CHAPTER V.
THE DINNER-PARTY OF MELENDEZ.
But the consolations of Melendez were not those of his people, nor didthey arrive at his conclusions. It was soon bruited abroad that he wasto march through the tempest upon La Caroline, and his soldiers spokethe open language of sedition. Their clamors reached the ears ofMelendez, but he was one of those wonderful politicians who know whatan error it is, at times, to be too quick of sight and hearing. Thediscontents of the _canaille_ gave him little concern; yet he watchedthem without seeming to do so; and employed processes of his own forinducing their quiet, without showing himself either apprehensive orangry. Some of his officers were guilty of seditious speeches also--someof those whom his will had silenced in council, rather than hisarguments convinced. He took his measures with these in a simple manner,without allowing his preparations to be arrested for a moment. One ofthese officers, named St. Vincent, positively declared his purpose notto go upon an expedition where they would only get their throats cut;and that if Melendez persisted in his mad design, he would embark withall those left at St. Augustine, and take his route back to Hispaniola.This same person, with the Senors Francis Recalde and Diego de Maya,openly and boldly remonstrated with the Adelantado against theenterprise. He answered them by inviting them, and all other of hisofficers who had been of the council, to a great dinner which heprepared for them that day. Here he gave them quite a splendidentertainment, and in the midst of their hilarity he said--
"That it was with very great surprise he discovered that the secretcouncils of the last night had been improperly revealed to all theworld--councils of war," said he, "my comrades, are matters the value ofwhich depend wholly upon their secresy. It would be my duty to find outand punish the authors of this wretched infidelity; but I am too wellpersuaded of the mercies of God to myself and to all of us, not to beindulgent to the faults of our people. This offence, accordingly, isforgiven, no matter who shall have been the offender. But, hereafter, Imay say that all future seditions among the soldiers shall be punishedin the officers. It is from the officers only that the soldiers are ledinto insubordination. They shall answer for their men. Let it be known,however, that all who lose heart, who tremble at this enterprise, towhich God himself has summoned us, are at liberty to remain. I amsatisfied, however, that the greater number are prepared to depart withme the moment I give the signal, under the proper example of theircaptains. Still, I am willing to hear counsel from you touching thisexpedition. I am not mulish enough to adhere to a resolution when bettercounsels are given against it. Speak freely your minds, therefore,if you think otherwise than myself; remembering this only, that ourresolution, once taken, if there shall be one so bold as to oppose wordswhere he should do his duty, he shall be cashiered upon the spot. Andnow, my comrades, this wine of Xeres is not amiss. Let us drink. We areof one mind, I perceive, in council; let our unanimity extend to ourdrink. I drink to the speedy overthrow of heresy, and the spread of thetrue faith; both certain where the sword of valor is always ready toobey the voice of God!"
The toast was drank with enthusiasm. The discontents were silenced. Howshould it be otherwise where the authority was so generous, conveyingits suggestions through the generous wines of Xeres, and only hinting atthe possibility of disgrace and punishment, in the occurrence of eventsscarcely possible to those who claimed to draw the sword of valor inthe service of the Deity. The Adelantado gave no farther heed to thefactions of his army. He probably adopted the best precautions. It istrue that St. Vincent still mouthed threats of disobedience, but thepolicy of Melendez had no ears in his quarter; and the preparationswent on, without interruption, for the march against La Caroline!
The Lily and the Totem; or, The Huguenots in Florida Page 38