Representation.

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 nightof 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 defenseof 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.

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 sameRoyal 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 backpay 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 toreturn 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.

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.

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 ParishPriest 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 Governorpassed 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 theyhad 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 matterwith 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 religionby 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.

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 grantedthe 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.

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 precautionsas 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 casketcontaining 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.

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 informationI 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 nostate, 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 severalpersons 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.

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 1768selected 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 hadreceived 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 contractingmatrimony, 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 disturbancesof 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 theclergy 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.

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 thecharacter 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 intentionsto 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.

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.

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.

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 Havanaand 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 Bishopof 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.

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 thatIsland. 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 ariseof 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 theBishop 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.

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 insinuationsfrom 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.

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 ofRome. 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.

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.

A. D. 1773-1786.

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