different vessels. They sent a messenger to the town, demanding a
tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying, if these terms were
not complied with, they would land, destroy the town, and murder all the
inhabitants: which they would certainly have done, had the town laid in
a more advantageous situation for their purpose; but being placed out of
the reach of their shot, they allowed them to come to terms. The
inhabitants agreed to pay six thousand dollars, which they were to
collect by the time of our return down the river. This finesse had the
desired effect, for during our absence they mounted a few guns on a
hill, which commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a
warm salute on our return.

"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the tide up
the river, and anchored very quietly before a town surrounded by a thick
wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones assembled in row-boats, and
landed; then gave a shout, and rushed into the town, sword in hand. The
inhabitants fled to the adjacent hills, in numbers apparently superior
to the Ladrones. We may easily imagine to ourselves the horror with
which these miserable people must be seized, on being obliged to leave
their homes, and everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight
to see women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and
imploring mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the
sick, who were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made
prisoners or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden with
booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty women
and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board different
vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing to that
abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them were not
able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all be said to