This is an official document written by the king requesting information regarding the founding of a convent by the Franciscans at Queretaro. It is sent from Madrid, Spain, and is written on papel sellado. (microfilm catalog)

A fairly well-done map placing all the missions on the west coast of New Spain from Guadalajara to San Francisco outlining divisions of labor for the two orders. (J. Grusin) (1976)

Palou sends Verger a letter detailing a report on the state of the missions in the peninsula of California. Four points are stressed- 1) four missions should be placed between San Fernando and San Diego, 2) the Dominicans should not found missions on the peninsula, as it is not good to have two ^religions^ in the same land, 3) fr. Palou arrived in San Xavier to quelch an uprising of the Indians - here certain details are given, and 4) the military, especially gov. Don Phelipe Barri is hurting the operations of the missions. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Another in a Series of lengthy letters which Verger wrote to Don Manuel de Casafonda explaining the state of the California (Alta) missions and seeking additional support. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Fray Mariano Francisco de los Dolores notes requests of several Apache groups for permission to settle in Rio Guadalupe area and mentions that Apaches suffering from smallpox epidemic. Apaches describe whereabouts of other Apache bands Allied with Julimes. Severe drought noted for Texas provincia. Fray Benito Fernandez de Santa Ana requests presidial soldiers at San Xavier rejoin San Antonio presidio, as well as detachment from Bahia, and that soldiers, other Spaniards establish fort, settlement at Pedernales, near Apache camp. Much discussion of mission frontier. Documents include peticiones from Franciscans, responses from officials in Mexico City. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Concerns the request of four captains of the naciones Yoguanes, Deadoses, Mayeyes, y Rancheria Grande, for the establishment of missions and the administration of the sacraments. They also requested military protection. Franciscans given control over these parishes. The natives are to be converted and then settled. Tone of respect for Indian populations, especially those of the Rio Grande and Texas areas, is significant. (C. Briggs) (1975)

Testimony by Franciscan priests and civil officials as to the job being done by capitan Alonso Victores Rubin de Celis as commander of the presidios of Pilar and El Paso. He gets high marks, and the visitador commends him. Good information on general state of affairs in the far north. (T. Barnes) (1977)

Chronological index of affairs of Nueva Mexico from years 1749-1791. Index entries include P.I. Volume and folio numbers. Of Santa Fee, incorporation of fernandinos (Religiosos) to missions of Nueva Mexico, Obispado of Durango, comercio de Santa Fee, reestablishment of peace with Comanche nation. (J. Acheson, December 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)

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)