Despite this discouraging turn of events, Pena remained among the Lower Creeks and at his next meeting with Brims and his fellow chiefs was more successful. After presenting the Indians with more presents, this time including rum, Pena set off an argument between Brims and his heir Tsipacaya, who disagreed over whether the Lower Creeks (Cavetas) should accept Pena’s overtures of friendship. Brims wanted to pursue a policy of “splendid isolation” and saw many advantages in remaining aloof from ties with the European powers competing for Lower Creek allegiance. Tsipacaya, on the other hand, was convinced that a Spanish alliance fitted the best interests of the Lower Creeks. In the end the two Indian leaders could not reconcile their differences. Brims remained noncommittal, while his nephew informed Pena that the Tasquiques, Savacola, Apalachicolas, Uchizes, Bucuquas, and Chiscalachisles were ready to join the Spaniards and move their villages to Apalache. [Note 27: Autos sobre el viaje de que hizo el teniente Diego Pena a Apalachicola 12/15/1717. Pena was elated over Tsipacaya’s declaration, but he believed strongly that the governor must take immediate steps to erect the new fort on Apalache Bay. With a presidio situated nearer the Lower Creek villages, the Spaniards could give the Indians more adequate protection and regular their activities more closely. Since English traders had already proclaimed that the fort would never be built, erection of a blockhouse would strengthen Spanish prestige. More specifically, the Spanish lieutenant recommended that materials and men to build the fort be sent by sea because of the hardships and dangers of land travel across Florida. (Tepaske GSF)