s fitting out a fleet of ten
frigates, to drive them from the South Seas. Having formed the design
of attacking Paita, they joined forces, and, much regretting the absence
of Eaton, sailed for that place. Entering the roads on the 3rd of
November, they found the town nearly abandoned, with all the treasure
carried away. They demanded, however, flour, sugar, wine, and water to
be sent off; but, as this was not complied with, landing, they set the
town on fire, and it was burnt to the ground.

Harris's ship being found a slow one, she was burnt, and her crew joined
the larger vessels. In vain they looked for Eaton, who, as it turned
out, had sailed for the East Indies.

Having refitted the vessels, and obtained a supply of wood, seals,
penguins, and boobies, which were salted at the island of Lobos de
Tierra, they made a descent on Guayaquil; but disagreements arose
between the commanders, and, after landing and getting in sight of the
town, they abandoned the enterprise, neither being willing to trust the
other.

Descents were made on two or three other places, and near Tomaco they
captured a vessel, with a Spanish gentleman--Don Diego de Pinas--on
board, and several other Spaniards.

On the 1st of January, 1685, the two vessels sailed for the island of
Gallo. On their way they captured a packet-boat from Lima, and,
securing her despatches, learned that the Governor had hastened the
sailing of the Plate fleet from Callao to Panama.

On hearing this, the rovers eagerly looked forward to the capture of
these richly-laden vessels. In order to careen their ships, and lay in
wait for their prey, they steered for the Pearl Islands. On their way
they touched at Gorgona, where they landed most of their prisoners.

Several prizes having been captured, their squadron now consisted of six
sail, but only two--the _Bachelor's Delight_ and the _Cygnet_--were
large vessels.

Reaching the Pearl Islands, they supplied themselves with all
necessaries, then again sailed to watch for the Plate fleet. For some
time they cruised before New Panama, a very fair city, standing close by
the sea, about four miles from the ruins of the old town. The country
round it was very beautiful, and it was newly walled, with guns pointing
seaward. Growing weary of watching, they stood out to sea, and came to
an anchor near the island of Taboga. While they lay here a vessel
appeared, the people on board of which stated that they had come to