n the port, they determined to go and rob upon the South Sea till they
had got as much as they thought fit, and then return homewards by the
way of the East Indies into Europe. For which purpose they had already
gathered great quantity of provisions which they had hidden in private
places, with sufficient store of powder, bullets and all other sorts of
ammunition; likewise some great guns belonging to the town, muskets and
other things, wherewith they designed not only to equip the said vessel
but also to fortify themselves and raise batteries in some island or
other, which might serve them for a place of refuge.

"This design had certainly taken effect as they intended, had not
Captain Morgan had timely advice thereof given him by one of their
comrades. Hereupon he instantly commanded the mainmast of the said ship
should be cut down and burnt, together with all the other boats that
were in the port. Hereby the intentions of all or most of his companions
were totally frustrated. After this Captain Morgan sent forth many of
the Spaniards into the adjoining fields and country, to seek for money
wherewith to ransom not only themselves but also all the rest of the
prisoners, as likewise the ecclesiastics, both secular and regular.
Moreover, he commanded all the artillery of the town to be spoiled, that
is to say, nailed and stopped up. At the same time he sent out a strong
company of men to seek for the Governor of Panama, of whom intelligence
was brought that he had laid several ambuscades in the way, by which he
ought to pass at his return. But those who were sent upon this design
returned soon after, saying they had not found any sign or appearance of
any such ambuscades. For a confirmation whereof they brought with them
some prisoners they had taken, who declared how that the said Governor
had had an intention of making some opposition by the way, but that the
men whom he had designed to effect it were unwilling to undertake any
such enterprise; so that for want of means he could not put his design
into execution.[312]

"On the 24th of February of the year 1671,[313] Captain Morgan departed
from the city of Panama, or rather from the place where the said city of
Panama did stand. Of the spoils whereof he carried with him one hundred
and seventy-five beasts of carriage, laden with silver, gold and other
precious things, besides 600 prisoners, more or less, between men,
women, children and slaves. That day they came unto