Although torrential rains and heavy winds slowed their progress, Pena and the Indian chiefs arrived in Saint Augustine on November 9, 1716. Here the new interim governor, Juan de Ayala Escobar, feted the Lower Creeks with a large festival—parades, cannon salutes, toasts, gifts, dancing, and more toasts. Ayala conferred the title of generalissimo on the chief of the Apalachicolas and promised to establish an infantry garrison among the Lower Creeks within a few months. Pleased with this treatment, the Indians returned to their own country, 160 leagues to the northwest. (Tepaske GSF)