Zuniga hoped to ease his economic problems in several ways. In 1702 he sought direct aid from Spain and sent Ayala to the mother country with requests for men, money, arms supplies, and ships. As has been recounted, Ayala was partially successful, but Zuniga’s action could hardly be classified as a fundamental reform. The governor did, however, propose that the subsidy be sent to Florida entirely in hard money. Gold and silver, he claimed, would enable him to bargain for supplies more advantageously with Cuban merchants and eliminate the problems of spoiled food and high-priced goods. [Note: gov to king 3/25/1702] (Tepaske GSF)