Menendez' timing in sailing to Havana was unfortunate, for the governor had just committed a very arbitrary and high-handed offence against Juan de la Parra, a captain of the fleet of New Spain and subject to the orders of Menendez.

   La Parra, while on his way to Havana, had captured a Portuguese prize. Within an hour of his arrival the governor had forcibly seized it, mutilating the pilot in charge, to which La Parra had quietly submitted; but as he was unable to withhold some expressions of anger at the unwarranted proceeding, Osorio had him confined in prison.

   Menendez learned of this and of the governor's unwillingness to discuss the matter.

   The day following his arrival, Menendez met the Governor and exhibited two royal cedulas (royal orders), which ordered Osorio to furnish him with a vessel, five hundred soldiers, and twenty horses for the conquest of the country.

   He modestly stated he did not require the ship and soldiers and would be content with one-fifth of the amount the armament would cost. As an alternative, he asked for the proceeds of the sale of the Portuguese prize. He added that even four thousand ducats would be sufficient, and ended by asking Osorio to surrender La Parra to his jurisdiction.

   At this the governor became enraged, and flatly refused to give up the man or loan the money.

   It was a serious situation for the anxious Adelantado, for Cuba was the center to which his ships were constantly plying in search of supplies for his Florida colony; and he feared for the treatment to which his captains and officials would be exposed at the hands of one who could be so arbitrary with their commander.

   But his tact was equal to his courage. Clearly appreciating the importance of retaining at least the semblance of good terms with the Governor, and the necessity of committing no act of violence which could expose him to contempt of Osorio's legitimate authority, he controlled his temper, courteously doffed his hat and left his presence.

   "I assure Your Majesty," wrote Menendez to King Phillip, "that I secured a greater victory in submitting patiently and quietly to his bad treatment than that which I gained over the French in Florida."

   Determined not to return empty-handed to his famishing colony, he pawned his jewels and the badge of his order for five hundred ducats, purchased the necessary provisions, and hastened back to Florida.

   Upon his return he was rejoiced to find that the distress of his colony had already been relieved. Admiral Juan de Avila had arrived from Spain with fifteen vessels and a thousand men, a large quantity of supplies, and what was most gratifying to Menendez, a letter of commendation from his sovereign.