/% ^- ♦ ^ o. "-..>* :'^: \/ /M^, %,*^ •••^i^'-. "^--.^^^ • J" \ -: , '^o^ 'oK * A <> o, j»r e " - T> ^^^''^'% /'^^^^^^^ /^'^'\ /''^^^' 1'^ V 'A^^ V^ .'^' %/ -^S'- '^''-/ : ?** '^^^% '^Bs^ j'^^u "^^s ^^^\ "'W^s ./ V ' 0^ V"^-\/ '°^'-.^'/ V*^-\/ ^%''^''\^ " "^ a"! •^<=P 30th CoNGRiss, [SENATE.] Rep. Com., 1st Sesision. No. 99. IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. March 21, 1848. Submitted, considered, and agreed to. V Mr. Johnson, of Louisiana, made the following REPORT : The Committee on Private Land Claims^ to whom was referred the memorial of the Very Rev. Benedict Madeore, vicar general of the Catholics of Florida^ and pastor of the Catholic church of St. Augustine, in Florida; and to whom was also referred the memo- rial of the trustees and memhers of the Catholic church of St. Augustine^ report: That both these memorials are upon the same subject, and pray the same relief, and were presented together to obtain the action of Congress, for the mutual benefit of the memorialists. It is alleged by them, that on the transfer of the province of east Florida, under the treaty with Spain, of 1819, which transfer took place at St. Augustine, in 1821, certain real estate and buildings, which of right belonged to the Catholic church of East Florida, were taken possession of by the United States, as being public pro- perty of the crown of Spain, and, by the treaty, transferred to the United States. This property comprises what is now called the military barracks, and the barracks lots, and other lots in said city particularly described in the documents filed with the petitions! These barracks are now used by the United States for military pur- poses, and are of considerable value. Other buildings could not be erected to supply their place, and answer the purposes for which they are used by this government, it is supposed, for a sum less than sixty thousand dollars. Large sums, it is understood by the committee, have, since the transfer in 1821, been expended upon them to keep the buildings in good order and repair. Prior to the cession, the barracks had been occupied by the troops of the Span- ish garrison always kept at St. Augustine, and they were so oc- cupied at the time of the cession; but it is alleged by the memo- rialists that such occupation was not because they were claimed or considered asthe property of the crown of Spain; and, on the contrary, it w'as with the consent of the rightful owners, (the church,) in con- sequence of the proper military barracks of the government of Spain, having been destroyed by fire. They allege the barracks, as they are now called, was a religious house, devoted to the purposes [99] 2 of the missions of the Catholic church of Florida, and occupied as such, by religious orders of, and under the control and jurisdiction of said church, till such accidental destruction of the king's pro- per military barracks; when, without alienating their property in anywise, and for the convenience of the troops that were without quarters, and because there was no other proper building in the city, they voluntarily yielded their house to the government for such' purpose. They allege such occupation was not intended to be per- petual, but that it was contemplated it would be temporary only; and that annual equivalents for its use, of the character of rents, in contributions, by the Spanish government, for religious and cha- ritable purposes, under the management of the church, in that city, were always yielded. The memorialists expressly state that the owners did not part with their title to the property in question, to the Spanish government; and that the Spanish government never did, and never intended to dispossess them of their property, or to keep possession of it, except temporarily, and by and with their consent. They contend that the possession taken by the United States was under a different, but mistaken supposition. They main- tain, that the government officers, even if they examined the title, had no authority to decide it, and then^ by a conclusion that it was the public military property of the king of Spain; take possession of it for the United States, and turn the occupation by the Spanish garrison, which was that of mere tenants to the true owners, into a possession under an adverse claim of title. And, they insist, that the United States, having no more rights than the king of Spain, their tenant; and the possession of the United States being, therefore, a mere continuance of such tenantcy, neither by the com- mon law, nor by the civil law, can the United States contest their title. They assert that the continued retention of possession, by the United States, of this property, has been wrongful, and they ask its restoration, or a just recompense, to its value, be made to them; and that they be paid also for its use whilst the United States have so occupied it. If the circumstances of this case be correctly set forth, (and the documents filed give strong proof of their truth,) it' is a case of wrong, which the integrity and honor of this government demand should be promptly redressed. Not only the redemption of the plighted faith of the Confederacy, in the treaty with Spain, by which the Floridas were ceded to it, but a proper regard for the reputation of this government for justice, and the proper fulfilment of the duty of protection to every religious denomination, not merely in the free exercise of their religion, but in the enjoyment of their property dedicated to church purposes, according to their rules or canons, (if there is no error in the allegations of the me- morialists,) require the prompt action of Congress to repair the injury they have sustained from this government. It would be dis- creditable to this country, to retain possession of one foot of land, or any property, rightfully belonging to the Catholic church of Flo- rida, and which had been devoted to religious purposes, however great the inconvenience of yielding it up, or however expensive it ,\^\ . 3 [ 99 J might be to replace it to the United States. To keep by force, and without right, a house erected by a religious denomination or community, and for religious or eleemosynary objects, and to ap- propriate such house to military purposes, would be an exercise of the power and prerogatives of this government, that the people of the United States would not countenance. The case should be strictly investigated; the documents thor- oughly examined, and proper measures taken to obtain accurate and authentic information as to all the facts, and then, right should be done. It is necessarily presented ex parte to Congress, by the me- morialists. It is out of the question for either House of Congress, or for a committee of either House, to decide properly on a case of this character, so presented. The proper law officers of the Uni- ted States, presumed to be cognizant of the title of the United States, and of the evidence to sustain it, or who can obtain that evi- dence, and lay it before Congress, for its consideration, should make the investigation suggested. The committee have examined all the papers, appended to the memorials, attentively. Some of the originals are in the Spanish language, and accompanied by v>^hat are stated to be copies of trans- lations. These translations are not, however, verified. The com- mittee recommend that the Secretary of the Senate be directed to cause said translations to be examined, and, if necessary, correc- tions made, and the same verified; and that the same, with the ori- ginals of all the papers, and the memorials, be printed for the use of the Senate. And the committee further recommend, that the said memorials and papers be referred to the Solicitor of the Treasury, and that he be directed to examine the same, and investigate said claim fully, and procure authentic copies of all documents and papers relating to said case, in the public departments and offices, and all other testimony that he can procure in relation to the title of the United States to said property, and communicate the same to the Senate; and make lull report as to the merits of such claim, as soon as prac- ticable, during the present session; and a resolution to that effect is reported accordingly: Resolved, That the memorial of B. Madeore, vicar general, and the memorial of the Trustees and members of the Catholic church at St. Augustine, Florida, and all the accompanying papers, he printed for the use of the Senate; and that the Secretary of the Se- nate cause the translations of papers filed, to be corrected and veri- fied, before the same are printed; and all said documents to be trans- mitted to the Solicitor of the Treasury, who is directed to examine the same, and investigate said case, and procure copies of all docu- ments and papers relating thereto, in the public departments or of- fices; and other testimony that he can obtain, relating to the title of the United States to the property claimed; and communicate the same to the Senate; and make report as to the merits of said case as early as practicable, during the present session. £ 99 ] 4 To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America^ in Congress assembled. The memorial of the Very Reverend Benedict Madeore, vicar general of Florida, and pastor of St. Augustine's church, HESPECTFULLY REPRESENTS : Tha'; before and at the time of the cession of the Floridas to the United States of America, by his Catholic Majesty the King of Spain, under the treaty of the 22d February, 1819, the Catholic £urch was the lawful and rightful owner of 1. Saint Augustine's church; 2. The convent of Saint Francis ; 3. The bishop's house, and, 4. The Church of our Lady of the Milk, That by the terms of the second article of the said treaty, all of the said property, being "private property," was reserved and excepted out of the property transferred to the United States ; and that by the terms of the fifth article of the said treaty, '' the free exercise of their religion, without any restriction," was se- cured to the inhabitants of the ceded territories, by which not only the right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience, but also the right to retain and hold all of their .church property for the uses and purposes of their religion, was intended to be secured to the Catholics of Florida. Your memorialist further shews that, according to the usages and constitution of the Catholic church, as set forth in the de- crees, pars secunda, causa xvi, questio vii, and recognized by the council of Trent, sess. xxii. chap. 8, 9, and 11, churches and church property are generally held under the authority or control, that is, in the name of the bishop of the diocese, for the uses of Ihe church, each bishop being a corporation sole, in his particular diocese ; which rule of discipline of the church hath been sanc- tioned in several of the States of this union, and particularly in IVTaryland, by act of 1832, chapter 308. That this law of the church was always recognized by the Spanish government, the king being the protector of the church in the new world, and having caused an episcopal see to be ap- proved by the Pope for the city of Havana, in the island of Cuba, whose jurisdiction extended over and included the Floridas. That the order of the Franciscans was established in Florida, at the invitation of the bishop, to serve the missions there, with the approval of the Pope, the council of the Indias, and the king, and it was called the mission of St. Helena) the head-quarters being the Convent at St. Angustine. That the said convent property was placed in the possession of the Franciscans, /or the time that they should, under the direction of ihe bishop, serve the missionSy but the "right of property" was ai- rways reserved to the bishop, for the uses of the catholic church of Jbis diocese. It was kept in repair with the eccleisastical revenues, 5 [ 99 ] and not by the order of Franciscans. In the year 1764, when the Floridas were in the possession of the British, the convent, and the bishop's house, were sold without mention of the Order of the Franciscans, and purchased in private trust for the benefit of the true owners, and when the Floridas were again under the Spanish dominion, the convent was occupied by the missionaries who at- tended the mission, as church property, under the control of the bishop, to return to his direction, whenever for any cause the mis- sionarfes should cease to attend the missions. In the confusion which occurred upon the cession of the Floridas by Spain to the United States, a part of this church property, was taken into the possession of other than the legal and equitable owners, and has so remained out of the possession of the Catholic body to the present time. It is well here to remark, that this misapplication of the private property of the Catholic body of the Floridas, and diversion from its proper uses, may have arisen in. part from a mistake as to its true ownership; from the fact, that the convent was at the time occupied by the king's garrison and troops; but this teynporary occupation ol the church property by the military under the civil power, was entirely with the consent of the bishop, which consent was given because of the destruction of the king's barracks by fire, and was never claimed as of right. The explanation will be found more at large in the documents which accompany this memorial. Your memorialist presents this his memorial, in his official ca- pacity, as ecclesiastical Charge, or vicar general of Florida, and in conjunction with the memorial of the catholics of the territory assigned to his charge; and he most respectfully prays, that your honorable body will, by act of Congress, provide for and direct the restoration of his church property so wrongfully withheld, or make such other compensation therefor, as in your wisdom may seem meet and proper; and your memoralist is prepared with pro- per documentary and other evidence to substantiate his claim, when, &c. And as in duty bound he will ever pray. BENEDICT MADEORE. [Feb. 8, 1848. Referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.] To the Senate and House of Representatives , in Congress assembled. The undersigned, the Trustees and the members of the Catholic church of St. Augustine, in conjunction with its vicinity, beg leave aESPECTFULLY TO REPRKSENT: That a large amount of valuable property belonging to the said church, of which a description will be found in the documents herewith sent,- was, at the time of the cession of the Floridas, in 1821, to the United States, either through a culpable negligence, or a wilful disregard of the claims of its rightful owners, included in with the lots and btiildings, and other public property, delivered [99] ^ •over to the United States government, by the Spanish authorities at ihe above period. Your memorialists, therefore, relying on the generous toleration and equitable principles professed, and hitherto so nobly acted on, l>y the American government and people, herewith submit to your honorable body, the claims, and the proofs that establish their claims, to the property in question, and confidently trust to your justice, for a restitution of their rights. The urgent wants of the church, and the aggravated character of the wrong of which it complains, induce the undersigned, respectfully, to request the early attention of your honorable bodies to their claims, or the ob- jects of tnis memorial, and to press for an early decision upon the same. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. JOHN M. FONTANE, President board of Wardens, R. C. C. of St. Axigustine. Pedro Benet, Francis P. Ferreira Jose E. Pomar, Thomas Andrew, Antonio J. Noda, Jos. S. Sanchez, Manuel Crespo, Antonio Solana, F. Bridier Andres Papy Cristobal Bravo Henry Thomas Joseph P. Delespine Rophina Pallicier Rosa Leonardy Rosalia Leodardy Luciana Leonardy Jane Leonardy Jane N. Lacy Theodosia A. M. Leonardy Laurean Munson Raphaela Usina Genobeba Usina Catalina Solana Enlogia S. Rosrero Josefa Papy Ana Papy Lasdila Reyes G. N. Papy M. Papy John Canovas Antonio Canovas Antonia P. Marin Rosalia Marin Geroniraa Solana 1 • I Wardens R. C. C. of St. Augustine. Isabella Marin John Pallicier Rophina B. R. Pallicier Florentina Pallicier Florrene Pallicier Ciliclono Pallicier Mary Pallicier Venancio Sanchez Fred'k. Houghton Alonzo A. Bravo Manuela Bravo A. B. M. Pacetty C. P. Sanchez M. H. Rogero Malana Papy Virginia Papy Mathias Papy Ann Llambias Barbara Llambias Chas. Haagar Florencia Haagar Domineja Lopez Mary Solana Angelina Solana Isabella Thynne Frances Solana Ma'ry R. Solana Jane Purvis Sarah Purvis Lorenzo Purvis Benansio Purvis John Rogero [99] Manuela Rogero Ramon Rogero Lauriana Ferreira Gabriel Pomar Mariana Pomar Margarita Pomar Maria Usina Jane Bugell Mary Andrew Joseph Andrew Petronilo Lopez Malana Lopez Bartolome Lopez Vicente Pacetty Margaret Pacetty Betruna Pacetty Mary Pacetty Mary Rogero Mary Canovas Landreu Andrew Antonio Rogero Anthony Pomar Mary Pomar Antonio Lopez Juana Triye Francis Triye Bartolo Pacetty jr. Bartolp Pacetty sen. Louisa Pacetty Rafaela Bayar Jane Bayar Dolores Bayar M. Fermina Garey Fecla I. Pacetty Merced B. Pacetty Rosalia Reyes Foustina Pacetty Mary Reyes Mary Ponce Mary Reyes, jr. Antonia Pallicier Clementine Sabate Mary Sabate Antonia Sabate Marcella Sabate Leonardes Palicier Anthony Palicier Juana A. Andrew Juan A. Andrew Margarita Pomar Rafaela GofF Ana M. Goff Jane GofF Francis Pallicier Thom Pallicier Jane Hernandes — Antonia Hernandes Mary Hernandes Diego Hernandes Diego Hernandes sen. Mary N. Avice Caroline Avice Alexander Avice Beatrice Pallicier Merceul Zelhmbar Mary Andrew Mary Andrew Honora Andrew Ildelfonso Andrew Mary Norris . Pedro Capella Catherine Capella Catherine Capella jr. Anastasio Capella Hulia Capella Joseph Benet Maria C. Benet Clara E. Hurlburt Antonio Hitchcock Esteban Arnau Margarita D. Arnau John Carreras Francisco Carreras Gasparito Carreras Maria Carreras Antonica Lorenso Mary Manusy Paula Ferreira Joseph Lopez Jane Lopez Paul Arnau Catherine Leonardy Catharine Leonardy, jr. Roque Leonardy Sabina Leonardy John liconardy Mary Lopez Jane Lopez sen. Fernanda Oliveros Gabriel Maestro Agraphina Cercoply Fredrica Cercoply Clara Cercoply Peter Copy t99] 8 Thomasine Hogan Manuel Andrew Gastina Andrew Francisca Andrew Juan Andrew Geronimio Andrew John Andrew Bartolo Segui Margarita Segui John Capo Mary Capo John Capo Benansia Capo Cloudia Capo Rafaela Cammei Jane Cammei Catherine Cammei Mary Pacetty — . Domingo Cercopoly Antonia Manusy .^. John Segui Jane Segui Jose Bayar Catalina Bayar Joseph Manusy Juana Manusy Magarita Martin Juana Manusy, jr. --; Joseph Manusy jr. Maria Manusy Felix Manusy Manuel Manusy Diego Hernandez Juliana Hernandez Antonio Andreu Maria R. Andreu Antonio Lopez Maria Lopez Martina H. Pomar Gabriel Capo sen. Margaret Capo Jose Capo Gabriel Capo jr. Malina Capo Andres Pacetty Sally C. Mason Maria T. C. Mason Ann Mason Elizabeth Smith Matilda Mason Frances Lloyd Malina Hernandez Joseph Andreu Joseph Pacetty Juana Benet Rafael Benet Francisca Gonzales Antonio Andreu Seyerina C. Andreu James Hernandes Dominge J. Hernandez Anna Hernandez Estanislada T. Benet Maria C. Benet Antonia Alvarez Jacob Toras Joseph Barbara Frances Hernandez Demetrio Salas Frances Salas Andres C. Pacetty Catalina A. Pacetty Eml. J. Medicis -^ Josephine Medicis Juan S. Pacetty Fecla Y. Pacetty Petronilo R. Lopez Mary I. Lopez Catalina Aguiar Eusebia Russell Eudorah Nelson Mary A. Cooper Victoria Cooper F. Weedon F. J. Weedon Wm. H. Weedott John M. Manusy Go. B. Weedon Jas. B. P. Haskins Ann M. Hernandez S. H. Williams Jeremiah Hallisy Richard Dillon Dennis Hallisy D. John Dioyre John Coloolle Ellen Dillon Francis Mone Zachariah J. Hogans Jane Rany Linsey Thomas Mone James Fagan [99] Joachim Roman Charles Summers Thos. H. Mone Camila C. Sanchez James Fagan Clara Gracesca John Hallisy Rafaela Papy Sarah Fagan Josefa Gue Charles Byrne Joseph Noda Henry Hartley Felicia Y. Mitchell Henry F. Hartley Leocadia Gomez Susanah Hartley John A. Rose Thomas Bowden Mary B. Rose John M. Bowden S. P. Anderson Mary Ann Bowden M. W. Beard Mary Z. Hogans William P. Haskins John M. J. Bowden M. A. Haskins. [ 99 ] ' 10 ( [seal.] 1 ( (stamp.) 1 \ Isab. p. 1. g. de Dios y la Const. } \ Sello 3o.— As. 1846 y I [ Reyna de Esp. J ( 47. 2 Rs J Sor. Aid. Mayor 4o: Pbro. D. Benedicto Madeore, cura y vico gral. de la yga. de Sn. Augustin la Florida, respetuamte ante vs. dice: Que receutando p. a sa, yga. tener constancia autentica de la Cedula q.e inserta la adjunta obra titulada Cronica de la Orden de S. Franco, la cual le ha sido concedida p.r el actual Guardian del convento de esta ciudad, y se halla en la pag. J14 al numo. 177, asi como de la patente que le precede al p. 110, numo. 174, p. a q.e de ambos recados integros se le de testimo. en forma p.r uno, de los Escri- banos publicos con las desmas legalizciones de estilo, cree el ex- ponente indispensable la autorisacion judicial, afin de q.e se le ministre con la economica posible, toda la ver que se versa sobre el sevicio de una yga. pobre; en cuya virtud. A. V. S. supca. Se sirva acceder a lo q.e se solicita, acompananda la obra a q.e se contrae, q.e se le devolvera, en lo q.e recibia inerced. Haba. y Abril 9, de 1847. ^ BENEDICTO MADEORE. Haba., Ahril nueve de 1847. De se el testimo q.e se solicita en el orden q.e corresponde. PADILLA. Patente del reverendisimo padre, comisario general de Yndiasj Fray Bernardo de Salva, sobre los conventos de Bayamo y Cuba. Fray Bernardo de -^Salva, padre de la provincia de Cataluna, comisario general de las Yndias, con plenilud de potestad por nuestro reverendisimo padre fray Arcangelo de Mesina, ministro general de toda la Orden de nuestro padre San Francisco. Al padre fray Pedro Ruiz, sacredote y confesor, salud y paz en el Seftor. Habiendo algunos anos, que paso V. R. a la custodia de la Florida, tdcado de la centella del divino amor y lo del aprove- chamiento de las almas de aquellos infieles con Espiritu, y deseo de reducirlos, y traerlos al gremio de la Santa Madre yglesia Romana y conocimiento de la Fe Catolica, y de hacerles capaces, y obedientes a los mandamientos de Dios, con la confesion de los sacramentos, sacandolos de la ceguedad, y esclavitud del Demonioj y habiendo con su doctrina, cristiandad, y buen ejemplo hecho muchos servicios a nuestro Senor en aquella tierra, como por It J E99] ( JSEAL.] j Isabel Second, by the grace of I God and the Constitution, ( Queen of Spain. (SATMP.) 3d stamp— 1846-'47. 25cts. To the principal (4^^,) Alcalde or Judge: The presbiter Benedict Madeore, pastor and vicar general of the church of Saint Augustine, in Florida, respectfully sayeth: That the interest of his church requires an authenticated copy of the royal ordinance, which will be found inserted in the accompanying work, entitled, " Chronicle of the Order of Saint Francis," which has been conceded to him by the actual guardian of the convent in this city, and will be found on page 114, of number 177. In like manner, he requires a copy of the patent w^hich precedes the foregoing, found at page 110, number 174. Your petitioner believes it indispensably necessary that the judi- cial power should interpose and authorize true copies of both articles to be made out, with all the formalities required by law, by a public notary, to the end that it may be furnished with that economy usual in all cases where the service is rendered to a poor church. He begs that you will be pleased to accede to his solicitation, and that the accompanying work may be returned to him, for which favor, he will be obliged. BENEDICT MADEORE. "Havana, April 9, 1847. Give the copies required, with all the formality the law re- quires. PADILLA. Havana, Jipril 9, 1847. Patent of the most Reverend Father, commissary general of the Indies, Friar Bernardo de Salva, over the convents of Bahama and Cuba. Friar Bernardo de Salva, father of the province of Catalonia, com- missary general of the Indies, with full power through our most reverend father friar Archangel de Mesina, the general minister* of the entire order of our father St. Francis. To the father friar Peter Ruiz, priest and confessor, health and peace in the Lord. Some years have elapsed since your reverence went to take charge of Florida, being touched by a spark of divine love to seek the salvation of the souls of those infidels, and animated with a spirit and desire to bring them into the fold of our holy mother the Church of Rome, by making them acquainted with the Catholic faith, and thus make them capable of understanding and obeying the laws of ' God, acknowledging his sacraments, removing them „^ from the blindness and slavery of the devil, and having, by your doctrine, Christianity and good example, rendered many service* [99] 12 el leiones de personas fidedigans consta a por testimonio y car- tas del gobernador, Pedro de Ybarra; y habiendo venido a nues- tra preferencia para pedir, y suplicar a S. M. y a, su real consejo de las Yndias, que se doliesen de aquellas almas redimidas con la Sangre de Cristo, que por falta de ministros del Evan- gelio, pasan naufragio por la ignorancia de ley, perecen, y se mueren viejos sin sacrementosj y ninos sin el baptisimo; y atendiendo al grande afecto de animo, que V. R. hapuesto en la prosecucion de esta tan Santa obra, y a su miicha religion, celo, y prudencia en las cosas de observancia de nuestro estado, y pro- fesion, le handado licencia para llevar ciertos religioso, de los cuales por orden de S. M. le hemos hecho comisario, para que los que conocier ser a proposito para aquella tierra los lleve consigo, como por otra patente particular para esto consta. por tanto deseando el bien, y aumento de nuestra religion, y que las cosas de ella vayan de bien en raejor, y habiendo consultado con algunos religiosos de buena conciencia, y satisfaction practics en aquella tierra, y ultiraamente con los padres de la orden congregados de San Juan de los Reyes de Toledo, a catorce de Junio, de mil seiscientogy nueve; y habiendoles parecido no solo conveniente, pero muy del servicio de nuestro Senor, que el convento de la Habana, Santiago de la Ysla de Cuba, y el del Bayamo se tovasen al gobierno de este officio, por estar tan lejos de prelado, que les pueda mirar con propios ojos, y proveer de remedio en las cosas que lo pidieren, como estuvo en tiempo del padre fray Francisco de Guzman nuestro antecesor, y que asi para el bien particular de la religion, como por otros particulares, y justos respectos convenia, que los dichos conventos se juntasen con los de la Florida, y de todos se hiciese una y muy buena honrada custodia, que este inmediataraente aneja a este oficio, gobernandola de aqui, y proveyendola de prelados, y sudditos, y de todo lo que conviniere para la edificacion, aumento y conservacion, asi de lo corporal, como de lo espiritual; y que efectuandose esto, se conseguira conmas facilidad el fin deseado, que es la paz y concordia con los gobernadores, que por no haberla havido los anos atras, ban sucedido muchos inconvenientes, los cuales, cesaran con poder mudar un religioso de la Florida u la Habana, y se cobrara el buen nombre, y reputacion, Dios sera servido, el pueblo y tierra edificado, y la religion aprovechada, y que S. M. y su real consejo de las Yndias, tendran esto por mas acertado gobierno, y le sera grata la resolucion de este negocio, confiando raucho de su cristiandad, prudencia, y rectitud, y que bien, y fielmente haran lo que fuere servicio de nuestro Senor, y 13 [ 99 ] to our Lord in that country, as appeareth from the information of many creditable persons, as well as from the letters of the governor Peter Ibarra, and having come to seek our preference to the end that we should invoke and supplicate his majesty and his royal council of the Indies to take pity upon, and compassionate the situation of those souls who, redeemed by the blood of Christ, are likely to suffer shipwreck for want of ministers of the Gospel to dispel their ignorance of the law, under which the aged die and perish without the sacraments, and the children without bap- tism. Taking into consideration the zealous spirit which animates your reverence in the prosecution of this holy work, your profound religion, and the prudence which you observe in everything relating to our State and profession; the liberty of carrying with you cer- tain religious persons, has been conceded to you, over whom we have made you commissary, by order of his majesty; you will, therefore, select such persons as you may deem proper for that duty, and take them with you, for which purpose another special patent shall be given to you. Desirous of the prosperity and advancement of our religion, and that everything appertaining thereto may proceed from good to better, we have consulted with some religious persons of good conscience and practical experience in the affairs of that country, and particularly with the fathers of the congregated order of St. John of Toledo, on the fourteenth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and nine; and it havinir appeared to them not only, but necessary to the service of our Lord, that the convents of Havana, St. Jago de Cuba, and the Bahamas, should be taken under the government, of which commissary, because they are distant from any prelate who may personally watch over them, and provide the proper remedies to such evils as may present themselves, as was the case in the time of father friar Francis Guzman, our antecessor. We esteem it convenient for the particular good of religion as well as for other particular and just reasons that the aforementioned convents should be united to those of Florida; and, from the whole thus united, a good and honored custody, or charge, should be formed, which shall be subject to this office, from whence it shall be governed and provided with prelates, subjects, and everything that may be necessary to the edification, augmentation, and conservation of it, both in a corporal and spiritual sense; this being effected, we will obtain, with more facility, the desirable object of restoring peace and concord between their different governors; among whom, for want of this measure, many differences have arisen, all of w^hich will cease with the introduction and exercise of power to remove religious persons from Florida to Havana, by which the good name and reputation of the diflferent?convents will berecovered,the service of God promoted, the people and country edified, and religion advanced. His majesty and his royal council of the Indies, will esteem this to be the best mode of government, and he will cheerfully ratify and confirm it. Confiding in your piety, prudence, and rectitude, that you will, well and faithfully, labor in the service of our Lord, [99] 14 descargo de nuestra conciencia en lo que toca al buen gobierno, y aprovechamiento de los Naturales; por la presente en la mejor forma, y manera, que podemos, y derecho devemos, nombramos, creamos, y elefimos a Vuestra Reverencia por custodio de la dicha nuestra custodia de Santa Elena de la Florida, a la cual desde luego unimos,.aplicamos, e incorporamos el convento de San Sal- vador de la Habana, Santiago de la Ysla de Cuba, y el del Bayamo: y porque en esta Santa obra Vuestra Reverencia no pierda el merecimiento de la Santa obediencia, por ella, en virtud del espiritu Santo le mandamos, que con los dichos siete religiosos se parta para alia, y segun la gracia, y talentos, que le ha dado nuestro Senor ejercite su oficio; y para que mejor lo pueda hacer, in utroque foro le damos toda nuestra auotoridad, sobre los conven- tos, y doctrinas de la dicha custodia, convienne a saber el convento de la concepcion de Nuestra Sefiora en la ciudad de San Augustin el convento de San Salvador de la Habana, el convento de Santiago de la Ysla de Cuba, el convento de Nuestro Padre San Francisco del Bayamo, el convento de Santa Catalina de Guale, el convento de la Ysla de San Pedro, el convento de San Juan del Puerto el convento de San Buenaventura de Guadalquivi, el convento' de Santo Domingo de Asao, el convento de San Antonio de Guadulce el convento de Santa Ana de Patano, y sobre todos los religiosos de ellos, asi subditos, como prelados, para' que en virtud de esta nuestra patente les pueda consolar, y acariciar, corregir, castigar ligar con censuras, y absolver de ellas, y encarcelar, y sacar de la carcel en casos leves con sola su autoridad, y en los graves con consejo de los Definidores, desterrar, y reducir, privar, suspender, y habilitar, recibir novicios en el convento de San Agustin, y en el de la Habana, y admitirlos a profesion; fundar conventos de nueyo, precediendo licencia de S. M. y de su real consejo de las Yndias, y de prelado obispo, 6 Arzobispo en las partes, y luo-ares donde entendiere, que sera mas conveniente. Hacer constituciones mudar Frailes de un convento a otro, dar Hcencias para ordenes) invocar capitulo a su tiempo, prcsidir en el, y hacer eleccion y selecciones de difinidores, guardianes, instituir confesores, y predica- dores, y los demas oficios, y hacer, disponer, y concluir todo lo que fuere necesario al buen gobierno de la dicha custodia, reforma- cion de lo caido, y conservacion de lo perfectoj aumento de la pura observancia de nuestro estado, y regla, teniendo gran adver- tencia, que en las doctrinas se pongan frayles de ejeraplo, y virtud y que a lo menos puedan confesar en la lengua, y lo principal sin codicia; pues los hijos de nuestro padre San Francisco tan agenos y limpios debemos estar de ella, guardando en todo lo ordenado' por el concilio Tridentino, y lo que disponen las constituciones gencrales de la orden, y las particulares de la custodia; y lo hace 15 [ 99 ] and satisfy our conscience in regard to the good government and careful attention to the interests of the natives, we do, by these presents, in the best form and manner we can, and of right ought to do, nominate, create, and elect your reverence as director of our aforesaid custody, or charge, of St. Helen, in Florida, to which, from this moment, we unite, apply, and incorporate the convent of St. Saviour, of Havana, Santiago of the island of Cuba, Bahama, and, in order that your reverence may not lose the merit of, or be undeserving of that holy obedience which this work requires, we, by virtue of the Holy Ghost, command you to depart for that country with the seven religions persons mentioned, and there, according to the grace and talents with which God has endowed you, discharge your official duty. In order that you may better be enabled so to do, we give you, in utroque foro, all our authority over the convents and religious meetings comprised within the afore- mentioned custody, or charge, viz: The convent of the Conception of our Lady in the city of St. Augustine, the' convent of St. Saviour, in Havana, the convent of St. James, in the island of Cuba, the convent of our father St. Francis, in Bahama, the convent of St. Cataline, of Guadaloupe, the convent of the island of St. Peter, the convent of St. John of the Port, the convent of St. Bonaventure, of Guadalquiver, the convent of St. Dominick, of Asao, the convent of St. Anthony, of Guadulce, the convent of St. Ana, of Patano, and over all the religious persons contained therein, both subjects and prelates, to all of whom, by virtue of this patent, you can console, caress, correct, punish, bind and censure, and absolve them there- from, and to imprison and take them out of prison by your own authority in trivial cases and in grave cases, by and with the con- sent of your definitive councillors; to banish, and reduce, deprive, suspend, and restore; to receive noviciates in the convent of St. Augustine, and that of Havana, and admit them to profess. To found new convents, with the previous permission and license from his majesty and his council of the Indies, and with the consent of the prelate, bishop, or archbishop of the port or place understood to be most convenient. To make constitutions, to change friars from one convent to another, to give permission to take orders, to invoke a chapter at the proper time, over which you will pre- side, to make election or elections of definitive councillors, guar- dians, institute confessors and preachers, and all other officers. To do, dispose, and conclude all that may be necessary to the good government of the said custody, or charge, to the reformation of the fallen, and conservation of those who are perfect. To in- crease the rigid observance of our State and regulations. Having great care to place in all religious meetings, friars of the most exem- plary virtue, who may be able to hear the confession of penitents in their own language, and be particular that they be not avaricious, for the sons of our father St. Francis should eschew that vice, and keep themselves free and clean from it, observing, with exactitude, all that is ordered by the council of Trent, as well as all that is ordered by the general constitution of the order, and constitution of the particular custody, or charge, to which we belong. We [99] 16 raos a V. R. y a los religiosos de ella, inmediatos a Nos, y a iiuestros sucesores, sin que ningun superior inferior Nuestro se entreraeta en su administracion, y gobierno: para cuya debida ejecucion exortamos, y a mayor merito mandamos per Santa Obediencia en virtud del espiritu Santo, y pena de escomunion mayor al guardian, y frayles de nuestros conventos de la Habana, Ysla de Cuba, y del Bayamo, como el custodio, difinidores, y demas religiosos de nuestro convento de la Florida, obedescan a V. R. en todo y por todo, como a su legitimo prelado y custodio criado por Nos,, para la reformacion, bien, y aumento de la religion en la dicha custodia, sin que se ponga impedimento, ni estorvo por los provinciales de la provincia del Santo Evangelio de Mejico, Santo Domingo de Venezuela, por nuestros comisarios generale, ni por otra persona alguna, a los cuales, y a cada uno de ellos, mandamos por la misma Santa Obediencia, y sopena de escomunion mayor tengan los diclios conventos de San Salvador de la Habana, Santiago de la Ysla de Cuba, y San Francisco de Bayamo por desunidos, divididos, y separados de las dichas provincias, y por aplicados, unidos e incorporados a la dicha nuestra custodia de Santa Elena de la Florida con las Fundaciones, mandas, limosnas, que al presente tienen, y tuvieren de aqui adelante, y a V. R. por su prelado, y custodio, a quien, y a sus sucesores toca y pertenece el gobierno y administracion de ellos, y de lo demas de la dicha custodia. Dada en San Francisco de Madrid a diez y ocho de Noviem. bre de mil, seiscientos, y nueve anos, firmada con el sello mayor de nuestro oficio, y refrendada de nuestro secretario, fray Ber- nardo de Salva, comisario general de Yndias. Por manJado de Nuestro padre Reberendisimo; fray Diego de Cecilia, secretario. Cedula de su Magestad, para que los conventos de la orden fun- dados por otras provincias en la Ysla de Cuba, se den a la custodia de Santa Elena de la Florida. El Rey. Todos y cualesquiera mis jueces, y justicias de las islas, y provincias, que se compreenden en las Yslas de Bar- lovento, y demas partes de mis Yndias Occiden tales, y cada uno, y cualquiera de vos en vuestra jurisdiccion, Sabed que por parte del comisario general de las Yndias de la Orden de San Francisco, que reside, en mi corte, se me ha hecho relacion, que por causas, qiie a ello movieron, se acordo en la ultima congregacion general de su orden, que se tuvo en la ciudad de Toledo, que se hiciese una custodia de los coventos de las ])rovincias de la Florida, y de la Ysla de Cuba, que antes eab^nts separados; que el cumplimiento de ello habia mandado poner en eiecucion por una patente suya dada en Madrid a diez y ocho de Noviembre del ano pasado de mil, seiscientos, y nueve, suplican- dome que para que esto pueda tener el buen efecto, que conviene, le mandase dar rai cedula, para que por vuestra parte lo favorecie- 17 [ 99 ] make your reverence and those religious persons within said cus- tody, or charge, near or next to us and our successors, ^ ' will not permit any person, either superior or inferior to you, lo meddle with, or disturb, your administration, o* goverment* a ad, for the faithful observance of this, we exhort, or, to give more force we command, by virtue of the Holy Ghost, t^e perfect obedience under pain of excommunication, of the guardian and friars of our convent, in Havana, and island of Cuba, of tb^ Bahamas, as well as the director, or superintendent, of our convent in Florida, to the end that they obey your reverence in all and for all, as their legitimate director or superindendent created by us, for the good and augmentation of religion in and within the limits of said cus- tody, or charge. Nor shall- any impediment, or embarrassment, be offered to you by our provincial of the province of the Holy Evan- gelist of Mexico; nor by him of St. Dominick, in Venezuela- nor by our commissary generals; nor by any other person whatsoever* to all of whom we command by the same holy obedience, under pain of major excommunication; that they consider the aforesaid convents of the Saviour, in Havana, St. James, of the island of Cuba, and St. Francis, in Bahama, to be disunited, divided, and separated from their respective provinces; and applied, united, and incorporated to our said custody, or charge, of St. Helen in Florida; together with the foundations, commands, and alms, which they at present have, or may have hereafter,- and of which your reverence is the prelate, or director; to whom and to your suc- cessors it belongeth and appertaineth to administer upon and govern them, as well as everything else within the limits of your custody, or charge. Given in St. Francis, in Madrid, this eighteenth day of Novem- ber, one thousand six hundred and nine years, signed with the great seal of our office, and countersigned by our secretary friar Bernard Salva, commissary general of the Indies. By order of our most reverend father friar James Cecilia - Secretary. Royal order of his majesty to annex to the custody or charge of St. Helen, in Florida, the convents on the island of Cuba, which were founded by, and hitherto attached to, other provinces. The king, to all and every one of his judges and justices in the islands and provinces in the Windward Islands and other parts of his Indies in the west, to each and every one of you in your proper jurisdiction: Know ye, I am informed by the commissary general of the Indies, of the order of St. Francis, who resides in my court that, for causes by which they were incited, it was determined in the last general meeting of the order, held in the city of Toledo that there should be made a custody or charge of the convents of Florida and the island of Cuba, which were heretofore separated- in compliance with that determination, their patent has been issued in Madrid on the eighteenth day of November of the past year [99] 18 sedes^ y biibiendose visto por los del mi consejo de las Yndias juntamente con la dicha patente, que originalmente se presento en el, mi ha parecic'o ordenaros, como por la presente os lo ordeno,y raando que todos, y -^ada uno, y cuSlquier de vos en vuestra jurisdiccion,. como dicho es, '^eis al padre fray Pedro Ruiz de la dicha Orden de San Francisco. . ustodio nombrado por la dicha patente todo el favor, y ayuda en lo que se le ofreciere, y hubiere menester para su mejor cumplimiento, que de ello me tendre por servido. Fecha en Selina, a cinco de junio de mil, seiscientos, y diez anos. Yo el Rey, Por mandado del Key Nuestro Seiior, Juan Ruiz de Con- treras. Es conforme a sus originales que se hallan colocados a la pagina ciento diez numero ciento setenta y cuatro, y pagina ciento catorce numero ciento setenta y siete de un libro impreso que setitula Chronica de la Religion de N. P. S. Francisco, libro primero Capitulo Veinte cinco, cuyo libro contiene al principio las aprovaciones y licentia competentes, suci fhas. en Madrid a nueve, y diez y nueve de Mayo de mil Setecinetos cincuenta y cicinto y en Pvoma a Veinto y seiz de Februro, y viente de Marzo de mil Setecinetos cincuenta y seis, el cual me fue puestro de manifiesto a efecto de sacar el presente testiraonio que encumplimento de lo mandad padre el mo. alcalde, mayor, cesant Dr. Ramon Padilla, signo y firmo en la Habana a doce de Abril de mil Ochocientos cuarenta y siete renglones-ciento Tale. JUAN DE ENTRALGO, Secreto. Hono. de S. M. Los escribanos dela Reyna Nuestra Sefiora (Q. D. G.) que signaraos y firmamos certificamos y damos fe: que D. Juan de Entralgo, por quien aparece autorizado el testimonio que antecede, es secretario honorario de S. M. y eseribano publico del numera de esta ciudad, fiel, legal, y de confianza; y a sus semejantes siempre se les badado y doi enterar fe y credito en ambos juicios. Y para constancia damos la presente sellada conel de Nuestro Real Colegio en esta siempre fidelisima ciudad de la Habana a trece de Abril de mil ochocienta cuarenta y siete. FRANCISCO DE ESCOVEDO, MAN. VIDAL ALARCON, FELIX LARRIN, . s.] L. S. I Consulate of the United States, Havana^ ^pril 28, 1847. I, Robert B. Campbell, consul of the United States of America for the city of Havana, do hereby certify that Francisco de Esco- vedo, F. V. Alarcon, and Felix Larrin, whose signatures appear to 19 [ 99 ] one thousand six hundred and nine, and in order that it may be carried into full effect my royal order is required, in order that you, on your part, should sustain and support it; the said determination has been submitted to my council of the Indies, together with the original patent. It has appeared to me proper to order and command you, as I do by these presents order and command you, each and every one in your appropriate jurisdictions, to give to the aforesaid father friar Peter Ruiz of the said order of St. Francis, nominated director or superintendent by the said patent, all the favor and aid which he may require or find necessary for the better fulfilment thereof, by which I will consider myself well served. Given in Selma on the fifth day of June, one thousand six hundred and ten years. I, the king, by order of the king our Lord, John Ruiz, Contreras. The foregoing is a true copy of the original which is found lo- cated at page one hundred and ten, number one hundred and seventy- four, and page one hundred and fourteen, number one hundred and seventy-seven of a printed book, entitled "Chronicles of the religion of our father St. Francis," twenty-fifth chapter of the first book* which book contains, at the beginning, the appropriate approbation and licenses, dated in Madrid on the ninth and nineteenth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-five, and in Rome the twenty-sixth day of February, and twentieth of March, one thou- sand seven hundred and fifty-six, which was placed before me in order that I might extract from it this certified copy in compliance with the order of the major alcalde or judge Ramon Padilla, which I sign and seal in Havana, this twelfth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. JOHN ENTRALGO, Honorary Secretary of her Majesty. The notaries public of the queen our lady, (whom may God pre- serve,) who sign and seal beneath, tjertify, and give faith, that John Entralgo, by whom the foregoing was authorized and sealed, is the honorary secretary of her majesty, and one of the public notaries of this city, and to his acts, as such, full faith, credit, and confi- dence, have always been given in both tribunals. In order that it may so appear, we give these presents, sealed with the seal of our royal college, in this ever faithful city of Havana, on the thir- teenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. FELIX LARRIN, MAN. VIDAL ALARCON, FRANCISCO ESCOVEDO, S. L.J S.,L.] S. L.J Consulate of the United States, Havana, April 28, 1847. I, Robert B. Campbell, consul of the United States of America for the city of Havana, do hereby ceitify that Francisco de Esco- veda, M. V. Alarcon, and Felix Larrin, whose signatures appear 99] 20 to the foregoing certificate, are notaries public of the Royal Col- lege of Notaries Public of the the city of Havana. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set ray hand and affixed my J -. seal of office, at Havana, on the day of the date above L^' ^--l written. ROBERT B. CAMPBELL. M Govt, de la Havana, con f ha de 22 de Marzo, de 1737. Mui Senor Mio: ***** * El propio dia (todavia desde el Castillo) le requeri tercera vez en nombre de S. M. reproduciendo y esforzando los dos antece- dentes, con lo que vinieron los oficiales Rs. a enterarse del motivo •de mi venida y Rs. ordenes; y habiendolas reconocido estos minis- tfos le llevaron copia en cuya vista tomo la atentada resolucion de refugiarse en el Conbento de San Francisco, y aunque no me falto «ste aviso de acuerdo con dho Yllmo. Senor Obispo no procedi a aquella hora a diligencia publica alguna por ser de noche, y estar todavia el Pueblo en confusion y aun en vandos no obstante que temia alguna fuga u ocuitacion de sus bienes, por lo que di algu- nas ordenes secretas a los oficiales que fueron biniendo poco a poco en virtud de la carta de V. S. que lesremiti y otros que sagazmente fui ganando. * * . . * * * Y considerando las perniciosas consequencias que debian espe- rarse acia el Servicio de ambas Magestades (de que no pueden ocultarse a la alta comprehension de V. S.) si el dho Dn. Fran- cisco hiciese fuga (en observancia de la instruecion) mande al Capi- tan Dn. Phelipe Yturrieta con veinte y quatro granaderos que cercasen el Conbento e incontinenti libre suplicatorio a Su Yllma. a fin de que me allasse la inmunidad para extraer de ella a el ^nunciado, y habiendole requerido su Ylla. segun su obligacion respondio que no estaba refugiado, sino que un accidente le tenia alii con otras razones cuya anfibologia ya afirmaba ya negaba su re- fugio. Tolere estos equivocos per espacio de quatro horas hasta que viendo se acercaba la noche, la ninguna seguridad del Presidio y demas graves inconvenientes que a V. S. no pueden ocultarse repeti el Suplicatorio a el Yllo. Senor Obispo y se consigueo el alla- namiento con el qual pase al Conbento y se me entrego el enunci- ado Dn. Francisco del Moral diciendono lo hacia como refugiado sino voluntariamente. ****** Dios Guarde a V. S. milchos afios como deseo y he menester. San Augustin, de la Florida, y Marzo 22 de, 1737. B. L. M. de V. Sa. su mas rendido y obligado servidor, DON MANUEL JOSEPH DE JUSTIS. Senor Don Juan Francisco de Guemes y Horcasitas. 21 [ 99 I the foregoing certificate, are notaries public of the royal college of notaries- of the city of Havana. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed [s. L.] my seal of office, at Havana, the day of the date above written. ROBERT B. CAMPBELL. To Ihe Governor of Havana ^ under date of March 22, 1737. My Dear Sir: The same day (still from the castle) I notified him again, a third time, in the name of his majesty, repeating and fortifying the two- antecedent notifications upon which the royal officers came to in- form themselves of the motive of my arrival, as well as the roya! orders, and having recognized those ministers, they took a copy to* him, in view of which he took the prudent resolution to take refuge in the convent of St. Francis; and, although I was not unadvised of this, yet, by virtue of an agreement with the most illustrious bishop aforesaid,! did not, at that hour, proceed to lake any public measures against him, because it was night, and the town was iui confusion, the people being yet collected in bands, I was not with- out fear that he might fly or secrete his property, for which reasoE I gave some secret orders to the officers, who gradually commenced to come over, in virtue of your letter, which I remitted to him; some others I gained by sagacious measures. * * * In consideration of the pernicious consequencs that might result to the service of both their majesties (which cannot be to the high comprehension of your lordship,) if the said Dr. should fly, (in obedience to your instructions,) I ordered Captain Philip Itur- rieta, wi«th twenty-four grenadiers, to surround the convent, and forthwith I despached an official supplication to the most illustrious bishop, desiring him to waive the prerogative of the church immu- nity, in order that he might be taken therefrom; in conformity with his obligation, took him to task, and he answered that he had not taken refuge in the church; that he was there by accident; ta which he added other equivocal reasons, sometimes affirming, and at other times denying that he had sought refuge. I tolerated these equivocations for the spj^e of four hours, until, upon seeing^ that the night approached, the insecurity of the garrison, and other grave considerations, which will readily present themselves to your lordship, I repeated the supplication to the bishop, who suspended' the churches immunity; upon which I went to the convent, where the said Francis Moral delivered himself up, saying he did it voluntarily, and not as a refugee. * * * * God preserve your lordship many years, is the wish and desire of your obedient servant, who kisses your hands. St. Augustine,, in Florida, May 22d, l£37. 7 MANUEL JOSEPH JUSTIS. To John Francis Guemes & Horeasitas. 99] 22 I, Antonio Alvarez, keeper of rhe public arhives of East Florida, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true abstract froiu a book on file in my office, in which are copied the official letters from the governor of East Florida to the captain general of the island of Cuba, from 1737 to 1741. Witness my hand and seal of office, at the city of St. Augustine, t n State of Florida, this nineteenth day of November, A. D. ' ■ '^ one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. ANTONIO ALVAREZ, K. P. A. [No. IjOlO, Cua. La: 42, de Memorandum.] [seal.] ") { (stamp.) 'I Isab. p. 1. g. de Dios y la Const. \ { Sello 3o. — As. 1846 y \ \ Reyna de Esp. ] { 47. 2 Rs. J I Escmo Sor. Yntendente de Escto. Supdte. General de Real Ha- cienda. Pbro. Dn. BenedictoMadeore cura y Vicario general de la yglesia de San Agustin de la Florida, respetuosamte. ante V. E. dice: Que necesita para sus fines particulares y de puro ministro, que por el archivero general de real hacienda se le provehea en copia certificada de los documtos. qe. jurtifican haber sido vendidos en confianza, en el ano de 1764, el convento de San Francisco la casa Episcopal, y la yglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Leche de la provincia de San Agustin de la Florida, cuyos documentos obran originales en la depende. del archivo enunciado; proveyendose igualraente certificacion relativa a la enagenacion dei solar y paredes de la yglesia nueva, hecha tambien en, confianza, e insertandose a la letra asi la declaracion del comprador, como cuanto conduzca al mayor esclarecimento del asunto; en tal virtud. Suplica se sirva acceder a la solicitud referida en la precedte. instancia, en lo qual recibira merced. Hab., y Mayo 14, de 1847. Exmo Sor. BENEDICTO MADEORE. Habana, 18 de Mayo, de 1847. Informe el sor archivero gral. {Rubric and initial of P. G. A.) Escft'o Sor: Entre los difercntes fechos del archivo particular de la Florida Oriental, ecsistentes en este gral. de real hacienda de mi cargo, se hallan les correspondientes a la comision que en el ano pasado de 1763, confirio el Escmo. Sor. Conde de Ricla, gobernador y capitan 23 [ 99 ] I, Antonio Aivarez, keeper of the public arcliivc- of East Flo- rida, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true abstract from a book on iile, in my office, in which are copied the official letters from the governor of East Florida, to the captain general of the island of Cuba, from the year 1737 to 1741. Witness my hand and seal of office, at the city of St. Augus- [s. L.J tine, State of Florida, this nineteenth day of November, anno domini one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. ANTONIO ALVAREZ. [No. 1,010, Book 42, of Memorandums.] [seal.] ) /• C A ^ ^ Isabel Second, by the grace of! 3d stamp-1^846-'47. I God and the Constitution, j 05 * { Queen of Spain. J ^ ' ^ T9 the most excellent Paymaster General of the army, and Director General of the Royal Treasury. The presbiter Benedict Madeore, curate and vicar general of St. Augustine, in Florida, respectfully appears before you and sayeth: That, for the particular and pure purposes of his ministry, he requests the keeper of the general archives of the royal treasury, may be instructed to furnish him with a certified copy of the docu- ments, which prove that, in the year 1764, the convent of St. Francis, the Episcopal House, the church of our Lady of Milk, in the province of St. Augustine, in Florida, were sold, in confidence; which documents exist in the original, now among the aforesaid archives; and that, in like manner, he may be instruited to furnish him with a certification of the sale of the lot and walls of the new church, which was also made in confidence, inserting word for word the declaration of the purchaser, together with whatever may conduce to throw light on the subject. I beg that your excellency will be pleased to accede to the request set forth in this petition, by which I will receive a favor. BENEDICT MADEORE. Havana, May 14, 1847. Let the keeper of the archives give information on the subject. {Rubric and initial of P. G. Ji.) Havana, May 18, 1847. Most Excellent Sir: Amongst the different dates of the par- ticular archives of East Florida, which now exist in these general archives of the royal treasury under my charge, are found that •which appertains to the commission which the most excellent count of Ricla, governor and captain general of the island of Cuba, in L OS ] 24 general de ( ta Ysla, al Sor. Don Juan Jose Eligio de ^r. Puente, para que reco; ^^se los efectos y propiedades, asi de S. M .'omo de los diferentes ulividuos particulares que quedaron en la ciudad de San Agustin; tie cuyos antecedentes se deduce, que '. evacuo en todas sus partes en el siguiente aiio, produciendo "uenta justifi- cada de lo permutado vendido y conduceido a este paerto con toda distincion y claridad. Pero grandes dificultades le impidieron realizar tan de pronto como se requeria por el ultimo tratado de paz con la Gran Bretana, muchas de las propiedades asi del Estado como de los vecinos que habian emigrado a esta Ysla, y queriendo salvarlas todas antes que cayeran en poder de aquella nacion, como se declaraba por el articulo 20 de los preliminares de dicho tratado, estipulo con D. Juan Gordon, traspasarle en confianza, el dominio de la casa Episcopal, por la cantidad de mil pesos fuertes, el convento de San Francisco por mil quinientos, y la yglesia de Nuestra Sra. de la Leche por trescientos; y con D. Jesse Fish el solar y paredes de la yglesia Nueva por cien pesos, lo mismo que todas las casas y Solares de los vecinos al Sud y Norte, desde la portada de la de los goberdadores, suscribiendose por ambos compradores la obli- cion en que quedaban de venderlas por cuenta del Estado y de sus duenos, y declarando no haber pagado cosa alguna al Comisionado Eligio de la Puente. Asi consta de los instrumentos originales otorgados por Gordon y Fish, en 20 y 28 de Julio, de 1764, de los que el Sor. esponente pide copia certificada; y si V. E. no tuviere inconvenente, podra servirse disponer se le faciliten, 6 determinar lo q. fuere desu su por. agrado. Archivo gral. 19 de Mayo, de 1847. NATTES. Habana, 20 de Mayo, de 1847. Atendido el precedente informe vuelva este espedte. al archivo gral. para que a continuacion espida la certificacion solicitada pr. el promovente a quien la entregara. VILLANUEVA. Don Jose del Rosario JVattes, Yntendente honorario de Provincia^ y Archivero general de Real Hacienda de la Ysla de Cuba, y de su Real Junta de Fomento, pr. S. M. Certifico: Que entre los papeles pertenecientes al archivo parti- cular de la Provincia de San Augustin de la Florida, que obran en el general de Real Hacienda a mi cargo, se encucutran origma les, los documentos que a la letra son como sigue. *' San Augustin y Julio dos de mil setecientos sesenta y cuatro — confieso por este haber recibido de Don Juan Jose Eligio de la •15 [ 99 ] the year 1763, conferred upon Don John Joseph Elijah Puente, in order th?.t he might collect the effects and property of his majesty, as well lb of private individuals, which remained in the city of St. Augustine, from which it may ^ deduced; that the entire province was evacuated in the following year; there are on file regular accounts of all that was permuted, sold, or conveyed to this post, and substantiated in the mos'>: clear and satisfactory manner. There was found great 'lilTiculty to realize, with that promptitude which the last treaty of peace with Great Britain required, much of the property of the State, as well as that of citizens who had emigrated to this island; and, being desirous to save it all before it should fall into the power of that nation, as set forth in the 20th article of the preliminaries of said treaty of peace, it was stipula- ted with Mr. John Gordon to sell, or pass over to him in confi- dence, the dominion of the Episcopal House for one thousand dollars, the convent of St. Francis for one thousand five hundred dollars, the church of our Lady of Milk for three hundred dollars, and to Jesse Fish, the lot of ground and walls of the new church for one hundred dollars, to whom was, in like manner, sold in con- fidence, all the houses and lots belonging to citizens situated to the north and south of the entrance to the governor's house. An obligation was subscribed by both purchasers, obliging themselves to sell them for, and on account of the State and owners of said property; declaring, at the same time, that they had not paid any- thing to the commissioner Elijah Puente. Such are the facts as set forth in the original documents executed by Gordon and Fish, on the 20th and 28th of July, 1764, of which the petitioner requires a certified copy; and, if your excellency esteems it proper, they may be furnished to him, or your excellency; may determine what, in your opinion, is most proper. Office of General Archives, May 19th, 1847. Most excellent sir, NATTES. Havana, May 20, 1847. In virtue of the preceding information, return these proceedings to the keeper of the general archives, in order that he may furnish to the petitioner the certified copies, which he solicits and deliver to him. VILLANUEVA. Joseph Rosary Nattes, honorary superintendent of the province, and keeper of the general archives of the royal treasury of the island of Cuba, and member of the royal society for the encourage- ment of industry, by order of her majesty. Certifieth that amongst the papers belonging to the particular ar- chives of the province of St. Augustine, in Florida, now existing in the general archives of the royal treasury, under his charge, are found the originals, of which the following is a copy, word for word and letter for letter: " San Augustine, July the second, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four. I acknowledge to have received from John Joseph Eli' [ 99 ] 36 Puente, un instrumento de verita a mi favor, del ConveniO de San Francisco, en cantidad de un -nil quinientos pesos fuerUs; y otro igual documento de la Yglesia de Nuestra Senora de a Leche- trescientos pesos, ambos en es y sin embargo de ellos otrezco y prometo el venderlos, y disponer do dicho Convento e Yglesia, con las mayores ventajas que me sean p ^sible en beneficio de cuenta de sus propietarios, y remitir su imr 'te al supradicho Don Juan, 6 pagarlo a su orden." '' JOHN GORDON." *' San Augustin y Julio veinte de mil setecientos sesenta y cuatro. Confieso por este haber recibido de Don Juan Jose Eligio de la Puente, un instrumento de venta a mi favor, de la Casa Episcopal en esta, por la cantidad de un mil pesos fuertes, y sin embargo de el ofrezco y prometo el vender y disponer de la dicha casa con la mayor ventaja que me sea posible, en beneficio y de cuenta de su propietario 6 propietarios, como de remitir el importe al supradi- cho Don Juan, 6 pagarlo a su orden." «< JOHN GORDON." Certifico asi mismo, que por otro documento encabezado asi Razon de las Casas y Solares que se-hallan a la fecha sin vender, por no haber habido ni haber ninguno que quiera comprarlas, en cuya virtud, las traspaso bajo de confianza a Don Jesse Fish, va- sallo de S. M. B., poniendole solo para la formalidad de la precisa escritura de venta, el valor de las cortas cantidades que se citaran al marjen del nombre de cada persona a quien corresponden, y son a saber. Al sur desde la portada de la casa de los gobernadores," aparece incluso en las ciento ochenta y cinco posesiones, el solar y paredes dela yglesia Nueva, con valor de cien pesos; y al pie la declaracion del citado Don Jesse Fish, concebida en los terminos siguientes. Digo yo Don Jesse Fish, vasallo de S. M. B., que confieso haber recibido de Don Juan Jose Eligio de la Puente, apoderado general para la venta de los bienes raices y muebles de los vecinos espafioles que fucron de este pr2sidio, dos escrituras fechas a veinte y cuatro y veinte y siete del corriente mes y ano, en que me otorga venta Real de todas las Casas y solares pertene- cientes a dichos vecinos que se espresan enla razon antecedente; y por lor bajos precios que van citados al marjen del nombre de la persona a quien corresponde cada casa 6 solar; sobre que declare por este no le he pagado cosa alguna a cuenta de las referidas casas y solares, pues las mencionadas dos eserituras solo son de confianza, y para el fin de asegurarles el derecho a sus legitimos duenos, cuando lo pierdan, segun lo prevenido en el articulo veinte de los preliminares de la ultima paz; anad.endo tambien q. me obligo desde ahora y hasta que lo cumpla, a dar al enunciado Don Juan Jose Eligio de la Puente, 6 a su voluntad, la mas puntual cuenta y 27 [ 99 ] jah Puente an instrument o;' sale, in my favor; of the convent of St. Francis, for the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars cash, and likewise another document of the same class, for the church of our Lady of the Milk, fc three hundred dollars, both in this placej notwithstanding which 1 offer and promise to sell. and dispose of said convent and chuvih to the best possible advantage for, and on account of, their proprietors, and remit the proceeds to the above- mentioned Puente (■ pay it over to his order." "JOHN GORDON." "St. Augustine, July the twentieth, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four. I acknowledge to have received from John Joseph Elijah Puente an instrument of sale, in my favor, of the Episcopal house in this city, for the sura of one thousand dollars in coin, and notwithstanding which I offer and promise to sell and dispose of said house to the best possible advantantage for the benefit of, and on account of, its proprietor or proprietors, and to remit the proceeds thereof to the aforementioned Puente, or pay it over to his order." "JOHN GORDON." I further certify that another document, whose caption is as follows, sayeth: "Account of the houses and lots, which, up to the present, have not been sold for want of purchasers, for which reason they have been sold or passed over in confidence to Jesse Fish, a vassal of his Britannic majesty, giving him only for the precise formality of the case a deed of sale upon the margin, of which is cited the value of each property and the name of the proprietor. They are as fol- lows: to the south of the front entrance of the governor's house there appears to be included one hundred and eighty-five posses- sions, amongst which are the lot of ground and fhe walls of the new church, valued at one hundred dollars. At the foot of that statement is found the declaration of the aforementioned Jesse Fish in the following terms: I, Jesse Fish, a vassal of his Britanic majesty, do hereby acknowledge to have received from John Jo- seph Elijah Puente, general commissioner for the sale of property, both moveable and immoveable, belonging to Spanish subjects who left this garrison, two deeds, dated one on the twenty-fourth and the other on the twenty-seventh of this present month and year, in which a real sale is executed to me of all the houses and lots be- longing to the aforesaid subjects as expressed in the preceding ac- count or note, and at the low prices stated in the margin, giving the names of the proprietors of each house and lot of ground, upon which I do hereby declare that I have not paid to him anything on account of the said houses and lots, and that the aforesaid deeds or contracts of sale were made in confidence, and for the purpose of se- curing to the legitimate owners their right therein, which they were about to lose under the provisions of twentieth article of the preliminaries for peace. I further add, that both now and hereafter I oblige myself to give to the aforesaid Puente, or to [99] 28 a pagOj del procedido de las nominadas casas y solares, cuya venta ofrezco ejecutar, luego que haya compradores, con el mayor ade- lantamiento y estimacion que me sea posible; ypara que asi conste firme el presente en San Augustin de la Florida, a veinte y ocho de Julio de mil setecientos sesenta y cuatro aiios; Jesse Fish." Finalmente certifico, que del espediente instruido en esta cuidad, a consecuencia del auto de seis de Febrero del propio ano de mil setecientos sesenta y cuatro, del Ylustrisimo Sor. Dr. Don Pedro Augustin Morel de Santa Cruz, Dignisimo cbispo de la Santa yglesia catedral de Santiago de Cuba, para que se inventariasen los ornamentos, altares, efigies, campanas y alhajas pertenicientes a la yglesia Parsoquial y Cofradias de San Augustin de la Florida, que se trajeron a esta Plaza por Don Simon de Hita en la goleta titula- da Nuestra Senora de la Luz, que la Ermita de Nuestra Senora de la Leche, estaba edificada estramuros de aquel presidio, conforme a las declaraciones ministradaspor Don Juan Crisostomo de Acosta, vecino que fue de dicha cuidad de San Augustin de la Florida, y notario de su Curia Ecleciastica, y Mayordomo tambien de la yglesia Parroquial, remitiendose a los Libros de su cargo, y a todos los antecedentes del asunto. Y en cumplimiento del precedente decreto del Escmo. Sor. Conde de Villanueva, superintendente general delegado de Real Hacienda de esta isla, espido la presente, teniendo a la vista los precitado^s documentos, que quedan en esta oficina de mi cargo, y a que me remito. Habana y Mayo veinte y uno de mil ochocientos cuarenta y siete. , JOSE DEL ROS: NATTES. Consulate of the United States, Havana, May 21, 1847. I, Robert B. Campbell, consul of the United States of America for the ci-t of Havana, do hereby certify that the signature to the fore- going instrument of writing is the true signature of Jose del Rosano Nattes, the keeper of the records of the royal hacienda of the Is- land of Cuba, and his official acts are, in my opinion, entitled to faith and credence. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed r 1 my seal of office, at Havana, on the day of the date L^' ^' ' above written. ROBERT J. CAMPBELL. ExMO Senor: Con mucho sentimiento mio, tengo que participar a V. E., que ayer manana a las nueve y media, al- instante que salia por esta Barra, con destimo a esa, la Balandra Santa Catalina del cargo de Don Vicente Lardivol, con los pliegos del real servicio, y corres- pondencia publica, me sorprendio la noticia de fuego enlos Quar- teles viejos 6 Ingleses. 29 [ 99 ] his order, a most punctual account, and payment of the proceecs of the said houses and lots — the sale of which I promise to verify as soon as purchasers may offer, and to the best possible advantage. In order that it may so appear, I sign these presents in St. Augus- tine, Florida, on this twenty-eighth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four years. "JESSE FISH." Finally, I certify that in the proceedings instituted in this city in consequence of the decree, dated February sixth, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four, of the most illustrious Doctor Peter Augustine Morel, of Santa Cruz, the most worthy bishop of the holy Catheral church of St. James, in Cuba, ordering an inventory to be made of the ornaments, altars, effigies, bells, and jewels, be- longing to the parish church and religious associations of St. Augus- tine, in Florida, which were brought to this place by Simeon Hita, in the schooner named our Lady of Light, it appears that the her- mitage or chapel of our Lady of Milk was built without the walls of the garrison of St. Augustine, which fact is substantiated by the declaration of John Chisostom Acosta, who was a citizen of said city of St. Augustine, in Florida, ecclesiastical notary and major- domo of that parish church, who refers to the books under his charge for the antecedents in the case. '' In fulfilment of the decree of the most excellent count of Villa- nueva, delegated superintendent general of the royal treasury of this island, I have executed these presents, having before me the aforesaid documents, which remain in this office under my charge, and to which I refer. Havana, May the twenty first, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. , JOSE DEL ROS: NATTES. [The above signature is duly authenticated by R. B. Campbell, United States consul at Havana.] Most Excellent Sir: With great regret I have to inform your excellency, that yesterday morning at nine and half o'clock, being the same instant in which the sloop St, Catharine was crossing the bar, on her voyage to Havana, under the command of Vincent Lar- disol, with despatches for the royal service and public correspond- ence, I was surprised with the information that the old or English .barracks were on fire. In five minutes thereafter, notwithstanding [99] 30 En cinco minutos, sin embargo de estar indispuesto, me halle en el sitio, y conoci, a primera vista, que la voracidad de las llamas, se habia apoderado de tal suerte de la parte superior del edificio, que seria imposible atajarla aun exponiendo y perdiendo vidas, por cuyo raotivo, y por la constante poca utilidad de la fabrica dedique mi cuidado a salvar los efectos de Artilleria, almacenados en los •Quarteles vajos, lo que se logro en la mayor parte, como asimismo el retirar todo lo perteneciente al destacamento de dragones, alo- jado allij a escepcion de una porcion de maiz, y a cortar la comuni- cacion del fuego a las inmediatas Hayas, Cercas, y parque de Lena de provision, que tambien se logro, quedando, en dos boras, com- bertidos en ascuas ambos altos del expresado Quartel, compuestos de madera, de las piezas vajas, y las Chimineas que son de ladrillo, con los Pilares de piedra, que sortenian las Galerias de maderamen, que en el primero y segundo alto daban buelta al edificio entero. La oficialidadj y tropa del Batdlon de Cuba trabajaron en su respectiva clase con esmero; debiendose lo que se ha salvado de efectos a su actividad y aun arrojo, sin que individuo alguno se haya desgraciado. En primera ocasion detal'are a V. E. todo el suceso, y sus resultas ; siendorne imposible egecutarlo en la presente ; pero importa el hacer desde ahora presente a V. E., que a los apuros que me cercaban antes, se ha aumentado, €on este estrago, el de la falta de Almacen para los efectos de artilleria de Quartel para lost dragones, y de Galera para los forzados, que es donde se conjetura principio el fuego, bien que se ignoran las circumstancias. Dios guarde a V. E. muchos anos San Agustin de la Florida, 26 de Mayo, de 1792. Senor Don Luis de las Casas: [Se copio a la Capitania General y al Exmo Sor. Ministro de Hacienda en 15 de Noviembre, de 1800.] I, Antonio Alvarez, keeper of the public archives of East Flori- da, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original rough draught, on file in my oflfice, of an official letter, marked No 270, from the governor of East Florida to the Captain General of Cuba. Witness my hand and seal of office, at the city of St. Augustin, r 1 State of Florida, this eighth day of December, A. D. '" * '■' one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. ANTONIO ALVAREZ, K. P. A. 31 [ m ] my indisposition, I was upon the spot, and at once saw that the devouring flames had taken such complete possession of the vpper story of the building that it was impossible to arrest their progress, even at the expense of life; for which reason, together with the well known trifling value of the edifice, I devoted all my care to saving the eff'ects belonging to the artillery, which were stored in the lower apartment, which was, in a great measure, effected. Al- most all that belonged to the detachment of dragoons, who were quartered therein, was in like manner safely gotten out, except a a lot of corn, which was destroyed. The fire was arrested in its progress to attack the neighboring buildings, in which were depo- sited the fixed ammunition, provisions, and wood, for the use of the garrison. In two hours everything inflammable about the building was converted into cinders; the upper story being of wood, was all destoyed, and of the lower story, nothing now remains except the walls and chimnies, which were of brick, together with the stone pillars which supported the galleries on all sides of the building. The officers and men of the Cuba batallion, all in their proper sphere, labored with great zeal and activity, to which alone we are indebted for all that was saved. No person was injured. At the earliest opportunity I will give your excellency the de- tails of the affair, together with the results, which I find it impos- sible to do at present. It is important that I should make known to your excellency that the difficulties which before surrounded me have been greatly augmented by this misfortune, which has left me without a place to secure the artillery property, and without quarters for the dragoons, nor have I any place for the prisoners who are forced to labor. It is conjectured that the fire commenced in their quarters, but how or in what manner has not been ascer- tained. God preserve you many years. St. Augustine, in Florida, May 26, 1792. Sir Don Louis Casas. [This was copied for the captain general and for the most excel- lent minister of the treasury, on the 15th of November, 1800.] I, Antonio Alvorez, keeper of the public archives of East Flo- rida, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original rough draught on file in my office of an official let- ter, marked No. 270, from the governor of East Florida to the cap- tain general of Cuba. Witness my hand and seal of office, at the city of St. Augustine, State of Florida, this eighth day of December, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. ANTONIO ALVOREZ, K, P. A. [ 99 ] 32 Sacro Sancti et Mcumenici Concilii Tridentini, Paulo 3d, Julio 3«/, et Pio 4Mj P. P., M. M.y cdehratl canones et decreta. SeSSIO XXII, BE REFORMATIONE. CAPITUTO XI. Bonorum cujuscumque ecclesise, aut pii loci puniuntur. Si quem clericorum, vel laicorum quacumque is dignitate, etiam imperiali aut regali preefulget, in tantum raalorum omnium radix cupiditas occupaverit, ut alicujus ecclesiee scEcularis vel regularis beneficii, montium pietatis, aliorumque piorum locorum jurisdic- tiones, Ijona, census ac jura, etiam feudadalia et emphyteutica, fructus, cmolumenta, seu quascumque deventiones quoe in ministro- rum et pauperum necesitates converti debent, per se vel alios, vi vel timore encuso, seu etiam per suppositas personas clericorum aut laicorum, seu quacumque arte, aut quocumque quoesito colore in proprios usus convertere illosque usurpare prcesumpserit, seu im- pedlire ne ab iis ad quos jure pertinent, percipiantur, is anathemati tamdiu subjaceat, quamdiu jurisdictiones, bona, res, jura, fructus et redditus quos occupaverit, vel qui ad eum quomodocumque, etiam ex donatione suppositoe personoe, pervenerint, Ecclesice, ejus- que administratori, sive beneficiato integre restituerit, ac deinde a Romano Pontifice absolutionem obtinuerit. Quod si ejusdem Eccle- sice patronus fuerit etiam jure patronatus ultra proediotas poenas eo ipso privatus existat. Clericus vero qui nefandffi fraudis et usurpa- tionis hujusmodi fabricator seu consentiens fuerit, ejusdem poenis subjaceat necnon quibuscuraque beneficiis privatus sit, et ad quoe- cumque alia beneficia inhabilis eficiatur, et a suorum ordinum exe- cutione, etiam post integram satisfactionem et absolutionem, sui ordinarii arbitrio suspendatur. Febr. 6, de 1764. En esta fecha y a consecuencia de haber arribado a este puerto la goleta Nbra Senora de la Luz conduciendo los altares, efigies, or- namentos, ahajas, campanas pertencientes a la yglesia parroquial de San Augustin. de la Florida, y a los cofrodias fundadas en ella y en el convento de San Francisco se formo espediente para inquerir la propriedad de cada una de las pisas para darlas a su correspond- iente destino. Tomaronse declaraciones e informes de differentes personasj etc., etc. Mayo 21, de 1791. Por Real orden de esta fecha y a propuesta del gobernador de San Augustin de la Florida se mando que se llevase a efecto la 33 • [ 99 ] Canons and decrees of the Holy Council of Trent, held under the pontificates of the popes, Paul the 3dj Julius the 3d, and Pius the 4th. Session 22dj on reformation. CHAPTER XI. The usurpers of any church property, or of a pious place, are punished. If any one, clergyman or laity, whatever maybe his dignity, would he be an emperor or a king, is brought by his covetousness, that source of all evils, to usurp the jurisdictions, property, rents, and rights, even feudal and emphyteutick fruits, emoluments of any- church, secular or regular, mounts of piety, or of other pious places, or will have turned into his own use, by himself or by others, by force, or by inspiring fear, or even with aid of a clergyman or laity, or by whatever means, and under whatever color it may be, incomes destined for the support of the clergy, and the maintainance of the poor, and -^ill dare to usurp them, or prevent those to whom they belong from receiving them, let him be under anathema till the ju- risdictions, goods, property, rights, fruits, and incomes, \^hich he will have usurped, or which came to him, in whatever manner it might be, even from a donation of a supposed person, will have been altogether restored to the church, and to its administrator, or to the one who holds the benefice, and will after having obtained the ab- solution of the Roman Pontiff; and if he be the protector of that church, besides the aforesaid punishments, let him, by the fact it- self, be deprived of his right of patronage. As for the clergyman, who shall be found guilty of this impious fraud or usurpation, or will have given his consent to it, let him be subject to the same chastisement; moreover, he shall be deprived of whatever benefice he may have, and rendered unfit for any other, and even after the full restitution and absolution, let him remain deprived of the ex- ercise of the functions of his order as long as his bishop will deem it proper. February 6, 1764. At this date, the schooner of Our Lady of the Light having ar- rived at this place, carrying. the altars, images, ornaments, and bells, belonging to the parochial church of St. Augustine of Florida, and to the convent of St. Francis, they took the declaration of, and in- formation from divers persons, in order to know to whom belonged each object, and give it to its owner. May 21, 1791. By a decree of this date, and on the demand of the governor of St. Augustine of Florida, orders are gi^en to put in execution the 3 [99] 34 traslacion de los cuatro sacerdotes irlandeses para elprato espiritual de aquella provincia prometidos en la de 5 de Abril de 1786. Se dispuso que en la primera ocasion passarantres de conocida virtud y literatura que lo fueron D. Marcos Barry, f D. Miguel Crosby, y D. Miguel Wallis Carraelita, calsado. A quienes acompanaria otro Religiose Minorquin o inteligente en el idibma, a los quales se de- bian colocar de accuerdo con el Reverendo Obispo diocesano, o con quien ejerciera en la provincia la jurisdicion espiritual, fijan- do su residencia, dos de los Irlandeses en ♦los partidos de San Juan y Santa Maria paraque entendieran en el catequismo y predicacion, no permitiendo se les a aquellos habitantes la celebracion de matri- monios clandestinos, o more anglicano, ni el ejercicio publico de otra religion, y tambien que se edificaran y adornaran dos hermitas; una en el partido de San Juan, y otra en el de Santa Maria, etc., «tc. Se hace referencia tambien a los dos religiosos observantes, etc., etc. 35 [ 99 ] May 21, 1791. transfer of the four Irish priests promised in the ordinance of the 6th of April, 1786, for the spiritual good of that province. It was decided that by the first opportunity should go there three, of known virtue, and well versed in literature, and D. Marcos Barry,* D. Miguel Crosby, and D. Miguel Wallis Carmelite, wearing shooes,! were appointed; they were to be accompanied by another Minorcan religious, or understanding the Minorcan language. | They were to place themselves according to the direction of the bishop of the diocese, or of the one who exercised the spiritual jurisdiction over the province, fixing their residence, two of the Irish, one on St. John's river, the other at St. Mary's, to teach catechism and preach. They were not to permit clandestine mar- riages, or according to English fashion, to the people, nor the pub- lic exercise of any other religion; they had also to build and adorn two chapels, one on St. John's, and the other on St. Mary's, etc., etc.;§ there it is spoken also of the two religieuse of the observance, etc., etc. II ERRATA. Read " has been," for " shall be/' on page 13, line 19 from the top. Read " The Kings of the Order of St. John," same page, line 24. Read " Governors," for " convents," page 13, line 6 from the bottom. Washington, April 12, 1848. The foregoing translation from the Spanish language, of various documents which accompany the memorial of the Rev. Benedict Madeore, addressed to the Senate of the United States, is correct. JOHN BALDWIN. *He did not come, Augustus McAcfry took his place. t He had already passed to the Dominican order, and died in their convent at Havana. % El Padre Narciso Catalan, came as knowmg the Minorcan language. § They arrived here in 1795, and the Wagnon war, which lasted the two years of 1795 and 1796, prevented them from building their chapels. S The two religieuse of the observance who came here, on the application of the Franciscan friars, on the 5CII of April, 1786, to re-establish their convent, were friar Trocona, who taught school, and friar Juan for the troops. [991 36 No. 1. State OF Florida, county of St. Johri^s: Personally appeared, Antonio Andreo, Francisco Triay, and John Leonardy, inhabitants of the city of St. Augustine, being duly sworn, says, that when the Roman Catholic church of the said city of St. Augustine was finished, that the inhabitants of the city contributed, according to their means, towards the expenses of the building, and that the repairs that were afterwards made were always on account of the congregation; and that the king of Spain never claimed it as his own property. ANTONIO ANDREO, his FRANCISCO X TRIAY, mark JUAN LEONARDY. Sworn to before me the 27th day of December, 1847. E. B. GOULD, Judge of Probate^ St. John's county. No. 2. State of Florida^ St. John^s county: Personally appeared, Francisco Triay, being duly sworn, says, that he recollects well that the Franciscan convent, in the city of St. Augustine, was occupied by friars until the barracks were burnt in 1792 or 1795, for he cannot particularly recollect. And John Leonardy and Antonio Andreo, being also duly sworn, say, that they do not recollect whether friars occupied the convent or not, but, that they remember that the convent was not occupied by soldiers until the barracks were burnt. his FRANCISCO X TRIAY, mark JUAN LEONARDY, ANTONIO ANDREO. Sworn to before me the 27th day of December, 1847. E. B. GOULD, Judge of ProbatCj St. John's county. 37 • [99] No. 3. State of Florida, county of Duval: Personally appeared before me, Henry Hartley andJohn M. Bo.w- den, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposed and said, in about the year of 1797 or 1798, we have seen the friars frpm St. Augustine on St. Johns, sometimes two and sometimes three at a time for mission. HENRY HARTLEY, his JOHN M. X BOWDEN. mark Sworn to and subscribed before me, this the 11th January, 1848. JOHN M. J. BOWDEN, Justice of the Peace, No. 4. State of Florida, county of St. John^s: Personally appeared, Antonio Andreo, John Leonardy, Francisco Triay, George Cla, and Bernardo Segui, inhabitants of the city of St. Augustine, who, being duly sworn, say, that the king of Spain always maintained a free school in the said city, which said school was continued until the Floridas were transferred to the United Statesj and that he always, until the same period, defrayed the ex- penses of the Catholic church. ANTONIO ANDREO, JOHN LEONARDY, FRANCISCO X TRIAY, mark GEORGE CLA, B. SEGUI. Sworn to before me the 27th day of December, 1847. E. B. GOULD, ■*•• Judge of Probate^ St. John's county. No. 5. State of Florida, county of St. Johnh: Personally appeared, Antonio Andreo, John Leonardy, Francisco Triay, George Cla, and Bernard Segui, who, being duly sworn, say, that, from their earliest recollection, the lot of ground on the [99] 38 southwest of the public square, and which is now occupied by the Episcopal church, was always regardel as belonging to the Catholic church, and that the house standing on the lot was occupied as a church for thirteen or fourteen years; that is, it was built for the bishops palace anterior to the British occupancy, and after the trans- fer to Spain in 1784, the building was occupied as a church for thirteen or fourteen years. ANTONIO ANDREO, JUAN LEONARDY, his FRANCISCO X TRIAY, mark GEORGE CLA, B. SEGUI. Sworn to before rae the 27th December, 1847. E. B. GOULD, Judge Prohate, St. John's county. No 6. State of Florida, county of St. Johnh: Personally appeared, John Leonardy and Francisco Triay, being duly sworn, says, that the church of the Lady of the Milk, situated on a creek of that name, and north of the city, was used as a Catholic church, and the ordinances of that religion were performed there after 1784; and John Leonardy and Francisco Triay further say, that the lot upon which the said church was built was always regarded by the inhabitants as church property till 1821. JUAN LEONARDY, his FRANCISCO X TRIAY. mark Sworn to before me the 27th day of December, 1847. E. B. GOULD, • Judge of Probate f St. Johi's county. 39 [ 99 ] NOTES AND MEMORANDA; BY PETITIONERS. Saint Augustine's church. — See plan^block 18, JVo. 142. By an act of Congress, under the date of February 8, 1827, the possession of the parochial church, with its dependencies, is con- firmed to the catholic congregation, with the reservation that they cannot change its destination without the special permission of Congress. As they had no priest at that time, and the bishop lived too far to take care of this property, the congregation applied to the ter- ritorial legislature to be allowed to administer it themselves, by means of trustees. The favor was granted; but with the condition that if the administrators should eventually, and by whatever means it might be, add to their church property a value rising over twenty-five thousand dollars, the balance should be thereby con- fiscated in favor of the said territory. But this church was, from the beginning, a private property, be- longing to the catholic congregation who held it, not as subjects of the king of Spain, but as parishioners of the bishop of this diocese, so that they could not lose it by the change of their sov- ereign, but by the change of their religion; hence the treaty of 1819. And our constitution render null these two acts, by secur- ing to us our liberty as free citizens, and our religious privileges as a congregation lawfully constituted, and leave no more right to the United States over that church than had the king of Spain, who, as every faithful, could go there to discharge his religious duties, ,but not as asking to exercise any act of authority without the per- mission of the bishop. In 1764, it was sold as private property, by Don Juan Jose Eligio de la Puente, who was appointed, by the Count de Recha governor of the island of Cuba, to secure all that which belonged to private individuals from being disposed of by the British, according to the twentieth article of the preliminaries of peace between England and his catholic majesty. Mr. Jose Fish bought it in confidence to hold it in trust for its lawful owners, as it is evident by the deed. — See the transaction hereto annexed — translation, page 27, and original documents, page 26. , During the British time, the family of Fish held it unmolested as private property, and in 1784 it was given back, not to the Spanish government, but to the very Reverend Thomas Hassett, pastor of the congregation and vicar general of the province, with nil the other places belonging to the church; consequently, this churcb was finished with ecclesiastical resources and the aid of the people, without the help of the government. Thus, we find that the king sanctioned, on the 17th of April, 1790, by a decree, the application of the rent of ten lots which the catholics of Saint Augustine had in the city of Havana, island of Cuba, to finish that church. [The decree is at Havana, real hacienda. J [99] 40 They employed also the stone of two ancient churches: the stone of that of Tolomato, whose steeple only was still then in existence, (see the ancient map drawn in 1787, where you will find it pointed out,) and the stone of that of Our Lady of the Milk, from Topoqui camp. The inhabitants of this city state that the money coming from the rent of their ten lots being exhausted, they were all applied to freely contribute to finish their church, and all helped according to their means. Those who were poor gave their labor; the farmers sent eggs, vegetables, fowls, &c., which were sold, and the price was for the church building. Those who were paid by the govern- ment, for whatever purpose it might be, willingly left a part of their salary for that object. Being at last completed, it was blest on the 8th of December, in 1791. From that time down to 1821, the civil government always regarded it as the private property of the catholic congregation, and not as that of the subjects of the king of Spain, and, therefore, never interfered with it in anything, ac- cording to the cnaon law; hence, the United States would not have from tte king any right to that church, could he have pre- tended to give it to them. We, therefore, ask them to restore it to us in conformity with the 5th article of the treaty of 1819. "The inhabitants of the ceded territories shall be spcured in the free ex- ercise of their religion w^ithout any restriction," in order to be held by us accordingly. For the proof of the foregoing assertions, see the affidavit No. 1, page 36. Convent of St. Francis^ or Mission of St. Helena of Florida. The Franciscan friars who founded the convent of St. Augustine"", came from the convent of Pedroso, diocese of Palamta, in Spain. A small body of them were present at the foundation of St. Au- gustine, in 1565, and continued to be very few till the year 1592, when we find Father Francis Marron, Gustos in Florida. (Torque- mada Monarquia Indiana, vol. 3, c. xx, p. 550). The convent was then founded, otherwise Father Marron would not have been appointed Gustos. As long as it was a simple mis- sion, the friars of St. Helend^s mission depended on the convent of St. Ghristopher, of Havana, for the spiritual as well as for the temporal. In 1608, the Father Peter Ruis, Gustos of St. Augustine's con- Tent, went to Spain to obtain the erection of that convent in a ca- pitular house, (head-quarters,) and Father Bernardo Salva, commis- sary general of Indias, gave his charge on that account in 1609. (See the authentic copy, page 11, and the original, page 10). In 1610, the king chartered this convent as a capitular house, and enforced the charge of Father Bernardo Salva. (See the royal de- cree, translation page 17, original documents page 16). John Lee Williams, in his history of Florida, says, "It was here that the See of Rome chartered a great religious province under 41 .[99] the order of the Franciscans. It was called St. Helena, and all he minor establishments throughout the province were represented , the church of Our Lady (\ ' the Milk. (From an authentic rec d in the real hacienda at Ha -tana.) I;, ihe year 17G4, the church of our Lady of the Milk was sold as p.ivate property, belonging to the Catholic congregation, by D. Joan Jose Eligio de la PuenU-, their attorney, to John Gordon, to ho^l it in trust and in confideace, till the Catholics could enjoy it. S^e document, pag« 24, translation, page 25. In 1776 or 1778, when the Catholic colony came from near Smyr- na, t.-vo families were allowed to cultivate this tract of land. Vil- lalon.,:a built a small house on the north side of the creek, and Anattisio Mabrumatez established himself on the south side of the creek. In 1784, it was given back, with the other places belongiijg to the church, to the very Rev. Thomas Hassett, pastor of the congre- gation and vicar general of the province, and it was used for Ca- tholic worship. See affidavit No. 6, page 38. During the disturbance, caused by an Englishman called Bowles, they used it as a guard-house, and in 1796 the Catholics took down that building, in order to finish, with its stone, the church of St. Augustine, which was blessed on the 8th of December, 1797. In the course of time, Anastasio Mabrumatez left the place, and Villalonga asked a written permission to cultivate the camp of Topoqui, so as not to be disturbed by any one; and it was always considered by all as a church property till 1821. After the cession of Florida, v illalonga sold his license of cultivating this tract of land to Mr. William G. Davis, to whom Congress gave it, on a simple application, in 1827. Many persons, still living, have seen and even entered this church, and the statue which represented the blessed virgin Mary, watching from that church over the camp of these new believers, in her son's divinity, is still to be seen at Havana, island of Cuba, in the convent of Saint Teresa. See affidavit No. 6, page 38. [99] ^6 General Land Office, February 29, 184S Sir; I have the honor to return, herewith, certain papers whi:h you filed in this office, viz: Two memorials, one (A) from Brie- dict Madeore, vicar general of Florida, and pastor of the church of St. Augustine, the other (B) a meLaorial of the trustees and jaL-m- bers of the Catholic church of St. Augustine, accompanied b/ a document (C) embracing evidence in support of the memorial, w'lth a transcript (D) of the Spanish papers. The object of these memorials i.?, to obtain the restorati^u of certain property to the Catholic church, which, it is alleged was improperly conveyed to the United States ^at the cession ut" the Floridas by the treaty concluded in 1819, and ratified in 1821. In the memorial of the vicar general, it is stated, "that before and at the time of the cession of the Floridas to the United States of America," by the treaty of 1819, '' the Catholic church was the lawful and rightful owner of, 1. St. Augustine's church; 2. The convent of Saint Francis; 3. The bishop's house; and 4. The church of our Lady of the Milk," &c.; that "in the confusion which occurred upon the cession of the Floridas by Spain to the United States, a part of this church property was taken into the possession of other than the legal and equitable owners, and has so remained out of the possession of the Catholic body to the present time," &c.; and the memorialist prays for an act of Congress to '' provide for and direct the restoration of his church property, so wrongfully withheld, or make such other restitution therefor," as may seem meet and proper. Our East Florida reports exhibit the following claims of the Ro- man Catholic church, viz: No. 23. Being the claim of the wardens of the Roman Catholic church of St. Augustine, under Maria Evans, to a tract of 31| acres situated at a point called Esperanza, within the limits of the city of St. Augustine. No. 24. Being the claim of the wardens of the Roman Catholic church under Juana Hambert, for a lot of land in St. Augustine, on which the church and school-house stand. These two claims are entered on the report No. 8, dated 31st December, 1825, of the board of East Florida commissioners, and have been confirmed by that board. This report is found in Amer- ican state papers, public lands, D. Green, vol. 4, page 286, their general report on page 275, &c., and their proceedings in these cases on pages 298, 299, 496. This report was laid before the House of Representatives, with a letter of the 21st February, 1826, from the Secretary of the Treas- ury, (vol. 4, page 400;) and the favorable decisions of said com- missioners on claims under 3,500 acre&, have been confirmed by the 1st section of the act of Congress, approved 8th February, 1827, entitled " An act to provide for the confirmation and settlement of private land claims in East Florida, and for other purposes, ia the 3d section of which it is provided that " the parochial church and burying-ground in possession of the Roman Catholic congre- 47 [99] gation are confirmed to them, and ^he old Episcopal church lot is" thrreby ''relinquished and confirmed to the incorporated Episcopal ch irch of St. Augustine: provided always, that the grants in this se tion specified, shall forever enu.e to the purposes for which they f confirmed, and shall not oe alienated without the consent of tngress." I am unable to determiu,', from the data before me, whether rher of the aforesaid Nos. 23 or 24, is identical with any part of - premises referred to in the memorials. "he "parochial church and burying-ground," however, which are thv » confirmed by the 3d section of the act of 8th February, 1827, with a restriction, to ^he Roman Catholic congregation, arf? pre- sumed to embrace, " 1. Saint Augustine church," mentioned in the vicar general's memorial, (see document C, pages 1 and 2,) which premises are now claimed by^ the memorialists in absolute right, as " private property" under treaty.. The " old Episcopal church lot," relinquished, with a like restriction, by the said 3d section of the act of 8th February, 1827, to the "incorporated Episcopal church of St. Augustine," seems from the papers to be part of the premises referredto in the vicar general's memorial as "3. Bishop's house," and as held adversely to the Catholics. (See document C, pages 7, 8, and 30. In regard to the property now claimed in the memorials, I have further to state that I find no oflficial data or report in this office showing the precise extent and situation of the said property, nor the extent and nature of adverse interests on which to enable you to form an opinion on the merits of the present application, further than is indicated by the aforesaid act of 8th February, 1823, and the memorials and accompanying papers herewith. With great respect, your obedient servant, RICHARD M. YOUNG, Commissioner. Honorable H. Johnson, Senate United States. Hi*107 89 Ov •<» ■* I^HH^?^ ' ^'C' vO-s * T//Sn\vr^i* ^ "i* Deaciditied using the Bookkeeper process •^ <^ '-^^ly'* <1^ tf. "• ^^*^« '^ ^ Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide I ^ *^^^^* AV ^»> »„ 7* A Treatment Date: ty^^H_S© • J O • ^H^^^ " r\ * l\/^^ Bl PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. LP. * '^^^//JyjF'k W •^^nK^^S' ' '^£« * ^^^^/IrM Cranberry Township, pa ISOee HECKMAN BINDERY INC, ^^ NOV 89 S®^ N. MANCHESTEI Wl)P N. 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