Besides the scandalous reports being certified to by all, in about the

same manner, they accuse the Governor of his treatment of the Captain of

Grenadiers Don Felipe de Iturrieta, commandant of the detached troops,

forgetting his personal merits, and official position, and his being a

person of implicit integrity. He had him thrust into prison in a most

shameful and scandalous manner--even depriving him of the resources of

writing--and after trampling him in every way he incriminates him for

disobedience in the performance of his duties--a mere pretense, for it

was that this Officer refused to neglect his duty or allow his men to do

so, by being off guard at the Barracks, where it is imperative,

according to all military laws that guards should be at their post. The

Governor wishing the men for his private purposes ignored or formed

false conception of military duties and suspended and imprisoned the

Captain. Of the same nature is the charge made against him of violating

the Royal ordinance and defying it--when he replied to the Governor in

words which would rather indicate respect. It is a shameful act to treat

an Officer of honor of his well known character, who has the heavy

responsibilities which are recognized as belonging to said Captain, and

are certified to in the statements of the circumstances, as also a

petition in which is set forth all that has occurred, and imploring that

justice be shown Captain Iturrieta that he may not be stigmatized. While

all written in these reports and certificates are true, I did not depose

him immediately from office until I received the report asked of the

Bishop of Micale, knowing his prudence and virtue and that his word

would be more approved than all else in the case. In the meantime while

awaiting his report I am taking every step to conquer the difficulties

which may arise to name a subject who can act in the interim, because it

seems the need is so great that it is impossible to form any resolution

whatever in the case pending in that Province, and this consideration

has suspended all movement of removing him until the order comes for

doing so. This in our judgment being more prudent, as the referred to

Governor is so engrossed in his private affairs as certified to in the

papers of Don A. Arredondo, in which he speaks of the Barracks for

lodging the soldiers, and the looking into this matter belongs to the

Viceroy of New Spain--that in proper time he take the precautions which

he deems most essential.

Concluding with the disposal of the reports, and taking the less

scandalous means to depose the Governor of Florida, Don Francisco Moral

Sanchez, as he has not been forewarned of what is to happen, it seems

doubtful which is the best means to adopt, we will therefore consider

the matter with more deliberation proceeding in the safest and most

certain way and rendering a personal account as quickly as possible

thereafter.

THE COUNCIL.

* * * * *

_Excellent Lord_:

In conformity with what your Excellency desires, and satisfying the

private order sent me, asking a report and true statement of affairs

under the Governor Don Francisco Morales Sanchez. To assure myself from

a responsibility devoid of all partiality, and to the truth of the

excesses perpetrated by this Governor and a few other private

individuals and priests, of which that Garrison wrote you a complaint,

asking that you immediatly depose the Governor and name some one in his

place, _pro tem._, so that your Majesty being informed, may place some

one who looks more to your interests. For this purpose you sent me a

blank dispatch, that in time, I might fill out with the names of the

subject elected and the investigation I had made in this affair. I must

say, that they are so strange and extraordinary, and such divers means

used in their performance--that the accounts I hear in this garrison

chill the soul and congeal the blood in one’s veins. There is no way of

hiding the misery and misfortune to which this Garrison is exposed. With

the same truthfulness I must expose the fact, that I am positively

certain from the reports of the Engineer Don Antonio Arredondo, as an

eye-witness, that all the excesses committed by this Governor are

strictly true as written you and certified to in a report from this

Garrison.

The few Indians of our faith represent and express their lamentable

sentiments on a paper written you, and sent through the Rev. Bishop of

Micale. Other certificates of priests, military men, and private

individuals of that Garrison, which I enclose add such scandalous

excesses in the manner of living of that Governor that I cannot find

decent words in which to express it. Some of these are signed by the

same priests who wrote to Don Antonio Benavides, and there are others,

citing what the Governor has perpetrated on the Captain of Grenadiers,

Don Felipe Iturricta, whom I sent there. Forgetting his merits and that

he was a person of implicit confidence, whom I trusted for his

unimpeachable conduct, they have placed him in prison under scandalous

circumstances, intending to take from him the management of the troops

over whom I placed him. He has been under the most rigorous guard,

searching even his food, depriving him of the privilege of writing to

ask for a hearing, accusing him of crimes and lack of obedience. They

have no other course, in my opinion, than a pretext, as this Officer has

fulfilled his duty with promptness and rectitude, showing only the

ordinary precautions observed in the regiments for infinite reasons. The

guards cannot be excused from the Barracks where the troop is

stationed--which is one of the principal rudiments of military

tactics--as well for safety as anything which might occur. The Captain

insisted on maintaining these principles from which has arisen this

trouble, and the assigning of the wrong conception of duty and want of

obedience preferred against him. Of the same nature is the other charge:

that he had defied the Governor. To this Captain Iturricta replied: if

you were not the Governor you could not use such language to me--showing

that he respected the office of Governor. The Governor does not seem to

recognize the respect due to a man and Officer of standing and

distinguished character, and let me add incidentally, placed here by me,

as commandante of a detached body, to encourage and hold this fagged out

Garrison. They should consider it an honor, for so distinguished a

personage to accept this place, and so honorably discharge his duty.

Your Majesty will understand all from the report of said Captain and the

testimonials stating the circumstances. I also enclose a petition from

the Captain in which he implores you to do him justice, a virtue so in

keeping with your Royal heart, and not allow an officer of his standing

to remain in disgrace. I can positively assure you, that had not the

Captain and other Officers been true and faithful to their duty, they

could have caused much trouble among the inhabitants of this Garrison,

from this unjust act. Although I have reported all the abuses said to

have been committed by the present Governor of Florida, and you should

place some one of experience and good conduct in his place. I hope that

your Majesty with your great experience, will pardon me for troubling

you on the present occasion, and look unprejudiced into this affair. All

that has been said of the matter, and all that I have been commanded in

so important a trust--I am trying to investigate to the very root. Going

cautiously, feeling my way, trying to right troubles without any

scandal, so that I may send you the name of some worthy subject who can

act _pro tem._ in that capacity--as, from all the information I have

expounded it seems urgent you should remove this man, so as to restore

the confidence your vassals have in your Majesty, and the responsibility

I represent. The engineer, Don Antonio Arredondo, assures me no other

expedient can be taken, while the present Governor is so engrossed in

his own private interests, as you may infer from the last chapter.

Regarding the Barracks for lodging the hundred men, it is an evident

fact, that but for the persistent effort of the Engineer Arredondo, they

would have been returned to that Kingdom. All of which he reported to

the Viceroy of Mexico that he might take the necessary precautions.

Having disposed of the duty of having the Governor removed, I am

doubtful of what will be best to do next toward your Majesty’s

interests, but I shall act as in my judgment seems best and as

circumstances present themselves.

May God preserve you.

JUAN FRANCISCO HORCASITAS.

CHAPTER XV.

A. D. 1708-1723.

_Letter from Francisco Carcoles y Martinez to his Majesty reports

all possible measures taken to prevent the enemy from destroying

this Province--The Indians, aided by the English who supply them

with guns, ammunition, knives and pistols, come from the Indian

villages bordering the Carolinas and carry off each day certain

persons--Families and Christians taken off to be sold into

slavery--More than ten thousand up to the present have

disappeared--A treaty urged with the English of the Carolinas, else

there will be a continuation of war and the spread of the Holy

Gospel impeded--In a second letter the Governor gives an account of

certain Friars who are getting up a dispute and lawsuit with the

Priest of the Parish concerning the right and whose right to marry

soldiers, Spaniards, Indians or mixed Indians--These disputes

brought before the Governor to settle, who in turn refers them to

his Majesty--Recommends the abolishing of all Heathen customs--By a

Royal dispatch, A. D. 1721, the Governor of Florida is commanded to

go in person to the Governor of the Carolinas and arrange with him

the observance of the Treaty of Peace between the English and

Spanish of those Provinces adjoining, which same was carried out as

far as possible--A letter from the Governor, Antonio Benavides,

reports the sending of clothing and trinkets to pacify the Casiques

and Chiefs of the Province of Apalachicola--Find the Indians

restless and making preparations for war--English spreading

dissatisfaction--A Council of War decides to send a vessel to

Havana for arms, men and provisions in anticipation of troubulous

times._

THE GOVERNOR’S LETTER.

A. D. 1708.

_Your Lordship_:

My principal care since assuming control as Governor has been to procure

by all possible means to prevent the enemy from destroying at once this

Province, and the few natives of it who have remained. When I took

possession I called a meeting of the Board to discuss matters and we

decided to retire the troops from the town of Santa Fe, adding those of

San Francisco and the infantry that was at the pass of Salamototo river,

as I have already informed you on the 20th of November, 1706, so that

with a larger force we might resist the enemy, and the citizens of this

City feel some relief. I had built on the line a thick palisade, as I

informed you. I have also organized a company of cavalry who should go

about on the skirts, as they have done, to gather up stores and guard

the carpenters and persons who go out to work cutting timber for the

Royal buildings. This has not sufficed to stop the enemy from continuing

their scalping and hostilities which are being constantly felt. They

come from the Indian villages bordering on the Carolinas, aided by the

English, who supply them with guns, ammunition, knives and pistols; at

times they even accompany them, which strengthens and encourages them

so that all the terra firma along the southern coast is desolate. And

each day the number of families these Indians carry off is increased.

The Christians have all disappeared, no doubt they have taken and sold

them into slavery--more than ten or twelve thousand persons have gone. I

have about three hundred with men, women and children. Even these are

being carried away daily, when they go out to gather (guano) palmetto

with which the Indians clothe themselves--and wild roots which they use

for eating, not having sufficient with the Royal Rations which we daily

allow them. Today they bring me an account of how they carried off ---- to

Mica, who had gone out in search of roots--in all they have carried

today twenty-eight persons, four of whom escaped and have brought the

news. The fact of there being some capitulation of peace would be much

added to the service of God and your Majesty by relieving us of these

miserable Indians. All the natives from this Province are sold,

imprisoned or detained in the Carolinas. If a treaty could be made with

England to prevent the English in Carolina from supplying them with

arms, ammunition, etc., for it is with this they make war against us,

and the dexterity with which they use them is amazing--as though they

had been brought up to their use. Unless such a treaty can be

immediately reached, hostilities will continue, and in this America

there will never be anything but war. And the English will always have

the Indians on their side, as they protect them and furnish them with

arms and ammunition, as they have done heretofore. Unless this treaty

can be effected immediately, the best thing for us to do will be to

abandon the place entirely, as you have sug-gested, before they

desolate it. But as it is so important to the Crown and the vast

importance and revenue which will and can be derived from it would make

it deplorable to give it up now. Besides the great importance of

spreading the Holy Gospel, as it is being done, has made me delay in

giving you this necessary information.

May God guard you for many years as a true Christian.

FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., January 14th, 1708.

LETTER OF THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA TO HIS MAJESTY.

A. D. 1708.

_Sire_:

The continued coming of the enemy who took up quarters at San Francisco

Garrison, caused the natives to retire to this Garrison to seek

protection under the Royal arms. From the same fear, the palisade castle

of Salamototo having been attacked, the few natives withdrew, running

from the cruel ravages of these enemies. About eight or nine persons

having called a meeting to discuss the matter of evacuating these

Garrisons, the board decided that for the safety and better security of

these natives it would be best to evacuate them. A more extensive

account is given you in the testimony of each thing that I remit with

this information, so that you may be well notified of the reasons for

retiring from these two towns and others near them, that had already

been deserted. We have assigned them land near by, in line of the cannon

of this Royal Fort, and we are maintaining them and helping with the

best we can at your expense and from the Royal warehouses so that they

may not perish until they can till the land and raise a crop to help

support themselves, until things take a better turn. I hope your Majesty

will approve and accept in good faith the step taken by the Board and

that I am working and maintaining these natives for the best and

greatest service of your Majesty. May God guard you as a Christian.

FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., November 30th, 1708.

LETTER OF THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA TO HIS MAJESTY.

A. D. 1709.

_Sire_:

I write to give you an account of the Friars of San Francisco. Fray

Francisco, Teacher of the Gospel at Santa Maria de Guale, and the

guardian of this Convent, Fray Martin de Molina, have been trying to get

up lawsuits and have had disputes with the Pastor of this Parish, Don

Pedro Lorenzo Acevido. These Friars are opposed to having the Pastor

marry the soldiers or any Spaniard to the Indians or mixed Indians,

wishing themselves to administer this and the other sacraments to them

and their children. For this they have drawn up Autos and presented them

to me that I might grant them justice. I referred them each to your

Majesty, suggesting that they draw up their testimony and I am to

reserve the right of informing you on the subject. I therefore call to

your Royal attention how these law suits, occurring daily, only tend to

disturb the peace. This is all done, because these Friars, to obtain the

fee, wish now to administer these sacraments, which have been

administered for the last thirty years by the parish priest of this

parish, who has performed the marriage ceremony and had them watch

(velar) from the fathers down to the grandchildren, without once

interfering with the rights of these Friars to administer to their own

people, the Indians in the towns they have charge of, and whose language

they understand, and as is customary, if a soldier or any one wishes to

marry an Indian or mixed Indian they must do so in the Parish and church

to which the Indian belongs--thus, by degrees, leaving off all Heathen

customs. Your Majesty after seeing the Autos and receiving this

information will decide as he thinks best and most desirable for the

good of all. May God preserve your Royal person that you may show

justice.

FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., September 12th, 1709.

* * * * *

A. D. 1722.

_Sire_:

By your Royal dispatch of May 25th of last year, 1721, you commanded me

that taking advantage of the suspension of arms and the friendly

relations I had observed with the English of the Carolinas since then;

that your request at the Court of London had been granted. That under

all these circumstances I should go in my official capacity to the

Governor of Carolina and arrange with him to observe strictly the

Treaty, that the vexation among the Indians who were allied to the two

nations should cease. I immediately complied with your order and sent

the Contador, Don Francisco Menendez, accompanied by other officials,

from this Garrison, with the commission of having a firm agreement with

the Governor of Carolina to make the Indians attached to his nation and

to cease aggravating those with us, and thus live in peace and

tranquility, pursuing agriculture. This peace being as important to one

nation as the other, for, should war be declared, there would be no end

to it. To this proposition and others as certified in the accompanying

letter which I take this occasion of sending you, the Governor and

Parliament of the Carolinas replied that they had received no such

orders from the King of Great Britain, but that notwithstanding he would

try to enforce peace during the suspension of arms. Immediately upon the

arrival of Don F. Menendez in the Carolinas he was notified that the

English had constructed a wooden fort on the tongue at the mouth of

Talauje Province on your Majesty’s territory, where, for many years the

Indians and Guajas were settled and by reason of the siege this nation

put on this Garrison, they had retired to where they still are. Don

Francisco Menendez hearing this, considered it wrong for them to

trespass upon your Territory, and so stated it to the Governor, and also

that he feared harm would result from it. The reply given was: that the

King of Great Britain had ordered them to strengthen his dominions with

fortifications in any form they deemed expedient. Under different

pretexts the “Contador” tried to have them show the order, but they

refused to do so, saying it was sufficient that they said they had the

order, and the Governor of Florida had nothing at all to do with it.

From which I infer, your Lordship, that with the arrival of this new

Governor in these colonies, not only will he complete the building of

this Fort and settlement, but that he will also settle all the islands

belonging to this jurisdiction, thus making the Carolinas impregnable

and reducing this Garrison to a more lamentable state than it is in

today on account of its easy access to the Indians who would immediately

come to possess themselves of the ammunition and arms which it is the

very heighth of their ambition to obtain. So Menendez learned that

provision had been made by the English Government to equip this Colony,

and they were awaiting, at any moment, vessels with supplies and arms.

Then, at a moment’s notice, they will invade this Castle, it being their

great ambition, and the only and sole aim of it, to capture this Fort

for the protection of the New England, and the great use they could make

of it in capturing your Majesty’s vessels coming through the Bahama

Channel. In giving you this information I feel that I not only comply

with my royal duty, but also discharge the debt to my conscience in

showing you the danger of this Province. With this intelligence you can

act as most agreeable and convenient. May God preserve your Royal

personage for many years.

ANTONIO BENAVIDES.

St. Augustine, Fla., Apr. 21st, 1722.

* * * * *

The letter accompanying it:

St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 11th, 1722.

Finding myself with an order from the King of Spain, my Lord and Master,

for security with this and that government of reciprocal relations

regarding the hostilities which on one and the other side has been

completed, for the welfare of the Indians, I resolved to send to the

Carolinas the “Contador” Don Francisco Menendez Marques, with other

officials accompanying him, to confer with his Excellency and the Lords

of Parliament for some agreement by which the annoyances of the infidel

Indians toward those attached to our nation, might cease, and they be

allowed to continue their agricultural pursuits without further

disturbances and incentives--and not forgetting the agreement with Don

Francisco Menendez Marques that during the suspension of arms, they try

not to hostile the Indians of this Nation. That I, for my government,

will keep them in subjection as I have done ever since the news of

suspension of arms arrived, but that, if they should in any way fail in

their agreement, they might rest assured that I shall take vengeance,

and nothing shall deter me but their absolute subjection to our

agreement. I shall make all necessary provision and watch with zeal, as

I am fully persuaded that the keeping of this reciprocal agreement is

the only foundation for tranquility and peace. Your Excellency will

acknowledge receipt of this, and the agreement reached with Señor

Menendez Marquez, that I may report to our King and Master.

ANTONIO BENAVIDES.

TO THE KING FROM THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA.

_Sire_:

I place in your Royal hands the testimony of the letter written me by

the Commandant whom I have in charge of the Garrison and Fort of San

Marco, forwarded to him by Lieutenant Don Diego Pena who, by order, was

sent to visit the Province of Apalachicola, with clothing and trinkets

to gratify the Casiques and Chiefs. Both inform me that the Province of

the Talepuses and others partial to the English of the Carolinas, are

restless and trying to destroy the nation of Arinaco who yield obedience

to this government. That they are making all preparations for war, which

from the evil designs we may soon expect. The number of the discontented

is far in the ascendency of those who seem to be on our side, but in

whom we can place no confidence, they being so deceitful. Then again,

the fear they may entertain seeing that the English are mustering the

Indians of so many nations and spreading dissatisfaction among them,

against the Spaniards. The news given us by the Lieutenant that some of

those we should and ought to trust have him detained in Colache from

where he wrote this letter which, with the one from the commandant, I

attach to these “Autos.” Of the steps taken by the Council of War, whom

I called together to discuss this matter, I will not send you testimony

nor in any way trouble you. I shall only make known to your Royal

intelligence that the Council of War decided to send a vessel to Havana

with letters to the Governor of that place, that he might aid us in

sending provisions, arms and men--the latter to land at some point

further down and, taking horses, make their way in by land. The enemy

may already have the place blockaded. Should you decide that this plan

ought not to be carried out I am willing to sacrifice my life to have

the disturbances among these Nations cease, and that all under control

of this Government should live in peace, without any of the prejudices

of those who disturb them. Besides, as is written in the Holy Gospel,

“we will ravish the enemy, punish and destroy them.” But, my Lord, the

condition of this garrison is such that it will be impossible for us to

hold out for any length of time. The rapidity with which they are

gathering and preparing indicates we are to have serious and trying

times. Ever since 1702 our forces have been falling off, and we are

weak. In giving you this information I am stating truths and fulfill my

duty. Act as in your judgment with the aid of God is best.

ANTONIO BENAVIDES.

St. Augustine, Fla., August 18th, 1723.

CHAPTER XVI.

A. D. 1736-1739.

_In a letter to his Majesty Governor Señor Montiano says it is

reported that Don Diego Oglethorpe has said openly “that should he

receive orders from his Government to fix the boundary limits

between the Spanish possessions and the Carolinas he would so delay

the execution that there should never be a sign of these

limits”--Montiano thinks it would be wise for such a gentleman to

be removed as it can never be possible to discuss questions of

importance with him--In A. D. 1738 the same Governor reports the

result of a trip of investigation by one Juan Ygnacio de los Reyes,

an Indian--Under the pretext of giving himself up from having

killed an Indian, he gains much information concerning the English,

their plans against the Spanish, misleading the English as to the

strength, numbers and condition of Spanish fortifications, finally

escaping under pretext of hunting--Returns with valuable

information to the Spanish--Statement of what has been ordered

regarding the aid to Florida Provinces, the dislodging of the enemy

from certain settlements on its territory, since its government up

to 1674--Dispatch of 1675 commands that if the negro slaves sent to

Havana have not already been sold, they shall be sent to Florida,

to be put to work on the construction of the Castle to relieve the

Indians._

LETTER FOR HIS MAJESTY FROM THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA, SEÑOR MONTIANO.

_My Lord_:

In a letter of the 28th of March of this year, you were kind enough to

acknowledge receipt of my letter of August 14th of last year, in which I

reported that Don Diego Oglethorpe, Commander of the English colonies,

had said openly that although he should receive orders from his King and

Court to fix the boundary limits between this government’s possessions

and those of the Carolinas, he would delay the execution of it, so that

there should never be a sign of these limits, and they must bear this

always in mind, for whatever might present itself. With this

intelligence it would be well to relieve these Colonies of such a man,

because on questions of importance upon any occurrence which should need

discussion, it would be exceedingly troublesome to manage a gentleman

who even refuses to answer my former letters. This is all I can say on

the subject--placing it before your Sovereign Majesty to whom God grant

many years.

MANUEL MONTIANO.

St. Augustine, Fla., August 11th, 1736.

* * * * *

A. D. 1738.

Information given by the Indian, Juan Ygnacio de los Reyes, of the

Iquaha Nation, one of the neighbors of the town of Pocotalaca in the

immediate vicinity of this Garrison. He says: That he left under my

orders on the 4th of July of this year to go to the neighboring English

colony, and ascertain by as many ways and artifices as he could, their

intentions, the state or condition they are in, and everything. He took

a small canoe at the Fort of Picolata and went down that river and

sailed through the mouth of the Sarabai, going as far as the Fort of San

Pedro, which belongs to the English, meditating upon what scheme he

should take to gain all this information, and not go about hiding and

endangering his life needlessly. He thought of delivering himself up, as

he did, pretending that he had killed an Indian here, and was fleeing

not to be hung; that he was seeking protection from them. On learning

this he was favorably received, and could see a Fort which was square

and stockaded with two pieces and a cannon looking seaward; in it was a

detachment of twenty soldiers more or less, there is no neighborhood,

and saw but four houses before coming to the Fort or Stockade; a few

laborers planting corn; that the soldiers who are there are from a small

vessel or Piroque of war, intended to seek the mouths of rivers; that

from this Fort of San Pedro he was taken by two soldiers to the Bar of

Ballenas, that is where the first place called San Andres is, there he

saw a number of soldiers drilling with spears, and although he did not

then know their exact number, he afterwards learned in St. Simons from

Lieutenant-Colonel Cochran that there were three hundred; that he there

saw a number of houses, newly built and close together as in Havana, a

number of English women, wives of the soldiers, but he could not tell

the number of houses in the place; that there is also a square Fort,

with four cannon, towards the sea, and on the other side he could not

see; that there were small guard houses around it. He could not see if

they had artillery, because they would not allow him too near; that from

here to the sea inland by the Bay there is a thick palisade of earth

with a parapet and at the extreme end there is a wharf and they told him

that there they had flints for the Spaniards, and they keep a launch

ready and armed so that at any moment of the day or night she can be

used. She is manned with sixteen men. They carried him to St. Simons to

the presence of Colonel Cochran. Immediately upon his arrival there,

they sent six soldiers with bayonets to escort him to the Colonel’s

house. He was asked where he was going, he replied to seek protection

and favor from them; he had killed an Indian in St. Augustine. Colonel

Cochran extended his hand to him, but when he went to take it he only

gave him one finger. He was asked about the Armada which was to

encounter them; how many vessels and men it brought. He told them he had

not seen it, but had heard there were a hundred vessels with more than

4,000 men, and that the Governor of St. Augustine had told them to

return, that he did not wish to hurt the English. He was asked how many

troops were in this Garrison--he replied that there used to be four

companies of one hundred soldiers on horse, but that recently five more

companies of one hundred men each had arrived. They then asked if there

was much silver in Florida. He replied: Yes, as there were so many

soldiers, money flowed freely. Then Colonel Cochran told him all that

would soon belong to the King of Great Britain. He was then asked about

the Castle and Garrison. He told them the Castle had one hundred and

sixty cannons so large he could not reach around them; the Garrison had

twelve bulwarks with ten cannon each. To which Colonel Cochran told him:

Well, see here; when you hear that General Oglethorpe, whom I am

expecting with seven thousand men, has arrived, then you will see me

place a vessel of war at the mouth of the Bar, and prevent any food from

entering Florida. On the keys I shall place others and no one shall

enter Havana, expressing himself in such a way as to say that the King

of England would gain more by taking Florida than Gibraltar; that while

that was advantageous, this would yield them a great deal more. This

conversation was continued, asking if the Castle could be reached if

there was water inside, to all of which he told them it was impossible.

Speaking of the Governor, he asked for a grape arbor he had in his

house, said to yield great quantities of grapes. He told them the

Governor was a saintly man, and that while he knew him to be so good, he

could not help but flee from the punishment he knew he deserved for

killing the Indian, because the Governor was also a just man. That it

was true he had a grape arbor producing large quantities of grapes.

Colonel Cochran then said: Very well, within one or two years we will

make our wine and whiskey there. He says that day and night he never

tired asking about Florida; that now they were fortifying to afterwards

come and take it; that in St. Simons he had three hundred troops, as

many more in San Andres and Sabanato. He had brought these to take

Florida, but hearing of the Spanish Armada, they had desisted and sent

for seven thousand more men, whom Oglethorpe would bring, and upon the

arrival of this Commander in less than two months they would gather

506,000 Indians; that he would make his entrance by the river St. Johns

in schooners and small vessels and disembark at a place some seven

leagues distant from Florida, where they had two small ports. These Juan

Ygnacio saw with his own eyes, where they have the men they were

drilling at San Andres. That in St. Simons he saw ten squares with ten

houses and seventy houses in six squares, the other four squares were

not completed. That in each of the houses they lodged six soldiers. That

he also saw a Fort with fifteen cannon, and as it was in a bad

condition, they were making brick to rebuild it. That going out to hunt,

he came near the house of “Frederico” distant from St. Simons three

leagues more or less. The English would not allow him to enter there,

but turned him back to St. Simons. That about one league from this place

he saw a vessel called the Mamal, and there he saw them building six

large houses in which they had fifty men, that they had large timber

works. This he knows positively, having been there twice. That Cochran

and another Englishman whom he thinks they call William Houston, he

overheard say that they had offered the Indians fifty dollars for every

Spanish scalp they killed, black or white, or Christian Indian, any one

partial to Spain. That his escape to return was accomplished in the

following manner: That one Thursday at ten o’clock in the morning he

told Cochran that he was going hunting, if he found no game he would

remain over night and fish, returning the next day; he allowed him to

go; taking advantage of the occasion he took his canoe and sailed along

the rivers until Friday morning, when he got on terra firma, leaving

his canoe he walked two days in the direction of the sunset, then

crossed over the land and at the end of ten days he was on the St. Johns

river where he found the launch from this Garrison, which is there on

guard. Having called and taken his shirt for a flag, they went and

brought him over. The same day he started for this place where he

arrived at twelve o’clock at night and gave the information as I send

it.

MANUEL MONTIANO.

St. Augustine, Fla., Aug. 20th, 1738.

* * * * *

By a Cedula of June 20th, 1671, the Viceroy of New Spain has been

ordered to communicate with the Governor of Florida, hoping that through

his zeal much can be accomplished in the cause of the English,

preventing them from getting a strong foothold so near the mouth of the

river St. Elena, which would be prejudicial to our interests. Therefore

the Viceroy is requested to give all the aid required. As to the

proposed fortification to this Port for its defense, do what is

necessary to defend the Province and communicate also with the Viceroy

whom I have commanded to try and give all the assistance possible,

always bearing in mind not to violate the laws of the capitulation of

peace. The Governor of Havana being nearest to Florida was also

commanded to communicate with the Governor of Florida and render all the

aid and assistance possible in the dislodging of the English from the

river St. Elena, who if remaining in said place would cause much

trouble. The Governor of Florida must also keep him informed of the

state of affairs. In a letter dated April, 1671, the Viceroy Marquez de

Mancera gives an account of the aid sent to the Garrison of St.

Augustine in accordance with Cedula received. The papers showing that

this aid had been received and approved by the Council of War,

accompanying this letter, which also states the order given the Governor

of New Spain to be very careful in keeping a continual correspondence

with the Governor of Florida, send supplies promptly, and notify the

Viceroy of all that occurs. Act in every way for the best security of

that Garrison, using the greatest diligence in its fortification and

defense, being as I understand of such importance. State what steps have

been taken in regard to the fortification that was to be built, and to

which reference is made in this dispatch to the Governor Manuel Cendovia

and if the supplies of the soldiers and provisions to begin the work

have arrived.

By Cedula of May 9th it was again commanded the Viceroy, calling his

special attention to it, that he must aid and supply this Garrison that

it may be in readiness for any emergency which may arrive. By another

Cedula the Governor of Florida was to inform the inhabitants of that

Fort, find out if they had their full quota for its defense, or if they

found it necessary to increase the number on account of the new

settlement of English sixty miles north. How long they had been there,

and if they were sufficiently provided to dislodge the English, which

information must be given so as to provide all and anything that is

necessary. The Governor represented that in the past, the number of

infantry in the Garrison was three hundred in which were included men of

different trades, forty missionary priests without whom the number was

not complete, adding that the total number was three hundred. When the

news of the looting by the English arrived they immediately sent to the

Viceroy of New Spain to send five hundred men to increase the infantry,

appealing to Mexico for more men to complete the number, they replied

that they had sent assistance to other Garrisons where they were

watching and had to have supplies and artillery, so that the War

Department had provided all it could. But to send to Havana and have the

Governor of that Post to act as he had been commanded and send with the

utmost speed the necessary defense for that Garrison. That the Viceroy

had been notified to order the Royal officers of Mexico to increase the

supplies of Florida each year by forty-three recruits, so that there

should never be less than three hundred and ninety in quarters. A Notice

of which was sent the Governor of Florida that he might keep them

informed of its fulfilment. To pay special care and vigilance to the

Province, having it well defended against accident from the enemy

entering, they could instantly banish and punish them. The Governor of

Florida also made known the great want of artillery, having consulted

with the War Department that same date, the War Department ordered the

Viceroy of New Spain and Governor of Havana each to send without delay

two pieces of bronze artillery at the same time they had sent an order

to the contracting house in Sevilla to send other pieces that were in

that City on the first occasion and also the two hundred arms asked for,

that the Garrison may not be without the means of defense and safety. To

keep the infantry under good discipline and that the Governor place

himself in communication with the Viceroy and the Governor of Havana to

see that they send him four pieces of artillery. The Florida Governor

gave an account in this letter also, of having formed a cavalry company

and a military company enlisting in them all who were able, old men and

boys not yet of age, his own sons among them. This he did for the

greater safety of the place against the enemy. He was giving the utmost

zeal and care to his duties. In a letter of 1674 the Sergeant-Major

acting as Governor of the Province of Florida, states that a vessel had

arrived at that Port and they had received four pieces of artillery and

other ammunition from the contracting house in Sevilla, that with this

and the artillery that was to come from Havana and New Spain, these

would be sufficient for the defense of the Garrison. By a dispatch of

1674 thanks were sent the Archbishop, Viceroy, for having sent to

Florida all the supplies due that Garrison. It was sent that it might

leave on the fleet passing Vera Cruz for Spain.

By another dispatch the Governor, Pablo Ita Salazar, was recommended

that he apply himself with much zeal in perfecting the fortification of

the Royal Fort being built in that City and that it be accomplished in a

manner for the best safety of the Province. By Cedula of 1675 the

Sergeant-Major Don Nicolas Ponce de Leon, in reply to a letter of his,

and attentive to an order sent the Governor of Cuba, that if the negro

slaves sent to Havana had not already been sold, he should send

immediately upon their arrival fifty of them to Florida, where they

should be put to work on the Castle under construction. The Indians who

served as peons were not strong and their people were much opposed to

their leaving the planting of corn which is the sustenance of their

families. And the Governor was ordered upon their arrival in Florida to

apply them to this work and relieve the Indians and to finish the

construction as quickly as possible.

CHAPTER XVII.

A. D. 1741-1743.

_Conduct of the Christians worse than the heathen--Soldiers guarded

while they are cutting timber to repair the Fort--The Castle in a

tumble-down condition--The Garrison to be maintained for the

propagation of the Holy Gospel, and to shelter the workers of the

Apostolic faith--A paper of representation to his Majesty

concerning the properties belonging to the Treasurer, Don Francisco

Menendez, deceased, left by will to the Royal Treasury--The

pressing need of the Infantry of this Garrison; it having no

capital, the property should be sold at public auction and proceeds

go to restore back pay of troops to alleviate suffering, hunger and

need for clothing, instead of being used for a hospital as per the

King’s desire--A letter from Governor Manuel Montiano informs his

Majesty of fourteen English vessels anchored off the Bar of this

Port--Six Spanish galleys sent to meet them at which the enemy

retires._

A. D. 1741.

_Sire_:

By the dispatches which, on this occasion, I send you duplicates as well

as the original, you and your Royal and Supreme Council of the Indias

will see the condition of this Port. The continued watch and worry I

have. The continuous watch by day and night of the Infantry to repulse

the hostilities of these enemies. The heathen not being as bad as the

Christians who have risen and commit the most bloody deeds upon all

those whom they catch, carrying off Indians as well as soldiers

prisoners to the Carolinas, where they sell them into bondage. For the

execution of this they have a different set of soldiers stationed at the

terminus of all the roads leading to this Garrison. I am forced to send

out troops on foot and horse to accompany any party going out to fell

and saw timber for the much needed repairs of the ramparts, gather wood,

coal, etc. I began these repairs as soon as I took possession, otherwise

the whole thing would have been demolished and left us with no defense

whatsoever. These repairs cannot last long, for the reasons I have

already repeatedly informed you, and lastly, the great need the Royal

Troops have of rebuilding the ramparts, quarters, warehouses and roofs

that they may stay in at all. To save you such enormous expense as each

day occurs, it will be necessary to fortify the place at once, because

with the English in such close proximity as the Carolinas, this Port is

in the greatest danger of being lost, as the troops are defenseless and

needy as you have been repeatedly informed, and you have given such

stringent orders that the Viceroy should supply all that is needed for

the expulsion of these English, and for which I have done my part far as

possible, as you will see from the consultation I had with him on the

10th of April of this year, an account of which I rendered your Majesty.

Notwithstanding the risk of encountering these enemies, no occasion is

lost of going out to find what is needed and necessary for the

preservation and defense of the Port. Cutting and sawing timber for the

stables and artillery, the most important things--the soliciting of

supplies that we may not be in want as the entire Garrison and

neighborhood depend entirely upon the Royal Warehouses for their

sustenance, as I long ago informed you on the 24th of March. I am hourly

awaiting my successor, to whom I shall give all needed instruction

regarding the defense of this Port from the enemy. I have decided to

surrender as far as possible the execution of the repairs I have

mentioned that he may apply all that he gets to the service of the two

Majesties; that this Garrison may be maintained for the propagation and

extension of the Holy Gospel, as has been done by the good Catholics,

the Kings, your predecessors of a hundred and sixty years, at such

enormous expense with no other interest than to shelter with these arms

the Workers of the Apostolic faith to the greater honor and glory of

God. May He preserve your Majesty.

FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ.

St. Augustine, Fla., December 11th, 1741.

REPRESENTATION.

1743.

The Officers of the Royal Treasury of this Garrison, at the most

convenient time and without prejudice to the definite appeal and

protests made in favor of the same Royal Treasury, represent to your

Highness that in view of this Post having more than seven hundred men,

re-enforcement over and above the troops of its Garrison. That with the

demise of Don Francisco Menendez Marquez, Auditor who was, of these

same Royal Coffers, your Highness has thought that the houses occupied

by him as residence, and all the balance of his property to which he

made the King his sole and only heir, should be dedicated to the use of

hospitals to serve these same troops of the infantry of this Garrison

when occasion offers, on account of the war. Before your Highness

determines to take this step, it becomes indispensable that we should

expose the fact to you that we cannot consent to have the abovementioned

houses assigned to any such uses for the following reasons:

First, because in his will Don Francisco Menendez Marquez himself

declares that, not being able from the balance of his accounts to

satisfy the Royal Treasury, he understood directly that it became

compulsory for him to ease his conscience that he should name the King

his sole and only heir. From this is deduced that all property known as

that of Don Francisco Menendez is, with legitimate title, the property

of the Royal Treasury. Not having the authority to sell these without an

order from your Majesty, it is consistent that we who are his executors

and lack the Royal permit to determine what disposition to make of it

resist the intention and thought your Highness has formed of the use of

the above mentioned houses and balance of property of the aforementioned

gentleman. It seemed to us that in all fairness and justice they should

be closed out at public auction and the proceeds thereof distributed

among the Infantry of this Garrison; because this Garrison has no

capital of its own, it follows that the legitimate creditors to the

property are these same troops. The Royal Treasury is under obligation

to restore to the Infantry the back pay due them, and never better than

now, that they lack clothing and are perishing, should aid come at a

more opportune time, and it could be done with the proceeds of this

property, lessening the obligation of the Royal Treasury that amount.

Second: Your Highness can have no conception of the increased suffering

occasioned by the war. The curing of the wounded soldiers and sailors

who have been in this Post for over two years, there being no capital to

apply to the indispensable expense of medical attendance for this

purpose, it is easy to understand that the situation is burdened by

heavy expenses, and to make it clearer, up to the present date no

provision has been made to cover the cost of the many works of

fortification in this Post and on the bar of Matanzas to defend them

against the continued attacks of our enemy, and for the multitude of

Indians who have attached themselves to us with so much firmness and

friendship, who forgetting us, and the word given to your Highness of

remaining neutral in the actual war between ourselves and the English,

and of the liberality of the King who orders them always to be treated

with so much kindness and affection when they come.

* * * * *

In a letter of September 15th of last year we explained to your Majesty

how fourteen English vessels had anchored off the bar of this Port,

coming prepared and perfectly sure they could disembark and take

possession. The six galleys of your Majesty met them, and

notwithstanding their continued firing they made them retire. We await

and naturally expect them to return and try to carry out their

intentions. And therefore, your Majesty’s service is as vigilant as

possible to be on the alert to prevent it. It has been a great pleasure

and satisfaction to us to inform your Majesty of the good results

obtained by the efforts of your six galleys in expelling the enemy. We

are watching closely along the coast of this Province for any other

design they may have of entering. God preserve you.

MANUEL MONTIANO.

El Prado, March 30th, 1743.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A. D. 1770-1771.

_A letter of resolution to his Majesty in respect to a letter of

appeal made to the Governor and the Bishop of Havana asking for

patent and Holy oil to administer baptism and extreme unction to

the Catholic families taken from the Island of Minorca by the

English--These families bringing with them one Don Pedro Campos,

Doctor of Sacred Theology, as a Parish Priest, and Don Bartolome

Casanovas, of the St. Augustine order, Vicar--These same claiming

to have received their appointment from the Supreme Pontificate,

not knowing to which Bishop this jurisdiction of Florida

belonged--At the end of three years to appear in writing to the

Prelate of the Apostolic choir of that Diocese--This letter sent

secretly by a fisherman--In order that a thorough investigation may

be made, the matter is referred to his Royal Highness--Letter of

the Archbishop of Valencia concerning same--Letter of the Bishop of

Cuba to his Majesty, in which he expresses gratification over the

zeal his Highness has shown concerning this matter--Advises that

these privileges be conferred upon Dr. Pedro Campos and Pedro

Casanovas--Letter of the Bishop of Minorca giving information

concerning the exporting of these families from the Island of

Minorca by the English._

LETTER OF RESOLUTION.

A. D. 1770.

_Sire_:

By order of his Majesty I sent the Knight of the Order, Fray Don Julian

de Arriaga, with papers of February 27th of this year, to the Governor

of Havana, and documents which treat especially of the appeal made to

the Bishop of that diocese, asking him for patent and Holy oil to

administer baptism and extreme unction to the Catholic families who were

taken from Minorca, to colonize the territory in Florida, belonging to

the English, so that it may be recognized and consulted in the Council

whatever may come up on this subject. The proclaimed Governor Don

Antonio Bucareli y Ursna give an account referring to the above

mentioned documents. He states that he received a letter addressed to

the Bishop of that diocese by one of the passing fish boats on its way

to the northern coast for the fisheries. That immediately upon its

receipt, he made returns of a copy of it, and its entire sentiment,

which he forwarded. From the appearance of its contents, the subject

treated, in their judgment it seemed proper to lay the whole matter

before your Majesty, including a copy of the aforementioned letter, that

you might decide what was most agreeable to your Royal pleasure. In the

already mentioned letter signed it seems by Don Pedro Campos, Doctor of

Sacred Theology, dated from Mosquito on the 20th of October of 1769, the

prelate lays before the public the fact that one year previous Mr.

Andrew Turnbull, an Englishman, had taken from the Island of Minorca

about 1300 persons to colonize Florida, for whom he was appointed

Parish Priest and Don Bartolome Casanovas, of the St. Augustine order,

Vicar of said jurisdiction. They had received their appointment from the

Supreme Pontificate, not knowing to which Bishop this jurisdiction of

Florida belonged, but it was their duty to appear by writing before the

expiration of three years to the Prelate of the Apostolic chair in that

diocese. That both of them are natives of Minorca, which Island was

temporarily subject to the King of Great Britain and spiritually to the

Bishop of Minorca. That he had studied philosophy and theology, received

all the orders, been one of the governing body and Vicar. This last

office he had held for twelve years in Minorca. Preached during several

Lents, as had also Padre Casanovas. For all these reasons he begs that

he be sent a patent of Parochial Priest and one of Vicar to Fray

Casanovas. He also asks for some of the Holy Oil used in baptism and

extreme unction. That all these be sent him by the same secret means of

the fishermen for the spiritual aid and advancement of those Catholic

people.

Successively the same Knight of the Order sent another paper and

testimony to the Bishop of Cuba, Don Santiago Echevarria, saying that

the dispatch or expedient sent belonged to the Council. With the order

of February 27th referring to the solicitude felt by that Vicar and

Parish Priest for the families who had been transported from Minorca, so

that they might be united to this tribunal which could proceed to

recognize them as stated in the prepared information. In it the same

prelate, Don Julian Arriaga, of the diocese, states that at the same

time he had full knowledge of the letter of Dr. Campos, the Governor

passed a bill considering it not worthy of his consideration and not

recognizing the legitimacy of the letter of the pretendent nor his

pontifical jurisdiction. Affirming that the testimony was of little

value or belief. The simple say so of a letter. The class of foreigners

who lived among heretics, diminished their estimation of the Holy Oil,

finally that he considered it absolutely necessary to lay the whole

matter before your Majesty. Considering each clause of the letter, he

deemed that it should be answered by the minister, arranging all

according to his judgment and resolution to be made known, so that

hereafter he may know how to proceed in similar cases. The Council, in

view of the referred report, placed it before the Judge, whose original

answer is in the hands of your Royal Highness confirming the opinion it

contains and placing before your Royal consideration that the judgment

found by the Bishop of Cuba has been very prudent, that he has worked

with wise precaution, because truly the contents of Dr. Campos’ letter

are very delicate, and one should be cautious in being influenced by a

weak letter entrusted to uncertain fishermen. That at all events it

lacks the necessary antecedents required for an affair of less

importance. That the foundation should be the legitimizing of the

persons referred to by the Priest and the Fray Casanovas. The claims

with which they passed to Florida in company with the families from

Minorca and the jurisdiction they assure us to have received from the

Supreme Pontificate. Nothing of this has been sent in document form, nor

promised to be sent in such form, ignoring also whether the families

from said Island taken out by the English were Catholics, and if they

had passed into Florida as such and with the freedom of enforcing their

religion. That Catholics, permanent residents of Florida, should ask

spiritual aid of the Bishop of Cuba, is perfectly proper, because,

before the occupation of the English, Mosquito was under his

jurisdiction. Neither should sacred things be exposed to the scorn and

ridicule of heretics, nor should it be badly administered. The secret

manner in which Dr. Campos seeks this aid, so very queer, because if the

families from Minorca are Catholic and were transported as such to

Florida with the free privilege of their religion, as is seen by their

efforts in bringing with them a Parish Priest and Vicar. The English

would certainly not oppose them in publicly asking for and having all

that is required by these same Catholics for administering the

sacraments, education of the masses, and spiritual good of their souls.

All this makes it indispensable that we should have a thorough knowledge

and investigation of these affairs by other means before we can decide

on this matter with any certainty. To which is added that by the article

eleven of the Treaty of Peace adjusted on the 13th of July of the year

1713, in which was ceded to the crown of Great Britain the Island of

Minorca, (among other things) promised by his British Majesty was that

the inhabitants of the said Island should enjoy in all safety and

peacefulness all the honors and privileges of the Roman Catholic

religion, and also that for the preservation of this religion they

should take all measures which did not appear exposed to the Government

of Sevilla and laws of Great Britain. Thus it seems to the Council that

your Minister in Rome should be appointed to investigate the matter

with the greatest solicitude, because if the Catholics of the above

mentioned Island of Minorca, transported by the English in the year 1768

(as we deduce from Dr. Campos’ letter), have made an appeal to the

Apostolic Secretary in order to carry with them their own Pastor, and if

his Holiness has named in the capacity of the Parish Priest and Vicar

the referred to Don Pedro Campos and Don Bartolome Casanovas of the St.

Augustine Order, and such jurisdiction assigned to them.

Being informed as briefly and clearly as possible, extend an order to

the Captain-General of the Island of Minorca and to the Bishop of that

Diocese that they may separately inform if they know of the exportation

of the families of Minorca by the English to populate Florida. If the

declared families were Catholic, and if the Prelates lived and behaved

as priests; if they passed over here with the understanding that they

had free use of their religion, if Dr. Campos and Pedro Casanova were

elected as Parish Priest and Vicar of them. What is the character and

circumstances of these two subjects, and if on accepting they gave

notice and obtained permission of that minister and that prelate. In the

meanwhile if the steps have been taken, it is imperative that the

Governor of Havana and the Bishop of Cuba be given to understand that

the prudent steps taken by them was exactly and perfectly agreeable to

your Majesty. Their determination and your agreeing with it perfectly as

though they had anticipated your resolution on the present subject. That

without appearing in it, the Bishop should try by all means available to

investigate the manner of practising the Catholic religion by these

Minorcans in Florida. The position of Dr. Campos and Fray Casanovas who

are supposed to be Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic portion of

the settlement. Let a similar order be given the Governor so as to

advance as speedily as possible with the news, giving information of the

results of the search that your Majesty may decide on what is most

agreeable to your Royal Highness.

Madrid, Sept. 27th, 1770.

LETTER OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF VALENCIA.

_My Dear Sir_:

Having formed the corresponding petition, begging for an extension of

the privileges granted Don Pedro Campos and Pedro Bartolome Casanovas, I

also asked the Pope in the name of his Royal Majesty to grant these

ministers all privileges in their spiritual management, as requested by

his Majesty.

Your Lordship notified me as seems quite proper the time to investigate

concerning these privileges, he being one of the supervisors at the

tribunal of the Holy Office, he immediately accomplished what was asked

by sending to his Holiness at the instigation of Monseñor Autoville,

Assessor of said Tribunal, who spoke favorably of helping them with his

influence, as he did, and you will see by the enclosed letter of

Saturday sent by Señor Zelada. He informs me that his Holiness extends

to them the privileges for a term of twenty years and inquires of me if

I have attended to the balance of the communications soliciting greater

privileges for these Ecclesiastics, enclosing for my instruction the

printed pamphlet of privileges granted the Bishop of Cuba, where he

facilitates the authentic open mandate. Seeming to me to be agreeable

and satisfactory to the King, I replied that he should ask these

privileges and notify me, as he has done, and which I send you, hoping

they will deserve your approval and the pleasure of his Majesty. I take

this occasion of placing myself at your disposal, and may God grant you

a long life is the wish of

THE BISHOP OF VALENCIA.

Trascati, August 28th, 1771.

LETTER OF THE BISHOP OF CUBA.

_Sire_:

I have had the honor of receiving the Royal Cedule of your Majesty dated

in Idelfonso 16th of August, of this year, in reply to my letter of

February 19th. You condescend to enclose me a copy of what the Rev.

Bishop of Minorca has written regarding the Catholic families who were

taken from Minorca to establish themselves in the English territory of

Florida, called Mosquito, and a literal copy of the privileges granted

by the Apostolic See to the Parish Priest and Vicar of them.

You order me that in the use of peculiar privileges and delegated in

consequence of the subordination under which these Presbyters declare

themselves. I should grant them the titles they ask of parochial and

assistant in the most approved form under the present state of

affairs--to furnish them with the Holy Oil as long as there should be no

reason for withholding it, and take entire care of those faithful,

governing them by means of these ministers, and taking as many

precautions as I consider proper to the preservation of the faith,

availing myself in case of need of the Governor and Captain-General of

this Island. Your Majesty advises me of the official letters addressed

by the Secretary of State to the Court of London, representing clearly

what was said by the Bishop of Minorca, and also the result of the

solicitation which by your order has aided the Rev. Archbishop of

Valencia with his Holiness, in obtaining from him an extension of the

privileges granted these Ecclesiastics extend even beyond mine--and it

is well and needed for the spiritual good of this Catholic portion. Have

the goodness to permit me to express the sweet commotion my soul has

felt at seeing the proper zeal on the part of your Majesty, and the

interest you take in extending the Kingdom of Christ over all the world.

This example must influence the Pastors, as we have the honor of

rendering homage to so great and Catholic a Monarch.

As to the instructions of your Sovereign Majesty that I should

communicate your resolutions to the Marquez de la Torre, the new

Governor and Captain-General of this city and Island, I did not have to

encourage his zeal in the affair. Full of the greatest energy in the

service of God and your Majesty, he immediately fitted up a vessel

which, under the pretext of fishing along the coast of Florida, should

approach Mosquito Inlet and deliver to Dr. Pedro Campos, through safe

hands, the two titles, for himself that of Parish Priest and Vicar for

his companion, Pedro Casanovas--a delegation of various privileges I

have considered advisable for the spiritual good of that Diocese under

its dangerous constitution. A casket containing three vessels of the

Holy Oil needed, and two assistants for the divine worship, all of which

I offer up to the service of God.

These documents I place at the foot of your throne. By them you will see

how I have written to these Ministers inspiring them with a spirit of

gratitude. I encourage and sustain them to carry out their good

enterprise, exacting a report under pretext of aiding them in their

spiritual emergencies. The moment I obtain them I shall send to your

Majesty all the light I obtain on the subject. I shall be on the lookout

to consult the books used by these Religious men, and aid them in all

that is needed for the reasonable administration of the sacraments and

health of their souls. Judging by the measures I have taken of their

delegation they will scarcely need the extension of the first words of

the Holy Chair. On the arrival of these, I shall take other means more

suitable to these circumstances, and in all shall try to carry out the

real intentions your Majesty has deemed proper to state to me and

nothing will be more gratifying than to ascertain them through my

fidelity to God, who I hope will preserve you for many years.

Havana, December 14th, 1771.

LETTER OF THE BISHOP OF MINORCA.

_My Dear Sir_:

On date of October 27th just passed and by order of your Majesty, on the

occasion of a representation made you by common accord by the Bishop and

Governor of Havana, I was commissioned by Don Tomas Melio, predecessor

of your Majesty’s, to give any information I could regarding the

exporting of the families from the Island of Minorca by the English to

colonize Florida. If these families were Catholics and if Dr. Pedro

Campos and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, who accompanied them, had been

elected for that purpose, their character and circumstances and if for

the acceptance of this commission they notified me and obtained my

license.

It seems suitable to my ministry to give a categorical reply to what has

been asked, the impediments imposed on my jurisdiction by the Governor

of said Island when the exportation was carried into effect, with me to

the extent of opening my private letters, suspecting others might be

enclosed in them for me. This deprived me of all news regarding the

exportation, which by means of some who came from said Islands brought

me news of my Vicar-General by word of mouth, it being impossible to

write under the circumstances, that the families were all Catholics and

passed over with the free use of their religion having accompanied them

two Ecclesiastics to serve as Parochial Priests, and I am persuaded they

were the same who gave rise to the representation. During the opposition

of that Governor to the exercise of my authority I many times resorted

to carry from the Island to the Court, to men who were worthy to protect

the benignity of our Catholic religion with messages to your Ambassador

at the Court and at my instigation they were placed at your Royal feet

by the Marquez of Grimalde with whose powerful help and meditation we

finally obtained a hearing of the private Council of the King of Great

Britain which took place on last June, when a Decree was sent stating

that no state, and I have placed myself in communication with the Vicar

to whom I have written that without loss of time he informed me of all

that had occurred in the exportation, how executed, the circumstances of

the two Ecclesiastics and if they went with this permission, and all

else conducive to a satisfactory reply. This I will fulfill immediately

I receive a reply. In the meantime the exportation being undoubtedly

public and notorious, also that it was occasioned by the want and

suffering endured in that Island by many families on account of poor

crops for several consecutive years which obliged me to grant

dispensation from the eating of lactenacious food and meat on prohibited

days. Most of the families who went to Florida had come to this Island

to colonize the unhappy city of Aludia, and if I rightly understand, I

do not doubt but that some went to Cierra Morena or other places in

Spain, from the manner in which the Vicar-General communicated to me the

exportation, I doubt if the Ecclesiastics went with his permission, he

would only have allowed and tolerated it for the good of the religion

and not to irritate the Governor more by reports which, when I first

arrived on this Island, he gave me of all the Ecclesiastics. It results

that Dr. Campos was a good and laborious Priest, devoted strictly to his

ministerial duties, and had been Vicar for some years. That he was Vicar

of a village of that Island. This is confirmed by several persons of

Minorca who, in this unsettled state, are still here, and although some

of the clergy do not give such good reports, those they have given of

his conduct are not bad, but being obliged to state all that I

understood in this city regarding the exportation, I am assured by

several persons that bad news is being spread of the unhappiness in

which these families live, their disgust with the country where there is

nothing but hard labor and want, in place of the happiness and riches

they had been promised by the English, and what is worse, that they

themselves (without stating the reason) had assassinated the said

Clergyman who had accompanied them. This is all I can tell you at

present, until I have a reply for the worse from my Vicar-General of

Minorca. In the meantime I take this occasion to congratulate your

Majesty upon your new destiny and after my services praying God may

grant you long life.

BISHOP OF MINORCA.

Palma, February 5th, 1771.

CHAPTER XIX.

A. D. 1771.

_The opinion of the Judge, after having examined the different

letters from the Bishops and those in authority connected therewith

and after making thorough investigation into this matter concerning

the granting of the patent and graces asked for by these Priests of

the Minorcan families of the English colony of Florida--The Bishop

of Cuba for the Council to Dr. Don Pedro Campos and the Rev. Father

Bartolome Casanovas, extends to these Priests the title of Parish

Priest and Vicar--Also sends a box containing three flasks of

Sacred Oil--Hopes soon to be able to send a more extended

prorogation of other powers--This grace having been solicited by

the King from the Court of Rome--Asks for a more extended report of

the number of families and condition of the congregation._

The Judge has seen a letter of the Rev. Archbishop of Valencia, Minister

of his Majesty, in the Court of Rome, dated Dec. 13th of the last year,

in which replying to another of Nov. 3rd by the Secretary of State, he

informs him of some indulgences and privileges granted by the Apostolic

See to Dr. Pedro Campos, secular priest, and to Father Bartolome

Casanovas of the St. Augustine Order, who accompanied the Catholic

families of Minorca in the year 1768 selected by the English for their

colony in Florida in America. He has also seen another letter from the

Rev. Bishop of Minorca of the 5th of February last, who informs him that

by Royal Cedula of November 7th of the past year, he has been asked

regarding the manner practised in the selection of the families of

Minorca and the circumstances of said prelates; he gives all the

information he knows and can at present, promising that immediately upon

receipt of news he expects and has asked for he will forward. Lastly

that he has investigated and informed himself of the Royal order of the

1st of the present March by which these letters have passed to the

Council, that they may agree in the provisions they deem worthy and

advisable. For the better understanding of all this affair it must be

remembered that the Governor of Havana, Don Antonio Bucareli, gave an

account on the 11th of January of the referred to year, of the arrival

of another certificate of the virtues of one for Beatification, directed

to the Rev. Bishop and seemingly written by Dr. Pedro Campos who calls

himself Parish Priest of the families of Minorca who were selected by

the English for their colony of Florida; that this letter had been put

in the hands of the Diocesan Prelate; that one and the other had

notified his Majesty of the difficulties surrounding the request and

proposition of Dr. Campos, as has been demonstrated by the antecedent

documents. It is also worthy of consideration that Dr. Campos in his

letter at the same time that he states the selection and transmigration

of the Minorcans to Florida participates that he had been elected Parish

Priest of said families, and Father Casanovas, Vicar of them, which

jurisdiction they had received from the Supreme Pontificate who ignored

to which Bishop they were subject in that English colony; but placing

them under obligation to appear by writing before the expiration of

three years to the Holy See and the Diocesan Prelate that one and the

other were natives of Minorca, subject under the temporal power to Great

Britain and spiritually to the Bishop of Minorca, both having exercised

for many years the position of priests in preaching the Gospel and moral

doctrines. And for this reason they begged the Rev. Bishop of Cuba to

send them patents of Parish Priest and Vicar for Father Casanovas, as

also the Holy Oil for baptism and extreme unction, and two assistant

priests, proceeding with circumspection and secrecy and taking advantage

of the fishermen of that coast, being all the inducement required for

the help and benefit of the spiritual good of the Catholics. The Rev.

Bishop of Cuba, considering the grave importance of the matter,

refrained from replying to Dr. Campos, being ignorant of the quality and

jurisdiction of his authority, and not to expose to irreverence the

sacred matter of the Holy Oil, sending it to a Protestant Colony, and

not knowing the person nor authority he had for exercising the place of

Parish Priest, especially as the letter had not come in a legitimate

way; but by the uncertain conduct of fishermen entrusted with the secret

of an affair which did not seem to require this means, as there was

liberty of religion observed in the English Colony, and as the Minorcans

reserved the right to practise the Catholic religion.

The Judge, in view of all this, adopts the idea of the Rev. Bishop of

Cuba, and approves his prudent resolution, and was of the opinion that

this matter be illustrated by investigation, as to whether it was true

that this authority was granted by the Apostolic See, to the Prelates

Campos and Casanovas--and under what terms and considerations. What

subjects they were, if they had been appointed by the Diocesan of

Minorca, if they were of good habits, and if the Minorcans were

Catholics. If under these terms they had come to Florida with the view

of carrying out the necessary orders of the Prelate and Governor of

Minorca, and the Minister of your Majesty in the Court of Rome. All of

which was accomplished, this being the antecedent which gives motive to

the reply of the letters which have remained so long unanswered. The

Minister of Rome gives information that in the month of June of 1768

were deputised as Apostolic missionaries for the English Province of

Florida, the aforementioned Dr. Campos and Father Casanovas, this last

as Vicar for the Minorcan families who asked of the Apostolic See, that

different authority should be granted these Prelates for the term of

three years, and in the meantime permission of his Holiness, according

to terms which result by a simple copy which will accompany their

letter. This Minister adds to have stated to his Holiness that if it

were agreeable to His Majesty that this authority be promulgated and

privileges granted that his only object was to please and serve the

Catholic King.

The Apostolic indulgences being examined, it results that they were

reduced to six: administering the sacraments, asking permission of the

Bishop, and under the same condition the authority in all hidden cases

of granting dispensation to the poor, for contracting matrimony, to

erect churches and chapels--all these must be exercised without pay for

the term of three years, in the meantime with the approbation of the

Apostolic See. The Rev. Bishop of Minorca says: that he cannot furnish

the information asked of him until he obtains news of his Vicar-General

of Minorca, who has not been able to execute it by writing, but he

assures us that these Prelates and all the Minorcan families were

Catholics and passed to Florida carrying with them two Ecclesiastics who

might be the said Campos and Casanovas. The Judge, with reference to

all, considers that he has discovered sufficient truth to assuage the

just fears of the Rev. Bishop of Cuba, to the recourse to the Apostolic

See, by the Minorcan families or of the Prelates Campos and Casanovas

and the authority granted to these by his Holiness. The application for

help of Dr. Campos dispels all doubt which might arise from the distance

between Florida and the Island of Cuba. From all this result other

useful things, since all this authority granted Dr. Campos and Father

Casanovas is left at the disposal of the Bishop of Cuba and as this

Prelate and to all those of America so many pontifical authorities are

granted, he can very well make use of it for the spiritual government of

the little flock of Catholics residing in the English Colony and examine

the privileges granted to these Presbyters, adopting them according to

the nature and delegate of the authority of their Pastoral Office. It is

true that the secrecy asked by Dr. Campos caused some misgivings, but in

view of what it expounded by the Rev. Bishop of Minorca the mystery is

solved, as perhaps it has happened in Florida as in Minorca and Minorca

in regard to the disturbances of the Catholic religion, the English

having been wanting in their promises drawn up in their agreement. So

that, as the Vicar-General of Minorca had no expedient in his

jurisdiction, the same may have happened to Dr. Campos and Father

Casanovas who, in consequence of the determination of the Court of

London, cannot proceed in all concerning the education and spiritual

care of the Catholics.

Under these considerations the Judge feels that the Rev. Bishop of Cuba

should send him a copy of all that he wishes, sharing with him the care

of the faithful of Florida, governing them by means of the

aforementioned ministers and taking as much forethought as his zeal

dictates and he considers convenient to a good government and conversion

of that Catholic portion, availing themselves of the necessary form of

Governor of Havana and Captain-General of that Island of Cuba, not only

for having been the means of which Dr. Campos availed himself, but also

that he may communicate with the Governor and Chief of Florida, and that

the Rev. Bishop of Minorca send him notice of his letter and beg him to

take charge and investigate such reports as may come up, informing

himself through the Vicar-General of Minorca and also of those Catholic

subjects who from said Island have passed to the city of Alzuvia as we

are assured in his letter. That the Commandant of Minorca be stimulated

anew to obtain the information demanded of him. And that he send

documents to the Marquez of Gremaldin to the effect that he send notice

to the Council of the church service, which by the Secretary in charge

has been made in the Courts of London at the instance of the clergy and

Bishop of Minorca, and of the resolution taken by the Council, provided

by the King of Great Britain. These documents being necessary, to send a

copy to the Governor and Bishop of Cuba that they may proceed securely

and provide such resources as are needed, for all of which they can free

themselves with necessary speed. Notwithstanding the Council will

remember what is most agreeable.

Madrid, April 16th, 1771.

FOR THE COUNCIL.

A. D. 1771.

_My Dear Sir_:

I have not forgotten your Excellency’s letter of Oct. 20th of 1768, in

which you state to me your merits and occupation as also that of Father

Bartolome Casanovas of the St. Augustine Order, and you expound to me

the motives which induce you to apply to me for your title of Parish

Priest of the Catholic families of Minorcans established in Mosquito,

English territory of Florida, and that of Vicar for the other Priest.

Also asking for the Sacred Oils with which to administer baptism and

extreme unction, and for two assistant Priests of the Divine office. In

order that I might reply to your claims I considered it advisable to

submit it to the higher authority and intelligence of the King, my Lord,

and that I might be enlightened by his Sovereign order regarding all

requirements for so delicate and serious a subject. I have received all

the light on the subject I wished through a Royal Cedula of Aug. 16th of

the present year, composed of documents which legitimatize the

character of your executive and that of your companion. The power and

authority invested in you by the Holy See and the professed Catholicism

of the Minorcan families to whom you both administer. Also the various

instructions all relative to my government in that Catholic Colony whose

obedience and prompt attention to the kind intentions of the King our

Sovereign, I extend to you (by means of a safe and trusty guide) the

title of Parish Priest and Vicar. A copy containing the only and

extraordinary powers of the Apostolic Chair, which I hold and which I

convey to your Excellency and by your death, sickness or other

legitimate impediment, to your companion. That the time with the

requirements expressed therein, two assistant priests of the Divine

office and a box with three flasks of sacred oil, distinguished as the

Chrisma, Catecuma, and for the sick. I hope soon to send you a more

extended prorogation of other powers, that you may make good use of them

to the benefit of that small flock, and in case of you and your

companion’s death, the Priest I should nominate. This is a grace that

the Catholic and clement heart of the King has solicited from the Court

of Rome, through the means of his Minister. It is also reserved that I

shall be promptly advised of the results of the Offices made in the

court of London, by order or representation of the Illustrious Bishop of

Minorca, and the resolutions taken by the private council of the King of

Great Britain in the month of June of the past year, with the only

desire that their people do not become discouraged in the Holy Religion

they profess, and that they owe such great blessings to the best of

Monarchs whose large soul guides all his thoughts and intentions to the

sustenance and propagation of the true Roman Faith, making it noticed

and perceived by the whole world his pious and eminent care for humanity

and his heroic and glorious zeal. Your Excellency will make it

understood by those chosen few, the gratitude and acknowledgment these

sublime demonstrations bind them to fulfill. Apply yourself to guide

them and make them patient with all love and charity. Apply yourself to

all this and count on my assistance in all that is needed to secure this

important work. That I may better form an idea of your wants and desires

to relieve them with the spiritual aid that your condition requires, it

would be well you should send me immediately an individual report of the

constitution, material and formula of your church and a list of the

families who compose your congregation. State all excesses, and anything

you deem worthy of my consideration and within my Province. These last

will always have for their object the salvation of the souls confided to

the good conscience and care of your Excellency and your companion,

whose good conduct I flatter myself leaves nothing to desire, being

perfect and complete in the discharge of his respective ministerial

duties to the honor and glory of God. These are of such interest that we

are obliged to sacrifice our best efforts, the repose and even loss of

our own lives. I remain with best wishes and always ready to conciliate

your wishes. May God guide you for many happy years.

I kiss your hand and am your affectionate and sincere Chaplain,

THE BISHOP OF CUBA.

Señor Dr. Don Pedro Campos (absent).

Rev. Father Bartolome Casanovas.

It agrees with the original letter and its contents, which remain in the

Secretary under my charge and which I remit by order of the Bishop, my

Lord. I took this out in Havana on the 3rd day of December, 1771.

DR. JOSE DE LA BANDERA, Secretary.

CHAPTER XX.

A. D. 1773.

_Proceedings of the Council upon information obtained from his

Majesty’s Minister at the Court of Rome concerning the appeal made

by the Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic families established

in the English territory of Florida--The matter contained in the

different Bishops’ letters, also the letters of the Priest and

Vicar asking for patent and further privileges rehearsed--A report

of the condition of the said Minorcan families who are dissatisfied

with the lack of spiritual comforts--Have built a brick church and

are very devout--Of their desire to throw off the yoke of Great

Britain and their love for Spain--Reply of the Judge--Testimony

sent by the Bishop of Cuba._

COUNCIL.

Report relative to information obtained from His Majesty’s minister at

the Court of Rome in reply to the order expedited as a result of the

appeal made by the Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic families

established in the English territory of Florida, to the Bishop of Cuba,

asking for the Holy Oil.

PROCEEDINGS.

First--In Council on September 27th of last year, it was called to your

Royal attention in Council, what had been represented by the Governor of

Havana and Rev. Bishop of Cuba, concerning the appeal made to the

Bishop of Cuba by Dr. Pedro Campos and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, the

first Parish Priest, the second Vicar of the Catholic families who were

taken from Minorca to colonize the territory of Florida, belonging to

the English, asking for the Holy Oil, with which to administer baptism.

It seemed that your Majesty’s Minister in the Court of Rome was the most

worthy person to solicit and obtain with promptness the information as

to whether the Catholics taken from the Island of Minorca by the English

in the year 1768, had made an appeal to the Holy See that they might

carry with them their own Pastors, and if his Holiness had named in the

capacity of Parish or Parochial Priest and Vicar of the referred to

people, the Presbyters Dr. Campos and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, and

what jurisdiction had been conceded to them, giving all information with

the greatest clearness; also, that the correspondence and letter be

expedited to the Captain-General of the Island of Minorca and the Bishop

of that Diocese that they should inform separately all details they knew

of the extraction of the families of Minorca made by the English to

colonize Florida, if said families were Catholics and lived and behaved

as such. If they went over with the privilege of the free use of their

religion, and if Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas were elected Parish

Priest and Vicar of them. What was the character of these two Subjects,

and if for the acceptance of this charge they gave notice and obtained

permission from that Minister. In the meantime, while such steps are

being taken, that they should acknowledge to the Governor of Havana and

Bishop of Cuba, the receipt of their letters stating it to have been to

the Royal approval of your Majesty the determination they had agreed

upon--notifying each that your Majesty would take some action in the

matter, but that the Bishop should try to inform himself of the manner

of practising the Catholic religion by these Minorcans in Florida, and

the manner of assistance by the Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic

Town and that the same be forwarded to the Governor, so that one and the

other advance the information resulting therefrom. And your Majesty

having agreed in this opinion should order the corresponding Royal

Cedulas and letters agreed upon with date of October 27th and November

7th of last year.

FINAL CONDITION.

In this condition the Council received a letter from the Rev. Bishop of

Minorca of February 5th of this year, stating that he could not take the

required steps for obtaining information asked, as he awaited news of

his Vicar-General of Minorca, who had sent him some messages by word of

mouth, not being able to do so by writing on account of the interference

of the Governor of that Island. Notwithstanding the difficulties the

Vicar had communicated to him the fact that all the families were

Catholics who went to Florida with the free use of their religion,

carrying with them, to serve as Parish Priest and Vicar, two

Ecclesiastics, one secular and one monastic (belonging to an order), and

they might be the ones mentioned. This Prelate adding that the first was

a good and laborious Priest, applying himself strictly to his

Ministerial duties, and had been Vicar for many years on that Island.

That of the other he did not have such good reports, although those he

had were not so bad. That it was reported the English had assassinated

this Priest without stating a reason for doing so. That last June, on

account of the troubles between this Court and the Court of London, a

decree was obtained from the private Council of the King of Great

Britain that in Minorca there should be no further interference with the

Ecclesiastics; that now a more quiet state exists and things are

restored to their normal state, therefore the Rev. Bishop awaited news

of the matter from his Vicar, having asked for it last October 27th.

Prior to this Fray Julian Ariaga had sent a document, dated March 1st of

the present year, written upon the resolution of your Majesty, expressed

in a letter notifying your Minister at the Court of Rome, who having

verified and accomplished the same the accompanying note, showing the

powers and privileges invested in Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas. These

documents are sent by order of his Majesty to the Council, that upon

seeing them they may agree upon the provisions most expedient. In this

letter the Minister of your Majesty in Rome states that in the month of

June of 1768 they were empowered as Apostolic Missionaries for the

English Province of Florida. The Minorcan families had petitioned the

Holy See to invest these Prelates with certain powers, which was done,

granting them these powers for a term of three years, in the meantime a

Permit of His Holiness accompanied it set forth in these terms, as shown

by the copy--if it should be agreeable to your Majesty that they make

use of these powers and privileges--that he was only too glad and

willing to serve and please so good and Catholic a King.

From the above mentioned letter of indulgences, it appears that they are

six, reduced to the administering of the Parochial Sacraments, obtaining

first permission from the Bishop or his Vicar. These places are near,

not further than two days’ journey of ten leagues each day by land from

the Province of Florida, and under the same conditions these Priests are

invested with the power of absolving abroad all such hidden cases,

although it be reserved for the Holy See to give dispensation to the

poor, where they wish to contract matrimony within certain degrees of

kinship. Some of these privileges of dispensation are granted to some

Priests approved by their Bishop. They could construct churches and

chapels in the Colony under the same restrictions of getting a permit

from the Diocesan Bishop, if not absent and at too great a distance.

These privileges were to be exercised in a gracious manner for only

three years, in the meantime under permit of the Holy See. The Council

of March 4th of this year, having agreed that this expedient be

transferred to the Judge with the former proceedings. In his reply of

August 16th is the following. With regard to all that is stated he says:

that he discovers ample reasons to quiet the mind and anxieties

indicated by the Bishop of Cuba, as it is evident the Minorcan families

obtain direct permission from the Holy See granting these powers to Dr.

Campos and Padre Casanovas--leaving them, however, subordinates to the

Diocesan Bishop while he was not at too great a distance. That the

proceedings of Dr. Campos remove all doubt which might arise of the

distance of the Bishop, as this Presbyter recognizes him as his own and

proper Pastor. From this the Judge decides that the Bishop of Cuba can

grant, without any further fear, the requests of Dr. Campos; that he

should contribute to it, not alone for the consolation it would bring

those Catholic families, but also to confirm and establish his

jurisdiction, and have it under his control in all things concerning the

Faith. Under these terms occur many others which are useful, as the

privileges are granted these Ecclesiastics, but places them legally

under control of the Bishop of Cuba. And as to this Prelate, as well as

to all those in America, such ample privileges are granted, he might

well avail himself of them for the spiritual government of the flock of

Catholics residing in the English Colony. He could examine the

privileges conceded and interpret them as the new ones of his Pastoral

Office. It is true that the caution and secrecy used by Dr. Campos

caused some anxiety and suspicion, but in view of what the Rev. Bishop

of Minorca says, the mystery is discovered, supposing that the same

circumstances had arisen in Florida as in Minorca, and there had been

religious disturbances, or that the English had failed to comply with

the treaties of the capitulation. That as the Vicar-General of Minorca

was prevented from carrying on his correspondence with the Diocese of

Minorca, the same might have occurred with Dr. Campos, owing to the

proceedings at the Court of London he could have no intercourse with any

other Diocese. That aside from these considerations, which are to be

regretted, the Judge considers it well for the Bishop of Cuba to retain

a copy with all the particulars given by the Bishop of Minorca,

referring to the good standing of the Catholics who emigrated to the

English Colony, and that the high standing of Dr. Campos and Padre

Casanovas and send a literal copy of the privileges granted to them by

the Apostolic See, omitting the expression used in the summary of the

“Bula de la Cena.” But that the Bishop make use of all the privileges

granted him, and expedite the titles of Parochial Pastor and Vicar which

have been asked of him in such terms as are best suited for the present,

and send them the Holy Oils, if nothing new should arise to prevent it.

So care for the faithful of Florida and govern them by means of these

same Ministers--using all the zeal and care he considers good for

them--making use of the Governor of Havana and the Captain-General if

necessary. Not only that he was the means used by Dr. Campos for

obtaining these concessions, but that documents may be passed between

himself and the Governor of Florida, he should have the Bishop of

Minorca to acknowledge receipt of his letter, and beg him to verify the

reports and information given by the Vicar-General of Minorca of those

Catholic subjects who passed from the City of Alusia (Alcubea) as he

assures us in his letter. That the commandant of Minorca make it

obligatory that he give this information asked, and that an official

report be made of it and sent to the Marquis of Grimaldi that he in turn

may report it to the Council as his individual report of what the

secretary under his charge has done in the Court of London at the

representation of the Clergy and Bishop of Minorca and the resolution

taken by the private Council of the King of Great Britain in the month

of June of the past year, as affirmed by the same Bishop. These

documents are necessary according as what may be produced or forwarded

by the Governor or Bishop of Cuba, so as to proceed with security and

remit to the Ministers of Florida the necessary resources and forward

categorical documents if found necessary. By means of these dispatches

and letters all things may be facilitated.

NOTE.

This expedient being ready for the Councils, two letters have been

received, one from the proclaimed Bishop of Minorca and the other from

the Commandant of that Island, Marques de Alos, both dated April 22nd of

the present year. The first states that in consequence of what he spoke

of in his preceding letter of February 5th, that an account of the

troubles on the Island of Minorca in trying to open war with this Court,

His Vicar-General who resides there did not dare to answer His letter of

December 14th past, regarding the various families who had passed into

Florida. That only by a note, without his signature, did he intimate

that this Priest had the title of Prelate and the power to confess and

preach. That he was a person of merit, capacity and virtue. That the

Monk who accompanied him had the license and power to preach and hear

confessions; that immediately after the publication of peace he heard

from the same Vicar, who after writing of several affairs corresponding

to his ministerial duties, He states that from his Parish alone on

account of the great suffering from failures of crops, there had gone to

Florida with others from that Island and Spain, more than three hundred

families. They were urged by insinuations from the Government who

offered them homes, with land to cultivate and hold and the free use of

their Catholic religion, adding these remarks regarding the proclaimed

Priests: Dr. Campos, who had served as Vicar and Parish Priest in the

Parish of Mercadal, had asked him for letters and testimonials to pass

over to Florida, which he granted and in them stated the good character

He bore and exemplary life He had led and good work he had done for the

Church, having served many years as Vicar and being well versed in

literature. The St. Augustine Monk who accompanied Him was Padre

Bartolome Casanovas; he found nothing wrong in His conduct; He had

preached in the Parish of Alazor and was consequently the Confessor of

men; he did not remember more. He concludes his letter stating that this

is about all He can say on the subject. The Commandant, Marques de Alos,

in His letter stated that He had not been able sooner to make the

necessary inquiries and comply with the order on account of the

differences between this Court and that of London, but that things

having quieted he has been able to ascertain that the transmigration of

these families was made by the offer of lands to cultivate and retain

with the free use of their Catholic Religion as practised by the

Minorcans of that Island, according to the treaty between both Courts.

That Dr. Campos was assistant Parish Priest of Mercadal--a Priest of

exemplary life and habits, taking with Him his credentials from the

Vicar of the Diocese in Mahon. It was supposed that the Augustine Monk

went also with permission of his Superior, but of that nothing certain

was obtained, as that portion of the Island of Minorca was under the

dominion of Great Britain, and only the Ecclesiastics recognized the

superiority of the Bishop of that Diocese--this was all he could certify

in obedience to the command received. Later a letter came from the

Bishop of Cuba, dated February 19th; on the same subject in response to

the order sent by Royal Cedula of November 7th, he says: That having

devoted himself to find out, with every precaution, he was able to

obtain the following information from one of the fishermen who has been

in the Catholic Minorcan settlement. That these families are established

in their homes, the house of Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas being the

principal one of the place. They have a church built of brick, quite

commodious and decent; that having obtained last year large and abundant

crops of corn and indigo, they loaded two vessels with indigo, but that

they are dissatisfied on account of the number of deaths occurring among

them and also the lack of spiritual comforts from this same Priest, who

had asked for the Holy Oil of the Bishop of Cuba. That most of the

Minorcan Colonists are very devout; He saw them daily praying the Rosary

and receiving communion, but all wish to throw off the yoke of Great

Britain and pass again to the dominion of your Majesty--demonstrating

with strong and lively expressions their love and conservatism for the

Crown of Spain. This I believe, from all He tells me, He saw during His

stay among them. The Bishop concludes by stating: It is all he can tell

us regarding this affair, but he has taken steps for further information

which he will forward to your Majesty when obtained. All of which I make

known to the Council that it may proceed as most convenient.

Number 87--3--27-- Year 1773.

REPLY OF THE JUDGE.

The Judge being cognizant of your Majesty’s Royal Decree regarding the

consultation held by the Government on December 10th, 1772, at which

time said Tribunal recalling the proceedings and last state of the

expedient of the Minorcan families who passed over to Florida, with the

free use of their Catholic religion, he brings to the consideration of

your Majesty, among other things, that they implore of the Apostolic See

the grace and power for the actual missionaries of the Commission or

Bull from the Vatican, that they may administer the Sacrament of

confirmation to these faithful ones, while the Bishop of Cuba does not

dare concede these powers to them, on account of the natives and his

peculiar Episcopal dignity. That your Royal person deign to confer with

the Council in the following terms. As the Judge has decided, it seems

proper that my Minister in Rome should supplicate the Vatican for a

Bull, granting power to these missionaries, and have it sent by the

reserved way for their direction. In obedience to this sovereign

resolution, and to accomplish it in the spirit intended, the Judge has

had present the origin of this affair and the motive which actuated the

sentiment of the Council to the referred consultation of December 10th,

and with reference to one and the other He has found the minutes which

are rubricated by His hand, and accompany this reply. The proclaimed

minutes comprehend a general idea of the manner and style in which the

Minister of this Court in Rome should present the supplication and urge

the granting thereof in the order and regularity with which these

affairs are conducted in the Offices and Tribunals of Rome. The Judge

has not seen proper to state the form of these Bulls, leaving that to

the arbitration of your Majesty’s Minister, that time may not be lost

when the opportunity presents itself. The Judge feels that if the

Council finds nothing to correct in the minutes they should be sent by

the “via reservada” as arranged by the Royal Decree already mentioned,

that your Majesty may give it the direction which corresponds and is of

your Royal pleasure.

Madrid, Aug. 21st, 1773.

TESTIMONY SENT BY THE BISHOP OF CUBA.

_Sire_:

With regard to the Royal Cedula of the present January 3rd in which your

Royal Highness advises me to assist, care for, and aid the Catholic

Minorcan families established in the English Territory of Florida, in

accord with the Governor of the Post, I have given the interlocutory

decree comprehended in the testimony which I remit to your Majesty for

your sovereign approval.

May God preserve your Majesty for many years.

SANTIAGO JOSE, Bishop of Cuba.

Havana, June 30th, 1773.

CHAPTER XXI.

A. D. 1773-1786.

_Letter from the King to the Bishop of Cuba concerning the petition

soliciting an extension of time and the privileges conceded to Dr.

Pedro Campos and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, Parochial Priest and

Vicar of Catholic families of Minorca in Florida--Enclosing an open

mandate of his Holiness enlarging and extending the time for twenty

years, Madrid, 1773--A copy of a letter and statement sent in by

Lieutenant of Hibernians, Don Nicholas Grenier, in regard to the

importance of the St. Johns and St. Marys river Provinces, stating

the need to his Majesty of vessels armed to impress and control

these Provinces which are rich in timber, turpentine, pitch and

tar--Considers it detrimental to Spanish interests for Americans to

introduce any commerce in those Provinces--Letter for the

Captain-General of Florida to the Governor of the post of St.

Augustine concerning the great necessity of further protecting the

Spanish interests along the St. Marys and St. Johns

rivers--Tranquility of the country jeopardized by outlaws--Some

have been arrested and paid the penalty with their lives--Matter

referred to the Governor, 1774._

THE KING TO THE REV. FATHER IN CHRIST, BISHOP OF THE HOLY CHURCH,

CATHEDRAL OF SANTIAGO DE CUBA.

In a letter of August 29th, 1771, I am informed by Don Lamas Acpuro,

Archbishop, who was of Valencia and my Minister to the Court of Rome,

that in virtue of a warning from the Marquez of Grimalde in a letter of

July 23rd, he had formed the corresponding petition soliciting an

extension of time of the privileges conceded to Dr. Pedro Campos and

Padre Bartolome Casanovas, Parochial Priest and Vicar of the Catholic

families of Minorca, who went to establish themselves in the English

territory of Florida, asking also that his Holiness accord to these

Ecclesiastics and their successors the other graces and privileges

needed to administer to the spiritual nourishment of their flocks--and

having deemed it desirable to transmit them through Monseñor Zelada of

whom they had also availed themselves to investigate the truth of these

privileges, being one of the Prelates who served in the Tribunal of the

Holy Office. He immediately complied with the petition in consequence of

having sent it to his Holiness at the instigation of Monseñor Antonelli,

assistant of the same Tribunal, who spoke to his Holiness in audience,

using his favorable influence with the result shown in his letter to

Monseñor Zelada of August 24th, informing him that his Holiness extended

these privileges to twenty years--asking if he had complied with the

balance of the communication for greater privileges and followed the

instructions mentioned in the open mandate. He replied asking if he

would pass on to solicit in the practical way which was proper, and

hoping it would deserve my approbation. Having seen the referred to

document with my Council of the Indias, represented by Marquis de la

Torre, Governor and Captain-General of that Island, by letter dated

December 4th, 1771, concerning what you had done in consequence of the

warning given you in the affair of the aforementioned families,

explained by my Judge, and consulted me regarding it about the last of

December past. I have resolved (among other things) to send the

aforementioned open Mandate which has been obtained from his Holiness to

certify to you the enlargement and extension of time granted the

aforesaid Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas and charging you (as I do) to

use all means that are proper for your Pastoral Ministry and those of

his Holiness, it has latterly been conceded you--having present by

Chapter 28 of the Mandate, you can communicate it to all the Priests

whom it may effect, and as the notice given you by the referred to Royal

Cedula of August 16th, 1771, you will attend to and aid spiritually all

the Catholics of Florida, this being my will.

THE KING.

Madrid, August 4th, 1773.

* * * * *

_Excellent Sire_:

I enclose you a copy of a letter and statement which by my order was

sent in by Lieutenant of Hibernians Don Nicholas Grenier, upon his

return from the River St. Mary’s where since my arrival I have placed

him rather as a Commissioned than a detached Officer, as I have before

notified your Majesty, because it has seemed to me that is the most

important place in this Province as no doubt it will be in the future,

on account of its fine and accessible Bar, the abundance of magnificent

timber, the thorough knowledge the English have of the river, the

scarcity of this nation for building material would be a stimulus to the

Bahamas as well as to Satavento and Barlovento, that in future they

should be supplied from them. In a previous report I stated to your

Majesty the necessity I felt for two vessels for said river and the St.

John’s, but today I consider it my duty to make known to your Majesty

the great need we have of vessels, and would ask that you send a

Man-of-war with some schooners, launches and boats around as reserve

guards, not only for the St. Mary’s, but the St. John’s also, where the

Bar, although not as many feet deep as the St. Mary’s, is better and its

waters are navigable for larger vessels thirty leagues up the river, and

its banks abound in magnificent timber, especially the pine, from which

the English have taken many millions of barrels of turpentine, pitch and

tar. I also consider it important to have the armed vessels to secure

the tranquility of this Country and put a restraint upon the many

disturbers of peace who not knowing where to go and wishing to remain in

the Province refused to be subjected to Government or laws of any kind.

It is certain that in such cases a few armed vessels would make more

impression than two regiments since the swamps and woods make it almost

impossible for them to operate. The twenty-five Dragoons I now have are

not sufficient to maintain my orders with the proper authority,

therefore I fear to issue orders not to compromise the dignity of this

Government. My only resource and hope is that your Majesty will place me

in a position where, when occasion demands, I can act with the proper

spirit and decorum. God preserve you for many years.

St. Augustine, November 12th, 1784.

COPY OF LETTER OF COMMANDANT OF DETACHED BODY OF TROOPS ON THE ST.

MARY’S RIVER TO THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA.

_My Dear Sir_:

Acting upon the order imposed upon me by His Majesty, when I presented

myself for resignation of the commission under my charge on the river

St. Mary’s. I enclose adjusted a report stating as far as my ability

allows all that I have observed and consider worthy of your notice. God

preserve you many years.

NICOLAS GRENIER.

STATEMENT.

The Bar of St. Mary’s, so called, although its true name is Bar of

Amelia, is considered one of the best and least dangerous of the America

Septentrional. Vessels of 500 tons can enter. On either side are

Islands. The one on the right is called Cumberland, belonging to the

Americans; it is sparsely inhabited, exceedingly fertile in timber, as

American vessels come to cut it. The one on the left is called Amelia,

its land is considered very fertile, producing pine, cedar and oak in

abundance. Its inhabitants number some twenty families; these people

belong as much to one Island as the other, being variable and erratic in

their habits. The distance between Amelia and Cumberland, which forms

the channel where all vessels going up the St. Mary’s are obliged to

pass, is more or less--miles. For this reason a Fort or Castle at the

northern extremity of Amelia would be of the greatest advantage. The

channel formed by these Islands is at the mouth of the river. In front

of these Islands is a third one called Tiger, entirely depopulated, as

it is sterile, full of swamps and lakes so that no advantage can be

derived from it. From the anchoring grounds of Amelia to the entrance of

St. Mary’s river is a distance of one and a half miles and the River is

navigable for forty miles. At the mouth of said River there is a place

called by the English New Town or Princetown which was selected for

building a City, but the work was never carried out. The number of

outlaws between the towns of St. John’s and St. Mary’s is about sixty

families. Among them some might be useful to our Nation, but the others

the sooner we drive them out of the Province the better, as they are men

who have neither God nor law, and men who are capable of the greatest

atrocities. There is another River further in where vessels can navigate

for several miles, but it requires an experienced pilot, on account of

the numerous sand banks and small streams and the most experienced are

frequently deceived. There are four or five other small Islands. The

Talbot, St. George, Doctor and the Pierce, all these Islands, although

in themselves small, are of much value for their beautiful pines, cedars

and oaks. I consider it detrimental to our interests that the Americans

introduce any commerce in this Province, and at the same time I believe

the best way to prevent it would be to establish a fleet. These Islands

produce timber to build the vessels.

NICOLAS GRENIER.

St. Augustine, Fla., Nov. 10th, 1784.

1786.

LETTER FOR THE CAPTAIN-GENERAL OF FLORIDA TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE POST OF

ST. AUGUSTINE.

Don Vicente Manuel de Cespedes gave an account in three letters directed

to your Excellency that Don Nicolas Grenier, who commanded the detached

company on the River St. Mary’s, stated the urgency and necessity of

protecting that post for the advantages which would accrue from it to

the Royal service, and tranquility of the Country. The inhabitants have

openly declared against us, but conceal themselves in wilderness on the

banks of the St. John’s as far as St. Mary’s controlling that Province.

He warned the English Governor Don Patrick Louin to prosecute the

perfidity of such men, if he would secure a peaceful Government. The

opinion he had formed of them was afterwards confirmed by the frequent

thefts and deprivation, it could not be remedied for the want of aid.

Under such circumstances I judge it better to wait and allow them to

leave and then vigorously oppose their re-entering the Province. At

present, the beginning of the year 1785, we find ourselves free from

many of the principal leaders of them, who went over to Pensacola and

other English settlements and to the United States, where some have paid

the penalty of their misdeeds with their lives. The Señor Louin seemed

to think the time had arrived when they should be prosecuted, and so he

sent to arrest one of the outlaws, Daniel Mc----, in the name of Great

Britain. Candido Salteador and Guillermo Cunningham are even worse than

the others, being constant receivers of stolen goods. He afterwards gave

them their liberty under bond that they should leave the Province with

the tide, using the launch San Pedro to convey them, he made them take

oath never to re-enter the Province nor surrounding country. We are to

consult with Providence as to what steps must be taken with Cunningham’s

wife and children. The reports having been examined by the Council of

Indians, they have decided to take no steps at present, the King

agreeing to the proposition, and his Majesty commands me to return your

Excellency the above referred reports and testimonials, that as

Captain-General of the Province of St. Augustine, is to proceed in the

case, as your Excellency, under the circumstances, should determine in

things of weight as well as in minor affairs, as behooves a Governor of

Florida. Render a just account of the results, and of the Royal Order. I

warn your Excellency that you fulfill it.

God preserve you for many years.

SEÑOR.

Madrid, December 5th, 1786.

* * * * *

Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:

Jaun=> Juan {multiple times}

Jaun Cebadillo=> Juan Cebadilla

Juan Cebadillo=> Juan Cebadilla

take Jaques de Soria=> take Jacques de Soria {pg 7}

Fernando Mirando=> Fernando Miranda {pg 27}

Notary Public Juan Ximanes=> Notary Public Juan Ximenes {pg viii}

Fray Blas DeMontes=> Fray Blas De Montes {pg viii}

day of the Anethema=> day of the Anathema {pg 93}

Don Diego de Rolallado=> Don Diego de Rebolledo {pg 98}

Diego Robelledo=> Diego Rebolledo {pg x, 96, 105}

retard the convertion=> retard the conversion {pg x}

Alonzo Aranqui y Cartez=> Alonzo Aranqui y Cortez {pg x}

Report of Fernando Mirando, agent to the King=> Report of Fernando

Miranda, agent to the King {pg vii}

Notary Public Juan Ximanes=> Notary Public Juan Ximenes {pg viii}

Juan Ximanes, a Notary Public and secretary=> Juan Ximenes, a Notary

Public and secretary {pg 34}

Nothwithstanding all the above=> Notwithstanding all the above {pg 36}

he saw what sucess=> he saw what success {pg 38}

go to the Monastary=> go to the Monastery {pg 38}

they proceed to feret=> they proceed to ferret {pg 78}

three hudred=> three hundred {pg 89}

Senor => Señor {x10}

Monsenor=> Monseñor {x4 }

such exhorbitant=> such exorbitant {pg 100}

large quanitity=> large quantity {pg 100}

Francisco De La Guerre y Vega concerning=> Francisco De La Guerra y

Vega concerning {pg xi}

Francisco Guerray Vega reports=> Francisco Guerra y Vega reports {pg

107}

Jaun Marquez Cabera, Governor and Captain-General of Florida=> Juan

Marquez Cabrera, Governor and Captain-General of Florida {pg xii}

The King reprimands Don Diego Quiraga=> The King reprimands Don Diego

Quiroga {pg xii}

Don-Diego Quiroba y Losada=> Don Diego Quiroga y Losada {pg xii}

Augustine by Governor Don Diego Guiroga y Losada=> Augustine by

Governor Don Diego Quiroga y Losada {pg xii, xiii}

His illtreatment of a Captain=> His ill treatment of a Captain {pg

xiii}

Francisco Carcoles y Martinez=> Francisco Córcoles y Martinez {pg xiii}

Francisco Carcales y Martinez=> Francisco Córcoles y Martinez {pg xiv}

Appalachicola=> Apalachicola {pg xiii. 97, 164}

Corcoles=> Córcoles {x4}

so they many not vex the natives=> so they may not vex the natives {pg

5}

them a canonade and=> them a cannonade and {pg 5}

the keys of Canavarel=> the keys of Canaveral {pg 23}

Diego Fernandez de Guinones, in Havana=> Diego Fernandez de Quinones,

in Havana {pg 31}

Having been imformed=> Having been informed {pg 102}

which to accummulate=> which to accumulate {pg 126}

ocupying a passage=> occupying a passage {pg 130}

send me reenforcements=> send me re-enforcements {pg 145}

Diego Guiroba y Losada=> Diego Quiroba y Losada {pg 151}

He proposed the the=> He proposed the {pg 153}

Antonio Bienavidos=> Antonio Bienavides {pg 160, 170, 171, 173}

Antonio Bienavides=> Antonio Benavides {pg 164, 173}

Governor of St. Augutine=> Governor of St. Augustine {pg 177}

they were drillng=> they were drilling {pg 179}

they are cuttng=> they are cutting {pg 185}

available to investige=> available to investigate {pg 196}

Fray Casanova=> Fray Casanovas {pg 194, }

Father Bartolome Casanova=> Father Bartolome Casanovas {pg 204, 205,

212}

Fray Casanova=> Fray Casanovas {pg 193, 194, }

Don Bartolome Casanova=> Don Bartolome Casanovas {pg 196, 197}

Father Casanova=> Father Casanovas {pg 206, 207, 208}

From all this results=> From all this result {pg 208}

St. Marys River to the Governor=> St. Mary's River to the Governor {pg

230}

the America Septentional=> the America Septentrional {pg 230}