on the bridge which we had to pass over, as at the town's end where we
entered (they have no other entrance into the town by land: but from the
water's side there is one other to carry up and down their merchandise
from their frigates) gained us liberty and quiet to stay in this town
some hour and half: we had not only refreshed ourselves, but our company
and Cimaroons had gotten some good pillage, which our Captain allowed
and gave them (being not the thing he looked for) so that it were
not too cumbersome or heavy in respect of our travel, or defence of
ourselves.
A little before we departed, some ten or twelve horsemen came from
Panama; by all likelihood, supposing that we were gone out of this town,
for that all was so still and quiet, came to enter the town confidently:
but finding their entertainment such as it was; they that could, rode
faster back again for fear than they had ridden forward for hope.
Thus we having ended our business in this town, and the day beginning to
spring, we marched over the bridge, observing the same order that we
did before. There we were all safe in our opinion, as if we had been
environed with wall and trench, for that no Spaniard without his extreme
danger could follow us. The rather now, for that our Cimaroons were
grown very valiant. But our Captain considering that he had a long way
to pass, and that he had been now well near a fortnight from his ship,
where he had left his company but weak by reason of their sickness,
hastened his journeys as much as he might, refusing to visit the other
Cimaroon towns (which they earnestly desired him) and encouraging his
own company with such example and speech, that the way seemed much
shorter. For he marched most cheerfully, and assured us that he doubted
not but ere he left that coast, we should all be bountifully paid
and recompensed for all those pains taken: but by reason of this our
Captain's haste, and leaving of their towns, we marched many days with
hungry stomachs, much against the will of our Cimaroons: who if we would
have stayed any day from this continual journeying, would have killed
for us victuals sufficient.
In our absence, the rest of the Cimaroons had built a little town within
three leagues off the port where our ship lay. There our Captain was
contented, upon their great and earnest entreaties to make some stay;
for that they alleged, it was only built for his sake. And indeed he
consented the rather, that the want of shoes might be supplied by means
of the Cimaroons, who were a great help unto us: all our men complaining
of the tenderness of their feet, whom our Captain would himself
accompany in their complaint, some times without cause, but some times
with cause indeed; which made the rest to bear the burden the more
easily.
These Cimaroons, during all the time that we were with burden, did us
continually very good service, and in particular in this journey, being
unto us instead of intelligencers, to advertise us; of guides in our way
to direct us; of purveyors, to provide victuals for us; of house-wrights
to build our lodgings; and had indeed able and strong bodies carrying
all our necessaries: yea, many times when some of our company fainted
with sickness of weariness, two Cimaroons would carry him with ease
between them, two miles together, and at other times, when need was,
they would shew themselves no less valiant than industrious, and of good
judgment.
From this town, at our first entrance in the evening, on Saturday (22nd
February), our Captain despatched a Cimaroon with a token and certain
order to the Master: who had, these three weeks, kept good watch against
the enemy, and shifted in the woods for fresh victual, for the relief
and recovery of our men left aboard.
As soon as this messenger was come to the shore, calling to our ship,
as bringing some news, he was quickly fet[ched] aboard by those which
longed to hear of our Captain's speeding: but when he showed the
toothpike of gold, which he said our Captain had sent for a token to
ELLIS HIXOM, with charge to meet him at such a river though the Master
knew well the Captain's toothpike: yet by reason of his admonition and
caveat [warning] given him at parting, he (though he bewrayed no sign
of distrusting the Cimaroon) yet stood as amazed, lest something had
befallen our Captain otherwise than well. The Cimaroon perceiving this,
told him, that it was night when he was sent away, so that our Captain
could not send any letter, but yet with the point of his knife, he wrote
something upon the toothpike, "which," he said, "should be sufficient to
gain credit to the messenger."
Thereupon, the Master looked upon it, and saw written, _By me, FRANCIS
DRAKE_: wherefore he believed, and according to the message, prepared
what provision he could, and repaired to the mouth of the river of
Tortugos, as the Cimaroons that went with him then named it.
That afternoon towards three a clock, we were come down to that river,
not past half-an-hour before we saw our pinnace ready come to receive
us: which was unto us all a double rejoicing: first that we saw them,
and next, so soon. Our Captain with all our company praised GOD most
heartily, for that we saw our pinnace and fellows again.
We all seemed to these, who had lived at rest and plenty all this while
aboard, as men strangely changed (our Captain yet not much changed) in
countenance and plight: and indeed our long fasting and sore travail
might somewhat forepine and waste us; but the grief we drew inwardly,
for that we returned without that gold and treasure we hoped for did no
doubt show her print and footsteps in our faces.
The rest of our men which were then missed, could not travel so well
as our Captain, and therefore were left at the Indian new town: and the
next day (23rd February) we rowed to another river in the bottom of the
bay and took them all aboard. Thus being returned from Panama, to the
great rejoicing of our company, who were thoroughly revived with the
report we brought from thence: especially understanding our Captain's
purpose, that he meant not to leave off thus, but would once again
attempt the same journey, whereof they also might be partakers.
Our Captain would not, in the meantime, suffer this edge and forwardness
of his men to be dulled or rebated, by lying still idly unemployed, as
knowing right well by continual experience, that no sickness was more
noisome to impeach any enterprise than delay and idleness.
Therefore considering deeply the intelligences of other places of
importance thereabouts, which he had gotten the former years; and
particularly of Veragua, a rich town lying to the Westward; between
Nombre de Dios and Nicaragua, where is the richest mine of fine gold
that is on this North side: he consulted with his company touching
their opinions, what was to be done in this meantime, and how they stood
affected?
Some thought, that "It was most necessary to seek supply of victuals,
that we might the better be able to keep our men close and in health
till our time came: and this way easy to be compassed, because the
frigates with victuals went without great defence, whereas the frigates
and barks with treasure, for the most part were wafted with great ships
and store of soldiers."
Others yet judged, "We might better bestow our time in intercepting the
frigates of treasure; first, for that our magazines and storehouses
of victuals were reasonably furnished, and the country itself was so
plentiful, that every man might provide for himself if the worst befell:
and victuals might hereafter be provided abundantly as well as now:
whereas the treasure never floateth upon the sea, so ordinarily as
at this time of the Fleets being there, which time in no wise may be
neglected."
The Cimaroons being demanded also their opinion (for that they were
experienced in the particularities of all the towns thereabouts, as
in which some or other of them had served), declared that "by Veragua,
Signior PEZORO (some time their master from whom they fled) dwelt; not
in the town for fear of some surprise, but yet not far off from the
town, for his better relief; in a very strong house of stone, where he
had dwelt nineteen years at least, never travelling from home; unless
happily once a year to Cartagena, or Nombre de Dios when the Fleets were
there. He keepeth a hundred slaves at least in the mines, each slave
being bound to bring in daily, clear gain (all charges deducted) three
Pesos of Gold for himself and two for his women (8s. 3d. the Peso),
amounting in the whole, to above 200 pounds sterling each day: so that
he hath heaped a mighty mass of treasure together, which he keepeth
in certain great chests, of two feet deep, three broad, and four long:
being (notwithstanding all his wealth) bad and cruel not only to his
slaves, but unto all men, and therefore never going abroad but with
a guard of five or six men to defend his person from danger, which he
feareth extraordinarily from all creatures.
"And as touching means of compassing this purpose, they would conduct
him safely through the woods, by the same ways by which they fled, that
he should not need to enter their havens with danger, but might come
upon their backs altogether unlooked for. And though his house were of
stone, so that it could not be burnt; yet if our Captain would undertake
the attempt, they would undermine and overthrow, or otherwise break
it open, in such sort, as we might have easy access to his greatest
treasure."
Our Captain having heard all their opinions, concluded so that by
dividing his company, the two first different sentences were both
reconciled, both to be practised and put in use.
JOHN OXNAM appointed in the _Bear_, to be sent Eastward towards Tolou,
to see what store of victuals would come athwart his half; and himself
would to the Westward in the _Minion_, lie off and on the _Cabecas_,
where was the greatest trade and most ordinary passage of those which
transported treasure from Veragua and Nicaragua to the Fleet; so that
no time might be lost, nor opportunity let slip either for victuals or
treasure. As for the attempt of Veragua, or Signior PEZORO'S house by
land, by marching through the woods; he liked not of, lest it might
overweary his men by continual labour; whom he studied to refresh and
strengthen for his next service forenamed.
Therefore using our Cimaroons most courteously, dismissing those that
were desirous to their wives, with such gifts and favours as were most
pleasing, and entertaining those still aboard his ship, which were
contented to abide with the company remaining; the pinnaces departed as
we determined: the _Minion_ to the West, the _Bear_ to the East.
The _Minion_ about the _Cabecas_, met with a frigate of Nicaragua, in
which was some gold, and a Genoese Pilot (of which Nation there are many
in those coasts), which had been at Veragua not past eight days before.
He being very well entreated, certified our Captain of the state of the
town, and of the harbour, and of a frigate that was there ready to come
forth within few days, aboard which there was above a million of gold,
offering to conduct him to it, if we would do him his right: for that he
knew the channel very perfectly, so that he could enter by night safely
without danger of the sands and shallows, though there be but little
water, and utterly undescried; for that the town is five leagues within
the harbour, and the way by land is so far about and difficult through
the woods, that though we should by any casualty be discovered, about
the point of the harbour, yet we might despatch our business and depart,
before the town could have notice of our coming.
At his being there, he perceived they had heard of DRAKE'S being on the
coast, which had put them in great fear, as in all other places (PEZORO
purposing to remove himself to the South Sea!): but there was nothing
done to prevent him, their fear being so great, that, as it is
accustomed in such cases, it excluded counsel and bred despair.
Our Captain, conferring with his own knowledge and former intelligences,
was purposed to have returned to his ship, to have taken some of those
Cimaroons which had dwelt with Signior PEZORO, to be the more confirmed
in this point.
But when the Genoese Pilot was very earnest, to have the time gained,
and warranted our Captain of good speed, if we delayed not; he dismissed
the frigate, somewhat lighter to hasten her journey! And with this
Pilot's advice, laboured with sail and oars to get this harbour and to
enter it by night accordingly: considering that this frigate might now
be gained, and PEZORO'S house attempted hereafter notwithstanding.
But when we were come to the mouth of the harbour, we heard the report
of two Chambers, and farther off about a league within the bay, two
other as it were answering them: whereby the Genoese Pilot conjectured
that we were discovered: for he assured us, that this order had been
taken since his last being there, by reason of the advertisement and
charge, which the Governor of Panama had sent to all the Coasts; which
even in their beds lay in great and continual fear of our Captain,
and therefore by all likelihood, maintained this kind of watch, at the
charge of the rich Gnuffe PEZORO for their security.
Thus being defeated of this expectation, we found it was not GOD'S will
that we should enter at that time: the rather for that the wind, which
had all this time been Easterly, came up to the Westward, and invited us
to return again to our ship; where, on Sheere Thursday (19th March), we
met, according to appointment, with our _Bear_, and found that she had
bestowed her time to more profit than we had done.
For she had taken a frigate in which there were ten men (whom they set
ashore) great store of maize, twenty-eight fat hogs, and two hundred
hens. Our Captain discharged (20th March) this frigate of her lading;
and because she was new, strong, and of a good mould, the next day
(21st March) he tallowed her to make her a Man-of-war; disposing all our
ordnance and provisions that were fit for such use, in her. For we had
heard by the Spaniards last taken, that there were two little galleys
built in Nombre de Dios, to waft the Chagres Fleet to and fro, but were
not yet both launched: wherefore he purposed now to adventure for that
Fleet.
And to hearten his company he feasted them that Easter Day (22nd
March) with great cheer and cheerfulness, setting up his rest upon that
attempt.
The next day (23rd March) with the new tailored frigate of Tolou, and
his _Bear_, we set sail towards the Cativaas, where about two days
after we landed, and stayed till noon; at what time seeing a sail to
the westward, as we deemed making to the island: we set sail and plied
towards him, who descrying us, bare with us, till he perceived by our
confidence, that we were no Spaniards, and conjectured we were those
Englishmen, of whom he had heard long before. And being in great want,
and desirous to be relieved by us: he bare up under our lee, and in
token of amity, shot off his lee ordnance, which was not unanswered.
We understood that he was TETU, a French Captain of Newhaven [Havre] a
Man-of-war as we were, desirous to be relieved by us. For at our first
meeting, the French Captain cast abroad his hands, and prayed our
Captain to help him to some water, for that he had nothing but wine and
cider aboard him, which had brought his men into great sickness. He had
sought us ever since he first heard of our being upon the coast, about
this five weeks. Our Captain sent one aboard him with some relief for
the present, willing him to follow us to the next port, where he should
have both water and victuals.
At our coming to anchor, he sent our Captain a case of pistols, and
a fair gift scimitar (which had been the late King's of France [HENRY
II.], whom Monsieur MONTGOMERY hurt in the eye, and was given him by
Monsieur STROZZE). Our Captain requited him with a chain of gold, and a
tablet which he wore.
This Captain reported unto us the first news of the Massacre of Paris,
at the King of NAVARRE'S marriage on Saint Bartholomew's Day last, [24th
August, 1572]; of the Admiral of France slain in his chamber, and divers
other murders: so that he "thought those Frenchmen the happiest which
were farthest from France, now no longer France but Frensy, even as if
all Gaul were turned into wormwood and gall: Italian practices having
over-mastered the French simplicity." He showed what famous and often
reports he had heard of our great riches. He desired to know of our
Captain which way he might "compass" his voyage also.
Though we had seen him in some jealousy and distrust, for all his
pretence; because we considered more the strength he had than the
good-will he might bear us: yet upon consultation among ourselves,
"Whether it were fit to receive him or not?" we resolved to take him and
twenty of his men, to serve with our Captain for halves. In such sort
as we needed not doubt of their forces, being but twenty; nor be hurt
by their portions, being no greater than ours: and yet gratify them in
their earnest suit, and serve our own purpose, which without more help
we could very hardly have achieved. Indeed, he had 70 men, and we now
but 31; his ship was above 80 tons, and our frigate not 20, or pinnace
nothing near 10 tons. Yet our Captain thought this proportionable, in
consideration that not numbers of men, but quality of their judgements
and knowledge, were to be the principal actors herein: and the French
ship could do not service, or stand in any stead to this enterprise
which we intended, and had agreed upon before, both touching the time
when it should take beginning, and the place where we should meet,
namely, at Rio Francisco.
Having thus agreed with Captain TETU, we sent for the Cimaroons as
before was decreed. Two of them were brought aboard our ships, to give
the French assurance of this agreement.
And as soon as we could furnish ourselves and refresh the French
company, which was within five or six days (by bringing them to the
magazines which were the nearest, where they were supplied by us in such
sort, as they protested they were beholding to us for all their lives)
taking twenty of the French and fifteen of ours with our Cimaroons,
leaving both our chips in safe road, we manned our frigate and two
pinnaces (we had formerly sunk our _Lion_, shortly after our return from
Panama, because we had not men sufficient to man her), and went towards
Rio Francisco: which because it had not water enough for our frigate,
caused us to leave her at the Cabecas, manned with English and French,
in the charge of ROBERT DOBLE, to stay there without attempting any
chase, until the return of our pinnaces.
And then bore to Rio Francisco, where both Captains landed (31st March)
with such force as aforesaid, and charged them that had the charge of
the pinnaces to be there the fourth day next following without any fail.
And thus knowing that the carriages [mule loads] went now daily from
Panama to Nombre de Dios; we proceeded in covert through the woods,
towards the highway that leadeth between them.
It is five leagues accounted by sea, between Rio Francisco and Nombre
de Dios; but that way which we march by land, we found it above seven
leagues. We marched as in our former journey to Panama, both for order
and silence; to the great wonder of the French Captain and company, who
protested they knew not by any means how to recover the pinnaces, if
the Cimaroons (to whom what our Captain commanded was a law; though they
little regarded the French, as having no trust in them) should leave us:
our Captain assured him, "There was no cause of doubt of them, of whom
he had had such former trial."
When we were come within an English mile of the way, we stayed all
night, refreshing ourselves, in great stillness, in a most convenient
place: where we heard the carpenters, being many in number, working upon
their ships, as they usually do by reason of the great heat of the
day in Nombre de Dios; and might hear the mules coming from Panama, by
reason of the advantage of the ground.
The next morning (1st April), upon hearing of that number of bells, the
Cimaroons, rejoiced exceedingly, as though there could not have befallen
them a more joyful accident chiefly having been disappointed before. Now
they all assured us, "We should have more gold and silver than all of us
could bear away:" as in truth it fell out.
For there came three _Recuas_, one of 50 mules, the other two, of 70
each, every [one] of which carried 300 lbs. weight of silver; which in
all amounted to near thirty tons.
We putting ourselves in readiness, went down near the way to hear the
bells; where we stayed not long, but we saw of what metal they were
made; and took such hold on the heads of the foremost and hindmost
mules, that all the rest stayed and lay down, as their manner is.
These three _Recuas_ were guarded with forty-five soldiers or
thereabouts, fifteen to each _Recua_, which caused some exchange of
bullets and arrows for a time; in which conflict the French Captain was
sore wounded with hail-shot in the belly, and one Cimaroon was slain:
but in the end, these soldiers thought it the best way to leave their
mules with us, and to seek for more help abroad.
In which meantime we took some pain to ease some of the mules which
were heaviest loaden of their carriage. And because we ourselves were
somewhat weary, we were contented with a few bars and quoits of gold, as
we could well carry: burying about fifteen tons of silver, partly in
the burrows which the great land crabs had made in the earth, and partly
under old trees which were fallen thereabout, and partly in the sand and
gravel of a river, not very deep of water.
Thus when about this business, we had spent some two hours, and had
disposed of all our matters, and were ready to march back the very
self-same way that we came, we heard both horse and foot coming as it
seemed to the mules: for they never followed us, after we were once
entered the woods, where the French Captain by reason of his wound, not
able to travel farther, stayed, in hope that some rest would recover him
better strength.
But after we had marched some two leagues, upon the French soldiers'
complaint, that they missed one of their men also, examination being
made whether he were slain or not: it was found that he had drunk much
wine, and over-lading himself with pillage, and hasting to go before us,
had lost himself in the woods. And as we afterwards knew, he was taken
by the Spaniards that evening: and upon torture, discovered unto them
where we had hidden our treasure.
We continued our march all that and the next day (2nd and 3rd April)
towards Rio Francisco, in hope to meet with our pinnaces; but when we
came thither, looking out to sea, we saw seven Spanish pinnaces, which
had been searching all the coast thereabouts: whereupon we mightily
suspected that they had taken or spoiled our pinnaces, for that our
Captain had given so straight charge, that they should repair to this
place this afternoon; from the Cabecas where they rode; whence to our
sight these Spaniards' pinnaces did come.
But the night before, there had fallen very much rain, with much
westerly wind, which as it enforced the Spaniards to return home the
sooner, by reason of the storm: so it kept our pinnaces, that they could
not keep the appointment; because the wind was contrary, and blew so
strong, that with their oars they could all that day get but half the
way. Notwithstanding, if they had followed our Captain's direction in
setting forth over night, while the wind served, they had arrived at the
place appointed with far less labour, but with far more danger: because
that very day at noon, the shallops manned out, of purpose, from Nombre
de Dios, were come to this place to take our pinnaces: imagining where
we were, after they had heard of our intercepting of the treasure.