El Prodigio Mining Co., March 23, 1904 Autographed Document Signed with Carbon Copy [Spanish Translation]

Once Porfirio Diaz became President of Mexico, he proceeded to limit the tax liability for investors. At the same time, he began a process of protecting mining interest against both Indian and bandit raids. By 1890 American investors began to aggressively add mining, railroads and ranching as a new "gold rush" mentality developed. These two documents from 1904 show two things: (1) the ways mining was still expanding; and (2) the U.S. corporation officers remained in Los Angeles, but the operation depended upon a connection in Arizona Territory at Tucson. The agent who recorded the latter document was the legendary Charles A. Shibell, whose checkered career began with Carleton's California expedition and involved his serving as Sheriff in Tucson and appointing Wyatt Earp as Deputy Sheriff in Tombstone (since the growing town at the time was still in Pima County). In the disputed 1880 election with R.H. Paul, he won the San Simone precinct by 103-1 though they had only 10 eligible voters. The end result was a recount that he lost. He resented Earp's support for Paul and appointed John Behan in his place. He settled down and became the Pima County Recorder in 1888 where his knowledge of mining law, Spanish customs and the local politics made him an important insider for every legal filing. Note: Original documents from Zacetecas are rare since in the period between the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the era of Pancho Villa investors let their mining operations go dormant, leaving the violence without documents, letters and forms. This area was rich gold and silver reserves, and it was only after World War I that mining operations were renewed. Of further interest is that the file was processed by the controversial Charles A. Shibell. Document 1. Letterhead of El Prodigio Mining Company, Mines--State of Zacetecas, Mexico. From Allan J. Smith, General Manager to Mr. C.D. Mansfield, March 23, 1904. Notes check enclosed for $1500 gold on the [United States Banking Co.] Mexico City. Specifies to be spent on machinery, tools on the new shaft [amount will convert to $2250 Mexican currency]. Note continues it is drawn on the Farmers & Merchants National Bank and has been signed over to Mr. Mansfield by B.F. Field, Secretary. Document 2 Spanish Language translation: Traduccion de la Escritura Social del el Prodigio Mexican Mines Company. 3-page carbon copy specifying that they will have their home office in Los Angeles but operate out of Tucson (Condado de Pima, Territorio de Arizona). File was processed by Charles A. Shibell.