After a sharp conflict, the Spaniards took refuge in the bay of Matanzas and, running the galleons into shoal-water, tried to convey the rich cargoes on shore.

It was in vain.

The Dutch sailors, taking to their boats, boarded the galleons and compelled them to surrender.

The spoil was of enormous value, comprising 177,537 lbs.

of silver, 135 lbs.