Word of the first expedition had not…

Word of the first expedition had not reached Scotland in time to prevent a second voyage of more than one thousand people.

The second expedition arrives on November 30, 1699 and finds two sloops there; one, with Thomas Drummond, from the original expedition.

Some men are sent ashore to rebuild huts, which causes others to complain that they had come to join a settlement, not build one.

Morale is low and little progress is made.

Drummond insists that there can be no discussion, the fort must be rebuilt as the Spanish attack will surely come soon, but he clashes with the merchant James Byres, who maintains the Counsellors of the first expedition have now lost that status, and consequently has Drummond arrested.

Initially bellicose, Byres begins to send away all those he suspects of being offensively minded—or of being loyal to Drummond.

He outrages a Kirk Minister by claiming it would be unlawful to resist the Spanish by force of arms, as all war is unchristian.

He then shows his real concern was for his own personal safety by deserting the colony in a sloop.

The colonists sink into apathy until the arrival of Alexander Campbell of Fonab, sent by the company to organize a defense.