Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 34
Cyrus Evans, Ed.

21. The conqueror marched thence, without delay, to the fort of Vergium. This was, almost entirely, a receptacle of robbers and plunderers, and thence incursions were made on the peaceable parts of the province. [2] One of the principal inhabitants deserted out of the place to the consul, and endeavoured to excuse himself and his countrymen; alleging, that “the management of affairs was not in their hands; for the robbers, having gained admittance, had reduced the fort entirely under their own power.” [3] The consul ordered him to return home, and pretend some plausible reason for having been absent; and then, “when he should see him advancing to the walls, [4??] and the robbers intent on defending the city, to seize the citadel with such men as favoured his party.” This was executed according to his directions. [5] The double alarm, from the Romans scaling the walls in front, and the citadel being seized on their rear, at once entirely confounded the barbarians. The consul, having taken possession of the place, ordered, that those who had secured the citadel should, with their relations, be set at liberty, and enjoy their pro- [p. 1512]perty, the rest of the natives he commanded the quaestor to sell; and he put the robbers to death. [6] Having restored quiet in the province, he settled the iron and silver mines on such a footing, that they produced a large revenue; [7] and, in consequence of the regulations then made, the province daily increased in riches. [8] On account of these services performed in Spain, the senate decreed a supplication for three days.