The governor apparently recommended his cavalry captain for one of two reasons. Either Primo was well-fitted for the post, or more likely, it was a move by Benavides to get rid of the able Cuban soldier. In any event, as soon as Primo assumed his post in the undermanned, ill-supplied blockhouse on the Gulf of Mexico, the governor submitted incriminating memorials to the viceroy of New Spain concerning Don Joseph. Benavides charged Primo with illicit trade, collaborating with the French at Mobile, and negligence for allowing his soldiers and forced laborers to desert their posts at Saint Joseph’s. [Note: Primo de Rivera to king 5/24/1723] The viceroy was taken in by Benavides’ charges and drew up charges against Primo. As a pretense to get him to Mexico, the viceroy sent word to Saint Joseph’s that he wished to transact important business with the commandant in New Spain. Probably expecting another promotion, Primo took a small boat for Vera Cruz, but here he received a rude shock. As he debarked, the viceroy’s agents seized him and threw him into prison. Finally after five months the viceroy ordered him to Mexico City for trial. [Note: Primo to king 10/16/1723] (Tepaske GSF)