20 THE SEA. 



all together; for he brought them betwixt him, that he might play both his broadsides upon 

 them. The galleys still kept their prows towards him. The slaves offered to forsake them 

 . . . and everything was in confusion amongst them; and thus they fought till five 

 of the clock in the afternoon." Monson's stratagems and rapidity of action paralysed the 

 commanders of the galleys, and the men rowed about wildly to avoid him, not knowing 

 what to do. The admiral came on board his ship, and, embracing him in the presence of the 

 ship's company, declared that " he had won his heart for ever." 



And so the battle raged till the enemy showed such evident signs of weakness, that 

 it was proposed to board the carrack. Here, however, the admiral interposed, as he wished 

 to preserve the treasure on board. The ships were ordered to cease firing, and one Captain 

 Sewell, who had been four years a prisoner on the galleys, from one of which he had only 

 just escaped by swimming, was selected to parley with them. He was to promise honourable 

 conditions, but insist that as the English held the roadstead, as several of the galleys were 

 /tors de combat, and the castle powerless, they must expect the worst in a case of refusal. 

 The captain of the carrack would not treat with an officer who had so recently been a slave 

 in their power, but sent a deputation of Portuguese gentlemen of quality, desiring that they 

 should be met by those of similar rank in the English service. They were, of course, 

 properly received, but having delivered their message, evinced a great desire to hasten back ; 

 they revealed the real state of affairs by admitting that it was a moot question on the carrack 

 whether the parley ought to be entertained, or the vessel set on fire, Monson's promptitude 

 once more saved the situation. Not waiting to hear any more, or receiving any instruction 

 from Admiral Lewson, he ordered his men to row him to the carrack. Several officers on 

 board recognised him, and the commander, Don Diego Lobo, a young man of family, motioning 

 his men apart, received him courteously. After some little palaver, Monson informing Don 

 Diego of the rank he held in the expedition, and assuring him of his high regard for 

 the Portuguese nation, the real business of their interview was approached. Diego asked 

 that he, his officers and men, should be put 011 shore that night ; that the ship and its 

 ordnance should be respected, and its flags remain suspended ; the treasure he would concede 

 to the victors. Monson agreed to the first proposition, excepting only that he required a 

 certain number of hostages whom he would detain three days, but laughed at the idea of 

 separating the ship and its contents ; and stated that " he was resolved never to permit a 

 Spanish flag to be worn in the presence of the Queen's ships, unless it were disgracefully 

 over the poop." A long discussion followed, and Monson, who was determined to have his 

 way, made a show of descending to his boat. His firmness won the day, and all his demands 

 were eventually conceded, after which he conducted Don Diego and eight gentlemen on board 

 his ship, " when they supped, had a variety of music, and spent the night in great jollity." 

 This is Monson's account ; it is doubtful whether the Portuguese were thoroughly enjoying 

 themselves under the circumstances ! When next day Sir William accompanied them on 

 shore, he found the Count de Vidigueira at the head of a force numbering 20,000 men, whose 

 services were not of much account now. The disgust ashore at the comparatively easy 

 victory attained by the English may be imagined. Besides the capture of the carrack, two 

 of the galleys were burnt and sunk; the captain of another was taken prisoner, and the 

 others fled during the engagement, although they were afterwards shamed into returning by 



