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Chapter 346 Manila Galleon 2

"There are also many huge countries and kings in the New World who are unwilling to trade with us, but in the end, didn't they agree?"

Although he did not catch up with the early stages of the development of the New World and did not participate in any large-scale battles with local indigenous groups, Colonel Escalante served in the Viceroyalty of Peru for more than four years and was very familiar with the fighting capabilities of the indigenous people. Naturally, the Ming Dynasty was placed on the same level as the indigenous kingdoms of the New World.

If it is not very weak, why has the Ming fleet never appeared on the ocean? Shouldn't a powerful country be like Spain, which neither gives up land nor sea?

"Well... the Ming Dynasty may be stronger than any indigenous country. It has a huge army, but their emperor doesn't seem to allow its citizens to trade freely across the sea.

For specific reasons why you waited until you arrived at Manila Port, you can go to the streets where the Chinese live and ask. Don’t worry, they are very friendly, and many of them have joined the Society of Jesus and are going to worship. "

Angelo really couldn't answer this question. All he knew about the Ming Dynasty was basically what he heard from the Chinese in Manila. In fact, he had never been to the Ming Dynasty once, or even been close to it.

"A huge army! This makes me a little interested. You have to know that in the Viceroyalty of Peru, 30 fully armed Spanish soldiers can attack a small city. On the Felipe Islands, there are thousands A Spanish soldier!"

Finally hearing the words that interested him very much, Colonel Escalante immediately woke up from his decadent state. He stood up straight and took out his telescope and stretched it to the starboard side of the ship, where Captain Angelo said it was. The Ming Empire.

"..." Looking at the obviously over-excited Captain Angelo, he shook his head slightly and planned to go for a tour below the deck first and then go back to the cabin to sleep for a while.

"Hey, Captain, we seem to have a companion!" But just as he turned around and walked to the stairs, the colonel on the side of the ship exclaimed.

"...Did you see the whale?" Angelo did not look back. There were only Spanish silver ships, or Manila galleons, on this route, and it was one-way. The return route is closer to the Kuroshio belt in the north. The only companions we can call are whales and a rare and strange army!

"No, no, no, Angelo, come and see, why are their sails black?" But Colonel Escalante obviously didn't want to end the topic, and shouted again with a higher voice.

"...Gonzalez!" The captain, who was still a little slack at first, stopped immediately when he heard the word sail and stretched out his hand to the first mate on the poop.

"Yes, Captain!" The first mate quickly took out a slender cylinder wrapped in a leather sheath from under the helm and ran over holding it in both hands.

This kind of telescope, said to be invented by the Dutch and made by the Italians, is very easy to use. It can increase people's vision several times or more than ten times, allowing them to take in a panoramic view of scenes that are usually invisible or unclear.

It is especially useful for lookouts and captains on sailing ships. Being able to detect land, islands, ships and enemies in advance and making preparations as early as possible can ensure the lives of everyone on the ship.

Naturally, something that can save lives must be very expensive, and even a wealthy Spanish voyage captain cannot afford one. Captain Angelo was fortunate in that, because of the importance of the Montanis, he was issued two telescopes, the other to be used by the lookout on the mast.

Of course, nobles like Colonel Escalante can not only own telescopes, but also choose more exquisite and compact models. From the appearance, they must be the masterpieces of Milanese craftsmen, and they are expensive. "...Colonel, I'm afraid we're in trouble!" Captain Angelo only used the telescope for a few dozen seconds to make a rough judgment.

"Are they pirates?" Colonel Escalante did not show the slightest panic, still holding the telescope with both hands and watching intently. The word "trouble" is not too serious, it belongs to the category that can be solved.

Although this Manila galleon is not a main battleship, it has been traveling in the waters of the East Indies for decades and has encountered countless man-made troubles without ever being in danger, which is enough to prove its safety.

In fact, after nearly three months of boring journey, a little interruption is not only not a trouble, but also an interesting experience. After all, I will have to live and work on this archipelago for at least three years in the future. Pirates are inevitable opponents. It is better to see them sooner rather than later.

"I'm afraid not. The pirates here won't be equipped with so many naval guns. I'm not sure yet. The ship is low and slender, a bit like a Dutch ocean-going ship. But there are too many guns, and it is different from the British. Privateers are similar, but the sails are different. As far as I know, there are no British ships in this area..."

Perhaps influenced by the Colonel's optimistic and relaxed state, Captain Angelo also calmed down his nervousness and once again raised his telescope to carefully examine the characteristics of the opponent's ship from the starboard side.

Speaking of one-on-one, the Manila galleon is really not afraid of any ship in the Pacific and East Indies waters. Even if it cannot be defeated in an artillery battle, there are dozens of regular troops on board. During the battle, these well-trained Spanish Soldiers will make pirates and privateers regret it.

"Angelo, don't care about my feelings. You are the captain when it comes to commanding ship operations. Now I authorize you to take over the entire Montanis and prepare to fight!" Colonel Escalante finally had enough and put down his telescope. In his capacity as captain, orders were given to the running captain.

"It is a great honor to work with you... Please be assured that the Manila galleon and the honor of the King of Spain will not be lost in my hands. Gonzalez, sound the alarm and prepare to starboard to meet the enemy!"

Angelo accepted this order very happily and resolutely. It is not only my own honor to meet such a reasonable and noble captain, but also the luck of all the sailors.

Although the one-on-one Manila Galleon is not afraid of any opponent, if the captain makes a major mistake in command, it will still cause great losses, including failure, capture, death in battle, etc.

As the ship's bell rang rapidly, the deck and various decks suddenly fell into chaos. The sailors on duty climbed up the mast one by one and stood at their respective mast positions, ready to obey the boatswain's instructions and fold the heavy canvas together.

The gunners flocked to the gun deck in groups, first blowing out the charcoal basin, and then checking whether the track and rope of the gun carriage were smooth. Some sailors were transporting the swivel gun from the bottom to the deck.

These small artillery pieces, which are light in weight, have fine caliber and are flexible in operation, will be fixed on the forecastle and stern tower turrets. When the two ships approach within 70 steps, they will spray iron sand and stones on the enemy's deck, causing great damage to the active forces. Area damage.

Then it was time for the Spanish soldiers to come on stage. Under the cover of swivel guns, matchlocks and flintlocks, they would set up a springboard and rush to the opposite deck to fight at close range with cold weapons until all the enemies surrendered.

(End of this chapter)