Xll MEMOIR OF COLONEL 



dangerous passages to and from them in small Brigan- 

 tines for their concurring counsel, which often differing, 

 caused much delay, and gave the Spaniards time to ga- 

 ther heart and strength for better defence. The com- 

 mon soldiers this mean while, were but ill treated from 

 the fleet. Those that by sickness or wounds in the last 

 action, were disabled for further service, (they having no 

 tents or carriages ashore to dispose of them in) were sent 

 a ship board, and there they were kept forty-eight hours 

 on the bare decks, without either meat, drink, or dress- 

 ing; that worms bred in their wounds, which would 

 soon be in that hot country, and some of them by that 

 very usage perished, particularly one Captain Levering- 

 ton, a brave man. The others ashore being furnished 

 with the worst, and most mouldy of the biscuits; no beef, 

 altogether unwatered, and no brandy to cheer their 

 spirits ; had their thirst greatly enraged, which that ri- 

 ver, even where it was fresh, yet coming from copper, 

 rather augmented than assuaged. And this usage and 

 diet, together with the extraordinary rains that fell on 

 their unsheltered bodies, cast them all into violent 

 fluxes -, sorry encouragements and preparatives for a se- 

 cond attempt, which yet was at last resolved on. 



Tuesday, April 25. They had with them one 

 mortar-piece, and two drakes, in the drawing whereof, 

 and carrying of mattocks, spades, and calabashes of 

 fresh water, the strongest men were employed till all 

 were reduced to almost a like weakness ; and the cruel 

 sea-officers offered them no more brandy with them, than 

 would be about a good spoonful to a man. One night 



