THE ACTION AT CEKIMBEA ROADS. 19 



In 1597, on the island expedition, Monson's ship was separated some distance from the 

 admiral's squadron, when a fleet of twenty-five sail was noted approaching- in the dead of 

 the night. Not being- able to distinguish their flag, he determined to reconnoitre for himself, 

 before signalling to the English ships. He approached them in his boat, hailing them in 

 Spanish, and they, replying that they were of that nationality, asked whence he came. He 

 replied that he was of England, and told them that his ship, then in sight, was a royal galleon, 

 and could be easily taken, his object being to make them pursue him, so that he might 

 gradually lead them into the wake of the squadron. All he got for this impudently gallant 

 attempt was a volley of bad language and another of shot. 



But all Monson's exploits pale before an action which occurred in Cerimbra roads, in 

 which a great treasure-ship was cut out, in sight of a fortress and eleven galleys, and within 

 hearing of the guns of Lisbon. He was then associated with Admiral Sir Richard Lewson, 

 but the principal part of the service was performed by himself. "When the carrack and 

 galleys were discovered lying at anchor, a council was held on board the admiral's vessel, 

 which occupied the better part of a day, as many of the captains thought it folly to attempt 

 to capture a great ship defended by a fortress and eleven galleys. Monson thought differently, 

 and it was at length agreed that he and the admiral should anchor as near the carrack as 

 they could, while the other and smaller vessels should ply up and down, holding themselves in 

 readiness for any emergency. It is likely, as Southey remarks, that " the sight of these 

 galleys reminded Sir William of the slavery he had endured at Lisbon in similar vessels, 

 if not indeed in some of these identical craft, and he longed to take revenge upon them." 

 Monson says that in order to show contempt of them, he separated from the rest of the 

 fleet, by way of challenging and defying them. " The Marquis of St. Cruz, General of 

 the Portuguese, and Frederick Spinola, General of the galleys, accepted the invitation, and 

 put out with the intention of fighting him ; but they were diverted from their purpose by 

 a renegade Englishman, who knew the force of the vice-admiral's ship, and that she was 

 commanded by Monson." 



The town of Cerimbra lies at the bottom of a roadstead, which usually affords protection 

 for shipping. It had at that time a strong fortress close to the beach, and a fortified castle, 

 while there was a troop of soldiers ashore, whose numerous tents lined the coast. The 

 galleys were partly covered or flanked by a neck of rock, and the batteries could play over 

 them, thus affording them great protection, while they could themselves keep up a continuous 

 fire at any approaching vessel. Again, Monson tells us, " there was no man but imagined 

 that most of the carrack's lading was ashore, and that they would hale her aground under 

 the castle where no ship of ours would be able to come at her all which objections, with 

 many more, were alleged, yet they little prevailed. Procrastination was perilous, and 

 therefore, with all expedition, they thought convenient to charge the town, the fort, 

 the galleys, and carrack, all at one instant." This was done next morning, although 

 a gale sprung up about the time of the attack. The admiral weighed, fired the signal 

 gun, hoisted his flag, and was the first at the attack ; " after him followed the rest of the 

 ships, showing great valour, and gaining great honour. The last of all was Monson himself, 

 who, entering into the fight, still strove to get up as near the shore as he could, where he 

 came to an anchor, continually fighting with the town, the fort, the galleys, and the carrack 



