Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/45

Rh Pacific coast of South America. In this occupation he was interrupted by a fleet of eight vessels under Rodrigo de Mendoza, who had vowed to capture the Hollander. Fortune favored the latter, however, and the Peruvians retired with a loss of two vessels, one of them under command of the vice-admiral, who preferred to go down with his ship rather than surrender.

On the 10th of October Spilbergen appeared before Acapulco, sadly in want of fresh provisions and anti-scorbutics for his sick crews. He would probably

have helped himself but for some well-timed shots which intimated that the place was prepared. "Hanging out a flagge of peace, two Spaniards came aboord, and they agreed to exchange Prisoners for Sheep, Fruits, and Prouision, which was accordingly performed. On the 15th Melchior Hernardo came aboord, to take view of the fleete, which had vanquished the Kings. He was Nephew to the Vice-Roy