Page 135
An.1684
Manta.
who being asked wherefore he set the Bark on fire, said, That there was an Order from the Vice-Roy lately set out, commanding all Sea-men to burn their Vessels if attacked by us, and betake them- selves to their Boats. There was another Bark in a small Cove, a mile from the Village, thither our men went, thinking to take her, but the Sea-men that were aboard set her in flames and fled: In the evening our men came aboard, and brought the small Bark with them, the fire of which they had quenched; and then we returned again towards Plata; where we arriv'd the 26th day of Sep- tember.
In the evening we sent out some men in our Bark lately taken, and Canoas, to an Indian Village called Manta, 2 or 3 leagues to the Westward of Cape St. Lorenzo; hoping there to get other Priso- ners, for we could not learn from those we took at Point St. Hellena the reason why the Vice-Roy should give such orders to burn the Ships. They had a fresh Sea-breeze till 12 a clock at night, and then it proved Calm; wherefore they rowed away with their Canoas as near to the Town as they thought convenient, and lay still till day.
Manta is a small Indian Village on the Main, di- ftant from the Island Plata 7 or 8 leagues. It stands so advantageously to be seen, being built on a small ascent, that it makes a very fair prospect to the Sea; yet but a few poor scattering Indian houses. There is a very fine Church, adorned with a great deal of Carved work. It was formerly a habitation of Spa- niards; but they are all removed from hence now. The Land about it is dry and sandy, bearing only a few shrubby Trees. These Indians plant no man- ner of Grain or Root, but are supplied from other places; and commonly keep a stock of Provision to relieve Ships that want; for this is the first Settle- ment that Ships can touch at, which come from Pa- nama,