sep 25, 1625 - Dutch invade San Juan, Puerto Rico

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On September 24, 1625, the Dutch, under the leader ship of Boudewijn Hendricks, attacked San Juan, besieging Fort San Felipe Del Moro and La Fortaleza. Residence fled the city but the Spanish, led by Governor Juan de Haro, were able to repel the Dutch troops from Fort Sam Felipe Del Moro.

Hendricks sent a message to the governor of Puerto Rico, Juan de Haro, ordering him to surrender the island. De Haro refused; he was an experienced military man and expected an attack in the section known as Boqueron. He therefore had that area fortified. However, the Dutch too another route and landed in La Puntilla.

On September 25, Hendricks attached San Juan, besieging El Morro Castle and La Fortaleza (the Governor's Mansion). He invaded the capital city and set up his headquarters in La Fortaleza. The Dutch were counterattacked by the civilian militia on land and by the cannons of the Spanish troops in El Morro Castle.

The land battle left 60 Dutch soldiers dead and Hendricks with a sword wound to his neck which he received from the hands of Amézqueta. The Dutch ships at sea were boarded by Puerto Ricans, who defeated those aboard. After a long battle, the Spanish soldiers and volunteers of the city's militia were able to defend the city from attack and save the island from invasion. On October 21, Hendricks se La Fortaleza and the city ablaze. Captains Amézqueta and Andrés Botello decided to put a stop to the destruction and led 200 men in an attack against the enemy's front and rear guard. They drove Hendricks and his men from their trenches and into the ocean in haste to reach their ships. Hendricks upon his retreat left behind him one of his largest ships, stranded, and over 400 dead. He then tried to invate the island by attacking the town of Aguada. He was again defeated by the local militia and abandoned the idea of invading Puerto Rico.

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