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[3] pp. 30.1x21.3 cm (12x8¼”), one large sheet folded

An important decree relating to the separation of the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. This decree preceded another "official" separation of Sinaloa and Sonora by seven years, which indicates the division was not easily achieved.  Quite rare.

The ancient Spanish provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa, vital centers of colonization in the Spanish Southwest, had come to the end of the colonial period as one united province; but as Bancroft writes, there was "a wide spread discontent with the centralized administration which savored too strongly of the colonial system.  The idea of a republic embracing a federation of states with distinct local governments had become too firmly rooted during the revolutionary war, especially among the out-lying provinces...."  This document is a direct result of that discontent, for it was drawn up by a hastily convened body of legislatures anxious to disunite Sonora and Sinaloa.  In twelve articles they broke up the departments, arranged the boundaries, provided for military protection, set up the government, and otherwise disposed of all the affairs of the state.  The document was actually drawn up at Fuerte but was published in Mexico City, as the deputies were obliged to abandon Fuerte in light of vicious Yaqui attacks.