A. D. 1636. _Sire_: By a Cedula of your Royal Highness, dated in Madrid, on the 28th of June of last year, you command me to have a general offering of prayer in all the churches in the district under my command, imploring God that you may be successful in the arms you have taken up against France, on account of her evil designs against you. You also recommend that I improve the conduct and manners of the people here; that if necessary I punish them publicly for their offences. I immediately complied with your order, and had them go out from the high church in procession, those of the Seraphic Order joining with all the others. They went through all the streets of the City, then a high mass was sung, and prayers offered for your success. I also sent a message to all the other Churches and Convents to have like services celebrated. In regard to the conduct of the residents of these Province, Spaniards as well as natives, I have great care in every respect, and from today, complying with your Mandate, I shall redouble my vigilance. May God spare your Majesty many years, for the good of Christianity. LUIS USSITINEZ. St. Augustine, Fla. * * * * * Havana, A. D. 1640. In the city of Havana on the 13th day of April, 1678, there was a meeting of the Board in the Hall of the City Council as is usual and customary. The Master of the Field, Don Francisco Davila, Governor and Captain-General of said City, and the Messrs. Nicolas Castellan, Lieutenant-Major Don Pedro Valdes, Don Pedro Recio de Oquendo, First Alderman, Captain Don Blas Pedraso. In the presence of the Notary, the following was agreed: