Vague but interesting correspondence of Bonavia regarding necessity of defense along border with Louisiana due to possible U.s. hostility and land encroachment; Bonavia expresses dismay that borders not defended better, problems and costs of defense mentioned, but its importance stressed; problem of drought as impediment to troop movement discussed; slight description of U.s. forces in Louisiana mentioned; population in border region discussed. (D. J. McClelland, may 1989)

Concerns different jurisdictions in province of Texas, settlers, governments and enemy Indian tribes in region; contains descriptions of fertility of presidio and mission lands in region; fairly extensive information on Indian populations and lands inhabited by them; also concerns Demesieres' campaign in north and broadening of frontier boundaries encroaching further on Indian lands (Tavoayases); problem of Indian hostilities in Coahuila province addressed and its relationship with residents of Louisiana trading with hostile Indians discussed; contains letters from Demesieres to Galvez describing his trip north with detailed descriptions of lands around Colorado, Trinidad, and Brazos rivers; includes descriptions of Indian tribes of region (friendly and hostile), dress, agriculture and in particular deals with Tuacanas and Tancagues; Mesieres suggests founding settlement of Spaniards and Tlaxcaltecas as key to northern regions to open possibilities for trade and to better deal with hostile tribes (Comanches and Osages) and also to impede any further expansion of English into area. (K. Hubin, June, 1990)

Begins with review of previous testimonies and conclusions drawn. All witnesses believe Colorado River to be the boundary between the two territories. Barrio believes Misisipi (Sic) River to be boundary. Testimonies are considered hearsay and not conclusive. Governor of Texas deems necessary to establish boundary between territories and move French presidios from la Isleta to Nachitos. Questions discussed; engineer to survey boundaries, squadron of 20 soldiers and one official to observe the French, wine and aguardiente trade with French, 36 French companies each of 50 men and 100 swiss men, slaves fleeing French masters, Frenchman San Denis bestowing titles of rank on Indians in Spanish territory, French lenguarazes in Spanish territory. French are described as machinaciones, wanting to trade with anyone and that the only way to control them is by populating presidios with more Spaniards. Ff. 253 - 264 junta de guerra y hacienda discusses same as aforementioned including; one-third advance on pay to soldiers; governor of Texas to determine amount of land usurped by French, names of French towns and presidios established on Spanish territory. All witnesses believe the French occupied lands from 1734 - 36, no new towns have been built, French trade gunpowder, clothing, etc.., with Indians in Texas. Many Indian tribes ally with the Texas Indians and the French. These same Indians consider the Spanish the enemy. Ff. 264 - 275 junta de guerra y hacienda discuss and resolve the following eight points. The governor of Texas should inform commander of Nachitos to return to his Side of the Colorado River, the boundary. The governor will not be sent engineers to map and restore usurped land. A twenty-man squadron with one official will not be sent to the San Pedro River to observe the French. No decision yet as to whether the Texas squadron will be reinforced as the Nueva Veracruz squadron, only a break in relations could decide that. Wine and aguardiente trade with the French desired due to the cold winters is prohibited. Decree proclaiming black French slaves free is prohibited as provocation of the French. Spanish Indians in Texas are not prohibited to trade with the French as the Spanish want to keep the Indians happy and possibly sway the Indians to trade with the Spanish. The second part of this point decides to prohibit the French from bestowing titles of rank on Spanish Indians. The final point permits the French lenguarases to remain in Spanish territory so as not to provoke the French. (E. Wilson, January 90)

Reiteration of the six questions in Vol. 181 seq. B. Between 1750 and 1751 French troops and families arrived in new Orleans presumed to fortify population of Nachitos, puente Cupe and Caudachos. The Indians in the area are presumed to like the French as they are generous with guns, bullets, etc... In endless quantities. The Spanish are uneasy about the French trading with the Indians and trespassing the boundary dividing the two territories established in 1720, the Colorado River. The Spanish view the Mississippi River as a natural boundary. Past autos and documents are consulted to determine how past governors settled the question of trespassing. Sandoval is found to have permitted illegal trading between French and Indians in Spanish territory. The French should definitely abandon any presidios built within Spanish territory and return to Nachitos, talk of war with the French if they donot do so peacefully. Aguardiente and wine trade with the French is questioned. English are found to be trading with the apachilinos and the Samases on Santa Rosa Island. Ff. 146 - 147 is a relacion that orders meeting of guerra and hacienda to resolve whether; Escolta is needed on San Pedro River to observe French activities; a mapping engineer is needed to assist governor in defining boundaries; peaceful or forceful removal of French is needed; Spanish troops should be moved to Adais presidio in case of forceful removal; 1/3 advance on pay be approved for soldiers to equip themselves with rations; French aguardiente and wine be allowed in moderation due to extreme Weather temperatures in region; all documents on this subject should be collected so as not to contradict any royal warrants concerning the French and Spanish boundaries; the governor of Texas should execute said relaciones. On ff. 150 the junta de guerra y hacienda is begun to resolve the aforementioned problems. (E. Wilson, November 1989)

Series of autos dealing with distribution of land to colonizers brought from canary islands to San Fernando (capital of of Tejas and Nuevas Filipinas). Fray Vergara reports on the difficulties resulting from insufficiency of water supply to irrigate land in vicinities of Rio San Antonio. Account of events in San Fernando given. I.e. Indians stealing horses, wheat and corn plantations etc.). (M. Marroquin, September 1989)

Concerns Series of autos dealing with conflict that arose when land and water rights were distributed to Indians of the San Fernando missions and colonizers from islas canarias (repopulation of the area needed to serve as a deterrent to Indian invasions coming through San Fernando). (M. Marroquin, September 1989)

(M.marroquin, August 1989)

Description of seven missions with large Spanish populations and very few conversions. Asks that Spanish move to towns in missions and relinquish more land to missions. Suggests that incorporating some missions might increase conversions and that each mission should have two ministers - one permanent and one to seek converts. Areche advises Bucareli as to these requests. Suggests that viceroy allow incorporation so long as they remain self-sufficient. Also recommends that he deny missions a second minister due to lack of funds to fulfill request.

Concerns an entire range of mission activities as described by Sonoran leaders to viceroy. Contains many suggestions for administration of missions, mostly on treatment of Indians. Quotes original purpose of conquest as stated by Alexandro VI. expresses need for schools, the teaching of Castellano, written permission for traveling Indians, static position of priests, appointment of two priests in case of illness and even distribution of Spanish population. Discusses the punishment of Indians, prohibiting them from liquor, gambling and salary advances. Describes Indian life and agriculture, their crops, cattle and weavings. Priests want them to establish in towns accessible to church in homes of stone or Adobe which resist fire. Relates difficulties and distances in reaching jobs and transporting goods. States that each Indian should have a horse to hunt Javali with their zaetas and harpoons. Hiaquis are hardworking but basically very lazy so must be given fruitful labor and compensate accordingly to men, women and children over 10. Spanish should not be permitted to buy Indian homes or land. Suggests jobs which benefit others such as in mines. Concerns Indian obligation to church in terms of tribute, priests salary and community building. Asks tithes from Durango be passed to Sonora. Describes gold and silver adornments and wine supplies of some churches and destruction of others due to Zeris and Pimas. Description of trip made by Ganzes to know and convert Indians. Finally, while Indian foreman should be chosen to give priests more freedom, governors should be appointed not elected by Indians. (M. Dannemiller, October 1987)

Concerns soldiers' duties at Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion mission with Indians and how the Former abused their power, physically abusing Indians and taking their plots of land for personal use; reactions of Indians and new demands for protection. (K. Hubin, September 1989)