The present state of Jamaica with the life of the great Columbus the first discoverer : to which is added an exact account of Sir Hen. Morgan's voyage to, and famous siege and taking of Panama from the Spaniards.

Sir Henry Morgans Voy∣age to Panama, 1670.

At a Council held at St. Jago Delave∣ga the 29th day of June, 1670. by Adjournment; Present,

• His Excellency Sir Tho. Modyford Baronet, Governour,
• Lieutenant General James Modyford,
• Major General Thomas Modyford,
• Lieutenant Collonel Thomas Ballard,
• Lieutenant Collonel John Cope,
• Lieutenant Collonel Richard Hope,
• Lieutenant Collonel Robert Bindles,
• Lieutenant Collonel William Ivy,
• Major Thomas Fuller,
• Major Anthony Collier.

WHereas it evidently appeared to this Board, by a Copy of a Commission sent his Excellency by the

Honourable William Berk, Governor of Quariza, that the Queen Regent of Spain did by her Shadula, dated at Madrid the 20th of April 1669. Com∣manded her respective Governours in the Indies, to make open War against the Subjects of our Soveraign Lord the King in these Parts; and also that the Governour of St. Jago, of Cuba, hath executed the same by granting Commis∣sions of War against us; and lately in a most Hostile manner Landed his Men in three several places on the North side of this Island, marching as far as he durst into the Country, burning all the Houses they came at, killing and taking Prisoners all the Inhabitants they could meet with, and now lately they ap∣peared with three Ships on the South side of this Island at Michaels-hole, within eight Leagues of our chief Har∣bour, and came near the Shore full of Men; but finding the Inhabitants pre∣pared for them, went out again; and the next day Landed at Paratee-Bay,

18 Leagues to Lee-ward, and there burnt two Houses; and that divers of the rest of the Spanish Governours have also granted Commissions, and are le∣vying of Forces against us, and have, as we are credibly informed, made St. Jago of Cuba their present Magazine and their Rendezvous, where their pre∣sent Forces are to unite and embody, for the speedy Invasion of this Island; which intention, if it be suffered to ripen so far, as that the Enemy be ena∣bled to Land their Forces in this Island, we shall be inforced to quit the present care of our Plantations, and attend on the Enemies motion, where∣by our said Plantation will run to ruin, our Cattle and other Stock run wild, our Slaves take the Woods; and although by chance of War Conquers, put to be∣gin the World again, to our insupporta∣ble loss, and most infinite damage to his Majesties Service.

And whereas His Majesty hath out of his most Princely fore-sight and

great care of us, directed in his last Article of Royal Instructions, which his Excellency hath been pleased on this extraordinary occasion to communicate to this Board in these words:

As, forasmuch as there are many things incident to that Government there, for which it is not easie for us to prescribe such Rules and Directions for you as our service, and the benefit of that Island may require, instead of them you are with the Advice of the Council, to take care therein as fully and effectually as if you were instructed by us, of which extraordinary causes giving us due in∣formation, you shall receive farther sa∣tisfaction from us as our Service shall require; In discharge therefore of that great trust which is by that Instruction put in us by His Majesties Council of this Place, and in this great and ur∣gent, necessity, we humbly advise and pray your Excellency, for the seasona∣ble prevention of these impending Evils. It may Ordain, and be it so Ordained

by his Excellency, and His Majesties Ciuncil now Assembled, and by Autho∣rity of the same, That Commission be granted to Admiral Henry Morgan, to be Admiral and Commander in Chief of all the Ships of War belonging to this Harbour, and of all the Officers, Souldiers and Seamen belonging to the same, requiring him with all possible speed to draw into one Fleet, and with them to put to Sea for the security of the Coast of this Island, and of the Mer∣chants Ships, and other Vessels Trading to and about the same. And to Attain, Seiz and Destroy all the Enemies Ves∣sels that shall come within his reach; and also for destroying the Stores, Ma∣gazines laid up for this War, and dis∣posing such Forces as are or may be brought together for prosecuting the same. That he have power to Land in the Enemies Country as many of his Men as he shall judge needful; and with them to March to such places as he shall be informed the said Magazines or

Forces are, and them accordingly take destroy, and dispose of; and to do and perform all manner of Exploits which may tend to the preservation and quiet of this Island, being His Majesties chief Interest in the Indies. And that for the better Government of the said Fleet, Officers, Souldiers and Seamen, he have power to execute Marshal Law, according to the Article of War already made, or which hereafter shall be made by his Excellency, the same having been first published unto them. And it is further Ordained, in regard there is no other pay for the encouragement of the said Fleet, That they shall have all the Goods and Merchandises that shall be gotten in this Expedition, to be di∣vided amongst them, according to their usual Rules; and for their better en∣couragement to engage in this so necessa∣ry a Service. It is further Ordained, by the Authority aforesaid, That no person already belonging to the said Fleet shall be molested for his Debts,

but are hereby protected until furthe Order, of which the Provost Marshal is to take notice of at his peril.

C. Atkinson, Cl. C.

Sir Thomas Modyford Baronet, Go∣vernour of His Majesties Island of Jamaica, Commander in Chief of all His Majesties Forces within the said Island, and in the Islands there∣unto Adjacent, Vice Admiral to his Royal Highness James Duke of York, in the American Seas.

To Admiral Henry Morgan Esq; Greeting:

WHereas the Queen Regent of Spain, hath by her Royal Shadula, dated at Madrid the 20th of Apr. 1670. Commanded her respe∣ctive Governours in the Indies, to publish and make open Wars against

our Soveraign Lord the King in these Parts. And whereas the Col. Pedro Baijonaii billa uneba Captain General of the Province of Paragnay, and Governour of the City of St. Jago de Cuba, and its Province, hath exe∣cuted the same, and lately in a most Hostile and barbarous manner land∣ed his men on the North side of this Island, and entred a small way into the Country, firing all the Houses they came at, killing or taking Prisoners all the Inhabitants they could meet with; and whereas the rest of the Governours in these Parts, have granted Commissions for executing the like Hostility against us, and are diligently gather∣ing Forces together to be sent to St. Jago of Cuba, their General Rendez∣vous and place of Magazine; and from thence as the most opportune place, to be transported for a thro Invasion and final Conquest (as they hope) of this Island, for preventi∣on

of which their mischievous In∣tentions, in discharge of that great trust which His Gracious Majesty hath placed in me, I do by vertue of full Power and Authority in such Cases from his most Excellent Maje∣sty, and his Royal Highness James Duke of York, His Majesties Lord High Admiral, derived unto me, and out of the great confidence I have in the good conduct, courage and fidelity of you the said Henry Mor∣gan, as also of your great Experi∣ence you have in Marshal Affairs, both by Land and Sea, and by the advice and consent of His Majesties Council, constitute and appoint you the said Henry Morgan to be Admi∣ral and Commander in Chief of all the Ships, Barques and other Vessels now fitted, or hereafter shall be fit∣ted for the publick Service and de∣fence of this Island, and also of the Officers, Souldiers and Seamen, which are or shall be put upon the

same, requiring you to use your best endeavours, to get with the Vessels into one Body or Fleet, and cause them to be well Man'd, fitted, arm'd and victualled, and by the first op∣portunity, wind and weather, per∣mitting to put to Sea for the Guard and Defence of the Coast of this Island, and of all Vessels trading to or about the same; and in order thereunto, to use your best endea∣vours to surprize, take, sink, dis∣perse and destroy all the Enemies Ships or Vessels, which shall come within your view; and also for pre∣venting the intended Invasion against this place. You are hereby further Authorized and required, in case you and yout Officers in your Judg∣ment find it possible or feazable to Land, and attain the said Town of St. Jago de Cuba, or any other place belonging to the Enemies, where you shall be informed the Magazine and Stores for this War are laid up

or where any Rendezvous for their Forces to Imbody, are appointed, and there to use your best endea∣vour for the Seizing the said Stores, and to take, kill and disperse the said Forces. And all Officers, Soul∣diers and Seamen, which are or shall be belonging to or Embarque upon the said Vessels, are hereby strictly enjoyned both by Sea and Land, to obey you as their Admiral and Com∣mander in Chief in all things as be∣cometh them; and you your self are to observe and follow all such Orders as you shall from time to time receive from His most Excel∣lent Majesty, his Royal Highness, or my self.

Given under my Hand and Seal of Arms this 22d of July, and in the 22d year of our Soveragin Lord King Charles the Second, Anno Dom. 1670.

By Command of his Excellency Thomas Modyford.

Cary Helier, Regist. of the Admiralty.

Instructions for Admiral Henry Mor∣gan Esq; delivered him the 2d of July 1670. together with his Com∣mission.

1. YOU will with these Instructi∣ons receive my Commission, which you are enjoyned with all Expedition to publish and put in due Execution, according to the full ex∣tent and import of the same, for the accomplishing whereof, you shall have all the assistance this Island can give you.

2. You are to make known unto me what strength you can possible make, what your want may be that on a due Calculation of both, we may supply you with all possible speed.

3. You are to take notice and ad∣vise your Fleet and Souldiers that you are upon the old pleasing Ac∣count of no purchase no pay, and

therefore that all which is got, shall be divided amongst them according to accustomed Rules.

4. In case you shall find it pru∣dential, as by your Commission you are directed to attain St. Jago of Cuba, and that God blessing you with Victory, you are hereby di∣rected, in case you do it without any considerable hazards, to keep and make good the place and Country thereabout. until you have advised me of our success, and received my farther Orders touching the same, lest your sudden quitting, and their as sudden returning beget us new work, and put us on new charges and hazards for the second defeating.

5. In order to this you are to pro∣claim mercy and enjoyment of Estates and liberty of Customs to all the Spaniards, that will submit and give assurance of his Loyalty to His Majesty, and Liberty to all the Slaves that will come in; and to such

as by any good service may deserve the same, you are to give notice to their fugitive Masters Plantations to be divided amongst them as rewards for the same, & make them sufficient Grants in Writing, both for their Li∣berties and Estates, reserving to the Crown of England the fourth part of the produce to be yearly paid for the yearly maintenance of such Forces as shall defend these parts.

6. In case you find that course to take approveable effect, you are then as much as will stand with the same to preserve the Houses, Sugar-works and Canes; but if otherwise it ap∣pear to you, that in reason you can∣not make good the place for any long time, and that the Spaniards and Slaves are deaf to your Propo∣sals, you are then with all Expedi∣tion, to destroy or burn all Habita∣tions, and leave it as a Wilderness putting the Men-Slaves to the Sword, and making the Women-slaves Pri∣soners

to be brought hither, and sold for account of your Fleet and Army, such of the men also that can∣not speak Spanish. Or any new Ne∣gro, you may preserve for the same account; or if any Ships present, to carry them for New-England or Vir∣ginia, you may send them all on the same Account.

7. You are to enquire what usage our Prisoners have had, and what Quarter hath been given by the Ene∣my to such of ours as have faln un∣der their power, and being well in∣formed, you are to give the same, or rather as our custom is, to exceed in Civility and Humanity, endea∣vouring by all means to make all sorts of People sensible of your Mo∣deration and good Nature, and your in a pritude and loathness to spill the blood of man.

8. You have hereby power to execute Marshal Law, according to such Military Laws as have been

made by me, and the Laws made by Act of Parliament for the Govern∣ment of the Fleet, which I approve of as fitting for the Service; and hereby Authorize you to put them in Execution against such as shall of∣fend you, having first published the said Laws unto them, that none may pretend ignorance.

9. If any Ship or Ships shall pre∣sent, which have not any Commis∣sion, you are hereby impowered to grant Commissions to them accord∣ing to the form I have used, taking security of 1000 l. Bond for the per∣formance of the same.

10. What Ships in this Expediti∣on you shall keep with you under your Command, and them order and dispose for the best improve∣ment of this Service, not suffering the takers or pretenders to sell them until they come into their Commis∣sion Port.

11. In regard many things may happen in this Action which cannot be by me fore-seen and provided for in these Instructions, therefore all such Matters are left to your well known prudence and conduct, refer∣ring it to you that are in the place, to do therein what shall be needful; thus wishing you good success, and this Island happy thereby, I remain

St. Jag. Delav. 2 July 1670.

• Your faithful Friend and Servant, Tho. Modyford.
• By his Excel. Command. Cary Helier Reg. of the Admiralty.

A true Account and Relation of this last Expedition against the Spa∣niard, by vertue of a Commission given unto H. Morgan by his Excel Sir Tho. Modyford Governour Ge∣neral of His Majesties Island of Jamaica, with the advice and appro∣bation of His Majesties Honoura∣ble Council fully Assembled; the pro∣secution of which I humbly here pre∣sent.

HIs Commission bearing date the 22 of July 1670. the te∣nour of which was to fight with, take or destroy all the Ships that I shoul•• meet withal belonging to the subject of his Catholick Majesty in the Ameri¦can Seas, as also to Land on the Islan•• of Cuba, attempt the City of St. Jag•• upon the said Island, if himself an•• the Commanders find it feazible an•• farther more to Land in any of th•• Dominions of his said Catholiqu•• Majesty in America, and to attemp••

take or surprize by force of Arms any of his said Catholique Majesties Cities, Towns, Forts, or Fortresses where he should by any intelligences be advised that they were storing up or making Magazines of Arms, A∣munition, or Provisions, or levying any men for the propagating or main∣taining of this War against his Ma∣jesties Island of Jamaica.

1670. In order whereunto they sailed from Port-Royal the 14th of August, with 11 Sail of Vessels, and 600 men, and having rounded the Island, we arrived at the Isle of Ash, the place of Rendez∣vous the 2 of September following, from whence we having no Advice of the course of the Enemy or their design, we dispatched away Vice Admiral Collier the sixth of the same Month, with six Sail of Vessels, and 350 men, to go for the Course of the Main to get Prisoners for Intel∣ligence for the better stearing our

Course and managing our design, for the most of his Majesties Honor and Service, and the safety of Ja∣maica.

The last of September arrived to us at the Isle of Ash, Capt. John Mor∣ris, who brought with him Imanuel Riveras Vessel of eight Guns, who burnt the Coast of Jamaica, having taken him on the Coast of Cuba, and in her three original Commissions, 2 of which they sent his Excellency; the 7th of October following so vio∣lent a Storm happened in the Har∣bour that drove all the Fleet ashore except the Admirals Vessel, then consisting of 11 Sail; all of which, except three, were got off again and made serviceable.

In this Month arrived here three French Vessels, and conditioned to sail under our Flag, and in Novem∣ber arrived seven sail more from Ja∣maica. Now being of force enough to attempt St. Jago, we examined

some of our own men, who had been lately there Prisoners; and al∣so those Spaniards that were taken in Imanuel Rivers: One of our men in particular, Captain Richard Powell, Captain of the Prize that was Ri∣ver's Ship, who had not been above 30 daies from St. Jago, declared that time of year being Winter, and be∣ing but one landing place, and that strongly fortified, it was impossible for us to attempt that place without the hazard of the whole Party, and the certain loss of the most, if not all our Vessels, by foul weather; all the knowing Prisoners examined, affirming the same, upon which we relinquished that Design.

The 20th of the same Month Vice Admiral Collier returned from the Main with good quantities of pro∣visions, and two of the Enemies Ves∣sels, one of which called the Galer∣deene, was assistant to Riveras in the burning the Coast of Jamaica, and

in her were 38 Prisoners, who the 29th of the same Month were exa∣mined, and what was said by two of the most sensiblest of them redue'd into English is as followeth:

Nov. the 29. 1670.

The Deposition of Marcus de Cu∣ba, Spaniard, Master Pilot of the Galerdeene Prize, born at the Grand Canaries, aged 47 years or therea∣bouts, being disposeth saith,

That he did see the People at Car∣thagena Listed and all in Arms of∣fensive against the English. And far∣ther saith, that several Spanish Ships have had and now have Commissions from the president of Panama, named (Don Juan Perez de Gusman) and that they have taken several English-men, and that the last Spaniard have by the said President great incourage∣ment against the Island of Jamaica, and the more by reason of a Fleet fitted out of old Spain for those parts, under

the Command and Conduct of one (Don Alonso) and further saith not.

Sworn the day and year above written Coram.

Henry Morgan, and the rest of the Officers of the Fleet.

Nov. 29. 1670.

The Deposition, of Lucas Peroz a Seaman, born at Palma, aged 31 years or thereabouts, being disposeth saith,

That he did see the People at Car∣thagena, some of them in Arms, others Listing of themselves; and two Ships ready fitted against Jamaica, one with 18, and the other with 12 Guns; and also that the President of Panama hath granted several Commissions against the English, by vertue of which, several English Ships hath been taken, and further saith not.

Sworn the day and year above written Coram.

H. Morgan and the rest of the Officers of the Fleet.

〈…〉〈…〉

Upon December the 22d Comman∣ded all the Captains on board me being 37 in number, and demanded their advice what place was fittest to attain for His Majesties Honour, and preservation of Jamaica; and to put the greater curb to the Insolencies of the Enemy; in answer to which they all unanimously agreed on Panama, as by their resolutions under their hand in these words appears.

On Board the Satisfaction Frigat, Dec. 2. 1670.

Honoured Sir,

WE having seriously considered of what place may prove ad∣vantagious for the safety of the Eng∣lish, and more especially for the securi∣ty of his Majestys Island of Jamaica, to prevent the Invasion of the Spani∣ards, it being referred by the rest of the Commanders in the Fleet in Gene∣ral

to us whose Names are here under written, to pitchupon a placeth at we thought might be most feazible and just to take for the good of Jamaica, and Honour of our Nation; do all of us conclude it stands most for the good of Jamaica, and safety of us all to take Panama, the President thereof having granted several Commissions against the English, to the great anoyance of Ja∣maica and our Merchant Men, as by the Oaths of two Spaniards, have been made most evidently appear.

This is the Judgment and Resolution of

• Lieutenant Col. Joseph Bradley,
• Richard Norman,
• Thomas Harrison,
• Robert Delander,
• John Harmonson,
• John Galoone,
• John Pyne,
• Dego Moleene,
• Vice Admiral Ed. Collier,
• Lawrence Prince

• John Morris,
• Thomas Rogers,
• Cha. Swan,
• Hen. Wills,
• Richard Ludbury,
• Clement Simmons.

To Henry Morgan Esq; Admiral and Commander in Chief of His Maje∣sties Fleet belonging to the Island of Jamaica, for this present Expe∣dition.

TO the which the Admiral con∣sented, and having called the Captains again on Board to consult of the manner of carrying on that attempt, and whereby to find Pri∣soners to be guides for Panama, it was voted that Providence being the Kings Antient propriety, and most of the people there being sent from Panama, that no place could be more fit.

December the 8th we sailed, and the 14th arrived at Providence by 8 of the Clock in the morning, and by two in the Afternoon were pos∣sessed of the great Island without resistance; the 15th, sent a Sum∣mons to the Governour to deliver the little Island, who willingly sub∣mitted to that he might have good Quarters, and Transportation to any part of the Main, which was granted and duly performed; but four of his Souldiers took up Arms with us, and became our Guides; and by them understanding the Castle of Changra blocked our way, the Admiral called a Councel of all the chief Captains, where it was determined to attain the Castle of Changra; and forthwith there was dispatched 470 men in 3 Ships, under the Command of Lieu∣tenant Gol. Joseph Bradly, with 3 Captains and 4 Lieutenants, and up∣on the 27th were safely landed with∣in four Miles of the Castle by twelve

of the Clock, and by two had made their approach one of the other, and by three into Trenches where they continued fighting till eight the next Morning, and then had return∣ed re infecta; if in playing of their Granadoes, they had not by good fortune set a Guard-house on fire that stood upon the Walls, which caused a breach, where our men couragiously stormed, and the Ene∣my as bravely defended it to the last Man, refusing Quarters, which cost them the lives of 360 men, and of our side was lost 30 out-right, one Capt. and one Lieutenant, and 76 wounded, whereof the brave Brad∣ly was one, with two Lieutenants, who died within ten daies after their wounds, to the grief of himself and all in general.

Jan. 2. the Adm. arrived with the whole Fleet, and understood that the Enemy lay with Forces to endea∣vour the taking of the Castle, where∣upon

he gave order for the Fleet to follow him into the Harbor, but had the ill fortune to be cast away the Ship that he was in, and four more, but saved the men; the rest being come in fell to preparing to go up the River, where they understood the Enemy had entrenched themselves, and had six several retreating Breast-works upon the River.

Whereupon the Adm. gave order that 7 Sail of lesser Vessels should be rigged to go up the River, and filled them with Men and great Guns; and left to Guard the Castle and the Ships 300 men, under the Com∣mand of Captain Richard Norman. Monday the 9th we began our march 1400 men in the said 7 Vessels, and 36 Boats and Cannons.

Upon the 12th Instant we got to the first Entrenchment, where the Enemy had lately quitted it, and set all on Fire, as they did all the rest, without striking a stroke for it, and

there was forced to leave our Ships and Boats with 200 men to Guard them under the Gommand of Cap∣tain Robert Delander, and betook our selves to the wild Woods, where was no path for 24 Miles, but what we cut. The 14th we arrived with∣in two Miles of Venta Cruce, which was the Landing place, where was a very narrow and dangerous pas∣sage, where the Enemy thought to put a stop to our further proceed∣ing, but were presently routed by the forlorn, Commanded by Cap∣tain Thomas Regers; the rest of our men never firing shot, and without any loss, saving three men slightly wounded; but the Enemies loss we could never learn. January the 15th we arrived at Venta Cruce, which is a very fine Village, and the place where they Land and Embarque all the Goods that comes and goes to Panama, where we though we might be relieved, having marched three

daies without Victuals, but found it as the rest, all on Fire, and they fled.

The 16th we began our March, the Enemy constantly galling us with Ambuscades and small Parties, and we still beating of them for a League together, although they had all the advantage that could be of us, the way being so narrow that we could but march 4 a breast, and such a deep hollow, that the Enemy lay over our heads; about noon that day we got to the Savanes safe, with the loss of three men killed out∣right, and six or seven wounded; and of the Enemy 20 killed, and one Captain, besides many wound∣ed, we marched three Miles further, and then took up our Quarters to refresh our men, and thanked them for that daies service. The 17th we began our March forward, but had no opposition, and about nine of the Clock in the Morning, saw that

desired place the South Seas, and likewise a good parcel of Cattle and horses, whereupon the G. comanded a general hast to be made, and our men killed Horses and Beef enough to serve them all; about four of the Clock in the afternoon, our men having refreshed themselves, we marched again, and about five the same day we came in sight of the Enemy; where he lay in Batalia with 2100 Foot and 600 Horse, but finding the day far spent; we thought it not fit to engage, but took up our Quarters within three Miles of them, where we lay very quiet, not being so much as once alarm'd. The next morning being the 18. betimes in the morning, the Gen. gave order to draw our men in Ba∣talia, and it was accordingly per∣formed, and they were drawn in the form of a Tertia; the Vant Guard was led by Lieutenant Col. Lawrence Prince, and Major John Morris, they

being in number 300 men, the bo∣dy containing 600; the Right wing was led by the Gen. and the left by Col. Ed. Collier, the rear-ward of the 300 was Commanded by Col. Bledry Morgan; after having viewed our men, and a little encouraged them, the G. commanded the Officers eve∣ry man should repair to his Charge, the Enemy being drawn at such ad∣vantage, they still kept their Stati∣on; although often provoked, yet would not stir from their Ground, which we presently perceived, and gave order that our men should wheel their bodies to the left, and endeavour to gain a Hill that was hard by, which, if gained, we should have forc'd the Enemy to fight to their disadvantage, by rea∣son he could not bring out of his great body more men to fight at a time, than we could out of our small body, and likewise that we should have the advantage both of Wind

and Sun. The Officers putting this Command in execution, and the Hill, and a dry Gut accordingly gained, the Enemy was forced to fight upon, their long March having not room to wheel his Battel, by reason of a Bogg that was drawn behind on purpose (as he thought) to entrap us, but we taking another ground, in the end proved a snare to himself, whereupon one Francisco Detarro, gave the Charge with his Horse upon the Vant Guard, and so furiously that he came upon the full speed, we having no Pikes, gave or∣der that they should double their Ranks to the Right, and close their Files to the Right and Left inward to their close order, but his career could not be stopt till he lost his life in the front Rank of our Vant-Guard, upon which the Horse wheel off to the Right, and their Foot ad∣vanced to try their Fortunes, but it proved like their fellows, for we be∣ing

ready with the main Battel to re∣ceive them, gave them such a warm welcom, and pursued so close that every one thought it best to retreat, but they were so closely plyed by our left Wing, who could not come to Engage at first, by reason of the Hill, that the Enemies retreat came to plain running. Although they did work such a Stratagem that hath been seldom or never heard of, that is when the Foot Engaged in the Flank, he attempted to drive two Droves of Cattel of 1500 apiece in∣to the Right and Left Angles of the Reer, but all came to one effect, and helped nothing for their flight to the City, where they had 200 fresh men, and two Forts, one with six Brass Guns, the other with eight, and the Streets Barricadoed, and great Guns in every Street, which in all amounted to 32 brass Guns, but instead of fighting he command∣ed the City to be fired, and his chief

Forts to be blown up, the which was in such hast that he blew up forty of his Souldiers in it, we followed into the Town, where, in the Mar∣ket-place they made some resistance, and fired some great Guns, killed us four men, and wounded five. At three of the Clock in the after∣noon we had quiet possession of the City although on fire, with no more loss on our side in this daies work than five men killed, and ten wound∣ed. And of the Enemy about 400 where we were all forced to put the fire out of the Enemies Houses; but it was in vain, for by 12 at night it was all consumed that might be cal∣led the City; but of the Subburbs, there was saved 2 Churches, and about 300 Houses; thus was con∣sumed that famous and antient City Panama, which is the greatest Mart for Silver and Gold in the whole World, for it receives all the Goods into it that comes from old Spain in

the King's great Fleet, and likewise delivers to the Fleet all the Silver and Gold that comes from the Mines of Peru and Potazi. Here in this City we stayed 28 daies, making daily Incursions upon the Enemy by Land for 20 Miles round about, without having so much as one Gun shot at us in anger, although we took in this time near 3000 Priso∣ners of all sorts, and kept likewise Barques in the South Seas, crusing and fetching of Prisoners that had fled to the Islands with their Goods and Families.

Feb. 14. we began our March to∣wards our Ships, with all our Priso∣ners; and the next day came to Ven∣ta Cruce about 2 in the afternoon, which is from Panama five English Leagues, where we stayed refreshing our selves till the 24th. the 26th we came to Changra, where the Plunder was divided amongst the Souldiers and Seamen, which amounted to

about 30000 l. The sixth of March we fired the Castle, spiked the Guns, and began our Voyage for Jamaica, where some are arrived, and the rest daily expected. The reason that there was no more Wealth, was be∣cause they had two Months notice of us, and had Embarqued most of their Treasure into Ships, and sent them to Lima in Peru; one Ship w••s laden with Gold, Silver and pre∣cious Stones, that contained 700 Tuns, and one of 300 Tuns.

Jan. 31. 1671.

By Command John Peeke Secretary.

At a Council held at St. Jago the 31 of May 1671.

Present,

• His Excellency Sir Tho. Modyford Baronet, Governour,
• Lieutenant Col. John Cope,
• Lieutenant Col. Robert Brindlos,
• Lieutenant Col. William Ivy,
• Major Cha. Whitfield,
• Major Antho. Collier,
• Capt. Henry Molesworth,

Admiral Henry Morgan gave the Governour and Council a Relation of a Voyage to Panama, who gave him many thanks for the Execution of his late Commission, and ap∣proved very well of his acting.

This is a true Copy of the Record, Cha. Atkinson, C. C.

The Deposition of John Peeke Gentleman, aged 30. years or there∣abouts, taken before the Right Ho∣nourable Sir Thomas Linch Knight, Governour of Jamaica, this 3d day of April 1682.

The Deponent saith that he was Secre∣tary to Admiral Henry Morgan all the Panama Voyage, and that he wrote all his Letters, and saw those that were sent to the said Admiral from Sir Thomas Modyford, or any other person in Jamaica, that he was present when the two Spani∣ards, Marcus de Cuba, and Lu∣cas Perez were sworn on board the Satisfaction, and that upon their de∣position, it was resolved by the Com∣manders that they would attain Pa∣nama, and that Sir Thomas Mo∣dyford had knowledge of the De∣sign by a Ship that was sent on pur∣pose, and that Col. Bledry Morgn

Came to the fleet in a Sloop that de∣parted from Jamaica, ten days after the arrival of the said Ship, and that Sr. Thomas Mudyford in his Letter which he sent by the Sloop gave no Countermand at all. And this deponent further saith, that this is a true Copy of the Journal which was delivered to the Council the 13 of May, for which they gave him thanks and ordered it should be recorded. And this deponent further remembers that the Sloop which came to them and brought Sr. Thomas Mudyfords letter, in answer to these which were sent upon the advice they gave of their resolutions for Panama, arrived three days before we marched for the City, and further, this Depo∣nent saith not.

Sworn Coram this 3 day of April, 1672.

• ...John Peeke
• ...Tho. Lynch.