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Guemes insisted on an investigation before arresting Moral

Source: The Governorship of Spanish Florida #122

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Colonial officials always exercised a great deal of personal discretion in carrying out the king’s commands. In naming a successor for Moral, Guemes followed his own pattern. Rather than appoint a replacement immediately, he decided to proceed first with the investigation of Moral’s administration. Then, if the facts warranted, he would name a successor. [Note: gov of Cuba to king 10/22/1736] To secure this evidence, he appointed the engineer Antonio de Arredondo as pesquisador. Guemes also took steps to placate his superiors in Spain. He stated in a letter to them that he had delayed naming Moral’s successor until he received reports from Arredondo, Iturrieta, and Auxiliary Bishop Francisco de San Buenaventura. This, declared the governor, would prevent any injustice to the Florida governor who might be innocent of the charges being made against him. [Note: gov of Cuba to king 10/22/1736] Guemes was also careful to point out that he was maintaining the status quo in Saint Augustine until completion of his probe and that he had already denied Moral’s request for reinforcements and forced laborers. [Note: gov of Cuba to king 10/22/1736. The Cuban governor seemed at first reluctant to believe Moral guilty of the charges being made against him. Iturrieta’s arrest was crucial, however.]
(Tepaske GSF)