Attack on Veracruz

[2] While the fleet was anchored offshore, de Graaf and Yankey Willems were landed some distance from the town and waited until early the following morning.

[3] On the second day of plundering, the Spanish treasure fleet, composed of numerous warships, appeared on the horizon.

The pirates retreated with hostages to the nearby Isla de Sacrificios and waited for ransoms.

Impatient that payments did not arrive immediately, Van Hoorn ordered the execution of a dozen prisoners and had their heads sent to Veracruz as a warning.

[5] Finally, giving up on further plunder, the pirates departed, slipping past the Spanish without hindrance.