Alcaldes mayores y subdelegados frente a la siembra clandestina de tabaco: Papantla, 1765-1806

this paper explores the strategies that allowed for a persistent clandestine tobacco sowing in new spain, mainly in the region of papantla. it analyzes the relationship between alcaldes mayores, subdelegados and employees of the tobacco monopoly, emphasizing the informal protection given to illegal sowings by provincial authorities. it also examines the potential allocation of savings and profits from illegal tobacco, mainly in the financing of commercial activities undertaken by alcaldes mayores and subdelegados, particularly for the repartimiento.