While the web of incriminating evidence against Moral grew, he frantically sought to maintain his precarious position. Desperately he cast about for allies to support him in the governorship. He had already won over the Creoles in the Franciscan order by taking their side in a fight with the Spanish Franciscans and by giving the Creole friars complete control of the religious subsidy. In return for these favors, the Creoles had extolled Moral’s virtues in letters to his Spanish superiors. [Note: los religiosos de San Francisco de la Florida (18) al Audiencia de Santo Domingo 12/20/1736] In Apalache Moral found a champion in the chaplain of the garrison at Fort San Marcos who claimed that Moral’s generosity could not be surpassed. Apalache, stated the cleric, had never experienced a food shortage or been neglected as Moral’s opponents claimed. [Note: del capellan de San Marcos de Apalache a la Audiencia de SD 12/20/1736] (Tepaske GSF)