His sad end was not the result of any rashness on his part; for he, indeed, had told the men that the vessel carried many guns, and that it was too rash an enterprise.

The sailors, however, had by this time become so accustomed to victory as to despise the Dons altogether, and insisted upon going forward.
It was with bitter lamentation and regret that they returned, bringing the body of the admiral's brother.

They were now at the end of the year, and in this week no less than six of the company died, among whom was Joseph Drake, another of the admiral's brothers.

These losses saddened the crew greatly, and even the treasures which they had amassed now seemed to them small, and of little account.

Even those who did not take the fever were much cast down, and Captain Drake determined, without any further loss, to attempt the expedition on which he had set his mind.
On February 3rd, being Shrove Tuesday, he started with eighteen English and thirteen Simeroons for Panama.