open near a palm-grove. As was learned
later, they numbered about two thousand. They attacked us with the
greatest fury and determination, in small bodies of skilful troops. As
the soldiers were ordered immediately to form their square, when the
enemy arrived in front of it, and saw it so well ordered and bristling
with halberds, they did not dare to break it, but turned and fled. In
the assault five of their men were killed with arquebus-shots, and
several others wounded. Among those killed were two of their bravest
and most esteemed men. One was from Terrenate and was a _casis_
[38] who instructed them in their religion. Of a truth, they showed
clearly that they were brave; for I do not believe that there are
many peoples who would attack with so gallant a determination, when
they were armed with nothing but shields and canpilans. They killed
five of my Indians who were clearing the path, who did not use good
judgment in retiring. This took place quite near their fort. As soon
as I was advised of this occurrence, for I had not gone ashore on this
day also, I sent at once as many men as possible from the galleys,
with axes, shovels, spades, and wicker baskets. I ordered them to
entrench themselves in as advanced a position as possible.

_They commenced to attack the fort. The enemy begged for peace on
the second day._ [39] The next day I landed my artillery, and went
with it to attack the enemy's fort. As the distance was quite great,
I moved my entrenchments nearer twice, and with great difficulty,
for the enemy never ceased shooting at us. They wounded three gunners
and several other men; surely they were very lucky shots. Finally I
planted my battery of eight pieces somewhat over one hundred paces
from the fort. Although I battered the fort hotly, I could not effect
a breach through which to make an assault. All the damage that I did
them by day, they repaired by night. Immediately on the following
day they began to call from their walls. When I asked them what they
wanted they said that they wished to be friends. I was very short
of ammunition, for I had only three thousand arquebus-bullets left,
and very few cannon-balls; and both would be spent in one day's
fighting, during which, should we not gain the fort, we would be
lost--and with no power to defend ourselves while withdrawing our
artillery and camp. At the same time, I reconnoitered the fort
and its situation, for it is located at the entrance of a lagoon,