Before a new offensive could be launched, word came of a peace between the mother countries. In the 1670 Treaty of Madrid Spain reluctantly conceded the right of uti possidetis, or effective occupation, abandoning, at least for the foreseeable future, unenforceable claims based on discovery, possession taking, or past settlement. Colonies that the English had planted before the date of the treaty were to be left in peace. By a three-month margin, South Carolina qualified. Had the floridanos known that John Henry Woodward was in Cofitachequi renewing his contacts and laying the ground for Charles Town to move in on the Indian trade, they would have felt all the more betrayed. (Bushnell SS)