The provinces had already been previously named for the consuls; and having
been now ordered to cast lots for them, Spain fell to Cornelius, and Africa
with Sicily to Sempronius. Six legions were decreed for that year, and as many
of the allies as should seem good to the consuls, and as great a fleet as could
be equipped. Twenty-four thousand Roman infantry were levied, and one thousand
eight hundred horse: forty thousand infantry of the allies, and four thousand
four hundred horse: two hundred and twenty ships of three banks of oars, and
twenty light galleys, were launched. It was then proposed to the people, "whether
they willed and commanded that war should be declared against the people of
Carthage;" and for the sake of that war a supplication was made through the
city, and the gods were implored that the war which the Roman people had decreed
might have a prosperous and fortunate issue. The forces were thus divided between
the consuls. To Sempronius two legions were given, (each of these consisted
of four thousand infantry and three hundred horse,) and sixteen thousand of
the infantry of the allies, and one thousand eight hundred horse: one hundred
and sixty ships of war, and twelve light galleys. With these land and sea forces
Tiberius Sempronius was despatched to Sicily, in order to transport his army
to Africa if the other consul should be able to prevent the Carthaginian from
invading Italy. Fewer troops were given to Cornelius, because Lucius Manlius,
the praetor, also had been sent with no weak force into Gaul. The number of
ships in particular was reduced to Cornelius. Sixty of five banks of oars were
assigned to him, (for they did not believe that the enemy would come by sea,
or would fight after that mode of warfare,) and two Roman legions with their
regular cavalry, and fourteen thousand of the infantry of the allies, with one
thousand six hundred horse. The province of Gaul being not as yet exposed to
the Carthaginian invasion, had, in the same year, two Roman legions, ten thousand
allied infantry, one thousand allied cavalry, and six hundred Roman.
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