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Marques reported Ayala's illegal retail of English goods

Source: The Governorship of Spanish Florida #122

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At the same time, some Floridians like Juan de Ayala Escobar, were using these conditions to their own advantage. Ayala illegally procured several boatloads of food, probably from the English in Charleston, and placed these commodities on sale in Saint Augustine. Tired of their domestic-animal fare, the soldiers of the garrison and their wives flocked to Ayala’s shop to purchase his meat and flour, despite his high prices. As payment they used the few pesos they had managed to save from their meager earnings or received credit in lieu of future salary payments. [Note: Consejo 2/12/1715] For his part Ayala took full advantage of conditions in Florida to reap high profits. In his market one real bought only a bit of corn; in Havana the same amount (it was claimed) bought one and one-half bushels. Meat priced by Ayala at 19 pesos cost only two pesos in Cuba, or nine and one-half times as much in Saint Augustine as in Havana.

Governor Corcoles was unable to stop Ayala’s activities, despite their illegality. When the governor attempted to arrest his second-in-command in the spring of 1712, the entire colony threatened to mutiny if he were not allowed to continue his activities and keep his freedom. In fact almost the entire town turned out in June, 1712, to force Corcoles to dismiss charges against Ayala. Acquiescing to their wishes and threats in the public square at Saint Augustine, Corcoles induced wild cheers when he announced that he would not move against Ayala. The crowd saw the sergeant major as a benefactor, and they meant to show their appreciation. After all what had Corcoles done to relieve their hunger? [Note: Junta 7/11/1713; Francisco Menendez Marques to king 6/6/1712]

(Tepaske GSF)