In exchange for Havana, which was captured by the English in the French and Indian War, Florida became a British colony. The treaty provided that all private property would be respected, those who follow the Catholic religion would not be disturbed, and the Spaniards would be allowed to emigrate if they pleased. The Spanish in Florida were not pleased with the change to British government, and most people from Pensacola and St. Augustine left on transports to take them to Cuba or Mexico. Once the English gained control their first act in the Proclamation of 1763 was to divide the colony into West and East Florida. Then to encourage settlement the government chose to give generous land grands to officers and soldiers who had served in the war and give reports on the advantages of the area. Pioneers came from South Carolina, Georgia, England, and Bermuda. Also the new governors created general assemblies as soon as possible to create new laws and establish courts.