When it was concluded, the doge was the first to speak.
"You have indeed deserved well of the republic, Messer Hammond, for we know that Admiral Pisani is not one to give undue praise, or to exaggerate in aught.
"This is news to me, signors, as well as to you, for in his narrative to me of the events of the fight, he passed over his own share in it, though Messer Polani, who accompanied him, did say that his ship had taken some part in the fight, and that the captain and twenty-seven men had been killed.
"Now, young sir, as the admiral has referred us to you for a detailed narrative of the battle, we will thank you to tell us all you witnessed, omitting no detail of the occurrences." Francis accordingly gave a full account of the action, and gave great praise to his crew for the valour with which they had fought against the heavy armed Genoese.

When he had concluded the doge said: "We thank you for your narrative, Messer Hammond, as well as for the great service you have rendered the state.

Will you now leave us, as we have much to debate on regarding this and other matters, and to arrange for the reinforcements for which, I see by his letter, the admiral asks.
"Will you ask Messer Polani to remain in attendance for a while, as we wish to consult with him as to ships and other matters?
As to yourself, we shall ask you to come before us again shortly." After Francis had left, the council first voted that five ducats should be given to every man of the crew of the Bonito, and that the widows of those who had been slain should be provided for, at the expense of the state.

They deferred the question as to the honours which should be conferred upon Francis, until they had consulted Polani.
State barges were at once sent off to bring in the prisoners from the ship, and preparations made for their accommodation, for Venice always treated prisoners taken in war with the greatest kindness, an example which Genoa was very far from following.
Then Polani was sent for, and the question of stores and ships gone into.

Orders were issued for redoubled activity in the arsenal, and it was arranged that several ships, belonging to Polani and others, should be at once purchased for the service of the state.
Then they asked him for his opinion as to the reward which should be given to Francis.