CHAPTER XV--A. D. 1708-1723 163

Francisco Córcoles y Martinez in a letter to his Majesty reports all possible measures taken to prevent the destroying of this Province--Indians from the villages bordering on the Carolinas, aided by the English, each day carry off certain families, Christians and natives, more than ten thousand having been carried off to date--Probably sold into slavery--A Treaty urged with the English of the Carolinas, else there will be a continuance of hostilities and the spread of the Gospel impeded--In a second letter the Governor gives an account of certain Friars in a dispute with the Priest of the Parish concerning the rights to marry soldiers, Spaniards, Indians and half-breeds--The matter laid before the Governor, who in turn refers it 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 a Treaty of Peace between the English and Spanish of those Provinces adjoining--Which same was carried out as far as possible--Trinkets and clothing sent to the Casiques and chiefs of Apalachicola as commanded--Indians restless making preparations for war--English spreading dissatisfaction--A Council of war decides to send a vessel to Havana to the Governor asking for men, arms and provisions.