In fact, things went so well for him that he sent word to Philip V that he would be ready to move by the spring of 1738. [Note 16: gov of Cuba to Marques de Torrenueva 10/13/1737] Havana became a bustling center of military activity in the winter of 1737-1738. Cuban shipbuilders worked long hours constructing longboats and canoes for use by the invasion force. Infantry commanders drilled their troops, readying them for the spring offensive. Cuban merchants began assembling large supplies of food, arms, powder, and shot. (Tepaske GSF)