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Francis Drake's Last Stand: The Battle Of San Juan (1595)
Imagine you are living in the 16th century, when Spain and England are locked in a fierce war for global domination. You are a resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a strategic island that guards the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the riches of the Spanish Empire. You have heard of the exploits of Sir Francis Drake, the most feared and famous English privateer who has raided and plundered many Spanish colonies and ships. You have also heard of his defeat at Lisbon in 1589, when he failed to capture the Portuguese capital from Spain. You wonder if he will ever come to your island, and what will happen if he does.
One day, in November 1595, you see a fleet of 27 ships flying the English flag approaching your bay. You recognize Drake's ship, Defiance, among them. You know he has come with 2,500 men to loot and burn your city. You rush to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the massive fortress that protects your harbor. There you join 350 Spanish soldiers and militia who are ready to defend your home. You see Admiral Pedro Tello de Guzmán commanding five frigates in the bay, blocking Drake's entrance. You see Admiral Gonzalo Méndez de Cauzo commanding the forts on land, firing their cannons at the enemy ships. You see Governor Pedro Suárez Coronel leading the troops on the ground, repelling Drake's landing attempts.
You are about to witness one of the most epic battles in Caribbean history, when Drake met his match in San Juan. This is the story of how a small Spanish garrison held off a mighty English invasion, and how Drake's reputation as invincible was shattered by the brave defenders of Puerto Rico.
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By Iberius PoloniusImagine you are living in the 16th century, when Spain and England are locked in a fierce war for global domination. You are a resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a strategic island that guards the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the riches of the Spanish Empire. You have heard of the exploits of Sir Francis Drake, the most feared and famous English privateer who has raided and plundered many Spanish colonies and ships. You have also heard of his defeat at Lisbon in 1589, when he failed to capture the Portuguese capital from Spain. You wonder if he will ever come to your island, and what will happen if he does.
One day, in November 1595, you see a fleet of 27 ships flying the English flag approaching your bay. You recognize Drake's ship, Defiance, among them. You know he has come with 2,500 men to loot and burn your city. You rush to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the massive fortress that protects your harbor. There you join 350 Spanish soldiers and militia who are ready to defend your home. You see Admiral Pedro Tello de Guzmán commanding five frigates in the bay, blocking Drake's entrance. You see Admiral Gonzalo Méndez de Cauzo commanding the forts on land, firing their cannons at the enemy ships. You see Governor Pedro Suárez Coronel leading the troops on the ground, repelling Drake's landing attempts.
You are about to witness one of the most epic battles in Caribbean history, when Drake met his match in San Juan. This is the story of how a small Spanish garrison held off a mighty English invasion, and how Drake's reputation as invincible was shattered by the brave defenders of Puerto Rico.