The Buccaneers in the West Indies in the XVII CenturyHaring, Clarence Henry
History
The Buccaneers in the West Indies in the XVII Century
Haring, Clarence Henry
Buccaneers; West Indies -- History
"Captain Morgan, having heard this information, gave orders instantly
they should march another way. But before setting forth, he made a
review of all his men, whereof he found both killed and wounded a
considerable number, and much greater than he had believed. Of the
Spaniards were found six hundred dead upon the place, besides the
wounded and prisoners.[306] The Pirates were nothing discouraged, seeing
their number so much diminished, but rather filled with greater pride
than before, perceiving what huge advantage they had obtained against
their enemies. Thus having rested themselves some while, they prepared
to march courageously towards the city, plighting their oaths to one
another in general they would fight till never a man was left alive.
With this courage they recommenced their march, either to conquer or be
conquered, carrying with them all the prisoners.
"They found much difficulty in their approach unto the city. For within
the town the Spaniards had placed many great guns, at several quarters
thereof, some of which were charged with small pieces of iron, and
others with musket bullets. With all these they saluted the Pirates, at
their drawing nigh unto the place, and gave them full and frequent
broadsides, firing at them incessantly. Whence it came to pass that
unavoidably they lost, at every step they advanced, great numbers of
men. But neither these manifest dangers of their lives, nor the sight of
so many of their own as dropped down continually at their sides, could
deter them from advancing farther, and gaining ground every moment upon
the enemy. Thus, although the Spaniards never ceased to fire and act the
best they could for their defence, yet notwithstanding they were forced
to deliver the city after the space of three hours' combat.[307] And the
Pirates, having now possessed themselves thereof, both killed and
destroyed as many as attempted to make the least opposition against
them. The inhabitants had caused the best of their goods to be
transported to more remote and occult places. Howbeit they found within
the city as yet several warehouses, very well stocked with all sorts of
merchandise, as well silks and cloths as linen, and other things of
considerable value. As soon as the first fury of their entrance into the
city was over, Captain Morgan assembled all his men at a certain place
which he assigned, and there commanded them under very great penalties
that none of them should dare to drink or taste any wine. The reason he
gave for this injunction was, because he had received private
intelligence that it had been all poisoned by the Spaniards. Howbeit it
was the opinion of many he gave these prudent orders to prevent the
debauchery of his people, which he foresaw would be very great at the
beginning, after so much hunger sustained by the way. Fearing withal
lest the Spaniards, seeing them in wine, should rally their forces and
fall upon the city, and use them as inhumanly as they had used the
inhabitants before."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account