26.  Some of the soldiers went to the master-of-camp, accompanied by slaves carrying some of the pieces from the fort.  They reported a victory, saying that the fort had surrendered, and that all was finished.  These men went without orders from their captains, but were not punished; nor was any new action taken, notwithstanding that the captains assert that they sent reports of the condition of the war.  The captains, upon seeing that the Chinese were losing all fear, and had wounded some of the men, returned to the camp about sunset, overcome with fatigue.  Had those in camp given aid then, the rampart would not have been abandoned; but they could have stayed in or behind it, and victory was certain.  The captains say that the soldiers were very eager, and, as could be seen, fought from ten in the morning; but that the country is hot, that their weapons were heavy, that the smoke beat in their faces, and that they saw night approaching without reenforcements or any food.  They even say they would have perished had they not found a well whence the Chinese drew water for their work; and this water, although bad, they drank from their helmets, being refreshed thereby.  On account of these conditions they were compelled to retire to the camp.  Upon their arrival at camp, they declare that they were met by the master-of-camp, Juan de Saucedo, who told them that, if he were a soldier and not the master-of-camp, he would die with them, for he was also a soldier to fight with the Chinese.  The said captains and the people generally felt that the master-of-camp was very much troubled about what had happened—­he complaining that they, despite his order to the contrary, had burned the fleet, and spent their time with the enemy in the fort; they responding that he was requiting them very poorly, and that, after they had gained the day and attained the victory at so great peril to themselves, he spoke such words through envy, that he proved his treachery, and refused to aid them in their necessity.  From this arose many slanders, hate, and differences of opinion among the soldiers, that God alone can dispel.  It is certain that there was a lack of persons who could direct such a battle, and the day was certainly the luckiest, as well as the least systematic, that could be imagined.  A few of the men were wounded and five were killed on account of their lack of order, and because they waited until the enemy were recuperated.

27.  A council was held, the following night, by the master-of-camp and the captains.  Some of the latter thought it expedient to make an attack the next morning, before the corsair should regain his courage.  As this was the prevailing opinion, the master-of-camp went with all his men to make an assault.  On nearing the fort, they heard rumors and opinions that the place was already being fortified.  The master-of-camp retired his forces, saying that it was not convenient to make the assault, or to expose the few Spaniards that your Majesty had here to so much danger.  Now at this time there arose a great difference of opinion, caused by private interposition.  It certainly was a mistake not to make the assault on that day, for the day before counted for but little; and a captain offered to reconnoiter the weakest part, and to lead in the assault.