to Pison signed and likely written by his wife regarding his importance to family (f. 308). Incredibly filthy swear words attributed to him, directed against priest during mass, quoted and underlined in ff. 244-245. Useful diagnosis of ailment (sinocat putrida) and simple treatment prescribed of better diet, sleep, exercise by surgeon (f. 316 ?) Traces processes of judicial procedure in determination of charges of other bad conduct on Pison's part, brought by teniente de gobernador Moreno in Loreto. Included is detailed service and conduct record and witnessed testimonies of Pison's past military service; and other biographical information. Accused of years of drunkenness, womanizing, thievery, setting bad examples for mission Indians. Jailed at mission; some witnesses testify that he reacted to provocation by others; Pison requests change of venue for unbiased trial and accessibility to witnesses for his defense who are themselves in prison in Guadalajara. Released by authorities on bail paid by Ramon Espinosa; although his mine personal effects are kept. At trial, jailed prisoners clear him of murder of Osio, by swearing latter died by drowning. Pison countercharges Moreno with beating and refusal to allow his case to go before Barri. Provides motive for Moreno's silencing him by citing evidence of Former's absconding with treasury funds and illegal trade in alcoholic beverages. Missionaries and Armona testify to his generally good character, despite drinking bouts. Final decision, however, by Valcarcel; approved by viceroy is that Pison must be punished by losing personal effects, mine, military title and lifetime banishment from Californias. Ff. 328-331, when punishment given, Pison petitions Bucareli to allow him for temporary stay in Loreto with family to make financial arrangements before his expulsion. (J. M. Johnson, July 1989)