Part 28
Hearing that Porras and his mutineers were marching in open rebellion upon Maima, Columbus entrusted to the adelantado the task of pacifying them or defying them. Bartolomé gathered together what men he could, about fifty in all, and, after overtures had been rejected by Porras, who calculated on his superior numbers to gain him an easy victory, prepared to receive attack on May 19. Porras and six others made a dead set at the adelantado, for they thought if they could kill him, the rest would be easy. But the bold Bartolomé was not dismayed. His first three blows disposed of the powerful Sanchez the pilot, Barba the gunner, and Ledesma, who, however, recovered from his wounds in spite of the fact that he fell into a ravine and was not discovered till the next day. Then he received on his shield a fierce blow from Francisco de Porras, who, his sword sticking in the shield, was overpowered and bound. His followers fled, and the formidable revolt was quelled by the courage and strength of one man. The adelantado lost but one soldier. This miniature battle had been witnessed by the natives drawn up in battle array, and after the fight was over they marvelled to find that the strangers from the skies were but mortal like themselves. Columbus, with his usual clemency, granted the pardon asked for by the rebels, and even spared the lives of the two Porrases, whom he, however, kept in custody.
At last, about the end of June, the long looked for help arrived in the shape of two caravels, one sent by Mendez under the command of Diego Salcedo, and a second sent as an ostensible aid to Columbus by Ovando, who, now that he found that the admiral could get assistance without him, thought it well to take part in the relief.
On June 28, 1504, after a sojourn of twelve months and four days in the island, Columbus and his followers, accompanied by Salcedo, left Jamaica, which could have had but unhappy memories for the great mariner.
Four years later the town of =Sevilla Nueva=, later known as Sevilla d’Oro, was founded under the authority of the admiral’s son and successor Diego, near the spot occupied by the wrecked caravels.
Sloane on his expedition to the north side visited Sevilla Nueva. He says:
I observed the ruins of the town called Sevilla, among which a church built by Peter Martyr of Angleria, of a sort of freestone (to be had near this city) and bricks. A pavement was found two miles from this church; the city was so large it had a fortified castle, the walls of pebbles and bricks, four feet thick; it was and is a good port.... This town is now Captain Hemmings’ plantation. The church was not finished; it was thirty paces broad and thirty paces long. There were two rows of pillars within; over the place where the altar was to be were some carvings under the ends of the arches. It was built out of a sort of stone between freestone and marble, taken out of a quarry about a mile up in the hills; the houses and foundations stand for several miles along. The ground towards the country is rising. Captain Hemmings told me he sometimes found pavements under his canes, three feet covered with earth, and several times wells, and sometimes burialstones finely cut. There are the beginnings of a great house called a monastery, but I suppose the house was designed for the Governor. There were two coats-of-arms not set up—a ducal one, and that of a count, I suppose belonging to Columbus’s family, the proprietors of the island. There had been raised a tower, part brick and part hewn stones, as also several battlements on it, and other lower buildings not finished. At the church lie several arched stones to complete it, which had never been put up, but lay among the canes. The rows of pillars within were for the most part plain. In the time of the Spaniards it was thought the Europeans had been cut off by the Indians, and so the church left unfinished. When the English took the island the ruins of this city were so overgrown with wood that they were all turned black; nay, I saw a mammee, or bastard mammee tree grow within the walls of the tower, so high that it must have been a very large gun could kill a bird on the top of it, and most part of the timber fell’d off this place, when it was planted, was sixty foot or more long. A great many wells are on this ground.... The west gate of the church was a very fine work, and stands very entire; it was seven feet wide, and as high before the arch began. Over the door in the middle was our Saviour’s head with a crown of thorns between two angels; on the right side a small round figure of some saint with a knife struck into his head; on the left a Virgin Mary or Madonna, her arm tied in three places, Spanish fashion. Over the gate, under a coat of arms, this inscription:—Petrus Martir ab Angleria Italvs Civis Mediolanen. Prothon. Apos. hvivs Insulæ Abbas Senatus Indici Consiliarivs Ligneam privs Ædem hanc bis Igne consvmptam Latericio et Quadrato Lapide primus a Fundamentis Extruxit.
This Long thus translates:—
Peter Martir, of Anghiera, an Italian citizen of Milan, chief missionary and abbot of this island, member of the Council of the Indies, first raised from its foundation, with brick and square stone, this edifice, which formerly was built of wood, and twice destroyed by fire.
This Peter Martyr must not be confounded with his namesake, Pietro Martire Vermigli (1500–62), of Florence, who at Cranmer’s instance went to England, and for six years occupied a professor’s chair of theology at Oxford. Our Peter Martyr was Pietro Martire of Anghiera (1455–1526), a native of Arona in Italy, apostolic protonotary, and a member of the Council of the Indies to Charles V. and first abbot of Jamaica. He was a prototype of the absentee proprietor; he never set foot in the island. He is best known by his work entitled “De Orbe Novo,” commonly called “The Decades.” The “some saint with a knife struck into his head,” mentioned by Sloane, was the Dominican saint of the thirteenth century, well known to students of mediæval Christian art, especially by reason of Titian’s world-famous painting of his martyrdom, and the saint after whom the two sixteenth-century Peter Martyrs were named.
At the time that Long wrote (1774), nearly a century later than Sloane, several fragments of carved work in stone “that would be thought no mean ornaments in an European church” were still to be seen there, and the ruins of two edifices, one said to have been a castle and the other probably the collegiate church, were still remaining, separated by about half a mile. The walls were compacted with a very hard cement, and were several feet in thickness. But he mentions that these walls were being every day diminished for the sake of the materials, which were used in repairing the buildings on the estate, so much so that the remains of the castle were then below the surface of the earth. In 1764 he tells us there were dug up two pilasters of about seven feet in length, “of no
## particular order, but somewhat resembling the Ionic,” on which were
“some carvings in alto-relievo.” Four or five coarse images were likewise found, one of which resembled a sphinx, another an alligator, and the rest creatures of the mason’s fancy. Long says that the Spaniards abandoned Sevilla Nueva because the south side ports were more convenient for the galleons and other vessels passing between St. Domingo and Cartagena.
The usual derivation of the name of =Ocho Rios=, one of the most beautiful spots in the beautiful parish of St. Ann, as meaning eight rivers, is probably wrong. The word is most likely a corruption of _chorréra_, a spout, having reference to the waterfall near by. In Long’s time it was called Chareiras, and as late as 1841 William Rob wrote: “Ocho Rios called to this day by the old inhabitants ‘Cheireras,’ its early and appropriate name, ‘the bay of waterfalls.’” It is interesting to note that there is a Chorréra River in Cuba, near Havannah.
In 1657 a letter from Bayona, the governor of Cuba, to a certain Spanish serjeant-major in Jamaica, making arrangements for an attack on Jamaica to be aided by the whilom Spanish slaves in the island, was intercepted. Immediate steps were taken by the resourceful Doyley; and Arnoldo Sasi, the Spanish governor, who having yielded up Jamaica to Penn and Venables had re-landed on the north side from Cuba, was signally defeated by Doyley in person at Ocho Rios, whither he had sailed round from Passage Fort.
The following is the account which Doyley himself gave to Cromwell in “A Narrative of the Great Success God hath been pleased to give his Highness Forces in Jamaica, against the King of Spain’s Forces. Published by His Highness Special Command. London, 1658.”
Right Honourable,
Since my last to Your Honour, the First of _October last_, I have had intelligence, that the Galleons with Plate, I then mentioned to be at _Carthagena_ bound for_ Spain_, were cast away by a _Hirecane_; and an evident token thereof, the _Burmudans_, our Informants, being in a small Shallop, brought in hither about Twenty thousand pieces of _Eight_, which they had taken in the Rack. And according to my former to the Committee for _Jamaica_, having by a Prisoner notice, that about Five hundred of the Enemy were landed here, and that the Governour _Don Christopher Arnaldo Sasser_ [_sic_] was fortifying himself at St. _Anne_ about Thirty-five miles from us, I was resolved to give him time to fortifie so much, that he might think himself secure enough to stand us (that we might not perpetually be put to the toyl of hunting them in the Woods), and yet so that he might not be able to give us any strong resistance: which accordingly being done, I sent a Party of Stout, Well and Willing men, under the command of Major _Richard Steevens_ to whom about Sixty of our Officers joyned, Volunteers, exceedingly desirous of action (after so long a cessation) who advanced to the place, very strongly situated on a Rock; as soon as the Enemies Centinels discovered them, they threw down their Arms, gave the Allarm to the Governour, who with the rest fled to the Woods, leaving behinde them all their Arms and Ammunition; so, finding the vanity of following them in the Woods and Mountains, we left them.
Before our Party came in, our Ships brought in a _Portugal_, running into _Cuba_, who examined, told me that there were Five hundred landed about the middle of _July_, that they had marched up the Countrey, and finding the scarcity of provisions (contrary to what was told them) were almost starved, had endeavoured to mutiny; and that about Three hundred of them were by the _Spanish_ Commanders returned to a place called the _Chareras_, in the _North_, over against _Cuba_, where they first landed, where was their Magazine and Provisions, and more men and Provisions dayly expected, where likewise they were fortified and received their relief, which he had twice carried them.
Upon this intelligence, I met the Party coming home, and dismissing about a hundred to their plantations (which wanted them) I shipped the rest under the same command, on board the _Indian_, and went myself with them for the better carrying on and expediting the business.
The 24 of _October_ we set sail from Cagway Point, and the thirty stood over against the place. Early in the morning we spied a Sail from _Cuba_ running into the place we were bound for, who had come with relief, but told them he could not unlade himself because he saw Ships at Sea. Our Party landed Six miles below the place intended, there being no place nearer, and marcht on; who ere they had marched Two miles, were saluted with a round Volley out of a wood, at which ours, prepared for before by their Orders, never made stand, but fired in boldly at the Ambuscade, in which the Enemy had Four wounded, we One; the Captain with the rest made hast to their Fort, and ours so fast after them, that onely the Captain and Four of the forty could get in.
Our Party found them very well prepared with Matches lighted in the Stockadoes (for that is the manner of their fortification, with great Trees and Flankers) ours leaving a Third for a reserve, without any gradual approaches, presently ran up to their Work, and with their Musquets possest as much advantage, as the Enemy (the Work being not at all Lined) between whom for the Space of near Three quarters of an hour was a stiff dispute, till some of ours with the help of Hatchets (which they were ordered to carry) made a Breach and entred; as soon as the Enemy saw that, they betook themselves to run over the Rocks, leaping into the Sea, and shifting for themselves (though the Officers endeavoured to rally them) yet made not such hast, but that they left One hundred and twenty, or thereabouts dead on the place, and many wounded, amongst whom were most of the Officers; _the Mastre del Campe Don Francis De Prencia_, by means of a Prisoner of ours, whom he kept by him, got quarter, and some others whom we found in the Rocks whom (though we had received barbarous usage from them) we could not kill in cold blood.
We took here Thirty-three barrels of Powder, with Match and Bullet proportionable, and good Store of Bread and Salt, and likewise their Musters, their Commissaries book; which Powder, and what we took before from the Governour, within less than Two Barrels did ballance the Commissaries Accompt, so that they were wholly deprived of that. And that which did more indear our Success; we had onely Four men killed, and about Ten wounded, some whereof I have sent home, and humbly and earnestly desire they may be provided for.
After I had refresht the men, I put them aboard again, and with small
## Parties in several little Boats, Scoured all the Coast, and left them
that fled neither Boats nor time to get away; since which time some are come in to us almost starved. The _Negroes_ formerly their Slaves, using them roughly, and denying them Provisions, so that I saw a Letter from _Don Francis de Liva_, the Deputy-Governor, to one of his former Slaves, wofully bemoaning the condition of his Majesties Infantry, and giving him the title of Worship at every word; to such a necessity are they reduced, and we have not been idle to pursue them in all quarters, though we now lie still for want of Shooes, if there should any more of the Enemy come, which we have reason to expect; for that I find by Letters, that the Governour of _Cuba_ _Don Peter de Bayona_ being an old Souldier in _Italy_, doth not onely heartilie solicite it, but makes a great benefit by it, having received money from the _Vice Roy_, for the payment of Three Moneths to the Souldiers, according to their Kings express command, whereof they never received any; and since that, hath received Twenty thousand pieces of _Eight_ from the _Vice Roy_ for levying more men. I shall not fail in my endeavours to prepare for their coming, and doubt not, but that the King of Spains lessening his Garrisons, may in time produce good effect to our Nation.
I have sent the _Mastre del Campe_, the Colours, some Paper and Letters; he is the onely man hereabouts, and hath chiefly advised in this relief, and therefore I hope shall not be released till we are better settled. I had almost forgot to acquaint your Honour that the enemy at their first coming, sent a Lieutenant and two more, to scatter Papers amongst our Souldiers signifying that who would come to them, should have fair quarter and transport; who being met withall by some of our Hunters, were all kil’d, and so that hopefull design of theirs had no effect: And that the Governour of _Porto Rico_, having set One hundred men to demand some _English_, living in new _Turtola_, a Coloney of the _Dutch_, being refused to have them delivered up, was in his return cast away by the _Hericane_, one onely _Mulatto_ escaped. The King of Spains Affairs do very much fail in these parts, and his Trade is almost brought to nothing, by the many private Men of War of _English_ and _French_ and ours are still abroad to annoy them.
All I have more is, onely to intreat your Honour, and all our Friends with us, to magnifie the goodness of God, who hath given yett by his glimmering, some hopes, that he altogether hath not forgotten us, but doth, and will at length continue to own his Servants, who trust in him, and to subscribe myself,
Your most Obedient and Faithfull Servant, EDWARD DOYLEY.
_Cagway, Feb. 3, 1657._
In spite of the fact that Doyley felt aggrieved at having been twice superseded by Cromwell in military command (by Sedgwick and by Brayne, both avowed followers of Cromwell) and at not being appointed actual governor, and showed his resentment by asking to be allowed to return home, he loyally did his best for the infant colony which fate had more than once entrusted to his care; and it was owing to the wise and prompt methods he pursued that the last serious attempt made by the Spaniards to retake Jamaica was frustrated.
In the May of 1658, Spanish reinforcements of troops from Spain, consisting of thirty small companies making in all about one thousand men, landed at the mouth of the =Rio Novo= in St. Mary, where they erected a fort of some strength on a rocky eminence near the sea and not far from the west bank of the river.
The account of the occurrence given by Long, which is relied on by later historians, is taken from the letter which Doyley sent home; and it is better, therefore, to give the description in Doyley’s own words, which, though not printed in the “Calendar of State Papers,” are given by Thurloe:
Right Honourable,
[Illustration:
RIO NOVO ]
The 8th of May last the Spaniards made good my intelligence to your honour, by landing thirty captaines, thirty alferes, and thirty companyes of foote, at a place called Rio Nova, in the north of this island, who were there about 12 days, before they were discovered; at which tyme our ships playing up and downe, saw three sayle of Spanish in that bay, and made an attempt to have boarded them; but being becalmed could not effect it. That night the Spaniards stole away, and a ship came out to acquaint me therewith. I immediately called a counsell of warr, as the affair did importune; and we debated, whether it were most advantageous to assault them presently, or let them partake of the distemper and want of the country; and when sickness had weakened them, to attempt them then, though much might have beene and was urged, how invaders were to be used with delayes, &c., the exceeding desire of the officers and soldiers to be doing with them, cut of all debates, and termed a sudden resolution to fall on them, before they were fortified; so I comanded out 750 officers and souldiers; and on the 11th of June last, wee set sayle from this harbour towards them, and on the 22d in the morning wee attempted the landing on a bay, which was defended by 2 companies and 2 captains within half shott of their cannon playing from their fort. Our forelorne went on with such gallantry, and kept into the water with so much chearfullness, that perswaded the enemy they would not be denyed entrance, and so they ranne, leaving one of their captaines and about 23 slaine; the other were took wounded, who dyed since. Then we made all the hast, and in a hour landed our men, their cannon playing all the while with little successe. That day we spent in playing upon their fort from our ships, though the place being of so vast an height, they could bear to doe them little harme. The next day understanding their numbers to be more than ours, we were at a stand how to attempt them, having fortified themselves and having 6 pieces of ordnance, and a river to passe, the depth whereof we knew not. Wherefore after our ladders were made, and other things fitted as well as we could, in the evening I sent a drummer, partly to discover the depth of the river he was to passe, with this summons:
Sir, being here with the forces of the mighty prince, the protector of England and the dominions thereunto belonging, I doe, in his name and for his use, require and summon you to deliver up the fort of Rio Novo, with the ordnance and amunition therein; assuring you honourable termes and transport to your country; which, if you shall refuse, I shall be acquitted of the bloud shall be shed. I expect the returne of my drummer in an hower, and am,
Your very humble servant, E. D.
For Don Christopher Arnoldo Sasi, Commander in chiefe of the Spanish Forces.
Who was very civilly treated; the generall gave him twenty-five pieces of eight, and sent me a jarr of sweate meates, and this answere:
Lord generall don Christopher Arnoldo & Sasi, Governor for his majestie the king of Spayne, my lord of the island of Jamaica, answering to your letter, wherein you require me to deliver the fort of Rio nova, and what else is therein, I say, that his majestie, whom God preserve, hath appointed me for governor of this island, being his owne property, and hath remitted me unto it a regiment of Spanish infantry, and twenty foote companies to defend it. The forts and castles of his majestie are not yielded with so much facility hitherto. I have received noe batteries, nor have you made any advance. I want noe powder, ball, provisions, nor gallant men, that know how to dye before they be overcome. God keepe your honour many years in those commands that you desire.
Don Christopher Sasi Arnoldo.
To the generall Mons. Doyley, governor of the forces of England, these.