:LO
ICO
:CN
N
5 MAX-OF-WAR GAVE THEM CHASE*' Page 43
THE
PIEATES OF
PANAMA
OR
THE BUCCANEEES OF AMERICA
A TRUE ACCOUNT
OP THE FAMOUS ADVENTURES AND DARING DEEDS OP SIR HENRY MOR-
GAN AND OTHER NOTORIOUS FREEBOOTERS OP THE SPANISH MAIN
BY
JOHN ESQUEMELING
On of tht Buccanttn who wot Frtsent at thosg Tragtditi
EDITED AND ILLUSTRATED BY
GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS
NEW YORK
FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
Copyright, 1914, by
FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPACT
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
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?
vi CONTENTS
CHAPTER V.
PAGE
How the pirates arm their vessels, and regulate their voyages . 39
CHAPTER VI.
Of the origin of Francis Lolonois, and the beginning of his rob-
beries 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 ex-
ploits, 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 vil-
lage 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
CONTENTS vii
CHAPTER XII.
PAGE
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 com-
mitted there by the pirates, till their return to the Castle
of Chagre
ILLUSTRATIONS
"The Man-of-War gave them chase" . . . Frontispiece
FACING
PAGE
Pierre le Grand commanding the Spanish Captain to sur-
render the ship 36
"Portugues made the best of his way to del Golpho Triste" 46
"They boarded the ship with great agility" .... 9^
"Lolonois, with those that remained, had much ado to es-
cape 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" , ;
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
Hoovers. It immediately became very popular and
this first hand history of the Buccaneers of America
was soon translated into the principal European lan-
guages. 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 head-
quarters of the Buccaneers, in 1666 in the employ of
the French West India Company. Several years later
this same company, owing to unsuccessful business ar-
rangements, 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 sur-
xi
xii INTRODUCTION
geon. 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 Buc-
caneers 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 descrip-
tion 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 buc-
caneers 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
INTRODUCTION xiii
of Panama and the great canal connecting the Atlantic
with the Pacific Ocean lends to this narrative an addi-
tional 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 Robinsoe 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 (too impressions thereof
being sent into Spain in one year) ; it was taken notice
of by the learned Academy of Paris; and finally recom-
mended 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 enquired for, by
the Learned of this present Age, with several observa-
tions 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 per-
formed by mankind; without excepting, here, either
xv
xvi TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
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 in-
genuous Author, by whosoever is curious to learn the
various revolutions of humane affairs. But, more es-
pecially by our English Nation; as unto whom these
things more narrowly do appertain. We having here
more than half the Book filled with the unparalleVd, 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 rec-
orded 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
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE xvii
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, an-
other 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 em-
bellishments, 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 every-where 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 re-
lateth. And these he deliver eth with such candour of
stile, such ingenuity of mind, such plainness of words,
such conciseness of periods, so much divested of Rhetor-
ical Hyperboles, or the least flourishes of Eloquence,
so hugely void of Passion or national Reflections, as
that he strongly perswadeth ail-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 con-
cern behind, that you can read him no longer.' In a
word, such are his deserts, that some persons perad-
venture would not stickle to compare him to the Father
xviii TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
of Historians, Philip de Comines; at least thus much
may be said, with all truth imaginable, that he resem-
bleth that great Author in many of his excellent
qualities.
I know some persons have objected against the great-
ness of these prodigious Adventures, intimating that
the resistance our Bucaniers found in America, was
every-where 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 soul-
diers for their Commanders, much contributing here-
unto. 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
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE xix
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 com-
mitted, 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 In-
habitants of America being, as it were, in a perpetual
War with Europe, certain it is that no Coasts nor King-
doms 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 Con-
quests in America, both English, French, Dutch Portu-
guese, Swedes, Danes, Curlanders, and all other nations
that navigate the Ocean, have frequented the West-
Indies, and filled them with their robberies and Assaults.
T?rom 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
xx TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
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 Span-
iards, called Bucaniers. Now shall we say, that these
People, through too long continuation of Peace, have
utterly abolished the exercises of War, having been ail-
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 stocked
three parts to four with Souldiers both born and bred
in the Kingdom of Spain.
From these Considerations it may be inferred 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 to-
wards cowardize or baseness of mind. As if the very
same Argument, deduced from the nature of that
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE xxi
CUmate, 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 Soudiers 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 un-
wounded; 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 Ambus-
cades, 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 gen-
erous 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 Gov-
ernour of Puerto del Principe, both dying for the de-
fence of their Towns; than Don Alonso del Campo, and
xxii TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
others? Or what examples can easily parallel the des-
perate 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 entered 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 entered 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
Tiearken to no cries nor perswasions, but they were
forced to kill him, combating with his Arms in his hands.
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE xxiii
being not otherwise able to take him Prisoner, as they
were desirous to do. Shall these men be said to be in-
fluenced 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 Esquemel-
ing, the first Author of this History. I take him to be
a Dutch-man, or at least born in Flanders, notwith-
standing that the Spanish Translation representeth him
to be a Native of the Kingdom of France. His print-
ing 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 some-
thing more plain and correct than the Spanish. Some
xxiv TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
few notorious faults either of the Printer or the Inter-
preter, 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 dis-
tinct and elaborate as Tie 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 West-
ern islands, in the service of the West-India Com-
pany of France They meet with an English
frigate, and arrive at the Island of Tortuga.
WE set sail from Ha vre-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 com-
pany, 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. Mar-
2 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
tin'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 Sour-
dis, 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 pur-
sue 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. Hav-
ing stored ourselves with fresh provisions here, we pros-
ecuted 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;
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 3
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 hor-
ribly 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.
4 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 bap-
tizing 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 Terras: here a sudden tempest
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 5
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, lim-
iting 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
6 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 His-
paniola (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 sev-
eral 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 inacces-
sible : for this cause it is peopled only on the south part,
which hath only one port indifferently good: yet this
8 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
harbour has two entries, or channels, which afford pas-
sage to ships of seventy guns; the port itself heing
without danger, and capable of receiving a great num-
ber 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 afore-
said. The town is called Cayona, and here live the
chief est and richest planters of the island. The second
part is called the Middle Plantation: its soil is yet al-
most 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 plan-
tations 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 ap-
plied to several uses. Such is the yellow saunder, which
by the inhabitants is called bois de chandel, or, in Eng-
lish, 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 ob-
serve not the Seventh Commandment, and are given to
impure copulations ! physicians drawing hence, in sev-
eral compositions, the greatest antidote for venereal dis-
eases; as also for cold and viscous humours. The trees,
likewise, which afford gummi elemi, grow here in great
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 9
abundance ; as doth radix Chinas, of 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 pleas-
ant 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 con-
templation : moreover, for building of ships, or any other
sort of architecture, here are found several sorts of tim-
ber. 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, y annas, 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 in-
stead of wine, and whose leaves cover their houses in-
stead 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 moun-
10 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
tains. 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 bit-
terness 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 fre-
quently, they are deprived of sight for a quarter of an
hour.
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 11
The French having settled in the isle of St. Chris-
topher, planted there a sort of trees, of which, at pres-
ent, 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, un-
less 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 diffi-
culty, 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 Span-
iards 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 dis-
possess the French. This expedition succeeded accord-
12 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
ing 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 re-
tired 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 in-
tent 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 fugi-
tives 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 oc-
casion offered, they in the meanwhile deserting the
woods where they were, returned to Tortuga, and dis-
possessed 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. Christo-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 13
pher'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 satisfac-
tion, 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 en-
trance 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 capa-
ble 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, suf-
ficient 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
14 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
hunting, others by planting tobacco, and others by cruiz-
ing 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 op-
portunity (when many of the French were abroad at
sea, and others employed in hunting), with eight hun-
dred men, in several canoes, they landed again in Tor-
tuga, 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 as-
sault, 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 con-
cluded 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 some-
what 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 inaccessi-
ble rocks do surround it ; so that the ascent was very dif-
ficult, and would always have been the same, had not
the Spaniards undergone the immense labour and toil of
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 15
making the way before mentioned, as I shall now re-
late.
The Spaniards had with them many slaves and In-
dians, 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 per-
formed 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, where-
with 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
batterjr) sending notice everywhere to their companions
for help. Thus the hunters of the island all joined to-
gether, and with them all the pirates who were not al-
ready 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 Span-
iards 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 prepar-
ing 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 them-
selves 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
16 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
still keep the bottom of the mountain; but these, hearing
the shrieks and cries of them that were killed, and be-
lieving some tragical revolution to be above, fled imme-
diately 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 con-
siderable 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 com-
merce 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 pos-
sessors of Tortuga, that these should buy all their neces-
saries 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 re-
cover 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA IT
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 mer-
chandizes 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 afflic-
tion 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,
18 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 de-
termined to enter into the order of the pirates or rob-
bers at sea. Into this society I was received with com-
mon 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 descrip-
tion thereof, according to my slender ability and ex-
perience.
CHAPTER III
A Description of Hispaniola. Also a Relation of the
French Buccaneers.
THE large and rich island called Hispaniola is sit-
uate 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 dis-
covered 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 con-
tinually 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 plan-
tations, the effects of the care and industry of the Span-
iards its inhabitants.
The chief city and metropolis hereof is Santo Do-
mingo; 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 planta-
tions, as also verdant meadows and fruitful gardens ; all
which produce plenty and variety of excellent pleasant
19
20 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 nec-
essaries 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 great-
est part of the inhabitants are rich and substantial mer-
chants 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 de-
licious 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 pro-
duces 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 tor-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 21
toises. Hither those fish constantly resort in great mul-
titudes, at certain seasons, there to lay their eggs, bury-
ing 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 in-
habitants thereof drive great traffic with those of an-
other 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 Euro-
pean 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 al-
catraces. 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
22 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 23
The spacious fields of this island commonly are five
or six leagues in length, the beauty whereof is so pleas-
ing 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 di-
yersity of objects recreate the sight, but with many of
the same do also please the smell, and with most con-
tribute delights to the taste ; also they flatter and excite
the appetite, especially with the multitudes of oranges
and lemons here growing, both sw r eet 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 man-
kind, 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
24 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 num-
ber 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, fas-
tened likewise on the boar, and presently killed him.
This done, all of them, the first only excepted, laid them-
selves down upon the ground about the prey, and there
peaceably continued, till he, the first and most courage-
ous 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 ^e<i.te c t Han<^r po^nst the common enemy?
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 25
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 be-
fore. 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 peo-
pled 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 them-
selves in some common terms of language; and perceiv-
ing the dominion of the Spaniards laid great restrictions
upon their lazy and brutish customs, they conceived an
26 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
irreconcilable hatred against them; but especially be-
cause they saw them take possession of their kingdoms
and dominions. Hereupon, they made against them all
the resistance they could, opposing everywhere their de-
signs to the utmost: and the Spaniards finding them-
selves 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 sub-
mit 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 hor-
ror 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 moun-
tains, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 27
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 fcr provisions
when they go to sea.
Here would be also wild bulls and cows in great num-
ber, if by continual hunting they were not much dimin-
ished ; 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.
28 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 de-
scribe their manner of living, customs, and ordinary em-
ployments. 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 recip-
rocally signed. Some constitute their surviving com-
panion 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,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 29;
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 to-
gether 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 bar-
barous 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 hun-
dredweight of tobacco in the leaf; but the planters com-
30 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
monly 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 pow-
der 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 like-
wise 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, ten-
der education, and soft constitutions, they are more
easily seized with this disease, and others of those coun-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 31
tries, 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 in-
stances, 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 com-
manded 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 Al-
mighty Judge, who had heard the cries of the tormented
32 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 him-
self 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 con-
tinued 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 33
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 pi-
rates 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 fort-
ress 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 com-
missions 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 gov-
ernor of Jamaica, placing another in his room; all which
3*
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 35
could not prevent these pirates from acting as hereto-
fore. But before I relate their bold actions, I shall say
something of their rise and exercises; as also of the
chief est 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 tak-
ing; and their provisions beginning to fail, they were
in danger of starving. Being almost reduced to de-
spair, they spied a great ship of the Spanish flota, sep-
arated 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
36 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
vessel to be superior to theirs, yet their covetousness,
and the extremity they were reduced to, made them ven-
ture. 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 sink-
ing 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, play-
ing at cards. Here they set a pistol to his breast, com-
manding 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 surren-
dered. 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
PIERRE LE GRAND COMMANDING THE SPANISH CAPTAIN TO SURRENDER
THE SHIP" Page 36
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 37
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 serv-
ice 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.'*
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 else-
where. 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 re-
sort.
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 pur-
chase to the ships that waited for their return, or acci-
dentally happened to be there. With the gains of these
prizes they provided themselves with necessaries; where-
with to undertake other voyages, some of which were
made to Campechy, and others toward New Spain; in
38 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 see-
ing in two years the riches of the country so much in-
creased, 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. Here-
upon 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 ene-
mies.
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 pro-
visions, 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 re-
turn 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
40 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 chief est 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 agree-
ment. 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 hun-
dred 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 hun-
dred 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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 41
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 remain-
der. 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 ves-
sel, 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 con-
ceal 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 char-
itable to each other; so that if any one wants what an-
other 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 ves-
42 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
sels, 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 tha^t 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 43
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 Mara-
caibo; 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 immedi-
ately gave over the enterprise, thinking themselves un-
able to encounter force to force: hereupon they en-
deavoured 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 mo-
44 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
merit, 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 pos-
sible; this they performed very courageously for some
time, till they were forced by the man-of-war, on con-
dition 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, re-
solved to attack her more vigorously than before, see-
ing he had yet suffered no great damage: this he per-
formed with so much resolution, that at last, after a
I
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 45
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 con-
trary 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 sepa-
rated the ships from one another. The great vessel,
where the pirates were, arrived at Campechy, where
many considerable merchants came and saluted the cap-
tain ; these presently knew the Portuguese pirate, being
infamous for the many insolencies, robberies and mur-
ders 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 ;
46 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 neces-
sary 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.
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
PORTUGUES MADE THE BEST OF HIS WAY TO DEL GOLPHO TRISTE
Page 46
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 47
escape: during which time, as also afterwards, he en-
dured extreme hunger and thirst, having no other pro-
vision 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 com-
pany 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
48 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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; es-
pecially 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:
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 49
hence he was forced to fly, when the Portuguese retook
those countries from the Dutch, several nations then in-
habiting 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 often-
times 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 tem-
pest surprised him so violently, that his ship was wrecked
50 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 be-
tween 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 to-
wards 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 : here-
upon 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 com-
panions in this bloody fight, and had two wounded.
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 51
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 morn-
ing. 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'
52 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
clothes without regarding whether he spoiled their ap-
parel.
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, see-
ing 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 doubt-
less he had done so, but for a stratagem of Brasiliano,
which saved their lives. He wrote a letter to the gov-
ernor, 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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 53
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 domin-
ions, the governor feared what mischief their compan-
ions abroad might do, if he should punish them. Here-
upon 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 to-
gether, 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; pil-
laging, 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
54, THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
could; arid after he had put it to an hrc 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, lie 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, horn at
Jamaica, ought not to be forgotten, being some of the
most remarkable; especially his rare prudence and val-
our showed in the fore-mentioned kingdom of Granada.
This pirate, having long cruised in the Gulf of Poca-
tauro, 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 bid 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 rili/ens of Nicaragua. Tims in
the dark night they entered I lie. river leading to that
city, rowing in their canoes; by day they hid themselves
and boats under the branches of trees, on Hie banks,
which grow very thick along the river-si'les in those
countries, and along the sea-coast. Bein/j arrived at
the cily the third ni/rhl, the sentinel, who kept the post
of the river, thought them to he fishermen that had
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 55
fishing in the lake: and most of the pirates understand-
ing 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 citi-
zens, where they knocked softly. These, believing them
to be friends, opened the doors; and the pirates, sud-
denly 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 venera-
tion.
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
56 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 thou-
sand 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 con-
ductor for such enterprises. He began his new com-
mand 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 Span-
iards, 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,
57
58 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
being seldom constant, after some time turned her back ;
for in a huge storm he lost his ship on the coast of Cam-
pechy. The men were all saved, but coming upon dry
land, the Spaniards pursued them, and killed the great-
est 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 dis-
guised himself in a Spanish habit; here he enticed cer-
tain 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 59
refuge of all sorts of wickedness, and the seminary, as
it were, of pirates and thieves. Though now his for-
tune was low, yet he got another ship with craft and
subtlety, and in it twenty-one men. Being well pro-
vided 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 con-
siderable prey; but by the good fortune of some fisher-
men who saw him, and the mercy of God, they escaped
him: for the inhabitants of the town dispatched imme-
diately 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 re-
ceived 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 imme-
diately 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,
60 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 anj^thing 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 fel-
low 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 61
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 punish-
ment 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 de-
sired 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 pro-
visions 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
62 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 re-
solved 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 ac-
quainted 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 what-
soever he met with.
OF this design Lolonois giving notice to all the
pirates, whether at home or abroad, he got to-
gether, 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, know-
ing that Basco had done great actions in Europe, and
had the repute of a good soldier. Thus they all em-
barked in eight vessels, that of Lolonois being the great-
est, 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,
63
64 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 pro-
vided 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 sur-
rendered. This ship had sixteen guns, and fifty fight-
ing 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 65
were 7,000 weight of powder, a great number of mus-
kets, 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 in-
stantly 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 com-
manded 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. Be-
tween 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
66 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 in-
cluded, 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 gov-
ernor, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 67
sustenance of the inhabitants of Maracaibo, whose ter-
ritories 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 to-
wards 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 tor-
ment 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
68 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
that feed this lake. The town of Gibraltar is also fre-
quently 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 tim-
ber 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 es-
teemed 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 afore-
said city on mules, and that but at one season of the
year, by reason of the excessive cold in those high moun-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 69
tains. 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, ad-
vanced 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
70 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 en-
deavoured 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 Mara-
caibo, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 71
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
72 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 73
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 cap-
tain : 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."
74 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 testi-
mony of good courage, and began their march, Lolonois
speaking thus, "Come, my brethren, follow me, and have
good courage." They followed their guide, who, be-
lieving 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 Gibral-
tar 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 to-
wards 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 75
forced to return to that they had left. Here the Span-
iards 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 over-
came 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 Span-
iards 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 Span-
iards 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
76 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 unsatis-
fied 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, espe-
cially 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 77
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 en-
deavours, 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
78 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 Mara-
caibo, 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 hear-
ing 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,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 79
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 divi-
dend 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 men-
tioned 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
80 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 great-
est 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 com-
ing in voluntarily than he could employ; every one
reposing such confidence in his conduct that they judged
it very safe io expose themselves, in his company, to the
greatest dangers. He resolved therefore a second voy-
age 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
81
82 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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
Finos. 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 83
have two store-houses 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 in-
human 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, de-
siring 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 re-
served 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 hun-
dred 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
84 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
met with a troop of Spaniards, who lay in ambuscade
for their coming: these they set upon, with all the cour-
age 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, leav-
ing 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 an-
swered, 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 am-
buscades. But they all constantly answered him they
knew none. Having asked them all, and finding they
could show him no other way, Lolonois grew outrage-
ously 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 85
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 Espag-
nols 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 them-
selves in several places. At last he met with a third
ambuscade, where was placed a party stronger, and
more advantageously, than the former: yet notwith-
standing, 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 tri-
angles used in Europe, when an army is of necessity to
pass by the place of an enemy; it being almost impos-
sible for the pirates to traverse those shrubs. The
86 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 be-
fore, 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 lit-
tle 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. Grant-
ing this article, they entered the town, and continued
there the two hours, without committing the least hos-
tility 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 87
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 them-
selves, 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
88 JHE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
islands. This pitch is not like that of Europe, but re-
sembles, 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 car-
ried 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 man-
ner 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 89
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 chief 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 ad-
miration, 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 ani-
mal, 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 pro-
tector. 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 in-
fant is grown up, the parents thereof tell him who he
90 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 sacri-
fices 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 lire
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 cere-
monies at their marriages. Whensoever any one pre-
tends 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 91
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, be-
fore 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 la-
mentations. 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 In-
dians in the isle of Sambale, five leagues from the coasts
of Jucatan. Here is great quantity of amber, but es-
pecially when any storm arises from towards the east;
whence the waves bring many things, and very differ-
ent. Through this sea no vessels can pass, unless very
small, it being too shallow. In the lands that are sur-
rounded 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.
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 un-
lading 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 ves-
92 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
sel also expected very richly laden with plate, indigo,
and cochineal. Meanwhile, the ship's crew having no-
tice 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 neces-
saries, 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 them-
selves 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 set-
ting forth from Tortuga that pieces of eight were gath-
ered as easy as pears from a tree; but finding most
things contrary to their expectation, they quitted the
' 'THEY BOARPFD THE SHIP WITH GREAT AGILITY' "--Page
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 93
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 conti-
nent 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 at-
tend, while none seek for gold, but only slaves. These
they compel to dig and wash the earth in the neigh-
bouring 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, sit-
uate on the coasts of the South Sea, whose inhabitants
are rich merchants, and their slaves work in the mines
94 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
of Veraguas ; being deterred by the multitudes of Span-
iards 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 find-
ing 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 them
selves 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 peo-
ple: 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 95
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 fish, 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 strag-
gled 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 con-
ducted 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 re-
maining, 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
96 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 ob-
servable, that while they were prisoners, they spoke not
one word to each other; so that seeing these poor In-
dians 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 In-
dians, 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 de-
sirous 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
' 'LOLONOIS, WITH THOSE THAT REMAINED, HAD MUCH ADO TO ESCAPE
ABOARD THEIR BOATS* " Page 97
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 97
Nicaragua, to see if they could take some canoes, and
return to the said islands for their companions that re-
mained 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.
The lot fell on one half of the people of the lost ves-
sel, 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 pun-
ishment due to the multitude of horrible crimes com-
mitted 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 re-
solved 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 In-
dians 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
98 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 in-
famous, 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 mis-
erable 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,
waking* for the return of them who got away only to
their great misfortune, hearing no news of their cap-
tain 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 Gra-
cias 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, be-
cause they found themselves delivered from their mis-
eries, poverty, and necessities, wherein they had lived
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 99
ten entire months. These, because they were now con-
siderably strengthened, to effect with greater satisfac-
tion 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 Al-
mighty 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 vic-
tuals : 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 fort-
night, 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
100 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 de-
voured 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 dis-
eases contracted by hunger, which also caused the re-
maining 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 ac-
tions and exploits of Captain Henry Morgan, who may
deservedly be called the second Lolonois, not being un-
like 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
101
102 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 unani-
mously 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 con-
siderable fleet, with design to land on the continent,
and pillage whatever he could. Mansvelt seeing Cap-
tain Morgan return with so many prizes, judged him
to be a man of courage, and chose him for his vice-ad-
miral 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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 103
the ordnance they had taken on the great island. Hav-
ing 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 I^uerto 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 N"ata, 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 pos-
ture 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 Ja-
maica, to send recruits to St. Catherine's, that in case of
104 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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, fear-
ing to displease his master, the king of England; be-
sides, that giving him the men he desired, and neces-
saries, he must of necessity diminish the forces of that
island, whereof he was governor. Hereupon, Mans-
velt, 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 re-
late.
Le Sieur Simon, governor of St. Catherine's, receiv-
ing no news from Mansvelt, his admiral, was impa-
tiently 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 consid-
erable fleet, which he sent to retake it; but before he
used violence, he writ a letter to Le Sieur Simon, tell-
ing 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 peo-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 105
pie, 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 Span-
iards 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 pris-
oners. 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-gen-
eral of Terra Firma, and the Province of Vera-
guas.
THE kingdom of Terra Firma, which of itself is suffi-
ciently strong to repel and destroy great fleets, espe-
cially the pirates of Jamaica, had several ways notice im-
parted 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
106 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 in-
habitants, and destroying all that they met. About the
same time, Don John Perez de Guzman received par-
ticular information of these robberies from some Span-
iards who escaped out of the island (and whom he or-
dered 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 pro-
pounded "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 Ma-
jesty 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 en-
gage in so many expenses and troubles as this would
cost." Notwithstanding which, Don John being an ex-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 107
pert 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 In-
dians, 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 gov-
ernor 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 gov-
ernor. 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
108 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
horrid cruelties upon the subjects of his Catholic
Majesty; withal, promising every one most liberal re-
wards, 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 Cartha-
gena, 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 prom-
ised 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 mulat-
toes. 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 con-
trary, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 109
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 domin-
ions of the king of England, and that instead of sur-
rendering it, they preferred to lose their lives.
On Friday the 13th, three negroes, from the enemy,
came swimming aboard our admiral; these brought in-
telligence 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 Span-
iards resolved to land, and advance towards the fort-
resses, which ceased not to fire as many great guns
against them as they possibly could; which were an-
swered 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 Span-
iards began to advance thus: The ship St. Vincent,
riding admiral, discharged two whole broadsides on the
battery called the Conception; the ship St. Peter f that
was vice-admiral, discharged likewise her guns against
the other battery named St. James : meanwhile, our peo-
ple landed in small boats, directing their course towards
the point of the battery last mentioned, and thence they
marched towards the gate called Cortadura. Lieuten-
ant Francis de Cazeres, being desirous to view the
strength of the enemy, with only fifteen men, was com-
110 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
pelled 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 Jo-
seph 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 at-
tacks 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 111
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 bul-
lets, 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 mid-
dle 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 Ms design lie ar-
rives 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 sev-
eral merchants in Virginia and New England, persuad-
ing them to send him provisions and necessajies, to-
wards putting the said island in such a posture of de-
fence, as to fear no danger of invasion from any side.
But all this proved ineffectual, by the Spaniards re-
taking 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,
119
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 113
and gave orders to every member of his fleet to meet at
a certain port of Cuba, there determining to call a coun-
cil, 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 ac-
count of the said isle of Cuba, in whose port this expe-
dition 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 Eu-
rope 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 en-
tries 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, Es-
piritu Santo, Trinidad, Zagoa, Cabo de Corientes, and
others, on the south side of the island: on the north side
114 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 ohedience. 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 gov-
ernor, 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, su-
gar, 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 de-
fended by a considerable castle.
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 ex-
tends 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,
"CAPTAIN MORGAN RECRUITING HIS FORCES" Page 115
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 115
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 thou-
sand 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 Eu-
rope, 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 sev-
eral 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 noth-
116 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
ing 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, arid land them in small boats about Matamona,
fourteen leagues from the said city, whereby to accom-
plish their designs.
Finally, they saw no possibility of gathering so great
a fleet, and hereupon, with what they had, they con-
cluded 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, exercis-
ing 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 Mor-
gan, 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,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 117
and carry away their movables; the governor immedi-
ately 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 spa-
cious 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 am-
buscades ; 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 col-
ours ; 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 to-
118 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
wards the wood, to save themselves with more ad-
vantage; 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 en-
tered the town not without great resistance of such as
were within, who defended themselves as long as possi-
ble, and many seeing the enemy in the town, shut them-
selves 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, with-
out 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 noth-
ing was left them, not sparing the women and little
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 119
children, giving them nothing to eat, whereby the great-
est 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 trans-
ported 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 Span-
iards 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 bean
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
120 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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.
With this intimation, Captain Morgan made no men-
tion 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 Mor-
gan refused to deliver them, till they had helped his
men to kill and salt the beeves: this was performed in
BEING COME TO THE PLACE OF DUEL, THE ENGLISHMAN STABBED
THE FRENCHMAN IN THE BACK* " Page 121
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 121
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 ves-
sels, 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 French-
man 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 pris-
oners set at liberty, they sailed thence to a certain
island, where Captain Morgan intended to make a divi-
dend of what they had purchased in that voyage ; where
being arrived, they found nigh the value of fifty thou-
sand 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 re-
122 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
turned. 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 mtli 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 in-
imitable 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
123
124 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
to make a good fortune by that voyage, if strange occur-
rences happened not. They steered towards the con-
tinent, 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 any-
body, 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 be-
forehand 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 impreg-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 125
nable, that defend the city, situate at the entry of the
port, so that no ship or boat can pass without permis-
sion. The garrison consists of three hundred soldiers,
and the town is inhabited by about four hundred fam-
ilies. 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 aire 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 mid-
night 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 pos-
sible, or kill him on the place: but they seized him so
cunningly, as he had no time to give warning with his
126 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
musket, or make any noise, and brought him, with his
hands hound, 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 sur-
render 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 127
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
128 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 chief est 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.
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 com-
manded 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 ecclesi-
astical 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 com-
panies, to raise and apply them to the walls : but Cap-
"MORGAN COMMANDED THE RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN TO PLACE
THE LADDERS AGAINST THE WALLS" Paqe 128
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 129
tain 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 re-
ligious 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 noth-
ing 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 en-
deavoured as much as they could to take him prisoner,
130 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 any-
thing 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 deter-
mining to fire the city, and retreat. They had now been
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 131
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 pro-
cure 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 presi-
dent, having now a body of men ready, set forth to-
wards Puerto Bello, to encounter the pirates before their
retreat; but, they, hearing of his coming, instead of fly-
ing 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
132 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
ships, which were at hand, answered, "he would not de-
liver 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 rfeason: hereupon, he deter-
mined 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, know-
ing 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 Mor-
gan 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,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 133
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 Cap-
tain Morgan, giving him thanks for the favour of lend-
ing 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, accord-
ing 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 ail
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 neigh-
bouring 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
134
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 135
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, per-
haps, 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 per-
ceiving 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 afore-
said done to the English vessel.
This unjust action of Captain Morgan was soon fol-
lowed 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 resolu-
tion being taken, they began aboard the great ship to
feast one another for joy of their new voyage, and
136 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 say-
ing the French designed to commit piracy on the Eng-
lish. 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 137
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 Cap-
tain 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 restitu-
tion 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 assigna-
tion. 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 con-
trary winds for three weeks, notwithstanding all the
utmost endeavours Captain Morgan used to get forth;
138 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 de-
siring 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 re-
turned 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, dis-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 139
charging 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 re-
mained. Next day Captain Morgan, extremely of-
fended 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 in-
habit those scattering fields and woods, of which he burnt
a great number : with this he returned to his ships, some-
what 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 ar-
rived, 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 lie wait-
ing for their arrival a few days longer, and having no
great plenty of provisions, he sent a crew of one hundred
140 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 con-
venient 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 great-
est 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 com-
pany 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 141
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 re-
covering 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 in-
tent 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 con-
tinually against the pirates, while they put their men
into boats to land. The dispute continued very hot,
142 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 Mor-
gan 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 com-
pelled 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 prece-
dent, without any person in it, for all were fled into the
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 143
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 peo-
ple 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 miser-
able 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 be-
twixt 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
144 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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, pro-
viding it sufficiently with all necessaries. He put like-
wise 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 re-
ceived 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 cross-
ing 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 145
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 con-
stantly 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 arid 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 under-
ground. 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, apply-
ing palm-leaves burning to his face.
The same day they sent out a party to seek for the
146 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
inhabitants, on whom they might exercise their cruelties.
These brought back an honest peasant with two daugh-
ters of his, whom they intended to torture as they used
others, if they showed not the places where the in-
habitants 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 them-
selves huts, to preserve from the weather those few
goods they had. The pirates judged themselves de-
ceived by the peasant, and hereupon, to revenge them-
selves, notwithstanding all his excuses and supplication,
they hanged him on a tree.
Then they divided into parties to search the planta-
tions ; 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 prom-
ised mountains of gold and his liberty, by transporting
him to Jamaica, if he would show them where the in-
habitants of Gibraltar lay hid. This fellow conducted
them to a party of Spaniards, whom they instantly
made prisoners, commanding this slave to kill some be-
fore 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
' 'THEY HANGED HIM ON A TREE' " Page 146
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 147
murders and insolencies upon the Spaniards, and fol-
lowed 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-towns-
men. Such as would not confess were tormented after
a most inhuman manner. Among the rest, there hap-
pened to be a Portuguese, who by a negro was reported,
though falsely, to be very rich; this man was com-
manded 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, break-
ing 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;
148 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 car-
ried 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 thou-
sand 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 149
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 dis-
covered 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 Cap-
tain 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 pas-
sage, 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
150 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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: where-
by, 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 con-
ceived were so great, that the leaves stirring on the
trees they often fancied to be pirates. Finally, Cap-
tain 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 pris-
oners: 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 151
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 cer-
tainly 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 Mor-
gan, telling him they had scarce been able to find any-
body, but that to such as they had found they had pro-
posed 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 pa-
tience, 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 satis-
faction.
Captain Morgan having now been long absent from
Maracaibo, and knowing the Spaniards had had suffi-
cient time to fortify themselves, and hinder his depar-
ture out of the lake, granted their proposition, and made
152 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 accord-
ing to his deserts; but Captain Morgan would not de-
liver him, lest they should burn him alive. At last,
they weighed anchor, and set sail in all haste for Mara-
caibo: 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 am-
munition.
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.
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 153
These forces being much beyond those of Captain Mor-
gan, 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 Span-
iard 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 bold-
ness 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, Ad-
miral of the Spanish Fleet, to Captain Morgan,
Commander of the Pirates.
"Having understood by all our friends and neigh-
bours, 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
154 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 perform-
ance of my duty. Notwithstanding, if you be con-
tented 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 molesta-
tion ; 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 com-
mand 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 resolu-
tion. 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 re-
venge 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.
"Box ALONSO DEL CAMPO Y ESPINOSA."
As soon as Captain Morgan received this letter, he
called all his men together in the market-place of
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 155
Maracaibo, and after reading the contents thereof, both
in French and English, asked their advice and resolu-
tion 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 representa-
tion of men. The same we will do at the port-holes
that serve for the guns, which shall be filled with coun-
terfeit 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 accommo-
dation with Don Alonso. To this effect, Captain
Morgan sent to him two persons, with these proposi-
tions: First, that he would quit Maracaibo, without
156 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 dishonour-
able: neither would he hear of any other accommoda-
tion, but sent back this message: "That if they sur-
rendered 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 mes-
sage 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; be-
sides, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 157]
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 ves-
sel 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 to-
158 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
wards the Spaniards; who seeing them move, did in-
stantly 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.
The pirates being extremely glad at this signal vic-
tory 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 cas-
" 'THE FIRE-SHIP, SAILING BEFORE THE REST, FELL PRESENTLY UPON
THE GREAT SHIP' " Page 158
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 159
tie. This they found well provided with men, cannon,
and ammunition, they having no other arms than mus-
kets, and a few hand granadoes : their own artillery they
thought incapable, for its smallness, of making any con-
siderable 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 ad-
vance 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 ex-
perimented 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; partic-
ularly, they dug down, and made plain, some little hills
and eminences, when possibly the castle might be of-
fended.
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 be-
longed to the lesser ship of the two, of whom he in-
quired 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
160 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 pi-
rates, 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 let-
ters 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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 161
The vice-admiral was Don Alonso del Campo y 3s-
pinosa, who commanded the second ship called La Con-
ception, 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
162 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 will-
ingly 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 hand-
some 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 com-
manded 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 Gib-
raltar 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 163
drowned, who dared not to crave quarter, knowing them-
selves must give none. Two days before you came
against us, a negro came aboard Don Alonso's ship, tell-
ing 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, peradven-
ture, wit enough to build a fire-ship? Or what instru-
ments 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. Here-
upon, Captain Morgan ordered one of his ships to re-
main there, to find ways of getting out of it what plate
they could; meanwhile, himself, with all his fleet, re-
turned 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 de-
nied, he threatened entirely to consume and destroy it.
The Spaniards considering the ill-luck they had all along
164 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 pay-
ment 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 cat-
tle were brought the next day, with one part of the
xnoney; 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 gov-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 165
ernor 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 ap-
pointed 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 af-
flicted prisoners, who were, with their wives and chil-
dren, 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 pusillanim-
ity. 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."
Thus the Spaniards returned with much consterna-
tion, 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
166 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
presently made a dividend of all they had taken, fear-
ing he might not have an opportunity to do it in an-
other place, if any tempest should rise and separate the
ships, as also being jealous that any of the comman-
ders 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 con-
ceal 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 seal-
"MORGAN nivinxo TUP: TREASURE TAKEX AT MARACAIBO" Page 166
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 167
ing 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 moon-
light, 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 Gibral-
tar, 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
168 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 In-
dians, 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 com-
panions, 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 tak-
ing of the town of Commana, on the continent of Carac-
cas, nigh sixty leagues to the west of the Isle de la Trini-
dad. 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 169
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 Com-
mana, 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 For-
tune 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 remark-
able 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 in-
digency, 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,
17Q
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 171
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 rendez-
vous, writing letters to all the expert pirates there in-
habiting, as also to the governor, and to the planters
and hunters of Hispaniola, informing them of his inten-
tions, 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 punc-
tually, 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 coun-
cil 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
172 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
stored with maize of all the parts thereabouts. Mean-
while 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 fol-
low 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 per-
ceived them to be enemies, had sufficient time to pre-
pare 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 Cartha-
gena to lade with maize, and now almost ready to de-
part. 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 morn-
ing, 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
173
174 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
they were forced to retire to a village, whither the pi-
rates 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 tor-
ments, 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 re-
solved 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 an-
swered, 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 bush-
els 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 175
with the rest of their purchase, they returned to His-
paniola, to give account to their leader, Captain Mor-
gan, of all they had performed.
They had now been absent five weeks on this com-
mission, 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 con-
sidering the place whereto they went could easily be
relieved from Carthagena and Santa Maria, if the in-
habitants 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 in-
finite joy, especially when they found them full laden
with maize, which they much wanted for the mainte-
nance 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 de-
part; having viewed beforehand every ship, and ob-
served their being well equipped and clean. Thus he
set sail, and stood for Cape Tiburon, where he de-
termined 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
176 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
that now their fleet consisted of thirty-seven ships,
wherein were two thousand fighting men, beside mar-
iners 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, di-
vided 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 pat-
ent, 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 to-
gether, and caused them to sign some articles of agree-
ment 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 medica-
ments. To every carpenter, above his salary, one hun-
dred pieces of eight. The rewards were settled in this
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 177
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 com-
manded 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 neighbpuring
places, who are very expert in the knowledge of that
country. But before they proceeded, they published an
178 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 '*, which he takes.
CAPTAIN MORGAN and his companions
weighed anchor from the Cape of Tiburon,
December 16, 1670. Four days after they ar-
rived 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 domin-
ions in the West Indies. Here are huge quantities of
pigeons at certain seasons. It is watered by four rivu-
lets, 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 neces-
sary 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 fear-
ing lest they should give intelligence of his arrival to
the inhabitants, and prevent his designs.
179
180 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 bat-
tery called the Platform, but nobody in it, the Span-
iards 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. Here-
upon, 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
TIJE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 181
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
182 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 an-
swer: "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 col-
ours, 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 cap-
tains 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 de-
sired 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 Mor-
gan 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 inter-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 183
cept the governor as he endeavoured to pass to St. Je-
rome's fort, and then take him prisoner; using the for-
mality, 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 hav-
ing 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. Pres-
ently 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 bat-
tle 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.
184, THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 per-
sons, 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 ban-
ditti, thirty-nine negroes belonging to private persons;
with twenty-seven female blacks, and thirty-four chil-
dren. The pirates disarmed all the Spaniards, and sent
them out immediately to the plantations to seek for pro-
visions, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 185
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 Ar-
tilleros, 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 car-
ried by the pirates on board. All the guns were stopped
186 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
and nailed, and the fortresses demolished, except that
of St. Jerome, where the pirates kept guard and resist-
ance. 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 Ja-
maica. These propositions the banditti readily ac-
cepted, 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. Cath-
erine's.
CAPTAIN MORGAN sending this little fleet to
Chagre, chose for vice-admiral thereof one Cap-
tain Brodely, who had been long in those quar-
ters, 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 Span-
iards. 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. Law-
rence. 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, be-
tween 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.
187
188 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
The south part is totally inaccessible, through the crag-
giness 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 BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 189
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 ad-
vance 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 ad-
vanced towards the castle with their swords in one hand,
and fireballs in the other. The Spaniards defended
themselves very briskly, ceasing not to fire at them con-
tinually; crying withal, "Come on, ye English dogs!
enemies to God and our king; and let your other com-
panions 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 them-
selves 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 oc-
casioned 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,
190 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
which the Spaniards perceived not so soon as was neces-
sary ; for this fire meeting with a parcel of powder, blew
it up, thereby causing great ruin, and no less consterna-
tion 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 pal-
isades. The fire thus seen at once in several parts about
the castle, gave them great advantage against the Span-
iards, 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 mid-
night. Meanwhile the pirates continued in their inten-
tion 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 Span-
iards on the other side, and thus killed many from the
walls. When day was come, they observed all the mov-
able earth, that lay betwixt the pales, to be fallen into
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 191
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 quar-
ter 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 demand-
ing any quarter, till he was killed with a musket-shot in
the head.
The governor being dead, and the corps du gard sur-
rendering, they found remaining in it alive thirty men,
whereof scarce ten were not wounded: these informed
192 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
the pirates that eight or nine of their soldiers had de-
serted, 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 enter-
prises. Among other things, that the governor of Pan-
ama had notice sent him three weeks ago from Cartha-
gena, 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 vic-
tualled. 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 con-
quest of the isle of St. Catherine; for, numbering their
men, they had lost above a hundred, beside seventy
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 193
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 em-
barked 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 pos-
session 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,
194 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 man-
ner 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 chat-
ten, serving for transportation of merchandise up and
down the river, and to go to Puerto Bello and Nica-
ragua. 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 hun-
dred 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 car-
ried little provisions with him, hoping to provide him-
self 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 al-
most 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,
195
196 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 penal-
ties, 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 Mor-
gan 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 an-
other 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 acci-
dents, or of the arrival of the pirates, six hours, at least,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 197
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
198 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 ambus-
cade, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 199
be distributed among them who were in greatest neces-
sity. Having refreshed themselves with these victuals,
they marched anew with greater courage then 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 con-
strained to rest very frequently, both for the ruggedness
of the way, and their extreme weakness, which they en-
deavoured 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 find-
ing all things in abundance. But they were much de-
ceived, meeting neither Indians nor victuals, nor. any-
thing 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
200 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 necessi-
tated 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 murmur-
ings 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 under-
taking: 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 peo-
ple and plenty of good cheer. Thus they went on as
fast as they could, encouraging one another, saying,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 201
"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 pant-
ing, but found no person in the town, nor anything eat-
able 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 any-
thing 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 mani-
fold 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
202 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 planta-
tions, Captain Morgan ordered that none should go out
of the village, except companies of one hundred to-
gether, fearing lest the enemy should take an advantage
upon his men. Notwithstanding, one party contra-
vened 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 Span-
iards and Indians, who carried one of them away pris-
oner. 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 dis-
cover the way to Panama, and any ambuscades therein:
the path being so narrow, that only ten or twelve per-
sons 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 pre-
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 203
sumed 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, endeavour-
ing 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 compan-
ions, 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
204 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 Span-
iards had placed an ambuscade there, it lying so con-
veniently : 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 pas-
sage 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 205
of every company, a small number, who kept the arms
of the rest: those who remained in the open field en-
dured 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 favour-
able 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, un-
known to the pirates. At last, ascending a high moun-
tain, 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 carbon'aded or
roasted, they devoured them, with incredible haste and
appetite ; such was their hunger, as they more resembled
206 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
cannibals than Europeans; the blood many times run-
ning down from their beards to their waists.
Having satisfied their hunger, Captain Morgan or-
dered 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 in-
form him of the condition and forces of the Spaniards.
About evening they discovered about two hundred
Spaniards, who hallooed to the pirates, but they under-
stood 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 shout-
ing, 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 207
returned to the city, except only seven or eight horse-
men, 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 nap-
kins 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 sound-
ing, 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 Span-
iards 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
208 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 en-
couraged 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 209
underfoot, they could not wheel about as they desired.
The two hundred bucaniers, who went before, each put-
ting one knee to the ground, began the battle briskly,
with a full volley of shot : the Spaniards defended them-
selves 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 unfor-
tunately; for most of them being found by the pirates,
were instantly killed, without any quarter. Some re-
ligious 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
210 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 In-
dians, and some negroes, who were to drive two thou-
sand 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 in-
stantly to march another way; but first he made a re-
view 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.
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 211
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 con-
tinually at their sides, could deter them from ad-
vancing, 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 de-
stroyed 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 mer-
chandise, as well silks and cloths, as linen and other
things of value. As soon as the first fury of their en-
trance 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
212 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
first, after so much hunger sustained by the way; fear-
ing, withal, lest the Spaniards, seeing them in wine,
should rally, and, falling on the city, use them as in-
humanly 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 re-
flected 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 gun-
powder, 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
213
214 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 mag-
nificent building, the greatest part inhabited by mer-
chants 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 neighbour-
ing fields are full of fertile plantations and pleasant
gardens, affording delicious prospects to the inhabitants
all the year.
The Genoese had in this city a stately house for their
trade of negroes. This likewise was by Captain Mor-
gan burnt to the very ground. Besides which building,
there were consumed two hundred warehouses, and
many slaves, who had hid themselves therein, with in-
numerable 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
'MORGAN RE-ENTERED THE CITY WITH HIS TROOPS' " Page 215
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 215
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 con-
sumed 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 rally-
ing, 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 es-
caped. These having made several excursions up and
down the fields, woods, and mountains adjacent, re-
turned after two days, bringing above two hundred pris-
oners, men, women, and slaves. The same day re-
216 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
turned 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, hav-
ing 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 there-
about. Next day, repenting of their negligence, being
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 217
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 con-
firmed what the pirates said, adding, that they un-
doubtedly 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 Mor-
gan 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,
218 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
somewhat better satisfied; yet, withal, much discon-
tented 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 op-
portune 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. Cap-
tain 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
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 219
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 burn-
ing 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
220 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 ammuni-
tion: 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 Cap-
tain 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 Cap-
tain Morgan sent many of the Spaniards into the ad-
joining 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 intelli-
gence was brought, that he had laid several ambuscades
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 221
in the way by which he ought to return: but they re-
turned 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 opposi-
tion 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, be-
side 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,
222 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
with infinite sighs and tears, to let them return to
Panama, there to live with their dear husbands and chil-
dren in little huts of straw, which they would erect, see-
ing 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 be-
fore, 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 her-
self 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 ran-
som did amount to; that they had promised faithfully
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 223
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 confes-
sion of the said religious men, though under some friv-
olous 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 other-
wise he designed to transport to Jamaica. But he de-
tained 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 voy-
age, leaving the village on the 5th of March following,
carrying with him all the spoil he could. Hence he like-
wise led away some new prisoners, inhabitants there,
with those in Panama, who had not paid their ransoms.
224 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
But the two religious men, who had diverted the lady's
money, were ransomed three days after by other per-
sons, 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 com-
pany to be searchers of the rest. The French pirates
that assisted on this expedition disliked this new prac-
tice of searching; but, being outnumbered by the Eng-
lish, 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,
THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA 225
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 no-
tice to his companions, and put out to sea, being only
226 THE BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA
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 re-
venged themselves on Captain Morgan and his follow-
ers, 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
University of Toronto
Library
DO NOT
REMOVE
THE
CARD
FROM
THIS
POCKET
Acme Library Card Pocket
Under Pat. "Ref. Index File"
Made by LIBRARY BUREAU
