But as it is so important to the Crown and the vast importance and revenue which will and can be derived from it would make it deplorable to give it up now. Besides the great importance of spreading the Holy Gospel, as it is being done, has made me delay in giving you this necessary information. May God guard you for many years as a true Christian. FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ. St. Augustine, Fla., January 14th, 1708. LETTER OF THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA TO HIS MAJESTY. A. D. 1708. _Sire_: The continued coming of the enemy who took up quarters at San Francisco Garrison, caused the natives to retire to this Garrison to seek protection under the Royal arms. From the same fear, the palisade castle of Salamototo having been attacked, the few natives withdrew, running from the cruel ravages of these enemies. About eight or nine persons having called a meeting to discuss the matter of evacuating these Garrisons, the board decided that for the safety and better security of these natives it would be best to evacuate them. A more extensive account is given you in the testimony of each thing that I remit with this information, so that you may be well notified of the reasons for retiring from these two towns and others near them, that had already been deserted. We have assigned them land near by, in line of the cannon of this Royal Fort, and we are maintaining them and helping with the best we can at your expense and from the Royal warehouses so that they may not perish until they can till the land and raise a crop to help support themselves, until things take a better turn. I hope your Majesty will approve and accept in good faith the step taken by the Board and that I am working and maintaining these natives for the best and greatest service of your Majesty. May God guard you as a Christian. FRANCISCO CÓRCOLES Y MARTINEZ. St. Augustine, Fla., November 30th, 1708. LETTER OF THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA TO HIS MAJESTY. A. D. 1709. _Sire_: