SIR FRANCIS DRAKE 



A resolution of the Land-captaines, what course they 

 thinke most expedient to bee taken. Given at 

 Cartagena the xxvij. of Februarie 1585. 



Hereas it hath pleased the Generall to 

 demaund the opinions of his Captaines 

 what course they thinke most expedient 

 to be now undertaken, the Land- 

 captaines being assembled by themselves 

 together, and having advised hereupon, 

 doe in three points deliver the same. 



The first, touching the keeping of the towne against the 

 force of the enemie, either that which is present, or 

 that which may come out of Spaine, is answered 

 thus. 



WE holde opinion, that with this troope of men 

 which we have presently with us in land-service, 

 being victualled and munitioned, wee may well keepe the 

 Towne, albeit that of men able to answere present service, 

 we have not above 700. The residue being some 150. 

 men by reason of their hurts and sicknesse are altogether 

 unable to stand us in any stead : wherefore hereupon the 

 Sea-captaines are likewise to give their resolution, how 

 they will undertake the safetie and service of the Shippes 

 upon the arrivall of any Spanish Fleete. 



The second poynt we make to be this, whether it bee 

 meete to goe presently homeward, or els to continue 

 further tryall of our fortune in undertaking such like 

 enterprises as we have done already, and thereby to 

 seeke after that bountifull masse of treasure for 

 recompence of our travailes, which was generally 

 expected at our comming forth of England : where- 

 in we answere. 



THat it is well knowen how both we and the souldiers 

 are entred into this action as voluntarie men, without 

 any imprest or gage from her Majestie or any body els : 



A.D. 



1586. 



121 



