In March, 1729, the governor declared the curate too old to carry out his duties in the parochial church. Seventy-four years old with 22 years of service in Saint Augustine, the curate should retire. To provide for him, Benavides recommended a 3-peso-a-day pension. [Note 65: Memorial of Benavides 3/10/1729; gov to king 7/7/1730] This new stratagem at first appeared successful. A royal cedula of July 11, 1731, awarded the curate the pension suggested by the governor and seemingly opened the way for Acebedo’s retirement. The curate, however, had no intention of retiring. Gratefully accepting the pension but continuing in his post at the church, he thwarted Benavides once again. In the meantime, the governor departed Florida for Vera Cruz, leaving the Acebedo problem to Moral. (Tepaske GSF)