ROBERT VENABLES. IX 



this exasperated into mutiny. A sea regiment, which 

 came ashore, was the first that laid down arms ; and by 

 their example all the rest. And much ado Venables 

 had in any sort to pacify them ; at last they were per- 

 suaded to march, though with much discontent : and 

 in that unsatisfied, mutinying humour, they marched 

 four days without any guide, tormented with heat, 

 hunger and thirst, when they might have landed at the 

 place best fitted for attack, fresh on the first day, 



The mean while Col. Buller had, according to 

 his order, essayed to land eastward of the city ; but find- 

 ing no place for it, was afterwards appointed by the 

 Commissioners to land at Hine river, but with express 

 order not to stir thence till the army came up. Ac- 

 cordingly he landed on Monday, April 17, and with 

 him Col. Houldip, and 500 of his regiment, having Cox 

 in their company. At their approaching, the Spaniards 

 abandoned the fort near the river mouth, leaving two 

 great guns dismounted, and the walls, as much as their 

 haste would allow, dismantled. This encouraged Bul- 

 ler to pursue them towards the city 5 but in the narrow 

 passes of the woods, he missed his way, and came to 

 some plantations vacant and waterless, purposing there 

 to expect the army : yet next morning sent out a party 

 to descry the fort St. Hieronimo, who exposed them- 

 selves too much to view, and alarmed the Spaniards. 



Soon after Buller had marched from the fort 

 where he landed, the army came to the other side of 

 the river Hine, but could not pass it, wanting a guide 

 to shew them the ford, which induced them to inarch 



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