For they are our
succor from dangers, and protection to the besieged, not considering
that one galliot here now is such that, rather for reputation and
ostentation than for use, the governor preserves it. For that reason,
the scarcity of succor, and the news of the loss of the fleet, the
courage of all has been greatly moderated, while that of the enemy
has been strengthened. And so when they heard of it, they were very
glad and went out to collect their ships in order to attack these
strongholds of his Majesty and my land. Although they come, as they
have published, with fifteen or twenty warships and two galleys,
I am very confident that they will accomplish nothing; because we
are so well fortified and supplied with provisions which come from
Macacar and from those parts that the governor has protected. By the
help of God's favor, I am at present making an effort in this my city
to resist the enemy by all ways. But it may be understood meanwhile
that your Lordship should succor these forts promptly, with great
liberality and urgency; for otherwise, if any thing be lost (may God
forbid), let it be known that I have done my duty, since for many
years I have advised this, and from now I give notice that this is
not to be charged to my account. For since, when we were expecting
a great force, not only it did not come, but only this little succor
was sent, this people did not take it well; for they considered the
failure as indicating rather the little power of the Spanish king
than the present need of those islands.
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