Polynesian., 1850-05-25

on the .Htldnt,c SIDE OF The Isfhnus Of Panama,
by the BUCCANEERS to the capture
Of Panama, which was the last and most cel-
ebrated expedition made by Morgan, (and
even by the Buccaneers, that celebrated man,
who had been for long time making war on
the Spaniards in various parts of the coast,
and had taken a great many cities and Is
lands belonging to that nation.
One Of these expeditions presents TO us
more interest than any other, being directed
against city situated very near US, on the
other side of the Isthmus, about forty-two
miles from Panama
The city of Porto Belo had been for long
time the Atlantic port where the treasures OF
of South America were embarked to be ship
ped to Spain, and in consequence, was al
ways well stored with gold and silver and
precious goods Morgan was tempted by that
immense wealth, and proposed to his men an
expedition against the place. Pursuant to
his plan Of operations, he sailed from Jamai-
ca with nine small vessels and four hundred
and seventy men, and directed his course to-
wards the main land.
Porto Bello was small city built on the
shore of the caribbean Sea, on the north
coast Of the Isthmus of Panama, in about ten
degrees north latitude. The city was situa-
ted in a large bay, at the entrance of which
were built two strong castles; third one
was constructed on little mountain, and in
tended to protect the city. There was in the
city body of four hundred soldiers, besides
five hundred inhabitants, who could be arm
ed at moments s notice. The affairs of the
city were administered by a Governor ap-
pointed by the President Of Panama, and two
officers appointed by the King of Spain, COM
manded the forts.
At the period of the year when the GALLONS
of the King arrived from Europe bringing
goods and to carry away the specie, the city
was full Of strangers, merchants and others,
who resided in the place for six weeks or two
months The proprietors Of houses were
then making enormous profits, something
similar to Panama at the present day; sim
gle room or little store renting as high as
three hundred dollars for two months.
We shall now see how Morgan took pos
session of the little city, but not without
manly and resolute resistance on the part oil
the inhabitants, the cost of much blood, and
the destruction of a good portion Of the inva-
ding foe The chief Of the BUCCANEERS had
with him an Englishman who some time be-
fore had been prisoner at Porto Belo, and
subsequently, made his escape. That man
was perfectly acquainted with the coast in
the vicinity of the city. Directed by him,
the little fleet arrived one calm evening at the
port of Naos, situated about thirty miles from
the city which they intended TO invade and
pilIage. Here they found nobody to give
them reception, or to resist their further ad-
vance. The feet then proceeded along the
coast to place called Longalemo, twelve
miles from the city. Here the Buccaneers
disembarked, and conducted by the Eng
lishman, they directed their steps towards
Porto Bello After proceeding a short dis
tance, they surprised a sentinel, who was
brough, to Morgan; the chief obliged him to
guide his men, promising him handsome
reward in case the expedition should sue
ceed. They went on in consequence, highly
elated at the progress they were making, and
soon perceived little fort whose garrison
began to fire guns, and attempted to make
resistance. Morgan rode up, mounted on
eaily caparisoned mule, and in voice demo-
ting daring courage, ordered his men to burn
the fort and kill the soldiers; a compliance
with which was speedily effected. The chief
could look on blood and carnage With com