Page 28
An. 1681
Cruising on the West-India Coast.
the major part are not Copper-colour'd, as Mulattoes, Mustesoes, or Indians? whether rich, and what their riches do consist in? and what their chiefest manu- factures? If fortified, how many great Guns, and what number of small Arms? Whether it is possible to come undecried on them? How many Look-outs or Centinels? for such the Spaniards always keep; and how the Look-outs are placed? Whether possible to avoid the Look-outs, or take them? If any River or Creek comes near it, or where the best Landing? with innumerable other such questions, which their curiosities lead them to demand. And if they have had any former discourse of such places from other Prisoners, they compare one with the other; then examine again, and enquire if he or any of them, are capable to be Guides to conduct a party of men thither: if not, where and how any Prisoner may be taken that may do it; and from thence they af- terwards lay their Schemes to prosecute whatever design they take in hand.
It was 7 or 8 days after before any resolution was taken, yet consultations were held every day. The French seemed very forward to go to any Town that the English could or would propose, because the Go- vernour of Petit-Guavos (from whom the Privateers take Commissions) had recommended a Gentleman lately come from France to be General of the Expe- dition; and sent word by Captain Tucker, with whom this Gentleman came, that they should, if possible, make an attempt on some Town before he return'd again. The English, when they were in company with the French, seem'd to approve of what the French said, but never look'd on that Gene- ral to be fit for the service in hand.
At length it was concluded to go to a Town, the name of which I have forgot; it lieth a great way in the Country, but not such a tedious march as it would be from hence to Panama. Our way to it lay