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.