arting through the water like dolphins in pursuit of prey; all crowded
with natives, whose white dresses formed a lively contrast with the deep
blue of the water. The large peroquas, in which were Philip and Krantz,
with the native commanders, were gaily decorated with streamers and
pennons of all colours, that flowed out and snapped with the fresh
breeze. It appeared rather to be an expedition of mirth and merriment,
than one which was proceeding to bloodshed and slaughter.

On the evening of the second day they had made the island of Tidore, and
run down to within a few miles of the Portuguese factory and fort. The
natives of the country, who disliked, though they feared to disobey, the
Portuguese, had quitted their huts near the beach and retired into the
woods. The fleet, therefore, anchored and lay near the beach, without
molestation, during the night. The next morning, Philip and Krantz
proceeded to reconnoitre.

The port and factory of Tidore were built upon the same principle as
almost all the Portuguese defences in those seas. An outer
fortification, consisting of a ditch, with strong palisades embedded in
masonry, surrounded the factory and all the houses of the establishment.
The gates of the outer wall were open all day for ingress and egress,
and closed only at night. On the seaward side of this enclosure was
what may be termed the citadel, or real fortification; it was built of
solid masonry, with parapets, was surrounded by a deep ditch, and was
only accessible by a drawbridge, mounted with cannon on every side. Its
real strength, however, could not well be perceived, as it was hidden by
the high palisading which surrounded the whole establishment. After a
careful survey, Philip recommended that the large peroquas with the
cannon should attack by sea, while the men of the small vessels should
land and surround the fort, taking advantage of every shelter which was
afforded them to cover themselves while they harassed the enemy with
their matchlocks, arrows, and spears. This plan having been approved
of, one hundred and fifty peroquas made sail; the others were hauled on
the beach, and the men belonging to them proceeded by land.

But the Portuguese had been warned of their approach, and were fully
prepared to receive them; the guns mounted to the seaward were of heavy
calibre and well served. The guns of the peroquas, though rendered as
effectual as they could be, under the direction of Philip,