In 1702 soldiers and Indians from Carolina had swept down on Saint Augustine and destroyed more than 40 buildings, including the parish church, convent, and homes of the leading civil and military officials. This forced many residents of the Florida capital into rude tents, makeshift huts, or crowded quarters at Fort San Marcos. To relieve these conditions Zuniga begged the king for aid. [Note: Consejo 4/23/1703. This letter was dated 1/6/1703.] With Ayala in Spain to fortify Zuniga’s claim, the request was answered with unusual dispatch, at least by 18th century standards. In the summer of 1703 Philip V ordered 20,000 pesos freed from the vacant bishoprics of Puebla, Guatemala, and Guadalajara, each contributing one-third for the rebuilding of the church, convent, and other edifices. The king also released 6,000 pesos from New Spain for distribution among the needy. [Note: king to viceroy 10/18/1703] The 26,000 pesos arrived in Florida in December, 1707. Governor Corcoles would not and could not use the money for the purposes laid down by the king. (Tepaske GSF)