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SMELTING WORKS OF THE AMERICAN 4 MEXICAN SILVER.MINING COMPANY, SANTA GERARDA

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SILVER MINES

S E T E N T R I O N .

45 LEAGUES FROM THE GULF OF CALIFORNIA

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CHIHUAHUA

MEXICO.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

GEORGE DAVIS, New York. . . . PRESIDENT.

CHAUNCEY BUSH, do. . . . . VICE PRESIDENT.

J. N. HAYES, do. SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

WILLIAM G. FARMER, New York.

CUTLER CHIPMAN, Mexico.

CUTLER CHIPMAN SUV'T OF THE MINES.

STATEMENT

By the American and Mexican Silver Mining Company, regarding the Silver Mines of Setentrion, situated in the State of Chihua­hua, Republic of Mexico.

This Company, organized under the general laws of the State of New York, authorizing the formation of corporations for mining purposes, have purchased of Don Ignacio Arriolo, of Mexico, the rich and already developed Silver Mines known in Mexico as the Mines of Setentrion, with all of the extensive improvements thereon, the never-failing and unlimited water power thereto attached, together with 62,000 acres of valuable agricultural and mining lands contiguous to the same, a perfect title to which being in this Company, they are now prepared to sell such a portion of the stock of said Company as may be neces­sary to enable them to prosecute the working of these mines to the best advantage.

For more detailed particulars of the purchase of said mines and property, they refer to the report of Mr. Cutler Chipman, and which is herewith annexed.

The Capital of this Company is Two Millions of Dollars, divided into one hundred thousand shares of twenty dollars each. This capital may seem large to those unacquainted with the extent and capacity of these mines. But when they are made aware of the fact, that one thousand men can be constantly employed in them to advantage, this view of a too magnified capital of said Company becomes changed, and the amount will not be considered unnecessarily large.

It is the intention of this Company to work these mines vigor­ously. Their great wealth they regard as a fixed fact. The most approved machinery known will be brought into use in the prosecution of this undertaking; this, together with the unlimited and never-failing water power to carry or drive the same, will enable the Company, at a comparatively small expense, to accom­plish a vast amount of labor in crushing and washing the ore— water wheels being already in place for driving machinery.

There are already employed in these mines fifty men digging ore, arid the Company calculate within four months to have their crushing mills in full operation at the mines, and to be working at the same time from three hundred to five hundred men; and within six months they feel entirely confident they will be receiv:

ing at New York considerable shipments of silver. For the location of these mines, their wealth, and capacity

for employing a large force in them, and a description of the works, we refer to Mr. Cbipman's report herewith annexed ; and for a still more minute and elaborate history of them, copied from the archives of the Mining Tribunal of the state of Chihuahua and the Mining College in the city of Mexico, which is also here­with annexed.

A copy of the conveyance conveying the said mines and prop­erty to the Company will be found herewith annexed.

It is a well known fact, that the great cost in working a Silver Mine is in the item of labor, and that in most cases where ma­chinery is introduced to compass an economy in this direction, steam has to be resorted to to drive it. Now as fuel is difficult to be obtained in most of the mining regions of Mexico, it follows as a matter of course, that steam power is necessarily expensive from this cause alone—saying nothing about the large outlay for the purchase of engines, their transportation to the mines, putting them up and keeping them in running order. Therefore, this Company, with its great water power, has an immense ad­vantage in prosecuting their o|>erations that very few mining companies possess. This, together with their rich and extensive mines, and arable lands connected therewith, must render the enterprise largely successful.

The accompanying engraving gives a perfectly correct view of the works as they now stand, and the water power and mountains

out of which the ore is obtained. These veins of silver ore are known by examination to extend for thirty miles, running this distance through the 62,000 acres of land owned by this Company.

To (ieorge Jhivis, E&q.^ President of the American and Mexican Silver Mining Company\ New York

R K P O H T . Sin:

In accordance with the letter of instructions placed in my hands by the Company, bearing date January, 1859, I proceeded fo the place indicated with as little delay as the means of com­munication would allow, and there laid before Don Ignacio Arriolo the act of organization of the American and Mexican Silver Mining Company, together with your letter of instruction and the resolution of the Company empowering me to purchase the mines and lands of Setentrion in the name of said Company. I performed my mission, and herewith hand over to you the ori­ginal titles, together with the new title deed executed by Don Arriolo to your Company ; also a paper giving new and complete possession of said mines to Don Ignacio Arriolo prior to the making out of the new deed, as you wi!l perceive by the dates thereunto appended.

This new act of giving possession was made in order to fix, beyond doubt or cavil, the right of Don Arriolo to the above named property. Complying thus with the Mexican mining law in regard to the question of possession, places the title which is now in your hands beyond dispute. The titles to the lands and mines are now the property of the Company of which you are the President. On visiting the mines I found the works and buildings very much as I left them about a year before. Being all built of masonry, time is slow in leaving the marks of decay, and a few hundred dollars, judiciously expended, wrould put them in a condition as good as new. No new features in relation to the mine have presented themselves. I have only to renew my former declaration in regard to the immense quantity of the metal that lies there so invitingly, with some statements in respect to the yield and richness of the ore. I can only say,

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that every time I visit the mines of Setentrion, I am more firmly convinced of their importance and value to a company able to efficiently work them. I examined the water course with a view of estimating the }>ower that could be made available for driving the necessary machinery for the reduction of the ores, and find that we have from twenty to sixty feet of fall for the water from the line of the canal to the point where the water wheels can l>e placed. In the examination of the ores and taking the tests to which I formerly subjected Bogardus's Mill, I find that with the power we have constantly at hand, that each of these mills will reduce one ton of two thousand pounds per hour to the proper fineness* for amalgamation. By erecting six of the Bogardm Mills the total daily reduction will be, at the above estimate, one hundred and forty-four tons, or 288,000 pounds. Taking the lowest class of ores as a basis for calculation, the result will stand about as follows:

Daily reduction of ores, 144 tons, at $50 per ton $7,200 Monthly yield 216,000 Yearly do 2,592,000 Deduct expenses 900,000 Nett profit 1,692,000

In order to produce the result above calculated, $80,000 may be required to get everything in successful operation. The time required to erect the machinery, after being placed upon the spot, will not exceed three months. The time required for transport­ing the machinery to the mines, by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, will be about three months—making in all about six months. During this time, large quantities of ore will be ex­tracted and laid down at the Hacienda convenient to the reducing and smelting works. Provisions such as are consumed by the miners, are grown in the country, and can always be cheaply obtained. Labor is abundant and cheap; and thousands are now waiting for the working of the Setentrion mines by your Com­pany. The people of the country hail your enterprise with joy, and bid it God speed. All are friendly, and no fears need be

entertained of any opposition or impediment being thrown in the way of a successful prosecution of this enterprise.

Hoping that my mission may have been faithfully performed, and that my acts may meet with the approbation of the Com­pany, I submit this Report, and await for your further action and orders.

Respectfully,

a CHIPMAH,

Director of the A & M. S. M. C.

New York, 21th June, 1859.

COPIES OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS DESCRIBING THE MINES

OF SETENTRION.

Situated at the south-east of Batosegaehic, County seat of the County of Mataraoros, State of Chihuahua, latitude27 ° 23' 45" N., and longitude 8 ° 27' W. from the city of Mexico. They belong to the Curacy of (iauzapares, in the Bishopric of Durango; were built in 1829 on the left bank of the creek then known by the name of Batuaequi, and now known as the " Creek of Setentrion." It is distant from the city of Chihuahua (capital of the state of the same name, where there is a Mint and Assay of silver and gold) fifty-five leagues in an air-line, and about eighty-five by the road, about one-half of which can !>e traveled by wagons and the rest by pack animals. There is also another Mint at u Gau-dalupe Y Calvo " only fifty leagues distant, with a somewhat better road. The nearest port to the Mine is that of Navachiste, forty leagues distant, and the road rather broken; also the port of Santa Cruz, distant in air-line sixty and a half leagues, and by road about ninety-two. And that of Guayamas, distant in air-line

seventy-four leagues, and by the road about one hundred. Beside Chihuahua, the nearest places for trade are " La Villa del Fnerte," distant thirty-five leagues, and Alamos, fifty leagues.

At the south of Setentrion we find the mines of "Dolores" and u Loreto," and to the west, those known as ,A El Aguila" and 44 La America," all which mines are now owned by this Company. The course of the vein is north and south—its inclination 45* W.

Somewhat more distant from Setentrion than those mentioned, and in various directions, we find the mines of Bahuarichic, More-los, Batopilas, Uriqne, Monterede, ITruapa, Jesus Maria, ard Palmareja

CHARACTER.

The place has the appearance of the crater of an enormous volcano. On the side of the mountain that descends to the right side of the creek already mentioned, and even to the l>ed of the same, are to be found masses of lava of considerable size, the largest of winch, although not many in numl>er, are at least of one hundred vara* in circumference. These masses, the same as the vein on the lower side, for the space of one thousand five hundred square yards, rest upon blue slate, calcareous, which is found in layers both paralel and perpendicular. It is of a matter not resistible to fire, of which can be made good lime.

About half-way up the side of the mountain here spoken of, the vein begins and runs to the creek, and onwards for more than a league, without cutting; with ore in sight upon which to oc­cupy, at the same time, at least nine or ten thousand drillers. The lower limits of the vein are unknown—as during twenty-five years of continual exploration, and without a failure of ore, np to present date (1855), the bottom has not been found. Hie breaking out of the ore is easy, and the cost about twenty-five cents for each CAUQA (300 pounds). The assay of the ore in the branches Dolores and Loreto, is from three ounces to thirty-six marks of silver to each load (800 pounds) of ore, all from the same vein; but that of this last and superior class is only found in pockets or in narrow threads. The character of the ore is varied throughout the whole extension of the vein; the most

abundant are blackish; the others are rosy, green copper, grey­ish, blonde with bluish bronze stripes, fine grain galena, native white silver, sulphurous black silver, and drab green silver.

The descent on the left side of the stream is about five hun­dred yards, and on the top of the hill are the aforesaid mines of 14 Dolores" and " Loreto." On the right are those of " El Aguila" and " La America," located about half-way np the side of a hill that rises on this side, and about seven hundred vara* above the level of the creek. The assay of the ore of these last has been from eight to thirty-two marks of silver to fifteen hundred pounds of ore. It is separated with quicksilver, and there is no need of sulphate of copper or magistral. The separation of the ores (beneficio) of the Dolores and Loreto mines, costs (without count­ing that of the quicksilver that varies in price) a little less than forty dollars for each thirty loads (9000 pounds) from the taking out the ores from the mine until the extraction of the sil­ver it may contain, which ranges from ten to three hundred and sixty marks, beside the dust which the metals produce after going through the (patio) " drying floor," which produce, by fire, from one to three marks every twenty-five pounds. These ores need from forty to sixty days of incorporation before they will yield.

By actual experience in the comparison of all the ores of the Setentrion mine, one with another, it is known that they produce on an average of one mark to the load, including the assay of the dust above mentioned.

THE WORKING OF THE MINE. That which in mining is termed uthe work," is nearly ex­

plained by the naming of the class of the ores. As the ore is at the surface of the earth, for nearly a league in extent, there is no actual mining to be done, no consumation of powder or candles; thus the time is all improved of, and the workmen gain less than when employed a great depth in the earth; and one workman in the Setentrion mine can take out more ore than four can break np; the consequence is the low cost of the ore—there being many loads taken out coating less than twelve and a half cents.

The second part of the work, or 44 laborio:" that consists in the extraction of the silver from the ore, is performed actually oil

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* La Hacienda de Santa Gerada? constructed on the banks of tilt creek, its works being of stone and cement. It has eight stones for grinding ore (u tahona#n% driven by water power, hav­ing paddles at the sides of the same, all in running order, and a mortar with five stampers. The u ta7wnas> are of different sizes and weights, and consequently grind different quantities of metah two grinding six loads (of 300 pounds each) severally in eighteen hours; three others, each, seven loads in twenty-four hours; one only grinds out five loads in the same time, and the other two only four and a half each in the same time. And the mortar breaks, or crushes, two hundred loads in a day and night.

At the Hacienda there are platforms for the mixing, washing and drying of the ore, an oven, one large and two small furnaces, and a quicksilver chamber.

At the same time there can be prepared five hundred and sev­enty loads of ore—can wash sixty loads per day; in the oven can be burnt four hundred marks of silver at one burning. IVear the wash floor is the necessary machinery to pulverize the crusts.

In dry years the creek contains sufficient wrater to run the ma­chinery for ten months; but during the months of May and June there is but sufficient wrater to run one-third of the tahonas. Such is the actual state of the works.

When from this point we extend our view over the natural elements offered to our sight for the enlargement of the business of this Mine, our imagination is not capable of embracing the extensive scale of improvements presented to the mind. And more, even now are nearly concluded nine tahonas; and one can see that there is sufficient room for the accommodation of twelve water wheels, which will drive eight tahonas each ; and in the channel of each wheel can be placed two tahonas of the first mentioned class, making twenty-four in all—that is to say, that in the above mentioned Hacienda alone there can be placed one hundred and thirty-seven tahonas of the first and second men­tioned classes. That to move or run this machinery there is suffi­cient water during ten months of the year; and for the other two months, there is sufficient to carry on the business of sepa­rating, cleaning and mixing the ores (henefieio). That there are convenient points where four other Haciendas may be located, two of which may be more ample than that at Santa Gerada;

II ind the distance of said Haciendas need not be more than from a half a league to two leagues when most distant That for all this work there is abundance of timber for common use, as well as lime stone, sand, grinders for the tahonas, and superior stone for floora—all near at hand, cheap, and in snch abundance, that after centuries those taken out will not be missed.

If one would wish to calculate results in this business, or should take as a base that which is best known, that is, the Hacienda of Santa Gerada, which, after the conclusion of the one hundred and thirty-seven tahonas, of which it is suceptible, will grind four thousand seven hundred and ninety-five cargas of ore each week; consequently in ten months (not counting May and June, which always produce at least one-third part), will produce one hundred and ninety-one thousand eight hundred cargas; and as it has been demonstrated by the experience of more than twenty years, that the ores of Setentrion yield on an average of one mark of silver each earga, the yield annually will be one hundred and ninety-one thousand eight hundred marks of silver; or one mil­lion six hundred and thirty thousand three hundred dollars— ($1,030,300)—the extraction of which costing three hundred and eighty seven thousand six hundred and twenty-seven dollars and a half—($387,657.50)—as will be shown by the following schedule of the monthly expenses:

Salary of 500 men, at $12 monthly $6,000 00 Do. administrator, storekeeper, miners and clerks, 2,500 00

For freight on 19,180 cargas of ore, at 31J c. (2J reals) 5,993 00 a QSdfanegas of salt for mining purposes, at $ 6 . . 3,834 00

, * 75 arrobas (25 lbs. each) sulphate, at $6 . . . . 450 00 u use and loss of quicksilver 14,385 00 a " * of steel, tools, Ac, A c . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 00 u powder, candles and hides 800 00 ** contingent expenses . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000 00

TotaT expense for one month $38,762 00

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Product of 19,180 cargas of ore, at one mark each carga, valued at $8.50 per mark $163,030 00

Expense as above shown 38,762 00

Nett profit in one month $124,267 00 And in one year, or ten months $1,242,672 00

And should our calculation embrace the other four Haciendas, above spoken of, the sum would amount to more than eight mil­lion dollars—being the product of nine hundred and fifty-nine thousand marks of silver, which said Haciendas would no doubt produce.

STORES. The principal introduction of grain, salt and other provisions

for the mine, come from Chois, Vaca, Toro, Sinaloita, Fuerte and the neighboring farms.

Ihe muleteers, or packers, prefer trading at Setentrion, because beside this being the nearest market for them, the road is much batter from all the above named points, there being but two daytf journey of broken road, and also, because it has been established at Setentrion to receive grain and salt, according to the measure of Sinai va, which differs in favor of the seller three pecks in each fanega, from that of Chihuahua—this last making a difference very favorable to the business of the mine, as the men receive eight dollars per month, which they almost unanimously take in goods, and ration of two pecks of corn and twenty-five cents weekly. The prices of goods are the following:

Unbleached cotton shirting, domestic, per vara, 0 50 Sheeting and common prints, do 0 43 Common cotton handkerchiefs, each 0 43 Larger size, do 0 56 Cotton drills, cotton velvet, per vara 1 00 linen drills, Britannia, do. 1 50 Muslin and common lawns, do 1 50 Scarfs of bands of silk, each 5 00

As all goods are bought in large quantities in the trading points heretofore mentioned, and sold to the workmen at the

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prices above stated, from them alone arise sufficient profits not only to cover the loss of debts, by death of the workmen, Ac, but also to yield considerable profit to the general business, ac­cording to the size of the mining village and the impulse given to the business.

For the maintenance of animals, the mine is surrounded with a most exuberant vegetation, which furnishes excellent pasturage for all the animals employed at the mine.

"TEMPERAMENTO." The average temperature at the mine of Setentrion is about

45 ° in the winter and 70 ° during the summer or rainy season. The temperature permits the working of the mine all the year very comfortably, and as yet there has been no instance of chole­ra, smallpox, rash, scarlet fever, or fever and ague. During twenty-two years there was one case of smallpox; but the young man, Juan Reyes, contracted the disease in Chinipas, and no one received the contagion. The village has contained as many as three thousand persons, and at no time within the twenty-two years in which statistics were kept, did the number of deaths reach twenty-five. The neighborhood of Setentrion has been frequently sought by invalids, and as often have they received benefit thereby. It is, probably, owing somewhat to the known salubrions state of this neighborhood that an abundance of work men can always be obtained at a lower rate at this mine than at the other mines near by.

CERTIFICATES. ("Fourth Seal" for the years 1850 and 1861.)

Juan Bccerra, Prefect of the county of Matamoras, in the state oi Chi­huahua, certifies: That, having visited the mine of Setentrion, within this county, I wan presented by Don Ignacio Arrioli with a pamphlet in manuscript, directed to the Supreme Government of this state, dated May 20th, 1851, and relative to the business at the said Mine. I was requested by him to examine the Mine and " Hacienda/' and state my opinion in regard to the exactness of the statements therein mentioned.

Certify, that, having acceded to the request of Mr. Arriolo, I visited the mines of " Dolores," " Loreto" and " America." I found them worked in the same vein, with so much metal ore in sight, and so extensive, that, as the author of the work referred to said, M ten Oiousand workmen could be employed to advantage" and even this number would find work for cen­turies. The vein is in sight for more than four thousand varas, and the width, or rather depth, is to the present time unknown, as in neither of the works has the bottom of the vein been found. The abundance of the ores in these extraordinary mines may be, perhaps, imagined by the true state­ment in this work, that " two thousand mills for grinding the ores (' tahonas1) cannot grind the ores in one hundred year*." Neither is the assay of the ores exaggerated, as it is a well known fact, that the poorest class of ores yield four ounces to the load (800 pounds); being also true, that the ores at present at sight, and taken out in my presence, yield more than one mark to the load, and not unfrequently are ores found that yield six and eight marks.

As regards the Hacienda and other elements for business, they are in no way exaggerated; and there can be no doubt but that if the mines should be worked as proposed in this work, the result from the same could not be less than * nine hundred and fifty-nine thousand" marks of silver yearly ;

1 as also would the Hacienda of M Santa Gerada" alone produce at least 11 one hundred and ninety-one thousand eight hundred" marks of silver.

Relative to the expenses for the working of the mine, as calculated in this work, I should say that far from being at all limited, they are exag­gerated somewhat, for the reason that many articles necessary for the work can be had at a price far below that mentioned in the above mentioned calculation. Therefore, the nett profit of " one hundred and twenty-four

u thousand two huudred and sixty-seven dollars" monthly, according to that calculation, could positively he obtained.

Certify, that everything relating to the working of the mine or the ores and other elements actually in sight, as mentioned in the manuscript re-ferred to, and not less the healthy tenor and salubrity of the climate are, in my opinion and belief, perfectly true ; and at the request of Mr. Arriolo I drew up the above certificate at the town of Batosegachie, on the twenty-seventh day of December, of the year One thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

(Signed) JUAN BECERRA. SILVESTRO PAREDES, Syndic

(" Fourth Seal" for the years 1850 and 1851.)

Jose Maria Gomez del Campo, assay or at the Mint at Batog^gaehic, for­merly student at the Mineral College at Mexico, and professor of Mineral­ogy: Certify—That, having been at the mining town of Setentrion, and visited its mines by the invitation of their proprietor, I have had an op­portunity of examining carefully and at different points, the assay and merit of the several veins—being able to calculate and comprehend the magnitude which could be arrived at, if this business should be properly regulated ; and having closely examined the statistics made by the proprie­tor, and sent to the Supreme Government of thia State, declare: That it is in all its parts true ; and in case it should, differ from the actual value and worth of the business, it is because the statement places the business in a less favorable light, and not in a greater, than the case may allow : and the greatest proof and guaranty which may be had is, the facility that there is, for any person whatever, to observe and investigate the business, and more advantageously, perhaps, than " professors" who observe in their experi­ments all the materialism of science: and considering as sufficient the above mentioned reasons, I shall be excused from a minute detail of my observations, and am well satisfied that the most ignorant in this branch of business cannot doubt the truth of wh&t is above related at the first sight.

And for the use which may be convenient to the proprietor, this instru­ment was drawn and signed on the twenty-seventh day of December, A. D. (1651) One thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, at Setentrion.

(Signed) J. M. G. DE CAMPO. VICENTE S. VEKGARA. Mexico, January 20th, 1855.

Josr Augustin de Escudero, Attorney, Minister at the Supreme Tribunal of War and the Navy, Member of the Geographical and Estatistical Socie­ties, Ac, &a: Certify—That the relation herein made in regard to the Mine of Setentrion, in the state of Chihuahua, conforms to the notices

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and letters which, to this date, have been received from that place, and in respect to the natural elements and other matters therein stated, is in every case true.

JOSE AUGUSTIN ESCUDERO. Mexico, January 26th, 1855.

Jos^ Cordero, Merchant, of state of Chihuahua: Certify—That having examined the contents of the foregoing statement, I find it to be exact, and in accordance with facts already well known.

JOSE CORDERO. Mexico, January 26th, 1855.

Jose Cristobal Revueltas, Attorney, Member of the State Council, and Magistrate of Durango: Certify—That the foregoing relation in regard to the Mine of Setentrion, conforms with existing facts, and entirely true.

JOSE CRISTOBAL REVUELTAS. Mexico, January 26th, 1855.

Translated from the original in Spanish by Charles E. Norton, Director of the Anglo-Spanish Academy, Mazatlan.

N. 101, Para actuaciones, Sello segundo. Made valid for the years eighteen hundred and fifty-eight and fifty-nine.

Worth four dollars. (Signed) THOS. ROBINSON,

M. PAREDES. Principal administration of Sonora,-

Guaymas, August 10th, 1858.

Sor. Diputado de Mineria, of this Canton, Matamoras.—I, Ignacio Ar­riolo, citizen of this neighborhood and mining district, appear before you in the most legal way, according to law, and say: That according to the thirteen lawful documents which I solemnly present and beg to be returned to me, it is evident that I am by right of purchase, grants and transfers, the lawful and only owner of the mines called Dolores, alias Descubridora, Loreto and America, situated in the south and east of this mineral district; and I have been in the quiet and peaceful possession of them for more than twenty yean. And having concluded a contract with Mr. C. Chipman, representative and director of the American and Mexican Silver Mining

If Company formed in New York, by which contract the said mines become the property and domain of said company, together with my Hacienda Sta. Oerarda, and everything belonging to it. The above mentioned Mr. Chipman wishes that, in order to inspire the American and Mexican Com­pany with greater confidence respecting the title to the above mentioned mines, there should be given to him a legal copy of the original judicial proceedings of registry and possession of the above mentioned mines; in consequence of which I beg you to be pleased to order that a lawful and complete copy of the above mentioned documents be taken for me; and in case some of them are not to be found in the archives of the deputation, owing to the removals which the papers relative to the mines of this Can­ton have suffered, in consequence of the different changes of Government from the year eighteen hundred and thirty-one to the present date. There­fore I l>eg and request you to give me new, real and personal possession of the above mentioned mines, together with everything pertaining thereto, as I do possess them, for this is an act not prohibited by law, and which may be repeated as often as the person interested in it may request, and as also tho knowledge of my rights, ownership and old and uninterrupted posses­sion of the above mentioned mines is well known. Therefore, I beg you, Sdr. Diputado, to be pleased to decree according to my petition, because it is an act of justiee which I request I swear everything that is necessary.

IGNACIO ARRIOLO. Setentrion, April 18tb, 1859.

Batoseagachi, April 13th, 1859.

The above is received as duly presented, together with the documents to which it refers, and their not being found in the archives of this deputation, the judicial proceedings relative to the mines to which the petitioner refers, because there only exist those which have been made since the year eighteen hundred and fifty-five, when this deputation was established—it being, how­ever, public and well known the right which the above mentioned petitioner, Ignacio Arriolo, has to the ownership of the said mines, as his own prop­erty, having had for moro than twenty years uninterrupted possession of them. Let me proceed, therefore, to give him possession of than, pre* vious]y summoning the neighbors, if there should be any. Juan N. Beccrra, Diputado de Mineria of this Canton, thus ordered and signed.

JUAN N. BECERRA, MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

In the mineral district of Setentrion, on the fourteenth day of the month of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, I, Juan Becerra, Di­putado de Mineria of this Canton, in order to perform the acts i

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in consequence of the judicial decree which precedes this, I made the ap­pointment of acting surveyor, which devolved on citizen Dolores Moreno, ia order that he should proceed to the survey and measurement of the mines " Nuestra Sra. dt los Dolores,11 alias Descubridora, Loreto and Ame­rica, taking first the oath in due form, which he will do provided he accepts this appointment, with which he will be made acquainted. And by this judicial act thus I ordered and signed.

JUAN N. BECERRA. MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

Immediately thereupon, being present citizen Dolores Moreno, whom I do attest to know, I made him acquainted with the preceding decree, the tenor of which being understood by him, he said : that he accepted and did accept the appointment of surveyor which had been conferred on him, and in consequence pf which he took an oath in due form of law, in the name of God our Lord, and by the sign of the Holy Cross, promising to discharge faithfully and legally the trust conferred on him according to the best of his knowledge and ability. In testimony whereof he signed this act together with me.

JUAN N. BECERRA. DOLORES MORENO.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

In the mine of Nuestra Sra. de los Dolores, on the fifteenth day of the month and year above mentioned, I, the Diputado of these judicial pro­ceedings, being accompanied by the surveyor, citizen Dolores Moreno, and the Secretary with whom I authorize these proceedings, in order to perform the judicial formalities of possession ordered by a decree on the thirteenth day, summoned citizen Ignacio Arriolo, and he being present as the only owner of the above mentioned mine, I made kru>wn to all the persons there present the object which I had in view, asking in a plain, loud and audible voice for three several times: If some or any one of the bystand­ers had any right to allege, or felt himself aggrieved by the possession which was going to be given to citizen Ignacio Arriolo of the mine Nuestra Sra. de los Dolores, and there being no one to present any opposition, I ordered the surveyor to enter into one of the works of the mine which should have the dimensions ordered by the 4th article, sixth title of the M Ordenanzas de Mineria," to survey the direction and dip of the vein, and to fulfill all the other duties proper to his employment; in consequence of which, after the above mentioned surveyor had entered in the mine and performed there all the duties of his office, he assures and declares: that the works which he has surveyed are worked according to the " Ordenan-za;" that the direction of the vein is from south to north, without any deviation ; that its width is extraordinary, and could not be ascertained,

It because the parts which are worked, and which are more than four varas in width, have not reached the under side; that its substance is soft, and th* upper side hard; that its metals are various and of different qualities, the most abundant being black pyrites and blue, with pyrites of bronce chino (yellow copper); that all lay in guija mollar (soft gravel); that the inclination of the vein to the horizon allows squares of one hundred and eighty-five varas. In view of the above, and there being no cause to pre­vent this possession, I summoned the owners of the mine, in virtue of which the said citizen Ignacio Arriolo presented himself as the only and lawful owner, and I took him by the hand, and making him walk in the work-yard of the mine before all the persons present, I told him in a loud voice and in plain words: that in the name of the Nation and of the Sove­reignty of this State, I gave and did give him real and personal possession of the mine called Nuestra Sra. de los Dolores, alias Descubridora, together with everything belonging to it within the fourteen Hundred varas, which must be measured, in conformity with article first, title sixth, and article second, title eleventh of the " Ordenanzas de Mineria," in order that he may not be disturbed by any one, neither incommoded or ejected from his possession, without being first heard and condemned in a court of justice; which possession he took quietly and peacefully without any opposition, and as a sign of it he threw stones towards the four points of the compass, he cut off branches from the bushes on the ground, entered and came out of the mine, and performed other acts of true possession, ownership and seigniory; after which I ordered him to mark all his territory by visible, strong and durable landmarks, without his ever being able to change them, or place them beyond their limits for any cause whatever. And with this, this act was concluded in the presence of the citizens Francis Flores, Adolfo Rodriguez, Francisco Cavada, and many others who were present; and the person who took possession signed, together with me and the Secretary. Which I attest.

JUAN N. BECERRA. IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

On the day, month and year above mentioned, the appointed surveyor proceeded to measure the seven places which, as a discovered mine (y de comjpania) belong to the same, and he measured by the direction of the vein towards the south, commencing at the mouth of the mine, eleven hundred varas, perfectly level, which terminated in a cordon (ridge), where is to be found a black oak, and there a landmark was ordered to be placed; and returning to the mouth of the mine, there were measured three hundred varas, which ended at a portesuelito (pass), through which the road which goes from Setentrion to the lake passes, and with which were completed the fourteen hundred varas granted by law. The said measures being mads

According to the thread and direction of the vein, there were measured at both extremities cuadras (squares) of one hundred and eighty-five varas, forming angles with the first ones, that of the north which contained one hundred and eighty varas, ending on the western side at the top of a little hillock which is found on the bank of a lake, and at the foot of an algar-robo tree, where a landmark was ordered to be placed; and on the eastern side, which contained five varas, and which ended at the above mentioned portesuelo, and at the foot of a white stick, where also a landmark was ordered to be placed. At the northern extremity there were measured towards the east five varus, which terminated at the foot of an algarrobo tree; and towards the west there were measured one hundred and eighty varas, which terminated on the brow of a bill, at the foot of a large oak. The cuadras (squares) being now made, landmarks were ordered to be placed in all the above indicated places. The above measurements having been concluded in conformity to law, and the places having been assigned for the stakes, the above mentioned surveyor stated that he had performed all his duties with all attention, without fraud or deceit of any kind, ac­cording to the best of his knowledge and ability, in such a manner, that he reproduces and ratifies the oath which he had made, and he signed together with me and the Secretary. I do attest.

JUAN N. BECERRA. DOLORES MORENO, Surveyor.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

On the day, month and year aforesaid, I being present in the mine of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, with the intention of performing the judicial acts of possession ordered by the decree of the thirteenth day, I summoned citizen Ignacio Arriolo as the only and lawful owner of the above men­tioned mine, and he being present, I made known to all other persons present the object which I had in view, asking in a loud and clear voice three different times, if some or any of those individuals present had any right to allege or believed himself aggrieved by the possession which was going to be given to citizen Ignacio Arriolo of the mine Nuestra Sra. de Loreto; and no person having appeared to present any claim, nor offer any opposition, I ordered the citizen Dolores Moreno to enter in one of the works of the mine which should have the depth and width ordered by the fourth article, title sixth of the " Ordenanzas de Mineria;" that he shoyld survey the direction and dip of the vein, and should fulfill all the other duties which, as a surveyor, he should perform; in consequence Of which, after having entered the mine, he assures and declares: that the works which he has surveyed are worked in conformity to the M Ordenanza;' that the direction of the vein is from south to north; that its thickness is three varas, the under side not having yet been discovered ; that its sub­stance is soft, as is likewise the upper side; that its metals are dull yellow,

«

purple caliche** (calcareous) and black pyrites; that the inclination of the vein to the horizon allows cuadras (squares) of one hundred and eighty-five varas. In consequence of the above, and there Hot appearing any motive to prevent this possession, I summoned the owners of the mine, and citizen Ignacio Arriolo presented himself M the only and lawful owner of the same, and for this reason I took him by the hand, and making him walk in the work-yard of the mine, I said in words clear and perceptible to all the persons present, that in the name of the Nation and of the Sovereignty of the State, I gave and did give him real and personal possession of the said mine Nuestra Senora de Loreto, together with everything contained within the eight hundred varas which are to be measured,-in conformity with article second, title eleventh of the " Ordenanzas de Mineria," that he may possess and enjoy it with full liberty, without any person being able to disturb or trouble him in his possession, or eject him from it, with­out his being first heard and condemned in court. He then took quiet and peaceful possession of the same, and as a sign of it, he threw stones towards the four points of the compass, cut down grass, entered and came out of the mine, and performed other acts of possession, ownership and seigniory, after which I ordered him to mark all the territory belonging to him by firm and lasting landmarks, without changing or removing them, nor placing them beyond their limits for any cause whatever. Thus this act was concluded, in the presence of the citizens Francisco Flores, Adolfo Rodriguez, Jose de la Luz Ramos, Sabino Munos, and various other indi­viduals—the owner and the Secretary signing together with me. I do attest.

JUAN N. BECERRA. IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

Immediately thereupon the above mentioned surveyor proceeded to the measurement of four places belonging to this property, and beginning at the mouth of the mine he measured towards the south five hundred varas, which joined the measurements of the mine Nuestra Senora de los Dolores; and returning to the mouth of the mine, he measured towards the north three hundred varas, which terminated at the declivity of the mountain, where the vein passes down to the rivulet of Setentrion, on the edge of an estate cane field, where a landmark was ordered to be placed. The measures thus being taken according to the thread and direction of the vein, there were measured from both extremities cuadras (squares) of one hundred and eighty-five varas, forming an angle with the first measurements, uniting at the northern extremity with the one hundred and eighty which were given to it on the western side, at the foot of a thick wall, known by the eantil (quarry) which is found on the opposite side of the hill of Loreto; and the remaining five varas, which are allowed on the eastern side, terminate at

23

the foot of an oak, and at these two points landmarks were ordered to be placed; and returning to the southern extremity, there were measured towards the west cuadra (square) of one hundred and eighty varas, and five more towards the east, joining together both measurements with the landmarks of the mine Nuestra Senora de los Dolores, which will serve as a dividing line for both mines; thus being concluded the measurements corresponding to the mine Nncstra Senora de Loreto—the surveyor de­claring that he had executed them scrupulously, according to the best of his knowledge and ability, under the oath which he had made, and he signed together with me and the Secretary. I do attest

JUAN N. BECERRA. DOLORES MORENO, Surveyor.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

In the mine America, on the sixteenth day of the month and year afore­said, I proceeded to perform the judicial acts of possession ordered by the decree of the thirteenth day of the present month, in consequence of which I summoned citizen Ignacio Arriolo, who presented himself, accompanied by some individuals, whom I informed of the object which I had in view, asking all those present, in a clear and audible voice, three several times, if any or some of them had any claim to present or believed himself ag­grieved by the possession which was going to be given to citizen Ignacio Arriolo of the mine America, and there being no person who could main­tain any right or attempt any opposition, I ordered the surveyor, citizen Dolores Moreno, to enter into one of the works of the mine which should have the proportions ordered in article fourth, title sixth of the " Ordenanza de Mineria ;" that he should examine the direction of the vein ; that he should inform himself of its width and inclination to the horizon; that he should observe its hardness or softness, the more or less firmness of its up­per and under sides, and the principal kinds of pyrites contained in the mineral. In consequence whereof the said surveyor, after having entered the mine, assures and declares: that the works which he has examined are conformable to the u Ordenanza;" that the direction of the vein is from south to north, and its inclination towards the west; that its substance is hard, as are also its upper and under sides; that it is four varas in thick­ness, and its metals are rich in silver (rosicher and morados pacos), and it allows, according to the u Ordenanza," cuadra (square) of one hundred and fifty varas. In view thereof, and there being no motive whatever to delay this possession, I summoned the owners of the mine, and citizen Ig­nacio Arriolo presented himself as the only and lawful owner; and I took him by the hand and made him walk through the work-yard of said mine, and I said to him in a loud voice and in decisive words: that in the name of the Nation and of the Sovereignty of this State, I gave and did give him

98

the real and personal possession of the mine called America, together with everything contained within the eight hundred varas which belong to it, according to article second, title eleventh of the " Ordenanza de Mineria," in order that he may enjoy and dispose of it as of a thing legally bis own, and that nobody can disturb or incommode him in bis possession of it, neither eject him from it without being previously heard and condemned in court. He then took possession of it, and as a proof thereof he entered and came out of the mine, he threw stones towards the four points of the compass, he cut off branches from the trees, and did other acts as proof of his possession, ownership and seigniory, after which I ordered him to mark out his property by firm and durable landmarks, without his being able to change or remove them, or place them beyond the limits of their measure­ments for any cause whatever. And with this, this act was concluded in the presence of citizens Jose Maria del Fierro, Marcos Ramos, Jesus Mu-noz, and various others who were present—the owner signing together with me and the Secretary. I do attest.

JUAN N. BECERRA. IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

Immediately thereupon the appointed surveyor proceeded to the measure­ment of four places according to the direction of the vein, and he measured towards the south, beginning at the mouth of the mine, six hundred varas on a level, which terminated on the right bank of the rivulet Setentrion, on a large rock, where a large cross was ordered to be placed—allowing from that point towards the west ono hundred and fifty varas (de cuadra), which terminated at a large vein, and fifty varas on the eastern part, which touched at a bevelamo, and at these two points landmarks were ordered to be placed. And returning to the mouth of the mine, there were measured from it towards the north two hundred varas, which terminated at the trunk of a pochote tree, where a cross was ordered to be painted; and allowing here the cuadras, there were measured towards the west one hun­dred and forty varas, and ten on the eastern side—the first measurement ending at an old vein, and the second at a cumlro ; and at these two places landmarks were ordered to be placed, thus being concluded the measure­ments corresponding to the said mine America; and the above mentioned surveyor stated that he had taken them with the greatest exactitude, ac* cording to the best of his knowledge and ability, which he would ratify, should there be necessity for it, under the same oath which he had already made. Thus he stated, and signed together with me and the Secretary. I do attest.

JUAN N. BECERRA. DOLORES MORENO, Surveyor.

MANUEL CBUZ, Secretary.

84

In the mineral district of Setentrion, on the day, month and year afore­said, I, " el diputado" of the foregoing judicial acts, state, that inasmuch as these judicial proceedings of possession and measurement of the mines Nuestra Senora de los Dolores, alias Descubridora, Loreto and America, are concluded, and which belong to citizen Ignacio Arriolo, I order and decree that an entire and legal copy of all these proceedings be made and delivered to the above mentioned citizen, in order that they may serve him as a title of ownership, and that he be protected and respected in his own­ership and possession, and that no person be permitted to disturb him, his heirs or successors, for which purpose I sanction by my authority and judi­cial decree; and I order that these proceedings be placed in the archives— and by this decree thus I ordered and signed together with the Secretary. I do attest

JUAN N. BECERRA. MANUEL CRUZ, Secretary.

This document agrees with its original, from it was faithfully and ex actly copied on these ten leaves, the two first on stamped paper of i »»i second class, and the rest on common paper, there being no stamped paper of the right kind; and the person interested will pay the value of it, with­out which requisite this title would not be valid, nor could he make legal use of it Thus I certify it in the above mentioned " mineral" of Seten­trion on the sixteenth day of the month of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.

f In testimony of the truth,

(Signed) JUAN BECERRA.

(Signed) MANUEL CBUZ, Secretary.

(Stamped paper.)

Citizen Panfilo Valdez, second Judge of the Primary Court of Claims of the Canton of Matamoras:—I do certify that the foregoing authentic copy was made from the original lawful document which exists in the archives of this "diputacion de Mineria" of this Canton, and is entitled to all faith and credit—it being made with all the lawful requisites according to the laws of this country, and given by the proper authority. And at the request of citizen Ignacio, I give this present in the " mineral of Ba-toeegachic," head of this Canton, on the eighteenth day of the month of April, 1859, which I authorized and signed together with the witnesses who ac­company me for want of a notary public. I do attest

(Signed) PANFILO VALDEZ. Witnesses, JESUS OCHOA,

CALLETANO ACUNAS.

m (Stamped paper.)

Mariano Puc hi, G. P. of the Canton of Matamoras, in the stats of Chi-hnahua:—I do certify, that the foregoing authentic copy, mads by Juan N. Beccrra, M Diputado de Mineria" of this Canton, and the certificate at the end of the same, written by Panfilo Valdez, Judge of the Primary Court of Claims of this Canton, are worthy of full faith and credit, because both the above mentioned gentlemen deserve fall faith and credit—said documents being given according to right for the purpose they express both at present and in all times to come. And at the petition of citizen Ignacio Arriolo, I give this present in the " Mineral of Batosegachi," the head of this Canton, on the eighteenth day of the month of April, in the year of the Lord 1859.

(Signed) MARIANO PUCHI.

To the Alcalde Constitutional.

I, Ignacio Arriolo, citizen and matriculated miner in the mines of Car­men and Setentrion, before you, in due form, do appear and say: that being obliged to introduce a large number of swine and mules, as necessary and indispensable to the working and management of this Hacienda, it is necessary for me to have a tract of land appropriated to the establishment and requirements of said animals. For this object, and as being very ap­propriate for this purpose, the place commonly known by the name of Tojaboa (it being at the same time the one most suitable), I have determined to register it, under all the formalities of the law, as wild land, unclaimed and unoccupied, except by an individual who, desirous of being near the mineral region, has lived there a short time without having acquired any legal right to it For the above reasons, and in view of the cause which actuates me, the vacancy of the land, and the relying upon the exceptions, concessions and prerogatives which belong to me of right as miner, in the name of the Sovereignty of the State, I hereby register it, with all the places for entering and leaving the same, the usages, right of way, pastures, watering places, waters or springs that there may be, especially that which may be found to pass by the place properly called Tojaboa; as well as all the comer enclosures, ravines and gulches that may be seen, to keep in, ss 1 have already said, the mules and swine mentioned in this petition; and also as a breeding estate for cattle, large and small, as it may suit me— claiming, at the proper time, to apply for the measurement, title and oonfirmatiou of said land, for which purpose I pray that you will deem it as registered, granting me the permission to enter in possession of it, and examine all enclosures, in order to see which may be most useful to me at the time of measurement, inasmuch as it is a piece of land full of bushes, and situated in the roughest and most impassable part of the Sierra, while other-portions are full of rocks and other obstacles, which

26

only great labor and perseverance can render available; and praying also that you return me this original petition for my safety, and to ad­mit this on plain paper, there not existing any stamped of the suitable kind, declaring the will to replace the same.

Sworn to by me as not done in bad faith, and the necessary, Ac.

(Signed) IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

Dated Setentrion, November 2d, 1881.

Palmarejo, November 5th, 1831.

The above having been presented and admitted according to law, let there be granted to the applicant the license he asks for, without pre­judice to third party. I, Jos6 Igno. Gomez de Montenegro, "Alcalde Constitucional" of this municipality, did decree, order and sign, together with the witnesses who assist me, there being no Notary Public within the district, as required by law. I do attest

JOSE IGNO. GOMEZ, De Montenegro.

Witnesses, PEDRO QUIROZ, JOSE DE ANTILO.

(Stamp, 1858-59.)

Panfilo Valdez, second Judge of the Primary Court of Claims of the Canton of Matamoras, in the state of Chihuaha:—I do certify, in due form of law, that citizen Ignacio Arriolo, sole owner of the claim of Silver Mines of Setentrion, has been in quiet and peaceful possession, for more than twenty-seven years, of the lands or site of Tojaboa, which adjoins the Hacienda Sta. Gerarda in said Setentrion, and they arc calculated as of eight to ten square leagues; and for such use as it may be to the said Mr. Arriolo, I have given him this present at the M Mineral de Bacoregachi," the head of this Canton, on the eighteenth day of the month of April, 1869, which I authorized and signed together with the wit­nesses who assist me, in my presence, there being no Notary, according to law. I do attest

(Signed) PANFILO VALDEZ.

Witnesses, JESUS OCUOA,

CENOBIO C. MUNOZ.

1ft> the Alcalde Constitutional

I, Ignacio Arriolo, citizen and matriculated miner, resident in the Min­eral del Setentrion, appear before you, and in due legal form do say: that on the other bank of the rivulet which passes through this Hacienda, are perceived some heights very near to this claim, and as they contain some pastures, fuel and timber, extremely necessary and indispensable to the business and working of metals, I have taken possession of these utilities; and although I have the liberty of transit over said mountain without opposition from any one, and although it is a rough wilderness, and therefore uncultivated, I desire, however, in all respects to act in conformity with the spirit of the laws in relation thereto. In virtue thereof, in the name of the State, I register the above mentioned mountain from the point where is situated the mine America belonging to me, up to the place in front of where begins the taking of water, cited in this claim, it being observed that part of the above mentioned rivulet bounds it with its bank, and on the side of the heights must be bounded by them, because even up to and including them are found objects useful to this claim ; and if we notice the prerogatives and privileges which belong to me, no one can have preference over me.

I ask, then, in due form, that you will accept my application as regis­tered, and return to me this original petition for my own safety, and also to admit the legality of this petition on unstamped paper, there being none of the proper kind, and I declare my willingness to supply i t

Sworn to by me as not done in bad faith, and all necessary, &c.

(Signed) IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

Setentrion, November 19th, 1881.

Palmarejo, November 21st, 1835.

The foregoing is received as duly presented, but is not admitted, be­cause this Court is satisfied that the place which the petitioner recorded belongs to the Indian, Santiago Soto, of the town of Temoris. I decreed, ordered and signed it by this present, together with the witnesses who assist me, in my presence, there being no Notary, according to law. I do

(Signed) * JOSE IGNO. GOMEZ, De Montenegro,

Witnesses, PEDRO QUIROZ, JUAN J. QUIROZ.

28

(Stamp, 1840-41.) In the town of Temoris, on the 9th day of February, 1840, before me,

citizen Rafael Soto, "Alcalde Conciliador" of the municipality of Gua-zapaoz, having appeared Mr. Ignacio Arriolo, owner of the Hacienda Sta. Gerada in Setentrion, together with the Indians Jose Ma. Gallego, Manuel Pielo and Santiago Soto, governor the first named, lieutenant the second, and the third a native of this town, he, the said Arriolo, de­clared to me, that since the year 1832, he purchased from the Indian Santiago Soto, for the sum of sixty dollars, a piece of ground in front of the Hacienda of Sta Gerarda del Setentrion, on the other bank of the riv­ulet which bounds the said land on the east and south, and on the north by the top of the hill of Setentrion sloping towards this town, and on the west it is bounded by the summit of the farm, in which is the mine of America; and inasmuch as he having no written title to the above men­tioned tract, as the Indians own the land without other credentials than the actual possession of the land they occupy, he has asked me to interro­gate the said Indians, and to certify what they may say, in order that it may serve as a title of ownership to said land. In virtue thereof, and being present the said named Indians, to whose identification I hereby cer­tify, I did ask of Santiago Soto if he had sold to Mr. Ignacio Arriolo his land that he had in the Setentrion, according to the bounds as expressed by said gentleman, and he did reply : " Yes, he did sell it to him as far back as the year 1832, for the sum of sixty dollars," which he received from said Mr. Arriolo in said year. And the governor and lieutenant gov­ernor being asked whether they knew anything about this sale, and whether the said Santiago Soto could do it well and lawfully, they stated that San­tiago Soto sold to Mr. Ignacio Arriolo the land he had on the border of the rivulet of Setentrion, and that the said Santiago Soto was lawful owner of said ground, because it had come to him by inheritance from his great grand parents, and for that reason he was competent to sell and transfer it, and that nobody had a right to prevent his doing it. In view of the above, I make this present lawful instrument, in order that it may serve as a title of ownership to the said Mr. Arriolo for the land in question, and that he may enjoy it, sell it, or alienate it as his own legally acquired property, and that nobody in no time may disquiet, remove or trouble him in the lawful possession thereof—granting it to him for the uses which he may choose to make of it And at his verbal request I give this public docu­ment, which the Indians Jose Ma. Gallego, Manuel Pielo, and Santiago Soto do not sign, they not knowing how to do it.

I signed it with the witnesses who act with me, by act of " receptoria," for want of a Notary Public. I do attest.

(Signed) RAFAEL SOTO. Witnesses, JUANPARRAS,

MANUEL HERRERA.

if To the Constitutional Justice of the Peace.

Sr. Alcalde Constitucional: -Ignacio Arriolo, a citizen, registered as a miner, residing in the Setentrion, and a shareholder of the mines called Nuestra Senora de los Dolores and Loreto, appears before you, and in due form I say : that in order to work and improve the metals produced by both the said mines, it is necessary for roe to obtain, by legal means, a title to a piece of ground on which I can proceed to build the mortcro, mills galeras, houses and other buildings proper to mining operations, which ground I have endeavored, from the beginning, to obtain, using for that purpose the roost thorough investigations, as were necessary at the same time, in order that said machinery should be impelled by water. On this account, and being tired of looking over land in places truly inaccessible, this very necessity obliged me to select a piece of ground which, by means of heavy ex penses, I have been able to render suitable for the purpose for which I required it, which is, to place on it the above mentioned buildings having from the beginning been able to obtain the water which flows over the said ground; and that, in the name of the Sovereignty of the State, I register the same, together with all its uses, inlets and outlets, in order that on account of the above mentioned objects, the permission of arranging it may be granted to me, with all the liberty which it may be necessary for me to have—it being understood that the said ground is situated on the shore of a rivulet very well known by the eminences which rise above its sides, and at present it is known by the name of the Setentrion, it not being possible for me to set down the limits of the above said ground, because I wish to have ample space for the buildings, otherwise I might be obliged to limit the size of them, and the size of the ground may be taken after the machinery is finished. For which purpose I beg you on claim of justice, to have it registered on the same indicated terras, and I beg the favor of your returning to me this original petition, in order that my right may be proved in consequence of the corresponding decree. I beg also, that the present petition be admitted on this paper, because the required paper cannot be found here, under the protest that I make to replace it I swear that I do not proceed in bad faith, &c

(Signed) IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

Setentrion, June 18th, 1881.

Palmarejo, August 16th, 1881.

This petition is considered a_ duly presented and admitted, conformable to law, with the old date, which is shown on the same. It is hereby granted to the petitioner the right of a piece of ground sufficient for the

80

buildings and machinery necessary for working the metals in conformity with the " Ordenanza de Mineria," and without damage to a third person— it being understood that as soon as said machinery is arranged, he must give due notice of it to this Court, in order that in due form the limits to which he must be circumscribed may be marked, and that he may have the corresponding document to prove his ownership, returning to him this present one as he requests. I, citizen Jose Gomez, dc Montenegro, by this present act, decreed, ordered and signed this, together with the witnesses who assist me, by want of a Notary Public. I do attest.

(Signed) MONTENEGRO.

Witnesses, JOSE MARIA RODRIGUEZ,

JESUS AVON.

Immediately hereupon the preceding petition, contained in these two pages, was returned to the petitioner.—Signed with a Rubric

In the Hacienda Sta. Gerarda del Mineral del Setentrion, on the 4th day of the month of September, 1834, I, citizen Rafael Soto, Alcalde Concilia-dor of this municipality, said : that having measured the grounds in which the said Hacienda is situated, it appears that its longitude from north to south is two hundred and fifty-five varas, and twenty-four in its latitude from east to west, and which, in the name of the Supreme powers of the State, I place Mr. Ignacio Arriolo in real and personal possession of, as the only and lawful owner of the abovementioned ground. And I also grant unto him the right and title to the exclusive use of the water of the rivu­let which passes through this Aacienda, from the place from whence Mr. Arriolo has taken it, as far as the place where he requires it for the use of said Hacienda, and that nobody has a right to trouble him or to prevent the use of the water as well as of the ground ; and on this account it is adjudged to him from this time for ever, and in the possession of which he shall be respected and protected by the authorities of this State, he having paid the municipal duties that were laid on him for said acquisition, which will be secured and made perpetual to him, in order that he may make whatever use of it which may be agreeable to him. In testimony whereof, and for his own security and as a firm title, I give this public document, which is authorized and signed by me, together with the witnesses who assist me, for want of a Notary Public, according to law. I do certify i t

(Signed) RAFAEL SOTO.

PATRICIO RODRIGUEZ,

FRAN. PALXNZUXLA.

11

(Stamped paper of the 4th Class.) Valid in this State of Durango, for the term of two years, 1830 and

1831. We, the President and Chapter governing this Bishopric and Cathedral

of Durango in sede vacante: Inasmuch as the Rev. Father Miguel Tellechea, President of the Missions

of the lower Tarahumara, and Minister of that of " Santa Teresa de Gua-zapares," has represented to us in his own name, as well as in that of the owners of the newly discovered mine, in the place which is called Setentrion, the great necessity that there is for building at that place a public chapel, where the parishioners may be assisted in their spiritual wants; begging and imploring us for that purpose to be pleased to grant our permission and license : therefore, on consideration of their request, and considering also to be legal the motives which they set forth, we have deemed it lawful to grant their above mentioned petition, (granting as we can do it,) our permission and license, that they may in the above mentioned place called Setentrion, and in whatever part of it they may consider the most suitable, found, erect and build the public chapel, which is spoken of, and which is to receive the appellation of " San Miguel," as is requested, and under the obligation, and not otherwise, that the owners of the above mentioned mine will be answerable for keeping the above mentioned cha­pel in the repairs necessary for its stability, and to keep it supplied with requisite quantity of sacred vestments, holy vessels, and all other articles necessary for the sacred service, upon which condition, they shall take be­fore the National Judge of that Department, the suitable oath, with all the clauses, requisites, securities and assurances, which may be necessary for satisfaction of the Rev. Father, the petitioner, whom we authorize, in due form, that as soon as said chapel be finished, to examine it personally, and on finding it with the ornaments, vestments, and other articles, he may bless it in the form prescribed by the Roman Ritual; and this being done, we give our license and faculty, that in the above mentioned chapel there may be celebrated the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and also the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confession by any secular or regular priest, who may be iu the free exercise of his ministry in this Diocese ; it being under­stood that this permission is to be valid for the time of our will, and with­out any detriment to the Parish right

Given in the Hall of " Acuerdos," of the Holy Cathedral of Durango, signed by us, sealed with the seal of our arms, and legalized by our Secre­tary of Government, on the ninth day of the mouth of May, 1881. (Signed,) JOSE IGNACIO, (Signed,) JOSE CAYETANO,

Iturribarria. Salcido. (Signed,) FRANCISCO GONZALEZ,

(Signed,) GREGORIO HERNANDEZ, Srcrttary of Government

Regisiered, Book 3d of Government, Folio 82.

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Seal of the Stamps.)

No, 2 . - Para actuaciones—Sello primero.

Made valid for the years eighteen hundred and fifty-eight and fifty-nine. Worth eight dollars.

Principal administration of Sonora, Guaymas, August 10th, 1858,

(Signed,) (Signed.) M. PAREDES, TOMAS ROBINSON.

In the city of Conception de Alamos, on the twenty-sixth day of the month of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, before me, Licentiate Jos£ Maria Rebella, Judge of the Primary Court of Claims, of this District, the witnesses who usually accompany me, and also those wit­nesses who will be named, and will sign, appeared Senor Don Ignacio Arriolo, whom I do attest to be known to me, and who said: that in order to fulfil that which he binds himself to do in the 0th Article of the Con­tract, which, under public deed, he celebrated with Mr. D. C. Chipman, Director of the American Mexican Silver Mining Company, of New-York, on the 7th day instant, in this same Court, he publicly and in due form of law, does convey in favor of said Company, all the public writings, documents, and titles, which prove his right and ownership to the "Negocio de Minas del Setentrion" situated in the Canton of Matamoras, in the State of Chihuahua. In consequence of which he delivered to the said Mr. Chipman, and I do attest to have seen it, an envelope, marked with letter A, containing the titles of possession and measurement of these mines, to wit: Dolores, (alias) Descubridora, Loreto and America. Under the envelope marked letter 2?, he delivered the title of the right of ownership of the "Hacienda del St. Oerardo del Setentrion, in which is expressed the situation, boundaries and appendages of said Hacienda. Under the envelope marked letter Q he delivered two original documents, and a certificate of the Judge of the Court of Claims, of the Canton of Matamoras, which certify that Mr. Arriolo is and has been in quiet and peaceful possession for more than twenty years, of the land of Tajavoa, and of that which is found on the other side of the rivulet del Setentrion, known at present by the name of las Afecutas, and which lands surround the Hacienda St. Oerardo. And finally he delivered another envelope marked D, containing the license given by the ecclesias­tical chapter of Durango, then governing the bishopric in sede vacante, to build a chapel on the Negotiation del Setentrion, and there to celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and also to administer all other sacraments. That by the titles and documents already mentioned, it is to be seen: that the negotio de minas del Setentrion, together with everything annexed to them, belong by right of possession and ownership, to the above mentioned

Ur. Arriolo, who asserts and declares, that he has not told, mortgaged, bargained, or in any manner whatever alienated any part thereof, also that it is free from all tributes, ecclesiastical benefices, codicils, entails, patron­ages, and any other real, temporal, perpetual, general, tacit, or expressed obligation; and that as such, he conveys and delivers it to the American Mexican Mining Company, of New-York, together with all his rights, usages, perquisites, privileges, liberties, and all other things that he has had, and has at present and belong to him according to right, as he has bound himself to do in the above said 9th Article of the before-mentioned contract. That in virtue thereof, and of the prior fulfilment on the part of the American Mexican Company, of the Article 3d of said con tract, he makes in favor of the above mentioned American Mexican Com­pany, the most firm and efficacious conveyance of tin above mentioned negotio de minas, with a formal renunciation of all the laws which could annul, modify, or take away the virtue of this contract, which this depo­nent declares and confesses to have l>ecn made, done and celebrated, with full and absolute liberty without there having intervened fraud, imposition, fear or other illegal or forced motive. That his own convenience, and favorable advantages have instigated him to celebrate it, and that in no time, neither he, his heirs, nor his successors, may plead any damage, whether great, or very great, or any other reason that could render void and null this contract, for which reason he renounces the Law 2d, Title 1st, of the Book 10th, of the "Novisima Recopilacion," and all such laws a* could favor him. And from now henceforth, for ever and ever, he dispos­sesses, gives up, and separates himself, his heirs and successors, from the dominion, ownership, possession, title, power, or any other right that would belong to the aforesaid negotio de minas del Setentrion, together with everything that belongs to them, as has been explained: reserving and preserving only in said affair the right which helongs to him as a partner in the said American Mexican Company, by reason of the sum of $50,000, for which he has sold the above mentioned property, and which he has entered in the funds of said Company, in favor of whom, he gives up, renounces and transfers the above mentioned negotio de minas del Setentrion, and^everything which belongs and pertains to them, together with all the rights, whether real or personal, useful, mixed, direct and executive. He gives up and transfers everything to the said American Mexican Mining Company, of New-York, or to whomsoever may repre­sent its rights and actions, in order that it may possess, enjoy, exchange, give up and dispose of them with full and entire liberty, at its own will and election, as of a thing truly its own, obtained by just and lawful title. And he confers on the above said American Mexican Company, full and irrevocable power, with free, full and general ad­ministration, and constitutes it an active party in its own cause, in order that by its own authority, or judicially, it may enter and take full

34

possession of the above mentioned negotio de minas del Setentrion, and may take and have the real tenure and possession, which by right be­long to the mines, hacienda, factories, waters and lands, which consti­tute the property. And in order that the Company may not be obliged to go and take the said possession, they request me to give them this public document, by virtue of which, and without any other act of possession, the Company may be considered to have taken possession of and received all the titles which are hereby transferred to it, and the deponent binds himself that the above mentioned negotio de minas del Sttentrion, together with all the things annexed to it, as before stated, will be made secure and effective to the American Mexican Company, of New-York, and that nobody will incommode, or present any claim against the ownership, possession and enjoyment of the same, neither that there will appear any claim against it, and in case of its being incommoded, or troubled, then this deponent, or his heirs, shall be obliged to appear and defend it according to law, and will continue the suit at their own expense, through all the procedures and tribunals, until they leave the American Mexican Company, or whosoever represents it, in the free, quiet and peaceful possession of the same. Mr. D. C. Chipman, who is present hereto, and whom I do attest to know, having been informed and made acquainted with the contents of this publu document, said : that he does receive, and considers himself as having really received in the name of the American Mexican Silver Mining Company, of New-York, whose interests he represents, the documents above mentioned, and which are contained in the four envelopes marked letters A, B, C, D, which docu­ments he has found to be according to his wishes and entire satisfaction, after having attentively examined them, in company with the American citizen, Dr. William I. Hill, who in due time will proceed to take possession of the negotio de minas del Setentrion, in the name of the above mentioned American Mexican Company; in consequence of which, he will faithfully, religiously, and punctually deliver the ($50,000,) fifty thousand dollars, in shares, which in the name of said Company, he bound himself to deliver to Arriolo, in the 3d Article of the contract, celebrated the iHh instant, in this same Court, considering and holding as he does really consider and hold the said Mr. Arriolo as a partner of said Company, as it has been set down and agreed to in the same contract, which, together with this present document, shall never be construed, tervigersated, or violated, either wholly or partially, by any of the parties here mentioned, or any other partners of said company, under the penalty of not being heard neither in nor out of the Courts of Judicature; and any partner who should attempt to do it, shall not be heard, and besides shall be condemned in the costs and damages. And both the parties of this present document, do in due form of law, mutually and respectively sign this present document, with all the clauses, requisites and securities, which, for its stability and validity are

85

lawful 1 v neressary ; and it is their wish, that should any be wanting, the said may be considered as (suplida,) therein contained, considering it as negotio de mime, according to truth and good faith, for which purpose they claim the uordinancias de mineria" in everything which may effect the greater stability and validity of this public document, and of the contract which is referred to, and which was celebrated on the above said 7th day ; and to the fulfilment of everything therein set forth, both parties, Mr. Ignacio Arriolo by himself, and Mr. I) C. Chipman by himself, and in the name of the American Mexican Silver Mining Company, of New-York, bind themselves together with all their present and future goods and landed property, and together with them, they submit themselves to the laws and jurisdietion of all the Judges of the Republic, who have or may have cog­nizance of these proceedings, giving and granting to them full and ample power to oblige and constrain them to the fulfilment of everything herein agreed, contained and stipulated, as if the same had been tried, judged and affirmed, and a definite sentence passed thereon. And as such they receive it, and consequently renounce their own rights anddomicils, tagether with all the laws that could favor them, and also the general renunciation in due form.

Thus they executed, and in proof thereof signed this, together with me, and the witnesses who usually assist me, and also the following citizens who also signed as witnesses of this document:

(Signed,) LEOCADIO ESPINOSA. (Signed,) GABRIEL URRUTIA.

(Signed,) JORIBIO CORBALA, present, and inhabitants of this city, which I attest:

(Signed,) LICENTIATE JOSE MARIA REVILLA. (Signed,) IGNACIO ARRI­OLO. (Signed,) C CHIPMAN. (Signed,) LEOCADIO ESPINOSA. (Signed,) GABRIEL URRUTIA. (Signed,) JORIBIO CORBALA, a. (Signed,) LEONARDO VILCHES. (Signed,) a. RAFAEL REVILLA.

This document agrees with the original one, which remains in the Registry of this Court, from which it was taken to-day, the day of its being signed, written on five pages of sealed paper, the first and last being made valid for the 1st Seal, and the three middle ones of the 8d Seal, as it is cer­tified, authorized and signed, together with the witnesses that assist me, them being no Notary Public, according to right, I do attest

Consequently it was delivered to the above mentioned Mr. Chipman.

In testimony of the truth,

(Signed,) LICENTIATE JOSE MARIA REVILLA. Witness, Witness,

LEONARDO VILCHES. RAFAEL REVILLA.

ION ATIO PSSQUEIRA, Governor of the States of Sonora and Sinaloa:

I certify that the preceding signatures are the same that are used by licentiate Jose Maris Revilla, Leonardo Vilches, and Rafael Revilla, and by which they are known in all their official acts.

In testimony of which, I sign this present in the port of Mazatlan, on the 25th day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.

(Signed,) I. PESQUEIRA. (Signed,) MANUEL MONTEVKRDE, .

Seen tary.

V. S. CONSULATE,

**vnX*+ Mazatlan, May 26th, 1857. I, Edward C, Consul of the United States for the port of Mazatlan,

and other dependencies thereof, do hereby certify, that the *ignature affixed to the foregoing document, is that of I. Pe*qucira, the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the States of Sinaloa and Sonora, and I further certify that the signature of Manuel Monteverde is honafide that of the Secretary of State.

Given under my hand, and the Seal of this Consulate, the day and the year above written.

(Signed,) EDWARD C-^___c__^ U. S. Consul

I do hereby certify, that I have made the foregoing translation, accord­ing to the best of my knowledge of its original, written in the Spanish language, to which I refer.

MARIANA VELAZQUEZ DE LA CADENA* New-York, July 5th, 1 9.

Casa de V., April 25th, 1859.

MR. CL CHIPMAN :

Dear Sir—In order to fulfil that which I obliged myself to do in article 9th of our contract at Setentrion, I send to you, under the envelope marked letter A, the titles to my mines Dolores, alias Descubridora, Loreto aad America. The envelope letter B contains the title of possession and

s?

ownership of my Hacienda Sta. Gerarda, together with the grant of the water, and also all its appendages. Under the envelope marked letter C, you will find two original documents, and a certificate from the 2d Judge of the Primary Court of Claims of the Canton of Matamoras, which cer­tify that I have been in quiet and peaceful possession for more than twenty years of the lands of Tojaboa and Las Mesitas, which surround my Ha­cienda Sta. Gerarda. And the envelope marked letter D contains the license given by the Ecclesiastical Chapter of Durango, in sed* vacant**, to build a chapel at Setentrion, and to celebrate there the sacrifice of the Mass, and to administer all other sacraments.

By the certificate of the Judge of the Primary Court of claims, in the envelope marked letter C, you will see that it is calculated that the land of Tojaboa contains from eight to ten leagues square. That of the Meaitas ought to have three or four more, which, together, make up the thirteen or fourteen which arc spoken of in our contract. I think there must be more, according to the new survey, which, by my eye, I have just made; but if there should be found to be less, after they have been exactly measured, I will complete them on my own account by the waste lands which join mine, as also I will deliver to you the titles, with all the forma­lities of seigniory and ownership, obliging myself with my own money to obtain them, and give them to you a* soon as you arrive at Setentrion

If the above mentioned papers should fulfil your desires, after you have examined them, I hope you will inform rse of it, so as to order to be exe­cuted the deed of delivery and transfer of domain in favor of the American and Mexican Silver Mining Company of New York.

I think it proper to inform you, for the benefit of the Company, that joining the lands of Setentrion there are some waste lands which may be denounced, and which contain from twenty-five to thirty leagues square. They are lands of great worth on account of being excellent for agricul­ture; also, for the good pasture grounds and watering places which they contain—but above all, for its inexhaustible abundance of timber for ship building, which can be easily exported by the river Luerte.

You will see these lands when we go to Setentrion, and it will be expe­dient to obtain them, in the name of the Company, before any other person is ahead of us.

I wish you the best health. Your most affectionate servant and friend,

(Signed) IGNACIO ARRIOLO.

Alamos, 75 miles from the mines of Setentrion, April 25th, 1859.

CUTLER CHIPMAN, Esq.:

Dear Sir—I have examined attentively the original and recent documents relative to the mine and property of Setentrion, in the State of

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Chihuahua, formerly the exclusive property of Don Ignacio Arriolo, and I assure you they are a specimen of legality. I have not confided entirely in my own personal judgment, but have consulted my particular friend, Sic. D. Juan F. Oroscr, one of the principal lawyers in the State of Sonora. He informs me that your papers are perfect—that nothing is wanting to make them indisputable according to the laws of this country.

Consequently, I congratulate you upon having formed and effected eo distinguished an enterprise—one that will undoubtedly be protected by the authorities of alf the adjoining States. You also have public sympathy in your favor, which is of unlimited importance in your great and good un­dertaking. It is the general opinion that you will make a fortune for yourself as well as the American and Mexican Silver Mining Company.

Very respectfully,

W. M. a HILL, M. D

Mazatlan, 4th April, 1857. C. CHIPMAN, Esq., Fuerte:

SUP—In reply to your favor of the 16th ultimo, and after perusing the documents therein contained, we beg to say that our Mr. Knight visited Setentrion at the latter part of the year 1855, upon his way to El Fuerte from our Copper Mine of Bahuerachic, and formed, from personal inspec­tion, the same opinion set forth in Mr. Bowring's letter to you.

The largeness of the lode, the easiness with which it can be worked upon an immense scale without machinery, from its situation upon the southern side of a large mountain, the facility of grinding the ores all the year and upon almost any scale, with the dam already made upon the water course, houses, tahonas, &c., &c, already constructed, although in disrepair from the want of capital, together with the advantages of good soil, forage for mules and wood in abundance, and good climate—these things and a reported average of five or six ounces to each carga of 300 lbs,, altogether would make it in Mr. Knight's opinion a profitable investment for any capitalist who could attend to it himself, or find a person of the requisite honesty and practical knowledge to manage it. As we have long been aware of the difficulties with which our friend Don Ignacio Arriolo has contended, through want of means in working the Mine and Hacienda de Reneficio of Setentrion, we are not surprised at his having sold it to you; and as your object is to raise a company, we have pleasure in affording Mr. Knight's testimony to that of Mr. Bowring, as to apparent advantages of Setentrion.

We remain, Sir, Your most obedient servants,

J. B. JECKER k Co.

Setentrion, March 14th, 1857. C. CHIPMAN, Kaq.:

Dear Sir—As I have been engaged for the last two months and upwards in examining the mine of this place, I feel myself something ca­pable of giving an opinion on the same.

In an experience of seventeen years in this Republic, and after seeing nearly every mining district of importance, I have seldom seen one so deserv­ing of the attention of a large Company. The points of the vein already explored have all given good results, if we may judge from the way the workings have been carried on, and as you have yourself seen, everything has been worked out, without leaving even what they call here "pilares." But still, in these old workings, there are many points that have still ore in sight, and by putting people to work this might immediately be got out*

This, however, is not the advantage that the affair principally offers, which, in my eyes, is the immense extent of virgin ground yet to be ex­plored, and which offers quite as much hope as that already known, and in some points even greater with regard to the richness of the ore.

As far as I have been able to ascertain, from amalgamating the ores (not having with me the means of assaying them), I do not believe that the average richness will come below five to six ounces per carga of 800 pounds, and there are large quantities to be got even much richer. I con­sider that four ounces per carga would leave a profit of one dollar, as the cost of extraction, carriage and reduction cannot pass three dollars; so that considering the extent of the vein and the capability which the Hacienda has of being increased to any power one may desire, I consider I am justified in saying that few enterprises offer greater advantages to a large company.

As to the resources of the country in supplying everything required for building materials, wood, water and other things necessary, I leave yon to judge for yourself; and hoping that this information may be of some use to you, and induce you to undertake some business there,

I remain, dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,

CHARLES BOWRING.

Reforms, 6th May, 1858.

CUTLER CUIPMAN, Esq.:

Dear Sir—In answer to your esteemed favor of the 8d instant, I beg to say that the Mine of Setentrion presents a great many advantages over almost all other mines in this neighborhood, on account of the great

40

abundance of the ores, ami the cheapness at which they can be produced; the great abundance of water the whole year for grinding and other par-penes, the immense amount of good timber, good pasturage for your animals, being near the coast where every kind of provisions are to be had in abundance and cheap.

The past year Mr. Charles Bowring was, at my request, some time in Setentrion making assays of the ores, which produced at the rate of five ounces per carga of 800 lbs. This I can tell you with confidence, because I purchased all of the silver there produced; and more than this, my mules carried down from the mine to the Hacienda all of the ores. Another thing, you have a good climate, and of course little sickness among your workmen.

I remain, dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,

JAMES DOBBIE.

**

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