The only account pertinent to the geographic area of DRSW is entitled mission and journey to the Tepehuanes. it includes a wealth of ethnographic data- clothing, food, architecture, marriage customs (pre-hispanic), religious beliefs, agriculture, and inter-tribal relations. Also information on a monolithic idol (vuamari, a pillar topped with a likeness of a human Head.) Gives number of baptisms for 1607. Discusses severe epidemic. (R. Perez) (1977)

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)

Niza's journal of his expedition with Estevanico north from Culuacan. He opens with a very brief description of the state of affairs in Culuacan, and then describes his system of communication with Estevanico, who was sent ahead. Much of the description relates to the whereabouts and characteristics of Cibola. Niza records such bits of information as the reaction of the inhabitants along the way as how they touched his clothing and remarked on the peculiarity of the animals. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Serra reports on the return of the frigate San-Tiago from her explorations. Crespi and Pena were apparently on board, and their diaries are reported with parts enclosed (although they are not included in the correspondence file). The interesting part of the description is a statement upon the dance and dress of some of the inhabitants encountered. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Orobio y Basterra's informe concerning his expedition to territory of Horcoquiza Indians in order to survey area, choose best sites for missions, etc. Notes lay of land, agricultural possibilities, best areas for irrigation. Learns that year or so before, some Englishmen had landed at Bahia de San Fernando asking for firewood. explores Bahia de San Fernando-Rio Trinidad area. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Appears to be identical but incomplete copy of Altamira's lengthy description of Texas- its history, state of presidios, French-Spanish relations, etc. Precised already from Nacogdoches archives- See DRSW serial 4685. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Detailed description of geography of Texas (and north America in general, from Canada to isthmus of Panama) and its history including- discussion of French colonies, French-Indian relations; location/number of troops of Texas presidios; brief description Texas found, Flora; first explorers; Frenchmen in Texas; Spanish responses to French, military activities, including founding of missions, presidios; fertility of land and possibilities of trade with Vera Cruz via Bahia del Espiritu Santo; quality of presidial soldiers; French-Spanish relations. See also DRSW serial 4633. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Diario of marques de Aguayo expedition to Texas, including- preparations for trip and troops involved; wildlife, including turkeys, quail, rabbits, jackrabbits, deer, berrendos, o Cabras monteras; Indian exploitation of slat beds; recommendation that Bahia del Espiritu Santo be settled; exploitation of Mesquite by Indians; Flora of area, especially trees; characterization of Apache country as Lomeria; encounters with various Indian groups; reestablishment of missions; establishment Adaes presidio; destructive effect of storms on horseherd; establishment Bahia de Espiritu Santo (presidio), (bachiller) Juan de la Pena. (T. Sheridan) (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)

Gobernador marques de Aguayo (1/12/1715) recommends that Joseph Urrutia who lived with Texas Indians for 7 years, led them in war and still retains their confidence after 20 years among Spaniards, be commissioned to explor Gran Quivira for 3-4 months in preparation for later conquest, colonization. Fiscal Espinosa (5/24/1715) advises virrey to deny request for exploration of Gran Quivira. Junta de guerra in Mexico City (7/3/1715) order Aguayo and Urrutia to supply more information about proposed expedition (typical bureaucrats). Aguayo (11/9/1719) replies that according to Indian from interior Urrutia interrogated, Gran Quivira about 1 months journey from Texas Indians, very rich, possessing big lake and populated by Tecla, padoca Indians. If Gran Quivira is to be conquered, Aguayo believes 40,000- 50,000 Texas Indians and confederates would assist Spaniards. Offers to send 10-12 armed men along with Urrutia. Fiscal Espinosa (1/11/1716) asks for informe from Urrutia concerning proposed expedition. (T. Sheridan) (1977)