Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/218

198 at the pirates, though they did not venture an organized attack. It was observed, however, that their numbers constantly increased. Moreover the fleet from Spain was every moment expected, and the corsairs deemed it prudent to depart. The spoils were therefore removed to the island of Sacrificios where the fleet was stationed. All the negroes and mulattoes of both sexes, and some of the Spaniards, were taken from the churches to serve as pack animals. The latter were unused to such work, and being enfeebled by fasting could barely stagger under their burdens, but were urged on by the merciless blows of their captors. Not even yet were the pirates satisfied. About fifteen hundred prisoners, including the governor and the leading citizens, were conveyed to the island, and a ransom of a hundred and fifty thousand pesos demanded from the citizens of Vera Cruz, under threat that twelve of the principal Spaniards, whom meanwhile they would hold as hostages, should be put to death in case of non-payment.

Haggard and gaunt with hunger after their four days' imprisonment in the stifling and fetid atmosphere of the crowded churches, the captives were in a pitiful condition; but further suffering was in store for them. Before embarking for the island and on landing they were closely searched and everything of the least value taken from them, even to the piece of straw matting which was their only bed at night and their shelter from the sun by day. Their food was of the coarsest, and barely sufficient to sustain life. A supply of provisions sent to them from the city was appropriated by the pirates. They were constantly exposed to insults and threats, and most of them expected only death, or, as a worse alternative, a life of hopeless captivity. For ten days they remained on the island until the ransom was paid, about midday on the second