The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-11
AN OLD LETTER
Found in the Spanish Florida Archives
~ Seville.
From the 81. Augustine (Flo) Ne,ps.

IN Seville.
From the ST. Augustine (FIo.) Netrs
The following letter, found among the
Spanish Florida archives. in Seville, Spain,
has never been translated or published be-
fore. 1t was written by an Indian Cacique
living In Vitachueo, now known as Payn's
Prairie, Fla
The town was named for former chief
living there with his people, who was killed
by De Soto, A. D. 1889. The letter con-
tains expressions of gratitude for favors re-
ceived from the governor during his recent
visit to them. The Cacique having heard
of the governor intending to leave for
Spain, petitions him 30 intercede with the
king in behalf of his people, who have been
sentenced to work on the fcrt In st. Angus
tine, as a punishment for numbering the
missionaries, and that they be released In
consideration Of their former ignorant con-
dition.
AID, 1901.
SENoR-It was a great pleasure to me to know
that you had arrived In tAe city and province of
San Augustin, with all the health which l
wish youi remaining most humbly at your
service and thanking you kindly, not only for
myself but for all the other Caeiques and
prominent natives Of the places within this
province, for your kind treatment, substantially
aud by words. Also for your administration so
loyal, and just as you conducted IL. in your
late royal visit 30 US, complying entirely with
what God. our Lord, commands and the king
our lord ordains.
visit like the one you have so recently made
TO this province we the natives who are living
in this world had never its equal, for 1t brought
out every one, old and young. and none of US
can find praise enough TO bestow upon you In
the name of all thank you, and may God re-
ward you as he is the only one that can: we are
only his creatures
and the other Caciques of this province
have learned that you intend to leave for tbs
kingdoms of CASTLE. II such Is the case, and
We are so fortunate as to know OF your return
to the said kingdom to b. true, l and all the
other Oaciques of this province respectfully re-
quest you, as our own father AMI protector,
that when once you are In the presence Of the
king our lord, to be pleased TO remember us
and to ask his Catholic majesty to bave mercy
upon us, and relieve us of the sentence
OF the madness OF our fathers and
grardfathers, which occurred over seventy
years ago. considering that Christianity
was then in its infancy and In fidelity, which was
the whole cause OF it, very great. We, who
have remained, have on all occasions shown
ourselves TO be very loyal subjects of your
majesty. Therefore, Frustrated at your feet,
with the greatest respect. we beg you to have
being forced to work upon the fort OF San Au-
gustin. It is not our intention 20 deprive any
one of the privilege Of said work. but let it be
voluntary. This we request Of you in the name
Of Jesus Christ, our Lord and redeemer.
Please lay this petition before the king our
lord.
We have nothing further to state, but pray to
God that he may grant you q safe voyage, and
may guard your person, and bestow upon you
all the good that we wish.
VITAoHUco, Feb. %, A. D., 1901.
Not knowing how TO sign the other Caciques
and prominent natives, do so myself in the
NANHuLA CHuBA, Don PATRIoIo,
Chief of the Indians.