Governor Folch issued a set of seventeen regulations aimed at strengthening Spanish authority in West Florida. Local officials were to register all the inhabitants of their district and to make an inventory of land under cultivation, slaves, and livestock. Persons of bad reputation would not be allowed to settle in the area, and all newcomers had to take an Oath of Allegiance to Spain. Trade with the Indians was prohibited. Syndics were charged with the repair of roads and bridges, and they were to prevent illegal cutting of timber on Crown lands. All taverns had to have a license. Syndics and Alcades were to lead assistance to officers of the militia, and they were to render a statement of accounts to the Governor every six months. [McMurtrie, Louisiana Imprints, Number 44; published in LHQ, IX, 405-410.]
