Says: That this Garrison being in arms and awaiting signals since Sunday, the 22nd. The church has on several occasions rung the bells after midnight in taking out the Holy Sacrament, continuing the ringing for two hours or more, without ceasing. This is contrary to all customs in Spain and the Indias, where the sacrament is not carried in pomp after night, but only by the Priest, the sacristan and two other persons who carry the lights. In a close Garrison it is more strictly observed, and for that reason should be more strictly enforced in this Garrison, as such things are risky, especially as we are under arms, and injury might result, as it would give the enemy time and opportunity to accomplish their intentions. We are trying to stand on the defensive and it might injure this very church itself. For this reason I sent word to the Priest, Don Alonzo de Legurion, Parish Priest and Vicar of this city, in all due form by St. Sebastian Lopez begging him to cease the ringing and setting forth the danger which could result. That he should not go out in pomp, but ask for all the soldiers he wanted and they would be sent. He would not listen, and threatened the Lieutenant with excommunication should he return. Another message I sent by the Sergeant-Major, Pedro Arauda y Avellanedas, to whom he made the same reply, stating that the Church was his and he would ring when he pleased--it had been given him by the Pontificate, and the Governor had nothing to do with it, and must not meddle. Such language and conduct disturbs the public peace. That all this may be certified to I have ordered testimony taken of the case and had the Sergeant-Major and Adjutant Sebastian Lopez examined, and so I sent it and sign DIEGO QUIROBA Y LOSADA. Appeared before me, Alonzo Solano, Notary Public of the government, in the City of St. Augustine, Fla., as witness. SEBASTIAN LOPEZ. * * * * * May 22nd, 1689.