Perhaps The Sierra De Canataqua Are Here Meant, Which
Pervade The Country Between Montijo Bay And The Bay Of Panama, Ending In
Point Mariato, Of Which They Seem To Have Been Detained.
- E.]
It may seem strange that this opportunity of supplying ourselves with
provisions made no change in our plans; but every one of us was so worn
out by a continual want of all necessaries, and so disheartened by a
perpetual succession of misfortunes, that we were tired of the sea, and
willing to embrace any opportunity of getting ashore, almost at any
rate. I was rejoiced at this bark having fallen into our hands; because,
if we found the story of the governor of Sansonate false, we might be
thoroughly enabled to go to India, with this help. To ascertain this, I
meant to anchor a great way short of Panama, keeping possession of the
bark, in case the president might not agree to safe and honourable
terms, when we still had it in our power to redress ourselves, by
keeping out of his hands. All this while, however, we had not determined
who should be the bearer of the flag of truce; for my people, after so
much treachery among them, feared that the messenger might only make
terms for himself with the governor, and not return again: Wherefore, my
son was chosen as the fittest person for the purpose, as being sure of
his return, for my sake.
On the 17th another bark came down upon us, but after coming pretty
near, sheared off; on which I sent Mr Randal in our canoe, to inform
them of our design, but they hoisted Spanish colours on his approach,
and fired at him.
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