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William Boone Douglass Correspondence

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-39-SC

Scope and Content

The correspondence in this collection pertains to a dispute regarding the extent of lands belonging to the Pueblo of Acoma, as well as to the related issues of settlement on land claimed by Acoma and the accusation of theft of livestock by neighboring Hispanic settlers. The majority of the letters are between Douglass and Frank Ortiz, Governor of Acoma, and between Douglass and James H. Miller, interpreter of Acoma. Additionally, there are single letters from Leo Garcia, former Governor of Acoma, to Douglass, and from Douglass to President Woodrow Wilson.

Dates

  • 1920-1922

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Because it contains culturally sensitive information, the letter of James H. Miller to Douglass dated July 4, 1920 has been separated from the collection at the request of the Pueblo of Acoma; use of this letter is prohibited without written consent from the Pueblo of Acoma.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

William Boone Douglass was a U. S. Cadastral Engineer who surveyed Acoma Pueblo lands as part of a dispute over the boundaries of Acoma land. The people of Acoma believed that land long belonging to the Pueblo was being given to neighboring Laguna Pueblo and settled upon by Anglo and Hispanic settlers. Pueblo leaders argued that lands granted to Acoma by the Spanish in 1689 were more extensive than the boundaries recognized by the United States. The leadership of Acoma corresponded with Douglass in the hope that in his role as surveyor Douglass could assist them in reestablishing the extent of Pueblo lands as recognized by the 1689 Spanish grant.

Extent

1 Folder (14 items)

Title
Finding Aid of the William Boone Douglass Correspondence, 1920-1922
Status
Completed
Author
Described by T.S. Reinig
Date
©2000
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 39 SC::William Boone Douglass Correspondence)//EN" "nmu1mss39sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451