derable delay, being unable to learn where he
was left, or by what accident he was detained, they resolved to depart
without him. Just when the last man was embarked, and the boats were
going to shove off they heard him calling to be taken in; at which
time the town was so thoroughly on fire, and the smoke so covered the
beach, that they could hardly discern him, though he was quite well
heard. Mr Brett, however, instantly ordered one of the boats to his
relief, which found him up to the chin in the water, for he had waded
as far as he durst, being extremely terrified at the idea of falling
into the hands of the enemy, enraged as they doubtless were at the
pillage and destruction of their town. On enquiring into the cause of
his staying behind the rest, he acknowledged having taken too large a
dose of brandy, which had thrown him into so profound a sleep that he
did not wake till the fire began to scorch him. At first opening his
eyes, he was amazed to see all the houses in a blaze on one side, and
several Spaniards and Indians not far from him on the other. The great
and sudden terror instantly restored him to sobriety, and gave him
sufficient presence of mind to push through the thickest of the smoke,
as the most likely means of escaping from the enemy; and, making
the best of his way to the beach, he ran into the water as far as he
durst, for he could not swim, before he ventured to look back.

It was certainly much to the honour of our people, that though there
were great quantities of wine and spirits found in the town, yet this
was the only one who was known to have so far neglected his duty as to
get drunk: indeed, their whole behaviour, while on shore, was greatly
more regular than could well have been expected, from sailors who had
been so long confined on board ship; and, though much of this good
conduct must doubtless be imputed to the diligence of the officers,
and to the excellent discipline they had been constantly inured to
under the commodore, it was certainly not a little to the reputation
of the men, that they should so generally have refrained from
indulging in these intoxicating liquors, which they found in abundance
in every warehouse.

There was another singular incident occurred here which merits being
recorded. An Englishman, who had formerly wrought as a ship-carpenter
in Portsmouth yard, had left his country and entered into the
Spanish service, and was at this time employed by them at the por