er with most of the Indian
allies, deserted the expedition and returned. During this time Captain
Sharp was absent, and after the departure of Coxon, Captain Sawkins was
chosen to command. For some weeks the buccaneers remained in the Bay of
Panama, capturing vessels and ravaging the adjacent islands.

While they were at Taboga, the governor of Panama sent a message to
Captain Sawkins inquiring why he came to this locality. Captain Sawkins
replied, "We came to assist the Indian King of Darien, who is the true
lord of Panama and all the country round about. Since we came so far,
there seems to be no reason why we should not have some satisfaction.
Accordingly, if you will send us five hundred pieces of eight for each
man and a thousand for each commander and will promise no longer to
annoy the Indians or deprive them of their liberty, we will go away
peaceably: otherwise, we will stay here, get what we can and cause all
the damage possible to you."

In answer to this, the governor inquired by messenger--"From whom do you
have your commission and to whom shall I complain for the damages which
you have already done?"

The reply of Captain Sawkins to this message was prompt and decisive,
for he said, "All my company have not yet arrived, but as soon as they
come, we will visit you at Panama and bring our commissions on the
muzzles of our guns, at which time you may read them as plain as the
flame of gunpowder can make them."

On the 22nd of May, Captains Sawkins and Sharp took with them about
sixty men and attacked the town of Pueblo Nueva. The buccaneers found
that the inhabitants of this town were well prepared for the defense.
They had cut down great trees and laid them across the narrow river
which led to their town in such a way as to prevent the ascent of any
boats.

Sawkins and his followers landed at the mouth of the river and made
their way by land until they reached some heavy breastworks which had
been thrown up by the Spaniards. With undaunted courage, Sawkins stormed
the defenses, and was killed at the head of his men. His loss was a sad
one to the pirates, because they regarded him as their most valiant
leader, and because, next to Captain Sharp, he was best beloved by them.
In fact, his loss meant the desertion of a number more of the
buccaneers, who left their companions and returned over land, as Captain
Coxon and his officers had done.

Thus all the adventurers who wished to remain in the South Seas