greater advantage than the former. Yet, notwithstanding, the Pirates, by throwing
     with their hands little fireballs in great number, and continuing to do so for so-
     me time, forced this party, as well as the preceding, to flee. And this with such
     great loss of men as that, before they could reach the town, the greatest part of
     the Spaniards were either killed or wounded. There was but one path which led to
     the town. This path was very well barricaded with good defences; and the rest of
     the town round about was planted with certain shrubs or trees named Raqueltes, ve-
     ry full of thorns and these very sharp-pointed. This sort of fortification seemed
     stronger than the triangles which are used in Europe, when an army is of necessi-
     ty to pass by the place of an enemy, it being almost impossible for the Pirates
     to traverse those shrubs. The Spaniards that were posted behind the said defences,
     seeing the Pirates come, began to shoot at them with their great guns. But these,
     perceiving them ready to fire, used to stoop down, and when the shot was made,
     fall upon the defendants with fireballs in hands and naked swords, killing with
     these weapons many of the town. Yet, notwithstanding, not being to advance any
     farther, they were constrained to retire for the first time. Afterwards they re-
     turned to the attack again, with fewer men than before; and observing not to shoot
     till they were very near, they gave the Spaniards a charge so dexterously, that
     with every shot they killed an enemy.
     The attack continuing thus eager on both sides till night, the Spaniards were com-
     pelled to hang forth a white flag, in token of truce and that they desired to co-
     me to a parley. The only conditions they required for delivering the town were:
     That the Pirates should give the inhabitants quarter for two hours. This short
     space of time they demanded, with intent to carry away and abscond as much of
     their goods and riches as they could, as also to flee to some other neighbouring
     town. Upon the agreement of this article they entered the town, and continued the-
     re the two hours above-mentioned, without committing the least act of hostility,
     or causing any trouble to the inhabitants. But no sooner that time was passed,
     than L'Ollonais ordered the inhabitants should be followed and robbed of all they
     had carried away; and not only goods, but their persons likewise to be made all
     prisoners. Notwithstanding, the greatest part of their merchandize and goods were
     in such manner absconded as the Pirates could not find them; they meeting only a
     few leathern sacks that were filled with anil or indigo.
     Having stayed at this town some few days, and according to their usual custom com-
     mitted there most horrid insolencies, they at last quitted the place, carrying a-
     way with them all that they possibly could, and reducing the town totally into
     ashes. Being come to the seaside, where they left a party of their comrades, they