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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Pirates of Panama, by A. O. (Alexandre
+Olivier) Exquemelin, Edited by George Alfred Williams, Illustrated by
+George Alfred Williams
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Pirates of Panama
+       or, The Buccaneers of America; a True Account of the Famous Adventures and Daring Deeds of Sir Henry Morgan and Other Notorious Freebooters of the Spanish Main
+
+
+Author: A. O. (Alexandre Olivier) Exquemelin
+
+Editor: George Alfred Williams
+
+Release Date: September 23, 2008  [eBook #26690]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OF PANAMA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Lybarger and the Booksmiths at
+http://www.eBookForge.net
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+
+
+
+
+
+THE PIRATES OF PANAMA
+
+[Illustration: "THE MAN-OF-WAR GAVE THEM CHASE"--_Page 43_]
+
+
+
+
+THE PIRATES OF PANAMA
+
+Or
+
+The Buccaneers of America
+
+A True Account of the Famous Adventures and Daring Deeds of Sir Henry
+Morgan and Other Notorious Freebooters of the Spanish Main
+
+by
+
+JOHN ESQUEMELING
+
+_One of the Buccaneers who was Present at those Tragedies_
+
+EDITED AND ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+New York
+Frederick A. Stokes Company
+Publishers
+
+Copyright, 1914, by Frederick A. Stokes Company
+All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign
+languages.
+
+Printed in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                              PAGE
+
+  (1) INTRODUCTION BY GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS                   xi
+
+  (2) THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION            xv
+
+
+  CHAPTER I.
+  The Introduction--The Author sets forth for the Western
+    Islands, in the service of the West India Company of
+    France--They meet with an English frigate, and arrive
+    at the Island of Tortuga                                    1
+
+
+  CHAPTER II.
+  A description of Tortuga--The fruits and plants there--How
+    the French first settled there, at two several times,
+    and forced out the Spaniards--The Author twice sold in
+    the said island                                             7
+
+
+  CHAPTER III.
+  A description of Hispaniola--Also a relation of the French
+    Buccaneers                                                 19
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV.
+  Original of the most famous pirates of the coasts of
+    America--Famous exploit of Pierre le Grand                 34
+
+
+  CHAPTER V.
+  How the pirates arm their vessels, and regulate their
+    voyages                                                    39
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI.
+
+  Of the origin of Francis Lolonois, and the beginning of
+    his robberies                                              57
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII.
+  Lolonois equips a fleet to land upon the Spanish islands
+    of America, with intent to rob, sack, and burn whatsoever
+    he met with                                                63
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.
+  Lolonois makes new preparations to take the city of St.
+    James de Leon; as also that of Nicaragua; where he
+    miserably perishes                                         81
+
+
+  CHAPTER IX.
+  The origin and descent of Captain Henry Morgan--His
+    exploits, and the most remarkable actions of his life     101
+
+
+  CHAPTER X.
+  Of the Island of Cuba--Captain Morgan attempts to
+    preserve the Isle of St. Catherine as a refuge to the
+    nest of pirates; but fails of his design--He arrives
+    at, and takes, the village of El Puerto del Principe      112
+
+
+  CHAPTER XI.
+  Captain Morgan resolving to attack and plunder the City
+    of Puerto Bello, equips a fleet, and with little
+    expense and small forces takes it                         123
+
+
+  CHAPTER XII.
+  Captain Morgan takes the City of Maracaibo, on the coast
+    of Neuva Venezuela--Piracies committed in those
+    seas--Ruin of three Spanish ships set forth to hinder
+    the robberies of the pirates                              134
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII.
+  Captain Morgan goes to Hispaniola to equip a new fleet,
+    with intent to pillage again on the coast of the West
+    Indies                                                    170
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV.
+  What happened in the river De la Hacha                      173
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV.
+  Captain Morgan leaves Hispaniola, and goes to St.
+    Catherine's, which he takes                               179
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI.
+  Captain Morgan takes the Castle of Chagre, with four
+    hundred men sent to this purpose from St. Catherine's     187
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII.
+  Captain Morgan departs from Chagre, at the head of
+    twelve hundred men, to take the city of Panama            195
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII.
+  Captain Morgan sends canoes and boats to the South
+    Sea--He fires the city of Panama--Robberies and
+    cruelties committed there by the pirates, till
+    their return to the Castle of Chagre                      213
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  "The Man-of-War gave them chase"                     _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                              FACING
+                                                               PAGE
+
+  Pierre le Grand commanding the Spanish Captain to surrender
+    the ship                                                   36
+
+  "Portugues made the best of his way to del Golpho Triste"    46
+
+  "They boarded the ship with great agility"                   92
+
+  "Lolonois, with those that remained, had much ado to
+    escape aboard their boats"                                 96
+
+  Captain Morgan recruiting his forces                        114
+
+  "Being come to the place of the duel, the Englishman
+    stabbed the Frenchman in the back"                        120
+
+  "Morgan commanded the religious men and women to place
+    the ladders against the walls"                            128
+
+  "They hanged him on a tree"                                 146
+
+  "The fire-ship sailing before the rest fell presently
+    upon the great ship"                                      158
+
+  Morgan dividing the treasure taken at Maracaibo             166
+
+  Sacking of Panama--"Morgan re-entered the city with his
+    troops"                                                   214
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+This volume was originally written in Dutch by John Esquemeling, and
+first published in Amsterdam in 1678 under the title of De Americaeneche
+Zee Roovers. It immediately became very popular and this first hand
+history of the Buccaneers of America was soon translated into the
+principal European languages. The first English edition was printed in
+1684.
+
+Of the author, John Esquemeling, very little is known although it is
+generally conceded that he was in all probability a Fleming or
+Hollander, a quite natural supposition as his first works were written
+in the Dutch language. He came to the island of Tortuga, the
+headquarters of the Buccaneers, in 1666 in the employ of the French West
+India Company. Several years later this same company, owing to
+unsuccessful business arrangements, recalled their representatives to
+France and gave their officers orders to sell the company's land and all
+its servants. Esquemeling then a servant of the company was sold to a
+stern master by whom he was treated with great cruelty. Owing to hard
+work, poor food and exposure he became dangerously ill, and his master
+seeing his weak condition and fearing to lose the money Esquemeling had
+cost him resold him to a surgeon. This new master treated him kindly so
+that Esquemeling's health was speedily restored, and after one year's
+service he was set at liberty upon a promise to pay his benefactor, the
+surgeon, 100 pieces of eight at such a time as he found himself in
+funds.
+
+Once more a free man he determined to join the pirates and was received
+into their society and remained with them until 1672. Esquemeling served
+the Buccaneers in the capacity of barber-surgeon, and was present at all
+their exploits. Little did he suspect that his first hand observations
+would some day be cherished as the only authentic and true history of
+the Buccaneers and Marooners of the Spanish Main.
+
+From time to time new editions of this work have been published, but in
+many cases much new material, not always authentic, has been added and
+the result has been to mar the original narrative as set forth by
+Esquemeling. In arranging this edition, the original English text only
+has been used, and but few changes made by cutting out the long and
+tedious description of plant and animal life of the West Indies of which
+Esquemeling had only a smattering of truth. But, the history of Captain
+Morgan and his fellow buccaneers is here printed almost identical with
+the original English translation, and we believe it is the first time
+this history has been published in a suitable form for the juvenile
+reader with no loss of interest to the adult.
+
+The world wide attention at this time in the Isthmus of Panama and the
+great canal connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean lends to this
+narrative an additional stimulus. Here are set forth the deeds of daring
+of the wild freebooters in crossing the isthmus to attack the cities,
+Puerto Bellow and Panama. The sacking and burning of these places
+accompanied by pillage, fire, and treasure seeking both on land and on
+sea form exciting reading. _The Buccaneers and Marooners of America_
+well deserves a place on the book shelf with those old world-wide
+favorites _Robinson Crusoe_ and the _Swiss Family Robinson_.
+
+                                       GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSLATOR
+
+TO THE
+
+READER (OF 1684).
+
+
+_THE present Volume, both for its Curiosity and Ingenuity, I dare
+recommend unto the perusal of our English nation, whose glorious actions
+it containeth. What relateth unto the curiosity hereof, this Piece, both
+of Natural and Humane History, was no sooner published in the_ Dutch
+Original, _than it was snatch't up for the most curious Library's of_
+Holland; _it was Translated into_ Spanish _(two impressions thereof
+being sent into_ Spain _in one year_); _it was taken notice of by the
+learned Academy of Paris; and finally recommended as worthy our esteem,
+by the ingenious Author of the_ Weekly Memorials for the Ingenious,
+_printed here at_ London _about two years ago. Neither all this
+undeservedly, seeing it enlargeth our acquaintance of Natural History,
+so much prized and enquir'd for, by the Learned of this present Age,
+with several observations not easily to be found in other accounts
+already received from_ America: _and besides, it informeth us (with
+huge novelty) of as great and bold attempts, in point of Military
+conduct and valour, as ever were performed by mankind; without
+excepting, here, either_ Alexander the Great, _or_ Julius Caesar, _or the
+rest of the_ Nine Worthy's of Fame. _Of all which actions, as we cannot
+confess ourselves to have been ignorant hitherto (the very name of_
+Bucaniers _being, as yet, known but unto few of the_ Ingenious; _as
+their Lives, Laws, and Conversation, are in a manner unto none) so can
+they not choose but be admired, out of this ingenuous Author, by
+whosoever is curious to learn the various revolutions of humane affairs.
+But, more especially by our_ English Nation; _as unto whom these things
+more narrowly do appertain. We having here more than half the Book
+filled with the unparallel'd, if not inimitable, adventures and_ Heroick
+_exploits of our own Country-men, and Relations; whose undaunted, and
+exemplary courage, when called upon by our King and Country, we ought to
+emulate._
+
+_From whence it hath proceeded, that nothing of this kind was ever, as
+yet, published in_ England, _I cannot easily determine; except, as some
+will say, from some secret_ Ragion di Stato. _Let the reason be as
+t'will; this is certain, so much the more we are obliged unto this
+present Author, who though a stranger unto our Nation, yet with that
+Candour and Fidelity hath recorded our Actions, as to render the Metal
+of our true English Valour to be the more believed and feared abroad,
+than if these things had been divulged by our selves at home. From hence
+peradventure will other Nations learn, that the English people are of
+their Genius more inclinable to act than to write; seeing as well they
+as we have lived unacquainted with these actions of our Nation, until
+such time as a Foreign Author to our Country came to tell them._
+
+_Besides the merits of this Piece for its curiosity, another point of
+no less esteem, is the truth and sincerity wherewith everything seemeth
+to be penned. No greater ornament or dignity can be added unto History,
+either humane or natural, than truth. All other embellishments, if this
+be failing, are of little or no esteem; if this be delivered, are either
+needless or superfluous. What concerneth this requisite in our Author,
+his lines do everywhere declare the faithfulness and sincerity of his
+mind. He writeth not by hearsay, but was an eye witness, as he somewhere
+telleth you, unto all and every one of the bold and hazardous attempts
+which he relateth. And these he delivereth with such candour of stile,
+such ingenuity of mind, such plainness of words, such conciseness of
+periods, so much divested of Rhetorical Hyperboles, or the least
+flourishes of Eloquence, so hugely void of Passion or national
+Reflections, as that he strongly perswadeth all-along to the credit of
+what he saith; yea, raiseth the mind of the Reader to believe these
+things far greater than what he hath said; and having read him, leaveth
+onely this scruple or concern behind, that you can read him no longer.
+In a word, such are his deserts, that some persons peradventure would
+not stickle to compare him to the Father of Historians_, Philip de
+Comines; _at least thus much may be said, with all truth imaginable,
+that he resembleth that great Author in many of his excellent
+qualities._
+
+_I know some persons have objected against the greatness of these
+prodigious Adventures, intimating that the resistance our_ Bucaniers
+_found in_ America, _was everywhere but small. For the_ Spaniards, _say
+they, in the_ West Indies, _are become of late years nothing less, but
+rather much more degenerate than in_ Europe. _The continual Peace they
+have enjoyed in those parts, the defect of Military Discipline, and_
+European _souldiers for their Commanders, much contributing hereunto.
+But more especially, and above all other reasons, the very luxury of the
+Soil and Riches, the extreme heat of those Countries, and influence of
+the Stars being such, as totally inclineth their bodies unto an infinite
+effeminacy and cowardize of minds._
+
+_Unto these Reasons I shall only answer in brief. This History will
+convince them to be manifestly false. For as to the continual Peace here
+alleadged, we know that no Peace could ever be established_ beyond the
+Line, _since the first possession of the_ West-Indies _by the_
+Spaniards, _till the burning of_ Panama. _At that time, or few months
+before_, Sir William Godolphin _by his prudent negotiation in quality of
+Embassadour for our most Gracious Monarch, did conclude at_ Madrid _a
+peace to be observed even_ beyond the Line, _and through the whole
+extent of the Spanish Dominions in the_ West-Indies. _This transaction
+gave the Spaniards new causes of complaints against our proceedings,
+that no sooner a Peace had been established for those parts of_ America,
+_but our forces had taken and burnt both_ Chagre, St. Catherine, _and_
+Panama. _But our reply was convincing, That whereas eight or ten months
+of time had been allowed by Articles for the publishing of the said
+Peace through all the Dominions of both Monarchies in_ America, _those
+Hostilities had been committed, not onely without orders from his
+Majesty of_ England, _but also within the space of the said eight or ten
+months of time. Until that time the Spanish Inhabitants of_ America
+_being, as it were, in a perpetual War with_ Europe, _certain it is that
+no Coasts nor Kingdoms in the World have been more frequently infested
+nor alarm'd with the invasions of several Nations than theirs. Thus from
+the very beginning of their Conquests in America, both_ English, French,
+Dutch Portuguese, Swedes, Danes, _Curlanders, and all other nations that
+navigate the_ Ocean, _have frequented the_ West-Indies, _and filled them
+with their robberies and Assaults. From these occasions have they been
+in continual watch and ward, and kept their_ Militia _in constant
+exercise, as also their Garrisons pretty well provided and paid; as
+fearing every sail they discovered at Sea, to be_ Pirats _of one Nation
+or another. But much more especially, since that_ Curasao, Tortuga,
+_and_ Jamaica _have been inhabited by_ English, French, _and_ Dutch,
+_and bred up that race of_ Hunts-men, _than which, no other ever was
+more desperate, nor more mortal enemies to the Spaniards, called
+Bucaniers. Now shall we say, that these People, through too long
+continuation of Peace, have utterly abolished the exercises of War,
+having been all-along incessantly vexed with the Tumults and Alarms
+thereof?_
+
+_In like manner is it false, to accuse their defect of Military
+Discipline for want of_ European _Commanders. For who knoweth not that
+all places, both Military and Civil, through those vast dominions of
+the_ West-Indies, _are provided out of_ Spain? _And those of the Militia
+most commonly given unto expert Commanders, trained up from their
+infancy in the Wars of_ Europe, _either in_ Africa, Milan, Sicily,
+Naples, _or_ Flanders, _fighting against either_ English, French, Dutch,
+Portuguese, _or_ Moors? _Yea their very Garrisons, if you search them in
+those parts, will peradventure be found to be stock'd three parts to
+four with Souldiers both born and bred in the Kingdom of_ Spain.
+
+_From these Considerations it may be inferr'd what little difference
+ought to be allowed betwixt the Spanish Souldiers, Inhabitants of the_
+West-Indies, _and those of_ Europe. _And how little the Soil or Climate
+hath influenced or caused their Courage to degenerate towards cowardize
+or baseness of mind. As if the very same Argument, deduced from the
+nature of that Climate, did not equally militate against the valour of
+our famous Bucaniers, and represent this to be of as degenerate Metal as
+theirs._
+
+_But nothing can be more clearly evinced, than is the Valour of the_
+American Spaniards, _either Souldiers or Officers, by the sequel of this
+History. What men ever fought more desperately than the Garrison of_
+Chagre? _Their number being 314, and of all these, only thirty
+remaining; of which number scarce ten were unwounded; and among them,
+not one officer found alive? Were not 600 killed upon the spot at_
+Panama, _500 at_ Gibraltar, _almost as many more at_ Puerto del
+Principe, _all dying with their Arms in their hands, and facing bravely
+the Enemy for the defence of their Country and private Concerns? Did not
+those of the Town of_ San Pedro _both fortifie themselves, lay several
+Ambuscades, and lastly sell their lives as dear as any European Souldier
+could do; Lolonois being forced to gain step by step his advance unto
+the Town, with huge loss both of bloud and men? Many other instances
+might be produced out of this compendious Volume, of the generous
+resistance the_ Spaniards _made in several places, though Fortune
+favoured not their Arms._
+
+_Next, as to the personal Valour of many of their Commanders, What man
+ever behaved himself more briskly than the Governour of_ Gibraltar,
+_than the Governour of_ Puerto del Principe, _both dying for the
+defence of their Towns; than Don Alonso del Campo, and others? Or what
+examples can easily parallel the desperate courage of the Governour of_
+Chagre? _who, though the_ Palizda's _were fired, the Terraplens were
+sunk into the Ditch, the Breaches were entred, the Houses all burnt
+above him, the whole Castle taken, his men all killed; yet would not
+admit of any quarter, but chose rather to die under his Arms, being shot
+into the brain, than surrender himself as a Prisoner unto the_
+Bucaniers. _What lion ever fought to the last gasp more obstinately than
+the Governour of_ Puerto Velo? _who, seeing the Town enter'd by
+surprizal in the night, one chief Castle blown up into the Air, all the
+other Forts and Castles taken, his own assaulted several ways, both
+Religious men and women placed at the front of the Enemy to fix the
+Ladders against the Walls; yet spared not to kill as many of the said
+Religious persons as he could. And at last, the walls being scaled, the
+Castle enter'd and taken, all his own men overcome by fire and sword,
+who had cast down their Arms, and begged mercy from the Enemy; yet would
+admit of none for his own life. Yet, with his own hands killed several
+of his Souldiers, to force them to stand to their Arms, though all were
+lost. Yea, though his own Wife and Daughter begged of him upon their
+knees that he would have his life by craving quarter, though the Enemy
+desired of him the same thing; yet would hearken to no cries nor
+perswasions, but they were forced to kill him, combating with his Arms
+in his hands, being not otherwise able to take him Prisoner, as they
+were desirous to do. Shall these men be said to be influenced with
+Cowardize, who thus acted to the very last_ Scene _of their own_
+Tragedies? _Or shall we rather say that they wanted no Courage, but
+Fortune? It being certainly true, that he who is killed in a Batel, may
+be equally couragious with him that killeth. And that whosoever
+derogateth from the Valour of the_ Spaniards _in the_ West-Indies,
+_diminisheth in like manner the Courage of the_ Bucaniers, _his own
+Country-men, who have seemed to act beyond mortal men in_ America.
+
+_Now, to say something concerning_ John Esquemeling, _the first Author
+of this History. I take him to be a_ Dutch-man, _or at least born in_
+Flanders, _notwithstanding that the Spanish Translation representeth him
+to be a Native of the Kingdom of_ France. _His printing this History
+originally in Dutch, which doubtless must be his native Tongue, who
+otherwise was but an illiterate man, together with the very sound of his
+name, convincing me thereunto. True it is, he set sail from_ France,
+_and was some years at_ Tortuga; _but neither of these two Arguments,
+drawn from the History, are prevalent. For were he to be a_ French-man
+_born, how came he to learn the_ Dutch _language so perfectly as to
+prefer it to his own? Especially that not being spoken at Tortuga nor_
+Jamaica, _where he resided all the while._
+
+_I hope I have made this English Translation something more plain and
+correct than the Spanish. Some few notorious faults either of the
+Printer or the Interpreter, I am sure I have redressed. But the Spanish
+Translator complaining much of the intricacy of Stile in the Original
+(as flowing from a person who, as hath been said, was no Scholar) as he
+was pardonable, being in great haste, for not rendring his own Version
+so distinct and elaborate as he could desire; so must I be excused from
+the one, that is to say, Elegancy, if I have cautiously declined the
+other, I mean Confusion._
+
+
+
+
+THE PIRATES OF PANAMA
+
+
+
+
+THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+_The introduction--The author sets forth for the Western islands, in the
+service of the West-India Company of France--They meet with an English
+frigate, and arrive at the Island of Tortuga._
+
+
+WE set sail from Havre-de-Grace in France, from whence we set sail in
+the ship called _St. John_, May 2, 1666. Our vessel was equipped with
+twenty-eight guns, twenty mariners, and two hundred and twenty
+passengers, including those whom the company sent as free passengers.
+Soon after we came to an anchor under the Cape of Barfleur, there to
+join seven other ships of the same West-India company, which were to
+come from Dieppe, under convoy of a man-of-war, mounted with
+thirty-seven guns, and two hundred and fifty men. Of these ships two
+were bound for Senegal, five for the Caribbee islands, and ours for
+Tortuga. Here gathered to us about twenty sail of other ships, bound for
+Newfoundland, with some Dutch vessels going for Nantz, Rochel, and St.
+Martin's, so that in all we made thirty sail. Here we put ourselves in
+a posture of defence, having noticed that four English frigates, of
+sixty guns each, waited for us near Aldernay. Our admiral, the Chevalier
+Sourdis, having given necessary orders, we sailed thence with a
+favourable gale, and some mists arising, totally impeded the English
+frigates from discovering our fleet. We steered our course as near as we
+could to the coast of France, for fear of the enemy. As we sailed along,
+we met a vessel of Ostend, who complained to our admiral, that a French
+privateer had robbed him that very morning; whereupon we endeavoured to
+pursue the said pirate; but our labour was in vain, not being able to
+overtake him.
+
+Our fleet, as we sailed, caused no small fears and alarms to the
+inhabitants of the coasts of France, these judging us to be English, and
+that we sought some convenient place for landing. To allay their fright,
+we hung out our colours; but they would not trust us. After this we came
+to an anchor in the bay of Conquet in Brittany, near Ushant, there to
+take in water. Having stored ourselves with fresh provisions here, we
+prosecuted our voyage, designing to pass by the Ras of Fontenau, and not
+expose ourselves to the Sorlingues, fearing the English that were
+cruising thereabouts. The river Ras is of a current very strong and
+rapid, which, rolling over many rocks, disgorges itself into the sea, on
+the coast of France, in 48 deg. 10 min. latitude; so that this passage
+is very dangerous, all the rocks, as yet, being not thoroughly known.
+
+Here I shall mention the ceremony, which, at this passage, and some
+other places, is used by the mariners, and by them called baptism,
+though it may seem little to our purpose. The master's mate clothed
+himself with a ridiculous sort of garment, that reached to his feet, and
+on his head he put a suitable cap, made very burlesque; in his right
+hand he had a naked wooden sword, and in his left a pot full of ink: his
+face was horribly blacked with soot, and his neck adorned with a collar
+of many little pieces of wood. Thus apparelled, he commanded every one
+to be called who had never passed through that dangerous place before;
+and then, causing them to kneel down, he made the sign of the cross on
+their foreheads, with ink, and gave every one a stroke on the shoulders
+with his wooden sword. Meanwhile, the standers-by cast a bucket of water
+upon each man's head; and so ended the ceremony. But that done, each of
+the baptized must give a bottle of brandy, placing it nigh the
+main-mast, without speaking a word; even those who have no such liquor
+not being excused. If the vessel never passed that way before, the
+captain is obliged to distribute some wine among the mariners and
+passengers; but as for other gifts, which the newly-baptized frequently
+offer, they are divided among the old seamen, and of them they make a
+banquet among themselves.
+
+The Hollanders likewise, not only at this passage, but also at the rocks
+called Berlingues, nigh the coast of Portugal, in 39 deg. 40 min. (being
+a passage very dangerous, especially by night, when, in the dark, the
+rocks are not distinguishable, the land being very high) they use some
+such ceremony: but their manner of baptizing is very different from that
+of the French; for he that is to be baptized is fastened, and hoisted up
+thrice, at the mainyard's end, as if he were a criminal. If he be
+hoisted the fourth time, in the name of the Prince of Orange, or of the
+captain of the vessel, his honour is more than ordinary. Thus every one
+is dipped several times in the main ocean; but he that is dipped first
+has the honour of being saluted with a gun. Such as are not willing to
+fall, must pay twelve pence for ransom; if he be an officer, two
+shillings; and if a passenger, at their own pleasure. If the ship never
+passed that way before, the captain is to give a small rundlet of wine,
+which, if he denies, the mariners may cut off the stem of the vessel.
+All the profit accruing by this ceremony is kept by the master's mate,
+who, after reaching their port, usually lays it out in wine, which is
+drank amongst the ancient seamen. Some say this ceremony was instituted
+by the Emperor Charles V. though it is not amongst his laws. But here I
+leave these sea customs, and return to our voyage.
+
+Having passed the Ras, we had very good weather, till we came to Cape
+Finis Terrae: here a sudden tempest surprised us, and separated our ship
+from the rest that were in our company. This storm continued eight days;
+in which time it would move compassion to see how miserably the
+passengers were tumbled to and fro, on all sides of the ship; insomuch,
+that the mariners, in the performance of their duty, were compelled to
+tread upon them. This boisterous weather being over, we had very
+favourable gales again, till we came to the tropic of Cancer. This
+tropic is an imaginary circle, which astronomers have invented in the
+heavens, limiting the progress of the sun towards the north pole. It is
+placed in the latitude of 23 deg. 30 min. Here we were baptized a second
+time, as before. The French always perform this ceremony at the tropic
+of Cancer, as also under the tropic of Capricorn. In this part of the
+world we had very favourable weather, at which we were very glad,
+because of our great want of water; for that element is so scarce with
+us, that we were stinted to two half pints a man every day.
+
+About the latitude of Barbadoes, we met an English frigate, or
+privateer, who first began to give us chase; but finding herself not to
+exceed us in force, presently got away: hereupon, we pursued her, firing
+several guns, eight-pounders, at her; but at length she escaped, and we
+returned to our course. Soon after, we came within sight of Martinico.
+We were bent to the coast of the isle of St. Peter, but were frustrated
+by a storm, which took us hereabouts. Hence we resolved to steer to
+Gaudaloupe, yet we could not reach this island, by reason of the said
+storm; so that we directed our course to the isle of Tortuga, being the
+very same land we were bound to. We passed along the coast of Punta
+Rica, which is extremely agreeable and delightful to the sight, being
+adorned with beautiful woods, even to the tops of the mountains. Then we
+discovered Hispaniola (of which I shall give a description), and we
+coasted about it till we came to Tortuga, our desired port. Here we
+anchored, July 7, in the same year, not having lost one man in the
+voyage. We landed the goods that belonged to the West-India company,
+and, soon after, the ship was sent to Cal de Sac with some passengers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+_A description of Tortuga--The fruits and plants there--How the French
+first settled there, at two several times, and forced out the
+Spaniards--The author twice sold in the said island._
+
+
+THE island of Tortuga is situate on the north side of Hispaniola, in 20
+deg. 30 min. latitude; its just extent is threescore leagues about. The
+Spaniards, who gave name to this island, called it so from the shape of
+the land, in some manner resembling a great sea-tortoise, called by them
+Tortuga-de-mar. The country is very mountainous, and full of rocks, and
+yet thick of lofty trees, that grow upon the hardest of those rocks,
+without partaking of a softer soil. Hence it comes that their roots, for
+the greatest part, are seen naked, entangled among the rocks like the
+branching of ivy against our walls. That part of this island which
+stretches to the north is totally uninhabited: the reason is, first,
+because it is incommodious, and unhealthy: and, secondly, for the
+ruggedness of the coast, that gives no access to the shore, unless among
+rocks almost inaccessible: for this cause it is peopled only on the
+south part, which hath only one port indifferently good: yet this
+harbour has two entries, or channels, which afford passage to ships of
+seventy guns; the port itself being without danger, and capable of
+receiving a great number of vessels. The inhabited parts, of which the
+first is called the Low-Lands, or Low-Country: this is the chief among
+the rest, because it contains the port aforesaid. The town is called
+Cayona, and here live the chiefest and richest planters of the island.
+The second part is called the Middle Plantation: its soil is yet almost
+new, being only known to be good for tobacco. The third is named Ringot,
+and is situate towards the west part of the island. The fourth and last
+is called the Mountain, in which place were made the first plantations
+upon this island.
+
+As to the wood that grows here, we have already said that the trees are
+exceeding tall, and pleasing to the sight; whence no man will doubt, but
+they may be applied to several uses. Such is the yellow saunder, which
+by the inhabitants is called bois de chandel, or, in English,
+candle-wood, because it burns like a candle, and serves them with light
+while they fish by night. Here grows, also, lingnum sanctum, or
+guaiacum: its virtues are very well known, more especially to those who
+observe not the Seventh Commandment, and are given to impure
+copulations!--physicians drawing hence, in several compositions, the
+greatest antidote for venereal diseases; as also for cold and viscous
+humours. The trees, likewise, which afford gummi elemi, grow here in
+great abundance; as doth radix Chinae, or China root: yet this is not so
+good as that of other parts of the western world. It is very white and
+soft, and serves for pleasant food to the wild boars, when they can find
+nothing else. This island, also, is not deficient in aloes, nor an
+infinite number of the other medicinal herbs, which may please the
+curiosity of such as are given to their contemplation: moreover, for
+building of ships, or any other sort of architecture, here are found
+several sorts of timber. The fruits, likewise, which grow here
+abundantly, are nothing inferior, in quantity or quality, to what other
+islands produce. I shall name only some of the most ordinary and common:
+such are magnoit, potatoes, Abajou apples, yannas, bacones, paquays,
+carosoles, mamayns, annananes, and divers other sorts, which I omit to
+specify. Here grow likewise, in great numbers, those trees called
+palmitoes, or palmites, whence is drawn a certain juice which serves the
+inhabitants instead of wine, and whose leaves cover their houses instead
+of tiles.
+
+In this island aboundeth, also, the wild boar. The governor hath
+prohibited the hunting of them with dogs, fearing lest, the island being
+but small, the whole race of them, in a short time, should be destroyed.
+The reason why he thought convenient to preserve these wild beasts was,
+that, in case of any invasion, the inhabitants might sustain themselves
+with their food, especially were they once constrained to retire to the
+woods and mountains. Yet this sort of game is almost impeded by itself,
+by reason of the many rocks and precipices, which, for the greatest
+part, are covered with little shrubs, very green and thick; whence the
+huntsmen have oftentimes fallen, and left us the sad remembrance of many
+a memorable disaster.
+
+At a certain time of the year there resort to Tortuga large flocks of
+wild pigeons, and then the inhabitants feed on them very plentifully,
+having more than they can consume, and leaving totally to their repose
+all other sorts of fowl, both wild and tame; that so, in the absence of
+the pigeons, these may supply their place. But as nothing in the
+universe, though never so pleasant, can be found, but what hath
+something of bitterness with it; the very symbol of this truth we see in
+the aforesaid pigeons: for these, the season being past, can scarce be
+touched with the tongue, they become so extremely lean, and bitter even
+to admiration. The reason of this bitterness is attributed to a certain
+seed which they eat about that time, even as bitter as gall. About the
+sea-shores, everywhere, are found great multitudes of crabs, both of
+land and sea, and both sorts very big. These are good to feed servants
+and slaves, whose palates they please, but are very hurtful to the
+sight: besides, being eaten too often, they cause great giddiness in the
+head, with much weakness of the brain; so that, very frequently, they
+are deprived of sight for a quarter of an hour.
+
+The French having settled in the isle of St. Christopher, planted there
+a sort of trees, of which, at present, there possibly may be greater
+quantities; with the timber whereof they made long-boats, and hoys,
+which they sent thence westward, well manned and victualled, to discover
+other islands. These setting sail from St. Christopher, came within
+sight of Hispaniola, where they arrived with abundance of joy. Having
+landed, they marched into the country, where they found large quantities
+of cattle; such as cows, bulls, horses, and wild boars: but finding no
+great profit in these animals, unless they could enclose them, and
+knowing, likewise, the island to be pretty well peopled by the
+Spaniards, they thought it convenient to enter upon and seize the island
+of Tortuga. This they performed without any difficulty, there being upon
+the island no more than ten or twelve Spaniards to guard it. These few
+men let the French come in peaceably, and possess the island for six
+months, without any trouble; meanwhile they passed and repassed, with
+their canoes, to Hispaniola, from whence they transported many people,
+and at last began to plant the whole island of Tortuga. The few
+Spaniards remaining there, perceiving the French to increase their
+number daily, began, at last, to repine at their prosperity, and grudge
+them the possession: hence they gave notice to others of their nation,
+their neighbours, who sent several boats, well armed and manned, to
+dispossess the French. This expedition succeeded according to their
+desires; for the new possessors, seeing the great number of Spaniards,
+fled with all they had to the woods, and hence, by night, they wafted
+over with canoes to the island of Hispaniola: this they the more easily
+performed, having no women or children with them, nor any great
+substance to carry away. Here they also retired into the woods, both to
+seek for food, and from thence, with secrecy, to give intelligence to
+others of their own faction; judging for certain, that within a little
+while they should be in a capacity to hinder the Spaniards from
+fortifying in Tortuga.
+
+Meanwhile, the Spaniards of the great island ceased not to seek after
+their new guests, the French, with intent to root them out of the woods
+if possible, or cause them to perish with hunger; but this design soon
+failed, having found that the French were masters both of good guns,
+powder, and bullets. Here therefore the fugitives waited for a certain
+opportunity, wherein they knew the Spaniards were to come from Tortuga
+with arms, and a great number of men, to join with those of the greater
+island for their destruction. When this occasion offered, they in the
+meanwhile deserting the woods where they were, returned to Tortuga, and
+dispossessed the small number of Spaniards that remained at home. Having
+so done, they fortified themselves the best they could, thereby to
+prevent the return of the Spaniards in case they should attempt it.
+Moreover, they sent immediately to the governor of St. Christopher's,
+craving his aid and relief, and demanding of him a governor, the better
+to be united among themselves, and strengthened on all occasions. The
+governor of St. Christopher's received their petition with much
+satisfaction, and, without delay, sent Monsieur le Passeur to them in
+quality of a governor, together with a ship full of men, and all
+necessaries for their establishment and defence. No sooner had they
+received this recruit, but the governor commanded a fortress to be built
+upon the top of a high rock, from whence he could hinder the entrance of
+any ships or other vessels to the port. To this fort no other access
+could be had, than by almost climbing through a very narrow passage that
+was capable only of receiving two persons at once, and those not without
+difficulty. In the middle of this rock was a great cavity, which now
+serves for a storehouse: besides, here was great convenience for raising
+a battery. The fort being finished, the governor commanded two guns to
+be mounted, which could not be done without great toil and labour; as
+also a house to be built within the fort, and afterwards the narrow way,
+that led to the said fort, to be broken and demolished, leaving no other
+ascent thereto than by a ladder. Within the fort gushes out a plentiful
+fountain of pure fresh water, sufficient to refresh a garrison of a
+thousand men. Being possessed of these conveniences, and the security
+these things might promise, the French began to people the island, and
+each of them to seek their living; some by hunting, others by planting
+tobacco, and others by cruizing and robbing upon the coasts of the
+Spanish islands, which trade is continued by them to this day.
+
+The Spaniards, notwithstanding, could not behold, but with jealous eyes,
+the daily increase of the French in Tortuga, fearing lest, in time, they
+might by them be dispossessed also of Hispaniola. Thus taking an
+opportunity (when many of the French were abroad at sea, and others
+employed in hunting), with eight hundred men, in several canoes, they
+landed again in Tortuga, almost without being perceived by the French;
+but finding that the governor had cut down many trees for the better
+discovery of any enemy in case of an assault, as also that nothing of
+consequence could be done without great guns, they consulted about the
+fittest place for raising a battery. This place was soon concluded to be
+the top of a mountain which was in sight, seeing that from thence alone
+they could level their guns at the fort, which now lay open to them
+since the cutting down of the trees by the new possessors. Hence they
+resolved to open a way for the carriage of some pieces of ordnance to
+the top. This mountain is somewhat high, and the upper part thereof
+plain, from whence the whole island may be viewed: the sides thereof are
+very rugged, by reason a great number of inaccessible rocks do surround
+it; so that the ascent was very difficult, and would always have been
+the same, had not the Spaniards undergone the immense labour and toil
+of making the way before mentioned, as I shall now relate.
+
+The Spaniards had with them many slaves and Indians, labouring men, whom
+they call matades, or, in English, half-yellow men; these they ordered
+with iron tools to dig a way through the rocks. This they performed with
+the greatest speed imaginable; and through this way, by the help of many
+ropes and pulleys, they at last made shift to get up two pieces of
+ordnance, wherewith they made a battery next day, to play on the fort.
+Meanwhile, the French knowing these designs, prepared for a defence
+(while the Spaniards were busy about the battery) sending notice
+everywhere to their companions for help. Thus the hunters of the island
+all joined together, and with them all the pirates who were not already
+too far from home. These landed by night at Tortuga, lest they should be
+seen by the Spaniards; and, under the same obscurity of the night, they
+all together, by a back way, climbed the mountain where the Spaniards
+were posted, which they did the more easily being acquainted with these
+rocks. They came up at the very instant that the Spaniards, who were
+above, were preparing to shoot at the fort, not knowing in the least of
+their coming. Here they set upon them at their backs with such fury as
+forced the greatest part to precipitate themselves from the top to the
+bottom, and dash their bodies in pieces: few or none escaped; for if any
+remained alive, they were put to the sword. Some Spaniards did still
+keep the bottom of the mountain; but these, hearing the shrieks and
+cries of them that were killed, and believing some tragical revolution
+to be above, fled immediately towards the sea, despairing ever to regain
+the island of Tortuga.
+
+The governors of this island behaved themselves as proprietors and
+absolute lords thereof till 1664, when the West-India company of France
+took possession thereof, and sent thither, for their governor, Monsieur
+Ogeron. These planted the colony for themselves by their factors and
+servants, thinking to drive some considerable trade from thence with the
+Spaniards, even as the Hollanders do from Curacao: but this design did
+not answer; for with other nations they could drive no trade, by reason
+they could not establish any secure commerce from the beginning with
+their own; forasmuch as at the first institution of this company in
+France they agreed with the pirates, hunters, and planters, first
+possessors of Tortuga, that these should buy all their necessaries from
+the said company upon trust. And though this agreement was put in
+execution, yet the factors of the company soon after found that they
+could not recover either monies or returns from those people, that they
+were constrained to bring some armed men into the island, in behalf of
+the company, to get in some of their payments. But neither this
+endeavour, nor any other, could prevail towards the settling a second
+trade with those of the island. Hereupon, the company recalled their
+factors, giving them orders to sell all that was their own in the said
+plantation, both the servants belonging to the company (which were sold,
+some for twenty, and others for thirty pieces of eight), as also all
+other merchandizes and proprieties. And thus all their designs fell to
+the ground.
+
+On this occasion I was also sold, being a servant under the said company
+in whose service I left France: but my fortune was very bad, for I fell
+into the hands of the most cruel and perfidious man that ever was born,
+who was then governor, or rather lieutenant-general, of that island.
+This man treated me with all the hard usage imaginable, yea, with that
+of hunger, with which I thought I should have perished inevitably.
+Withal, he was willing to let me buy my freedom and liberty, but not
+under the rate of three hundred pieces of eight, I not being master of
+one at a time in the world. At last, through the manifold miseries I
+endured, as also affliction of mind, I was thrown into a dangerous
+sickness. This misfortune, added to the rest, was the cause of my
+happiness: for my wicked master, seeing my condition, began to fear lest
+he should lose his monies with my life. Hereupon he sold me a second
+time to a surgeon, for seventy pieces of eight. Being with this second
+master, I began soon to recover my health through the good usage I
+received, he being much more humane and civil than my first patron. He
+gave me both clothes and very good food; and after I had served him but
+one year, he offered me my liberty, with only this condition, that I
+should pay him one hundred pieces of eight when I was in a capacity so
+to do; which kind proposal of his I could not but accept with infinite
+joy and gratitude.
+
+Being now at liberty, though like Adam when he was first created--that
+is, naked and destitute of all human necessaries--not knowing how to get
+my living, I determined to enter into the order of the pirates or
+robbers at sea. Into this society I was received with common consent,
+both of the superior and vulgar sort, where I continued till 1672.
+Having assisted them in all their designs and attempts, and served them
+in many notable exploits (of which hereafter I shall give the reader a
+true account), I returned to my own native country. But before I begin
+my relation, I shall say something of the island Hispaniola, which lies
+towards the western part of America; as also give my reader a brief
+description thereof, according to my slender ability and experience.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+_A Description of Hispaniola.--Also a Relation of the French
+Buccaneers._
+
+
+THE large and rich island called Hispaniola is situate from 17 degrees
+to 19 degrees latitude; the circumference is 300 leagues; the extent
+from east to west 120; its breadth almost 50, being broader or narrower
+at certain places. This island was first discovered by Christopher
+Columbus, A.D. 1492; he being sent for this purpose by Ferdinand, king
+of Spain; from which time to this present the Spaniards have been
+continually possessors thereof. There are upon this island very good and
+strong cities, towns, and hamlets, as well as a great number of pleasant
+country houses and plantations, the effects of the care and industry of
+the Spaniards its inhabitants.
+
+The chief city and metropolis hereof is Santo Domingo; being dedicated
+to St. Dominic, from whom it derives its name. It is situate towards the
+south, and affords a most excellent prospect; the country round about
+being embellished with innumerable rich plantations, as also verdant
+meadows and fruitful gardens; all which produce plenty and variety of
+excellent pleasant fruits, according to the nature of those countries.
+The governor of the island resides in this city, which is, as it were,
+the storehouse of all the cities, towns, and villages, which hence
+export and provide themselves with all necessaries for human life; and
+yet hath it this particularity above many other cities, that it
+entertains no commerce with any nation but its own, the Spaniards. The
+greatest part of the inhabitants are rich and substantial merchants or
+shopkeepers.
+
+Another city of this island is San Jago, or St. James, being consecrated
+to that apostle. This is an open place, without walls or castle, situate
+in 19 deg. latitude. The inhabitants are generally hunters and planters,
+the adjacent territory and soil being very proper for the said
+exercises: the city is surrounded with large and delicious fields, as
+much pleasing to the view as those of Santo Domingo; and these abound
+with beasts both wild and tame, yielding vast numbers of skins and
+hides, very profitable to the owners.
+
+In the south part of this island is another city, called Nuestra Sennora
+de Alta Gracia. This territory produces great quantities of cacao,
+whereof the inhabitants make great store of the richest chocolate. Here
+grows also ginger and tobacco, and much tallow is made of the beasts
+which are hereabouts hunted.
+
+The inhabitants of this beautiful island of Hispaniola often resort in
+their canoes to the isle of Savona, not far distant, where is their
+chief fishery, especially of tortoises. Hither those fish constantly
+resort in great multitudes, at certain seasons, there to lay their eggs,
+burying them in the sands of the shoal, where, by the heat of the sun,
+which in those parts is very ardent, they are hatched. This island of
+Savona has little or nothing that is worthy consideration, being so very
+barren by reason of its sandy soil. True it is, that here grows some
+small quantity of lignum sanctum, or guaiacum, of whose use we say
+something in another place.
+
+Westward of Santo Domingo is another great village called El Pueblo de
+Aso, or the town of Aso: the inhabitants thereof drive great traffic
+with those of another village, in the very middle of the island, and is
+called San Juan de Goave, or St. John of Goave. This is environed with a
+magnificent prospect of gardens, woods, and meadows. Its territory
+extends above twenty leagues in length, and grazes a great number of
+wild bulls and cows. In this village scarce dwell any others than
+hunters and butchers, who flay the beasts that are killed. These are for
+the most part a mongrel sort of people; some of which are born of white
+European people and negroes, and called mulattoes: others of Indians and
+white people, and termed mesticos: but others come of negroes and
+Indians, and are called alcatraces. From the said village are exported
+yearly vast quantities of tallow and hides, they exercising no other
+traffic: for as to the lands in this place, they are not cultivated, by
+reason of the excessive dryness of the soil. These are the chiefest
+places that the Spaniards possess in this island, from the Cape of Lobos
+towards St. John de Goave, unto the Cape of Samana nigh the sea, on the
+north side, and from the eastern part towards the sea, called Punta de
+Espada. All the rest of the island is possessed by the French, who are
+also planters and hunters.
+
+This island hath very good ports for ships, from the Cape of Lobos to
+the Cape of Tiburon, on the west side thereof. In this space there are
+no less than four ports, exceeding in goodness, largeness, and security,
+even the very best of England. Besides these, from the Cape of Tiburon
+to the Cape of Donna Maria, there are two very excellent ports; and from
+this cape to the Cape of St. Nicholas, there are no less than twelve
+others. Every one of these ports hath also the confluence of two or
+three good rivers, in which are great plenty of several sorts of fish
+very pleasing to the palate. The country hereabouts is well watered with
+large and deep rivers and brooks, so that this part of the land may
+easily be cultivated without any great fear of droughts, because of
+these excellent streams. The sea-coasts and shores are also very
+pleasant, to which the tortoises resort in large numbers to lay their
+eggs.
+
+This island was formerly very well peopled, on the north side, with many
+towns and villages; but these, being ruined by the Hollanders, were at
+last, for the greatest part, deserted by the Spaniards.
+
+The spacious fields of this island commonly are five or six leagues in
+length, the beauty whereof is so pleasing to the eye, that, together
+with the great variety of their natural productions, they captivate the
+senses of the beholder. For here at once they not only with diversity of
+objects recreate the sight, but with many of the same do also please the
+smell, and with most contribute delights to the taste; also they flatter
+and excite the appetite, especially with the multitudes of oranges and
+lemons here growing, both sweet and sour, and those that participate of
+both tastes, and are only pleasantly tartish. Besides here abundantly
+grow several sorts of fruit, such are citrons, toronjas, and limas; in
+English not improperly called crab lemons.
+
+Beside the fruit which this island produces, whose plenty, as is said,
+surpasses all the islands of America; it abounds also with all sorts of
+quadrupeds, as horses, bulls, cows, wild boars, and others, very useful
+to mankind, not only for food, but for cultivating the ground, and the
+management of commerce.
+
+Here are vast numbers of wild dogs: these destroy yearly many cattle;
+for no sooner hath a cow calved, or a mare foaled, but these wild
+mastiffs devour the young, if they find not resistance from keepers and
+domestic dogs. They run up and down the woods and fields, commonly
+fifty, threescore, or more, together; being withal so fierce, that they
+will often assault an entire herd of wild boars, not ceasing to worry
+them till they have fetched down two or three. One day a French
+buccaneer showed me a strange action of this kind: being in the fields
+a-hunting together, we heard a great noise of dogs which has surrounded
+a wild boar: having tame dogs with us, we left them to the custody of
+our servants, being desirous to see the sport. Hence my companion and I
+climbed up two several trees, both for security and prospect. The wild
+boar, all alone, stood against a tree, defending himself with his tusks
+from a great number of dogs that enclosed him; killed with his teeth,
+and wounded several of them. This bloody fight continued about an hour;
+the wild boar, meanwhile, attempting many times to escape. At last
+flying, one dog, leaping upon his back, fastened on his throat. The rest
+of the dogs, perceiving the courage of their companion, fastened
+likewise on the boar, and presently killed him. This done, all of them,
+the first only excepted, laid themselves down upon the ground about the
+prey, and there peaceably continued, till he, the first and most
+courageous of the troop, had ate as much as he could: when this dog had
+left off, all the rest fell in to take their share, till nothing was
+left. What ought we to infer from this notable action, performed by wild
+animals, but this: that even beasts themselves are not destitute of
+knowledge, and that they give us documents how to honour such as have
+deserved well; even since these irrational animals did reverence and
+respect him that exposed his life to the greatest danger against the
+common enemy?
+
+The governor of Tortuga, Monsieur Ogeron, finding that the wild dogs
+killed so many of the wild boars, that the hunters of that island had
+much ado to find any; fearing lest that common substance of the island
+should fail, sent for a great quantity of poison from France to destroy
+the wild mastiffs: this was done, A.D. 1668, by commanding horses to be
+killed, and empoisoned, and laid open at certain places where the wild
+dogs used to resort. This being continued for six months, there were
+killed an incredible number; and yet all this could not exterminate and
+destroy the race, or scarce diminish them; their number appearing almost
+as large as before. These wild dogs are easily tamed among men, even as
+tame as ordinary house dogs. The hunters of those parts, whenever they
+find a wild bitch with whelps, commonly take away the puppies, and bring
+them home; which being grown up, they hunt much better than other dogs.
+
+But here the curious reader may perhaps inquire how so many wild dogs
+came here. The occasion was, the Spaniards having possessed these isles,
+found them peopled with Indians, a barbarous people, sensual and
+brutish, hating all labour, and only inclined to killing, and making war
+against their neighbours; not out of ambition, but only because they
+agreed not with themselves in some common terms of language; and
+perceiving the dominion of the Spaniards laid great restrictions upon
+their lazy and brutish customs, they conceived an irreconcilable hatred
+against them; but especially because they saw them take possession of
+their kingdoms and dominions. Hereupon, they made against them all the
+resistance they could, opposing everywhere their designs to the utmost:
+and the Spaniards finding themselves cruelly hated by the Indians, and
+nowhere secure from their treacheries, resolved to extirpate and ruin
+them, since they could neither tame them by civility, nor conquer them
+with the sword. But the Indians, it being their custom to make the woods
+their chief places of defence, at present made these their refuge,
+whenever they fled from the Spaniards. Hereupon, those first conquerors
+of the New World made use of dogs to range and search the intricatest
+thickets of woods and forests for those their implacable and
+unconquerable enemies: thus they forced them to leave their old refuge,
+and submit to the sword, seeing no milder usage would do it; hereupon
+they killed some of them, and quartering their bodies, placed them in
+the highways, that others might take warning from such a punishment; but
+this severity proved of ill consequence, for instead of fighting them
+and reducing them to civility, they conceived such horror of the
+Spaniards, that they resolved to detest and fly their sight for ever;
+hence the greatest part died in caves and subterraneous places of the
+woods and mountains, in which places I myself have often seen great
+numbers of human bones. The Spaniards finding no more Indians to appear
+about the woods, turned away a great number of dogs they had in their
+houses, and they finding no masters to keep them, betook themselves to
+the woods and fields to hunt for food to preserve their lives; thus by
+degrees they became unacquainted with houses, and grew wild. This is the
+truest account I can give of the multitudes of wild dogs in these parts.
+
+But besides these wild mastiffs, here are also great numbers of wild
+horses everywhere all over the island: they are but low of stature,
+short bodied, with great heads, long necks, and big or thick legs: in a
+word, they have nothing handsome in their shape. They run up and down
+commonly in troops of two or three hundred together, one going always
+before to lead the multitude: when they meet any person travelling
+through the woods or fields, they stand still, suffering him to approach
+till he can almost touch them: and then suddenly starting, they betake
+themselves to flight, running away as fast as they can. The hunters
+catch them only for their skins, though sometimes they preserve their
+flesh likewise, which they harden with smoke, using it for provisions
+when they go to sea.
+
+Here would be also wild bulls and cows in great number, if by continual
+hunting they were not much diminished; yet considerable profit is made
+to this day by such as make it their business to kill them. The wild
+bulls are of a vast bigness of body, and yet they hurt not any one
+except they be exasperated. Their hides are from eleven to thirteen feet
+long.
+
+It is now time to speak of the French who inhabit great part of this
+island. We have already told how they came first into these parts: we
+shall now only describe their manner of living, customs, and ordinary
+employments. The callings or professions they follow are generally but
+three, either to hunt or plant, or else to rove the seas as pirates. It
+is a constant custom among them all, to seek out a comrade or companion,
+whom we may call partner in their fortunes, with whom they join the
+whole stock of what they possess towards a common gain. This is done by
+articles agreed to, and reciprocally signed. Some constitute their
+surviving companion absolute heir to what is left by the death of the
+first: others, if they be married, leave their estates to their wives
+and children; others, to other relations. This done, every one applies
+himself to his calling, which is always one of the three
+afore-mentioned.
+
+The hunters are again subdivided into two sorts; for some of these only
+hunt wild bulls and cows, others only wild boars. The first of these are
+called bucaniers, and not long ago were about six hundred on this
+island, but now they are reckoned about three hundred. The cause has
+been the great decrease of wild cattle, which has been such, that, far
+from getting, they now are but poor in their trade. When the bucaniers
+go into the woods to hunt for wild bulls and cows, they commonly remain
+there a twelvemonth or two years, without returning home. After the hunt
+is over, and the spoil divided, they commonly sail to Tortuga, to
+provide themselves with guns, powder, and shot, and other necessaries
+for another expedition; the rest of their gains they spend prodigally,
+giving themselves to all manner of vices and debauchery, particularly to
+drunkenness, which they practise mostly with brandy: this they drink as
+liberally as the Spaniards do water. Sometimes they buy together a pipe
+of wine; this they stave at one end, and never cease drinking till it is
+out. Thus sottishly they live till they have no money left. The said
+bucaniers are very cruel and tyrannical to their servants, so that
+commonly they had rather be galley-slaves, or saw Brazil wood in the
+rasphouses of Holland, than serve such barbarous masters.
+
+The second sort hunt nothing but wild boars; the flesh of these they
+salt, and sell it so to the planters. These hunters have the same
+vicious customs, and are as much addicted to debauchery as the former;
+but their manner of hunting is different from that in Europe; for these
+bucaniers have certain places designed for hunting, where they live for
+three or four months, and sometimes a whole year. Such places are called
+deza boulan; and in these, with only the company of five or six friends,
+they continue all the said time in mutual friendship. The first
+bucaniers many times agree with planters to furnish them with meat all
+the year at a certain price: the payment hereof is often made with two
+or three hundredweight of tobacco in the leaf; but the planters
+commonly into the bargain furnish them with a servant, whom they send
+to help. To the servant they afford sufficient necessaries for the
+purpose, especially of powder and shot to hunt withal.
+
+The planters here have but very few slaves; for want of which,
+themselves and their servants are constrained to do all the drudgery.
+These servants commonly bind themselves to their masters for three
+years; but their masters, having no consciences, often traffic with
+their bodies, as with horses at a fair, selling them to other masters as
+they sell negroes. Yea, to advance this trade, some persons go purposely
+into France (and likewise to England, and other countries) to pick up
+young men or boys, whom they inveigle and transport; and having once got
+them into these islands, they work them like horses, the toil imposed on
+them being much harder than what they enjoin the negroes, their slaves;
+for these they endeavour to preserve, being their perpetual bondmen: but
+for their white servants, they care not whether they live or die, seeing
+they are to serve them no longer than three years. These miserable
+kidnapped people are frequently subject to a disease, which in these
+parts is called coma, being a total privation of their senses. This
+distemper is judged to proceed from their hard usage, and the change of
+their native climate; and there being often among these some of good
+quality, tender education, and soft constitutions, they are more easily
+seized with this disease, and others of those countries, than those of
+harder bodies, and laborious lives. Beside the hard usage in their diet,
+apparel, and rest, many times they beat them so cruelly, that they fall
+down dead under the hands of their cruel masters. This I have often seen
+with great grief. Of the many instances, I shall only give you the
+following history, it being remarkable in its circumstances.
+
+A certain planter of these countries exercised such cruelty towards one
+of his servants, as caused him to run away. Having absconded, for some
+days, in the woods, at last he was taken, and brought back to the wicked
+Pharaoh. No sooner had he got him, but he commanded him to be tied to a
+tree; here he gave him so many lashes on his naked back, as made his
+body run with an entire stream of blood; then, to make the smart of his
+wounds the greater, he anointed him with lemon-juice, mixed with salt
+and pepper. In this miserable posture he left him tied to the tree for
+twenty-four hours, which being past, he began his punishment again,
+lashing him, as before, so cruelly, that the miserable wretch gave up
+the ghost, with these dying words: "I beseech the Almighty God, creator
+of heaven and earth, that he permit the wicked spirit to make thee feel
+as many torments before thy death, as thou hast caused me to feel before
+mine." A strange thing, and worthy of astonishment and admiration!
+Scarce three or four days were past, after this horrible fact, when the
+Almighty Judge, who had heard the cries of the tormented wretch,
+suffered the evil one suddenly to possess this barbarous and inhuman
+homicide, so that those cruel hands which had punished to death his
+innocent servant, were the tormentors of his own body: for he beat
+himself and tore his flesh, after a miserable manner, till he lost the
+very shape of a man; not ceasing to howl and cry, without any rest by
+day or night. Thus he continued raving mad, till he died. Many other
+examples of this kind I could rehearse; but these not belonging to our
+present discourse, I omit them.
+
+The planters of the Caribbee islands are rather worse, and more cruel to
+their servants, than the former. In the isle of St. Christopher dwells
+one named Bettesa, well known to the Dutch merchants, who has killed
+above a hundred of his servants with blows and stripes. The English do
+the same with their servants; and the mildest cruelty they exercise
+towards them is, that when they have served six years of their time
+(they being bound among the English for seven) they use them so cruelly,
+as to force them to beg of their masters to sell them to others, though
+it be to begin another servitude of seven years, or at least three or
+four. And I have known many, who have thus served fifteen or twenty
+years, before they could obtain their freedom. Another law, very
+rigorous in that nation, is, if any man owes another above twenty-five
+shillings English, if he cannot pay it, he is liable to be sold for six
+or eight months. Not to trouble the reader any longer with relations of
+this kind, I shall now describe the famous actions and exploits of the
+greatest pirates of my time, during my residence in those parts: these I
+shall relate without the least passion or partiality, and assure my
+reader that I shall give him no stories upon trust, or hearsay, but only
+those enterprises to which I was myself an eye-witness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+_Original of the most famous pirates of the coasts of America--Famous
+exploit of Pierre le Grand._
+
+
+I HAVE told you in the preceding chapters how I was compelled to
+adventure my life among the pirates of America; which sort of men I name
+so, because they are not authorized by any sovereign prince: for the
+kings of Spain having on several occasions sent their ambassadors to the
+kings of England and France, to complain of the molestations and
+troubles those pirates often caused on the coasts of America, even in
+the calm of peace; it hath always been answered, "that such men did not
+commit those acts of hostility and piracy as subjects to their
+majesties; and therefore his Catholic Majesty might proceed against them
+as he should think fit." The king of France added, "that he had no
+fortress nor castle upon Hispaniola, neither did he receive a farthing
+of tribute from thence." And the king of England adjoined, "that he had
+never given any commissions to those of Jamaica, to commit hostilities
+against the subjects of his Catholic Majesty." Nor did he only give this
+bare answer, but out of his royal desire to pleasure the court of Spain,
+recalled the governor of Jamaica, placing another in his room; all
+which could not prevent these pirates from acting as heretofore. But
+before I relate their bold actions, I shall say something of their rise
+and exercises; as also of the chiefest of them, and their manner of
+arming themselves before they put to sea.
+
+The first pirate that was known upon Tortuga was Pierre le Grand, or
+Peter the Great. He was born at Dieppe in Normandy. That action which
+rendered him famous was his taking the vice-admiral of the Spanish
+flota, near the Cape of Tiburon, on the west side of Hispaniola; this he
+performed with only one boat, and twenty-eight men. Now till that time
+the Spaniards had passed and repassed with all security, through the
+channel of Bahama; so that Pierre le Grand setting out to sea by the
+Caycos, he took this great ship with all the ease imaginable. The
+Spaniards they found aboard they set ashore, and sent the vessel to
+France. The manner how this undaunted spirit attempted and took this
+large ship I shall give you, out of the journal of the author, in his
+own words. "The boat," says he, "wherein Pierre le Grand was with his
+companions, had been at sea a long time without finding any prize worth
+his taking; and their provisions beginning to fail, they were in danger
+of starving. Being almost reduced to despair, they spied a great ship of
+the Spanish flota, separated from the rest; this vessel they resolved to
+take, or die in the attempt. Hereupon, they sailed towards her, to view
+her strength. And though they judged the vessel to be superior to
+theirs, yet their covetousness, and the extremity they were reduced to,
+made them venture. Being come so near that they could not possibly
+escape, they made an oath to their captain, Pierre le Grand, to stand by
+him to the last. 'Tis true, the pirates did believe they should find the
+ship unprovided to fight, and thereby the sooner master her. It was in
+the dusk of the evening they began to attack; but before they engaged,
+they ordered the surgeon of the boat to bore a hole in the sides of it,
+that their own vessel sinking under them, they might be compelled to
+attack more vigorously, and endeavour more hastily to board the ship.
+This was done accordingly, and without any other arms than a pistol in
+one hand and a sword in the other, they immediately climbed up the sides
+of the ship, and ran altogether into the great cabin, where they found
+the captain, with several of his companions, playing at cards. Here they
+set a pistol to his breast, commanding him to deliver up the ship. The
+Spaniards, surprised to see the pirates on board their ship, cried
+'Jesus bless us! are these devils, or what are they?' Meanwhile some of
+them took possession of the gun-room, and seized the arms, killing as
+many as made any opposition; whereupon the Spaniards presently
+surrendered. That very day the captain of the ship had been told by some
+of the seamen that the boat which was in view, cruising, was a boat of
+pirates; whom the captain slightly answered, 'What then, must I be
+afraid of such a pitiful thing as that is? No, though she were a ship
+as big and as strong as mine is.' As soon as Pierre le Grand had taken
+this rich prize, he detained in his service as many of the common seamen
+as he had need of, setting the rest ashore, and then set sail for
+France, where he continued, without ever returning to America again."
+
+[Illustration: "PIERRE LE GRAND COMMANDING THE SPANISH CAPTAIN TO
+SURRENDER THE SHIP"--_Page 36_]
+
+The planters and hunters of Tortuga had no sooner heard of the rich
+prize those pirates had taken, but they resolved to follow their
+example. Hereupon, many of them left their employments, and endeavoured
+to get some small boats, wherein to exercise piracy; but not being able
+to purchase, or build them at Tortuga, they resolved to set forth in
+their canoes, and seek them elsewhere. With these they cruised at first
+upon Cape de Alvarez, where the Spaniards used to trade from one city to
+another in small vessels, in which they carry hides, tobacco, and other
+commodities, to the Havannah, and to which the Spaniards from Europe do
+frequently resort.
+
+Here it was that those pirates at first took a great many boats laden
+with the aforesaid commodities; these they used to carry to Tortuga, and
+sell the whole purchase to the ships that waited for their return, or
+accidentally happened to be there. With the gains of these prizes they
+provided themselves with necessaries, wherewith to undertake other
+voyages, some of which were made to Campechy, and others toward New
+Spain; in both which the Spaniards then drove a great trade. Upon those
+coasts they found great numbers of trading vessels, and often ships of
+great burden. Two of the biggest of these vessels, and two great ships
+which the Spaniards had laden with plate in the port of Campechy, to go
+to the Caraccas, they took in less than a month's time, and carried to
+Tortuga; where the people of the whole island, encouraged by their
+success, especially seeing in two years the riches of the country so
+much increased, they augmented the number of pirates so fast, that in a
+little time there were, in that small island and port, above twenty
+ships of this sort of people. Hereupon the Spaniards, not able to bear
+their robberies any longer, equipped two large men-of-war, both for the
+defence of their own coasts, and to cruise upon the enemies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+_How the pirates arm their vessels, and regulate their voyages._
+
+
+BEFORE the pirates go to sea, they give notice to all concerned, of the
+day on which they are to embark; obliging each man to bring so many
+pounds of powder and ball as they think necessary. Being all come
+aboard, they consider where to get provisions, especially flesh, seeing
+they scarce eat anything else; and of this the most common sort is pork;
+the next food is tortoises, which they salt a little: sometimes they rob
+such or such hog-yards, where the Spaniards often have a thousand head
+of swine together. They come to these places in the night, and having
+beset the keeper's lodge, they force him to rise, and give them as many
+heads as they desire, threatening to kill him if he refuses, or makes
+any noise; and these menaces are oftentimes executed on the miserable
+swine-keepers, or any other person that endeavours to hinder their
+robberies.
+
+Having got flesh sufficient for their voyage, they return to their ship:
+here they allow, twice a day, every one as much as he can eat, without
+weight or measure; nor does the steward of the vessel give any more
+flesh, or anything else, to the captain, than to the meanest mariner.
+The ship being well victualled, they deliberate whither they shall go to
+seek their desperate fortunes, and likewise agree upon certain articles,
+which are put in writing, which every one is bound to observe; and all
+of them, or the chiefest part, do set their hands to it. Here they set
+down distinctly what sums of money each particular person ought to have
+for that voyage, the fund of all the payments being what is gotten by
+the whole expedition; for otherwise it is the same law among these
+people as with other pirates. No prey, no pay. First, therefore, they
+mention how much the captain is to have for his ship; next, the salary
+of the carpenter, or shipwright, who careened, mended, and rigged the
+vessel: this commonly amounts to one hundred or one hundred and fifty
+pieces of eight, according to the agreement. Afterwards, for provisions
+and victualling, they draw out of the same common stock about two
+hundred pieces of eight; also a salary for the surgeon, and his chest of
+medicaments, which usually is rated at two hundred or two hundred and
+fifty pieces of eight. Lastly, they agree what rate each one ought to
+have that is either wounded or maimed in his body, suffering the loss of
+any limb; as, for the loss of a right arm, six hundred pieces of eight,
+or six slaves; for the left arm, five hundred pieces of eight, or five
+slaves; for a right leg, five hundred pieces of eight, or five slaves;
+for the left leg, four hundred pieces of eight, or four slaves; for an
+eye, one hundred pieces of eight, or one slave; for a finger, the same
+as for an eye. All which sums are taken out of the common stock of what
+is gotten by their piracy, and a very exact and equal dividend is made
+of the remainder. They have also regard to qualities and places: thus
+the captain, or chief, is allotted five or six portions, to what the
+ordinary seamen have: the master's mate only two, and other officers
+proportionately to their employ: after which, they draw equal parts from
+the highest to the lowest mariner, the boys not being omitted, who draw
+half a share; because when they take a better vessel than their own, it
+is in the boys' duty to fire their former vessel, and then retire to the
+prize.
+
+They observe among themselves very good orders; for in the prizes which
+they take, it is severely prohibited, to every one, to take anything to
+themselves: hence all they take is equally divided, as hath been said
+before: yea, they take a solemn oath to each other, not to conceal the
+least thing they find among the prizes; and if any one is found false to
+the said oath, he is immediately turned out of the society. They are
+very civil and charitable to each other; so that if any one wants what
+another has, with great willingness they give it one to another. As soon
+as these pirates have taken a prize, they immediately set ashore the
+prisoners, detaining only some few, for their own help and service:
+whom, also, they release, after two or three years. They refresh
+themselves at one island or another, but especially at those on the
+south of Cuba; here they careen their vessels, while some hunt, and
+others cruise in canoes for prizes.
+
+The inhabitants of New Spain and Campechy lade their best merchandize in
+ships of great bulk: the vessels from Campechy sail in the winter to
+Caraccas, Trinity isles, and that of Margarita, and return back again in
+the summer. The pirates knowing these seasons (being very diligent in
+their inquiries) always cruise between the places above-mentioned; but
+in case they light on no considerable booty, they commonly undertake
+some more hazardous enterprises: one remarkable instance of which I
+shall here give you.
+
+A certain pirate called Pierre Francois, or Peter Francis, waiting a
+long time at sea with his boat and twenty-six men, for the ships that
+were to return from Maracaibo to Campechy, and not being able to find
+any prey, at last he resolved to direct his course to Rancheiras, near
+the River de la Plata, in 12 deg. and a half north latitude. Here lies a
+rich bank of pearl, to the fishery whereof they yearly sent from
+Carthagena twelve vessels with a man-of-war for their defence. Every
+vessel has at least two negroes in it, who are very dextrous in diving
+to the depth of six fathoms, where they find good store of pearls. On
+this fleet, called the pearl-fleet, Pierre Francois resolved to venture,
+rather than go home empty; they then rid at anchor at the mouth of the
+River de la Hacha, the man-of-war scarce half a league distant from the
+small ships, and the wind very calm. Having spied them in this posture,
+he presently pulled down his sails, and rowed along the coast feigning
+to be a Spanish vessel coming from Maracaibo; but no sooner was he come
+to the pearl-bank, when suddenly he assaulted the vice-admiral of eight
+guns and sixty men, commanding them to surrender. The Spaniards made a
+good defence for some time, but at last were forced to submit.
+
+Having thus taken the vice-admiral, he resolved to attempt the
+man-of-war, with which addition he hoped to master the rest of the
+fleet: to this end he presently sunk his own boat, putting forth the
+Spanish colours, and weighed anchor with a little wind which then began
+to stir, having with threats and promises compelled most of the
+Spaniards to assist him: but so soon as the man-of-war perceived one of
+his fleet to sail, he did so too, fearing lest the mariners designed to
+run away with the riches they had on board. The pirate on this
+immediately gave over the enterprise, thinking themselves unable to
+encounter force to force: hereupon they endeavoured to get out of the
+river and gain the open seas, by making as much sail as they could;
+which the man-of-war perceiving, he presently gave them chase, but the
+pirates having laid on too much sail, and a gust of wind suddenly
+rising, their main-mast was brought by the board, which disabled them
+from escaping.
+
+This unhappy event much encouraged those in the man-of-war, they gaining
+upon the pirates every moment, and at last overtook them; but finding
+they had twenty-two sound men, the rest being either killed or wounded,
+resolved to defend themselves as long as possible; this they performed
+very courageously for some time, till they were forced by the
+man-of-war, on condition that they should not be used as slaves to carry
+stones, or be employed in other labours for three or four years, as they
+served their negroes, but that they should be set safe ashore on free
+land. On these articles they yielded with all they had taken, which was
+worth, in pearls alone, above 100,000 pieces of eight, besides the
+vessel, provisions, goods, &c. All of which would have made this a
+greater prize than he could desire, which he had certainly carried off,
+if his main-mast had not been lost, as we said before.
+
+Another bold attempt like this, no less remarkable, I shall also give
+you. A certain pirate of Portugal, thence called Bartholomew Portugues,
+was cruising in a boat of thirty men and four small guns from Jamaica,
+upon the Cape de Corriente in Cuba, where he met a great ship from
+Maracaibo and Carthagena, bound for the Havannah, well provided with
+twenty great guns and seventy men, passengers and mariners; this ship he
+presently assaulted, which they on board as resolutely defended. The
+pirate escaping the first encounter, resolved to attack her more
+vigorously than before, seeing he had yet suffered no great damage: this
+he performed with so much resolution, that at last, after a long and
+dangerous fight, he became master of it. The Portuguese lost only ten
+men, and had four wounded; so that he had still remaining twenty
+fighting men, whereas the Spaniards had double the number. Having
+possessed themselves of the ship, the wind being contrary to return to
+Jamaica, they resolved to steer to Cape St. Anthony (which lies west of
+Cuba), there to repair and take in fresh water, of which they were then
+in great want.
+
+Being very near the cape abovesaid, they unexpectedly met with three
+great ships coming from New Spain, and bound for the Havannah; by these
+not being able to escape, they were easily retaken, both ship and
+pirates, and all made prisoners, and stripped of all the riches they had
+taken but just before. The cargo consisted in 120,000 weight of
+cocoa-nuts, the chief ingredient of chocolate, and 70,000 pieces of
+eight. Two days after this misfortune, there arose a great storm, which
+separated the ships from one another. The great vessel, where the
+pirates were, arrived at Campechy, where many considerable merchants
+came and saluted the captain; these presently knew the Portuguese
+pirate, being infamous for the many insolencies, robberies and murders
+he had committed on their coasts, which they kept fresh in their memory.
+
+The next day after their arrival, the magistrates of the city sent to
+demand the prisoners from on board the ship, in order to punish them
+according to their deserts; but fearing the captain of the pirates
+should make his escape (as he had formerly done, being their prisoner
+once before) they judged it safer to leave him guarded on ship-board for
+the present, while they erected a gibbet to hang him on the next day,
+without any other process than to lead him from the ship to his
+punishment; the rumour of which was presently brought to Bartholomew
+Portugues, whereby he sought all possible means to escape that night:
+with this design he took two earthen jars, wherein the Spaniards carry
+wine from Spain to the West Indies, and stopped them very well,
+intending to use them for swimming, as those unskilled in that art do
+corks or empty bladders; having made this necessary preparation, he
+waited when all should be asleep; but not being able to escape his
+sentinel's vigilance, he stabbed him with a knife he had secretly
+purchased, and then threw himself into the sea with the earthen jars
+before-mentioned, by the help of which, though he never learned to swim,
+he reached the shore, and immediately took to the woods, where he hid
+himself for three days, not daring to appear, eating no other food than
+wild herbs.
+
+[Illustration: "'PORTUGUES MADE THE BEST OF HIS WAY TO DEL GOLPHO
+TRISTE'"--_Page 46_]
+
+Those of the city next day made diligent search for him in the woods,
+where they concluded him to be. This strict inquiry Portugues saw from
+the hollow of a tree, wherein he lay hid; and upon their return he made
+the best of his way to del Golpho Triste, forty leagues from Campechy,
+where he arrived within a fortnight after his escape: during which
+time, as also afterwards, he endured extreme hunger and thirst, having
+no other provision with him than a small calabaca with a little water:
+besides the fears of falling again into the hands of the Spaniards. He
+eat nothing but a few shell-fish, which he found among the rocks near
+the seashore; and being obliged to pass some rivers, not knowing well
+how to swim, he found at last an old board which the waves had driven
+ashore, wherein were a few great nails; these he took, and with no small
+labour whetted on a stone, till he had made them like knives, though not
+so well; with these, and nothing else, he cut down some branches of
+trees, which with twigs and osiers he joined together, and made as well
+as he could a boat to waft him over the rivers: thus arriving at the
+Cape of Golpho Triste, as was said, he found a vessel of pirates,
+comrades of his own, lately come from Jamaica.
+
+To these he related all his adversities and misfortunes, and withal
+desired they would fit him with a boat and twenty men, with which
+company alone he promised to return to Campechy, and assault the ship
+that was in the river, by which he had been taken fourteen days before.
+They presently granted his request, and equipped him a boat accordingly.
+With this small company he set out to execute his design, which he
+bravely performed eight days after he left Golpho Triste; for being
+arrived at Campechy, with an undaunted courage, and without any noise,
+he assaulted the said ship: those on board thought it was a boat from
+land that came to bring contraband goods, and so were in no posture of
+defence; which opportunity the pirates laying hold of, assaulted them so
+resolutely, that in a little time they compelled the Spaniards to
+surrender.
+
+Being masters of the ship, they immediately weighed anchor and set sail
+from the port, lest they should be pursued by other vessels. This they
+did with the utmost joy, seeing themselves possessors of so brave a
+ship; especially Portugues, who by a second turn of fortune was become
+rich and powerful again, who was so lately in that same vessel a
+prisoner, condemned to be hanged. With this purchase he designed greater
+things, which he might have done, since there remained in the vessel so
+great a quantity of rich merchandise, though the plate had been sent to
+the city: but while he was making his voyage to Jamaica, near the isle
+of Pinos, on the south of Cuba, a terrible storm arose, which drove
+against the Jardines rocks, where she was lost; but Portugues, with his
+companions, escaped in a canoe, in which he arrived at Jamaica, where it
+was not long ere he went on new adventures, but was never fortunate
+after.
+
+Nor less considerable are the actions of another pirate who now lives at
+Jamaica, who on several occasions has performed very surprising things.
+He was born at Groninghen in the United Provinces. His own name not
+being known, his companions gave him that of Roche Brasiliano, by reason
+of his long residence in Brasil: hence he was forced to fly, when the
+Portuguese retook those countries from the Dutch, several nations then
+inhabiting at Brasil (as English, French, Dutch, and others), being
+constrained to seek new fortunes.
+
+This person fled to Jamaica, where, being at a stand how to get his
+living, he entered himself into the society of pirates, where he served
+as a private mariner for some time, and behaved himself so well, that he
+was beloved and respected by all. One day some of the mariners
+quarrelled with their captain to that degree, that they left the boat.
+Brasiliano following them, was chosen their leader, who having fitted
+out a small vessel, they made him captain.
+
+Within a few days after, he took a great ship coming from New Spain,
+which had a great quantity of plate on board, and carried it to Jamaica.
+This action got him a great reputation at home; and though in his
+private affairs he governed himself very well, he would oftentimes
+appear brutish and foolish when in drink, running up and down the
+streets, beating and wounding those he met, no person daring to make any
+resistance.
+
+To the Spaniards he was always very barbarous and cruel, out of an
+inveterate hatred against that nation. Of these he commanded several to
+be roasted alive on wooden spits, for not showing him hog-yards where he
+might steal swine. After many of these cruelties, as he was cruising on
+the coasts of Campechy, a dismal tempest surprised him so violently,
+that his ship was wrecked upon the coasts, the mariners only escaping
+with their muskets and some few bullets and powder, which were the only
+things they could save. The ship was lost between Campechy and the
+Golpho Triste: here they got ashore in a canoe, and, marching along the
+coast with all the speed they could, they directed their course towards
+Golpho Triste, the common refuge of the pirates. Being upon his journey,
+and all very hungry and thirsty, as is usual in desert places, they were
+pursued by a troop of an hundred Spaniards. Brasiliano, perceiving their
+imminent danger, encouraged his companions, telling them they were
+better soldiers, and ought rather to die under their arms fighting, as
+it became men of courage, than surrender to the Spaniards, who would
+take away their lives with the utmost torments. The pirates were but
+thirty; yet, seeing their brave commander oppose the enemy with such
+courage, resolved to do the like: hereupon they faced the troop of
+Spaniards, and discharged their muskets on them so dextrously, that they
+killed one horseman almost with every shot. The fight continued for an
+hour, till at last the Spaniards were put to flight. They stripped the
+dead, and took from them what was most for their use; such as were also
+not quite dead they dispatched with the ends of their muskets.
+
+Having vanquished the enemy, they mounted on horses they found in the
+field, and continued their journey; Brasiliano having lost but two of
+his companions in this bloody fight, and had two wounded. Prosecuting
+their way, before they came to the port they spied a boat at anchor from
+Campechy, well manned, protecting a few canoes that were lading wood:
+hereupon they sent six of their men to watch them, who next morning, by
+a wile, possessed themselves of the canoes. Having given notice to their
+companions, they boarded them, and also took the little man-of-war,
+their convoy. Being thus masters of this fleet, they wanted only
+provisions, of which they found little aboard those vessels: but this
+defect was supplied by the horses, which they killed, and salted with
+salt, which by good fortune the wood-cutters had brought with them, with
+which they supported themselves till they could get better.
+
+They took also another ship going from New Spain to Maracaibo, laden
+with divers sorts of merchandise and pieces of eight, designed to buy
+cocoa-nuts for their lading home: all these they carried to Jamaica,
+where they safely arrived, and, according to custom, wasted all in a few
+days in taverns, giving themselves to all manner of debauchery. Such of
+these pirates will spend two or three thousand pieces of eight in a
+night, not leaving themselves a good shirt to wear in the morning. My
+own master would buy sometimes a pipe of wine, and, placing it in the
+street, would force those that passed by to drink with him, threatening
+also to pistol them if they would not. He would do the like with barrels
+of beer or ale; and very often he would throw these liquors about the
+streets, and wet peoples' clothes without regarding whether he spoiled
+their apparel.
+
+Among themselves these pirates are very liberal: if any one has lost
+all, which often happens in their manner of life, they freely give him
+of what they have. In taverns and alehouses they have great credit; but
+at Jamaica they ought not to run very deep in debt, seeing the
+inhabitants there easily sell one another for debt. This happened to my
+patron, to be sold for a debt of a tavern wherein he had spent the
+greatest part of his money. This man had, within three months before,
+three thousand pieces of eight in ready cash, all which he wasted in
+that little time, and became as poor as I have told you.
+
+But to return Brasiliano, after having spent all, was forced to go to
+sea again to seek his fortune. He set forth towards the coast of
+Campechy, his common rendezvous: fifteen days after his arrival, he put
+himself into a canoe to espy the port of that city, and see if he could
+rob any Spanish vessel; but his fortune was so bad, that both he and all
+his men were taken and carried before the governor, who immediately cast
+them into a dungeon, intending to hang them every one; and doubtless he
+had done so, but for a stratagem of Brasiliano, which saved their lives.
+He wrote a letter to the governor, in the names of other pirates that
+were abroad at sea, telling them he should have a care how he used those
+persons he had in custody; for if he hurt them in the least, they swore
+they would never give quarter to any Spaniard that should fall into
+their hands.
+
+These pirates having been often at Campechy, and other places of the
+West Indies in the Spanish dominions, the governor feared what mischief
+their companions abroad might do, if he should punish them. Hereupon he
+released them, exacting only an oath on them that they would leave their
+exercise of piracy for ever; and withal he sent them as common mariners,
+in the galleons, to Spain. They got in this voyage, all together, five
+hundred pieces of eight; so that they tarried not long there after their
+arrival. Providing themselves with necessaries, they returned to
+Jamaica, from whence they set forth again to sea, committing greater
+robberies and cruelties than before; but especially abusing the poor
+Spaniards, who fell into their hands, with all sorts of cruelty.
+
+The Spaniards, finding they could gain nothing on these people, nor
+diminish their number, daily resolved to lessen the number of their
+trading ships. But neither was this of any service; for the pirates,
+finding few ships at sea, began to gather into companies, and to land on
+their dominions, ruining cities, towns, and villages; pillaging,
+burning, and carrying away as much as they could.
+
+The first pirate who began these invasions by land was Lewis Scot, who
+sacked the city of Campechy, which he almost ruined, robbing and
+destroying all he could; and after he had put it to an excessive
+ransom, he left it. After Scot came another named Mansvelt, who invaded
+Granada, and penetrated even to the South Sea; till at last, for want of
+provision, he was forced to go back. He assaulted the isle of St.
+Catherine, which he took, with a few prisoners. These directed him to
+Carthagena, a principal city in Neuva Granada. But the bold attempts and
+actions of John Davis, born at Jamaica, ought not to be forgotten, being
+some of the most remarkable; especially his rare prudence and valour
+showed in the fore-mentioned kingdom of Granada. This pirate, having
+long cruised in the Gulf of Pocatauro, on the ships expected to
+Carthagena, bound for Nicaragua, and not meeting any of them, resolved
+at last to land in Nicaragua, leaving his ship hid on the coast.
+
+This design he soon executed; for taking eighty men out of ninety, which
+he had in all--and the rest he left to keep the ship--he divided them
+equally into three canoes. His intent was to rob the churches, and rifle
+the houses of the chief citizens of Nicaragua. Thus in the dark night
+they entered the river leading to that city, rowing in their canoes; by
+day they hid themselves and boats under the branches of trees, on the
+banks, which grow very thick along the river-sides in those countries,
+and along the sea-coast. Being arrived at the city the third night, the
+sentinel, who kept the post of the river, thought them to be fishermen
+that had been fishing in the lake: and most of the pirates
+understanding Spanish, he doubted not, as soon as he heard them speak.
+They had in their company an Indian who had run away from his master,
+who would have enslaved him unjustly. He went first ashore, and
+instantly killed the sentinel: this done, they entered the city, and
+went directly to three or four houses of the chief citizens, where they
+knocked softly. These, believing them to be friends, opened the doors;
+and the pirates, suddenly possessing themselves of the houses, stole all
+the money and plate they could find. Nor did they spare the churches and
+most sacred things; all of which were pillaged and profaned, without any
+respect or veneration.
+
+Meanwhile, great cries and lamentations were heard of some who had
+escaped them; so that the whole city was in an uproar, and all the
+citizens rallied in order, to a defence; which the pirates perceiving,
+they instantly fled, carrying away their booty, and some prisoners:
+these they led away, that if any of them should be taken by the
+Spaniards, they might use them for ransom. Thus they got to their ship,
+and with all speed put to sea, forcing the prisoners, before they let
+them go, to procure them as much flesh as was necessary for their voyage
+to Jamaica. But no sooner had they weighed anchor, when they saw a troop
+of about five hundred Spaniards, all well armed, at the sea-side:
+against these they let fly several guns, wherewith they forced them to
+quit the sands, and retire, with no small regret to see these pirates
+carry away so much plate of their churches and houses, though distant at
+least forty leagues from the sea.
+
+These pirates got, on this occasion, above four thousand pieces of eight
+in money, besides much plate, and many jewels; in all, to the value of
+fifty thousand pieces of eight, or more: with all this they arrived at
+Jamaica soon after. But this sort of people being never long masters of
+their money, they were soon constrained to seek more by the same means;
+and Captain John Davis, presently after his return, was chosen admiral
+of seven or eight vessels, he being now esteemed an able conductor for
+such enterprises. He began his new command by directing his fleet to the
+north of Cuba, there to wait for the fleet from New Spain; but missing
+his design, they determined for Florida. Being arrived there, they
+landed their men, and sacked a small city named St. Augustine of
+Florida. The castle had a garrison of two hundred men, but could not
+prevent the pillage of the city, they effecting it without the least
+damage from the soldiers or townsmen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+_Of the origin of Francis Lolonois, and the beginning of his robberies._
+
+
+FRANCIS LOLONOIS was a native of that territory in France which is
+called Les Sables d'Olone, or The Sands of Olone. In his youth he was
+transported to the Caribbee islands, in quality of servant, or slave,
+according to custom; of which we have already spoken. Being out of his
+time, he came to Hispaniola; here he joined for some time with the
+hunters, before he began his robberies upon the Spaniards, which I shall
+now relate, till his unfortunate death.
+
+At first he made two or three voyages as a common mariner, wherein he
+behaved himself so courageously as to gain the favour of the governor of
+Tortuga, Monsieur de la Place; insomuch that he gave him a ship, in
+which he might seek his fortune, which was very favourable to him at
+first; for in a short time he got great riches. But his cruelties
+against the Spaniards were such, that the fame of them made him so well
+known through the Indies, that the Spaniards, in his time, would choose
+rather to die, or sink fighting, than surrender, knowing they should
+have no mercy at his hands. But Fortune, being seldom constant, after
+some time turned her back; for in a huge storm he lost his ship on the
+coast of Campechy. The men were all saved, but coming upon dry land, the
+Spaniards pursued them, and killed the greatest part, wounding also
+Lolonois. Not knowing how to escape, he saved his life by a stratagem;
+mingling sand with the blood of his wounds, with which besmearing his
+face, and other parts of his body, and hiding himself dextrously among
+the dead, he continued there till the Spaniards quitted the field.
+
+They being gone, he retired to the woods, and bound up his wounds as
+well as he could. These being pretty well healed, he took his way to
+Campechy, having disguised himself in a Spanish habit; here he enticed
+certain slaves, to whom he promised liberty if they would obey him and
+trust to his conduct. They accepted his promises, and stealing a canoe,
+they went to sea with him. Now the Spaniards, having made several of his
+companions prisoners, kept them close in a dungeon, while Lolonois went
+about the town and saw what passed. These were often asked, "What is
+become of your captain?" To whom they constantly answered, "He is dead:"
+which rejoiced the Spaniards, who made bonfires, and, knowing nothing to
+the contrary, gave thanks to God for their deliverance from such a cruel
+pirate. Lolonois, having seen these rejoicings for his death, made haste
+to escape, with the slaves above-mentioned, and came safe to Tortuga,
+the common refuge of all sorts of wickedness, and the seminary, as it
+were, of pirates and thieves. Though now his fortune was low, yet he got
+another ship with craft and subtlety, and in it twenty-one men. Being
+well provided with arms and necessaries, he set forth for Cuba, on the
+south whereof is a small village, called De los Cayos. The inhabitants
+drive a great trade in tobacco, sugar, and hides, and all in boats, not
+being able to use ships, by reason of the little depth of that sea.
+
+Lolonois was persuaded he should get here some considerable prey; but by
+the good fortune of some fishermen who saw him, and the mercy of God,
+they escaped him: for the inhabitants of the town dispatched immediately
+a vessel overland to the Havannah, complaining that Lolonois was come to
+destroy them with two canoes. The governor could very hardly believe
+this, having received letters from Campechy that he was dead: but, at
+their importunity, he sent a ship to their relief, with ten guns, and
+ninety men, well armed; giving them this express command, "that they
+should not return into his presence without having totally destroyed
+those pirates." To this effect he gave them a negro to serve for a
+hangman, and orders, "that they should immediately hang every one of the
+pirates, excepting Lolonois, their captain, whom they should bring alive
+to the Havannah." This ship arrived at Cayos, of whose coming the
+pirates were advertised beforehand, and instead of flying, went to seek
+it in the river Estera, where she rode at anchor. The pirates seized
+some fishermen, and forced them by night to show them the entry of the
+port, hoping soon to obtain a greater vessel than their two canoes, and
+thereby to mend their fortune. They arrived, after two in the morning,
+very nigh the ship; and the watch on board the ship asking them, whence
+they came, and if they had seen any pirates abroad? They caused one of
+the prisoners to answer, they had seen no pirates, nor anything else.
+Which answer made them believe that they were fled upon hearing of their
+coming.
+
+But they soon found the contrary, for about break of day the pirates
+assaulted the vessel on both sides, with their two canoes, with such
+vigour, that though the Spaniards behaved themselves as they ought, and
+made as good defence as they could, making some use of their great guns,
+yet they were forced to surrender, being beaten by the pirates, with
+sword in hand, down under the hatches. From hence Lolonois commanded
+them to be brought up, one by one, and in this order caused their heads
+to be struck off: among the rest came up the negro, designed to be the
+pirates' executioner; this fellow implored mercy at his hands very
+dolefully, telling Lolonois he was constituted hangman of that ship, and
+if he would spare him, he would tell him faithfully all that he should
+desire. Lolonois, making him confess what he thought fit, commanded him
+to be murdered with the rest. Thus he cruelly and barbarously put them
+all to death, reserving only one alive, whom he sent back to the
+governor of the Havannah, with this message in writing: "I shall never
+henceforward give quarter to any Spaniard whatsoever; and I have great
+hopes I shall execute on your own person the very same punishment I have
+done upon them you sent against me. Thus I have retaliated the kindness
+you designed to me and my companions." The governor, much troubled at
+this sad news, swore, in the presence of many, that he would never grant
+quarter to any pirate that should fall into his hands. But the citizens
+of the Havannah desired him not to persist in the execution of that rash
+and rigorous oath, seeing the pirates would certainly take occasion from
+thence to do the same, and they had an hundred times more opportunity of
+revenge than he; that being necessitated to get their livelihood by
+fishery, they should hereafter always be in danger of their lives. By
+these reasons he was persuaded to bridle his anger, and remit the
+severity of his oath.
+
+Now Lolonois had got a good ship, but very few provisions and people in
+it; to purchase both which, he resolved to cruise from one port to
+another. Doing thus, for some time, without success, he determined to go
+to the port of Maracaibo. Here he surprised a ship laden with plate, and
+other merchandises, outward bound, to buy cocoa-nuts. With this prize he
+returned to Tortuga, where he was received with joy by the inhabitants;
+they congratulating his happy success, and their own private interest.
+He stayed not long there, but designed to equip a fleet sufficient to
+transport five hundred men, and necessaries. Thus provided, he resolved
+to pillage both cities, towns, and villages, and finally, to take
+Maracaibo itself. For this purpose he knew the island of Tortuga would
+afford him many resolute and courageous men, fit for such enterprises:
+besides, he had in his service several prisoners well acquainted with
+the ways and places designed upon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+_Lolonois equips a fleet to land upon the Spanish islands of America,
+with intent to rob, sack and burn whatsoever he met with._
+
+
+OF this design Lolonois giving notice to all the pirates, whether at
+home or abroad, he got together, in a little while, above four hundred
+men; beside which, there was then in Tortuga another pirate, named
+Michael de Basco, who, by his piracy, had got riches sufficient to live
+at ease, and go no more abroad; having, withal, the office of major of
+the island. But seeing the great preparations that Lolonois made for
+this expedition, he joined him, and offered him, that if he would make
+him his chief captain by land (seeing he knew the country very well, and
+all its avenues) he would share in his fortunes, and go with him. They
+agreed upon articles to the great joy of Lolonois, knowing that Basco
+had done great actions in Europe, and had the repute of a good soldier.
+Thus they all embarked in eight vessels, that of Lolonois being the
+greatest, having ten guns of indifferent carriage.
+
+All things being ready, and the whole company on board, they set sail
+together about the end of April, being, in all, six hundred and sixty
+persons. They steered for that part called Bayala, north of Hispaniola:
+here they took into their company some French hunters, who voluntarily
+offered themselves, and here they provided themselves with victuals and
+necessaries for their voyage.
+
+From hence they sailed again the last of July, and steered directly to
+the eastern cape of the isle called Punta d'Espada. Hereabouts espying a
+ship from Puerto Rico, bound for New Spain, laden with cocoa-nuts,
+Lolonois commanded the rest of the fleet to wait for him near Savona, on
+the east of Cape Punta d'Espada, he alone intending to take the said
+vessel. The Spaniards, though they had been in sight full two hours, and
+knew them to be pirates, yet would not flee, but prepared to fight,
+being well armed, and provided. The combat lasted three hours, and then
+they surrendered. This ship had sixteen guns, and fifty fighting men
+aboard: they found in her 120,000 weight of cocoa, 40,000 pieces of
+eight, and the value of 10,000 more in jewels. Lolonois sent the vessel
+presently to Tortuga to be unladed, with orders to return as soon as
+possible to Savona, where he would wait for them: meanwhile, the rest of
+the fleet being arrived at Savona, met another Spanish vessel coming
+from Coman, with military provisions to Hispaniola, and money to pay the
+garrisons there. This vessel they also took, without any resistance,
+though mounted with eight guns. In it were 7,000 weight of powder, a
+great number of muskets, and like things, with 12,000 pieces of eight.
+
+These successes encouraged the pirates, they seeming very lucky
+beginnings, especially finding their fleet pretty well recruited in a
+little time: for the first ship arriving at Tortuga, the governor
+ordered it to be instantly unladen, and soon after sent back, with fresh
+provisions, and other necessaries, to Lolonois. This ship he chose for
+himself, and gave that which he commanded to his comrade, Anthony du
+Puis. Being thus recruited with men in lieu of them he had lost in
+taking the prizes, and by sickness, he found himself in a good condition
+to set sail for Maracaibo, in the province of Neuva Venezuela, in the
+latitude of 12 deg. 10 min. north. This island is twenty leagues long,
+and twelve broad. To this port also belong the islands of Onega and
+Monges. The east side thereof is called Cape St. Roman, and the western
+side Cape of Caquibacoa: the gulf is called, by some, the Gulf of
+Venezuela, but the pirates usually call it the Bay of Maracaibo.
+
+At the entrance of this gulf are two islands extending from east to
+west; that towards the east is called Isla de las Vigilias, or the Watch
+Isle; because in the middle is a high hill, on which stands a
+watch-house. The other is called Isla de la Palomas, or the Isle of
+Pigeons. Between these two islands runs a little sea, or rather lake of
+fresh water, sixty leagues long, and thirty broad; which disgorging
+itself into the ocean, dilates itself about the said two islands.
+Between them is the best passage for ships, the channel being no broader
+than the flight of a great gun, of about eight pounds. On the Isle of
+Pigeons standeth a castle, to impede the entry of vessels, all being
+necessitated to come very nigh the castle, by reason of two banks of
+sand on the other side, with only fourteen feet water. Many other banks
+of sand there are in this lake; as that called El Tablazo, or the Great
+Table, no deeper than ten feet, forty leagues within the lake; others
+there are, that have no more than six, seven, or eight feet in depth:
+all are very dangerous, especially to mariners unacquainted with them.
+West hereof is the city of Maracaibo, very pleasant to the view, its
+houses being built along the shore, having delightful prospects all
+round: the city may contain three or four thousand persons, slaves
+included, all which make a town of reasonable bigness. There are judged
+to be about eight hundred persons able to bear arms, all Spaniards. Here
+are one parish church, well built and adorned, four monasteries, and one
+hospital. The city is governed by a deputy governor, substituted by the
+governor of the Caraccas. The trade here exercised is mostly in hides
+and tobacco. The inhabitants possess great numbers of cattle, and many
+plantations, which extend thirty leagues in the country, especially
+towards the great town of Gibraltar, where are gathered great quantities
+of cocoa-nuts, and all other garden fruits, which serve for the regale
+and sustenance of the inhabitants of Maracaibo, whose territories are
+much drier than those of Gibraltar. Hither those of Maracaibo send great
+quantities of flesh, they making returns in oranges, lemons, and other
+fruits; for the inhabitants of Gibraltar want flesh, their fields not
+being capable of feeding cows or sheep.
+
+Before Maracaibo is a very spacious and secure port, wherein may be
+built all sorts of vessels, having great convenience of timber, which
+may be transported thither at little charge. Nigh the town lies also a
+small island called Borrica, where they feed great numbers of goats,
+which cattle the inhabitants use more for their skins than their flesh
+or milk; they slighting these two, unless while they are tender and
+young kids. In the fields are fed some sheep, but of a very small size.
+In some islands of the lake, and in other places hereabouts, are many
+savage Indians, called by the Spaniards bravoes, or wild: these could
+never be reduced by the Spaniards, being brutish, and untameable. They
+dwell mostly towards the west side of the lake, in little huts built on
+trees growing in the water; so to keep themselves from innumerable
+mosquitoes, or gnats, which infest and torment them night and day. To
+the east of the said lake are whole towns of fishermen, who likewise
+live in huts built on trees, as the former. Another reason of this
+dwelling, is the frequent inundations; for after great rains, the land
+is often overflown for two or three leagues, there being no less than
+twenty-five great rivers that feed this lake. The town of Gibraltar is
+also frequently drowned by these, so that the inhabitants are
+constrained to retire to their plantations.
+
+Gibraltar, situate at the side of the lake about forty leagues within
+it, receives its provisions of flesh, as has been said, from Maracaibo.
+The town is inhabited by about 1,500 persons, whereof four hundred may
+bear arms; the greatest part of them keep shops, wherein they exercise
+one trade or another. In the adjacent fields are numerous plantations of
+sugar and cocoa, in which are many tall and beautiful trees, of whose
+timber houses may be built, and ships. Among these are many handsome and
+proportionable cedars, seven or eight feet about, of which they can
+build boats and ships, so as to bear only one great sail; such vessels
+being called piraguas. The whole country is well furnished with rivers
+and brooks, very useful in droughts, being then cut into many little
+channels to water their fields and plantations. They plant also much
+tobacco, well esteemed in Europe, and for its goodness is called there
+tobacco de sacerdotes, or priest's tobacco. They enjoy nigh twenty
+leagues of jurisdiction, which is bounded by very high mountains
+perpetually covered with snow. On the other side of these mountains is
+situate a great city called Merida, to which the town of Gibraltar is
+subject. All merchandise is carried hence to the aforesaid city on
+mules, and that but at one season of the year, by reason of the
+excessive cold in those high mountains. On the said mules returns are
+made in flour of meal, which comes from towards Peru, by the way of
+Estaffe.
+
+Thus far I thought good to make a short description of the lake of
+Maracaibo, that my reader might the better comprehend what I shall say
+concerning the actions of pirates in this place, as follows.
+
+Lolonois arriving at the gulf of Venezuela, cast anchor with his whole
+fleet out of sight of the Vigilia or Watch Isle; next day very early he
+set sail thence with all his ships for the lake of Maracaibo, where they
+cast anchor again; then they landed their men, with design to attack
+first the fortress that commanded the bar, therefore called de la barra.
+This fort consists only of several great baskets of earth placed on a
+rising ground, planted with sixteen great guns, with several other heaps
+of earth round about for covering their men: the pirates having landed a
+league off this fort, advanced by degrees towards it; but the governor
+having espied their landing, had placed an ambuscade to cut them off
+behind, while he should attack them in front. This the pirates
+discovered, and getting before, they defeated it so entirely, that not a
+man could retreat to the castle: this done, Lolonois, with his
+companions, advanced immediately to the fort, and after a fight of
+almost three hours, with the usual desperation of this sort of people,
+they became masters thereof, without any other arms than swords and
+pistols: while they were fighting, those who were the routed ambuscade,
+not being able to get into the castle, retired into Maracaibo in great
+confusion and disorder, crying "The pirates will presently be here with
+two thousand men and more." The city having formerly been taken by this
+kind of people, and sacked to the uttermost, had still an idea of that
+misery; so that upon these dismal news they endeavoured to escape
+towards Gibraltar in their boats and canoes, carrying with them all the
+goods and money they could. Being come to Gibraltar, they told how the
+fortress was taken, and nothing had been saved, nor any persons escaped.
+
+The castle thus taken by the pirates, they presently signified to the
+ships their victory, that they should come farther in without fear of
+danger: the rest of that day was spent in ruining and demolishing the
+said castle. They nailed the guns, and burnt as much as they could not
+carry away, burying the dead, and sending on board the fleet the
+wounded. Next day, very early, they weighed anchor, and steered
+altogether towards Maracaibo, about six leagues distant from the fort;
+but the wind failing that day, they could advance little, being forced
+to expect the tide. Next morning they came in sight of the town, and
+prepared for landing under the protection of their own guns, fearing the
+Spaniards might have laid an ambuscade in the woods: they put their men
+into canoes, brought for that purpose, and landed where they thought
+most convenient, shooting still furiously with their great guns: of
+those in the canoes, half only went ashore, the other half remained
+aboard; they fired from the ships as fast as possible, towards the woody
+part of the shore, but could discover nobody; then they entered the
+town, whose inhabitants, as I told you, were retired to the woods, and
+Gibraltar, with their wives, children, and families. Their houses they
+left well provided with victuals, as flour, bread, pork, brandy, wines,
+and poultry, with these the pirates fell to making good cheer, for in
+four weeks before they had no opportunity of filling their stomachs with
+such plenty.
+
+They instantly possessed themselves of the best houses in the town, and
+placed sentinels wherever they thought convenient; the great church
+served them for their main guard. Next day they sent out an hundred and
+sixty men to find out some of the inhabitants in the woods thereabouts;
+these returned the same night, bringing with them 20,000 pieces of
+eight, several mules laden with household goods and merchandise, and
+twenty prisoners, men, women, and children. Some of these were put to
+the rack, to make them confess where they had hid the rest of the goods;
+but they could extort very little from them. Lolonois, who valued not
+murdering, though in cold blood, ten or twelve Spaniards, drew his
+cutlass, and hacked one to pieces before the rest, saying, "If you do
+not confess and declare where you have hid the rest of your goods, I
+will do the like to all your companions." At last, amongst these
+horrible cruelties and inhuman threats, one promised to show the place
+where the rest of the Spaniards were hid; but those that were fled,
+having intelligence of it, changed place, and buried the remnant of
+their riches underground, so that the pirates could not find them out,
+unless some of their own party should reveal them; besides, the
+Spaniards flying from one place to another every day, and often changing
+woods, were jealous even of each other, so as the father durst scarce
+trust his own son.
+
+After the pirates had been fifteen days in Maracaibo, they resolved for
+Gibraltar; but the inhabitants having received intelligence thereof, and
+that they intended afterwards to go to Merida, gave notice of it to the
+governor there, who was a valiant soldier, and had been an officer in
+Flanders. His answer was, "he would have them take no care, for he hoped
+in a little while to exterminate the said pirates." Whereupon he came to
+Gibraltar with four hundred men well armed, ordering at the same time
+the inhabitants to put themselves in arms, so that in all he made eight
+hundred fighting men. With the same speed he raised a battery toward the
+sea, mounted with twenty guns, covered with great baskets of earth:
+another battery he placed in another place, mounted with eight guns.
+This done, he barricaded a narrow passage to the town through which the
+pirates must pass, opening at the same time another through much dirt
+and mud into the wood totally unknown to the pirates.
+
+The pirates, ignorant of these preparations, having embarked all their
+prisoners and booty, took their way towards Gibraltar. Being come in
+sight of the place, they saw the royal standard hanging forth, and that
+those of the town designed to defend their houses. Lolonois seeing this,
+called a council of war what they ought to do, telling his officers and
+mariners, "That the difficulty of the enterprise was very great, seeing
+the Spaniards had had so much time to put themselves in a posture of
+defence, and had got a good body of men together, with much ammunition;
+but notwithstanding," said he, "have a good courage; we must either
+defend ourselves like good soldiers, or lose our lives with all the
+riches we have got. Do as I shall do who am your captain: at other times
+we have fought with fewer men than we have in our company at present,
+and yet we have overcome greater numbers than there possibly can be in
+this town: the more they are, the more glory and the greater riches we
+shall gain." The pirates supposed that all the riches of the inhabitants
+of Maracaibo were transported to Gibraltar, or at least the greatest
+part. After this speech, they all promised to follow, and obey him.
+Lolonois made answer, "'Tis well; but know ye, withal, that the first
+man who shall show any fear, or the least apprehension thereof, I will
+pistol him with my own hands."
+
+With this resolution they cast anchor nigh the shore, near
+three-quarters of a league from the town: next day before sun-rising,
+they landed three hundred and eighty men well provided, and armed every
+one with a cutlass, and one or two pistols, and sufficient powder and
+bullet for thirty charges. Here they all shook hands in testimony of
+good courage, and began their march, Lolonois speaking thus, "Come, my
+brethren, follow me, and have good courage." They followed their guide,
+who, believing he led them well, brought them to the way which the
+governor had barricaded. Not being able to pass that way, they went to
+the other newly made in the wood among the mire, which the Spaniards
+could shoot into at pleasure; but the pirates, full of courage, cut down
+the branches of trees and threw them on the way, that they might not
+stick in the dirt. Meanwhile, those of Gibraltar fired with their great
+guns so furiously, they could scarce hear nor see for the noise and
+smoke. Being passed the wood, they came on firm ground, where they met
+with a battery of six guns, which immediately the Spaniards discharged
+upon them, all loaded with small bullets and pieces of iron; and the
+Spaniards sallying forth, set upon them with such fury, as caused the
+pirates to give way, few of them caring to advance towards the fort,
+many of them being already killed and wounded. This made them go back to
+seek another way; but the Spaniards having cut down many trees to hinder
+the passage, they could find none, but were forced to return to that
+they had left. Here the Spaniards continued to fire as before, nor would
+they sally out of their batteries to attack them any more. Lolonois and
+his companions not being able to grimp up the baskets of earth, were
+compelled to use an old stratagem, wherewith at last they deceived and
+overcame the Spaniards.
+
+Lolonois retired suddenly with all his men, making show as if he fled;
+hereupon the Spaniards crying out "They flee, they flee, let us follow
+them," sallied forth with great disorder to the pursuit. Being drawn to
+some distance from the batteries, which was the pirates only design,
+they turned upon them unexpectedly with sword in hand, and killed above
+two hundred men; and thus fighting their way through those who remained,
+they possessed themselves of the batteries. The Spaniards that remained
+abroad, giving themselves over for lost, fled to the woods: those in the
+battery of eight guns surrendered themselves, obtaining quarter for
+their lives. The pirates being now become masters of the town, pulled
+down the Spanish colours and set up their own, taking prisoners as many
+as they could find. These they carried to the great church, where they
+raised a battery of several great guns, fearing lest the Spaniards that
+were fled should rally, and come upon them again; but next day, being
+all fortified, their fears were over. They gathered the dead to bury
+them, being above five hundred Spaniards, besides the wounded in the
+town, and those that died of their wounds in the woods. The pirates had
+also above one hundred and fifty prisoners, and nigh five hundred
+slaves, many women and children.
+
+Of their own companions only forty were killed, and almost eighty
+wounded, whereof the greatest part died through the bad air, which
+brought fevers and other illness. They put the slain Spaniards into two
+great boats, and carrying them a quarter of a league to sea, they sunk
+the boats; this done, they gathered all the plate, household stuff, and
+merchandise they could, or thought convenient to carry away. The
+Spaniards who had anything left had hid it carefully: but the
+unsatisfied pirates, not contented with the riches they had got, sought
+for more goods and merchandise, not sparing those who lived in the
+fields, such as hunters and planters. They had scarce been eighteen days
+on the place, when the greatest part of the prisoners died for hunger.
+For in the town were few provisions, especially of flesh, though they
+had some, but no sufficient quantity of flour of meal, and this the
+pirates had taken for themselves, as they also took the swine, cows,
+sheep, and poultry, without allowing any share to the poor prisoners;
+for these they only provided some small quantity of mules' and asses'
+flesh; and many who could not eat of that loathsome provision died for
+hunger, their stomachs not being accustomed to such sustenance. Of the
+prisoners many also died under the torment they sustained to make them
+discover their money or jewels; and of these, some had none, nor knew of
+none, and others denying what they knew, endured such horrible deaths.
+
+Finally, after having been in possession of the town four entire weeks,
+they sent four of the prisoners to the Spaniards that were fled to the
+woods, demanding of them a ransom for not burning the town. The sum
+demanded was 10,000 pieces of eight, which if not sent, they threatened
+to reduce it to ashes. For bringing in this money, they allowed them
+only two days; but the Spaniards not having been able to gather so
+punctually such a sum, the pirates fired many parts of the town;
+whereupon the inhabitants begged them to help quench the fire, and the
+ransom should be readily paid. The pirates condescended, helping as much
+as they could to stop the fire; but, notwithstanding all their best
+endeavours, one part of the town was ruined, especially the church
+belonging to the monastery was burnt down. After they had received the
+said sum, they carried aboard all the riches they had got, with a great
+number of slaves which had not paid the ransom; for all the prisoners
+had sums of money set upon them, and the slaves were also commanded to
+be redeemed. Hence they returned to Maracaibo, where being arrived, they
+found a general consternation in the whole city, to which they sent
+three or four prisoners to tell the governor and inhabitants, "they
+should bring them 30,000 pieces of eight aboard their ships, for a
+ransom of their houses, otherwise they should be sacked anew and burnt."
+
+Among these debates a party of pirates came on shore, and carried away
+the images, pictures, and bells of the great church, aboard the fleet.
+The Spaniards who were sent to demand the sum aforesaid returned, with
+orders to make some agreement; who concluded with the pirates to give
+for their ransom and liberty 20,000 pieces of eight, and five hundred
+cows, provided that they should commit no farther hostilities, but
+depart thence presently after payment of money and cattle. The one and
+the other being delivered, the whole fleet set sail, causing great joy
+to the inhabitants of Maracaibo, to see themselves quit of them: but
+three days after they renewed their fears with admiration, seeing the
+pirates appear again, and re-enter the port with all their ships: but
+these apprehensions vanished, upon hearing one of the pirate's errand,
+who came ashore from Lolonois, "to demand a skilful pilot to conduct one
+of the greatest ships over the dangerous bank that lieth at the very
+entry of the lake." Which petition, or rather command, was instantly
+granted.
+
+They had now been full two months in those towns, wherein they committed
+those cruel and insolent actions we have related. Departing thence, they
+took their course to Hispaniola, and arrived there in eight days,
+casting anchor in a port called Isla de la Vacca, or Cow Island. This
+island is inhabited by French bucaniers, who mostly sell the flesh they
+hunt to pirates and others, who now and then put in there to victual, or
+trade. Here they unladed their whole cargazon of riches, the usual
+storehouse of the pirates being commonly under the shelter of the
+bucaniers. Here they made a dividend of all their prizes and gains,
+according to the order and degree of every one, as has been mentioned
+before. Having made an exact calculation of all their plunder, they
+found in ready money 260,000 pieces of eight: this being divided, every
+one received for his share in money, as also in silk, linen, and other
+commodities, to the value of above 100 pieces of eight. Those who had
+been wounded received their first part, after the rate mentioned before,
+for the loss of their limbs: then they weighed all the plate uncoined,
+reckoning ten pieces of eight to a pound; the jewels were prized
+indifferently, either too high or too low, by reason of their ignorance:
+this done, every one was put to his oath again, that he had not smuggled
+anything from the common stock. Hence they proceeded to the dividend of
+the shares of such as were dead in battle, or otherwise: these shares
+were given to their friends, to be kept entire for them, and to be
+delivered in due time to their nearest relations, or their apparent
+lawful heirs.
+
+The whole dividend being finished, they set sail for Tortuga: here they
+arrived a month after, to the great joy of most of the island; for as to
+the common pirates, in three weeks they had scarce any money left,
+having spent it all in things of little value, or lost it at play. Here
+had arrived, not long before them, two French ships, with wine and
+brandy, and suchlike commodities; whereby these liquors, at the arrival
+of the pirates, were indifferent cheap. But this lasted not long, for
+soon after they were enhanced extremely, a gallon of brandy being sold
+for four pieces of eight. The governor of the island bought of the
+pirates the whole cargo of the ship laden with cocoa, giving for that
+rich commodity scarce the twentieth part of its worth. Thus they made
+shift to lose and spend the riches they had got, in much less time than
+they were purchased: the taverns and stews, according to the custom of
+pirates, got the greatest part; so that, soon after, they were forced to
+seek more by the same unlawful means they had got the former.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+_Lolonois makes new preparations to make the city of St. James de Leon;
+as also that of Nicaragua; where he miserably perishes._
+
+
+LOLONOIS had got great repute at Tortuga by this last voyage, because he
+brought home such considerable profit; and now he need take no great
+care to gather men to serve under him, more coming in voluntarily than
+he could employ; every one reposing such confidence in his conduct that
+they judged it very safe to expose themselves, in his company, to the
+greatest dangers. He resolved therefore a second voyage to the parts of
+Nicaragua, to pillage there as many towns as he could.
+
+Having published his new preparations, he had all his men together at
+the time, being about seven hundred. Of these he put three hundred
+aboard the ship he took at Maracaibo, and the rest in five other vessels
+of lesser burthen; so that they were in all six ships. The first port
+they went to was Bayaha in Hispaniola, to victual the fleet, and take in
+provisions; which done, they steered their course to a port called
+Matamana, on the south side of Cuba, intending to take here all the
+canoes they could; these coasts being frequented by the fishers of
+tortoises, who carry them hence to the Havannah. They took as many of
+them, to the great grief of those miserable people, as they thought
+necessary; for they had great use for these small bottoms, by reason the
+port they designed for had not depth enough for ships of any burthen.
+Hence they took their course towards the cape Gracias a Dios on the
+continent, in latitude 15 deg. north, one hundred leagues from the
+Island de los Pinos. Being at sea, they were taken with a sad and
+tedious calm, and, by the agitation of the waves alone, were thrown into
+the gulf of Honduras: here they laboured hard in vain to regain what
+they had lost, both the waters and the winds being contrary; besides,
+the ship wherein Lolonois was embarked could not follow the rest; and
+what was worse, they wanted provisions. Hereupon, they were forced to
+put into the first port they could reach, to revictual: so they entered
+with their canoes into the river Xagua, inhabited by Indians, whom they
+totally destroyed, finding great quantities of millet, and many hogs and
+hens: not contented with which, they determined to remain there till the
+bad weather was over, and to pillage all the towns and villages along
+the coast of the gulf. Thus they passed from one place to another,
+seeking still more provisions, with which they were not sufficiently
+supplied. Having searched and rifled many villages, where they found no
+great matter, they came at last to Puerto Cavallo: here the Spaniards
+have two storehouses to keep the merchandises that are brought from the
+inner parts of the country, till the arrival of the ships. There was
+then in the port a Spanish ship of twenty-four guns, and sixteen
+pedreros or mortar-pieces: this ship was immediately seized by the
+pirates, and then drawing nigh the shore, they landed, and burnt the two
+storehouses, with all the rest of the houses there. Many inhabitants
+likewise they took prisoners, and committed upon them the most inhuman
+cruelties that ever heathens invented; putting them to the cruellest
+tortures they could devise. It was the custom of Lolonois, that having
+tormented persons not confessing, he would instantly cut them in pieces
+with his hanger, and pull out their tongues, desiring to do so, if
+possible, to every Spaniard in the world. It often happened that some of
+these miserable prisoners, being forced by the rack, would promise to
+discover the places where the fugitive Spaniards lay hid, which not
+being able afterwards to perform, they were put to more cruel deaths
+than they who were dead before.
+
+The prisoners being all dead but two (whom they reserved to show them
+what they desired), they marched hence to the town of San Pedro, or St.
+Peter, ten or twelve leagues from Puerto Cavallo, being three hundred
+men, whom Lolonois led, leaving behind him Moses van Vin his lieutenant,
+to govern the rest in his absence. Being come three leagues on their
+way, they met with a troop of Spaniards, who lay in ambuscade for their
+coming: these they set upon, with all the courage imaginable, and at
+last totally defeated. Howbeit, they behaved themselves very manfully at
+first; but not being able to resist the fury of the pirates, they were
+forced to give way, and save themselves by flight, leaving many pirates
+dead in the place, some wounded, and some of their own party maimed, by
+the way. These Lolonois put to death without mercy, having asked them
+what questions he thought fit for his purpose.
+
+There were still remaining some few prisoners not wounded; these were
+asked by Lolonois, if any more Spaniards did lie farther on in
+ambuscade? They answered, there were. Then being brought before him, one
+by one, he asked if there was no other way to town but that. This he did
+to avoid if possible those ambuscades. But they all constantly answered
+him they knew none. Having asked them all, and finding they could show
+him no other way, Lolonois grew outrageously passionate; so that he drew
+his cutlass, and with it cut open the breast of one of those poor
+Spaniards, and pulling out his heart began to bite and gnaw it with his
+teeth, like a ravenous wolf, saying to the rest, "I will serve you all
+alike, if you show me not another way."
+
+Hereupon, those miserable wretches promised to show him another way, but
+withal, they told him, it was extremely difficult, and laborious. Thus
+to satisfy that cruel tyrant, they began to lead him and his army; but
+finding it not for his purpose as they had told him, he was forced to
+return to the former way, swearing with great choler and indignation,
+"Mort Dieu, les Espagnols me le payeront. By God's death, the Spaniards
+shall pay me for this."
+
+Next day he fell into another ambuscade, which he assaulted with such
+horrible fury, that in less than an hour's time he routed the Spaniards,
+and killed the greatest part of them. The Spaniards thought by these
+ambuscades better to destroy the pirates, assaulting them by degrees,
+and for this reason had posted themselves in several places. At last he
+met with a third ambuscade, where was placed a party stronger, and more
+advantageously, than the former: yet notwithstanding, the pirates, by
+continually throwing little fire-balls in great numbers, for some time,
+forced this party, as well as the former, to flee, and this with so
+great loss of men, that before they could reach the town, the greatest
+part of the Spaniards were either killed or wounded. There was but one
+path which led to the town, very well barricaded with good defences; and
+the rest of the town round was planted with shrubs called raqueltes,
+full of thorns very sharp pointed. This sort of fortification seemed
+stronger than the triangles used in Europe, when an army is of necessity
+to pass by the place of an enemy; it being almost impossible for the
+pirates to traverse those shrubs. The Spaniards posted behind the said
+defences, seeing the pirates come, began to ply them with their great
+guns; but these perceiving them ready to fire, used to stoop down, and
+when the shot was made, to fall upon the defendants with fire-balls and
+naked swords, killing many of the town: yet notwithstanding, not being
+able to advance any farther, they retired, for the present: then they
+renewed the attack with fewer men than before, and observing not to
+shoot till they were very nigh, they gave the Spaniards a charge so
+dextrously, that with every shot they killed an enemy.
+
+The attack continuing thus eager on both sides till night, the Spaniards
+were compelled to hang forth a white flag, and desired to come to a
+parley: the only conditions they required were, "that the pirates should
+give the inhabitants quarter for two hours." This little time they
+demanded with intent to carry away and hide as much of their goods and
+riches as they could, and to fly to some other neighbouring town.
+Granting this article, they entered the town, and continued there the
+two hours, without committing the least hostility on the inhabitants;
+but no sooner was that time past, than Lolonois ordered that the
+inhabitants should be followed, and robbed of all they had carried away;
+and not only their goods, but their persons likewise to be made
+prisoners; though the greatest part of their merchandise and goods were
+so hid, as the pirates could not find them, except a few leathern
+sacks, filled with anil, or indigo.
+
+Having stayed here a few days, and, according to their custom, committed
+most horrid insolences, they at last quitted the place, carrying away
+all they possibly could, and reducing the town to ashes. Being come to
+the seaside, where they left a party of their own, they found these had
+been cruising upon the fishermen thereabouts, or who came that way from
+the river of Guatemala: in this river was also expected a ship from
+Spain. Finally, they resolved to go toward the islands on the other side
+of the gulf, there to cleanse and careen their vessels; but they left
+two canoes before the coast, or rather the mouth of the river of
+Guatemala, in order to take the ship, which, as I said, was expected
+from Spain.
+
+But their chief intent in going hither was to seek provisions, knowing
+the tortoises of those places are excellent food. Being arrived, they
+divided themselves, each party choosing a fit post for that fishery.
+They undertook to knit nets with the rinds of certain trees called
+macoa, whereof they make also ropes and cables; so that no vessel can be
+in need of such things, if they can but find the said trees. There are
+also many places where they find pitch in so great abundance, that
+running down the sea-coasts, being melted by the sun, it congeals in the
+water in great heaps, like small islands. This pitch is not like that
+of Europe, but resembles, both in colour and shape, that froth of the
+sea called bitumen; but, in my judgment, this matter is nothing but wax
+mixed with sand, which stormy weather, and the rolling waves of great
+rivers hath cast into the sea; for in those parts are great quantities
+of bees who make their honey in trees, to the bodies of which the
+honeycomb being fixed, when tempests arise, they are torn away, and by
+the fury of the winds carried into the sea, as is said. Some naturalists
+say, that the honey and the wax are separated by the salt water; whence
+proceeds the good amber. This opinion seems the more probable, because
+the said amber tastes as wax doth.
+
+But to return to my discourse. The pirates made in those islands all the
+haste they possibly could to equip their vessels, hearing that the
+Spanish ship was come which they expected. They spent some time cruising
+on the coasts of Jucatan, where inhabit many Indians, who seek for the
+said amber in those seas. And I shall here, by the by, make some short
+remarks on the manner of living of the Indians, and their religion.
+
+They have now been above a hundred years under the Spaniards, to whom
+they performed all manner of services; for whensoever any of them needed
+a slave or servant, they sent for these to serve them as long as they
+pleased. By the Spaniards they were initiated in the principles of the
+Christian faith and religion, and they sent them every Sunday and
+holiday a priest to perform divine service among them; afterwards, for
+reasons not known, but certainly through temptations of the father of
+idolatry, the devil, they suddenly cast off the Christian religion,
+abusing the priest that was sent them: this provoked the Spaniards to
+punish them, by casting many of the chiefs into prison. Every one of
+those barbarians had, and hath still, a god to himself, whom he serves
+and worships. It is a matter of admiration, how they use a child newly
+born: as soon as it comes into the world, they carry it to the temple;
+here they make a hole, which they fill with ashes only, on which they
+place the child naked, leaving it there a whole night alone, not without
+great danger, nobody daring to come near it; meanwhile the temple is
+open on all sides, that all sorts of beasts may freely come in and out.
+Next day, the father, and relations of the infant, return to see if the
+track or step of any animal appears in the ashes: not finding any, they
+leave the child there till some beast has approached the infant, and
+left behind him the marks of his feet: to this animal, whatsoever it be,
+they consecrate the creature newly born, as to its god, which he is
+bound to worship all his life, esteeming the said beast his patron and
+protector. They offer to their gods sacrifices of fire, wherein they
+burn a certain gum called by them copal, whose smoke smells very
+deliciously. When the infant is grown up, the parents thereof tell him
+who he ought to worship, and serve, and honour as his own proper god.
+Then he goes to the temple, where he makes offerings to the said beast.
+Afterwards, if in the course of his life, any one injure him, or any
+evil happen to him, he complains to that beast, and sacrifices to it for
+revenge. Hence it often comes, that those who have done the injury of
+which he complains are bitten, killed, or otherwise hurt by such
+animals.
+
+After this superstitious and idolatrous manner live those miserable and
+ignorant Indians that inhabit the islands of the gulf of Honduras; as
+also many of them on the continent of Jucatan, in the territories
+whereof are most excellent ports, where those Indians most commonly
+build their houses. These people are not very faithful to one another,
+and use strange ceremonies at their marriages. Whensoever any one
+pretends to marry a young damsel, he first applies himself to her father
+or nearest relation: he examines him nicely about the manner of
+cultivating their plantations, and other things at his pleasure. Having
+satisfied the questions of his father-in-law, he gives the young man a
+bow and arrow, with which he repairs to the young maid, and presents her
+with a garland of green leaves and sweet-smelling flowers; this she is
+obliged to put on her head, and lay aside that which she wore before, it
+being the custom for virgins to go perpetually crowned with flowers.
+This garland being received, and put on her head, every one of the
+relations and friends go to advise with others whether that marriage
+will be like to be happy or not; then they meet at the house of the
+damsel's father, where they drink of a liquor made of maize, or Indian
+wheat; and here, before the whole company, the father gives his daughter
+in marriage to the bridegroom. Next day the bride comes to her mother,
+and in her presence pulls off the garland, and tears it in pieces, with
+great cries and lamentations. Many other things I could relate of the
+manner of living and customs of those Indians, but I shall follow my
+discourse.
+
+Our pirates therefore had many canoes of the Indians in the isle of
+Sambale, five leagues from the coasts of Jucatan. Here is great quantity
+of amber, but especially when any storm arises from towards the east;
+whence the waves bring many things, and very different. Through this sea
+no vessels can pass, unless very small, it being too shallow. In the
+lands that are surrounded by this sea, is found much Campechy wood, and
+other things that serve for dyeing, much esteemed in Europe, and would
+be more, if we had the skill of the Indians, who make a dye or tincture
+that never fades.
+
+[Illustration: "'THEY BOARDED THE SHIP WITH GREAT AGILITY'"--_Page 92_]
+
+The pirates having been in that gulf three months, and receiving advice
+that the Spanish ship was come, hastened to the port where the ship lay
+at anchor unlading her merchandise, with design to assault her as soon
+as possible; but first they thought convenient to send away some of
+their boats to seek for a small vessel also expected very richly laden
+with plate, indigo, and cochineal. Meanwhile, the ship's crew having
+notice that the pirates designed upon them, prepared all things for a
+good defence, being mounted with forty-two guns, well furnished with
+arms and other necessaries, and one hundred and thirty fighting men. To
+Lolonois all this seemed but little, for he assaulted her with great
+courage, his own ship carrying but twenty-two guns, and having no more
+than a small saety or fly-boat for help: but the Spaniards defended
+themselves so well, as they forced the pirates to retire; but the smoke
+of the powder continuing thick, as a dark fog or mist, with four canoes
+well manned, they boarded the ship with great agility, and forced the
+Spaniards to surrender.
+
+The ship being taken, they found not in her what they thought, being
+already almost unladen. All they got was only fifty bars of iron, a
+small parcel of paper, some earthen jars of wine, and other things of
+small importance.
+
+Then Lolonois called a council of war, and told them, he intended for
+Guatemala: hereupon they divided into several sentiments, some liking
+the proposal, and others disliking it, especially a party of them who
+were but raw in those exercises, and who imagined at their setting forth
+from Tortuga that pieces of eight were gathered as easy as pears from a
+tree; but finding most things contrary to their expectation, they
+quitted the fleet, and returned; others affirmed they had rather
+starve than return home without a great deal of money.
+
+But the major part judging the propounded voyage little to their
+purpose, separated from Lolonois and the rest: of these one Moses
+Vanclein was ringleader, captain of the ship taken at Puerto Cavallo:
+this fellow steered for Tortuga, to cruise to and fro in these seas.
+With him joined another comrade of his, by name Pierre le Picard, who
+seeing the rest leave Lolonois, thought fit to do the same. These
+runaways having thus parted company, steered homewards, coasting along
+the continent till they came to Costa Rica; here they landed a strong
+party nigh the river Veraguas, and marched in good order to the town of
+the same name: this they took and totally pillaged, though the Spaniards
+made a strong resistance. They brought away some of the inhabitants as
+prisoners, with all they had, which was of no great importance, by
+reason of the poverty of the place, which exerciseth no other trade than
+working in the mines, where some of the inhabitants constantly attend,
+while none seek for gold, but only slaves. These they compel to dig and
+wash the earth in the neighbouring rivers, where often they find pieces
+of gold as big as peas. The pirates gaining in this adventure but seven
+or eight pounds weight of gold, they returned, giving over the design to
+go to the town of Nata, situate on the coasts of the South Sea, whose
+inhabitants are rich merchants, and their slaves work in the mines of
+Veraguas; being deterred by the multitudes of Spaniards gathered on all
+sides to fall upon them, whereof they had timely advice.
+
+Lolonois, thus left by his companions, remained alone in the gulf of
+Honduras. His ship being too great to get out at the reflux of those
+seas, there he sustained great want of provisions, so as they were
+constrained to go ashore every day to seek sustenance, and not finding
+anything else, they were forced to kill and eat monkeys, and other
+animals, such as they could find.
+
+At last in the altitude of the cape of Gracias a Dios, near a certain
+little island called De las Pertas, his ship struck on a bank of sand,
+where it stuck so fast, as no art could get her off again, though they
+unladed all the guns, iron, and other weighty things as much as they
+could. Hereupon they were forced to break the ship in pieces, and with
+planks and nails build themselves a boat to get away; and while they are
+busy about it, I shall describe the said isles and their inhabitants.
+
+The islands De las Pertas are inhabited by savage Indians, not having
+known or conversed with civil people: they are tall and very nimble,
+running almost as fast as horses; at diving also they are very dextrous
+and hardy. From the bottom of the sea I saw them take up an anchor of
+six hundredweight, tying a cable to it with great dexterity, and pulling
+it from a rock. Their arms are made of wood, without any iron point; but
+some instead thereof use a crocodile's tooth. They have no bows nor
+arrows, as the other Indians have, but their common weapon is a sort of
+lance a fathom and a half long. Here are many plantations surrounded
+with woods, whence they gather abundance of fruits, as potatoes,
+bananas, racoven, ananas, and many others. They have no houses to dwell
+in, as at other places in the Indies. Some say they eat human flesh,
+which is confirmed by what happened when Lolonois was there. Two of his
+companions, one a Frenchman and the other a Spaniard, went into the
+woods, where having straggled awhile, a troop of Indians pursued them.
+They defended themselves as well as they could with their swords, but at
+last were forced to flee. The nimble Frenchman escaped; but the Spaniard
+being not so swift, was taken and heard of no more. Some days after,
+twelve pirates set forth well armed to seek their companion, among whom
+was the Frenchman, who conducted them, and showed them the place where
+he left him; here they found that the Indians had kindled a fire, and at
+a small distance they found a man's bones well roasted, with some pieces
+of flesh ill scraped off the bones, and one hand, which had only two
+fingers remaining, whence they concluded they had roasted the poor
+Spaniard.
+
+They marched on, seeking for Indians, and found a great number together,
+who endeavoured to escape, but they overtook some of them, and brought
+aboard their ships five men and four women; with these they took much
+pains to make themselves be understood, and to gain their affections,
+giving them trifles, as knives, beads, and the like; they gave them also
+victuals and drink, but nothing would they taste. It was also
+observable, that while they were prisoners, they spoke not one word to
+each other; so that seeing these poor Indians were much afraid, they
+presented them again with some small things, and let them go. When they
+parted, they made signs they would come again, but they soon forgot
+their benefactors, and were never heard of more; neither could any
+notice afterwards be had of these Indians, nor any others in the whole
+island, which made the pirates suspect that both those that were taken,
+and all the rest of the islanders, swam away by night to some little
+neighbouring islands, especially considering they could never set eyes
+on any Indian more, nor any boat or other vessel. Meanwhile the pirates
+were very desirous to see their long-boat finished out of the timber
+that struck on the sands; yet considering their work would be long, they
+began to cultivate some pieces of ground; here they sowed French beans,
+which ripened in six weeks, and many other fruits. They had good
+provision of Spanish wheat, bananas, racoven, and other things; with the
+wheat they made bread, and baked it in portable ovens, brought with
+them. Thus they feared not hunger in those desert places, employing
+themselves thus for five or six months; which past, and the long-boat
+finished, they resolved for the river of Nicaragua, to see if they
+could take some canoes, and return to the said islands for their
+companions that remained behind, by reason the boat could not hold so
+many men together; hereupon, to avoid disputes, they cast lots,
+determining who should go or stay.
+
+[Illustration: "'LOLONOIS, WITH THOSE THAT REMAINED, HAD MUCH ADO TO
+ESCAPE ABOARD THEIR BOATS'"--_Page 97_]
+
+The lot fell on one half of the people of the lost vessel, who embarked
+in the long-boat, and on the skiff which they had before, the other half
+remaining ashore. Lolonois having set sail, arrived in a few days at the
+river of Nicaragua: here that ill-fortune assailed him which of long
+time had been reserved for him, as a punishment due to the multitude of
+horrible crimes committed in his licentious and wicked life. Here he met
+with both Spaniards and Indians, who jointly setting upon him and his
+companions, the greatest part of the pirates were killed on the place.
+Lolonois, with those that remained alive, had much ado to escape aboard
+their boats: yet notwithstanding this great loss, he resolved not to
+return to those he had left at the isle of Pertas, without taking some
+boats, such as he looked for. To this effect he determined to go on to
+the coasts of Carthagena; but God Almighty, the time of His Divine
+justice being now come, had appointed the Indians of Darien to be the
+instruments and executioners thereof. These Indians of Darien are
+esteemed as bravoes, or wild savage Indians, by the neighbouring
+Spaniards, who never could civilize them. Hither Lolonois came (brought
+by his evil conscience that cried for punishment), thinking to act his
+cruelties; but the Indians within a few days after his arrival took him
+prisoner, and tore him in pieces alive, throwing his body limb by limb
+into the fire, and his ashes into the air, that no trace or memory might
+remain of such an infamous, inhuman creature. One of his companions gave
+me an exact account of this tragedy, affirming that himself had escaped
+the same punishment with the greatest difficulty; he believed also that
+many of his comrades, who were taken in that encounter by those Indians,
+were, as their cruel captain, torn in pieces and burnt alive. Thus ends
+the history, the life, and miserable death of that infernal wretch
+Lolonois, who full of horrid, execrable, and enormous deeds, and debtor
+to so much innocent blood, died by cruel and butcherly hands, such as
+his own were in the course of his life.
+
+Those that remained in the island De las Pertas, waiting for the return
+of them who got away only to their great misfortune, hearing no news of
+their captain nor companions, at last embarked on the ship of a certain
+pirate, who happened to pass that way. This fellow came from Jamaica,
+with intent to land at Gracias a Dios, and from thence to enter the
+river with his canoes, and take the city of Carthagena. These two crews
+of pirates being now joined, were infinitely glad at the presence and
+society of one another. Those, because they found themselves delivered
+from their miseries, poverty, and necessities, wherein they had lived
+ten entire months. These, because they were now considerably
+strengthened, to effect with greater satisfaction their designs.
+Hereupon, as soon as they were arrived at Gracias a Dios, they all put
+themselves into canoes, and entered the river, being five hundred men,
+leaving only five or six persons in each ship to keep them. They took no
+provisions, being persuaded they should find everywhere sufficient; but
+these their hopes were found totally vain, not being grounded on
+Almighty God; for He ordained it so, that the Indians, aware of their
+coming, all fled, not leaving in their houses or plantations, which for
+the most part border on the sides of rivers, any necessary provisions or
+victuals: hereby, in a few days after they had quitted their ships, they
+were reduced to most extreme necessity and hunger; but their hopes of
+making their fortunes very soon, animating them for the present, they
+contented themselves with a few green herbs, such as they could gather
+on the banks of the river.
+
+Yet all this courage and vigour lasted but a fortnight, when their
+hearts, as well as bodies, began to fail for hunger; insomuch as they
+were forced to quit the river, and betake themselves to the woods,
+seeking out some villages where they might find relief, but all in vain;
+for having ranged up and down the woods for some days, without finding
+the least comfort, they were forced to return to the river, where being
+come, they thought convenient to descend to the sea-coast where they
+had left their ships, not having been able to find what they sought for.
+In this laborious journey they were reduced to such extremity, that many
+of them devoured their own shoes, the sheaths of their swords, knives,
+and other such things, being almost ravenous, and eager to meet some
+Indians, intending to sacrifice them to their teeth. At last they
+arrived at the sea-coast, where they found some comfort and relief to
+their former miseries, and also means to seek more: yet the greatest
+part perished through faintness and other diseases contracted by hunger,
+which also caused the remaining part to disperse, till at last, by
+degrees, many or most of them fell into the same pit that Lolonois did;
+of whom, and of whose companions, having given a compendious narrative,
+I shall continue with the actions and exploits of Captain Henry Morgan,
+who may deservedly be called the second Lolonois, not being unlike or
+inferior to him, either in achievements against the Spaniards, or in
+robberies of many innocent people.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+_The origin and descent of Captain Henry Morgan--His exploits, and the
+most remarkable actions of his life._
+
+
+CAPTAIN HENRY MORGAN was born in Great Britain, in the principality of
+Wales; his father was a rich yeoman, or farmer, of good quality, even as
+most who bear that name in Wales are known to be. Morgan, when young,
+had no inclination to the calling of his father, and therefore left his
+country, and came towards the sea-coasts to seek some other employment
+more suitable to his aspiring humour; where he found several ships at
+anchor, bound for Barbadoes. With these he resolved to go in the service
+of one, who, according to the practice of those parts, sold him as soon
+as he came ashore. He served his time at Barbadoes, and obtaining his
+liberty, betook himself to Jamaica, there to seek new fortunes: here he
+found two vessels of pirates ready to go to sea; and being destitute of
+employment, he went with them, with intent to follow the exercises of
+that sort of people: he soon learned their manner of living, so exactly,
+that having performed three or four voyages with profit and success, he
+agreed with some of his comrades, who had got by the same voyages a
+little money, to join stocks, and buy a ship. The vessel being bought,
+they unanimously chose him captain and commander.
+
+With this ship he set forth from Jamaica to cruise on the coasts of
+Campechy, in which voyage he took several ships, with which he returned
+triumphant. Here he found an old pirate, named Mansvelt (whom we have
+already mentioned), busied in equipping a considerable fleet, with
+design to land on the continent, and pillage whatever he could. Mansvelt
+seeing Captain Morgan return with so many prizes, judged him to be a man
+of courage, and chose him for his vice-admiral in that expedition: thus
+having fitted out fifteen ships, great and small, they sailed from
+Jamaica with five hundred men, Walloons and French. This fleet arrived,
+not long after, at the isle of St. Catherine, near the continent of
+Costa Rica, latitude 12 deg. 30 min. and distant thirty-five leagues
+from the river Chagre. Here they made their first descent, landing most
+of their men, who soon forced the garrison that kept the island to
+surrender all the forts and castles thereof; which they instantly
+demolished, except one, wherein they placed a hundred men of their own
+party, and all the slaves they had taken from the Spaniards: with the
+rest of their men they marched to another small island, so near St.
+Catherine's, that with a bridge they made in a few days, they passed
+thither, taking with them all the ordnance they had taken on the great
+island. Having ruined with fire and sword both the islands, leaving
+necessary orders at the said castle, they put to sea again, with their
+Spanish prisoners; yet these they set ashore not long after, on the firm
+land, near Puerto Velo: then they cruised on Costa Rica, till they came
+to the river Colla, designing to pillage all the towns in those parts,
+thence to pass to the village of Nata, to do the same.
+
+The governor of Panama, on advice of their arrival, and of the
+hostilities they committed, thought it his duty to meet them with a body
+of men. His coming caused the pirates to retire suddenly, seeing the
+whole country was alarmed, and that their designs were known, and
+consequently defeated at that time. Hereupon, they returned to St.
+Catherine's, to visit the hundred men they left in garrison there. The
+governor of these men was a Frenchman, named Le Sieur Simon, who behaved
+himself very well in that charge, while Mansvelt was absent, having put
+the great island in a very good posture of defence, and the little one
+he had caused to be cultivated with many fertile plantations, sufficient
+to revictual the whole fleet, not only for the present, but also for a
+new voyage. Mansvelt was very much bent to keep the two islands in
+perpetual possession, being very commodiously situated for the pirates;
+being so near the Spanish dominions, and easily defended.
+
+Hereupon, Mansvelt determined to return to Jamaica, to send recruits to
+St. Catherine's, that in case of an invasion the pirates might be
+provided for a defence. As soon as he arrived, he propounded his
+intentions to the governor there, who rejected his propositions, fearing
+to displease his master, the king of England; besides, that giving him
+the men he desired, and necessaries, he must of necessity diminish the
+forces of that island, whereof he was governor. Hereupon, Mansvelt,
+knowing that of himself he could not compass his designs, he went to
+Tortuga; but there, before he could put in execution what was intended,
+death surprised him, and put a period to his wicked life, leaving all
+things in suspense till the occasion I shall hereafter relate.
+
+Le Sieur Simon, governor of St. Catherine's, receiving no news from
+Mansvelt, his admiral, was impatiently desirous to know the cause
+thereof: meanwhile, Don John Perez de Guzman, being newly come to the
+government of Costa Rica, thought it not convenient for the interest of
+Spain for that island to be in the hands of the pirates: hereupon, he
+equipped a considerable fleet, which he sent to retake it; but before he
+used violence, he writ a letter to Le Sieur Simon, telling him, that if
+he would surrender the island to his Catholic Majesty, he should be very
+well rewarded; but, in case of refusal, severely punished, when he had
+forced him to do it. Le Sieur Simon, seeing no probability of being able
+to defend it alone, nor any emolument that by so doing could accrue
+either to him, or his people, after some small resistance delivered it
+up to its true lord and master, under the same articles they had
+obtained it from the Spaniards; a few days after which surrender, there
+arrived from Jamaica an English ship, which the governor there had sent
+underhand, with a good supply of people, both men and women: the
+Spaniards from the castle having espied the ship, put forth English
+colours, and persuaded Le Sieur Simon to go aboard, and conduct the ship
+into a port they assigned him. This he performed and they were all made
+prisoners. A certain Spanish engineer has published in print an exact
+relation of the retaking of this isle by the Spaniards, which I have
+thought fit to insert here:--
+
+          _A true relation, and particular account of the
+            victory obtained by the arms of his Catholic
+            Majesty against the English pirates, by the
+            direction and valour of Don John Perez de Guzman,
+            knight of the order of St. James, governor and
+            captain-general of Terra Firma, and the Province
+            of Veraguas._
+
+THE kingdom of Terra Firma, which of itself is sufficiently strong to
+repel and destroy great fleets, especially the pirates of Jamaica, had
+several ways notice imparted to the governor thereof, that fourteen
+English vessels cruised on the coasts belonging to his Catholic Majesty.
+July 14, 1665, news came to Panama, that they were arrived at Puerto de
+Naos, and had forced the Spanish garrison of the isle of St. Catherine,
+whose governor was Don Estevan del Campo, and possessed themselves of
+the said island, taking prisoners the inhabitants, and destroying all
+that they met. About the same time, Don John Perez de Guzman received
+particular information of these robberies from some Spaniards who
+escaped out of the island (and whom he ordered to be conveyed to Puerto
+Velo), that the said pirates came into the island May 2, by night,
+without being perceived; and that the next day, after some skirmishes,
+they took the fortresses, and made prisoners all the inhabitants and
+soldiers that could not escape. Upon this, Don John called a council of
+war, wherein he declared the great progress the said pirates had made in
+the dominions of his Catholic Majesty; and propounded "that it was
+absolutely necessary to send some forces to the isle of St. Catherine,
+sufficient to retake it from the pirates, the honour and interest of his
+Majesty of Spain being very narrowly concerned herein; otherwise the
+pirates by such conquests might easily, in course of time, possess
+themselves of all the countries thereabouts." To this some made answer,
+"that the pirates, not being able to subsist in the said island, would
+of necessity consume and waste themselves, and be forced to quit it,
+without any necessity of retaking it: that consequently it was not worth
+the while to engage in so many expenses and troubles as this would
+cost." Notwithstanding which, Don John being an expert and valiant
+soldier, ordered that provisions should be conveyed to Puerto Velo for
+the use of the militia, and transported himself thither, with no small
+danger of his life. Here he arrived July 2, with most things necessary
+to the expedition in hand, where he found in the port a good ship, and
+well mounted, called the _St. Vincent_, that belonged to the company of
+the negroes, which he manned and victualled very well, and sent to the
+isle of St. Catherine, constituting Captain Joseph Sanchez Ximenez,
+major of Puerto Velo, commander thereof. He carried with him two hundred
+and seventy soldiers, and thirty-seven prisoners of the same island,
+besides thirty-four Spaniards of the garrison of Puerto Velo,
+twenty-nine mulattoes of Panama, twelve Indians, very dextrous at
+shooting with bows and arrows, seven expert and able gunners, two
+lieutenants, two pilots, one surgeon, and one priest, of the order of
+St. Francis, for their chaplain.
+
+Don John soon after gave orders to all the officers how to behave
+themselves, telling them that the governor of Carthagena would supply
+them with more men, boats, and all things else, necessary for that
+enterprise; to which effect he had already written to the said governor.
+July 24, Don John setting sail with a fair wind, he called before him
+all his people, and made them a speech, encouraging them to fight
+against the enemies of their country and religion, and especially
+against those inhuman pirates, who had committed so many horrid
+cruelties upon the subjects of his Catholic Majesty; withal, promising
+every one most liberal rewards, especially to such as should behave
+themselves well in the service of their king and country. Thus Don John
+bid them farewell, and the ship set sail under a favourable gale. The
+22nd they arrived at Carthagena, and presented a letter to the governor
+thereof, from the noble and valiant Don John, who received it with
+testimonies of great affection to the person of Don John, and his
+Majesty's service: and seeing their resolution to be comfortable to his
+desires, he promised them his assistance, with one frigate, one galleon,
+one boat, and one hundred and twenty-six men; one half out of his own
+garrison, and the other half mulattoes. Thus being well provided with
+necessaries, they left the port of Carthagena, August 2, and the 10th
+they arrived in sight of St. Catherine's towards the western point
+thereof; and though the wind was contrary, yet they reached the port,
+and anchored within it, having lost one of their boats by foul weather,
+at the rock called Quita Signos.
+
+The pirates, seeing our ships come to an anchor, gave them presently
+three guns with bullets, which were soon answered in the same coin.
+Hereupon, Major Joseph Sanchez Ximenez sent ashore to the pirates one of
+his officers to require them, in the name of the Catholic King his
+master, to surrender the island, seeing they had taken it in the midst
+of peace between the two crowns of Spain and England; and that if they
+would be obstinate, he would certainly put them all to the sword. The
+pirates made answer, that the island had once before belonged unto the
+government and dominions of the king of England, and that instead of
+surrendering it, they preferred to lose their lives.
+
+On Friday the 13th, three negroes, from the enemy, came swimming aboard
+our admiral; these brought intelligence that all the pirates upon the
+island were only seventy-two in number, and that they were under a great
+consternation, seeing such considerable forces come against them. With
+this intelligence, the Spaniards resolved to land, and advance towards
+the fortresses, which ceased not to fire as many great guns against them
+as they possibly could; which were answered in the same manner on our
+side, till dark night. On Sunday, the 15th, the day of the Assumption of
+our Lady, the weather being very calm and clear, the Spaniards began to
+advance thus: The ship _St. Vincent_, riding admiral, discharged two
+whole broadsides on the battery called the Conception; the ship _St.
+Peter_, that was vice-admiral, discharged likewise her guns against the
+other battery named St. James: meanwhile, our people landed in small
+boats, directing their course towards the point of the battery last
+mentioned, and thence they marched towards the gate called Cortadura.
+Lieutenant Francis de Cazeres, being desirous to view the strength of
+the enemy, with only fifteen men, was compelled to retreat in haste, by
+reason of the great guns, which played so furiously on the place where
+he stood; they shooting, not only pieces of iron, and small bullets, but
+also the organs of the church, discharging in every shot threescore
+pipes at a time.
+
+Notwithstanding this heat of the enemy, Captain Don Joseph Ramirez de
+Leyva, with sixty men, made a strong attack, wherein they fought on both
+sides very desperately, till at last he overcame, and forced the pirates
+to surrender the fort.
+
+On the other side, Captain John Galeno, with ninety men, passed over the
+hills, to advance that way towards the castle of St. Teresa. Meanwhile
+Major Don Joseph Sanchez Ximenes, as commander-in-chief, with the rest
+of his men, set forth from the battery of St. James, passing the port
+with four boats, and landing, in despite of the enemy. About this same
+time, Captain John Galeno began to advance with the men he led to the
+forementioned fortress; so that our men made three attacks on three
+several sides, at one and the same time, with great courage; till the
+pirates seeing many of their men already killed, and that they could in
+no manner subsist any longer, retreated towards Cortadura, where they
+surrendered, themselves and the whole island, into our hands. Our people
+possessed themselves of all, and set up the Spanish colours, as soon as
+they had rendered thanks to God Almighty for the victory obtained on
+such a signalized day. The number of dead were six men of the enemies,
+with many wounded, and seventy prisoners: on our side was only one man
+killed, and four wounded.
+
+There were found on the island eight hundred pounds of powder, two
+hundred and fifty pounds of small bullets, with many other military
+provisions. Among the prisoners were taken also, two Spaniards, who had
+bore arms under the English against his Catholic Majesty: these were
+shot to death the next day, by order of the major. The 10th day of
+September arrived at the isle an English vessel, which being seen at a
+great distance by the major, he ordered Le Sieur Simon, who was a
+Frenchman, to go and visit the said ship, and tell them that were on
+board, that the island belonged still to the English. He performed the
+command, and found in the said ship only fourteen men, one woman and her
+daughter, who were all instantly made prisoners.
+
+The English pirates were all transported to Puerto Velo, excepting
+three, who by order of the governor were carried to Panama, there to
+work in the castle of St. Jerom. This fortification is an excellent
+piece of workmanship, and very strong, being raised in the middle of the
+port of a quadrangular form, and of very hard stone: its height is
+eighty-eight geometrical feet, the wall being fourteen, and the curtains
+seventy-five feet diameter. It was built at the expense of several
+private persons, the governor of the city furnishing the greatest part
+of the money; so that it cost his Majesty nothing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+_Of the Island of Cuba--Captain Morgan attempts to preserve the Isle of
+St. Catherine as a refuge to the nest of pirates, but fails of his
+design--He arrives at and takes the village of El Puerto del Principe._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN seeing his predecessor and admiral Mansvelt were dead,
+used all the means that were possible, to keep in possession the isle of
+St. Catherine, seated near Cuba. His chief intent was to make it a
+refuge and sanctuary to the pirates of those parts, putting it in a
+condition of being a convenient receptacle of their preys and robberies.
+To this effect he left no stone unmoved, writing to several merchants in
+Virginia and New England, persuading them to send him provisions and
+necessaries, towards putting the said island in such a posture of
+defence, as to fear no danger of invasion from any side. But all this
+proved ineffectual, by the Spaniards retaking the said island: yet
+Captain Morgan retained his courage, which put him on new designs.
+First, he equipped a ship, in order to gather a fleet as great, and as
+strong as he could. By degrees he effected it, and gave orders to every
+member of his fleet to meet at a certain port of Cuba, there determining
+to call a council, and deliberate what was best to be done, and what
+place first to fall upon. Leaving these preparations in this condition,
+I shall give my reader some small account of the said isle of Cuba, in
+whose port this expedition was hatched, seeing I omitted to do it in its
+proper place.
+
+Cuba lies from east to west, in north latitude, from 20 to 23 deg. in
+length one hundred and fifty German leagues, and about forty in breadth.
+Its fertility is equal to that of Hispaniola; besides which, it affords
+many things proper for trading and commerce; such as hides of several
+beasts, particularly those that in Europe are called hides of Havanna.
+On all sides it is surrounded with many small islands, called the Cayos:
+these little islands the pirates use as ports of refuge. Here they have
+their meetings, and hold their councils, how best to assault the
+Spaniards. It is watered on all sides with plentiful and pleasant
+rivers, whose entries form both secure and spacious ports; beside many
+other harbours for ships, which along the calm shores and coasts adorn
+this rich and beautiful island; all which contribute much to its
+happiness, by facilitating trade, whereto they invited both natives and
+aliens. The chief of these ports are San Jago, Byame, Santa Maria,
+Espiritu Santo, Trinidad, Zagoa, Cabo de Corientes, and others, on the
+south side of the island: on the north side are, La Havanna, Puerto
+Mariano, Santa Cruz, Mata Ricos, and Barracoa.
+
+This island hath two chief cities, to which all the towns and villages
+thereof give obedience. The first is Santa Jago, or St. James, seated on
+the south side, and having under its jurisdiction one half of the
+island. The chief magistrates hereof are a bishop and a governor, who
+command the villages and towns of the said half. The chief of these are,
+on the south side, Espiritu Santo, Puerto del Principe, and Bayame. On
+the north it has Barracoa, and De los Cayos. The greatest part of the
+commerce driven here comes from the Canaries, whither they transport
+much tobacco, sugar, and hides, which sort of merchandise are drawn to
+the head city from the subordinate towns and villages. Formerly the city
+of Santa Jago was miserably sacked by the pirates of Jamaica and
+Tortuga, though it is defended by a considerable castle.
+
+[Illustration: "CAPTAIN MORGAN RECRUITING HIS FORCES"--_Page 115_]
+
+The city and port De la Havanna lies between the north and west side of
+the island: this is one of the strongest places of the West Indies; its
+jurisdiction extends over the other half of the island; the chief places
+under it being Santa Cruz on the north side, and La Trinidad on the
+south. Hence is transported huge quantities of tobacco, which is sent to
+New Spain and Costa Rica, even as far as the South Sea, besides many
+ships laden with this commodity, that are consigned to Spain and other
+parts of Europe, not only in the leaf, but in rolls. This city is
+defended by three castles, very great and strong, two of which lie
+towards the port, and the other is seated on a hill that commands the
+town. It is esteemed to contain about ten thousand families. The
+merchants of this place trade in New Spain, Campechy, Honduras, and
+Florida. All ships that come from the parts before mentioned, as also
+from Caraccas, Carthagena and Costa Rica, are necessitated to take their
+provisions in at Havanna to make their voyage for Spain; this being the
+necessary and straight course they must steer for the south of Europe,
+and other parts. The plate-fleet of Spain, which the Spaniards call
+Flota, being homeward bound, touches here yearly to complete their cargo
+with hides, tobacco, and Campechy wood.
+
+Captain Morgan had been but two months in these ports of the south of
+Cuba, when he had got together a fleet of twelve sail, between ships and
+great boats, with seven hundred fighting men, part English and part
+French. They called a council, and some advised to assault the city of
+Havanna in the night, which they said might easily be done, if they
+could but take any of the ecclesiastics; yea, that the city might be
+sacked before the castles could put themselves in a posture of defence.
+Others propounded, according to their several opinions, other attempts;
+but the former proposal was rejected, because many of the pirates, who
+had been prisoners at other times in the said city, affirmed nothing of
+consequence could be done with less than one thousand five hundred men.
+Moreover, that with all these people, they ought first go to the island
+De los Pinos, and land them in small boats about Matamona, fourteen
+leagues from the said city, whereby to accomplish their designs.
+
+Finally, they saw no possibility of gathering so great a fleet, and
+hereupon, with what they had, they concluded to attempt some other
+place. Among the rest, one propounded they should assault the town of El
+Puerto del Principe. This proposition he persuaded to, by saying he knew
+that place very well, and that being at a distance from sea, it never
+was sacked by any pirates, whereby the inhabitants were rich, exercising
+their trade by ready money, with those of Havanna who kept here an
+established commerce, chiefly in hides. This proposal was presently
+admitted by Captain Morgan, and the chief of his companions. Hereupon
+they ordered every captain to weigh anchor and set sail, steering
+towards that coast nearest to El Puerto del Principe. Here is a bay
+named by the Spaniards El Puerto de Santa Maria: being arrived at this
+bay, a Spaniard, who was prisoner aboard the fleet, swam ashore by night
+to the town of El Puerto del Principe, giving an account to the
+inhabitants of the design of the pirates, which he overheard in their
+discourse, while they thought he did not understand English. The
+Spaniards upon this advice began to hide their riches, and carry away
+their movables; the governor immediately raised all the people of the
+town, freemen and slaves, and with part of them took a post by which of
+necessity the pirates must pass, and commanded many trees to be cut down
+and laid cross the ways to hinder their passage, placing several
+ambuscades strengthened with some pieces of cannon to play upon them on
+their march. He gathered in all about eight hundred men, of which
+detaching part into the said ambuscades, with the rest he begirt the
+town, drawing them up in a spacious field, whence they could see the
+coming of the pirates at length.
+
+Captain Morgan, with his men, now on the march, found the avenues to the
+town unpassable; hereupon they took their way through the wood,
+traversing it with great difficulty, whereby they escaped divers
+ambuscades; at last they came to the plain, from its figure called by
+the Spaniards La Savanna, or the Sheet. The governor seeing them come,
+detached a troop of horse to charge them in the front, thinking to
+disperse them, and to pursue them with his main body: but this design
+succeeded not, for the pirates marched in very good order, at the sound
+of their drums, and with flying colours; coming near the horse they drew
+into a semicircle, and so advanced towards the Spaniards, who charged
+them valiantly for a while; but the pirates being very dextrous at their
+arms, and their governor, with many of their companions, being killed,
+they retreated towards the wood, to save themselves with more
+advantage; but before they could reach it, most of them were
+unfortunately killed by the pirates. Thus they left the victory to these
+new-come enemies, who had no considerable loss of men in the battle, and
+but very few wounded. The skirmish lasted four hours: they entered the
+town not without great resistance of such as were within, who defended
+themselves as long as possible, and many seeing the enemy in the town,
+shut themselves up in their own houses, and thence made several shots
+upon the pirates; who thereupon threatened them, saying, "If you
+surrender not voluntarily, you shall soon see the town in a flame, and
+your wives and children torn to pieces before your faces." Upon these
+menaces the Spaniards submitted to the discretion of the pirates,
+believing they could not continue there long.
+
+As soon as the pirates had possessed themselves of the town, they
+enclosed all the Spaniards, men, women, children, and slaves, in several
+churches, and pillaged all the goods they could find; then they searched
+the country round about, bringing in daily many goods and prisoners,
+with much provision. With this they fell to making great cheer, after
+their old custom, without remembering the poor prisoners, whom they let
+starve in the churches, though they tormented them daily and inhumanly
+to make them confess where they had hid their goods, money, &c., though
+little or nothing was left them, not sparing the women and little
+children, giving them nothing to eat, whereby the greatest part
+perished.
+
+Pillage and provisions growing scarce, they thought convenient to depart
+and seek new fortunes in other places; they told the prisoners, "they
+should find money to ransom themselves, else they should be all
+transported to Jamaica; and beside, if they did not pay a second ransom
+for the town, they would turn every house into ashes." The Spaniards
+hereupon nominated among themselves four fellow-prisoners to go and seek
+for the above-mentioned contributions; but the pirates, to the intent
+that they should return speedily with those ransoms, tormented several
+cruelly in their presence, before they departed. After a few days, the
+Spaniards returned, telling Captain Morgan, "We have ran up and down,
+and searched all the neighbouring woods and places we most suspected,
+and yet have not been able to find any of our own party, nor
+consequently any fruit of our embassy; but if you are pleased to have a
+little longer patience with us, we shall certainly cause all that you
+demand to be paid within fifteen days;" which Captain Morgan granted.
+But not long after, there came into the town seven or eight pirates who
+had been ranging in the woods and fields, and got considerable booty.
+These brought amongst other prisoners, a negro, whom they had taken with
+letters. Captain Morgan having perused them, found that they were from
+the governor of Santa Jago, being written to some of the prisoners,
+wherein he told them, "they should not make too much haste to pay any
+ransom for their town or persons, or any other pretext; but on the
+contrary, they should put off the pirates as well as they could with
+excuses and delays, expecting to be relieved by him in a short time,
+when he would certainly come to their aid." Upon this intelligence
+Captain Morgan immediately ordered all their plunder to be carried
+aboard; and withal, he told the Spaniards, that the very next day they
+should pay their ransoms, for he would not wait a moment longer, but
+reduce the whole town to ashes, if they failed of the sum he demanded.
+
+[Illustration: "'BEING COME TO THE PLACE OF DUEL, THE ENGLISHMAN STABBED
+THE FRENCHMAN IN THE BACK'"--_Page 121_]
+
+With this intimation, Captain Morgan made no mention to the Spaniards of
+the letters he had intercepted. They answered, "that it was impossible
+for them to give such a sum of money in so short a space of time, seeing
+their fellow-townsmen were not to be found in all the country
+thereabouts." Captain Morgan knew full well their intentions, but
+thought it not convenient to stay there any longer, demanding of them
+only five hundred oxen or cows, with sufficient salt to powder them,
+with this condition, that they should carry them on board his ships.
+Thus he departed with all his men, taking with him only six of the
+principal prisoners as pledges. Next day the Spaniards brought the
+cattle and salt to the ships, and required the prisoners; but Captain
+Morgan refused to deliver them, till they had helped his men to kill and
+salt the beeves: this was performed in great haste, he not caring to
+stay there any longer, lest he should be surprised by the forces that
+were gathering against him; and having received all on board his
+vessels, he set at liberty the hostages. Meanwhile there happened some
+dissensions between the English and the French: the occasion was as
+follows: A Frenchman being employed in killing and salting the beeves,
+an English pirate took away the marrow-bones he had taken out of the ox,
+which these people esteem much; hereupon they challenged one another:
+being come to the place of duel, the Englishman stabbed the Frenchman in
+the back, whereby he fell down dead. The other Frenchmen, desirous of
+revenge, made an insurrection against the English; but Captain Morgan
+soon appeased them, by putting the criminal in chains to be carried to
+Jamaica, promising he would see justice done upon him; for though he
+might challenge his adversary, yet it was not lawful to kill him
+treacherously, as he did.
+
+All things being ready, and on board, and the prisoners set at liberty,
+they sailed thence to a certain island, where Captain Morgan intended to
+make a dividend of what they had purchased in that voyage; where being
+arrived, they found nigh the value of fifty thousand pieces of eight in
+money and goods; the sum being known, it caused a general grief to see
+such a small purchase, not sufficient to pay their debts at Jamaica.
+Hereupon Captain Morgan proposed they should think on some other
+enterprise and pillage before they returned. But the French not being
+able to agree with the English, left Captain Morgan with those of his
+own nation, notwithstanding all the persuasions he used to reduce them
+to continue in his company. Thus they parted with all external signs of
+friendship, Captain Morgan reiterating his promises to them that he
+would see justice done on that criminal. This he performed; for being
+arrived at Jamaica, he caused him to be hanged, which was all the
+satisfaction the French pirates could expect.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+_Captain Morgan resolving to attack and plunder the city of Puerto
+Bello, equips a fleet, and with little expense and small forces takes
+it._
+
+
+SOME may think that the French having deserted Captain Morgan, the
+English alone could not have sufficient courage to attempt such great
+actions as before. But Captain Morgan, who always communicated vigour
+with his words, infused such spirit into his men, as put them instantly
+upon new designs; they being all persuaded that the sole execution of
+his orders would be a certain means of obtaining great riches, which so
+influenced their minds, that with inimitable courage they all resolved
+to follow him, as did also a certain pirate of Campechy, who on this
+occasion joined with Captain Morgan, to seek new fortunes under his
+conduct. Thus Captain Morgan in a few days gathered a fleet of nine
+sail, either ships or great boats, wherein he had four hundred and sixty
+military men.
+
+All things being ready, they put forth to sea, Captain Morgan imparting
+his design to nobody at present; he only told them on several occasions,
+that he doubted not to make a good fortune by that voyage, if strange
+occurrences happened not. They steered towards the continent, where they
+arrived in a few days near Costa Rica, all their fleet safe. No sooner
+had they discovered land but Captain Morgan declared his intentions to
+the captains, and presently after to the company. He told them he
+intended to plunder Puerto Bello by night, being resolved to put the
+whole city to the sack: and to encourage them he added, this enterprise
+could not fail, seeing he had kept it secret, without revealing it to
+anybody, whereby they could not have notice of his coming. To this
+proposition some answered, "they had not a sufficient number of men to
+assault so strong and great a city." But Captain Morgan replied, "If our
+number is small, our hearts are great; and the fewer persons we are, the
+more union and better shares we shall have in the spoil." Hereupon,
+being stimulated with the hope of those vast riches they promised
+themselves from their success, they unanimously agreed to that design.
+Now, that my reader may better comprehend the boldness of this exploit,
+it may be necessary to say something beforehand of the city of Puerto
+Bello.
+
+This city is in the province of Costa Rica, 10 deg. north latitude,
+fourteen leagues from the gulf of Darien, and eight westwards from the
+port called Nombre de Dios. It is judged the strongest place the king of
+Spain possesses in all the West Indies, except Havanna and Carthagena.
+Here are two castles almost impregnable, that defend the city, situate
+at the entry of the port, so that no ship or boat can pass without
+permission. The garrison consists of three hundred soldiers, and the
+town is inhabited by about four hundred families. The merchants dwell
+not here, but only reside awhile, when the galleons come from or go for
+Spain, by reason of the unhealthiness of the air, occasioned by vapours
+from the mountains; so that though their chief warehouses are at Puerto
+Bello, their habitations are at Panama, whence they bring the plate upon
+mules, when the fair begins, and when the ships belonging to the company
+of negroes arrive to sell slaves.
+
+Captain Morgan, who knew very well all the avenues of this city and the
+neighbouring coasts, arrived in the dusk of the evening at Puerto de
+Naos, ten leagues to the west of Puerto Bello. Being come hither, they
+sailed up the river to another harbour called Puerto Pontin, where they
+anchored: here they put themselves into boats and canoes, leaving in the
+ships only a few men to bring them next day to the port. About midnight
+they came to a place called Estera longa Lemos, where they all went on
+shore, and marched by land to the first posts of the city: they had in
+their company an Englishman, formerly a prisoner in those parts, who now
+served them for a guide: to him and three or four more they gave
+commission to take the sentinel, if possible, or kill him on the place:
+but they seized him so cunningly, as he had no time to give warning with
+his musket, or make any noise, and brought him, with his hands bound,
+to Captain Morgan, who asked him how things went in the city, and what
+forces they had; with other circumstances he desired to know. After
+every question they made him a thousand menaces to kill him, if he
+declared not the truth. Then they advanced to the city, carrying the
+said sentinel bound before them: having marched about a quarter of a
+league, they came to the castle near the city, which presently they
+closely surrounded, so that no person could get either in or out.
+
+Being posted under the walls of the castle, Captain Morgan commanded the
+sentinel, whom they had taken prisoner, to speak to those within,
+charging them to surrender to his discretion; otherwise they should all
+be cut in pieces, without quarter. But they regarding none of these
+threats, began instantly to fire, which alarmed the city; yet
+notwithstanding, though the governor and soldiers of the said castle
+made as great resistance as could be, they were forced to surrender.
+Having taken the castle, they resolved to be as good as their words,
+putting the Spaniards to the sword, thereby to strike a terror into the
+rest of the city. Whereupon, having shut up all the soldiers and
+officers as prisoners into one room, they set fire to the powder
+(whereof they found great quantity) and blew up the castle into the air,
+with all the Spaniards that were within. This done, they pursued the
+course of their victory, falling upon the city, which, as yet, was not
+ready to receive them. Many of the inhabitants cast their precious
+jewels and money into wells and cisterns, or hid them in places
+underground, to avoid, as much as possible, being totally robbed. One of
+the party of pirates, assigned to this purpose, ran immediately to the
+cloisters, and took as many religious men and women as they could find.
+The governor of the city, not being able to rally the citizens, through
+their great confusion, retired to one of the castles remaining, and
+thence fired incessantly at the pirates: but these were not in the least
+negligent either to assault him, or defend themselves, so that amidst
+the horror of the assault, they made very few shots in vain; for aiming
+with great dexterity at the mouths of the guns, the Spaniards were
+certain to lose one or two men every time they charged each gun anew.
+
+This continued very furious from break of day till noon; yea, about this
+time of the day the case was very dubious which party should conquer, or
+be conquered. At last, the pirates perceiving they had lost many men,
+and yet advanced but little towards gaining either this, or the other
+castles, made use of fire-balls, which they threw with their hands,
+designing to burn the doors of the castles; but the Spaniards from the
+walls let fall great quantities of stones, and earthen pots full of
+powder, and other combustible matter, which forced them to desist.
+Captain Morgan seeing this generous defence made by the Spaniards, began
+to despair of success. Hereupon, many faint and calm meditations came
+into his mind; neither could he determine which way to turn himself in
+that strait. Being thus puzzled, he was suddenly animated to continue
+the assault, by seeing English colours put forth at one of the lesser
+castles, then entered by his men; of whom he presently after spied a
+troop coming to meet him, proclaiming victory with loud shouts of joy.
+This instantly put him on new resolutions of taking the rest of the
+castles, especially seeing the chiefest citizens were fled to them, and
+had conveyed thither great part of their riches, with all the plate
+belonging to the churches and divine service.
+
+[Illustration: "MORGAN COMMANDED THE RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN TO PLACE
+THE LADDERS AGAINST THE WALLS"--_Page 128_]
+
+To this effect, he ordered ten or twelve ladders to be made in all
+haste, so broad, that three or four men at once might ascend them: these
+being finished, he commanded all the religious men and women, whom he
+had taken prisoners, to fix them against the walls of the castle. This
+he had before threatened the governor to do, if he delivered not the
+castle: but his answer was, "he would never surrender himself alive."
+Captain Morgan was persuaded the governor would not employ his utmost
+force, seeing the religious women, and ecclesiastical persons, exposed
+in the front of the soldiers to the greatest danger. Thus the ladders,
+as I have said, were put into the hands of religious persons of both
+sexes, and these were forced, at the head of the companies, to raise and
+apply them to the walls: but Captain Morgan was fully deceived in his
+judgment of this design; for the governor, who acted like a brave
+soldier in performance of his duty, used his utmost endeavour to destroy
+whosoever came near the walls. The religious men and women ceased not to
+cry to him, and beg of him, by all the saints of heaven, to deliver the
+castle, and spare both his and their own lives; but nothing could
+prevail with his obstinacy and fierceness. Thus many of the religious
+men and nuns were killed before they could fix the ladders; which at
+last being done, though with great loss of the said religious people,
+the pirates mounted them in great numbers, and with not less valour,
+having fire-balls in their hands, and earthen pots full of powder; all
+which things, being now at the top of the walls, they kindled and cast
+in among the Spaniards.
+
+This effort of the pirates was very great, insomuch that the Spaniards
+could no longer resist nor defend the castle, which was now entered.
+Hereupon they all threw down their arms, and craved quarter for their
+lives; only the governor of the city would crave no mercy, but killed
+many of the pirates with his own hands, and not a few of his own
+soldiers; because they did not stand to their arms. And though the
+pirates asked him if he would have quarter; yet he constantly answered,
+"By no means, I had rather die as a valiant soldier, than be hanged as a
+coward." They endeavoured as much as they could to take him prisoner,
+but he defended himself so obstinately, that they were forced to kill
+him, notwithstanding all the cries and tears of his own wife and
+daughter, who begged him, on their knees, to demand quarter, and save
+his life. When the pirates had possessed themselves of the castle, which
+was about night, they enclosed therein all the prisoners, placing the
+women and men by themselves, with some guards: the wounded were put in
+an apartment by itself, that their own complaints might be the cure of
+their diseases; for no other was afforded them.
+
+This done, they fell to eating and drinking, as usual; that is,
+committing in both all manner of debauchery and excess, so that fifty
+courageous men might easily have retaken the city, and killed all the
+pirates. Next day, having plundered all they could find, they examined
+some of the prisoners (who had been persuaded by their companions to say
+they were the richest of the town), charging them severely to discover
+where they had hid their riches and goods. Not being able to extort
+anything from them, they not being the right persons, it was resolved to
+torture them: this they did so cruelly, that many of them died on the
+rack, or presently after. Now the president of Panama being advertised
+of the pillage and ruin of Puerto Bello, he employed all his care and
+industry to raise forces to pursue and cast out the pirates thence; but
+these cared little for his preparations, having their ships at hand, and
+determining to fire the city, and retreat. They had now been at Puerto
+Bello fifteen days, in which time they had lost many of their men, both
+by the unhealthiness of the country, and their extravagant debaucheries.
+
+Hereupon, they prepared to depart, carrying on board all the pillage
+they had got, having first provided the fleet with sufficient victuals
+for the voyage. While these things were doing, Captain Morgan demanded
+of the prisoners a ransom for the city, or else he would burn it down,
+and blow up all the castles; withal, he commanded them to send speedily
+two persons, to procure the sum, which was 100,000 pieces of eight. To
+this effect two men were sent to the president of Panama, who gave him
+an account of all. The president, having now a body of men ready, set
+forth towards Puerto Bello, to encounter the pirates before their
+retreat; but, they, hearing of his coming, instead of flying away, went
+out to meet him at a narrow passage, which he must pass: here they
+placed a hundred men, very well armed, which at the first encounter put
+to flight a good party of those of Panama. This obliged the president to
+retire for that time, not being yet in a posture of strength to proceed
+farther. Presently after, he sent a message to Captain Morgan, to tell
+him, "that if he departed not suddenly with all his forces from Puerto
+Bello, he ought to expect no quarter for himself, nor his companions,
+when he should take them, as he hoped soon to do." Captain Morgan, who
+feared not his threats, knowing he had a secure retreat in his ships,
+which were at hand, answered, "he would not deliver the castles, before
+he had received the contribution money he had demanded; which if it were
+not paid down, he would certainly burn the whole city, and then leave
+it, demolishing beforehand the castles, and killing the prisoners."
+
+The governor of Panama perceived by this answer that no means would
+serve to mollify the hearts of the pirates, nor reduce them to reason:
+hereupon, he determined to leave them, as also those of the city whom he
+came to relieve, involved in the difficulties of making the best
+agreement they could. Thus in a few days more the miserable citizens
+gathered the contributions required, and brought 100,000 pieces of eight
+to the pirates for a ransom of their cruel captivity: but the president
+of Panama was much amazed to consider that four hundred men could take
+such a great city, with so many strong castles, especially having no
+ordnance, wherewith to raise batteries, and, what was more, knowing the
+citizens of Puerto Bello had always great repute of being good soldiers
+themselves, and who never wanted courage in their own defence. This
+astonishment was so great, as made him send to Captain Morgan, desiring
+some small pattern of those arms wherewith he had taken with much vigour
+so great a city. Captain Morgan received this messenger very kindly, and
+with great civility; and gave him a pistol, and a few small bullets, to
+carry back to the president his master; telling him, withal, "he
+desired him to accept that slender pattern of the arms wherewith he had
+taken Puerto Bello, and keep them for a twelvemonth; after which time he
+promised to come to Panama, and fetch them away." The governor returned
+the present very soon to Captain Morgan, giving him thanks for the
+favour of lending him such weapons as he needed not; and, withal, sent
+him a ring of gold, with this message, "that he desired him not to give
+himself the labour of coming to Panama, as he had done to Puerto Bello:
+for he did assure him, he should not speed so well here, as he had done
+there."
+
+After this, Captain Morgan (having provided his fleet with all
+necessaries, and taken with him the best guns of the castles, nailing up
+the rest) set sail from Puerto Bello with all his ships, and arriving in
+a few days at Cuba, he sought out a place wherein he might quickly make
+the dividend of their spoil. They found in ready money 250,000 pieces of
+eight, besides other merchandises; as cloth, linen, silks, &c. With this
+rich purchase they sailed thence to their common place of rendezvous,
+Jamaica. Being arrived, they passed here some time in all sorts of vices
+and debaucheries, according to their custom; spending very prodigally
+what others had gained with no small labour and toil.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+_Captain Morgan takes the city of Maracaibo on the coast of Neuva
+Venezuela--Piracies committed in those seas--Ruin of three Spanish
+ships, set forth to hinder the robberies of the pirates._
+
+
+NOT long after their arrival at Jamaica, being that short time they
+needed to lavish away all the riches above mentioned, they concluded on
+another enterprise to seek new fortunes: to this effect Captain Morgan
+ordered all the commanders of his ships to meet at De la Vacca, or the
+Cow Isle, south of Hispaniola, as is said. Hither flocked to them great
+numbers of other pirates, French and English; the name of Captain Morgan
+being now famous in all the neighbouring countries for his great
+enterprises. There was then at Jamaica an English ship newly come from
+New England, well mounted with thirty-six guns: this vessel, by order of
+the governor of Jamaica, joined Captain Morgan to strengthen his fleet,
+and give him greater courage to attempt mighty things. With this supply
+Captain Morgan judged himself sufficiently strong; but there being in
+the same place another great vessel of twenty-four iron guns, and twelve
+brass ones, belonging to the French, Captain Morgan endeavoured also to
+join this ship to his own; but the French not daring to trust the
+English, denied absolutely to consent.
+
+The French pirates belonging to this great ship had met at sea an
+English vessel; and being under great want of victuals, they had taken
+some provisions out of the English ship, without paying for them,
+having, perhaps, no ready money aboard: only they gave them bills of
+exchange for Jamaica and Tortuga, to receive money there. Captain Morgan
+having notice of this, and perceiving he could not prevail with the
+French captain to follow him, resolved to lay hold on this occasion, to
+ruin the French, and seek his revenge. Hereupon he invited, with
+dissimulation, the French commander, and several of his men, to dine
+with him on board the great ship that was come to Jamaica, as is said.
+Being come, he made them all prisoners, pretending the injury aforesaid
+done to the English vessel.
+
+This unjust action of Captain Morgan was soon followed by Divine
+punishment, as we may conceive: the manner I shall instantly relate.
+Captain Morgan, presently after he had taken these French prisoners,
+called a council to deliberate what place they should first pitch upon
+in this new expedition. Here it was determined to go to the isle of
+Savona, to wait for the flota then expected from Spain, and take any of
+the Spanish vessels straggling from the rest. This resolution being
+taken, they began aboard the great ship to feast one another for joy of
+their new voyage, and happy council, as they hoped: they drank many
+healths, and discharged many guns, the common sign of mirth among
+seamen. Most of the men being drunk, by what accident is not known, the
+ship suddenly was blown up, with three hundred and fifty Englishmen,
+besides the French prisoners in the hold; of all which there escaped but
+thirty men, who were in the great cabin, at some distance from the main
+force of the powder. Many more, it is thought, might have escaped, had
+they not been so much overtaken with wine.
+
+This loss brought much consternation of mind upon the English; they knew
+not whom to blame, but at last the accusation was laid on the French
+prisoners, whom they suspected to have fired the powder of the ship out
+of revenge, though with the loss of their own lives: hereupon they added
+new accusations to their former, whereby to seize the ship and all that
+was in it, by saying the French designed to commit piracy on the
+English. The grounds of this accusation were given by a commission from
+the governor of Barracoa, found aboard the French vessel, wherein were
+these words, "that the said governor did permit the French to trade in
+all Spanish ports," &c. "As also to cruise on the English pirates in
+what place soever they could find them, because of the multitudes of
+hostilities which they had committed against the subjects of his
+Catholic Majesty in time of peace betwixt the two crowns." This
+commission for trade was interpreted as an express order to exercise
+piracy and war against them, though it was only a bare licence for
+coming into the Spanish ports; the cloak of which permission were those
+words, "that they should cruise upon the English." And though the French
+did sufficiently expound the true sense of it, yet they could not clear
+themselves to Captain Morgan nor his council: but in lieu thereof, the
+ship and men were seized and sent to Jamaica. Here they also endeavoured
+to obtain justice, and the restitution of their ship, but all in vain;
+for instead of justice, they were long detained in prison, and
+threatened with hanging.
+
+Eight days after the loss of the said ship, Captain Morgan commanded the
+bodies of the miserable wretches who were blown up to be searched for,
+as they floated on the sea; not to afford them Christian burial, but for
+their clothes and attire: and if any had gold rings on their fingers,
+these were cut off, leaving them exposed to the voracity of the monsters
+of the sea. At last they set sail for Savona, the place of their
+assignation. There were in all fifteen vessels, Captain Morgan
+commanding the biggest, of only fourteen small guns; his number of men
+was nine hundred and sixty. Few days after, they arrived at the Cabo de
+Lobos, south of Hispaniola, between Cape Tiburon and Cape Punta de
+Espada: hence they could not pass by reason of contrary winds for three
+weeks, notwithstanding all the utmost endeavours Captain Morgan used to
+get forth; then they doubled the cape, and spied an English vessel at a
+distance. Having spoken with her, they found she came from England, and
+bought of her, for ready money, some provisions they wanted.
+
+Captain Morgan proceeded on his voyage till he came to the port of Ocoa;
+here he landed some men, sending them into the woods to seek water and
+provisions, the better to spare such as he had already on board. They
+killed many beasts, and among others some horses. But the Spaniards, not
+well satisfied at their hunting, laid a stratagem for them, ordering
+three or four hundred men to come from Santo Domingo not far distant,
+and desiring them to hunt in all the parts thereabout near the sea, that
+so, if the pirates should return, they might find no subsistence. Within
+few days the same pirates returned to hunt, but finding nothing to kill,
+a party of about fifty straggled farther on into the woods. The
+Spaniards, who watched all their motions, gathered a great herd of cows,
+and set two or three men to keep them. The pirates having spied them,
+killed a sufficient number; and though the Spaniards could see them at a
+distance, yet they could not hinder them at present; but as soon as they
+attempted to carry them away, they set upon them furiously, crying,
+"Mata, mata," _i.e._, "Kill, kill." Thus the pirates were compelled to
+quit the prey, and retreat to their ships; but they did it in good
+order, retiring by degrees, and when they had opportunity, discharging
+full volleys on the Spaniards, killing many of their enemies, though
+with some loss.
+
+The Spaniards seeing their damage, endeavoured to save themselves by
+flight, and carry off their dead and wounded companions. The pirates
+perceiving them flee, would not content themselves with what hurt they
+had already done, but pursued them speedily into the woods, and killed
+the greatest part of those that remained. Next day Captain Morgan,
+extremely offended at what had passed, went himself with two hundred men
+into the woods to seek for the rest of the Spaniards, but finding
+nobody, he revenged his wrath on the houses of the poor and miserable
+rustics that inhabit those scattering fields and woods, of which he
+burnt a great number: with this he returned to his ships, somewhat more
+satisfied in his mind for having done some considerable damage to the
+enemy; which was always his most ardent desire.
+
+The impatience wherewith Captain Morgan had waited a long while for some
+of his ships not yet arrived, made him resolve to sail away without
+them, and steer for Savona, the place he always designed. Being arrived,
+and not finding any of his ships come, he was more impatient and
+concerned than before, fearing their loss, or that he must proceed
+without them; but he waiting for their arrival a few days longer, and
+having no great plenty of provisions, he sent a crew of one hundred and
+fifty men to Hispaniola to pillage some towns near Santo Domingo; but
+the Spaniards, upon intelligence of their coming, were so vigilant, and
+in such good posture of defence, that the pirates thought not convenient
+to assault them, choosing rather to return empty-handed to Captain
+Morgan, than to perish in that desperate enterprise.
+
+At last Captain Morgan, seeing the other ships did not come, made a
+review of his people, and found only about five hundred men; the ships
+wanting were seven, he having only eight in his company, of which the
+greatest part were very small. Having hitherto resolved to cruise on the
+coasts of Caraccas, and to plunder the towns and villages there, finding
+himself at present with such small forces, he changed his resolution by
+advice of a French captain in his fleet. This Frenchman having served
+Lolonois in the like enterprises, and at the taking of Maracaibo, knew
+all the entries, passages, forces, and means, how to put in execution
+the same again in company of Captain Morgan; to whom having made a full
+relation of all, he concluded to sack it the second time, being himself
+persuaded, with all his men, of the facility the Frenchman propounded.
+Hereupon they weighed anchor, and steered towards Curasao. Being come
+within sight of it, they landed at another island near it, called Ruba,
+about twelve leagues from Curasao to the west. This island, defended by
+a slender garrison, is inhabited by Indians subject to Spain, and speak
+Spanish, by reason of the Roman Catholic religion, here cultivated by a
+few priests sent from the neighbouring continent.
+
+The inhabitants exercise commerce or trade with the pirates that go or
+come this way: they buy of the islanders sheep, lambs, and kids, which
+they exchange for linen, thread, and like things. The country is very
+dry and barren, the whole substance thereof consisting in those three
+things, and in a little indifferent wheat. This isle produces many
+venomous insects, as vipers, spiders, and others. These last are so
+pernicious, that a man bitten by them dies mad; and the manner of
+recovering such is to tie them very fast both hands and feet, and so to
+leave them twenty-four hours, without eating or drinking anything.
+Captain Morgan, as was said, having cast anchor before this island,
+bought of the inhabitants sheep, lambs, and wood, for all his fleet.
+After two days, he sailed again in the night, to the intent they might
+not see what course he steered.
+
+Next day they arrived at the sea of Maracaibo, taking great care not to
+be seen from Vigilia, for which reason they anchored out of sight of it.
+Night being come, they set sail again towards the land, and next
+morning, by break of day, were got directly over against the bar of the
+said lake. The Spaniards had built another fort since the action of
+Lolonois, whence they now fired continually against the pirates, while
+they put their men into boats to land. The dispute continued very hot,
+being managed with great courage from morning till dark night. This
+being come, Captain Morgan, in the obscurity thereof, drew nigh the
+fort, which having examined, he found nobody in it, the Spaniards having
+deserted it not long before. They left behind them a match lighted near
+a train of powder, to have blown up the pirates and the whole fortress
+as soon as they were in it. This design had taken effect, had not the
+pirates discovered it in a quarter of an hour; but Captain Morgan
+snatching away the match, saved both his own and his companions' lives.
+They found here much powder, whereof he provided his fleet, and then
+demolished part of the walls, nailing sixteen pieces of ordnance, from
+twelve to twenty-four pounders. Here they also found many muskets and
+other military provisions.
+
+Next day they commanded the ships to enter the bar, among which they
+divided the powder, muskets, and other things found in the fort: then
+they embarked again to continue their course towards Maracaibo; but the
+waters being very low, they could not pass a certain bank at the entry
+of the lake: hereupon they were compelled to go into canoes and small
+boats, with which they arrived next day before Maracaibo, having no
+other defence than some small pieces which they could carry in the said
+boats. Being landed, they ran immediately to the fort De la Barra, which
+they found as the precedent, without any person in it, for all were fled
+into the woods, leaving also the town without any people, unless a few
+miserable folks, who had nothing to lose.
+
+As soon as they had entered the town, the pirates searched every corner,
+to see if they could find any people that were hid, who might offend
+them unawares; not finding anybody, every party, as they came out of
+their several ships, chose what houses they pleased. The church was
+deputed for the common corps du guard, where they lived after their
+military manner, very insolently. Next day after they sent a troop of a
+hundred men to seek for the inhabitants and their goods; these returned
+next day, bringing with them thirty persons, men, women, and children,
+and fifty mules laden with good merchandise. All these miserable people
+were put to the rack, to make them confess where the rest of the
+inhabitants were, and their goods. Among other tortures, one was to
+stretch their limbs with cords, and then to beat them with sticks and
+other instruments. Others had burning matches placed betwixt their
+fingers, which were thus burnt alive. Others had slender cords or
+matches twisted about their heads, till their eyes burst out. Thus all
+inhuman cruelties were executed on those innocent people. Those who
+would not confess, or who had nothing to declare, died under the hands
+of those villains. These tortures and racks continued for three whole
+weeks, in which time they sent out daily parties to seek for more people
+to torment and rob, they never returning without booty and new riches.
+
+Captain Morgan having now gotten into his hands about a hundred of the
+chief families, with all their goods, at last resolved for Gibraltar, as
+Lolonois had done before: with this design he equipped his fleet,
+providing it sufficiently with all necessaries. He put likewise on board
+all the prisoners, and weighing anchor, set sail with resolution to
+hazard a battle. They had sent before some prisoners to Gibraltar, to
+require the inhabitants to surrender, otherwise Captain Morgan would
+certainly put them all to the sword, without any quarter. Arriving
+before Gibraltar, the inhabitants received him with continual shooting
+of great cannon bullets; but the pirates, instead of fainting hereat,
+ceased not to encourage one another, saying, "We must make one meal upon
+bitter things, before we come to taste the sweetness of the sugar this
+place affords."
+
+Next day very early they landed all their men, and being guided by the
+Frenchman abovesaid, they marched towards the town, not by the common
+way, but crossing through the woods, which way the Spaniards scarce
+thought they would have come; for at the beginning of their march they
+made as if they intended to come the next and open way to the town,
+hereby to deceive the Spaniards: but these remembering full well what
+Lolonois had done but two years before, thought it not safe to expect a
+second brunt, and hereupon all fled out of the town as fast as they
+could, carrying all their goods and riches, as also all the powder; and
+having nailed all the great guns, so as the pirates found not one person
+in the whole city, but one poor innocent man who was born a fool. This
+man they asked whither the inhabitants were fled, and where they had hid
+their goods. To all which questions and the like, he constantly
+answered, "I know nothing, I know nothing:" but they presently put him
+to the rack, and tortured him with cords; which torments forced him to
+cry out, "Do not torture me any more, but come with me, and I will show
+you my goods and my riches." They were persuaded, it seems, he was some
+rich person disguised under those clothes so poor, and that innocent
+tongue; so they went along with him, and he conducted them to a poor
+miserable cottage, wherein he had a few earthen dishes and other things
+of no value, and three pieces of eight, concealed with some other
+trumpery underground. Then they asked him his name, and he readily
+answered, "My name is Don Sebastian Sanchez, and I am brother unto the
+governor of Maracaibo." This foolish answer, it must be conceived, these
+inhuman wretches took for truth: for no sooner had they heard it, but
+they put him again upon the rack, lifting him up on high with cords, and
+tying huge weights to his feet and neck. Besides which, they burnt him
+alive, applying palm-leaves burning to his face.
+
+[Illustration: "'THEY HANGED HIM ON A TREE'"--_Page 146_]
+
+The same day they sent out a party to seek for the inhabitants, on whom
+they might exercise their cruelties. These brought back an honest
+peasant with two daughters of his, whom they intended to torture as they
+used others, if they showed not the places where the inhabitants were
+hid. The peasant knew some of those places, and seeing himself
+threatened with the rack, went with the pirates to show them; but the
+Spaniards perceiving their enemies to range everywhere up and down the
+woods, were already fled thence farther off into the thickest of the
+woods, where they built themselves huts, to preserve from the weather
+those few goods they had. The pirates judged themselves deceived by the
+peasant, and hereupon, to revenge themselves, notwithstanding all his
+excuses and supplication, they hanged him on a tree.
+
+Then they divided into parties to search the plantations; for they knew
+the Spaniards that were absconded could not live on what the woods
+afforded, without coming now and then for provisions to their country
+houses. Here they found a slave, to whom they promised mountains of gold
+and his liberty, by transporting him to Jamaica, if he would show them
+where the inhabitants of Gibraltar lay hid. This fellow conducted them
+to a party of Spaniards, whom they instantly made prisoners, commanding
+this slave to kill some before the eyes of the rest; that by this
+perpetrated crime, he might never be able to leave their wicked company.
+The negro, according to their orders, committed many murders and
+insolencies upon the Spaniards, and followed the unfortunate traces of
+the pirates; who eight days after returned to Gibraltar with many
+prisoners, and some mules laden with riches. They examined every
+prisoner by himself (who were in all about two hundred and fifty
+persons), where they had hid the rest of their goods, and if they know
+of their fellow-townsmen. Such as would not confess were tormented after
+a most inhuman manner. Among the rest, there happened to be a
+Portuguese, who by a negro was reported, though falsely, to be very
+rich; this man was commanded to produce his riches. His answer was, he
+had no more than one hundred pieces of eight in the world, and these had
+been stolen from him two days before by his servant; which words, though
+he sealed with many oaths and protestations, yet they would not believe
+him, but dragging him to the rack, without any regard to his age of
+sixty years, they stretched him with cords, breaking both his arms
+behind his shoulders.
+
+This cruelty went not alone; for he not being able or willing to make
+any other declaration, they put him to another sort of torment more
+barbarous; they tied him with small cords by his two thumbs and great
+toes to four stakes fixed in the ground, at a convenient distance, the
+whole weight of his body hanging on those cords. Not satisfied yet with
+this cruel torture, they took a stone of above two hundred pounds, and
+laid it upon his belly, as if they intended to press him to death; they
+also kindled palm leaves, and applied the flame to the face of this
+unfortunate Portuguese, burning with them the whole skin, beard, and
+hair. At last, seeing that neither with these tortures, nor others, they
+could get anything out of him, they untied the cords, and carried him
+half dead to the church, where was their corps du guard; here they tied
+him anew to one of the pillars thereof, leaving him in that condition,
+without giving him either to eat or drink, unless very sparingly, and so
+little that would scarce sustain life for some days; four or five being
+past, he desired one of the prisoners might come to him, by whose means
+he promised he would endeavour to raise some money to satisfy their
+demands. The prisoner whom he required was brought to him, and he
+ordered him to promise the pirate five hundred pieces of eight for his
+ransom; but they were deaf and obstinate at such a small sum, and
+instead of accepting it, beat him cruelly with cudgels, saying, "Old
+fellow, instead of five hundred, you must say five hundred thousand
+pieces of eight; otherwise you shall here end your life." Finally, after
+a thousand protestations that he was but a miserable man, and kept a
+poor tavern for his living, he agreed with them for one thousand pieces
+of eight. These he raised, and having paid them, got his liberty; though
+so horribly maimed, that it is scarce to be believed he could survive
+many weeks.
+
+Others were crucified by these tyrants, and with kindled matches burnt
+between the joints of their fingers and toes: others had their feet put
+into the fire, and thus were left to be roasted alive. Having used these
+and other cruelties with the white men, they began to practise the same
+with the negroes, their slaves, who were treated with no less inhumanity
+than their masters.
+
+Among these slaves was one who promised Captain Morgan to conduct him to
+a river of the lake, where he should find a ship and four boats, richly
+laden with goods of the inhabitants of Maracaibo: the same discovered
+likewise where the governor of Gibraltar lay hid, with the greatest part
+of the women of the town; but all this he revealed, upon great menaces
+to hang him, if he told not what he knew. Captain Morgan sent away
+presently two hundred men in two settees, or great boats, to this river,
+to seek for what the slave had discovered; but he himself, with two
+hundred and fifty more, undertook to go and take the governor. This
+gentleman was retired to a small island in the middle of the river,
+where he had built a little fort, as well as he could, for his defence;
+but hearing that Captain Morgan came in person with great forces to seek
+him, he retired to the top of a mountain not far off, to which there was
+no ascent but by a very narrow passage, so straight, that whosoever did
+attempt to gain the ascent, must march his men one by one. Captain
+Morgan spent two days before he arrived at this little island, whence he
+designed to proceed to the mountain where the governor was posted, had
+he not been told of the impossibility of ascent, not only for the
+narrowness of the way, but because the governor was well provided with
+all sorts of ammunition: beside, there was fallen a huge rain, whereby
+all the pirates' baggage and powder was wet. By this rain, also, they
+lost many men at the passage over a river that was overflown: here
+perished, likewise, some women and children, and many mules laden with
+plate and goods, which they had taken from the fugitive inhabitants; so
+that things were in a very bad condition with Captain Morgan, and his
+men much harassed, as may be inferred from this relation: whereby, if
+the Spaniards, in that juncture, had had but fifty men well armed, they
+might have entirely destroyed the pirates. But the fears the Spaniards
+had at first conceived were so great, that the leaves stirring on the
+trees they often fancied to be pirates. Finally, Captain Morgan and his
+people, having upon this march sometimes waded up to their middles in
+water for half, or whole miles together, they at last escaped, for the
+greatest part; but the women and children for the major part died.
+
+Thus twelve days after they set forth to seek the governor they returned
+to Gibraltar, with many prisoners: two days after arrived also the two
+settees that went to the river, bringing with them four boats, and some
+prisoners; but the greatest part of the merchandise in the said boats
+they found not, the Spaniards having unladed and secured it, having
+intelligence of their coming; who designed also, when the merchandise
+was taken out, to burn the boats: yet the Spaniards made not so much
+haste to unlade these vessels, but that they left in the ship and boats
+great parcels of goods, which the pirates seized, and brought a
+considerable booty to Gibraltar. Thus, after they had been in possession
+of the place five entire weeks, and committed an infinite number of
+murders, robberies, and such-like insolencies, they concluded to depart;
+but first they ordered some prisoners to go forth into the woods and
+fields, and collect a ransom for the town, otherwise they would
+certainly burn it down to the ground. These poor afflicted men went as
+they were sent, and having searched the adjoining fields and woods,
+returned to Captain Morgan, telling him they had scarce been able to
+find anybody, but that to such as they had found they had proposed his
+demands; to which they had answered, that the governor had prohibited
+them to give any ransom for the town, but they beseeched him to have a
+little patience, and among themselves they would collect five thousand
+pieces of eight; and for the rest, they would give some of their own
+townsmen as hostages, whom he might carry to Maracaibo, till he had
+received full satisfaction.
+
+Captain Morgan having now been long absent from Maracaibo, and knowing
+the Spaniards had had sufficient time to fortify themselves, and hinder
+his departure out of the lake, granted their proposition, and made as
+much haste as he could for his departure: he gave liberty to all the
+prisoners, first putting every one to a ransom; yet he detained the
+slaves. They delivered him four persons agreed on for hostages of what
+money more he was to receive, and they desired to have the slave
+mentioned above, intending to punish him according to his deserts; but
+Captain Morgan would not deliver him, lest they should burn him alive.
+At last, they weighed anchor, and set sail in all haste for Maracaibo:
+here they arrived in four days, and found all things as they had left
+them; yet here they received news from a poor distressed old man, whom
+alone they found sick in the town, that three Spanish men-of-war were
+arrived at the entry of the lake, waiting the return of the pirates:
+moreover, that the castle at the entry thereof was again put into a good
+posture of defence, well provided with guns and men, and all sorts of
+ammunition.
+
+This relation could not choose but disturb the mind of Captain Morgan,
+who now was careful how to get away through the narrow entry of the
+lake: hereupon he sent his swiftest boat to view the entry, and see if
+things were as they had been related. Next day the boat came back,
+confirming what was said; assuring him, they had viewed the ships so
+nigh, that they had been in great danger of their shot, hereunto they
+added, that the biggest ship was mounted with forty guns, the second
+with thirty, and the smallest with twenty-four. These forces being much
+beyond those of Captain Morgan, caused a general consternation in the
+pirates, whose biggest vessel had not above fourteen small guns. Every
+one judged Captain Morgan to despond, and to be hopeless, considering
+the difficulty of passing safe with his little fleet amidst those great
+ships and the fort, or he must perish. How to escape any other way, by
+sea or land, they saw no way. Under these necessities, Captain Morgan
+resumed new courage, and resolving to show himself still undaunted, he
+boldly sent a Spaniard to the admiral of those three ships, demanding of
+him a considerable ransom for not putting the city of Maracaibo to the
+flames. This man (who was received by the Spaniards with great
+admiration of the boldness of those pirates) returned two days after,
+bringing to Captain Morgan a letter from the said admiral, as follows:--
+
+          _The Letter of Don Alonso del Campo y Espinosa,
+            Admiral of the Spanish Fleet, to Captain Morgan,
+            Commander of the Pirates._
+
+          "Having understood by all our friends and
+          neighbours, the unexpected news that you have
+          dared to attempt and commit hostilities in the
+          countries, cities, towns, and villages belonging
+          to the dominions of his Catholic Majesty, my
+          sovereign lord and master; I let you understand by
+          these lines, that I am come to this place,
+          according to my obligation, near that castle
+          which you took out of the hands of a parcel of
+          cowards; where I have put things into a very good
+          posture of defence, and mounted again the
+          artillery which you had nailed and dismounted. My
+          intent is, to dispute with you your passage out of
+          the lake, and follow and pursue you everywhere, to
+          the end you may see the performance of my duty.
+          Notwithstanding, if you be contented to surrender
+          with humility all that you have taken, together
+          with the slaves and all other prisoners, I will
+          let you freely pass, without trouble or
+          molestation; on condition that you retire home
+          presently to your own country. But if you make any
+          resistance or opposition to what I offer you, I
+          assure you I will command boats to come from
+          Caraccas, wherein I will put my troops, and coming
+          to Maracaibo, will put you every man to the sword.
+          This is my last and absolute resolution. Be
+          prudent, therefore, and do not abuse my bounty
+          with ingratitude. I have with me very good
+          soldiers, who desire nothing more ardently than to
+          revenge on you, and your people, all the
+          cruelties, and base infamous actions, you have
+          committed upon the Spanish nation in America.
+          Dated on board the royal ship named the
+          _Magdalen_, lying at anchor at the entry of the
+          lake of Maracaibo, this 24th of April, 1669.
+
+                         "DON ALONSO DEL CAMPO Y ESPINOSA."
+
+As soon as Captain Morgan received this letter, he called all his men
+together in the market-place of Maracaibo, and after reading the
+contents thereof, both in French and English, asked their advice and
+resolution on the whole matter, and whether they had rather surrender
+all they had got to obtain their liberty, than fight for it.
+
+They answered all, unanimously, they had rather fight to the last drop
+of blood, than surrender so easily the booty they had got with so much
+danger of their lives. Among the rest, one said to Captain Morgan, "Take
+you care for the rest, and I will undertake to destroy the biggest of
+those ships with only twelve men: the manner shall be, by making a
+brulot, or fire-ship, of that vessel we took in the river of Gibraltar;
+which, to the intent she may not be known for a fireship, we will fill
+her decks with logs of wood, standing with hats and montera caps, to
+deceive their sight with the representation of men. The same we will do
+at the port-holes that serve for the guns, which shall be filled with
+counterfeit cannon. At the stern we will hang out English colours, and
+persuade the enemy she is one of our best men-of-war going to fight
+them." This proposition was admitted and approved by every one; howbeit,
+their fears were not quite dispersed.
+
+For, notwithstanding what had been concluded there, they endeavoured the
+next day to come to an accommodation with Don Alonso. To this effect,
+Captain Morgan sent to him two persons, with these propositions: First,
+that he would quit Maracaibo, without doing any damage to the town, or
+exacting any ransom for the firing thereof. Secondly, that he would set
+at liberty one half of the slaves, and all the prisoners, without
+ransom. Thirdly, that he would send home freely the four chief
+inhabitants of Gibraltar, which he had in his custody as hostages for
+the contributions those people had promised to pay. These propositions
+were instantly rejected by Don Alonso, as dishonourable: neither would
+he hear of any other accommodation, but sent back this message: "That if
+they surrendered not themselves voluntarily into his hands, within two
+days, under the conditions which he had offered them by his letter, he
+would immediately come, and force them to do it."
+
+No sooner had Captain Morgan received this message from Don Alonso, than
+he put all things in order to fight, resolving to get out of the lake by
+main force, without surrendering anything. First, he commanded all the
+slaves and prisoners to be tied, and guarded very well, and gathered all
+the pitch, tar, and brimstone, they could find in the whole town, for
+the fire-ship above-mentioned; then they made several inventions of
+powder and brimstone with palm leaves, well annointed with tar. They
+covered very well their counterfeit cannon, laying under every piece
+many pounds of powder; besides, they cut down many outworks of the ship,
+that the powder might exert its strength the better; breaking open,
+also, new port-holes, where, instead of guns, they placed little drums
+used by the negroes. Finally, the decks were handsomely beset with many
+pieces of wood, dressed up like men with hats, or monteras, and armed
+with swords, muskets, and bandeleers.
+
+The fire-ship being thus fitted, they prepared to go to the entry of the
+port. All the prisoners were put into one great boat, and in another of
+the biggest they placed all the women, plate, jewels, and other rich
+things: into others they put the bales of goods and merchandise, and
+other things of bulk: each of these boats had twelve men aboard, very
+well armed; the brulot had orders to go before the rest of the vessels,
+and presently to fall foul with the great ship. All things being ready,
+Captain Morgan exacted an oath of all his comrades, protesting to defend
+themselves to the last drop of blood, without demanding quarter;
+promising withal, that whosoever behaved himself thus, should be very
+well rewarded.
+
+With this courageous resolution they set sail to seek the Spaniards. On
+April 30, 1669, they found the Spanish fleet riding at anchor in the
+middle of the entry of the lake. Captain Morgan, it being now late and
+almost dark, commanded all his vessels to an anchor, designing to fight
+even all night if they forced him to it. He ordered a careful watch to
+be kept aboard every vessel till morning, they being almost within shot,
+as well as within sight of the enemy. The day dawning, they weighed
+anchor, and sailed again, steering directly towards the Spaniards; who
+seeing them move, did instantly the same. The fire-ship sailing before
+the rest fell presently upon the great ship, and grappled her; which the
+Spaniards (too late) perceiving to be a fire-ship, they attempted to put
+her off, but in vain: for the flame seizing her timber and tackling,
+soon consumed all the stern, the fore part sinking into the sea, where
+she perished. The second Spanish ship perceiving the admiral to burn,
+not by accident, but by industry of the enemy, escaped towards the
+castle, where the Spaniards themselves sunk her, choosing to lose their
+ship rather than to fall into the hands of those pirates. The third,
+having no opportunity to escape, was taken by the pirates. The seamen
+that sunk the second ship near the castle, perceiving the pirates come
+towards them to take what remains they could find of their shipwreck
+(for some part was yet above water), set fire also to this vessel, that
+the pirates might enjoy nothing of that spoil. The first ship being set
+on fire, some of the persons in her swam towards the shore; these
+pirates would have taken up in their boats, but they would not ask or
+take quarter, choosing rather to lose their lives than receive them from
+their hands, for reasons which I shall relate.
+
+[Illustration: "'THE FIRE-SHIP, SAILING BEFORE THE REST, FELL PRESENTLY
+UPON THE GREAT SHIP'"--_Page 158_]
+
+The pirates being extremely glad at this signal victory so soon
+obtained, and with so great an inequality of forces, conceived greater
+pride than they had before, and all presently ran ashore, intending to
+take the castle. This they found well provided with men, cannon, and
+ammunition, they having no other arms than muskets, and a few hand
+granadoes: their own artillery they thought incapable, for its
+smallness, of making any considerable breach in the walls. Thus they
+spent the rest of the day, firing at the garrison with their muskets,
+till the dusk of the evening, when they attempted to advance nearer the
+walls, to throw in their fire-balls: but the Spaniards resolving to sell
+their lives as dear as they could, fired so furiously at them, that they
+having experimented the obstinacy of the enemy, and seeing thirty of
+their men dead, and as many more wounded, they retired to their ships.
+
+The Spaniards believing the pirates would next day renew the attack with
+their own cannon, laboured hard all night to put things in order for
+their coming; particularly, they dug down, and made plain, some little
+hills and eminences, when possibly the castle might be offended.
+
+But Captain Morgan intended not to come again, busying himself next day
+in taking prisoners some of the men who still swam alive, hoping to get
+part of the riches lost in the two ships that perished. Among the rest,
+he took a pilot, who was a stranger, and who belonged to the lesser ship
+of the two, of whom he inquired several things; as, What number of
+people those three ships had in them? Whether they expected any more
+ships to come? From what port they set forth last, when they came to
+seek them out? He answered, in Spanish, "Noble sir, be pleased to pardon
+and spare me, that no evil be done to me, being a stranger to this
+nation I have served, and I shall sincerely inform you of all that
+passed till our arrival at this lake. We were sent by orders from the
+Supreme Council of State in Spain, being six men-of-war well equipped,
+into these seas, with instructions to cruise upon the English pirates,
+and root them out from these parts by destroying as many of them as we
+could.
+
+"These orders were given, upon the news brought to the court of Spain of
+the loss and ruin of Puerto Bello, and other places; of all which
+damages and hostilities committed here by the English, dismal
+lamentations have often been made to the catholic king and council, to
+whom belongs the care and preservation of this new world. And though the
+Spanish court hath many times by their ambassadors complained hereof to
+the king of England; yet it hath been the constant answer of his Majesty
+of Great Britain, that he never gave any letters patent, nor
+commissions, for acting any hostility against the subjects of the king
+of Spain. Hereupon the catholic king resolved to revenge his subjects,
+and punish these proceedings: commanded six men-of-war to be equipped,
+which he sent under the command of Don Augustine de Bustos, admiral of
+the said fleet. He commanded the biggest ship, named _N. S. de la
+Soleda_, of forty-eight great guns, and eight small ones. The
+vice-admiral was Don Alonso del Campo y Espinosa, who commanded the
+second ship called _La Conception_, of forty-four great guns, and eight
+small ones; besides four vessels more, whereof the first was named the
+_Magdalen_, of thirty-six great guns, and twelve small ones, with two
+hundred and fifty men. The second was called _St. Lewis_, with
+twenty-six great guns, twelve small ones, and two hundred men. The third
+was called _La Marquesa_, of sixteen great guns, eight small ones, and
+one hundred and fifty men. The fourth and last, _N. S. del Carmen_, with
+eighteen great guns, eight small ones, and one hundred and fifty men.
+
+"Being arrived at Carthagena, the two greatest ships received orders to
+return to Spain, being judged too big for cruising on these coasts. With
+the four ships remaining, Don Alonso del Campo y Espinosa departed
+towards Campechy to seek the English: we arrived at the port there,
+where, being surprised by a huge storm from the north, we lost one of
+our ships, being that which I named last. Hence we sailed for
+Hispaniola, in sight of which we came in a few days, and steered for
+Santo Domingo: here we heard that there had passed that way a fleet from
+Jamaica, and that some men thereof had landed at Alta Gracia; the
+inhabitants had taken one prisoner, who confessed their design was to go
+and pillage the city of Caraccas. On this news, Don Alonso instantly
+weighed anchor, and, crossing over to the continent, we came in sight of
+the Caraccas: here we found them not, but met with a boat, which
+certified us they were in the lake of Maracaibo, and that the fleet
+consisted of seven small ships, and one boat.
+
+"Upon this we came here, and arriving at the entry of the lake, we shot
+off a gun for a pilot from the shore. Those on land perceiving we were
+Spaniards, came willingly to us with a pilot, and told us the English
+had taken Maracaibo, and that they were now at the pillage of Gibraltar.
+Don Alonso, on this news, made a handsome speech to his soldiers and
+mariners, encouraging them to their duty, and promising to divide among
+them all they should take from the English: he ordered the guns we had
+taken out of the ship that was lost to be put into the castle, and
+mounted for its defence, with two eighteen-pounders more, out of his own
+ship. The pilots conducted us into the port, and Don Alonso commanded
+the people on shore to come before him, whom he ordered to repossess the
+castle, and reinforce it with one hundred men more than it had before
+its being taken. Soon after, we heard of your return from Gibraltar to
+Maracaibo, whither Don Alonso wrote you a letter, giving you an account
+of his arrival and design, and exhorting you to restore what you had
+taken. This you refusing, he renewed his promises to his soldiers and
+seamen, and having given a very good supper to all his people, he
+ordered them not to take or give any quarter, which was the occasion of
+so many being drowned, who dared not to crave quarter, knowing
+themselves must give none. Two days before you came against us, a negro
+came aboard Don Alonso's ship, telling him, 'Sir, be pleased to have
+great care of yourself; for the English have prepared a fire-ship, with
+design to burn your fleet.' But Don Alonso not believing this, answered,
+'How can that be? Have they, peradventure, wit enough to build a
+fire-ship? Or what instruments have they to do it withal?'"
+
+This pilot having related so distinctly these things to Captain Morgan,
+was very well used by him, and, after some kind proffers made to him,
+remained in his service. He told Captain Morgan, that, in the ship which
+was sunk, there was a great quantity of plate, to the value of forty
+thousand pieces of eight; which occasioned the Spaniards to be often
+seen in boats about it. Hereupon, Captain Morgan ordered one of his
+ships to remain there, to find ways of getting out of it what plate they
+could; meanwhile, himself, with all his fleet, returned to Maracaibo,
+where he refitted the great ship he had taken, and chose it for himself,
+giving his own bottom to one of his captains.
+
+Then he sent again a messenger to the admiral, who was escaped ashore,
+and got into the castle, demanding of him a ransom of fire for
+Maracaibo; which being denied, he threatened entirely to consume and
+destroy it. The Spaniards considering the ill-luck they had all along
+with those pirates, and not knowing how to get rid of them, concluded to
+pay the said ransom, though Don Alonso would not consent.
+
+Hereupon, they sent to Captain Morgan, to know what sum he demanded. He
+answered, that on payment of 30,000 pieces of eight, and five hundred
+beeves, he would release the prisoners and do no damage to the town. At
+last they agreed on 20,000 pieces of eight, and five hundred beeves to
+victual his fleet. The cattle were brought the next day, with one part
+of the money; and, while the pirates were busied in salting the flesh,
+they made up the whole 20,000 pieces of eight, as was agreed.
+
+But Captain Morgan would not presently deliver the prisoners, as he had
+promised, fearing the shot of the castle at his going forth out of the
+lake. Hereupon he told them he intended not to deliver them till he was
+out of that danger, hoping thus to obtain a free passage. Then he set
+sail with his fleet in quest of the ship he had left, to seek for the
+plate of the vessel that was burnt. He found her on the place, with
+15,000 pieces of eight got out of the work, beside many pieces of plate,
+as hilts of swords, and the like; also a great quantity of pieces of
+eight melted and run together, by the force of the fire.
+
+Captain Morgan scarce thought himself secure, nor could he contrive how
+to avoid the shot of the castle: hereupon he wished the prisoners to
+agree with the governor to permit a safe passage to his fleet, which,
+if he should not allow, he would certainly hang them all up in his
+ships. Upon this the prisoners met, and appointed some of their
+fellow-messengers to go to the said governor, Don Alonso: these went to
+him, beseeching and supplicating him to have compassion on those
+afflicted prisoners, who were, with their wives and children, in the
+hands of Captain Morgan; and that to this effect he would be pleased to
+give his word to let the fleet of pirates freely pass, this being the
+only way to save both the lives of them that came with this petition, as
+also of those who remained in captivity; all being equally menaced with
+the sword and gallows, if he granted them not this humble request. But
+Don Alonso gave them for answer a sharp reprehension of their cowardice,
+telling them, "If you had been as loyal to your king in hindering the
+entry of these pirates, as I shall do their going out, you had never
+caused these troubles, neither to yourselves nor to our whole nation,
+which hath suffered so much through your pusillanimity. In a word, I
+shall never grant your request, but shall endeavour to maintain that
+respect which is due to my king, according to my duty."
+
+[Illustration: "MORGAN DIVIDING THE TREASURE TAKEN AT MARACAIBO"--_Page
+166_]
+
+Thus the Spaniards returned with much consternation, and no hopes of
+obtaining their request, telling Captain Morgan what answer they had
+received: his reply was, "If Don Alonso will not let me pass, I will
+find means how to do it without him." Hereupon he presently made a
+dividend of all they had taken, fearing he might not have an opportunity
+to do it in another place, if any tempest should rise and separate the
+ships, as also being jealous that any of the commanders might run away
+with the best part of the spoil, which then lay much more in one vessel
+than another. Thus they all brought in according to their laws, and
+declared what they had, first making oath not to conceal the least
+thing. The accounts being cast up, they found to the value of 25,000
+pieces of eight, in money and jewels, beside the huge quantity of
+merchandise and slaves, all which purchase was divided to every ship or
+boat, according to her share.
+
+The dividend being made, the question still remained how they should
+pass the castle, and get out of the lake. To this effect they made use
+of a stratagem, as follows: the day before the night wherein they
+determined to get forth, they embarked many of their men in canoes, and
+rowed towards the shore, as if they designed to land: here they hid
+themselves under branches of trees that hang over the coast awhile,
+laying themselves down in the boats; then the canoes returned to the
+ships, with the appearance of only two or three men rowing them back,
+the rest being unseen at the bottom of the canoes: thus much only could
+be perceived from the castle, and this false landing of men, for so we
+may call it, was repeated that day several times: this made the
+Spaniards think the pirates intended at night to force the castle by
+scaling it. This fear caused them to place most of their great guns
+on the land side, together with their main force, leaving the side
+towards the sea almost destitute of defence.
+
+Night being come, they weighed anchor, and by moonlight, without setting
+sail, committed themselves to the ebbing tide, which gently brought them
+down the river, till they were near the castle; being almost over
+against it, they spread their sails with all possible haste. The
+Spaniards perceiving this, transported with all speed their guns from
+the other side, and began to fire very furiously at them; but these
+having a very favourable wind, were almost past danger before those of
+the castle could hurt them; so that they lost few of their men, and
+received no considerable damage in their ships. Being out of the reach
+of the guns, Captain Morgan sent a canoe to the castle with some of the
+prisoners, and the governor thereof gave them a boat to return to their
+own homes; but he detained the hostages from Gibraltar, because the rest
+of the ransom for not firing the place was yet unpaid. Just as he
+departed, Captain Morgan ordered seven great guns with bullets to be
+fired against the castle, as it were to take his leave of them, but they
+answered not so much as with a musket shot.
+
+Next day after, they were surprised with a great tempest, which forced
+them to cast anchor in five or six fathom water: but the storm
+increasing, compelled them to weigh again, and put to sea, where they
+were in great danger of being lost; for if they should have been cast on
+shore, either into the hands of the Spaniards or Indians, they would
+certainly have obtained no mercy: at last, the tempest being spent, the
+wind ceased, to the great joy of the whole fleet.
+
+While Captain Morgan made his fortune by these pillagings, his
+companions, who were separated from his fleet at the Cape de Lobos, to
+take the ship spoken of before, endured much misery, and were
+unfortunate in all their attempts. Being arrived at Savona, they found
+not Captain Morgan there, nor any of their companions, nor had they the
+fortune to find a letter which Captain Morgan at his departure left
+behind him in a place where in all probability they would meet with it.
+Thus, not knowing what course to steer, they concluded to pillage some
+town or other. They were in all about four hundred men, divided into
+four ships and one boat: being ready to set forth, they constituted an
+admiral among themselves, being one who had behaved himself very
+courageously at the taking of Puerto Bello, named Captain Hansel. This
+commander attempted the taking of the town of Commana, on the continent
+of Caraccas, nigh sixty leagues to the west of the Isle de la Trinidad.
+Being arrived there, they landed their men, and killed some few Indians
+near the coast; but approaching the town, the Spaniards having in their
+company many Indians, disputed the entry so briskly, that, with great
+loss and confusion, they were forced to retire to the ships. At last
+they arrived at Jamaica, where the rest of their companions, who came
+with Captain Morgan, mocked and jeered them for their ill success at
+Commana, often telling them, "Let us see what money you brought from
+Commana, and if it be as good silver as that which we bring from
+Maracaibo."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+_Captain Morgan goes to Hispaniola to equip a new fleet, with intent to
+pillage again on the coast of the West Indies._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN perceived now that Fortune favoured him, by giving
+success to all his enterprises, which occasioned him, as is usual in
+human affairs, to aspire to greater things, trusting she would always be
+constant to him.
+
+Such was the burning of Panama, wherein Fortune failed not to assist
+him, as she had done before, though she had led him thereto through a
+thousand difficulties. The history hereof I shall now relate, being so
+remarkable in all its circumstances, as peradventure nothing more
+deserving memory will be read by future ages.
+
+Captain Morgan arriving at Jamaica, found many of his officers and
+soldiers reduced to their former indigency, by their vices and
+debaucheries. Hence they perpetually importuned him for new exploits.
+
+Captain Morgan, willing to follow Fortune's call, stopped the mouths of
+many inhabitants of Jamaica, who were creditors to his men for large
+sums, with the hopes and promises of greater achievements than ever, by
+a new expedition. This done, he could easily levy men for any
+enterprise, his name being so famous through all those islands as that
+alone would readily bring him in more men than he could well employ. He
+undertook therefore to equip a new fleet, for which he assigned the
+south side of Tortuga as a place of rendezvous, writing letters to all
+the expert pirates there inhabiting, as also to the governor, and to the
+planters and hunters of Hispaniola, informing them of his intentions,
+and desiring their appearance, if they intended to go with him. These
+people upon this notice flocked to the place assigned, in huge numbers,
+with ships, canoes, and boats, being desirous to follow him. Many, who
+had not the convenience of coming 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 ready against October 24,
+1670.
+
+Captain Morgan was not wanting to be there punctually, coming in his
+ship to Port Couillon, over against the island De la Vaca, the place
+assigned. Having gathered the greatest part of his fleet, he called a
+council to deliberate about finding provisions for so many people. Here
+they concluded to send four ships and one boat, with four hundred men,
+to the continent, in order to rifle some country towns and villages for
+all the corn or maize they could gather. They set sail for the continent
+towards the river De la Hacha, designing to assault the village called
+La Rancheria, usually best stored with maize of all the parts
+thereabouts. Meanwhile Captain Morgan sent another party to hunt in the
+woods, who killed a huge number of beasts, and salted them: the rest
+remained in the ships, to clean, fit, and rig them, that, at the return
+of their fellows, all things might be in a readiness to weigh anchor and
+follow their designs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+_What happened in the river De la Hacha._
+
+
+THESE four ships setting sail from Hispaniola, steered for the river De
+la Hacha, where they were suddenly overtaken with a tedious calm. Being
+within sight of land becalmed for some days, the Spaniards inhabiting
+along the coast, who had perceived them to be enemies, had sufficient
+time to prepare themselves, at least to hide the best of their goods,
+that, without any care of preserving them, they might be ready to
+retire, if they proved unable to resist the pirates, by whose frequent
+attempts on those coasts they had already learned what to do in such
+cases. There was then in the river a good ship, come from Carthagena to
+lade with maize, and now almost ready to depart. The men of 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 them, being
+good part of what they came for. Next morning, about break of day, they
+came with their ships ashore, and landed their men, though the Spaniards
+made good resistance from a battery they had raised on that side, where,
+of necessity, they were to land; but they were forced to retire to a
+village, whither the pirates followed them. Here the Spaniards rallying,
+fell upon them with great fury, and maintained a strong combat, which
+lasted till night; but then, perceiving they had lost a great number of
+men, which was no less on the pirates' side, they retired to secret
+places in the woods.
+
+Next day the pirates seeing them all fled, and the town left empty of
+people, they pursued them as far as they could, and overtook a party of
+Spaniards, whom they made prisoners, and exercised with most cruel
+torments, to discover their goods. Some were forced, by intolerable
+tortures, to confess; but others, who would not, were used more
+barbarously. Thus, in fifteen days that they remained there, they took
+many prisoners, much plate and movables, with which booty they resolved
+to return to Hispaniola: yet, not content with what they had got, they
+dispatched some prisoners into the woods to seek for the rest of the
+inhabitants, and to demand a ransom for not burning the town. They
+answered, they had no money nor plate; but if they would be satisfied
+with a quantity of maize, they would give as much as they could. The
+pirates accepted this, it being then more useful to them than ready
+money, and agreed they should pay four thousand hanegs, or bushels of
+maize. These were brought in three days after, the Spaniards being
+desirous to rid themselves of that inhuman sort of people. Having laded
+them on board with the rest of their purchase, they returned to
+Hispaniola, to give account to their leader, Captain Morgan, of all they
+had performed.
+
+They had now been absent five weeks on this commission, which long delay
+occasioned Captain Morgan almost in despair of their return, fearing
+lest they were fallen in to the hands of the Spaniards; especially
+considering the place whereto they went could easily be relieved from
+Carthagena and Santa Maria, if the inhabitants were careful to alarm the
+country. On the other side, he feared lest they should have made some
+great fortune in that voyage, and with it have escaped to some other
+place. But seeing his ships return in greater numbers than they
+departed, he resumed new courage, this sight causing both in him and his
+companions infinite joy, especially when they found them full laden with
+maize, which they much wanted for the maintenance of so many people,
+from whom they expected great matters under such a commander.
+
+Captain Morgan having divided the said maize, as also the flesh which
+the hunters brought, among his ships, according to the number of men, he
+concluded to depart; having viewed beforehand every ship, and observed
+their being well equipped and clean. Thus he set sail, and stood for
+Cape Tiburon, where he determined to resolve what enterprise he should
+take in hand. No sooner were they arrived, but they met some other ships
+newly come to join them from Jamaica; so that now their fleet consisted
+of thirty-seven ships, wherein were two thousand fighting men, beside
+mariners and boys. The admiral hereof was mounted with twenty-two great
+guns, and six small ones of brass; the rest carried some twenty; some
+sixteen, some eighteen, and the smallest vessel at least four; besides
+which, they had great quantities of ammunition and fire-balls, with
+other inventions of powder.
+
+Captain Morgan having such a number of ships, divided the whole fleet
+into two squadrons, constituting a vice-admiral, and other officers of
+the second squadron, distinct from the former. To these he gave letters
+patent, or commissions to act all manner of hostilities against the
+Spanish nation, and take of them what ships they could, either abroad at
+sea, or in the harbours, as if they were open and declared enemies (as
+he termed it) of the king of England, his pretended master. This done,
+he called all his captains and other officers together, and caused them
+to sign some articles of 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: that every captain should draw the shares of
+eight men for the expenses of his ship, besides his own. To the surgeon,
+beside his pay, two hundred pieces of eight for his chest of
+medicaments. To every carpenter, above his salary, one hundred pieces of
+eight. The rewards were settled in this voyage much higher than before:
+as, for the loss of both legs, fifteen hundred pieces of eight, or
+fifteen slaves, the choice left to the party, for the loss of both
+hands, eighteen hundred pieces of eight, or eighteen slaves: for one
+leg, whether right or left, six hundred pieces of eight, or six slaves:
+for a hand, as much as for a leg; and for the loss of an eye, one
+hundred pieces of eight, or one slave. Lastly, to him that in any battle
+should signalize himself, either by entering first any castle, or taking
+down the Spanish colours, and setting up the English, they allotted
+fifty pieces of eight for a reward. All which extraordinary salaries and
+rewards to be paid out of the first spoil they should take, as every one
+should 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, to attempt one of these three
+places; either Carthagena, Panama, or Vera Cruz. But the lot fell on
+Panama, as the richest of all three; though this city being situate at
+such a distance from the North Sea as they knew not well the approaches
+to it, they judged it necessary to go beforehand to the isle of St.
+Catherine, there to find some persons for guides in this enterprise; for
+in the garrison there are commonly many banditti and outlaws belonging
+to Panama and the neighbouring places, who are very expert in the
+knowledge of that country. But before they proceeded, they published an
+act through the whole fleet, promising, if they met with any Spanish
+vessel, the first captain who should take it should have for his reward
+the tenth part of what should be found in her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+_Captain Morgan leaves Hispaniola and goes to St. Catherine's, which he
+takes._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN and his companions weighed anchor from the Cape of
+Tiburon, December 16, 1670. Four days after they arrived in sight of St.
+Catherine's, now in possession of the Spaniards again, as was said
+before, to which they commonly banish the malefactors of the Spanish
+dominions in the West Indies. Here are huge quantities of pigeons at
+certain seasons. It is watered by four rivulets, whereof two are always
+dry in summer. Here is no trade or commerce exercised by the
+inhabitants; neither do they plant more fruits than what are necessary
+for human life, though the country would make very good plantations of
+tobacco of considerable profit, were it cultivated.
+
+As soon as Captain Morgan came near the island with his fleet, he sent
+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 lest they should give intelligence of his arrival to the
+inhabitants, and prevent his designs.
+
+Next day, before sunrise, all the fleet anchored near the island, in a
+bay called Aguade Grande. On this bay the Spaniards had built a battery,
+mounted with four pieces of cannon. Captain Morgan landed about one
+thousand men in divers squadrons, marching through the woods, though
+they had no other guides than a few of his own men, who had been there
+before, under Mansvelt. The same day they came to a place where the
+governor sometimes resided: here they found a battery called the
+Platform, but nobody in it, the Spaniards having retired to the lesser
+island, which, as was said before, is so near the great one, that a
+short bridge only may conjoin them.
+
+This lesser island was so well fortified with forts and batteries round
+it, as might seem impregnable. Hereupon, as soon as the Spaniards
+perceived the pirates approach, they fired on them so furiously, that
+they could advance nothing that day, but were content to retreat, and
+take up their rest in the open fields, which was not strange to these
+people, being sufficiently used to such kind of repose. What most
+afflicted them was hunger, having not eat anything that whole day. About
+midnight it rained so hard, that they had much ado to bear it, the
+greatest part of them having no other clothes than a pair of seaman's
+trousers or breeches, and a shirt, without shoes or stockings. In this
+great extremity they pulled down a few thatched houses to make fires
+withal; in a word, they were in such a condition, that one hundred men,
+indifferently well armed, might easily that night have torn them all in
+pieces. Next morning, about break of day, the rain ceased, and they
+dried their arms and marched on: but soon after it rained afresh, rather
+harder than before, as if the skies were melted into waters; which kept
+them from advancing towards the forts, whence the Spaniards continually
+fired at them.
+
+The pirates were now reduced to great affliction and danger, through the
+hardness of the weather, their own nakedness, and great hunger; for a
+small relief hereof, they found in the fields an old horse, lean, and
+full of scabs and blotches, with galled back and sides: this they
+instantly killed and flayed, and divided in small pieces among
+themselves, as far as it would reach (for many could not get a morsel)
+which they roasted and devoured without salt or bread, more like
+ravenous wolves than men. The rain not ceasing, Captain Morgan perceived
+their minds to relent, hearing many of them say they would return on
+board. Among these fatigues of mind and body, he thought convenient to
+use some sudden remedy: to this effect, he commanded a canoe to be
+rigged in haste, and colours of truce to be hanged out. This canoe he
+sent to the Spanish governor, 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 to him, and all those that were in his company, he
+would most certainly put them to the sword, without granting quarter to
+any."
+
+In the afternoon the canoe returned with this answer: "That the governor
+desired two hours' time to deliberate with his officers about it, which
+being past, he would give his positive answer." The time being elapsed,
+the governor sent two canoes with white colours, and two persons to
+treat with Captain Morgan; but, before they landed, they demanded of the
+pirates two persons as hostages. These were readily granted by Captain
+Morgan, who delivered them two of the captains for a pledge of the
+security required. With this the Spaniards propounded to Captain Morgan,
+that the governor, in a full assembly, had resolved to deliver up the
+island, not being provided with sufficient forces to defend it against
+such an armada. But withal, he desired 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 follows:--That Captain Morgan would come with his
+troops by night to the bridge that joined the lesser island to the great
+one, and there attack the fort of St. Jerome: that at the same time all
+his fleet would draw near the castle of Santa Teresa, and attack it by
+land, landing, in the meanwhile, more troops near the battery of St.
+Matthew: that these troops being newly landed, should by this means
+intercept the governor as he endeavoured to pass to St. Jerome's fort,
+and then take him prisoner; using the formality, as if they forced him
+to deliver the castle; and that he would lead the English into it, under
+colour of being his own troops. That on both sides there should be
+continual firing, but without bullets, or at least into the air, so that
+no side might be hurt. That thus having obtained two such considerable
+forts, the chiefest of the isle, he need not take care for the rest,
+which must fall of course into his hands.
+
+These propositions were granted by Captain Morgan, on condition they
+should see them faithfully observed; otherwise they should be used with
+the utmost rigour: this they promised to do, and took their leave, to
+give account of their negotiation to the governor. Presently after,
+Captain Morgan commanded the whole fleet to enter the port, and his men
+to be ready to assault, that night, the castle of St. Jerome. Thus the
+false battle began, with incessant firing from both the castles, against
+the ships, but without bullets, as was agreed. Then the pirates landed,
+and assaulted by night the lesser island, which they took, as also both
+fortresses; forcing the Spaniards, in appearance, to fly to the church.
+Before this assault, Captain Morgan sent word to the governor, that he
+should keep all his men together in a body; otherwise, if the pirates
+met any straggling Spaniards in the streets, they should certainly shoot
+them.
+
+This island being taken by this unusual stratagem, and all things put in
+order, the pirates made a new war against the poultry, cattle, and all
+sorts of victuals they could find, for some days; scarce thinking of
+anything else than to kill, roast, and eat, and make what good cheer
+they could. If wood was wanting, they pulled down the houses, and made
+fires with the timber, as had been done before in the field. Next day
+they numbered all the prisoners they had taken upon the island, which
+were found to be in all four hundred and fifty-nine persons, men, women,
+and children; viz., one hundred and ninety soldiers of the garrison;
+forty inhabitants, who were married: forty-three children, thirty-four
+slaves, belonging to the king; with eight children, eight banditti,
+thirty-nine negroes belonging to private persons; with twenty-seven
+female blacks, and thirty-four children. The pirates disarmed all the
+Spaniards, and sent them out immediately to the plantations to seek for
+provisions, leaving the women in the church to exercise their devotions.
+
+Soon after they reviewed the whole island, and all the fortresses
+thereof, which they found to be nine in all, viz., the fort of St.
+Jerome, next the bridge, had eight great guns, of twelve, six, and eight
+pounds carriage; with six pipes of muskets, every pipe containing ten
+muskets. Here they found still sixty muskets, with sufficient powder and
+other ammunition. The second fortress, called St. Matthew, had three
+guns, of eight pounds each. The third, and chiefest, named Santa
+Teresa, had twenty great guns, of eighteen, twelve, eight, and six
+pounds; with ten pipes of muskets, like those before, and ninety muskets
+remaining, besides other ammunition. This castle was built with stone
+and mortar, with very thick walls, and a large ditch round it, twenty
+feet deep, which, though it was dry, yet was very hard to get over. Here
+was no entry, but through one door, to the middle of the castle. Within
+it was a mount, almost inaccessible, with four pieces of cannon at the
+top; whence they could shoot directly into the port. On the sea side it
+was impregnable, by reason of the rocks round it, and the sea beating
+furiously upon them. To the land it was so commodiously seated on a
+mountain, as there was no access to it but by a path three or four feet
+broad. The fourth fortress was named St. Augustine, having three guns of
+eight and six pounds. The fifth, named La Plattaforma de la Conception,
+had only two guns, of eight pounds. The sixth, by name San Salvador, had
+likewise no more than two guns. The seventh, called Plattaforma de los
+Artilleros, had also two guns. The eighth, called Santa Cruz, had three
+guns. The ninth, called St. Joseph's Fort, had six guns, of twelve and
+eight pounds, besides two pipes of muskets, and sufficient ammunition.
+
+In the storehouses were above thirty thousand pounds of powder, with all
+other ammunition, which was carried by the pirates on board. All the
+guns were stopped and nailed, and the fortresses demolished, except
+that of St. Jerome, where the pirates kept guard and resistance. Captain
+Morgan inquired for any banditti from Panama or Puerto Bello, and three
+were brought him, who pretended to be very expert in the avenues of
+those parts. He asked them to be his guides, and show him the securest
+ways to Panama, which, if they performed, he promised them equal shares
+in the plunder of that expedition, and their liberty when they arrived
+in Jamaica. These propositions the banditti readily accepted, promising
+to serve him very faithfully, especially one of the three, who was the
+greatest rogue, thief, and assassin among them, who had deserved rather
+to be broken alive on the wheel, than punished with serving in a
+garrison. This wicked fellow had a great ascendant over the other two,
+and domineered over them as he pleased, they not daring to disobey his
+orders.
+
+Captain Morgan commanded four ships and one boat to be equipped, and
+provided with necessaries, to go and take the castle of Chagre, on the
+river of that name; neither would he go himself with his whole fleet,
+lest the Spaniards should be jealous of his farther design on Panama. In
+these vessels he embarked four hundred men, to put in execution these
+his orders. Meanwhile, himself remained in St. Catherine's with the rest
+of the fleet, expecting to hear of their success.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+_Captain Morgan takes the Castle of Chagre, with four hundred men sent
+to this purpose from St. Catherine's._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN sending this little fleet to Chagre, chose for
+vice-admiral thereof one Captain Brodely, who had been long in those
+quarters, and committed many robberies on the Spaniards, when Mansvelt
+took the isle of St. Catherine, as was before related; and therefore was
+thought a fit person for this exploit, his actions likewise having
+rendered him famous among the pirates, and their enemies the Spaniards.
+Captain Brodely being made commander, in three days after his departure
+arrived in sight of the said castle of Chagre, by the Spaniards called
+St. Lawrence. This castle is built on a high mountain, at the entry of
+the river, surrounded by strong palisades, or wooden walls, filled with
+earth, which secures them as well as the best wall of stone or brick.
+The top of this mountain is, in a manner, divided into two parts,
+between which is a ditch thirty feet deep. The castle hath but one
+entry, and that by a drawbridge over this ditch. To the land it has four
+bastions, and to the sea two more. The south part is totally
+inaccessible, through the cragginess of the mountain. The north is
+surrounded by the river, which here is very broad. At the foot of the
+castle, or rather mountain, is a strong fort, with eight great guns,
+commanding the entry of the river. Not much lower are two other
+batteries, each of six pieces, to defend likewise the mouth of the
+river. At one side of the castle are two great storehouses of all sorts
+of warlike ammunition and merchandise, brought thither from the island
+country. Near these houses is a high pair of stairs hewn out of the
+rock, to mount to the top of the castle. On the west is a small port,
+not above seven or eight fathoms deep, fit for small vessels, and of
+very good anchorage; besides, before the castle, at the entry of the
+river, is a great rock, scarce to be described but at low tides.
+
+No sooner had the Spaniards perceived the pirates, but they fired
+incessantly at them with the biggest of their guns. They came to an
+anchor in a small port, about a league from the castle. Next morning,
+very early, they went ashore, and marched through the woods, to attack
+the castle on that side. This march lasted till two of the clock in the
+afternoon, before they could reach the castle, by reason of the
+difficulties of the way, and its mire and dirt; and though their guides
+served them very exactly, yet they came so nigh the castle at first,
+that they lost many of their men by its shot, they being in an open
+place without covert. This much perplexed the pirates, not knowing 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 danger: besides that, the castle, both for its
+situation and strength, made them much doubt of success. But to give it
+over they dared not, lest they should be reproached by their companions.
+
+At last, after many doubts and disputes, resolving to hazard the assault
+and their lives desperately, 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 continually; crying
+withal, "Come on, ye English dogs! enemies to God and our king; and let
+your other companions that are behind come on too, ye shall not go to
+Panama this bout." The pirates making some trial to climb the walls,
+were forced to retreat, resting themselves till night. This being come,
+they returned to the assault, to try, by the help of their fire-balls,
+to destroy the pales before the wall; and while they were about it,
+there happened a very remarkable accident, which occasioned their
+victory. One of the pirates being wounded with an arrow in his back,
+which pierced his body through, he pulled it out boldly at the side of
+his breast, and winding a little cotton about it, he put it into his
+musket, and shot it back to the castle; but the cotton being kindled by
+the powder, fired two or three houses in the castle, being thatched with
+palm-leaves, which the Spaniards perceived not so soon as was
+necessary; for this fire meeting with a parcel of powder, blew it up,
+thereby causing great ruin, and no less consternation to the Spaniards,
+who were not able to put a stop to it, not having seen it time enough.
+
+The pirates perceiving the effect of the arrow, and the misfortunes of
+the Spaniards, were infinitely glad; and while they were busied in
+quenching the fire, which caused a great confusion for want of water,
+the pirates took this opportunity, setting fire likewise to the
+palisades. The fire thus seen at once in several parts about the castle,
+gave them great advantage against the Spaniards, many breaches being
+made by the fire among the pales, great heaps of earth falling into the
+ditch. Then the pirates climbing up, got over into the castle, though
+those Spaniards, who were not busy about the fire, cast down many
+flaming pots full of combustible matter, and odious smells, which
+destroyed many of the English.
+
+The Spaniards, with all their resistance, could not hinder the palisades
+from being burnt down before midnight. Meanwhile the pirates continued
+in their intention of taking the castle; and though the fire was very
+great, they would creep on the ground, as near as they could, and shoot
+amidst the flames against the Spaniards on the other side, and thus
+killed many from the walls. When day was come, they observed all the
+movable earth, that lay betwixt the pales, to be fallen into the ditch;
+so that now those within the castle lay equally exposed to them without,
+as had been on the contrary before; whereupon the pirates continued
+shooting very furiously, and killed many Spaniards; for the governor had
+charged them to make good those posts, answering to the heaps of earth
+fallen into the ditch, and caused the artillery to be transported to the
+breaches.
+
+The fire within the castle still continuing, the pirates from abroad did
+what they could to hinder its progress, by shooting incessantly against
+it; one party of them was employed only for this, while another watched
+all the motions of the Spaniards. About noon the English gained a
+breach, which the governor himself defended with twenty-five soldiers.
+Here was made a very courageous resistance by the Spaniards, with
+muskets, pikes, stones, and swords; but through all these the pirates
+fought their way, till they gained the castle. The Spaniards, who
+remained alive, cast themselves down from the castle into the sea,
+choosing rather to die thus (few or none surviving the fall) than to ask
+quarter for their lives. The governor himself retreated to the corps du
+gard, before which were placed two pieces of cannon: here he still
+defended himself, not demanding any quarter, till he was killed with a
+musket-shot in the head.
+
+The governor being dead, and the corps du gard surrendering, they found
+remaining in it alive thirty men, whereof scarce ten were not wounded:
+these informed the pirates that eight or nine of their soldiers had
+deserted, and were gone to Panama, to carry news of their arrival and
+invasion. These thirty men alone remained of three hundred and fourteen
+wherewith the castle was garrisoned, among which not one officer was
+found alive. These were all made prisoners, and compelled to tell
+whatever they knew of their designs and enterprises. Among other things,
+that the governor of Panama had notice sent him three weeks ago from
+Carthagena, that the English were equipping a fleet at Hispaniola, with
+a design to take Panama; and, beside, that this had been discovered by a
+deserter from the pirates at the river De la Hacha, where they had
+victualled. That upon this, the governor had sent one hundred and
+sixty-four men to strengthen the garrison of that castle, with much
+provision and ammunition; the ordinary garrison whereof was only one
+hundred and fifty men, but these made up two hundred and fourteen men,
+very well armed. Besides this, they declared that the governor of Panama
+had placed several ambuscades along the river of Chagre; and that he
+waited for them in the open fields of Panama with three thousand six
+hundred men.
+
+The taking of this castle cost the pirates excessively dear, in
+comparison to what they were wont to lose, and their toil and labour was
+greater than at the conquest of the isle of St. Catherine; for,
+numbering their men, they had lost above a hundred, beside seventy
+wounded. They commanded the Spanish prisoners to cast the dead bodies of
+their own men from the top of the mountain to the seaside, and to bury
+them. The wounded were carried to the church, of which they made an
+hospital, and where also they shut up the women.
+
+Captain Morgan remained not long behind at St. Catherine's, after taking
+the castle of Chagre, of which he had notice presently; but before he
+departed, he embarked all the provisions that could be found, with much
+maize, or Indian wheat, and cazave, whereof also is made bread in those
+ports. He transported great store of provisions to the garrison of
+Chagre, whencesoever they could be got. At a certain place they cast
+into the sea all the guns belonging thereto, designing to return, and
+leave that island well garrisoned, to the perpetual possession of the
+pirates; but he ordered all the houses and forts to be fired, except the
+castle of St. Teresa, which he judged to be the strongest and securest
+wherein to fortify himself at his return from Panama.
+
+Having completed his arrangements, he took with him all the prisoners of
+the island, and then sailed for Chagre, where he arrived in eight days.
+Here the joy of the whole fleet was so great, when they spied the
+English colours on the castle, that they minded not their way into the
+river, so that they lost four ships at the entry thereof, Captain
+Morgan's being one; yet they saved all the men and goods. The ships,
+too, had been preserved, if a strong northerly wind had not risen,
+which cast them on the rock at the entry of the river.
+
+Captain Morgan was brought into the castle with great acclamations of
+all the pirates, both of those within, and those newly come. Having
+heard the manner of the conquest, he commanded all the prisoners to
+work, and repair what was necessary, especially to set up new palisades
+round the forts of the castle. There were still in the river some
+Spanish vessels, called chatten, serving for transportation of
+merchandise up and down the river, and to go to Puerto Bello and
+Nicaragua. These commonly carry two great guns of iron, and four small
+ones of brass. These vessels they seized, with four little ships they
+found there, and all the canoes. In the castle they left a garrison of
+five hundred men, and in the ships in the river one hundred and fifty
+more. This done, Captain Morgan departed for Panama at the head of
+twelve hundred men. He carried little provisions with him, hoping to
+provide himself sufficiently among the Spaniards, whom he knew to lie in
+ambuscade by the way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+_Captain Morgan departs from Chagre, at the head of twelve hundred men,
+to take the city of Panama._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN set forth from the castle of Chagre, towards Panama,
+August 18, 1670. He had with him twelve hundred men, five boats laden
+with artillery, and thirty-two canoes. The first day they sailed only
+six leagues, and came to a place called De los Bracos. Here a party of
+his men went ashore, only to sleep and stretch their limbs, being almost
+crippled with lying too much crowded in the boats. Having rested awhile,
+they went abroad to seek victuals in the neighbouring plantations; but
+they could find none, the Spaniards being fled, and carrying with them
+all they had. This day, being the first of their journey, they had such
+scarcity of victuals, as the greatest part were forced to pass with only
+a pipe of tobacco, without any other refreshment.
+
+Next day, about evening, they came to a place called Cruz de Juan
+Gallego. Here they were compelled to leave their boats and canoes, the
+river being very dry for want of rain, and many trees having fallen into
+it.
+
+The guides told them, that, about two leagues farther, the country
+would be very good to continue the journey by land. Hereupon they left
+one hundred and sixty men on board the boats, to defend them, that they
+might serve for a refuge in necessity.
+
+Next morning, being the third day, they all went ashore, except those
+who were to keep the boats. To these Captain Morgan gave order, under
+great penalties, that no man, on any pretext whatever, should dare to
+leave the boats, and go ashore; fearing lest they should be surprised by
+an ambuscade of Spaniards in the neighbouring woods, which appeared so
+thick as to seem almost impenetrable. This morning beginning their
+march, the ways proved so bad, that Captain Morgan thought it more
+convenient to transport some of the men in canoes (though with great
+labour) to a place farther up the river, called Cedro Bueno. Thus they
+re-embarked, and the canoes returned for the rest; so that about night
+they got altogether at the said place. The pirates much desired to meet
+some Spaniards or Indians, hoping to fill their bellies with their
+provisions, being reduced to extremity and hunger.
+
+The fourth day the greatest part of the pirates marched by land, being
+led by one of the guides; the rest went by water farther up, being
+conducted by another guide, who always went before them, to discover, on
+both sides the river, the ambuscades. These had also spies, who were
+very dextrous to give notice of all accidents, or of the arrival of the
+pirates, six hours, at least, before they came. This day, about noon,
+they came near a post called Torna Cavallos: here the guide of the
+canoes cried out, that he perceived an ambuscade. His voice caused
+infinite joy to all the pirates, hoping to find some provisions to
+satiate their extreme hunger. Being come to the place, they found nobody
+in it, the Spaniards being fled, and leaving nothing behind but a few
+leathern bags, all empty, and a few crumbs of bread scattered on the
+ground where they had eaten. Being angry at this, they pulled down a few
+little huts which the Spaniards had made, and fell to eating the
+leathern bags, to allay the ferment of their stomachs, which was now so
+sharp as to gnaw their very bowels. Thus they made a huge banquet upon
+these bags of leather, divers quarrels arising concerning the greatest
+shares. By the bigness of the place, they conjectured about five hundred
+Spaniards had been there, whom, finding no victuals, they were now
+infinitely desirous to meet, intending to devour some of them rather
+than perish.
+
+Having feasted themselves with those pieces of leather, they marched on,
+till they came about night to another post, called Torna Munni. Here
+they found another ambuscade, but as barren as the former. They searched
+the neighbouring woods, but could not find anything to eat, the
+Spaniards having been so provident, as not to leave anywhere the least
+crumb of sustenance, whereby the pirates were now brought to this
+extremity. Here again he was happy that had reserved since noon any bit
+of leather to make his supper of, drinking after it a good draught of
+water for his comfort. Some, who never were out of their mothers'
+kitchens, may ask, how these pirates could eat and digest those pieces
+of leather, so hard and dry? Whom I answer, that, could they once
+experiment what hunger, or rather famine, is, they would find the way as
+the pirates did. For these first sliced it in pieces, then they beat it
+between two stones, and rubbed it, often dipping it in water, to make it
+supple and tender. Lastly, they scraped off the hair, and broiled it.
+Being thus cooked, they cut it into small morsels, and ate it, helping
+it down with frequent gulps of water, which, by good fortune, they had
+at hand.
+
+The fifth day, about noon, they came to a place called Barbacoa. Here
+they found traces of another ambuscade, but the place totally as
+unprovided as the former. At a small distance were several plantations,
+which they searched very narrowly, but could not find any person,
+animal, or other thing, to relieve their extreme hunger. Finally, having
+ranged about, and searched a long time, they found a grot, which seemed
+to be but lately hewn out of a rock, where were two sacks of meal,
+wheat, and like things, with two great jars of wine, and certain fruits
+called platanoes. Captain Morgan, knowing some of his men were now
+almost dead with hunger, and fearing the same of the rest, caused what
+was found to be distributed among them who were in greatest necessity.
+Having refreshed themselves with these victuals, they marched anew with
+greater courage than ever. Such as were weak were put into the canoes,
+and those commanded to land that were in them before. Thus they
+prosecuted their journey till late at night; when coming to a
+plantation, they took up their rest, but without eating anything; for
+the Spaniards, as before, had swept away all manner of provisions.
+
+The sixth day they continued their march, part by land and part by
+water. Howbeit, they were constrained to rest very frequently, both for
+the ruggedness of the way, and their extreme weakness, which they
+endeavoured to relieve by eating leaves of trees and green herbs, or
+grass; such was their miserable condition. This day at noon they arrived
+at a plantation, where was a barn full of maize. Immediately they beat
+down the doors and ate it dry, as much as they could devour; then they
+distributed a great quantity, giving every man a good allowance. Thus
+provided, and prosecuting their journey for about an hour, they came to
+another ambuscade. This they no sooner discovered, but they threw away
+their maize, with the sudden hopes of finding all things in abundance.
+But they were much deceived, meeting neither Indians nor victuals, nor
+anything else: but they saw, on the other side of the river, about a
+hundred Indians, who, all fleeing, escaped. Some few pirates leaped into
+the river to cross it, and try to take any of the Indians, but in vain:
+for, being much more nimble than the pirates, they not only baffled
+them, but killed two or three with their arrows; hooting at them, and
+crying, "Ha, perros! a la savana, a la savana."--"Ha, ye dogs! go to the
+plain, go to the plain."
+
+This day they could advance no farther, being necessitated to pass the
+river, to continue their march on the other side. Hereupon they reposed
+for that night, though their sleep was not profound; for great
+murmurings were made at Captain Morgan, and his conduct; some being
+desirous to return home, while others would rather die there than go
+back a step from their undertaking: others, who had greater courage,
+laughed and joked at their discourses. Meanwhile, 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 seventh day, in the morning, they made clean their arms, and every
+one discharged his pistol, or musket, without bullet, to try their
+firelocks. This done, they crossed the river, leaving the post where
+they had rested, called Santa Cruz, and at noon they arrived at a
+village called Cruz. Being yet far from the place, they perceived much
+smoke from the chimneys: the sight hereof gave them great joy, and hopes
+of finding people and plenty of good cheer. Thus they went on as fast as
+they could, encouraging one another, saying, "There is smoke comes out
+of every house: they are making good fires, to roast and boil what we
+are to eat;" and the like.
+
+At length they arrived there, all sweating and panting, but found no
+person in the town, nor anything eatable to refresh themselves, except
+good fires, which they wanted not; for the Spaniards, before their
+departure, had every one set fire to his own house, except the king's
+storehouses and stables.
+
+They had not left behind them any beast, alive or dead, which much
+troubled their minds, not finding anything but a few cats and dogs,
+which they immediately killed and devoured. At last, in the king's
+stables, they found, by good fortune, fifteen or sixteen jars of Peru
+wine, and a leathern sack full of bread. No sooner had they drank of
+this wine, when they fell sick, almost every man: this made them think
+the wine was poisoned, which caused a new consternation in the whole
+camp, judging themselves now to be irrecoverably lost. But the true
+reason was, their want of sustenance, and the manifold sorts of trash
+they had eaten. Their sickness was so great, as caused them to remain
+there till the next morning, without being able to prosecute their
+journey in the afternoon. This village is seated in 9 deg. 2 min. north
+latitude, distant from the river Chagre twenty-six Spanish leagues, and
+eight from Panama. This is the last place to which boats or canoes can
+come; for which reason they built here storehouses for all sorts of
+merchandise, which to and from Panama are transported on the backs of
+mules.
+
+Here Captain Morgan was forced to leaves his canoes, and land all his
+men, though never so weak; but lest the canoes should be surprised, or
+take up too many men for their defence, he sent them all back to the
+place where the boats were, except one, which he hid, that it might
+serve to carry intelligence. Many of the Spaniards and Indians of this
+village having fled to the near plantations, Captain Morgan ordered that
+none should go out of the village, except companies of one hundred
+together, fearing lest the enemy should take an advantage upon his men.
+Notwithstanding, one party contravened these orders, being tempted with
+the desire of victuals: but they were soon glad to fly into the town
+again, being assaulted with great fury by some Spaniards and Indians,
+who carried one of them away prisoner. Thus the vigilancy and care of
+Captain Morgan was not sufficient to prevent every accident.
+
+The eighth day in the morning Captain Morgan sent two hundred men before
+the body of his army, to discover the way to Panama, and any ambuscades
+therein: the path being so narrow, that only ten or twelve persons could
+march abreast, and often not so many. After ten hours' march they came
+to a place called Quebrada Obscura: here, all on a sudden, three or four
+thousand arrows were shot at them, they not perceiving whence they came,
+or who shot them: though they presumed it was from a high rocky
+mountain, from one side to the other, whereon was a grot, capable of but
+one horse or other beast laded. This multitude of arrows much alarmed
+the pirates, especially because they could not discover whence they were
+discharged. At last, seeing no more arrows, they marched a little
+farther, and entered a wood: here they perceived some Indians to fly as
+fast as they could, to take the advantage of another post, thence to
+observe their march; yet there remained one troop of Indians on the
+place, resolved to fight and defend themselves, which they did with
+great courage till their captain fell down wounded; who, though he
+despaired of life, yet his valour being greater than his strength, would
+ask no quarter, but, endeavouring to raise himself, with undaunted mind
+laid hold of his azagayo, or javelin, and struck at one of the pirates;
+but before he could second the blow, he was shot to death. This was also
+the fate of many of his companions, who, like good soldiers, lost their
+lives with their captain, for the defence of their country.
+
+The pirates endeavoured to take some of the Indians prisoners, but they
+being swifter than the pirates, every one escaped, leaving eight pirates
+dead, and ten wounded: yea, had the Indians been more dextrous in
+military affairs, they might have defended that passage, and not let one
+man pass. A little while after they came to a large champaign, open, and
+full of fine meadows; hence they could perceive at a distance before
+them some Indians, on the top of a mountain, near the way by which they
+were to pass: they sent fifty men, the nimblest they had, to try to
+catch any of them, and force them to discover their companions: but all
+in vain; for they escaped by their nimbleness, and presently showed
+themselves in another place, hallooing to the English, and crying, "A la
+savana, a la savana, perros Ingleses!" that is, "To the plain, to the
+plain, ye English dogs!" Meanwhile the ten pirates that were wounded
+were dressed, and plastered up.
+
+Here was a wood, and on each side a mountain. The Indians possessed
+themselves of one, and the pirates of the other. Captain Morgan was
+persuaded the Spaniards had placed an ambuscade there, it lying so
+conveniently: hereupon, he sent two hundred men to search it. The
+Spaniards and Indians perceiving the pirates descend the mountain, did
+so too, as if they designed to attack them; but being got into the wood,
+out of sight of the pirates, they were seen no more, leaving the passage
+open.
+
+About night fell a great rain, which caused the pirates to march the
+faster, and seek for houses to preserve their arms from being wet; but
+the Indians had set fire to every one, and driven away all their cattle,
+that the pirates, finding neither houses nor victuals, might be
+constrained to return: but, after diligent search, they found a few
+shepherds' huts, but in them nothing to eat. These not holding many men,
+they placed in them, out of every company, a small number, who kept the
+arms of the rest: those who remained in the open field endured much
+hardship that night, the rain not ceasing till morning.
+
+Next morning, about break of day, being the ninth of that tedious
+journey, Captain Morgan marched on while the fresh air of the morning
+lasted; for the clouds hanging yet over their heads, were much more
+favourable than the scorching rays of the sun, the way being now more
+difficult than before. After two hours' march, they discovered about
+twenty Spaniards, who observed their motions: they endeavoured to catch
+some of them, but could not, they suddenly disappearing, and absconding
+themselves in caves among the rocks, unknown to the pirates. At last,
+ascending a high mountain, they discovered the South Sea. This happy
+sight, as if it were the end of their labours, caused infinite joy among
+them: hence they could descry also one ship, and six boats, which were
+set forth from Panama, and sailed towards the islands of Tavoga and
+Tavogilla: then they came to a vale where they found much cattle,
+whereof they killed good store: here, while some killed and flayed cows,
+horses, bulls, and chiefly asses, of which there were most; others
+kindled fires, and got wood to roast them: then cutting the flesh into
+convenient pieces, or gobbets, they threw them into the fire, and, half
+carbonaded or roasted, they devoured them, with incredible haste and
+appetite; such was their hunger, as they more resembled cannibals than
+Europeans; the blood many times running down from their beards to their
+waists.
+
+Having satisfied their hunger, Captain Morgan ordered them to continue
+the march. Here, again, he sent before the main body fifty men to take
+some prisoners, if they could; for he was much concerned, that in nine
+days he could not meet one person to inform him of the condition and
+forces of the Spaniards. About evening they discovered about two hundred
+Spaniards, who hallooed to the pirates, but they understood not what
+they said. A little while after they came in sight of the highest
+steeple of Panama: this they no sooner discovered but they showed signs
+of extreme joy, casting up their hats into the air, leaping and
+shouting, just as if they had already obtained the victory, and
+accomplished their designs. All their trumpets sounded, and drums beat,
+in token of this alacrity of their minds: thus they pitched their camp
+for that night, with general content of the whole army, waiting with
+impatience for the morning, when they intended to attack the city. This
+evening appeared fifty horse, who came out of the city, on the noise of
+the drums and trumpets, to observe, as it was thought, their motions:
+they came almost within musket-shot of the army, with a trumpet that
+sounded marvellously well. Those on horseback hallooed aloud to the
+pirates, and threatened them, saying, "Perros! nos veremos," that is,
+"Ye dogs! we shall meet ye." Having made this menace, they returned to
+the city, except only seven or eight horsemen, who hovered thereabouts
+to watch their motions. Immediately after the city fired, and ceased not
+to play their biggest guns all night long against the camp, but with
+little or no harm to the pirates, whom they could not easily reach. Now
+also the two hundred Spaniards, whom the pirates had seen in the
+afternoon, appeared again, making a show of blocking up the passages,
+that no pirates might escape their hands: but the pirates, though in a
+manner besieged, instead of fearing their blockades, as soon as they had
+placed sentinels about their camp, opened their satchels, and, without
+any napkins or plates, fell to eating, very heartily, the pieces of
+bulls' and horses' flesh which they had reserved since noon. This done,
+they laid themselves down to sleep on the grass, with great repose and
+satisfaction, expecting only, with impatience, the dawning of the next
+day.
+
+The tenth day, betimes in the morning, they put all their men in order,
+and, with drums and trumpets sounding, marched directly towards the
+city; but one of the guides desired Captain Morgan not to take the
+common highway, lest they should find in it many ambuscades. He took his
+advice, and chose another way through the wood, though very irksome and
+difficult. The Spaniards perceiving the pirates had taken another way
+they scarce had thought on, were compelled to leave their stops and
+batteries, and come out to meet them. The governor of Panama put his
+forces in order, consisting of two squadrons, four regiments of foot,
+and a huge number of wild bulls, which were driven by a great number of
+Indians, with some negroes, and others, to help them.
+
+The pirates, now upon their march, came to the top of a little hill,
+whence they had a large prospect of the city and champaign country
+underneath. Here they discovered the forces of the people of Panama, in
+battle array, to be so numerous, that they were surprised with 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, it so nearly concerning their lives. Having been some time
+wavering in their minds, they at last reflected on the straits they had
+brought themselves into, and that now they must either fight resolutely,
+or die; for no quarter could be expected from an enemy on whom they had
+committed so many cruelties. Hereupon they encouraged one another,
+resolving to conquer, or spend the last drop of blood. Then they divided
+themselves into three battalions, sending before two hundred bucaniers,
+who were very dextrous at their guns. Then descending the hill, they
+marched directly towards the Spaniards, who in a spacious field waited
+for their coming. As soon as they drew nigh, the Spaniards began to
+shout and cry, "Viva el rey!" "God save the king!" and immediately their
+horse moved against the pirates: but the fields being full of quags, and
+soft underfoot, they could not wheel about as they desired. The two
+hundred bucaniers, who went before, each putting one knee to the ground,
+began the battle briskly, with a full volley of shot: the Spaniards
+defended themselves courageously, doing all they could to disorder the
+pirates. Their foot endeavoured to second the horse, but were
+constrained by the pirates to leave them. Finding themselves baffled,
+they attempted to drive the bulls against them behind, to put them into
+disorder; but the wild cattle ran away, frighted with the noise of the
+battle; only some few broke through the English companies, and only tore
+the colours in pieces, while the bucaniers shot every one of them dead.
+
+The battle having continued two hours, the greatest part of the Spanish
+horse was ruined, and almost all killed: the rest fled, which the foot
+seeing, and that they could not possibly prevail, they discharged the
+shot they had in their muskets, and throwing them down, fled away, every
+one as he could. The pirates could not follow them, being too much
+harassed and wearied with their long journey. Many, 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 by the pirates, were instantly killed, without any quarter. Some
+religious men were brought prisoners before Captain Morgan; but he,
+being deaf to their cries, commanded them all to be pistolled, which was
+done. Soon after they brought a captain to him, whom he examined very
+strictly; particularly, wherein consisted the forces of those of Panama?
+He answered, their whole strength consisted in four hundred horse,
+twenty-four companies of foot, each of one hundred men complete; sixty
+Indians, and some negroes, who were to drive two thousand wild bulls
+upon the English, and thus, by breaking their files, put them into a
+total disorder: beside, 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 highway, leading to the city, they
+had built a fort mounted with eight great brass guns, defended by fifty
+men.
+
+Captain Morgan having heard this, gave orders instantly to march another
+way; but first he made a review of his men, whereof he found both killed
+and wounded a considerable number, and much greater than had been
+believed. Of the Spaniards were found six hundred dead on the place,
+besides the wounded and prisoners. The pirates, nothing discouraged,
+seeing their number so diminished, but rather filled with greater pride,
+perceiving what huge advantage they had obtained against their enemies,
+having rested some time, prepared to march courageously towards the
+city, plighting their oaths to one another, that they would fight till
+not a man was left alive. With this courage they recommenced their
+march, either to conquer or be conquered; carrying with them all the
+prisoners.
+
+They found much difficulty in their approach to the city, for within the
+town the Spaniards had placed many great guns, at several quarters, some
+charged with small pieces of iron, and others with musket bullets; with
+all these they saluted the pirates at their approaching, and gave them
+full and frequent broadsides, firing at them incessantly; so that
+unavoidably they lost at every step great numbers of men. But these
+manifest dangers of their lives, nor the sight of so many as dropped
+continually at their sides, could deter them from advancing, and gaining
+ground every moment on the enemy; and though the Spaniards never ceased
+to fire, and act the best they could for their defence, yet they were
+forced to yield, after three hours' combat. And the pirates having
+possessed themselves, killed and destroyed all that attempted in the
+least to oppose them. The inhabitants had transported the best of their
+goods to more remote and occult places; howbeit, they found in the city
+several warehouses well stocked with merchandise, as well silks and
+cloths, as linen and other things of value. As soon as the first fury of
+their entrance was over, Captain Morgan assembled his men, and commanded
+them, under great penalties, not to drink or taste any wine; and the
+reason he gave for it was, because he had intelligence that it was all
+poisoned by the Spaniards. Howbeit, it was thought he gave these prudent
+orders to prevent the debauchery of his people, which he foresaw would
+be very great at the first, after so much hunger sustained by the way;
+fearing, withal, lest the Spaniards, seeing them in wine, should rally,
+and, falling on the city, use them as inhumanly as they had used the
+inhabitants before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+_Captain Morgan sends canoes and boats to the South Sea--He fires the
+city of Panama--Robberies and cruelties committed there by the pirates,
+till their return to the Castle of Chagre._
+
+
+CAPTAIN MORGAN, as soon as he had placed necessary guards at several
+quarters within and without the city, commanded twenty-five men to seize
+a great boat, which had stuck in the mud of the port, for want of water,
+at a low tide. The same day about noon, he caused fire privately to be
+set to several great edifices of the city, nobody knowing who were the
+authors thereof, much less on what motives Captain Morgan did it, which
+are unknown to this day: the fire increased so, that before night the
+greatest part of the city was in a flame. Captain Morgan pretended the
+Spaniards had done it, perceiving that his own people reflected on him
+for that action. Many of the Spaniards, and some of the pirates, did
+what they could, either to quench the flame, or, by blowing up houses
+with gunpowder, and pulling down others, to stop it, but in vain: for in
+less than half an hour it consumed a whole street. All the houses of the
+city were built with cedar, very curious and magnificent, and richly
+adorned, especially with hangings and paintings, whereof part were
+before removed, and another great part were consumed by fire.
+
+There were in this city (which is the see of a bishop) eight
+monasteries, seven 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, much gold and silver, and other precious
+things, all which the ecclesiastics had hidden. Besides which, here were
+two thousand houses of magnificent building, the greatest part inhabited
+by merchants vastly rich. For the rest of less quality, and tradesmen,
+this city contained five thousand more. Here were also many stables for
+the horses and mules that carry the plate of the king of Spain, as well
+as private men, towards the North Sea. The neighbouring fields are full
+of fertile plantations and pleasant gardens, affording delicious
+prospects to the inhabitants all the year.
+
+[Illustration: "'MORGAN RE-ENTERED THE CITY WITH HIS TROOPS'"--_Page
+215_]
+
+The Genoese had in this city a stately house for their trade of negroes.
+This likewise was by Captain Morgan burnt to the very ground. Besides
+which building, there were consumed two hundred warehouses, and many
+slaves, who had hid themselves therein, with innumerable sacks of meal;
+the fire of which continued four weeks after it had begun. The greatest
+part of the pirates still encamped without the city, fearing and
+expecting the Spaniards would come and fight them anew, it being known
+they much outnumbered the pirates. This made them keep the field, to
+preserve their forces united, now much diminished by their losses. Their
+wounded, which were many, they put into one church, which remained
+standing, the rest being consumed by the fire. Besides these decreases
+of their men, Captain Morgan had sent a convoy of one hundred and fifty
+men to the castle of Chagre, to carry the news of his victory at Panama.
+
+They saw often whole troops of Spaniards run to and fro in the fields,
+which made them suspect their rallying, which they never had the courage
+to do. In the afternoon Captain Morgan re-entered the city with his
+troops, that every one might take up their lodgings, which now they
+could hardly find, few houses having escaped the fire. Then they sought
+very carefully among the ruins and ashes, for utensils of plate or gold,
+that were not quite wasted by the flames: and of such they found no
+small number, especially in wells and cisterns, where the Spaniards had
+hid them.
+
+Next day Captain Morgan dispatched away two troops, of one hundred and
+fifty men each, stout and well armed, to seek for the inhabitants who
+were escaped. These having made several excursions up and down the
+fields, woods, and mountains adjacent, returned after two days, bringing
+above two hundred prisoners, men, women, and slaves. The same day
+returned also the boat which Captain Morgan had sent to the South Sea,
+bringing three other boats which they had taken. But all these prizes
+they could willingly have given, and greater labour into the bargain,
+for one galleon, which miraculously escaped, richly laden with all the
+king's plate, jewels, and other precious goods of the best and richest
+merchants of Panama: on board which were also the religious women of the
+nunnery, who had embarked with them all the ornaments of their church,
+consisting in much gold, plate, and other things of great value.
+
+The strength of this galleon was inconsiderable, having only seven guns,
+and ten or twelve muskets, and very ill provided with victuals,
+necessaries, and fresh water, having no more sails than the uppermost of
+the mainmast. This account the pirates received from some one who had
+spoken with seven mariners belonging to the galleon, who came ashore in
+the cockboat for fresh water. Hence they concluded they might easily
+have taken it, had they given her chase, as they should have done; but
+they were impeded from following this vastly rich prize, by their
+gluttony and drunkenness, having plentifully debauched themselves with
+several rich wines they found ready, choosing rather to satiate their
+appetites than to lay hold on such huge advantage; since this only prize
+would have been of far greater value than all they got at Panama, and
+the places thereabout. Next day, repenting of their negligence, being
+weary of their vices and debaucheries, they set forth another boat, well
+armed, to pursue with all speed the said galleon; but in vain, the
+Spaniards who were on board having had intelligence of their own danger
+one or two days before, while the pirates were cruising so near them;
+whereupon they fled to places more remote and unknown.
+
+The pirates found, in the ports of the island of Tavoga and Tavogilla,
+several boats laden with very good merchandise; all which they took, and
+brought to Panama, where they made an exact relation of all that had
+passed to Captain Morgan. The prisoners confirmed what the pirates said,
+adding, that they undoubtedly knew where the galleon might then be, but
+that it was very probable they had been relieved before now from other
+places. This stirred up Captain Morgan anew, to send forth all the boats
+in the port of Panama to seek the said galleon till they could find her.
+These boats, being in all four, after eight days' cruising to and fro,
+and searching several ports and creeks, lost all hopes of finding her:
+hereupon they returned to Tavoga and Tavogilla; here they found a
+reasonable good ship newly come from Payta, laden with cloth, soap,
+sugar, and biscuit, with 20,000 pieces of eight; this they instantly
+seized, without the least resistance; as also a boat which was not far
+off, on which they laded great part of the merchandises from the ship,
+with some slaves. With this purchase they returned to Panama, somewhat
+better satisfied; yet, withal, much discontented that they could not
+meet with the galleon.
+
+The convoy which Captain Morgan had sent to the castle of Chagre
+returned much about the same time, bringing with them very good news;
+for while Captain Morgan was on his journey to Panama, those he had left
+in the castle of Chagre had sent for two boats to cruise. These met with
+a Spanish ship, which they chased within sight of the castle. This being
+perceived by the pirates in the castle, they put forth Spanish colours,
+to deceive the ship that fled before the boats; and the poor Spaniards,
+thinking to take refuge under the castle, were caught in a snare, and
+made prisoners. The cargo on board the said vessel consisted in victuals
+and provisions, than which nothing could be more opportune for the
+castle, where they began already to want things of this kind.
+
+This good luck of those of Chagre caused Captain Morgan to stay longer
+at Panama, ordering several new excursions into the country round about;
+and while the pirates at Panama were upon these expeditions, those at
+Chagre were busy in piracies on the North Sea. Captain Morgan sent
+forth, daily, parties of two hundred men, to make inroads into all the
+country round about; and when one party came back, another went forth,
+who soon gathered much riches, and many prisoners. These being brought
+into the city, were put to the most exquisite tortures, to make them
+confess both other people's goods and their own. Here it happened that
+one poor wretch was found in the house of a person of quality, who had
+put on, amidst the confusion, a pair of taffety breeches of his
+master's, with a little silver key hanging out; perceiving which, they
+asked him for the cabinet of the said key. His answer was, he knew not
+what was become of it, but that finding those breeches in his master's
+house, he had made bold to wear them. Not being able to get any other
+answer, they put him on the rack, and inhumanly disjointed his arms;
+then 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. But
+with these torments not obtaining any positive answer, they hung him up
+by the wrists, giving him many blows and stripes 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 not speak, nor lament
+his misery any longer: then, losing all hopes of any confession, they
+bade a negro run him through, which put an end to his life, and to their
+inhuman tortures. Thus did many others of those miserable prisoners
+finish their days, the common sport and recreation of these pirates
+being such tragedies.
+
+Captain Morgan having now been at Panama full three weeks, commanded all
+things to be prepared for his departure. He ordered every company of men
+to seek so many beasts of carriage as might convey the spoil to the
+river where his canoes lay. About this time there was a great rumour,
+that a considerable number of pirates intended to leave Captain Morgan;
+and that, taking a ship then in port, they determined to go and rob on
+the South Sea, till they had got as much as they thought fit, and then
+return homewards, by way of the East Indies. For which purpose they had
+gathered much provisions, which they had hid in private places, with
+sufficient powder, bullets, and all other ammunition: likewise some
+great guns belonging to the town, muskets, and other things, wherewith
+they designed not only to equip their vessel, but to fortify themselves
+in some island which might serve them for a place of refuge.
+
+This design had certainly taken effect, had not Captain Morgan had
+timely advice of it from one of their comrades: hereupon he commanded
+the mainmast of the said ship to be cut down and burnt, with all the
+other boats in the port: hereby the intentions of all or most of his
+companions were totally frustrated. Then Captain Morgan sent many of the
+Spaniards into the adjoining fields and country to seek for money, to
+ransom not only themselves, but the rest of the prisoners, as likewise
+the ecclesiastics. Moreover, he commanded all the artillery of the town
+to be nailed and stopped up. At the same time he sent out a strong
+company of men to seek for the governor of Panama, of whom intelligence
+was brought, that he had laid several ambuscades in the way by which he
+ought to return: but they returned soon after, saying they had not found
+any sign of any such ambuscades. For confirmation whereof, they brought
+some prisoners, who declared that the said governor had had an intention
+of making some opposition by the way, but that the men designed to
+effect it were unwilling to undertake it: so that for want of means he
+could not put his design in execution.
+
+February 24, 1671, Captain Morgan departed from Panama, or rather from
+the place where the city of Panama stood; of the spoils whereof he
+carried with him one hundred and seventy-five beasts of carriage, laden
+with silver, gold, and other precious things, beside about six hundred
+prisoners, men, women, children and slaves. That day they came to a
+river that passes through a delicious plain, a league from Panama: here
+Captain Morgan put all his forces into good order, so as that the
+prisoners were in the middle, surrounded on all sides with pirates,
+where nothing else was to be heard but lamentations, cries, shrieks, and
+doleful sighs of so many women and children, who feared Captain Morgan
+designed to transport them all into his own country for slaves. Besides,
+all those miserable prisoners endured extreme hunger and thirst at that
+time, which misery Captain Morgan designedly caused them to sustain, to
+excite them to seek for money to ransom themselves, according to the tax
+he had set upon every one. Many of the women begged Captain Morgan, on
+their knees, with infinite sighs and tears, to let them return to
+Panama, there to live with their dear husbands and children in little
+huts of straw, which they would erect, seeing they had no houses till
+the rebuilding of the city. But his answer was, "He came not thither to
+hear lamentations and cries, but to seek money: therefore they ought
+first to seek out that, wherever it was to be had, and bring it to him;
+otherwise he would assuredly transport them all to such places whither
+they cared not to go."
+
+Next day, when the march began, those lamentable cries and shrieks were
+renewed, so as it would have caused compassion in the hardest heart: but
+Captain Morgan, as a man little given to mercy, was not moved in the
+least. They marched in the same order as before, one party of the
+pirates in the van, the prisoners in the middle, and the rest of the
+pirates in the rear; by whom the miserable Spaniards were at every step
+punched and thrust in their backs and sides, with the blunt ends of
+their arms, to make them march faster.
+
+A beautiful lady, wife to one of the richest merchants of Tavoga, was
+led prisoner by herself, between two pirates. Her lamentations pierced
+the skies, seeing herself carried away into captivity often crying to
+the pirates, and telling them, "That she had given orders to two
+religious persons, in whom she had relied, to go to a certain place, and
+fetch so much money as her ransom did amount to; that they had promised
+faithfully to do it, but having obtained the money, instead of bringing
+it to her, they had employed 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 to the said lady. Her complaints, and
+the cause thereof, being brought to Captain Morgan, he thought fit to
+inquire thereinto. Having found it to be true--especially hearing it
+confirmed by the confession of the said religious men, though under some
+frivolous exercises of having diverted the money but for a day or two,
+in which time they expected more sums to repay it--he gave liberty to
+the said lady, whom otherwise he designed to transport to Jamaica. But
+he detained the said religious men as prisoners in her place, using them
+according to their deserts.
+
+Captain Morgan arriving at the town called Cruz, on the banks of the
+river Chagre, he published an order among the prisoners, that within
+three days every one should bring in their ransom, under the penalty of
+being transported to Jamaica. Meanwhile he gave orders for so much rice
+and maize to be collected thereabouts, as was necessary for victualling
+his ships. Here some of the prisoners were ransomed, but many others
+could not bring in their money. Hereupon he continued his voyage,
+leaving the village on the 5th of March following, carrying with him all
+the spoil he could. Hence he likewise led away some new prisoners,
+inhabitants there, with those in Panama, who had not paid their
+ransoms. But the two religious men, who had diverted the lady's money,
+were ransomed three days after by other persons, who had more compassion
+for them than they had showed for her.
+
+About the middle of the way to Chagre, Captain Morgan commanded them to
+be mustered, and caused every one to be sworn, that they had concealed
+nothing, even not to the value of sixpence. This done, Captain Morgan
+knowing those lewd fellows would not stick to swear falsely for
+interest, he commanded every one to be searched very strictly, both in
+their clothes and satchels, and elsewhere. Yea, that this order might
+not be ill taken by his companions, he permitted himself to be searched,
+even to his very shoes. To this effect, by common consent, one was
+assigned out of every company to be searchers of the rest. The French
+pirates that assisted on this expedition disliked this new practice of
+searching; but, being outnumbered by the English, they were forced to
+submit as well as the rest. The search being over, they re-embarked, and
+arrived at the castle of Chagre on the 9th of March. Here they found all
+things in good order, excepting the wounded men whom they had left at
+their departure; for of these the greatest number were dead of their
+wounds.
+
+From Chagre, Captain Morgan sent, presently after his arrival, a great
+boat to Puerto Bello, with all the prisoners taken at the isle of St.
+Catherine, demanding of them a considerable ransom for the castle of
+Chagre, where he then was; threatening otherwise to ruin it. To this
+those of Puerto Bello answered, they would not give one farthing towards
+the ransom of the said castle, and the English might do with it as they
+pleased. Hereupon the dividend was made of all the spoil made in that
+voyage; every company, and every particular person therein, receiving
+their proportion, or rather what part thereof Captain Morgan pleased to
+give them. For the rest of his companions, even of his own nation,
+murmured at his proceedings, and told him to his face that he had
+reserved the best jewels to himself: for they judged it impossible that
+no greater share should belong to them than two hundred pieces of eight,
+per capita, of so many valuable plunders they had made; which small sum
+they thought too little for so much labour, and such dangers, as they
+had been exposed to. But Captain Morgan was deaf to all this, and many
+other like complaints, having designed to cheat them of what he could.
+
+At last, finding himself obnoxious to many censures of his people, and
+fearing the consequence, he thought it unsafe to stay any longer at
+Chagre, but ordered the ordnance of the castle to be carried on board
+his ship; then he caused most of the walls to be demolished, the
+edifices to be burnt, and as many other things ruined as could be done
+in a short time. This done, he went secretly on board his own ship,
+without giving any notice to his companions, and put out to sea, being
+only followed by three or four vessels of the whole fleet. These were
+such (as the French pirates believed) as went shares with Captain Morgan
+in the best part of the spoil, which had been concealed from them in the
+dividend. The Frenchmen could willingly have revenged themselves on
+Captain Morgan and his followers, had they been able to encounter him at
+sea; but they were destitute of necessaries, and had much ado to find
+sufficient provisions for their voyage to Jamaica, he having left them
+unprovided for all things.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.
+
+This text uses both main-mast and mainmast; French-man and Frenchman;
+sea-side and seaside; such-like and suchlike.
+
+Page xiii, "Robinsoe" changed to "Robinson" (Robinson Crusoe)
+
+Page xx, "West-Indies" was removed from the italics to match rest of
+usage (dominions of the_ West-Indies)
+
+Page xxi, "Soudiers" changed to "Souldiers" (either Souldiers or)
+
+Page xxi, "fortifie" moved into italics to match rest of usage (_both
+fortifie themselves)
+
+Page 9, "of" changed to "or" (or China root)
+
+Page 89, "chief" changed to "chiefs" (of the chiefs)
+
+Page 95, "fish" changed to "flesh" (eat human flesh)
+
+Page 116, "el" changed to "El" (of El Puerto del)
+
+Page 199, "then" changed to "than" (courage than ever)
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OF PANAMA***
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