Wind Rises in North America 1625

Chapter 264: Aftermath (Part )

December 12, Lima, Peru.

"...According to accurate information from the port of Acapulco, the expeditionary fleet sent by the Viceroyalty of New Spain did suffer a very heavy defeat."

"After a long and arduous voyage, the fleet, without much rest, launched an attack on the pirate port, attempting to overwhelm the pirates' defenses in one fell swoop. However, the fleet encountered strong resistance from the pirate coastal batteries, and several ships were damaged. The 'Light of Dawn' was severely damaged and captured by the pirates."

"A few days later, the fleet landed on a remote beach northeast of the pirate stronghold. However, within two days, they encountered a pirate army head-on. After a fierce battle, the over 1,200 landing troops were nearly... annihilated."

"...Just as the expeditionary fleet hastily concluded the war and prepared to return to Mexico, it was counterattacked by the pirate army. ...Oh, sir, you may not imagine, the pirates sent out a large ship, chasing the expeditionary fleet's six warships all the way to the Baja California Peninsula."

"Throughout the return journey, the expeditionary fleet was repeatedly attacked by the pirate ship and lost two warships near San Diego Bay and the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. They fled back to Acapulco Harbor in a very embarrassing manner."

"Although the Viceroyalty of New Spain has not announced the specific losses, information leaked from various sources confirms that the expeditionary fleet suffered over 1,800 casualties, three ships, and countless combat equipment and supplies."

"...Well, of course, a considerable portion of these casualties were caused by illness or accidents during the voyage. But regardless, it is an indisputable fact that the expeditionary fleet suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of pirates."

After saying this, Plutarco Elias Terrazas respectfully handed the information in his hand to the man on the recliner, and then waited quietly for his instructions.

"Haha, they actually won the war." A strange look flashed in Pedro del Alamober's eyes.

"Sir..." Terrazas didn't hear what he said clearly.

"Perhaps, from now on, our Spanish American territory will officially welcome a new neighbor."

"..."

"Dear Plutarco, what do you think about the attack on Panama City half a month ago?" Pedro del Alamobo took the news and placed it on the low table next to the recliner, then looked at the other party inquiringly.

"Oh, you're talking about the night of the 17th of last month when Panama City was attacked, looted, and burned to the ground?" Terrazas said with a hint of sympathy. "It was a huge tragedy for us, the Viceroy of Peru, and for all the residents of Panama City."

"Although the attackers didn't seize the gold and silver shipped from Peru, they still completely looted this wealthy city. It's said they even took away the iron pots and shovels from the residents' homes."

"...In addition to looting property, the attackers also committed a horrific massacre, brutally killing more than 400 people. Hundreds of poor women and children were also abducted, turning the entire city into a terrible hell."

"Haha..." Pedro smiled and sat up from the recliner. "Actually, what I want to ask is, who was responsible for this attack?"

"...Who did it?" Terrazas was stunned for a moment, then said, "Some say a group of English pirates attacked Panama City, while others say a nearby Indian tribe was responsible. Some even say the pirates colluded with the Indians, attacking Panama City from both land and sea, which is how they captured the city."

"So what's your verdict?"

"My guess?" Terrazas looked at him hesitantly, his brows slightly furrowed. "My guess is that a group of English pirates, while launching a raid on Panama City, happened to encounter surrounding Indians also attacking Panama City. So..."

"Do you think it's impossible for the pirates to have planned with the Indians beforehand and then launch a joint attack on Panama City?" "Yes, it's unlikely that the pirates would collude with the Indians." Terrazas thought for a moment and said affirmatively: "First, those Indians may not trust the pirates, which is the basis for cooperation between the two sides. Secondly, even if they want to unite, how to contact and communicate on this matter is a big problem. Finally..."

"continue!"

"The last and most crucial point is that the pirates arrived in such a hurry that they had no time to connect with the local Indians. Therefore, it was impossible for the two sides to conspire and work together to attack Panama City."

"What if the pirates had connections with those Indian tribes before?"

"Sir, how is this... possible?"

"Some things may seem incredible, but they are often... as they should be."

“…” Terrazas was stunned when he heard this.

"I suspect the Panama City attack is likely related to Xinhua."

"Xinhua?" Terrazas was surprised. "Sir, you mean that the pirate group in the north planned the Panama attack? But I heard that those pirates are from England..."

"Perhaps, when the pirates from England were preparing to attack Panama City, they happened to encounter Xinhua, who was also planning to attack Panama with their Indian allies. So, in the end..."

"In the end, the three of them joined forces and launched an attack on Panama City from both land and sea, thus capturing this wealthy city?" Terrazas had an expression of disbelief.

"Haha, these are just my inferences, and they may not reflect the truth of the whole matter." Pedro paced back and forth in the room. "But I have a strong feeling that the attack in Panama City must be related to Xinhua. Yes, there is no reason, but I just feel that this must have been done by Xinhua people."

"Sir, if this attack was truly carried out by the Xinhua, then the Viceroyalty of Peru will certainly take retaliatory measures," Terrazas said worriedly. "Perhaps Governor de Cabrera will choose to join forces with the Viceroyalty of New Spain and jointly send troops to attack the Xinhua."

"No, the Governor General will not make the same mistake as the Mexican authorities," Pedro said firmly. "Even the Viceroyalty of New Spain deployed such a large force, and it was still difficult to wipe out the Xinhua Group, let alone our Viceroyalty of Peru."

"The vast distance is the greatest strength of the New Chinese. Even a powerful kingdom would be unable to launch an expedition against an enemy so far away."

"Plutarco, I have a hunch. With the end of this war—yes, there's no doubt it's over after the expeditionary fleet suffered a crushing defeat—the New Chinese will gain de facto control of the territories they occupy. They might establish an autonomous government independent of any power, or perhaps they'll simply establish a country."

"At that time, they might gain official recognition from the Kingdom of Spain, and of course, they might also gain some commercial benefits. All of this is an opportunity for us to continue to expand our business territory."

"Commercial interests?" Terrazas vaguely grasped something in his mind. "Sir, are you saying... that the New Chinese will gain some degree of trading rights in the Americas?"

"Yes," Pedro nodded and said, "However, based on the principle of territoriality, the Viceroyalty of New Spain may grant the Chinese in New Spain the right to engage in limited trade in Mexico. Of course, to avoid criticism, this trading right may not be stated in the peace talks between the two sides, and there will also be restrictions on the transaction quantity, types of transactions, and frequency of transactions."

"But no matter what, with the cooperative relationship we have previously established with the New Chinese, we will be able to grab the largest share of commercial benefits. Perhaps from now on, we will be able to get a foothold in the seamless Atlantic trade circle (the transatlantic smuggling network) and create a business empire belonging to our Alamober family."

(End of this chapter)