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Montiano was confused between Nieto and Castilla as secretary

Source: The Governorship of Spanish Florida #122

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Once again the matter seemed settled. Nieto would become public secretary at Saint Augustine; the governor would have a competent clerk; and the king could add 300 pesos to the royal treasury. But unfortunately the case became even more confused. In Havana, Francisco de Castilla, with both the qualifications and the money to fill the office, petitioned the governor of Cuba for the secretaryship. [Note: Gov to king 11/11/1737] This request then went to Philip V, who, unaware of what had gone on in Florida, confirmed Castilla’s appointment. A short time later when the king heard of Nieto’s installation, he refused to approve the Floridian and ordered Governor Montiano to take Castilla, who left Havana for Saint Augustine late in 1737. [Note: Gov to king 7/4/1738]

Once again the problem seemed resolved, but this time Montiano refused to abide by the king’s decision. Rather than oust Nieto, the governor refused to accept Castilla’s credentials and asked Philip V to clarify the cedula rescinding Nieto’s appointment. [Note: Gov to king 11/11/1737] In the meantime Nieto continued in office while Castilla waited impatiently for the king’s reply. Finally in August, 1740, over two and one-half years after Castilla’s arrival in the Florida capital, the king reconfirmed the Cuban’s appointment, ending the 14-year search for Solana’s replacement. [Note: Titulo de escribano publico y de la guarnacion de la ciudad de San Agustin de la Florida, 8/14/1740] Lack of administrative coordination, a combination of impatience and inertia on the part of Spanish officialdom, and slowness in communication had turned the simple problem of naming a secretary for the tiny Florida outpost into a major colonial crisis.

(Tepaske GSF)