Las tribulaciones del sargento mayor. Conflictos de jurisdicción y relaciones fronterizas en el sur de Santiago del Estero a fines del siglo XVIII

Abstract

Through the judicial adventures of Sergeant Major Gabriel Guillermo Espínola, a member of a paradigmatic family in the area, this article delves into social relationships and local political history in two dimensions. Accused of stealing livestock through his protégés and abusing his authority as a judge, the process against Espínola illuminates, on one hand, the kinship, obedience and dependency plots, as well as the conflicts of jurisdiction at the time of creation of the Tucumán “Intendencias” and expansion of the bailiffs in the countryside. On the other hand, it addresses Espínola's role as “Comandante de fronteras” near Concepción de Abipones and his close relationship with guaycurú Tribes in the Chaco region.