There were in those frigates some twelve or thirteen
common mariners, which entreated to be set ashore. To them our Captain
gave the greater frigate's gundeloe, and dismissed them.
The next morning (21st October) when they came down to the western point
with a flag of truce, our Captain manned one of his pinnaces and rowed
ashore. When we were within a cable's length of the shore, the Spaniards
fled, hiding themselves in the woods, as being afraid of our ordnance;
but indeed to draw us on to land confidently, and to presume of our
strength. Our Captain commanding the grapnell to be cast out of the
stern, veered the pinnace ashore, and as soon as she touched the sand,
he alone leapt ashore in their sight, to declare that he durst set his
foot aland: but stayed not among them, to let them know, that though
he had not sufficient forces to conquer them, yet he had sufficient
judgment to take heed of them.
And therefore perceiving their intent, as soon as our Captain was
aboard, we hauled off upon our grapner and rid awhile.
They presently came forth upon the sand, and sent a youth, as with a
message from the Governor, to know, "What our intent was, to stay upon
the coast?"
Our Captain answered: "He meant to traffic with them; for he had tin,
pewter, cloth, and other merchandise that they needed.
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