Correspondence in which Ussel y Guimbarda communicates news governorship; drought occurring in Nuevo Leon, its detrimental effects on corn crop, cattle, squadron well-dressed thanks to Urresti, Siguis attacking frequently along Rio Blanco; Indians at missions in governor's charge behaving peacefully, converting, mine at Yguana producing, though silver scarcer, administrative problems at mine; establishment of British 'comercio' along coast; 'libretas de Vita et moribus' of presidio officers, Urresti, Martiarena, Queclas; inspection records of compania de dragones of same presidio; letters from virrey responding to those from governor and others. (L. Kerr, December 1988)

Correspondence focuses upon change of rules governing positioning of presidios, proposal to establish fort at Robledo, promotion of inspector Oconor to Coronel. Virrey(?) Praises Mendinueta's excellent relations with some surrounding populations. Mendinueta relates Apache/Cumanche hostilities, hardship caused by drought and insect plagues. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)

Mendinueta recounts Indian thefts, kidnappings, murders. Mentions Cumanche ambivalence in village commerce and war. explains drought and winter has killed horses. Bucareli expresses sympathy for depredations but declares faith in Mendinueta's ability to control Indians through zeal and prudence. (S. Gibbs, September 1987)

Series of documents concerning request for military escort and doubling of number of priests in Querataro. Notice from governor on execution of orders in matter of Manuel Rivera. Establishment of a chaplain in presidio of terrate. Monthly postal service established in el Rosario, Guadalaxara and vicinities (ff. 66-69-75-76). Indians from el Rosario, request a captain to govern and protect them from enemy's attacks. Governor informs about problems he had to issue his report on situation of provinces under his authority. Report on Droughts and floods that ruined Sinaloa in 1770. Request that visita be called off. Report that a campaign against Apaches was delayed due to problems with the horses. Report on new advances made in agriculture and Droughts suffered in previous years and pearl fishery in coasts of Tepoca. (J. Marroquin, August 1988)

Torijas' informe re: deplorable state of affairs in Chihuahua due to Apache depredations. Includes letters from hacenderos, missionary which substantiate Torijas' assertions. Details shortcomings of contemporary presidial system as author sees it, plus suggestions re: reform of system. (J. H. Ochs, June 1988)

Cieneguilla described as richest gold fields that have been seen in this country, or even in all of new Spain, but mines deteriorating due to drought, lack permanent water nearby. Describes crude nature of mining operations, presence many Indians, other castes. Notes additional discoveries north, northwest, southwest Cieneguilla. Doubts they'll be worked because Sonoran miners lack intelligence, abandon mines if they don't begin to pay off immediately. Notes similar problems, including lack water, gold mines Aigame, 8 leagues (T. Sheridan, 1976)

Virreynato orders detachment of troops to be relieved by another detachment; two detachments are to go to Guadalaxara in October and November. Rengel advised to liquidate estate of Neve and send it to Maria Pereyra. Dominguez to be given alcaldia in reward for valor and services. expediente being sent to excuse hazenderos of Nueva Vizcaya from excise taxes due to drought. Ugarte y Loyola's salary agreed on and sent to him. Arce sent to provincias as sargent. Ugarte y Loyola thanks virrey for salary. Various officers are promoted and sent to new posts. (D. J. McClelland, November 1987)

Concerns supply crisis at Chihuahua city caused by ferocious drought; includes notes on steps taken by governor to bring in emergency food; other areas of province hit by drought; various shipments of grain and beans to settlement; possible use of mission stores; current supply as of various dates in municipal alhondiga. F. 128 presents a table of food shipped from San Buenaventura. Documents emphasize weakness of frontier commerce in face of such a crisis (J. Williams, may 1987)

Various documents regarding remission of contents of royal treasuries and taxes to Arispe in response to orders from comandante general. Mention of shortage of muleteers in Guadalajara to convey payment to Arispe. Mention of Nava's succession to comandancy general after Neve's death. Folios 29, 30 are manifests of contents of royal treasuries, payments to civil officials from September 1784. Includes informe notifying viceroy of Neve's death. Folios 38, 45, 46 mention use of tax money for military expeditions; folio 47 refers to formation of new company of presidial dragoons from Saltillo. folio 56 is partial list of payments received in Mexico dated 13 November 1784. folio 58 provides summary of contents of military treasury at Chihuahua and royal treasuries at Durango, Rosario, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosi in response to orders from Mexico. Several autos from local officials regarding use of royal funds. Much anxiety and debate occurs as to dates and amounts of payments throughout. folio 76 is review of taxes on gunpowder and playing cards from 1781-1784. Mention of Rengel's succession to comandante general in 1784/1785. Mention of great drought and shortage of food for animals to transport money to Mexico. Mention of famine in Sombrerete in June 1785, in which wealthy estates were forced to post guards. folio 118 presents inventory of contents of royal treasury at Durango and payments to troops in Chihuahua dated 15 September 1785.folios 127-130 present tabular summary of annual revenues and payments from royal treasuries to officials, clergy, and military throughout Provincias Internas as of 20 August 1785. (W. Copas, June 1987)

Fayni summarizes personal expenditures for remounting cavalry. Writes of use of fine levied against Menchaca for campaign fund. Contains official document from Escorza presenting Menchaca's fine money to campaign fund. Describes condition of drought and lack of pasture have weakened some. Mentions Echeverria's ordination and Gomez Sanudo's death. (S. Gibbs, October 1987)