'I had not yet been informed of the Britons' intention [to attack]; but in view of the disaster to our shipping and the fact that they had not delivered hostages, I had a suspicion of what might happen, and was prepared for any emergency. Corn was brought in every day from the fields; timber and bronze from the badly damaged vessels were used to repair others; the necessary equipment was ordered from the Continent; and thanks to the energy and efficiency of the troops, all but twelve ships were made tolerably seaworthy.'