days previously down the hatchway of the galley—­and by good luck I did not break my neck—­from which I am still suffering, I did not go ashore.  Also, I thought that, since the enemy had not attacked us in the most dangerous places, they would not do so in places not to their advantage.  Thus the path was cleared, upon this day, without encountering any enemy or sighting their fort.  Again the men returned to the fleet for the night.  On the third day, as the work of reconnoitering was proceeding, a large ambuscade of Indians attacked us in the open near a palm-grove.  As was learned later, they numbered about two thousand.  They attacked us with the greatest fury and determination, in small bodies of skilful troops.  As the soldiers were ordered immediately to form their square, when the enemy arrived in front of it, and saw it so well ordered and bristling with halberds, they did not dare to break it, but turned and fled.  In the assault five of their men were killed with arquebus-shots, and several others wounded.  Among those killed were two of their bravest and most esteemed men.  One was from Terrenate and was a casis [38] who instructed them in their religion.  Of a truth, they showed clearly that they were brave; for I do not believe that there are many peoples who would attack with so gallant a determination, when they were armed with nothing but shields and canpilans.  They killed five of my Indians who were clearing the path, who did not use good judgment in retiring.  This took place quite near their fort.  As soon as I was advised of this occurrence, for I had not gone ashore on this day also, I sent at once as many men as possible from the galleys, with axes, shovels, spades, and wicker baskets.  I ordered them to entrench themselves in as advanced a position as possible.

They commenced to attack the fort.  The enemy begged for peace on the second day. [39] The next day I landed my artillery, and went with it to attack the enemy’s fort.  As the distance was quite great, I moved my entrenchments nearer twice, and with great difficulty, for the enemy never ceased shooting at us.  They wounded three gunners and several other men; surely they were very lucky shots.  Finally I planted my battery of eight pieces somewhat over one hundred paces from the fort.  Although I battered the fort hotly, I could not effect a breach through which to make an assault.  All the damage that I did them by day, they repaired by night.  Immediately on the following day they began to call from their walls.  When I asked them what they wanted they said that they wished to be friends.  I was very short of ammunition, for I had only three thousand arquebus-bullets left, and very few cannon-balls; and both would be spent in one day’s fighting, during which, should we not gain the fort, we would be lost—­and with no power to defend ourselves while withdrawing our artillery and camp.  At the same time, I reconnoitered the fort and its situation,