A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 17

ence.--In December, 1744, we embark for Europe in the Lys French Frigate.--The Vessel leaky

e had a numerous acquaintance in the city, and in general received many civilities from the inhabitants. There are a great many people of fashion, and very good families from Old Spain settled here. A lady lived next door to us, whose name was Donna Francisca Giron; and as my name sounded something like it, she would have it that we were parientes. She had a daughter, a very fine young wom

here are few who constantly practise it that die a natural death. The bulls are always the wildest that can be brought in from the mountains or forests, and have nothing on their horns to prevent their piercing a man at the first stroke, as they have at Lisbon. I have seen a man, when the bull came at him with the utmost fury, spring directly over the beast's head, and perform this feat several times, and

ed, I carried the marks for a long time after. I durst not take the least notice of this at the time, for had I made any disturbance, I should have been knocked on the head. This kind lady immediately after mixed with the crowd, and I never could find out who had done me that favour. I have seen fifty or sixty penitents following these processions; they wear a long white garment with a long train to it, and high caps of the same, which fall down before and cover all their faces, having only two small holes

hey all spoke in the highest terms of the kind treatment they had received; and it is natural to imagine, that it was chiefly owing to that laudable example of humanity our reception here was so good. They had never had any thing but privateers and buccaneers amongst them before, who handled their

hat Captain Cheap had been allowed by the president six reals a day, and we had four for our maintenance the whole time we were at St Jago, which money we took up as we wanted it. Our journey back was much pleasanter than we found it when we were first brought hither, as we had now no mules to drive. The first person I met, upon our entrance into Valparaiso, was the poor soldier whom I mentioned to have been so kind to us when we were i

near the equator. We were now bound to Conception, in order to join three other French ships that were likewise bound home. As this was a time of the year when the southerly winds prevailed upon this coast, we stood off a long way to the westward, making the island of Juan Fernandez. We did not get into the Bay of Conception till the 6th of January, 1745, where we anchored at Talcaguana, and there found the Louis Erasme, the Marquis d'

est anchoring-place is Talcaguana, the southernmost neck of the bay, in five or six fathom water, good holding ground, and where you are sheltered from the northerly winds. The town has no other defence but a low battery, which only commands the ancho

te is so venomous, that I have seen from it some of the most shocking sights I ever saw in my life; and it certainly proves mortal, if proper remedies are not applied in time. I was once bit by one on the cheek whilst asleep, and presently after all that part of my face turned as black as ink. I was cured-by the application of a

possibility of stopping it without returning into port, and lightening her till they could come at it. Accordingly we separated from the other ships, and made the best of our way for Valparaiso, keeping all hands at the pump night and day, passengers and all. However, as it happened, this proved a lucky circumstance for the Lys, as the three other ships were taken, and which certain

almost insupportable. After doubling the cape, we got but slowly to the northward; and indeed, at the best of times, the ship never went above six knots, for she was a heavy-going thing. On the 27th of May we crossed the Line, when finding that our water was grown extremely short, and that it would be almost impossible to reach Europe without a supply, it was resolved to bear away for Martinico. On the 29th of June, in the morning, we made the island of Tobago, and then shaped a course for Martinico, and on the first of July, by our reckonings, expected to see it, but were disappointed. This was imputed to the currents, which, whether they had set the ship to the eastward or westward, nobody could tell; but, upo

w an English cruizer before long. In about half an hour after, we saw two sail to leeward from, off the quarter-deck, for they kept no look-out from the mast-head, and we presently observed they were in chace of us. The French and Spaniards on board now began to grow a good deal alarmed, when it fell stark calm, but not before the ships had neared us so much, that we plainly discerned them to be English men of war, the

th little lumps of gold, desiring I would take them, as they said they had much rather I should benefit by them, whom they were acquainted with, than those that chaced them. I told them there was time enough, though I thought they were as surely taken as if the English had been already on board. A fine moonlight night came on, and we expected every

remembered since the war, that the cape had been without one or two English privateers cruising off it; and but the evening before two of them had taken two outward-bound St

four died, for there is no part of the West Indies more unhealthy than this; yet the country is beautiful, and extremely well cultivated. After being here some

r took any kind of notice of Captain Cheap, though we met them every day ashore. One evening, as we were going aboard with the captain of our ship, a midshipman belonging to Monsi

iged Monsieur L'Etanducre to send a frigate to speak to all the convoy, and order them to keep close to him in the night, which they did, and in such a manner, that sometimes seven or eight of them were on board one another together, by which they received much damage; and to repair which, the whole squadron was obliged to lay-to sometimes for a

, and from thence ducked three times. He was then sent on board his ship again, with orders to keep his colours flying the whole day, in order to distinguish him from the rest. We were then told, that the person who was treated in this cruel manner was a young man of an exceeding good family in the south of France, and likewise a man of great spirit, and that he would not fail to call Monsieur L'Etanducre to an account when an opportunity should offer; and the affair made much noise in France afterwards. One day, the

, and we three English prisoners, who had no leave to go ashore. The weather was extremely cold, and felt particularly so to us, who had been so long used to hot climates; and what made it still worse, we were very thinly clad. We had neither fire nor candle, for they were allowed on board of no ship in the harbour for fear of accidents, being close to their magazines in the dock-yard. Some of the officers belonging to the ship were so kind as t

eagues up the river to Landernaw. At this town we were upon our parole, so took the best lodgings we could get, and lived very well for three months, when an order came from the court of Spain to allow us to return home by the first ship that offered. Upon this, hearing the

comfortable passage. About the ninth day, before sunset, we saw Dover, and reminded the Dutchman of his agreement to land us there. He said he would, but instead of that in the morning we were off the coast of France. We complained loudly of this piece of villainy, and insisted upon his returning to land us, when an English man of war appeared to windward, and presently bore down, to us. She sent her boat on board

on sharing the little money we had, it was found to be not sufficient to pay the charges to London; and my proportion fell so short, that it was, by calculation, barely enough to pay for horses, without a farthing for eating a bit upon t

r where to go next, or even how to pay the coachman. I recollected a linen-draper's shop, not far from thence, which our family had used. I therefore drove there next, and making myself known, they paid the coachman. I then enquired after our family, and was told my sister had married Lord Carlisle, and was

sufficient to appear like the rest of my countrymen; and till that time I could not be properly said to have finished all

UTH-SEAS, IN THE Y

TAI

agonia; setting out with upwards of eighty Souls in their Boats; the Loss of the Cutter; their Passage through the Streights of Magellan; an Account of their Manner of Living in the Voyage on Seals, Wild Horses, Dogs, &c. and the incredible Hardships they frequently underwent for want of Food of any Kind; a Description of the several Places where they touched

ious Observations, not taken Notice of by S

Persons concerned in t

LEY AND JO

nd Carpenter

hen Shipwreck was the worst; More Dangers now from Man alone we

ractions of the original throughout. The former are little different from the present standard, and the latter cannot give

EYS NA

RD VERNON, ESQ. VICE-A

i

h we have not the honour of being personally known to you, nor have appli

tish seamen, late officers in his majesty's navy, we thought we

from long experience, that a British seaman hath a s

lves to you, because they are written in a plain ma

e; and we question whether any navigators living have, for so long a continuan

ntry; but even here we are still unfortunate, destitute of employment, almost without support, or any prospect of being restored to our stat

and have many certificates to produce, that we have always acted in obedience to command; but the proceedings of the officers and people, since th

confidence of the unbiassed integrity, justice, and humanity of the

e written without the least shadow of prejudice or malice, and no more in favour of ourselves, than of

ment we met with from an enemy, a subject of Spain, a person of distinction, and a pas

family, and your country, to hazard your life in the most perilous expeditions, with no other motive than to ret

a terror to the enemies of Britain, an honour to his majesty's se

rable

ost du

ost o

e Ser

Bul

Cum

Y'S NAR

EF

induced us to this task, was to clear our characters, which have been exceedingly blemished by persons who, (next to Heaven) owe the preservation of their lives t

e have preserved it at the hazard of our lives; that there was no journal kept after the loss of the ship, by any officers but ourselves; and if we had

he loss of the Wager, there was a general disorder and confusion among the people, who were now no longer implicitly obedient. There were two seamen particularly, who propagated this confusion, they said they had suffered shipwreck in his majesty's ship the Biddeford, and received no wages from the day that the ship was lost; that when they were out of pay, they looked upon themselves as their

nging him home with us is reckoned worse; but the reader will find that necessity absolutel

esperate diseases require desperate remedies; had we gone to the northward, there appeared no probability of escaping the Spaniards, and when we had fallen into their hands, 'tis

e of understanding, are capable of committing to paper daily remarks of matter worthy their observation, especially of facts in which they themselves had so large a share. We only relate such things as

reat deal of it too; and had we been as indolent and regardless for the preservation of the people as others who were superior in

y had perused our journal, they found, if there was any mutiny in the case, the very person who accused us was the ringleader and chief mutineer. We were confident of our own innocence, and determined to see our country at all events, being positive that we have acted to the best of our understandi

esty's store-ships? That we had on board not only naval stores, but other kind of stores, of an immense value? Don't they also know that we went abroad with hopes of acquiring great riches, but are return'd home as poor as beggars? We are guilty of no indecent reproaches, or unmannerly reflections; though, it is certain, we cannot but lament our being engaged in so fatal an expedition. When persons h

rs have been esteemed merely for being marvellous. We have taken care to deviate from those, by having

ver so well attested, will not easily obtain credit; and people will hardly bel

now our fate; at present we are out of all employment, and have nothing to support ourselves and families, but the profits ar

TO THE SO

and two store-ships; this squadron was designed round Cape-Horn into the South Seas, to distress the Spaniards in those parts. The ships were all in prime order, a

and was saluted by every ship in the squadron, with thirteen guns each. This day joined company with us his

h the Winchester and the South- Sea-Castl

ompany with the Streig

th-east; the commodore gave a signal to chace, at nine fired two shots to bring 'e

and fired several guns a-head; soon after we saw the land bearing W. by

which is the metropolis of the island of Madeira; here we employed most of o

urable Captain Murray succeeded him in the Wager. Captain Norris of the Gloucester having obtained

s were judged to be French, and had been seen every day for a week before our arrival: The commodore sent out a

2Oth the Industry store-ship parted company, and on F

at noon, the northmost land in sight bore W.N.W., and the

harine bore N.W. by W., distant seven leagues, and

on the coast of Brazil, bearing N. by E., distant four leagues. On the 20th, we anchored in St Ca

commodore ordered fresh

the Rio Grand: While we lay here, the people were generally e

Catharine's, the commodore saluted the fort with

22d, we lost si

of Patagonia; St Julian's hill bearing S.W. by W., and the southmost land in sight S. by E., distant from the shore three leagues. This day ou

would prove in the end very far from their expectations, notwithstanding the vast treasure they imagined to gain by it; that it would end in poverty, vermin; famine,

threw overboard and stove fourteen tons of water; she likewise stove the long-boat, and threw her overboard, with oars, sails, and booms, and made all clear for engaging, but night coming on at seven o'clock lost sight of the enemy, at five in the morning saw the Spanish ships from the mast-head, two points on the lee-quarter, still giving chace, and crowding all the sail they could, but at

; at six in the morning, the commodore made signal to weigh, at eigh

cester came into t

island of Terra de Fuego, bore N.W., three leagues, and the west end of the islan

ink, on the 12th carried away the rails

Ann pink joined t

ucester broke her ma

ordered Mr Cummins, the carpe

the mast. Upon the rowl of a sea, all the chain-plates to windward broke, lat. 56, 31,

l islands; at eight in the morning the islands bore N.N.W., by the compass distant eight leagues, in the latitude

cutter, and canted her over the sheet's bottom up athwart the barge; it likewise half filled the long-boat; the boatswain was for heaving the cutter overboard, I order'd him to do nothing with her till I had acquainted the captain, who was then very ill in his cabin: The captain desired me to use all means to save the cutter; at the same time I ask'd leave to skuttle the long-boat, and ge

urprised Captain M----d should detain him, when he knows I must want him about my mizen-mast. The commodore told him he would speak with the Gloucester, and order him on board. He then ask'd the captain why he did not set the main-top-sail, and m

nion of the mast's going away. The carpenter look'd as order'd, and gave Captain C----p for answer, that the chain-plates were all broke. The captain shook his head, and said, Carpenter, that is not the reason of the mast's going away. The carpenter, not willi

the commodore's light. At six, being relieved by the master, he could not see the commodore's light, though it was visible to every one else on the quarter-deck: The master still persisted he could not see it, on which I went and acquainted the captain, who came upon deck, and seeing the light, ask'd the master where his eyes

ithout waiting for an answer, No G--d d--n 'em, as the commodore was parted, they should find the difference. Not knowing the conseqence of this, or by whom the fellow might be spirited up, I acquai

or, resolved to cut the anchor away, for fear of endangering the ship, there being no possibility of se

e Honourable J---n B---n, midshipman, being on the quarter-deck, said, We can't be far off the land by these weeds. The lieutenant and mate being by, I said, Gentlemen, what can we do with the ship in the miserable condition she is in on a lee shore? The lieutenant answer'd, Whenever I have been with the captain since our first lying-to, I always persuaded him to go for Juan Ferdinandez; therefore I would have you go to him, he may be persuaded by you tho' he will not by me. I said, If that was the case, my going to him is needless. In a quarter of an hour afterwards, the captain sent for me, and said, Gunner, what longitude have you made? I told him 82,30. What distance do you reckon yourself off the land? I answer'd, About 60 leagues; but if the two islands we saw are these which are laid down in your chart to lie off Brewer's Streights, and the same current continues with the western swell, we can't be above a third part of the distance off the land. The captain made answer, As for the currents, there is no account to be given for 'em; sometimes they set one way, and so

rest high land, with hillocks, and one remarkable hommocoe like a sugar loaf, very high. At the sight of land I came off the fore-yard and acquainted the captain. He immediately gave orders to sway the fore-yard up, and set the fore-sail; then we wore ship with her head to the southward. The captain coming forward unhappily received a fall, which dislocated his shoulder, so that he was obliged to be put into the surgeon's cabin. Some time after he sent for the lieutenant and myself, acquainting us of the necessity there was for making sail, as being on a lee shore, therefore desired we would use our utmost endeavours to crowd the ship off. You see, gentlemen, said he, my misfortune will not permit me to continue on the deck; as for the master, he is not worthy of the charge of a watch, therefore I must desire you, Mr Bulkeley, to be in the watch with him, and to make but two watches; keep a good look-out, and if possible, set the main-top sail. Mr B----s, I must desire Mr Cummins to be with you, and beg you will take all the care you can. I having the first watch,

nd the sheet-anchor from the gunnel. The captain sent the barge ashore, with Mr S----w, the mate, to see if the place was inhabited, and to return aboard directly; but, without any regard to his duty, or the preservation of the lives of the people, he staid ashore. The barge not returning as expected, the lieutenant was sent in the yawl, with orders to bring off the barge. The lieutenant tarried ashore, but sent off the boat. As soon as the boat came on board, the captain being very ill, was persuaded by the officers to go ashore: With the captain went the land-officers, mate, and midshipmen, the officers remaining on board were the master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter: The boatswain, who was laid up a month before the loss of the ship, became of a sudden very vigorous and active. At night it blow'd very hard at north, with

his lodging in a little hut, supposed to be built by Indians; as for our parts, we were forced to take shelter under a great tree, where we made a large fire, but it rain'd so hard, that it had almost cost us our lives; an invalid died that very night on the spot. Before I left the ship I went to my cabin for my journal, but could not find it; I believe it is destroyed with the rest, for there is not one journal to be produced, we have good reason to apprehend there was a person employ'd to destroy them; I afterwards found part of the master's journal along shore, tore to pi

hich went just over the captain's tent. This day, being resolv'd to contrive something like a house, to secure us from the inclemency of the rain, and severity of the weather, we hawl'd up the cutter, and propping her up, we made

nty of muscles, limpets, and other shell-fish, which we find very ref

ble to come at any provisions; got out of the Lazaretto

to get some beef and pork out of the hold; we also scuttled th

sented each of them with a soldier's coat. They had abundance of the largest and best muscles I ever saw, or tasted. This day was the first time of the boatswain's coming ashore; the captain called him rogue and villain, and felled him to the ground with his cane, so that he was motionless, and to appearance dead; when he had recovered the blow, and saw a cock'd pistol in the captain's hand, he offered his naked breast; the captain told him, he deserved to be shot, and said no more to him. The captain, lieutenant H--n of marines, the su

n decks, in getting necessaries out

on, with black hair, in behaviour very civil, they have little clothes, except about their waists, notwithstanding the climate is very

at the mountains are cover'd with it. It freezes very hard, and we find it extremely col

rrels of flour, one cask of pease, with some brandy and wine. This day went to allowance, of half a pound

y and wine. In the evening the Indians came with their wives, we gave the wome

hem ashore. This was the first time of the lieutenant's being between decks since the loss of the ship. The

ting up the long-boat, and repairing the bar

s O'Lawry, John Davis, James Roach, James Stewart, and William Thompson, seamen. Took up, along shore, one hogshead of brandy, and several things that drove out of the ship, a bale of cloth, hats, shoes, and other necessaries. An information

ng murmurings and discontents among the people, we secured the oars, and ha

ne, and some strakes to wind-ward started out, part of the upper deck blown up, the stumps of the masts and pumps risen five feet;

asks of flour, two casks of wine, and a quarter cask and three hogsheads of brandy. The lieutenan

he was drunk, Mr Cozens reply'd, With what should I get drunk, unless it be with water? The captain then said, You scoundrel, get more hands, and rowl the cask up: Cozens called for more hands, but no people came; with that the captain struck him with his cane. Griselham likewise says, that Cozens talked to the captain about one Captain Sh--lv--k; but the words he does not remember. But the same night I heard Mr Cozens use very unbecoming language to the captain, telling him, That he was come into those seas to pay Sh--lv--k's debts, and also insolently added, Tho' S

now find themselves mistaken, they believed at first they were on the main, but are convinced they are four or five leagues from it, therefore they purpose to build a punt ou

In the evening the captain sent for me and the carpenter to his tent: We found the captain, lieutenant, purser, surgeon, and lieutenant H----n of marines. Here we had a consultation, which was chiefly concerning the disturbances among the people, as well in our tent as in the rest. Mr Cummins and I assured the captain, that the people in our tent were generally very well affected to him, and that we never would engage in any mutiny against him, or any other officer that would act for the publick good, and his majesty's service: The captain said, he had no r

tent; it was rainy weather, and not fit for gunning, so that we could not imagine the meaning of it; soon after we heard Mr Cozens was shot by the captain: The lieutenant came to call all hands to the captain: I asked if we must go armed, the lieutenant answered, Yes; but, on consideration, I thought better to go without arms: When we came to the captain, he acquainted us with what he had done, and told us he was still our commander. The captain, purser, surgeon, lieutenants H----n, E----rs, and F----ng of marines, being all armed, I said to the captain. Sir, you see we are disarmed; on this the captain dropped his firelock to the ground, saying, I see you are, and have only sent for you, to let you all know I am still your commander, so let every man go to his tent; accordingly every man obeyed him. In our tent, we had eighteen of the stoutest fellows that belonged to the ship, and I believe the captain, and the gentlemen above- mentioned, have some suspicion of Mr Cummins and myself, believing we can sway most of the seamen on shore: But I think this day we have given a proof of the sincer

to take the ball out of Mr Cozens's cheek, which he then was inclinable to do, but in the afternoon, finding it not agreeable to the captain, refused to go, as we are informed by t

penter told him, he had not seen him to-day: The surgeon then said he would have visited him, but the captain would not give him leave. This was looked on as an act of inhumanity in the captain, and contributed very much to his losing the affections of the people, whose opinion was, that as Mr Cozens wa

ng to disoblige the captain, the carpenter and myself waited on him; we told him, we were come to ask a favour, hoping that he would have so much mercy and compassion on the unhappy man who was in

o very much, we brought ashore the fore-top sail yard; the boat went u

: John Anderson, a seaman, walking round the rocks, and reaching after a piece of beef, slipping his footing, was drown'd, but taken up directly, and that night bury'd: Turn'd the boatswain out of ou

's cheek a ball much flatted, and a piece of bone, supposed to be part of the upper jaw, which was des

long-boat in two, and lengthen'd her el

any thing, by reason of her working much, and a great sea tumbling in, t

eek the Indians, but saw nothing of them; at night the bo

he Indians just come from the place where they catch se

in his cheek: We bury'd him in as decent a manner as time, place, and circumstances would allow. There have died sundry ways since t

in all they were about fifty in number; they hawl'd their canoes up, and built four wigg whims, which they cover'd with the bark of trees and seal-skins; we imagined by this they had an intention to settle with us; they are a very simple and inoffensive people, of a low stature, flat- nos'd, with their eyes sunk very deep in their heads; they live continually in smoak, and are never without a fire, even in their canoes; they have nothing to cover their nakedness, but a piece of an old blanket, which they throw over t

ieces of beef or pork that come out of the wreck; but, when they came ashore, we found they had been only diving for sea-eggs. The women among those people seem to take more pains for the pro

scles; but being too late for the tide, we came away without any: The captain sent to our

ing. Among these people the order of nature seems inverted; the males are exempted from hardships and labour, and the women are meer slaves and drudges. This day one of our seamen died: We observe, the Indians are very watchful of the dead, sitting continually near the above-mention'd corpse, and carefully covering him, every moment looking on the face of the deceas'd with abundance of gravity: At t

in the woods for the long-boat; rainy weather, the wi

store-tent was broke open, and

with several of the lower-deck carlings, and plank of the upper and lower-deck beams, and, what was reckon'd ve

a mile from shore, they take the handle of their baskets, which I have already described, between their teeth, diving five or six fathom water; their agility in diving, and their continuance under water for so long a time

d entirely gone, the larboard-side abaft drove on shore; about two miles and a half from the tent a cask of liquor was found, and broach'd by the pe

re indeed never settled long in a place; it was said some of our people wanted to have to do with their wives, which was the reason of their going away so soon

ter allowance of flour, one pound for three men per diem. Last night the tent was robbed of half a barrel of flour. Orders were given by the captain to watch the store-tent by night; all

arted her upper works from the lower deck: Launch'd the boat and went off to the wreck, but could do nothing,

beef, it is believed some guns were heard from the sea: The watch reported they have heard t

but when towed ashore, we found it contained nothing but hatches; we took up along ashore, a

house to dwell in, finding our stay here wi

ork, shirts, caps, frocks, trowsers, pieces of cloth, wit

-gulls, geese, hawks, and other birds: The carpenter had this day given him by one of

called by the seamen, Slaugh. It is surprizing how the black currant trees, which are here in great plenty, have budded within these three days. Began thatching our new house wit

wind still at north: Rose the sheets for erecting a tent over the long-boat to keep the men f

climate: To-day we walked in the woods to take some notice of the trees, which we find to be very much like

me it was Captain C----p's, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this favour I requested of the captain, and it was presently granted. Carefully perusing this book, I conceived an opinion that our going through the Streights of Magellan for the coast of Brasil, would be the only way to prevent our throwing ourselves into the hands of a cruel,

just killed, but by what animal we could not tell; it was bleeding fresh when taken up, a

nd a man per diem, and one pint of wine: Those who like brandy, to have half a pint in lieu of wine. We have now in a manner

ks, picked up about the rocks abundance of clams, a shell-fish not unlike our cockles: These fi

amblet; in short, considering where we are, we cannot desire a better habitation. The people fall into disputes concerning the boat, where we are to proceed with her, when she is built and ready for going off. It is the opinion of the navigators, that going through the Streights of Magellan is the safest and only way to preserve life and liberty: The artists, who have worked the bearings and distance, are very pressing that it should be moved to the captain, purposing to have their reasons drawn up, and signed by all who are willing to go that way, and t

the captain, with the master, carpenter, and boatswain, and read to him the paper; he answe

r the preservation of the body of people on the spot, to proceed through the Streights of Magellan for England. Dated at a desolate island on the coast of Pata

lkeley,

mins, ca

Clark,

ng, boa

es, mast

Snow,

iot, surg

ohn Byron,

r Campbe

Morris

Maclean

ng, boatsw

tevens,

n Smith

tgomery,

uck, s

ayes,

utler,

art, s

Roach,

rns, s

etman,

Callicut

pps, boatsw

oung,

ble, quart

m Rose

rvey, quar

osman,

Moore,

Stook

Cooper,

ley, quart

Smith,

eleroy,

'Cawle,

eorge,

orclan,

East,

Lane,

Oram,

Lewis,

Griselham

sufficient reasons, from the above-mentioned

ton, commander of his

ielding,

wers, li

hat was done, and resolved on, and farther told him, it was a duty incumbent on us to preserve life before any other interest. He ans

, what shall we do with a vessel, without provisions, for ninety souls? The captain answered, We will take a vessel loaded with flour from Chili, there being a great many trading vessels that way, and then we will proceed through the Streights of Magellan. Mr Cummins said, How shall we take a vessel without guns, not having any but muskets, and our enemies know, as well as ourselves, that we have a squadron in these seas, therefore, undoubtedly are well armed, and keep a good look-out? The captain's answer to this was, What are our small arms for, but to board 'em? The carpenter said, Sir, if a shot should take the boat under water, it would not be in my power to stop a leak of that kind, where the plank is so thin, that in some places it is not above three quarters of an inch thick. The captain then said, Gentlemen; I am agreeable to any thing, and willing to go any way, for the preservation of the people; but at the same time would have you consider of it, the wind being always against us on the other side the land, and we have above seven hundred leagues to the river Plate. I answered the captain, 'Tis not above five hundred and ninety leagues from hence to Cape St Antonio's; and, as I have before said, let the navigators work it, and reason take place, which is what we chiefly desire to be governed by: Another inducement we have to go the way proposed is, that we may be assured of water and provision. I allow that, says the captain, and we may save our own; but how do you know whether we may not meet enemies in the Streights? I replied to the captain, We can have no enemies to encounter there, but Indians in their canoes, and those we can master at our pleasure. The captain then seemed to countenance our opinion again, and said, When we come to St Julian's we shall be sure of salt in plenty for our provisions, without which our fowls will not keep above two or three days: Besides, when we come to the river Plate, we may meet with a prize, they not being acquainted with any English vessel like ours, with schooner's sails, by which means we may run up the river and take a larger vessel: If we fail here, we may go ashore, and get what cattle we please, but what business have we at the Rio Grand? We must go to the Rio Janeiro. I told him, we should be obliged to stop at every place along shore for supplies; at St Catharine's the governor will give us a certificate, so that we shall be known to be the people that were there in the squadron. The captain said, That's true, and I can get bills of credit in any part of Brazil; besides, the people may be separated, some in the Flota, and some in other ships, with less hands we may go to Barbadoes. Mr Cummins told him, we might venture to England with, twelve hands. Yes, you may, says the captain, with thirty. It is to be observed, during all this debate, the lieutenant spoke not a word. The carpenter asking him the reason of his silence in all the consultation, he answered, I'll give my opinion hereafter. The captai

to know the true distance: Hereupon it was agreed to proceed through the Streights of Magellan, according to Sir John Narborough's directions,

en Mr Cummins spoke in this manner to the captain: Sir, I always took you for an honourable gentleman, and I believe you to be such; on your honour, sir, I beg you will give the true sentiments of your mind, whether through the Streights is not the surest and safest way to preserve our lives, notwithstanding we have a thousand difficulties to encounter with any way? The captain answered, I really think going to the northward is the safest way; for suppose we should be drove off to sea, when on the other side the land, what is to be done then? I said, Sir, it is our business to keep the shore, to prevent all accidents that may happen that way. Then Lieutenant B----s made an objection, Suppose you have the wind blowing right in, and a tumbling sea, as to endanger the boat, what are we to do? I made answer, Sir, if you remember when we were riding at St Julian's, it blowed a very hard gale of wind right in from the sea; yet, even then, the sea did not run so high as to endanger a boat riding at anchor: Another instance I bring you from St Catherine's, when we had such hard gales that the Trial lost her masts, and the Pearl separated from the s

o preserve life; it was therefore agreed, That if the wind did not set in against us, at the sun's crossing the Line, that the captain would go that way. The captain asked every man's opinion, and fou

is we reckon at present exceeding good eating, having nothing to live on but a quarter of a pound of flour a man per day, and what we can ge

r robbing the store-tent (which, in our present circumstances, is starving the whole body of people) the prisoners deserve death. This was not only the captain's opinion, but indeed the sentiments of every person present. After we parted from the captain, we were sent for by Captain P----n: He acquainted us, he would go as far as the martial law would allow him, and in conjunction with the sea- officers: I look (said he) on the l----t as nothing, and the c----n in the same light: As for you two, (meaning the gunner and carpenter) I confide in, and shall have regard to your opinions. When the articles of war were read, we found their crime did not touch life, but they were to suffer corporal punishment. Whilst Mr Cummins was laying open the nature of their guilt, and the ill consequence of lenity in the circumstances we were in, I proposed a way next to death, which was, if judged proper by Captain P----n and Captain C----p, to carry 'em off to an island where the ship parted, there being muscles, limpetts, and clams in abundance, and no want of water, and there to be left till we should be ready for sailing;

itts, and clams, with saragraza and thromba; one is a green broad weed, common on the rocks in England; the other is a round sea-weed, so large, that a man can scarce grasp it; it grows in the sea, with broad leaves; this last we boil, the saragraza we fry in tallow; in this mann

on the sentry who is believed confederate with the marine that robbed the store-tent: sentence was passed on them to receive six hundred lashes each: Captain C----p not thinking the punishment adequate to the crime, cut 'em short of their allowance, so that they have now but half the provisions they h

heir eyes; they are in great pain, and can scarce see to walk about. The last tide flowed nine feet perpendicular; to-d

ar use for the long-boat; at sight of the fellow's folly he could not contain himself: This affair, added to the little concern and intolerable indifference that appeared in the generality of the people, for some

n desired to speak with the carpenter and me to-morrow at noon, to consult what should be done with the two prisoners, having received but fou

rs: We told him the people were very uneasy about this mitigation of the punishment indicted on them by a court-martial; therefore it wa

rivances to get provisions, such as building

the day following the boatswain gave us information of the persons who had robbed the tent; they were two sentinels, Smith and Butler; those very persons were the first who insisted that the seamen, as well as themselves, should watch the store-tent; their own officers, as yet, have brought them to no examination: We have also information that the purser holds frequent conversation with the rebels, contrary to all the laws of the navy, supplying them with liquors in abundance, to the great distress of his majesty's faithful subjects, who have but half a pint per day to

y terrible; notwithstanding the violent shocks and tremblings of the earth, we

oned the projector of the scheme for going through the Streights, was threatened to be shot by Noble the quarter- master: After having some discourse with the lieutenant, he told me, If I would draw up a paper for the captain to sign, in

notwithstanding, find the people separating into parties, which must consequently end in the destruction of the whole body; and as also there have been great robberies co

es, the purser, as he much conversed with the rebels, it is agreed by the body of officers to send him off the island, for acting so contrary to his duty, in contempt of the articles of war, the laws of his country, and the known rules of the

is life, in going through the Streights of Magellan, the way propos'd in the paper. The people gave three cheers, crying aloud for England. The captain hearing the noise, got out of bed to his tent door, and call'd the people, enquiring what they wanted, then sent for all the officers: He was then told since he refused signing the paper, and had no regard to the safety of our provisions, the people unanimously agreed to take the command from him, and transfer it to the lieutenant. Hearing this, with an exalted voice, Captain C----p says, Who is he that will take the command from me? addressing himself to the lieutenant, Is it you, sir? The lieutenant reply'd, No, sir. The terror of the captain's aspect intimidated the lieutenant to that degree, that he look'd like a ghost. We left him with the captain, and return'd to Captain P----n's tent, to acquaint him of the lieutenant's refusing the command. We had not been long here before Captain C----p sent for us. I was the first person call'd for; at my entering his tent, I saw him seated on a chest, with a cock'd pistol on his right thigh; observing this, I desir'd Mr J----s, who was the mate he always rely'd on for navigation, to tell the captain I did not think proper to come before a cock'd pistol: Notwithstanding I was arm'd I drew back, altho' I had my pistol-cock'd, and there were several men near me arm'd with muskets. The captain's personal bravery no man doubted of, his courage was excessive, and made him rash and desperate; his shooting Mr Cozens was a fatal proof of it, he was grown more desperate by this unhappy action, and was observ'd since seldom to behave himself with any composure of mind. It is a piece of human prudence to retreat from a man in a phrenzy, because he who does not value his own life, has another man's in his power. I had no desire of falling by the hand of Captain C----p, and should be greatly disturb'd to be compelled, for my own preservation, to discharge a pistol at a gentleman against whom I never had any spleen, and who was my commander. When Mr J----s acquainted him with what I desired him, the captain threw his pistol aside, and came out of his tent; he told the people he would go with them to the southward; he desired to know their grievan

with us before, they are not so generous and good-natur'd as our friends I have already mentioned; they were so mercenary, that they would not part

by the captain's cook, but he being at a great distance, the slugs did not enter his skin: Wheth

l, carpenter's mate, Joseph King and Owen Thomson, seamen, were gone over to the main in a punt of their own building; the ot

d, shell-fish are very scarce, and difficult to be had; the sea- weeds are our greatest support; we have found a sort of sea-weed which we call dulse, it

enants H----n, E----s, and F----g, of the army, Captain Pemberton was also sent for, but was so ill that he could not be present, but desir'd all might pass according to the judgment of the above-mention'd officers. A consultation was held, five of the accused marines did not appear, dreading the punishment due to their crime, the

the lieutenant, the Honourable John Byron, Mr Cummins, Mr Campbell, Mr Young, Lieutenants Ewers and Fieldi

quarter gunner, came to our tent with a paper sig

oat now building, we do agree to go in the yawl, after she is fitted up, with allowing us our share of provisions,

ley, quart

Harvey

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n's steward: he came to acquaint us he was willing to go with them, and hoped we would give

you are for going in the boat? He answer'd, Yes, sir, I will take my chance, for I want to get to England. The captain bade him be gone for a villain, and said no more. This Plastow was a mighty favourite with the captain, and had often been admitted to his conversation: He above all men ought to have stood steadfast to him, beca

nd, order, or discipline, add to our uneasiness the uncomfortableness of the climate; we have been inhabitants of this island sixteen weeks, and have

f hail, with thunder. The wind to-day is much abated. As to the article of provision

mmer's day. This day the lieutenant bringing a pair of pistols to the carpenter, and complaining they were in bad order, did not imagine they were lo

of beef, with a cask of pease, which was stay'd, we serv'd out to each man five pieces of beef, and pease to suck as

at they would make no ceremony of filling it without leave, and carrying it off by force, he thought proper to order it to be fill'd. They brought

and mad, but no great mischief ensued. Six Indian canoes likewise came in our absence loaden with men, women, and children, and brought with them clams out of the shells strung on lines. The Indian women dived for muscles, and brought them ashore in abundance, the men went to the fresh water river, and caught several fish like our English mullets. The people bought dogs of the Indians, which they kill'd and eat, esteeming the flesh very good food. The next day the Indian

very lately, the shore being covered with the offals of seal; in an hour's time we killed ten wild fawn, we roasted three geese and two ducks, the rest we put into a sea pye, so that we fared most elegantly; got up at day-light next morning, but seeing the weather hazy and dirty, thought it not proper to put out with the barge, fearing we should not get a harbour before night; we took a walk five miles in the country cross the land to the southward, but could not see any shelter for the boat, being then twelve leagues from the place we came fro

wain, and Mr J----s the mate, went to the captain, to acquaint him how forward the boat was, and to consult

captain's behaviour to the carpenter, proceeded from some words which the latter dropt, and were carried to the captain; the words the carpenter spoke were to this purport, that he was not to be led

of officers and people are determin'd not to be govern'd by those rules at present. This objection was started, not from a disrespect to those rules, but we imagin'd, if Captain C----p was restor'd to the absolute command he had before the loss of the Wager, that he would proceed again on the same principles, never on any exigency consult his officers, but act arbitrarily, according to his humour and confidence of superior knowledg

arpenter was in it, who was standing with a book in his hand; there was a piece of beef hung close at his cheek, the ball went through the tent and the beef, but the carpenter receiv'd no damage. To-day I overhaul'd the powder, and told the lieutenant that I had twenty-three half barrels in store, and that we could not carry off in the vessel above six half barrels, therefore proposed to start the overplus into the sea, and make water casks of the half barrels, they being very proper for that purpose. I desired him to acquaint the captain with my intention; that since he had no regard for the publick good, or any thing that tended to promoting it, the carpenter and I had determin'd never to go near him again. The lieutenant declin'd going, fearing the captain would murther him, but he sent the master

verse, or else been so careless and indifferent about it, as if we had no commander, and if other persons had given themselves no more trouble and concern than you have, we should not be ready to go from hence as long as provisions lasted. The captain said, Very well, gentlemen, you have caught me napping; I do not see any of you in liquor, you are a parcel of brave fellows, but my officers are scoundrels: Then turning himself to me, he said, Gunner, where's my lieutenant? did not he head you? I told him, No, sir, but was here to see it executed, and is here now. One of you, says the captain, call Mr B----s. When Mr B----s came, he said, What is all this for, sir? Sir, it is Captain P----n's order. Captain P----n hath no business with me, and you will answer for it hereafter, if I do not live to see England, I hope some of my friends will. On this the lieutenant left him. The captain then address'd himself to the seamen, saying, My lads, I do not blame you, but it is the villainy of my officers, which they will answer for hereafter. He then call'd Mr B----s again, and said, Well, sir, what do you design to do by me? The lieutenant answer'd, Sir, your officers have design'd the pur

ut he afterwards told his officers, he knew he had a severe trial to go through, if ever he came to England; and as for those who liv'd to return to their country, the only favour he requested from them, was to

C----p with Captain P----n's answer: He ask'd me then if the lieutenant was with me. I told him, no; and I believe did not design it. He said, Mr Bulkeley, I am very much obliged to you, and could not think the lieutenant would use me thus. In the evening the lieutenant and I were sent for again: The captain said to the lieutenant, Sir, have you been with Captain P----n? He answer'd, No, sir. I thought, sir, you promised me you would: However, I have his answer from Mr Bulkeley; I am to be carried a prisoner to England. Gentlemen, I shall never live to see England, but die by inches in the voyage; and it is surprising to me to think what you can expect by going to the southward, where there are ten thousand difficulties to be encounter'd with: I am sorry so many brave fello

ul for his support, as much as could be spared. Lieutenant H----n and the surgeon chose to stay with him. We offer'd him also the barge and yawl, if he could procure men to go with him. The question was proposed before the whole body, but they all cry'd aloud for England, and let him stay and be d----'d; does he want to ca

er, promising him at the same time to support his command with our lives, desiring no more than to go off heart in hand from this place to the southward, which he gave his word and honour to do; and being almost ready for sailing, did apply to him some few days past, to draw up some proper articles, in order to sup

t to every man and boy twelve days' provision, for them to dress before we go off; and also it is agreed, that whoever is guilty of defrauding another of any part of h

be of the worst consequence of any thing that can happen to us: To prevent which, we do agree, that when under way they shall not separate, but always keep within musket-shot, and on no pretence

ssel, that no man shall threaten the life of another, or offer violence in any shape, the offender,

with on our passage, the same shall be divided among the whole, and if Captain David C----p

were agreed to, and sign

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cessaries. The captain sent for the lieutenant, myself, and the carpenter, desiring us to leave him what could be spared, and to send to the deserters to know if they will go in

captain to the northward, to acquaint them what provision and necessaries should be allow'd 'em: They readily agreed to tarry. On the

istols for the captain, twelve musket-flints, six pistol-flints, sundry carpenter's tools, half a pint of sweet oil, two sword

ight deserters, which last are to be at half allowance of the quantity mad

six pieces of pork, and ninety pound of flour; for the deserters, ei

rriving before us in England, not only in the places he touched at abroad, but at home, has blackened us with the greatest calumnies, and by an imperfect narrative, has not only traduced us, but made the whole affair so dark and mystical, that till the captain's arrival the l----s of the a----y will not decide for or against us. But if that unfortunate captain never returns to his country, let us do so much justice to his character, to declare that he was a gentleman possessed of many virtues: He was an excellent seaman himself, and loved a seaman; as for personal bravery, no man, had a larger share of it; even when a prisoner he preserved the dignity of a commander, no misfortune could dispirit or deject him, and fear was a weakness he was entirely a stranger to; the

H----n, being on the shore side, we gave them three cheers, which they returned. Coming out of Wager's Bay, split the foresail, and very narrowly escaped the rocks; with the assistance of the barge and our own oars, tow'd her clear, and bore away into a

ather, weigh'd, and came to sail to take a cruize up the lagoon, to try the vessel, it being smoo

th Lieutenant Hamilton, for breaking his confinement, did insist on delivering them up on the beach to the charge of Lieutenant Beans, but he, with his officers and people, consulting the ill consequences that might attend carrying two prisoners off in so small a vessel, and for so long and tedious a passage as we are likely to have, and that they might have opportunities of acting such things in secret as may prove destructive to the whole body; and also in regard to the chief article of life, as the greatest part of the

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Clark

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lkeley,

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ng a large ledge of rocks without us, which broke the sea off. At eleven we sent the barge to Cheap's Bay, for what canvass could be found serviceable, having left a sufficient quantity behind to supply us with sails, in case we wanted 'em. Went in the barge the Hon. John Byron, at his own request, Alexander Campbell, midshipman; William Harvey,

t he saw an anchor of seven feet in the shank, the palm of each arm filed off just above the crown: This anchor we suppose to hav

me round with her: At the same time he desired to know if we would give him, and those who would stay with Captain C----p, their share of provisions. This question of Mr B----n's very much surprized us; and what surprized us more was, that he should be influenced by Mr C----l, a person whom he always held in contempt. As for my part

ht days' flour, to be dress'd ashore. I went i

id, I think we will go and get some fish too, having nothing else to live on. This was the last time I ever saw his honour. When the people return'd from fishing, they told me Mr B----n had lost his hat, the wind blowing it off his head. I said, rather than he should want a hat I would give him my own. One of the seamen forced a hat on his head; his name was John Duck: But Mr B----n would by no means wear it, saying, John, I t

returning was a very great misfortune, having no boat but the cutter; and if by an unlucky accident we lose her, we must be reduced to the greatest extremities to get provision.

e do not know. Since we have been here we saw several Indian graves; they are dug just within the surface of the earth, with a board on each side, and a cross stuck, up at the head. T

fourteen leagues. The two points of land make a large and deep sandy bay, we sounded but found no ground; it is a bold shore close to. I kept a-head in the cutter, in order to provide a harbour for the long-boat; Providence directed us to a very good one: It blew so hard, with thick hazy weather, that we could not keep the sea. At eight at night we a

d not put out to sea; we therefore sent the people ashore to dress their provisions; each man is allow'd but

'd S.W. and S.W. by W., saw a small island bearing S. by W., the southmost end S. by E. This island we called the rock of Dundee, it being much like that island in the West-Ind

keeping the sea, and the same prospect in running in with the land: We ran in before the wind to the opening that appear'd between the two points, the northmost of which bore N. by E., and the southmost S. by E. We steered in east, and found the opening to be a large lagoon on the southmost side, running into a very good harbour; here our s

eep ponds of water on the top of them; these hills are very rocky, and there are great falls of water all along the coast: The whole navy of England may lie with safety in many of those lagoons, but the coast is too dangerous for any ship to fall in with the land. The people today were very much afflicted with the gripes and pains in their side. Here are abundance of trees, not unlike our yew-trees, they are not above seven or eight inches in diameter, and the bark is like cedar. The land is to appearance very good, but on digging b

nd ran into a fine smooth passage between the island and the main. These islands I believe to be the same that are taken notice of in Cook's voyage. From the entrance to the northward, to the going out of the Cape of Good Hope (as we call it) the distance is about six leagues, and the depth of the water is from two

r a-head. At seven in the morning a-breast of Cape Good Hope, saw a large high rock bearing S., steered S. by E., going within it, and the main a-breast of the rocks, saw a long point making into islands bearing S. by E., steer'd S. until a-breast of them: The same day saw a very high land, with a low point running off in small hommacoes, bearing from the northmost point S. by E. about eighteen leagues; between those two points is a large deep bay, all within surrounded with rocks and small islands, steered S. and S. by W. for the outermost point, the cutter keeping within, and we considering the ill consequence of being embayed, to prevent which we hauled the mainsail and foresail down, and kept the vessel before the wind; at eleven the cutter came alongside, with her mainsail split; we called to them to take hold of a tow-rope, but they refused, telling us that the boat would not bear towing, by reason of the swell of the sea, therefore they would have us nearer the shore, where we should have smooth water; we answered them that the water was smoother without, and nothing nigh the sea that runs within; besides, we shall be embay'd, therefore we desire you to come on board the vessel, and we'll take the boat in tow: They had no regard to what we said; we at the same time, for above a quarter of an hour, lay in the trough of the sea, with a fair wind: The people in the cutter would neither make sail nor row, at last, finding them obstinate, we hoisted a skirt of the mainsail, and edged farther off, S. by W.; when they found we would not go into that bay, they hoisted their mainsail, and wen

s in the cutter a

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served out flour and a piece of beef to two men for a week's subsi

to get ashore with; this raft was made with oars and water barrels; when it was made, and over the side, it would carry three men, but it was no sooner put off from the vessel's side but it canted, and obliged the people to swim for their lives; t

e vessel, it blowing very hard at N.N.E., in half an hour shifted to N.W., and rainy weather, that we could not see a boat's length: At two the next morning the cutter broke loose from the stern of the vessel; we called from on board to James Stewart, the man that was in her, but he could not hear us: In a short time we lost sight of her, believing she must be stove among the rocks. The loss of the cutter gives the few thinking people aboard a great deal of uneasiness; we have seventy-two men in the vessel, and not above six of that number that gives themselves the least concern for the preservation of their lives, but are rather the reverse, being ri

liged to comply with their demands, and serve out provisions accordingly. Several of the people have desired to be put on shore, desiring us to allow them some few necessaries: We wanted to know what could induce them to request our putting them ashore in this remote and desolate part of the world: They answered, they did not fear doing well, and doubted not but to find the cutter, which, if they did, they would go back to the northward, otherwise they wou

their Ce

here so great a number of people are to be carried off, therefore we have requested and desired the officers and company remaining of the same vessel to put us on shore, with such necessaries of life as can be conveniently spared out of the vessel. We, of our own free will and choice, do in

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y are fourteen leagues in the offing, those sunken rocks appear like a low level land. This coast is too dangerous for shipping, the wind being three parts of the year to the westward, which blows right on the shore, with a large western swell, that seldom or never ceases; it always blows and rains, it is worse here than in the rainy season on the coast of Guinea, nor can we as

life, in any part of the world, have seen such a sea as runs here, we expected every wave to swallow us, and the boat to founder. This shore is full of small islands, rocks, and breakers, so that we can't haul further to the southward, for fear of endangering the boat, we are obliged to keep her right before the sea. At five broach'd to, at which we all believ'd she would never rise again. We were surrounded with rocks, and so near that a man might toss a biscuit on 'em: We had nothing but death before our eyes, and every moment expected our fate. It blew a hurricane of wind, with thick rainy weather, that we could not see twice the boat's length; we pray'd earnestly for its clearing up, for nothing else could save us from perishing; we no sooner ask'd for light, but it was granted us from above. At the weather's clearing up,

this they made a noise, pronouncing Orza, Orza, which we took for a signal to come ashore. We would not suffer above two men to go ashore, and those disarm'd, lest we should put them in fear. The Indians had nothing in their hands but a club, like our cricket-batts, with which they kill their seal. As soon as they saw the two men come ashore they walk'd away, and when they perceiv'd our men follow'd them, and gain'd g

ere the canoe lay with the four Indians in her. The two Indians got into the canoe, and put her off the shore before we could get nigh them: As soon as we got abreast of the canoe, they made signs as if they wanted clothing; we endeavour'd to make them understand we wanted fish, and would truck with them; they had

. This morning all hands ashore a-fishing. Lieutenant E----rs of the marines kill'd a large

e saw the south shore: It first appear'd like a large island, stretching away to the westward, and at the west end two hammacoes like sugar-loaves, and to the southward of t

all day, in the evening it clear'd up. This day several people drove a trade with their allowance, giving silver buckles for flour, valued at twelve shillings per po

s keep the south shore on board. I answer'd, that Sir John tells us E.S.E. is the direct course from Cape Pillar: I'll venture my life that we are now in the right passage; so we kept on E. by S. half S. After running a league or two up, and not seeing Cape Quod, nor any outlet, the wind blowing hard, we were for running no farther, whereas one league more would have convinc'd every body, but they all gave against me, that we were not in the right passage: The wind being at W.N.W. we could not turn

bove a mile from where we last lay, we made fast along-side the rocks; all hands ashore a-fishing for muscles, limpets, and clams; here we found those shell-f

the tide to run stronger and more true than on the north-shore, hoping shortly to get out of the sound, which is not above a league in the win

The miserable youth cry'd, Sir, I shall never live to see the Brazil, I am starving now, almost starv'd to death, therefore, for God's sake, give me my silver cup to get me some victuals or buy some for me yourself. All his prayers and intreaties to him were vain, but heaven sent death to his relief, and put a period to his miseries in an instant. Persons who have not experienc'd the hardships we have met with, will wonder how people can be so inhuman to see their fellow-creatures starving before their faces, and afford 'em no relief: But hunger is void of all compassion; every person was so intent on

with the island, and then the imaginary Streights are not above two miles broad. Steer'd away for the island S.E. about two leagues, then came into a narrow passage, not above a cable's length over, which put us all to a stand, doubting of any farther passage. The wind took us a-head, and the tide being spent we put into a small cove, and made fast. At seven in the evening, being calm, cast loose, being willing to see if there was any opening, but to our great misfortune, found none, which very much surpriz'd us. The lieutenant is of opinion, that we are in a lagoon to the northward

morning row'd out, and got about a league down; here we

y we were in such want of provisions, that we were forced to cut up the seal sk

passage out of the lagoon, as the lieutenant calls it, into the right Streights. After going two leagues up saw there was no opening, put back and made fast where we came from, being determi

deliverance, and crying aloud to serve provisions four days before the time. Finding no way to pacify them, we were obliged to

od: Several more are in the same way, being not able to go ashore for provisions, and those who are well cannot get sufficient for themselves, therefore the sick are left destitute of all relief

-head, and we put into another cove where we got muscles and limpets. At four this afternoon saw an Indian canoe coming over from the north-shore; they landed two of their men to the leeward of

hell-fish, which kept up our spirits greatly, for it is enough to deject any thinking man, to see that the boat will not turn to windward, being of such length, and swimming so buoyant upon t

we then put in, with a design, to shoot him, but he soon disappointed us, by taking into the woods. We put off again with a fine breeze, steering N.W. by W. down the Streights. The carpenter gave a guinea thi

E.S.E. The lieutenant was now fully convinced we have been all along in the right Streights, and had we run but one league further, on Monday, Nov. 17, we had escaped all this trouble and anxiety: As for my own part, I was very well assured, from the first entrance, that we were right, but the lieutenant would not believe that it was Cape Pillar on the S. shore

, hollowing and crying, Bona! Bona! endeavouring to make us understand they were our friends; when ashore, we traded with them for two dogs, three brant geese, and some seal, which supply was very acceptable to us; we supped on the dogs, and thought them equal in g

faces and small noses, their eyes little and black, their teeth are smooth and even, and close set, of an incomparable whiteness, they are very active in body, and run with a surprising agility, they we

twelve at noon put in at Freshwater bay, and filled one cask of water, having none aboard; at one o'clock put out again, steered N. by E. expecting ple

wood and water. In the evening the people came aboard, having been all over the island in search of wood and water, but found none; here indeed we found shaggs and sea-gulls in great numbers, it being breeding time, we got a vast quantity of their eggs, most of them having young ones in the shell:

eland, steered S.S.E. on purpose to look for water; after going along shore about six leagues into a deep bay, we saw a fine delightful country:

deer, are probably the sheep of this country; they are exceeding nimble, of an exquisite quick sight, very shy, and difficult to be shot: At noon, finding neither wood nor water, wore to the northward, at three got abreast of the Foreland, hauled in for Fish Cove, which lieth just round the eastern point; here we expected to land and shoot some of the guianacoes, but when abreast of the Cove, t

erwards came down on the beach, and brought us the news of finding fresh water. It being rocky ground and ebbing water, the vessel struck; we were obliged in this exigence to slip the cable, time not permitting us to

e should also leave some of the people ashore. The wind blowing hard, and the sea tumbling in, we were under a necessity of hauling off and putting to sea, for fear of losing the boat. Since we left the island where the Wager was lost, we have several times very narrowly escaped being made a wreck, and sometimes have been preserved when we have seen our fate before our eyes, and every moment expected it, and when all the conduct and ability of men could have availed nothing. Any one who has been a witness of those providential deliverances, and doubts the being of a Supreme Power, disqualifies himself from any title to all future mercy, and justly deserves the wrath of an incensed Deity. This day, at noon, being well out of the bay, and nigh mid-channel over, steered E.N.E. for Cape Virgin Mary, with a fine gale at S.W. At one we saw the cape bearing N.E, by E.

hin a mile of the shore. The cape bore W.S.W. distant seven leagues, the swell tumbling in from the sea, would not permit us to speak with'em, by their motions, actions, cloathing, and by their whole behaviour, we took them for Christians: It being a plain level land, they rode backwards and forwards like racers, waving white handkerchiefs, and making signs for us going into a bay, which lay about a league to the northward, which we designed to do on the tide of ebb. The flood being very strong against us, they waited on the shore till the tide was spent; we weighed and stood to northward, the wind blowing right in from sea, and a great swell, we could not clear the land, so that w

ledges of rocks, running two leagues out from a point of land which makes like an old castle. At noon the extremes of the land bore W. by N. distant t

ill not make any great haste away." We steered N.W. by N. for the harbour of Port Desire: The going into this harbour is very remarkable; on the south side lies, one mile in the land, an high peaked-tip rock, much like a tower, looking as though it was a work of art set up for a land-mark to steer into this harbour; this rock is forty feet high. At five o'clock got into the harbour, run up to Seal Island, which lieth about a league up; here we killed more seal in half an hour than we could carry off, being obliged to leave the greatest part of what we killed behind. The people eating greedily of the seal, were seized with violent fevers and pains in their heads. While we were at Port Desire we had seal and fowl in abundance. The carpenter found here a parcel of bricks, some of'em with letters cut in them, on one of those bricks these words were very plain and legible, viz. Capt. Straiton, 16 Cannons, 1687. Those we imagine have been laid here from a wreck. The carpenter with six men went in search of water, a mile up the water's side; they found Peckett's well, mention'd in Sir John Narborou

rd our sea-store, which we completed in half an hour's time; turned down the harbour with the tide of ebb, in t

guin island bore S. by E. distant six leagues, and Cape Blanco N.W. by N. four leagues. This day I took my d

e flour in the boat, at three pound and a half to each man. We have n

boom; and lost a seaman overboard. The greatest part of our seal taken in at Port Desire, for want of salt to cure it there, now stinks very much; but having not

n for want of food: This gentleman probably was the first purser belonging to his maj

better off in regard to water, there not being above eighty gallons on board: Never were beheld a parcel of more miserable objects, there are not above fifteen of us healthy, (if people may be called healthy that are scarce able to crawl). I am reckoned at present one of the strongest men in the boat, yet can hardly stand on my legs ten minutes together, nor even that short space of time without holding: Every man of us hath had a new coat of skin from head to foot: We that

red with them. At noon I had a good observation in the latitude of 38: 40 S. At the same time a-head land, which I took for Cape St Andrew's; it is a long sandy point, very low, where a shoal runs off S.E. about three leagues. Sounded, and had but two fathom and h

shore, they saw thousands of horses and dogs; the dogs are of a mongril breed, and very large. They also saw abundance of parrots and seals on the rocks, but not a bush growing on the place; they made a fire with horse dung, and shot a great many seal, which they cut up in quarters to bring aboard. One of the water-casks being leaky, they cut it up, and converted it into fuel to dress the seal. They caught four armadilloes, they are much larger than our hedge-hogs, and very like them; their bodies are cased all over with shells, shutting under one another like shells of armour. In this country thirteen of his majesty's British subjects put to flight a thousand Spanish horse. Horses are more numerous here, than sheep are on the plains in Dorset and Wiltshire. We on board see abundance of seal lying on the shore cut in pieces, but the wind blows so hard we can by no means get at it

stage to haul up the seal. The people swam off three casks of water, sent on shore one quarter-cask more, and two breakers. Came aboard the boatswain, carpenter, and Lieutenant E----rs, and four men more are getting the seal and the horse on board, which was no sooner in the vessel than a sea-breeze came in,

had, we must have been all of us inevitably lost. We were obliged to put to sea, not being able to get the people off. We sent ashore in a scuttled puncheon some wearing apparel, four muskets,

oast of South America, in the latitude of 37: 25 S. longitude from

in which attempt James Greenham was drowned in the surf off the shore: The sea-breeze coming on, prevented the people getting on board the same night; therefore, on Wednesday morning, it being then calm, they brought to the beach the casks filled with water, with seal and other provisions in great quantities, which we hauled on board. The boatswain, carpenter, Lieutenant Ewers, and three of the people, swam off, but the sea-breeze coming in, and the surf rising, the rest were discouraged from coming off; we hauled a good birth off the shore, where we lay the remainder of the day, and all the night. The greatness of the sea broke off our rudder-head, and we exp

n'd

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on shore in the latitude of

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esent we leave them to the care of Providence and the wide world. At noon sailed hence, at four in the afternoon could not clear the land, and were obliged to anchor in five fa

are not able to ride it out, therefore, at four in the afternoon, got under sai

earing S.W. distant forty-four leagues, we went to an allowance of water, at a pi

r to five fathom. By the appearance of the land, we are well up the river of Plate, and do take the breakers for the English bank. Steer'd and sail'd all day E.N.E. along shore, in the evening anchor'd in a fine sandy bay; saw two men coming down on horseback, the boatswain swam ashore, and got up behind one of them, and rode away to the

hem at Buenos Aires. The town they belong'd to they called Mount de Vidia, two days journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the king of Portugal's land. They said there were a great many Spanish settlements on this side, and gave us an invitation to their caravan; we got up behind them, and rode about a mile to it, where they entertained us with good junk beef, roasted and boyl'd, with good white bread. We sought to buy some provisions of 'em, but they had none but twenty-six loaves, about as big as two-penny loaves in England, which they would not part with under four guineas. We being in a weak condition, scarce able to s

stretch off to the eastward, which bore E. by S. At four the tide of flood flowing strong in obliged us to come to an anchor in a la

this morning saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten l

es; latitude per observation 34: 53 S. At seven in the evening, being in shore and calm, anchored in fourteen fathom water, sandy ground, the cap

ands, the northmost of which is the most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a church with a lofty tower; at four we saw three islands more, steer'd N. quarter W. between t

reat numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of provision, with the wind against us. We took the opportunity of the wind back to the islands, but were disappointe

is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five leagues off the land. We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board. We have a fair win

in three fathom water. We have now nothing but a little water to support nature. At noon had an observation,

to this port, being somewhat doubtful that we might be inspectors of their coast, he began to examine me, the lieutenant having reported me to him as pilot. He ask'd me if there was a chart of the coast on board; and, if not, how it was possible we could hit the bar, and venture into so hazardous a place as this is? I told him, as for a chart, we had none of any kind, but I had a good observation the day before, that our vessel drew but a small draught of water, that we kept a lead always going, and in the necessity we were in, we were oblig'd, at all events, to venture, and if we had not seen the opening of the river before night, we must have been compell'd to run the vessel ashore. He examin'd me also concerning the places we stopt at, from Cape Virgin Mary to this port, and more particularly relating to the river Plate. He was very nice in his enquiry of our putting in at Cape St Mary's, and of the bearings and distance along shore from thence to this port. When he thoroughly satisfy'd himself, he embraced us and blest himself to think of our deliverance, which he term'd a miracle. He offer'd every thing the country could a

d us, we were more welcome to him in the miserable condition we arriv'd than if we had brought all the wealth in the world with us. At the same time he fully assur'd us, we should be supply'd with every thing that the country could afford; that he would dispatch us the first opportunity to Rio Janeiro, and whenever we stood in need of any thing, he order'd us to acquaint the commandant, and our wants should be instantly supply'd. He then took leave of us, and wished us well. All the deference and dutiful respect we could shew him, to express a grateful sense of his favour, was by manning the vessel, and giving him three cheers. The next day arriv'd at this place the brigadier-governor of the island St Catharine; he came close by our vessel, we mann'd her, and gave him three cheers. The soldiers of th

gh they were lately private men, they appear'd very grand, and were not distinguish'd in dress from proper officers. The disturbance at Rio Grand is of no service to us, for we feel the effects of it, our allowance is now so small that it will hardly support nature, the people have been without Farina, which is their bread, for some days past. We apply'd to the governor, who promis'd to supply us the next day; accordingly we went for a supply, which created fresh murmurings among the soldiers; however we got a small quantity of bread to supply us for ten days. The store-keeper shew'd me all the provisions, which, considering there were a thousand to draw their subsistence from it, was a small stock indeed, and not above six weeks at the present allowance. He told me we were serv'd equally with the soldiers, and when more stores

fresh water aboard, they were oblig'd to come to an anchor ten leagues to the southward of this port, that a canoe was sent with those three men to fill the water, but the wind coming in from the sea, and blowing hard, oblig'd the vessel to put to sea, and leave them ashore, from whence they travelled

ray, commander of his majesty's ship the Pearl, at Rio Janeiro; desiring them to

urabl

fter lengthening the longboat, and fitting her in the best manner we could, launched her on the 13th of October, and embarked and sailed, on the 14th, with the barge and cutter, to the number of eighty-one souls in all. Captain Cheap,--at his own request

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eing so bad in all other respects, that the governor will not suffer us to hazard our lives in her, but hath promised to dispatch us in the very first vessel that arrives in th

s majesty's distress'd ships at Rio Janeiro: That it was our duty to hasten to their assistance: That he, the lieutenant, ought, the very day after our arrival into this port, without any regard to expence and charges, to have dispatch'd a special messenger by land, and then we might have been assur'd of a vessel before now. The lieutenant answer'd, he had a thought of enquiring at first coming about what I had mention'd, and of going himself, tho' it cost him fifty pounds; but he was inform'd it was impossible to go by land. I ask'd him, If so how came the brigadier from St Catharine's here? As for fatigue or trouble, whoever undertook to

S

has been done already, that nothing will be allow'd or granted us but by your means: Mr Cummins and myself ask no favour from you, but to use your endeavours to get us dispatches to the ships at Rio Janeiro, where every man must give account of his actions, and justice take place. If I am not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply'd with here was a bounty flowing from the generous spirit of the governor, and the gentlemen of the place. If this be the case, we ought to be very thankful indeed. I am surprized, sir, you don't see the grievances of the inhabitants here, and hear the soldiers murmurings for want of their arrears. If they should revolt at this juncture, we shall stand a very bad chance. I must acquaint you, sir

you

n here, which is above three weeks; we went with him to the commandant, who promised we should not want fresh beef and f

we obtain'd leave to go, with the promise of a guide. Captain Pemberton, being at the governor's, desired to go with us; the governor told him the journey was so difficult and tedious, it would be impossible for him to encounter with it. The captain answer'd, that he had a company on board his majesty's ship the Severn, where his duty call'd him, and was determin'd, with the governor's leave, to share his fate with us

gave an account of four vessels on their passage for this port; on the news of this we put by our journey: It was very lucky we had not set out on this journey before we heard the news; for on the nineteenth, t

money, and the rest insisted upon the whole. To quell this disturbance, the commandant, whom they look'd upon more than the brigadier, or the governor, used his utmost endeavours. They told the commandant they were no longer soldiers than while they were in the king's pay, and let those who are for the king, draw off one way by themselves; you are our commander, we trust in you to answer for us, what you do we will stand by with our lives: On which the commandant deliver'd his command up, shouldering his firelock, and took the place

t several times apply'd to him for leave to go by land at my own charges? I answer'd, We were obliged to dispose of our watches to raise that money, which will barely be sufficient to carry us six off that intended to go by land, therefore what must become of the rest who have not a single penny? And I hope, sir, that you are not unacquainted that the king of Great-Britain allows to all his subjects, distress'd in this manner, five vintins per day to each man for subsistence. On my saying this, the governor call'd the commissary and major: He walk'd and talk'd with them aside; then came back again, and told us the account was so small, that it was not worth charging the king of England with it; therefore we must buy our own provisions, and pay our passage, and as to what we had received from them, we were welcome; upon which we thank'd them and came away. We then consulted with the lieutenant, to know what could be done with the people, and that as the vessel we came in was not fit to proceed any farther, it was to no purpose to leave her there; therefore we desired his consent to sell her, believing the money she would bring would be sufficient to carry us all off. To this proposal the lieutenant consented. We then apply'd to the master of the vessel, to know what he would have for our passage; his demand was forty shillings per man, of which we acquainted the lieutenant, who told us he could not see w

er, boatswain, the two mates, the surgeon of marines, the cooper, and six of the people

and clear weather; there is not above two fathom and half water on the bar at high-water; when you are in, it is a fine commodious harbour for small vessels; it

he Isle of Wight; and indeed it is very like it, tho' not so large, being only eight miles in length. This is a very secure harbour for shipping; a stranger may go in or out without any difficulty

er'd out S.E. between the island and the main; at eight in the morning

ey: He also desir'd we might make no disturbance among ourselves, which we promis'd to avoid. A nobleman went with the consul to look out for our habitation; they fix'd on a large magnificent house, fit for a person of quality. This being the first day of our coming ashore, they were pleas'd to order a dinner and supper ou

ntry: At our return, in the evening, we found the doors broke open, and a small sword belonging to me was broke an inch off the point, and the scabbard all in pieces. The boatswain had in his room an Irishman, whom he sent in on purpose to quarrel with us. This Irishman and Richard East, one of our own people, fell upon the cooper and me: East chose to engage with me, he struck me several times, he compelled me to stand in my own defence, and I soon master'd him. During this quarrel the carpenter call'd the guards, at the sight of whom the Irishman made his escape. I desir'd the guards to secure East a prisoner, but the officer told me he could not, unless I would go to prison with him. I told him it was my desire, and accordingly I went. The prison was in the governor's house. I had not been there but a few minutes before the governor sent for me; he enquir'd of the officer concerning the disturbance, and order'd me to my habitation, but detain'd East a prisoner. When I came home I found the boatswain and two renegadoes with him, all about the cooper. On seeing me, he repeated his former abusive words. He made us so uneasy in our lodging, that, to prevent murder, we were obliged to lie out of the house. Next morning Mr Oakley and Mr Cummins went to the consul; he came with them to the house, where we were all sent for; he told us it was very strange that people who had undergone so many hardships and difficulties could not agree lovingly together. We answer'd, we never used to mess together, and sooner than we would be with the boatswain, we would make it our choice to take a house in the country at our own expence. The boatswain, on hearing this, fell again into his usual strain of slander and abusive language, calling us rogues, villains, and pirates. It was the governor's first request that we might have no disturbance among us, yet the boatswain hath not suffer'd us to have a quiet minute since we have been here. The consul went with us two miles out of the city, at a fishing village, where we took a house at our own expence, to pay at the rate of ten shillings per month, there being seven of us in all, viz. myself, the carpenter, surgeon, the two mates, the cooper, and a seaman. Here we thought ourselves saf

in regard to your peace and safety, I'll endeavour to get you three on board a ship bound for Bahia and Lisbon; accordingly he went to the captain of the ship, who consented that we should go with him, on these

esas sedei

Abril

Nao que selle ofreser semque che ponha

ivel a portarem, a Oporto de Rio Grande, donde selhedeo faculdade para passarem aesta Cidade. E como Naferma do Regimendo de son soberano Nao vensem soldo, algum desde otempo, que Nao Pagau detta Fragata, selhes las presis a passarem a Inglaterra, pa

lesas selhe nas ponha Impedimento a sua Passa

Rov

ing in Eng

neiro

e Forts let

30,

ssel that offers itself, without any hin

r arrival in the great river, i.e. Rio Grand, leave was granted them to come to this city; and as in the service of his majesty, they do not advance any money, from the time that they paid off the said ship, they are obliged to pass to England, that they may be enabled there to seek their li

; and we command all the forts to let them pass, and not hinder

ROV

copy of the solic

o Janeiro se comporlarao com toda Dereysao nao dando escandalo Apesoa Alguma e Sao Dignos deque Joda pe

BUL

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N Y

de Mayo

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have behaved themselves with decency and good decorum, not giving any scandal to any person whatsoever, and are wo

BUL

CUM

N Y

of May

per as a sollicitor o

ENRIQ;

rd the St Tubes, one of the Brazil ships, carrying twenty-eight guns, Theophilus O

es, Mast

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ot comply with his request. The Spanish don, when we came to converse with him, was very much mov'd with the relation of our misfortunes, and said to us, though our royal masters, the king's of England and Spain, are at war, it was not our fault; that we were now on board a neutral ship; belonging to a king who was a friend to both nations; that he would not look upon us as enemies, but do us all the service he could. He extoll'd the conduct and bravery of Admiral Vernon at Porto Bello; b

The vice-roy answer'd, he had no orders concerning the English; that he had letters from the king of Portugal his master to supply the French, but had no orders about any other nation, and if he gave us any thing it must be out of his own pocket, therefore he would not supply us. The captain then told him, that we were officers and subjects to the king of England, and in distress; that we did not want great matters, and only barely enough to support life, and begg'd that he would allow but four vintins per day, being but half the sum hitherto allow'd us. The captain's entreaties avail'd nothing, the vice-roy continuing as fix'd in his resolution of giving us no relief. I do not believe there ever was a worse representative of royalty upon the face of the earth than this vice-roy; his royal master, the king of Portugal, is very well known to have a grateful affection for the British nation (nor can we believe he is so Frenchify'd as this vice-roy makes him) his de

correo para o Nosso Sustento des o dia 17 de Mayo proximo passado athe odia Prezente, por cuja caridade rogamos a Deos conceda mera saud Born succesto e por este pedimos humildeme te ao Snor' Consul Geral da Mesma Nacao que Aprezentado que este Seja nao' duvide em Mandar Sattis fazer as sobredito Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerr

. Bahia, 14 S

BUL

CUM

N Y

que fix a rogo

EL PR

ing in Eng

of May instant, to this present date: And, for the said charily, we implore the Almighty to grant him health and prosperity. And on this account, we humbly desire the consul of the same nation, that, by these presents, he may not omit giving full satisfaction to the above- mention'd captain of sea and land, for the said sum, it being employed on a very charitable account, being i

hia, the 14th

BUL

CUM

N Y

he above assertion I

EL PR

io Janeiro, supply'd with stores and men for the relief and assistance of the Severn and Pearl, (which were sail'd

s a very great sea. At the east side coming in, standeth Point de Gloria, where is a very large fortification with a tower in the midst: From this point the land rises gra

on board the St Tubes with our good friend the captain who brought us from Rio Janeiro: We sail'd from Bahia the 11th of September for Lisbon, in company with one of the king of Portugal's ships of war, and two East India ships, but the St Tubes not being able to sail so well as the other ships, lost sight of them the first night. About 70 leagues from the westward of Madeira we bent a new foresail; within two or three days afterwards, we had a very hard gale of wind, scudding under the foresail, and no danger happening to the ship during this gale. When the wind had ceas'd, and we had fair weather, the captain, after the evening mass, made an oration to the people, telling them that their deliverance from d

g the ship, though she was exceeding leaky. This sort of proceeding in time of extremity is a thing unknown to our English seamen; in those emergencies all hands are employ'd for the preservation of the ship and people, and if any of them fall upon their knees, 'tis after the danger is over. The carpenter and myself could by no means relish this behaviour; we begg'd the people for God's sake to go to the pumps, telling them we had a chance to save our lives, while we kept the ship above water, that we ought not to suffer the ship to sink, while we could keep her free. The captain and officers hearing us pressing them so earnestly, left off prayers, and entreated the men to keep the pumps going, accordingly we went t

e came ashore, went immediately on the Change. I was pretty well known to some gentlemen of the English factory. When I inform'd them that we were three of the unfortunate people that were cast away in the Wager, and that we came here in one of the Brazil ships, and wanted to embrace the first opportunity of going for England, they told me, that the lieutenant had been before us, that he was gone home in the packet-boat, and left us a very indifferent character. I

A----y, having already wrote to them concerning us. This was a very great affliction to us, and the more so, because we thought our troubles at an end. The carpenter and myself were in view of our habitations; our families had long given us over for lost, and on the news of our safety, our relatives look'd upon us as sons, husbands, and fathers, restor'd to them in a miraculous manner. Our being detain'd on board gave them great anxiety; we endeavour'd to console 'em as well as we could, being assured, that we had done nothing to offend their l----s;

rative was examined into, their l----ps, upon our petition, were pleased to fix a day for examining all the officers lately belonging to the Wager. The gentlemen appointed to make enquiry into the whole affair were three commanders of ships, persons of distinguish'd merit and honour. However, it was afterwards thought proper not to admit us to any examination, till the arrival of the commodore, or else Captain Cheap. And it was also resolv'd, that not a person of us should receive any wages, or be employed in his majesty's service, till every thing relating to the Wager was more

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