Montiano’s optimism did not seem altogether warranted. In June, 1748, a group of Lower Creeks appeared in Saint Augustine making the usual professions of friendship and receiving the usual favors from the governor. Not long after, however, a small band, leaving before the main body of their compatriots, fell upon an unsuspecting party of Spaniards and Christian Yamasees, shooting and scalping three soldiers and several Indians with muskets and knives they had just received from Governor Montiano. When the survivors of the skirmish straggled into Saint Augustine to spread the news, the governor was enraged. He imprisoned all the Lower Creeks still feasting and drinking in the Florida capital and sent out a party of soldiers to intercept the savages who had committed the atrocities. A short time later, the Spanish force wiped out 27 of the 28 renegades. Montiano then released the Lower Creeks he was holding prisoner, but with severe admonitions concerning the necessity of keeping their promises. (Tepaske GSF)