Page 213
An. 1685
Puebla Nova taken.
along it, but twifting gradually about it. Thefe Trees grow in many places of the Weft Indies, and are fre- quently ufed both by the Englifh and Spaniards there for that ufe. The Iflands Canales and Cantarras, are fmall Iflands lying on the N. E. of Rancheria. Thefe have all Channels to pafs between, and good an- choring about them; and they are as well ftored with Trees and Water as Quibo. Sailing without them all, they appear to be part of the Main. The Ifland Quibo is the largeft and moft noted; for al- though the reft have Names, yet they are feldor ufed only for diftinction fake: thefe, and the reft of this knot, paffing all under the common name of the Keys of Quibo. Captain Swan gave to feveral of thefe Iflands the Names of thofe Englifh Merchants and Gentlemen who were Owners of his Ship.
June 16th Captain Swan came to an anchor by us: and then our Captains confulted about new methods to advance their fortunes: and becaufe they were now out of hopes to get any thing at Sea, they refolved to try what the Land would afford. They demanded of our Pilots what Towns on the Coaft of Mexico they could carry us to. The City of Leon being the chiefeft in the Country (any thing near us) though a pretty way within Land, was pitcht on. But now we wanted Canoas to land our Men, and we had no other way but to cut down Trees, and make as many as we had oc- cafion for: thefe Iflands affording plenty of large Trees fit for our purpofe. While this was doing we fent 150 Men to take Puebla Nova (a Town upon the Main near the innermoft of thefe Iflands) to get Provifion: It was in going to take this Town that Captain Sawkins was killed, in the year 1680, who was fucceeded by Sharp. Our Men took the Town with much eafe; although there was more ftrength of Men than when Captain Sawkins was kill'd. They returned again the 24th day, but got no