Page:Economic History of Virginia Vol 1.djvu/90

 This opinion was entirely confirmed by the course of events. Although the successive Spanish ambassadors in London repeatedly expressed to their sovereign their firm conviction that the English would not abandon their colony in Virginia, nevertheless, the opposition of that monarch was never shown beyond an occasional remonstrance, nor of his subjects beyond an expression of apprehension on account of the national possessions in the West Indies. The only expedition dispatched was restricted to one reconnoitring ship, the officers in command of which were so fearful of the English that they returned without having attempted to reach their place of destination. The impotence and timidity of the Spanish nation were most strikingly revealed in the contemptible stratagem to which it had recourse in the mission of Molina, who, acting under instructions from his government, allowed himself to be captured at Old Point Comfort in order that he might make an examination of the condition of the Colony. Those who administered its affairs were