ABSTRACT

On January 10 of the present year, at about ten o'clock in the morning, warning reached this city and eleven sail were sighted which seemed to be steering for this port. At this news a person was immediately sent to endeavour to identify them and to determine their intention and course. So also for this purpose Don Diego Osorio, captain of Your Majesty's galleys, went out in person. Meanwhile, with the diligence and efficacy possible, given the scanty means we possessed, everybody was busied in preparing this city for whatever the event might prove to be. For not only was the powder in the fort and city scarce and of poor quality, but also the galley was dismantled, for it was being careened.