A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

4. P.ValeriusFlaccus, was sent in B. C. 218, with Q. Baebius Tamphilus, as ambassador to Spain to remonstrate with Hannibal for attacking Saguntum, and thence proceeded to Carthage to announce the intention of the Romans. if Hannibal should not be checked in his proceedings. In B. C. 215 he commanded as legate a detachment of troops, under the consul. M. Claudius Marcellus, at Nola, and distinguished himself in the battle fought there against Hannibal. Shortly after we find him commanding a Roman squadron of 25 sail off the coast of Calabria, where he discovered the embassy which Hannibal sent to Philip of Macedonia, and got possession of letters and documents containing the terms of the treaty between Hannibal and the king. His fleet was increased in consequence, and he was ordered not only to protect the coast of Italy, but also to watch the proceedings of Macedonia. During the siege of Capua, when Hannibal marched towards Rome, Flaccus gave the prudent advice not to withdraw all the troops from Capua, and his opinion was adopted. (Liv. 21.6, 23.16, 34, 38, xxvi, 8; Cic. Philipp. 5.10.)