21.
He sends before him Caius Volusenus with a ship of war, to acquire a
knowledge of these particulars before he in person should make a descent into
the island, as he was convinced that this was a judicious measure. He
commissioned him to thoroughly examine into all matters, and then return to him
as soon as possible. He himself proceeds to the Morini with all his
forces. He orders ships from all parts of the neighboring countries, and the
fleet which the preceding summer he had built for the war with the
Veneti, to assemble in this place. In the mean time, his
purpose having been discovered, and reported to the Britons by
merchants, embassadors come to him from several states of the island, to promise
that they will give hostages, and submit to the government of the Roman people. Having given them an audience, he after
promising liberally, and exhorting them to continue in that purpose, sends them
back to their own country, and [dispatches] with them Commius,
whom, upon subduing the Atrebates, he had created king there, a man
whose courage and conduct he esteemed, and who he thought would be faithful to
him, and whose influence ranked highly in those countries. He orders him to
visit as many states as he could, and persuade them to embrace the protection of
the Roman people, and apprize them that he would
shortly come thither. Volusenus, having viewed the
localities as far as means could be afforded one who dared not leave his ship
and trust himself to barbarians, returns to Caesar on
the fifth day, and reports what he had there observed.
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