faster, and seek for houses to preserve their arms from being wet; but
the Indians had set fire to every one, and driven away all their cattle,
that the pirates, finding neither houses nor victuals, might be
constrained to return: but, after diligent search, they found a few
shepherds' huts, but in them nothing to eat. These not holding many
men, they placed in them, out of every company, a small number, who kept
the arms of the rest: those who remained in the open field endured much
hardship that night, the rain not ceasing till morning.
Next morning, about the 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
favorable 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 endeavored to catch
some of them, but could not, they suddenly disappearing, and absconding
themselves in caves among the rocks unknown to the pirates. At last,
ascending a high mountain, they discovered the South Sea. This happy
sight, as if it were the end of their labors, 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
carbonadoed or roasted, they devoured them, with incredible haste and
appetite. Such was their hunger, that they more resembled cannibals than
Europeans; the blood many times running down from their beards to their
waists.
Having satisfied their hunger, Captain Morgan ordered them to continue
the march. Here, again, he sent before the main body fifty men to take
some prisoners, if they could; for he was much concerned, that in nine
days he could not meet one person to inform him of the condition and
forces of the Spaniards. About evening they discovered about two hundred
Spaniards, who hallooed to the pirates, but they understood not what
they said. A little while after they came in sight of the highest
steeple of Panama: this they no sooner discovered but they showed signs
of extreme joy, casting up their hats into the air, leaping and
shouting, just as if they had already obtained the victory, and
accomplished their designs. All their trumpets sounded, and drums beat,
in token of this alacrity of their minds. Thus they pitched their camp
for that night, with general content of the whole army, waiting with
impatience for the morning, when they intended to attack the city. This
evening appeared fifty horses, 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 marvelously well. Those on horseback hallooed aloud to the
pirates, and threatened them, saying, "Perros! nos veremos," that is,
"Ye dogs! we shall meet ye." Having made this menace, they returned to
the city, except only seven or eight horsemen, who hovered thereabouts
to watch their motions. Immediately after the city fired, and ceased not
to play their biggest guns all night long against the camp, but with
little or no harm to the pirates, whom they could not easily reach. Now
also the two hundred Spaniards, whom the pirates had seen in the
afternoon, appeared again, making a show of blocking up the passages,
that no pirates might escape their hands: but the pirates, though in a
manner besieged, instead of fearing their blockades, as soon as they had
placed sentinels about their camp, opened their satchels, and, without
any napkins or plates, fell to eating, very heartily, the pieces of
bulls' and horses' flesh which they had reserved since noon. This done,
they laid themselves down to sleep on the grass, with great repose and
satisfaction, expecting only, with impatience, the dawning of the next
day.
The tenth day, betimes in the morning, they put all their men in order,
and, with drums and trumpets sounding, marched directly towards the
city; but one of the guides desired Captain Morgan not to take the
common highway, lest they should find in it many ambuscades. He took his
advice, and chose another way through the wood, though very irksome and
difficult. The Spaniards perceiving the pirates had taken another way
they scarce had thought on, were compelled to leave their stops and
batteries, and come out to meet them. The governor of Panama put his
forces in order, consisting of two squadrons, four regiments of foot,
and a huge number of wild bulls, which were driven by a great number of
Indians, with some negroes, and others, to help them.
The pirates, now upon their march, came to the top of a little hill,
whence they had a large prospect of the city and champaign country
underneath. Here they discovered the forces of the people of Panama, in
battle array, to be so numerous, that they were surprised with fear,
much doubting the fortune of the day: yea, few or none there were but
wished themselves at home, or at least free from obligation of that
engagement, it so nearly concerning their lives. Having been some time
wavering in their minds, they at last reflected on the straits they had
brought themselves into, and that now they must either fight resolutely,
or die; for no quarter could be expected from an enemy on whom they had
committed so many cruelties. Hereupon they encouraged one another,
resolving to conquer, or spend the last drop of blood. Then they divided
themselves into three battalions, sending before two hundred buccaneers,
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 under-foot, they could not wheel about as they desired. The two
hundred buccaneers, who went before, each putting one knee to the
ground, began to battle briskly, with a full volley of shot: the
Spaniards defended themselves courageously, doing all they could to
disorder the pirates. Their foot endeavored to second the horse, but
were forced by the fire of the pirates to retreat. 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 colors in pieces, while the buccaneers shot every one
of them dead.
The battle having continued two hours, the greatest part of the Spanish
horse was ruined, and almost all killed: the rest fled, which the foot
seeing, and that they could not possibly prevail, they discharged the
shot they had in their muskets, and throwing them down, fled away, every
one as he could. The pirates could not follow them, being too much
harassed and wearied with their long journey. Many, not being able to
fly whither they desired, hid themselves, for that present, among the
shrubs of the sea-side, but very unfortunately; for most of them being
found by the pirates, were instantly killed, without any quarter. Some
religious men were brought prisoners before Captain Morgan; but he,
being deaf to their cries, commanded them all to be pistoled, which was
done. Soon after they brought a captain to him, whom he examined very
strictly; particularly, wherein consisted the forces of those of Panama?
He answered, their whole strength consisted in four hundred horse,
twenty-four companies of foot, each one hundred men complete; sixty
Indians, and some negroes, who were to drive two thousand wild bulls
upon the English, and thus, by breaking their files, put them into a
total disorder: beside, that in the city they had made trenches, and
raised batteries in several places, in all which they had placed many
guns; and that at the entry of the highway, leading to the city, they
had built a fort mounted with eight great brass guns, defended by fifty
men.
Captain Morgan having heard this, gave orders instantly to march another
way; but first he made a review of his men, whereof he found both killed
and wounded a considerable number, and much greater than had been
believed. Of the Spaniards were found six hundred dead on the place,
besides the wounded and prisoners. The pirates, nothing discouraged,
seeing their number so diminished, but rather filled with greater pride,
perceiving what huge advantage they had obtained against their enemies,
having rested some time, prepared to march courageously towards the
city, plighting their oaths to one another, that they would fight till
not a man was left alive. With this courage they recommenced their
march, either to conquer or be conquered; carrying with them all the
prisoners.
They found much difficulty in their approach to the city, for within the
town the Spaniards had placed many great guns, at several quarters, some
charged with small pieces of iron, and others with musket bullets. With
all these they saluted the pirates at their approaching, and gave them
full and frequent broadsides, firing at them incessantly; so that
unavoidably they lost at every step great numbers of men. But not these
manifest dangers of their lives, nor the sight of so many as dropped
continually at their sides, could deter them from advancing, and gaining
ground every moment on the enemy; and though the Spaniards never ceased
to fire, and act the best they could for their defense, yet they were
forced to yield, after three hours' combat. And the pirates having
possessed themselves at last of the city, killed all that attempted in
the least to oppose them. The inhabitants had transported the best of
their goods to more remote and secret places; howbeit, they found in the
city several warehouses well stocked with merchandise, as well silks and
cloths, as linen and other things of value. As soon as the first fury of
their entrance was over, Captain Morgan assembled his men, and commanded
them, under great penalties, not to drink or taste any wine; and the
reason he gave for it was, because he had intelligence that it was all
poisoned by the Spaniards. Howbeit, it was thought he gave these prudent
orders to prevent the debauchery of his people, which he foresaw would
be very great at the first, after so much hunger sustained by the way;
fearing, withal, lest the Spaniards, seeing them in wine, should rally,
and, falling on the city, use them as inhumanly as they had used the
inhabitants before.
Captain Morgan, as soon as he had placed necessary guards at several
quarters within and without the city, commanded twenty-five men to seize
a great boat, which had stuck in the mud of the port, for want of water,
at a low tide. The same day about noon, he caused fire privately to be
set to several great edifices of the city, nobody knowing who were the
authors thereof, much less on what motives Captain Morgan did it, which
are unknown to this day: the fire increased so, that before night the
greatest part of the city was in a flame. Captain Morgan pretended the
Spaniards had done it, perceiving that his own people reflected on him
for that action. Many of the Spaniards, and some of the pirates, did
what they could, either to quench the flames or by blowing up houses
with gunpowder, and pulling down others to stop it, but in vain: for in
less than half an hour it consumed a whole street. All the houses of the
city were built with cedar, very curious and magnificent, and richly
adorned, especially with hangings and paintings, whereof part were
before removed, but another great part were consumed by fire.
There were in this city (which is the see of a bishop) eight
monasteries, seven for men, and one for women; two stately churches, and
one hospital. The churches and monasteries were all richly adorned with
altar-pieces and paintings, much gold and silver, and other precious
things, all which the ecclesiastics had hidden. Besides which, here were
two thousand houses of magnificent building, the greatest part inhabited
by merchants vastly rich. For the rest of less quality, and tradesmen,
this city contained five thousand more. Here were also many stables for
the horses and mules that carry the plate of the king of Spain, as well
as private men, towards the North Sea. The neighboring fields were 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 Morgan burnt to the very ground. Besides
which building, there were consumed two hundred warehouses, and many
slaves, who had hid themselves therein, with innumerable sacks of meal;
the fire of which continued four weeks after it had begun. The greatest
part of the pirates still encamped without the city, fearing and
expecting the Spaniards would come and fight them anew, it being known
they much outnumbered the pirates. This made them keep the field, to
preserve their forces united, now much diminished by their losses. Their
wounded, which were many, they put into one church, which remained
standing, the rest being consumed by the fire. Besides these decreases
of his men, Captain Morgan had sent a convoy of one hundred and fifty
men to the castle of Chagre, to carry the news of his victory at Panama.
They saw often whole troops of Spaniards run to and fro in the fields,
which made them suspect their rallying, which they never had the courage
to do. In the afternoon Captain Morgan reentered the city with his
troops, that every one might take up their lodgings, which now they
could hardly find, few houses having escaped the fire. Then they sought
very carefully among the ruins and ashes, for utensils of plate or gold,
that were not quite wasted by the flames: and of such they found no
small number, especially in wells and cisterns, where the Spaniards had
hid them.
Next day Captain Morgan dispatched away two troops, of one hundred and
fifty men each, stout and well armed, to seek for the inhabitants who
were escaped. These having made several excursions up and down the
fields, woods, and mountains adjacent, returned after two days, bringing
above two hundred prisoners, men, women, and slaves. The same day
returned also the boat which Captain Morgan had sent to the South Sea,
bringing three other boats which they had taken. But all these prizes
they could willingly have given, and greater labor into the bargain, for
one galleon, which miraculously escaped, richly laden with all the
king's plate, jewels, and other precious goods of the best and richest
merchants of Panama: on board which were also the religious women of the
nunnery, who had embarked with them all the ornaments of their church,
consisting in much gold, plate, and other things of great value.
The strength of this galleon was inconsiderable, having only seven guns,
and ten or twelve muskets, and very ill provided with victuals,
necessaries, and fresh water, having no more sails than the uppermost of
the mainmast. This account the pirates received from some one who had
spoken with seven mariners belonging to the galleon, who came ashore in
the cockboat for fresh water. Hence they concluded they might easily
have taken it, had they given her chase, as they should have done; but
they were impeded from following this vastly rich prize, by their
gluttony and drunkenness, having plentifully debauched themselves with
several rich wines they found ready, choosing rather to satiate their
appetites than to lay hold on such huge advantage; since this one prize
would have been of far greater value than all they got at Panama, and
the places thereabout. Next day, repenting of their negligence, being
weary of their vices and debaucheries, they set forth another boat, well
armed, to pursue with all speed the said galleon; but in vain, the
Spaniards who were on board having had intelligence of their own danger
one or two days before, while the pirates were cruising so near them;
whereupon they fled to places more remote and unknown.
The pirates found, in the ports of the island of Tavoga and Tavogilla,
several boats laden with very good merchandise; all which they took, and
brought to Panama, where they made an exact relation of all that had
passed to Captain Morgan. The prisoners confirmed what the pirates said,
adding, that they undoubtedly knew where the galleon might then be, but
that it was very probable they had been relieved before now from other
places. This stirred up Captain Morgan anew, to send forth all the boats
in the port of Panama to seek the said galleon till they could find her.
These boats, being in all four, after eight days' cruising to and fro,
and searching several ports and creeks, lost all hopes of finding her,
whereupon 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 spoil they returned to Panama, somewhat
better satisfied; yet, withal, much discontented that they could not
meet with the galleon.
The convoy which Captain Morgan had sent to the castle of Chagre
returned much about the same time, bringing with them very good news;
for while Captain Morgan was on his journey to Panama, those he had left
in the castle of Chagre had sent for two boats to cruise. These met with
a Spanish ship, which they chased within sight of the castle. This being
perceived by the pirates in the castle, they put forth Spanish colors,
to deceive the ship that fled before the boats; and the poor Spaniards,
thinking to take refuge under the castle, were caught in a snare, and
made prisoners. The cargo on board the said vessel consisted in victuals
and provisions, than which nothing could be more opportune for the
castle, where they began already to want things of this kind.
This good luck of those of Chagre caused Captain Morgan to stay longer
at Panama, ordering several new excursions into the country round about;
and while the pirates at Panama were upon these expeditions, those at
Chagre were busy in piracies on the North Sea. Captain Morgan sent
forth, daily, parties of two hundred men, to make inroads into all the
country round about; and when one party came back, another went forth,
who soon gathered much riches, and many prisoners. These being brought
into the city, were put to the most exquisite tortures, to make them
confess both other people's goods and their own. Here it happened that
one poor wretch was found in the house of a person of quality, who had
put on, amidst the confusion, a pair of taffety breeches of his
master's, with a little silver key hanging out; perceiving which, they
asked him for the cabinet of the said key. His answer was, he knew not
what was become of it, but that finding those breeches in his master's
house, he had made bold to wear them. Not being able to get any other
answer, they put him on the rack, and inhumanly disjointed his arms;
then they twisted a cord about his forehead, which they wrung so hard
that his eyes appeared as big as eggs, and were ready to fall out. But
with these torments not obtaining any positive answer, they hung him up
by the wrists, giving him many blows and stripes under that intolerable
pain and posture of body. Afterwards they cut off his nose and ears, and
singed his face with burning straw, till he could not speak, nor lament
his misery any longer: then, losing all hopes of any confession, they
bade a negro to run him through, which put an end to his life, and to
their inhuman tortures. Thus did many others of those miserable
prisoners finish their days, the common sport and recreation of these
pirates being such tragedies.
Captain Morgan having now been at Panama full three weeks, commanded all
things to be prepared for his departure. He ordered every company of men
to seek so many beasts of carriage as might convey the spoil to the
river where his canoes lay. About this time there was a great rumor,
that a considerable number of pirates intended to leave Captain Morgan;
and that, taking a ship then in port, they determined to go and rob on
the South Sea, till they had got as much as they thought fit, and then
return homewards, by way of the East Indies. For which purpose they had
gathered much provisions, which they had hid in private places, with
sufficient powder, bullets, and all other ammunition: likewise some
great guns belonging to the town, muskets, and other things, wherewith
they designed not only to equip their vessel, but to fortify themselves
in some island which might serve them for a place of refuge.
This design had certainly taken effect, had not Captain Morgan had
timely advice of it from one of their comrades; hereupon he commanded
the mainmast of the said ship to be cut down and burnt, with all the
other boats in the port: hereby the intentions of all or most of his
companions were totally frustrated. Then Captain Morgan sent many of the
Spaniards into the adjoining fields and country to seek for money, to
ransom not only themselves, but the rest of the prisoners, as likewise
the ecclesiastics. Moreover, he commanded all the artillery of the town
to be nailed and stopped up. At the same time he sent out a strong
company of men to seek for the governor of Panama, of whom intelligence
was brought, that he had laid several ambuscades in the way by which he
ought to return: but they returned soon after, saying they had not found
any sign of any such ambuscades. For confirmation whereof, they brought
some prisoners, who declared that the said governor had had an intention
of making some opposition by the way, but that the men designed to
effect it were unwilling to undertake it: so that for want of means he
could not put his design in execution.
February 24, 1671, Captain Morgan departed from Panama, or rather from
the place where the city of Panama stood; of the spoils whereof he
carried with him one hundred and seventy-five beasts of carriage, laden
with silver, gold, and other precious things, beside about six hundred
prisoners, men, women, children and slaves. That day they came to a
river that passes through a delicious plain, a league from Panama: here
Captain Morgan put all his forces into good order, so as that the
prisoners were in the middle, surrounded on all sides with pirates,
where nothing else was to be heard but lamentations, cries, shrieks, and
doleful sighs of so many women and children, who feared Captain Morgan
designed to transport them all into his own country for slaves. Besides,
all those miserable prisoners endured extreme hunger and thirst at that
time, which misery Captain Morgan designedly caused them to sustain, to
excite them to seek for money to ransom themselves, according to the tax
he had set upon every one. Many of the women begged Captain Morgan, on
their knees, with infinite sighs and tears, to let them return to
Panama, there to live with their dear husbands and children in little
huts of straw, which they would erect, seeing they had no houses till
the rebuilding of the city. But his answer was, "He came not thither to
hear lamentations and cries, but to seek money: therefore they ought
first to seek out that, wherever it was to be had, and bring it to him;
otherwise he would assuredly transport them all to such places whither
they cared not to go."
Next day, when the march began, those lamentable cries and shrieks were
renewed, so as it would have caused compassion in the hardest heart: but
Captain Morgan, as a man little given to mercy, was not moved in the
least. They marched in the same order as before, one party of the
pirates in the van, the prisoners in the middle, and the rest of the
pirates in the rear; by whom the miserable Spaniards were at every step
punched and thrust in their backs and sides, with the blunt ends of
their arms, to make them march faster.