Henry Morgan Strikes Again, This Time its Panama City

The notorious privateer of England, Sir Henry Morgan

In the mist of a peace treaty between Spain and England, there was still hatred withheld by the Spaniards. Their hatred was fueled by none other then Sir Henry Morgan who wreaked havoc among the Spanish by looting and raiding their towns. Shortly after the treaty, Spanish privateers began to cause trouble to English interests in the Caribbean which involved Panama. Therefore, England commissioned the well known privateer Henry Morgan to defend their interest as Admiral and Commander in Chief, while also giving him permission to destroy anything that would "tend to the preservation and quiet of the island."

The Attack On The Fortress of San Lorenzo

Drawing of Sir Henry and his men taking control of The Fortress of San Lorenzo by Josh (Wordpress)

In order for Morgan to reach Panama City, he had to first find his way to take control of the Fortress of San Lorenzo so that he could travel through the forest and the Chagres River to get to Panama. On January 6th, 1671, Morgan's crew began their attack on the fortress. Morgan and his men swiftly killed 300 garrisons and leaving only 23 alive so that they could continue their march to Panama City. 

The Last Attack

Early in the morning on January 28th, 1671, Henry Morgan's men reached the gates of Panama City. Little did they know, Don Juan Perez de Guzman, the President of the city's council, organized a defense to fend off Morgan's attack. Henry being the strategist of war he was knew not to attack the front with all his men, so he sent them to capture the hill around the city. Guzman on the other hand, had a secret weapon consisting of two herds oxen which were to stampede towards the buccaneers, but they easily turned the herds back to the city. In the end, Morgan was victorious amounting 500 deaths for the Spaniards but only fifth teen privateers. Although Don Juan burned down the city and fled with Panama's treasure, Morgan was able to find a total value of 30,000 piece of 8 in silver and gold.

Henry Morgan's Punishment

As Morgan and his men made it back to Jamaica, they were looked upon as heroes but Spain had a different point of view. In April 1672 Morgan was arrested and sent back to England so that the British could appease Spain since they violated the peace treaty. Back in London, Sir Henry waited two years to learn what his fate was. Even though he was arrested, he was never imprisoned and was able to visit friends and family.

Sources:

• Sack of Panama
• Sir Henry Morgan Pose
• Drawing of Sir Henry Morgan & his men