What passed between the Captain and the late Chief Pilot, and
certain persons who spoke for and against; and how freedom was
given to two slaves.
Presently the former Chief Pilot prayed the Captain, with exaggerated
supplication, to pardon him. The Captain enquired of him for what
he asked pardon: for if he referred to things that affected him,
he might be certain that, without having to ask for pardon, he would
be pardoned; but if the pardon was asked for things connected with
the royal service, he must tell him what was well known, that his
treatment was reasonable and just. The Chief Pilot replied to this by
swearing, with great demonstrations of innocence, that he had neither
offended the King nor the Captain in anything, nor had desired to give
offence. According to him, I am the person who ought to ask for pardon.
Then a certain monk took the Captain aside, and said that the Chief
Pilot was very obliged and grateful, and that from this time forward
he would work marvels in all things; and that he was already doing so,
as the monk could witness. The Captain answered that he left that to
God, who knew the most secret intentions and could not be deceived; and
that for himself, he looked to have treated the Chief Pilot in quite
a different manner, having entrusted to him business which included
good things and likewise his honour; and that although it was very
early, his recent acts having shown that neither his word nor his
offers were to be trusted, the fact of his having done so much good
to anyone made it unprofitable that he should remain under punishment.
Other persons had given evidence to the Captain against the Chief
Pilot, and to all he answered that before God he could justify his acts
in giving information, pardoning, or giving hope. When such means were
of no avail, he held the rod in his hands, giving such blows as the
culprit deserved; and that he had kept the Chief Pilot a prisoner,
considering that to be a punishment which would be sufficient.
Freedom given to two slaves.
The Captain asked an officer named Alonso Alvarez de Castro, and
Juan Bernardo de Fuentidueña, Pilot of the Almiranta, that they
would give--as they did give with very good will, by reason of pious
motives and of the honour of the festival of that day--freedom to a
slave which each of them possessed, for which purpose they drew up
letters. This being done, we went to dine under the shade of great
tufted trees near a clear running stream, the corps de garde being
alert and the sentries posted.