In 1756 war finally broke between England and France, a conflict that directly affected Spanish Indian policy in Florida. Although Spain was not at first involved, Governor Alonso Fernandez de Heredia intended to profit by past experience and ready his colony for war should his country join the French. In the summer and fall of 1756, he stepped up his gifts to the Lower Creeks who came to Saint Augustine seeking favors. He also redoubled his efforts to Christianize the Indians and ultimately secured the baptism of a nephew of a key Uchize chief. Initially it appeared as if Fernandez had won the upper hand among the Indians. (Tepaske GSF)