Letter from the King to the Bishop of Cuba concerning the petition
soliciting an extension of time and of the privileges for the Priest and
Vicar of the Minorcan families in Florida, and enclosing an open mandate
of His Holiness, enlarging and extending the time for twenty years--A
copy of a letter and statement sent in by Lieutenant Don Nicolas Grenier
in regard to the importance of the Provinces of the St. Marys and St.
Johns rivers--The need of vessels to impress and control the
inhabitants--Provinces rich in timber, turpentine, tar and
pitch--Considers it detrimental to Spanish interests for Americans to
introduce any commerce in the Provinces--Letter from the same Don
Nicolas Grenier to the Governor urging the necessity of further
protecting Spanish interests along the St. Marys and St. Johns
rivers--Tranquility of the country jeopardized by outlaws--Some have
been arrested and paid the penalty with their lives--Matter referred to
the Governor--1774.
The Unwritten History
_of_ Old St. Augustine
CHAPTER I.
A. D. 1565.
_Royal Decree of King Philip II in regard to the further discovery
and settlement of Florida--Officers appointed--Number of men to go
in the Armada--Captains and men to be paid in advance, to increase
diligence in service--Reports from the Armada after leaving--Pedro
Menendez reports that the English and French have already settled
here--Necessity of the Spaniards taking entire control of the
country--Letter from the King to Pedro Menendez in regard to
English and French settlers._
ROYAL DECREE.
THE KING.
_To our officers who reside in the City of Sevilla in charge of the
India contracts_:
I have named the captains, as you will see, from the description shown
by General Eraso, that they may enlist the 1400 men who are to go to
Florida in the Armada which we have ordered equipped, instructing them
immediately upon their arrival what they are to do, and notify me of
their safe arrival. You must be immediately notified when the men are
gathered together, and as it is expedient with each captain, you are to
send a responsible person that he may pay each man one month’s salary in
advance from the treasury on the day he enlists. It will cost, we
suppose, upwards of 11,000 ducats, that they may go provided according
to instructions received. You are to give each captain a copy of the
order sent, that he may be sure of his men--who, receiving this aid,
neither he nor they be deceived. I also command that according to these
orders you instruct the paymasters so that they may well understand that
each soldier is to have the money in his own hands so that there be a
good understanding between us. This is paid to them as it will be a long
and arduous campaign, and so that they may work with more zest and the
town be established quickly. See that the captains go at this work with
diligence and haste, and you must immediately see and attend to where
you are to lodge these people and from there embark them. Send with them
a person of trust to guide and lodge them and to see that they are well
provided with food and all necessaries for their money. Keep them well
together without disorder or vexation to the people of the land. Inform
me of how you have provided for them and you will have served me. From
BOSQUE DE SEGOVIA.
August 15th, 1565.
* * * * *
REPORT OF DON TRISTAN DE LUNA Y AVELLANO, CONCERNING AFFAIRS IN FLORIDA.
The Armada which went to found the town in Florida at the place called
Santa Elena in the port of Juan Ponce on the eleventh of June, and
sailed with good and mild wind. On the seventh day out we were on the
river Espiritu Santo, twenty leagues south of said river, in 27th
degree, from there we sailed six days to the southeast and south until
we found ourselves in the chain. South from there we sailed north in
search of the coast of Florida, and at the end of the eighth day, which
was the eve of the visitation of Saint Elizabeth, we discovered the
coast of Florida eight leagues to the west where the Armada cast anchor
and took on water and wood. Now we began to have rough weather. From
there the fleet sailed on the eighth of July in search of the Port
Achusa, sending ahead along the coast a frigate, the pilot not knowing
exactly where Port Achusa was. The Armada passed ahead and anchored in
the Bay of Phillipina, which was discovered by Julio de Labazares, from
whence the Governor sent to seek Port Achusa, having heard that it was
the best and safest port on all that coast. Navigating along the same
coast where the Armada had come, they found Port Achusa which is twenty
leagues from Bay Phillipina and thirty, more or less, from the Bay of
Miruelo, so that it is between two bays--latitude 30 1-3 degrees. On the
return of the frigate with the news, we immediately determined to set
sail with the Armada. It seemed best to have the horses go by land, so
we put them off in said Bay of Phillipina, thus some of our captains
made the trip overland with one hundred and forty horses, out of the two
hundred and forty we started with, the others having died at sea. On the
bar of Phillipina we had some trouble with the Armada in crossing, on
account of its shallowness for the larger vessels, also the strong and
swift current--besides the weather had changed, and it was rougher. The
Armada left Bay Phillipina for Achusa on the 10th of August, the day of
St. Lawrence, and it entered Port Achusa on the day of Our Lady of
August, for which reason we gave it the name of St. Mary of Phillipina.
It is the best port discovered in the Indias. The shallowest part at the
entrance is eleven cubits, and after you enter there are seven or eight
fathoms. It is spacious, having a front of three leagues, the Spaniards
are already there. The entrance of the bar is half a league in width, on
the eastern coast is a cliff at the mouth of the bay, and large vessels
can anchor in four or five fathoms within a stone’s throw from land. It
is so safe that the winds and storms cannot hurt one. We found a few
Indian ranches, they seemed to be fishermen. Judging from appearances it
seems to be a fertile and good soil. There are many walnuts and many
fruit trees--good hunting and fishing and good in many ways. We also
found some plantings of corn. On the 25th of said month of August, the
Governor sent Don Tristan de Avellano in a galleon, of those we brought,
for this, from New Spain, with the news of all that had happened so far.
He entered the Port of San Juan de Ulloa on the 9th of September. He
will supply himself quickly with provisions, which at present we have
sent to ask for, and we expect the boats to return soon. They will again
go to this New Spain, and wait there to see the lay of the land, and
where we are to found this town, and understand all the particulars and
qualities to inform you.
When the boats return I will give the details to your Majesty in the
order that the Governor, Friars and other Officers write me, and I shall
be careful to aid them in the name of your Majesty with everything that
they need, so they may not vex the natives, but give themselves up to
friendly intercourse with them, until the time for planting grain. In
future it will not be so expensive, the ground being so fertile we can
gather large harvests, thus serving and exalting your Majesty and the
Catholic faith of Our Lord.
* * * * *
To His Catholic Royal Majesty Pedro Menendez says:
That what he sends your Majesty is what he declares to know of the coast
and lands of Florida, and of the corsairs whom it is said have gone to
populate it and seize the vessels coming from the Indias--and the damage
they may do, and the remedy to be used in cases where they should have
settled. Give them no quarter, and appropriate the coast and lands so
that they can be the more easily turned out--that your Majesty can send
to spread the Gospel, prevent the damages that can be done the vessels
coming from the Indias is as follows: That while in Sevilla last May, he
knew and understood positively from persons coming from the Canary
Islands that they had been on the Island of Teneriffe and Port Garachico
with a Portuguese named Mimoso, who is a pilot on the run of the Indias,
and has a wife and home in France, that he has become a pirate, seizing
the vessels of your Majesty. He carried four men of war, and it was said
he was going to settle the coast of Florida; that two other large
vessels were awaiting him, as soon as he took on water and provisions in
that port, and he saw them there in a small vessel without disembarking
for five or six hours, where some of the people who wish to be under
them came to speak to them. He then returned to his vessel and set sail
to return to the Indias. Also, that he heard in Sevilla and in this
court of your Majesty that the English had gone out with a fleet to the
coast of Florida to settle and to await the vessels from the Indias--and
about a month ago he learned that five large English galleons with heavy
artillery had passed about the end of December along the coast of Gaul
and the tempest had driven them into the harbor of Ferrol, where they
were anchored for a day and a half without landing, but the fishermen
had gone on board to speak to them, and he says: If the above be true,
and the English, French or any other nation should feel disposed to go
and settle any part of Florida, it would be very damaging to these
kingdoms, because on said coast of Florida and in said strait of the
Bahamas, they could settle and fortify themselves in such a way, that
they could have galleons and vessels of war to capture the fleets and
other private vessels that came from the Indias, and pass through there,
as they would run great risk of being captured.
Also, that if last summer the French and English went to Florida as we
are certain they did, and should have settled and built a fort in any
port, and summered there, giving notice to their home government as to
how they are situated, and should they be supplied this summer before we
can raid upon them, and turn them out, it would be very difficult to do
so on account of the friendship formed by them with the natives who
would help them in such a way as to cause serious difficulty, and even
should we finally succeed the natives would remain our enemies, and
this would be extremely disadvantageous. Should they be supplied this
summer the merchantmen which we expect from the Indias would also run
great risk of being captured. Also, that it would be very annoying to
have the above mentioned or others settle in Florida. Considering the
proximity of the Islands of Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico and Cuba, where
there are such vast numbers of negroes and mulattoes of bad disposition,
there being in each of these islands more than thirty negroes to each
Christian. And it is a land in which this generation multiplies with
great rapidity. In the power of the French and English, all these slaves
would be freed, and to enjoy their freedom would help them even against
their own masters and lords and there would be an uprising in the land,
and with the help of the negroes it would be easy to capture us. As an
example of this, take Jacques de Soria, France, which in the year
fifty-three, with one boat of a hundred tons and eighty men, by simply
freeing the negroes, took and plundered the Islands of Margarite and
Saint Martha, and burned Carthagena, plundered Santiago de Cuba and
Havana, although at the time there were two hundred Spaniards there.
They took the Fort with all it contained, and twelve pieces of bronze
artillery and carried them all off. I consider these negroes a great
obstacle to having the French or English settle in Florida or to have
them so near, even though they should not be in favor with these two
nations, there is danger of an uprising as there are so many cunning and
sagacious ones who desire this liberty that I feel sure the design of
those who should settle in Florida is to domineer over those islands,
and stop the navigation with the Indias, which they can easily do by
settling in said Florida. Also he says: That on account of these dangers
and many others, it seems to him it would be to the service of God Our
Lord, and your Majesty for the general good of your Kingdoms the Indies
it would be well for your Majesty to try and domineer over these lands
and coasts, which on account of their position, if other nations should
go on settling and making friends with the Indians, it would be
difficult to conquer them, especially if settled by French and English
Lutherans, as they and the Indians having about the same laws, they
would be friendly, and being near could rule and each year send out a
thousand vessels to easily treat and contract with these lands which are
said to be fertile and prolific for sugar plantations, which they so
much need and are supplied from these Kingdoms. There might also be many
cattle good for their tallow and wool and other necessities. What seems
to him that your Majesty should do in the service of God and your
Majesty’s and for the salvation of so many souls, and the aggrandizement
of your kingdoms and your royal estates, is as follows:
As there are neither French nor English nor any other nation to disturb
them, that your Majesty should send five hundred persons, sailors,
laborers, etc., and that among them should be one hundred master
carpenters, blacksmiths, plasterers and builders of mud walls, all with
their implements and appurtenances for every thing, with their arms of
defense, such as arquebuses, cross-bows, etc. That among this number of
five hundred people should be four Friars, four teachers and twelve
Christian children, so that the principal Indians would send their
children to school to learn to read and learn the doctrine of
Christianity. There should be three surgeons who would go about in small
boats, canoes or row boats with supplies for one year--go straight to
Santa Elena and from there find all the paths, rivers and ports most
suited and best, by land and water. See the condition of the land for
planting and settle two or three towns in the best vicinity, build their
fort, to be able to defend themselves against the Indians, that each of
these forts should have artillery and ammunition. All this supply with
the cost of the voyage will amount to eighty thousand ducats or more.
There will be left vessels enough to carry a number of cattle. These
must be sent from Spain, because in the Indias we could not find
suitable vessels nor head workmen of the necessary qualifications and it
could not give the desired results, besides the delay would cause much
damage. It would be difficult to find the proper kind of people, and
even if found the cost would be very much greater, as head workmen gain
very large wages in those parts, as do also laborers and sailors. From
Havana it would be still more impossible to bring them, as there are
none to be obtained, and if they have to settle they must go a long way
’round, as they cannot enter the mouth of the Bahama Channel, it being
as easy and quick to come from Spain as from Havana. It would be more
important that your Majesty do this at your own cost and as briefly and
with as secret a diligence as possible, and if your Majesty is not well
served in this, find some one in whom your Majesty can place more
confidence, confer with them and let them take charge of
affairs--although it would be far better for your Majesty to do this at
your own cost, and with all brevity and secrecy which is the most
important thing. Also, he says: That should there be French in this land
or on the sea awaiting the merchant vessels from the Indias, it would be
necessary to increase this squadron to four more galleons and one
thousand men, principally marines--the cost of which for six months
would be five hundred thousand ducats more or less.
PEDRO MENENDEZ.
THE KING.
_To Gen. Pedro Menendez de Avilez, Knight of the Order of Santiago,
and our Governor of the Province of Florida_:
Know--Having understood that from the Kingdoms of France and England
many war vessels have been sent out with a great number of sailors and
soldiers, with intent of going to that Province, and that now again they
are arming and equipping vessels for the same purpose at Havre de Grace
and other Ports of said Kingdoms of France and England. And that you may
do everything to defend yourselves and capture the Forts they have built
and thrust them from the land, that you may hold it in peace. You might
overlook the damage they have done to navigation. We have arranged for
and ordered 1,500 infantrymen to join you and those you have with you
and we send them with the fleet and also all the necessaries--and we
have provided as Captain-General of the fleet Captain Sancho de
Archimiaga, an expert and experienced man of the sea, ordering him to go
to said Province, and in joining you, it gives you protection by sea as
well as by land. Your flag alone must float, as our Captain-General, and
all undertakings must be done under your flag. And for all enterprises
to be undertaken by land we have appointed a Field Marshal and five
Captains to be under him, and that both they and the infantry are to be
directly under you as our Captain-General and Governor, because this is
our will, and we have expressly ordered it. That your person must be
carefully guarded. With your experience both by land and sea we are
perfectly satisfied, still, that you may the better succeed, and that
there may be conformity and good will, as it is important, affairs that
between you and said Captain Archimiaga and Field Marshal and the other
Captains accompanying him as they are men of much experience in war. It
is our will, and so we order you, that in all things occurring on sea as
well as on land concerning the war, you will call these Captains and
consult with them, more especially Captain Archimiaga and the Field
Marshal--that in this way alone must you decide upon questions of
war--because thus it suits us and our service. That I trust in them to
look into matters and provide all that is deemed advisable in such
undertakings--and they will follow and obey you as our Captain-General.
Let it be in such a way that there be good will and intelligence between
you--no dissensions or quarrels, which would be a great drawback, but
that you will proceed with mildness and consideration, as I feel assured
you will, proceeding to free those lands, and give no quarters to the
enemy to take root in them--and if it were possible, and there should be
no notable inconvenience, you divide the fleet. Captain Juan Zurita and
his company of Artillery go with the Infantry, as you will see. Of
their success you will see to it, and give an account.
PHILIP II.
Madrid, September 8th, 1565.
CHAPTER II.
A. D. 1565.
_Menendez reports that his army escapes from being made prisoners
by the French on account of a tornado--The Council agree to make a
land attack, the river being too much swollen for their
transports--The Spaniards surprise and take Fort Matanzas without
the loss of a single man, killing over two hundred Frenchmen and
capturing Laudonnier--The Indians enchanted with the
Lutherans--Shipwrecked Frenchmen found on the coast--With their
hands tied behind them they are stabbed in the back by the
Spaniards._
FORT MATANZAS MASSACRE, 1565.
I wrote to your Majesty from aboard the galleon San Salvador on
September 11th, this being the day she left Port. The duplicate of the
letter goes in this, and later on will send the other. While I was on
the Bar in a sloop with two small boats with artillery and ammunition
there came upon us four French galleons which had run us down with two
or three small vessels to prevent us from landing here. Taking the
artillery and provisions, although the weather was not propitious for
crossing the Bar, I preferred to take the chances rather than surrender
myself and one hundred and fifty persons, who were with me, into their
power. Our Lord miraculously saved us. The tide was low, there being
only one and a half scant fathoms of water on the bar, and their vessel
required one and a half long fathoms. They saw we had escaped them, as
they spoke asking me to surrender, to have no fear. They then turned to
search for the galleon, thinking we could not escape them. Two days out
a heavy storm and tornado overtook them. It seemed to me they could not
return to their Fort, running too great a risk of being lost, and to
return to capture us they would have to bring a larger force and of the
best they had. Thinking that their Fort would remain weak and it was the
right time to capture it I called a council of the captains, who agreed
with me, and decided to attack the fort by land. I therefore took five
hundred men, the three hundred arquebusiers, the rest pikemen, and with
these few, taking our knapsacks and putting in each six pounds of
biscuit and a measure of one and a half gallons of wine, with our arms
and ammunition; each Captain and soldier--I was among the first setting
the example, carrying this food and arms on my back. Not knowing the
way, we hoped to get there in two days, it being distant about eight
leagues or so, as we were told by two Indians who went with us as
guides. Leaving this Fort of St. Augustine in the order above described
and with determination on the eighteenth of September, we found the
rivers so swollen from the copious rains that it was impossible to ford
them and we were obliged to take a circuitous route which had never been
used before through swamp and unknown roads to avoid the rivers.
After walking until nine or ten o’clock at night, on the morning of the
twentieth, which is the feast of San Mateo, we arrived in sight of the
Fort. Having offered prayers to the Blessed Lord and His Holy Mother,
supplicating them to give us victory over these Lutherans, it was agreed
that with twenty ladders, which we carried, to assail the Fort. His
Divine Majesty had mercy upon us and guided us in such a way that
without losing one man and with only one injured (who is now well), we
took the Fort with all it contained, killing about two hundred and
thirty men, the other ten we took as prisoners to the forest. Among them
were many noblemen, one who was Governor and Judge, called Monsieur
Laudonnier, a relative of the French Admiral, and who had been his
steward. This Laudonnier escaped to the woods and was pursued by one of
the soldiers who wounded him, and we know not what has become of him, as
he and the others escaped by swimming out to two small boats of the
three vessels that were opposite the Fort, with about fifty or sixty
persons. I sent them a cannonade and call of the trumpet to surrender
themselves, vessels and arms. They refused, so with the artillery found
in the Fort we sunk one vessel, the others taking up the men went down
the river where they had two other vessels anchored laden with
provisions, being of the seven sent from France, and which had not yet
been unloaded. It did not seem to me right to leave the Fort and pursue
them until I had repaired three boats we found in the Fort. The Indians
notified them of our actions. As they were so few they took the two best
and strongest vessels and sank the other. In three days they had fled.
Being informed of this by the Indians, I did not pursue them. Later from
the Fort they wrote me that about twenty Frenchmen had appeared in the
forest with no clothing but a shirt, and many of them were wounded. It
was believed that Monsieur Laudonnier was among them. I have sent word
that they make every effort to capture them and bring them to justice.
In the Fort were found, among women, creatures and children under
fifteen years of age, about fifty persons. It causes me deep sorrow to
see them among my people on account of their horrid religious sect, and
I fear our Lord would punish me should I use cruelty with them. Eight or
ten of the boys were born here.
These French have many friends among the Indians, who show much feeling
at their loss, especially for two or three teachers of their hateful
doctrine which they taught to the Indian chiefs, who followed them as
the Apostles did our Lord. It is a thing of admiration to see how these
Lutherans enchanted the poor savage people. I shall use every means to
gain the good will of these Indians who were such friends to the French,
and there is no reason why I should break with them, and if I can live
with them at peace it will be well; they are such traitors, thieves and
drunkards, that it is almost impossible to do so. These chiefs and the
Indians, their enemies, all show friendship towards me, which I return
and shall continue, unless their depredations increase that I may have
to do otherwise.
On the 28th of September the Indians notified me that many Frenchmen
were about six leagues from here on the coast, that they had lost their
vessels and escaped by swimming and in boats. Taking fifty soldiers I
was with them next morning at daylight, and, leaving my men in ambush, I
took one with me to the banks of the river, because they were on one
side and I on the other bank. I spoke to them, told them I was Spanish;
they said they were French. They asked me to come over to them either
alone or with my partner, the river being narrow. I replied that we did
not know how to swim, but that they could safely come to us. They agreed
to do so, and sent a man of some intellect, master of a boat, who
carefully related to me how they had left their Fort with four galleons
and eight small vessels, that each carried twenty-four oars with four
hundred picked soldiers and two hundred marines and John Ribaut as
General and Monsieur LeGrange, who was General of the Infantry, and
other good captains, soldiers and gentlemen, with the intention of
finding me on the sea, and if I attempted to land, to land their people
on the small boats and capture me. That if they had wanted to land they
could easily have done so, but they had not dared and wanted to return
to their Fort. That they were overtaken by a hurricane and tempest and
were wrecked about twenty or twenty-five leagues from here. That of the
four hundred only forty had survived; that the others had perished or
were killed by the Indians. That fifty were carried prisoners by the
Indians; that John Ribaut with his captain were anchored five leagues
from there in the swamp without trees, and he had in the vessel with him
two hundred persons, more or less, and they believed them to have
perished with all the artillery and ammunition, which was a great deal
and good. Part of it was with John Ribaut and what they had, was
certainly lost. They were saved, and he asked for himself and companions
safe passage to their Fort, since they were not at war with the
Spaniards. I then told him how we had taken their Fort and hung all
those we found in it, because they had built it without your Majesty’s
permission and because they were scattering the odious Lutheran doctrine
in these Provinces, and that I had war to fire and blood, as Governor
and Captain-General of these Provinces, against all those who came to
sow this hateful doctrine; representing to him that I came by order of
your Majesty to place the Gospel in these parts and to enlighten the
natives in all that the Holy Church of Rome says and does so as to save
their souls. That I would not give them passage; rather would I follow
them by sea and land until I had taken their lives. He begged to be
allowed to go with this embassy and that he would return at night
swimming, if I would grant him his life. I did so to show him that I was
in earnest and because he could enlighten me on many subjects.
Immediately after his return to his companions there came a gentleman, a
lieutenant of Monsieur Laudonnier, a man well versed and cunning to
tempt me. After much talk he offered to give up their arms if I would
grant their lives. I told him he could surrender the arms and give
themselves up to my mercy, that I might do with them that which our Lord
ordered. More than this he could not get from me, and that God did not
expect more of me. Thus he returned and they came to deliver up their
arms. I had their hands tied behind them and had them stabbed to death,
leaving only sixteen, twelve being great big men, mariners whom they had
stolen, the other four master carpenters and caulkers--people for whom
we have much need, and it seemed to me to punish them in this manner
would be serving God, our Lord, and your Majesty. Hereafter they will
leave us free to plant the Gospel, enlighten the natives, and bring them
to obedience and submission of your Majesty. The lands being extensive
it will be well to make them work fifty years--besides, a good beginning
makes a good end, so I have hopes in our Lord that in all He will grant
me prosperity and success, so that I and my descendants may give to your
Majesty those Kingdoms full and return the people Christians. My
particular interest as I have written your Majesty is this: We are
gaining great favor with the Indians and will be feared by them,
although we make them many gifts.
Considering what John Ribaut had done, I find that within ten leagues of
where he was anchored, three of the vessels of his company were lost;
whether they were lost or not, they would have landed the people,
unloaded what supplies they could, employed themselves in getting out
the brass artillery and the upright posts and tackle, if not lost, of
the three vessels, rig themselves as best they could, and if the vessel
he was on was not lost he will make every effort to come by sea. Should
he do so I await him, and with the help of God, he will be lost. He
might also go inland with one of the Casiques, his friend, who lives
thirty leagues from here, and is very powerful. Should this be the case
I will seek him there, because it is not convenient that he and his
companions should remain alive. Should he come by sea to the Fort I have
the entrance to the Bar mined with two savage canon and guns, so that
should they succeed in making an entrance, we can sink them. A
brigantine is kept in readiness to capture the people and I shall do
all in my power to prevent his escape. The things found in the Fort were
only four pieces of brass of about five tons, the canon and guns which
had come from France were dismounted and carried to the galleons when
they went in search of me. There were found besides twenty-five bronze
musket and as much as twenty tons of powder and ammunition for these
pieces, about one hundred and sixty barrels of flour, twenty casks of
wine. The balance of the supplies had not been unloaded, as they were
hesitating whether they should fortify this Port, fearing I should land
here, which I could easily have done. Since their arrival they had spent
most of their time in debaucheries over the joy felt at the news they
had received that northeast of Santa Elena was a range of mountains
coming from the Zacatecas where there were great mines of silver. The
Indians from those parts had brought them many pieces of silver to the
amount of five and six thousand ducats. We found to the amount of three
thousand ducats, more or less, in clothes and all kinds of valuables;
some hogs, male and female; also sheep and asses; all this was ransacked
by the soldiers; nothing escaped them. Besides the two vessels found in
the Port we found two near the Bar and two others they had stolen from
the Indians, loaded with hides. Of these they had drowned the crews and
the cargo had been given to an English vessel to carry it and sell it in
England or France, and there remained with them two Englishmen. The
French had no mariners by whom to send these vessels. These two
Englishmen were hung when the Fort was captured by us. The Englishmen by
whom they sent the cargo arrived in port at the Fort we have taken from
them, the early part of August of this year, in a galleon of a thousand
tons called the Queen of England, with three heavy tiers of artillery;
all who saw her wondered and had never seen a vessel so heavily armed
that drew so little water; the other three vessels were smaller. It was
agreed between the English and French that as the French awaited help
from France that Monsieur Ludovic, who was Governor here, should wait
for them until the end of September; failing to return, he, Ludovic, was
to go to France in search of them, and that by the month of April they
would return with a large fleet, to await and capture the fleet of New
Spain, which was forced to pass their Fort; that if aid came, for which
they had written to France, they would advise the English who would come
to this coast by the month of April. It was for this purpose that I
found in the Fort a large vessel and seven small ones, and another five,
one or two of which had been stolen, and the four they wished to send to
France to have them equipped with men and provisions to join the English
and themselves by April; that by that time John Ribaut would have
returned and with the eight hundred men who remained he wished to go by
January to Los Martyres, about twenty-five leagues from Havana, and
there build a fort. They had reconnoitered and found it a very desirable
port. This was agreed between them, and that before leaving France John
Ribaut was to obtain the order that they should fortify Los Martyres, a
strait by which no vessel could enter or depart without being sighted by
them. To keep there always in readiness six vessels, it being the best
sea in the world for them. That from there they would take Havana, free
all the negroes; that they would then send to make the same offer to the
Spanish of Porto Rico and all other colonies. All this information I
gained from the skilful Frenchman to whom I granted life. They had with
them six Portuguese pilots whom they hung when no longer needed; two
others had been killed by the Indians, and two were with Ribaut. The
river San Mateo, running by the Fort we captured, goes seventy leagues
inland and turns to the southeast emptying into the bay of Juan Ponce,
and from there to New Spain and the port of San Juan de Luca, where
there is only upwards of fifty leagues. In the bay of Juan Ponce they
thought next year to build a fort on account of its proximity to New
Spain, distant a hundred and fifty leagues and about the same distance
from Honduras and as many more from Yucatan, and where with their six
vessels they could navigate with ease. On this river are three large
Indian towns. The Indians are great friends of the French who have been
there three times in search of corn. These French landed there in great
need of supplies, having only enough to carry them eight days. Corn they
found scarce and took it almost by force. The Indians themselves are
great thieves--a poor but brave people. All the Indians are not more
friendly to them than to us, and I will not consent to take a grain of
corn from them, but prefer to give them of what I may have. I consider
this country so vast and fertile and the danger from enemies and
corsaires so great and that they can appropriate to themselves the land
lying north of here near New Foundland, of which they are already lords,
and can be sustained by them with ease. Everything should be done to aid
me instead of cutting me off, and your Majesty must be undeceived and
know that I am much better able than your Majesty to enlarge and
aggrandize these your Kingdoms. This Port is 29½ degrees, and the San
Mateo which we captured is 31 degrees. The French and their pilots were
mistaken. I have had it taken by the sun on land. From here to the Cape
of Canaveral there are fifty leagues, three rivers, two ports between
here and Havana, one hundred miles, more or less, which are navigable in
boats among the keys of Canaveral and Los Martyres, and from there to
Havana. I agree to take the good field pieces which we have captured
from the French, and one hundred men go along the borders of the coast,
the boats by sea, anchoring at night near land among the keys of
Canaveral where the sea is as smooth as a river, with the boats they
will be able to discover among the keys the best port and surroundings
to build a fort. So that with the one in Havana and this one we can at
all times guard against the enemy and their entering to fortify
themselves. Nor should we expect fleets or boats of the Indians. With
the people of Havana, Santo Domingo and Pedro de la Roda, whom I shall
have to come to my assistance, I will have until the last of March to
build it, then with these vessels go over to Havana and seek these
people. Having discovered the Port, and on the arrival of Pedro de la
Roda in Havana he will find his vessels which I do not propose to take
out of that Port, also his men, so that he may return to Spain as strong
as when he left there. That I shall place one hundred and fifty
Spaniards in possession to guard against the Indians who are great
warriors and whose good will we must gain. Then, by the 1st of April, I
shall return to these two Forts, and in six or eight days I shall again
take to the sea. By the month of March, leaving these two Forts well
equipped and guarded each with three hundred men, I shall go in vessels
that draw little water which I will soon have here, most of them the
ones taken from the French. I will man as many as I can with five
hundred soldiers and one hundred mariners, found a town at Santa Elena,
which is fifty leagues from here, and has within three leagues of it
three Ports and rivers, the largest of six fathoms of water, the other
four fathoms; admirable Ports and the one we call Santa Elena is the
third, the one the French occupied is very small; the three are
navigable, one within the other, so that he who is lord of one is lord
of the three. It is the best place to build a fort leaving three hundred
men to finish it, pass on up the bay to Santa Maria, which is 36
degrees, one hundred and thirty leagues beyond Santa Elena; then on to
the land of the Indians which is in Mexico, fortify another fort and
leave another two hundred soldiers. This will be the key to all the
fortifications of this country, because from those to the new land it
does not have to be founded. Inland, about eighty leagues, are to be
found a range of mountains, at their base an arm of sea which leads to
the New Land. This arm of the sea enters the New Land which is navigable
seventy leagues where there is another sea turning northeast and we
suspect it leads to the South Sea. The Indians send many cattle from New
Spain which were found on these plains by Francisco Basques Coronado.
They carried the hides to the New Land in canoes to sell to the French
in exchange for barter. From here, in the past two years, they have
carried in their fishing boats more than six thousand hides. The French
can go from here in their vessels to the foot of the mountain range four
hundred leagues from the mines of San Martin and New Galicia and can
mine them to their heart’s content. It would be well to fix our frontier
lines here, gain the water-way of the Bahamas and work the mines of New
Spain. This key and strength is necessary that your Majesty should
become Lord of all of it, because by it you will be master of the world.
I have written to Pedro del Castillo to send me three hundred soldiers
and supplies for eight hundred persons. It would be useless not to have
the three hundred soldiers to serve your Majesty and to provide the
necessaries. Thus on, from the first of February, your Majesty can send
a hundred mariners and the equipments and let them bring everything
necessary to found a town in the Bay of Juan Ponce, as this river is
part of San Mateo, which we captured from the enemy. Eighteen leagues
inland from this bay, and from one bay to the other, we can easily trade
with the multitude of Indians that are there and make them soon learn
the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this Bay of Juan Ponce is the
Province of Appalache, an indomitable people with whom the Spaniards
have never been able to treat. Thus will all difficulties be overcome so
far as New Galicia which is about three hundred leagues, and so many
more to Vera Cruz, and the same distance to Yucatan. From there this
town will be provided with corn, as there is much of it. As we found the
place and build a good City, there will be no need of founding others
in Florida. We will then proceed to the New Land, easily work the many
mines of silver which are found there, and are the mines of the
Zacatecas. In a few years the silver worked from them will support this
country and be a treasure to your Majesty and a suburb of Spain which
can be reached in forty days from these Kingdoms. With the scarcity of
supplies in the Forts we are suffering much hunger as the grain was
burned and so, unless we receive aid soon, we shall suffer terribly. I
trust your Majesty is satisfied that we serve you faithfully and with
love and in all truth. Without extending myself further, but promising
to keep you advised of all that may happen, may God protect your
Majesty, increasing your royal Catholic personage with greater kingdoms
and possessions as Christianity has need of and your servants desire it
should be.
From these Provinces of Florida from the banks of San Pelayo and Fort of
St. Augustine, October 15th, 1565.
PEDRO MENENDEZ DE AVILES.
CHAPTER III.
A. D. 1583-1596-1598.
_Report of Fernando Miranda, agent to the King--Complains of
Governor--Espionage over vessels--Gives account of the work of the
negroes--Haste makes it necessary to employ soldiers in repairing
the Fort for which they were paid--Partial failure of crops
increases the cost of living--Report of Bartolome De Arguellas
giving account of rebellious Indians--Some of those captured were
sent to Havana to be executed, others to be imprisoned--Casiques
render obedience to the Governor who assures them of his good
intentions--Report of Pedro Pertrene to the King--Is newly called
to take charge of a company of Infantry in the Garrison of
Florida--Salary not sufficient to meet expenses of living, recalls
his long service to the King, and asks for increase of pay--Letter
from Dona Maria Menendez, Casique, to the King--Asks for assistance
in meeting the necessary expenses for instruction of the Indians in
Christianity and good government._
A. D. 1583.
_Fernando Miranda and Rodrego Junco, assistant Agent, who was of
these Kingdoms, to His Majesty_:
After the Governor had given a decree of the same suspension, we asked
him that until your Majesty should otherwise provide, we be allowed to
continue in office and watch over your Majesty’s interest. Another thing
which occurs to us to inform your Majesty: Yesterday there sailed from
this Port for Havana a vessel belonging to some one in Havana, and the
Governor made every effort to see if we had sent any papers by her--he
searched the vessel and not wishing to give testimony, we understood he
did not wish any letters sent, and so we dared not write more. We felt
that this would be sufficient for your Majesty to place the remedy and
investigate the cause, and punish the culprit.
In the two years that your Majesty’s negroes have been here, they have
made a platform for the artillery of this Fort of an indestructible
wood--as the one they had previous to this rotted away in two years.
They have made a blacksmith shop, and whatever repairs were needed on
the Fort. Ten of the best of them were sent to Santa Elena to saw boards
to cover that Fort which needed it. On beginning the work it was found
that the whole Fort was in such a damaged condition it was necessary to
tear it all down and rebuild as quickly as possible. On account of the
haste required the soldiers were obliged to help for which work they
were paid. It was completed in four months, during which time the
negroes had to be fed on bread, meat and wine. Besides they have helped
to build a church here, sawed lumber for the building of many dwellings,
and have cleared the woods to some extent for planting. The first crop
not being good, caused extra expense of food and ammunition which was
given them--but for the past six months they have been fed on the
harvest made, with no other expense but the oil and salt. They have corn
enough to last until the next harvest, and all the expense incurred to
the end of June of the present year is six thousand five hundred reals,
from the Treasury of your Majesty--because, although there have been
some other expenses, we have availed ourselves of advantages we had
after having had recourse to what has been offered to your Majesty’s
service. About six months ago eleven of these negroes were hired to
soldiers of this Fort, without the knowledge of the Treasurer, rendering
an account of this to the Governor. It is about a year and a half since
we notified the Governor that he should not keep these accounts, but as
provided by your Majesty they should be sent to this Court. He has never
sent them. Your Majesty will act as best suits him in this affair of our
suspension; we again implore your Majesty to give us a hearing, and some
satisfaction, since we are left in this sterile country without the
means of sustenance. May God preserve your Majesty for many years with
great aggrandizement.
FERNANDO MIRANDA.
St. Augustine, August 20th. 1583.
* * * * *
_Your Majesty_:
As the Governor, Don Domingo Martinez Avendano, has been sending your
Majesty an account of the proceedings of our journey, I have not done so
until now, that we have landed in these Provinces of Florida, and seen
the condition of things, the people of the Garrison and the natives. It
was a blessing of God that it was all quiet and peaceful, and the
Governor with much gentleness and discretion entered, and proceeded
well, to support the service of your Majesty. It was a very fortunate
thing, as many of the culprits had made threats, which if carried into
effect, would have resulted disastrously--but they had not the heart to
carry them out, although a number of the worst criminals were out of the
country. Of those who remained, ten were captured, and with their
accusations were sent by Captain Francisco Salazar to Havana, in the
custody of a trusted lieutenant and twelve soldiers, as guards, so that
they may be executed there and accomplish your Majesty’s will. With this
imprisonment and a public reprimand made by the Governor to the other
Indians, all of which remain quiet. Being overcome with fear, I
understand they will return promptly to their employment, and your
Majesty will be well served. The Casiques of this country came to render
obedience to the Governor, who caressed them and instructed them of the
manner and order in which they were to attend to your Majesty’s work--he
told them he wished to visit them in their homes, and the good
intentions and desires he brings of attending to your service and the
proofs he has already given of them. We entertain great hopes that all
will soon be settled. From Havana they dispatched to the Treasurer Juan
Menendez Marquez to be present at the paying off of the employees of
this Garrison. While the Governor intended to have me assume control of
this collection, he seemed to change his mind, and I came here with him,
where I remain attending to the duties under my charge until he thinks
that I may go out and make use of the license your Majesty granted me if
nothing more occurs. May Our Lord guard the person of your Royal
Catholic Majesty, as we have need of you.
BARTOLOME DE ARGUELLAS.
St. Augustine, Florida, July 6th, 1596.
A. D. 1598.
_Your Majesty_:
I do not wish to make a long report in this letter, as I understand a
detailed account of all that occurs in these provinces will be made by
your Majesty’s Governor, Gonzalo Menendez Canso, who in every thing
appertaining to your Majesty’s service and welfare is proceeding with
caution--reforming, arranging everything in the most approved manner,
discovering as he goes, all the secrets of the service, and governing
himself in accordance. He has strong and brave resolutions, as I know,
having communicated them to me, and given me an account of his good
intentions.
Having served your Royal Highness for twenty-six years in this part of
your Royal Fleet, in charge of your Captains-General the Adelantado
Pedro Menendez Aviles, Diego Flores Valdez, Cristobal Eraso, and Alvarez
Flores de Quinones, as Officer in the companies in which I served as
Lieutenant of the Governor of the Castle, under Diego Fernandez de
Quinones, in Havana. Being in that City, retired in my home, I was
called by the above mentioned Governor to give and honor me with one of
your Majesty’s companies of infantry who served in this Garrison of
Florida. In his absence to Guale to the chastising of the Indians, who
so horribly killed six priests of the San Franciscan Order, he left me
in his place. Of the spoils which are usually divided, he has shared
with me moderately, but even with these, and the two hundred ducats I
have as salary, and the advantages given me, I cannot sustain myself,
nor assist at the obligations of such Captains, on account of every
thing in the land being so dear--provisions are the same--and the
servant we had, was taken from us by your Governor. I implore your
Majesty to attend to the above mentioned facts, and as my desire is to
end my life in your Royal Service--and that I may live and keep up my
obligations I may be given some help toward my expenses, and that I may
be allowed a servant, as is customary with all Captains serving in this
Garrison, and trusting that your Majesty will grant me these things as
are granted to all who serve you with good will. God preserve your Royal
Person as I desire and Christianity needs you.
PEDRO PERTRENE.
St. Augustine, Florida, February 20th, 1598.
* * * * *
_Your Majesty_:
My poverty and the frequency with which the Indians, both Christians and
infidels, gather at my home to be instructed in matters concerning their
conversion, and other important things concerning the good Government
need with the Governor of these Provinces, places me under the necessity
of asking your Majesty to assist me in the expenses I am obliged to
incur with the Indians, as is certified to by the report accompanying
this letter which implores your Majesty to assist and see to this need,
since from it will result the coming of the Indians with more heartiness
to become Christians and in this way guard the faith. Your Royal
Highness being merciful. That I may do in all the above mentioned what
is just and right, I also implore your Majesty to send me a letter of
friendship that the Indians may see the good feeling which exists
between your Majesty and ourselves. God grant you may have all graces.
Florida, February 20th, 1598.
CHAPTER IV.
A. D. 1598.
_Extract from an official report made by Gonzalo Menendez Canso,
Governor and Captain General of the Provinces of Florida,
concerning the murder of six priests of the San Franciscan Order by
the Indians--Lieutenant Eciga sent to see if any of the priests are
still living--Ascertains that there is one, but is refused
permission to see him--After much persuasion and many threats Friar
Fray Francisco is delivered--Makes statement as to death of the
others, but is forbidden by the canons of the Church to reveal
all--Juan Ximenes, a Notary Public and secretary, swears to the
investigation of several Indians through an interpreter--Indian
Lucas is found to have been present and participated in the killing
of Fray Blas for which he is condemned to be executed._
DONA MARIA MENENDEZ--CASIQUE.
This is a good and faithful copy taken from one of the official reports
made by Gonzalo Menendez Canes, Governor and Captain-General of these
Provinces of Florida to His Majesty, concerning the death of the
Religious of the Order of San Francisco, who perished at the hands of
the Indians who revolted. Its tenor is:
In the city of St. Augustine, Province of Florida, July 1st, 1598,
Gonzalo Menendez Canes, Governor and Captain-General for the King our
Lord, says: That in the month of October past of 1597, he was notified
of an uprising of the Indians of the Peninsula of Guale. They had
refused to obey your Majesty, and killed the Religious of the Order of
San Francisco sent out to convert and teach them, and that he had made
every and the greatest efforts, having gone in person with a number of
infantry, ammunition and water craft to said peninsula, to investigate
and punish the cases, and ascertain the cause the Indians had for
committing such an atrocious crime. Although he made all the ravages he
could, acting upon advices received, he could not punish them more for
the time being, nor could he capture a live Indian, except one, an
interpreter, from whom they could get no information further than that
the Religious had been killed, as will be seen by his declaration.
Seeing the importance of ascertaining the root and cause of the killing
of these Religious, and if any were still living--and why they had lost
obedience to your Majesty, he has made the boldest efforts possible,
going by way of the Luna. Finding the Casiques in conference, we agreed
to send them presents and keepsakes, to induce them to let us know and
understand if any of the Religious or Friars were still living that we
might ransom them, sending to offer them even interest for them, and
also sending a launch with some of the infantry to the Fort Santa Elena,
distant fifty leagues from this Garrison, to enlist the Casique of that
country, on account of the friendship he has shown the Spaniards, and
because he has Indian warriors, and being so near he could do much
damage to the Peninsula of Guale. Lieutenant Exiga, who went in the
launch, found him and treated with him to make war and do all the damage
possible to said peninsula and ascertain if any of them were
living--bestowing upon him many gifts from your Majesty’s treasury that
he might go. It was agreed that Lieutenant Exiga should return to the
Casique in sixty days, and ascertain what military exploits he had had,
and what success. Being a matter of so much importance to your Majesty,
Lieutenant Exiga left this port on the 23rd of May, with two launches,
with infantry and ammunition to accomplish the agreement made with the
Casique. On the 24th, one day after leaving this fort, having gone as
far as the Bar of Asae, twenty leagues from here, he was caught in a
storm and hurricane, forcing him to put into harbor in distress. The
storm did so much damage to the food and ammunition they carried, that
he was obliged to strike with the launch for the shore of San Mateo.
Notwithstanding all the above mentioned, he continued his voyage to the
port Santa Elena, there taking another launch in better condition for
making the journey, leaving his in bad condition grounded on the beach.
Having arrived at Santa Elena and seen and spoken to the Casique who
delivered to him four gentlemen, he said he had taken from four Indians
of the Peninsula of Gaule where he went to make war. That three other
Indians had captured the Casique of Carague, who had accompanied him,
with the intent of making war. In the same way he certifies that they
had alive in the Peninsula of Gaule, near Solofina, one of the six
friars, named Toray Francisco de Avila. Having learned this he came
coasting along the shore and ports of Guale, to see if any Indians
should come out to speak to them. None appeared, until he came to
Tolomato where he saw one, who by much coaxing and presenting of gifts
and reasoning, succeeded in getting him to tell what he knew. Finally
they learned from him that the said Friar was still living. They paid
the Indian to take a letter to him, and they would await the reply--he
did so, and in the meantime they amused themselves coasting along the
shores of Tolomato, until the Indian returned with some of the Casiques,
whom they begged would show them the Friar, that they might certify to
his being alive, and treat with them for his ransom. At first, although
they had heaped the Indians with gifts, they would neither accept of the
gifts nor promise to deliver the Friar, unless in return for certain
boys, sons of some of the Casiques, who had been brought to Governor
Domingo Martinez Avendano, as hostages. As better security Lieutenant
Exiga promised to bring their boys within thirty days as ransom for the
Friar, also a quantity of hatchets and spades they asked for. Lieutenant
Exiga returned to Port Tolomato in fifteen days, and began treaty with
Casiques for the ransom of the Friar, and although he heaped gifts upon
them with a free hand, it made no impression. They are such liars and
traitors, and all their treaties are founded on treachery and cunning.
Seeing that they did not intend to keep their word and deliver the
priest, he found it necessary to change his tactics and show anger,
swearing that unless they did deliver the prisoner they would send for
three hundred soldiers and would run them through with the sword, cut
down all their crops and follow them to Tama. After these threats they
promised to deliver the Priest at once, which they did. After receiving
him, and having him in their power, Lieutenant Exiga made reprisal of
the hostages he carried, and of seven other Indians he had detained on
the launch until he saw what success he was going to have. Four of
these Indians are sons and brothers of Casiques. The Governor holds them
and has brought them to this city where they are at present, and where
he protests he will investigate and take their declarations as to the
manner of death the other friars suffered--where, in what form, and for
what cause? Finding any of them to have taken part in this crime, to
punish them and do justice to the service of your Majesty, and that this
punishment may serve as an example to them, as they have at other times
committed these treacheries, killing captains and officers and other
persons. This I provide and sign from his hand, Gonzalo Menendez Vanso,
by order of His Lordship the Governor and Captain-General.
JUAN XIMENES.
Later the said Governor and Captain-General ordered me, the secretary,
that I should go to the Monastery of San Francisco, of this city, and in
his name ask the custodian priest of said house, Fray Francisco Marron,
to give permission to Fray Francisco de Avila, who had been sent to
teach and convert the Indians, that under the oath which is administered
to the Religious of his Order, he declared how his companions were
killed, what he has seen and heard, and the causes that have moved them
to commit such a crime as the killing of the priests. To deny obedience,
and tell only what he knows and understands of the matter. They
continued the examination, so that all the above may be certified as the
truth. This I provide and sign in his name--and from the declaration of
the father custodian might result many worthy considerations in
questioning the Indians.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
Later--The present notary public went to the Monastery of San Francisco,
of this city, read and showed the decree above disposed of by his
Lordship the Governor and Captain-General Gonzalo Menendez Canso, to
Fray Francisco Marron, custodian of the provinces, who said: that
mindful that Fray Francisco de Avila was one of the friars sent out to
teach and convert in the Peninsula of Guale, and as the Lord, Our God,
had seen proper to deliver him from being killed by the Indians, as his
companions had been, and as a person who knew the habits and manners of
the Indians, and knew their language, he deemed it wise to give him
freedom to say and declare all he considered would be to the service of
God of the killing of his companions--except in cases and things
criminal where his rights of priesthood prohibited, such as death by the
cutting of members--and this I say and sign in his name--Fray Francisco
Marron--in my presence.
St. Augustine, Fla., July 20th, 1598.
JUAN XIMENES.
Gonzalo Menendez Canso, Governor and Captain-General for his Majesty in
these Provinces, ordered to be called Fray Francisco de Avila that in
virtue of the permission granted him by the Custodian Fray Francisco
Marron, to say and declare all he knows concerning the killing
of his companions by the Indians, and of his imprisonment and
captivity--whether his person was badly treated, and all that had
occurred worthy of relating--so as to punish such crime as it deserves
to be.
Fray Francisco de Avila said: Although it was true Fray Marron had
granted him permission to speak, he could not make use of it, in cases
so grave and criminal as the present--it was prohibited him by the
sacred canons of priesthood, to attest in such crimes, because it would
force him to say that which might condemn some, and so, he did not wish
to speak or declare in this case, not to fall into any error. Besides
being mindful that the Governor had brought seven Indians from the
peninsula at the time of his ransom, to this city, he could know and
understand from them all that they might claim. This he said, and I sign
it in his name.
FRAY FRANCISCO DE AVILA.
In my presence--
JUAN XIMENES,
Notary Public.
Later--The Governor and Captain-General Gonzalo Menendez Canso, in order
to investigate, had appeared before him Gaspar de Salas, an interpreter
of the Indians of Guale who, having been sworn in the proper form, gave
promise to tell the truth and nothing but the truth--and that he would
declare all that he was ordered to say to the Indians who claim to give
information; that he will say and declare all that said Indians say in
reply, under the oath that he has taken.
Later the Governor ordered to appear before him one of the seven Indians
who were brought from the peninsula, to whom the following questions
were put: From where do you come and what is your name? He came from
Tupique and that his name was Lucas. Are you a Christian? Yes. The name
of your parents, are they, or have they been Casiques? His father’s
name was Felipe, and he was Casique of Tupique. Where was he from? He
was a native of the town of Tupique. Had there been any priest there?
There had been one named Fray Blas Rodriguez. Tell and declare what had
become of Fray Bias? That about ten or eleven moons past, eight Casiques
held a conference, they were Asao, Tolafo, Atmehe, Fulo, Tupique and
Alnate. When night came they killed the Priest. A helping hand was given
them by a chief called Pisiache, that he might kill him with a hatchet,
with which he gave him a blow on the head, from which wound he died
almost immediately. Afterward they buried him in the church. Say and
declare what cause they had for killing this priest? That Micas and
Casiques said they killed him because he was artful and took away their
enchantment or witchcraft, and would not allow them to have more than
one wife.
Did you hear them say anything else? No. Did he know Fray Miguel de
Annon, and Fray Antonio Lego, among the teachers of Guale, and Fray
Pedro de Corpa, among the teachers of Tolomato, and Fray Francisco de
Avila, among the teachers of Ospo?
I have known them all, and they have been killed. Fray Miguel had his
hands tied behind him, but he did not know if they had killed him--Fray
Antonio was tied, but he does not know how he was killed--he had heard
it said that they killed him with wooden weapons, and that Fray Pedro
Corpa two Casiques had killed in the night while sleeping; that Fray
Francisco de Avila they had not killed, but had him captive near
Tolofino until he should be ransomed by the Governor.
Was Fray Francisco well or ill-treated in the prison?
Sometimes they beat him with sticks and abused him. They sometimes fed
him, but not always, and when they did it was on the leaves and tendrils
of vines.
Had he seen or heard it said why they killed these Priests and
ill-treated Fray Francisco de Avila?
He knew no more than what he had already stated, that the Micos and
Casiques said they were artful and did not wish them to have more than
one wife, and that they reproved them.
Do you know where the ornaments belonging to the Church are, such as the
chalices and other things used by the priests?
They were all divided up in such a way, that nothing is left of them.
Was he present at the death of Fray Blas and the other priests when they
were killed?
He arrived in time to see Fray Blas die--the others he had not seen, but
had heard it said that they had been killed as he stated above.
Had he seen or heard any of his companions who were brought with him,
say they were present at the killing of the priests?
One from Tolomato, named Francisco, he heard him say he had seen Fray
Pedro Corpa after he was killed--the rest he does not know.
All this the said Gaspar Salas said and declared as interpreted under
the oath which he has taken. He does not sign because he does not know
how to write.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
In the presence of
JUAN XIMENES,
Notary Public.
For further investigation of the above, the Governor and Captain-General
had appeared before him the other Indian, said to be named Francisco and
native of Tolomato, and by the said interpreter under oath had him
declare the following:
Are you a Christian, and who are your parents?
I am a Christian, my name is Francisco, my mother is nearly related to
the Casique and my father is dead.
What priest was teacher at Tolomato?
Fray Pedro Corpa, and I knew him there for some time.
What became of Fray Pedro Corpa?
He was killed while sleeping, with wooden weapons, and he was killed by
one of the chief Casiques of the Salcachecos.
Did you see him killed, or were you present at his death?
I was far away, but I heard it said that this Micos of Tolomato and Don
Juan, his heir, had sent to have him killed. I went there, but he was
already dead.
Did the little dress which you wear belong to some religious of that
peninsula?
Yes, but I do not know to which one, I ransomed it from one of the
Casiques.
What was the cause of the killing of the priests?
The cause was, that they reproved Don Juan, heir of Tolomato. By his
cunning he had the other Casiques meet with him, and there was an
uprising in the land, and these killings were done.
Did you know Fray Miguel Annon, and Fray Antonio Lego in the conversion
and teachings of Guale, and Father Berahula, and Fray Francisco de
Avila?
I knew them all--they had been killed by the Indians, except Fray
Francisco de Avila, who was ransomed by the Governor.
Tell and declare what manner of death they have given these religious?
Fray Miguel and Fray Antonio Lego were killed with wooden weapons--he
had so heard it said--the others he did not know.
While in prison was Fray Francisco de Avila well treated?
I have heard it said that he was badly treated by the Indians of
Tolofino--they whipped him--the boys teased him. He ate badly, because
the Indians had little food, and some times he was forced to eat vines
and tendrils.
Do you know where the ornaments of the Church are, and the other
belongings of the priests?
All the ornaments and clothes of the priests were divided among them
all, and the Indians had carried them to their country inland.
Do you know if any of the Indians with you here, were present at the
killing of the priests?
I have heard it said that the Indian Lucas, son of Don Felipe, was
present when they killed Fray Blas--that about the others he does not
know. All of which the said Gaspar Salas Atiqui says and declares
according to his oath given, and because the Indian Francisco said so,
and did not sign because he did not know how.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
In the presence of
JUAN XIMENES,
Notary Public.
Later the Governor had appear before him the Indian Bartolome, of the
Peninsula of Guale, who with other Indians was sent to the peninsula
with a message from him to the Micos and Casiques, to the better
ascertain, if any of the priests were still living. Although he had been
sent, he did not return with the message, until after the treaty for the
ransom of Fray Francisco de Avila. He stated that they would not let him
come--that he wanted to come and stay with the Governor; that he did not
wish to remain among the Indians, and through the interpreter, Atiqui,
he declared the following:
Where are you from, and what is your name, and are you a Christian?
My name is Bartolome; I am a Christian and a native of Tolomato. I was
sent about eight months ago, by this Governor, with a message to the
Micos and Casiques of the peninsula; they would not let me come back,
making threats that they would kill me.
During the time you were in the peninsula tell what you know and heard
said of the killing of the priests; what kind of death they were given?
I heard that Fray Pedro Corpa was killed at night in his cell, with
wooden weapons, and that Fray Miguel, Fray Antonio and Fray Blas were
also killed with wooden weapons. That Fray Francisco de Avila, who had
just been brought as ransom, was the first one taken prisoner. They
stuck him with their arrows, but God did not let him die of the wounds.
They would have killed him as they did the others but for the
intervention of the Casique of Tulapo, who took him from the Indians,
saying at the time that he was his father, and as such he would protect
him.
What was the motive and cause of the killing?
I heard it was because they reproved them; that the priests were crafty,
and did not care for them, and did not wish them to have more than one
wife.
Where are the ornaments and appurtenances of the Church?
They were divided among them, those from the interior carrying many, and
many were also broken, and the children tore and destroyed them.
Did you hear it said whether Lucas, the son of the Casique Don Felipe,
or any of the other Indians brought in with you were present at the
killing of the priests?
I heard that Lucas was there at the killing. I know nothing more.
How was Fray Francisco de Avila treated while a prisoner?
I have heard it said that in Tufina and Chacalaga the boys would chase
him through the streets perfectly naked and whip him with horsewhips,
and that he was starving to death, because the Indians had little to eat
themselves and gave him none. All this Gaspar Salas says and declares to
have been said by the Indian Bartolome under the oath which he has
taken, and it is the truth; he cannot sign, not knowing how to do so.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
In the presence of
JUAN XIMENES,
Notary Public.
* * * * *
For further investigation of the above, the Governor and Captain-General
had appear before him another of the seven Indians who through the same
interpreter said and declared the following: (This declaration is not
given.)
In view of said declarations of these proceedings, the crime falls upon
Lucas the Indian, son of the Casique de Tuqui, for having been present
and participated in the killing of Fray Blas, who was sent to convert
the people of Tupiqui. I must condemn him by this my decree, sentenced
according to his declaration, with the penalty of death. The justice
which I order shall be done him is: That when he leaves the jail where
he now is, it shall be with a rope around his neck, his hands tied
behind him, and with a loud voice it must be proclaimed to the public
his crime; that he be taken to the gallows, already prepared for this
purpose, and that there he shall be hung by the neck and strangled until
dead. Because, thus is it well to punish with real justice those who
dare to commit such crimes, and as an example to the other Indian
natives of these provinces that they may not commit similar crimes. So
do I pronounce sentence and command. And if the said Lucas is not
mindful of receiving baptism and should not die repenting, and in the
Catholic faith, I order that he be hung and after his death his body be
burned to powder.
Regarding the other six Indians detained for this cause, proceedings
will not continue for the present against them--they being boys under
age. We shall so send and notify the Indian Lucas.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
* * * * *
Alonzo Diaz de Badajoz, Sergeant-Major of this Fort and Garrison of
St. Augustine:
I order you by this sentence, which will be shown you by Juan Ximenes,
Notary Public, against the Indian Lucas, prisoner in this city, that he
shall be executed as is stated in this sentence, because it so pleaseth
his Majesty. This execution is done in justice to his Majesty, and must
be so accomplished.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
St. Augustine, July 29th, 1598.
Notary Public.
Before me
JUAN XIMENES.
CHAPTER V.
A. D. 1600.
_Letter from Father Francisco Parga to the King, as one of eleven
monks sent out by his Majesty to spread the Gospel--Eighty churches
in different Missions--Complaint of lazy Indians--Avarice of the
Governor causes dissatisfaction and suffering among the garrison
and impedes the work--Unnecessary war with Indians--People desire
the Governors removal--Fray Baltazar Lopez has labored for twelve
years converting many Indians, among them the Casique, Don Juan,
who stands highly among his people and has quelled many
uprisings--Letter from Juan Nunez Rios--Complains of Governor--Who
allows one Juan Garcia to represent him--People forced to buy of
this Garcia who takes all advantages--Begs for an open port that
the people may be allowed to go back and forth and trade--Antonio
Menendez Canso writes to his Majesty complaining of injustice by
the Governor, and asks to be allowed to serve his Majesty
elsewhere--Letter to his Majesty from Fray Blas De Montes imploring
that he may be allowed to come to Spain for retirement--Gives
account of a fire which burned the church among other
houses--Reports slow progress with the Indians and advises that a
Bishop be sent to administer sacrament of confirmation--Report of
Gonzalo Menendez Canso to his Majesty--A shipmaster bearing
dispatches from New Spain shipwrecked in a dreadful storm--He and
his crew escape in a boat--Governor aids them from the Royal
treasury--Arrival of the Auditor for his Majesty--Garrison
abounding in fruits and grain--Death of a Christian Indian, Don
Juan--Fray Lopez returns from New Spain in good health--Money
brought to establish a hospital--More money needed for Garrison
expenses--Report of Francisco Redondo Villegas, Officer of Customs
and Auditor for his Majesty--Complains of not being treated with
the respect due to Royal officers--Finds affairs in a muddled
condition--Soldiers well drilled--Much land under cultivation which
will be needed as wages are small and rations insufficient._
PATRON LETTER FROM FRAY FRANCISCO PARGA, OF THE SAN FRANCISCAN ORDER, TO
THE KING.
_Your Majesty_:
This is a duplicate of a letter sent your Majesty by a vessel which left
this port of St. Augustine in the month of February of this year via
Havana. I wrote giving an account as I was one of the eleven monks sent
by your Majesty to spread the Gospel and teach the natives of this
country. When we arrived we were assigned to different places or posts,
each one trying his utmost and best to do what he could for the
redemption of these souls. It being such an arduous and difficult life,
having to traverse on foot, bad roads, with little or nothing to eat at
times, that little fruit has yet been yielded, although the harvest,
which we hope eventually to reap for the Lord, is worth the trials and
sacrifices made, as we know that He suffered death and passion to
redeem the souls and rejoiceth over the salvation of one; how much more
should we be willing to suffer for the conversion of so many souls as
there are in this country and whom we hope to save with the help of God?
And so I say that while your Majesty has control of these lands as the
Religious have charge of this Garrison in time of need, and they also
help to support the Church under their care and the ornaments and other
things necessary for the worship of the Divine Lord, not having for this
purpose any income from your Royal Finance. There are more than eighty
churches which have been built in the different missions and others
under construction. We are moved to do this to encourage the Indians who
are incapable of good conceptions and obedience. They have always had
their ministry so that they listen with little appreciation to what we
preach and teach, in grave detriment to the poor newly converted
Indians, notwithstanding that our teaching and converting accrues to
their own good, as we aid and provide for them in their time of hunger,
and when crops have failed. The Indians are so lazy and improvident that
if we did not take care of the crops after planting they would have
nothing. They do not even save the seed for another planting. Of the
Governor I wish to say as little as possible, but the misery, impediment
and calamities among Indians and Christians is due to his avarice, and
if the poor Spaniards who are in the Garrison of St. Augustine had not
the hope that your Majesty would be informed in some way and send them
relief from the fearful calamity which this Garrison is suffering, the
affliction among the married men as well as the single would become
unendurable. They dare not, under any circumstances, send you
information, as it would cost them their lives, and so they have prayed
and implored me as Chaplain, who live from day to day upon the charity
of your Royal Treasury, and have to render a strict account or others
would slander us, and our account of the war and other matters must be
true. The war with the Indians where many have been killed and many
brought in as prisoners was uncalled for and the Indians at “Cabeza de
Martyres” are much incensed. As it is a place where many vessels are
wrecked, the Spaniards have taken whole crews and kept them until
ransomed. We fear the Indians of that place will do much damage to
vessels passing to and fro. We feel very sorry that the present Governor
has shown so much anger and resentment towards the Indians and has sent
your Majesty such meagre accounts of the true condition of this
Garrison. It is swampy, little inhabited by Indians, and the roads
difficult to traverse. The Bar is a rough one; there are said to be
better ones on this coast towards the north. I have not seen them, but
have heard through Fray Baltazar Lopez, Vicar of that Island, who has
been there for twelve years working in the conversion of souls, with
other Friars who came with him, and who have left for New Spain. He
alone remains at his post, much encouraged, as he has mastered the
Indian language; it is of great help to him in preaching. He has
converted many who frequent the sacraments of confession and communion.
Had it not been for him and through his persuasions, having converted
and taught the Casique Don Juan, there would have been a terrible
uprising among the Indians, and probably not a Spaniard left. Thus, by
the industry and influence of Fray Baltazar over Don Juan, who is highly
in favor of Christianity and all civilized ideas, this trouble was
averted. Don Juan has sent relief to the people of this garrison in
times of famine. I recognize in Fray Baltazar that spiritual zeal for
the service of God and your Majesty that this land may be converted,
increase in civilization and aggrandize your kingdom. As Fray Baltazar’s
experience is of long standing, it has been decided that he write to
your Majesty and give a full account of all the happenings. To this
letter of his, which I shall remit to your Majesty, you can give full
credit, as he speaks scientifically and from long experience.
_Your Majesty_:
As a final remedy and forced by necessity and worry which we poor
citizens of this garrison suffer ever since the arrival of Gonzalo
Menendez Canso, we come to implore you, as King and Christian, not to
permit that your subjects and vassals be so ill treated and afflicted by
those who govern here, since your Majesty in your Cedulas always orders
the contrary. There being no corporation as in other cities of like size
to whom we can appeal for protection, I take the liberty of writing
this. We have not done so before, and gone on suffering all that is
possible for us to suffer, because we understood you had been informed
by other parties, and we hoped and waited daily to be delivered by your
sending some one else who would proceed in a different manner, and thus
we poor citizens would receive better treatment at his hands, and
enable us to proceed in better condition to advance your interests which
have been decreasing and losing ever since the said Governor came. Much
of the land that was gained from the Indians, and who themselves had
become quiet and peaceful, has been lost. I came to this country in the
year 1568, twenty years ago, with others from your Kingdom, to aid and
succor, as was commanded by your Majesty in transferring us to these
Provinces, having assisted and served in them on all occasions which
have presented themselves at Port Elena and St. Augustine. I married a
daughter of one of the settlers who was here and had come enthused by
the promises made by the previous Governors, but who spent his life
eking out a meagre existence for his wife and children by taking
advantage of the license which at that time was granted the citizens of
going abroad to seek work which was so much needed. This Governor has
withdrawn this license and forces us to remain in the town proper. The
town is frequently left to the government of his cousin who calls
himself Juan Garcia and whom he brought with him to this Province with a
large stock of merchandise which he sells at exorbitant prices and he,
the Governor, collects all payments. Before this Governor came we were
paid off, but since his assumption of affairs he forces us to buy all we
need of this cousin, and the Governor informs us that if we do not obey
his order in this we must go without. On pay day he keeps all our pay
saying we have already spent it. If one of the soldiers is sick
requiring anything and sends to ask for money to get the needed
medicine the Governor refuses to give it, forcing him to buy it of Juan
Garcia. All law suits or troubles of any kind which arise are brought
before the Governor by this same Juan Garcia, who seems to be supreme.
It is understood that the vast estate is a joint one of Juan Garcia and
Governor Menendez Canso. My house was burned, as can be testified by any
of the inhabitants, fearing to notify Juan Garcia of the fact. I sent to
him and asked him with all due respect to come, accompanied by the
Mayor, who is the only representative of the law, and see the condition
I was in. For this act he has levied upon me for fifty maravedies and
six months’ imprisonment in the Fort. That I must appear before him, and
he has worried me in many other ways. He has taken from us the only
means of making a living for our wives and children and refuses to grant
us any rights whatsoever, except those which in your Cedula are so plain
he is obliged to grant them. And yet he grants all rights to Mexico. It
is a great injustice not to allow us the same privileges. We trust that
being so far from us and it takes so long to inform you, that you will
have mercy upon us and immediately send some one to replace this
Governor. One who will treat us with more kindness and justice. We
implore you to grant the privileges of an open port, that we may be
allowed to go back and forth and trade, so as to enable us to make a
living. Others would write to you imploring the same grace, only all
fear to do so, as we run great risk of having the Governor intercept our
letters. I send this at the risk of my life. There are many more things
upon which I could enlighten you, but fear prevents us from doing so,
and we trust your Majesty will send us relief as speedily as possible.
God preserve the Royal Person of your Catholic Majesty for many years,
as christianity has need of it.
JUAN NUNEZ RIOS.
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 19th, 1600.
* * * * *
_Sire_:
While serving your Majesty in this Garrison of St. Augustine, Florida,
as Captain of one of the companies with the title given me by General
Menendez Canso, it is the same position my father served previously for
a year and a half before the work and place was turned over to me as
your Majesty’s service required. Later Lieutenant Alvarez Hernando Metas
having arrived with certain dispatches regarding my father, who had
preceded me, the Governor, without giving any reason or consulting me in
any way, has taken the company from me and given it to Lieutenant Metas,
who is at present serving. The Governor has only said to me that he
wished to employ me in other services of your Majesty for which reason I
am detained in this Province on half pay. Although I have asked
permission to serve on the Armada and assist in any way I am ordered, as
is my duty, he will not allow me to do so, but detains me here. I
implore you to send me orders if only to be in the infantry of this
Garrison; anything until I am ordered elsewhere, to serve your Majesty.
This is my profession and I have always followed it, and for which I
shall always hope to receive special encomiums from your Majesty, whom
I pray our Lord will bless and protect and preserve from all harm.
ANTONIO MENENDEZ CANSO.
St. Augustine, Fla., 26th ----, 1600.
* * * * *
_Sire_:
In other letters I have written to your Majesty I have given an account
of the fire we had on the 14th of March of last year, 1599, in this
city. Among other houses burned with the church was ours and we came to
the hospital for shelter, where we still are, and I implore your Majesty
to rebuild our house. The seven hundred ducats required to repair and
cover the house which was burned, and which we hope you will send us,
will be placed in deposit with the treasurer of this Province until a
decision has been reached regarding this country. On account of its
ruined and barren condition it is incapable of maintaining so many
natives as there are, and as was demonstrated the other day, many seem
to think they will order this Garrison removed to another part more
advantageous. Should this be the case, your servants will advise you at
once of all that occurs.
In the report I give you of the Indians I must say, my Lord, that we
make little progress and are but poorly esteemed by them. The fault must
lie in us, as there will no doubt be those who will so report it to your
Majesty. The good esteem which I am ordered to have for the Governor I
shall comply with in every respect except that I shall not lose my
rights; sending out the Friars to convert and teach the doctrine, I
have always observed the order given by your Majesty with the title of
Royal Patron. Since it is a truth perfectly well known that no Friar has
been sent by me or my predecessors to convert and teach without the
permission and sanction of the Governor, and should it become necessary
I will so make him confess this truth, which he well knows, as there are
so few of us he cannot ignore it, as we eat from his hands at all times.
If this country is to be increased and civilized it would be well to
send a Bishop here, as it is quite necessary to administer the sacrament
of confirmation; therefore, for the peace of those who live here, it
would be well for your Majesty to consider and provide as you see fit
and God would wish. There is nothing a man can desire more than the
salvation of his soul, for this it seems to me urgent that I should
retire from this work and take shelter where I can obtain this end,
serving in quietude your Majesty. For this I beg and humbly implore your
Majesty to send me a permit to go to Spain, as I feel assured of the
little success I can obtain by remaining in this country. May our
blessed Lord preserve your Majesty in peace and love, Yours,
FRAY BLAS DE MONTES.
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 25th, 1600.
* * * * *
_Your Lordship_:
On the 13th there arrived in this city Diego Ramirez, a citizen of
Triana of Sevilla, a second class shipmaster from New Spain, sent by
your Viceroy and Royal Officers from San Juan de Ullva. On entering the
Bahama channel he was overtaken by a dreadful storm, his vessel sprung a
leak and took in so much water they were forced to make for the nearest
land which was on the coast of this Province about one hundred and
eighty leagues from this city to the north, about thirty-four degrees,
more or less, where, on entering a port, the vessel was completely
wrecked and the Master made his escape in one of the boats with the
papers and dispatches for your Majesty and also some private letters.
Coming along the coast, landing at night until he reached the Province
of Guale, where last year the Indians had killed two Friars. There he
found two vessels in the service of this Garrison which had been sent to
carry three or four Casiques, two of them men of great influence in
their tribes, who had come to implore mercy for themselves and others
for the terrible crime they had committed. I now have them quiet and
pacified. These natives carried the master to the ships of this Garrison
where he and his men were given shelter and brought to this City.
The natives also gave them what relief they could. On the arrival here
of the Master he told me of the dispatches he brought for your Majesty
and which he understood were of much importance as they had learned in
New Spain that Chinese, English and Flemish were settling there. He
asked me for passage for himself and men, for any dispatches I might
have for your Majesty and any private mail. He also asked for the means
of sustenance from your Royal Treasury, for himself and men, as they had
lost all. Considering the importance of the dispatches and papers, and
that you might receive them with the utmost speed, I granted their
request and also gave them a change of clothes. He did not wish to go to
Havana on account of the variable winds and so, as I had a frigate in
Port just suitable for the purpose, I fitted it out against the wishes
of its owners, to whom I paid the cost of the trip which three pilots
assured me would amount to one thousand ducats, not counting the
maintenance of the Master and his men. I felt it my duty to aid them
from your Royal Treasury, as they were shipwrecked and there was no one
in this country who could raise a subscription to supply their wants,
all being soldiers or men who have no employment. An account of this may
be kept by the judges and officers in Sevilla against this Province.
Pedro Redondo Villegas, Auditor of the Artillery of Havana, whom your
Majesty nominated to come here to straighten the accounts of this
Province, arrived and has commenced his work. He tells me that he is
notifying your Majesty of all and calling your attention to some. He
says that having notified me of the Royal balance made to Juan
Sebadilla, deceased, being as it is, a large sum, it will be well that
you send a bill, stating what must be done about its collection. Captain
Alonzo de las Alas has not yet satisfied his balance because while
investigating his accounts in virtue of the royal decree of appointments
and of which he was in charge, was suspended for four years. In accounts
taken of different royal officers, they have paid up many losses against
your royal estate. I had noticed this and when the accountant Pedro
Redondo arrived I suspended these payments until he could look into them
and I shall point out to him the result of what I found in them.
On the eighth of February of this year I rendered your Majesty an
account of how I sent the collections to your Treasurer, Juan Menendez
Marquez. This time the causes made known in the letter which arrived at
this Port on the 21st of this month with four vessels and their cargo of
provisions, ammunition and money collected from the allowance was too
late, so that hereafter your Royal order set forth in Cedule will be
obeyed.
This Garrison and territory is at present abounding in the fruits of the
earth--corn and other vegetables. Having encouraged and aided in
cultivating the land our Lord has seen proper to give us the most
fertile year ever known in these Provinces. On the 16th of this month
Don Juan, Casique of the Province of San Pedro, died--the one your
Majesty was so kind to in sending him two hundred ducats which were
given him. I feel his death very much as he was one of the most faithful
and influential in this Territory; he was sagacious and practical,
having faith, and agreed in all that you ordered. He died as a good
Christian, receiving the sacraments and giving a good example at the
hour of his death to all the Indians and natives. His niece becomes his
heir; according to their custom the nieces and nephews become the heirs
and not the children.
Fray Baltazar Lopez, of the Franciscan order, has arrived from New
Spain. He was crippled and sick, so I gave him permission to go to New
Spain where he was cured and has regained his health which has been a
great happiness for me as he is greatly needed in the conversion. He has
brought many to a realization of the truth of Christianity, and I trust
in God he
[Illustration: Land Approach to Fort Marion.]
may keep well and continue his good work. In this I try to aid him as
much as possible and with some of the officers and soldiers go to visit
the Indians from time to time to assure them of our good will and to
trade with them. They have just brought from New Spain the five hundred
ducats your Majesty gave in charity to the hospital of this City,
established for the benefit of the poor soldiers of this Garrison. They
also brought five hundred more from Mexico for the Franciscan Convent,
and we have also given to said Convent two thousand eight hundred and
forty-two reals which were in this Treasury and which were found on the
beach of San Mateo from some of the vessels wrecked on that shore, and
although your Royal Cedula said it should be three thousand and
forty-two reals and a half, the Royal Officers have not been able to
find that much on your books, only the amount stated above which was
delivered to them for the repairs of the convent. If your Majesty wishes
to obtain information regarding Jacon from England you must ask for it
by the name of Virginia which is the name given it by the English; if
you inquire for Jacon you will get no satisfaction. I send with this a
duplicate of the letter written you on February 28th by Pedro Alvarez
Castillon via Havana, on the fleet in command of General Sancho Pardo,
and as the sea is an uncertain thing I send a duplicate. The frigate
which carries this paper and those of the Auditor, Pedro Redondo,
belongs to Pedro Gonzales, of Havana, who also goes on her. Should you
wish to send dispatches for this Province, Havana or New Spain, this
vessel is very appropriate; it is good, small, and sails fast, being of
only fifteen tons, and Pedro Gonzales is perfectly familiar with all
this coast and is a practical and experienced sailor and can be trusted
with anything you wish to send by him. I cannot fail to remind you to
grant me a reasonable sum for expenditures of this Garrison, as the
expenses are so heavy I am obliged to implore this grace of your
Majesty.
May God preserve you in health for the good of Christianity.
GONZALO MENENDEZ CANSO.
St. Augustine, Fla., June 28th, 1600.
* * * * *
I wrote your Majesty by General Sancho Pardo, giving full and detailed
account of how I had arranged matters and placed in office as Auditor of
the Custom House, of this City, Pedro Redondo, my son, a person
perfectly trustworthy, competent and reliable. I have done everything
according to your Majesty’s orders. I came to the Province of Florida on
the fleet, as you graciously ordered me to investigate the accounts of
your Royal Officers and other employees. I arrived in Florida on the
29th of March, presented my commissions, which were accepted by the
Governor, Gonzalo Menendez. On the 14th of April, after making all
inquiries necessary regarding the accounts, I commenced to investigate,
not meeting from the Officers that respect which is shown by the army
and navy to your Royal employees. Their books being in such a disordered
condition, it will take more time than I calculated to finish these
investigations, but I will accomplish them with all possible speed. As I
have informed your Majesty through others who the persons are, having to
give account and the many and arduous difficulties encountered, there
being among auditors, agents and shipmasters, about twenty persons--it
will take a longer time to accomplish, although I came quite encouraged
and desirous of finishing speedily so as to return to Havana to attend
the grand artillery review and take my command. I left town for the term
of one year, but find I shall be unable to complete these investigations
in that time, as it is impossible to leave them in the muddled condition
they are at present. Doctor Juan Gonzales, of the Royal Court of the
Indias, has told me he could obtain with the consent of the Governor, a
prerogative. I implore your Majesty will send this prerogative and see
and notify me as to what I am to do. As I have been here so short a time
I cannot inform you of all that you ordered me to investigate. All I can
say at present is that there are about two hundred and fifty soldiers in
this Garrison; they are good and well drilled and disciplined; that the
Governor has planted and under cultivation many acres of land, which
will be a great help in the sustenance of these people, who are mostly
married, and whose small wages and rations given them does not suffice
for their support. They certainly need this grain. Besides others,
seeing the good results and what good land it is, are following the
example and are clearing and planting fields. With the cutting down of
the timber it has done away with the vast quantities of mosquitoes and
has helped to improve the City, as one sees on all sides houses in
course of construction. The greatest difficulty I find is the difference
existing between the Officers of the Royal command and the people. As
you have ordered that all should obey them, they are overbearing, as
occurs in many other places. If you could devise some remedy for this,
all would go well. I shall continue to keep you advised of all that
occurs, especially on the matter of investigations and as to who the
guilty parties may be. May God grant you a long life of prosperity.
FRANCISCO REDONDO VILLEGAS.
St. Augustine, Florida, April 18th, 1600.
CHAPTER VI.
A. D. 1605-1608.
_Minutes of a Bull to be presented to the Holy See, asking
concession of graces and powers for Catholic residents in
Florida--Minorcan families brought a Priest and Monk with them, and
wish privileges and new license granted--Instructions as to duties
on wine--Priests and Monks of Tasco use municipal monies for their
own interests--Advises change in office of Treasurer of the Royal
chest--Loss of vessels carrying papers for his Majesty--People of
the Kingdom gratified at favor shown by his Majesty to Don
Francisco--Letter from Pedro Ibarra to his Majesty--Insufficient
support for the Garrison--A widow, who was the wife of two Army
Captains, in need--Two poor soldiers find amber in a fish for which
Menendez exacted a duty--Anxiety on account of French and English
pirates--Some taken prisoners and ten hanged--Several Casiques and
chiefs visit Augustine--Are impressed with religious services and
procession--Ask for Friars to return to their country with them to
instruct their people--Asks for men to assist in building a fort at
the mouth of Miguel Moro--Has made inquiry as to origin and source
of River San Mateo and Lake Miami--A Garrison of warlike
people--Proposition to establish a Manager of the Inquisition to
control them--Does not wish to let go certain Priest and
Captain--Report of Juan Menendez Marquez to the King--Deplores the
decision to reduce the Garrison--Advises return to the policy of
Pedro Menendez, his cousin--Desires permission to go to Spain to
more fully lay the matter before his Majesty._
A. D. 1605.
Minutes of the Bull or Supplication which the Minister of this Court in
Rome should present to the Holy See, asking for the concession of new
graces and powers in favor of the Catholic residents in Florida, which
precepts have been formulated by the Judge complying with the Royal
Decree of your Majesty in consultation with the Council.
As formal instructions they should state that these Minorcan families
transmigrated to Florida under the English dominion, but with the free
use and privilege of their Catholic Religion. They carried with them as
spiritual directors Don Pedro Campos, secular Priest, and Padre
Bartolome Casanovas, a Monk, that these, for the legitimate discharge of
their Ministerial duties, repair to the Holy See, begging they be
constituted Pastor of that flock, dispensing them all the powers
necessary, that your Holiness benignantly accede to their urgent
petition, to grant them different privileges and powers, among others
the administering to that Catholic people all the sacraments, even those
not Parochial, except confirmation and Orders, extending this privilege
for a term of three years when they shall obtain a new license from the
superior Prelates or Bishop nearest to Florida. That is what has been
done, because I have received a new Cedula from your Majesty ordering
that the proceeds of the duties on wine should not be spent on anything
but the bringing of water. I cease, satisfied, that before suspending
the execution of this Cedula. I shall take time to inform your Majesty
that it was necessary for me to avail myself of this money for these
purposes. I do not at present send an account, until I can send it
finished, that it may not be a work which the Viceroy may consider
impossible to accomplish at so small a cost. I beg of your Majesty to
consider it. Otherwise I shall obey to the letter this Cedula and I
await your reply. Not receiving a reply, I shall take for granted that
your Majesty is satisfied. Being so general and important in this
Kingdom the practise of other business, and there being a possibility of
misunderstanding in this matter, I resolved to visit some of the
vineyards of this kingdom, and so I went to Tasco, some twenty-eight
leagues from this city, taking advantage of the Christmas holidays, not
to lose any time from my ordinary business, it has been of great
advantage as I can state just how these things are conducted. I have
stated to your Majesty in other letters, the municipality of this City
is not governed as it should be, because the Priests or Monks think more
of their own interests, reducing all to their own profit. As this takes
place the Royal Officers cannot ordinarily attend the meetings, it would
be well that the Viceroy should elect four persons of the best standing
and principles upon whom your Majesty should bestow Government offices
and that the Viceroy should oblige them to accept, for at least four
months in the year, giving them precedence after the Royal Officers, and
thus assure their attention to matters which are looked upon
indifferently in one of the best Cities you possess, and which is
improving each day. If the Council will consider this proposition and
your Majesty pleases to execute it.
The Decree sent by me and the Official documents for the high notaries
of Government and legislative bodies of this Audience and particularly
for the notaries of the Treasury, that they might transact some
important business which was taken from the books and have been badly
attended to because there is no one to be solicitous about this matter,
and it not belonging to the duties of the Judge, it is neglected as are
other affairs. It becomes obligatory to find some faithful and
trustworthy person of influence to take charge of this Office and assign
them a salary of $800.00 a year. Show and make them understand the
anxiety which I feel concerning it and how it retards other business.
Being new in my Office I have not cared to assign any one until I had a
license from your Majesty for doing so. I shall await your decision. It
seems to me the salary could be assigned through the Legislature, and if
they neglect their duties discharge them.
In New Vera Cruz, Pedro Casco Calderon has been serving as Treasurer of
the Royal Chest by nomination of your Majesty, he also occupied other
Offices in Spain. He is old, the many years of service at that Post and
the conduct of his wife, have disturbed his mind; he is also running a
butcher shop and other enterprises not in accordance with the Royal
Office. The situation is such that nothing should be concealed from you.
In being served you might give him some small Office at home, and I
should remove him to some other place, if I did not understand the
necessity of his attending to his estate, which is in that
neighborhood, and all his other profitable enterprises.
The first registered vessel was lost on the coast of Campeachy, and
although the Papers for your Majesty were taken out, they had been under
water so long that they were useless, scarcely legible. The second
vessel of advice was taken by the French on its return from Saona, and
they stripped it of everything, leaving vessel and crew in such a ruined
condition they could proceed no further than Santo Domingo. Seeing that
they were lost they threw the papers for your Majesty overboard. Thus it
becomes necessary that one and the other be duplicated. Your Majesty
will please see that the person in Sevilla who has charge of these
vessels be careful of the person to whom he entrusts these Documents as
so far the person in charge does not seem to understand their
importance, and so, it is only miraculous that we get them at all. It
has been very gratifying to all in this Kingdom the favor shown by your
Majesty to Don Francisco. I trust he will serve you well and faithfully.
It is prohibited that an Alderman should serve a private individual
under penalty of losing his Office. In this city Don Luis Maldona, son
of Maldona who was Judge of this Supreme Court, has a regiment. On
account of his talent and the good services he can render I have him
occupied in my service, and that he may not fall under the penalty of
the law I implore your Majesty to send him a permit that he may attend
to both, or a license that he may resign his place in the regiment and
serve your Majesty otherwise, on a salary that you shall name. I
consider the first plan best. Don Luis Valasco has arrived and I
thought best to introduce him and have some attention bestowed upon him,
on account of his position. I shall show him all respect and visit him,
feeling sure you will thus be well served. The case is free of
consequences. Having sent you a letter of dispatch through the Supreme
Court of Castile stating that Dr. Lievana will go over to that Kingdom
and render an account of the expenses of the residence and trip of the
first Lieutenant of Assistencia of Sevilla. Dr. Lievana acted as Mayor
in the interim between the death of Señor Trufillo and your appointing
Don Francisco de Onate. He is a person who will render you good service,
he can be relied on, is among the noblest here, and could fill any
office. I have detained this vessel that I might inform you of the
departure of the vessel for the Philippines.
May God preserve you for many years.
THE MARQUEZ OF MONTES CLARAS.
Mexico, March 31st, 1605.
(There is a Rubrica.)
* * * * *
A. D. 1605.
_Sire:_
I sent your Majesty one of your royal Cedulas dated in Valladolid, April
3rd, in which I laid before your Majesty the necessity and want these
poor married men are in. It is impossible for them to support
themselves; there are seven and eight in a family to be fed on the
father’s rations. As I have before stated to you, it would be a great
charity as well as a service to God to help them that they may not
perish. This may be remedied when the other people arrive. I can then
give permission to the valetudinarians and sick to return home, your
Majesty having sent as a reward for so many years of service the means
to defray the cost of the voyage. I can give according to the condition
of each one and to the married men who remain here in service please
order an extra half ration for each child with some other slight
assistance while they serve as soldiers and their daughters are too
young to marry. I assure you that aside from being a great charity it
will be no more than justice, as they are among the best soldiers I have
ever seen on land or sea. Among the necessities your Majesty may see
proper to relieve is the suffering of a lady of standing, widow of two
captains who served many years in this Province and who had charge of it
in the absence of the Governors. Aid given here will be one of the
greatest of charities, as before stated. The negroes who were here for
over forty years, working in the Havana forces, have died, and it will
be well to send about a dozen more and three or four negro women.
Your order that I should not collect from the New Spain more than was
necessary I have carried out so far, and I wish to remind you to send a
trustworthy accountant as the one at present occupying that office is
not fitted for it. During the residence of Gonzalo Menendez Canso, the
Treasurer, Juan Menendez, asked and exacted that duty should be paid
your Majesty on some amber which Bartolaine Perez and Gaspar Martin,
soldiers, had found in a fish’s craw, and with promises which Gonzalo
Menendez made the soldiers, he palliated them and said the duty must be
paid according to one of the chapters of royal instruction. At that time
we could not ascertain if it were true. The said soldiers had already
put in a plea to the said Gonzalo Menendez and as interested parties
could not be witnesses in these investigations. The other person through
whose hands it must pass was Lieutenant Fabeicio Lopez, and he was not
here. He has returned now and makes the accompanying declaration, which
you can place with the declaration of the soldiers, and you can have
your duties and give the soldiers what was taken from them, not allowing
them to make a manifestation. The Treasurer has asked me to let him use
a permit he has to go to that kingdom on business and solicitations. I
have not allowed him to use it, because we are so much in need of men
and there are so few I can put my hand on in case of need. God protect
your Majesty.
PEDRO IBARRA.
Dec. 26th, 1605, St. Augustine, Florida.
* * * * *
A. D. 1607.
_Sire_:
In a letter of the 22nd of January of the present year, which was sent
from Havana with a notice of the death of Governor Don Pedro Acuna I
have forwarded you, I have also notified you of what I thought of doing
with the French and English pirates I held as prisoners. One day after
the departure of the boat I sent to have them hanged, using with them
such religious treatment as is customary. Ten of them were baptized, the
others stated they had already been baptized. It seems that all died as
Christians, so that this whole City with their fraternities turned out
to lay them out and bury them. I only wish that with these pirates we
might put an end to them all on these coasts. There are so many they
keep me in great anxiety and I implore you to send me people to destroy
them. I have every one on this coast enlisted to aid in their
destruction. But my experience is that many have not only sheltered
them, saved their lives and estates, but continue to serve them and
allow them to come and go at will. They come from a distance of a
hundred leagues with all confidence and safety. This week, which is Holy
week, I have had here several Casiques and Chiefs who are the lords of
the mouth of Miguel Mora, where, I have before told you, we should erect
a fort and from there capture the fleet of Charles. I shall tell you the
names of these Casiques that you may know who they are and the great
achievement I have made in gaining their services. They have returned to
their country dressed and very happy and edified with the religious
services and processions they have witnessed during this Holy season.
They ask for Friars to instruct them. I told them I would come there to
visit them. I notify you that this is the time that with more security
and less cost a fort could be built there; they themselves would act as
peons, and if possible to do so I would myself ask that from Havana they
would send me an engineer and eighty men with two launches. Look into
this, as I am quite sure they would all lend themselves to serve in the
building, as they would feel safe all along that coast from the
invasions of the enemy. The other Provinces are very peaceful. With the
warriors, silver miners and woodmen I have so long asked your Majesty to
send me. I trust in God that we can touch with our hands the great
wealth we surely have in the interior of this land. All this I ask of
you I am moved to do by the zeal to serve you and enlarge your estate
and not for rest or gain. From all these parts I have had here this week
over five hundred Indians, and, God knows, to make them understand it,
will require more men than I have in our Order to guide them.
In a letter of September 23rd your Majesty commands me to make every
possible inquiry to know the origin and source of the River San Mateo
and Lake Miami. As I have always tried to make inquiries, about six
months ago I discovered on the southern coast a river which I have had
examined by three different pilots, and find that it has nine fathoms of
water at the entrance of a much wider river. I notified your Majesty of
this new river. This garrison is composed of a warlike people and the
Friars of San Francisco are thinking of establishing a Manager of the
Inquisition to subject them and control their passions. When I came here
these warriors were in great want and I have come to an agreement
together with the Royal Officers, that we should have Juan Nunez go to
Castilla and try to make terms with some merchant to remedy these
occurrences. To Fray Pedro Ruiz they have brought an Order from your
Majesty in which you command me to let him go to Castilla on account of
his age and failing health; that he is of no further use. It seems to me
this Friar has not been here so many years and he is perfectly sound and
fresh and robust, never having had so much as a headache.
Captain Alonzo de las Alas has presented me a Cedula from your Majesty
which gives him permission to go to Castilla for a term of two years
and that during that time he is to receive no salary. He claims that it
is an oversight in not appointing some one in his place and allowing him
to draw his salary as heretofore and which is just, because whoever
takes his place is entitled to half of his pay, and for this it will be
necessary that your Majesty order Bartolome Arruchas to return to his
Post as the permit granted him by your Majesty has expired.
God protect your Majesty.
PEDRO IBARRA.
May 16th, 1607, St. Augustine, Fla.
* * * * *
A. D. 1608.
_Your Lordship:_
Through a letter of September 20th of last year, 1602, and an account
rendered the Bishop of Cuba (the past year of 1606) who came to confirm
the Spanish Christians not yet confirmed and the native Indians of these
Provinces, I told him all that I thought would be most convenient to the
service of God our Lord and your Majesty regarding the conversion of
this Garrison to which I again refer, it having come to my knowledge
that your Royal Council did not repeat it to you, fearing to tire or
annoy you. Now, on learning the resolution you have taken of reforming
this Garrison and reducing it to one hundred and fifty infantry, I am
sure you have listened to the advice of persons who have never seen this
coast, nor do they know anything about the interior of the country, nor
the great benefits which have been accomplished in the conversion of the
natives who are idolaters and savages, hesitating at no crime however
horrible.
If Gonzalo Menendez Canso were moved with the true zeal of God and a
proper desire to serve your Majesty it would have been no more than just
that when he first assumed control of this Government he should have
given you a full and detailed account of the existing state of affairs
and sought your advice and not waited until he was quite sure that his
Office was to be filled by some one else.