course till we came to the Isles of Pinos: where, being within three
days arrived, we found (22nd July) two frigates of Nombre de Dios lading
plank and timber from thence.

The Negroes which were in those frigates, gave us some particular
understanding of the present state of the town; and besides, told us
that they had heard a report, that certain soldiers should come thither
shortly, and were daily looked for, from the Governor of Panama, and the
country thereabout, to defend the town against the Cimaroons (a black
people, which about eighty years past [i.e., 1512] fled from the
Spaniards their masters, by reason of their cruelty, and are since grown
to a Nation, under two Kings of their own: the one inhabiteth to the
West, and the other to the East of the Way from Nombre de Dios to
Panama) which had nearly surprised it [i.e., Nombre de Dios], about six
weeks before [i.e., about 10th June, 1572].

Our Captain willing to use those Negroes well (not hurting himself) set
them ashore upon the Main, that they might perhaps join themselves to
their countrymen the Cimaroons, and gain their liberty, if they would;
or if they would not, yet by reason of the length and troublesomeness
of the way by land to Nombre de Dios, he might prevent any notice of his
coming, which they should be able to give. For he was loath to put the
town to too much charge (which he knew they would willingly bestow) in
providing beforehand for his entertainment; and therefore he hastened
his going thither, with as much speed and secrecy as possibly he could.

To this end, disposing of all his companies, according as they inclined
most; he left the three ships and the caravel with Captain RANSE; and
chose into his four pinnaces (Captain RANSE'S shallop made the fourth)
beside fifty-three of our men, twenty more of Captain RANSE'S company;