Page:Voyages and adventures of the renowned Admiral Drake.pdf/18

18 against the Spaniards, to the West Indies, with a fleet of 21 sail, having above 2000 soldiers on board, under the command of Christopher Carlisle. Taking Cape-Verd Islands in their way, they landed at the Island of St. Jago; and surprising the chief town of the same name, sacked the place, and carried off a considerable booty. From thence proceeding to Hispaniola, they made themselves masters of the town of St. Domingo; the inhabitants whereof having redeemed it from being burnt, with 2500 ducats, the fleet sailed over to Carthagena; which, after a short defence, was also taken by storm, and ransomed for 110000 ducats, which were shared among the seamen and soldiers.—But the calenture, that raged among the men, taking off many of them, the Admiral laid aside his design of attacking Nombre de Dios: and setting sail for England, passed between Cuba and Jucatan:—And going along the coast of Florida, seized and burnt St. Anthony’s and St. Helen’s, two small towns that the Spaniards had abandoned. From thence continuing his course along the shore, he came to Virginia, then an infant colony, lately settled by Sir Walter Raleigh; but the Planters being reduced to a small number, and distressed for want of provisions, Sir Francis, at their earnest request, took them on board, with their Governor, Ralph Lane, and brought them home. Thus concluded this expedition. The booty taken from the Spaniards was valued at L 60,000, besides 200 brass and iron cannon; but with the loss of 700 men; most of whom died of the calenture.

In 1587, Drake was sent out with a squadron to cruize against the Spaniards, and particularly