THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 31 



laging vessels, and whatever other honest-like means 

 they could turn their hands to, and that would pro- 

 cure *them treasure worthy of their notice. One of 

 the most important of these expeditions was directed 

 against the city of Eaeljo, then a place of some im- 

 portance, about 800 miles west of Panama. The 

 city was taken, sacked, and burned in October, with 

 a considerable number of small towns and villages 

 in the neighborhood, from which much treasure was 

 obtained. 



Early in the year 1686, the buccaneers returned 

 with their fleet, now somewhat augmented by the 

 Spanish prizes they had taken. They directed their 

 course towards Taboga, which they made their head- 

 quarters, and depot for the valuables they had ob- 

 tained in their cruise. For a while, they busied 

 themselves in fortifying the island, after which they 

 determined on making, says the Spanish historian, a 

 "ferocious onslaught" on Panama. As a prelimi- 

 nary measure to their attack, they sent a messenger 

 to the Governor to deliver up forthwith the prisoners 

 which the Spaniards had taken in the previous en- 

 gagement on the seas, on board of one of the ships 

 which they, the Spaniards, had carried by boarding. 

 This polite request was granted. In a few days after 

 they made a second demand or requisition on the 

 Governor for provisions and liquors and wines of all 

 sorts, to sustain them during their little pleasure trip 

 on land. This, too, was immediately granted. 

 Yet, another demand was made upon him for six 

 thousand dollars, and this, also, was granted. At 



