Page:Voyages and adventures of the renowned Admiral Drake.pdf/9

9 seas and made himself master of many Spanish vessels. He afterwards attempted to plunder the mules laden with silver, which passed from Venta Cruz to Nombre de Dios; but in this he was disappointed. However he attacked the town Venta Cruz, took it, and carried of some booty. In his return, he unexpectedly met with 50 mules laden with plate, of which he and his men carried off as much as they could, and buried the rest.

In these expeditions he was much assisted by a nation of Indians, who were engaged in war with the Spaniards. The Prince, or Captain of these people was named Pedro, to whom Drake presented a fine cutlass which he wore, and to which he saw the Indian had a mind. Pedro, in return, gave him four large wedges of gold, which Drake threw into the common stock, with this remarkable expression, That he thought it but just, that such as bore the charge of so uncertain a voyage on his credit, should share the utmost advantages the voyage produced! Then embarking his men, with all the wealth he had got, which was very considerable, he set out for England, and was so fortunate as to make his voyage in 23 days, from Cape Florida to the Isles of Scilly, and thence to Plymouth, where he arrived on the 9th of August, 1573.

Captain Drake’s success in this expedition, together with his honourable behaviour towards his owners, gained him a high reputation; and the use he made of his riches a still higher: For, fitting out 3 stout frigates at his own expence, he sailed with them to Ireland, where, under Walter, Earl of Essex, he served as a volunteer, and displayed great bravery. After the death