Dearest Constanza,
Words cannot express my appreciation for the service
you have rendered me. To have lost my beloved Margarita would have
been a cruel blow.
In war there are no certainties – we all must accept
that loss and tragedy are all that ever truly comes of it, and even those
who fight must strive with all our hearts and minds to bring the madness
to an end as quickly as ever we can. Today men call me a hero for
breaking the Montaigne blockade. But hundreds of men and women gave
their lives in that effort, and it is they who are the true heroes of Castille.
For those who fought nobly, who risked all, and who in too many cases sacrificed
their life's blood for our nation's freedom, I am eternally grateful.
That so many brave souls were willing to come to the aid of our land, to
stand and fall on the cannon decks, I count as nothing less than a miracle.
And that you, my niece, were there in Barcino, unlooked for, in the precise
location at the precise moment to step in and save my Margarita, I count
as no less than the personal guidance of Theus.
For your actions at Barcino, not simply on my behalf
but on that of our nation, you most assuredly deserve whatever thanks and
accolades a grateful government can bestow upon you. I have spoken
at length with King Sandoval on this, with the object of procuring for
you the medal that you so richly deserve. To my shame, I have been
unsuccessful in this endeavour. While the King in willing, his Concilio
de la Razon is not. While I cannot confirm this, it is my belief
that your richly deserved reward was denied you at the word of that idiot
Verdugo. If you have made him your enemy, then I warn you – do not
tarry on land! Each day his accursed Inquisition grows stronger!
Though unable to procure for you the medal you earned
at Barcino, my recent notoriety has in fact proved sufficient to another
task – it is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Maris Stella
has been completed at the San Cristobal shipyards, and I have procured
for you the Letter of Marque that you requested. Further, as per
the instruction of the Crown, I have "mounted [her] with guns and cannons"
such as I see fit – six 12 lbr. cannons in each broadside. As these
guns come direct from the Admiralty I have also arranged for a small stipend
for maintenance and upkeep of the guns. It is a small thing, I know,
but I regret that it is the most I can do to repay you for your services.
If you would wait upon me at my offices on the 16th
day of Julius and 11:00 am, it would be my pleasure to bestow this Letter
of Marque upon you.
With respect and affection,
Enrique Orduño
Admiral of the Fleet
