Again, I decided to write this to implore you to consider and look

closely into the matters upon which I have advised you and which I have

done in all truth and fidelity as I am obliged to for my King. Knowing

also that the King of glorious memory, your father, had more trouble and

combats than at present on account of economy and the abandoning of this

Garrison, he never listened to such things; on the contrary, in the time

of Governor General Pedro Menendez Marquez, my first cousin, he

increased the force to one hundred and fifty soldiers of Infantry and by

thus assigning them to this Post their aid and succor succeeded in

subjugating the Indians and in bringing and attracting them to hear the

Holy Gospel, and listen to the words of the Friars who preached. This is

a public truth. And since that time no Governor has made any conquests

or discoveries, nor gone in person to treat with the Indians nor draw

them towards civilization by gifts or other means. And if you would at

least grant us a Garrison of defense of three hundred Infantry and

thirty marines besides the Friars, Governor and Royal officials, with

orders that they proceed to ferret out the secrets of the interior of

the country, where Lieutenant Mocana entered, and in which latitude

there can no doubt be found an excellent port, particularly at Cayagua,

where any Armada could with safety enter in an altitude of thirty-three

and one-fourth degrees, and where I have myself been in the past year of

1588. Should it prove advantageous and convenient in the Bay of the

Mother of God, of Macan, at a height of thirty-seven degrees at its

mouth, and which terminates at the foot of the mountain range where I

was also, in the same year, in search of the English settlement. It is a

more sheltered harbor than this one and nearer for obtaining aid, and an

entrance could be made through the Province of Guale in the land of

Tulufino, which corresponds with that called Tama, on the skirts of the

mountain range. It might be a very advantageous move which would result

in the glory of God and your Majesty’s interest; for if we could bring

these people to honor the Governor of the garrison and when they found

that he was working for their good and not the contrary, there would

naturally result a reform among the enemies and we might aspire to carry

out your designs in a satisfactory manner. Under existing circumstances

it is impossible for this Garrison, composed of so few men, to march out

or in any way try to defend themselves against the enemy, and nothing

remains but to die bravely defending the Garrison as best they can, and

when there remains no one else to defend it, it leaves the Friars and

converted Indians to the mercy of God, for it is the only help they can

look to, the Forts and Castles of Flanders being so far away they would

be slow to respond. If there is to be no more infantry sent I think it

would be well to agree upon making this Fort a ravelin and build a good

trench of defense along the coast to prevent the enemy from jumping

over and in every possible way attend to the preservation of all the

above mentioned regarding the Friars and converted natives. Put a stop

to all these ambushes and skirmishes and other nuisances which oblige

them (the natives) to leave their settlements and fortify themselves

upon your domains and do great damage to vessels coming in and going out

at the mouth of the Bahama channel, making it unsafe all along the coast

of this part of the Indies, possessed by your Majesty and which you will

possess for many years for the glory of God and the welfare of the souls

of these poor natives, and may His Divine Majesty not permit these

arbitrations and troubles caused by a few men who are incited by their

passions and own selfish interests and with the pretext of saving you

some twenty or thirty thousand dollars cause such great trouble that

your expenses will be more than doubled in repairing the damage. You

support and maintain the Garrisons of Havana and Porto Rico from rents

and taxes of New Spain and it is not just nor proper to put difficulties

in your way to prevent you from preserving and sustaining in the same

way this one which should be well defended as it is a Port from whence

you can pass through those same inland regions to Mexico, and, in my

opinion, it is very important to preserve it for this purpose. Havana is

of importance, being the key to the Indias and a place where the Armadas

and fleets can replenish and repair to continue their voyages through

these Kingdoms. With all humility I beg you receive my zeal and good

wishes which is to always serve you with fidelity and truth as has been

done by my parents, and if on this occasion I did not call your

attention to these matters, which are of vast import, I should be

committing a crime, and in all this I subject myself to better judgment

and implore your Majesty with all humility that as I can be of no other

use in this Post, but to serve as Treasurer of these Provinces, which I

am at present doing, you will consider my application and give me

permission to go to Spain and render an account of the Royal finances

intrusted to my care since June of the past year of 1602, hereafter and

for this purpose that I be given receipts of my charge, and that during

my absence from this Port the employment be at the risk and account of

the person left in my place, and who must give bond as is customary in

vacations of similar Posts and offices and at the same time that the

Governor provide that he be given one half of the salary and that I

receive the other half as a means of helping me to defray my expenses,

and if my mind does not deceive me my services are deserving of it for

the care and anxiety I have suffered in this Garrison by wishing to

defend the cause of the profit of the Royal finance of your Majesty and

the desire that I have of settling my accounts, not only those I have of

my own, but also those of Pedro Redondo which will seem to have been

given with pay, which will be the case with those I render if God will

give me life for it to employ in your Royal Service. May God grant you

many and happy years for the mercy and defense of the faith, the

preservation of peace and tranquility of many more kingdoms, and the

conversion of as many idolaters as are in these parts.

JUAN MENENDEZ MARQUEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., January 5th, 1608.

CHAPTER VII.

A. D. 1622-1640.

_Report of Antonio Benavides to his Majesty--Endeavored to execute

order of the King to establish friendly relations with the English

of the Carolinas--Sent Don Francisco Menendez together with other

Officers--The Mission a failure owing to the English not having

instruction from London--Find that the English have built fort on

Spanish territory--Requested its removal in order to avoid trouble

between the two nations--The English Governor refused--Matter fully

laid before his Majesty--Report of Luis De Rojas--Frigate sent from

Augustine to Havana to help fleet from New Spain bring over

supplies for Garrison--They discover thirteen vessels, which proves

to be an enemy who give chase to the Frigate--The pilot and

soldiers landed, followed by the enemy, until a forest is reached,

where the enemy leaves them--Returning to their launches the enemy

strip the Frigate and burn the hull--The enemy coast along shore

frightening the Indians, lodging in their huts--A large force of

Indians were gathered together with one hundred and fifty soldiers

to pursue the enemy at which they reembark and sail away--A Spanish

Frigate arrives bearing forty-seven persons, all that was left of

three vessels which had been captured by the enemy who proved to be

bearing provisions to a Dutch Fleet in Havana--Recommends his

Majesty to build a fort at the Bar at the place called Jega--Report

of Luis Ussitinez to his Majesty--The Mandate of the King has been

carried out in regard to prayer to God for the success of the

King’s arms taken up against France--1636--An account of a meeting

of the Board of the City Council of Havana at which a clergyman of

the Holy Office of the Inquisition appears with an Auto from the

Senior Commissionado, Don Francisco de las Casas, of the Holy

Office of this city, containing instructions as to certain

ceremonies in connection with the Inquisition._

_Your Lordship:_

By your Royal dispatch of last year you ordered me to immediately

establish friendly relations with the English of the Carolinas, and that

your Majesty had asked that the Court of London should pass efficacious

measures to have the order repeated, which was given in virtue of the

suspension of arms between your Majesty’s crown and that of England, to

the end that these vessels be not disturbed by the English of the

Carolinas, nor the Indians of their Province, so that they may derive

the benefits of the land and live in tranquility and love as your

Majesty desires. That for this purpose I should in my ministerial

capacity go to the Governor of Carolina instigating him to make them

observe punctually the treaty of suspension of arms. I executed this

order immediately and sent the Auditor Don Francisco Menendez

accompanied by other Officers of the Garrison of this Post, with orders

to adjust a firm agreement with the Governor that on the part of the

English they should cease to incite the Indians, and thus they and the

laborers might live without injury one from the other; that this

agreement was equally important for both Nations. To this proposition,

and others certified, in the testimony of the letter which the referred

to Don Francisco Menendez carried and on this occasion I remit to you.

The Governor and parliament of the Carolina replied that they had

received no orders from the King of Great Britain, but that

notwithstanding they would try to maintain friendly relations with this

Government during the suspension of arms. Immediately upon the arrival

of Auditor Don Francisco Menendez in Carolina, he was informed that the

English had built a wooden fort at the mouth of Talaje, one of your

Provinces, where for many years were settled the Indians, and on account

of the blockade we put upon it, they retired. Don Francisco immediately

demanded of the Governor and Parliament the reason for building there;

that it was your Majesty’s Territory, etc., and stating that it might

cause trouble between the two Nations and once that war was started it

would be difficult to stop on account of the Indians. His reply was

simply that to secure his dominions from invasion and harm, the King of

Great Britain had ordered it built, and that they should found Towns in

the best and most approved manner. The Auditor requested its removal

from your Territory, but they refused to do so, stating that his orders

were not sufficient, and expressed nothing whatever in regard to this

Fort. I infer that with the incoming of this new Governor in the

Carolinas, not only will the Fort be completed, but they will settle all

the Islands belonging to your jurisdiction, and thus make the Carolinas

impregnable and reduce this Garrison to a more lamentable condition

than it is, and the Indians watching their opportunities will come upon

us and also takes sides with the English, who will supply them with arms

and ammunition, a thing they most ardently desire. The Auditor was also

informed that in the Carolinas they were waiting the arrival of large

quantities of arms and ammunition from England. They can in time of war

easily invade this Castle, the only desire and aim they have, on account

of the great importance it would be to the preservation of their

colonies in this New England and the facility it would give them for

capturing vessels coming and going through the Bahama Channel, the

nearness of this Castle being just what they most desire. In giving you

this information I not only appease my conscience but fulfilled my

obligations to you by showing you the great danger which threatens you

and the terrible results it might cause, and I leave it to the

intelligence of your Royal Highness to act in this matter as best

pleases you.

May God save you.

ANTONIO BENAVIDES.

St. Augustine, Fla., April 21st, 1622.

* * * * *

1627

_Sire_:

After having written your Majesty giving an account of having faithfully

fulfilled all the instructions of your different Royal Cedula, I will,

in this, give a detailed account of what occurred on August 25th of this

year. I ordered Captain Diego del Pozo to embark in one of the frigates

of your Majesty’s Service in this Garrison, and proceed to Havana, to

help bring over the supply for this Garrison, which was to come on the

fleet from New Spain. Following his journey and coasting along these

Provinces, near the Cape of Canaveral, on Sunday, the 13th of September,

in the morning, he discovered thirteen vessels, ten large ones and three

smaller ones. Believing it to be the Fleet, he made signals and hoisted

the flag, but as no answer was returned he saw clearly that it was the

enemy. At the same time one of their three smaller vessels came forward

and gave him chase. The Frigate being small went so near in shore that

the vessel could not reach it, seeing which they lowered two rowboats to

chase and attack the Frigate, each boat carrying twelve soldiers and ten

mariners. The Frigate resisted the attack with arquebuses. The enemy not

making any headway, called for more aid, which was sent them by two more

larger launches with a hundred men. Captain Diego del Pozo finding

himself in such a tight place, and the pilot and soldiers thinking they

would stand a better chance on land, he decided to land. The enemy

followed close, he fought them step by step until they came to a thick

forest, when the enemy decided to leave them. The skirmish lasted about

two hours. On returning to their launches the enemy first stripped the

Frigate of all they wanted and burned the hull. When Captain Pozo saw

that he would have to abandon the ship, he threw the two pieces of

artillery he carried overboard. All this occurred about forty leagues

from this Garrison. In a few days I was notified of this misfortune and

I sent a launch with infantry to get the men from the Frigate. All

arrived safely without the loss of a single man. I had the testimony

taken and ascertained the truth and found that the Captain and his men

were here and did their duty faithfully. Further proof and truth was

ascertained a few days later from the soldiers I sent by land to

reconnoitre the coast where the Frigate was lost--they brought word that

the thirteen vessels which had been sent to chase the Frigate were

coasting along slowly taking on water and wood. They had disembarked and

taken up lodging in the Indian huts, the Indians fleeing with fear.

Some, by gifts, had been induced to return, others came to me for

protection. Following this, I received further news that three of the

thirteen vessels were lost and the crew on land. This proved not to be

true--in going over the Bar three launches were lost and a few of the

men drowned. Feeling it was not right to have the enemy land on your

Majesty’s domain, where we are at present safe and on friendly relations

with the Indians, I immediately gave orders and gathered a large force

of Indians and, with a hundred and fifty of our men, I set out

determined to find the enemy and thrust them out. I appointed Captain

Melchar Durante to take command here during my absence, he being an old

man of much experience. I was continuing my pursuit of the enemy when I

received news of their having re-embarked and sailed off, so I returned

sending one of the Sergeants with a squad of twenty men to the Bar, and

that they might recover the three launches if they were worth it. This

they did promptly, returning with two of the launches in fair condition,

the third they left as it was too badly injured to be of use. They

brought the same news of the enemy’s proceedings. On the 20th of said

month a Frigate arrived. On sending out to recognize her, we found it to

be Spanish. It was one of the fleet which was overtaken by the enemy

and brought in forty-seven persons, mariners and passengers, among them

an Augustinian Monk. It was what was left of the three vessels taken by

the enemy of the thirteen vessels. They were captured off Cape San

Antonio. On one of the vessels were the papers and information sent by

the Viceroy to Don Carlos Ybarra, General of the Spanish fleet, which

was coming from Spain. They captured it near Cape Catoche, and the

papers for General Ybarra and your Majesty were thrown overboard to

prevent the enemy from getting them. They were in the enemy’s power for

twelve days, when they put them on this small Frigate with scant

rations, and told them they were free to come to this Garrison, where

they arrived half-starved. I took them in and fed them at your Majesty’s

expense, as part of them had lost their lives in your service and they

were your vassals. They remained here a month, and on the first

opportunity which presented itself, I gave them passage for Havana.

Among the forty-six persons were four pilots and four boatswain who gave

a long account of what they heard while prisoners. They particularly

spoke of the Armada in charge of Tomas Raspuro, which they had been

waiting for, but on seeing so many large vessels of war and knowing they

would be outnumbered, they desisted and retired along the coast--it was

then they captured these three frigates of this Garrison of which I have

given you detailed account. These Pilots informed me that these thirteen

vessels came with supplies and ammunition and provisions for the Dutch

fleet, which was in Havana, but they learned it had departed and they

were too late. Being unable to assault our Fleet as she entered the

mouth of the channel, they decided to take one of the Pilots who was

experienced in the Honduras waters and there await the Admiral and

Captain of our fleet and make them prisoners. They questioned them the

whole time they were prisoners and asked their advice, finally turning

them loose on the small frigate, so that it was a miracle they were

saved. The thirteen vessels were manned by very young men, most of them

boys, and they could not tell the name of the squadron, but the Admiral

was Pedro Yanez, a German, a native of Amsterdam. They got all the

information possible regarding this Garrison, and say that next summer

they will come and ransack and burn the City. At that time there were

only forty men, less than the three hundred you should always maintain

here--so, I selected others, forced them into service and have them

drilled and armed. I have given you a full account of all the happenings

on the coast this summer. I hope I have done so, as a good vassal, and

for this reason I should warn and advise your Majesty to build a Fort at

the Bar at a place they call Jega--it being the place where vessels all

come to cast anchor when they want to take on water, wood, and to await

the merchant ships and others they wish to capture. Many of your ships

and nearly all those bringing supplies to this Garrison are lost in this

way. A Fort at this place would act as a sentinel, and guard against

their landing and helping themselves. It would also be well to have it

in case of vessels being wrecked along this coast, as so many are, to be

able to rescue and save the crews and passengers, who so often perish at

the hands of pirates and cruel Indians. One cannot trust the Indians,

they are children born of traitors. I am sure the Germans would not

approach if they saw the place occupied by Spaniards. For this you would

be obliged to increase a hundred soldiers more than are in this

Garrison. Besides the men would have to be relieved from time to time

from there as the work would be arduous, and no soldier or any one could

withstand the mosquitoes which are so bad they kill the men, and destroy

much of the food. The cost of this Fort you would have to send some one

to estimate. I could not feel that I had properly complied with my duty

until I have notified you of this great and urgent need. Hoping your

Majesty may spend many happy years, as your vassals need you.

LUIS DE ROJAS.

St. Augustine, Fla., February 13th, 1627.

* * * * *

A. D. 1636.

_Sire_:

By a Cedula of your Royal Highness, dated in Madrid, on the 28th of June

of last year, you command me to have a general offering of prayer in all

the churches in the district under my command, imploring God that you

may be successful in the arms you have taken up against France, on

account of her evil designs against you. You also recommend that I

improve the conduct and manners of the people here; that if necessary I

punish them publicly for their offences. I immediately complied with

your order, and had them go out from the high church in procession,

those of the Seraphic Order joining with all the others. They went

through all the streets of the City, then a high mass was sung, and

prayers offered for your success. I also sent a message to all the

other Churches and Convents to have like services celebrated. In regard

to the conduct of the residents of these Province, Spaniards as well as

natives, I have great care in every respect, and from today, complying

with your Mandate, I shall redouble my vigilance. May God spare your

Majesty many years, for the good of Christianity.

LUIS USSITINEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla.

* * * * *

Havana, A. D. 1640.

In the city of Havana on the 13th day of April, 1678, there was a

meeting of the Board in the Hall of the City Council as is usual and

customary. The Master of the Field, Don Francisco Davila, Governor and

Captain-General of said City, and the Messrs. Nicolas Castellan,

Lieutenant-Major Don Pedro Valdes, Don Pedro Recio de Oquendo, First

Alderman, Captain Don Blas Pedraso.

In the presence of the Notary, the following was agreed:

They had begun to discuss some business when there was a rap at the

door, the Governor rang the bell, the porter opened the door and said

that outside was the Lieutenant Don Antonio Grazeano, a noted clergyman

of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, that he brought a message from

the Inquisition for his Lordship of the Board. He sent this youngest

Alderman with the Secretary to receive him, as he came in the name of

the Inquisition. Entering and having been seated in the midst of the

Aldermen, he announced that he brought an Auto from the Señor

Commissionado, Don Francisco de las Casas, of the Holy Office of this

City. He was told to read it, which he did, and delivered it. His

Lordship asked that he give testimony of his authority in order to agree

upon the matter of which it treated, and for the better veneration of

God and of so Holy a Tribunal. Don Antonio Glaziano drew forth from his

pocket a folded paper which he delivered in my, the Notary’s’ presence.

Opening it, it contained a sheet of paper, the first leaf of which was

written on both sides, signed, it appeared, by the said Don Antonio

Graziano. This duty performed, he arose and left, accompanying him to

the door, the same ones who received him, and I, the present Notary. The

door being closed his Lordship ordered inserted to the letter the

testimony, the tenor of which is as follows:

In the City of Havana on the same day, Dr. Francisco de las Casas,

“Comissionado” of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in the City of

Carthagena, said: That last Sunday, the eighth of the current month,

seeming to him opportune, and by order of the Holy Tribunal for which

purpose he warned and made known to the present Notary and all the

gentlemen of the Board, that they might concur to their duty as ordered

by your Majesty, preceding these courtesies and compliments.

That on the day appointed they should go from the residence of the Lord

Comissionado to the Holy Parochial Church of this City, in the order

referred in the testimony given by the present Notary. The function

terminated, they should leave the church, return to the residence of the

Lord Comissionado. It seems they wished to alter this form at the gates

and places they had been, and, as on the day of the Anathema the same

celebration must be repeated, the Lord Comissionado wished, with the

best intentions, and not to be lacking in the form observed by the

Tribunal for said act to which they should cling, this was entirely for

the reasons of his Office and to avoid public altercations, from which

originate unnecessary noise and unrest, contrary to the decency and

gravity of this Tribunal. This is well known to the Tribunal and Board

of said City, it must be done in the following manner: That the Board

should come in this form to the residence of the Lord Commissionado and

conduct him to the church, he going by the side of the Governor, the

other ministers each one between two Aldermen, according to the Office

and time of service and somewhat in advance of this Lord Commissionado

and Governor with the standard of the Faith which must be carried by the

person of greatest authority who should be present. The balls of the

standard by the next in authority. That on arriving at the church the

priests must come out to receive them, sprinkling them with holy water,

and conduct them to their seats, which shall be in the High Chapel, on

the Gospel side, in a chair covered with velvet and a carpet at the

feet. Consecutively, next to the Governor and Lord Commissionado on a

covered bench, the High Constable and other attendants and ministers of

the Holy Office. That the Governor and Board are to be seated thus the

day of publication, on the Gospel side; that the Lord Commissionado

should be the preferred in all things; that at the hour for leaving, the

Notary accompanied by two attendants, will mount the pulpit and from

thence he shall swear them in, in a loud voice, to the oath of Faith.

This finished, they are to take the Lord Commissionado back to his

residence. They are to try and carry out these ceremonies in as grave

and reverential a manner as possible, this being one of the most

important ceremonies of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, and this

City belongs to its District. There are reasons for other ceremonies,

and so I, the present Notary, was ordered to witness them, that I might

give testimony and the work proceed according to the acts published, and

so that all could be reported to the Lord Inquisitadores of the Holy

Tribunal. Then it was provided and ordered to be signed.

DR. FRANCISCO DE LAS CASAS.

* * * * *

This agrees with the original which I have in my possession, and having

consulted the matter, the following was agreed upon:

First: As regards the form in which the City, according to the acts of

Faith, must proceed to the Residence of the Lord Commissionado and

Minister of the Holy Office, as also in the public streets, we cite or

quote a Cedula from your Majesty where you refer to Don Juan Solozano,

whose political authority in Peru entitles him to have a voice, and on

this point we are warned by your Majesty to guard against the Lord

Commissionado assuming superiority of the Governor. In Peru, where the

matter was first discussed of precedence the form is as follows: The

City goes from the City Hall, as customary, to the residence of the Lord

Commissionado, where he is awaiting them in the yard. There he is

incorporated in the procession, being placed at the left of the

Governor, and all march in twos, the magistrates and constables of

longest standing given the preference, and the Ministers of the Holy

Office intermixed, but preference always to the Officers of Justice. On

arriving at the church, assigning seats and all through the ceremonies

care is taken that the greatest preference and respect be shown the

Governor, as stated in your Royal Cedula, and thus it was conducted last

Sunday in going and coming from which much discussion has arisen, as

certified in the testimony which I, the present Notary, insert to the

letter, although the Lord Commissionado states in the Auto that all

preference was given the Governor.

1640.

CHAPTER VIII.

A. D. 1655-1657.

_An anonymous letter to his Majesty recounts the death of Governor

Benito Ruid Salazer by a contagious sickness during the absence of

the Sergeant Major--The office is held by two others pro tem.--They

also died suddenly after serving a short term--Certain officials of

the Garrison who are related meet at night and elect as Governor

Don Pedro Ruitinez--Who intimidates the people and squanders the

money sent for their support--The Treasurer a partner in the

illegality, and the Judge receives hush money--This Governor

maltreated an official who is also a soldier and a conveyor of

monies and goods for this port from Havana, for his

Majesty--Traffic in amber from the Indians--Taking the iron and

implements sent to be used in repairing the Fort as money to

purchase this amber--Declares he will consult his own pleasure

concerning the laws of the Church, taking communion once in one and

one-half years--A distressing condition of mismanagement--No name

signed to the letter--A report from Diego Rebolledo, 1657,

concerning the necessity of having an officer to guard the port for

incoming and outgoing vessels as pirates had frequently entered and

landed before notice could be given--Also the appointment of an

officer and twelve infantrymen to guard other ports of the

coast--He desists from building more fortifications because of the

opposition of the Friars, who protested that the proximity of the

Spaniards would retard the conversion of the Indians--The Governor

feels that the danger is far greater to the development of his

Majesty’s Provinces to allow the enemy a foothold in a Province as

rich as Apalachicola--The great distance of some of the

Provinces--Indians dying with smallpox--The burden of carrying food

such a distance on the shoulders of men--Fray Juan Gomez reports

(1657) of the uprising of some of the Indian Chiefs who march to

St. Augustine and hang the Governor because of his insistance on

their carrying heavy loads of corn into the settlement, when they,

the Indians, had vassals to perform such labors--Reports that the

Island of Jamaica is heavily fortified by the English who intend

taking Cuba--These reports causing much uneasiness in these

Provinces._

A. D. 1655.

_My Lord_:

Moved by piety, and a desire for peace and quietude, it has seemed to me

timely to notify you regarding the Government of this Province and

Garrison of St. Augustine, Fla., being as you are so high and

compassionate a Minister, who is always thinking and caring for the

welfare of his people. My Lord, Governor Benito Ruid Salazar, former

Governor of this Province, died at the time the Sergeant-Major was

absent. God, it seems, took him by a contageous sickness, and although

two others have been nominated _pro tem._, by the death of Benito Ruiz,

the reins of government were left in charge of the Auditor Nicolas Ponce

de Leon, who governed for six months more or less, when he died

suddenly. For this reason, a few of the Officials of this Garrison, who

are related, met at night in different parts of the City, and with

sufficient defamatory speech elected as Governor Don Pedro Ruitinez,

with flattering promises to those who would give their vote. When he had

been Governor one year and a half, he had given twenty-three patents of

captain, the most of them to two companies of this Garrison, four

positions as wardens of the Fort, three Sergeant-Majors said to be

andantes--three Auditors, one Treasurer--calling himself Governor and

Captain-General. In granting these patents, and other things he has

done, he has thrown down the flags, and had the artillery at the Fort

salute. He arrived here on the seventeenth of July, with the Auditor,

Treasurer, Sergeant-Major and the two captains of infantry who all left

that court at the same time. The Sergeant-Major brought a Cedula from

your Majesty, for the Governor, which he presented to Don Pedro

Ruitinez, and it was not possible to comply with it, it being a military

promotion, placing the Sergeant-Major as Governor. Don Pedro Ruitinez

had received notice that Don Diego de Rolallado had been appointed

Governor and Captain-General of this Port--he sent some friends over to

Havana to meet and entertain him during his stay in that City, and thus

Don Pedro has maintained his friendly relations with the Governor,

although he has not said a word of how he intimidated the people to

elect him Governor--nor his other doings--nor how he refused to turn

over the Government to the Sergeant-Major. But he did demand his pay.

Your Lordship, the Governor and Captain-General arrived at this

Garrison on the 18th of June, 1654, having received in Havana $20,000

sent by the Auditor and placed to the credit of this Garrison. This

money he used in Havana as follows: Goods--$7,000, gaining in this

purchase more than 200 per cent. He sent Don Alonzo Menendez with $8,000

to relieve the suffering and need of the infantry and others who are in

your service, and he sold to advantage the remaining goods. In the month

of February of this present year there arrived a vessel laden with

flour, iron implements and other goods, and although it is true that the

person in whose charge they came, brought over $40,000 to be delivered

to this treasury, he only delivered $15,000, because in Havana the

duties were so heavy and they demanded the pay. The soldier in whose

care this money and goods came, is Domingo Nunez. He spent in Havana

$2,000 on clothing, filling an order received from the Governor, and

another $2,000 in clothing he was to bring from New Spain. The Governor

after ordering this became infuriated with Domingo Nunez, cursing him,

beating and slapping him in the most unheard of manner--accusing him of

not bringing all the clothing ordered, and finally he had him placed in

the stockade on the beach. He then had the boxes and packages taken to a

neighbor’s and soldier, and opened them--finding after pricing them and

adding one-fourth more than the cost to them, that they amounted to more

than the $2,000. He then went several times to Domingo Nunez, demanded

his papers, searched them, kept him in prison, and then without cause or

reason turned him out. It is true he becomes enraged for the slightest

cause. It is a positive fact, that he and another spendthrift named

Fanfan, have sent out from his (the Governor’s) house, chocolate to be

sold on the streets by his body guards. At the time there was such great

distress and scarcity, he sent out wine to be sold at such exorbitant

prices that only those compelled to have it could buy. In this tavern of

his, the people sell cutlasses for bread, chocolate and tobacco. In the

large store, run now by Lorenzo Josi, they sell rum and clothing--a

bottle of rum costs eight dollars which is an outrage. According to

Manuel Barrios, the tavern keeper, he makes thirty-one dollars on a

cask. Since there is no more money left to buy these commodities for

cash he has adopted another method of selling them in exchange for

labor, and makes out checks for this amount. My Lord, in the month of

July of last year, there came to this Garrison a party of Indians, who

live on the coast near the Bahama Channel with a large quantity of

amber, some of which they presented to the Governor, the rest they gave

in exchange for goods, and because a few of the soldiers bought some in

exchange for clothing he was exceedingly angry. When these Indians left

the land he had them followed by two rowboats with soldiers. He finally

sent Don Alonzo Menendez with goods that he should bring him all the

amber he could obtain, he also sent out others. The Lieutenants were Don

Alonzo Menendez and Juan Dominguez and Alonzo Garcia. This trading for

amber was carried on for six months. They used up all the iron

implements. At first we thought that these implements were broken and

thrust aside as worthless, soon, however, we discovered they were used

to trade for amber, as well as five hundred tons more of iron which was

brought from New Spain. All this was paid for from your Treasury. The

amber was sold in Havana for the sum of forty thousand dollars. In the

meantime the Fort has been allowed to suffer, it is falling to pieces in

many places, the timber that was cut in the forest has rotted and the

troops’ time and iron implements are all used in the trade for amber.

The infantry and other persons drawing a salary from your Highness have

been on several occasions in a great rage with the Treasurer who abuses

them and threatens them that Don Diego Rovellado will have them killed

in the field--the guards, for the slightest offense, are beaten through

the streets, and even imprisoned in the Church of San Francisco, and at

times when he can catch them in his own house he slaps and beats them

unmercifully. In a year and a half that he has been Governor he has only

once complied with the laws of the Church, confessing and receiving the

communion publicly. He says that every one can do as he pleases; that he

does as he pleases. At the Fort he does not have the flag hoisted, only

two guards at night and their round is an easy one, but he takes the men

to guard his house every night, paying them a few dimes, and in the day

he takes others to whom he pays two or three dimes, notwithstanding that

your Majesty sends money each year to pay these men, but I am told that

Don Diego Rovellado has paid the judge some five or six thousand dollars

and he can escape free from any charge made against him. All that I

state to your Highness in this letter, you may be quite sure is the

truth, and I hope you will deem it proper to relieve your vassals from

this unnecessary suffering. May God guard you and make you happy for

many years.

NO SIGNATURE.

St. Augustine, Fla., November 20th, 1655.

* * * * *

A. D. 1657.

_His Lordship_:

Having begun the conversion of the Indians in the Province of Apalache

at the close of the administration of Governor Louis Harristenir, who

was immediately succeeded by Dannian de las Vegas. He placed a few

soldiers in this Province to guard the going out and incoming of

vessels. Having been informed that they entered and left the Port, and

there was no one to give any report of them. This guard was kept there

during the assumption of power by Benito Ruiz Salazar and the Auditor

Nicolas Ponce de Leon, until the Sergeant-Major Don Pedro Harristenir

entered as Governor. This latter, to please the Friar, he not only

dismantled the estates of your Majesty in those parts, but he also

retired the Lieutenant and soldiers who assisted him, having no one to

administer justice to the Natives, nor to give information concerning

the Post, and so, immediately upon my taking the place of Governor,

having been informed by the General Governors and other notables who

were convened in Havana, and notified further by all the principal

people of this Garrison who demonstrated how necessary it was to have a

Lieutenant in said Province to guard and advise, as there had entered a

vessel of the enemy, and the natives had aided them and supplied them in

exchange for furs, hatchets, knives and other goods, without its being

known in this Garrison. For this reason I named to the position Captain

Antonio Sartucha and two soldiers with the instructions which I send

enclosed--so that justice might be administered to the Natives, it being

too laborious and the distance too great for them to come to this

Garrison to adjust their quarrels and differences and to guard the Port

and advise me. In a few days after his arrival he notified me of another

vessel of the enemy (pirates) who had entered the Port. He asked for aid

for infantrymen, which I sent him, to the number of forty, in command of

Captain Gregorio Bravo. Before this aid reached him, the enemy was able

to procure what they wanted. By pushing into service the natives, he was

however able to prevent them from landing. It being urgent that I should

go in person to pacify and punish the natives of the Province of

Timagua, testimony of which decrees were made. I remit them to your

Majesty. I passed on to visit the other Provinces and investigate the

condition of the harbors. I did this with the consent of all the

Casiques, and the approved judgment of Fray Francisco de San Antonio and

other Friars, with the advice also of the Treasurer of the Royal

Hacienda, and many of the reformed natives. I left in command the

Sergeant-Major Don Adrian de Canizares, being a person of experience and

trustworthy, giving him twelve infantrymen with which to defend the Port

and coast of these Ports, and that he should administer justice to the

Natives for which purpose I elected a syndicate of Friars who work in

said Province, and some of their friends. Having determined upon this at

the time you ordered me to be vigilant and careful, since the English

enemy had attempted to occupy one of the Ports of this Province,

according to information given your Majesty by Don Diego Cardenas,

ambassador to England, and had been sent to me by Field Marshal Don Juan

Montiano, Governor who was of Havana--information he gained from some

prisoners, which confirms the information you had. There has been a

fleet of the enemy on these coasts of Florida and the Bahama Channel.

Although I had intended to increase the force of soldiers, build a Fort

and found a settlement of Spaniards as I reported was agreed upon in the

visit, which testimony, and that of the taxes and good government I

remit with the decrees. I have desisted from this on account of the many

contradictions and opposition of some of the Friars, who with the

pretext that the vicinity of the Spaniards would be dangerous to the

conversion, and who do not consider that this danger has a remedy, and

it would be much more dangerous that the enemy should occupy that Port

and plant foot on your territory and fortify themselves in a province so

rich and abundant as those of Apalachicola, the knowledge of which the

enemy is sure to be fully aware, and the danger would be irreparable and

would lose in totem the conversions of these Provinces, and this

Garrison would be unable to dislodge the enemy, from the distance at

which we are, and that we could not scatter our forces, being too few of

them, besides the consequences and damage which would accrue from

pirates on the coast of Havana and the Bahama Channel--and there is no

way of reaching us under five or six days of sailing. Finally your

Lordship, the greater part of these conversions are reduced to three

Provinces where Friars officiate--they are the Provinces of Guale,

Tunnuqua and Apalache. In the two first there are few Indians, because

for some time they have been diminishing, many having died out from the

plague and small-pox which has been raging. The same is the case in

Apalache, and in a few years very few will be left, and even now the

condition they are in, it is unnecessary to assign as many Friars as

you have. Besides their conversion would long be delayed owing to the

great distance from this Garrison, the impassable roads and untold

difficulties in sending relief, even should your Majesty send the

wherewith to do so. Food must be carried eighty leagues from this

garrison to the Province of Apalache and Chacata, on the shoulders of

men--the burden is often more than they can carry. Although I have been

admonished to relieve the twelve soldiers and Lieutenant for the good of

the natives and the benefit they receive. I have sent persons there to

remedy the evil, and seeing all I have herein stated that you may order

things as you deem most advantageous and I shall carry out your orders

regardless of the petitions of the Friars, who only base their

objections in not wanting the Spaniards about them, as in their present

condition they are absolute masters of the Indians.

May God preserve your Catholic Majesty.

DIEGO REBOLLEDO.

St. Augustine, Fla., October 18th, 1657.

* * * * *

A. D. 1657.

Things are in a most disastrous condition in Florida, there will soon be

no government left, if God does not help us. The Casique of Tarihila

refused to send some of his principal Indians to St. Augustine with

heavy loads of corn. I don’t know why the Governor insisted on this

labor, but the Casique gathering together the other Casiques insisted

that their principal Indians should not be made to do this work that

they had vassals to perform their labor. The Governor took the refusal

much to heart, and as a man of so little experience insisted until he

caused them to rise. They said they were not slaves; that to obey God

they had become Christians--they had never been conquered, but had

listened to the word of God the Priest had taught them. So the Casique

of San Martin at the head and all the Casiques who would follow him,

which were the Casiques of Santa Fe, Potano and San Pedro, who marched

from San Francisco and San Mateo with the others, making in all eleven

Casiques, entered and hung the Governor. Think, your Fatherly Majesty,

of such happenings. In a land where such war is carried on, I cannot

tell you of the atrocities perpetuated by these poor Florida Indians.

Nor do you understand how the Island of Jamaica is settled by the

English, who have it well fortified with three strong Forts, and all the

harbors are guarded. All prisoners from there tell us, and all who come

from there tell us that now, in this month of May forty store ships

arrived for them, and it is their intention to take Cuba. This has been

known here and in Havana by mail, which has come. It is very important

to notify you of all this, for soon it will be impossible to travel from

here to Spain nor from there here. By giving this information I feel

that I fulfill my duty, and you can act towards your vassals in a

fatherly manner.

FRAY JUAN GOMEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., April 4th, 1657.

CHAPTER IX.

A. D. 1662-1670.

_Report of Alonzo Aranqui y Cortez concerning the auditing of the

accounts and condition of the Royal Treasury--Reports the finding

of a large hill supposed to be a silver mine--Report of Juan

Cebadilla to his Majesty--The Governor not to keep the keys of the

Royal chest--The administration to be adopted with the negroes--Too

much harshness shown the Royal employees--Francisco Guerra y Vega

reports a Captain of the Garrison for indecency and offense to his

superiors, for which same he was reprimanded and imprisoned as a

warning, then given his liberty--The King to the Captain-General of

the Provinces of Florida--Instructions as to the continuance of the

passage to Marcana Guale--Founding the town of Santiago near

Augustine--The performing of certain duties by soldiers for which

money shall be paid--Soldiers shall be permitted to raise crops

which are their principal sustenance--That the Governor shall not

employ the people of the town in personal work for personal

aggrandisement--But shall look that he, the Governor, shall look to

the needs and wants of the people--By order of the King, 1670._

_To His Catholic Royal Majesty_:

Having presented before the tribunal on behalf of the Royal officers of

Guadalapara the sworn bills, and others not sworn to, by which were

adjusted and proven the accounts of your administration which had been

running from the 7th of March, 1663, up to August 15th of the same year,

it was found to result in a liquidated balance in favor of your Royal

Treasury. Information of which was immediately sent to Don Geronimo de

la Luna, judge for your Majesty, that he should have it delivered to the

Treasury. He provided an Auto ordering Don Diego Salazar, Treasurer, to

place it in the Treasury. This person replied to him stating that he had

no money whatsoever from Jacon or Virginia. The infantry I sent out to

investigate tell me that in the Province of Apalache there is a very

large hill, which, in their opinion, is a silver mine, from the

specimens found in the ground and from pieces they picked up on the hill

and brought as samples. Persons who are versed in such matters say that

from their accounts they must be mines.

As these matters do not admit of delay, and much care and caution is

required, I am myself going to investigate the matter thoroughly, and

give you a long and detailed account, being absolutely necessary for the

tranquility of this Province. May God preserve your Majesty for many

years.

ALONZO ARANQUI Y CORTEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., September 8th, 1662.

* * * * *

A. D. 1666.

_To His Catholic Royal Majesty_:

On the 27th of November of this year we received a document from Your

Royal Highness with six orders containing the form and manner in which

the Royal Treasury must be conducted in its administration and other

things which were herein referred to, and what has passed in the

accomplishment of them. The order in which your Majesty states that the

Governor is not to keep the keys to the Royal Chest, but that your

officer alone must keep them, and that an account must be kept and sent

to this Treasury each year. We notified him and he obeyed, but as to its

accomplishment he desired us to say nothing to him about it, as things

were different here from other places--because all allowances and pay

are collected by his order, and thus he wishes the keys to the chest

where the money is kept. As to the accounts, he will provide them as

should be just, which is the same answer he gave before as shown in the

accompanying letter. The order for the administration that must be

adopted with the negroes was obeyed by the Governor, and all are placed

in compliance with it. We also notified him of the order your Majesty

sent, reproving him for speaking so harshly to your Majesty’s Royal

Employees.

As the order sent by your Majesty regarding the labor of the estates,

all necessary steps have been taken. The one received stating that

hereafter one of your employees should be present at the paying of the

workmen, and the providing of supplies and ammunition for these forts,

was obeyed, and although the Governor also obeyed in the fulfilment of

it, he did not do so to the letter and there has been trouble between us

ever since.

JUAN CEBADILLA.

* * * * *

_Your Highness_:

Don Francisco Larra whom your Majesty has had the mercy to send as

Captain of a Company of soldiers to this Garrison of St. Augustine,

Fla., is a person of such daring, restless and bold and has a mind--who

is led astray by the impulses of his will--that with his manner of

acting and talking he has given offense to the better and greater part

of the people of this Garrison, not excepting the Ecclesiastics whom he

offends and speaks in such abusive and indecent a manner of their

character. And so on this account as well as the little respect with

which he treats me, not paying the slightest attention to my office

extrajudicially. I have admonished him in the kindest terms to correct

his ways and fulfill his duties as Captain of the Infantry--not alone

was this effort a vain one, but he took a bold and daring step with me,

in the presence of the Ministers and principal people of the

Garrison--for this incivility and profanation I had him imprisoned in

the Fort, expressing to him my wrath and indignation, a copy of which I

send you. With this as a warning, I then had him set at liberty. I beg

your Highness that seeing this, you will proceed as you think best for

the peace of this Garrison. May God give you the prosperity of a

Christian.

FRANCISCO GUERRA Y VEGA.

St. Augustine, Fla., September 2d, 1666.

* * * * *

THE KING.

_To My Captain-General of the Provinces of Florida_:

The principal people of the town of Santiago de Tolomato have written me

a letter on the 21st of March, 1658, that Don Luis Reyes y Borhas,

being Governor of those Provinces, laid the foundation of the town of

Santiago, which is three leagues distant from the Garrison of St.

Augustine with the intention of continuing a passage to Morcana Guale

and surrounding Provinces and although at the founding there were many,

only about thirty remained including Casiques and persons of standing,

to continue the work. They beg that you will send more people, since

they are quick and disposed to work, so that they may complete the

passage as far as San Juan, a distance of twelve leagues, as much for

the relief of the soldiers as other things that may occur. That they

should not be called upon to perform other duties, as they have been by

the Governors who has not recompensed them for their services. Calling

upon them to unload vessels arriving at the Garrison, cut timber from

the forests and other services not in their line of duty, taking them

from their labor when planting corn, which is the principal sustenance

for themselves and families, causing them to lose their crops and suffer

hunger. Having seen in my Council of the Indias what I said to my Judge,

it has seemed right that I should order and command you, as I have done,

that hereafter you do not employ the people of said town in your own

personal work and that you proceed to preserve them and relieve their

wants by every possible means in your power and you will serve me best.

I THE KING.

Madrid, February 26th, 1670.

By order of the King our Lord.

JUAN TUBIZA,

Chairman of the Council.

CHAPTER X.

A. D. 1671-1673.

_’Tis the judgment of the Court that Pedro Menendez received the

title of Governor of Florida by right of conquest, Captain-General

and Commander of the Fleet by appointment of the King, Don Felipe,

the Second, as well as other positions of trust because of his

valor and faithful service and that these titles shall be given to

his legitimate heirs and for which same the Don Gabriel Menendez

Tarres y Aviles doth petition and it is the judgment of this Court

that said titles shall be so conferred--Important papers burned in

Simancas--Manuel De Mendoza gives information commanded by his

Majesty as to the designs of the English enemy--The discovery of

the South Sea by the four vessels sailing through the Straights of

Magellan--Condition of this Garrison and fortification and other

Provinces implores assistance for completing the work already

begun--Report of Francisco De La Guerra y Vega to the King

concerning an Englishman taken prisoner while he was Governor--The

prisoner was one of a crew who landed in the Province of Guale--The

Indians killed seven men, imprisoned three and two women--They

proved to be part of company coming over to settle in St.

Elena--This man, who was second in authority in the settlement, I

detained as a prisoner, putting him on soldier’s rations--He was

turned over to my successor upon the expiration of my term of

office--An effort was made to break up this settlement upon your

Majesty’s soil, without success, however._ (1673.)

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT.

The Governor, Don Gabriel Menendez Torres y Aviles, sets forth in the

preceding petition that His Highness the King Don Felipe II (whom God

grant may come to glory) agrees with the Governor Pedro Menendez y

Aviles, Knight of the Order of Santiago, that his uncle, brother of his

grandfather, had agreed about the year 1565, that he, the said Pedro

Menendez, had to discover all the provinces of Florida, settle and build

in them two or three towns, all at his own expense, for which service

your Grace granted him the title of Governor of said Province and lands

of Florida, with all the privileges and prerogatives that are granted

the other Governors of Castile--and that having set sail to accomplish

this, and make these settlements with a private galleon of his own, of

900 tons, and many other ships and vessels which he also carried at his

own expense and having conquered, as he effectively did, the said

Province, and having settled and established two towns in it, which are

today flourishing and supplying this crown, even before completion of

this conquest. Your Majesty has named him Captain-General of the Royal

Fleet which is to be commanded and joined in Santander against the

English, commanding him to assist in this military exploit,

notwithstanding that he is under obligations in the first place, by the

treaty and agreement he had made of discovering all the land of the

Province of Florida within the given term of three years counting from

the day he embarked and set sail in the Bay of the Port of Cadiz with

the fleet he carried for said conquest. Being of the greatest importance

the business for which the Royal Fleet was formed and arranged, and

while he was preparing and getting it ready, the said Governor Menendez

de Aviles died--and by his death the Duke of Medina Sidonia was

immediately named Captain-General. Afterwards having been asked on the

part of the legitimate heirs of the said Governor Pedro Menendez de

Aviles, the accomplishment of all these services which your grant had

offered him, it was contradicted by the Attorney-General of this

Court--taking advantage of one of said agreements which reads: “That if

in the expressed term of three years the Governor Pedro Menendez de

Aviles should not have finished and completed in all the said conquest

according to agreement, neither your Majesty nor any other Kings, your

successors, should be bound to fulfil any of the rewards offered.” For

this reason the heirs brought suit against the Attorney-General which

was continued. For sentence, by revision of the Court it was ordered to

be given to Don Martin Menendez, oldest brother of the petitioner, the

title of perpetual Governor of said Provinces, as had been done with his

uncle, and besides they were to give him forty thousand ducats of

silver.

Withholding the charge of the Indias to augment from the right of

succession which his uncle left established, and a fishery in said

Province which the said Don Martin should select without any

remuneration for the many expenses he incurred in the conquest, Don

Martin Menendez having died without issue, or heir to his estate, the

petitioner asked they expedite the title of Governor upon him, as it was

expedient. Although endeavors have been made in the archives of Simancas

to find these papers, they have not been found, and it is said they were

burned in the fire which occurred in these archives. Imploring your

Majesty’s order that the pre-eminence and prerogative be reserved and

observed as with the title of all the other courts and marquises of

Castile, and also in consideration of the services rendered by the

Governor his uncle, and other Generals of the Indias who were members of

his house. Having seen in the Council of the Indias the petition and

letters patent of nobility, and considering the great services done by

Pedro Menendez de Aviles in the conquest of Florida as well as in other

positions of trust where he has acted with so much valor as to deserve

that his King Felipe the Second should have voluntarily given him the

title of Governor, and that his successors continue to occupy positions

as Generals--his house having spread such glory and honor as to be

noted, it has seemed well that your Majesty should grant the petitioner

the title of Castile, that he may enjoy the honors he so well deserves

as a reward for his many and remarkable services. Your Grace will

command that which is most deserved.

Madrid, November 28th, 1671.

* * * * *

_Sire_:

By Cedula of January 20th of this year, your Majesty commands me to give

information regarding the designs of the English enemy. Also of the

discovery of the South Sea by the four vessels which sailed through the

Strait of Magellan, from which I had news that they arrived at Baldivia

dismantled. A German Captain was in command. He showed great zeal in

serving you. He gave a long account of the Viceroy of Peru, and what he

intended doing. The Government Places under my charge are the Garrison

of St. Augustine, Harbour and Port of Apalache and the river St.

Catherine, a frontier of St. Elena, where the English enemy are at

present; a few other less important harbours, all of which I desire to

have guarded as by your orders I am obligated.

As regards this Garrison, head of this Province, and the state of the

Fortification which is being built and the designs of the English enemy

and the overtures made by them. This being a frontier of the Province of

Guale where I have stationed some infantry to watch the movements and

intuitions of the enemy, and where they could detain them, while I sent

aid and as strong a reinforcement as possible. It seems the proper thing

for us to have sufficient troops there to impede the approach of the

enemy on this Garrison and place sentinels all along to notify should

they approach by land or sea. As to the Province of Apalache which falls

almost in the bosom of Mexico, I am sure it is a place of no less

importance than this Garrison, rather I should say more so, being

thickly settled and reached by land from all the Provinces far as New

Mexico, and all others still to be discovered far as the Strait of

David, of which the German Captain discourses at such length in his

statement. Besides, it is a fertile land, and much longed for by the

enemy as it is noted for its agriculture, for which cause it should be

well settled and fortified, its Harbour should have a good fort and at

least one hundred infantry who could at any rate give the English enemy

some trouble to occupy it or set foot in said Province. This should be

done to prevent any damage, not alone in the Province, but to vessels

plying the Mexican path. I implore you to look into the matter with the

care and attention the case requires. So far as I am concerned, I have

made every effort in my power to secure and protect it. I shall try to

push this building through rapidly, that I may go and reconnoitre that

Province, carrying with me the military engineer, Ygnacio Daza, who

resides in this Garrison, that he may point out what is needed at

present. I implore your Majesty most earnestly to look with pious pity

upon your Royal Provinces and send all the assistance you can to

complete this building and the other works of which this Garrison stands

in such need, lacking all the means of protection by which we can serve

your gracious Majesty.

May God spare you for many years.

MANUEL DE MENDOZA.

St. Augustine, Fla., Dec. 15th, 1672.

* * * * *

1673.

_Your Majesty_:

In a letter of Yours of the present month and year, you tell me that

seeing in the Council a letter which was received, written in English,

it was agreed that I should inform you of what had happened to an

Englishman, said to be prisoner in St. Augustine, Fla., where I was

Governor. The cause and pretext for making him a prisoner. Complying

with what your Majesty asks, I inform you in the following manner:

About the end of May of last year there arrived in one of the ports of

the Province of Guale, which belongs to the Christian Indians, an

English vessel. Some of the crew having landed in a launch, the Indians

of that Province killed seven men, imprisoned three men and two women,

then the vessel with all speed turned and went off, not giving time that

from St. Augustine, where I was Governor, we should send help to those

Ports to aid in imprisoning them. Bringing me these prisoners I ordered

that their declaration be taken, at which I was present. They declared

that they had come over with vessels to settle in the Port of St. Elena,

distant from the Garrison of St. Augustine forty or fifty leagues north.

In the month of June of last year there came to the Garrison a soldier

with the news that the vessels had returned and entered the same Port,

reinforced and with the flag of truce, the captain and four other men

had landed and that speaking to a Lieutenant in command of the infantry

on guard, they told him how they were establishing a settlement near St.

Elena, with two hundred men, and that they came in search of the

prisoner, delivering at the same time to the Lieutenant two letters from

the Governor of that settlement, written in Latin, in which he asks that

the prisoner be delivered, if not, they declared themselves enemies.

With this news I called a general meeting of the Royal Officers and

Commanders of the war, from which resulted that all agreed it was the

better way to serve God and your Majesty, and secure the quietude of

those Provinces, to break up said settlement, and that we should go to

work before they fortified themselves and take possession of more land.

For this purpose they prepared themselves and equipped three vessels at

that time in Port. The Chief in command being appointed by the Board,

assigning him a number of warriors to obtain the object for which they

went. A storm overtook the vessels and they could not get there in time

and so arrived without accomplishing anything. Of the referred to

notice, on two or three occasions, it was presented to your Majesty and

to the Marquez of Macera, Viceroy of New Spain, always stating what was

best to the service of God and your Majesty. To make every effort to

dislodge the said settlement, it belonging to the Christian Indians, and

they being new to our doctrine, might be easily influenced by the

heresies of the English. And although not new to our Holy Faith, we

might have the same doubts as they are a variable and roving people. It

was advisable for your Majesty’s service that we should dislodge them at

that time, that they might not possess themselves of that Province and

the interior land, and make themselves owners. It would not be well to

have a settlement of a strange Nation on your Majesty’s territory

without your orders. From this information I awaited a reply to follow

out the Orders from your Majesty and the Viceroy, and that together you

would aid me, and with some help, as that Post lacks people, I detained

the prisoner, not ill-treating him, in the house of one of his

countrymen, allowing him military rations, which is what the soldiers in

service have. As I was advised that the prisoner was the second person

in authority in that settlement, I placed him under better security,

that he might not escape and inform them of the lack of forces in the

Garrison, for without doubt knowing it the settlement would come and

take possession at very little cost. Just at this time my term of

Governor came to an end, without having determined upon a method to work

in this affair, I turned all over to the Governor, my predecessor, that

he might act as ordered in the reply to my information. This is all that

I can tell you regarding the English prisoner. By this the Council will

know that I always worked with Christian zeal, trying to stop anything

opposed to the increase of our Holy Catholic faith. God preserve you

many years.

FRANCISCO DE LA GUERRA Y VEGA.

Madrid, July 12th, 1673.

CHAPTER XI.

A. D. 1675.

_Letters to the King from the Governor, Pablo Ita Salazer--The oath

administered in the tower of the old Fort, which is tumbling

down--The Garrison in want of supplies and ammunition--No

warehouses--Exposed to the fatalities of the weather--The Fort in

danger from pirates--Necessary to use Spanish daggers for the land

side protection--More money badly needed to finish the

works--Importance of the Castle to the Garrison--A pentagonal form

recommended--A hundred men needed to guard the Castle--The Viceroy

of Spain did not send the ten thousand dollars--Fort in danger from

pirates--Two hundred leagues from Havana and five hundred from New

Spain._

A. D. 1675.

_Sire_:

I have repeatedly given you an account of the manner in which I assumed

control of this Government, taking the oath of fidelity in the tower of

the Old Castle, which is almost in ruins, the artillery dismounted and

scattered as if on a beaten field of battle. The blind obedience my duty

demands in any employment of your Majesty, forces me to again repeat the

condition of things. The old wooden Fort is in ruins, the stone one

incomplete and with no defense whatever. No income or means to finish

it. In the commissary department only one hundred “arrobas” of corn, and

no other produce of any description. The Garrison is in the greatest

want, as no vessels with supplies have yet arrived from New Spain.

Seeing that we could not hold out three weeks longer, I seized two small

vessels carrying about two thousand arrobas of corn. As the Fort was in

such a demolished condition, with no defense and exposed to losing what

was done, I detained these vessels, intending to give them some amount

of embargo, conceding to each his share, but having communicated it to

the Royal Officers, they thought it too severe treatment and that I

should pay freight and the conquered’s pay; that it would be better to

pursue such a course. I let the matter stand for the present, retained

the crew and the vessels I sent to bring peons to continue the building

of the Castle, which is so absolutely important. This was done with the

greatest care and promptness, as demonstrated on the maps I submit to

you. Being entirely without means for carrying on this work, I implore

you will send it. The Fort has neither walls nor moat, some of the

ramparts only half finished, no means of closing it to make it secure.

It would seem that they have been careless in the guarding of the Fort,

sending only twenty-five men each day to do duty when it should have at

least one hundred men constantly on the watch. I repaired things as well

as I could for the lodging of the men and guards that they might stay

in, as is done in Flanders and Milan and other places, but the Officers

refuse to occupy them, stating they are in no condition nor have they

sufficient conveniences for them to go in. As it will be profitable and

advantageous to you, I implore you again not only to send the money but

the order compelling them to enter at least one hundred to guard the

Castle. May God guide thee in what is right.

PABLO ITA SALAZAR.

St. Augustine, Fla., Aug. 23rd, 1675.

* * * * *

_Your Highness_:

Not to fail in my duty, knowing as I do from twenty-two years’ service

in your Majesty’s States of Flanders and other ports, the importance of

fulfilling. It has seemed necessary for me to give you a full and

detailed account of the fortification being built in this Garrison by

your Royal Order. I have already informed you of the condition I found

it in, on assuming control of this Government of Florida. Considering it

one of your defenses and territory under whose banner it was conquered,

I have taken the greatest pains to investigate matters thoroughly. At

first I could not give as true a statement as I should have wished,

seeing so many faults and errors; but the untiring efforts I have made

to ascertain facts have brought to light certificates of the enormous

cost of this building. Being a place for the defense of the Bar, or

entrance to the Harbor, I find that by making this fortification in a

pentagonal form the bulwarks will point directly towards the Bar serving

to defend from and towards an attack, and by building a battery it

covers us in a measure from the enemy. Wishing to discuss this matter I

called a meeting of the Royal Officers showing them the great saving of

cost to the Royal Exchequer; but they seem opposed to the plan and,

having no orders from your Highness, I am obliged to leave the work as

it is. My greatest desire is to finish it and have the opportunity of

defending

[Illustration: Remains of the St. Augustine City Gateway.]

it with my life. As on other occasions in other places, I have exposed

that life. God grant you a long life.

PABLO ITA Y SALAZAR.

St. Augustine, Fla., Nov. 23rd, 1675.

* * * * *

_Sire_:

Having done me the honor to appoint me Mayor of the new city of Vera

Cruz and port of San Juan de Ulloa, you still further honored me by

appointing me Governor of Florida.

I immediately began an investigation of the state of the Old Castle and

the new stone one being made by your order. In the first place I found

it had the shape which will be clear to you in the report and letter of

the same date as this. Secondly, they continued with many difficulties

the building of the new one, as the Viceroy of New Spain has not

assisted with the ten thousand dollars a year to which this Garrison is

entitled by provision of your Majesty, and as you have no money or other

effects in your Royal Chests to supply the wants, I have made it known

to the Archbishop and Viceroy of New Spain by report and petition,

showing them how urgent it was to send us a certain sum for the

continuance of the building. I also notified the Judge of the Royal

Audience of Mexico, as is evident through all that I place before you

also what I have forwarded to the general finance office, who refused to

send any sum whatever until I had from this Garrison given a report of

the state of the building of the Castle, and the distribution made of

the salary assigned since I took possession of this Government. I found

the Port in a most dilapidated condition with no defense. I took the

oath of fidelity as you ordered, and not to be wanting in my duty as a

faithful vassal, as by being this, I have merited the great honors you

have bestowed upon me in the field. Having taken the oath I received

different Royal Cedules, among them one in which you command the Viceroy

to send ten thousand dollars more for the building, and that the

citizens and soldiers aid as far as they are able, as is done in other

places, as the benefits redound to their good and security. I must tell

you that they do, coming in person to assist in the building, with the

accustomed punctuality which is all they can do, because this Garrison

is composed of a few married soldiers who are extremely poor, their

income not exceeding the salaries earned each year. This being a land of

no commerce nor communication by entrances or departures of vessels,

there being no produce or other necessaries with which to accumulate an

income. And although you pay their salaries they never receive it in

full, as they must first assist in the buying of accoutrements for the

three vessels that bring the supplies. From their salaries they have

also paid for the repairs of the Old Castle and the furtherance of the

new building, warehouses, Royal Houses and all other necessary things

which present themselves in a post, as you have not assigned to this

Garrison any means for similar expenses, nor is there anything in the

Royal Chests. There are no rents of any kind to supply them and it is in

charge only of Royal Officers. The poor allowance divided among the

infantry and the state of the Castle will be evident to you from the

reports sent you, and I assure you that having served you for a period

of forty-two years in the armies of Germany, Flanders and Badajos, in

none of them have I been so well pleased as in this one, for the many

difficulties and dangers. The lack of means for completing the

fortification, the invasions and the lack of forces in which I find

myself, as you will see by the lists I forward you of the subjects who

are disabled and old and enjoy the privileges of false muster through

your kindness. The soldiers and sailors, who at present run on these

vessels and are absent most of the time, and those who are on guard as

sentinels. So, when the boats are obliged to go out for supplies I am

left with about eighty men who can serve. Besides this, we have no

ammunition nor supplies, so much so that when I arrived the want was so

great that families were obliged to go in the woods and hunt for roots

to keep themselves from starvation. So exposed and in need were they

that had a vessel landed and offered them food they would have miserably

surrendered. And we are always thus exposed to this fatality, because we

have no warehouses of food supplies as in every other port such as San

Juan de Ulloa, Acapulco and Morro of Havana, in these parts. My

experience in Flanders, Castillo de Amberes, Gante y Cambria, they have

supply stores of vegetables, biscuit, cheese and hung beef, enough to

last at least one year. I have sent them supplies for a long time, for

in cases of accident, and here on account of the distance and slowness

of communication there should be more care. Havana, the nearest point,

is two hundred leagues, and New Spain is five hundred, so you see the

vessels have to sail a long way exposed to the fatalities of storm,

weather and pirates, which can at any time overtake them. I have

thought proper to place all these statements before you, as being so

important to your Royal Service you may consider them. And I beg you

will aid in this building of the Fort, by sending the required means for

its continuance. It would be a very great affliction for these Provinces

to leave it in its present state. While I have seen many castles of

importance and great renown, none surpass this one, nor have been built

at so small a cost in the Indies, as will be demonstrated to you in the

accompanying certificates given by the Royal Officer. It seems that the

peons earn only one real a day and three pounds of corn, making the

twenty-five pounds come to eight reals, which is the correct price.

Their living in other places would be at least four reals. Two of the

Captains who assist in the building and hewing of stone, earn only six

reals a day, where in other places they would make at least three and

four dollars per day. All the material and other things needed are in

other places placed convenient for the workmen, so that had it been

built elsewhere than in this Garrison it would have cost more than

eighty thousand dollars. I find it very damaging for this Garrison to be

without any fortification. We are obliged to tear down the old Castle

just next to it, and the new one is not yet closed in, so that we fear

the enemy who with a much larger force could easily capture us. They are

only distant fifty leagues, two days’ sailing, and once that they were

owners of this Port, they would be of the entire Province destroying all

the conversions of the Indians who to the service of God are supported

and protected by the King and a great trouble to your vassals who sail

back and forth in the commerce with this America. Being owners, they

would have all the ports, and with their pirates stationed everywhere

that vessels should pass. I feel the Port a little more secure than when

I came, for one of the bastions is about completed, and by closing the

other side looking landward with a palisade of Spanish daggers and tuna,

I can retire if it should become necessary. In the meantime your Majesty

will kindly apply the means sufficient to finish the work as speedily as

possible, as the petition states the danger and risk this Garrison is

in. May God spare you many years of the work of Christianity.

PABLO ITA Y SALAZAR.

St. Augustine, Fla., June 15th, 1675.

CHAPTER XII.

A. D. 1675.

_An effort to be made to dislodge the English from Santa

Elena--Orders to complete the Castle--Appalache considered the best

Province for settlement--Families from Yucatan for settlers, also

the Carrabies--Supplies sent from New Spain--Barracks to be made in

the Fort for the soldiers--Money sent to finish the new Castle,

also supplies for the soldiers--The neighbors to assist in building

the new Castle--Repairs on the bulwarks at Guale--Increase of

troops ordered for St. Augustine--A Fortress ordered built at

Appalache for the defense of that Province._

By dispatch of the same month and year notice was given Governor Pablo

Ita Salazar of the commands issued to his predecessor and to the Viceroy

of New Spain regarding the dislodging of the English from the Port of

St. Elena, of which they had taken possession with the intention of

settling near the mouth, which in effect they did, occupying a passage

called St. George. For this reason notice was sent the Sergeant-Major

Nicolas Ponce de Leon to proceed to dislodge the English from this

settlement, gathering all the forces of that Province and asking aid of

the Viceroy of New Spain who was ordered to reinforce him with what he

needed. He did not think there would be any considerable difficulty in

accomplishing this, as from four English fugitives he had learned all

they had done.

By another dispatch the Governor of Florida was told that the Viceroy of

New Spain had notified them of having aided that Garrison with all the

supplies needed. As to the hundred families he asked for, that should go

as laborers for the increase and culture of crops, they would look into

the matter and attend to his representation of it when the case came up,

and he was specially charged to be very careful and watchful in

completing the Castle and defense of that Garrison.

By Cedula of 1673 the Governor of Yucatan was asked to send to Florida

twenty-four families of Indians--master weavers--for the increase of

those Provinces for which purpose he would place himself in

correspondence with the Governor of the Islands, that both might work

out the best means of accomplishing it.

The Governor of Florida replied that the best and most desirable

Provinces for the Spanish nation to settle would be Appalache and others

very near it. It was exceedingly fertile, and if the settlers were

laborers the crops would be very abundant. They gather wheat as

abundantly as corn which is the general sustenance. It would be easy to

grow the fruits, the land being level and easy to reach on account of

the many navigable rivers--to cultivate the lands in cotton, grain and

indigo, which grows wild in those Provinces and the crops lost for the

want of some one to cultivate them--and it would pay beautifully. This

could be increased by putting the twenty-four Yucatan families in for a

limited time. Having seen all this in the Council, they again commanded

the Governor of Yucatan to place himself in communication with the

Governor of Florida and try to send these families, since such great

gain would result from it, to those who go as native Indians of Florida

to whose Governor he ordered, if this was carried into effect to supply

them with the necessaries as per order of Cedula of 1673.

By dispatch of this same year the Governor of the Canaries was ordered

and informed of the statement made by the Government of Florida

regarding the hundred families going over to settle, telling him the

means which could be used, and that it be carried and quickly and

effectively that they might have the chance of obtaining the settlements

of these Provinces. The Council of War having seen what Governor Pablo

Ita Salazar had to say of the lack of food from which the Province was

suffering, and the lack of means for obtaining it, commanded the Viceroy

of New Spain to send that Garrison the necessary supplies for six months

in advance, both ammunition and food, on account of the condition of the

Garrison, so that it could be prepared for any emergency which might

arise, and not be without defense, and to give an account of its

execution. It was also commanded the Viceroy to send the necessary money

to Florida that they might make Barracks and lodgings in the Fort for

the soldiers who entered as guards, that they might be comfortable under

cover and suffer less hardships. He was advised that all should be done

with as little expense as possible, and to communicate with the Governor

to whom the same order had been given. He said Don Pablo Ita Salazar

made a report of the state in which he found the building of the new

Castle in Florida, and the lack of means with which to continue it. The

Council of War having seen this report notified the Viceroy to send the

supplies of three hundred troops, the quota of that Garrison, and three

thousand dollars to be expended in the delayed fortification of said

Castle; approved by the Governor, it should continue the work of the

Castle, and he was recommended to try and reduce the expenses to the

absolute necessary. That the neighbors might help in the building, as

they were interested, and it was for their own convenience and defense

that they could assist without loss of time, and with the supply of

three hundred troops who would remain in the Castle. That the number of

soldiers there was so reduced it would not only pay the people well but

there would be a surplus of capital to provide all that was needed. That

this complement of infantry should be kept in the Garrison, and his

Majesty had resolved to send a hundred more soldiers by the first

opportunity. He again commanded the Viceroy to punctually supply the

wants, so that no cause can stop the building of the Castle.

In a letter of August 24th, 1675, the Governor, Don Pablo Ita Salazar,

reported to have decided upon making a roof or covering for the bulwarks

at Guale, to put the powder and other ammunitions used in the Garrison,

and a Barracks and guard house, because what they had was of wood and

exposed to incendiaries. That the Royal Officers were so opposed he

desisted in its execution to avoid unpleasant encounters until it should

be known in the Council, and together with the reports of the Officers.

He ordered the continuance of the Castle for better security and defense

at the least cost to the Royal Treasury.

FORTIFICATION OF APPALACHE.

Don Manuel Cendiga, being Governor of Florida, reported among other

things the need of infantry in that Garrison--of what they had, much was

in the Province of Appalache which belongs to that jurisdiction. For

this reason his Majesty resolved to increase the troops of the Garrison

of St. Augustine. He commanded the forty-three missionaries and the

Viceroy of New Spain to order the Royal Officers of Mexico to increase

the supply of troops in Florida, so that the quota remain at three

hundred and fifty, besides the missionary fathers who must punctually

supply them each year and solicit their complement.

Don Pablo Ita Salazar, Governor of Florida, gave a report of the

numerous infidel Indian settlements there were in the Province of

Appalache, and that in the Province of Guale the English had a

settlement at St. George. That with the vexations, killing and thefts,

with the vicinity of one and the other the Christian Indians receive, we

find the only remedy to be in erecting a fortification in the Province

of Appalache and place in it one hundred soldiers, and a body of one

hundred families around them. Then we might promise to keep them in

obedience and subjection to this throne. The Council having seen this,

ordered that at present they should prepare to make a fortress in the

Port of Appalache in the best and easiest manner for the defense of that

Port, and report by the first opportunity the time and amount required

for building it. By still another dispatch he ordered the Governor to

send a perfectly clear report of what he had already done regarding the

fortress of the Port, and of all the Province; the spot best adapted for

it, the form and disposition, forces needed for the defense, and if

there would be any difficulty in opening up the entrance of the Bay,

where it was built; the depth of the water, if vessels could enter, and

of what tonnage; have a very careful and minute report from some one of

experience and a master. Send a map and report attached of what this

work will cost, giving your opinion so that seeing it and the

information asked on the matter the most advantageous resolutions may be

taken for the security and defense of that Province.

CHAPTER XIII.

A. D. 1680-1685.

_Letter from Pablo Ita Salazer to his Majesty--Indians of the

Province of Guale ally themselves with the English and together

with over three hundred men make war against the Spaniards of the

Island of St. Catherine--Surprising and killing the sentinels, only

one of whom escaped to warn the Garrison--The people gather in the

convent of a Friar and defend themselves from daylight until four

o’clock, when aid from this Garrison reached them--The enemy

retires--Natives of the Island greatly alarmed--Disquieting news of

the intentions of the enemy upon this Garrison--Implores the aid of

the King quickly that the English may be ejected from the land--Don

Juan Marquez Cabrera, Governor and Captain-General of Florida,

gives an account to his Majesty of hostilities in the

Provinces--Two Fleets, French and English, going and coming from

Havana--Seize Fort Matanzas and after plundering, burn it to the

ground--Is being rebuilt--Great depredations committed up and down

the coast by the enemy--Indians and half-breeds taken and sold into

slavery--Pushing the work on the Castle--Grieved over its slow

progress, owing to lack of workmen--Begs to be allowed to retire

because of age and long service--To Charles II, our principal

Casique, the King--From the people of the territory of

Habalache--The King to the Governor and Captain-General of Florida

concerning ten negroes from St. George who asked for the waters of

baptism--A Sergeant-Major from St. George comes to claim

them--Because they have become Christians the Spanish King decides

to buy them--After receiving a receipt they are to be set at

liberty, each one given a document to that effect--The King

reprimands Don Diego Quirago for not immediately attending to these

matters--Orders a full account to be sent as soon as it is

accomplished._

A. D. 1680.

_Sire_:

In a letter of April last year I stated to you the misgivings I felt

about the English who have populated the Province of Carolina and River

St. George. In November of the following year I repeated this with some

evidence, and such a plan or a map from the River St. George to Mobile.

Afterwards I was notified that five Englishmen had put to flight one of

the Towns and penetrated as far as the Province of Guale, which belongs

to the jurisdiction of this Garrison, where they came to take

declarations and give information concerning the coming of the English

to those parts; all of which I submit to your Majesty.

My duty today is to give an account of what happened in the Province of

Guale this year. The Chuchumacos, Bechizes and Chulucas who were at war

among themselves, but had maintained friendly relations and trading with

this Province, became friendly with the English and have declared

themselves our enemies. They made an invasion first on the Island of

Guadalquiri in Guale, then on the main land they killed and scalped a

number of the Natives until these latter rallied and, with one of our

Lieutenants at the head, sallied forth and repulsed them. A few days

later they made an entrance on the Island of St. Catherine, one of the

frontiers, with a force of over three hundred men. They killed the

Sentinels who were six in number, one only escaping, who gave the alarm

and the citizens were able to defend themselves. There were forty-five

Spaniards from this Garrison and about a hundred Natives. They took

refuge in the Convent of the Friar, who teaches the Gospel in that

Province, Captain Francisco Suentes, whom I sent two years ago to take

charge of that place, who defended himself and army with great valor and

distinction from daylight until four o’clock in the afternoon against

these Indians, who were armed with firearms. Instantly upon receiving

information of the danger I sent aid to the number of thirty soldiers on

foot and a vessel with eighteen marines. When they arrived the enemy had

retired. I am assured that among them were several Englishmen who

instructed them in the use of the firearms, which consisted of long

guns. This caused great consternation and horror among the natives who

at first evacuated the Island of St. Catherine, but am informed have

since returned doubling their forces. I had sent eight men to them from

this Garrison and I am resolved to send twenty--it being a place of the

utmost importance to this Garrison, as a protection against invasions

and also to obtain food and supplies. The entrance to the Bar of Zapola

is easy and distant from it, as you can see on the map, only two

leagues. Information has been brought me by a pilot, who left here and

was taken prisoner by the French, that he overheard them say they would

come to this Province, possess themselves of the Island and Bar of

Zapala. This is damaging news, and my greatest trouble is lack of

troops, for altogether I have only some two hundred and ninety. I have

increased this with a few natives of seemingly good disposition, should

a fight occur in this Fort, but so inexperienced that they could not

support us. This Post is mainly composed of mariners, pilots,

shipmasters and mates, twelve artillerymen, six widows and a few

children to whom, through your mercy, you grant pay, and ten or twelve

decrepit old men who by age are exempt from toil. I have twenty-four men

in Apalache, distant eighty leagues, and two in Timuqua, two in the pass

of Salamatoto, ten leagues distant from this Garrison. The sentinels of

Matanzas and the Bar. All this causes me great distress as I should be

obliged to repair to the field and I have no resources possible with so

few people. Notwithstanding, I propose, with the help of God, to improve

it, and thus will the conversions advance and secure the road to Mexico.

It is expedient to run the English out of that land, and there are not

two hundred firearms in the armory nor among the soldiers and natives.

If the thirty lancers and hundred infantry I sent for three years ago

had come, things would be in a different shape. With a hundred families

to protect, a good deal of aid is needed as speedily as possible and

your Majesty will send them promptly as to the interest of your service.

God protect you.

PABLO ITA SALAZAR.

St. Augustine, Fla., May 14th, 1680.

* * * * *

A. D. 1682.

_Sire_:

Don Juan Marquez Cabrera, your Governor and Captain-General of the

Provinces of Florida, gives you an account of how since last February of

this year they have experienced many hostilities in these Provinces from

two French and English fleets who, since they discovered and settled

with ten vessels they brought on these coasts towards the south, have

taken and settled all the entrances and Ports, having seized seven

vessels that were coming and going to the City of Havana, entered and

plundered the Fort of Matanzas with no resistance from those within, and

on another occasion in the same place, where there were forty-five

Spaniards, captains, lieutenants and soldiers, there came four hundred

Indians with firearms and arrows to one of the trenches at the edge of

the two rivers at the foot of the Fort and this time they did not

discharge a single shot, but set fire to the Fort and burned it, being

of wood. I am again rebuilding it in the shape of a bonnet or cap with

its inclinations bias, which it did not have before, with twenty-five

stone houses, so that twelve or sixteen soldiers can defend it. On

retiring they entered the River of Point Martin in Laungara, eighteen

leagues inland and forty from this Garrison; thirty-five Frenchmen

entered and plundered the estate Lachua, imprisoning the owner and some

of his slaves and other persons and their servants. They were assisted

in this by three of the neighbor Casiques, with sixteen Indians. As they

retired they were met by an ambush who liberated the owners of the

estate with the loss of one Indian. Although there were five Spaniards,

with the degree of Captain who enjoy the rank and pay, excused

themselves on the occasion because they feared if they had any one to

encourage them the enemy would not have left one. As soon as I received

the news, although I am very scarce of people for the defense of the

Castle, I made every effort possible to send the Sergeant-Major of this

Post with forty soldiers as quickly as possible. Finding the enemy

already embarked, I ordered him to obstruct the river, seeing the danger

to this Province, not having had any orders from you to keep it open.

Notwithstanding all the Sergeant-Major’s efforts to place obstructions,

I fear the enemy will invade this Garrison if only to see the Fort that

is being built. It is to be in the shape I have shown you on the map,

and plan I have given the Adjutant Alonzo Solano, superintendent of the

work, a man of much intelligence and quite capable of carrying it on. At

the time the French were destroying the estate Lachua the English landed

at the bar of Mosquito Inlet; they killed ten Indians and captured

eighteen. They had also captured the frigate that left this Post for New

Spain; they captured it with a pirate vessel which had come from

Jamaica, as testified to by the “Autos” I sent, in which I also stated

the other hostilities and depredations as you can see in the Office of

the Royal Council. It is a source of grief to me to see the manner in

which they take these poor Indians and sell them into slavery, as they

have done with many, selling them on the Island of Barbado. They even

take the mixed ones, children of Spaniards and Indians. Although I am

quite advanced on the building and defense of the Castle, I feel

disconsolate when I think of the scarcity of troops and the inferior

quality of those I have who are cowardly and pusillanimous as I have

before represented them to you. I repeat it, in hopes that you will send

me at least two good Captains and a hundred first class men. Besides

being dastardly those I have, many of them are too old to be of service,

having been retired and pensioned off. I am heartily sick of those who

have been pensioned off, and of the children who have been pushed into

service with no other object than to receive the pay. While mindful of

the humane interests, this at times is exceedingly trying to my

patience. And so, since the Fort is assuming such shape, I implore you

to give the order needed of sending more men. I also implore your

Majesty that having served you so many years without complaint against

me, that you will replace me in this Garrison and give me permission to

retire.

God grant you a long and prosperous life.

JUAN MARQUEZ CABRERA.

St. Augustine, Fla., July 16th, 1682.

* * * * *

CHARLES II, OUR PRINCIPAL CASIQUE, TO THE KING.

God, who with His power has created us from nothing, it being His

will--we live, although with work and misfortune, it matters not how, so

we live, with our limited understanding, every day without ceasing as we

are commanded by our Creator, since He so wishes it, we praise and

reverence Him. Leaving this apart we also, the nobility and all in

general, old men and old women, children, orphans and disabled, as many

as are found in this territory called Habalache, every day we say it

seems to us, we do not reverence, embrace and receive in our hearts our

principal Casique and King and his noble words. Saying this among

ourselves it seems to make us more humble and disposed to receive your

words when it reaches our ears. As at present, we could long since have

written you, for the obedience we show you, and not waited for your many

noble works, and to make known to you of what we are here seeing and

suffering, being not only ourselves, but all in this world, who were

created from nothing by the will of God. Our priests whose duty it is to

care for our souls, cleanse them and absolve them, teaches us good

things, and takes away and quenches in us ugly and evil things helping

us on to be good Christians, as it is for this you have shown us such

great mercy, and so we recognize it, and are believing with one heart.

Second: Although we are ignorant people, we think that our hearts and

souls belong to our Creator--our bodies and their government, and to

whom they belong to teach and punish is to our Head, whom thou art, and

whom we recognize as our chief Casique and King, and as the grass grows

and has roots, bathed by the dews of night, so we and all your miserable

vassals are nourished by your noble words, and although bodily we do not

see you with our eyes, we take it from the one who represents you as

your Governor and Captain-General--and to him we look as to you and as

your words coming from him who we see, hear and understand, and guard,

believing and obeying him--

* * * * *

_Sire_:

From information that I was able to gather by means of gifts to the

native Indians, I succeeded in finding out the designs of the settlers

of St. George and of the new settlement in St. Elena, where this

Garrison was first--distant from here some sixty leagues. About 50

Indians, with orders from the Governor of St. Elena, were to enter the

Province of Tamaqua, do all the damage and hostilities they could,

taking prisoners and killing the natives. I immediately sent a dispatch

by carrier to the Lieutenant of that Province to be on guard and care

for the towns. It seems that some six hours before he received my

notice, they had entered and destroyed the town of Afinca, a place of

about sixty natives. About fifty men entered with sixteen guns and the

balance with bows and arrows and machetes, everything exactly as I had

been informed. They belong to the Yamares nation who have retired from

this dominion and gone over to the English. They killed and carried off

the prisoners as certified by a letter from the Lieutenant. I have

restored as far as possible the Garrison of Tamaqua for the peace of its

natives. If I had had the force sufficient I would have sent the vessels

that I have to the settlement of Santa Elena and done them some damage,

but, as it is, I have not sufficient forces for anything. The two

Captains experienced in that part of the country are old, one of 70 and

the other 60 years old. I am sorry to say, the enemy are settling in the

interior, where they find the lands so rich and productive of all kinds

of fruit. Should they come here they could easily capture us for the

lack of men--we need men--more troops. I am informed that forty days

ago, eleven vessels with seven hundred men, had been sent out from

England. I am awaiting them with fear, for lack of men and ammunition we

have. I also distrust my sentinels. I hope you will immediately send me

re-enforcements.

God preserve you, etc.

JUAN MARQUEZ CABRERA.

St. Augustine, April 15th, 1685.

* * * * *

THE KING.

_To my Governor and Captain-General of the City of St. Augustine in

the Province of Florida, and Field Marshal Don Diego de Quiraga y

Lasada, in whose charge that Government is now_:

The Royal officers of that City have given me an account in different

letters of their having arrived at that Garrison ten remaining negroes,

eight males and two females, from St. George. That they asked for the

waters of baptism, it was given them, after which a Sergeant-Major from

St. George came to claim them. Not appearing to be the proper thing to

return them after becoming Christians, it was agreed upon with the

Sergeant-Major to buy them with the money from my Royal exchequer for

the sum of sixteen hundred dollars, granting a writing to that purpose,

to pay said sum at a stated time specified. To satisfy this I sent to

the new city of Vera Cruz for this sum of money which was brought and

deposited in my Royal coffers of that city, advising the Governor of St.

Augustine and notifying the Governor of St. George to send for it. It

seems they came for it at the time the Governor was distributing aid to

the soldiers. He had notified me of the receipt of this money, but not

receiving a reply, he supposed I was not satisfied with the transaction,

imploring I should tell him what to do with the negroes. The men had

been put to work on the Fort, and the women the Governor had retained as

servants in his household. He paid the cost of them, and he only awaited

my orders. In view of all that he asks, through the judge of my Council

of the Indias, it occurs to me to say to you that Don Diego Quiraga was

wanting in his duty by not sending to pay the money deposited in the

Royal coffers for the purchase of said negroes and in the word he had

given the English. He should have considered that in refusing to deliver

them to the English, it was done to protect the religion; this alone

would have sufficed, being as I am such a Catholic. For any excess

expended in their purchase, notwithstanding my failure in replying to

him on this point, and so, it appears strange what this Governor has

done. And so, that you perfectly understand what I order you, as I do

order you, that of the first money which comes into my Royal coffers of

that City you immediately pay up the whole amount, and give the Governor

of St. George perfect satisfaction for the 1,600 dollars agreed upon for

the sale. The defraying of this to be done as quickly as possible. And

as a reward for having come to these provinces to live under the laws of

the Gospel and become Catholics, I order that immediately upon receipt

of this, you give them all their liberty in my name, giving each one,

males and females, a document to that effect, so that seeing their

example others may do likewise. As soon as you have accomplished this

you are to send me a full account, as this is my will.

I, the King, sent by the King our Lord,

DON JUAN DE LA VEA,

_Chairman of the Council_.

CHAPTER XIV.

A. D. 1689-1698.

_Letter of the Governor and Captain-General of Florida, Don Diego

Quiroba y Losada, to his Majesty--Giving an account of a custom

obtaining in the Garrison which he deems dangerous to its

safety--That is, the ringing of the church bells at midnight, when

the Host is taken out to administer communion to the dying until

the same is returned, oftentimes lasting hours, which same drowns

the fire of the sentinel across the river, who is to fire as many

times as there are vessels sighted--This danger has been fully laid

before the Priest, but to no purpose, notwithstanding the city has

been in arms for some days awaiting the enemy--There is also

testimony accompanying this letter of the same purport--His Majesty

by a Cedule of July 18th, 1694, asks for a statement of the order

pursued in the functions of the Edicts of Faith and Anathema and

the places where they conduct the Holy Tribunal of the

Inquisition--These questions answered by Severino Mausaneda, March

17th, 1690--In 1691 Governor and Captain-General of Florida, Don

Diego Guiroga y Lorada, gives an account of a military review of

St. Augustine--Of the great advantage and security to the city of

building a sea wall extending from the Fort the entire length of

the town, thus securing it against the sea which in storms comes up

to the houses--The soldiers and citizens subscribe ten thousand

dollars and his Highness is implored to designate a sum to help to

build this wall that the people will be convinced of his Highness’

interest--The King, A. D. 1698, to the Governor and

Captain-General, Don Diego Guiroga y Losada, of the City of St.

Augustine, in which he rebukes the said Governor for unjustly

taxing the Indians, whom he wishes civilized, and not treated alone

as vassals, but as his children, attending to their comfort and

want, and imposes a fine if the money sent to be spent for canvas

and provisions be not paid to these Indians as per

agreement--Extracts from the investigations of the Council, in

regard to alleged excesses committed by the Governor of Florida,

Don Francisco Moral Sanchez--Besides the scandalous reports

certified to, is his ill treatment of a Captain of Grenadiers

acting according to his own will instead of by military law--The

Royal Officers protest--Certify to the truth of these

investigations, and implore justice from the King--A report

according to his Excellency’s desire concerning affairs under

Governor Don Francisco Marales Sanchez--The investigation shows

that the facts set forth in the different papers and petitions sent

to his Majesty to have been only too true--Impossible to put upon

paper the strange, divers and extraordinary excesses committed by

this Governor._

A. D. 1689.

_Sire_:

Today I must give you an account of a custom I have found here, which

might redound to the injury of this Garrison. It is that at any hour of

the night when the Host is taken out to administer communion to the

dying the church bells are rung and continue to ring until its return to

the church, with the same solemnity as is done in the day time. Now,

this might cause very serious results, as when we have the sentinel who

is on duty across the river, to fire as many times as there are vessels

in view, then the bells are rung and the people gather together. This

makes us very attentive in listening for the firing and the noise of the

bells at all hours prevents us from hearing and would give the enemy an

opportunity of entering and capturing the Town. I always keep the Fort

well guarded and am prepared, but as we know from so many occurrences in

the Indias in the past few years, all the misfortunes of invasions have

come from carelessness. I have solicited the Priest not to have this

done and even refused to let him have the soldiers to follow in the

procession, but he is very impertinent and says the church belongs to

him and he shall do as it pleases him. Since the 28th of May we have

been in arms awaiting the enemy, and I sent the Priest word not to ring

by one of the soldiers, then by the Sergeant-Major--in spite of my

message he rang the bells from half-past ten at night until half-past

two o’clock. To avoid danger from this, I have given orders that none of

the soldiers attend. If he desists from ringing I will allow him all the

soldiers necessary. Things will work thus until your Majesty orders

otherwise for the safety of this Garrison. God grant you long life.

DIEGO QUIROBA.

St. Augustine, Fla., August 16th, 1689.

* * * * *

TESTIMONY WHICH ACCOMPANIES THIS LETTER.

In the City of St. Augustine, Fla., May 28th, 1689.

The Captain of Cuirassiers, Don Diego Quiroba y Losada, Governor and

Captain-General of this city and Province, by order of your Majesty.

Says: That this Garrison being in arms and awaiting signals since

Sunday, the 22nd. The church has on several occasions rung the bells

after midnight in taking out the Holy Sacrament, continuing the ringing

for two hours or more, without ceasing. This is contrary to all customs

in Spain and the Indias, where the sacrament is not carried in pomp

after night, but only by the Priest, the sacristan and two other persons

who carry the lights. In a close Garrison it is more strictly observed,

and for that reason should be more strictly enforced in this Garrison,

as such things are risky, especially as we are under arms, and injury

might result, as it would give the enemy time and opportunity to

accomplish their intentions. We are trying to stand on the defensive and

it might injure this very church itself. For this reason I sent word to

the Priest, Don Alonzo de Legurion, Parish Priest and Vicar of this

city, in all due form by St. Sebastian Lopez begging him to cease the

ringing and setting forth the danger which could result. That he should

not go out in pomp, but ask for all the soldiers he wanted and they

would be sent. He would not listen, and threatened the Lieutenant with

excommunication should he return. Another message I sent by the

Sergeant-Major, Pedro Arauda y Avellanedas, to whom he made the same

reply, stating that the Church was his and he would ring when he

pleased--it had been given him by the Pontificate, and the Governor had

nothing to do with it, and must not meddle. Such language and conduct

disturbs the public peace. That all this may be certified to I have

ordered testimony taken of the case and had the Sergeant-Major and

Adjutant Sebastian Lopez examined, and so I sent it and sign

DIEGO QUIROBA Y LOSADA.

Appeared before me, Alonzo Solano, Notary Public of the government, in

the City of St. Augustine, Fla., as witness.

SEBASTIAN LOPEZ.

* * * * *

May 22nd, 1689.

Captain Diego Quiroba y Losada, Governor and Captain-General of said

city, ordered to appear before me, the Adjutant, Sebastian Lopez, who is

the actual Sergeant-Major in the Garrison, who was in my presence

received and sworn in by the Notary Public, in the name of God and the

Holy Cross, and having promised to tell nothing but the truth. Asked for

the tenor of the Auto at the head of this Document, he said: That at

about half-past two o’clock the bells of the church of this City were

ringing. Having started out, his Lordship, the Governor, called him and

ordered him to take a message to the Priest, telling him that he knew

well that the City was in arms, the enemy being on this coast, and they

had received signals that the vessels were in sight of the City, and to

cease ringing the bells as the noise would prevent them from hearing the

signal “to arms.” That coming to the church he told the Priest to stop

ringing, that it made too much noise. The Priest’s reply was to order

him to leave the church under pain of excommunication, the witness

returned three times with the Governor’s Message, but no attention was

paid to his Lordship’s Message, and the bells continued to ring. That

this is the truth, under sworn oath he states and affirms and that he is

twenty-two years old and he signs it.

SEBASTIAN LOPEZ TOLEDO.

Before me, Alonzo Solano, Notary Public and of the Government. It agrees

with the original of which mention has been made and which I send.

Executed in St. Augustine, Fla., on July 15th, 1689.

ALONZO SOLANO,

Notary Public and of the Government.

* * * * *

By Cedule of your Majesty dated in Madrid, July 18th, 1674, you ask for

a statement of the order pursued in the functions of the Edicts of Faith

and Anathena and the places where they conduct the Holy Tribunal of the

Inquisition. And also the cause of the controversies offered by the city

whenever they are performed and what has been done this year. The city

to avoid all scandal resolved to allow the Commissioner of the

Inquisition to conduct things his own way--taking testimony of all the

proceedings to report to your Majesty. These acts have no fixed time,

but left to the arbitration of the Commissioner who has them when he

pleases, every two, three, and even six years. After discussion it was

decided not to have them executed this year, as it is not a regular

custom, and we wished to report before giving more examples of

dissensions. For twenty years the City has allowed itself to be fined

for neglect of duty in assisting at the performances. As there is no

Tribunal of Inquisition here the Commissioner succeeded in getting the

City to go to his house for him, and he, precedes the City. In church,

his place to be on the Gospel side, with the humility recognized in such

places. The decision of this controversy seems to depend on Law 20,

Chapter 26, of the ninth recompilation of the Indias. This last, the

Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition pretends is only understood by your

Majesty, the Viceroys and Captain-Generals in whom are found a living

representation. So that to represent the Holy Tribunal of the

Inquisition the power is solely invested in your Commissioner--from this

comes the act of tramping under foot your Government, whom the

Commissioner tries to subdue in all, to his will, as well as the Notary

Public and Ministers. That a stop may be put to his audaciousness it has

seemed wise and prudent to make a report with testimonies attached to

your Majesty, that you may act as you deem proper in the case.

May God grant you long life.

SEVERINO MAUSANEDA.

Havana, March 17th, 1690.

* * * * *

A. D. 1691.

_Your Highness_:

Don Diego Quiroga y Lorada, Governor and Captain-General of the Province

of Florida, in a letter dated January 8th, 1690, gives you an account of

the general review which he passed on the soldiers of infantry and

militia of that Garrison. He proposed the advantages and security

occurring to the City by building a wall from the Fort, the whole length

of the City along the sea, seeing the danger in which it now is of being

ruined by floods from the sea (which already comes up to the houses)

when we have the slightest storm. The soldiers seeing the necessity of

it, immediately offered what they could, the citizens of the Province

doing likewise, that the work might advance. I send a certificate

showing that the amount of the offering they have made is ten thousand

dollars, and that they will use every effort to build the wall, and they

have commenced to get out the stone and other necessary things. I

implore your Highness to designate a sum to help build this wall, which

is so important and that these poor soldiers and citizens may feel

encouraged to give more, seeing that your Majesty helps them in such

needed work, since nothing less depends upon this wall than the

preventing a flood of the place and separating the Castle, losing all

that has been spent in the building of it. The Board is obliged to

represent you. What the voluntary contributions of the soldiers and

citizens of the Province is for the building of this wall, estimate the

cost of it, and how much will be needed to continue the work, and with

this and what you order, the Count of Galva, Viceroy of the New Spain,

must send to Florida the sum of two thousand dollars, that the Governor

may apply it to this work, and that he inform the Board of the size,

latitude and thickness, the design of it, that they may better

understand it. And that the Royal Officers certify that said portion of

the two thousand dollars was spent on this work, sending an exact

account and cause. Then, the soldiers and citizens of Florida seeing

that your Majesty takes an interest in them and helps them, will feel

encouraged to continue subscribing. You will decide as most convenient.

Madrid, August 11th, 1691.

THE KING.

_To the Field Marshal Don Diego Quiroga y Losada--My Governor and

Captain-General of the City of St. Augustine, in the Province of

Florida, or to the Person or Persons in Whose Care His Government

May Be_:

In a letter of June the 8th, 1640, it refers, among other things, that

you have sought the means of spending the money assigned for the

purchasing of canvas and provisions for the Indians of the Pass of the

River Salamototo, as was evident by the certificate and agreement that

together with the Royal Officers of that city you made. Seeing all in my

Council of War of the Indians--how special attention was called to the

new tax imposed for the canoes that serve as transports at the referred

river, I have resolved to order and command you (as I do) that the

moment you receive this order, that you revoke the one by which you have

distinguished yourself together with the Royal Officers, as the

agreement of the 1st of February, of 1698, being worthy of reproof, the

one that you and they are working in this matter, without any orders

whatsoever from me--as should always be the case in questions of this

nature especially when my royal soul is so moved towards the Indians, my

desire so great, that they should be civilized and treated not alone as

my vassals, but as my own children subjugating them and attending to

their wants and comfort. Thus you will proceed to revoke what you have

done. Advise my Royal Officers by dispatch of the date that they take

note of this resolution in the books under their charge--so that at all

times it shall be evident. And I also command that you immediately have

published and posted proclamations to this effect in all public places

in the city and Province inserting to the letter in the proclamation the

contents of this dispatch, and sending to the board by the first

opportunity presenting itself, testimony of having executed this

procedure. A fine of a thousand reals imposed upon you, to be remitted

if you do not execute this order immediately in the form that I have

imposed and commanded. And that the canoes remain and be paid as they

have been up to the present, and as they were up to the date when you

imposed the above expressed tax. And you shall advise me clearly and

plainly what has been the amount of these taxes up to the date of

receipt of this dispatch, and if there be any portion of it, you have it

placed at once in my Royal Chest in that city, to remain there until

receiving my further orders. So does it suit me and my Royal service.

* * * * *

THE COUNCIL.

Continuing the account of investigations which have been obtained and

were promised in a letter of October 22nd to ascertain with certainty of

the excesses committed by the Governor of Florida, Don Francisco Moral

Sanchez.

The Council makes known that the events are so strange and

extraordinary, which by divers means have been understood to have taken

place in that Garrison and its administration, that the very excess

itself stuns one with astonishment and paralyzes the credulity of our

mind--but, having complied with his duty as commanded, he explains: That

he is quite assured of the truth of the report of the Engineer Don

Antonio Arredondo, who was an eye-witness and had no reason whatever to

judge him otherwise than impartially, being in no conceivable manner

dependent. That his report agrees in every particular with the other

letters written of the excesses of the above mentioned Governor as will

be recognized by the document which accompanies this and is certified to

by the Engineer Arredondo at the continuation of them in a private

declaration made by the decree expedited for this purpose.

That the few Indians of our faith represent and express their true

sentiments, as indicated by a document I remit to this Council, through

the Rev. Bishop of Micale, which they obliged Señor Arredondo to receive

and remit to your Majesty. That other certificates of military and

private individuals of that Garrison, with other documents which

accompany this, and not only confirm, but add such scandalous excesses

of the private life of that Governor, that it is impossible to find

decent and decorous words with which to express them. And some of these

words are from the mouth of religious Monks and Priests who affirm all

these letters as well as the one written by Don Antonio Benavides--there

are also later letters giving accounts of the same proceedings.