..uV;:,:d Ql^": 'OVr'LXTEOlll'J:^ COLLECTIONS Georgia Historical Society Vol. VII PART III THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA, IN AMERICA, AND OF ITS DEFEAT ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND BY GENERAL JAMES OGLETHORPE / ) Published by The Georgia Historical Society Savannah, Ga. Savannah, Ga. Savannah Morning Nevrs 1913 PREFACE The translation that follows was made from manuscripts in the library of Mr. W. J. DeRenne, copied from the origi- nal documents preserved in the Archives of the Indies at Seville. Each of these manuscripts bears a heading giving the provenance of its original, and each is further certified as being a true copy. Heading and certificate are reproduc- ed with the first document of the translation, but it has not been thought worth while to repeat them with the remain- der. The papers of this collection fall more or less naturally into groups : — Letters and orders, diaries, reports and re- turns. The list of sea- and shore-signals, and one set of naval instructions, have with the returns been placed last as being somewhat detached, logically, from the substance of the other papers. They have their significance and in- terest, however, in that they reveal the extreme care be- stowed on the expedition. It will be noticed that the list of signals and the set of naval instructions relate to an earlier expedition, planned but not carried out. The sketches of guns and mortars are due to Lieutenant J. W. Lang, 9th Regiment of Infantry, United States Army. They are reproduced from illustrations in the catalogue of the Artillery Museum at Madrid. The Treaty of Vienna, November 18, 1738, gave Spain but a short respite from war. Claims and counterclaims arising chiefly out of colonial questions, led to much diplo- matic parleying with England, and in January, 1739, she saw herself obliged to pay that country an indemnity of £95,000. On the presentation of a demand for a counter- indemnity, England threatened war; on August 20th au- thorized reprisals, and finally on October 30, 1739, declared war. It is of this war, terminated b}^ the Treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle, October 18, 1748, that the events of the following pages form a part. War or no war, the Spanish had long been contemplating an expedition against the English Colony of Georgia. They kept such an expedition on the stocks, as it were, to be launched when opportune; and finally did launch it in June of 1742 to overwhelm the English King's new Colony "in the place called Georgia." To the King of Spain, and to his subjects in Cuba and Florida, the chief object was puni- tive: the insolent and perfidious English were to be chas- tised and the chastisement was to be extermination. There was no notion of conquest; once the object attained and the English swept ofif the face of the earth, troops and ships were to return to their respective garrisons in St. Augus- tine and Havana. So much stress, indeed, w^as laid on this withdrawal as to justify the belief that its accomplishment was' almost as much a matter of concern as the advance it- self. This concern undeniably affected the morale of the commanding general, if not of the entire expedition. In forming an estimate of the events dealt with in the following pages, it is needful to place one's self in a proper point of view. If w-e place ourselves abroad, the events are inconspicuous ; if we recross the Atlantic, they loom large. In reality, we must not regard the attempt of Spain on New Georgia as an affair between small numbers in a dis- tant and unimportant land; it was Spain and England striv- ing for mastery in a vast continent, and although Spain, as already said, had no notion of conquest, to England, that is to Oglethorpe, the notion of permanency was ever present and fundamentally real. To him the question was whether his beloved Georgia should be a Spanish waste, or a living, free, English colony, a potential State. How he answered this question we all know: he brought to naught as grave a danger as ever threatened the Colonies, and he did it alone. The point of view must needs then be local, but with a national outlook ; it follows that the papers in this collec- tion acquire a double interest. And this interest grows with the conviction, begot of an examination of the records, that Oglethorpe- by all the rules of the game, should have been jjeaten. He was out-manned, out-shipped, and out- gunned. But he was a soldier, and knew his business; al- though men, and ships, and guns are necessary, alone they are not suflficient. They must first be welded into a homo- geneous instrument and then intelligently used, before pos- itive results can be expected. This homogeneity was lack- ing to his adversaries, a fact that he must have been ac- quainted with ; moreover, they had not had time to know their commander, Montiano, nor he his troops. And lastly, it is in the highest degree probable that Oglethorpe had measured his antagonist. That Montiano had failed to take his own measure, is proved by his pitiable report to his King. Without in the least intending- it, in complete unconsciousness, he strips his own inefficiency bare for our inspection and examina- tion. Psychologically, conditions were against the Span- iards from the outset, but this must not in the least be taken to detract from Oglethorpe : he had to reckon on the one hand with a force much greater than any he could muster, and on the other hand, with certain possibilities in his favor; but in respect of these he might very easily have been in error. The Spaniards sailed into St. Simons gallantly enough, and landed their men between the forts and the town of Frederica. No resistance was offered. Bearing in mind that a landing under fire is, for the landing party, a delicate operation, we may well ask why Oglethorpe should have neglected this opportunity to do his adversary a serious harm. But a little reflection will show that this case really ofifered no opportunity. As soon as it became evident that the run-past of the ships was, or would be, successful, the evacuation of the forts was imposed. To leave troops in the forts, even if they could have held out, was foll}^ so clear that we need waste no time over the matter. But once withdrawn, where should they go? Should they pro- ceed to resist this disembarkation, either alone, or in junc tion with other forces brought down for the purpose? But Oglethorpe could not tell where the Spaniards would land : it was not inconceivable that they would deliver their first attack on the town itself. If, however, they should choose to land between the town and the forts, then it was the part of wisdom to leave them to follow this course ; for once ashore, they would have miles of swamp to cross be- fore reaching him, and his inferiority in numbers would be more than compensated by the advantage of positions se- lected in advance. If he had attempted to oppose this land- ing, he would have had the morasses at his back, and so in case of check, have converted an admirable natural defence into a most serious obstacle to successful withdrawal. Moreover, so few were his men that he could not afiford to divide them ; and lastly, and quite apart from any other consideration, he had no guns to oppose to the Spanish naval artillery, against which any musketry fire that he could bring to bear, ineffective in those days beyond two hundred yards, would have been powerless. The issue proved the wisdom of his dispositions. The first attempt of the Spaniards to push their way through the morasses was also their last, nor did they later make any effort of any other sort. This failure to undertake any- thing more must be regarded as discreditable to the "glory and reputation of the arms of the King," particularly if the Spanish account of losses be correct. That it is not, we know from other sources. Indeed, so great were Montia- no's losses, and among his best troops, so sudden and un- expected his check, so uncompromising his defeat, that the matter was really then and there settled. In plain English, he had no stomach for further business. After that disas- trous beating when his grenadiers fell only to incarnadine the waters of the swamp in which they were entrapped, he sent out only Indians to see '"if they could find some other road to Frederica". Meanwhile his rations were being reduced, he had not got his guns ashore, and rumors unnerved him. In these straits he fell to calling councils of war and so was lost. That he had made only one genuine effort to reach his objective, that in spite of the failure of this effort, he still outnumbered Oglethorpe, that in any case his fleet was substantially intact, these things made no impression on him. His one concern was to withdraw. And yet so blind was he to his own shortcomings that he attributes his fail- ure to the Almighty and actually asks his King to approve his conduct of affairs and to bestow honors upon him. To be sure, he had razed a few earthworks evacuated by their garrisons, carried off a few guns spiked by the enem}^ burned a few houses abandoned by the inhabitants. And here we may now well leave him, recounting his victories over inanimate things, and glossing his failure, for this fail- ure made the State of Georgia possible. C. DeW. W. West Point, New York, October 19, 1912. Y A M A C R A W \ I N D i/a ^ S Xon;: The Figurvs .lie Faihcmii at lcw\\ Jwr upCTi die Uors Ipecified ou bodi thrfc Drau^U;niid at bi^ WatcratJidc>1fitfdicreU4l^tliaiiu ■\\&tcr aiid ni '^■e Boi there is 4 i Ricboin9\Vaicr,aiid over both Bars 40 Gun Ship5 niiv go aiid (afeljinbotliSounOi # GENERAL ARCHIVES OF THE INDIES: AUDIENCE OF SAN DOMINGO, LOUISIANA AND FLORIDA. Report Upon the Expulsion of the English from the Territories They Have Usurped in Florida, and Survey of Limits and Incidences. From 1738 to 1743; Case 87, Drawer 1, File 3. Affidavit of Juan Castelnau, a Prisoner in Georgia. Havana, July 24, 1739.* Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas transmits the depositions made by Juan Castelnau, a native of Los Pasages in Guipuzcoa, on the present state of the Settle- ments of New Georgia, where he was held a prisoner for 18 months, and of its fortifications, forces and establishments. Sir: Juan Castelnau, who says he is a native of Los Pas- ages in Guipuzcoa, having come from Cartagena in this dis- patch boat now on her way to those kingdoms [i. e. Castile and Leon, or Spain] with the order and permission consist- ing in a decree petitioned for by him of Lieutenant General Don Bias de Lesso, I have taken the declarations that follow to substantiate the reasons he gave to obtain the said per- mission. As I find from them that he has told the truth, and given an exact account and trustworthy news of the state of the towns of New Georgia, its fortifications, forces and es- tablishments, both as these were at the time of the expedi- tion intended and planned for the past year of 1738, and as they were after the arrival of the Commanding General Don Diego Ogletop,** I have thought it proper to send your Lordship the testimony of his declarations, to the end that His Majesty may be thoroughly informed of past and pres- ent conditions, because it agrees with all the inquiries and news which I had made and acquired for the expedition, and with those of the Governor of Saint Augustine in • It should he recollected that these dates are Gregorian; those of the contemporaneous English accounts are Julian. The difference, as Is well known, was at this epoch, eleven days. •* Oglethorpe's name has In all cases, been left exactly as the Spaniards •wrote it. 8 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE Florida, made after the return of Don Diego Ogletorp to those Colonies. God keep vour Lordship many years. Havana, July 24, 1739. Your most obedient servant kisses your hand. Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas. To Sefior Don Joseph de la Quintana. DECLARATION. In the ciiy of Havana, on the 18th day of July, 1739, Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas, Field Marshal of the Armies of His Majesty, his Governor and Captain Gen- eral over the said city and of the Island of Cuba, said: — That the day before yesterday, the 16th of the current month, there came into this port [Havanal from that of Cartagena of the Indies, the dispatch frigate on her way to the kingdom of Castile and aboard of her, Juan Castelnau, a native of Los Pasages in the Province of Guipuzcoa, who was for 18 months a prisoner in New Georgia and other settlements, which the English have occupied ; and that up- on his lil)eration, he succeeded in passing through Virginia and other parts to the' city of Santo Domingo in the island of Hispaniola, and thence to Cartagena aforesaid. Here he presented himself to His Excellency Don Bias de Leso,* Lieutenant General of His Majesty's fleets, Commander of the Galleons there stationed, and of all the naval forces in America, who upon request ordered him to proceed here in the dispatch frigate. In order now to possess ourselves of all that he has seen, surveyed, and understood, let him appear forlhwitlT. and under oath, clearly and distinctly set forth the matter, according to the questions that may be made to him. And by these presents, I so provide, com- mand and sign. Guemes. Before me, Miguel de Ayala, Chief Clerk, State and War. • I.^ao. or I.czo. la mentioned by Altamira (Hlstorla de Espana, Vol. IV., p 1S4) »■ one of tho celebrated Spanish seamen of the time. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 9 Declaration of Juan Casfelnau. His Lordship, the Governor and Captain General imme- diately caused Juan Castelnau, a native of Los Pasages, to appear before him, who being- sworn before God and on the Cross according to law, promised in consequence to tell the truth, whereupon the following questions were put to him; Asked why he had come to this place in the dispatch boat that had anchored in its port, the 16th instant, on its way from Cartagena to Spain, he said, that finding himself in Cartegena, he had asked permission of His Excellency Don Bias de Leso, Lieutenant General of the Fleets of His Majest}^, Commander of the Galleons in that port, and of all the naval forces in America, to go to Havana and make report to His Lordship of the state of the Colonics of New Georgia in which the English had kept him a prisoner for 18 months, as appears from the petition which he presented to the said Don Bias de Leso and from his decree in evi- dence. Asked why and when he had been apprehended by the English of the Colonies of New Georgia, where he de- clared he had been, he answered that it was because they took him for a spy of Spain, and that it was in the beginning of the year 1737 on passing from Florida to Carolina, when he was examined by two tribunals ; that after two months of confinement on account of said suspicion, the tribunals finding him guiltless, had enlarged him. Asked how he had passed from Florida to Carolina, and for what reason he was in Florida, he said he had gone from Pensacola, where he had assisted the paymaster of that post, to Florida with the idea of crossing Carolina on his v/ay to Europe in order to return to his own country, and that to that end he had received authority from the Governor of Saint Augustine in Florida, who was then Don Francisco del Moral Sanchez, to make a journey through Carolina. Asked where he had been after being set at liberty in Carolina, as declared by him, and for how long, he answer- ed that returning to Florida for the purpose of seeing if he could not earn some money on account of having spent and consumed that which he had before while a prisoner in Carolina, he had embarked in a pirogue at Port Royal and arrived at Savannah, a town which they said was the cap- ital of New Georgia, through fear of falling in with the English commanding officers of the other ports. He put to sea with the master of the said pirogue, and bad weather 10 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE coming on, they were driven in and compelled to save their lives by going ashore on an island called Emilia, whence a guard of four Englishmen there stationed took him to Saint Simon's. Here had his residence a commanding of- ficer called Captain Gasquin, who, after enquiring into the reasons which had brought him thither put him aboard the manual or coast guard vessel of the place, invariably forbid- ding him to communicate with whatever Spanish vessel might be in those waters, until the Commander Don Diego Obletor having arrived from London, he recovered his liberty. Asked in what manner he had proceeded from those parts to Cartagena, he said that Don Diego Obletor had assisted him to embark in a ship sailing to Virginia, whence he had gone by land to Mallorca.* Here he embarked in a bilan- der bound for the French coast of San Domingo, and having arrived, he betook himself to the city, and made report to the President of all that had befallen him ; and the Presi- dent after taking his declaration, had sent him on to Car- tagena, to Don Bias de Leso. Asked if he had been able to learn anything of the posts occupied by the English in those parts, of what strength they were and how fortified before the coming out of the Commander Don Diego Obletor, he answered that he had, that the established posts were Savannah or New Georgia,** containing some 200 houses of wood, very far each from the other, for which reason they take up much room ; the town situated on a bank of the river of the same name, on a bluff forty feet high with a battery of 10 pieces, about 8-pound- ers, without any garrison whatever, the service of the bat- tery being undertaken by the citizens themselves ; that only the area surrounding the battery is inclosed by a stockade of pine logs about 18 feet high and one foot thick, and that the rest of the settlement is open : that at the mouth of the river stood a tower of wood constructed both as a lookout • Evidently New York; elsewhere In these papers we have Xoyorca: the scribe could readily write Mnllnrrn, with which name he was acquainted, for Noyorca, of which he had probably never heard before. •• It will be remarked that to the affiant. Savannah and New Georgrla mean the same thinp. Similarly. In the papers that follow, Florida Is fre- quently used where we should v.Tlte Paint Auprustlne. ."Sometimes the con- text enables us to dlstingnish between the chief town and the Colony, some- times It does nrit. Thus, when Horcasltas tells Mnntlano "to raze and destroy Carolina and its plantations," he may mean Charleston and surrounding: plantations, or the Colony, though the former Is perhaps the more likely. Where no doubt can exist, the name of the town has been given In the trans- lation. In other cases the MS. has been followed. »u.^^JL*S i^iu ■■■■■■•■111 R .///«,.^,..-.^ '!<..-■ ^r'''"-'^^/'".tiri:li"- '^" '^ '"'*'" '' *'"'"' O [The Horizontal Scale of this Reprodu ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA U and as a beacon for that port, which the English call Tebi, and we Cruces. And farther to the south lies the Island of Saint Simon, before reaching which there is another fort facing the Island of Santa Cathalina which they call Darien, garrisoned by about thirty Scotchmen, and mounting six guns of the same calibre. That in the aforementioned is- land [of Saint Simon] there is a town called Frederica sit- uated on the bank of the river Saint Simon, and said to contain thirty or forty houses or huts of boards and palm leaves, with another battery also of ten guns of the said* caliber, without any troops for its service, the citizens act- ing as guard. South of this town, say a league and a half, is a careening ground with three or four houses of boards, and on the point on the south of the island they have con- structed a battery of sixteen guns of the same calibre to sweep the entrance of the Harbor of Gualquini, which the English call Fort Frederica, beneath whose guns lay the manual in which he was a prisoner. Continuing further south, on the Point of Bejecez, on the Isle of Whales stands a fort which they called Saint Andrew with sixteen or twenty men commanded by Captain Makay, mounting ten guns of the same calibre. Still farther south yet is the Is- land of Emilia which we Spaniards call San Pedro, where they keep four men as a lookout, and have one gun and a stone mortar. That these were at the time in question the settlements, fortifications and forces which they had. He was further of the opinion that all the settlers to be found might number three hundred men, all of whom were capa- ble of bearing arms. Asked on what date he set forth from those Colonies to go to Virginia, when the Commander Don Diego Obletor arrived, and what troops he brought with him, he answered, that he himself set out on Nov. 4, 1738, of the past year, and that the Commander Don Diego Obletor arrived in the pre- ceding September of the same year with five transports and one vessel mounting more than twenty-two guns, and said to be a warship called the Blandfort, and that in the said transports he had brought over about five hundred men and more according to appearances, said to be regular troops ; that in the month of July of said year, Lieutenant Colonel Cocran had arrived from Gibraltar with three hun- dred men drawn from its garrison, that after the arrival • 1. e. said of the battery at Savannah. 12 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE of the Commander Oblctor there came an English packet boat loaded solely with artillery and implements of war; that the troops mentioned were distributed, six hundred men in the Isle of Saint Simon in Fort Frederica, and two hundred in Saint Andrew ; and that at the same time when the five hundred came with the Commander Obletor, came also two hundred women with them, the purpose being to compel the soldiers to marry them. Asked if after the arrival of all these people, and while he A'as still in those parts, he had seen or learned whether they were making new fortifications or occupying other posts or laying out new settlements, or whether he detect- ed any especial design of the Commander Obletor, he said that he saw them tracing out under the direction of a French engineer they had brought out, a castle in the fort at Fred- erica, and for this purpose had collected a supply of bricks and timber in the same Isle of Saint Simon between the town and the careening ground ; that with the same engin- eer they were taking soundings on the bar and in the chan- nel ; that they were building two other small forts to com- mand the land approaches from Florida to Georgia so as to guard against any surprise by Spanish Indians ; that each one was occupied by a corporal and 20 settlers, that one of these [forts] was called Fort Augustus, but he had forgot- ten the name of the other ; that they had not laid out any new settlements; that he had [not]* detected any especial design on the part of Commander Obletor, but that he had heard the officers say that the design in view was to take possession of Saint Augustine in Florida, and had remarked that in case the outl)reak of war was doubtful they had made certain arrangements looking to this end. Asked what number of Indians they had under allegiance in those parts, where they were situated, and to what use they were put, he said it seemed to him there were about 200 kept in two towns, one immediately adjacent to New Georgia, in which they had set up a school for the children, and the other must be at Darien ; that they were to be used to commit hostilities on the Spaniards and that he had strong proof of this; for while he, the declarant, was there, the Governor of Saint Augustine in Florida had the year before in 1738 written to Captain Gasquin for satisfaction by punishing some Indians guilty of homicide, and that • The context shows that the negative particle has been through error omitted. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 13 he had seen the same Indians on their return from this af- fair regaled by him with aguardiente and other things, and told that whenever they brought in Spanish scalps they would be rewarded, and that he had this from a nephew of his. Asked if a town of Esquisaros which is called Surisbu,* on the bank of the Savannah, adjoining Port Royal due west, is well advanced, and populous, he said that this town is now abandoned and demolished, and that its inhabitants had gone, part to Port Royal, and others to New Georgia, and that only a few plantations had been left. Asked the population of Port Royal, what fortifications it had, if the anchoring ground is good, and whence come the ships that may anchor there, he said that Port Royal might contain 40 or 50 houses, but that the country is well filled with plantations as far as Saint George, worked by many negroes ; that there is a fort called Vinfort at half a league from Port Royal to guard the entrance of the port, square of trace, with 4 curtains and bastions, made of tim- ber, earth and oyster shell, and that he had heard they were adding some sort of outwork; that the anchoring ground of the Port is the best of the entire Province of Carolina, but that in the entrance there is not sufficient depth for ves- sels of greater burden than that corresponding to 24 or 30 guns at the most. Asked what harvests they had in New Georgia, and what products were most highly prized, he said that corn, rice, beans, squashes and other vegetables were planted; that the product most prized was silk, that consequently they had planted mulberry trees, and that they continually displayed more and more ardor in this matter. Asked what kind of boats they had and how many in those rivers, for communicating one port with another, he said that each port had a pirogue with a swivel-gunf in the bow; and that besides, they had two or three canoes, in which they carried supplies back and forth, but that 4 or 5 individuals had their own boats. Asked what was the purpose of the packet boat under the orders of Captain Gasquin, and what port it served • Purysburg. t Pedrero in MS.. This word means (a) swivel-gun; (b) small gun; (c) stone-mortar. Usually there Is nothing- In the texts that follow to Indicate which is meant. The word Is frequently used, and except that the meaning "swivel-gun" is probably correct aboard ship, ashore the context throws no light on the point. U THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE with the greatest frequency, he said that while he was there,- it set out thrice to cruise along the coasts of the jurisdiction, and that during the winter it lay in the port of Gualquini in the river of Saint Simon, and added that he had seen as many as twenty pounds of silk made there and of good qual- ity. He afifirms that his declaration made under oath is the truth ; that he is forty years of age ; and signed his declara- tion, to which His Lordship appended his flourish. Juan Castelnau. Before me, Miguel de Ayala, Chief Clerk, State and War, Petition of Juan Castelnau. Memorial. Most Excellent Sir: Juan Castelnau, a native of los Pas- ajes in the Province of Guipuzcoa, kneeling in full devotion at the feet of your Lordship, says that he was captured in New Georgia, where the English held him a prisoner for 18 months, and proceeded to the Island of San Domingo in an English sloop, in order to describe to His Majesty's rep- resentatives the state and conditions of the English in that Colony. After having made the proper declaration before the President of San Domingo, he was sent to this port [Cartagena] in a bilander chartered for the purpose by the said President, in order to inform your Lordship of all mat- ters (as he has done). Desiring now to go on to Havana to inform his Lordship the Governor of that position, should it be necessary, of the state of the Colonies of New Georgia, and to repair his needs by the help of a few friends whom he has in that city, he humbly supplicates your Lord- ship to grrnt him authority to take passage in this dispatch boat for the said city of Havana ; and to order its Captain to transport him without any cost whatever, a favor he hopes to receive from the compassion of your Lordship. Cartagena, June 22, 1739. Juan Castelnau. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA IS Official Decree. Cartagena, June 23, 1739. Seeing that all the allegations of this person, as set forth in this petition, are true, he is granted permission to go in this dispatch boat to the port of Havana, in case it be im- portant to advise the Governor of that position of all that this person has seen and declared. And the Captain of this dispatch boat virill transport him without any cost to the said port of Havana. Leso, A true copy of the originals in my keeping, to which I refer. By oral order of the Governor and Captain General of this Fortress and Island, I give these presents for de- livery to his Lordship, written on eight sheets with this one, at Havana, July 21, 1739. I afftx my seal [there is a seal] in witness of the truth. Miguel de Ayala. We certify that Don Miguel de Ayala, by whom these affidavits are sealed and signed, is, by royal appointment, a Chief Clerk, State and War, in this city of Havana and Island of Cuba, is faithful, loyal and trustworthy, and as such practices his profession, and receives full faith and credit. Havana, July 21, 1739. Christoval Leal, Notar}' Public (his flourish).* Antonio Ponce de Leon, Royal Notary (his flourish). Tomas de Salas y Castro, Royal Notary (his flourish). True copy of the original preserved in these General Archives of the Indies, Case 87, Drawer 1, File 3. Seville, July 6, 1906. (Signed) Pedro Torres Lanzas. Head Keeper of Archives. • The rubrica, or flourish is what gives validity to a Spanish signature. In some cases, the rubrica is used alone, without the name of its maker. 16 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE LETTER OF MONTIANO TO THE KING ENCLOSING A MAP AND GIVING INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF FLORIDA AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES. Brief ] St. Augustine, August 20, 1739. The Governor, Don Manuel de Montiano, says : That in order more clearly to justify the right of Your Majesty to the colonies occupied by the English, it has seemed proper to him to enclose a map of these colonies, based on the information received from different persons well acquainted with the country and who have a thorough knowledge of the bars, ports, rivers and roads therein, hav- ing trafficked over them, so that having a better knowl- edge of these territories and of their situation, the proper measures may be taken. He says further that as appears from these maps, the English have occupied the best bars and the deepest ports capable of sheltering sea-going ships of large size; such as the bar of St. Helens ; that of Santa Cruz ; that of St. Simon ; that of Gualquini; that of the [Bay of] Whales and others of less depth, a thing which Your Majesty does not pos- sess on this entire coast running north and south because the bar of St. Augustine has a depth of only seventeen palms. He also declares that the River St. Isabel is navigable to within two days' journey /6i the towns of the Uchee In- dians in the provinces of Apalache and that the English having craftily occupied them, may now come down as far as the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and occupy on it some port, such as that of St. Joseph, Pensacola or others. The consequences of this action would be most fatal to the com- merce of our galleons and fleets ; and he proposes, in order to prevent this, the occupation of the said Bay of St. Joseph, and that a strenuous eflfort be made to bring about the evacuation by the English of all the territory from New Georgia toward the south with the Bar of St. Helens; and that whatever territories be left them, limits should be marked out on a line running southeast and northwest, taking from them as many as possible of the towns of the ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 17 Uchee Indians and as much as possible of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This done, we should succeed in depriv- ing them of all hope for their projects and in holding our- selves ports on that coast, in which our ships and fleets could shelter themselves whenever accident or misfortune should overtake them. [The Letter] Sir:— As a result of the remission to Your Majesty of the docu- ments which I have been able to find in the archives of this place [St. Augustine], justifying the right and title of Your Majesty to the colonies illegally occupied by the English, it has appeared to me proper to add a map of these Colo- nies, based on the information brought in by different peo- ple well acquainted with the country and thoroughly in- formed in respect of the bars, harbors, rivers and roads by reason of having trafficked over them, so that having a full knowledge of those territories and their situation, Your Majesty may take such measures as may seem suitable. And as I conceive it to be a part of my duty to present to Your Majesty whatever I take to be beneficial to the royal service and to the protection of the royal dominions, I beg leave to set forth to Your Majest}^ that according to the map, the English have occupied the best harbors and the deepest ports, able to shelter vessels of deep draft, such as the Bar of St. Helens, that of Santa Cruz, that of St. Si- mon, that of Gualquini, that of the Bay of Whales, and others of less depth ; and that Your Majesty, in all the royal possessions of this coast from north to south, owns nothing like these, because this port of St. Augustine has a depth of only seventeen palms. At the same time, I must in- form Your Majesty that the River St. Isabel is a naviga- ble one to within two days' journey of the Uchee Indians in the province of Apalache; and that the English have occupied them by craft and cunning, so that they can de- scend to the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and occupy on them some port like that of St. Joseph, Pensacola or oth- ers, the consequences of which would be most serious for the commerce of the galleons and the fleets of Your Majes- ty. In order that this may not happen, I make bold to pro- pose to Your Majesty the proprietjr of occupying the said Bay of St. Joseph and that the whole effort of Your Majesty should be bent on dislodging the English from New Georgia toward the south, including the Bar of St. Helens IS THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE and that whatever territories be left to them, their limits should be marked out along a line southeast northwest, taking from them as many as possible of the Uchee towns and those of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, This would result in depriving them of all hope of carrying out their prjjccts on the Gulf of Mexico and in furnish'ng Your Majesty harbors on the said coast in which ships, in case of misfortune, may take shelter. God keep the Catholic Royal Person of Your Majesty, many happy years, as demanded by Christendom. St. Augustine in Florida, Aug. 20, 1739. (Sgd) Don Manuel de Montiano. (A Flourish) [ Answer ] In a letter of the 20th of August, Your Lordship has en- closed in greater justification of the right of His Majesty to the Colonies occupied by the English in those provinces, a map of these Colonies, based on the information given to Your Lordship by different persons well acquanited with the country and having full knowledge of the bars, ports, rivers and roads, by reason of having trafficked over them to the end that having a full knowledge of circumstances, suital)le measures might be taken. These matters, having been laid before His Majesty, he is informed of the subject and of the especial exposition which Your Lordship makes at the same time, to the effect that it would be proper to occupy the Bay of St. Joseph and apply all our energies to dislodge the English from New Georgia toward the south, including the Bar of St Helens and that whatever terri- tories be left to them, the limits should be a line running southeast and northwest taking from them as many of the towns of the Uchee Indians and as much of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico as is possible, which would result in rob- bing them of all hope of success for their projects and in giving us ports on that coast in which, in case of accident or misfortune, our war ships might take shelter. His Majesty therefore directs me to say to you that he will keep in mind all the facts presented for the betterment of the royal service, and that he is much pleased with the zeal with which you have acquired these facts and com- municated them. May God keep Your Lordship many vears. Madrid, May 24, 1740. To Don Manuel de Montiano. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 19 Endorsement. To Don Manuel De Montiano. Issued in duplicate and triplicate, advising him of the receipt of his report conveying information relating to the English colonies and the districts which the English of Georgia should evacuate. 20 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE THE KING ORDERS THE DISPATCH OF AN EXPEDITION AGAINST GEORGIA. The King has entrusted to Don Juan Francisco de Gue- mes y Horcasitas an expedition of importance the nature of which he will communicate to Your Lordship as directed. Toward the execution and success of this affair, it is proper that Your Lordship, after leaving in a state of de- fense that [St. Augustine] fortress, should strive with all available forces, and communicate all the information and advice expected, in order that action may be concordant and efficacious. His Majesty commands me to communi- cate to Your Lordship this decision for your information, and in order that the aforementioned Governor of Ha- bana may advise you with the punctuality demanded by the royal service. I\iay God keep Your Lordship many years. Madrid, 31 October, 1741. To Don Manuel de Montiano. [No signature] * The King having resolved upon an expedition from that Island [Cuba] against the enemy, and having decided that its Governor General, Lieutenant Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas should organize it according to the orders sent him, and deeming it proper that whatever be- tide, the troops to be selected for the said expedition shall have their place taken by detachments from the squadron under the orders of Your Excellency, in such numbers as shall not interfere with its navigation, or other functions. His Majesty commands mc to say to Your Excellency that you are to furnish these detachments and that if any naval officers should wish to go as volunteers on this expedi- tion, you are not to hinder them. You are to help the aforesaid Governor to the limit of your powers and of the necessities of the case, in order to bring about the end con- fided to him, by reason of the great interest taken in this • We know, however, from Montlano's answer, that this and the following Ifttera were all Bent by the Minister Don Jose de CamplUo. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 21 matter by the royal service. God keep Your Excellency many years. Madrid, 31st October, 1741. To Don Rodrigo de Torres. [ No signature ] With regard to the resolution of His Majesty to set on foot from the Island [Cuba] operations against the enemy, and to the order sent to Lieutenant General Don Juan de Guemes y Horcasitas, Governor of Havana, to carry them out, His Majesty bids me charge you, that in case of your selection to take command, you are to accept- and execute that duty, in full confidence, because of your zeal and re- cord of services, that you will ably discharge this trust in all that relates to the ro3^al service. God keep Your Lordship many years. Madrid, 31st October, 1741 To Don Antonio de Salas. [ No signature ] Your Excellency is informed in respect of the motives which induced His Majesty in the year 1737 to resolve up- on the extirpation of the English from the new colony of Georgia and from the territories of Florida which they have usurped, as well as of the orders sent out to this end, and of all dispositions made for their execution, until a suspen- sion was commanded. I bring these past matters to the recollection of Your Excellency, because we are now in a state of open war, and under no necessity to practice the caution which in the former conjuncture of affairs compelled us to give pause. His Majest};- considers the time opportune to accomplish the destruction of Carolina and of its dependencies, thus compensating ourselves for the ancient perfidies of which the English have made the colony the seat, as well as for the present hostilities, by inflicting a damage that will ruin and terrify them, seeing the affection in which they hold that country, and the benefit they derive from its commerce. Accordingly His Majesty has directed the organization of an expedition from that Island [Cuba] to be composed of some regular troops and of as much militia as may be nec- essary, and that it pass over to the aforementioned province 22 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE of Carolina with its appurtenant territories, and devastate it by sacking and Burning all the towns, posts, plantations and settlements of the enemy, for the purpose of this inva- sion must be solely to press hostilities until the effort shall have gone home, and success be achieved. It will help you to know that the English Colonies in America are so weakened by the men and supplies drawn off to lay siege before Cartagena that their relief from England has been under discussion. It is the intention of His Majesty that in carrying out this expedition, regular troops be used in such numbers as are indispensable, having due regard to the defense of that Island [Cuba] ; and that deficiencies be made up with mili- tia and natives in such strength as to secure favorable re- sults, imitating the course we followed when we recovered Pensacola from the power of the French. In order that the number of regular troops to be selected by Your Excellency for this purpose may not be seriously reduced, you may avail yourself in any emergency that may arise, of those in the squadron under the command of Lieu- tenant General Don Rodrigo de Torres, provided that he be not reduced to the inability of taking the seas, or of per- forming any other operations expected of him. To this end, I am inclosing an order which Your Excellency will hand him, directing him to further this enterprise to the utmost, in order to bring it to a happy issue. Although Your Excellency has a personal knowledge of that coun- try, of its nature and conditions, through previous recon- naissances and surveys made in view of practical possi- bilities, yet His Majesty desires that you communicate and entrust to Don Manuel de Montiano, Governor of Florida, the decision taken, propounding to him the meas- ures to be adopted to carry it out, and directing him to con- cur with all the forces which the state of defense of his post will allow. Your Excellency is to advise whether the enterprise is to be carried on at one point, or at sev- eral points (which here is thought to be the proper course), and to inform him in respect of said points. It is further His Majesty's wish that he give you all the information in his possession, and should go on informing himself as to the state of the English inhabitants of Carolina, and any other matters, knowledge of which might be of import to Your Excellency. I am inclosing a letter for that Gover- nor, in which vou will find his instructions. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 23 Other directions and details are omitted, because it is known that Your Excellency has all the knowledge and light that could be desired to bring so grave a matter to a successful end. Hence, and because His Majesty is con- vinced of your zeal, activity and experience, he intrusts this expedition to your care, directing you to order what- ever may forward it, with the determination that springs from your sense of duty and loyalty to the royal service, and without the loss of a moment of time. In respect of expenses, dispositions, and methods, Your Excellency has plenary powers to confer and treat of ways and means with officers and persons who may profit by your advice to spread the desolation and secure the advantages that we expect in respect of that province. And in order that the great volume of preparations may not pass to the knowl- edge of the English, His Majesty orders that you take your measures in secret, alleging pretexts to dissimulate and conceal the end in view, so as to deceive the public. For otherwise we expose and risk this blow, which is to sur- prise the enemy without giving him any opportunity to prepare himself by arming and fortifying and so oppose a greater resistance and opposition to our efforts. His Majesty leaves to the judgment of Your Excellency the selection of the officer or officers to command this ex- pedition : you are authorized to take those most satisfac- tory to you, and of best known and approved conduct: but in the belief that Brigadier Don Antonio de Salas, who is detained out there [in Cuba] is well fitted for this service, I send Your Excellency the inclosed letter in order that you may give it to him, if you should see fit to employ him for the command (in which case you will be required to furnish him the pay corresponding to his duty, or with such as you may judge proper). If you do not appoint him, you will withhold this letter. If a few naval officers should wish to go as volunteers, you will approve it, assuring them that His Majesty will not lose sight of their resolution and spirit, but will assist them in whatever may be for their comfort, and Your Ex- cellency will divulge this in ample time, so that the sug- gestion may appear attractive. It is by His Majesty's command that I communicate these matters to Your Excellency, so that as soon as you shall have received this letter, you may apply yourself to their accomplishment, and take all other steps that may 24 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE lead to the success of an enterprise which His Majesty de- sires shall be promptly carried out and which it is confi- dently expected will produce the results expected, as is plain from the fervor and zeal which you have ever shown in His Majesty's service. I should say to Your Excellency that after the enemy's country shall have been laid waste, the troops and militia must withdraw to that Island [Cuba], and a report be made of events, God keep Your Excellency manv years. 'Madrid, Oct. 31, 1741. To Don Juan Franc- de Guemes y Horcasitas. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 25 MONTIANO ACKNOWLEDGES THE RECEIPT OF ORDERS RELATING TO THE EXPEDITION AGAINST GEOR- GIA, AND REPORTS HIS ACTION. St. Augustine, in Florida 12 March, 1742. The Governor, Don Manuel de Montiano, agreeably to the advice, that he must assist with all the forces possi- ble in bringing to a happy issue an expedition against Car- olina entrusted to the Governor of Habana,* reports that he has sent to the said Governor a return of the garrison of that post [Saint Augustine] for the selection of the troops not necessary to its defense, to serve in said expe- dition, and anticipating a happy issue. Sir:— In a letter of the 31st of October of the past year, you did me the honor to say that the King had entrusted to Don Juan Francisco Guemes y Horcasitas, an expedition of importance which he would communicate to me as di- rected, and that toward the execution and success of this affair, I should, after leaving this post [Saint Augustine] in a state of defense, strive with all available forces, com- municating all the information and advice expected, in or- der that action might be concordant and efficacious. And that His Majesty had commanded Your Lordship to con- vey this decision for my information to the end that the aforementioned Governor might treat with me with the punctuality called for by the royal service. With regard to this determination, I have to inform Your Lordship, that as soon as I was informed of it, I set to work to acquire as much information as was possible ; and, without losing a moment of time, nor engaging in any other matter, I passed my reports on to the Lieutenant Gen- eral, Governor of Havana, offering my recommendations charged rather with hopes than with certainties. But it is impossible for me to say how contented I am with the • Navarra, in the MS. (itself a copy of the original in the Archives at Seville). 26 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE great administration of that Governor General, who will so adjust his measures to action, as morally to persuade me that the favorable results expected are in my opinion almost inevitable. In respect of other matters, I venture to suggest to Your Lordship, that, according to my comprehension of the case, the design of the King will be the antidote, the whole- some medicine, that will restore to health this debilitated and deserted Province, of good consideration ; for Caro- lina once ruined and destroyed, the extermination of her colonial dependencies will follow, and all the slaves now under her heavy yoke will pass over to us. This is what they most desire : as they are numerous, we shall be able to make here many settlements, and turn their people to account in war. And what is more, it will follow that the Indians, no longer having any one to instigate or protect them, will continue always with us in a state of tranquil peace; these Provinces will grow and people themselves, since they are all as it were paramos,* and families from Galicia and the Canaries will be able to establish them- selves in quiet. I am sending to the aforesaid Lieutenant General, Gov- ernor of Havana, a return of the troops of this post, and I leave to his judgment the selection he may, with due re- gard to the defense of this place, see fit to make for the con- templated expedition. This is all I have to lay of this mat- ter before Your Lordship for the information of His Ma- jesty. That God keep Your Lordship many years, is my desire. Saint Augustine in Florida, 12 March 1742. Sir: I kiss your hand, being your most grateful ser- vant. Don Manuel de Montiano [A flourish follows.] To Senor Don Jos6 de Campillo.** •A paramo Ib a hlph. bloak plateau; the word Is South American. Pre- cisely what plains Montiano had In mind, of course, we do not know. In all probability he uses the word In a loose way. •• One of the ministers of Philip V., remembered as tbe author of a book, "f/uevo tMema de golAemo cconnmico para la Amf^ica," published posthum- ously In 17s'j. In this work. Campillo criticised the system of colonial ad- mlnlftrntlon and proposed certain reforms, arraying himself against the mili- tary system of conquest followed In America. He argued that this system, houevtr nt-KMsary at first, was now out of date, and pleaded for economical liberty. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 27 THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CUBA INFORMS THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA WHAT TROOPS AND SHIPS WILL BE SENT FROM HAVANA, FOR THE EXPEDI- TION AGAINST GEORGIA, AND MAKES VARIOUS SUG- GESTIONS. Sir, — Among the obstacles and difficulties arising in carrying out the will of His Majesty, and communicated by me to Your Lordship under date of February 3rd, past, the most serious was the possibility that, and doubt whether, the English, strengthened by the fresh re-enforcement of 4,000 men which arrived in Jamaica toward the end of January of the present year, would enter the Gulf of Mexico, and attempt to attack this Havana or some other position of the Islands. But this fear has vanished,* as you may see from the enclosed paper sent m.e by the Governor of [Santiago de] Cuba, and from the letter of Don Sebastiiln de Eslava,** Viceroy of Santa F^,t_ a copy of which I enclose. The occasion seemed to me therefore opportune to profit by this fortunate conjuncture of affairs, without however being able to furnish the 3,000 men nor the means which your Lordship warned me would be necessary to strike the blow directed by His Majesty. For I have neither the former, nor the frigates suitable to make it attainable in the way that I should prefer, nor any ships of war § to take the place of these frigates, inasmuch as these ships must fulfill their principal purpose.? • The allusion is to the failure of the English troops, some 5,000 in all, to capture Santiago. A squadron under Admiral Vernon and General Went- worth had landed in Guantanamo Bay; after four months' effort, the enter- prise was abandoned, with a loss by the English of over 2,000 men from the effects of the climate. •• This officer conducted the defense of Cartagena against Admiral Ver- non, who failed in his attempt to capture the place. t New Granada, in .South America, sometimes, as here, called Santa Fe. the Colombia of to-day. It was one of the Spanish vice-royalties, and occa- sionally called the reino (Kingdom) of Santa Fe. §In the Spanish navy of the XVIII century "the principal type of war- vessel was the navio [line-of-battle-ship] assisted by the fragata [frigate] as scout or despatch vessel." "Brigantines were also used on despatch duty, and packet boats \fiaqtie- boteay "Galleys were falling Into disuse." "The armament of ships of war consisted of bronze and wrought-iron guns of calibre varying from 36 to 4 (weight in pounds of the projectile). The average range was about 3,000 meters." Altamira y Crevea, Historla de Espana, IV, 189-190. X A British fleet was still In West India waters. 28 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE Wherefore I judged that 1,000 regulars and 800 militia would suffice, and under this hypothesis was elaborating this plan, when there arrived here an Englishman, the Cap- lain of the frigate captured by Fandiuo, and a man of "lear mind and straightforward disposition. I tested and compared his representations with those of Simonin, who, as Your Lordship knows, is thoioughly acquainted with that port and its bar [Frederica], and with the number of whites living in Carolina, and found that his information differed materially from that which Your Lordship had sent me. As a result of this investigation and of my inability to make a greater effort than the one decided upon, I con- voked a secret council of war of whose decision you will be informed by the copy that I am remitting. It is impossi- ble to assemble a greater number of men; and even if it were, we could not transport them, for what has already beer done under this head is due to the assistance of Lieu- tenant General Don Rodrigo de Torres. I am sending Your Lordship a boat with this news under the seal of inviolable secrecy, so that you may be inform- ed of the determination we have taken, and show the great- est activity in equipping the expedition, to the end that it shall with the greatest promptitude set sail to anchor on that bar [Saint Simon's], and proceed without the slightest delay to the extinction of that country [Georgia]. To carry out these orders Your Lordship will take from your own post 400 regular troops, 300 of your garrison, the 100 who were sent from this place under the command of Don Gregorio de Aldana, and also the 100 of the militia of Pardo, who were sent to you at the same time. From this place will proceed in 30 transports composed of frigates and bilanders. 1,300 men, 600 regulars, 700 militia, composing the 1,800 without counting the seamen; among the trans- ports goes separately the vessel for the 500 men who are immediately to embark at Saint Augustine and besides, two large barges well armed with swivel guns Of these ves- sels as many as possible will proceed with guns mounted, to say nothing of a French frigate of 24 guns, which hap- pened to be in this port, and which we took for this expe- dition, of the packet boat "Diligent," and of the galley. I regard this force as sufficient to attain the end sought with happiness and without risk. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 29 All the stores and water required, go in the said ves- sels; it will not be necessary to draw even a single ration from your post. The proper ammunition, arms and im- plements likewise will be sent. Your Lordship will ver- ify the return of property of the Agent of the Exchequer, who is to go in charge of issues and administration. Such being the dispositions taken here, Your Lordship will have equipped the six galliots, the launches, and the pirogues of your garrison, as well as any other vessel that may prove useful ; the troops must be ready to embark at once, without the slightest hindrance. For delay would be prejudicial, since the urgency of the whole affair (whose success I believe to be easy) consists in this that the enemy shall neither perceive, nor be warned of, our inten- tions. For all reasons, it has seemed to me that your appoint- ment to the command of this expedition will insure its success, for with the knowledge of Your Lordship, your devotion to the throne, your deeds and your experience, go the satisfaction and glory of His Majesty, and the sat- isfaction of all of us who are interested in his service, re- joicing over the void caused by the forces of Admiral Ver- non, because of the task upon which these are engaged. Colonel Don Francisco Rubiani, Lieutenant Colonel and Commandant of the Regiment of Dragoons of Italica will go hence in command of all that set out. From your own post you will arrange for the services of Don Antonio Sal- gado as Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Don Mig- uel de Rivas may be left behind to command the place. The Engineer of the Second Grade, Don Antonio de Arredondo, also accompanies the expedition, as being one who knows those parts as far as Port Royal, and has ex- act and detailed information in respect of everything else. He may be employed by Your Lordship on any duty you may be pleased to order for the best interest of the under- taking, and can take charge of the details of operations. The Engineer Don Pedro Ruiz Olano may also go. Should Don Pedro de Estrada, a man who has given such good proofs of spirit and gallantry, be in Saint Augustine, it would be eminently agreeable that he should fit out his bilander and accompany the expedition in any capacity your Lordship may think proper. I remain convinced not only of the partial but of the en- tire success of our enterprise, because of Your Lordship's 30 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE known leadership. And I am expecting at tke very least that the forces furnished will without the slightest let or hindrance forthwith destroy all the plantations as far as Port Royal. For as Your Lordship knows, it is His Majes- ty's desire that the sudden blow struck should, as far as its force will reach, and events permit, lay waste Carolina and its dependencies. But this course must be consistent with the information your Lordship may obtain from pris- oners, and with other measures to be suggested by your ripe judgment looking to the secure withdrawal of our forces through the interior channels between the Keys. It is of the greatest consequence and importance to raze and destroy Carolina and its plantations. This result can be better secured bv first getting rid of the regiment of Ogle- thorpe, which might proceed to the defense of some other point where hostilities had broken out, if not first attacked where they are now in Gualquini and Saint Simon, as pro- jected. It is entirely probable and credible that surprised by this blow, they will abandon everything and flee to the woods, and thus give us greater freedom to draw full profit from this idea and its opportunity so favorable to us. And if it were possible to find means to notify the negroes in good time to follow the cause which Your Lordship says they de- sire, this would be an opportune disposition for the com- plete success of our plans. The expedition over with the happy issue desired, Your Lordship will take steps for the immediate return, with the least possible expenditure of time, of the troops and militia about to set forth and also of the detachment which I sent on some time ago under the command of Don (jregorio Aldana, sending them in detachments in the ves- sels which Your Lordship will judge best fitted for the navi- gation of the Canal. I beg leave to remind Your Lordship that I have only 400 men left for the service of this place. Whatever I may have forgotten or omitted, I beg Your Lordship's attention and perspicuity to supply, as of one on the sjjot. It is my desire to overlook not even the most trifling circumstance which might forward the happy issue I am anticipating. May Your Lordship have no other care than to secure and bring victory, unless it be to employ mc in any relation in which I may satisfy Your Lordship. God keep Your Lordship many years. Havana, May 14, 1742. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 31 Postscript in margin. 1 warn Your Lordship that this expedition will sail hence the 2nd or 4th of the next month, according to the effort made to complete its equipment, so as to take advantage of the fine weather, and that you must have made all your preparations, and warned some of the monks of the mis- sions in those parts to go along as missionaries. Your most affectionate, faithful servant Who kisses your hand. Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas. To Don Manuel de Montiano 32 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CUBA APPOINTS THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA COMMANDER OF THE EX- PEDITION AGAINST GEORGIA, AND ISSUES HIS OR- DERS FOR THE CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS. Copy. Sir, — Having received orders from His Majesty, to send an expedition from this island against the English, his enemy, to punish them for the insults committed against his subjects, by the subjects of Great Britain in Carolina and by those recently and unlawfully settled in His Majesty's territories in a place called Georgia, and impressed by its importance to His Majesty's service and by the pernicious results of having tolerated the aforesaid insults, I have made up a command of all the land and naval forces I can possibly assemble, to accomplish these very just and very important ends, according to the wish of the king. In consequence of this and of the faculty he has bestow- ed upon me, to select as the commanding officer of this expedition, one who possesses the requisite character and qualities, I am led to designate you as the Commanding General of all these forces, as much by the confidence I have in your fitness and experience as because of the knowledge which you possess of those places. I am also guid- ed by your affection for His Majesty and your zeal for his service, as shown in your letter of the 3rd of March of the present year. For the troops which are to be under your orders, I an- ticipate the greatest success, and I am directing 3rou accord- ing to what I believed was best adapted to secure a happy termination, in conformity with the resolution of the board, a copy of which I have sent you, enjoining upon Your Lordship the least possible effusion of the blood of His Majesty's troops and subjects, and to insure in any event a withdrawal. The number of regular troops will be 1,000, with proper number of officers, and of militia 800, composed of whites, mulattoes and negroes, also properly officered. These troops you will assign as will seem best to you. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 33 The naval forces which it has been possible to assemble are reduced to one frigate of 24 guns, to a packet boat of 14, one galley, and the six galliots which you have with you ; two schooners, two bilanders, and two barges and pi- rogues under oars, which will be used to convoy the trans- ports, guard and cover the coasts and inlets, and to man- age and carry on within the interior channels the move- ment and landing of troops during the operations. All these elements (excepting the troops to embark at Saint Augustine, and the schooner and pirogues to join there) will leave this port [Havana] under the command of Colo- nel Don Francisco Rubiani, Lieutenant Colonel, Gover- nor, and Commanding Officer of the Regiment of Dragoons of Italica, who is to arrive off your bar, and deliver this letter to Your Lordship. He will be under your orders as second in command and join his forces with the troops and vessels, which are to be ready in the post for the campaign. As the fundamental condition of the most rapid and easy outcome of the expedition, and of the reduction of risks, consists in making withdravv^al sure, in whatever misfor- tune, I regard as indispensable the invasion before any- thing else is attempted, of the Island of Saint Simon, first occupying the northern entrance so as to close the pass to the enemy, and intercept any relief he might receive from that direction ; the landing is to take place from three ves- sels at one and the same time on the beach facing east. This first step having been, thanks to the Divine Grace, and to Your Lordship's wise management, successfully taken. Your Lordship will next adopt such measures as are suggested by the information you may have or obtain, to proceed northward by interior channels, devastating, laying waste, sacking and burning whatever settlements, plantations, and towns there may be as far as Port Royal inclusive, razing its fort, and taking possession of the en- tire country ; for Your Lordship is informed of the fact that those parts hold no hostile troops able to resist those under your command. The necessity of gaining time when- ever possible, without any delay must ever be kept in mind, so as to give no opportunity for resistance to form. Our operations must, under His Majesty's commands, be re- duced to a sudden stroke, and for this reason the greatest celerity is imperative. After taking possession of Port Royal, it will be proper to send out negroes of all languages (some of which sort 34 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE accompany the militia of this place for this very purpose) to convoke the slaves of the English in the plantations round about, and ofifer them, in the name of our King, lib- erty, if they will deliver themselves up of their own accord, and to say that lands will be assigned them in the terri- tories of Florida, which they may cultivate and use for themselves as owners, under the direction and laws of the Kingdom of Spain. In proportion as you receive and ob- tain (and this I believe will be the case) trusthworthy and favorable information forwarding the conquest and increas- ing the damage done the enemy, you will act accordingly, never losing sight of the importance of making sure of your withdrawal, in order not to lose the fruit of our opera- tions. All the neutral and friendly vessels met on the way, you may detain, requiring them to follow the convoy, until there shall be no disadvantage in allowing them to pro- ceed on their course. To the person who goes as agent in charge of all matters relating to the Royal Exchequer, in respect of the good and economical administration of warlike stores and implements, you will afford all neces- sary help, shov/ing him and requiring him to show the greatest attention, corresponding to the confidence I have reposed in him, and maintaining the best of relations with him, in order that the service may thus be punctually and easily performed. All the effects found and taken by our troops you will collect and keep in a secure place under the supervision of the agent of the Royal Exchequer, who will be required to make an inventory for the distribution in equal parts among soldiers, militia and sailors. As regards prisoners, in respect of whose classes and numbers no decision can be reached in advance. Your Lordship will take such measures as seem most suitable ; just as in all the other cases that come up, you will make such decisions as most redound to the advantage of the King's service, and to the glory and reputation of his arms. The expedition having been concluded with the happy issue that wc have a right to expect. Your Lordship will direct that the troops and militia of this place [Havana] re- turn to it without the slightest delay, in the vessels that can make the best way through the channel,* seeing that • The Florida Channel. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 35 now the southwest winds will prevail; all the ships will take the same course, even at the cost of increased labor and of a longer voyage, because thus we avoid encounters which otherwise might have injurious consequences for us. The Second Engineer, Don Antonio de Arredondo, goes informed with regard to all I have been able to anticipate and advance for the success and safety of this important operation. He will communicate with you, so that you may select what may appear to you best fitted for the happy issue of our plans, the glory and satisfaction of our royal master, and of his royal intentions. I am inclosing to your Lordship a full copy of the orders under which I have been acting, and of which I beg that you will acquire full understanding. Commending myself to your Lordship in the sincerest affection, I pray Our Lord to keep you many years. Havana, June 2, 1742. Your most affectionate faithful servant, who kisses your hand. Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas. To Don Manuel de Montiano. 36 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL, ACCOUNT OF THE Illustrations of Spanish Guns. PEDRERO. 40 cm. Cal., 21 cm. long. 1709 A. D. 6031 Artillery Museum. Madrid. 5477 Cannon. 310 cm. long, 15.2 cm. Calibre XVIII Century. Artillery Museum, Madrid. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 37 Length BOMBARD — mounted and assembled. Cana 255 cm. Recamara 81 " J Made 1518 A. D. No. 3301 in Artillery Museum, Madrid. This piece has 2 recamaras — used alternately. .Uj yu ni l l lll ii i Ml ill l illil ll iii r il i a t M, 3356 Artillery Museum, Madrid. PEDRERO. 144 cm. long, 16.5 cm. Calibre. Made 1679. 38 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE 5489. Museum of Artillery, Madrid. MORTAR 1773 A. D. Can fi> Recamara il''!'l!!il;:i"l'i]^^JS^, BOMBARD Complete No. 6587 Artillery Museum 240 cm. long XV Century. Madrid. 3570 Artillery ^luseum, Madrid. FALCONET XV Century. 105 cm. long, 6.7 cm. Calibre. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 39 ORDERS TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE FLEET. Orders to be obeyed by the commander of the Fleet, and instructions for his guidance, with the understanding that he is in all matters to be under the orders of the general selected to command the expedition which is to dislodge the foreigners that have settled and established themselves in the dominions of the King in the Provinces of Florida. 1. He will leave the post of Havana, if the v/eather per- mit, on the day appointed, with all the vessels of war and transports after having made all necessary arrangements to keep his ships together in good order during the journey, and established signals for prompt comprehension and cor- rect action in any case that may come up. He will like- wise have drawn up the special orders to be observed with all the precision and clarity possible by the respective com- manders of the vessels under his command 2. He will proceed directly to Saint Augustine in Florida, without anchoring anywhere, unless driven to it by inevitable necessity. 3. When in sight of the Bar of Saint Augustine he will approach as closely as possible, and anchor with his entire fleet on the bar. 4. As soon as the tide serves, he will order the trans- ports to enter the harbor, and anchor in front of the castle. 5. As soon as the said tide nears the flood, he will de- termine whether the depth on the bar will permit the en- trance of the vessels under his command, without lighten- ing, and if so, these will enter, and proceed to anchor in front of the Hermitage of Our Lady de la Leche. Should lightening prove necessary, all will execute it at the same time with the greatest dispatch, transporting in launches and boats the weight that may be necessary. But this is to be done only in case it is impossible, by reason of storms, to remain at anchor outside. 6. He will remain in port (or wherever el^^e he may think proper) until the commanding general gives orders 40 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE to begin operations and put to sea with his entire fleet, which he will obey without loss of time. 7. He will convoy the flotilla of small vessels that are to cross the bar of the Saint John's River, until he sights its inlets on an east and west line, when he will either lie-to, or if the weather permit, anchor; the first is the better course, if it should be necessary to go outside under the threat of the east wind, dangerous on this coast; the sec- ond, in order to avoid drifting with the currents. Circum- stances must determine which of these two courses ap- pears to him the better, without losing sight of the fact that he must endeavor as far as possible to keep the coast in view during the entire course of the expedition so as distinctly to observe the signals made from it, or to re- ceive information sent out to him, since the happy issue of the enterprise depends partly if not entirely on the unity and joint effort of the two fleets. 8. He will lie-to or remain at anchor, as may be deter- mined, off the inlets, until he shall have received from the beach a signal to proceed on his course. 9. He will continue on his way, observing both by day and by night the signals made to him from land, so that on receiving information of the point at which the interior flotilla happens to be resting, he will again anchor or lie-to, until again ordered to proceed. For, as the interior flotilla can proceed only when the tide is favorable, at intervals of six hours and a few minutes, it is incumbent on the sea fleet so to adjust its progress, as to be but a short distance away, and so avoid slipping on and then being discovered by the foreigners of Fort Frederica or Gualquini before the interior flotilla shall have come up and taken its dis- position for attack. 10. Should some accident prevent people coming down to the shore to make signals, he will proceed along the coast under shortened sail ; and, after taking into account the change of tides, and whatever may further the advance, will estimate approximately where the interior flotilla must be, giving due regard to the increase of distance caused by the windings of the interior channels, and by the fact that on some nights it will perhaps be impossible to sail and take advantage of the tide on account of a few narrow passes impossible to navigate save by day. 11. He will also consider a possible delay due to the capture of the Fort of Vegcses on the channel of the Island ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 41 of Whales, this in order that both fleets may always be ap- proximately on the same parallel. And if all the precau- tions mentioned should remain without the result expected, after having maturely weighed the aforesaid contingencies, and adjusted his course accordingly, he will set his course directly for the entrance of Gualquini, where he will an- chor on the bar with his entire squadron in from four and a half to six fathoms, so as to bring the point of the north of the Island of Saint Simon to bear N. N. W., and that of the north of the bar of Whales to bear S. W. y^ S. If while on this position, the sea should rise and, unable to ride it out, he should fear that his cables would not hold, he may go in nearer to shelter himself, setting his course N, W. y^ W., and proceeding some four miles in four fath- oms of water, so that the said point of the Island of Saint Simon shall bear N., that of Whales S. S. W., and the Castle of Frederica W. N. W., this being recognizable by the red- dish color of the mound of earth at the shoulder of the bastion. If however, he can maintain himself without the said risk in the said six fathoms, he will do so, in order to be in a better position to land, on account of the surf on the shoals at the entrance. 12. He will maintain himself thus at anchor, with the English flag flying, unless signalled to get under way and capture the port. This the commanding general will or- der to take place on the beach of the south point at the place marked R,* whenever the opportune occasion shall arise, as determined by his readiness to surprise or attack the fort which the foreign settlers have built on the island in question. This in turn will depend on the time of junc- tion of the two fleets, provided always that not the slight- est movement shall take place until the proper signal is made. 13. As soon as he shall see the said signal, he will order the landing body assigned to this duty with its officers to embark in launches, and direct it to go ashore on the nearest beach of the Island of Saint Simon outside of the surf of the north shoals, near the point Q. 14. The said landing shall be so ordered that the troops shall set foot ashore a short time before dawn, neither sooner nor later. To this end he shall measure the time he may consider necessary, having the day before marked the * The chart to which reference is made here and elsewhere In these orders, has apparently not come down to us. 42 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE shoals and indicated the nearest point for the execution of the plan, and approximately observed the distance between shipside and shore. Although announcing that one and the same signal will be made of the arrival of the interior flotilla in the Bay of Gualquini, of the disembarkation of the troops and of their getting under way to enter the port, yet, even though the said signal be made at the hour of prayers, or later, or at any other hour, he will not on that account undertake any movement before the time already mentioned of the break of day, unless the signal should be made to undertake everything at the moment when it is set, no matter what the hour, because it is possible that this course might be advantageous; and in this case he will without the slightest delay set about the disembarkation, and get under way to capture the port provided that this operation take place by daylight. 15. As soon as the launches carrying the troops shall have sheered off, the commander will, if the tide be falling, stand by with his anchors apeak ; if not falling, he will hoist sail ; if the wind does not serve, he will begin to tow, or do whatever he thinks best. With the bilanders lead- ing ahead by the hawse he will set out to capture the port, using his best endeavor to have the landing troops very early in the morning surprise the look-out of the foreign- ers, marked O on the chart. He will also cause the fleet to take the port as early as possible, so that the enemy seeing himself attacked on all sides without hope of relief shall at once surrender without resistance. 16. This bar of Gualquini lies in north latitude 31" 18', with 6 to 43/2 fathoms at the point mentioned above. To enter the port, set the course N. W. ^4 W., and continue on it in ^1/2 and 5 fathoms till 3>4 are reached; shift to N. W. ^ N., when the bar will be found, with V/2 fathoms at half tide. From this point with course N. W. J4 W., easing to N. W., 5, 6, and 7 fathoms will be found, deepening until a line north and south through the fort of the strangers is crossed, where 14 fathoms will be obtained, shallowing as shown on the chart. 17. Having taken the position mentioned with his squad- ron, if the foreigners open fire on him with their artillery, he will return it, as will also all the boats under his com- mand, signal having been previously made to form in line and to fire on the enemy in the aforesaid case. But if they do not open fire upon his ships, he will in no wise fire him- ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 43 self, but will merely order his vessels to anchor in good or- der in the part marked thus Y, provided that if he should be compelled to fire against the hostile fort, he will endeavor to dismount and disable its guns. He will direct that in going about, so as to use both broadsides, all vessels must have their launches and boats ahead by the hawse, to pre- vent drifting with the current, in order that they may with the greatest promptitude forge ahead or in any other direc- tion which may appear to him suitable. It is indispensable that each vessel go about in the proper place in which it may find itself, the vanguard and rear guard standing on opposite tacks. For if the said maneuver is not executed in this form and the ships lose their positions, it will be impossible to make head against the current so as to pre- sent the other broadside to the enemy. 18. From the conditions already laid down, it is evi- dent that the ships should lie-to when delivering their fire, keeping up against wind and current in such manner as to secure, without undue drifting, a good position for the pur- pose in hand. 19. It is possible that in this port of Gualquini we shall find at anchor a packet boat or war vessel which they own. If this shall not have surrendered when he arrives with his squadron, he will take possession of it, either by capitula- tion or by force, if it resists ; he must send it to the bottom without giving quarter to anybody ; but if it surrenders vol- untarily, he will give it the best treatment possible. 20. If while at anchor outside on the bar with the En- glish flag flying, as already arranged, there should come out, as is usual, a boat to reconnoiter or to bring a pilot, he will cause it to be captured with the boats and launches which he will have overboard and ready from the moment he shall have anchored. 21. Should he be forced by any wind to remove from the coast and for this reason be unable to see all the sig- nals, then, as soon as the wind shall have ceased, he will return to the coast, and depending on the length of time that he will have been absent, he will examine the state in which he finds the interior flotilla. As a measure of pru- dence, and according to the conclusions arrived at, he will see to it that no matter what cause, contingency, delay, or weather shall have come up, the flotilla shall cross over to the Bay of Gualquini and take whatever action has been decided upon. 44 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE 22. Whenever he encounters vessels, he will cause them to be searched as he may think proper; but no matter of what nation they may be, he will, for the purpose of em- barrassing the enemy, take possession of them, either peace- fully or by force, and of all the commercial vessels belong- ing to these new colonies, from which are to be evicted the intruding settlers as having furtively and illegally settled upon them. But if these vessels should be registered from Noyorca* and bound to St. Augustine with stores for its garrison, or else returning from the said place to their own country or coming from any other country, in respect of which the reason given above does not hold good, he will not capture them, but will compel and order them to con- tinue their voyage under his convoy. He will take these precautions to make sure of the first class of vessels, and to detain the second, until the commanding general may have taken cognizance of the case and ordered that there is no objection to giving them their liberty. 23. The bilanders and other smaller vessels under his command will proceed nearer to the coast than the larger ships, in order that they may the more clearly and prompt- ly pick up the signals made from it and communicate them to the flagship, according to the directions which the com- mander of the fleet shall have given to this end before leav- ing port. 24. As soon as this operation shall have been concluded, he will leave the port of Gualquini with his squadron and landing body and proceed directly to the Bay of Saint Simon, at whose entrance he will anchor on the bar in proper order and with the same precautions which he ob- served in that of Gualquini. Here he will remain until the commanding general orders him by pre-arranged signal to put to sea, so that if the signal should be set to disem- bark his people, he will answer by executing the order and sending his launches to the beach on the south point of the entrance. In this case, he will order the captains of the bilanders to sail into the harbor and join hands with the in- terior flotilla, with orders to fire on the redoubt of the for- eigners, if this should open. If on the contrary, it should not. he will keep his station with his ships without under- taking any movement whatever as much to avoid risking his ships in entering and leaving the harbor as because it *Sew York, probably. ATTACK ON THE COLONY OF GEORGIA 45 has been considered unnecessary to employ so great a force in the reduction of the redoubt and its garrison, and princi- pally to prevent hostile vessels from going south and thus possibly embarrassing the withdrawal of our own vessels through the interior channels. To this end, he will con- stantly maintain in the tops a good guard of men of the utmost trustworthiness, who will attentively keep a good lookout in all directions. 25. As soon as he shall have seen the bilanders leaving the said port and a signal to make sail and continue the voyage, he will obey it, setting his course with his entire squadron direct for the bar of Las Cruces [Tybee Bar] ; and without waiting for any other order or signal, he will enter the bay. 26. The mouth of Las Cruces, he will recognize by means of a lofty, wooden tower, which the foreigners have built on the north point; on the south, they have a small redoubt. 27. On coming within sight of the said bar, he will hoist the English ensign and will keep it flying until he shall have entered and placed himself in a position to prevent communication of this event to other parts. He will then hoist the Spanish ensign and at the same time will send an officer ashore under a white flag with orders to inform the commanding officer of the fort, that if he does not surren- der without resistance or delay, he will be put to the sword with his entire garrison without exception, and to tell him at the same time that the remaining forts and settlements of the south have been depopulated and ruined and that a strong fleet is coming by the interior channels to destroy and reduce to naught those which may have remained. 28. The officer designated for this duty will carefully observe the disposition and force of the redoubt and the strength of its garrison in order that in case of refusing to surrender and offering resistance, the most convenient and best measures may be taken to capture it. He will with- draw to his ship, as soon as he has executed his commis- sion. 29. While all this is going on, he [the Naval Comman- der] will anchor in the middle of the channel, posting the vessels under his order, so as to occupy both mouths of 46 THE SPANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE the Tamaja,* these being- the same which on joining form the Savannah River. In this way, all the approaches will be covered and the communications of the enemy embar- rassed. 30. If the commanding officer of the said fort should surrender without resistance, the garrison will be distrib- uted among tlie vessels of the fleet, orders being given to treat them well. The guns, munitions and stores found will be collected and orders given to burn to the ground all the houses and to ruin and destroy whatever may be found. The same orders will be issued with regard to the tower mentioned. 31. If the commanding officer, in contempt of the cour- teous and peaceful proposition made to him, should decide to defend himself, the naval commander will make the best disposition to invest the place. He will disembark troops in sufficient number, having regard to the report on the garrison of the fort and its situation made by the officer he sent ashore, to secure success without risk, because if he considers that the operation is somewhat difficult he must not expose himself, but instead will send with the greatest dispatch one or two launches, well armed and manned, to the south through the channels, with an offi- cer to report everything accurately to the general ; and, in addition, the conclusion he had come to in respect of what is needed to attack and conquer the said fort and settle- ment. The officer will be enjoined to travel night and day until he shall have met the interior flotilla. He must be furnished with the countersign and parole because it is considered important that this information should reach the general as soon as possible. 32. Even should the commanding general of the fort surrender without resistance, the two launches will be sent to report this result to the commanding general with all the incidents which mav liavo occurred, and with an ac- count of the state in which it was found. 33. Since it is possi))le in the said port to find a few ves- sels from Europe, bringing stores and people, for the sup- port of these settlements, he will take as many as he shall • This word Buffffpsts the Altamaha: but as this stream has no connection with thp FRvnnnah, It Is not impossible that the scribe has wiltton T for Y, ■ nr^ f^-: JfH^.; I.cijcihi— Clianiifl IcatliiiK o\ cr the bar: C iii depth in fnilion 2* dimiu- iihes to 3 at hall idc. ScitU-mcnl forlilit-'i by a bai- ury of 16 guns. S - pounders. and 11 houses of boards ami palms, called Fort Frederica. The RivL-r of S; m Simon leading to the to\s n of Frcd- Careening ground •* Road joining lu- scltlc men! and carceni e ground. Tidal inlets. River leadiii« t.. h. n.ir i.i Whales. island of Sp;.rr,.» 11,.!-.., of WhnU-s. Sawmill of the 1 ■.Ji-I, • The letter i; il.. '