0 crowns.[317]

On 31st May 1671, the Council of Jamaica extended a vote of thanks to
Morgan for the execution of his late commission, and formally expressed
their approval of the manner in which he had conducted himself.[318]
There can be no question but that the governor had full knowledge of
Morgan's intentions before the fleet sailed from Cape Tiburon. After the
decision of the council of officers on 2nd December to attack Panama, a
boat was dispatched to Jamaica to inform Modyford, and in a letter
written to Morgan ten days after the arrival of the vessel the governor
gave no countermand to the decision.[319] Doubtless the defence made,
that the governor and council were trying to forestall an impending
invasion of Jamaica by the Spaniards, was sincere. But it is also very
probable that they were in part deceived into this belief by Morgan and
his followers, who made it their first object to get prisoners, and
obtain from them by force a confession that at Cartagena, Porto Bello or
some other Spanish maritime port the Spaniards were mustering men and
fitting a fleet to invade the island.

By a strange irony of fate, on 8th-18th July 1670 a treaty was concluded
at Madrid by Sir William Godolphin for "composing differences,
restraining depredations and establishing peace" in America. No trading
privileges in the West Indies were granted by either crown, but the King
of Spain acknowledged the sovereignty of the King of England over all
islands, colonies, etc., in America then in possession of the English,
and the ships of either nation, in case of distress, were to have
entertainment and aid in the ports of the other. The treaty was to be
published in the West Indies simultaneously by English and Spanish
governors within eight months after its ratification.[320] In May of the
following year, a messenger from San Domingo arrived in Port Royal with
a copy of the articles of peace, to propose that a day be fixed for
their publication, and to offer an exchange of prisoners,[321] Modyford
had as yet received no official notice from England of the treaty, and
might with justice complain to the authorities at home of their
neglect.[322] Shortly after, however, a new governor came to relieve him
of further responsibility. Charles II. had probably placated the Spanish
ambassador in 1670 by promising the removal of Modyford and the dispatch
of another governor well-disposed to the Spaniards.[323] At any rate, a
commission was