TORRES y AYALA, Laureano, Marquis of Casa-Torres, Spanish soldier, born in Havana, Cuba, in 1645; died in Spain in 1722. He went as a boy to Spain, where he entered the army, and in 1693 was appointed governor of Florida. After a few years he returned to Spain, and from 1704 till 1707 took part in the first war of the succession. In the last-named year he was appointed governor-general of the island of Cuba. He filled this office until 1711, when he was suspended during an investigation of his acts that was ordered by the Madrid government" but he was appointed again to the same post in 1713, his administration lasting till 1716. Under his rule the tobacco industry was developed greatly, and the plant began to be cultivated extensively in the district that is known as "Vuelta Abajo." He founded the city of Santiago del Bejucal, and established a foundling-hospital at Havana, and other charitable institutions.