Hi Toolbox,
This post is for you, especially as it is in your realm.
I have in my possession an old book dated 1792, it contains amongst other items the Logs and exploits of Drake, he who conquered the Spanish Armada.
Before Drake became famous, he ventured on slave trading voyages with his cousin,
Sir John Hawkins.
During the years 1568-69, they were anchored off the coast of Hispaniola(Cuba), riding out a powerful storm, which I suspect was their name for a Hurricane.
There were six ships in this convoy, The Judith, the Jesus and the Minion accompanied by three smaller armed traders.
The following account is taken from Drakes log;
We were blown by stress of weather from our anchorage off Hispaniola, to the island of St. John De Alloa, which is just off the then Spanish port of Vera Cruz, the Leeward side of this island being a safe anchorage.
Drake and his company anchored here to make repairs to their ships, while stationed there a Flottila of fourteen Spanish sail arrived in the harbour of Vera Cruz.
This flotilla brought the New Spanish Viceroy for the territory of Mexico.
The Spanish fearing that Drake and his ships were there to attack the fleet, arranged terms with Drake and hostages were given from both parties to arrange a peace.
The hostages were six English officers/Gentlemen for the Spanish and six Spanish officers/Gentlemen for the Spanish.
The arrangement went well for approx. six weeks, it was then that the Spanish flotilla was preparing to leave, this Flotilla was later to become renowned as the Treasure fleet.
The Spanish killed their English Hostages and prepared to leave harbour, Drake and his convoy were at anchor, when the Spanish launched two fire ships into their midst, it goes on to say that Drake was embarrased by his moorings,ie he could not make sail because of the contrary winds.
The Spanish ships started firing on the helpless English, sinking two of the armed traders and seriously damaging the Minion and Jesus.
However Drake finally managed to escape his morrings and immediately turned on the Spanish.
He Sank the Spanish Admirals ship which was hit in its' magazine and exploded with the loss of all hands, he then turned on the Spanish vice admiral also sinking her in the harbour.
Drake then rescued crew from the Minion and jesus and made good their escape, eventually returning to England as Heroes!!.
The point of all this Toolbox, what or where is the final resting place of the Large galleons which Drake sank and which were loaded with Treasure??
happy hunting
Crowsnest.
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