The steady stream of reports concerning Moral’s abuse of office was decisive in spurring his superiors to action. [Note: Apparently Moral imposed a rigid censorship on communications leaving Saint Augustine. The early reports of his misrule came principally from Vera Cruz, where Benavides, the ex-governor, built up a lengthy file of accusing letters. He probably obtained them from the situadista, the agent sent from Florida to obtain the annual subsidy. See gov of VC to virrey de Nueva Espana 1/16/1736] In April, 1736, convinced of the governor’s guilt, Philip V ordered the governor of Cuba, Francisco Guemes y Horcasitas, to replace Moral immediately. Removing all obstacles to quick action, the king sent a blank dispatch of title to Havana affixed with the proper seals and the royal signature. All Guemes had to do was name a replacement. [Note: Gov of Cuba to king 10/22/1736] The king also ordered the Cuban governor to make a complete investigation of Moral’s administration and send his report to Spain immediately. [Note: Cedula 5/13/1736] (Tepaske GSF)