From information that I was able to gather by means of gifts to the native Indians, I succeeded in finding out the designs of the settlers of St. George and of the new settlement in St. Elena, where this Garrison was first--distant from here some sixty leagues. About 50 Indians, with orders from the Governor of St. Elena, were to enter the Province of Tamaqua, do all the damage and hostilities they could, taking prisoners and killing the natives. I immediately sent a dispatch by carrier to the Lieutenant of that Province to be on guard and care for the towns. It seems that some six hours before he received my notice, they had entered and destroyed the town of Afinca, a place of about sixty natives. About fifty men entered with sixteen guns and the balance with bows and arrows and machetes, everything exactly as I had been informed. They belong to the Yamares nation who have retired from this dominion and gone over to the English. They killed and carried off the prisoners as certified by a letter from the Lieutenant. I have restored as far as possible the Garrison of Tamaqua for the peace of its natives. If I had had the force sufficient I would have sent the vessels that I have to the settlement of Santa Elena and done them some damage, but, as it is, I have not sufficient forces for anything. The two Captains experienced in that part of the country are old, one of 70 and the other 60 years old. I am sorry to say, the enemy are settling in the interior, where they find the lands so rich and productive of all kinds of fruit. Should they come here they could easily capture us for the lack of men--we need men--more troops. I am informed that forty days ago, eleven vessels with seven hundred men, had been sent out from England. I am awaiting them with fear, for lack of men and ammunition we have. I also distrust my sentinels. I hope you will immediately send me re-enforcements. God preserve you, etc. JUAN MARQUEZ CABRERA. St. Augustine, April 15th, 1685. * * * * * THE KING. _To my Governor and Captain-General of the City of St. Augustine in the Province of Florida, and Field Marshal Don Diego de Quiraga y Lasada, in whose charge that Government is now_: