Some
religious men were brought prisoners before Captain Morgan; but he being
deaf to their cries and lamentations, commanded them all to be
immediately pistoled, which was accordingly done. Soon after they
brought a captain to his presence, whom he examined very strictly about
several things, particularly wherein consisted the forces of those of
Panama. Unto which he answered: Their whole strength did consist in four
hundred horse, twenty-four companies of foot, each being of one hundred
men complete, sixty Indians and some negroes, who were to drive two
thousand wild bulls and cause them to run over the English camp, and
thus by breaking their files put them into a total disorder and
confusion.[305] He discovered more, that in the city they had made
trenches and raised batteries in several places, in all which they had
placed many guns. And that at the entry of the highway which led to the
city they had built a fort, which was mounted with eight great guns of
brass and defended by fifty men.

"Captain Morgan, having heard this information, gave orders instantly
they should march another way. But before setting forth, he made a
review of all his men, whereof he found both killed and wounded a
considerable number, and much greater than he had believed. Of the
Spaniards were found six hundred dead upon the place, besides the
wounded and prisoners.[306] The Pirates were nothing discouraged, seeing
their number so much diminished, but rather filled with greater pride
than before, perceiving what huge advantage they had obtained against
their enemies. Thus having rested themselves some while, they prepared
to march courageously towards the city, plighting their oaths to one
another in general they would fight till never a man was left alive.
With this courage they recommenced their march, either to conquer or be
conquered, carrying with them all the prisoners.

"They found much difficulty in their approach unto the city. For within
the town the Spaniards had placed many great guns, at several quarters
thereof, some of which were charged with small pieces of iron, and
others with musket bullets. With all these they saluted the Pirates, at
their drawing nigh unto the place, and gave them full and frequent
broadsides, firing at them incessantly. Whence it came to pass that
unavoidably they lost, at every step they advanced, great numbers of
men. But neither these manifest dangers of their lives, nor the sight of
so many of