CHAPTER XIII--A. D. 1680-1685 136

Letter from Pablo Ita Salazer to his Majesty--Indians of the Province of Guale declare themselves friendly to the English, and make war upon the Spaniards of the Island of St. Catherine--They surprise the six sentinels, killing all but one who escaped and gave warning--The people gather in the convent of a Friar and defend themselves from day light until four o’clock, when aid reaches them from the Garrison of St. Augustine, whereupon the enemy retires--The natives of the Island greatly alarmed--Disquieting news of the intentions of the enemy upon this Garrison--Implores aid from the King quickly, that the English may be ejected from the land--Don Juan Marquez Cabrera, Governor and Captain-General of Florida--Gives account to his Majesty of hostilities in the Provinces--Two Fleets, French and English, going and coming from Havana--Seize Fort Matanzas and, after plundering, burn it to the ground--Is now being rebuilt--Great depredations committed up and down the coast by the enemy--Pushing the work on the Castle--Grieved over its slow progress, owing to lack of workmen--Begs to be allowed to retire because of age and long service--To Charles II, our principal Casique, the King--From the people of the territory of Habalache--The King to the Governor and Captain-General of Florida--Concerning ten negroes from St. George, who asked for the water of baptism--A Sergeant-Major from St. George comes to claim them--Because they have become Christians the Spanish King decides to buy them--After receiving a receipt they are to be set at liberty, each one given a document to that effect--The King reprimands Don Diego Quiroga for not attending to these matters--Orders a full account to be sent as soon as it is accomplished.