The Life and Death of Sir Francis Drake, Title page
THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE Valiant, and Renowned Sir Francis Drake, His Voyages and Discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the World, WITH His Noble and Heroick Acts. By Samuel Clark Late Minister of Bennet Fink, London.
LONDON, Printed for Simon Miller, at the Star, at the West End of S. Pauls, 1671.
The Life and Death of Sir FRANCIS DRAKE, with his Voyages into the West-Indies, and about the World; And other his Valiant Actions. He Died, Anno Christi. 1595.
THIS Francis Drake was born neer unto South Tavistock in Devonshire of mean Parents.His birth, and Parentage. His Godfather was Francis Russel, afterwards Earl of Bedford, who gave him his Name of Francis. His Father in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, was called in question for Religion, by reason of the six Articles set forth by the King against the Protestants, whereby he was feign to shift his habitation, and to retire into Kent. But after the death of King Henry, in the time of King Edward the sixth, he obtained a place in the Navy Royal to read Divine Service: and after a while he was ordained Deacon, and made Vicar of the Church of Vpnor upon the River of Medway.
Yet continuing poor (the place being of small value) he put forth this his Son to serve a neighbor Mariner that traded with a small Barke into France and Zeland, His Education.who brought him up in the Mariners Art, and by reason of his Ingenuity, and Activity, took such liking to him, that (being a Bachelor) when he died, he bequeathed unto him his Bark.
Shortly after, this Francis Drake, hearing of the preparations which were made by Sir John Hawkins ▪ for a Voyage, Anno Christi ▪ 1567. He sold his Bark, and joyned himself with him, which voyage proving disasterous, at S. John de Vllva, he lost all he had, and hardly brought himself back.
His first voyage into the West-Indies.Our Drake hereupon was forced to betake himself to his Mariners practice to repair his losses, by which, serving in a Man of War, he got good store of mony, whereupon he made a second voyage into the Spanish West-Indies to recover there what he had formerly lost, and with the ship of war, called the Dragon, and another ship, none knowing his intentions but his own Consorts, in the year 1572, on Whitsunday Eve, being May 24th. himself being Captain of the Admiral, a ship of seventy Tuns, and his brother John Drake Captain of the Vice-Admiral called the Swan, of twenty five Tuns, having in both of them of men and boys seventy three, all Voluntiers, he so divided them that they were forty seven in one ship, & twenty six in the other.
These ships he furnished excellently with victuals, and apparel for a whole year; Providing also store of all manner of Ammunition, Artillery, Artificers stuff, and Tools, and whatsoever was requisite for such a man of war, in such an attempt: But especially he had provided five nimble Pinnaces, made at Plimouth, which being taken asunder, were stored aboard his ships, and ready to be set up as occasion served; with these he set sail from the sound of Plimouth, intending for Nombre de Dios in the West-Indies.
The wind was fair and favourable, so that within twelve dayes they had sight of the Madara, and Canary Islands, yet they never cast Anchor, nor made any stay for twenty five days after their setting forth; at which time they saw the Island of Guadalupe, one of the West Indie Islands, and the next morning they entred between Dominica and Guadalupe, and landed on the South side of Dominica, where they remained three Days to refresh their men, and to take in fresh water, whereof there was plenty.
The third Day in the afternoon they set sail for the Continent, or Terra firma; and the fifth day after they had fight of Sancta Martha, from which they steared their course towards Port Phesant (so named by Captain Drake in his former Voyage, by reason of the great store of those Fowls in that place) and within six days after they safely arrived in that bay. Here did Captain Drake give order to his brother what to do in his absence, and well manning his Boats, went to the shore, where, upon a great Oak he found a plate of lead nailed, having in it this Inscription.
Captain Drake, if you happen to come to this Port, make hast away. For the Spaniards you here met with the last year have betrayed this place, and taken away all that you left here, &c. Your loving friend John Garret of Plimouth. But notwithstanding this advertisment Captain Drake meant not to depart from this Port (which was so fit for his purpose) till he had set his Pinnaces together which he brought with him in his ships. And for his own, and his mens security, whilst the Carpenters were employed about that work, he made a kind of a Fort by the water side, by felling great Trees, and laying them one upon another.
The next day after their arrival, came in also into that Port an English Bark of the Isle of Wight of Sir Edward Horseys, whereof James Rawse was Captain, and John Overy Master, with thirty men; These brought in with them a Spanish Carvel of Sivil, being sent with Advise to Nombre de Dios, and also a Shallop, both which they had taken by the way. And Captain Rawse, understanding the design of Captain Drake, desired to joyn with them, and upon Articles agreed on, he was admitted.
Within seven days the Pinnaces were fitted, and furnished for service, and other businesses dispatched, so that setting sail in the morning toward Nombre de Dios, they held on their course till they came to the Isles of Pines upon the third day; at which place they found two Frigates of Nombre de Dios, lading Planks and timber from thence. The Negroes in those Frigats informed them of the state of the Town; and told them that some souldiers were daily looked for from the Governour of Panama to defend the Town of Nombre de dios against the Symerons, who were Blacks that formerly had fled from their Spanish masters by reason of their cruelty, and were by this time grown to a nation under two Kings, who had almost surprised it about six weeks before.
Captain Drake, having learned what he could of them, set these Negroes on shore, that they might go to their Countrey-men the Symerons, and to prevent any notice that they might give to Nombre de dios of his approach; & so hasted his going thither. For which end he disposed of all his companies, leaving the three ships and Carvel with Captain Rawse, and chose into his Pinnaces (making the Shallop one) fifty three of his own company, and twenty of Captain Rawse's: Providing fit arms for them: viz. six Targets, six Firepikes, twelve Pikes, twenty four Muskets and Calievers, sixteen Bows, six Partizans, two Drums, and two Trumpets.
Then leaving their company, they arrived at the Island of Catavaas, where landing early in the morning, Captain Drake there trained his men, and delivered them their several Arms, wch hitherto he had kept safe in good casks, encouraging them to the enterprise by setting before them the weakness of the Town, being unwalled, the unexpectedness of their coming and the great Richer, and honor that was to be gained if they effected it. And in the afternoon he set sail for Nombre de Dios, and before Sun-set,He comes to Nombre de Dios. gat as far as Rio Francisco: from whence, keeping close to the shore that they might not be discovered by the Watch-house, they came within two leagues of the Point of the Bay, where he caused them to strike a Hull, and to cast out their graplers, till it was dark; when night was coming, setting sail, and rowing hard and silently, they recovered the Point of the Harbour, purposing not to attempt the Town till Day-breake. But Captain Drake hearing that some of his men began to talk of the difficulty and danger of the enterprise, to put by these conceits, he tooke the opportunity of the rising Moon to perswade them that it was Day, so that they got to the Town an hour before the Day brake.
In the Harbour they found a Spanish Ship of sixty Tuns, newly come in, laden with Canary Wines and other Commodities, which spying so many Pinnaces, sent his Boat presently a shoar to give the Town warning; which Captain Drake perceiving, cut betwixt her and the Town, and forced her to go to the other side of the Bay: so that he landed his men without impeachment. VponUpon the Platform they found six Pieces of Ordnance ready mounted, some halfe, some whole Culverines. These they presently dismounted, and the Town tooke the Alarm, which they were the readier to do, because they were oft disquieted by the Symerons, who caused the Great Bell to be rung out, and Drums run up and down the Town.
Captain Drake, according to the directions he had given before, left twelve men to keep the Pinnaces, that duplicate page duplicate page he might assure a safe retreat, if need should be, and before he would enter the Town he thought fit to view the mount, on the east side, where, as he was informed, they had planted Ordnance to scower all about the Town; therefore leaving half his men at the foot of the mount, himself with the other half, speedily marched up to the top, where finding no Guns, they as speedily descended; and appointing his Brother, with John Oxenham, and sixteen of his men to go about behind the Kings Treasure-house, to enter the east-end of the market-place, himself with the rest, passed up the broad-street with sound of Drum, and Trumpet.
and takes it.The Fire-pikes in both the companies affrighted the enemy, and gave light to the English, whilst the Inhabitants stood amazed at the strange sight, and hearing Drums and Trumpets sounding in sundry places, judged the English to be far more than they were. Yet by reason of the time spent in marching up and down the Mount, the Souldi…rs and Inhabitants of the Town had put themselves in Arms neer to the Governors house, & not far from the gate of the town, wch was only one, leading towards Panama, meaning (as it seemed) either to shew their valour in the Governors sight, or, if need were, to have the better opportunity for their flight.
And to make shew of a greater number of shot than they had, they had hung lines with lighted matches overthwart the end of the Market-place, and at the approach of the English they gave them a Volley of shot, yet levelling so low that the Bullets oft grazed on the ground. The English stood not to answer them in the same kind; but having once discharged their Guns, and feathered with their Arrows, they came to the push of Pike, and their Fire-pikes being well armed did them notable service: And with the Butt ends of their Guns, and other short weapons (Captain Drakes Brother and his Company entring at the same time another way) they charged them so furiously, that the Spaniards threw down their weapons and ran away. And in the pursuit, and return of the English, many of them were wounded by the enemies weapons which lay very thick and cross one another.
At their return they made a stand near the midst of the Market-place, whence Captain Drake sent some of his men to stay the Ringing of the Bell: But the Church being strongly built and fast shut, they could not get in without firing it, which Captain Drake would not suffer, and having taken two or three Spaniards in their flight, he commanded them to conduct them to the Governours House, where they ordinarily unladed their Mules that brought the treasure from Panama. But though the silver was kept there, yet the gold, pearl, and jewels was from thence carried to the King treasure-house which stood not far off.
At the coming of the English to the Governors house,The vast treasure found there. they found the gate open, a candle lighted upon the top of the stairs, and a fair Gennet ready sadled for the Governor; by means of which light, they saw a huge heap of silver in that nether Room, being a pile of silver bars of about 70 foot in length, 10 foot in breadth, and 12 foot in heigth, each bar being near 40 pound in weight. Yet did Captain Drake straitly command his men not to meddle with any of it, but to stand to their Arms, because the town was full of people, and in the Kings treasure-house, nearer the water, there was more gold and jewels than all their 4 pinnaces could carry,All cover, all loose. which he intended they should presently break open.
No sooner were the English returned to their Guard but a report was brought them that their Pinnaces were in danger of being taken, and that if they staied till day they would be opprest with multitudes both of Souldiers and townsmen: wherefore Captain Drake sent his brother, and John Oxenham to the water side to know the truth, who indeed found their men much affrighted by reason that they saw great companies of the Spaniards running up and down the town (which was as big as Plimouth) with lighted matches, which also sometimes shot at them.
Presently after a violent shower of rain powred down so vehemently that before the English could get the shelter of a Penthouse, some of their Bow-strings were wet, and their match and powder spoiled, which before they could renew, some of them were muttering about the strength of the enemy, which Captain Drake overhearing, said, I have brought you to the very mouth of the treasure of the world, and if you go away without it, you can blame no body but your selves.
The storm (which lasted about half an hour) being ended, Captain Drake, desiring to put these fears out of his mens heads, and to allow the enemy no longer respite to gather themselves together, stept forward, commanding his brother and some others to break open the Kings treasure-house, and the rest to guard the market-place till the business was dispatched. But as he stept forward his strength and fight,Captain Drake Swoons. and speech failed him by reason of abundance of blood which he had lost out of a wound received in his leg at the first encounter, which indeed was so much, when they looked after it, that they thought it impossible for one man to loose. Insomuch as they which were before most forward, began now to prefer their Captains life before that vast Treasure: and therefore having recovered him with some hot water, and bound up his wound with a Scarf that stopt the bleeding, they intreated him to be content to go with them aboard, that his wound might be better searched and drest.
This he would by no means be perswaded to, knowing that it would be impossible, after such a respite to return to effect the work they came for, thinking it more honorable for himself there to die than to leave so high an enterprise unperformed. Yet some of them having already gotten some good booty, by force mingled with fair words, carried him away to his Pinnace, judging that by his Life they might recover wealth sufficient, but if they lost him,He is carried away they should hardly recover their own home.
Thus embarquing by break of day, having (besides the Captain) many men wounded, though none slain but one Trumpeter, whilst the Chyrurgeons were busie in dressing them, before they departed the Harbor, they took the said ship of wines to cheer up their men: but before they had got her out of the haven, the Spaniards had remounted one of their Culverins, and made a shot at them, which yet hindred them not from carrying away the ship to the Isle of Victuals, which lies without the Bay Westward about a League off the Town, where they staid two Days to cure their wounded and to refresh themselves in those pleasant Gardens, abounding with all sort of dainty Roots, and Fruits, besides great plenty of Poultrey, and other Fowls, no less strange than delicate.
Presently after their arrival there, came a proper, and well spoken Gentleman to Captain Drake, indeed to view in what state they were, but protesting that he came of his meer good will to see the Captain for that he had undertaken so incredible an enterprize with so few men: Adding, that at first they suspected them to be French, from whom they could expect no mercy; but when they perceived by their Arrows that they were English, their fears were the less, because they knew that though they took their treasure, yet they would not be cruel to their persons. He told him also that the Governor had consented to his coming; yea, had directly sent him, because there were some in Town that said, they knew the English Captain, who the two last years had been upon their Coast, and had always used their persons civily. He therefore desired to know whether it was the same Captain Drake or no? Whether the English Arrows were poisoned with which their men were wounded? How their wounds might be cured? And lastly, whether they wanted Victuals, or other necessaries, with which the Governor was ready to furnish them so far as he durst? Captain Drake (though he took him for a Spy) yet used him courteously, and answered to his demands, That he was the same Drake, that they meant. That it was never his manner to poison his Arrows. That their wounded might be cured by ordinary Chyrurgery: And that he could sufficiently supply all his wants in that Island. Adding, that he wanted nothing but some of that special commodity, which that country yielded, to satisfie himself and his company. He advised the Governor therefore to be vigilant, for that before he departed, he would (by Gods leave, and assistance) share with them in some of their Treasure.
To this the Gentleman replied, that if he might move the question without offence, what was the reason that being possessed of the town they should so soon leave it wherein there was above 360 tun of silver, and much more gold in value, in the Kings treasure-house; Capt. Drake told him the true cause of their retreat, & how unwillingly he was carried aboard. The Gentleman acknowledged that he had no less cause in departing than he had shewed valor in attempting. Thus after fair entertaiment, and some gifts bestowed upon him by Captain Drake, after dinner he was dismissed, & protesting that he was never so much honoured by any in his life.
After his departure, a Negro that had fled to them, being examined, informed them how they might have gold and silver enough, by means of the Symerons, to whom though himself was hateful because he had betraied them to the Spaniards, yet if Captain Drake would protect him, he would adventure his life to serve him therein. This gave cause of further consultation, and because the Island where they were was neither safe nor healthy, the next morning they set sail for the Isle of Pinos (or Port Plenty) where they had left their ships. By the way Captain Drake sent his Brother, and one Ellis Hixon to the westward to search the river Cagro, which he had discovered the year before, desiring to have further knowledge of it, because it tended Southward within six leagues of Panama, upon which river, at a town called Venta Cruz ▪ they used to imbark their treasures that by Mules was brought from Panama, and so to send it by water to Nombre de Dios. This cost them three days rowing to get as far as Venta Cruz, but they came back in a day and a night.
When Captain Drake came to his ships, Capt. Rawse suspecting that they could not now safely continue upon that coast being thus discovered, was willing to depart, and Capt. Drake was as willing to dismiss him; wherefore Aug. 7. taking his leave, he left them in the aforesaid Isle, where they had remained five or 6 days. After which, having put all things in readiness, Capt. Drake resolved with his two ships, and three Pinnaces to go to Carthagena, and six days after he came to Anchor with his ships between the Islands of Charestra, and S. Bernards, and himself led the three Pinnaces about the Island into the harbor of Carthagena, where they found a Frigate at Anchor, aboard which was only one old man, who told them that the rest of his company was gone a shore to fight about a Mistress, telling Capt. Drake also that a little before, there speedily passed by a Pinnace, calling to him and asking whether there had not lately been there some English, and Frenchmen? and being told that there had not, he hasted away; after which he saw divers small ships, bringing themselves under the Castle.
Capt. Drake, farther learned by him that within the next point, rode a great ship of Syvil, that being unloaden, was the next morning bound for S. Domingo: wherefore taking this old man with him, he rowed to that ship and with his Pinnaces presently boarded her, though with some difficulty by reason of her height. As soon as they had entred they threw down their gates, and Spardecks to prevent the Spaniards from hurting them with their close fights; who seeing the English possessed of their ship, stowed themselves all in hold, except 2 or 3 that were before the Beete; then seeing no further danger, they cut her Cable at half, & with their Pinnaces towed her out from the Island, right before the town, yet without danger of their great shot.
The town taking the Alarm, rung out their Bells, shot off 30 great guns, and drew their horse and foot, with their shot, if they could, to hinder their going out. The next morning Capt. Drakes ships took two frigates, who came from Nombre de Dios to Carthagena with letters of advise, to certifie them what Captain Drake had done there, and therefore to wish them to stand upon their Guard.
Capt. Drake now considering that he was discovered in two of the chiefest places of all that coast, yet resolved not to depart till he had found the Symerons, and made a good voyage: But this requiring length of time, he resolved to burn one of his ships, and to make the other his store-house, that so his Pinnaces might be thorowly manned. But knowing how loth his company would be to part with either of their ships, being both so good Sailors, and so well furnished, he sent for the Carpenter out of the Swan, and taking him into his Cabin, he charged him privately to go down into the well of the ship, and to bore three holes as neer to the Keel as he could, and then to set something before the holes, that the issuing in of the water might not be heard. The Carpenter being dismaid with this Command, desired to know the cause why he would sink so good a ship, new, and strong: Adding that if his brother, Master, and other Company should know it, they would surely kill him. Then did Captain Drake tell him his reasons for it, promising that it should not be known till all of them were glad of it: and so he did it accordingly.
The next morning Capt. Drake would in his Pinnace go a Fishing, and calling for his brother in the Swan, would have him go with him, who rising suddenly, said that he would follow him presently. Capt. Drake perceiving that the work was done, asked why their Bark was so deep? whereupon his brother sent one down to know whether there were any water in the ship? the steward going down, was up to the wast in water, and cryed out that the ship was full of water. Hereupon some ran to the Pump, and others to search out the Leak. But notwithstanding all their pains and diligence they could neither clear her of water, nor find the leak. Then Capt. Drake advised that she should be burnt that the enemy might never recover her, and to satisfie them (who were very unwilling) he made his brother Captain of the Admiral, and placed the Master of the Swan with him, and himself would go in his Pinnace: then did every one take out what they lacked, and liked, and Captain Drake had what he desired,He burns one of his Ships. and men enough for his Pinnaces.
The next morning they set sail for the sound of Darrien, wch in 5 days they recovered, and then retiring into a place out of all trade, they reposed themselves privately for 15 days, that the enemy might think them quite gone from the coast. During which time some built them houses: others exercised themselves to shoot at Buts: others trimmed the Pinnaces to make them the sitter for sailing, and rowing: others provided fresh victuals of Fish, Fowl, Hogs, Deer, Conies, &c. whereof there was great plenty. Then Captain Drake leaving his ship with his brother, took two of the Pinnaces to go to Rio Grand. By the way, seeing on the Land great store of Cattle, Captain Drake contenting them for their pains, the Indians furnished him with as much provision of them as he desired.
The same day about three a clock, they entred Rio Grand, rowing up the stream till dark night, but the current was so strong that they gat but two leagues all that time; that night they had a terrible storm with thunder and lightning, after which they were extreamly troubled with Muskitos (like our Gnats) that they could get little rest. The next morning early they passed up the river, meeting none till three in the afternoon, and then they spied a Canow with two Indians fishing: and about five a clock, they spied some houses of the Spaniards, to which when they came, the Inhabitants were fled, where they found store of Bacon, Cheese, Sweet-meats, Conserves, and Sugar; with these they loaded their Pinnaces, and so returned back again down the River; at the mouth whereof, they cleansed their Pinnaces, and steered Westward till they came to their ship, and company, and by the way they took two frigates well stored with live Hogs, Hens, and Maiz, which (dismissing the men) they kept for their own provision. Yea their store which then, and afterwards they took was such, that they relieved the Symerons, and two French ships that were in extreme want.
During their absence, Captain John Drake in his Pinnace went into the Main, and espying some Symerons, had dealt so effectually with them, that leaving two of his men with their Captain, he gave him two Symerons, agreeing to meet again the next day. These two being intelligent men, declared to Captain Drake, how glad they were of his coming, knowing him to be an enemy to the Spaniards, and that their Captain and company would stay for him at the mouth of Rio Diego. Captain Drake having consulted about the business, resolved to take his brother, and the two Symerons and with his two Pinnaces to go to the said river, giving order that the rest of his fleet should follow him the next morning, because there was a place both of great safety and plenty.
When they arrived there they found the Symerons according as they had promised, where after mutual kindnesses, they took in two more of the Symerons, appointing to meet them and others of their country-men at Rio Guana. In the mean time Captain Drakes ship was pittifully shaken with a great tempest; but having trimed her, they brought her safe into the Channel, and there moored her. The Symerons coming (as they had appointed) Captain Drake asked them how they could furnish him with some of the Spaniards gold, and silver, they answered, that they had taken store from the Spaniards not for love of it, but to despite them, which they had sunk in Rivers, which they could not now recover because the Rivers were high: and the Spaniards in these rainy months used not to carry their treasure by Land.
Captain Drake to entertain his company for these five months, commanded all his Ordnance and Provisions a shoar, making a fort for their safety, and by the help of the Symerons, raised two large houses for all his company. In the mean time, Captain Drake leaving his brother to look to those affairs, with three Pinnaces went againe for Carthagena, where when they arrived they let fall their Grappers between the Island of Gardens, and the main. The Governor sent to know why he stayd so long upon their coast? He answered, to traffique with them, having Tin, Pewter, Cloth, &c. which they needed. The Governor replyed, that the King had forbidden them to trade with any, except for powder and shot of which if he had store, he would be his Merchant? Captain Drake answered that he came to exchange his Commodities for Silver & Gold, and meant not to return without it. Here he took two Frigates, whereof he sunk the one, and burned the other, not being able to man them And after a while, being out of hope of any purchase there, much of their Victuals being spent, and spoiled, they put forth to Sea though the weather was very stormy. Many days they sailed and could get no provision, the Westernly winds not suffering them to return to their ship: At last when all their provisions were almost spent, and they hopeless, they espied a Frigate, which proved Spanish; Her they pursued, and so soon as the weather would suffer them, boarded and took, wherein they found store of provision, which they took, as sent them by God: After this they landed on the Main, and by setting the Spaniards lately taken at liberty, they procured more provisions from some Indians that were under a Spanish Governor.
Presently after many of Capt. Drakes men fell sick, yet it pleased God that none died but only a Quarter Master, he was also a very good Marriner, and so at last they returned to their ship, where they were entertained with the heavy news of the death of Captain John Drake, and another, both slain as they attempted the boarding of a Frigate, presently after the departing of the Pinnaces from them. Here did Captain Drake continue for a month, keeping close that they might not be discovered, during which time there fell a sickness amongst his men whereof Joseph Drake, another of his Brothers, died, and some others,
At last the Symerons brought him word that for certain the Spanish Fleet was come to Nombre de Dios:He marches towards Panama. yet did he send forth the Lyon to make further discovery, which soon tooke a Frigate laden with Maiz, Hens, and Pompions, which assured them of their arrival. Then did he after advice taken prepare all things for his journey by land to Panama, and having now buried twenty eight of his men, he left Ellis Hixon with his ship and other Company, giving charge that they should not believe any messenger that should come in his name, except they saw his hand writing. And so upon Shrove-Teusday, accompanied with 48 men, whereof 18 only were English, the rest Symerons, he began his journey, every one besides his Arms, carrying much victuals, and what was wanting by the way, the Symerons with their Arrows provided from time to time.
About the midst of his journey they came to a very high Mountain,Sees the south-sea. upon the top whereof was a goodly Tree which when he had ascended, he saw from thence the South Sea, whereupon he besought of God that of his goodness he would giuegive him life and leave once to sail in an English ship in those Seas, with which resolution he acquainted John Oxenham, who presently protested that unless he beat him from his company, he (by Gods grace) would attend him in that Voyage. At last they came into a Champion Country where, as they passed over some Hills, they saw Panama five or six times a day, and the last day they saw the ships riding in the Road. Coming within a League of Panama they went into a Grove wherein they might lie safely undiscovered neer the highway that leads from thence to Nombre de Dios.
Thence he sent a Symeron, apparelled like the Blacks of Panama to learn the certain night, and time of the night, when the Treasure was to come by. He quickly brought back word that the treasurer of Lima was that night to come by with 14 Mules, whereof 8 were laden with gold, one with jewels, and the rest with silver; upon this notice they presently marched till they came within two Leagues of Venta Cruz; and here Captain Drake disposed his men, half of one side of the way with himself, and half on the other side with John Oxenham. They had not lain there above an hour before they heard the Recoes coming. And though all were charged not to stir till a fit time, yet one Robert pike, having drunk Aqua vita too freely, hearing a Cavalier ride by, starts up to see who it was, whereby discovering himself, the Cavalier galloped away to inform the Recoes of some danger which he apprehended, and perswaded them to stop their Mules, and to send before them those which were laden only with victuals, which accordingly was done: and when these came, they seized on them, amongst which they found only two horse-load of silver, and were told,Misseth the treasure. that being discovered, before day they would have all the forces of City, and Country come upon them: whereupon Capt. Drake being thus disappointed of his hopes, resolved rather to march by the way of Venta Cruz, though it was dangerous, than to return by so long and tedious a way as he came, the Symerons promising to stand by him in all dangers. So having refreshed his men with victuals, whereof they had plenty, they took their journey towards Venta Cruz, and when they came neer, they were encountred by a Company of Souldiers, who having discharged a full Volley of shot upon them, wherein they hurt some, and wounded one mortally, the English returned them the like both with their shot and arrows, and so ran upon them with intent to come to handy blows: but the Spaniards fled most of them into a wood by, from whence they shot at them, wounding some, and killing a Symeron; then did Capt. Drake with his men enter the Town; where some got some good pillage, and so hastened away,Venta Cruz taken. the Spaniards not daring to pursue them: they passed on thorow many dangers and difficulties to their ship and company, where they were received with great joy, though many were much troubled for loss of the Gold.
Then, taking further counsel, he sent John Oxenham in the Bear to the Eastward to take some ships laden with Victuals, which at that time used to go to Nombre de Dios, and himself in the Minion went Westward to see if he could light upon any ships carrying treasure towards the fleet. The Minion about the Cabezas met with a Frigate wherein was some gold, and had a Genoway Pilate in her, who, being well intreated by Capt. Drake, informed him that there was a Frigate in Veragua (vvhence they came) ready to come forth in vvhichwhich there vvas above a Million of gold, profering himself to conduct them thorovv the flats into the harbor vvhere she lay: But vvhen they came thither they found that they vvere discovered, and the vvind changing from East to West, they vvere forced to turn back, and shortly after they met vvith the Bear vvhichwhich had taken a Frigate vvith some store of provisions in her: vvhichwhich being a nevv ship, Capt. Drake made her a man of War, and vvith her and the Beare sailed tovvards Cativaas — Not far from vvhence they met vvith a French man of War vvhichwhich vvas in great distress for vvant of vvater, and victuals, vvhom he supplied; after vvich he took 20 of the French men, 15 English, and some Symerons, and leaving both his ships in a safe Road he manned his Frigate and tvvo Pinnaces, and vvent tovvard Rio Francisco, vvhere for vvant of vvater he left his Frigate commanded by Robert Doble, requiring that they should not attempt any chase till his return.
In Rio Francisco he landed his men, charging them in the Pinnaces to be there the fourth day after vvithout fail, and so vvith his men he marched vvith great silence tovvards the high vvay vvhichwhich leadeth betvveen Panama, He returns towards Panama.and Nombre de Dios: and coming vvithin a mile of it, they staid and refreshed themselves: and the next morning there came by three Recoes laden vvith neer 30 Tun of gold and silver: These they seized on though guarded vvith Souldiers, so that there vvas some shot exchanged, by which the French Capt. was wounded, and one Symeron slain:And takes much gold and silver. then did the Spaniards fly, and the other loaded themselves with gold, and buried about 15 tun of silver, and so retired the same way they came: but a French man being overloaden with gold and wine, lost himself in the woods, and being taken by the Spaniards, discovered to them where the silver was hid.
When Capt. Drake came back to the river of Francisco where (according to order) he expected to meet with his Pinnaces, instead of them he discovered seven Spanish Pinnaces wch had been searching all the coast for him: This made him suspect that they had taken and spoiled his Pinnaces, whereupon he resolved with 3 or 4 others to make a Raft of Trees upon which they would adventure to put to Sea to seek their ship: by the way they sate up to the middle in water, by reason of which,A dangerous attempt. and the parching heat of the Sun their skins were much fretted. But it pleased God that after six hours, they spied their two Pinnaces coming towards them to their no small joy. But the Pinnaces not seeing the Raft, ran under a covert behind the Point, whereupon the Captain and company gat ashore, and ran over land to them, who received them with great rejoycings; and so they rowed to Rio Francisco where he took in the rest of his company and all their treasure, and so hasted back to his Frigate, and then to his ship, where he divided the silver in even portions between the French and English.
A while after, having set all things in a readiness, they went out to Sea in the Frigate, together with the French ship, and Capt. Drake ordered 12 of his own men, and 16 of the Symerons, to go back and see what was become of the French Captain, and what of the hid treasure they could recover. These he set on shoar at Rio Francisco, where he met with one of the two French men that staid with their Captain, who told them that presently after their departure the Spaniards overtook them, and seized upon the Captain and the other, himself escaping by flight, and throwing away his camag, and a Box of Jewels that he might run the faster: He told them also that the Spaniards had searched so narrowly for the Treasure that was hidden that he belived all was gone. Yet Captain Drake would needs have the men go, who coming thither, found that all the earth for a mile compass had been turned up, yet lost they not all their labour, but returned safe bringing with them thirteen bars of silver, and some Quoits of gold, with which they embarked and returned with joy to their Frigate.
Their return for England.Now did they think of returning home having made their voyage, but they wanted a ship to carry their victuals in their return, wherefore going towards Carthagena they met with a Frigate, which they took, laden with Maiz, Hens, Hogs, & Hony: the men they set on shore, and took the Bark with them, and so returned to the Cabezas, where they fitted their Frigates, and stored them, burning the Pinnaces and giving the Iron-work to the Symerons; He also looked up some silk and linnen which he sent to their wives. Pedro seeing him take out of a trunk a rich Cymeter which the French Captain had given him, he so fell in love with it, that he would needs give four Quoits of gold for it, and another to one Francis Tucker, who was to move the business. Captain Drake yielded though something unwillingly: yet the gold he would not take to himself but cast it into the General Adventure, and so returned home-words.
By the way they touched at Cape S. Anthony, where in one night they took 250 Turtles,Arrive in safety. and many of their Eggs which did them good service, and so with a prosperous voyage, thorow Gods mercy, they came safe to Plimouth on a Sabbath in the forenoon, just at Sermon time, Aug. 9. 1573. and the news of his coming being carried to his friends in the Church did so prevail with them, that few were left with the Preacher, all hasting to see him, and Gods goodness in his safe return.