First published in 1739, probably in Mexico, this present edition is considered by the editors to be the second, the original of which is in the British Museum. In keeping with the tradition of these editors, the present edition is a fine work of printing, containing large margins, beautiful print, and supplemented by an excellent map drawn in 1722 by Lieutenant-colonel Francisco Alvarez Barreiro on the orders of the Viceroy, the Marqués de Casafuerte.
Ladrón de Guevara was a resident of Nuevo León who described the cities, towns, villages and natural surroundings of northern Mexico. In each case he gives a survey of the political structure, the agricultural products or livestock, the hostile Indians, location, the presence of militia units, roads, religious organizations, and the production of minerals.
In addition to the general comments, Ladrón de Guevara enters into a discussion of the defects of frontier administration, such as the fact that governors were engaged in trade and charged tribute in lieu of road repair. He also discusses at length means of increasing the revenue of the Royal Treasury from the northern Mexican provinces, how to control the incursions of the Indians, and the method of controlling the excesses of frontier governors (by appeal to the cabildos and priests).
The volume is a rare sketch of conditions along the northern frontiers of New Spain during the colonial period which adequately supplements the more familiar descriptions of the missions and presidios.
