The Sierra citizen., 1854-03-25
former to defend the castle and the latter

former to defend the castle and the latter
the feet. The expedition started up the
river Chagres on the 18th of January,
1871 composed of 1900 men, part of which
followed up the course of the steam,
while the others, with the artillery and
stores, proceeded in canoes.
The party on the second days journey
abandoned the navigation of the river
owing to the Instructions encountered on
the route, placed there by the Spaniard,
telling trees and closing the channel,
being their only mode of defense left to
arrest the progress of the enemy.
Morgan, nevertheless, found it impossible
to convey his artillery by land, and return
ed to the canoes once more. after removing
the obstacles encountered in the river
After suff"ring hunger and loss by death
of many of the troops for six days, they at
length found deposit of corn for their
subsistence. The Indians of the vicinity
all fed upon the arrival of the eremy-
On the 7th days. Oath of january The
expedition arrived at Cruces, rich village
which fell prey to the flames, and was
abandoned by the natives, who all fled
frightened to Panama. One sack of bread
and fifteen TASKS of wine were all that was
saved from the ruins, which was consider
ed valuable prize by the troops. OK
the 9th day, the enemy reached the vicini-
ty of Panama, where few cattle were
pasturing in the fields, whence they OBJ
tanned view of the Pacific ocean. To
wards the evening of this day, they had
a full view Of the towers in the city, but
being late, the expedition encamped in
the field during the night. The rage for
pillage among the pirates rendered them
impatient Of further restraint, and their
object and aim was presently gratiiied.-
After they fortified their camp, they gave
themselves up to the most extravagant
hopes Of the good fortune in store for them;
and too truly were their wishes realized
Panama, at that period being the centre
of traffic and deposit Of immense riches
between Peru and Spain, contained
70c0 edifces, the majority of which were
frame houses, and among them many
magnificent buildings. Though not for
mally fortified, yet the city contained many
veteran troops and militia for its de-
tense.
At the dawn Of the morning of 9th
of JAN, an imposing sight presented itself
to view. On one side, the army Of the
enemy was seen forming their line in an
advantageous position for battle. On the
other, the army of the city, composed of
1000 infantry and 400 cavalry, were seen
moving towards the enemy.
The Spanish chief drove some wild bulls
upon the enemy in hopes of being able
to break his lines, but such stratagem
instead of producing the desired effect,
only contributed to excite the risibility
of the daring enemy. The hill " Abanee, y
near the Carceres estate, was the place
chosen by the parties to decide the furtuncs
and fate of the city.
A terrible and desperate struggle here
took place, but victory remained on the
part of the enemy. Six hundred Spaniards
were assassinated on the spot, ,as no quarter
was given The frightened inhabitants saw
the cruel guests arrive at last. Morgan
prohibited the use of alcoholic liquors
from fear of being poisoned, or to keep his
army sober in the hour of danger. The
conquerors had scarcely established them
selves in their neY quarters before the city
was fired in several places.
1t was never discovered whether The
fire was an act voluntary on the part of the
citizens in fit of desperation, or proceed
ed from the wantonness and cruelty of the
pirates, or from the fires in the houses
which the inhabitants left behind in their
precipitate fight.
The rapacity and cruelty of the pirates
was frightful; neither agesex nor condition
receiving quarter. The priesthood and
females were most cruelty dealt with;
less quarter was shown them, in order
to extort heavier ransom from the other
inhabitants. Morgan detached several
parties around the country to gather
booty. Several Panamenos having
escaped with their effects, fed to tho
islands of Taboga aud San Jose but the
enemy overlook them in their fight, hav
ing armed vessels in the hay for thai
purpose. Even many vessels were taker
in the port laden with gold and silver
The fillibusters held possession of Panama
twenty-seven days ferreting out and
hunting for hidden wealth everywhere.
During this time the question was dis
cussed among the most daring of them
whether it would be more expedieht t.
carry on their future piracies in the Pa
cific or the Atlantic; finally, the opinion
in favor of returning to the latter wa
adopted. Consequently, Morgan and hi
men returned to Chagres from their ex
petition. with one hundred and seventy
five mules loaded with precious metal
and other valuables. Not content witt
this booty, they carried away as prisoners
a great number of the respectable IN
hahitants, among whom were some OF tn
wealthiest merchants, who were forced 7
become muleteers and servants in thei
trains, and to answer for their ransom
with their heads. Among the many car
tives were tender females and childre
who suffered unheard of cruelties and privs
tions. In order to secure the ransom (