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FATHER JUAN JOSEPH SOLANA
FIRST SPANISH PERIOD
Circa 1724

The St. Augustine settlement was in poor condition and limited aid was provided by Spain during the later years of the First Spanish Period.

The conditions at the fort were not good. The soldiers stationed at the fort complained about 24 hour guard duty with no food, poor provisions, inadequate housing, and insufficient medical supplies. After much discussion a large group of soldiers deserted to the Church's protection, seeking the help of Father Juan Solana.

Father Solana interceded with the Governor for improved conditions. Needless to say, the Governor was furious and charged Father Solana with harboring deserters from the Crown.

Much correspondence was exchanged with the Church Officials in Cuba and the Crown about the situation in St. Augustine.

During this time, the conflict between the Governor and Father Solana escalated. The Governor charged Father Solana with harboring deserters to the Crown. He was also charged with having a wife and family in Cuba, which, according to the Governor, he visited on a regular basis while carrying on church business in Cuba. The attack became even more personal when the Governor accused Father Solana of flirting with the Governor's wife and other women of St. Augustine.

The Governor asked the Church in Cuba to send an emissary to investigate the charges for the Crown.

The emissary arrived in St. Augustine and held several hearings.

In the findings reported to the King, the emissary noted the poor conditions suffered by the soldiers, which supported Father Solana's position. As to the other charges, the emissary couldn't ascertain any truth in the situation of Father Solana and his family in Cuba or his reported flirtatious behavior with the women of St. Augustine.

The emissary stated his investigation was hindered due to the fact that the Solanas' were an old and very large family in St. Augustine and every one seemed to be related to them.

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