But the consolations of Melendez were not those of his people,
nor did they arrive at his conclusions. It was soon bruited abroad
that he was to march through the tempest upon La Caroline, and
his soldiers spoke the open language of sedition. Their clamors
reached the ears of Melendez, but he was one of those wonderful
politicians who know what an error it is, at times, to be too quick
of sight and hearing. The discontents of the canaille gave him
little concern; yet he watched them without seeming to do so;
and employed processes of his own for inducing their quiet, without
showing himself either apprehensive or angry. Some of his
officers were guilty of seditious speeches also—some of those
whom his will had silenced in council, rather than his arguments
convinced. He took his measures with these in a simple manner,
without allowing his preparations to be arrested for a moment.
One of these officers, named St. Vincent, positively declared his
purpose not to go upon an expedition where they would only
get their throats cut; and that if Melendez persisted in his mad

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design, he would embark with all those left at St. Augustine, and
take his route back to Hispaniola. This same person, with the
Señors Francis Recalde and Diego de Maya, openly and boldly
remonstrated with the Adelantado against the enterprise. He answered
them by inviting them, and all other of his officers who
had been of the council, to a great dinner which he prepared for
them that day. Here he gave them quite a splendid entertainment,
and in the midst of their hilarity he said—

“That it was with very great surprise he discovered that the
secret councils of the last night had been improperly revealed to
all the world—councils of war,” said he, “my comrades, are matters
the value of which depend wholly upon their secresy. It
would be my duty to find out and punish the authors of this
wretched infidelity; but I am too well persuaded of the mercies
of God to myself and to all of us, not to be indulgent to the faults
of our people. This offence, accordingly, is forgiven, no matter
who shall have been the offender. But, hereafter, I may say that
all future seditions among the soldiers shall be punished in the
officers. It is from the officers only that the soldiers are led into
insubordination. They shall answer for their men. Let it be
known, however, that all who lose heart, who tremble at this enterprise,
to which God himself has summoned us, are at liberty to
remain. I am satisfied, however, that the greater number are
prepared to depart with me the moment I give the signal, under
the proper example of their captains. Still, I am willing to hear
counsel from you touching this expedition. I am not mulish enough
to adhere to a resolution when better counsels are given against it.
Speak freely your minds, therefore, it you think otherwise than
myself; remembering this only, that our resolution, once taken, if
there shall be one so bold as to oppose words where he should do

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his duty, he shall be cashiered upon the spot. And now, my comrades,
this wine of Xeres is not amiss. Let us drink. We are of
one mind, I perceive, in council; let our unanimity extend to our
drink. I drink to the speedy overthrow of heresy, and the spread
of the true faith; both certain where the sword of valor is always
ready to obey the voice of God!”

The toast was drank with enthusiasm. The discontents were
silenced. How should it be otherwise where the authority was so
generous, conveying its suggestions through the generous wines of
Xeres, and only hinting at the possibility of disgrace and punishment,
in the occurrence of events scarcely possible to those who
claimed to draw the sword of valor in the service of the Deity.
The Adelantado gave no farther heed to the factions of his army.
He probably adopted the best precautions. It is true that St.
Vincent still mouthed threats of disobedience, but the policy of
Melendez had no ears in his quarter; and the preparations went
on, without interruption, for the march against La Caroline!