University of Virginia Library

III. BUCANIERS
OF
AMERICA.

III. PART III.

I. Chap. i.

CAptain Morgan perceived now that Fortune
did favour his Arms, by giving good
Success unto all his Enterprizes, which
occasion'd him, as it is usual in humane Affairs, to
aspire unto greater things, trusting she would always
be constant unto him. Such was the burning
of Panama; wherein Fortune failed not to assist
him, in like manner as she had done before,
crowning the Event of his Actions with Victory,
howbeit she had led him thereunto through thousands
of Difficulties. The History hereof I shall

now begin to relate, as being so much remarkable
in all its Circumstances, as peradventure nothing
more deserving Memory, may occur to be
read by future Ages.

Not long after Captain Morgan arrived at Jamaica,
he found many of his chief Officers and Souldiers
reduced to their former state of Indigency,
through their immoderate Vices and Debauchery.

Hence they ceased not to importune him for new
Invasions and Exploits, thereby to get something
to expend anew in Wine and Strumpets, as they
had already wasted what was purchased so little
before. Captain Morgan being willing to follow
Fortune while she call'd him, hereupon stopp'd
the mouths of many of the Inhabitants of Jamaica,
who were Creditors unto his Men for large
summs of Money, with the hopes and promises
he gave them, of greater Atchievments than ever,
by a new Expedition he was going about. This
being done, he needed not give himself much
trouble, to levy Men for this or any other Enterprize,
his Name being now so famous through all
those Islands, as that alone would readily bring
him in more Men than he could well imploy. He
undertook therefore to equipp a new Fleet of
Ships; for which purpose he assigned the Southside
of the Isle of Tortùga, as a Place of Rendez-
vous. With this resolution, he writ divers Letters
unto all the ancient and expert Pirats there inhabiting,
as also to the Governour of the said Isle,
and to the Planters and Hunters of Hispaniola, giving
them to understand his Intentions, and desiring
their Appearance at the said Place, in case
they intended to go with him. All these people
had no sooner understood his Designs, but they
flocked unto the Place assigned in huge numbers,
with Ships, Canows, and Boats, being desirous
to obey his Commands. Many who had not the
convenience of coming unto him by Sea, traversed
the Woods of Hispaniola, and with no small
Difficulties arrived there by Land. Thus all were
present at the place assigned, and in a readiness,
against the 24th. day of October of 1670.

Captain Morgan was not wanting to be there ac-

cording to his punctual custom, who came in his
Ship unto the same side of the Island, to a Port
called by the French, Port Couillon, over against
the Island de la Vaca, this being the Place which
he had assigned unto others. Having now gathered
the greatest part of his Fleet, he called a
Councel, to deliberate about the means of finding
Provisions sufficient for so many People. Here
they concluded to send four Ships, and one Boat,
manned with 400 Men, over to the Continent, to
the intent they should rifle some CountreyTowns
and Villages, and in these get all the
Corn or Maiz they could gather. They set Sail
for the Continent, towards the River de la Hàcha,

with design to assault a small Village, called la
Rancherìa, where is usually to be found the greatest
quantity of Maiz, of all those Parts thereabouts.
In the mean while Captain Morgan sent
another Party of his Men to hunt in the Woods,
who killed there an huge number of Beasts, and
salted them: The rest of his Companions remained
in the Ships, to clean, fit, and rigg them
out to Sea, so that at the return of those who were
sent abroad, all things might be in a readiness to
weigh Anchors, and follow the course of their
Designs.

Chap. II.

THe four Ships above-mentioned, after they
had set Sail from Hispaniola, steered their
course till they came within sight of the River de
la Hacha, where they were suddenly overtaken
with a tedious Calm. Being thus within sight of
Land becalmed for some days, the Spaniards inhabiting
along the Coasts, who had perceived them
to be Enemies, had sufficient time to prepare
themselves for the Assault, at least to hide the best
part of their Goods, to the end that without any
care of preserving them, they might be in a readiness
to retire, when they found themselves unable
to resist the Force of the Pirats, of whose frequent
Attempts upon those Coasts, they had already
learnt what they had to do in such Cases.
There was in the River at that present a good
Ship, which was come from Cartagèna to lade
Maiz, and was now when the Pirats came, almost
ready to depart. The Men belonging to
this Ship, endeavoured to escape, but not being
able to do it, both they and the Vessel fell into
their hands. This was a fit Purchase for their
Mind, as being good part of what they came to
seek for, with so much care and toil. The next
morning about break of day, they came with their
Ships towards the shoar, and landed their Men,
although the Spaniards made huge resistance, from
a Battery which they had raised on that side,
where of necessity they were to land: but not-
withstanding what defence they could make, they
were forced to retire towards a Village, unto
which the Pirats followed them. Here the Spaniards
rallying again, fell upon them with great fury,
and maintained a strong Combat, which lasted
till night was come: but then perceiving they
had lost great number of Men, which was no
smaller on the Pirats side, they retired unto Places
more occult in the Woods.

The next day when the Pirats saw they were

all fled, and the Town left totally empty of People,
they pursued them as far as they could possible.
In this pursuit they overtook a Party of
Spaniards, whom they made all Prisoners, and
exercised with most cruel Torments, to discover
where they had hid their Goods: some were
found, who by the force of intolerable Tortures,
confessed; but others who would not do the same,
were used more barbarously than the former.
Thus in the space of 15 days that they remained
there, they took many Prisoners, much Plate,
and moveable Goods, with all other things they
could rob, with which Booty they resolved to return
unto Hispaniola. Yet not contented with
what they had already got, they dispatcht some
Prisoners into the Woods, to seek for the rest of
the Inhabitants, and to demand of them a Ransom
for not burning the Town: Unto this they
answered, They had no Money nor Plate, but in
case they would be satisfied with a certain quantity
of Maiz, they would give as much as they could
afford. The Pirats accepted this proffer, as being

more useful to them at that occasion than ready
Money, and agreed they should pay 4000 Hanegs,
or Bushels of Maiz. These were brought in three
days after, the Spaniards being desirous to rid themselves
as soon as possible, of that inhumane sort of
People. Having laded them on board their Ships,

together with all the rest of their Purchase, they
returned unto the Island of Hispaniola, to give account
unto their Leader Captain Morgan, of all
they had performed.

They had now been absent five entire Weeks,
about the Commission aforementioned, which
long delay occasioned Captain Morgan almost to
despair of their Return, as fearing least they were
fallen into the hands of the Spaniards, especially
considering that the place whereunto they went,
could easily be relieved from Cartagèna, and Santa
Maria, if the Inhabitants were any thing careful to
alarum the Countrey: on the other side he feared,
left they should have made some great Fortune in
that Voyage, and with it escaped unto some other
place. But at last seeing his Ships return, and in
greater number than they had departed, he resumed
new Courage, this sight causing both in him

and his Companions infinite joy. This was much
increased, when being arrived, they found them
full laden with Maiz, whereof they stood in great
need, for the maintenance of so many people, by
whose help they expected great Matters, through
the Conduct of their Commander.

After that Captain Morgan had divided the said
Maiz, as also the Flesh which the Hunters
brought in, among all the Ships, according to
the number of Men that were in every Vessel, he
concluded upon the departure, having viewed
before-hand every Ship, and observed their being
well equipped and clean. Thus he set Sail, and
directed his course towards Cape Tiburòn, where
he determined to take his measures and resolution,

of what Enterprize he should take in hand. sooner were they arrived there, but they met
with some other Ships, that came newly to joyn
them, from Jamaica. So that now the whole
Fleet consisted of 37 Ships, wherein were 2000
fighting-Men, besides Mariners and Boys; the
Admiral hereof was mounted with 22 great Guns,
and 6 small ones, of Brass; the rest carried some
20, some 16, some 18. and the smallest Vessel at
least 4. besides which, they had great quantity of
Ammunition and Fire-balls, with other Inventions
of Powder.

Captain Morgan finding himself with such a

great number of Ships, divided the whole Fleet
into two Squadrons, constituting a Vice-Admiral,
and other Officers and Commanders of the second
Squadron, distinctly from the former. Unto
every one of these he gave Letters Patents, or
Commissions, to act all manner of Hostility against
the Spanish Nation, and take of them what Ships
they could, either abroad at Sea, or in the Harbours,
in like manner as if they were open and
declared Enemies (as he term'd it) of the King
of England, his pretended Master. This being
done, he called all his Captains, and other Offi-
cers together, and caused them to sign some Articles
of common Agreement betwixt them, and
in the Name of all. Herein it was stipulated,
that he should have the hundredth part of all that
was gotten, to himself alone: That every Captain
should draw the Shares of 8 Men, for the Expences
of his Ship, besides his own: That the
Surgeon, beside his ordinary Pay, should have
200 pieces of Eight, for his Chest of Medicaments:
And every Carpenter, above his common
Salary, should draw 100 pieces of Eight.
As to Recompences and Rewards, they were regulated
in this Voyage much higher than was expressed
in the first part of this Book. Thus, for
the loss of both Legs, they assigned 1500 pieces
of Eight, or 15 Slaves, the Choice being left to
the election of the Party. For the loss of both
Hands, 1800 pieces of Eight, or 18 Slaves. For
one Leg, whether the right or the left, 600 pieces
of Eight, or 6 Slaves. For a Hand, as much
as for a Leg. And for the loss of any Eye, 100
pieces of Eight, or one Slave. Lastly, Unto
him that in any Battel should signalize himself, either
by entring the first any Castle, or taking down
the Spanish Colours, and setting up the English,
they constituted 50 pieces of Eight for a Reward.
In the head of these Articles it was stipulated, that
all these extraordinary Salaries, Recompences
and Rewards, should be paid out of the first Spoil
or Purchase they should take, according as every
one should then occur to be either rewarded or
paid.

This Contract being signed, Captain Morgan
commanded his Vice-Admirals and Captains to
put all things in order, every one in their Ships,
for to go and attempt one of three Places, either

Cartagena, Panama, or Vera Cruz; but the lot fell
upon Panama, as being believed to be the richest
of all three: notwithstanding this City being situated
at such distance from the Northern Sea, as
they knew not well the Avenues and Entries necessary
to approach unto it, they judg'd it necessa-

ry to go before-hand to the Isle of St. Catharin,
there to find and provide themselves with some
Persons, who might serve them for Guides in this
Enterprize; for in the Garison of that Island, are
commonly imployed many Banditi, and Outlaries,
belonging to Panama, and the neighbouring
Places, who are very expert in the knowledge of
all that Countrey. But before they proceeded
any farther, they caused an Act to be published
through the whole Fleet, containing, that in case
they met with any Spanish Vessel, the first Captain
who with his Men should enter, and take the
said Ship, should have for his Reward the 10th.
part of whatsoever should be found within her.

Chap. III.

CAptain Morgan and his Companions weighed

Anchors from the Cape of Tiburon, the
16th. day of December, in the year 1670. Four
days after they arrived within sight of the Isle of
St. Catharin, which was now in possession of the
Spaniards again, as was said in the Second Part of
this History, and unto which they commonly banish
all the Malefactors of the Spanish Dominions
i'th' West=Indies. In this Island are found huge
quantities of Pidgeons at certain Seasons of the
Year; it is watered continually by four Rivulets,
or Brooks, whereof two are always dry in Summer-season.
Here is no manner of Trade nor
Commerce exercised by the Inhabitants, neither
do they give themselves the trouble to plant more
Fruits, than what are necessary for the sustentation
of humane Life; howbeit the Countrey
would be sufficient to make very good Plantations
of Tobacco, which might render considerable
Profit, were it cultivated for that use.

As soon as Captain Morgan came nigh unto the
Island with his Fleet, he sent before one of his
best sailing Vessels, to view the entry of the River,
and see if any other Ships were there, who
might hinder him from landing; as also fearing
least they should give Intelligence of his Arrival
to the Inhabitants of the Island, and they by this
means prevent his Designs.

The next day before Sun-rising, all the Fleet

came to an Anchor nigh unto the Island, in a certain
Bay called Aguada grande: upon this Bay the
Spaniards had lately built a Battery, mounted with
4 pieces of Cannon. Captain Morgan landed
with 1000 Men, more or less, and disposed them
into Squadrons, beginning his March through the
Woods, although they had no other Guides than
some few of his own Men, who had been there before,
when Mansvelt took and ransackt the Island.
The same day they came unto a certain Place,
where the Governour at other times did keep his
ordinary Residence: here they found a Battery
called the Platform, but no body in it, the Spaniards
having retired unto the lesser Island, which,
as was said before, is so nigh unto the great one,
that a short Bridge only may conjoyn them.

This lesser Island aforesaid was so well fortified

with Forts and Batteries round about it, as might
seem impregnable. Hereupon, as soon as the
Spaniards perceived the Pirats to approach, they
began to fire upon them so furiously, as they could
advance nothing that day, but were contented to
retreat a little, and take up their rest upon the
Grassi'th' open Fields, which afforded no strange
Beds to these People, as being sufficiently used to
such kind of Repose: what most afflicted them
was Hunger, having not eat the least thing that
whole day. About Midnight it began to rain so
hard, as those miserable People had much ado to

resist so much hardship, the greatest part of them
having no other Cloaths, than a pair of Seaman's
Trowzers, or Breeches, and a Shirt, without either
Shoos, or Stockings. Thus finding themselves
in great Extremity, they began to pull
down a few thatcht Houses, to make Fires withal:
in a word, they were in such condition, that
100 Men, indifferently well armed, might easily
that night have torn them all in pieces. The
next morning, about break of day, the Rain
ceased, at which time they began to dry their
Arms, which were entirely wet, and proceed on
their March. But not long after the Rain recommenc'd
anew, rather harder than before, as if the
Skies were melted into Waters, which caused
them to cease from advancing towards the Forts,
from whence the Spaniards did continually fire at
the Pirats, seeing them to approach.

The Pirats were now reduced unto great Affli-

ction, and danger of their Lives, through the
hardness of the Weather, their own Nakedness,
and the great Hunger they sustained. For a small
relief hereof, they hapned to find i'th' Fields an
old Horse, which was both lean, and full of
Scabs and Blotches, with gall'd Back and Sides.
This horrid Animal they instantly kill'd and flay'd,
and divided into small pieces among themselves,
as far as it would reach, for many could not obtain
one morsel, which they roasted and devoured
without either Salt or Bread, more like unto
ravenous Wolves than Men. The Rain as yet
ceased not to fall, and Captain Morgan perceived
their Minds to relent, hearing many of them say,
they would return on board the Ships. Amongst
these Fatigues both of Mind and Body, he thought
it convenient to use some sudden, and almost un-

expected Remedy: unto this effect he commanded
a Canow to be rigg'd in all haste, and Colours of
Truce to be hang'd out of it. This Canow he
sent unto the Spanish Governour of the Island with
this Message: That if within a few hours he delivered
not himself and all his Men into his hands, he did by that
Messenger swear unto him, and all those that were in his
company, he would most certainly put them all to the
Sword, without granting Quarter to any.

After noon the Canow returned with this An-

swer: That the Governour desired two hours time,
to deliberate with his Officers in a full Councel
about that Affair, which being past, he would give
his positive Answer to the Message. The time
now being elaps'd, the said Governour sent two
Canows with white Colours, and two persons, to
treat with Captain Morgan; but before they landed,
they demanded of the Pirats two persons, as
Hostages of their Security. These were readily
granted by Captain Morgan, who delivered unto
them two of his Captains, for a mutual Pledge of
the Security required. With this the Spaniards
propounded unto Captain Morgan, that their Governour
in a full Assembly had resolved to deliver
up the Island, as not being provided with sufficient
Forces, to defend it against such an Armada, or
Fleet. But withal he desired, that Captain Morgan
would be pleased to use a certain Stratagem of
War, for the better saving of his own Credit, and
the Reputation of his Officers, both abroad and at
home, which should be as followeth: That Captain
Morgan would come with his Troops by night,
nigh unto the Bridge that joyned the lesser Island
unto the great one, and there attaque the Fort of
St. Jerom: That at the same time all the Ships of
his Fleet would draw nigh unto the Castle of Santa
Teresa, and attaque it by Sea, landing i'th'
mean while some more Troops, near the Battery
called of St. Matthew: That these Troops which
were newly landed, should by this means intercept
the Governour by the way, as he endeavoured
to pass unto St. Jerom's Fort, and then take him
Prisoner, using the Formality, as if they forced
him to deliver the said Castle; and that he would
lead the English into it, under the fraud of being
his own Troops: That on one side and t'other,
there should be continual firing at one another,
but without Bullets, or at least into the Air, so that
no side might receive any harm by this device:
That thus having obtained two such considerable
Forts, the chiefest of the Isle, he needed not take
care for the rest, which of necessity must fall by
course into his hands.

These Propositions, every one, were granted
by Captain Morgan, upon condition they should
see them faithfully observed, for otherwise they
should be used with all rigour imaginable: this
they promised to do, and hereupon took their
leaves, and returned, to give account of their
Negotiation unto the Governour. Presently after
Captain Morgan commanded the whole Fleet to
enter the Port, and his Men to be in a readiness,
for to assault that night the Castle of St. Jerom.
Thus the false Alarum or Battel began, with incessant
firing of great Guns from both the Castles,
against the Ships, but without Bullets, as was
said before. Then the Pirats landed, and assaulted
by night the lesser Island, which they took, as
also possession of both the Fortresses, forcing all
the Spaniards, in appearance, to fly unto the
Church. Before this Assault, Captain Morgan had
sent word unto the Governour, he should keep
all his Men together in a Body, otherwise if the
Pirats met any straggling Spaniards in the Streets,
they should certainly shoot them.

The Island being taken by this unusual Stratagem,
and all things put in due order, the Pirats
began to make a new War against the Poultrey,
Cattel, and all sort of Victuals they could find.
This was their whole Employ for some days,
scarce thinking of any thing else than to kill those
Animals, roast, and eat, and make good
chear, as much as they could possibly attain unto.
If Wood was wanting, they presently fell
upon the Houses, and pulling them down, made
Fires with the Timber, as had been done before
i'th' Field. The next day they numbred all the

Prisoners they had taken upon the whole Island,
which were found to be in all 450 persons, between
Men, Women, and Children, viz. 190
Souldiers, belonging to the Garison; 40 Inhabitants,
who were married; 43 Children; 34
Slaves, belonging to the King, with 8 Children;
8 Banditi; 39 Negro's, belonging unto private
persons, with 27 female-Blacks, and 34 Children.
The Pirats disarmed all the Spaniards, and
sent them out immediately unto the Plantations,
to seek for Provisions, leaving the Women in the
Church, there to exercise their Devotions.

Soon after they took a Review of the whole

Island, and all the Fortresses belonging thereunto,
which they found to be 9 in all, as followeth.
The Fort of St. Jerom, nighest unto the Bridge,
had 8 great Guns, of 12, 6, and 8 pound Carriage,
together with 6 pipes of Muskets, every
pipe containing 10 Muskets. Here they found still
60 Muskets, with sufficient quantity of Powder,
and all other sorts of Ammunition. The 2d.
Fortress, called St. Matthew, had 3 Guns, of 8
pound Carriage each. The 3d. and chiefest among
all the rest, named Santa Teresa, had 20
great Guns, of 18, 12, 8, and 6 pound Carriage,
with 10 pipes of Muskets, like unto those we said
before, and 90 Muskets remaining, besides all other
warlike Ammunition. This Castle was built with
Stone and Mortar, with very thick Walls on all
sides, and a large Ditch round about it of 20 Foot
depth, the which although it was dry, yet was
very hard to get over. Here was no Entry but
through one door, which corresponded to the
middle of the Castle. Within it was a Mount or
Hill, almost unaccessible, with 4 pieces of Cannon
at the top, from whence they could shoot directly
into the Port. On the Sea-side this Castle
was impregnable, by reason of the Rocks which
surrounded it, and the Sea beating furiously upon
them. In like manner on the side of the Land, it
was so commodiously seated on a Mountain, as
there was no access unto it, but by a Path of 3 or
4 Foot broad. The 4th. Fortress was named St.
Augustin, having 3 Guns, of 8 and 6 pound Carriage.
The 5th. named la Plattaforma de la Concepcion,
had only 2 Guns, of 8 pound Carriage. The
6th. by Name San Salvador, had likewise no more
than 2 Guns. The 7th. being called Plattaforma
de los Artilleros, had also 2 Guns. The 8th. called
Santa Cruz, had 3 Guns. The 9th. which was
called St. Joseph's Fort, had 6 Guns, of 12 and 8
pound Carriage, besides two pipes of Muskets,
and sufficient Ammunition.

In the Store-house were found above 30000
pound of Powder, with all other sorts of Ammunition,
which were transported by the Pirats on
board the Ships. All the Guns were stopp'd and
nail'd, and the Fortresses demolished, excepting
that of St. Jerom, where the Pirats kept their Guard
and Residence. Captain Morgan enquired, if any
Banditi were there from Panama, or Puerto Velo;
and hereupon three were brought before him,

who pretended to be very expert in all the Avenues
of those Parts. He asked them, if they would
be his Guides, and shew him the securest Ways
and Passages unto Panama; which if they performed,
he promised them equal shares in all they
should pillage and rob in that Expedition, and
that afterwards he would set them at liberty, by
transporting them unto Jamaica. These Propositions
pleased the Banditi very well, and they readily
accepted his Proffers, promising to serve him
very faithfully in all he should desire; especially
one of these three, who was the greatest Rogue,
Thief, and Assassin among them, and who had deserved
for his Crimes, rather to be broken alive
upon the Wheel, than punished with serving in a
Garison. This wicked Fellow had a great Ascendant
over the other two Banditi, and could domineer
and command over them as he pleased, they
not daring to refuse obedience to his Orders.

Hereupon Captain Morgan commanded four

Ships and one Boat, to be equipped and provided
with all things necessary, for to go and take the
Castle of Chagre, seated upon the River of that
Name. Neither would he go himself with his
whole Fleet, fearing least the Spaniards should be
jealous of his farther Designs upon Panama. In
these Vessels he caused to imbark 400 Men, who
went to put in execution the Orders of their chief
Commander Captain Morgan, mean while he himself
remained behind in the Island of St. Catharin,
with the rest of the Fleet, expecting to hear the
Success of their Arms.

Chap. IV.

CAptain Morgan sending these four Ships and a

Boat unto the River of Chagre, chose for
Vice-Admiral thereof, a certain Person named
Captain Brodely. This Man had been long time
in those Quarters, and committed many Robberies
upon the Spaniards, when Mansvelt took the
Isle of St. Catharin, as was related in the 2d. Part
of this History. He being therefore well acquainted
with those Coasts, was thought a fit Person for
this Exploit, his Actions likewise having rendred
him famous among the Pirats, and their Enemies
the Spaniards. Captain Brodely being chosen chief
Commander of these Forces, in three days after
he departed from the presence of Captain Morgan,
arrived within sight of the said Castle of Chagre,
which by the Spaniards is called St. Lawrence. This
Castle is built upon a high Mountain, at the entry
of the River, and surrounded on all sides with
strong Palizada's, or wooden Walls, being very
well terra-plen'd, and filled with Earth, which
rendreth them as secure, as the best Walls made
of Stone or Brick. The top of this Mountain is in a
manner divided into two parts, between which
lyeth a Ditch, of the depth of 30 Foot. The
Castle it self hath but one Entry, and that by a
Draw-bridge, which passeth over the Ditch aforementioned.
On the Land-side it hath four Bastions,
that of the Sea containing only two more.
That part thereof which looketh towards the
South, is totally unaccessible, and impossible to
be climbed, through the infinite asperity of the
Mountain. The North-side is surrounded by the
River, which hereabouts runneth very broad.
At the foot of the said Castle, or rather Mountain,
is seated a strong Fort, with 8 great Guns,
which commandeth and impedeth the entry of the
River. Not much lower are to be seen two other
Batteries, whereof each hath 6 pieces of Cannon,
to defend likewise the mouth of the said River.
At one side of the Castle are built two great
Store-houses, in which are deposited all sorts of
warlike Ammunition, and Merchandize, which
are brought thither from the inner parts of the
Countrey. Nigh unto these Houses is a high
pair of Stairs, hewed out of the Rock, which serveth
to mount unto the top of the Castle. On
the West-side of the said Fortress lyeth a small
Port, which is not above 7 or 8 Fathom deep, being
very fit for small Vessels, and of very good
Anchorage. Besides this, there lyeth before the
Castle, at the entry of the River, a great Rock,
scarce to be perceived above Water, unless at low
Tides.

No sooner had the Spaniards perceived the Pirats
to come, but they began to fire incessantly at
them with the biggest of their Guns. They came
to an Anchor in a small Port, at the distance of a
League more or less from the Castle. The next
morning very early they went on shore, and mar-

ched through the Woods, to attack the Castle on
that side. This March continued until two of the
Clock afternoon, before they could reach the Castle,
by reason of the Difficulties of the Way,
and its Mire and Dirt. And although their Guides
served them exactly, notwithstanding they came
so nigh the Castle at first, that they lost many of
their Men with the Shot from the Guns, they being
in an open Place, where nothing could cover
nor defend them. This much perplexed the Pirats
in their Minds, they not knowing what to do,
nor what course to take, for on that side of necessity
they must make the Assault, and being uncovered
from Head to Foot, they could not advance
one step without great danger. Besides, that the

Castle, both for its Situation and Strength, did
cause them much to fear the Success of that Enterprize.
But to give it over, they dared not, least
they should be reproach'd and scorn'd by their
Companions.

At last, after many Doubts and Disputes among
themselves, they resolved to hazard the
Assault and their Lives after a most desperate manner.
Thus they advanced towards the Castle, with
their Swords in one hand, and Fire-balls in the
other. The Spaniards defended themselves very
briskly, ceasing not to fire at them with their great
Guns and Muskets continually, crying withal,
Come on, ye English Dogs, Enemies to God and our
King, let your other Companions that are behind come on
too; ye shall not go to Panama this bout. After the
Pirats had made some tryal to climb up the Walls,
they were forced to retreat, which they accordingly
did, resting themselves until night. This
being come, they returned to the Assault, to try,
if by the help of their Fire-balls they could overcome,
and pull down the Pales before the Wall.
This they attempted to do, and mean while they
were about it, there hapned a very remarkable
Accident, which gave them the opportunity of

the Victory. One of the Pirats was wounded
with an Arrow in his Back, which pierced his Body
to the other side. This instantly he pulled out
with great valour at the side of his Breast; then
taking a little Cotton that he had about him, he
wound it about the said Arrow, and putting it into
his Musket, he shot it back unto the Castle.
But the Cotton being kindled by the Powder, occasion'd
two or three Houses that were within the
Castle, as being thatch'd with Palm-leaves, to
take Fire, which the Spaniards perceived not so
soon as was necessary. For this Fire meeting with
a parcel of Powder, blew it up, and thereby caused
great Ruine, and no less Consternation to the
Spaniards, who were not able to occur unto this
Accident, as not having seen the beginning thereof.

Thus the Pirats perceiving the good effect of the
Arrow, and the beginning of the Misfortune of
the Spaniards, were infinitely gladded thereat.
And mean while they were bufied in extinguishing
the Fire, which caused great Confusion in the
whole Castle, having not sufficient Water wherewithal
to do it, the Pirats made use of this oppor-

tunity, setting Fire likewise unto the Palizada's.
Thus the Fire was seen at the same time, in several
parts about the Castle, which gave them huge
Advantage against the Spaniards. For many Breaches
were made at once by the Fire among the
Pales, great heaps of Earth falling down into the
Ditch. Upon these the Pirats climbed up, and
got over into the Castle, notwithstanding that
some Spaniards, who were not busied about the
Fire, cast down upon them many flaming Pots,
full of combustible Matter, and odious Smells,
which occasion'd the loss of many of the English.

The Spaniards, notwithstanding the great Re-

sistance they made, could not hinder the Palizada's
from being entirely burnt before midnight.
Mean while the Pirats ceased not to persist in their
Intention, of taking the Castle. Unto which effect,
although the Fire was great, they would
creep upon the Ground, as nigh unto it as they
could, and shoot amidst the Flames, against the
Spaniards they could perceive on the other side,
and thus cause many to fall dead from the Walls.
When day was come, they observed all the moveable
Earth that lay betwixt the Pales, to be fallen
into the Ditch in huge quantity. So that now
those within the Castle, did in a manner lye equally
exposed to them without, as had been on the
contrary before. Whereupon the Pirats continued
shooting very furiously against them, and killed
great number of Spaniards. For the Governour
had given them Orders not to retire from those
Posts, which corresponded to the Heaps of Earth
fallen into the Ditch, and caused the Artillery to
be transported unto the Breaches.

Notwithstanding the Fire within the Castle still
continued, and now the Pirats from abroad used
what means they could to hinder its progress, by
shooting incessantly against it. One party of the
Pirats was imployed only to this purpose, and
another commanded to watch all the Motions of
the Spaniards, and take all opportunities against
them. About noon the English hapned to gain a
Breach, which the Governour himself defended
with 25 Souldiers. Here was performed a very
couragious and warlike Resistance by the Spaniards,
both with Muskets, Pikes, Stones and Swords. Yet
notwithstanding through all these Arms the Pirats
forced and fought their way, till at last they gain-
ed the Castle. The Spaniards who remained alive,
cast themselves down from the Castle into the Sea,
choosing rather to die precipitated by their own
selves, (few or none surviving the Fall) than to
ask any Quarter for their Lives. The Governour
himself retreated unto the Corps du Garde, before
which were placed two pieces of Cannon. Here
he intended still to defend himself, neither would
he demand any Quarter. But at last he was kil-
led with a Musket-shot, which pierced his Skull
into the Brain.

The Governour being dead, and the Corps du
Garde surrendred, they found still remaining in it

alive, to the number of 30 Men, whereof scarce
10 were not wounded. These informed the Pirats,
that 8 or 9 of their Souldiers had deserted
their Colours, and were gone to Panama, to carry
News of their Arrival and Invasion. These 30
Men alone were remaining of 314. wherewith the
Castle was garisoned, among which number, not
one Officer was found alive. These were all
made Prisoners, and compelled to tell whatsoever
they knew of their Designs and Enterprizes. A-
mong other things they declared, that the Governour
of Panama had notice sent him three weeks
ago from Cartagena, how that the English were
equipping a Fleet at Hispaniola, with design to
come and take the said City of Panama. Moreover,
that this their Intention had been known by
a person, who was run away from the Pirats, at
the River de la Hacha, where they provided their
Fleet with Corn. That, upon this News, the
said Governour had sent 164 Men, to strengthen
the Garison of that Castle, together with much
Provision, and warlike Ammunition; the ordinary
Garison whereof did only consist of 150 Men.
So that in all they made the number afore-mentioned,
of 314 Men, being all very well armed.
Besides this they declared, that the Governour of
Panama had placed several Ambuscades all along
the River of Chagre; and that he waited for their
coming, in the open Fields of Panama, with 3600
Men.

The taking of this Castle of Chagre cost the Pirats
excessively dear, in comparison to the small
numbers they used to lose at other times and places.
Yea their toil and labour here, did far exceed
what they sustained at the Conquest of the
Isle of St. Catharin, and its adjacent. For coming
to number their Men, they found they had lost
above 100. besides those that were wounded,

whose number exceeded 70. They commanded
the Spaniards that were Prisoners, to cast all the
dead Bodies of their own Men, down from the
top of the Mountain to the Sea-side, and afterwards
to bury them. Such as were wounded,
were carried unto the Church, belonging to the
Castle, of which they made an Hospital, and
where also they shut up the Women. Thus it
was likewise turned into a place of Prostitution,
the Pirats ceasing not to defile the Bodies of those
afflicted Widows, with all manner of insolent
Actions and Threats.

Captain Morgan remained not long time behind,

at the Isle of St. Catharin, after taking the Castle
of Chagre; of which he had notice presently sent
him. Yet notwithstanding, before he departed
from thence, he caused to be imbarked, all the
Provisions could be found, together with great
quantities of Maiz, or Indian Wheat, and Cazave;
whereof, in like manner, is made Bread in those
Parts. He commanded likewise, great store of
Provisions should be transported unto the Garison
of the aforesaid Castle of Chagre, from what Parts
soever they could be gotten. At a certain place
of the Island, they cast into the Sea all the Guns
belonging thereunto, with a design to return, and
leave that Island well garrison'd, unto the perpetual
possession of Pirats. Notwithstanding he
order'd all the Houses and Forts to be set on fire,
excepting only the Castle of St. Teresa, which he
judged to be the strongest and securest wherein to
fortifie himself, at his return from Panama. He
carried with him all the Prisoners of the Island, and
thus set Sayl for the River of Chagre, where he arrived
in the space of 8 days. Here the Joy of the
whole Fleet was so great, when they spyed the
English Colours upon the Castle, that they minded
not their way into the River, which occasioned
them to loose four of their Ships at the Entry there-
of, that wherein Captain Morgan went, being one
of the four. Yet their Fortune was so good, as
to be able to save all the Men and Goods that
were in the said Vessels. Yea, the Ships likewise
had been preserved, if a strong Northerly Wind
had not risen in that occasion, which cast the Ships
upon the Rock above-mentioned, that lyeth at
the Entry of the said River.

Captain Morgan was brought into the Castle

with great Acclamations of Triumph and Joy, of
all the Pirats, both of those who were within,
and also them that were but newly come. Having
understood the whole Transactions of the
Conquest, he commanded all the Prisoners to begin
to work, and repair what was necessary.
Especially, in setting up new Palizada's, or Pales,
round about the Forts depending on the Castle.
There were still in the River some Spanish Vessels,
called by them Chatten, which serve for the Transportation
of Merchandize up and down the said
River, as also for to go to Puerto Velo, and Nicaragua.
These are commonly mounted with two
great Guns of Iron, and four other small ones of
Brass. All these Vessels they seized on, together
with four little Ships they found there, and all the
Canows. In the Castle they left a Garison of 500
Men, and in the Ships within the River 150 more.

[ILLUSTRATION]

These things being done, Captain Morgan departed
towards Panama, at the Head of 1200 Men.
He carried very small Provisions with him, being
in good hopes he should provide himself sufficiently
among the Spaniards, whom he knew to lye in
Ambuscade at several Places by the way.

Chap. V.

CAptain Morgan set forth from the Castle of

Chagre, towards Panama, the 18th. day of
August, in the year 1670. He had under his Conduct
1200 Men, 5 Boats with Artillery, and 32
Canows, all which were filled with the said People.
Thus he steered his course up the River towards
Panama. That day they sailed only 6
Leagues, and came to a Place called, de los Bracos.
Here a party of his Men went on shore, only to
sleep some few hours, and stretch their Limbs,
they being almost crippl'd with lying too much
crowded in the Boats. After they had rested a
while, they went abroad, to see if any Victuals

[ILLUSTRATION]

could be found in the neighbouring Plantations.
But they could find none, the Spaniards being fled,
and carrying with them all the Provisions they
had. Thisday, being the first of their Journey,
there was amongst them such scarcity of Victuals,
as the greatest part were forced to pass with only
a pipe of Tobacco, without any other Refreshment.

The next day, very early i'th' morning, they
continued their Journey, and came about evening
to a Place called, Cruz de Iuan Gallego. Here they
were compelled to leave their Boats and Canows,
by reason the River was very dry for want of
Rain, and the many obstacles of Trees that were
fallen into it.

The Guides told them, that about two Leagues
farther on, the Countrey would be very good to
continue the Journey by Land. Hereupon they
left some Companies, being in all 160 Men, on
board the Boats, to defend them, with intent
they might serve for a place of Refuge, in case
of necessity.

The next morning, being the 3d. day of their
Journey, they all went ashore, excepting those
above-mentioned, who were to keep the Boats.
Unto these Captain Morgan gave very strict Orders,
under great penalties, that no Man, upon
any pretext whatsoever, should dare to leave the
Boats, and go ashore. This he did, fearing least
they should be surprized and cut off by any Ambuscade
of Spaniards, that might chance to lye
thereabouts in the neighbouring Woods, which
appeared so thick, as to seem almost impenetrable.
Having this morning begun their March,
they found the ways so dirty and irksom, that
Captain Morgan thought it more convenient to
transport some of the Men in Canows, (though
it could not be done without great labour) to a
Place farther up the River, called Cedro bueno.
Thus they re-imbarked, and the Canows returned
for the rest that were left behind. So that about
night, they found themselves all together at the
said Place. The Pirats were extreamly desirous
to meet any Spaniards, or Indians, hoping to fill
their Bellies with what Provisions they should take
from them. For now they were reduced almost
to the very extremity of Hunger.

On the 4th. day, the greatest part of the Pirats

marched by Land, being led by one of the Guides.
The rest went by Water, farther up with the Canows,
being conducted by another Guide, who
always went before them with two of the said Canows,
to discover on both sides the River, the
Ambuscades of the Spaniards. These had also
Spies, who were very dextrous, and could at any
time give notice of all Accidents, or of the Arrival
of the Pirats, six hours at least before they
came to any Place. This day about noon they
found themselves nigh unto a Post, called Torna
Cavallos. Here the Guide of the Canows began
to cry aloud, he perceived an Ambuscade. His
Voice caused infinite Joy unto all the Pirats, as
perswading themselves they should find some Provisions,
wherewith to satiate their Hunger, which
was very great. Being come unto the Place, they
found no body in it, the Spaniards who were there
not long before, being every one fled, and leaving
nothing behind, unless it were a small number
of leather Bags, all empty, and a few crums of
Bread, scatter'd upon the Ground, where they
had eaten. Being angry at this Misfortune, they
pull'd down a few little Huts which the Spaniards
had made, and afterwards fell to eating the leathern
Bags, as being desirous to afford something
to the ferment of their Stomachs, which now was
grown so sharp, as it did gnaw their very Bowels,
having nothing else to prey upon. Thus they
made a huge Banquet upon those Bags of Leather,
which doubtless had been more grateful unto
them, if divers Quarrels had not risen, concerning
who should have the greatest share. By the
circumference of the Place, they conjectur'd 500
Spaniards, more or less, had been there. And
these, finding no Victuals, they were now infinitely
desirous to meet, intending to devour some of
them, rather than perish. Whom they would
certainly in that occasion have roasted or boyled,
to satisfie their Famine, had they been able to
take them.

After they had feasted themselves with those

pieces of Leather, they quitted the Place, and
marched farther on, till they came about night to
another Post, called Torna Munni. Here they
found another Ambuscade, but as barren and desert
as the former. They searched the neighbouring
Woods, but could not find the least thing to
eat. The Spaniards having been so provident, as
not to leave behind them any where the least crum
of Sustenance, whereby the Pirats were now
brought to the Extremity aforementioned. Here
again he was happy, that had reserved since noon
any small piece of Leather, whereof to make his
Supper, drinking after it a good draught of Water
for his greatest comfort. Some persons, who
never were out of their Mothers Kitchins, may
ask, how these Pirats could eat, swallow and digest,
those pieces of Leather, so hard and dry?
Unto whom I only answer, That could they once
experiment, what Hunger, or rather Famine is,
they would certainly find the manner, by their
own necessity, as the Pirats did. For these first
took the Leather, and slic'd it in pieces. Then
did they beat it between two Stones, and rub it,
often dipping it in the Water of the River, to render
it by these means supple and tender. Lastly,
they scraped off the Hair, and roasted or broyl'd
it upon the Fire. And being thus cook'd, they
cut it into small morsels, and eat it, helping it
down with frequent Gulps of Water, which by
good Fortune they had nigh at hand.

They continued their March the 5th. day, and
about noon came unto a Place, called Barbacoa.
Here likewise they found Traces of another Ambuscade,
but the Place totally as unprovided, as
the two precedent were. At a small distance
were to be seen several Plantations, which they
searched very narrowly, but could not find any
Person, Animal, or other thing, that was capable
of relieving their extream and ravenous Hunger.
Finally, having ranged up and down, and searched
long time, they found a certain Grot, which
seemed to be but lately hewn out of a Rock, in
the which they found two Sacks of Meal, Wheat,
and like things, with two great Jars of Wine, and
certain Fruits, called Platanos. Captain Morgan
knowing that some of his Men were now through
the extremity of Hunger, reduced almost to the
extremity of their Lives, and fearing least the major
part should be brought into the same condition,
caused all that was found to be distributed,
amongst them who were in greatest necessity.
Having refreshed themselves with these Victuals,
they began to march anew with greater Courage
than ever. Such as could not well go for Weakness,
were put into the Canows, and those commanded
to land that were in them before. Thus
they prosecuted their Journey till late at night, at
which time they came unto a Planatation, where
they took up their Rest. But without eating any
thing at all; for the Spaniards, as before, had
swept away all manner of Provisions, leaving not
behind them the least signs of Victuals.

On the 6th. day they continued their March,

part of them by Land through the Woods, and
part by Water in the Canows. Howbeit they
were constrained to rest themselves very frequently
by the way, both for the Ruggedness thereof,
and the extream Weakness they were under. Unto
this they endeavoured to occur, by eating some
Leaves of Trees, and green Herbs, or Grass, such
as they could pick, for such was the miserable condition
they were in. This day, at noon, they
arrived at a Plantation, where they found a Barn
full of Maiz. Immediately they beat down the
Doors, and fell to eating of it dry, as much as
they could devour. Afterwards they distributed
great quantity, giving unto every man a good allowance
thereof. Being thus provided, they
prosecuted their Journey, which having continued
for the space of an hour, or thereabouts, they
met with an Ambuscade of Indians. This they no
sooner had discover'd, but they threw away their
Maiz, with the sudden hopes they conceived of
finding all things in abundancy. But after all this
haste, they found themselves much deceived, they
meeting neither Indians, nor Victuals, nor any
thing else, of what they had imagined. They
saw notwithstanding on the other side the River,
a Troop of 100 Indians, more or less, who all
escaped away through the agility of their Feet.
Some few Pirats there were who leapt into the
River, the sooner to reach the shore, to see if
they could take any of the said Indians Prisoners.
But all was in vain; for being much more nimble
at their Feet than the Pirats, they easily baffl'd
their Endeavours. Neither did they only baffle
them, but killed also two or three of the Pirats
with their Arrows, howting at them at a distance,
and crying, Ha! perros, à la savana, à la savana.
Ha! ye Dogs, go to the Plain, go to the Plain.

This day they could advance no farther, by
reason they were necessitated to pass the River
hereabouts, to continue their March on the other
side. Hereupon they took up their Repose for
that night. Howbeit their Sleep was not heavy,
nor profound, for great Murmurings were heard
that night in the Camp, many complaining of
Captain Morgan, and his Conduct in that Enterprize,
and being desirous to return home. On
the contrary, others would rather die there, than
go back one step from what they had undertaken.
But others who had greater Courage than any of
these two parties, did laugh and joke at all their
Discourses. I'th' mean while they had a Guide,
who much comforted them, saying, It would not
now be long before they met with People, from whom they
should reap some considerable Advantage.

The 7th. day i'th' morning, they all made clean
their Arms, and every one discharged his Pistol, or
Musket, without Bullet, to examine the Security
of their Fire-locks. This being done, they passed
to the other side of the River in the Canows, leaving
the Post where they had rested the night before,
called Santa Cruz. Thus they proceeded on
their Journey till noon, at which time they arrived
at a Village called Cruz. Being at a great distance
as yet from the Place, they perceived much
Smoak to arise out of the Chimneys. The sight
hereof afforded them great Joy, and hopes of finding
people i'th' Town, and afterwards what they
most desired, which was plenty of good Cheer.
Thus they went on with as much haste as they
could, making several Arguments to one another
upon those external Signs, though all like Castles
built i'th' Air. For, said they, there is Smoak cometh
out of every House, therefore they are making good
Fires, for to roast and boyl what we are to eat. With
other things to this purpose.

At length they arrived there in great haste, all
sweating and panting, but found no person i'th'
Town, nor any thing that was eatable, wherewith
to refresh themselves, unless it were good
Fires to warm themselves, which they wanted
not. For the Spaniards before their departure,
had every one set Fire to his own House, excepting
only the Store-houses and Stables belonging
to the King.

They had not left behind them any Beast whatsoever,
either alive or dead. This occasion'd
much Confusion in their Minds, they not finding

the least thing to lay hold on, unless it were some
few Cats and Dogs, which they immediately
kill'd, and devoured with great Appetite. At
last in the King's Stables they found by good Fortune,
15 or 16 Jarrs of Peru Wine, and a leather
Sack, full of Bread. But no sooner had they began
to drink of the said Wine, when they fell
sick, almost every Man. This sudden Disaster
made them think that the Wine was poysoned,
which caused a new Consternation in the whole
Camp, as judging themselves now to be irrecoverably
lost. But the true Reason was, their huge
want of Sustenance in that whole Voyage, and
the manifold sorts of Trash which they had eaten,
upon that occasion. Their Sickness was so great
that day, as caused them to remain there till the
next morning, without being able to prosecute
their Journey, as they used to do, i'th' afternoon.
This Village is seated in the Altitude of 9 Degrees,
and 2 Minutes, Northern Latitude, being
distant from the River of Chagre, 26 Spanish
Leagues, and 8 from Panama. Moreover, this is
the last Place unto which Boats or Canows can
come; for which reason they built here Store-houses,
wherein to keep all sorts of Merchandize,
which from hence to and from Panama, are transported
upon the Backs of Mules.

Here therefore Captain Morgan was constrained
to leave his Canows, and land all his Men, though
never so weak in their Bodies. But least the Canows

should be surprized, or take up too many
Men for their Defence, he resolved to send them
all back to the place where the Boats were, excepting
one, which he caused to be hidden, to
the intent it might serve to carry Intelligence, according
to the exigency of Affairs. Many of the
Spaniards and Indians belonging to this Village,
were fled unto the Plantations thereabouts. Hereupon
Captain Morgan gave express Orders, that
none should dare to go out of the Village, except
in whole Companies of 100 together. The occasion
hereof was his fear, least the Enemies should
take an Advantage upon his Men, by any sudden
Assault. Notwithstanding one party of English
Souldiers, stickl'd not to contravene these Commands,
being thereunto tempted with the desire
of finding Victuals. But these were soon glad to
fly into the Town again, being assaulted with
great Fury by some Spaniards and Indians, who
snatch up one of the Pirats, and carried him away
Prisoner. Thus the Vigilancy and Care of Captain
Morgan, was not sufficient to prevent every
Accident that might happen.

On the 8th. day, i'th' morning, Captain Mor-

gan sent 200 Men before the Body of his Army,
to discover the Way to Panama, and see if they had
laid any Ambuscades therein. Especially considering,
that the Places by which they were to
pass, were very fit for that purpose, the paths
being so narrow, that only 10 or 12 persons could
march in a File, and oftentimes not so many. Having
marched about the space of 10 hours, they
came unto a Place called Quebrada Obscura. Here
all on a sudden 3 or 4000 Arrows were shot at
them, without being able to perceive from whence
they came, or who shot them. The place from
whence it was presumed they were shot, was a
high rocky Mountain, excavated from one side to
the other, wherein was a Grot that went thorow
it, only capable of admitting one Horse, or other
Beast, laded. This multitude of Arrows caused
a huge Alarum among the Pirats, especially because
they could not discover the place from
whence they were discharged. At last, seeing
no more Arrows to appear, they marched a little
farther, and entred into a Wood. Here they perceived
some Indians to fly as fast as they could possible
before them, to take the Advantage of another
Post, and thence observe the March of the
Pirats. There remained notwithstanding one
Troop of Indians upon the place, with full design
to fight, and defend themselves. This Combat
they performed with huge Courage, till such time
as their Captain fell to the Ground wounded.
Who although he was now in despair of Life, yet
his Valour being greater than his Strength, would
demand no Quarter, but endeavouring to raise
himself, with undaunted Mind laid hold of his
Azagaya, or Javelin, and struck at one of the Pirats.
But before he could second the Blow, he
was shot to death with a Pistol. This was also
the Fate of many of his Companions, who like
good and couragious Souldiers, lost their Lives
with their Captain, for the defence of their Countrey.

The Pirats endeavour'd, as much as was possible,
to lay hold on some of the Indians, and take
them Prisoners. But they being infinitely swifter
than the Pirats, every one escaped, leaving 8 Pirats
dead upon the place, and 10 wounded. Yea,
had the Indians been more dextrous in military
Affairs, they might have defended that Passage,
and not let one sole Man to pass. Within a little
while after they came to a large Campaign Field,
open, and full of variegated Meadows. From
hence they could perceive at a distance before
them, a parcel of Indians, who stood on the top
of a Mountain, very nigh unto the Way by which
the Pirats were to pass. They sent a Troop of 50
Men, the nimblest they could pick out, to see if
they could catch any of them, and afterwards force
them to declare, whereabouts their Companions
had their Mansions. But all their Industry was in
vain, for they escaped through their Nimbleness,
and presently after shewed themselves in another
place, hallowing unto the English, and crying, A
la Savana, a la Savana, Cornudos, Perros Ingleses:
that is, To the Plain, to the Plain, ye Cuckolds, ye
English Dogs. Mean while these things passed, the 10
Pirats that were wounded a little before, were dressed,
and plaistred up.

At this place there was a Wood, and on each
side thereof a Mountain. The Indians had possessed
themselves of the one, and the Pirats took possession
of the other, that was opposite unto it. Captain
Morgan was perswaded, that in the Wood the
Spaniards had placed an Ambuscade, as lying so
conveniently for that purpose. Hereupon he sent
before 200 Men to search it. The Spaniards and
Indians perceiving the Pirats to descend the Mountain,
did so too, as if they designed to attack them.
But being got into the Wood, out of sight of the
Pirats, they disappear'd, and were seen no more,
leaving the passage open unto them.

About night there fell a great Rain, which caused
the Pirats to march the faster, and seek every
where for Houses, wherein to preserve their Arms
from being wet. But the Indians had set Fire to
every one thereabouts, and transported all their
Cattel unto remote places, to the end that the Pirats
finding neither Houses nor Victuals, might be
constrained to return homewards. Notwithstanding,
after diligent Search, they found a few little
Huts belonging to Shepherds, but in them nothing
to eat. These not being capable of holding
many Men, they placed in them out of every Company
a small number, who kept the Arms of all
the rest of the Army. Those who remained i'th'
open Field, endured much Hardship that night,
the Rain not ceasing to fall until the morning.

The next morning, about break of day, being

the 9th. of this tedious Journey, Captain Morgan
continued his March, while the fresh Air of the
morning lasted. For the Clouds then hanging
as yet over their Heads, were much more favourable
unto them, than the scorching Rays of the
Sun, by reason the Way was now more difficult
and laborious, than all the precedent. After two
hours March, they discover'd a Troop of about
20 Spaniards, who observed the Motions of the Pirats.
They endeavour'd to catch some of them,
but could lay hold on none, they suddenly disappearing,
and absconding themselves in Caves among
the Rocks, totally unknown to the Pirats.
At last they came to a high Mountain, which
when they had ascended, they discover'd from the
top thereof, the South-Sea. This happy Sight, as
if it were the end of their Labours, caused infinite
Joy among all the Pirats. From hence they could
descry also one Ship, and six Boats, which were
set forth from Panama, and sailed towards the
Islands of Tovago and Tovagilla. Having descended
this Mountain, they came unto a Vale, in which
they found great quantity of Cattel, whereof
they killed good store. Here mean while some
were imployed in killing and flaying of Cows,
Horses, Bulls, and chiefly Asses, of which there
was greatest number; others busied themselves in
kindling of Fires, and getting Wood wherewith
to roast them. Thus cutting the Flesh of these
Animals into convenient pieces, or goblets, they
threw them into the Fire, and half carbonado'd,
or roasted, they devour'd them with incredible
haste and Appetite. For such was their Hunger,
as they more resembled Canibals than Europeans at
this Banquet, the Blood many times running down
from their Beards unto the middle of their Bodies.

Having satisfied their Hunger with these delicious
Meats, Captain Morgan order'd them to continue
the March. Here again he sent before the
main Body, 50 Men, with intent to take some
Prisoners, if possibly they could. For he seemed
now to be much concerned, that in 9 days time he
could not meet one person, who might inform
him of the Condition and Forces of the Spaniards.
About evening they discover'd a Troop of 200
Spaniards, more or less, who haloo'd unto the Pirats,
but these could not understand what they
said. A little while after they came the first time,
within sight of the highest Steeple of Panama.

This Steeple they no sooner had discover'd, but
they began to shew Signs of extream Joy, casting
up their Hats into the Air, leaping for Mirth, and
shouting, even just as if they had already obtained
the Victory, and entire accomplishment of
their Designs. All their Trumpets were sounded,
and every Drum beaten, in tokens of this universal
Acclamation, and huge Alacrity of their
Minds. Thus they pitcht their Camp for that
night, with general Content of the whole Army,
waiting with Impatience for the morning, at
which time they intended to attack the City. This
evening there appeared 50 Horse, who came out
of the City, hearing the noise of the Drums and
Trumpets of the Pirats, to observe, as it was
thought, their Motions. They came almost
within Musket-shot of the Army, being preceded
by a Trumpet, that sounded marvelously well.
Those on Horseback haloo'd aloud unto the Pirats,
and threatned them, saying, Perros! nos veremos:
that is, Ye Dogs! we shall meet ye. Having made
this Menace, they returned into the City, excepting
only 7 or 8 Horse men, who remained hovering
thereabouts, to watch what Motions the Pirats
made. Immediately after the City began to
fire, and ceased not to play with their biggest
Guns, all night long against the Camp, but with
little or no harm unto the Pirats, whom they could
not conveniently reach. About this time also the
200 Spaniards, whom the Pirats had seen i'th' afternoon,
appeared again within sight, making resemblance
as if they would block up the passages,
to the intent no Pirats might escape the hands of
their Forces. But the Pirats, who were now in a
manner besieged, instead of conceiving any fear
of their Blockado's, as soon as they had placed
Centries about their Camp, began every one to
open their Satchels, and without any preparation
of Napkins, or Plates, sell to eating very heartily
the remaining pieces of Bulls and Horses Flesh,
which they had reserved since noon. This being
done, they laid themselves down to sleep upon
the Grass, with great repose and huge satisfaction,
expecting only with Impatience for the
dawnings of the next day.

On the 10th. day, betimes i'th' morning, they
put all their Men into convenient Order, and with
Drums and Trumpets sounding, continued their
March directly towards the City. But one of the
Guides desired Captain Morgan, not to take the
common High-way that led thither, fearing least
they should find in it much Resistance, and many
Ambuscades. He presently took his Advice, and
chose another way that went through the Wood,
although very irksom and difficult. Thus the
Spaniards perceiving the Pirats had taken another
way, which they scarce had thought on, or believed,
were compelled to leave their Stops and
Batteries, and come out to meet them. The Governour
of Panama put his Forces in Order, consisting
of 2 Squadrons, 4 Regiments of Foot, and
a huge number of wild Bulls, which were driven
by a great number of Indians, with some Negro's,
and others, to help them.

The Pirats, being now upon their March, came
unto the top of a little Hill, from whence they
had a large prospect of the City and Campaign
Countrey underneath. Here they discovered the
Forces of the people of Panama, extended in Battel

Array, which when they perceived to be so nu-

merous, they were suddenly surprized with great
Fear, much doubting the Fortune of the day. Yea
few or none there were but wished themselves at
home, or at least free from the obligation of that
Engagement, wherein they perceived their Lives
must be so narrowly concerned. Having been
some time at a stand, in a wavering condition of
Mind, they at last reflected upon the Straits they
had brought themselves into, and that now they
ought, of necessity, either to fight resolutely, or
die, for no Quarter could be expected from an
Enemy, against whom they had committed so
many Cruelties on all occasions. Hereupon they
encouraged one another, and resolved either to
conquer, or spend the very last drop of Blood in
their Bodies. Afterwards they divided themselves
into three Battallions, or Troops, sending before
them one of 200 Bucaniers, which sort of people
are infinitely dextrous at shooting with Guns.
Thus the Pirats left the Hill, and descended,
marching directly towards the Spaniards, who
were posted in a spacious Field, waiting for their
coming. As soon as they drew nigh unto them,
the Spaniards began to shout, and cry, Viva el Rey!
God save the King! and immediately their Horse
began to move against the Pirats. But the Field
being full of Quaggs, and very soft under foot,
they could not ply to and fro, and wheel about,
as they desired. The 200 Bucaniers, who went
before, every one putting one Knee to the ground,
gave them a full Volley of Shot, wherewith the
Battel was instantly kindled very hot. The Spaniards
defended themselves very couragiously, acting
all they could possibly perform, to disorder
the Pirats. Their Foot, in like manner, endeavoured
to second the Horse, but were constrained
by the Pirats to separate from them. Thus finding
themselves frustrated of their Designs, they
attempted to drive the Bulls against them at their
Backs, and by this means put them into Disorder.
But the greatest part of that wild Cattel ran away,
being frighted with the noise of the Battel. And
some few that broke through the English Companies,
did no other harm than to tear the Colours in
pieces; whereas the Bucaniers shooting them dead,
left not one to trouble them thereabouts.

The Battel having now continued for the space
of two hours, at the end thereof the greatest part
of the Spanish Horse was ruin'd, and almost all
kill'd. The rest fled away. Which being perceived
by the Foot, and that they could not possibly
prevail, they discharged the Shot they had in
their Muskets, and throwing them on the ground,
betook themselves to Flight, every one which way
he could run. The Pirats could not possibly follow
them, as being too much harass'd and wearied
with the long Journey they had lately made.
Many of them, not being able to fly whither they
desired, hid themselves for that present among the
Shrubs of the Sea-side. But very unfortunately;
for most of them being found out by the Pirats,
were instantly kill'd, without giving Quarter to
any. Some religious Men were brought prisoners
before Captain Morgan; but he being deaf to
their Cryes and Lamentations, commanded them
all to be immediately pistol'd, which was accordingly
done. Soon after they brought a Captain

to his presence, whom he examined very strictly
about several things; particularly, wherein consisted
the Forces of those of Panama? Unto which
he answered, Their whole Strength did consist in

400 Horse, 24 Companies of Foot, each being of
100 Men compleat, 60 Indians, and some Negro's,
who were to drive 2000 wild Bulls, and cause
them to run over the English Camp, and thus by
breaking their Files, put them into a total Disorder
and Confusion. He discovered more, that
in the City they had made Trenches, and raised
Batteries in several places, in all which they had
placed many Guns. And that at the entry of the
High-way which led to the City, they had built a
Fort, which was mounted with 8 great Guns of
Brass, and defended by 50 Men.

Captain Morgan having heard this Information,
gave Orders instantly they should march another
way. But before setting forth, he made a Review
of all his Men, whereof he found both killed

and wounded a considerable number, and much
greater than had been believed. Of the Spaniards
were found 600 dead upon the place, besides the
wounded, and Prisoners. The Pirats were nothing
discouraged, seeing their number so much
diminished, but rather filled with greater pride
than before, perceiving what huge Advantage
they had obtained against their Enemies. Thus
having rested themselves some while, they prepa-
red to march couragiously towards the City,
plighting their Oaths to one another in general,
they would fight till never a Man were left alive.
With this Courage they recommenc'd their March,
either to conquer, or be conquered, carrying with
them all the Prisoners.

They found much difficulty in their Approach
unto the City. For within the Town the Spaniards
had placed many great Guns, at several Quarters
thereof, some of which were charged with
small pieces of Iron, and others with Musket-Bullets.
With all these they saluted the Pirats, at
their drawing nigh unto the place, and gave them
full and frequent Broad-sides, firing at them in-

cessantly. From whence it came to pass, that unavoidably
they lost at every step they advanced,
great numbers of Men. But neither these manifest
Dangers of their Lives, nor the sight of so many
of their own, as dropped down continually at
their Sides, could deter them from advancing farther,
and gaining Ground every moment upon
the Enemy. Thus although the Spaniards never
ceased to fire, and act the best they could for
their Defence, yet notwithstanding they were
forced to deliver the City after the space of three
hours Combat. And the Pirats having now possessed
themselves thereof, both killed and destroyed
as many, as attempted to make the least Opposition
against them. The Inhabitants had caused
the best of their Goods to be transported unto
more remote and occult places. Howbeit they
found within the City as yet several Ware-houses,
very well stockt with all sorts of Merchandize, as
well Silks and Cloths, as Linnen, and other things
of considerable value. As soon as the first Fury
of their entrance into the City was over, Captain
Morgan assembled all his Men at a certain place
which he assigned, and there commanded them
under very great penalties, that none of them
should dare to drink or taste any Wine. The Reason
he gave for this Injunction was, because he
had received private Intelligence, that it had been
all poysoned by the Spaniards. Howbeit it was
the opinion of many, he gave these prudent Orders,
to prevent the Debauchery of his people,
which he foresaw would be very great at the beginning,
after so much Hunger sustained by the
way. Fearing withal least the Spaniards seeing
them in Wine, should rally their Forces, and fall
upon the City, and use them as inhumanely, as
they had used the Inhabitants before.

[ILLUSTRATION]

Chap. VI.

CAptain Morgan, as soon as he had placed
Guards at several Quarters, where he thought
necessary, both within and without the City of
Panama, immediately commanded 25 Men to

seize a great Boat, which had stuck in the Mud of
the Port, for want of Water at a low Tide, so
that she could not put out to Sea. The same day,
about noon, he caused certain Men privately to
set Fire unto several great Edifices of the City, no
body knowing from whence the Fire proceeded,
nor who were the Authors thereof, much less
what Motives perswaded Captain Morgan thereunto,
which are as yet unknown to this day. The
Fire increased so fast, that before night the greatest
part of the City was in a Flame. Captain Morgan
endeavour'd to make the Publick believe, the
Spaniards had been the cause thereof, which Suspicions
he surmised among his own people, perceiving
they reflected upon him for that Action.
Many of the Spaniards, as also some of the Pirats,
used all the means possible, either to extinguish
the Flame, or by blowing up of Houses with Gunpowder,
and pulling down others, to stop its
progress. But all was in vain; for in less than
half an hour it consumed a whole Street. All the
Houses of this City were built with Cedar, being
of very curious and magnificent Structure, and
richly adorned within. Especially with Hangings
and Paintings, whereof part were already transported
out of the Pirats way, and another great
part were consumed by the Voracity of the
Fire.

There belonged unto this City (which is also
the Head of a Bishoprick) eight Monasteries,
whereof seven were for Men, and one for Women;
two stately Churches, and one Hospital. The
Churches and Monasteries were all richly adorned
with Altar-pieces and Paintings, huge quantity of
Gold and Silver, with other precious things; all
which the Ecclesiasticks had hidden and concealed.
Besides which Ornaments, here were to be seen
2000 Houses, of magnificent and prodigious

Building, as being all or the greatest part, inhabited
by Merchants of that Countrey, who are vastly
rich. For the rest of the Inhabitants, of lesser
quality, and Tradesmen, this City contained
5000 Houses more. Here were also great number
of Stables, which served for the Horses and
Mules, that carry all the Plate, belonging as well
unto the King of Spain, as private Men, towards
the Coast of the North-Sea. The neighbouring
Fields belonging to this City, are all cultivated
with fertil Plantations and pleasant Gardens, which
afford delicious Prospects unto the Inhabitants the
whole year long.

The Genoeses had in this City of Panama a stately
and magnificent House, belonging to their Trade
and Commerce of Negro's. This Building likewife
was commanded by Captain Morgan to be
set on Fire; whereby it was burnt to the very
Ground. Besides which pile of Building, there
were consumed to the number of 200 Ware-houses,
and great number of Slaves, who had hid
themselves therein, together with an infinite multitude
of Sacks of Meal. The Fire of all which
Houses and Buildings, was seen to continue four
weeks after the day it began. The Pirats i'th'
mean while, at least the greatest part of them,
incamped some time without the City, fearing
and expecting that the Spaniards would come and
fight them anew. For it was known, they had
an incomparable number of Men more than the
Pirats were. This occasion'd them to keep the
Field, thereby to preserve their Forces united,
which now were very much diminished, by the
losses of the precedent Battels. As also because
they had a great many wounded, all which they
had put into one of the Churches which alone remained
standing, the rest being consumed by the
Fire. Moreover, beside these Decreases of their
Men, Captain Morgan had sent a Convoy of 150

Men unto the Castle of Chagre, to carry the News
of his Victory obtained against Panama.

They saw many times whole Troops of Spaniards,
cruize to and fro in the Campaign Fields,
which gave them occasion to suspect their rallying
anew. Yet they never had the courage to attempt
any thing against the Pirats. I'th' afternoon of
this fatal day, Captain Morgan re-entred again the
City with his Troops, to the intent every one
might take up their Lodgings, which now they
could hardly find, very few Houses having escaped
the Desolation of the Fire. Soon after they
fell to seeking very carefully among the Ruines
and Ashes, for Utensils of Plate, or Gold, which
peradventure were not quite wasted by the Flames.
And of such things they found no small number in

several places. Especially in Wells and Cisterns,
where the Spaniards had hid them from the covetous
Search of the Pirats.

The next day Captain Morgan dispatcht away
two Troops of Pirats, of 150 Men each, being
all very stout Souldiers, and well armed, with
Orders to seek for the Inhabitants of Panama, who

were escaped from the hands of their Enemies.
These Men, having made several Excursions up
and down the Campaign Fields, Woods and Mountains,
adjoyning to Panama, returned after two
days time, bringing with them above 200 Prisoners,
between Men, Women, and Slaves. The
same day returned also the Boat above-mentioned,
which Captain Morgan had sent into the South-Sea,
bringing with her three other Boats, which they
had taken in a little while. But all these Prizes
they could willingly have given, yea although
they had imployed greater labour into the bargain,
for one certain Galeon, which miraculously esca-

ped their Industry, being very richly laden wirh
all the King's Plate, and great quantity of Riches
of Gold, Pearl, Jewels, and other most precious
Goods, of all the best and richest Merchants of
Panama. On board of this Galeon were also the religious
Women, belonging to the Nunnery of the
said City, who had imbarked with them, all the
Ornaments of their Church, consisting in great
quantity of Gold, Plate, and other things of great
value.

The Strength of this Galeon was nothing consi-

derable, as having only 7 Guns, and 10 or 12
Muskets, for its whole Defence. Being on the
other side very ill provided of Victuals, and other
Necessaries, with great want of fresh Water, and
having no more Sayls than the uppermost Sayls of
the main Mast. This description of the said Ship
the Pirats received from certain persons, who had
spoken with 7 Mariners belonging to the Galeon,
at such time as they came ashore in the Cockboat,
to take in fresh Water. Hence they concluded
for certain they might easily have taken the said
Vessel, had they given her Chace, and pursued
her, as they ought to do, especially considering
the said Galeon could not long subsist abroad at Sea.
But they were impeded from following this vastly
rich Prize, by the lascivious Exercises wherein
they were totally at that present involved with
Women, which unto this effect they had carried
with them, and forced on board their Boat. Unto
this Vice was also joyned that of Gluttony and
Drunkenness, having plentifully debauched themselves
with several sorts of rich Wines, they found
there ready to their hands. So that they chose
rather to satiate their Lust and Appetite, with the
things above-mentioned, than to lay hold on the
occasion of such an huge Advantage. Although
this only Prize would certainly have been of far
greater Value and Consequence unto them, than
all they purchased at Panama, and other Places
thereabouts. The next day, repenting of their
Negligence, and being totally wearied of the Vices
and Debaucheries aforesaid, they sent forth to
Sea another Boat well armed, to pursue with all
speed imaginable the said Galeon. But their present
Care and Diligence was in vain, the Spaniards
who were on board the said Ship, having received
Intelligence of the Danger they were in one or
two days before, while the Pirats were cruizing
so nigh unto them, whereupon they fled unto Places
more remote and unknown to their Enemies.

Notwithstanding the Pirats found in the Ports
of the Islands of Tavoga and Tavogilla, several Boats
that were laden with many sorts of very good Merchandize.
All which they took and brought unto
Panama. Where being arrived, they made an
exact Relation of all that had passed while they
were abroad, unto Captain Morgan. The Prisoners
confirmed what the Pirats had said, adding
thereunto, they undoubtely knew whereabouts
the said Galeon might be at that present, but that
it was very probable they had been relieved before
now from other Places. These Relations stirred

up Captain Morgan anew, to send forth all the
Boats that were in the Port of Panama, with design
to seek and pursue the said Galeon, till they could
find her. The Boats aforesaid, being in all four,
set Sayl from Panama, and having spent 8 days in
cruizing to and fro, and searching several Ports
and Creeks, they lost all their hopes of finding
what they so earnestly sought for. Hereupon
they resolved to return unto the Isles of Tavoga and
Tavogilla. Here they found a reasonable good
Ship, that was newly come from Payta, being laden
with Cloth, Soap, Sugar and Bisket, with
20000 pieces of Eight in ready Money. This
Vessel they instantly seized, not finding the least
Resistance from any person within her. Nigh unto
the said Ship was also a Boat, whereof in like
manner they possessed themselves. Upon the
Boat they laded great part of the Merchandizes
they had found in the Ship, together with some
Slaves they had taken in the said Islands. With
this Purchase they returned unto Panama, something
better satisfied of their Voyage, yet withal
much discontented they could not meet with the
Galeon.

The Convoy which Captain Morgan had sent

unto the Castle of Chagre, returned much about
the same time, bringing with them very good
News. For mean while Captain Morgan was upon
his Journey to Panama, those he had left in the
Castle of Chagre, had sent forth to Sea two Boats
to exercise Piracy. These hapned to meet with
a Spanish Ship, which they began to chace within
sight of the Castle. This being perceived by the
Pirats that were in the Castle, they put forth Spanish
Colours, thereby to allure and deceive the
Ship that fled before the Boats. Thus the poor
Spaniards, thinking to refuge themselves under the
Castle, and the Guns thereof, by flying into the
Port, were caught in a Snare, and made Prisoners,
where they thought to find Defence. The
Cargo which was found on board the said Vessel,
consisted in Victuals and Provisions, that were all
eatable things. Nothing could be more opportune
than this Prize for the Castle, where they
had begun already to experiment great scarcity of
things of this kind.

This good Fortune of the Garison of Chagre,
gave occasion unto Captain Morgan, to remain
longer time than he had determined at Panama.

And hereupon he ordered several new Excursions
to be made into the whole Countrey, round
about the City. So that mean while the Pirats
at Panama were imployed in these Expeditions,
those at Chagre were busied in exercising Piracy
upon the North-Sea. Captain Morgan used to
send forth daily parties of 200 Men, to make Inroads
into all the Fields and Countrey thereabouts,
and when one party came back, another consisting
of 200 more was ready to go forth. By this
means they gathered in a short time huge quantity
of Riches, and no lesser number of prisoners.
These being brought into the City, were presently
put unto the most exquisite Tortures imaginable,
to make them confess both other peoples
Goods and their own. Here it happened, that

one poor and miserable Wretch, was found in the
House of a Gentleman of great Quality, who had
put on, amidst that confusion of things, a pair of
Taffety Breeches, belonging to his Master, with a
little silver Key hanging at the Strings thereof.
This being perceived by the Pirats, they immediately
asked him, Where was the Cabinet of the
said Key? His Answer was, He knew not what
was become of it, but only that finding those
Breeches in his Master's House, he had made bold
to wear them. Not being able to extort any other
Confession out of him, they first put him upon the
Rack, wherewith they inhumanely dis-joynted
his Arms. After this, they twisted a Cord about
his Forehead, which they wrung so hard, that his
Eyes appeared as big as Eggs, and were ready to
fall out of his Skull. But neither with these
Torments, could they obtain any positive Answer
to their Demands. Whereupon they soon after
hung him up by the Testicles, giving him infinite
Blows and Stripes, mean while he was under that
intolerable pain and posture of Body. Afterwards
they cut off his Nose and Ears, and singed
his Face with burning Straw, till he could speak
nor lament his Misery no longer. Then loosing
all Hopes of hearing any Confession from his
Mouth, they commanded a Negro to run him
through with a Lance, which put an end to his
Life, and a period to their cruel and inhumane
Tortures. After this execrable manner, did many
others of those miserable Prisoners finish their
days, the common Sport and Recreation of these
Pirats, being these, and other Tragedies not inferiour
to these.

They spared, in these their Cruelties, no Sex,

nor Condition whatsoever. For as to religious
Persons and Priests, they granted them less Quarter
than unto others, unless they could produce a
considerable Sum of Money, capable of being a
sufficient Ransom. Women themselves were no
better used, except they would condescend unto
the libidinous Demands and Concupiscency of the
Pirats. For such as would not consent unto their
Lust, were treated with all the Rigor and Cruelty
imaginable. Captain Morgan, their Leader
and Commander, gave them no good Example
in this point. For as soon as any beautiful Woman
was brought as a Prisoner to his presence,
he used all the means he could possible, both of
Rigor and Mildness, to bend them to his lascivious
will and pleasure. For a confirmation of
which Assertion, I shall here give my Reader a
short History of a Lady, whose Vertue and Constancy
ought to be transmitted unto Posterity, as
a memorable Example of her Sex.

Among the Prisoners that were brought by the

Pirats, from the Islands of Tavoga and Tavogilla,
there was found a Gentlewoman of good Quality,
as also no less Vertue and Chastity, who was Wife
unto one of the richest Merchants of all those
Countreys. Her Years were but few, and her
Beauty so great, as peradventure I may doubt,
whether in all Europe any could be found, to
surpass her Perfections either of Comeliness or
Honesty. Her Husband, at that present, was
absent from home, being gone as far as the Kingdom
of Peru, about great Concerns of Commerce
and Trade, wherein his Employments did lye.
This vertuous Lady likewise hearing, that Pirats
were coming to assault the City of Panama, had
absented her self from thence in the company of
other Friends and Relations, thereby to preserve
her Life, amidst the Dangers, which the Cruelties
and Tyrannies of those hard-hearted Enemies
did seem to menace unto every Citizen. But no
sooner had she appeared in the presence of Captain
Morgan, when instantly she was designed for
his voluptuous Pleasures and Concupiscence.
Hereupon he commanded, they should lodge her
in a certain Apartment by her self, giving her a
Negra, or black Woman, to wait upon her, and
that she should be treated with all the Respect and
Regale due unto her Quality. The poor afflicted
Lady did beg with multitude of Sobs and Tears,
she might be suffered to lodge among the other
Prisoners, her Relations, fearing least that unexpected
Kindness of the Commander, might prove
to be a Design upon her Chastity. But Captain
Morgan would by no means hearken to her Petition,
and all he commanded, in answer thereunto,
was, she should be treated with more particular
care then before, and have her Victuals carried
from his own Table.

This Lady had formerly heard very strange
Reports concerning the Pirats, before their arrival
at Panama, intimating unto her, as if they
were not Men, but, as they said, Hereticks, who
did neither invoke the Blessed Trinity, nor believe
in Jesus Christ. But now she began to have better
Thoughts of them then ever before, having
experimented the manifold Civilities of Captain

Morgan. Especially hearing him many times to
swear by the Name of God, and of Jesus Christ,
in whom, she was perswaded, they did not believe.
Neither did she now think them to be so
bad, or to have the Shapes of Beasts, as from the
Relations of several people she had oftentimes
heard. For as to the Name of Robbers or Thieves,
which was commonly given them by others, she
wondred not much at it, seeing, as she said, that
among all Nations of the Universe, there were to
be found some wicked Men, who naturally coveted
to possess the Goods of others. Conformable
to the perswasion of this Lady, was the Opinion
of another Woman, of weak Understanding, at
Panama, who used to say, before the Pirats came
thither, she desired very much, and had a great
curiosity, to see one of those Men called Pirats.
For as much as her Husband had often told her,
that they were not Men, like unto others, but rather
irrational Beasts. This silly Woman at last
happening to see the first of them, cryed out aloud,
saying, Jesus bless me! these Thieves are like
unto us Spaniards.

This false Civility of Captain Morgan, wherewith
he used this Lady, as a thing very common
unto such persons as pretend and cannot obtain,
was soon after changed into barbarous Cruelty.

For three or four days being past, he came to see
her, and entertain'd her with dishonest and lascivious
Discourses, opening unto her his ardent Desires,
of enjoying the accomplishment of his Lust.
The vertuous Lady constantly repuls'd him, with
all the Civility imaginable, and many humble and
modest Expressions of her Mind. But Captain
Morgan still persisted in his disorderly Request, presenting
her withal with much Pearl, Gold, and
all that he had got, that was precious and valuable
in that Voyage. But the Lady being in no
manner willing to consent thereunto, nor accept
his Presents, and shewing her self, in all Respects,
like unto Susannah for Constancy, he presently
changed Note, and began to speak unto her in
another Tone, threatning her with a thousand
Cruelties and hard Usages at his hands. Unto all
these things she gave this resolute and positive Answer,
then which no other could be extorted from
her: Sir, My Life is in your hands; but as to my Body,
in relation to that which you would perswade me unto,
my Soul shall sooner be separated from it, through the Violence
of your Arms, then I shall condescend to your Request.
No sooner had Captain Morgan understood
this heroick Resolution of her Mind, but he commanded
her to be stript of the best of her Apparel,
and imprisoned in a darksom and stinking Cellar.
Here she had allowed her an extream small quantity
of Meat and Drink, wherewith she had much
ado to sustain her Life for a few days.

Under this Hardship, the constant and vertuous

Lady ceased not to pray daily unto God Almighty,
for constancy and patience against the Cruelties of
Captain Morgan. But he being now thorowly
convinc'd of her chast Resolutions, as also desirous
to conceal the cause of her Confinement, and
hard Usage, since many of the Pirats, his Companions,
did compassionate her condition, laid many
false Accusations to her charge, giving to understand,
she held Intelligence with the Spaniards,
and corresponded with them by Letters, abusing
thereby his former Lenity and Kindness. I my
self was an Eye-witness unto these things here related,
and could never have judged such constancy
of Mind, and vertuous Chastity, to be found in
the World, if my own Eyes and Ears had not informed
me thereof. But of this incomparable
Lady, I shall say something more hereafter in its
proper place; whereupon I shall leave her at present,
to continue my History.

Captain Morgan having now been at Panama the
full space of three weeks, commanded all things
to be put in order for his Departure. Unto this
effect, he gave Orders to every Company of his
Men, to seek out for so many Beasts of Carriage,
as might suffice to convey the whole Spoyl of the
City, unto the River where his Canows lay. About
this time a great Rumour was spread in the

City, of a considerable number of Pirats, who
intended to leave Captain Morgan. And that by
taking a Ship which was in the Port, they determined
to go and rob upon the South-Sea, till they
had got as much as they thought fit, and then return
homewards by the way of the East-Indies, into
Europe. For which purpose, they had already
gathered great quantity of Provisions, which they
had hidden in private places, with sufficient store
of Powder, Bullets, and all other sorts of Ammunition.
Likewise some great Guns, belonging
to the Town, Muskets, and other things, wherewith
they designed not only to equip the said Vessel,
but also to fortifie themselves, and raise Batteries
in some Island or other, which might serve
them for a place of Refuge.

This Design had certainly taken effect as they
intended, had not Captain Morgan had timely Advice
thereof given him by one of their Comrades.
Hereupon he instantly commanded, the mainMast
of the said Ship should be cut down and
burnt, together with all the other Boats that were
in the Port. Hereby the Intentions of all or most
of his Companions, were totally frustrated. After
this, Captain Morgan sent forth many of the
Spaniards, into the adjoyning Fields and Coun-

trey, to seek for Money, wherewith to ransom
not only themselves, but also all the rest of the
Prisoners, as likewise the Ecclesiasticks, both Secular
and Regular. Moreover he commanded
all the Artillery of the Town to be spoyled, that
is to say, nail'd and stopt up. At the same time
he sent out a strong company of Men, to seek for
the Governour of Panama, of whom Intelligence
was brought, that he had laid several Ambuscades
in the way, by which he ought to pass at his Return.
But those who were sent upon this Design,
returned soon after, saying, they had not
found any Sign or Appearance of any such Ambuscades.
For a confirmation whereof, they brought
with them some Prisoners they had taken, who
declared, how that the said Governour had had
an Intention of making some Opposition by the
way, but that the Men whom he had designed to
effect it, were unwilling to undertake any such Enterprize;
so that for want of Means, he could not
put his Design in execution.

On the 24th. of February, of the year 1671.
Captain Morgan departed from the City of Panama,
or rather from the place where the said City of Panama
did stand. Of the Spoyls whereof he carri-
ed with him, 175 Beasts of Carriage, laden with
Silver, Gold, and other precious things, besides
600 prisoners, more or less, between Men, Women,
Children, and Slaves. That day they came
unto a River, that passeth through a delicious
Campagn Field, at the distance of a League from
Panama. Here Captain Morgan put all his For es
into good Order of martial Array, in such manner,
as that the prisoners were in the middle of the
Camp, surrounded on all sides with Pirats. At
which present Conjuncture, nothing else was to
be heard but Lamentations, Cryes, Shrieks, and
doleful Sighs, of so many Women and Children,
who were perswaded Captain Morgan designed to
transport them all, and carry them into his own
Countrey for Slaves. Besides that, among all
those miserable prisoners, there was extream Hunger
and Thirst endured at that time. Which
Hardship and Misery Captain Morgan designedly
caused them to sustain, with intent to excite them
more earnestly to seek for Moneys, wherewith to
ransom themselves, according to the Tax he had
set upon every one. Many of the Women begg'd
of Captain Morgan upon their Knees, with infinite
Sighs and Tears, he would permit them to return
unto Panama, there to live in company of their
dear Husbands and Children, in little Huts of
Straw, which they would erect, seeing they had
no Houses, until the rebuilding of the City. But
his Answer was, He came not thither to hear Lamentations
and Cryes, but rather to seek Moneys.
Therefore they ought to seek out for that in the

first place, where-ever it were to be had, and bring
it to him, otherwise he would assuredly transport
them all unto such places, whither they cared not
to go.

The next day, when the March began, those
lamentable Cryes and Shrieks were renewed, in

so much as it would have caused compassion in the
hardest Heart to hear them. But Captain Morgan,
as a Man little given to Mercy, was not moved
therewith in the least. They marched in the same
order as was said before; one party of the Pirats
preceding in the Van, the prisoners i'th' middle,
and the rest of the Pirats in the Arrear-Guard, by
whom the miserable Spaniards were, at every Step,
puncht and thrust in their Backs and Sides, with
the blunt end of their Arms, to make them march
the faster. That beautiful and vertuous Lady, of
whom we made mention heretofore, for her unparallel'd
Constancy and Chastity, was led prisoner
by her self, between two Pirats who guarded
her. Her Lamentations now did pierce the Skies,
seeing her self carried away into foreign Captivity,
often crying unto the Pirats, and telling them:
That she had given order unto two religious persons, in
whom she had relyed, to go unto a certain place, and
fetch so much Money as her Ransom did amount unto.
That they had promised faithfully to do it. But having
obtained the said Money, instead of bringing it unto her,
they had imployed it another way, to ransom some of their
own, and particular Friends. This ill Action of
theirs was discovered by a Slave, who brought a
Letter unto the said Lady. Her Complaints, and
the cause thereof, being brought unto the Ears of
Captain Morgan, he thought fit to enquire thereinto.
Having found the thing to be true, especially
hearing it confirmed by the Confession of the
said religious Men, though under some frivolous
Excuses, of having diverted the Money but for a
day or two, within which time they expected
more Sums to repay it, he gave Liberty unto the
said Lady, whom otherwise he designed to transport
unto Jamaica. But i'th' mean while he detained
the said religious Men, as prisoners in her
place, using them according to the Deserts of their
incompassionate Intrigues.

As soon as Captain Morgan arrived, upon his
March, at the Town called Cruz, seated on the
Banks of the River Chagre, as was mentioned before,
he commanded an Order to be published
among the prisoners, that within the space of

three days, every one of them should bring in
their Ransom, under the penalty afore-mentioned,
of being transported unto Jamaica. In the mean
while he gave Orders, for so much Rice and Maiz
to be collected thereabouts, as was necessary for
the victualling all his Ships. At this place some
of the prisoners were ransom'd, but many others
could not bring in their Moneys in so short time.
Hereupon he continued his Voyage, leaving the
Village on the 5th. day of March next following,
and carrying with him all the Spoyl that ever he
could transport. From this Village he likewise
led away some new prisoners, who were Inhabitants
of the said place. So that these prisoners
were added unto those of Panama, who had not as
yet paid their Ransoms, and all transported. But
the two religious Men, who had diverted the Money
belonging to the Lady, were ransomed three
days after their Imprisonment, by other persons,
who had more compassion for their condition, then
they had shewed for hers. About the middle of
the way unto the Castle of Chagre, Captain Morgan
commanded them to be placed in due order, according
to their custom, and caused every one to
be sworn, that they had reserved nor concealed
nothing privately to themselves, even not so
much as the value of Six-pence. This being done,
Captain Morgan having had some Experience, that
those lewd Fellows would not much stickle to
swear falsly in points of Interest, he commanded
them every one to be searched very strictly, both
in their Cloaths and Satchels, and every where it
might be presumed they had reserved any thing.
Yea to the intent this Order might not be ill taken
by his Companions, he permitted himself to be
searcht, even to the very soals of his Shoos. Unto
this effect, by common consent, there was assigned
one out of every Company, to be the
Searchers of all the rest. The French Pirats, that
went on this Expedition with Captain Morgan,
were not well satisfied with this new custom of
Searching. Yet their Number being less then
that of the English, they were forced to submit unto
it, as well as the others had done before them.
The Search being over, they re-imbarked in their
Canows and Boats, which attended them on the
River, and arrived at the Castle of Chagre, on the
9th. day of the said Month of March. Here they
found all things in good order, excepting the
wounded Men, whom they had left there at the
time of their departure. For of these the greatest
number were dead, through the Wounds they had
received.

From Chagre, Captain Morgan sent presently af-

ter his Arrival, a great Boat unto Puerto Velo,
wherein were all the Prisoners he had taken at the
Isle of St. Catharin, demanding by them a considerable
Ransom for the Castle of Chagre, where he
then was, threatning otherwise to ruine and demolish
it even to the Ground. Unto this Message,
those of Puerto Velo made Answer, They
would not give one Farthing towards the Ransom
of the said Castle, and that the English might do
with it as they pleased. This Answer being come,
the Dividend was made of all the Spoyl they had
purchased in that Voyage. Thus every Company,
and every particular person therein included,
received their portion of what was gotten. Or
rather, what part thereof Captain Morgan was
pleased to give them. For so it was, that the rest
of his Companions, even of his own Nation, com-
plained of his Proceedings in this particular, and
feared not to tell him openly to his Face, that he
had reserved the best Jewels to himself. For they
judged it impossible, that no greater share should
belong unto them then 200 pieces of Eight per capita,
of so many valuable Purchases and Robberies
as they had obtained. Which small Sum they
thought too little Reward for so much Labour,
and such huge and manifest Dangers, as they had
so often exposed their Lives unto. But Captain
Morgan was deaf unto all these, and many other
Complaints of this kind, as having designed in his
mind to cheat them of as much as he could.

At last Captain Morgan finding himself obnoxious
to many Obloquies, and Detractions among
his people, began to fear the consequence thereof.
And hereupon thinking it unsafe to remain any
longer time at Chagre, he commanded the Ordnance
of the said Castle to be carried on board his
Ship. Afterwards he caused the greatest part of
the Walls to be demolished, and the Edifices to
be burnt, and as many other things spoyl'd and
ruin'd, as could conveniently be done in a short
while. These Orders being performed, he went
secretly on board his own Ship, without giving
any notice of his Departure unto his Companions,
nor calling any Councel, as he used to do. Thus
he set Sayl, and put out to Sea, not bidding any
body adieu, being only followed by three or four
Vessels of the whole Fleet. These were such (as
the French Pirats believed) as went Shares with
Captain Morgan, towards the best and greatest part
of the Spoyl, which had been concealed from them
in the Dividend. The French-men could very willingly
have revenged this Affront upon Captain
Morgan, and those that followed him, had they
found themselves with sufficient Means to encounter
him at Sea. But they were destitute of most
things necessary thereunto. Yea, they had much
ado to find sufficient Victuals and Provisions for
their Voyage to Jamaica, he having left them totally
unprovided of all things.

Chap. VII.

CAptain Morgan left us all in such a miserable
condition, as might serve for a lively Representation,
of what Reward attendeth Wickedness
at the latter end of Life. From whence we
ought to have learned, how to regulate and amend
our Actions for the future. However it was, our
Affairs being reduced to such a posture, every
Company that was left behind, whether English,
or French, were compelled to seek what means
they could to help themselves. Thus most of
them separated from each other, and several
Companies took several courses, at their return
homewards. As for that Party unto which I did
belong, we steer'd our Voyage along the Coast
of Costa Rica, where we intended to purchase some
Provisions, and careen our Vessel in some secure
place or other. For the Boat wherein we were,

was now grown so foul, as to be rendred totally
unfit for Sayling. In few days we arrived at a
great Port, called Boca del Toro, where are always
to be found an huge quantity of good and eatable
Tortoises. The Circumference hereof is ten
Leagues, more or less, being surrounded with
little Islands, under which Vessels may ride very
secure from the violence of the Winds.

The said Islands are inhabited by Indians, who

never could be subjugated by the Spaniards, and
hence they give them the Name of Indios bravos,
or wild Indians. They are divided, according to
the variety of Idioms of their Language, into several
Customs and Fashions of People, from
whence ariseth, that they have perpetual Wars
against one another. Towards the East-side of
this Port are found some of them, who formerly
did much trade with the Pirats, selling unto them
the Flesh of divers Animals, which they hunt in
their Countreys, as also all sorts of Fruits that the
Land produceth. The Exchange of which Commodities
was Iron-Instruments, that the Pirats
brought them, Beads, and other Toys, whereof
they made great account for wearing, more then
of precious Jewels, which they knew not, nor
esteemed in the least. This Commerce afterwards
failed, because the Pirats committed many
barbarous Inhumanities against them, killing many
of their Men on a certain occasion, and taking
away their Women, to serve their disordinate
Lust. These Abuses gave sufficient cause for a
perpetual cessation of all Friendship and Commerce,
between them and the Pirats.

We went ashore, with design to seek Provisi-

ons, our necessity being now almost extream. But
our Fortune was so bad, that we could find no-
thing else then a few Eggs of Crocodiles, wherewith
we were forced to content our selves for that
present. Hereupon we left those Quarters, and
steered our course Eastwards. Being upon this
Tack, we met with three Boats more of our own
Companions, who had been left behind by Captain
Morgan. These told us, they had been
able to find no Relief for the extream Hunger they
sustained. Moreover, that Captain Morgan himself,
and all his People, were already reduced to
such Misery, as he could afford them no more Allowance
then once a day, and that very short
too.

We therefore hearing from these Boats, that lit-

tle or no good was like to be done, by sailing farther
Eastwards, changed our course, and steered
towards the West. Here we found an excessive
quantity of Tortoises, more then we needed for
the victualsing our Boats, should we be never so
long without any other Flesh or Fish. Having
provided our selves with this sort of Victuals, the
next thing we wanted was fresh Water. There
was enough to be had in the neighbouring Islands,
but we scarce dared to land on them, by reason of
the Enmity above mentioned, between us Pirats
and those Indiaus. Notwithstanding, Necessity
having no Law, we were forced to do as we
could, rather then as we desired to do. And hereupon
we resolved to go all of us together, unto
one of the said Islands. Being landed, one Party
of our Men went to range in the Woods, mean
while another filled the Barrels with Water. Scarce
one whole hour was past, after our People were

got ashore, when suddenly the Indians came upon
us, and we heard one of our Men cry, Arm, Arm.
We presently took up our Arms, and began to
fire at them as hot as we could. This caused them
to advance no farther, and in a short while put
them to Flight, sheltring themselves in the Woods.
We pursued them some part of the way, but not
far, by reason we then esteemed rather to get in
our Water, then any other Advantages upon the
Enemy. Coming back, we found two Indians
dead upon the shore, whereof the Habiliments of
one gave us to understand, he was a Person of
Quality amongst them. For he had about his
Body a Girdle, or Shash, very richly woven; and
on his Face he wore a Beard of massive Gold. I
mean, a small Planch of Gold hung down at his
Lips by two Strings, (which penetrated two little
Holes, made there on purpose) that covered
his Beard, or served instead thereof. His Arms
were made of Sticks of Palmite-trees, being very
curiously wrought, at one end whereof, was a
kind of Hook, which seemed to be hardned with
Fire. We could willingly have had opportunity
to speak with some of these Indians, to see if we
could reconcile their Minds unto us, and by this
means renew the former Trade with them, and
obtain Provisions. But this was a thing impossible,
through the Wildness of their Persons, and
Savageness of their Minds. Notwithstanding,
this Rencounter hindred us not from filling our
Barrels with Water, and carrying them aboard.

The night following we heard from the Shore,

huge Cryes and Shrieks among the Indians. These
Lamentations caused us to believe, because they
were heard so far, they had called in much more
People to aid them against us; as also, that they
lamented the Death of those two Men, who were
kill'd the day before. These Indians never use to
come upon the Waters of the Sea, neither have
they ever given themselves to build Canows, or
any other sort of Vessels, for Navigation. Not
so much as Fisher-boats, of which Art of Fishery,
they are totally ignorant. At last, having nothing
else to hope for in these Parts, we resolved
to depart from thence for Jamaica, whither we designed
to go. Being set forth, we met with contrary
Winds, which caused us to make use of our
Oars, and row as far as the River of Chagre. When
we came nigh unto it, we perceived a Ship that
made towards us, and began to give us Chace.
Our Apprehensions were, that it was a Ship from
Cartagena, which might be sent to rebuild and retake
possession of the Castle of Chagre, now all the
Pirats were departed from thence. Hereupon we
set all our Sayl, and ran before the Wind, to see
if we could escape, or refuge our selves in any
place. But the Vessel being much more swifter
and cleaner then ours, easily got the Wind of us,
and stopt our Course. Then approaching nigh
unto us, we discover'd what they were, and
knew them to be our former Comrades, in the
same Expedition of Panama, who were but lately
set out from Chagre. Their Design was to go
unto Nombre de Dios, and from thence to Cartagena,
to seek some Purchase or other, in or about that
frequented Port. But the Wind at that present
being contrary to their Intention, they concluded
to go in our Company, towards the same Place
where we were before, called Boca del Toro.

This Accident and Encounter retarded our
Journey, in the space of two days, more then we
could regain in a whole Fortnight. This was the
occasion that obliged us to return unto our former
Station, where we remained for a few days. From
thence we directed our Course for a Place, called
Boca del Dragon, there to make Provisions of Flesh.
Especially of a certain Animal, which the Spani-

ards call Manentines, and the Dutch, Sea-Cows, because
the Head, Nose, and Teeth, of this Beast,
are very like unto those of a Cow. They are
found commonly in such places, as under the depth
of the Waters, are very full of Grass, on which,
it is thought, they do pasture. These Animals
have no Ears, and only in place of them are to be
seen two little Holes, scarce capable of receiving
the little Finger of a Man. Nigh unto the Neck,
they have two Wings, under which are seated
two Udders, or Breasts, much like unto the Breasts
of a Woman. The Skin is very close, and united
together, resembling the Skin of a Barbary, or
Guiney-Dog. This Skin upon the Back is of the
thickness of two Fingers, which being dryed, is
as hard as any Whale-bone, and may serve to
make Walking-staffs withal. The Belly is in all
things like unto that of a Cow, as far as the Kidneys,
or Reins. Their manner of Engendring
likewise, is the same with the usual manner of a
Land-Cow, the Male of this kind being in similitude,
almost one and the same thing with a Bull.
Yet notwithstanding they conceive and breed but
once. But the space of time that they go with
Calf, I could not as yet learn. These Fishes have
the sense of Hearing extreamly acute, in so much
as in taking them, the Fishermen ought not to
make the least noise, nor row, unless it be very
slightly. For this reason they make use of certain
Instruments for Rowing, which the Indians call
Pagayos, and the Spaniards name Caneletas, with
which although they row, yet is it performed
without any noise that can fright the Fish. Mean
while they are busied in this Fishery, they use not
to speak to one another, but all is transacted by
Signs. He that darteth them with the Javelin,
useth it after the same manner as when they kill
Tortoises. Howbeit, the point of the said Javelin
is somewhat different, as having two Hooks at
the Extremity, and these longer then that of the
other Fishery. Of these Fishes, some are found
to be of the length of 20, unto 24 Foot. Their
Flesh is very good to eat, being very like in Colour
unto that of a Land-Cow, but in Taste, unto
that of Pork. It containeth much Fat, or
Grease, the which the Pirats use to melt, and
keep in earthen Pots, to make use thereof instead
of Oyl.

On a certain day, wherein we were not able to
do any good at this sort of Fishery, some of our
Men went into the Woods to hunt, and others to
catch other Fish. Soon after we espied a Canow,
wherein were two Indians. These no sooner had
discovered our Vessels, but they rowed back with
all the speed they could towards the Land, being
unwilling to trade, or have any thing to do with
us Pirats. We followed them to the shore, but
through their natural Nimbleness, being much
greater then ours, they retired into the Woods
before we could overtake them. Yea, what was

more admirable, they drew on shore, and carried
with them their Canow into the Wood, as easily
as if it were made of Straw, although it weighed
above 2000 l. This we knew by the Canow
it self, which we found afterwards, and had
much ado to get into the Water again, although
we were in all 11 persons to pull at it.

We had at that time in our Company, a certain

Pilot, who had been divers times in those Quarters.
This Man, seeing this Action of the Indians,
told us, that some few years before, a Squadron
of Pirats happened to arrive at that place.
Being there, they went in Canows, to catch a
certain sort of little Birds, which inhabiteth the
Sea-coast, under the shade of very beautiful Trees,
which here are to be seen. Mean while they
were busied at that Work, certain Indians, who
were climbed up into the Trees, to view their
Actions, seeing now the Canows underneath,
leaped down into the Sea, and with huge celerity
seized some of the Canows and Pirats that kept
them, both which they transported so nimbly into
the remotest parts of the Woods, as that the
Prisoners could not be relieved by their Companions.
Hereupon the Admiral of the said Squadron
landed presently after with 500 Men, to seek
and rescue the Men he had lost. But they saw
such an excessive number of Indians flock together
to oppose them, as obliged them to retreat with
all possible diligence unto their Ships. Concluding
among themselves, that if such Forces as
those could not perform any thing, towards the
recovery of their Companions, they ought to stay
no longer time there. Having heard this History,
we came away from thence, fearing some Mischief
might befal us, and bringing with us the Canow
afore-mentioned. In this we found nothing
else but a Fishing-net, though not very large, and
four Arrows, made of Palm-tree, of the length
of 7 Foot each, and of the figure, or shape, as
followeth.

[ILLUSTRATION]

These Arrows, we believed, to be their Arms.
The Canow we brought away was made of Cedar,
but very roughly hewen, and polisht, which
caused us to think, that those People have no Instruments
of Iron.

We left that Place, and arrived in 24 hours
unto another, called Rio de Zuera, where we
found some few Houses belonging to the City of
Cartagena. These Houses are inhabited by Spaniards,
whom we resolved to visit, not being able to

find any Tortoises, nor yet any of their Eggs.
The Inhabitants were all fled from the said Houses,
having left no Victuals, nor Provisions, behind
them, in so much as we were forced to content
our selves with a certain Fruit, which there is
called Platano. Of these Platanos we filled our
Boats, and continued our Voyage, coasting along
the shore. Our Design was to find out some
Creek, or Bay, wherein to careen our Vessel,
which now was very leaky on all sides. Yea, in
such a dangerous condition, that both night and
day we were constrained to imploy several Men
at the Pump, unto which purpose we made use of
all our Slaves. This Voyage lasted a whole
Fortnight, all which time we lay under the continual
Frights of perishing every moment. At
last we arrived at a certain Port, called The Bay of
Bleevelt, being so named from a Pirat who used
to resort thither, with the same Design that we
did. Here one party of our Men went into the
Woods to hunt, i'th' mean while that another
undertook to refitt and careen our Vessel.

Our Companions who went abroad to hunt,
found hereabouts Porcupines, of a huge and mon-

strous bigness. But their chief Exercise was killing
of Monkeys, and certain Birds, called by the
Spaniards, Faisanes, or Pheasants. The Toyl and
Labour we had in this Employ of Shooting, did
seem, at least, unto me, to be sufficiently compensated
with the pleasure of killing the said Monkeys.
For at these we usually made 15 or 16
Shot, before we could kill three or four of them.
So nimbly would they escape our Hands and Aim,
even after being desperately wounded. On the
other side, it was delightful to see the FemaleMonkeys
carry their little ones upon their Backs,
even just as the Negra's do their Children. When
any person passeth under the Trees where these
Monkeys are sitting, they will commonly open
their Bellies, and squirt their Excrements upon
their Heads and Cloaths. Likewise, if shooting
at a parcel of them, any Monkey happeneth to be
wounded, the rest of the Company will flock
about him, and lay their Hands upon the Wound,
to hinder the Blood from issuing forth. Others
will gather Moss that groweth upon the Trees,
and thrust it into the Wound, and hereby stop the
Blood. At other times they will gather such or
such Herbs, and chewing them in their Mouth,
apply them after the manner of a Poultis, or Cataplasm.
All which things did cause in me great
Admiration, seeing such strange Actions in those
irrational Creatures, which testified the Fidelity
and Love they had for one another.

On the 9th. day, after our Arrival at that Place,
our Women-Slaves being busied in their ordinary
Employments, of washing Dishes, sewing, drawing
Water out of Wells, which we had made on
the shore, and the like things, we heard great
Cryes of one of them, which said, she had seen 2
Troop of Indians appear towards the Woods,
whereby she began immediately to cry out, Indians,
Indians. We, hearing this Rumour, ran
presently to our Arms, and their Relief. But,

coming unto the Wood, we found no person there,
excepting two of our Women-Slaves killed upon
the Place, with the shot of Arrows. In their Bodies
we saw so many Arrows sticking, as might
seem they had been fixed there with particular
care and leisure. For otherwise we knew, that
one of them alone was sufficient to bereave any
humane Body of Life. These Arrows were all
of a rare fashion and shape, their length being of
8 Feet, and their thickness, of a man's Thumb.
At one of the Extremities hereof, was to be seen
a Hook made of Wood, and tyed to the body of
the Arrow with a String. At the other end was
a certain Case, or Box, like the Case of a pair of
Twizars, in the which we found certain little Pibbles,
or Stones. The Colour thereof was red,
and very shining, as if they had been locked up
some considerable time. All which, we believed,
were Arms belonging to their Captains and Leaders.

[ILLUSTRATION]

A. A Marcasite, which was tyed unto the Extremity
of the Arrow.

B. A Hook, tyed to the same Extremity.

C. The Arrow.

D. The Case, at the other end.

These Arrows were all made without Instruments
of Iron. For whatsoever the Indians make,
they harden it first very artificially with Fire, and
afterwards polish it with Flints.

As to the Nature of these Indians, they are extreamly
robust of Constitution, strong, and nimble
at their Feet. We sought them carefully up
and down the Woods, but could not find the least
trace of them, neither any of their Canows, nor
Floats, whereof they make use to go out to fish.
Hereupon we retired unto our Vessels, where, having
imbarked all our Goods, we put off from the
shore, fearing, least finding us there, they should
return in any considerable number, and, overpowering
our Forces, tear us all in pieces.

Chap. VIII.

THe Fear we had, more then usual, of those
Indians above-mentioned, by reason of the
Death of our two Women-Slaves, of which we
told you in the former Chapter, occasion'd us to
depart, as fast as we could, from that Place. We

directed our Course from thence, towards the
Cape of Gracias à Dios, where we had fixed our
last Hopes of finding Provisions. For thither do
usually resort many Pirats, who entertain a friendly
Correspondence and Trade with the Indians of
those Parts. Being arrived at the said Cape, we
hugely rejoyced, and gave thanks unto God Almighty,
for having delivered us out of so many
Dangers, and brought us unto this Place of Refuge,
where we found People, who shewed us
most cordial Friendship, and provided us with all
Necessaries whatsoever.

The Custom of this Island is such, That when
any Pirats arrive there, every one hath the liberty

to buy unto himself an Indian Woman, at the price
of a Knife, or any old Ax, Wood-Bill, or Hatchet.
By this Contract, the Woman is obliged to remain
in the Custody of the Pirat all the time he stayeth
there. She serveth him in the mean while, and
bringeth him Victuals of all sorts, that the Countrey
affordeth. The Pirat moreover hath liberty
to go when he pleaseth, either to hunt, or fish, or
about any other Divertisements of his Pleasure.
But withal is not to commit any Hostility, or Depredation
upon the Inhabitants, seeing the Indians
bring him in all that he standeth in need of, or
that he desireth.

Through the frequent Converse land Familiarity
these Indians have with the Pirats, they sometimes
use to go to Sea with them, and remain
among them for whole years, without returning
home. From whence it cometh, that many of
them can speak English, and French, and some of
the Pirats their Indian Language. They are very
dextrous at darting with the Javelin, whereby
they are very useful to the Pirats, towards the victualling
their Ships, by the Fishery of Tortoises,
and Manita's, a sort of Fish so called by the Spaniards.
For one of these Indians, is alone sufficient
to victual a Vessel of an 100 persons. We had
among our Crew, two Pirats, who could speak
very well the Indian Language. By the Help of
these Men, I was so curious as to enquire into
their Customs, Lives, and Policy, whereof I shall
give you here a brief Account.

This Island containeth about 30 Leagues in
Circumference, more or less. It is governed after
the form of a little Commonwealth, they having
no King, nor Soveraign Prince, among them.
Neither do they entertain any Friendship, or Correspondence,
with other neighbouring Islands,
much less with the Spaniards. They are in all but
a small Nation, whose number exceedeth not
1600 or 1700 persons. They have among them

some few Negro's, who serve them in quality of
Slaves. These happened to arrive there, swimming
after Shipwrack made upon that Coast. For
being bound for Tierra firme, in a Ship that carried
them to be sold in those Parts, they killed the
Captain and Mariners, with design to return unto
their Countrey. But through their Ignorance in
Marinery, they stranded their Vessel hereabouts.
Although, as I said before, they make but a small
Nation, yet they live divided, as it were, into
two several Provinces. Of these, the one sort
imploy themselves in cultivating the Ground, and
making several Plantations. But the others are
so lazy, as they have not Courage to build themselves
Huts, much less Houses, to dwell in. They
frequent chiefly the Sea-coast, wandring disorderly
up and down, without knowing, or caring so
much as to cover their Bodies from the Rains,
which are very frequent in those Parts, unless it
be with a few Palm-leaves. These they put upon
their Heads, and keep their Backs always turned
to the Wind that bloweth. They use no other
Cloaths then an Apron, which being tyed to their
Middle, cometh down so far, as to hide the
shameful parts of their Bodies. Such Aprons are
made of the rinds of Trees, which they strongly
beat upon Stones, till they are softned. Of these
same they make use for Bed-cloaths, to cover
themselves when they sleep. Some make to
themselves Bed-cloaths of Cotton, but these are
but few in number. Their usual Arms are nothing
but Azagayas, or Spears, which they make fit for
their use with points of Iron, or Teeth of Cocodriles.

They know, after some manner, that there is

a God, yet they live without any Religion, or divine
Worship. Yea, as far as I can learn, they
believe not in, nor serve the Devil, as many other
Nations of America do both believe, invoke, and
worship him. Hereby they are not so much tormented
by him, as other Nations are. Their or-
dinary Food, for the greatest part, consisteth in several
Fruits; such as are called Bananas, Racoves,
Ananas, Potato's, Cazave; as also Crabs, and some
few Fish of other sorts, which they kill in the
Sea with Darts. As to their Drink, they are
something expert in making certain pleasant and
delicate Liquors. The commonest among them
is called Achioc. This is made of a certain Seed of
Palm-tree, which they bruise, and afterwards
steep, or infuse, in hot Water, till it be settled at
the bottom. This Liquor being strained off,
hath a very pleasant Taste, and is very nourishing.
Many other sorts of Liquors they prepare, which
I shall omit for brevity. Only I shall say something,
in short, of that which is made of Platanos.
These they knead betwixt their Hands with hot
Water, and afterwards put into great Calabashes,
which they fill up with cold Water, and leave in
repose for the space of eight days, during which
time, it fermenteth as well as the best sort of
Wine. This Liquor they drink for Pleasure, and
as a great Regale, in so much that when these Indians
invite their Friends, or Relations, they cannot
treat them better, then to give them some of
this pleasant Drink.

They are very unskilful in dressing of Victuals;
and hence it is, that they very seldom treat one

another with Banquets. For this purpose, when
they go, or send, to any House, to invite others,
they desire them to come and drink of their Liquors.
Before the invited persons come to their
House, those that expect them, comb their Hair
very well, and anoint their Faces with Oyl of
Palm, mingled with a certain black Tincture,
which rendreth them very hideous. The Women,
in like manner, dawb their Faces with another
sort of Stuff, which causeth them to look as red as
Crimson. And such are the greatest Civilities
they use in their Ornaments and Attire. Afterwards,
he that inviteth the other, taketh his Arms,
which are three or four Azagayas, and goeth out of
his Cottage the space of 3 or 400 Steps, to wait
for, and receive the persons that are to come to
visit him. As soon as they draw nigh unto him,
he falleth down upon the Ground, lying flat on
his Face, in which posture he remaineth, without
any Motion, as if he were dead. Being thus prostrate
before them, the invited Friends take him
up, and set him on his Feet, and thus they go all
together unto the Hut. Here the persons who are
invited, use the same Ceremony, falling down on
the Ground, as the Inviter did before. But he
lifteth them up one by one, and giving them his
Hand, conducteth them into his Cottage, where
he causeth them to sit. The Women, on these
Occasions, perform few or no Ceremonies.

Being thus brought into the House, they are
presented every one with a Calabash full of the
Liquor above-mentioned, made of Platanos, which
is very thick, almost like unto Water-gruel, or
Childrens Pap, wherein is contained four Quarts,
more or less, of the said Liquor. These they are
to drink off as well as they can, and get down at
any rate. The Calabashes being emptied into
their Stomachs, the Master of the House, with
many Ceremonies, goeth about the Room, and
gathereth his Calabashes. And this Drinking hitherto

is reckoned but for one Welcom, whereas
every Invitation ought to contain several Welcoms.
Afterwards, they begin to drink of the
clear Liquor above-mentioned, for which they
were called to this Treat. Hereunto follow many
Songs, Dances, and a 1000 Caresses, to the
Women that are present. In so much that oftentimes,
for a Testimony of their great Love unto
them, they take their Darts, and with the points
thereof, pierce and wound their genital Parts.

This Relation, I confess, I could not believe,
though oftentimes it had been certified unto me,
until such time as my own Eyes were Witnesses
unto these, and the like Actions. Neither only
on this Occasion do they perform this Ceremony,
of piercing their Genitals, but also when they
make Love unto any Woman, intending thereby
to let them understand the greatness of their Affection
and Constancy.

They use not to marry any young Maid, with-

out the Consent of her Parents. Hereupon, if
any one desireth to take a Wife, he is first examined
by the Damsels Father, concerning several
Points relating to good Husbandry. These are
most commonly; whether he can make Azagayas,
Darts for Fishing; or spin a certain Thread, which
they use about their Arrows? Having answered to
Satisfaction, the Examiner calleth to his Daughter,
for a little Calabash full of the Liquor abovementioned.
Of this he drinketh first; then giveth
the Cup unto the young Man; and he finally unto
the Bride, who drinketh it up; and with this
only Ceremony the Marriage is made. When any
one drinketh to the Health of another, the second
person ought to drink up the Liquor, which the
other person hath left in the Calabash. But in
case of Marriage, as was said before, it is consumed
alone among them three, the Bride obtaining
the greatest part to her share.

When the Woman lyeth in, neither she nor her
Husband observe the time, as is customary among
the Caribes. But as soon as the Woman is delivered,
she goeth instantly unto the next River, Brook,
or Fountain, and washeth the new-born Creature,
swathling it up afterwards in certain Rowlers,
or Swathing-bands, which there are called
Cabalas. This being done, she goeth about her
ordinary Labour, as before. At their Entertainments
it is usual, that when the Man dieth, his

Wife burieth him with all his Azagaya's, Aprons,
and Jewels, that he used to wear at his Ears. Her
next Obligation is, to come every day to her Husband's
Grave, bringing him Meat and Drink for a
whole year together. Their Years they reckon
by the Moons, allowing 15 to every year, which
make their entire Circle, as our 12 months do
ours.

Some Historians, writing of the Caribe Islands,
do affirm, that this Ceremony, of carrying Victuals
to the Dead, is generally observed among

them. Moreover, that the Devil cometh unto
the Sepulchres, and carrieth away all the Meat
and Drink which is placed there. But I my self
am not of this Opinion, seeing I have oftentimes
with my own Hands, taken away these Offerings,
and eaten them, instead of other Victuals. Unto
this I was moved, because I knew that the
Fruits used on these Occasions, were the choicest
and ripest of all others, as also the Liquors, of
the best sort, they made use of, for their greatest
Regale and Pleasure. When the Widow hath
thus compleated her year, she openeth the Grave,
and taketh out all her Husband's Bones. These
she scrapeth and washeth very well, and afterwards
dryeth against the Beams of the Sun. When
they are sufficiently dryed, she tyeth them all together,
and putteth them into a Cabala, being a
certain Pouch, or Satchel, and is obliged for another
year to carry them upon her Back i'th' daytime,
and to sleep upon them i'th' night, until the
year be compleatly expired. This Ceremony being
finished, she hangeth up the Bag and Bones,
against the Post of her own Door, in case she be
Mistress of any House. But having no House of
her own, she hangeth them at the Door of her
next Neighbour, or Relation.

The Widows cannot marry the second time,
according to the Laws or Customs of this Nation,
until the whole space of the two years above mentioned,
be compleated. The Men are bound to

perform no such Ceremonies towards their Wives.
But if any Pirat marrieth an Indian Woman, she
is bound to do with him, in all things, as if he
were an Indian Man born. The Negro's that are
upon this Island, live here, in all Respects, according
to the Customs of their own Countrey.
All these things I have thought fit to take notice
of in this place, though briefly, as judging them
worthy the Curiosity of some judicious and inquisitive
persons. Now I shall continue the Account
of our Voyage.

After that we had refreshed and provided our
selves, as well as we could, at the Island aforesaid,
we departed from thence, and steered our

Course towards the Island de los Pinos. Here we
arrived in 15 days, and were constrained to refit
again our Vessel, which now, the second time,
was very leaky, and not fit for sayling any farther.
Hereupon we divided our selves, as before,
and some went about that Work of careening
the Ship, mean while others betook themselves
to Fishing. In this last we were so successful,
as to take in 6 or 7 hours, as much Fish, as would
abundantly suffice to feed a 1000 persons. We
had in our Company some Indians, from the Cape
of Gracias à Dios, who were very dextrous both in
Hunting and Fishing. With the Help of these
Men we killed likewise, in a short while, and
salted, an huge number of wild Cows, sufficient
both to satiate our hungry Appetites, and to victual
our Vessel for the Sea. These Cows were
formerly brought into this Island by the Spaniards,
with design they should here multiply, and stock
the Countrey with Cattel of this kind. We salted,
in like manner, a vast number of Tortoises,
whereof in this Island huge quantities are to be
found. With these things, our former Cares and
Troubles began to dissipate, and our Minds to be
so far recreated, as to forget the Miseries we had
lately endured. Hereupon, we began to call
one another again by the Name of Brothers,
which was customary amongst us, but had been
disused in our Miseries, and scarce remembred
without Regret.

All the time we continued here, we feasted
our selves very plentifully, without the least Fear
of Enemies. For as to the Spaniards that were
upon the Island, they were here in mutual League
and Friendship with us. Thus we were only constrained
to keep Watch and Ward every night, for
fear of the Crocodiles, which are here in great

plenty all over the Island. For these, when they
are hungry, will assault any Man whatsoever, and
devour him; as it happened in this Conjuncture,
unto one of our Companions. This Man being
gone into the Wood, in Company with a Negro,
they fell into a Place where a Crocodile lay concealed.
The furious Animal, with incredible
Agility, assaulted the Pirat, and fastning upon
his Leg, cast him upon the Ground, the Negro being
fled, who should assist him. Yet he notwithstanding,
being a robust and couragious Man,
drew forth a Knife he had then about him, and
with the same, after a dangerous Combat, overcame
and killed the Crocodile. Which having
done, he himself, both tired with the Battel, and
weakned with the loss of Blood, that ran from his
Wounds, lay for dead upon the Place, or at least
beside his Senses. Being found in this posture
some while after by the Negro, who returned to
see what was become of his Master, he took him
upon his Back, and brought him to the Sea-side,
distant from thence the space of a whole League.
Here we received him into a Canow, and conveyed
him on board our Ship.

After this Misfortune, none of our Men dared
be so bold, as to enter the Woods without good
Company. Yea, we our selves, desirous to revenge
the Disaster of our Companion, went in
Troops the next day unto the Woods, with design

to find out Crocodiles to kill. These Animals
would usually come every night to the Sides of
our Ship, and make resemblance of climbing up
into the Vessel. One of these, on a certain night,
we seized with an iron Hook, but he instead of flying
to the bottom, began to mount the Ladder of
the Ship, till we kill'd him with other Instruments.
Thus after we had remained there some considerable
time, and refitted our selves with all things
necessary, we set Sayl from thence for Jamaica.
Here we arrived within few days, after a prosperous
Voyage, and found Captain Morgan, who
was got home before us, but had seen as yet none
of his Companions whom he left behind, we being
the first that arrived there after him.

The said Captain at that present was very busie,

endeavouring to perswade and levy People, to
transport unto the Isle of St. Catharin, which he
designed to fortifie, and hold as his own, thinking
to make it a common Refuge unto all sorts of
Pirats, or at least of his own Nation, as was said
before. But he was soon hindred in the prosecu-

tion of this Design, by the arrival of a Man of War
from England. For this Vessel brought Orders
from his Majesty of Great Britain, to recal the Governour
of Jamaica from his Charge over that
Island, unto the Court of England, there to give
an Account of his Proceedings and Behaviour, in
relation to the Pirats whom he had maintained in
those Parts, to the huge detriment of the Subjects
of the King of Spain. Unto this purpose, the
said Man of War brought over also a new Governour
of Jamaica, to supply the place of the precedent.
This Gentleman, being possessed of the
Government of the Island, presently after gave
notice unto all the Ports thereof, by several Boats
which he sent forth to that intent, of the good
and entire Correspondence, which his Master the
King of England designed henceforwards to maintain,
in those Western Parts of the World, towards
his Catholick Majesty, and all his Subjects,
and Dominions. And that unto this effect, for
the time to come, he had received from his Sacred
Majesty, and Privy Councel, strict and severe
Orders, not to permit any Pirat whatsoever, to
set forth from Jamaica, to commit any Hostility,
or Depredation, upon the Spanish Nation, or Dominions,
or any other People of those neighbouring
Islands.

No sooner these Orders were sufficiently divul-

ged, but the Pirats, who as yet were abroad at
Sea, began to fear them, in so much as they dared
not return home unto the said Island. Hereupon
they kept the Seas as long as they could, and
continued to act as many Hostilities as came in their
way. Not long after, the same Pirats took and
ransackt a considerable Town, seated in the Isle
of Cuba, called la Villa de los Cayos, of which we
made mention in the Description of the said Island.
Here they committed again all sorts of Hostility,
and inhumane and barbarous Cruelties. But the
new Governour of Jamaica behaved himself so
constant to his Duty, and the Orders he had brought
from England, as that he apprehended several of
the chief Actors herein, and condemned them to
be hanged, which was accordingly done. From
this Severity, many others still remaining abroad,
took warning, and retired unto the Isle of Tortuga,
least they should fall into his Hands. Here they
joyned in Society with the French Pirats, Inhabitants
of the said Island, in whose Company they
continue unto this day.

Chap. IX.

AFter the Expedition of Panama above-mentioned,
the Inhabitants of the French Islands
in America, in the year 1673. (mean while the
War was so fierce in Europe between France and
Holland) gathered a considerable Fleet, for to go
and possess themselves of the Islands, belonging
to the States-General of the United Provinces in the
West-Indies. Unto this effect, their Admiral called

together, and levied all the Pirats and Voluntiers,
that would, by any Inductions whatsoever, sit
down under his Colours. With the same Design
the Governour of Tortuga caused to be built in that
Island, a good strong Man of War, unto which
Vessel he gave the Name of Ogeron. This Ship
he provided very well with all sort of Ammunition,
and manned with 500 Bucaniers, all resolute
and couragious Men, as being the Vessel he designed
for his own Safety. Their first Intention
was to go and take the Isle of Curasao, belonging
to the said States of Holland. But this Design met
with very ill Success, by reason of a Shipwrack,
which impeded the Course of their Voyage.

Monsieur Ogeron set Sayl from the Port of Tortuga,
as soon as all things were in a readiness, with
intent to joyn the rest of the said Fleet, and pursue
the Enterprize afore-mentioned. Being arrived
on the West-side of the Island of St. John de Puerto
Rico, he was suddenly surprized with a violent
Storm. This increased to that degree, as caused

his new Frigat to strike against the Rocks, that
neighbour upon the Islands, called Guadanillas,
where the Vessel broke into a 1000 pieces. Yet
being nigh unto the Land of Puerto Rico, all his
Men escaped, by saving their Lives in Boats,
which they had at hand.

The next day, all being now got on shore,

they were discover'd by the Spaniards, who inhabit
the Island. These instantly took them to be
French Pirats, whose intent was to take the said
Island anew, as they had done several times before.
Hereupon they alarum'd the whole Countrey,
and gathering their Forces together, marched
out to their Encounter. But they found them
unprovided of all manner of Arms, and conse-
quently not able to make any Defence, craving
for Mercy at their Hands, and begging Quarter
for their Lives, as the Custom is. Yet notwithstanding,
the Spaniards, remembring the horrible
and cruel Actions, those Pirats had many times
committed against them, would have no Compassion
on their Condition. But answering them,
Ha! ye thievish Dogs, here's no Quarter for you;
they assaulted them with all Fury imaginable, and
killed the greatest part of the Company. At last,
perceiving they made no Resistance, nor had any
Arms to defend themselves, they began to relent
in their Cruelty, and stay their Blows, taking Prisoners,
as many as remained alive. Yet still
they would not be perswaded, but that those unfortunate
People were come thither, with Design
to take again and ruinate the Island.

Hereupon they bound them with Cords, by
two and two, or three and three together, and
drove them through the Woods, into the Champagne,
or open Fields. Being come thus far with
them, they asked them, What was become of
their Captain and Leader? Unto these Questions
they constantly made Answer, He was drowned

in the Shipwrack at Sea; although they knew full
well it was false. For Monsieur Ogeron, being

unknown unto the Spaniards, behaved himself
among them, as if he were a Fool, and had no
common use of Reason. Notwithstanding, the
Spaniards, scarce believing what the Prisoners had
answered, used all the means they could possibly
to find him, but could not compass their Desires.
For Monsieur Ogeron kept himself very close, to
all the Features and mimical Actions, that might
become any innocent Fool. Upon this account,
he was not tyed as the rest of his Companions, but
let loose, to serve the Divertisement and Laughter
of the common Souldiers. These now and
then would give him Scraps of Bread, and other
Victuals, whereas the rest of the Prisoners had
never sufficient wherewith to satisfie their hungry
Stomachs. For as to the Allowance they had
from the Spaniards, their Enemies, it was scarce
enough to preserve them alive.

It happened there was found among the French

Pirats, a certain Surgeon, who had done some remarkable
Services unto the Spaniards. In Consideration
of these Merits, he was unbound, and set
at Liberty, to go freely up and down, even as

Monsieur Ogeron did. Unto this Surgeon, Monsieur
Ogeron, having a fit opportunity thereunto,
declared his Resolution of hazarding his Life, to
attempt an Escape, from the Cruelty and hard
Usage of those Enemies. After mature Deliberation,
they both performed it, by flying unto
the Woods, with Design there to make something
or other that might be navigable, whereby to
transport themselves else-where. Although unto
this effect, they had nor could obtain no other
thing i'th' World, that could be serviceable in
building of Vessels, but one only Hatchet. Thus
they joyned Company, and began their March to-
wards the Woods that lay nearest the Sea-coast.
Having travelled all day long, they came about
Evening unto the Sea-side almost unexpectedly.
Here they found themselves without any thing to
eat, nor any secure Place wherein to rest their
wearied Limbs. At last they perceived night the
Shore an huge quantity of Fishes, called by the
Spaniards, Corlabados. These frequently approach
the Sands of the Shore, in pursuit of other little
Fishes that serve them for their Food. Of these
they took as many as they thought necessary, and
by rubbing two Sticks tediously together, they
kindled Fire, wherewith they made Coals to roast
them. The next day they began to cut down and
prepare Timber, wherewith to make a kind of
small Boat, in which they might pass over unto
the Isle of Santa Cruz, which belongeth to the
French.

Mean while they were busied about their Work,
they discovered, at a great distance, a certain Ca-

now, which steered directly towards the Place
where they were. This occasioned in their Minds
some Fears, least they should be found, and taken
again by the Spaniards; and hereupon they retired
into the Woods, till such time as they could
see from thence, and distinguish what People
were in the Canow. But at last, as their good
Fortune would have it, they perceived them to be
no more then two Men, who in their Disposition
and Apparel seemed to be Fishermen. Having
made this Discovery, they concluded unanimously
betwixt themselves, to hazard their Lives, and
overcome them, and afterwards seize the Canow.
Soon after they perceived one of them, who was
a Mulato, to go with several Calabashes hanging
at his Back towards a Spring, not far distant from
the Shore, to take in fresh Water. The other,
who was a Spaniard, remained behind, waiting
for his Return. Seeing them divided, they assaulted
the Mulato first, and discharging a great
Blow on his Head with the Hatchet, they soon
bereav'd him of Life. The Spaniard, hearing the
Noise, made instantly towards the Canow, thinking
to escape. But this he could not perform so
soon, without being overtaken by the two, and
there massacred by their Hands. Having now
compassed their Design, they went to seek for the
Corps of the Mulato, which they carried on board
the Canow. Their intent was to convey them
into the middle of the Sea, and there cast them
over-board, to be consumed by the Fish, and by
this means conceal this Fact from being known unto
the Spaniards, either at a short or long distance
of time.

These things being done, they took in presently
as much fresh Water as they could, and set
Sayl from thence to seek some Place of Refuge.
That day they steered along the Coasts of Puerto
Rico, and came unto the Cape, called by the Spaniards,
Cabo Roxo. From hence they traversed directly
to the isle of Hispaniola, where so many of
their own Comrades and Companions were to be
found. Both the Currents of the Waters and
Winds were very favourable unto this Voyage, in
so much as in a few days they arrived at a Place,

called Samana, belonging to the said Island, where
they found a Party of their own People.

Monsieur Ogeron, being landed at Samana, gave
Orders unto the Surgeon, to levy all the People,

he could possible, in those Parts, mean while he
departed to re-visit his Government of Tortuga.
Being arrived at the said Port, he used all his Endeavours,
to gather what Vessels and Men he
could, to his Assistance. So that within a few
days he compassed a good number of both, very
well equipped and disposed to follow and execute
his Designs. These were to go unto the Island of
St. John de Puerto Rico, and deliver his fellow Prisoners,
whom he had left in the miserable condi-
tion was said before. After having imbarked all
the People, which the Surgeon had levied at Samana,
he made them a Speech, exhorting them
to have good Courage, and telling them, You may
all expect great Spoyl and Riches from this Enterprize,
and therefore let all Fear and Cowardize be set on side.
On the contrary, fill your Hearts with Courage and Valour,
for thus you will find your selves soon satisfied, of
what, at present, bare Hopes do promise. Every one
relyed much on these Promises of Monsieur Ogeron,
and, from his words, conceived no small Joy
in their Minds. Thus they set Sayl from Tortuga,
steering their Course directly for the Coasts of Puerto
Rico. Being come within sight of Land, they
made use only of their lower Sayls, to the intent
they might not be discovered at so great a distance
by the Spaniards, till they came something near
unto the Place where they intended to land.

The Spaniards, notwithstanding this Caution,
had Intelligence before-hand of their coming, and
were prepared for a Defence, having posted many
Troops of Horse all along the Coast, to watch
the Descent of the French Pirats. Monsieur Ogeron,
perceiving their Vigilancy, gave Order to the
Vessels to draw nigh unto the Shore, and shoot off
many great Guns, whereby he forced the Cavalry
to retire unto Places more secure within the Woods.
Here lay concealed many Companies of Foot,
who had prostrated themselves upon the Ground.
Mean while the Pirats made their Descent at leisure,
and began to enter among the Trees, scarce
suspecting any Harm to be there, where the Horsemen
could do no Service. But no sooner were
they fallen into this Ambuscade, when the Spaniards
arose with great Fury, and assaulted the
French so couragiously, that in a short while they

destroyed great part of them. And thus leaving
great Numbers of Dead on the Place, the rest
with great difficulty escaped, by retreating in all
haste unto their Ships.

Monsieur Ogeron, although he escaped this

Danger, yet could willingly have perished in the
Fight, rather then suffer the Shame and Confusion,
the unfortunate Success of this Enterprize was like
to bring upon his Reputation. Especially considering,
that those whom he had attempted to set
at Liberty, were now cast into greater Miseries,
through this Misfortune. Hereupon they hastned
to set Sayl, and go back unto Tortuga, the same
way they came, with great Confusion in their
Minds, much diminished in their Number, and
nothing laden with those Spoyls, the Hopes whereof
had possessed their Hearts, and caused them
readily to follow the Promises of unfortunate
Monsieur Ogeron. The Spaniards were very vigilant,
and kept their Posts nigh unto the Sea-side,
till such time as the Fleet of Pirats was totally out
of sight. I'th' mean while they made an end of
killing such of their Enemies, as being desperately
wounded, could not escape away by Flight. In

like manner, they cut off several Limbs from the
dead Bodies, with design to shew them unto the
former Prisoners, for whose Redemption these others
had cross'd the Seas.

The Fleet being departed, the Spaniards kind
led Bonfires all over the Island, and made great
Demonstrations of Joy, for the Victory they had
obtained. But the French Prisoners, who were
there before, had more Hardship shewed them
from that day then ever. Of their Misery and
Mis-usage, was a good Eye-witness, Jacob Binkes,
Governour at that time in America, for the StatesGeneral
of the United Provinces. For he happened
to arrive in that Conjuncture, at the Island of Puerto
Rico, with some Men of War, to buy Provisions,
and other Necessaries, for his Fleet. His
Compassion on their Misery was such, as caused

him to bring away by Stealth, five or six of the
said Prisoners, which served only to exasperate
the Minds of the Spaniards. For soon after they
sent the rest of the Prisoners, unto the chief City
of the Island, there to work and toil about the Fortifications
which then were making, forcing them
to bring and carry Stones, and all sorts of Materials
belonging thereunto. These being finished,
the Governour transported them unto Havana,
where they imployed them in like manner, in fortifying
that City. Here they caused them to work
i'th' day-time, and by night they shut them up as
close Prisoners, fearing least they should enterprize
upon the City. For of such Attempts the
Spaniards had had divers Proofs, on other Occasions,
which afforded them sufficient Cause to use
them after that manner.

Afterwards at several times, wherein Ships ar-

rived there from New Spain, they transported them
by degrees into Europe, and landed them at the
City of Cadiz. But notwithstanding this Care of
the Spaniards to disperse them, they soon after met
almost all together in France, and resolved among
themselves to return again unto Tortuga, with the
first Opportunity should proffer. Unto this effect,
they assisted one another very lovingly, with
what Necessaries they could spare, according to
every ones Condition. So that in a short while
the greatest part of those Pirats had nested themselves
again at Tortuga, their common Place of

Rendezvous. Here, sometime after, they equipped
again a new Fleet, to revenge their former
Misfortunes on the Spaniards, under the Conduct
of one le Sieur Maintenon, a French-man by Nation.
With this Fleet he arrived at the Island de la Trini-
dad, situated between the Isle of Tabago, and the
neighbouring Coasts of Paria. This Island they
sackt, and afterwards put to the Ransom of 10000
pieces of Eight. From hence they departed, with
Design to take and pillage the City of Caracas,
seated over against the Island of Curasao, belonging
to the Hollanders.

Chap. X.

IT is a thing already known unto the greatest
part of Europe, that the Prince of Curland began
to establish a Colony in the Island of Tabago. As
also, that some while after, his People, for want
of timely Recruits from their own Countrey, abandoned
the said Island, leaving it to the first
that should come and possess it. Thus it fell in-
to the Hands of the Heers Adrian, and Cornelius
Lampsius, Natives of the City of Flissing, in the
Province of Zeeland. For being arrived at the
said Island of Tabago, in the year 1654. they undertook
to fortifie it, by Commands of their Sovereigns,
the States-General. Hereupon they built
a goodly Castle, in a convenient Situation, capable
of hindring the Assaults of any Enemies, that
might enterprize upon the Island.

The Strength of this Castle was afterwards sufficiently
tryed by Monsieur de Estres, as I shall presently
relate, after I have first told you, what
happened before at Cayana, in the year 1676. This
year the States-General of the United Provinces, sent
their Vice-Admiral, Jacob Binkes, unto the Island
of Cayana, then in possession of the French, for to
retake the said Island, and hereby restore it unto

the Dominions of the United Provinces afore mentioned.
With these Orders he set forth from Holland,
on the 16th. day of March, in the said year,
his Fleet consisting of seven Men of War, one Fireship,
and five other small Vessels of less account.
This Fleet arrived at Cayana the 4th. day of the
Month of May next following. Immediately after
their Arrival, the Heer Binkes landed 900 Men,
who approaching the Castle, summoned the Governour
to surrender, at their Discretion. His
Answer was, He thought of nothing less then Surrendring,
but that he and his People were resolved
to defend themselves, even to the utmost of their
Endeavours. The Heer Binkes having received
this Answer, presently commanded his Troops
to attack the Castle on both sides at once. The
Assault was very furious. But at length, the
French being few in number, and overwhelmed
with the multitude of their Enemies, surrendred
both their Arms and the Castle. In it were found
37 pieces of Cannon. The Governour, who was
named Monsieur Lesi, together with two Priests,
were sent into Holland. The Heer Binkes lost in
the Combat 14 Men only, and had 72 wounded.

The King of France no sooner understood this
Success, but he sent in the Month of October fol-

lowing, the Count de Estres, for to retake the said
Island again from the Hollanders. He arrived there
in the Month of December, with a Squadron of
Men of War, all very well equipped and provided.
Being come on his Voyage as far as the River
called Aperovaco, he met there with a small
Vessel of Nantes, which had set forth from the
said Island of Cayana but a fortnight before. This
Ship gave him Intelligence of the present state and
condition, wherein he might be certain to find the
Hollanders at Cayana. They told him, there were
300 Men in the Castle; that all about it they had
fixed strong Palizadas, or Empalements; and that
within the Castle were mounted 26 pieces of Cannon.

Monsieur de Estres, being enabled with this Intelligence
to take his own Measures, proceeded
on his Voyage, and arrived at a Port of the said
Island, three Leagues distant from the Castle.
Here he landed 800 Men, whom he divided into
two several Parties. The one he placed under
the Conduct of the Count de Blinac; and the other
he gave unto Monsieur de St. Faucher. On board
the Fleet he left Monsieur Gabaret, with divers
other principal Troops, which he thought not fit
or necessary to be landed. As soon as the Men
were set on shore, the Fleet weighed Anchor, and
sailed very slowly towards the Castle, mean while
the Souldiers marched by Land. These could
not travel otherwise then by night, by reason of
the excessive Heat of the Sun, and intolerable Exhalations
of the Earth, which here is very sulphureous,
and consequently no better then a smoaky
and stinking Oven.

On the 19th. day of the said Month, the Count

de Estres sent Monsieur de Lest, (who had been Governour
of the Island, as was said before) demanding
of them, to deliver the Castle unto the
Obedience of the King his Master, and unto him
in his Sovereigns Name. But those who were
within, resolved not to deliver themselves up,
but at the expence of their Lives and Blood, which
Answer they sent unto Monsieur de Estres. Hereupon
the French, the following night, assaulted and
storm'd the Castle on seven several sides thereof all
at once. The Defendants, having performed
their Obligation very stoutly, and fought with as
much Valour as was possible, were at last forced
to surrender. Within the Castle were found 38
Persons dead, besides many others that were
wounded. All the Prisoners were transported into
France, where they were used with great Hardship.

Monsieur de Estres, having put all things in good

Order at the Isle of Cayana, departed from thence
for that of Martinica. Being arrived at the said
Island, he was told, that the Heer Binkes was at
that present at the Island of Tabago, and his Fleet
lay at Anchor in the Bay. Having received this
Intelligence, Monsieur de Estres made no long Stay
there, but set Sayl again, steering his Course directly
for Tabago. No sooner was he come nigh
unto the Island, but Vice-Admiral Binkes sent his
Land-Forces, together with a good number of Mariners,
on shore, for to manage and defend the
Artillery that was there. These Forces were commanded
by the Captains van der Graef, van Dongen,
and Ciavone, who laboured very hard all that
night in raising certain Batteries, and filling up
the Palizadas, or Empalements, of the Fortress
called Sterreschans.

Two days after the French Fleet came to an An-

chor, in the Bay of Palmit, and immediately, with
the Help of 18 Boats, they landed all their Men.
The Heer Binkes, perceiving the French to appear
upon the Hills, gave Orders to burn all the Houses
that were nigh unto the Castle, to the intent
the French might have no Place to shelter themselves
thereabouts. On the 23d. day of February,
Monsieur de Estres sent a Drum over to the Hollanders,
to demand the Surrendry of the Fort, which
was absolutely denied. In this posture of Affairs
things continued until the 3d. of March. On this
day the French Fleet came with full Sayl, and engaged
the Dutch Fleet. The Heer Binkes presently
encountred them, and the Dispute was very
hot on both sides. I'th' mean while the LandForces
belonging to the French, being sheltred by
the thickness of the Woods, advanced towards
the Castle, and began to storm it very briskly,
with more than ordinary Force. But were repulsed
by the Dutch with such Vigor, as caused them
after three distinct Attacks to retire, with the loss
of above 150 Men, and 200 wounded. These
they carried off, or rather dragg'd away, with no
small Difficulty, by reason of their disorderly Retreat.

All this while the two Fleets continued the Combat,
and fought very desperately, until that on
both sides some Ships were consumed between
Vulcan and Neptune. Of this number was Monsieur

de Estres his own Ship, mounted with 27 Guns of
prodigious bigness, besides other Peeces of lesser
Port. The Battel continued from break of day,
until the Evening. A little before which time,
Monsieur de Estres quitted the Bay, with the rest
of his Ships, unto the Hollanders, excepting only
two, which were stranded under Sayl, as having
gone too high within the Port. Finally, the
Victory remained on the side of the Hollanders,
howbeit with the loss of several of their Ships
that were burnt.

Monsieur de Estres finding himself under the
Shame of the loss of this Victory, and that he could

expect no Advantage for that present, over the
Island of Tabago, set Sayl from those Quarters the
18th. day of March, and arrived the 21st. day of
June next following, at the Port of Brest in France.
Having given an Account of these Transactions
unto his most Christian Majesty, he was pleased to
command him, to undertake again the Enterprize
of Tabago. Unto this effect, he gave Orders for
8 great Men of War to be equipped with all speed,
together with 8 others of smaller account. With
all which Vessels he sent again Monsieur de Estres
into America the same year. He set Sayl from the
said Port of Brest, on the 3d. day of October following,
and arrived the 1st. of December, at the Island
of Barbadas. Afterwards having received some
Recruits from the Isle of Martinica, he sent beforehand
to review the Island of Tabago, and consider
the Condition thereof. This being done, he
weighed Anchors, and set Sayl directly for the
said Island, where he arrived the 7th. day of the
said Month of December with all his Fleet.

Immediately after his Arrival he landed 500
Men, under the Conduct of Monsieur de Blinac,
Governour of the French Islands in America. These
were followed soon after by one 1000 more. The
9th. day of the said Month, they approached with-

in 600 Paces of a certain Post called le Cort, where
they landed all the Artillery designed for this Enterprize.
On the 10th. day Monsieur de Estres went
in Person, to take a View of the Castle, and demanded
of the Heer Binkes, by a Messenger, the
Surrendry thereof, which was generously denied.

The next day the French began to advance towards
the Castle, and on the 12th. of the said
Month, the Dutch from within began to fire at
them with great Perseverance. The French made
a beginning to their Attack, by casting Fire-balls
into the Castle with main Violence. The very
third Ball that was cast in, happened to fall in the
Path-way that led unto the Store-house, where
the Powder and Ammunition was kept, belonging
to the Castle. In this Path was much Powder
scatter'd up and down, through the Negligence
of those that carried it to and fro, for the
necessary Supplies of the Defendants. By this
means the Powder took Fire i'th' Path, and from
thence ran in a moment as far as the Store-house
above-mentioned. So that suddenly both the
Store-house was blown up, and with it, ViceAdmiral
Binkes himself, then Governour of the
Island, and all his Officers. Only Captain van
Dongen remained alive. This Mischance being
perceived by the French, they instantly ran with
500 Men, and possessed themselves of the Castle.
Here they found 300 Men alive, whom they took
Prisoners, and transported into France. Monsieur
de Estres after this commanded the Castle to be
demolished, together with other Posts that might
serve for any Defence, as also all the Houses
standing upon the Island. This being done, he
departed from thence the twenty seventh day of
the said Month of December, and arrived again in
France, after a prosperous Voyage.