Page 126
An.1684
Other Islands in Amapalla Gulf.
the Town, taking the Fryer with them. The Town, as is before noted, is about a mile from the Land- ing place, standing in a plain on the top of the hill, having a very steep ascent to go to it. All the Indi- ans stood on the top of the hill waiting Captain Da- vis's coming.
The Secretary, mention'd before, had no great kindness for the Spaniards. It was he that perswaded the Indians to wait Captain Davis his coming; for they were all running into the Woods ; but he told them, that if any of the Spaniards Enemies came thither, it was not to hurt them, but the Spaniards, whose Slaves they were ; and that their Poverty would protect them. This man with the Casica stood more forward than the rest, at the bank of the Hill, when Captain Davis with his Company appear'd beneath. They called out therefore in Spanish, de- manding of our Men what they were, and from whence they came? to whom Captain Davis and his Men reply'd, they were Biscayers, and that they were sent thither by the King of Spain to clear those Seas from Enemies ; that their Ships were coming into the Gulf to Careen, and that they came thi- ther before the Ships, to seek a convenient place for it, as also to desire the Indians assistance. The Secretary, who, as I said before, was the only man that could speak Spanish, told them that they were welcome, for he had a great respect for any Old Spain Men, especially for the Biscayers, of whom he had heard a very honourable report ; therefore he desired them to come up to their Town. Captain Davis and his Men immediately ascended the Hill, the Frier going before ; and they were received with a great deal of affection by the Indians. The Casica and Secretary embraced Captain Davis, and the other Indians received his Men with the like Ce- remony. These Salutations being ended they all marched towards the Church, for that is the place of all