THE DINNER-PARTY OF MELENDEZ.
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 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,
if 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 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!