The world wide attention at this time in the Isthmus of Panama and the great canal connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean lends to this narrative an additional stimulus. Here are set forth the deeds of daring of the wild freebooters in crossing the isthmus to attack the cities, Puerto Bellow and Panama. The sacking and burning of these places accompanied by pillage, fire, and treasure seeking both on land and on sea form exciting reading. _The Buccaneers and Marooners of America_ well deserves a place on the book shelf with those old world-wide favorites _Robinson Crusoe_ and the _Swiss Family Robinson_. GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS. THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER (OF 1684). _THE present Volume, both for its Curiosity and Ingenuity, I dare recommend unto the perusal of our English nation, whose glorious actions it containeth. What relateth unto the curiosity hereof, this Piece, both of Natural and Humane History, was no sooner published in the_ Dutch Original, _than it was snatch't up for the most curious Library's of_ Holland; _it was Translated into_ Spanish _(two impressions thereof being sent into_ Spain _in one year_); _it was taken notice of by the learned Academy of Paris; and finally recommended as worthy our esteem, by the ingenious Author of the_ Weekly Memorials for the Ingenious, _printed here at_ London _about two years ago. Neither all this undeservedly, seeing it enlargeth our acquaintance of Natural History, so much prized and enquir'd for, by the Learned of this present Age, with several observations not easily to be found in other accounts already received from_ America: _and besides, it informeth us (with huge novelty) of as great and bold attempts, in point of Military conduct and valour, as ever were performed by mankind; without excepting, here, either_ Alexander the Great, _or_ Julius Caesar, _or the rest of the_ Nine Worthy's of Fame. _Of all which actions, as we cannot confess ourselves to have been ignorant hitherto (the very name of_ Bucaniers _being, as yet, known but unto few of the_ Ingenious; _as their Lives, Laws, and Conversation, are in a manner unto none) so can they not choose but be admired, out of this ingenuous Author, by whosoever is curious to learn the various revolutions of humane affairs. But, more especially by our_ English Nation; _as unto whom these things more narrowly do appertain. We having here more than half the Book filled with the unparallel'd, if not inimitable, adventures and_ Heroick _exploits of our own Country-men, and Relations; whose undaunted, and exemplary courage, when called upon by our King and Country, we ought to emulate._