and some few quoits of gold), with which they were presently embarked,
without empeachment, repairing with no less speed than joy to our
frigate.

Now was it high time to think of homewards, having sped ourselves as
we desired; and therefore our Captain concluded to visit Rio Grande
[Magdalena] once again, to see if he could meet with any sufficient ship
or bark, to carry victuals enough to serve our turn homewards, in which
we might in safety and security embark ourselves.

The Frenchmen having formerly gone from us, as soon as they had their
shares, at our first return with the treasure; as being very desirous to
return home into their country, and our Captain as desirous to dismiss
them, as they were to be dismissed: for that he foresaw they could not
in their ship avoid the danger of being taken by the Spaniards, if they
should make out any Men-of-war for them, while they lingered on the
coast; and having also been then again relieved with victuals by
us.--Now at our meeting of them again, were very loath to leave us,
and therefore accompanied us very kindly as far up as St. Bernards; and
farther would, but that they durst not adventure so great danger; for
that we had intelligence, that the Fleet was ready to set sail for
Spain, riding at the entry of Cartagena.



Thus we departed from them, passing hard by Cartagena, in the sight of
all the Fleet, with a flag of St. GEORGE in the main top of our frigate,
with silk streamers and ancients down to the water, sailing forward with
a large wind, till we came within two leagues of the river [Magdalena],
being all low land, and dark night: where to prevent the over shooting