And thus at
Carthagena we took our first resolution to return homewards, the form
of which resolution I thought good here to put down under the
principal captains' hands as followeth:--
A Resolution of the Land-Captains, what course they think most
expedient to be taken. Given at Carthagena, the 27th of February,
1585.
WHEREAS it hath pleased the General to demand the opinions of his
captains what course they think most expedient to be now
undertaken, the land-captains being assembled by themselves
together, and having advised hereupon, do in three points deliver
the same.
THE FIRST, touching the keeping of the town against the force of
the enemy, either that which is present, or that which may come
out of Spain, is answered thus:--
'We hold opinion, that with this troop of men which we have
presently with us in land service, being victualled and
munitioned, we may well keep the town, albeit that of men able to
answer present service we have not above 700. The residue, being
some 150 men, by reason of their hurts and sickness, are
altogether unable to stand us in any stead:
