to
Carthagena, a principal city in Neuva Granada. But the bold attempts and
actions of John Davis, born at Jamaica, ought not to be forgotten, being
some of the most remarkable; especially his rare prudence and valour
showed in the fore-mentioned kingdom of Granada. This pirate, having
long cruised in the Gulf of Pocatauro, on the ships expected to
Carthagena, bound for Nicaragua, and not meeting any of them, resolved
at last to land in Nicaragua, leaving his ship hid on the coast.

This design he soon executed; for taking eighty men out of ninety, which
he had in all--and the rest he left to keep the ship--he divided them
equally into three canoes. His intent was to rob the churches, and rifle
the houses of the chief citizens of Nicaragua. Thus in the dark night
they entered the river leading to that city, rowing in their canoes; by
day they hid themselves and boats under the branches of trees, on the
banks, which grow very thick along the river-sides in those countries,
and along the sea-coast. Being arrived at the city the third night, the
sentinel, who kept the post of the river, thought them to be fishermen
that had been fishing in the lake: and most of the pirates
understanding Spanish, he doubted not, as soon as he heard them speak.
They had in their company an Indian who had run away from his master,
who would have enslaved him unjustly. He went first ashore, and
instantly killed the sentinel: this done, they entered the city, and
went directly to three or four houses of the chief citizens, where they
knocked softly. These, believing them to be friends, opened the doors;
and the pirates, suddenly possessing themselves of the houses, stole all
the money and plate they could find. Nor did they spare the churches and
most sacred things; all of which were pillaged and profaned, without any
respect or veneration.

Meanwhile, great cries and lamentations were heard of some who had
escaped them; so that the whole city was in an uproar, and all the
citizens rallied in order, to a defence; which the pirates perceiving,
they instantly fled, carrying away their booty, and some prisoners:
these they led away, that if any of them should be taken by the
Spaniards, they might use them for ransom. Thus they got to their ship,
and with all speed put to sea, forcing the prisoners, before they let
them go, to procure them as much flesh as was necessary for their voyage
to Jamaica. But no sooner had they weighed anchor, when they