The command of the ships and settlers was given to Captain Christopher Newport, a famous seaman, who in 1591 had brought into the port of London the treasure-laden carrack the Madre de Dios, taken by Raleigh's ship the Roe Buck.
"England in America, 1580-1652"
Lyon Gardiner Tyler
Cumberland's ships, after harassing the carrack on all sides, ranged up against her; twice was she boarded, and twice were the assailants driven out.
"The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1"
Frederick Whymper
According to the English account there were more than 1,100 on board the carrack, when she left Loanda, of whom only fifteen were saved!
"The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1"
Frederick Whymper