Chapter 15.2 – Maracaibo, part III
Fireship at Maracaibo (cropped) | by Geo. Alfred Williams T he prospect of trying to force a way past the Spanish blockade could not have been a pleasant one for Admiral Morgan. He expected word of his activity in Lake Maracaibo to reach other Spanish settlements in the region. Then it would be only a matter of time before he would have to face an even larger Spanish force. Morgan remained undaunted, however, and wrote a message to the commander of the Spanish squadron. He demanded safe passage to the sea along with payment of a ransom for the town of Maracaibo. He threatened if the ransom was not paid, to set the town aflame. Don Alonso responded two days later. He explained his position and offered free passage to the privateers so long as they returned all their booty. The following are excerpts from a translation of the Spanish commander’s 24 Apr 1669 letter. (There are two versions of this letter, but
