Newberry Library - Report containing suggestions for revising the project to drain the lagoons around Huehuetoca in the Valley of Mexico ca. 1654

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Open book Report containing suggestions for revising the project to drain the lagoons around Huehuetoca in the Valley of Mexico ca. 1654

Title Report containing suggestions for revising the project to drain the lagoons around Huehuetoca in the Valley of Mexico ca. 1654

Creator Ruiz Venegas, Hernando Bernabé

Date 1654

Place Mexico, Mexico--Huehuetoca, Mexico--Mexico, Valley of

Language Spanish

Subjects Drainage, Indians of Mexico

Description Last leaf blank.
Forms part of the Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection (Newberry Library)

Summary Report, probably from around 1654, by Ruiz Venegas, curate of the church in Michoacán, in which he forwards to the viceroy suggestions for accomplishing the drainage of the area around Huehuetoca quickly, effectively, and economically. Ruiz Venegas, who spent 18 years in Huehuetoca, states that the only way to avoid flooding in the area is to drain the three lagoons of Coyotepeque, Zumpango, and San Cristóbal, formed by the confluence of the Cuatitlán and Pachuca Rivers. Although the existing dikes help somewhat, they constantly need repair and, furthermore, are unreliable. To carry off all the water that must be drained, he suggests widening the gap cut through the mountains in Huehuetoca, 8 leagues from Mexico City, a project begun in 1607 by engineer and entrepreneur Enrico Martínez. Ruiz Venegas' recommendations include hiring the best expert, not necessarily a Spaniard, to oversee the project; putting the local Indian caciques in charge of the Indian workers in their respective jurisdictions; paying the workers a salary of 2 reales a day plus living expenses; setting a deadline for completion of the project; and offering incentives and prizes for special achievements by the workers. He believes that by eliminating the multitude of supervisors and administrators, the government can save a considerable amount of money. In addition, if the Indians themselves are in charge of the project, they will work more quickly and with greater commitment. Ruiz also proposes that the local magistrate hear cases involving the workers, instead of a specially-appointed judge; and that a priest be paid 60 pesos per month to administer the sacraments to the workers. The report, signed by Ruiz Venegas, was forwarded to the fiscal (attorney for the Crown) on Jan. 18, 1654.

Extent [5] leaves ; 32 cm

Format Manuscripts, Reports

Archival Collection Title Edward E. Ayer Collection

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number Ayer MS 1209

BibID 126269

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Canvas

Size 2648px × 3797px 28.79 MB

Filename 991262698805867_Ayer_MS_1209_00001.tif

Unique Identifier NL11EHNJ

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