, as thereby we relieved not only ourselves and
the Cimaroons while they were with us; but also two French ships in
extreme want.

For in our absence, Captain JOHN DRAKE, having one of our pinnaces, as
was appointed, went in with the Main, and as he rowed aloof the shore,
where he was directed by DIEGO the Negro aforesaid, which willingly came
unto us at Nombre de Dios, he espied certain of the Cimaroons; with whom
he dealt so effectually, that in conclusion he left two of our men
with their leader, and brought aboard two of theirs: agreeing that
they should meet him again the next day, at a river midway between the
Cabecas [Cabeza is Spanish for Headland] and our ships; which they named
Rio Diego.

These two being very sensible men, chosen out by their commander
[chief], did, with all reverence and respect, declare unto our Captain,
that their nation conceited great joy of his arrival, because they
knew him to be an enemy to the Spaniards, not only by his late being in
Nombre de Dios, but also by his former voyages; and therefore were ready
to assist and favour his enterprises against his and their enemies to
the uttermost: and to that end their captain and company did stay at
this present near the mouth of Rio Diego, to attend what answer and
order should be given them; that they would have marched by land, even
to this place, but that the way is very long, and more troublesome, by
reason of many steep mountains, deep rivers, and thick brakes: desiring
therefore, that it might please our Captain to take some order, as he
thought best, with all convenient speed in this behalf.

Our Captain considering the speech of these persons, and weighing it
with his former intelligences had not only Negroes, but Spaniards also,
whereof he was always very careful: as also conferring it with his
brother's informations of the great kindness that they shewed him,
being lately with them: after he had heard the opinions of those of best
service with him, "what were fittest to be done presently?" resolved
himself with his brother, and the two Cimaroons, in his two pinnaces, to
go toward this river. As he did the same evening, giving order, that
the ship and the rest of his fleet should the next morning follow him,
because there was a place of as great safety and sufficiency, which his
brother had found out near the river. The safety of it consisted, not
only in that which is common all along that coast from Tolou to Nombre
de Dios, be