The controversy over the choir boys had its origins in 1698 when the king awarded rations and vestments for two acolytes for the parochial church. Under the terms of the cedula these boys were to assist the curate at the Mass, to sing in the sacristan’s choir on holy days, and to aid church officials in other ways. [Note 82: The cedula was dated 8/1/1698] Although the cedula filled a real need, the two acolytes were not adequate. They could not assist the curate at the altar and the sacristan in the choir simultaneously, and under Acebedo the boys were used solely at the altar. In 1709, therefore, the sacristan complained to Governor Corcoles that the curate monopolized both acolytes, disobeying the cedula of 1698 specifically calling for the two boys to assist him in the choir as well. [Note 83: FL oficiales to king 12/18/1709] Corcoles refused to be involved in the dispute and submitted the problem to his superiors in Spain for their resolution. Five years later, after obtaining the opinions of both a royal fiscal and the Council of the Indies, Philip V ordered the curate to let the acolytes serve in the choir as well as the altar. [Note 84: king to FL oficiales 9/7/1741 (1714?)] The curate, however, ignored the order and kept both boys at his side during the Mass. (Tepaske GSF)