Outsiders and transients in America, 18th century - The case of Francisco Fernandez de la Fuente

This article deals with the demographic characteristics of the Spanish emig ration to America between 16th and 18th centuries, and the way in which the Spanish Crown controlled people traffic in order to prevent the transit of marginal and unsettled population to the New World. The author shows the c ase of an 18th century Spanish emigration through the examination of the le gal proceedings opened by the authorities in the Antioquia Province, Nueva Granada. The social aspects of the migration process to America are shown i n literary form, including the social integration of the newcomers in the c olonial neighbourhoods, their personal performance with regard to laws and norms, the social conflicts inherent to their situation as travellers who w ere little integrated in the communities, and aspects of the local life of the time.