From Mose in Secondary Literature by Amy June 24th 1740 Sir Considering that, in case this arrives in time, it will be of some importance to the end, that on reflection on its contents you will use the most regulated measures, I inform you that the enemy Page: [52]51 [djvu image | jpg image] command this bar, that of Matanzas, the island of St. Anastasiaand its watch-tower, and all the coast from the shores of St Matheo([word(s) omitted]) and have their camp in the Pueblo of Moze. We are besieged by 7 frigates of 23 to 30 canons [cannons]; 2 packet boats of 10 to 12; 3 bilanders [bilanders]; 6 schooners and 12 barges, exclusive of the boats and barges of the said vessels. And at this hour, 9 A.M., they have undertaken to fire on us from a mortar of grenades of which some of the shells have fallen into the castle, and the most have passed to the land as far as the lines, some farther. I cannot express to you the confusion of this place, because [deleted: it] here the only defence [defense] is its fortress, and all the rest is open country; the families have left their houses and have taken shelter below the artillery which is pitiable to behold; but nothing gives me anxiety save the failure of provisions, and if, from the want of competent force, you cannot aid us, we must perish, for we have no other resource. In this condition of things I am sure that hyperboles are not required to depict the conflict in which we find ourselves, and I hope you will give all your attention to make the necessary means to suspend a so great danger, which is marked with so much gravity, and is of so much consequence to the service of the king. Manuel de Montiano- to J.F. [Juan Francisco] de Guemes.