That despatch found me already preparing two galleons and one patache
for that purpose, for the conjectures that occupied my mind gave me
greater anxiety than did the enemy themselves. In a council that I
summoned, some thought that I should not risk or weaken our forces;
and that I should send that aid in light vessels, and in the usual
way. But, considering the condition and danger of those forts, I
resolved to reenforce them in a creditable manner by sending the said
two galleons, manned with good infantry and with first-class troops;
taking for that purpose one company of volunteer soldiers from the
camp. That was a move of importance, and one that it is advisable
to make every year, so that no soldiers should be forced to go;
and, knowing that they will be exchanged, many will go willingly. I
appointed as commander Admiral Don Jeronimo de Tremonte. He filled
this post extremely well, and observed his orders not to turn aside
for other enterprises, but to place the reenforcements in Terrenate,
and to defend himself from whomever tried to hinder him, but nothing
more.
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