Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 30
Frank Gardener Moore, Professor Emeritus in Columbia University, Ed.

9. On the following day Scipio sent Laelius and Masinissa with all the Roman and Numidian cavalry and light-armed soldiers to pursue Syphax and Hasdrubal.¹ [2] He himself with the main body of the army, partly by inspiring hope, partly by arousing fear, partly by the use of force, gained possession of neighbouring cities, all of which were subject to the Carthaginians. [3] At Carthage there was a veritable panic, and they believed that Scipio, whose forces were circling about them, after swiftly vanquishing all their neighbours would suddenly assail Carthage itself. [4] Accordingly they were repairing the walls and providing them with battlements; and men also each for himself brought in from the country what was needed in order to endure a long siege. [5] Seldom was mention made of peace, more frequently they spoke of sending messengers to summon Hannibal. [6] The majority urged that they should take the fleet, which had been made ready to intercept supplies, and send it to surprise the ships at anchor before Utica while off their guard. Perhaps, men said, they would surprise the naval camp² as well, which had been left with a small garrison. [7] To this [p. 395]plan they were particularly inclined, but voted to³ send messengers to Hannibal.⁴ [8] For, they said, even supposing a great victory gained by the fleet, the siege of Utica would indeed be partially relieved; but for the defence of Carthage itself there remained no other general than Hannibal, no other army than that of Hannibal. [9] Consequently ships were launched next day and at the same time the messengers sailed for Italy. There was also haste in all that they did under the goad of misfortune, while every one felt that if he should relax any effort he would be betraying the safety of all.

[10] Scipio, who was slowly leading an army laden -now with the spoils of many cities, sent captives and the rest of the spoils to the old camp⁵ before Utica, and being now intent upon Carthage, took possession of Tynes,⁶ abandoned by a fleeing garrison. [11] The place is about fifteen miles from Carthage and defended by fortifications and particularly by its natural situation. [12] It can also be seen from Carthage, at the same time itself affording a view both towards that city and towards the sea around the city.