Then, at a moment’s notice, they will invade this Castle, it being their great ambition, and the only and sole aim of it, to capture this Fort for the protection of the New England, and the great use they could make of it in capturing your Majesty’s vessels coming through the Bahama Channel. In giving you this information I feel that I not only comply with my royal duty, but also discharge the debt to my conscience in showing you the danger of this Province. With this intelligence you can act as most agreeable and convenient. May God preserve your Royal personage for many years. ANTONIO BENAVIDES. St. Augustine, Fla., Apr. 21st, 1722. * * * * * The letter accompanying it: St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 11th, 1722. Finding myself with an order from the King of Spain, my Lord and Master, for security with this and that government of reciprocal relations regarding the hostilities which on one and the other side has been completed, for the welfare of the Indians, I resolved to send to the Carolinas the “Contador” Don Francisco Menendez Marques, with other officials accompanying him, to confer with his Excellency and the Lords of Parliament for some agreement by which the annoyances of the infidel Indians toward those attached to our nation, might cease, and they be allowed to continue their agricultural pursuits without further disturbances and incentives--and not forgetting the agreement with Don Francisco Menendez Marques that during the suspension of arms, they try not to hostile the Indians of this Nation. That I, for my government, will keep them in subjection as I have done ever since the news of suspension of arms arrived, but that, if they should in any way fail in their agreement, they might rest assured that I shall take vengeance, and nothing shall deter me but their absolute subjection to our agreement. I shall make all necessary provision and watch with zeal, as I am fully persuaded that the keeping of this reciprocal agreement is the only foundation for tranquility and peace. Your Excellency will acknowledge receipt of this, and the agreement reached with Señor Menendez Marquez, that I may report to our King and Master. ANTONIO BENAVIDES. TO THE KING FROM THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA. _Sire_: