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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Volume 11, by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 11
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History
+       of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and
+       Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the
+       Present Time
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15376]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOLUME 11 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Alison Hadwin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team. This file was produced from
+images generously made available by the Canadian Institute
+for Historical Microreproductions.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,
+
+ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:
+
+FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF NAVIGATION,
+DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE, BY SEA AND LAND, FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO
+THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+BY
+
+
+ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. & F.A.S. EDIN.
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.
+
+VOL. XI.
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+MDCCCXXIV.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS OF VOL. XI
+
+
+PART II. BOOK IV. CONTINUED.
+
+CHAP. XII.--(_Continued_.)
+  Voyage round the World, by Captain George Shelvocke, in 1719-1722,
+
+  SECT.
+  V. Voyage from California to Canton in China,
+
+  VI. Residence in China, and Voyage thence to
+  England,
+
+  VII. Supplement to the foregoing Voyage,
+
+  VIII. Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round the
+  World. Containing Observations on the
+  Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain
+  Betagh,
+
+  Introduction,
+  § 1. Particulars of the Capture of the Mercury
+  by the Spaniards,
+  § 2. Observations made by Betagh in the
+  North of Peru,
+  § 3. Voyage from Payta to Lima, and Account
+  of the English Prisoners at that
+  Place,
+  § 4. Description of Lima, and some Account
+  of the Government of Peru,
+  § 5. Some Account of the Mines of Peru and
+  Chili,
+  § 6. Observations on the Trade of Chili,
+  § 7. Some Account of the French Interlopers
+  in Chili,
+  § 8. Return of Betagh to England,
+
+CHAP. XIII. Voyage round the World, by Commodore Roggewein, in 1721-1723
+
+  Introduction
+
+  SECT.
+  I. Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the Coast of Brazil,
+
+  II. Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of that Country,
+
+  III. Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to Juan Fernandez, with a
+  Description of that Island,
+
+  IV. Continuation of the Voyage from Juan Fernandez till the Shipwreck of
+  the African Galley,
+
+  V. Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of the African, to the
+  Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain,
+
+  VI. Description of New Britain, and farther Continuation of the Voyage
+  till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java,
+
+  VII. Occurrences from their Arrival at the Island of Java, to the
+  Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia,
+
+  VIII. Description of Batavia and the Island of Java, with some Account
+  of the Government of the Dutch East-India Company's Affairs,
+
+  IX. Description of Ceylon,
+
+  X. Some Account of the Governments of Amboina, Banda, Macasser, the
+  Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good Hope,
+
+  XI. Account of the Directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and
+  Persia,
+
+  XII. Account of the Commanderies of Malabar, Gallo, Java, and
+  Bantam,
+
+  XIII. Some Account of the Residences of Cheribon, Siam, and Mockha,
+
+  XIV. Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and China,
+
+  XV. Of the Dutch Trade with Japan,
+
+  XVI. Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope,
+
+  XVII. Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Holland, with some Account of
+  St Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the Açores,
+
+CHAP. XIV. Voyage round the World, by Captain George Anson, in the Years
+1740-1744,
+
+  Preface,
+
+  Introduction,
+
+  SECT.
+  I. Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the Incidents relating to it,
+  from its first Appointment to its setting Sail from St Helens,
+
+  II. The Passage from St Helens to the Island of Madeira, with a short
+  Account of that Island, and of our Stay there,
+
+  III. History of the Spanish Squadron commanded by Don Joseph
+  Pizarro, 236
+
+  IV. Passage from Madeira to St Catharines,
+
+  V. Proceedings at St Catharines, and a Description of that Place, with
+  a short Account of Brazil,
+
+  VI. The Run from St Catharines to Port St Julian; with some Account of
+  the Port, and of the Country to the South of the Rio Plata,
+
+  VII. Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and Passage from thence to
+  the Straits of Le Maire,
+
+  VIII. Course from the Straits of Le Maire to Cape Noir,
+
+  IX. Observations and Directions for facilitating the Passage of future
+  Navigators round Cape Horn,
+
+  X. Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan Fernandez,
+
+  XI. Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez, with a Description of
+  that Island,
+
+  XII. Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and Anna Pink, at Juan
+  Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island during the
+  Interval,
+
+  XIII. Short Account of what befell the Anna Pink before she rejoined;
+  with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and the putting back of
+  the Severn and Pearl,
+
+  XIV. Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan Fernandez, from the Arrival of
+  the Anna Pink, to our final Departure from thence,
+
+  XV. Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to the taking of
+  Payta,
+
+  XVI. Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that Place,
+
+  XVII. Occurrences from our Departure from Payta to our Arrival
+  at Quibo,
+
+  XVIII. Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an Account of the Place,
+
+  XIX. From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico,
+
+  XX. An Account of the Commerce carried on between the City of Manilla on
+  the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco on the Coast of
+  Mexico,
+
+  XXI. Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for the Manilla Ship,
+
+  XXII. A short Account of Chequetan, and of the adjacent Coast and
+  Country,
+
+  XXIII. Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and on the adjacent Coast,
+  till our setting sail for Asia,
+
+  XXIV. The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the Ladrones or Marian
+  Islands,
+
+  XXV. Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of the Island, and of our
+  Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out to Sea,
+
+  XXVI. Transactions at Tinian after the Departure of the Centurion,
+
+  XXVII. Account of the Proceedings on board the Centurion when driven out
+  to Sea,
+
+  XXVIII. Of our Employment at Tinian, till the final Departure of the
+  Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao,
+
+  XXIX. Proceeding at Macao,
+
+  XXX. From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo: The taking of the Manilla
+  Galleon, and returning back again,
+
+  XXXI. Transactions in the River of Canton,
+
+  XXXII. Proceedings at the City of Canton, and the Return of the
+  Centurion to England,
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.
+
+PART II.
+
+BOOK IV. (CONTINUED.)
+
+     *     *     *     *     *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII--_Continued_.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE SHELVOCKE, IN 1719-1722.
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Voyage from California to Canton in China_.
+
+We fell in with the coast of California on the 11th of August, and
+as soon as we were discovered by the natives, they made fires on the
+shore as we sailed past. Towards evening, two of them came off on a
+bark log, and were with difficulty induced to come on board. Seeing
+our negroes standing promiscuously among the whites, they angrily
+separated them from us, and would hardly suffer them to look at us.
+They then made signs for us to sit down, after which one of them put
+himself into strange postures, talking to us with great vehemence, and
+seeming to be in a transport of extacy, running from one to the
+other of us with great vehemence, continually singing, speaking, and
+running, till quite out of breath. Night coming on, they were for
+departing, when we gave them a knife and an old coat each, with which
+they were much pleased, and invited us by signs to go on shore along
+with them. On the 13th, we were near Porto Leguro, whence some of the
+natives came out to meet us on bark-logs, while others made fires,
+as if to welcome us, on the tops of hills and rocks near the sea, all
+seemingly rejoiced to see us; those on shore running up and down
+to each other, and those on the bark-logs paddling with all their
+strength to meet us.
+
+No sooner was our anchor down than they came off to us in crowds, some
+off bark-logs, but most of them swimming, all the while talking and
+calling to each other confusedly. In an instant our ship was full of
+these swarthy gentry, all quite naked. Among the rest was their
+king or chief; who was no way distinguishable from the rest by any
+particular ornament, or even by any deference paid to him by his
+people, his only ensign of sovereignty being a round black stick of
+hard wood, about two feet and a half long. This being observed by some
+of our people, they brought him to me, and concluding that I was the
+chief of the ship, he delivered his black sceptre to me in a handsome
+manner, which I immediately returned. Notwithstanding his savage
+appearance, this man had a good countenance, and there was something
+dignified in his manner and behaviour. I soon found a way to regale
+them, by setting before them abundance of our choicest Peruvian
+conserves, with which they seemed much gratified. They were
+accommodated with spoons, mostly silver, all of which they very
+honestly returned.
+
+Having thus commenced friendship with the natives, I sent an officer
+ashore to view the watering-place; and, to make him the more welcome,
+I sent with him some coarse blue baize and some sugar, to distribute
+among the women. On seeing our boat ready to put off, the king was
+for accompanying her in his bark-log, but I persuaded him to go in the
+boat, with which he seemed to be much gratified. The remainder of
+the day was spent with our wild visitors, who behaved in general very
+quietly. The officer returned with an account of having been very
+civilly received, and we prepared our casks for being sent ashore next
+morning. Although, at first view, the country and inhabitants might
+dissuade us from venturing freely among them, I had formerly read such
+accounts of these people, that I was under no apprehension of being
+molested in wooding and watering. The Californians, however, appeared
+very terrible to our negroes, insomuch, that one of them, who
+accompanied the officer on shore, was afraid to stir from the boat,
+and held an axe constantly in his hand, to defend himself in case of
+being attacked. On the approach of night, all the Indians swam ashore,
+leaving us a clear ship, after the fatigues of the day.
+
+Next morning, at day-break, our boat went ashore with the people
+appointed to cut wood and fill our water-casks; and before the sun was
+up, our ship was again filled with our former guests, who seemed
+never satisfied with gazing at us and every thing about the ship. That
+nothing might be wanting to keep up our amity, I sent a large boiler
+on shore, with a good store of flour and sugar, and a negro cook, who
+continually boiled hasty-pudding, to serve the numerous guests on the
+beach. At first the natives remained idle spectators of our labours;
+but at length, taking compassion to see our few men labouring hard in
+rolling great casks of water over the heavy sand in the sultry heat
+of the day, they put forth their hands to help them, encouraged by the
+particular readiness of their chief to serve us; for, after seeing Mr
+Randal take up a log of wood to carry to the boat, he took up another,
+and was immediately followed by two or three hundred of the natives,
+so that they eased our men mightily. They also rolled our casks down
+to the beach, but always expected a white man to assist them, though
+quite satisfied if he only touched the cask with his finger. This
+eased our men of a great deal of fatigue, and shortened the time of
+our stay at this place. We even found means to make those who used to
+stay all day on board, of some use to us; for, when we came to heel
+the ship, we crowded them, all over on one side, which, with other
+shifts, gave her a deep heel, while we cleaned and paid her bottom
+with pitch and tallow.
+
+The natives seemed every day more and more attached to us. When our
+boat went ashore in the morning, there was constantly a large retinue
+in waiting on the beach for our people, and particularly for those
+whom they guessed to be above the common rank, by their better dress.
+By this time, the news of our arrival had spread through all the
+neighbouring parts, and some natives of different tribes from that
+which dwelt about the bay, came daily to visit us. Those who came
+from any distance in the inland country could not swim, and were
+differently painted, besides some other visible distinctions; but
+all united amicably to assist us, and hardly any were idle except the
+women, who used to sit in circles on the scorching sand, waiting for
+their shares of what was going forwards, which they received without
+any quarrelling among themselves about the inequality of distribution.
+Having completed our business in five days, we prepared for our
+departure on the 18th August, and employed that morning in making a
+large distribution of sugar among the women, and gave a great many
+knives, old axes, and old iron among the men, being the most valuable
+presents we could make them; and, in return, they gave us bows and
+arrows, deer-skin bags, live foxes and squirrels, and the like. That
+we might impress them with awe of our superior power, we saluted them
+with five guns on loosing our top-sails, which greatly frightened
+them, and there seemed an universal damp on their spirits on seeing
+our sails loosed, as sorry for our approaching departure. The women
+were all in tears when my people were coming off to the ship; and many
+of the men remained till we were under sail, and then leapt into the
+sea with sorrowful countenances.
+
+Having made some stay in California, some account of that country and
+its inhabitants may be expected; though I believe a complete discovery
+of its extent and boundaries would produce few real advantages, except
+satisfying the curious. That part of California which I saw, being the
+southern extremity of its western coast, appears mountainous, barren,
+and sandy, much like some parts of Peru: yet the soil about Porto
+Leguro, and most likely in the other vallies, is a rich black mould,
+and when turned up fresh to the sun, appears as if intermingled with
+gold-dust. We endeavoured to wash and purify some of this, and the
+more this was done, the more it appeared like gold. In order to be
+farther satisfied, I brought away some of this earth, but it was
+afterwards lost in our confusions in China. However this may be,
+California probably abounds in metals of all sorts, though the natives
+had no ornaments or utensils of any metal, which is not to be wondered
+at, as they are perfectly ignorant of all arts.
+
+The country has plenty of wood, but the trees are very small, hardly
+better than bushes. But woods, which are an ornament to most other
+countries, serve only to make this appear the more desolate; for
+locusts swarm here in such numbers, that they do not leave a
+green leaf on the trees. In the day, these destructive insects are
+continually on the wing in clouds, and are extremely troublesome by
+flying in, one's face. In shape and size they greatly resemble our
+green grasshoppers, but are of a yellow colour. Immediately after we
+cast anchor, they came off in such numbers, that the sea around the
+ship was covered with their dead bodies. By their incessant ravages,
+the whole country round Porto Leguro was stripped totally naked,
+notwithstanding the warmth of the climate and the richness of the
+soil. Believing that the natives are only visited with this plague at
+this season of the year, I gave them a large quantity of calavances,
+and shewed them how they were sown. The harbour of Porto Leguro is
+about two leagues to the N.E. of Cape St Lucas, being a good and safe
+port, and very convenient for privateers when cruizing for the Manilla
+ship. The watering-place is on the north side of the bay or harbour,
+being a small river which there flows into the sea, and may easily be
+known by the appearance of a great quantity of green canes growing
+in it, which always retain their verdure, not being touched by the
+locusts, as these canes probably contain, something noxious to that
+voracious insect.
+
+The men of this country are tall, straight, and well set, having large
+limbs, with coarse black hair, hardly reaching to their shoulders. The
+women are of much smaller size, having much longer hair than the men,
+with which some of them almost cover their faces. Some of both sexes
+have good countenances; but all are much darker-complexioned than
+any of the other Indians I saw in the South Seas, being a very deep
+copper-colour. The men go quite naked, wearing only a few trifles by
+way of ornament, such as a band or wreath of red and white silk-grass
+round their heads, adorned on each side with a tuft of hawk's
+feathers. Others have pieces of mother-of-pearl and small shells
+fastened among their hair, and tied round their necks; and some had
+large necklaces of six or seven strings, composed of small red and
+black berries. Some are scarified all over their bodies; others use
+paint, some smearing their faces and breasts with black, while others
+were painted black down to the navel, and from thence to the feet with
+red.
+
+The women wear a thick fringe or petticoat of silk-grass, reaching
+from their middle to their heels, and have a deer-skin carelessly
+thrown over their shoulders. Some of the better sort have a cloak of
+the skin of some large bird, instead of the bear-skins. Though the
+appearance of the Californians is exceedingly savage, yet, from what
+I could observe of their behaviour to each other, and their deportment
+towards us, they seem to possess all imaginable humanity. All the time
+we were there, and constantly among many hundreds of them, there
+was nothing to be seen but the most agreeable harmony, and most
+affectionate behaviour to each other. When any of us gave any thing
+eatable to one person, he always divided it among all who were around
+him, reserving the smallest share to himself. They seldom walked
+singly, but mostly in pairs, hand in hand. They seemed of meek
+and gentle dispositions, having no appearance of cruelty in their
+countenances or behaviour, yet seemed haughty towards their women.
+They lead a careless life, having every thing in common, and seemed to
+desire nothing beyond the necessaries of life. They never once offered
+to pilfer or steal any of our tools or other utensils; and such was
+their honesty, that my men having forgotten their axes one day on
+shore, while cutting wood, which was noticed by one of the natives, he
+told it to the king, who sent into the wood for the axes, and restored
+them with much apparent satisfaction.
+
+Their language is guttural and harsh, and they talk a great deal, but
+I could never understand a single word they spoke. Their dwellings
+were very mean, being scarcely sufficient to shelter them. Their diet
+is, I believe, mostly fish, which they frequently eat raw, but they
+sometimes bake it in the sand. They seldom want abundance of this
+food, as the men go out to sea on their bark-logs, and are very expert
+harponiers. Their harpoons are made of hard wood, and with these
+they strike the largest albicores, and bring them ashore on their
+bark-logs, which they row with double paddles. This seemed strange
+to us, who had often experienced the strength of these fish; for
+frequently when we had hold of one of these with very large hooks,
+made fast to eight-strand twine, we had to bring the ship to, to bring
+them in, and it was then as much as eight or ten men could do; so that
+one would expect, when an Indian had struck one of these fish,
+from his light float, it would easily run away with the man and the
+bark-log; but they have some sleight in their way of management, by
+which the strength and struggling of these fish are all in vain. There
+are hardly any birds to be seen in this country except a few pelicans.
+
+When the Californians want to drink, they wade into the river, up to
+their middles, where they take up the water in their hands, or stoop
+down and suck it with their mouths. Their time is occupied between
+hunting, fishing, eating, and sleeping; and having abundant exercise,
+and rather a spare diet, their lives are ordinarily prolonged to
+considerable age, many of both sexes appearing to be very old, by
+their faces being much wrinkled, and their hair very grey. Their bows
+are about six feet long, with strings made of deer's sinews, but their
+arrows seemed too long for their bows; and considering that they have
+no adequate tools, these articles must require much time in making.
+The shafts of their arrows consist of a hollow cane, for two-thirds of
+their length, the other third, or head, being of a heavy kind of wood,
+edged with flint, or sometimes agate, and the edges notched like a
+saw, with a very sharp point. They made no display of their arms to
+us, and we seldom saw any in their hands, though they have need of
+some arms to defend themselves from wild beasts, as I saw some men who
+had been severely hurt in that way, particularly one old man, who
+had his thigh almost torn in pieces by a tiger or lion, and though,
+healed, it was frightfully scarred. The women commonly go into the
+woods with bows and arrows in search of game, while the men are
+chiefly occupied in fishing. I can say nothing respecting their
+government, except that it did not seem any way strict or rigorous.
+When the king appeared in public, he was usually attended by many
+couples, or men walking hand in hand, two and two together. On the
+first morning of our arrival, he was seen in this manner coming out of
+a wood, and noticing one of my officers cutting down a tree, whom
+he judged to be better than ordinary, by having silver lace on his
+waistcoat, be shewed both his authority and civility at the same time,
+by ordering one of his attendants to take the axe and work in his
+stead.
+
+One day while we were there, a prodigious flat fish was seen basking
+in the sun on the surface of the water near the shore, on which twelve
+Indians swam off and surrounded him. Finding himself disturbed, the
+fish dived, and they after him, but he escaped from them at this time.
+He appeared again in about an hour, when sixteen or seventeen Indians
+swam off and encompassed him; and, by continually tormenting him,
+drove, him insensibly ashore. On grounding, the force with which he
+struck the ground with his fins is not to be expressed, neither can
+I describe the agility with which the Indians strove to dispatch
+him, lest the surf should set him again afloat, which they at length
+accomplished with the help of a dagger lent them by Mr Randal. They
+then cut him into pieces, which were distributed among all who stood
+by. This fish, though of the flat kind, was very thick, and had a
+large hideous mouth, being fourteen or fifteen feet broad, but not
+quite so much in length.
+
+On the 18th August, 1721, we set sail from Porto Leguro, bound for
+Canton in China, as a likely place for meeting with some English
+ships, in which we might procure a passage home. Considering the
+length of the voyage before us, our ship was in a very bad condition,
+as her sails and rigging were so old and rotten, that if any accident
+had befallen our masts or sails, we had been reduced to extreme
+distress and danger, having no change either of sails or ropes; but
+ours being a case of necessity, we had to run all hazards, and to
+endeavour, by the utmost attention, to guard against deficiencies
+which could not be supplied. Having already overcome many
+difficulties, seemingly insurmountable in prospect, we were full
+of hope to get over these also, and the pleasing expectation of
+revisiting our native shores gave us spirits to encounter this tedious
+navigation in so weak and comfortless a condition. We were now so
+weakly manned, that we could scarcely have been able to navigate our
+vessel without the assistance of the negroes, not amounting now
+to thirty whites, so much had our crew been reduced by untoward
+accidents.
+
+We discovered an island on the 21st, 110 leagues W.S.W. from Cape St
+Lucas,[1] but as the wind blew fresh, I could not get nearer than two
+leagues, and did not think proper to lose time in laying-to in the
+night. It seemed seven or eight leagues in circumference, having a
+large bay on its S.W. side, in the middle of which was a high rock. My
+people named this Shelvocke's island. From hence we shelved, down to
+the latitude of 13° N. but were stopped two or three days by westerly
+winds, which we did not expect in this sea, especially as being
+now five or six hundred leagues from the land. The trade-wind again
+returning, we kept in the parallel of 13° N. except when we judged
+that we were near the shoals of St Bartholomew, and then haled a
+degree more to the north, and so continued for sixty or seventy
+leagues. A fortnight after leaving California, my people, who had
+hitherto enjoyed uninterrupted health, began to be afflicted with
+sickness, particularly affecting their stomachs, owing doubtless to
+the great quantities of sweetmeats they were continually devouring,
+and also to oar common food, chiefly composed of puddings made of
+coarse flour and sweetmeats, mixed up with sea-water, together with
+jerked beef, most of which was destroyed by ants, cockroaches, and
+other vermin. We could not afford to boil the kettle once in the whole
+passage with fresh water, so that the crew became reduced to a
+very melancholy state by scurvy and other distempers. The sickness
+increased upon us every day, so that we once buried two in one day,
+the armourer and carpenter's, mate, besides whom the carpenter,
+gunner, and several others died, together with some of our best
+negroes.
+
+[Footnote 1: Probably La Nablada, in lat. 18° 55' N. long. 180° 48'
+E.]
+
+The greatest part of my remaining people were disabled, and our ship
+very leaky; and to add to our misfortunes, one of our pumps split and
+became useless. Under these unhappy circumstances, we pushed forwards
+with favourable gales till within 80 leagues of Guam, one of the
+Ladrones, when we encountered dismal weather and tempestuous winds,
+veering round the compass. This was the more frightful, as we were
+unable to help ourselves, not above six or seven, being able for duty,
+though necessity obliged even those who were extremely low and weak
+to lend what help they could. In the boisterous sea raised by these
+gales, our ship so laboured that the knee of her head, and her whole
+beak-head, became loose, so that the boltsprit fetched away and played
+with every motion of the ship, and so continued all the rest of
+the time we were at sea. For some time our main-mast stood without
+larboard shrouds, till we could unlay our best cable to make more,
+having knotted and spliced the old shrouds till our labour was in
+vain. In the midst of these difficulties, I was taken very ill, and
+had little expectations of living much longer, till the gout gave me
+some painful hopes of recovery.
+
+In the beginning of October, we made the island of Guam, 100 leagues
+short of the account given by Rogers, who makes 105° of longitude
+between Cape St Lucas and Guam, while we made not quite 100°.[2] We
+passed through between Guam and Serpana, and saw several flying proas,
+but none came near us that day. We had heavy and squally weather,
+which obliged me to keep the deck in the rain, by which I caught a
+cold, which threw me into a worse condition than before, in which I
+continued all the time I was in China. Guam seemed very green and of
+moderate height, and the sight of land was so pleasant after our long
+run, that we would gladly have stopped to procure some refreshments,
+but durst not venture in, though on the point of perishing, lest the
+inhabitants should take advantage of our weakness. From Guam I shaped
+our course for the island of Formosa, to which we had a long and
+melancholy voyage, as our sickness daily increased; so that, on the 3d
+November, when we got sight of that island, both ship and company
+were almost entirely worn out. Next day we doubled the south Cape of
+Formosa, passing within a league of the rocks of _Vele-Rete_, where
+we were sensible of a very strong current. As we passed in sight, the
+inhabitants of Formosa made continual fires on the coast, as inviting
+us to land; but we were so weak that we did not deem it prudent to
+venture into any of their harbours.
+
+[Footnote 2: Rogers is however nearer the truth, the difference of
+longitude being 106° 42' between these two places.--E.]
+
+We directed our course from Formosa for the neighbouring coast of
+China, and found ourselves on the 6th at the mouth of the river
+_Loma_,[3] in twelve fathoms water, but the weather was so hazy that
+we could not ascertain where we were. Seeing abundance of fishing
+boats, we tried every method we could think of to induce some of
+the fishermen to come on board to pilot us to Macao, but found
+this impracticable, as we could not understand each other. We were
+therefore obliged to keep the land close on board, and to anchor
+every evening. This was a prodigious fatigue to our men, who were so
+universally ill that we could hardly find any one able to steer
+the ship. We were bewildered in a mist during four days, and much
+surprised by seeing a great many islands, omitted in our charts, on
+some of which we saw large fortifications. This made us believe
+that the current had carried us beyond our port, and occasioned much
+dejection of spirits; for, though the sea was covered with fishing
+boats, we could get no one to set us right, or to give us any
+directions we could understand.
+
+[Footnote 3: This name is so corrupted as to be unintelligible.--E]
+
+Towards evening of the 10th, as we were passing through a very narrow
+channel between two islands, a fisherman who was near, and observed
+by our manner of working that we were afraid to venture through, waved
+with his cap for us to bring to till he came to us. When he came, he
+seemed to understand that we enquired for Macao, and made signs that
+he would carry us there, if we gave him as many pieces of silver as
+he counted little fish from his basket, which amounted to forty. We
+accordingly counted out forty dollars into a hat, and gave them to
+him, on which he came into our ship, and took her in charge, carrying
+us through the narrow channel, and brought us to anchor at sun-set. We
+weighed next morning, and kept the coast of China close on board. By
+noon we were abreast of Pulo Lantoon, whence we could see two English
+ships under sail, passing the island of Macao on their way from the
+river of Canton. They kept on their way, taking no notice of us, which
+struck a damp into our spirits, fearing we should miss a passage for
+England this season. In the afternoon of next day, we anchored in
+the road of Macao, near the entrance of Canton river, which we never
+should have found out by any of our charts.
+
+I was much amazed at the incorrectness with which these coasts are
+laid down, to the eastwards of Pulo Lantoon; as there runs a cluster
+of islands for upwards of twenty leagues in that direction, which are
+not in the least noticed by any of our hydrographers, nor have I ever
+met with any navigator who knew any thing about them. The coast of
+China, within these islands, is rocky, mountainous, and barren;
+but, owing to my heavy sickness, I was unable to make any useful
+observations.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_Residence in China, and Voyage thence to England._
+
+As Macao is the place where ships always stop for a pilot to carry
+them up the river of Canton, I sent an officer with my compliments
+to the governor, and with orders to bring off a pilot; but
+hearing nothing of him till next morning, I was under very great
+apprehensions. Next morning, a great number of the people belonging
+to the Success came off to our ship, and acquainted me that Clipperton
+had left me designedly. About noon this day, the 12th November,
+1721, a pilot came off to us, when we immediately weighed anchor, and
+immediately entered Canton river, being assured that there still were
+some European ships at Wampoo, about ten miles short of Canton. We
+were four days in plying up to the road between the tower bars, where
+we anchored; and, finding the Bonetta and Hastings, two English
+ships, I sent an officer to request their instructions how to conduct
+ourselves in this port, and to acquaint us with its customs. They
+answered, that the Cadogan and Francis, two English European ships,
+were lying at Wampoo, and advised me to send up to the English factors
+at Canton, to acquaint them with our arrival, and the reasons which
+obliged us to come here. This I accordingly did next day, borrowing
+one of their flags to hoist as our boat, without which we had met with
+much trouble from the _Hoppo-men_, or custom-house officers. I sent
+letters to the captains of the English ships, signifying the necessity
+which forced me to this country, and requesting their succour and
+protection; assuring them that I acted under his majesty's commission,
+which also I sent, for their perusal. Next morning, being the 17th, I
+weighed and worked up to Wampoo, where, besides the two English ships,
+I found three belonging to France, one Ostender, and a small ship from
+Manilla.
+
+I was here in hopes of all my troubles being at an end, and that I
+should have full leisure for rest and refreshment after my many and
+great fatigues; but I soon found these expectations ill grounded,
+and after all my perils, that I was fallen into others least to be
+endured, as proceeding from false brethren. A most unlucky accident
+happened the very evening that we anchored at Wampoo, which gave birth
+to all the troubles I encountered in India; though, in respect to
+me, both unforeseen and unavoidable, and purely the effects of that
+eagerness in the ship's company to get out of this part of the world
+at any rate. Had there been any government among the English settled
+here, to have supported my authority, this unlucky business had never
+happened; and, as it was, could only be imputed to nothing but the
+want of such an establishment. One of my men, named David Griffith,
+being in a hurry to remove his effects into the Bonetta's boat, in
+which he was chased by a _Hoppo_ or custom-house boat; and being a
+little in liquor, and fearing to lose his silver, fired a musket and
+killed the Hoppo-man or custom-house officer. Early next morning, the
+dead body was laid at the door of the English factory, where Chinese
+officers lay in wait to seize the first Englishman that should come
+out. A supercargo belonging to the Bonetta happened to be the first;
+he was immediately seized and carried off, and afterwards led in
+chains about the suburbs of Canton. All that could be said or done
+by the most considerable Chinese merchants who were in correspondence
+with the English, was of no avail. In the mean time, my man, who had
+slain the Chinese officer, and another, were put in irons aboard
+the Francis, which was _chopped_, or seized, till the guilty man
+was delivered up. He was then carried to Canton in chains, and the
+supercargo was released.
+
+I had not been here many days, when I was deserted by all my officers
+and men, who were continually employed in removing their effects from
+my ship to some of the European ships, without my knowledge, I being
+then confined to bed. My officers were using all their efforts to
+engage the gentlemen belonging to the company in their interest, and
+had only left my son and a few negroes to look after the ship, and
+to defend my effects, which were on the brink of falling into the
+bottomless pit of Chinese avarice; besides, they and the ship's
+company had so many ways of disposing of every thing they could lay
+their hands on, that I found it impossible to oblige them to do what
+I thought justice to our owners: They all soon recovered from
+their illness, and they all became their own masters. There were no
+magistrates for me to appeal to on shore, who would aid me so far as
+to compel them to remain in my ship; and the officers commanding
+the English ships could not afford me the help they might have been
+inclined to give, lest the supercargoes might represent their conduct
+to the East India Company. And these last, who superintend the English
+trade at this port, seemed even inclined to have refused me a passage
+in one of their ships, and even treated me as one enemy would treat
+another in a neutral port; looking on me in that light for presuming
+to come within the limits of the Company, without considering the
+necessity by which I had been compelled to take that step.
+
+When Captains Hill and Newsham came to visit me, they were astonished
+at the ruinous condition of my ship, and could scarcely think it
+possible for her to have made so long a passage. The rottenness of her
+cordage, and the raggedness of her sails, filled them with surprise
+and pity for my condition. When I had given them a short history of
+the voyage, and requested they would receive my officers and company,
+with their effects, they at once said, That they saw plainly my ship
+was in no condition to be carried any farther, and they were willing
+to receive us all as soon as we pleased, on payment of our passage.
+But the supercargoes were displeased that I had not applied to them,
+as they are the chief men here, though only passengers when aboard; so
+that I was quite neglected, and the English captains were ordered to
+fall down with their ships five or six miles below where I lay. I was
+thus left destitute in the company of five foreign ships; yet their
+officers, seeing me deserted by my countrymen, kindly offered me their
+services, and assisted me as much as they could, and without them
+I know not what might have been my fate, as I was under perpetual
+apprehensions that the Chinese would have seized my ship.
+
+After the murder of the custom-house officer seemed to have been quite
+forgotten, a magistrate, called a _Little Mandarin_, committed the
+following outrageous action:--At the beginning of the troubles,
+occasioned by that murder, he had received orders to apprehend all the
+English he could find, which he neglected till all was over. He then
+one day, while passing the European factories, ordered his attendants
+to seize on all the English he could see in the adjoining shops, and
+took hold of nine or ten, French as well as English, whom he carried,
+with halters about their necks, to the palace of the _Chantock_, or
+viceroy. Application was then made to the _Hoppo_, or chief customer,
+who represented matters to the viceroy in favour of the injured
+Europeans; on which the mandarin was sent for, and being unable to
+vindicate himself was degraded from his post, subjected to the bamboo,
+a severe punishment, and rendered incapable of acting again as a
+magistrate; the Europeans being immediately liberated. It appears to
+me, however, that the English are tyrannized over by the Chinese, and
+exposed to the caprices of every magistrate, wherefore I was the more
+urgent to be on board one of the European ships. I had now discovered
+my error in addressing the captains, and now sent a letter to the
+supercargoes, demanding a passage for myself, my officers, and
+ship's company, which I was sensible they could not refuse: but their
+compliance was clogged with a charge to the captains not to receive
+any thing belonging to us, unless consigned to the company in England.
+
+The hoppo now made a demand upon me for anchorage in the river,
+amounting to no less than 6000 _tahel_, and, to quicken the payment,
+annexed a penalty to this extortion of 500 _tahel_ for every day
+the payment was delayed. There were no means to avoid this gross
+imposition; and though a day necessarily elapsed before I could
+send up the money, I had to add the penalty of that day, so that he
+received 6500 _tahel_, or L. 2166:13:4 sterling;[4] being about six
+times as much as was paid for the Cadogan, the largest English ship
+there at the time, and which measured a third larger than mine. I soon
+after sold my ship for 2000 tahel, or L. 666, 13s. 4d. sterling, which
+money was consigned to the India Company, along with all the rest of
+my effects, and I prevailed on most of my officers and men to take
+their passage in the English homeward-bound ships.
+
+[Footnote 4: At these proportions, the Chinese _tahel_ is exactly 6s.
+8d. sterling.--E.]
+
+Considering my short stay in China, and my bad health, I cannot be
+expected to give any tolerable account of this place from my own
+observation, and to copy others would be inconsistent with the purpose
+of this narrative, so that I shall only observe, that the English, at
+this time, had no settled factory at Canton, being only permitted
+to hire large houses, called _hongs_, with convenient warehouses
+adjoining, for receiving their goods previous to their shipment. For
+these they pay rent to the proprietors, and either hire the same or
+others, as they think proper, next time they have occasion for the
+accommodation.
+
+Notwithstanding my utmost diligence, the business I was engaged in
+kept me in a continual hurry till the ships were ready to depart,
+which was in December, 1721: At which time, heartily tired of the
+country, and the ill usage I had met with, I sailed in the Cadogan,
+Captain John Hall, in company with the Francis, Captain Newsham; and
+as the latter ship sailed much better than the Cadogan, she left us
+immediately after getting out to sea. Finding his ship very tender, or
+crank, Captain Hill put in at Batavia, to get her into better trim. We
+continued here about ten days; but I can say little about that place,
+being all the time unable to stand on my legs, and was only twice out
+in a coach to take the air, two or three miles out of the city, in
+which little excursion I saw a great variety of beautiful prospects of
+fine country seats and gardens, and, indeed, every thing around shewed
+the greatest industry. The buildings in the city are generally very
+handsome, and laid out in very regular streets, having canals running
+through most of them, with trees planted on each side, so that Batavia
+may justly be called a fine city: But the sight is the only sense that
+is gratified here, for the canals smell very offensively when the tide
+is low, and breed vast swarms of muskitoes, which are more troublesome
+here than in any place I was ever in.
+
+A great part of the inhabitants of Batavia are Chinese, who are
+remarkable for wearing there their ancient dress, having their hair
+rolled up in such a manner that there is little difference in that
+respect between the men and women. Ever since the revolution in China,
+which brought that country under the Tartar yoke, the Tartarian
+dress has been imposed upon the whole kingdom, which was not
+effected without great bloodshed: For many of the Chinese were
+so superstitiously attached to their ancient modes, that they
+unaccountably chose rather to lose their lives than their hair; as the
+Tartar fashion is to shave the head, except a long lock on the crown,
+which they plait in the same manner we do. The Dutch, taking advantage
+of this superstitious attachment of the Chinese to their hair, exact
+from all the men who live under their protection, a poll-tax of a
+dollar a month for the liberty of wearing their hair, which produces a
+very considerable revenue.
+
+Hearing at Batavia that there were several pirates in these seas,
+Captain Hill joined the Dutch homeward-bound fleet in Bantam bay, and
+the Dutch commodore promised to assist Captain Hill in wooding and
+watering at _Mew_ island, the water at Batavia being very bad. We fell
+in with the Francis in the Straits of Sunda, though we imagined that
+ship had been far a-head. The Dutch made this a pretence for leaving
+us before we got to Mew island, and Captain Newsham also deserted
+us, so that we were left alone. We continued six or seven days at
+Mew island, during which time several boats came to us from Prince's
+island, and brought us turtle, cocoa-nuts, pine-apples, and other
+fruits. From Mew island we had a very pleasant voyage to and about the
+Cape of Good Hope. By the good management of Captain Hill, although
+the Francis and the Dutch ships had the start of us seven days, by
+deserting us in the Straits of Sunda, we yet got to the cape seven
+days before the Francis, though she sailed considerably better than
+we. By comparing notes with the officers of the Francis, we found that
+she had suffered a good deal of bad weather off the south of Africa,
+while we, by keeping about ten leagues nearer shore, continually
+enjoyed pleasant weather and a fair wind, till we anchored in Table
+Bay, which we did towards the end of March, 1722.
+
+We here found Governor Boon and others, bound for England in the
+London Indiaman. We had a pleasant voyage from the cape to St Helena,
+and thence to England, arriving off the Land's-end towards the close
+of July. On coming into the British channel we had brisk gales from
+the west, with thick foggy weather. In the evening of the 30th July we
+anchored under Dungeness, and that same night some of the supercargoes
+and passengers, among whom I was one, hired a small vessel to carry
+us to Dover, where we arrived the next morning early. The same day we
+proceeded for London, and arrived there on the 1st August, 1722. Thus
+ended a long, fatiguing, and unfortunate voyage, of _three years,
+seven months, and eleven days_, in which I had sailed considerably
+more than round the circumference of the globe, and had undergone a
+great variety of troubles and hardships by sea and land.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Supplement to the foregoing Voyage._
+
+In the Collection of Harris, besides interweaving several
+controversial matters respecting this voyage, from an account of it by
+one Betagh, who was captain of marines in the Speedwell, a long series
+of remarks on the conduct of Shelvocke by that person, are appended.
+Neither of these appear to possess sufficient interest, at this
+distance of time, almost a century, to justify their insertion in
+our collection, where they would have very uselessly occupied a
+considerable space. Captain Betagh appears to have been actuated by
+violent animosity against Captain Shelvocke, whose actions he traduced
+and misrepresented with the utmost malignity, the innocent cause of
+his having suffered captivity among the Spaniards in South America,
+of which some account will be found in the subsequent section. Of
+all these charges, we have only deemed it expedient to insert the
+following statement of the circumstances connected with the capture
+of the Conception, as related by Betagh, which Harris, I. 230,
+characterizes as "a very extraordinary piece of recent history, and
+seemingly supported by evidence;" but at this distance of time we have
+no means of ascertaining to which side the truth belongs.--_Ed._
+
+"This being the great crisis of the voyage, I shall be more particular
+in relating the affair of this last prize. This ship was named the
+Conception, Don _Stephen de Recova_ commander,[1] bound from Calao to
+Panama, having on board several persons of distinction, particularly
+the Conde de la Rosa, who had been some time governor of Pisco,
+and was now going to Spain, laden with flour, sugar, marmalade, _et
+cetera_. Now, be it known to all men, that the _et cetera_ was 108,630
+pieces of eight, or Spanish dollars: And Shelvocke little thought,
+when he took this prize, or compiled his book, that I, of all men,
+should have the exact state of this affair. He often said that he
+would give the gentlemen owners a fair account; and I have often
+promised to prove that he did say so. We have now both made our
+words good, and I have not only an authentic account, but I will also
+declare how I got it.
+
+[Footnote 1: Shelvocke who certainly ought to have known best, names
+the ship the Conception de Recova, and her commander Don Joseph
+Desorio.--E.]
+
+"When I was carried prisoner to Lima, I had sufficient leisure to
+reflect on my misfortunes, and how likely I was to be ruined and
+the owners cheated; wherefore, to prepare them to defend their just
+rights, I wrote to one of them the substance of what had occurred
+to me; how Shelvocke had mismanaged; how arbitrarily he had acted in
+defiance of their articles, and what were his private intentions in
+the latter part of the voyage. As soon as I came to London, which was
+in October, 1721, I confirmed the report of my letter with several
+new circumstances; for all which performance of my duty, it is, as
+I suppose, that my name has met with so much reproach in Captain
+Shelvocke's book. But, besides my advices, the gentlemen owners had
+many proofs from prisoners and other people. Eleven months after me,
+being August, 1722, Shelvocke himself arrived, and immediately waited
+on the gentlemen in the lump for all his transactions; not owning any
+thing of this prize, which he had unlawfully shared, with every thing
+else, among twenty-three of his men. Instead of compromising the
+matter, the gentlemen read him a letter, secured him, and had him
+the same day confined in _Wood-street Compter_. A few days after, his
+pupil, Stewart, arrived at Dover, and was seized by the honest warden
+of the castle, according to directions, securing also his book of
+accounts, and brought it along with the prisoner to the owners, from
+whom I had the book, and copied from it the following statement of the
+dividends:--
+
+Names.                Quality     Number   Dollars       Eng.
+                                  of                     Money.
+                                  Shares
+
+George Shelvocke     Captain       6      14,325        2642  10  0
+Samuel Rundal        Lieutenant    2-1/2|
+John Rainer          Cap. Marines  2-1/2|
+Blowfield Coldsea    Master        2-1/2|---4718        1100  17  4
+Nicholas Adams       Surgeon       2-1/2|                  each
+Mathew Stewart       First mate    2|
+Monsieur La Porte    Second mate   2|
+George Henshall      Boatswain     2|-------3775         880  16  8
+Robert Davenport     Carpenter     2|                      each
+William Clark        Gunner        2|
+James Daniel         Midshipman    1-1/2|
+David Griffith       Ditto         1-1/2|
+Christopher Hawkins  Ditto         1-1/2|
+Oliver Lefevre       Sail-maker    1-1/2|
+John Doydge          Surgeon's          |
+                     mate          1-1/2|
+William Morgan       Ditto         1-1/2|---2850         660   0  0
+John Popplestone     Armourer      1-1/2|                  each
+James Moyett         Cooper        1-1/2|
+John Pearson         Carpenter's   1-1/2|
+                     mate               |
+Geo. Shelvocke, jun.               1-1/2|
+William Clement      Able seaman   1|
+John Norris          Ditto         1|
+James Moulville      Ditto         1|
+George Gill          Ditto         1|
+Peter Fero           Ditto         1|-------1887-1/4     440  7  2
+John Smith           Ditto         1|                      each
+Edward Alcocke       Ditto         1|
+John Theobald        Barber        1|
+William Burrows      Old seaman      3/4
+Daniel M'Donald      Ditto           3/4
+Richard Croft        Ditto           3/4
+John Robbins         Grommet,        1/2|
+                     or boy             |----943-1/4     220  4  2
+Benedict Harry       Cook            1/2|                  each
+------------------------------------------------------------------
+33 persons in all                 52-1/4  98,604-2/3  23,007 15  6
+
+"The reader will perceive that the sum total of this dividend falls
+short of what I said the capture amounted to; but, in order to set
+that matter right, there is a secret article of 627 quadruples of
+gold, which Shelvocke graciously shared among private friends, each
+quadruple, or double doubloon; being worth sixteen dollars each, or L.
+3:14:8 sterling, at 4s. 8d. the dollar. The value of these is 10,032
+dollars, which, added to the sum of the foregoing account, make
+108,636-3/4 dollars, or L. 25,348:11:6 sterling in all. Which large
+sum of money Shelvocke had the prodigious modesty to conceal, under
+the mysterious _et cetera_. Stewart's book mentions the double
+doubloons, but says not a word as to how they were distributed, so
+that we may imagine they were sunk between the two Shelvockes and
+Stewart: For, as Stewart was agent, cashier, and paymaster, it was an
+easy matter to hide a bag of gold from the public, and to divide it
+afterwards in a committee of two or three."--_Betagh._
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round the World. Containing
+Observations on the Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain
+Betagh._[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris, I. 240.]
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+This article may rather seem misplaced, as here inserted among the
+circumnavigations; but, both as having arisen out of the voyage of
+Shelvocke, and because arranged in this manner by Harris, it has been
+deemed proper and necessary to preserve it in this place, where it
+may be in a great measure considered as a supplement to the preceding
+voyage. In the opinion of Harris, "The time that Betagh lived among
+the Spaniards in Peru, and the manner in which he was treated by them,
+gave him an opportunity of acquainting himself with their manners and
+customs, and with the nature and maxims of their government, such as
+no Englishman had possessed; and the lively manner in which he tells
+his story, gives it much beauty and spirit." We have already seen, in
+the narrative of Shelvocke, the occasion of Betagh separating from his
+commander, along with Hately and a complement of men in the Mercury,
+on which occasion Shelvocke alleged that they purposely separated from
+him, in consequence of taking a prize containing 150,000 dollars. In
+the following narrative, Betagh tells his own story very differently,
+and we do not presume to determine between them. The separation of
+Shelvocke originally from his own superior officer, Clipperton, is not
+without suspicion; and Hately and Betagh may have learnt from their
+commander, to endeavour to promote their own individual interests, at
+the expense of their duty, already weakened by bad example.--_Ed_.
+
+§ 1. _PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE OF THE MERCURY BY THE SPANIARDS_.
+
+It was in the beginning of the year 1720, about the middle of March,
+when Captain Shelvocke sent Hately and the rest of us to seek our
+fortunes in the lighter called the Mercury. He then went in the
+Speedwell to plunder the village of Payta, where we might easily have
+joined him, had he been pleased to have imparted his design to us.
+We had not cruized long off Cape Blanco, when we took a small bark,
+having a good quantity of flour and chocolate. There were also on
+board an elderly lady, and a thin old friar, whom we detained two
+or three days; and, after taking out what could be of use to us, we
+discharged the bark and them. Soon after this we took the Pink, which
+Shelvocke calls the rich prize. Her people had no suspicion of our
+being an enemy, and held on their way till they saw the Mercury
+standing towards them, and then began to suspect us; on which, about
+noon, they clapt their helm hard a-weather, and crowded all sail
+before the wind; and, being in ballast, this was her best sailing, yet
+proved also the greatest advantage they could have given us; for, had
+she held her wind, our flat-bottomed vessel could never have got up
+with theirs. About ten o'clock at night, with the assistance of hard
+rowing, we got up within shot of the chase, and made her bring to,
+when pretty near the shore. On boarding the prize, in which were
+about seventy persons, thirty of whom were negroes, Hately left me and
+Pressick in the Mercury, with other four, where we continued two or
+three days, till a heavy rain spoiled all our bread and other dry
+provisions. We then went on board the prize, sending three men to take
+charge of the Mercury.
+
+After this, we stood off and on in the height of Cape Blanco for seven
+or eight days, expecting to meet with the Speedwell; and at that
+place we sent ashore the Spanish Captain, a padre or priest, and some
+gentlemen passengers. At last we espied a sail plying to windward;
+and, having no doubt that she was either the Speedwell or the Success,
+we stood towards her, while she also edged down towards us. About ten
+in the morning we were near enough to make her out to be a ship of
+war, but neither of these we wished for. The master of our prize had
+before informed us, that he had fallen in with the _Brilliante_,
+which was cruizing for our privateers, and we had till now entirely
+disregarded his information. Upon this, Hately advised with me what
+we ought to do in this emergency, when we agreed to endeavour to take
+advantage of the information given us by the Spaniards; considering,
+as the Brilliante had spoken so very lately with the Pink, that there
+might not be many questions asked now. Accordingly, Hately and
+I dressed ourselves like Spaniards, and hoisted Spanish colours,
+confined all our prisoners in the great cabin, and allowed none but
+Indians and negroes to appear on the deck, that the Pink might have
+the same appearance as before. We had probably succeeded in this
+contrivance, but for the obstinacy of John Sprake, one of our men,
+whom we could not persuade to keep off the deck. As the Brilliante
+came up, she fired a gun to leeward, on which we lowered our topsail,
+going under easy sail till we got alongside. The first question asked
+was, If we had seen the English privateer? We answered, No. The next
+question was, How we had got no farther on our way to Lima? To
+which we answered, By reason of the currents. To two or three other
+questions, we answered satisfactorily in Spanish, and they were
+getting their tacks aboard in order to leave us, when Sprake and two
+or three more of our men appeared on the main deck. A Frenchman aboard
+the Brilliante, who was on the mast-head, seeing their long trowsers,
+called out, _Par Dieu, Monsieur, ils sont Anglois_, By Heaven, Sir,
+they are English: Upon which they immediately fired a broad-side into
+us with round and partridge shot, by one of which Hately was slightly
+wounded in the leg.
+
+As soon as we struck our flag, the enemy sent for all the English
+on board their ships, and ordered two of their own officers into our
+prize. The Brilliante then bore down on the Mercury, into which she
+fired at least twenty-five shot, which bored her sides through and
+through: Yet such was the construction of that extraordinary vessel,
+that, though quite full of water, there was not weight enough to sink
+her, and our three men who were in her remained unhurt. Don Pedro
+Midrando, the Spanish commander, ordered these three men into his
+own ship, in which he intended to sail for Payta. As for me, he gave
+directions that I should be sent forty miles up the country, to a
+place called _Piura_, and was so kind as to leave Mr Pressick the
+surgeon, and my serjeant Cobbs, to bear me company. Mr Hately and
+the rest of our men were ordered to Lima by land, a journey of four
+hundred miles.[2] Hately had the misfortune to be doubly under the
+displeasure of the Spaniards: First, for returning into these seas
+after having been long their prisoner, and being well used among them:
+And, second, for having stripped the Portuguese captain at Cape Frio
+of a good quantity of moidores, which were now found upon him. Don
+Pedro proposed to have this business searched to the bottom, and the
+guilty severely punished, without exposing the innocent to any danger.
+
+[Footnote 2: Lima is above six hundred miles from Cape Blanco, and
+Piura is about seventy-five miles from the same place. Betagh gives no
+account of the place where he landed; but forty miles northwards from
+Piura would only carry him to the north side of the bay of Payta; and,
+as he makes no mention of passing any river, he was probably landed on
+the south side of the river Amatape or Chira.--E.]
+
+§ 2. _OBSERVATIONS MADE BY BETAGH IN THE NORTH OF PERU._
+
+Leaving Mr Hately for the present, I proceed to the observations I
+made on the road, as the admiral was so good as send me up into the
+country, till his return from Payta. As the weather in this part of
+the world is much too hot to admit of any labour in the middle of the
+day, the custom is to travel only from six in the evening till eight
+next morning. My Indian guide set me on the best mule he had,
+which did not think proper to follow the rest, so that I led my
+fellow-travellers while day lasted. The whole country through which we
+travelled was an open plain, having Indian plantations laid out with
+tolerable regularity, on both sides of us. This champaign country is
+from thirty to an hundred miles broad, and extends three hundred
+miles along shore; and I was travelling to the southward, having the
+Cordelieras, or mountains of the Andes, on my left hand, and the great
+Pacific Ocean to the right. As the soil is good and fertile, this land
+would be as fine a country as any in the world, if well watered; but
+travellers are here obliged to carry water for their mules as well as
+themselves. At the approach of night, I was much puzzled to find the
+way, my mule still persisting to go foremost, being often stopped by
+great sand hills, and my mule as often endeavoured to pull the reins
+out of my hand. This being very troublesome, the Indians advised me
+to lay the reins on the mule's neck, and on doing that the creature
+easily hit the way. These sand hills often shift from place to place,
+which I suppose is occasioned by strong eddy winds, reverberated from
+the mountains.
+
+We rested at night in an old empty house, about half way, which
+the guide told me was built by the inhabitants of Piura, for the
+accommodation of the prince of San Bueno, viceroy of Peru, when they
+met and regaled him at his entrance on his government. After a short
+rest, we continued our journey, and arrived at Piura, a handsome
+regularly built town, on the banks of the river _Callan_ or _Piura_.
+The Indian conducted us to the house of an honest Spanish gentleman
+and his wife, to whose charge he committed us, and then returned to
+Payta. In less than a quarter of an hour, the inhabitants of the town
+flocked to see us, as a raree-show, and entertained us with respect
+and civility, instead of using us as prisoners of war. The gentleman
+to whose charge we were committed was named Don Jeronimo Baldivieso,
+who had five daughters, who received us in so benevolent a manner,
+that we hoped our time would slide easily away, and our captivity
+prove no way disagreeable; and I now became sensible of the favour
+shewn me by Don Pedro in sending me to this place; for he had such
+interest in all Peru, that for his sake we found very good treatment.
+
+After refreshing ourselves, according to the custom of the country,
+with chocolate, biscuit, and water, we were serenaded by the sound
+of a harp from some inner apartment, of which instrument the artist
+seemed to have a good command, as I heard parts of several famous
+compositions, both Italian and English. Upon enquiry, I found that
+all Don Jeronimo's daughters had learnt music, and sung or played
+upon some instrument. Though this seemed unaccountable at first, I
+afterwards found that music was much cultivated in Peru. During the
+prevalence of the Italian party at the court of Madrid, the last
+viceroy of Peru, the prince of San Bueno, who was an Italian, brought
+a great many musicians to that country along with him, by whom the
+taste for music had spread every where, and had become as good in
+Peru as in old Spain. I the rather notice this, because, by our
+being lovers of music, and behaving peaceably and civilly to the
+inhabitants, we passed our time quietly and chearfully. We were only
+exposed to one inconvenience, which lasted all the time we remained
+here: which was, the daily assembling of the people to stare at us.
+I and my sergeant Cobbs, being used to exercise in public, bore this
+pretty well; but Mr Pressick, being a grave man, at first hung down
+his head, and was very melancholy. But he grew better acquainted with
+the people by degrees, and came to like them so well, that we had much
+ado to get him away, when it became necessary for us to remove our
+quarters.
+
+Almost all the commodities of Europe are distributed through Spanish
+America by a sort of pedlars, or merchants who travel on foot. These
+men come from Panama to Payta by sea; and in their road from Payta
+to Lima, make Piura their first stage, disposing of their goods, and
+lessening their burdens, as they go along. From Piura, some take the
+inland road by Caxamarca, and others the road along the coast through
+Truxillo. From Lima they take their passage back to Panama by sea,
+perhaps carrying with them a small adventure of brandy. At Panama
+they again stock themselves with European goods, and return by sea to
+Payta. Here they hire mules to carry their goods, taking Indians along
+with them to guide the mules and carry them back: And in this
+way these traders keep a continual round, till they have gained a
+sufficiency to live on. Their travelling expenses are next to nothing;
+as the Indians are under such entire subjection to the Spaniards,
+that they always find them in lodgings free, and provide them with
+provender for their mules. All this every white man may command, being
+an homage the Indians have long been accustomed to, and some think
+themselves honoured into the bargain. Yet out of generosity, they
+sometimes meet with a small recompense. Among the British and French,
+a pedlar is despised, and his employment is considered as a very, mean
+shift for getting a living: But it is quite otherwise here, where the
+quick return of money is a sufficient excuse for the manner in which
+it is gained; and there are many gentlemen in old Spain, in declining
+circumstances, who send their sons to what they call _the Indies_, to
+retrieve their fortunes in this way.
+
+Our lodging while at Piura was in an out-house, which had been built
+on purpose for accommodating such travelling merchants. Every day,
+according to the Spanish custom, our dinner was served up under
+covers, and we eat at the same table with Don Jeronimo; while the good
+lady of the house and her daughters sat in another room. Any strong
+liquors are only used during dinner: And I think the only circumstance
+in our conduct that any way disobliged our good host, was once seeing
+me drink a dram with the doctor, at a small eating-house; and, as
+nothing is more offensive to the Spaniards than drunkenness, I had
+much ado to apologise for this step. Yet they admit of gallantry in
+the utmost excess, thus only exchanging one enormity for another.
+
+After remaining about six weeks at Piura, our Indian guide came to
+conduct us to Payta, to which place the Brilliante had returned. When
+about to take leave, Mr Pressick our surgeon was not to be found,
+which detained us a day. They had concealed him in the town, meaning
+to have kept him there, being a very useful man; and if he could have
+had a small chest of medicines, he might soon have made a handsome
+fortune. Next day, however, we mounted our mules, and parted
+reluctantly with our kind host and his family. We went on board the
+Brilliante at Payta, which had done nothing at sea since we left her,
+and now made a sort of cruizing voyage to Calao, the port of Lima.
+I have already mentioned the civility I received from Don Pedro
+Midranda, who was admiral or general of the South Seas; and I shall
+here add one circumstance to the honour of Monsieur de Grange, a
+captain under the general. When taken by the Brilliante, the soldiers
+stripped us, considering our clothes as the usual perquisite of
+conquerors; on which that gentleman generously gave me a handsome suit
+of clothes, two pair of silk stockings, shirts, a hat and wig, and
+every thing accordant, so that I was rather a gainer by this accident.
+
+§ 3. _VOYAGE FROM PAYTA TO LIMA, AND ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH PRISONERS
+AT THAT PLACE._
+
+Our voyage to Lima occupied about five weeks; and, immediately on our
+arrival, we were committed to the same prison in which the rest of
+the ship's company were confined, except Mr Hately, who, for reasons
+formerly assigned, was confined by himself, and very roughly treated.
+A short time after our arrival, commissioners were appointed to
+hear our cause, and to determine whether we were to be treated as
+criminals, or as prisoners of war. We were charged with piracy,
+not solely for what we had done in the South Seas in plundering
+the Spaniards, but for having used the like violence against other
+nations, before our arrival in that sea, from which they proposed to
+infer that we had evinced a piratical disposition in the whole of
+our conduct. Of this they thought they had sufficient proof in the
+moidores found upon Hately, as they appeared to have been taken from
+the subjects of a prince in amity with our sovereign. Happily for us,
+Don Diego Morsilio, the viceroy, who was an archbishop in the decline
+of life, was pleased to investigate this matter; and finding only one
+of us guilty, would not sign an order for taking away the lives of
+the innocent. Some were for sending Hatley to the mines for life,
+and others for hanging him: But the several accounts of the vile
+proceedings of Captain Shelvocke contributed to his deliverance, of
+the truth of which circumstance, there were enough of our people at
+Lima to witness; for, besides Lieutenant Sergeantson and his men,
+who were brought thither, there came also the men whom Shelvocke sent
+along with Hopkins to shift for themselves in an empty bark, who were
+forced to surrender themselves to the Indians for want of sustenance;
+so that the court were satisfied that Shelvocke was the principal in
+that piratical act, rather than Hately. Considering that we had all
+been sufficiently punished before our arrival at Lima, they thought
+fit to let us all go by degrees. Hately was kept in irons about a
+twelvemonth, and was then allowed to return to England. I was more
+fortunate, as my imprisonment lasted only a fortnight, owing to the
+interposition of one Captain Fitzgerald, a gentleman born in France,
+who had great interest with the viceroy, and became security for
+me, on which I was allowed my liberty in the city, provided I were
+forthcoming when called for.
+
+Among my first enquiries was into the condition of other English
+prisoners at this place. I learnt from Lieutenant Sergeantson and
+his men, who were here before us, that most of them had adopted the
+religion of the country, had been christened, and were dispersed among
+the convents of the city. The first of these I met had his catechism
+in one hand, and a large string of beads dangling in the other. I
+smiled, and asked him how he liked it? He said, very well; for having
+a religion to chuse, he thought theirs better than none, especially
+as it brought him good meat and drink, and a quiet life. Many of
+Shelvocke's men followed this example, and I may venture to say, that
+most of them had the same substantial reason for their conversion.
+It is here reckoned very meritorious to make a convert, and many
+arguments were used for that purpose, but no rigorous measures
+were used to bring any one over to their way of thinking. Those who
+consented to be baptized, generally had some of the merchants of Lima
+for their patrons and god-fathers, who never failed to give them a
+good suit of clothes, and some money to drink their healths.
+
+About this time four or five of Clipperton's men had leave from the
+convents where they resided, to meet together at a public-house kept
+by one John Bell, an Englishman, who had a negro wife, who had been
+made free for some service or other. The purpose of this meeting was
+merely to confirm their new baptism over a bowl of punch; but they all
+got drunk and quarrelled, and, forgetting they were true catholics,
+they demolished the image of some honest saint that stood in a corner,
+mistaking him for one of their companions. Missing them for a few
+days, I enquired at Bell what was become of them, when he told me they
+were all in the Inquisition; for the thing having taken air, he was
+obliged to go himself to complain of their behaviour, but he got them
+released a few days after, when they had time to repent and get
+sober in the dungeons of the holy office. Bell said, if these men had
+remained heretics, their drunken exploit had not come within the verge
+of the ecclesiastical power; but as they were novices, they were the
+easier pardoned, their outrages on the saint being attributed to the
+liquor, and not to any designed affront to the catholic faith, or a
+relapse into heresy.
+
+Some time afterwards, about a dozen of our men from the Success and
+Speedwell were sent to Calao, to assist in careening and fitting out
+the Flying-fish, designed for Europe. They here entered into a plot
+to run away with the Margarita, a good sailing ship which lay in the
+harbour, meaning to have gone for themselves, in which of course they
+would have acted as pirates. Not knowing what to do for ammunition and
+a compass, they applied to Mr Sergeantson, pretending they meant to
+steal away to Panama, where there was an English factory, and whence
+they had hopes of getting home. They said they had got half a dozen
+firelocks, with which they might be able to kill wild hogs or other
+game, as they went along, and begged him to help them to some powder
+and shot, and a compass to steer their way through the woods. By
+begging and making catholic signs to the people in Lima, they had
+collected some dollars, which they desired Sergeantson to lay out
+for them; and he, not mistrusting their plot, bought them what they
+wanted. Thus furnished, one of them came to me at Lima, and told me
+their intention, and that Sprake was to have the command, as being the
+only one among them who knew any thing of navigation. I answered, that
+it was a bold design; but as Captain Fitzgerald had engaged for my
+honour, I could not engage in it. Their plot was discovered a few days
+after, their lodgings searched, their arms taken away, and they were
+committed to prison. The government was much incensed against them,
+and had nearly determined upon their execution; but they were soon all
+released except Sprake, who was the ringleader, and was kept in irons
+for two or three months, and then set at liberty.
+
+The dominions belonging to the Spaniards in America are so large and
+valuable, that, if well governed, they might render that monarchy
+exceedingly formidable. In my long stay in Peru, I had the means of
+examining at leisure, and with attention, their manner of living, the
+form of their government, and many other circumstances little known
+in our part of the world, and had many opportunities of enquiring into
+things minutely, which did not fall under my immediate observation;
+and of which I propose to give as clear and accurate an account as
+I can, constantly distinguishing between what fell under my own
+immediate knowledge, and what I received from the information of
+others.
+
+§ 4. _DESCRIPTION OF LIMA, AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
+PERU._
+
+The great and rich city of Lima is the metropolis of Peru, and the
+seat of an archbishop. It is all regularly built, the streets being
+all straight and spacious, dividing the whole into small squares. It
+stands in an open vale, through which runs a gentle stream, dividing
+the city in two, as the Thames does London from Southwark. Calao is
+the port of Lima, from whence it is about seven miles distant. Because
+of the frequent earthquakes, the houses are only of one story, and
+generally twelve or fourteen feet high. It contains eight parish
+churches, three colleges for students, twenty-eight monasteries of
+friars, and thirteen nunneries, so that the religions occupy a fourth
+part of the city; yet, by the quick and plentiful flow of money, and
+the vast sums bequeathed through the effects of celibacy, they are
+well endowed. Besides these, there are two hospitals for sick, poor,
+and disabled; and in which several of our men were kindly looked
+after. The length of the city from north to south is two miles, and
+its breadth one and a half; its whole circumference, including the
+wall and the river, being six miles. The other, or smaller part of
+the city, is to the east of the river, over which there is a handsome
+stone bridge of seven arches. Including all sorts and colours, I
+computed that the whole population of Lima amounted to between
+sixty and seventy thousand persons; and I should not wonder at any
+multiplication in this city, as it is the centre of so much affluence
+and pleasure. Besides the natural increase of the inhabitants, all
+ships that trade this way, whether public or private, generally leave
+some deserters, who remain behind in consequence of the encouragement
+given to all white faces.
+
+The people here are perhaps the most expensive in their habits of any
+in the world. The men dress nearly as in England, their coats being
+either of silk, fine English cloth, or camblets, embroidered or laced
+with gold or silver, and their waistcoats usually of the richest
+brocades. The women wear no stays or hoops, having only a stitched
+holland jacket next their shifts, and they generally wear a square
+piece of swansdown flannel thrown over their shoulders, entirely
+covered with Flanders lace, and have their petticoats adorned with
+gold or silver lace. When they walk out, the Creole women are mostly
+veiled, but not the mulattoes; and, till thirty or forty years of
+age, they wear no head-clothes, their hair being tied behind with fine
+ribbons. The pride of the ladies chiefly appears in fine Mechlin or
+Brussels lace, with which they trim their linen in a most extravagant
+manner, not omitting even their sheets and pillows. Their linen
+jackets are double bordered with it, both at top and bottom, with four
+or five ruffles or furbelows hanging down to their knees. They
+are very extravagant also in pearls and precious stones, in rings,
+bracelets, and necklaces, though the value of these is hardly equal to
+the shew.
+
+The viceroy has a splendid palace in the royal square, or great
+quadrangle of the city, which seemed as large as Lincoln's-Inn-Fields.
+His salary is ten thousand pounds a-year, but his perquisites amount
+to double that sum. And though his government expires at the end of
+three, four, or five years, he generally makes a handsome fortune,
+as all places are in his gift, both in the government and the army
+throughout all Peru, except such as are sent out or nominated by the
+king. The great court of justice consists of twelve judges, besides a
+number of inferior officers, councillors, and solicitors. Before this
+court all causes are decided, but they are too often determined in
+favour of the party who gives most money. And, though these vast
+dominions abound in riches, there is not much work for the lawyers,
+as the laws are few and plain, which certainly is much better than
+a multiplicity of laws, explaining one another till they become so
+intricate that the issue of a cause depends more on the craft of the
+solicitor and advocate, than on its justice. Every magistrate in this
+country knows that his reign is short, and that he will be laughed at
+if he does not make a fortune, so that they wink at each other; and,
+so great is the distance between Spain and Peru, that the royal orders
+are seldom, regarded, being two years in going backward and forward:
+Hence arise many clandestine doings. According to law, the king ought
+to have a twentieth part of all the gold, and a fifth of all the
+silver procured from the mines; but vast quantities are carried away
+privately, without paying any duty, both north by Panama, and south
+through the Straits of Magellan. There are also vast sums allowed for
+the militia, the garrisons, and the repairs of fortifications, one
+half of which are never applied to these objects. Hence it may easily
+be imagined what immense riches would flow into the treasury of
+Madrid, if his catholic majesty were faithfully served.
+
+The country of Peru is naturally subject to earthquakes. About fifty
+years before I was there, or about the year 1670, there were two great
+ones at Lima, which overturned many houses, churches, and convents.
+And in the reign of Charles II. the late king of Spain, there was an
+earthquake near the equator, which lifted up whole fields, carrying
+them to the distance of several miles. Small shocks are often felt
+which do no harm, and I have been often called out of bed on such
+occasions, and heard nothing more about the matter; but on these
+occasions the bells always toll to prayers. Yet, although this country
+has suffered much from earthquakes, especially near the coast, their
+churches are lofty and neatly built. Such parts of their buildings as
+require strength are made of burnt bricks; but their dwelling-houses
+are all constructed of bamboos, canes, and bricks only dried in
+the sun, which are sufficiently durable, as it never rains in Peru.
+Instead of roofs, they are merely covered over with mats, on which
+ashes are strewed, to keep out the dews. The small river of Lima,
+or _Runac_, consists mostly of snow-water from the neighbouring
+mountains, which are covered all the year with snow, that partly
+dissolves in the summer-season, from September to March.
+
+One would expect the weather to be much hotter here; but there is
+no proportion between the heat of this part of America and the
+same latitudes in Africa. This is owing to two causes; that the
+neighbourhood of the snowy mountains diffuses a cool temperature
+of the air all around; and the constant humid vapours, which are so
+frequent that I often expected it to rain when I first went to Lima.
+These vapours are not so dense, low, and gloomy, like our fogs, nor
+yet are they separated above like our summer clouds; but an exhalation
+between both, spread all around, as when we say the day is overcast,
+so that sometimes a fine dew is felt on the upper garments, and may
+even be discerned on the knap of the cloth. This is a prodigious
+convenience to the inhabitants of Lima, who are thus screened half the
+day from the sun; and though it often shines out in the afternoon, yet
+is the heat very tolerable, being tempered by the sea-breezes, and
+not near so hot as at Lisbon and some parts of Spain, more than thirty
+degrees farther from the equator.
+
+The entire want of rain in this country induced the Indians, even
+before the conquest, to construct canals and drains for leading water
+from among the distant mountains, which they have done with great
+skill and labour, so as to irrigate and refresh the vallies, by which
+they produce grass and corn, and a variety of fruits, to which also
+the dews contribute. A Spanish writer observes that this perpetual
+want of rain is occasioned by the south-west wind blowing on the coast
+of Peru the whole year round, which always bears away the vapours from
+the plains before they are of sufficient body to descend in showers:
+But, when carried higher and farther inland, they become more compact,
+and at length fall down in rain on the interior hills. The inhabitants
+of Peru have plenty of cattle, fowls, fish, and all kinds of
+provisions common among us, except butter, instead of which they
+always use lard. They have oil, wine, and brandy in abundance, but not
+so good as in Europe. Instead of tea from China, which is prohibited,
+they make great use of _camini_, called herb of Paraguay, or Jesuits
+tea, which, is brought from Paraguay by land. They make a decoction
+of this, which they usually suck through a pipe, calling it _Mattea_,
+being the name of the bowl out of which it is drank. Chocolate is
+their usual breakfast, and their grace cup after dinner; and sometimes
+they take a glass of brandy, to promote digestion, but scarcely drink
+any wine. In Chili, they make some butter, such as it is, the cream
+being put into a skin bag kept for that purpose, which is laid on a
+table between two women, who shake it till the butter comes.
+
+The Spaniards are no friends to the bottle, yet gallantry and intrigue
+are here brought to perfection, insomuch that it is quite unmannerly
+here not to have a mistress, and scandalous not to keep her well. The
+women have many accomplishments, both natural and acquired, having
+graceful motions, winning looks, and engaging, free, and sprightly
+conversation. They are all delicately shaped, not injured by
+stiff-bodied stays, but left entirely to the beauty of nature, and
+hardly is there a crooked body to be seen, among them. Their eyes and
+teeth are singularly beautiful, and their hair is universally of a
+dark polished hue, nicely combed and plaited, and tied behind with
+ribbons, but never disguised by powder; and the brightness of their
+skins round the temples, clearly appears through their dark hair.
+Though amours are universal at Lima, the men are very careful to bide
+them, and no indecent word or action is ever permitted in public.
+They usually meet for these purposes, either in the afternoon at
+the _Siesta_, or in the evening in calashes on the other side of the
+river, or in the great square of the city, where calashes meet in
+great numbers in the dusk. These are slung like our coaches, but
+smaller, many of them being made only to hold two persons sitting
+opposite. They are all drawn by one mule, with the negro driver
+sitting on his back; and it is quite usual to see some of these
+calashes, with the blinds close, standing still for half an hour at
+a time. In these amusements they have several customs peculiar to
+themselves. After evening prayers, the gentleman changes his dress
+from a cloak to a _montero_, or jockey-coat, with a laced linen cap on
+his head, and a handkerchief round his neck, instead of a wig; or if
+he wear his own hair, it must be tucked under a cap and concealed, as
+it is the universal fashion to be thus disguised. Even those who
+have no mistress, are ashamed to appear virtuous, and must be somehow
+masked or disguised, in order to countenance the way of the world.
+As, all this is night-work, they have an established rule to avoid
+quarrels, by never speaking to or noticing each other, when going in
+quest of or to visit their ladies.
+
+In short, the fore-part of every night in the year is a kind of
+masquerade. Among people of any rank who do not keep calashes, one
+couple never walks close behind another, but each at the distance
+of at least twelve paces, to prevent the overhearing of any secret
+whispers. Should a lady drop a fan or any thing else by accident, a
+gentleman may take it up, but he must not give it to the lady, but to
+the gentleman who accompanies her, lest she may happen to be the wife
+or sister of him who takes it up; and as all the ladies are veiled,
+these wise rules are devised to prevent any impertinent discoveries.
+Any freedom in contravention of these laws of gallantry would be
+looked upon as the highest affront, and would be thought to merit a
+drawn sword through the midriff. Should any one see his most intimate
+friend any where with a woman, he must never take notice of it, or
+mention it afterwards. Every thing of this nature is conducted with
+all imaginary gravity and decorum, by which the practice of gallantry
+becomes decent and easy; yet there are some jealousies in this regular
+commerce of love, which sometimes end fatally. A story of this kind
+happened shortly before I went to Lima. A young lady, who thought
+herself sole sovereign in the heart of her lover, saw him by chance
+in the company of another, and, waiting no farther proof of his
+infidelity, she instantly plunged a dagger in his bosom. She was soon
+after brought to trial, and every one expected that she should pay
+the forfeit with her life; but the judges, considering her rashness
+as proceeding from excess of love, not malice, acquitted her. However
+agreeable these gallantries may be to the _Creole_ Spaniards, they
+have an inconvenient effect on society; as the men are so engrossed
+by these matters, as to spoil all public conversation. Their time is
+entirely taken up in attendance on their mistresses, so that there are
+no coffee-houses or taverns, and they can only be met with at their
+offices, or in church.
+
+Perhaps it may be chiefly owing to this effeminate propensity, that
+all manly exercises, all useful knowledge, and that noble emulation
+which inspires virtue, and keeps alive respect for the public good,
+are here unknown. Those amusements which serve in other countries to
+relax the labours of the industrious, and to keep alive the vigour of
+the body and mind, are unknown in Peru; and whoever should attempt to
+introduce any such, would be considered as an innovator, which, among
+them, is a hateful character: For they will never be convinced, that
+martial exercises or literary conferences are preferable to intrigues.
+They have, however, a sort of a play-house, where the young gentlemen
+and students divert themselves after their fashion; but their dramatic
+performances are so mean as hardly to be worth mentioning, being
+scripture stories, interwoven with romance, a mixture still worse than
+gallantry. At this theatre, two Englishmen belonging to the squadron
+of Mons. Martinat, fought a prize-battle a short time before I came
+to Lima. Having first obtained leave of the viceroy to display their
+skill at the usual weapons, and the day being fixed, they went through
+many previous ceremonies, to draw, as the phrase is, a good house.
+Preceded by beat of drum, and dressed in holland shirts and ribbons,
+they went about the streets saluting the spectators at the windows
+with flourishes of their swords, so that the whole city came to see
+the trial of skill, some giving gold for admittance, and hardly any
+one less than a dollar. The company, male and female, being assembled,
+the masters mounted the stage, and, after the usual manner of the
+English, having shaken hands, they took their distance, and stood
+on their guard in good order. Several bouts were played without much
+wrath or damage, the design being more to get money than cuts or
+credit, till at length one of the masters received a small hurt on
+the breast, which blooded his shirt, and began to make the combat look
+terrible. Upon this, fearing from this dreadful beginning that the
+zeal of the combatants might grow too warm, the company cried out,
+_Basta! basta!_ or enough! enough! And the viceroy would never permit
+another exhibition of the same kind, lest one of the combatants might
+receive a mortal wound, and so die without absolution.
+
+So deficient are the Spaniards in energy of spirit, that many
+extensive countries and islands remain unexplored, in the immediate
+neighbourhood of their vast American dominions, though some of these
+are reported to be richer and more valuable than those which are
+already conquered and settled. The first Spanish governors of Mexico
+and Peru were not of this indolent disposition, but bestowed great
+pains in endeavouring to acquire the most perfect knowledge bordering
+upon their respective governments: But now that general thirst of fame
+is entirely extinguished, and they content themselves with plundering
+their fellow-subjects in the countries already known. The regions to
+the north of Mexico are known to abound in silver, precious stones,
+and other rich commodities, yet the Spaniards decline all conquest on
+that side, and discourage as much as possible the reports which have
+spread of the riches of these countries. On the same principles, they
+give no encouragement to attempt penetrating into the heart of South
+America, whence most of the riches of Peru are known to come, the
+mountains at the back of the country being extremely rich in gold; and
+the regions, on the other side, towards the Atlantic, being inhabited
+by nations that have abundance of that metal, though, for fear of
+being oppressed by the Europeans, they conceal it as much as possible.
+
+Of all the discoveries that have been talked of among the Spaniards,
+that which has made the most noise is the island or islands of
+Solomon, supposed to be the same with those discovered by the famous
+Ferdinand Quiros. He reported them to be extremely rich and very
+populous, and repeatedly memorialed the court of Spain to be
+authorised to complete his discovery. All his solicitations, however,
+were neglected, and it became a question in a few years whether any
+such islands had ever existed. At length, towards the close of the
+seventeenth century, such discoveries were made as to the reality of
+these islands, that Don Alvaro de Miranda was sent out to discover
+them in 1695. He failed in the attempt, but in the search met with
+four islands, between the latitude of 7° and 10° S. which were
+wonderfully rich and pleasant, the inhabitants being a better looking
+race, and far more civilized than any of the Indians on the continent
+of America. This discovery occasioned a good deal of discourse at the
+time; but the subsequent disturbances relative to the succession to
+the crown of Spain, so occupied the attention of every person, that
+all views of endeavouring to find the islands of Solomon were laid
+aside.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: These islands of Miranda appear to have been the
+Marquebes, between the latitudes of 8° 45' and 10° 25' N. and long.
+139° W. The Solomon islands, or New Georgia, are between 5° and 10° N.
+and long. 200° to 205° W. 63-1/2 degrees of longitude farther to the
+westwards.--E.]
+
+§ 5. _SOME ACCOUNT OF THE MINES OF PERU AND CHILI_.
+
+As the riches of Peru consist chiefly in mines of silver, I shall
+endeavour to give some account of them, from the best information I
+could procure. There are two sorts of silver-mines, in one of which
+the silver is found scattered about in small quantities, or detached
+masses, while, in the other kind of mine, it runs in a vein between
+two rocks, one of which is excessively hard, and the other much
+softer. These certainly best deserve the name of silver-mines, and
+are accordingly so denominated. This precious metal, which in other
+countries is the standard or measure of riches, is the actual riches
+of Peru, or its chief natural commodity; as, throughout the whole of
+that vast country, silver-mines are almost every where to be met with,
+of more or less value, according as the ore produces more or less
+silver, or can be wrought at a greater or less expence. Some of these
+mines are to the north of Lima, but not a great many, but to the south
+they are very numerous. On the back, or eastern side of the Andes,
+there is a nation of Indians called _Los Platerors_, or the _Plate_,
+or _Silver_ men, from their possessing vast quantities of silver,[1]
+but with them the Spaniards have very little communication. The best
+of the mine countries are to the south of Cusco, from thence to Potosi
+and the frontiers of Chili, where, for the space of 800 miles, there
+is a continued succession of mines, some being discovered and others
+abandoned almost every day.
+
+[Footnote 1: This tribe still holds its place in modern geography,
+in the vast plain to the E. of the Maranors or Amazons, where there
+cannot be any silver-mines, at least that they can explore. They are
+so named because of wearing silver ear-rings, which they must, almost
+certainly, procure in barter from the tribes in the mountains, far to
+the west.--E.]
+
+It is common, both here and elsewhere, for people to complain of the
+times, commending the past, as if there had been infinitely greater
+quantities of silver dug from the mines formerly than at present. This
+certainly may be the case with particular mines; but, on the whole,
+the quantities of silver now annually obtained from the mines in
+Spanish America, abundantly exceeds what used formerly to be procured.
+Those mines which are at present [1720] most remarkable in Peru are,
+Loxa, Camora, Cuenca, Puerto-veio, and St Juan del Oro. Those of Oruro
+and Titiri are neglected; and those of Porco and Plata are filled
+up. At Potosi there are a vast number of mines; and those of Tomina,
+Chocaia, Atacuna, Xuxui, Calchaques, Guasco, Iquique, &c. are all
+wrought with more or less profit, according to the skill of the
+proprietors or managers. It is generally believed that the Creoles
+have a very perfect acquaintance with the minerals, from experience,
+and with the art of treating them, so as to obtain the largest profit;
+but, when their utter ignorance in all other arts is considered, their
+constant going on in the old beaten track, and their enormous waste of
+quicksilver, one is tempted to believe that our European miners might
+conduct their works to still greater advantage.
+
+The most perfect silver that is brought from Peru is in the forms
+called _pinnas_ by the Spaniards, being extremely porous lumps of
+silver, as they are the remainder of a paste composed of silver dust
+and mercury, whence the latter being exhaled or evaporated, leaves the
+silver in a spongy mass, full of holes, and very light. This is the
+kind of silver which is put into various forms by the merchants, in
+order to cheat the king of his duty; wherefore all silver in this
+state, found any where on the road, or on board any ship, is looked
+upon as contraband, and liable to seizure.
+
+In regard to the art of refining, I propose to shew the progress of
+the ore, from the mine till it comes to this spongy mass or cake.
+After breaking the stone or ore taken out of the veins, it is grinded
+in mills between grindstones, or pounded in the _ingenious reales_,
+or royal engines, by means of hammers or beetles, like the mills for
+Paris plaster. These generally have a wheel of twenty-five or thirty
+feet diameter, with a long axle or lying shaft, set round with smooth
+triangular projections, which, as the axle turns, lay hold of the iron
+hammers, of about two hundred-weight each, lifting them to a certain
+height, whence they drop down with such violence that they crush and
+reduce the hardest stones to powder. The pounded ore is afterwards
+sifted through iron or copper sieves, which allow the finest powder
+to go through, the coarse being returned to the mill. When the one
+happens to be mixed with copper or other metals which prevent
+its reduction to powder, it is roasted or calcined in an oven or
+reverberatory furnace, and pounded over again.
+
+At the smaller mines, where they only use grindstones, they, for the
+most part, grind the ore along with water, forming it into a liquid
+paste, which runs out into receivers. When grinded dry, it has to be
+afterwards mixed with water, and well moulded up with the feet for a
+long time. For this purpose, they make a court or floor, on which that
+mud, or paste of pounded ore and water, is disposed in square parcels
+of about a foot thick, each parcel containing half a _caxon_, or
+chest, which is twenty-five quintals or hundred-weights of ore, and
+these parcels are called _cuerpos_, or bodies. On each of these they
+throw about two hundred-weights of sea-salt, more or less, according
+to the nature of the ore, which they mould or incorporate with the
+moistened ore for two or three days. They then add a certain quantity
+of quicksilver, squeezing it from a skin bag, to make it fall in drops
+equally on the mass or _cuerpo_, allowing to each mass ten, fifteen,
+or twenty pounds of quicksilver, according to the nature or quality of
+the ore, as the richer it is, it requires the more mercury to draw it
+to the silver contained in the mass, so that they know the quantity
+by long experience. An Indian is employed to mould or trample one
+of these square cuerpos eight times a-day, that the mercury
+may thoroughly incorporate with the silver. To expedite this
+incorporation, they often mix lime with the mass, when the ore happens
+to be what they call greasy, and in this great caution is required,
+as they say the mass sometimes grows so hot that they neither find
+mercury nor silver in it, which seems quite incredible. Sometimes also
+they strew in some lead or tin ore, to facilitate the operation of the
+mercury, which is slower in very cold weather; wherefore, at Potosi
+and Lipes, they are often obliged to mould or work up their cuerpos
+during a month or six weeks; but, in more temperate climates, the
+amalgama is completed in eight or ten days. To facilitate the action
+of the mercury, they, in some places, as at Puno and elsewhere,
+construct their _buiterons_ or floors on arches, under which they keep
+fires for twenty-four hours, to heat the masses or _cuerpos_, which
+are in that case placed as a pavement of bricks.
+
+When it is thought that the mercury has attracted all the silver,
+the assayer takes a small quantity of ore from each cuerpo, which he
+washes separately in a small earthen plate or wooden bowl; and, by the
+colour and appearance of the amalgama found at the bottom, when the
+earthy matters are washed away, he knows whether the mercury has
+produced its proper effect. When blackish, the ore is said to have
+been too much heated, and they add more salt, or some other temper. In
+this case they say that mercury is _dispara_, that is, shoots or flees
+away. If the mercury remains white, they put a drop under the thumb,
+and pressing it hastily, the silver in the amalgam sticks to the
+thumb, and the mercury slips away in little drops. When they conceive
+that all the silver has incorporated with the mercury, the mixed mass,
+or cuerpo, is carried to a basin or pond, into which a small stream
+of water is introduced to wash it, much in the same way as I shall
+afterwards describe the manner in which they wash gold, only that as
+the silver-ore is reduced to a fine mud without stones, it is stirred
+by an Indian with his feet, to dissolve it thoroughly, and loosen the
+silver. From the first basin it falls into a second, and thence into
+a third, where the stirring and washing is repeated, that any amalgam
+which has not subsided in the first and second may not escape the
+third.
+
+The whole being thoroughly washed in these basins, which are lined
+with leather, till the water runs clear off, the amalgam of mercury
+and silver is found at the bottom, and is termed _la pella_. This is
+put into a woollen bag and hung up, from whence some of the mercury
+runs out. The bag is then beaten and pressed as much as they can,
+laying upon it a flat piece of wood loaded with a heavy weight, to get
+out as much of the mercury as they can. The paste is then put into
+a mould of wooden planks bound together, generally in the form of an
+octagon pyramid cut short, its bottoms being a plate of copper, full
+of small holes, into which the paste is stirred and pressed down, in
+order to fasten it. When they design to make many _pinnas_, or spongy
+lumps of various weights, these are divided from each other by thin
+beds or layers of earth, which hinder them from uniting. For this
+purpose, the _pella_, or mass of amalgam, must be weighed out in
+separate portions, deducting two-thirds for the contained mercury, by
+which they know to a small matter the quantity of silver contained in
+each. They then take off the mould, and place the pella or mass with
+its copper base on a trivet, or such like instrument, standing over a
+great earthen vessel full of water, and cover it with an earthen cap,
+which again is covered by lighted coals. This fire is fed and kept
+up for some hours, by which the mass of pella below becomes violently
+heated, the contained mercury being thereby raised into vapour: But,
+having no means of escape through the cap or cover, it is forced down
+to the water underneath, where it condenses into quicksilver and sinks
+to the bottom. By this contrivance, little of the mercury is lost,
+and the same serves over again. But the quantity must be increased,
+_because it grows weak_.[2] At Potosi, as Acosta relates, they
+formerly consumed six or seven thousand quintals of mercury every
+year, by which Some idea may be formed of the silver there procured.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is utterly absurd, as the mercury must be the same
+in _quality_ as before, the _quantity_ only being _weakened_.]
+
+On the evaporation of the mercury, nothing remains but a spongy lump
+of contiguous grains of silver, very light and almost mouldering,
+called _la pinna_ by the Spaniards. These masses must be carried to
+the king's receipt or mint, to pay the royal fifth; and are there cast
+into ingots, on which are stamped the arms of the crown, the place
+where cast, and their weight and fineness. All these ingots, having
+paid the fifth, are sure to be without fraud or deceit; but it is not
+so with the _pinnas_, as these have often iron, sand, or some other
+matter contained within them, to increase their weight; Hence,
+prudence requires that these should be opened, and made red hot in a
+fire; for, if falsified, the fire will turn them black or yellow, or
+melt them more easily. This trial by fire is also necessary to extract
+moisture, which they contract in places where they are purposely laid
+to render them heavier, as also for separating the mercury with which
+the bottom of the mass is always more or less impregnated. The weight
+of these _pinnas_ may be increased nearly a third, by dipping them
+while red hot into water. It also sometimes happens that the same mass
+of pinna may be of different fineness in different parts.
+
+The ore, or stones taken from the mines, or the _mineray_, as it is
+called in Peru, from which the silver is extracted, is not always of
+the same nature, consistence, and colour. Some are white and grey,
+mixed with red or bluish spots, called _plata blanca_ or white silver;
+of which sort the one in the Lipes mines mostly consists. For the most
+part, some little grains of silver are to be discerned, and very often
+small branches are seen, ramifying along the layers of the stone. Some
+ores are as black as the dross of iron, and in which no silver is to
+be seen, which is called _negrillo_ or blackish ore. Sometimes the ore
+is rendered black by admixture of lead, and is called _plombo ronco_,
+or coarse lead, in which the silver appears as if scratched by
+something harsh. This ore is generally the richest in silver, and from
+it also the silver is got at the smallest charge; as instead of having
+to be moulded or kneaded with quicksilver, it has only to be melted
+in furnaces, where the lead evaporates by the force of fire, and the
+silver remains pure behind. From this sort. of mines, the Indians drew
+their silver before the coming of the Spaniards, having no knowledge
+of the use of mercury, and they accordingly only wrought those mines
+of which the ore would melt; and, having but little wood, they heated
+their furnaces with _ylo_, the dung of the _Llamas_ or Peruvian sheep,
+placing their furnaces on the sides of mountains, that the wind might
+render their fires fierce.
+
+There is another sort of black ore, in which the silver does not at
+all appear; and which, when wetted and rubbed against iron, becomes
+red. This ore is called _rosicler_, signifying that ruddiness which
+appears at the dawn of day. This is very rich, and affords the finest
+silver. Another kind, called _zoroche_, glitters like talc, and is
+generally very poor, yielding little silver: Its outer coat is very
+soft and of a yellowish red, but seldom rich; and the mines of this
+sort are wrought on account of the easiness of extracting the ore,
+being very easily dug. Another kind, not much harder than the last, is
+of a green colour, called _cobrissa_ or copperish, and is very rare.
+Although the silver usually appears in this kind, and it is almost
+mouldering, it is the most difficult of all to manage, as it parts
+very difficultly with the silver. Sometimes, after being stamped or
+reduced to powder, it has to be burnt in the fire, and several other
+expedients must be used to separate the silver, doubtless because
+mixed with copper. There is another very rare sort of ore, which has
+only been found in the mine of _Cotamiso_ at Potosi, being threads of
+pure silver entangled, or wound up together, like burnt lace, and so
+fine that it is called _arana_, or spider ore, from its resemblance to
+a cobweb.
+
+The veins of _mineray_, of whatever sort they may be, are generally
+richer in the middle than towards the edges; and where two veins
+happen to cross each other, the place where they meet is always very
+rich. It is also observed that those which lie north and south are
+richer than those which lie in any other direction. Those also which
+are near to places where mills can be erected, and can consequently
+be more commodiously wrought, are often preferable to others that are
+richer, but require more expense in working. For this reason, at Lipes
+and Potosi, a chest of ore must yield ten marks or eighty ounces of
+silver, to pay the charges of working; while those in the province of
+Tarama only require five merks or forty ounces to defray the expences.
+When even very rich, and they happen to sink down so as to be liable
+to be flooded, the adventurers must have recourse to pumps and
+machines in order to drain them; or to _cocabones_ or levels dug
+through the sides of the mountain, which often ruin the owners by the
+enormous expence they are insensibly drawn into. At some of the mines,
+where the methods of separation already described fail, they use other
+means of extracting the silver from the ore, and from other metals
+which may be combined with it; as by fire, or strong separating
+waters; and there the silver is cast into a sort of ingots, called
+_bollos_. But the most general and useful method is that already
+described.
+
+It may naturally be supposed that mines, as well as other things, are
+subject to variation in their productiveness. The mines which, till
+very lately, yielded most silver, were those of _Oroura_, a small town
+about eight leagues from Arica. In the year 1712, one was discovered
+at _Ollachea_ near Cusco, so rich that it yielded 2500 marks of silver
+of eight ounces each, or 20,000 ounces, out of each _caxon_ or chest,
+being almost a fifth part of the ore; but it has since declined much,
+and is now [1720] only reckoned among the ordinary sort. Those of
+Lipes have had a similar fate. Those at Potosi now yield but little,
+and are worked at a very heavy expence, owing to their excessive
+depth. Although the mines here are far diminished in their
+productiveness, yet the quantity of ore which has been formerly
+wrought, and has lain many years on the surface, is now thought
+capable of yielding a second crop; and when I was at Lima, they were
+actually turning it up, and milling it over again with great success.
+This is a proof that these minerals generate in the earth like all
+other inanimate things;[3] and it likewise appears, from all the
+accounts of the Spaniards, that gold, silver, and other metals are
+continually growing and forming in the earth. This opinion is verified
+by experience in the mountain of Potosi, where several mines had
+fallen in, burying the workmen and their tools; and these being
+again opened up after some years, many boxes and pieces of wood were
+discovered, having veins of silver actually running through them.[4]
+
+[Footnote 3: It is merely a proof that the ore had been formerly very
+imperfectly managed, and still contained enough of silver to pay for
+extraction with profit, by more expert methods.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: This proves only change of place, by solution,
+infiltration, and deposition not growth, increase, or new
+production.--E.]
+
+All these mines become the property of their first discoverer, who
+immediately presents a petition to the magistrates, desiring to have
+such a piece of ground for his own. This is accordingly granted, and
+a spot of ground eighty Spanish yards in length by forty in breadth[5]
+is measured out and appropriated to the discoverer, who chuses what
+spot he pleases within these bounds, and does with it as he thinks
+fit. The exact same quantity is then measured off as belonging to the
+king, and is sold to the best bidder, there being always many who are
+willing to purchase, what may turn out an inestimable treasure. After
+this, if any person may incline to work a part of this mine on his own
+account, he bargains with the proprietor for a particular vein. All
+that is dug out by any one is his own, subject however to payment of
+the royal duties; being one-twentieth part for gold, and a fifth for
+silver; and some proprietors find a good account in letting out their
+grounds and mills to others.
+
+[Footnote 5: In Harris this is said to be _about 1200 feet in length,
+and 100 in breadth_, which is obviously absurd; as the one measure
+gives the Spanish yard at 15 English feet, and the latter at 2-1/2
+feet. Both measures are probably erroneous; but there are no data for
+their correction.--E.]
+
+There are gold-mines just beyond the town of Copaipo, and in all the
+country around, which have attracted many purchasers and workmen to
+that district, to the great injury and oppression of the Indians;
+as the Spanish magistrates not only take away their lands for the
+purposes of mining, but their horses also, which they sell to the
+new adventurers, under pretence of serving the king and improving the
+settlements. There is also abundance of magnet and _lapiz lazuli_,
+of which the Indians know not the value; and some leagues within the
+country, there is plenty of salt and salt-petre, which often lies an
+inch thick on the ground. On the _Cordelieras_, about an hundred miles
+to the east, there is a vein of sulphur about two feet wide, so fine
+and pure that it needs no cleaning. This part of the country is full
+of all sorts of mines, but so excessively barren, that the inhabitants
+have to fetch all their subsistence from the country about Coquimbo,
+over a desert of more than 300 miles extent, in which the earth
+abounds so much in salt and sulphur that the mules often perish by
+the way, for want of grass and fresh water. In that long road there
+is only one river in the course of two hundred miles, which is named
+_Ancalulae_ or the Hyporite, because it runs only from sun-rise to
+sun-set. This is occasioned by the great quantities of snow melted on
+the Cordelieras in the day, which freezes again by the excessive cold
+of the night. Hence _Chili_ is said to derive its name, as _chile_
+signifies cold in the Indian language; and we are told by the Spanish
+historians, that some of their countrymen and others, who first traded
+to this country, were frozen to death on their mules; for which reason
+they now always travel by a lower road, towards the coast.
+
+The mine countries are all so cold and barren, that the inhabitants
+have to procure most of their provisions from the coast; this is
+caused by the exhalations of salts and sulphur from the earth, which
+destroy the growth of all vegetables. These are so stifling to the
+Spaniards who dwell about the mines, that they are obliged often to
+drink the _mattea_, or tea made of the herb _camini_, to moisten their
+mouths. The mules also, that trip it nimbly over the mountains, are
+forced to walk slowly in the country about the mines, and have often
+to stop to take breath. If these vapours are so strong without and in
+the open air, what must they be within the bowels of the earth in the
+mines, into which, if a fresh man go, he is suddenly benumbed with
+pain. This is the case with many, but seldom lasts above a day, and
+they are not liable to be affected a second time: Yet vapours often
+burst forth suddenly, by which the workmen are killed on the spot;
+and one way or another, great multitudes of Indians die in working the
+mines. One is apt to wonder that, through all this part of the world,
+those districts which are most barren and unwholesome are the best
+inhabited; while other places, that seem to vie with our nations of
+the terrestrial paradise, in beauty and fertility, are but thinly
+peopled. Yet, when one considers, that it is the thirst of wealth, not
+the love of ease, which attracts people thither, the wonder ceases,
+and we see how much the hope of living rich gets the better even of
+the hope of living; as if the sole end for which man was created was
+to acquire wealth, at the expence of health and happiness.
+
+In reference to these deserts, the following observation occurs to my
+memory, as having happened when we were on the road to Piura. When
+we lay down to sleep at night, our mules went eagerly in search of a
+certain root, not unlike a parsnip, but much bigger, which contains a
+great deal of juice, and, besides serving as food, often answers as
+a substitute for water in the deserts. When the mules find these, and
+are unable to rake them out of the ground with their feet, they stand
+over them and bray with all their might, till the Indians come to
+their assistance.
+
+It is generally understood that silver is the peculiar wealth of Peru,
+and the Spaniards usually talk of gold-mines as confined to Chili: Yet
+there are one or two _lavaderas_, or washing-places for gold in the
+south of Peru, near the frontiers of Chili. In 1709, two surprizingly
+large _pepitos_, or lumps of virgin gold, were found in one of these
+places, one of which weighed complete thirty-two pounds, and was
+purchased by the _Conde de Monclod_, then viceroy of Peru, and
+presented by him to the king of Spain. The other, shaped somewhat like
+an ox's heart, weighed twenty-two pounds and a half; and was purchased
+by the corregidor of Arica. In searching for these _lavadores_ or
+washing places, they dig in the corners of some little brook, where
+they judge, from certain tokens, that the grains of gold are lodged.
+To assist in carrying away the earth or mud, they let in a stream or
+current of water into the excavation, and keep stirring up the soil,
+that the water may carry it away. On reaching the golden sand, they
+turn the stream another way, and dig out this sand, which is carried
+on mules to certain ponds or basons, which are joined by small canals.
+Into these they introduce a smart stream of water, to loosen the earth
+and carry away the grosser part. The Indians stand in the basons or
+ponds, stirring up the earth to assist the operation of the water, and
+throwing out the stones. The gold remains at the bottom, still mixed
+with a black sand, and is hardly to be seen till farther cleaned and
+separated, which is easily done. These washing places differ much from
+each other. In some the grains of gold are as big as small shot; and
+in one belonging to the priests, near Valparaiso, some are found from
+the weight of two or three ounces to a pound and a half. This way
+of getting gold is much better than from the mines, as it does not
+require expensive digging, neither are mills necessary for grinding
+the ore, nor quicksilver for extracting the metal; so that both the
+trouble and expence are much less. The Creoles are by no means so nice
+in washing their gold as are the people in Europe; but great plenty
+makes them careless, both in this and other matters.
+
+§ 6. _OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRADE OF CHILI._
+
+It is not intended in this place to give a description of the large
+kingdom of Chili, but only some account of the nature of its trade,
+and the manner in which that is connected with the general commerce
+of Peru, by which the wealth of Chili is transmitted to Europe.
+Chili extends in length about 1200 miles from north to south, but its
+breadth is uncertain. The air is very temperate and wholesome, unless
+when rendered otherwise by pestilential exhalations, that are most
+common after earthquakes, to which this country is peculiarly liable.
+The winter rains are very heavy, during the months of May, June, July,
+and August; after which, for eight months together, they have fine
+weather, generally speaking. The soil, where it admits of cultivation,
+is prodigiously fertile, and fruit-trees carried thither from Europe
+come to the greatest perfection, so that fruit is coming forward in
+its different stages at all times of the year; insomuch that it is
+common to see apple-trees, in the situation so much admired in orange
+trees, having blossoms, fruit just set, green fruit, and ripe apples,
+all on one tree at the same time. The valleys, wherever they have any
+moisture, wear a perpetual verdure; and the hills are covered with
+odoriferous herbs, many of which are very useful in medicine. The
+country also produces trees of all sorts. Thus Chili, independent of
+its gold-mines, may well be accounted one of the richest and finest
+countries in the world. For instance, the town of Coquimbo, in lat.
+30° S. [30° 20'] a short mile from the sea, in a most delightful
+place. It is situated on a green rising ground, about ten yards high,
+formed by nature like a regular terrace, stretching north and south in
+a direct line of more than half a mile, turning a little at each end
+to the eastwards; and its principal street forms a delightful walk,
+having a fine prospect of the country and the bay. All this is placed
+in an evergreen valley, and watered by a beautiful river, which rises
+in the mountains, and flows in a winding stream to the sea, through
+beautiful meadows and fertile vales.
+
+Notwithstanding its many advantages, this vast country is very thinly
+inhabited; so that through its whole extent there are scarcely five
+towns deserving that appellation, and only one city, named St Jago.
+Through all the rest of the country there are only farms, called
+_estancias_, which are so remote from each other, that the whole
+country cannot muster 20,000 whites capable of bearing arms, of which
+St Jago contains 2000. All the rest of the population consists of
+mesticoes, mulattoes, and Indians, the number of whom may amount to
+three times as many.[1] This is exclusive of the _friendly_ Indians to
+the south of the river _Biobio_, who are reckoned to amount to 15,000
+fighting men, but whose fidelity is not much to be depended upon.
+
+[Footnote 1: Allowing _eight_ persons of all ages and both sexes
+to _one_ fit to bear arms, this would give to Chili, in 1720, a
+population of 160,000 whites, and 480,000 of colour, or 640,000 in
+all.--E.]
+
+The trade of this country is chiefly carried on by sea, and at
+present, 1720, is rather in a declining situation. The port of
+Baldivia was formerly very famous, on account of the very rich
+gold-mines which were wrought in its neighbourhood, which are now in
+a great measure disused. Hence it is now only kept as a garrison,
+serving to Peru as the fortresses on the coast of Barbary do to
+Spain, as a place to which malefactors are sent, to serve against the
+Indians. The trade of this place consists in sending ten or twelve
+ships every year to Peru, laden with hides, tanned leather, salt meat,
+corn, and other provisions, which are to be had here in great plenty.
+
+The port of Conception is more considerable, by reason of its trade
+with the Indians who are not under subjection to the crown of Spain.
+These Indians are copper-coloured, having large limbs, broad faces,
+and coarse lank hair. The nation of the _Puelches_ differs somewhat
+from the rest, as among them there are some who are tolerably white,
+and have some little colour in their cheeks; which is supposed to be
+owing to their having some Europeans blood in their veins, ever since
+the natives of this country revolted from the Spaniards, and cut off
+most of their garrisons; on which occasion they preserved the women,
+and especially the nuns, by whom they had many children; who still
+retain a sort of affection for the country of their mothers, and,
+though too proud to submit to the Spaniards, yet are unwilling to hurt
+them.
+
+These _Puelches_ inhabit the ridge of mountains called _La Cordeliera_
+by the Spaniards, and as the manner of trading with them is very
+singular, it may be proper to give some account of it. When the
+Spanish pedlar or travelling merchant goes into this country, he
+goes directly to a caçique or chief, and presents himself before him
+without speaking a word. The caçique breaks silence first, saying
+to the merchant, _Are you come?_ To which the merchant answers _I am
+come._ _What have you brought me?_ replies the caçique. To which the
+merchant rejoins, _Wine_, and such other things as he may have to
+dispose of, wine being a necessary article. Upon which the caçique
+never fails to say, _You are welcome_. The caçique then appoints
+a lodging for the merchant near his own hut, where his wives and
+children, bidding him welcome, each demand a present, however small,
+which he accordingly gives. The caçique then gives notice to his
+scattered subjects, by means of his horn or trumpet, that a merchant
+is arrived with whom they may trade. They come accordingly and see
+the commodities, which are knives, axes, combs, needles, thread, small
+mirrors, ribbons, and the like. The best of all would be wine, were it
+not dangerous to supply them with that article; as, when drunk, they
+are very quarrelsome and apt to kill one another, and it would not
+then be safe to be among them. When they have agreed on the price, or
+barter rather, they carry away all the articles without then making
+payment; so that the merchant delivers all his commodities without
+knowing to whom, or even seeing any of his debtors. When his business
+is concluded, and he proposes to go away, the caçique commands payment
+by again sounding his horn, and then every man honestly brings to
+the merchant the cattle he owes for the goods received; and, as
+these consist of mules, goats, oxen, and cows, the caçique commands a
+sufficient number of men to conduct them to the Spanish frontiers.
+
+The far greater number of bullocks and cows that are slaughtered and
+consumed every year in Chili, comes from the plains of Paraguay,[2]
+which are in a manner covered by them. The Puelches bring them through
+the plain of _Tapa-papa_, inhabited by the _Pteheingues_,[3] or
+unconquered Indians, this being the best pass for crossing the
+mountains, as being divided into two hills of less difficult access
+than the others, which are almost impassable for mules. There is
+another pass, about eighty leagues from Conception, at the volcano of
+_Silla Velluda_, which now and then casts out fire, and sometimes with
+so great a noise as to be heard even at that city. In that way the
+journey is much shortened, and they can go to Buenos Ayres in six
+weeks. By these communications they generally bring all the beeves and
+goats,[4] which are slaughtered in Chili by thousands for their tallow
+and lard. This last consists of the marrow of the bones, which serves
+throughout all South America instead of butter and oil, for making
+sauces. The flesh is either dried in the sun, or by means of smoke,
+to preserve it for use, instead of salt as used in Europe. These
+slaughters also afford great quantities of hides, especially
+goat-skins, which they dress like Morocco leather, by them called
+cordovanes, and is sent into Peru for making shoes, or other uses.
+
+[Footnote 2: Paraguay is here used in far too extensive a sense,
+as comprising the whole level country to the east of the Andes: The
+plains of Cuyo are those alluded to in the text.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The Pehneuches are probably here meant, who dwell on the
+west side of the Andes, between the latitudes of 33° and 36° S. The
+Puelches on the same side of the Andes, from 36° to 40°.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Perhaps, instead of the goats in the text, _vicunnas_
+ought to be understood.--E.]
+
+Besides the trade of hides, tallow, and dried meat, the inhabitants of
+Conception send every year eight or ten ships of forty or fifty tons
+to Calao laden with corn; besides supplying meal and biscuit to the
+French ships, which take in provisions there in order to proceed
+to Peru, and for their voyage back to France. All this were quite
+inconsiderable for so fine a country, were it better peopled; since
+the land is so extraordinarily fertile, were it well cultivated, that
+they only scratch it for the most part, by means of a plough made of a
+crooked stick, and drawn by two oxen; and, though the seed be scarcely
+covered, it produces seldom less than an hundred fold. Neither are
+they at any more pains in procuring their vines, in order to make good
+wine. Besides which, as they have not the art to glaze their jars in
+which the wine is secured, to make them hold in, they are under the
+necessity of pitching them. And this, together with the goat-skin bags
+in which it is carried from the estancias, gives it a bitter taste
+like treacle, and a flavour to which it is hard for strangers to
+accustom themselves. The grasses also are allowed to grow without any
+attention or industry being employed in grafting. Apples and pears
+grow naturally in the woods, and in such abundance as it is hard to
+comprehend how they could have so multiplied since the conquest, as
+they affirm there were none in the country before.
+
+The mines of _Quilogoya_ and _Quilacura_ are within four leagues of
+this port, and afford vast quantities of gold. At the _Estancia del
+Re_, or king's farm, which is at no great distance, there is by far
+the most plentiful _lavaders_, or washing-place for gold in all Chili,
+where sometimes they find lumps of pure gold of prodigious size. The
+mountains of the Cordelieras are reported to contain a continued chain
+of mines for many hundred miles, which certainly is highly probable,
+as hardly any of these mountains have hitherto been opened without
+vast quantities of metal being found in them, especially fine copper,
+of which all the artillery in the Spanish West Indies is constructed,
+at least all that are used in the countries on the South Seas.
+
+The most considerable port in Chili is Valparaiso, which is esteemed
+one of the best harbours on the whole coast of the South Sea. It lies
+on a river fifteen leagues below St Jago, the capital of Chili.[5]
+To this port all the riches of the mines on every side are brought,
+particularly from those of _Tiltil_, which are immensely rich, and are
+situated between St Jago and Valparaiso. The gold here is found in
+a very hard stone, some of which sparkles and betrays the inclosed
+treasure to the eye; but most of it does not shew the smallest sign
+of gold, appearing merely a hard harsh stone of various colours, some
+white, some red, some black. This ore, after being broken in pieces,
+is grinded or stamped in a mill by the help of water, into a gross
+powder, with which quicksilver is afterwards mixed. To this mixture a
+brisk stream of water is let in, which reduces the earthy matters to a
+kind of mud, which is carried off by the current, the amalgam of gold
+and quicksilver remaining at the bottom, in consequence of its weight.
+This amalgam is then put into a linen bag, and pressed very hard,
+by which the greatest part of the mercury is strained off, and the
+remainder is evaporated off by the force of fire, leaving the gold in
+a little wedge or mass, shaped like a pine-apple, whence it is called
+a _pinna_. This is afterwards melted and cast in a mould, to know its
+exact weight, and to ascertain the proportion of silver that is mixed
+with the gold, no farther process of refining being done here. The
+weightiness of the gold, and the facility with which it forms an
+amalgam with the mercury, occasions it easily to part from the dross
+or earthy matters of the stone or matrix. This is a great advantage
+to the gold-miners, as they every day know what they get; but the
+silver-miners often do not know how much they get till two months
+after, owing to the tediousness of their operation, as formerly
+described.
+
+[Footnote 5: This is a material error. Valparaiso is on no river, and
+lies forty English miles north from the river Maypo, on one of the
+upper branches of which, the Mapocho, St Jago is situated.--E.]
+
+According to the nature of these gold-mines, and the comparative
+richness of the veins, every _caxon_, or chest of fifty quintals,
+yields four, five, or six ounces of gold. When it only yields two
+ounces, the miner does not cover his charges, which often happens; but
+he sometimes receives ample amends, when he meets with good veins; and
+the gold-mines are those which produce metals the most unequally. In
+following a vein, it frequently widens, then becomes narrower, and
+then seems to disappear, all within a small space of ground; and this
+sport of nature makes the miners live in continual hopes of finding
+what they call a _purse_, being the expanded end of a vein, which is
+sometimes so rich as to make a man's fortune at once; yet this same
+inequality sometimes ruins them, which is the reason that it is more
+rare to see a gold-miner rich than a silver-miner, or even one in any
+other metal, although there be less expence in extracting gold from
+the mineral than any other metal. For this reason also the gold-miners
+have the particular privilege that they cannot be sued to execution in
+civil actions. Gold only pays a twentieth part to the king, which
+duty is called _Covo_, from the name of a private individual at whose
+instance the duty was thus reduced, gold having formerly paid a fifth,
+as silver still does.
+
+On the descent of this mountain of _Tiltil_, there runs, during the
+rainy season, a brisk stream of water, which passes through among
+the gold-ore, and washes away abundance of that rich metal, as it
+ripens[6] and breaks from its bed. On this account, this stream is
+accounted one of the richest lavaderos in all Chili for four months
+of every year; and well it may, as there are sometimes found in it
+pellets of gold of an ounce weight. At _Palma_, about four leagues
+from Valparaiso, there is another rich lavadero; and every where
+throughout the country, the fall of a brook or rivulet is accompanied
+by more or less of these golden showers, the richest of which fall
+into the laps of the jesuits, who farm or purchase abundance of mines
+and lavaderos, which are wrought for their benefit by their servants.
+The soil in the neighbourhood of Valparaiso is exceedingly rich and
+fertile, so that forty ships go from thence yearly to Calao, laden
+with corn; yet that commodity still remains so cheap at this place,
+where money is so abundant, that an English bushel of wheat may be
+bought for less than three shillings. It would be still cheaper, could
+all the country be cultivated; but as it has constant dry weather for
+eight months endurance, cultivation is only possible where they have
+brooks or little rills in the vales coming from the mountains, which
+can be applied for irrigating or watering the cultivated land.
+
+[Footnote 6: That is, as the matrix or rock in which it is contained,
+moulders and decays by the influences of the weather and of this
+stream; for the notion of ores ripening is a mere dream or fancy.--E.]
+
+There is a great trade carried on to all parts of Chili from the
+Atlantic ocean, by way of Buenos Ayres, whence the Chilese receive
+some European goods, together with large sums in silver, in return
+for their commodities. This is perhaps the largest route of Indian
+commerce in the world, as the road from Buenos Ayres to Potosi is 1500
+miles; and though the distance from Valparaiso be not above 160 miles
+more,[7] yet it is attended with much greater difficulty, as the
+vast chain of mountains called the Cordelieras of the Andes has to be
+passed, which can only be done during the three first months of the
+year, the passes being impracticable at all other times. At that
+season the merchants come from Mendoza, an inland town about 300
+leagues from Buenos Ayres, and travel through the mountains to St
+Jago. The passage of the mountains usually takes up six or seven days,
+though only about sixty leagues, and the travellers have not only to
+carry their own provisions with them, but also the provender of their
+mules, as the whole of that part of the road is a continued series
+of rocks and precipices, and all the country round so barren and so
+exposed to snows in winter, that it is utterly uninhabitable. The
+remainder of the journey, from St Jago to the mines, and from thence
+to Valparaiso, is both safe and pleasant; and in this the merchants
+have nothing to fear, except staying too long, and losing their
+passage home through the mountains for that season, in which case they
+would have to remain in Chili at least nine months longer than they
+intended.
+
+[Footnote 7: In these estimates, Betagh has been very unfortunate, as
+the direct distance from Buenos Ayres to Potosi does not exceed 1100
+miles, and the distance from Valparaiso, also in a straight line, is
+hardly 800 miles.--E.]
+
+On the whole, though a very great part of the enormous extent of
+the Spanish dominions in South America be absolutely desert, and the
+people in some of the inhabited parts do not acquire large fortunes,
+yet the Spanish settlers in Chili certainly procure immense riches
+yearly, as the country is but thinly inhabited, and all the gold
+drawn from the mines and lavadores must be divided among them. It
+is evident, however, that the greater part of the inhabitants do not
+abound in wealth. Those among them who deal in cattle, corn, and the
+other productions of the country, only acquire moderate fortunes;
+and those who are concerned in the mines are frequently ruined by
+launching out into unsuccessful speculations, and by expensive living.
+Those who are easy in their circumstances, and retire to the city of
+St Jago, Jago, live in such a manner as sufficiently demonstrates
+the riches of Chili; as all their utensils, even those of the most
+ordinary sort, are of pure gold, and it is believed that the wealth
+of that city cannot fall short of twenty millions.[8] Add to this,
+the gold-mines are continually increasing, and it is only for want
+of hands that they are not wrought to infinitely more advantage; for
+those already discovered and now neglected, would be sufficient to
+employ 40,000 men. It may also be observed, that the frauds practised
+against the royal revenue are increasing daily, and, as the riches
+of the Spanish West Indies are measured by the amount of the royal
+revenue, this must make them appear poorer than they are in reality.
+We have one instance of this in the mines of Potosi, which are said to
+produce less silver than they did formerly; yet, on a computation
+for fifty years, the annual revenue to the king has amounted, on the
+average, to 220,000 _pesos_, of thirteen rials and a quarter yearly,
+which shews that the annual produce of these mines, so far as it has
+paid the royal duty, amounts nearly to two million pieces of eight,
+or dollars, and it may be confidently asserted that the royal treasury
+does not receive above half of what is due: wherefore, from this
+example, the rest may be judged of.
+
+[Footnote 8: The coin or denomination is not specified: If dollars, at
+4s. 6d., this would amount to four millions and a half sterling.--E.]
+
+§ 7. _SOME ACCOUNT OF THE FRENCH INTERLOPERS IN CHILI._
+
+As the policy of Spain chiefly consists in endeavouring, by all
+possible means, to prevent the riches of these extensive dominions
+from passing into other hands, so the knowledge possessed by other
+nations of the great wealth of these countries, and of the great
+demand for European manufactures among their inhabitants, has excited
+almost every nation in Europe to devise every possible contrivance for
+coming in for a share in these riches, and this with such effect, that
+it is even questionable whether any considerable portion of the riches
+of the new world centres among the inhabitants of Old Spain. This may
+be judged of from the following considerations: Even the trade carried
+on from Spain to the new world is of much greater importance to
+foreigners than to the Spaniards themselves. For as Spain has few
+commodities of its own, and carries on scarcely any manufactures, the
+Spanish merchants at Cadiz have to make up their cargoes by means of
+purchases from other countries; or rather the Cadiz merchants are mere
+factors for the merchants of England, France, and Holland, whose goods
+they send to America, and pay them by the returns made in the Plate
+fleets. Spain also is a country very ill provided with some of the
+necessaries of life, and most of the conveniences; so that prodigious
+sums of the money brought from America have to be yearly exported for
+the purchase of these.
+
+Besides such drawbacks as the above, to which the Spaniards willingly
+submit, there are many others which they are forced to endure: For
+instance, all the negroes they employ in their plantations, in
+which every kind of labour is performed by them, are purchased from
+foreigners, particularly the English and Dutch, at a very large
+annual expence; and, under pretence of furnishing them with negroes, a
+clandestine trade is carried on every year, along the whole coasts
+of their possessions on the Atlantic. In the South Sea, however,
+they were tolerably free from every thing except the depredations
+of pirates, till the general war on account of the succession to the
+crown of Spain, which created a new kind of contraband trade, unknown
+in former times, of which I now propose to give some account.
+
+The _French interlopers_ carried vast quantities of goods directly
+from Europe into the South Seas, which till then had hardly ever been
+attempted by any European nation. This was always viewed with an evil
+eye by the court of Spain, as repugnant to the interests of Spain, and
+diametrically opposite to the maxims of her government; but there
+were many circumstances at that time which rendered this a kind of
+necessary evil, and obliged therefore the people of Old Spain to
+submit to it. As for the Creoles, they had European goods and at a
+cheaper rate, and it did not give them much concern who it was that
+received their money. The town of St Malo has always been noted for
+privateers, and greatly annoyed the trade of the English and Dutch
+during the whole reign of King William, and part of that of Queen
+Anne; and though some allege that money procured by privateering never
+prospers, yet I may safely affirm that the people of St Malo are as
+rich and flourishing as any in all France. Privateering has thriven
+so well among them, that all their South Sea trade has arisen from
+thence; and, during the last war, they were so rich and generous,
+that they made several free gifts to Louis XIV.; and so dexterous were
+they, that though our Admiralty always kept a stout squadron in
+the Atlantic, we were never able to capture one of their South-Sea
+traders. The reason of this was, that they always kept their ships
+extremely clean, having ports to careen at of which we knew not. In
+1709, when I belonged to her majesty's ship the Loo, being one of the
+convoy that year to Newfoundland, we saw and chased upon that coast
+a ship of fifty guns, which we soon perceived to be French-built; but
+she crowded sail and soon left us. She had just careened at Placentia,
+and we wondered much to find such a ship in that part of the world. We
+afterwards learnt, from some French prisoners, that she was a French
+ship bound to St Malo, having two or three millions of dollars on
+board, and was then so trim that she trusted to her heels, and valued
+nobody. They went thus far to the north and west on purpose to have
+the advantage of a westerly wind, which seldom failed of sending them
+into soundings at one spirt, if not quite home. Since Placentia
+has been yielded to Great Britain, they now use St Catherine and
+Islagrande, on the coast of Brasil, and Martinico in the West Indies.
+
+This trade succeeded so well, that all the merchants of St Malo
+engaged in it, sending every year to the number of twenty sail of
+ships. In 1721, I saw eleven sail of these together at one time on the
+coast of Chili, among which were several of fifty guns, and one called
+the _Fleur-de-luce_, which could mount seventy, formerly a man-of-war.
+As this trade was contrary to the _Assiento_ treaty between Great
+Britain and Spain, memorials were frequently presented against it
+at Madrid by the court of London; and the king of Spain, willing to
+fulfil his engagements to the king of England, resolved to destroy
+this contraband French trade. As there was no other way to accomplish
+this but by sending a squadron of men-of-war into the South Sea, and
+as few of the Spaniards were acquainted with the navigation of Cape
+Horn, or could bear the extreme rigour of the climate, the court of
+Spain was obliged to use foreigners on this expedition, and the
+four ships sent oat were both manned and commanded by Frenchmen. The
+squadron consisted of the _Gloucester_, of 50 guns, and 400 men, the
+_Ruby_, of 50 guns, and 330 men, both of these formerly English ships
+of war, the _Leon Franco_, of 60 guns, and 450 men, and a frigate
+of 40 guns, and 200 men. Monsieur _Martinet_, a French officer, was
+commodore of this squadron, and commanded the _Pembroke_,[1] and
+Monsieur _La Jonquiere_ the Ruby. The French conducted the navigation
+round the cape very well, though in the middle of winter; but the last
+ship of the four, which was manned with Spaniards, could not weather
+Cape Horn, and was forced back to the Rio Plata, where she was cast
+away. As the Spaniards have little or no trade into any of the cold
+climates, and are unused to hard work, it is not to be wondered that
+they failed on this occasion, especially considering the improper
+season of the year. The Biscaneers, indeed, are robust enough fellows;
+and had the Leon Franco been manned with them, she had certainly
+doubled the cape along with the other three ships; but the Spaniards
+in general, since acquiring their possessions in America, have become
+so delicate and indolent, that it would be difficult to find an entire
+ship's company capable to perform that navigation.
+
+[Footnote 1: No such name occurs, in enumerating the squadron
+immediately before--E.]
+
+The vast advantage of the trade of Chili by way of Cape Horn, is so
+obvious, that his catholic majesty is obliged by treaty to shut out
+all the European nations from it, as well as the English, although
+his own subjects make nothing of it, as it very rarely happens that
+a Spanish ship ventures to go round Cape Horn. Owing to this, all
+European goods sell enormously dear in Chili and Peru; insomuch, that
+I have been told at Lima, that they are often at 400 per cent. profit,
+and it may be fairly asserted, that the goods carried from France by
+Cape Horn are in themselves 50 per cent. better than those sent in
+the Cadiz _flota_ to Carthagena and Vera Cruz, because the former are
+delivered in six months, fresh and undamaged, while the latter are
+generally eighteen months before they reach Chili. In the course of
+this trade, the French sold their goods, furnished themselves with
+provisions, and got home again, all within twelve or fourteen months.
+
+When Martinet arrived on the coast of Chili in 1717, furnished with a
+commission from the king of Spain to take or destroy all the ships of
+his countrymen found trading in the South Sea, he soon had sufficient
+employment for his squadron and of fourteen ships belonging to St
+Malo, then on the coast, only one escaped him, which lay hid in a
+landlocked creek unseen till he had gone to leeward. Although in this
+he executed the orders of his catholic majesty, and did a material
+benefit to the British South Sea company, yet he almost ruined the
+trading part of the Creole Spaniards, as hindering the circulation of
+money and spoiling business, so that they could not bear the sight
+of the French men-of-war, though they liked the French merchant ships
+very much. On the other hand, imagining that they had done essential
+service to the Spaniards, the French expected to have received at
+least civil treatment in return, during their stay in these seas.
+As soon, however, as Martinet brought his prizes into Calao, and the
+Frenchmen had received their shares of the prize-money, forgetting
+the ancient antipathy of the Spaniards for the French, they gave
+themselves extravagant airs on shore, by dancing and drinking, which
+still more incensed the creolians against them, who called them
+cavachos and renegados, for falling foul of their own countrymen. From
+one thing to another, their mutual quarrels grew so high, that the
+Frenchmen were obliged to go about Lima and Calao in strong armed
+parties, the better to avoid outrages and affronts. At last, a young
+gentleman, who was ensign of the Ruby, and nephew to Captain La
+Jonquiere, was shot from a window, and the murderer took refuge in
+the great church of Calao. Martinet and La Jonquiere petitioned the
+viceroy to have the murderer delivered up to justice: But the viceroy,
+who was at the same time archbishop, would on no account consent to
+violate the privileges of the church. On this refusal, they called all
+their men on board by beat of drum, and laid the broadsides of their
+three ships to bear on the town of Calao, threatening to demolish
+the town and fortifications, unless the assassin were delivered up
+or executed. All this blustering, however, could not prevail upon the
+viceroy to give them any satisfaction, though they had several other
+men killed, besides that gentleman.
+
+At length, unwilling to proceed to extremities, and no longer able
+to endure the place where his nephew had been murdered, La Jonquiere
+obtained leave of his commodore to make the best of his way home.
+About this time, many _padros_ and many rich passengers were assembled
+at Conception in Chili, intending to take their passage to Europe in
+the French squadron, knowing that all ships bound for Cape Horn must
+touch at Conception, or some places thereabout, for provisions.
+La Jonquiere, having thus the start of his commodore, had all the
+advantage to himself of so many good passengers in his ship; for, as
+the king of Spain had no officer at Conception to register the
+money shipped at that place, these passengers and missionaries put
+astonishing sums of money on board the Ruby. They were thereby spared
+the trouble of a voyage to Panama or Acapulco, and travelling thence
+for Portobello or Vera Cruz, where they must have had their coffers
+visited, to see if the _indulto_ of his majesty were fairly accounted
+for. They therefore saved every shilling of that _indulto_, as the
+Ruby touched first in France, where no cognizance whatever was taken
+of this affair. They also got clear of the other moiety payable in
+Spain, as they landed all their money in France.
+
+Besides these rich passengers and their money, the Ruby had also on
+board a considerable sum arising to his catholic majesty from the
+confiscation of the thirteen captured interlopers, all of which, as I
+was informed, amounted to four millions of dollars in that ship. What
+a fine booty we missed therefore by the obstinacy of Shelvocke! For,
+when this ship, the Ruby, found us at the island of St Catharine, her
+company was so sickly that she had not above sixty sound men out of
+four hundred; so that La Jonquiere was actually afraid of us, and
+would not send his boat to the watering-place, where we kept guard,
+and our coopers and sail-makers were at work, till he had first
+obtained leave of our captain; neither is this strange, for he knew we
+had a consort, and was in Spain all the time he staid there, lest the
+Success should have joined us.
+
+After Commodore Martinet had cleared the coast of Chili and Peru
+of his countrymen, he sent his brother-in-law, Monsieur de Grange,
+express with the news to Madrid, who went by way of Panama,
+Portobello, Jamaica, and London. On delivering his message, the king
+of Spain asked what he could do for him, when he humbly requested his
+majesty would give him the command of a ship, and send him again round
+Cape Horn into the South Sea. He accordingly got the Zelerin, of fifty
+guns. He came first to _Calais_,[2] where the ship was getting ready,
+and was surprised to meet with a cold reception from the French
+merchants and other gentlemen of his acquaintance residing there; for,
+as there were merchants of various nations interested in the ships
+taken and confiscated in the South Sea, they universally considered
+him and all the French in that squadron as false brethren, for serving
+the crown of Spain to the prejudice of their own countrymen. Thus,
+while he expected to have had a valuable cargo consigned to his care,
+no man would ship the value of a dollar with him. Captain Fitzgerald,
+who was then at _Cales_, made him a considerable offer for the
+privilege of going out as his second officer, with liberty to take out
+what goods he might be able to procure, in his own name. As de Grange
+was not a little embarrassed, he accepted this offer, and procured a
+commission for Fitzgerald as second captain. They accordingly manned
+the Zelerin chiefly with French seamen, and some English, and got very
+well round Cape Horn. At this time our two privateers, the Success and
+Speedwell, were known to be in the South Seas, and the Zelerin was
+one of the ships commissioned by the viceroy of Peru to cruize for
+us. Fitzgerald sold all his goods to great advantage at Lima, where he
+continued to reside; while de Grange served as captain under Admiral
+Don Pedro Miranda, who took Hately and me prisoners.
+
+[Footnote 2: This, certainly, is a mistake for Cadiz, often named
+Cales by English seamen; and, in fact, only a few lines lower down,
+the place is actually named Cales.--E.]
+
+Though great sufferers by so many confiscations, the merchants of St
+Malo were not entirely discouraged; for, in the year 1720, we found
+the Solomon of St Malo, of 40 guns, and 150 men, at _Ylo_, on the
+coast of Chili, with several Spanish barks at her stern. In the course
+of six weeks, she sold all her cargo, got in a supply of provisions,
+and left the coast without interruption, as by this time Martinet's
+squadron had left the coast. Encouraged by the success of the Solomon,
+the merchants of St Malo fitted out fourteen sail together, all of
+which arrived in the South Sea in the beginning of the year 1721.
+Three of the commanders of these ships, being well acquainted with the
+creolians, quickly sold their cargoes and returned home. About this
+time, the people of Lima judged that our privateers were gone off the
+coast, or at least would not commit any more hostilities, because
+of the truce between the two crowns. Wherefore, the three Spanish
+men-of-war that had been fitted out to cruize against us, were ordered
+against these fresh interlopers. I was on board the Flying-fish, an
+advice-boat that accompanied the men-of-war, when they came up with
+eleven sail of the St Malo ships, which were then altogether on the
+coast of Chili, and, instead of firing on them, the Spaniards joined
+them as friends. At first, expecting to have been attacked, the French
+ships drew up in a line, as if daring the ships of war. This seemed to
+me somewhat strange, that three such ships, purposely fitted out for
+this cruize, should decline doing their duty on their own coasts; for,
+had they proved too weak, they had ports of their own to retire
+to, under their lee. But the ships of war contented themselves with
+watching the motions of the interlopers, keeping them always in sight;
+and when any of the French ships drew near the shore, the Spaniards
+always sent a pinnace or long-boat along with her, carrying the
+Spanish flag, the sight of which effectually deterred the creolians
+from trading with the French. In this manner they contrived to prevent
+all these ships from disposing of their goods, except when they
+were met with at sea by chance, and sold some of their commodities
+clandestinely. At length, completely tired out by this close
+superintendence, the French got leave to take in provisions, and went
+home, at least half of their goods remaining unsold. Notwithstanding
+these losses and disappointments, and severe edicts issued against
+this trade in France, the merchants of St Malo still persist to carry
+it on, though privately, nor is it probable they will ever leave off
+so lucrative a commerce, unless prevented by the strong arm of power,
+or supplanted by some other nation.
+
+§ 8. RETURN OF BETAGH TO ENGLAND.
+
+I now return to my own affairs, and the manner of my return to England
+from Peru. I have already acknowledged the kind reception I met with
+from the admiral of the South Seas, Don Pedro Miranda, and the reasons
+of his treating us so civilly. I think it barely justice to mention
+the several favours I received, during the eleven months that I
+continued at Lima, particularly from Don Juan Baptista Palacio, a
+native of Biscay, a knight of the order of St Jago, who came weekly
+to the prison while we were there, and distributed money to us all, in
+proportion to our several ranks. Captain Nicholas Fitzgerald procured
+my enlargement, by becoming security for me; and he afterwards
+supplied me with money and necessaries, from that time till my
+departure; and procured for me and twenty more, a passage to Cadiz, in
+a Spanish advice-boat called the Flying-fish, of which our surgeon's
+mate, Mr Pressick, acted as surgeon, receiving wages, as did the
+rest of our men, being released from prison expressly to assist in
+navigating that vessel home to Spain. For my own part, being well
+treated, I did not think proper to eat the bread of idleness, but kept
+my watches as well as the other officers. And pray, what is the harm
+of all this? Though Shelvocke had the stupidity to call it treason;
+it must surely appear a very malicious, as well as an ignorant charge,
+after a man has been driven among the enemy, to call him a traitor
+because he has been kindly used, and for accepting his passage back
+again; and, because I was not murdered in Peru, I ought to be
+executed at home. This is Shelvocke's great Christian charity and good
+conscience![1]
+
+[Footnote 1: After all, had the Flying-fish been captured by a British
+cruizer, Betagh would have run great risk of being found guilty of
+treason for _keeping his watches_.--E.]
+
+On my arrival at Cadiz, captain John Evers of the Britannia kindly
+gave me my passage to London, and entertained me at his own table. On
+my return to London, and representing the hardships I had undergone,
+nine honourable persons made me a present of ten guineas each; which
+afforded me the satisfaction of seeing, that such as were the best
+judges, had a proper idea of the miseries I had suffered, and approved
+the manner in which I had behaved, the only consolation I could
+receive in the circumstances in which I was left by that unfortunate
+voyage. The fair account I have given of facts, and the detail of my
+proceedings in the Spanish West Indies, together with the account of
+what I observed worthy of notice during my stay in these parts,
+will acquit me, I hope, in the opinion of every candid and impartial
+person, from the aspersions thrown upon me by Shelvocke, in the
+account he has published of his voyage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Note._
+
+"Betagh has fully shewn, that the navigation round Cape Horn is no
+such dangerous or wonderful voyage. If twenty ships from St Malo could
+perform it in one year, and not a single vessel either shipwrecked or
+forced to put back, what shall hinder an English ship or an English
+fleet from doing the same? We see from the foregoing account, with how
+much ease the French carried on a prodigious trade to the South Seas,
+at a time when the appearance of an English ship there was esteemed
+a prodigy. We certainly can send our frigates there, as well as the
+French can their ships from St Malo; and it might be well worth the
+while of our merchants to send out ships to the coasts of Chili and
+Peru, laden with proper goods for that country."--_Harris._
+
+In the present day, this trade to the coasts of Chili and Peru has
+been resumed by the citizens of the United States; but the subjects
+of Britain are debarred from even attempting to take a share, because
+within the exclusive limits of the East India Company; although their
+ships never come nearer to the western coast of America than Canton
+in China, at the enormous distance of 174 degrees of longitude, and
+59 degrees of latitude, counting from Canton in China to Conception in
+Peru, or upwards of _twelve thousand English miles_. It is certainly
+at least extremely desirable, that a trade of such promise should not
+remain any longer prohibited, merely to satisfy a punctilio, without
+the most distant shadow of benefit to the India Company, or to the
+nonentity denominated the South-sea Company.--_Ed._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY COMMODORE ROGGEWEIN, IS 1721-1723.[1]
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+There was, perhaps, no country in the world where commerce was more
+profitable, or held more honourable, than in Holland, or where more
+respect and attention was shewn to it by the government. As the
+republic chiefly subsisted by trade, every thing relating to it was
+considered as an affair of a public nature, in which the welfare
+of the state was concerned, and highly deserving therefore of the
+strictest and readiest attention. The great companies in Holland,
+as in other countries, were considered as injurious to trade in
+some lights, yet necessary to its welfare in others. The _West India
+Company_ of that country, originally erected in 1621, held, by an
+exclusive charter, the commerce of the coast of Africa, from the
+tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and that of America, from
+the southern point of Newfoundland in the N.E. all along the eastern
+coast to the Straits of Magellan or Le Maire, and thence northwards
+again along the western coast, to the supposed Straits of Anian, thus
+including the entire coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The
+directors of this company consisted of seventy-two persons, divided
+into five chambers, of whom eighteen were chosen to administer the
+affairs of the Company, together with a nineteenth person, nominated
+by the States-General.
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris, I. 256. Callender, III. 644.]
+
+The affairs of this Company were once in so very flourishing a
+condition, that it was considered as even superior to their East India
+Company. This prosperity was chiefly owing, to the happy success of
+their affairs at sea; as their admiral, Peter Haines, in the 1629,
+captured the Spanish plate fleet, laden with immense riches. They at
+one time made themselves masters of the greatest part of Brazil; and
+were so considerable that the great Count Maurice of Nassau did not
+think it beneath him to accept a commission from this Company as
+Governor-General of Brazil; which country, however, after it had cost
+them immense sums to defend, they at length lost. The term of their
+charter, originally limited to twenty-four years, expired in 1647,
+and was then renewed for other twenty-five years. During this second
+period, their affairs became so perplexed, so that the Company was
+dissolved towards the close of that term, with its own consent.
+
+In 1674, a new company was erected, by letters patent from the
+States-General, with nearly the same powers and privileges, which has
+subsisted ever since with great reputation.[2] The capital of this
+new company consisted of six millions of florins, which are equal
+to 545,454l. 10s. 10d. 10-11ths sterling. And the limits of their
+authority are the western coast of Africa and both coasts of America,
+all the establishments of the Dutch in these countries being under
+their authority, so that any one who proposes a new scheme of commerce
+in those parts, must necessarily apply himself to that company. Under
+these circumstances, a Mr Roggewein, a person of parts and enterprize,
+formed a project for the discovery of the vast continent and numerous
+islands, supposed to be in the southern part of the globe, under the
+name of _Terra Australis Incognita_, of which the world had hitherto
+only very imperfect notices from others; which project, with a plan
+for carrying the discovery into execution, they presented to the Dutch
+_East_ India Company[3] in 1696, by which it was favourably received,
+and he was assured of receiving all the assistance and support he
+could desire or expect, as soon as the affairs of the Company would
+permit. But the disturbances which soon afterwards followed put a stop
+to the good intentions of the Company; and Mr Roggewein died before
+any thing could be done. Mr Roggewein was a gentleman of the province
+of Zealand, who had addicted himself from his youth to mathematical
+studies, and we have reason to suppose recommended his projected
+discovery on his death-bed to his son.
+
+[Footnote 2: This refers to the year 1743, when Harris wrote: It
+is hardly necessary to say, that Holland and its great commercial
+companies are now merely matters of history.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: From what goes both before and after, this seems a
+mistake for the _West_ India Company.--E.]
+
+After the death of his father, the younger Roggewein applied to his
+studies with much vigour, and qualified himself for the office of
+counsellor in the court of justice at Batavia, where he resided
+for many years. After his return from Java, where he had acquired a
+handsome fortune, he resolved upon carrying his father's projected
+discovery into execution; and, in the year 1721, presented a memorial
+to the West India Company, narrating the proposal of his father
+for discovering the southern continent and islands, which they had
+formerly been pleased to approve of, and which he was now ready to
+attempt. The Company received this memorial with readiness; and, as
+its affairs were now in better order, acquainted Mr Roggewein, that it
+would give immediate orders for equipping such a squadron as might
+be necessary for carrying his design into effect. The squadron
+accordingly fitted out on this occasion consisted of three ships: The
+Eagle of 36 guns and 111 men, commanded by Captain Job Coster, and in
+which Mr Roggewein embarked as Commodore; the Tienhoven of 28 guns and
+100 men, commanded by Captain James Bowman; and the African, a galley
+armed with 14 guns, and carrying 60 men, commanded by Captain Henry
+Bosenthal.
+
+It may be proper to acquaint the reader, that the subsequent account
+of this voyage is derived from an original journal, which never
+appeared before in our language, for which I was indebted to the
+gentleman who commanded the land-forces on board the Commodore, and
+whose name I am not at liberty to mention; neither that of another
+gentleman who was engaged in the voyage, and from whom I received
+considerable assistance. The nature of the expedition is sufficient
+in itself to recommend it to the notice of the curious; and the many
+remarkable particulars it contains, especially respecting the state of
+the Dutch Company in the Indies, renders it both a very entertaining
+and a most instructive performance.
+
+Before proceeding to the narrative of this voyage, I hope to be
+indulged in making a few remarks, which may contribute both to
+amusement and information, and may clear up some points that might
+otherwise appear obscure in the following voyage. It is worth
+observing, that the Dutch West India Company had been long in a
+declining condition; which, instead of dispiriting the Directors,
+engaged them to turn their thoughts to every method that could be
+devised for recovering their affairs. There is so wide a difference
+between our English great chartered companies and those [formerly]
+in Holland, that it may not be amiss to give a concise account of the
+flourishing state of that Company, as it may shew what great things
+may be managed by a board of merchants, for such the Directors
+generally were.
+
+It appears, from the books of the Company, that, in the space of
+thirteen years, from 1623 to 1636, the Company had fitted out 800
+ships, either for war or trade, and that the expence of building,
+equipping, and seamen's wages had cost forty-five millions of florins,
+or upwards of _four millions_ sterling: And, in the same space of
+time, the Company had taken from the enemy 545 vessels, valued at
+_sixty millions_ of florins, or nearly _five and a half millions_
+sterling; besides to the value of _thirty millions_ at the least, or
+nearly _two millions and a quarter_ sterling, in spoils of various
+denominations. The greatest of their exploits was the capture of the
+Spanish _flota_ at the Havannah, by their admiral Peter Heyne; by
+which they gained seven millions of dollars in money, or L. 2,625,000
+sterling; besides ships, brass cannon, and other military stores, to
+the value of above ten millions.[4] Such were the flourishing times of
+the Company.
+
+[Footnote 4: Harris does not say whether dollars or florins: If the
+former, equal to L. 2,250,000 sterling at 4s. 6d. the dollar; if the
+latter, a little above L. 900,000 sterling at 11 florins to the pound
+sterling; both of these the old par of exchange.--E.]
+
+The causes of their decay seem to have been principally the following.
+_First_, their emulation of the East India Company, which induced
+them to make the conquest of Brazil from Portugal, the crown of which
+country had been usurped by their arch enemy the king of Spain. This
+was achieved at a vast expence, and Count Maurice of Nassau was
+appointed governor-general, who conducted their affairs with great
+skill and prudence. _Secondly_, owing to the desire of the Company
+to conduct all things, and repining at the expence incurred by
+that prince in the government of Brazil, was another cause of their
+misfortunes: For the merchants, who had conducted their affairs with
+great wisdom and capacity, while they confined themselves to commerce
+and maritime war, shewed themselves only indifferent statesmen, and
+soon lost all that Prince Maurice had gained, and loaded the Company
+with so heavy a debt, as compelled them in the end to consent to its
+dissolution.
+
+The new West India Company, warned by the example of its predecessors,
+has kept more within bounds, and has certainly managed its affairs
+with great prudence and economy. Having formed a project in 1714,
+for uniting the East and West India Companies into one,[5] and the
+proposition, being rejected, the directors of the West India
+Company very wisely turned their thoughts another way; and it is not
+improbable, that the rejection of their proposal on this occasion
+may have induced them to give encouragement to the proposition of
+Roggewein: For, being disappointed in their aim of coming in for a
+share in the commodities of the East Indies, they were desirous of
+acquiring the same articles of trade by some other means, expecting to
+have found these in the continent or islands proposed to be discovered
+by Roggewein. This also accounts for the extraordinary heat and
+violence of the Dutch East India Company, against those who were
+engaged on the present expedition, and is the true secret of the
+dispute so warmly carried on by the two Companies, and so wisely
+decided by the States-General. When the Dutch East India Company
+persecuted and destroyed Le Maire for his voyage of discovery,
+under pretence of interfering within their exclusive boundaries, the
+government did not interfere, because at that time the power of the
+East India Company was of the highest importance to the state: But,
+as the government of Holland became better established, and especially
+since a share in the public administration has been acquired by such
+as are conversant in trade, the concerns of the East India Company
+have been viewed in a new light. The first who explained this matter
+clearly was that consummate statesman and true patriot, John de Witte,
+whose words are most worthy the attention of the reader.
+
+[Footnote 5: A long, indistinct, and uninteresting account of this
+project is here omitted, which Harris alleges might have transferred
+the whole commerce of Europe to the Dutch, but for which opinion he
+advances no substantial reasons, or rather none at all.--E.]
+
+"When the East India Company had attained to a certain extent of power
+and grandeur, its interests came not only to clash with, but grew
+absolutely opposite to those of the country. For, whereas the
+advantage of the nation consists in the increase of manufactures,
+commerce, and freight of ships; the interests of the Company are to
+promote the sale of foreign manufactures, and that with the smallest
+extent of traffic and navigation that can be contrived. Hence, if
+the East India Company can gain more by importing Japan cloths, India
+quilts, carpets, and chintzes, than by raw silk; or, if the Company,
+by creating an artificial scarcity of nutmegs, mace, cloves, cinnamon,
+and other spices, can raise their price so as to gain as much profit
+by the sale of 100 tons, as it would otherwise gain by the sale of
+1000 tons, we are not to expect that it will import raw silks, or be
+at the expence of transporting 1000 tons of spice; though the former
+would assist and encourage our manufactures at home, and the latter
+would increase our navigation.
+
+This chain of reasoning is so plain, and so evidently agrees with the
+interests of all nations, as well as with those of Holland, that it
+is impossible for any unprejudiced person not to discern that all
+exclusive companies destroy, instead of promoting, the commerce of
+the countries in which they are established. The same great statesman
+already quoted observes, "That the more any country extends its
+foreign conquests, the more of its stock must necessarily be spent,
+for the preservation and defence of these conquests: And consequently,
+by how much the greater are its dominions, so much the less is that
+company able to prosecute the trade, for the promotion of which it was
+erected."[6]--_Harris._
+
+[Footnote 6: The remarks of Harris on this voyage are extended to a
+far greater length than have been here adopted, and are many of them
+loose and uninteresting; but some of those here inserted have a strong
+reference to a most important subject now under consideration of the
+legislature; and the notices respecting the Dutch West India Companies
+are curious in themselves, as well as upon a subject very little known
+in this country.
+
+The subject of this voyage round the world is principally exhausted
+in the _seven_ first sections; all those subsequent being chiefly a
+detail of the Indian settlements of the Dutch East India Company, as
+it was in the year 1722, almost a century ago. These certainly might
+have been omitted on the present occasion, without injury to the
+present article, as a _circumnavigation_: But, as conveying a
+considerable mass of information, respecting the _Dutch possessions in
+India_, now all belonging to Britain, and respecting which hardly any
+thing has been published in the English language, it has been deemed
+indispensable to preserve them.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the Coast of Brazil._[1]
+
+The small squadron of three ships, already enumerated, sailed
+from Amsterdam on the 16th July, 1721, and arrived at the Texel in
+thirty-six hours, where they were provided with every thing requisite
+for so long a voyage. All things being in readiness, they sailed with
+a fair wind on the 21st August; but, as the wind changed next day,
+they were three days in beating to windward through the British
+channel, after which they continued their course to the S.W. for the
+coast of Barbary, but were opposed by a heavy storm which did them
+considerable damage. To this a dead calm succeeded, during which the
+water ran mountains high, owing to agitation they had been thrown into
+by the storm. By the rolling of the ships during the calm, several
+injuries were sustained, one of the vessels losing its main-top-mast
+and mizen-mast; and the main-yard of the Commodore came down with such
+force as to wound several of the people on deck. After two days the
+wind freshened again, and they continued their course S.W. towards the
+Canaries, amusing themselves with observing the manner in which the
+flying-fish endeavours to escape from its enemies, the albicores and
+bonitoes. The _flying-fish_ are not larger than a herring, and raise
+themselves into the air by means of two long fins, one on each side,
+not much unlike the wings of a bat in strength and texture. They are
+considered as good eating, and the sailors are always well pleased
+when they are met with in plenty. The _bonito_ is about two feet long,
+of a greyish colour, finely streaked from head to tail; but the flesh
+is hard, dry, and disagreeably tasted. The _albicore_ is generally
+five or six feet long, and sometimes weighs 150 pounds. They saw
+likewise several water-fowls, particularly _teal_, which the seamen
+account a sign of land being near.
+
+[Footnote 1: In the various steps of this voyage, the merely
+uninteresting journal or log-book incidents have been materially
+abbreviated.--E.]
+
+While in lat. 28° N. and soon expecting to see the Canaries, a sail
+was descried from the mast-head carrying English colours. On drawing
+near she struck her colours and bore away, but re-appeared in about an
+hour, having four sail more in her company, sometimes carrying white,
+sometimes red, and sometimes black colours, which gave reason to
+suspect that they were pirates. The Commodore immediately made the
+signal for the line of battle, and all hands went to work in clearing
+the ship for action, filling grenades, and preparing every thing for
+the ensuing engagement, in which they fortunately had the advantage
+of the weather-gage. Observing this, the pirates put themselves into
+a fighting posture, struck their red flag, and hoisted a black one, on
+which was a death's head in the centre, surmounted by a powder horn,
+and two cross bones underneath. They likewise formed the line, and
+commenced a smart action. The pirates fought very briskly for some
+time, as believing the Dutch ships to be merchantmen; but after two
+hours cannonade, perceiving the Commodore preparing to board the
+vessel to which he was opposed, the pirates spread all their canvass,
+and crowded away as fast as they could sail. Commodore Roggewein, on
+seeing them bear away, called out, _Let the rascals go:_ In which he
+strictly obeyed his instructions; as all the ships belonging to the
+Dutch East and West India Companies have strict orders to pursue their
+course, and never to give chase. In this action, four men were killed,
+and nine wounded in the Commodore, the other two ships having seven
+slain and twenty-six wounded. The carpenters also had full employment
+in stopping leaks, and repairing the other damages sustained.
+
+Continuing their voyage, they had sight of Madeira on the 15th
+November, and in the neighbourhood saw a desert island which is much
+frequented by the pirates, for wood and water and other refreshments.
+They afterwards had sight of the Peak of Teneriffe, which is generally
+esteemed the highest single mountain in the world, on which account
+the geographers of Holland adopt it as the first meridian in their
+maps and charts; while the French and English of late incline to
+fix their first meridians at their respective capitals of Paris and
+London. These differences are apt to create much confusion in the
+longitudes of places, when not explained by the writers who use these
+several modes of reckoning; on which account Lewis XIII. of France, by
+edict in 1634, endeavoured to obviate this inconvenience, by directing
+the first meridian to be placed in the island of Ferro, the most
+westerly of the Canaries.[1] From these islands they directed their
+course for the islands of Cape Verde, so named from Cabo Verde, or
+the Green Cape, a point or mountain on the coast of Africa, called
+_Arlinarium_ by Ptolemy.
+
+[Footnote 1: The Royal Observatory at Greenwich is now the first
+meridian in British maps and globes, from which St Paul's in London is
+0° 5' 37" W. the observatory of Paris 2° 20' E. Teneriffe peak 16° 40'
+W. and Ferrotown 17° 45' 50" W.]
+
+This cape is bounded by two rivers, the Senegal and Gambia, called by
+the ancients the _Garatius_ and _Stachiris_. It has an island to the
+west, which is frequented by an infinite number of birds, the eggs of
+which are frequently gathered by mariners going this way. This cape is
+dangerous to land upon, because of a great many sunken rocks about
+it. The continent is here inhabited by negroes, who trade with all
+nations, and speak many languages, especially French and Portuguese.
+Most of them go naked, except a piece of cloth about their middle, but
+their princes and great men wear long garments of calico striped
+with blue, and made like shifts; they hang also little square bags of
+leather on their arms and legs, but we could not learn of them what
+these bags contain.[2] They wear necklaces made of sea-horses teeth,
+alternating with glass beads; and have caps of blue and white striped
+calico on their heads. They are a prudent and wise people, cultivating
+their soil, which bears good rice and other articles sufficient for
+their maintenance; and the richer people keep cattle, which are very
+dear, as being scarce. They have many good blacksmiths, and iron is
+much, valued among them, being forged into fish-spears, implements for
+cultivating the ground, and various weapons, as the heads of arrows,
+darts, and javelins. Their religion seems to border on Mahometism, as
+they are all circumcised; but they have little knowledge of the true
+God, except among a few who converse with Christians. They are very
+lascivious, and may have as many wives as they please; but the women
+are seldom contented with one husband, and are passionately fond of
+strangers. The whole country is under subjection to the governors
+or head-men of the various towns and villages, who row on board such
+ships as arrive, making them pay customs. Several Portuguese reside
+here, who trade freely with all nations, but have no power or
+authority, except over their own slaves and servants.
+
+[Footnote 2: These are called _obi_, containing a variety
+of ridiculous trash, and are held in superstitious esteem as
+amulets.--E.]
+
+Having the advantage of a strong N.E. wind, they took their departure
+from Cape de Verde, and continued their course for six weeks, without
+coming to anchor or handing a sail. In this long passage, they had
+some days in which the heat was almost insupportable, and the crew
+began to murmur excessively on account of being at short allowance of
+water. On this occasion one of the swabbers got into the hold, and,
+being extremely thirsty, pierced a cask of brandy, of which he pulled,
+so heartily that he was soon intoxicated to a degree of madness. In
+this condition he staggered into the cook-room, where he threw down a
+pan of grease, and being sharply reproved by the cook, drew his knife
+and rushed upon him. Some of the crew gathered about him and wrenched
+the knife out of his hand, but not till he had drawn it two or three
+times across the cook's face. For this they drubbed him soundly, which
+he resented so deeply that he seized a knife as soon as he got loose,
+and gave himself several stabs in the belly. The utmost care was taken
+of his recovery, in order to make him a public example, to prevent
+such actions in future among the crew; and after his recovery he
+was punished in the following manner. Being declared infamous at
+the fore-mast, he was thrice keel-hauled, and had 300 strokes on the
+buttocks, after which his right hand was fastened to the mast with his
+own knife. When he had stood some time in this condition, he was put
+in chains on the fore-castle, being allowed nothing but bread and
+water for some days; and was continued in irons to be set on shore at
+the first barren island they came to.
+
+Continuing their voyage till near the line, they were much incommoded
+by the shifting of the wind; and by scarcity of water, many of the
+crew falling ill of the scurvy. When it sometimes fell entirely calm,
+the heat of the sun became more than ordinarily oppressive, owing to
+which some of the men became quite distracted, others fell into high
+fevers, and some had fits like the epilepsy. Their water, as it grew
+low, stunk abominably, and became full of worms. The salt provisions
+were in a manner quite spoiled, and served only to turn their stomachs
+and increase their thirst. Hunger is said to be the greatest of
+torments, but they had reason to consider thirst as the greatest
+misery incident to human nature. At this time they often observed
+towards evening that the sea appeared all on fire; and taking up some
+buckets of water in this condition, they observed that it was full of
+an infinite number of little globules, of the size, form, and colour
+of pearls. These retained their lustre for some time when held in the
+hand, but on pressure seemed nothing more than an earthy fat substance
+like mud.
+
+They at length crossed the line, with the loss only of one man, who
+died of a high fever; and on getting into the latitude of 3° S. they
+fell into the true trade-wind, before which they scudded along at a
+great rate. In lat. 5° S. they had the sun directly vertical, so that
+they were some days without any observation. In 6° S. they caught
+many dorados and dolphins, both, in the opinion of the author of this
+voyage, being the same fish, of which the dolphin is the male and
+the dorado the female. Some of these are six feet long, but not of
+proportional bulk. In the water they appear excessively beautiful,
+their skins shining as if streaked with burnished gold; but lose their
+splendid appearance on being taken out of the water. Their flesh is
+very sweet and well flavoured, so that the seamen always feast when
+they can procure plenty of this fish. They saw also abundance of
+sharks, many of which are ten feet long. Their flesh is hard, stringy,
+and very disagreeably tasted; yet the seamen frequently hang them up
+in the air for a day or two, and then eat them: Which compliment the
+surviving sharks never fail to return when a seaman falls in their
+way, either dead or alive, and seem to attend ships for that purpose.
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of that Country._
+
+Coming near the coast of Brazil, their design was to have anchored
+at the island _Grande_, but finding they had passed that island, they
+continued their course till off Porto, in lat. 24° S. where they came
+to anchor. Some of the ship's company of the commodore then got into
+the boat in order to go shore, both for the purpose of procuring wood
+and water and other refreshments, and in order to bury one of their
+seamen who had died. Before they could get on shore, they descried a
+body of Portuguese well armed moving along the coast, who seemed
+to prevent them from landing, and beckoned the Dutch to keep off,
+threatening to fire if they attempted to land: But, on shewing them
+the dead body, they allowed them to land, and even shewed them a place
+in which to inter their dead companion. Being desirous of procuring
+some intelligence, the Dutch asked many questions about the country,
+but could only get for answer, that Porto was an advanced port to St
+Sebastian, not marked in the charts, and that they were inhabitants
+of Rio Janeiro, which lay at the distance of eight miles.[1] The Dutch
+endeavoured to persuade them to go on board the commodore, but they
+refused, fearing they might be pirates, which frequently used to come
+upon the coast, and, under pretence of getting fresh water, would land
+and pillage any of the little towns near the sea.
+
+[Footnote 1: There must be a considerable mistake here in regard to
+the latitude of Porto, said to be in 21° S. as Rio Janeiro is in
+lat. 22° 54' S. and must therefore have been eighty leagues distant.
+Perhaps the eight miles in the text, as the distance to Rio Janeiro,
+ought to have been eighty leagues or Dutch miles.--E.]
+
+About six months before the arrival of Roggewein at this place, a
+pirate had been there, and, while the crew were preparing to make a
+descent, a French ship of force arrived, which sent her to the bottom
+with one broadside. She sank in thirteen fathoms, and as she was
+supposed to have seven millions on board,[2] they had sent for divers
+from Portugal, in order to attempt recovering a part of her treasure.
+However, by dint of entreaties and the strongest possible assurance of
+safety, two of them were prevailed upon to go on board the commodore,
+where they were very kindly treated, and had clothes given them, by
+which they were induced to carry the squadron into a safe port, which
+was most serviceable to men in their condition, almost worn out with
+fatigues, and in a manner destroyed for want of water.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is a most inconclusive mode of expression, perhaps
+meaning Dutch florins, and if so, about £636,363 sterling.--E.]
+
+The harbour of Porto affords good anchorage in from six to eight
+fathoms. In entering it on the S.W. the main land is on the right, and
+a large island on the left, all the coast appearing very high land,
+consisting of mountains and intermediate vallies, overgrown with trees
+and shrubs. Porto is in a pleasant situation, but at this time had
+no inhabitants. They caught here both fish and tortoises of exquisite
+flavour, and so very nourishing, that about forty of the people who
+were ill of the scurvy, recovered very fast. Having remained there two
+days, in which time they supplied themselves with wood and water, they
+weighed anchor, and in six leagues sailing to the S.W. came into the
+road of St Sebastian. Just when entering the mouth of the river a
+violent storm arose, on which they had to drop their anchors, lest
+they had been driven on the rocks, and to wait the return of the tide
+in that situation. They entered the port next day, and came to anchor
+just before the town, which they saluted, but without being answered,
+either because the Portuguese guns were not in order, of because the
+inhabitants were not pleased, with their arrival, suspecting them of
+being pirates, though under the Dutch flag. In order to remove these
+apprehensions, Roggewein wrote to the governor, informing him what
+they were, and desiring to be furnished with cattle, vegetables,
+fruits, and other refreshments for payment, also requesting the use
+of a few huts on shore for the recovery of the sick men. The governor
+made answer, that these things were not in his power, as he was
+subordinate to the governor of Rio de Janeiro, to whom he should
+dispatch an express that evening, and hoped the commodore would give
+him time to receive the orders of his superior officer. But Roggewein
+was by no means satisfied with this answer, giving the governor to
+know, if he refused to deal with him by fair means and for ready money
+as offered, be should be obliged to have recourse to force, though
+much against his inclinations. Having learnt that there was a
+Franciscan monastery in the town, Roggewein sent also to inform the
+fathers of his arrival, accompanying his message by a present.
+
+It happened fortunately for the Dutch, that a native of Utrecht, one
+Father Thomas, belonged to this monastery, who came immediately on
+board, accompanied by several other monks. He was so much delighted
+at the sight of his countrymen, that he declared he should now die
+in peace, having earnestly wished for twenty-two years to enjoy the
+satisfaction he was now gratified with. The commodore gave him a kind
+welcome, and presented him with whatever was deemed useful for the
+monastery. The prior, who was of the party on this occasion, begged
+the commodore to have patience till the return of the express from
+Rio de Janeiro, and promised to use his interest with the governor, to
+induce him to furnish the demanded refreshments, so that they parted
+well satisfied with each other. In the mean time, the Portuguese came
+down to the coast in large bodies well armed, posting themselves in
+such places as they judged the Dutch might attempt to put their men on
+shore; and at the approach of a Dutch pinnace, thought proper to fire
+at her, by which one of the Dutchmen was dangerously wounded in the
+shoulder. The boat's crew returned the fire by a general discharge of
+their fire-arms, by which two of the Portuguese were brought down,
+and the rest made a precipitate retreat. The Dutch then landed
+immediately, filling what water they had occasion for, and returned on
+board.
+
+On the report of what had happened, which he deemed an act of
+hostility, Roggewein made immediate dispositions for attacking the
+town, ordering his smallest ship to go as near the place as possible,
+while the Teinhoven was ordered to watch the coast, and the commodore
+laid his own ship opposite the monastery, as if he had intended to
+batter it down. All this was merely to frighten the Portuguese
+into better behaviour, and it had the desired effect, as the
+deputy-governor came soon after on board, and entered into a
+treaty, granting every thing desired. He at the same time expressed
+considerable doubts of being paid for what they might furnish, as
+a French ship had been lately supplied with necessaries, and at its
+departure the French captain threatened to burn the town about their
+ears, if they insisted on payment according to agreement and his
+promises on first coming in. The sick were now landed on the island,
+and the whole of the ships companies were daily furnished by the
+Portuguese with beef, mutton, fowls, vegetables, fruits, and every
+thing else they wanted. The ships companies also had leave to go on
+shore, and soon contracted acquaintance among the Portuguese, from
+whom they obtained sugar, tobacco, brandy, and every thing else they
+wished for, in exchange for European goods, although the governor had
+strictly prohibited all commerce, under the strictest penalties. Thus,
+in a very short time the Portuguese became so well satisfied of the
+honesty and good intentions of the Dutch, that they brought back all
+their rich effects, formerly carried out of town when the ships first
+arrived. The Portuguese, however, complained loudly of the bad usage
+they met with from the French, who came frequently to this place with
+their ships, taking whatever they pleased by force, and plundering the
+houses in which they were permitted to lodge the sick; owing to which
+the Portuguese believed that all other Europeans would treat them in
+the same manner.
+
+The town of St Sebastians is situated in lat. 24° S. and long. 60°
+W.[3] being a place of moderate extent, only indifferently fortified
+by an inclosure of palisades, with a few cannon for its defence. The
+church however is a beautiful building, and the palace of the governor
+is very magnificent; but the houses of the inhabitants are only such
+as are commonly met with among the Spanish and Portuguese colonists in
+America. The Franciscan monastery stands on the S. side of the town,
+and accommodates about thirty monks very conveniently. The prior
+shewed to the commodore and his officers a curious idol, which he said
+had been worshipped by the ancient natives of the place. It was the
+image of a creature half tiger half lion, about four feet high and a
+foot and a half round. Its feet resembled the paws of a lion, and
+the head was adorned with a double crown, in which were stuck twelve
+Indian darts, one of which on each side was broken. On each shoulder
+there was a large wing like that of a stork. In the inside was seen
+the statue of a man, completely armed in the manner of the country,
+having a quiver of arrows at his back, a bow in his left hand, and an
+arrow in his right. The tail of this strange idol was very long, and
+twisted three or four times round the body of the man. It had been
+called _Nasil Lichma_, by its worshippers, and the prior said that it
+was made of gold; but the author of this voyage suspected it was
+only gilded. The monks had also a numerous collection of European and
+American curiosities, which they exhibited at the same time.
+
+[Footnote 3: It is impossible to reconcile this longitude with any
+of the first meridians mentioned in a former note, or indeed with any
+known geographical principles. It is 45° 30' W. from Greenwich. If
+reckoned from the meridian of Teneriffe, said to be that used by the
+Dutch, this would place it 21° 10' too far west, as Teneriffe is 16°
+40' W. from Greenwich. This place, in an island of the same name, has
+to be carefully distinguished from the city of St Sebastian, now more
+commonly known by the name of Rio de Janeiro.--E.]
+
+The port, or river rather, of St Sebastian, is three or four leagues
+in length, and about one league broad, having a very fine island on
+the N.E. of about four miles round, and there are smaller islands on
+all the other sides of this haven. The country of Brazil is very large
+and rich, insomuch that the king of Portugal is said to draw as
+great a revenue from hence, as the king of Spain from all his vast
+possessions in America. Its capital is Bahia, or St Salvador, besides
+which there are many other towns, as Siara, Olinda, Rio de Janeiro, St
+Vincent, and others. The country was discovered in 1590; but even at
+this day the Portuguese have not penetrated above eighty leagues
+into the interior. The soil is good, and the country would doubtless
+produce abundance of corn and wine for the use of its inhabitants;
+but, from a principle of policy, the colonists are not permitted to
+cultivate these productions, and are consequently supplied with them
+from Portugal. It is the common opinion that the ancient inhabitants
+were _anthropophagi_, or cannibals, and it is even said that human
+flesh was sold in their markets, as commonly as beef and mutton, but
+of this there is no authentic proof.[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: There is no doubt that at least some of the tribes
+roasted and eat their prisoners, like the Caribs of the West Indies.
+But certainly they had not arrived to that state of civilization as
+to have markets; and beef and mutton were unknown in America, till
+carried there from Europe.--E.]
+
+Such of the natives as were seen were large dark-complexioned men,
+having thick lips, flat noses, and very white teeth. The Portuguese
+are numerous in Brazil, both Creoles, and such as come from time to
+time from Portugal, to repair their broken fortunes. A little time
+before the arrival of Roggewein, the Portuguese had discovered a
+diamond mine not far from St Sebastian, of which at that time they
+were not in full possession, but were meditating an expedition against
+the Indians, in order to become sole masters of so valuable a prize;
+and with this view they invited the Dutch to join them, promising them
+a share in the riches in the event of success. By these means, nine
+of our soldiers were tempted to desert. I know not the success of this
+expedition; but it is probable that it succeeded, as great quantities
+of diamonds have since been imported from Brazil into Europe. They are
+said to be found on the tops of mountains among a peculiar red earth
+containing a great deal of gold; and, being washed down by the great
+rains and torrents into the vallies, are there gathered in lavaderas
+by negroes employed for the purpose.
+
+Brazil abounds with numerous sorts of beasts, birds, and fish, both
+wild and tame. They have tigers that do a great deal of mischief,
+also elephants in great abundance, the teeth of which are of great
+value.[5] There is no country on earth where serpents, and other
+venomous reptiles, are more frequent, or of larger size. So far as
+the Portuguese power and colonization extends, the popish religion is
+established; but vast numbers of the indigenous natives of the country
+remain unsubdued, and continue their original idolatry, being of such
+cruel and vindictive dispositions, that when a Christian falls into
+their hands, the best thing that can happen to him is to have his
+throat cut, as they are, for the most part, put to death by means
+of cruel tortures. The air of the country, though excessively hot at
+certain times of the year, is extremely wholesome, as we experienced
+by our speedy recovery from the scurvy and other distempers. About
+St Sebastian there are vast quantities of venomous musquetoes, which
+sting to such a degree that we were all covered over with blisters.
+Our pilot, having drank too freely of the country rum, and afterwards
+fallen asleep in the open air, had his head, face, arms, and legs so
+severely stung, that his life was in imminent danger, and he recovered
+after a long time, not without much care.
+
+[Footnote 5: There are animals of the tyger kind in Brazil and
+other parts of America, and the Jaguar, Owza, or Brazilian tyger, is
+probably the one here meant. No elephants exist in America, and
+their teeth, mentioned in the text, must have come from some of the
+Portuguese African possessions.--E.]
+
+While here, the commodore kept up a very strict discipline over his
+people; and some of his sailors being complained against as having
+maltreated some Indian women, he caused them to be severely punished,
+and would never afterwards allow them to go on shore. The Dutch and
+Portuguese agreed extremely well, but the governor was far from being
+pleased with his visitors, more especially because he had learnt from
+some of the deserters that the object of the expedition was to make
+discoveries in the south. For this reason he practised every art he
+could devise to hinder and distress them, and furnished them with
+provisions only from day to day, that they might not increase their
+sea-stores. He also frequently talked of there being five or six
+Portuguese men-of-war in Rio de Janeiro, in order to put the Dutch in
+fear of being attacked, and actually sent for the only ship that
+was there at the time, to come to St Sebastian. Roggewein perfectly
+understood the meaning of all this, of which he took no notice, and
+complied exactly with the terms of the agreement entered into with the
+deputy governor, saving part of the fresh provisions daily and salting
+them, cleaned and repaired his ship in succession, and took on board
+tobacco, sugar, and every thing else he wanted, till in a condition
+to continue the voyage. He then fully satisfied the governor for every
+thing procured at this place, making payment in fire-arms, hats, silk
+stockings, linen, stock-fish, and other European articles, and made
+him a considerable present besides. In return, the governor sent
+him some black cattle, and gave him a certificate of his honourable
+behaviour.
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to Juan Fernandez, with a
+Description of that Island._
+
+Every thing being settled at St Sebastian, Roggewein set sail towards
+the S.W. and falling in with a desert island about three leagues from
+the coast, he set on shore the swabber who had attempted to murder the
+cook, pursuant to his sentence, as formerly related. Leaving the coast
+of Brazil, the commodore proposed to have visited an island called
+Aukes Magdeland, after the name of its supposed discoverer, who
+is said to have seen a light on that island about an hundred years
+before, but did not go on shore. This island was said to be situated
+in the latitude of 30° S. and as being in the route of the navigation
+towards the South Sea, and in a good climate, he proposed to have
+settled a colony there for the service of such ships as might
+afterwards be bound for the _Southern Indies_, the object he was now
+in search of, where they might be supplied with wood, water, and other
+refreshments. But after much pains, he could neither discover that
+nor any other island in or near the latitude of 30° S. He therefore
+altered his coarse, steering for those called the _New Islands_ by the
+Dutch, and the _Islands of St Lewis_, by a French privateer who first
+discovered them. Keeping always within forty or fifty leagues of
+the American coast, the squadron prosecuted its course very happily,
+having always the advantage of the land and sea-breezes; whereas, if
+it had kept farther from land, it would infallibly have fallen in with
+the western trade-wind.
+
+On the 21st December, being in lat. 40°. S. they were assailed by a
+hurricane, attended with thunder and lightning, during which storm
+the Tienhoven parted company, and did not rejoin till three months
+afterwards. The extreme violence of this hurricane only lasted about
+four hours, during which they every moment expected to have been
+swallowed up by the waves, which ran mountain-high. These hurricanes
+are extremely dangerous, and are far more frequent in the American
+seas than in the East Indies. They usually happen at that season of
+the year when the west monsoon reigns, which is from the 20th July to
+the 15th October, for which reason ships usually remain then in port
+till they think the danger is over. Yet as storms of this kind are not
+exactly periodical, ships that trust to such calculations are often
+caught, as there are some years in which there are no hurricanes, and
+others in which they are more frequent and violent, and at unusual
+periods. The ordinary, or at least the surest sign of an approaching
+hurricane, is very fair weather, and so dead a calm that not even a
+wrinkle is to be seen on the surface of the sea. A very dark cloud is
+then seen to rise in the air, not larger than a man's hand, and in a
+very little time the whole sky becomes overcast. The wind then begins
+to blow from the west, and in a short space of time, whirls round the
+compass, swelling the sea to a dreadful height; and as the wind blows
+now on one side and then on the other, the contrary waves beat so
+forcibly on the ships that they seldom escape foundering or shipwreck.
+On first perceiving the before-mentioned small cloud, the best thing
+a ship can do is to stand out to sea. It is remarkable that the
+hurricanes are less frequent as we approach the higher latitudes in
+either hemisphere, so that they are not to be feared beyond the lat.
+of 55° either S. or N. It is also remarked, that hurricanes rarely
+happen in the middle of the wide ocean, but chiefly on the coasts of
+such countries as abound with minerals, and off the mouths of large
+rivers. Another surprising phenomenon at sea is what is called a
+whirlwind water-spout, or syphon, which often carries up high into
+the air whatever comes within the circle of its force, as fish,
+grasshoppers, and other things, where they appear like a thick vapour
+or cloud. The English fire at a water-spout or whirlwind, and often
+succeed in stopping its progress; the circular motion ceasing, and all
+that it had taken up falling immediately down, when the sea becomes
+presently calm.
+
+On the cessation of the hurricane, the commodore and his remaining
+consort, the African galley, continued their course to the S.S.W. till
+in the height of the Straits of Magellan. They here fell in with an
+island of near 200 leagues in circumference, and about 14 leagues from
+the mainland of America, and seeing no smoke, nor any boat, or other
+kind of embarkation, they concluded that it was uninhabited. The west
+coast of this island was discovered by a French privateer, and named
+the Island of St Lewis; but being seen afterwards by the Dutch, who
+fancied its many capes to be distinct islands, they called it _New
+Islands_. Considering that, if ever it should be inhabited, its
+inhabitants would be the antipodes of the Dutch, Roggewein gave it the
+name of _Belgia Australis_. It is in the lat. of 52° S. and long. of
+95° W.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: There is not the smallest doubt that the text refers
+to the Falkland islands or Malouines, which consist of two principal
+islands, called West and East Islands, besides a number of islets,
+about 360 English miles from the continent of South America. The
+centre of the west, or principal island, is in lat. 51° 25' S. and
+long. 60° W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+The land appeared extremely beautiful and very fertile, being
+chequered with mountains and vallies, all of which were cloathed with
+fine straight trees. The verdure of the meadows, and freshness of the
+woods, afforded a delightful prospect, insomuch that all the people
+believed they should have found abundance of excellent fruits. But the
+commodore would not delay by permitting them to land, being anxious
+to get round Cape Horn, and chose therefore to defer a thorough
+examination of this new country till his return from discovering the
+southern continent and islands: This, however reasonable, proved vain
+in the sequel, as he was forced to return with his squadron by the
+East Indies; and this fine island, therefore, is likely to continue in
+a great measure unknown.
+
+Quitting this island, they made for the Straits of Magellan, in order
+to wait a wind favourable for their navigation, which took place in a
+few days: for, if it had continued to blow from the west, they could
+not possibly have got into the South Seas. They now resolved to
+attempt the Straits of Le Maire, as infinitely more commodious than
+the Strait of Magellan, in which latter the sea has but small depth,
+and the meeting of the north and south currents occasion continual
+rough seas. The bottom also of the Straits of Magellan is rocky,
+affording no good anchorage; and the flows of winds from the mountains
+on both sides are apt to endanger all ships that endeavour to pass
+through these perilous straits. Having now a fair wind, they continued
+their course to the south for the Straits of Le Maire, seeing on their
+way abundance of whales and other large fish of that kind. Among the
+rest, they were followed for a whole month by that kind of fish which
+is called the _Sea Devil_ by the Dutch sailors, which they took the
+utmost pains to catch, but to no purpose. It has a large head, a thick
+short body, and a very long tail, like that which painters bestow on
+the dragon.
+
+Arriving in the lat. of 55° S. they soon after saw State Island, or
+Staten-land, which forms one side of the Straits of Luttaire. The
+fury of the waves, and the clashing of contending currents, gave such
+terrible shocks to their vessels, that they expected every moment
+their yards should have been broken, and their masts to come by the
+board. They would gladly have come to anchor, especially on finding
+the bottom to be good, but the weather and the sea were so rough that
+they durst not. They passed through the straits, which are about ten
+leagues long, by six over, with a swiftness not to be expressed, owing
+to the force and rapidity of the current. After getting through, this
+current, together with the westerly winds, carried them a great way
+from the coast of America; and, that they might be sure to sail free
+of Cape Horn, they sailed as high as the lat. of 62° 30' S. For three
+weeks together, they sustained the most dreadful gusts of a furious
+west wind, accompanied with hail and snow, and the most piercing
+frost. While enveloped in thick mists, they were apprehensive of being
+driven by the extreme violence of the winds upon mountains of ice,
+where they must inevitably have perished.
+
+Whenever the weather was in any degree clear or serene, they had
+scarcely any night; for, being in the middle of January, 1722, the
+summer was then in its height, and the days at their utmost length.
+
+These mountains of ice, of which they were so much afraid, are certain
+proofs that the southern countries extend quite to the pole, as well
+as those under the north; for, without question, these vast hills of
+ice cannot be produced in the sea, nor formed by the common force of
+cold. It must therefore he concluded, that they are occasioned by the
+sharp piercing winds blowing out of the mouths of large rivers.[2] It
+is no less certain, that the currents discerned in this ocean must all
+proceed from the mouths of large rivers, which, rolling down from
+a high continent, fall with such impetuosity into the sea, as to
+preserve a great part of their force long after they have entered
+it.[3] The great quantity of birds seen here was an additional proof
+that land was not far off. It may be asked, whether this land be
+inhabited or not? For my part I believe it is. It may be again asked,
+How men should live in such a climate, in the lat. of 70° S. where the
+winter is so very long, the summer so short, and where they must be
+involved for so great a portion of the year in perpetual night? To
+this I answer, That such as dwell there come only in the fine season
+in order to fish, and retire on the approach of winter, as is done by
+many of the inhabitants of Russia and of Davis Straits, who, when they
+have provided themselves with fish on the coasts of a frozen climate,
+retire farther inland, and eat in their cabins during the winter
+the fish they have caught in the summer. If the people who inhabit
+Greenland and Davis Straits are to be believed, the country is
+inhabited even as high as 70° N. both winter and summer; and what is
+practicable in one country, cannot justly be reputed impracticable
+when supposed in another.[4]
+
+[Footnote 2: This is quite erroneous, as it is now well known that
+the sea water freezes, when reduced to a sufficient degree of cold,
+considerably lower than what is requisite for freezing fresh water. On
+this occasion, the salt precipitates from the freezing water, and the
+ice of sea water is sufficiently fresh for use when melted, if the
+first running be thrown away, which often contains salt, either
+adhering to the surface, or contained in cells.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: This is poor reasoning to support a preconceived theory
+of a southern continent, and might easily have been answered by
+themselves, as the prodigious current which set them through the
+Straits of Le Maire with such rapidity, could not have originated from
+any such cause. Currents are well known to be occasioned by the
+tides, the diurnal revolution of the earth, and by prevailing winds,
+influenced and directed by the bendings of coasts, the interposition
+of islands, and the position of straits. No such currents could
+possibly come from rivers in an austral land, locked up in ever-during
+frost, should any such land exist.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: It might be asked, whence are these fishers to come?
+Not surely from among the miserable inhabitants of Terra del Fuego.
+A miserable hypothesis is thus often obstinately defended by wretched
+arguments.--E.]
+
+Being driven 500 leagues from the continent by the contrary winds, the
+commodore now believed that he was beyond Cape Horn to the westwards,
+and steered therefore N.E. by N. in order to fall in with the coast of
+Chili. On the 10th March, being in lat. 37° 30' S. they discovered
+the coast of Chili to their great joy, and anchored soon after on
+the coast of the island of Mocha, which is three leagues from the
+continent.[5] They were in hopes of finding on this island at least a
+part of the refreshments of which they were in want, especially fresh
+meat and vegetables, but were disappointed, by finding the island
+entirely abandoned, all its inhabitants having removed to the main
+land. They saw, however, in the island a multitude of horses and
+birds, and found some dogs in two cabins near the shore. They also
+discovered the wreck of a Spanish ship, from which they supposed the
+dogs had got on shore. The horses were supposed to have been left here
+to graze, and that the owners came at certain times from the main to
+take them, as wanted. They here killed abundance of geese and ducks;
+and finding the coast extremely rocky, and having no safe place of
+anchorage, they resolved to put to sea. In a council of the officers,
+it was determined to continue for some time longer on the coast of
+Chili, in hopes of meeting with some port in which they could
+safely anchor, in order to get some refreshments; but perceiving the
+Spaniards to be every where on their guard, they steered W.N.W.
+for the island of Juan Fernandez, which they reckoned to be at the
+distance of ninety leagues in that direction. Although the coast of
+Chili appears to be enormously high when seen from a distance, they
+discovered, by sailing along shore, that it was not higher than the
+coast of England, and that they had been deceived by the enormous
+height of the inland mountains, the tops of which are hid in the
+clouds, and cloathed in perpetual snow.
+
+[Footnote 5: Mocha is in lat. 36° 20' S. and about 20 miles from the
+coast of Chili.--E.]
+
+Having a favourable wind, they made way at a great rate, and got sight
+of the island of Juan Fernandez, on the fourth day after leaving the
+coast of Chili, but could not get to anchor that day in the road,
+owing to its falling calm. Next day, when ready to go in, they were
+astonished by seeing a ship riding at anchor, which they conjectured
+to be either a Spanish ship of force or a French interloper, but at
+last concluded to be a pirate. While consulting what to do, they saw
+the boat belonging to the ship coming towards them, carrying a Spanish
+flag, on which they began to prepare for an engagement, but were
+astonished beyond measure, on its nearer approach, to find that it
+belonged to their consort the Tienhoven, which they concluded had
+foundered. Captain Bowman was himself on board the boat, and shewed
+how well he had followed his instructions, as, by the commodore's
+orders in case of separation, this was to be the first place of
+rendezvous; whence, after cruizing six weeks, they were to repair
+to lat. 28° S. and cruize there a similar time: But, in case of not
+meeting the commodore in either of these places, they were then to
+open their sealed instructions, and follow them exactly. As soon as
+Captain Bowman was on board the commodore, he made a signal agreed
+on to his own ship, to acquaint them that the two ships were their
+consorts, After this, the Eagle and African entered the harbour.
+
+When leisure permitted, Captain Bowman gave an account of the dangers
+he had encountered in passing the Straits of Magellan: That he had met
+with many storms on the coast of America, and that his ship was in a
+very bad condition, having only arrived at Juan Fernandez the evening
+before his consorts, both of which he believed had been lost in
+the hurricane at the time of their separation. The three captains
+afterwards dined together very cheerfully in the Tienhoven, where they
+recounted and reciprocally commiserated their past misfortunes, and
+rejoiced at their present happy meeting. As it still continued a dead
+calm, they were unable to come to anchor at the place intended, but
+they next day got close beside the Tienhoven, anchoring in forty
+fathoms, within musket-shot of the shore. The sick were now landed,
+and proper persons sent ashore along with them to construct cabins
+or huts for their accommodation; and to search for provisions and
+refreshments.
+
+According to the author of this voyage, the island of Juan Fernandez
+is one of the finest and best situated in the world, having a
+pleasant, wholesome, and temperate climate, fit to restore health to
+the sick, and to give a constant flow of spirits to those who are
+in health, which this author personally experienced, having here
+recovered from a complication of disorders to perfect health. The
+hills are covered with tall trees of various kinds, fit for all kinds
+of uses; and the vallies are fertile, and able to produce all the
+necessaries of life with very little cultivation. It abounds with
+small streams and brooks, the banks of which are covered with
+wholesome giants; and the waters which run down from the mountains,
+though not in the least disagreeable to the taste, or injurious to
+health, are so impregnated with some mineral particles, that they
+never corrupt. On the east side of the bay in which the Dutch ships
+anchored, there are three mountains, the middlemost of which resembles
+the Table Mountains at the Cape of Good Hope. Behind these there
+are many other mountains which rise to a prodigious height, and are
+generally covered by very thick mist, especially in the mornings and
+evenings, whence I am apt to suspect that these mountains may contain
+rich mines. To give a just idea of the island in few words, it
+resembles in all respects the country at the Cape of Good Hope.
+
+This author also mentions the sea-lions and seals of other writers,
+and adds, that there are sea-cows also of enormous size, some weighing
+near half a ton. He also mentions the abundance and excellence of the
+fish, of which the Dutch cured many thousands during their short stay,
+which proved extraordinarily good, and were of great service during
+the rest of the voyage. He mentions goats also on the island in
+abundance, but says the Dutch were unable to catch them, and at a loss
+how to get at their bodies when shot; but they were frightened from
+this sport by an unlucky accident which happened to the steward of one
+of the ships, soon after their arrival, who, rambling one evening in
+the mountains, fell suddenly from the top of a rock and was dashed to
+pieces. They found here the remains of a wreck, supposed by them to
+have been of a Spanish ship; but it was more probably the vestiges of
+the Speedwell, lost a year before, and from which, by diving, some of
+the sailors recovered several pieces of silver plate.
+
+Having attentively considered the advantageous situation and many
+conveniences of this island, Roggewein conceived the design of
+settling on it, as the most proper place that could be thought of
+for ships bound, as he was, for the _Terra Australis_, or southern
+islands, and was the more encouraged in this design by considering
+the fertility of the island, which could not fail to afford sufficient
+subsistence for six hundred families at least. He postponed this,
+however, as also the settlement of _Belgia Australis_, or Falkland
+islands, till his proposed return, owing to which they never were
+settled. A settlement at the latter might have afforded a proper place
+for ships to careen and refit at, and to procure wood and water, after
+the long voyage from Europe, before entering the Straits of Magellan,
+and Juan Fernandez would have afforded every convenience for repairing
+any injuries that might have been sustained in passing through these
+straits, or going round Cape Horn. Whatever nation may revive and
+prosecute this plan, will certainly acquire in a few years as rich and
+profitable a commerce as is now possessed by the Spaniards with Mexico
+and Peru, or the Portuguese with Brazil.[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Britain once tried a settlement at Falkland islands, and
+had nearly gone to war with Spain on the occasion; and there can be no
+doubt that Spain could never have submitted to the settlement of Juan
+Fernandez by any other power. There is now a fort and small garrison
+kept in that island.--E]
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Continuation of the Voyage from Juan Fernandez till the Shipwreck of
+the African Galley._
+
+On leaving Juan Fernandez, Roggewein proposed to visit that part of
+the southern lands which was reported to have been discovered by Davis
+in 1680.[1] As the Dutch author of this voyage is rather dark on this
+subject, I shall here insert Mr Wafer's account of this discovery, as
+it is very short. Wafer was a man of sense and knowledge, who sailed
+along with Davis when this discovery was made.
+
+[Footnote 1: We have omitted a long, inconclusive, and uninteresting
+discussion about the climate and productions of the proposed
+discovery, the _Terra Australis_, which still remains _incognito_, or
+rather has been clearly shewn to have no existence.--E.]
+
+"We steered from the Gallapagos island S. by E. 1/2 E. until we came
+into the lat. of 27° 20' S. when we fell in with a low sandy island,
+and heard a great roaring noise right a-head of the ship, like that
+of the sea beating on the shore. It being some hours before day, and
+fearing to fall foul of the shore, the ship put about, and plied off
+and on till next morning, and then stood in for the land, which
+proved to be a small flat island, not surrounded by any rocks. To the
+westwards, about twelve leagues by estimation, we saw a range of high
+land which we took to be islands, as there were several partitions
+in the prospect, and this land seemed to extend fourteen or sixteen
+leagues. There came great flocks of fowls from that direction; and I
+and more of the men would have made this land and gone on shore there,
+but the captain would not consent. The small island bears 500 leagues
+from Copaipo almost due W. and from the Gallapagos 600 leagues."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: There can be no doubt that the small low flat island was
+Easter island, in lat. 27° 20' S. long. 110° 10' W. Its distance from
+Copaipo, almost due W. is almost exactly 40° or 800 marine leagues.
+The range of high land seen to the westwards, could be nothing but a
+fog bank, so that Roggewein set out from Juan Fernandez in search of a
+nonentity.--E.]
+
+In prosecuting his voyage to the westwards, the first land seen by
+Roggewein was the lesser island of Juan Fernandez, otherwise called
+Massa-fuero, about ninety-five English miles direct west. This
+appeared lower and less fertile from a distance, but they had not an
+opportunity of landing. Having the benefit of a S.E. trade-wind, they
+soon arrived in lat. 28° S. and the longitude of 251° E. where they
+expected to have fallen in with the land seen by Davis, but no such
+land was to be found. Continuing their voyage to the westwards, and
+attended by a vast quantity of birds, they arrived on the coast of a
+small island about sixteen leagues in extent, which they fell in with
+on the 14th April, 1722, being Easter-day, and called it therefore
+_Pascha_, or _Easter_ Island.
+
+The African galley being the smallest ship, was sent in first to
+examine this new discovery, and reported that it seemed to be very
+fertile and well peopled, as abundance of smoke was to be seen in all
+parts of the island. Next day, while looking out for a port, and when
+about two miles from the shore, an Indian came off to the ships in a
+canoe, who came readily on board and was well received. Being naked,
+he was first presented with a piece of cloth to cover him, and they
+gave him afterwards pieces of coral, beads, and other toys, all of
+which he hung about his neck, together with a dried fish. His body was
+painted all over with a variety of figures, through which the
+natural colour of his skin appeared to be dark brown. His ears were
+excessively large and long, hanging down to his shoulders, occasioned
+doubtless by wearing large heavy ear-rings; a thing also practised
+by the natives of Malabar. He was tall, well-made, robust and of a
+pleasing countenance, and brisk and active in his manners, appearing
+to be very merry by his gestures and way of speaking. They gave him
+victuals, of which he eat heartily, but could not be prevailed on to
+use a knife and fork; and when offered a glass of wine threw it away
+to their great surprise, afraid of being poisoned, or offended by
+the smell of strong liquor, to which he was unaccustomed. He was then
+dressed from head to foot, and had a hat put on his head, with which
+he did not seem at all pleased, but cut a very awkward figure, and
+seemed uneasy. The music was then ordered to play, with which he
+seemed much pleased, and when taken by the hand would leap and dance.
+Finding it impossible to bring the ships to anchor that day, they
+sent off the Indian, allowing him to keep all he had got in order to
+encourage the rest to come on board. But, what was really surprising,
+he had no mind to go away, and looked at the Dutch with regret, held
+up his hands towards his native island, and cried in a loud voice
+several times _Odorega!_ making appear by signs that he would much
+rather have staid, and they had much ado to get him into his canoe.
+They afterwards imagined he called upon his gods, as they saw
+abundance of idols erected on the coast when they landed.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: It will be afterwards seen in the modern
+circumnavigations, that there are several gigantic statues, having
+a distant resemblance to the human figure, on this island, which are
+perhaps alluded to in the text.--E.]
+
+
+Next morning at day-break, the ships entered a cove or bay on the S.E.
+side of the island, when _many thousands_[4] of the inhabitants came
+down to meet them, bringing with them vast quantities of fowls and
+roots; and many of them brought these provisions on board, while
+the rest ran backwards and forwards on the shore, like so many wild
+beasts. As the ships drew near, the islanders crowded down to the
+shore to get a better view of them, and at the same time lighted
+fires, and made offerings to their idols, probably to implore their
+protection against the strangers. All that day the Dutch spent in
+getting into the bay and mooring their ships. Next morning very early,
+the islanders were observed prostrating themselves before their idols
+towards the rising sun, and making burnt offerings. While preparations
+were making for landing, the friendly native who had been before on
+board came a second time, accompanied by many others, who had their
+canoes loaded with living fowls and roots cooked after their manner,
+as if to make themselves welcome. Among this troop of islanders there
+was one man perfectly white, having round pendents in his ears as big
+as a man's fist. He had a grave decent air, and was supposed to be a
+priest. By some accident, one of the islanders was shot dead in his
+canoe by a musket, which threw the whole into prodigious confusion,
+most of them leaping into the sea in order to get the sooner ashore;
+while the rest who remained in their canoes paddled away with all
+their might.
+
+[Footnote 4: This surely is a prodigious exaggeration, as the island
+is utterly incapable to have supported any considerable number of
+inhabitants, and there is not any other within 1500 miles.--E.]
+
+The Dutch presently followed, and made a descent with 150 soldiers and
+seamen, at the head of whom was Commodore Roggewein, accompanied by
+the author of the voyage, who commanded the soldiers. The islanders
+crowded so close upon them while landing, that they thought it
+necessary to make their way by force, especially as some of the
+natives were so bold as to lay hold of their arms; and the Dutch
+accordingly fired, when a great number of the islanders were slain,
+among whom was the friendly native who had been twice aboard ship.
+This frightened and dispersed them; yet in a few minutes they rallied
+again, but did not come quite so near the strangers as before, keeping
+at the distance of about ten yards, as if they supposed that
+were sufficient to ensure their safety from the muskets. Their
+consternation was however very great, and they howled and lamented
+dismally. After all, as if to employ every possible means to mollify
+their invaders, the men, women, and children presented themselves in
+the most humble postures, carrying branches of palm in token of peace
+and submission, bringing plenty of provisions of all kinds, and even
+pointing to their women, giving the Dutch to understand by signs that
+these were entirely at their disposal, and that they might carry as
+many of them on board ship as they thought proper. Softened by these
+tokens of submission, the Dutch did them no farther harm, but
+made them presents of coral beads and small looking-glasses, and
+distributed among them sixty yards of painted cloth.
+
+The natives now brought at once to the Dutch about 500 live fowls,
+every way the same with the ordinary poultry of Europe, together with
+a great quantity of red and white roots and potatoes, which these
+islanders use instead of bread. They brought also several hundred
+sugar-canes, and a great quantity of _pisans_, which are a sort of
+figs as large as gourds covered by a green rind, the pulp of which is
+as sweet as honey. The leaves of the tree on which these figs grow
+are six or eight feet long and three broad, and there are sometimes an
+hundred of these _pisans_ on one bough. The Dutch saw no quadrupeds of
+any kind, yet supposed there might be cattle and other beasts in the
+interior, as on shewing some hogs to the islanders, they expressed by
+signs that they had seen such animals before. They used pots to dress
+their meat in; and it appeared that every family or tribe among
+them dwelt in a separate village. The huts or cabins composing these
+villages were from forty to sixty feet long, by six or eight feet
+broad, made of upright poles, having the interstices filled up with
+loam or fat earth, and covered at top with palm leaves. They drew most
+of their subsistence from the earth by cultivation, the land being
+portioned out into small plantations very neatly divided and staked
+out. While the Dutch were there, almost all the fruits and roots were
+in full maturity, and the island seemed to abound in good things. In
+their houses there were not many moveables, and those they had were
+of no value, except some red and white quilts or cloths, which served
+them in the day for mantles, and at night for coverlets. The stuff of
+which these were composed felt as soft as silk, and was probably of
+their own manufacture.
+
+The natives of this island were in general a brisk, slender, active,
+well-made people, very swift of foot, and seemed of sweet tempers, and
+modest dispositions, but timorous and faint-hearted; for whenever they
+brought fowls or other provisions to the Dutch, they threw themselves
+on their knees, and immediately on delivering their presents retired
+in all haste. They were mostly as brown-complexioned as Spaniards,
+some among them being almost black, while others were white, and
+others again had their skins entirely red, as if sun-burnt. Their ears
+hung down to their shoulders, and some had large white bales hanging
+to them, which they seemed to consider as a great ornament. Their
+bodies were painted all over with the figures of birds and other
+animals, on some much better executed than on others.[5] All their
+women had artificial bloom on their cheeks, but of a much deeper
+crimson than is known in Europe, and the Dutch could not discover what
+this colour was composed of. They wore little hats on their heads
+made of straw or reeds, and had no other covering than the quilts or
+mantles formerly mentioned.[6] The women were by no means extremely
+modest, for they invited the Dutchmen into their houses by signs,
+and when they sat by them would throw off their mantles, as inviting
+familiarity. It is very singular of these islanders, that the Dutch
+saw no appearance whatever of arms among them; but, when attacked,
+they fled for refuge to their idols, numbers of which were erected
+all along the coast. These idols were all of stone, representing
+the figures of men with great ears, their heads covered by the
+representations of crowns; and all so nicely proportioned, and
+so highly finished, that the Dutch were much amazed. Many of the
+inhabitants seemed to be more frequent and more zealous worshippers
+of these images than the rest, which induced the Dutch to believe that
+these were priests; and that the more especially, as their heads were
+close shaven, on which they wore caps of black and white feathers,[7]
+and they had large white balls hanging at their ears.
+
+[Footnote 5: _Tatooed_ in all probability, a practice so common
+through the inhabitants of Polynesia, which will be minutely described
+in an after division of this collection. It may suffice to say at
+present, that this decoration is formed by pricking the skin with
+sharp instruments till it just bleeds, and afterwards rubbing
+some coloured powders into the punctures, which leave indelible
+stains.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 6: It is left ambiguous whether these straw hats and mantles
+were worn by both sexes, or confined exclusively to the women.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 7: A dissertation is here omitted on a fancied migration
+of storks annually from Europe to this island and others in the
+South-sea, as high as lat. 40° and 50° S. merely because the Dutch
+thought the feathers in these caps resembled those of storks.--E.]
+
+No appearance of government or subordination was observed among these
+islanders, and consequently no prince or chief having dominion over
+the rest. The old people wore bonnets made of feathers resembling
+the down of ostriches, and had sticks in their hands. In some of the
+houses, the father of the family was observed to have rule over all
+its inhabitants, and was obeyed with the greatest readiness. In the
+opinion of the Dutch author of this voyage, this island might be
+settled to great advantage, as the air is very wholesome and the soil
+rich; being proper for producing corn in the low lands, and its higher
+grounds might be converted into vineyards. On the evening, after
+returning on board, Roggewein proposed to land again next morning with
+a force sufficient to make a strict survey of the whole island: But
+during the night there arose so strong a west wind as drove them from
+their anchors, and they were forced to put to sea, to avoid being
+shipwrecked. After this misfortune, they cruized for some time in the
+same latitude, seeking in vain for the land discovered by Davis, on
+which Roggewein determined to bear away for the _Bad Sea of Schouten_,
+keeping always a west course, in hopes of discovering some new land.
+In this coarse, they soon found themselves in the height of the
+island discovered by Schonten in 1615, to which he gave the name of
+_Bad-water_, because all its waters were brackish; but, by changing
+their course, they ran 300 leagues out of their way, and at least 150
+leagues farther than Schonten.
+
+In this wide sea, Roggewein sailed upwards of 800 leagues without
+seeing land, though he frequently varied his course. At length, when
+in lat. 15° 30' S. they discovered a very low island, the coast of
+which was covered with a deep yellow-coloured sand, having in
+the middle of the island a kind of pond, lake, or lagoon. All the
+principal officers were of opinion that this was the island to which
+Schonten gave the name of _Dog_ island, and did not therefore think
+it necessary to go on shore for more particular examination.[8] The
+author of this voyage was of a different opinion, conceiving it a new
+discovery, and calling it _Carlshoff_,[9] which he says is in lat. 15°
+45' S. and long. 280°. He describes it as a low flat island of about
+three leagues in extent, having a lake in the middle.
+
+[Footnote 8: In modern geography Dog island is placed in lat. 15° 10'
+S. long. 137° 45' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 9: Carlshoff is laid down by Arrowsmith in lat. 15° 45' S.
+as in the text, and long. 145° 28' W. The first meridian used for the
+longitude in the text is quite inexplicable, and was probably assumed
+on very erroneous computation. It is 190 marine leagues due west from
+Dog island.--E.]
+
+Leaving this island, the wind came about to the S.W. a sign that they
+were near some coast, which had changed the current of the air; and
+by this alteration of wind they were driven among some small islands,
+where they found themselves considerably embarrassed. In this
+situation the African galley led the way for the rest, as sailing best
+and drawing least water; but she soon found herself in such danger,
+that they fired repeated guns of distress, on which the other two
+ships hastened to her assistance, when they found her stuck so fast
+between two rocks that it was impossible to get her of? and were only
+able to save her people. Roused by the noise of the signal guns, the
+natives of the surrounding islands kindled many fires on their hills,
+and flocked in crowds to the coasts; and the Dutch; not knowing what
+might be their designs in the darkness of the night and in the midst
+of their own confusion, fired upon them without ceremony, that they
+might have as few dangers as possible to deal with at one time. In the
+morning as soon as it was light, they had a clear view of the danger
+all the ships had been in during the darkness of the past night,
+finding themselves environed on all sides by four islands, with a
+continued chain of steep rocks, and so close together that they could
+hardly discern the channel by which they had got in, so that they had
+much reason to be thankful for having been so wonderfully preserved
+in the midst of so much danger. On this occasion only one seaman was
+lost, who belonged to the Tienhoven, and who, in his eagerness to go
+to succour his friends, dropt overboard and was drowned.
+
+The danger was by no means over as soon as discovered, as it cost
+the Dutch no less than five days to extricate themselves from their
+perilous situation, during which time the commodore was separated from
+the Tienhoven, and remained ignorant of the fate of the African. At
+length, the boat of the Tienhoven, having sailed all round the group
+of islands, brought information that the crew of the African had got
+safe on shore; and that the natives, after being once fired on, had
+retired into the interior in all haste. Roggewein now sent his boat to
+bring off all those who had got on shore; and on mustering the crew of
+the African on board the Eagle, it appeared that a quarter-master and
+four seamen were missing. On enquiry, it was found that these men had
+chosen to remain on the island, as they had mutinied against their
+officers on getting ashore, because they had interposed to prevent
+them from killing each other with their knives, and Captain Rosenthall
+had threatened to have them all put to death when he got them aboard
+the commodore, wherefore they had fled to avoid punishment. Being
+unwilling to lose them, the commodore sent the author of this
+narrative with a detachment of soldiers to bring them away, but he was
+unable to succeed.
+
+These islands are situated between the latitudes of 15° and 16° S.
+about twelve leagues west from Carlshoff,[10] each of them appearing
+to be four or five leagues in compass. That on which the African
+was shipwrecked was named _Mischievous Island_, the two next it
+the _Brothers_, and the fourth the _Sister_ All four islands were
+beautifully verdant, and abounded in fine tall trees, especially
+cocoas; and the crews found material benefit while here by refreshing
+themselves on the vegetable productions of these islands, by which
+many of them were surprisingly recovered from the scurvy. The Dutch
+found here vast quantities of muscles, cockles, mother-of-pearls,
+and pearl-oysters, which gave reason to expect that a valuable pearl
+fishery might have been established here. These islands are extremely
+low, so that some parts of them must be frequently overflowed; but the
+inhabitants have plenty of stout canoes, as also stout barks provided
+with sails and cables; and the Dutch found several pieces of rope on
+the shore, that seemed made of hemp. The natives were of extraordinary
+size, all their bodies being painted [or _tatooed_] with many colours,
+and had mostly long black hair, though some had brown hair even
+inclined towards red. They were armed with pikes or lances eighteen or
+twenty feet long, and kept in bodies of fifty or an hundred together,
+endeavouring to entice the Dutch to follow them into the interior, as
+if to draw them into an ambuscade, on purpose to be revenged for the
+loss they had sustained by the firing on the night of the shipwreck.
+
+[Footnote 10: Pernicious islands, almost certainly the Mischievous
+islands of the text, are placed in lat. 16° 5' S. and long. 148° 50'
+W. about 20 leagues W. by S. from Carlshoff by Arrowsmith.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of the African, to the
+Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain._
+
+The next morning after leaving Mischievous island, they saw a new
+island eight leagues to the west, to which they gave the name of
+_Aurora_ island, because observed first at break of day. At this time
+the Tienhoven was so near, that if the sun had risen half an hour
+later, she must have shared the same fate with the African, as she was
+within cannon-shot of the shore when the danger was perceived, and she
+then tacked and escaped with considerable difficulty. The fright which
+this occasioned produced a mutiny, in which all the seamen insisted
+with the commodore either to return immediately, or to give them
+security for payment of their wages, in case they should be so
+unfortunate as to suffer shipwreck. This request seemed just and
+reasonable, being daily exposed to excessive fatigue in these stormy
+and unknown seas, and at the same time ran the hazard of losing all
+the reward of their labours, as it is the custom in Holland that the
+seamen lose their wages if the ship is lost in which they sail.
+The commodore listened to their complaints with much humanity, and
+immediately gave them assurance upon oath, that they should have their
+wages to the uttermost farthing, and kept his promise with the utmost
+exactness; for, though the African was lost before, and both the other
+ships were condemned at Batavia, yet every one of their respective
+crews received their full wages on their arrival at Amsterdam.
+
+The island of _Aurora_ was about four leagues in extent, the whole
+being covered with delightful verdure, and adorned with lofty trees
+interspersed with smaller wood. But, as the coast was found to be all
+foul and rocky, they left this island also without landing. Towards
+evening of the same day, they had sight of another island, to which
+therefore they gave the name of _Vesper_.[1] This was about twelve
+leagues in circuit, all low land, yet verdant and containing abundance
+of trees of various sorts. Continuing their course to the west in
+about the latitude of 15° S. they next morning discovered another
+country; and, as it was covered with smoke, they concluded it
+was inhabited, and made there all sail to come to it, in hopes of
+procuring refreshments. On approaching nearer, some of the inhabitants
+were seen diverting themselves off the coast in their canoes. They
+also perceived by degrees, that what they had at first supposed to
+be one country or large island, was in reality abundance of islands
+standing close together, among which they had now entered so far, that
+they found it difficult to get out again. In this situation, a man was
+sent to the mast-head to look out for a passage, and as the weather
+was quite serene, they had the good fortune to get out once more into
+the open sea without injury; although in passing by several steep
+ranges of rocks, they had reason to consider this as a great
+deliverance. There were six of these islands, exceedingly beautiful
+and pleasant in appearance, which altogether could not be less than
+thirty leagues in circumference. They were about twenty-five
+leagues west from Mischievous island, and the Dutch called them the
+Labyrinth,[2] having difficultly got clear of them by numerous tacks.
+
+[Footnote 1: Aurora and Vesper are called in modern geography
+Roggewein's or Palliser's Islands, in lat. 15° 32' S, about 10 leagues
+N. by W. of Pernicious Islands.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Perhaps Prince of Wales' islands are here alluded to, in
+lat. 15° 50' S. and long. 148° 5' W. about 40 marine leagues W.N.W.
+from Pernicious islands.--E.]
+
+As it was very dangerous to anchor on the coast, and as none of the
+inhabitants came off in their canoes, the Dutch did not think fit to
+make any stay, but continued still a western course, and in a few days
+discovered another island, which at a distance appeared very high
+and beautiful; but, on a nearer approach they found no ground for
+anchorage, and the coast appeared so rocky that they were afraid to
+venture near. Each ship therefore embarked twenty-five men in their
+boats, in order to make a descent. The natives no sooner perceived
+their design than they came down in crowds to the coast to oppose
+their landing, being armed with long spears, which they soon shewed
+they knew how to use to the best advantage. When the boats drew near,
+the shore was found to be so steep and rocky, that the boats could not
+come to land, on which most of the sailors went into the water with
+their arms in their hands, having some baubles fit for presents to the
+natives tied upon their heads; while those who remained in the boats
+kept up a continual fire to clear the shore. This expedient succeeded,
+and the seamen got ashore without much resistance from the natives;
+who were frightened by the fire of the musquetry, and retired up the
+mountains, but came down again as soon as the Dutch ceased firing.
+
+On the return of the islanders, the Dutch who had landed shewed them
+small mirrors, beads, and other baubles, and the people came up to
+them without fear, took their presents, and suffered them to search
+where they pleased for herbs and sallading for the sick. They found
+abundance of these, and soon filled twelve sacks, six for the Eagle
+and six for the Tienhoven, the inhabitants even assisting them and
+shewing them the best sorts. They carried their cargo of greens
+immediately on board, which were more acceptable to the sick than if
+they had brought them as much gold and silver. Next morning a larger
+body of men were ordered on shore, both on purpose to gather herbs and
+to examine the island. The first thing they did was to make a present
+to the king or chief of a considerable assortment of trinkets, which
+he received with an air of indifference and disdain, which did not
+promise much good in their future intercourse, yet sent the Dutch
+a considerable quantity of cocoa nuts in return, which were very
+agreeable to them in their present circumstances. The chief was
+distinguished from the ordinary inhabitants by wearing various
+ornaments of pearls, as they judged to the value of 600 florins, or
+L. 55 sterling. The women of the island seemed to admire the white men
+much, and almost stifled them with caresses: But this was all employed
+to lull the Dutch into security, that the plot contrived by the men
+for their destruction might the more readily succeed.
+
+When the Dutch had filled twenty sacks with greens, they advanced
+farther into the country, till they came to the top of some steep
+rocks, which hung over a large and deep valley, the natives going both
+before and behind them, quite unsuspected of any evil intention.
+At length, thinking they had the Dutch at an advantage, the natives
+suddenly quitted them, and soon after prodigious numbers came pouring
+out from caves and holes in the rocks, and surrounded the Dutch on all
+sides, while they immediately formed in close order for defence. The
+chief or king then made a signal for the Dutch to keep off, but as
+they continued to advance, the chief made a signal of battle, which
+was instantly followed by a prodigious shower of stones. The Dutch in
+return made a general discharge of their fire arms, which did great
+execution, and the chief was among the first who fell. Yet the
+islanders continued to throw stones with great fury, so that most of
+the Dutch were soon wounded and almost disabled, on which they retired
+under shelter of a rock, whence they fired with such success that
+great numbers of the islanders were slain. They still obstinately
+maintained their ground, and the Dutch were at last forced to retreat,
+having some of their number killed, and a great many wounded, most of
+whom died not long after, in consequence of their scorbutical habit
+of body, in spite of every care. As soon as they could disengage
+themselves from the enemy, the Dutch retired on board ship, carrying
+with them the sacks of greens which they had gathered. This rencounter
+had so great an effect on the Dutch, that when it was proposed to
+land again, not a man could be prevailed upon to make the dangerous
+attempt.
+
+They had given to this island, before this unfortunate affair, the
+name of the _Island of Recreation_,[3] which is in lat. 16° S. and
+long. 285°. It is about twelve leagues in compass, with a fertile
+soil, producing a great number of trees, especially cocoa nuts, palms,
+and iron-wood. The Dutch conceived that there might be rich mines
+in the heart of the country, and other valuable things, but were not
+allowed to search. The natives were of middle size, but robust
+and active, having long black shining hair, which they anoint with
+cocoa-nut oil, a practice very common among the Indians. They were
+painted all over, like the inhabitants of Easter island; the men
+wearing a kind of net-work round their middles, which they stick
+up between their legs. The women were entirely covered by a kind of
+mantles of their own manufacture, the stuff of which to the sight and
+touch resembled silk;[4] and they wear long strings of pearls about
+their necks and wrists.
+
+[Footnote 3: By Arrowsmith, this island is placed in lat. 16° 32' S.
+and long. 148° 50' W. The longitude in the text is inexplicable on any
+supposition.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: The cloth of the South-sea islands is a substance in
+a great measure resembling paper, composed of the inner bark of the
+paper mulberry, the preparation of which will be afterwards detailed
+in the narratives of the modern circumnavigators--E.]
+
+Roggewein thought proper to sail from this island without farther loss
+of time, and before his departure held a council of his officers,
+in which he stated his instructions, which were,--If no discovery of
+importance could be made in the latitude and longitude in which they
+then were, that he should return home. Some of the council were much
+astonished at this, and remonstrated, That having already gone so
+far, and met with such encouragement to hope for discoveries of great
+importance, they thought it would betray a great want of spirit not
+to proceed. To this Roggewein answered, That they had now been out ten
+months, having still a long voyage to make to the East Indies; that
+provisions began to grow scarce, and, above all, that the crews were
+already so much diminished in number, and the survivors in so weak a
+condition, that if twenty more were to die or fall sick, there would
+not be a sufficient number remaining to navigate both ships. The true
+reason, however, in the opinion of the author of this voyage, was the
+anxiety to get to the East Indies before the change of the monsoon,
+in which case they must have remained six months longer in these
+seas. Some of the officers opposed this motion to the last, earnestly
+entreating the commodore that he would rather winter at the land
+mentioned by Ferdinand de Quiros, from which they could not now be
+more than 150 leagues distant. They insisted that it was wrong to
+think of going to the East Indies, that being directly contrary to
+the design of their instructions: And that by continuing in the same
+western course, they could not fail to fall in with some island, where
+they might land and procure refreshments, remaining on shore till
+all their sick men were recovered, and erecting a fort to defend
+themselves against the natives. If this were complied with, they said
+they might afterwards return home by an eastern coarse; and, by taking
+time, might effectually complete the discoveries on which they were
+sent.
+
+These reasons were listened to with patience and civility, but had
+not the weight they deserved; and a resolution was formed to continue
+their coarse for New Britain and New Guinea, and thence to the East
+Indies, by way of the Moluccas, being in hopes to procure there a
+supply of provisions and necessaries, together with a reinforcement
+of seamen, in case they should then be too weak for navigating their
+ships home to Europe. In consequence of this resolution, an end was
+put to all hope of visiting the land of Quiros, which the best seamen
+on board thought might have been easily discovered, called by him
+and Torres the _Islands of Solomon_, and reported to be beautiful
+and fertile, and abounding in gold, silver, precious stones, and
+spices.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: We have here omitted a long, uninteresting, and
+inconclusive disquisition on the supposed Terra Australis, as
+altogether founded on supposition and error.--E.]
+
+Leaving the island of _Recreation_, Roggewein steered a coarse towards
+the N.W. pursuant to the resolution of the council, in order to get
+into the latitude of New Britain. On the third day, in lat. 12° S.
+and long. 29° they discovered several islands which appeared very
+beautiful at a distance, and, on a nearer approach, were seen to be
+well planted with all sorts of trees, and produced herbs, corn,
+and roots in great plenty, to which they gave the name of _Bowman's
+Islands_, after the captain of the Tienhoven, by whom they were first
+seen.[6] As soon as they were seen by the natives, they came off in
+their canoes to the ships, bringing fish, cocoa-nuts, Indian figs,
+and other refreshments, in return for which the Dutch gave them small
+mirrors, strings of beads, and other trifles. These islands were very
+fully peopled, as many thousands of men and women came down to the
+shore to view the ships, most of the men being armed with bows and
+arrows. Among the rest, they saw a majestic personage, who, from the
+peculiar dress he wore, and the honours that were paid him, evidently
+appeared to be chief or king of these islanders. This person soon
+afterwards went into a canoe, accompanied by a fair young woman, who
+sat close by his side, and his canoe was immediately surrounded by a
+vast number of others, which seemed intended for his guard.
+
+[Footnote 6: These appear to have been the most northerly of the
+Society islands, about 70 marine leagues, or 3-1/2 degrees W. by N.
+from Recreation island, in lat. 15° 20' S. long. 152° W.]
+
+All the inhabitants of these islands were white, differing only from
+Europeans in being sun-burnt, and they seemed a very harmless good
+sort of people, of brisk and lively dispositions, behaving to each
+other with much civility, and shewing no appearance of wildness or
+savageness in their behaviour. Their bodies were not painted like
+those of the islanders they had seen hitherto, but very handsomely
+cloathed from the waist downwards, with a sort of silk fringes very
+neatly arranged. On their heads they wore hats of a very neat-looking
+stuff, very large and wide spreading, in order to keep off the sun,
+and their necks were adorned with collars or garlands of beautiful
+odoriferous flowers. The islands appeared quite charming, being
+agreeably diversified with beautiful hills and intermediate vallies.
+Each family or tribe appeared to have its separate district, and
+to compose a separate government or community, all the land being
+regularly laid out into regular and fair plantations, as had formerly
+been observed at _Pasch_, or _Easter_ island. In all respects, the
+natives were the most civilized and best disposed people they had seen
+in the South Seas. Instead of shewing any terror or apprehension at
+the arrival of the Dutch, the natives expressed the utmost joy and
+satisfaction, treating them with the utmost kindness and respect, and
+manifested the most sincere and deep concern at their departure. Many
+of the Dutch also felt a similar regret, and would have been well
+pleased to have made a longer stay in this delightful and plenteous
+country, among so kind a people, as, by the help of the excellent
+provisions in great abundance with which these good islands furnished
+them, all their sick people would have been perfectly recovered in
+a month. These islands had also one convenience greatly superior to
+those they had met with before, as there was good anchorage almost
+every where along their coasts, where they rode in the utmost safety,
+in from fifteen to twenty fathoms.
+
+So many advantageous circumstances ought to have induced Roggewein
+and his officers to have remained here longer; but their heads were
+so full of proceeding for the East Indies, that they were fearful of
+missing the favourable monsoon, while they afterwards discovered, to
+their cost, that they were two months too early, instead of two months
+too late. By this indiscreet step, they sacrificed the health and
+strength of their crew to such a degree, that they were at length
+hardly able to navigate their ships, and at one time were on the
+point of burning one of their ships, that they might be better able to
+manage the other: All of which inconveniences might have been avoided,
+had they embraced this opportunity afforded them by Divine Providence,
+and been contented to remain in a place of safety, plenty, and
+pleasure, till their sick were recovered, instead of wilfully seeking
+new dangers which they were so little able to encounter.
+
+Leaving Bowman's islands, and continuing their course towards the N.W.
+they came next morning in sight of two islands, which they took to
+be _Coccos_ and _Traitor's_ islands,[7] so called by Schouten, who
+discovered them. The island of Coccos, at a distance, for Roggewein
+would not stop to examine it, seemed very high land, and about eight
+leagues in circuit. The other seemed much lower, composed of a red
+soil, and destitute of trees. They soon after saw two other islands
+of large extent, one of which they named _Tienhoven_,[8] and the other
+_Groninguen_; which last many of their officers were of opinion was
+no island, but the _great southern continent_ they were sent out to
+discover. The island of _Tienhoven_ appeared a rich and beautiful
+country, moderately high, its meadows or low lands, by the sea,
+exceedingly green, and the interior well provided with trees. They
+coasted along this island for a whole day without reaching its
+extremity, yet noticed that it extended semi-circularly towards the
+island of Groninguen, so that those which they took for islands might
+be contiguous lands, and both of them parts of the _Terra Australis
+incognita_.
+
+[Footnote 7: There must be here an enormous error in the text; Coccos
+and Traitor's islands are almost directly west from Recreation
+island, and the northermost of the Society islands, supposed to be the
+Bowman's islands of the text, and not less than 23°10' farther west
+than these last, or 463 marine leagues, which could not well be run in
+less than a week or ten days.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 8: These were probably the _Fee-jee_, or Bligh's islands, in
+lat. 17° 20' S. long. 181° 30' W. but the narrative is too
+incomplete to ascertain this and many other points with any tolerable
+certainty.--E.]
+
+A great part of the company were for anchoring on this coast, and
+making a descent, but the officers were so intent on proceeding
+for India, that they alleged it might be very dangerous to attempt
+landing, lest any of the men might be cut off, and they should not
+have enough left to carry on the ships. They continued in their
+course, therefore, not doubting that they should soon see the coasts
+of New Britain or New Guinea: But, after sailing many days without
+seeing any land at all, they began to see the vanity of these
+calculations, and could not forbear murmuring at their effects, as
+the scurvy began to cut off three, four, or five of their best hands
+daily. At this time nothing was to be seen but sick people, struggling
+with inexpressible pains, or dead carcasses just relieved from their
+intolerable distress. From these there arose so abominable a stench,
+that even those who were yet sound often fainted away, unable to
+endure it. Cries and groans were incessantly heard in all parts of the
+ships, and the sight of the poor diseased wretches who were still able
+to crawl about, excited horror and compassion. Some were reduced to
+such mere skeletons that their skins seemed to cleave to their bones,
+and these had this consolation, that they gradually consumed away
+without pain. Others were swelled out to monstrous sizes, and were so
+tormented with excruciating pain, as to drive them to furious madness.
+Some were worn away by the dysentery, and others were racked with
+excruciating rheumatism, while others again dragged their dead limbs
+after them, having lost feeling through the palsy. To these
+numerous and complicated diseases of the body, many had superadded
+distemperature of the mind. An anabaptist of twenty-five years old
+called out continually to be baptized, and when told with a sneer that
+there was no parson on board, he became quiet, and died with great
+resignation. Two papists on board gave what little money they had to
+their friends, beseeching them, if they ever got back to Holland, to
+lay it out in masses to St Anthony of Padua for the repose of their
+souls. Others again would listen to nothing that had the smallest
+savour of religion, for some time before they died. Some refused
+meat and drink for twenty-four hours before death, while others were
+suddenly carried off in the midst of conversation.
+
+All these various appearances of disease are attributed by the author
+of this voyage principally to the bad quality of their provisions;
+their salt meat being corrupted, their bread full of maggots, and
+their water intolerably putrid. Under these circumstances medicines
+were of no avail, being utterly unable to work a cure, and could at
+best only defer death for a little, and protract the sufferings of
+the sick. Though as well as any one in either ship, the author of this
+journal had the scurvy to such a degree that his teeth were all loose,
+his gums inflamed and ulcerated, and his body all over covered with
+livid spots. Even such as were reputed in best health, were low, weak,
+and much afflicted with the scurvy. Nothing could effectually relieve
+or even alleviate their sufferings, except fresh meat, vegetables,
+and sweet water. At length it pleased God to put a period to their
+miseries, by giving them sight of the coast of New Britain, the joy of
+which filled the sick with new spirits, and encouraged those who were
+still able to move, with the enlivening hope of once more revisiting
+their native land. Our author was fully of opinion, that if they
+had been many days longer at sea, they must all have perished by the
+continuance and necessary increase of the miseries which they endured,
+which no description can possibly express in any thing like adequate
+terms.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_Description of New Britain, and farther Continuation of the Voyage
+till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java._
+
+The country of New Britain, and all the islands in its neighbourhood,
+is composed of very high land, many of the mountains hiding their
+heads in the clouds. The sea coasts are however both pleasant and
+fertile, the low lands being cloathed in perpetual verdure, and the
+hills covered with a variety of trees, mostly bearing fruit. It is
+in lat. between 4°and 7° S.[1] and both in regard to situation and
+appearance, no country can promise better than this. After some
+consultation, it was resolved to go on shore here at all events,
+though now so much reduced by the long-continued sickness, that they
+could hardly muster a sufficient number of men from both ships to man
+a boat, and leave men enough, in case they were cut off, to navigate
+one ship home, supposing them even to sacrifice one of the ships. Yet
+such was the ardent desire of all to get on shore, and so urgent was
+the necessity for that measure, that it appeared indispensable
+to venture on landing, let the consequences be what they might.
+Accordingly, our author was ordered into the boat, with as many men
+as could be spared, with orders to get on shore at any rate, by fair
+means if possible, and with the consent of the inhabitants, for whom
+he carried a great number of baubles to distribute among them as
+presents. If, however, these had no effect, he was then to use force,
+as the circumstances to which they were reduced made it as eligible to
+die by the hands of barbarians as to perish gradually by disease and
+famine.
+
+[Footnote 1: No account is given of this voyage from Bowman's islands,
+perhaps the Fee-jees, as already mentioned, to New Britain, neither
+indeed is it any way expressed on what part of New Britain they had
+now arrived. They probably steered a course N.W. or N.W. by W. from
+the Fee-jees, and fell in with the N.E. part of New Britain, now known
+to be a separate island, and called New Ireland; and by the lower
+latitude mentioned, in the text, they appear to come first to the
+eastern part of New Ireland; but it is impossible to say whether they
+went to the N. or S. of Solomon's island.--E.]
+
+The nearer they drew towards the coast, the more they were delighted
+with its appearance, as giving them a nearer prospect of the
+wished-for refreshments. The inhabitants came down in multitudes to
+the coast, but in such guise as did not by any means increase their
+satisfaction, as they were all armed with bows and arrows and slings,
+and demonstrated sufficiently by their gestures that the Dutch were
+by no means welcome visitors, and that they were not to expect being
+permitted to land peaceably. As the boat approached the shore, the
+natives seemed to become frantic with despair, made frightful faces,
+tore their hair, and howled in a horrible manner; and at length, as
+borrowing courage from the increase of danger, they hurried into
+their canoes and put off from the shore, as if to meet that danger the
+sooner which was evidently unavoidable. As the Dutch continued their
+way towards the land, the natives discharged a flight of arrows at the
+boat, which they followed by throwing their spears or javelins,
+after which they threw in a shower of stones discharged from slings.
+Convinced now that there was nothing to be trusted to but force, the
+Dutch opened their fire, and kept it up with such effect, that many of
+the natives were slain, and the rest so terrified, that great numbers
+of them leapt into the water to swim ashore, and at last all the
+survivors followed the example, by turning their canoes towards the
+land. But such was their confusion and dismay, that they were now
+unable to distinguish the proper channels by which to get back to the
+coast, but ran them on the rocks and shoals. This circumstance almost
+deprived the Dutch of all hopes of being able to attain the coast.
+
+While thus embarrassed, there arose a violent storm, of that kind
+which the Dutch call _traffat_, and which in the east is named a
+_tuffoon_, which usually arises suddenly in the midst of a calm, and
+when the air is perfectly clear and serene, and which, by its extreme
+violence, often brings the masts by the board, and whirls the sails
+into the air, if they are not furled in an instant. By this sudden
+tempest, the two ships were forced out to sea, and the poor people in
+the boat were left without relief, and almost devoid of hope. The boat
+was forced on a sand-bank, where she was for some time so beaten by
+the winds and waves, that there seemed no chance of escaping almost
+instant destruction. But despair often lends strength and spirits to
+men beyond their usual powers; and, by dint of great exertions, they
+dragged their boat clear of the bank, and got to land, where all got
+safe on shore without hurt, but almost exhausted by fatigue. The first
+thing they did was to look out for some place of retreat, where they
+might be safe from any sudden assault of the natives; but night came
+on before any such could be found, so that they were forced to rest
+contented with making a fire on the shore, in order to dry and warm
+themselves, which in some measure revived their spirits. The light
+of the fire enabled them to discover several huts or cabins of the
+natives in the neighbourhood of where they were, on which they felt
+inclined to examine them, but found neither inhabitants nor household
+goods of any kind, all that they met with worth taking away being a
+few nets of curious workmanship. They also saw abundance of cocoa-nut
+trees, but, having no hatchets, were unable to come at any of the
+fruit, and had to pass a most comfortless night, during which they
+were perpetually disturbed and alarmed by the frightful noise of the
+natives in the adjoining wood, whence they naturally concluded they
+were every moment about to attack them. About midnight they heard a
+signal from the ships, which had been able to come back to that
+part of the coast, on which they immediately hastened on board, and
+immediately continued their voyage along the coast of New Britain,
+making their way with considerable difficulty through among numerous
+islands. They named that part of the coast on which they landed,
+_Stormland_, which was probably the same called _Slinger's bay_ by
+Dampier, on account of the dexterity of the natives in the management
+of that instrument.
+
+This country of New Britain seems to be extremely fertile, and to
+abound in fruits of many sorts. The inhabitants are a tall well-made
+people, perfect mulattoes in their complexions, with long black hair
+hanging down to their waists, being extremely nimble and vigorous,
+and so dexterous in the management of their weapons, that in all
+probability they live in a state of continual warfare with their
+neighbours. The sea along the coast is studded with numerous islands,
+so that they had great difficulty in getting a passage through them.
+
+Notwithstanding the dangers they had already experienced, they
+resolved to make another descent upon the coast on the first
+opportunity, though they had not now ten men in both vessels in
+perfect health, but their necessities admitted of no other remedy.
+The stock-fish, on which they had lived for some time past, was now
+so full of worms, and stunk so abominably, that, instead of eating
+it, they were unable to come near it. The officers were unable now
+to pacify the men with stories of relief in the East Indies, for
+they unanimously declared that immediate death on shore would be more
+welcome than living longer at sea in this dreadful condition. In
+this forlorn condition they arrived in the lat. of 2° S. where they
+fortunately fell in with the islands of _Moa_ and _Arimoa_, [2]
+formerly discovered by Schouten, and immediately determined upon
+endeavouring to procure relief from Arimoa, the larger of these
+islands. The natives, on perceiving the approach of the two ships,
+came immediately off to meet them in their canoes, of which they
+had prodigious numbers. All of these people were armed with bows and
+arrows, even their women and children; but they brought with them
+various refreshments, as cocoa-nuts, _pisans_, or Indian figs, with
+various other fruits, and different kinds of roots, rowing directly to
+the ships without any signs of fear or distrust. The Dutch gave them
+such kind of trifles as they had by way of presents, and in return
+for these refreshments; but on shewing more of these, and giving the
+islanders to understand, by signs, that such was the merchandize they
+had to give in barter for refreshments, they looked at them coolly,
+as if they had no desire to trade for such commodities. Next day,
+however, they returned with great quantities of similar articles of
+provision; and the Dutch having endeavoured to express by signs
+that they wished them to bring some hogs, the natives mistook their
+meaning, and brought two or three dogs the day following, to the great
+disappointment of the Dutch.
+
+[Footnote 2: It is utterly impossible to ascertain what islands are
+here meant, as the indications of the voyage are so entirely vague. In
+the indicated latitude, off the mouth of the Great bay, in New Guinea,
+there are two considerable islands, named Mysory, or Schouten's
+island, and Jobie, or Long-island, which may possibly be Arimoa and
+Moa. Perhaps Jobie of our modern maps includes both, as in some more
+recent maps it is laid down as two contiguous islands, and it is more
+exactly in the indicated latitude, while Mysory is rather less than
+one degree from the line.]
+
+These refreshments were very seasonable, and greatly amended the
+health of many of the sick people in the two ships; and our author is
+convinced that most of them would have perfectly recovered in a few
+days, if they could have ventured to live on shore. The islanders
+never failed to invite them ashore every time they came off; but being
+greatly weakened, as for some days they had thrown four or five of
+their people overboard, they did not think it prudent to run so great
+a hazard; more especially as, even in the midst of their civility, the
+air, look, and language of these people seemed to savour of perfidy,
+and besides the island was extremely populous. The Dutch noticed that
+these islanders, always on coming on board their ships, carried a
+piece of stick to which some white stuff was fixed, as if in the
+nature of a flag of truce, whence they supposed they were often at
+war with some neighbouring nation or tribe, and especially with the
+inhabitants of _Moa_, particularly as none of their canoes ever went
+ashore on that island, but always, on the contrary, passed it with
+evident precipitation. These remarks furnished the Dutch with a
+new project by which to acquire a considerable stock of provisions
+speedily, by a sudden descent on Moa, which appeared to be but thinly
+peopled, though as pleasant and fertile as the other, hoping to carry
+off at once enough of provisions to enable them to prosecute their
+voyage, without the risk of falling again into the distress they had
+so lately endured.
+
+This bold scheme required much prudence, and it was thought expedient
+to land in different places at once, one party being directed to
+advance into the country, while the others should be at hand to
+support them, and to secure their retreat. This was accordingly very
+happily effected; for, although the natives formed an ambush behind
+the trees and bushes, and discharged their arrows at the principal
+party as soon as they began to cut down the cocoa-trees, the Dutch
+fortunately remained uninjured, and laid many of the natives dead by
+discharges of their fire-arms. This so frightened the rest that they
+took refuge in their canoes, whence they endeavoured by cries
+and shouts to alarm the rest of their countrymen to come to their
+assistance: But the Dutch were so judiciously posted as to constrain
+them to remain in the mountains, by which means the main party were
+enabled to carry off about 800 cocoa-nuts to their boats, with which
+booty they rejoined their ships.
+
+The _cocoa-tree_ is a species of palm, found in most parts of the East
+and West Indies. The trunk is large, straight, and lofty, tapering
+insensibly to the top, whence the fruit hangs in bunches united by a
+tendril, not unlike the twig of a vine, but stronger. The flowers are
+yellow, resembling those of the chesnut. As it produces new bunches
+every month, there are always some quite ripe, some green, some
+just beginning to button, and others in full flower. The fruit is
+three-lobed and of a greenish hue, of different sizes, from the size
+of an ordinary tennis-ball, to that of a man's head, and is composed
+of two rinds. The outer is composed of long tough fibres, between red
+and yellow colour, the second being a hard shell. Within this is a
+thick firm white substance or kernel, lining the shell, tasting like
+a sweet almond; and in a central hollow of this kernel there is a
+considerable quantity of a clear, bright, cool liquor, tasting like
+sugared water. The natives of the countries in which these trees grow,
+eat the kernel with their victuals instead of bread; and likewise
+extract from it, by pressure, a liquor resembling milk of almonds
+in taste and consistence. When this milk is exposed to the action of
+fire, it changes to a kind of oil, which they use as we do butter
+in dressing their victuals, and also burn in their lamps; and they
+likewise employ it for smearing their bodies. They also draw from the
+tree a liquor called _sura_ by the Indians, and which the Europeans
+name _toddy_, or palm-wine. For this purpose, having cut one of the
+largest twigs about a foot from the body of the tree, they hang to
+this stump a bottle or calabash, into which the sap distils. This
+_sura_ is of a very agreeable taste, little inferior to the Spanish
+white wine; but being strong and heady, is generally diluted with
+fresh clear water got from the nut It does not however keep, as it
+becomes sour in about two days; when, by exposure to the sun, it is
+converted into excellent vinegar. When boiled in its recent state,
+it is converted into another liquor, called _orraqua_ by the Indians;
+from which they distil a spirituous liquor called arrack, which many
+people prefer to the other liquor of the same name distilled from rice
+in India, which is so well known and so much esteemed in Europe.
+
+Besides cocoa-nuts, the Dutch found in Moa great plenty of
+pomegranates of exquisite taste, and abundance of _pisans_ or Indian
+figs. These refreshments were of infinite service to them, as without
+them the whole of both ships companies must have inevitably perished;
+and immediately on returning to their ships, they began to prepare
+for resuming their voyage. While engaged in these preparations, the
+inhabitants of Moa came off to the ships in about 200 canoes, which
+they exchanged with the Dutch for various articles, apparently doing
+this to prevent the Dutch from making a second descent on their
+island: But on this occasion, though the Dutch received them kindly,
+and treated them with fairness in purchasing their provisions, they
+would only admit a few of them into the ships at once; and when the
+islanders attempted to rush on board in crowds, they fired upon them.
+On these occasions, the natives all ducked their heads, and when they
+raised them again broke out into loud laughter. This exchange was no
+sooner over than they weighed anchor and proceeded on their voyage.
+The author of this narrative remarks, that such of the sick as had any
+strength remaining recovered surprisingly at these islands, through
+the excellent refreshments they procured there, while those who were
+already quite exhausted soon died.
+
+Leaving these islands of _Moa_ and _Arimoa_, they continued their
+voyage through a part of the sea so very full of islands, that finding
+it difficult or impossible to count them, they gave them the name of
+_Thousand Isles_.[3] Their inhabitants were negroes, of a short squat
+make, and their heads covered with thick curled wool, being a bold,
+mischievous, and intractable race of savages. They were all naked,
+men, women, and children, having no other ornaments except a belt
+about two fingers broad, stuck fall of teeth, and bracelets of
+the same; and some of them wore light straw hats, adorned with the
+feathers of the _Bird-of-Paradise_. These birds are said to be found
+no where else but in these islands. Such of these islands as are
+situated near the west point of New Guinea are still called the
+_Islands of the Popoes_ or _Papuas_, the continent itself being called
+the _Land of Papua_, till Schouten imposed upon it the name of _New
+Guinea_, chiefly because of its being in the same latitude with _Old
+Guinea_.[4]
+
+[Footnote 3: These appear, by the sequel, to have been the islands
+at the N.W. extremity of Papua or New Guinea, and from thence to
+Celebes--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: More probably because of its inhabitants being
+negroes.--E.]
+
+When the inhabitants of these islands go to Ternate, Banda, Amboina,
+or any of the Moluccas, in order to sell their salt pork, amber,[5]
+gold-dust, and other merchandise, they always carry some of these
+_Birds-of-Paradise_, which they constantly sell dead, affirming that
+they find them so, and that they know not whence they come or where
+they breed. This bird is always seen very high in the air. It is
+extremely light, as its bulk consists mostly of feathers, which are
+extremely beautiful, rendering it one of the greatest curiosities in
+the world. The plumage of the head is as bright as burnished gold;
+that of the neck resembles the neck of a drake; and those of the wings
+and tail are like those of a peacock. In beak and form, this bird
+comes nearest to a swallow, though considerably larger. Such as deal
+in them endeavour to persuade strangers that they have no feet, and
+that they hang themselves, when they sleep, to the boughs of trees by
+means of their feathers. But, in reality, these traders cut off their
+feet, to render them the more wonderful. They also pretend that the
+male has a cavity on his back, where the female lodges her young till
+they are able to fly. They always cut off the feet of these birds so
+close to the body, that the flesh dries in such a manner that the skin
+and feathers perfectly unite, making it impossible to perceive the
+smallest scar. They also assert, that these birds are perpetually on
+the wing, subsisting on birds and insects, which they catch in the
+air. The feathers of the male are much brighter than those of the
+female. In the east, this bird is usually called _Mancodiata_, or the
+Bird-of-God. Great numbers of them are sent to Batavia, where they
+generally sell for three crowns each. The Moors, Arabians, and
+Persians are anxious to procure these birds, with which they adorn
+their saddles and housings, often mixing with them pearls and
+diamonds. They wear them also in their turbans, especially on going
+to war, having a superstitious notion that they act as a charm or
+talisman, capable of preserving them from wounds. Formerly, the Shah
+and Mogul used to present their favourites with one of these birds, as
+a mark of esteem or favour.
+
+[Footnote 5: Perhaps ambergris ought to be here understood.--E.]
+
+Besides their girdle and bracelets, formerly mentioned, the _Popoes_,
+or inhabitants of the Thousand Isles, wear a bit of stick, the size of
+a tobacco-pipe and the length of a finger, thrust through the gristle
+of the nose, which they think renders them terrible to their enemies,
+as some Europeans consider mustachios. They are the worst and most
+savage people in all the South Seas. The continent of _New Guinea_
+appeared a high country, extremely full of trees and plants of a vast
+variety of kinds, so that, in sailing 400 leagues along its coast,
+they did not observe one barren spot. Our author thinks that it
+probably contains many precious commodities, as rich metals and
+valuable spices, especially as most of the countries hitherto
+discovered under the same parallel are not deficient in such riches.
+He was afterwards assured, that some of the free burgesses in the
+Moluccas go annually to New Guinea, where they exchange small pieces
+of iron for nutmegs. Schouten and other navigators conceived high
+ideas of this country, and represented it as one of the finest and
+richest in the world; but they were unable to penetrate any way into
+the interior, which could not be done with a small force, as it is
+extremely populous, and the natives are mostly well armed, and of a
+martial disposition.
+
+Roggewein and his officers were at this time in considerable doubts,
+whether to prosecute the route formerly followed by Dampier, or to go
+by Ternate, Tidore, and Bacian, as the less dangerous passage. To
+gain time, however, they chose the former, as they most otherwise
+have coasted round the last-mentioned islands, in their way to the
+Moluccas. In this view, they steered along shore, or rather through an
+innumerable chain of small islands, extending from the western point
+of New Guinea to the island of Gilolo, making their passage with much
+difficulty and danger, and were greatly delighted and astonished on
+getting sight of the island of _Bouro_, in lat. 2° S. [3° 30' S. and
+long. 127° E.] the most eastern country in which the Dutch East-India
+Company, maintain a factory. This island is mostly pretty high land,
+and abounds every where with trees and shrubs of various kinds. On
+their arrival upon its coast, they were spoken with by a small vessel,
+in which were two white men and several blacks. The white men examined
+them very strictly to whom they belonged, whence they came, and
+whither they were bound. To which they answered, that they came from
+New Guinea, and were going to Batavia, but wisely concealed belonging
+to the West-India Company, knowing that the East-India Company
+permitted no vessels, except their own, to navigate these seas, and
+had given strict orders to capture all strange vessels that might
+appear there. Yet, in spite of these precautions, the English
+sometimes find their way among these islands, to the no small
+displeasure of the Dutch company, although they keep ships cruizing
+here during both monsoons, to preserve their monopoly of spices.
+
+The island of _Bouro_ is about forty or fifty leagues in
+circumference, and is indifferently fertile, formerly producing
+abundance of clove-trees; but a detachment of Dutch soldiers is sent
+yearly to grub them up, as they do also in the other Molucca islands,
+because Amboina is thought to produce enough of that commodity to
+maintain their commerce. Formerly also the Dutch had a strong fort
+here, which the natives took and demolished after a long siege,
+putting all the garrison to the sword. At present, [in 1721,]
+the company only sends a detachment of soldiers to root out the
+clove-trees, for which the inhabitants receive some present. The two
+whites who were on board this Dutch bark were the first Christians
+seen by Roggewein for the space of ten months, or since leaving the
+coast of Brazil. Continuing their course for the island of _Bootan_,
+in hopes of meeting with refreshments, of which they were now in
+extreme want, they arrived there in lat 4° S.[6] and sailed along its
+coast for a whole day, in hopes of finding the strait for which they
+sought, and at length found they were eight leagues to leeward of
+it, and the monsoon now blew too strong to be able to bear up for the
+intended port. They had now no hopes of being able to find any port
+for refreshments till they should arrive at the island of Java; as,
+wherever they might attempt to land, they well knew that their ships
+would be confiscated, in consequence of the invariable maxims of the
+East-India Company. All men therefore, but especially the sick and
+feeble, cast an anxious look on the fertile island now left behind
+them, presaging the melancholy effects which must necessarily attend
+so pernicious a measure.
+
+[Footnote 6: The northern end of Bootan is in lat. 4° 40' S.]
+
+The situation of the island of _Bootan_ is remarkably advantageous,
+being in from 4° to 6° of S. latitude, and nearly equal in size to the
+island of _Bouro_. It is extremely fertile, especially in rice, and
+has abundance of cattle and fish. It would also produce plenty both
+of clove and nutmeg trees, if they were permitted to grow. The king
+of the island has a very strong fort, on which the Dutch standard is
+displayed, though there is no Dutch garrison; the company contenting
+itself with sending deputies yearly to see the spice trees destroyed,
+in consideration of which the king receives a considerable sum
+yearly from the company. This nation is the most faithful of all the
+inhabitants of the Indian islands to the India company, having not
+only assisted them in expelling the Portuguese, but also against the
+inhabitants of the Moluccas, whenever they have attempted to revolt;
+by which means the company has acquired the whole trade of this part
+of the world. In consideration of this, the inhabitants of Bootan
+enjoy many privileges that are denied to all other Indians: As, for
+instance, they are allowed to come into any of the Dutch forts armed,
+which is never allowed even to the natives of the countries in which
+the forts are situated. Some time before this voyage, the king of
+Bootan sent his eldest son ambassador to the governor-general
+of Batavia, where he was received with every mark of honour and
+distinction. It would not have been easy to have known this prince for
+an Indian, had he not worn a triple-rowed turban, richly adorned
+with gold and precious stones, as the rest of his dress was entirely
+European, and he wore a sword instead of a cutlass, which no Indian
+had done before. His train was numerous and splendid, all dressed
+in the Indian manner: Twelve of them were armed with cuirasses and
+bucklers, carrying each a naked sword resting on his shoulder. At this
+time there was a prodigious mortality in Batavia, which carried off
+500 of the attendants of this prince, and destroyed no less than
+150,000 persons in one year, besides vast numbers of beasts. This
+mortality was occasioned by a malignant pestilential fever, which
+attacked indiscriminately all the inhabitants of Batavia, Europeans,
+natives, Chinese, and blacks. It spread also through Bengal and all
+the dominions of the Great Mogul, where it made incredible ravages,
+and extended even to Japan in the most extreme violence, where numbers
+fell down dead in the streets, who had left their houses in perfect
+health. This dreadful malady was supposed to have arisen from
+excessive drought, as no rain had fallen during the space of two
+years, whence it was conceived that the air was surcharged with
+mineral vapours.
+
+Leaving the island of Bootan, and passing through the channel of
+the Moluccas, or between the S.W. leg of Celebes and Salayr
+islands, during which course the crews of the two vessels suffered
+inexpressible miseries, by which the greatest part of them were
+carried off, Roggewein arrived on the coast of Java towards the close
+of September 1722.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Occurrences from their Arrival at the Island of Java, to the
+Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia._
+
+Roggewein came to anchor immediately in the road of Japara, and
+saluted the city and fort, after which the boats were hoisted out to
+go on shore, where they were astonished to find that it was Saturday,
+whereas on quitting their ships they conceived it to be Friday
+morning. This was occasioned by having come round from the east
+along with the sun, by which they had lost a day in their reckoning.
+Roggewein immediately waited upon Ensign Kuster, a very civil and
+well-behaved gentleman, who commanded there on the part of the
+East-India Company, to whom he gave an account of his motives for
+coming to this place. Kuster immediately assembled a council, to
+consider what measures were to be taken on this occasion, and all
+were much moved at the recital of the miseries which Roggewein and
+his people had endured. In truth, never were men more worthy of
+compassion. Only ten persons remained in any tolerable health, and
+twenty-six were down in various sicknesses, by which, exclusive of
+those who had been slain in their different engagements with the
+Indians, they had lost seventy men during the voyage. Their next care
+was to get the sick men on shore, which was done with all care and
+diligence, slinging them in their hammocks into the boats. Four of
+these poor people were in so low a condition that it was thought
+impossible they could bear removal, and they were therefore left on
+board, the very thoughts of which, after their companions went ashore,
+soon killed them. Those who were carried on shore were lodged under
+tents in an island, where they had every necessary afforded them that
+the country produced, yet many of them died.
+
+Mr Kuster sent an immediate account of their arrival to the
+commandant of the coasts of Java, who instantly forwarded it to Mr
+_Swaardekroon_, at that time governor-general of the East Indies. He
+sent a favourable answer, promising every assistance in his power, and
+adding, that they had nothing to do but to get to Batavia as soon as
+possible. While waiting the answer of the governor-general and the
+recovery of their sick, they passed their time agreeably enough at
+Japara, as their countrymen used them with all imaginable kindness.
+In a few days, the seamen became as frolicsome and gay as if they had
+made a pleasant and fortunate voyage; insomuch, that those who, only
+a few days before, were weeping, sighing, praying, and making warm
+protestations of leading new lives, if God in his mercy were pleased
+to save them, now ran headlong into the greatest extravagances;
+spending their whole time in debauched houses, and in swearing and
+drinking. This our author attributed to the bad example of those among
+whom they lived, all the lower people at Japara being as lewd and
+profligate as could be imagined; insomuch, that the first question
+they put to strangers from Europe is, if they have brought over any
+new oaths.
+
+The town of _Japara_ is seated at the bottom of a mountain of moderate
+height, is of a middling size, and is inhabited by Javans, Chinese,
+and Dutch; and was of more considerable extent than now, when in the
+hands of the Portuguese. Before getting possession of Jacatra, now
+Batavia, the Dutch East-India Company had their principal magazines
+for trade at this place, which was their chief factory, and on which
+all the other factories in Java were dependent; but it has fallen much
+in importance since the factory was transferred to Samarang. The port
+of Japara is both safe and commodious, and is defended by a fort,
+built mostly of wood, on the top of the mountain at the foot of which
+the town is seated. This fort is called the _Invincible Mountain_,
+because the Javanese were constantly defeated in all their attempts to
+get it into their hands, when in possession of the Portuguese; and its
+guns command the whole road.
+
+The king of Japara mostly resides at a place called _Kattasura_, about
+twenty-nine leagues up the country, where the Dutch have a strong
+fort with a good garrison, serving at the same time to secure their
+conquest, and to guard the king. This prince is a Mahomedan, and is
+served entirely by women, of whom he takes as many as he pleases,
+either as wives or concubines. Some of his priests are obliged to
+go every year on pilgrimage to Mecca, in order to make vows for the
+safety and prosperity of the king and royal family. His subjects are
+extremely faithful, and devoted to his service; the principal persons
+of his court having to approach him on their knees, every time they
+have an audience; but in time of war, this slavish custom is dispensed
+with. Such as commit the slightest fault, are poniarded on the spot by
+a kriss or dagger; this being almost the only punishment in use among
+them, as the smallest faults and the greatest crimes are all equally
+capital. The natives of this country are mostly of a very brown
+complexion, tolerably well shaped, and having long black hair, which
+however many of them cut short. Their noses are all flat and broad,
+and their teeth very black, owing to the incessant chewing of betel
+and faufel.
+
+The _faufel_ or _areka_ is a kind of nut, not much unlike a nutmeg,
+but smaller, and in a great measure tasteless, but yielding a red
+juice when chewed, which juice also is used by the Indians in painting
+chintzes, so much admired in Europe. The tree which bears this nut is
+very straight, and has leaves like those of the cocoa-nut tree. The
+_betel_ is a plant producing long rank leaves, shaped like those of
+the citron, and having an agreeable bitter taste. The fruit of this
+plant resembles a lizard's tail, and is about an inch and half long,
+having a pleasant aromatic flavour. The Indians continually carry
+the leaves of this plant, which also are presented at all ceremonious
+visits. They are almost continually chewing these leaves, and they
+mostly qualify their extreme bitterness by the addition of the faufel
+or areka-nut, and the powder of calcined oyster-shells, which give
+them a very agreeable taste; though some mix their betel leaves with
+shell lime, ambergris, and cardamom seeds, while others use Chinese
+tobacco. After all the juice is chewed out, they throw away the
+remaining dry mass. Many Europeans have got into the habit of chewing
+betel, so that they cannot leave it off, though it has proved fatal to
+some of them; for the natives are very skilful in preparing betel so
+as to do a man's business as effectually as a pistol or a dagger.
+
+The prevailing diversion among these people is called _tandakes_,
+which are a kind of comedies, acted by women very richly dressed, and
+consists chiefly in singing and dancing, accompanied by music, not
+very pleasant to European ears, the only instruments being small
+drums, on which they beat with much dexterity. Their dancing is mostly
+of a grotesque kind, in which they are very dexterous, throwing
+their bodies into all sorts of postures with astonishing agility, and
+expressing by them the passions of the mind so comically, that it is
+impossible to refrain from laughing. The men also practise a kind
+of war dance, in which the king and grandees bear a part. They also
+practise cock-fighting, like the English, and bet such considerable
+sums on this sport as often beggars them.
+
+The country abounds in all the necessaries of life, having abundance
+of beeves and hogs, and amazing quantities of fowls. The only thing
+scarce is mutton, chiefly owing to the richness of the pasture,
+which is very apt to burst the sheep. As to wild animals, they have
+buffaloes, stags, tygers, and rhinoceroses; which last animal is
+hunted by the Indians chiefly for the sake of its horns, of which they
+make drinking cups that are greatly valued, owing to a notion that
+they will not contain poison, but break immediately on that being
+poured into them. The high price of these tends to shew that the
+Javanese are addicted to the infamous practice of poisoning. The land
+is every where extremely fertile, producing vast abundance of pepper,
+ginger, cinnamon, rice, cardamoms, and other valuable articles. Of
+late they have planted coffee, and with such success as to have a
+reasonable hope of rendering it a principal commodity of the country.
+Cocoa-nuts, figs, and a variety of other excellent fruits grow every
+where in the greatest profusion; and as the trees on which they grow
+are verdant during the whole year, and are planted in rows along the
+rivers, they form the most agreeable walks that can be conceived.
+Sugar-canes also abound in Java. They have also plenty of vines, which
+produce ripe grapes seven times every year, but they are only fit
+for making raisins, and not wine, being too hastily ripened by the
+climate. The sea, and all the rivers, furnish an infinite variety of
+the finest fish. Thus, taking it altogether, it may be safely affirmed
+that Java is one of the most plentiful and pleasantest islands in the
+world.
+
+Having refreshed at Japara for about a month, Roggewein began to
+think of proceeding to Batavia, encouraged by the fine promises of the
+governor-general. Every thing being ready, the voyagers spent two
+days in taking leave of their kind friends, who supplied them with all
+sorts of provisions, much more than sufficient for so short a voyage,
+and they at length departed, feeling a sensible regret at parting with
+those who had treated them with so much kindness, relieving all their
+wants with so much generosity, and had enabled them to spend several
+weeks in peace and plenty, after a long period of sickness and misery.
+Steering from thence about seventy leagues to the westwards, with a
+fair wind, they entered the road of Batavia, where they saluted the
+fort, and anchored close to the ships that were loading for the voyage
+home, believing that all their distresses were now over, and that they
+should speedily accompany these other ships homewards. As soon as
+the ships were safely anchored, Roggewein went along with the other
+captains into his boat, meaning to have gone ashore to Batavia, but
+had not proceeded far from the ship when he met a boat having the
+commandant of Batavia on board, together with the fiscal, and some
+other members of the council, by whom he was desired to go back to his
+ship, which he did immediately; and, when the two boats came within
+hearing of the ships, the fiscal proclaimed, with a loud voice, that
+both ships were confiscated by order of the governor-general. At this
+time both ships were so environed by other large vessels belonging
+to the East India Company, that it was impossible to have escaped,
+if they had so inclined; and soon afterwards several hundred soldiers
+came on board, taking possession of both ships, and placing their
+crews under safe custody. Taught by so many and such unlooked-for
+misfortunes, Roggewein now thoroughly repented having proposed to
+return home by way of the East Indies, but was now wise behind hand.
+He had neglected prosecuting the discovery on which he had been
+sent, for which he now suffered a just punishment from the East India
+Company, however unjust in itself the sentence might be considered. By
+the sentence, both ships were declared legal prizes, and all the goods
+they contained were confiscated; and to prevent all trouble and delay
+from representations, reclamations, or memorials, every thing was
+immediately exposed to public auction, and sold to the highest
+bidders. The crews of both ships were divided, and put on board
+several of the homeward-bound ships.
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Description of Batavia and the Island of Java, with some Account of
+the Government of the Dutch East India Company's Affairs._
+
+The city of Batavia lies in the lat. of 6° 20' S. and long. 107° E.
+from Greenwich, being the capital of all the vast dominions belonging
+to the Dutch East India Company, serving also as the emporium of
+its prodigious trade, where all the merchandise and riches of that
+princely and wealthy company are laid up. It fell into the hands of
+the Dutch company in 1618, till which time it was known by the name of
+_Jacatra_, and soon afterwards they built a fort in the neighbourhood
+of that native city, to which they gave the name of Batavia. By the
+time this was hardly well finished, the natives of the island attacked
+it, animated and assisted by the English, and repeated their attempts
+several times, but always unsuccessfully, and to their great loss.
+The last time, they kept it blockaded for a considerable time, till
+succoured by a powerful squadron from Europe under Admiral Koen, when
+the siege was immediately raised, and the natives obliged to retire
+with the utmost precipitation. The Dutch had now leisure to consider
+the excellent situation of the fort, and the many advantages it
+possessed for becoming the centre of their East Indian trade and
+dominion, on which they resolved to build a town in the neighbourhood
+of the fort. With this view they demolished Jacatra, and erected on
+its ruins this famous commercial city, which they named Batavia.
+
+This city arrived at perfection in a short time, by the extraordinary
+diligence bestowed upon its construction, in spite of the many
+obstacles it met with from the two kings of Matarana and Bantam; the
+former of whom laid siege to it in 1629, and the latter in 1649. It
+is surrounded by an earthen rampart of twenty-one feet thick, faced on
+the outside with stone, and strengthened by twenty-two bastions, the
+whole environed by a ditch forty-five yards wide, and quite full of
+water, especially in spring-tides. All the approaches to the town are
+defended by several detached forts, all of which are well furnished
+with excellent brass cannon. Six of these are so considerable as
+to deserve being particularly mentioned, which are, Ansiol, Anke,
+Jacatra, Ryswyk, Noordywyk, and Vythock. The fort of _Ansiol_ is
+seated on a river of the same name, to the eastwards, and about 1200
+yards from the city, being built entirely of squared stone, and always
+provided with a strong garrison. _Anke_ is on a river of the same
+name, to the westwards, about 500 yards from the city, and is built
+like the former. _Jacatra_ lies also on a river of the same name, and
+is exactly like the two former, being 500 paces from the city. The
+road to this fort lies between two regular rows of fine trees, having
+very fine country houses and gardens on each side. The other three
+forts are all built of similar materials on the inland side of the
+city, and at small distances; the two first-named serving to secure
+the city on the side of the sea, and the other four to defend the
+approaches towards it from the land, and at the same time to protect
+the country houses, plantations, and gardens of the inhabitants.
+By these, all enemies are prevented from coming upon the city by
+surprise, as on every side they would be sure to meet a formidable
+resistance; and besides, no person is allowed to pass the forts, even
+outwards, unless with a passport.
+
+The river of Jacatra passes through the middle of the city, and
+supplies water to fifteen canals, all faced with freestone, and
+adorned on each side with ever-green trees, affording a charming
+prospect. Over these canals, which are all within the city, there are
+fifty-six bridges, besides others without the town. The streets are
+all perfectly straight, and are in general thirty feet broad on each
+side, besides the breadth of the canals. The houses are built of
+stone, mostly of several stories high, like those in the cities of
+Holland. The city of Batavia is about a league and a half in circuit,
+but is surrounded by a vast number of houses without the walls, which
+may be considered as forming suburbs, and in which there is ten times
+the population that is within the city. It has five gates, including
+that leading to the port, near to which there is a boom, or barrier,
+which is shut every night at nine o'clock, and at which there is a
+strong guard of soldiers night and day. There were formerly six
+gates, but one of these has since been walled up. There is a very fine
+stadt-house, or town-hall, and four churches for the Calvinists. The
+first of these, named _Kruist-kirk_, or Cross-church, was built in
+1640, and the second in 1672, and in both of these the worship is
+in the Dutch language. The third church belongs to the _protestant_
+Portuguese, and the fourth is for the Malays who have been converted
+to the reformed Christian religion. Besides these, there are abundance
+of other places of worship for various sorts of religions.
+
+They have likewise in this city a _Spin-hays_, or house of correction
+for the confinement of disorderly women; an orphan-house, and arsenal
+of marine stores, and many magazines for spiceries: Also many wharfs,
+docks, rope-walks, and other public buildings. The garrison usually
+consists of from two to three thousand men. Besides the forts formerly
+mentioned, the famous citadel or castle of Batavia is a fine regular
+fortification, having four bastions, situated at the mouth of the
+river opposite to the city; two of its bastions fronting towards the
+sea and commanding the anchorage, while the other two face towards
+the city. There are two main gates to the citadel, one called the
+Company's gate, which was built in 1636, to which leads a stone bridge
+of fourteen arches, each of which is twenty-six feet span, and ten
+feet wide. The other is called the Water-gate. Besides which, there
+are two posterns, one in the east curtain, and the other in the
+west, neither of which are ever opened except for the purposes of the
+garrison. In this citadel the governor-general resides, having a brick
+palace two stories high, with a noble front of Italian architecture.
+Opposite to this palace is that of the director-general, who is next
+in rank to the governor. The counsellors and other principal officers
+of the company have also their apartments within the citadel, together
+with the chief physician, chief surgeon, and chief apothecary. There
+in also a remarkably neat and light small church, and there are many
+magazines and store-houses well furnished with ammunition and military
+stores; and in it are the offices in which all the affairs of the
+company are transacted, and archives for containing all the records.
+
+Besides many Dutch, all of whom are either in the service of the
+company or free burgesses, the city is inhabited by a vast number
+of people of many different Indian nations, besides many Portuguese,
+French, and other Europeans, established here on account of trade. The
+Portuguese are mostly descendants of those who lived formerly here or
+at Goa, and who, finding their account in living under the government
+of the Dutch, did not think proper to remove after the Dutch had
+reduced the country; but far the greater number of these are now of
+the reformed religion. The Indian inhabitants consist of Javanese, or
+natives of the island, Chinese, Malays, negroes, Amboinese, Armenians,
+natives of the island of Bali, Mardykers, Macassars, Bougis, and
+others. It is a very curious thing to see so great a multitude of
+different nations all living in the same great city, and each nation
+according to their own manners. Every moment one sees new customs,
+strange manners, varieties of dresses, and faces of different colours,
+as black, white, brown, yellow, and olive-coloured; every one living
+as he pleases, and all speaking their different languages. Yet, amidst
+all this variety of people and customs so opposite to each other,
+there is a surprising unity among the citizens, occasioned by the
+advantages of commerce, the common object of all, so that they live
+harmoniously and happily under the gentle and prudent laws established
+by the company. All enjoy perfect liberty of conscience, whatever may
+be their religion or sect, only that none are permitted the public
+exercise of their religion except the Calvinists, any more than in
+Holland, so that priests and monks must not walk the streets in the
+habits of their respective orders. All are however allowed to live
+here in peace, and may exercise the rites of their religion within
+doors. Jesuits are, however, excluded, for fear of their intrigues;
+and the Chinese religion, because of its abominable idolatry, is
+obliged to have its pagoda, or idol temple, about a league from the
+city, where also they bury their dead.
+
+Every Indian nation settled at Batavia has its chief or head, who
+watches over the interests of his nation, but is not allowed to decide
+upon any thing of importance, his chief functions being those of
+religion, and to decide slight controversies among his countrymen. The
+_Japanese_ chiefly addict themselves to agriculture, ship-building,
+and fishing. These people, for the most part, only wear a kind of
+short petticoat, reaching to their knees, all the rest of their
+bodies being naked, having also a sort of scarf or sash across their
+shoulders, from which hangs a short sword. On their heads they wear
+small bonnets. Their huts or cabins are remarkably neater than those
+of the other Indians, built of split bamboos, with large spreading
+roofs, under which they sit in the open air.
+
+The _Chinese_ are very numerous, as it is reckoned there are at least
+five thousand of them in the city and its suburbs. These people seem
+naturally born for trade, and are great enemies to idleness, thinking
+nothing too hard or laborious that is attended with a prospect of
+gain. They can live on very little, are bold, enterprising, possessed
+of much address, and indefatigably industrious. Their sagacity,
+penetration, and subtilty, are so extraordinary as to make good their
+own saying, "That the Dutch have only one eye, while they have two;"
+but they are deceitful beyond measure, taking a pride in imposing on
+those who deal with them, and even boast of that cunning of which they
+ought to be ashamed. In husbandry and navigation they surpass all the
+other nations of India. Most of the sugar-mills around Batavia belong
+to them, and the distillery of arrack is entirely in their hands. They
+are the carriers of eastern Asia, and even the Dutch often make use
+of their vessels. They keep all the shops and most of the inns of
+Batavia, and farm all the duties of excise and customs. Generally
+speaking, they are well-made men, of an olive complexion, their heads
+being peculiarly round, with small eyes, and short flat noses. They
+do not cut their hair, as all in China are obliged to do since the
+Tartars conquered the country; and whenever any one comes to Batavia
+from China, he immediately suffers his hair to grow, as a token
+of freedom, dressing it with the utmost care; their priests only
+excepted, whose heads are all close shaven.
+
+The Chinese go always bare headed, carrying an umbrella in their hands
+to keep off the sun; and they suffer their nails to grow immoderately
+long, which gives them prodigious dexterity in slight of hand, an art
+of considerable importance as they use it. Their dress here differs
+materially from what they wear in their own country, their cotton
+robes being very ample, and their sleeves very wide. Below this they
+have a kind of breeches reaching to their ancles, having a kind
+of little slippers on their feet instead of shoes, and never wear
+stockings. Their women, who are very brisk, lively, impudent, and
+debauched, wear very long cotton robes. In general, the Chinese have
+no distinction of meats, but eat without ceremony of any animal that
+comes to hand, be it even dog, cat, or rat, or what it may. They are
+amazingly fond of shows and entertainments. Their feast of the new
+year, which they celebrate in the beginning of March, commonly lasts
+a whole month; during which they do nothing but divert themselves,
+chiefly in dancing, which they do in a strange manner, running round
+about to the sound of gongs, flutes, and trumpets, which do not form a
+very agreeable concert. They use the same music at their comedies,
+or theatrical diversions, of which they are extremely fond: These
+comedies consist of a strange mixture of drama, opera, and pantomime,
+as they sometimes sing, sometimes speak, and at other times the whole
+business of the scene consists in gesture. They have none but _women_
+players,[1] who are brought up to this employment from their infancy;
+but many of them act male parts, using proper disguises for the
+purpose. Whenever they act a comedy, the city receives fifty crowns
+for a licence. They erect the theatre in the street, in front of the
+house of him who is at the expence of the play, the subject of
+which always turns on the exploits of their ancient heroes, or the
+austerities of their old saints.
+
+[Footnote 1: This may possibly have been the case at this time in
+Batavia; but we are assured by recent travellers in China, that they
+have there none but _men_ players, the female parts being acted by
+youths.--E.]
+
+The funerals of the Chinese are very singular, as well as very rich
+and pompous, forming grand and solemn processions, in which sometimes
+at least 500 persons of both sexes assist, the women being all
+cloathed in white. At these funerals they employ music to heighten the
+shew, together with coloured umbrellas and canopies, carrying their
+principal idol, which they call _Joostie de Batavia_, under one of
+their canopies. Their tombs are some of them very magnificent. They
+follow the idolatrous religion of their native country, and have a
+pagoda, or idol temple, about the distance of a league from the
+city, where they assemble for worship. They are perhaps the grossest
+idolaters, and the most ridiculous in their opinions, of all the
+pagans of the east, as they openly profess to worship and adore the
+devil. This does not proceed from their ignorance or unbelief in a
+God, but rather from mistaken notions in their belief concerning him.
+They say that God is infinitely good and merciful, giving to man every
+thing he possesses, and never doing any hurt; and therefore that there
+is no need to worship him. But with the devil, the author of all ill,
+they are desirous to live upon good terms, and to omit nothing that
+can entitle them to his good graces. It is the devil therefore whom
+they represent by the idol above mentioned, and in whose honour they
+have frequently great feasts and rejoicings.
+
+Like the Javans, the Chinese are extravagantly addicted to gaming
+and laying wagers; and this humour, especially at cock-fights and the
+new-year's feasts, drives them sometimes into downright madness.
+They will not only stake and lose their money, goods, and houses, but
+sometimes their wives and children; and when these are all lost, will
+stake their beards, nails, and winds; that is, they bind themselves
+not to shave their beards, pare their nails, or go on board ship to
+trade, till they have paid their game debts. When reduced to this
+condition, they are forced to hire themselves as the bond slaves of
+some other Chinese. Under such misfortunes their only resource is,
+that some relative, either at Batavia or China, pays their debts out
+of compassion, and by that means reinstates them in their property and
+freedom.
+
+The _Malays_ who live at Batavia usually employ themselves in fishing,
+having very neat and shewy vessels, the sails of which are most
+ingeniously constructed of straw. These are a most wicked and
+profligate people, who often commit atrocious murders for very
+trifling gain. They profess the Mahomedan religion, but are so
+absolutely devoid of moral principle, that they even make a boast and
+merit of cheating Christians. Their last chief was publicly whipped
+and branded for his frauds and villainies, his goods confiscated, and
+he himself banished to Ceylon; since when they have been ashamed
+to elect another chief. Their habits are of silk or cotton, the men
+wearing a piece of cotton round their heads, and their black hair tied
+into a knot behind.
+
+The blacks or negroes at Batavia are mostly Mahomedans, who come
+chiefly from Bengal, dressing like the Malays, and living in the same
+quarter of the city. Some of them work at different mechanic trades,
+and others are a kind of pedlars; but the most considerable of them
+trade in stones for buildings, which they bring from the neighbouring
+islands.
+
+The _Amboinese_ are chiefly employed in building houses of bamboos,
+the windows of which are made of split canes, very nicely wrought in
+various figures. They are a bold boisterous race, and so turbulent
+that they are not permitted to reside in the city, but have their
+quarter near the Chinese burying ground. The chief of their own
+nation, to whom they pay the utmost submission, has a magnificent
+house in their quarter, well furnished after their manner. Their arms
+are chiefly large sabres and long bucklers. The men wear a piece of
+cotton cloth wrapped round their heads, the ends of which hang down
+behind, and adorn this species of turban with a variety of flowers.
+Their women wear a close habit, and a cotton mantle over their
+shoulders, having their arms bare. Their houses are built of boards,
+thatched with leaves, usually two or three stories high, the ground
+floor especially being divided into several apartments.
+
+The _Mardykers_ or _Topasses_ are idolaters from various Indian
+nations, and follow various trades and professions; and their
+merchants, under licences or passports from the company, carry on
+considerable commerce among the neighbouring islands. Some of these
+people are gardeners, others rear cattle, and others breed fowls. The
+men of this mixed tribe generally dress after the Dutch fashion, but
+the women wear the habits of other Indians. These people dwell both
+in the city and country, their houses being better than those of the
+other Indians, built of stone or brick, several stories high, and very
+neat. There are also some _Macassers_ at Batavia, so famous for their
+little poisoned arrows, which they blow from tubes. This poison is
+made of the juice of a certain tree, which grows in Macasser and the
+_Bougis_ islands, into which they dip the points of the arrows and
+allow them to dry. The wound inflicted by these arrows is absolutely
+mortal. The _Bougis_ are natives of three or four islands near
+Macasser, and since the conquest of that island have settled at
+Batavia. They are very bold and hardy fellows, for which reason they
+are employed as soldiers by the company. Their arms are bows and
+arrows, with sabres and bucklers. Besides these enumerated nations,
+which contribute to form the population of Batavia, there are several
+Armenians and some other Asiatics who reside there occasionally for
+the sake of trade, and stay no longer than their affairs require, All
+the inhabitants around Batavia, and for a track of about forty leagues
+along the mountains of the country of Bantam, are immediately subject
+to the governor-general, who sends _drossards_ or commissaries among
+them, to administer justice, and to collect the public revenues; and
+the chief men of the several districts resort at certain times to
+Batavia, to give an account of the behaviour of these commissaries.
+
+The city of Batavia, and all the dominions possessed by the company in
+the East Indies, are governed by two supreme councils, one of which is
+named the Council of the Indies, and the other the Council of Justice,
+both of which are fixed at Batavia, the capital of the dominions
+belonging to the company. To the first of these belong all matters
+of government, and the entire direction of public affairs, and to
+the other the administration of justice in all its branches. The
+governor-general always presided in the former of these councils,
+which is ordinarily composed of eighteen or twenty persons, called
+counsellors of the Indies; but it seldom happens that these are all
+at Batavia at one time, as they are usually promoted to the seven
+governments which are at the disposal of the company. This council
+assembles regularly twice a-week, besides as often extraordinarily as
+the governor pleases. They deliberate on all affairs concerning the
+interest of the company, and superintend the government of the island
+of Java and its dependencies: But in affairs of very great importance,
+the approbation and consent of the directors of the company in Europe
+must be had. From this Council of the Indies, orders and instructions
+are sent to all the other governments, which must be implicitly
+obeyed. In this council, all letters addressed to the governor or
+director-general are read and debated, and answers agreed upon by a
+plurality of voices.
+
+The Council of Justice consists of a president, who is generally a
+counsellor of the Indies, together with eight counsellors of justice,
+a fiscal or attorney-general for affairs of government, another fiscal
+for maritime affairs, and a secretary. The first fiscal has a vote
+along with the counsellors, and receives a third part of all fines
+below an hundred florins, and a sixth part of all above that sum.
+The duty of his office is to observe that the laws are obeyed, and to
+prefer informations against those who break them. The fiscal of the
+sea has jurisdiction over all frauds committed in commerce, in cases
+of piracy, or in whatever tends to disturb the settled rules of
+maritime affairs. Besides these sovereign tribunals, there is a
+council of the city of Batavia, consisting of nine burgomasters or
+aldermen, including a president, who is always a member of the Council
+of the Indies, and a vice-president. The bailiff of the city, and the
+commissary of the adjacent territory, have also seats in this council,
+to which likewise there is a secretary.
+
+The governor-general is head of the empire belonging to the company in
+India, being as it were stadtholder, captain-general, and admiral of
+the Indies. By his office he is president of the supreme council, in
+which he has two voices. He has the keys of all the magazines, and
+directs every thing belonging to them, without being accountable to
+any one. He commands by his own proper authority, and every person is
+bound to obey him, so that his authority equals, and even surpasses,
+that of several European sovereigns. But he is accountable to, and
+removeable by the directors at home. In cases, however, of being
+guilty of treason, or any other enormous crime, the Council of Justice
+have a right to seize his person and call him to account. In case the
+governor-general dies or resigns his office, the Council of the Indies
+meets and elects a successor, when they immediately write to the
+directors at home, desiring them to confirm and approve their choice.
+They also write to the same purpose to the states-general of the
+United Provinces, who have reserved to themselves the power of
+confirming or excluding a governor-general. It is usual, however, for
+the directors and the state to confirm the choice of the council, and
+to send him letters patent, conformable to the desire of the council;
+yet there have been some instances of the directors rejecting the
+governor-general thus elected, and sending out another.
+
+The salary allowed by the company to the governor-general is 800
+rix-dollars, with other 500 dollars for his table, and also pay the
+salaries of the officers of his household. But these appointments form
+a very small portion of his revenue; as the legal emoluments of his
+office are so great that he is able to amass an immense fortune in
+two or three years, without oppressing the people or burdening his
+conscience. Being the head and apparent sovereign of all the countries
+belonging to or dependent upon the company, he is allowed a court and
+most of the honours usually paid to crowned heads, in compliance with
+the customs of the east. When he goes from his palace to his country
+seat, he is preceded by the master of his household, at the head
+of six gentlemen on horseback. A trumpeter and two halberdeers on
+horseback go immediately before the coach. The master of the horse and
+six mounted halberdeers ride on the right; and he is followed by
+other coaches carrying his friends and retinue. The whole cavalcade is
+closed by a troop of forty-eight dragoons, commanded by a captain and
+three quarter-masters, and preceded by a trumpeter richly clothed. If
+this office be considerable for its honour, power, and emolument,
+it is also very fatiguing, as the governor-general is employed from
+morning to night in giving audiences, in reading letters, and in
+giving orders in the service of the company; so that he seldom can
+allow above half an hour for dinner, and even dispatches pressing
+affairs while at table. He has also to receive all Indian princes and
+ambassadors who come to Batavia, and of these many arrive every year.
+
+The director-general is the next in authority after the
+governor-general, and is the second person in the council of the
+Indies. This employment requires great care and attention, as he has
+the charge of buying and selling all the commodities that enter into
+or go out from the Company's warehouses. He gives orders for the kinds
+and quantities of all goods sent to Holland or elsewhere, keeps the
+keys of all the magazines, and every officer in the service of the
+Company makes a report to him daily of every thing committed to their
+charge. He has the supreme direction of every thing relative to the
+trade and commerce of the Company, both at Batavia and all other
+places; and the members of all the factories belonging to the Company
+are accountable to him for their conduct.
+
+The third person in the government is the Major-general, who has the
+command of all the forces under the governor-general. The number of
+regular troops in the service of the Company throughout the Indies may
+be about 12,000 men, exclusive of the militia, which amount to about
+100,000 more, and are well disciplined, and always called out in time
+of danger. The entire military and naval strength of the Company by
+land and sea is about 25,000 men, including officers, soldiers,
+and sailors. For the support of its commerce, the Company keeps
+in constant employment about 180 ships, of from 30 to 60 pieces of
+cannon, and in cases of emergency are able at any time to fit out
+forty of the largest size.
+
+The ecclesiastical government at Batavia, or consistory, consists of
+eleven persons; viz. the five ministers of the two Dutch churches in
+the city, and that in the citadel, besides the minister who resides
+in the island of _Ourust_, together with the three ministers of the
+Portuguese churches, and the two belonging to the Malay church. These
+last five are all Dutchmen-born, though they preach in the Portuguese
+and Malay languages. As it is deemed necessary that the state should
+be informed of all that passes among their clergy, the eleventh person
+is nominated by the government, whose especial business is to see
+that they do nothing contrary to the laws or to the regulations of the
+Company. Besides these, the consistory also consists of eight elders
+and twenty deacons. One principal branch of business confided to the
+consistory, is to provide ministers for the subordinate governments;
+where they are relieved after a certain term of years, and either
+return to Batavia or to Holland, to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
+Our author relates that one of these ministers went home in the same
+ship with him, who had made such good use of his time, that he bought
+a _noble fief_ on his return, and became a man of quality. In
+the smaller places belonging to the Company, where there are no
+established ministers, an itinerant is sent once in three or four
+years, to marry, baptize, and dispense the communion; which is
+necessary, since the synods do not permit the propagation of any other
+except the reformed religion in the territories of the Company.
+
+For a long time the Lutherans have solicited for permission to have a
+church in Batavia, but have constantly been refused, though certainly
+a just and reasonable demand, especially in a place where Mahomedans
+and Pagans are freely tolerated in the exercise of their religion,
+and where the Chinese are even permitted to worship the devil.
+This ecclesiastical consistory has also dependent upon it all the
+schoolmasters, consolators of the sick, and catechists. Of these last
+there are many in the service of the Company in their ships; their
+duty being to say prayers every day, and to instruct such as embrace
+the Christian religion; and as they are mostly natives, and speak
+several languages, they are the better able to give instructions, and
+to teach the confession of faith to so many different nations. Such
+as are converted are baptized and receive the communion; and, for the
+better preservation of uniformity in doctrine, an annual visitation of
+all the new converts is made by the ministers. In consequence of
+these regulations, the reformed religion has made amazing progress,
+especially among the blacks, of whom our author says he has seen 150
+at a time present themselves to receive baptism. This however is not
+rashly granted, as all who receive it must be well instructed, and be
+able to make their confession of faith. The Chinese are well known
+to be so obstinately addicted to their great Confucius, as not to be
+easily induced to embrace any other religion; yet some even of them
+from time to time have abjured their idolatry, and embraced the
+protestant faith. Yet our author seems to doubt their sincerity,
+alleging that the Chinese are seldom sincere in any thing; and he
+tells us, that a Chinese, on renouncing idolatry; said he was about to
+embrace the religion of the Company.
+
+The country around Batavia is extremely beautiful, and it may be said
+that nature and art seem to strive which shall have the greatest share
+in adorning it. The air is sweet and mild, the land extremely fertile,
+and the face of the country finely diversified with hills and vallies,
+all laid out in regular plantations, beautiful canals, and whatever
+can contribute to render the country pleasant and agreeable. The
+island of Java is about 300 leagues in circumference, divided into
+several kingdoms and principalities, all dependent upon the emperor
+who resides at _Kattasura_, except the kings of Bantam and Japara,[2]
+who do not acknowledge his authority. The country produces in
+abundance all the necessaries of life, as also great quantities of
+those valuable productions which form its commerce. It is interspersed
+by many mountains, rivers, and woods, to all of which nature has
+bestowed her treasures with a bountiful hand. There are gold-mines in
+some parts of the country, and for some years the government caused
+the mountains of _Parang_ to be wrought, in hopes of reaping profit;
+but, after expending a million, the marcasites were found not to
+be fully ripened.[3] Those who directed this enterprise were much
+censured, and the works have been long discontinued. Some are
+thoroughly satisfied that the natives find considerable quantities
+of gold in several places, which they carefully conceal from the
+knowledge of the Dutch. During the last war in Java, which continued
+from 1716 to 1721, the inhabitants of some parts of the country were
+so often plundered that they were reduced to absolute beggary; yet,
+after a year's peace, they were observed to have grown excessively
+rich, having plenty of gold, both in dust and ingots.
+
+[Footnote 2: There is some strange error here, which we do not presume
+to correct or explain. In the former section, the king of _Japara_ is
+said to reside chiefly at _Kattasura_, which in the present instance
+is said to be the residence of the emperor. In an after division of
+this collection, more ample and distinct accounts will be found of
+this rich island, now subject to Britain.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: In plain English, the mineral, or ore, was so poor as not
+to defray the expence of extracting the metal.--E.]
+
+The mountains of Java are very high, so that many of them can be seen
+at the distance of thirty or forty leagues. That which is called the
+_Blue Mountain_ is by far the highest, being seen from the greatest
+distance at sea. Java is subject to frequent and terrible earthquakes,
+which the inhabitants believe are caused by the mountain of Parang,
+which is full of sulphur, salt-petre, and bitumen, which take fire by
+their intestine commotions, causing a prodigious struggle within the
+bowels of the earth, whence proceeds the earthquake; and they assert
+that it is common, after an earthquake, to see a vast cloud of smoke
+hanging over the top of that mountain. About thirty years before
+Roggewein was in Batavia, Mynheer Ribeck, then governor-general, went
+with many attendants to the top of this mountain, where he perceived
+a large cavity, into which he caused a man to be let down, to examine
+the inside. On his return, this man reported that the mountain was
+all hollow within, that he heard a most frightful noise of torrents of
+water on every side, that he here and there saw flames bursting out,
+so that he was afraid of going far, from apprehension of either being
+stifled by the noxious vapours, or falling into one of the chasms. The
+waters in the neighbourhood of this mountain are unwholesome, and even
+those in the neighbourhood of Batavia are impregnated with sulphur,
+those who drink much of them being liable to several disorders,
+particularly the dysentery. But when boiled, their water is entirely
+freed from the sulphur, and does no manner of harm, though drank
+copiously.
+
+The fruits and plants of Java are excellent and numberless. Among
+these the cocoa-nut tree is by far the most valuable, as besides
+its fruit already described, the bark makes a kind of hemp which is
+manufactured into good ropes and cables; the timber serves to build
+houses and ships, and the leaves serve to cover the former. It is said
+that the father of a family in this country causes a cocoa-nut tree
+to be planted at the birth of each of his children, by which each may
+always know his own age, as this tree has a circle rising yearly on
+its stem, so that its age may be known by counting these circles: and
+when any one asks a father the ages of his children, he sends them to
+look at his cocoa trees.
+
+There are numerous woods or forests in different parts of the
+island, in which are abundance of wild beasts, as buffaloes, tigers,
+rhinoceroses, and wild horses. These also abound in serpents, some
+of which are of prodigious size. Crocodiles are numerous and large in
+this island, being mostly found about the mouths of the rivers; and,
+being amphibious animals, delight much in marshes and savannahs. Like
+the tortoise, this creature deposits its eggs in the hot sands,
+taking no farther care of them, and the sun hatches them in the proper
+season, when they immediately betake themselves to the water. A short
+time before the arrival of Roggewein at Batavia, a crocodile was
+taken in the mouth of the river to the east of the city, upwards of
+thirty-three feet long, and proportionally large. They have fowls of
+all kinds, and exquisitely good; particularly peacocks, partridges,
+pheasants, and wood-pigeons. The Indian bat is a great curiosity,
+differing little in form from ours, but its extended wings measure a
+full yard, and its body is as large as a rat.
+
+There are great numbers of excellent fish of different sorts to be had
+in the adjoining sea, and so plentiful and cheap that as much may be
+bought for three-pence as will dine six or seven men. Tortoises or
+sea-turtle also are abundant, their flesh resembling veal, and there
+are many persons who think it much better. The flat country round
+Batavia abounds in all kinds of provisions; and to prevent all danger
+of scarcity, vessels belonging to the Company are continually employed
+in bringing provisions, spiceries, and all other necessaries, from the
+most distant parts of the island, together with indigo, rice, pepper,
+cardamoms, coffee, and the like. In the magazines and store-houses,
+there are always vast quantities of rich and valuable commodities, not
+of Java only, but of all parts of India, ready to be transported to
+other parts of the Company's dominions, in the ships which return
+annually to Holland.
+
+The homeward-bound ships sail five times every year from Batavia. The
+first fleet sails in July, generally consisting of four or five sail,
+which touch on their way at the island of Ceylon. The second, of six
+or seven vessels, sails in September. The third usually consists
+of from sixteen to twenty ships, and leaves Batavia in October. The
+fourth, of four or five vessels, sails in January. And the fifth,
+being only a single ship, generally sails in March, but not till the
+arrival of the fleet from China which brings the tea, of which the
+principal part of the cargo of this ship consists, wherefore it is
+usually called the _tea-ship_: The common people call it also the
+_book-ship_ as it carries home the current account of the whole year,
+by which the Company is enabled to judge of the state of its trade
+in India. It is to be observed that these ships, laden with the rich
+commodities of many countries, all sail from this single port of
+Batavia; the ships from Mokha which carry coffee, being the only
+vessels in the service of the Dutch East India Company that are
+allowed to proceed directly home without going to Batavia.
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Description of Ceylon._
+
+The next best government belonging to the Dutch East India Company,
+after Batavia, is that of the island of Ceylon. The governor of this
+island is generally a member of the council of the Indies, and has
+a council appointed to assist him, framed after the model of that in
+Batavia, only that the members are not quite such great men. Though
+the governor of Ceylon be dependent upon the Council of the Indies at
+Batavia, he is at liberty to write directly to the directors of
+the Company in Holland, without asking permission from the
+governor-general, or being obliged to give any account of his conduct
+in so doing. This singular privilege has had bad effects, having even
+tempted some governors of Ceylon to endeavour to withdraw themselves
+from their obedience to the Company, in order to become absolute
+sovereigns of the island. There have been many examples of this kind,
+but it may be sufficient to mention the two last, owing to the
+tyranny of two successive governors, Vuist and Versluys, which made a
+considerable noise in Europe.
+
+When Mr Rumpf left the government of Ceylon, his immediate successor,
+Mr Vuist, began to act the tyrant towards all who were not so
+fortunate as to be in his good graces, persecuting both Europeans and
+natives. Having from the beginning formed the project of rendering
+himself an independent sovereign, he pursued his plan steadily, by
+such methods as seemed best calculated to insure success. He thought
+it necessary in the first place to rid himself of the richest persons
+in the island, and of all having the reputation of wisdom, experience,
+and penetration. In order to save appearances, and to play the
+villain with an air of justice, he thought it necessary to trump up a
+pretended plot, and caused informations to be preferred against such
+persons as he intended to ruin, charging them with having entered into
+a conspiracy to betray the principal fortresses of the island into the
+hands of some foreign power. This scheme secured him in two ways, as
+it seemed to manifest his great zeal for the interest of the Company,
+and enabled him to convict those he hated of high treason, and to
+deprive them at once of life and fortune. To manage this the more
+easily, he contrived to change the members of his council, into
+which he brought creatures of his own, on whose acquiescence in his
+iniquities he could depend upon. The confiscations of the estates and
+effects of a number of innocent persons whom he had murdered by these
+false judicial proceedings, gave him the means of obliging many, and
+gained him numerous dependants.
+
+Vuist was born in India of Dutch parents, and had a strong natural
+capacity which had been improved by assiduous application to his
+studies. His dark brow, and morose air, shewed the cruelty of his
+disposition: Yet he loved and protected the Indians, either from a
+natural disposition, or because he deemed them fit instruments to
+forward his designs. In order to gain the natives in his interest, he
+preferred them to many vacant offices under his government, in direct
+opposition to repeated instructions from the Company, to bestow the
+principal offices on Dutchmen or other Europeans. After carrying on
+his designs with much dexterity, and having acquired by gifts a vast
+number of dependants, ready to support his purposes, some of the
+faithful servants of the Company sent such clear and distinct
+information of his proceedings to Holland, as sufficiently evinced his
+real intentions, in spite of all his arts to conceal them. At length
+the Company sent out Mr Versluys to supersede him in the government
+of Ceylon, with orders to send him prisoner to Batavia. As soon as he
+arrived there, abundance of informations were preferred against him,
+for a variety of crimes both of a private and public nature, into
+all of which the council of justice made strict inquisition, and were
+furnished with abundant proofs of his guilt. In the end, he freely
+confessed that he had caused nineteen innocent persons to be put to
+death, having put them all to the torture, extorting from all of them
+confessions of crimes which they had never even dreamt of committing.
+He was accordingly sentenced to be broken alive on the wheel, his body
+to be quartered, and his quarters burnt to ashes and thrown into the
+sea.
+
+Such was the deserved end of the traitor and tyrant Vuist; yet
+Versluys, who was sent expressly to amend what the other had done
+amiss, and to make the people forget the excesses of his predecessor
+by a mild and gentle administration, acted perhaps even worse than
+Vuist. Versluys was by no means of a cruel disposition, wherefore,
+strictly speaking, he shed no blood, yet acted as despotically and
+tyrannically as the other, though with more subtilty and under a
+fairer appearance. His great point was not the absolute possession of
+the country, but to possess himself of all that it contained of value.
+For this purpose, immediately on getting possession of the government,
+he raised the price of rice, the bread of the country, to so
+extravagant a height that the people in a short time were unable
+to purchase it, and were soon reduced to beggary and a starving
+condition. Their humble representations of the great and general
+misery which reigned among all ranks of people throughout the island
+made no impression on his avaricious disposition; but all things went
+on from bad to worse, till an account of his nefarious conduct was
+transmitted to Holland. When informed of the distressed situation of
+the inhabitants of Ceylon, the States-general sent out Mr Doembourgh
+as governor, with orders to repair all past errors, and to treat the
+natives with all possible tenderness and indulgence. On his arrival,
+Versluys, after beggaring the whole nation, took it into his head that
+they would defend him against his masters, and absolutely refused to
+resign the government; and had even the insolency to fire upon
+the Company's ships as they lay at anchor in the road of Columbo.
+Doembourgh, however, immediately landed, and his authority was readily
+recognised by all the Company's servants, and submitted to by the
+people. He caused Versluys to be immediately arrested and sent to
+Batavia, where a long criminal process was instituted against him, but
+which was not concluded when our author left India.
+
+Of all the Asiatic islands, Ceylon is perhaps the fairest and most
+fertile. It lies to the S.E. of the peninsula of India on this side of
+the Ganges, between the latitudes of 5° 30' and 9° N. and between
+the longitudes of 79° 45' and 82° 12' E. so that it extends 70 marine
+leagues from N. to S. and 49 leagues from E. to W. It is so fertile
+and delicious, that many have believed it to have been the seat of the
+terrestrial paradise; and the natives certainly believe this, for they
+pretend to shew the tomb of Adam, and the print of his foot on the
+mountain named the Peak of Adam,[1] one of the highest mountains
+in the world. On another mountain there is a salt-lake, which the
+inhabitants affirm was filled by the tears shed by Eve, while she wept
+incessantly an hundred years for the death of Abel.
+
+[Footnote 1: This gross absurdity is not worth contesting; but the
+fact is, that the real natives, the idolaters of the interior, refer
+both the tomb and the footmark to their false god, or lawgiver,
+Bodh.--E.]
+
+The principal places in Ceylon are Jafnapatam, Trinkamaly, Baracola,
+Punta de Galla, Columbo, Negombo, Sitavaca, and Candy. The Dutch East
+India Company are possessed of all the coasts of the island, and ten
+or twelve leagues within the land, and most of the before-mentioned
+towns, except the two last. While the Portuguese had possession, they
+built abundance of forts for their security, so that the Dutch found
+it a difficult matter to dislodge them; but having contracted a secret
+treaty with the king of Candy, the Portuguese were attacked on all
+sides, by sea and land, and were driven by degrees out of all their
+possessions. Since then, the Dutch have taken much pains to cultivate
+a good understanding with that native sovereign, from whom they have
+obtained almost every thing they demanded. They send every year an
+ambassador to him with various presents; in return for which his
+Candian majesty sends to the company a casket of jewels, of such value
+that the ship which carries it home is reckoned to be worth half the
+fleet.
+
+Punta de Galle and Columbo are the two principal places in the
+island, the latter being the residence of the governor, and the other,
+properly speaking, is only the port of that city. Though extremely
+hot, the air of Ceylon is reckoned healthy, and the country abounds
+with excellent fruits of many kinds. The sea and the rivers afford
+plenty of various kinds of fish. There are also on the land great
+abundance of fowls, both wild and tame, and many wild animals,
+particularly elephants that are larger than any other country in Asia,
+also tygers, bears, civet cats, monkeys, and others. _Cinnamon_ is the
+production for which this island is peculiarly famous, as that which
+is procured here is estimated far superior to any other. The Dutch
+East India Company have the entire monopoly not only of this, but of
+all the other spices, with which they supply all parts of the world.
+Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tree resembling the orange, the
+flowers of which very much resemble those of the laurel both in size
+and figure. There are three sorts of cinnamon. The finest is taken
+from young trees; a coarser sort from the old ones; and the third is
+the _wild cinnamon_, or cassia, which grows not only in Ceylon, but
+in Malabar and China, and of late years in Brazil. The company also
+derives great profit from an essential oil drawn from cinnamon, which
+sells at a high price; and it also makes considerable gain by the
+precious stones found in this island, being rubies, white and blue
+sapphires, topazes, and others.
+
+Off the coast of this island, at Manaar and Tutecorin, there is a fine
+pearl fishery, which brings in a large revenue, being let twice a-year
+in farm to certain black merchants. The oysters are at the bottom of
+the sea, and the fishery is only carried on in fine weather, when the
+sea is perfectly calm. The diver has one end of a rope fastened round
+his body below the arm-pits, the other end being tied to the boat,
+having a large stone tied to his feet, that he may descend the
+quicker, and a bag tied round his waist to receive the oysters. As
+soon as he gets to the bottom of the sea, he takes up as many oysters
+as are within his reach, putting them as fast as possible into the
+bag; and in order to ascend, pulls strongly at a cord, different from
+that which is round his body, as a signal for those in the boat to
+haul him up as fast as they can, while he endeavours so shake loose
+the stone at his feet. When the boats are filled with oysters, the
+black merchants carry them to different places on the coast, selling
+them at so much the hundred; which trade is hazardous for the
+purchasers, who sometimes find pearls of great value, and sometimes
+none at all, or those only of small value.
+
+The inhabitants of Ceylon are called _Cingolesians_, or Cingalese, who
+are mostly very tall, of a very dark complexion, with very large ears,
+owing to the numerous large and heavy ornaments they wear in them.
+They are men of great courage, and live in a hardy manner, and
+are therefore excellent soldiers. They are, for the most part,
+Mahomedans,[2] though there are many idolaters among them who worship
+cows and calves. The inhabitants of the interior do not greatly
+respect the Dutch, whom they term their _coast-keepers_, in derision;
+but the Dutch care little about this, endeavouring to keep in good
+correspondence with the king of Candy, whose dominions are separated
+from theirs by a large rapid river, and by impenetrable forests. The
+Ceylonese are remarkable for their great skill in taming elephants,
+which they employ as beasts of burden in time of peace, and render
+serviceable against their enemies in war.
+
+[Footnote 2: The author has probably confounded the original natives
+of Ceylon, who are idolaters, with the Malays, who are Mahomedans, and
+of whom a considerable number are settled on the coast country.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Some Account of the Governments of Amboina, Banda, Macasser, the
+Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good Hope._
+
+The third government under the East India Company is that of Amboina,
+one of the Molucca islands, which was formerly the seat of the
+governor-general till the building of Batavia, when it was transferred
+there on account of its advantageous situation, in the centre of the
+company's trade and settlements, while Amboina lay too far to the
+east. The island of Java also is vastly more fertile than Amboina,
+producing all the necessaries of life in abundance, so that it has
+no dependence for provisions on any other country, while they had
+provisions to search for in all other places, at the time when the
+government was established at Amboina. This island is one of the
+largest of the Moluccas, being situated in the _Archipelago of St
+Lazarus_, in lat. 3 40' S. and long. 128° 30' E. 21° 30' or 430 marine
+leagues east from Batavia. It was conquered in 1519 by the Portuguese,
+who built a fort there to keep the inhabitants under subjection, and
+to facilitate the conquest of all the adjacent islands. This fort was
+taken by the Dutch in 1605, but they did not entirely reduce the whole
+island of Amboina and the neighbouring islands till 1627, by which
+conquest they acquired entire possession of the clove trade, whence
+these islands are termed the _gold-mine_ of the company, owing to the
+vast profit they draw from them, and it is so far superior to
+other gold-mines, that there is no fear of these islands being ever
+exhausted of that commodity. A pound weight of cloves or nutmegs, for
+the company has the entire monopoly of both, does not in fact cost the
+company much more than a half-penny, and every one knows at what rate
+the spices are sold in Europe. Amboina is the centre of all this rich
+commerce; and to keep it more effectually in the hands of the company,
+all the clove-trees in the other islands are grubbed up and destroyed;
+and sometimes, when the harvest is very large at Amboina, a part even
+of its superfluous produce is burnt.
+
+This valuable spice grows only in Amboina and the other five Molucca
+islands, and in the islands of Meao, Cinomo, Cabel, and Marigoran. The
+Indians call cloves _calafoor_, while the inhabitants of the Moluccas
+call them _chinke_. The clove-tree is much like the laurel, but its
+leaves are narrower, resembling those of the almond and willow. Even
+the wood and leaves taste almost as strong as the cloves themselves.
+These trees bear a great quantity of branches and flowers, and each
+flower produces a single clove. The flowers are at first white, then
+green, and at last grow red and pretty hard, and are properly the
+cloves. While green, their smell is sweet and comfortable, beyond all
+other flowers. When ripe, the cloves are of a yellow colour, but
+after being gathered and dried, they assume a smoky and black hue. In
+gathering, they tie a rope round each bough, and strip off the whole
+of its produce by force, which violence injures the tree for the next
+year, but it bears more than ever in the following season. Others beat
+the trees with long poles, as we do walnut-trees, when the cloves fall
+down on cloths spread on the ground to receive them. The trees
+bear more fruit than leaves, the fruit hanging from the trees like
+cherries. Such cloves as are sold in the Indies are delivered just as
+procured from the trees, mixed with their stalks, and with dust and
+dirt; but such as are to be transported to Holland are carefully
+cleaned and freed from the stalks. If left ungathered on the tree,
+they grow large and thick, and are then termed _mother-cloves_, which
+the Javanese value more than the others, but the Dutch prefer the
+ordinary cloves.
+
+No care is ever taken in propagating or planting clove-trees, as the
+cloves which fall to the ground produce them in abundance, and the
+rains make them grow so fast that they give fruit in eight years,
+continuing to bear for more than an hundred years after. Some are of
+opinion that the clove-tree does not thrive close to the sea, nor when
+too far removed; but seamen who have been on the island assert that
+they are found everywhere, on the mountains, in the vallies, and
+quite near the sea. They ripen from the latter end of August to the
+beginning of January. Nothing whatever grows below or near these
+trees, neither grass, herb, or weed, as their heat draws all the
+moisture and nourishment of the soil to themselves. Such is the hot
+nature of cloves, that when a sackful of them is laid over a vessel
+of water, some of the water is very soon wasted, but the cloves are no
+way injured. When a pitcher of water is left in a room in which cloves
+are cleaned, all the water is consumed in two days, although even the
+cloves have been removed. Cloves are preserved in sugar, forming an
+extraordinary good confection. They are also pickled. Many Indian
+women chew cloves to give them a sweet breath. A very sweet-smelling
+water is distilled from green cloves, which is excellent for
+strengthening the eyes, by putting a drop or two into the eyes. Powder
+of cloves laid upon the head cures the headache; and used inwardly,
+increases urine, helps digestion, and is good against a diarrhoea, and
+drank in milk, procures sleep.
+
+A few days after the cloves are gathered, they are collected together
+and dried before the fire in bundles, by which operation they lose
+their natural beautiful red colour, changing into a deep purple or
+black. This is perhaps partly owing to their being sprinkled with
+water, which is said to be necessary for preventing worms from getting
+into them. Those persons who are sent for this commodity in the
+company's ships, practise a fraud of this nature, in order to conceal
+their thefts: For, having abstracted a certain quantity or proportion
+from the cloves received on board, they place two or three hogsheads
+of sea-water among those remaining, which is all sucked up in a few
+days by the cloves, which that recover their former weight. By this
+contrivance, the captain and merchant or supercargo agreeing
+together, find a way to cheat the company out of part of this valuable
+commodity. Yet this fraud, though easy and expeditious, is extremely
+dangerous as when detected it is invariably punished with death,
+and the company never want spies. Owing to this, cloves are commonly
+enough called galgen kruid, or gallows-spice, as frequently bringing
+men to an ill end.
+
+The king of Amboina has a pension from the company, and a guard of
+European soldiers, maintained at its expence. The inhabitants of the
+island are of middle stature, and of black complexions, being all
+extremely lazy and given to thieving; yet some of them are very
+ingenious, and have a singular art of working up the cloves while
+green into a variety of curious toys, as small ships or houses,
+crowns, and such like, which are annually sent to Europe as presents,
+and are much esteemed. Those of the Amboinese who acknowledge the
+authority of the king are Mahomedans, but there are many idolaters who
+live in the mountains, and maintain their independence, considering
+themselves as free men, but the king and the Hollanders reckon them
+savages; and as they are guilty of frequent robberies and murders,
+they are always reduced to slavery when caught, and are treated with
+the utmost rigour, and employed in the hardest labour. On this
+account a most excessive hatred subsists between them and the other
+inhabitants of the island, with whom they are perpetually at war,
+and to whom they hardly ever give quarter. Their arms are bucklers;
+swords, and javelins or pikes.
+
+The garrison kept in the fort of Amboina is numerous, and constantly
+maintained in excellent order, being composed of the best troops in
+the company's service. The fort is so strong, both by nature and
+art, as to be reckoned impregnable, and so effectually commands the
+harbour, that no vessel can possibly go in or out without being sunk
+by its cannon. Although the rich commerce in cloves might make a
+sufficient return to the company for the charges of this island, yet
+of late years coffee has been ordered to be cultivated here, and
+is likely to turn out to advantage. While this island was under
+the government of Mr Barnard, it was discovered that considerable
+quantities of gold-dust were washed down by the torrents in some parts
+of the mountains, and by tracing up the auriferous streams to their
+sources, the mine has at last been found. Amboina also produces a red
+kind of wood, which is both beautiful and durable, and is naturally
+embellished in its grain with abundance of curious figures. Of this
+wood they make tables, cabinets, writing-desks, and other beautiful
+pieces of furniture, which are sent as presents to the principal
+persons in the government, the rest being sold at extravagant prices
+all over India.
+
+The fourth government under the company is _Banda_, an island about
+fifty leagues from Amboina towards the east, and to the southward
+of the Moluccas. The governor, who is generally an eminent merchant,
+resides at _Nera_, the capital of the country, and has several other
+neighbouring islands under his jurisdiction, in the government of
+all which he is assisted by a council, as at Amboina. In some
+representations sent home, and published by the company, this island
+is set forth as being very expensive to the company, and so thinly
+inhabited as to take off very little goods, while it is so barren as
+to require large supplies of provisions. All this is pure artifice;
+for, though Banda is a very small island in comparison with Amboina,
+being only about twelve leagues in circumference, it certainly affords
+as great profits, which arise from the important commerce in nutmegs,
+which grow here in such prodigious quantities as to enable the Dutch
+company to supply all the markets in Europe.
+
+This admirable and much-valued fruit grows in no other part of the
+world except Banda and a few other small islands in its neighbourhood,
+named Orattan, Guimanasa, Wayer, Pulo-wai, and Pulo-rion. The
+nutmeg-tree is much like a peach-tree, but the leaves are shorter and
+rounder. The fruit is at first covered by two skins or shells, the
+outer one being tough and as thick as one's finger, which falls off
+when the fruit ripens. This outer rind when candied has a fine taste
+and flavour. When this falls off, the next is a fine smooth skin or
+peel, which is the mace, or flower of the nutmeg; and below this is a
+harder and blackish shell, much like that of a walnut; and on opening
+this shell, the nutmeg is found within, being the kernel. The mace is
+at first of a fine scarlet colour; but, when ripe, it falls off the
+shell, and is then of an orange colour, as it comes to Europe. They
+preserve whole nutmegs in sugar, which make the best sweetmeat in
+India. The Bandanese call nutmegs _palla_, and mace _buaa-palla_.
+There are two sorts of nutmegs; the one being of a long shape, called
+males, and the other round and reddish, called females, which latter
+have better taste and flavour than the other. When gathered and the
+mace carefully preserved, the shells are removed and the nutmegs
+dried, being first thrown among quicklime, as otherwise worms would
+breed in and destroy them.
+
+There are several islands in the neighbourhood of Banda in which the
+nutmeg-trees grow, but these are carefully destroyed every year, which
+at first sight may seem extraordinary, as, if once destroyed, one
+would imagine they would never grow again. But they are annually
+carried by birds to these islands. Some persons allege that the birds
+disgorge them undigested, while others assert that they pass through
+in the ordinary manner, still retaining their vegetative power. This
+bird resembles a cuckoo, and is called the nutmeg-gardener by the
+Dutch, who prohibit their subjects from killing any of them on pain
+of death. The nutmeg is a sovereign remedy for strengthening the
+brain and memory, for warming the stomach, sweetening the breath,
+and promoting urine; it is also good against flatulence, diarrhoea,
+head-ach, pain of the stomach, heat of the liver, and amenorrhoea.
+Oil of nutmegs is a powerful cordial. Mace is an effectual remedy
+for weakness of the stomach, helps digestion, expels bad humours,
+and cures flatulence. A plaister of mace and nutmegs in powder,
+and diluted with rose-water, greatly strengthens the stomach. Being
+peculiar to Banda, merchants from Java, Malucca, China, and all parts
+of the Indies, come to Nera and the other towns of Banda to purchase
+mace and nutmegs; and immediately on their arrival, they all purchase
+wives to keep house for them and dress their victuals during their
+stay, which is usually two or three months, and when they go away
+again, they give liberty to these temporary wives to go where they
+please.
+
+The island of Banda is very hilly, yet fertile, the government
+among the natives being a kind of commonwealth, administered by the
+Mahomedan priests, who are very strict and severe. The population
+of the whole island may be about 12,000 persons of all ages, of whom
+about 4000 are fighting men. It is so well fortified as to be deemed
+impregnable, yet there is always a numerous squadron of small vessels
+on the coast for farther security. The garrison is numerous, but in
+a worse condition than those of any other garrison, belonging to the
+company, owing to the scarcity of victuals, as the island is of a
+barren sandy soil,[1] wherefore the soldiers eat dogs, cats, and
+any other animal they can find. For six months of the year they have
+tolerable abundance of turtle or sea-tortoises, and after this they
+are glad to get a little sorry fish, now and then. Their bread is made
+from the juice of a tree, which resembles the grounds of beer when
+first drawn, but grows as hard as a stone when dried: Yet, when put
+into water, it swells and ferments, and so becomes fit to eat, at
+least in this country, where nothing else is to be had.[2] Butter,
+rice, dried fish, and other provisions, are all imported from Batavia,
+and are much too dear to be purchased by the soldiers, at least in any
+great plenty. Thus the inhabitants are none of the happiest; but, to
+do them justice, they live fully as well as they deserve, as there is
+not an honest man on the island.
+
+[Footnote 1: This is contradictory, having been before described as
+hilly, yet fertile.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: This account of the matter is not easily understood, and
+seems to want confirmation. Perhaps it is an ignorant or perverted
+report of sago: Yet there may possibly be some tree or plant affording
+a considerable quantity of fecula or starch by expression.--E.]
+
+According to the Dutch, the original natives of this island were so
+cruel, perfidious and intractable, that they were forced to root them
+out in a great measure for their own security, and to send a Dutch
+colony to occupy the island: But such a colony as has not much mended
+the matter, being entirely composed of a rascally good-for-nothing
+people, who were either content to come, or were sentenced to be sent
+here, almost to starve, not being able to live elsewhere. Their misery
+at this place does not continue long, as they are usually soon carried
+off by the dry gripes or twisting of the guts, which is the endemic,
+or peculiar disease of the country. Hence, and because wild young
+fellows are sometimes sent here by their relations, the Dutch at
+Batavia usually call this _Verbeetering Island_, or the Island of
+Correction.
+
+Macasser, or the island of Celebes, is considered as the fourth best
+government after Batavia. This island lies between Borneo and the
+Moluccas, 260 leagues or 13° E. from Batavia. It is a singularly
+irregular island, consisting in a manner of four long peninsular
+processes, two projecting eastwards, and two towards the south,
+reaching from lat. 1° 30' N. to 5° 45' S. and from long. 119° to 125°
+20', both E. It is called, and with great reason, the key of the spice
+islands, and the form of its government is much the same as in the
+other islands, consisting of a governor and council. Since the Dutch
+conquered these islands from the Portuguese, they have carefully
+fortified the sea-coast, and have always a very numerous garrison
+in the fort of Macasser, where the governor resides; which is
+particularly necessary, as the island is very populous, and the
+natives are beyond comparison the bravest and best soldiers in India.
+This nation long gave inexpressible trouble to the Dutch, but was at
+length, subdued, and stands now in as much awe of the company as any
+other nation: But, till very lately, the expences of the troops at
+this place were so large, that the company derived very little gain
+from the conquest, although the slave-trade here is very profitable.
+
+Before the last Macasser war, which ended in the entire subjugation of
+the prince of this country, he was able to procure great quantities
+of mace, nutmegs, and cloves, which he sold to the English and other
+nations, at much more reasonable rates than they could procure them
+from the Dutch. For which reason the Dutch were at great pains and
+expence to reduce this island to entire subjection, that it might
+become the bulwark of the Moluccas, and secure their monopoly of the
+spice-trade: But, for similar reasons, the other European powers ought
+to have supported the king of Macasser in his independence. The
+island of Celebes is very fertile, and produces abundance of rice, and
+articles of great value in the Indies. The inhabitants are of middle
+stature, and have yellow complexions, with good features, and are of
+brisk and active dispositions: But are naturally thieves, traitors,
+and murderers to such a degree, that it is not safe for an European to
+venture beyond the walls of the fort after dark, or to travel at any
+time far into the country, lest he be robbed and murdered. Yet many of
+the natives live under the protection of the Dutch forts, being
+free burgesses, who carry on considerable trade. There are also a
+considerable number of Chinese residents, who sail from hence in
+vessels of their own to all parts of the company's dominions, and who
+acquire immense wealth by means of extensive commerce.
+
+The inland country is under the dominion of three different princes,
+who, fortunately for the Dutch, are in continual opposition to each
+other; for, if united, they might easily drive the Dutch from the
+island. One of these princes is styled the _Company's King_, as
+he lives in good correspondence with the Dutch, and promotes their
+interest as far as he can. On this account the Dutch make him presents
+of considerable value from time to time, such as gold chains, golden
+coronets set with precious stones, and the like, in order to keep him
+steady in his allegiance, and to prevent him from uniting with the
+other two princes of the island. Some little time before the arrival
+of Roggewein at Batavia, a rich gold-mine was discovered in Celebes,
+to which a director and a great number of workmen were sent from
+Batavia; but how far this has been attended with success, our author
+was unable to say.
+
+_Ternate_ is the fifth government at the disposal of the company, and
+the farthest east of all belonging to the Dutch dominions in India, so
+that it is a kind of frontier. The governor is always a merchant, and
+has a council, like all the others already mentioned. This is one of
+the largest of the Molucca islands, and the king of Ternate is the
+most valuable of all the allies of the company; as, although his
+island would abound in cloves, he causes them to be rooted out
+annually, for which the company allows him a pension of eighteen
+or twenty thousand rix dollars yearly. He has likewise a numerous
+life-guard, with a very strong fort well garrisoned, all at the
+expence of the company. The kings of Tidore and Bachian are his
+tributaries. Ternate is very fertile, and abounds in all sorts of
+provisions, and in every thing that can contribute to the ease and
+happiness of life, yet its commerce is of no great importance, hardly
+amounting to as much as is necessary to defray the charges of the
+government. It was at this time, however, expected to turn out to
+better account, as a rich gold-mine had been recently discovered. The
+natives are a middle-sized people, strong and active, more faithful
+than their neighbours, and better affected towards the Europeans. In
+religion they are mostly Mahometans or Pagans; but of late many of
+them had become Christians, chiefly occasioned by their king having
+declared himself of that religion, a point of great consequence
+towards the conversion of the people. The inhabitants of Ternate
+make a species of palm wine, called _Seggeweer_, which is excessively
+strong. There are here many most beautiful birds, having feathers
+of all sorts of colours, charmingly diversified, which are sent to
+Batavia, where they are sold at high prices on account of their beauty
+and docility, as they may be taught to sing finely, and to imitate the
+human voice. Many Birds-of-Paradise are also brought from this island.
+There are several sorts of these birds. The most common kind is
+yellow, having small bodies, about eight inches long exclusive of the
+tail, which is half a yard long, and sometimes more. The second kind
+is red, the third blue, and the fourth black. These last are the
+most beautiful and most in request, being called the King of the
+Birds-of-Paradise. This kind has a crown or tuft of feathers on the
+top of its head, which lies flat or is raised up at pleasure. In this
+they resemble the _cadocus_ or cockatoo, a bird entirely white, with a
+yellow crown on its head.
+
+The sixth government is Malacca, which city is the capital of a
+small kingdom of the same name, inhabited by Malayans or Malays. The
+governor here is a merchant, and is assisted by a council like all the
+others. This kingdom of Malacca is the south part of the peninsula of
+India beyond the Ganges, being divided from the island of Sumatra by
+a strait, named the strait of Malacca. This city is of considerable
+size, and carries on an extensive commerce, for which it is admirably
+situated, and is the storehouse or emporium of all that part of India.
+It is also the rendezvous of all the homeward-bound ships from Japan,
+which make at this place a distribution of their merchandise into
+various assortments, which are sent from hence to all the settlements
+of the company in India. It is however subject to the great
+inconvenience of scarcity of provisions, having nothing of that kind
+except various sorts of fish. The princes of the adjacent countries
+and their subjects are all notorious pirates, and give much
+disturbance to the trade of India; but are particularly inimical to
+the Dutch company, and omit no opportunity of doing all the evil
+in their power to its subjects. These people suffered formerly some
+severe reverses from the Portuguese, who were formerly established
+here, and since from their successors the Dutch, which has gradually
+reduced their power, so that they are now much less able to carry
+on their depredations. The natives of Malacca are of a very dark
+complexion, but brisk and active, and greatly addicted to thieving.
+Some are idolaters but they are mostly Mahometans.
+
+When the Portuguese were masters of Malacca, they had no less than
+three churches and a chapel within the fortress, and one on the
+outside. That which is now used for worship by the Dutch stands
+conspicuously on the top of a hill, and may be seen for a great
+distance up or down the straits. It has a flag-staff on the top of its
+steeple, where a flag is always displayed on seeing a ship. The fort
+is large and strong. A third part of its walls is washed by the sea:
+A deep, narrow, and rapid river covers its western side; and all the
+rest is secured by a broad, deep ditch. The governor's house is both
+beautiful and convenient, and there are several other good houses,
+both in the fort and the town. But, owing to the shallowness of the
+sea at this place, ships are obliged to ride above a league off,
+which is a great inconvenience, as the fort is of no use to defend the
+roads. The straits here are not above four leagues broad, and though
+the opposite coast of Sumatra is very low, it may easily be seen in
+a clear day: Hence the sea here is always quite smooth, except
+in squalls of wind, which are generally accompanied with thunder,
+lightning, and rain. These squalls, though violent, seldom last more
+than an hour.
+
+The country of Malacca produces nothing for exportation, except a
+little tin and elephants teeth; but has several excellent fruits and
+roots for the use of its inhabitants, and the refreshment of strangers
+who navigate this way. The pine-apples of Malacca are esteemed the
+best in the world, as they never offend the stomach; while those of
+other places, if eaten in the smallest excess, are apt to occasion
+surfeits. The _mangostein_ is a delicious fruit, almost in the shape
+of an apple. Its skin is thick and red, and when dried is an excellent
+astringent. The kernels, if they may be so called, are like cloves of
+garlic, of a most agreeable taste, but very cold. The _rambostan_ is
+a fruit about the size of a walnut, with a tough skin beset with
+capillaments,[3] and the pulp within is very savoury.
+
+[Footnote 3: This uncommon word is explained by Johnson, as "small
+threads or hairs growing in the middle of flowers, adorned with little
+knobs."--Here it may be supposed to mean that the fruit is hairy.--E.]
+
+There is a high mountain to the N.E. of Malacca, whence several rivers
+descend, that of Malacca being one of them, and all these have small
+quantities of gold in their channels. The inland inhabitants, called
+_Monacaboes_, are a barbarous and savage people, whose chief delight
+is in doing injury to their neighbours. On this account, the peasantry
+about Malacca sow no grain, except in inclosures defended by thickset
+prickly hedges or deep ditches: For, when the grain is ripe in the
+open plains, the Monacaboes never fail to set it on fire. These inland
+natives are much whiter than the Malays of the lower country; and the
+king of Johor, whose subjects they are or ought to be, has never been
+able to civilize them.
+
+When the Dutch finally attempted to conquer Malacca from the
+Portuguese, in alliance with the king of Johor, and besieged it both
+by sea and land, they found it too strong to be reduced by force, and
+thought it would be tedious to reduce it by famine. Hearing that the
+Portuguese governor was a sordid, avaricious wretch, much hated by the
+garrison, they tampered with him by letters, offering him mountains of
+gold to betray his trust, and at length struck a bargain with him for
+80,000 dollars, and to convey him to Batavia. Having in consequence of
+his treachery got into the fort, where they gave no quarter to any one
+found in arms, they dispatched the governor himself, to save payment
+of the promised bribe.
+
+The seventh government bestowed by the company is that of the Cape of
+Good Hope. The governor here is always one of the counsellors of the
+Indies, and has a council to assist him. This colony was taken from
+the Portuguese by the Dutch in 1653, and is justly esteemed one of the
+most important places in the hands of the company, though the profits
+derived from it are not comparable to what they derive from some of
+the islands in the East Indies. Formerly things were still worse, as
+the revenues of this settlement fell short of its expences. Yet the
+company could hardly carry on the trade to India, were it not in
+possession of this place, as here only the ships can meet with water
+and other refreshments on the outward and homeward-bound voyages; and
+these are indispensably necessary, especially for such ships as are
+distressed with the scurvy. This place so abounds in all sorts of
+provisions, that there never is any scarcity, notwithstanding the vast
+yearly demand, and all ships putting in here are supplied at moderate
+rates. These refreshments consist of beef, mutton, fowls, fruit,
+vegetables, wine, and every thing, in short, that is necessary, either
+for recovering the sick on shore, or recruiting the sea-stores for
+the continuance of the voyage out or home. In the space of a year, at
+least forty outward-bound ships touch here from Holland alone, and
+in these there cannot be less than eight or nine thousand people. The
+homeward-bound Dutch ships are not less than thirty-six yearly, in
+which there are about three thousand persons; not to mention
+foreign vessels, which likewise put in here, and have all kinds of
+refreshments furnished to them at reasonable rates. There are almost
+always some ships in this road, except in the months of May, June, and
+July, when the wind usually blows with great violence at N.W. and then
+the road is very dangerous.
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Account of the Directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and Persia._
+
+Having now given a short view of the governments in the disposal of
+the Dutch East-India Company, which are a kind of principalities, as
+each governor, with the advice and assistance of his council, is a
+kind of sovereign, and acts without controul through the whole extent
+of his jurisdiction, we are now to consider the other establishments
+of the company in India, for carrying on this extensive trade. In all
+the countries where their affairs require it, they have factories, in
+each of which there is a chief, with some title or other, having also
+a council to assist him in regard to matters of policy or trade. Among
+these, the directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and Persia are
+all of great importance, and the direction of them is attended with
+great profit. The directors have the same power with the governors,
+within their respective jurisdictions; only that they cannot execute
+any criminal sentences within the countries in which they reside, so
+that all criminals are executed on board ship, under the flag of the
+company.
+
+The directory of Coromandel is the first of the four, and has all the
+forts and factories belonging to the Dutch on that coast under
+his jurisdiction. Besides Negapatnam, on the southernmost point of
+Coromandel, and the fort of _Gueldria_, in which the director resides,
+they have factories at Guenepatnam, Sadraspatnam, Masulipatnam,
+Pelicol, Datskorom, Benlispatnam, Nagernauty, and Golconda. The Dutch
+director is a principal merchant, and if he discharges his office with
+reputation, he is commonly in a few years promoted to be one of
+the counsellors of the Indies. It is not uncommon for a governor
+or director in the Indies, in the space of a few years, to amass a
+fortune equal to the original capital of the company, or six millions
+and a half of guilders, or nearly £600,000 sterling.
+
+Formerly, the country of Coromandel was divided into a great number of
+principalities, and the little princes and chiefs imposed such heavy
+duties, and gave such interruptions to trade in other respects, as
+rendered the company very uneasy. But after the war of Golconda, which
+cost the company a great deal of money, yet ended to their advantage,
+these princes grow more tractable. At present, the kings of Bisnagar
+and Hassinga,[1] who are the most powerful in Coromandel, live in
+tolerably good terms with the Dutch and other European nations; the
+English and Danes having also a share in Coromandel, with several good
+fortresses for the protection of their trade.
+
+[Footnote 1: This seems to be a misprint for Narsinga, otherwise the
+Carnatic.--E.]
+
+The great trade carried on here is in cotton goods, as muslins,
+chintzes, and the like; in exchange for which the Dutch bring them
+spices, Japan copper, steel, gold-dust, sandal and _siampan_ woods.
+In this country, the inhabitants are some Pagans, some Mahomedans, and
+not a few Christians. The country is very fertile in rice, fruits,
+and herbs, and in every thing necessary to the support of man; but
+the weather is exceedingly hot during the eastern monsoon. All the
+manufactures of this country, purchased by the Dutch, are transported
+first to Batavia, whence they are sent home to Holland, and are thence
+distributed through all Germany and the north of Europe.
+
+The second and third directories are established at Hoogly on the
+Ganges, and at Surat on the western coast of India, both in the
+territories of the Great Mogul, and the two most important places
+of trade in all Asia. The Dutch, English, French, and other European
+natives trade to both, and have erected forts and magazines for their
+security and convenience. The best part of the trade is carried on by
+black merchants, who deal in all sorts of rich goods; such as opium,
+diamonds, rich stuffs, and all kinds of cotton cloths. The empire of
+the Great Mogul is of prodigious extent, and the countries under his
+dominion are esteemed the richest in the world. The air is tolerably
+pure, yet malignant fevers are common, generally attacking strangers
+as a kind of seasoning sickness, in which, if the patient escape the
+third day, he generally recovers.
+
+Most of the inhabitants of this country are tall black robust men, of
+gay and lively dispositions. In point of religion, many of them are
+idolaters, more of them Mahometans,[2] and some of them Christians.
+The idolaters are split into numerous sects, some of whom believe
+firmly in the metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls; for which
+reason they will not take away the life of any living creature, not
+even daring to kill a fly or a flea. They have even hospitals for
+worn-out oxen and old cows, where they are fed and attended till they
+die of age or disease. These people are in general very industrious,
+but covetous, false, and perfidious. They employ themselves, such as
+reside in towns, in the manufactures of silk and cotton; and those
+who live in the country are very diligent cultivators, so that they
+annually expect from hence vast quantities of grain to Batavia.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is an obvious mistake, as by far the greater part of
+the population is idolatrous.--E.]
+
+The Great Mogul is one of the richest and most powerful princes in the
+world, having a most magnificent court, and a numerous army always
+on foot. The directors at Bengal and Surat know perfectly well how
+to deal with him, and, by making shewy presents, procure valuable
+diamonds and other precious stones in return. Surat is a town of no
+great antiquity, yet very large and immensely rich. It is in compass
+about five miles within the walls, and is computed to contain about
+200,000 inhabitants. The Moorish and even the Indian merchants
+here are many of them prodigiously rich. The former chiefly addict
+themselves to the diamond trade, which is very precarious; for
+sometimes a small stock produces an immense fortune, while at other
+times, a man wastes immense sums without finding stones of any great
+value: For, at the diamond-mines, the adventurers purchase so many
+yards square at a certain price, employing slaves to dig and lift the
+earth, taking whatever stones are found in that spot; which sometimes
+are of great value, and sometimes so few and small as not to pay
+costs. Other Moorish merchants deal largely in foreign trade, and
+as the Mogul is a very easy master, some of them acquire prodigious
+wealth, and carry on commerce to such an extent as can scarce be
+credited in Europe. About twenty years ago, [that is, about the year
+1700,] there died a Moorish merchant at Surat, who used yearly to
+fit out twenty sail of ships, from three to eight hundred tons, the
+cargoes of each of which were in value from ten to twenty thousand
+pounds, and who always retained goods in his warehouses equal in
+value to what he sent away. The customs of Surat amount every year to
+upwards of L. 160,000 sterling, and, as the merchants pay three per
+cent. at a medium, the value of the goods must exceed five millions
+yearly.
+
+The fourth and last factory under a director, is that of Gambroon or
+Bendar-abassi on the coast of Persia. The director here is always a
+principal merchant, having a council and a fiscal to assist him. As
+this city stands on the Persian gulf or sea of Basora, being the only
+port of Persia on the Indian sea, and lies at a great distance from
+Batavia, this direction is not so much sought after as others; and
+besides, the heat at this place is greater than in any part of the
+world, and the air is excessively unwholesome. To balance these
+inconveniences, the director at Gambroon has an opportunity of making
+a vast fortune in a short time, so that in general, in four or five
+years, he has no farther occasion to concern himself in commerce.
+There are several other European nations settled here besides the
+Dutch, but they have by far the best factory, and have fortified it so
+effectually, that the inhabitants of the neighbouring mountains, who
+are a crew of bold and barbarous robbers, have never been able to gain
+possession of it, though they have made frequent attempts. The king
+of Persia, who reigned about 1722, came sometimes to Gambroon, and
+distinguished the Dutch above the other European nations by many marks
+of his favour, and by the grant of many privileges. Some time before
+that period, he sent a gold saddle very richly wrought, and adorned
+with precious stones, a present to the governor of Batavia, desiring
+in return an European habit for himself and another for his queen.
+
+Gambroon is a disagreeable place to live in, as in August it is
+unbearably hot; and yet the winter is so cold that they wear English
+cloth lined with furs. They have here beeves, sheep, goats, poultry,
+and fish, all good of their kinds, and tolerably cheap. They have also
+grapes, melons, and mangoes in the utmost perfection, and excellent
+wine, which is esteemed superior to that of all other countries,
+insomuch that it still preserves its flavour after being diluted with
+four times its quantity of water. At the time when our author was in
+India, intestine wars raged to such a degree in Persia, that a ship
+had to be constantly stationed at Gambroon to bring off the factory,
+in case of danger. Another inconvenience to the trade on this
+coast proceeded from the multitude of pirates on those seas, mostly
+Europeans, who, having run away with the ships of their owners,
+subsisted by robbing all nations. Among these at this time was a stout
+ship named the Hare, which had been sent from Batavia to Persia: But
+the crew mutinied, and forced their officers to turn pirates. After
+committing many depredations on this coast, they sailed to the
+Red-Sea, where they attacked and plundered many Arabian pirates. At
+length, being short of provisions, and not daring to put into any
+port, they resolved to return; and finding themselves also in want
+of water, they resolved to supply themselves at an island. With this
+view, most of them crowded into the pinnace and put off from the ship,
+which gave an opportunity to the officers to resume their authority;
+wherefore they cut the cable, and brought the ship into the harbour
+of Gambroon, by which means the ship and cargo were restored to the
+Company.
+
+In 1701, the Ballorches, who rebelled against the Shah, attempted
+to make themselves masters of the English and Dutch factories at
+Gambroon, with a body of four thousand men, but were beat off at both
+places; but a warehouse belonging to the Dutch, at some distance from
+the factory, fell into their hands, in which were goods to the value
+of twenty thousand pounds. A short time afterwards, the famous rebel
+_Meriweys_ made himself master of Ispahan, where he plundered both the
+English and Dutch factories, taking from the former goods to the value
+of half a million, and from the latter to the value of two hundred
+thousand pounds.
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Account of the Commanderies of Malabar, Gallo, Java, and Bantam._
+
+In such subordinate places as were not thought of sufficient
+consequence to require a governor or director, the Dutch East India
+Company has established another principal officer, with the title of
+chief or commander. If the person entrusted with this authority be a
+merchant, he is accountable for his conduct to the civil government,
+but if a captain, to the military establishment. A chief or commander,
+in conjunction with his council, has nearly the same authority with
+a governor, except that he cannot execute any capital judgment on
+criminals, till the case has been reviewed and confirmed by the
+council at Batavia.
+
+At the time when our author was in India, the commander at the fort of
+Cochin on the Malabar coast, was Captain Julius de Golints, a native
+of Mecklenburg, from whom he received great civilities. Malabar was
+the first country discovered by the Portuguese in India, and in which
+they established themselves, not without great effusion of blood, nor
+were they many years in possession till they were driven out by the
+Dutch. These conquerors, in their turn, found it very difficult to
+support themselves against the natives, who attacked them with great
+spirit and success, and had infallibly driven them out of the country,
+but for the courage and conduct of Major John Bergman, who preserved
+their establishments with much difficulty.
+
+Though very warm, the climate of Malabar is very healthy, and the soil
+is fertile in rice, fruit, and all sorts of herbs. It is divided into
+many principalities, among which the following are reckoned kingdoms;
+Cananore, Calicut, Cranganore, Cochin, Calicoulan, Porcaloulang, and
+Travancore. As the capital of the Dutch possessions in Malabar was the
+city of Cochin, it may be proper to describe this little kingdom as
+at that period. It reaches from _Chitway_ in the north, and extends
+twenty-four leagues to the southwards along the coast, being divided
+into a multitude of small islands by the streams which descend from
+the mountains of _Gatti_, [the Gauts.] These rivers have two great
+or principal mouths, one at Cranganore in the north, and the other at
+Cochin, in the south, distant thirty marine leagues from each other.
+The Portuguese were the first European nation who settled here, where
+they built a fine city on the river about three leagues from the sea;
+but the sea has since so gained on the land, that it is now not above
+an hundred paces from the city. This place is so pleasantly situated,
+that the Portuguese had a common saying, "That China was a good place
+to get money in, and Cochin a pleasant place to spend it at." The
+great number of islands formed by the rivers and canals, make fishing
+and fowling very amusing; and the mountains, which are at no great
+distance, are well stored with wild game. On the island of _Baypin_
+[Vaypen], there stands an old fort called _Pallapore_, for the purpose
+of inspecting all boats that pass between Cranganore and Cochin:
+And five leagues up the rivulets, there is a Romish church called
+_Varapoli_ [Virapell], served by French and Italian priests, and at
+which the bishop takes up his residence when he visits this part of
+the country. The _padre_, or superior priest at Virapell can raise
+four thousand men on occasion, all Christians of the church of Rome;
+but there are many more Christians of the church of St Thomas, who do
+not communicate with the Romanists.[1] About two leagues farther
+up than Virapell, towards the mountains, there is a place called
+_Firdalgo_,[2] on the side of a small but deep river, where the
+inhabitants of Cochin annually resort in the hot months of April and
+May to refresh themselves. The banks and bottom of the river here are
+clean sand, and the water is so clear that a small pebble stone may be
+seen at the bottom, in three fathoms water.
+
+[Footnote 1: A very interesting account of the remnant of an ancient
+Christian church in the Travancore country, a little to the southward
+of Cochin, has been lately published by Dr Buchanan, in a work named
+Christian Researches in India, which will be noticed more particularly
+in an after division of our Collection.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Perhaps Bardello, about the distance mentioned in the
+text.--E.]
+
+All the water along this low flat coast, to the south of Cranganore,
+has the very bad quality of occasioning swelled legs to those who
+drink it. This disease sometimes only affects one leg, but sometimes
+both, and the swelling is often so great as to measure a yard round at
+the ancles. It occasions no pain, but great itching, neither does
+the swelled leg feel any heavier than that which occasionally remains
+unaffected. To avoid this disease, the Dutch who reside at Cochin,
+send boats daily to Virapell, from which they bring water in small
+casks of about ten or twelve gallons, to serve the city. This water is
+given free to the servants of the Company, but private persons have to
+pay six-pence for each cask-full, which is brought to their houses
+at that price. Still, however, both Dutch men and women are sometimes
+afflicted with this disease, and no means have hitherto been found
+out for prevention or cure. The old legend imputes this disease to the
+curse laid by St Thomas upon his murderers and their posterity, as
+an odious mark to distinguish them: But St Thomas was slain by the
+_Tilnigue_[3] priests at Miliapoor in Coromandel, above four hundred
+miles from this coast; and the natives there have no touch of this
+malady.
+
+[Footnote 3: This word ought assuredly to have been Telinga.--E.]
+
+Cochin is washed by the greatest outlet on this coast, and being
+near the sea, its situation is strong by nature, but art has not been
+wanting to strengthen it. As built by the Portugueze, it was a mile
+and a half long by a mile in breadth. The Dutch took it in 1662, when
+Heitloff van Chowz was commander of the forces by sea and land. The
+insolence of the Portuguese had made several of the neighbouring
+princes their enemies, who joined with the Dutch to drive them out of
+that country, and the king of Cochin in particular assisted them with
+twenty thousand men. Not long after the Dutch had invested the town,
+Van Chowz received notice of a peace having been concluded between
+Portugal and Holland, but kept the secret to himself and pushed on the
+siege. Having made a breach in the weakest part of the fortifications,
+he proceeded to a furious assault, which was kept up for eight days
+and nights incessantly, relieving the assailants every three hours,
+while the Portuguese were kept on continual duty the whole time, and
+were quite worn out with fatigue. Finding the city in danger of being
+taken by storm, the Portuguese at length capitulated and gave up the
+place. There were at this time four hundred topasses in the garrison,
+who had done good service to the Portuguese, but were not comprehended
+in the capitulation. On discovering this omission, and knowing the
+cruel and licentious character of the Dutch soldiery in India, they
+drew up close to the gate at which the Portuguese were to march out,
+and the Dutch to enter, declaring, unless they had equally favourable
+terms granted them with the Portugueze, they would massacre them all,
+and set fire to the town. The Dutch general not only granted them all
+they asked, but even offered to take those who had a mind into the
+Dutch pay, to which many of them assented. The very day after the
+surrender, a frigate came from Goa, with the articles of peace, and
+the Portuguese loudly complained of having been unfairly dealt with by
+Van Chowz; but he answered, that the Portuguese had acted in the same
+manner with the Dutch, only a few years before, in the capture of
+Pernambuco in Brazil. The English had at that time a factory in
+Cochin, but the Dutch ordered them immediately to remove with all
+their effects, which they accordingly did to their factory at Paniany.
+
+On gaining possession of Cochin, the Dutch thought it too extensive,
+and therefore contracted it to the size it is now, being hardly a
+tenth part of what it was before. It measures about 600 paces long,
+by 200 in breadth, and is fortified with seven large bastions and
+intermediate curtains, all the ramparts being so thick that they are
+planted with double rows of trees, to give shade in the hot season.
+Some of the streets built by the Portuguese still remain, together
+with a church, which is now used for the Dutch worship, the cathedral
+being converted into a warehouse. The house of the commandant is the
+only one built in the Dutch fashion, which is so near the river that
+the water washes some part of its walls. The flag-staff is placed on
+the steeple of the old cathedral, on a mast seventy-five feet high,
+above which is the staff, other sixty feet in length, so that the flag
+may be seen above seven leagues off at sea. The garrison of Cochin
+usually consists of three hundred men; and from Cape Comoras upwards,
+in all their forts and factories, they have five hundred soldiers,
+and an hundred seamen, all Europeans, besides some topasses and the
+militia. They procure their store of rice from Barcelore, because the
+Malabar rice will not keep above three months out of the husk,
+though it will keep twelve with the husk on. This part of the country
+produces great quantities of pepper, but it is lighter than that which
+grows more to the northwards. The forests in the interior affords good
+teak-wood for ship-building, and two woods, called _angelique_ and
+_prospect_, which make beautiful chests and cabinets, which are sent
+all over the coasts of western India. They have also iron and steel
+in plenty, and bees-wax for exportation. The sea and the rivers afford
+abundance of excellent fish of various kinds, which are sold very
+cheap.
+
+_Cranganore_, a little to the north of Cochin, stands upon a river
+about a league from the sea, and at this place the Dutch have a
+fort. This place is remarkable for having formerly been the seat of a
+_Jewish government_, and that nation was once so numerous here as to
+consist of 40,000 families, though now reduced to 4000. They have a
+synagogue about two miles from the city of Cochin, not far from the
+palace of the rajah, and in it they carefully preserve their records,
+engraven upon plates of copper in the Hebrew language; and when any
+of the characters decay, they are cut anew, so that they still possess
+their history down from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the present
+day. About the year 1695, _Mynheer van Reede_ had an abstract of this
+history translated from Hebrew into the Dutch language. They assert
+themselves to be of the tribe of Manasseh, a part of which was sent
+by Nebuchadnezzar to the most easterly province of his large empire,
+which is alleged to have reached Cape Comorin. Twenty thousand of them
+travelled from Babylon to this place in three years, and were civilly
+and hospitably treated by the inhabitants of Malabar, who allowed
+them liberty of conscience in religion, and the free exercise of their
+reason and industry in the management of their secular affairs. Having
+increased in numbers and riches, they at length, by policy or wealth,
+became masters of the small kingdom of Cranganore: And a particular
+family among them being much esteemed for wisdom and riches, two of
+that family were chosen by their elders and senators to govern the
+commonwealth, and to reign jointly over them. At length one of the
+brothers invited his colleague to a feast, at which he basely killed
+him, thinking to reign alone; but a son of the deceased slew the
+fratricide, after which the state fell into a democracy, which still
+continues among the Jews here. Their lands have, however, reverted for
+many years into the hands of the Malabars, and poverty and oppression
+have occasioned many of them to apostatise.
+
+Between Cranganore and Cochin there is an island called Baypin,
+[Vaypen] four leagues long, but in no part above two miles broad.
+The Dutch do not allow any vessels or boats to enter or go out at
+Cranganore, obliging all to use the river of Cochin, which is a
+quarter of a mile broad, and very deep, but has a bar on which there
+is no more than fourteen feet water at spring-tides. The inhabitants
+of this country are mostly idolaters, over whom the bramins or
+priests exercise great authority, which they much abuse, of which
+the following abominable custom is a strong instance. When any man
+marries, he is prohibited from bedding with his wife the first night,
+which function is performed in his stead by one of the bramins, or, if
+none of these be at hand, by some other man. Foreigners used formerly
+to be often employed on these occasions, as the Malabars made choice
+of them instead of their own countrymen, often making large presents
+to the substitutes, sometimes to the value of forty or fifty pounds.
+But of late the bramins have become so very religious, that they
+never fail to execute this duty themselves. Besides this, the bramins
+frequent the company of the women so much, that no one of their
+religion can pretend to know his own father with any certainty. For
+which reason, by the laws of this country, sons or daughters never
+inherit from the husbands of their mothers, but the heritage always
+goes, to nephews and nieces, by sisters of the deceased born of the
+same mother, as certainly of his blood. This rule is observed also
+in the order of succession in their royal families, and is a glaring
+proof of the strange effects of boundless superstition.[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: This strange custom has been differently related
+formerly, and we believe more accurately, as prevalent only in the
+Nayra tribe, in which the women are allowed several husbands at the
+same time, and may change them at pleasure.--E.]
+
+The next commandery is _Gallo_, or Point de Galle, on the island of
+Ceylon, at the distance of about twenty leagues from Columbo, the
+Dutch capital of that island. Gallo was the first place in Ceylon
+taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch, and still is a place of
+considerable trade. The commander at this place is entirely
+dependent upon the governor of Ceylon, and can do nothing without his
+approbation. About the year 1672, Lewis XIV. sent out a squadron of
+eight frigates, with orders to make themselves master of this place,
+this project having been proposed to the court of France by one
+Mynheer Jan Martin, who had served the Dutch East India Company for
+many years, and had quitted their service on some disgust. When
+the royal orders came to be opened at sea, Martin found that the
+government was to be vested in another person, in case the place were
+taken, on which he took such measures as frustrated the object of the
+expedition. Mynheer van Cosse, who then commanded the Dutch fleet,
+soon arrived on the coast, and the French retired without venturing
+an engagement. They went to _Trankamala_, or _Trinconomalee_, and
+anchored in the bay of that name, meaning to force the garrison of
+that small fort to surrender: But Van Cosse soon followed them, and
+brought them to action while disadvantageously situated in the bay,
+and either sank or burnt half of the French fleet. The rest fled to
+St Thomas, on the coast of Coromandel, intending to have formed a
+settlement there; but Van Cosse again followed them to that place and
+seized all their ships, many of their guns having been carried ashore,
+as were at this time a great number of their officers and men. The
+French who were on shore capitulated with the Dutch to quit India, on
+being allowed shipping to carry them home, which Van Cosse agreed to,
+giving them his flag-ship, the _Groote Britanye_, and two others, for
+that purpose. Martin was detained and carried to Batavia, where he was
+confined for life on an allowance of a rix-dollar a-day.
+
+The next commandery is that of Samarang, on the island of Java, and
+he who commands here has the direction of all the factories in that
+island, except those which depend immediately on the government of
+Batavia. _Kuttasura_, which is the residence of the emperor of Java,
+is within his jurisdiction. In the year 1704, a war broke out in Java
+between the brother and son of the deceased emperor, as competitors
+for the succession, which lasted twenty years. The Dutch sided with
+the former, but the affections of the natives were with the latter,
+who drew over to his party a great number of the native soldiers who
+had served under the Dutch, and who, being well disciplined, behaved
+gallantly on all occasions, and gave the Dutch much trouble.
+
+At _Bantam_, on the same island, the Dutch have a strong fort with a
+numerous garrison, to keep the people in awe, who are very mutinous,
+and far from being well affected to the Dutch government. The king,
+or rajah of Bantam, has also a fort only a few hundred paces from that
+belonging to the Dutch, in which be keeps a numerous garrison for the
+security of his person. The only commodity of this part of the country
+is pepper, of which they are able to export 10,000 tons yearly. The
+king is obliged to supply the company with a certain quantity of
+pepper yearly; but in all other respects they treat him kindly enough.
+His dominions are extensive and well peopled, and his subjects are
+hardy and enterprising, but perfidious and revengeful, and mortally
+hate all Christians. The bay of Bantam is safe and pleasant, having
+many islands, which still retain the names given them by the English,
+who had a fine factory here, from which they were expelled in 1683.
+The territory of Bantam is very fertile, abounding in rice, pepper,
+fruits, and cattle. In the interior of the country the natives
+sometimes find precious stones of great value, of which however the
+Dutch rarely get possession, as the people fear they might be
+induced to extend their conquests, by which they are already greatly
+oppressed. The head of the factory at this place has the title of
+chief.
+
+Another Dutch chief resides at _Padang_, on that part of the coast of
+Sumatra which is called the _gold-coast_. This chief has a council
+and fiscal like all the rest, and his post is considered as both
+honourable and profitable. Sumatra is a very large fine island,
+separated from the continent of Asia by the Straits of Malacca,
+and from the island of Java by the Straits of Sunda, and is justly
+esteemed one of the richest and noblest islands in all India. The
+Dutch have a factory at Palambaugan, about eight leagues from the sea,
+on the banks of a very large river, which empties itself into the
+sea by four different channels. The great trade of this part of the
+country is in pepper, which the Dutch company wish to monopolize, as
+they have done cloves, nutmegs, mace, and cinnamon; and are at great
+expence in keeping several armed barks cruising at the mouths of this
+river, to prevent what they are pleased to call smuggling. It must
+be allowed, however, that they have a contract with the king of this
+country to take all the pepper in his dominions, at the rate of ten
+dollars the bahar of 400 pounds weight, which is a fair price.[5] They
+have, however, a clause in the contract, by which half the price is to
+be paid in cloth, at such rates as greatly reduce the cost.
+
+[Footnote 5: Exactly five farthings and two-fifths of a farthing the
+pound.--E.]
+
+The interior of the island is very mountainous, but most of the
+mountains abound in mines of gold, silver, lead, and other metals. The
+company possesses some mines of gold, said to be very rich, and great
+care is taken to secure and conceal the profits. Gold-dust is found
+in great quantities in all the rivers and rivulets of the country,
+especially when the western monsoon reigns, when the torrents roll
+down from the mountains with great rapidity. Abundance of copper
+is also found here, of which they make very good cannon. There are
+likewise found several sorts of precious stones. There is a burning
+mountain on the island, which continually throws forth flame and
+smoke, like Etna in Sicily; and there is said to be a fountain of
+balsam, or petroleum. This island abounds also in spice and silk; but
+the air is not very wholesome, especially to strangers, owing to the
+great numbers of rivers, standing waters, and thick forests, which
+every where abound. It produces no wheat, nor any other of the grains
+which grow in Europe; but has plenty of rice, millet, and fruits,
+which afford good and sufficient nourishment for the inhabitants. It
+produces also, in great abundance, honey, bees-wax, ginger, camphor,
+cassia, pepper, and many Other valuable articles. It is of great
+extent, being 310 leagues long from N.W. to S.E. and about 50 leagues
+across at an average. The greatest sovereign in the island is the king
+of _Acheen, Atcheen_, or Achem, who resides in a city of that name
+at the N.W. end of the island. It was formerly always governed by a
+woman, and it is not above forty years ago since the government fell
+into the hands of a man, since which several attempts have been made
+to restore the old constitution. Acheen is a free port, to which the
+English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese resort, and in short all the
+trading nations of Europe and Asia. The goods brought there are rich
+brocades, silks of all kinds, muslins of all sorts, raw silk, fish,
+butter, oil, and ammunition, for which the payments are mostly made in
+gold, the great commodity of the country, and remarkably fine.
+
+During the western monsoon, the rains fall here with prodigious
+violence, attended with terrible storms of thunder and lightning, and
+frequent earthquakes; but the people, being used to them, are not much
+alarmed. The nations are, generally speaking, Mahometans, and are very
+expert in making all sorts of plate and ornaments in gold, with very
+few tools, yet with such inimitable dexterity, that their workmanship
+sells at a high rate all over India. The company sends a great number
+of slaves to this island every year to work in their gold-mines; but
+the kings in that part of the country are seldom on good terms with
+the Dutch, with whom they often quarrel. The principal places where
+gold is found are _Trion_ and _Manicabo_, and the way in which they
+procure the gold is as follows:--They dig trenches at the bottoms of
+the hills, so as to intercept the torrents which roll rapidly down
+their sides in the winter months: and having drained off the water
+from the ditches in summer, they find considerable quantities of
+gold-dust in the mud which remains. It is generally believed that this
+island furnishes annually 5000 pounds weight of gold-dust,[6] yet
+very little of this quantity is ever brought to Europe, being mostly
+employed by the servants of the East India Company in making purchases
+of commodities in places where gold bears a high price.
+
+[Footnote 6: Supposing these troy pounds, the value may be estimated
+at L. 240,000 sterling.--E.]
+
+The Dutch East India Company has long entertained a project of
+building ships at this island, as its timber is so good that ships
+built here are expected to last forty or fifty years, whereas those of
+Europe seldom last more than twelve or thirteen years. The Dutch have
+a strong fort and great factory at _Jambee_, and another at _Siack_,
+both in this island. This last place is excessively unwholesome, owing
+to the following circumstance, which certainly might be obviated. It
+stands on the great river Andragheira, into which, at one season of
+the year, there come vast shoals of large shads, a third part of
+their bulk being composed of their _roes_, which are accounted a great
+delicacy. Wherefore, after taking these out, the rest of the fish is
+thrown away, and as these lie in great heaps to corrupt, they exhale
+pestilential vapours and infect the air. The persons, therefore, who
+are sent to reside at Siack, are much of the same description
+with those formerly mentioned as sent to Banda, being of abandoned
+characters and desperate fortunes. There is another very considerable
+factory on the river Bencalis, which produces a large profit from the
+sale of cloth and opium, for which gold-dust is received in payment.
+This trade was discovered about forty years ago, that is, about
+the year 1680, by a factor, who carried it on privately for his own
+emolument for ten years, during which he acquired upwards of a _ton
+of gold_ yearly, a Dutch phrase implying L. 10,000 sterling. He then
+resolved to secure what he had got by making a disclosure of this
+valuable branch of traffic to the company. There are also several
+Dutch establishments on what is called the _West-coast_ of Sumatra.
+
+A very powerful and warlike people subsists in this island, known to
+Europeans by the name of the _Free-nation_, who are equally averse
+from submitting either to the Sumatran sovereigns or Europeans,
+and have always defended themselves valiantly against both. All the
+natives of Sumatra are much more inclined to the English than the
+Dutch, perhaps because they are not under subjection to the former.
+But the latter use every precaution they can to prevent the natives
+from dealing with any except themselves. For a considerable time past,
+the chiefs at Padang have been so unlucky as to have their honesty
+much suspected, chiefly owing to their management of the mines, which
+do not turn out greatly to the profit of the company, while all their
+officers gain immense sums out of them, which the councils at Batavia
+are much dissatisfied with, yet cannot prevent. For this reason they
+change the chief very frequently, yet to little purpose.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Some Account of the Residences of Cheribon, Siam, and Mockha._
+
+The chiefs of those factories belonging to the Dutch in India are
+termed _Residents_, and correspond directly with the governor-general
+at Batavia, and are not dependent on any subordinate governor or
+director. The first of these independent residents is fixed at
+_Cheribon_, on the coast of Java, at the distance of about forty
+leagues from Batavia, where a very advantageous commerce is carried on
+by the company in coffee, cardamoms, indigo, and cotton. The land at
+this place is as fertile in rice and other provisions as perhaps any
+country in the world. This district is of considerable extent, and was
+formerly under the dominion of four great lords, who used to be
+styled _pangerans_, but have now the titles of sultans, though their
+authority is not much extended by these more splendid titles. One of
+these is called the company's sultan, because always attached to the
+interests of the company, though in truth they might all get the same
+appellation, as they are all under the protection of the company, and
+freed from apprehensions of the king of Bantam, who used formerly
+to be continually at war with them, and must have reduced them under
+subjection, but for the assistance of the Dutch. Since then, both from
+gratitude for past favours, and in expectation of future protection,
+they have granted great privileges to the company in their dominions.
+The company maintains a fort at Cheribon, with a garrison of sixty
+men, and has an excellent factory.
+
+About half a league from the fort of Cheribon, the tombs of the
+princes of Cheribon stand in a vast temple, splendidly built of
+various fine kinds of stone, and are said to contain vast riches,
+yet are left unguarded, from an idea that they are protected by some
+supernatural power; and they tell strange stories of persons having
+dropt down dead, on approaching the places where these riches are
+hidden, with an intention to steal. Many people believe that the
+Javanese priests, who are Mahometans, have the power of causing sudden
+death by means of incantations; and that they are able to enchant
+crocodiles and serpents, causing the former to go into and out of the
+water at command, and the latter to remain in any posture they please.
+A great number of priests are maintained about this great temple, many
+of whom have made the pilgrimage to Mecca, and are therefore held in
+much veneration. These priests are all governed by a sovereign pontiff
+or mufti, who is even more respected than the sultans. There was
+formerly a considerable English factory at Cheribon, having a small
+town belonging to it: But the persons of the factory so provoked the
+people, by intriguing with their wives, that they rose one night and
+massacred them all. Perhaps this might have been set on foot by their
+Dutch neighbours.
+
+Another resident has the direction of the company's affairs in the
+kingdom of Siam, where the company carries on a considerable trade in
+tin, lead, elephants-teeth, gum-lac, _wool_,[1] and other commodities.
+The king of Siam is a prince of considerable power, and his dominions
+extend nearly 300 leagues. Being favourable to commerce, all nations
+are allowed to trade freely in his country; but ships of no great
+burden are forced to anchor at the distance of sixty leagues from his
+capital; because the river _Menan_, on which it is situated, is so
+rapid that they find great difficulty in getting higher up. This
+river, like the Nile and many others, overflows its banks at a certain
+season, so that most of the country is under water for half the year,
+for which reason all the houses are built on posts. The capital is a
+large city, consisting at least of 50,000 houses, with a prodigious
+number of temples.[2] The natives are all pagans, and hold this
+singular maxim, "That all religions are good, provided they tend to
+the honour of God." They think, however, that their own is the best;
+though they sometimes own that the God of the Christians is most
+powerful, because the head of their principal idol has been twice
+beaten to pieces by thunder. This is perhaps the largest idol in the
+world, and is called by the Dutch in derision, _The great blockhead of
+Lust_. He is represented sitting cross-legged like a tailor; in which
+posture he measures seventy feet high, and every one of his fingers
+is as large as the body of a man. About three leagues from the capital
+there is a temple of vast size, having an idol not quite so large as
+the other, which the priests say is his wife; and that once in seven
+years, one of these goes to visit the other. The priests also pretend
+that both of these idols are of solid gold; but the thunder-clap,
+which destroyed the head of the larger idol detected that part of the
+cheat, shewing it to be only brick and lime, very artificially gilded
+all over. One may justly wonder that this accident did not put an end
+to the adoration of so wretched a deity; but where superstition once
+prevails the plainest proofs very seldom produce any effect.
+
+[Footnote 1: Perhaps cotton, often termed _cotton-wool_, ought to have
+been here substituted.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: In Harris the temples are stated at 30,000.--E.]
+
+The country of Siam is very rich and fertile, and there is a
+considerable trade carried on here by the Chinese. The Dutch have here
+considerable privileges, and are the favoured nation, especially since
+the great revolution, when they got into great favour with the new
+king, because the English had been entrusted by his predecessor, whom
+he murdered, with the best places in the government, both civil and
+military. The Dutch have a factory on the side of the river, about a
+mile below the city, where they collect great numbers of deer-skins;
+which are sent annually to Japan. The Siamese are themselves much
+addicted to trade, and the Chinese who reside here still more; so that
+they send ships every year to Japan, which, considering the difficulty
+of the navigation, is not a little extraordinary. The Siamese boast of
+having used the compass above a thousand years before it was known
+in Europe: But the Jesuits very justly observe, that the Siamese and
+Chinese compasses are very imperfect.
+
+The third resident is fixed at _Mokha_, being always a merchant,
+having two factors under him. This country is under the government
+of an Arab prince, styled _Imaum_, who resides in the inland country,
+about 200 miles east from Mokha. The sea-port of his dominions was
+formerly Aden; but as that was found very inconvenient, he removed the
+trade to Mokha, then only a fishing village. Mokha is situated close
+to the sea, in a large dry sandy plain, which affords neither fruits
+nor water, except what is brackish and unwholesome, and those who are
+forced to drink it have long worms bred in their legs and feet, which
+are very troublesome and dangerous. The town is supplied with very
+good and wholesome water from _Musa_, a town at the distance of twenty
+miles; but it is so dear, being brought by land carriage; that it
+costs as much as small beer does in England. Mokha is large, and makes
+a fine appearance from the sea, the buildings being lofty, but they
+look much better without than within. The markets are well supplied
+with provisions, such as beef, mutton, goats, kid, lamb, and camels
+flesh, antelopes, poultry, guinea-fowls, partridges, and pigeons. The
+sea affords a variety of fish, but not well tasted, owing probably
+to the nature of their food. It is also furnished all the year with
+excellent fruits, as grapes, peaches, apricots, and quinces, of which
+they make great quantities of marmalade, both for their own use and
+exportation. Yet there is neither tree nor shrub to be seen near the
+town, except a few date-trees, and they seldom have above two or three
+showers of rain in a year, sometimes no rain for two or three years.
+Among the mountains, however, about twenty miles inland, seldom a
+morning passes without a moderate shower, which makes the vallies very
+fertile in such corn and fruits as suit the soil and climate. They
+have plenty of wheat and barley, but no rice.
+
+Since Mokha has been made a free port, it has become a place of great
+trade. Besides the Dutch factory, it has one belonging to the English
+East-India Company. Trade is also carried on here by English free
+merchants, by Portuguese, Banians, and Moors; also by vessels
+from Basora, Persia, and Muskat. The country itself produces few
+commodities, except coffee and some drugs, as myrrh, olibanum or
+frankincense from _Cossin_, Soccotrine aloes from Soccotora, liquid
+storax, white and yellow arsenic, some gum-arabic, mummy, and balm
+of gilead, these two last being brought down the Red Sea. The coffee
+trade brings a continual supply of gold and silver from Europe,
+particularly Spanish money, German crowns, and other European silver
+coins, with chequins and German and Hungarian gold ducats, and
+_ebramies_ and _magrabees_ of Turkey. It is a settled point here,
+though other goods may be bought and sold on credit for a certain
+time, coffee must always be paid for in ready money. The European
+shipping that comes here annually rather exceeds 20,000 tons, and that
+belonging to other nations may amount to nearly the same tonnage. The
+whole province of _Betlefackee_ is planted with coffee-trees, which
+are never allowed to grow above four or five yards high. The berries
+cling to the branches like so many insects, and are shaken off when
+ripe. They are at first green, then red, and lastly of a dark-brown
+colour.
+
+The Dutch have here a great advantage over all other nations, in
+consequence of their monopoly of the spice-trade, as these are
+consumed here in great quantities, which consequently enables them to
+procure coffee at much easier rates than other nations. Yet this trade
+of Mokha is continually falling off, owing to the vast quantities
+of coffee produced in their own plantations, especially at Batavia,
+Amboina, and the Cape of Good Hope: Even the Dutch, however,
+acknowledge that there is no comparison between the coffee raised on
+their own plantations and that brought from Mokha.
+
+The _Happy Arabia_ is divided into many small territories, under
+independent princes, styled Emirs, who all pay a kind of homage, but
+no obedience, to the Grand Signor or Emperor of the Turks. The Red Sea
+gets this name from several parts of it being of a red colour, owing
+to its bottom in these parts.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and China._
+
+_Borneo_ is the largest island in the East Indies, perhaps the largest
+in the world, being 220 marine leagues from N. to S. and 170 leagues
+from E. to W. It is divided into many small principalities, of which
+the most powerful is the king of _Banjaar Masseen_, and after him the
+kings of _Borneo_ and _Sambas_. The air is reckoned very unwholesome
+in some places, on account of being low and marshy; and it is only
+thinly peopled, though abounding in very rich commodities. On the
+first establishment of the Dutch in India, they were very solicitous
+to have factories in this island, and accordingly fixed three, at the
+cities of Borneo, Sambas, and Succadanea; but they soon found it was
+impossible to have any dealings with the natives, who certainly
+are the basest, crudest, and most perfidious people in the world;
+wherefore they quitted the island, and though several times invited
+back, have absolutely refused to return. The commerce of Borneo is
+as rich as any in India. At Sambas and Banjaar Masseen they deal in
+diamonds, of which there is a mine in the interior country. These
+stones generally run from four to twenty-four carats each, though some
+are found as high as thirty and even forty carats; but the whole trade
+does not exceed 600 carats yearly. They always sell these stones
+for gold, though that is a commodity of the island, and there is a
+considerable trade in gold-dust at Pahang, Saya, Calantan, Seribas,
+Catra, and Melanouba. Bezoar is another principal article of their
+trade. Japan wood, fine wax, incense, mastic, and several other rich
+gums, are here met with; but the staple commodity is pepper, which
+this island produces in as great abundance as any place in India.
+A drug is met with in this island, called _piedro de porco_, or
+pork-stone, so highly esteemed as to be worth 300 crowns each; as the
+Indian physicians pretend that they can infallibly discover whether
+their patients are to live or die, by exhibiting to them the water in
+which this stone has been steeped.
+
+Before the Portuguese discovered the way by sea to India, the Chinese
+possessed the whole trade of this island, and since the Europeans
+have declined settling here, it has reverted to them again. The places
+where they are settled are Banjaar Masseen, Mampua, Teya, Lando, and
+Sambas, where they parry on a great trade, furnishing the inhabitants
+with silks, chintz, calico, and all the manufactures of China and
+Japan. It has been suggested, that a more valuable trade might be
+established in Borneo than in any other part of India, as there come
+here every year large fleets of Chinese junks, laden with all the
+commodities of that empire, which might be purchased here as cheap, or
+cheaper even than in China itself. There come also yearly some small
+vessels from the island of Celebes to Borneo, in spite of the utmost
+vigilance of the Dutch, which bring considerable quantities of cloves,
+nutmegs, and mace, so that the Dutch are unable to sell much of these
+spices to the inhabitants: Yet they send ships here frequently to load
+with pepper, endeavouring to keep up a good correspondence with the
+kings of Borneo and Sambas, for the king of Banjaar Masseen refuses to
+have any dealings with them.
+
+Considering the vast sway of the Dutch in India, it is strange that
+they should not have any factory in China. They have indeed formerly
+sent ambassadors to that country, under pretence of demanding a free
+trade, but in reality on purpose to gain a more accurate knowledge of
+the nature of trade in China, and in consequence of their discoveries
+in that manner, have been induced to decline entering upon any direct
+trade to that country. While they were possessed of the island of
+Formosa, they carried on a direct trade to China with great profit:
+But, since their expulsion from that island in 1661, they have
+not been able to make that trade turn out profitable. After the
+establishment of the Ostend East-India Company, they tried to send
+ships to China, direct from Holland; but even this came to no great
+account, the profit having seldom exceeded twenty-five per cent.
+which, considering the hazard of so long a voyage, was not considered
+a very encouraging return. It has been doubted whether the Dutch were
+able to deal with the Chinese, where both nations are upon an equal
+footing, as the latter are certainly the cunningest of men: Besides,
+the Chinese are less inclined to deal with the Dutch than with any
+other Europeans; and, when they do, always hold them to harder terms.
+The port charges also in China, and the presents they are obliged to
+make, cut deep into their gains.
+
+Besides the foregoing circumstances, as China is at a great distance
+from Batavia, and as the officers of the Dutch ships can so easily
+consign their effects into the hands of the Portuguese, English,
+and other foreign merchants, they have been found to mind their own
+affairs much more than those of the Company. But the principal
+reason of avoiding the trade to China is, that the Chinese carry on
+a prodigious trade with Batavia; and though the voyage exceeds 550
+leagues, the Chinese junks make the run in six weeks, sailing from
+Canton in the beginning of December, and arriving at Batavia in the
+middle of January. The company has in the first place a duty of four
+per cent. on all the goods brought by the Chinese, which are gold,
+silks of all sorts, tea, anniseed, musk, rhubarb, copper, quicksilver,
+vermilion, china ware, &c. For which they receive in exchange lead,
+tin, pepper, incense, camphor, cloves, nutmegs, amber, and many
+other articles, on all which the Dutch fix their own prices, and
+consequently buy much cheaper than other nations can do in China. They
+have also found by experience, that a direct trade greatly lessens
+this more profitable mode at Batavia. They have also opportunities of
+dealing with the Chinese in many other parts of India, where, after
+the Chinese merchants have completed their sales to the natives, they
+are glad to part with the remainder of their commodities to the Dutch,
+at a cheap rate. Thus, the Dutch East-India Company are able to send
+home vast quantities of the commodities of China, and purchased on
+very advantageous terms, without trading directly to China, either
+from Holland or from Batavia.
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Of the Dutch Trade with Japan._
+
+A Dutch chief resides at Japan, who is always a principal merchant,
+and is assisted by some writers in the Company's service. The profit
+formerly made of this establishment by the Dutch East-India Company,
+frequently amounted to 80 and even 100 per cent. but has fallen off
+to such a degree, that they rarely make now, 1721, above eight or ten.
+This has been chiefly occasioned by the Chinese, who for some time
+past have purchased every kind of goods at Canton that are in demand
+in Japan, and it is even said that they have contracted with the
+Japanese to furnish them with all kinds of merchandize at as low
+prices as the Dutch. Another cause of the low profits is, that the
+Japanese fix the prices of all the goods they buy, and if their offer
+is not accepted, they desire the merchants to take them home again.
+This may possibly have been suggested to them by the Chinese, who
+used formerly to be treated in the same manner at Batavia. There is no
+place in all India where the Dutch have so little authority, or where
+their establishments are of so little consequence, as in Japan. They
+are allowed a small island to themselves, where they have warehouses
+for their goods, and a few ordinary houses for the members of the
+factory; but this island is a prison, in which they are completely
+shut up as long as they remain in Japan, not being permitted to pass
+the bridge that joins this island to the city of Naugasaque. The only
+shadow of liberty that is allowed them is, that their chief, with two
+or three attendants, goes once a-year as ambassador to the emperor.
+One great reason of this is said to have been occasioned by their
+using too great familiarities with the Japanese women; but the true
+reason is, that the Dutch have more than once given strong indications
+of an inclination to establish themselves in the country by force.
+
+A French gentleman, Monsieur Carron, who was for some time at the head
+of their factory in Japan, and who, in several journeys to the
+court, had ingratiated himself into the favour of the emperor,
+by entertaining him with accounts of the state of Europe, got his
+permission to build a house for the factory on the little island
+allotted to them. He accordly laid the fortifications of great extent,
+and continued the work till he had completed a handsome fortification,
+in form of a regular tetragon; and as the Japanese were quite ignorant
+in the art of fortification, they suffered it to be finished, without
+any suspicion of deceit. Carron now desired the council at Batavia
+to send him some cannon, packed in casks filled with oakum or cotton,
+along with some other casks of the same form filled with spices. This
+was done accordingly, but in rolling the casks after landing, one
+of them that contained a brass gun burst open, by which accident the
+cheat was discovered. This put an entire stop to all trade till the
+pleasure of the emperor was known. The emperor, without prohibiting
+trade, gave orders that no Dutchman should presume to stir out of the
+island on pain of death, and ordered Carron up to Jeddo, to answer for
+his fault. The emperor reproached him for abusing his favour; after
+which he ordered his beard to be pulled out by the roots, and that
+he should be led, dressed in a fool's coat and cap, through all the
+streets of the city. He was thus sent back to the factory, with orders
+to leave Japan in the first ship that sailed for Batavia.
+
+The island of _Desima_, where the Dutch reside, is divided from the
+city of Naugasaki by a small creek of salt water of about forty feet
+broad, over which there is a convenient bridge, having a draw-bridge
+at one end, of which the Japanese keep possession, and no Dutchman can
+pass this without leave from the governor of the city; neither
+dare any Japanese converse with the Dutch, except the merchants and
+factors, who have a licence for that purpose. For the security of the
+factory, the island of Desima is pallisaded all round. It contains
+four streets, with large warehouses, and a spacious market-place over
+against the bridge, where at stated times the town's people have leave
+to trade with the Dutch. So great is the jealousy entertained of the
+Dutch, that they are not even allowed to have the command of their own
+ships while in Japan: For, as soon as one of them enters the harbour,
+the Japanese take entire possession of her, taking out all the arms
+and ammunition, which they lay up on shore, and return again in good
+order, when the ship is ready to sail. They also exact a complete
+account of all the men on board, whom they muster by one of their own
+commissaries.
+
+Japan is well peopled, and produces every thing necessary for human
+sustenance in great plenty; yet the Dutch pay high for every thing
+they need, and have even to purchase wood for fuel by weight. The
+mountains are rich in gold, silver, and copper, which last is the best
+in the world. Their porcelain is finer than that of China, as also
+much thicker and heavier, with finer colours, and sells much dearer
+both in India and Europe. The tea of Japan, however, is not near so
+good as that of China. Their lackered ware, usually called Japan, is
+the best in the world, and some of it will even hold boiling water
+without being injured. They have abundance of silks, both raw and
+manufactured, much stronger than what is produced in China. Their
+houses are mostly built of wood, but the palace of the emperor is
+of marble, covered with copper, so remarkably well gilded that it
+withstands the weather many years. Jeddo is the metropolis, and its
+magnitude may be guessed from this circumstance, that in a great
+fire which raged in this city for eight days, about the year 1660, it
+consumed 120,000 houses, and 500 temples.
+
+The Japanese are strict observers of moral rules, especially in
+commercial matters; insomuch that merchants of reputation put up sums
+of gold _cupangs_, always in decimal numbers, in silken bags, sealed
+with their seals; and these bags always pass current for the several
+sums indicated by the seals, without any one ever examining the
+contents of the bags for several generations. These _cupangs_ are
+broad oblong pieces of gold, of about twenty shillings value in Japan;
+but gold is there so plentiful and cheap, in relation to silver, that
+a _cupang_ passes current in Batavia for thirty-two shillings; and,
+after being stampt with the lion of the Company, it passes for forty
+shillings sterling. The Japanese also are exact observers of justice,
+and punish crimes with extreme rigour. To a man of distinction,
+when found guilty of a capital crime, the emperor writes a letter,
+commanding him to become his own executioner, on an appointed day and
+hour, on penalty of being subjected to the most exquisite tortures,
+if he survive the appointed time. On receiving this mandate, the
+delinquent invites all his friends and near relations to a sumptuous
+feast on the set day. When the feast is over, he shows them the letter
+from the emperor, and, while they are reading it, he stabs himself
+with a dagger below the navel, and cuts open his belly to the breast
+bone. The capital punishments inflicted on the inferior people are
+hanging, beheading, or being flung over a precipice; and for smaller
+faults, whipping and branding are usual.
+
+The government of Japan would be well pleased to encourage trade with
+all nations, but for two considerations. The first is, lest their
+religion should be insulted, which was frequently the case from
+misguided zeal, while there were any Christians among the Japanese.
+The other proceeds from their aversion to strange customs, or to any
+innovation in the manners of the people, from which they dread the
+worst consequences. When the Dutch were first established in this
+empire, the then prime minister explained their opinions on this
+subject in the following manner: "We are well acquainted with the
+advantages resulting from the system of government established among
+us, and will on no account run the hazard of any change. We know that
+great revolutions are often brought about by imperceptible degrees,
+and are therefore resolved to cure the itch of novelty by the rod of
+chastisement." Upon this maxim a law is established in Japan, by
+which all the subjects of the empire are prohibited from leaving the
+country; or, if any do, they must never return. They are so wedded to
+their own customs and opinions, and so jealous of the introduction
+of any new or foreign customs, that they never send any embassies to
+other countries, neither do they allow their merchants to carry on
+commerce beyond their own country. A few small junks are sent in
+summer to the land of Yedso, a country about fifty leagues from the
+northern extremity of Japan; and it is said that they bring much gold
+from thence.
+
+There is but one good harbour in Japan, all the rest of the coast
+being so guarded by steep rocks or shoals, that they have no reason to
+fear being invaded. In point of military discipline and bravery, the
+Japanese far exceed the Chinese, and are by no means of so base and
+effeminate dispositions as most of the inhabitants of that great
+empire. The government also of Japan is perfectly uniform and well
+settled, so that there cannot be any diversity of interests; for,
+though several of its provinces are denominated kingdoms, yet all
+these petty kings are under the strictest subjection to the emperor,
+and the laws of the country extend over all. These laws pay the
+strictest regard to private property, the father transmitting to his
+children not only the patrimonial estate, but all the acquisitions of
+his own industry; and this is certainly a powerful prevention of any
+desire of change. Though the emperor resides at Jeddo, thirty days
+journey from Naugasaki, yet he receives intelligence in the space
+of three days, of the number and force of every ship that arrives,
+conveyed by a chain of signal-posts, by means of flags and fire
+beacons.
+
+The forms observed in business are wonderfully exact, and the edicts
+and orders of the emperor are signified in most expressive and
+dignified terms, containing very little of the bombast and swelling
+style so common among oriental courts. Yet, amid all their good sense
+and quick parts, the religion of the Japanese is the idlest and most
+ridiculous paganism that can well be imagined, of which the following
+is a sufficient proof. Every family has a tutelary deity or idol,
+which is placed at the top of the house, and instructed to keep off
+all sickness, misfortunes, or accidents: And when any such happen, the
+idol is taken down and whipt, for not doing its duty. _Amida_ is
+the name of their favourite god, his residence in heaven is at a
+prodigious distance, insomuch that it requires three years journey
+of a departed soul to reach paradise, which is only the outskirts or
+suburbs of heaven; but when once there, the soul is sure of getting
+to heaven, and enjoys a quiet residence in that place, as none of
+the fiends dare come there to give annoyance. They have several other
+gods, to all of whom they are particularly attached devotees; and each
+god has his own particular paradise, none nearer this world than three
+years journey. On purpose to gain an easy passage to these paradises,
+some of the zealots cut their own throats, and others hang themselves.
+Their idols are often carried in procession on horseback, attended
+by bands of music; and many feasts and sacrifices are made in their
+honour, the idols being fed on the smoke and flavour, while the
+votaries regale on the substantial meats.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris here subjoins a long enquiry into the nature of
+the Dutch commerce in Japan, in the form of answers to a number of
+queries on the subject: But as we shall have an opportunity, in
+a subsequent division of this work, to give much more ample and
+satisfactory accounts of these matters, by actual travellers in Japan,
+this has been omitted, as tedious and unsatisfactory.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope._
+
+Nothing remarkable occurred to the author of this voyage, while on the
+way from Batavia to the Cape of Good Hope, except seeing the wreck of
+the Schonenberg, a ship belonging to the Company, which had been lost
+a little before.[2] On coming in sight of the Cape, they discovered
+many French, English, and Dutch ships at anchor in the roads, some
+outward-bound and some homewards. A little way from the entrance of
+the bay is a small island, on which there is always a guard composed
+of a serjeant and a small number of men. As soon as the serjeant sees
+what number of ships a fleet consists of, he hoists a flag, and fires
+so many pieces of cannon as there are ships in sight, to give notice
+to the commandant at the Cape. They are here employed in making
+train-oil, and in raking oyster-shells to burn into lime. Into this
+island, malefactors are generally banished from the Cape, and from
+most parts of India. Here, besides the punishment of being separated
+from all their friends, they are kept to the hardest labour.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is said to have been on the coast of Africa _at the
+height of Angola_, whither they were driven by a storm. But this could
+not possibly have been the case _before_ reaching the Cape of Good
+Hope.--E.]
+
+Table Bay is very fine and large, of a semi-oval form, entering
+several leagues into the land, and may be about nine leagues in
+circuit; but the anchorage is not every where equally good, and there
+is some danger near the shore. The middle of the bay is commanded by
+a very strong fort, being a regular pentagon, and each of its fine
+bastions mounts twenty pieces of heavy cannon. This fort and the town
+are situated on the edge of a plain about three leagues in extent,
+lying at the bottom of three very high mountains. The first of these
+is _Lion Mountain_, having some resemblance to a lion couchant. The
+second is _Table Mountain_, which is much higher, and has a broad flat
+top like a table, being so high that it may be seen twenty leagues out
+at sea in clear weather. The third is called the _Devil's Mountain_,
+and is not so remarkable as either of the other two. The houses of
+Cape Town are very neat and commodious, but are only built two stories
+high, on account of the furious winds at S.E. which sometimes blow
+here.
+
+About the year 1650, the Dutch East-India Company bought a certain
+district of this country from the Hottentots, its aboriginal
+inhabitants, and took care to have it immediately planted and well
+peopled, for the convenience of their ships, both outward and homeward
+bound. All the inhabitants of this colony are Europeans, or descended
+from Europeans. Some of the planters are settled at the distance of
+three hundred leagues from the Cape; yet all are obliged to appear
+once a-year at a place called Stellenbosch, where the _Drossart_ or
+magistrate of the country resides. They have here to pass in review,
+as all the peasants, as well as the towns-men, are formed into
+companies under proper officers. After the review is over, they go
+back to their respective plantations, generally carrying home with
+them what tools or other European articles they stand in need of.
+These people cultivate the ground, raising rye, barley, beans, and
+other grains. They also plant vines, which produce excellent grapes,
+of which they make very good wine. Some of these peasants are in
+very easy circumstances, having, besides large and well-cultivated
+plantations, great flocks of sheep and cattle.
+
+Among other colonists, there is one about eight leagues from Cape
+Town, at a place called _Drakenstein_, entirely composed of French
+refugees, who have a large tract of well cultivated ground, and are
+allowed churches and ministers of their own. Part of the inhabitants
+of Cape Town are in the service of the Company, and the rest are free
+burgesses. They have regular magistrates, who decide causes of small
+importance, and regulate any little disputes that happen among them;
+but affairs of moment are carried before the governor and council,
+who determine finally and without appeal. In the interior country, the
+drossart determines in things of small consequence; but all matters of
+importance must come before the governor and council, whose sentences,
+both in civil and criminal cases, are executed without delay. The
+officer who commands here in chief, has the rank and pay of major, yet
+does the duty in all respects of a major-general. The officers under
+him are captains, lieutenants, and ensigns, who take care to keep
+their companies always complete and well disciplined; and in case of
+attack, they can draw together five thousand men at least, all well
+armed and as good as regular troops: Each peasant knows where he has
+to repair to, in order to range himself under his proper standard.
+
+It is not easy to describe the expertness with which these peasants
+manage their fire-arms, an exercise in which they are constantly
+employed, even from their infancy; and it is almost incredible how
+boldly they attack even the fiercest animals. Many among them disdain
+to shoot a sleeping lion, because, as they say, it shows neither skill
+nor courage: When, therefore, they discover a lion asleep, they throw
+stones to waken him, and do not fire till he is on his feet. A little
+before the arrival of our author at the Cape, two peasants went out
+together to hunt. One of them, seeing a lion, fired at and missed him,
+when the lion rushed upon the man, who threw away his gun, to have
+more liberty to defend himself. The other peasant, on hearing the
+report, hastened to the place, and found his companion and the lion
+closely engaged; on which he snatched up the gun, and slew the lion
+by a few blows on the head, but broke the gun in pieces. The first
+peasant, whose property the gun was, complained loudly of its
+demolition, blamed his companion for coming up uncalled for, and even
+talked of making him pay for the gun, insisting that he could have
+slain the lion himself without aid. It was formerly considered a
+wonderful deed for a man to kill a lion; but now it is so common an
+occurrence, that they make no more of killing a lion, than we do of
+shooting a hare.
+
+The country about Cape Town is full of vineyards and gardens. Two
+of these belong to the company, which are perhaps the finest in the
+world. One is at the distance of two hundred paces from the fort,
+between the town and Table Mountain, being about 1400 paces in length,
+by 235 paces broad, and having a fine rivulet from the mountain
+running through the middle of it. It is divided into quarters, in
+which they cultivate, with the utmost success, the fruits and flowers
+of the four quarters of the globe. The other garden is about two
+leagues distant from the town, in what is called the _New Country_,
+and is likewise kept in excellent order by slaves belonging to the
+company, of whom there are seldom less than five hundred. The
+country hereabout is mountainous and stony; but the vallies are very
+agreeable, and extremely fertile. The climate is perhaps the best
+in the world, neither cold nor heat being ever felt here to any
+intolerable degree. The people accordingly live to great ages, and
+have hardly any diseases except such as proceed from intemperance of
+some kind. The mountains, which contribute to the wholesomeness of the
+country, are supposed to be rich in gold and other valuable metals.
+Some trials have been made; but as yet no mines have been discovered,
+or at least none in such situations as would permit their being worked
+to advantage.
+
+Mynheer van Steel, who was lately governor of this colony, travelled
+over the country, and examined it with much attention. He caused
+gardens to be laid out, and pleasure-houses to be built, in several
+places; but the peasants who were employed in building these houses
+and cultivating these gardens, sent over a representation and
+complaint to the company, alleging that these works were prejudicial
+to their private affairs, and prevented them from being able to
+maintain their families; upon which that governor was immediately
+recalled. His discoveries, however, were of great consequence, having
+made the interior country known to the Dutch, together with the
+nations or tribes by whom it is inhabited. These, so far as yet
+discovered, consist of seven different tribes, all comprehended under
+the general denomination of _Hottentots_. The first of these, and
+least considerable, who live in the neighbourhood of the Cape, have
+no chief, and are mostly either in the service of the company, or are
+employed as servants by the townsmen, or by the peasants and farmers
+in cultivating the lands, or tending their flocks and herds. The
+second tribe inhabit the mountains, or, more properly speaking,
+dwell in the caverns of the mountains, being thieves and robbers by
+profession, and subsist entirely by plundering the other Hottentots,
+with whom they are perpetually at war; yet never rob or molest the
+Christians. The other tribes are called the _Great_ and _Little
+Maqua_, and the _Great_ and _Little Kriqua_[2], and the _Caffres_.
+The words _Maqua_ and _Kriqua_ signify king or chief, and these four
+tribes are continually engaged in war against each other; but when
+any one nation is in danger of being totally ruined, other tribes
+immediately take up its cause; and these rude tribes seem to have a
+notion of maintaining a kind of balance of power.
+
+[Footnote 2: These tribes are known in geography by the names of
+Namaquas and Briquas, the latter being also called Booshuanas. The
+second tribe in this account are named Bosjemans by the Dutch.--E.]
+
+Such of the Hottentots as have submitted to the Hollanders are called
+the Company's Hottentots. The Dutch send every year fifty or sixty
+persons to trade among the Hottentots, who purchase their cattle,
+giving them in exchange arrack, tobacco, hemp, and such other things
+as they have occasion for; by which means a good understanding is kept
+up. These Hottentots of the Company are often attacked by the other
+tribes, and, when no longer able to defend themselves, their king
+or chief comes down to the Cape, attended by a small escort of his
+subjects, to demand assistance. He goes immediately to the governor,
+having in his hand the staff of command given him by the Company,
+decorated with their arms, and holding it in his hand, demands
+assistance. If the governor does not think proper to grant his
+request, but endeavours to shift him off with fair words, he throws
+down his staff saying, in bad Dutch, _Voor my, niet meer Compagnies
+Hottentot_; that is, "For me, I will no more be the Company's
+Hottentot." The governor generally sends him home with an escort of
+troops, as it is the interest of the company to be on good terms with
+these chiefs, who are always ready to do any service required of them.
+
+The Hottentots are a very stupid and brutal people. They rub their
+bodies all over with rancid grease, which gives them a very bad smell,
+so that you may nose them at a considerable distance. Their children
+are all born perfectly white; but being constantly rubbed with grease,
+and exposed to the sun, they grow by degrees quite brown, and almost
+black. When a woman brings forth twins, one of them is immediately
+condemned to death, and is tied to a tree, where it is left to expire.
+Some of them have a custom of extirpating one testicle in their male
+children, as soon as they are able to bear the operation, in hope of
+preventing them afterwards from begetting twins. They seem to have
+little or no religion; yet they frequently look with admiration at the
+heavenly bodies, saying, "He who governs these is certainly a being of
+infinite power and wisdom." In many respects they are more like beasts
+than men, being abominably nasty in their persons, and, taking them
+altogether, they are certainly one of the meanest nations on the face
+of the earth. They are short and thick-set, with flat noses like a
+Dutch pug dog, very thick lips, and large mouths, having very white
+teeth, but very long and ill set, some of them sticking out of their
+mouths like boar's tusks. Their hair is black, and curled like
+wool. They are very nimble, and run with incredible speed. They are
+generally covered with a sheep's skin, each man having a quiver full
+of arrows on his back, and a bow in his hand. Immediately on coming in
+sight of an enemy, they set up a dreadful cry, leaping, dancing,
+and skipping about, and throwing themselves into the most frightful
+postures.
+
+The seventh nation is named the _Caffres_, who are certainly the
+_Anthropophagi_ who have made so much noise in the world[3]. The
+Hottentots are much afraid of them, and take care to keep out of their
+way as much as possible, for fear of being roasted or boiled if taken
+prisoners. This abominable nation has never entered into any kind
+of commerce with the Christians; but, on the contrary, takes all the
+pains they can to entrap and murder them, in order, as is generally
+believed, to eat them. It is reported that they have grown somewhat
+more tractable of late years, and will enter into some sort of trade
+with such as venture among them. They are a potent and warlike nation,
+strong and well-made; and though black, and having curled hair
+like other negroes, they have better faces, and a much more manly
+appearance.
+
+[Footnote 3: A very different account is now given of the Caffres,
+or Koussis rather, who are described as a half-civilized race, who
+cultivate the ground, and live under regular government.--E.]
+
+At the distance of about eighteen leagues from the Cape, there is
+another port called Saldanha Bay, which is, in all respects, an
+infinitely better harbour than Table Bay, except in wanting fresh
+water, which prevents it from being frequented. The animals of this
+country are many. The lion is common here, and in hard winters often
+comes very near the habitations of the colonists. He is reputed the
+king of beasts, because he never eats a man till he has beaten out his
+breath with his paws. Before attacking a man he roars terribly, and
+shakes his mane; and if he does not give these signals of rage, there
+is no danger in passing him. Tigers and leopards are also very common,
+and do a vast deal of mischief; and it is probable these animals would
+be much more numerous, were it not for a race of wild dogs, which hunt
+in packs, and are so bold that they often weary out and worry a lion.
+They often destroy tigers, leopards, and wolves, and it is said that
+they will allow a man to take their prey from them when they have
+killed it. Travellers are never afraid when they fall in with these
+wild dogs, but rather rejoice, because they are sure that no ferocious
+animal is in the neighbourhood. There are many elephants in this
+country, and of as great size, as any in the world, being often from
+twelve to fifteen feet high or better, their teeth weighing from sixty
+to an hundred and twenty pounds. The rhinoceros is also often met
+with. This animal is rather less than the elephant, but stronger. His
+skin is prodigiously thick, and so hard that scarcely any weapon can
+pierce it. His snout is like that of a hog, on which grows a solid
+horn, ten or twelve inches long, which is much valued, because
+esteemed an excellent medicine in convulsions.
+
+There are two animals peculiar to this country, which therefore
+deserve notice. One is a species of wild ass, which resembles the
+common ass in nothing but the length of its ears. It is as large as
+an ordinary horse, and is the most beautiful animal in the world. His
+hair is very soft, and from the ridge of the back descends in coloured
+streaks to the belly, forming so many circles. It is a brisk and
+lively creature, which runs more swiftly than any horse. It is very
+difficult to take alive, and when taken cannot be tamed; yet sells
+at a prodigious price, and is thought a fit present for a sovereign
+prince, from its rarity and exquisite beauty[4]. The other creature,
+found in no other country, is called by the Dutch the _Stinkbungsen_,
+or Stinking-Badger. This is of the size of an ordinary dog, but is
+shaped like a ferret. When pursued by man or beast, it retreats but
+slowly, and when its enemy draws near, discharges backwards a so
+intolerably fetid wind, that dogs tear up the ground and hide their
+noses in it, to avoid the smell. When killed, it stinks so abominably
+that there is no approaching the carcass, which is therefore left to
+consume where it falls.
+
+[Footnote 4: This is a very imperfect account of the Zebra, which
+exactly resembles the ass, except in colour, and is by no means
+larger. One died lately in Edinburgh, after being exhibited as a show,
+which was as quiet and gentle as any lady's donkey.--E.]
+
+It is impossible to describe all the creatures that are seen in the
+vast forests of Africa, as the inhabitants see new animals every year
+that are utterly unknown to them. They allege that, in the middle of
+summer, when the wild animals are almost raging mad with thirst, they
+resort in vast multitudes to the rivers named Salt, Elephants, and
+St John's rivers, where the males and females of different species
+intermixing, produce strange beasts that seem to be new species. The
+Hottentots in the service of the Company frequently carry the skins of
+these monsters to the governor; and our author assures us that he
+saw one of the following description, that had been killed not long
+before. It was about the size of a calf of six months old, and seemed
+to have had four eyes. The head resembled that of a lion, but the hair
+was quite smooth, and of a dark grey colour. It had tusks like a boar.
+The fore-feet resembled those of that creature; but the hind-feet were
+like those of a tiger.
+
+The birds of this country are in a manner infinite in numbers and
+sorts; and though they have not been observed often to intermingle
+species, yet hybrids are sometimes remarked among them. The largest
+and strongest birds are to be found in Africa, among which is the
+ostrich, the largest of all, being commonly seven feet high. The beak
+is short and pointed, but the neck is very long. The feathers of the
+male are white and black only, while those of the female are mixed
+white, black, and grey. Those of the former are most esteemed, as
+their large feathers are better spread, and their down much softer.
+This bird is prodigiously swift of foot, and is hunted down by hounds.
+Their wings do not serve them to fly, but assist them in running,
+especially when they have the wind with them. The common opinion of
+their being able to digest iron is totally false. They swallow pieces
+of iron indeed, but then it is only to bruise the food in their
+gizzards, just as other birds swallow stones for the same purpose.
+They are also said to leave their eggs uncovered on the sand, and to
+take no care of their young. But those of the Cape country hide their
+eggs in the sand, and are so tender of their young, that, though
+naturally timorous, if one of them is missing, they become quite
+furious, so that it is not safe to go near them. There are abundance
+of eagles of all sorts at the Cape, which are very bold, and
+frequently do a great deal of mischief. They are not very large, yet
+are incredibly strong, so that they often kill and devour cattle when
+returning home from work, when they come in great flocks. of fifty or
+an hundred at once, single out a beast as it feeds among the flock,
+and falling upon it all at once, kill and devour it.
+
+Some years before our author was at the Cape, there was seen on Table
+Mountain a bird as large in the body as a horse, having grey and black
+plumage. His beak and talons were like those of an eagle, but of a
+most dreadful size. He sat and hovered about that mountain for a long
+time, and the people were persuaded it was a griffin. It frequently
+carried off sheep and calves, and at length began to destroy the cows,
+on which orders were given to destroy it, and it was accordingly shot,
+its skin stuffed, and sent home as a curiosity to the Company. No such
+bird, has been seen since, and the oldest people of the colony do not
+remember to have heard of any such before.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: This was probably a stray Condor, and its size an
+ordinary exaggeration, in the passage of the story, like that of _the
+three black crows_.--E.]
+
+Africa has been long famous for serpents, and there are such vast
+numbers of them in the neighbourhood of the Cape, that many of them
+have no names. Most of them are extremely venomous, and the colonists
+would suffer much more than they do from them, were it not that they
+have a specific remedy for their bites, not known in Europe. This
+remedy is the _serpent-stone_, allowed to be factitious, and is
+brought from India, where they are made by the bramins who have the
+secret of composing them, which they so carefully conceal, that no
+Europeans have hitherto been able to discover how they are made. The
+serpent-stone is about the size of a bean, white in the middle, but of
+a fine sky-blue on the outside. When a person is bitten by a serpent,
+this stone is applied to the wound, to which it soon sticks fast of
+itself, without the aid of any bandage or plaister. The part bitten
+begins immediately to swell and becomes inflamed. The stone also
+swells till it becomes full of the venom, and then drops off. It is
+then put into warm milk, where it soon purges itself from the venom,
+and resumes its natural colour, after which it is again applied to the
+wound, where it sticks as before, till a second time full, and so on
+till all the venom is extracted and the cure perfected.
+
+All the mountains of this vast country are full of minerals and
+crystal, with many things of great value, if they could be got at;
+but the natives are so fearful of being made slaves in the mines, that
+they take all imaginable pains to conceal them. There is particularly
+a mountain, about 500 leagues from the Cape, called _Copper-mountain_,
+which is supposed to contain great quantities of metals. Large
+quantities of copper have been found here, which is said to contain a
+mixture of gold. Some Europeans endeavoured to follow the natives, who
+were suspected of going to that mountain to gather gold, but were all
+massacred. The Company is so tender of the colonists, and so unwilling
+to risk a revolt, that they have even neglected a gold-mine much
+nearer the Cape, the marcasites of which gave great hopes of its
+containing abundance of gold. Perhaps the Company may have another
+reason for acting in this manner, lest, if a gold-mine was discovered
+at the Cape, it might tempt the French or English to undertake
+something to their prejudice. Under its present management, the Dutch
+colony at the Cape is a general advantage to other nations, as well
+as to the Dutch. A few years ago a cavern was discovered in a mountain
+very near Cape-Town, in which the Hottentots find the venom in which
+they dip their poisoned arrows. There have likewise been found about
+twenty leagues from the Cape, some hot springs impregnated with steel,
+which have been found to cure many diseases, by using as a bath.
+
+Considerable improvements may certainly be made on this colony, for
+the advantage both of the inhabitants and the company, which latter
+make no great gains by this establishment besides the convenience it
+affords in giving refreshments to their ships going to and returning
+from India. The Company would be glad of any means that might
+increase the value of the settlement, consistent with their maxims of
+government, and with that indulgence they find it necessary to shew
+the Hottentots, who are perhaps more tenacious of their liberty than
+any people on earth, and the most desperate in resenting any attempts
+to its prejudice.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Holland, with some Account of St
+Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the Acores_.
+
+Towards the end of March, 1723, the ship being revictualled, they
+sailed from Table-bay with a brisk wind at S.E. the fleet homewards
+bound consisting of twenty-three sail, mostly belonging to the Dutch
+East India Company. In about three weeks they reached the island of
+_St Helena_, which is in the latitude of 16° 15' S. [lat. 16° S. long.
+5° 30' W.] This island is about seven leagues in circumference, and
+is entirely composed of rocky hills, which may be seen in a clear day
+from the distance of forty leagues. It is surprising to see so small
+an island in the midst of the ocean, at so great a distance from any
+other land, being 550 leagues from the Cape, 500 leagues from Brazil,
+and 350 from Augusta, which is the nearest land[1]; yet the sea is all
+around so very deep, that there is hardly an anchorage to be found.
+This island was first discovered by the Portuguese, on which occasion
+one of their large Indian carracks was wrecked, from the remains of
+which they built a chapel, long since decayed, but which still gives
+name to the finest valley in the island. They planted lemons, oranges,
+and pomegranates all over the island, and left here hogs and goats,
+together with partridges, pigeons, and peacocks, for the convenience
+of ships touching here. At one time a hermit chose to live here,
+killing the goats for the sake of their skins, which he sold to
+ships that stopped here; but the Portuguese removed him, as they did
+afterwards some negro slaves who had settled in the mountains. It is
+now possessed by the English, who have so good a fort that it is not
+likely any other nation should be able to drive them out. The vallies
+are exceedingly beautiful and fertile, and in these the weather is
+sometimes exceedingly hot; but as it is always cool on the mountains,
+the inhabitants can never be in want of a place of refreshment. It is
+admirably watered, having many rivulets running from the tops of the
+hills into the sea, the water of these being as clear as crystal. The
+island produces abundance of mustard, parsley, sorrel, cresses, and
+other herbs, excellent against the scurvy. It has also abundance of
+trees fit for fuel, but none that can serve as timber. All sorts of
+refreshments are to be had in plenty.
+
+[Footnote 1: Caleo Negro, in lat. 16° 20' S. on the coast of Africa,
+is the nearest part of the continent, and is probably what is referred
+to in the text under the name of Augusta.--E.]
+
+They sailed from hence for the island of _Ascension_, which lies in
+lat 8° N. and long. 14° 20' W. about 200 leagues N.W. from St Helena.
+This is much of the same size, but the shore is excessively rocky, and
+the whole island absolutely barren, having neither trees nor grass,
+and the entire surface seems as it were rent asunder, whence some
+have conceived, and not without great show of reason, that it had been
+formerly a volcano, or burning mountain. In the middle of the island
+there is a high hill, on one side of which water has been found. At
+one season of the year, the whole surface of the island is covered
+with sea-fowl. What chiefly induces ships to put into the only harbour
+of the island, is the great plenty of excellent turtle to be found
+here. When these animals come on shore in the night to lay their eggs,
+the sailors turn them over on their backs till they have leisure to
+carry them on board. These creatures will live above a month without
+any kind of sustenance, having only a little salt water sprinkled
+over them three or four times a-day. The sailors never weary of eating
+them, believing that they make a perfect change of their juices,
+freeing them entirely from the scurvy and other diseases of the blood.
+
+As this island is a very miserable place to live in, it is common to
+leave malefactors here when they do not incline to put them to death.
+This was done not long before our author passed this way, to a Dutch
+book-keeper, who was convicted of sodomy; though perhaps this may
+be considered as a worse punishment even than death, considering the
+miseries that must be endured in the hottest climate of the world, on
+a place that does not afford even the slightest shelter. After leaving
+this island, they began to approach the line, which they crossed
+without feeling any excessive heat, as the sun was then towards the
+north, and they had the benefit of pretty fresh gales, which moderated
+the heat extremely. They now also began to see the north-star at
+night, which they had not done for a year and a half and it is
+impossible to express how much the seamen were rejoiced at this
+circumstance.
+
+Coming into the latitude of 18° N. we found that part of the sea which
+is generally so covered with grass that it looks at a distance like a
+meadow. This grass has a yellowish cast, being hollow within, and on
+being pressed it yields a clammy viscous juice. In some years none
+of this grass appears, while in other years it is found in prodigious
+quantities. Some imagine that it comes from the bottom of the sea, as
+divers report that the bottom is in many places covered with grass and
+flowers. Others conceive that it comes from the coast of Africa: But
+our author disapproves both of these opinions, because, if it came
+from the bottom, there is no reason why the same appearance should not
+be found elsewhere; whereas, if it came from the coast of Africa, it
+ought to be found in other situations, especially near that coast. His
+opinion, therefore, is, that it comes from the coast of America, and
+particularly from the Gulf of Bahama, or Mexico, where it is known
+to grow in great abundance, and where, when it comes to maturity, it
+breaks off; and is carried away by the currents.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2. In the old Portuguese maps and voyages, this part of
+the Atlantic is called _Mar de Sargasso_, or the _Sea of Cresses_;
+Sargasso signifying water-cresses, which these weeds which spread over
+the sea nearly resemble.--Harris.]
+
+Nothing is more difficult than to account for the motion and course
+of currents in the ocean, which, in some places, run for six months
+in one direction, and six in another, while in other places they run
+always one way. There are instances also where they run one way for
+a day or two after full moon, and then run strongly in the opposite
+direction till next full moon. Seamen also observe, that in places
+where the trade-winds blow, the currents are generally influenced by
+them, moving the same way with the winds, but not with equal force
+in all places; neither are they so discernible in the wide ocean,
+but chiefly about islands, where their effects are more or less felt
+according as they are influenced by being more or less in the way
+of the trade-winds. It would be of great service to navigation if
+sensible men would take notice of these currents, and enquire into the
+reason of their appearances. In old books of voyages we find many more
+wonders than in those of later date, not because the course of nature
+is at all changed, but because nature was not then so well understood.
+A thousand things were prodigious a century ago, which are not now at
+all strange. Thus the storms at the Cape of Good Hope, which make so
+great a figure in the histories of the Portuguese discoveries, are now
+known to have been merely the effect of endeavouring to double that
+Cape at a wrong season of the year.
+
+In the East and West Indies, the natives are able to foretell
+hurricanes and tornadoes, not from any superior skill, but by
+observing certain signs which usually precede them. There is often so
+little apparent connection between the sign and the event, that men
+who value themselves on their wisdom are apt to slight such warnings
+as impertinent and absurd. But they had better enquire diligently into
+facts, and neither receive nor reject them too hastily. In the present
+case, it is a clear matter of fact that the sea, in the latitude of
+18° N. between Africa and America, is frequently covered with weeds
+to a great extent, and there is good reason for enquiry as to whence
+these weeds come. In the first voyage made by the famous Columbus for
+the discovery of the new world, he met with this grass or sea-weed
+floating on the sea, without which he could not have prevailed on his
+sailors to continue the voyage; and it is very remarkable, that, by
+pursuing his course through these weeds, he arrived in the Gulf of
+Bahama, the place whence our present author supposes this sea-grass to
+come.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: In his first voyage, Columbus kept the parallel of
+about 37° N. but was considerably farther south in his subsequent
+voyage.--E.]
+
+Continuing their course to the north, they encountered hard gales of
+wind, by which they were driven into lat. 37° N. where they fell in
+with two islands, which proved to be _Flores_ and _Corres_;[4] and as
+their fresh provisions were now nearly spent, they stopped three days
+at the larger island to procure refreshments. There are two of the
+islands named _Açores_ by the Spaniards, which signifies the _islands
+of hawks_. The Dutch call them _Vlanneische eslanders_, or _Flemish
+islands_, because Fayal was first peopled by Flemings, and their
+descendants remain in the island to this day, and are easily
+distinguished from the other inhabitants by their shape and air. They
+dwell upon a little river running down a mountain, called _Ribera dos
+Flamenas_ by the Portuguese, or river of the Flemings.
+
+[Footnote 4: Flores is in lat. 39° 10', Corvo in 39° 35', both N.]
+
+The nine islands of the Açores, or Wester Islands, are Tercera, San
+Michael, Santa Maria, St George, Gratiosa, Pico, Fayal, Corvo, and
+Flores. Tercera is the chief island, being fifteen or sixteen leagues
+in circumference, and so high and steep in many places that it is
+almost impregnable, and they have built forts in such places as are
+accessible. The only port is before the capital, named _Angra_, and
+as it is in the form of a half-moon, it is called the _Half-Moon of
+Angra_. At each horn of this half-moon there is a mountain, which are
+called the Brazils, which project out into the sea, appearing from a
+distance as if two islands; and these mountains are so high that one
+may see at any time ten or twelve leagues off, and fifteen in clear
+weather. Angra has a fine cathedral, and is the residence of a bishop,
+and of a governor and council, whose authority extends over all the
+nine islands. There is another town three leagues from Angra, called
+Praya, or the town of the shore, situated on a shore which cannot be
+approached by ships, so that it has no trade, and the town seems a
+kind of desert, though well built and walled round.
+
+The inhabitants raise sufficient provisions on the island for
+all their wants, being pleasant and fertile, and all covered with
+corn-fields; and so abounds with flesh, fish, and all sorts of
+victuals, that even in times of the greatest scarcity, there is enough
+for all the inhabitants. It produces wine also, but very small, and
+does not keep well, wherefore the richer people provide themselves
+from Madeira and the Canaries. They want oil, salt, lime, and potters
+ware, which they have to import from other countries. They have
+abundance of peaches, apples, pears, oranges, and lemons, with all
+sorts of vegetables and garden stuffs, and among these a plant
+called _batatas_, which grows like a vine stock, but the leaves are
+different. These produce roots, weighing a pound more or less, and
+are so plentiful that they are despised by the rich, though of a sweet
+pleasant taste and very nourishing. There is another root in this
+country as large as a man's two fists, covered over with filaments of
+a golden yellow colour, and as smooth as silk. The inhabitants
+stuff beds with this, instead of feathers, but skilful workmen could
+certainly manufacture it into fine stuffs.
+
+There are but few birds, except canaries, quails, ordinary poultry,
+and turkies, which are numerous. Several parts of this island are very
+hilly, and full of thick and almost impervious woods; and travelling
+is rendered very difficult, as you often find rocks a league in
+length, so rugged and sharp that they cut the shoes at every step;
+yet these rocks are so full of vines that they are not to be seen
+in summer, being covered over by the vine leaves. These vines spread
+their roots among the crannies and crevices of the rocks, which are
+so small and devoid of soil, that it is wonderful how they should find
+any nourishment; yet if planted in the good soil of the country, the
+vines will not grow. The corn and fruits of this island will not keep
+above a year; and unless the corn is buried under ground, it spoils in
+four months. On this account, every inhabitant has a pit without the
+town, the mouth of which is round, just large enough to admit a man,
+which is covered by a flat stone and secured by a lock. Some of these
+pits are so large as to contain two or three lasts of corn, the last
+containing 108 bushels Amsterdam measure, and each bushel weighing
+forty pounds or more. They put their corn into these pits in July,
+and cover the stone with earth to exclude the air, and take it out at
+Christmas, or considerably later, finding it then as good as when put
+in. The oxen in Tercera are the largest and finest that can be, equal
+to any in Europe, and have prodigiously wide horns. Every one has his
+name, like our dogs, and they are so familiar, that when the master
+calls one of them by his name, though among a thousand others, he will
+presently come to him.
+
+One would think the ground of this island were hollow, as the rocks
+sound like vaults when walked on; and indeed the thing is not at all
+improbable, as the island is much subject to earthquakes. In many
+places of the island of San Michael there are holes and cracks, out of
+which there comes a great smoke, and the ground seems as if burnt all
+around. This is not uncommon also in all the islands, as they all have
+sulphur mountains. There are also fountains of water so hot as to boil
+eggs. Three leagues from Angra there is a petrifying spring, which
+changes wood into stone; and there was formerly a tree having some of
+its roots in that water, which were stony and as hard as flint. This
+island produces excellent timber, especially cedar, which is so common
+that their carts and waggons are made of it, and it is even used as
+fuel. The island of _Pico_, twelve leagues from Tercera, has a sort of
+wood called _teixo_, as hard as iron, and of a shining red colour when
+wrought. It becomes always better and finer as it grows older; for
+which reason no person is allowed to cut any of these trees, unless
+for the king's use, and by virtue of a special order from the royal
+officers. The chief trade of Tercera consists in _woad_, of which they
+have great quantities. The fleets of Spain and Portugal, bound for the
+East Indies, Brazil, Cape Verd, Guinea, and other countries, usually
+come here for refreshments, to the great profit of this and the other
+islands, the inhabitants selling to them their various articles at
+good prices.
+
+The island of _San Michael_ is seven or eight leagues S.E. of Tercera,
+and is about twenty leagues in length, having several towns and
+villages. The capital of this island is _Ponta del Guda_, which drives
+a considerable trade in _woad_, sent to Tercera, producing about
+200,000 quintals[5] every year. This island also produces such
+abundance of corn, that it is transported to the other islands; but it
+has no harbours or rivers to give shelter to ships.
+
+[Footnote 5: This is perhaps an error for 2000, as the larger quantity
+would amount to 10,000 tons.--E.]
+
+_Santa Maria_, twelve leagues S. of San Michael, is ten or twelve
+leagues in circumference, its only trade being in earthen ware, with
+which the inhabitants supply the other islands. It also produces
+plenty of all manner of provisions for its own inhabitants. The island
+of _Gratiosa_, seven or eight leagues N.N.W. of Tercera, is only about
+five or six leagues in circumference, but abounds in provisions of all
+sorts. _St George_, eight or nine leagues N.W. of Tercera, is
+twelve leagues in length by two or three in breadth. This is a wild
+mountainous country, producing very little woad. The inhabitants
+subsist by cultivating the ground and keeping cattle, and export
+considerable quantities of cedar to Tercera. _Fayal_, seven German
+leagues S.S.W. of St George, is seventeen or eighteen leagues in
+circumference, and is the best of the Açores, after Tercera and San
+Michael. This island has plenty of woad, with abundance of fish,
+cattle, and other commodities, which are exported to Tercera and the
+other islands. Its chief town is called _Villa Dorta_. Most of the
+inhabitants of this island are descended from Flemings, but now speak
+the Portuguese language; yet they continue to love the Flemings, and
+use all strangers kindly.
+
+Three leagues S.E. of Fayal is the island of _Pico_, so called from
+a peaked mountain, which some believe to be higher than the Peak of
+Teneriffe. The inhabitants cultivate the soil, and have plenty of
+cattle and other provisions, growing also better wine than in any
+other island of the Açores. This island is about fifteen leagues in
+circumference. Seventy leagues W.N.W. from Tercera is the island of
+_Flores_, and to the N. of it lies _Corvo_, the former about seven,
+and the latter not above two or three leagues in circumference.
+They both produce woad, especially Flores, which also abounds in
+provisions. The winds at all these islands are so strong, and the air
+so piercing, especially at Tercera, that they in a short time spoil
+and consume the stones of the houses, and even iron.[6] They have a
+kind of stone, however, that is found within high-water mark, which
+resists the air better than the other sorts, and of which the fronts
+of their houses are generally built.
+
+[Footnote 6: This effect on the iron is obviously occasioned by
+the muriatic acid in the sea spray; and were it not that the author
+expressly says they have no lime, one would be apt to believe that the
+stones so affected were limestone. There are, however, some cilicious
+sand-stones, in which the grit, or particles of sand, are cemented
+together by a calcareous infiltration, which may be the case in these
+islands.--E.]
+
+Leaving the Açores, and getting into Spanish sea, or mouth of the bay
+of Biscay, the weather proved so bad that the _Advice-ship_ lost
+her rudder, which obliged her to go through the Channel in order to
+purchase a new one on the coast of England. The French, Danish, and
+other ships, generally go that way; but the Dutch ships generally go
+round Ireland and north about, from an idea, if they should happen
+to meet with stormy weather in the channel, so as to be obliged to go
+into an English port, that this might occasion several inconveniences.
+Such ships, however, as have sustained any damage at sea, are
+permitted to take their way through the channel. The rest of the Dutch
+fleet followed the north-about course; and after three weeks, during
+which they were involved in perpetual mists and fogs, they had sight
+at length of the Orkney islands, where some Dutch ships were still
+engaged in the herring fishery. In the latitude of 60° N. they met
+some ships of war that waited for them, and convoyed them to the
+coast of Holland, where all the ships got into their destined ports
+in safety. Those on board of which were our author, and the other
+prisoners, came into the Texel on the 11th of July, 1723; and arrived
+five days afterwards at Amsterdam, the very same day two years after
+sailing on their voyage.
+
+The West-Company immediately commenced a law-suit against the
+East-India Company, in behalf of themselves and all the persons
+engaged in their service in the foregoing voyage, to obtain
+satisfaction for the injury and injustice done them at Batavia. After
+a long litigation, the States-General decreed, that the East-India
+Company should furnish the West-India Company with two new ships,
+completely fitted for sea in every respect, better than those which
+had been confiscated by their officers in India, and should pay the
+full value of their cargoes. Also, that the East-India Company should
+pay the wages of the crews of both ships, up to the day of their
+landing in Holland: Together with the entire costs of suit; besides
+a considerable sum by way of fine, as a punishment for having abused
+their authority so egregiously.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Harris has given a report of this law-suit at some
+length, but it did not seem necessary to give any more than the
+result, as quite uninteresting at the present day.--E.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE ANSON, IN THE YEARS
+1740-1744.[1]
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+Though of considerable length, the importance of this narrative
+forbids all attempts to alter it in any respect; except that it has
+been necessary to leave out the explanations of several engraved
+views of coasts and harbours, inserted in the original, but which were
+greatly too large for admission, and would have been rendered totally
+useless by being reduced to any convenient use for the octavo form
+of this collection. Indeed, to have introduced all the engravings of
+plans and views, necessary for the illustration of this and many other
+voyages and travels, would have been utterly incompatible with the
+nature and circumstances of this work; as nothing less than a complete
+Atlas and entire Neptune of the whole globe could have sufficed,
+attended by an enormous expence, and at the same time inadmissible
+into octavo volumes. It has therefore been indispensably requisite,
+on all occasions, to confine our illustrations of that kind to a
+few reduced charts, merely sufficient to convey general notions of
+geographical circumstances, and occasionally sketch plans of harbours,
+straits, islands, and capes, explanatory of particular and important
+places. Such of our readers, therefore, as require more complete
+illustrations of geography, topography, and hydrography, must have
+recourse to Atlasses, Neptunes, and coasting pilots.
+
+[Footnote 1: Voyage, &c. by George Anson, Esq. afterwards Lord
+Anson; compiled from his papers and materials by Richard Walter, M.A.
+chaplain of H.M.S. Centurion in that expedition--_fifteenth edition_,
+4to, Lond. 1776.]
+
+This narrative was originally published under the name of Richard
+Walter, chaplain to H.M.S. Centurion in the expedition, dedicated by
+him to John Duke of Bedford, and said to have been compiled by that
+gentleman from papers and materials furnished for the purpose by
+Commodore Anson.
+
+As the object of this expedition was of an extensive political nature,
+intended to humble the power of Spain, in her most valuable yet most
+vulnerable possessions, by injuring and intercepting the great source
+of her public treasure, it has been thought proper, on the present
+occasion, to give a transcript of the reflections made upon the
+policy and expedience of this important voyage, very soon after
+its completion, by Dr John Harris, by way of _Introduction_ to his
+abridged account of this circumnavigation, in his Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, vol. i. p. 337.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"It is a thing that has been generally taken for granted, ever since
+Spain has been possessed of her American dominions, and has made use
+of the riches derived from these to disturb the peace and invade the
+liberties of her neighbours, that the best way to reduce her strength,
+and to prevent the bad effects of her evil intentions, would be to
+attack her in the South Seas. This was pursued with great diligence,
+and in some measure with success, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, [as
+has been already shewn in the circumnavigatory voyages of Drake
+and Candish, almost solely devoted to that object.] In that of her
+successor, when a new quarrel broke out with that crown, in the year
+1624, the first thing thought of by our patriots, who were equally
+willing to humble the king's enemies and to save the money of the
+nation, was an expedition to the South Seas, to be carried on at
+the expence of, and for the benefit of the people; which scheme was
+entitled _The West-India Association_.
+
+"It may be thought I look a great way back when I offer to the view
+of the reader the reasons which were then suggested in parliament in
+support of that scheme. But whoever considers that it is not only the
+most effectual, but the safest method, to instruct the present age
+from the sentiments of the last, will readily enter into the reasons
+which induce me, upon this occasion, to produce the speech of an
+eminent patriot, in which the nature and scope of that _Association_,
+as well as the motives on which it is grounded, are very fully and
+pathetically set forth; and this in such terms, as, if the reader were
+not told that this was a speech to Sir Dudley Diggs, then chairman
+of a committee of the whole house, by Sir Benjamin Rudyard, he might
+mistake it for a speech made only a few years since, so agreeable is
+it, in language and sentiments, even to our present occasions.
+
+"Sir,--I do profess that as my affections, my reason, and my judgement
+go strongly with the scope and drift of this proposition, so shall
+good part of my fortune when it comes to execution. For, to my
+understanding, there was never propounded in parliament a design more
+proper for this kingdom, nor more pregnant with advantages to it,
+whether we consider the nature of our situation or the quality of our
+enemy's forces. As we are an island, it concerns our very being to
+have store of ships to defend us, and also our well-being by their
+trade to enrich us. This Association for the West Indies, when it
+shall be regulated and established by act of parliament, and thereby
+secured from the violence and injury of any intruding hand, will
+certainly give many men encouragement and confidence voluntarily
+to bring in large and liberal contributions towards so noble and so
+profitable an enterprize; so that, in short, we shall see many new
+ships built, many brave men employed, and enabled to act for the
+service of their country. None of this money shall be carried out of
+the kingdom, but laid out in shipping, which is the defence of it, and
+bestowed upon our own men, who must be fed and maintained though they
+stay at home. For this, we shall reap the fruit of whatsoever benefit
+plantation, traffic, or purchase can procure us, besides honour and
+security.
+
+"Now, let us a little consider the enemy we have to encounter, the
+king of Spain. They are not his great territories which make him so
+powerful and so troublesome to all Christendom. For it is very well
+known that Spain itself is but weak in men, and barren of natural
+commodities, and as for his other territories, they lie divided and
+asunder, which is a weakness in itself. Besides, they are held
+by force, and maintained at an extraordinary charge; insomuch, as
+although he be a great king, yet he is like that giant who was said
+to have an hundred hands, but had fifty bellies to feed, so that,
+rateably, he had no more hands than another man. No, sir, they are
+his mines in the West Indies which minister fuel to feed his ambitious
+desire of universal monarchy. It is the money he hath from thence
+which makes him able to levy and pay soldiers in all places, and to
+keep an army on foot ready to invade and endanger his neighbours, so
+that we have no other way but to endeavour to cut him off at the root,
+and seek to impeach or to supplant him in the West Indies; by part
+of which course that famous queen, of glorious memory, had heretofore
+almost brought him to his knees. And this our undertaking, if it
+pleases God to bless it, most needs affect it sooner and quicker, the
+whole body of the kingdom being united, and concurring in a perpetual
+supply to this action, so that he shall have no free time given him to
+rest.
+
+"Moreover, this will be a means not only to save, but to fill his
+majesty's coffers, enabling the people to give him liberally and
+often. The king's ships will have little to do but to guard the
+coasts; for the sea-war will be chiefly made at the charge of the
+subjects. This I doubt not but that, in a short time, both king and
+people shall be safe at home, and feared abroad. To conclude, I shall
+be very glad to hear any man make objection against this design, so
+that he do so with an intention to refine and perfect the work; but
+if any shall speak against it with a mind to hinder and destroy it, I
+must entreat him to pardon me, if I do scarce think him to be a good
+Englishman.
+
+"That project of the West India Association had the same fate with
+most other bold and honest projects in that reign, which was, after
+being talked of a little, it sunk into oblivion. Our next difference
+with Spain was under the protectorate of Cromwell, who encouraged
+Father Gage to publish his account of the Spanish West Indies, which
+formed the foundation of his attempt upon Hispaniola, and conquest of
+Jamaica; but I do not know of any design formed by him to attack the
+Spaniards in the South Seas. After the Restoration we were upon good
+terms with Spain, as certainly was our interest. Yet Charles II. did
+not absolutely neglect this navigation, but sent Sir John Marborough,
+one of the best seamen this nation ever bred, in the Sweepstakes, in
+the latter end of the year 1669, by way of the Straits of Magellan,
+into the South Seas. To say the truth, our privateers, under the
+command of Captains Sharpe, Davis, Swan, &c. were continually in these
+seas, during all that reign and the next; so that, in those days, our
+seamen were no strangers to any of the passages into the South Seas;
+and, as the reader may have already observed, from the voyage of
+Captain Cowley, it was then no unusual thing for the traders of London
+to fit out ships for these parts, but whether with a view to traffic
+or privateering, is a point not easy to determine at this distance of
+time. But whatever the purpose they were sent upon, thither they went,
+and no complaints were ever heard of with respect to extraordinary
+hardships in the voyage, which is sufficient to shew how much
+depends upon keeping all branches of navigation open, in order to
+be constantly in a condition to secure and extend our trade, and to
+preserve our reputation as a maritime power.
+
+"After the Revolution, several proposals were made in relation to the
+establishment of a commerce in the South Sea, which were received with
+approbation; and it is certain that king William gave instructions to
+Admiral Benbow, when he went out last to the West Indies, to enquire
+how far any of these projects were feasible. After the breaking out of
+the last general war, all the world expected that the first thing the
+maritime powers would have done, would have been sending a squadron
+to these seas, either for the service of the prince whom they owned as
+king of Spain, or for their own advantage. The people of this nation,
+in particular, were so desirous of seeing the war carried on this way,
+and on this side, that, to give them hopes, and to shew, at the same
+time, that the legislature approved their sentiments, a bill was
+brought in and passed, in the House of Lords, for the better carrying
+on the war in the West Indies, which was lost, however, by a kind
+of ministerial craft, in the House of Commons; and soon after, for
+reasons which have never yet been explained to the public, all designs
+of this nature were laid aside. The only expedition of this nature,
+during the whole war, was that of the Duke and Duchess, under the
+command of Captain Woods Rogers, already related, which was fitted out
+at the expence of some private merchants of Bristol. On the change of
+ministry, a prodigious clamour was raised on this head, and all of a
+sudden a resolution was taken to secure all the advantages that could
+be wished for to this nation from the trade of the South Seas, which
+ended, however, only in erecting a company under that title.
+The nation very soon became sensible that this would not do, and
+therefore, as soon as our disputes with the king of Spain came to
+a height, in the reign of the late king, George I. a design was
+immediately set on foot for sending privateers once more into that
+part of the world, which ended in the expedition of Captain Shelvocke
+and Captain Clipperton, already related at large.
+
+"By this short deduction of facts, I think it is demonstrably proved,
+that, in the judgement of this nation, the most probable way of
+humbling Spain, in case of a war, is to send a squadron into the South
+Seas, and I will venture to say, that there is one reason why this
+is now become more expedient than ever, which is, that we are now no
+longer at liberty to send ships thither in time of peace, as we were
+before the South Sea Company was erected. It is not therefore at all
+strange, that as soon as the present war broke out with Spain, the
+general voice of the nation dictated such an expedition, or that, when
+they saw it resolved on, and a squadron actually equipped for that
+service, they very loudly testified their approbation of the scheme.
+I believe also, my readers will readily give credit to the assertion,
+when I affirm, that, during the time this squadron lay at Portsmouth,
+there was a more general expectation of its performing things of the
+highest consequence for the service of Great Britain, and reducing the
+enemy to reason.
+
+"It was in the midst of summer, in the year 1740, that this squadron
+was formed at Portsmouth, at the same time that a great embarkation
+was preparing for the West Indies, by which the siege of Carthagena
+was afterwards undertaken, which turned the eyes of the whole world
+upon that sea-port. At London, every person spoke of the intended
+expedition to the South Seas as a design that must necessarily be
+attended with highly advantageous consequences, if properly conducted;
+and of this there was not made the least doubt, when it was known that
+Captain Anson was named to the command, because he had shewn himself
+upon all occasions equally vigilant in his duty, and moderate in the
+exercise of power, more ready to correct by his own example than by
+any other sort of reproof, and who, in the course of his services,
+had acquired the respect of the officers, and the love of the sailors;
+qualities that rarely meet in one person, and qualities which, without
+the least contradiction, were ascribed to him.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The sequel of these observations, by Harris, are
+extracted from his supplementary reflections at the close of the
+expedition, vol. 1, p. 364, _et sequ._ In these, however, we have used
+much retrenchment, as the observations that may have been exceedingly
+applicable in 1745, when Spain was in a great manner identified with
+France, have now lost much of their force, in consequence of the
+passing events, well known to all, but which do not admit of being
+discussed in a note.--E.]
+
+"Though this expedition was not attended by so great success in the
+South Seas as was expected, yet the nation in general was far from
+believing that its comparative failure ought to deter us from
+the thoughts of such expeditions for the future, since it plainly
+appeared, that, if the whole squadron had got round along with
+the commodore into the South Seas, he would have been able to have
+performed much greater things than any of our commanders had hitherto
+done in these parts. Neither is it at all clear that the Spaniards
+are there in a better condition, their coasts better fortified,
+their garrisons more numerous, or the country in any respect better
+provided, than when our privateers had formerly so great success
+in those parts. The sacking of Payta in this expedition proves the
+contrary, since it was then actually in a worse condition, and less
+capable of making any resistance, than when formerly taken by Captain
+Shelvocke. If this expedition had never taken place, we might have
+been told that it was impracticable, that the Spaniards were grown
+wiser, that all their ports were well fortified, and any attempt of
+this kind would be only to sacrifice the lives of such as might be
+employed in the expedition. But we now know the contrary, and that the
+Spaniards remained as unguarded, and as little apprehensive as ever;
+perhaps even the fate of this expedition may have made them less
+so, insomuch, that were a new project of the same kind to be put in
+execution, either at public or private expence, there seems next to a
+moral certainty that it would succeed. Another expedition might,
+and probably would be attended by fewer difficulties; at least, it
+certainly might be undertaken at much less expence; and, besides
+all the advantages resulting to such private persons as became
+proprietors, this inestimable advantage would accrue to the public,
+that we should once more have a number of able marines, well
+acquainted with the navigation of the South Seas, which we never can
+have by any other means.
+
+"I would not be understood at all to lessen the miseries and
+distresses of these who were employed in this voyage; and all I would
+endeavour to aim at is to convince the reader that the difficulties
+and discouragements met with in this voyage are not sufficient to
+ground a decisive opinion by the few in opposition to the sentiments
+of the many, that all attempts on this side ought to be abandoned. And
+I really think that the setting the difficulties and discouragements
+encountered by the Centurion in the strongest light, will serve my
+purpose much better than lessening or extenuating them. For, if after
+being ruined in a manner by storms, diseases, and hardships, they
+landed rather skeletons than men, on the island of Juan Fernandez; if,
+after their long cruize in the South Seas, their distresses came to be
+as great when they took shelter in the island of Tinian; if the lying
+at Macao was attended with many inconveniences; if the taking of the
+Spanish galleon be a thing almost incredible, considering the small
+number of men, and the condition they were in, who attacked her in the
+Centurion; if the difficulties they afterwards met with in the river
+of Canton, and the hazards run by the commodore in visiting the
+viceroy, and thereby putting himself into the hands of such a people
+as the Chinese, who could not but be displeased with his proceedings,
+are circumstances which aggravate the matter: If so perilous a
+navigation as that from Canton, through the Straits of Sunda, and
+thence to the Cape of Good Hope, with little or no refreshment, with
+a crew that wanted it so much, is still more amazing; and if the
+bringing the ship home from thence, with a crew composed of so many
+different nations, in the midst of a French war, and without the least
+assistance from home, swell the whole into a kind of miracle, what
+does all this prove? Since all this, under God, was entirely owing to
+the prudence, moderation, and wise conduct of the commanding officer,
+it certainly proves, if a right choice be made of commanders, that
+there are no difficulties which may not be overcome, and therefore
+that the adverse circumstances attending this voyage ought not at all
+to discourage us.
+
+"For, with the help of the example afforded by Commodore Anson, I
+presume that there are many officers who would undertake and execute
+such an expedition, to the honour of their country, and to the
+advantage of their employers, supposing them to be employed by private
+persons. This is the right use that might be made of this expedition:
+an expedition difficult, dangerous, and in a manner impracticable,
+considered in one light, but equally glorious and successful
+when considered in another point of view; An expedition that has
+demonstrated to the whole world that a train of unforeseen and most
+disastrous accidents may be remedied, and even turned to advantage, by
+an honest, skilful, brave, experienced, and well-meaning officer; An
+expedition which shews that there are no hazards, no difficulties, no
+distresses capable of depressing the courage of English seamen under
+a proper commander; an expedition which makes it evident that
+discontent, sedition, and mutiny, do not arise from the restless
+tempers, intractable dispositions, and unruly behaviour of the English
+sailors, but purely from the want of prudence, and right management,
+and, in short, from the want of experience and capacity of such as
+are entrusted with the command of them; an expedition, in a word, that
+puts it beyond all doubt that the British nation is, at this day,
+as capable of undertaking as great things, and of performing them as
+successfully, as ever were done by their ancestors; and, consequently,
+an expedition that must convince not only us, but all Europe, that
+if our maritime force be not employed in undertakings of the most
+important nature, it is not owing to the degeneracy or our seamen, nor
+to be imputed to our want of able or daring commanders, which is not
+my business, and which indeed surpasses my abilities, to discover.
+
+"We are now to close this general subject of circumnavigations, which
+relates to the whole world. It is true, that all the circumnavigators
+did not propose, and that several of them did not make, any
+discoveries; yet all their voyages are of great, though not of equal
+importance, down to this last. For, by comparing that by Magellan,
+which was the first, with this by Mr Anson, we shall find them to
+differ in many respects, especially in the conclusion; that by Mr
+Anson being by far the longer of the two. Some of them, also, took
+quite a different route from others. As, for instance, Le Maire and
+Roggewein, who never ran at all into the northern latitudes, but
+sailed directly through the South Seas to the coast of New Guinea, and
+thence to the island of Java; which is a much shorter course than
+by way of California to the Philippines. From hence it very clearly
+appears, that the passage to the East Indies by the South Seas is
+shorter than that by the Cape of Good Hope;[3] of which the reader
+will be convinced by considering the following particulars. Captain
+Woods Rogers, in the Duke, sailed From the coast of Ireland and
+doubled Cape Horn in four months; and Le Maire sailed from Juan
+Fernandez to New Guinea and the Moluccas in three months; so that this
+voyage takes up but seven months in the whole; whereas the Dutch, when
+the chief emporium of their eastern commerce was fixed at Amboina,
+thought it a good passage thither from Holland, if performed in ten or
+eleven months.[4] It is from these stupendous voyages, that not only
+the greatest discoveries have been made in general geography, but
+from which all future discoveries must be expected; and therefore
+this ought to be considered as one of the strongest arguments for
+encouraging such voyages.[5]--_Harris._
+
+[Footnote 3: It is not easy to conceive how Harris should have fallen
+into this enormous error. To say nothing of the greater length and
+difficulty of passing round Cape Horn, rather than the Cape of Good
+Hope, the difference in longitudes is sufficient to establish the
+absolute contrary of the position in the text. The longitude, for
+instance, of the island of Ceylon, by the eastern passage, is only
+80° E. whereas by the western passage it is 280 W. an excess of 200
+degrees. Even Canton in China, is only in 113° E. but in 247° W. an
+excess of 134 degrees.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: To say nothing of the absurdity of the partial instances
+adduced, it may be mentioned that, only a few years ago, an English
+East Indiaman performed the voyage from England to Madras, delivered
+his outward-bound cargo, took on board a new cargo, and returned to
+England, all within nine months.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The remaining observations of Harris, supplementary
+to his abbreviated account of this expedition, have no manner of
+connection with the subject in hand, and are therefore omitted.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+George Anson, the commodore on this expedition, was born in 1697,
+being the third son of William Anson, Esq. of Shuckborough, in the
+county of Stafford. Taking an early inclination for the naval service,
+and after passing through the usual inferior steps, he was appointed
+second lieutenant of the Hampshire in 1716. He was raised to the rank
+of master and commander in 1722, and obtained the rank of post captain
+in 1724, with the command of the Scarborough man-of-war. Between that
+time and the year 1733, he made three voyages to North Carolina; and
+having acquired considerable wealth, he appears to have purchased an
+estate in that colony, where he erected a small town of his own name,
+which gave the name of Anson County to the surrounding district. In
+the years 1738 and 1739, he made another voyage to America and the
+coast of Africa; and, without proceeding to hostilities, removed
+certain obstructions under which the English trade on the coast of
+Guinea had suffered from the French.
+
+In the _War of the Merchants_, as it was called by Sir Robert Walpole,
+which broke out in 1739 between Britain and Spain, Captain Anson was
+appointed to the command of the expedition, the narrative of which
+forms the subject of the present chapter. Immediately after his
+return to England from this circumnavigation, Captain Anson was
+made rear-admiral of the blue, and shortly afterwards, one of the
+commissaries of the Admiralty. In 1746 he was farther promoted to the
+rank of Vice-admiral; and in the winter of 1746-7, was entrusted with
+the command of the channel fleet. In May 1747, off Cape Finisterre,
+he captured six French ships of the line under the command of Admiral
+Jonquiere, which had been dispatched for the protection of the
+merchant ships destined for the East and West Indies. On this
+occasion, when Mons. St George, one of the French captains,
+surrendered his sword to Admiral Anson, he addressed him in the
+following terms: _Vous avez vaincu L'Invincible, et La Gloire vous
+suit._--"You have defeated the Invincible, and Glory follows you:"
+alluding to two of the French ships, the Invincible and the Gloire,
+which had surrendered to him.
+
+For this important service to his king and country, he was created a
+peer of the realm, by the title of LORD ANSON; and, in 1749, on the
+death of Admiral Norris, he was appointed Vice-admiral of England. In
+1751, he succeeded to Lord Sandwich, as first Lord Commissioner of the
+Admiralty; but, incurring censure for the loss of Minorca, he resigned
+this situation in 1756. But, having been acquitted of all blame
+relative to that disgraceful affair, after a parliamentary enquiry, he
+was reinstated in that high office, which he continued to fill, with
+honour to himself and advantage to his country, during the remainder
+of his life. While attending upon the Duke of Mecklenburgh Strelitz,
+brother to our present queen, to shew him the naval arsenal at
+Portsmouth, and the fleet which was then about to sail on the
+expedition against the Havannah, he caught a violent cold, of which he
+died, at Moor-Park in Hertfordshire, on the 6th of June 1762, in the
+sixty-fifth year of his age. Having no issue by his lady, the daughter
+of Lord Hardwicke, whom he married in 1748, he left the whole of his
+property to his brother.
+
+Lord Anson appears to have been remarkable for the coolness and
+equanimity of his temper. Amid all the dangers and successes of his
+circumnavigation of the globe, he never expressed any strong emotion,
+either of sorrow or joy, except when the Centurion hove in sight of
+Tinian. He was a man of few words, and was even reckoned particularly
+silent among English seamen, who have never been distinguished for
+their loquacity. He introduced a rigid discipline into the English
+navy, somewhat resembling that of the Prussian army; and revived
+that bold and close method of fighting, within pistol-shot, which had
+formerly been so successfully employed by Blake and Shovel, and which
+has fostered that daring courage and irresistible intrepidity in our
+British seamen, which anticipate and secure success to the most daring
+and hazardous enterprizes.
+
+In some reflexions, towards the conclusion of Betagh's
+circumnavigation, Harris,[6] a former editor of a collection of
+voyages and travels, breaks forth in the following laudatory strain:--
+
+"Happy, happy, for us, that we have still a SEAMAN left, who has shewn
+that the race of heroes is not yet extinct among us, in ADMIRAL ANSON,
+that great and fortunate commander; who enjoys the singular felicity,
+in an age of sloth, luxury, and corruption, that his _ease_ is the
+result of his _labour_, his _title_ the reward of his _merit_, and
+that his _wealth_ does _honour_ to his country."
+
+[Footnote 6: Harris, Voy. and Trav. I. 253.]
+
+How much more happy is it for us in the present day, somewhat more
+than half a century later, and while every energy is required to the
+utmost stretch, that we still have a race of transcendent heroes, who
+have annihilated the navy and trade and colonies or our arch enemy,
+have vindicated and preserved our glory and freedom and prosperity,
+and bid fair to restore the honour and independence of the civilized
+world, threatened with subversion by the modern Atilla--Ed.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+Notwithstanding the great improvement of navigation within the last
+two centuries, a voyage round the world is still considered as an
+enterprize of so very singular a nature, that the public have never
+failed to be extremely inquisitive about the various accidents
+and turns of fortune with which this uncommon attempt is generally
+attended. And, though the amusement expected in these narratives is
+doubtless one great source of that curiosity with the bulk of readers,
+yet the more intelligent part of mankind have always agreed, that,
+from accounts of this nature, if faithfully executed, the more
+important purposes of navigation, commerce, and national interest, may
+be greatly promoted. For every authentic description of foreign coasts
+and countries will contribute to one or more of these great ends, in
+proportion to the wealth, wants, or commodities of these countries,
+and our ignorance of these coasts; and therefore, a voyage round
+the world promises a species of information, of all others, the most
+desirable and interesting; since great part of it is performed in seas
+with which we are, as yet, but very imperfectly acquainted, and in the
+neighbourhood of a country renowned for the abundance of its wealth;
+though it is, at the same time, stigmatized for its poverty in the
+necessaries and conveniences of a civilized life.
+
+These considerations have occasioned the compiling the ensuing work;
+which, in gratifying the inquisitive disposition of mankind, and
+contributing to the safety and success of future navigators, and to
+the extension of our commerce, may doubtless vie with any narration of
+this kind hitherto made public; since, as to the first of these heads,
+it may well be supposed that the general curiosity hath been strongly
+excited, by the circumstances of this undertaking already known to the
+world; for, whether we consider the force of the squadron sent on
+this service, or the diversified distresses that each single ship was
+separately involved in, or the uncommon instances of varying fortune
+which attended the whole enterprize; each of these articles must,
+I conceive, from its well-known rude outlines, appear worthy of a
+completer and more finished delineation: And, if this be allowed with
+respect to the narrative part of the work, there can be no doubt about
+the more useful and instructive parts, which are almost every where
+interwoven with it; for I can venture to affirm, without fear of being
+contradicted, on a comparison, that no voyage, hitherto published,
+furnishes such a number of views of land, soundings, draughts of
+ports, charts, and other materials, for the improvement of geography
+and navigation, as are contained in the ensuing volume; which are the
+more valuable too, as the greatest part of them relate to such islands
+or coasts as have been hitherto not at all, or erroneously described;
+and where the want of sufficient and authentic information might
+occasion future enterprizes to prove abortive, perhaps with the
+destruction of the ships and men employed therein.
+
+Besides the number and choice of these marine drawings and
+descriptions, there is another very essential circumstance belonging
+to them, which much enhances their worth; and that is the great
+accuracy with which they were executed. I shall express my opinion of
+them, in this particular, very imperfectly, when I say that they are
+not exceeded, and perhaps not equalled, by any thing of this nature
+that hath, as yet, been communicated to the world: For they were not
+copied from the works of others, or composed at home from imperfect
+accounts given by incurious and unskilful observers, a practice
+too frequent in these matters; but the greatest part of them were
+delineated on the spot, with the utmost exactness, by the direction
+and under the eye of Mr Anson himself; and where, as is the case in
+three or four of them, they have been done by less skilful hands, or
+were found in possession of the enemy, and consequently their justness
+could be less relied on, I have always taken care to apprize the
+reader of it, and to put him on his guard against giving entire credit
+to them; although I doubt not but these less authentic draughts, thus
+cautiously inserted, are to the full as correct as those which are
+usually published upon these occasions. For, as actual surveys of
+roads and harbours, and nice and critical delineations of views of
+land, take up much time and attention, and require a good degree
+of skill, both in planning and drawing, those who are defective
+in industry and ability supply these wants by bold conjectures and
+fictitious descriptions; and, as they can be no otherwise confuted
+than by going on the spot, and running the risk of suffering by their
+misinformation, they have no apprehension of being detected; and
+therefore, when they intrude their supposititious productions on the
+public, they make no conscience of boasting, at the same time, with
+how much skill and care they have been executed. But let not those who
+are unacquainted with naval affairs imagine, that the impositions of
+this kind are of an innocent nature; for, as exact views of land are
+the surest guides to a seaman, on a coast where he has never been
+before, all fictions, in so interesting a matter, must be attended
+with numerous dangers, and sometimes with the destruction of those who
+are thus unhappily deceived.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: It must be quite obvious to all who are in the least
+degree acquainted with the nature of these draughts and views of land,
+in the nature of a coasting pilot, that it is utterly impossible to
+reduce them within the compass of an octavo size, and at the same
+time to render them of the smallest degree of usefulness; while large
+plates must have been necessary, and speedily destroyed by opening and
+refolding.--E.]
+
+Besides these draughts of such places as Mr Anson, or the ships which
+he commanded, have touched at in the course of this expedition, and
+the descriptions and directions relating thereto, there is inserted,
+in the ensuing work, an ample account, with a chart annexed to it, of
+a particular navigation, of which hitherto little more than the name
+has been known, except to those immediately employed in it: I mean
+the tract described by the Manilla ship, in her passage to Acapulco,
+through the northern part of the Pacific-ocean. This material article
+is collected from the draughts and journals met with on board the
+Manilla galleon, founded on the experience of more than an hundred and
+fifty years practice, and corroborated in its principal circumstances
+by the concurrent evidence of all the Spanish prisoners taken in that
+vessel. And as many of their journals; which I have examined, appear
+to have been not ill kept, I presume the chart of that northern ocean,
+and the particulars of their routes through it, may be very safely
+relied on by future navigators. The advantages which may be drawn from
+an exact knowledge of this navigation, and the beneficial projects
+which may be formed thereon, both in war and peace, are by no means
+proper to be discussed in this place; but they will easily offer
+themselves to the skilful in maritime affairs. However, as the Manilla
+ships are the only ones which have ever traversed this vast ocean,
+except a French straggler or two, which have been afterwards seized on
+the coast of Mexico; and as, during near two ages, in which this trade
+has been carried on, the Spaniards have secreted with the utmost
+care all accounts of their voyages from the rest of the world; these
+reasons would alone authorize the insertion of those papers, and would
+recommend them to the inquisitive, as a very great improvement in
+geography, and worthy of attention, from the singularity of many
+circumstances therein recited.
+
+I must add what, in my opinion, is far from being the least
+recommendation of these materials, that the observations of the
+variations of the compass, which are laid down in the chart from these
+Spanish journals, tend greatly to complete the general system of
+the magnetic variation, of infinite importance to the commercial and
+sea-faring part of mankind. These observations were, though in vain,
+often publicly called for by our learned countryman, the late Dr
+Halley, and to his immortal reputation they confirm, as far as they
+extend, the wonderful hypothesis he had entertained on this head,
+and very nearly correspond, in their quantity, to the predictions he
+published about fifty years since, long before he was acquainted with
+any one observation made in those seas. The ascertaining the
+variation in that part of the world is just now of more than
+ordinary consequence, as the editors of a new variation chart, lately
+published, for want of proper information, have been misled by
+an erroneous analogy, and have even mistaken the very species of
+variation in that of the northern ocean; for they make it westerly
+where it is easterly, and have laid it down 12° or 13° different from
+its real quantity.
+
+This much it has been thought necessary to premise, with regard to the
+hydrographical and geographical part of the ensuing work; which, it
+is hoped, the reader will find, on perusal, much ampler and more
+important than this slight sketch can well explain. But, as there
+are hereafter interspersed, occasionally, some accounts of Spanish
+transactions, and many observations relative to the dispositions
+of the American Spaniards, and to the condition of the countries
+bordering on the South Seas; and as herein I may appear to differ
+greatly from the opinions generally established; I think it behoves me
+particularly to recite the authorities I have been guided by in these
+matters, that I may not be censured as having given way, either to a
+thoughtless credulity on the one hand, or, what would be a much more
+criminal imputation, to a wilful and deliberate misrepresentation on
+the other.
+
+Mr Anson, before he set sail upon this expedition, besides the printed
+journals to these parts, took care to furnish himself with the best
+manuscript accounts he could procure of all the Spanish settlements
+upon the coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico. These he carefully
+compared with the examinations of his prisoners, and the informations
+of several intelligent persons who fell into his hands in the South
+Seas. He had likewise the good fortune, in some of his captures, to
+possess himself of a great number of letters and papers of a public
+nature, many of them written by the viceroy of Peru to the viceroy
+of Santa Fee, to the presidents of Panama and Chili, to Don Blass
+de Lezo, admiral of the galleons, and to divers other persons in
+considerable employments; and in these letters there was usually
+inserted a recital of those they were intended to answer, so that they
+contained no small part of the correspondence between these officers,
+for some time previous to our arrival on the coast. We took, besides,
+many letters, sent from persons entrusted by the Spanish government,
+to their friends and correspondents, which were frequently filled with
+narrations of public business, and sometimes contained undisguised
+animadversions on the views and conduct of their superiors. From these
+materials those accounts of the Spanish affairs ore drawn, which may
+appear, at first sight, the most exceptionable. In particular, the
+history of the various casualties which befel Pizarro's squadron is,
+for the most part, composed from intercepted letters; though, indeed,
+the relation of the insurrection of Orellana and his followers is
+founded on rather a less disputable authority; for it was taken from
+the mouths of an English gentleman then on board Pizarro, who often
+conversed with Pizarro; and it was, upon enquiry, confirmed in its
+principal circumstances by others who were in the ship at the same
+time: so that the fact, however extraordinary, is, I conceive, not to
+be contested.
+
+And, on this occasion, I cannot but mention, that, though I have
+endeavoured with my utmost care to adhere strictly to truth, in every
+article of the ensuing narration, yet I am apprehensive that, in so
+complicated a work, some oversights must have been committed, by the
+inattention to which, at all times, all mankind are liable. However, I
+am conscious, as yet, of none but literal and insignificant mistakes;
+and if there are others more considerable, which have escaped me, I
+flatter myself they are not of moment enough to affect any material
+transaction; and therefore I hope they may justly claim the reader's
+indulgence.
+
+After this general account of the ensuing work, it might be expected
+perhaps, that I should proceed to the work itself; but I cannot finish
+this introduction without adding a few reflections on a matter very
+nearly connected with the present subject, and, as I conceive, neither
+destitute of utility nor unworthy the attention of the public: I
+mean the animating my countrymen, both in their public and private
+stations, to the encouragement of all kinds of geographical and
+nautical observations, and of every species of mechanical and
+commercial information. It is by a settled attachment to these
+seemingly minute particulars, that our ambitious neighbours have
+established some part of that power with which we are now struggling:
+and as we have the means in our hands of pursuing these subjects more
+effectually than they can, it would be a dishonour to us longer to
+neglect so easy and beneficial a practice. For, as we have a navy much
+more numerous than theirs, great part of which is always employed in
+very distant stations, either in the protection of our colonies and
+commerce, or in assisting our allies against the common enemy, this
+gives us frequent opportunities of furnishing ourselves with such kind
+of materials as are here recommended, and such as might turn greatly
+to our advantage either in war or peace; since, not to mention what
+might be expected from the officers of the navy, if their application
+to these subjects was properly encouraged, it would create no new
+expence to the government to establish a particular regulation for
+this purpose; as all that would be requisite would be constantly to
+embark, in some of our men of war which are sent on those distant
+cruizes, a person who, with the character of an engineer, and the
+skill and talents necessary to that profession, should be employed in
+drawing such coasts, and planning such harbours, as the ship should
+touch at, and in making such other observations, of all kinds, as
+might either prove of advantage to future navigators, or might any
+ways tend to promote the public service. Persons habituated to these
+operations, which could not fail at the same time of improving them in
+their proper business, would be extremely useful in many other lights
+besides those already mentioned, and might tend to secure our fleets
+from those disgraces with which their attempts against places on
+shore have been often attended. And, in a nation like ours, where
+all sciences are more eagerly and universally pursued, and better
+understood, than in any other part of the world, proper subjects for
+these employments cannot long be wanting, if due encouragement were
+given to them.
+
+This method, here recommended, is known to have been frequently
+practised by the French, particularly in the instance of Mons.
+Frezier, an engineer, who has published a celebrated voyage to the
+South Seas: for this person was purposely sent by the French king, in
+the year 1711, into that country, on board a merchant ship, that
+he might examine and describe the coast, and take plans of all the
+fortified places; the better to enable the French to prosecute their
+illicit trade, or, on a rupture between them and the court of Spain,
+to form their enterprizes in those seas with more readiness and
+certainty. Should we pursue this method, we might hope that the
+emulation amongst those who were commissioned for these undertakings,
+and the experience which, even in the most peaceable intervals, they
+would thereby acquire, might at length procure us a proper number
+of able engineers, and might efface the national scandal which our
+deficiency in that species of men has sometimes exposed us to: and
+surely every step to encourage and improve them is of greater moment
+to the public, as no persons, when they are properly instructed, make
+better returns in war for the distinctions and emoluments bestowed
+on them in times of peace: of which, the advantages the French have
+reaped from their dexterity, too numerous and recent to be soon
+forgot, are an ample confirmation.
+
+Having mentioned engineers, or such as are skilled in drawing and the
+other usual practices of that profession, as the properest persons
+to be employed in these foreign enquiries, I cannot but lament, as
+it offers itself so very naturally to the subject in hand, how very
+imperfect many of our accounts of distant countries are rendered by
+the relators being unskilled in drawing, and in the general principles
+of surveying, even where other abilities have not been wanting. Had
+more of our travellers been initiated in these acquirements, and had
+there been added thereto some little skill in the common astronomical
+observations, all which a person of ordinary talents might attain with
+a very moderate share of application, we should, by this time, have
+seen the geography of the globe much correcter than we now find it;
+the dangers of navigation would have been considerably lessened, and
+the manners, arts, and produce of foreign countries would have been
+better known to us than they are. Indeed, when I consider the strong
+incitements that all travellers have to pursue some part at least of
+these qualifications, especially drawing; when I consider how much
+it would facilitate their observations, assist and strengthen their
+memories, and of how tedious, and often unintelligible, a load of
+description it would rid them; I cannot but wonder that any person who
+intends to visit distant countries, with a view of informing either
+himself or others, should be wanting in so necessary a piece of skill.
+And, to enforce this argument still farther, I must add, that, besides
+the uses of drawing already mentioned, there is one which, though not
+so obvious, is yet perhaps of more consequence than all that has been
+hitherto urged; I mean the strength and distinguishing power it adds
+to some of our faculties. This appears from hence, that those who are
+used to draw objects observe them with more accuracy than others who
+are not habituated to that practice. For we may easily find, by a
+little experience, that when we view any object, however simple, our
+attention or memory is scarcely at any time so strong as to enable us,
+when we have turned our eyes away from it, to recollect exactly every
+part it consisted of, and to recall all the circular stances of its
+appearance; since, on examination, it will be discovered, that in some
+we were mistaken, and others we had totally overlooked. But he who is
+accustomed to draw what he sees, is, at the same time, accustomed to
+rectify this inattention; for, by confronting his ideas, copied on
+the paper, with the object he intends to represent, he finds out
+what circumstance has deceived him in its appearance; and hence he at
+length acquires the habit of observing much more at one view than he
+could ever have done without his practice and proficiency in drawing.
+
+If what has been said merits the attention of travellers of all sorts,
+it is, I think, more particularly applicable to the gentlemen of the
+navy, since, without drawing and planning, neither charts nor views of
+land can be taken; and without these it is sufficiently evident that
+navigation is at a full stand. It is doubtless from a persuasion of
+the utility of these qualifications, that his majesty has established
+a drawing-master at Portsmouth, for the instruction of those who are
+presumed to be hereafter entrusted with the command of his royal
+navy; and though some have been so far misled as to suppose that the
+perfection of sea officers consisted in a turn of mind and temper
+resembling the boisterous element they have to deal with, and have
+condemned all literature and science, as effeminate and derogatory
+to that ferocity, which, they would falsely persuade us, was the most
+unerring characteristic of courage, yet it is to be hoped that
+such absurdities have not at any time been authorized by the public
+opinion, and that the belief daily diminishes. If those who adhere
+to these mischievous positions were capable of being influenced by
+reason, or swayed by example, I should think it sufficient for their
+conviction to observe, that the most valuable drawings inserted in
+the following work, though done with such skill that even professed
+artists can with difficulty imitate them, were taken by Mr Piercy
+Bret, one of Mr Anson's lieutenants, and since captain of the Lion
+man-of-war, who, in his memorable engagement with the Elizabeth, [for
+the importance of the service, or the resolution with which it was
+conducted, inferior to none this age has seen,] has given ample proof
+that a proficiency in the arts I have been recommending, is extremely
+consistent with the most exemplary bravery, and the most distinguished
+skill in every function belonging to a sea officer.
+
+Indeed, when the many branches of science are considered, of which
+even the common practice of navigation is composed, and the many
+improvements which men of skill have added to this practice within
+these few years, it would induce one to believe that the advantages
+of reflection and speculative knowledge were in no profession more
+eminent than in that of a naval officer; for, not to mention some
+expertness in geography, geometry, and astronomy, which it would be
+dishonourable for him to be without, as his journal and his estimate
+of the daily position of the ship are founded on particular branches
+of these sciences, it may well be supposed, that the management and
+working of a ship, the discovery of her most eligible position in the
+water, usually called her trim, and the disposition of her sails in
+the most advantageous manner, are articles in which the knowledge
+of mechanics cannot but be greatly assistant. And, perhaps, the
+application of this kind of knowledge to naval subjects may produce
+as great improvements in sailing and working a ship, as it has already
+done in many other matters conducive to the ease and convenience of
+human life; since, when the fabric of a ship and the variety of her
+sails are considered, together with the artificial contrivances for
+adapting them to her different motions, as it cannot be doubted but
+these things have been brought about by more than ordinary sagacity
+and invention; so neither can it be doubted but that, in some
+conjunctures, a speculative and scientific turn of mind may find out
+the means of directing and disposing this complicated mechanism much
+more advantageously than can be done by mere habit, or by a servile
+copying of what others may have, perhaps erroneously, practised in
+similar emergencies. But it is time to finish this digression, and to
+leave the reader to the perusal of the ensuing work, which, with how
+little art soever it may be executed, will yet, from the importance
+of the subject, and the utility and excellence of the materials, merit
+some share of the public attention.
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the Incidents relating to it,
+from its first Appointment to its setting Sail from St Helens._
+
+The squadron under the command of Mr Anson, of which I here propose to
+recite the most material proceedings, having undergone many changes in
+its destination, its force, and its equipment, during the ten months
+between its original appointment and its final sailing from St Helens,
+I conceive the history of these alterations is a detail necessary to
+be made public, both for the honour of those who first planned and
+promoted this enterprize, and for the justification of those who have
+been entrusted with its execution; since it will from hence appear,
+that the accidents the expedition was afterwards exposed to, and which
+prevented it from producing all the national advantages the strength
+of the squadron and the expectation of the public seemed to presage,
+were principally owing to a series of interruptions, which delayed the
+commander in the course of his preparations, and which it exceeded his
+utmost industry either to avoid or get removed.
+
+When, in the latter end of the summer 1739, it was foreseen that a
+war with Spain was inevitable, it was the opinion of some considerable
+persons, then trusted with the administration of affairs, that the
+most prudent step the nation could take, on the breaking out of the
+war, was attacking that crown in her distant settlements; for by this
+means, as at that time there was the greatest probability of success,
+it was supposed that we should cut off the principal resources of the
+enemy, and should reduce them to the necessity of sincerely desiring
+a peace, as they would be deprived of the returns of that treasure by
+which alone they could be enabled to carry on a war.
+
+In pursuance of these sentiments, several projects were examined,
+and several resolutions were taken by the council. And, in all these
+deliberations, it was from the first determined, that George
+Anson, Esq. then captain of the Centurion, should be employed as
+commander-in-chief of an expedition of this kind: and, he at that time
+being absent on a cruize, a vessel was dispatched to his station so
+early as the beginning of September, to order him to return with his
+ship to Portsmouth. And soon after he came there, that is, on the
+10th November following, he received a letter from Sir Charles
+Wager, directing him to repair to London, and to attend the board of
+Admiralty; where, when he arrived, he was informed by Sir Charles,
+that two squadrons would be immediately fitted out for two secret
+expeditions, which, however, would have some connection with each
+other; and that he, Mr Anson, was intended to command one of them; and
+that Mr Cornwall, who hath since lost his life gloriously in defence
+of his country's honour, was to command the other; that the squadron
+under Mr Anson was to take on board three independent companies of an
+hundred men each, and Bland's regiment of foot; that Colonel Bland was
+likewise to embark with his regiment, and to command the land-forces;
+and that, as soon as this squadron could be fitted for sea, they were
+to sail, with express orders to touch at no place till they came to
+Java-Head in the East-Indies; that they were there only to stop to
+take in water, and thence to proceed directly to the city of Manilla
+in Luçonia, one of the Philippine islands; that the other squadron,
+of equal force with this commanded by Mr Anson, was intended to pass
+round Cape Horn into the South Seas, to range along that coast; and,
+after cruizing upon the enemy in those parts, and attempting their
+settlements, this squadron, in its return, was to rendezvous at
+Manilla, there to join the squadron under Mr Anson, where they were
+to refresh their men, and to refit their ships, and perhaps receive
+orders for other considerable enterprizes.
+
+This scheme was doubtless extremely well projected, and could not
+but have greatly advanced the public service, and the reputation
+and fortune of those concerned in its execution; for, had Mr Anson
+proceeded to Manilla at the time and in the manner proposed by Sir
+Charles Wager, he would in all probability have arrived there before
+they had received any advice of the war between us and Spain, and
+consequently before they had been in the least prepared for the
+reception of an enemy, or had any apprehensions of their danger. The
+city of Manilla might well be supposed to have been at that time in
+the same defenceless condition with all the other Spanish settlements,
+just at the breaking out of the war; that is, their fortifications
+neglected, and in many places decayed; their cannon dismounted, or
+rendered useless by the mouldering of their carriages; their magazines
+both of military stores and provisions, all empty; their garrisons
+unpaid, and consequently thin, ill affected, and dispirited; and the
+royal chests of Peru, whence alone all these disorders could receive
+redress, drained to the very bottom. This, from the intercepted
+letters of their viceroys and governors, is well known to have been
+the defenceless state of Panama, and the other places on the coast of
+the South Sea, for near a twelvemonth after our declaration of war.
+And it cannot be supposed that the city of Manilla, removed still
+farther by almost half the circumference of the globe, should have
+experienced from the Spanish government a greater share of attention
+for its security than Panama, and the other important ports in Peru
+and Chili, on which their possession of that immense empire depends.
+Indeed, it is now well known that Manilla was at that time incapable
+of making any considerable defence, and, in all probability, would
+have surrendered only on the appearance of our squadron before it. The
+consequence of this city, and the island it stands on, may, in some
+measure, be estimated from the known healthiness of its air,
+the excellence of its port and bay, the number and wealth of its
+inhabitants, and the very extensive and beneficial commerce it carries
+on to the principal ports in the East-Indies and China, and its
+exclusive trade to Acapulco; the returns for which alone, being made
+in silver, are, upon the lowest calculation, not less than three
+millions of dollars yearly.
+
+On this scheme Sir Charles Wager was so intent, that, on the 18th
+December, a few days only before this first conference, Mr Anson
+received an order to take under his command the Argyle, Severn, Pearl,
+Wager, and Tryal sloop; and other orders were issued to him, in
+the same month and in December, relating to the victualling of this
+squadron. But, on attending the Admiralty in the beginning of January,
+1740, Mr Anson was informed by Sir Charles Wager, that, for reasons
+with which he was not acquainted, the expedition to Manilla was laid
+aside. It may well be conceived that Mr Anson was extremely chagrined
+at losing the command of so infallible, so honourable, and in every
+respect so desirable an enterprize; especially as he had already, at
+a very great expence, made the necessary provision for his own
+accommodation in this voyage, which he had reason to expect would
+prove very long. However, to render this appointment more tolerable,
+Sir Charles Wager informed him that the expedition to the South Sea
+was still intended; and that he, Mr Anson, and his squadron, as their
+first destination was now countermanded, should be employed in that
+service. And, on the 10th January, 1740, he received his commission,
+appointing him Commander-in-chief of the before-mentioned squadron,
+the Argyle being in the course of preparation exchanged for the
+Gloucester, with which he sailed above eight months afterwards from St
+Helens. On this change of destination, the equipment of the squadron
+was still prosecuted with as much vigour as ever; and the victualling,
+and whatever depended on the commodore, was soon so far advanced, that
+he conceived the ships might be capable of putting to sea the
+instant he should receive his final orders, of which he was in daily
+expectation.
+
+At length, on the 28th June, 1740, the Duke of Newcastle, principal
+secretary of state, delivered to him his majesty's instructions, dated
+on the 31st of January preceding, with an additional instruction from
+the lords justices, dated 19th June. On the receipt of these, Mr Anson
+immediately repaired to Spithead, with a resolution to sail with the
+first fair wind, flattering himself that all his difficulties were now
+at an end: for though he knew by the muster that his squadron wanted
+three hundred men of their complement, a deficiency he had not, with
+all his assiduity, been able to get supplied, yet as Sir Charles Wager
+had informed him that an order from the board of Admiralty was sent to
+Sir John Norris to spare him the numbers which he wanted; he doubted
+not of its being complied with. But, on his arrival at Portsmouth, he
+found himself greatly mistaken and disappointed in this persuasion:
+for, on application, Sir John Norris told him he could spare him none,
+as he wanted men for his own fleet. This occasioned an inevitable
+and very considerable delay, and it was the end of July before this
+deficiency was by any means supplied, and all that was then done
+was extremely short of his necessities and expectation; for Admiral
+Balchen, who succeeded to the command at Spithead, after Sir John
+Norris had sailed to the westward, instead of three hundred sailors
+which Mr Anson wanted of his complement, ordered on board the squadron
+an hundred and seventy men only, of which thirty-two were from the
+hospital and sick-quarters, thirty-seven men from the Salisbury, with
+three officers and ninety-eight marines of Colonel Lowther's regiment;
+and these were all that were ever granted to make up the forementioned
+deficiency.
+
+But the commodore's mortification did not end here. It has been
+already observed, that it was at first intended that Colonel Bland's
+regiment, and three independent companies of an hundred men each,
+should embark as land-forces on board the squadron. But this
+disposition was now changed; and all the land-forces that were to
+be allowed were five hundred invalids, to be collected from the
+out-pensioners of Chelsea College. As these consisted of soldiers,
+who, from their age, wounds, and other circumstances, were incapable
+of serving in marching regiments, Mr Anson was much chagrined at
+having such a decrepid detachment allotted to him; for he was fully
+persuaded that the greatest part of them would perish long before they
+could arrive at the scene of action, since the delays he had already
+experienced necessarily confined his passage round Cape Horn to the
+most rigorous season of the year. Sir Charles Wager joined in opinion
+with the commodore, that invalids were by no means proper for this
+service, and strenuously solicited to have them, exchanged. But he was
+told, that persons who were considered better judges of soldiers than
+he or Mr Anson, thought them the properest men that could be employed
+on this occasion; and, upon this determination, they were ordered on
+board the squadron on the 5th of August. But, instead of five hundred,
+there came no more on board than two hundred and fifty-nine; for all
+those who had limbs and strength to walk out of Portsmouth deserted,
+leaving only those behind who were literally invalids, most of them
+being sixty years of age, and some upwards of seventy. Indeed, it
+is difficult to conceive a more moving scene than the embarkation of
+these unhappy veterans: they were themselves extremely averse from
+the service in which they were engaged, and fully apprized of all the
+disasters they were afterwards exposed to, the apprehensions of
+which were strongly marked by the concern which appeared in their
+countenances, which was mixed with no small degree of indignation to
+be thus hurried from their repose into a fatiguing employ, to which
+neither the strength of their bodies, nor the vigour of their minds,
+were any way proportioned; and in which, without seeing the face of an
+enemy, or in the least promoting the success of the enterprize, they
+would in all probability uselessly perish by lingering and painful
+diseases; and this, too, after they had spent the activity and
+strength of their youth in the service of their country.
+
+I cannot but observe, on this melancholy incident, how extremely
+unfortunate it was, both to this aged and diseased detachment, and
+to the expedition in which they were engaged, that, amongst all the
+out-pensioners of Chelsea College, which were supposed to amount to
+two thousand men, the most crazy and infirm only should be called out
+for so laborious and perilous an undertaking; for it was well known,
+however unfit invalids in general might be for this service, yet, by a
+prudent choice, there might have been found amongst them five hundred
+men who had some remains of vigour; and Mr Anson fully expected that
+the best of them would have been allotted to him; whereas the
+whole detachment sent seemed to be made up of the most decrepid and
+miserable objects that could be collected out of the whole body; and
+by the desertion already mentioned, even these were cleared of the
+little strength and health which were to be found among them, and he
+had to take up with such as were much fitter for an infirmary than for
+any military duty.
+
+It is here also necessary to mention another material particular in
+the equipment of this squadron. After it was determined that Mr Anson
+should be sent to the South Sea, it was proposed to Mr Anson to take
+with him two persons under the denomination of agent-victuallers.
+Those mentioned for this employment had been formerly in the Spanish
+American colonies, in the service of the South-Sea Company, and it
+was supposed, that, by their knowledge and intelligence on that coast,
+they might often procure provisions for the squadron by compact with
+the inhabitants, when they were not to be got by force of arms. These
+agent-victuallers were, for this purpose, to be allowed to carry
+to the value of fifteen thousand pounds in merchandize on board the
+squadron, as they represented that it would be much easier to procure
+provisions in exchange for goods, than for the value of the same goods
+in money. Whatever colours were given to this scheme, it was difficult
+to persuade the generality of mankind that it was not principally
+intended for the enrichment of the agents, by the beneficial commerce
+they proposed to carry on upon that coast. From the beginning, Mr
+Anson objected both to the appointment of agent-victuallers and to
+allowing them to carry a cargo on board the squadron; for he conceived
+that in those few amicable ports where the squadron might touch,
+he needed not their assistance to contract for any provisions these
+places afforded; and, when on the enemy's coast, he did not imagine
+they could ever procure him the necessaries he should want, unless
+the military operations of his squadron were to be regulated by the
+ridiculous views of their trading projects, with which he was resolved
+not to comply. All that he thought the government ought to have
+done, of this kind, was to put on board, to the value of two or three
+thousand pounds, of such goods only as were suitable for the Indians,
+or the Spanish planters on the less cultivated parts of the coast, as
+it was in such places only that he considered it might be worth
+while to truck with the enemy for provisions, and it was sufficiently
+evident that a very small cargo would suffice for such places.
+
+Although the commodore objected both to the appointment of these
+officers and to their project, of the ill success of which he had
+no question, yet, as they had insinuated that their scheme, besides
+victualling the squadron, might contribute to the settling a trade on
+that coast which might afterwards be carried on without difficulty,
+and might become of very considerable national advantage, they were
+much listened to by several considerable persons; and, of the fifteen
+thousand pounds, which was to be the amount of their cargo, the
+government agreed to advance them ten thousand pounds upon imprest,
+and the remaining five thousand they raised on bottomry bonds, and the
+goods purchased with this latter sum were all that were put on
+board the squadron, how much soever their amount might be afterwards
+magnified by common report. This cargo was shipped at first in the
+Wager store-ship, and one of the victuallers, no part of it being
+admitted on board the men-of-war; but, when the commodore was at St
+Catharine's, he considered, in case the squadron might be separated,
+that it might be pretended that some of the ships were disappointed of
+provisions for want of a cargo to truck with, wherefore he distributed
+some of the least bulky commodities on board the men-of-war, leaving
+the remainder principally on board the Wager, in which it was lost,
+and more of the goods perishing, by various accidents to be recited
+afterwards, and as no part of them being disposed of on the coast,
+the few that came home to England, when sold, did not produce above a
+fourth part of the original cost. So true was the commodore's judgment
+of the event of this project, which had been considered by many as
+infallibly productive of immense gain.
+
+We return to the transactions at Portsmouth. To supply the place
+of the two hundred and forty invalids who had deserted, there were
+ordered on board two hundred and ten marines, drafted from different
+regiments. These were raw and undisciplined men, just raised, and had
+scarcely any thing more of the soldier than their regimentals, none of
+them having been so far trained as to be permitted to fire. The last
+of these detachments came on board on the 8th August, and on the 10th
+the squadron dropped down from Spithead to St Helen's, there to wait
+for a wind to proceed on the expedition. The delays we had already
+suffered had not yet spent all their influence; for we were now
+advanced to that season of the year when the westerly winds are
+usually very prevalent and violent; and it was thought proper that
+we should put to sea in company with the fleet commanded by Admiral
+Balchen, and the expedition under Lord Cathcart. As we now made up
+in all twenty-one sail of men-of-war, and one hundred and twenty-four
+sail of merchant ships and transports, we had no hopes of getting out
+of the channel with so large a fleet, without the continuance of a
+fair wind for a considerable time, and this was what we had every day
+less and less reason to expect, as the time of the equinox drew near;
+wherefore our golden dreams and ideal possession of the Peruvian
+treasures grew every day more faint, and the difficulties and dangers
+of the passage round Cape Horn, in the winter season, filled our
+imaginations in their room. It was forty days from our arrival at St
+Helens to our final departure from that place; and even then, having
+orders to proceed without Lord Cathcart, we tided down the channel
+with a contrary wind. But this interval of forty days was not free
+from the displeasing fatigue of often setting sail, and being as often
+obliged to return, nor exempt from dangers greater than have been
+sometimes undergone in surrounding the globe. For the wind coming fair
+for the first time on the 23d August, we got under sail, and Admiral
+Balchen shewed himself truly solicitous to have proceeded to sea; but
+the wind soon returned to its old quarter, and obliged us to put
+back to St Helens, not without considerable hazard, and some damage
+received by two of the transports, which ran foul of each other when
+tacking. We made two or three other attempts to sail, but without any
+better success; and, on the 6th September, being returned to anchor
+at St Helens, after one of those fruitless attempts, the wind blew so
+fresh that the whole fleet had to strike yards and topmasts to prevent
+drifting: Yet, notwithstanding this precaution, the Centurion drove
+next evening, and brought both cables a-head, when we were in no small
+danger of getting foul of the Prince Frederick, a seventy-gun ship,
+which was moored only a small distance under our stern, but we happily
+escaped, in consequence of her drifting at the same time, by which she
+preserved her distance, yet we did not think ourselves safe till we at
+last let go our sheet anchor, which fortunately brought us up.
+
+We were in some measure relieved from this lingering and vexatious
+situation on the 9th September, by an order then received by
+Commodore Anson, from the lords justices, to put to sea on the first
+opportunity, with his own squadron only, if Lord Cathcart should not
+be ready. Being thus freed from the troublesome company of so large
+a fleet, our commodore resolved to weigh and tide it down channel,
+as soon as the weather should become sufficiently moderate, and this
+might easily have been done by our squadron full two months sooner,
+had the orders of the Admiralty for supplying us with seamen been
+punctually complied with, and had we met with none of those other
+delays mentioned in this narration. Even now, our hopes of a speedy
+departure were somewhat damped, by a subsequent order which Mr Anson
+received on the 12th September, by which he was required to take under
+his convoy the St Albans and the Turkey fleet, and to join the Dragon
+and the Winchester, with the Straits and American trade, at Torbay or
+Plymouth, and to proceed with them to sea as far as their way and
+ours lay together. This encumbrance of convoy gave us some uneasiness,
+fearing it might lengthen our passage to Madeira: However, having now
+the command to himself, Mr Anson resolved to tide down channel with
+the first moderate weather; and, that the junction of the convoy
+might occasion as little loss of time as possible, he immediately sent
+directions to Torbay that the fleet he was there to take charge of
+should be in readiness to join him instantly on his approach. And at
+last, on the 18th September, he weighed from St Helens, and, though
+the wind was at first contrary, had the good fortune to get clear of
+the channel in four days, as will be more particularly related in the
+ensuing section.
+
+Having thus gone through the respective steps taken in the equipment
+of this squadron, it must be sufficiently obvious how different an
+aspect the expedition bore at its first appointment in the beginning
+of January, from what it did in the latter end of September, when
+it left the channel, and how much its numbers, its strength, and the
+probability of its success were diminished by the various incidents
+which took place in that interval. For, instead of having all our old
+and ordinary seamen exchanged for such as were young and able,
+which the commodore was at first promised, and having our complement
+complete to its full number, we were obliged to retain our first
+crews, which were very indifferent; and a deficiency of three hundred
+men in our numbers was no otherwise made up than by sending on board
+an hundred and seventy men, the greatest part of whom were discharged
+from hospitals, or new-raised marines who had never been at sea
+before. In the land-forces allotted to us, the change was still more
+disadvantageous; as, instead of Bland's regiment of foot, which was
+an old one, and three independent companies of an hundred men each,
+we had only four hundred and seventy invalids and marines, one part of
+whom were incapable of action, by their age and infirmities, and the
+other part useless, by ignorance of their duty. But the diminution of
+the strength of the squadron was not the greatest inconveniency which
+attended these alterations; for the contests, representations, and
+difficulties which they continually produced, as we have seen above
+that the authority of the Admiralty in these cases was not always
+submitted to, occasioned a delay and waste of time, which, in its
+consequences, was the source of all the disasters to which the
+enterprize was afterwards exposed. For, owing to these circumstances,
+we were forced to make our passage round Cape Horn at the most
+tempestuous season of the year, whence proceeded the separation of our
+squadron, the loss of numbers of our men, and the imminent hazard of
+oar total destruction. By this delay also, the enemy had been so well
+informed of our designs, that a person who had been employed in the
+service of the South-Sea Company, and arrived from Panama three or
+four days before we left Portsmouth, was able to relate to Mr Anson
+most of the particulars of the destination and strength of our
+squadron, from what he had learnt from the Spaniards before he
+left them. This was afterwards confirmed by a more extraordinary
+circumstance; for we shall find, that when the Spaniards, fully
+satisfied of our expedition being intended for the South Seas, had
+fitted out a squadron before us, which had so far got the start as
+to arrive before us at the island of Madeira, the commander of this
+squadron was so well instructed in the form and make of Mr Anson's
+broad pendant, and had imitated it so exactly, that he thereby decoyed
+the Pearl, one of our squadron, within gun-shot of him, before the
+captain of the Pearl was able to discover the deception.
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_The Passage from St Helens to the Island of Madeira, with a short
+Account of that Island, and of our Stay there._
+
+As observed in the preceding section, the squadron weighed from
+St Helens with a contrary wind on the 18th of September, 1740, our
+commodore proposing to tide down the channel, as he less dreaded the
+inconveniences we might have thereby to struggle with, than the risk
+he should run of ruining the enterprize by an uncertain, and, in
+all probability, a tedious attendance for a fair wind. The squadron
+allotted for this expedition consisted of five men-of-war, a sloop of
+war, and two victuallers. These were, the Centurion of 60 guns, and
+400 men, George Anson, Esq. commander; the Gloucester, of 50 guns, and
+300 men, Richard Norris, commander; the Severn, of 50 guns, and 300
+men, the Honourable Edward Legg, commander; the Pearl, of 40 guns, and
+250 men, Matthew Mitchell, commander; the Wager, of 28 guns, and 160
+men, Dandy Kidd, commander; the Tryal sloop, of 8 guns, and 100 men,
+the Honourable John Murray, commander. The two victuallers were pinks,
+the largest of about four hundred tons burden; and these were to
+attend us till the provisions we had on board were so far consumed as
+to make room for the additional quantity they carried, which was then
+to be taken into our ships, and they were to be discharged. Besides
+the before-mentioned complements of men borne by the ships as their
+crews, there were embarked in our squadron about 470 invalids
+and marines, as particularly mentioned in last section, under
+the denomination of land-forces, which were commanded by
+Lieutenant-Colonel Cracherode.
+
+With this squadron, together with the St Albans and Lark, and the
+Turkey trade under their convoy, we tided down channel for the first
+forty-eight hours. In the morning of the 20th, we discovered the
+Dragon, Winchester, South-Sea Castle, and Rye, with a number of
+merchantmen under their convoy, waiting for us off the Ram-head. We
+joined there the same day about noon, the commodore having orders to
+see them, together with the convoy of the St Albans and Lark, as far
+as their course and ours lay together. When we came in sight of this
+last-mentioned ship, Mr Anson first hoisted his broad pendant, and
+was saluted by all the men-of-war in company. After joining this last
+convoy, we made up eleven men-of-war, and about 150 sail of merchant
+ships, consisting of the Turkey, the Straits, and the American trades.
+The same day Mr Anson made a signal for all captains of men-of-war
+to come on board, when he delivered them their fighting and sailing
+instructions, and then we all stood to the S.W. with a fair wind; so
+that next day at noon, being the 21st, we had run forty leagues beyond
+the Ram-head. Being now clear of the land, our commodore, to render
+our view more extensive, ordered Captain Mitchell, in the Pearl, to
+make sail two leagues a-head of the fleet every morning, and to repair
+to his station every evening. Thus we proceeded till the 25th, when
+the Winchester, with the American convoy, made the concerted signal
+for leave to separate, and this being answered by the commodore, they
+left us, which, was done by the St Albans and the Dragon on the 24th,
+with the Turkey and Straits convoys.
+
+There now remained only our own squadron and the two victuallers, with
+which we stood on our course for the island of Madeira. But the winds
+were so contrary, that we had the mortification to be forty days on
+our passage to that island from St Helens, though it is often known
+to be done in ten or twelve. This delay was most unpleasant, and was
+productive of much discontent and ill humour among our people, of
+which these only can have an adequate idea who have experienced a
+similar situation: For, besides the peevishness and despondency, which
+foul and contrary winds, and a lingering voyage, never fail to produce
+on all occasions, we in particular had substantial reasons for being
+greatly alarmed at this unexpected impediment; since, as we departed
+from England much later than we ought to have done, we had placed
+almost all our hope of success on the chance of retrieving in some
+measure at sea, the time we had so unhappily wasted at Spithead and St
+Helens. At last, on Monday the 25th October, at five in the morning,
+we made the land to our great joy, and came to anchor in the afternoon
+in Madeira road, in forty fathoms, the Brazen Head bearing from us E.
+by S. the Loo N.N.W. and the Great Church N.N.E. We had hardly let go
+our anchor when an English privateer sloop ran under our stern, and
+saluted the commodore with nine guns, which we returned with five.
+Next day the English consul visited the commodore, and was saluted
+with nine guns on coming on board.
+
+The island of Madeira, where we now arrived, is famous through all our
+American settlements for its excellent wines, which seem designed by
+Providence for the refreshment of the inhabitants of the torrid zone.
+It is situated in a fine climate, in lat. 32° 27' N. and long. from
+London 18° 30' to 19° 30' W. by our different reckonings, though laid
+down in the charts in 47°.[1] The whole island is composed of one
+continued hill of considerable height, extending from east to
+west; the declivity of which, on the south side, is cultivated and
+interspersed with vineyards. In the middle of this slope the merchants
+have their country seats, which contribute to form a very agreeable
+prospect. There is but one considerable town, named Fonchiale, on
+the south part of the island, situated at the bottom of a large
+bay. Towards the sea it is defended by a high wall with a battery of
+cannon, besides a castle on the Loo, which is a rock standing in the
+water at a small distance from the shore. Tonchiale is the only place
+of trade, and indeed the only place where it is possible for a boat to
+land; and even there the beach is so covered with great stones, and so
+violent a surf beats continually upon it, that the commodore did not
+care to venture the long-boats of our ships in fetching off water,
+and therefore ordered the captains to employ Portuguese boats on that
+service.
+
+[Footnote 1: The charts are however the most accurate, as that is the
+long. of the centre of Madeira, in our best modern maps.--E.]
+
+We continued about a week at this island, watering our ships, and
+providing the squadron with wine and other refreshments. While here,
+on the 3d November, Captain Richard Norris signified to the commodore,
+by letter, his desire to quit the command of the Gloucester, in order
+to return to England for the recovery of his health. The commodore
+complied with this request, and was pleased to appoint Captain Matthew
+Mitchell to command the Gloucester in his room, to remove Captain Kidd
+from the Wager to the Pearl, and Captain Murray from the Tryal sloop
+to the Wager, giving the command of the Tryal to Lieutenant
+Cheap. These promotions being settled, with other changes in the
+lieutenancies, the commodore, on the 4th November, gave to the
+captains their orders, appointing St Jago, one of the Cape Verd
+islands, to be the first place of rendezvous in case of separation;
+and, if they did not meet the Centurion there, directing them to make
+the best of their way to the island of St Catharine on the coast of
+Brazil. The water for the squadron being that day completed, and each
+ship supplied with as much wine and other refreshments as they
+could take in, we weighed anchor in the afternoon, and took leave of
+Madeira. But, before continuing the narrative of our transactions,
+I think it necessary to give some account of the proceedings of the
+enemy, and of the measures they had taken to render all our designs
+abortive.
+
+On visiting the governor of Madeira, Mr Anson was informed by him,
+that for three or four days in the latter end of October, there had
+appeared to the westward of the island seven or eight ships of the
+line and a _patache_, which last was sent close in with the land every
+day. The governor assured our commodore, upon his honour, that no
+person on the island had either given them intelligence, or had any
+sort of communication with them. He believed them to be either French
+or Spanish, but was rather inclined to suppose the latter. On this
+intelligence, Mr Anson sent an officer in a clean sloop eight leagues
+to the westwards, to reconnoitre them, and, if possible, to discover
+what they were: But the officer returned without having seen them, so
+that we still remained in uncertainty; yet we could not but conjecture
+that this fleet was intended to put a stop, if possible, to our
+expedition; and, had they cruized to the eastward of the island,
+instead of the westward, they could not have failed in doing so: for,
+as in that case they must infallibly have fallen in with us, we should
+have been under the necessity of throwing overboard vast quantities of
+provisions, to clear our ships for action; and this alone, independent
+of the event of the action, would have effectually prevented our
+progress. This was so obvious a measure, that we could not help
+imagining reasons which might have prevented them from pursuing it.
+We supposed, therefore, that this French or Spanish squadron, having
+advice that we were to sail in company with Admiral Balchen and Lord
+Cathcart's expedition, might not think it adviseable to meet with us
+till we had parted company, from apprehension of being over-matched,
+and supposed we might not separate before our arrival at this island.
+These were our speculations at the time, from which we had reason to
+suppose we might still fall in with them, in our way to the Cape
+de Verd islands. We were afterwards persuaded, in the course of our
+expedition, that this was the Spanish squadron commanded by Don Joseph
+Pizarro, sent out purposely to traverse the views and enterprizes of
+our squadron, to which they were greatly superior in strength. As this
+Spanish armament was so nearly connected with our expedition, and as
+the catastrophe, if underwent, though not effected by our force, was
+yet a considerable advantage to this nation produced in consequence
+of our equipment; I have, in the following section, given a summary
+account of their proceedings, from their first setting out from Spain
+in 1740, till the Asia, the only ship of the whole squadron that
+returned to Europe, got back to Corunna in the beginning of the year
+1746.
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_History of the Spanish Squadron commanded by Don Joseph Pizarro._
+
+The squadron fitted out by the court of Spain, to attend our motions,
+and traverse our projects, we supposed to have been the ships seen
+off Madeira. As this force was sent out particularly against our
+expedition, I cannot but imagine that the following history of its
+casualties, so far as has come to my knowledge, by intercepted letters
+and other information, is an essential part of the present work. For
+it will from hence appear, that we were the occasion of a considerable
+part of the Spanish naval power being diverted from prosecuting the
+ambitious views of that court in Europe; and whatever men and ships
+were lost by the enemy in this undertaking, were lost in consequence
+of the precautions they took to secure themselves against our
+expedition.
+
+This squadron, besides two ships bound for the West Indies, which did
+not part company till after they left Madeira, was composed of the
+following men-of-war, commanded by Don Joseph Pizarro. The Asia of 66
+guns and 700 men, the admiral's ship; the Guipuscoa of 74 guns and 700
+men; the Hermiona of 54 guns and 500 men; the Esperanza of 50 guns and
+450 men; the St Estevan of 40 guns and 350 men; and a patache of 20
+guns.
+
+Over and above their complements of sailors and marines, these ships
+had on board an old Spanish regiment of foot, intended to reinforce
+the garrisons on the coast of the South-Sea. Having cruised some days
+to leeward of Madeira, as formerly mentioned, they left that station
+in the beginning of November, and steered for the Rio de la Plata,
+where they arrived on the 5th of January O.S. and coming to anchor in
+the bay of Maldonado, at the mouth of that river, their admiral sent
+immediately to Buenos Ayres for a supply of provisions, having left
+Spain with only four months provisions on board. While waiting this
+supply, they received intelligence, by the treachery of the Portuguese
+governor of St Catharines, of Mr Anson having arrived at that island
+on the 21st December preceding, and that he was preparing to put to
+sea again with the utmost expedition. Notwithstanding his superior
+force, Pizarro had his reasons, and some say his orders, for avoiding
+our squadron any where short of the South-Sea. He was, besides,
+extremely desirous of getting round Cape Horn before us, imagining
+that alone would effectually baffle all our designs; wherefore,
+hearing that we were in his neighbourhood, and that we should be soon
+ready to proceed for Cape Horn, he weighed anchor with his five large
+ships, the Patache being disabled and condemned, and the men taken
+out of her; and, after a stay of seventeen days only, got under sail
+without his provisions, which arrived at Maldonado within a day or two
+after his departure. Notwithstanding this precipitation, we put to sea
+from St Catharines four days before he did from Maldonado; and at one
+part of our passage to Cape Horn the two squadrons were so near, that
+the Pearl, one of our ships, being separated from the rest, fell in
+with the Spanish fleet, and, mistaking the Asia for the Centurion,
+got within gun-shot of the Asia before the mistake was discovered, and
+narrowly escaped being taken.
+
+As it was the 22d January when the Spaniards weighed from Maldonado,
+they could not expect to get into the latitude of Cape Horn before the
+equinox; and, as they had reason to apprehend very tempestuous weather
+in doubling it at that season, while the Spanish sailors, for the most
+part accustomed to a fair-weather country, might be supposed averse
+from so dangerous and fatiguing a navigation, the better to encourage
+them, some part of their pay was advanced to them in European goods,
+which they were to have leave to dispose of in the South-Seas, that
+so the hopes of the great profits they were to make of their ventures,
+might animate them in their duty, and render them less disposed
+to repine at the labours, hardships, and perils they might in all
+probability meet with, before their arrival on the coast of Peru.
+
+Towards the latter end of February, Pizarro and his squadron got into
+the latitude of Cape Horn, and then stood to the westwards in order
+to double that southern promontory. But, in the night of the last of
+February O.S. while turning to windward with this view, the Guipuscoa,
+Hermiona, and Espranza were separated from the admiral. On the 6th
+March following, the Guipuscoa was separated from the other two; and
+next day, being that after we passed the Straits of Le Maire, there
+came on a most furious storm at N.W. which, in spite of all their
+efforts, drove the whole squadron to the eastward, and, after several
+fruitless attempts, obliged them to bear away for the river of Plate.
+Pizarro arrived there in the Asia about the middle of May, and was
+followed a few days after by the Esperanza and Estevan. The Hermiona
+was supposed to have foundered, as she was never more heard of; and
+the Guipuscoa was run on shore and destroyed on the coast of Brazil.
+The calamities of all kinds which this squadron underwent in their
+unsuccessful attempt to double Cape Horn, can only be paralleled by
+what we ourselves experienced in the same climate, when buffeted by
+the same storms. There was indeed some diversity in our distresses,
+rendering it difficult to decide whose situation was most worthy of
+commiseration; for, to all the miseries and misfortunes we experienced
+in common, as shattered rigging, leaky ships, and the fatigues and
+despondency necessarily attendant on these disasters, there was
+superadded on board our squadron the ravages of a most destructive
+and incurable disease; and in the Spanish squadron the devastation of
+famine.
+
+It has been already observed, that this squadron left Spain with only
+four months provisions on board, and even that, it is said, at short
+allowance, either owing to the hurry of their outfit, or presuming
+upon a supply at Buenos Ayres; so that, when their continuance at sea
+was prolonged, by the storms they met with off Cape Horn, a month
+or more beyond their expectation, they were reduced to such infinite
+distress, that rats, when they could be caught, sold for four dollars
+a-piece; and a sailor who died in one of the ships, had his death
+concealed by his brother for some days, who lay all that time in
+the hammock with the corpse, that he might receive the dead man's
+allowance of provisions. In this dreadful situation, if their horrors
+were capable of augmentation, they were alarmed by discovering
+a conspiracy among the marines on board the Asia, who proposed
+massacring the officers and whole crew, their sole motive for this
+bloody resolution appearing to be the desire of relieving their
+hunger, by appropriating the whole provisions in the ship to
+themselves. This design was prevented, when just on the point of
+execution, by means of one of their confessors, and three of the
+ringleaders were immediately put to death. By the complicated
+distresses of fatigue, sickness, and famine, the three ships that
+escaped lost the greatest part of their men. The admiral's ship, the
+Asia, arrived at Monte Video in the Rio Plata with only half her crew.
+The Estevan, when she anchored in the bay of Barragan had also lost
+half her men. The Esperanza was still more unfortunate, for of 450
+hands she brought with her from Spain, only 58 remained alive. The
+whole regiment of foot perished except sixty men. To give a more
+distinct idea of what they underwent upon this occasion, I shall
+present a short account of the fate of the Guipuscoa, extracted from a
+letter written by Don Joseph Mindinuetta, her captain, to a person of
+distinction at Lima, a copy of which fell into our hands when in the
+South-Sea.
+
+Having separated on the 6th March in a fog from the Hermiona and
+Esperanza, being then, as I suppose, to the S.E. of States Land, and
+plying to the westward, it blew a furious storm at N.W. the succeeding
+night, which, at half past ten, split his main-sail, and obliged him
+to bear away with his foresail. The ship now went ten knots an hour
+with a prodigious sea, and often ran her gangway under water. He
+likewise sprung his main-mast, and the ship made so much water that
+she could not be freed by four pumps assisted by bailing. On the 9th
+the wind became calm, but the sea continued so high that the ship, in
+rolling, opened all her upper works and seams, and started the butt
+ends of her planks, and the greatest part of her top-timbers, the
+bolts being drawn by the violence of the roll. In this condition, with
+additional disasters to the hull and rigging, they continued beating
+westward to the 12th, when they were in lat. 60° S. and in great want
+of provisions, numbers perishing daily by the fatigue of pumping, and
+the survivors quite dispirited by labour, hunger, and the severity
+of the weather, their decks being covered with snow above a foot in
+depth. Finding the wind fixed in the west and blowing strong, and
+their passage that way impossible, they resolved to bear away for the
+Rio Plata. On the 22d they had to throw overboard all their upper-deck
+guns and an anchor, and were obliged to take six turns of the cable
+round the ship to prevent her from opening and falling to pieces. On
+the 4th of April, in calm weather, but with a very heavy sea, the
+ship rolled so much that her main-mast came by the board, and was soon
+after followed by the fore and mizen masts, after which they had
+to cut away the boltsprit, to diminish, if possible, the leakage
+forwards. By this time two hundred and fifty of the men had perished
+by hunger and fatigue. Those who were capable of working at the pumps,
+at which every officer took his turn without exception, were only
+allowed an ounce and a half of biscuit daily; while those who were
+weak and sickly, so that they could not assist in this necessary
+labour, had no more than one ounce of wheat. It was common for the men
+to fall down dead at the pumps, and all they could muster for duty,
+including the officers, was from eighty to an hundred men.
+
+The S.W. wind blew so fresh for some days after they lost their masts,
+that they could not set up jury-masts; so that they were obliged to
+drive like a wreck, between the latitude of 32° and 38° S. till the
+24th of April, when they made the coast of Brazil at Rio de Patas,
+ten leagues to the southward of the island of St Catharines. They came
+here to an anchor, the captain being very desirous of proceeding to St
+Catharines, in order to save the hull of the ship, with her guns and
+stores: But the crew instantly left off pumping, and all in one voice
+cried out, _On shore! on shore!_ enraged at the hardships they had
+suffered and the numbers they had lost, there being at this time
+thirty dead bodies lying on the deck. Thus the captain was obliged to
+run the ship directly to the land, where she parted and sunk five days
+after, with all her stores and furniture; but the remainder of the
+crew, whom hunger and fatigue had spared, to the number of four
+hundred, got safe on shore.
+
+From this account of the adventures and catastrophe of the Guiapuscoa,
+we may form some conjecture of the manner in which the Hermiona was
+lost, and of the distresses endured by the three remaining ships of
+the squadron which got into the Rio Plata. These last being in great
+want of masts, yards, rigging, and all kinds of naval stores,
+and having no supply at Buenos Ayres or any of the neighbouring
+settlements, Pizarro dispatched an advice-boat with a letter of credit
+to Rio de Janeiro, to purchase what was wanting from the Portuguese.
+He sent at the same time an express across the continent to St Jago de
+Chili, to be thence forwarded to the viceroy of Peru, informing him
+of the disasters that had befallen his squadron, and desiring a
+remittance of two hundred thousand dollars from the royal chest at
+Lima, to enable him to refit and victual his remaining ships, that he
+might be again in condition to attempt the passage to the South-Sea
+as soon as the season of the year should be more favourable. It is
+mentioned by the Spaniards, as a most extraordinary circumstance,
+that, though then the depth of winter, when the Cordilleras are
+esteemed impassable on account of the snow, the Indian who was charged
+with this express was only thirteen days on his journey from Buenos
+Ayres to St Jago in Chili, though the distance is three hundred
+Spanish leagues, near forty of which are among the snows and
+precipices of the Cordilleras.
+
+The return to this dispatch of Pizarro from the viceroy was by no
+means favourable. Instead of two hundred thousand dollars, the sum
+demanded, the viceroy remitted him only one hundred thousand, telling
+him that it was with great difficulty he was able to procure even
+that sum. But the inhabitants of Lima, who considered the presence
+of Pizarro as absolutely necessary to their security, were much
+discontented at this procedure, and did not scruple to assert, that
+it was not the want of money, but the interested views of some of the
+viceroy's confidants, that prevented Pizarro from getting the whole
+sum.
+
+The advice-boat sent to Rio Janeiro also executed her commission but
+imperfectly; for, though she brought back a considerable quantity of
+pitch, tar, and cordage, she could not procure either masts or yards;
+and, as an additional misfortune, Pizarro was disappointed of some
+masts he expected from Paraguay, as a carpenter whom he entrusted
+with a large sum of money, and sent there to cut masts, instead of
+prosecuting the business he was sent upon, married in the country,
+and refused to return. However, by removing the masts of the Esperanza
+into the Asia, and using what spare masts and yards they had on board,
+they made a shift to refit the Asia and Estevan: And, in the October
+following, Pizarro was prepared to put to sea with these two ships,
+in order to attempt the passage round Cape Horn a second time; but, in
+coming down the Rio Plata, the Estevan ran upon a shoal and beat off
+her rudder, and Pizarro proceeded to sea in the Asia without her.
+Having now the antarctic summer before him, and the winds favourable,
+no doubt was made of his having a fortunate and speedy passage: But,
+when off Cape Horn and going right before the wind, it being moderate
+weather, though in a swelling sea, the ship rolled away her masts, by
+some misconduct of the officer having the watch, and was a second time
+obliged to put back in great distress to the Rio Plata.
+
+As the Asia had suffered considerably in this second unfortunate
+expedition, the Esperanza was now ordered to be refitted, the command
+of her being given to Mindinuetta, who was formerly captain of the
+Guipuscoa. In November 1742, he sailed from the Rio Plata for the
+south, and arrived safe on the coast of Chili, where he was met by
+his commodore, Pizarro, who passed over-land from Buenos Ayres. Great
+animosities and contests took place between these two officers, owing
+to the claim of Pizarro to command the Esperanza, which Mindinuetta
+had brought round, and now refused to resign; insisting, as he had
+come round the South Sea alone and under no superior, it was not now
+in the power of Pizarro to resume the authority he had once parted
+with. But, after a long and obstinate struggle, as the president of
+Chili interposed and declared for Pizarro, Mindinuetta was obliged to
+submit.
+
+Pizarro had not yet completed the series of his misfortunes. When
+he and Mindinuetta returned over-land, in 1745, from Chili to Buenos
+Ayres, they found the Asia still at Monte Video, and resolved, if
+possible, to carry her to Europe. With this view they refitted her in
+the best manner they could, but had great difficulty in procuring
+a sufficient number of hands to navigate her, as all the remaining
+sailors of the squadron, then to be met with in the neighbourhood of
+Buenos Ayres, did not amount to an hundred men. They endeavoured to
+supply this defect, by pressing many of the inhabitants of Buenos
+Ayres, and putting on board all the English prisoners then in their
+custody, together with a number of Portuguese smugglers they had taken
+at different times, and some of the Indians of the country. Among
+these last there was a chief and ten of his followers, who had been
+surprised by a party of Spanish soldiers about three months before.
+The name of this chief was Orellana, and he belonged to a very
+powerful tribe, which had committed great ravages in the neighbourhood
+of Buenos Ayres. With this motley crew, all of them except the
+European sailors averse from the voyage, Pizarro set sail from Monte
+Video about the beginning of November 1745: and the native Spaniards,
+being no strangers to the dissatisfaction of their forced men, treated
+them, the English prisoners and the Indians, with great insolence and
+barbarity, particularly the Indians; for it was common in the meanest
+officers in the ship to beat them cruelly on the slightest pretence,
+and often merely to shew their superiority.
+
+Orellana and his followers, though in appearance sufficiently patient
+and submissive, meditated a severe revenge for all these inhumanities.
+As these Indians have great intercourse with Buenos Ayres in time of
+peace, Orellana understood Spanish, and affected to converse with such
+of the English prisoners as could speak that language, seeming very
+desirous of being informed how many Englishmen there were on board,
+and of having them pointed out to him. As he knew the English were as
+much enemies to the Spaniards as he was, he had doubtless an intention
+of disclosing his purposes to them, and making them partners in the
+scheme he had projected for revenging his wrongs and recovering his
+liberty; but, having sounded them at a distance, and not finding them
+so precipitate and vindictive as he expected, he proceeded no farther
+with them, but resolved to trust alone to the resolution of his ten
+faithful followers, who readily engaged to observe his directions and
+to execute his commands. Having agreed on the measures to be pursued,
+they contrived to provide themselves with Dutch knives, sharp at the
+point, which, being the common knives used in the ship, they procured
+without difficulty. They also employed their leisure in secretly
+cutting thongs from raw hides, of which there were great numbers on
+board, and in fixing to each end of these thongs the double-headed
+shot of the small quarter-deck guns; by which they formed most
+mischievous weapons, in the use of which, by swinging round the head,
+the Indians about Buenos Ayres are extremely expert, being trained to
+it from their infancy. When these things were in good forwardness,
+the execution of their scheme was perhaps precipitated by a particular
+outrage committed upon Orellana, who was ordered aloft by one of the
+officers, and being incapable of doing so, the officer, who was
+a brutal fellow, beat him with such violence, under pretence of
+disobedience, that he left him bleeding on the deck, and quite
+stupified with wounds and bruises. This certainly increased his thirst
+of revenge, so that within a day or two he and his followers began to
+execute their desperate resolves in the following manner.
+
+About nine in the evening, when many of the principal officers were
+on the quarter-deck indulging in the freshness of the night air, the
+forecastle being manned with its customary watch, Orellana and his
+companions, having prepared their weapons, and thrown off their
+trowsers and other cumbrous parts of their dress, came all together
+on the quarter-deck, and drew towards the door of the great cabin. The
+boatswain reprimanded them for their presumption, and ordered them
+to be gone; on which Orellana spoke to his followers in their native
+language, when four of them drew off, two towards each gangway, and
+the chief and six remaining Indians seemed to be slowly quitting the
+quarter-deck. When the detached Indians had taken possession of the
+gangways, Orellana placed his hands hollow to his mouth, and bellowed
+out the war-cry of the savages, said to be the harshest and most
+terrifying of sounds. This hideous yell was the signal for beginning
+the massacre; upon which all the Indians drew their knives and
+brandished their prepared double-headed shot. The chief, and the six
+who remained with him on the quarter-deck, fell immediately on the
+Spaniards with whom they were intermingled, and in a very short space
+laid forty of them at their feet, above twenty of whom were killed on
+the spot, and the rest disabled.
+
+In the beginning of the tumult, many of the officers rushed into the
+great cabin, where they put out the lights and barricadoed the door;
+while of the others, who had escaped the first fury of the Indians,
+some endeavoured to escape along the gangways to the forecastle, where
+the Indians, placed there on purpose, stabbed the greater part of them
+as they attempted to pass, or forced them off the gangways into the
+waste of the ship, which was filled with live cattle. Some threw
+themselves voluntarily over the barricades into the waste, and thought
+themselves fortunate to lie concealed among the cattle; but the
+greatest part escaped up the main-shrouds, and took shelter in the
+tops and rigging of the ship. Although the Indians only attacked
+the quarter-deck, yet the watch in the forecastle, finding their
+communication cut off, and terrified by a few of the wounded who had
+been able to force their passage, and not knowing either who were
+their enemies, or what were their numbers, they also gave all over for
+lost, and in great confusion ran up into the rigging of the foremast
+and boltsprit.
+
+Thus these eleven Indians, with a resolution perhaps without example,
+possessed themselves almost in an instant of the quarter-deck of a
+ship mounting sixty-six guns, and manned by near five hundred hands,
+and even continued in peaceable possession of this part for some time.
+During a considerable space, the officers in the great cabin, among
+whom were Pizarro and Mindinuetta, the crew between decks, and those
+who had escaped into the tops and rigging, were merely anxious for
+their own safety, and were incapable of forming any project for
+suppressing the insurrection and recovering the possession of the
+ship. The yells of the Indians, the groans of the wounded, and the
+confused clamours of the crew, all heightened by the darkness of the
+night, had at first greatly magnified the danger, and filled them with
+imaginary terrors. The Spaniards were sensible of the dissatisfaction
+of their impressed hands, and were conscious of their barbarity to
+their prisoners, wherefore they concluded that the conspiracy was
+general, and considered their own destruction as infallible; insomuch,
+that some are said to have designed to leap into the sea, but were
+prevented by their companions.
+
+When the Indians had entirely cleared the quarter-deck, the tumult in
+a great measure subsided; for those who had escaped were kept silent
+by their fears, and the Indians were incapable of pursuing them.
+Orellana, when master of the quarter-deck, broke open the arm-chest,
+which had been ordered there a few days before, on a slight suspicion
+of mutiny. He there expected to find cutlasses wherewith to arm
+himself and his followers, who were all well skilled in the use of
+that weapon, and with these it is imagined they proposed to have
+forced the great cabin: But on opening the chest, there appeared
+nothing but fire-arms, which to them were of no use. There were indeed
+abundance of cutlasses in the chest, but they were hidden by the
+fire-arms being laid uppermost. This was a sensible disappointment to
+Orellana and his Indians. By this time Pizarro and his companions in
+the great cabin had been able to communicate with those below in the
+gun-room and between decks, by conversing aloud through the cabin
+windows; by which means they learnt that the English prisoners, whom
+they chiefly suspected, were all safe below, and had not participated
+in the mutiny; and by other circumstances they were at last made
+sensible that Orellana and his people only were concerned in it. Upon
+this information, Pizarro and the officers resolved to attack them on
+the quarter-deck, before any of the discontented on board had so far
+recovered from their surprise as to reflect on the facility of
+seizing the ship by joining with the Indians. With this view, Pizarro
+collected what arms were in the cabin and distributed them to those
+who were with him. There were no fire-arms except pistols, and
+for these they had neither powder nor ball; but having now a
+correspondence with the gun-room, they lowered a bucket from the cabin
+window, into which the gunner put a quantity of pistol cartridges out
+of one of the gun-room ports. Having thus procured ammunition, and
+loaded their pistols, they partly opened the cabin door, and fired
+several shots among the Indians on the quarter-deck, though at first
+without effect. At last Mindinuetta had the good fortune to shoot
+Orellana dead; on which his faithful companions, abandoning all
+thoughts of farther resistance, instantly leaped into the sea, where
+they all perished. Thus was this insurrection quelled, and possession
+of the quarter-deck regained, after it had been fully two hours in the
+power of this great and daring chief, and his small band of gallant
+unhappy countrymen.
+
+Having thus escaped from imminent peril, Pizarro continued his
+voyage for Europe, and arrived safely on the coast of Gallicia in the
+beginning of the year 1746, after an absence of between four and five
+years, and having, by attendance on our expedition, diminished the
+royal power of Spain by above three thousand of their prime sailors,
+and by four considerable ships of war and a patache. For we have seen
+that the Hermione foundered at sea, the Guipuscoa was stranded and
+destroyed on the coast of Brazil, the St Estevan was condemned and
+broken up in the Rio Plata, and the Esperanza, being left in the South
+Sea, is doubtless by this time incapable of returning to Spain:
+So that the Asia alone, with less than an hundred hands, may be
+considered as all that remains of the squadron with which Pizarro put
+forth to sea; and whoever considers the very large proportion which
+this squadron bore to the whole navy of Spain, will no doubt confess
+that, even if our undertaking had been attended with no other
+advantages, than that of ruining so great a part of the naval force of
+so dangerous an enemy, this alone would be a sufficient equivalent
+for our equipment, and an incontestable proof of the service which the
+nation has thence received. Having thus given a summary of Pizarro's
+adventures, I return to the narrative of our own transactions.
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Passage from Madeira to St Catharines._
+
+I have already mentioned that we weighed from Madeira on the 3d
+November, after orders being given to rendezvous at St Jago, one of
+the Cape Verd islands, in case of a separation. But next day, when we
+were got to sea, the commodore, considering that the season was far
+advanced, and that touching at St Jago would create additional delay,
+thought proper for this reason to alter the rendezvous, and appointed
+the island of St Catharines, on the coast of Brazil, to be the first
+place to which the ships of the squadron were to repair, in case of
+separation.
+
+In our passage to the island of St Catharines, we found the direction
+of the trade winds to differ considerably from what we had reason to
+expect, both from the general histories given of these winds, and the
+experience of former navigators. For the learned Dr Halley, in his
+account of the trade-winds which prevail in the Ethiopic and Atlantic
+Oceans, tells us that, from the lat. of 28° N. to 10° N. there is
+generally a fresh gale of N.E. wind, which, towards the African
+coasts, rarely comes to the eastward of E.N.E. or passes to the
+northward of N.N.E. but on the American side the wind is somewhat
+more easterly; though even there it is commonly a point or two to the
+northward of east; that from 10° N. to 4° N. the calms and tornadoes
+take place; and from 4° N. to 30° S. the winds are generally and
+perpetually between the south and east. We expected to find this
+account of the matter confirmed by our experience; but we found
+considerable variations from it, both in regard to the steadiness of
+the winds, and the quarters from whence they blew. For though we met
+with a N.E. wind about lat. 28° N. yet, from lat. 25° N. to 18° N the
+wind was never once to the northward of E. but almost constantly to
+the southward of it. From thence, however, to 6° 20' N. we had it
+usually to the northward of E. though not always, as it changed for a
+short time to E.S.E. From 6° 20' N. to about 4° 46' N. the weather was
+very unsettled, the wind being sometimes N.E. then changing to S.E.
+and sometimes we had a dead calm, with small rain and lightning. After
+this, to the lat. of 7° 30' S. the wind continued almost invariably
+between S. and E. and then again as invariably between N. and E. till
+we came to 15° 30' S. then E. and S.E. to 21° 37' S. After this, even
+to 27° 44' S. the wind was never once between S. and E. though we
+had it in all the other quarters of the compass; though this last
+circumstance may be in some measure accounted for from our approach to
+the coast of Brazil.
+
+I do not mention these particulars with a view of cavilling at the
+received accounts of these trade-winds, which, I doubt not, are
+sufficiently accurate; but I thought it worthy of public notice, that
+such deviations from the established rules do sometimes take place.
+This observation may not only be of service to navigators, by putting
+them on their guard against these hitherto unexplained and unnoticed
+irregularities, but it is also a circumstance that requires to be
+attended to in the solution of the great question about the causes
+of trade-winds and monsoons; a question which, in my opinion, has not
+been hitherto discussed with that clearness and accuracy which
+its importance demands, whether it be considered in a naval or a
+philosophical point of view.
+
+On the 16th November, one of our victuallers made a signal to speak
+with the commodore, and we shortened sail for her to come up with us.
+The master came on board, and represented to Mr Anson, that, having
+complied with the terms of his charter-party, he now desired to be
+unloaded and discharged. On consulting the captain of the squadron,
+it was found all the ships had still such quantities of provisions
+between their decks, and were also so deep, that they could only take
+in their proportions of brandy from the Industry pink, one of the
+victuallers; and consequently the commodore had to continue the other,
+the Ann pink, in the service of attending the squadron. Accordingly, a
+signal was made next day for the ships to bring to, and the long-boats
+were employed that and the three following days, till the 19th in the
+evening, to take their proportions of the brandy in the Industry to
+the several ships of the squadron. Being then unloaded, she parted
+company, intending for Barbadoes; and there to take in a freight for
+England. Most of the officers in the squadron took the opportunity of
+this ship, to write to their friends at home; but I have been informed
+she was taken by the Spaniards.
+
+On the 20th November, the captains of the squadron represented to the
+commodore, that their ships companies were very sickly; and that,
+both in their own opinions and of their surgeons, it would tend to the
+health of the men to let in more air between decks; but that the
+ships were so deep in the water, that the lower-deck ports could not
+possibly be opened. On this representation, the commodore ordered
+six air-scuttles to be cut in each ship, in such places as had least
+tendency to weaken them. On this occasion, I cannot but observe how
+much it is the duty of all who have any influence in the direction
+of our naval affairs, to attend to the preservation of the lives and
+health of our seamen. If it could be supposed that motives of humanity
+were insufficient for this purpose, yet policy, a regard to the
+success of our arms, and the honour and interest of each individual
+commander, all should lead to a careful and impartial examination of
+every probable method proposed for preserving the health and vigour of
+seamen. But hath this been always done? Have the late invented,
+plain, and obvious methods for keeping our ships sweet and clean, by
+a constant supply of fresh air, been considered with that candour
+and temper which the great benefits they promise to produce ought
+naturally to have inspired? On the contrary, have not these salutary
+schemes been often treated with neglect and contempt? And have not
+some, who have been entrusted with experimenting their effects, been
+guilty of the most indefensible partiality in the accounts they have
+given of these trials? It must, however, be confessed, that many
+distinguished persons, both in the direction and command of our
+fleets, have exerted themselves on these occasions with a judicious
+and dispassionate examination, becoming the interesting nature of the
+enquiry: But the wonder is, that any one should have been found so
+irrational as to act a contrary part, in despite of the strongest
+dictates of prudence and humanity. I cannot, however, believe
+this conduct to have arisen from such savage motives as the first
+reflection seems naturally to suggest; but am apt rather to impute
+it to an obstinate, and, as it were, superstitious attachment to
+long-established practices, and to a settled contempt and hatred to
+all innovations, especially such as are projected by landsmen, or
+persons residing on shore.
+
+We crossed the equinoctial, with a fine fresh gale at N.E. on Friday,
+the 28th November, at four in the morning, being thus, by estimation,
+in long. 27° 59' W. from London. In the morning of the 2d December, we
+saw a sail in the N.W. and made the Gloucester's and Tryal's signals
+to chase; and half an hour after, let out our reefs, and chased with
+the rest of the squadron. About noon a signal was made for the Wager
+to take our remaining victualler, the Ann pink, in tow; but, at seven
+in the evening, finding we did not near the chase, and that the Wager
+was very far astern, we shortened sail, and recalled the chasing
+ships. Next day but one we again discovered a sail, which, on a nearer
+approach, we judged to be the same vessel. We chased her the whole
+day, and though we rather gained upon her, night came on before
+we could overtake her, which obliged us to give over the chase, to
+collect the scattered squadron. We were much chagrined at the escape
+of this vessel, supposing her to have been an advice-boat from Old
+Spain to Buenos Ayres, sent to give notice of our expedition: But we
+have since learnt that it was our East-India Company's packet, bound
+to St Helena.
+
+On the 10th December, being by our reckoning in lat. 20° S. and long.
+36° 30' W. from London, the Tryal fired a gun to denote soundings. We
+immediately tried, and found sixty fathoms, the bottom coarse ground
+with broken shells. The Tryal, which was a-head of us, had at one
+time thirty-seven fathoms, which afterwards increased to ninety,
+after which she had no bottom; which happened to us also at our second
+trial, though we sounded with a line of 150 fathoms. This is the shoal
+laid down in most charts by the name of the _Abrollos_,[1] and
+it appeared we were upon its verge; perhaps farther in it may be
+extremely dangerous. We were then, by our different accounts, from
+sixty to ninety leagues east of the coast of Brazil. Next day but one
+we spoke a Portuguese brigantine from Rio Janeiro bound to _Bahia de
+todos los Santos_, by which we learnt that we were thirty-four leagues
+from Cape St Thomas, and forty from Cape Frio; which latter bore from
+us W.S.W. By our own accounts we were nearly eight leagues from Cape
+Frio; and though, on the information of this brig, we altered our
+course, standing more southerly, yet, by our coming in with the land
+afterwards, we were fully convinced that our own reckoning was more
+correct than that of the Portuguese. After passing lat. 16° S. we
+found a considerable current setting to the southward. The same took
+place all along the coast of Brazil, and even to the southward of the
+Rio Plata, amounting sometimes to thirty miles in twenty-four hours,
+and once to above forty miles. If, as is most probable, this current
+be occasioned by the running off of the water which is accumulated on
+the coast of Brazil by the constant sweeping of the eastern trade-wind
+over the Ethiopic Ocean, it were then most natural to suppose that
+its general course must be determined by the bearings of the adjacent
+shores. Perhaps in every instance of currents the same may hold true,
+as I believe there are no examples of any considerable currents at any
+great distance from land. If this could be ascertained as a general
+principle, it might be easy by their assistance and the observed
+latitude, to correct the reckoning. But it were much to be wished, for
+the general interests of navigation, that the actual settings of the
+different currents in various parts of the world were examined
+more frequently and more accurately than appears to have been done
+hitherto.
+
+[Footnote 1: In the map of the world by Arrowsmith, the Abrolhos are
+made a cluster of islands off the coast of Brazil, in lat. 18° 10' S.
+long. 39° W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+We began now to grow impatient for a sight of land, both for the
+recovery of our sick, and for the refreshment and security of those
+who still continued in health. When we left. St Helens, we were in
+so good a condition that we only lost two men in the Centurion in our
+long run to Madeira. But in this run, from Madeira to St Catharines,
+we were remarkably sickly, so that many died, and great numbers were
+confined to their hammocks, both in our ship and the others, and
+several of these past all hopes of recovery. The disorders they in
+general laboured under were those common to hot climates, and which
+most ships bound to the south experience in a greater or less degree.
+These were the fevers usually called _calentures_, a disease not only
+terrible in its first instance, but of which the remains often proved
+fatal to those who considered themselves as recovered; for it always
+left them in a very weak and helpless condition, and usually
+afflicted with fluxes or tenesmus. By our continuance at sea all these
+complaints were every day increasing; so that it was with great joy we
+discovered the coast of Brazil on the 18th December, at seven in the
+morning.
+
+The coast of Brazil appeared high and mountainous, extending from W.
+to W.S.W. and when we first saw it, the distance was about seventeen
+leagues. At noon we could perceive a low double land, bearing W.S.W.
+about ten leagues distant, which we took to be the island of St
+Catharines. That afternoon and the next morning, the wind being N.N.W.
+we gained very little to windward, and were apprehensive of being
+driven to leeward of the island: But next day, a little before noon,
+the wind came about to the southward, and enabled us to steer in
+between the N. point of St Catharines and the neighbouring island
+of Alvoredo. As we stood in for the land we had regular soundings,
+gradually decreasing from thirty-six to twelve fathoms, all muddy
+ground. In this last depth of water we let go our anchor at five in
+the evening of the 18th,[2] the N.W. part of St Catharines bearing
+S.S.W. three miles off; and the island of Alvoredo N.N.E. distant two
+leagues. Here we found the tide to set S.S.E. and N.N.W. at the rate
+of two knots, the tide of flood coming from the southward.
+
+[Footnote 2: There is an error in date here, as it has been already
+said they first got sight of the coast of Brazil on the 18th,
+obviously two days before. Hence, if the former date be right, this
+ought to be the 20th.--E.]
+
+We could perceive from our ships two fortifications at a considerable
+distance from us, which seemed intended to prevent the passage of an
+enemy between the island of St Catharines and the main. We could also
+soon see that our squadron had alarmed the coast, as the two forts
+hoisted their colours and fired several guns, signals, as we supposed,
+for assembling the inhabitants. To prevent any confusion, the
+commodore immediately sent an officer to compliment the governor, and
+to request a pilot to conduct our ships into the road. The governor
+returned a very civil answer, and ordered us a pilot. On the morning
+of the 20th we weighed and stood in, and the pilot came aboard of us
+about noon, and the same afternoon brought us to anchor in five and
+a half fathoms, in a commodious bay on the continent, called by the
+French Bon-port. From our last anchorage to this, we found every where
+an oozy bottom, the water first regularly decreasing to five fathoms,
+and then increasing to seven, after which we had five and six fathoms
+alternately. The squadron weighed again next morning, in order to run
+above the two fortifications formerly mentioned, which are called the
+castles of Santa Cruiz and St Joam. Our soundings between the island
+and the main were four, five, and six fathoms, with muddy ground. We
+saluted the castle of Santa Cruiz in passing with eleven guns, and
+were answered with an equal number. At one in the afternoon of the
+21st December, the squadron came to anchor in five fathoms and a half,
+Governor's Isle bearing N.N.W. St Joam's castle N.E. 1/2 E. and the
+island of St Antonio S. At this time the squadron was sickly, and in
+great want of refreshments, both of which we hoped to have speedily
+remedied at this settlement, celebrated by former navigators for
+its healthiness and abundance of provisions, and for the freedom,
+indulgence, and friendly assistance given here to all the ships of
+nations in amity with the crown of Portugal.
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Proceedings at St Catharines, and a Description of that Place, with a
+short Account of Brazil._
+
+Our first care after mooring the ships was to get our sick men on
+shore; preparatory for which each ship was ordered by the commodore to
+erect two tents, one for the reception of the sick, and the other for
+the surgeon and his assistants. We sent eighty sick on shore from the
+Centurion, and I believe the other ships sent as many in proportion
+to the number of their hands. As soon as this necessary duty was
+performed, we scraped our decks, and gave our ship a thorough
+cleansing, then smoaked it between decks, and lastly washed every part
+with vinegar. These operations were extremely necessary for correcting
+the noisome stench on board, and destroying the vermin; for, from the
+number of our men and the heat of the climate, both these nuisances
+had increased upon us to a very loathsome degree, and, besides being
+most intolerably offensive, were doubtless in some sort productive of
+the sickness we had laboured under for a considerable time before our
+arrival at this island.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: This matter is now infinitely better regulated in
+the British navy, and with most admirable and infinitely important
+advantages. By the most minute, sedulous, and perpetual attention to
+cleanliness, all noisome stench and all vermin are prevented, by which
+doubtless diseases are in a great measure lessened.--E.]
+
+Our next employment was wooding and watering the squadron, caulking
+the sides and decks of the ships, overhawling the rigging, and
+securing our masts against the tempestuous weather we were, in all
+probability, to meet with in going round Cape Horn at so advanced
+and inconvenient a season. Before proceeding in the narrative of our
+voyage, it may be proper to give some account of the present state of
+the island of St Catharines and the neighbouring country; both because
+the circumstances of the place have materially changed from what they
+were in the time of former writers, and as these changes laid us under
+many more difficulties and perplexities than we had reason to expect,
+or than other British ships, bound hereafter to the South Sea, may
+perhaps think it prudent to struggle with.
+
+This island is nine leagues from N. to S. and two from E. to W. It
+extends from lat. 27° 35' to 28° both S. and is in long. 49° 45'
+W. from London.[4] Although of considerable height, it is scarcely
+discernible at the distance of ten leagues, being obscured under the
+continent of Brazil, the mountains of which are exceedingly high; but
+on a nearer approach is easily distinguished, and may be readily known
+by having a number of small islands at each end.[5] Frezier has given
+a draught of the island of St Catharines and the neighbouring coast,
+with the smaller adjacent isles; but has, by mistake, called the
+island of Alvoredo St Gal; whereas the true island of St Gal is seven
+or eight miles northward of Alvoredo, and much smaller. He has also
+called an island to the southward of St Catharines Alvoredo, and
+has omitted the island of Masaquara. In other respects his plan is
+sufficiently exact. The best entrance to the harbour is between the
+N.E. point of the island of St Catharines and the island of Alvoredo,
+where ships may pass under the guidance of the lead, without the least
+apprehensions of danger. The north entrance is about five miles broad,
+the distance from thence to the island of St Antonio is eight miles,
+and the coarse to that island is S.S.W. 1/2 W. About the middle of the
+island the harbour is contracted to a narrow channel by two points of
+land, not more than a quarter of a mile separate, and at this time a
+battery was erecting on the point on the island side to defend this
+passage. This seemed, however, a very useless work, as this channel
+had only two fathoms water, and is consequently only navigable for
+barks and boats, wherefore an enemy could have no inducement to
+attempt this passage, more especially as the northern one is so broad
+and safe that no squadron can be prevented from coming in by any
+fortifications whatever, when the sea-breeze makes. The brigadier Don
+Jose Sylva de Paz, who is governor of this settlement, has a different
+opinion; for, besides the above-mentioned battery, there were three
+other forts carrying on for the defence of the harbour, none of which
+were completed when we were there. The first of these, called St Joam,
+was building on a point of the island of St Catharines, near Parrot
+Island. The second, in form of a half-moon, was on the island of
+St Antonio; and the third, which seemed the chief, and had some
+appearance of a regular fortification, is on an island near the
+continent, where the governor resides. Don Jose Sylva de Paz was
+esteemed an expert engineer; and he doubtless understood one branch of
+his business very well, which is the advantages which new works bring
+to those who have charge of their erection.
+
+[Footnote 4: This account of the matter is very erroneous. The
+latitudes are between 28° 5' and 28° 30' both S. and the longitude is
+49° 10' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The more elaborate nautical description of this island
+is necessarily omitted, as referring to two extensive views, without
+which the description would be unintelligible.--E.]
+
+The soil of this island is truly luxuriant, producing many kinds of
+fruits spontaneously, and is covered over with one continued forest of
+trees, in perpetual verdure, and which, from the exuberant fertility
+of the soil, are so entangled with thorns, briars, and underwood,
+as to form an absolutely impenetrable thicket, except by some narrow
+paths which the inhabitants have opened for their own convenience; and
+these, with a few spots cleared for plantations, along that side of
+the island which faces the continent, are the only uncovered parts of
+the island. The woods are extremely fragrant, from the many aromatic
+trees and shrubs with which they abound, and here the fruits and
+vegetables of all climates thrive, almost without culture, and are
+to be had in great plenty, so that there is no want of pine-apples,
+peaches, grapes, oranges, lemons, citrons, melons, apricots, and
+plantains; there is also abundance of onions and potatoes, two
+productions of no small consideration for sea-stores. The flesh
+provisions are, however, much inferior to the vegetables. There are,
+indeed, small wild cattle to be purchased, something like buffaloes,
+but these are very indifferent food, their flesh being of a loose
+texture, and generally of a disagreeable flavour, probably owing to
+their feeding on wild calabash. There are also abundance of pheasants,
+but they are not to be compared in taste to those we have in England.
+The other provisions of the place are monkeys, parrots, and, above
+all, fish of various sorts: These abound in the harbour, and are both
+exceedingly good and easily caught, as there are numerous sandy bays,
+very convenient for haling the seyne.
+
+The water, both on the island and the opposite continent, is
+excellent, and preserves at sea as well as that of the Thames. After
+it has been a day or two in the cask, it begins to purge itself,
+stinks most abominably, and is soon covered over with a green
+scum, which subsides in a few days to the bottom, leaving the water
+perfectly sweet, and as clear as crystal. The French first brought
+this place into repute during their South-Sea trade in the reign
+of Queen Anne, and usually wooded and watered in Bon-port, on the
+continental side of the harbour, where they anchored in great safety
+in six fathoms, and this is doubtless the most commodious station
+for ships that are meant only for a short stay. We watered on the
+St Catharine's side, at a plantation opposite to the island of St
+Antonio.
+
+Such are the advantages of this island; but it has its inconveniences
+also, partly proceeding from its climate, but more particularly
+from its new regulations and the form of its government, as lately
+established. In regard to the climate, it must be remembered that the
+woods and hills which surround the harbour prevent a free circulation
+of air, and the continual vigorous vegetation furnishes such a
+prodigious quantity of vapour, that a thick fog covers the whole
+country all night, and a great part of the morning, continuing till
+either the sun gathers strength to dissipate it, or it is dispersed
+by a brisk sea-breeze. This renders the place close and humid, and
+probably occasioned the many fevers and fluxes we were there afflicted
+with. I must not omit to add, that we were pestered all day by vast
+numbers of mosquetoes, which are not much unlike the gnats in England,
+but much more venomous in their stings. At sunset, when the musquetoes
+retired, they were succeeded by an infinity of sand-flies, which
+made a mighty buzzing, though scarcely discernable by the naked eye;
+wherever these bite, they raise a small lump attended by painful
+itching, like that arising from the bite of an English harvest bug.
+The only light in which this place deserves our consideration is its
+favourable situation for supplying and refreshing our cruizers bound
+for the South Sea, and in this view its greatest inconveniences remain
+to be related, to do which more distinctly, it may not be amiss
+to consider the changes which it has lately undergone, both in its
+inhabitants, its police, and its governor.
+
+In the time of Frazier and Shelvocke, this place served only as a
+retreat to vagabonds and outlaws, who fled hither from all parts of
+Brazil. It is true, that they acknowledged their subjection to the
+crown of Portugal, and had a person among them whom they called their
+captain, and who was considered as a kind of governor; but both their
+allegiance to their king, and their obedience to the captain, were
+merely verbal; for, as they had plenty of provisions and no money,
+they were in a condition to support themselves without aid from any
+neighbouring settlements, and had nothing among them to tempt any
+neighbouring governor to interpose his authority among them. In this
+situation they were extremely hospitable and friendly to such foreign
+ships as came among them; for, as these ships wanted only provisions,
+of which the natives had great store, while the natives wanted
+clothes, for they often despised money, and refused to take it, the
+ships furnished them with apparel in exchange for their provisions,
+both sides finding their account in this traffic, and their captain
+had neither interest nor power to tax or restrain it.
+
+Of late, for reasons which will afterwards appear, these honest
+vagabonds have been obliged to receive a new colony among them, and
+to submit to new laws and a new form of government. Instead of their
+former ragged and bare-legged captain, whom they took care, however,
+to keep innocent, they have now the honour of being governed by Don
+Jose Sylva de Paz, a brigadier of the armies of Portugal, who is
+accompanied by a garrison of soldiers, and has consequently a more
+extensive and better supported power than any of his predecessors:
+And as he wears better cloaths, lives more splendidly, and has a much
+better knowledge of the importance of money than any of them could
+ever pretend to, so he puts in practice certain methods for procuring
+it with which they were utterly unacquainted; yet it may be much
+doubted if the inhabitants consider these methods as tending to
+promote either their interests, or that of their sovereign, the king
+of Portugal. This much is certain, that his behaviour cannot but be
+extremely embarrassing to such British ships as touch here in their
+way to the South Seas.
+
+One of his practices was, that he placed centinels at all the avenues,
+to prevent the people from selling us any refreshments, except at such
+exorbitant rates as we could not afford to give. His pretence for this
+extraordinary stretch of power was, that he was obliged to preserve
+their provisions for upwards of an hundred families, which were daily
+expected as a reinforcement to the colony. Thus he seems no novice in
+his profession, by his readiness at inventing a plausible pretence
+for his interested management. This circumstance, however, though
+sufficiently provoking, was far from being the most exceptionable
+part of his conduct; for, as by the neighbourhood of the Rio Plata, a
+considerable smuggling trade is carried on between the Portuguese and
+Spaniards, especially in exchanging gold for silver, by which both
+princes are defrauded of their fifths; and as Don Jose was deeply
+engaged in this prohibited commerce, in order to ingratiate himself
+with his Spanish correspondents, he treacherously dispatched an
+express to Buenos Ayres, where Pizarro then lay, with an account of
+our arrival, our strength, the number, of our ships, guns, men,
+and every circumstance he could suppose our enemy desirous of being
+acquainted with.
+
+This much, and what we shall have to relate in the course of our own
+proceedings, may suffice as to the present state of St Catharines and
+the character of its governor. But as the reader may wish to know
+the reasons for the late new modelling of this settlement, it will
+require, to explain this circumstance, to give a short account of the
+adjacent continent of Brazil, and of the wonderful discoveries which
+have been made within the last forty years, which, from a country of
+but mean estimation, has rendered it now perhaps the most considerable
+colony on the face of the earth.
+
+This country was first discovered by Americus Vesputio, a Florentine,
+who had the good fortune to be honoured by giving his name to the
+immense continent found out some time before by Columbus. As Vesputio
+was in the service of Portugal, this discovery was settled and planned
+by that nation, and afterwards devolved to the crown of Spain along
+with the rest of the Portuguese dominions. During the long war between
+Spain and the states of Holland, the Dutch possessed themselves of the
+northermost parts of Brazil, and kept it for some years; but, when
+the Portuguese revolted from the Spanish government, this country
+took part in the revolt, and the Dutch were soon driven out of their
+acquisitions; since which time it has continued without interruption
+under the crown of Portugal. Till the beginning of the present
+century, it was only productive of sugar and tobacco, and a few other
+commodities of very little importance; but has been lately discovered
+to abound in the two mineral productions, gold and diamonds, which
+mankind hold in the highest estimation, and which they exercise their
+utmost art and industry in acquiring.
+
+Gold was first found in the mountains adjacent to the city of Rio
+Janeiro. The occasion of its discovery is variously related, but the
+most common account is, that the Indians dwelling on the back of the
+Portuguese settlements were observed, by the soldiers employed in an
+expedition against them, to use this metal for fish-hooks; and,
+on enquiry into their manner of procuring this precious metal, it
+appeared that great quantities of it were annually washed from the
+hills, and left among the sand and gravel which remained in the
+vallies after the running off or evaporation of the water. It is now
+[in 1740] little more than forty years since any quantities of gold,
+worth notice, have been imported from Brazil to Europe; but, since
+that time, the annual imports have been continually augmented by the
+discovery of places in other provinces, where it is to be met with
+as plentifully as at first about Rio Janeiro. It is alleged that a
+_slender vein_[3] of gold spread through all the country, at about
+twenty-four feet below the surface, but that this vein is too thin and
+poor to answer the expence of digging.[4] However, where the rivers
+or rains have had any course for a considerable time, there gold is
+always to be collected, the water having separated the metal from the
+earth, and deposited it in the sands, thereby saving the expence of
+digging; hence it is esteemed an infallible gain to be able to divert
+a stream from its channel, and ransack its bed. From this account of
+the manner of gathering gold, it should follow that there are no mines
+of this metal in Brazil, and this the governor of Rio Grande, who
+happened to be at St Catharines, and frequently visited Mr Anson, did
+most confidently affirm, assuring us that all the gold was collected
+from rivers, or from the beds of torrents after floods. It is indeed
+asserted that large rocks are found in the mountains abounding in
+gold, and I have seen a fragment of one of these rocks having a
+considerable lump of gold entangled in it; but, even in this case, the
+workmen only break off the rocks, and do not properly mine into them;
+and the great expence of subsisting among these mountains, and in
+afterwards separating the metal from the stone, occasions this method
+of procuring gold to be but rarely put in practice.
+
+[Footnote 3: The author ought here to have said, _a thin layer_, or
+_stratum_, to express the obvious meaning intended in the text.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: The editor was informed, many years ago, by an
+intelligent native of Rio Janeiro, that the search for gold is
+confined by law to certain districts, on purpose to secure the royal
+fifth; and that all over the country round Rio Janeiro, where the
+search is prohibited, gold, emeralds, and aqua-marines are found in
+small quantities, on every occasion of digging to any depth into the
+earth, as for the purpose of a pit-well.--E.]
+
+The examining the bottom of rivers and beds of torrents, and the
+washing the gold there found, from the sand and dirt with which it is
+always mixed, are performed by slaves, who are principally negroes,
+kept in great numbers by the Portuguese for this purpose. The
+regulation of the duty of these slaves is singular, as they are each
+of them obliged to furnish their master with the eighth part of an
+ounce of gold daily.[5] If they are either so fortunate or industrious
+as to collect a greater quantity, the surplus becomes their own
+property, and they may dispose of it as they think fit; so that some
+negroes, who have accidentally fallen upon rich washing-places, are
+said to have themselves purchased slaves, and to have lived afterwards
+in great splendour, their original master having no other demand upon
+them than the daily supply of the before-mentioned eighths; which,
+as the Portuguese ounce is somewhat lighter than our troy ounce, may
+amount to about nine shillings sterling.
+
+[Footnote 5: On the data of the text, and allowing sixty-five days
+in the year for Sundays and high festivals, the yearly profit of one
+slave to his master would be L. 135 sterling.--E.]
+
+The quantity of gold thus collected in the Brazils and returned
+annually to Lisbon, may be estimated, in some degree, from the amount
+of the royal fifth. This has been of late computed, one year with
+another, at one hundred and fifty _aroues_, of thirty-two Portuguese
+pounds each, which, valued at L. 4 sterling the troy ounce, make very
+nearly three hundred thousand pounds sterling; and consequently the
+capital, of which this is the fifth, is about a million and a half
+sterling. It is obvious that the annual return of gold to Lisbon
+cannot be less than this, though it may be difficult to guess how much
+more it may be. Perhaps we may not be much mistaken in conjecturing
+that the gold exchanged with the Spaniards at Buenos Ayres for silver,
+and what is privately brought to Europe without paying the duty, may
+amount to near half a million more, which will make the entire yearly
+produce of Brazilian gold nearly two millions sterling; a prodigious
+sum to be found in a country which only a few years since was not
+known to furnish a single grain.
+
+Besides gold, this country also affords diamonds, as already
+mentioned. The discovery of these valuable stones is much more recent
+even than that of gold, as it is scarcely twenty years since the first
+were brought to Europe.[6] They are found in the same manner as gold,
+in the gullies of torrents and beds of rivers, but only in particular
+places, and by no means so universally spread throughout the country.
+They were often found while washing for gold, before they were known
+to be diamonds, and were consequently thrown away along with the
+sand and gravel; and it is well remembered that numbers of very large
+stones, which would have made the fortunes of the possessors, have
+passed unregarded through the hands of those who now impatiently
+support the mortifying reflection. However, about twenty years since,
+[that is, in 1720,] a person acquainted with the appearance of rough
+diamonds, conceived that these pebbles, as they were then called, were
+of the same kind; yet it is said there was a considerable interval
+between the first stating of this opinion and its confirmation, by
+proper examination, as it was difficult to persuade the inhabitants
+that what they had been long accustomed to despise, could be of such
+amazing importance; and in this interval, as I was told, a governor of
+one of these places procured a good number of these stones, which
+he pretended to make use of as markers at cards. The truth of the
+discovery was at last confirmed by skilful jewellers in Europe, who
+were consulted on the occasion, and who declared that these Brazilian
+pebbles were true diamonds, many of which were not inferior in lustre,
+or other qualities, to those of the East Indies. On this being made
+known, the Portuguese in the neighbourhood of the places where these
+had been first discovered, set themselves to search for diamonds with
+great assiduity, and were hopeful of discovering them in considerable
+quantities, as they found large rocks of crystal in many of the
+mountains whence the streams proceeded that washed down the diamonds.
+
+[Footnote 6: The author writes as of the year 1740.--E.]
+
+Soon after this discovery, it was represented to the king of Portugal,
+that if diamonds should be met with in such abundance as their
+sanguine expectations seemed to indicate, their value and estimation
+would be so debased as to ruin all the Europeans who had any quantity
+of East India diamonds in their possession, and would even render
+the discovery itself of no importance, and prevent his majesty from
+deriving any advantages from it. On these considerations, his majesty
+thought proper to restrain the general search for diamonds, and
+erected a diamond company, with an exclusive charter for this purpose;
+in which company, in consideration of a sum of money paid to the king,
+the property of all diamonds found in Brazil is vested: But, to hinder
+them from collecting too large quantities, and thereby reducing their
+value in the market, they are prohibited from employing above eight
+hundred slaves in this search. To prevent any of his other subjects
+from continuing the search, and to secure the company against
+interlopers, a large town, and considerable surrounding district, has
+been depopulated; and all the inhabitants, said to have amounted
+to six thousand, have been obliged to remove to another part of the
+country: For as this town and district were in the neighbourhood of
+the diamonds, it was thought impossible to prevent such a number of
+people from frequently smuggling, if allowed to reside on the spot.
+
+In consequence of these important discoveries in Brazil, new laws, new
+governments, and new regulations, have been established in many parts
+of the country. Not long ago there was a considerable track of country
+possessed by a set of inhabitants called Paulists, from the name of
+their principal settlement, who were almost independent of the
+crown of Portugal, to which it scarcely ever acknowledged a nominal
+allegiance. These Paulists are said to be descendants from the
+Portuguese who retired from the northern part of Brazil when it was
+invaded and possessed by the Dutch. Being long neglected by their
+superiors, owing to the confusions of the times, and obliged to
+provide for their own security and defence, the necessity of their
+affairs produced a kind of government among themselves, which sufficed
+for their mode of life. Thus habituated to their own regulations, they
+became fond of independence, so that, rejecting the mandates of the
+court of Lisbon, they were often engaged in a state of downright
+rebellion; and, owing to the mountains surrounding their country, and
+the difficulty of clearing the few passes leading towards it, they
+were generally able to make their own terms before they submitted. But
+as gold was found in this country of the Paulists, the present king of
+Portugal, in whose reign almost all these great discoveries have been
+made, thought it necessary to reduce this province, now become of
+great importance, under the same dependence and obedience with the
+rest of the country, which was at length effected, though, as I was
+informed, with great difficulty.
+
+The same motives which induced his majesty to reduce the Paulists,
+have also occasioned the changes which I have mentioned as having
+taken place at the island of St Catharines: For, as we were assured
+by the governor of Rio Grande, there are considerable rivers in this
+neighbourhood that are found to be extremely rich in gold, for which
+reason a military governor with a garrison have been placed here,
+along with a new colony; and, as the harbour at this island is by much
+the largest and most secure of any on the coast, it is not improbable,
+if the riches of the neighbourhood answer their present expectation,
+that it may become in time the principal settlement in Brazil, and the
+most considerable port in all South America.
+
+This much I thought necessary to insert, in relation to the present
+state of Brazil and of the island of St Catharines; for, as this last
+place has been generally recommended as the most eligible place for
+our cruizers to refresh at when bound to the South Sea, I believed it
+to be my duty to instruct my countrymen in the hitherto unsuspected
+inconveniences which attend that place. And, as the Brazilian gold and
+diamonds are subjects of novelty, of which very few particulars have
+hitherto been published, I considered that the account I have been
+able to collect respecting them might not be regarded either a
+trifling or useless digression.
+
+When we first arrived at St Catharines, we were employed in refreshing
+our sick on shore, in wooding and watering the squadron, in cleaning
+our ships, and in examining and securing our masts and rigging, as
+formerly mentioned. At the same time Mr Anson gave orders that the
+ships companies should be supplied with fresh meat, and have a full
+allowance of all kinds of provisions. In consequence of these orders
+we had fresh meat sent on board continually for our daily expenditure;
+and every thing else that was wanting to make up our allowances, was
+received from the Anna Pink, our victualler, in order to preserve the
+provisions on board the ships of the squadron as entire as possible
+for future service. As the season of the year grew every day less
+favourable for our passage round Cape Horn, Mr Anson was very anxious
+to leave St Catharines as soon as possible, and we were at first in
+hopes that all our business would be concluded, and we should be in
+readiness to sail, in about a fortnight from our arrival; but, on
+examining the masts of the Tryal, we found, to our no small vexation,
+inevitable employment for twice that time; for, on a survey, her
+main-mast was sprung at the upper woulding, though that was thought
+capable of being secured by means of two fishes; but the fore-mast was
+reported entirely unfit for service, on which the carpenters were sent
+into the woods in search of a stick proper for a new foremast. After
+a search of four days, nothing could be found fit for the purpose;
+wherefore, on a new consultation, it was agreed to endeavour to secure
+the mast by three fishes, in which work the carpenters were employed
+till within a day or two of our departure. In the meantime, thinking
+it necessary to have a clean vessel, on our arrival in the South Sea,
+the commodore ordered the Tryal to be hove down, which occasioned
+no loss of time, as it might be completed while the carpenters were
+refitting her masts on shore.
+
+A sail being discovered in the offing on the 27th December, and not
+knowing but she might be Spanish, the eighteen-oared boat was manned
+and armed, and sent under the command of our second lieutenant, to
+examine her before she got within the protection of the forts. She
+proved to be a Portuguese brigantine from Rio Grande; and, though
+our officer behaved with the utmost civility to the master, and even
+refused to accept a calf which the master pressed him to accept, the
+governor took great offence at the sending our boat, talking of it
+in a high strain, as a violation of the peace subsisting between
+the crowns of Great Britain and Portugal. We thus attributed this
+blustering to no deeper cause than the natural insolence of Don Jose;
+but when he charged our officer with behaving rudely, and attempting
+to take by violence the calf which he had refused as a present, we had
+reason to suspect that he purposely sought this quarrel, and had more
+important objects in view than the mere captiousness of his temper.
+What these motives might be we had then no means of determining, or
+even guessing at; but we afterwards found, by letters which fell into
+our hands when in the South-Seas, that he had dispatched an express to
+Pizarro, who then lay in the Rio Plata, with an account of our arrival
+at St Catharines, together with a most ample and circumstantial
+account of our force and condition. We then conceived, that Don Jose
+had raised this groundless clamour on purpose to prevent us from
+visiting the brigantine when she should go away again, lest we might
+have found proofs of his perfidy, and perhaps have discovered
+the secret of his smuggling correspondence with his neighbouring
+governors, and with the Spaniards at Buenos Ayres.
+
+It was near a month before the Tryal was refitted; for not only were
+her lower-masts defective, but her main-topmast and fore-yard were
+likewise found rotten. While this work was going on, the other
+ships of the squadron set up new standing-rigging, together with a
+sufficient number of preventer shrowds to each mast, to secure them in
+the most effectual manner. Also, in order to render the ships stiffer,
+to enable them to carry more sail abroad, and to prevent them from
+straining their upper works in hard gales of wind, the several
+captains were ordered to put some of their great guns into their
+holds. These precautions being complied with, and all the ships having
+taken in as much wood and water as there was room for, the Tryal was
+at last completed, and the whole squadron was ready for sea: On which
+the tents on shore were struck, and all the sick removed on board. We
+had here a melancholy proof how much the healthiness of this place
+was over-rated by former writers; for, though the Centurion had alone
+buried no less than twenty-eight of her men since our arrival, yet, in
+the same interval, the number of her sick had increased from eighty to
+ninety-six.
+
+All being embarked, and every thing prepared for our departure, the
+commodore made the signal for all captains, and delivered them their
+orders, containing the successive places of rendezvous from hence to
+the coast of Chili. Next day, being the 18th of January, 1741, the
+signal was made for weighing, and the squadron put to sea; leaving
+this island of St Catharines without regret, as we had been extremely
+disappointed in our accommodations and expectatations of refreshment,
+and in the humane and friendly offices we had been taught to look
+for, in a place so much celebrated for its hospitality, freedom, and
+convenience.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_The Run from St Catharines to Port St Julian; with some Account of
+that Port, and of the Country to the South of the Rio Plata._
+
+In quitting St Catharines, we left the last amicable port we proposed
+to touch at, and were now proceeding to a hostile, or at best a desert
+and inhospitable coast. As we were to expect a more boisterous climate
+to the southward than any we had yet experienced, not only our
+danger of separation would by this means be much augmented, but other
+accidents of a more mischievous nature were also to be apprehended,
+and as much as possible provided against. Mr Anson, therefore, in
+appointing the various stations at which the ships of the squadron
+were to rendezvous, had considered that his own ship might be disabled
+from getting round Cape Horn, or might be lost, and gave therefore
+proper directions, that, even in that case, the expedition might not
+be abandoned. The orders delivered to the captains, the day before
+sailing from St Catharines, were, in case of separation, which they
+were to endeavour to avoid with the utmost care, that the first place
+of rendezvous was to be Port St Julian, describing the place from Sir
+John Narborough's account of it. They were there to provide as much
+salt as they could take on board, both for their own use and that of
+the other ships of the squadron; and, if not joined by the commodore
+after a stay of ten days, they were then to pass through the straits
+of Le Maire and round Cape Horn into the South-Seas, where the next
+place of rendezvous was to be the island of Nostra Senora del Socoro,
+in lat. 45° S. long. 71° 12' W. from the Lizard.[1] They were to bring
+this island to bear E.N.E. and to cruize from five to twelve leagues
+distance from it, as long as their store of wood and water would
+permit, both of which they were directed to expend with the utmost
+frugality. When under the necessity of procuring a fresh supply, they
+were to stand in, and endeavour to find an anchorage; and in case they
+could not, and the weather made it dangerous to supply the ships by
+standing off and on, they were then to make the best of their way to
+the island of Juan Fernandez in lat. 33° 37' S. at which island, after
+recruiting their wood and water, they were to cruize off the anchorage
+for fifty-six days; and, if not joined by the commodore in that time,
+they were to conclude that some accident had befallen him, and were
+forthwith to put themselves under the command of the senior officer,
+who was to use his utmost endeavour to annoy the enemy both by sea and
+land. In this view, the new commander was urged to continue in these
+seas as long as provisions lasted, or as they could be supplied by
+what could be taken from the enemy, reserving only a sufficiency to
+carry the ships to Macao, at the entrance of the river of Canton
+on the coast of China; whence, being supplied with a new stock of
+provisions, they were to make the best of their way to England. As it
+was found still impossible to unload the Anna Pink, our victualler,
+the commodore gave her master instructions for the same rendezvouses,
+and similar orders to put himself under the command of the remaining
+senior officer.
+
+[Footnote 1: The centre of the island of Socoro, or Guayteca, on the
+western coast of Patagonia, is in lat. 43° 10' S. and long. 73° 40' W.
+from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+Under these orders, the squadron sailed from St Catharines on Sunday
+the 18th of January, 1741. Next day we had very squally weather,
+attended with rain, lightning, and thunder; but it soon cleared up
+again, with light breezes, and continued so to the evening of the
+21st, when it again blew fresh, and, increasing all night, it became a
+most violent storm by next morning, accompanied by so thick a fog that
+it was impossible for us to see to the distance of two ships lengths,
+and we consequently lost sight of all the squadron. On this a signal
+was made, by firing guns, to bring to with the larboard tacks, the
+wind being due east. We in the Centurion handed the top-sails, bunted
+the main-sail, and lay to under a reefed-mizen till noon, when the
+fog dispersed, and we soon discovered all the ships of the squadron,
+except the Pearl, which did not join till near a month afterwards.
+The Tryal was a great way to leeward, having lost her main-mast in
+the squall, and having been obliged to cut away the wreck, for fear of
+bilging. We therefore bore down with the squadron to her relief, and
+the Gloucester was ordered to take her in tow, as the weather did not
+entirely abate till next day, and even then a great swell continued
+from the eastward, in consequence of the preceding storm. After this
+accident we continued to the southward with little interruption,
+finding the same setting of the current we had observed before our
+arrival at St Catharines; that is, we generally found ourselves about
+twenty miles to the southward of our reckoning by the log every day.
+This, with some inequality, lasted till we had passed the latitude of
+the Rio Plata, and even then the same current, however difficult to
+be accounted for, undoubtedly continued; for we were not satisfied in
+attributing this appearance to any error in our reckoning, but tried
+it more than once, when a calm rendered it practicable.
+
+Immediately on getting to the south of the latitude of the Rio Plata
+we had soundings, which continued all along the coast of Patagonia.
+These soundings, when well ascertained, being of great use in
+determining the position of a ship on this coast, and as we tried them
+more frequently, in greater depths, and with more attention, than I
+believe had ever been done before, I shall recite our observations
+on this subject as succinctly as I can. In lat. 36° 52' S. we had 60
+fathoms on a bottom of fine black and grey sand: From thence to 39°
+55' S. we varied our depths from 50 to 80 fathoms, but always with the
+same bottom: Between the last-mentioned latitude and 43° 16' S. we had
+only fine grey sand with the same variation of depths, except that
+we once or twice lessened the water to 40 fathoms. After this we
+continued in 40 fathoms for about half a degree, having a bottom of
+coarse sand and broken shells, at which time we were in sight of land
+at not above seven leagues distance. As we edged from the land we had
+a variety of soundings; first black sand, then muddy, and soon after
+rough ground with stones: But when we had increased our depth to
+forty-eight fathoms, we had a muddy bottom to the lat. of 46° 10' S.
+Hence drawing near the shore, we had at first thirty-six fathoms,
+and still kept shoaling till we came into twelve fathoms, having
+constantly small stones and pebbles at the bottom.
+
+Part of this time we had a view of Cape Blanco, in about lat. 47°
+10' S. and long. 69° W. from London.[2] Steering from hence S. by
+E. nearly, we deepened our water to fifty fathoms in a run of about
+thirty leagues, without once altering the bottom; and then drawing
+towards the shore, with a S.W. course, varying rather westward, we had
+constantly a sandy bottom till we came to thirty fathoms, when we had
+again a sight of land in about lat. 48° 31' S. We made this land on
+the 17th February, and came to anchor at five that afternoon in lat.
+48° 58' S. with the same soundings as before; the southermost land
+then in view bearing S.S.W. the northermost N.E. a small island N.W.
+and the westermost hummock W.S.W. At this anchorage we found the tide
+to set S. by W.
+
+[Footnote 2: Cape Blanco is in lat 47° 20' S. long. 64° 30' W. from
+Greenwich. At this place, instead of a description of Cape Blanco, the
+original gives two views of the coast in different directions, as seen
+from sea; here omitted for reasons already assigned.--E.]
+
+We weighed anchor at five next morning, and an hour afterwards
+descried a sail, which was soon found to be the Pearl, which had
+separated from us a few days after leaving St Catharines. Yet she
+increased her sail and stood away from the Gloucester; and when she
+came up, the people of the Pearl had their hammocks in their netting,
+and every thing ready for an engagement. The Pearl joined us about
+two in the afternoon, and running up under our stern, Lieutenant
+Salt informed the commodore that Captain Kidd had died on the 31st
+of January. He likewise said that he had seen five large ships on
+the 10th of this month, which he for some time imagined had been our
+squadron, insomuch that he suffered the commanding ship, which wore a
+red broad pendant exactly resembling that of our commodore at the
+main top-mast head, to come within gun-shot of the Pearl before he
+discovered the mistake; but then, finding it was not the Centurion,
+he haled close upon a wind and crowded from theirs with all sail; and
+standing across a rippling, where they hesitated to follow, he happily
+escaped. He had made them out to be five Spanish ships of war, one of
+which was so exceedingly like the Gloucester that he was under great
+apprehension when chased now by the Gloucester. He thought they
+consisted of two seventy-gun ships, two of fifty, and one of forty;
+the whole of which squadron chased him all that day, but at night,
+finding they could not get near, they gave over the chase and stood
+away to the southward.
+
+Had we not been under the necessity of refitting the Tryal, this
+intelligence would have prevented our making any stay at St Julians;
+but as it was impossible for that sloop to proceed round Cape Horn
+in her present condition, some stay there became inevitable; and
+therefore we came to an anchor again the same evening in twenty-five
+fathoms, the bottom a mixture of mud and sand, a high hummock bearing
+from us S.W. by W. Weighing at nine next morning, we sent the cutters
+of the Centurion and Severn in shore to discover the harbour of St
+Julian, while the ships kept standing along the coast about a league
+from the land. At six in the evening we anchored in the bay of St
+Julian, in nineteen fathoms, the bottom muddy ground with sand, the
+northermost land in sight bearing N. by E. the S. 1/2 E. and the
+high hummock, called Wood's Mount by Sir John Narborough, W.S.W. The
+cutters returned soon after, having discovered the harbour, which did
+not appear to us where we lay, the northermost point shutting in upon
+the southermost, and closing the entrance in appearance.
+
+Our principal object in coming to anchor in this bay was to refit the
+Tryal, in which business the carpenters were immediately employed. Her
+main-mast had been carried away about twelve feet below the cap, but
+they contrived to make the remainder of the mast serve. The Wager
+was directed to supply her with a spare main-top-mast, which
+the carpenters converted into a new fore-mast. And I cannot help
+observing, that this accident to the Tryal's masts, which gave us so
+much uneasiness at the time on account of the delay it occasioned, was
+the means, in all probability, of preserving this sloop and all her
+crew. For her masts before this were much too lofty for the high
+southern latitudes we were proceeding into, so that, if they had
+weathered the preceding storm, it would have been impossible for them
+to have stood against the seas and tempests we afterwards encountered
+in passing round Cape Horn; and the loss of masts, in that boisterous
+climate, would scarcely have been attended with less than the loss of
+the vessel and all on board, as it would have been impracticable for
+the other ships to have given them any assistance whatever, during the
+continuance of these impetuous storms.
+
+While at this place, the commodore appointed the honourable Captain
+Murray to succeed to the Pearl, and Captain Cheap to the Wager. He
+promoted Mr Charles Saunders, first lieutenant of the Centurion, to
+the command of the Tryal sloop; but, as Mr Saunders lay dangerously
+ill of a fever in the Centurion, and the surgeons considered his
+removal to his own ship might hazard his life, Mr Saumarez had
+orders to act as commander of the Tryal during the illness of Captain
+Saunders.
+
+At this place, the commodore held a consultation with his captains
+about unloading and discharging the Anna pink; but they represented
+that, so far from being in a condition for taking her loading on
+board, their ships still had great quantities of provisions in the way
+of their guns between decks, and that their ships were so deep and so
+lumbered that they would not be fit for action without being cleared.
+It was therefore necessary to retain the pink in the service; and, as
+it was apprehended that we should meet with the Spanish squadron in
+passing the cape, Mr Anson ordered all the provisions that were in
+the way of the guns to be put on board the Anna pink, and that all the
+guns which had been formerly lowered into the holds, for the ease of
+the ships, should be remounted.
+
+As this bay and harbour of St Julian is a convenient rendezvous, in
+case of separation, for all cruizers bound to the southwards, or to
+any part of the coast of Patagonia, from the Rio Plata to the Straits
+of Magellan, as it lies nearly parallel to their usual route, a
+short account of the singularity of this country, with a particular
+description of Port St. Julian, may perhaps be neither unacceptable to
+the curious, nor unworthy the attention of future navigators, as some
+of them, by unforeseen accidents, may be obliged to run in with the
+land and to make some stay on this coast; in which case a knowledge of
+the country, and of its productions and inhabitants, cannot fail to be
+of the utmost consequence to them.
+
+The tract of country usually called Patagonia, or that southern
+portion of South America, not possessed by the Spaniards, extends
+from their settlements to the Straits of Magellan. This country on its
+eastern side, along the Atlantic ocean, from the Rio Plata southwards,
+is remarkable for having no trees of any kind, except a few peach
+trees planted by the Spaniards in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres;
+so that the whole eastern coast of Patagonia, extending near four
+hundred leagues from north to south, and as far back into the interior
+as any discoveries have yet been made, contains nothing that can be
+called by the name of wood, and only a few insignificant shrubs
+in some places. Sir John Narborough, who was sent out expressly by
+Charles II to examine this country, wintered upon this coast in Port
+St Julian and Port Desire, in the year 1670, and declares that he did
+not see a stick in the whole country large enough to make the handle
+of a hatchet. But, although this country be destitute of wood, it
+abounds in pasture, as the whole land seems made up of downs of a
+light dry and gravelly soil, producing great quantities of long grass,
+which grows in tufts, interspersed with large spots of barren gravel.
+In many places this grass feeds immense herds of cattle, all derived
+from a few European cattle brought over by the Spaniards at their
+first settling, which have thriven and multiplied prodigiously, owing
+to the abundance of herbage which they every where met with, and
+are now so increased and extended so far into different parts of
+Patagonia, that they are not considered as private property; thousands
+of them being slaughtered every year by the hunters, only for their
+hides and tallow.
+
+The manner of killing these cattle, being peculiar to that part of the
+world, merits a circumstantial description. Both Spaniards and Indians
+in that country are usually most excellent horsemen; and accordingly
+the hunters employed on this occasion are all mounted on horseback,
+armed with a kind of spear, which, instead of the usual point or blade
+in the same line with the shaft, has its blade fixed across. Armed
+with this instrument, they ride at a beast and surround him, when the
+hunter that is behind hamstrings him, so that he soon falls, and
+is unable to rise from the ground, where they leave him and proceed
+against others, whom they serve in the same manner. Sometimes there is
+a second party attending the hunters, on purpose to skin the cattle as
+they fall; but it is said that the hunters sometimes prefer to leave
+them to languish in torment till next day, from an opinion that the
+lengthened anguish bursts the lymphatics, and thereby facilitates the
+separation of the skin from the carcass. Their priests have loudly
+condemned this most barbarous practice, and have even gone so far, if
+my memory do not deceive me, as to excommunicate such as persist to
+follow it, yet all their efforts to put an entire stop to it have
+hitherto proved ineffectual.
+
+Besides great numbers of cattle which are slaughtered every year in
+this manner, for their hides and tallow, it is often necessary, for
+the uses of agriculture, and for other purposes, to catch them alive,
+and without wounding them. This is performed with a most wonderful
+and most incredible dexterity, chiefly by means of an implement or
+contrivance which the English who have resided at Buenos Ayres usually
+denominate a lash. This consists of a very strong thong of raw hide,
+several fathoms in length, with a running noose at one end. This the
+hunter, who is on horseback, takes in his right hand, being properly
+coiled up, and the other end fastened to the saddle: Thus prepared,
+the hunters ride at a herd of cattle, and when arrived within a
+certain distance of a beast, they throw their thong at him with such
+exactness, that they never fail to fix the noose about his horns.
+Finding himself thus entangled, the beast usually endeavours to run
+away, but the hunter attends his motions, and the horse being swifter,
+the thong is prevented from being so much straitened as to break, till
+another hunter throws another noose about one of his hind-legs. When
+this is done, the horses being trained to the sport, instantly turn in
+opposite directions, straining the two thongs contrary ways, by which
+the beast is overthrown. The horses then stop, keeping both thongs
+on the stretch, so that the beast remains on the ground incapable of
+resistance; and the two hunters alight from their horses and secure
+the beast in such a manner that they afterwards easily convey him to
+wherever they please.
+
+They catch horses by means of similar nooses, and are even said to
+catch tigers in the same manner, which, however strange it may appear,
+is asserted by persons of credit. It must be owned, indeed, that the
+address both of Spaniards and Indians in this part of the world, in
+the use of this lash or noose, and the certainty with which they throw
+and fix it on any intended part of a beast, even at a considerable
+distance, is so wonderful as only to be credited and repeated on the
+concurrent testimony of all who have frequented this country. The
+cattle killed in the before-mentioned manner are slaughtered only for
+their hides and tallow, and sometimes their tongues also are taken
+out; but the rest of the flesh is left to putrify, or to be devoured
+by birds of prey and wild beasts. The greatest part of it falls to the
+share of the wild-dogs, of which there are immense numbers to be found
+in the country. These are all supposed to be descended of Spanish dogs
+from Buenos Ayres, which had left their masters, allured by the great
+quantity of carrion, and had run wild where they had such facility
+of subsisting, for they are plainly of the European breed of dogs.
+Although these dogs are said to prowl in vast packs, even some
+thousands together, they do not diminish the number, nor prevent the
+increase of the cattle, as they dare not attack the herds, by reason
+of the vast numbers that feed together, but content themselves with
+the carrion left by the hunters, and perhaps now and then meet with
+a few stragglers, separated accidentally from the herds to which they
+belong.
+
+This country, to the southward of Buenos Ayres, is also stocked with
+great numbers of wild-horses, brought also originally from Spain, and
+prodigiously increased, and extending to a much greater distance than
+the cattle. Though many of these are excellent, their numbers
+make them of very little value, the best of them being sold in the
+neighbouring settlements, where money is plenty and commodities very
+dear, for not more than a dollar a piece. It is not certain how far to
+the southwards these herds of wild cattle and horses extend; but there
+is reason to believe that stragglers of both are to be met with very
+near the Straits of Magellan, and they will doubtless in time fill
+all the southern part of the continent with their breeds, which cannot
+fail to be of vast advantage to such ships as may touch on the coast.
+The horses are said to be very good eating, and are even preferred by
+some of the Indians before the cattle. But however plentiful Patagonia
+may hereafter become in regard to flesh, this eastern coast of that
+extensive country seems very defective in regard to fresh water; for
+as the land is generally of a nitrous and saline nature, the ponds
+and streams are frequently brackish. However, as good water has been
+found, though in small quantities, it is not improbable but this
+inconvenience may be removed, on a farther search.
+
+There are also in all parts of this country a good number of
+_Vicunnas_, or Peruvian sheep, but these, by reason of their
+swiftness, are very difficultly killed. On the eastern coast, also,
+there are immense quantities of seals, and a vast variety of sea-fowl,
+among which the most remarkable are the penguins. These are, in size
+and shape, like a goose, but have short stumps like fins instead of
+wings, which are of no use to them except when in the water. Their
+bills are narrow, like that of the albatross, and they stand and walk
+quite erect, from which circumstance, and their white bellies, Sir
+John Narborough has whimsically likened them to little children
+standing up in white aprons.
+
+The inhabitants of this eastern coast, to which hitherto I confine my
+observations, appear to be but few, and rarely have more than two or
+three of them been seen at a time by any ships that have touched here.
+During our stay at Port St Julian we did not see any. Towards
+Buenos Ayres, however, they are sufficiently numerous, and are very
+troublesome to the Spaniards: But there the greater breadth and
+variety of the country, and a milder climate, yield them greater
+conveniences. In that part the continent is between three and four
+hundred leagues in breadth, while at Port St Julian it is little more
+than one hundred. I conceive, therefore, that the same Indians who
+frequent the western coast of Patagonia, and the northern shore of the
+Straits of Magellan, often ramble to this eastern side. As the Indians
+near Buenos Ayres are more numerous than those farther south, they
+also greatly excel them in spirit and activity, and seem nearly allied
+in their manners to the gallant Chilese Indians, [Araucanians] who
+have long set the whole Spanish power at defiance, have often ravaged
+their country, and remain to this hour independent. The Indians about
+Buenos Ayres have learned to be excellent horsemen, and are extremely
+expert in the management of all cutting weapons, though ignorant of
+fire-arms, which the Spaniards are exceedingly solicitous to keep from
+them. Of the vigour and resolution of these Indians, the behaviour
+of Orellana and his followers, formerly mentioned, is a memorable
+instance.
+
+This much may suffice respecting the eastern coast of Patagonia. The
+western coast is of less extent; and, by reason of the Andes which
+skirt it, and stretch quite down to the sea side, the shore is very
+rocky and dangerous. As I shall hereafter have occasion to take
+farther notice of that coast, I shall not enlarge any farther
+respecting it in this place, but shall conclude this account with a
+short description of the harbour of St Julian, the general form of
+which may be conceived from the annexed sketch. It must however be
+noticed, that the bar there marked at the entrance has many holes in
+it, and is often shifting. The tide flows here N. and S. and at full
+and change rises four fathoms. On our first arrival, an officer was
+sent on shore to the salt pond marked D. in the sketch, in order to
+procure a quantity of salt for the use of the squadron; for Sir John
+Narborough had observed, when he was here, that the salt was very
+white and good, and that in February there was enough to have loaded a
+thousand ships. But our officer returned with a sample which was very
+bad, and said that even of this very little was to be had: I suppose
+the weather had been more rainy this year than ordinary, and had
+destroyed the salt, or prevented its fermentation.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and Passage from thence to the
+Straits of Le Maire._
+
+The Tryal being nearly refitted, which was our principal occupation
+at this bay, and sole occasion of our stay, the commodore thought
+it necessary to fix the plan of his first operations, as we were
+now directly bound for the South Seas and the enemy's coasts; and
+therefore, on the 24th February, a signal was made for all captains,
+and a council of war was held on board the Centurion. There were
+present on this occasion the Honourable Edward Legg, Captain Matthew
+Mitchell, the Honourable George Murray, Captain David Cheap, and
+Colonel Mordaunt Cracherode, commander of the land-forces. At this
+council, it was proposed by Commodore Anson, that their first attempt,
+after arriving in the South Seas, should be against the town and
+harbour of Baldivia, the principal frontier place in the south of
+Chili, informing them, as an inducement for this enterprize, that it
+formed part of his majesty's instructions to endeavour to secure
+some port in the South Seas where the ships of the squadron might be
+careened and refitted. The council readily and unanimously agreed
+to this proposal; and, in consequence of this resolution, new
+instructions were issued to the captains, by which, though still
+directed, in case of separation, to make the best of their way to the
+island of Socoro, they were only to cruize off that island for ten
+days; from whence, if not then joined by the commodore, they were to
+proceed off Baldivia, making the land between the latitudes of 40° and
+40° 30' S. and taking care to keep to the southward of the port. If
+not there joined in fourteen days by the rest of the squadron, they
+were then to direct their course for the island of Juan Fernandez;
+after which they were to regulate their farther proceedings by the
+former orders given out at St Catharines. The same orders were also
+given to the master of the Anna pink, who was enjoined to answer and
+obey the signals made by any ship of the squadron, in absence of the
+commodore; and, if he should be so unfortunate as to fell into the
+hands of the enemy, he was directed to destroy his orders and papers
+with the utmost care. Likewise, as the separation of the squadron
+might prove highly prejudicial to the service, each captain was
+ordered to give it in charge to the respective officers of the watch,
+on all occasions, never to keep their respective ships at a greater
+distance from the Centurion than two miles, as they should answer
+at their peril; and if any captain should find his ship beyond the
+specified distance, he was to acquaint the commodore with the name of
+the officer who thus neglected his duty.
+
+These necessary regulations established, and the repairs of the Tryal
+sloop completed, the squadron weighed from Port St Julians on Friday
+the 27th February, 1741, at seven in the morning, and stood to sea.
+The Gloucester found such difficulty in endeavouring to purchase her
+anchor, that she was left a great way astern, so that we fired several
+guns in the night as signals for her to make more sail: But she did
+not rejoin us till next morning, when we learnt that she had been
+obliged to cut her cable, leaving her best bower anchor behind. At ten
+in the morning of the 28th, Wood's Mount, the high land over Port
+St Julian, bore from us N. by W. distant ten leagues, and we had
+fifty-two fathoms water. Standing now to the southward, we had great
+expectations of falling in with the Spanish squadron under Pizarro;
+as, during our stay at Port St Julian, there had generally been hard
+gales between W.N.W. and S.W. so that we had reason to conclude that
+squadron, had gained no ground upon us in that interval. Indeed, it
+was the prospect of meeting them that had occasioned our commodore to
+be so very solicitous to prevent the separation of our ships; for, had
+he been solely intent on getting round Cape Horn in the shortest time,
+the most proper method for this purpose would have been, to order each
+ship to make the best of her way to the rendezvous, without waiting
+for the rest.
+
+From the time of leaving Port St Julian to the 4th March, we had
+little wind with thick hazy weather and some rain, and our soundings
+were generally from forty to fifty fathoms, with a bottom of black
+and gray sand, sometimes mixed with pebble stones. On the 4th March
+we were in sight of Cape Virgin Mary, and not more than six or seven
+leagues distant, the northern boundary of the eastern entrance of
+the Straits of Magellan, in lat 52° 21' S. long. 71° 44' W. from
+London.[1] It seemed a low flat land, ending in a point.[2] Off this
+cape the depth of water was from thirty-five to forty-eight fathoms.
+The afternoon of this day was bright and clear, with small breezes
+of wind, inclining to a calm; and most of the captains took the
+opportunity of this fine weather to visit the commodore. While all
+were on board the Centurion, they were greatly alarmed by a sudden
+flame bursting out in the Gloucester, followed by a cloud of
+smoke; but were soon relieved of their apprehensions, by receiving
+information that the blast had been occasioned by a spark of fire from
+the forge lighting on some gun-powder, and other combustibles, which
+an officer was preparing for use, in case of falling in with the
+Spanish squadron, and which had exploded without any damage to the
+ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: The longitude of Cape Virgin Mary, is only 67° 42' W.
+from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: By the draught in the original, omitted here for
+substantial reasons already repeatedly stated, the coast at this
+southern extremity of Patagonia is represented as a high bluff flat on
+the top, and ending abruptly at this cape.--E.]
+
+We here found, what was constantly the case in these high southern
+latitudes, that fair weather was always of exceedingly short
+continuance, and that when remarkably fine it was a certain presage of
+a succeeding storm: For the calm and sunshine of this afternoon ended
+in a most turbulent night; the wind freshening from the S.W. as the
+night came on; and increasing continually in violence till nine next
+morning. It then blew so hard that we were forced to bring to with the
+squadron, and to continue under a reefed mizen till eleven at night,
+having in that time from forty-three to fifty-seven fathoms water
+on black sand and gravel; and, by an observation we had at noon, we
+concluded that a current had set us twelve miles to the southward
+of our reckoning. Toward midnight the wind abated, and we again made
+sail, steering S. In the morning we discovered the southern land
+beyond the Straits of Magellan, called Terra del Fuego, stretching
+from S. by W.S.E. 1/2 E. This country afforded a very uncomfortable
+prospect, appearing of stupendous height, every where covered with
+snow, and shewing at its southern extremity the entrance into the
+Straits of Le Maire at Cape St Diego.[3] We steered along this
+uncouth and rugged coast all day, having soundings from forty to fifty
+fathoms, on stones and gravel.
+
+[Footnote 3: The western side of the entrance into the Straits of Le
+Maire is formed by the Capes of St Vincent and St Diego; the former in
+lat. 54° 30', the latter in 54° 40', both S. and long. 65° 40' W.]
+
+Intending to pass through the straits of Le Maire next day, we lay to
+at night that we might not overshoot them, and took this opportunity
+to prepare ourselves for the tempestuous climate in which we were soon
+to be engaged, with which view we were employed good part of the night
+in bending an entire new suit of sails to the yards. At four next
+morning, being the 7th of March, we made sail, and at eight saw land,
+and soon after began to open the straits, at which time Cape St Diego
+bore E.S.E. Cape St Vincent S.E. 1/2 E. the middlemost of the Three
+Brothers, hills so called on Terra del Fuego S. by W. Montegorda, a
+high land up the country appearing over the Three Brothers; S. and
+Cape St Bartholomew, the southernmost point of Staten Land, E.S.E. I
+must observe here that, though Frezier has given a very correct view
+of that part of Terra del Fuego which borders on these straits to the
+westwards, he has omitted the draught of Staten Land, which forms
+the opposite shore of these straits, whence we found it difficult to
+determine exactly where the straits lay until they began to open upon
+our view; and hence, had we not coasted a considerable way along the
+shore of Terra del Fuego, we might have missed the straits, and have
+gone to the eastward of Staten Land before discovering it. This has
+happened to many ships; particularly, as mentioned by Frezier, to the
+Incarnation and Concord, which, intending to pass through the Straits
+of Le Maire, were deceived by three hills on Staten Land, and some
+creeks, resembling the Three Brothers and coves of Terra del Fuego, so
+that they overshot the straits.
+
+Though Terra del Fuego presented an aspect exceedingly barren and
+desolate, yet this island of Staten Land far surpasses it in the
+wildness and horror of its appearance, seeming to be entirely composed
+of inaccessible rocks, without the smallest apparent admixture of
+earth or mould, upon or between them. These rocks terminate in a vast
+number of rugged points, which spire up to a prodigious height,
+and are all covered with everlasting snow; their pointed summits or
+pinnacles being every way surrounded by frightful precipices, and
+often overhanging in a most astonishing manner. The hills which are
+crowned by the rugged rocks, are generally separated from each other
+by narrow clifts, appearing as if the country had been frequently rent
+by earthquakes; for these chasms are nearly perpendicular, and extend
+through the substance of the main rocks almost to their bases; so that
+nothing can be imagined more savage and gloomy than the whole aspect
+of this coast.
+
+Having opened the Straits of Le Maire on the morning of the 7th March,
+as before mentioned, the Pearl and Tryal, about ten o'clock,
+were ordered to keep a-head of the squadron and lead the way. We
+accordingly entered the straits with fair weather and a brisk gale,
+and were hurried through by the rapidity of the tide in about two
+hours, though they are between seven and eight leagues in length. As
+these straits are often esteemed the boundary between the Atlantic and
+Pacific oceans, and as we presumed that we had nothing now before us
+but an open sea, till we should arrive on the opulent coasts where all
+our hopes and wishes centered, we could not help flattering ourselves
+that the greatest difficulty of our voyage was now at an end, and
+that our most sanguine dreams were on the point of being realized. We
+indulged ourselves, therefore, in the romantic imaginations which
+the fancied possession of the gold of Chili and silver of Peru might
+readily be conceived to inspire. These joyous ideas were considerably
+heightened, by the brightness of the sky and serenity of the weather,
+which indeed were both most remarkably delightful: For, though the
+antarctic winter was now advancing with hasty strides, the morning of
+this day, in mildness and even brilliancy, gave place to none that
+we had seen since our departure from England. Thus, animated by these
+flattering delusions, we passed those memorable straits, ignorant of
+the dreadful calamities then impending, and ready to burst upon us;
+ignorant that the moment was fast approaching when our squadron was to
+be separated, never again to unite; and that this day of our passage
+was the last cheerful day that the greatest part of us was ever to
+enjoy in this world.
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Course from the Straits of Le Maire to Cape Noir._
+
+We had scarcely reached the southern extremity of the Straits of Le
+Maire, when our flattering hopes were almost instantly changed to the
+apprehension of immediate destruction. Even before the sternmost ships
+of the squadron were clear of the straits, the serenity of the sky was
+suddenly obscured, and we observed all the presages of an impending
+storm. The wind presently shifted to the southward, and blew in
+such violent squalls that we had to hand our top-sails and reef our
+main-sail; while the tide, which had hitherto favoured us, turned
+furiously adverse, and drove us to the eastward with prodigious
+rapidity, so that we were in great anxiety for the Wager and Anna
+pink, the two sternmost vessels, fearing they might be dashed to
+pieces upon the shore of Staten Land; nor were our apprehensions
+without foundation, as they weathered that coast with the utmost
+difficulty. Instead of pursuing our intended course to the S.W. the
+whole squadron was now drifted to the eastward, by the united force of
+the storm and current; so that next morning we found ourselves nearly
+seven leagues eastward of the straits, which then bore from us N.W.
+
+The violence of the current, which had set us with so much
+precipitation to the eastward, together with the fierceness and
+constancy of the westerly winds, soon taught us to consider the
+doubling of Cape Horn as an enterprize that might prove too mighty
+for all our efforts; though some among us had so lately treated the
+difficulties which former voyagers were said to have encountered in
+this undertaking as little better than chimerical, and had supposed
+them to have arisen from timidity and unskilfulness, rather than
+from the real embarrassments of the winds and seas. But we were now
+convinced, from severe experience, that these censures were rash and
+ill founded; for the distresses with which we struggled during the
+three succeeding months, will not be easily paralleled in the relation
+of any former naval expedition; which, I doubt not, will be readily
+allowed by those who shall carefully peruse the ensuing narration.
+
+From this storm, which came on before we were well clear of the
+straits of Le Maire, we had a continual succession of such tempestuous
+weather as surprised the oldest and most experienced mariners on
+board, and obliged them to confess, that what they had hitherto called
+storms were inconsiderable gales, when compared with those winds
+we now encountered; which raised such short, and at times such
+mountainous waves, as greatly surpassed in danger all seas known
+in other parts of the globe, and, not without reason, this unusual
+appearance filled us with continual terror; for, had any one of these
+waves broken fairly over us, it must almost inevitably have sent us
+instantly to the bottom. Neither did we escape with terror only:
+for the ship, rolling incessantly gunwale-to, gave us such quick and
+violent jerking motions, that the men were in perpetual danger of
+being dashed to pieces against the decks and sides of the ship; and,
+though we were extremely careful to secure ourselves against these
+shocks, by grasping some fixed body, yet many of our people were
+forced from their holds, some of whom were actually killed, and others
+greatly injured. In particular, one of our best seamen was canted
+overboard and drowned; another dislocated his neck; a third was thrown
+down the main hatchway into the hold and broke his thigh; one of our
+boatswain's mates broke his collar-bone twice; not to mention many
+other similar accidents.
+
+These tempests, so dreadful in themselves, though unattended by any
+other unfavourable circumstances, were yet rendered more mischievous
+to us by their inequality, and by the deceitful intervals that at
+times occurred; for, although we had often to lie-to for days together
+under a reefed mizen, and were frequently reduced to drive at the
+mercy of the winds and waves under bare poles, yet now and then we
+ventured to make sail under double-reefed courses; and occasionally,
+the weather proving more moderate, were perhaps encouraged to set our
+top-sails; after which, without any previous notice, the wind would
+return with redoubled force, and would in an instant tear our sails
+from the yards. And, that no circumstance might be wanting which could
+aggravate our distress, these blasts generally brought with them a
+great quantity of snow and sleet, which cased our rigging in ice, and
+froze our sails, rendering them and our cordage so brittle as to tear
+and snap with the least strain; adding thereby great difficulty and
+labour to the working of the ship, benumbing the hands and limbs of
+our people, and rendering them incapable of exerting themselves
+with their accustomed activity, and even disabling many of them, by
+inducing mortification of their toes and fingers. It were, indeed,
+endless to enumerate the various disasters of different kinds which
+befel us, and I shall only mention the most material, which will
+sufficiently evince; the calamitous condition of the whole squadron,
+during this part of our navigation.
+
+As already observed, it was on the 7th of March that we passed the
+Straits of Le Maire, and were immediately afterwards driven to the
+eastwards, by a violent storm, and by the force of the current setting
+in that direction. During the four or five succeeding days, we had
+hard gales of wind from the same western quarter, attended by a most
+prodigious swell; insomuch that, although we stood all that time
+towards the S.W. we had no reason to imagine we had made any way to
+the westwards. In this interval we had frequent squalls of rain and
+snow, and shipped great quantities of water. After this, for three
+or four days, though the sea ran mountains high, yet the weather was
+rather more moderate; but, on the 18th; we had again strong gales of
+wind with excessive cold, and at midnight the main top-sail split, and
+one of the straps of the main dead-eyes broke. From the 18th to the
+23d the weather was more moderate, though, often intermixed with rain
+and sleet and some hard gales; but, as the waves did not subside,
+the ship, by labouring sore in this lofty sea, became so loose in her
+upper-works that she let in water at every seam, so that every part of
+her within board was constantly exposed to the sea-water, and scarcely
+any even of the officers ever lay dry in their beds. Indeed, hardly
+did two nights pass without many of them being driven from their beds
+by deluges of water.
+
+On the 23d we had a most violent storm of wind, hail, and rain, with a
+prodigious sea; and, though we handed the main-sail before the height
+of the squall, yet we found the yard spring; and soon after, in
+consequence of the foot-rope of the main-sail breaking, the main-sail
+itself split instantly into rags, and much the greater part of it
+was blown away, in spite of every endeavour to save it. On this the
+commodore made the signal for the squadron to bring to; and as
+the storm lulled into a calm, we had an opportunity to lower the
+main-yard, and set the carpenters to work upon it, while we also
+repaired our rigging; after which, having bent a new main-sail, we got
+again under way with a moderate breeze. But, in less than twenty-four
+hours, we had another storm, still more furious than the former, which
+blew a perfect hurricane, and obliged us to lie-to under bare poles.
+As our ship kept the wind better than any of the rest, we were obliged
+in the afternoon to wear, in order to join the squadron to leeward, as
+otherwise we had been in danger of parting from them in the night. On
+this occasion, as we dared not venture to show any sail to the gale,
+we had to use an expedient, which answered the purpose: This was
+putting the helm a-weather and manning the fore-shrouds: But, though
+this answered the end in view, yet in its execution one of our ablest
+seamen was canted overboard. Notwithstanding the prodigious agitation
+of the waves, we could perceive that he swam very vigorously, yet we
+found ourselves, to our excessive concern, incapable of giving him the
+smallest assistance; and were the more grieved at his unhappy fate, as
+we lost sight of him struggling with the waves, and conceived that
+he might continue long sensible of the horror of his irretrievable
+situation.
+
+Before this storm was quite abated, we found that two of our
+main-shrouds and one of our mizen-shrouds were broken, all of which
+we knotted and replaced immediately. After this we had an interval of
+three or four days less tempestuous than usual, but accompanied by so
+thick a fog, that we had to fire guns almost every half hour to keep
+our squadron together. On the 31st we were alarmed by a gun from the
+Gloucester, and a signal to speak the commodore. We immediately bore
+down to her, prepared to learn some terrible disaster, of which we
+were apprised before we came down, by seeing that her main-yard was
+broken in the slings. This was a grievous misfortune to us all, at
+this juncture, as it was evident that it must prove a hinderance to
+our sailing, and would detain us the longer in these inhospitable
+latitudes. Our future safety and success was not to be promoted by
+repining, but by resolution and activity; and therefore, that this
+unhappy incident might delay us as short as possible, the commodore
+ordered several carpenters to be put on board the Gloucester from the
+other ships of the squadron, in order to repair her damage with
+the utmost expedition. At this time also, the captain of the Tryal
+represented that his pumps were so bad, and his ship made so much
+water, that he was scarcely able to keep her free; wherefore the
+commodore ordered him a pump, ready fitted, from the Centurion. It was
+very fortunate, both for the Gloucester and Tryal, that the weather
+proved more favourable that day, than for many days both before and
+after; since by this means they were enabled to receive the assistance
+which seemed so essential for their preservation, and which they
+could scarcely have procured at any other time, as it would have been
+extremely hazardous to have ventured a boat on board.
+
+Next day, being the 1st of April, the weather returned to its
+customary bias; the sky looking dark and gloomy, and the wind
+beginning to freshen and to blow in squalls; yet it was not so
+boisterous as to prevent us carrying our top-sails close reefed,
+but its appearance evidently prognosticated that a still more severe
+tempest was at hand. Accordingly, on the 3d of April, there came on a
+storm, which, both in its violence and duration, for it lasted three
+days, exceeded all we had hitherto experienced. In its first onset,
+we received a furious shock from a sea, which broke upon our larboard
+quarter, where it stove in the quarter gallery, and rushed into the
+ship like a deluge. Our rigging suffered also extremely from the blow;
+among the rest, one of the straps of the main dead-eyes was broken, as
+were likewise a main shroud and a puttock shroud; so that, to ease the
+stress upon the masts and shrouds, we had to lower both our main and
+fore yards, and to furl all our sails. We lay in this posture for
+three days, when, the storm somewhat abating, we ventured to make sail
+under our courses only. Even this would not avail us long; for
+next day, being the 7th, we had another hard gale, accompanied with
+lightning and rain, which obliged as to lie-to all night.
+
+It was really wonderful, notwithstanding the severe weather we
+endured, that no extraordinary accident had happened to any of the
+squadron since the Gloucester broke her main-yard. But this good
+fortune now no longer attended us, for, at three next morning, several
+guns were fired to leeward as signals of distress, on which the
+commodore made the signal for the squadron to bring to. At day-break
+we saw the Wager a considerable way to leeward of any of the other
+ships, and soon perceived that she had lost her mizen-mast, and main
+topsail-yard. We immediately bore down towards her, and found that
+this disaster had arisen from the badness of her iron-work, as all the
+chain plates to windward had given way, in consequence of her having
+fetched a deep roll. This accident proved the more unfortunate for the
+Wager, as her captain had been on board the Gloucester ever since
+the 31st March, and the weather was now too severe to permit of his
+return. Nor was the Wager the only ship in the squadron that suffered
+in this tempest; for next day, a signal of distress was made by the
+Anna pink, and on speaking her, we found she had broken her fore-stay
+and the gammon of her boltsprit, and was in no small danger of all her
+masts coming by the board; so that the whole squadron had to bear away
+to leeward till she made all fast, after which we again hauled upon a
+wind.
+
+After all our solicitude, and the numerous ills of every kind, to
+which we had been incessantly exposed for near forty days, we now
+had great consolation in the hope that our fatigues were drawing to
+a close, and that we should soon arrive in a more hospitable
+climate, where we should be amply rewarded for all our past toils and
+sufferings; for, towards the latter end of March, by our reckoning, we
+had advanced near ten degrees to the west of the westermost point
+of Terra del Fuego; and, as this allowance was double what former
+navigators had thought necessary to compensate the drift of the
+western current, we esteemed ourselves to be well advanced within
+the limits of the Southern Pacific, and had been, ever since then,
+standing to the northward, with as much expedition as the turbulence
+of the weather and our frequent disasters would permit. On the 13th of
+April, in addition to our before-mentioned westing, we were only one
+degree of latitude to the southward of the western entrance into the
+Straits of Magellan, so that we fully expected in a very few days to
+experience the celebrated tranquillity of the Pacific Ocean. But these
+were only delusions, which served to render our disappointment more
+terrible. On the morning of the 14th, between two and three o'clock,
+the weather, which till then had been hazy, fortunately cleared up,
+and the pink made a signal for seeing the land right a-head; and, as
+it was only two miles distant, we were all under the most dreadful
+apprehensions of running on shore; which, had either the wind blown
+from its usual quarter, with its wonted violence, or had not the moon
+suddenly shone out, not a ship of the whole squadron could possibly
+have avoided. But the wind, which some hours before blew in squalls
+from the S.W. had fortunately shifted to W.N.W. by which we were
+enabled to stand to the southward, and to clear ourselves of this
+sudden and unexpected danger, and were fortunate enough by noon to
+have gained an offing of near twenty leagues.
+
+By the latitude of this land we fell in with, it was agreed to be that
+part of Terra del Fuego, near the south-western outlet of the Straits
+of Magellan, described in Frezier's chart, and was supposed to be that
+point which he calls Cape Noir.[1] It was indeed wonderful that the
+current should have driven us to the eastward with so much strength,
+for the whole squadron computed that we were ten degrees to the
+westward of this land; so that in turning, by our reckoning, about
+nineteen degrees of longitude, we had not in reality advanced half
+that distance: And now, instead of having our labours and anxieties
+relieved by approaching a warmer climate, and more tranquil seas, we
+were forced again to steer southwards, and had again to combat those
+western blasts which had already so often terrified us; and this
+too, when we were greatly enfeebled by our men falling sick and dying
+apace, and when our spirits, dejected by long continuance at sea
+and by this severe disappointment, were now much less capable of
+supporting us through the various difficulties and dangers, which we
+could not but look for in this new and arduous undertaking. Added to
+all this, we were sore discouraged by the diminution in the strength
+of the squadron; for, three days before this, we had lost sight of the
+Severn and Pearl in the morning, and, though we spread our ships, and
+beat about for them for some time, we never saw them more; whence we
+apprehended that they also had fallen in with this land in the night,
+and being less favoured by the wind and the moon, might have perished
+by running on shore. Full of these desponding thoughts and
+gloomy presages, we stood away to the S.W. prepared, by our late
+disappointment, how large an allowance soever we made in our westing
+for the drift of the current from the westward, that we might still
+find it insufficient upon a second trial.
+
+[Footnote 1: Cape Noir, is a small island off the western coast of
+Terra del Fuego, is in lat. 54° 28' S. long, 78° 40' W.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Observations and Directions for facilitating the Passage of future
+Navigators round Cape Horn._
+
+The improper season of the year in which we attempted to double Cape
+Horn, and to which is to be imputed the before-recited disappointment,
+in falling in with Terra del Fuego, when we reckoned ourselves above
+an hundred leagues to the westward of that coast, and consequently
+well advanced into the Pacific Ocean, to which we were necessitated by
+our too late departure from England, was the fatal source of all the
+misfortunes we afterwards experienced. For, from hence proceeded the
+separation of our ships, the destruction of so many of our people, the
+ruin of our project against Baldivia, and of all our other views on
+the Spanish settlements, and the reduction of our squadron, from the
+formidable condition in which it passed the Straits of Le Maire, to a
+couple of shattered half-manned cruizers and a sloop, so exceedingly
+disabled that, in many climates, they scarcely durst have put to
+sea. To prevent, therefore, as much as in me lies, the recurrence of
+similar calamities to all ships bound hereafter to the South Seas,
+I think it my duty to insert in this place such observations and
+directions, as either my own experience and reflection, or the
+conversation of the most skilful navigators on board the squadron,
+could furnish me with, as to the most eligible manner of doubling Cape
+Horn, whether in regard to the season of the year, the course proper
+to be steered, or the places of refreshment both on the eastern and
+western sides of South America.
+
+To begin with the proper place for refreshment on the eastern side of
+South America. For this purpose the island of St Catharines has been
+usually recommended by former writers, and on their authority we put
+in there; but the treatment we experienced, and the small store of
+refreshments we could procure their are sufficient reasons to render
+all ships very cautious in future how they trust to the government of
+Don Jose Sylva de Paz; for they may assuredly depend on having their
+strength, condition, and designs betrayed to the Spaniards, as far as
+the knowledge the governor can procure of these particulars may enable
+him. As this treacherous conduct was inspired by the views of private
+gain, in the illicit commerce carried on to the river Plate, rather
+than by any natural affection between the Portuguese and Spaniards,
+the same perfidy may perhaps be expected from most of the governors on
+the coast of Brazil, since these smuggling engagements are doubtless
+very general and extensive; and, though the governors themselves
+should detest so faithless a procedure, yet, as ships are perpetually
+passing from one or other of the Brazilian ports to the Rio Plata,
+the Spaniards could scarcely fail of receiving intelligence, by this
+means, of any British ships being on the coast; and, however imperfect
+such intelligence might be, it might prove injurious to the views and
+interests of cruizers thus discovered.
+
+As the Spanish trade in the South Seas is all in one direction, from
+north to south, or the direct reverse, with very little deviation
+to the eastward or westward, it is in the power, of two or three
+cruisers, properly stationed on different parts of this track, to
+possess themselves of every ship that puts to sea. This, however,
+can only be the case so long as they continue concealed from the
+neighbouring coast; for, the moment that an enemy is known to be in
+these seas, all navigation is prohibited, and all chance of capture
+is consequently at an end; as the Spaniards, well aware of these
+advantages to an enemy, send expresses all along the coast, and lay
+a general embargo on all trade; which measure they know will not
+only prevent their vessels from being taken, but must soon oblige
+all cruisers, that have not sufficient strength to attempt their
+settlements on shore, to quit these seas for want of provisions. Hence
+the great importance of carefully concealing all expeditions of this
+kind is quite evident; and hence too it is obvious how extremely
+prejudicial such intelligence must prove as that communicated by the
+Portuguese to the Spaniards in our case, in consequence of touching at
+the ports of Brazil. Yet it will often happen that ships, bound beyond
+Cape Horn, may be obliged to call there for wood, water, and other
+refreshments; in which case, St Catharines is the very last place I
+would recommend; both because the proper animals for a live stock at
+sea, as hogs, sheep, and fowls, are not to be procured there, for want
+of which we found ourselves greatly distressed, being reduced to live
+almost entirely on salt provisions; and because, from that port being
+nearer the Rio Plata than many others of the Portuguese settlements,
+the inducements and conveniences for betraying us to the Spaniards
+were so much the stronger. The place I would recommend is Rio Janeiro,
+where two of our squadron put in, after separating from us in passing
+Cape Horn. At this place, as I was informed by a gentleman on board
+one of these ships, any quantity of hogs and poultry can be procured;
+and as it is more distant from the Rio Plata, the difficulty of
+sending intelligence to the Spaniards is somewhat increased, and
+consequently the chance of continuing there undiscovered is so much
+the greater. Other measures, which may effectually obviate all these
+embarrassments, will be considered more at large hereafter.
+
+I proceed, in the next place, to consider of the proper measures to
+be pursued for doubling Cape Horn: And here, I think I am sufficiently
+authorized, by our own fatal experience, and by a careful comparison
+and examination of the journals of former navigators, to give the
+following advice, which ought never, in prudence, to be departed from:
+Which is, That all ships bound to the South Seas, instead of passing
+through the Straits of Le Maire, should constantly pass by the
+eastward of Staten-Land, and should be invariably bent on running as
+far as the latitude of 61° or 62° S. before they endeavour to stand to
+the westwards; and ought then to make sure of a sufficient westing
+in or about that latitude, before commencing a northern course. But,
+since directions diametrically opposite to these have been formerly
+given by other writers, it is incumbent on me to produce my reasons
+for each part of this maxim.
+
+First then, as to the propriety of passing to the eastward of
+Staten-Land. Those who have attended to the risk we ran in passing
+the Straits of Le Maire, the danger we were in of being driven upon
+Staten-Land by the current, when, though we happily escaped being
+driven on shore, we were yet carried to the eastward of that island:
+those, I say, who reflect on this and the like accidents which have
+happened to other ships, will surely not esteem it prudent to
+pass through these straits and run the risk of shipwreck, and find
+themselves, after all, no farther to the westward, the only reason
+hitherto given for this practice, than they might have been, in the
+same time, by a more secure navigation in an open sea. And next, as
+to the directions I have given for running into the latitude of 61°
+or 62° S. before any endeavour is made to stand to the westward. The
+reasons for this precept are, that, in all probability, the violence
+of the current setting from the westward will be thereby avoided,
+and the weather will prove less tempestuous and uncertain. This
+last circumstance we experienced most remarkably; for after we had
+unexpectedly fallen in with the land at Cape Noir, we stood away
+southward to get clear of it; and were no sooner advanced into the
+lat. of 60° S. or upwards, than we met with much better weather and
+smoother water than in any other part of this whole passage. The air
+indeed was very sharp and cold, and we had strong gales, but they were
+steady and uniform, and we had at the same time sunshine and a clear
+sky: whereas in the lower latitudes, the wind every now and then
+intermitted, as it were, to recover new strength, and then returned
+suddenly in the most violent gusts, threatening at every blast to blow
+away our masts, which must have proved our inevitable destruction.
+
+Also, that the currents in this high latitude would be of much
+less efficacy than nearer the land, seems to be evinced by these
+considerations: That all currents run with greater violence near the
+shore than out at sea, and that at great distances from the land
+they are scarcely perceptible. The reason of this seems sufficiently
+obvious, if we consider that constant currents, in all probability,
+are produced by constant winds; the wind, though with a slow and
+imperceptible motion, driving a large body of water continually before
+it, which, being accumulated on any coast that it meets with in its
+course, must escape along the shore by the endeavours of the surface
+to reduce itself to the level of the rest of the ocean. It is likewise
+reasonable to suppose, that those violent gusts of wind which we
+experienced near the shore, so very different from what we found in
+the lat. of 60° S. and upwards, may be owing to a similar cause; for a
+westerly wind almost perpetually prevails in the southern part of
+the Pacific Ocean, and this current of air being interrupted by the
+enormously high range of the Andes, and by the mountains on Terra del
+Fuego, which together bar up the whole country as far south as Cape
+Horn, a part only of the wind can force its way over the top of
+these prodigious precipices, while the rest must naturally follow the
+direction of the coast, and must range down the land to the southward,
+and sweep with an impetuous and irregular blast round Cape Horn, and
+the southermost part of Terra del Fuego. Without placing too
+much reliance on these speculations, we may assume, I believe, as
+incontestable facts, that both the rapidity of the currents, and the
+violence of the western gales, are less sensible in lat. 61° or 62° S.
+than nearer the coasts of Terra del Fuego.
+
+Though satisfied, both from our own experience and the relations of
+other navigators, of the importance of the precept here insisted on,
+of proceeding to lat. 61° or 62° S. before any endeavours are made to
+stand to the westwards, yet I would also advise all ships hereafter
+not to trust so far to this management as to neglect another most
+essential maxim: Which is, to make this passage in the height of the
+_antarctic summer_, or, in other words, in the months of December and
+January, which correspond exactly to the months of June and July in
+our northern or arctic hemisphere: and the more distant the time
+of passing may be from this season, so much the more disastrous the
+passage may reasonably be expected to prove. Indeed, if the mere
+violence of the western winds be considered, the time of our passage,
+which was about the antarctic autumnal equinox, was perhaps the most
+favourable period of the whole year. But then it must be considered
+that there are, independent of the winds, many other inconveniences to
+be apprehended in the depth of winter, which are almost insuperable.
+For, at that season, the severity of the cold, and the shortness of
+the days, would render it impracticable to run so far to the southward
+as is here recommended. The same reasons would also greatly augment
+the danger and alarm of sailing, at that season, in the neighbourhood
+of an unknown shore, dreadful in its appearance, even in the midst of
+summer, and would render a winter navigation on this coast, beyond all
+others, most dismaying and terrible. As I would, therefore, advise all
+ships to make their passage, if possible, in December and January,
+so I would warn them never to attempt doubling Cape Horn, from the
+eastward, after the month of March, which is equivalent to our August.
+As to the remaining consideration, in regard to the most proper place
+for cruizers to refit at, on their first arrival in the South Seas,
+there is scarcely any choice, the island of Juan Fernandez being the
+only place that can be prudently recommended for that purpose. For,
+although there are many ports on the western side of Patagonia,
+between the Straits of Magellan, one of which I shall particularly
+notice in the sequel, in which ships may ride in great safety, and may
+also recruit their wood and water, and procure some few refreshments,
+yet that coast is in itself so extremely dangerous, owing to its
+numerous rocks and breakers, and to the violence of the western winds,
+which blow upon it continually, that it is by no means advisable
+to fall in with that coast, at least till the roads, channels, and
+anchorages in each part of it have been accurately surveyed, and both
+the perils and shelters with which it abounds are more distinctly
+known.
+
+Having thus given the best directions in my power, for the success of
+our cruizers that may be hereafter bound to the South Seas, it might
+be expected that I should now resume the narrative of our voyage. Yet
+as, both in the preceding and subsequent parts of this work, I have
+thought it my duty not only to recite all such facts, and to inculcate
+such maxims, as had even the least appearance of proving beneficial to
+future navigators, and also to recommend such measures to the public
+as seemed adapted to promote the same laudable purpose, I cannot
+desist from the present subject without beseeching those persons to
+whom the conduct of our naval affairs is confided, to endeavour
+to remove the many perplexities and embarrassments with which the
+navigation to the South Sea is at present encumbered. An effort of
+this kind could not fail of proving highly honourable to themselves,
+and extremely beneficial to their country; for it is sufficiently
+evident, that whatever improvements navigation shall receive, either
+by the invention of methods by which its practice may be rendered less
+hazardous, or by the more accurate delineation of the coasts, roads,
+and harbours already known, or by the discovery of new countries and
+nations, or of new species and sources of commerce, the advantages
+thence arising must ultimately redound to the emolument of Great
+Britain. Since, as our fleets are at present superior to those of the
+whole world united, it must be a matchless degree of supineness or
+meanness of spirit, if we permit any of the advantages deriveable from
+new discoveries, or from a more extended navigation, to be ravished
+from us.
+
+Since it appears, from what has been already said, that all our future
+expeditions to the South Seas must run a considerable risk of proving
+abortive, while we remain under the necessity of touching at Brazil
+in our passage thither, the discovery of some place more to the
+southward, where ships might refresh, and supply themselves with the
+necessary sea stock for their passage round Cape Horn, would relieve
+us from this embarrassment, and would surely be a matter worthy of
+the attention of the public. Neither does this seem difficult to be
+effected, as we already have an imperfect knowledge of two places,
+which might perhaps prove, on examination, extremely convenient for
+this purpose. One of these is Pepy's Island, in the latitude of 47°
+S. and laid down by Dr Bailey about eighty leagues to the eastward
+of Cape Blanco, on the coast of Patagonia.[1] The other is Falkland's
+Islands, in lat. 51° 30' S.[2] nearly south of Pepy's Island.
+
+[Footnote 1: Isla Grande, supposed to be the Pepy's Island discovered
+by Cowley, is in lat. 46° 34' S. and is placed by Mr Dalrymple in
+long. 46° 40' W. while the illustrious navigator Cook makes its long.
+35° 40' W. a difference of longitude of no less than eleven degrees.]
+
+[Footnote 2: The centre of Falkland's Islands is in 51° 45' S.
+Janson's Islands, the most north-westerly of the group, or the
+Sebaldines, is in 51°; and Beauchene's Isle, the most southerly, in
+53° S.--E.]
+
+The first of these was discovered by Captain Cowley in 1683, during
+his voyage round the world, and is represented by that navigator as a
+commodious place for ships to wood and water at, being provided with a
+good and capacious harbour, where a thousand sail of ships might ride
+at anchor in great safety, being also the resort of vast numbers of
+fowls; and as its shores consist of either rocks or sands, it seems
+to promise great plenty of fish. Falkland's Islands have been seen by
+many navigators, both French and English. It is laid down by Frezier,
+in his chart of the extremity of South America, under the name of
+the New Islands. Woods Rogers, who ran along the N.E. coasts of these
+islands in 1708, says they extend about two degrees in length,[3] and
+appeared with gentle descents from hill to hill, seeming to be good
+ground, interspersed with woods, and not destitute of harbours.
+
+[Footnote 3: The west extremity of this group is in long. 62° W. and
+the east extremity in 56° 43' W. so that their extent is 5° 12' in
+difference of longitude.--E.]
+
+Either of these places, being islands at a considerable distance from
+the continent, may be supposed, from their latitude, to be situated
+in a sufficiently temperate climate. They are both, it is true, too
+little known at present to be recommended as the most eligible
+places of refreshment for ships bound to the South Seas: But, if the
+admiralty should think proper to order them to be surveyed, which
+might be done at a very small expence, by a vessel fitted out on
+purpose; and if, on examination, either one or both should appear
+proper for serving the end in view, it is scarcely possible to
+conceive how exceedingly important so convenient a station might
+prove, so far to the southward, and so near Cape Horn. The Duke and
+Duchess of Bristol, under Woods Rogers, were only thirty-five days
+from losing sight of Falkland's Islands to their arrival at Juan
+Fernandez, in the South Sea; and, as the return back is much
+facilitated by the western winds, a voyage might doubtless be made
+from Falkland's Islands to Juan Fernandez and back again in little
+more than two months. Even in time of peace, this station might be of
+great consequence to the nation; and in time of war, would render us
+masters of those seas.
+
+As all discoveries of this kind, though extremely honourable to
+those who direct and promote them, may yet be carried on at an
+inconsiderable expence, since small vessels are much the most proper
+to be employed in this service, it were greatly to be wished that
+the whole coasts of Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, and Staten-Land, were
+carefully surveyed, and the numerous channels, roads, harbours, and
+islands, in which they abound, accurately examined, described, and
+represented. This might open to us vast facilities for passing into
+the South Seas, such as hitherto we have no knowledge of, and would
+render the whole of that southern navigation greatly more secure than
+it is at present: Particularly as exact draughts of the western coast
+of Patagonia, from the Straits of Magellan to the Spanish settlements,
+might furnish us with better and more convenient ports for
+refreshment, and better situated, both for the purposes of war and
+commerce, than Juan Fernandez, as being above a fornight's sail nearer
+to Falkland's Islands.
+
+The discovery of this coast was formerly thought of so much
+importance, by reason of its neighbourhood to the _Araucos_ and other
+Indians of Chili, who are generally at war, or at least on ill
+terms, with the Spaniards, that, in the reign of Charles II. Sir John
+Narborough was purposely fitted out to survey the Straits of Magellan,
+the neighbouring coast of Patagonia, and the Spanish ports on that
+frontier, with directions, if possible, to procure some intercourse
+with the Chilese Indians, and to establish a commerce and lasting
+correspondence with them. His majesty's views, on this occasion, were
+not solely directed to the advantage he might hope to receive from an
+alliance with these savages, in restraining and intimidating the king
+of Spain, but he even conceived, independent of these considerations,
+that an immediate traffic with these Indians might prove highly
+advantageous to the nation; for it is well known that Chili, at its
+first discovery by the Spaniards, abounded in vast quantities of
+gold, much beyond what it has ever produced since it came into their
+possession. Hence it has been generally believed, that the richest
+mines are carefully concealed by the Indians, as well knowing that
+their discovery would excite in the Spaniards a greater thirst for
+conquest and tyranny, and would render their own independence more
+precarious. But, in regard to their commerce with the English, could
+that be established, these reasons would no longer influence them;
+since it would be in our power to supply them with arms and ammunition
+of all kinds, together with many other conveniences, which their
+intercourse with the Spaniards has taught them to relish. They would
+then, in all probability, open their mines, and gladly embrace a
+traffic of such mutual advantage to both nations: For their gold,
+instead of proving an incitement to enslave them, would then procure
+them weapons with which to assert their liberty, to chastise their
+tyranny, and to secure themselves for ever from falling under the
+Spanish yoke; while, with our assistance, and under our protection,
+they might become a considerable people, and might secure to us that
+wealth, which was formerly most mischievously lavished by the house of
+Austria, and lately by the house of Bourbon, in pursuit of universal
+monarchy.
+
+It is true, that Sir John Narborough did not succeed in opening this
+commerce, which promised, in appearance, so many advantages to
+the nation: But his disappointment was merely accidental; and his
+transactions on that coast, besides the many advantages he furnished
+to geography and navigation, are rather an encouragement for future
+trials of this kind, than any objection against them. His principal
+misfortune was in losing a small bark that accompanied him, and having
+some of his people trepanned at Baldivia. It even appeared, by the
+fears and precautions of the Spaniards, that they were fully convinced
+of the practicability of the scheme he was sent to execute, and were
+extremely alarmed with apprehensions for its consequences. It is
+said that Charles II. was so far prepossessed with the belief of the
+advantages that might redound to the public from this expedition, and
+was so eager to be informed of the event, on receiving intelligence of
+Sir John Narborough passing through the Downs on his return, that he
+had not patience to wait till his arrival at court, but went himself
+in his barge to meet him at Gravesend.
+
+The two most famous charts hitherto published, [i.e. in 1745,] of
+the southern parts of South America, are those of Dr Halley, in his
+General Chart of the Magnetic Variation, and of Frezier, in his Voyage
+to the South Seas. Besides these, there is a chart of the Straits of
+Magellan and some parts of the adjacent coast, by Sir John Narborough,
+which is doubtless infinitely more exact in that part than Frezier's,
+and even in some parts superior to Halley's, particularly in regard to
+the longitudes of different places in these straits. We were in some
+measure capable of correcting, by our own observations, the coast from
+Cape Blanco to Terra del Fuego, and thence to the Straits of Le
+Maire, as we ranged along that coast, generally in sight of land. The
+position of the land to the northward of the Straits of Magellan, on
+the western side of Patagonia, is doubtless laid down very imperfectly
+in our charts; and yet I believe it to be much nearer the truth than
+any hitherto published; as it was drawn from the information of some
+of the crew of the Wager, which was shipwrecked on that coast; and
+as it pretty nearly agrees with what I have seen in some Spanish
+manuscripts. The channel, called Whale Sound, dividing Terra del
+Fuego, towards the western extremity of the Straits of Magellan, was
+represented by Frezier; but Sir Francis Drake, who first discovered
+Cape Horn, and the south-west parts of Terra del Fuego, observed that
+the whole coast was indented by a great number of inlets, all of which
+he conceived to communicate with the Straits of Magellan: And I do
+not doubt, when this country shall be thoroughly examined, that this
+conjecture will be verified, and that Terra del Fuego will be found to
+consist of several islands.
+
+I must not omit warning all future navigators against relying on the
+longitude of the Straits of Le Maire, or of any part of that coast,
+as laid down by Frezier; the whole being from eight to ten degrees
+too far to the eastward, if any faith can be given to the concurrent
+evidences of a great number of journals, verified, in some
+particulars, by astronomical observations. For instance, Sir John
+Narborough places Cape Virgin Mary in long. 65° 42' W. from the
+Lizard, or about 71° 20' from London. The ships of our squadron,
+taking their departure from St Catharines, where the longitude was
+rectified by an observation of an eclipse of the moon, found Cape
+Virgin Mary to be from 70° 15' to 72° 30' W. from London, according to
+their different reckonings; and, as there were no circumstances in
+our run that could Tender it considerably erroneous, it cannot be
+estimated in less than 71° W. from London;[4] whereas Frezier makes
+it only 66° W. from Paris, which is little more than 63° from London.
+Again, our squadron found the difference of longitude between Cape
+Virgin Mary and the Straits of Le Maire to be not more than 2° 30',
+while Frezier makes the difference nearly 4°,[5] by which he enlarged
+the coast, from the Straits of Magellan to the Straits of Le Maire, to
+near double its real extent.[6]
+
+[Footnote 4: Only 67° 40' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The Straits of Le Maire are in long. 65° 30' W. so that
+the difference is 2° 10'.]
+
+[Footnote 6: Some farther critical observations on the geographical
+positions, as laid down by Frezier, Sir John Narborough, and Dr
+Halley, are here omitted, as tending to no use or information; these
+things having been since ascertained with much more accuracy.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan Fernandez._
+
+After the mortifying disappointment of falling in with the coast of
+Terra del Fuego, at Cape Noir, when we reckoned ourselves ten degrees
+to the westward of it, as formerly mentioned to have happened on the
+14th of April, we stood away to the S.W. till the 22d of that month,
+when we were in upwards of 60° S. and, by our reckoning, 6° westwards
+of Cape Noir. In this run, we had a series of as favourable weather
+as could well be expected in that part of the world, even in a
+better season of the year; so that this interval, setting aside our
+disquietudes on various accounts, was by far the most eligible of any
+we had enjoyed since passing the Straits of Le Maire. This moderate
+weather continued, with little variation, till the evening of the
+24th, when the wind began to blow fresh, and soon increased to a
+prodigious storm. About midnight, the weather being very thick, we
+lost sight of the other ships of the squadron, which had hitherto
+kept us company, notwithstanding the violence of the preceding
+storms. Neither was this our sole misfortune, for next morning, while
+endeavouring to hand the top-sails, the clew-lines and bunt-lines
+broke, and the sheets being half flown, every seam in the top-sails
+was soon split from top to bottom. The main top-sail shook so
+violently in the wind, that it carried away the top lanthorn, and
+even endangered the head of the mast. At length, however, some of the
+boldest of our men ventured upon the yard, and cut the sail away close
+to the reefs, with the utmost hazard of their lives. At the same time,
+the fore top-sail beat about the yard with so much fury, that it was
+soon blown to pieces. The main-sail also blew loose, which obliged
+us to lower down the yard to secure the sail; and the fore-yard also
+being lowered, we lay-to under a mizen. In this storm, besides the
+loss of our top-sails, we had much of our rigging broken, and lost a
+main studding-sail boom out of the chains.
+
+The weather became more moderate on the 25th at noon, which enabled us
+to sway up our yards, and to repair our shattered rigging in the
+best manner we could; but still we had no sight of the rest of our
+squadron, neither did any of them rejoin us till after our arrival
+at Juan Fernandez; nor, as we afterwards learnt, did any two of them
+continue in company together. This total, and almost instantaneous
+separation was the more wonderful, as we had hitherto kept together
+for seven weeks, through all the reiterated tempests of this turbulent
+climate. It must be owned, indeed, that we had hence room to expect
+we might make our passage in a shorter time than if we had continued
+together, because we could now make the best of our way, without being
+retarded by the misfortunes of the other ships; but then we had the
+melancholy reflection, that we were thereby deprived of the assistance
+of others, and our safety depended solely on our single ship; so that,
+if a plank started, or any other important accident occurred, we must
+all irrecoverably perish. Or, should we happen to be driven on shore,
+we had the uncomfortable prospect of ending our days on some desolate
+coast, without any reasonable hope of ever getting off again; whereas,
+with another ship in company, all these calamities are much less
+formidable, as in every kind of danger there would always be some
+probability that one ship at least might escape, and be capable of
+preserving or relieving the crew of the other.
+
+During the remainder of April, we had generally hard gales, though
+every day, since the 22d, edging to the northward. On the last day
+of the month, however, we flattered ourselves with the expectation of
+soon terminating our sufferings, as we then found ourselves in lat.
+52° 13' S. which, being to the northward of the Straits of Magellan,
+we were now assured that we had completed our passage, and were
+arrived on the confines of the South Sea: And, as this ocean is
+denominated the _Pacific_, from the equability of the seasons said to
+prevail there, and the facility and security with which navigation is
+there carried on, we doubted not that we should be speedily cheered
+with the moderate gales, the smooth water, and the temperate air, for
+which that portion of the globe is so renowned. Under the influence of
+these pleasing circumstances, we hoped to experience some compensation
+for the complicated sufferings, which had so constantly beset us for
+the last eight weeks. Yet here we were again miserably disappointed;
+for, in the succeeding month of May, our sufferings rose even to a
+much higher pitch than they had ever yet done, whether we consider the
+violence of the storms, the shattering of our sails and rigging, or
+the diminution and weakening of our crew by deaths and sickness, and
+the even threatening prospect of our utter destruction. All this will
+be sufficiently evident, from the following circumstantial recital of
+our diversified misfortunes.
+
+Soon after we had passed the Straits of Le Maire, the scurvy began
+to make its appearance among us, and our long continuance at sea, the
+fatigue we underwent, and the various disappointments we met with, had
+occasioned its spreading to such a degree, that there were but few on
+board, by the latter end of April, that were not afflicted with it in
+some degree; and in that month no less than forty-three died of it in
+the Centurion. Although we thought the distemper had then risen to
+an extraordinary height, and were willing to hope that its malignity
+might abate as we advanced to the northward, we yet found, on the
+contrary, that we lost near double that number in the month of May;
+and, as we did not get to land till the middle of June, the mortality
+went on increasing, and so prodigiously did the disease extend, that,
+after the loss of above 200 men, we could not muster at the last above
+six foremast-men in a watch that were capable of duty.
+
+This disease, so frequent in long voyages, and so particularly
+destructive to us, is surely the most singular and unaccountable of
+any that affects the human body. Its symptoms are innumerable and
+inconstant, and its progress and effects singularly irregular, for
+scarcely have any two persons complaints exactly resembling each
+other; and where there have been, some conformity in the symptoms,
+the order of their appearance has been totally different. Though
+it frequently puts on the form of many other diseases, and is not
+therefore to be described by any exclusive and infallible criterions,
+yet there are some symptoms which are more general than the rest, and
+of more frequent and constant occurrence, and which therefore deserve
+a more particular enumeration. These common appearances are large
+discoloured spots dispersed over the whole surface of the body,
+swelled legs, putrid gums, and, above all, an extraordinary
+lassitude of the whole body, especially after any exercise, however
+inconsiderable and this lassitude at last degenerates into a proneness
+to swoon, and even to die, on the least exertion of strength, or even
+on the least motion. This disease is usually attended, also, by a
+strange dejection of spirits, with shiverings, tremblings, and
+a disposition to be seized with the most dreadful terrors on the
+slightest accident. Indeed it was most remarkable, in all our
+reiterated experience of this malady, that whatever discouraged our
+people, or at any time damped their hopes, never failed to add new
+vigour to the distemper, for such usually killed those who were in the
+last stages of the disease, and confined those to their hammocks who
+were before capable of some kind of duty, so that it seemed as if
+alacrity of mind and sanguine hopes were no small preservatives from
+its fatal malignity.
+
+But it is not easy to complete the long roll of the various
+concomitants of this disease; for it often produced putrid fevers,
+pleurisies, jaundice, and violent rheumatic pains, and sometimes
+occasioned obstinate costiveness, which was generally attended with a
+difficulty of breathing, and this was esteemed the most deadly of
+all the scorbutic symptoms. At other times the whole body, but
+more especially the legs, were subject to ulcers of the worst kind,
+attended by rotten bones, and such a luxuriance of fungous flesh as
+yielded to no remedy. The most extraordinary circumstance, and which
+would scarcely be credible upon any single evidence, was, that the
+scars of wounds that had been healed for many years, were forced open
+again by this virulent distemper. There was a remarkable instance
+of this in the case of one of the invalid soldiers on board the
+Centurion, who had been wounded above fifty years before, at the
+battle of the Boyne; and though he was cured soon after, and had
+continued well for a great many years, yet, on being attacked by the
+scurvy, his wounds broke out afresh in the progress of the disease,
+and appeared as if they had never been healed. What is even still more
+extraordinary, the callus of a broken bone, which had been completely
+formed for a long time, was dissolved in the course of this disease,
+and the fracture seemed as if it had never been consolidated. The
+effects, indeed, of this disease, were in almost every instance
+wonderful, for many of our people, though confined to their hammocks,
+appeared to have no inconsiderable share of health, as they eat and
+drank heartily, were even cheerful, talking with much seeming vigour
+with a loud strong voice; and yet, on being in the least moved, though
+only from one part of the ship to another, and that too in their
+hammocks, they would instantly expire. Others, who have confided
+in their seeming strength, and have resolved to get out of their
+hammocks, have died before they could well reach the decks; neither
+was it uncommon for such as were able to walk the deck, and even to
+perform some kind of duty, to drop down dead in an instant, on any
+attempt to act with their utmost effort; many of our people having
+perished in this manner in the course of our voyage.
+
+We struggled under this terrible disease during the greatest part of
+the time of our beating round Cape Horn; and though it did not then
+rage with its utmost violence, yet we buried no less than forty-three
+men in the month of April, as formerly observed. We were still,
+however, in hopes of seeing a period to this cruel malady, and to all
+the other evils which had so constantly pursued us, when we should
+have secured our passage round the Cape: but we found, to our
+heavy misfortune, that the (so-called) Pacific Ocean was to us less
+hospitable even than the turbulent neighbourhood of Terra del Fuego
+and Cape Horn. On the 8th of May, being arrived of the island of
+Socoro, on the western coast of Patagonia, [in lat. 44° 50' S. long.
+73° 45' W.] the first rendezvous appointed for the squadron, and where
+we hoped to have met with some of our consorts, we cruized for them in
+that station several days. We were here not only disappointed in
+our expectations of meeting our friends, which induced the gloomy
+apprehensions of their having all perished, but were also perpetually
+alarmed with the fear of being driven on this coast, which appeared
+too craggy and irregular to give us the least prospect, in such a
+case, that any of us could possibly escape immediate destruction. The
+land, indeed, had a most tremendous aspect. The most distant part, far
+within the country, being the mountains of the Andes, or Cordelieras,
+was extremely high, and covered with snow; while the coast seemed
+quite rocky and barren, and the edge of the water skirted with
+precipices. In some places, indeed, we observed several deep bays
+running; into the land; but their entrances were generally blocked
+up by numbers of small islands; and though it was not improbable but
+there might be convenient shelter in some of the bays, and proper
+channels leading to them, yet, as we were utterly ignorant of the
+coast, had we been driven ashore by the westerly winds, which blew
+almost incessantly we could not well have avoided the loss both of the
+ship and of our lives.
+
+This continued peril which lasted above a fortnight, was greatly
+aggraved by the difficulties we found in working the ship; as the
+scurvy, by this time, had destroyed so great a number of our hands,
+and had in some degree infected almost the whole crew. Neither did
+we, as we hoped, find the winds less violent as we advanced to the
+northward; for we had often prodigious squalls of wind, which split
+our sails, greatly damaged our rigging, and endangered our masts.
+Indeed, during much the greatest part of the time we were upon this
+coast, the wind blew so hard that, in any other situation where we
+had sufficient sea-room, we should certainly have lain-to; but, in the
+present exigency, we were necessitated to carry both our courses and
+top-sails, in order to keep clear of this lee-shore. In one of these
+squalls, which was attended by several violent claps of thunder, a
+sudden flash of fire darted along our decks, which dividing, exploded
+with a report like that of several pistols, and wounded many of our
+men and officers, marking them in different parts of their bodies.
+This flame was attended by a strong, sulphurous stench, and was
+doubtless of the same nature with the larger and more violent flashes
+of lightning which then filled the air.
+
+It were endless to recite minutely the various disasters, fatigues,
+and terrors, which we encountered on this coast, all of which went
+on increasing till the 22d of May; at which time the fury of all the
+storms we had hitherto encountered seemed to have combined for our
+destruction. In this hurricane almost all our sails were split, and a
+great part of our standing rigging broken. About eight in the evening,
+an overgrown mountainous wave took us upon our star-board quarter, and
+gave us so prodigious a shock that several of our shrouds broke with
+the jerk, to the great danger of our masts giving way, and our ballast
+and stores were so strangely shifted, that the ship heeled afterwards
+two streaks to port. This was a most tremendous blow, and we were
+thrown into the utmost consternation, having the dismal apprehension
+of instantly foundering. Though the wind abated in a few hours, yet,
+having no sails left in a condition to bend to the yards, the ship
+laboured exceedingly in a hollow sea, rolling gunwale too, for want
+of sail to keep her steady, so that we every moment expected that our
+masts, now very slenderly supported, would have come by the board. We
+exerted ourselves, however, the best we could, to stirrup our shrouds,
+to reeve new lanyards, and to mend our sails: But, while these
+necessary operations were going on, we ran great risk of being driven
+ashore on the island of Chiloe, which was not far from us. In the
+midst of our peril, the wind happily shifted to the southward, and we
+steered off the land with the main-sail only; at which time the master
+and I undertook the management of the helm, while every one else,
+capable of acting, were busied in securing the masts, and bending the
+sails as fast as they could be repaired. This was the last effort of
+that stormy climate; for, in a day or two after, we got clear of the
+land, and found the weather more moderate than we had yet experienced
+since passing the Straits of Le Maire.
+
+Having now cruized in vain, for the other ships of the squadron,
+during more than a fortnight, it was resolved to take advantage of
+the present favourable weather, and the offing we had made from this
+terrible coast, and to make the best of our way for the island of
+Juan Fernandez. It is true that our next rendezvous was appointed off
+Baldivia; yet, as we had seen none of our companions at this first
+rendezvous, it was not to be supposed that any of them would be found
+at the second, and indeed we had the greatest reason to suspect that
+all but ourselves had perished. Besides, we were now reduced to so low
+a condition, that, instead of pretending to attack the settlements
+of the enemy, our utmost hopes could only suggest the possibility
+of saving the ship, and some part of the remaining crew, by a speedy
+arrival at Juan Fernandez; as that was the only place, in this part of
+the world, where there was any probability of recovering our sick or
+refitting our ship, and consequently our getting thither was the only
+chance we had left to avoid perishing at sea.
+
+Our deplorable situation allowing no room for deliberation, we stood
+for the island of Juan Fernandez; and, to save time, which was now
+extremely precious, as our men were dying by four, five, and six of
+a day, and likewise to avoid being again engaged on a lee shore, we
+resolved to endeavour to hit that island upon a meridian. On the 28th
+of May, being nearly in the parallel on which it is laid down, we had
+great expectations of seeing that island; but, not finding it in the
+position laid down in our charts, we began to fear that we had got too
+far to the westward; and therefore, though the commodore was strongly
+persuaded that he saw it in the morning of the 28th, yet his officers
+believing it to have been only a cloud, to which opinion the
+haziness of the weather gave some countenance, it was resolved, on
+consultation, to stand to the eastward in the parallel of the island;
+as, by this course, we should certainly fall in with the island, if we
+were already to the westward of it, or should at least make the main
+land of Chili, whence we could take a new departure, so as not to miss
+it a second time in running to the westward.
+
+Accordingly, on the 30th May, we had sight of the continent of Chili,
+distant about twelve or thirteen leagues, the land appearing very low
+and uneven, and quite white; what we saw being doubtless a part of the
+Cordilleras, which are always covered with snow. Though by this
+view of the land we ascertained our position, yet it gave us great
+uneasiness to find that we had so needlessly altered our course, when
+we had been, in all probability, just upon the point of making
+the island: For the mortality among us was now increased to a most
+frightful degree, and those who remained were utterly dispirited by
+this new disappointment, and the prospect of their longer continuance
+at sea. Our water, too, began to grow scarce, and a general dejection
+prevailed among us, which added much to the virulence of the disease,
+and destroyed numbers of our best men. To all these calamities, there
+was added this vexatious circumstance, after getting sight of the main
+land, that we were so much delayed by calms and contrary winds, while
+tacking westwards in quest of the island, that it took us nine days
+to regain the westing, which we ran down in two when standing to the
+eastward.
+
+In this desponding condition, and under these disheartening
+circumstances, we stood to the westward, with a crazy ship, a great
+scarcity of fresh water, and a crew so universally diseased, that
+there were not above ten foremast men in a watch capable of doing
+duty, and even some of these lame and unable to go aloft. At last, at
+day-break on the 9th of June, we discovered the long-wished-for island
+of Juan Fernandez. Owing to our suspecting ourselves to be to the
+westward of this island on the 28th of May, and in consequence of the
+delay occasioned by our standing in for the main and returning, we
+lost between seventy and eighty of our men, whom we had doubtless
+saved, if we had made the island on that day, which we could not
+have failed to do, if we had kept on our course only for a few hours
+longer.
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez, with a Description of
+that Island._
+
+As mentioned in the preceding section, we descried the island of
+Juan Fernandez at day-break on the 9th June, bearing N. by E. 1/2
+E. distant eleven or twelve leagues. Though on this first view it
+appeared very mountainous, ragged, and irregular, yet it was land,
+and the land we sought for, and was therefore a most agreeable sight:
+because here only we could hope to put a period to those terrible
+calamities with which we had so long struggled, which had already
+swept away above half of our crew, and which, had we continued only
+a few days longer at sea, must inevitably have completed our
+destruction. For we were now reduced to so helpless a condition, that,
+out of two hundred and odd men who remained alive, taking all our
+watches together, we could not muster hands now to work the ship on
+any emergency, even including the officers, the servants, and the
+boys.
+
+The wind being northerly when we first made the island, we kept plying
+to windward all that day, and the ensuing night, in order to get in
+with the land; and, while wearing ship in the middle watch, we had a
+melancholy instance of the almost incredible debility of our people;
+for the lieutenant could muster no more than two quarter-masters and
+six foremast men capable of working; so that, without the assistance
+of the officers, servants, and boys, it might have been impossible for
+us to have reached the island after we got sight of it; and even
+with their assistance, we were two hours in trimming the sails; to so
+wretched a condition were we reduced, in a sixty-gun ship, which had
+passed the Straits of Le Maire only three months before with between
+four and five hundred men, most of them then in health and vigour.
+
+In the afternoon of the 10th, we got under the lee of the island, and
+kept ranging along its coast at the distance of about two miles, in
+order to look out for the proper anchorage, which was described to
+be in a bay on its north side. Being now so near the shore, we could
+perceive that the broken craggy precipices, which had appeared so
+very unpromising from a distance, were far from barren, being in most
+places covered by woods; and that there were every where the finest
+vallies interspersed between them, cloathed with a most beautiful
+verdure, and watered by numerous streams and cascades, every valley of
+any extent being provided with its own rill; and we afterwards found
+that the water was constantly clear, and not inferior to any we had
+ever met with. The aspect of a country thus beautifully diversified
+would at any time have been extremely delightful; but, in our
+distressed situation, languishing as we were for the land and its
+vegetable productions, an indication constantly attending every stage
+of the sea-scurvy, it is scarcely credible with what eagerness and
+transport we viewed the shore, and with how much impatience we longed
+for the greens and other refreshments which were in sight. We were
+particularly anxious for the water, as we had been confined to a very
+sparing allowance for a considerable time, and had then only five
+tons remaining on board. Those only who have endured a long series of
+thirst, and who can readily recall the desire and agitation which
+even the ideas alone of springs and brooks have at that time raised
+in their minds, can judge of the emotion with which we viewed a large
+cascade of the purest water, which poured into the sea at a short
+distance from the ship, from a rock near a hundred feet high.
+Even those of the sick who were not in the very last stage of the
+distemper, though they had been long confined to their hammocks,
+exerted their small remains of strength, and crawled up to the deck,
+to feast their eyes with this reviving prospect.
+
+We thus coasted along the island, fully occupied in contemplating this
+enchanting landscape, which still improved as we proceeded. But at
+last the night closed upon us, before we could determine upon the
+proper bay in which to anchor. It was resolved, therefore, to keep in
+soundings all night, having then from sixty-four to seventy fathoms,
+and to send our boat next morning to discover the road. The current
+shifted, however, in the night, and set us so near the land that we
+were obliged to let go our best bower in fifty-six fathoms, not half
+a mile from shore. At four next morning, the cutter was dispatched,
+under our third-lieutenant, to find out the bay of which we were in
+search. The boat returned at noon, full of seals and grass; for though
+the island abounded with better vegetables, the boat's crew, during
+their short stay, had not met any other, and thought even this would
+be acceptable as a dainty, and indeed it was all speedily and eagerly
+devoured. The seals, too, were considered as fresh provision, but were
+not much admired, though they afterwards came into more repute; but we
+had taken a prodigious quantity of excellent fish during the absence
+of the boat, which rendered the seals less valuable at this time.
+
+The cutter had discovered the bay in which we intended to anchor,
+which was to the westward of our present station; and next morning,
+the weather proving favourable, we endeavoured to weigh, in order to
+proceed thither, mustering all the strength we could, obliging even
+the sick, who could hardly stand on their legs, to assist; yet the
+capstan was so weakly manned, that it was near four hours before we
+could heave the cable right up and down: after which, with our utmost
+efforts, though with many surges and some additional purchases to
+increase our strength, we found it utterly impossible to start the
+anchor out of the ground. At noon, however, as a fresh gale blew
+towards the bay, we were induced to set the sails, which fortunately
+tripped the anchor. We then steered along shore, till we came abreast
+of the point forming the eastern part of the bay: But on opening the
+bay, the wind, which had hitherto favoured us, chanced to shift, and
+blew from the bay in squalls; yet, by means of the head-way we had
+got, we luffed close in, till the anchor, which still hung at our bow,
+brought us up in fifty-six fathoms.
+
+Soon after we had thus got to anchor in the mouth of the bay, we
+discovered a sail making toward us, which we had no doubt was one
+of our squadron, and which, on a nearer approach, we found to be the
+Tryal sloop; whereupon, we immediately dispatched some of our hands
+to her assistance, by whose means she was brought to anchor between
+us and the land. We soon learnt that she had by no means been exempted
+from the same calamities by which we had been so severely afflicted;
+for Captain Saunders, her commander, waiting on the commodore,
+informed him, that he had buried thirty-four men out of his small
+complement, and those that remained alive were so universally
+afflicted with the scurvy, that only himself, his lieutenant, and
+three of the men were able to stand by the sails.
+
+It was on the 12th about noon that the Tryal came to anchor within us,
+when we carried our hawsers on board her, in order to warp our ship
+nearer the shore; but the wind coming off the land in violent gusts,
+prevented our mooring in the intended birth. Indeed our principal
+attention was now devoted to a business of rather more importance, as
+we were now anxiously employed in sending on shore materials to
+erect tents for the reception of the sick, who died rapidly on board.
+Doubtless the distemper was considerably augmented by the stench and
+filthiness in which they lay; for the number of the sick was so great,
+and so few of them could be spared from the necessary duty of the
+sails to look after them, that it was impossible to avoid a great
+relaxation in regard to cleanliness, so that the ship was extremely
+loathsome between decks. Notwithstanding our desire to free the sick
+from their present hateful situation, and their own extreme eagerness
+to get on shore, we had not hands enough to prepare the tents
+for their reception sooner than the 16th; but on that and the two
+following days we got them all on shore, to the number of an hundred
+and sixty-seven persons, besides twelve or fourteen who died in the
+boats on being exposed to the fresh air. The greatest part of our sick
+were so infirm, that we had to carry them out of the ship in their
+hammocks, and to convey them afterwards in the same manner from
+the water-side to the tents, over a stony beach. This was a work of
+considerable fatigue to the few who remained healthy; and therefore
+our commodore, according to his accustomed humanity, not only
+assisted in this himself, but obliged all his officers to give their
+helping-hand.
+
+The extreme weakness of our sick may be collected, in some measure,
+from the numbers that died after they got on shore. It has generally
+been found that the land, and the refreshments it affords, very
+soon produce recovery in most stages of the scurvy, and we flattered
+ourselves that those who had not perished on their first exposure to
+the open air, but had lived to be placed in the tents, would have
+been speedily restored to health and vigour. Yet to our great
+mortification, it was nearly twenty days after they landed, before
+the mortality entirely ceased, and for the first ten or twelve days we
+rarely buried less than six each day, and many of those who survived
+recovered by very slow and insensible degrees. Those, indeed, who had
+sufficient strength, at their first getting on shore, to creep out
+of the tents, and to crawl about, were soon relieved, and speedily
+recovered their health and strength: But, in the rest, the disease
+seemed to have attained a degree of inveteracy altogether without
+example.
+
+Before proceeding to any farther detail of our proceeding, I think it
+necessary to give a distinct account of this island of Juan Fernandez,
+including its situation, productions, and conveniences. We were well
+enabled to be minutely instructed in these particulars, during our
+three months stay at this island; and its advantages will merit a
+circumstantial description, as it is the only commodious place in
+these seas, where British cruizers can refresh and recover their men,
+after passing round Caps Horn, and where they may remain for some
+time without alarming the Spanish coast. Commodore Anson, indeed, was
+particularly industrious, in directing the roads and coasts of this
+island to be surveyed, and other observations of all kinds to be made;
+knowing, from his own experience, of how great benefit these materials
+might prove hereafter, to any British cruizers in these seas. For the
+uncertainty we were in of its position, and our standing in for
+the main on the 28th May, as formerly related, cost us the lives of
+between seventy and eighty of our men; from which fatal loss we might
+have been saved, had we possessed such an account of its situation as
+we could have fully depended upon.
+
+The island of Juan Fernandez is in lat. 33° 40'S. [long. 77° 30'
+W.] one hundred marine leagues or five degrees of longitude from
+the continent of Chili. It is said to have received its name from a
+Spaniard who formerly procured a grant of it, and resided there for
+some time with the view of forming a settlement, but abandoned it
+afterwards.[1] On approaching its northern side from the east, it
+appears a large congeries of lofty peaked mountains, the shore in
+most places being composed of high precipitous rocks, presenting three
+several bays, East bay, Cumberland bay, and West bay, the second only
+being of any extent, and is by far the best, in which we moored. The
+island itself is of an irregular triangular figure; one side of which,
+facing the N.E. contains these three bays. Its greatest extent is
+between four and five leagues, and its greatest breadth something
+less than two. The only safe anchorage is on the N.E. side, where, as
+already mentioned, are the three bays; the middlemost of which, named
+Cumberland bay, is the widest and deepest, and in all respects by much
+the best; for the other two, named East and West bays, are scarcely
+more than good landing places, where boats may conveniently put casks
+on shore for water. Cumberland bay is well secured to the southward,
+and is only exposed from the N. by W. to the E. by S. and as the
+northerly winds seldom blow in that climate, and never with any
+violence, the danger from that quarter is not worth attending to. This
+last-mentioned bay is by far the most commodious road in the island,
+and it is advisable for all ships to anchor on its western side,
+within little more than two cables length of the beach, where they may
+ride in forty fathoms, and be sheltered, in a great measure, from a
+large heavy sea which comes rolling in, whenever the wind blows from
+eastern or western quarters. It is expedient, however, to _cackle_ or
+arm the cables with an iron chain, or with good rounding, for five or
+six fathoms from the anchor, to secure them from being rubbed by the
+foulness of the ground.[2]
+
+[Footnote 1: In the original, the description given of this island
+refers to large engraved views, which could not be inserted in our
+octavo form, so as to be of the smallest utility.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Cumberland bay is called _La Baya_ by the Spaniards, who
+seem now to have established a fort here. East bay is by them called
+_Puerta de Juan Fernandez_. There is yet a fourth bay, or small
+indentation of the coast, with a landing place and stream of water,
+named _Puerta Ingles_, or Sugar-loaf bay, between West bay and the
+north point of the island.--E.]
+
+I have already observed that a northerly wind, to which alone this bay
+is directly exposed, very seldom blew while we were there; and, as it
+was then winter, such may be supposed less frequent in other seasons.
+In those few instances when the wind was in that quarter, it did not
+blow with any great force, which might be owing to the high lands,
+south of the bay, giving a check to its force; for we had reason to
+believe that it blew with considerable force a few leagues out at
+sea, since it sometimes drove a prodigious sea before it into the bay,
+during which we rode forecastle in. Though the northerly winds are
+never to be apprehended in this bay, yet the southerly winds, which
+generally prevail here, frequently blow off the land in violent gusts
+and squalls, which seldom lasted, however, longer than two or
+three minutes. This seems to be owing to the high hills, in the
+neighbourhood of the bay, obstructing the southern gale; as the wind,
+collected by this means, at last forces its passage through the narrow
+vallies; which, like so many funnels, both facilitate its escape,
+and increase its violence. These frequent and sudden guests make it
+difficult for a ship to work in with the wind offshore, or to keep a
+clear hawse, when anchored.
+
+The northern part of this island is composed of high craggy hills,
+many of them inaccessible, though generally covered with trees. The
+soil of this part is loose and shallow, so that very large trees in
+the hills frequently perish for want of root, and are then easily
+overturned. This circumstance occasioned the death of one of our men,
+who, being on the hills in search of goats, caught hold of a tree
+upon a declivity to assist him in his ascent, and this giving way, he
+rolled down the hill; and though, in his fall, he fastened on another
+tree of considerable bulk, this also gave way, and he fell among the
+rocks, where he was dashed to pieces. Mr Brett, also, having rested
+his back against a tree, near as large about as himself, which grew on
+a slope, it gave way with him, and he fell to a considerable distance,
+though without receiving any injury. Our prisoners, whom, as will
+appear in the sequel, we afterwards brought to this island, remarked
+that the appearance of the hills in some parts resembled that of the
+mountains in Chili where gold is found; so that it is not impossible
+that mines might be discovered here. In some places we observed
+several hills of a peculiar red earth, exceeding vermillion in colour,
+which perhaps, on examination, might prove useful for many purposes.
+The southern, or rather S.W. part of the island, is widely different
+from the rest; being destitute of trees, dry, stony, and very flat and
+low, compared, with the hills on the northern part. This part of
+the island is never frequented by ships, being surrounded by a steep
+shore, and having little or no fresh water; besides which, it is
+exposed to the southerly winds, which generally blow here the whole
+year round, and with great violence in the antarctic winter.
+
+The trees, of which the woods in the northern part of the island are
+composed, are mostly aromatic, and of many different sorts. There are
+none of them of a size to yield any considerable timber, except those
+we called myrtle-trees, which are the largest on the island, and
+supplied us with all the timber we used; yet even these would not
+work to a greater length than forty feet. The top of the myrtle is
+circular, and as uniform and regular as if clipped round by art. It
+bears an excrescence like moss on its bark, having the taste and smell
+of garlic, and was used instead of it by our people. We found here
+the pimento, and the cabbage-tree, but in no great quantity. Besides
+these, there were a great number of plants of various kinds, which
+we were not botanists enough to describe or attend to. We found
+here, however, almost all the vegetables that are usually esteemed
+peculiarly adapted to the cure of those scorbutic disorders which are
+contracted by salt diet and long voyages, as we had great quantities
+of water-cresses and purslain, with excellent wild sorrel, and a vast
+profusion of turnips and Sicilian radishes, which two last, having a
+strong resemblance to each other, were confounded by our people under
+the general name of turnips. We usually preferred the tops of the
+turnips to the roots, which we generally found stringy, though some
+of them were free from that exception, and remarkably good.
+These vegetables, with the fish and flesh we got here, to be more
+particularly described hereafter, were not only exceedingly grateful
+to our palates after the long course of salt diet to which we had
+been confined, but were likewise of the most salutary consequence in
+recovering and envigorating our sick, and of no mean service to us who
+were well, by destroying the lurking seeds of the scurvy, from which
+none of us, perhaps, were totally exempted, and in refreshing and
+restoring us to our wonted strength and activity. To the vegetables
+already mentioned, of which we made perpetual use, I must add that we
+found many acres of ground covered with oats and clover. There were
+some few cabbage-trees, as before observed, but these grew generally
+on precipices and in dangerous situations, and as it was necessary to
+cut down a large tree to procure a single cabbage, we were rarely able
+to indulge in this dainty.
+
+The excellence of the climate, and the looseness of the soil, renders
+this island extremely proper for all kinds of cultivation: for, if
+the ground be any where accidentally turned up, it becomes immediately
+overgrown with turnips and Sicilian radishes. Our commodore,
+therefore, having with him garden-seeds of all kinds, and stones of
+different kinds of fruits, sowed here lettuces, carrots, and other
+garden-plants, and set in the woods great numbers of plumb, apricot,
+and peach-stones, for the better accommodation of our countrymen who
+might hereafter touch at this island. These last have since thriven
+most remarkably, as has been since learnt by Mr Anson. For some
+Spanish gentlemen having been taken on their passage from Lima to
+Spain, and brought to England, having procured leave to wait upon him,
+to thank him for his generosity and humanity to his prisoners, some
+of whom were their relations, and foiling into discourse about his
+transactions in the South Seas, asked if he had not planted a great
+number of fruit-stones on the island of Juan Fernandez, as their late
+navigators had discovered there a great many peach and apricot trees,
+which, being fruits not observed there before, they supposed to have
+been produced from kernels set by him.
+
+This may suffice in general as to the soil and vegetable productions
+of Juan Fernandez; but the face of the country, at least of its
+northern part, is so extremely singular as to require a particular
+consideration. I have already noticed the wild and inhospitable
+appearance of it to us at first sight, and the gradual improvement
+of its uncouth landscape as we drew nearer, till we were at last
+captivated by the numerous beauties we discovered on landing. During
+our residence, we found the interior to fall no ways short of the
+sanguine prepossessions we at first entertained. For the woods, which
+covered most of even the steepest hills, were free from all bushes and
+underwood, affording an easy passage through every part of them; and
+the irregularities of the hills and precipices, in the northern part
+of the island, traced out, by their various combinations, a great
+number of romantic vallies, most of which were pervaded by streams
+of the purest water, which tumbled in beautiful cascades from rock to
+rock, as the bottoms of the vallies happened to be broken into sudden
+descents by the course of the neighbouring hills. Some particular
+spots occurred in these vallies where the shade and fragrance of the
+contiguous woods, the loftiness of the overhanging rocks, and the
+transparency and frequent cascades of the streams, presented scenes of
+such elegance and dignity, as would with difficulty be rivalled in
+any other part of the globe. Here, perhaps, the simple productions of
+unassisted nature may be said to excel all the fictitious descriptions
+of the most fertile imagination.
+
+The piece of ground which the commodore chose in which to pitch his
+tent, was a small lawn on a gentle ascent, about half a mile from
+the sea. In front of the tent was a large avenue, opening through the
+woods to the shore, and sloping with a gentle descent to the water,
+having a prospect of the bay and the ships at anchor. This lawn was
+screened behind by a wood of tall myrtle trees, sweeping round in a
+crescent form, like a theatre, the slope on which the wood grew rising
+more rapidly than the open lawn, yet not so much but that the hills
+and precipices of the interior towered considerably above the tops of
+the trees, and added greatly to the beauty and grandeur of the view.
+There were also two streams of water, pure as the finest crystal,
+which ran to the right and left of the tent within the distance of an
+hundred yards, and which, shaded by trees skirting either side of the
+lawn, completed the symmetry of the whole.
+
+It only now remains that we should mention the animals and provisions
+which we met with at this island. Former writers have related that
+this island abounded with vast numbers of goats, and their accounts
+are not to be questioned, as this place was the usual resort of the
+buccaneers and privateers who used formerly to frequent these seas.
+There are two instances, one of a _musquito_ Indian, and the other of
+Alexander Selkirk, a Scotsman, who were left here by their respective
+ships, and lived alone upon the island for some years, and were
+consequently no strangers to its productions. Selkirk, who was here
+the last, after a stay of between four and five years, was taken off
+by the Duke and Duchess privateers, of Bristol, as may be seen at
+large in the journal of their voyage. His manner of life, during his
+solitude, was very remarkable in most particulars; but he relates one
+circumstance, which was so strongly verified by our own experience,
+that it seems worthy of being mentioned. He tells us, as he often
+caught more goats than he had occasion for, that he sometimes marked
+their ears, and let them go. This was about thirty-two years before
+our arrival, yet it happened that the first goat killed by our people
+after they landed, had its ears slit; whence we concluded that it had
+doubtless been formerly caught by Selkirk. This was indeed an animal
+of a most venerable aspect, dignified with a most majestic beard, and
+bearing many other marks of great age. During our residence, we
+met with others marked in the same manner, all the males being
+distinguished by exuberant beards, with every other characteristic of
+extreme age.
+
+The great number of goats, which former writers describe as having
+been found on this island, were very much diminished before our
+arrival. For the Spaniards, aware of the advantages derived by the
+buccaneers and pirates from the goats-flesh they here procured,
+have endeavoured to extirpate the breed, on purpose to deprive their
+enemies of this resource. For this purpose, they put on shore
+great numbers of large dogs, which have greatly increased, and have
+destroyed all the goats in the accessible pans of the country; so
+that there were only, when we were there, a few among the crags and
+precipices, where the dogs cannot follow them. These remaining goats
+are divided into separate flocks, of twenty or thirty each, which
+inhabit distinct fastnesses, and never mingle with each other, so
+that we found it exceedingly difficult to kill them; yet we were so
+desirous of their flesh, which we all agreed resembled venison, that
+we came, I believe, to the knowledge of all their haunts and flocks;
+and, by comparing their numbers, it was conceived that they scarcely
+exceeded two hundred on the whole island. I once witnessed a
+remarkable contest between a flock of goats and a number of dogs.
+Going in our boat into the East bay, we perceived some dogs running
+very eagerly upon the foot, and willing to see what game they were in
+pursuit of, we rested some time on our oars to observe them, when
+at last they took to a hill, on the ridge of which we saw a flock
+of goats drawn up for their reception. There was a very narrow path
+leading to the ridge, skirted on each side by precipices; and here
+the master he-goat of the flock posted himself fronting the enemy, the
+rest of the goats being all behind him, on more open ground. As the
+ridge was inaccessible by any other path, except where this champion
+stood, though the dogs ran up the hill with great alacrity, yet, when
+they came within twenty yards, not daring to encounter him, as he
+would infallibly have driven them down the precipice, they gave over
+the chase, and lay down at that distance, panting at a great rate.
+
+These dogs, which are masters of all the accessible parts of the
+island, are of various kinds, some of them very large, and have
+multiplied to a prodigious degree. They sometimes came down to our
+habitations under night, and stole our provisions; and once or twice
+they set upon single persons, but, assistance being at hand, they were
+driven away, without doing any mischief. As it is now rare for any
+goats to fall in their way, we conceived that they lived principally
+on young seals; and some of our people, having the curiosity to kill
+dogs sometimes, and dress them, seemed to agree that they had a fishy
+taste.
+
+Goats-flesh being scarce, as we were rarely able to kill above one in
+a day, and our people growing tired of fish, which abounded at this
+place, they at last condescended to eat seals, which they came by
+degrees to relish, calling it _lamb_. As the seal, of which numbers
+haunt this island, has been often mentioned by former writers, it
+seems unnecessary to say any thing particular respecting that animal
+in this place. There is, however, another amphibious animal to be met
+with here, called the _sea-lion_, having some resemblance to a seal,
+but much larger, which I conceive may merit a particular description.
+This too we eat, under the denomination of beef. When arrived at full
+size, the sea-lion is between twelve and twenty feet in length, and
+from eight to fifteen feet in circumference. They are extremely fat,
+so that, below the skin, which is an inch thick, there is at least
+a foot deep of fat, before coming to the lean or bones, and we
+experienced more than once, that the fat of some of the largest
+afforded us a butt of oil. They are also very full of blood; for, if
+deeply wounded in a dozen places, there will instantly gush out as
+many fountains of blood, spouting to a considerable distance. To try
+what quantity of blood one of them might contain, we shot one first,
+and then cut its throat, measuring the blood which flowed, and found
+that we got at least two hogsheads, besides a considerable quantity
+remaining in the vessels of the animal.
+
+Their skins are covered with short hair of a light dun colour; but
+their tails and fins, which serve them for feet on shore, are almost
+black. These fore-feet, or fins, are divided at the ends like fingers,
+the web which joins them not reaching to the extremities, and each
+of these fingers is furnished with a nail. They have a distant
+resemblance to an overgrown seal; though in some particulars there
+are manifest differences between these two animals, besides the vast
+disproportion in size. The males especially are remarkably dissimilar,
+having a large snout, or trunk, hanging down five or six inches beyond
+the extremity of the upper jaw, which renders the countenances of the
+male and female easily distinguishable from each other. One of the
+largest of these males, who was master of a large flock of females,
+and drove off all the other males, got from our sailors the name of
+the bashaw, from that circumstance. These animals divide their time
+between the sea and the land, continuing at sea all summer, and coming
+on shore at the setting in of winter, during all which season they
+reside on the land. In this interval they engender and bring forth
+their young, having generally two at a birth, which are suckled by the
+dams, the young at first being as large as a full-grown seal.
+
+During the time they continue on shore, they feed on the grass and
+other plants which grow near the banks of fresh-water streams; and,
+when not employed in feeding, sleep in herds in the most miry places
+they can find. As they seem of a very lethargic disposition, and are
+not easily awakened, each herd was observed to place some of their
+males at a distance, in the nature of centinels, who never failed to
+alarm them when any one attempted to molest, or even to approach them.
+The noise they make is very loud, and of different kinds; sometimes
+grunting like hogs, and at other times snorting like horses in full
+vigour. Especially the males have often furious battles, principally
+about their females; and we were one day extremely surprised at seeing
+two animals, which at first appeared quite different from any we
+had before observed; but on a nearer approach, they proved to be two
+sea-lions, which had been goring each other with their teeth, and
+were all covered over with blood. The bashaw, formerly mentioned, who
+generally lay surrounded by a seraglio of females, to which no other
+male dared approach, had not acquired that envied pre-eminence without
+many bloody contests, of which the marks remained in numerous scars in
+every part of his body.
+
+We killed many of these animals for food, particularly for their
+hearts and tongues, which we esteemed exceeding good eating, and
+preferable even to those of bullocks. In general there was no
+difficulty in killing them, as they are incapable either of flight or
+resistance, their motion being the most unwieldy that can be imagined,
+and all the time they are in motion, their blubber is agitated
+in large waves under the skin. One day, a sailor being carelessly
+employed in skinning a young sea-lion, the female from whom he had
+taken it, came upon him unperceived, and getting his head into her
+mouth, scored his skull in notches with her teeth in many places,
+and wounded him so desperately that he died in a few days, though all
+possible care was taken of him.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: There are two species of the seal tribe which have
+received the name of sea-lion; the phoca leonina, or bottle-nosed
+seal, which is that of the text; and the phoca jubata, or maned seal,
+which is the sea-lion of some other writers. These two species are
+remarkably distinguishable from each other, especially the moles: The
+bottle-nosed seal having a trunk, snout, or long projection, on the
+upper jaw; while the male of the maned seal has his neck covered
+with a long flowing mane. The latter is also much larger, the males
+sometimes reaching twenty-five feet in length, and weighing fifteen
+or sixteen hundred weight. Their colour is reddish, and their voice
+resembles the bellowing of bulls. The former are chiefly found in the
+Southern Pacific; while the latter frequent the northern parts of the
+same ocean.--E.]
+
+These are the principal animals which we found upon the island of
+Juan Fernandez. We saw very few birds, and these were chiefly hawks,
+blackbirds, owls, and hummingbirds. We saw not the _paradela_,[4]
+which burrows in the ground, and which former writers mention to be
+found here; but as we often met with their holes, we supposed that the
+wild dogs had destroyed them, as they have almost done the cats; for
+these were very numerous when Selkirk was here, though we did not see
+above two or three during our whole stay. The rats, however, still
+keep their ground, and continue here in great numbers, and were very
+troublesome to us, by infesting our tents in the night.
+
+[Footnote 4: This name is inexplicable; but, from the context, appears
+to refer to some animal of the cavia genus, resembling the rabbit:
+Besides, a small islet, a short way S.W. of Juan Fernandez, is named
+Isla de Conejos, or Rabbit Island.--E.]
+
+That which furnished us with the most delicious of our repasts, while
+at this island, still remains to be described. This was the fish, with
+which the whole bay was most abundantly stored, and in the greatest
+variety. We found here cod of prodigious size; and by the report of
+some of our crew, who had been formerly employed in the Newfoundland
+fishery, not less plentiful than on the banks of that island. We had
+also cavallies, gropers, large breams, maids, silver-fish, congers of
+a particular kind; and above all, a black fish which we esteemed most,
+called by some the chimney-sweeper, in shape somewhat resembling a
+carp. The beach, indeed, was every where so full of rocks and loose
+stones, that there was no possibility of hauling the seyne; but with
+hooks and lines we caught what numbers we pleased, so that a boat with
+only two or three lines, would return loaded with fish in two or
+three hours. The only interruption we ever met with arose from great
+quantities of dog-fish and large sharks, which sometimes attended our
+boats, and prevented our sport.
+
+Besides these fish, we found one other delicacy in greater perfection,
+both as to size, quantity, and flavour, than is to be met with perhaps
+in any other part of the world. This was sea craw-fish, usually
+weighing eight or nine pounds each, of a most excellent taste, and
+in such vast numbers near the edge of the water, that our boat-hooks
+often struck into them in putting the boats to and from the shore.
+
+These are the most material articles relating to the accommodations,
+soil, vegetables, animals, and other productions of the island of Juan
+Fernandez, by which it will distinctly appear how admirably this place
+was adapted for recovering us from the deplorable situation to which
+we had been reduced by our tedious and unfortunate navigation round
+Cape Horn. Having thus given the reader some idea of the situation and
+circumstances of this island, in which we resided for six months, I
+shall now proceed to relate all that occurred to us in that period,
+resuming the narrative from the 18th of June, on which day the Tryal
+sloop, having been driven out by a squall three days before, came
+again to her moorings, on which day also we finished sending our sick
+on shore, being about eight days after our first anchoring at this
+island.
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and Anna Pink, at Juan
+Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island during the Interval._
+
+The arrival of the Tryal sloop at this island, so soon after we
+came there ourselves in the Centurion, gave us great hopes of being
+speedily joined by the rest of the squadron; and we were accordingly
+for some days continually looking out, in expectation of their coming
+in sight. After near a fortnight had elapsed without any of them
+appearing, we began to despair of ever meeting them again, knowing, if
+our ship had continued so much longer at sea, that we should every
+man of us have perished, and the vessel, occupied only by dead bodies,
+must have been left to the caprice of the winds and waves; and this we
+had great reason to fear was the fate of our consorts, as every hour
+added to the probability of these desponding suggestions. But, on the
+21st of June, some of our people, from an eminence on shore, discerned
+a ship to leeward, with her courses even with the horizon. They could,
+at the same time, observe that she had no sails aboard, except her
+courses and main-topsail. This circumstance made them conclude that it
+must be one of our squadron, which had probably suffered as severely
+in her sails and rigging as we had done. They were prevented, however,
+from forming more definite conjectures concerning her; for, after
+viewing her a short time, the weather grew thick and hazy, and she was
+no longer to be seen.
+
+On this report, and no ship appearing for some days, we were all under
+the greatest concern, suspecting that her people must be under the
+utmost distress for want of water, and so weakened and diminished in
+numbers by sickness, as to be unable to ply up to windward, so that we
+dreaded, after having been in sight of the island, that her whole crew
+might yet perish at sea. On the 21st, at noon, we again discerned a
+ship at sea in the N.E. quarter, which we conceived to be the same
+that had been seen before, and our conjecture proved true. About one
+o'clock she had come so near that we could plainly distinguish her
+to be the Gloucester; and as we had no doubt of her being in great
+distress, the commodore immediately ordered out his boat to our
+assistance, laden with fresh water, fish, and vegetables, which was
+a most comfortable relief to them; for our apprehensions of their
+calamitous situation were only too well founded, as there never
+was, perhaps, a crew in greater distress. They had already thrown
+two-thirds of their complement overboard; and of those who remained
+alive, scarcely any were capable of doing duty, except the officers
+and their servants. They had been a considerable time at the small
+allowance of a pint of water to each man in twenty-four hours, and yet
+had so very little left, that they must soon have died of thirst, had
+it not been for the supply sent them by our commodore.
+
+The Gloucester plied up within three miles of the bay, but could not
+reach the road, both wind and currents being contrary. She continued,
+however, in the offing next day; and as she had no chance of being
+able to come to anchor, the commodore repeated his assistance, sending
+off the Tryal's boat, manned with the people of the Centurion, with a
+farther supply of water, and other refreshments. Captain Mitchell of
+the Gloucester was under the necessity of detaining both this boat and
+that sent the preceding day, as he had no longer strength to navigate
+his ship without the aid of both their crews. The Gloucester continued
+near a fortnight in this tantalizing situation, without being able
+to fetch the road, though frequently making the attempt, and even at
+times bidding fair to effect the object in view. On the 9th July,
+we observed her stretching away to the eastward, at a considerable
+distance, which we supposed was with a design to get to the southward
+of the island; but, as she did not again appear for near a week, we
+were prodigiously alarmed for her safety, knowing that she must be
+again in extreme distress for want of water. After great impatience
+about her, we again discovered her on the 16th, endeavouring to come
+round the eastern point of the island, but the wind still blowing
+directly from the bay, prevented her from getting nearer than within
+four miles of the land.
+
+Captain Mitchell now made signals of distress, and our long-boat, was
+sent off with a good supply of water, and plenty of fish and other
+refreshments: And, as the long-boat could not be wanted, the cockswain
+had positive orders from the commodore to return immediately. But next
+day proving stormy, and the boat not appearing, we much feared she was
+lost, which would have been an irretrievable misfortune to us all. We
+were relieved, however, from this anxiety on the third day after, by
+the joyful appearance of her sails on the water, on which the cutter
+was sent to her assistance, and towed her alongside in a few hours,
+when we found that the long-boat had taken in six of the Gloucester's
+sick men, to bring them on shore, two of whom had died in the boat.
+We now learnt that the Gloucester was in a most dreadful condition,
+having scarcely a man in health on board, except the few she had
+received from us. Numbers of their sick were dying daily, and it
+appeared, had it not been for the last supply sent by our long-boat,
+that both the healthy and diseased must all have perished for want
+of water. This calamitous situation was the more terrifying, as it
+appeared to be without remedy; for the Gloucester had already spent a
+month in fruitless endeavours to fetch the bay, and was now no farther
+advanced than when she first made the island. The hopes of her
+people of ever succeeding were now worn out, by the experience of
+its difficulty; and, indeed, her situation became that same day more
+desperate than ever, as we again lost sight of her, after receiving
+our last supply of refreshments, so that we universally despaired of
+her ever coming to anchor.
+
+Thus was this unhappy vessel bandied about, within a few leagues of
+her intended harbour, while the near neighbourhood of that place, and
+of these circumstances which could alone put an end to the calamities
+under which her people laboured, served only to aggravate their
+distress, by torturing them with a view of the relief they were unable
+to reach. She was at length delivered from this dreadful situation at
+a time when we least expected it: For, after having lost sight of her
+for several days, we were joyfully surprised, in the morning of the
+23d July, to see her open the N.W. point of the bay with a flowing
+sail, when we immediately dispatched what boats we had to her
+assistance, and within an hour from our first perceiving her, she
+anchored safe within us in the bay.
+
+We were now more particularly convinced of the importance of the
+assistance and refreshments we had repeatedly sent her, and how
+impossible it must have been for a single man of her crew to
+have survived, had we given less attention to their wants. For,
+notwithstanding the water, vegetables, and fresh provisions with
+which we had supplied them, and the hands we had sent to assist in
+navigating the ship, by which the fatigue of her own people had been
+greatly diminished, their sick relieved, and the mortality abated;
+notwithstanding this provident care of our commodore, they yet buried
+above three-fourths of their crew, and a very small proportion of the
+survivors remained capable of assisting in the duty of the ship. On
+getting to anchor, our first care was to assist them in mooring,
+and the next to get their sick on shore. These were now reduced, by
+numerous deaths, to less than fourscore, of which we expected the
+greatest part to have died; but whether it was that those farthest
+advanced in the cruel distemper had already perished, or that the
+vegetables and fresh provisions we had sent had prepared those who
+remained alive for a more speedy recovery, it so happened, contrary to
+our fears, that their sick, in general, were relieved and restored to
+health in a much shorter time than our own had been when we first came
+to the island, and very few of them died on shore.
+
+Having thus given an account of the principal events relating to the
+arrival of the Gloucester, in one continued narration, I shall only
+add, that we were never joined by any other of our ships, except our
+victualler, the Anna pink, which came in about the middle of August,
+and whose history I shall defer for the present, as it is now high
+time, to return to our own transactions, both on board and ashore,
+during the anxious interval of the Gloucester making frequent and
+ineffectual attempts to reach the island.
+
+Our next employment, after sending our sick on shore from the
+Centurion, was cleansing our ship, and filling our water casks. The
+former of these measures was indispensably necessary to our future
+health, as the number of our sick, and the unavoidable negligence
+arising from our deplorable situation at sea, had rendered the decks
+most intolerably loathsome. The filling our water was also a caution
+that appeared essential to our security, as we had reason to apprehend
+that accidents might intervene which would oblige us to quit the
+island at a very short warning, as some appearances we had discovered
+on shore, at our first landing, gave us grounds to believe that there
+were Spanish cruizers in these seas, which had left the island only a
+short time before our arrival, and might possibly return again, either
+for a supply of water, or in search of us. For we could not doubt that
+the sole purpose they had at sea was to intercept us, and we knew that
+this island was the likeliest place, in their opinion, to meet with
+us. The circumstances which gave rise to these reflections, in part
+of which we were not mistaken, as will appear more at large hereafter,
+were our finding on shore several pieces of earthen jars, made use
+of in these seas for holding water and other liquids, which appeared
+fresh broken. We saw also many heaps of casks, near which were fish
+bones and pieces of fish, besides whole fish scattered here and there,
+which plainly appeared to have been only a short time out of the
+water, as they were but just beginning to decay.
+
+These were infallible indications that there had been a ship or
+ships at this place only a short time before our arrival; and, as all
+Spanish merchant ships are instructed to avoid this island, on account
+of its being the common rendezvous of their enemies, we concluded that
+those which had touched here must have been ships of force; and, as we
+knew not that Pizarro had returned to the Rio Plata, and were ignorant
+what strength might have been fitted out at Calao, we were under
+considerable apprehensions for our safety, being in so wretched and
+enfeebled a condition, as, notwithstanding the rank of our ship, and
+the sixty guns with which she was armed, there was hardly a privateer
+sent to sea that was not an overmatch for us. Our fears on this head,
+however, fortunately proved imaginary, and we were not exposed to the
+disgrace which must unavoidably have befallen us, had we been reduced
+to the necessity, by the appearance of an enemy, of fighting our
+sixty-gun ship with no more than thirty hands.
+
+While employed in cleaning our ship, and filling our water casks, we
+set up a large copper oven on shore, near the sick tents, in which
+fresh bread was baked every day for the ship's company, as, being
+extremely desirous of recovering our sick as soon as possible, we
+believed that new bread, added to their green vegetables and fresh
+fish, might prove powerfully conducive to their relief. Indeed, we
+had all imaginable inducements to endeavour at augmenting our present
+strength, as every little accident, which to a full crew would have
+been insignificant, was extremely alarming in our present helpless
+condition. Of this we had a troublesome instance, on the 30th of June,
+at five in the morning, when we were alarmed by a violent gust of
+wind directly off shore, which instantly parted our small bower cable,
+about ten fathoms from the ring of the anchor. The ship at once swung
+off to the best bower, which happily stood the violence of the jerk,
+and brought us up, with two cables on end, in eighty fathoms.
+
+At this time we had not above a dozen seamen in the ship, and were
+apprehensive, if the squall continued, that we might be driven out to
+sea in this helpless condition. We sent, therefore, the boat on shore,
+to bring off all who were capable of acting; and the wind soon abating
+of its fury, gave us an opportunity of receiving the boat back with a
+reinforcement. With this additional strength, we went immediately to
+work, to have in what remained of the broken cable, which we suspected
+to have received some injury from the ground before it parted, and
+accordingly we found that seven fathoms and a half had been chaffed
+and rendered unserviceable. In the afternoon, we bent this cable to
+the spare anchor, and got it over the bows. Next morning, the 1st of
+July, being favoured by the wind in gentle breezes, we warped the
+ship in again, and let go the anchor in forty-one fathoms; the eastern
+point of the bay now bearing from us E. 1/2 S. the western point N.W.
+by W. and the bottom of the bay S.S.W. as before. We were, however,
+much concerned for the loss of our anchor, and swept frequently to
+endeavour its recovery; but the buoy having sunk at the instant when
+the cable parted, we could never find it again.
+
+As the month of July advanced, and some of our sick men were tolerably
+recovered, the strongest of them were set to cut down trees, and
+to split them into billets, while others, too weak for this work,
+undertook to carry the billets, by one at a time, to the water
+side. This they performed, some by the help of crutches, and others
+supported by a single stick. We next set up the forge on shore, and
+employed our smith, who was just capable of working, to repair our
+chain-plates, and other broken and decayed iron-work. We began also
+the repair of our rigging; but as we had not enough of junk to make
+spun-yarn, we deferred the general overhaul in the daily hope of the
+Gloucester arriving, which was known to have a great quantity of junk
+on board. That we might dispatch our refitting as fast as possible,
+we set up a large tent on the beach for the sail-makers, who were
+employed diligently in repairing our old sails and making new ones.
+These occupations, with cleansing and watering our ship, now pretty
+well completed, together with attending our sick, and the frequent
+relief sent to the Gloucester, were the principal transactions of our
+infirm crew, till the arrival of the Gloucester at anchor in the bay.
+
+Captain Mitchell immediately waited on the commodore, whom he
+informed, that, in his last absence, he had been forced as far as
+the small island of _Masefuero_, nearly in the same latitude with the
+larger island of Juan Fernandez, and thirty leagues farther W. That he
+had endeavoured to send his boat on shore there for water, of which he
+observed several streams; but the wind blew so strong upon the shore,
+and caused so great a surf, that it was impossible to get to land.
+The attempt, however, was not entirely useless, as the boat came
+back loaded with fish. This island had been represented, by former
+navigators, as a mere barren rock, but Captain Mitchell assured the
+commodore, that it was almost every where covered with trees and
+verdure, and was nearly four miles in length. He believed also,
+that some small bay might possibly be found in it which might afford
+sufficient shelter to any ship desirous of procuring refreshments.
+
+As four ships of our squadron were still missing, this description of
+Masefuero gave rise to a conjecture, that some of them might possibly
+have fallen in with that island, mistaking it for the true place of
+rendezvous. This suspicion was the more reasonable, that we had no
+draught of either island that could be relied upon; wherefore the
+commodore resolved to send the Tryal sloop thither, as soon as she
+could be made ready for sea, in order to examine all its creeks and
+bays, that it might be ascertained whether any of our missing ships
+were there or not. For this purpose, some of our best hands were sent
+on board the Tryal next morning, to overhaul and fix her rigging,
+and our long-boat was employed to complete her water; what stores and
+necessaries she wanted, being immediately supplied from the Centurion
+and Gloucester. It was the 4th of August before the Tryal was in
+readiness to sail. When, having weighed, it soon after fell calm,
+and the tide set her very near the eastern shore of the bay. Captain
+Saunders immediately hung out lights, and fired several guns, to
+apprise us of his danger; upon which all the boats were sent to his
+aid, which towed the sloop into the bay, where she anchored till next
+morning, and then proceeded with a fair breeze.
+
+We were now busily employed in examining and repairing our rigging,
+and that of the Gloucester; but, in stripping our fore-mast, we were
+alarmed by discovering that it was sprung just above the partners
+of the upper deck. This spring was two inches in depth and twelve in
+circumference; but the carpenters, on inspection, gave it as their
+opinion, that fishing it with two leaves of an anchor-stock would
+render it as secure as ever. Besides this defect in our mast, we had
+other difficulties in refitting, from the want of cordage and canvass;
+for, although we had taken to sea much greater quantities of both than
+had ever been done before, yet the continued bad weather we had met
+with, after passing the straits of Le Maire, had occasioned so great
+a consumption of these stores, that we were reduced to great straits;
+as, after working up all our junk and old shrouds, to make twice laid
+cordage, we were at last reduced to the necessity to unlay a cable, to
+work up into running rigging; and, with all the canvass and remnants
+of old sails, that could be mustered, we could only make up one
+complete suit.
+
+Towards the middle of August, our men being indifferently recovered,
+they were permitted to quit the sick tents, and to build separate huts
+for themselves; as it was imagined, by living apart, that they might
+be much cleanlier, and consequently likely to recover their strength
+the sooner: But strict orders were given, at the same time, that they
+were instantly to repair to the water-side, on the firing of a
+gun from the ship. Their employment now on shore, was either the
+procurement of refreshments, the cutting of wood, or the procurement
+of oil from the blubber of sea-lions. This oil served for several
+purposes; as burning in lamps, mixing with pitch to pay the sides of
+our ships, or, when worked up with wood-ashes, to supply the place of
+tallow, of which we had none left, to give the ship boat-hose tops.
+Some of the men were also occupied in salting cod; for, having two
+Newfoundland fishermen in the Centurion, the commodore set them to
+work in providing a considerable quantity of salted cod for sea-store;
+though very little of it was used, as it was afterwards thought to be
+equally productive of scurvy with any other kind of salted provisions.
+
+It has been before mentioned, that we set up a copper oven on shore,
+to bake bread for the sick: But it happened that the greatest part of
+the flour, for the use of the squadron, was on board the Anna pink. It
+should also have been mentioned, that the Tryal sloop informed us, on
+her arrival, that she had fallen in with our victualler, on the 9th
+of May, not far from the coast of Chili, and had kept company with her
+for four days, when they were parted in a gale of wind. This gave us
+some room to hope that she was safe, and might rejoin us: But, all
+June and July having passed without any news of her, we gave her over
+for lost; and the commodore, at the end of July, ordered all the ships
+on a short allowance of bread. Neither was it in bread alone that we
+feared a deficiency: For, since our arrival at Juan Fernandez, it was
+discovered that our former purser had neglected to take on board large
+quantities of several kinds of provisions, which the commodore had
+expressly ordered him to receive; so that the supposed loss of our
+victualler was, on all accounts, a most mortifying circumstance.
+
+About noon on Thursday the 16th of August, after we had given over all
+hopes of the Anna pink, a sail was espied in the northern quarter, on
+which a gun was immediately fired from the Centurion, to call off the
+people from the shore, who readily obeyed the summons, by repairing
+to the beach, where the boats waited to fetch them on board. Being
+now prepared for the reception of the ship in view, whether friend or
+enemy, we had various speculations respecting her, many supposing at
+first, that it was the Tryal sloop returning from the examination of
+Masefuero. As she drew nearer, this opinion was confuted, by observing
+that she had three masts, when other conjectures were eagerly
+canvassed; some judging the vessel in sight to be the Severn and
+others the Pearl, while several affirmed that she did not belong to
+our squadron. But, about three in the afternoon, all speculations were
+ended by the unanimous persuasion that it was our victualler, the
+Anna pink. And, though, this ship had fallen in with the island to the
+northward like the Gloucester, she yet had the good fortune to come
+to anchor in the bay at five in the afternoon. Her arrival gave us
+all the utmost satisfaction, as the ship's companies were immediately
+restored to their full allowance of bread, and we were now relieved
+from the apprehensions of our provisions falling short before we could
+reach some friendly port,--a calamity, in these seas, of all others
+the most irretrievable. This was the last ship that joined us; and,
+as the dangers she encountered, and the good fortune she afterwards
+experienced, are worthy of a separate narration, I shall refer them,
+together with a short account of the other missing ships, to the
+ensuing section.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Short Account of what befell the Anna Pink before she rejoined;
+with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and the putting back of the
+Severn and Pearl._
+
+On the first recognition of the Anna pink, it seemed quite wonderful
+to us how the crew of a vessel, which had thus come to the rendezvous
+two months after us, should be capable of working their ship in
+the manner they did, and with so little appearance of debility and
+distress. This difficulty, however, was soon solved after she came
+to anchor; for we then found that she had been in harbour since the
+middle of May, near a month before our arrival at Juan Fernandez,
+so that their sufferings, excepting the risk they had run of being
+shipwrecked, were greatly short of what had been undergone by the rest
+of the squadron.
+
+They fell in with the land on the 16th of May, in lat. 45° 15' S.
+being then about four leagues from shore. On the first sight of
+it, they wore ship and stood to the southward; but their fore-sail
+splitting, and the wind being strong at W.S.W. they drove towards the
+shore. The captain, either unable to clear the land, or, as others
+say, resolved to keep the sea no longer, steered now for the coast,
+in order to look out for some shelter among the many islands which
+appeared in sight, and had the good fortune to bring the ship to
+anchor to the eastward of the island of _Inchin_[1]. But, as they did
+not run sufficiently near the east shore of that island, and had not
+hands enough to veer away the cable briskly, they were soon driven to
+the eastwards, deepening their water from twenty-five to thirty-five
+fathoms. Still continuing to drive, they next day, being the 17th May,
+let go their sheet anchor, which brought them up for a short time: but
+on the 18th they drove again, till they came into sixty-five fathoms;
+and, being now within a mile of the land, they expected every moment
+to be forced on shore in a place where the coast was so very high and
+steep, that there was not the smallest prospect of saving the ship and
+cargo. As their boats were very leaky, and there was no appearance of
+a landing place, the whole crew, consisting of sixteen men and boys,
+gave themselves up for lost, believing, if even any of them happened
+to get on shore by some extraordinary chance, that they would be
+almost certainly massacred by the savages; as these people, knowing
+no other Europeans except Spaniards, might be expected to treat all
+strangers with the same cruelty which they have so often, and so
+signally, exercised against their Spanish neighbours.
+
+[Footnote 1: The island of Inchin and the bay in which the Anna pink
+took shelter is in lat. 46° 30' S. long. 74° 30' in what is called the
+Peninsula de tres Montes, to the N. of the Golfo de Penas.--E.]
+
+Under these terrifying circumstances, the Anna continued to drive
+towards the rocks which formed the shore; and at last, when expecting
+every instant to strike, they perceived a small opening in the land,
+which raised their hopes of safety. Wherefore, immediately cutting
+away their two anchors, they steered for this opening, which they
+found to be a narrow opening between an island and the main, which led
+them into a most excellent harbour; which, for its security against
+all winds and swells, and the consequent smoothness of its water, may
+perhaps vie with any in the known world: And this place being
+scarcely two miles from the spot where they deemed their destruction
+inevitable, the horrors of shipwreck and immediate death, with which
+they had been so long and strongly possessed, vanished almost in
+an instant, giving place to the most joyous ideas of security,
+refreshment, and repose.
+
+In this harbour, discovered almost by miracle, the Anna came to anchor
+in twenty-five fathoms, with only a hawser and small anchor of about
+three hundred weight. Here she continued for near two months, and her
+people, who were many of them ill of the scurvy, were soon restored
+to perfect health by the fresh provisions, which they procured in
+abundance, and the excellent water which they found in plenty on the
+adjacent shore. As this place may prove of the greatest importance to
+future navigators forced upon this coast by the western winds, which
+are almost perpetual in that part of the world, it may be proper to
+give the best account that could be collected of this port, as to
+its situation, conveniences, and productions, before continuing the
+adventures of the Anna pink. To facilitate, also, the knowledge of
+this place, to such as may be desirous hereafter of using it, there
+is annexed a plan both of the harbour and the large bay before it,
+through which the Anna drifted. This plan, perhaps, may not be in
+all respects as accurate as could be wished, being composed from the
+memorandums and rude sketches of the master and surgeon, who were not
+the most able draughtsmen; but, as the principal parts were laid down
+by their estimates of their distances from each other, in which kind
+of computation seamen are commonly very dextrous, the errors are
+probably not very considerable.
+
+The latitude, which certainly is a very material point, was not very
+accurately ascertained, as the Anna had no observation either on the
+day she got there, or within a day of leaving the bay; but is supposed
+to be not very distant from 45° 30' S.[2] But the large extent of
+the bay, at the bottom of which the harbour is situated, renders this
+uncertainty of the less importance. The island lying before this bay,
+called _Inchin_ by the Indians, is supposed to be one of the islands
+named _Chonos_ by the Spanish accounts, and said to spread along all
+this coast,[3] being inhabited by a barbarous people, famous for their
+hatred to the Spaniards, and their cruelty to such of that nation as
+have fallen into their hands. It is even possible that the land in
+which this harbour is situated may be one of these islands, while the
+continent may be considerably to the eastward. This harbour, besides
+its depth of water and complete shelter, has two coves, where ships
+may very conveniently be hove down, as the water is constantly smooth.
+There are also several fine runs of excellent fresh water, which fall
+into the harbour, some so conveniently situated that the casks may
+be filled in the long-boat by means of a hose. The most remarkable of
+these is a stream in the N.E. part of the harbour, being a fresh-water
+river, where the crew of the Anna caught a few mullets of excellent
+flavour, and they were persuaded that it would be found to have plenty
+of fish in the proper season, it being winter when they were there.
+
+[Footnote 2: This has already, on the authority of Arrowsmith, been
+stated at 46° 30' S.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The gulf and archipelago of Chonos, or Guaytecas, one of
+the islands of which is Socora, or Guayteca, is considerably to the
+N. of Inchin, between the peninsula de tres Montes and the island of
+Chiloe, the centre of that archipelago being in lat. 45° S.--E.]
+
+The principal refreshments of green vegetables met with at this port
+were wild cellery, nettle-tops, and the like, which, after so long
+a continuance at sea, were highly acceptable. We got abundance
+of shell-fish, as cockles and muscles of great size and delicious
+flavour, with plenty of geese, shags, and penguins. Though in the
+depth of winter the climate was by no means extremely rigorous,
+neither were the trees or the face of the country destitute of
+verdure; whence it may be concluded, that many other kinds of fresh
+provisions would doubtless be found there in summer. Notwithstanding
+the relations of the Spaniards respecting the violence and barbarity
+of the inhabitants, it does not appear that their numbers are
+sufficient to excite any apprehensions in the crew of a ship of any
+size, or that their dispositions are by any means so mischievous or
+merciless as has been represented. With all these advantages, this
+place is so far from the frontiers of the Spanish settlements, and
+so little known to the Spaniards themselves, that, with proper
+precautions, there is reason to believe a ship might remain here
+a long time undiscovered. It is also capable of being made a very
+defensible port; as, by possessing the island that closes tip the
+port or inner harbour, which island is only accessible in a very few
+places, a small force might easily secure this port against all the
+force which the Spaniards could muster in that part of the world. For
+this island is so steep towards the harbour, having six fathoms close
+to the shore, that the Anna anchored within forty yards of its coast;
+whence it is obvious how difficult it would prove, either to board
+or cut out any vessel protected by a force posted on shore within
+pistol-shot, and where those thus posted could not be themselves
+attacked. All these circumstances seem to render this port worthy of
+a more accurate examination; and it is to be hoped that this rude
+attempt to suggest, may hereafter recommend it to the consideration
+of the public, and the attention of those who are more immediately
+entrusted with the conduct of our naval affairs.
+
+After this account of the place where the Anna lay for two months, it
+may be expected that I should relate the discoveries made by her crew
+upon the adjacent coast, and the principal incidents that occurred
+during their stay here. But, as they were only a few in number, they
+durst not venture to detach any of their people on distant searches,
+being under continual apprehensions of being attacked either by the
+Spaniards or Indians, so that their excursions were generally confined
+to the tract of land surrounding the port, where they were never out
+of view of the ship: Even if they had known from the first how little
+grounds there were for these fears, yet the neighbouring country
+was so overgrown with wood, and so traversed by mountains, that
+it appeared impracticable to penetrate to any distance, so that no
+account of the interior could be expected. They were, however, in a
+condition to disprove the relations given by Spanish writers, who have
+represented this coast as inhabited by a fierce and powerful people,
+as no such inhabitants were to be found, at least in the winter
+season; for, during the whole time of their continuance here, they
+never saw any more than one small Indian family, which came into the
+harbour in a periagua, or canoe, about a month after the arrival of
+the Anna, and consisted only of one Indian man, near forty years of
+age, his wife, and two children, one about three years of age, and
+the other still on the breast. They seemed to have with them all their
+property, consisting of a dog and cat, a fishing net, a hatchet, a
+knife, a cradle, some bark of trees, intended for covering a hut, a
+reel with some worsted, a flint and steel, and a few roots of a yellow
+hue, and very disagreeable taste, which served them for bread.
+
+As soon as these were perceived, the master of the Anna sent his yawl
+and brought them on board; and, lest they might discover him to the
+Spaniards if permitted to go away, he took proper precautions, as he
+conceived, for securing them, but without violence or ill usage, as
+they were permitted to go about the ship where they pleased in the day
+time, but were locked up in the forecastle at night. As they were fed
+in the same manner with the crew, and were often indulged with brandy,
+which they seemed greatly to relish, it did not appear at first that
+they were much dissatisfied with their situation. The master took
+the Indian on shore when he went to shoot, and he seemed always much
+delighted on seeing the game killed. The crew also treated them with
+great humanity; but it was soon apparent, though the woman continued
+easy and cheerful, that the man grew pensive and discontented at his
+confinement. He seemed to have good natural parts, and though utterly
+unable to converse with our people otherwise than by signs, was yet
+very curious and inquisitive, and showed great dexterity in his manner
+of making himself understood. Seeing so few people on board so large
+a ship, he seemed to express his opinion that they had once been more
+numerous, and, by way of representing what he imagined had become of
+their companions, he laid himself on the deck, closing his eyes, and
+stretching himself out motionless, as if to imitate the appearance of
+a dead body.
+
+The strongest proof of his sagacity was the manner of his getting
+away. After having been on board the Anna for eight days, the scuttle
+of the forecastle, where he and his family were locked up every night,
+happened to be left unnailed, and on the following night, which
+was extremely dark and stormy, he contrived to convey his wife and
+children through the scuttle, and then over the ship's side into the
+yawl, and immediately rowed on shore, using the precaution to cut
+away the long-boat and his own periagua, which were towing astern, to
+prevent being pursued. He conducted all this with so much silence
+and secrecy, that, though there was a watch on the quarter-deck with
+loaded arms, he was not discovered by them till the noise of his oars
+in the water gave notice of his escape, after he had put off from the
+ship, when it was too late either to prevent or pursue him. Besides,
+as their boats were all adrift, it was some time before they could
+contrive the means of getting on shore to search for their boats. By
+this effort, besides regaining his liberty, the Indian was in some
+measure revenged on those who had confined him, both by the perplexity
+they were in for the loss of their boats, and by the terror occasioned
+by his departure; for, on the first alarm of the watch, who cried,
+"The Indians," the whole crew were in the utmost confusion, believing
+that the ship had been boarded by a whole fleet of armed canoes.
+
+Had the resolution and sagacity with which this Indian behaved on
+this occasion, been exerted on a more extensive object, it might have
+immortalized the exploit, and given him a rank among the illustrious
+names of antiquity. The people of the Anna, indeed, allowed that it
+was a most gallant enterprise, and were grieved at having thus been
+under the necessity, from attention to their own safety, to abridge
+the liberty of one who had now given so distinguished a proof of
+courage and prudence. As he was supposed still to continue in the
+woods near the port, where he might suffer for want of provisions,
+they easily prevailed on the master to leave a quantity of such food
+as they thought would be most agreeable to him in a place where he
+was likely to find it, and there was reason to believe this was not
+altogether without its use, for, on visiting the place afterwards, the
+provisions were gone, and in a manner that made them conclude they had
+fallen into his hands.
+
+Although many of the crew of the Anna believed that this Indian still
+continued in the neighbourhood, there were some who strongly suspected
+he might have gone off to the island of Chiloe, where they feared
+he would alarm the Spaniards, and would soon return with a force
+sufficient to surprise or overpower the Anna. The master was therefore
+prevailed upon to discontinue firing the evening gun, and there is a
+particular reason for attending to this circumstance, to be explained
+hereafter; for he had hitherto, from an ostentatious imitation of
+the men-of-war, fired a gun every evening at setting the night watch.
+This, as he pretended, was to awe the enemy, if there were any within
+hearing, and to convince them that his ship was always on her
+guard. The crew being now well refreshed, and their wood and water
+sufficiently replenished, he put to sea a few days after the escape
+of the Indian, and had a fortunate passage to the rendezvous at
+Juan Fernandez, where he arrived on the 16th of August, as already
+mentioned.
+
+The remaining ships of the squadron, none of which rejoined the
+commodore, were the Severn, Pearl, and Wager, of the fate of which
+it may be proper to make mention. The Severn and Pearl parted company
+from the commodore off Cape Voir; and, as we afterwards learnt, put
+back to Brazil. The Wager had on board a few field-pieces, and some
+coehorn-mortars, mounted for land service, with several kinds of
+artillery stores and pioneers tools, intended for operations on shore.
+And, as an enterprise had been planned against Baldivia, for the first
+operation of the squadron, Captain Cheap was extremely solicitous
+that these articles might be forthcoming, and determined to use his
+endeavours for that purpose, that no delay or disappointment might
+be imputed to him, not knowing the state the squadron was reduced
+to. While making the best of his way, with these views, to the first
+appointed rendezvous, off Socoro, whence he proposed to proceed
+for Baldivia, the Wager made the land on the 14th of May, about the
+latitude of 47° S. and while Captain Cheap was exerting himself in
+order to get clear of the land, he had the misfortune to fall down the
+after-ladder, by which he dislocated his shoulder, and was rendered
+incapable of acting. This accident, together with the crazy condition
+of the ship, which was little better than a wreck, prevented her from
+getting off to sea, and entangled her more and more with the land;
+insomuch, that at day-break next morning, the 15th May, she struck on
+a sunken rock, and soon afterwards bilged, and grounded between two
+small islands, about musket-shot from the shore.
+
+In this situation the ship continued entire a long time, so that all
+the crew might have got safe on shore. But a general confusion ensued;
+many of them, instead of consulting their safety, or reflecting
+on their calamitous condition, fell to pillaging the ship, arming
+themselves with the first weapons that came to hand, and threatening
+to murder all who should oppose their proceedings. This frenzy was
+greatly heightened by the liquors they found on board, with which they
+made themselves so excessively intoxicated, that some fell down into
+the hold, where they were drowned, as the water flowed into the wreck.
+Having done his utmost, ineffectually, to get the whole crew on shore,
+the captain was at last obliged to leave the mutineers behind, and to
+follow his officers on shore, with such few men as he could prevail
+upon to accompany him; but did not fail to send back the boats, with a
+message to those who remained, entreating them to have some regard to
+their own preservation. All his efforts, however, were for some time
+in vain; but next day, the weather proving stormy, and there being
+great danger of the ship going to pieces, the refractory part of the
+crew began to be afraid of perishing, and were desirous of getting to
+land; and, in their madness, as the boat did not come to fetch them
+off so soon as they wished, they pointed a four-pounder from the
+quarter-deck, against the hut in which the captain resided on shore,
+and fired two shots, which passed just over its roof.
+
+From this specimen of the behaviour of part of the crew, some idea
+may be formed of the disorder and anarchy which prevailed when they at
+length got all on shore. For the men conceived that the authority of
+their officers was at an end, in consequence of the loss of the ship;
+and, as they were now upon an inhospitable coast, where scarcely any
+other provisions could be got beyond what could be saved from the
+wreck, this was another insurmountable source of discord: for the
+working upon the wreck, and securing the provisions on shore, so that
+they might be preserved as much as possible for future exigencies,
+and that they might be sparingly and equally distributed for present
+subsistence, were matters, however important, that could not be
+brought about unless by means of discipline and subordination. At the
+same time, the mutinous disposition of the people, stimulated by the
+immediate impulses of hunger, rendered every regulation attempted for
+these indispensable purposes, quite unavailing; so that there were
+continual frauds, concealments, and thefts, which animated every one
+against his neighbour, and produced infinite contentions and perpetual
+quarrels. Hence a perverse and malevolent disposition was constantly
+kept up among them, which rendered them utterly ungovernable.
+
+Besides these heart-burnings, occasioned by petulance and hunger,
+there was another important point which set the greatest part of the
+people at variance with the captain. This was their difference in
+opinion from him, on the measures proper to be pursued on the present
+emergency; for the captain was determined, if possible, to fit out
+the boats in the best manner he could, and to proceed with them to
+the northward, as, having above two hundred men in health, and having
+saved some fire-arms and ammunition from the wreck, he had no doubt
+of being able to master any Spanish, vessel they might fall in with in
+these seas, and he thought that he could not fail of meeting with one
+in the neighbourhood of Chiloe or Baldivia, in which, when taken,
+he proposed to proceed to the rendezvous at Juan Fernandez. He also
+insisted, should they even meet with no prize by the way, that the
+boats alone could easily carry them to Juan Fernandez. But this
+scheme, however prudent and practicable, was by no means relished by
+the generality of the people; for, quite jaded and disgusted with the
+fatigues, dangers, and distresses they had already encountered, they
+could not be persuaded to prosecute an enterprize which had hitherto
+proved so disastrous. The common resolution, therefore, was to
+lengthen the long-boat, and, with her and the other boats, to steer to
+the southwards, to pass through the Straits of Magellan, and to range
+along the eastern coast of South America, till they came to Brazil,
+where they had no doubt of being well received, and procuring a
+passage to Britain.
+
+This project was evidently a vast deal more tedious, and infinitely
+more hazardous, than that proposed by the captain; but, as it had the
+air of returning home, and flattered them with the hope of getting
+once more to their native country, that circumstance rendered them
+blind to all its inconveniences, and made them adhere to it with
+insurmountable obstinacy. The captain was therefore obliged to give
+way to the torrent, though he never changed his opinion, and had, in
+appearance, to acquiesce in this resolution, though he gave it all
+the obstruction he could, particularly in regard to lengthening the
+long-boat, which he contrived should be of such a size, as, though
+it might carry them to Juan Fernandez, he yet hoped might appear
+incapable of so long a navigation as that to the coast of Brazil.
+But the captain, by his steady opposition at first to this favourite
+project, had much embittered the people against him, to which, also,
+the following unhappy accident greatly contributed.
+
+A midshipman, named Cozens, had appeared the foremost in all the
+refractory proceedings of the crew, had involved himself in brawls
+with most of the officers who had adhered to the authority of the
+captain, and had even treated the captain himself with much insolence
+and abuse. As his turbulence and brutality grew every day more and
+more intolerable, it was not in the least doubted that some violent
+measures were in agitation, in which Cozens was engaged as the
+ringleader; for which reason the captain, and those about him,
+constantly kept themselves on their guard. One day the purser having
+stopped, by order of the captain, the allowance of a fellow who
+would not work, Cozens, though the man had not complained to him,
+intermeddled in the affair with great bitterness, and grossly insulted
+the purser, who was then delivering out the provisions close by the
+captain's tent, and was himself sufficiently violent. Enraged by his
+scurrility, and perhaps piqued by former quarrels, the purser cried
+out, _A mutiny_; adding, _the dog has pistols_, and then immediately
+fired himself a pistol at Cozens, but missed him. On hearing this
+outcry, and the report of the pistol, the captain rushed out from
+his tent, and not doubting that it had been fired by Cozens as the
+commencement of a mutiny, immediately shot him in the head without
+farther enquiry. Though he did not die on the spot, the wound proved
+mortal in about a fortnight.
+
+Though this accident was sufficiently displeasing to the people, it
+yet awed them for a considerable time to their duty, and rendered them
+more submissive to the authority of the captain. But at last, towards
+the middle of October, when, the long-boat was finished, and they were
+preparing to put to sea, the additional provocation given them, by
+covertly traversing their project of proceeding through the Straits of
+Magellan, and their fears that he might at length engage a sufficient
+party to overturn this favourite measure, made them resolve to take
+advantage of the death of Cozens as a reason for depriving him of his
+command, under pretence of carrying him a prisoner to England to be
+tried for murder, and he was accordingly confined under a guard. Yet
+they never meant to carry him with them, as they too well knew what
+they might expect on their return to England, if their commander
+should be present to confront them; and therefore, when just ready to
+depart, they set him at liberty, leaving him, and the few who chose to
+take their fortunes along with him, no other embarkation but the yawl,
+to which the barge was afterwards added, by the people on board her
+being prevailed upon to turn back.
+
+When the ship was wrecked, there were about one hundred and thirty
+persons alive on board; above thirty of whom died on the place where
+they landed, and nearly eight went off in the long-boat and cutter
+to the southward; after whose departure, there remained no more than
+nineteen persons along with the captain, which were as many,
+however, as the barge and yawl could well carry, these being the only
+embarkations left them. It was on the 13th of October, five months
+after the shipwreck, that the long-boat, converted into a schooner,
+weighed and sailed to the southwards, giving three cheers at their
+departure to the captain and Lieutenant Hamilton of the land-forces,
+and the surgeon, who were then standing on the beach. On the 29th of
+January, 1742, they arrived at Rio Grande, on the coast of Brazil;
+but having, by various accidents, left about twenty of their people on
+shore at the different places where they touched, and a still greater
+number having perished of famine in the course of their navigation,
+there were not more than thirty of them remaining, when they arrived
+at that port. This undertaking was certainly most extraordinary in
+itself; for, not to mention the great length of the voyage, the vessel
+was scarcely able to contain the number that first put to sea in her;
+and their stock of provisions, being only what they saved from the
+ship, diminished by five months expenditure on shore, was extremely
+slender. They had also this additional misfortune, that the cutter,
+the only boat they had along with them, broke loose from their stern,
+and was staved to pieces, so that, when their provisions and water
+failed, they had frequently no means of getting on shore in search of
+a supply.
+
+The captain and those who remained with him, now proposed to proceed
+to the northward in the barge and yawl; but the weather was so bad,
+and the difficulty of subsisting so great, that it was two months
+after the departure of the long boat, before they were able to put to
+sea. It seems that the place where the Wager was lost, was not a
+part of the continent, but an island at some distance from the main,
+affording no other sort of provisions besides shell-fish, and a few
+herbs; and, as the greatest part of what they had saved out of the
+wreck had been carried off in the long-boat, the captain and his
+people were often in extreme want of food, especially as they chose
+to preserve what little remained to them of the ship's provisions, to
+serve them as sea-store, when they should proceed to the northward.
+During their residence at this place, which was called Wager Island
+by the seamen, they were now and then visited by a straggling canoe or
+two of Indians, who came and bartered their fish and other provisions
+with our people. This was some little relief to their necessities,
+and might perhaps have been greater at another season; for there were
+several Indian huts on the shore, whence it was supposed that, in some
+years, many of these savages might resort thither in the height of
+summer, to catch fish. Indeed, from what has been related in the
+account of the Anna pink, it would seem to be the general practice of
+these Indians, to frequent this coast in the summer season, for the
+purpose of fishing, and to retire more to the northwards in winter,
+into a better climate.
+
+It is worthy of remark, how much it is to be lamented that the people
+of the Wager had no knowledge of the Anna pink being so near them on
+the coast;[4] for, as she was not above thirty leagues from them at
+the most, and came into that neighbourhood about the same time that
+the Wager was lost, and was a fine roomy ship, she could easily have
+taken them all on board, and have carried them to Juan Fernandez.
+Indeed, I suspect that she was still nearer them than is here
+estimated; for, at different times, several of the people belonging to
+the Wager heard the report of a cannon, which could be no other
+than the evening gun fired by the Anna, as formerly mentioned, more
+especially as the gun heard at Wager Island was at that time of the
+day.
+
+[Footnote 4: Inchin island, where the Anna pink lay, has been formerly
+stated to be in lat. 46° 30' S. the supposed latitude in which the
+Wager was lost, stated in the text at 47° S. is only _ten_ marine
+leagues to the southward, instead of _thirty_, and must therefore
+have been on some one of the islands toward the southern coast of the
+peninsula de Tres Montes, on the north of the Golfo de Penas.--E.]
+
+Captain Cheap and his people embarked in the barge and yawl, on the
+14th of December, in order to proceed to the northward, taking on
+board along with them all the provisions they could gather from the
+wreck of the ship; but they had scarcely been an hour at sea, when the
+wind began to blow hard, and the sea to run so high, that they were
+obliged to throw the greatest part of their provisions overboard, to
+avoid immediate destruction. This was a terrible misfortune, in a part
+of the world where food was so difficult to be got; yet they persisted
+in their design, going on shore as often as they could, in search
+of subsistence. About a fortnight after their departure from Wager
+island, another dreadful accident befel them, as the yawl sunk at
+an anchor, and one of her hands was drowned; and, as the barge was
+incapable of carrying the whole company, they were reduced to the hard
+necessity of leaving four marines behind them, on that desolate
+coast. They still, however, kept their course to the northward; though
+greatly delayed by cross winds, and by the frequent interruptions
+occasioned by the necessity of searching for food on shore, and
+constantly struggling with a series of the most sinister events. At
+length, about the end of January, 1742, having made three unsuccessful
+attempts to double a head-land, which they supposed to be that called
+Cape _Tres Montes_ by the Spaniards, and finding the difficulty
+insurmountable, they unanimously resolved to return to Wager Island,
+which they effected about the middle of February, quite disheartened
+and desponding, through their reiterated disappointments, and almost
+perishing with hunger and fatigue.
+
+On their return, they had the good fortune to fall in with several
+pieces of beef, swimming in the sea, which had been washed out of
+the wreck, which afforded them a most seasonable relief, after the
+hardships they had endured. To complete their good fortune, there came
+shortly afterwards to the place two canoes with Indians, among whom
+there happened to be a native of Chiloe, who spoke a little Spanish.
+The surgeon who accompanied Captain Cheap understood that language,
+and made a bargain with the Chiloe Indian, that, if he would carry the
+captain and his people in the barge to Chiloe, he should have her and
+all her furniture for his reward. Accordingly, on the 6th of March,
+the eleven persons, to which the company was now reduced, embarked
+again in the barge on this new expedition. After having proceeded
+a few days, the captain and four of his principal officers being on
+shore, the six, who remained in the barge along with an Indian, shoved
+her off and put to sea, and never returned again.
+
+Captain Cheap, together with Mr Hamilton, lieutenant of marines, the
+honourable Mr Byron and Mr Campbell, midshipmen, and Mr Elliot, the
+surgeon, were thus left on shore in the most deplorable situation
+imaginable. It might be thought that their distresses, long before
+this time, were hardly capable of being increased: Yet they found
+their present situation much more dismaying than any thing they had
+hitherto experienced; being left on a desert coast, far from the
+haunts of men, without provisions, or the means of procuring any, and
+with no visible prospect of relief; for their arms and ammunition, and
+every convenience that had hitherto remained to them, except the few
+tattered garments they had on, were all carried away in the barge.
+While revolving the various circumstances of this new and unlooked-for
+calamity, and sadly persuaded that they had no possible relief to hope
+for, they perceived a canoe at a distance, which proved to be that
+belonging to the Indian of Chiloe, who had undertaken to convey them
+to that island. He it seems had left Captain Cheap and his people,
+only a little before, to go a fishing in his canoe, accompanied by his
+family, leaving the barge in the mean time under the care of the other
+Indian, whom the sailors had carried with them to sea. When he came
+on shore, and found the barge and his companion gone, he was much
+concerned, and was with difficulty persuaded that his companion had
+not been murdered; yet, being at last satisfied with the account that
+was given him by Mr Elliot, he still undertook to carry them to the
+Spanish settlements, and, being well skilled in fishing and fowling,
+he undertook also to provide them in provisions by the way.
+
+About the middle of March, Captain Cheap and his four remaining
+companions set out for Chiloe; their Indian conductor having provided
+several canoes, and gathered many of his countrymen together for that
+purpose. Mr Elliot, the surgeon, soon afterwards died, so that there
+now only remained four of the whole company. At last, after a very
+complicated passage, partly by sea and partly by land, Captain Cheap,
+Mr Byron, and Mr Campbell, arrived at the island of Chiloe, where they
+were received by the Spaniards with great humanity; but, on account of
+some quarrel among the Indians, Mr Hamilton did not get there till two
+months later. It was thus above a twelvemonth, from the loss of the
+Wager, before this fatiguing peregrination terminated. The four who
+now remained were brought so extremely low, by their fatigues and
+privations, that in all probability none of them would have survived,
+had their distresses continued only a few days longer. The captain was
+with difficulty recovered; and the rest were so reduced by labour, the
+severity of the weather, scantiness of food, and want of all kinds of
+necessaries, that it was wonderful how they had supported themselves
+so long.
+
+After some stay at Chiloe, the captain and the other three who were
+with him, were sent to Valparaiso, and thence to St Jago, the capital
+of Chili, where they continued above a year, and where they were
+joined by Mr Hamilton. News arriving that a cartel had been settled
+between Great Britain and Spain, Captain Cheap, Mr Byron, and Mr
+Hamilton, were permitted to return to Europe in a French ship. Mr
+Campbell, the other midshipman, having changed his religion while at
+St Jago, chose to go from thence to Buenos Ayres along with Pizarro
+and his officers, overland, and went with them afterwards to Spain in
+the Asia: But failing in his endeavours to procure a commission from
+the court of Spain, he returned to England, and attempted in vain to
+get reinstated in the British navy. He has since published a narration
+of his adventures in which he complains of the injustice that has
+been done him and strongly disavows having ever been in the Spanish
+service: but, as the change of his religion and his offering himself
+to the court of Spain, though he was not accepted, are matters which
+he must be conscious can be incontestably proved, he has been entirely
+silent on these two heads.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: The circumstances connected with the loss of the Wager,
+and of the separation of the Severn and the Pearl, will be given more
+at large, by way of supplement to the circumnavigation. The incidents
+which occur to bold and unfortunate navigators are certainly curious
+and interesting; but the author of Anson's Voyage seems to have
+forgotten, that the circumstances respecting the countries they
+visited, especially such of these which are so little known, are of
+infinitely greater utility.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan Fernandez, from the Arrival of the
+Anna Pink, to our final Departure from thence._
+
+About a week after the arrival of the Anna pink, the Tryal sloop,
+which had been sent to examine the island of Masefuero, returned to
+an anchor at Juan Fernandez, having gone entirely round that island,
+without seeing any one of our squadron. As, on this occasion, the
+island of Masefuero was more particularly examined, I have no doubt,
+than it had ever been before, or perhaps ever may be again, and as the
+knowledge of it may be of great consequence hereafter, under peculiar
+circumstances, I think it incumbent to insert the accounts given of it
+by the officers of the Tryal.
+
+The Spaniards have generally mentioned two islands, under the same of
+Juan Fernandez, naming them the greater and the less;[1] the greater
+being that island, where we anchored, and the less that we are
+now about to describe; which, because it is more distant from the
+continent, they call Masefuero. The Tryal found that it bore from the
+greater Juan Fernandez, W. by S. about twenty-two leagues distant.
+It is much larger and better than has been usually represented, being
+reported by former writers as a small barren rock, destitute of wood
+and water, and altogether inaccessible. Whereas our people found that
+it was covered with trees, and that there were several fine falls
+of water pouring down its sides into the sea. They found, also, that
+there is a place on its north side, where a ship might come to an
+anchor, though indeed the anchorage be inconvenient; for the bank is
+steep, and extends only a little way, and has very deep water, so
+that she must anchor very near the shore, and be there exposed to all
+winds, except those from the southward. Besides the inconvenience
+of the anchorage, there is also a reef of rocks, about two miles in
+length, running off the eastern point of the island, though these are
+little to be feared, because always to be seen, by the sea breaking
+over them. This island has at present one advantage beyond Juan
+Fernandez, as it abounds in goats; and as these are not accustomed to
+be disturbed, they were no way shy till they had been frequently fired
+at. These animals reside here in great tranquillity, as the Spaniards,
+not thinking this island sufficiently considerable to be frequented by
+their enemies, have not been solicitous to destroy the provisions
+it contains, so that no dogs have hitherto been put on shore there.
+Besides goats, the people of the Tryal found there vast numbers of
+seals and sea lions; and upon the whole, though they did not consider
+it as the most eligible place for ships to refresh at, yet, in case
+of necessity, it might afford some sort of shelter, and prove of
+considerable use, especially to a single ship, apprehensive of meeting
+an enemy at Juan Fernandez.
+
+[Footnote 1: They also distinguish the greater by the name of Isla de
+Tierra, as being nearer the main land of Chili. There is yet a third
+and smallest island, a little way from the S.W. extremity of the
+largest, called J. de Cabras or Conejos, Goat or Rabbit island.--E.]
+
+The latter end of the month of December was spent in unloading the
+provisions from the Anna pink; when we had the mortification to find,
+that great quantities of our provisions, as bread, rice, groats, &c.
+were decayed and unfit for use. This had been occasioned by the Anna
+taking in water, by her working and straining in bad weather; owing
+to which several of her casks had rotted, and many of her bags were
+soaked through. Having now no farther occasion for her services, the
+commodore, pursuant to his orders from the admiralty, sent notice
+to her master, Mr Gerard, that he now discharged the Anna pink from
+attending the squadron, and gave him a certificate at the same time,
+specifying how long she had been employed. In consequence of this
+dismission, her master was left at liberty, either to return directly
+to England, or to make the best of his way to any port where he
+thought he could take in such a cargo as might serve the interest of
+his owners. But, sensible of the bad condition of his ship, and
+her unfitness for any such voyage, the master wrote next day to the
+commodore, stating, that he had reason to apprehend the bottom of the
+Anna to be very much decayed, from the great quantity of water she
+had let in on her passage round Cape Horn, and ever since, in the
+tempestuous weather she had experienced on the coast of Patagonia;
+that her upper decks were rotten abaft; that she was extremely leaky;
+that her fore-beam was broken; and, in short, that, in his opinion, it
+was impossible to proceed with her to sea, unless she were thoroughly
+repaired. He therefore requested of the commodore, that the carpenters
+of the squadron might be directed to survey her, so that their
+judgment of her condition might be known. In compliance with this
+request, the carpenters were ordered to make a careful and accurate
+survey of the Anna, and to give in a faithful report to the commodore
+of her condition; directing them to proceed with such circumspection,
+that they might be able, if hereafter called upon, to confirm the
+veracity of their report upon oath. Pursuant to these orders, the
+carpenters immediately set about the examination, and made their
+report next day. This was in substance, That the Anna had no less than
+fourteen knees and twelve beams broken, and decayed; one breast-hook
+broken, and another decayed; her water-ways open and decayed; two
+standards and several clamps broken, besides others much rotten; all
+her iron-work greatly decayed; her spirkiting and timbers very rotten;
+that, having ripped off part of her sheathing, her wales and outside
+planks were extremely defective; and her bows and decks were very
+leaky. From all these defects and decays, they certified that, in
+their opinion, the vessel could not depart from Juan Fernandez,
+without great hazard, unless previously thoroughly repaired.
+
+In our present situation, this thorough repair was impracticable,
+all the plank and iron in the squadron being insufficient for that
+purpose. Wherefore, the opinion of the master being confirmed by this
+report, he presented a petition to the commodore, in behalf of his
+owners, praying, as his vessel was incapable of leaving the island,
+that her hull, materials, and furniture, might be purchased for the
+use of the squadron. The commodore, therefore, ordered an inventory
+to be taken of every thing belonging to the pink, with its just value;
+and as many of her stores might become useful in repairing the other
+ship, these articles having become very scarce, in consequence of
+the great quantities already expended, he agreed with Mr Gerard to
+purchase the whole for £300. The pink was now broken up, Mr Gerard and
+her hands being sent on board the Gloucester, as that ship had buried
+the greatest number of men in proportion to her complement. Two or
+three of them were afterwards received into the Centurion on their
+petition, as they were averse from sailing in the same ship with
+their old master, on account of some ill usage they alledged to have
+suffered from him.
+
+This transaction brought us down to the beginning of September, by
+which time our people were so far recovered from the scurvy, that
+there was little danger of burying any more for the present. I shall
+therefore now sum up the whole of our loss since our departure from
+England, the better to convey some idea of our past sufferings and our
+then remaining strength. In the Centurion, since leaving St Helens, we
+had buried 292 men, and had 214 remaining. This will doubtless appear
+a most extraordinary mortality, yet that in the Gloucester had been
+much greater; as, out of a much smaller crew than ours, she had lost
+the same number, and had only 82 remaining alive. It might have been
+expected that the mortality would have been the most terrible in the
+Tryal, as her decks were almost constantly knee deep in water: But
+it happened otherwise, for she escaped more favourably than the other
+two, having only buried 42, and had 39 remaining alive. The havoc of
+this cruel disease had fallen still more severely on the invalids
+and marines, than on the sailors. For, in the Centurion, out of 50
+invalids and 79 marines, there only remained four invalids, including
+officers, and 11 marines. In the Gloucester every invalid perished;
+and of 48 marines, only two escaped. It appears from this account,
+that the three ships departed from England with 961 men on board, of
+whom 626 were dead, and 335 men and boys only remained alive; a number
+greatly insufficient for manning the Centurion alone, and barely
+capable of navigating all the three with the utmost exertion of their
+strength and vigour.
+
+This prodigious reduction of our men was the more alarming, as we were
+hitherto unacquainted with the fate of the squadron under Pizarro, and
+had reason to suppose that some part of it, at least, had got round
+into the South Seas. We were, indeed, much of opinion, from our own
+sad experience, that they must have suffered greatly in the passage:
+but then every port in the South Sea was open to them, and the whole
+power of Peru and Chili would be exerted for their refreshment and
+repair, and for recruiting their loss of men. We had, also, some
+obscure information of a force to be fitted out against us from Paluo;
+and, however contemptible the ships and sailors of this part of the
+world may have been generally esteemed, it was hardly possible for
+any thing bearing the name of a ship of war, to be feebler or less
+considerable than ourselves. Even if there had been nothing to
+apprehend from the naval power of the Spaniards in these seas, yet our
+enfeebled situation necessarily gave us great uneasiness, as we were
+incapable of making an attempt against any of their considerable
+places; for, in our state of weakness, the risking even of twenty
+men, would have put the safety of the whole in hazard. We conceived,
+therefore, that we should be forced to content ourselves with what
+prizes we might be able to fall in with at sea, before we were
+discovered, and then to depart precipitately, and esteem ourselves
+fortunate to regain our native country; leaving our enemies to triumph
+on the inconsiderable mischief they had suffered from a squadron which
+had filled them with such dreadful apprehensions. We had reason to
+imagine the Spanish ostentation would remarkably exert itself on
+this subject, though our disappointment and their security neither
+originated in their valour nor our misconduct. Such were the
+desponding reflections which at this time arose, on the review and
+comparison of our remaining weakness with our original strength: And,
+indeed, our fears were far from being groundless, or disproportionate
+to our feeble and almost desperate condition: For, though the final
+event proved more honourable than we foreboded, yet the intermediate
+calamities did likewise surpass our most gloomy apprehensions; and,
+could these have been predicted to us while at Juan Fernandez, they
+would doubtless have appeared insurmountable.
+
+In the beginning of September, as already mentioned, our men being
+tolerably well recovered, and the season of navigation in these seas
+drawing nigh, we exerted ourselves in getting our ships ready for sea.
+We converted the foremast of the Anna into a new main-mast for the
+Tryal; and, still flattering ourselves with the possible hope of
+some other ships of our squadron arriving, we intended to leave the
+main-mast of the Anna, to make a new mizen-mast for the Wager. All
+hands being thus employed in preparing for our departure, we espied
+a sail to the N.E. about eleven a.m. of the 18th September, which
+continued to approach us till her courses appeared even with the
+horizon. While advancing, we had great hopes that this might prove
+one of our squadron; but she at length steered away to the eastward,
+without hauling in for the island, on which we concluded that she must
+be Spanish. Great differences of opinion now took place, as to the
+possibility of her people having discovered our tents on shore; some
+of us strongly insisting, that she certainly had been near enough to
+have seen something that had given them a jealousy to an enemy, which
+had occasioned her standing away to the eastwards. Leaving these
+contests to be settled afterwards, it was resolved to pursue her; and,
+as the Centurion was in the greatest forwardness, all her hands were
+got immediately on board, her rigging set up, and her sails bent with
+all possible expedition, and we got under sail by five in the evening.
+
+At this time we had so very little wind, that all the boats were
+employed to tow us out of the bay, and what wind there was lasted only
+long enough to give us an offing of two or three leagues, when it
+fell dead calm. As night came on we lost sight of the chase, and were
+extremely impatient for the return of light, in hopes to find that she
+had been becalmed, as well as we; yet her great distance from the land
+was 3 reasonable ground for suspecting the contrary, as we actually
+found in the morning, to our great mortification; for, though the
+weather was then quite clear, we had no sight of the chase from the
+mast-head. But, being now quite satisfied that she was an enemy, and
+the first we had seen in these seas, we resolved not to give over the
+chase lightly; and, on a small breeze springing up from the W.N.W. we
+got up our top-gallant masts and yards, set all the sails, and steered
+S.E. in hopes of retrieving the chase, which we imagined might be
+bound for Valparaiso. We continued on this course all that day and the
+next; and then, seeing nothing of the chase, gave over the pursuit,
+believing that she had, in all probability, reached her port.
+
+Resolving to return to Juan Fernandez, we hauled up to the S.W. having
+very little wind till the 12th, at three a.m. when a gale sprung up at
+W.S.W. which obliged us to tack and stand to the N.W. At day-break,
+we were agreeably surprised by the appearance of a sail on our
+weather-bow, between four and five leagues distant, on which we
+crowded all sail and stood towards her, soon perceiving she was a
+different vessel from that we had chased before. She at first bore
+down towards us, shewing Spanish colours, and making a signal as to
+a consort; but, seeing we did not answer her signal, she instantly
+loofed close to the wind and stood to the southward. Our people were
+now all in high spirits, and put about ship with great briskness;
+and, as the chase appeared a large ship, and had mistaken us for
+her consort, we imagined that she must be a man of war, and probably
+belonged to the squadron of Pizarro. This induced the commodore to
+order all the officers cabins to be knocked down and thrown overboard,
+along with several casks of water and provisions, that stood between
+the guns; so that we had a clear ship, ready for action. About nine
+a.m. it came on thick hazy weather, with a shower of rain, during
+which we lost sight of the chase, and were apprehensive, if this
+weather should continue, she might escape us, by going on the other
+tack, or some other device. The weather cleared up, however, in
+less than an hour, when we found that we had both weathered and
+fore-reached upon her considerably, and were then near enough to
+perceive that she was only a merchant ship, without a single tire of
+guns. About half an hour after twelve noon, being within reasonable
+distance, we fired four shot among her rigging; on which they lowered
+their top-sails and bore down to us, but in very great confusion,
+their top-gallant-sails and stay-sails all fluttering in the wind.
+This was owing to their having let run their sheets and halyards, just
+as we fired at them; after which not a man among them would venture
+aloft to take them in, as our shot had passed there just before.
+
+As soon as the vessel came within hail of us, the commodore ordered
+her to bring to under his lee quarter; and having the boat hoisted
+out, sent our first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, to take possession of the
+prize, with orders to send all the prisoners on board the Centurion,
+the officers and passengers first. When Mr Saumarez boarded the prize,
+he was received by her people at the side with the most abject tokens
+of submission; as they were all, especially the passengers, who were
+twenty-five in number, extremely terrified, and under the greatest
+apprehensions of meeting with very severe and cruel usage. But the
+lieutenant endeavoured, with great courtesy, to dissipate their
+terror, assuring them that their fears were altogether groundless,
+and that they would find a generous enemy in the commodore, who was
+no less remarkable for his lenity and humanity, than for courage and
+resolution. The prisoners who were first sent on board the Centurion,
+informed us, that the prize was called _Neustra Lenora del Monte
+Carmelo_, and her commander Don Manuel Zamorra. Her cargo consisted
+chiefly of sugar, and a great quantity of blue cloth, made in the
+province of Quito, somewhat resembling our coarse English broad cloth,
+but inferior. They had also several bales of a coarser cloth, of
+different colours, somewhat like Colchester baize, called by them
+_Panniada Tierra_; with a few bales of cotton, and some tolerably
+well-flavoured tobacco, though strong. These were her principal goods;
+but we found besides, what was much more valuable than the rest of
+her cargo, some trunks full of wrought silver plate, and twenty-three
+serons of dollars, each weighing upwards of two hundred pounds.[2]
+This ship was of about 450 tons burden, having on board 53 sailors,
+including whites and blacks. She came from Calao, bound for
+Valparaiso, and had been twenty-seven days at sea. Her return cargo
+from Chili was to have been corn and Chili wine, with some gold, dried
+beef, and small cordage, which is afterwards converted at Calao into
+larger rope. This vessel had been built thirty years before; yet,
+as they lie in harbour all winter, and the climate is remarkably
+favourable, she was not considered as very old. Her rigging and sails
+were very indifferent, the latter being of cotton. She had only three
+four-pounders, which were quite unserviceable, as their carriages
+could scarcely support them; and they had no small arms on board,
+except a few pistols belonging to the passengers. They had sailed from
+Callao in company with two other ships, which they had parted from
+a few days before, and had at first taken our ship for one of their
+consorts; and, by the description we gave of the ship we had chased
+from Juan Fernandez, they assured us that she was one of their number;
+although the coming in sight of that island is directly contrary to
+the merchant's instructions, as knowing, if any English ships should
+be in these seas, that this island is most likely to be their place of
+rendezvous.
+
+[Footnote 2: A seron is a species of package made and used in Spanish
+America, consisting of a piece of raw bullock's hide with the hair on,
+formed while wet into the shape of a small trunk, and sewed together.
+The quantity of dollars taken on this occasion may have been between
+seventy and eighty thousand.--E.]
+
+We met with very important intelligence in this prize, partly from
+the prisoners, and partly from letters and papers that fell into
+our hands. By these we first learnt with certainty the force and
+destination of that squadron which cruised off Madeira at our arrival
+there, and had afterwards chased the Pearl in our passage to Port St
+Julian. This squadron we now knew to be composed of five large Spanish
+ships, commanded by Admiral Pizarro, and purposely fitted out to
+traverse our designs, as has been already more amply related in our
+third section. We had now the satisfaction to find, that Pizarro,
+after his utmost endeavours to get round into these seas, had been
+forced back to the Rio Plata, after losing two of his largest
+ships; which, considering our great weakness, was no unacceptable
+intelligence. We also learnt, that, though an embargo had been laid on
+all shipping in the ports of South America, by the viceroy of Peru,
+in the preceding month of May, on the supposition that we might then
+arrive on the coast, yet it now no longer subsisted: For, on receiving
+the account overland of the distresses of Pizarro, part of which they
+knew we must also have suffered; and, on hearing nothing of us for
+eight months after we were known to have left St Catharines, they were
+fully satisfied we must either have been shipwrecked, have perished
+at sea, or have been obliged to put back again; as they conceived
+it impossible for any ships to have continued at sea for so long an
+interval, and therefore, on the application of the merchants, and the
+persuasion that we had miscarried, the embargo had been lately taken
+off.
+
+This intelligence made us flatter ourselves, as the enemy was still
+ignorant of our having got round Cape Horn, and as navigation was
+restored, that we might meet with some valuable captures, and might
+indemnify ourselves in that way, of our incapacity to attempt any of
+their considerable settlements on shore. This much at least we were
+certain of, from the information of our prisoners, that, whatever
+might be our success in regard to prizes, we had nothing to fear, weak
+even as we were, from the Spanish force in that part of the world,
+though we discovered that we had been in most imminent peril, when we
+least apprehended any, when our other distresses were at the greatest
+height. As we found, by letters in the prize, that Pizarro, in the
+dispatch he sent by express to the viceroy of Peru overland, after
+his own return to the Rio Plata, had intimated the possibility of some
+part of our squadron getting round; and as, from his own experience,
+he was certain any of our ships that might arrive in the South Seas
+must be in a very weak and defenceless condition, he advised the
+viceroy to send what ships of war he had to the southwards, in order
+to be secure at all events, where, in all probability, they would
+intercept us singly, before we had an opportunity of touching any
+where for refreshment; in which case he had no doubt of our proving an
+easy conquest. The viceroy approved this advice, and as he had already
+fitted out four ships of force at Callao, one of 50 guns, two of 40
+each, and one of 24, which were intended to have joined Pizarro, three
+of these were stationed off the port of Conception, and one at the
+island of Juan Fernandez, where they continued cruising for us till
+the 6th of June; and then, conceiving it impossible that we could
+have kept the sea so long, they quitted this station and returned to
+Callao, fully persuaded we must either have perished, or been driven
+back.
+
+Now, as the time when they left Juan Fernandez was only a few days
+before our arrival at that island, it is evident, if we had made it
+on our first search, without hauling in for the main to secure our
+easting, a circumstance we then considered as very unfortunate, on
+account of the many men we lost by our long continuance at sea; had
+we made the island 28th of May, when we first expected to see it, and
+were in reality very near to have so done, we had inevitably fallen in
+with some part of the squadron from Callao; and in our then distressed
+condition, the encounter of a healthy and well-provided enemy might
+have proved fatal, not only to us in the Centurion, but also to the
+Tryal, Gloucester, and Anna pink, which separately joined us, and were
+each less capable to have resisted than we. I may also add, that these
+Spanish ships, sent out to intercept us, had been greatly shattered by
+a storm during their cruise, and had been laid up after their
+return to Callao; and we were assured by our prisoners, that, when
+intelligence might be received at Lima of our being in the South Seas,
+it would require two months at least, before this armament could
+be refitted for going to sea. The whole of this intelligence was as
+favourable as we, in our reduced circumstances, could wish for; and
+we were now at no loss to account for the broken jars, ashes, and fish
+bones, which we had observed at Juan Fernandez on our first landing;
+these things having been doubtless the relics of the cruisers
+stationed at that island. Having thus satisfied ourselves in the most
+material articles of our enquiry, got all the silver on board the
+Centurion, and most of the prisoners, we made sail to the northward
+at eight that same evening, in company with our prize. We got sight of
+Juan Fernandez at six next morning, and the day following both we and
+our prize got safe there to anchor. When the prize and her crew came
+into the bay, in which the rest of our squadron lay, the Spaniards,
+who had been sufficiently informed of the distresses we had gone
+through, and were astonished we had been able to surmount them, were
+still more surprised when they saw the Tryal sloop, that, after all
+our fatigues, we should have had the industry to complete such a
+vessel in so short a time, besides refitting our other ships, as they
+concluded we had certainly built her there; nor was it without great
+difficulty they could be brought to believe that she came from England
+with the rest of the squadron; for they long insisted, that it was
+impossible for such a bauble as she was to have passed round Cape
+Horn, when the best ships of Spain were forced to put back.
+
+By the time of our arrival at Juan Fernandez, the letters found on
+board our prize were more minutely examined, and it appeared from
+them, and from the examination of our prisoners, that several other
+merchant-ships were bound from Callao to Valparaiso. Whereupon, the
+commodore dispatched the Tryal sloop, the very next morning, to cruise
+off the port of Valparaiso, reinforcing her crew with ten men from the
+Centurion. The commodore resolved also, on the above intelligence,
+to employ the ships under his command in separate cruises, as by this
+means he might increase the chance of taking prizes, and should run
+less risk of being discovered, and alarming the coast. The spirits of
+our people were now greatly raised, and their despondency dissipated,
+by this earnest of success, so that they forgot all their past
+distresses, resumed their wonted alacrity, and laboured incessantly in
+completing our water, receiving our lumber, and preparing to leave the
+island.
+
+These necessary occupations took us up four or five days, with all our
+industry and exertions; and in this interval, the commodore
+directed the guns of the Anna pink, being four six-pounders and four
+four-pounders, with two swivels, to be mounted in the Carmelo, our
+prize. He sent also on board the Gloucester, six Spanish passengers
+and twenty-three captured seamen, to assist in navigating that ship,
+and directed Captain Mitchell to leave the island as soon as possible,
+the service demanding the utmost despatch, giving him orders to
+proceed to the latitude of 5° S. and there to cruise off the high-land
+of Payta, at such distance from shore as should prevent his being
+discovered. He was to continue on this station till joined by the
+Centurion; which was to be whenever it should be known that the
+viceroy had fitted out the ships of war at Callao, or on the commodore
+receiving any other intelligence that should make it necessary to
+divide our strength. These orders being delivered to Captain Mitchell
+of the Gloucester, and all our business completed, we weighed anchor
+in the Centurion, on Saturday the 19th of September, in company with
+our prize the Carmelo, and got out of the bay, taking our last leave
+of Juan Fernandez, and steering to the eastward, with the intention
+of joining the Tryal sloop, on her station off Valparaiso, leaving the
+Gloucester still at anchor.
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to the taking of Payta._
+
+Although we left the bay on the 19th of September, yet, by the
+irregularity and fluctuation of the wind in the offing, it was the 22d
+of that month, in the evening, before we lost sight of Juan Fernandez;
+after which we continued our course to the eastward, in order to join
+the Tryal off Valparaiso. Next night the weather proved squally, and
+we split our main top-sail, which we then handed; but got it repaired
+and set again by next morning. In the evening, a little before sunset,
+we saw two sail to the eastward, on which our prize stood directly
+from us, to avoid any suspicion of our being cruisers, while we made
+ready for an engagement, and steered with all our canvass towards the
+two ships we had descried. We soon perceived, that one of them, which
+seemed a very stout ship, stood directly for us, while the other kept
+at a great distance. By seven o'clock we were within pistol-shot of
+the nearest, and had a broadside ready to pour into her, the gunners
+having their lighted matches in their hands, only waiting orders to
+fire. But, as the commodore knew that she could not now escape,
+he ordered the master to hail the ship in Spanish; on which her
+commanding officer, who happened to be Mr Hughes, lieutenant of the
+Tryal, answered us in English, that she was a prize, taken by the
+Tryal a few days before, and that the other vessel at a distance was
+the Tryal, disabled in her masts.
+
+We were soon after joined by the Tryal, when her commander, Captain
+Saunders, came on board the Centurion. He acquainted the commodore,
+that he had taken this ship on the 18th, being a prime sailor, which
+had cost him thirty-six hours chase before he could get up with her,
+and that for some time he gained so little upon her, that he almost
+despaired of ever making up with the chase. The Spaniards were at
+first alarmed, by seeing nothing but a cloud of sail in pursuit of
+them, as the hull of the Tryal lay so low in the water, that no part
+of it appeared; yet knowing the goodness of their ship, and finding
+how little the Tryal neared them, they at last laid aside their fears,
+and, recommending themselves to the protection of the blessed Virgin,
+they began to think themselves quite secure. Indeed, their success was
+near doing honour to their _Ave Marias_; for, altering their course
+in the night, and shutting close their cabin windows to prevent any of
+their lights from being seen, they had some chance of escaping: But a
+small crevice in one of their shutters rendered all their invocations
+of no avail; as the people of the Tryal perceived a light through this
+crevice, which they chased till they got within gun-shot; and then
+Captain Saunders alarmed them with a broadside, when they flattered
+themselves they were beyond his reach. For some time, however, the
+chase still kept the same sail abroad, and it was not observed that
+this first salute had made any impression; but, just as the Tryal was
+about to repeat her broadsides the Spaniards crept from their holes,
+lowered their sails, and submitted without opposition. She was named
+the _Arranzazu_, being one of the largest merchantmen employed in
+these seas, of about 600 tons burden, bound from Calao to Valparaiso,
+having much the same cargo with the Carmelo, our former prize, except
+that her silver amounted only to about 5000l. sterling.
+
+To balance this success, we found that the Tryal had sprung her
+main-mast, and that her main-top-mast had come by the board; and next
+morning, as we were all standing to the eastward in a fresh gale at S.
+she had the additional misfortune to spring her fore-mast, so that now
+she had not a mast left on which she could carry sail. These unhappy
+circumstances were still further aggravated, by the impossibility
+of our being then able to assist her, for the wind blew so hard, and
+raised such a hollow sea, that we could not venture to hoist out a
+boat, and consequently could not have any communication with her; so
+that we were obliged to lie-to for the greatest part of forty-eight
+hours to attend upon her, as we could not possibly leave her in such a
+condition of distress. It was no small addition to our misfortunes,
+on this occasion, that we were all the while driving to leeward of our
+intended station, and at the very time, when, by our intelligence, we
+had reason to expect several of the enemy's ships would appear on the
+coast, and would now get into the port of Valparaiso unobstructed;
+and, I am convinced, the embarrassment we suffered by the dismasting
+of the Tryal and our consequent absence from our intended station,
+deprived, us of some very considerable captures.
+
+The weather proved somewhat more moderate on the 27th, when we sent
+our boat for Captain Saunders, who came on board the Centurion, where
+he produced an instrument, signed by himself and all his officers,
+representing that the Tryal, besides being dismasted, was so very
+leaky in her hull, that it was necessary to ply the pumps continually,
+even in moderate weather, and that they were then scarcely able
+to keep her free; insomuch that, in the late gale, though all the
+officers even had been engaged in turns at the pumps, yet the water
+had increased upon them; and that, on the whole, they apprehended her
+present condition to be so defective, that they must all inevitably
+perish if they met with much bad weather: For all which reasons,
+he petitioned the commodore to take measures for their safety. The
+refittal of the Tryal, and the repair of her defects, were utterly
+beyond our power on the present conjuncture, for we had no masts to
+spare, no stores to complete her rigging, and no port in which she
+could be hove down, to examine and repair her bottom. Even had we
+possessed a port, and proper requisites for the purpose it would yet
+have been extremely imprudent, in so critical a conjuncture to have
+loitered away so much time as would have been necessary for these
+operations. The commodore, therefore, had no choice left, but was
+under the necessity of taking out her people and destroying her. Yet,
+as he conceived it expedient to keep up the appearance of our force,
+he appointed the Tryal's prize, which had often been employed by the
+viceroy of Peru as a man-of-war, to be a frigate in his majesty's
+service, manning her with the crew of the Tryal, and giving
+commissions to the captain and all the inferior officers accordingly.
+This new frigate, when in the Spanish service, had mounted thirty-two
+guns; but she was now to have only twenty, which were the twelve that
+belonged to the Tryal and eight that had been on board the Anna pink.
+
+This affair being resolved on, the commodore gave orders to Captain
+Saunders to carry it into execution, directing him to take all the
+arms, stores, ammunition, and every thing else that could be of use
+from the sloop, and then to scuttle and sink her. After all this was
+done, Captain Saunders was to proceed with his new frigate, now
+called the _Tryal's prize_, to cruise off the high-land of Valparaiso,
+keeping it from him N.N.W. at the distance of twelve or fourteen
+leagues: for, as all ships from Valparaiso bound to the northward,
+steer that course, the commodore proposed, by this means, to stop any
+intelligence that might be dispatched to Callao, of two of their ships
+being amissing, which might give them apprehensions of the English
+squadron being in their neighbourhood. The Tryal's prize was to
+continue on this station for twenty-four days, and, if not joined by
+the commodore before the expiration of that time, was then to proceed
+along the coast to Pisco, or Nasca, where she would be certain to find
+the Centurion. The commodore also ordered Lieutenant Saumarez,
+who commanded the Centurion's prize, to keep company with Captain
+Saunders, both to assist in unloading the Tryal, and that, by
+spreading in their cruise off Valparaiso, there might be less danger
+of any ships of the enemy slipping past unobserved. These orders being
+dispatched, the Centurion parted from the other vessels at eleven at
+night of the 27th September, directing her course towards Valparaiso,
+with the view of cruising for some days to windward of that port. By
+this distribution of our ships, we flattered ourselves that we had
+taken all the advantages we possibly could of the enemy with our small
+force, as our disposition was certainly the most prudent that could
+be devised: For, as we might suppose the Gloucester to be now drawing
+nigh the high-land of Payta, we were thus enabled, by our separate
+stations, to intercept all vessels employed either between Peru and
+Chili to the southward, or between Panama and Peru to the northward,
+since the principal trade from Peru to Chili being carried on with the
+port of Valparaiso, the Centurion, cruising to windward of that port,
+would probably meet with them, as it is the constant practice of these
+ships to fall in with land to windward of that place. The Gloucester,
+also, would be in the way of all ships bound from Panama, or any other
+place to the northward, to any port in Peru, since the highland, off
+which she was ordered to cruise, is constantly made by every ship on
+that voyage. While the Centurion and Gloucester were thus conveniently
+situated for intercepting the trade of the enemy, the Tryal's prize,
+and Centurion's prize, were as conveniently stationed for preventing
+the communication of intelligence, by intercepting all vessels bound
+from Valparaiso to the northward; as by such vessels it was to be
+feared that some account of us might be transmitted to Peru.
+
+But the most judicious dispositions only produce a probability of
+success, and cannot command certainty; since those chances, which may
+reasonably enough be overlooked in deliberation, are sometimes of most
+powerful influence in execution. Thus, in the present instance, the
+distress of the Tryal, and our necessary quitting our station to
+assist her, which were events that no degree of prudence could either
+foresee or obviate, gave an opportunity to all the ships bound for
+Valparaiso to reach that port without molestation during this unlucky
+interval: so that, after leaving Captain Saunders, we used every
+expedition in regaining our station, which we reached on the 29th at
+noon; yet, in plying on and off till the 6th of October, we had not
+the good fortune to fall in with a sail of any sort. Having lost all
+hope of meeting with any better fortune by longer stay, we then made
+sail to leeward of the port, in order to rejoin our prizes; but when
+we arrived off the high-land, where they were directed to cruise, we
+did not find them, though we continued there three or four days. It
+was supposed, therefore, that some chase had occasioned them to
+quit their station, wherefore we proceeded to the northward to the
+high-land of Nasca, in lat. 15° 20' S. being the second rendezvous
+appointed for Captain Saunders to join us. We got there on the 21st of
+October, and were in great expectation of falling in with some of
+the enemy's vessels, as both the accounts of former voyagers, and
+the information of our prisoners, assured us, that all ships bound to
+Callao consequently make this land to prevent the danger of falling to
+leeward of the port.
+
+Notwithstanding the advantages of this station, we saw no sail
+whatever till the 2d November, when two ships appeared together, to
+which we immediately gave chase, and soon perceived that they were the
+Tryal's and Centurion's prizes. As they were to windward, we brought
+to and waited their coming up; when Captain Saunders came on board
+the Centurion, and acquainted the commodore that he had cleared and
+scuttled the Tryal according to his orders, and remained by her till
+she sunk. It was, however, the 4th of October before this could be
+effected; for there ran so large and hollow a sea that the sloop,
+having neither masts nor sails to steady her, rolled and pitched so
+violently, that, for the greatest part of the time, it was impossible
+for a boat to lie alongside of her; and, during this attendance on
+the sloop, they were all driven so far to the N.W. that they were
+afterwards obliged to stretch a long way to the westward, in order to
+regain the ground they had lost, which was the reason we had not met
+them on their station. They had met with no better fortune on their
+cruise than ourselves, never having seen a single vessel since we left
+them.
+
+This want of success, and our certainty if any ships had been stirring
+in these seas for some time past, that we must have fallen in with
+them, made us believe that the enemy at Valparaiso, on missing the
+two ships we had taken, had suspected us to be in these seas, and had
+consequently laid an embargo on all trade in the southern parts. We
+likewise apprehended they might, by this time, be fitting out the
+ships of war at Callao; as we knew that it was not uncommon for an
+express to reach Lima from Valparaiso in twenty-nine or thirty days,
+and it was now more than fifty since we had taken the first prize.
+These apprehensions of an embargo on the coast, and of the equipment
+of the Spanish squadron at Callao, determined the commodore to hasten
+down to the leeward of Callao, to join the Gloucester as soon as
+possible off Payta, that, our strength being united, we might be
+prepared to give the ships from Callao a warm reception, if they dared
+to put to sea. With this view we bore away that same afternoon, taking
+particular care to keep at such a distance from the shore that there
+might be no danger of our being discovered from thence; for we knew
+that all the ships of that country were commanded, under the severest
+penalties, not to sail past the harbour of Callao without stopping: as
+this order is always complied with, we should undoubtedly be known for
+enemies if we were seen to act contrary to that regulation. In this
+new navigation, being uncertain if we might not meet the Spanish
+squadron on the way, the commodore took back a part of the crew of the
+Centurion which had been for some time on board the Carmelo.
+
+While standing to the northward, we had sight of the small island of
+St Gallan[1] before night, bearing from us N.N.E. 1/2 E. about seven
+leagues distant. This island lies in about the latitude of 14° S. and
+about five miles to the northward of a high-land called Morro Viejo,
+or the Old-man's Head, which island and high-land near it are here
+more particularly mentioned, because between them is perhaps the most
+eligible station on all this coast for cruising against the enemy, as
+hereabouts all ships bound for Callao, whether from the northward or
+southward, run well in with the land. By the 5th November, at 3 p.m.
+we were within sight of the high-land of _Barranca_, in lat. 10° 36'
+S. bearing from us N.E. by E. eight or nine leagues distant; and an
+hour and a half afterwards we had the satisfaction, so long wished
+for, of seeing a sail. She appeared to leeward, and we all immediately
+gave chase; but the Centurion so much outsailed the two prizes that
+we soon ran them both out of sight, and gained considerably upon the
+chase. Night, however, came on before we could make up with her, and
+about seven o'clock the darkness concealed her from our view, and
+we were in some perplexity what course to steer; but our commodore
+resolved, being then before the wind, to keep all his sails set and
+not to change his course: For, although there was no doubt the chase
+would alter her course in the night, as it was quite uncertain what
+tack she might go upon, he thought it more prudent to continue the
+same course, rather than change it on conjecture, as, should we
+mistake, she would certainly get away. Continuing the chase about
+an hour and a half after dark, one or other of our people constantly
+believing they saw her sails right a-head of us, our second
+lieutenant, Mr Brett, at length actually discovered her about four
+points on the larboard bow, steering off to seawards, on which we
+immediately clapped the helm a-weather, standing right towards her,
+and came up with her in less than an hour, and, having fired fourteen
+shots at her, she struck. Mr Dennis, our third lieutenant, was sent
+in the boat with sixteen men to take possession of the prize, and to
+shift the prisoners to our ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: This island of San Gallan is in lat. 14° S. long. 76° W.
+about twelve miles S.W. of Pisco.--E.]
+
+This vessel was named the _Santa Teresa de Jesus_, built at Guayaquil,
+of about 300 tons burden, commanded by Bartolome Urrunaga, a Biscayan.
+She was bound from Guayaquil to Callao, her loading consisting of
+timber, cocoa, cocoa-nuts, tobacco, hides, _Pito_ thread, (which is
+made of a kind of grass and is very strong,) Quito cloth, wax,
+and various other articles; but the specie on board was very
+inconsiderable, being principally small silver coin, not exceeding
+170l. sterling in value. Her cargo, indeed, was of great value, if
+we could have sold it; but the Spaniards have strict orders never to
+ransom their ships, so that all the goods we captured in the South
+Seas, except what little we had occasion for ourselves, were of no
+advantage to us; yet it was some satisfaction to consider, that it
+was so much real loss to the enemy, and that despoiling them was no
+contemptible part of the service in which we were employed, and was so
+far beneficial to our country. Besides her crew of forty-five hands,
+she had on board ten passengers, consisting of four men and three
+women, who were natives of the country, but born of Spanish parents,
+together with three negro slaves who attended them. The women were a
+mother and two daughters, the elder about twenty-one, and the younger
+about fourteen. It is not to be wondered that women of these years
+should be excessively alarmed at falling into the hands of an enemy
+whom they had been taught to consider as the most lawless and brutal
+of all mankind, owing to the former excesses of the buccaneers, and
+by the artful insinuations of their priests. In the present instance
+these apprehensions were much augmented by the singular beauty of
+the youngest of the women, and the riotous disposition they might
+naturally enough expect to find in a set of sailors who had not seen a
+woman for near a twelvemonth.
+
+Full of these terrors, the women all hid themselves on the lieutenant
+coming on board, and, when found out, it was with difficulty he could
+persuade them to come to the light. But he soon satisfied them, by the
+humanity of his conduct, and by his assurances of their future
+safety and honourable treatment, that they had nothing to fear. The
+commodore, also, being informed of their fears, sent directions that
+they should continue in their own ship, with the use of the same
+apartments and all other conveniences they had before enjoyed,
+giving strict orders that they should experience no inquietude or
+molestation; and, that they might be the more certain of having these
+orders complied with, or having the means of complaining if they were
+not, the commodore appointed the pilot, who is generally the second
+person in Spanish ships, to remain with them as their guardian and
+protector. He was particularly chosen on this occasion, as he seemed
+extremely interested in all that concerned these women, and had
+at first declared that he was married to the youngest; though it
+afterwards appeared that he had asserted this merely with the view of
+securing them from the insults they dreaded on falling into our hands.
+By this compassionate and indulgent behaviour of the commodore, the
+consternation of our female prisoners entirety subsided, and they
+continued easy and cheerful during the time they were with us.
+
+I have before mentioned that the Centurion ran her two consorts out
+of sight at the commencement of this chase, on which account we lay to
+for them all the night after we had taken the prize, firing guns and
+shewing false fires every half hour, to prevent them from passing us
+unobserved. But they were so far astern, that they neither heard nor
+saw any of our signals, and were not able to come up with us till
+broad day. When they had joined, we proceeded together to the
+northward, being now four sail in company. We here found the sea
+for many miles of a beautiful red colour, owing, as we found upon
+examination, to an immense quantity of spawn floating on its surface:
+For, taking some of the water in a glass, it soon changed from a dirty
+aspect to be perfectly clear, with some red globules of a slimy nature
+floating on the top. Having now a supply of timber in our new prize,
+the commodore ordered all our boats to be repaired, and a swivel-stock
+to be fitted in the bow of the barge and pinnace, in order to increase
+their force, in case we should have occasion to use them in boarding
+ships, or making any attempt on shore.
+
+Continuing our course to the northward, nothing remarkable occurred
+for two or three days, though we spread our ships in such a manner
+that it was not probable any vessel of the enemy should escape us.
+During our voyage along this coast, we generally observed that a
+current set us to the northward, at the rate of ten or twelve miles
+every day. When in about the latitude of 8° S. we began to be attended
+by vast numbers of flying fish and bonitos, which were the first we
+had seen after leaving the coast of Brazil. It is remarkable that
+these fish extend to a much higher latitude on the east side of
+America than on the west, as we did not lose them on the coast of
+Brazil till near the southern tropic. The reason, doubtless, of this
+diversity, is owing to the different degrees of heat obtaining on
+different sides of the continent in the same latitude; and, on this
+occasion, I use the freedom to make a short digression on the heat and
+cold of different climates, and on the variations which occur in the
+same places at different times of the year, and in different places in
+the same degree of latitude.
+
+The ancients conceived that of the five zones into which they divided
+the surface of the globe, two only were habitable; supposing that the
+heat between the tropics, and the cold within the polar circles, were
+too intense to be supported by mankind. The falsehood of this idea has
+been long established; but the particular comparison of the heat
+and cold of these various climates have as yet been very imperfectly
+considered. Enough is known, however, safely to determine this
+position, that all the places within the tropics are far from being
+the hottest on the globe, as many within the polar circle are far from
+enduring that extreme degree of cold to which their situation seems to
+subject them; that is to say, that the temperature of a place depends
+much more upon other circumstances, than upon its distance from the
+pole, or its proximity to the equinoctial line.
+
+This proposition relates to the general temperature of places taking
+the whole year round, and, in this sense, it cannot be denied that
+the city of London, for instance, enjoys much warmer seasons than
+the bottom of Hudson's Bay, which is nearly in the same latitude, but
+where the severity of the winter is so great as scarcely to permit
+the hardiest of our garden plants to live. If the comparison be made
+between the coast of Brazil and the western shore of South America,
+as, for example, between Bahia and Lima, the difference will be found
+still more considerable; for, though the coast of Brazil is extremely
+sultry, yet the coast of the South Sea, in the same latitude, is
+perhaps as temperate and tolerable as any part of the globe; since we,
+in ranging it along, did not once meet with such warm weather as is
+frequently felt in a summer day in England, which was still the more
+remarkable, as there never fell any rain to refresh and cool the air.
+
+The causes of this lower temperature in the South Sea are not
+difficult to be assigned, and shall be mentioned hereafter. I am now
+only solicitous to establish the truth of this assertion, that the
+latitude of a place alone is no rule by which to judge of the degree
+of heat and cold which obtains there. Perhaps this position might be
+more briefly confirmed by observing that on the tops of the Andes,
+though under the equator, the snow never melts the whole year round;
+a criterion of cold stronger than is known to take place in many parts
+far within the polar circle.
+
+Hitherto I have considered the temperature of the air all the year
+through, and the gross estimations of heat and cold which every one
+makes from his own sensations. But if this matter be examined by means
+of thermometers, which are doubtless the most unerring evidences in
+respect to the absolute degrees of heat and cold, the result will be
+indeed most wonderful; since it will appear that the heat in very high
+latitudes, as at Petersburgh for instance, is, at particular times,
+much greater than any that has been hitherto observed between the
+tropics. Even at London in the year 1746, there was a part of one day
+considerably hotter than was at any time felt in one of the ships
+of our squadron in the whole voyage out and home, though four times
+passing under the equator; for, in the summer of that year, the
+thermometer in London, graduated according to the scale of Fahrenheit,
+stood at 78°, and the greatest observed heat, by a thermometer of the
+same kind in the same ship, was 76°, which was at St Catharines in
+the latter end of December, when the sun was within about 3° of the
+vertex. At St Petersburgh, I find by the acts of the Academy, in the
+year 1734, on the 20th and 25th of July, that the thermometer rose
+to 98° in the shade, or 22° higher than it was found to be at
+St Catharines; which extraordinary degree of heat, were it not
+authenticated by the regularity and circumspection with which the
+observations appear to have been conducted, would appear altogether
+incredible.
+
+If it should be asked, how it comes then to pass, that the heat,
+in many places between the tropics, is esteemed so violent and
+insufferable, when it appears, by these instances, that it is
+sometimes rivalled, and even exceeded, in very high latitudes, not far
+from the polar circle? I shall answer, That the estimation of heat,
+in any particular place, ought not to be founded upon that particular
+degree of it which may now and then obtain there; but is rather to be
+deduced from the medium observed during a whole season, or perhaps in
+a whole year; and in this light, it will easily appear how much more
+intense the same degree of heat may prove, by being long continued
+without remarkable variation. For instance, in comparing together St
+Catharines and St Petersburg, we shall suppose the summer heat at St
+Catharines to be 76°, and the winter heat to be only 56°. I do not
+make this last supposition upon sufficient authority, but am apt to
+suspect the allowance is full large. Upon this supposition, therefore,
+the medium heat all the year round will be 66°; and this perhaps by
+night as well as by day, with no great variation. Now, those who have
+attended to thermometrical observation will readily allow, that a
+continuance of this degree of heat for a length of time, would be
+found violent and suffocating by the generality of mankind. But at
+Petersburg, though the heat, as measured by the thermometer, may
+happen to be a few times in the year considerably higher than at St
+Catharines, yet, at other times, the cold is intensely sharper, and
+the medium for a year, or even for one season only, would be far
+short of 60°. For I find, that the variation of the thermometer at
+Petersburgh, is at least five times greater, from its highest to its
+lowest point, than I have supposed it to be at St Catherines.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: On his own principles, the lowest heat of Petersburg
+ought to be -2°, and the medium temperature of the year 48°; but the
+data are loosely expressed and quite unsatisfactory, as indeed is the
+whole reasoning on the subject.--E.]
+
+Besides this estimation of the heat of a place, by taking the medium
+for a considerable time together, there is another circumstance which
+will still farther augment the apparent heat of the warmer climates,
+and diminish that of the colder, though I do not remember to have seen
+it remarked by any author. To explain myself more distinctly upon this
+head, I must observe, that the measure of absolute heat, marked by
+the thermometer, is not the certain criterion of the sensation of
+heat with which human bodies are affected; for, as the presence and
+perpetual succession of fresh air is necessary to our respiration, so
+there is a species of tainted or stagnated air often produced by the
+continuance of great heats, which, being less proper for respiration,
+never fails to excite in us an idea of sultriness and suffocating
+warmth, much beyond what the heat of the air alone would occasion,
+supposing it pure and agitated. Hence it follows, that the mere
+inspection of the thermometer will never determine the heat which the
+human body feels from this cause; and hence also, the heat, in most
+places between the tropics, must be much more troublesome and uneasy,
+than the same degree of absolute heat in a high latitude. For the
+equability and duration of the tropical heat contribute to impregnate
+the air with a multitude of steams and vapours from the soil and
+water; and many of these being of an impure and noxious kind, and
+being not easily removed, by reason of the regularity of the winds
+in those parts, which only shift the exhalations from place to place,
+without dispersing them, the atmosphere is by this means rendered
+less capable of supporting the animal functions, and mankind are
+consequently affected by what they call a most intense and stifling
+heat. Whereas, in the higher latitudes, these vapours are probably
+raised in smaller quantities, and are frequently dispersed by the
+irregularity and violence of the winds; so that the air, being in
+general more pure and less stagnant, the same degree of absolute heat
+is not attended by that uneasy and suffocating sensation.
+
+This may suffice, in general, with respect to the present speculation;
+but I cannot help wishing, as it is a subject in which mankind are
+very much interested, especially travellers of all sorts, that it were
+more thoroughly and accurately examined, and that all ships bound
+to the warmer climates were furnished with thermometers of a known
+fabric, and would observe them daily, and register their observations.
+For, considering the turn to philosophical enquiries which has
+obtained in Europe since the beginning of the eighteenth century, it
+is incredible how very rarely any thing of this kind has been
+attended to. For my own part, I do not remember to have ever seen any
+observations of the heat and cold, either in the East or West Indies,
+which were made by marines or officers of vessels, excepting those
+made by order of Commodore Anson on board the Centurion, and those by
+Captain Legg on board the Severn, another ship of our squadron.
+
+I have been in some measure drawn into this digression, by the
+consideration of the fine weather we experienced on the coast of
+Peru, even under the equinoctial, but I have not yet described the
+particularities of this weather. I shall now therefore observe, that
+every circumstance concurred, in this climate, that could render the
+open air and the day-light desirable: For, in other countries, the
+scorching heat of the sun in summer renders the greater part of the
+day unapt either for labour or amusement, and the frequent rains are
+not less troublesome in the more temperate parts of the year: But, in
+this happy climate, the sun rarely appears. Not that the heavens
+have at any time a dark or gloomy aspect; for there is constantly a
+cheerful gray sky, just sufficient to screen the sun, and to mitigate
+the violence of its perpendicular rays, without obscuring the air, or
+tinging the light of day with an unpleasant or melancholy hue. By this
+means, all parts of the day are proper for labour or exercise in
+the open air; nor is there wanting that refreshing and pleasing
+refrigeration of the air which is sometimes produced by rains in
+other climates; for here the same effect is brought about by the fresh
+breezes from the cooler regions to the southward. It is reasonable to
+suppose, that this fortunate complexion of the heavens is principally
+owing to the neighbourhood of those vast mountains called the Andes,
+which, running nearly parallel to the shore, and at a small distance
+from it, and extending immensely higher than any other mountains upon
+the globe, form upon their sides and declivities a prodigious tract of
+country, where, according to the different approaches to the summit,
+all kinds of climates may be found at all seasons of the year.
+
+These mountains, by intercepting great part of the eastern winds,
+which generally blow over the continent of South America, and by
+cooling that part of the air which forces its way over their tops, and
+by keeping besides a large portion of the atmosphere perpetually cool,
+from its contiguity to the snows by which they are always covered,
+and thus spreading the influence of their frozen crests to the
+neighbouring coasts and seas of Peru, are doubtless the cause of the
+temperature and equability which constantly prevail there. For, when
+we had advanced beyond the equinoctial to the north, where these
+mountains left us, and had nothing to screen us to the eastward but
+the high lands on the Isthmus of Darien, which are mere mole-hills
+compared to the Andes, we then found that we had totally changed
+our climate in a short run; passing, in two or three days, from the
+temperate air of Peru, to the sultry and burning atmosphere of the
+West Indies.
+
+To return to our narration. On the 10th of November we were three
+leagues south of the southern island, of _Lobos_, in lat. 6° 27'
+S. This is called _Lobos de la Mar_; and another, which is to the
+northward of it, and resembles it so much in shape and appearance as
+to be often mistaken for it, is called _Lobos de Tierra_.[3] We
+were now drawing near the station that had been appointed for the
+Gloucester, and fearing to miss her, we went under easy sail all
+night. At day-break next morning, we saw a ship in shore and to
+windward, which had passed us unseen in the night, and soon perceiving
+that she was not the Gloucester, we got our tacks on board and gave
+her chase. But as there was very little wind, so that neither we
+nor the chase had made much way, the commodore ordered his barge
+and pinnace, with the pinnace of the Tryal's prize, to be manned
+and armed, and to pursue and board the chase. Lieutenant Brett, who
+commanded our barge, came up with her first about nine o'clock, a.m.
+and, running alongside, fired a volley of small shot between her
+masts, just over the heads of her people, and then instantly boarded
+with the greatest part of his men. But the enemy made no resistance,
+being sufficiently intimidated by the dazzling of the cutlasses, and
+the volley they had just received. Lieutenant Brett now made the sails
+of the prize be trimmed, and bore down towards the commodore, taking
+up the other two boats in his way. When within about four miles of us,
+he put off in the barge, bringing with him a number of the prisoners,
+who had given him some material intelligence, which he was desirous of
+communicating to the commodore as soon as possible. On his arrival, we
+learnt that the prize was called _Nuestra Senora del Carmin_, of
+about 270 tons burden, commanded by Marcos Moreno, a native of Venice,
+having on board forty-three mariners. She was deeply laden with
+steel, iron, wax, pepper, cedar plank, snuff, _rosarios_, European
+bale-goods, powder-blue, cinnamon, papal indulgences, and other kinds
+of merchandize; and, though this cargo was of little value to us, in
+our present circumstances, it was the most considerable capture we
+had made, in respect to the Spaniards, as it amounted to upwards of
+400,000 dollars, prime cost at Panama. This ship was bound from Panama
+to Callao, and had stopped at Payta on her way, to take on board a
+recruit of water and provisions, and had not left that place above
+twenty-four hours when she fell into our hands.
+
+[Footnote 3: The Southern Lobos, or Lobos de la Mar, is in fact two
+contiguous islands, N. and S. from each other, in lat. 6° 57' S. and
+long. 80° 43' W. _Lobos de Tierra_, called also _Inner Lobos_, from
+being nearer the land, lying in the same longitude, is in lat. 6° 28'
+S. There is still a third, or Northern Lobos, in lat. 5° 10' S. long.
+81° W.]
+
+The important intelligence received by Mr Brett, which he was so
+anxious to communicate to the commodore, he had learnt from one John
+Williams, an Irishman, whom he found in the prize, and which was
+confirmed by examination of the other prisoners. Williams was a
+papist, who had worked his passage from Cadiz, and had travelled over
+the whole of the kingdom of Mexico as a pedlar. He pretended that,
+by this business, he had at one time cleared four or five thousand
+dollars, but at length got entangled by the priests, who knew he had
+money, and was stripped of every thing. At present he was all in rags,
+having just got out of Payto gaol, where he had been confined for some
+misdemeanour. He expressed great joy in thus meeting his countrymen,
+and immediately informed them, that a vessel had come into Payta, only
+a few days before, the master of which had informed the governor, that
+he had been chased in the offing by a very large ship, which he was
+persuaded, from her size and the colour of her sails, must be one of
+the English squadron. This we conjectured to have been the Gloucester,
+as we found afterwards was the case. On examining the master, and
+being fully satisfied of his account, the governor sent off an express
+with all expedition to the viceroy at Lima; and the royal officer
+residing at Payta, apprehensive of a visit from the English, had been
+busily employed, from his first hearing of this news, in removing the
+king's treasure and his own to Piura, a town in the interior, about
+fourteen leagues distant.[4] We learnt farther, from our prisoners,
+that there was at this time a considerable sum of money in the
+custom-house of Payta, belonging to some merchants of Lima, which
+was intended to be shipped on board a vessel, then in the harbour of
+Payta, and was preparing to sail for the bay of _Sansonnate_, on
+the coast of Mexico, in order to purchase a part of the cargo of the
+Manilla ship.
+
+[Footnote 4: San Migual de Piura is about 50 English miles E. by S.
+from Payta, and nearly the same distance from the mouth of the Piura
+river.--E.]
+
+As the vessel in which this money was to be shipped was reckoned
+a prime sailer, and had just received a new coat of tallow on her
+bottom, and might, in the opinion of the prisoners, be able to sail
+the succeeding morning, we had little reason to expect that our ship,
+which had been nearly two years in the water, could have any chance
+to get up with her, if she were once allowed to escape from the port.
+Wherefore, and as we were now discovered, and the whole coast would
+soon be alarmed, and as our continuing to cruise any longer in
+these parts would now answer no purpose, the commodore determined
+to endeavour to take Payta by surprise, having in the first place
+informed himself minutely of its strength and condition, by examining
+the prisoners, and being fully satisfied that there was little danger
+of losing many of our men in the attempt.
+
+This attack on Payta, besides the treasure it promised, and its being
+the only enterprise in our power to undertake, had also several other
+probable advantages. We might, in all probability, supply ourselves
+with great quantities of live provisions, of which we were in great
+want; and we should also have an opportunity of setting our prisoners
+on shore, who were now very numerous, and made a greater consumption
+of our food than our remaining stock was capable of furnishing much
+longer. In all these lights, the attempt was most eligible, and
+to which our situation, our necessities, and every prudential
+consideration, strongly prompted. How it succeeded, and how far it
+answered our expectations, shall be the subject, of the succeeding
+section.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that Place._
+
+The town of Payta is in lat 50° 12' S. [long. 81° 15' W.] being
+situated in a most barren soil, composed only of sand and slate. It
+is of small extent, being about 275 yards in length along the shore
+of the bay, and 130 yards in breadth, containing less than two hundred
+families. The houses are only ground floors, their walls composed of
+split canes and mud, and the roofs thatched with leaves. Though thus
+extremely slight, these edifices are abundantly sufficient for a
+climate where rain is considered as a prodigy, and is not seen in many
+years: Insomuch that, a small quantity of rain falling in the year
+1728, is said to have ruined a great number of buildings, which
+mouldered away, and melted as it were before it. The inhabitants are
+chiefly Indians and black slaves, or of mixed breed, the whites
+being very few. The port of Payta, though little more than a bay,
+is reckoned the best on this coast, and is indeed a very secure and
+commodious anchorage, and is frequented by all vessels coming from the
+north, as here only the ships from Acapulco, Sonsonnate, Realejo,
+and Panama, can touch and refresh in their passage to Callao; and the
+length of these voyages, the wind for the greatest part of the year
+being full against them, renders it indispensably necessary for them
+to call in here for a recruit of fresh water. Payta itself, however,
+is situated in so parched a spot, that it does not furnish a drop
+of fresh water, neither any kind of vegetables or other provisions,
+except fish and a few goats. But, from an Indian town named Colan, two
+or three leagues to the northward, water, maize, vegetables, fowls,
+and other provisions, are conveyed to Payta on _balsas_ or floats,
+for the supply of ships which touch there; and cattle are sometimes
+brought from Piura, a town about thirty miles up the country. The
+water brought from Colan is whitish and of a disagreeable appearance,
+but is said to be very wholesome; for it is pretended by the
+inhabitants that it runs through large tracks overgrown with
+sarsaparilla, with which it is sensibly impregnated. Besides
+furnishing the trading ships bound from the north for Callao with
+water and other necessary refreshments this port of Payta is the
+usual place where passengers from Acapulco and Panama, bound to Lima,
+disembark; as the voyage from hence to Callao, the port of Lima, is
+two hundred leagues, and is extremely tedious and fatiguing, owing to
+the wind being almost always contrary; whereas there is a tolerably
+good road by land, running nearly parallel to the coast, with many
+stations and villages for the accommodation of travellers.
+
+Payta is merely an open town, unprovided with any defence, except
+a small fort or redoubt near the shore of the bay. It was of much
+consequence to us to be well informed of the fabric and strength of
+this fort; which, we learnt from our prisoners, had eight pieces of
+cannon, but neither ditch nor outwork, being merely surrounded by a
+plain brick wall; and that the garrison consisted of one weak company,
+though the town might possibly be able to arm three hundred men.
+Having informed himself of the strength of the place, the commodore
+determined upon making an attempt for its capture that very night,
+the 12th November. We were then about twelve leagues from shore; a
+sufficient distance to prevent being discovered, yet not so far but
+that, by making all the sail we could carry; we might arrive in the
+bay long before day-break. The commodore considered, however, that
+this would be an improper manner of proceeding, as our ships, being
+large bodies, might easily be seen at a distance, even in the night,
+and might alarm the inhabitants, so as to give them an opportunity of
+removing their most valuable effects. He resolved therefore, as the
+strength of the place did not require the employment of our whole
+force, to make the attempt with the boats only, ordering our
+eighteen-oared barge, with our own and the Tryal's pinnaces, on this
+service. Fifty-eight men, well furnished with arms and ammunition,
+were picked out to man them, and the command of the expedition
+was entrusted to Lieutenant Brett, to whom the commodore gave the
+necessary orders and instructions.
+
+The better to prevent the disappointment and confusion which might
+arise in the darkness of the night, and from the ignorance of our
+people of the streets and passages of the place, two of the Spanish
+pilots were appointed to attend Mr Brett, to conduct him to the most
+convenient landing-place, and afterwards to be his guides on shore.
+Likewise, that we might have the greater security for their fidelity
+on this occasion, the commodore publicly assured all our prisoners,
+that they should be set on shore and released at this place, provided
+the pilots acted faithfully: But, in case of any misconduct or
+treachery, the pilots were threatened with being instantly shot, and
+all the rest were assured of being carried prisoners to England. Thus
+the prisoners were themselves interested in our success, and we had no
+reason to suspect our guides of negligence or perfidy. It is worthy
+of remark, on this occasion, as a singular circumstance, that one
+of these pilots, as we afterwards learnt, had been taken by Captain
+Clipperton above twenty years before, and had then been obliged to
+guide Captain Clipperton and his people to the surprizal of Truxillo,
+a town to the southward of Payta; where, however, he contrived to
+alarm and save his countrymen, though the place was carried and
+pillaged. It is certainly an extraordinary incident, that the only two
+attempts on shore, and at so long an interval, should have been
+guided by the same person, a prisoner both times, and forced upon, the
+service contrary to his inclination.
+
+During our preparation, the ships continued to stand for the port with
+all the sail they could carry, secure that we were still at too great
+a distance to be seen. About ten at night, being then within five
+leagues of Payta, Lieutenant Brett put off with the boats under his
+command, and arrived at the mouth of the bay undiscovered. He had no
+sooner entered the bay, than some of the people in a ship riding there
+at anchor perceived him, and getting instantly into their boat, rowed
+towards the fort, shouting and crying, _The English! the English
+dogs!_ By this the whole town was suddenly alarmed, and our people
+soon observed several lights hurrying backwards and forwards in the
+fort, and other indications of the inhabitants being all in motion.
+On this, Mr Brett encouraged his men to pull briskly, that they might
+give the enemy as little time as possible to prepare for defence. Yet,
+before our boats could reach the shore, the people in the fort had
+got some of their cannons ready, and pointed them towards the
+landing-place; and though, in the darkness of the night, chance may
+be supposed to have had a greater share in their direction than skill,
+yet the first shot passed extremely near one of our boats, whistling
+just over the heads of the crew. This made our people redouble their
+efforts, so that they had reached the shore, and were in part landed,
+by the time the second shot was fired.
+
+As soon as our men were landed, they were conducted by one of the
+pilots to the entrance of a narrow street, not above fifty yards from
+the beach, where they were covered from the fire of the fort; and
+being here formed as well as the shortness of the time would allow,
+they marched immediately for the parade, a large square at the other
+end of this street, on one side of which stood the fort, while the
+governor's house formed another side of the same square. In this
+march, though performed with tolerable regularity, the shouts and
+clamours of nearly threescore sailors, who had been so long confined
+on ship board, and who were now for the first time on shore of an
+enemy's country, joyous as seamen always are when they land, and
+animated on the present occasion with the hopes of immense pillage,
+joined with the noise of their drums, and favoured by the night, had
+augmented their numbers, in the opinion of the astonished enemy, to
+at least three hundred; by which estimation, the inhabitants were so
+greatly intimidated, that they were infinitely more solicitous about
+the means of flight than of resistance. Hence, though upon entering
+the parade, our people received a volley from the merchants to whom
+the treasure then in the town belonged, who were ranged in a gallery
+that went round the governor's house, yet that post was immediately
+abandoned on the first fire made by our people, who were thereby left
+in quiet possession of the parade.
+
+Mr Brett now divided his men into two parties, ordering one of them to
+surround the governor's house, and if possible to secure the governor,
+while he went himself at the head of the other party, with the
+intention of forcing possession of the fort. But the enemy abandoned
+it on his approach, making their escape over the walls, and he entered
+it without opposition. Thus the place was mastered in less than a
+quarter of an hour after landing, and with no other loss on our side
+than one man killed and two wounded. One of these was the Spanish
+pilot of the Teresa, who received a slight bruise by a ball, which
+grazed his wrist. The honourable Mr Keppell, son to the Earl of
+Albemarle, had on this occasion a narrow escape. He wore a jockey-cap,
+one side of the peak of which was shaved off by a ball, close to his
+temple, yet did him no other injury.
+
+Having thus far happily succeeded, Mr Brett placed a guard at the
+fort, and another in the governor's house, and fixed centinels at all
+the avenues of the town, both to prevent any surprise from the enemy,
+and to secure the effects in the place from being embezzled. His next
+care was to seize upon the custom-house, in which the treasure was
+lodged, and to examine if any of the inhabitants remained in the town,
+that he might know what farther precautions were necessary. He soon
+found that the numbers remaining were no ways formidable; for by far
+the greatest part of them, being in bed when the place was surprised,
+had run away with so much precipitation, that they had not taken
+time to put on their clothes. The governor was not the last to secure
+himself in this general rout; for he fled betimes half-naked, leaving
+his wife behind, a young lady of about seventeen, to whom he had
+only been married three or four days; yet she also was carried off
+half-naked, by a couple of centinels, just as our detachment, ordered
+to invest the house, arrived for that purpose. This escape of
+the governor was an unpleasant circumstance, as the commodore had
+particularly recommended to Mr Brett to secure him if possible, as by
+that means he might have treated for the ransom of the place; but his
+alacrity in flight rendered this impracticable. The few inhabitants
+who remained were confined in one of the churches under a guard,
+except some stout negroes, who were employed the remaining part of
+the night in carrying the treasure, from the custom-house and other
+places, to the fort, each party of them being attended by a file
+of musketeers. This transportation of the treasure was the chief
+employment of Mr Brett's people after getting possession of the
+place; yet the sailors, while thus busied, could not be prevented from
+entering the houses in their way, in search of private pillage; when
+the first things that occurred to them, were the clothes left by the
+Spaniards, and which were mostly embroidered or laced, according to
+the fashion of the country. Our people eagerly seized these glittering
+dresses, and put them on over their own dirty trowsers and jackets,
+not forgetting the tye or bag-wigs, and laced hats, which were
+generally found along with the clothes. When this had once begun,
+there was no possibility of preventing the whole detachment from
+imitating the example; but those who came latest into the fashion, not
+finding men's clothes sufficient to equip them, were forced to take
+up with women's gowns and petticoats, which, provided these were fine
+enough, they made no scruple of putting on and blending with their own
+greasy dress: So that, when a party of them first made they appearance
+in that guise before Mr Brett, he was extremely surprised at their
+grotesque exhibition, and could hardly believe they were his own men.
+
+While these transactions were going on at Payta, we lay-to till one
+in the morning, from the time when our boats pushed off; and then,
+supposing the detachment to be near landing, we went on under easy
+sail for the bay. This we began to open about seven a.m. of the 13th,
+and soon after had a view of the town. Though we had no reason to
+doubt the success of the enterprise, yet we saw with much joy an
+infallible sign of its being effected, as, by means of our telescope,
+we could see the English flag hoisted on the flag-staff of the fort.
+We plied into the bay with as much expedition as the wind, which then
+blew from the shore, would, allow; and at eleven a.m. the Tryal's
+pinnace came on board us, laden with dollars and church plate, when
+the officer who commanded her gave an account of the transactions
+of the preceding night. About two p.m. we anchored in ten and a half
+fathoms, about a mile and half from the town, and were consequently
+near enough to have direct intercourse; with the shore.
+
+Mr Brett had hitherto gone on, collecting and removing the treasure,
+without interruption; but the enemy had now rendezvoused from all
+parts of the country, on a hill at the back of the town, where they
+made no inconsiderable appearance; as, among the rest of their force,
+there were two hundred horse, seemingly well armed and mounted,
+and, as we conceived, properly trained and regimented, as they were
+furnished with trumpets, drums, and standards. These troops paraded
+about the hill with much ostentation, sounding their military music;
+and, as our small force on shore was by this time known to them,
+practising every art to intimidate us, in hopes we might be induced,
+by our fears of them, to abandon the place before completing its
+pillage. We were not, however so ignorant as to believe that this body
+of horse, which seemed to be what they chiefly depended on, would dare
+to venture themselves among the streets and houses, even had they been
+three times more numerous; and we went on calmly, as long as
+day-light lasted, in sending off the treasure, and carrying on board
+refreshments, such as hogs, poultry, and the like, which we found in
+great abundance. At night, to prevent surprise, the commodore sent a
+reinforcement on shore, who were posted in all the avenues leading to
+the parade; and, for farther security, all the streets were traversed
+with barricades six feet high. But the enemy continued quiet all
+night, and at day-break we resumed our labour, in loading and sending
+off the boats.
+
+We were now thoroughly convinced of what consequence it would have
+been, had fortune seconded the prudent views of the commodore, by
+enabling us to have secured the governor. For we found many warehouses
+full of valuable effects, which were quite useless to us in our
+present circumstances, as we could not find room for them on board.
+But, had the governor been in our power, he would have treated, in all
+probability, for the ransom of this merchandize, which would have
+been extremely advantageous, both for him and us. Whereas, he being
+at liberty, and having collected all the force of the country for many
+leagues around, and having even got a body of militia from Piura, he
+was so elated by his numbers, and so fond of his new military command,
+that he did not seem to care about the fate of his government.
+Insomuch that, although our commodore sent several messages to him,
+by some of the inhabitants who were made prisoners, offering to enter
+into treaty for the ransom of the town and goods, even giving
+an intimation that we should be far from insisting on a rigorous
+equivalent, and might perhaps be satisfied with some live cattle
+and other necessaries for the use of the squadron, yet the governor
+despised all these reiterated overtures, and did not deign to give
+the slightest answer, though repeatedly threatened, if he would not
+condescend to treat, that we would set the town and all the warehouses
+on fire.
+
+On the second day of our possessing the place, several negro slaves
+deserted from the enemy on the hill, and voluntarily entered into our
+service, one of them being well known to a gentleman on board, who
+remembered to have seen him formerly at Panama. We now learnt that the
+Spaniards, without the town, were in extreme distress for water; for
+many of their slaves crept into town by stealth, and carried away
+several jars of water to their masters on the hill; and, though some
+of these were seized in the attempt, yet their thirst was so pressing,
+that they continued the practice as long as we remained in possession
+of the place. In the course of this second day, we were assured, both
+by deserters and prisoners, that the Spaniards were now increased to
+a formidable number, and had resolved to storm the town and fort next
+night, under the command of one Gordon, a Scots papist, and captain
+of a ship in these seas. We continued, however, to prosecute our work,
+without hurry, loading and sending off the boats as long as we had
+light; and at night, a reinforcement was again sent on shore by the
+commodore, and Mr Brett doubled his guards at all the barricades, all
+his posts being connected, by means of centinels placed within call
+of each other, and the whole visited by frequent rounds, attended by a
+drum. These marks of our vigilance and readiness to receive the enemy,
+which they could not be ignorant of, cooled their resolution, and made
+them forget the vaunts of the preceding day; so that we passed this
+second night with as little molestation as we had done the first.
+
+We had finished sending the treasure on board the evening before, so
+that the third morning, being the 15th of November, the boats were
+employed in carrying off the most valuable part of the effects from
+the town. As the commodore proposed to sail in the afternoon, he this
+day about ten o'clock, pursuant to his promise, sent all his prisoners
+on shore, to the number of eighty-eight, giving orders to Lieutenant
+Brett to have them secured in one of the churches under a strict
+guard, till he and his men were ready to embark. Mr Brett was also
+ordered to set the whole town on fire, except the two churches, which
+fortunately stood at some distance from the houses, after which he was
+to abandon the place and return on board. Mr Brett punctually complied
+with these orders, and immediately distributed pitch, tar, and other
+combustibles, of which there was great abundance to be had, into
+various houses in the several streets of the town, so that as the
+place was to be fired in many different quarters at the same time, the
+destruction might be the more violent and sudden, and the enemy
+might not be able to extinguish it after his departure. All these
+preparations being made, Mr Brett made the cannon in the fort be
+spiked; and setting fire to the houses most to windward, he collected
+his men and marched them to the beach, where the boats waited to take
+them off.
+
+As that part of the beach where he intended to embark was an open
+place without the town, near the churches, his retreat was perceived
+by the Spaniards on the hill, on which they resolved to endeavour
+to precipitate his departure, in order to have a pretext for
+future boasting. For this purpose, a small squadron of their horse,
+consisting of about sixty, selected probably for this service, marched
+down the hill with much seeming resolution, as if they had proposed
+to have charged our men now on the open beach without any advantage
+or situation. But no sooner did Mr Brett halt his men and face about,
+than they stopped their career, and did not venture to advance any
+farther. On arriving at the boats, and being quite ready to embark,
+our people were detained some time by missing one of their number;
+and, after some considerable delay, being unable to learn where he
+was left, or by what accident he was detained, they resolved to depart
+without him. Just when the last man was embarked, and the boats were
+going to shove off they heard him calling to be taken in; at which
+time the town was so thoroughly on fire, and the smoke so covered the
+beach, that they could hardly discern him, though he was quite well
+heard. Mr Brett, however, instantly ordered one of the boats to his
+relief, which found him up to the chin in the water, for he had waded
+as far as he durst, being extremely terrified at the idea of falling
+into the hands of the enemy, enraged as they doubtless were at the
+pillage and destruction of their town. On enquiring into the cause of
+his staying behind the rest, he acknowledged having taken too large a
+dose of brandy, which had thrown him into so profound a sleep that he
+did not wake till the fire began to scorch him. At first opening his
+eyes, he was amazed to see all the houses in a blaze on one side, and
+several Spaniards and Indians not far from him on the other. The great
+and sudden terror instantly restored him to sobriety, and gave him
+sufficient presence of mind to push through the thickest of the smoke,
+as the most likely means of escaping from the enemy; and, making
+the best of his way to the beach, he ran into the water as far as he
+durst, for he could not swim, before he ventured to look back.
+
+It was certainly much to the honour of our people, that though there
+were great quantities of wine and spirits found in the town, yet this
+was the only one who was known to have so far neglected his duty as to
+get drunk: indeed, their whole behaviour, while on shore, was greatly
+more regular than could well have been expected, from sailors who had
+been so long confined on board ship; and, though much of this good
+conduct must doubtless be imputed to the diligence of the officers,
+and to the excellent discipline they had been constantly inured to
+under the commodore, it was certainly not a little to the reputation
+of the men, that they should so generally have refrained from
+indulging in these intoxicating liquors, which they found in abundance
+in every warehouse.
+
+There was another singular incident occurred here which merits being
+recorded. An Englishman, who had formerly wrought as a ship-carpenter
+in Portsmouth yard, had left his country and entered into the
+Spanish service, and was at this time employed by them at the port of
+Guayaquil; and, as it was well known to his friends in England that he
+was in that part of the world, they had put letters for him on board
+the Centurion. This man happened at the present time to be among the
+Spaniards who had retired to the hill of Payta; and ambitious, as it
+would seem, of acquiring reputation among his new masters, he came
+down unarmed to one of our centinels, who was posted at some distance
+from the fort towards the enemy, pretending that he was desirous of
+surrendering himself and returning to the service of his country. Our
+centinel had a cocked pistol in his hand, but, deceived by the fair
+speeches of the carpenter, he allowed him very imprudently to come
+much too near him, so that, watching his opportunity, the carpenter
+wrenched the pistol from his hand, and ran away with it up the
+hill. By this time two others of our men, who had seen the carpenter
+advance, and suspected his intentions, were making towards him, and
+now pursued him, but he got up the hill before they could reach him,
+and then turned round and fired the pistol. His pursuers immediately
+returned the fire, though at a great distance, and the crest of the
+hill covered him as soon as they had fired, so that they took it for
+granted they had missed him: yet we afterwards learnt that he was shot
+through the body, and had fallen dead the very next step he took after
+firing his pistol and getting out of sight. The centinel, too, whom
+he had so grossly imposed upon, did not escape unpunished; as he was
+ordered to be severely whipt, for allowing himself to be so shamefully
+surprised on his post, and giving an example of carelessness, which,
+if followed in other instances, might have proved fatal to us all.
+
+By the time our people had taken their comrade out of the water, and
+were making the best of their way to the squadron, the flames had got
+possession of every part of the town with so powerful a hold, by means
+of the combustibles laid for the purpose, and by the slightness of the
+materials of the houses, and their aptitude to take fire, that it was
+now quite apparent no efforts of the enemy, who now flocked down in
+great numbers, could possibly stop its ravages, or prevent the entire
+destruction of the place and all the merchandize it contained. Our
+detachment under Lieutenant Brett safely joined the squadron, and the
+commodore prepared to leave the bay that same evening. On our first
+arrival there were six vessels belonging to the enemy at anchor, one
+of which was the ship, that was to have sailed with the treasure to
+the coast of Mexico; and, as she was supposed to be a good sailer,
+the commodore resolved to take her along with us. The others were
+two snows, a bark, and two row gallies of thirty-six oars each. These
+last, as we afterwards learnt, with many others of the same kind built
+at different ports, were intended to prevent us from landing in the
+neighbourhood of Callao; as the Spaniards, on the first intelligence
+of our squadron being destined for the South seas, and learning its
+force, expected that we would attempt the city of Lima. Having no
+occasion for these five vessels, the commodore ordered all their masts
+to be cut by the board at our first arrival; and on leaving the place,
+they were all towed out into deep water, scuttled, and sunk. The
+command of the remaining ship, called the Solidad, was given to Mr
+Hughes, lieutenant of the Tryal, with a crew of ten men. Towards
+midnight the squadron weighed anchor and sailed out of the bay,
+now consisting of six ships, the Centurion, Tryal's prize, Carmelo,
+Teresa, Carmin, and Solidad.
+
+Before proceeding to narrate our subsequent transactions, it may be
+proper to give a succinct account of the booty we acquired at Payta,
+and the losses there sustained by the Spaniards. It has been already
+observed, that there were great quantities of valuable effects at this
+place, but most of them were of a nature that we could neither dispose
+of nor carry away, and their value, therefore, can only be guessed at.
+In their representations to the court of Madrid, as we were afterward
+assured, the Spaniards estimated their loss at a million and a half of
+dollars; and as no small portion of the goods we there burnt were
+of the richest and most expensive kinds, as broad cloths, silks,
+cambrics, velvets, and the like, perhaps that valuation might be
+sufficiently moderate. The acquisition we made, though inconsiderable
+in comparison to what we destroyed, was yet far from despicable, as,
+in wrought plate, dollars, and other coin, there was to the value of
+more than 30,000l. sterling, besides several rings, bracelets, and
+other jewels, the value of which could not then be ascertained;
+and besides the very great plunder which became the property of the
+immediate captors.
+
+It has been already observed, that all the prisoners we had taken
+in our preceding prizes were here discharged. Among these were some
+persons of considerable distinction, one of them a youth of
+seventeen, son to the vice-president of Chili. As the barbarity of the
+buccaneers, and the artful uses the Spanish ecclesiastics had made of
+that circumstance, had filled the natives of these countries with
+the most horrible notions of the English cruelty, we always found our
+prisoners, on first coming aboard, extremely dejected, and under great
+horror and anxiety. This youth particularly, having never been before
+from home, lamented his captivity in the most moving terms, regretting
+the loss of his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and his native
+country; all of which he believed he should never see more, conceiving
+that he was devoted for the remainder of his life to an abject and
+cruel servitude. Indeed, all the Spaniards who came into our power,
+seemed to entertain similarly desponding notions of their condition.
+The commodore constantly exerted his utmost endeavours to efface these
+terrifying impressions, always having as many of the principal people
+among them as there was room for to dine at his table; and
+giving strict charges that they should at all times, and in every
+circumstance, be treated with the utmost decency and humanity. In
+spite of this precaution, they hardly ever parted with their fears
+for the first few days, suspecting the gentleness of their usage to be
+only preparatory to some after calamity; but at length, convinced of
+our sincerity, they grew perfectly easy and cheerful, so that it
+was often doubtful whether they considered their captivity as a
+misfortune. The before-mentioned youth, who was near two months on
+board the Centurion, had at last so completely conquered his
+original melancholy surmises, and had taken such an affection for
+the commodore, and seemed so much pleased with the manner of life
+on board, so different from all he had ever seen before, that I much
+question, if it had been in his choice, if he would not have preferred
+a voyage to England in the Centurion to going on shore at Payta,
+though he had here liberty of returning to his friends and country.
+
+This generous conduct of our commodore to his prisoners, which he
+continued without interruption or deviation, gave them all the highest
+idea of his humanity and benevolence; and, as mankind are ever fond
+of forming general opinions, induced them to entertain very favourable
+thoughts of the whole English nation. But, whatever opinion they might
+be disposed to form of his character before the capture of the Teresa,
+their veneration for him was prodigiously increased by his conduct
+towards the women who were taken in that vessel, as formerly
+mentioned. For the circumstance of leaving them in possession of their
+own apartments, the strict orders he issued to prevent any of our
+people from approaching them, and his permitting the pilot to remain
+with them as their guardian, were measures that seemed so different
+from what they expected in an enemy and a heretic, that, although the
+Spanish prisoners had themselves experienced his beneficence, they
+were astonished at this particular instance; and the more so, that all
+this was done without his ever having seen the women, though the two
+daughters were both reckoned handsome, and the youngest was celebrated
+for her uncommon beauty. The women were themselves so sensible of the
+obligations they owed him for the attention and delicacy with which
+he had protected them, that they refused to go on shore at Payta
+till permitted to wait upon him, that they might in person return him
+thanks. Indeed all the prisoners left us with the strongest assurances
+of their grateful remembrance of his uncommon kindness. A Jesuit,
+in particular, of some distinction, expressed himself with great
+thankfulness for the civilities he and his countrymen had experienced
+while on board, declaring that he should consider it his duty to do
+Mr Anson justice at all times; adding, that his usage of the men
+prisoners was such as could never be forgotten, and merited the
+highest acknowledgments; but his behaviour to the women was so
+extraordinary and honourable, that he doubted all the regard due to
+his own ecclesiastical character would be scarcely sufficient to make
+it believed. Indeed, we were afterwards informed that he and the rest
+of the prisoners had not been silent on this topic, but had given the
+highest commendations of our commodore, both at Lima and other places;
+and the Jesuit, as we were told, had interpreted in his favour, in a
+lax and hypothetical sense, that article of his church which asserts
+the impossibility of heretics being saved.
+
+Let it not be imagined, that the impression received by the Spaniards
+to our advantage on the present occasion was a matter of slight
+import; for, not to mention several of our countrymen who had already
+felt the good effects of these prepossessions, it may be observed,
+that the good opinion of this nation is certainly of more consequence
+to us than that of all the world besides. Not only as the commerce we
+have formerly carried on with them, and perhaps may again hereafter,
+is so extremely valuable, but also as its transacting so immediately
+depends upon the honour and good faith of those who are entrusted with
+its management. Even if no national conveniences were likely to flow
+from this honourable conduct of our commodore, his own equity and good
+dispositions would not the less have prevented him from the exercise
+of tyranny and oppression on those whom the chance of war had put into
+his hands. I shall only add, that, by his constant practice of this
+humane and prudent conduct, he acquired a distinguished character
+among the Spanish Creoles over all their settlements in America, so
+that his name was universally mentioned with honour and applause by
+most of the Spanish inhabitants of that vast empire.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Occurrences from our Departure from Payta to our Arrival at Quibo._
+
+Setting sail from the road of Payta about midnight of the 16th
+November, we stood to the westward, and next morning the commodore
+caused the squadron to spread, on purpose to look out for the
+Gloucester, as we drew near the station where Captain Mitchell had
+been directed to cruise, and we hourly expected to get sight of him,
+yet the whole day passed without seeing him.
+
+At this time a jealousy between those who had gone ashore to the
+attack of Payta, and those who had continued on board, grew to such a
+height, that the commodore became acquainted with it, and thought
+it necessary to interpose his authority for its abatement. This was
+occasioned by the plunder taken at Payta, which those who acted on
+shore had appropriated to themselves, considering it as due to the
+risks they had run, and the resolution they had shewn on that service.
+But those who had remained on board, deemed this a very partial and
+unjust procedure; urging, that they also would have preferred acting
+on shore if it had been left to their choice; that their duty on
+board was extremely fatiguing while their comrades were on shore; for,
+besides the labour of the day, they were forced to remain all night
+under arms to secure the prisoners, who were more numerous than
+themselves, and of whom it was then necessary to be extremely
+watchful, to prevent any attempts they might have planned at that
+critical conjuncture. They insisted, also, that it was undeniably as
+necessary to the success of the enterprize to have an adequate force
+on board as on shore in its execution, and, therefore, that those who
+remained on board could not be deprived of their share in the plunder,
+without manifest injustice. These contests were carried on with great
+heat on both sides; and though the plunder in question was a mere
+trifle, in comparison with the treasure taken, in which there was no
+doubt that those on board had an equal right, yet, as the obstinacy
+of sailors is not always regulated by the importance of the matter in
+dispute, the commodore thought it necessary to put a speedy stop to
+this commotion. Accordingly, on the morning of the 17th, he ordered
+all hands to assemble on the quarter-deck, when, addressing his
+discourse to those who had been detached on shore, he highly commended
+their gallant conduct, and thanked them for their services on that
+occasion. He then represented to them the reasons that had been urged
+by those who continued on board, for an equal distribution of the
+plunder, telling them that he thought these reasons were conclusive,
+and that the expectations of their comrades were justly founded; and
+he insisted, therefore, that not only the men, but all the officers
+also, who had been employed in the capture of Payta, should
+immediately produce the whole of their plunder upon the quarter-deck,
+and that it should be impartially divided among the whole crew,
+proportionally to the rank and commission of each. To prevent those
+who had been in possession of this plunder from murmuring at this
+decision, and the consequent diminution of their shares, he added,
+as an encouragement to those who might be afterwards employed on
+like services, that he gave up his entire share, to be distributed
+exclusively among those who had been detached to attack the place.
+Thus this troublesome affair, which might perhaps have had mischievous
+consequences if permitted to go on, was soon appeased by the prudence
+of the commodore, to the general satisfaction of all. Some few,
+indeed, whose selfish dispositions were uninfluenced by the justice of
+this procedure, and who were incapable of discerning the equity of the
+decision, were dissatisfied, as it tended to deprive them of what they
+had once possessed.
+
+This important affair employed the best part of the day after leaving
+Payta; and at night, having seen nothing of the Gloucester, the
+commodore made the squadron bring to, that we might not pass her in
+the dark. Next morning we again spread on the look-out, and saw a sail
+at 10 a.m. to which we gave chase, and which we came near enough by
+two p.m. to observe to be the Gloucester, having a small vessel in
+tow. We joined her in about an hour after, when we learnt that Captain
+Mitchell had only taken two small prizes during the whole of his
+cruise. One was a small snow, the cargo of which consisted chiefly
+of wine, brandy, and olives in jars, with about 7000l. in specie. The
+other was a large boat or launch, taken near shore by the Gloucester's
+barge. The prisoners on board this boat alleged that they were very
+poor, and that their loading consisted only of cotton; though the
+circumstances under which they were surprized, seemed to insinuate
+that they were more opulent than they pretended; for they were found
+at dinner on a pigeon-pye, served up in silver dishes. The officer who
+commanded the barge, having opened several of the jars in the prize,
+to satisfy his curiosity, found nothing as he thought but cotton,
+which inclined him to believe the account given by the prisoners; but
+when these jars were examined more strictly in the Gloucester, they
+were agreeably surprised to find the whole a very extraordinary piece
+of deception; as in every jar there was a considerable quantity of
+double doubloons and dollars, artfully concealed among the cotton, to
+the amount in all of near 12,000l. This treasure was going to Payta,
+and belonged to the same merchants who were proprietors of most of
+the money we had taken there; so that, if this boat had escaped the
+Gloucester, her cargo would probably have fallen into our hands.
+Besides these two prizes, the Gloucester had been in sight of two or
+three other ships, which had escaped them; and one of them, from some
+of our intelligence, we had reason to believe was of immense value.
+
+It was now resolved to stand to the northwards, and to make the best
+of our way either for Cape St Lucas, in California, or Cape Corientes
+on the coast of Mexico. When at Juan Fernandez, the commodore had
+resolved to touch somewhere in the neighbourhood of Panama, to
+endeavour to get some correspondence overland with the fleet under
+Admiral Vernon. For, on our departure from England, we left a fleet
+at Portsmouth intended for the West Indies, to be employed there in
+an expedition against some of the Spanish settlements. Taking for
+granted, therefore, that this enterprise had succeeded, and that
+Portobello might then be garrisoned by British troops, the commodore
+conceived he might easily procure an intercourse with our countrymen,
+on the other side of the isthmus of Darien, either by means of
+the Indians, who are greatly disposed to favour us, or even by
+the Spaniards themselves; some of whom might be induced, by proper
+rewards, to carry on this correspondence; which, when once begun,
+might be continued with little difficulty. By this means, Mr Anson
+flattered himself that he might procure a reinforcement of men from
+the other side, and that, by settling a prudent plan of co-operation
+with our commanders in the West Indies, he might even have taken
+Panama. This would have given the British nation the command of the
+isthmus, by which we should in effect have become masters of all the
+wealth of Peru, and should have held an equivalent in our hands
+for any demand, however extraordinary, that might have been thought
+advisable to make on either branch of the Bourbon family.
+
+Such were the magnificent projects which the commodore revolved in his
+mind, when at the island of Juan Fernandez, notwithstanding the feeble
+condition to which his force was then reduced; and, had the success
+of the expedition to the West Indies been answerable to the general
+expectation, these views had certainly been the most prudent that
+could have been devised. But, on examining the papers found on board
+the Carmelo, our first prize, it was then learnt, though I deferred
+mentioning it till now, that the attempt on Carthagena had failed, and
+that there was no probability of our fleet in the West Indies engaging
+in any new enterprise that could at all facilitate this plan. Mr
+Anson, therefore, had relinquished all hope of being reinforced across
+the isthmus, and consequently had no inducement to proceed at present
+for Panama, being incapable of assaulting that place; and there was
+reason to believe there was now a general embargo over all the coast
+of the South Sea. The only feasible measure that now remained, was to
+steer as soon as possible for the southern parts of California, or the
+adjacent coast of Mexico, and there to cruise for the Manilla galleon,
+which was now known to be at sea on her voyage to Acapulco; and we had
+no doubt of being able to get upon that station in sufficient time to
+intercept her, as she does not usually arrive at Acapulco till
+towards the middle of January, and, being now only about the middle of
+November, we did not suppose our passage thither would cost us above
+a month or six weeks, so that, in our opinion, we had nearly twice as
+much time as was necessary.
+
+There was one business, however, which we knew must occasion some
+delay, but which we hoped might be accomplished in four or five days.
+This was to recruit our water; for the number of prisoners we had to
+maintain, ever since we left Juan Fernandez, had so far exhausted our
+stock, that it was impossible to think of venturing upon a passage to
+the coast of Mexico, till we had procured a fresh supply; especially
+as we had not found enough at Payta for our consumption while there.
+It was for some time a matter of deliberation with the commodore,
+where we might take in this necessary article; but, by consulting the
+accounts of former navigators, and examining our prisoners, he at last
+resolved for the island of Quibo, beyond the bay of Panama. There was
+indeed a small island called _Cocos_, less out of our way than Quibo,
+where some of the Buccaneers pretended to have found water: But none
+of our prisoners knew any thing of that island, and it was thought too
+hazardous to risk the safety of the squadron, by exposing ourselves to
+the chance of not finding water at that place, on the mere authority
+of these legendary writers, of whose misrepresentations and falsities
+we had almost daily experience. Besides, we were not without hopes
+that in going to Quibo some of the enemies ships bound to or from
+Panama might fall into our hands, particularly such of them as were
+put to sea, before they had intelligence of our squadron; we therefore
+directed our course to the northward, being eight sail, and so
+having the appearance of a very formidable fleet; and on the 19th
+at day-break, we discovered Cape Blanco, bearing S.S.E. 1/2 E. seven
+miles distant. This cape lies in the latitude of 4° 15' south, and is
+always made by ships bound either to windward or to leeward, so that
+it is a most excellent station to cruise upon the enemy. As our last
+prize, the Solidad, was far from answering the character given her of
+a good sailer, and she and the Santa Teresa delayed us considerably,
+the commodore ordered them to be cleared of every thing that might
+prove useful to the rest of the ships, and then to be burnt. We then
+proceeded in our course for Quibo, and, on the 22d in the morning,
+saw the island of Plata bearing east, distant four leagues. One of our
+prizes, which was ordered to stand close in, both to discover if there
+were any ships between that island and the continent, and likewise to
+look out for a stream of fresh water reported to be there, returned
+without having seen any ship, or finding any water. At three in the
+afternoon point Manta bore S.E. by E. seven miles distant; and there
+being a town of the same name in the neighbourhood, Captain Mitchell
+took this opportunity of sending away several of his prisoners
+from the Gloucester in the Spanish launch. The boats were now daily
+employed in distributing provisions on board the Tryal and other
+prizes, to complete their stock for six months; and, that the
+Centurion might be the better prepared to give the Manilla ship (one
+of which we were told was of immense size) a warm reception, the
+carpenters were ordered to fix eight stocks in the main and fore-tops
+for the mounting of swivel guns.
+
+On the 25th we had a sight of the island of Gallo, bearing E.S.E. 1/2
+E. four leagues distant; from hence we crossed the bay of Panama with
+a N.W. course, hoping that this would have carried us in a direct line
+to the island of Quibo. But we afterwards found that wrought to have
+stood more to the westward, for the winds in a short time began to
+incline to that quarter, and made it difficult for us to gain the
+island. And now, after passing the equinoctial on the 22d, leaving the
+neighbourhood of the Cordilleras, and standing more and more towards
+the isthmus, where the communication of the atmosphere to the eastward
+and the westward was no longer interrupted, we found, in a few
+days, an extraordinary alteration in the climate. Instead of uniform
+temperature, we had, for several days together, close and sultry
+weather, resembling what we had met with between the tropics on the
+eastern side of America. We had besides frequent calms and heavy
+rains, which we at first ascribed to the neighbourhood of the line,
+where this kind of weather is found to prevail; but, observing that it
+attended us to the latitude of seven degrees north, we were induced
+to believe that the stormy season, or, as the Spaniards call it, the
+Vandevals, was not yet over; though many positively assert, that it
+begins in June, and is ended November.
+
+On the 27th Captain Mitchel's largest prize being cleared, was
+scuttled, and set on fire, and as the remaining five ships were all
+good sailers, so we never occasioned any delay to each other. Being
+now in a rainy climate, which we had been long disused to, we found
+it necessary to caulk the decks and sides of the Centurion, to prevent
+the rain-water from running into her.
+
+On the 3d of December we had a view of the island of Quibo, the
+east end then bearing N.N.W. four leagues distant, and the island of
+Quicara W.N.W. at about the same distance. Here we struck ground with
+sixty-five fathom of line, and found the bottom to consist of grey
+sand, with black specks. When we got sight of the land, we found the
+wind to hang westerly, and therefore thought it adviseable to stand
+off till morning, as there are said to be some shoals in the entrance
+of the channel. At six the next morning, point Mariato bore N.E. 1/2
+N. three or four leagues distant. In weathering this point, all the
+squadron, except the Centurion, were very near it, and the Gloucester,
+being the leewardmost ship, was forced to tack and stand to the
+southward, so that we lost sight of her. At nine, the island Sebaco
+bore N.W. by N. four leagues distant; but the wind still proving
+unfavourable, we were obliged to ply on and off for the succeeding
+twenty-four hours, and were frequently taken a-back. However, at
+eleven the next morning the wind happily settling in the S.S.W. we
+bore away for the S.S.E. end of the island, and about three in the
+afternoon entered Canal Bueno, passing round a shoal which stretches
+off about two miles from the south point of the island. This Canal
+Bueno, or Good Channel, is at least six miles in breadth; and as we
+had the wind large, we kept in a good depth of water, generally from
+twenty-eight to thirty-three fathom, and came not within a mile and a
+half distance of the breakers, though, in all probability, if it had
+been necessary, we might have ventured much nearer without incurring
+the least danger. At seven in the evening we came to an anchor in
+thirty-three fathom, muddy ground; the south point of the island
+bearing S.E. by E. a remarkable high part of the island W. by N. and
+the island Sebaco E. by N.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII.
+
+_Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an Account of the Place._
+
+The morning after our coming to an anchor, an officer was dispatched
+to discover the watering-place; and, having found it, returned before
+noon; then we sent the long-boat for a load of water, and at the same
+time weighed and stood farther in with our ships. At two we came
+again to an anchor in twenty-two fathom, with a bottom of rough gravel
+intermixed with broken shells, the watering-place now bearing from us
+N.W. 1/2 N. only three quarters of a mile distant.
+
+The island of Quibo is extremely convenient for wooding and watering,
+for the trees grow close to the high-water mark, and a large rapid
+stream of fresh water runs over the sandy beach into the sea; so that
+we were little more than two days in laying in all the wood and water
+we wanted. The whole island is of a very moderate height, excepting
+one part. It consists of a continued wood spread over the whole
+surface of the country, which preserves its verdure all the year
+round. We found there abundance of cassia, and a few lime-trees.
+It appeared singular to us, that, considering the climate and the
+shelter, we should see no other birds there than parrots, parroquets,
+and mackaws; of the last there were prodigious flights. Next to these
+birds, the animals we found in most plenty were monkeys and guanos,
+and these we frequently killed for food; for though there were many
+herds of deer upon the place, yet the difficulty of penetrating the
+woods prevented our coming near them, so that though we saw them
+often, we killed only two during our stay. Our prisoners assured us
+that this island abounded with tygers; we did once discover the print
+of a tyger's paw upon the beach, but the tygers themselves we never
+saw. The Spaniards, too, informed us that there was often found in the
+woods a most mischievous serpent, called the Flying Snake, which they
+said darted itself from the boughs of trees on either man or beast
+that came within its reach, and whose sting they believed to be
+inevitable death. Besides these mischievous land-animals, the
+sea hereabouts is infested with great numbers of alligators of an
+extraordinary size; and we often observed a large kind of flat fish
+jumping a considerable height out of the water, which we supposed to
+be the fish that is said frequently to destroy the pearl-divers, by
+clasping them in its fins as they rise from the bottom; and we were
+told that the divers, for their security, are now always armed with a
+sharp knife, which, when they are entangled, they stick into the belly
+of the fish, and thereby disengage themselves from its embraces.
+
+Whilst the ship continued here at anchor, the commodore, attended by
+some of his officers, went in a boat to examine a bay which lay to
+the northward; and afterwards ranged all along the eastern side of
+the island. In the places where they put on shore in the course of his
+expedition, they generally found the soil to be extremely rich, and
+met with great plenty of excellent water. In particular, near the
+N.E. point of the island, they discovered a natural cascade, which
+surpassed, as they conceived, every thing of this kind, which human
+art or industry hath hitherto produced. It was a river of transparent
+water, about forty yards wide, which ran down a declivity of near
+a hundred and fifty yards in length. The channel it ran in was very
+irregular; for it was entirely formed of rock, both its sides and
+bottom being made up of large detached blocks; and by these the course
+of the water was frequently interrupted: For in some places it ran
+sloping with a rapid but uniform motion, while in other parts it
+tumbled over the ledges of rocks with a perpendicular descent. All the
+neighbourhood of this stream was a fine wood; and even the huge
+masses of rock which overhung the water, and which, by their various
+projections, formed the inequalities of the channel, were covered with
+lofty forest trees. Whilst the commodore, and those with him, were
+attentively viewing this place, and remarking the different blendings
+of the water, the rocks, and the wood, there came in sight (as it
+were with an intent still to heighten and animate the prospect) a
+prodigious flight of mackaws, which hovering over this spot, and often
+wheeling and playing on the wing about it, afforded a most brilliant
+appearance, by the glittering of the sun on their variegated
+plumage; so that some of the spectators cannot refrain from a kind of
+transport, when they recount the complicated beauties which occurred
+in this extraordinary scene.
+
+In this expedition, along the eastern side of the island, though they
+met with no inhabitants, yet they saw many huts upon the shore, and
+great heaps of shells of fine mother-of-pearl scattered up and down
+in different places: These were the remains left by the pearl-fishers
+from Panama, who often frequent this place in the summer season; for
+the pearl oysters, which are to be met with every where in the bay of
+Panama, are so plenty at Quibo, that by advancing a very little way
+into the sea, you might stoop down and reach them from the bottom.
+They are usually very large, but extremely tough and unpalatable.
+
+The oysters most productive of pearls, are those found in considerable
+depths; for, though what are taken up by wading are of the same
+species, yet the pearls found in them are rare and very small. It is
+said, too, that the pearl partakes in some degree of the quality of
+the bottom on which the oyster is found; so that if the bottom be
+muddy, the pearl is dark and ill-coloured.
+
+The diving for oysters is a work performed by negro slaves, of whom
+the inhabitants of Panama and the neighbouring coast formerly kept
+great numbers, carefully trained to this business. These are not
+esteemed complete divers, till they are able to protract their stay
+under water so long, that the blood gushes out from their nose, mouth,
+and ears. It is the tradition of the country, that when this accident
+has once befallen them, they dive for the future with much greater
+facility than before; that no inconvenience attends it, the bleeding
+generally stopping of itself, and that there is no probability of
+their being subject to it a second time.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The intelligent reader will demand more than the
+_tradition of the country_ to induce his belief, that this diving
+business is not most certainly destructive of the miserable wretches
+who are compelled to pursue it. The divers in the Persian gulph, where
+it is well known the pearl fishery is carried on by individuals on
+their own account, "seldom live to a great age," (says Mr Morier in
+the account of his Journey through Persia.) "Their bodies break out
+in sores, and their eyes become very weak and blood-shot. They are
+restricted to a certain regimen; and to food composed of dates and
+other light ingredients." It cannot be imagined that the negroes of
+Panama fare better in this hazardous occupation. But to the expression
+of any solicitude as to _their_ blood, it is very probable the answer
+might be something in the style of one of Juvenal's worthy ladies:
+
+  ----ita servus homo est?
+  Hoc volo, sic jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas.--P.]
+
+The sea at this place furnished us with a dainty, in the greatest
+plenty and perfection, viz. the turtle. There are reckoned four
+species of turtle: the trunk-turtle, the loggerhead, the hawksbill,
+and the green turtle. The two first are rank and unwholesome; the
+hawksbill (which furnishes the tortoise-shell) is but indifferent
+food, though better than the other two; but the green turtle is
+esteemed, by the greatest part of those who are acquainted with
+its taste, as the most delicious of eatables; and that it is a most
+wholesome food, we were amply convinced by our own experience: For we
+fed on this for near four months, and consequently had it been in any
+degree noxious, its ill effects could not possibly have escaped us. At
+this island we took what quantity we pleased with great facility; for,
+as they are an amphibious animal, and get on shore to lay their eggs,
+which they generally deposit in a large hole in the sand, just above
+the high-water mark, covering them up, and leaving them to be hatched
+by the heat of the sun, we usually dispersed several of our men along
+the beach, whose business it was to turn them on their backs when
+they came to land; and the turtle being thereby prevented from getting
+away, we carried them off at our leisure. These proved of great
+service both in lengthening out our store of provision, and in
+heartening the whole crew with an almost constant supply of fresh and
+palatable food; for the turtle being large, generally weighing about
+200 lb. weight each, what we took with us lasted us near a month, and
+by that time we met with a fresh recruit on the coast of Mexico, where
+we often saw them in the heat of the day floating in great numbers
+on the surface of the water fast asleep. Our mode of taking them was
+this; we sent out our boat with a man in the bow, who was a dexterous
+diver; when the boat came within a few yards of the turtle, the
+diver plunged into the water, and took care to rise close upon it; on
+seizing the shell near the tail, and pressing down the hinder parts,
+the turtle awakened, and began to strike with its claws, which motion
+supported both it and the diver, till the boat came up and took them
+in. By this management we never wanted turtle for the succeeding four
+months in which we continued at sea; and though we had been three
+months on board, without putting our foot on shore, except for the
+few days we stayed at the island of Quibo, and those employed in the
+attack of Payta, yet, in the whole seven months, from our leaving Juan
+Fernandez to our anchoring in the harbour of Chequetan, we buried no
+more in the whole squadron than two men; a most incontestable proof
+that the turtle on which we fed for the last four months of this term,
+was at least innocent, if not something more. It appears wonderful,
+therefore, that a species of food so very palatable and salubrious,
+and so much abounding in those parts, should be proscribed by the
+Spaniards as unwholesome, and little less than poisonous. Perhaps the
+strange appearance of this animal may have been the foundation of this
+ridiculous aversion, which is strongly rooted in all the inhabitants
+of that coast, and of which we had many instances in the course of
+this navigation. Some Indian and negro slaves we had taken in our
+prizes, and continued on board to assist in navigating our ships, were
+astonished at our feeding on turtle, and seemed fully persuaded that
+it would soon destroy us; but finding that none of us died, nor even
+suffered in our health by a continuation of this diet, they at last
+got so far the better of their aversion, as to be persuaded to taste
+it, to which the absence of all other kinds of fresh provisions might
+not a little contribute. However, it was with great reluctance, and
+very sparingly, that they began to eat it: But the relish improving
+upon them by degrees, they at last grew extremely fond of it,
+preferred it to every other kind of food, and often felicitated each
+other on the happy experience they had acquired, and the delicious and
+plentiful repasts it would be always in their power to procure, when
+they should return to their country. Those who are acquainted with the
+manner of life of these unhappy wretches, need not be told, that next
+to large draughts of spirituous liquors, plenty of tolerable food is
+the greatest joy they know; and that the discovering a method which
+would supply them with what quantity they pleased of a kind more
+luxurious to the palate than any their haughty lords and masters
+could indulge in, was a circumstance which they considered as the most
+fortunate that could befal them.
+
+In three days time we had completed our business at this place, and
+were extremely impatient to put to sea, that we might arrive time
+enough on the coast of Mexico to intercept the Manilla galleon. The
+wind being contrary detained us a night, and the next day when we got
+into the offing, (which we did through the same channel by which we
+entered) we were obliged to keep hovering about the island, in hopes
+of getting sight of the Gloucester. It was the 9th of December, in the
+morning, when we put to sea, and continuing to the southward of the
+island, looking out for the Gloucester, we, on the 10th, at five in
+the afternoon, discerned a small sail to the northward of us, to which
+we gave chase, and coming up took her. She proved to be a bark from
+Panama, bound to Cheripe, an inconsiderable village on the continent,
+and was called the _Jesu Nazareno_. She had nothing on board but some
+oakum, about a ton of rock-salt, and between 30l. and 40l. in specie,
+most of it consisting of small silver money, intended for purchasing a
+cargo of provisions at Cheripe.
+
+I cannot but observe, for the use of future cruisers, that had we been
+in want of provisions, we had by this capture an obvious method of
+supplying ourselves. For at Cheripe, whither she was bound, there is a
+constant store of provisions prepared for the vessels which go thither
+every week from Panama, the market of Panama being chiefly supplied
+from thence: So that by putting a few of our hands on board our prize,
+we might easily have seized a large store without any hazard, since
+Cheripe is a place of no strength.
+
+On the 12th of December we were relieved from the perplexity we had
+suffered, by the separation of the Gloucester; for on that day she
+joined us, and informed us, that in tacking to the southward on our
+first arrival, she had sprung her fore-top-mast, which had disabled
+her from working to windward, and prevented her from joining us
+sooner. We now scuttled and sunk the Jesu Nazareno, the prize we took
+last, and having the greatest impatience to get into a proper station
+for the galleon, stood altogether to the westward, and notwithstanding
+the impediments we met with, left the island of Quibo in about nine
+days after our first coming in sight of it.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX.
+
+_From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico._
+
+On the 12th of December we left Quibo, and the same day the commodore
+delivered fresh instructions to the captains of the men of war, and
+the commanders of our prizes, appointing them the rendezvouses
+they were to make, and the courses they were to steer in case of a
+separation. And first, they were directed to use all possible dispatch
+in getting to the northward of the harbour of Acapulco, where they
+were to endeavour to fall in with the land, between the latitudes of
+18 and 19°; from thence, they were to beat up the coast at eight or
+ten leagues distance from the shore, till they came a-breast of Cape
+Corientes, in the latitude of 20°20'. When they arrived there, they
+were to continue cruising on that station till the 14th of February;
+and then they were to proceed to the middle island of the Tres Marias,
+in the latitude of 21°25', bearing from Cape Corientes N.W. by N.,
+twenty-five leagues distant. And if at this island they did not meet
+the commodore, they were there to recruit their wood and water, and
+then to make the best of their way to the island of Macao, on the
+coast of China. These orders being distributed, we had little doubt
+of arriving soon upon our intended station; as we expected, upon
+the increasing our offing from Quibo, to fall in with the regular
+trade-wind. But, to our extreme vexation, we were baffled for near a
+month, either with tempestuous weather from the western quarter, or
+with dead calms and heavy rains, attended with a sultry air; so that
+it was the 25th of December before we got a sight of the island of
+Cocos, which by our reckoning was only a hundred leagues from the
+continent; and we had the mortification to make so little way, that we
+did not lose sight of it again in five days. This island we found to
+be in the latitude of 5°20' north. It has a high hummock towards the
+western part, which descends gradually, and at last terminates in a
+low point to the eastward. From the island of Cocos we stood W. by N.,
+and were till the 9th of January in running an hundred leagues more.
+We had at first flattered ourselves, that the uncertain weather and
+western gales we met with were owing to the neighbourhood of the
+continent, from which, as we got more distant, we expected every day
+to be relieved, by falling in with the eastern trade-wind: But as our
+hopes were so long baffled, and our patience quite exhausted, we began
+at length to despair of succeeding in the great purpose we had in
+view, that of intercepting the Manilla galleon; and this produced
+a general dejection amongst us, as we had at first considered this
+project as almost infallible, and had indulged ourselves in the most
+boundless hopes of the advantages we should thence receive. However,
+our despondency was at last somewhat alleviated, by a favourable
+change of the wind; for, on the 9th of January, a gale for the first
+time sprang up from the N.E., and on this we took the Carmelo in tow,
+as the Gloucester did the Carmin, making all the sail we could to
+improve the advantage, for we still suspected that it was only a
+temporary gale, which would not last long; but the next day we had the
+satisfaction to find, that the wind did not only continue in the same
+quarter, but blew with so much briskness and steadiness, that we now
+no longer doubted of its being the true trade-wind. And as we advanced
+apace towards our station, our hopes began to revive, and our despair
+by degrees gave place to pleasing prejudices: For though the customary
+season of the arrival of the galleon at Acapulco was already elapsed,
+yet we were unreasonable enough to flatter ourselves, that some
+accidental delay might lengthen her passage beyond its usual limits.
+
+When we got into the trade-wind, we found no alteration in it till the
+17th of January, when we were advanced to the latitude of 12°50', but
+on that day it shifted to the westward of the north: This change
+we imputed to our having haled up too soon, though we then esteemed
+ourselves full seventy leagues from the coast, which plainly shows,
+that the trade-wind doth not take place, but at a considerable
+distance from the continent. After this, the wind was not so
+favourable to us as it had been: However, we still continued to
+advance, and, on the 26th of January, being then to the northward of
+Acapulco, we tacked and stood to the eastward, with a view of making
+the land.
+
+In the preceding fortnight we caught some turtle on the surface of the
+water, and several dolphins, bonitos, and albicores. One day, as one
+of the sail-makers mates was fishing from the end of the gib-boom, he
+lost his hold, and dropped into the sea; and the ship, which was then
+going at the rate of six or seven knots, went directly over him: But
+as we had the Carmelo in tow, we instantly called out to the people on
+board her, who threw him over several ends of ropes, one of which he
+fortunately caught hold of, and twisting it round his arm, was hauled
+into the ship, without having received any other injury than a wrench
+in his arm, of which he soon recovered.
+
+On the 26th of January, we stood to the eastward, expecting, by our
+reckonings, to have fallen in with the land on the 28th; but though
+the weather was perfectly clear, we had no sight of it at sun-set, and
+therefore continued our course, not doubting but we should see it
+by the next morning. About ten at night we discovered a light on the
+larboard-bow, bearing from us N.N.E. The Tryal's prize too, about a
+mile a-head of us, made a signal at the same time for seeing a sail;
+and as we had no doubt that what we saw was a ship's light, we were
+extremely animated with a firm persuasion, that it was the Manilla
+galleon, which had been so long the object of our wishes: And what
+added to our alacrity, was our expectation of meeting with two of them
+instead of one, for we took it for granted, that the light in view
+was carried in the top of one ship for a direction to her consort.
+We immediately cast off the Carmelo and pressed forward with all our
+canvass, making a signal for the Gloucester to do the same. Thus we
+chased the light, keeping all our hands at their respective quarters,
+under an expectation of engaging in the next half hour, as we
+sometimes conceived the chase to be about a mile distant, and at other
+times to be within reach of our guns; and some positively averred,
+that besides the light, they could plainly discern her sails. The
+commodore himself was so fully persuaded that we should be soon
+along-side of her, that he sent for his first lieutenant, who
+commanded between decks, and directed him to see all the great guns
+loaded with two round-shot for the first broadside, and after that
+with one round-shot and one grape, strictly charging him, at the same
+time, not to suffer a gun to be fired, till he, the commodore, should
+give orders, which he informed the lieutenant would not be till we
+arrived within pistol-shot of the enemy. In this constant and eager
+attention we continued all night, always presuming that another
+quarter of an hour would bring us up with this Manilla ship, whose
+wealth, with that of her supposed consort, we now estimated by round
+millions. But when the morning broke, and day-light came on, we were
+most strangely and vexatiously disappointed, by finding that the light
+which had occasioned all this bustle and expectancy was only a fire
+on the shore. Indeed the circumstances of this deception are so
+extraordinary as to be scarcely credible; for, by our run during the
+night, and the distance of the land in the morning, this fire, when we
+first discovered it, must have been above twenty-five leagues from
+us. It was indeed upon a very high mountain, and continued burning
+for several days afterwards; it was not a volcano, but rather, as
+I suppose, stubble, or heath, set on fire for some purpose of
+agriculture.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The reasons for this supposition ought to have been
+adduced. It is not improbable that the volcanic mountain in the
+neighbourhood of Acapulco did furnish this vexatious light.--E.]
+
+At sun-rising, after this mortifying delusion, we found ourselves
+about nine leagues off the land, which extended from the N.W. to E.
+1/2 N. On this land we observed two remarkable hummocks, such as are
+usually called paps, which bore north from us: These, a Spanish pilot
+and two Indians, who were the only persons amongst us that pretended
+to have traded in this part of the world, affirmed to be over the
+harbour of Acapulco. Indeed, we very much doubted their knowledge of
+the coast; for we found these paps to be in the latitude of 17°56',
+whereas those over Acapulco are said to be in 17° only; and we
+afterwards found our suspicions of their skill to be well grounded:
+However, they were very confident, and assured us, that the height of
+the mountains was itself an infallible mark of the harbour; the
+coast, as they pretended, (though falsely) being generally low to the
+eastward and westward of it.
+
+And now being in the track of the Manilla galleon, it was a great
+doubt with us (as it was near the end of January,) whether she was or
+was not arrived: But examining our prisoners about it, they assured
+us, that she was sometimes known to come in after the middle of
+February; and they endeavoured to persuade us, that the fire we
+had seen on shore was a proof that she was as yet at sea, it being
+customary, as they said, to make use of these fires as signals for
+her direction, when she continued longer out than ordinary. On this
+information, strengthened by our propensity to believe them in a
+matter which so pleasingly flattered our wishes, we resolved to cruise
+for her for some days; and we accordingly spread our ships at the
+distance of twelve leagues from the coast, in such a manner, that it
+was impossible she should pass us unobserved: However, not seeing her
+soon, we were at intervals inclined to suspect that she had gained
+her port already; and as we now began to want a harbour to refresh
+our people, the uncertainty of our present situation gave us
+great uneasiness, and we were very solicitous to get some positive
+intelligence, which might either set us at liberty to consult our
+necessities, if the galleon was arrived, or might animate us to
+continue our present cruise with cheerfulness, if she was not.
+With this view the commodore, after examining our prisoners very
+particularly, resolved to send a boat, under night, into the harbour
+of Acapulco, to see if the Manilla ship was there or not, one of the
+Indians being very positive that this might be done without the
+boat itself being discovered. To execute this project, the barge
+was dispatched the 6th of February, with a sufficient crew and two
+officers, who took with them a Spanish pilot, and the Indian who had
+insisted on the practicability of this measure, and had undertaken to
+conduct it. Our barge did not return to us again till the eleventh,
+when the officers acquainted Mr Anson, that, agreeable to our
+suspicion, there was nothing like a harbour in the place where the
+Spanish pilots had at first asserted Acapulco to lie; that when they
+had satisfied themselves in this particular, they steered to the
+eastward, in hopes of discovering it, and had coasted along shore
+thirty-two leagues; that in this whole range they met chiefly with
+sandy beaches of a great length, over which the sea broke with so much
+violence, that it was impossible for a boat to land; that at the
+end of their run they could just discover two paps at a very great
+distance to the eastward, which from their appearance and their
+latitude, they concluded to be those in the neighbourhood of Acapulco;
+but that not having a sufficient quantity of fresh water and provision
+for their passage thither and back again, they were obliged to return
+to the commodore, to acquaint him with their disappointment. On this
+intelligence we all made sail to the eastward, in order to get into
+the neighbourhood of that port, the commodore resolving to send the
+barge a second time upon the same enterprize, when we were arrived
+within a moderate distance. And the next day, which was the 12th of
+February, we being by that time considerably advanced, the barge was
+again dispatched, and particular instructions given to the officers
+to preserve themselves from being seen from the shore. On the 13th we
+espied a high land to the eastward, which we first imagined to be that
+over the harbour of Acapulco; but we afterwards found that it was the
+high land of Seguateneo, where there is a small harbour, of which we
+shall have occasion to make more ample mention hereafter. And now,
+having waited six days without any news of our barge, we began to be
+uneasy for her safety; but, on the 7th day, that is, on the 19th of
+February, she returned. The officers informed the commodore, that they
+had discovered the harbour of Acapulco, which they esteemed to bear
+from us E.S.E. at least fifty leagues distant: That on the 17th, about
+two in the morning, they were got within the island that lies at
+the mouth of the harbour, and yet neither the Spanish pilot, nor the
+Indian who were with them, could give them any information where they
+then were; but that while they were lying upon their oars in suspence
+what to do, being ignorant that they were then at the very place
+they sought for, they discerned a small light upon the surface of
+the water, on which they instantly plied their paddles, and moving
+as silently as possible towards it, they found it to be in a fishing
+canoe, which they surprised, with three negroes that belonged to it.
+It seems the negroes at first attempted to jump overboard; and being
+so near the land, they would easily have swam on shore; but they
+were prevented by presenting a piece at them, on which they readily
+submitted, and were taken into the barge. The officers further added,
+that they had immediately turned the canoe adrift against the face of
+a rock, where it would inevitably be dashed to pieces by the fury of
+the sea: This they did to deceive those who perhaps might be sent from
+the town to search after the canoe; for upon seeing several pieces of
+a wreck, they would immediately conclude that the people on board her
+had been drowned, and would have no suspicion of their having fallen
+into our hands. When the crew of the barge had taken this precaution,
+they exerted their utmost strength in pulling out to sea, and by dawn
+of day had gained such an offing, as rendered it impossible for them
+to be seen from the coast.
+
+And now having got the three negroes in our possession, who were not
+ignorant of the transactions at Acapulco, we were soon satisfied about
+the most material points which had long kept us in suspense: And
+on examination we found, that we were indeed disappointed in our
+expectation of intercepting the galleon before her arrival at
+Acapulco; but we learnt other circumstances which still revived our
+hopes, and which, we then conceived, would more than balance the
+opportunity we had already lost: For though our negro prisoners
+informed us that the galleon arrived at Acapulco on our 9th of
+January, which was about twenty days before we fell in with this
+coast, yet they at the same time told us, that the galleon had
+delivered her cargo, and was taking in water and provisions for her
+return, and that the viceroy of Mexico had by proclamation fixed her
+departure from Acapulco to the 14th of March, N.S. This last news
+was most joyfully received by us, as we had no doubt but she must
+certainly fall into our hands, and as it was much more eligible to
+seize her on her return, than it would have been to have taken her
+before her arrival, as the specie for which she had sold her cargo,
+and which she would now have on board, was prodigiously more to be
+esteemed by us than the cargo itself; great part of which would have
+perished on our hands, and no part of it could have been disposed of
+by us at so advantageous a mart as Acapulco.
+
+Thus we were a second time engaged in an eager expectation of meeting
+with this Manilla ship, which, by the fame of its wealth, we had been
+taught to consider as the most desirable prize that was to be met with
+in any part of the globe. As all our future projects will be in
+some sort regulated with a view to the possession of this celebrated
+galleon, and as the commerce which is carried on by means of these
+vessels between the city of Manilla and the port of Acapulco is
+perhaps the most valuable, in proportion to its quantity, of any in
+the known world, I shall endeavour, in the ensuing chapter, to give as
+distinct an account as I can of all the particulars relating thereto,
+both as it is a matter in which I conceive the public to be in some
+degree interested, and as I flatter myself, that from the materials
+which have fallen into my hands, I am enabled to describe it with more
+distinctness than has hitherto been done, at least in our language.
+
+
+
+SECTION XX.
+
+_An Account of the Commerce carried on between the City of Manilla
+on the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco in the Coast of
+Mexico._[1]
+
+Though Spain did not acquire the property of any of the spice islands,
+by the enterprising labours of Magellan (related in our tenth volume,
+to which we refer,) yet the discovery made in his expedition to the
+Philippine Islands, was thought too considerable to be neglected; for
+these were not far distant from those places which produced spices,
+and were very well situated for the Chinese trade, and for the
+commerce of other parts of India; and therefore a communication was
+soon established, and carefully supported between these islands
+and the Spanish colonies on the coast of Peru: So that the city of
+Manilla, (which Was built on the island of Luconia, the chief of the
+Philippines) soon became the mart for all Indian commodities, which
+were brought up by the inhabitants, and were annually sent to the
+South-Seas to be there vended on their account; and the returns of
+this commerce to Manilla being principally made in silver, the place
+by degrees grew extremely opulent and considerable, and its trade so
+far increased, as to engage the attention of the court of Spain, and
+to be frequently controlled and regulated by royal edicts.
+
+[Footnote 1: Much of the original in this section is omitted, as
+either unimportant now; or elsewhere given in the work.]
+
+In the infancy of this trade, it was carried on from the port
+of Callao to the city of Manilla, in which voyage the trade-wind
+continually favoured them; so that notwithstanding these places were
+distant between three and four thousand leagues, yet the voyage was
+often made in little more than two months: But then the return from
+Manilla was extremely troublesome and tedious, and is said to have
+sometimes taken them up above a twelvemonth, which, if they pretended
+to ply up within the limits of the trade-wind, is not at all to be
+wondered at; and it is asserted, that in their first voyages they were
+so imprudent and unskilful as to attempt this course. However, that
+route Was soon laid aside by the advice, as it is said, of a Jesuit,
+who persuaded them to steer to the northward till they got clear of
+the trade-winds, and then by the favour of the westerly winds, which
+generally prevail in high latitudes, to stretch away for the coast
+of California. This has been the practice for at least a hundred and
+sixty years past, (1740-4:) For Sir Thomas Cavendish, in the year
+1586, engaged off the south end of California a vessel bound from
+Manilla to the American coast. And it was in compliance with this
+new plan of navigation, and to shorten the run both backwards and
+forwards, that the staple of this commerce to and from Manilla was
+removed from Callao, on the coast of Peru, to the port of Acapulco, on
+the coast of Mexico, where it continues fixed at this time.
+
+This trade to Acapulco is not laid open to all the inhabitants of
+Manilla, but is confined by very particular regulations, somewhat
+analogous to those by which the trade of the register ships from Cadiz
+to the West-Indies is restrained.
+
+The trade is limited to a certain value, which the annual cargo ought
+not to exceed. Some Spanish manuscripts', I have seen, mention this
+limitation to be 600,000 dollars; but the annual cargo does certainly
+surpass this sum; and though it may be difficult to fix its exact
+value, yet from many comparisons I conclude, that the return cannot be
+greatly short of three millions of dollars.
+
+This trade from Manilla to Acapulco and back again, is usually carried
+on in one or at most two annual ships, which set sail from Manilla
+about July, and arrive at Acapulco in the December, January, or
+February following, and having there disposed of their effects, return
+for Manilla some time in March, where they generally arrive in June;
+so that the whole voyage takes up very near an entire year: For this
+reason, though there is often no more than one ship employed at
+a time, yet there is always one ready for the sea when the other
+arrives; and therefore are provided three or four stout ships, that,
+in case of any accident, the trade may not be suspended.
+
+The ship having received her cargo on board, and being fitted for
+the sea, generally weighs from the mole of Cabite about the middle of
+July, taking the advantage of the westerly monsoon, which then sets
+in, to carry them to sea. It appears that the getting through the
+Boccadero to the eastward must be a troublesome navigation, and in
+fact it is sometimes the end of August before they get clear of the
+land. When they have got through this passage, and are clear of the
+islands, they stand to the northward of the east, in order to get into
+the latitude of thirty odd degrees, where they expect to meet
+with westerly winds, before which they run away for the coast of
+California.[2] It is most remarkable, that by the concurrent testimony
+of all the Spanish navigators, there is not one port, nor even a
+tolerable road, as yet found out betwixt the Philippine Islands and
+the coast of California and Mexico; so that from the time the Manilla
+ship first loses sight of land, she never lets go her anchor till she
+arrives on the coast of California, and very often not till she gets
+to its southermost extremity: And therefore, as this voyage is rarely
+of less than six months continuance, and the ship is deep laden with
+merchandise and crowded with people, it may appear wonderful how they
+can be supplied with a stock of fresh water for so long a time. A
+supply indeed they have, but the reliance upon it seems at first sight
+so extremely precarious, that it is wonderful such numbers should
+risque perishing by the most dreadful of all deaths, on the
+expectation of so casual a circumstance. In short, their only method
+of recruiting their water is by the rains, which they meet with
+between the latitudes of 30° and 40° north, and which they are always
+prepared to catch: For this purpose they take to sea with them a
+great number of mats, which they place slopingly against the gunwale,
+whenever the rain descends; these mats extend from one end of the ship
+to the other, and their lower edges rest on a large split bamboe, so
+that all the water which falls on the mats drain into the bamboe,
+and by this, as a trough, is conveyed into ajar; and this method of
+supplying their water, however accidental and extraordinary it may at
+first sight appear, hath never been known to fail them, so that it is
+common, for them, when their voyage is a little longer than usual, to
+fill all their water jars several times over.
+
+[Footnote 2: In the original is inserted a chart for the explanation
+of this track, which it is unnecessary to give here.--E.]
+
+The length of time employed in this passage, so much beyond what
+usually occurs in any other navigation, is perhaps in part to be
+imputed to the indolence and unskilfulness of the Spanish sailors, and
+to an unnecessary degree of caution and concern for so rich a vessel:
+For it is said, that they never set their main-sail in the night, and
+often lie by unnecessarily. And indeed the instructions given to their
+captains (which I have seen) seem to have been drawn up by such as
+were more apprehensive of too strong a gale, though favourable, than
+of the inconveniences and mortality attending a lingering and tedious
+voyage; for the captain is particularly ordered to make his passage in
+the latitude of 30° if possible, and to be extremely, careful to
+stand no farther to the northward than is absolutely necessary for the
+getting a westerly wind. This, according to our conceptions, appears
+to be a very absurd restriction; since it can scarcely be doubted,
+that in the higher latitudes the westerly winds are much steadier and
+brisker than in the latitude of 30°: So that the whole conduct of this
+navigation seems liable to very great censure. If instead of steering
+E.N.E. into the latitude of thirty odd degrees, they at first stood
+N.E., or even still more northerly, into the latitude of 40° or 45°,
+in part of which course the trade-winds would greatly assist them, I
+doubt not they might considerably contract their voyage. And this is
+not merely matter of speculation; for I am credibly informed, that
+about the year 1721, a French ship, by pursuing this course, ran from
+the coast of China to the valley of Vanderas on the coast of
+Mexico, in less than fifty days: But it was said that this ship,
+notwithstanding the shortness of her passage, suffered prodigiously
+by the scurvy, so that she had only four or five of her crew left when
+she arrived in America.
+
+The Manilla ship having stood so far to the northward as to meet with
+a westerly wind, stretches away nearly in the same latitude for the
+coast of California: And when she has run into the longitude of 96°
+from Cape Espiritu, Santo, she generally meets with a plant floating
+on the sea, which, being called Porra by the Spaniards, is, I
+presume, a species of sea-leek. On the sight of this plant they esteem
+themselves sufficiently near the Californian shore, and immediately
+stand to the southward; they rely so much on this circumstance, that
+on the first discovery of the plant the whole ship's company chaunt
+a solemn _Te Deum_, esteeming the difficulties and hazards of their
+passage to be now at an end; and they constantly correct their
+longitude thereby, without ever coming within sight of land, till they
+draw near its southern extremity.
+
+The most usual time of the arrival of the galleon at Acapulco is
+towards the middle of January: But this navigation is so uncertain,
+that she sometimes gets in a month sooner, and at other times has been
+detained at sea above a month longer. The port of Acapulco is by
+much the securest and finest in all the northern parts of the Pacific
+Ocean; being, as it were, a bason surrounded by very high mountains:
+But the town is a most wretched place, and extremely unhealthy, for
+the air about it is so pent up by the hills, that it has scarcely any
+circulation. The place is besides destitute of fresh water; except
+what is brought from a considerable distance; and is in all respects
+so inconvenient, that except at the time of the mart, whilst the
+Manilla galleon is in the port, it is almost deserted.
+
+When the galleon arrives in this port, she is generally moored on its
+western side, and her cargo is delivered with all possible expedition.
+And now the town of Acapulco, from almost a solitude, is immediately
+thronged with merchants from all parts of the kingdom of Mexico. The
+cargo being landed and disposed of, the silver and the goods intended
+for Manilla are taken on board, together with provisions and water,
+and the ship prepares to put to sea with the utmost expedition.
+There is indeed no time to be lost; for it is an express order to the
+captain to be out of the port of Acapulco on his return, before the
+first day of April, N.S.
+
+The principal return is made in silver, and consequently the rest of
+the cargo is but of little account; the other articles, besides the
+silver, being some cochineal and a few sweetmeats, the produce of the
+American settlements, together with European millinery ware for the
+women at Manilla, and some Spanish wines, such as tent and sherry,
+which are intended for the use of their priests in the administration
+of the sacrament.
+
+This difference in the cargo of the ship to and from Manilla,
+occasions a very remarkable variety in the manner of equipping the
+ship for these two different voyages. For the galleon, when she sets
+sail from Manilla, being deep laden with a variety of bulky goods, has
+not the conveniency of mounting her lower tire of guns, but
+carries them in her hold, till she draws near Cape St Lucas, and is
+apprehensive of an enemy. Her hands too are as few as is consistent
+with the safety of the ship, that she may be less pestered with the
+stowage of provisions. But on her return from Acapulco, as her cargo
+lies in less room, her lower tire is (or ought to be) always mounted
+before she leaves the port, and her crew is augmented with a supply of
+sailors, and with one or two companies of foot, which are intended
+to reinforce the garrison at Manilla. And there being besides many
+merchants who take their passage to Manilla, her whole number of hands
+on her return is usually little short of six hundred, all which are
+easily provided for, by reason of the small stowage necessary for the
+silver. The galleon being thus fitted for her return, the captain, on
+leaving the port of Acapulco, steers for the latitude of 13° or 14°,
+and runs on that parallel, till he gets sight of the island of Guam,
+one of the Ladrones. In this run the captain is particularly directed
+to be careful of the shoals of St Bartholomew, and of the island of
+Gasparico. He is also told in his instructions, that to prevent his
+passing the Ladrones in the dark, there are orders given that, through
+all the month of June, fires shall be lighted every night on the
+highest part of Guam and Rota, and kept in till the morning.
+
+At Guam there is a small Spanish garrison, purposely intended to
+secure that place for the refreshment of the galleon, and to yield her
+all the assistance in their power. However, the danger of the road at
+Guam is so great, that though the galleon is ordered to call there,
+yet she rarely stays above a day of two, but getting her water and
+refreshments on board as soon as possible, she steers away directly
+for Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal. Here the captain is
+again ordered to look out for signals; and he is told, that centinels
+will be posted not only on that Cape, but likewise in Catanduanas,
+Butusan, Birriborongo, and on the island of Batan. These centinels
+are instructed to make a fire when they discover the ship, which the
+captain is carefully to observe: For if, after this first fire is
+extinguished, he perceives that four or more are lighted up again, he
+is then to conclude that there are enemies on the coast; and on this
+he is immediately to endeavour to speak with the centinel on shore,
+and to procure from him more particular intelligence of their force,
+and of the station they cruise in; pursuant to which, he is to
+regulate his conduct, and to endeavour to gain some secure port
+amongst those islands, without coming in sight of the enemy; and in
+case he should be discovered when in port, and should be apprehensive
+of attack, he is then to land his treasure, and to take some of his
+artillery on shore for its defence, not neglecting to send frequent
+and particular accounts to the city of Manilla of all that passes.
+But if, after the first fire on shore, the captain observes that two
+others only are made by the centinels, he is then to conclude, that
+there is nothing to fear: And he is to pursue his course without
+interruption, and to make the best of his way to the port of Cabite,
+which is the port to the city of Manilla, and the constant station for
+all the ships employed in this commerce to Acapulco.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI.
+
+_Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for the Manilla Ship._
+
+I have already mentioned, that the return of our barge from the port
+of Acapulco, where she had surprised three negro fishermen, gave us
+inexpressible satisfaction, as we learnt from our prisoners, that the
+galleon was then preparing to put to sea, and that her departure was
+fixed, by an edict of the viceroy of Mexico, to the 14th of March,
+N.S. that is, to the 3d of March, according to our reckoning.
+
+Having satisfied ourselves upon this head, we indulged our curiosity
+in enquiring after other news; when the prisoners informed us, that
+they had received intelligence at Acapulco, of our having plundered
+and burnt the town of Paita; and that, on this occasion, the governor
+of Acapulco had augmented the fortifications of the place, and had
+taken several precautions to prevent us from forcing our way into the
+harbour; that in particular, he had placed a guard on the island which
+lies at the harbour's mouth, and that this guard had been withdrawn
+but two nights before the arrival of our barge: So that had the barge
+succeeded in her first attempt, or had she arrived at the port the
+second time two days sooner, she could scarcely have avoided being
+seized on, or if she had escaped, it must have been with the loss of
+the greatest part of her crew, as she would have been under the fire
+of the guard, before she had known her danger.
+
+The withdrawing of this guard was a circumstance that greatly
+encouraged us, as it seemed to demonstrate, not only that the enemy
+had not as yet discovered us, but likewise that they had now no
+farther apprehensions of our visiting their coast, indeed the
+prisoners assured us, that they had no knowledge of our being in those
+seas, and that they had therefore flattered themselves, that, in
+the long interval since our taking of Paita, we had steered another
+course. But we did not consider the opinion of these negro prisoners
+so authentic a proof of our being hitherto concealed, as the
+withdrawing of the guard from the harbour's mouth, which being the
+action of the governor, was of all arguments the most convincing, as
+he might be supposed to have intelligence, with which the rest of the
+inhabitants were unacquainted.
+
+Satisfied therefore that we were undiscovered, and that the time was
+fixed for the departure of the galleon from Acapulco, we made all
+necessary preparations, and waited with the utmost impatience for the
+important day. As this was the 3d of March, and it was the 19th of
+February when the barge returned and brought us our intelligence, the
+commodore resolved to continue the greatest part of the intermediate
+time on his present station, to the westward of Acapulco, conceiving
+that in this situation there would be less danger of his being seen
+from the shore, which was the only circumstance that could deprive us
+of the immense treasure, on which we had at present so eagerly fixed
+our thoughts. During this interval, we were employed in scrubbing and
+cleansing our ships, in bringing them into their most advantageous
+trim, and in regulating the orders, signals, and stations to be
+observed, when we should arrive off Acapulco, and the time of the
+departure of the galleon should draw nigh.
+
+On the first of March, we made the high lands, usually called the paps
+over Acapulco, and got with all possible expedition into the situation
+prescribed by the commodore's orders. The distribution of our squadron
+on this occasion, both for the intercepting the galleon, and for the
+avoiding a discovery from the shore, was so very judicious, that it
+well merits to be distinctly described.
+
+The Centurion brought the paps over the harbour to bear N.N.E., at
+fifteen leagues distance, which was a sufficient offing to prevent our
+being seen by the enemy. To the westward of the Centurion there was
+stationed the Carmelo, and to the eastward were the Tryal prize, the
+Gloucester, and the Carmin: These were all ranged in a circular line,
+and each ship was three leagues distant from the next; so that the
+Carmelo and the Carmin, which were the two extremes, were twelve
+leagues distant from each other: And as the galleon could, without
+doubt, be discerned at six leagues distance from either extremity,
+the whole sweep of our squadron, within which nothing could pass
+undiscovered, was at least twenty-four leagues in extent; and yet
+we were so connected by our signals, as to be easily and speedily
+informed of what was seen in any part of the line: And, to render this
+disposition still more complete, and to prevent even the possibility
+of the galleon's escaping us in the night, the two cutters belonging
+to the Centurion and the Gloucester were both manned and sent in
+shore; and were ordered to lie all day at the distance of four or five
+leagues from the entrance of the port, where they could not possibly
+be discovered; but they were directed in the night to stand nearer
+to the harbour's mouth, and as the light of the morning came on, to
+return back again to their day-posts. When the cutters should first
+discover the Manilla ship, one of them was to return to the squadron,
+and to make a signal, whether the galleon stood to the eastward or
+to the westward; whilst the other was to follow the galleon at a
+distance, and if it grew dark, to direct the squadron in their chace,
+by shewing false fires.
+
+Besides the care we had taken to prevent the galleon from passing us
+unobserved, we had not been inattentive to the means of engaging her
+to advantage, when we came up with her: For, considering the thinness
+of our hands, and the vaunting accounts given by the Spaniards of her
+size, her guns, and her strength, this was a consideration not to be
+neglected. As we supposed that none of our ships but the Centurion
+and the Gloucester were capable of lying alongside of her, we took
+on board the Centurion all the hands belonging to the Carmelo and the
+Carmin, except what were just sufficient to navigate those ships;
+and Captain Saunders was ordered to send from the Tryal prize
+ten Englishmen, and as many negroes, to reinforce the crew of the
+Gloucester. For the encouragement of our negroes, we promised them,
+that on their good behaviour they should all have their freedom; and
+as they had been almost every day trained to the management of the
+great guns for the two preceding months, they were very well qualified
+to be of service to us; and from their hopes of liberty, and in return
+for the usage they had met with amongst us, they seemed disposed to
+exert themselves to the utmost of their power.
+
+Being thus prepared for the reception of the galleon, we expected,
+with the utmost impatience, the so-often-mentioned third of March, the
+day fixed for her departure. And on that day we were all of us most
+eagerly engaged in looking out towards Acapulco; and we were so
+strangely prepossessed with the certainty of our intelligence, and
+with an assurance of her coming out of port, that some or other of us
+were constantly imagining they discovered one of our cutters returning
+with a signal. But, to our extreme vexation, both this day and the
+succeeding night passed without any news of the galleon: However,
+we did not yet despair, but were all heartily disposed to flatter
+ourselves, that some unforeseen accident had intervened, which might
+have put off her departure for a few days; and suggestions of this
+kind occurred in plenty, as we knew that the time fixed by the viceroy
+for her sailing was often prolonged on the petition of the merchants
+of Mexico. Thus we kept up our hopes, and did not abate of our
+vigilance; and as the 7th of March was Sunday the beginning of
+Passion-week, which is observed by the Papists with great strictness,
+and a total cessation from all kinds of labour, so that no ship is
+permitted to stir out of port during the whole week, this quieted our
+apprehensions for some days, and disposed us not to expect the galleon
+till the week following. On the Friday in this week our cutters
+returned to us, the officers being very confident that the galleon was
+still in port, and that she could not possibly have come out but they
+must have seen her. On the Monday morning succeeding Passion-week,
+that is, on the 15th of March, the cutters were again dispatched
+to their old station, and our hopes were once more indulged in as
+sanguine prepossessions as before; but in a week's time our eagerness
+was greatly abated, and a general dejection and despondency took
+place. It is true, there were some few amongst us who still kept
+up their spirits, and were very ingenious in finding out reasons to
+satisfy themselves, that the disappointment had been occasioned by a
+casual delay of the galleon, which a few days would remove, and not
+by a total suspension of her departure for the whole season: But these
+speculations were not relished by the generality of our people; for
+they were persuaded that the enemy had, by some accident, discovered
+our being upon the coast, and had therefore laid an embargo on the
+galleon till the next year. And indeed this persuasion was but too
+well founded; for we afterwards learnt, that our barge, when sent on
+the discovery of the port of Acapulco, had been seen from the
+shore; and that this circumstance (no embarkations but canoes
+ever frequenting that coast) was to them a sufficient proof of the
+neighbourhood of our squadron; on which they stopped the galleon till
+the succeeding year.
+
+The commodore himself, though he declared not his opinion, was yet in
+his own thoughts very apprehensive that we were discovered, and that
+the departure of the galleon was put off; and he had, in consequence
+of this opinion, formed a plan for possessing himself of Acapulco;
+for he had no doubt that the treasure remained in the town, though the
+orders for dispatching the galleon were countermanded.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: It is unnecessary to detail this plan, as, for sufficient
+reasons soon discovered, it was not attempted to be executed.--E.]
+
+His scheme was formed on a supposition that the galleon was detained
+till the next year; but as this was a matter of opinion only, and not
+founded on intelligence, and there was a possibility that she might
+still put to sea in a short time, the commodore thought it prudent
+to continue his cruise upon this station, as long as the necessary
+attention to his stores of wood and water, and to the convenient
+season for his future passage to China, would give him leave; and
+therefore, as the cutters had been ordered to remain, before Acapulco
+till the 23d of March, the squadron did not change its position till
+that day; when the cutters not appearing, we were in some pain for
+them, apprehending they might have suffered either from the enemy or
+the weather; but we were relieved from our concern the next morning,
+when we discovered them, though at a great distance and to the leeward
+of the squadron: We bore down to them and took them up and were
+informed by them, that, conformable to their orders, they had left
+their station the day before, without having seen any thing of the
+galleon; and we found, that the reason of their being so far to
+the leeward of us was a strong current, which had driven the whole
+squadron to windward.
+
+It afterwards appeared that this prolongation of our cruise was a very
+prudent measure, and afforded us no contemptible chance of seizing the
+treasure, on which we had so long fixed our thoughts. For it seems,
+after the embargo was laid on the galleon, the persons principally
+interested in the cargo sent several expresses to Mexico, to beg
+that she might still be permitted to depart: For as they knew, by the
+accounts sent from Paita, that we had not more than three hundred men
+in all, they insisted that there was nothing to be feared from us;
+for that the galleon (carrying above twice as many hands as our whole
+squadron) would be greatly an overmatch for us. Though the viceroy was
+inflexible; yet, on this representation, she was kept ready for the
+sea for near three weeks after the first order came to detain her.
+
+When we had taken up the cutters, all the ships being joined, the
+commodore made a signal to speak with their commanders; and upon
+enquiry into the stock of fresh water remaining on board the squadron,
+it was found to be so very slender, that we were under a necessity of
+quitting our station to procure a fresh supply. It was agreed, that
+the harbour of Seguataneo or Chequetan being the nearest to us, was,
+on that account, the most eligible; it was therefore immediately
+resolved to make the best of our way thither: And that, even while
+we were recruiting our water, we might not abandon our views upon the
+galleon, which perhaps, upon certain intelligence of our ship being
+employed at Chequetan, might venture to slip out to sea; our cutter,
+under the command of Mr Hughes, the lieutenant of the Tryal prize, was
+ordered to cruise off the port of Acapulco for twenty-four days, that
+if the galleon should set sail in that interval, we might be speedily
+informed of it. In pursuance of these resolutions we endeavoured
+to ply to the westward, to gain our intended port, but were often
+interrupted in our progress by calms and adverse currents: In these
+intervals we employed ourselves in taking out the most valuable part
+of the cargoes of the Carmelo and Carmin prizes, which two ships we
+intended to destroy as soon as we had tolerably cleared them. By the
+first of April we were so far advanced towards Seguataneo, that we
+thought it expedient to send out two boats, that they might range
+along the coast, and discover the watering-place; they were gone some
+days, and our water being now very short, it was a particular felicity
+to us that we met with daily supplies of turtle, for had we been
+entirely confined to salt provisions, we must have suffered
+extremely in so warm a climate. Indeed our present circumstances were
+sufficiently alarming, and gave the most considerate amongst us
+as much concern as any of the numerous perils we had hitherto
+encountered; for our boats, as we conceived by their not returning,
+had not as yet discovered a place proper to water at, and by the
+leakage of our cask and other accidents, we had not ten days water
+on board the whole squadron; so that from the known difficulty of
+procuring water on this coast, and the little reliance we had on
+the Buccaneer writers, (the only guides we had to trust to) we were
+apprehensive of being soon exposed to a calamity, the most terrible
+of any in the long disheartening catalogue of the distresses of a
+sea-faring life.
+
+But these gloomy suggestions were soon happily ended; for our boats
+returned on the 5th of April, having discovered a place proper for our
+purpose, about seven miles to the westward of the rocks of Seguataneo,
+which, by the description they gave of it, appeared to be the port
+called by Dampier the harbour of Chequetan. They were ordered out
+again the next day, to sound the harbour and its entrance, which they
+had represented as very narrow. At their return they reported the
+place to be free from any danger; so that on the 7th we stood in, and
+that evening came to an anchor in eleven fathom. The Gloucester came
+to an anchor at the same time with us; but the Camelo and the Carmin
+having fallen to leeward, the Tryal prize was ordered to join them,
+and to bring them in, which in two or three days she effected.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII.
+
+_A short Account of Chequetan, and of the adjacent Coast and Country._
+
+The harbour of Chequetan lies in the latitude of 17° 36' N. and is
+about thirty leagues to the westward of Acapulco. It is easy to
+be discovered by any ship that will keep well in with the land,
+especially by such as range down coast from Acapulco, and will attend
+to the following particulars.
+
+There is a beach of sand which extends eighteen leagues from the
+harbour of Acapulco to the westward, against which the sea breaks with
+such violence that it is impossible to land in any part of it; but yet
+the ground is so clean; that ships, in the fair season, may anchor in
+great safety at the distance of a mile or two from the shore. The land
+adjacent to this beach is generally low, full of villages, and planted
+with a great number of trees; and on the tops of some small eminencies
+there are several look-out towers, so that the face of the country
+affords a very agreeable prospect: For the cultivated part, which is
+the part here described, extends some leagues back from the shore, and
+there appears to be bounded by the chain of mountains, which stretch
+to a considerable distance on either side of Acapulco. It is a most
+remarkable particularity, that in this whole extent, being, as hath
+been mentioned, eighteen leagues, and containing, in appearance, the
+most populous and best planted district of the whole coast, there
+should be neither canoes, boats, nor any other embarkations either for
+fishing, coasting, or for pleasure.
+
+The beach here described is the surest guide for finding the harbour
+of Chequetan; for five miles to the westward of the extremity of this
+beach there appears a hummock, which at first makes like an island,
+and is in shape not very unlike the hill of Petaplan, hereafter
+mentioned, though much smaller. Three miles to the westward of this
+hummock is a white rock lying near the shore, which cannot easily be
+passed by unobserved; it is about two cables length from the land,
+and lies in a large bay about nine leagues over. The westward point
+of this bay is the hill of Petaplan. This hill, like the forementioned
+hummock, may be at first mistaken for an island, though it be, in
+reality, a peninsula, which is joined to the continent by a low and
+narrow isthmus, covered over with shrubs and small trees. The bay of
+Seguataneo extends from this hill a great way to the westward; and at
+a small distance from the hill, and opposite to the entrance of
+the bay, there is an assemblage of rocks, which are white, from the
+excrements of boobies and tropical birds. Four of these rocks are high
+and large, and, together with several other smaller ones, are, by
+the help of a little imagination, pretended to resemble the form of a
+cross, and are called the White Friars. These rocks bear W. by N.
+from Petaplan, and about seven miles to the westward of them lies the
+harbour of Chequetan, which is still more minutely distinguished by a
+large and single rock, that rises out of the water a mile and a half
+distant from its entrance, and bears S. 1/2 W. from the middle of
+it.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: In the original are references to some plates, which
+cannot be given in this work.--E.]
+
+These are the infallible marks by which the harbour of Chequetan may
+be known to those who keep well in with the land; and I must add, that
+the coast is no ways to be dreaded from the middle of October to the
+beginning of May, nor is there then any danger from the winds, though
+in the remaining part of the year there are frequent and violent
+tornadoes, heavy rains, and hard gales, in all directions of the
+compass. But as to those who keep at any considerable distance from
+the coast, there is no other method to be taken by them for finding
+this harbour than that of making it by its latitude; for there are so
+many ranges of mountains rising one upon the back of another within
+land, that no drawings of the appearance of the coast can be at all
+depended on when off at sea, for every little change of distance, or
+variation of position, brings new mountains in view, and produces an
+infinity of different prospects, which would render all attempts of
+delineating the aspect of the coast impossible.
+
+The harbour is environed on all sides, except to the westward, with
+high mountains overspread with trees. The passage into it is very safe
+on either side of the rock that lies off the mouth of it, though we,
+both in coming in and going out, left it to the eastward. The ground
+without the harbour is gravel mixed with stones, but within it is soft
+mud: And it must be remembered, that in coming to an anchor a good
+allowance should be made for a large swell, which frequently causes a
+great send of the sea; as likewise for the ebbing and flowing of the
+tide, which we observed to be about five feet, and that it set nearly
+E. and W.
+
+The watering-place had the appearance of a large standing lake,
+without any visible outlet into the sea, from which it is separated
+by a part of the strand. The origin of this lake is a spring, that
+bubbles out of the ground near half a mile within the country. We
+found the water a little brackish, but more considerably so towards
+the sea-side, for the nearer we advanced towards the spring-head,
+the softer and fresher it proved: This laid us under a necessity
+of filling all our casks from the furthest part of the lake, and
+occasioned us some trouble, and would have proved still more difficult
+had it not been for our particular management, which, for the
+conveniency of it, deserves to be recommended to all who shall
+hereafter water at this place. Our method consisted in making use of
+canoes which drew but little water; for, loading them with a number of
+small casks, they easily got up the lake to the spring-head, and the
+small casks being there filled, were in the same manner transported
+back again to the beach, where some of our hands always attended to
+start them into other casks of a larger size.
+
+Though this lake, during our continuance there, appeared to have no
+outlet into the sea, yet there is reason to suppose that in the wet
+season it overflows the strand, and communicates with the ocean; for
+Dampier, who was formerly here, speaks of it as a large river. Indeed,
+there must be a very great body of water amassed before the lake can
+rise high enough to overflow the strand, for the neighbouring country
+is so low, that great part of it must be covered with water before it
+can run out over the beach.
+
+As the country in the neighbourhood, particularly the tract which we
+have already described, appeared to be well peopled and cultivated, we
+hoped thence to have procured fresh provision and other refreshments
+which we stood in need of. With this view, the morning after we came
+to an anchor, the commodore ordered a party of forty men, well armed,
+to march into the country, and to endeavour to discover some town
+or village, where they were to attempt a correspondence with the
+inhabitants; for we doubted not if we could have any intercourse with
+them, but that by presents of some of the coarse merchandise, with
+which our prizes abounded (which, though of little consequence to us,
+would to them be extremely valuable,) we should allure them to furnish
+us with whatever fruits or fresh provisions were in their power. Our
+people were directed on this occasion to proceed with the greatest
+circumspection, and to make as little ostentation of hostility as
+possible; for we were sensible that we could meet with no wealth here
+worth our notice, and that what necessaries we really wanted we
+should in all probability be better supplied with by an open amicable
+traffic, than by violence and force of arms. But this endeavour of
+opening an intercourse with the inhabitants proved ineffectual, for
+towards evening, the party which had been ordered to march into the
+country, returned greatly fatigued with their unusual exercise, and
+some of them so far spent as to have fainted by the way, and to be
+obliged to be brought back upon the shoulders of their companions.
+They had marched in all, as they conceived, about ten miles, in a
+beaten road, where they often saw the fresh dung of horses or mules.
+When they had got about five miles from the harbour, the road divided
+between the mountains into two branches, one running to the east and
+the other to the west. After some deliberation about the course they
+should take, they agreed to pursue the eastern road, which, when they
+had followed for some time, led them at once into a large plain or
+savannah; on one side of which they discovered a centinel on horseback
+with a pistol in his hand: It was supposed that when they first saw
+him he was asleep, but his horse startled at the glittering of their
+arms, and, turning round suddenly, rode off with his master, who was
+very near being unhorsed in the surprise, but he recovered his seat,
+and escaped with the loss of his hat and his pistol, which he dropped
+on the ground. Our people ran after him, in hopes of discovering
+some village or habitation, but as he had the advantage of being on
+horseback, they soon lost sight of him. However, they were unwilling
+to come back without making some discovery, and therefore still
+followed the track they were in; but the heat of the day increasing,
+and finding no water to quench their thirst, they were first obliged
+to halt, and then resolved to return; for, as they saw no signs of
+plantations or cultivated land, they had no reason to believe that
+there was any village or settlement near them: But, to leave no means
+untried of procuring some intercourse with the people, the
+officers stuck up several poles in the road, to which were affixed
+declarations, written in Spanish, encouraging the inhabitants to
+come down to the harbour and to traffic with us, giving the strongest
+assurances of a kind reception, and faithful payment for any
+provisions they should bring us. This was doubtless a very prudent
+measure, but it produced no effect; for we never saw any of them
+during the whole time of our continuance at this port of Chequetan.
+But had our men, upon the division of the path, taken the western road
+instead of the eastern, it would soon have led them to a village or
+town, which, in some Spanish manuscripts, is mentioned as being in
+the neighbourhood of this port, and which we afterwards learnt was not
+above two miles from that turning.
+
+And on this occasion I cannot help mentioning another adventure which
+happened to some of our people in the bay of Petaplan, as it may help
+to give the reader a just idea of the temper of the inhabitants of
+this part of the world. Some time after our arrival at Chequetan,
+Lieutenant Brett was sent by the commodore, with two of our boats
+under his command, to examine the coast to the eastward, particularly
+to make observations on the bay and watering-place of Petaplan. As Mr
+Brett with one of the boats was preparing to go on shore towards the
+hill of Petaplan, he, accidentally looking across the bay, perceived,
+on the opposite strand, three small squadrons of horse parading upon
+the beach, and seeming to advance towards the place where he proposed
+to land. On sight of this he immediately put off the boat, though he
+had but sixteen men with him, and stood over the bay towards them; and
+he soon came near enough to perceive that they were mounted on very
+sightly horses, and were armed with carbines and lances. On seeing him
+make towards them they formed upon the beach, and seemed resolved to
+dispute his landing, firing several distant shot at him as he drew
+near; till at last, the boat being arrived within a reasonable
+distance of the most advanced squadron, Mr Brett ordered his people
+to fire, upon which this resolute cavalry instantly ran in great
+confusion into the wood. In this precipitate flight one of their
+horses fell down and threw his rider; but whether he was wounded or
+not we could not learn, for both man and horse soon got up again, and
+followed the rest. In the mean time the other two squadrons, who were
+drawn up at a great distance behind, out of the reach of our shot,
+were calm spectators of the rout of their comrades; for they had
+halted on our first approach, and never advanced afterwards. It was,
+doubtless, fortunate for our people that the enemy acted with so
+little prudence, and exerted so little spirit, for had they concealed
+themselves till our men had landed, it is scarcely possible but
+the whole boat's crew must have fallen into their hands, since the
+Spaniards were not much short of two hundred in number. However,
+the discovery of so considerable a force collected in this bay of
+Petaplan, obliged us constantly to keep a boat or two before it; for
+we were apprehensive that the cutter, which we had left to cruise off
+Acapulco, might, on her return, be surprised by the enemy, if she did
+not receive timely information of her danger.
+
+After our unsuccessful attempt to engage the people of the country
+to furnish us with the necessaries we wanted, we were obliged to be
+contented with what we could procure in the neighbourhood of the
+port. We caught fish here in tolerable quantities, especially when the
+smoothness of the water permitted us to hale the seyne. Amongst the
+rest, we got here cavallies, breams, mullets, soles, fiddle-fish, sea
+eggs, and lobsters; and here, and in no other place, met with that
+extraordinary fish called the Torpedo, or numbing fish, which is in
+shape very like the fiddle-fish, and is not to be known from it but by
+a brown circular spot of about the bigness of a crown-piece near the
+centre of its back; perhaps its figure will be better understood when
+I say it is a flat fish, much resembling the thorn-back. This fish is
+of a most singular nature, productive of the strangest effects on the
+human body; for whoever handles it, or happens even to set his foot
+upon it, is presently seized with a numbness all over him, but more
+distinguishable in that limb which was in immediate contact with it.
+The same effect, too, will be, in some degree, produced by touching
+the fish, with any thing held in the hand; for I myself had a
+considerable degree of numbness conveyed to my right arm through a
+walking cane, which I rested on the body of the fish for some time,
+and I make no doubt but I should have been much more sensibly affected
+had not the fish been near expiring when I made the experiment: For it
+is observable that this influence acts with most vigour when the fish
+is first taken out of the water, and entirely ceases when it is
+dead, so that it may be then handled, or even eaten, without any
+inconvenience. I shall only add that the numbness of my arm on
+this occasion did not go off on a sudden, as the accounts of some
+naturalists gave me reason to expect, but diminished gradually, so
+that I had some sensation of it remaining till the next day.
+
+To the account given of the fish we met with here, I must add, that
+though turtle now grew scarce, and we met with none in this harbour of
+Chequetan, yet our boats, which, as I have mentioned, were stationed
+off Petaplan, often supplied us therewith; and though this was a food
+that we had now been so long as it were confined to, (for it was the
+only fresh provisions which we had tasted for near six months,) yet we
+were far from being cloyed with it, or finding that the relish we had
+of it at all diminished.
+
+The animals we met with on shore were principally guanos, with which
+the country abounds, and which are by some reckoned delicious food.
+We saw no beasts of prey here, except alligators, several of which
+our people discovered, but none of them very large. However, we were
+satisfied there were tygers in the woods, though none of them came in
+sight; for we every morning found the beach near the watering-place
+imprinted with their footsteps: But we never apprehended any mischief
+from them, for they are by no means so fierce as the Asiatic or
+African tyger, and are rarely, if ever, known to attack mankind. Birds
+were in sufficient plenty, especially pheasants of different kinds,
+some of them of an uncommon size, but they were very dry and tasteless
+food. Besides these we had a variety of smaller birds, particularly
+parrots, which we often killed for food.
+
+The fruits and vegetable refreshments at this place were neither
+plentiful, nor of the best kinds: There were, it is true, a few
+bushes scattered about the woods, which supplied us with limes, but we
+scarcely could procure enough for our present use; and these, with
+a small plumb of an agreeable acid, called in Jamaica the hog-plumb,
+together with another fruit called a papah, were the only fruits to be
+found in the woods. Nor is there any other useful vegetable here worth
+mentioning, except brook-lime: This indeed grew in great quantities
+near the fresh-water banks; and, as it was esteemed an antiscorbutic,
+we fed upon it frequently, though its extreme bitterness made it very
+unpalatable.
+
+By all that has been said, it will appear that the conveniences of
+this port of Chequetan, particularly in the articles of refreshment,
+are not altogether such as might be desired: But, upon the whole, it
+is a place of considerable consequence, as the only secure harbour in
+a vast extent of coast, except Acapulco.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII.
+
+_Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and on the adjacent Coast, till
+our setting sail for Asia._
+
+The next morning, after our coming to an anchor in the harbour of
+Chequetan, we sent about ninety of our men well armed on shore, forty
+of whom were ordered to march into the country, as has been mentioned,
+and the remaining fifty were employed to cover the watering-place, and
+to prevent any interruption from the natives.
+
+Here it was agreed, after mature consultation, to destroy the Tryal's
+prize, as well as the Carmelo and Carmin whose fate had been before
+resolved on. Indeed the ship was in good repair and fit for the sea;
+but as the whole numbers onboard our squadron did not amount to the
+complement of a fourth-rate man of war, we found it was impossible
+to divide them into three ships, without rendering them incapable
+of navigating in safety in the tempestuous weather we had reason to
+expect on the coast of China, where we supposed we should arrive about
+the time of the change of the monsoons.
+
+During our stay here there happened an incident, which, as it proved
+the means of convincing our friends in England of our safety, which
+for some time they were in doubt about, I shall beg leave particularly
+to recite. I have observed, that from this harbour of Chequetan there
+was but one path-way which led through the woods into the country.
+This we found much beaten, and were thence convinced that it was well
+known to the inhabitants. As it passed by the spring-head, and was
+the only avenue by which the Spaniards could approach us, we, at some
+distance beyond the spring-head, felled several large trees, and laid
+them one upon the other across the path; and at this barricado we
+constantly kept a guard: And we besides ordered our men employed in
+watering to have their arms ready, and, in case of any alarm, to march
+instantly to this post. Though our principal intention was to prevent
+our being disturbed by any sudden attack of the enemy's horse, yet it
+answered another purpose, which was not in itself less important; this
+was to hinder our own people from straggling singly into the country,
+where we had reason to believe they would be surprised by the
+Spaniards, who would doubtless be extremely solicitous to pick up some
+of them, in hopes of getting intelligence of our future designs.
+To avoid this inconvenience, the strictest orders were given to the
+centinels, to let no person whatever pass beyond their post: But,
+notwithstanding this precaution, we missed one Lewis Leger, who was
+the commodore's cook; and as he was a Frenchman, and suspected to be
+a papist, it was by some imagined that he had deserted with a view
+of betraying all that he knew to the enemy; but this appeared by the
+event to be an ill-grounded surmise, for it was afterwards known
+that he had been taken by some Indians, who carried him prisoner to
+Acapulco, from whence he was transferred, to Mexico, and then to Vera
+Cruz, where he was shipped on board a vessel bound to Old Spain: And
+the vessel being obliged by some accident to put into Lisbon, Leger
+escaped on shore, and was by the British consul sent from thence to
+England; where he brought the first authentic account of the safety of
+the commodore, and of what he had done in the South Seas. The relation
+he gave of his own seizure was, that he had rambled into the woods
+at some distance from the barricade, where he had first attempted to
+pass, but had been stopped and threatened to be punished; that his
+principal view was to get a quantity of limes for his master's store;
+and that in this occupation he was surprised by four Indians, who
+stripped him naked, and carried him in that condition to Acapulco,
+exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, which at that time of the
+year shone with its greatest violence: And afterwards at Mexico his
+treatment in prison was sufficiently severe, and the whole course
+of his captivity was a continued instance of the hatred which the
+Spaniards bear to all those who endeavour to disturb them in the
+peaceable possession of the coasts of the South Seas. Indeed, Leger's
+fortune was upon the whole extremely singular; for after the hazards
+he had run in the commodore's squadron, and the severities he had
+suffered in his long confinement amongst the enemy, a more fatal
+disaster attended him on his return to England: For though, when he
+arrived in London, some of Mr Anson's friends interested themselves in
+relieving him from the poverty to which his captivity had reduced him,
+yet he did not long enjoy the benefit of their humanity, for he was
+killed in an insignificant night brawl, the cause of which could
+scarcely be discovered.
+
+And here I must observe, that though the enemy never appeared in sight
+during our stay in this harbour; yet we perceived that there were
+large parties encamped in the woods about us; for we could see their
+smokes, and could thence determine that they were posted in a circular
+line surrounding us at a distance; and just before our coming away
+they seemed, by the increase of their fires, to have received a
+considerable reinforcement.
+
+Towards the latter end of April, the unloading of our three prizes,
+our wooding and watering, and, in short, all our proposed employments
+at the harbour of Chequetan were completed: So that, on the 27th of
+April, the Tryal's prize, the Carmelo, and the Carmin, all which we
+intended to destroy, were towed on shore and scuttled, and a quantity
+of combustible materials were distributed in their upper works; and
+the next morning the Centurion and the Gloucester weighed anchor, but
+as there was but little wind, and that not in their favour, they were
+obliged to warp out of the harbour. When they had reached the offing,
+one of the boats was dispatched back again to set fire to our prize,
+which was accordingly executed. And a canoe was left fixed to a
+grapnel in the middle of the harbour, with a bottle in it well corked,
+inclosing a letter to Mr Hughes, who commanded the cutter, which was
+ordered to cruise before the port of Acapulco, when we came off that
+station. And on this occasion I must mention more particularly than I
+have yet done, the views of the commodore in leaving the cutter before
+that port.
+
+When we were necessitated to make for Chequetan to take in our water,
+Mr Anson considered that our being in that harbour would soon be known
+at Acapulco; and therefore he hoped, that on the intelligence of our
+being employed in port, the galleon might put to sea, especially as
+Chequetan is so very remote from the course generally steered by the
+galleon: He therefore ordered the cutter to cruise twenty-four
+days off the port of Acapulco, and her commander was directed, on
+perceiving the galleon under sail, to make the best of his way to the
+commodore at Chequetan. As the Centurion was doubtless a much better
+sailer than the galleon, Mr Anson in this case resolved to have got
+to sea as soon as possible, and to have pursued the galleon across the
+Pacific Ocean: And supposing he should not have met with her in his
+passage, (which considering that he would have kept nearly the same
+parallel, was not very improbable,) yet he was certain of arriving
+off Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal, before her; and that
+being the first land she makes on her return to the Philippines, we
+could not have failed to have fallen in with her, by cruising a few
+days in that station. But the viceroy of Mexico ruined this project by
+keeping the galleon in the port of Acapulco all that year.
+
+The letter left in the canoe for Mr Hughes, the commander of the
+cutter, the time of whose return was now considerably elapsed,
+directed him to go back immediately to his former station before
+Acapulco, where he would find Mr Anson, who resolved to cruise for him
+there for a certain number of days; after which it was added, that
+the commodore would return to the southward to join the rest of the
+squadron. This last article was inserted to deceive the Spaniards, if
+they got possession of the canoe, (as we afterwards learnt they did)
+but could not impose on Mr Hughes, who well knew that the commodore
+had no squadron to join, nor any intention of steering back to Peru.
+
+Being now in the offing of Chequetan, bound cross the vast Pacific
+Ocean in our way to China, we were impatient to run off the coast as
+soon as possible; for as the stormy season was approaching apace, and
+as we had no further views in the American seas, we had hoped that
+nothing would have prevented us from standing to the westward, the
+moment we got out of the harbour of Chequetan: And it was no small
+mortification to us, that our necessary employment there had detained
+us so much longer than we expected; and now we were farther detained
+by the absence of the cutter, and the standing towards Acapulco in
+search of her. Indeed, as the time of her cruise had been expired near
+a fortnight, we suspected that she had been discovered from the shore;
+and that the governor of Acapulco had thereupon sent out a force to
+seize her, which, as she carried but six hands, was no very difficult
+enterprize. However, this being only conjecture, the commodore, as
+soon as we got clear of the harbour of Chequetan, stood along the
+coast to the eastward in search of her: And to prevent her from
+passing by us in the dark, we brought to every night; and the
+Gloucester, whose station was a league within us towards the shore,
+carried a light which the cutter could not but perceive if she kept
+along shore, as we supposed she would do; and as a farther security,
+the Centurion and the Gloucester alternately showed two false fires
+every half hour.
+
+By Sunday, the 2d of May, we were advanced within three leagues of
+Acapulco, and having seen nothing of our boat, we gave her over for
+lost, which, besides the compassionate concern for our shipmates, and
+for what it was apprehended they might have suffered, was in itself
+a misfortune in our present scarcity of hands, we were all greatly
+interested in: For the crew of the cutter, consisting of six men and
+the lieutenant, were the very flower of our people, purposely picked
+out for this service, and known to be every one of them of tried
+and approved resolution, and as skilful seamen as ever trod a deck.
+However, as it was the general belief among us that they were taken
+and carried into Acapulco, the commodore's prudence suggested a
+project which we hoped would recover them. This was founded on our
+having many Spanish and Indian prisoners in our possession, and
+a number of sick negroes, who could be of no service to us in the
+navigating of the ship. The commodore therefore wrote a letter the
+same day to the governor of Acapulco, telling him that he would
+release them all, provided the governor returned the cutter's crew;
+and the letter was dispatched the same afternoon by a Spanish officer,
+of whose honour we had a good opinion, and who was furnished with
+a launch belonging to one of our prizes, and a crew of six other
+prisoners who all gave their parole for their return. The officer,
+besides the commodore's letter, carried with him a petition signed by
+all the prisoners, beseeching his excellency to acquiesce in the terms
+proposed. From a consideration of the number of our prisoners, and
+the quality of some of them, we did not doubt but the governor would
+readily comply, and therefore we kept plying on and off the whole
+night, intending to keep well in with the land, that we might receive
+an answer at the limited time, which was the next day, being Monday:
+But both on the Monday and Tuesday we were driven so far off shore,
+that we could not hope to receive any answer; and on the Wednesday
+morning we found ourselves fourteen leagues from the harbour of
+Acapulco; but as the wind was now favourable, we pressed forwards with
+all our sail, and did not doubt of getting in with the land in a
+few hours. Whilst we were thus standing in, the man at the mast-head
+called out that he saw a boat under sail at a considerable distance
+to the south-eastward: This we took for granted was the answer of the
+governor to the commodore's message, and we instantly edged towards
+it; but when we drew nearer, we found to our unspeakable joy that it
+was our own cutter. While she was still at a distance, we imagined
+that she had been discharged out of the port of Acapulco by the
+governor; but when she drew nearer, the wan and meagre countenances of
+the crew, the length of their beards, and the feeble and hollow tone
+of their voices, convinced us that they had suffered much greater
+hardships than could be expected from even the severities of a
+Spanish prison. They were obliged to be helped into the ship, and were
+immediately put to bed, and with rest, and nourishing diet, which
+they were plentifully supplied with, from the commodore's table, they
+recovered their health and vigour apace. We learnt that they had kept
+the sea the whole time of their absence; that when they finished their
+cruise before Acapulco, and had just begun to ply to the westward in
+order to join the squadron, a strong adverse current had forced them
+down the coast to the eastward in spite of all their efforts; that at
+length their water being all expended, they were obliged to search
+the coast farther on to the eastward, in quest of some convenient
+landing-place, where they might get a fresh supply; that in this
+distress they ran upwards of eighty leagues to leeward, and found
+every where so large a surf, that there was not the least possibility
+of their landing; that they passed some days in this dreadful
+situation without water, and having no other means left them to allay
+their thirst than sucking the blood of the turtle which they caught;
+and at last, giving up all hopes of relief, the heat of the climate
+augmenting their necessities, and rendering their sufferings
+insupportable, they abandoned themselves to despair, fully persuaded
+that they should perish by the most terrible of all deaths; but that
+they were soon after happily relieved by a most unexpected incident,
+for there fell so heavy a rain, that by spreading their sails
+horizontally, and by putting bullets in the centres of them to draw
+them to a point, they caught as much water as filled all their casks;
+that immediately upon this fortunate supply they stood to the westward
+in quest of the commodore; and being now luckily favoured by a strong
+current, they joined us in less than fifty hours, from the time
+they stood to the westward, after having been absent from us full
+forty-three days. Those who have an idea of the inconsiderable size of
+a cutter belonging to a sixty-gun ship, (being only an open boat
+about twenty-two feet in length,) and who will attend to the various
+accidents to which she was exposed during a six weeks continuance
+alone, in the open ocean, on so impracticable and dangerous a coast,
+will readily own that her return to us, after all the difficulties
+which she actually experienced, and the hazards to which she was each
+hour exposed, was little short of miraculous.
+
+I cannot finish this article without remarking how little reliance
+navigators ought to have on the accounts of the Buccaneer writers:
+For though in this run eighty leagues to the eastward of Acapulco,
+she found no place where it was possible for a boat to land, yet
+those writers have not been ashamed to feign harbours and convenient
+watering-places within these limits, thereby exposing such as should
+confide in their relations to the risk of being destroyed by thirst.
+
+Having received our cutter, the sole object of our coming a second
+time before Acapulco, the commodore resolved not to lose a moment's
+time longer, but to run off the coast with the utmost expedition, both
+as the stormy season on the coast of Mexico was now approaching apace,
+and as we were apprehensive of having the westerly monsoon to struggle
+with when we came upon the coast of China; and therefore he no longer
+stood towards Acapulco, as he now wanted no answer from the governor;
+but yet he resolved not to deprive his prisoners of the liberty which
+he had promised them; so that they were all immediately embarked in
+two launches which belonged to our prizes, those from the Centurion in
+one launch, and those from the Gloucester in the other. The launches
+were well equipped with masts, sails, and oars, and, lest the wind
+might prove unfavourable, they had a stock of water and provisions
+put on board them sufficient for fourteen days. There were discharged
+thirty-nine persons from on board the Centurion, and eighteen from the
+Gloucester, the greatest part of them Spaniards, the rest Indians and
+sick negroes: But as our crews were very weak, we kept the mulattoes
+and some of the stoutest of the negroes, with a few Indians, to assist
+us; but we dismissed every Spanish prisoner whatever. We have since
+learnt, that these two launches arrived safe at Acapulco, where the
+prisoners could not enough extol the humanity with which they had been
+treated; and that the governor, before their arrival, had returned a
+very obliging answer to the commodore's letter, and had attended it
+with a present of two boats laden with the choicest refreshments and
+provisions which were to be got at Acapulco; but that these boats
+not having found our ships, were at length obliged to put back again,
+after having thrown all their provisions overboard in a storm which
+threatened their destruction.
+
+The sending away our prisoners was our last transaction on the
+American coast; for no sooner had we parted with them, than we and the
+Gloucester made sail to the S.W., proposing to get a good offing from
+the land, where we hoped, in a few days, to meet with the regular
+trade-wind, which the accounts of former navigators had represented as
+much brisker and steadier in this ocean, than in any other part of the
+globe: For it has been esteemed no uncommon passage to run from
+hence to the eastermost parts of Asia in two months; and we flattered
+ourselves that we were as capable of making an expeditious passage as
+any ships that had ever run this course before us; so that we hoped
+soon to gain the coast of China, for which we were now bound. And
+conformable to the general idea of this navigation given by former
+voyagers, we considered it as free from all kinds of embarrassment of
+bad weather, fatigue, or sickness; and consequently we undertook it
+with alacrity, especially as it was no contemptible step towards oar
+arrival at our native country, for which many of us by this time began
+to have great longings. Thus, on the 6th of May, we, for the last
+time, lost sight of the mountains of Mexico, persuaded, that in a
+few weeks we should arrive at the river of Canton in China, where
+we expected to meet with many English ships, and numbers of our
+countrymen; and hoped to enjoy the advantages of an amicable,
+well-frequented port, inhabited by a polished people, and abounding
+with the conveniences and indulgences of a civilized life, which for
+near twenty months had never been once in our power.
+
+[It is judged advisable to omit altogether the next section of the
+original, as occupied by mere reckoning on the advantages "which might
+have been expected from the squadron, had it arrived in the South Seas
+in good time." They are in part specified at the beginning.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV.
+
+_The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the Ladrones or Marian Islands._
+
+When we left the coast of America, we stood to the S.W. with a view
+of meeting with the N.E. trade-wind, which the accounts of former
+writers made us expect at seventy or eighty leagues distance from the
+land: We had another reason for standing to the southward, which was
+the getting into the latitude of 13° or 14° north; that being
+the parallel where the Pacific Ocean is most usually crossed, and
+consequently where the navigation is esteemed the safest: This last
+purpose we had soon answered, being in a day or two sufficiently
+advanced to the south. At the same time we were also farther from the
+shore, than we had presumed was necessary for the falling in with
+the trade-wind: But in this particular we were most grievously
+disappointed; for the wind still continued to the westward, or at best
+variable. As the getting into the N.E. trade-wind, was to us a matter
+of the last consequence, we stood more to the southward, and made many
+experiments to meet with it; but it was seven weeks, from our leaving
+the coast, before we got into it. This was an interval, in which we
+believed we should well nigh have reached the easternmost parts of
+Asia: But we were so baffled with the contrary and variable winds,
+which for all that time perplexed us, that we were not as yet advanced
+above a fourth part of the way. The delay alone would have been a
+sufficient mortification; but there were other circumstances
+attending it, which rendered this situation not less terrible, and
+our apprehensions perhaps still greater than in any of our past
+distresses. For our two ships were by this time extremely crazy;
+and many days had not passed, before we discovered a spring in the
+fore-mast of the Centurion, which rounded about twenty-six inches of
+its circumference, and which was judged to be at least four inches
+deep: And no sooner had our carpenters secured this with fishing it,
+but the Gloucester made a signal of distress; and we learnt that
+she had a dangerous spring in her main-mast, twelve feet below the
+trussel-trees; so that she could not carry any sail upon it. Our
+carpenters, on a strict examination of this mast, found it so very
+rotten and decayed, that they judged it necessary to cut it down as
+low as it appeared to have been injured; and by this it was reduced to
+nothing but a stump, which served only as a step to the topmast. These
+accidents augmented our delay, and occasioned us great anxiety about
+our future security: For on our leaving the coast of Mexico, the
+scurvy had begun to make its appearance again amongst our people;
+though from our departure from Juan Fernandes we had till then enjoyed
+a most uninterrupted state of health. We too well knew the effects of
+this disease, from our former fatal experience, to suppose that any
+thing but a speedy passage could secure the greater part of our crew
+from perishing by it: And as, after-being seven weeks at sea, there
+did not appear any reasons that could persuade us we were nearer the
+trade-wind than when we first set out, there was no ground for us to
+suppose but our passage would prove at least three times as long as
+we at first expected; and consequently we had the melancholy prospect,
+either of dying by the scurvy, or perishing with the ship for want of
+hands to navigate her. Indeed, some amongst us were at first willing
+to believe, that in this warm climate, so different from what we felt
+in passing round Cape Horn, the violence of this disease, and its
+fatality, might be in some degree mitigated; as it had not been
+unusual to suppose that its particular virulence in that passage
+was in a great measure owing to the severity of the weather; but the
+havock of the distemper, in our present circumstances, soon convinced
+us of the falsity of this speculation; as it likewise exploded some
+other opinions, which usually pass current about the cause and nature
+of this disease.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Some remarks respecting the nature and treatment of
+this disease are now given in the original, but being imperfect and
+conjectural, are omitted here.--E.]
+
+Our surgeon (who, during our passage round Cape Horn, had ascribed the
+mortality we suffered to the severity of the climate) exerted himself
+in the present run to the utmost, and at last declared, that all his
+measures were totally ineffectual, and did not in the least avail his
+patients. When we reached the trade-wind, and it settled between the
+north and the east, yet it seldom blew with so much strength, but
+the Centurion might have carried all her small sails abroad with the
+greatest safety; so that now, had we been a single ship, we might
+have run down our longitude apace, and have reached the Ladrones soon
+enough to have recovered great numbers of our men, who afterwards
+perished. But the Gloucester, by the loss of her main-mast, sailed so
+very heavily, that we had seldom any more than our top-sails set, and
+yet were frequently obliged to lie to for her: And, I conceive, that
+in the whole we lost little less than a month by our attendance upon
+her, in consequence of the various mischances she encountered. In all
+this run it was remarkable, that we were rarely many days together,
+without seeing great numbers of birds; which is a proof that there
+are many islands, or at least rocks, scattered all along, at no very
+considerable distance from our track. Some indeed there are marked in
+a Spanish chart; but the frequency of the birds seems to evince,
+that there are many more than have been hitherto discovered: For the
+greatest part of the birds we observed were such as are known to roost
+on shore; and the manner of their appearance sufficiently made out,
+that they came from some distant haunt every morning, and returned
+thither again in the evening; for we never saw them early or late;
+and the hour of their arrival and departure gradually varied, which we
+supposed was occasioned by our running nearer their haunts, or getting
+farther from them.
+
+The trade-wind continued to favour us without any fluctuation, from
+the end of June till towards the end of July. But on the 26th of July,
+being then, as we esteemed, about three hundred leagues distant from
+the Ladrones, we met with a westerly wind, which did not come about
+again to the eastward in four days time. This was a most dispiriting
+incident, as it at once damped all our hopes of speedy relief,
+especially too as it was attended with a vexatious accident to the
+Gloucester: For in one part of these four days the wind-flatted to a
+calm, and the ships rolled very deep; by which means the Gloucester's
+forecap split, and her top-mast came by the board, and broke her
+fore-yard directly in the slings. As she was hereby rendered incapable
+of making any sail for some time, we were obliged, as soon as a gale
+sprung up, to take her in tow; and near twenty of the healthiest and
+ablest of our seamen were taken from the business of our own ship, and
+were employed for eight or ten days together on board the Gloucester
+in repairing her damages: But these things, mortifying as we thought
+them, were but the beginning of our disasters; for scarce had our
+people finished their business in the Gloucester, before we met with
+a most violent storm in the western board, which obliged us to lie to.
+In the beginning of this storm our ship sprung a leak, and let in
+so much water, that all our people, officers included, were employed
+continually in working the pumps: And the next day we had the vexation
+to see the Gloucester, with her top-mast once more by the board; and
+whilst we were viewing her with great concern for this new distress,
+we saw her main-top mast, which had hitherto served as a jury
+main-mast, share the same fate. This completed our misfortunes, and
+rendered them without resource; for we knew the Gloucester's crew
+were so few and feeble, that without our assistance they could not
+be relieved: And our sick were now so far increased, and those that
+remained in health so continually fatigued with the additional duty of
+our pumps, that it was impossible for us to lend them any aid. Indeed
+we were not as yet fully apprized of the deplorable situation of
+the Gloucester's crew; for when the storm abated, (which during its
+continuance prevented all communication with them) the Gloucester bore
+up under our stern; and Captain Mitchel informed the commodore, that
+besides the loss of his masts, which was all that had appeared to
+us, the ship had then no less than seven feet of water in her hold,
+although his officers and men had been kept constantly at the pump for
+the last twenty-four hours.
+
+This last circumstance was indeed a most terrible accumulation to the
+other extraordinary distresses of the Gloucester, and required, if
+possible, the most speedy and vigorous assistance; which captain
+Mitchel begged the commodore to send him: But the debility of our
+people, and our own immediate preservation, rendered it impossible for
+the commodore to comply with his request. All that could be done was
+to send our boat on board for a more particular condition of the ship;
+and it was soon suspected that the taking her people on board us, and
+then destroying her, was the only measure that could be prosecuted in
+the present emergency, for the security of their lives and our own.
+
+Our boat soon returned with a representation of the state of the
+Gloucester, and of her several defects, signed by Captain Mitchel and
+all his officers; by which it appeared, that she had sprung a leak by
+the stern-post being loose, and working with every roll of the ship,
+and by two beams a midships being broken in the orlope; no part of
+which the carpenters reported was possible to be repaired at sea. That
+both officers and men had worked twenty-four hours at the pump without
+intermission, and were at length so fatigued, that they could continue
+their labour no longer; but had been forced to desist, with seven feet
+of water in the hold, which covered their cask, so that they could
+neither come at fresh water, nor provision: That they had no mast
+standing, except the fore-mast, the mizen-mast, and the mizen
+top-mast, nor had they any spare masts to get up in the room of those
+they had lost: That the ship was besides extremely decayed in every
+part, for her knees and clamps were all worked quite loose, and her
+upper works in general were so loose, that the quarter-deck was
+ready to drop down: And that her crew was greatly reduced, for there
+remained alive on board her no more than seventy-seven, men, eighteen
+boys, and two prisoners, officers included; and that of this whole
+number, only sixteen men and eleven boys were capable of keeping the
+deck, and several of these very infirm.
+
+The commodore, on the perusal of this melancholy representation,
+presently ordered them a supply of water and provisions, of which
+they seemed to be in immediate want, and at the same time sent his
+own carpenter on board them, to examine into the truth of every
+particular; and it being found, on the strictest enquiry, that the
+preceding account was in no instance exaggerated, it plainly appeared,
+that there was no possibility of preserving the Gloucester any longer,
+as her leaks were irreparable, and the united hands on board both
+ships, capable of working, would not be able to free her, even if
+our own ship should not employ any part of them. What then could be
+resolved on, when it was the utmost we ourselves could do to manage
+our own pumps? Indeed there was no room for deliberation; the only
+step to be taken was, the saving the lives of the few that remained on
+board the Gloucester, and getting out of her as much as was possible
+before she was destroyed. And therefore the commodore immediately
+sent an order to Captain Mitchel, as the weather was now calm and
+favourable, to send his people on board the Centurion as expeditiously
+as he could; and to take out such stores as he could get at, whilst
+the ship could be kept above water. And as our leak required less
+attention, whilst the present easy weather continued, we sent our
+boats with as many men as we could spare, to Captain Mitchel's
+assistance.
+
+The removing the Gloucester's people on board us, and the getting out
+such stores as could most easily be come at, gave us full employment
+for two days. Mr Anson was extremely desirous to have gotten two of
+her cables and an anchor, but the ship rolled so much, and the men
+were so excessively fatigued, that they were incapable of effecting
+it; nay, it was even with the greatest difficulty that the
+prize-money, which the Gloucester had taken in the South-Seas, was
+secured, and sent on board the Centurion: However, the prize-goods
+on board her, which amounted to several thousand pounds in value, and
+were principally the Centurion's property, were entirely lost; nor
+could any more provision be got out than five casks of flour, three
+of which were spoiled by the salt-water. Their sick men, amounting
+to near seventy, were removed into boats with as much care as the
+circumstances of that time would permit; but three or four of them
+expired as they were hoisting them into the Centurion.
+
+It was the 15th of August, in the evening, before the Gloucester was
+cleared of every thing that was proposed to be removed; and though
+the hold was now almost full of water, yet, as the carpenters were of
+opinion that she might still swim for some time, if the calm should
+continue, and the water become smooth, she was set on fire; for we
+knew not how near we might now be to the island of Guam, which was in
+the possession of our enemies, and the wreck of such a ship would have
+been to them no contemptible acquisition. When she was set on fire,
+Captain Mitchel and his officers left her, and came on board the
+Centurion: And we immediately stood from the wreck, not without some
+apprehensions (as we had now only a light breeze) that if she blew
+up soon, the concussion of the air might damage our rigging; but she
+fortunately burnt, though very fiercely, the whole night, her guns
+firing successively, as the flames reached them. And it was six in the
+morning, when we were about four leagues distant, before she blew up;
+the report she made upon this occasion was but a small one, but there
+was an exceeding black pillar of smoke, which shot up into the air to
+a very considerable height.
+
+Thus perished his majesty's ship the Gloucester. And now it might have
+been expected, that, being freed from, the embarrassments which her
+frequent disasters had involved us in, we would proceed on our way
+much brisker than, we had hitherto done, especially as we had received
+some small addition to our strength, by the taking on board the
+Gloucester's crew; but our anxieties were not yet to be relieved; for,
+notwithstanding all that we had hitherto suffered, there remained much
+greater distresses, which we were still to struggle with. For the late
+storm, which had proved so fatal to the Gloucester, had driven us to
+the northward of our intended course; and the current setting the same
+way, after the weather abated, had forced us still a degree or two
+farther, so that we were now in 17° 1/4 of north latitude, instead of
+being in 13° 1/2, which was the parallel we proposed to keep, in order
+to reach the island of Guam: And as it had been a perfect calm for
+some days since the cessation of the storm, and we were ignorant how
+near we were to the meridian of the Ladrones, and supposed ourselves
+not to be far from it, we apprehended that we might be driven to the
+leeward of them by the current, without discovering them: In this
+case, the only land we could make would be some of the eastern parts
+of Asia, where, if we could arrive, we should find the western monsoon
+in its full force, so that it would be impossible for the stoutest
+best-manned ship to get in. And this coast being removed between
+four and five hundred leagues farther, we, in our languishing
+circumstances, could expect no other than to be destroyed by the
+scurvy, long before the most favourable gale could carry us to such a
+distance: For our deaths were now extremely alarming, no day passing
+in which we did not bury eight or ten, and sometimes twelve of our
+men; and those, who had hitherto continued healthy, began to fall
+down apace. Indeed we made the use we could of the present calm, by
+employing our carpenters in searching after the leak, which was now
+considerable, notwithstanding the little wind we had: The carpenters
+at length discovered it to be in the gunner's fore store-room, where
+the water rushed in under the breast-hook, on each side of the stein;
+but though they found where it was, they agreed that it was impossible
+to stop it, till we should get into port, and till they could come at
+it on the outside: However, they did the best they could within board,
+and were fortunate enough to reduce it, which was a considerable
+relief to us.
+
+We had hitherto considered the calm which succeeded the storm, and
+which continued for some days, as a very great misfortune; since the
+currents were driving us to the northward of our parallel, and we
+thereby risqued the missing of the Ladrones, which we now conceived
+ourselves to be very near. But when a gale sprung up, our condition
+was still worse; for it blew from the S.W. and consequently was
+directly opposed to the course we wanted to steer: And though it
+soon veered to the N.E. yet this served only to tantalize us, for it
+returned back again in a very short time to its old quarter. However,
+on the 22d of August we had the satisfaction to find that the
+current was shifted; and had set us to the southward: And the 23d, at
+day-break, we were cheered with the discovery of two islands in the
+western board: This gave us all great joy, and raised our drooping
+spirits; for before this an universal dejection had seized us, and
+we almost despaired of ever seeing land again: The nearest of these
+islands we afterwards found to be Anatacan; we judged it to be full
+fifteen leagues from us, and it seemed to be high land, though of
+an indifferent length: The other was the island of Serigan; and had
+rather the appearance of a high rock, than a place we could hope to
+anchor at. We were extremely impatient to get in with the nearest
+island, where we expected to meet with anchoring-ground, and an
+opportunity of refreshing our sick: But the wind proved so variable
+all day, and there was so little of it, that we advanced towards it
+but slowly; however, by the next morning we were got so far to the
+westward, that we were in view of a third island, which was that of
+Paxaros, though marked in the chart only as a rock. This was small and
+very low land, and we had passed within less than a mile of it, in the
+night, without seeing it: And now at noon, being within four miles
+of the island of Anatacan, the boat was sent away to examine the
+anchoring-ground and the produce of the place; and we were not a
+little solicitous for her return, as we then conceived our fate to
+depend upon the report we should receive: For the other two islands
+were obviously enough incapable of furnishing us with any assistance,
+and we knew not then that there were any others which we could reach.
+In the evening the boat came back, and the crew informed us that there
+was no place for a ship to anchor, the bottom being every where foul
+ground, and all, except one small spot, not less than fifty fathom
+in depth; that on that spot there was thirty fathom, though not above
+half a mile from the shore; and that the bank was steep, and could
+not be depended on: They farther told us, that they had landed on the
+island, but with some difficulty, on account of the greatness of the
+swell; that they found the ground was every where covered with a kind
+of cane, or rush; but that they met with no water, and did not believe
+the place to be inhabited; though the soil was good, and abounded with
+groves of cocoa-nut trees.
+
+This account of the impossibility of anchoring at this island,
+occasioned a general melancholy on board; for we considered it as
+little less than the prelude to our destruction; and our despondency
+was increased by a disappointment we met with the succeeding night;
+for, as we were plying under top-sails, with an intention of getting
+nearer to the island, and of sending our boat on shore to load with
+cocoa-nuts for the refreshment of our sick, the wind proved squally,
+and blew so strong off shore, as to drive us so far to the southward,
+that we dared not to send off our boat. And now the only possible
+circumstance, that could secure the few that remained alive from
+perishing, was the accidental falling in with some other of the
+Ladrone islands, better prepared for our accommodation; and as our
+knowledge of these islands was extremely imperfect, we were to trust
+entirely to chance for our guidance; only as they are all of them
+usually laid down near the same meridian, and we had conceived those
+we had already seen to be part of them, we concluded to stand to the
+southward, as the most probable means of falling in with the next.
+Thus, with the most gloomy persuasion of our approaching destruction,
+we stood from the island of Anatacon, having all of us the strongest
+apprehensions (and those not ill founded) either of dying of the
+scurvy, or of perishing with the ship, which, for want of hands to
+work her pumps, might in a short time be expected to founder.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV.
+
+_Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of the Island, and of our
+Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out to Sea._
+
+It was the 26th of August, 1742, in the morning, when we lost sight
+of Anatacan. The next morning we discovered three other islands to the
+eastward, which were from ten to fourteen leagues from us. These were,
+as we afterwards learnt, the islands of Saypan, Tinian, and Aguigan.
+We immediately steered towards Tinian, which was the middlemost of the
+three, but had so much of calms and light airs, that though we were
+helped forwards by the currents, yet next day, at day-break, we were
+at least five leagues distant from it. However, we kept on our course,
+and about ten in the morning we perceived a proa under sail to the
+southward, between Tinian and Aguigan. As we imagined from hence that
+these islands were inhabited, and knew that the Spaniards had always a
+force at Guam, we took the necessary precautions for our own security,
+and for preventing the enemy from taking advantage of our present
+wretched circumstances, of which they would be sufficiently informed
+by the manner of our working the ship; we therefore mustered all our
+hands, who were capable of standing to their arms, and loaded our
+upper and quarter-deck guns with grape-shot; and, that we might the
+more readily procure some intelligence of the state of these
+islands, we showed Spanish colours, and hoisted a red flag at the
+fore-top-masthead, to give our ship the appearance of the Manilla
+galleon, hoping thereby to decoy some of the inhabitants on board us.
+Thus preparing ourselves, and standing towards the land, we were near
+enough, at three in the afternoon, to send the cutter in shore, to
+find out a proper birth for the ship; and we soon perceived that a
+proa came off the shore to meet the cutter, fully persuaded, as we
+afterwards found, that we were the Manilla ship. As we saw the cutter
+returning back with the proa in tow, we immediately sent the pinnace
+to receive the proa and the prisoners, and to bring them on board,
+that the cutter might proceed on her errand. The pinnace came back
+with a Spaniard and four Indians, which were the people taken in the
+proa. The Spaniard was immediately examined as to the produce
+and circumstances of this island of Tinian, and his account of it
+surpassed even our most sanguine hopes; for he informed us that it
+was uninhabited, which, in our present defenceless condition, was an
+advantage not to be despised, especially as it wanted but few of the
+conveniences that could be expected in the most cultivated country;
+for he assured us, that there was great plenty of very good water,
+and that there were an incredible number of cattle, hogs, and poultry
+running wild on the island, all of them excellent in their kind;
+that the woods produced sweet and sour oranges, limes, lemons, and
+cocoa-nuts in great plenty, besides a fruit peculiar to these islands
+(called by Dampier, Bread-fruit); that from the quantity and goodness
+of the provisions produced here, the Spaniards at Guam made use of it
+as a store for supplying the garrison; that he himself was a serjeant
+of that garrison, and was sent here with twenty-two Indians to jerk
+beef, which he was to load for Guam on board a small bark of about
+fifteen tun, which lay at anchor near the shore.
+
+This account was received by us with inexpressible joy: Part of it
+we were ourselves able to verify on the spot, as we were by this time
+near enough to discover several numerous herds of cattle feeding in
+different places of the island; and we did not any ways doubt the rest
+of his relation, as the appearance of the shore prejudiced us greatly
+in its favour, and made us hope, that not only our necessities might
+be there fully relieved, and our diseased recovered, but that, amidst
+those pleasing scenes which were then in view, we might procure
+ourselves some amusement and relaxation, after the numerous fatigues
+we had undergone: For the prospect of the country did by no means
+resemble that of an uninhabited and uncultivated place, but had
+much more the air of a magnificent plantation, where large lawns and
+stately woods had been laid out together with great skill, and where
+the whole had been so artfully combined, and so judiciously adapted
+to the slopes of the hills, and the inequalities of the ground, as to
+produce a most striking effect, and to do honour to the invention of
+the contriver. Thus (an event not unlike what we had already seen)
+we were forced upon the most desirable and salutary measures by
+accidents, which at first sight we considered as the greatest of
+misfortunes; for had we not been driven by the contrary winds and
+currents to the northward of our course (a circumstance which at
+that time gave us the most terrible apprehensions) we should, in
+all probability, never have arrived at this delightful island, and
+consequently we should have missed of that place, where alone all
+our wants could be most amply relieved, our sick recovered, and our
+enfeebled crew once more refreshed, and enabled to put again to sea.
+
+The Spanish serjeant, from whom we received the account of the island,
+having informed us that there were some Indians on shore under his
+command, employed in jerking beef, and that there was a bark at anchor
+to take it on board, we were desirous, if possible, to prevent the
+Indians from escaping, who doubtless would have given the governor
+of Guam intelligence of our arrival; and we therefore immediately
+dispatched the pinnace to secure the bark, which the serjeant told us
+was the only embarkation on the place; and then, about eight in the
+evening, we let go our anchor in twenty-two fathom; and though it was
+almost calm, and whatever vigour and spirit was to be found on board
+was doubtless exerted to the utmost on this pleasing occasion, when,
+after having kept the sea for some months, we were going to take
+possession of this little paradise, yet we were full five hours in
+furling our sails: It is true, we were somewhat weakened by the crews
+of the cutter and pinnace having been sent on shore; but it is not
+less true, that, including those absent with the boats and some
+negro and Indian prisoners, all the hands we could muster capable of
+standing at a gun amounted to no more than seventy-one, most of which
+number too were incapable of duty; but on the greatest emergencies
+this was all the force we could collect, in our present enfeebled
+condition, from the united crews of the Centurion, the Gloucester, and
+the Tryal, which, when we departed from England, consisted altogether
+of near a thousand hands.
+
+When we had furled our sails, the remaining part of the night was
+allowed to our people for their repose, to recover them from the
+fatigue they had undergone; and in the morning a party was sent on
+shore well armed, of which I myself was one, to make ourselves masters
+of the landing place, as we were not certain what opposition might be
+made by the Indians on the island: We landed without difficulty, for
+the Indians having perceived, by our seizure of the bark the night
+before, that we were enemies, they immediately fled into the woody
+parts of the island. We found on shore many huts which they had
+inhabited, and which saved us both the time and trouble of erecting
+tents; one of these huts which the Indians made use of for a
+storehouse was very large, being twenty yards long, and fifteen broad;
+this we immediately cleared of some bales of jerked beef, which we
+found in it, and converted it into an hospital for our sick, who as
+soon as the place was ready to receive them were brought on shore,
+being in all a hundred and twenty-eight: Numbers of these were so
+very helpless that we were obliged to carry them from the boats to the
+hospital upon our shoulders, in which humane employment (as before at
+Juan Fernandes) the commodore himself, and every one of his officers,
+were engaged without distinction; and, notwithstanding the great
+debility and the dying aspects of the greatest part of our sick, it is
+almost incredible how soon they began to feel the salutary influence
+of the land; for, though we buried twenty-one men on this and the
+preceeding day, yet we did not lose above ten men more during our
+whole two months stay here; and in general, our diseased received so
+much benefit from the fruits of the island, particularly the fruits of
+the acid kind, that, in a week's time, there were but few who were not
+so far recovered, as to be able to move about without help.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The description of this beautiful island, and its most
+desirable productions, is deferred till we come to the voyage of
+Commodore Byron, who visited it in 1765.--E.]
+
+Whilst we were employed in the removal of our sick on shore, four of
+the Indians, being part of the Spanish serjeant's detachment, came and
+surrendered themselves to us, so that with those we took in the
+proa, we had now eight of them in our custody. One of the four, who
+submitted, undertook to show us the most convenient place for killing
+cattle, and two of our men were ordered to attend him on that service;
+but one of them unwarily trusting the Indian with his firelock and
+pistol, the Indian escaped with them into the woods: His countrymen,
+who remained behind, were apprehensive of suffering for this perfidy
+of their comrade, and therefore begged leave to send one of their own
+party into the country, who they engaged should both bring back the
+arms, and persuade the whole detachment from Guam to submit to us.
+The commodore granted their request; and one of them was dispatched on
+this errand, who returned next day, and brought back the firelock
+and pistol, but assured us, he had met with them in a path-way in the
+wood, and protested that he had not been able to meet with any one of
+his countrymen: This report had so little the air of truth, that we
+suspected there was some treachery carrying on, and therefore, to
+prevent any future communication amongst them, we immediately ordered
+all the Indians who were in our power on board the ship, and did not
+permit them to return any more on shore.
+
+When our sick were well settled on the island, we employed all the
+hands that could be spared from attending them; in arming the cables
+with a good rounding, several fathom from the anchor, to secure them
+from being rubbed by the coral rocks, which here abounded: And this
+being completed, our next attention was our leak, and in order to
+raise it out of water, we, on the first of September, began to get the
+guns aft to bring the ship by the stern; and now the carpenters, being
+able to come at it on the outside, ripped off the old sheathing that
+was left, and caulked all the seams on both sides the cut-water, and
+leaded them over, and then new-sheathed the bows to the surface of the
+water: By this means we conceived the defect was sufficiently secured;
+but upon our beginning to bring the guns into their places, we had the
+mortification to perceive, that the water rushed into the ship in
+the old place, with as much violence as ever: Hereupon we were
+necessitated to begin again; and that our second attempt might be
+more effectual, we cleared the fore store-room, and sent a hundred and
+thirty barrels of powder on board the small Spanish bark we had seized
+here, by which means we raised the ship about three feet out of the
+water forwards, and the carpenters ripped off the sheathing lower
+down, and new caulked all the seams, and afterwards laid on new
+sheathing; and then, supposing the leak lobe effectually stopped, we
+began to move the guns forwards; but the upper deck guns were scarcely
+in their places, when, to our amazement, it burst out again; and now,
+as we durst not cut away the lining within board, lest a but-end or a
+plank might start, and we might go down immediately, we had no other
+resource left than chincing and caulking within board; and indeed by
+this means the leak was stopped for some time; but when our guns were
+all in their places, and our stores were taken on board, the water
+again forced its way through a hole in the stem, where one of the
+bolts was driven in; and on this we desisted from all farther efforts,
+being now well assured, that the defect was in the stem itself, and
+that it was not to be remedied till we should have an opportunity of
+heaving down.
+
+Towards the middle of September, several of our sick were tolerably
+recovered by their residence on shore; and, on the 12th of September,
+all those who were so far relieved, since their arrival, as to be
+capable of doing duty, were sent on board the ship: And then the
+commodore, who was himself ill of the scurvy, had a tent erected for
+him on shore, where he went with the view of staying a few days for
+the recovery of his health, being convinced, by the general experience
+of his people, that no other method but living on the land was to be
+trusted to for the removal of this dreadful malady. The place, where
+his tent was pitched on this occasion, was near the well, whence we
+got all our water, and was indeed a most elegant spot. As the crew
+on board were now reinforced by the recovered hands returned from the
+island, we began to send our cask on shore to be fitted up, which till
+now could not be done, for the coopers were not well enough to work.
+We likewise weighed our anchors, that we might examine our cables,
+which we suspected had by this time received considerable damage.
+And as the new moon was now approaching, when we apprehended violent
+gales, the commodore, for our greater security, ordered that part
+of the cables next to the anchors to be armed with the chains of the
+fire-grapnels; and they were besides cackled twenty fathom from the
+anchors, and seven fathom from the service, with a good rounding of
+a 41/2 inch hawser; and to all these precautions we added that of
+lowering the main and fore-yard close down, that in case of blowing
+weather the wind might have less power upon the ship, to make her ride
+a strain.
+
+Thus effectually prepared, as we conceived, we expected the new moon,
+which was the 18th of September, and riding safe that and the
+three succeeding days, (though the weather proved very squally and
+uncertain) we flattered ourselves (for I was then on board) that the
+prudence of our measures had secured us from all accidents; but, on
+the 22d, the wind blew from the eastward with such fury, that we soon
+despaired of riding out the storm; and therefore we should have been
+extremely glad that the commodore and the rest of our people on shore,
+which were the greatest part of our hands, had been on board with
+us, since our only hopes of safety seemed to depend on our putting
+immediately to sea; but all communication with the shore was now
+effectually cut off, for there was no possibility that a boat could
+live, so that we were necessitated to ride it out, till our cables
+parted. Indeed it was not long before this happened, for the small
+bower parted at five in the afternoon, and the ship swung off to the
+best bower; and as the night came on, the violence of the wind still
+increased; but notwithstanding its inexpressible fury, the tide ran
+with so much rapidity, as to prevail over it; for the tide having set
+to the northward in the beginning of the storm, turned suddenly to the
+southward about six in the evening, and forced the ship before it in
+despight of the storm, which blew upon the beam: And now the sea broke
+most surprisingly all round us, and a large tumbling swell threatened
+to poop us; the long-boat, which was at this time moored a-stern,
+was on a sudden canted so high, that it broke the transom of the
+commodore's gallery, whose cabin was on the quarter-deck, and would
+doubtless have risen as high as the tafferel, had it not been for this
+stroke which stove the boat all to pieces; but the poor boat-keeper,
+though extremely bruised, was saved almost by miracle. About eight
+the tide slackened, but the wind did not abate; so that at eleven, the
+best bower-cable, by which alone we rode, parted. Our sheet-anchor,
+which was the only one we had left, was instantly cut from the bow;
+but before it could reach the bottom, we were driven from twenty-two
+into thirty-five fathom; and after we had veered away one whole cable,
+and two-thirds of another, we could not find ground with sixty fathom
+of line: This was a plain indication, that the anchor lay near the
+edge of the bank, and could not hold us. In this pressing danger, Mr
+Sanmarez, our first lieutenant, who now commanded on board, ordered
+several guns to be fired, and lights to be shown, as a signal to the
+commodore of our distress; and in a short time after, it being then
+about one o'clock, and the night excessively dark, a strong gust,
+attended with rain and lightning, drove us off the bank, and forced us
+out to sea, leaving behind us, on the island, Mr Anson, with many more
+of our officers, and great part of our crew, amounting in the whole to
+an hundred and thirteen persons. Thus were we all, both at sea and
+on shore, reduced to the utmost despair by this catastrophe, those on
+shore conceiving they had no means left them ever to leave the island,
+and we on board utterly unprepared to struggle with the fury of the
+seas and winds we were now exposed to, and expecting each moment, to
+be our last.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI.
+
+_Transactions at Tinian after the Departure of the Centurion._
+
+The storm, which drove the Centurion to sea, blew with too much
+turbulence to permit either the commodore or any of the people on
+shore bearing the guns, which she fired as signals of distress; and
+the frequent glare of the lightning had prevented the explosions from
+being observed: So that, when at day-break, it was perceived from the
+shore that the ship was missing, there was the utmost consternation
+amongst them: For much the greatest part of them immediately concluded
+that she, was lost, and entreated the commodore that the boat might
+be sent round the island to look for the wreck; and those who believed
+her safe, had scarcely any expectation that she would ever be able to
+make the island again: For the wind continued to blow strong at east,
+and they knew how poorly she was manned and provided for struggling
+with so tempestuous a gale. And if the Centurion was lost, or should
+be incapable of returning, there appeared no possibility of their ever
+getting off the island; For they were at least six hundred leagues
+from Macao, which was their nearest port; and they were masters of no
+other vessel than the small Spanish bark, of about fifteen tun, which
+they seized at their first arrival, and which would not even hold a
+fourth part of their number: And the chance of their being taken off
+the island by the casual arrival of any ship was altogether desperate;
+as perhaps no European ship had ever anchored here before, and it
+were madness to expect that like incidents should send another in an
+hundred ages to come: So that their desponding thoughts could only
+suggest to them the melancholy prospect of spending the remainder
+of their days on this island, and bidding adieu for ever to their
+country, their friends, their families, and all their domestic
+endearments.
+
+Nor was this the worst they had to fear: For they had reason to
+expect, that the governor of Guam, when he should be informed of their
+situation, might send a force sufficient to overpower them, and to
+remove them to that island; and then, the most favourable treatment
+they could hope for would be to be detained prisoners for life; since,
+from the known policy and cruelty of the Spaniards in their distant
+settlements, it was rather to be expected, that the governor, if he
+once had them in his power, would make their want of commissions (all
+of them being on board the Centurion) a pretext for treating them, as
+pirates, and for depriving them of their lives with infamy.
+
+In the midst of these gloomy reflections, Mr Anson had his share of
+disquietude; but he kept up his usual composure and steadiness: And
+having soon projected a scheme for extricating himself and his men
+from their present anxious situation, he first communicated it to some
+of the most intelligent; and being satisfied that it was practicable,
+he then endeavoured to animate his people to a speedy and vigorous
+prosecution of it. With this view he represented to them, how little
+foundation there was for their apprehensions of the Centurion's being
+lost: That he should have hoped, they had been all of them better
+acquainted with sea-affairs, than to give way to the impression of so
+chimerical a fright; and that he doubted not, if they would seriously
+consider what such a ship was capable of enduring, they would confess
+that there was not the least probability of her having perished: That
+he was not without hopes that she might return in a few days; but if
+she did not, the worst that could be supposed was, that she was driven
+so far to the leeward of the island that she could not regain it, and
+that she would consequently be obliged to bear away for Macao on the
+coast of China: That as it was necessary to be prepared against all
+events, he had, in this case, considered of a method of carrying them
+off the island, and joining their old ship the Centurion again at
+Macao: That this method was to hale the Spanish bark on shore, to saw
+her asunder, and to lengthen her twelve feet, which would enlarge her
+to near forty tun burthen, and would enable her to carry them all to
+China: That he had consulted the carpenters, and they had agreed
+that this proposal was very feasible, and that nothing was wanting to
+execute it, but the united resolution and industry of the whole body:
+He added, that, for his own part, he would share the fatigue and
+labour with them, and would expect no more from any man than what he
+himself was ready to submit to; he concluded with representing to them
+the importance of saving time; and that, in order to be the better
+prepared for all events, it was necessary to set to work immediately,
+and to take it for granted, that the Centurion would not be able to
+put back (which was indeed the commodore's secret opinion;) since, if
+she did return, they should only throw away a few days application;
+but, if she did not, their situation, and the season of the year,
+required their utmost dispatch.
+
+These remonstrances, though not without effect, did not immediately
+operate so powerfully as Mr Anson wished: He indeed raised their
+spirits, by showing them the possibility of their getting away, of
+which they had before despaired; but then, from their confidence of
+this resource, they grew less apprehensive of their situation, gave
+a greater scope to their hopes, and flattered themselves that the
+Centurion would return and prevent the execution of the commodore's
+scheme, which they could easily foresee would be a work of
+considerable labour. By this means, it was some days before they were
+all of them heartily engaged in the project; but at last, being in
+general convinced of the impossibility of the ship's return, they set
+themselves zealously to the different tasks allotted them, and were as
+industrious and as eager as their commander could desire, punctually
+assembling at day-break at the rendezvous, whence they were
+distributed to their different employments, which they followed with
+unusual vigour till night came on.
+
+And here I must interrupt the course of this transaction for a moment,
+to relate an incident which for some time gave Mr Anson more concern
+than all the preceding disasters. A few days after the ship was driven
+off, some of the people on shore cried out, A sail. This spread a
+general joy, every one supposing that it was the ship returning; but
+presently a second sail was descried, which quite destroyed their
+conjecture, and made it difficult to guess what they were. The
+commodore eagerly turned his glass towards them, and saw they were two
+boats; on which it immediately occurred to him that the Centurion was
+gone to the bottom, and that these were her two boats coming back with
+the remains of her people; and this sudden and unexpected suggestion
+wrought on him so powerfully, that, to conceal his emotion, he was
+obliged (without speaking to any one) instantly to retire to his tent,
+where he past some bitter moments, in the firm belief that the ship
+was lost, and that now all his views of farther distressing the enemy,
+and of still signalizing his expedition by some important exploit,
+were at an end.
+
+But he was soon relieved from these disturbing thoughts, by
+discovering that the two boats in the offing were Indian proas,
+and, perceiving that they stood towards the shore, he directed every
+appearance that could give them any suspicion to be removed, and
+concealed his people in the adjacent thickets, prepared to secure
+the Indians when they should land; but, after the proas had stood in
+within a quarter of a mile of the land, they suddenly stopt short,
+and remaining there motionless for near two hours, they then made
+sail again, and stood to the southward.--To return to the projected
+enlargement of the bark.
+
+If we examine how they were prepared for going through with this
+undertaking, on which their safely depended, we shall find, that,
+independent of other matters which were of as much importance, the
+lengthening of the bark alone was attended with great difficulty.
+Indeed, in a proper place, where all the necessary materials and tools
+were to be had, the embarrassment would have been much less; but
+some of these tools were to be made, and many of the materials were
+wanting; and it required no small degree of invention to supply all
+these deficiences. And when the hull of the bark should be completed,
+this was but one article; and there were many others of equal weight,
+which were to be well considered: These were the rigging it, the
+victualling it, and, lastly, the navigating it, for the space of six
+or seven hundred leagues, through unknown seas, where no one of the
+company had ever passed before. In some of these particulars
+such obstacles occurred, that, without the intervention of very
+extraordinary and unexpected accidents, the possibility of the whole
+enterprise would have fallen to the ground, and their utmost industry
+and efforts must have been fruitless. Of all these circumstances I
+shall make a short recital.
+
+It fortunately happened that the carpenters, both of the Gloucester
+and of the Tryal, with their chests of tools, were on shore when the
+ship drove out to sea; the smith, too, was on shore, and had with
+him his forge and some tools, but unhappily his bellows had not
+been brought from on board, so that he was incapable of working,
+and without his assistance they could not hope to proceed with their
+design; their first attention, therefore, was to make him a pair of
+bellows, but in this they were for some time puzzled, by their want of
+leather; however, as they had hides in sufficient plenty, and they had
+found a hogshead of lime, which the Indians or Spaniards had prepared
+for their own use, they tanned some hides with this lime; and though
+we may suppose the workmanship to be but indifferent, yet the leather
+they thus made served tolerably well, and the bellows (to which a
+gun-barrel served for a pipe) had no other inconvenience than that of
+being somewhat strong-scented from the imperfection of the tanner's
+work.
+
+Whilst the smith was preparing the necessary iron work, others were
+employed in cutting down trees, and sawing them into plank, and this
+being the most laborious task, the commodore himself wrought at it
+for the encouragement of his people. As there were neither blocks
+nor cordage sufficient for tackles to hale the bark on shore, it
+was proposed to get her up on rollers; and for these the body of the
+cocoa-nut tree was extremely useful, for its smoothness and circular
+turn prevented much labour, and fitted it for the purpose with very
+little workmanship; many of these trees were therefore felled, and the
+ends of them properly opened for the reception of hand-spikes; and
+in the mean time a dry dock was dug for the bark, and ways laid from
+thence quite into the sea to facilitate the bringing her up. Besides
+those who were thus occupied in preparing measures for the future
+enlargement of the bark, a party was constantly ordered for the
+killing and preparing of provisions for the rest: And though in these
+various employments, some of which demanded considerable dexterity,
+it might have been expected there would have been great confusion and
+delay, yet good order being once established, and all hands engaged,
+their preparations advanced apace. Indeed, the common men, I presume,
+were not the less tractable for their want of spirituous liquors;
+for, there being neither wine nor brandy on shore, the juice of
+the cocoa-nut was their constant drink, and this, though extremely
+pleasant, was not at all intoxicating, but kept them very cool and
+orderly.
+
+And now the officers began to consider of all the articles necessary
+for the fitting out the bark; when it was found, that the tents on
+shore, and the spare cordage accidentally left there by the Centurion,
+together with the sails and rigging already belonging to the bark,
+would serve to rig her indifferently well, when she was lengthened.
+As they had tallow in plenty, they proposed to pay her bottom with
+a mixture of tallow and lime, which it was known was well adapted to
+that purpose; so that with respect to her equipment, she would not
+have been very defective. There was, however, one exception, which
+would have proved extremely inconvenient, and that was her size; for
+as they could not make her quite forty tun burthen, she would have
+been incapable of containing half the crew below the deck, and must
+have been so top-heavy, that if they were all at the same time on
+deck, there would be no small hazard of her oversetting; but this was
+a difficulty not to be removed, as they could not augment her beyond
+the size already proposed. After the manner of rigging and fitting up
+the bark was considered and regulated, the next essential point to be
+thought on was, how to procure a sufficient stock of provisions for
+their voyage; and here they were greatly at a loss what course to
+take; for they had neither grain nor bread of any kind on shore, their
+bread-fruit, which would not keep at sea, having all along supplied
+its place; and though they had live cattle enough, yet they had no
+salt to cure beef for a sea-store, nor would meat take salt in that
+climate. Indeed, they had preserved a small quantity of jerked beef,
+which they found upon the place at their landing, but this was greatly
+disproportioned to the run of near six hundred leagues, which they
+were to engage in, and to the number of hands they should have on
+board. It was at last, however, resolved to take on board as many
+cocoa-nuts as they possibly could; to make the most of their jerked
+beef, by a very sparing distribution of it, and to endeavour to supply
+their want of bread by rice; to furnish themselves with which, it was
+proposed, when the bark was fitted up, to make an expedition to the
+island of Rota, where they were told that the Spaniards had large
+plantations of rice under the care of the Indian inhabitants: But as
+this last measure was to be executed by force, it became necessary
+to examine what ammunition had been left on shore, and to preserve it
+carefully; and on this enquiry, they had the mortification to find,
+that the utmost that could be collected, by the strictest search, did
+not amount to more than ninety charges of powder for their firelocks,
+which was considerably short of one a-piece for each of the company,
+and was indeed a very slender stock of ammunition, for such as were
+to eat no grain or bread for a month, but what they were to procure by
+force of arms.
+
+But the most alarming circumstance, and what, without the providential
+interposition of very improbable events, had rendered all their
+schemes abortive, remains yet to be related. The general idea of the
+fabric and equipment of the vessel was settled in a few days, and when
+this was done, it was not difficult to make some estimation of the
+time necessary to complete her. After this, it was natural to expect
+that the officers would consider on the course they were to steer,
+and the land they were to make. These reflections led them to the
+disheartening discovery, that there was neither compass nor quadrant
+on the island. Indeed, the commodore had brought a pocket compass
+on shore for his own use, but Lieutenant Brett had borrowed it to
+determine the position of the neighbouring islands, and he had been
+driven to sea in the Centurion, without returning it; and as to a
+quadrant, that could not be expected to be found on shore, for as it
+was of no use at land, there could be no reason for bringing it
+from on board the ship. It was eight days, from the departure of the
+Centurion, before they were relieved from this terrible perplexity: At
+last, in rummaging a chest belonging to the Spanish bark, they found a
+small compass, which, though little better than the toys usually made
+for the amusement of school-boys, was to them an invaluable treasure.
+And a few days after, by a similar piece of good fortune, they found
+a quadrant on the sea-shore, which had been thrown overboard amongst
+other lumber belonging to the dead: The quadrant was eagerly seized,
+but it unluckily wanted vanes, and therefore, in its present state,
+was altogether useless; however, fortune still continuing in a
+favourable mood, it was not long before a person, out of curiosity,
+pulling out the drawer of an old table, which had been driven on
+shore, found some vanes, which fitted the quadrant very well; and it
+being thus completed, it was examined by the known latitude of the
+place, and found to answer to a sufficient degree of exactness.
+
+All these obstacles being in some degree removed (which were always as
+much as possible concealed from the vulgar, that they might not grow
+remiss with the apprehension of labouring to no purpose,) the work
+proceeded very successfully and vigorously: The necessary iron-work
+was in great forwardness; and the timbers and planks (which, though
+not the most exquisite performances of the sawyer's art, were yet
+sufficient for the purpose,) were all prepared; so that on the 6th of
+October, being the 14th day from the departure of the ship, they
+haled the bark on shore, and, on the two succeeding days, she was sawn
+asunder (though with great care not to cut her planks,) and her two
+parts were separated the proper distance from each other, and, the
+materials being all ready before-hand, they, the next day, being
+the 9th of October, went on with great dispatch in their proposed
+enlargement of her; and by this time they had all their future
+operations so fairly in view, and were so much masters of them, that
+they were able to determine when the whole would be finished, and had
+accordingly fixed the 5th of November for the day of their putting
+to sea. But their projects and labours were drawing to a speedier and
+happier conclusion; for on the 11th of October, in the afternoon,
+one of the Gloucester's men, being upon a hill in the middle of the
+island, perceived the Centurion at a distance, and running down with
+his utmost speed towards the landing-place, he, in the way, saw some
+of his comrades, to whom he hallooed out with extacy, The ship, the
+ship! This being heard by Mr Gordon, a lieutenant of marines, who
+was convinced by the fellow's transport that his report was true, Mr
+Gordon ran towards the place where the commodore and his people
+were at work, and being fresh and in breath, easily outstripped the
+Gloucester's man, and got before him to the commodore, who, on hearing
+this happy and unexpected news, threw down his axe with which he was
+then at work, and by his joy broke through, for the first time, the
+equable and unvaried character which he had hitherto preserved; the
+others, who were with him, instantly ran down to the sea-side in a
+kind of frenzy, eager to feast themselves with a sight they had so
+ardently wished for, and of which they had now for a considerable time
+despaired. By five in the evening the Centurion was visible in the
+offing to them all; and, a boat being sent off with eighteen men to
+reinforce her, and with fresh meat and fruits for the refreshment of
+her crew, she, the next afternoon, happily came to an anchor in the
+road, when the commodore immediately went on board, and was received
+with the sincerest and heartiest acclamations: For, from the following
+short recital of the fears, the dangers and fatigues we in the ship
+underwent during our nineteen days absence from Tinian, it may be
+easily conceived, that a harbour, refreshments, repose, and the
+joining of our commander and shipmates, were not less pleasing to us
+than our return was to them.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII.
+
+_Account of the Proceedings on board the Centurion when driven out to
+Sea._
+
+The Centurion being now once more safely arrived at Tinian, to the
+mutual respite of the labours of our divided crew, it is high time
+that the reader, after the relation already given of the projects and
+employment of those left on shore, should be apprised of the fatigues
+and distresses to which we, who were driven off to sea, were exposed
+during the long interval of nineteen, days that we were absent from
+the island.
+
+It has been already mentioned, that it was the 22d of September, about
+one o'clock, in an extreme dark night, when, by the united violence of
+a prodigious storm, and an exceeding rapid tide, we were driven from
+our anchors and forced to sea. Our condition was truly deplorable; we
+were in a leaky ship, with three cables in our hawses, to one of which
+hung our only remaining anchor; we had not a gun on board lashed, nor
+a port barred in; our shrowds were loose, and our top-masts unrigged,
+and we had struck our fore and main-yards close down, before the storm
+came on, so that there were no sails we could set, except our mizen.
+In this dreadful extremity we could muster no more strength on board
+to navigate the ship, than an hundred and eight hands, several
+negroes and Indians included: This was scarcely the fourth part of our
+complement, and of these the greater number were either boys, or such
+as, being lately recovered from the scurvy, had not yet arrived at
+half their vigour. No sooner were we at sea, but by the violence of
+the storm, and the working of the ship, we made a great quantity of
+water through our hawse-holes, ports, and scuppers, which, added to
+the constant effect of our leak, rendered our pumps alone a sufficient
+employment for us all: But though this leakage, by being a short time
+neglected, would inevitably end in our destruction, yet we had other
+dangers then impending, which occasioned this to be regarded as a
+secondary consideration only. For we all imagined that we were driving
+directly on the neighbouring island of Aguiguan, which was about two
+leagues distant; and as we had lowered our main and fore-yards close
+down, we had no sails we could set but the mizen, which was altogether
+insufficient to carry us clear of this instant peril; we therefore
+immediately applied ourselves to work, endeavouring, by the utmost of
+our efforts, to heave up the main and fore-yards, in hopes that, if
+we could but be enabled to make use of our lower canvass, we might
+possibly weather the island, and thereby save ourselves from this
+impending shipwreck. But after full three hours ineffectual labour,
+the jeers broke, and the men being quite jaded, we were obliged, by
+mere debility, to desist, and quietly to expect our fate, which we
+then conceived to be unavoidable: For we imagined ourselves by this
+time to be driven just upon the shore, and the night was so extremely
+dark, that we expected to discover the island no otherwise than by
+striking upon it; so that the belief of our destruction, and the
+uncertainly of the point of time when it would take place, occasioned
+us to pass several hours under the most serious apprehensions, that
+each succeeding moment would send us to the bottom. Nor did these
+continued terrors of instantly striking and sinking end but with the
+day-break, when we, with great transport, perceived that the island
+we had thus dreaded was at a considerable distance, and that a strong
+northern current had been the cause of our preservation.
+
+The turbulent weather which forced us from Tinian, did not begin to
+abate till three days after; and then we swayed up the fore-yard, and
+began to heave up the main-yard, but the jeers broke and killed one of
+our men, and prevented us at that time from proceeding. The next day,
+being the 26th of September, was a day of most severe fatigue to us
+all; for it must be remembered, that in these exigences no rank or
+office exempted any person from the manual application and bodily
+labour of a common sailor. The business of this day was no less than
+an attempt to heave up the sheet-anchor, which we had hitherto
+dragged at our bows with two cables an end. This was a work of
+great importance to our future preservation: For, not to mention the
+impediment to our navigation, and the hazard it would be to our ship,
+if we attempted to make sail with the anchor in its present situation,
+we had this most interesting consideration to animate us, that it was
+the only anchor we had left; and, without securing it, we should be
+under the utmost difficulties and hazards, whenever we made the
+land again; and therefore, being all of us fully apprized of the
+consequence of this enterprize, we laboured at it with the severest
+application for full twelve hours, when we had indeed made a
+considerable progress, having brought the anchor in sight; but, it
+then growing dark, and we being excessively fatigued, we were obliged
+to desist, and to leave our work unfinished till the next morning,
+when, by the benefit of a night's rest, we completed it, and hung the
+anchor at our bow.
+
+It was the 27th of September in the morning, that is, five days after
+our departure, when we thus secured our anchor; And the same day we
+got up our main-yard: And having now conquered in some degree the
+distress and disorder which we were necessarily involved in at
+our first driving out to sea, and being enabled to make use of our
+canvass, we set our courses, and for the first time stood to the
+eastward, in hopes of regaining the island of Tinian, and joining
+our commodore in a few days: For we were then, by our accounts, only
+forty-seven leagues to the south-west of Tinian; so that on the first
+day of October, having then run the distance necessary for making
+the island according to our reckoning, we were in full expectation
+of seeing it; but we were unhappily disappointed, and were thereby
+convinced that a current had driven us to the westward. And as
+we could not judge how much we might hereby have deviated, and
+consequently how long we might still expect to be at sea, we had great
+apprehensions that our stock of water might prove deficient; for we
+were doubtful about the quantity we had on board, and found many
+of our casks so decayed, as to be half leaked out. However, we were
+delivered from our uncertainty the next day by having a sight of the
+island of Guam, by which we discovered that the currents had driven us
+forty-four leagues to the westward of our accounts. This sight of land
+having satisfied us of our situation, we kept plying to the eastward,
+though with excessive labour, for the wind continuing fixed in the
+eastern board, we were obliged to tack often, and our crew were so
+weak, that, without the assistance of every man on board, it was not
+in our power to put the ship about: This severe employment lasted
+till the 11th of October, being the nineteenth day from our departure;
+when, arriving in the offing of Tinian, we were reinforced from the
+shore, as hath been already mentioned; and on the evening of the same
+day, to our inexpressible joy, came to an anchor in the road, thereby
+procuring to our shipmates on shore, as well as to ourselves, a
+cessation from the fatigues and apprehensions which this disastrous
+incident had given rise to.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII.
+
+_Of our Employment at Tinian, till the final Departure of the
+Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao._[1]
+
+The commodore resolved to stay no longer at the island than was
+absolutely necessary to complete our stock of water, a work which we
+immediately set ourselves about. But the loss of our long-boat, which
+was staved against our poop when we were driven out to sea, put us
+to great inconveniences in getting our water on board: For we were
+obliged to raft off all our cask, and the tide ran so strong, that,
+besides the frequent delays and difficulties it occasioned, we more
+than once lost the whole raft. Nor was this our only misfortune; for,
+on the third day after our arrival, a sudden gust of wind brought home
+our anchor, forced us off the bank, and drove the ship out to sea a
+second time. The commodore, it is true, and the principal officers,
+were now on board; but we had near seventy men on shore, who had been
+employed in filling our water, and procuring provisions: These had
+with them our two cutters; but as they were too many for the cutters
+to bring off at once, we sent the eighteen-oared barge to assist them;
+and at the same time made a signal for all that could to embark. The
+two cutters soon came off to us full of men; but forty of the company,
+who were employed in killing cattle in the wood, and in bringing
+them down to the landing-place, were left behind; and though the
+eighteen-oared barge was left for their conveyance, yet, as the ship
+soon drove to a considerable distance, it was not in their power to
+join us. However, as the weather was favourable, and our crew was now
+stronger than when we were first driven out, we, in about five days
+time, returned again to an anchor at Tinian, and relieved those we
+had left behind us from their second fears of being deserted by their
+ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: The original contains also a description of the Ladrones
+(or Marian Islands, as they are now usually called,) which, for a
+reason before mentioned, is omitted.]
+
+On our arrival, we found that the Spanish bark, the old object of
+their hopes, had undergone a new metamorphosis: For those we had
+left onshore began to despair of our return, and conceiving that the
+lengthening the bark, as formerly proposed, was both a toilsome and
+unnecessary measure, considering the small number they consisted of,
+they had resolved to join her again, and to restore her to her first
+state; and in this scheme they had made some progress; for they had
+brought the two parts together, and would have soon completed her, had
+not our coming back put a period to their labours and disquietudes.
+
+These people we had left behind informed us, that, just before we were
+seen in the offing, two proas had stood in very near the shore, and
+had continued there for some time; but, on the appearance of our
+ship, they crowded away, and were presently out of sight. And, on this
+occasion, I must mention an incident, which, though it happened during
+the first absence of the ship, was then omitted, to avoid interrupting
+the course of the narration.
+
+It hath been already observed, that a part of the detachment, sent to
+this island under the command of the Spanish Serjeant, lay concealed
+in the woods; and we were the less solicitous to find them out, as our
+prisoners all assured us, that it was impossible for them to get
+off, and consequently that it was impossible for them to send any
+intelligence about us to Guam. But when the Centurion drove out to
+sea, and left the commodore on shore, he one day, attended by some
+of his officers, endeavoured to make the tour of the island: In this
+expedition, being on a rising ground, they perceived in the valley
+beneath them the appearance of a small thicket, which, by observing
+more nicely, they found had a progressive motion: This at first
+surprised them; but they soon discovered, that it was no more than
+several large cocoa bushes, which were dragged along the ground, by
+persons concealed beneath them. They immediately concluded that
+these were some of the Serjeant's party (which, was indeed true); and
+therefore the commodore and his people made after them, in hopes
+of finding out their retreat. The Indians soon perceived they were
+discovered, and hurried away with precipitation; but Mr Anson was so
+near them, that he did not lose sight of them till they arrived at
+their cell, which he and his officers entering found to be abandoned,
+there being a passage from it down a precipice contrived for the
+conveniency of flight. They found here an old firelock or two, but
+no other arms. However, there was a great quantity of provisions,
+particularly salted spare-ribs of pork, which were excellent; and
+from what our people saw here, they concluded, that the extraordinary
+appetite, which they had found at this island, was not confined to
+themselves; for, it being about noon, the Indians had laid out a very
+plentiful repast considering their numbers, and had their bread-fruit
+and cocoa-nuts prepared ready for eating, and in a manner which
+plainly evinced, that, with them too, a good meal was neither an
+uncommon nor an unheeded article. The commodore having in vain
+endeavoured to discover the path by which the Indians had escaped, he
+and his officers contented themselves with sitting down to the dinner,
+which was thus luckily filled to their present appetites; after which,
+they returned back to their old habitation, displeased at missing the
+Indians, as they hoped to have engaged them in our service, if they
+could have had any conference with them. But, notwithstanding what our
+prisoners had asserted, we were afterwards assured, that these Indians
+were carried off to Guam long before we left the place.
+
+On our coming to an anchor again; after our second driving off to sea;
+we laboured indefatigably in getting in our water; and having, by the
+20th of October, completed it to fifty tun, which we supposed would be
+sufficient for our passage to Macao, we, on the next day, sent one of
+each mess on shore, to gather as large a quantity of oranges, lemons,
+cocoa-nuts, and other fruits of the island, as they possibly could,
+for the use of themselves and mess-mates, when at sea. And, these
+purveyors returning on board us on the evening of the same day, we
+then set fire to the bark and proa, hoisted in our boats, and got
+under sail, steering away for the south-end of the island of Formosa,
+and taking our leaves, for the third and last time, of the island of
+Tinian: An island, which, whether we consider the excellence of its
+productions, the beauty of its appearance, the elegance of its woods
+and lawns, the healthiness of its air or the adventures it gave rise
+to, may in all these views be truly styled romantic.
+
+[After the description, certainly a very imperfect one, of the
+Ladrones, which now follows, the author gives a curious account of the
+proas or prows so much used among them. This is extracted, as likely
+to interest the reader, and as more satisfactory, than the brief
+notice already given in the history of Magellan's voyage. This account
+is more deserving of regard, as being drawn up from very particular
+examination of one of the vessels taken, as has been mentioned, at
+Tinian.]
+
+The Indians that inhabit the Ladrones, of which Tinian (formerly well
+peopled) is one, are a bold, well-limbed people; and it should seem
+from some of their practices, that they are no ways defective in
+understanding; for their flying proa in particular, which has been for
+ages the only vessel used by them, is so singular and extraordinary
+an invention, that it would do honour to any nation, however dexterous
+and acute. Whether we consider its aptitude to the particular
+navigation of these islands, or the uncommon simplicity and ingenuity
+of its fabric and contrivance, or the extraordinary velocity with
+which it moves, we shall find it worthy of our admiration, and
+meriting a place amongst the mechanical productions of the most
+civilized nations, where arts and sciences have most eminently
+flourished.
+
+The name of flying proa given to these vessels, is owing to the
+swiftness with which they sail. Of this the Spaniards assert such
+stories, as appear altogether incredible to those who have never seen
+these vessels move; nor are the Spaniards the only people who relate
+these extraordinary tales of their celerity. For those who shall have
+the curiosity to enquire at the dock at Portsmouth, about a trial made
+there some years since, with a very imperfect one built at that place,
+will meet with accounts not less wonderful than any the Spaniards have
+given. However, from some rude estimations made, by our people, of the
+velocity with which they crossed the horizon at a distance, whilst we
+lay at Tinian, I cannot help believing that with a brisk trade-wind
+they will run near twenty miles an hour: Which, though greatly short
+of what the Spaniards report of them, is yet a prodigious degree of
+swiftness.
+
+The construction of this proa is a direct contradiction to the
+practice of the rest of mankind. For as the rest of the world make
+the head of their vessels different from the stern, but the two sides
+alike, the proa, on the contrary, has her head and stern exactly
+alike, but her two sides very different; the side, intended to be
+always the lee-side, being flat; and the windward-side made rounding,
+in the manner of other vessels: And, to prevent her oversetting, which
+from her small breadth, and the straight run of her leeward-side,
+would, without this precaution, infallibly happen, there is a frame
+laid out from her to windward, to the end of which is fastened a log,
+fashioned into the shape of a small boat, and made hollow: The weight
+of the frame is intended to balance the proa, and the small boat is by
+its buoyancy (as it is always in the water) to prevent her oversetting
+to windward; and this frame is usually called an outrigger. The body
+of the proa (at least of that we took) is made of two pieces joined
+end-ways, and sowed together with bark, for there is no iron used
+about her: She is about two inches thick at the bottom, which at the
+gunwale is reduced to less than one.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The author refers to a plate for a minute description,
+which is necessarily omitted.--E.]
+
+The proa generally carries six or seven Indians; two of which are
+placed in the head and stem, who steer the vessel alternately with a
+paddle, according to the tack she goes on, be in the stern being the
+steersman; the other Indians are employed either in baling out the
+water which she accidentally ships, or in setting and trimming
+the sail. From the description of these vessels it is sufficiently
+obvious, how dexterously they are fitted for ranging this collection
+of islands called the Ladrones: For as these islands lie nearly N. and
+S. of each other, and are all within the limits of the trade-wind,
+the proas, by sailing most excellently on a wind, and with either
+end foremost, can ran from one of these islands to the other and back
+again, only by shifting the sail, without ever putting about; and,
+by the flatness of their lee-side, and their small breadth, they are
+capable of lying much nearer the wind than any other vessel hitherto
+known.
+
+The eastern monsoon was now, we reckoned, fairly settled; and we had
+a constant gale blowing right upon our stern: So that we generally
+ran from forty to fifty leagues a-day. But we had a large hollow
+sea pursuing us, which occasioned the ship to labour much; whence we
+received great damage in our rigging, which was grown very rotten, and
+our leak was augmented: But, happily for us, our people were now in
+full health; so that there were no complaints of fatigue, but all went
+through their attendance on the pumps, and every other duty of the
+ship, with ease and cheerfulness.
+
+Having no other but our sheet-anchor left, except our prize-anchors,
+which were stowed in the hold, and were too light to be depended on,
+we were under great concern how we should manage on, the coast
+of China, where we were all entire strangers, and where we should
+doubtless be frequently under the necessity of coming to an anchor.
+Our sheet-anchor being much too heavy for a coasting anchor, it was
+at length resolved to fix two of our largest prize-anchors into one
+stock, and to place between their shanks two guns, four pounders,
+which was accordingly executed, and it was to serve as a best bower:
+And a third prize-anchor being ill like manner joined with our
+stream-anchor, with guns between them, we thereby made a small bower;
+so that, besides our sheet-anchor, we had again two others at our
+bows, one of which weighed 3900, and the other 2900 pounds.
+
+The 3d of November, about three in the afternoon, we saw an island,
+which at first we imagined to be the island of Botel Tobago Xima: But
+on nearer approach we found it to be much smaller than that is usually
+represented; and about an hour after we saw another island, five or
+six miles farther to the westward. As no chart, nor any journal we had
+seen, took notice of any other island to the eastward of Formosa, than
+Botel Tobago Xima, and as we had no observation of our latitude
+at noon, we were in some perplexity, being apprehensive that an
+extraordinary current had driven us into the neighbourhood of the
+Bashee islands; and therefore, when night came on, we brought to, and
+continued in this posture till the next morning, which proving dark
+and cloudy, for some time prolonged our uncertainty; but it cleared
+up about nine o'clock, when we again discerned the two islands
+above-mentioned; we then prest forwards to the westward, and by
+eleven got a sight of the southern part of the island of Formosa. This
+satisfied us that the second island we saw was Botel Tobago Xima, and
+the first a small island or rock, lying five or six miles due east
+from it, which, not being mentioned by any of our books or charts, was
+the occasion of our fears.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: These two islands are marked in Arrowsmith's map of Asia,
+under the names of Bottle Tobago and Little Bottle Tobago.--E.]
+
+When we got sight of the island of Formosa, we steered W. by S. in
+order to double its extremity, and kept a good look-out for the rocks
+of Vele Rete, which we did not see till two in the afternoon. They
+then bore from us W.N.W. three miles distant, the south end of Formosa
+at the same time bearing N. by W. 1/2 W. about five leagues distant.
+To give these rocks a good birth, we immediately haled up S. by W.
+and so left them between us and the land. Indeed we had reason to be
+careful of them; for though they appeared as high out of the water as
+a ship's hull, yet they are environed with breakers on all sides, and
+there is a shoal stretching from them at least a mile and a half to
+the southward, whence they may be truly called dangerous. The course
+from Botel Tobago Xima to these rocks is S.W. by W. and the distance
+about twelve or thirteen leagues: And the south end of Formosa, off
+which they lie, is in the latitude of 21° 50' north, and in 23° 50'
+west longitude from Tinian, according to our most approved reckonings,
+though by some of our accounts above a degree more.
+
+While we were passing by these rocks of Vele Rete, there was an outcry
+of fire on the fore-castle; this occasioned a general alarm, and the
+whole crew instantly flocked together in the utmost confusion, so that
+the officers found it difficult for some time to appease the uproar:
+But having at last reduced the people to order, it was perceived that
+the fire proceeded from the furnace; and, pulling down the brick-work,
+it was extinguished with great facility, for it had taken its rise
+from the bricks, which, being over-heated, had begun to communicate
+the fire to the adjacent wood-work. In the evening we were surprised
+with a view of what we at first sight conceived to have been breakers,
+but, on a stricter examination, we found them to be only a great
+number of fires on the island of Formosa. These, we imagined, were,
+intended by the inhabitants of that island as signals for us to touch
+there, but that suited not our views, we being impatient to reach the
+port of Macao as soon as possible. From Formosa we steered W.N.W. and
+sometimes still more northerly, proposing to fall in with, the coast
+of China, to the eastward of Pedro Blanco; for the rock so called is
+usually esteemed an excellent direction for ships bound to Macao. We
+continued this course till the following night, and then frequently
+brought to, to try if we were in soundings: But it was the 5th of
+November, at nine in the morning, before we struck ground, and then,
+we had forty-two fathom, and a bottom of grey sand mixed with shells.
+When we had got about twenty miles farther W.N.W. we had thirty-five
+fathom; and the same bottom, from whence our sounding gradually
+decreased from thirty-five to twenty-five fathom; but soon after, to
+our great surprise, they jumped back again to thirty fathom: This was
+an alteration we could not very well account for,[4] since all the
+charts laid down regular soundings every-where to the northward of
+Pedro Blanco; and for this reason we kept a very careful look-out, and
+altered our course to N.N.W. and having run thirty-five miles in this
+direction, our soundings again gradually diminished to twenty-two
+fathom, and we at last, about mid-night, got sight of the main land of
+China, bearing N. by W. four leagues distant: We then brought the ship
+to, with her head to the sea, proposing to wait for the morning; and
+before sun-rise we were surprised to find ourselves in the midst of an
+incredible number of fishing-boats, which seemed to cover the surface
+of the sea as far as the eye could reach. I may well style their
+number incredible, since I cannot believe, upon the lowest estimate,
+that there were fewer than six thousand, most of them manned with
+five hands, and none with less than three. Nor was this swarm of
+fishing-vessels peculiar to this spot; for, as we ran on to the
+westward, we found them as abundant on every part of the coast. We at
+first doubted not but we should procure a pilot from them to carry
+us to Macao; but though many of them came close to the ship, and we
+endeavoured to tempt them by showing them a number of dollars, a most
+alluring bait for Chinese of all ranks and professions, yet we could
+not entice them on board us, nor procure any directions from them;
+though, I presume, the only difficulty was their not comprehending
+what we wanted them to do, for we could have no communication with
+them, but by signs: Indeed we often pronounced the word Macao; but
+this we had reason to suppose they understood in a different sense;
+for in return they sometimes held up fish to us, and we afterwards
+learnt, that the Chinese name for fish is of a somewhat similar sound.
+But what surprised us most, was the inattention and want of curiosity,
+which we observed in this herd of fishermen: A ship like ours had
+doubtless never been in those seas before; perhaps, there might not
+be one, amongst all the Chinese employed in this fishery, who had ever
+seen any European vessel; so that we might reasonably have expected
+to have been considered by them as a very uncommon and extraordinary
+object; but though many of their vessels came close to the ship, yet
+they did not appear to be at all interested about us, nor did
+they deviate in the least from their course to regard us; which
+insensibility, especially in maritime persons, about a matter in
+their own profession, is scarcely to be credited, did not the
+general behaviour of the Chinese, in other instances, furnish us with
+continual proofs of a similar turn of mind: It may perhaps be doubted,
+whether this cast of temper be the effect of nature or education;
+but, in either case, it is an incontestable symptom of a mean and
+contemptible disposition, and is alone a sufficient confutation of the
+extravagant panegyrics, which many hypothetical writers have bestowed
+on the ingenuity and capacity of this nation.[5]
+
+[Footnote 4: It was probably occasioned by their being over a sand
+bank, which is laid down by Arrowsmith in this part of the Centurion's
+course.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: Neither the ingenuity nor the capacity of the Chinese is
+at all implicated by the circumstances recorded, the source of which
+may be probably enough conjectured, viz. their contempt of every thing
+foreign, which, it is well known, they never scruple to avow. Besides,
+as is very soon mentioned, their fishermen were under authority, and
+had received no orders or permission to the effect desired.--E.]
+
+Not being able to procure any information from the Chinese fishermen
+about our proper course to Macao, it was necessary for us to rely
+entirety on our own judgment; and concluding from our latitude, which
+was 22° 42' north, and from our soundings, which were only seventeen
+or eighteen fathoms, that we were yet to the eastward of Pedro
+Blanco, we stood to the westward: And, for the assistance of future
+navigators, who may hereafter doubt about the parts of the coast they
+are upon, I must observe, that, besides the latitude of Pedro Blanco,
+which is 22° 18', and the depth of water, which to the westward of
+that rock is almost every where twenty fathoms, there is another
+circumstance which will give great assistance in judging of the
+position of the ship: This is, the kind of ground; for, till we came
+within thirty miles of Pedro Blanco, we had constantly a sandy bottom;
+but there the bottom changed to soft and muddy, and continued so quite
+to the island of Macao; only while we were in sight of Pedro Blanco,
+and very near it, we had for a short space a bottom of greenish mud,
+intermixed with sand.
+
+On the fifth of November, at midnight, we made the coast of China; and
+the next day, about two o'clock, as we were standing to the westward
+within two leagues of the coast, and still surrounded by fishing
+vessels in as great numbers as at first, we perceived that a boat
+a-head of us waved a red flag, and blew a horn; This we considered as
+a signal made to us, either to warn us of some shoal, or to inform
+us that they would supply us with a pilot, and in this belief we
+immediately sent our cutter to the boat, to know their intentions; but
+we were soon made sensible of our mistake, and found that this boat
+was the commodore of the whole fishery, and that the signal she had
+made, was to order them all to leave off fishing, and to return in
+shore, which we saw them instantly obey. On this disappointment we
+kept on our course, and soon after passed by two very small rocks,
+which lay four or five miles distant from the shore; but night came on
+before we got sight of Pedro Blanco, and we therefore brought-to till
+the morning, when we had the satisfaction to discover it. It is a rock
+of a small circumference, but of a moderate height, and, both in shape
+and colour, resembles a sugar-loaf, and is about seven or eight miles
+from the shore. We passed within a mile and a half of it, and left
+it between us and the land, still keeping on to the westward; and the
+next day, being the 7th, we were a-breast of a chain of islands,
+which stretched from east to west. These, as we afterwards found, were
+called the islands of Lema;[6] they are rocky and barren, and are in
+all, small and great, fifteen or sixteen; and there are, besides, a
+great number of other islands between them and the main land of China.
+These islands we left on the star-board side, passing within four
+miles of them, where we had twenty-four fathom water. We were still
+surrounded by fishing-boats; and we once more sent the cutter on board
+one of them, to endeavour to procure a pilot, but could not prevail;
+however, one of the Chinese directed us by signs to sail round the
+westermost of the islands, or rocks of Lema, and then to hale up.
+We followed this direction; and in the evening came to an anchor in
+eighteen fathom.
+
+[Footnote 6: Called Grand Lema in Arrowsmith's map, and touched at by
+the Lion in 1793.--E.]
+
+On the 9th at four in the morning, we sent our cutter to sound the
+channel, where we proposed to pass; but before the return of the
+cutter, a Chinese pilot put on board us, and told us, in broken
+Portuguese, he would carry us to Macao for thirty dollars: These were
+immediately paid him, and we then weighed and made sail; and soon
+after, several other pilots came on board us, who, to recommend
+themselves, produced certificates from the captains of several ships
+they had piloted in, but we continued the ship under the management of
+the Chinese who came first on board. By this time we learnt, that we
+were not far distant from Macao, and that there were in the river of
+Canton, at the mouth of which Macao lies, eleven European ships, of
+which four were English. Our pilot carried us between the islands of
+Bamboo and Cabouce, but the winds hanging in the northern board, and
+the tides often setting strongly against us, we were obliged to come
+frequently to an anchor, so that we did not get through between the
+two islands till the 12th of November, at two in the morning. In
+passing through, our depth of water was from twelve to fourteen
+fathom; and as we still steered on N.W. 1/2 W. between a number of
+other islands, our soundings underwent little or no variation till
+towards the evening, when they increased to seventeen fathom; in which
+depth (the wind dying away) we anchored not far from the island of
+Lantoon, which is the largest of all this range of islands. At seven
+in the morning we weighed again, and steering W.S.W. and S.W. by
+W., we at ten o'clock happily anchored in Macao road, in five fathom
+water, the city of Macao bearing W. by N., three leagues distant; the
+peak of Lantoon E. by N., and the grand Ladrone S. by E. each of them
+about five leagues distant. Thus, after a fatiguing cruise of above
+two years continuance, we once more arrived in an amicable port, in
+a civilized country; where the conveniences of life were in great
+plenty; where the naval stores, which we now extremely wanted, could
+be in some degree procured; where we expected the inexpressible
+satisfaction of receiving letters from our relations and friends; and
+where our countrymen, who were lately arrived from England, would be
+capable of answering the numerous enquiries we were prepared to make,
+both about public and private occurrences, and to relate to us many
+particulars, which, whether of importance or not, would be listened
+to by us with the utmost attention, after the long suspension of
+our correspondence with our country, to which the nature of our
+undertaking had hitherto subjected us.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX.
+
+_Proceedings at Macao._
+
+The city of Macao, in the road of which we came to an anchor on the
+12th of November, is a Portuguese settlement, situated in an island
+at the mouth of the river of Canton. It was formerly a very rich and
+populous city, and capable of defending itself against the power of
+the adjacent Chinese governors: But at present it is much fallen from
+its ancient splendour, for though it is inhabited by Portuguese, and
+has a governor nominated by the king of Portugal, yet it subsists
+merely by the sufferance of the Chinese, who can starve the place,
+and dispossess the Portuguese whenever they please: This obliges the
+governor of Macao to behave with great circumspection, and carefully
+to avoid every circumstance that may give offence to the Chinese.[7]
+The river of Canton, at the mouth of which this city lies, is the only
+Chinese port, frequented by European ships; and this river is indeed
+a more commodious harbour, on many accounts, than Macao: But the
+peculiar customs of the Chinese, only adapted to the entertainment of
+trading ships, and the apprehensions of the commodore, lest he should
+embroil the East-India company with the regency of Canton, if he
+should insist on being treated upon a different footing than the
+merchantmen, made him resolve to go first to Macao, before he ventured
+into the port of Canton. Indeed, had not this reason prevailed with
+him, he himself had nothing to fear: For it is certain that he might
+have entered the port of Canton, and might have continued there as
+long as he pleased, and afterwards have left it again, although the
+whole power of the Chinese empire had been brought together to oppose
+him.
+
+[Footnote 7: This circumspection has never availed much. The
+Portuguese obtained this port and the adjoining territory of about 8
+miles in circuit, as a reward for assistance given in extirpating a
+pirate who took refuge here. But the ingratitude of the Chinese always
+grudged, and often violated, the immunities thus won from their fears.
+The city, built after the European model, and originally possessed of
+both military strength and commercial consequence, has, through the
+carelessness of the Portuguese, and the exactions and insolence of
+their neighbours, dwindled into comparative insignificance. According
+to Sir George Staunton's account, the population does not now exceed
+12000, and more than half is Chinese. In short, Macao is virtually a
+Chinese town, where the Portuguese are merely tolerated. The Chinese,
+it is certain, require almost any other treatment than condescension
+and good manners. The reader will soon see in the narrative how
+practicable it is to reduce them to common sense--one of the
+ingredients of it they have in a high degree, the desire of
+self-preservation. The following quotation from a work recently
+published, may amuse him in the mean time, and serves besides to
+confirm the statement of the text. "The situation of the Portuguese in
+Macao is particularly restrained, and that of their governor extremely
+unpleasant to him. Although the latter invariably conducts himself
+with the greatest circumspection, cases still arise in which he cannot
+give way without entirely sacrificing the honour of his country,
+already greatly diminished in the eyes of the Chinese. A few months
+only before our arrival (November 1805,) a circumstance happened fully
+illustrative of this; an account of which may tend to prove that, if
+the Portuguese possessed greater power at Macao, the cowardly Chinese
+would not dare to treat them with so little consideration, or, to
+speak more correctly, with so much contempt. If Macao were in
+the hands of the English, or even of the Spaniards, the shameful
+dependence of this possession on the Chinese would soon fall to the
+ground; and, with the assistance of their important possessions in the
+vicinity of China, either of these nations established in Macao might
+bid defiance to the whole empire. A Portuguese resident at Macao
+stabbed a Chinese, but being rich, he offered the family of the
+deceased a sum of money to suffer the affair to drop. This was agreed
+to, and he paid 4000 piastres; scarcely, however, had he given the
+money, when the affair was represented to the Chinese magistracy, who
+exacted from the governor that the criminal should be instantly given
+up. The latter refused, alleging, that, as the deed was committed
+in Macao, he was liable to the Portuguese law, according to which he
+would be punished if they found him guilty. The Chinese, who wished
+to inflict punishment on the Portuguese, immediately on the receipt of
+this answer shut up all their booths, and forbade the importation of
+provisions into Macao; but the governor, who had two years stock of
+provisions for his garrison, (we shall find it was otherwise with
+the governor in Anson's time) troubled himself very little with this
+threat, and still refused to give up the criminal; in the mean time
+his trial went on; he was found guilty of the murder, and immediately
+hanged. The Chinese assembled with the intention of endeavouring to
+seize the perpetrator of the murder whilst on his way to the scaffold:
+The governor collected his troops, loaded the artillery on the
+batteries, and awaited the attack; and, alarmed at his decisive
+measures, the Chinese withdrew, under the pretence of being
+perfectly satisfied with the execution of the murderer, and order
+was immediately restored." The work from which this is extracted
+is Captain Krusenstern's account of his voyage round the world, in
+1803-4-5 and 6; being the first circumnavigation the Russians have
+made, and that too under the patronage and by the command of the most
+magnanimous and beneficient Alexander, a monarch whom every friend of
+humanity must admire and love from the heart, as surpassing even his
+liberality in the promotion of useful science and discovery amongst
+his own subjects, by the splendour and substantial value of his
+services in the best interests of Europe, and the world:
+
+  Non possidentem multa vocaveris
+  Recte beatum: rectius occupat
+  Nomen beati, qui deorum
+  Muneribus sapienter uti,
+  Duramque callet _pauperiem_ pati,
+  Pejusque leto flagitium timet;
+  Non ille pro caris _amicis_
+  Aut patria timidus perire.
+
+To return to Macao: Captain K. strongly expresses his wish that
+some European power of sufficient energy and consequence would take
+possession of it, before the Portuguese themselves abandon it to the
+Chinese. It is evident he alludes to the English. An agreement, it is
+very probable, might be readily entered into with the Portuguese
+for the possession of that place, which could not fail to prove most
+convenient for our eastern commerce. An equivalent may be found among
+the West Indian islands; but it is perhaps equally vain and invidious
+to speculate on such very distant concerns, when the wonderful events
+now occurring in a kingdom so long the torment and the _teacher_ of
+nations, arrest the imagination from every trivial selfish pursuit,
+and fix the mind undividedly on the operations of the great source of
+power, justice, and truth. A new ĉra commences in the world--May it
+be remarkable to all succeeding generations for liberal policy,
+disinterestedness, and general benevolence!--E.
+
+12th April, 1814.]
+
+The commodore, not to depart from his usual prudence, no sooner came
+to an anchor in Macao road, than he dispatched an officer with his
+compliments to the Portuguese governor of Macao, requesting his
+excellency, by the same officer, to advise him in what manner it would
+be proper to act, to avoid offending the Chinese, which, as there were
+then four of our ships in their power at Canton, was a matter
+worthy of attention. The difficulty, which the commodore principally
+apprehended, related to the duty usually paid by all ships in the
+river of Canton, according to their tunnage. For as men of war are
+exempted in every foreign harbour from all manner of port charges, the
+commodore thought it would be derogatory to the honour of his country
+to submit to this duty in China: And therefore he desired the advice
+of the governor of Macao, who, being an European, could not be
+ignorant of the privileges claimed by a British man of war, and
+consequently might be expected to give us the best lights for avoiding
+this perplexity. Our boat returned in the evening with two officers
+sent by the governor, who informed the commodore, that it was the
+governor's opinion, that if the Centurion ventured into the river of
+Canton, the duty would certainly be demanded; and therefore, if
+the commodore approved of it, he would send him a pilot, who should
+conduct us into another safe harbour, called the Typa, which was every
+way commodious for careening the ship, (an operation we were resolved
+to begin upon as soon as possible) and where the above-mentioned duty
+would, in all probability, be never asked for.
+
+This proposal the commodore agreed to, and in the morning we weighed
+anchor, and, under the direction of the Portuguese pilot, steered
+for the intended harbour. As we entered two islands, which form the
+eastern passage to it, we found our soundings decreased to three
+fathom and a half: But the pilot assuring us that this was the least
+depth we should meet with, we continued our course, till at length the
+ship stuck fast in the mud, with only eighteen feet water abaft; and,
+the tide of ebb making, the water sewed to sixteen feet, but the ship
+remained perfectly upright; we then sounded all round us, and finding
+the water deepened to the northward, we carried out our small bower
+with two hawsers an end, and at the return of the tide of flood, hove
+the ship afloat, and a small breeze springing up at the same instant,
+we set the fore top-sail, and, slipping the hawser, ran into the
+harbour, where we moored in about five fathom water. This harbour
+of the Typa is formed by a number of islands, and is about six miles
+distant from Macao. Here we saluted the castle of Macao with eleven
+guns, which were returned by an equal number.
+
+The next day the commodore paid a visit in person to the governor, and
+was saluted at his landing by eleven guns, which were returned by
+the Centurion. Mr Anson's business in this visit was to solicit the
+governor to grant us a supply of provisions, and to furnish us with
+such stores as were necessary to refit the ship The governor seemed
+really inclined to do us all the service he could, and assured the
+commodore, in a friendly manner, that he would privately give us all
+the assistance in his power; but, at the same time, frankly owned that
+he dared not openly furnish us with any thing we demanded, unless we
+first procured an order for it from the viceroy of Canton, for that
+he neither received provisions for his garrison, nor any other
+necessaries, but by permission from the Chinese government; and as
+they took care only to furnish him from day to day, he was indeed no
+other than their vassal, whom they could at all times compel to submit
+to their own terms, only by laying an embargo on his provisions.
+
+On this declaration of the governor, Mr Anson resolved himself to go
+to Canton to procure a license from the viceroy; and accordingly hired
+a Chinese boat for himself and his attendants; but just as he was
+ready to embark, the Hoppo, or Chinese custom-house officer at Macao,
+refused to grant a permit to the boat, and ordered the watermen not to
+proceed at their peril. The commodore at first endeavoured to prevail
+with the hoppo to withdraw his injunction, and to grant a permit; and
+the governor of Macao employed his interest with the hoppo to the same
+purpose. Mr Anson, finding the officer inflexible, told him the next
+day, that if he longer refused to grant the permit, he would man and
+arm his own boats to carry him thither; asking the hoppo, at the
+same time, who he imagined would dare to oppose him. This threat
+immediately brought about what his entreaties had laboured for in
+vain: The permit was granted, and Mr Anson went to Canton. On his
+arrival there he consulted with the supercargoes and officers of
+the English ships, how to procure an order from the viceroy for the
+necessaries he wanted; but in this he had reason to suppose, that the
+advice they gave him, though doubtless well intended, was yet not the
+most prudent; for as it is the custom with these gentlemen never to
+apply to the supreme magistrate himself, whatever difficulties they
+labour under, but to transact all matters relating to the government
+by the mediation of the principal Chinese merchants, Mr Anson was
+advised to follow the same method upon this occasion, the English
+promising (in which they were doubtless sincere) to exert all their
+interest to engage the merchants in his favour. And when the Chinese
+merchants were applied to, they readily undertook the management of
+it, and promised to answer for its success; but after near a month's
+delay, and reiterated excuses, during which interval they pretended
+to be often upon the point of completing the business, they at last
+(being pressed, and measures being taken for delivering a letter to
+the viceroy) threw off the mask, and declared they neither had applied
+to the viceroy nor could they; for he was too great a man, they said,
+for them to approach on any occasion. And, not contented with having
+themselves thus grossly deceived the commodore, they now used all
+their persuasion with the English at Canton, to prevent them from
+intermeddling with any thing that regarded him, representing to them;
+that it would in all probability embroil them with the government, and
+occasion them a great deal of unnecessary trouble; which groundless
+insinuations had indeed but too much weight with those they were
+applied to.
+
+It may be difficult to assign a reason for this perfidious conduct of
+the Chinese merchants: Interest indeed is known to exert a boundless
+influence over the inhabitants of that empire; but how their interest
+could be affected in the present case is not easy to discover, unless
+they apprehended that the presence of a ship of force might damp
+their Manilla trade, and therefore acted in this manner with a view of
+forcing the commodore to Batavia: But it might be as natural in this
+light to suppose, that they would have been eager to have got him
+dispatched. I, therefore, rather impute their behaviour to the
+unparalleled pusillanimity of the nation, and to the awe they are
+under of the government; for as such a ship as the Centurion, fitted
+for war only, had never been seen in those parts before, she was
+the horror of these dastards, and the merchants were in some degree
+terrified even with the idea of her, and could not think of applying
+to the viceroy (who is doubtless fond of all opportunities of fleecing
+them) without representing to themselves the pretences which a hungry
+and tyrannical magistrate night possibly find, for censuring their
+intermeddling in so unusual a transaction, in which he might pretend
+the interest of the state was immediately concerned. However, be this
+as it may, the commodore was satisfied that nothing was to be done by
+the interposition of the merchants, as it was on his pressing them to
+deliver a letter to the viceroy that they had declared they durst
+not intermeddle, and had confessed, that, notwithstanding all their
+pretences of serving him, they had not yet taken one step towards it.
+Mr Anson therefore told them, that he would proceed to Batavia and
+refit his ship there; but informed them, at the same time, that this
+was impossible to be done, unless he was supplied with a stock of
+provisions sufficient for his passage. The merchants on this undertook
+to procure him provisions, but assured him that it was what they
+durst not engage in openly, but proposed to manage it in a clandestine
+manner, by putting a quantity of bread, flour, and other provision, on
+board the English ships, which were now ready to sail, and these were
+to stop at the mouth of the Typa, where the Centurion's boats were to
+receive it. This article, which the merchants represented as a
+matter of great favour, being settled, the commodore, on the 16th
+of December, returned from Canton to the ship, seemingly resolved to
+proceed to Batavia to refit, as soon as he should get his supplies of
+provision on board.
+
+But Mr Anson (who never intended going to Batavia) found, on his
+return to the Centurion, that her main-mast was sprung in two places,
+and that the leak was considerably increased; so that, upon the whole,
+he was fully satisfied, that though he should lay in a sufficient
+stock of provisions, yet it would be impossible for him to put to
+sea without refitting: For, if he left the port with his ship in her
+present condition, she would be in the utmost danger of foundering,
+and therefore, notwithstanding the difficulties he had met with, he
+resolved at all events to have her hove down before he left Macao. He
+was fully convinced, by what he had observed at Canton, that his great
+caution not to injure the East India Company's affairs, and the regard
+he had shown to the advice of their officers, had occasioned all
+his embarrassments. For he now saw clearly, that if he had at first
+carried his ship into the river of Canton, and had immediately applied
+himself to the mandarines, who are the chief officers of state,
+instead of employing the merchants to apply for him, he would, in all
+probability, have had all his requests granted, and would have been
+soon dispatched. He had already lost a month by the wrong measures
+he had been put upon, but he resolved to lose as little more time as
+possible; and, therefore, the 17th of December, being the next day
+after his return from Canton, he wrote a letter to the viceroy of that
+place, acquainting him that he was commander-in-chief of a squadron of
+his Britannic majesty's ships of war which had been cruising for two
+years past in the South Seas against the Spaniards, who were at war
+with the king his master; that, in his way back to England, he had put
+into the port of Macao, having a considerable leak in his ship, and
+being in great want of provisions, so that it was impossible for
+him to proceed on his voyage till his ship was repaired, and he was
+supplied with the necessaries he wanted; that he had been at Canton,
+in hopes of being admitted to a personal audience of his excellency,
+but being a stranger to the customs of the country, he had not been
+able to inform himself what steps were necessary to be taken to
+procure such an audience, and therefore was obliged to apply to him
+in this manner, to desire his excellency to give orders for his being
+permitted to employ carpenters and proper workmen to refit his ship,
+and to furnish himself with provisions and stores, thereby to enable
+him to pursue his voyage to Great Britain with this monsoon, hoping,
+at the same time, that these orders would be issued with as little
+delay as possible, lest it might occasion his loss of the season, and
+he might be prevented, from departing till the next winter.
+
+This letter was translated into the Chinese language, and the
+commodore delivered it himself to the hoppo, or chief officer of the
+emperor's customs at Macao, desiring him to forward it to the viceroy
+of Canton with as much expedition as he could. The officer at first
+seemed unwilling to take charge of it, and raised many difficulties
+about it, so that Mr Anson suspected him of being in league with the
+merchants of Canton, who had always shown a great apprehension of
+the commodore's having any immediate intercourse with the viceroy or
+mandarines; and, therefore, the commodore, with some resentment, took
+back his letter from the hoppo, and told him he would immediately
+send, an officer with it to Canton in his own boat, and would give him
+positive orders not to return without an answer from the viceroy. The
+hoppo, perceiving the commodore to be in earnest, and fearing to be
+called to an account for his refusal, begged to be entrusted with the
+letter, and promised to deliver it, and to procure an answer as soon
+as possible. And now it was soon seen how justly Mr Anson had at last
+judged of the proper manner of dealing with the Chinese; for this
+letter was written but the 17th of December, as hath been already
+observed, and on the 19th in the morning, a mandarine of the first
+rank, who was governor of the city of Janson, together with two
+mandarines of an inferior class, and a great retinue of officers and
+servants, having with them eighteen half gallies, decorated with a
+great number of streamers, and furnished with music, and full of men,
+came to grapnel a-head of the Centurion; whence the mandarine sent
+a message to the commodore, telling him that he (the mandarine) was
+ordered by the viceroy of Canton to examine the condition of the ship,
+and desiring the ship's boat might be sent to fetch him on board. The
+Centurion's boat was immediately dispatched, and preparations were
+made for receiving him; for a hundred of the most sightly of the crew
+were uniformly drest in the regimentals of the marines, and were drawn
+up under arms on the main-deck on his arrival. When he entered the
+ship he was saluted by the drums, and what other military music there
+was on board; and, passing by the new-formed guard, he was met by the
+commodore on the quarter-deck, who conducted him to the great cabin.
+Here the mandarine explained his commission, declaring, that
+his business was to examine all the particulars mentioned in the
+commodore's letter to the viceroy, and to confront them with the
+representation that had been given of them; that he was particularly
+instructed to inspect the leak, and had for that purpose brought with
+him two Chinese carpenters; and that, for the greater regularity and
+dispatch or his business, he had every head of enquiry separately
+wrote down on a sheet of paper, with a void space opposite to it,
+where he was to insert such information and remarks thereon as he
+could procure by his own observation.
+
+This mandarine appeared to be a person of very considerable parts,
+and endowed with more frankness and honesty than is to be found in the
+generality of the Chinese. After the proper enquiries had been made,
+particularly about the leak, which the Chinese carpenters reported to
+be as dangerous as it had been represented, and consequently that
+it was impossible for the Centurion to proceed to sea without being
+refitted, the mandarine expressed himself satisfied with the account
+given in the commodore's letter. And this magistrate, as he was more
+intelligent than any other person of his nation that came to our
+knowledge, so likewise was he more curious and inquisitive, viewing
+each part of the ship with particular attention, and appearing greatly
+surprised at the largeness of the lower-deck guns, and at the weight
+and size of the shot. The commodore, observing his astonishment,
+thought this a proper opportunity to convince the Chinese of the
+prudence of granting him a speedy and ample supply of all he wanted:
+With this view he told the mandarine, and those who were with him,
+that, besides the demands he made for a general supply, he had a
+particular complaint against the proceedings of the custom-house of
+Macao; that at his first arrival the Chinese boats had brought on
+board plenty of greens, and variety of fresh provisions for daily use,
+for which they had always been paid to their full satisfaction, but
+that the custom-house officers at Macao had soon forbid them, by which
+means he was deprived of those refreshments which were of the utmost
+consequence to the health of his men after their long and sickly
+voyage; that as they, the mandarines, had informed themselves of his
+wants, and were eye-witnesses of the force and strength of his
+ship, they might be satisfied it was not for want of power to supply
+himself, that he desired the permission of the government to purchase
+what provisions he stood in need of; that they must be convinced that
+the Centurion alone was capable of destroying the whole navigation of
+the port of Canton, or of any other port in China, without running the
+least risk from all the force the Chinese could collect; that it
+was true this was not the manner of proceeding between nations in
+friendship with each other, but it was likewise true that it was
+not customary for any nation to permit the ships of their friends to
+starve and sink in their ports, when those friends had money to supply
+their wants, and only desired liberty to lay it out; that they must
+confess he and his people had hitherto behaved with great modesty and
+reserve, but that, as his wants were each day increasing, hunger
+would at last prove too strong for any restraint, and necessity was
+acknowledged in all countries to be superior to every other law, and
+therefore it could not be expected that his crew would long continue
+to starve in the midst of that plenty to which their eyes were every
+day witnesses. To this the commodore added, (though perhaps with a
+less serious air,) that if by the delay of supplying him with fresh
+provisions his men should be reduced to the necessity of turning
+cannibals, and preying upon their own species, it was easy to be
+foreseen, that, independent of their friendship to their comrades,
+they would, in point of luxury, prefer the plump well-fed Chinese to
+their own emaciated shipmates. The first mandarine acquiesced in the
+justness of this reasoning, and told the commodore that he should that
+night proceed for Canton; that on his arrival a counsel of mandarines
+would be summoned, of which he himself was a member, and that by being
+employed in the present commission, he was of course the commodore's
+advocate; that, as he was fully convinced of the urgency of Mr Anson's
+necessity, he did not doubt but on his representation the counsel
+would be of the same opinion; and that all that was demanded would
+be amply and speedily granted. And with regard to the commodore's
+complaint of the custom-house of Macao, he undertook to rectify that
+immediately by his own authority; for, desiring a list to be given him
+of the quantity of provision necessary for the expense of the ship
+for a day, he wrote a permit under it, and delivered it to one of his
+attendants, directing him to see that quantity sent on board early
+every morning; and this order, from that time forwards, was punctually
+complied with.[8]
+
+[Footnote 8: Captain Krusenstern, in his very interesting work already
+referred to, relates an anecdote, which it may amuse the reader to
+compare with the reasoning of Commodore Anson's now given:
+
+"An English brig (The Harrier) of eighteen guns, sent by Captain Wood,
+commanding a squadron on that station, to demand indemnification for
+a Spanish prize stranded on the coast of China, and plundered by the
+natives, had the audacity, in defiance of the laws of China, which
+prohibit ships of war going up the Tigris, to force her way as high as
+Whampoa. Two mandarines, as usual, went aboard the brig at the mouth
+of the river, to enquire what her cargo was. The captain shewed them a
+cannon-ball, on which they instantly retired.
+
+"The brig," says K. "had found her way to Whampoa without a pilot; and
+the captain, with a guard of twelve men, proceeded to Canton to
+demand the payment of the sum (£30,000.) This daring conduct threw the
+viceroy into astonishment, and perhaps occasioned him some terror; for
+nothing but the excessive cowardice of the Chinese could have deterred
+him from noticing the affront. They, indeed, shewed a disposition
+after the captain had quitted Canton of avenging themselves, but this
+altogether in their customary manner; and I was assured, that the
+viceroy, as indemnification for this insult of the English captain,
+had imposed a heavy fine upon the Kohong (a company of merchants
+possessing the monopoly of the European trade,) although the members
+of this body could have no concern in the transaction." Capt. K. is
+decidedly of opinion, that nothing but resolute conduct will overcome
+the fickleness and knavery of the Chinese. He pays a high compliment
+to our countrymen, especially Mr Drummond, president of the factory,
+who interfered in his behalf when at Whampoa, and with effect, when
+they could easily have thwarted his plan, and embroiled his government
+with that of China. "That they pursued a very different line of
+conduct," says he, "will appear by the above account of their
+proceedings; nor can I sufficiently rejoice at the zeal and eagerness
+manifested by them in this business. Had we been detained only
+twenty-four-hours longer (he had applied for leave to depart, which
+was granted with much difficulty, and actually revoked a day after
+he had gone,) we must have fallen into the absolute power of these
+savages, who have been emboldened by an useless moderation, not only
+to call the polite nations of Europe barbarians, but also to treat
+them as such."--E.]
+
+When this weighty affair was thus in some degree regulated, the
+commodore invited him and his two attendant mandarines to dinner,
+telling them at the same time, that if his provisions, either in
+kind or quantity, were not what they might expect, they must thank
+themselves for having confined him to so hard an allowance. One of his
+dishes was beef, which the Chinese all dislike, though Mr Anson
+was not apprized of it; this seems to be derived from the India
+superstition, which for some ages past has made a great progress
+in China. However, his guests did not entirely fast; for the three
+mandarines completely finished the white part of four large fowls. But
+they were extremely embarrassed with their knives and forks, and were
+quite incapable of making use of them: So that, after some fruitless
+attempts to help themselves, which were sufficiently awkward, one of
+the attendants was obliged to cut their meat in small pieces for them.
+But whatever difficulty they might have in complying with the European
+manner of eating, they seemed not to be novices in drinking. The
+commodore excused himself in this part of the entertainment, under the
+pretence of illness; but there being another gentleman present, of a
+florid and jovial complexion, the chief mandarine clapped him on the
+shoulder, and told him by the interpreter, that certainly he could not
+plead sickness, and therefore insisted on his bearing him company; and
+that gentleman perceiving, that after they had dispatched four or five
+bottles of Frontiniac, the mandarine still continued unruffled, he
+ordered a bottle of citron-water to be brought up, which the Chinese
+seemed much to relish; and this being near finished, they arose from
+table in appearance cool and uninfluenced by what they had drank,
+and the commodore having, according to custom, made the mandarine a
+present, they all departed in the same vessels that brought them.
+
+After their departure, the commodore with great impatience expected
+the resolution of the council, and the necessary licences for his
+refitment. For it must be observed, as hath already appeared from
+the preceding narration, that he could neither purchase stores nor
+necessaries with his money, nor did any kind of workmen dare to engage
+themselves to work for him, without the permission of the government
+first obtained. And in the execution of these particular injunctions,
+the magistrates never fail of exercising great severity, they,
+notwithstanding the fustian eulogiums bestowed on them by the catholic
+missionaries and their European copiers, being composed of the same
+fragile materials with the rest of mankind, and often making use
+of the authority of the law, not to suppress crimes, but to enrich
+themselves by the pillage of those who commit them; for capital
+punishments are rare in China, the effeminate genius of the nation,
+and their strong attachment to lucre, disposing them rather to make
+use of fines; and hence arises no inconsiderable profit to those
+who compose their tribunals: Consequently prohibitions of all kinds,
+particularly such as the alluring prospect of great profit may often
+tempt the subject to infringe, cannot but be favourite institutions in
+such a government. But to return:
+
+Some time before this, Captain Saunders took his passage to England
+on board a Swedish ship, and was charged with dispatches from the
+commodore; and soon after, in the month of December, Captain Mitchel,
+Colonel Cracherode, and Mr Tassel, one of the agent-victuallers, with
+his nephew Mr Charles Harriot, embarked on board some of our company's
+ships; and I, having obtained, the commodore's leave to return home,
+embarked with them.
+
+Whilst we lay here at Macao, we were informed by some of the officers
+of our Indiamen, that the Severn and Pearl, the two ships of our
+squadron, which had separated from us off Cape Noir, were safely
+arrived at Rio Janeiro on the coast of Brazil. I have formerly taken
+notice, that at the time of their separation, we apprehended them
+to be lost. And there were many reasons which greatly favoured this
+suspicion: For we knew that the Severn in particular was extremely
+sickly; and this was the more obvious to the rest of the ships, as,
+in the preceding part of the voyage, her commander, Captain Legg, had
+been remarkable for his exemplary punctuality in keeping his station,
+till, for the last ten days before his separation, his crew was so
+diminished and enfeebled, that with his utmost efforts it was not
+possible for him to maintain it. Whatever was the cause of it, the
+Severn was by much the most sickly of the squadron: For before her
+departure from St Catharines, she buried more men than any of them,
+insomuch that the commodore was obliged to recruit her with a number
+of fresh hands; and the mortality still continuing, she was supplied
+with men a second time at sea, after our setting sail from St Julians;
+and, notwithstanding these different reinforcements, she was at last
+reduced to the distressed condition I have already mentioned.
+
+Notwithstanding the favourable disposition of the mandarine governor
+of Janson, at his leaving Mr Anson, several days were elapsed before
+he had any advice from him; and Mr Anson was privately informed there
+were great debates in council upon his affair; partly perhaps owing
+to its being so unusual a case, and in part to the influence, as I
+suppose, of the French at Canton: For they had a countryman and fast
+friend residing on the spot, who spoke the language very well, and
+was not unacquainted with the venality of the government, nor with the
+persons of several of the magistrates, and consequently could not be
+at a loss for means of traversing the assistance desired by Mr
+Anson. And this opposition of the French was not merely the effect of
+national prejudice or contrariety of political interests, but was in
+good measure owing to their vanity, a motive of much more weight with
+the generality of mankind, than any attachment to the public service
+of their community: For, the French pretending their Indiamen to be
+men of war, their officers were apprehensive that any distinction
+granted to Mr Anson, on account of his bearing the king's commission,
+would render them less considerable in the eyes of the Chinese, and
+would establish a prepossession at Canton in favour of ships of war,
+by which they, as trading vessels, would suffer in their importance:
+And I wish the affectation of endeavouring to pass for men of war, and
+the fear of sinking in the estimation of the Chinese, if the Centurion
+was treated in a different manner from themselves, had been confined
+to the officers of the French ships only.[9] However, notwithstanding
+all these obstacles, it should seem that the representation of the
+commodore to the mandarines of the facility with which he could right
+himself, if justice were denied him, had at last its effect: For,
+on the 6th of January, in the morning, the governor of Janson, the
+commodore's advocate, sent down the viceroy of Canton's warrant for
+the refitment of the Centurion, and for supplying her people with
+all they wanted; and the next day a number of Chinese smiths and
+carpenters went on board to agree for the work. They demanded at first
+to the amount of a thousand pounds sterling for the necessary repairs
+of the ship, the boats, and the masts: This the commodore seemed to
+think an unreasonable sum, and endeavoured to persuade them to work
+by the day; but that proposal they would not hearken to; so it was at
+last agreed, that the carpenters should have to the amount of about
+six hundred pounds; and that the smiths should be paid for their
+iron-work by weight, allowing them at the rate of three pounds a
+hundred nearly for the small work, and forty-six shillings for the
+large.
+
+[Footnote 9: This sly insinuation, it is pretty evident from
+the preceding narrative, is directed against some of the English
+merchants.--E.]
+
+This being regulated, the commodore exerted himself to get this most
+important business completed; I mean the heaving down the Centurion,
+and examining the state of her bottom: For this purpose the first
+lieutenant was dispatched to Canton to hire two country vessels,
+called in their language junks, one of them being intended to heave
+down by, and the other to serve as a magazine for the powder and
+ammunition: At the same time the ground was smoothed on one of the
+neighbouring islands, and a large tent was pitched for lodging the
+lumber and provisions, and near a hundred Chinese caulkers were
+soon set to work on the decks and sides of the ship. But all these
+preparations, and the getting ready the careening gear, took up a
+great deal of time; for the Chinese caulkers, though they worked very
+well, were far from being expeditions; and it was the 26th of January
+before the junks arrived; and the necessary materials, which were
+to be purchased at Canton, came down very slowly, partly from the
+distance of the place, and partly from the delays and backwardness
+of the Chinese merchants. And in this interval Mr Anson had the
+additional perplexity to discover that his fore-mast was broken
+asunder above the upper deck partners, and was only kept together by
+the fishes which had been formerly clapt upon it.
+
+However, the Centurion's people made the most of their time, and
+exerted themselves the best they could; and as, by clearing the ship,
+the carpenters were enabled to come at the leak, they took care to
+secure that effectually, whilst the other preparations were going
+forwards. The leak was found to be below the fifteen-foot mark, and
+was principally occasioned by one of the bolts being wore away and
+loose in the joining of the stem where it was scarfed.
+
+At last all things being prepared, they, on the 22d of February, in
+the morning, hove out the first course of the Centurion's starboard
+side, and had the satisfaction to find that her bottom appeared sound
+and good; and, the next day (having by that time completed the new
+sheathing of the first course) they righted her again, to set up
+anew the careening rigging which stretched much. Thus they continued
+heaving down, and often righting the ship from a suspicion of their
+careening tackle, till the 3d of March; when, having completed the
+paying and sheathing the bottom, which proved to be every where very
+sound, they for the last time righted the ship to their great joy, for
+not only the fatigue of careening had been considerable, but they had
+been apprehensive of being attacked by the Spaniards, whilst the ship
+was thus incapacitated for defence. Nor were their fears altogether
+groundless; for they learnt afterwards by a Portuguese vessel, that
+the Spaniards at Manilla had been informed that the Centurion was
+in the Typa, and intended to careen there; and that thereupon the
+governor had summoned his council, and had proposed to them to
+endeavour to burn her whilst she was careening, which was an
+enterprise, which, if properly conducted, might have put them in great
+danger: They were farther told that this scheme was not only
+proposed, but resolved on; and that a captain of a vessel had actually
+undertaken to perform the business for forty thousand dollars, which
+he was not to receive unless he succeeded; but the governor pretending
+that there was no treasure in the royal chest, and insisting that the
+merchants should advance the money, and they refusing to comply with
+the demand, the affair was dropped: Perhaps the merchants suspected
+that the whole was only a pretext to get forty thousand dollars from
+them; and indeed this was affirmed by some who bore the governor no
+good will, but with what truth it is difficult to ascertain.
+
+As soon as the Centurion was righted, they took in her powder and
+gunner's stores, and proceeded in getting in their guns as fast as
+possible, and then used their utmost; expedition in repairing the
+fore-mast, and in completing the other articles of her refitment.
+And being thus employed, they were alarmed on the 10th of March, by a
+Chinese fisherman, who brought them intelligence that he had been on
+board a large Spanish ship off the grand Ladrone, and that there were
+two more in company with her: He added several particulars to his
+relation, as that he had brought one of their officers to Macao; and
+that, on this, boats went off early in the morning from Macao to them:
+And the better to establish the belief of his veracity, he said he
+desired no money if his information should not prove true. This was
+presently believed to be the fore-mentioned expedition from Manilla,
+and the commodore immediately fitted his cannon and small arms in the
+best manner he could for defence; and having; then his pinnace and
+cutter in the offing, who had been ordered to examine a Portuguese
+vessel which was getting under sail, he sent them the advice he had
+received, and directed them to look out strictly: But no such ships
+ever appeared, and they were soon satisfied the whole of the story
+was a fiction; though it was difficult to conceive what reason could
+induce the fellow to be at such extraordinary pains to impose on them.
+
+It was the beginning of April before they had new-rigged the ship,
+stowed their provisions and water on board, and had fitted her for the
+sea; and before this time the Chinese grew very uneasy, and extremely
+desirous that she should be gone; either not knowing, or pretending
+not to believe, that this was a point the commodore was as eagerly set
+on as they could be. On the 3d of April, two mandarine boats came on
+board from Macao to urge his departure; and this having been often
+done before, though there had been no pretence to suspect Mr Anson
+of any affected delays, he at this last message answered them in a
+determined tone, desiring them to give him no further trouble, for he
+would go when he thought proper, and not before. On this rebuke the
+Chinese (though it was not in their power to compel him to be gone)
+immediately prohibited all provisions from being carried on board him,
+and took such care that their injunctions should be complied with,
+that from that time forwards nothing could be purchased at any rate
+whatever.
+
+On the 6th of April, the Centurion weighed from the Typa, and warped
+to the southward; and by the 15th, she was got into Macao road,
+completing her water as she passed along, so that there remained now
+very few articles more to attend to, and her whole business being
+finished by the 19th, she, at three in the afternoon of that day,
+weighed and made sail, and stood to sea.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX.
+
+_From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo; the taking of the Manilla Galleon,
+and returning back again._
+
+The commodore was now got to sea, with his ship very well refitted,
+his stores replenished, and an additional stock of provisions on
+board: His crew too was somewhat reinforced; for he had entered
+twenty-three men during his stay at Macao, the greatest part of which
+were Lascars or Indian sailors, and some few Dutch. He gave out at
+Macao that he was bound to Batavia, and thence to England; and though
+the westerly monsoon was now set in, when that passage is considered
+as impracticable, yet, by the confidence he had expressed in the
+strength of his ship, and the dexterity of his people, he had
+persuaded not only his own crew, but the people at Macao likewise,
+that he proposed to try this unusual experiment; so that there were
+many letters put on board him by the inhabitants of Canton and Macao
+for their friends at Batavia.
+
+But his real design was of a very different nature: For he knew, that
+instead of one annual ship from Acapulco to Manilla, there would be
+this year in all probability two; since, by being before Acapulco, he
+had prevented one of them from putting to sea the preceding season.
+He therefore resolved to cruise for these returning vessels off Cape
+Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal, which is the first land they
+always make in the Philippine Islands. And as June is generally the
+month in which they arrive there, he doubted not but he should get to
+his intended station time enough to intercept them. It is true, they
+were said to be stout vessels, mounting forty-four guns a-piece, and
+carrying above five hundred hands, and might be expected to return in
+company; and he himself had but two hundred and twenty-seven hands
+on board, of which near thirty were boys: But this disproportion of
+strength did not deter him, as he knew his ship to be much better
+fitted for a sea-engagement than theirs, and as he had reason to
+expect that his men would exert themselves in the most extraordinary
+manner, when they had in view the immense wealth of these Manilla
+galleons.
+
+This project the commodore had resolved on in his own thoughts, ever
+since his leaving the coast of Mexico. And the greatest mortification
+which he received, from the various delays he had met with in China,
+was his apprehension, lest he might be thereby so long retarded as to
+let the galleons escape him. Indeed, at Macao it was incumbent on
+him to keep these views extremely secret; for there being a great
+intercourse and a mutual connection of interests between that port and
+Manilla, he had reason to fear, that if his designs were discovered,
+intelligence would be immediately sent to Manilla, and measures taken
+to prevent the galleons from falling into his hands: But being now at
+sea, and entirely clear of the coast, he summoned all his people on
+the quarter-deck, and informed them of his resolution to cruise for
+the two Manilla ships, of whose wealth they were not ignorant. He told
+them he should chuse a station, where he could not fail of meeting
+with them; and though they were stout ships, and full manned, yet, if
+his own people behaved with their accustomed spirit, he was certain
+he should prove too hard for them both, and that one of them at least
+could not fail of becoming his prize: He further added, that many
+ridiculous tales had been propagated about the strength of the sides
+of these ships, and their being impenetrable to cannon-shot; that
+these fictions had been principally invented to palliate the cowardice
+of those who had formerly engaged them; but he hoped there were none
+of those present weak enough to give credit to so absurd a story: For
+his own part, he did assure them upon his word, that, whenever he met
+with them, he would fight them so near, that they should find, his
+bullets, instead of being stopped by one of their sides, should go
+through them both.
+
+This speech of the commodore's was received by his people with
+great joy: For no sooner had he ended, than they expressed their
+approbation, according to naval custom, by three strenuous cheers, and
+all declared their determination to succeed or perish, whenever the
+opportunity presented itself. And now their hopes, which, since their
+departure from the coast of Mexico, had entirely subsided, were again
+revived; and they all persuaded themselves, that, notwithstanding the
+various casualties and disappointments they had hitherto met with,
+they should yet be repaid the price of their fatigues, and should at
+last return home enriched with the spoils of the enemy: For, firmly
+relying on the assurances of the commodore, that they should certainly
+meet with the vessels, they were all of them too sanguine to doubt a
+moment of mastering them; so that they considered themselves as
+having them already in their possession. And this confidence was
+so universally spread through the whole ship's company, that, the
+commodore having taken some Chinese sheep to sea with him for his own
+provision, and one day enquiring of his butcher, why, for some time
+past, he had seen no mutton at his table, asking him if all the sheep
+were killed, the butcher very seriously replied, that there were
+indeed two sheep left, but that, if his honour would give him leave,
+he proposed to keep those for the entertainment of the general of the
+galleons.
+
+When the Centurion left the port of Macao, she stood for some days to
+the westward; and, on the first of May, they saw part of the island
+of Formosa; and, standing thence to the southward, they, on the 4th
+of May, were in the latitude of the Bashee islands, as laid down by
+Dampier; but they suspected his account of inaccuracy, as they found
+that he had been considerably mistaken in the latitude of the south
+end of Formosa: For this reason they kept a good look-out, and about
+seven in the evening discovered from the mast-head five small islands,
+which were judged to be the Bashees, and they had afterwards a sight
+of Bottle Tobago Xima. By this means they had an opportunity of
+correcting the position of the Bashee islands, which had been hitherto
+laid down twenty-five leagues too far to the westward: For, by their
+observations, they esteemed the middle of these islands to be in 21°
+4' north, and to bear from Botel Tobago Xima S.S.E. twenty leagues
+distant, that island itself being in 21° 57' north.[1]
+
+
+[Footnote 1: The Bashee Islands were so called by Dampier from the
+name of a liquor used by the natives. Four of them are inhabited, and
+are tolerably fertile, producing sugar canes, pine apples, plantaines,
+potatoes, &c. and having some hogs and goats. The inhabitants, who
+are reckoned a harmless and peaceable race, are said to resemble the
+Japanese, and probably are derived from them. The unfortunate Peyreuse
+visited one of the most northerly of these islands, and found its
+latitude to be 21° 9' 13" N. Arrowsmith's map lays them down very
+particularly. The passage betwixt Formosa and these islands is held
+very dangerous on account of the rock called Vele Rete, the precise
+situation of which is matter of discord among the navigators. Captain
+Krusenstern went through this passage during the night, and that
+a stormy one too, with perfect safety, keeping the middle of the
+channel, and having men continually on the look-out. He seems to
+prefer the position of Vele Rete and its reef of rocks, (of about two
+miles circuit,) as given by Broughton, according to whose observations
+the latitude is 21° 43' 24", and the longitude 239° 15'.--E.]
+
+After getting a sight of the Bashee islands, they stood between the S.
+and S.W. for Cape Espiritu Santo; and, the 20th of May at noon, they
+first discovered that cape, which about four o'clock they brought
+to bear S.S.W. about eleven leagues distant. It appeared to be of a
+moderate height, with several round hummocks on it. As it was known
+that there were centinels placed upon this cape to make signals to the
+Acapulco ship, when she first falls in with the land, the commodore
+immediately tacked, and ordered the top-gallant sails to be taken in,
+to prevent being discovered; and, this being the station in which it
+was resolved to cruise for the galleons, they kept the cape between
+the south and the west, and endeavoured to confine themselves between
+the latitude of 12° 50', and 13° 5', the cape itself lying, by their
+observations, in 12° 40' north, and 4° of east longitude from Botel
+Tobago Xima.
+
+It was the last of May, when they arrived off this cape; and the month
+of June being that in which the Manilla ships are usually expected,
+the Centurion's people were now waiting each hour with the utmost
+impatience for the happy crisis which was to balance the account
+of all their past calamities. As from this time there was but small
+employment for the crew, the commodore ordered them almost every day
+to be exercised in the management of the great guns, and in the use
+of their small arms. This had been his practice, more or less, at all
+convenient seasons, during the whole course of his voyage; and the
+advantages which he received from it, in his engagement with the
+galleon, were an ample recompence for all his care and attention.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The original has here some reflections on the importance
+and advantages of exercising the seamen in firing, &c. which, however
+good, are too common and obvious to merit insertion. The art of
+destroying men's lives has been abundantly improved since our author's
+day.--E.]
+
+The galleons being now expected, the commodore made all necessary
+preparations for receiving them, having hoisted out his long-boat, and
+lashed her alongside, that the ship might be ready for engaging, if
+they fell in with the galleons in the night. All this time too he was
+very solicitous to keep at such a distance from the cape, as not to
+be discovered: But it hath been since learnt, that notwithstanding
+his care, he was seen from the land; and advice of him was sent
+to Manilla, where it was at first disbelieved, but on reiterated
+intelligence (for it seems he was seen more than once) their merchants
+were alarmed, and the governor was applied to, who undertook (the
+commerce supplying the necessary sums) to fit out a force consisting
+of two ships of thirty-two guns, one of twenty guns, and two sloops
+of ten guns each, to attack the Centurion on her station: And some
+of these vessels did actually weigh with this view; but the principal
+ship not being ready, and the monsoon being against then, the commerce
+and the governor disagreed, and the enterprize was laid aside. This
+frequent discovery of the Centurion from the shore was somewhat
+extraordinary; for the pitch of the cape is not high, and she usually
+kept from ten to fifteen leagues distant; though once indeed, by an
+indraught of the tide, as was supposed, they found themselves in the
+morning within seven leagues of the land.
+
+As the month of June advanced, the expectancy and impatience of the
+commodore's people each day increased. And I think no better idea can
+be given of their great eagerness on this occasion, than by copying a
+few paragraphs from the journal of an officer, who was then on
+board, as it will, I presume, be a more natural picture of the full
+attachment of their thoughts to the business of their cruise, than can
+be given by any other means. The paragraphs I have selected, as they
+occur in order of time, are as follow:
+
+"_May_ 31. Exercising our men at their quarters, in great expectation
+of meeting with the galleons very soon; this being the eleventh of
+June their stile."
+
+"_June_ 3. Keeping in our stations, and looking out for the galleons."
+
+"_June_ 5. Begin now to be in great expectation, this being the middle
+of June their stile."
+
+"_June_ 11. Begin to grow impatient at not seeing the galleons."
+
+"_June_ 13. The wind having blown fresh easterly for the forty-eight
+hours past, gives us great expectations of seeing the galleons soon."
+
+"_June_ 15. Cruising on and off, and looking out strictly."
+
+"_June_ 19. This being the last day of June, N.S. the galleons, if
+they arrive at all, must appear soon."
+
+From these samples it is sufficiently evident, how completely the
+treasure of the galleons had engrossed their imagination, and how
+anxiously they passed the latter part of their cruise, when the
+certainty of the arrival of these vessels was dwindled down to
+probability only, and that probability became each hour more and more
+doubtful. However, on the 20th of June, O.S. being just a month from
+their arrival on their station, they were relieved from this state
+of uncertainty; when, at sun-rise, they discovered a sail from the
+mast-head, in the S.E. quarter. On this, a general joy spread
+through the whole ship; for they had no doubt but this was one of
+the galleons, and they expected soon to see the other. The commodore
+instantly stood towards her, and at half an hour after seven they were
+near enough to see her from the Centurion's deck; at which time the
+galleon fired a gun, and took in her top-gallant sails, which
+was supposed to be a signal to her consort, to hasten her up; and
+therefore the Centurion fired a gun to leeward, to amuse her. The
+commodore was surprised to find, that in all this time the galleon
+did not change her course, but continued to bear down upon him; for
+he hardly believed, what afterwards appeared to be the case, that she
+knew his ship to be the Centurion, and resolved to fight him.
+
+About noon the commodore was little more than a league distant from
+the galleon, and could fetch her wake, so that she could not now
+escape; and, no second ship appearing, it was concluded that she had
+been separated from her consort. Soon after, the galleon haled up
+her fore-sail, and brought-to under top-sails, with her head to the
+northward, hoisting Spanish colours, and having the standard of Spain
+flying at the top-gallant-mast-head. Mr Anson, in the mean time, had
+prepared all things for an engagement on board the Centurion, and had
+taken all possible care, both for the most effectual exertion of his
+small strength, and for the avoiding the confusion and tumult too
+frequent in actions of this kind. He picked out about thirty of his
+choicest hands and best marksmen, whom he distributed into his tops,
+and who fully answered his expectation, by the signal services
+they performed. As he had not hands enough remaining to quarter a
+sufficient number to each great gun, in the customary manner, he
+therefore, on his lower tire, fixed only two men to each gun, who were
+to be solely employed in loading it, whilst the rest of his people
+were divided into different gangs of ten or twelve men each, who were
+constantly moving about the decks, to ran out and fire such guns as
+were loaded. By this management he was enabled to make use of all his
+guns; and, instead of firing broad-sides with intervals between them,
+he kept up a constant fire without intermission, whence he doubted not
+to procure very signal advantages; for it is common with the Spaniards
+to fall down upon the decks when they see a broadside preparing, and
+to continue in that posture till it is given; after which they rise
+again, and, presuming the danger to be for some time over, work their
+guns, and fire with great briskness, till another broad-side is ready:
+But the firing gun by gun, in the manner directed by the commodore,
+rendered this practice of theirs impossible.
+
+The Centurion being thus prepared, and nearing the galleon apace,
+there happened, a little after noon, several squalls of wind and rain,
+which often obscured the galleon from their sight; but whenever it
+cleared up, they observed her resolutely lying-to; and, towards one
+o'clock, the Centurion hoisted her broad pendant and colours, she
+being then within gun-shot of the enemy. And the commodore observing
+the Spaniards to have neglected clearing their ship till that time, as
+he then saw them throwing overboard cattle and lumber, he gave orders
+to fire upon them with the chace-guns, to embarrass them in their
+work, and prevent them from completing it, though his general
+directions had been not to engage till they were within pistol-shot.
+The galleon returned the fire with two of her stern-chacers; and, the
+Centurion getting her sprit-sail-yard fore and aft, that if necessary
+she might be ready for boarding, the Spaniards in a bravado rigged
+their sprit-sail-yard fore and aft likewise. Soon after, the Centurion
+came a-breast of the enemy within pistol-shot, keeping to the leeward
+with a view of preventing them from putting before the wind, and
+gaining the port of Jalapay, from which they were about seven leagues
+distant. And now the engagement began in earnest, and, for the first
+half hour, Mr Anson over-reached the galleon, and lay on her bow;
+where, by the great wideness of his ports, he could traverse almost
+all his guns upon the enemy, whilst the galleon could only bring a
+part of hers to bear. Immediately on the commencement of the action,
+the mats, with which the galleon had stuffed her netting, took fire,
+and burnt violently, blazing up half as high as the mizen-top. This
+accident (supposed to be caused by the Centurion's wads) threw
+the enemy into great confusion, and at the same time alarmed the
+commodore, for he feared least the galleon should be burnt, and least
+he himself too might suffer by her driving on board him: But the
+Spaniards at last freed themselves from the fire, by cutting away the
+netting, and tumbling the whole mass, which was in flames, into the
+sea. But still the Centurion kept her first advantageous position,
+firing her cannon with great regularity and briskness, whilst at the
+same time the galleon's decks lay open to her top-men, who, having
+at their first volley driven the Spaniards from their tops, made
+prodigious havock with their small-arms, killing or wounding every
+officer but one that ever appeared on the quarter-deck, and wounding
+in particular the general of the galleon himself. And though the
+Centurion, after the first half hour, lost her original situation,
+and was close alongside the galleon, and the enemy continued to
+fire briskly for near an hour longer, yet at last the commodore's
+grape-shot swept their decks so effectually, and the number of their
+slain and wounded was so considerable, that they began to fall into
+great disorder, especially as the general, who was the life of the
+action, was no longer capable of exerting himself. Their embarrassment
+was visible from on board the commodore. For the ships were so near,
+that some of the Spanish officers were seen running about with great
+assiduity, to prevent the desertion of their men from their quarters:
+But all their endeavours were in vain; for after having, as a last
+effort, fired five or six guns with more judgment than usual, they
+gave up the contest; and, the galleon's colours being singed off
+the ensign-staff in the beginning of the engagement, she struck
+the standard at her main-top-gallant-mast-head, the person who was
+employed to do it, having been in imminent peril of being killed,
+had not the commodore, who perceived what he was about, given express
+orders to his people to desist from firing.
+
+Thus was the Centurion possessed of this rich prize, amounting in
+value to near a million and a half of dollars. She was called the
+Nostra Signora de Cabadonga, and was commanded by the general Don
+Jeronimo de Montero, a Portuguese by birth, and the most approved
+officer for skill and courage of any employed in that service. The
+galleon, was much larger than the Centurion, had five hundred and
+fifty men and thirty-six guns mounted for action, besides twenty-eight
+pidreroes in her gunwale, quarters and tops, each of which carried a
+four-pound ball. She was very well furnished with small arms, and was
+particularly provided against boarding, both by her close quarters,
+and by a strong net-work of two-inch rope, which was laced over her
+waist, and was defended by half pikes. She had sixty-seven killed in
+the action, and eighty-four wounded, whilst the Centurion had only two
+killed, and a lieutenant and sixteen wounded, all of whom, but one,
+recovered: Of so little consequence are the most destructive arms in
+untutored and unpractised hands.
+
+The treasure thus taken by the Centurion having been for at least
+eighteen months the great object of their hopes, it is impossible
+to describe the transport on board, when, after all their reiterated
+disappointments, they at last saw their wishes accomplished. But their
+joy was near being suddenly damped by a most tremendous incident: For
+no sooner had the galleon struck, than one of the lieutenants coming
+to Mr Anson to congratulate him on his prize, whispered him at
+the same time, that the Centurion was dangerously on fire near the
+powder-room. The commodore received this dreadful news without any
+apparent emotion, and, taking care not to alarm his people, gave the
+necessary orders for extinguishing it, which was happily done in a
+short time, though its appearance at first was extremely terrible. It
+seems some cartridges had been blown up by accident between decks,
+by which a quantity of oakum in the after-hatch-way, near the
+after-powder-room, was set on fire; and the great smother and smoke
+of the oakum occasioned the apprehension of a more extended and
+mischievous fire. At the same instant, too, the galleon fell on board
+the Centurion on the starboard quarter, but she was cleared without
+doing or receiving any considerable damage.
+
+The commodore made his first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, captain of this
+prize, appointing her a post-ship in his majesty's service. Captain
+Saumarez, before night, sent on board the Centurion all the Spanish
+prisoners, but such as were thought the most proper to be retained to
+assist in navigating the galleon. And now the commodore learnt, from
+some of the prisoners, that the other ship, which he had kept in the
+port of Acapulco the preceding year, instead of returning in company
+with the present prize, as was expected, had set sail from Acapulco
+alone much sooner than usual, and had, in all probability, got into
+the port of Manilla long before the Centurion arrived off Espiritu
+Santo; so that Mr Anson, notwithstanding his present success, had
+great reason to regret his loss of time at Macao, which prevented him
+from taking two rich prizes instead of one.
+
+The commodore, when the action was ended, resolved to make the best of
+his way with his prize for the river of Canton, being in the mean time
+fully employed in securing his prisoners, and in removing the treasure
+from on board the galleon into the Centurion. The last of these
+operations was too important to be postponed; for as the navigation to
+Canton was through seas but little known, and where, from the season
+of the year, much bad weather might be expected, it was of great
+consequence that the treasure should be sent on board the Centurion,
+which ship, by the presence of the commander in chief, the greater
+number of her hands, and her other advantages, was doubtless much
+safer against all the casualties of winds and seas than the galleon;
+and the securing the prisoners was a matter of still more consequence,
+as not only the possession of the treasure, but the lives of the
+captors, depended thereon. This was indeed an article which gave the
+commodore much trouble and disquietude; for they were above double the
+number of his own people; and some of them, when they were brought on
+board the Centurion, and had observed how slenderly she was manned,
+and the large proportion which the striplings bore to the rest, could
+not help expressing themselves with great indignation to be thus
+beaten by a handful of boys. The method, which was taken to hinder
+them from rising, was by placing all but the officers and the
+wounded in the hold, where, to give them as much air as possible, two
+hatch-ways were left open; but then (to avoid all danger, whilst
+the Centurion's people should be employed upon the deck) there was a
+square partition of thick planks, made in the shape of a funnel,
+which enclosed each hatch-way on the lower deck, and reached to
+that directly over it on the upper deck; these funnels served to
+communicate the air to the hold better than could have been done
+without them; and, at the same time, added greatly to the security of
+the ship; for they being seven or eight feet high, it would have been
+extremely difficult for the Spaniards to have clambered up; and
+still to augment that difficulty, four swivel-guns loaded with
+musquet-bullets were planted at the mouth of each funnel, and a
+centinel with lighted match constantly attended, prepared to fire into
+the hold amongst them, in case of any disturbance. Their officers,
+who amounted to seventeen or eighteen, were all lodged in the first
+lieutenant's cabin, under a constant guard of six men; and the
+general, as he was wounded, lay in the commodore's cabin with a
+centinel always with him; and they were all informed, that any
+violence or disturbance would be punished with instant death. And
+that the Centurion's people might be at all times prepared, if,
+notwithstanding these regulations, any tumult should arise, the small
+arms were constantly kept loaded in a proper place, whilst all the men
+went armed with cutlasses and pistols; and no officer ever pulled off
+his cloaths, and when he slept had always his arms lying ready by him.
+
+These measures were obviously necessary, considering the hazards to
+which the commodore and his people would have been exposed, had they
+been less careful. Indeed, the sufferings of the poor prisoners,
+though impossible to be alleviated, were much to be commiserated; for
+the weather was extremely hot, the stench of the hold loathsome beyond
+all conception, and their allowance of water but just sufficient to
+keep them alive, it not being practicable to spare them more than at
+the rate of a pint a-day for each, the crew themselves having only an
+allowance of a pint and a half. All this considered, it was wonderful
+that not a man of them died during their long confinement, except
+three of the wounded, who died the same night they were taken; though
+it must be confessed, that the greatest part of them were strangely
+metamorphosed by the heat of the hold; for when they were first taken,
+they were sightly, robust fellows; but when, after above a month's
+imprisonment, they were discharged in the river of Canton, they were
+reduced to mere skeletons; and their air and looks corresponded much
+more to the conception formed of ghosts and spectres, than to the
+figure and appearance of real men.
+
+Thus employed in securing the treasure and the prisoners, the
+commodore stood for the river of Canton; and, on the 30th of June, at
+six in the evening, got sight of Cape Delangano, which then bore west
+ten leagues distant; and, the next day, he made the Bashee islands,
+and the wind being so far to the northward, that it was difficult to
+weather them, it was resolved to stand through between Grafton and
+Monmouth islands, where the passage seemed to be clear; but in getting
+through, the sea had a very dangerous aspect, for it rippled and
+foamed, as if it had been full of breakers, which was still more
+terrible, as it was then night. But the ships got through very safe,
+(the prize always keeping a-head) and it was found that the appearance
+which had alarmed them had been occasioned only by a strong tide. I
+must here observe, that though the Bashee islands are usually reckoned
+to be no more than five, yet there are many more lying about them
+to the westward, which, as the channels amongst them are not at all
+known, makes it advisable for ships, rather to pass to the northward
+or southward, than through them; and indeed the commodore proposed
+to have gone to the northward, between them and Formosa, had it been
+possible for him to have weathered them. From hence the Centurion
+steering the proper course for the river of Canton, she, on the 8th
+of July, discovered the island of Supata, the westermost of the
+Lema islands. This island they made to be an hundred and thirty-nine
+leagues distant from Grafton's island, and to bear from it north 82°,
+37° west: And, on the 11th, having taken on board two Chinese pilots,
+one for the Centurion, and the other for the prize, they came to an
+anchor off the city of Macao.
+
+By this time the particulars of the cargo of the galleon were well
+ascertained, and it was found that she had on board 1,313,843 pieces
+of eight, and 35,682 oz. of virgin silver, besides some cochineal, and
+a few other commodities, which, however, were but of small account, in
+comparison of the specie. And this being the commodore's last prize,
+it hence appears, that all the treasure taken by the Centurion was
+not much short of 400,000l. independent of the ships and merchandise,
+which she either burnt or destroyed, and which, by the most reasonable
+estimation, could not amount to so little as 600,000l. more; so that
+the whole loss of the enemy, by our squadron, did doubtless exceed a
+million sterling. To which, if there be added the great expence of the
+court of Spain, in fitting out Pizarro, and in paying the additional
+charges in America, incurred on our account, together with the loss
+of their men of war, the total of all these articles will be a most
+exorbitant sum, and is the strongest conviction of the utility of this
+expedition, which, with all its numerous disadvantages, did yet prove
+so extremely prejudicial to the enemy.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI.
+
+_Transactions in the River of Canton._
+
+The commodore, having taken pilots on board, proceeded with his prize
+for the river of Canton; and on the 14th of July, came to an anchor
+short of the Bocca Tigris, which is a narrow passage forming the mouth
+of that river: This entrance he proposed to stand through the next
+day, and to run up as far as Tiger island, which is a very safe road,
+secured from all winds. But whilst the Centurion and her prize were
+thus at anchor, a boat with an officer came off from the mandarine,
+commanding the forts at Bocca Tigris, to examine what the ships were,
+and whence they came. Mr Anson informed the officer, that his ship was
+a ship of war, belonging to the king of Great Britain; and that the
+other in company with him was a prize he had taken; that he was going
+into Canton river to shelter himself against the hurricanes which were
+then coming on; and that as soon as the monsoon shifted, he should
+proceed for England. The officer then desired an account of what men,
+guns, and ammunition were on board, a list of all which he said was
+to be sent to the government of Canton. But when these articles were
+repeated to him, particularly when he was told that there were in the
+Centurion four hundred firelocks, and between three and four hundred
+barrels of powder, he shrugged up his shoulders, and seemed to be
+terrified with the bare recital, saying, that no ships ever came into
+Canton river armed in that manner; adding, that he durst not set down
+the whole of this force, lest it should too much alarm the regency.
+After he had finished his enquiries, and was preparing to depart, he
+desired to leave the two custom-house officers behind him; on which
+the commodore told him, that though as a man of war he was prohibited
+from trading, and had nothing to do with customs or duties of any
+kind, yet, for the satisfaction of the Chinese, he would permit two
+of their people to be left on board, who might themselves be witnesses
+how punctually he should comply with his instructions. The officer
+seemed amazed when Mr Anson mentioned being exempted from all duties,
+and told him, that the emperor's duty must be paid by all ships
+that came into his ports: And it is supposed, that on this occasion,
+private directions were given by him to the Chinese pilot, not to
+carry the commodore through the Bocca Tigris; which makes it necessary
+more particularly to describe that entrance.
+
+The Bocca Tigris is a narrow passage, little more than musquet-shot
+over, formed by two points of land, on each of which there is a fort,
+that on the starboard-side being a battery on the water's edge, with
+eighteen embrasures, but where there were no more than twelve iron
+cannon mounted, seeming to be four or six pounders; the fort on the
+larboard-side is a large castle, resembling those old buildings
+which here in England we often find distinguished by that name; it is
+situated on a high rock, and did not appear to be furnished with more
+than eight or ten cannon, none of which were supposed to exceed six
+pounders. These are the defences which secure the river of Canton;
+and which the Chinese (extremely defective in all military skill) have
+imagined were sufficient to prevent any enemy from forcing his way
+through.
+
+But it is obvious, from the description of these forts, that they
+could have given no obstruction to Mr Anson's passage, even if they
+had been well supplied with gunners and stores; and therefore, though
+the pilot, after the Chinese officer had been on board, refused at
+first to take charge of the ship, till he had leave from the forts,
+yet as it was necessary to get through without any delay, for fear of
+the bad weather which was hourly expected, the commodore weighed on
+the 15th, and ordered the pilot to carry him by the forts, threatening
+him that, if the ship ran aground, he would instantly hang him up
+at the yard-arm. The pilot, awed by these threats, carried the ship
+through safely, the forts not attempting to dispute the passage.
+Indeed the poor pilot did not escape the resentment of his countrymen,
+for when he came on shore, he was seized and sent to prison, and was
+rigorously disciplined with the bamboo. However, he found means to
+get at Mr Anson afterwards, to desire of him some recompence for
+the chastisement he had undergone, and of which he then carried very
+significant marks about him; and Mr Anson, in commiseration of his
+sufferings, gave him such a sum of money, as would at any time have
+enticed a Chinese to have undergone a dozen bastinadings.
+
+Nor was the pilot the only person that suffered on this occasion;
+for the commodore soon after seeing some royal junks pass by him from
+Bocca Tigris towards Canton, he learnt, on enquiry, that the mandarine
+commanding the forts was a prisoner on board them; that he was already
+turned out, and was now carrying to Canton, where it was expected he
+would be severely punished for having permitted the ships to pass; and
+the commodore urging the unreasonableness of this procedure, from
+the inability of the forts to have done otherwise, explaining to the
+Chinese the great superiority his ships would have had over the forts,
+by the number and size of their guns, the Chinese seemed to acquiesce
+in his reasoning, and allowed that their forts could not have stopped
+him; but they still asserted, that the mandarine would infallibly
+suffer, for not having done what all his judges were convinced was
+impossible. To such indefensible absurdities are those obliged to
+submit who think themselves concerned to support their authority, when
+the necessary force is wanting.
+
+On the 16th of July the commodore sent his second lieutenant to
+Canton, with a letter to the viceroy, informing him of the reason of
+the Centurion's putting into that port; and that the commodore himself
+soon proposed to repair to Canton, to pay a visit to the viceroy. The
+lieutenant was very civilly received, and was promised that an answer
+should be sent to the commodore the next day. In the mean time Mr
+Anson gave leave to several of the officers of the galleon to go to
+Canton, they engaging their parole to return in two days. When these
+prisoners got to Canton, the regency sent for them, and examined them,
+enquiring particularly by what means they had fallen into Mr Anson's
+power. And on this occasion the prisoners were honest enough to
+declare, that as the kings of Great Britain and of Spain were at war,
+they had proposed to themselves the taking of the Centurion, and
+had bore down upon her with that view, but that the event had been
+contrary to their hopes: However, they acknowledged that they had been
+treated by the commodore, much better than they believed they should
+have treated him, had he fallen into their hands. This confession from
+an enemy had great weight with the Chinese, who, till then, though
+they had revered the commodore's power, had yet suspected his morals,
+and had considered him rather as a lawless freebooter, than as one
+commissioned by the state for the revenge of public injuries. But
+they now changed their opinion, and regarded him as a more important
+person; to which perhaps the vast treasure of his prize might not a
+little contribute; the acquisition of wealth being a matter greatly
+adapted to the estimation and reverence of the Chinese nation.
+
+In this examination of the Spanish prisoners, though the Chinese had
+no reason in the main to doubt of the account which was given them,
+yet there were two circumstances which appeared to them so singular,
+as to deserve a more ample explanation; one of them was the great
+disproportion of men between the Centurion and the galleon; the other
+was the humanity with which the people of the galleon were treated
+after they were taken. The mandarines therefore asked the Spaniards,
+how they came to be overpowered by so inferior a force; and how it
+happened, since the two nations were at war, that they were not put
+to death when they came into the hands of the English. To the first of
+these enquiries the Spaniards replied, that though they had more hands
+than the Centurion, yet she being intended solely for war, had a great
+superiority in the size of her guns, and in many other articles, over
+the galleon, which was a vessel fitted out principally for traffic:
+And as to the second question, they told the Chinese, that amongst
+the nations of Europe, it was not customary to put to death those who
+submitted; though they readily owned, that the commodore, from
+the natural bias of his temper, had treated both them and their
+countrymen, who had formerly been in his power, with very unusual
+courtesy, much beyond what they could have expected, or than was
+required by the customs established between nations at war with each
+other. These replies fully satisfied the Chinese, and at the same time
+wrought very powerfully in the commodore's favour.
+
+On the 20th of July, in the morning, three mandarines, with a great
+number of boats, and a vast retinue, came on board the Centurion, and
+delivered to the commodore the viceroy of Canton's order for a daily
+supply of provisions, and for pilots lo carry the ships up the river
+as far as the second bar; and at the same time they delivered him a
+message from the viceroy, in answer to the letter sent to Canton. The
+substance of the message was, that the viceroy desired to be excused
+from receiving the commodore's visit, during the then excessive hot
+weather; because the assembling the mandarines and soldiers, necessary
+to that ceremony, would prove extremely inconvenient and fatiguing;
+but that in September, when the weather would be more temperate, he
+should be glad to see both the commodore himself, and the English
+captain of the other ship, that was with him. As Mr Anson knew that an
+express had been dispatched to the court at Pekin, with an account of
+the Centurion and her prize being arrived in the river of Canton, he
+had no doubt, but the principal motive for putting off this visit was,
+that the regency at Canton might gain time to receive the emperor's
+instructions, about their behaviour on this unusual affair.
+
+When the mandarines had delivered their message, they began to talk
+to the commodore about the duties to be paid by his ships; but he
+immediately told them, that he would never submit to any demand of
+that kind; that as he neither brought any merchandise thither, nor
+intended to carry any away, he could not be reasonably deemed to
+be within the meaning of the emperor's orders, which were doubtless
+calculated for trading vessels only, adding, that no duties were ever
+demanded of men of war, by nations accustomed to their reception,
+and that his master's orders expressly forbad him from paying any
+acknowledgement for his ships anchoring in any port whatever.
+
+The mandarines being thus cut short on the subject of the duty, they
+said they had another matter to mention, which was the only remaining
+one they had in charge; this was a request to the commodore, that he
+would release the prisoners he had taken on board the galleon; for
+that the viceroy of Canton apprehended the emperor, his master, might
+be displeased, if he should be informed, that persons, who were his
+allies, and carried on a great commerce with his subjects, were under
+confinement in his dominions. Mr Anson was himself extremely desirous
+to get rid of the Spaniards, having, on his first arrival, sent about
+an hundred of them to Macao, and those who remained, near four hundred
+more, were, on many accounts, a great incumbrance to him. However,
+to enhance the favour, he at first raised some difficulties; but
+permitting himself to be prevailed on, he at last told the mandarines,
+that to show his readiness to oblige the viceroy, he would release the
+prisoners, whenever they, the Chinese, would send boats to fetch them
+off. This matter being thus adjusted, the mandarines departed; and, on
+the 28th of July, two Chinese junks were sent from Canton, to take on
+board the prisoners, and to carry them to Macao. And the commodore,
+agreeable to his promise, dismissed them all, and ordered his purser
+to send with them eight days provision for their subsistence, during
+their sailing down the river; this being dispatched, the Centurion
+and her prize came to her moorings, above the second bar, where they
+proposed to continue till the monsoon shifted.
+
+Though the ships, in consequence of the viceroy's permit, found no
+difficulty in purchasing provisions for their daily consumption, yet
+it was impossible for the commodore to proceed to England; without
+laying in a large quantity both of provisions and stores for his use,
+during the voyage: The procuring this supply was attended with much
+embarrassment; for there were people at Canton who had undertaken
+to furnish him with biscuit, and whatever else he wanted; and his
+linguist, towards the middle of September, had assured him, from
+day to day, that all was ready, and would be sent on board him
+immediately. But a fortnight being elapsed, and nothing being brought,
+the commodore sent to Canton to enquire more particularly into the
+reasons of this disappointment: And he had soon the vexation to be
+informed, that the whole was an illusion: that no order had been
+procured from the viceroy to furnish him with sea-stores, as had
+been pretended; that there was no biscuit baked, nor any one of the
+articles in readiness which had been promised him; nor did it appear,
+that the contractors had taken the least step to comply with their
+agreement. This was most disagreeable news, and made it suspected,
+that the furnishing the Centurion for her return to Great Britain
+might prove a more troublesome matter than had been hitherto imagined;
+especially too, as the month of September was nearly elapsed, without
+Mr Anson's having received any message from the viceroy of Canton.
+
+And here perhaps it might be expected that some satisfactory account
+should be given of the motives of the Chinese for this faithless
+procedure. But as I have already, in a former chapter, made some kind
+of conjectures about a similar event, I shall not repeat them again
+in this place, but shall observe, that after all, it may perhaps be
+impossible for an European, ignorant of the customs and manners of
+that nation, to be fully apprised of the real incitements to this
+behaviour. Indeed, thus much may undoubtedly be asserted, that in
+artifice, falsehood, and an attachment to all kinds of lucre, many of
+the Chinese are difficult to be paralleled by any other people; but
+then the combination of these talents, and the manner in which they
+are applied in particular emergencies, are often beyond the reach of
+a foreigner's penetration: So that though it may be safely concluded,
+that the Chinese had some interest in thus amusing the commodore, yet
+it may not be easy to assign the individual views by which they were
+influenced. And that I may not be thought too severe in ascribing to
+this nation a fraudulent and selfish turn of temper, so contradictory
+to the character given of them in the legendary accounts of the Roman
+missionaries, I shall here mention an extraordinary transaction or
+two, which I hope will be some kind of confirmation of what I have
+advanced.
+
+When the commodore lay first at Macao, one of his officers, who had
+been extremely ill, desired leave of him to go on shore every day on
+a neighbouring island, imagining that a walk upon the land would
+contribute greatly to the restoring of his health: The commodore would
+have dissuaded him, suspecting the tricks of the Chinese, but the
+officer continuing importunate, in the end the boat was ordered to
+carry him. The first day he was put on shore he took his exercise, and
+returned without receiving any molestation, or even seeing any of
+the inhabitants; but the second day, he was assaulted, soon after his
+arrival, by a great number of Chinese who had been hoeing rice in the
+neighbourhood, and who beat him so violently with the handles of their
+hoes, that they soon laid him on the ground incapable of resistance;
+after which they robbed him, taking from him his sword, the hilt of
+which was silver, his money, his watch, gold-headed cane, snuff box,
+sleeve-buttons, and hat, with several other trinkets: In the mean time
+the boat's crew, who were at some little distance, and had no arms of
+any kind with them, were incapable of giving him any assistance;
+till at last one of them flew on the fellow who had the sword in his
+possession, and wresting it out of his hands, drew it, and with it
+was preparing to fall on the Chinese, some of whom he could not have
+failed of killing; but the officer, perceiving what he was about,
+immediately ordered him to desist, thinking it more prudent to
+submit to the present violence, than to embroil his commodore in an
+inextricable squabble with the Chinese government by the death
+of their subjects; which calmness in this gentleman was the more
+meritorious, as he was known to be a person of an uncommon spirit, and
+of a somewhat hasty temper: By this means the Chinese recovered the
+possession of the sword, which they soon perceived was prohibited
+to be made use of against them, and carried off their whole booty
+unmolested. No sooner were they gone, than a Chinese on horseback,
+very well dressed, and who had the air and appearance of a gentleman,
+came down to the shore, and, as far as could be understood by his
+signs, seemed to censure the conduct of his countrymen, and to
+commiserate the officer, being wonderfully officious to assist in
+getting him on board the boat: But notwithstanding this behaviour,
+it was shrewdly suspected that he was an accomplice in the theft, and
+time fully evinced the justice of those suspicions.
+
+When the boat returned on board, and reported what had passed to
+the commodore, he immediately complained of it to the mandarine, who
+attended to see his ship supplied; but the mandarine coolly replied,
+that the boat ought not to have gone on shore, promising, however,
+that if the thieves could be found out, they should be punished;
+though it appeared plain enough, by his manner of answering, that he
+would never give himself any trouble in searching them out. However,
+a considerable time afterwards, when some Chinese boats were selling
+provisions to the Centurion, the person who had wrested the sword from
+the Chinese came with great eagerness to the commodore, to assure
+him that one of the principal thieves was then in a provision-boat
+alongside the ship; and the officer, who had been robbed, viewing
+the fellow on this report, and well remembering his face, orders were
+immediately given to seize him; and he was accordingly secured on
+board the ship, where strange discoveries were now made.
+
+This thief, on his being apprehended, expressed so much fright in his
+countenance, that it was feared he would have died upon the spot; the
+mandarine too, who attended the ship, had visibly no small share of
+concern on the occasion. Indeed he had reason enough to be alarmed,
+since it was soon evinced that he had been privy to the whole robbery,
+for the commodore, declaring that he would not deliver up the thief,
+but would himself order him to be shot, the mandarine immediately put
+off the magisterial air with which be had at first pretended to
+demand him, and begged his release in the most abject manner; and the
+commodore appearing inflexible, there came on board, in less than two
+hours time, five or six of the neighbouring mandarines, who all joined
+in the same entreaty, and, with a view of facilitating their suit,
+offered a large sum of money for the fellow's liberty. Whilst they
+were thus soliciting, it was discovered that the mandarine, who was
+the most active amongst them, and who seemed to be most interested in
+the event, was the very gentleman who came to the officer just after
+the robbery, and who pretended to be so much displeased with the
+villainy of his countrymen. And, on further enquiry, it was found that
+he was the mandarine of the island; and that he had, by the authority
+of his office, ordered the peasants to commit that infamous action:
+And it seemed, as far as could be collected from the broken hints
+which were casually thrown out, that he and his brethren, who were all
+privy to the transaction, were terrified with the fear of being
+called before the tribunal at Canton, where the first article of their
+punishment would be the stripping them of all they were worth; though
+their judges (however fond of inflicting a chastisement so lucrative
+to themselves) were perhaps of as tainted a complexion as the
+delinquents. Mr Anson was not displeased to have caught the Chinese
+in this dilemma; and he entertained himself for some time with their
+perplexity, rejecting their money with scorn, appearing inexorable to
+their prayers, and giving out that the thief should certainly be shot;
+but as he then foresaw that he should be forced to take shelter in
+their ports a second time, when the influence he might hereby acquire
+over the magistrates would be of great service to him, he at length
+permitted himself to be persuaded, and, as a favour, released his
+prisoner, but not till the mandarine had collected and returned all
+that had been stolen from the officer, even to the minutest trifle.
+
+But, notwithstanding this instance of the good intelligence between
+the magistrates and criminals, the strong inclination of the Chinese
+to lucre often prompts them to break through this awful confederacy,
+and puts them on defrauding the authority that protects them, of its
+proper quota of the pillage. For not long after the above-mentioned
+transaction, (the former mandarine attendant on the ship, being, in
+the mean time, relieved by another,) the commodore lost a top-mast
+from his stern, which, after the most diligent enquiry, could not be
+traced: As it was not his own, but had been borrowed at Macao to heave
+down by, and was not to be replaced in that part of the world, he was
+extremely desirous to recover it, and published a considerable reward
+to any who would bring it him again. There were suspicions from the
+first of its being stolen, which made him conclude a reward was the
+likeliest method of getting it back: Accordingly, soon after, the
+mandarine told him that some of his, the mandarine's people, had found
+the top-mast, desiring the commodore to send his boats to fetch it,
+which being done, the mandarine's people received the promised reward;
+but the commodore told the mandarine that he would make him a present
+besides for the care he had taken in directing it to be searched for,
+and, accordingly, Mr Anson gave a sum of money to his linguist, to be
+delivered to the mandarine; but the linguist knowing that the people
+had been paid, and ignorant that a further present had been promised,
+kept the money himself: However, the mandarine fully confiding in Mr
+Anson's word, and suspecting the linguist, took occasion one morning
+to admire the size of the Centurion's masts, and thence, on a
+pretended sudden recollection, he made a digression to the top-mast
+which had been lost, and asked Mr Anson if he had not got it again. Mr
+Anson presently perceived the bent of this conversation, and enquired
+of him if he had not received the money from the linguist, and finding
+he had not, he offered to pay it him upon the spot. But this the
+mandarine refused, having now somewhat more in view than the sum which
+had been detained; for the next day the linguist was seized, and was
+doubtless mulcted of all he had gotten in the commodore's service,
+which was supposed to be little less than two thousand dollars; he
+was, besides, so severely bastinadoed with the bamboo, that it was
+with difficulty he escaped with life; and when he was upbraided by
+the commodore (to whom he afterwards came begging) with his folly in
+risking all he had suffered for fifty dollars (the present intended
+for the mandarine.) he had no other excuse to make than the strong
+bias of his nation to dishonesty, replying, in his broken jargon,
+"Chinese man very great rogue truly, but have fashion, no can help."
+
+It were endless to recount all the artifices, extortions, and
+frauds which were practised on the commodore and his people, by this
+interested race. The method of buying all things in China being by
+weight, the tricks made use of by the Chinese to increase the weight
+of the provision they sold to the Centurion, were almost incredible.
+One time a large quantity of fowls and ducks being bought for the
+ship's use, the greatest part of them presently died. This alarmed the
+people on board with the apprehensions that they had been killed by
+poison, but, on examination, it appeared that it was only owing to
+their being crammed with stones and gravel to increase their weight,
+the quantity thus forced into most of the ducks being found to amount
+to ten ounces in each. The hogs, too, which were bought ready killed
+of the Chinese butchers, had water injected into them for the same
+purpose; so that a carcass, hung up all night for the water to drain
+from it, hath lost above a stone of its weight; and when, to avoid
+this cheat, the hogs were bought alive, it was found that the Chinese
+gave them salt to increase their thirst, and having by this means
+excited them to drink great quantities of water, they then took
+measures to prevent them from discharging it again by urine, and sold
+the tortured animal in this inflated state. When the commodore first
+put to sea from Macao, they practised an artifice of another kind;
+for as the Chinese never object to the eating of any food that dies of
+itself, they took care; by some secret practices, that great part
+of his live sea-store should die in a short time after it was put on
+board, hoping to make a second profit of the dead carcasses, which
+they expected would be thrown overboard; and two-thirds of the hogs
+dying before the Centurion was out of sight of land, many of the
+Chinese boats followed her, only to pick up the carrion. These
+instances may serve as a specimen of the manners of this celebrated
+nation, which is often recommended to the rest of the world as a
+pattern of all kinds of laudable qualities.
+
+The commodore, towards the end of September, having found out (as
+has been said) that those who had contracted, to supply him with
+sea-provisions and stores had deceived him, and that the viceroy had
+not sent to him according to his promise, saw it would be impossible
+for him to surmount the embarrassment he was under, without going
+himself to Canton and visiting the viceroy; and, therefore, on the
+27th. of September, he sent a message to the mandarine who attended
+the Centurion, to inform him that he, the commodore, intended, on the
+1st of October, to proceed in his boat to Canton, adding, that the day
+after he got there he should notify his arrival to the viceroy,
+and should desire him to fix a time for his audience; to which the
+mandarine returned no other answer, than that he would acquaint the
+viceroy with the commodore's intentions. In the mean time all things
+were prepared for this expedition; and the boat's crew in particular,
+which Mr Anson proposed to take with him, were cloathed in an uniform
+dress, resembling that of the watermen on the Thames; they were in
+number eighteen and a coxswain; they had scarlet jackets and blue
+silk; waistcoats, the whole trimmed with silver buttons, and with
+silver badges on their jackets and caps. As it was apprehended,
+and even asserted, that the payment of the customary duties for the
+Centurion and her prize would be demanded by the regency of Canton,
+and would be insisted on previous to the granting a permission for
+victualling the ship for her future voyage, the commodore, who was
+resolved never to establish so dishonourable a precedent, took all
+possible precaution to prevent the Chinese from facilitating the
+success of their unreasonable pretensions, by having him in their
+power at Canton; and, therefore, for the security of his ship, and
+the great treasure on board her, he appointed his first lieutenant,
+Mr Brett, to be captain of the Centurion under him, giving him proper
+instructions for his conduct; directing him, particularly, if he, the
+commodore, should be detained at Canton on account of the duties
+in dispute, to take out the men from the Centurion's prize, and to
+destroy her; and then to proceed down the river through the Bocca
+Tigris with the Centurion alone, and to remain without that entrance
+till he received further orders from Mr Anson.
+
+These necessary steps being taken, which were not unknown to the
+Chinese, it should seem as if their deliberations were in some sort
+embarrassed thereby. It is reasonable to imagine, that they were
+in general very desirous of getting the duties to be paid them, not
+perhaps solely in consideration of the amount of those dues, but to
+keep up their reputation for address and subtlety, and to avoid
+the imputation of receding from claims on which they had already so
+frequently insisted: However, as they now foresaw that they had no
+other method of succeeding than by violence, and that even against
+this the commodore was prepared, they were at last disposed, I
+conceive, to let the affair drop, rather than entangle themselves in
+an hostile measure, which they found would only expose them to the
+risk of having the whole navigation of their port destroyed, without
+any certain prospect of gaining their favourite point.
+
+However, though there is reason to imagine that these were their
+thoughts at that time, yet they could not depart at once from the
+evasive conduct to which they had hither to adhered. For when the
+commodore, on the morning of the 1st of October, was preparing to
+set out for Canton, his linguist came to him from the mandarine, who
+attended his ship, to tell him that a letter had been received from
+the viceroy of Canton, desiring the commodore to put off his going
+thither for two or three days: But in the afternoon of the same day
+another linguist came on board, who, with much seeming fright, told Mr
+Anson that the viceroy had expected him up that day, that the counsel
+was assembled, and the troops had been under arms to receive him; and
+that the viceroy was highly offended at the disappointment, and had
+sent the commodore's linguist to prison chained, supposing that the
+whole had been owing to the linguist's negligence. This plausible tale
+gave the commodore great concern, and made him apprehend that there
+was some treachery designed him, which he could not yet fathom; and
+though it afterwards appeared that the whole was a fiction, not one
+article of it having the least foundation, yet (for reasons best known
+to themselves) this falsehood was so well supported by the artifices
+of the Chinese merchants at Canton, that, three days afterwards, the
+commodore received a letter, signed by all the supercargoes of the
+English ships then at that place, expressing their great uneasiness at
+what had happened, and intimating their fears that some insult would
+be offered to his boat, if he came thither before the viceroy was
+fully satisfied about the mistake. To this letter Mr Anson replied,
+that he did not believe there had been any mistake, but was persuaded
+it was a forgery of the Chinese, to prevent his visiting the viceroy;
+that, therefore, he would certainly come up to Canton on the 13th of
+October, confident that the Chinese would not dare to offer him an
+insult, as well knowing it would be properly returned.
+
+On the 13th of October, the commodore continuing firm, to his
+resolution, all the supercargoes of the English, Danish, and Swedish
+ships, came on board the Centurion, to accompany him to Canton, for
+which place he set out in his barge the same day, attended by his own
+boats, and by those of the trading ships, which, on this occasion,
+came to form his retinue; and, as he passed by Whampoa, where the
+European vessels lay, he was saluted by all of them but the French,
+and in the evening arrived safely at Canton.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII.
+
+_Proceedings at the City of Canton, and the Return of the Centurion to
+England._
+
+When the commodore arrived at Canton, he was visited by the principal
+Chinese merchants, who affected to appear very much pleased that
+he had met with no obstruction in getting thither, and who thence
+pretended to conclude that the viceroy was satisfied about the former
+mistake, the reality of which they still insisted on; they added, that
+as soon as the viceroy should be informed that Mr Anson was at Canton
+(which they promised should be done the next morning,) they were
+persuaded a day would be immediately appointed for the visit, which
+was the principal business that had brought the commodore thither.
+
+The next day the merchants returned to Mr Anson, and told him that
+the viceroy was then so fully employed in preparing his dispatches for
+Pekin, that there was no getting admittance to him for some days, but
+that they had engaged one of the officers of his court to give them
+information as soon as he should be at leisure, when they proposed
+to notify Mr Anson's arrival, and to endeavour to fix the day of
+audience. The commodore was by this time too well acquainted with
+their artifices not to perceive that this was a falsehood; and had he
+consulted only his own judgment, he would have applied directly to
+the viceroy by other hands: But the Chinese merchants had so far
+prepossessed the supercargoes of our ships with chimerical fears,
+that they were extremely apprehensive of being embroiled with the
+government, and of suffering in their interest, if those measures
+were taken, which appeared to Mr Anson at that time to be the most
+prudential; and, therefore, lest the malice and double-dealing of the
+Chinese might have given rise to some sinister incident, which would
+be afterwards charged on him, he resolved to continue passive as long
+as it should appear that he lost no time by thus suspending his own
+opinion. With this view, he promised not to take any immediate step
+for getting admittance to the viceroy, provided the Chinese with whom
+he contracted for provisions would let him see that his bread was
+baked, his meat salted, and his stores prepared with the utmost
+dispatch; but if by the time when all was in readiness to be shipped
+off (which it was supposed would be in about forty days,) the
+merchants should not have procured the viceroy's permission, then, the
+commodore proposed to apply for himself. These were the terms Mr Anson
+thought proper to offer, to quiet the uneasiness of the supercargoes,
+and, notwithstanding the apparent equity of the conditions, many
+difficulties and objections were urged; nor would the Chinese agree
+to them till the commodore had consented to pay for every article
+he bespoke before it was put in hand. However, at last, the contract
+being past, it was some satisfaction to the commodore to be certain
+that his preparations were now going on, and being himself on the
+spot, he took care to hasten them as much as possible.
+
+During this interval, in which the stores and provisions were getting
+ready, the merchants continually entertained Mr Anson with accounts of
+their various endeavours to get a license from the viceroy, and their
+frequent disappointments, which to him was now a matter of amusement,
+as he was fully satisfied there was not one word of truth in any thing
+they said. But when all was completed, and wanted only to be shipped,
+which was about the 24th of November, at which time too the N.E.
+monsoon was set in, he then resolved to apply himself to the viceroy
+to demand an audience, as he was persuaded that, without this
+ceremony, the procuring a permission to send his stores on board would
+meet with great difficulty. On the 24th of November, therefore, Mr
+Anson sent one of his officers to the Mandarine, who commanded the
+guard of the principal gate of the city of Canton, with a letter
+directed to the viceroy. When this letter was delivered to the
+mandarine, he received the officer who brought it very civilly, and
+took down the contents of it in Chinese, and promised that the viceroy
+should be immediately acquainted with it; but told the officer it was
+not necessary for him to wait for an answer, because a message would
+be sent to the commodore himself.
+
+On this occasion Mr Anson had been under great difficulties about a
+proper interpreter to send with his officer, as he was well aware that
+none of the Chinese, usually employed as linguists, could be relied
+on: But he at last prevailed with Mr Flint, an English gentleman
+belonging to the factory, who spoke Chinese perfectly well, to
+accompany his officer. This person, who upon this occasion and many
+others was of singular service to the commodore, had been left at
+Canton when a youth, by the late Captain Rigby. The leaving him there
+to learn the Chinese language was a step taken by that captain, merely
+from his own persuasion of the great advantages which the East-India
+company might one day receive from an English interpreter; and though
+the utility of this measure has greatly exceeded all that was expected
+from it, yet I have not heard that it has been to this day imitated:
+But we imprudently choose (except in this single instance) to carry on
+the vast transactions of the port of Canton, either by the ridiculous
+jargon of broken English, which some few of the Chinese have
+learnt, or by the suspected interpretation of the linguists of other
+nations.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The practice recommended, it is almost unnecessary to
+remark, has been adopted since our author's time, but certainly not to
+the extent the probable advantages of it would suggest.--E.]
+
+Two days after the sending the above-mentioned letter, a fire broke
+out in the suburbs of Canton. On the first alarm, Mr Anson went
+thither with his officers, and his boat's crew, to assist the Chinese.
+When he came there, he found that it had begun in a sailor's shed, and
+that by the slightness of the buildings, and the awkwardness of the
+Chinese, it was getting head apace: But he perceived, that by pulling
+down some of the adjacent sheds it might easily be extinguished; and
+particularly observing that it was running along a wooden cornish,
+which would soon communicate it to a great distance, he ordered his
+people to begin with tearing away that cornish; this was presently
+attempted, and would have been soon executed; but, in the meantime, he
+was told, that, as there was no mandarine there to direct what was
+to be done, the Chinese would make him, the commodore, answerable
+for whatever should be pulled down by his orders. On this his people
+desisted; and he sent them to the English factory, to assist in
+securing the company's treasure and effects, as it was easy to foresee
+that no distance was a protection against the rage of such a fire,
+where so little was done to put a stop to it; for all this time the
+Chinese contented themselves with viewing it, and now and then holding
+one of their idols near it, which they seemed to expect should check
+its progress: However, at last, a mandarine came out of the city,
+attended by four or five hundred firemen: These made some feeble
+efforts to pull down the neighbouring houses; but by this time the
+fire had greatly extended itself, and was got amongst the merchants'
+warehouses; and the Chinese firemen, wanting both skill and spirit,
+were incapable of checking its violence; so that its fury increased
+upon them, and it was feared the whole city would be destroyed, in
+this general confusion the viceroy himself came thither, and the
+commodore was sent to, and was entreated to afford his assistance,
+being told that he might take any measures he should think most
+prudent in the present emergency. And now he went thither a second
+time, carrying with him about forty of his people; who, upon this
+occasion, exerted themselves in such a manner, as in that country
+was altogether without example: For they were rather animated than
+deterred by the flames and falling buildings, amongst which they
+wrought; so that it was not uncommon to see the most forward of them
+tumble to the ground on the roofs, and amidst the ruins of houses,
+which their own efforts brought down with them. By their boldness
+and activity the fire was soon extinguished, to the amazement of the
+Chinese; and the building being all on one floor, and the materials
+slight, the seamen, notwithstanding their daring behaviour, happily
+escaped with no other injuries, than some considerable bruises. The
+fire, though at last thus luckily extinguished, did great mischief
+during the time it continued; for it consumed an hundred shops and
+eleven streets full of warehouses, so that the damage amounted to
+an immense sum; and one of the Chinese merchants, well known to the
+English, whose name was Succoy, was supposed, for his own share, to
+have lost near two hundred thousand pounds sterling. It raged indeed
+with unusual violence, for in many of the warehouses, there were large
+quantities of camphor, which greatly added to its fury, and produced a
+column of exceeding white flame, which shot up into the air to such
+a prodigious height that it was plainly seen on board the Centurion,
+though she was thirty miles distant.
+
+Whilst the commodore and his people were labouring at the fire, and
+the terror of its becoming general still possessed the whole city,
+several of the most considerable Chinese merchants came to Mr Anson,
+to desire that he would let each of them have one of his soldiers (for
+such they styled his boat's crew from the uniformity, of their dress)
+to guard their warehouses and dwellings-houses, which, from the known
+dishonesty of the populace, they feared would be pillaged in the
+tumult. Mr Anson granted them this request; and all the men that he
+thus furnished to the Chinese behaved greatly to the satisfaction of
+their employers, who afterwards highly applauded their great diligence
+and fidelity.
+
+By this means, the resolution of the English at the fire, and their
+trustiness and punctuality elsewhere, was the general subject of
+conversation amongst the Chinese: And, the next morning, many of the
+principal inhabitants waited on the commodore to thank him for
+his assistance; frankly owning to him, that they could never have
+extinguished the fire of themselves, and that he had saved their city
+from being totally consumed. And soon after a message came to the
+commodore from the viceroy, appointing the 30th of November for his
+audience; which sudden resolution of the viceroy, in a matter that had
+been so long agitated in vain, was also owing to the signal services
+performed by Mr Anson and his people at the fire, of which the viceroy
+himself had been in some measure an eye-witness.
+
+The fixing this business of the audience, was, on all accounts, a
+circumstance which Mr Anson was much pleased with; as he was satisfied
+that the Chinese government would not have determined this point,
+without having agreed among themselves to give up their pretensions to
+the duties they claimed, and to grant him all he could reasonably ask;
+for as they well knew the commodore's sentiments, it would have been
+a piece of imprudence, not consistent with the refined cunning of the
+Chinese, to have admitted him to an audience, only to have contested
+with him. And therefore, being himself perfectly easy about the result
+of his visit, he made all necessary preparations against the day.
+Mr Flint, whom he engaged to act as interpreter in the conference,
+acquitted himself much to the commodore's satisfaction; repeating with
+great boldness; and doubtless with exactness, all that was given in
+charge, a part which no Chinese linguist would ever have performed
+with any tolerable fidelity.
+
+At ten o'clock in the morning, on the day appointed, a mandarine
+came to the commodore, to let him know that the viceroy was ready to
+receive him; on which the commodore and his retinue immediately set
+out: And as soon as he entered the outer gate of the city, he found
+a guard of two hundred soldiers drawn up ready to attend him; these
+conducted him to the great parade before the emperor's palace, where
+the viceroy then resided. In this parade, a body of troops, to the
+number of ten thousand, were drawn up under arms, and made a very fine
+appearance, being all of them new clothed for this ceremony: And Mr
+Anson and his retinue having passed through the middle of them, he
+was then conducted to the great hall of audience, where he found the
+viceroy seated under a rich canopy in the emperor's chair of state,
+with all his council of mandarines attending: Here there was a
+vacant seat prepared for the commodore, in which he was placed on
+his arrival: He was ranked the third it order from the viceroy, there
+being above him only the head of the law, and of the treasury, who in
+the Chinese government take place of all military officers. When
+the commodore was seated, he addressed himself to the viceroy by
+his interpreter, and began with reciting the various methods he had
+formerly taken to get an audience; adding, that he imputed the delays
+he had met with to the insincerity of those he had employed, and that
+he had therefore no other means left, than to send, as he had done,
+his own officer with a letter to the gate. On the mention of this the
+viceroy stopped the interpreter, and bid him assure Mr Anson, that the
+first knowledge they had of his being at Canton, was from that letter.
+Mr Anson then proceeded, and told him, that the subjects of the
+king of Great Britain trading to China had complained to him, the
+commodore, of the vexatious impositions both of the merchants
+and inferior custom-house officers, to which they were frequently
+necessitated to submit, by reason of the difficulty of getting access
+to the mandarines, who alone could grant them redress: That it was
+his, Mr Anson's, duty, as an officer of the king of Great Britain, to
+lay before the viceroy these grievances of the British subjects, which
+he hoped the viceroy would take into consideration, and would give
+orders, that for the future there should be no just reason for
+complaint. Here Mr Anson paused, and waited some time in expectation
+of an answer; but nothing being said, he asked his interpreter if he
+was certain the viceroy understood what he had urged; the interpreter
+told him, he was certain it was understood, but he believed no reply
+would be made to it. Mr Anson then represented to the viceroy the case
+of the ship Haslingfield, which, having been dismasted on the coast of
+China, had arrived in the river of Canton but a few days before. The
+people on board this vessel had been great sufferers by the fire; the
+captain in particular had all his goods burnt, and had lost besides,
+in the confusion, a chest of treasure of four thousand five hundred
+tahel, which was supposed to be stolen by the Chinese boat-men. Mr
+Anson therefore desired that the captain might have the assistance
+of the government, as it was apprehended the money could never be
+recovered without the interposition of the mandarines. And to this
+request the viceroy made answer, that in settling the emperor's
+customs for that ship, some abatement should be made in consideration
+of her losses.
+
+And now the commodore having dispatched the business with which the
+officers of the East-India company had entrusted him, he entered on
+his own affairs; acquainting the viceroy, that the proper season was
+now set in for returning to Europe, and that he waited only for a
+licence to ship off his provisions and stores, which were all ready;
+and that as soon as this should be granted him, and he should have
+gotten his necessaries on board, he intended to leave the river of
+Canton, and to make the best of his way for England. The viceroy
+replied to this, that the licence should be immediately issued, and
+that every thing should be ordered on board the following day. And
+finding that Mr Anson had nothing farther to insist on, the viceroy
+continued the conversation for some time, acknowledging in very civil
+terms how much the Chinese were obliged to him for his signal
+services at the fire, and owning that he had saved the city from being
+destroyed: And then observing that the Centurion had been a good while
+on their coast, he closed his discourse, by wishing the commodore a
+good voyage to Europe. After which, the commodore, thanking him for
+his civility and assistance, took his leave.
+
+As soon as the commodore was out of the hall of audience, he was
+much pressed to go into a neighbouring apartment, where there was
+an entertainment provided; but finding, on enquiry, that the viceroy
+himself was not to be present, he declined the invitation, and
+departed, attended in the same manner as at his arrival; only at his
+leaving the city he was saluted by three guns, which are as many as
+in that country are ever fired on any ceremony. Thus the commodore,
+to his great joy, at last finished this troublesome affair, which, for
+the preceding four months, had given him great disquietude. Indeed he
+was highly pleased with procuring a licence for the shipping of his
+stores and provisions; for thereby he was enabled to return to Great
+Britain with the first of the monsoon, and to prevent all intelligence
+of his being expected: But this, though a very important point, was
+not the circumstance which gave him the greatest satisfaction; for he
+was more particularly attentive to the authentic precedent established
+on this occasion, by which his majesty's ships of war are for the
+future exempted from all demands of duty in any of the ports of China.
+
+In pursuance of the promises of the viceroy, the provisions were begun
+to be sent on board the day after the audience; and, four days after,
+the commodore embarked at Canton for the Centurion; and on the 7th
+of December, the Centurion and her prize unmoored, and stood down
+the river, passing through the Bocca Tigris on the 10th. And on this
+occasion I must observe, that the Chinese had taken care to man the
+two forts, on each side of that passage, with as many men as they
+could well contain, the greatest part of them armed with pikes and
+match-lock musquets. These garrisons affected to shew themselves as
+much as possible to the ships, and were doubtless intended to induce
+Mr Anson to think more reverently than he had hitherto done of the
+Chinese military power: For this purpose they were equipped with much
+parade, having a great number of colours exposed to view; and on
+the castle in particular there were laid considerable heaps of large
+stones; and a soldier of unusual size, dressed in very sightly
+armour, stalked about on the parapet with a battle-axe in his hand,
+endeavouring to put on as important and martial an air as possible,
+though some of the observers on board the Centurion shrewdly
+suspected, from the appearance of his armour, that instead of steel,
+it was composed only of a particular kind of glittering paper.
+
+The Centurion and her prize being now without the river of Canton, and
+consequently upon the point of leaving the Chinese jurisdiction, I beg
+leave, before I quit all mention of the Chinese affairs, to subjoin
+a few remarks on the disposition and genius of that extraordinary
+people. And though it may be supposed, that observations made at
+Canton only, a place situated in the corner of the empire, are very
+imperfect materials on which to found any general conclusions, yet as
+those who have had opportunities of examining the inner parts of
+the country, have been evidently influenced by very ridiculous
+prepossessions, and as this transactions of Mr Anson with the regency
+of Canton were of an uncommon nature, in which many circumstances
+occurred, different perhaps from any which have happened before,
+I hope the following reflections, many of them drawn from these
+incidents, will not be altogether unacceptable to the reader.
+
+That the Chinese are a very ingenious and industrious people, is
+sufficiently evinced, from the great number of curious manufactures
+which are established amongst them, and which are eagerly sought for
+by the most distant nations; but though skill in the handicraft arts
+seems to be the most important qualification of this people, yet
+their talents therein are but of a second-rate kind; for they are much
+out-done by the Japanese in those manufactures, which are common
+to both countries; and they are in numerous instances incapable of
+rivalling the mechanic dexterity of the Europeans. Indeed, their
+principal excellency seems to be imitation; and they accordingly
+labour under that poverty of genius, which constantly attends all
+servile imitators. This is most conspicuous in works which require
+great truth and accuracy; as in clocks, watches, fire-arms, &c. for in
+all these, though they can copy the different parts, and can form
+some resemblance of the whole, yet they never could arrive at such
+a justness in their fabric, as was necessary to produce the desired
+effect. And if we pass from their manufactures to artists of a
+superior class, as painters, statuaries, &c., in these matters they
+seem to be still more defective, their painters, though very numerous
+and in great esteem, rarely succeeding in the drawing or colouring of
+human figures; or in the grouping of large compositions; and though in
+flowers and birds their, performances are much more admired, yet even
+in these, some part of the merit is rather to be imputed to the native
+brightness and excellency of the colours, than to the skill of the
+painter; since it is very unusual to see the light and shade justly
+and naturally handled, or to find that ease and grace in the drawing,
+which are to be met with in the works of European artists; In
+short, there is a stiffness and minuteness in most of the Chinese
+productions, which are extremely displeasing: And it may perhaps
+be asserted with great truth, that these defects in their arts are
+entirely owing to the peculiar turn of the people, amongst whom
+nothing greater spirited is to be met with.
+
+If we next examine the Chinese literature; (taking our accounts from
+the writers, who have endeavoured to represent sent it in the most
+favourable light) we shall find; that on this head their obstinacy
+and absurdity are most wonderful: For though, for many ages, they have
+been surrounded by nations, to whom the use of letters was familiar,
+yet they, the Chinese alone, have hitherto neglected to avail
+themselves of that almost divine invention, and have continued to
+adhere to the rude and inartificial method of representing words by
+arbitrary marks; a method, which necessarily renders the number of
+their character too great for human memory to manage, makes writing
+to be an art that requires prodigious application, and in which no
+man can be otherwise than partially skilled; whilst all reading, and
+understanding of what is written, is attended with infinite obscurity
+and confusion; for the connection between these marks, and the words
+they represent; cannot be retained in books, but must be delivered
+down from age to age by oral tradition: And how uncertain this must
+prove in such a complicated subject, is sufficiently obvious to those
+who have attended to the variation which all verbal relations undergo,
+when they are transmitted through three or four hands only. Hence it
+is easy to conclude, that the history and inventions of past
+ages, recorded by these perplexed symbols, must frequently prove
+unintelligible; and consequently the learning and boasted antiquity of
+the nation most, in numerous instances, be extremely problematical.
+
+But we are told by some of the missionaries, that though the skill
+of the Chinese in science is indeed much inferior to that of the
+Europeans, yet the morality and justice taught and practised by them
+are most exemplary. And from the description given by some of these
+good fathers, one should be induced to believe that the whole empire
+was a well-governed affectionate family, where the only contests were,
+who should exert the most humanity and beneficence: But our preceding
+relation of the behaviour of the magistrates, merchants, and tradesmen
+at Canton, sufficiently refutes these jesuitical fictions. And as
+to their theories of morality, if we may judge from the specimens
+exhibited in the works of the missionaries, we shall find them solely
+employed in recommending ridiculous attachments to certain immaterial
+points, instead of discussing the proper criterion of human actions,
+and regulating the general conduct of mankind to one another on
+reasonable and equitable principles. Indeed, the only pretension
+of the Chinese to a more refined morality than their neighbours is
+founded, not on their integrity or beneficence, but solely on the
+affected evenness of their demeanour, and their constant attention
+to suppress all symptoms of passion and violence. But it must be
+considered, that hypocrisy and fraud are often not less mischievous to
+the general interests of mankind, than, impetuosity and vehemence
+of temper, since these, though usually liable to the imputation of
+imprudence, do not exclude sincerity, benevolence, resolution,
+nor many other laudable qualities. And perhaps if this matter were
+examined to the bottom, it would appear that the calm and patient
+turn of the Chinese, on which they so much value themselves, and which
+distinguishes the nation from all others, is in reality the source of
+the most exceptionable part of their character; for it has been often
+observed by those who have attended to the nature of mankind, that
+it is difficult to curb the more robust and violent passions, without
+augmenting at the same time the force of the selfish ones: So that the
+timidity, dissimulation, and dishonesty of the Chinese, may, in some
+sort, be owing to the composure and external decency so universally
+prevailing in that empire.
+
+Thus much for the general disposition of the people: But I cannot
+dismiss this subject without adding a few words about the Chinese
+government, that too having been the subject of boundless panegyric.
+And on this head I must observe, that the favourable accounts often
+given of their prudent regulations for the administration of their
+domestic affairs, are sufficiently confuted by their transactions with
+Mr Anson: For we have seen that their magistrates are corrupt, their
+people thievish, and their tribunals crafty and venal. Nor is the
+constitution of the empire, or the general orders of the state, less
+liable to exception: Since that form of government, which does not
+in the first place provide for the security of the public against
+the enterprises of foreign powers, is certainly a most defective
+institution: And yet this populous, this rich, and extensive country,
+so pompously celebrated for its refined wisdom and policy, was
+conquered about an age since by an handful of Tartars; and even now,
+by the cowardice of the inhabitants, and the want of proper military
+regulations, it continues exposed not only to the attempts of any
+potent state, but to the ravages of every petty invader. I have
+already observed, on occasion of the commodore's disputes with the
+Chinese, that the Centurion alone was an overmatch for all the
+naval power of that empire: This perhaps may appear an extraordinary
+position; but to render it unquestionable, one may refer to vessels
+made use of by the Chinese.[2] The first of these is a junk of about
+a hundred and twenty tons burden, and was what the Centurion hove down
+by; these are most used in the great rivers, though they sometimes
+serve for small coasting voyages: The other junk is about two hundred
+and eighty tons burden, and is of the same form with those in which
+they trade to Cochinchina, Manilla, Batavia, and Japan, though some of
+their trading vessels are of a much larger size; its head is perfectly
+flat; and when the vessel is deep laden, the second or third plank
+of this flat surface is oft-times under water. The masts, sails, and
+rigging of these vessels are ruder than their built; for their masts
+are made of trees, no otherwise fashioned than by barking them, and
+lopping off their branches. Each mast has only two shrouds made of
+twisted rattan, which are often both shifted to the weather-side; and
+the halyard, when the yard is up, serves instead of a third shroud.
+The sails are made of mat, strengthened every thee feet by an
+horizontal rib of bamboo; they run upon the mast with hoops, and when
+they are lowered down, they fold upon the deck. These merchantmen
+carry no cannon; and it appears, from this whole description, that
+they are utterly incapable of resisting any European armed, vessel.
+Nor is the state provided with ships of considerable force, or of a
+better fabric, to protect them: For at Canton, where doubtless their
+principal naval power is stationed, we saw no more than four men
+of war junks, of about three hundred tons burden, being of the make
+already described, and mounted only with eight or ten guns, the
+largest of which does not exceed a four-pounder. This may suffice to
+give an idea of the defenceless state of the Chinese empire. But it
+is time to return to the commodore, whom I left with his two ships
+without the Bocca Tigris; and who, on the 12th of December, anchored
+before the town of Macao.
+
+[Footnote 2: The plate is necessarily omitted.]
+
+Whilst the ships lay here, the merchants of Macao finished their
+agreement for the galleon, for which they had offered 6000 dollars;
+this was much short of her value, but the impatience of the commodore
+to get to sea, to which the merchants were no strangers, prompted them
+to insist on so unequal a bargain. Mr Anson had learnt enough from the
+English at Canton, to conjecture that the war betwixt Great Britain
+and Spain was still continued; and that probably the French might
+engage in the assistance of Spain, before he could arrive in Great
+Britain; and therefore knowing, that no intelligence could get to
+Europe of the prize he had taken, and the treasure he had on board,
+till the return of the merchantmen from Canton, he was resolved to
+make all possible expedition in getting back, that he might be himself
+the first messenger of his own good fortune, and might thereby prevent
+the enemy from forming any projects to intercept him: For these
+reasons, he, to avoid all delay, accepted of the sum offered for
+the galleon; and she being delivered to the merchants the 15th of
+December, 1743, the Centurion the same day got under sail, on her
+return to England. And on the 3d of January, she came to an anchor at
+Prince's Island, in the straits of Sunda, and continued there wooding
+and watering till the 8th, when, she weighed and stood for the Cape of
+Good Hope, where, on the eleventh of March she anchored in Table-Bay.
+
+Here the commodore continued till the beginning of April, highly
+delighted with the place, which, by its extraordinary accommodations,
+the healthiness of its air, and the picturesque appearance of the
+country, all enlivened by the addition of a civilized colony, was
+not disgraced in an imaginary comparison with the vallies of Juan
+Fernandez, and the lawns of Tinian. During his stay he entered about
+forty new men; and having by the 3d of April, 1744, completed his
+water and provision, he on that day weighed and put to sea; and on
+the 19th of the same month they saw the island of St Helena, which,
+however, they did not touch at, but stood on their way; and, on the
+10th of June, being then in soundings, they spoke with an English ship
+from Amsterdam bound for Philadelphia, whence they received the first
+intelligence of a French war; the 12th they got sight of the Lizard;
+and the 15th, in the evening, to their infinite joy, they came safe to
+an anchor at Spithead. But that the signal perils which had so often
+threatened them in the preceding part of the enterprise, might pursue
+them to the very last, Mr Anson learnt on his arrival, that there
+was a French fleet of considerable force cruising in the chops of
+the channel, which, by the account of their position, he found the
+Centurion had run through, and had been all the time concealed by a
+fog. Thus was this expedition finished, when it had lasted three years
+and nine months; after having, by its event, strongly evinced this
+important truth, that though prudence, intrepidity, and perseverance
+united, are not exempted from the blows of adverse fortune; yet in a
+long series of transactions, they usually rise superior to its power,
+and in the end rarely fail of proving successful.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[In concluding the account of this very interesting circumnavigation,
+it is necessary to advert to a question of some importance in
+literature, as every question must be that involves the claims of
+authors and their respective titles to reputation. Nor is the public
+often impatient in listening to evidence on such subjects, if the
+merit contended for be sufficiently great to justify solicitude as
+to its being rightly conferred. That it is so in the case of the
+question, Who was the author of this work? no one can doubt, that is
+capable of relishing its excellencies; or is aware of the high rank
+it has always held among compositions of the kind--that its first
+reception was such as to take off four large impressions within a
+twelvemonth--that it has been repeatedly printed since in a variety of
+forms--and that it has been translated into most of the languages of
+Europe. The claimants are Mr Walter, chaplain of the Centurion, under
+whose name (as is mentioned in this volume of the Collection, p. 201,)
+it was originally, and, so far as the editor knows, always published;
+and Mr Benjamin Robins, an ingenious mathematician, and author of
+several works, much esteemed by men of science. A short statement of
+such information as the editor has been able to procure, is all that
+the limits of this work will permit to be said on the subject of this
+question. The public, being interested in what had been generally
+reported through the medium of the periodical publications, respecting
+the proceedings and fate of the squadron under Commodore Anson,
+had eagerly expected some account of this voyage drawn up under his
+notice, or authenticated by his approval. This anxiety, it is likely,
+was not a little enhanced by the circumstance of several small, but
+curious enough, narratives having been published of the distresses
+experienced by part of the squadron, especially the Wager; from which
+it was naturally enough inferred, that a judicious and minute account
+of the whole could not fail to gratify rational curiosity, and the
+common disposition to wonder. Mr Walter, accordingly, who had gone in
+the Centurion, the commodore's vessel, as chaplain, and who, it seems,
+had been in the habit of keeping memorials of the transactions and
+occurrences of the squadron, prepared materials for publication, and
+actually procured subscriptions for the liquidation of its expense. He
+brought down his narrative to the time of his leaving the Centurion at
+Macao, when he returned by another conveyance to England. But as the
+public expectation had been raised very high, some persons, it would
+appear, suggested that the materials intended to be published should
+be carefully examined, and, if need be, corrected, by an adequate
+judge of literary and scientific composition. Mr Robins, already well
+known as an author of both mathematical and political essays, and much
+valued by several distinguished characters of the times, was engaged
+to undertake this task, whether with or without the desire of Mr
+Walter, or under any allegation of that gentleman's known or
+reputed incompetency to fulfil the hopes entertained, cannot now
+be discovered. On examination, we are told, it was resolved that Mr
+Robins should write the whole work anew, and merely use the materials
+furnished by Mr Walter, or otherwise, as the particulars of wind,
+weather, currents, courses, &c. &c. usually given in a sailor's
+journal. The introduction, and several dissertations interspersed
+through, the work, are said, moreover, to have been written by Mr
+Robins without any such assistance whatever; but to what magnitude his
+labours throughout amounted, it is perhaps impossible to ascertain.
+That he acquired reputation by it is unquestionable; but that Mr
+Walter himself should not have contributed so much as to warrant his
+name appearing on the title-page of the book, and at its dedication to
+the Duke of Bedford, would require a proof of both want of talents and
+meanness of disposition, which no one yet has attempted to adduce. Mr
+Walter's character, indeed, seems to have been quite above either such
+deficiency; and, in all probability, was, both in point of firmness
+and moral and intellectual worth, the very circumstance which obtained
+for him the appointment to a responsible office in an expedition,
+which, in its origin, progress, and issue, attracted the peculiar
+regard of the British government, and the admiration of mankind in
+general. Besides this office, it may be mentioned, that in 1745, on
+his return from the expedition, he was made chaplain of Portsmouth
+dock-yard, in which situation he continued till his death on March
+10th, 1785. The first edition of the work appeared in 1748; and a
+fifth being required in the following year, Mr Robins, it is said,
+revised it, and intended, had he remained in England, to have added a
+second volume. This rests on the assertion of Dr Wilson, who published
+Mr Robins' works after his death, in 2 vols. 8vo. 1761; and who, in
+the account of that gentleman's life prefixed, has been at pains to
+claim, in the strongest language, the merit of the Narrative for his
+friend. A passage or two from that memoir may satisfy the reader as to
+this part of the evidence, and as to the opinion of Dr W. one of the
+principal witnesses, respecting the proportional labours of Messrs
+Walter and Robins. "Upon a strict perusal of both the performances,"
+says he, "I find Mr Robins' to contain about as much matter again as
+that of Mr Walter--so this famous Voyage was composed in the person of
+the Centurion's chaplain, by Mr Robins in his own style and manner. Of
+this Mr Robins' friends, Mr Glover and Mr Ockenden, are witnesses as
+well as myself, we having compared the printed book with Mr
+Walter's manuscript. And this was at that time no secret, for in
+the counterpart of an indenture, now lying before me, made between
+Benjamin Robins, Esq. and John and Paul Knapton, booksellers, I find
+that those booksellers purchased the copy of this book from Mr Robins,
+as the sole proprietor, with no other mention of Mr Walter than a
+proviso in relation to the subscriptions he had taken." Dr Wilson
+evidently writes under some conviction that his assertions are liable
+to scrutiny, and that the matter of his remarks is debatable; hence
+his allegation that other _friends_ of Mr Robins are witnesses as well
+as himself, and his insinuation that what he testifies was no secret.
+But it is obvious, that, were his own assertions of the fact at all
+questionable, he would be equally obnoxious to discredit in assigning
+these other witnesses; for clearly, the man who could falsify in the
+one case, would be capable of doing so in the other. This may be said
+without any impeachment whatever of either Dr Wilson or the other
+friends of Mr Robins. It is merely a remark on the mode of proof which
+the Dr has adopted. As to the insinuation again, of the fact being no
+secret, all that it may be requisite to say is simply this, that the
+circumstance of the existence of the counterpart of such an indenture
+as is mentioned, is a very indifferent proof of publicity; and that
+even were it otherwise, were it "confirmation strong," still it might
+be readily conceived that Mr Robins should be the sole proprietor of
+the work, and yet in no degree the author of it. One may believe, at
+least, that Mr Robins, having aided in drawing up the materials for
+publication, and having furnished some pieces for it, was entrusted
+with the disposal of it to the booksellers; Mr Walter himself, for
+value received; or other considerations, abandoning all further
+concern. Some importance has been attached to a letter from Lord Anson
+to Mr Robins, as preserved by Dr Wilson, and published, as he says, by
+his lordship's permission, or, to use his own expression, "Printed
+not without the noble lord's consent; who," says the doctor, "being
+requested to permit that this testimony might be exhibited to the
+world of his lordship's esteem for Mr Robins, replied, in the politest
+manner, That every thing in his power was due to the memory of one who
+had deserved so well of the public." That Mr Robins deserved well of
+the public was unquestionable, though he had not written a line of
+the Narrative. He had published several works on subjects of general
+utility; and, besides his private instructions in beneficial science,
+he had been employed officially in the service of his country: In
+short, he needed not any thing of the reputation of the author of
+the Narrative, whoever he was, to extend his own. But does the letter
+referred to, or the quotation now given respecting Lord Anson's
+permission to publish it, in any degree determine the question, or any
+thing connected with it? The Editor has a different opinion of it; he
+thinks it quite irrelevant--that it does not yield the least shadow
+of proof, that Mr Robins had any thing to do with the volume of the
+Narrative, already given to the public. All that can be legitimately
+inferred from it amounts to this, that Lord Anson, entertaining a
+high opinion of Mr Robins, and being much pleased with his works, was
+desirous that he should publish a second volume of the Voyage, and
+apprehended that he had abandoned the intention of doing so. Of the
+fact of Mr Robins being the author of what had appeared, or even of
+the existence of materials for a second volume in a state fit for the
+public notice--of any thing, in short, but an intention on the part of
+Mr Robins to this effect, the letter in question says not a word. Let
+the reader judge for himself. The letter is as follows:--
+
+
+"DEAR SIR,
+
+"When I last saw you in town, I forgot to ask you, whether you
+intended to publish the second volume of my "Voyage" before you leave
+us; which, I confess, I am very sorry for. If you should have laid
+aside all thoughts of favouring the world with more of your works, it
+will be much disappointed, and no one in it more than your very much
+obliged and humble servant,
+
+_Bath, 22d October, 1749._
+
+"ANSON."
+
+"If you can tell the time of your departure, let me know it."
+
+
+This letter is also preserved by Mr Nichols in his Literary Anecdotes
+of the 18th Century, vol. ii. page 206, where the Narrative is
+explicitly ascribed to Mr Robins, but not on, any particular evidence.
+The statement indeed that is there given seems founded on Dr Wilson's
+account of Mr Robins, without any other source of information having
+been consulted. The Encyclopĉdia Britannica is somewhat more candid,
+stating merely what was generally thought as to the Narrative
+being the work of Mr Robins, and at the same time pointing, though
+indirectly, to the existence of information opposed to that opinion.
+"In 1748," says the article Robins, 3d edition, "appeared Lord Anson's
+Voyage round the World, which, though Mr Walter's name is in the
+title, has been generally thought to be the work of Mr Robins."--"The
+5th edition, printed at London, in 1749, was revised and corrected
+by Mr Robins himself. It appears, however, from the corrigenda and
+addenda to the 1st volume of the Biographia Britannica, printed in
+the beginning of the 4th volume of that work, that Mr Robins was only
+consulted with respect to the disposition of the drawings, and that
+he had left England before the book was printed. Whether this be the
+fact, as it is asserted to be by the widow of Mr Walter, it is not for
+us to determine." The remark now made seems somewhat ambiguous, and
+may refer to either the 5th edition only, or to the work in general.
+In referring, however, to the Biog. Brit. as above, the ambiguity is
+removed, and a testimony is discovered in opposition to the statement
+of Dr Wilson, which the reader cannot fail to consider of very high
+import, and as bearing strongly against the claims of Mr Robins. The
+writers of the Biog. had spoken, in their account of Lord Anson, of
+the history of his voyage having been written by Mr Robins. This they
+did on common though uncontradicted report, arising in all probability
+from the positive assertions of Dr Wilson, to which, it is certainly
+very singular, neither Mr Walter nor any of his friends chose to
+object. With the most praise-worthy liberality and candour, however,
+these gentlemen, in the corrigenda; &c. referred to, insert the
+following notice:--"Thus has the matter hitherto stood. But so late
+as the present year (1789) and a few days previously to the writing of
+this note, a letter upon the subject has been put into our hands by
+Mr John. Walter, bookseller at Charing Cross. It is addressed to that
+gentleman by Mrs Walter, the widow of the publisher of that Voyage,
+and is as follows:
+
+
+"SIR,
+
+"I am informed that the Biographia Britannica insinuates that Mr
+Robins, and not Mr Walter, was the writer of Lord Anson's Voyage round
+the World. I shall therefore take it as a favour, if you will put me
+in the way of correcting so great a mistake. During the time of Mr
+Walter's writing that Voyage, he visited me almost daily previous to
+our marriage, and I have frequently heard him say how closely be had
+been engaged in writing for some hours to prepare for his constant
+attendance upon Lord Anson at six every morning for his approbation,
+as his lordship overlooked every sheet that was written. At some
+of those meetings Mr Robins assisted, as he was consulted in the
+disposition of the drawings; and I also know that Mr Robins left
+England (for he was sent to Bergen-op-Zoom,)[2] some months before the
+publication of that book; and I have frequently seen Mr Walter correct
+the proof sheets for the printer. You may perhaps wonder that Mr
+Walter never took any steps to contradict the assertion; but that
+wonder will cease when I tell you that for four years before his
+death (which was in 1785) he laboured under very severe and painful
+illnesses, and therefore never heard any thing but newspaper squibs,
+which he looked upon with contempt. But as it now appears to be
+published in a work that will be handed down to-posterity, that Mr
+Walter was not the real author, I think it a duty incumbent upon me
+to endeavour to clear his memory from any imputation of duplicity.
+Nor can it be supposed that any man would write a book for another
+to share the greatest part of the advantages. These and many other
+reasons make me to apply to you, as I should suppose that, as a
+relation to the deceased, you would be anxious for his fame, as well
+as,
+
+Sir,
+
+Your most humble servant,
+
+JANE WALTER."
+
+_June 16th, 1789._
+
+[Footnote 2: "Mr Robins," says Dr Wilson, "was invited over to assist
+in the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, then invested by the French; and
+he did accordingly set out for that place; but it was entered by the
+besiegers September 16, 1747, just after his arrival in the Dutch
+army." This corresponds well with Mrs Walter's statement, and must
+have its weight in the question.--E.]
+
+"We shall make no other comment on this letter than to observe,
+that it is highly worthy of attention. If it shall give such full
+satisfaction to our readers as to convince them that Mr Walter was the
+writer of the voyage in its present form, we shall rejoice in having
+had an opportunity of doing justice to an injured character."
+
+Such is all the information the Editor has been able to procure
+on this subject; and he regrets that it is not adequate to what is
+desirable for the determining it. He might seem invidiously disposed
+were he positively to decide in the claims, the respective evidences
+of which, though not logically contradictory, are so much opposed to
+each other; but he thinks he can hazard no unfavourable imputation, if
+he should merely state his opinion drawn from the consideration of the
+testimonies, and the comparison of the style of part of the Narrative,
+with that of the works which appeared in Mr Robins' name. He thinks,
+then, in few words, that the Narrative is really the production of
+Mr Walter, under whose name it appeared, but that it was materially
+increased in size, if not in real value, by the contributions of
+Mr Robins; and that the species of those contributions may be
+condescended on, which of course goes far to determine their amount.]
+
+
+END OF VOLUME ELEVENTH.
+
+Edinburgh: Printed by James Ballantyne & Co.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, Volume 11, by Robert Kerr
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+  <title>A General history and collection, vol.11, January
+  2005.</title>
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Volume 11, by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 11
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History
+              of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and
+              Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the
+              Present Time
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15376]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOLUME 11 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Alison Hadwin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team. This file was produced from
+images generously made available by the Canadian Institute
+for Historical Microreproductions.
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+
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+
+</pre>
+
+  <h2>A</h2>
+
+  <h2>GENERAL</h2>
+
+  <h2>HISTORY AND COLLECTION</h2>
+
+  <h2>OF</h2>
+
+  <h1>VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,</h1>
+
+  <h2>ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:</h2>
+
+  <h2>FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS</h2>
+
+  <h2>OF NAVIGATION, DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE,</h2>
+
+  <h2>BY SEA AND LAND,</h2>
+
+  <h2>FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>BY</h2>
+
+  <h2>ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. &amp; F.A.S. EDIN.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.</h2>
+
+  <h2>VOL. XI.</h2>
+
+  <h3>WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:</h3>
+
+  <h3>AND T. CADELL, LONDON.</h3>
+
+  <h3>MDCCCXXIV.</h3><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiii" id=
+  "pageiii"></a>[pg iii]</span>
+
+  <h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+  <h2>OF</h2>
+
+  <h2>VOL. XI</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>PART II. BOOK IV. CONTINUED.</h2>
+
+  <div class="poem">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p>CHAP.</p>
+
+      <p>XII.(<i>Continued</i>.)</p>
+
+      <p>Voyage round the World, by Captain George Shelvocke, in
+      1719-1722, <a href="#page1">1</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">SECT.</p>
+
+      <p class="i2">V. Voyage from California to Canton in China,
+      <a href="#page1">1</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VI. Residence in China, and Voyage thence
+      to</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">England, <a href="#page11">11</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VII. Supplement to the foregoing Voyage,
+      <a href="#page17">17</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VIII. Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round
+      the</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">World. Containing Observations on the</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">Betagh, <a href="#page20">20</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i6">Introduction, <a href="#page20">20</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 1. Particulars of the Capture of the
+      Mercury</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">by the Spaniards, <a href="#page21">21</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 2. Observations made by Betagh in
+      the</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">North of Peru, <a href="#page23">23</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 3. Voyage from Payta to Lima, and
+      Account</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">of the English Prisoners at that</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">Place, <a href="#page27">27</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 4. Description of Lima, and some
+      Account</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">of the Government of Peru, <a href=
+      "#page30">30</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 5. Some Account of the Mines of Peru
+      and</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">Chili, <a href="#page37">37</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 6. Observations on the Trade of Chili,
+      <a href="#page47">47</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 7. Some Account of the French
+      Interlopers</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">in Chili, <a href="#page55">55</a></p>
+
+      <p class="i6">&sect; 8. Return of Betagh to England, <a href=
+      "#page62">62</a></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiv"
+      id="pageiv"></a>[pg iv]</span>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p>XIII. Voyage round the World, by Commodore Roggewein, in
+      1721-1723 <a href="#page65">65</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">Introduction <a href="#page65">65</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">SECT.</p>
+
+      <p class="i2">I. Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the
+      Coast of Brazil, <a href="#page71">71</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">II. Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of
+      that Country, <a href="#page75">75</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">III. Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to
+      Juan Fernandez, with a</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Description of that Island, <a href=
+      "#page82">82</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">IV. Continuation of the Voyage from Juan
+      Fernandez till the Shipwreck of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">the African Galley, <a href=
+      "#page90">90</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">V. Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of
+      the African, to the</p>
+
+      <p class="i4">Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain, <a href=
+      "#page98">98</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VI. Description of New Britain, and farther
+      Continuation of the Voyage</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java, <a href=
+      "#page107">107</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VII. Occurrences from their Arrival at the
+      Island of Java, to the</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia, <a href=
+      "#page118">118</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VIII. Description of Batavia and the Island of
+      Java, with some Account</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">of the Government of the Dutch East-India
+      Company's Affairs, <a href="#page123">123</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">IX. Description of Ceylon, <a href=
+      "#page138">138</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">X. Some Account of the Governments of Amboina,
+      Banda, Macasser, the</p>
+
+      <p class="i4">Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good Hope,
+      <a href="#page143">143</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XI. Account of the Directories of Coromandel,
+      Surat, Bengal, and</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Persia, <a href="#page155">155</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XII. Account of the Commanderies of Malabar,
+      Gallo, Java, and</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Bantam, <a href="#page159">159</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XIII. Some Account of the Residences of
+      Cheribon, Siam, and Mockha, <a href="#page170">170</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XIV. Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and
+      China, <a href="#page174">174</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XV. Of the Dutch Trade with Japan, <a href=
+      "#page177">177</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XVI. Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good
+      Hope, <a href="#page182">182</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XVII. Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to
+      Holland, with some Account of</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">St Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the
+      A&amp;#231;ores, <a href="#page192">192</a></p><span class=
+      "pagenum"><a name="pagev" id="pagev"></a>[pg v]</span>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p>XIV. Voyage round the World, by Captain George Anson, in
+      the Years</p>
+
+      <p class="i4">1740-1744, <a href="#page201">201</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">Preface, <a href="#page201">201</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">Introduction, <a href="#page212">212</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">SECT.</p>
+
+      <p class="i2">I. Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the
+      Incidents relating to it,</p>
+
+      <p class="i4">from its first Appointment to its setting Sail
+      from St Helens, <a href="#page222">222</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">II. The Passage from St Helens to the Island of
+      Madeira, with a short</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Account of that Island, and of our Stay there,
+      <a href="#page232">232</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">III. History of the Spanish Squadron commanded
+      by Don Joseph</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Pizarro, <a href="#page236">236</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">IV. Passage from Madeira to St Catharines,
+      <a href="#page247">247</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">V. Proceedings at St Catharines, and a
+      Description of that Place, with</p>
+
+      <p class="i4">a short Account of Brazil, <a href=
+      "#page253">253</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VI. The Run from St Catharines to Port St
+      Julian; with some Account of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">the Port, and of the Country to the South of
+      the Rio Plata, <a href="#page266">266</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VII. Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and
+      Passage from thence to</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">the Straits of Le Maire, <a href=
+      "#page276">276</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">VIII. Course from the Straits of Le Maire to
+      Cape Noir, <a href="#page281">281</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">IX. Observations and Directions for
+      facilitating the Passage of future</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Navigators round Cape Horn, <a href=
+      "#page288">288</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">X. Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan
+      Fernandez, <a href="#page299">299</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XI. Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez,
+      with a Description of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">that Island, <a href="#page307">307</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XII. Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and
+      Anna Pink, at Juan</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island
+      during the</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Interval, <a href="#page321">321</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XIII. Short Account of what befell the Anna
+      Pink before she rejoined;</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and
+      the putting back of</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">the Severn and Pearl, <a href=
+      "#page330">330</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XIV. Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan
+      Fernandez, from the Arrival of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">the Anna Pink, to our final Departure from
+      thence, <a href="#page345">345</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XV. Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to
+      the taking of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Payta, <a href=
+      "#page356">356</a></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagevi"
+      id="pagevi"></a>[pg vi]</span>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XVI. Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that
+      Place, <a href="#page373">373</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XVII. Occurrences from our Departure from Payta
+      to our Arrival</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">at Quibo, <a href="#page386">386</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XVIII. Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an
+      Account of the Place, <a href="#page393">393</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XIX. From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico,
+      <a href="#page398">398</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XX. An Account of the Commerce carried on
+      between the City of Manilla on</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco
+      on the Coast of</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Mexico, <a href="#page405">405</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXI. Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for
+      the Manilla Ship, <a href="#page412">412</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXII. A short Account of Chequetan, and of the
+      adjacent Coast and</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">Country, <a href="#page418">418</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXIII. Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and
+      on the adjacent Coast,</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">till our setting sail for Asia, <a href=
+      "#page425">425</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXIV. The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the
+      Ladrones or Marian</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">Islands, <a href="#page433">433</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXV. Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of
+      the Island, and of our</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out
+      to Sea, <a href="#page442">442</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXVI. Transactions at Tinian after the
+      Departure of the Centurion, <a href="#page449">449</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXVII. Account of the Proceedings on board the
+      Centurion when driven out</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">to Sea, <a href="#page457">457</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXVIII. Of our Employment at Tinian, till the
+      final Departure of the</p>
+
+      <p class="i10">Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao,
+      <a href="#page460">460</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXIX. Proceeding at Macao, <a href=
+      "#page471">471</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXX. From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo: The
+      taking of the Manilla</p>
+
+      <p class="i6">Galleon, and returning back again, <a href=
+      "#page489">489</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXXI. Transactions in the River of Canton,
+      <a href="#page501">501</a></p>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <p class="i2">XXXII. Proceedings at the City of Canton, and
+      the Return of the</p>
+
+      <p class="i8">Centurion to England, <a href=
+      "#page514">514</a></p>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+<i>[Transcriber's note: Some of the footnotes have been renumbered to maintain consistency throughout the book.]</i>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page1" id="page1"></a>[pg
+  1]</span>
+
+  <h2>A</h2>
+
+  <h2>GENERAL HISTORY</h2>
+
+  <h2>AND</h2>
+
+  <h2>COLLECTION</h2>
+
+  <h2>OF</h2>
+
+  <h1>VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.</h1>
+
+  <h2>PART II. BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+  <h2>(CONTINUED.)</h2>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XII</h2><i>Continued</i>.
+
+  <h2>VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE SHELVOCKE,</h2>
+
+  <h2>IN 1719-1722.</h2>
+
+  <h3>SECTION V.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Voyage from California to Canton in China</i>.</h4>
+
+  <p>We fell in with the coast of California on the 11th of August,
+  and as soon as we were discovered by the natives, they made fires
+  on the shore as we sailed past. Towards evening, two of them came
+  off on a bark log, and were with difficulty induced to come on
+  board. Seeing our negroes standing promiscuously among the
+  whites, they angrily separated them from us, and would hardly
+  suffer them to look at us. They then made signs for us to sit
+  down, after which one of them put himself into strange postures,
+  talking to us with great vehemence, and seeming to be in a
+  transport of extacy, running from one to the other of us with
+  great vehemence, continually singing, speaking, and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page2" id="page2"></a>[pg 2]</span> running,
+  till quite out of breath. Night coming on, they were for
+  departing, when we gave them a knife and an old coat each, with
+  which they were much pleased, and invited us by signs to go on
+  shore along with them. On the 13th, we were near Porto Leguro,
+  whence some of the natives came out to meet us on bark-logs,
+  while others made fires, as if to welcome us, on the tops of
+  hills and rocks near the sea, all seemingly rejoiced to see us;
+  those on shore running up and down to each other, and those on
+  the bark-logs paddling with all their strength to meet us.</p>
+
+  <p>No sooner was our anchor down than they came off to us in
+  crowds, some off bark-logs, but most of them swimming, all the
+  while talking and calling to each other confusedly. In an instant
+  our ship was full of these swarthy gentry, all quite naked. Among
+  the rest was their king or chief; who was no way distinguishable
+  from the rest by any particular ornament, or even by any
+  deference paid to him by his people, his only ensign of
+  sovereignty being a round black stick of hard wood, about two
+  feet and a half long. This being observed by some of our people,
+  they brought him to me, and concluding that I was the chief of
+  the ship, he delivered his black sceptre to me in a handsome
+  manner, which I immediately returned. Notwithstanding his savage
+  appearance, this man had a good countenance, and there was
+  something dignified in his manner and behaviour. I soon found a
+  way to regale them, by setting before them abundance of our
+  choicest Peruvian conserves, with which they seemed much
+  gratified. They were accommodated with spoons, mostly silver, all
+  of which they very honestly returned.</p>
+
+  <p>Having thus commenced friendship with the natives, I sent an
+  officer ashore to view the watering-place; and, to make him the
+  more welcome, I sent with him some coarse blue baize and some
+  sugar, to distribute among the women. On seeing our boat ready to
+  put off, the king was for accompanying her in his bark-log, but I
+  persuaded him to go in the boat, with which he seemed to be much
+  gratified. The remainder of the day was spent with our wild
+  visitors, who behaved in general very quietly. The officer
+  returned with an account of having been very civilly received,
+  and we prepared our casks for being sent ashore next morning.
+  Although, at first view, the country and inhabitants might
+  dissuade us from venturing freely among them, I had formerly read
+  such accounts of these people, that I was under no apprehension
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page3" id="page3"></a>[pg
+  3]</span> of being molested in wooding and watering. The
+  Californians, however, appeared very terrible to our negroes,
+  insomuch, that one of them, who accompanied the officer on shore,
+  was afraid to stir from the boat, and held an axe constantly in
+  his hand, to defend himself in case of being attacked. On the
+  approach of night, all the Indians swam ashore, leaving us a
+  clear ship, after the fatigues of the day.</p>
+
+  <p>Next morning, at day-break, our boat went ashore with the
+  people appointed to cut wood and fill our water-casks; and before
+  the sun was up, our ship was again filled with our former guests,
+  who seemed never satisfied with gazing at us and every thing
+  about the ship. That nothing might be wanting to keep up our
+  amity, I sent a large boiler on shore, with a good store of flour
+  and sugar, and a negro cook, who continually boiled
+  hasty-pudding, to serve the numerous guests on the beach. At
+  first the natives remained idle spectators of our labours; but at
+  length, taking compassion to see our few men labouring hard in
+  rolling great casks of water over the heavy sand in the sultry
+  heat of the day, they put forth their hands to help them,
+  encouraged by the particular readiness of their chief to serve
+  us; for, after seeing Mr Randal take up a log of wood to carry to
+  the boat, he took up another, and was immediately followed by two
+  or three hundred of the natives, so that they eased our men
+  mightily. They also rolled our casks down to the beach, but
+  always expected a white man to assist them, though quite
+  satisfied if he only touched the cask with his finger. This eased
+  our men of a great deal of fatigue, and shortened the time of our
+  stay at this place. We even found means to make those who used to
+  stay all day on board, of some use to us; for, when we came to
+  heel the ship, we crowded them, all over on one side, which, with
+  other shifts, gave her a deep heel, while we cleaned and paid her
+  bottom with pitch and tallow.</p>
+
+  <p>The natives seemed every day more and more attached to us.
+  When our boat went ashore in the morning, there was constantly a
+  large retinue in waiting on the beach for our people, and
+  particularly for those whom they guessed to be above the common
+  rank, by their better dress. By this time, the news of our
+  arrival had spread through all the neighbouring parts, and some
+  natives of different tribes from that which dwelt about the bay,
+  came daily to visit us. Those who came from any distance in the
+  inland country could not <span class="pagenum"><a name="page4"
+  id="page4"></a>[pg 4]</span> swim, and were differently painted,
+  besides some other visible distinctions; but all united amicably
+  to assist us, and hardly any were idle except the women, who used
+  to sit in circles on the scorching sand, waiting for their shares
+  of what was going forwards, which they received without any
+  quarrelling among themselves about the inequality of
+  distribution. Having completed our business in five days, we
+  prepared for our departure on the 18th August, and employed that
+  morning in making a large distribution of sugar among the women,
+  and gave a great many knives, old axes, and old iron among the
+  men, being the most valuable presents we could make them; and, in
+  return, they gave us bows and arrows, deer-skin bags, live foxes
+  and squirrels, and the like. That we might impress them with awe
+  of our superior power, we saluted them with five guns on loosing
+  our top-sails, which greatly frightened them, and there seemed an
+  universal damp on their spirits on seeing our sails loosed, as
+  sorry for our approaching departure. The women were all in tears
+  when my people were coming off to the ship; and many of the men
+  remained till we were under sail, and then leapt into the sea
+  with sorrowful countenances.</p>
+
+  <p>Having made some stay in California, some account of that
+  country and its inhabitants may be expected; though I believe a
+  complete discovery of its extent and boundaries would produce few
+  real advantages, except satisfying the curious. That part of
+  California which I saw, being the southern extremity of its
+  western coast, appears mountainous, barren, and sandy, much like
+  some parts of Peru: yet the soil about Porto Leguro, and most
+  likely in the other vallies, is a rich black mould, and when
+  turned up fresh to the sun, appears as if intermingled with
+  gold-dust. We endeavoured to wash and purify some of this, and
+  the more this was done, the more it appeared like gold. In order
+  to be farther satisfied, I brought away some of this earth, but
+  it was afterwards lost in our confusions in China. However this
+  may be, California probably abounds in metals of all sorts,
+  though the natives had no ornaments or utensils of any metal,
+  which is not to be wondered at, as they are perfectly ignorant of
+  all arts.</p>
+
+  <p>The country has plenty of wood, but the trees are very small,
+  hardly better than bushes. But woods, which are an ornament to
+  most other countries, serve only to make this appear the more
+  desolate; for locusts swarm here in such <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page5" id="page5"></a>[pg 5]</span> numbers,
+  that they do not leave a green leaf on the trees. In the day,
+  these destructive insects are continually on the wing in clouds,
+  and are extremely troublesome by flying in, one's face. In shape
+  and size they greatly resemble our green grasshoppers, but are of
+  a yellow colour. Immediately after we cast anchor, they came off
+  in such numbers, that the sea around the ship was covered with
+  their dead bodies. By their incessant ravages, the whole country
+  round Porto Leguro was stripped totally naked, notwithstanding
+  the warmth of the climate and the richness of the soil. Believing
+  that the natives are only visited with this plague at this season
+  of the year, I gave them a large quantity of calavances, and
+  shewed them how they were sown. The harbour of Porto Leguro is
+  about two leagues to the N.E. of Cape St Lucas, being a good and
+  safe port, and very convenient for privateers when cruizing for
+  the Manilla ship. The watering-place is on the north side of the
+  bay or harbour, being a small river which there flows into the
+  sea, and may easily be known by the appearance of a great
+  quantity of green canes growing in it, which always retain their
+  verdure, not being touched by the locusts, as these canes
+  probably contain, something noxious to that voracious insect.</p>
+
+  <p>The men of this country are tall, straight, and well set,
+  having large limbs, with coarse black hair, hardly reaching to
+  their shoulders. The women are of much smaller size, having much
+  longer hair than the men, with which some of them almost cover
+  their faces. Some of both sexes have good countenances; but all
+  are much darker-complexioned than any of the other Indians I saw
+  in the South Seas, being a very deep copper-colour. The men go
+  quite naked, wearing only a few trifles by way of ornament, such
+  as a band or wreath of red and white silk-grass round their
+  heads, adorned on each side with a tuft of hawk's feathers.
+  Others have pieces of mother-of-pearl and small shells fastened
+  among their hair, and tied round their necks; and some had large
+  necklaces of six or seven strings, composed of small red and
+  black berries. Some are scarified all over their bodies; others
+  use paint, some smearing their faces and breasts with black,
+  while others were painted black down to the navel, and from
+  thence to the feet with red.</p>
+
+  <p>The women wear a thick fringe or petticoat of silk-grass,
+  reaching from their middle to their heels, and have a deer-skin
+  carelessly thrown over their shoulders. Some of the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page6" id="page6"></a>[pg 6]</span> better
+  sort have a cloak of the skin of some large bird, instead of the
+  bear-skins. Though the appearance of the Californians is
+  exceedingly savage, yet, from what I could observe of their
+  behaviour to each other, and their deportment towards us, they
+  seem to possess all imaginable humanity. All the time we were
+  there, and constantly among many hundreds of them, there was
+  nothing to be seen but the most agreeable harmony, and most
+  affectionate behaviour to each other. When any of us gave any
+  thing eatable to one person, he always divided it among all who
+  were around him, reserving the smallest share to himself. They
+  seldom walked singly, but mostly in pairs, hand in hand. They
+  seemed of meek and gentle dispositions, having no appearance of
+  cruelty in their countenances or behaviour, yet seemed haughty
+  towards their women. They lead a careless life, having every
+  thing in common, and seemed to desire nothing beyond the
+  necessaries of life. They never once offered to pilfer or steal
+  any of our tools or other utensils; and such was their honesty,
+  that my men having forgotten their axes one day on shore, while
+  cutting wood, which was noticed by one of the natives, he told it
+  to the king, who sent into the wood for the axes, and restored
+  them with much apparent satisfaction.</p>
+
+  <p>Their language is guttural and harsh, and they talk a great
+  deal, but I could never understand a single word they spoke.
+  Their dwellings were very mean, being scarcely sufficient to
+  shelter them. Their diet is, I believe, mostly fish, which they
+  frequently eat raw, but they sometimes bake it in the sand. They
+  seldom want abundance of this food, as the men go out to sea on
+  their bark-logs, and are very expert harponiers. Their harpoons
+  are made of hard wood, and with these they strike the largest
+  albicores, and bring them ashore on their bark-logs, which they
+  row with double paddles. This seemed strange to us, who had often
+  experienced the strength of these fish; for frequently when we
+  had hold of one of these with very large hooks, made fast to
+  eight-strand twine, we had to bring the ship to, to bring them
+  in, and it was then as much as eight or ten men could do; so that
+  one would expect, when an Indian had struck one of these fish,
+  from his light float, it would easily run away with the man and
+  the bark-log; but they have some sleight in their way of
+  management, by which the strength <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page7" id="page7"></a>[pg 7]</span> and struggling of these fish
+  are all in vain. There are hardly any birds to be seen in this
+  country except a few pelicans.</p>
+
+  <p>When the Californians want to drink, they wade into the river,
+  up to their middles, where they take up the water in their hands,
+  or stoop down and suck it with their mouths. Their time is
+  occupied between hunting, fishing, eating, and sleeping; and
+  having abundant exercise, and rather a spare diet, their lives
+  are ordinarily prolonged to considerable age, many of both sexes
+  appearing to be very old, by their faces being much wrinkled, and
+  their hair very grey. Their bows are about six feet long, with
+  strings made of deer's sinews, but their arrows seemed too long
+  for their bows; and considering that they have no adequate tools,
+  these articles must require much time in making. The shafts of
+  their arrows consist of a hollow cane, for two-thirds of their
+  length, the other third, or head, being of a heavy kind of wood,
+  edged with flint, or sometimes agate, and the edges notched like
+  a saw, with a very sharp point. They made no display of their
+  arms to us, and we seldom saw any in their hands, though they
+  have need of some arms to defend themselves from wild beasts, as
+  I saw some men who had been severely hurt in that way,
+  particularly one old man, who had his thigh almost torn in pieces
+  by a tiger or lion, and though, healed, it was frightfully
+  scarred. The women commonly go into the woods with bows and
+  arrows in search of game, while the men are chiefly occupied in
+  fishing. I can say nothing respecting their government, except
+  that it did not seem any way strict or rigorous. When the king
+  appeared in public, he was usually attended by many couples, or
+  men walking hand in hand, two and two together. On the first
+  morning of our arrival, he was seen in this manner coming out of
+  a wood, and noticing one of my officers cutting down a tree, whom
+  he judged to be better than ordinary, by having silver lace on
+  his waistcoat, be shewed both his authority and civility at the
+  same time, by ordering one of his attendants to take the axe and
+  work in his stead.</p>
+
+  <p>One day while we were there, a prodigious flat fish was seen
+  basking in the sun on the surface of the water near the shore, on
+  which twelve Indians swam off and surrounded him. Finding himself
+  disturbed, the fish dived, and they after him, but he escaped
+  from them at this time. He appeared again in about an hour, when
+  sixteen or seventeen Indians swam off and encompassed him; and,
+  by continually <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8" id=
+  "page8"></a>[pg 8]</span> tormenting him, drove, him insensibly
+  ashore. On grounding, the force with which he struck the ground
+  with his fins is not to be expressed, neither can I describe the
+  agility with which the Indians strove to dispatch him, lest the
+  surf should set him again afloat, which they at length
+  accomplished with the help of a dagger lent them by Mr Randal.
+  They then cut him into pieces, which were distributed among all
+  who stood by. This fish, though of the flat kind, was very thick,
+  and had a large hideous mouth, being fourteen or fifteen feet
+  broad, but not quite so much in length.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 18th August, 1721, we set sail from Porto Leguro, bound
+  for Canton in China, as a likely place for meeting with some
+  English ships, in which we might procure a passage home.
+  Considering the length of the voyage before us, our ship was in a
+  very bad condition, as her sails and rigging were so old and
+  rotten, that if any accident had befallen our masts or sails, we
+  had been reduced to extreme distress and danger, having no change
+  either of sails or ropes; but ours being a case of necessity, we
+  had to run all hazards, and to endeavour, by the utmost
+  attention, to guard against deficiencies which could not be
+  supplied. Having already overcome many difficulties, seemingly
+  insurmountable in prospect, we were full of hope to get over
+  these also, and the pleasing expectation of revisiting our native
+  shores gave us spirits to encounter this tedious navigation in so
+  weak and comfortless a condition. We were now so weakly manned,
+  that we could scarcely have been able to navigate our vessel
+  without the assistance of the negroes, not amounting now to
+  thirty whites, so much had our crew been reduced by untoward
+  accidents.</p>
+
+  <p>We discovered an island on the 21st, 110 leagues W.S.W. from
+  Cape St Lucas,<a id="footnotetag1" name=
+  "footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> but as
+  the wind blew fresh, I could not get nearer than two leagues, and
+  did not think proper to lose time in laying-to in the night. It
+  seemed seven or eight leagues in circumference, having a large
+  bay on its S.W. side, in the middle of which was a high rock. My
+  people named this Shelvocke's island. From hence we shelved, down
+  to the latitude of 13° N. but were stopped two or three
+  days by westerly winds, which we did not expect in this sea,
+  especially as being now five or six hundred leagues from the
+  land. The trade-wind again returning, we kept <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page9" id="page9"></a>[pg 9]</span> in the
+  parallel of 13° N. except when we judged that we were
+  near the shoals of St Bartholomew, and then haled a degree more
+  to the north, and so continued for sixty or seventy leagues. A
+  fortnight after leaving California, my people, who had hitherto
+  enjoyed uninterrupted health, began to be afflicted with
+  sickness, particularly affecting their stomachs, owing doubtless
+  to the great quantities of sweetmeats they were continually
+  devouring, and also to oar common food, chiefly composed of
+  puddings made of coarse flour and sweetmeats, mixed up with
+  sea-water, together with jerked beef, most of which was destroyed
+  by ants, cockroaches, and other vermin. We could not afford to
+  boil the kettle once in the whole passage with fresh water, so
+  that the crew became reduced to a very melancholy state by scurvy
+  and other distempers. The sickness increased upon us every day,
+  so that we once buried two in one day, the armourer and
+  carpenter's, mate, besides whom the carpenter, gunner, and
+  several others died, together with some of our best negroes.</p>
+
+  <p>The greatest part of my remaining people were disabled, and
+  our ship very leaky; and to add to our misfortunes, one of our
+  pumps split and became useless. Under these unhappy
+  circumstances, we pushed forwards with favourable gales till
+  within 80 leagues of Guam, one of the Ladrones, when we
+  encountered dismal weather and tempestuous winds, veering round
+  the compass. This was the more frightful, as we were unable to
+  help ourselves, not above six or seven, being able for duty,
+  though necessity obliged even those who were extremely low and
+  weak to lend what help they could. In the boisterous sea raised
+  by these gales, our ship so laboured that the knee of her head,
+  and her whole beak-head, became loose, so that the boltsprit
+  fetched away and played with every motion of the ship, and so
+  continued all the rest of the time we were at sea. For some time
+  our main-mast stood without larboard shrouds, till we could unlay
+  our best cable to make more, having knotted and spliced the old
+  shrouds till our labour was in vain. In the midst of these
+  difficulties, I was taken very ill, and had little expectations
+  of living much longer, till the gout gave me some painful hopes
+  of recovery.</p>
+
+  <p>In the beginning of October, we made the island of Guam, 100
+  leagues short of the account given by Rogers, who makes
+  105° of longitude between Cape St Lucas and Guam, while
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page10" id="page10"></a>[pg
+  10]</span> we made not quite 100°.<a id="footnotetag2"
+  name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> We
+  passed through between Guam and Serpana, and saw several flying
+  proas, but none came near us that day. We had heavy and squally
+  weather, which obliged me to keep the deck in the rain, by which
+  I caught a cold, which threw me into a worse condition than
+  before, in which I continued all the time I was in China. Guam
+  seemed very green and of moderate height, and the sight of land
+  was so pleasant after our long run, that we would gladly have
+  stopped to procure some refreshments, but durst not venture in,
+  though on the point of perishing, lest the inhabitants should
+  take advantage of our weakness. From Guam I shaped our course for
+  the island of Formosa, to which we had a long and melancholy
+  voyage, as our sickness daily increased; so that, on the 3d
+  November, when we got sight of that island, both ship and company
+  were almost entirely worn out. Next day we doubled the south Cape
+  of Formosa, passing within a league of the rocks of
+  <i>Vele-Rete</i>, where we were sensible of a very strong
+  current. As we passed in sight, the inhabitants of Formosa made
+  continual fires on the coast, as inviting us to land; but we were
+  so weak that we did not deem it prudent to venture into any of
+  their harbours.</p>
+
+  <p>We directed our course from Formosa for the neighbouring coast
+  of China, and found ourselves on the 6th at the mouth of the
+  river <i>Loma</i>,<a id="footnotetag3" name=
+  "footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> in
+  twelve fathoms water, but the weather was so hazy that we could
+  not ascertain where we were. Seeing abundance of fishing boats,
+  we tried every method we could think of to induce some of the
+  fishermen to come on board to pilot us to Macao, but found this
+  impracticable, as we could not understand each other. We were
+  therefore obliged to keep the land close on board, and to anchor
+  every evening. This was a prodigious fatigue to our men, who were
+  so universally ill that we could hardly find any one able to
+  steer the ship. We were bewildered in a mist during four days,
+  and much surprised by seeing a great many islands, omitted in our
+  charts, on some of which we saw large fortifications. This made
+  us believe that the current had carried us beyond our port, and
+  occasioned much dejection of spirits; for, though the sea was
+  covered <span class="pagenum"><a name="page11" id=
+  "page11"></a>[pg 11]</span> with fishing boats, we could get no
+  one to set us right, or to give us any directions we could
+  understand.</p>
+
+  <p>Towards evening of the 10th, as we were passing through a very
+  narrow channel between two islands, a fisherman who was near, and
+  observed by our manner of working that we were afraid to venture
+  through, waved with his cap for us to bring to till he came to
+  us. When he came, he seemed to understand that we enquired for
+  Macao, and made signs that he would carry us there, if we gave
+  him as many pieces of silver as he counted little fish from his
+  basket, which amounted to forty. We accordingly counted out forty
+  dollars into a hat, and gave them to him, on which he came into
+  our ship, and took her in charge, carrying us through the narrow
+  channel, and brought us to anchor at sun-set. We weighed next
+  morning, and kept the coast of China close on board. By noon we
+  were abreast of Pulo Lantoon, whence we could see two English
+  ships under sail, passing the island of Macao on their way from
+  the river of Canton. They kept on their way, taking no notice of
+  us, which struck a damp into our spirits, fearing we should miss
+  a passage for England this season. In the afternoon of next day,
+  we anchored in the road of Macao, near the entrance of Canton
+  river, which we never should have found out by any of our
+  charts.</p>
+
+  <p>I was much amazed at the incorrectness with which these coasts
+  are laid down, to the eastwards of Pulo Lantoon; as there runs a
+  cluster of islands for upwards of twenty leagues in that
+  direction, which are not in the least noticed by any of our
+  hydrographers, nor have I ever met with any navigator who knew
+  any thing about them. The coast of China, within these islands,
+  is rocky, mountainous, and barren; but, owing to my heavy
+  sickness, I was unable to make any useful observations.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Probably La Nablada, in lat. 18° 55' N. long.
+    180° 48' E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Rogers is however nearer the truth, the difference of
+    longitude being 106° 42' between these two
+    places.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This name is so corrupted as to be unintelligible.E</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Residence in China, and Voyage thence to England.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>As Macao is the place where ships always stop for a pilot to
+  carry them up the river of Canton, I sent an officer with my
+  compliments to the governor, and with orders to bring off a
+  pilot; but hearing nothing of him till next morning, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page12" id="page12"></a>[pg 12]</span> I was
+  under very great apprehensions. Next morning, a great number of
+  the people belonging to the Success came off to our ship, and
+  acquainted me that Clipperton had left me designedly. About noon
+  this day, the 12th November, 1721, a pilot came off to us, when
+  we immediately weighed anchor, and immediately entered Canton
+  river, being assured that there still were some European ships at
+  Wampoo, about ten miles short of Canton. We were four days in
+  plying up to the road between the tower bars, where we anchored;
+  and, finding the Bonetta and Hastings, two English ships, I sent
+  an officer to request their instructions how to conduct ourselves
+  in this port, and to acquaint us with its customs. They answered,
+  that the Cadogan and Francis, two English European ships, were
+  lying at Wampoo, and advised me to send up to the English factors
+  at Canton, to acquaint them with our arrival, and the reasons
+  which obliged us to come here. This I accordingly did next day,
+  borrowing one of their flags to hoist as our boat, without which
+  we had met with much trouble from the <i>Hoppo-men</i>, or
+  custom-house officers. I sent letters to the captains of the
+  English ships, signifying the necessity which forced me to this
+  country, and requesting their succour and protection; assuring
+  them that I acted under his majesty's commission, which also I
+  sent, for their perusal. Next morning, being the 17th, I weighed
+  and worked up to Wampoo, where, besides the two English ships, I
+  found three belonging to France, one Ostender, and a small ship
+  from Manilla.</p>
+
+  <p>I was here in hopes of all my troubles being at an end, and
+  that I should have full leisure for rest and refreshment after my
+  many and great fatigues; but I soon found these expectations ill
+  grounded, and after all my perils, that I was fallen into others
+  least to be endured, as proceeding from false brethren. A most
+  unlucky accident happened the very evening that we anchored at
+  Wampoo, which gave birth to all the troubles I encountered in
+  India; though, in respect to me, both unforeseen and unavoidable,
+  and purely the effects of that eagerness in the ship's company to
+  get out of this part of the world at any rate. Had there been any
+  government among the English settled here, to have supported my
+  authority, this unlucky business had never happened; and, as it
+  was, could only be imputed to nothing but the want of such an
+  establishment. One of my men, named David Griffith, being in a
+  hurry to remove his effects <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page13" id="page13"></a>[pg 13]</span> into the Bonetta's boat,
+  in which he was chased by a <i>Hoppo</i> or custom-house boat;
+  and being a little in liquor, and fearing to lose his silver,
+  fired a musket and killed the Hoppo-man or custom-house officer.
+  Early next morning, the dead body was laid at the door of the
+  English factory, where Chinese officers lay in wait to seize the
+  first Englishman that should come out. A supercargo belonging to
+  the Bonetta happened to be the first; he was immediately seized
+  and carried off, and afterwards led in chains about the suburbs
+  of Canton. All that could be said or done by the most
+  considerable Chinese merchants who were in correspondence with
+  the English, was of no avail. In the mean time, my man, who had
+  slain the Chinese officer, and another, were put in irons aboard
+  the Francis, which was <i>chopped</i>, or seized, till the guilty
+  man was delivered up. He was then carried to Canton in chains,
+  and the supercargo was released.</p>
+
+  <p>I had not been here many days, when I was deserted by all my
+  officers and men, who were continually employed in removing their
+  effects from my ship to some of the European ships, without my
+  knowledge, I being then confined to bed. My officers were using
+  all their efforts to engage the gentlemen belonging to the
+  company in their interest, and had only left my son and a few
+  negroes to look after the ship, and to defend my effects, which
+  were on the brink of falling into the bottomless pit of Chinese
+  avarice; besides, they and the ship's company had so many ways of
+  disposing of every thing they could lay their hands on, that I
+  found it impossible to oblige them to do what I thought justice
+  to our owners: They all soon recovered from their illness, and
+  they all became their own masters. There were no magistrates for
+  me to appeal to on shore, who would aid me so far as to compel
+  them to remain in my ship; and the officers commanding the
+  English ships could not afford me the help they might have been
+  inclined to give, lest the supercargoes might represent their
+  conduct to the East India Company. And these last, who
+  superintend the English trade at this port, seemed even inclined
+  to have refused me a passage in one of their ships, and even
+  treated me as one enemy would treat another in a neutral port;
+  looking on me in that light for presuming to come within the
+  limits of the Company, without considering the necessity by which
+  I had been compelled to take that step.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page14" id="page14"></a>[pg 14]</span>
+
+  <p>When Captains Hill and Newsham came to visit me, they were
+  astonished at the ruinous condition of my ship, and could
+  scarcely think it possible for her to have made so long a
+  passage. The rottenness of her cordage, and the raggedness of her
+  sails, filled them with surprise and pity for my condition. When
+  I had given them a short history of the voyage, and requested
+  they would receive my officers and company, with their effects,
+  they at once said, That they saw plainly my ship was in no
+  condition to be carried any farther, and they were willing to
+  receive us all as soon as we pleased, on payment of our passage.
+  But the supercargoes were displeased that I had not applied to
+  them, as they are the chief men here, though only passengers when
+  aboard; so that I was quite neglected, and the English captains
+  were ordered to fall down with their ships five or six miles
+  below where I lay. I was thus left destitute in the company of
+  five foreign ships; yet their officers, seeing me deserted by my
+  countrymen, kindly offered me their services, and assisted me as
+  much as they could, and without them I know not what might have
+  been my fate, as I was under perpetual apprehensions that the
+  Chinese would have seized my ship.</p>
+
+  <p>After the murder of the custom-house officer seemed to have
+  been quite forgotten, a magistrate, called a <i>Little
+  Mandarin</i>, committed the following outrageous action:At the
+  beginning of the troubles, occasioned by that murder, he had
+  received orders to apprehend all the English he could find, which
+  he neglected till all was over. He then one day, while passing
+  the European factories, ordered his attendants to seize on all
+  the English he could see in the adjoining shops, and took hold of
+  nine or ten, French as well as English, whom he carried, with
+  halters about their necks, to the palace of the <i>Chantock</i>,
+  or viceroy. Application was then made to the <i>Hoppo</i>, or
+  chief customer, who represented matters to the viceroy in favour
+  of the injured Europeans; on which the mandarin was sent for, and
+  being unable to vindicate himself was degraded from his post,
+  subjected to the bamboo, a severe punishment, and rendered
+  incapable of acting again as a magistrate; the Europeans being
+  immediately liberated. It appears to me, however, that the
+  English are tyrannized over by the Chinese, and exposed to the
+  caprices of every magistrate, wherefore I was the more urgent to
+  be on board one of the European ships. I had now discovered my
+  error in addressing the captains, and now sent a letter to the
+  supercargoes, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page15" id=
+  "page15"></a>[pg 15]</span> demanding a passage for myself, my
+  officers, and ship's company, which I was sensible they could not
+  refuse: but their compliance was clogged with a charge to the
+  captains not to receive any thing belonging to us, unless
+  consigned to the company in England.</p>
+
+  <p>The hoppo now made a demand upon me for anchorage in the
+  river, amounting to no less than 6000 <i>tahel</i>, and, to
+  quicken the payment, annexed a penalty to this extortion of 500
+  <i>tahel</i> for every day the payment was delayed. There were no
+  means to avoid this gross imposition; and though a day
+  necessarily elapsed before I could send up the money, I had to
+  add the penalty of that day, so that he received 6500
+  <i>tahel</i>, or L. 2166:13:4 sterling;<a id="footnotetag4" name=
+  "footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>1</sup></a> being
+  about six times as much as was paid for the Cadogan, the largest
+  English ship there at the time, and which measured a third larger
+  than mine. I soon after sold my ship for 2000 tahel, or L. 666,
+  13<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> sterling, which money was consigned to the
+  India Company, along with all the rest of my effects, and I
+  prevailed on most of my officers and men to take their passage in
+  the English homeward-bound ships.</p>
+
+  <p>Considering my short stay in China, and my bad health, I
+  cannot be expected to give any tolerable account of this place
+  from my own observation, and to copy others would be inconsistent
+  with the purpose of this narrative, so that I shall only observe,
+  that the English, at this time, had no settled factory at Canton,
+  being only permitted to hire large houses, called <i>hongs</i>,
+  with convenient warehouses adjoining, for receiving their goods
+  previous to their shipment. For these they pay rent to the
+  proprietors, and either hire the same or others, as they think
+  proper, next time they have occasion for the accommodation.</p>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding my utmost diligence, the business I was
+  engaged in kept me in a continual hurry till the ships were ready
+  to depart, which was in December, 1721: At which time, heartily
+  tired of the country, and the ill usage I had met with, I sailed
+  in the Cadogan, Captain John Hall, in company with the Francis,
+  Captain Newsham; and as the latter ship sailed much better than
+  the Cadogan, she left us immediately after getting out to sea.
+  Finding his ship very tender, or crank, Captain Hill put in at
+  Batavia, to get her into better trim. We continued here about ten
+  days; but <span class="pagenum"><a name="page16" id=
+  "page16"></a>[pg 16]</span> I can say little about that place,
+  being all the time unable to stand on my legs, and was only twice
+  out in a coach to take the air, two or three miles out of the
+  city, in which little excursion I saw a great variety of
+  beautiful prospects of fine country seats and gardens, and,
+  indeed, every thing around shewed the greatest industry. The
+  buildings in the city are generally very handsome, and laid out
+  in very regular streets, having canals running through most of
+  them, with trees planted on each side, so that Batavia may justly
+  be called a fine city: But the sight is the only sense that is
+  gratified here, for the canals smell very offensively when the
+  tide is low, and breed vast swarms of muskitoes, which are more
+  troublesome here than in any place I was ever in.</p>
+
+  <p>A great part of the inhabitants of Batavia are Chinese, who
+  are remarkable for wearing there their ancient dress, having
+  their hair rolled up in such a manner that there is little
+  difference in that respect between the men and women. Ever since
+  the revolution in China, which brought that country under the
+  Tartar yoke, the Tartarian dress has been imposed upon the whole
+  kingdom, which was not effected without great bloodshed: For many
+  of the Chinese were so superstitiously attached to their ancient
+  modes, that they unaccountably chose rather to lose their lives
+  than their hair; as the Tartar fashion is to shave the head,
+  except a long lock on the crown, which they plait in the same
+  manner we do. The Dutch, taking advantage of this superstitious
+  attachment of the Chinese to their hair, exact from all the men
+  who live under their protection, a poll-tax of a dollar a month
+  for the liberty of wearing their hair, which produces a very
+  considerable revenue.</p>
+
+  <p>Hearing at Batavia that there were several pirates in these
+  seas, Captain Hill joined the Dutch homeward-bound fleet in
+  Bantam bay, and the Dutch commodore promised to assist Captain
+  Hill in wooding and watering at <i>Mew</i> island, the water at
+  Batavia being very bad. We fell in with the Francis in the
+  Straits of Sunda, though we imagined that ship had been far
+  a-head. The Dutch made this a pretence for leaving us before we
+  got to Mew island, and Captain Newsham also deserted us, so that
+  we were left alone. We continued six or seven days at Mew island,
+  during which time several boats came to us from Prince's island,
+  and brought us turtle, cocoa-nuts, pine-apples, and other fruits.
+  From Mew island we had a very pleasant voyage to and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page17" id="page17"></a>[pg 17]</span> about
+  the Cape of Good Hope. By the good management of Captain Hill,
+  although the Francis and the Dutch ships had the start of us
+  seven days, by deserting us in the Straits of Sunda, we yet got
+  to the cape seven days before the Francis, though she sailed
+  considerably better than we. By comparing notes with the officers
+  of the Francis, we found that she had suffered a good deal of bad
+  weather off the south of Africa, while we, by keeping about ten
+  leagues nearer shore, continually enjoyed pleasant weather and a
+  fair wind, till we anchored in Table Bay, which we did towards
+  the end of March, 1722.</p>
+
+  <p>We here found Governor Boon and others, bound for England in
+  the London Indiaman. We had a pleasant voyage from the cape to St
+  Helena, and thence to England, arriving off the Land's-end
+  towards the close of July. On coming into the British channel we
+  had brisk gales from the west, with thick foggy weather. In the
+  evening of the 30th July we anchored under Dungeness, and that
+  same night some of the supercargoes and passengers, among whom I
+  was one, hired a small vessel to carry us to Dover, where we
+  arrived the next morning early. The same day we proceeded for
+  London, and arrived there on the 1st August, 1722. Thus ended a
+  long, fatiguing, and unfortunate voyage, of <i>three years, seven
+  months, and eleven days</i>, in which I had sailed considerably
+  more than round the circumference of the globe, and had undergone
+  a great variety of troubles and hardships by sea and land.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>At these proportions, the Chinese <i>tahel</i> is exactly
+    6<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> sterling.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Supplement to the foregoing Voyage.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>In the Collection of Harris, besides interweaving several
+  controversial matters respecting this voyage, from an account of
+  it by one Betagh, who was captain of marines in the Speedwell, a
+  long series of remarks on the conduct of Shelvocke by that
+  person, are appended. Neither of these appear to possess
+  sufficient interest, at this distance of time, almost a century,
+  to justify their insertion in our collection, where they would
+  have very uselessly occupied a considerable space. Captain Betagh
+  appears to have been actuated by violent animosity against
+  Captain Shelvocke, whose actions he traduced and misrepresented
+  with the utmost malignity, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page18"
+  id="page18"></a>[pg 18]</span> the innocent cause of his having
+  suffered captivity among the Spaniards in South America, of which
+  some account will be found in the subsequent section. Of all
+  these charges, we have only deemed it expedient to insert the
+  following statement of the circumstances connected with the
+  capture of the Conception, as related by Betagh, which Harris, I.
+  230, characterizes as "a very extraordinary piece of recent
+  history, and seemingly supported by evidence;" but at this
+  distance of time we have no means of ascertaining to which side
+  the truth belongs.<i>Ed.</i></p>
+
+  <p>"This being the great crisis of the voyage, I shall be more
+  particular in relating the affair of this last prize. This ship
+  was named the Conception, Don <i>Stephen de Recova</i>
+  commander,<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote5"><sup>1</sup></a> bound from Calao to Panama, having
+  on board several persons of distinction, particularly the Conde
+  de la Rosa, who had been some time governor of Pisco, and was now
+  going to Spain, laden with flour, sugar, marmalade, <i>et
+  cetera</i>. Now, be it known to all men, that the <i>et
+  cetera</i> was 108,630 pieces of eight, or Spanish dollars: And
+  Shelvocke little thought, when he took this prize, or compiled
+  his book, that I, of all men, should have the exact state of this
+  affair. He often said that he would give the gentlemen owners a
+  fair account; and I have often promised to prove that he did say
+  so. We have now both made our words good, and I have not only an
+  authentic account, but I will also declare how I got it.</p>
+
+  <p>"When I was carried prisoner to Lima, I had sufficient leisure
+  to reflect on my misfortunes, and how likely I was to be ruined
+  and the owners cheated; wherefore, to prepare them to defend
+  their just rights, I wrote to one of them the substance of what
+  had occurred to me; how Shelvocke had mismanaged; how arbitrarily
+  he had acted in defiance of their articles, and what were his
+  private intentions in the latter part of the voyage. As soon as I
+  came to London, which was in October, 1721, I confirmed the
+  report of my letter with several new circumstances; for all which
+  performance of my duty, it is, as I suppose, that my name has met
+  with so much reproach in Captain Shelvocke's book. But, besides
+  my advices, the gentlemen owners had many proofs from prisoners
+  and other people. Eleven months after me, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page19" id="page19"></a>[pg 19]</span> being
+  August, 1722, Shelvocke himself arrived, and immediately waited
+  on the gentlemen in the lump for all his transactions; not owning
+  any thing of this prize, which he had unlawfully shared, with
+  every thing else, among twenty-three of his men. Instead of
+  compromising the matter, the gentlemen read him a letter, secured
+  him, and had him the same day confined in <i>Wood-street
+  Compter</i>. A few days after, his pupil, Stewart, arrived at
+  Dover, and was seized by the honest warden of the castle,
+  according to directions, securing also his book of accounts, and
+  brought it along with the prisoner to the owners, from whom I had
+  the book, and copied from it the following statement of the
+  dividends:</p>
+
+  <table summary="" align="center">
+    <tr>
+      <td align="center">Names.</td>
+
+      <td align="center">Quality</td>
+
+      <td align="center">Number</td>
+
+      <td align="center">Dollars</td>
+
+      <td align="center">Eng.</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="center">of</td>
+
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="center">Money.</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="center">Shares</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">George Shelvocke</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Captain</td>
+
+      <td align="center">6</td>
+
+      <td align="right">14,325</td>
+
+      <td align="right">2642 10 0</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Samuel Rundal</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Lieutenant</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Rainer</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Cap. Marines</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Blowfield Coldsea</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Master</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2-1/2</td>
+
+      <td align="right">4718</td>
+
+      <td align="right">1100 17 4</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Nicholas Adams</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Surgeon</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2-1/2</td>
+
+      <td></td>
+
+      <td align="right">each</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Mathew Stewart</td>
+
+      <td align="left">First mate</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Monsieur La Porte</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Second mate</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">George Henshall</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Boatswain</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2</td>
+
+      <td align="right">3775</td>
+
+      <td align="right">880 16 8</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Robert Davenport</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Carpenter</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2</td>
+
+      <td></td>
+
+      <td align="right">each</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">William Clark</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Gunner</td>
+
+      <td align="center">2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">James Daniel</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Midshipman</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">David Griffith</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Christopher Hawkins</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Oliver Lefevre</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Sail-maker</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Doydge</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Surgeon's mate</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">William Morgan</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+
+      <td align="right">2850</td>
+
+      <td align="right">660 0 0</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Popplestone</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Armourer</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+
+      <td></td>
+
+      <td align="right">each</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">James Moyett</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Cooper</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Pearson</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Carpenter's mate</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Geo. Shelvocke, jun.</td>
+
+      <td align="left"></td>
+
+      <td align="center">1-1/2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">William Clement</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Able seaman</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Norris</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">James Moulville</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">George Gill</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Peter Fero</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+
+      <td align="right">1887-1/4</td>
+
+      <td align="right">440 7 2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Smith</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+
+      <td></td>
+
+      <td align="right">each</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Edward Alcocke</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Theobald</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Barber</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">William Burrows</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Old seaman</td>
+
+      <td align="center">3/4</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Daniel M'Donald</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">3/4</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Richard Croft</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Ditto</td>
+
+      <td align="center">3/4</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">John Robbins</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Grommet, or boy</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1/2</td>
+
+      <td align="right">943-1/4</td>
+
+      <td align="right">220 4 2</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">Benedict Harry</td>
+
+      <td align="left">Cook</td>
+
+      <td align="center">1/2</td>
+
+      <td></td>
+
+      <td align="right">each</td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left"></td>
+
+      <td align="left"></td>
+
+      <td align="center"></td>
+
+      <td align="right"></td>
+
+      <td align="right"></td>
+    </tr>
+
+    <tr>
+      <td align="left">33 persons in all</td>
+
+      <td align="left"></td>
+
+      <td align="center">52-1/4</td>
+
+      <td align="right">98,604-2/3</td>
+
+      <td align="right">23,007 15 6</td>
+    </tr>
+  </table><span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" id=
+  "page20"></a>[pg 20]</span>
+
+  <p>"The reader will perceive that the sum total of this dividend
+  falls short of what I said the capture amounted to; but, in order
+  to set that matter right, there is a secret article of 627
+  quadruples of gold, which Shelvocke graciously shared among
+  private friends, each quadruple, or double doubloon; being worth
+  sixteen dollars each, or L. 3:14:8 sterling, at 4<i>s.</i>
+  8<i>d.</i> the dollar. The value of these is 10,032 dollars,
+  which, added to the sum of the foregoing account, make
+  108,636-3/4 dollars, or L. 25,348:11:6 sterling in all. Which
+  large sum of money Shelvocke had the prodigious modesty to
+  conceal, under the mysterious <i>et cetera</i>. Stewart's book
+  mentions the double doubloons, but says not a word as to how they
+  were distributed, so that we may imagine they were sunk between
+  the two Shelvockes and Stewart: For, as Stewart was agent,
+  cashier, and paymaster, it was an easy matter to hide a bag of
+  gold from the public, and to divide it afterwards in a committee
+  of two or three."<i>Betagh.</i></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Shelvocke who certainly ought to have known best, names the
+    ship the Conception de Recova, and her commander Don Joseph
+    Desorio.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round the World. Containing
+  Observations on the Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain
+  Betagh.</i><a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote6"><sup>1</sup></a></h4>
+
+  <h4>INTRODUCTION.</h4>
+
+  <p>This article may rather seem misplaced, as here inserted among
+  the circumnavigations; but, both as having arisen out of the
+  voyage of Shelvocke, and because arranged in this manner by
+  Harris, it has been deemed proper and necessary to preserve it in
+  this place, where it may be in a great measure considered as a
+  supplement to the preceding voyage. In the opinion of Harris,
+  "The time that Betagh lived among the Spaniards in Peru, and the
+  manner in which he was treated by them, gave him an opportunity
+  of acquainting himself with their manners and customs, and with
+  the nature and maxims of their government, such as no Englishman
+  had possessed; and the lively manner in which he tells his story,
+  gives it much beauty and spirit." We have already seen, in the
+  narrative of Shelvocke, the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page21" id="page21"></a>[pg 21]</span> occasion of Betagh
+  separating from his commander, along with Hately and a complement
+  of men in the Mercury, on which occasion Shelvocke alleged that
+  they purposely separated from him, in consequence of taking a
+  prize containing 150,000 dollars. In the following narrative,
+  Betagh tells his own story very differently, and we do not
+  presume to determine between them. The separation of Shelvocke
+  originally from his own superior officer, Clipperton, is not
+  without suspicion; and Hately and Betagh may have learnt from
+  their commander, to endeavour to promote their own individual
+  interests, at the expense of their duty, already weakened by bad
+  example.<i>Ed.</i></p>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 1. <i>Particulars of the Capture of the Mercury by the
+  Spaniards</i>.</h4>
+
+  <p>It was in the beginning of the year 1720, about the middle of
+  March, when Captain Shelvocke sent Hately and the rest of us to
+  seek our fortunes in the lighter called the Mercury. He then went
+  in the Speedwell to plunder the village of Payta, where we might
+  easily have joined him, had he been pleased to have imparted his
+  design to us. We had not cruized long off Cape Blanco, when we
+  took a small bark, having a good quantity of flour and chocolate.
+  There were also on board an elderly lady, and a thin old friar,
+  whom we detained two or three days; and, after taking out what
+  could be of use to us, we discharged the bark and them. Soon
+  after this we took the Pink, which Shelvocke calls the rich
+  prize. Her people had no suspicion of our being an enemy, and
+  held on their way till they saw the Mercury standing towards
+  them, and then began to suspect us; on which, about noon, they
+  clapt their helm hard a-weather, and crowded all sail before the
+  wind; and, being in ballast, this was her best sailing, yet
+  proved also the greatest advantage they could have given us; for,
+  had she held her wind, our flat-bottomed vessel could never have
+  got up with theirs. About ten o'clock at night, with the
+  assistance of hard rowing, we got up within shot of the chase,
+  and made her bring to, when pretty near the shore. On boarding
+  the prize, in which were about seventy persons, thirty of whom
+  were negroes, Hately left me and Pressick in the Mercury, with
+  other four, where we continued two or three days, till
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page22" id="page22"></a>[pg
+  22]</span> a heavy rain spoiled all our bread and other dry
+  provisions. We then went on board the prize, sending three men to
+  take charge of the Mercury.</p>
+
+  <p>After this, we stood off and on in the height of Cape Blanco
+  for seven or eight days, expecting to meet with the Speedwell;
+  and at that place we sent ashore the Spanish Captain, a padre or
+  priest, and some gentlemen passengers. At last we espied a sail
+  plying to windward; and, having no doubt that she was either the
+  Speedwell or the Success, we stood towards her, while she also
+  edged down towards us. About ten in the morning we were near
+  enough to make her out to be a ship of war, but neither of these
+  we wished for. The master of our prize had before informed us,
+  that he had fallen in with the <i>Brilliante</i>, which was
+  cruizing for our privateers, and we had till now entirely
+  disregarded his information. Upon this, Hately advised with me
+  what we ought to do in this emergency, when we agreed to
+  endeavour to take advantage of the information given us by the
+  Spaniards; considering, as the Brilliante had spoken so very
+  lately with the Pink, that there might not be many questions
+  asked now. Accordingly, Hately and I dressed ourselves like
+  Spaniards, and hoisted Spanish colours, confined all our
+  prisoners in the great cabin, and allowed none but Indians and
+  negroes to appear on the deck, that the Pink might have the same
+  appearance as before. We had probably succeeded in this
+  contrivance, but for the obstinacy of John Sprake, one of our
+  men, whom we could not persuade to keep off the deck. As the
+  Brilliante came up, she fired a gun to leeward, on which we
+  lowered our topsail, going under easy sail till we got alongside.
+  The first question asked was, If we had seen the English
+  privateer? We answered, No. The next question was, How we had got
+  no farther on our way to Lima? To which we answered, By reason of
+  the currents. To two or three other questions, we answered
+  satisfactorily in Spanish, and they were getting their tacks
+  aboard in order to leave us, when Sprake and two or three more of
+  our men appeared on the main deck. A Frenchman aboard the
+  Brilliante, who was on the mast-head, seeing their long trowsers,
+  called out, <i>Par Dieu, Monsieur, ils sont Anglois</i>, By
+  Heaven, Sir, they are English: Upon which they immediately fired
+  a broad-side into us with round and partridge shot, by one of
+  which Hately was slightly wounded in the leg.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page23" id="page23"></a>[pg 23]</span>
+
+  <p>As soon as we struck our flag, the enemy sent for all the
+  English on board their ships, and ordered two of their own
+  officers into our prize. The Brilliante then bore down on the
+  Mercury, into which she fired at least twenty-five shot, which
+  bored her sides through and through: Yet such was the
+  construction of that extraordinary vessel, that, though quite
+  full of water, there was not weight enough to sink her, and our
+  three men who were in her remained unhurt. Don Pedro Midrando,
+  the Spanish commander, ordered these three men into his own ship,
+  in which he intended to sail for Payta. As for me, he gave
+  directions that I should be sent forty miles up the country, to a
+  place called <i>Piura</i>, and was so kind as to leave Mr
+  Pressick the surgeon, and my serjeant Cobbs, to bear me company.
+  Mr Hately and the rest of our men were ordered to Lima by land, a
+  journey of four hundred miles.<a id="footnotetag7" name=
+  "footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7"><sup>2</sup></a> Hately
+  had the misfortune to be doubly under the displeasure of the
+  Spaniards: First, for returning into these seas after having been
+  long their prisoner, and being well used among them: And, second,
+  for having stripped the Portuguese captain at Cape Frio of a good
+  quantity of moidores, which were now found upon him. Don Pedro
+  proposed to have this business searched to the bottom, and the
+  guilty severely punished, without exposing the innocent to any
+  danger.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris, I. 240.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag7">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Lima is above six hundred miles from Cape Blanco, and Piura
+    is about seventy-five miles from the same place. Betagh gives
+    no account of the place where he landed; but forty miles
+    northwards from Piura would only carry him to the north side of
+    the bay of Payta; and, as he makes no mention of passing any
+    river, he was probably landed on the south side of the river
+    Amatape or Chira.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 2. <i>Observations made by Betagh in the North of
+  Peru.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Leaving Mr Hately for the present, I proceed to the
+  observations I made on the road, as the admiral was so good as
+  send me up into the country, till his return from Payta. As the
+  weather in this part of the world is much too hot to admit of any
+  labour in the middle of the day, the custom is to travel only
+  from six in the evening till eight next morning. My Indian guide
+  set me on the best mule he had, which did not think proper to
+  follow the rest, so that I led my fellow-travellers while day
+  lasted. The whole country <span class="pagenum"><a name="page24"
+  id="page24"></a>[pg 24]</span> through which we travelled was an
+  open plain, having Indian plantations laid out with tolerable
+  regularity, on both sides of us. This champaign country is from
+  thirty to an hundred miles broad, and extends three hundred miles
+  along shore; and I was travelling to the southward, having the
+  Cordelieras, or mountains of the Andes, on my left hand, and the
+  great Pacific Ocean to the right. As the soil is good and
+  fertile, this land would be as fine a country as any in the
+  world, if well watered; but travellers are here obliged to carry
+  water for their mules as well as themselves. At the approach of
+  night, I was much puzzled to find the way, my mule still
+  persisting to go foremost, being often stopped by great sand
+  hills, and my mule as often endeavoured to pull the reins out of
+  my hand. This being very troublesome, the Indians advised me to
+  lay the reins on the mule's neck, and on doing that the creature
+  easily hit the way. These sand hills often shift from place to
+  place, which I suppose is occasioned by strong eddy winds,
+  reverberated from the mountains.</p>
+
+  <p>We rested at night in an old empty house, about half way,
+  which the guide told me was built by the inhabitants of Piura,
+  for the accommodation of the prince of San Bueno, viceroy of
+  Peru, when they met and regaled him at his entrance on his
+  government. After a short rest, we continued our journey, and
+  arrived at Piura, a handsome regularly built town, on the banks
+  of the river <i>Callan</i> or <i>Piura</i>. The Indian conducted
+  us to the house of an honest Spanish gentleman and his wife, to
+  whose charge he committed us, and then returned to Payta. In less
+  than a quarter of an hour, the inhabitants of the town flocked to
+  see us, as a raree-show, and entertained us with respect and
+  civility, instead of using us as prisoners of war. The gentleman
+  to whose charge we were committed was named Don Jeronimo
+  Baldivieso, who had five daughters, who received us in so
+  benevolent a manner, that we hoped our time would slide easily
+  away, and our captivity prove no way disagreeable; and I now
+  became sensible of the favour shewn me by Don Pedro in sending me
+  to this place; for he had such interest in all Peru, that for his
+  sake we found very good treatment.</p>
+
+  <p>After refreshing ourselves, according to the custom of the
+  country, with chocolate, biscuit, and water, we were serenaded by
+  the sound of a harp from some inner apartment, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page25" id="page25"></a>[pg 25]</span> of
+  which instrument the artist seemed to have a good command, as I
+  heard parts of several famous compositions, both Italian and
+  English. Upon enquiry, I found that all Don Jeronimo's daughters
+  had learnt music, and sung or played upon some instrument. Though
+  this seemed unaccountable at first, I afterwards found that music
+  was much cultivated in Peru. During the prevalence of the Italian
+  party at the court of Madrid, the last viceroy of Peru, the
+  prince of San Bueno, who was an Italian, brought a great many
+  musicians to that country along with him, by whom the taste for
+  music had spread every where, and had become as good in Peru as
+  in old Spain. I the rather notice this, because, by our being
+  lovers of music, and behaving peaceably and civilly to the
+  inhabitants, we passed our time quietly and chearfully. We were
+  only exposed to one inconvenience, which lasted all the time we
+  remained here: which was, the daily assembling of the people to
+  stare at us. I and my sergeant Cobbs, being used to exercise in
+  public, bore this pretty well; but Mr Pressick, being a grave
+  man, at first hung down his head, and was very melancholy. But he
+  grew better acquainted with the people by degrees, and came to
+  like them so well, that we had much ado to get him away, when it
+  became necessary for us to remove our quarters.</p>
+
+  <p>Almost all the commodities of Europe are distributed through
+  Spanish America by a sort of pedlars, or merchants who travel on
+  foot. These men come from Panama to Payta by sea; and in their
+  road from Payta to Lima, make Piura their first stage, disposing
+  of their goods, and lessening their burdens, as they go along.
+  From Piura, some take the inland road by Caxamarca, and others
+  the road along the coast through Truxillo. From Lima they take
+  their passage back to Panama by sea, perhaps carrying with them a
+  small adventure of brandy. At Panama they again stock themselves
+  with European goods, and return by sea to Payta. Here they hire
+  mules to carry their goods, taking Indians along with them to
+  guide the mules and carry them back: And in this way these
+  traders keep a continual round, till they have gained a
+  sufficiency to live on. Their travelling expenses are next to
+  nothing; as the Indians are under such entire subjection to the
+  Spaniards, that they always find them in lodgings free, and
+  provide them with provender for their mules. All this every white
+  man may command, being an homage the Indians have long been
+  accustomed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" id=
+  "page26"></a>[pg 26]</span> to, and some think themselves
+  honoured into the bargain. Yet out of generosity, they sometimes
+  meet with a small recompense. Among the British and French, a
+  pedlar is despised, and his employment is considered as a very,
+  mean shift for getting a living: But it is quite otherwise here,
+  where the quick return of money is a sufficient excuse for the
+  manner in which it is gained; and there are many gentlemen in old
+  Spain, in declining circumstances, who send their sons to what
+  they call <i>the Indies</i>, to retrieve their fortunes in this
+  way.</p>
+
+  <p>Our lodging while at Piura was in an out-house, which had been
+  built on purpose for accommodating such travelling merchants.
+  Every day, according to the Spanish custom, our dinner was served
+  up under covers, and we eat at the same table with Don Jeronimo;
+  while the good lady of the house and her daughters sat in another
+  room. Any strong liquors are only used during dinner: And I think
+  the only circumstance in our conduct that any way disobliged our
+  good host, was once seeing me drink a dram with the doctor, at a
+  small eating-house; and, as nothing is more offensive to the
+  Spaniards than drunkenness, I had much ado to apologise for this
+  step. Yet they admit of gallantry in the utmost excess, thus only
+  exchanging one enormity for another.</p>
+
+  <p>After remaining about six weeks at Piura, our Indian guide
+  came to conduct us to Payta, to which place the Brilliante had
+  returned. When about to take leave, Mr Pressick our surgeon was
+  not to be found, which detained us a day. They had concealed him
+  in the town, meaning to have kept him there, being a very useful
+  man; and if he could have had a small chest of medicines, he
+  might soon have made a handsome fortune. Next day, however, we
+  mounted our mules, and parted reluctantly with our kind host and
+  his family. We went on board the Brilliante at Payta, which had
+  done nothing at sea since we left her, and now made a sort of
+  cruizing voyage to Calao, the port of Lima. I have already
+  mentioned the civility I received from Don Pedro Midranda, who
+  was admiral or general of the South Seas; and I shall here add
+  one circumstance to the honour of Monsieur de Grange, a captain
+  under the general. When taken by the Brilliante, the soldiers
+  stripped us, considering our clothes as the usual perquisite of
+  conquerors; on which that gentleman generously gave me
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page27" id="page27"></a>[pg
+  27]</span> a handsome suit of clothes, two pair of silk
+  stockings, shirts, a hat and wig, and every thing accordant, so
+  that I was rather a gainer by this accident.</p>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 3. <i>Voyage from Payta to Lima, and Account of the
+  English Prisoners at that place.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Our voyage to Lima occupied about five weeks; and, immediately
+  on our arrival, we were committed to the same prison in which the
+  rest of the ship's company were confined, except Mr Hately, who,
+  for reasons formerly assigned, was confined by himself, and very
+  roughly treated. A short time after our arrival, commissioners
+  were appointed to hear our cause, and to determine whether we
+  were to be treated as criminals, or as prisoners of war. We were
+  charged with piracy, not solely for what we had done in the South
+  Seas in plundering the Spaniards, but for having used the like
+  violence against other nations, before our arrival in that sea,
+  from which they proposed to infer that we had evinced a piratical
+  disposition in the whole of our conduct. Of this they thought
+  they had sufficient proof in the moidores found upon Hately, as
+  they appeared to have been taken from the subjects of a prince in
+  amity with our sovereign. Happily for us, Don Diego Morsilio, the
+  viceroy, who was an archbishop in the decline of life, was
+  pleased to investigate this matter; and finding only one of us
+  guilty, would not sign an order for taking away the lives of the
+  innocent. Some were for sending Hatley to the mines for life, and
+  others for hanging him: But the several accounts of the vile
+  proceedings of Captain Shelvocke contributed to his deliverance,
+  of the truth of which circumstance, there were enough of our
+  people at Lima to witness; for, besides Lieutenant Sergeantson
+  and his men, who were brought thither, there came also the men
+  whom Shelvocke sent along with Hopkins to shift for themselves in
+  an empty bark, who were forced to surrender themselves to the
+  Indians for want of sustenance; so that the court were satisfied
+  that Shelvocke was the principal in that piratical act, rather
+  than Hately. Considering that we had all been sufficiently
+  punished before our arrival at Lima, they thought fit to let us
+  all go by degrees. Hately was kept in irons about a twelvemonth,
+  and was then allowed to return to England. I was more fortunate,
+  as my imprisonment <span class="pagenum"><a name="page28" id=
+  "page28"></a>[pg 28]</span> lasted only a fortnight, owing to the
+  interposition of one Captain Fitzgerald, a gentleman born in
+  France, who had great interest with the viceroy, and became
+  security for me, on which I was allowed my liberty in the city,
+  provided I were forthcoming when called for.</p>
+
+  <p>Among my first enquiries was into the condition of other
+  English prisoners at this place. I learnt from Lieutenant
+  Sergeantson and his men, who were here before us, that most of
+  them had adopted the religion of the country, had been
+  christened, and were dispersed among the convents of the city.
+  The first of these I met had his catechism in one hand, and a
+  large string of beads dangling in the other. I smiled, and asked
+  him how he liked it? He said, very well; for having a religion to
+  chuse, he thought theirs better than none, especially as it
+  brought him good meat and drink, and a quiet life. Many of
+  Shelvocke's men followed this example, and I may venture to say,
+  that most of them had the same substantial reason for their
+  conversion. It is here reckoned very meritorious to make a
+  convert, and many arguments were used for that purpose, but no
+  rigorous measures were used to bring any one over to their way of
+  thinking. Those who consented to be baptized, generally had some
+  of the merchants of Lima for their patrons and god-fathers, who
+  never failed to give them a good suit of clothes, and some money
+  to drink their healths.</p>
+
+  <p>About this time four or five of Clipperton's men had leave
+  from the convents where they resided, to meet together at a
+  public-house kept by one John Bell, an Englishman, who had a
+  negro wife, who had been made free for some service or other. The
+  purpose of this meeting was merely to confirm their new baptism
+  over a bowl of punch; but they all got drunk and quarrelled, and,
+  forgetting they were true catholics, they demolished the image of
+  some honest saint that stood in a corner, mistaking him for one
+  of their companions. Missing them for a few days, I enquired at
+  Bell what was become of them, when he told me they were all in
+  the Inquisition; for the thing having taken air, he was obliged
+  to go himself to complain of their behaviour, but he got them
+  released a few days after, when they had time to repent and get
+  sober in the dungeons of the holy office. Bell said, if these men
+  had remained heretics, their drunken exploit had not come within
+  the verge of the ecclesiastical power; but as they were novices,
+  they were the easier pardoned, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page29" id="page29"></a>[pg 29]</span> their outrages on the
+  saint being attributed to the liquor, and not to any designed
+  affront to the catholic faith, or a relapse into heresy.</p>
+
+  <p>Some time afterwards, about a dozen of our men from the
+  Success and Speedwell were sent to Calao, to assist in careening
+  and fitting out the Flying-fish, designed for Europe. They here
+  entered into a plot to run away with the Margarita, a good
+  sailing ship which lay in the harbour, meaning to have gone for
+  themselves, in which of course they would have acted as pirates.
+  Not knowing what to do for ammunition and a compass, they applied
+  to Mr Sergeantson, pretending they meant to steal away to Panama,
+  where there was an English factory, and whence they had hopes of
+  getting home. They said they had got half a dozen firelocks, with
+  which they might be able to kill wild hogs or other game, as they
+  went along, and begged him to help them to some powder and shot,
+  and a compass to steer their way through the woods. By begging
+  and making catholic signs to the people in Lima, they had
+  collected some dollars, which they desired Sergeantson to lay out
+  for them; and he, not mistrusting their plot, bought them what
+  they wanted. Thus furnished, one of them came to me at Lima, and
+  told me their intention, and that Sprake was to have the command,
+  as being the only one among them who knew any thing of
+  navigation. I answered, that it was a bold design; but as Captain
+  Fitzgerald had engaged for my honour, I could not engage in it.
+  Their plot was discovered a few days after, their lodgings
+  searched, their arms taken away, and they were committed to
+  prison. The government was much incensed against them, and had
+  nearly determined upon their execution; but they were soon all
+  released except Sprake, who was the ringleader, and was kept in
+  irons for two or three months, and then set at liberty.</p>
+
+  <p>The dominions belonging to the Spaniards in America are so
+  large and valuable, that, if well governed, they might render
+  that monarchy exceedingly formidable. In my long stay in Peru, I
+  had the means of examining at leisure, and with attention, their
+  manner of living, the form of their government, and many other
+  circumstances little known in our part of the world, and had many
+  opportunities of enquiring into things minutely, which did not
+  fall under my immediate observation; and of which I propose to
+  give as clear and accurate an account as I can, constantly
+  distinguishing between <span class="pagenum"><a name="page30" id=
+  "page30"></a>[pg 30]</span> what fell under my own immediate
+  knowledge, and what I received from the information of
+  others.</p>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 4. <i>Description of Lima, and some Account of the
+  Government of Peru.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The great and rich city of Lima is the metropolis of Peru, and
+  the seat of an archbishop. It is all regularly built, the streets
+  being all straight and spacious, dividing the whole into small
+  squares. It stands in an open vale, through which runs a gentle
+  stream, dividing the city in two, as the Thames does London from
+  Southwark. Calao is the port of Lima, from whence it is about
+  seven miles distant. Because of the frequent earthquakes, the
+  houses are only of one story, and generally twelve or fourteen
+  feet high. It contains eight parish churches, three colleges for
+  students, twenty-eight monasteries of friars, and thirteen
+  nunneries, so that the religions occupy a fourth part of the
+  city; yet, by the quick and plentiful flow of money, and the vast
+  sums bequeathed through the effects of celibacy, they are well
+  endowed. Besides these, there are two hospitals for sick, poor,
+  and disabled; and in which several of our men were kindly looked
+  after. The length of the city from north to south is two miles,
+  and its breadth one and a half; its whole circumference,
+  including the wall and the river, being six miles. The other, or
+  smaller part of the city, is to the east of the river, over which
+  there is a handsome stone bridge of seven arches. Including all
+  sorts and colours, I computed that the whole population of Lima
+  amounted to between sixty and seventy thousand persons; and I
+  should not wonder at any multiplication in this city, as it is
+  the centre of so much affluence and pleasure. Besides the natural
+  increase of the inhabitants, all ships that trade this way,
+  whether public or private, generally leave some deserters, who
+  remain behind in consequence of the encouragement given to all
+  white faces.</p>
+
+  <p>The people here are perhaps the most expensive in their habits
+  of any in the world. The men dress nearly as in England, their
+  coats being either of silk, fine English cloth, or camblets,
+  embroidered or laced with gold or silver, and their waistcoats
+  usually of the richest brocades. The women wear no stays or
+  hoops, having only a stitched holland jacket next their shifts,
+  and they generally wear a square <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page31" id="page31"></a>[pg 31]</span> piece of swansdown
+  flannel thrown over their shoulders, entirely covered with
+  Flanders lace, and have their petticoats adorned with gold or
+  silver lace. When they walk out, the Creole women are mostly
+  veiled, but not the mulattoes; and, till thirty or forty years of
+  age, they wear no head-clothes, their hair being tied behind with
+  fine ribbons. The pride of the ladies chiefly appears in fine
+  Mechlin or Brussels lace, with which they trim their linen in a
+  most extravagant manner, not omitting even their sheets and
+  pillows. Their linen jackets are double bordered with it, both at
+  top and bottom, with four or five ruffles or furbelows hanging
+  down to their knees. They are very extravagant also in pearls and
+  precious stones, in rings, bracelets, and necklaces, though the
+  value of these is hardly equal to the shew.</p>
+
+  <p>The viceroy has a splendid palace in the royal square, or
+  great quadrangle of the city, which seemed as large as
+  Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. His salary is ten thousand pounds a-year,
+  but his perquisites amount to double that sum. And though his
+  government expires at the end of three, four, or five years, he
+  generally makes a handsome fortune, as all places are in his
+  gift, both in the government and the army throughout all Peru,
+  except such as are sent out or nominated by the king. The great
+  court of justice consists of twelve judges, besides a number of
+  inferior officers, councillors, and solicitors. Before this court
+  all causes are decided, but they are too often determined in
+  favour of the party who gives most money. And, though these vast
+  dominions abound in riches, there is not much work for the
+  lawyers, as the laws are few and plain, which certainly is much
+  better than a multiplicity of laws, explaining one another till
+  they become so intricate that the issue of a cause depends more
+  on the craft of the solicitor and advocate, than on its justice.
+  Every magistrate in this country knows that his reign is short,
+  and that he will be laughed at if he does not make a fortune, so
+  that they wink at each other; and, so great is the distance
+  between Spain and Peru, that the royal orders are seldom,
+  regarded, being two years in going backward and forward: Hence
+  arise many clandestine doings. According to law, the king ought
+  to have a twentieth part of all the gold, and a fifth of all the
+  silver procured from the mines; but vast quantities are carried
+  away privately, without paying any duty, both north by Panama,
+  and south through the Straits of Magellan. There are also vast
+  sums allowed for the militia, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page32" id="page32"></a>[pg 32]</span> the garrisons, and the
+  repairs of fortifications, one half of which are never applied to
+  these objects. Hence it may easily be imagined what immense
+  riches would flow into the treasury of Madrid, if his catholic
+  majesty were faithfully served.</p>
+
+  <p>The country of Peru is naturally subject to earthquakes. About
+  fifty years before I was there, or about the year 1670, there
+  were two great ones at Lima, which overturned many houses,
+  churches, and convents. And in the reign of Charles II. the late
+  king of Spain, there was an earthquake near the equator, which
+  lifted up whole fields, carrying them to the distance of several
+  miles. Small shocks are often felt which do no harm, and I have
+  been often called out of bed on such occasions, and heard nothing
+  more about the matter; but on these occasions the bells always
+  toll to prayers. Yet, although this country has suffered much
+  from earthquakes, especially near the coast, their churches are
+  lofty and neatly built. Such parts of their buildings as require
+  strength are made of burnt bricks; but their dwelling-houses are
+  all constructed of bamboos, canes, and bricks only dried in the
+  sun, which are sufficiently durable, as it never rains in Peru.
+  Instead of roofs, they are merely covered over with mats, on
+  which ashes are strewed, to keep out the dews. The small river of
+  Lima, or <i>Runac</i>, consists mostly of snow-water from the
+  neighbouring mountains, which are covered all the year with snow,
+  that partly dissolves in the summer-season, from September to
+  March.</p>
+
+  <p>One would expect the weather to be much hotter here; but there
+  is no proportion between the heat of this part of America and the
+  same latitudes in Africa. This is owing to two causes; that the
+  neighbourhood of the snowy mountains diffuses a cool temperature
+  of the air all around; and the constant humid vapours, which are
+  so frequent that I often expected it to rain when I first went to
+  Lima. These vapours are not so dense, low, and gloomy, like our
+  fogs, nor yet are they separated above like our summer clouds;
+  but an exhalation between both, spread all around, as when we say
+  the day is overcast, so that sometimes a fine dew is felt on the
+  upper garments, and may even be discerned on the knap of the
+  cloth. This is a prodigious convenience to the inhabitants of
+  Lima, who are thus screened half the day from the sun; and though
+  it often shines out in the afternoon, yet is the heat very
+  tolerable, being tempered by the sea-breezes, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page33" id="page33"></a>[pg 33]</span> and not
+  near so hot as at Lisbon and some parts of Spain, more than
+  thirty degrees farther from the equator.</p>
+
+  <p>The entire want of rain in this country induced the Indians,
+  even before the conquest, to construct canals and drains for
+  leading water from among the distant mountains, which they have
+  done with great skill and labour, so as to irrigate and refresh
+  the vallies, by which they produce grass and corn, and a variety
+  of fruits, to which also the dews contribute. A Spanish writer
+  observes that this perpetual want of rain is occasioned by the
+  south-west wind blowing on the coast of Peru the whole year
+  round, which always bears away the vapours from the plains before
+  they are of sufficient body to descend in showers: But, when
+  carried higher and farther inland, they become more compact, and
+  at length fall down in rain on the interior hills. The
+  inhabitants of Peru have plenty of cattle, fowls, fish, and all
+  kinds of provisions common among us, except butter, instead of
+  which they always use lard. They have oil, wine, and brandy in
+  abundance, but not so good as in Europe. Instead of tea from
+  China, which is prohibited, they make great use of <i>camini</i>,
+  called herb of Paraguay, or Jesuits tea, which, is brought from
+  Paraguay by land. They make a decoction of this, which they
+  usually suck through a pipe, calling it <i>Mattea</i>, being the
+  name of the bowl out of which it is drank. Chocolate is their
+  usual breakfast, and their grace cup after dinner; and sometimes
+  they take a glass of brandy, to promote digestion, but scarcely
+  drink any wine. In Chili, they make some butter, such as it is,
+  the cream being put into a skin bag kept for that purpose, which
+  is laid on a table between two women, who shake it till the
+  butter comes.</p>
+
+  <p>The Spaniards are no friends to the bottle, yet gallantry and
+  intrigue are here brought to perfection, insomuch that it is
+  quite unmannerly here not to have a mistress, and scandalous not
+  to keep her well. The women have many accomplishments, both
+  natural and acquired, having graceful motions, winning looks, and
+  engaging, free, and sprightly conversation. They are all
+  delicately shaped, not injured by stiff-bodied stays, but left
+  entirely to the beauty of nature, and hardly is there a crooked
+  body to be seen, among them. Their eyes and teeth are singularly
+  beautiful, and their hair is universally of a dark polished hue,
+  nicely combed and plaited, and tied behind with ribbons, but
+  never disguised by powder; and the brightness of their skins
+  round the temples, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" id=
+  "page34"></a>[pg 34]</span> clearly appears through their dark
+  hair. Though amours are universal at Lima, the men are very
+  careful to bide them, and no indecent word or action is ever
+  permitted in public. They usually meet for these purposes, either
+  in the afternoon at the <i>Siesta</i>, or in the evening in
+  calashes on the other side of the river, or in the great square
+  of the city, where calashes meet in great numbers in the dusk.
+  These are slung like our coaches, but smaller, many of them being
+  made only to hold two persons sitting opposite. They are all
+  drawn by one mule, with the negro driver sitting on his back; and
+  it is quite usual to see some of these calashes, with the blinds
+  close, standing still for half an hour at a time. In these
+  amusements they have several customs peculiar to themselves.
+  After evening prayers, the gentleman changes his dress from a
+  cloak to a <i>montero</i>, or jockey-coat, with a laced linen cap
+  on his head, and a handkerchief round his neck, instead of a wig;
+  or if he wear his own hair, it must be tucked under a cap and
+  concealed, as it is the universal fashion to be thus disguised.
+  Even those who have no mistress, are ashamed to appear virtuous,
+  and must be somehow masked or disguised, in order to countenance
+  the way of the world. As, all this is night-work, they have an
+  established rule to avoid quarrels, by never speaking to or
+  noticing each other, when going in quest of or to visit their
+  ladies.</p>
+
+  <p>In short, the fore-part of every night in the year is a kind
+  of masquerade. Among people of any rank who do not keep calashes,
+  one couple never walks close behind another, but each at the
+  distance of at least twelve paces, to prevent the overhearing of
+  any secret whispers. Should a lady drop a fan or any thing else
+  by accident, a gentleman may take it up, but he must not give it
+  to the lady, but to the gentleman who accompanies her, lest she
+  may happen to be the wife or sister of him who takes it up; and
+  as all the ladies are veiled, these wise rules are devised to
+  prevent any impertinent discoveries. Any freedom in contravention
+  of these laws of gallantry would be looked upon as the highest
+  affront, and would be thought to merit a drawn sword through the
+  midriff. Should any one see his most intimate friend any where
+  with a woman, he must never take notice of it, or mention it
+  afterwards. Every thing of this nature is conducted with all
+  imaginary gravity and decorum, by which the practice of gallantry
+  becomes decent and easy; yet there are some jealousies in this
+  regular commerce of love, which sometimes end <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page35" id="page35"></a>[pg 35]</span>
+  fatally. A story of this kind happened shortly before I went to
+  Lima. A young lady, who thought herself sole sovereign in the
+  heart of her lover, saw him by chance in the company of another,
+  and, waiting no farther proof of his infidelity, she instantly
+  plunged a dagger in his bosom. She was soon after brought to
+  trial, and every one expected that she should pay the forfeit
+  with her life; but the judges, considering her rashness as
+  proceeding from excess of love, not malice, acquitted her.
+  However agreeable these gallantries may be to the <i>Creole</i>
+  Spaniards, they have an inconvenient effect on society; as the
+  men are so engrossed by these matters, as to spoil all public
+  conversation. Their time is entirely taken up in attendance on
+  their mistresses, so that there are no coffee-houses or taverns,
+  and they can only be met with at their offices, or in church.</p>
+
+  <p>Perhaps it may be chiefly owing to this effeminate propensity,
+  that all manly exercises, all useful knowledge, and that noble
+  emulation which inspires virtue, and keeps alive respect for the
+  public good, are here unknown. Those amusements which serve in
+  other countries to relax the labours of the industrious, and to
+  keep alive the vigour of the body and mind, are unknown in Peru;
+  and whoever should attempt to introduce any such, would be
+  considered as an innovator, which, among them, is a hateful
+  character: For they will never be convinced, that martial
+  exercises or literary conferences are preferable to intrigues.
+  They have, however, a sort of a play-house, where the young
+  gentlemen and students divert themselves after their fashion; but
+  their dramatic performances are so mean as hardly to be worth
+  mentioning, being scripture stories, interwoven with romance, a
+  mixture still worse than gallantry. At this theatre, two
+  Englishmen belonging to the squadron of Mons. Martinat, fought a
+  prize-battle a short time before I came to Lima. Having first
+  obtained leave of the viceroy to display their skill at the usual
+  weapons, and the day being fixed, they went through many previous
+  ceremonies, to draw, as the phrase is, a good house. Preceded by
+  beat of drum, and dressed in holland shirts and ribbons, they
+  went about the streets saluting the spectators at the windows
+  with flourishes of their swords, so that the whole city came to
+  see the trial of skill, some giving gold for admittance, and
+  hardly any one less than a dollar. The company, male and female,
+  being assembled, the masters mounted the stage, and, after
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page36" id="page36"></a>[pg
+  36]</span> the usual manner of the English, having shaken hands,
+  they took their distance, and stood on their guard in good order.
+  Several bouts were played without much wrath or damage, the
+  design being more to get money than cuts or credit, till at
+  length one of the masters received a small hurt on the breast,
+  which blooded his shirt, and began to make the combat look
+  terrible. Upon this, fearing from this dreadful beginning that
+  the zeal of the combatants might grow too warm, the company cried
+  out, <i>Basta! basta!</i> or enough! enough! And the viceroy
+  would never permit another exhibition of the same kind, lest one
+  of the combatants might receive a mortal wound, and so die
+  without absolution.</p>
+
+  <p>So deficient are the Spaniards in energy of spirit, that many
+  extensive countries and islands remain unexplored, in the
+  immediate neighbourhood of their vast American dominions, though
+  some of these are reported to be richer and more valuable than
+  those which are already conquered and settled. The first Spanish
+  governors of Mexico and Peru were not of this indolent
+  disposition, but bestowed great pains in endeavouring to acquire
+  the most perfect knowledge bordering upon their respective
+  governments: But now that general thirst of fame is entirely
+  extinguished, and they content themselves with plundering their
+  fellow-subjects in the countries already known. The regions to
+  the north of Mexico are known to abound in silver, precious
+  stones, and other rich commodities, yet the Spaniards decline all
+  conquest on that side, and discourage as much as possible the
+  reports which have spread of the riches of these countries. On
+  the same principles, they give no encouragement to attempt
+  penetrating into the heart of South America, whence most of the
+  riches of Peru are known to come, the mountains at the back of
+  the country being extremely rich in gold; and the regions, on the
+  other side, towards the Atlantic, being inhabited by nations that
+  have abundance of that metal, though, for fear of being oppressed
+  by the Europeans, they conceal it as much as possible.</p>
+
+  <p>Of all the discoveries that have been talked of among the
+  Spaniards, that which has made the most noise is the island or
+  islands of Solomon, supposed to be the same with those discovered
+  by the famous Ferdinand Quiros. He reported them to be extremely
+  rich and very populous, and repeatedly memorialed the court of
+  Spain to be authorised to complete his discovery. All his
+  solicitations, however, were neglected, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page37" id="page37"></a>[pg 37]</span> and it
+  became a question in a few years whether any such islands had
+  ever existed. At length, towards the close of the seventeenth
+  century, such discoveries were made as to the reality of these
+  islands, that Don Alvaro de Miranda was sent out to discover them
+  in 1695. He failed in the attempt, but in the search met with
+  four islands, between the latitude of 7° and
+  10° S. which were wonderfully rich and pleasant, the
+  inhabitants being a better looking race, and far more civilized
+  than any of the Indians on the continent of America. This
+  discovery occasioned a good deal of discourse at the time; but
+  the subsequent disturbances relative to the succession to the
+  crown of Spain, so occupied the attention of every person, that
+  all views of endeavouring to find the islands of Solomon were
+  laid aside.<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote8"><sup>2</sup></a></p><i>[Transcriber's note: No
+  footnote 1 is present in this section in the original]</i>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag8">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These islands of Miranda appear to have been the Marquebes,
+    between the latitudes of 8° 45' and 10° 25'
+    N. and long. 139° W. The Solomon islands, or New
+    Georgia, are between 5° and 10° N. and long.
+    200° to 205° W. 63-1/2 degrees of longitude
+    farther to the westwards.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 5. <i>Some Account of the Mines of Peru and
+  Chili</i>.</h4>
+
+  <p>As the riches of Peru consist chiefly in mines of silver, I
+  shall endeavour to give some account of them, from the best
+  information I could procure. There are two sorts of silver-mines,
+  in one of which the silver is found scattered about in small
+  quantities, or detached masses, while, in the other kind of mine,
+  it runs in a vein between two rocks, one of which is excessively
+  hard, and the other much softer. These certainly best deserve the
+  name of silver-mines, and are accordingly so denominated. This
+  precious metal, which in other countries is the standard or
+  measure of riches, is the actual riches of Peru, or its chief
+  natural commodity; as, throughout the whole of that vast country,
+  silver-mines are almost every where to be met with, of more or
+  less value, according as the ore produces more or less silver, or
+  can be wrought at a greater or less expence. Some of these mines
+  are to the north of Lima, but not a great many, but to the south
+  they are very numerous. On the back, or eastern side of the
+  Andes, there is a nation of Indians called <i>Los Platerors</i>,
+  or the <i>Plate</i>, or <i>Silver</i> men, from their possessing
+  vast quantities of silver,<a id="footnotetag9" name=
+  "footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9"><sup>1</sup></a> but with
+  them the Spaniards have very little communication. <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page38" id="page38"></a>[pg 38]</span> The
+  best of the mine countries are to the south of Cusco, from thence
+  to Potosi and the frontiers of Chili, where, for the space of 800
+  miles, there is a continued succession of mines, some being
+  discovered and others abandoned almost every day.</p>
+
+  <p>It is common, both here and elsewhere, for people to complain
+  of the times, commending the past, as if there had been
+  infinitely greater quantities of silver dug from the mines
+  formerly than at present. This certainly may be the case with
+  particular mines; but, on the whole, the quantities of silver now
+  annually obtained from the mines in Spanish America, abundantly
+  exceeds what used formerly to be procured. Those mines which are
+  at present [1720] most remarkable in Peru are, Loxa, Camora,
+  Cuenca, Puerto-veio, and St Juan del Oro. Those of Oruro and
+  Titiri are neglected; and those of Porco and Plata are filled up.
+  At Potosi there are a vast number of mines; and those of Tomina,
+  Chocaia, Atacuna, Xuxui, Calchaques, Guasco, Iquique, &amp;c. are
+  all wrought with more or less profit, according to the skill of
+  the proprietors or managers. It is generally believed that the
+  Creoles have a very perfect acquaintance with the minerals, from
+  experience, and with the art of treating them, so as to obtain
+  the largest profit; but, when their utter ignorance in all other
+  arts is considered, their constant going on in the old beaten
+  track, and their enormous waste of quicksilver, one is tempted to
+  believe that our European miners might conduct their works to
+  still greater advantage.</p>
+
+  <p>The most perfect silver that is brought from Peru is in the
+  forms called <i>pinnas</i> by the Spaniards, being extremely
+  porous lumps of silver, as they are the remainder of a paste
+  composed of silver dust and mercury, whence the latter being
+  exhaled or evaporated, leaves the silver in a spongy mass, full
+  of holes, and very light. This is the kind of silver which is put
+  into various forms by the merchants, in order to cheat the king
+  of his duty; wherefore all silver in this state, found any where
+  on the road, or on board any ship, is looked upon as contraband,
+  and liable to seizure.</p>
+
+  <p>In regard to the art of refining, I propose to shew the
+  progress of the ore, from the mine till it comes to this spongy
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" id="page39"></a>[pg
+  39]</span> mass or cake. After breaking the stone or ore taken
+  out of the veins, it is grinded in mills between grindstones, or
+  pounded in the <i>ingenious reales</i>, or royal engines, by
+  means of hammers or beetles, like the mills for Paris plaster.
+  These generally have a wheel of twenty-five or thirty feet
+  diameter, with a long axle or lying shaft, set round with smooth
+  triangular projections, which, as the axle turns, lay hold of the
+  iron hammers, of about two hundred-weight each, lifting them to a
+  certain height, whence they drop down with such violence that
+  they crush and reduce the hardest stones to powder. The pounded
+  ore is afterwards sifted through iron or copper sieves, which
+  allow the finest powder to go through, the coarse being returned
+  to the mill. When the one happens to be mixed with copper or
+  other metals which prevent its reduction to powder, it is roasted
+  or calcined in an oven or reverberatory furnace, and pounded over
+  again.</p>
+
+  <p>At the smaller mines, where they only use grindstones, they,
+  for the most part, grind the ore along with water, forming it
+  into a liquid paste, which runs out into receivers. When grinded
+  dry, it has to be afterwards mixed with water, and well moulded
+  up with the feet for a long time. For this purpose, they make a
+  court or floor, on which that mud, or paste of pounded ore and
+  water, is disposed in square parcels of about a foot thick, each
+  parcel containing half a <i>caxon</i>, or chest, which is
+  twenty-five quintals or hundred-weights of ore, and these parcels
+  are called <i>cuerpos</i>, or bodies. On each of these they throw
+  about two hundred-weights of sea-salt, more or less, according to
+  the nature of the ore, which they mould or incorporate with the
+  moistened ore for two or three days. They then add a certain
+  quantity of quicksilver, squeezing it from a skin bag, to make it
+  fall in drops equally on the mass or <i>cuerpo</i>, allowing to
+  each mass ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds of quicksilver,
+  according to the nature or quality of the ore, as the richer it
+  is, it requires the more mercury to draw it to the silver
+  contained in the mass, so that they know the quantity by long
+  experience. An Indian is employed to mould or trample one of
+  these square cuerpos eight times a-day, that the mercury may
+  thoroughly incorporate with the silver. To expedite this
+  incorporation, they often mix lime with the mass, when the ore
+  happens to be what they call greasy, and in this great caution is
+  required, as they say the mass sometimes grows so hot that they
+  neither find mercury nor silver in it, which <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page40" id="page40"></a>[pg 40]</span> seems
+  quite incredible. Sometimes also they strew in some lead or tin
+  ore, to facilitate the operation of the mercury, which is slower
+  in very cold weather; wherefore, at Potosi and Lipes, they are
+  often obliged to mould or work up their cuerpos during a month or
+  six weeks; but, in more temperate climates, the amalgama is
+  completed in eight or ten days. To facilitate the action of the
+  mercury, they, in some places, as at Puno and elsewhere,
+  construct their <i>buiterons</i> or floors on arches, under which
+  they keep fires for twenty-four hours, to heat the masses or
+  <i>cuerpos</i>, which are in that case placed as a pavement of
+  bricks.</p>
+
+  <p>When it is thought that the mercury has attracted all the
+  silver, the assayer takes a small quantity of ore from each
+  cuerpo, which he washes separately in a small earthen plate or
+  wooden bowl; and, by the colour and appearance of the amalgama
+  found at the bottom, when the earthy matters are washed away, he
+  knows whether the mercury has produced its proper effect. When
+  blackish, the ore is said to have been too much heated, and they
+  add more salt, or some other temper. In this case they say that
+  mercury is <i>dispara</i>, that is, shoots or flees away. If the
+  mercury remains white, they put a drop under the thumb, and
+  pressing it hastily, the silver in the amalgam sticks to the
+  thumb, and the mercury slips away in little drops. When they
+  conceive that all the silver has incorporated with the mercury,
+  the mixed mass, or cuerpo, is carried to a basin or pond, into
+  which a small stream of water is introduced to wash it, much in
+  the same way as I shall afterwards describe the manner in which
+  they wash gold, only that as the silver-ore is reduced to a fine
+  mud without stones, it is stirred by an Indian with his feet, to
+  dissolve it thoroughly, and loosen the silver. From the first
+  basin it falls into a second, and thence into a third, where the
+  stirring and washing is repeated, that any amalgam which has not
+  subsided in the first and second may not escape the third.</p>
+
+  <p>The whole being thoroughly washed in these basins, which are
+  lined with leather, till the water runs clear off, the amalgam of
+  mercury and silver is found at the bottom, and is termed <i>la
+  pella</i>. This is put into a woollen bag and hung up, from
+  whence some of the mercury runs out. The bag is then beaten and
+  pressed as much as they can, laying upon it a flat piece of wood
+  loaded with a heavy weight, to get out as much of the mercury as
+  they can. The paste is then <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page41" id="page41"></a>[pg 41]</span> put into a mould of
+  wooden planks bound together, generally in the form of an octagon
+  pyramid cut short, its bottoms being a plate of copper, full of
+  small holes, into which the paste is stirred and pressed down, in
+  order to fasten it. When they design to make many <i>pinnas</i>,
+  or spongy lumps of various weights, these are divided from each
+  other by thin beds or layers of earth, which hinder them from
+  uniting. For this purpose, the <i>pella</i>, or mass of amalgam,
+  must be weighed out in separate portions, deducting two-thirds
+  for the contained mercury, by which they know to a small matter
+  the quantity of silver contained in each. They then take off the
+  mould, and place the pella or mass with its copper base on a
+  trivet, or such like instrument, standing over a great earthen
+  vessel full of water, and cover it with an earthen cap, which
+  again is covered by lighted coals. This fire is fed and kept up
+  for some hours, by which the mass of pella below becomes
+  violently heated, the contained mercury being thereby raised into
+  vapour: But, having no means of escape through the cap or cover,
+  it is forced down to the water underneath, where it condenses
+  into quicksilver and sinks to the bottom. By this contrivance,
+  little of the mercury is lost, and the same serves over again.
+  But the quantity must be increased, <i>because it grows
+  weak</i>.<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote10"><sup>2</sup></a> At Potosi, as Acosta relates, they
+  formerly consumed six or seven thousand quintals of mercury every
+  year, by which Some idea may be formed of the silver there
+  procured.</p>
+
+  <p>On the evaporation of the mercury, nothing remains but a
+  spongy lump of contiguous grains of silver, very light and almost
+  mouldering, called <i>la pinna</i> by the Spaniards. These masses
+  must be carried to the king's receipt or mint, to pay the royal
+  fifth; and are there cast into ingots, on which are stamped the
+  arms of the crown, the place where cast, and their weight and
+  fineness. All these ingots, having paid the fifth, are sure to be
+  without fraud or deceit; but it is not so with the <i>pinnas</i>,
+  as these have often iron, sand, or some other matter contained
+  within them, to increase their weight; Hence, prudence requires
+  that these should be opened, and made red hot in a fire; for, if
+  falsified, the fire will turn them black or yellow, or melt them
+  more easily. This trial by fire is also necessary to extract
+  moisture, which they <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" id=
+  "page42"></a>[pg 42]</span> contract in places where they are
+  purposely laid to render them heavier, as also for separating the
+  mercury with which the bottom of the mass is always more or less
+  impregnated. The weight of these <i>pinnas</i> may be increased
+  nearly a third, by dipping them while red hot into water. It also
+  sometimes happens that the same mass of pinna may be of different
+  fineness in different parts.</p>
+
+  <p>The ore, or stones taken from the mines, or the
+  <i>mineray</i>, as it is called in Peru, from which the silver is
+  extracted, is not always of the same nature, consistence, and
+  colour. Some are white and grey, mixed with red or bluish spots,
+  called <i>plata blanca</i> or white silver; of which sort the one
+  in the Lipes mines mostly consists. For the most part, some
+  little grains of silver are to be discerned, and very often small
+  branches are seen, ramifying along the layers of the stone. Some
+  ores are as black as the dross of iron, and in which no silver is
+  to be seen, which is called <i>negrillo</i> or blackish ore.
+  Sometimes the ore is rendered black by admixture of lead, and is
+  called <i>plombo ronco</i>, or coarse lead, in which the silver
+  appears as if scratched by something harsh. This ore is generally
+  the richest in silver, and from it also the silver is got at the
+  smallest charge; as instead of having to be moulded or kneaded
+  with quicksilver, it has only to be melted in furnaces, where the
+  lead evaporates by the force of fire, and the silver remains pure
+  behind. From this sort. of mines, the Indians drew their silver
+  before the coming of the Spaniards, having no knowledge of the
+  use of mercury, and they accordingly only wrought those mines of
+  which the ore would melt; and, having but little wood, they
+  heated their furnaces with <i>ylo</i>, the dung of the
+  <i>Llamas</i> or Peruvian sheep, placing their furnaces on the
+  sides of mountains, that the wind might render their fires
+  fierce.</p>
+
+  <p>There is another sort of black ore, in which the silver does
+  not at all appear; and which, when wetted and rubbed against
+  iron, becomes red. This ore is called <i>rosicler</i>, signifying
+  that ruddiness which appears at the dawn of day. This is very
+  rich, and affords the finest silver. Another kind, called
+  <i>zoroche</i>, glitters like talc, and is generally very poor,
+  yielding little silver: Its outer coat is very soft and of a
+  yellowish red, but seldom rich; and the mines of this sort are
+  wrought on account of the easiness of extracting the ore, being
+  very easily dug. Another kind, not much harder than the last, is
+  of a green colour, called <i>cobrissa</i> or <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page43" id="page43"></a>[pg 43]</span>
+  copperish, and is very rare. Although the silver usually appears
+  in this kind, and it is almost mouldering, it is the most
+  difficult of all to manage, as it parts very difficultly with the
+  silver. Sometimes, after being stamped or reduced to powder, it
+  has to be burnt in the fire, and several other expedients must be
+  used to separate the silver, doubtless because mixed with copper.
+  There is another very rare sort of ore, which has only been found
+  in the mine of <i>Cotamiso</i> at Potosi, being threads of pure
+  silver entangled, or wound up together, like burnt lace, and so
+  fine that it is called <i>arana</i>, or spider ore, from its
+  resemblance to a cobweb.</p>
+
+  <p>The veins of <i>mineray</i>, of whatever sort they may be, are
+  generally richer in the middle than towards the edges; and where
+  two veins happen to cross each other, the place where they meet
+  is always very rich. It is also observed that those which lie
+  north and south are richer than those which lie in any other
+  direction. Those also which are near to places where mills can be
+  erected, and can consequently be more commodiously wrought, are
+  often preferable to others that are richer, but require more
+  expense in working. For this reason, at Lipes and Potosi, a chest
+  of ore must yield ten marks or eighty ounces of silver, to pay
+  the charges of working; while those in the province of Tarama
+  only require five merks or forty ounces to defray the expences.
+  When even very rich, and they happen to sink down so as to be
+  liable to be flooded, the adventurers must have recourse to pumps
+  and machines in order to drain them; or to <i>cocabones</i> or
+  levels dug through the sides of the mountain, which often ruin
+  the owners by the enormous expence they are insensibly drawn
+  into. At some of the mines, where the methods of separation
+  already described fail, they use other means of extracting the
+  silver from the ore, and from other metals which may be combined
+  with it; as by fire, or strong separating waters; and there the
+  silver is cast into a sort of ingots, called <i>bollos</i>. But
+  the most general and useful method is that already described.</p>
+
+  <p>It may naturally be supposed that mines, as well as other
+  things, are subject to variation in their productiveness. The
+  mines which, till very lately, yielded most silver, were those of
+  <i>Oroura</i>, a small town about eight leagues from Arica. In
+  the year 1712, one was discovered at <i>Ollachea</i> near Cusco,
+  so rich that it yielded 2500 marks of silver of eight ounces
+  each, or 20,000 ounces, out of each <i>caxon</i> or chest, being
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page44" id="page44"></a>[pg
+  44]</span> almost a fifth part of the ore; but it has since
+  declined much, and is now [1720] only reckoned among the ordinary
+  sort. Those of Lipes have had a similar fate. Those at Potosi now
+  yield but little, and are worked at a very heavy expence, owing
+  to their excessive depth. Although the mines here are far
+  diminished in their productiveness, yet the quantity of ore which
+  has been formerly wrought, and has lain many years on the
+  surface, is now thought capable of yielding a second crop; and
+  when I was at Lima, they were actually turning it up, and milling
+  it over again with great success. This is a proof that these
+  minerals generate in the earth like all other inanimate
+  things;<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote11"><sup>3</sup></a> and it likewise appears, from all
+  the accounts of the Spaniards, that gold, silver, and other
+  metals are continually growing and forming in the earth. This
+  opinion is verified by experience in the mountain of Potosi,
+  where several mines had fallen in, burying the workmen and their
+  tools; and these being again opened up after some years, many
+  boxes and pieces of wood were discovered, having veins of silver
+  actually running through them.<a id="footnotetag12" name=
+  "footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>4</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>All these mines become the property of their first discoverer,
+  who immediately presents a petition to the magistrates, desiring
+  to have such a piece of ground for his own. This is accordingly
+  granted, and a spot of ground eighty Spanish yards in length by
+  forty in breadth<a id="footnotetag13" name=
+  "footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>5</sup></a> is
+  measured out and appropriated to the discoverer, who chuses what
+  spot he pleases within these bounds, and does with it as he
+  thinks fit. The exact same quantity is then measured off as
+  belonging to the king, and is sold to the best bidder, there
+  being always many who are willing to purchase, what may turn out
+  an inestimable treasure. After this, if any person may incline to
+  work a part of this mine on his own account, he bargains with the
+  proprietor for a particular vein. All that is dug out by any one
+  is his own, subject however to <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page45" id="page45"></a>[pg 45]</span> payment of the royal
+  duties; being one-twentieth part for gold, and a fifth for
+  silver; and some proprietors find a good account in letting out
+  their grounds and mills to others.</p>
+
+  <p>There are gold-mines just beyond the town of Copaipo, and in
+  all the country around, which have attracted many purchasers and
+  workmen to that district, to the great injury and oppression of
+  the Indians; as the Spanish magistrates not only take away their
+  lands for the purposes of mining, but their horses also, which
+  they sell to the new adventurers, under pretence of serving the
+  king and improving the settlements. There is also abundance of
+  magnet and <i>lapiz lazuli</i>, of which the Indians know not the
+  value; and some leagues within the country, there is plenty of
+  salt and salt-petre, which often lies an inch thick on the
+  ground. On the <i>Cordelieras</i>, about an hundred miles to the
+  east, there is a vein of sulphur about two feet wide, so fine and
+  pure that it needs no cleaning. This part of the country is full
+  of all sorts of mines, but so excessively barren, that the
+  inhabitants have to fetch all their subsistence from the country
+  about Coquimbo, over a desert of more than 300 miles extent, in
+  which the earth abounds so much in salt and sulphur that the
+  mules often perish by the way, for want of grass and fresh water.
+  In that long road there is only one river in the course of two
+  hundred miles, which is named <i>Ancalulae</i> or the Hyporite,
+  because it runs only from sun-rise to sun-set. This is occasioned
+  by the great quantities of snow melted on the Cordelieras in the
+  day, which freezes again by the excessive cold of the night.
+  Hence <i>Chili</i> is said to derive its name, as <i>chile</i>
+  signifies cold in the Indian language; and we are told by the
+  Spanish historians, that some of their countrymen and others, who
+  first traded to this country, were frozen to death on their
+  mules; for which reason they now always travel by a lower road,
+  towards the coast.</p>
+
+  <p>The mine countries are all so cold and barren, that the
+  inhabitants have to procure most of their provisions from the
+  coast; this is caused by the exhalations of salts and sulphur
+  from the earth, which destroy the growth of all vegetables. These
+  are so stifling to the Spaniards who dwell about the mines, that
+  they are obliged often to drink the <i>mattea</i>, or tea made of
+  the herb <i>camini</i>, to moisten their mouths. The mules also,
+  that trip it nimbly over the mountains, are forced to walk slowly
+  in the country about the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"
+  id="page46"></a>[pg 46]</span> mines, and have often to stop to
+  take breath. If these vapours are so strong without and in the
+  open air, what must they be within the bowels of the earth in the
+  mines, into which, if a fresh man go, he is suddenly benumbed
+  with pain. This is the case with many, but seldom lasts above a
+  day, and they are not liable to be affected a second time: Yet
+  vapours often burst forth suddenly, by which the workmen are
+  killed on the spot; and one way or another, great multitudes of
+  Indians die in working the mines. One is apt to wonder that,
+  through all this part of the world, those districts which are
+  most barren and unwholesome are the best inhabited; while other
+  places, that seem to vie with our nations of the terrestrial
+  paradise, in beauty and fertility, are but thinly peopled. Yet,
+  when one considers, that it is the thirst of wealth, not the love
+  of ease, which attracts people thither, the wonder ceases, and we
+  see how much the hope of living rich gets the better even of the
+  hope of living; as if the sole end for which man was created was
+  to acquire wealth, at the expence of health and happiness.</p>
+
+  <p>In reference to these deserts, the following observation
+  occurs to my memory, as having happened when we were on the road
+  to Piura. When we lay down to sleep at night, our mules went
+  eagerly in search of a certain root, not unlike a parsnip, but
+  much bigger, which contains a great deal of juice, and, besides
+  serving as food, often answers as a substitute for water in the
+  deserts. When the mules find these, and are unable to rake them
+  out of the ground with their feet, they stand over them and bray
+  with all their might, till the Indians come to their
+  assistance.</p>
+
+  <p>It is generally understood that silver is the peculiar wealth
+  of Peru, and the Spaniards usually talk of gold-mines as confined
+  to Chili: Yet there are one or two <i>lavaderas</i>, or
+  washing-places for gold in the south of Peru, near the frontiers
+  of Chili. In 1709, two surprizingly large <i>pepitos</i>, or
+  lumps of virgin gold, were found in one of these places, one of
+  which weighed complete thirty-two pounds, and was purchased by
+  the <i>Conde de Monclod</i>, then viceroy of Peru, and presented
+  by him to the king of Spain. The other, shaped somewhat like an
+  ox's heart, weighed twenty-two pounds and a half; and was
+  purchased by the corregidor of Arica. In searching for these
+  <i>lavadores</i> or washing places, they dig in the corners of
+  some little brook, where they judge, from certain tokens, that
+  the grains of gold are lodged. <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page47" id="page47"></a>[pg 47]</span> To assist in carrying
+  away the earth or mud, they let in a stream or current of water
+  into the excavation, and keep stirring up the soil, that the
+  water may carry it away. On reaching the golden sand, they turn
+  the stream another way, and dig out this sand, which is carried
+  on mules to certain ponds or basons, which are joined by small
+  canals. Into these they introduce a smart stream of water, to
+  loosen the earth and carry away the grosser part. The Indians
+  stand in the basons or ponds, stirring up the earth to assist the
+  operation of the water, and throwing out the stones. The gold
+  remains at the bottom, still mixed with a black sand, and is
+  hardly to be seen till farther cleaned and separated, which is
+  easily done. These washing places differ much from each other. In
+  some the grains of gold are as big as small shot; and in one
+  belonging to the priests, near Valparaiso, some are found from
+  the weight of two or three ounces to a pound and a half. This way
+  of getting gold is much better than from the mines, as it does
+  not require expensive digging, neither are mills necessary for
+  grinding the ore, nor quicksilver for extracting the metal; so
+  that both the trouble and expence are much less. The Creoles are
+  by no means so nice in washing their gold as are the people in
+  Europe; but great plenty makes them careless, both in this and
+  other matters.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag9">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This tribe still holds its place in modern geography, in the
+    vast plain to the E. of the Maranors or Amazons, where there
+    cannot be any silver-mines, at least that they can explore.
+    They are so named because of wearing silver ear-rings, which
+    they must, almost certainly, procure in barter from the tribes
+    in the mountains, far to the west.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag10">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is utterly absurd, as the mercury must be the same in
+    <i>quality</i> as before, the <i>quantity</i> only being
+    <i>weakened</i>.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag11">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is merely a proof that the ore had been formerly very
+    imperfectly managed, and still contained enough of silver to
+    pay for extraction with profit, by more expert methods.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag12">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This proves only change of place, by solution, infiltration,
+    and deposition not growth, increase, or new production.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag13">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In Harris this is said to be <i>about 1200 feet in length,
+    and 100 in breadth</i>, which is obviously absurd; as the one
+    measure gives the Spanish yard at 15 English feet, and the
+    latter at 2-1/2 feet. Both measures are probably erroneous; but
+    there are no data for their correction.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 6. <i>Observations on the Trade of Chili.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>It is not intended in this place to give a description of the
+  large kingdom of Chili, but only some account of the nature of
+  its trade, and the manner in which that is connected with the
+  general commerce of Peru, by which the wealth of Chili is
+  transmitted to Europe. Chili extends in length about 1200 miles
+  from north to south, but its breadth is uncertain. The air is
+  very temperate and wholesome, unless when rendered otherwise by
+  pestilential exhalations, that are most common after earthquakes,
+  to which this country is peculiarly liable. The winter rains are
+  very heavy, during the months of May, June, July, and August;
+  after which, for eight months together, they have fine weather,
+  generally speaking. The soil, where it admits of cultivation, is
+  prodigiously fertile, and fruit-trees carried thither from Europe
+  come to the greatest perfection, so that fruit is coming forward
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page48" id="page48"></a>[pg
+  48]</span> in its different stages at all times of the year;
+  insomuch that it is common to see apple-trees, in the situation
+  so much admired in orange trees, having blossoms, fruit just set,
+  green fruit, and ripe apples, all on one tree at the same time.
+  The valleys, wherever they have any moisture, wear a perpetual
+  verdure; and the hills are covered with odoriferous herbs, many
+  of which are very useful in medicine. The country also produces
+  trees of all sorts. Thus Chili, independent of its gold-mines,
+  may well be accounted one of the richest and finest countries in
+  the world. For instance, the town of Coquimbo, in lat.
+  30° S. [30° 20'] a short mile from the sea, in
+  a most delightful place. It is situated on a green rising ground,
+  about ten yards high, formed by nature like a regular terrace,
+  stretching north and south in a direct line of more than half a
+  mile, turning a little at each end to the eastwards; and its
+  principal street forms a delightful walk, having a fine prospect
+  of the country and the bay. All this is placed in an evergreen
+  valley, and watered by a beautiful river, which rises in the
+  mountains, and flows in a winding stream to the sea, through
+  beautiful meadows and fertile vales.</p>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding its many advantages, this vast country is very
+  thinly inhabited; so that through its whole extent there are
+  scarcely five towns deserving that appellation, and only one
+  city, named St Jago. Through all the rest of the country there
+  are only farms, called <i>estancias</i>, which are so remote from
+  each other, that the whole country cannot muster 20,000 whites
+  capable of bearing arms, of which St Jago contains 2000. All the
+  rest of the population consists of mesticoes, mulattoes, and
+  Indians, the number of whom may amount to three times as
+  many.<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote14"><sup>1</sup></a> This is exclusive of the
+  <i>friendly</i> Indians to the south of the river <i>Biobio</i>,
+  who are reckoned to amount to 15,000 fighting men, but whose
+  fidelity is not much to be depended upon.</p>
+
+  <p>The trade of this country is chiefly carried on by sea, and at
+  present, 1720, is rather in a declining situation. The port of
+  Baldivia was formerly very famous, on account of the very rich
+  gold-mines which were wrought in its neighbourhood, which are now
+  in a great measure disused. <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page49" id="page49"></a>[pg 49]</span> Hence it is now only kept
+  as a garrison, serving to Peru as the fortresses on the coast of
+  Barbary do to Spain, as a place to which malefactors are sent, to
+  serve against the Indians. The trade of this place consists in
+  sending ten or twelve ships every year to Peru, laden with hides,
+  tanned leather, salt meat, corn, and other provisions, which are
+  to be had here in great plenty.</p>
+
+  <p>The port of Conception is more considerable, by reason of its
+  trade with the Indians who are not under subjection to the crown
+  of Spain. These Indians are copper-coloured, having large limbs,
+  broad faces, and coarse lank hair. The nation of the
+  <i>Puelches</i> differs somewhat from the rest, as among them
+  there are some who are tolerably white, and have some little
+  colour in their cheeks; which is supposed to be owing to their
+  having some Europeans blood in their veins, ever since the
+  natives of this country revolted from the Spaniards, and cut off
+  most of their garrisons; on which occasion they preserved the
+  women, and especially the nuns, by whom they had many children;
+  who still retain a sort of affection for the country of their
+  mothers, and, though too proud to submit to the Spaniards, yet
+  are unwilling to hurt them.</p>
+
+  <p>These <i>Puelches</i> inhabit the ridge of mountains called
+  <i>La Cordeliera</i> by the Spaniards, and as the manner of
+  trading with them is very singular, it may be proper to give some
+  account of it. When the Spanish pedlar or travelling merchant
+  goes into this country, he goes directly to a ca&amp;#231;ique or
+  chief, and presents himself before him without speaking a word.
+  The ca&amp;#231;ique breaks silence first, saying to the
+  merchant, <i>Are you come?</i> To which the merchant answers <i>I
+  am come.</i> <i>What have you brought me?</i> replies the
+  ca&amp;#231;ique. To which the merchant rejoins, <i>Wine</i>, and
+  such other things as he may have to dispose of, wine being a
+  necessary article. Upon which the ca&amp;#231;ique never fails to
+  say, <i>You are welcome</i>. The ca&amp;#231;ique then appoints a
+  lodging for the merchant near his own hut, where his wives and
+  children, bidding him welcome, each demand a present, however
+  small, which he accordingly gives. The ca&amp;#231;ique then
+  gives notice to his scattered subjects, by means of his horn or
+  trumpet, that a merchant is arrived with whom they may trade.
+  They come accordingly and see the commodities, which are knives,
+  axes, combs, needles, thread, small mirrors, ribbons, and the
+  like. The best of all would be wine, were it not dangerous to
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" id="page50"></a>[pg
+  50]</span> supply them with that article; as, when drunk, they
+  are very quarrelsome and apt to kill one another, and it would
+  not then be safe to be among them. When they have agreed on the
+  price, or barter rather, they carry away all the articles without
+  then making payment; so that the merchant delivers all his
+  commodities without knowing to whom, or even seeing any of his
+  debtors. When his business is concluded, and he proposes to go
+  away, the ca&amp;#231;ique commands payment by again sounding his
+  horn, and then every man honestly brings to the merchant the
+  cattle he owes for the goods received; and, as these consist of
+  mules, goats, oxen, and cows, the ca&amp;#231;ique commands a
+  sufficient number of men to conduct them to the Spanish
+  frontiers.</p>
+
+  <p>The far greater number of bullocks and cows that are
+  slaughtered and consumed every year in Chili, comes from the
+  plains of Paraguay,<a id="footnotetag15" name=
+  "footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>2</sup></a> which
+  are in a manner covered by them. The Puelches bring them through
+  the plain of <i>Tapa-papa</i>, inhabited by the
+  <i>Pteheingues</i>,<a id="footnotetag16" name=
+  "footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16"><sup>3</sup></a> or
+  unconquered Indians, this being the best pass for crossing the
+  mountains, as being divided into two hills of less difficult
+  access than the others, which are almost impassable for mules.
+  There is another pass, about eighty leagues from Conception, at
+  the volcano of <i>Silla Velluda</i>, which now and then casts out
+  fire, and sometimes with so great a noise as to be heard even at
+  that city. In that way the journey is much shortened, and they
+  can go to Buenos Ayres in six weeks. By these communications they
+  generally bring all the beeves and goats,<a id="footnotetag17"
+  name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>4</sup></a>
+  which are slaughtered in Chili by thousands for their tallow and
+  lard. This last consists of the marrow of the bones, which serves
+  throughout all South America instead of butter and oil, for
+  making sauces. The flesh is either dried in the sun, or by means
+  of smoke, to preserve it for use, instead of salt as used in
+  Europe. These slaughters also afford great quantities of hides,
+  especially goat-skins, which they dress like Morocco leather, by
+  them called cordovanes, and is sent into Peru for making shoes,
+  or other uses.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page51" id=
+  "page51"></a>[pg 51]</span>
+
+  <p>Besides the trade of hides, tallow, and dried meat, the
+  inhabitants of Conception send every year eight or ten ships of
+  forty or fifty tons to Calao laden with corn; besides supplying
+  meal and biscuit to the French ships, which take in provisions
+  there in order to proceed to Peru, and for their voyage back to
+  France. All this were quite inconsiderable for so fine a country,
+  were it better peopled; since the land is so extraordinarily
+  fertile, were it well cultivated, that they only scratch it for
+  the most part, by means of a plough made of a crooked stick, and
+  drawn by two oxen; and, though the seed be scarcely covered, it
+  produces seldom less than an hundred fold. Neither are they at
+  any more pains in procuring their vines, in order to make good
+  wine. Besides which, as they have not the art to glaze their jars
+  in which the wine is secured, to make them hold in, they are
+  under the necessity of pitching them. And this, together with the
+  goat-skin bags in which it is carried from the estancias, gives
+  it a bitter taste like treacle, and a flavour to which it is hard
+  for strangers to accustom themselves. The grasses also are
+  allowed to grow without any attention or industry being employed
+  in grafting. Apples and pears grow naturally in the woods, and in
+  such abundance as it is hard to comprehend how they could have so
+  multiplied since the conquest, as they affirm there were none in
+  the country before.</p>
+
+  <p>The mines of <i>Quilogoya</i> and <i>Quilacura</i> are within
+  four leagues of this port, and afford vast quantities of gold. At
+  the <i>Estancia del Re</i>, or king's farm, which is at no great
+  distance, there is by far the most plentiful <i>lavaders</i>, or
+  washing-place for gold in all Chili, where sometimes they find
+  lumps of pure gold of prodigious size. The mountains of the
+  Cordelieras are reported to contain a continued chain of mines
+  for many hundred miles, which certainly is highly probable, as
+  hardly any of these mountains have hitherto been opened without
+  vast quantities of metal being found in them, especially fine
+  copper, of which all the artillery in the Spanish West Indies is
+  constructed, at least all that are used in the countries on the
+  South Seas.</p>
+
+  <p>The most considerable port in Chili is Valparaiso, which is
+  esteemed one of the best harbours on the whole coast of the South
+  Sea. It lies on a river fifteen leagues below St Jago, the
+  capital of Chili.<a id="footnotetag18" name=
+  "footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18"><sup>5</sup></a> To
+  this port all the riches of <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page52" id="page52"></a>[pg 52]</span> the mines on every side
+  are brought, particularly from those of <i>Tiltil</i>, which are
+  immensely rich, and are situated between St Jago and Valparaiso.
+  The gold here is found in a very hard stone, some of which
+  sparkles and betrays the inclosed treasure to the eye; but most
+  of it does not shew the smallest sign of gold, appearing merely a
+  hard harsh stone of various colours, some white, some red, some
+  black. This ore, after being broken in pieces, is grinded or
+  stamped in a mill by the help of water, into a gross powder, with
+  which quicksilver is afterwards mixed. To this mixture a brisk
+  stream of water is let in, which reduces the earthy matters to a
+  kind of mud, which is carried off by the current, the amalgam of
+  gold and quicksilver remaining at the bottom, in consequence of
+  its weight. This amalgam is then put into a linen bag, and
+  pressed very hard, by which the greatest part of the mercury is
+  strained off, and the remainder is evaporated off by the force of
+  fire, leaving the gold in a little wedge or mass, shaped like a
+  pine-apple, whence it is called a <i>pinna</i>. This is
+  afterwards melted and cast in a mould, to know its exact weight,
+  and to ascertain the proportion of silver that is mixed with the
+  gold, no farther process of refining being done here. The
+  weightiness of the gold, and the facility with which it forms an
+  amalgam with the mercury, occasions it easily to part from the
+  dross or earthy matters of the stone or matrix. This is a great
+  advantage to the gold-miners, as they every day know what they
+  get; but the silver-miners often do not know how much they get
+  till two months after, owing to the tediousness of their
+  operation, as formerly described.</p>
+
+  <p>According to the nature of these gold-mines, and the
+  comparative richness of the veins, every <i>caxon</i>, or chest
+  of fifty quintals, yields four, five, or six ounces of gold. When
+  it only yields two ounces, the miner does not cover his charges,
+  which often happens; but he sometimes receives ample amends, when
+  he meets with good veins; and the gold-mines are those which
+  produce metals the most unequally. In following a vein, it
+  frequently widens, then becomes narrower, and then seems to
+  disappear, all within a small space of ground; and this sport of
+  nature makes the miners live in continual hopes of finding what
+  they call a <i>purse</i>, being the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page53" id="page53"></a>[pg 53]</span>
+  expanded end of a vein, which is sometimes so rich as to make a
+  man's fortune at once; yet this same inequality sometimes ruins
+  them, which is the reason that it is more rare to see a
+  gold-miner rich than a silver-miner, or even one in any other
+  metal, although there be less expence in extracting gold from the
+  mineral than any other metal. For this reason also the
+  gold-miners have the particular privilege that they cannot be
+  sued to execution in civil actions. Gold only pays a twentieth
+  part to the king, which duty is called <i>Covo</i>, from the name
+  of a private individual at whose instance the duty was thus
+  reduced, gold having formerly paid a fifth, as silver still
+  does.</p>
+
+  <p>On the descent of this mountain of <i>Tiltil</i>, there runs,
+  during the rainy season, a brisk stream of water, which passes
+  through among the gold-ore, and washes away abundance of that
+  rich metal, as it ripens<a id="footnotetag19" name=
+  "footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>6</sup></a> and
+  breaks from its bed. On this account, this stream is accounted
+  one of the richest lavaderos in all Chili for four months of
+  every year; and well it may, as there are sometimes found in it
+  pellets of gold of an ounce weight. At <i>Palma</i>, about four
+  leagues from Valparaiso, there is another rich lavadero; and
+  every where throughout the country, the fall of a brook or
+  rivulet is accompanied by more or less of these golden showers,
+  the richest of which fall into the laps of the jesuits, who farm
+  or purchase abundance of mines and lavaderos, which are wrought
+  for their benefit by their servants. The soil in the
+  neighbourhood of Valparaiso is exceedingly rich and fertile, so
+  that forty ships go from thence yearly to Calao, laden with corn;
+  yet that commodity still remains so cheap at this place, where
+  money is so abundant, that an English bushel of wheat may be
+  bought for less than three shillings. It would be still cheaper,
+  could all the country be cultivated; but as it has constant dry
+  weather for eight months endurance, cultivation is only possible
+  where they have brooks or little rills in the vales coming from
+  the mountains, which can be applied for irrigating or watering
+  the cultivated land.</p>
+
+  <p>There is a great trade carried on to all parts of Chili from
+  the Atlantic ocean, by way of Buenos Ayres, whence the Chilese
+  receive some European goods, together with large <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page54" id="page54"></a>[pg 54]</span> sums in
+  silver, in return for their commodities. This is perhaps the
+  largest route of Indian commerce in the world, as the road from
+  Buenos Ayres to Potosi is 1500 miles; and though the distance
+  from Valparaiso be not above 160 miles more,<a id="footnotetag20"
+  name="footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20"><sup>7</sup></a>
+  yet it is attended with much greater difficulty, as the vast
+  chain of mountains called the Cordelieras of the Andes has to be
+  passed, which can only be done during the three first months of
+  the year, the passes being impracticable at all other times. At
+  that season the merchants come from Mendoza, an inland town about
+  300 leagues from Buenos Ayres, and travel through the mountains
+  to St Jago. The passage of the mountains usually takes up six or
+  seven days, though only about sixty leagues, and the travellers
+  have not only to carry their own provisions with them, but also
+  the provender of their mules, as the whole of that part of the
+  road is a continued series of rocks and precipices, and all the
+  country round so barren and so exposed to snows in winter, that
+  it is utterly uninhabitable. The remainder of the journey, from
+  St Jago to the mines, and from thence to Valparaiso, is both safe
+  and pleasant; and in this the merchants have nothing to fear,
+  except staying too long, and losing their passage home through
+  the mountains for that season, in which case they would have to
+  remain in Chili at least nine months longer than they
+  intended.</p>
+
+  <p>On the whole, though a very great part of the enormous extent
+  of the Spanish dominions in South America be absolutely desert,
+  and the people in some of the inhabited parts do not acquire
+  large fortunes, yet the Spanish settlers in Chili certainly
+  procure immense riches yearly, as the country is but thinly
+  inhabited, and all the gold drawn from the mines and lavadores
+  must be divided among them. It is evident, however, that the
+  greater part of the inhabitants do not abound in wealth. Those
+  among them who deal in cattle, corn, and the other productions of
+  the country, only acquire moderate fortunes; and those who are
+  concerned in the mines are frequently ruined by launching out
+  into unsuccessful speculations, and by expensive living. Those
+  who are easy in their circumstances, and retire to the city of St
+  Jago, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page55" id="page55"></a>[pg
+  55]</span> Jago, live in such a manner as sufficiently
+  demonstrates the riches of Chili; as all their utensils, even
+  those of the most ordinary sort, are of pure gold, and it is
+  believed that the wealth of that city cannot fall short of twenty
+  millions.<a id="footnotetag21" name="footnotetag21"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote21"><sup>8</sup></a> Add to this, the gold-mines are
+  continually increasing, and it is only for want of hands that
+  they are not wrought to infinitely more advantage; for those
+  already discovered and now neglected, would be sufficient to
+  employ 40,000 men. It may also be observed, that the frauds
+  practised against the royal revenue are increasing daily, and, as
+  the riches of the Spanish West Indies are measured by the amount
+  of the royal revenue, this must make them appear poorer than they
+  are in reality. We have one instance of this in the mines of
+  Potosi, which are said to produce less silver than they did
+  formerly; yet, on a computation for fifty years, the annual
+  revenue to the king has amounted, on the average, to 220,000
+  <i>pesos</i>, of thirteen rials and a quarter yearly, which shews
+  that the annual produce of these mines, so far as it has paid the
+  royal duty, amounts nearly to two million pieces of eight, or
+  dollars, and it may be confidently asserted that the royal
+  treasury does not receive above half of what is due: wherefore,
+  from this example, the rest may be judged of.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag14">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Allowing <i>eight</i> persons of all ages and both sexes to
+    <i>one</i> fit to bear arms, this would give to Chili, in 1720,
+    a population of 160,000 whites, and 480,000 of colour, or
+    640,000 in all.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag15">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Paraguay is here used in far too extensive a sense, as
+    comprising the whole level country to the east of the Andes:
+    The plains of Cuyo are those alluded to in the text.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag16">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The Pehneuches are probably here meant, who dwell on the
+    west side of the Andes, between the latitudes of 33°
+    and 36° S. The Puelches on the same side of the Andes,
+    from 36° to 40°.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag17">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Perhaps, instead of the goats in the text, <i>vicunnas</i>
+    ought to be understood.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag18">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is a material error. Valparaiso is on no river, and
+    lies forty English miles north from the river Maypo, on one of
+    the upper branches of which, the Mapocho, St Jago is
+    situated.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag19">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>That is, as the matrix or rock in which it is contained,
+    moulders and decays by the influences of the weather and of
+    this stream; for the notion of ores ripening is a mere dream or
+    fancy.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote20" name="footnote20"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag20">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In these estimates, Betagh has been very unfortunate, as the
+    direct distance from Buenos Ayres to Potosi does not exceed
+    1100 miles, and the distance from Valparaiso, also in a
+    straight line, is hardly 800 miles.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote21" name="footnote21"></a><b>Footnote 8:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag21">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The coin or denomination is not specified: If dollars, at
+    4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>, this would amount to four millions and a
+    half sterling.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 7. <i>Some Account of the French Interlopers in
+  Chili.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>As the policy of Spain chiefly consists in endeavouring, by
+  all possible means, to prevent the riches of these extensive
+  dominions from passing into other hands, so the knowledge
+  possessed by other nations of the great wealth of these
+  countries, and of the great demand for European manufactures
+  among their inhabitants, has excited almost every nation in
+  Europe to devise every possible contrivance for coming in for a
+  share in these riches, and this with such effect, that it is even
+  questionable whether any considerable portion of the riches of
+  the new world centres among the inhabitants of Old Spain. This
+  may be judged of from the following considerations: Even the
+  trade carried on from Spain to the new world is of much greater
+  importance to foreigners than to the Spaniards themselves. For as
+  Spain has few commodities <span class="pagenum"><a name="page56"
+  id="page56"></a>[pg 56]</span> of its own, and carries on
+  scarcely any manufactures, the Spanish merchants at Cadiz have to
+  make up their cargoes by means of purchases from other countries;
+  or rather the Cadiz merchants are mere factors for the merchants
+  of England, France, and Holland, whose goods they send to
+  America, and pay them by the returns made in the Plate fleets.
+  Spain also is a country very ill provided with some of the
+  necessaries of life, and most of the conveniences; so that
+  prodigious sums of the money brought from America have to be
+  yearly exported for the purchase of these.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides such drawbacks as the above, to which the Spaniards
+  willingly submit, there are many others which they are forced to
+  endure: For instance, all the negroes they employ in their
+  plantations, in which every kind of labour is performed by them,
+  are purchased from foreigners, particularly the English and
+  Dutch, at a very large annual expence; and, under pretence of
+  furnishing them with negroes, a clandestine trade is carried on
+  every year, along the whole coasts of their possessions on the
+  Atlantic. In the South Sea, however, they were tolerably free
+  from every thing except the depredations of pirates, till the
+  general war on account of the succession to the crown of Spain,
+  which created a new kind of contraband trade, unknown in former
+  times, of which I now propose to give some account.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>French interlopers</i> carried vast quantities of goods
+  directly from Europe into the South Seas, which till then had
+  hardly ever been attempted by any European nation. This was
+  always viewed with an evil eye by the court of Spain, as
+  repugnant to the interests of Spain, and diametrically opposite
+  to the maxims of her government; but there were many
+  circumstances at that time which rendered this a kind of
+  necessary evil, and obliged therefore the people of Old Spain to
+  submit to it. As for the Creoles, they had European goods and at
+  a cheaper rate, and it did not give them much concern who it was
+  that received their money. The town of St Malo has always been
+  noted for privateers, and greatly annoyed the trade of the
+  English and Dutch during the whole reign of King William, and
+  part of that of Queen Anne; and though some allege that money
+  procured by privateering never prospers, yet I may safely affirm
+  that the people of St Malo are as rich and flourishing as any in
+  all France. Privateering has thriven so well among them, that all
+  their South Sea trade has arisen from thence; and, during the
+  last war, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page57" id=
+  "page57"></a>[pg 57]</span> they were so rich and generous, that
+  they made several free gifts to Louis XIV.; and so dexterous were
+  they, that though our Admiralty always kept a stout squadron in
+  the Atlantic, we were never able to capture one of their
+  South-Sea traders. The reason of this was, that they always kept
+  their ships extremely clean, having ports to careen at of which
+  we knew not. In 1709, when I belonged to her majesty's ship the
+  Loo, being one of the convoy that year to Newfoundland, we saw
+  and chased upon that coast a ship of fifty guns, which we soon
+  perceived to be French-built; but she crowded sail and soon left
+  us. She had just careened at Placentia, and we wondered much to
+  find such a ship in that part of the world. We afterwards learnt,
+  from some French prisoners, that she was a French ship bound to
+  St Malo, having two or three millions of dollars on board, and
+  was then so trim that she trusted to her heels, and valued
+  nobody. They went thus far to the north and west on purpose to
+  have the advantage of a westerly wind, which seldom failed of
+  sending them into soundings at one spirt, if not quite home.
+  Since Placentia has been yielded to Great Britain, they now use
+  St Catherine and Islagrande, on the coast of Brasil, and
+  Martinico in the West Indies.</p>
+
+  <p>This trade succeeded so well, that all the merchants of St
+  Malo engaged in it, sending every year to the number of twenty
+  sail of ships. In 1721, I saw eleven sail of these together at
+  one time on the coast of Chili, among which were several of fifty
+  guns, and one called the <i>Fleur-de-luce</i>, which could mount
+  seventy, formerly a man-of-war. As this trade was contrary to the
+  <i>Assiento</i> treaty between Great Britain and Spain, memorials
+  were frequently presented against it at Madrid by the court of
+  London; and the king of Spain, willing to fulfil his engagements
+  to the king of England, resolved to destroy this contraband
+  French trade. As there was no other way to accomplish this but by
+  sending a squadron of men-of-war into the South Sea, and as few
+  of the Spaniards were acquainted with the navigation of Cape
+  Horn, or could bear the extreme rigour of the climate, the court
+  of Spain was obliged to use foreigners on this expedition, and
+  the four ships sent oat were both manned and commanded by
+  Frenchmen. The squadron consisted of the <i>Gloucester</i>, of 50
+  guns, and 400 men, the <i>Ruby</i>, of 50 guns, and 330 men, both
+  of these formerly English ships of war, the <i>Leon Franco</i>,
+  of 60 guns, and 450 men, and a frigate of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page58" id="page58"></a>[pg 58]</span> 40
+  guns, and 200 men. Monsieur <i>Martinet</i>, a French officer,
+  was commodore of this squadron, and commanded the
+  <i>Pembroke</i>,<a id="footnotetag22" name=
+  "footnotetag22"></a><a href="#footnote22"><sup>1</sup></a> and
+  Monsieur <i>La Jonquiere</i> the Ruby. The French conducted the
+  navigation round the cape very well, though in the middle of
+  winter; but the last ship of the four, which was manned with
+  Spaniards, could not weather Cape Horn, and was forced back to
+  the Rio Plata, where she was cast away. As the Spaniards have
+  little or no trade into any of the cold climates, and are unused
+  to hard work, it is not to be wondered that they failed on this
+  occasion, especially considering the improper season of the year.
+  The Biscaneers, indeed, are robust enough fellows; and had the
+  Leon Franco been manned with them, she had certainly doubled the
+  cape along with the other three ships; but the Spaniards in
+  general, since acquiring their possessions in America, have
+  become so delicate and indolent, that it would be difficult to
+  find an entire ship's company capable to perform that
+  navigation.</p>
+
+  <p>The vast advantage of the trade of Chili by way of Cape Horn,
+  is so obvious, that his catholic majesty is obliged by treaty to
+  shut out all the European nations from it, as well as the
+  English, although his own subjects make nothing of it, as it very
+  rarely happens that a Spanish ship ventures to go round Cape
+  Horn. Owing to this, all European goods sell enormously dear in
+  Chili and Peru; insomuch, that I have been told at Lima, that
+  they are often at 400 per cent. profit, and it may be fairly
+  asserted, that the goods carried from France by Cape Horn are in
+  themselves 50 per cent. better than those sent in the Cadiz
+  <i>flota</i> to Carthagena and Vera Cruz, because the former are
+  delivered in six months, fresh and undamaged, while the latter
+  are generally eighteen months before they reach Chili. In the
+  course of this trade, the French sold their goods, furnished
+  themselves with provisions, and got home again, all within twelve
+  or fourteen months.</p>
+
+  <p>When Martinet arrived on the coast of Chili in 1717, furnished
+  with a commission from the king of Spain to take or destroy all
+  the ships of his countrymen found trading in the South Sea, he
+  soon had sufficient employment for his squadron and of fourteen
+  ships belonging to St Malo, then on <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page59" id="page59"></a>[pg 59]</span> the
+  coast, only one escaped him, which lay hid in a landlocked creek
+  unseen till he had gone to leeward. Although in this he executed
+  the orders of his catholic majesty, and did a material benefit to
+  the British South Sea company, yet he almost ruined the trading
+  part of the Creole Spaniards, as hindering the circulation of
+  money and spoiling business, so that they could not bear the
+  sight of the French men-of-war, though they liked the French
+  merchant ships very much. On the other hand, imagining that they
+  had done essential service to the Spaniards, the French expected
+  to have received at least civil treatment in return, during their
+  stay in these seas. As soon, however, as Martinet brought his
+  prizes into Calao, and the Frenchmen had received their shares of
+  the prize-money, forgetting the ancient antipathy of the
+  Spaniards for the French, they gave themselves extravagant airs
+  on shore, by dancing and drinking, which still more incensed the
+  creolians against them, who called them cavachos and renegados,
+  for falling foul of their own countrymen. From one thing to
+  another, their mutual quarrels grew so high, that the Frenchmen
+  were obliged to go about Lima and Calao in strong armed parties,
+  the better to avoid outrages and affronts. At last, a young
+  gentleman, who was ensign of the Ruby, and nephew to Captain La
+  Jonquiere, was shot from a window, and the murderer took refuge
+  in the great church of Calao. Martinet and La Jonquiere
+  petitioned the viceroy to have the murderer delivered up to
+  justice: But the viceroy, who was at the same time archbishop,
+  would on no account consent to violate the privileges of the
+  church. On this refusal, they called all their men on board by
+  beat of drum, and laid the broadsides of their three ships to
+  bear on the town of Calao, threatening to demolish the town and
+  fortifications, unless the assassin were delivered up or
+  executed. All this blustering, however, could not prevail upon
+  the viceroy to give them any satisfaction, though they had
+  several other men killed, besides that gentleman.</p>
+
+  <p>At length, unwilling to proceed to extremities, and no longer
+  able to endure the place where his nephew had been murdered, La
+  Jonquiere obtained leave of his commodore to make the best of his
+  way home. About this time, many <i>padros</i> and many rich
+  passengers were assembled at Conception in Chili, intending to
+  take their passage to Europe in the French squadron, knowing that
+  all ships bound for Cape <span class="pagenum"><a name="page60"
+  id="page60"></a>[pg 60]</span> Horn must touch at Conception, or
+  some places thereabout, for provisions. La Jonquiere, having thus
+  the start of his commodore, had all the advantage to himself of
+  so many good passengers in his ship; for, as the king of Spain
+  had no officer at Conception to register the money shipped at
+  that place, these passengers and missionaries put astonishing
+  sums of money on board the Ruby. They were thereby spared the
+  trouble of a voyage to Panama or Acapulco, and travelling thence
+  for Portobello or Vera Cruz, where they must have had their
+  coffers visited, to see if the <i>indulto</i> of his majesty were
+  fairly accounted for. They therefore saved every shilling of that
+  <i>indulto</i>, as the Ruby touched first in France, where no
+  cognizance whatever was taken of this affair. They also got clear
+  of the other moiety payable in Spain, as they landed all their
+  money in France.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides these rich passengers and their money, the Ruby had
+  also on board a considerable sum arising to his catholic majesty
+  from the confiscation of the thirteen captured interlopers, all
+  of which, as I was informed, amounted to four millions of dollars
+  in that ship. What a fine booty we missed therefore by the
+  obstinacy of Shelvocke! For, when this ship, the Ruby, found us
+  at the island of St Catharine, her company was so sickly that she
+  had not above sixty sound men out of four hundred; so that La
+  Jonquiere was actually afraid of us, and would not send his boat
+  to the watering-place, where we kept guard, and our coopers and
+  sail-makers were at work, till he had first obtained leave of our
+  captain; neither is this strange, for he knew we had a consort,
+  and was in Spain all the time he staid there, lest the Success
+  should have joined us.</p>
+
+  <p>After Commodore Martinet had cleared the coast of Chili and
+  Peru of his countrymen, he sent his brother-in-law, Monsieur de
+  Grange, express with the news to Madrid, who went by way of
+  Panama, Portobello, Jamaica, and London. On delivering his
+  message, the king of Spain asked what he could do for him, when
+  he humbly requested his majesty would give him the command of a
+  ship, and send him again round Cape Horn into the South Sea. He
+  accordingly got the Zelerin, of fifty guns. He came first to
+  <i>Calais</i>,<a id="footnotetag23" name=
+  "footnotetag23"></a><a href="#footnote23"><sup>2</sup></a> where
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page61" id="page61"></a>[pg
+  61]</span> the ship was getting ready, and was surprised to meet
+  with a cold reception from the French merchants and other
+  gentlemen of his acquaintance residing there; for, as there were
+  merchants of various nations interested in the ships taken and
+  confiscated in the South Sea, they universally considered him and
+  all the French in that squadron as false brethren, for serving
+  the crown of Spain to the prejudice of their own countrymen.
+  Thus, while he expected to have had a valuable cargo consigned to
+  his care, no man would ship the value of a dollar with him.
+  Captain Fitzgerald, who was then at <i>Cales</i>, made him a
+  considerable offer for the privilege of going out as his second
+  officer, with liberty to take out what goods he might be able to
+  procure, in his own name. As de Grange was not a little
+  embarrassed, he accepted this offer, and procured a commission
+  for Fitzgerald as second captain. They accordingly manned the
+  Zelerin chiefly with French seamen, and some English, and got
+  very well round Cape Horn. At this time our two privateers, the
+  Success and Speedwell, were known to be in the South Seas, and
+  the Zelerin was one of the ships commissioned by the viceroy of
+  Peru to cruize for us. Fitzgerald sold all his goods to great
+  advantage at Lima, where he continued to reside; while de Grange
+  served as captain under Admiral Don Pedro Miranda, who took
+  Hately and me prisoners.</p>
+
+  <p>Though great sufferers by so many confiscations, the merchants
+  of St Malo were not entirely discouraged; for, in the year 1720,
+  we found the Solomon of St Malo, of 40 guns, and 150 men, at
+  <i>Ylo</i>, on the coast of Chili, with several Spanish barks at
+  her stern. In the course of six weeks, she sold all her cargo,
+  got in a supply of provisions, and left the coast without
+  interruption, as by this time Martinet's squadron had left the
+  coast. Encouraged by the success of the Solomon, the merchants of
+  St Malo fitted out fourteen sail together, all of which arrived
+  in the South Sea in the beginning of the year 1721. Three of the
+  commanders of these ships, being well acquainted with the
+  creolians, quickly sold their cargoes and returned home. About
+  this time, the people of Lima judged that our privateers were
+  gone off the coast, or at least would not commit any more
+  hostilities, because of the truce between the two crowns.
+  Wherefore, the three Spanish men-of-war that had been fitted out
+  to cruize against us, were ordered against these fresh
+  interlopers. I was on board the Flying-fish, an advice-boat that
+  accompanied the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page62" id=
+  "page62"></a>[pg 62]</span> men-of-war, when they came up with
+  eleven sail of the St Malo ships, which were then altogether on
+  the coast of Chili, and, instead of firing on them, the Spaniards
+  joined them as friends. At first, expecting to have been
+  attacked, the French ships drew up in a line, as if daring the
+  ships of war. This seemed to me somewhat strange, that three such
+  ships, purposely fitted out for this cruize, should decline doing
+  their duty on their own coasts; for, had they proved too weak,
+  they had ports of their own to retire to, under their lee. But
+  the ships of war contented themselves with watching the motions
+  of the interlopers, keeping them always in sight; and when any of
+  the French ships drew near the shore, the Spaniards always sent a
+  pinnace or long-boat along with her, carrying the Spanish flag,
+  the sight of which effectually deterred the creolians from
+  trading with the French. In this manner they contrived to prevent
+  all these ships from disposing of their goods, except when they
+  were met with at sea by chance, and sold some of their
+  commodities clandestinely. At length, completely tired out by
+  this close superintendence, the French got leave to take in
+  provisions, and went home, at least half of their goods remaining
+  unsold. Notwithstanding these losses and disappointments, and
+  severe edicts issued against this trade in France, the merchants
+  of St Malo still persist to carry it on, though privately, nor is
+  it probable they will ever leave off so lucrative a commerce,
+  unless prevented by the strong arm of power, or supplanted by
+  some other nation.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote22" name="footnote22"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag22">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>No such name occurs, in enumerating the squadron immediately
+    beforeE.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote23" name="footnote23"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag23">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This, certainly, is a mistake for Cadiz, often named Cales
+    by English seamen; and, in fact, only a few lines lower down,
+    the place is actually named Cales.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h4>&sect; 8. Return of Betagh to England.</h4>
+
+  <p>I now return to my own affairs, and the manner of my return to
+  England from Peru. I have already acknowledged the kind reception
+  I met with from the admiral of the South Seas, Don Pedro Miranda,
+  and the reasons of his treating us so civilly. I think it barely
+  justice to mention the several favours I received, during the
+  eleven months that I continued at Lima, particularly from Don
+  Juan Baptista Palacio, a native of Biscay, a knight of the order
+  of St Jago, who came weekly to the prison while we were there,
+  and distributed money to us all, in proportion to our several
+  ranks. Captain Nicholas Fitzgerald procured my enlargement, by
+  becoming security for me; and he afterwards <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page63" id="page63"></a>[pg 63]</span>
+  supplied me with money and necessaries, from that time till my
+  departure; and procured for me and twenty more, a passage to
+  Cadiz, in a Spanish advice-boat called the Flying-fish, of which
+  our surgeon's mate, Mr Pressick, acted as surgeon, receiving
+  wages, as did the rest of our men, being released from prison
+  expressly to assist in navigating that vessel home to Spain. For
+  my own part, being well treated, I did not think proper to eat
+  the bread of idleness, but kept my watches as well as the other
+  officers. And pray, what is the harm of all this? Though
+  Shelvocke had the stupidity to call it treason; it must surely
+  appear a very malicious, as well as an ignorant charge, after a
+  man has been driven among the enemy, to call him a traitor
+  because he has been kindly used, and for accepting his passage
+  back again; and, because I was not murdered in Peru, I ought to
+  be executed at home. This is Shelvocke's great Christian charity
+  and good conscience!<a id="footnotetag24" name=
+  "footnotetag24"></a><a href="#footnote24"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>On my arrival at Cadiz, captain John Evers of the Britannia
+  kindly gave me my passage to London, and entertained me at his
+  own table. On my return to London, and representing the hardships
+  I had undergone, nine honourable persons made me a present of ten
+  guineas each; which afforded me the satisfaction of seeing, that
+  such as were the best judges, had a proper idea of the miseries I
+  had suffered, and approved the manner in which I had behaved, the
+  only consolation I could receive in the circumstances in which I
+  was left by that unfortunate voyage. The fair account I have
+  given of facts, and the detail of my proceedings in the Spanish
+  West Indies, together with the account of what I observed worthy
+  of notice during my stay in these parts, will acquit me, I hope,
+  in the opinion of every candid and impartial person, from the
+  aspersions thrown upon me by Shelvocke, in the account he has
+  published of his voyage.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote24" name="footnote24"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag24">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>After all, had the Flying-fish been captured by a British
+    cruizer, Betagh would have run great risk of being found guilty
+    of treason for <i>keeping his watches</i>.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h4><i>Note.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>"Betagh has fully shewn, that the navigation round Cape Horn
+  is no such dangerous or wonderful voyage. If twenty ships from St
+  Malo could perform it in one year, and not a single vessel either
+  shipwrecked or forced to put back, what <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page64" id="page64"></a>[pg 64]</span> shall
+  hinder an English ship or an English fleet from doing the same?
+  We see from the foregoing account, with how much ease the French
+  carried on a prodigious trade to the South Seas, at a time when
+  the appearance of an English ship there was esteemed a prodigy.
+  We certainly can send our frigates there, as well as the French
+  can their ships from St Malo; and it might be well worth the
+  while of our merchants to send out ships to the coasts of Chili
+  and Peru, laden with proper goods for that
+  country."<i>Harris.</i></p>
+
+  <p>In the present day, this trade to the coasts of Chili and Peru
+  has been resumed by the citizens of the United States; but the
+  subjects of Britain are debarred from even attempting to take a
+  share, because within the exclusive limits of the East India
+  Company; although their ships never come nearer to the western
+  coast of America than Canton in China, at the enormous distance
+  of 174 degrees of longitude, and 59 degrees of latitude, counting
+  from Canton in China to Conception in Peru, or upwards of
+  <i>twelve thousand English miles</i>. It is certainly at least
+  extremely desirable, that a trade of such promise should not
+  remain any longer prohibited, merely to satisfy a punctilio,
+  without the most distant shadow of benefit to the India Company,
+  or to the nonentity denominated the South-sea
+  Company.<i>Ed.</i></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page65" id=
+  "page65"></a>[pg 65]</span>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+  <h2>VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY COMMODORE ROGGEWEIN, is
+  1721-1723.<a id="footnotetag25" name="footnotetag25"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote25"><sup>1</sup></a></h2>
+
+  <p> </p>
+
+  <h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+
+  <p>There was, perhaps, no country in the world where commerce was
+  more profitable, or held more honourable, than in Holland, or
+  where more respect and attention was shewn to it by the
+  government. As the republic chiefly subsisted by trade, every
+  thing relating to it was considered as an affair of a public
+  nature, in which the welfare of the state was concerned, and
+  highly deserving therefore of the strictest and readiest
+  attention. The great companies in Holland, as in other countries,
+  were considered as injurious to trade in some lights, yet
+  necessary to its welfare in others. The <i>West India Company</i>
+  of that country, originally erected in 1621, held, by an
+  exclusive charter, the commerce of the coast of Africa, from the
+  tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and that of America,
+  from the southern point of Newfoundland in the N.E. all along the
+  eastern coast to the Straits of Magellan or Le Maire, and thence
+  northwards again along the western coast, to the supposed Straits
+  of Anian, thus including the entire coasts of the Atlantic and
+  Pacific oceans. The directors of this company consisted of
+  seventy-two persons, divided into five chambers, of whom eighteen
+  were chosen to administer the affairs of the Company, together
+  with a nineteenth person, nominated by the States-General.</p>
+
+  <p>The affairs of this Company were once in so very flourishing a
+  condition, that it was considered as even superior to their East
+  India Company. This prosperity was chiefly owing, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page66" id="page66"></a>[pg 66]</span> to the
+  happy success of their affairs at sea; as their admiral, Peter
+  Haines, in the 1629, captured the Spanish plate fleet, laden with
+  immense riches. They at one time made themselves masters of the
+  greatest part of Brazil; and were so considerable that the great
+  Count Maurice of Nassau did not think it beneath him to accept a
+  commission from this Company as Governor-General of Brazil; which
+  country, however, after it had cost them immense sums to defend,
+  they at length lost. The term of their charter, originally
+  limited to twenty-four years, expired in 1647, and was then
+  renewed for other twenty-five years. During this second period,
+  their affairs became so perplexed, so that the Company was
+  dissolved towards the close of that term, with its own
+  consent.</p>
+
+  <p>In 1674, a new company was erected, by letters patent from the
+  States-General, with nearly the same powers and privileges, which
+  has subsisted ever since with great reputation.<a id=
+  "footnotetag26" name="footnotetag26"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote26"><sup>2</sup></a> The capital of this new company
+  consisted of six millions of florins, which are equal to
+  545,454<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i> 10<i>d.</i> 10-11ths sterling. And
+  the limits of their authority are the western coast of Africa and
+  both coasts of America, all the establishments of the Dutch in
+  these countries being under their authority, so that any one who
+  proposes a new scheme of commerce in those parts, must
+  necessarily apply himself to that company. Under these
+  circumstances, a Mr Roggewein, a person of parts and enterprize,
+  formed a project for the discovery of the vast continent and
+  numerous islands, supposed to be in the southern part of the
+  globe, under the name of <i>Terra Australis Incognita</i>, of
+  which the world had hitherto only very imperfect notices from
+  others; which project, with a plan for carrying the discovery
+  into execution, they presented to the Dutch <i>East</i> India
+  Company<a id="footnotetag27" name="footnotetag27"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote27"><sup>3</sup></a> in 1696, by which it was
+  favourably received, and he was assured of receiving all the
+  assistance and support he could desire or expect, as soon as the
+  affairs of the Company would permit. But the disturbances which
+  soon afterwards followed put a stop to the good intentions of the
+  Company; and Mr Roggewein died before any thing could be done. Mr
+  Roggewein was a gentleman <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"
+  id="page67"></a>[pg 67]</span> of the province of Zealand, who
+  had addicted himself from his youth to mathematical studies, and
+  we have reason to suppose recommended his projected discovery on
+  his death-bed to his son.</p>
+
+  <p>After the death of his father, the younger Roggewein applied
+  to his studies with much vigour, and qualified himself for the
+  office of counsellor in the court of justice at Batavia, where he
+  resided for many years. After his return from Java, where he had
+  acquired a handsome fortune, he resolved upon carrying his
+  father's projected discovery into execution; and, in the year
+  1721, presented a memorial to the West India Company, narrating
+  the proposal of his father for discovering the southern continent
+  and islands, which they had formerly been pleased to approve of,
+  and which he was now ready to attempt. The Company received this
+  memorial with readiness; and, as its affairs were now in better
+  order, acquainted Mr Roggewein, that it would give immediate
+  orders for equipping such a squadron as might be necessary for
+  carrying his design into effect. The squadron accordingly fitted
+  out on this occasion consisted of three ships: The Eagle of 36
+  guns and 111 men, commanded by Captain Job Coster, and in which
+  Mr Roggewein embarked as Commodore; the Tienhoven of 28 guns and
+  100 men, commanded by Captain James Bowman; and the African, a
+  galley armed with 14 guns, and carrying 60 men, commanded by
+  Captain Henry Bosenthal.</p>
+
+  <p>It may be proper to acquaint the reader, that the subsequent
+  account of this voyage is derived from an original journal, which
+  never appeared before in our language, for which I was indebted
+  to the gentleman who commanded the land-forces on board the
+  Commodore, and whose name I am not at liberty to mention; neither
+  that of another gentleman who was engaged in the voyage, and from
+  whom I received considerable assistance. The nature of the
+  expedition is sufficient in itself to recommend it to the notice
+  of the curious; and the many remarkable particulars it contains,
+  especially respecting the state of the Dutch Company in the
+  Indies, renders it both a very entertaining and a most
+  instructive performance.</p>
+
+  <p>Before proceeding to the narrative of this voyage, I hope to
+  be indulged in making a few remarks, which may contribute both to
+  amusement and information, and may clear up some points that
+  might otherwise appear obscure in the following <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page68" id="page68"></a>[pg 68]</span> voyage.
+  It is worth observing, that the Dutch West India Company had been
+  long in a declining condition; which, instead of dispiriting the
+  Directors, engaged them to turn their thoughts to every method
+  that could be devised for recovering their affairs. There is so
+  wide a difference between our English great chartered companies
+  and those [formerly] in Holland, that it may not be amiss to give
+  a concise account of the flourishing state of that Company, as it
+  may shew what great things may be managed by a board of
+  merchants, for such the Directors generally were.</p>
+
+  <p>It appears, from the books of the Company, that, in the space
+  of thirteen years, from 1623 to 1636, the Company had fitted out
+  800 ships, either for war or trade, and that the expence of
+  building, equipping, and seamen's wages had cost forty-five
+  millions of florins, or upwards of <i>four millions</i> sterling:
+  And, in the same space of time, the Company had taken from the
+  enemy 545 vessels, valued at <i>sixty millions</i> of florins, or
+  nearly <i>five and a half millions</i> sterling; besides to the
+  value of <i>thirty millions</i> at the least, or nearly <i>two
+  millions and a quarter</i> sterling, in spoils of various
+  denominations. The greatest of their exploits was the capture of
+  the Spanish <i>flota</i> at the Havannah, by their admiral Peter
+  Heyne; by which they gained seven millions of dollars in money,
+  or L. 2,625,000 sterling; besides ships, brass cannon, and other
+  military stores, to the value of above ten millions.<a id=
+  "footnotetag28" name="footnotetag28"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote28"><sup>4</sup></a> Such were the flourishing times of
+  the Company.</p>
+
+  <p>The causes of their decay seem to have been principally the
+  following. <i>First</i>, their emulation of the East India
+  Company, which induced them to make the conquest of Brazil from
+  Portugal, the crown of which country had been usurped by their
+  arch enemy the king of Spain. This was achieved at a vast
+  expence, and Count Maurice of Nassau was appointed
+  governor-general, who conducted their affairs with great skill
+  and prudence. <i>Secondly</i>, owing to the desire of the Company
+  to conduct all things, and repining at the expence incurred by
+  that prince in the government of Brazil, was another cause of
+  their misfortunes: For the merchants, who had conducted their
+  affairs with great wisdom <span class="pagenum"><a name="page69"
+  id="page69"></a>[pg 69]</span> and capacity, while they confined
+  themselves to commerce and maritime war, shewed themselves only
+  indifferent statesmen, and soon lost all that Prince Maurice had
+  gained, and loaded the Company with so heavy a debt, as compelled
+  them in the end to consent to its dissolution.</p>
+
+  <p>The new West India Company, warned by the example of its
+  predecessors, has kept more within bounds, and has certainly
+  managed its affairs with great prudence and economy. Having
+  formed a project in 1714, for uniting the East and West India
+  Companies into one,<a id="footnotetag29" name=
+  "footnotetag29"></a><a href="#footnote29"><sup>5</sup></a> and
+  the proposition, being rejected, the directors of the West India
+  Company very wisely turned their thoughts another way; and it is
+  not improbable, that the rejection of their proposal on this
+  occasion may have induced them to give encouragement to the
+  proposition of Roggewein: For, being disappointed in their aim of
+  coming in for a share in the commodities of the East Indies, they
+  were desirous of acquiring the same articles of trade by some
+  other means, expecting to have found these in the continent or
+  islands proposed to be discovered by Roggewein. This also
+  accounts for the extraordinary heat and violence of the Dutch
+  East India Company, against those who were engaged on the present
+  expedition, and is the true secret of the dispute so warmly
+  carried on by the two Companies, and so wisely decided by the
+  States-General. When the Dutch East India Company persecuted and
+  destroyed Le Maire for his voyage of discovery, under pretence of
+  interfering within their exclusive boundaries, the government did
+  not interfere, because at that time the power of the East India
+  Company was of the highest importance to the state: But, as the
+  government of Holland became better established, and especially
+  since a share in the public administration has been acquired by
+  such as are conversant in trade, the concerns of the East India
+  Company have been viewed in a new light. The first who explained
+  this matter clearly was that consummate statesman and true
+  patriot, John de Witte, whose words are most worthy the attention
+  of the reader.</p>
+
+  <p>"When the East India Company had attained to a certain extent
+  of power and grandeur, its interests came not only <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page70" id="page70"></a>[pg 70]</span> to
+  clash with, but grew absolutely opposite to those of the country.
+  For, whereas the advantage of the nation consists in the increase
+  of manufactures, commerce, and freight of ships; the interests of
+  the Company are to promote the sale of foreign manufactures, and
+  that with the smallest extent of traffic and navigation that can
+  be contrived. Hence, if the East India Company can gain more by
+  importing Japan cloths, India quilts, carpets, and chintzes, than
+  by raw silk; or, if the Company, by creating an artificial
+  scarcity of nutmegs, mace, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices,
+  can raise their price so as to gain as much profit by the sale of
+  100 tons, as it would otherwise gain by the sale of 1000 tons, we
+  are not to expect that it will import raw silks, or be at the
+  expence of transporting 1000 tons of spice; though the former
+  would assist and encourage our manufactures at home, and the
+  latter would increase our navigation.</p>
+
+  <p>This chain of reasoning is so plain, and so evidently agrees
+  with the interests of all nations, as well as with those of
+  Holland, that it is impossible for any unprejudiced person not to
+  discern that all exclusive companies destroy, instead of
+  promoting, the commerce of the countries in which they are
+  established. The same great statesman already quoted observes,
+  "That the more any country extends its foreign conquests, the
+  more of its stock must necessarily be spent, for the preservation
+  and defence of these conquests: And consequently, by how much the
+  greater are its dominions, so much the less is that company able
+  to prosecute the trade, for the promotion of which it was
+  erected."<a id="footnotetag30" name="footnotetag30"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote30"><sup>6</sup></a><i>Harris.</i></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote25" name="footnote25"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag25">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris, I. 256. Callender, III. 644.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote26" name="footnote26"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag26">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This refers to the year 1743, when Harris wrote: It is
+    hardly necessary to say, that Holland and its great commercial
+    companies are now merely matters of history.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote27" name="footnote27"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag27">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>From what goes both before and after, this seems a mistake
+    for the <i>West</i> India Company.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote28" name="footnote28"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag28">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris does not say whether dollars or florins: If the
+    former, equal to L. 2,250,000 sterling at 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>
+    the dollar; if the latter, a little above L. 900,000 sterling
+    at 11 florins to the pound sterling; both of these the old par
+    of exchange.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote29" name="footnote29"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag29">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>A long, indistinct, and uninteresting account of this
+    project is here omitted, which Harris alleges might have
+    transferred the whole commerce of Europe to the Dutch, but for
+    which opinion he advances no substantial reasons, or rather
+    none at all.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote30" name="footnote30"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag30">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The remarks of Harris on this voyage are extended to a far
+    greater length than have been here adopted, and are many of
+    them loose and uninteresting; but some of those here inserted
+    have a strong reference to a most important subject now under
+    consideration of the legislature; and the notices respecting
+    the Dutch West India Companies are curious in themselves, as
+    well as upon a subject very little known in this country.</p>
+
+    <p>The subject of this voyage round the world is principally
+    exhausted in the <i>seven</i> first sections; all those
+    subsequent being chiefly a detail of the Indian settlements of
+    the Dutch East India Company, as it was in the year 1722,
+    almost a century ago. These certainly might have been omitted
+    on the present occasion, without injury to the present article,
+    as a <i>circumnavigation</i>: But, as conveying a considerable
+    mass of information, respecting the <i>Dutch possessions in
+    India</i>, now all belonging to Britain, and respecting which
+    hardly any thing has been published in the English language, it
+    has been deemed indispensable to preserve them.E.</p>
+  </blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" id=
+  "page71"></a>[pg 71]</span>
+
+  <h3>SECTION I.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the Coast of
+  Brazil.</i><a id="footnotetag31" name=
+  "footnotetag31"></a><a href="#footnote31"><sup>1</sup></a></h4>
+
+  <p>The small squadron of three ships, already enumerated, sailed
+  from Amsterdam on the 16th July, 1721, and arrived at the Texel
+  in thirty-six hours, where they were provided with every thing
+  requisite for so long a voyage. All things being in readiness,
+  they sailed with a fair wind on the 21st August; but, as the wind
+  changed next day, they were three days in beating to windward
+  through the British channel, after which they continued their
+  course to the S.W. for the coast of Barbary, but were opposed by
+  a heavy storm which did them considerable damage. To this a dead
+  calm succeeded, during which the water ran mountains high, owing
+  to agitation they had been thrown into by the storm. By the
+  rolling of the ships during the calm, several injuries were
+  sustained, one of the vessels losing its main-top-mast and
+  mizen-mast; and the main-yard of the Commodore came down with
+  such force as to wound several of the people on deck. After two
+  days the wind freshened again, and they continued their course
+  S.W. towards the Canaries, amusing themselves with observing the
+  manner in which the flying-fish endeavours to escape from its
+  enemies, the albicores and bonitoes. The <i>flying-fish</i> are
+  not larger than a herring, and raise themselves into the air by
+  means of two long fins, one on each side, not much unlike the
+  wings of a bat in strength and texture. They are considered as
+  good eating, and the sailors are always well pleased when they
+  are met with in plenty. The <i>bonito</i> is about two feet long,
+  of a greyish colour, finely streaked from head to tail; but the
+  flesh is hard, dry, and disagreeably tasted. The <i>albicore</i>
+  is generally five or six feet long, and sometimes weighs 150
+  pounds. They saw likewise several water-fowls, particularly
+  <i>teal</i>, which the seamen account a sign of land being
+  near.</p>
+
+  <p>While in lat. 28° N. and soon expecting to see the
+  Canaries, a sail was descried from the mast-head carrying English
+  colours. On drawing near she struck her colours and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page72" id="page72"></a>[pg 72]</span> bore
+  away, but re-appeared in about an hour, having four sail more in
+  her company, sometimes carrying white, sometimes red, and
+  sometimes black colours, which gave reason to suspect that they
+  were pirates. The Commodore immediately made the signal for the
+  line of battle, and all hands went to work in clearing the ship
+  for action, filling grenades, and preparing every thing for the
+  ensuing engagement, in which they fortunately had the advantage
+  of the weather-gage. Observing this, the pirates put themselves
+  into a fighting posture, struck their red flag, and hoisted a
+  black one, on which was a death's head in the centre, surmounted
+  by a powder horn, and two cross bones underneath. They likewise
+  formed the line, and commenced a smart action. The pirates fought
+  very briskly for some time, as believing the Dutch ships to be
+  merchantmen; but after two hours cannonade, perceiving the
+  Commodore preparing to board the vessel to which he was opposed,
+  the pirates spread all their canvass, and crowded away as fast as
+  they could sail. Commodore Roggewein, on seeing them bear away,
+  called out, <i>Let the rascals go:</i> In which he strictly
+  obeyed his instructions; as all the ships belonging to the Dutch
+  East and West India Companies have strict orders to pursue their
+  course, and never to give chase. In this action, four men were
+  killed, and nine wounded in the Commodore, the other two ships
+  having seven slain and twenty-six wounded. The carpenters also
+  had full employment in stopping leaks, and repairing the other
+  damages sustained.</p>
+
+  <p>Continuing their voyage, they had sight of Madeira on the 15th
+  November, and in the neighbourhood saw a desert island which is
+  much frequented by the pirates, for wood and water and other
+  refreshments. They afterwards had sight of the Peak of Teneriffe,
+  which is generally esteemed the highest single mountain in the
+  world, on which account the geographers of Holland adopt it as
+  the first meridian in their maps and charts; while the French and
+  English of late incline to fix their first meridians at their
+  respective capitals of Paris and London. These differences are
+  apt to create much confusion in the longitudes of places, when
+  not explained by the writers who use these several modes of
+  reckoning; on which account Lewis XIII. of France, by edict in
+  1634, endeavoured to obviate this inconvenience, by directing the
+  first meridian to be placed in the island of Ferro, the most
+  westerly of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" id=
+  "page73"></a>[pg 73]</span> Canaries.<a id="footnotetag32" name=
+  "footnotetag32"></a><a href="#footnote32"><sup>2</sup></a> From
+  these islands they directed their course for the islands of Cape
+  Verde, so named from Cabo Verde, or the Green Cape, a point or
+  mountain on the coast of Africa, called <i>Arlinarium</i> by
+  Ptolemy.</p>
+
+  <p>This cape is bounded by two rivers, the Senegal and Gambia,
+  called by the ancients the <i>Garatius</i> and <i>Stachiris</i>.
+  It has an island to the west, which is frequented by an infinite
+  number of birds, the eggs of which are frequently gathered by
+  mariners going this way. This cape is dangerous to land upon,
+  because of a great many sunken rocks about it. The continent is
+  here inhabited by negroes, who trade with all nations, and speak
+  many languages, especially French and Portuguese. Most of them go
+  naked, except a piece of cloth about their middle, but their
+  princes and great men wear long garments of calico striped with
+  blue, and made like shifts; they hang also little square bags of
+  leather on their arms and legs, but we could not learn of them
+  what these bags contain.<a id="footnotetag33" name=
+  "footnotetag33"></a><a href="#footnote33"><sup>3</sup></a> They
+  wear necklaces made of sea-horses teeth, alternating with glass
+  beads; and have caps of blue and white striped calico on their
+  heads. They are a prudent and wise people, cultivating their
+  soil, which bears good rice and other articles sufficient for
+  their maintenance; and the richer people keep cattle, which are
+  very dear, as being scarce. They have many good blacksmiths, and
+  iron is much, valued among them, being forged into fish-spears,
+  implements for cultivating the ground, and various weapons, as
+  the heads of arrows, darts, and javelins. Their religion seems to
+  border on Mahometism, as they are all circumcised; but they have
+  little knowledge of the true God, except among a few who converse
+  with Christians. They are very lascivious, and may have as many
+  wives as they please; but the women are seldom contented with one
+  husband, and are passionately fond of strangers. The whole
+  country is under subjection to the governors or head-men of the
+  various towns and villages, who row on board such ships as
+  arrive, making them pay customs. Several Portuguese reside here,
+  who trade freely with all nations, but have no power or
+  authority, except over their own slaves and
+  servants.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" id=
+  "page74"></a>[pg 74]</span>
+
+  <p>Having the advantage of a strong N.E. wind, they took their
+  departure from Cape de Verde, and continued their course for six
+  weeks, without coming to anchor or handing a sail. In this long
+  passage, they had some days in which the heat was almost
+  insupportable, and the crew began to murmur excessively on
+  account of being at short allowance of water. On this occasion
+  one of the swabbers got into the hold, and, being extremely
+  thirsty, pierced a cask of brandy, of which he pulled, so
+  heartily that he was soon intoxicated to a degree of madness. In
+  this condition he staggered into the cook-room, where he threw
+  down a pan of grease, and being sharply reproved by the cook,
+  drew his knife and rushed upon him. Some of the crew gathered
+  about him and wrenched the knife out of his hand, but not till he
+  had drawn it two or three times across the cook's face. For this
+  they drubbed him soundly, which he resented so deeply that he
+  seized a knife as soon as he got loose, and gave himself several
+  stabs in the belly. The utmost care was taken of his recovery, in
+  order to make him a public example, to prevent such actions in
+  future among the crew; and after his recovery he was punished in
+  the following manner. Being declared infamous at the fore-mast,
+  he was thrice keel-hauled, and had 300 strokes on the buttocks,
+  after which his right hand was fastened to the mast with his own
+  knife. When he had stood some time in this condition, he was put
+  in chains on the fore-castle, being allowed nothing but bread and
+  water for some days; and was continued in irons to be set on
+  shore at the first barren island they came to.</p>
+
+  <p>Continuing their voyage till near the line, they were much
+  incommoded by the shifting of the wind; and by scarcity of water,
+  many of the crew falling ill of the scurvy. When it sometimes
+  fell entirely calm, the heat of the sun became more than
+  ordinarily oppressive, owing to which some of the men became
+  quite distracted, others fell into high fevers, and some had fits
+  like the epilepsy. Their water, as it grew low, stunk abominably,
+  and became full of worms. The salt provisions were in a manner
+  quite spoiled, and served only to turn their stomachs and
+  increase their thirst. Hunger is said to be the greatest of
+  torments, but they had reason to consider thirst as the greatest
+  misery incident to human nature. At this time they often observed
+  towards evening that the sea appeared all on fire; and taking up
+  some buckets of water in this condition, they observed that it
+  was full of an infinite <span class="pagenum"><a name="page75"
+  id="page75"></a>[pg 75]</span> number of little globules, of the
+  size, form, and colour of pearls. These retained their lustre for
+  some time when held in the hand, but on pressure seemed nothing
+  more than an earthy fat substance like mud.</p>
+
+  <p>They at length crossed the line, with the loss only of one
+  man, who died of a high fever; and on getting into the latitude
+  of 3° S. they fell into the true trade-wind, before
+  which they scudded along at a great rate. In lat. 5° S.
+  they had the sun directly vertical, so that they were some days
+  without any observation. In 6° S. they caught many
+  dorados and dolphins, both, in the opinion of the author of this
+  voyage, being the same fish, of which the dolphin is the male and
+  the dorado the female. Some of these are six feet long, but not
+  of proportional bulk. In the water they appear excessively
+  beautiful, their skins shining as if streaked with burnished
+  gold; but lose their splendid appearance on being taken out of
+  the water. Their flesh is very sweet and well flavoured, so that
+  the seamen always feast when they can procure plenty of this
+  fish. They saw also abundance of sharks, many of which are ten
+  feet long. Their flesh is hard, stringy, and very disagreeably
+  tasted; yet the seamen frequently hang them up in the air for a
+  day or two, and then eat them: Which compliment the surviving
+  sharks never fail to return when a seaman falls in their way,
+  either dead or alive, and seem to attend ships for that
+  purpose.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote31" name="footnote31"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag31">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the various steps of this voyage, the merely
+    uninteresting journal or log-book incidents have been
+    materially abbreviated.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote32" name="footnote32"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag32">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The Royal Observatory at Greenwich is now the first meridian
+    in British maps and globes, from which St Paul's in London is
+    0° 5' 37" W. the observatory of Paris 2° 20'
+    E. Teneriffe peak 16° 40' W. and Ferrotown
+    17° 45' 50" W.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote33" name="footnote33"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag33">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These are called <i>obi</i>, containing a variety of
+    ridiculous trash, and are held in superstitious esteem as
+    amulets.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION II.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of that
+  Country.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Coming near the coast of Brazil, their design was to have
+  anchored at the island <i>Grande</i>, but finding they had passed
+  that island, they continued their course till off Porto, in lat.
+  24° S. where they came to anchor. Some of the ship's
+  company of the commodore then got into the boat in order to go
+  shore, both for the purpose of procuring wood and water and other
+  refreshments, and in order to bury one of their seamen who had
+  died. Before they could get on shore, they descried a body of
+  Portuguese well armed moving along the coast, who seemed to
+  prevent them from landing, and beckoned the Dutch to keep off,
+  threatening to fire if they attempted to land: But, on shewing
+  them the dead body, they <span class="pagenum"><a name="page76"
+  id="page76"></a>[pg 76]</span> allowed them to land, and even
+  shewed them a place in which to inter their dead companion. Being
+  desirous of procuring some intelligence, the Dutch asked many
+  questions about the country, but could only get for answer, that
+  Porto was an advanced port to St Sebastian, not marked in the
+  charts, and that they were inhabitants of Rio Janeiro, which lay
+  at the distance of eight miles.<a id="footnotetag34" name=
+  "footnotetag34"></a><a href="#footnote34"><sup>1</sup></a> The
+  Dutch endeavoured to persuade them to go on board the commodore,
+  but they refused, fearing they might be pirates, which frequently
+  used to come upon the coast, and, under pretence of getting fresh
+  water, would land and pillage any of the little towns near the
+  sea.</p>
+
+  <p>About six months before the arrival of Roggewein at this
+  place, a pirate had been there, and, while the crew were
+  preparing to make a descent, a French ship of force arrived,
+  which sent her to the bottom with one broadside. She sank in
+  thirteen fathoms, and as she was supposed to have seven millions
+  on board,<a id="footnotetag35" name="footnotetag35"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote35"><sup>2</sup></a> they had sent for divers from
+  Portugal, in order to attempt recovering a part of her treasure.
+  However, by dint of entreaties and the strongest possible
+  assurance of safety, two of them were prevailed upon to go on
+  board the commodore, where they were very kindly treated, and had
+  clothes given them, by which they were induced to carry the
+  squadron into a safe port, which was most serviceable to men in
+  their condition, almost worn out with fatigues, and in a manner
+  destroyed for want of water.</p>
+
+  <p>The harbour of Porto affords good anchorage in from six to
+  eight fathoms. In entering it on the S.W. the main land is on the
+  right, and a large island on the left, all the coast appearing
+  very high land, consisting of mountains and intermediate vallies,
+  overgrown with trees and shrubs. Porto is in a pleasant
+  situation, but at this time had no inhabitants. They caught here
+  both fish and tortoises of exquisite flavour, and so very
+  nourishing, that about forty of the people who were ill of the
+  scurvy, recovered very fast. Having remained there two days, in
+  which time they supplied themselves with <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page77" id="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span> wood
+  and water, they weighed anchor, and in six leagues sailing to the
+  S.W. came into the road of St Sebastian. Just when entering the
+  mouth of the river a violent storm arose, on which they had to
+  drop their anchors, lest they had been driven on the rocks, and
+  to wait the return of the tide in that situation. They entered
+  the port next day, and came to anchor just before the town, which
+  they saluted, but without being answered, either because the
+  Portuguese guns were not in order, of because the inhabitants
+  were not pleased, with their arrival, suspecting them of being
+  pirates, though under the Dutch flag. In order to remove these
+  apprehensions, Roggewein wrote to the governor, informing him
+  what they were, and desiring to be furnished with cattle,
+  vegetables, fruits, and other refreshments for payment, also
+  requesting the use of a few huts on shore for the recovery of the
+  sick men. The governor made answer, that these things were not in
+  his power, as he was subordinate to the governor of Rio de
+  Janeiro, to whom he should dispatch an express that evening, and
+  hoped the commodore would give him time to receive the orders of
+  his superior officer. But Roggewein was by no means satisfied
+  with this answer, giving the governor to know, if he refused to
+  deal with him by fair means and for ready money as offered, be
+  should be obliged to have recourse to force, though much against
+  his inclinations. Having learnt that there was a Franciscan
+  monastery in the town, Roggewein sent also to inform the fathers
+  of his arrival, accompanying his message by a present.</p>
+
+  <p>It happened fortunately for the Dutch, that a native of
+  Utrecht, one Father Thomas, belonged to this monastery, who came
+  immediately on board, accompanied by several other monks. He was
+  so much delighted at the sight of his countrymen, that he
+  declared he should now die in peace, having earnestly wished for
+  twenty-two years to enjoy the satisfaction he was now gratified
+  with. The commodore gave him a kind welcome, and presented him
+  with whatever was deemed useful for the monastery. The prior, who
+  was of the party on this occasion, begged the commodore to have
+  patience till the return of the express from Rio de Janeiro, and
+  promised to use his interest with the governor, to induce him to
+  furnish the demanded refreshments, so that they parted well
+  satisfied with each other. In the mean time, the Portuguese came
+  down to the coast in large bodies well armed, posting themselves
+  in such places as they judged the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page78" id="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span> Dutch might attempt to
+  put their men on shore; and at the approach of a Dutch pinnace,
+  thought proper to fire at her, by which one of the Dutchmen was
+  dangerously wounded in the shoulder. The boat's crew returned the
+  fire by a general discharge of their fire-arms, by which two of
+  the Portuguese were brought down, and the rest made a precipitate
+  retreat. The Dutch then landed immediately, filling what water
+  they had occasion for, and returned on board.</p>
+
+  <p>On the report of what had happened, which he deemed an act of
+  hostility, Roggewein made immediate dispositions for attacking
+  the town, ordering his smallest ship to go as near the place as
+  possible, while the Teinhoven was ordered to watch the coast, and
+  the commodore laid his own ship opposite the monastery, as if he
+  had intended to batter it down. All this was merely to frighten
+  the Portuguese into better behaviour, and it had the desired
+  effect, as the deputy-governor came soon after on board, and
+  entered into a treaty, granting every thing desired. He at the
+  same time expressed considerable doubts of being paid for what
+  they might furnish, as a French ship had been lately supplied
+  with necessaries, and at its departure the French captain
+  threatened to burn the town about their ears, if they insisted on
+  payment according to agreement and his promises on first coming
+  in. The sick were now landed on the island, and the whole of the
+  ships companies were daily furnished by the Portuguese with beef,
+  mutton, fowls, vegetables, fruits, and every thing else they
+  wanted. The ships companies also had leave to go on shore, and
+  soon contracted acquaintance among the Portuguese, from whom they
+  obtained sugar, tobacco, brandy, and every thing else they wished
+  for, in exchange for European goods, although the governor had
+  strictly prohibited all commerce, under the strictest penalties.
+  Thus, in a very short time the Portuguese became so well
+  satisfied of the honesty and good intentions of the Dutch, that
+  they brought back all their rich effects, formerly carried out of
+  town when the ships first arrived. The Portuguese, however,
+  complained loudly of the bad usage they met with from the French,
+  who came frequently to this place with their ships, taking
+  whatever they pleased by force, and plundering the houses in
+  which they were permitted to lodge the sick; owing to which the
+  Portuguese believed that all other Europeans would treat them in
+  the same manner.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page79" id=
+  "page79"></a>[pg 79]</span>
+
+  <p>The town of St Sebastians is situated in lat. 24° S.
+  and long. 60° W.<a id="footnotetag36" name=
+  "footnotetag36"></a><a href="#footnote36"><sup>3</sup></a> being
+  a place of moderate extent, only indifferently fortified by an
+  inclosure of palisades, with a few cannon for its defence. The
+  church however is a beautiful building, and the palace of the
+  governor is very magnificent; but the houses of the inhabitants
+  are only such as are commonly met with among the Spanish and
+  Portuguese colonists in America. The Franciscan monastery stands
+  on the S. side of the town, and accommodates about thirty monks
+  very conveniently. The prior shewed to the commodore and his
+  officers a curious idol, which he said had been worshipped by the
+  ancient natives of the place. It was the image of a creature half
+  tiger half lion, about four feet high and a foot and a half
+  round. Its feet resembled the paws of a lion, and the head was
+  adorned with a double crown, in which were stuck twelve Indian
+  darts, one of which on each side was broken. On each shoulder
+  there was a large wing like that of a stork. In the inside was
+  seen the statue of a man, completely armed in the manner of the
+  country, having a quiver of arrows at his back, a bow in his left
+  hand, and an arrow in his right. The tail of this strange idol
+  was very long, and twisted three or four times round the body of
+  the man. It had been called <i>Nasil Lichma</i>, by its
+  worshippers, and the prior said that it was made of gold; but the
+  author of this voyage suspected it was only gilded. The monks had
+  also a numerous collection of European and American curiosities,
+  which they exhibited at the same time.</p>
+
+  <p>The port, or river rather, of St Sebastian, is three or four
+  leagues in length, and about one league broad, having a very fine
+  island on the N.E. of about four miles round, and there are
+  smaller islands on all the other sides of this haven. The country
+  of Brazil is very large and rich, insomuch that the king of
+  Portugal is said to draw as great a revenue from hence, as the
+  king of Spain from all his vast possessions in America. Its
+  capital is Bahia, or St Salvador, besides which <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page80" id="page80"></a>[pg 80]</span> there
+  are many other towns, as Siara, Olinda, Rio de Janeiro, St
+  Vincent, and others. The country was discovered in 1590; but even
+  at this day the Portuguese have not penetrated above eighty
+  leagues into the interior. The soil is good, and the country
+  would doubtless produce abundance of corn and wine for the use of
+  its inhabitants; but, from a principle of policy, the colonists
+  are not permitted to cultivate these productions, and are
+  consequently supplied with them from Portugal. It is the common
+  opinion that the ancient inhabitants were <i>anthropophagi</i>,
+  or cannibals, and it is even said that human flesh was sold in
+  their markets, as commonly as beef and mutton, but of this there
+  is no authentic proof.<a id="footnotetag37" name=
+  "footnotetag37"></a><a href="#footnote37"><sup>4</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Such of the natives as were seen were large dark-complexioned
+  men, having thick lips, flat noses, and very white teeth. The
+  Portuguese are numerous in Brazil, both Creoles, and such as come
+  from time to time from Portugal, to repair their broken fortunes.
+  A little time before the arrival of Roggewein, the Portuguese had
+  discovered a diamond mine not far from St Sebastian, of which at
+  that time they were not in full possession, but were meditating
+  an expedition against the Indians, in order to become sole
+  masters of so valuable a prize; and with this view they invited
+  the Dutch to join them, promising them a share in the riches in
+  the event of success. By these means, nine of our soldiers were
+  tempted to desert. I know not the success of this expedition; but
+  it is probable that it succeeded, as great quantities of diamonds
+  have since been imported from Brazil into Europe. They are said
+  to be found on the tops of mountains among a peculiar red earth
+  containing a great deal of gold; and, being washed down by the
+  great rains and torrents into the vallies, are there gathered in
+  lavaderas by negroes employed for the purpose.</p>
+
+  <p>Brazil abounds with numerous sorts of beasts, birds, and fish,
+  both wild and tame. They have tigers that do a great deal of
+  mischief, also elephants in great abundance, the teeth
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page81" id="page81"></a>[pg
+  81]</span> of which are of great value.<a id="footnotetag38"
+  name="footnotetag38"></a><a href="#footnote38"><sup>5</sup></a>
+  There is no country on earth where serpents, and other venomous
+  reptiles, are more frequent, or of larger size. So far as the
+  Portuguese power and colonization extends, the popish religion is
+  established; but vast numbers of the indigenous natives of the
+  country remain unsubdued, and continue their original idolatry,
+  being of such cruel and vindictive dispositions, that when a
+  Christian falls into their hands, the best thing that can happen
+  to him is to have his throat cut, as they are, for the most part,
+  put to death by means of cruel tortures. The air of the country,
+  though excessively hot at certain times of the year, is extremely
+  wholesome, as we experienced by our speedy recovery from the
+  scurvy and other distempers. About St Sebastian there are vast
+  quantities of venomous musquetoes, which sting to such a degree
+  that we were all covered over with blisters. Our pilot, having
+  drank too freely of the country rum, and afterwards fallen asleep
+  in the open air, had his head, face, arms, and legs so severely
+  stung, that his life was in imminent danger, and he recovered
+  after a long time, not without much care.</p>
+
+  <p>While here, the commodore kept up a very strict discipline
+  over his people; and some of his sailors being complained against
+  as having maltreated some Indian women, he caused them to be
+  severely punished, and would never afterwards allow them to go on
+  shore. The Dutch and Portuguese agreed extremely well, but the
+  governor was far from being pleased with his visitors, more
+  especially because he had learnt from some of the deserters that
+  the object of the expedition was to make discoveries in the
+  south. For this reason he practised every art he could devise to
+  hinder and distress them, and furnished them with provisions only
+  from day to day, that they might not increase their sea-stores.
+  He also frequently talked of there being five or six Portuguese
+  men-of-war in Rio de Janeiro, in order to put the Dutch in fear
+  of being attacked, and actually sent for the only ship that was
+  there at the time, to come to St Sebastian. Roggewein perfectly
+  understood the meaning of all this, of which he took no notice,
+  and complied exactly with the terms of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page82" id="page82"></a>[pg 82]</span> the
+  agreement entered into with the deputy governor, saving part of
+  the fresh provisions daily and salting them, cleaned and repaired
+  his ship in succession, and took on board tobacco, sugar, and
+  every thing else he wanted, till in a condition to continue the
+  voyage. He then fully satisfied the governor for every thing
+  procured at this place, making payment in fire-arms, hats, silk
+  stockings, linen, stock-fish, and other European articles, and
+  made him a considerable present besides. In return, the governor
+  sent him some black cattle, and gave him a certificate of his
+  honourable behaviour.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote34" name="footnote34"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag34">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There must be a considerable mistake here in regard to the
+    latitude of Porto, said to be in 21° S. as Rio Janeiro
+    is in lat. 22° 54' S. and must therefore have been
+    eighty leagues distant. Perhaps the eight miles in the text, as
+    the distance to Rio Janeiro, ought to have been eighty leagues
+    or Dutch miles.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote35" name="footnote35"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag35">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is a most inconclusive mode of expression, perhaps
+    meaning Dutch florins, and if so, about &pound;636,363
+    sterling.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote36" name="footnote36"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag36">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is impossible to reconcile this longitude with any of the
+    first meridians mentioned in a former note, or indeed with any
+    known geographical principles. It is 45° 30' W. from
+    Greenwich. If reckoned from the meridian of Teneriffe, said to
+    be that used by the Dutch, this would place it 21° 10'
+    too far west, as Teneriffe is 16° 40' W. from
+    Greenwich. This place, in an island of the same name, has to be
+    carefully distinguished from the city of St Sebastian, now more
+    commonly known by the name of Rio de Janeiro.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote37" name="footnote37"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag37">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There is no doubt that at least some of the tribes roasted
+    and eat their prisoners, like the Caribs of the West Indies.
+    But certainly they had not arrived to that state of
+    civilization as to have markets; and beef and mutton were
+    unknown in America, till carried there from Europe.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote38" name="footnote38"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag38">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There are animals of the tyger kind in Brazil and other
+    parts of America, and the Jaguar, Owza, or Brazilian tyger, is
+    probably the one here meant. No elephants exist in America, and
+    their teeth, mentioned in the text, must have come from some of
+    the Portuguese African possessions.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION III.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to Juan Fernandez,
+  with a Description of that Island.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Every thing being settled at St Sebastian, Roggewein set sail
+  towards the S.W. and falling in with a desert island about three
+  leagues from the coast, he set on shore the swabber who had
+  attempted to murder the cook, pursuant to his sentence, as
+  formerly related. Leaving the coast of Brazil, the commodore
+  proposed to have visited an island called Aukes Magdeland, after
+  the name of its supposed discoverer, who is said to have seen a
+  light on that island about an hundred years before, but did not
+  go on shore. This island was said to be situated in the latitude
+  of 30° S. and as being in the route of the navigation
+  towards the South Sea, and in a good climate, he proposed to have
+  settled a colony there for the service of such ships as might
+  afterwards be bound for the <i>Southern Indies</i>, the object he
+  was now in search of, where they might be supplied with wood,
+  water, and other refreshments. But after much pains, he could
+  neither discover that nor any other island in or near the
+  latitude of 30° S. He therefore altered his coarse,
+  steering for those called the <i>New Islands</i> by the Dutch,
+  and the <i>Islands of St Lewis</i>, by a French privateer who
+  first discovered them. Keeping always within forty or fifty
+  leagues of the American coast, the squadron prosecuted its course
+  very happily, having always the advantage of the land and
+  sea-breezes; whereas, if it had kept farther from land, it would
+  infallibly have fallen in with the western trade-wind.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 21st December, being in lat. 40°. S. they were
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" id="page83"></a>[pg
+  83]</span> assailed by a hurricane, attended with thunder and
+  lightning, during which storm the Tienhoven parted company, and
+  did not rejoin till three months afterwards. The extreme violence
+  of this hurricane only lasted about four hours, during which they
+  every moment expected to have been swallowed up by the waves,
+  which ran mountain-high. These hurricanes are extremely
+  dangerous, and are far more frequent in the American seas than in
+  the East Indies. They usually happen at that season of the year
+  when the west monsoon reigns, which is from the 20th July to the
+  15th October, for which reason ships usually remain then in port
+  till they think the danger is over. Yet as storms of this kind
+  are not exactly periodical, ships that trust to such calculations
+  are often caught, as there are some years in which there are no
+  hurricanes, and others in which they are more frequent and
+  violent, and at unusual periods. The ordinary, or at least the
+  surest sign of an approaching hurricane, is very fair weather,
+  and so dead a calm that not even a wrinkle is to be seen on the
+  surface of the sea. A very dark cloud is then seen to rise in the
+  air, not larger than a man's hand, and in a very little time the
+  whole sky becomes overcast. The wind then begins to blow from the
+  west, and in a short space of time, whirls round the compass,
+  swelling the sea to a dreadful height; and as the wind blows now
+  on one side and then on the other, the contrary waves beat so
+  forcibly on the ships that they seldom escape foundering or
+  shipwreck. On first perceiving the before-mentioned small cloud,
+  the best thing a ship can do is to stand out to sea. It is
+  remarkable that the hurricanes are less frequent as we approach
+  the higher latitudes in either hemisphere, so that they are not
+  to be feared beyond the lat. of 55° either S. or N. It
+  is also remarked, that hurricanes rarely happen in the middle of
+  the wide ocean, but chiefly on the coasts of such countries as
+  abound with minerals, and off the mouths of large rivers. Another
+  surprising phenomenon at sea is what is called a whirlwind
+  water-spout, or syphon, which often carries up high into the air
+  whatever comes within the circle of its force, as fish,
+  grasshoppers, and other things, where they appear like a thick
+  vapour or cloud. The English fire at a water-spout or whirlwind,
+  and often succeed in stopping its progress; the circular motion
+  ceasing, and all that it had taken up falling immediately down,
+  when the sea becomes presently calm.</p>
+
+  <p>On the cessation of the hurricane, the commodore and his
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" id="page84"></a>[pg
+  84]</span> remaining consort, the African galley, continued their
+  course to the S.S.W. till in the height of the Straits of
+  Magellan. They here fell in with an island of near 200 leagues in
+  circumference, and about 14 leagues from the mainland of America,
+  and seeing no smoke, nor any boat, or other kind of embarkation,
+  they concluded that it was uninhabited. The west coast of this
+  island was discovered by a French privateer, and named the Island
+  of St Lewis; but being seen afterwards by the Dutch, who fancied
+  its many capes to be distinct islands, they called it <i>New
+  Islands</i>. Considering that, if ever it should be inhabited,
+  its inhabitants would be the antipodes of the Dutch, Roggewein
+  gave it the name of <i>Belgia Australis</i>. It is in the lat. of
+  52° S. and long. of 95° W.<a id="footnotetag39"
+  name="footnotetag39"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote39"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>The land appeared extremely beautiful and very fertile, being
+  chequered with mountains and vallies, all of which were cloathed
+  with fine straight trees. The verdure of the meadows, and
+  freshness of the woods, afforded a delightful prospect, insomuch
+  that all the people believed they should have found abundance of
+  excellent fruits. But the commodore would not delay by permitting
+  them to land, being anxious to get round Cape Horn, and chose
+  therefore to defer a thorough examination of this new country
+  till his return from discovering the southern continent and
+  islands: This, however reasonable, proved vain in the sequel, as
+  he was forced to return with his squadron by the East Indies; and
+  this fine island, therefore, is likely to continue in a great
+  measure unknown.</p>
+
+  <p>Quitting this island, they made for the Straits of Magellan,
+  in order to wait a wind favourable for their navigation, which
+  took place in a few days: for, if it had continued to blow from
+  the west, they could not possibly have got into the South Seas.
+  They now resolved to attempt the Straits of Le Maire, as
+  infinitely more commodious than the Strait of Magellan, in which
+  latter the sea has but small depth, and the meeting of the north
+  and south currents occasion continual rough seas. The bottom also
+  of the Straits of Magellan is rocky, affording no good anchorage;
+  and the flows of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page85" id=
+  "page85"></a>[pg 85]</span> winds from the mountains on both
+  sides are apt to endanger all ships that endeavour to pass
+  through these perilous straits. Having now a fair wind, they
+  continued their course to the south for the Straits of Le Maire,
+  seeing on their way abundance of whales and other large fish of
+  that kind. Among the rest, they were followed for a whole month
+  by that kind of fish which is called the <i>Sea Devil</i> by the
+  Dutch sailors, which they took the utmost pains to catch, but to
+  no purpose. It has a large head, a thick short body, and a very
+  long tail, like that which painters bestow on the dragon.</p>
+
+  <p>Arriving in the lat. of 55° S. they soon after saw
+  State Island, or Staten-land, which forms one side of the Straits
+  of Luttaire. The fury of the waves, and the clashing of
+  contending currents, gave such terrible shocks to their vessels,
+  that they expected every moment their yards should have been
+  broken, and their masts to come by the board. They would gladly
+  have come to anchor, especially on finding the bottom to be good,
+  but the weather and the sea were so rough that they durst not.
+  They passed through the straits, which are about ten leagues
+  long, by six over, with a swiftness not to be expressed, owing to
+  the force and rapidity of the current. After getting through,
+  this current, together with the westerly winds, carried them a
+  great way from the coast of America; and, that they might be sure
+  to sail free of Cape Horn, they sailed as high as the lat. of
+  62° 30' S. For three weeks together, they sustained the
+  most dreadful gusts of a furious west wind, accompanied with hail
+  and snow, and the most piercing frost. While enveloped in thick
+  mists, they were apprehensive of being driven by the extreme
+  violence of the winds upon mountains of ice, where they must
+  inevitably have perished.</p>
+
+  <p>Whenever the weather was in any degree clear or serene, they
+  had scarcely any night; for, being in the middle of January,
+  1722, the summer was then in its height, and the days at their
+  utmost length.</p>
+
+  <p>These mountains of ice, of which they were so much afraid, are
+  certain proofs that the southern countries extend quite to the
+  pole, as well as those under the north; for, without question,
+  these vast hills of ice cannot be produced in the sea, nor formed
+  by the common force of cold. It must therefore he concluded, that
+  they are occasioned by the sharp piercing winds blowing out of
+  the mouths of large rivers.<a id="footnotetag40" name=
+  "footnotetag40"></a><a href="#footnote40"><sup>2</sup></a>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page86" id="page86"></a>[pg
+  86]</span> It is no less certain, that the currents discerned in
+  this ocean must all proceed from the mouths of large rivers,
+  which, rolling down from a high continent, fall with such
+  impetuosity into the sea, as to preserve a great part of their
+  force long after they have entered it.<a id="footnotetag41" name=
+  "footnotetag41"></a><a href="#footnote41"><sup>3</sup></a> The
+  great quantity of birds seen here was an additional proof that
+  land was not far off. It may be asked, whether this land be
+  inhabited or not? For my part I believe it is. It may be again
+  asked, How men should live in such a climate, in the lat. of
+  70° S. where the winter is so very long, the summer so
+  short, and where they must be involved for so great a portion of
+  the year in perpetual night? To this I answer, That such as dwell
+  there come only in the fine season in order to fish, and retire
+  on the approach of winter, as is done by many of the inhabitants
+  of Russia and of Davis Straits, who, when they have provided
+  themselves with fish on the coasts of a frozen climate, retire
+  farther inland, and eat in their cabins during the winter the
+  fish they have caught in the summer. If the people who inhabit
+  Greenland and Davis Straits are to be believed, the country is
+  inhabited even as high as 70° N. both winter and summer;
+  and what is practicable in one country, cannot justly be reputed
+  impracticable when supposed in another.<a id="footnotetag42"
+  name="footnotetag42"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote42"><sup>4</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Being driven 500 leagues from the continent by the contrary
+  winds, the commodore now believed that he was beyond Cape Horn to
+  the westwards, and steered therefore N.E. by N. in order to fall
+  in with the coast of Chili. On <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page87" id="page87"></a>[pg 87]</span> the 10th March, being in
+  lat. 37° 30' S. they discovered the coast of Chili to
+  their great joy, and anchored soon after on the coast of the
+  island of Mocha, which is three leagues from the continent.<a id=
+  "footnotetag43" name="footnotetag43"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote43"><sup>5</sup></a> They were in hopes of finding on
+  this island at least a part of the refreshments of which they
+  were in want, especially fresh meat and vegetables, but were
+  disappointed, by finding the island entirely abandoned, all its
+  inhabitants having removed to the main land. They saw, however,
+  in the island a multitude of horses and birds, and found some
+  dogs in two cabins near the shore. They also discovered the wreck
+  of a Spanish ship, from which they supposed the dogs had got on
+  shore. The horses were supposed to have been left here to graze,
+  and that the owners came at certain times from the main to take
+  them, as wanted. They here killed abundance of geese and ducks;
+  and finding the coast extremely rocky, and having no safe place
+  of anchorage, they resolved to put to sea. In a council of the
+  officers, it was determined to continue for some time longer on
+  the coast of Chili, in hopes of meeting with some port in which
+  they could safely anchor, in order to get some refreshments; but
+  perceiving the Spaniards to be every where on their guard, they
+  steered W.N.W. for the island of Juan Fernandez, which they
+  reckoned to be at the distance of ninety leagues in that
+  direction. Although the coast of Chili appears to be enormously
+  high when seen from a distance, they discovered, by sailing along
+  shore, that it was not higher than the coast of England, and that
+  they had been deceived by the enormous height of the inland
+  mountains, the tops of which are hid in the clouds, and cloathed
+  in perpetual snow.</p>
+
+  <p>Having a favourable wind, they made way at a great rate, and
+  got sight of the island of Juan Fernandez, on the fourth day
+  after leaving the coast of Chili, but could not get to anchor
+  that day in the road, owing to its falling calm. Next day, when
+  ready to go in, they were astonished by seeing a ship riding at
+  anchor, which they conjectured to be either a Spanish ship of
+  force or a French interloper, but at last concluded to be a
+  pirate. While consulting what to do, they saw the boat belonging
+  to the ship coming towards them, carrying a Spanish flag, on
+  which they began to prepare for <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page88" id="page88"></a>[pg 88]</span> an engagement, but were
+  astonished beyond measure, on its nearer approach, to find that
+  it belonged to their consort the Tienhoven, which they concluded
+  had foundered. Captain Bowman was himself on board the boat, and
+  shewed how well he had followed his instructions, as, by the
+  commodore's orders in case of separation, this was to be the
+  first place of rendezvous; whence, after cruizing six weeks, they
+  were to repair to lat. 28° S. and cruize there a similar
+  time: But, in case of not meeting the commodore in either of
+  these places, they were then to open their sealed instructions,
+  and follow them exactly. As soon as Captain Bowman was on board
+  the commodore, he made a signal agreed on to his own ship, to
+  acquaint them that the two ships were their consorts, After this,
+  the Eagle and African entered the harbour.</p>
+
+  <p>When leisure permitted, Captain Bowman gave an account of the
+  dangers he had encountered in passing the Straits of Magellan:
+  That he had met with many storms on the coast of America, and
+  that his ship was in a very bad condition, having only arrived at
+  Juan Fernandez the evening before his consorts, both of which he
+  believed had been lost in the hurricane at the time of their
+  separation. The three captains afterwards dined together very
+  cheerfully in the Tienhoven, where they recounted and
+  reciprocally commiserated their past misfortunes, and rejoiced at
+  their present happy meeting. As it still continued a dead calm,
+  they were unable to come to anchor at the place intended, but
+  they next day got close beside the Tienhoven, anchoring in forty
+  fathoms, within musket-shot of the shore. The sick were now
+  landed, and proper persons sent ashore along with them to
+  construct cabins or huts for their accommodation; and to search
+  for provisions and refreshments.</p>
+
+  <p>According to the author of this voyage, the island of Juan
+  Fernandez is one of the finest and best situated in the world,
+  having a pleasant, wholesome, and temperate climate, fit to
+  restore health to the sick, and to give a constant flow of
+  spirits to those who are in health, which this author personally
+  experienced, having here recovered from a complication of
+  disorders to perfect health. The hills are covered with tall
+  trees of various kinds, fit for all kinds of uses; and the
+  vallies are fertile, and able to produce all the necessaries of
+  life with very little cultivation. It abounds with small streams
+  and brooks, the banks of which are covered with wholesome giants;
+  and the waters which run down from the mountains, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page89" id="page89"></a>[pg 89]</span> though
+  not in the least disagreeable to the taste, or injurious to
+  health, are so impregnated with some mineral particles, that they
+  never corrupt. On the east side of the bay in which the Dutch
+  ships anchored, there are three mountains, the middlemost of
+  which resembles the Table Mountains at the Cape of Good Hope.
+  Behind these there are many other mountains which rise to a
+  prodigious height, and are generally covered by very thick mist,
+  especially in the mornings and evenings, whence I am apt to
+  suspect that these mountains may contain rich mines. To give a
+  just idea of the island in few words, it resembles in all
+  respects the country at the Cape of Good Hope.</p>
+
+  <p>This author also mentions the sea-lions and seals of other
+  writers, and adds, that there are sea-cows also of enormous size,
+  some weighing near half a ton. He also mentions the abundance and
+  excellence of the fish, of which the Dutch cured many thousands
+  during their short stay, which proved extraordinarily good, and
+  were of great service during the rest of the voyage. He mentions
+  goats also on the island in abundance, but says the Dutch were
+  unable to catch them, and at a loss how to get at their bodies
+  when shot; but they were frightened from this sport by an unlucky
+  accident which happened to the steward of one of the ships, soon
+  after their arrival, who, rambling one evening in the mountains,
+  fell suddenly from the top of a rock and was dashed to pieces.
+  They found here the remains of a wreck, supposed by them to have
+  been of a Spanish ship; but it was more probably the vestiges of
+  the Speedwell, lost a year before, and from which, by diving,
+  some of the sailors recovered several pieces of silver plate.</p>
+
+  <p>Having attentively considered the advantageous situation and
+  many conveniences of this island, Roggewein conceived the design
+  of settling on it, as the most proper place that could be thought
+  of for ships bound, as he was, for the <i>Terra Australis</i>, or
+  southern islands, and was the more encouraged in this design by
+  considering the fertility of the island, which could not fail to
+  afford sufficient subsistence for six hundred families at least.
+  He postponed this, however, as also the settlement of <i>Belgia
+  Australis</i>, or Falkland islands, till his proposed return,
+  owing to which they never were settled. A settlement at the
+  latter might have afforded a proper place for ships to careen and
+  refit at, and to procure wood and water, after the long voyage
+  from Europe, before entering the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page90" id="page90"></a>[pg 90]</span> Straits of Magellan, and
+  Juan Fernandez would have afforded every convenience for
+  repairing any injuries that might have been sustained in passing
+  through these straits, or going round Cape Horn. Whatever nation
+  may revive and prosecute this plan, will certainly acquire in a
+  few years as rich and profitable a commerce as is now possessed
+  by the Spaniards with Mexico and Peru, or the Portuguese with
+  Brazil.<a id="footnotetag44" name="footnotetag44"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote44"><sup>6</sup></a></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote39" name="footnote39"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag39">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There is not the smallest doubt that the text refers to the
+    Falkland islands or Malouines, which consist of two principal
+    islands, called West and East Islands, besides a number of
+    islets, about 360 English miles from the continent of South
+    America. The centre of the west, or principal island, is in
+    lat. 51° 25' S. and long. 60° W. from
+    Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote40" name="footnote40"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag40">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is quite erroneous, as it is now well known that the
+    sea water freezes, when reduced to a sufficient degree of cold,
+    considerably lower than what is requisite for freezing fresh
+    water. On this occasion, the salt precipitates from the
+    freezing water, and the ice of sea water is sufficiently fresh
+    for use when melted, if the first running be thrown away, which
+    often contains salt, either adhering to the surface, or
+    contained in cells.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote41" name="footnote41"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag41">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is poor reasoning to support a preconceived theory of a
+    southern continent, and might easily have been answered by
+    themselves, as the prodigious current which set them through
+    the Straits of Le Maire with such rapidity, could not have
+    originated from any such cause. Currents are well known to be
+    occasioned by the tides, the diurnal revolution of the earth,
+    and by prevailing winds, influenced and directed by the
+    bendings of coasts, the interposition of islands, and the
+    position of straits. No such currents could possibly come from
+    rivers in an austral land, locked up in ever-during frost,
+    should any such land exist.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote42" name="footnote42"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag42">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It might be asked, whence are these fishers to come? Not
+    surely from among the miserable inhabitants of Terra del Fuego.
+    A miserable hypothesis is thus often obstinately defended by
+    wretched arguments.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote43" name="footnote43"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag43">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Mocha is in lat. 36° 20' S. and about 20 miles from
+    the coast of Chili.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote44" name="footnote44"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag44">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Britain once tried a settlement at Falkland islands, and had
+    nearly gone to war with Spain on the occasion; and there can be
+    no doubt that Spain could never have submitted to the
+    settlement of Juan Fernandez by any other power. There is now a
+    fort and small garrison kept in that island.E</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION IV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Continuation of the Voyage from Juan Fernandez till the
+  Shipwreck of the African Galley.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>On leaving Juan Fernandez, Roggewein proposed to visit that
+  part of the southern lands which was reported to have been
+  discovered by Davis in 1680.<a id="footnotetag45" name=
+  "footnotetag45"></a><a href="#footnote45"><sup>1</sup></a> As the
+  Dutch author of this voyage is rather dark on this subject, I
+  shall here insert Mr Wafer's account of this discovery, as it is
+  very short. Wafer was a man of sense and knowledge, who sailed
+  along with Davis when this discovery was made.</p>
+
+  <p>"We steered from the Gallapagos island S. by E. 1/2 E. until
+  we came into the lat. of 27° 20' S. when we fell in with
+  a low sandy island, and heard a great roaring noise right a-head
+  of the ship, like that of the sea beating on the shore. It being
+  some hours before day, and fearing to fall foul of the shore, the
+  ship put about, and plied off and on till next morning, and then
+  stood in for the land, which proved to be a small flat island,
+  not surrounded by any rocks. To the westwards, about twelve
+  leagues by estimation, we saw a range of high land which we took
+  to be islands, as there were several partitions in the prospect,
+  and this land seemed to extend fourteen or sixteen leagues. There
+  came great flocks of fowls from that direction; and I and more of
+  the men would have made this land and gone on shore there,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page91" id="page91"></a>[pg
+  91]</span> but the captain would not consent. The small island
+  bears 500 leagues from Copaipo almost due W. and from the
+  Gallapagos 600 leagues."<a id="footnotetag46" name=
+  "footnotetag46"></a><a href="#footnote46"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>In prosecuting his voyage to the westwards, the first land
+  seen by Roggewein was the lesser island of Juan Fernandez,
+  otherwise called Massa-fuero, about ninety-five English miles
+  direct west. This appeared lower and less fertile from a
+  distance, but they had not an opportunity of landing. Having the
+  benefit of a S.E. trade-wind, they soon arrived in lat.
+  28° S. and the longitude of 251° E. where they
+  expected to have fallen in with the land seen by Davis, but no
+  such land was to be found. Continuing their voyage to the
+  westwards, and attended by a vast quantity of birds, they arrived
+  on the coast of a small island about sixteen leagues in extent,
+  which they fell in with on the 14th April, 1722, being
+  Easter-day, and called it therefore <i>Pascha</i>, or
+  <i>Easter</i> Island.</p>
+
+  <p>The African galley being the smallest ship, was sent in first
+  to examine this new discovery, and reported that it seemed to be
+  very fertile and well peopled, as abundance of smoke was to be
+  seen in all parts of the island. Next day, while looking out for
+  a port, and when about two miles from the shore, an Indian came
+  off to the ships in a canoe, who came readily on board and was
+  well received. Being naked, he was first presented with a piece
+  of cloth to cover him, and they gave him afterwards pieces of
+  coral, beads, and other toys, all of which he hung about his
+  neck, together with a dried fish. His body was painted all over
+  with a variety of figures, through which the natural colour of
+  his skin appeared to be dark brown. His ears were excessively
+  large and long, hanging down to his shoulders, occasioned
+  doubtless by wearing large heavy ear-rings; a thing also
+  practised by the natives of Malabar. He was tall, well-made,
+  robust and of a pleasing countenance, and brisk and active in his
+  manners, appearing to be very merry by his gestures and way of
+  speaking. They gave him victuals, of which he eat heartily, but
+  could not be prevailed on to use a knife and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page92" id="page92"></a>[pg 92]</span> fork;
+  and when offered a glass of wine threw it away to their great
+  surprise, afraid of being poisoned, or offended by the smell of
+  strong liquor, to which he was unaccustomed. He was then dressed
+  from head to foot, and had a hat put on his head, with which he
+  did not seem at all pleased, but cut a very awkward figure, and
+  seemed uneasy. The music was then ordered to play, with which he
+  seemed much pleased, and when taken by the hand would leap and
+  dance. Finding it impossible to bring the ships to anchor that
+  day, they sent off the Indian, allowing him to keep all he had
+  got in order to encourage the rest to come on board. But, what
+  was really surprising, he had no mind to go away, and looked at
+  the Dutch with regret, held up his hands towards his native
+  island, and cried in a loud voice several times <i>Odorega!</i>
+  making appear by signs that he would much rather have staid, and
+  they had much ado to get him into his canoe. They afterwards
+  imagined he called upon his gods, as they saw abundance of idols
+  erected on the coast when they landed.<a id="footnotetag47" name=
+  "footnotetag47"></a><a href="#footnote47"><sup>3</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Next morning at day-break, the ships entered a cove or bay on
+  the S.E. side of the island, when <i>many thousands</i><a id=
+  "footnotetag48" name="footnotetag48"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote48"><sup>4</sup></a> of the inhabitants came down to
+  meet them, bringing with them vast quantities of fowls and roots;
+  and many of them brought these provisions on board, while the
+  rest ran backwards and forwards on the shore, like so many wild
+  beasts. As the ships drew near, the islanders crowded down to the
+  shore to get a better view of them, and at the same time lighted
+  fires, and made offerings to their idols, probably to implore
+  their protection against the strangers. All that day the Dutch
+  spent in getting into the bay and mooring their ships. Next
+  morning very early, the islanders were observed prostrating
+  themselves before their idols towards the rising sun, and making
+  burnt offerings. While preparations were making for landing, the
+  friendly native who had been before on board came a second time,
+  accompanied by many others, who had their canoes loaded with
+  living fowls and roots cooked after their manner, as if to make
+  themselves welcome. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" id=
+  "page93"></a>[pg 93]</span> Among this troop of islanders there
+  was one man perfectly white, having round pendents in his ears as
+  big as a man's fist. He had a grave decent air, and was supposed
+  to be a priest. By some accident, one of the islanders was shot
+  dead in his canoe by a musket, which threw the whole into
+  prodigious confusion, most of them leaping into the sea in order
+  to get the sooner ashore; while the rest who remained in their
+  canoes paddled away with all their might.</p>
+
+  <p>The Dutch presently followed, and made a descent with 150
+  soldiers and seamen, at the head of whom was Commodore Roggewein,
+  accompanied by the author of the voyage, who commanded the
+  soldiers. The islanders crowded so close upon them while landing,
+  that they thought it necessary to make their way by force,
+  especially as some of the natives were so bold as to lay hold of
+  their arms; and the Dutch accordingly fired, when a great number
+  of the islanders were slain, among whom was the friendly native
+  who had been twice aboard ship. This frightened and dispersed
+  them; yet in a few minutes they rallied again, but did not come
+  quite so near the strangers as before, keeping at the distance of
+  about ten yards, as if they supposed that were sufficient to
+  ensure their safety from the muskets. Their consternation was
+  however very great, and they howled and lamented dismally. After
+  all, as if to employ every possible means to mollify their
+  invaders, the men, women, and children presented themselves in
+  the most humble postures, carrying branches of palm in token of
+  peace and submission, bringing plenty of provisions of all kinds,
+  and even pointing to their women, giving the Dutch to understand
+  by signs that these were entirely at their disposal, and that
+  they might carry as many of them on board ship as they thought
+  proper. Softened by these tokens of submission, the Dutch did
+  them no farther harm, but made them presents of coral beads and
+  small looking-glasses, and distributed among them sixty yards of
+  painted cloth.</p>
+
+  <p>The natives now brought at once to the Dutch about 500 live
+  fowls, every way the same with the ordinary poultry of Europe,
+  together with a great quantity of red and white roots and
+  potatoes, which these islanders use instead of bread. They
+  brought also several hundred sugar-canes, and a great quantity of
+  <i>pisans</i>, which are a sort of figs as large as gourds
+  covered by a green rind, the pulp of which is as sweet as honey.
+  The leaves of the tree on which these <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page94" id="page94"></a>[pg 94]</span> figs
+  grow are six or eight feet long and three broad, and there are
+  sometimes an hundred of these <i>pisans</i> on one bough. The
+  Dutch saw no quadrupeds of any kind, yet supposed there might be
+  cattle and other beasts in the interior, as on shewing some hogs
+  to the islanders, they expressed by signs that they had seen such
+  animals before. They used pots to dress their meat in; and it
+  appeared that every family or tribe among them dwelt in a
+  separate village. The huts or cabins composing these villages
+  were from forty to sixty feet long, by six or eight feet broad,
+  made of upright poles, having the interstices filled up with loam
+  or fat earth, and covered at top with palm leaves. They drew most
+  of their subsistence from the earth by cultivation, the land
+  being portioned out into small plantations very neatly divided
+  and staked out. While the Dutch were there, almost all the fruits
+  and roots were in full maturity, and the island seemed to abound
+  in good things. In their houses there were not many moveables,
+  and those they had were of no value, except some red and white
+  quilts or cloths, which served them in the day for mantles, and
+  at night for coverlets. The stuff of which these were composed
+  felt as soft as silk, and was probably of their own
+  manufacture.</p>
+
+  <p>The natives of this island were in general a brisk, slender,
+  active, well-made people, very swift of foot, and seemed of sweet
+  tempers, and modest dispositions, but timorous and faint-hearted;
+  for whenever they brought fowls or other provisions to the Dutch,
+  they threw themselves on their knees, and immediately on
+  delivering their presents retired in all haste. They were mostly
+  as brown-complexioned as Spaniards, some among them being almost
+  black, while others were white, and others again had their skins
+  entirely red, as if sun-burnt. Their ears hung down to their
+  shoulders, and some had large white bales hanging to them, which
+  they seemed to consider as a great ornament. Their bodies were
+  painted all over with the figures of birds and other animals, on
+  some much better executed than on others.<a id="footnotetag49"
+  name="footnotetag49"></a><a href="#footnote49"><sup>5</sup></a>
+  All their women had artificial bloom on their cheeks, but of
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page95" id="page95"></a>[pg
+  95]</span> a much deeper crimson than is known in Europe, and the
+  Dutch could not discover what this colour was composed of. They
+  wore little hats on their heads made of straw or reeds, and had
+  no other covering than the quilts or mantles formerly
+  mentioned.<a id="footnotetag50" name="footnotetag50"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote50"><sup>6</sup></a> The women were by no means
+  extremely modest, for they invited the Dutchmen into their houses
+  by signs, and when they sat by them would throw off their
+  mantles, as inviting familiarity. It is very singular of these
+  islanders, that the Dutch saw no appearance whatever of arms
+  among them; but, when attacked, they fled for refuge to their
+  idols, numbers of which were erected all along the coast. These
+  idols were all of stone, representing the figures of men with
+  great ears, their heads covered by the representations of crowns;
+  and all so nicely proportioned, and so highly finished, that the
+  Dutch were much amazed. Many of the inhabitants seemed to be more
+  frequent and more zealous worshippers of these images than the
+  rest, which induced the Dutch to believe that these were priests;
+  and that the more especially, as their heads were close shaven,
+  on which they wore caps of black and white feathers,<a id=
+  "footnotetag51" name="footnotetag51"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote51"><sup>7</sup></a> and they had large white balls
+  hanging at their ears.</p>
+
+  <p>No appearance of government or subordination was observed
+  among these islanders, and consequently no prince or chief having
+  dominion over the rest. The old people wore bonnets made of
+  feathers resembling the down of ostriches, and had sticks in
+  their hands. In some of the houses, the father of the family was
+  observed to have rule over all its inhabitants, and was obeyed
+  with the greatest readiness. In the opinion of the Dutch author
+  of this voyage, this island might be settled to great advantage,
+  as the air is very wholesome and the soil rich; being proper for
+  producing corn in the low lands, and its higher grounds might be
+  converted into vineyards. On the evening, after returning on
+  board, Roggewein proposed to land again next morning with a force
+  sufficient to make a strict survey of the whole island: But
+  during the night there arose so strong a west wind as drove them
+  from their anchors, and they were forced to put <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page96" id="page96"></a>[pg 96]</span> to sea,
+  to avoid being shipwrecked. After this misfortune, they cruized
+  for some time in the same latitude, seeking in vain for the land
+  discovered by Davis, on which Roggewein determined to bear away
+  for the <i>Bad Sea of Schouten</i>, keeping always a west course,
+  in hopes of discovering some new land. In this coarse, they soon
+  found themselves in the height of the island discovered by
+  Schonten in 1615, to which he gave the name of <i>Bad-water</i>,
+  because all its waters were brackish; but, by changing their
+  course, they ran 300 leagues out of their way, and at least 150
+  leagues farther than Schonten.</p>
+
+  <p>In this wide sea, Roggewein sailed upwards of 800 leagues
+  without seeing land, though he frequently varied his course. At
+  length, when in lat. 15° 30' S. they discovered a very
+  low island, the coast of which was covered with a deep
+  yellow-coloured sand, having in the middle of the island a kind
+  of pond, lake, or lagoon. All the principal officers were of
+  opinion that this was the island to which Schonten gave the name
+  of <i>Dog</i> island, and did not therefore think it necessary to
+  go on shore for more particular examination.<a id="footnotetag52"
+  name="footnotetag52"></a><a href="#footnote52"><sup>8</sup></a>
+  The author of this voyage was of a different opinion, conceiving
+  it a new discovery, and calling it <i>Carlshoff</i>,<a id=
+  "footnotetag53" name="footnotetag53"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote53"><sup>9</sup></a> which he says is in lat.
+  15° 45' S. and long. 280°. He describes it as a
+  low flat island of about three leagues in extent, having a lake
+  in the middle.</p>
+
+  <p>Leaving this island, the wind came about to the S.W. a sign
+  that they were near some coast, which had changed the current of
+  the air; and by this alteration of wind they were driven among
+  some small islands, where they found themselves considerably
+  embarrassed. In this situation the African galley led the way for
+  the rest, as sailing best and drawing least water; but she soon
+  found herself in such danger, that they fired repeated guns of
+  distress, on which the other two ships hastened to her
+  assistance, when they found her stuck so fast between two rocks
+  that it was impossible to get her of? and were only able to save
+  her people. Roused by the noise of the signal guns, the natives
+  of the surrounding <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" id=
+  "page97"></a>[pg 97]</span> islands kindled many fires on their
+  hills, and flocked in crowds to the coasts; and the Dutch; not
+  knowing what might be their designs in the darkness of the night
+  and in the midst of their own confusion, fired upon them without
+  ceremony, that they might have as few dangers as possible to deal
+  with at one time. In the morning as soon as it was light, they
+  had a clear view of the danger all the ships had been in during
+  the darkness of the past night, finding themselves environed on
+  all sides by four islands, with a continued chain of steep rocks,
+  and so close together that they could hardly discern the channel
+  by which they had got in, so that they had much reason to be
+  thankful for having been so wonderfully preserved in the midst of
+  so much danger. On this occasion only one seaman was lost, who
+  belonged to the Tienhoven, and who, in his eagerness to go to
+  succour his friends, dropt overboard and was drowned.</p>
+
+  <p>The danger was by no means over as soon as discovered, as it
+  cost the Dutch no less than five days to extricate themselves
+  from their perilous situation, during which time the commodore
+  was separated from the Tienhoven, and remained ignorant of the
+  fate of the African. At length, the boat of the Tienhoven, having
+  sailed all round the group of islands, brought information that
+  the crew of the African had got safe on shore; and that the
+  natives, after being once fired on, had retired into the interior
+  in all haste. Roggewein now sent his boat to bring off all those
+  who had got on shore; and on mustering the crew of the African on
+  board the Eagle, it appeared that a quarter-master and four
+  seamen were missing. On enquiry, it was found that these men had
+  chosen to remain on the island, as they had mutinied against
+  their officers on getting ashore, because they had interposed to
+  prevent them from killing each other with their knives, and
+  Captain Rosenthall had threatened to have them all put to death
+  when he got them aboard the commodore, wherefore they had fled to
+  avoid punishment. Being unwilling to lose them, the commodore
+  sent the author of this narrative with a detachment of soldiers
+  to bring them away, but he was unable to succeed.</p>
+
+  <p>These islands are situated between the latitudes of
+  15° and 16° S. about twelve leagues west from
+  Carlshoff,<a id="footnotetag54" name="footnotetag54"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote54"><sup>10</sup></a> each of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page98" id="page98"></a>[pg 98]</span> them
+  appearing to be four or five leagues in compass. That on which
+  the African was shipwrecked was named <i>Mischievous Island</i>,
+  the two next it the <i>Brothers</i>, and the fourth the
+  <i>Sister</i> All four islands were beautifully verdant, and
+  abounded in fine tall trees, especially cocoas; and the crews
+  found material benefit while here by refreshing themselves on the
+  vegetable productions of these islands, by which many of them
+  were surprisingly recovered from the scurvy. The Dutch found here
+  vast quantities of muscles, cockles, mother-of-pearls, and
+  pearl-oysters, which gave reason to expect that a valuable pearl
+  fishery might have been established here. These islands are
+  extremely low, so that some parts of them must be frequently
+  overflowed; but the inhabitants have plenty of stout canoes, as
+  also stout barks provided with sails and cables; and the Dutch
+  found several pieces of rope on the shore, that seemed made of
+  hemp. The natives were of extraordinary size, all their bodies
+  being painted [or <i>tatooed</i>] with many colours, and had
+  mostly long black hair, though some had brown hair even inclined
+  towards red. They were armed with pikes or lances eighteen or
+  twenty feet long, and kept in bodies of fifty or an hundred
+  together, endeavouring to entice the Dutch to follow them into
+  the interior, as if to draw them into an ambuscade, on purpose to
+  be revenged for the loss they had sustained by the firing on the
+  night of the shipwreck.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote45" name="footnote45"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag45">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>We have omitted a long, inconclusive, and uninteresting
+    discussion about the climate and productions of the proposed
+    discovery, the <i>Terra Australis</i>, which still remains
+    <i>incognito</i>, or rather has been clearly shewn to have no
+    existence.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote46" name="footnote46"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag46">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There can be no doubt that the small low flat island was
+    Easter island, in lat. 27° 20' S. long. 110°
+    10' W. Its distance from Copaipo, almost due W. is almost
+    exactly 40° or 800 marine leagues. The range of high
+    land seen to the westwards, could be nothing but a fog bank, so
+    that Roggewein set out from Juan Fernandez in search of a
+    nonentity.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote47" name="footnote47"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag47">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It will be afterwards seen in the modern circumnavigations,
+    that there are several gigantic statues, having a distant
+    resemblance to the human figure, on this island, which are
+    perhaps alluded to in the text.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote48" name="footnote48"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag48">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This surely is a prodigious exaggeration, as the island is
+    utterly incapable to have supported any considerable number of
+    inhabitants, and there is not any other within 1500
+    miles.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote49" name="footnote49"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag49">(return)</a>
+
+    <p><i>Tatooed</i> in all probability, a practice so common
+    through the inhabitants of Polynesia, which will be minutely
+    described in an after division of this collection. It may
+    suffice to say at present, that this decoration is formed by
+    pricking the skin with sharp instruments till it just bleeds,
+    and afterwards rubbing some coloured powders into the
+    punctures, which leave indelible stains.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote50" name="footnote50"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag50">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is left ambiguous whether these straw hats and mantles
+    were worn by both sexes, or confined exclusively to the
+    women.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote51" name="footnote51"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag51">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>A dissertation is here omitted on a fancied migration of
+    storks annually from Europe to this island and others in the
+    South-sea, as high as lat. 40° and 50° S.
+    merely because the Dutch thought the feathers in these caps
+    resembled those of storks.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote52" name="footnote52"></a><b>Footnote 8:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag52">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In modern geography Dog island is placed in lat.
+    15° 10' S. long. 137° 45' W. from
+    Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote53" name="footnote53"></a><b>Footnote 9:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag53">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Carlshoff is laid down by Arrowsmith in lat. 15°
+    45' S. as in the text, and long. 145° 28' W. The first
+    meridian used for the longitude in the text is quite
+    inexplicable, and was probably assumed on very erroneous
+    computation. It is 190 marine leagues due west from Dog
+    island.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote54" name="footnote54"></a><b>Footnote 10:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag54">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Pernicious islands, almost certainly the Mischievous islands
+    of the text, are placed in lat. 16° 5' S. and long.
+    148° 50' W. about 20 leagues W. by S. from Carlshoff
+    by Arrowsmith.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION V.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of the African,
+  to the Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The next morning after leaving Mischievous island, they saw a
+  new island eight leagues to the west, to which they gave the name
+  of <i>Aurora</i> island, because observed first at break of day.
+  At this time the Tienhoven was so near, that if the sun had risen
+  half an hour later, she must have shared the same fate with the
+  African, as she was within cannon-shot of the shore when the
+  danger was perceived, and she then tacked and escaped with
+  considerable difficulty. The fright which this occasioned
+  produced a mutiny, in which all the seamen insisted with the
+  commodore either to return immediately, or to give them security
+  for payment of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" id=
+  "page99"></a>[pg 99]</span> their wages, in case they should be
+  so unfortunate as to suffer shipwreck. This request seemed just
+  and reasonable, being daily exposed to excessive fatigue in these
+  stormy and unknown seas, and at the same time ran the hazard of
+  losing all the reward of their labours, as it is the custom in
+  Holland that the seamen lose their wages if the ship is lost in
+  which they sail. The commodore listened to their complaints with
+  much humanity, and immediately gave them assurance upon oath,
+  that they should have their wages to the uttermost farthing, and
+  kept his promise with the utmost exactness; for, though the
+  African was lost before, and both the other ships were condemned
+  at Batavia, yet every one of their respective crews received
+  their full wages on their arrival at Amsterdam.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of <i>Aurora</i> was about four leagues in extent,
+  the whole being covered with delightful verdure, and adorned with
+  lofty trees interspersed with smaller wood. But, as the coast was
+  found to be all foul and rocky, they left this island also
+  without landing. Towards evening of the same day, they had sight
+  of another island, to which therefore they gave the name of
+  <i>Vesper</i>.<a id="footnotetag55" name=
+  "footnotetag55"></a><a href="#footnote55"><sup>1</sup></a> This
+  was about twelve leagues in circuit, all low land, yet verdant
+  and containing abundance of trees of various sorts. Continuing
+  their course to the west in about the latitude of 15° S.
+  they next morning discovered another country; and, as it was
+  covered with smoke, they concluded it was inhabited, and made
+  there all sail to come to it, in hopes of procuring refreshments.
+  On approaching nearer, some of the inhabitants were seen
+  diverting themselves off the coast in their canoes. They also
+  perceived by degrees, that what they had at first supposed to be
+  one country or large island, was in reality abundance of islands
+  standing close together, among which they had now entered so far,
+  that they found it difficult to get out again. In this situation,
+  a man was sent to the mast-head to look out for a passage, and as
+  the weather was quite serene, they had the good fortune to get
+  out once more into the open sea without injury; although in
+  passing by several steep ranges of rocks, they had reason to
+  consider this as a great deliverance. There were six of these
+  islands, exceedingly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" id=
+  "page100"></a>[pg 100]</span> beautiful and pleasant in
+  appearance, which altogether could not be less than thirty
+  leagues in circumference. They were about twenty-five leagues
+  west from Mischievous island, and the Dutch called them the
+  Labyrinth,<a id="footnotetag56" name="footnotetag56"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote56"><sup>2</sup></a> having difficultly got clear of
+  them by numerous tacks.</p>
+
+  <p>As it was very dangerous to anchor on the coast, and as none
+  of the inhabitants came off in their canoes, the Dutch did not
+  think fit to make any stay, but continued still a western course,
+  and in a few days discovered another island, which at a distance
+  appeared very high and beautiful; but, on a nearer approach they
+  found no ground for anchorage, and the coast appeared so rocky
+  that they were afraid to venture near. Each ship therefore
+  embarked twenty-five men in their boats, in order to make a
+  descent. The natives no sooner perceived their design than they
+  came down in crowds to the coast to oppose their landing, being
+  armed with long spears, which they soon shewed they knew how to
+  use to the best advantage. When the boats drew near, the shore
+  was found to be so steep and rocky, that the boats could not come
+  to land, on which most of the sailors went into the water with
+  their arms in their hands, having some baubles fit for presents
+  to the natives tied upon their heads; while those who remained in
+  the boats kept up a continual fire to clear the shore. This
+  expedient succeeded, and the seamen got ashore without much
+  resistance from the natives; who were frightened by the fire of
+  the musquetry, and retired up the mountains, but came down again
+  as soon as the Dutch ceased firing.</p>
+
+  <p>On the return of the islanders, the Dutch who had landed
+  shewed them small mirrors, beads, and other baubles, and the
+  people came up to them without fear, took their presents, and
+  suffered them to search where they pleased for herbs and
+  sallading for the sick. They found abundance of these, and soon
+  filled twelve sacks, six for the Eagle and six for the Tienhoven,
+  the inhabitants even assisting them and shewing them the best
+  sorts. They carried their cargo of greens immediately on board,
+  which were more acceptable to the sick than if they had brought
+  them as much gold and silver. Next morning a larger body of men
+  were ordered on shore, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page101"
+  id="page101"></a>[pg 101]</span> both on purpose to gather herbs
+  and to examine the island. The first thing they did was to make a
+  present to the king or chief of a considerable assortment of
+  trinkets, which he received with an air of indifference and
+  disdain, which did not promise much good in their future
+  intercourse, yet sent the Dutch a considerable quantity of cocoa
+  nuts in return, which were very agreeable to them in their
+  present circumstances. The chief was distinguished from the
+  ordinary inhabitants by wearing various ornaments of pearls, as
+  they judged to the value of 600 florins, or L. 55 sterling. The
+  women of the island seemed to admire the white men much, and
+  almost stifled them with caresses: But this was all employed to
+  lull the Dutch into security, that the plot contrived by the men
+  for their destruction might the more readily succeed.</p>
+
+  <p>When the Dutch had filled twenty sacks with greens, they
+  advanced farther into the country, till they came to the top of
+  some steep rocks, which hung over a large and deep valley, the
+  natives going both before and behind them, quite unsuspected of
+  any evil intention. At length, thinking they had the Dutch at an
+  advantage, the natives suddenly quitted them, and soon after
+  prodigious numbers came pouring out from caves and holes in the
+  rocks, and surrounded the Dutch on all sides, while they
+  immediately formed in close order for defence. The chief or king
+  then made a signal for the Dutch to keep off, but as they
+  continued to advance, the chief made a signal of battle, which
+  was instantly followed by a prodigious shower of stones. The
+  Dutch in return made a general discharge of their fire arms,
+  which did great execution, and the chief was among the first who
+  fell. Yet the islanders continued to throw stones with great
+  fury, so that most of the Dutch were soon wounded and almost
+  disabled, on which they retired under shelter of a rock, whence
+  they fired with such success that great numbers of the islanders
+  were slain. They still obstinately maintained their ground, and
+  the Dutch were at last forced to retreat, having some of their
+  number killed, and a great many wounded, most of whom died not
+  long after, in consequence of their scorbutical habit of body, in
+  spite of every care. As soon as they could disengage themselves
+  from the enemy, the Dutch retired on board ship, carrying with
+  them the sacks of greens which they had gathered. This rencounter
+  had so great an effect on the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page102" id="page102"></a>[pg 102]</span> Dutch, that when it
+  was proposed to land again, not a man could be prevailed upon to
+  make the dangerous attempt.</p>
+
+  <p>They had given to this island, before this unfortunate affair,
+  the name of the <i>Island of Recreation</i>,<a id="footnotetag57"
+  name="footnotetag57"></a><a href="#footnote57"><sup>3</sup></a>
+  which is in lat. 16° S. and long. 285°. It is
+  about twelve leagues in compass, with a fertile soil, producing a
+  great number of trees, especially cocoa nuts, palms, and
+  iron-wood. The Dutch conceived that there might be rich mines in
+  the heart of the country, and other valuable things, but were not
+  allowed to search. The natives were of middle size, but robust
+  and active, having long black shining hair, which they anoint
+  with cocoa-nut oil, a practice very common among the Indians.
+  They were painted all over, like the inhabitants of Easter
+  island; the men wearing a kind of net-work round their middles,
+  which they stick up between their legs. The women were entirely
+  covered by a kind of mantles of their own manufacture, the stuff
+  of which to the sight and touch resembled silk;<a id=
+  "footnotetag58" name="footnotetag58"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote58"><sup>4</sup></a> and they wear long strings of
+  pearls about their necks and wrists.</p>
+
+  <p>Roggewein thought proper to sail from this island without
+  farther loss of time, and before his departure held a council of
+  his officers, in which he stated his instructions, which were,If
+  no discovery of importance could be made in the latitude and
+  longitude in which they then were, that he should return home.
+  Some of the council were much astonished at this, and
+  remonstrated, That having already gone so far, and met with such
+  encouragement to hope for discoveries of great importance, they
+  thought it would betray a great want of spirit not to proceed. To
+  this Roggewein answered, That they had now been out ten months,
+  having still a long voyage to make to the East Indies; that
+  provisions began to grow scarce, and, above all, that the crews
+  were already so much diminished in number, and the survivors in
+  so weak a condition, that if twenty more were to die or fall
+  sick, there would not be a sufficient number remaining to
+  navigate both ships. The true reason, however, in the opinion of
+  the author of this voyage, was the anxiety <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page103" id="page103"></a>[pg 103]</span> to
+  get to the East Indies before the change of the monsoon, in which
+  case they must have remained six months longer in these seas.
+  Some of the officers opposed this motion to the last, earnestly
+  entreating the commodore that he would rather winter at the land
+  mentioned by Ferdinand de Quiros, from which they could not now
+  be more than 150 leagues distant. They insisted that it was wrong
+  to think of going to the East Indies, that being directly
+  contrary to the design of their instructions: And that by
+  continuing in the same western course, they could not fail to
+  fall in with some island, where they might land and procure
+  refreshments, remaining on shore till all their sick men were
+  recovered, and erecting a fort to defend themselves against the
+  natives. If this were complied with, they said they might
+  afterwards return home by an eastern coarse; and, by taking time,
+  might effectually complete the discoveries on which they were
+  sent.</p>
+
+  <p>These reasons were listened to with patience and civility, but
+  had not the weight they deserved; and a resolution was formed to
+  continue their coarse for New Britain and New Guinea, and thence
+  to the East Indies, by way of the Moluccas, being in hopes to
+  procure there a supply of provisions and necessaries, together
+  with a reinforcement of seamen, in case they should then be too
+  weak for navigating their ships home to Europe. In consequence of
+  this resolution, an end was put to all hope of visiting the land
+  of Quiros, which the best seamen on board thought might have been
+  easily discovered, called by him and Torres the <i>Islands of
+  Solomon</i>, and reported to be beautiful and fertile, and
+  abounding in gold, silver, precious stones, and spices.<a id=
+  "footnotetag59" name="footnotetag59"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote59"><sup>5</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Leaving the island of <i>Recreation</i>, Roggewein steered a
+  coarse towards the N.W. pursuant to the resolution of the
+  council, in order to get into the latitude of New Britain. On the
+  third day, in lat. 12° S. and long. 29° they
+  discovered several islands which appeared very beautiful at a
+  distance, and, on a nearer approach, were seen to be well planted
+  with all sorts of trees, and produced herbs, corn, and roots in
+  great plenty, to which they gave the name of <i>Bowman's
+  Islands</i>, after the captain of the Tienhoven, by whom they
+  were first seen.<a id="footnotetag60" name=
+  "footnotetag60"></a><a href="#footnote60"><sup>6</sup></a> As
+  soon as they were seen by the natives, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page104" id="page104"></a>[pg 104]</span> they
+  came off in their canoes to the ships, bringing fish, cocoa-nuts,
+  Indian figs, and other refreshments, in return for which the
+  Dutch gave them small mirrors, strings of beads, and other
+  trifles. These islands were very fully peopled, as many thousands
+  of men and women came down to the shore to view the ships, most
+  of the men being armed with bows and arrows. Among the rest, they
+  saw a majestic personage, who, from the peculiar dress he wore,
+  and the honours that were paid him, evidently appeared to be
+  chief or king of these islanders. This person soon afterwards
+  went into a canoe, accompanied by a fair young woman, who sat
+  close by his side, and his canoe was immediately surrounded by a
+  vast number of others, which seemed intended for his guard.</p>
+
+  <p>All the inhabitants of these islands were white, differing
+  only from Europeans in being sun-burnt, and they seemed a very
+  harmless good sort of people, of brisk and lively dispositions,
+  behaving to each other with much civility, and shewing no
+  appearance of wildness or savageness in their behaviour. Their
+  bodies were not painted like those of the islanders they had seen
+  hitherto, but very handsomely cloathed from the waist downwards,
+  with a sort of silk fringes very neatly arranged. On their heads
+  they wore hats of a very neat-looking stuff, very large and wide
+  spreading, in order to keep off the sun, and their necks were
+  adorned with collars or garlands of beautiful odoriferous
+  flowers. The islands appeared quite charming, being agreeably
+  diversified with beautiful hills and intermediate vallies. Each
+  family or tribe appeared to have its separate district, and to
+  compose a separate government or community, all the land being
+  regularly laid out into regular and fair plantations, as had
+  formerly been observed at <i>Pasch</i>, or <i>Easter</i> island.
+  In all respects, the natives were the most civilized and best
+  disposed people they had seen in the South Seas. Instead of
+  shewing any terror or apprehension at the arrival of the Dutch,
+  the natives expressed the utmost joy and satisfaction, treating
+  them with the utmost kindness and respect, and manifested the
+  most sincere and deep concern at their departure. Many of the
+  Dutch also felt a similar regret, and would have been well
+  pleased to have made a longer stay in this delightful and
+  plenteous country, among so kind a <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page105" id="page105"></a>[pg 105]</span> people, as, by the
+  help of the excellent provisions in great abundance with which
+  these good islands furnished them, all their sick people would
+  have been perfectly recovered in a month. These islands had also
+  one convenience greatly superior to those they had met with
+  before, as there was good anchorage almost every where along
+  their coasts, where they rode in the utmost safety, in from
+  fifteen to twenty fathoms.</p>
+
+  <p>So many advantageous circumstances ought to have induced
+  Roggewein and his officers to have remained here longer; but
+  their heads were so full of proceeding for the East Indies, that
+  they were fearful of missing the favourable monsoon, while they
+  afterwards discovered, to their cost, that they were two months
+  too early, instead of two months too late. By this indiscreet
+  step, they sacrificed the health and strength of their crew to
+  such a degree, that they were at length hardly able to navigate
+  their ships, and at one time were on the point of burning one of
+  their ships, that they might be better able to manage the other:
+  All of which inconveniences might have been avoided, had they
+  embraced this opportunity afforded them by Divine Providence, and
+  been contented to remain in a place of safety, plenty, and
+  pleasure, till their sick were recovered, instead of wilfully
+  seeking new dangers which they were so little able to
+  encounter.</p>
+
+  <p>Leaving Bowman's islands, and continuing their course towards
+  the N.W. they came next morning in sight of two islands, which
+  they took to be <i>Coccos</i> and <i>Traitor's</i> islands,<a id=
+  "footnotetag61" name="footnotetag61"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote61"><sup>7</sup></a> so called by Schouten, who
+  discovered them. The island of Coccos, at a distance, for
+  Roggewein would not stop to examine it, seemed very high land,
+  and about eight leagues in circuit. The other seemed much lower,
+  composed of a red soil, and destitute of trees. They soon after
+  saw two other islands of large extent, one of which they named
+  <i>Tienhoven</i>,<a id="footnotetag62" name=
+  "footnotetag62"></a><a href="#footnote62"><sup>8</sup></a> and
+  the other <i>Groninguen</i>; which last many of their officers
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" id="page106"></a>[pg
+  106]</span> were of opinion was no island, but the <i>great
+  southern continent</i> they were sent out to discover. The island
+  of <i>Tienhoven</i> appeared a rich and beautiful country,
+  moderately high, its meadows or low lands, by the sea,
+  exceedingly green, and the interior well provided with trees.
+  They coasted along this island for a whole day without reaching
+  its extremity, yet noticed that it extended semi-circularly
+  towards the island of Groninguen, so that those which they took
+  for islands might be contiguous lands, and both of them parts of
+  the <i>Terra Australis incognita</i>.</p>
+
+  <p>A great part of the company were for anchoring on this coast,
+  and making a descent, but the officers were so intent on
+  proceeding for India, that they alleged it might be very
+  dangerous to attempt landing, lest any of the men might be cut
+  off, and they should not have enough left to carry on the ships.
+  They continued in their course, therefore, not doubting that they
+  should soon see the coasts of New Britain or New Guinea: But,
+  after sailing many days without seeing any land at all, they
+  began to see the vanity of these calculations, and could not
+  forbear murmuring at their effects, as the scurvy began to cut
+  off three, four, or five of their best hands daily. At this time
+  nothing was to be seen but sick people, struggling with
+  inexpressible pains, or dead carcasses just relieved from their
+  intolerable distress. From these there arose so abominable a
+  stench, that even those who were yet sound often fainted away,
+  unable to endure it. Cries and groans were incessantly heard in
+  all parts of the ships, and the sight of the poor diseased
+  wretches who were still able to crawl about, excited horror and
+  compassion. Some were reduced to such mere skeletons that their
+  skins seemed to cleave to their bones, and these had this
+  consolation, that they gradually consumed away without pain.
+  Others were swelled out to monstrous sizes, and were so tormented
+  with excruciating pain, as to drive them to furious madness. Some
+  were worn away by the dysentery, and others were racked with
+  excruciating rheumatism, while others again dragged their dead
+  limbs after them, having lost feeling through the palsy. To these
+  numerous and complicated diseases of the body, many had
+  superadded distemperature of the mind. An anabaptist of
+  twenty-five years old called out continually to be baptized, and
+  when told with a sneer that there was no parson on board, he
+  became quiet, and died with great resignation. Two papists
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" id="page107"></a>[pg
+  107]</span> on board gave what little money they had to their
+  friends, beseeching them, if they ever got back to Holland, to
+  lay it out in masses to St Anthony of Padua for the repose of
+  their souls. Others again would listen to nothing that had the
+  smallest savour of religion, for some time before they died. Some
+  refused meat and drink for twenty-four hours before death, while
+  others were suddenly carried off in the midst of
+  conversation.</p>
+
+  <p>All these various appearances of disease are attributed by the
+  author of this voyage principally to the bad quality of their
+  provisions; their salt meat being corrupted, their bread full of
+  maggots, and their water intolerably putrid. Under these
+  circumstances medicines were of no avail, being utterly unable to
+  work a cure, and could at best only defer death for a little, and
+  protract the sufferings of the sick. Though as well as any one in
+  either ship, the author of this journal had the scurvy to such a
+  degree that his teeth were all loose, his gums inflamed and
+  ulcerated, and his body all over covered with livid spots. Even
+  such as were reputed in best health, were low, weak, and much
+  afflicted with the scurvy. Nothing could effectually relieve or
+  even alleviate their sufferings, except fresh meat, vegetables,
+  and sweet water. At length it pleased God to put a period to
+  their miseries, by giving them sight of the coast of New Britain,
+  the joy of which filled the sick with new spirits, and encouraged
+  those who were still able to move, with the enlivening hope of
+  once more revisiting their native land. Our author was fully of
+  opinion, that if they had been many days longer at sea, they must
+  all have perished by the continuance and necessary increase of
+  the miseries which they endured, which no description can
+  possibly express in any thing like adequate terms.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote55" name="footnote55"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag55">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Aurora and Vesper are called in modern geography Roggewein's
+    or Palliser's Islands, in lat. 15° 32' S, about 10
+    leagues N. by W. of Pernicious Islands.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote56" name="footnote56"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag56">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Perhaps Prince of Wales' islands are here alluded to, in
+    lat. 15° 50' S. and long. 148° 5' W. about 40
+    marine leagues W.N.W. from Pernicious islands.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote57" name="footnote57"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag57">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>By Arrowsmith, this island is placed in lat. 16°
+    32' S. and long. 148° 50' W. The longitude in the text
+    is inexplicable on any supposition.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote58" name="footnote58"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag58">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The cloth of the South-sea islands is a substance in a great
+    measure resembling paper, composed of the inner bark of the
+    paper mulberry, the preparation of which will be afterwards
+    detailed in the narratives of the modern circumnavigatorsE.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote59" name="footnote59"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag59">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>We have here omitted a long, uninteresting, and inconclusive
+    disquisition on the supposed Terra Australis, as altogether
+    founded on supposition and error.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote60" name="footnote60"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag60">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These appear to have been the most northerly of the Society
+    islands, about 70 marine leagues, or 3-1/2 degrees W. by N.
+    from Recreation island, in lat. 15° 20' S. long.
+    152° W.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote61" name="footnote61"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag61">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There must be here an enormous error in the text; Coccos and
+    Traitor's islands are almost directly west from Recreation
+    island, and the northermost of the Society islands, supposed to
+    be the Bowman's islands of the text, and not less than
+    23°10' farther west than these last, or 463 marine
+    leagues, which could not well be run in less than a week or ten
+    days.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote62" name="footnote62"></a><b>Footnote 8:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag62">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These were probably the <i>Fee-jee</i>, or Bligh's islands,
+    in lat. 17° 20' S. long. 181° 30' W. but the
+    narrative is too incomplete to ascertain this and many other
+    points with any tolerable certainty.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Description of New Britain, and farther Continuation of
+  the Voyage till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The country of New Britain, and all the islands in its
+  neighbourhood, is composed of very high land, many of the
+  mountains hiding their heads in the clouds. The sea coasts are
+  however both pleasant and fertile, the low lands being
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" id="page108"></a>[pg
+  108]</span> cloathed in perpetual verdure, and the hills covered
+  with a variety of trees, mostly bearing fruit. It is in lat.
+  between 4°and 7° S.<a id="footnotetag63" name=
+  "footnotetag63"></a><a href="#footnote63"><sup>1</sup></a> and
+  both in regard to situation and appearance, no country can
+  promise better than this. After some consultation, it was
+  resolved to go on shore here at all events, though now so much
+  reduced by the long-continued sickness, that they could hardly
+  muster a sufficient number of men from both ships to man a boat,
+  and leave men enough, in case they were cut off, to navigate one
+  ship home, supposing them even to sacrifice one of the ships. Yet
+  such was the ardent desire of all to get on shore, and so urgent
+  was the necessity for that measure, that it appeared
+  indispensable to venture on landing, let the consequences be what
+  they might. Accordingly, our author was ordered into the boat,
+  with as many men as could be spared, with orders to get on shore
+  at any rate, by fair means if possible, and with the consent of
+  the inhabitants, for whom he carried a great number of baubles to
+  distribute among them as presents. If, however, these had no
+  effect, he was then to use force, as the circumstances to which
+  they were reduced made it as eligible to die by the hands of
+  barbarians as to perish gradually by disease and famine.</p>
+
+  <p>The nearer they drew towards the coast, the more they were
+  delighted with its appearance, as giving them a nearer prospect
+  of the wished-for refreshments. The inhabitants came down in
+  multitudes to the coast, but in such guise as did not by any
+  means increase their satisfaction, as they were all armed with
+  bows and arrows and slings, and demonstrated sufficiently by
+  their gestures that the Dutch were by no means welcome visitors,
+  and that they were not to expect being permitted to land
+  peaceably. As the boat approached the shore, the natives seemed
+  to become frantic with despair, made frightful faces, tore their
+  hair, and howled in a horrible manner; and at length, as
+  borrowing courage from the increase of danger, they hurried into
+  their canoes and put off <span class="pagenum"><a name="page109"
+  id="page109"></a>[pg 109]</span> from the shore, as if to meet
+  that danger the sooner which was evidently unavoidable. As the
+  Dutch continued their way towards the land, the natives
+  discharged a flight of arrows at the boat, which they followed by
+  throwing their spears or javelins, after which they threw in a
+  shower of stones discharged from slings. Convinced now that there
+  was nothing to be trusted to but force, the Dutch opened their
+  fire, and kept it up with such effect, that many of the natives
+  were slain, and the rest so terrified, that great numbers of them
+  leapt into the water to swim ashore, and at last all the
+  survivors followed the example, by turning their canoes towards
+  the land. But such was their confusion and dismay, that they were
+  now unable to distinguish the proper channels by which to get
+  back to the coast, but ran them on the rocks and shoals. This
+  circumstance almost deprived the Dutch of all hopes of being able
+  to attain the coast.</p>
+
+  <p>While thus embarrassed, there arose a violent storm, of that
+  kind which the Dutch call <i>traffat</i>, and which in the east
+  is named a <i>tuffoon</i>, which usually arises suddenly in the
+  midst of a calm, and when the air is perfectly clear and serene,
+  and which, by its extreme violence, often brings the masts by the
+  board, and whirls the sails into the air, if they are not furled
+  in an instant. By this sudden tempest, the two ships were forced
+  out to sea, and the poor people in the boat were left without
+  relief, and almost devoid of hope. The boat was forced on a
+  sand-bank, where she was for some time so beaten by the winds and
+  waves, that there seemed no chance of escaping almost instant
+  destruction. But despair often lends strength and spirits to men
+  beyond their usual powers; and, by dint of great exertions, they
+  dragged their boat clear of the bank, and got to land, where all
+  got safe on shore without hurt, but almost exhausted by fatigue.
+  The first thing they did was to look out for some place of
+  retreat, where they might be safe from any sudden assault of the
+  natives; but night came on before any such could be found, so
+  that they were forced to rest contented with making a fire on the
+  shore, in order to dry and warm themselves, which in some measure
+  revived their spirits. The light of the fire enabled them to
+  discover several huts or cabins of the natives in the
+  neighbourhood of where they were, on which they felt inclined to
+  examine them, but found neither inhabitants nor household goods
+  of any kind, all that they met with worth taking away being a few
+  nets of curious <span class="pagenum"><a name="page110" id=
+  "page110"></a>[pg 110]</span> workmanship. They also saw
+  abundance of cocoa-nut trees, but, having no hatchets, were
+  unable to come at any of the fruit, and had to pass a most
+  comfortless night, during which they were perpetually disturbed
+  and alarmed by the frightful noise of the natives in the
+  adjoining wood, whence they naturally concluded they were every
+  moment about to attack them. About midnight they heard a signal
+  from the ships, which had been able to come back to that part of
+  the coast, on which they immediately hastened on board, and
+  immediately continued their voyage along the coast of New
+  Britain, making their way with considerable difficulty through
+  among numerous islands. They named that part of the coast on
+  which they landed, <i>Stormland</i>, which was probably the same
+  called <i>Slinger's bay</i> by Dampier, on account of the
+  dexterity of the natives in the management of that
+  instrument.</p>
+
+  <p>This country of New Britain seems to be extremely fertile, and
+  to abound in fruits of many sorts. The inhabitants are a tall
+  well-made people, perfect mulattoes in their complexions, with
+  long black hair hanging down to their waists, being extremely
+  nimble and vigorous, and so dexterous in the management of their
+  weapons, that in all probability they live in a state of
+  continual warfare with their neighbours. The sea along the coast
+  is studded with numerous islands, so that they had great
+  difficulty in getting a passage through them.</p>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding the dangers they had already experienced, they
+  resolved to make another descent upon the coast on the first
+  opportunity, though they had not now ten men in both vessels in
+  perfect health, but their necessities admitted of no other
+  remedy. The stock-fish, on which they had lived for some time
+  past, was now so full of worms, and stunk so abominably, that,
+  instead of eating it, they were unable to come near it. The
+  officers were unable now to pacify the men with stories of relief
+  in the East Indies, for they unanimously declared that immediate
+  death on shore would be more welcome than living longer at sea in
+  this dreadful condition. In this forlorn condition they arrived
+  in the lat. of 2° S. where they fortunately fell in with
+  the islands of <i>Moa</i> and <i>Arimoa</i>, <a id=
+  "footnotetag64" name="footnotetag64"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote64"><sup>2</sup></a> formerly discovered by Schouten,
+  and immediately <span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" id=
+  "page111"></a>[pg 111]</span> determined upon endeavouring to
+  procure relief from Arimoa, the larger of these islands. The
+  natives, on perceiving the approach of the two ships, came
+  immediately off to meet them in their canoes, of which they had
+  prodigious numbers. All of these people were armed with bows and
+  arrows, even their women and children; but they brought with them
+  various refreshments, as cocoa-nuts, <i>pisans</i>, or Indian
+  figs, with various other fruits, and different kinds of roots,
+  rowing directly to the ships without any signs of fear or
+  distrust. The Dutch gave them such kind of trifles as they had by
+  way of presents, and in return for these refreshments; but on
+  shewing more of these, and giving the islanders to understand, by
+  signs, that such was the merchandize they had to give in barter
+  for refreshments, they looked at them coolly, as if they had no
+  desire to trade for such commodities. Next day, however, they
+  returned with great quantities of similar articles of provision;
+  and the Dutch having endeavoured to express by signs that they
+  wished them to bring some hogs, the natives mistook their
+  meaning, and brought two or three dogs the day following, to the
+  great disappointment of the Dutch.</p>
+
+  <p>These refreshments were very seasonable, and greatly amended
+  the health of many of the sick people in the two ships; and our
+  author is convinced that most of them would have perfectly
+  recovered in a few days, if they could have ventured to live on
+  shore. The islanders never failed to invite them ashore every
+  time they came off; but being greatly weakened, as for some days
+  they had thrown four or five of their people overboard, they did
+  not think it prudent to run so great a hazard; more especially
+  as, even in the midst of their civility, the air, look, and
+  language of these people seemed to savour of perfidy, and besides
+  the island was extremely populous. The Dutch noticed that these
+  islanders, always on coming on board their ships, carried a piece
+  of stick to which some white stuff was fixed, as if in the nature
+  of a flag of truce, whence they supposed they were often at war
+  with some neighbouring nation or tribe, and especially
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" id="page112"></a>[pg
+  112]</span> with the inhabitants of <i>Moa</i>, particularly as
+  none of their canoes ever went ashore on that island, but always,
+  on the contrary, passed it with evident precipitation. These
+  remarks furnished the Dutch with a new project by which to
+  acquire a considerable stock of provisions speedily, by a sudden
+  descent on Moa, which appeared to be but thinly peopled, though
+  as pleasant and fertile as the other, hoping to carry off at once
+  enough of provisions to enable them to prosecute their voyage,
+  without the risk of falling again into the distress they had so
+  lately endured.</p>
+
+  <p>This bold scheme required much prudence, and it was thought
+  expedient to land in different places at once, one party being
+  directed to advance into the country, while the others should be
+  at hand to support them, and to secure their retreat. This was
+  accordingly very happily effected; for, although the natives
+  formed an ambush behind the trees and bushes, and discharged
+  their arrows at the principal party as soon as they began to cut
+  down the cocoa-trees, the Dutch fortunately remained uninjured,
+  and laid many of the natives dead by discharges of their
+  fire-arms. This so frightened the rest that they took refuge in
+  their canoes, whence they endeavoured by cries and shouts to
+  alarm the rest of their countrymen to come to their assistance:
+  But the Dutch were so judiciously posted as to constrain them to
+  remain in the mountains, by which means the main party were
+  enabled to carry off about 800 cocoa-nuts to their boats, with
+  which booty they rejoined their ships.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>cocoa-tree</i> is a species of palm, found in most
+  parts of the East and West Indies. The trunk is large, straight,
+  and lofty, tapering insensibly to the top, whence the fruit hangs
+  in bunches united by a tendril, not unlike the twig of a vine,
+  but stronger. The flowers are yellow, resembling those of the
+  chesnut. As it produces new bunches every month, there are always
+  some quite ripe, some green, some just beginning to button, and
+  others in full flower. The fruit is three-lobed and of a greenish
+  hue, of different sizes, from the size of an ordinary
+  tennis-ball, to that of a man's head, and is composed of two
+  rinds. The outer is composed of long tough fibres, between red
+  and yellow colour, the second being a hard shell. Within this is
+  a thick firm white substance or kernel, lining the shell, tasting
+  like a sweet almond; and in a central hollow of this kernel there
+  is a considerable quantity of a clear, bright, cool liquor,
+  tasting like sugared water. The <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page113" id="page113"></a>[pg 113]</span> natives of the
+  countries in which these trees grow, eat the kernel with their
+  victuals instead of bread; and likewise extract from it, by
+  pressure, a liquor resembling milk of almonds in taste and
+  consistence. When this milk is exposed to the action of fire, it
+  changes to a kind of oil, which they use as we do butter in
+  dressing their victuals, and also burn in their lamps; and they
+  likewise employ it for smearing their bodies. They also draw from
+  the tree a liquor called <i>sura</i> by the Indians, and which
+  the Europeans name <i>toddy</i>, or palm-wine. For this purpose,
+  having cut one of the largest twigs about a foot from the body of
+  the tree, they hang to this stump a bottle or calabash, into
+  which the sap distils. This <i>sura</i> is of a very agreeable
+  taste, little inferior to the Spanish white wine; but being
+  strong and heady, is generally diluted with fresh clear water got
+  from the nut It does not however keep, as it becomes sour in
+  about two days; when, by exposure to the sun, it is converted
+  into excellent vinegar. When boiled in its recent state, it is
+  converted into another liquor, called <i>orraqua</i> by the
+  Indians; from which they distil a spirituous liquor called
+  arrack, which many people prefer to the other liquor of the same
+  name distilled from rice in India, which is so well known and so
+  much esteemed in Europe.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides cocoa-nuts, the Dutch found in Moa great plenty of
+  pomegranates of exquisite taste, and abundance of <i>pisans</i>
+  or Indian figs. These refreshments were of infinite service to
+  them, as without them the whole of both ships companies must have
+  inevitably perished; and immediately on returning to their ships,
+  they began to prepare for resuming their voyage. While engaged in
+  these preparations, the inhabitants of Moa came off to the ships
+  in about 200 canoes, which they exchanged with the Dutch for
+  various articles, apparently doing this to prevent the Dutch from
+  making a second descent on their island: But on this occasion,
+  though the Dutch received them kindly, and treated them with
+  fairness in purchasing their provisions, they would only admit a
+  few of them into the ships at once; and when the islanders
+  attempted to rush on board in crowds, they fired upon them. On
+  these occasions, the natives all ducked their heads, and when
+  they raised them again broke out into loud laughter. This
+  exchange was no sooner over than they weighed anchor and
+  proceeded on their voyage. The author of this narrative remarks,
+  that such of the sick as had any <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page114" id="page114"></a>[pg 114]</span> strength remaining
+  recovered surprisingly at these islands, through the excellent
+  refreshments they procured there, while those who were already
+  quite exhausted soon died.</p>
+
+  <p>Leaving these islands of <i>Moa</i> and <i>Arimoa</i>, they
+  continued their voyage through a part of the sea so very full of
+  islands, that finding it difficult or impossible to count them,
+  they gave them the name of <i>Thousand Isles</i>.<a id=
+  "footnotetag65" name="footnotetag65"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote65"><sup>3</sup></a> Their inhabitants were negroes, of
+  a short squat make, and their heads covered with thick curled
+  wool, being a bold, mischievous, and intractable race of savages.
+  They were all naked, men, women, and children, having no other
+  ornaments except a belt about two fingers broad, stuck fall of
+  teeth, and bracelets of the same; and some of them wore light
+  straw hats, adorned with the feathers of the
+  <i>Bird-of-Paradise</i>. These birds are said to be found no
+  where else but in these islands. Such of these islands as are
+  situated near the west point of New Guinea are still called the
+  <i>Islands of the Popoes</i> or <i>Papuas</i>, the continent
+  itself being called the <i>Land of Papua</i>, till Schouten
+  imposed upon it the name of <i>New Guinea</i>, chiefly because of
+  its being in the same latitude with <i>Old Guinea</i>.<a id=
+  "footnotetag66" name="footnotetag66"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote66"><sup>4</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>When the inhabitants of these islands go to Ternate, Banda,
+  Amboina, or any of the Moluccas, in order to sell their salt
+  pork, amber,<a id="footnotetag67" name=
+  "footnotetag67"></a><a href="#footnote67"><sup>5</sup></a>
+  gold-dust, and other merchandise, they always carry some of these
+  <i>Birds-of-Paradise</i>, which they constantly sell dead,
+  affirming that they find them so, and that they know not whence
+  they come or where they breed. This bird is always seen very high
+  in the air. It is extremely light, as its bulk consists mostly of
+  feathers, which are extremely beautiful, rendering it one of the
+  greatest curiosities in the world. The plumage of the head is as
+  bright as burnished gold; that of the neck resembles the neck of
+  a drake; and those of the wings and tail are like those of a
+  peacock. In beak and form, this bird comes nearest to a swallow,
+  though considerably larger. Such as deal in them endeavour to
+  persuade strangers that they have no feet, and that they hang
+  themselves, when they sleep, to the boughs of trees by means of
+  their feathers. But, in reality, these traders cut off their
+  feet, to render them the more wonderful. They <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page115" id="page115"></a>[pg 115]</span> also
+  pretend that the male has a cavity on his back, where the female
+  lodges her young till they are able to fly. They always cut off
+  the feet of these birds so close to the body, that the flesh
+  dries in such a manner that the skin and feathers perfectly
+  unite, making it impossible to perceive the smallest scar. They
+  also assert, that these birds are perpetually on the wing,
+  subsisting on birds and insects, which they catch in the air. The
+  feathers of the male are much brighter than those of the female.
+  In the east, this bird is usually called <i>Mancodiata</i>, or
+  the Bird-of-God. Great numbers of them are sent to Batavia, where
+  they generally sell for three crowns each. The Moors, Arabians,
+  and Persians are anxious to procure these birds, with which they
+  adorn their saddles and housings, often mixing with them pearls
+  and diamonds. They wear them also in their turbans, especially on
+  going to war, having a superstitious notion that they act as a
+  charm or talisman, capable of preserving them from wounds.
+  Formerly, the Shah and Mogul used to present their favourites
+  with one of these birds, as a mark of esteem or favour.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides their girdle and bracelets, formerly mentioned, the
+  <i>Popoes</i>, or inhabitants of the Thousand Isles, wear a bit
+  of stick, the size of a tobacco-pipe and the length of a finger,
+  thrust through the gristle of the nose, which they think renders
+  them terrible to their enemies, as some Europeans consider
+  mustachios. They are the worst and most savage people in all the
+  South Seas. The continent of <i>New Guinea</i> appeared a high
+  country, extremely full of trees and plants of a vast variety of
+  kinds, so that, in sailing 400 leagues along its coast, they did
+  not observe one barren spot. Our author thinks that it probably
+  contains many precious commodities, as rich metals and valuable
+  spices, especially as most of the countries hitherto discovered
+  under the same parallel are not deficient in such riches. He was
+  afterwards assured, that some of the free burgesses in the
+  Moluccas go annually to New Guinea, where they exchange small
+  pieces of iron for nutmegs. Schouten and other navigators
+  conceived high ideas of this country, and represented it as one
+  of the finest and richest in the world; but they were unable to
+  penetrate any way into the interior, which could not be done with
+  a small force, as it is extremely populous, and the natives are
+  mostly well armed, and of a martial disposition.</p>
+
+  <p>Roggewein and his officers were at this time in considerable
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" id="page116"></a>[pg
+  116]</span> doubts, whether to prosecute the route formerly
+  followed by Dampier, or to go by Ternate, Tidore, and Bacian, as
+  the less dangerous passage. To gain time, however, they chose the
+  former, as they most otherwise have coasted round the
+  last-mentioned islands, in their way to the Moluccas. In this
+  view, they steered along shore, or rather through an innumerable
+  chain of small islands, extending from the western point of New
+  Guinea to the island of Gilolo, making their passage with much
+  difficulty and danger, and were greatly delighted and astonished
+  on getting sight of the island of <i>Bouro</i>, in lat.
+  2° S. [3° 30' S. and long. 127° E.]
+  the most eastern country in which the Dutch East-India Company,
+  maintain a factory. This island is mostly pretty high land, and
+  abounds every where with trees and shrubs of various kinds. On
+  their arrival upon its coast, they were spoken with by a small
+  vessel, in which were two white men and several blacks. The white
+  men examined them very strictly to whom they belonged, whence
+  they came, and whither they were bound. To which they answered,
+  that they came from New Guinea, and were going to Batavia, but
+  wisely concealed belonging to the West-India Company, knowing
+  that the East-India Company permitted no vessels, except their
+  own, to navigate these seas, and had given strict orders to
+  capture all strange vessels that might appear there. Yet, in
+  spite of these precautions, the English sometimes find their way
+  among these islands, to the no small displeasure of the Dutch
+  company, although they keep ships cruizing here during both
+  monsoons, to preserve their monopoly of spices.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of <i>Bouro</i> is about forty or fifty leagues in
+  circumference, and is indifferently fertile, formerly producing
+  abundance of clove-trees; but a detachment of Dutch soldiers is
+  sent yearly to grub them up, as they do also in the other Molucca
+  islands, because Amboina is thought to produce enough of that
+  commodity to maintain their commerce. Formerly also the Dutch had
+  a strong fort here, which the natives took and demolished after a
+  long siege, putting all the garrison to the sword. At present,
+  [in 1721,] the company only sends a detachment of soldiers to
+  root out the clove-trees, for which the inhabitants receive some
+  present. The two whites who were on board this Dutch bark were
+  the first Christians seen by Roggewein for the space of ten
+  months, or since leaving the coast of Brazil. Continuing their
+  course for the island of <i>Bootan</i>, in hopes of meeting
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" id="page117"></a>[pg
+  117]</span> with refreshments, of which they were now in extreme
+  want, they arrived there in lat 4° S.<a id=
+  "footnotetag68" name="footnotetag68"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote68"><sup>6</sup></a> and sailed along its coast for a
+  whole day, in hopes of finding the strait for which they sought,
+  and at length found they were eight leagues to leeward of it, and
+  the monsoon now blew too strong to be able to bear up for the
+  intended port. They had now no hopes of being able to find any
+  port for refreshments till they should arrive at the island of
+  Java; as, wherever they might attempt to land, they well knew
+  that their ships would be confiscated, in consequence of the
+  invariable maxims of the East-India Company. All men therefore,
+  but especially the sick and feeble, cast an anxious look on the
+  fertile island now left behind them, presaging the melancholy
+  effects which must necessarily attend so pernicious a
+  measure.</p>
+
+  <p>The situation of the island of <i>Bootan</i> is remarkably
+  advantageous, being in from 4° to 6° of S.
+  latitude, and nearly equal in size to the island of <i>Bouro</i>.
+  It is extremely fertile, especially in rice, and has abundance of
+  cattle and fish. It would also produce plenty both of clove and
+  nutmeg trees, if they were permitted to grow. The king of the
+  island has a very strong fort, on which the Dutch standard is
+  displayed, though there is no Dutch garrison; the company
+  contenting itself with sending deputies yearly to see the spice
+  trees destroyed, in consideration of which the king receives a
+  considerable sum yearly from the company. This nation is the most
+  faithful of all the inhabitants of the Indian islands to the
+  India company, having not only assisted them in expelling the
+  Portuguese, but also against the inhabitants of the Moluccas,
+  whenever they have attempted to revolt; by which means the
+  company has acquired the whole trade of this part of the world.
+  In consideration of this, the inhabitants of Bootan enjoy many
+  privileges that are denied to all other Indians: As, for
+  instance, they are allowed to come into any of the Dutch forts
+  armed, which is never allowed even to the natives of the
+  countries in which the forts are situated. Some time before this
+  voyage, the king of Bootan sent his eldest son ambassador to the
+  governor-general of Batavia, where he was received with every
+  mark of honour and distinction. It would not have been easy to
+  have known this prince for an Indian, had he not worn a
+  triple-rowed turban, richly adorned with gold and precious
+  stones, as the rest of his <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page118" id="page118"></a>[pg 118]</span> dress was entirely
+  European, and he wore a sword instead of a cutlass, which no
+  Indian had done before. His train was numerous and splendid, all
+  dressed in the Indian manner: Twelve of them were armed with
+  cuirasses and bucklers, carrying each a naked sword resting on
+  his shoulder. At this time there was a prodigious mortality in
+  Batavia, which carried off 500 of the attendants of this prince,
+  and destroyed no less than 150,000 persons in one year, besides
+  vast numbers of beasts. This mortality was occasioned by a
+  malignant pestilential fever, which attacked indiscriminately all
+  the inhabitants of Batavia, Europeans, natives, Chinese, and
+  blacks. It spread also through Bengal and all the dominions of
+  the Great Mogul, where it made incredible ravages, and extended
+  even to Japan in the most extreme violence, where numbers fell
+  down dead in the streets, who had left their houses in perfect
+  health. This dreadful malady was supposed to have arisen from
+  excessive drought, as no rain had fallen during the space of two
+  years, whence it was conceived that the air was surcharged with
+  mineral vapours.</p>
+
+  <p>Leaving the island of Bootan, and passing through the channel
+  of the Moluccas, or between the S.W. leg of Celebes and Salayr
+  islands, during which course the crews of the two vessels
+  suffered inexpressible miseries, by which the greatest part of
+  them were carried off, Roggewein arrived on the coast of Java
+  towards the close of September 1722.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote63" name="footnote63"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag63">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>No account is given of this voyage from Bowman's islands,
+    perhaps the Fee-jees, as already mentioned, to New Britain,
+    neither indeed is it any way expressed on what part of New
+    Britain they had now arrived. They probably steered a course
+    N.W. or N.W. by W. from the Fee-jees, and fell in with the N.E.
+    part of New Britain, now known to be a separate island, and
+    called New Ireland; and by the lower latitude mentioned, in the
+    text, they appear to come first to the eastern part of New
+    Ireland; but it is impossible to say whether they went to the
+    N. or S. of Solomon's island.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote64" name="footnote64"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag64">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is utterly impossible to ascertain what islands are here
+    meant, as the indications of the voyage are so entirely vague.
+    In the indicated latitude, off the mouth of the Great bay, in
+    New Guinea, there are two considerable islands, named Mysory,
+    or Schouten's island, and Jobie, or Long-island, which may
+    possibly be Arimoa and Moa. Perhaps Jobie of our modern maps
+    includes both, as in some more recent maps it is laid down as
+    two contiguous islands, and it is more exactly in the indicated
+    latitude, while Mysory is rather less than one degree from the
+    line.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote65" name="footnote65"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag65">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These appear, by the sequel, to have been the islands at the
+    N.W. extremity of Papua or New Guinea, and from thence to
+    CelebesE.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote66" name="footnote66"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag66">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>More probably because of its inhabitants being
+    negroes.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote67" name="footnote67"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag67">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Perhaps ambergris ought to be here understood.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote68" name="footnote68"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag68">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The northern end of Bootan is in lat. 4° 40' S.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Occurrences from their Arrival at the Island of Java, to
+  the Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Roggewein came to anchor immediately in the road of Japara,
+  and saluted the city and fort, after which the boats were hoisted
+  out to go on shore, where they were astonished to find that it
+  was Saturday, whereas on quitting their ships they conceived it
+  to be Friday morning. This was occasioned by having come round
+  from the east along with the sun, by which they had lost a day in
+  their reckoning. Roggewein immediately waited upon Ensign Kuster,
+  a very civil and well-behaved gentleman, who commanded there on
+  the part of the East-India Company, to whom he gave an account of
+  his motives for coming to this place. Kuster immediately
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" id="page119"></a>[pg
+  119]</span> assembled a council, to consider what measures were
+  to be taken on this occasion, and all were much moved at the
+  recital of the miseries which Roggewein and his people had
+  endured. In truth, never were men more worthy of compassion. Only
+  ten persons remained in any tolerable health, and twenty-six were
+  down in various sicknesses, by which, exclusive of those who had
+  been slain in their different engagements with the Indians, they
+  had lost seventy men during the voyage. Their next care was to
+  get the sick men on shore, which was done with all care and
+  diligence, slinging them in their hammocks into the boats. Four
+  of these poor people were in so low a condition that it was
+  thought impossible they could bear removal, and they were
+  therefore left on board, the very thoughts of which, after their
+  companions went ashore, soon killed them. Those who were carried
+  on shore were lodged under tents in an island, where they had
+  every necessary afforded them that the country produced, yet many
+  of them died.</p>
+
+  <p>Mr Kuster sent an immediate account of their arrival to the
+  commandant of the coasts of Java, who instantly forwarded it to
+  Mr <i>Swaardekroon</i>, at that time governor-general of the East
+  Indies. He sent a favourable answer, promising every assistance
+  in his power, and adding, that they had nothing to do but to get
+  to Batavia as soon as possible. While waiting the answer of the
+  governor-general and the recovery of their sick, they passed
+  their time agreeably enough at Japara, as their countrymen used
+  them with all imaginable kindness. In a few days, the seamen
+  became as frolicsome and gay as if they had made a pleasant and
+  fortunate voyage; insomuch, that those who, only a few days
+  before, were weeping, sighing, praying, and making warm
+  protestations of leading new lives, if God in his mercy were
+  pleased to save them, now ran headlong into the greatest
+  extravagances; spending their whole time in debauched houses, and
+  in swearing and drinking. This our author attributed to the bad
+  example of those among whom they lived, all the lower people at
+  Japara being as lewd and profligate as could be imagined;
+  insomuch, that the first question they put to strangers from
+  Europe is, if they have brought over any new oaths.</p>
+
+  <p>The town of <i>Japara</i> is seated at the bottom of a
+  mountain of moderate height, is of a middling size, and is
+  inhabited by Javans, Chinese, and Dutch; and was of more
+  considerable <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" id=
+  "page120"></a>[pg 120]</span> extent than now, when in the hands
+  of the Portuguese. Before getting possession of Jacatra, now
+  Batavia, the Dutch East-India Company had their principal
+  magazines for trade at this place, which was their chief factory,
+  and on which all the other factories in Java were dependent; but
+  it has fallen much in importance since the factory was
+  transferred to Samarang. The port of Japara is both safe and
+  commodious, and is defended by a fort, built mostly of wood, on
+  the top of the mountain at the foot of which the town is seated.
+  This fort is called the <i>Invincible Mountain</i>, because the
+  Javanese were constantly defeated in all their attempts to get it
+  into their hands, when in possession of the Portuguese; and its
+  guns command the whole road.</p>
+
+  <p>The king of Japara mostly resides at a place called
+  <i>Kattasura</i>, about twenty-nine leagues up the country, where
+  the Dutch have a strong fort with a good garrison, serving at the
+  same time to secure their conquest, and to guard the king. This
+  prince is a Mahomedan, and is served entirely by women, of whom
+  he takes as many as he pleases, either as wives or concubines.
+  Some of his priests are obliged to go every year on pilgrimage to
+  Mecca, in order to make vows for the safety and prosperity of the
+  king and royal family. His subjects are extremely faithful, and
+  devoted to his service; the principal persons of his court having
+  to approach him on their knees, every time they have an audience;
+  but in time of war, this slavish custom is dispensed with. Such
+  as commit the slightest fault, are poniarded on the spot by a
+  kriss or dagger; this being almost the only punishment in use
+  among them, as the smallest faults and the greatest crimes are
+  all equally capital. The natives of this country are mostly of a
+  very brown complexion, tolerably well shaped, and having long
+  black hair, which however many of them cut short. Their noses are
+  all flat and broad, and their teeth very black, owing to the
+  incessant chewing of betel and faufel.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>faufel</i> or <i>areka</i> is a kind of nut, not much
+  unlike a nutmeg, but smaller, and in a great measure tasteless,
+  but yielding a red juice when chewed, which juice also is used by
+  the Indians in painting chintzes, so much admired in Europe. The
+  tree which bears this nut is very straight, and has leaves like
+  those of the cocoa-nut tree. The <i>betel</i> is a plant
+  producing long rank leaves, shaped like those of the citron, and
+  having an agreeable bitter taste. The fruit of this plant
+  resembles a lizard's tail, and is about an inch and half long,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" id="page121"></a>[pg
+  121]</span> having a pleasant aromatic flavour. The Indians
+  continually carry the leaves of this plant, which also are
+  presented at all ceremonious visits. They are almost continually
+  chewing these leaves, and they mostly qualify their extreme
+  bitterness by the addition of the faufel or areka-nut, and the
+  powder of calcined oyster-shells, which give them a very
+  agreeable taste; though some mix their betel leaves with shell
+  lime, ambergris, and cardamom seeds, while others use Chinese
+  tobacco. After all the juice is chewed out, they throw away the
+  remaining dry mass. Many Europeans have got into the habit of
+  chewing betel, so that they cannot leave it off, though it has
+  proved fatal to some of them; for the natives are very skilful in
+  preparing betel so as to do a man's business as effectually as a
+  pistol or a dagger.</p>
+
+  <p>The prevailing diversion among these people is called
+  <i>tandakes</i>, which are a kind of comedies, acted by women
+  very richly dressed, and consists chiefly in singing and dancing,
+  accompanied by music, not very pleasant to European ears, the
+  only instruments being small drums, on which they beat with much
+  dexterity. Their dancing is mostly of a grotesque kind, in which
+  they are very dexterous, throwing their bodies into all sorts of
+  postures with astonishing agility, and expressing by them the
+  passions of the mind so comically, that it is impossible to
+  refrain from laughing. The men also practise a kind of war dance,
+  in which the king and grandees bear a part. They also practise
+  cock-fighting, like the English, and bet such considerable sums
+  on this sport as often beggars them.</p>
+
+  <p>The country abounds in all the necessaries of life, having
+  abundance of beeves and hogs, and amazing quantities of fowls.
+  The only thing scarce is mutton, chiefly owing to the richness of
+  the pasture, which is very apt to burst the sheep. As to wild
+  animals, they have buffaloes, stags, tygers, and rhinoceroses;
+  which last animal is hunted by the Indians chiefly for the sake
+  of its horns, of which they make drinking cups that are greatly
+  valued, owing to a notion that they will not contain poison, but
+  break immediately on that being poured into them. The high price
+  of these tends to shew that the Javanese are addicted to the
+  infamous practice of poisoning. The land is every where extremely
+  fertile, producing vast abundance of pepper, ginger, cinnamon,
+  rice, cardamoms, and other valuable articles. Of late they have
+  planted coffee, and with such success as to have a reasonable
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" id="page122"></a>[pg
+  122]</span> hope of rendering it a principal commodity of the
+  country. Cocoa-nuts, figs, and a variety of other excellent
+  fruits grow every where in the greatest profusion; and as the
+  trees on which they grow are verdant during the whole year, and
+  are planted in rows along the rivers, they form the most
+  agreeable walks that can be conceived. Sugar-canes also abound in
+  Java. They have also plenty of vines, which produce ripe grapes
+  seven times every year, but they are only fit for making raisins,
+  and not wine, being too hastily ripened by the climate. The sea,
+  and all the rivers, furnish an infinite variety of the finest
+  fish. Thus, taking it altogether, it may be safely affirmed that
+  Java is one of the most plentiful and pleasantest islands in the
+  world.</p>
+
+  <p>Having refreshed at Japara for about a month, Roggewein began
+  to think of proceeding to Batavia, encouraged by the fine
+  promises of the governor-general. Every thing being ready, the
+  voyagers spent two days in taking leave of their kind friends,
+  who supplied them with all sorts of provisions, much more than
+  sufficient for so short a voyage, and they at length departed,
+  feeling a sensible regret at parting with those who had treated
+  them with so much kindness, relieving all their wants with so
+  much generosity, and had enabled them to spend several weeks in
+  peace and plenty, after a long period of sickness and misery.
+  Steering from thence about seventy leagues to the westwards, with
+  a fair wind, they entered the road of Batavia, where they saluted
+  the fort, and anchored close to the ships that were loading for
+  the voyage home, believing that all their distresses were now
+  over, and that they should speedily accompany these other ships
+  homewards. As soon as the ships were safely anchored, Roggewein
+  went along with the other captains into his boat, meaning to have
+  gone ashore to Batavia, but had not proceeded far from the ship
+  when he met a boat having the commandant of Batavia on board,
+  together with the fiscal, and some other members of the council,
+  by whom he was desired to go back to his ship, which he did
+  immediately; and, when the two boats came within hearing of the
+  ships, the fiscal proclaimed, with a loud voice, that both ships
+  were confiscated by order of the governor-general. At this time
+  both ships were so environed by other large vessels belonging to
+  the East India Company, that it was impossible to have escaped,
+  if they had so inclined; and soon afterwards several hundred
+  soldiers came on board, taking <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page123" id="page123"></a>[pg 123]</span> possession of both
+  ships, and placing their crews under safe custody. Taught by so
+  many and such unlooked-for misfortunes, Roggewein now thoroughly
+  repented having proposed to return home by way of the East
+  Indies, but was now wise behind hand. He had neglected
+  prosecuting the discovery on which he had been sent, for which he
+  now suffered a just punishment from the East India Company,
+  however unjust in itself the sentence might be considered. By the
+  sentence, both ships were declared legal prizes, and all the
+  goods they contained were confiscated; and to prevent all trouble
+  and delay from representations, reclamations, or memorials, every
+  thing was immediately exposed to public auction, and sold to the
+  highest bidders. The crews of both ships were divided, and put on
+  board several of the homeward-bound ships.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Description of Batavia and the Island of Java, with some
+  Account of the Government of the Dutch East India Company's
+  Affairs.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The city of Batavia lies in the lat. of 6° 20' S. and
+  long. 107° E. from Greenwich, being the capital of all
+  the vast dominions belonging to the Dutch East India Company,
+  serving also as the emporium of its prodigious trade, where all
+  the merchandise and riches of that princely and wealthy company
+  are laid up. It fell into the hands of the Dutch company in 1618,
+  till which time it was known by the name of <i>Jacatra</i>, and
+  soon afterwards they built a fort in the neighbourhood of that
+  native city, to which they gave the name of Batavia. By the time
+  this was hardly well finished, the natives of the island attacked
+  it, animated and assisted by the English, and repeated their
+  attempts several times, but always unsuccessfully, and to their
+  great loss. The last time, they kept it blockaded for a
+  considerable time, till succoured by a powerful squadron from
+  Europe under Admiral Koen, when the siege was immediately raised,
+  and the natives obliged to retire with the utmost precipitation.
+  The Dutch had now leisure to consider the excellent situation of
+  the fort, and the many advantages it possessed for becoming the
+  centre of their East Indian trade and dominion, on which
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page124" id="page124"></a>[pg
+  124]</span> they resolved to build a town in the neighbourhood of
+  the fort. With this view they demolished Jacatra, and erected on
+  its ruins this famous commercial city, which they named
+  Batavia.</p>
+
+  <p>This city arrived at perfection in a short time, by the
+  extraordinary diligence bestowed upon its construction, in spite
+  of the many obstacles it met with from the two kings of Matarana
+  and Bantam; the former of whom laid siege to it in 1629, and the
+  latter in 1649. It is surrounded by an earthen rampart of
+  twenty-one feet thick, faced on the outside with stone, and
+  strengthened by twenty-two bastions, the whole environed by a
+  ditch forty-five yards wide, and quite full of water, especially
+  in spring-tides. All the approaches to the town are defended by
+  several detached forts, all of which are well furnished with
+  excellent brass cannon. Six of these are so considerable as to
+  deserve being particularly mentioned, which are, Ansiol, Anke,
+  Jacatra, Ryswyk, Noordywyk, and Vythock. The fort of
+  <i>Ansiol</i> is seated on a river of the same name, to the
+  eastwards, and about 1200 yards from the city, being built
+  entirely of squared stone, and always provided with a strong
+  garrison. <i>Anke</i> is on a river of the same name, to the
+  westwards, about 500 yards from the city, and is built like the
+  former. <i>Jacatra</i> lies also on a river of the same name, and
+  is exactly like the two former, being 500 paces from the city.
+  The road to this fort lies between two regular rows of fine
+  trees, having very fine country houses and gardens on each side.
+  The other three forts are all built of similar materials on the
+  inland side of the city, and at small distances; the two
+  first-named serving to secure the city on the side of the sea,
+  and the other four to defend the approaches towards it from the
+  land, and at the same time to protect the country houses,
+  plantations, and gardens of the inhabitants. By these, all
+  enemies are prevented from coming upon the city by surprise, as
+  on every side they would be sure to meet a formidable resistance;
+  and besides, no person is allowed to pass the forts, even
+  outwards, unless with a passport.</p>
+
+  <p>The river of Jacatra passes through the middle of the city,
+  and supplies water to fifteen canals, all faced with freestone,
+  and adorned on each side with ever-green trees, affording a
+  charming prospect. Over these canals, which are all within the
+  city, there are fifty-six bridges, besides others without the
+  town. The streets are all perfectly straight, and are in
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" id="page125"></a>[pg
+  125]</span> general thirty feet broad on each side, besides the
+  breadth of the canals. The houses are built of stone, mostly of
+  several stories high, like those in the cities of Holland. The
+  city of Batavia is about a league and a half in circuit, but is
+  surrounded by a vast number of houses without the walls, which
+  may be considered as forming suburbs, and in which there is ten
+  times the population that is within the city. It has five gates,
+  including that leading to the port, near to which there is a
+  boom, or barrier, which is shut every night at nine o'clock, and
+  at which there is a strong guard of soldiers night and day. There
+  were formerly six gates, but one of these has since been walled
+  up. There is a very fine stadt-house, or town-hall, and four
+  churches for the Calvinists. The first of these, named
+  <i>Kruist-kirk</i>, or Cross-church, was built in 1640, and the
+  second in 1672, and in both of these the worship is in the Dutch
+  language. The third church belongs to the <i>protestant</i>
+  Portuguese, and the fourth is for the Malays who have been
+  converted to the reformed Christian religion. Besides these,
+  there are abundance of other places of worship for various sorts
+  of religions.</p>
+
+  <p>They have likewise in this city a <i>Spin-hays</i>, or house
+  of correction for the confinement of disorderly women; an
+  orphan-house, and arsenal of marine stores, and many magazines
+  for spiceries: Also many wharfs, docks, rope-walks, and other
+  public buildings. The garrison usually consists of from two to
+  three thousand men. Besides the forts formerly mentioned, the
+  famous citadel or castle of Batavia is a fine regular
+  fortification, having four bastions, situated at the mouth of the
+  river opposite to the city; two of its bastions fronting towards
+  the sea and commanding the anchorage, while the other two face
+  towards the city. There are two main gates to the citadel, one
+  called the Company's gate, which was built in 1636, to which
+  leads a stone bridge of fourteen arches, each of which is
+  twenty-six feet span, and ten feet wide. The other is called the
+  Water-gate. Besides which, there are two posterns, one in the
+  east curtain, and the other in the west, neither of which are
+  ever opened except for the purposes of the garrison. In this
+  citadel the governor-general resides, having a brick palace two
+  stories high, with a noble front of Italian architecture.
+  Opposite to this palace is that of the director-general, who is
+  next in rank to the governor. The counsellors and other principal
+  officers of the company have also their apartments within the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" id="page126"></a>[pg
+  126]</span> citadel, together with the chief physician, chief
+  surgeon, and chief apothecary. There in also a remarkably neat
+  and light small church, and there are many magazines and
+  store-houses well furnished with ammunition and military stores;
+  and in it are the offices in which all the affairs of the company
+  are transacted, and archives for containing all the records.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides many Dutch, all of whom are either in the service of
+  the company or free burgesses, the city is inhabited by a vast
+  number of people of many different Indian nations, besides many
+  Portuguese, French, and other Europeans, established here on
+  account of trade. The Portuguese are mostly descendants of those
+  who lived formerly here or at Goa, and who, finding their account
+  in living under the government of the Dutch, did not think proper
+  to remove after the Dutch had reduced the country; but far the
+  greater number of these are now of the reformed religion. The
+  Indian inhabitants consist of Javanese, or natives of the island,
+  Chinese, Malays, negroes, Amboinese, Armenians, natives of the
+  island of Bali, Mardykers, Macassars, Bougis, and others. It is a
+  very curious thing to see so great a multitude of different
+  nations all living in the same great city, and each nation
+  according to their own manners. Every moment one sees new
+  customs, strange manners, varieties of dresses, and faces of
+  different colours, as black, white, brown, yellow, and
+  olive-coloured; every one living as he pleases, and all speaking
+  their different languages. Yet, amidst all this variety of people
+  and customs so opposite to each other, there is a surprising
+  unity among the citizens, occasioned by the advantages of
+  commerce, the common object of all, so that they live
+  harmoniously and happily under the gentle and prudent laws
+  established by the company. All enjoy perfect liberty of
+  conscience, whatever may be their religion or sect, only that
+  none are permitted the public exercise of their religion except
+  the Calvinists, any more than in Holland, so that priests and
+  monks must not walk the streets in the habits of their respective
+  orders. All are however allowed to live here in peace, and may
+  exercise the rites of their religion within doors. Jesuits are,
+  however, excluded, for fear of their intrigues; and the Chinese
+  religion, because of its abominable idolatry, is obliged to have
+  its pagoda, or idol temple, about a league from the city, where
+  also they bury their dead.</p>
+
+  <p>Every Indian nation settled at Batavia has its chief or head,
+  who watches over the interests of his nation, but is not
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" id="page127"></a>[pg
+  127]</span> allowed to decide upon any thing of importance, his
+  chief functions being those of religion, and to decide slight
+  controversies among his countrymen. The <i>Japanese</i> chiefly
+  addict themselves to agriculture, ship-building, and fishing.
+  These people, for the most part, only wear a kind of short
+  petticoat, reaching to their knees, all the rest of their bodies
+  being naked, having also a sort of scarf or sash across their
+  shoulders, from which hangs a short sword. On their heads they
+  wear small bonnets. Their huts or cabins are remarkably neater
+  than those of the other Indians, built of split bamboos, with
+  large spreading roofs, under which they sit in the open air.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>Chinese</i> are very numerous, as it is reckoned there
+  are at least five thousand of them in the city and its suburbs.
+  These people seem naturally born for trade, and are great enemies
+  to idleness, thinking nothing too hard or laborious that is
+  attended with a prospect of gain. They can live on very little,
+  are bold, enterprising, possessed of much address, and
+  indefatigably industrious. Their sagacity, penetration, and
+  subtilty, are so extraordinary as to make good their own saying,
+  "That the Dutch have only one eye, while they have two;" but they
+  are deceitful beyond measure, taking a pride in imposing on those
+  who deal with them, and even boast of that cunning of which they
+  ought to be ashamed. In husbandry and navigation they surpass all
+  the other nations of India. Most of the sugar-mills around
+  Batavia belong to them, and the distillery of arrack is entirely
+  in their hands. They are the carriers of eastern Asia, and even
+  the Dutch often make use of their vessels. They keep all the
+  shops and most of the inns of Batavia, and farm all the duties of
+  excise and customs. Generally speaking, they are well-made men,
+  of an olive complexion, their heads being peculiarly round, with
+  small eyes, and short flat noses. They do not cut their hair, as
+  all in China are obliged to do since the Tartars conquered the
+  country; and whenever any one comes to Batavia from China, he
+  immediately suffers his hair to grow, as a token of freedom,
+  dressing it with the utmost care; their priests only excepted,
+  whose heads are all close shaven.</p>
+
+  <p>The Chinese go always bare headed, carrying an umbrella in
+  their hands to keep off the sun; and they suffer their nails to
+  grow immoderately long, which gives them prodigious dexterity in
+  slight of hand, an art of considerable importance as they use it.
+  Their dress here differs materially <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page128" id="page128"></a>[pg 128]</span> from
+  what they wear in their own country, their cotton robes being
+  very ample, and their sleeves very wide. Below this they have a
+  kind of breeches reaching to their ancles, having a kind of
+  little slippers on their feet instead of shoes, and never wear
+  stockings. Their women, who are very brisk, lively, impudent, and
+  debauched, wear very long cotton robes. In general, the Chinese
+  have no distinction of meats, but eat without ceremony of any
+  animal that comes to hand, be it even dog, cat, or rat, or what
+  it may. They are amazingly fond of shows and entertainments.
+  Their feast of the new year, which they celebrate in the
+  beginning of March, commonly lasts a whole month; during which
+  they do nothing but divert themselves, chiefly in dancing, which
+  they do in a strange manner, running round about to the sound of
+  gongs, flutes, and trumpets, which do not form a very agreeable
+  concert. They use the same music at their comedies, or theatrical
+  diversions, of which they are extremely fond: These comedies
+  consist of a strange mixture of drama, opera, and pantomime, as
+  they sometimes sing, sometimes speak, and at other times the
+  whole business of the scene consists in gesture. They have none
+  but <i>women</i> players,<a id="footnotetag69" name=
+  "footnotetag69"></a><a href="#footnote69"><sup>1</sup></a> who
+  are brought up to this employment from their infancy; but many of
+  them act male parts, using proper disguises for the purpose.
+  Whenever they act a comedy, the city receives fifty crowns for a
+  licence. They erect the theatre in the street, in front of the
+  house of him who is at the expence of the play, the subject of
+  which always turns on the exploits of their ancient heroes, or
+  the austerities of their old saints.</p>
+
+  <p>The funerals of the Chinese are very singular, as well as very
+  rich and pompous, forming grand and solemn processions, in which
+  sometimes at least 500 persons of both sexes assist, the women
+  being all cloathed in white. At these funerals they employ music
+  to heighten the shew, together with coloured umbrellas and
+  canopies, carrying their principal idol, which they call
+  <i>Joostie de Batavia</i>, under one of their canopies. Their
+  tombs are some of them very magnificent. They follow the
+  idolatrous religion of their native country, and have a pagoda,
+  or idol temple, about the distance of a league from the city,
+  where they assemble for worship. They <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page129" id="page129"></a>[pg 129]</span> are
+  perhaps the grossest idolaters, and the most ridiculous in their
+  opinions, of all the pagans of the east, as they openly profess
+  to worship and adore the devil. This does not proceed from their
+  ignorance or unbelief in a God, but rather from mistaken notions
+  in their belief concerning him. They say that God is infinitely
+  good and merciful, giving to man every thing he possesses, and
+  never doing any hurt; and therefore that there is no need to
+  worship him. But with the devil, the author of all ill, they are
+  desirous to live upon good terms, and to omit nothing that can
+  entitle them to his good graces. It is the devil therefore whom
+  they represent by the idol above mentioned, and in whose honour
+  they have frequently great feasts and rejoicings.</p>
+
+  <p>Like the Javans, the Chinese are extravagantly addicted to
+  gaming and laying wagers; and this humour, especially at
+  cock-fights and the new-year's feasts, drives them sometimes into
+  downright madness. They will not only stake and lose their money,
+  goods, and houses, but sometimes their wives and children; and
+  when these are all lost, will stake their beards, nails, and
+  winds; that is, they bind themselves not to shave their beards,
+  pare their nails, or go on board ship to trade, till they have
+  paid their game debts. When reduced to this condition, they are
+  forced to hire themselves as the bond slaves of some other
+  Chinese. Under such misfortunes their only resource is, that some
+  relative, either at Batavia or China, pays their debts out of
+  compassion, and by that means reinstates them in their property
+  and freedom.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>Malays</i> who live at Batavia usually employ
+  themselves in fishing, having very neat and shewy vessels, the
+  sails of which are most ingeniously constructed of straw. These
+  are a most wicked and profligate people, who often commit
+  atrocious murders for very trifling gain. They profess the
+  Mahomedan religion, but are so absolutely devoid of moral
+  principle, that they even make a boast and merit of cheating
+  Christians. Their last chief was publicly whipped and branded for
+  his frauds and villainies, his goods confiscated, and he himself
+  banished to Ceylon; since when they have been ashamed to elect
+  another chief. Their habits are of silk or cotton, the men
+  wearing a piece of cotton round their heads, and their black hair
+  tied into a knot behind.</p>
+
+  <p>The blacks or negroes at Batavia are mostly Mahomedans, who
+  come chiefly from Bengal, dressing like the Malays, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page130" id="page130"></a>[pg 130]</span> and
+  living in the same quarter of the city. Some of them work at
+  different mechanic trades, and others are a kind of pedlars; but
+  the most considerable of them trade in stones for buildings,
+  which they bring from the neighbouring islands.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>Amboinese</i> are chiefly employed in building houses
+  of bamboos, the windows of which are made of split canes, very
+  nicely wrought in various figures. They are a bold boisterous
+  race, and so turbulent that they are not permitted to reside in
+  the city, but have their quarter near the Chinese burying ground.
+  The chief of their own nation, to whom they pay the utmost
+  submission, has a magnificent house in their quarter, well
+  furnished after their manner. Their arms are chiefly large sabres
+  and long bucklers. The men wear a piece of cotton cloth wrapped
+  round their heads, the ends of which hang down behind, and adorn
+  this species of turban with a variety of flowers. Their women
+  wear a close habit, and a cotton mantle over their shoulders,
+  having their arms bare. Their houses are built of boards,
+  thatched with leaves, usually two or three stories high, the
+  ground floor especially being divided into several
+  apartments.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>Mardykers</i> or <i>Topasses</i> are idolaters from
+  various Indian nations, and follow various trades and
+  professions; and their merchants, under licences or passports
+  from the company, carry on considerable commerce among the
+  neighbouring islands. Some of these people are gardeners, others
+  rear cattle, and others breed fowls. The men of this mixed tribe
+  generally dress after the Dutch fashion, but the women wear the
+  habits of other Indians. These people dwell both in the city and
+  country, their houses being better than those of the other
+  Indians, built of stone or brick, several stories high, and very
+  neat. There are also some <i>Macassers</i> at Batavia, so famous
+  for their little poisoned arrows, which they blow from tubes.
+  This poison is made of the juice of a certain tree, which grows
+  in Macasser and the <i>Bougis</i> islands, into which they dip
+  the points of the arrows and allow them to dry. The wound
+  inflicted by these arrows is absolutely mortal. The <i>Bougis</i>
+  are natives of three or four islands near Macasser, and since the
+  conquest of that island have settled at Batavia. They are very
+  bold and hardy fellows, for which reason they are employed as
+  soldiers by the company. Their arms are bows and arrows, with
+  sabres and bucklers. Besides these enumerated nations, which
+  contribute to form the population of Batavia, there are several
+  Armenians and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" id=
+  "page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> some other Asiatics who reside
+  there occasionally for the sake of trade, and stay no longer than
+  their affairs require, All the inhabitants around Batavia, and
+  for a track of about forty leagues along the mountains of the
+  country of Bantam, are immediately subject to the
+  governor-general, who sends <i>drossards</i> or commissaries
+  among them, to administer justice, and to collect the public
+  revenues; and the chief men of the several districts resort at
+  certain times to Batavia, to give an account of the behaviour of
+  these commissaries.</p>
+
+  <p>The city of Batavia, and all the dominions possessed by the
+  company in the East Indies, are governed by two supreme councils,
+  one of which is named the Council of the Indies, and the other
+  the Council of Justice, both of which are fixed at Batavia, the
+  capital of the dominions belonging to the company. To the first
+  of these belong all matters of government, and the entire
+  direction of public affairs, and to the other the administration
+  of justice in all its branches. The governor-general always
+  presided in the former of these councils, which is ordinarily
+  composed of eighteen or twenty persons, called counsellors of the
+  Indies; but it seldom happens that these are all at Batavia at
+  one time, as they are usually promoted to the seven governments
+  which are at the disposal of the company. This council assembles
+  regularly twice a-week, besides as often extraordinarily as the
+  governor pleases. They deliberate on all affairs concerning the
+  interest of the company, and superintend the government of the
+  island of Java and its dependencies: But in affairs of very great
+  importance, the approbation and consent of the directors of the
+  company in Europe must be had. From this Council of the Indies,
+  orders and instructions are sent to all the other governments,
+  which must be implicitly obeyed. In this council, all letters
+  addressed to the governor or director-general are read and
+  debated, and answers agreed upon by a plurality of voices.</p>
+
+  <p>The Council of Justice consists of a president, who is
+  generally a counsellor of the Indies, together with eight
+  counsellors of justice, a fiscal or attorney-general for affairs
+  of government, another fiscal for maritime affairs, and a
+  secretary. The first fiscal has a vote along with the
+  counsellors, and receives a third part of all fines below an
+  hundred florins, and a sixth part of all above that sum. The duty
+  of his office is to observe that the laws are obeyed, and to
+  prefer informations against those who break them. The fiscal of
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page132" id="page132"></a>[pg
+  132]</span> the sea has jurisdiction over all frauds committed in
+  commerce, in cases of piracy, or in whatever tends to disturb the
+  settled rules of maritime affairs. Besides these sovereign
+  tribunals, there is a council of the city of Batavia, consisting
+  of nine burgomasters or aldermen, including a president, who is
+  always a member of the Council of the Indies, and a
+  vice-president. The bailiff of the city, and the commissary of
+  the adjacent territory, have also seats in this council, to which
+  likewise there is a secretary.</p>
+
+  <p>The governor-general is head of the empire belonging to the
+  company in India, being as it were stadtholder, captain-general,
+  and admiral of the Indies. By his office he is president of the
+  supreme council, in which he has two voices. He has the keys of
+  all the magazines, and directs every thing belonging to them,
+  without being accountable to any one. He commands by his own
+  proper authority, and every person is bound to obey him, so that
+  his authority equals, and even surpasses, that of several
+  European sovereigns. But he is accountable to, and removeable by
+  the directors at home. In cases, however, of being guilty of
+  treason, or any other enormous crime, the Council of Justice have
+  a right to seize his person and call him to account. In case the
+  governor-general dies or resigns his office, the Council of the
+  Indies meets and elects a successor, when they immediately write
+  to the directors at home, desiring them to confirm and approve
+  their choice. They also write to the same purpose to the
+  states-general of the United Provinces, who have reserved to
+  themselves the power of confirming or excluding a
+  governor-general. It is usual, however, for the directors and the
+  state to confirm the choice of the council, and to send him
+  letters patent, conformable to the desire of the council; yet
+  there have been some instances of the directors rejecting the
+  governor-general thus elected, and sending out another.</p>
+
+  <p>The salary allowed by the company to the governor-general is
+  800 rix-dollars, with other 500 dollars for his table, and also
+  pay the salaries of the officers of his household. But these
+  appointments form a very small portion of his revenue; as the
+  legal emoluments of his office are so great that he is able to
+  amass an immense fortune in two or three years, without
+  oppressing the people or burdening his conscience. Being the head
+  and apparent sovereign of all the countries belonging to or
+  dependent upon the company, he is allowed a court and most of the
+  honours usually paid to crowned <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page133" id="page133"></a>[pg 133]</span> heads, in compliance
+  with the customs of the east. When he goes from his palace to his
+  country seat, he is preceded by the master of his household, at
+  the head of six gentlemen on horseback. A trumpeter and two
+  halberdeers on horseback go immediately before the coach. The
+  master of the horse and six mounted halberdeers ride on the
+  right; and he is followed by other coaches carrying his friends
+  and retinue. The whole cavalcade is closed by a troop of
+  forty-eight dragoons, commanded by a captain and three
+  quarter-masters, and preceded by a trumpeter richly clothed. If
+  this office be considerable for its honour, power, and emolument,
+  it is also very fatiguing, as the governor-general is employed
+  from morning to night in giving audiences, in reading letters,
+  and in giving orders in the service of the company; so that he
+  seldom can allow above half an hour for dinner, and even
+  dispatches pressing affairs while at table. He has also to
+  receive all Indian princes and ambassadors who come to Batavia,
+  and of these many arrive every year.</p>
+
+  <p>The director-general is the next in authority after the
+  governor-general, and is the second person in the council of the
+  Indies. This employment requires great care and attention, as he
+  has the charge of buying and selling all the commodities that
+  enter into or go out from the Company's warehouses. He gives
+  orders for the kinds and quantities of all goods sent to Holland
+  or elsewhere, keeps the keys of all the magazines, and every
+  officer in the service of the Company makes a report to him daily
+  of every thing committed to their charge. He has the supreme
+  direction of every thing relative to the trade and commerce of
+  the Company, both at Batavia and all other places; and the
+  members of all the factories belonging to the Company are
+  accountable to him for their conduct.</p>
+
+  <p>The third person in the government is the Major-general, who
+  has the command of all the forces under the governor-general. The
+  number of regular troops in the service of the Company throughout
+  the Indies may be about 12,000 men, exclusive of the militia,
+  which amount to about 100,000 more, and are well disciplined, and
+  always called out in time of danger. The entire military and
+  naval strength of the Company by land and sea is about 25,000
+  men, including officers, soldiers, and sailors. For the support
+  of its commerce, the Company keeps in constant employment about
+  180 ships, of from 30 to 60 pieces of cannon, and in cases
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page134" id="page134"></a>[pg
+  134]</span> of emergency are able at any time to fit out forty of
+  the largest size.</p>
+
+  <p>The ecclesiastical government at Batavia, or consistory,
+  consists of eleven persons; viz. the five ministers of the two
+  Dutch churches in the city, and that in the citadel, besides the
+  minister who resides in the island of <i>Ourust</i>, together
+  with the three ministers of the Portuguese churches, and the two
+  belonging to the Malay church. These last five are all
+  Dutchmen-born, though they preach in the Portuguese and Malay
+  languages. As it is deemed necessary that the state should be
+  informed of all that passes among their clergy, the eleventh
+  person is nominated by the government, whose especial business is
+  to see that they do nothing contrary to the laws or to the
+  regulations of the Company. Besides these, the consistory also
+  consists of eight elders and twenty deacons. One principal branch
+  of business confided to the consistory, is to provide ministers
+  for the subordinate governments; where they are relieved after a
+  certain term of years, and either return to Batavia or to
+  Holland, to enjoy the fruits of their labours. Our author relates
+  that one of these ministers went home in the same ship with him,
+  who had made such good use of his time, that he bought a <i>noble
+  fief</i> on his return, and became a man of quality. In the
+  smaller places belonging to the Company, where there are no
+  established ministers, an itinerant is sent once in three or four
+  years, to marry, baptize, and dispense the communion; which is
+  necessary, since the synods do not permit the propagation of any
+  other except the reformed religion in the territories of the
+  Company.</p>
+
+  <p>For a long time the Lutherans have solicited for permission to
+  have a church in Batavia, but have constantly been refused,
+  though certainly a just and reasonable demand, especially in a
+  place where Mahomedans and Pagans are freely tolerated in the
+  exercise of their religion, and where the Chinese are even
+  permitted to worship the devil. This ecclesiastical consistory
+  has also dependent upon it all the schoolmasters, consolators of
+  the sick, and catechists. Of these last there are many in the
+  service of the Company in their ships; their duty being to say
+  prayers every day, and to instruct such as embrace the Christian
+  religion; and as they are mostly natives, and speak several
+  languages, they are the better able to give instructions, and to
+  teach the confession of faith to so many different nations. Such
+  as are <span class="pagenum"><a name="page135" id=
+  "page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> converted are baptized and receive
+  the communion; and, for the better preservation of uniformity in
+  doctrine, an annual visitation of all the new converts is made by
+  the ministers. In consequence of these regulations, the reformed
+  religion has made amazing progress, especially among the blacks,
+  of whom our author says he has seen 150 at a time present
+  themselves to receive baptism. This however is not rashly
+  granted, as all who receive it must be well instructed, and be
+  able to make their confession of faith. The Chinese are well
+  known to be so obstinately addicted to their great Confucius, as
+  not to be easily induced to embrace any other religion; yet some
+  even of them from time to time have abjured their idolatry, and
+  embraced the protestant faith. Yet our author seems to doubt
+  their sincerity, alleging that the Chinese are seldom sincere in
+  any thing; and he tells us, that a Chinese, on renouncing
+  idolatry; said he was about to embrace the religion of the
+  Company.</p>
+
+  <p>The country around Batavia is extremely beautiful, and it may
+  be said that nature and art seem to strive which shall have the
+  greatest share in adorning it. The air is sweet and mild, the
+  land extremely fertile, and the face of the country finely
+  diversified with hills and vallies, all laid out in regular
+  plantations, beautiful canals, and whatever can contribute to
+  render the country pleasant and agreeable. The island of Java is
+  about 300 leagues in circumference, divided into several kingdoms
+  and principalities, all dependent upon the emperor who resides at
+  <i>Kattasura</i>, except the kings of Bantam and Japara,<a id=
+  "footnotetag70" name="footnotetag70"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote70"><sup>2</sup></a> who do not acknowledge his
+  authority. The country produces in abundance all the necessaries
+  of life, as also great quantities of those valuable productions
+  which form its commerce. It is interspersed by many mountains,
+  rivers, and woods, to all of which nature has bestowed her
+  treasures with a bountiful hand. There are gold-mines in some
+  parts of the country, and for some years the government caused
+  the mountains of <i>Parang</i> to be wrought, in hopes of reaping
+  profit; but, after expending a million, the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page136" id="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span>
+  marcasites were found not to be fully ripened.<a id=
+  "footnotetag71" name="footnotetag71"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote71"><sup>3</sup></a> Those who directed this enterprise
+  were much censured, and the works have been long discontinued.
+  Some are thoroughly satisfied that the natives find considerable
+  quantities of gold in several places, which they carefully
+  conceal from the knowledge of the Dutch. During the last war in
+  Java, which continued from 1716 to 1721, the inhabitants of some
+  parts of the country were so often plundered that they were
+  reduced to absolute beggary; yet, after a year's peace, they were
+  observed to have grown excessively rich, having plenty of gold,
+  both in dust and ingots.</p>
+
+  <p>The mountains of Java are very high, so that many of them can
+  be seen at the distance of thirty or forty leagues. That which is
+  called the <i>Blue Mountain</i> is by far the highest, being seen
+  from the greatest distance at sea. Java is subject to frequent
+  and terrible earthquakes, which the inhabitants believe are
+  caused by the mountain of Parang, which is full of sulphur,
+  salt-petre, and bitumen, which take fire by their intestine
+  commotions, causing a prodigious struggle within the bowels of
+  the earth, whence proceeds the earthquake; and they assert that
+  it is common, after an earthquake, to see a vast cloud of smoke
+  hanging over the top of that mountain. About thirty years before
+  Roggewein was in Batavia, Mynheer Ribeck, then governor-general,
+  went with many attendants to the top of this mountain, where he
+  perceived a large cavity, into which he caused a man to be let
+  down, to examine the inside. On his return, this man reported
+  that the mountain was all hollow within, that he heard a most
+  frightful noise of torrents of water on every side, that he here
+  and there saw flames bursting out, so that he was afraid of going
+  far, from apprehension of either being stifled by the noxious
+  vapours, or falling into one of the chasms. The waters in the
+  neighbourhood of this mountain are unwholesome, and even those in
+  the neighbourhood of Batavia are impregnated with sulphur, those
+  who drink much of them being liable to several disorders,
+  particularly the dysentery. But when boiled, their water is
+  entirely freed from the sulphur, and does no manner of harm,
+  though drank copiously.</p>
+
+  <p>The fruits and plants of Java are excellent and numberless.
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page137" id="page137"></a>[pg
+  137]</span> Among these the cocoa-nut tree is by far the most
+  valuable, as besides its fruit already described, the bark makes
+  a kind of hemp which is manufactured into good ropes and cables;
+  the timber serves to build houses and ships, and the leaves serve
+  to cover the former. It is said that the father of a family in
+  this country causes a cocoa-nut tree to be planted at the birth
+  of each of his children, by which each may always know his own
+  age, as this tree has a circle rising yearly on its stem, so that
+  its age may be known by counting these circles: and when any one
+  asks a father the ages of his children, he sends them to look at
+  his cocoa trees.</p>
+
+  <p>There are numerous woods or forests in different parts of the
+  island, in which are abundance of wild beasts, as buffaloes,
+  tigers, rhinoceroses, and wild horses. These also abound in
+  serpents, some of which are of prodigious size. Crocodiles are
+  numerous and large in this island, being mostly found about the
+  mouths of the rivers; and, being amphibious animals, delight much
+  in marshes and savannahs. Like the tortoise, this creature
+  deposits its eggs in the hot sands, taking no farther care of
+  them, and the sun hatches them in the proper season, when they
+  immediately betake themselves to the water. A short time before
+  the arrival of Roggewein at Batavia, a crocodile was taken in the
+  mouth of the river to the east of the city, upwards of
+  thirty-three feet long, and proportionally large. They have fowls
+  of all kinds, and exquisitely good; particularly peacocks,
+  partridges, pheasants, and wood-pigeons. The Indian bat is a
+  great curiosity, differing little in form from ours, but its
+  extended wings measure a full yard, and its body is as large as a
+  rat.</p>
+
+  <p>There are great numbers of excellent fish of different sorts
+  to be had in the adjoining sea, and so plentiful and cheap that
+  as much may be bought for three-pence as will dine six or seven
+  men. Tortoises or sea-turtle also are abundant, their flesh
+  resembling veal, and there are many persons who think it much
+  better. The flat country round Batavia abounds in all kinds of
+  provisions; and to prevent all danger of scarcity, vessels
+  belonging to the Company are continually employed in bringing
+  provisions, spiceries, and all other necessaries, from the most
+  distant parts of the island, together with indigo, rice, pepper,
+  cardamoms, coffee, and the like. In the magazines and
+  store-houses, there are always vast quantities of rich and
+  valuable commodities, not of Java only, but of all parts of
+  India, ready to be transported <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page138" id="page138"></a>[pg 138]</span> to other parts of the
+  Company's dominions, in the ships which return annually to
+  Holland.</p>
+
+  <p>The homeward-bound ships sail five times every year from
+  Batavia. The first fleet sails in July, generally consisting of
+  four or five sail, which touch on their way at the island of
+  Ceylon. The second, of six or seven vessels, sails in September.
+  The third usually consists of from sixteen to twenty ships, and
+  leaves Batavia in October. The fourth, of four or five vessels,
+  sails in January. And the fifth, being only a single ship,
+  generally sails in March, but not till the arrival of the fleet
+  from China which brings the tea, of which the principal part of
+  the cargo of this ship consists, wherefore it is usually called
+  the <i>tea-ship</i>: The common people call it also the
+  <i>book-ship</i> as it carries home the current account of the
+  whole year, by which the Company is enabled to judge of the state
+  of its trade in India. It is to be observed that these ships,
+  laden with the rich commodities of many countries, all sail from
+  this single port of Batavia; the ships from Mokha which carry
+  coffee, being the only vessels in the service of the Dutch East
+  India Company that are allowed to proceed directly home without
+  going to Batavia.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote69" name="footnote69"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag69">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This may possibly have been the case at this time in
+    Batavia; but we are assured by recent travellers in China, that
+    they have there none but <i>men</i> players, the female parts
+    being acted by youths.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote70" name="footnote70"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag70">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There is some strange error here, which we do not presume to
+    correct or explain. In the former section, the king of
+    <i>Japara</i> is said to reside chiefly at <i>Kattasura</i>,
+    which in the present instance is said to be the residence of
+    the emperor. In an after division of this collection, more
+    ample and distinct accounts will be found of this rich island,
+    now subject to Britain.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote71" name="footnote71"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag71">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In plain English, the mineral, or ore, was so poor as not to
+    defray the expence of extracting the metal.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION IX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Description of Ceylon.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The next best government belonging to the Dutch East India
+  Company, after Batavia, is that of the island of Ceylon. The
+  governor of this island is generally a member of the council of
+  the Indies, and has a council appointed to assist him, framed
+  after the model of that in Batavia, only that the members are not
+  quite such great men. Though the governor of Ceylon be dependent
+  upon the Council of the Indies at Batavia, he is at liberty to
+  write directly to the directors of the Company in Holland,
+  without asking permission from the governor-general, or being
+  obliged to give any account of his conduct in so doing. This
+  singular privilege has had bad effects, having even tempted some
+  governors of Ceylon to endeavour to withdraw themselves from
+  their obedience to the Company, in order to become absolute
+  sovereigns of the island. There have been many examples of this
+  kind, but it may be sufficient to mention the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page139" id="page139"></a>[pg 139]</span> two
+  last, owing to the tyranny of two successive governors, Vuist and
+  Versluys, which made a considerable noise in Europe.</p>
+
+  <p>When Mr Rumpf left the government of Ceylon, his immediate
+  successor, Mr Vuist, began to act the tyrant towards all who were
+  not so fortunate as to be in his good graces, persecuting both
+  Europeans and natives. Having from the beginning formed the
+  project of rendering himself an independent sovereign, he pursued
+  his plan steadily, by such methods as seemed best calculated to
+  insure success. He thought it necessary in the first place to rid
+  himself of the richest persons in the island, and of all having
+  the reputation of wisdom, experience, and penetration. In order
+  to save appearances, and to play the villain with an air of
+  justice, he thought it necessary to trump up a pretended plot,
+  and caused informations to be preferred against such persons as
+  he intended to ruin, charging them with having entered into a
+  conspiracy to betray the principal fortresses of the island into
+  the hands of some foreign power. This scheme secured him in two
+  ways, as it seemed to manifest his great zeal for the interest of
+  the Company, and enabled him to convict those he hated of high
+  treason, and to deprive them at once of life and fortune. To
+  manage this the more easily, he contrived to change the members
+  of his council, into which he brought creatures of his own, on
+  whose acquiescence in his iniquities he could depend upon. The
+  confiscations of the estates and effects of a number of innocent
+  persons whom he had murdered by these false judicial proceedings,
+  gave him the means of obliging many, and gained him numerous
+  dependants.</p>
+
+  <p>Vuist was born in India of Dutch parents, and had a strong
+  natural capacity which had been improved by assiduous application
+  to his studies. His dark brow, and morose air, shewed the cruelty
+  of his disposition: Yet he loved and protected the Indians,
+  either from a natural disposition, or because he deemed them fit
+  instruments to forward his designs. In order to gain the natives
+  in his interest, he preferred them to many vacant offices under
+  his government, in direct opposition to repeated instructions
+  from the Company, to bestow the principal offices on Dutchmen or
+  other Europeans. After carrying on his designs with much
+  dexterity, and having acquired by gifts a vast number of
+  dependants, ready to support his purposes, some of the faithful
+  servants <span class="pagenum"><a name="page140" id=
+  "page140"></a>[pg 140]</span> of the Company sent such clear and
+  distinct information of his proceedings to Holland, as
+  sufficiently evinced his real intentions, in spite of all his
+  arts to conceal them. At length the Company sent out Mr Versluys
+  to supersede him in the government of Ceylon, with orders to send
+  him prisoner to Batavia. As soon as he arrived there, abundance
+  of informations were preferred against him, for a variety of
+  crimes both of a private and public nature, into all of which the
+  council of justice made strict inquisition, and were furnished
+  with abundant proofs of his guilt. In the end, he freely
+  confessed that he had caused nineteen innocent persons to be put
+  to death, having put them all to the torture, extorting from all
+  of them confessions of crimes which they had never even dreamt of
+  committing. He was accordingly sentenced to be broken alive on
+  the wheel, his body to be quartered, and his quarters burnt to
+  ashes and thrown into the sea.</p>
+
+  <p>Such was the deserved end of the traitor and tyrant Vuist; yet
+  Versluys, who was sent expressly to amend what the other had done
+  amiss, and to make the people forget the excesses of his
+  predecessor by a mild and gentle administration, acted perhaps
+  even worse than Vuist. Versluys was by no means of a cruel
+  disposition, wherefore, strictly speaking, he shed no blood, yet
+  acted as despotically and tyrannically as the other, though with
+  more subtilty and under a fairer appearance. His great point was
+  not the absolute possession of the country, but to possess
+  himself of all that it contained of value. For this purpose,
+  immediately on getting possession of the government, he raised
+  the price of rice, the bread of the country, to so extravagant a
+  height that the people in a short time were unable to purchase
+  it, and were soon reduced to beggary and a starving condition.
+  Their humble representations of the great and general misery
+  which reigned among all ranks of people throughout the island
+  made no impression on his avaricious disposition; but all things
+  went on from bad to worse, till an account of his nefarious
+  conduct was transmitted to Holland. When informed of the
+  distressed situation of the inhabitants of Ceylon, the
+  States-general sent out Mr Doembourgh as governor, with orders to
+  repair all past errors, and to treat the natives with all
+  possible tenderness and indulgence. On his arrival, Versluys,
+  after beggaring the whole nation, took it into his head that they
+  would defend him against his masters, and absolutely refused to
+  resign the government; and <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page141" id="page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> had even the insolency
+  to fire upon the Company's ships as they lay at anchor in the
+  road of Columbo. Doembourgh, however, immediately landed, and his
+  authority was readily recognised by all the Company's servants,
+  and submitted to by the people. He caused Versluys to be
+  immediately arrested and sent to Batavia, where a long criminal
+  process was instituted against him, but which was not concluded
+  when our author left India.</p>
+
+  <p>Of all the Asiatic islands, Ceylon is perhaps the fairest and
+  most fertile. It lies to the S.E. of the peninsula of India on
+  this side of the Ganges, between the latitudes of 5° 30'
+  and 9° N. and between the longitudes of 79° 45'
+  and 82° 12' E. so that it extends 70 marine leagues from
+  N. to S. and 49 leagues from E. to W. It is so fertile and
+  delicious, that many have believed it to have been the seat of
+  the terrestrial paradise; and the natives certainly believe this,
+  for they pretend to shew the tomb of Adam, and the print of his
+  foot on the mountain named the Peak of Adam,<a id="footnotetag72"
+  name="footnotetag72"></a><a href="#footnote72"><sup>1</sup></a>
+  one of the highest mountains in the world. On another mountain
+  there is a salt-lake, which the inhabitants affirm was filled by
+  the tears shed by Eve, while she wept incessantly an hundred
+  years for the death of Abel.</p>
+
+  <p>The principal places in Ceylon are Jafnapatam, Trinkamaly,
+  Baracola, Punta de Galla, Columbo, Negombo, Sitavaca, and Candy.
+  The Dutch East India Company are possessed of all the coasts of
+  the island, and ten or twelve leagues within the land, and most
+  of the before-mentioned towns, except the two last. While the
+  Portuguese had possession, they built abundance of forts for
+  their security, so that the Dutch found it a difficult matter to
+  dislodge them; but having contracted a secret treaty with the
+  king of Candy, the Portuguese were attacked on all sides, by sea
+  and land, and were driven by degrees out of all their
+  possessions. Since then, the Dutch have taken much pains to
+  cultivate a good understanding with that native sovereign, from
+  whom they have obtained almost every thing they demanded. They
+  send every year an ambassador to him with various presents; in
+  return for which his Candian majesty sends to the company a
+  casket of jewels, of such value that the ship which carries it
+  home is reckoned to be worth half the fleet.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page142" id="page142"></a>[pg 142]</span>
+
+  <p>Punta de Galle and Columbo are the two principal places in the
+  island, the latter being the residence of the governor, and the
+  other, properly speaking, is only the port of that city. Though
+  extremely hot, the air of Ceylon is reckoned healthy, and the
+  country abounds with excellent fruits of many kinds. The sea and
+  the rivers afford plenty of various kinds of fish. There are also
+  on the land great abundance of fowls, both wild and tame, and
+  many wild animals, particularly elephants that are larger than
+  any other country in Asia, also tygers, bears, civet cats,
+  monkeys, and others. <i>Cinnamon</i> is the production for which
+  this island is peculiarly famous, as that which is procured here
+  is estimated far superior to any other. The Dutch East India
+  Company have the entire monopoly not only of this, but of all the
+  other spices, with which they supply all parts of the world.
+  Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tree resembling the orange, the
+  flowers of which very much resemble those of the laurel both in
+  size and figure. There are three sorts of cinnamon. The finest is
+  taken from young trees; a coarser sort from the old ones; and the
+  third is the <i>wild cinnamon</i>, or cassia, which grows not
+  only in Ceylon, but in Malabar and China, and of late years in
+  Brazil. The company also derives great profit from an essential
+  oil drawn from cinnamon, which sells at a high price; and it also
+  makes considerable gain by the precious stones found in this
+  island, being rubies, white and blue sapphires, topazes, and
+  others.</p>
+
+  <p>Off the coast of this island, at Manaar and Tutecorin, there
+  is a fine pearl fishery, which brings in a large revenue, being
+  let twice a-year in farm to certain black merchants. The oysters
+  are at the bottom of the sea, and the fishery is only carried on
+  in fine weather, when the sea is perfectly calm. The diver has
+  one end of a rope fastened round his body below the arm-pits, the
+  other end being tied to the boat, having a large stone tied to
+  his feet, that he may descend the quicker, and a bag tied round
+  his waist to receive the oysters. As soon as he gets to the
+  bottom of the sea, he takes up as many oysters as are within his
+  reach, putting them as fast as possible into the bag; and in
+  order to ascend, pulls strongly at a cord, different from that
+  which is round his body, as a signal for those in the boat to
+  haul him up as fast as they can, while he endeavours so shake
+  loose the stone at his feet. When the boats are filled with
+  oysters, the black merchants carry them to different places on
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" id="page143"></a>[pg
+  143]</span> the coast, selling them at so much the hundred; which
+  trade is hazardous for the purchasers, who sometimes find pearls
+  of great value, and sometimes none at all, or those only of small
+  value.</p>
+
+  <p>The inhabitants of Ceylon are called <i>Cingolesians</i>, or
+  Cingalese, who are mostly very tall, of a very dark complexion,
+  with very large ears, owing to the numerous large and heavy
+  ornaments they wear in them. They are men of great courage, and
+  live in a hardy manner, and are therefore excellent soldiers.
+  They are, for the most part, Mahomedans,<a id="footnotetag73"
+  name="footnotetag73"></a><a href="#footnote73"><sup>2</sup></a>
+  though there are many idolaters among them who worship cows and
+  calves. The inhabitants of the interior do not greatly respect
+  the Dutch, whom they term their <i>coast-keepers</i>, in
+  derision; but the Dutch care little about this, endeavouring to
+  keep in good correspondence with the king of Candy, whose
+  dominions are separated from theirs by a large rapid river, and
+  by impenetrable forests. The Ceylonese are remarkable for their
+  great skill in taming elephants, which they employ as beasts of
+  burden in time of peace, and render serviceable against their
+  enemies in war.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote72" name="footnote72"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag72">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This gross absurdity is not worth contesting; but the fact
+    is, that the real natives, the idolaters of the interior, refer
+    both the tomb and the footmark to their false god, or lawgiver,
+    Bodh.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote73" name="footnote73"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag73">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The author has probably confounded the original natives of
+    Ceylon, who are idolaters, with the Malays, who are Mahomedans,
+    and of whom a considerable number are settled on the coast
+    country.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION X.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Some Account of the Governments of Amboina, Banda,
+  Macasser, the Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good
+  Hope.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The third government under the East India Company is that of
+  Amboina, one of the Molucca islands, which was formerly the seat
+  of the governor-general till the building of Batavia, when it was
+  transferred there on account of its advantageous situation, in
+  the centre of the company's trade and settlements, while Amboina
+  lay too far to the east. The island of Java also is vastly more
+  fertile than Amboina, producing all the necessaries of life in
+  abundance, so that it has no dependence for provisions on any
+  other country, while they had provisions to search for in all
+  other places, at the time when the government was established at
+  Amboina. This island is one of the largest of the Moluccas, being
+  situated in the <i>Archipelago of St Lazarus</i>, in lat. 3 40'
+  S. and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page144" id=
+  "page144"></a>[pg 144]</span> long. 128° 30' E.
+  21° 30' or 430 marine leagues east from Batavia. It was
+  conquered in 1519 by the Portuguese, who built a fort there to
+  keep the inhabitants under subjection, and to facilitate the
+  conquest of all the adjacent islands. This fort was taken by the
+  Dutch in 1605, but they did not entirely reduce the whole island
+  of Amboina and the neighbouring islands till 1627, by which
+  conquest they acquired entire possession of the clove trade,
+  whence these islands are termed the <i>gold-mine</i> of the
+  company, owing to the vast profit they draw from them, and it is
+  so far superior to other gold-mines, that there is no fear of
+  these islands being ever exhausted of that commodity. A pound
+  weight of cloves or nutmegs, for the company has the entire
+  monopoly of both, does not in fact cost the company much more
+  than a half-penny, and every one knows at what rate the spices
+  are sold in Europe. Amboina is the centre of all this rich
+  commerce; and to keep it more effectually in the hands of the
+  company, all the clove-trees in the other islands are grubbed up
+  and destroyed; and sometimes, when the harvest is very large at
+  Amboina, a part even of its superfluous produce is burnt.</p>
+
+  <p>This valuable spice grows only in Amboina and the other five
+  Molucca islands, and in the islands of Meao, Cinomo, Cabel, and
+  Marigoran. The Indians call cloves <i>calafoor</i>, while the
+  inhabitants of the Moluccas call them <i>chinke</i>. The
+  clove-tree is much like the laurel, but its leaves are narrower,
+  resembling those of the almond and willow. Even the wood and
+  leaves taste almost as strong as the cloves themselves. These
+  trees bear a great quantity of branches and flowers, and each
+  flower produces a single clove. The flowers are at first white,
+  then green, and at last grow red and pretty hard, and are
+  properly the cloves. While green, their smell is sweet and
+  comfortable, beyond all other flowers. When ripe, the cloves are
+  of a yellow colour, but after being gathered and dried, they
+  assume a smoky and black hue. In gathering, they tie a rope round
+  each bough, and strip off the whole of its produce by force,
+  which violence injures the tree for the next year, but it bears
+  more than ever in the following season. Others beat the trees
+  with long poles, as we do walnut-trees, when the cloves fall down
+  on cloths spread on the ground to receive them. The trees bear
+  more fruit than leaves, the fruit hanging from the trees like
+  cherries. Such cloves as are sold in the Indies are delivered
+  just as procured from the trees, mixed with their stalks, and
+  with dust and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" id=
+  "page145"></a>[pg 145]</span> dirt; but such as are to be
+  transported to Holland are carefully cleaned and freed from the
+  stalks. If left ungathered on the tree, they grow large and
+  thick, and are then termed <i>mother-cloves</i>, which the
+  Javanese value more than the others, but the Dutch prefer the
+  ordinary cloves.</p>
+
+  <p>No care is ever taken in propagating or planting clove-trees,
+  as the cloves which fall to the ground produce them in abundance,
+  and the rains make them grow so fast that they give fruit in
+  eight years, continuing to bear for more than an hundred years
+  after. Some are of opinion that the clove-tree does not thrive
+  close to the sea, nor when too far removed; but seamen who have
+  been on the island assert that they are found everywhere, on the
+  mountains, in the vallies, and quite near the sea. They ripen
+  from the latter end of August to the beginning of January.
+  Nothing whatever grows below or near these trees, neither grass,
+  herb, or weed, as their heat draws all the moisture and
+  nourishment of the soil to themselves. Such is the hot nature of
+  cloves, that when a sackful of them is laid over a vessel of
+  water, some of the water is very soon wasted, but the cloves are
+  no way injured. When a pitcher of water is left in a room in
+  which cloves are cleaned, all the water is consumed in two days,
+  although even the cloves have been removed. Cloves are preserved
+  in sugar, forming an extraordinary good confection. They are also
+  pickled. Many Indian women chew cloves to give them a sweet
+  breath. A very sweet-smelling water is distilled from green
+  cloves, which is excellent for strengthening the eyes, by putting
+  a drop or two into the eyes. Powder of cloves laid upon the head
+  cures the headache; and used inwardly, increases urine, helps
+  digestion, and is good against a diarrhoea, and drank in milk,
+  procures sleep.</p>
+
+  <p>A few days after the cloves are gathered, they are collected
+  together and dried before the fire in bundles, by which operation
+  they lose their natural beautiful red colour, changing into a
+  deep purple or black. This is perhaps partly owing to their being
+  sprinkled with water, which is said to be necessary for
+  preventing worms from getting into them. Those persons who are
+  sent for this commodity in the company's ships, practise a fraud
+  of this nature, in order to conceal their thefts: For, having
+  abstracted a certain quantity or proportion from the cloves
+  received on board, they place two or three hogsheads of sea-water
+  among those remaining, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page146"
+  id="page146"></a>[pg 146]</span> which is all sucked up in a few
+  days by the cloves, which that recover their former weight. By
+  this contrivance, the captain and merchant or supercargo agreeing
+  together, find a way to cheat the company out of part of this
+  valuable commodity. Yet this fraud, though easy and expeditious,
+  is extremely dangerous as when detected it is invariably punished
+  with death, and the company never want spies. Owing to this,
+  cloves are commonly enough called galgen kruid, or gallows-spice,
+  as frequently bringing men to an ill end.</p>
+
+  <p>The king of Amboina has a pension from the company, and a
+  guard of European soldiers, maintained at its expence. The
+  inhabitants of the island are of middle stature, and of black
+  complexions, being all extremely lazy and given to thieving; yet
+  some of them are very ingenious, and have a singular art of
+  working up the cloves while green into a variety of curious toys,
+  as small ships or houses, crowns, and such like, which are
+  annually sent to Europe as presents, and are much esteemed. Those
+  of the Amboinese who acknowledge the authority of the king are
+  Mahomedans, but there are many idolaters who live in the
+  mountains, and maintain their independence, considering
+  themselves as free men, but the king and the Hollanders reckon
+  them savages; and as they are guilty of frequent robberies and
+  murders, they are always reduced to slavery when caught, and are
+  treated with the utmost rigour, and employed in the hardest
+  labour. On this account a most excessive hatred subsists between
+  them and the other inhabitants of the island, with whom they are
+  perpetually at war, and to whom they hardly ever give quarter.
+  Their arms are bucklers; swords, and javelins or pikes.</p>
+
+  <p>The garrison kept in the fort of Amboina is numerous, and
+  constantly maintained in excellent order, being composed of the
+  best troops in the company's service. The fort is so strong, both
+  by nature and art, as to be reckoned impregnable, and so
+  effectually commands the harbour, that no vessel can possibly go
+  in or out without being sunk by its cannon. Although the rich
+  commerce in cloves might make a sufficient return to the company
+  for the charges of this island, yet of late years coffee has been
+  ordered to be cultivated here, and is likely to turn out to
+  advantage. While this island was under the government of Mr
+  Barnard, it was discovered that considerable quantities of
+  gold-dust were washed down by the torrents in some parts of the
+  mountains, and by tracing up the auriferous streams to their
+  sources, the mine has <span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" id=
+  "page147"></a>[pg 147]</span> at last been found. Amboina also
+  produces a red kind of wood, which is both beautiful and durable,
+  and is naturally embellished in its grain with abundance of
+  curious figures. Of this wood they make tables, cabinets,
+  writing-desks, and other beautiful pieces of furniture, which are
+  sent as presents to the principal persons in the government, the
+  rest being sold at extravagant prices all over India.</p>
+
+  <p>The fourth government under the company is <i>Banda</i>, an
+  island about fifty leagues from Amboina towards the east, and to
+  the southward of the Moluccas. The governor, who is generally an
+  eminent merchant, resides at <i>Nera</i>, the capital of the
+  country, and has several other neighbouring islands under his
+  jurisdiction, in the government of all which he is assisted by a
+  council, as at Amboina. In some representations sent home, and
+  published by the company, this island is set forth as being very
+  expensive to the company, and so thinly inhabited as to take off
+  very little goods, while it is so barren as to require large
+  supplies of provisions. All this is pure artifice; for, though
+  Banda is a very small island in comparison with Amboina, being
+  only about twelve leagues in circumference, it certainly affords
+  as great profits, which arise from the important commerce in
+  nutmegs, which grow here in such prodigious quantities as to
+  enable the Dutch company to supply all the markets in Europe.</p>
+
+  <p>This admirable and much-valued fruit grows in no other part of
+  the world except Banda and a few other small islands in its
+  neighbourhood, named Orattan, Guimanasa, Wayer, Pulo-wai, and
+  Pulo-rion. The nutmeg-tree is much like a peach-tree, but the
+  leaves are shorter and rounder. The fruit is at first covered by
+  two skins or shells, the outer one being tough and as thick as
+  one's finger, which falls off when the fruit ripens. This outer
+  rind when candied has a fine taste and flavour. When this falls
+  off, the next is a fine smooth skin or peel, which is the mace,
+  or flower of the nutmeg; and below this is a harder and blackish
+  shell, much like that of a walnut; and on opening this shell, the
+  nutmeg is found within, being the kernel. The mace is at first of
+  a fine scarlet colour; but, when ripe, it falls off the shell,
+  and is then of an orange colour, as it comes to Europe. They
+  preserve whole nutmegs in sugar, which make the best sweetmeat in
+  India. The Bandanese call nutmegs <i>palla</i>, and mace
+  <i>buaa-palla</i>. There are two sorts of nutmegs; the one being
+  of a long shape, called males, and the other round and reddish,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page148" id="page148"></a>[pg
+  148]</span> called females, which latter have better taste and
+  flavour than the other. When gathered and the mace carefully
+  preserved, the shells are removed and the nutmegs dried, being
+  first thrown among quicklime, as otherwise worms would breed in
+  and destroy them.</p>
+
+  <p>There are several islands in the neighbourhood of Banda in
+  which the nutmeg-trees grow, but these are carefully destroyed
+  every year, which at first sight may seem extraordinary, as, if
+  once destroyed, one would imagine they would never grow again.
+  But they are annually carried by birds to these islands. Some
+  persons allege that the birds disgorge them undigested, while
+  others assert that they pass through in the ordinary manner,
+  still retaining their vegetative power. This bird resembles a
+  cuckoo, and is called the nutmeg-gardener by the Dutch, who
+  prohibit their subjects from killing any of them on pain of
+  death. The nutmeg is a sovereign remedy for strengthening the
+  brain and memory, for warming the stomach, sweetening the breath,
+  and promoting urine; it is also good against flatulence,
+  diarrhoea, head-ach, pain of the stomach, heat of the liver, and
+  amenorrhoea. Oil of nutmegs is a powerful cordial. Mace is an
+  effectual remedy for weakness of the stomach, helps digestion,
+  expels bad humours, and cures flatulence. A plaister of mace and
+  nutmegs in powder, and diluted with rose-water, greatly
+  strengthens the stomach. Being peculiar to Banda, merchants from
+  Java, Malucca, China, and all parts of the Indies, come to Nera
+  and the other towns of Banda to purchase mace and nutmegs; and
+  immediately on their arrival, they all purchase wives to keep
+  house for them and dress their victuals during their stay, which
+  is usually two or three months, and when they go away again, they
+  give liberty to these temporary wives to go where they
+  please.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of Banda is very hilly, yet fertile, the government
+  among the natives being a kind of commonwealth, administered by
+  the Mahomedan priests, who are very strict and severe. The
+  population of the whole island may be about 12,000 persons of all
+  ages, of whom about 4000 are fighting men. It is so well
+  fortified as to be deemed impregnable, yet there is always a
+  numerous squadron of small vessels on the coast for farther
+  security. The garrison is numerous, but in a worse condition than
+  those of any other garrison, belonging to the company, owing to
+  the scarcity of victuals, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page149"
+  id="page149"></a>[pg 149]</span> as the island is of a barren
+  sandy soil,<a id="footnotetag74" name=
+  "footnotetag74"></a><a href="#footnote74"><sup>1</sup></a>
+  wherefore the soldiers eat dogs, cats, and any other animal they
+  can find. For six months of the year they have tolerable
+  abundance of turtle or sea-tortoises, and after this they are
+  glad to get a little sorry fish, now and then. Their bread is
+  made from the juice of a tree, which resembles the grounds of
+  beer when first drawn, but grows as hard as a stone when dried:
+  Yet, when put into water, it swells and ferments, and so becomes
+  fit to eat, at least in this country, where nothing else is to be
+  had.<a id="footnotetag75" name="footnotetag75"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote75"><sup>2</sup></a> Butter, rice, dried fish, and
+  other provisions, are all imported from Batavia, and are much too
+  dear to be purchased by the soldiers, at least in any great
+  plenty. Thus the inhabitants are none of the happiest; but, to do
+  them justice, they live fully as well as they deserve, as there
+  is not an honest man on the island.</p>
+
+  <p>According to the Dutch, the original natives of this island
+  were so cruel, perfidious and intractable, that they were forced
+  to root them out in a great measure for their own security, and
+  to send a Dutch colony to occupy the island: But such a colony as
+  has not much mended the matter, being entirely composed of a
+  rascally good-for-nothing people, who were either content to
+  come, or were sentenced to be sent here, almost to starve, not
+  being able to live elsewhere. Their misery at this place does not
+  continue long, as they are usually soon carried off by the dry
+  gripes or twisting of the guts, which is the endemic, or peculiar
+  disease of the country. Hence, and because wild young fellows are
+  sometimes sent here by their relations, the Dutch at Batavia
+  usually call this <i>Verbeetering Island</i>, or the Island of
+  Correction.</p>
+
+  <p>Macasser, or the island of Celebes, is considered as the
+  fourth best government after Batavia. This island lies between
+  Borneo and the Moluccas, 260 leagues or 13° E. from
+  Batavia. It is a singularly irregular island, consisting in a
+  manner of four long peninsular processes, two projecting
+  eastwards, and two towards the south, reaching from lat.
+  1° 30' N. to 5° 45' S. and from long.
+  119° to 125° 20', both E. It is called, and
+  with great reason, the key of <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page150" id="page150"></a>[pg 150]</span> the spice islands, and
+  the form of its government is much the same as in the other
+  islands, consisting of a governor and council. Since the Dutch
+  conquered these islands from the Portuguese, they have carefully
+  fortified the sea-coast, and have always a very numerous garrison
+  in the fort of Macasser, where the governor resides; which is
+  particularly necessary, as the island is very populous, and the
+  natives are beyond comparison the bravest and best soldiers in
+  India. This nation long gave inexpressible trouble to the Dutch,
+  but was at length, subdued, and stands now in as much awe of the
+  company as any other nation: But, till very lately, the expences
+  of the troops at this place were so large, that the company
+  derived very little gain from the conquest, although the
+  slave-trade here is very profitable.</p>
+
+  <p>Before the last Macasser war, which ended in the entire
+  subjugation of the prince of this country, he was able to procure
+  great quantities of mace, nutmegs, and cloves, which he sold to
+  the English and other nations, at much more reasonable rates than
+  they could procure them from the Dutch. For which reason the
+  Dutch were at great pains and expence to reduce this island to
+  entire subjection, that it might become the bulwark of the
+  Moluccas, and secure their monopoly of the spice-trade: But, for
+  similar reasons, the other European powers ought to have
+  supported the king of Macasser in his independence. The island of
+  Celebes is very fertile, and produces abundance of rice, and
+  articles of great value in the Indies. The inhabitants are of
+  middle stature, and have yellow complexions, with good features,
+  and are of brisk and active dispositions: But are naturally
+  thieves, traitors, and murderers to such a degree, that it is not
+  safe for an European to venture beyond the walls of the fort
+  after dark, or to travel at any time far into the country, lest
+  he be robbed and murdered. Yet many of the natives live under the
+  protection of the Dutch forts, being free burgesses, who carry on
+  considerable trade. There are also a considerable number of
+  Chinese residents, who sail from hence in vessels of their own to
+  all parts of the company's dominions, and who acquire immense
+  wealth by means of extensive commerce.</p>
+
+  <p>The inland country is under the dominion of three different
+  princes, who, fortunately for the Dutch, are in continual
+  opposition to each other; for, if united, they might easily drive
+  the Dutch from the island. One of these princes is <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page151" id="page151"></a>[pg 151]</span>
+  styled the <i>Company's King</i>, as he lives in good
+  correspondence with the Dutch, and promotes their interest as far
+  as he can. On this account the Dutch make him presents of
+  considerable value from time to time, such as gold chains, golden
+  coronets set with precious stones, and the like, in order to keep
+  him steady in his allegiance, and to prevent him from uniting
+  with the other two princes of the island. Some little time before
+  the arrival of Roggewein at Batavia, a rich gold-mine was
+  discovered in Celebes, to which a director and a great number of
+  workmen were sent from Batavia; but how far this has been
+  attended with success, our author was unable to say.</p>
+
+  <p><i>Ternate</i> is the fifth government at the disposal of the
+  company, and the farthest east of all belonging to the Dutch
+  dominions in India, so that it is a kind of frontier. The
+  governor is always a merchant, and has a council, like all the
+  others already mentioned. This is one of the largest of the
+  Molucca islands, and the king of Ternate is the most valuable of
+  all the allies of the company; as, although his island would
+  abound in cloves, he causes them to be rooted out annually, for
+  which the company allows him a pension of eighteen or twenty
+  thousand rix dollars yearly. He has likewise a numerous
+  life-guard, with a very strong fort well garrisoned, all at the
+  expence of the company. The kings of Tidore and Bachian are his
+  tributaries. Ternate is very fertile, and abounds in all sorts of
+  provisions, and in every thing that can contribute to the ease
+  and happiness of life, yet its commerce is of no great
+  importance, hardly amounting to as much as is necessary to defray
+  the charges of the government. It was at this time, however,
+  expected to turn out to better account, as a rich gold-mine had
+  been recently discovered. The natives are a middle-sized people,
+  strong and active, more faithful than their neighbours, and
+  better affected towards the Europeans. In religion they are
+  mostly Mahometans or Pagans; but of late many of them had become
+  Christians, chiefly occasioned by their king having declared
+  himself of that religion, a point of great consequence towards
+  the conversion of the people. The inhabitants of Ternate make a
+  species of palm wine, called <i>Seggeweer</i>, which is
+  excessively strong. There are here many most beautiful birds,
+  having feathers of all sorts of colours, charmingly diversified,
+  which are sent to Batavia, where they are sold at high prices on
+  account of their beauty and docility, as they <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page152" id="page152"></a>[pg 152]</span> may
+  be taught to sing finely, and to imitate the human voice. Many
+  Birds-of-Paradise are also brought from this island. There are
+  several sorts of these birds. The most common kind is yellow,
+  having small bodies, about eight inches long exclusive of the
+  tail, which is half a yard long, and sometimes more. The second
+  kind is red, the third blue, and the fourth black. These last are
+  the most beautiful and most in request, being called the King of
+  the Birds-of-Paradise. This kind has a crown or tuft of feathers
+  on the top of its head, which lies flat or is raised up at
+  pleasure. In this they resemble the <i>cadocus</i> or cockatoo, a
+  bird entirely white, with a yellow crown on its head.</p>
+
+  <p>The sixth government is Malacca, which city is the capital of
+  a small kingdom of the same name, inhabited by Malayans or
+  Malays. The governor here is a merchant, and is assisted by a
+  council like all the others. This kingdom of Malacca is the south
+  part of the peninsula of India beyond the Ganges, being divided
+  from the island of Sumatra by a strait, named the strait of
+  Malacca. This city is of considerable size, and carries on an
+  extensive commerce, for which it is admirably situated, and is
+  the storehouse or emporium of all that part of India. It is also
+  the rendezvous of all the homeward-bound ships from Japan, which
+  make at this place a distribution of their merchandise into
+  various assortments, which are sent from hence to all the
+  settlements of the company in India. It is however subject to the
+  great inconvenience of scarcity of provisions, having nothing of
+  that kind except various sorts of fish. The princes of the
+  adjacent countries and their subjects are all notorious pirates,
+  and give much disturbance to the trade of India; but are
+  particularly inimical to the Dutch company, and omit no
+  opportunity of doing all the evil in their power to its subjects.
+  These people suffered formerly some severe reverses from the
+  Portuguese, who were formerly established here, and since from
+  their successors the Dutch, which has gradually reduced their
+  power, so that they are now much less able to carry on their
+  depredations. The natives of Malacca are of a very dark
+  complexion, but brisk and active, and greatly addicted to
+  thieving. Some are idolaters but they are mostly Mahometans.</p>
+
+  <p>When the Portuguese were masters of Malacca, they had no less
+  than three churches and a chapel within the fortress, and one on
+  the outside. That which is now used for worship <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page153" id="page153"></a>[pg 153]</span> by
+  the Dutch stands conspicuously on the top of a hill, and may be
+  seen for a great distance up or down the straits. It has a
+  flag-staff on the top of its steeple, where a flag is always
+  displayed on seeing a ship. The fort is large and strong. A third
+  part of its walls is washed by the sea: A deep, narrow, and rapid
+  river covers its western side; and all the rest is secured by a
+  broad, deep ditch. The governor's house is both beautiful and
+  convenient, and there are several other good houses, both in the
+  fort and the town. But, owing to the shallowness of the sea at
+  this place, ships are obliged to ride above a league off, which
+  is a great inconvenience, as the fort is of no use to defend the
+  roads. The straits here are not above four leagues broad, and
+  though the opposite coast of Sumatra is very low, it may easily
+  be seen in a clear day: Hence the sea here is always quite
+  smooth, except in squalls of wind, which are generally
+  accompanied with thunder, lightning, and rain. These squalls,
+  though violent, seldom last more than an hour.</p>
+
+  <p>The country of Malacca produces nothing for exportation,
+  except a little tin and elephants teeth; but has several
+  excellent fruits and roots for the use of its inhabitants, and
+  the refreshment of strangers who navigate this way. The
+  pine-apples of Malacca are esteemed the best in the world, as
+  they never offend the stomach; while those of other places, if
+  eaten in the smallest excess, are apt to occasion surfeits. The
+  <i>mangostein</i> is a delicious fruit, almost in the shape of an
+  apple. Its skin is thick and red, and when dried is an excellent
+  astringent. The kernels, if they may be so called, are like
+  cloves of garlic, of a most agreeable taste, but very cold. The
+  <i>rambostan</i> is a fruit about the size of a walnut, with a
+  tough skin beset with capillaments,<a id="footnotetag76" name=
+  "footnotetag76"></a><a href="#footnote76"><sup>3</sup></a> and
+  the pulp within is very savoury.</p>
+
+  <p>There is a high mountain to the N.E. of Malacca, whence
+  several rivers descend, that of Malacca being one of them, and
+  all these have small quantities of gold in their channels. The
+  inland inhabitants, called <i>Monacaboes</i>, are a barbarous and
+  savage people, whose chief delight is in doing injury to their
+  neighbours. On this account, the peasantry about Malacca sow no
+  grain, except in inclosures defended by thickset <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page154" id="page154"></a>[pg 154]</span>
+  prickly hedges or deep ditches: For, when the grain is ripe in
+  the open plains, the Monacaboes never fail to set it on fire.
+  These inland natives are much whiter than the Malays of the lower
+  country; and the king of Johor, whose subjects they are or ought
+  to be, has never been able to civilize them.</p>
+
+  <p>When the Dutch finally attempted to conquer Malacca from the
+  Portuguese, in alliance with the king of Johor, and besieged it
+  both by sea and land, they found it too strong to be reduced by
+  force, and thought it would be tedious to reduce it by famine.
+  Hearing that the Portuguese governor was a sordid, avaricious
+  wretch, much hated by the garrison, they tampered with him by
+  letters, offering him mountains of gold to betray his trust, and
+  at length struck a bargain with him for 80,000 dollars, and to
+  convey him to Batavia. Having in consequence of his treachery got
+  into the fort, where they gave no quarter to any one found in
+  arms, they dispatched the governor himself, to save payment of
+  the promised bribe.</p>
+
+  <p>The seventh government bestowed by the company is that of the
+  Cape of Good Hope. The governor here is always one of the
+  counsellors of the Indies, and has a council to assist him. This
+  colony was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch in 1653, and is
+  justly esteemed one of the most important places in the hands of
+  the company, though the profits derived from it are not
+  comparable to what they derive from some of the islands in the
+  East Indies. Formerly things were still worse, as the revenues of
+  this settlement fell short of its expences. Yet the company could
+  hardly carry on the trade to India, were it not in possession of
+  this place, as here only the ships can meet with water and other
+  refreshments on the outward and homeward-bound voyages; and these
+  are indispensably necessary, especially for such ships as are
+  distressed with the scurvy. This place so abounds in all sorts of
+  provisions, that there never is any scarcity, notwithstanding the
+  vast yearly demand, and all ships putting in here are supplied at
+  moderate rates. These refreshments consist of beef, mutton,
+  fowls, fruit, vegetables, wine, and every thing, in short, that
+  is necessary, either for recovering the sick on shore, or
+  recruiting the sea-stores for the continuance of the voyage out
+  or home. In the space of a year, at least forty outward-bound
+  ships touch here from Holland alone, and in these there cannot be
+  less than eight or nine thousand people. The homeward-bound Dutch
+  ships are not <span class="pagenum"><a name="page155" id=
+  "page155"></a>[pg 155]</span> less than thirty-six yearly, in
+  which there are about three thousand persons; not to mention
+  foreign vessels, which likewise put in here, and have all kinds
+  of refreshments furnished to them at reasonable rates. There are
+  almost always some ships in this road, except in the months of
+  May, June, and July, when the wind usually blows with great
+  violence at N.W. and then the road is very dangerous.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote74" name="footnote74"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag74">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is contradictory, having been before described as
+    hilly, yet fertile.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote75" name="footnote75"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag75">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This account of the matter is not easily understood, and
+    seems to want confirmation. Perhaps it is an ignorant or
+    perverted report of sago: Yet there may possibly be some tree
+    or plant affording a considerable quantity of fecula or starch
+    by expression.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote76" name="footnote76"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag76">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This uncommon word is explained by Johnson, as "small
+    threads or hairs growing in the middle of flowers, adorned with
+    little knobs."Here it may be supposed to mean that the fruit is
+    hairy.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Account of the Directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal,
+  and Persia.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Having now given a short view of the governments in the
+  disposal of the Dutch East-India Company, which are a kind of
+  principalities, as each governor, with the advice and assistance
+  of his council, is a kind of sovereign, and acts without controul
+  through the whole extent of his jurisdiction, we are now to
+  consider the other establishments of the company in India, for
+  carrying on this extensive trade. In all the countries where
+  their affairs require it, they have factories, in each of which
+  there is a chief, with some title or other, having also a council
+  to assist him in regard to matters of policy or trade. Among
+  these, the directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and Persia
+  are all of great importance, and the direction of them is
+  attended with great profit. The directors have the same power
+  with the governors, within their respective jurisdictions; only
+  that they cannot execute any criminal sentences within the
+  countries in which they reside, so that all criminals are
+  executed on board ship, under the flag of the company.</p>
+
+  <p>The directory of Coromandel is the first of the four, and has
+  all the forts and factories belonging to the Dutch on that coast
+  under his jurisdiction. Besides Negapatnam, on the southernmost
+  point of Coromandel, and the fort of <i>Gueldria</i>, in which
+  the director resides, they have factories at Guenepatnam,
+  Sadraspatnam, Masulipatnam, Pelicol, Datskorom, Benlispatnam,
+  Nagernauty, and Golconda. The Dutch director is a principal
+  merchant, and if he discharges his office with reputation, he is
+  commonly in a few years promoted to be one of the counsellors of
+  the Indies. It is not uncommon for a governor or director in the
+  Indies, in the space of a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page156"
+  id="page156"></a>[pg 156]</span> few years, to amass a fortune
+  equal to the original capital of the company, or six millions and
+  a half of guilders, or nearly &pound;600,000 sterling.</p>
+
+  <p>Formerly, the country of Coromandel was divided into a great
+  number of principalities, and the little princes and chiefs
+  imposed such heavy duties, and gave such interruptions to trade
+  in other respects, as rendered the company very uneasy. But after
+  the war of Golconda, which cost the company a great deal of
+  money, yet ended to their advantage, these princes grow more
+  tractable. At present, the kings of Bisnagar and Hassinga,<a id=
+  "footnotetag77" name="footnotetag77"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote77"><sup>1</sup></a> who are the most powerful in
+  Coromandel, live in tolerably good terms with the Dutch and other
+  European nations; the English and Danes having also a share in
+  Coromandel, with several good fortresses for the protection of
+  their trade.</p>
+
+  <p>The great trade carried on here is in cotton goods, as
+  muslins, chintzes, and the like; in exchange for which the Dutch
+  bring them spices, Japan copper, steel, gold-dust, sandal and
+  <i>siampan</i> woods. In this country, the inhabitants are some
+  Pagans, some Mahomedans, and not a few Christians. The country is
+  very fertile in rice, fruits, and herbs, and in every thing
+  necessary to the support of man; but the weather is exceedingly
+  hot during the eastern monsoon. All the manufactures of this
+  country, purchased by the Dutch, are transported first to
+  Batavia, whence they are sent home to Holland, and are thence
+  distributed through all Germany and the north of Europe.</p>
+
+  <p>The second and third directories are established at Hoogly on
+  the Ganges, and at Surat on the western coast of India, both in
+  the territories of the Great Mogul, and the two most important
+  places of trade in all Asia. The Dutch, English, French, and
+  other European natives trade to both, and have erected forts and
+  magazines for their security and convenience. The best part of
+  the trade is carried on by black merchants, who deal in all sorts
+  of rich goods; such as opium, diamonds, rich stuffs, and all
+  kinds of cotton cloths. The empire of the Great Mogul is of
+  prodigious extent, and the countries under his dominion are
+  esteemed the richest in the world. The air is tolerably pure, yet
+  malignant fevers are common, generally attacking strangers as a
+  kind of seasoning <span class="pagenum"><a name="page157" id=
+  "page157"></a>[pg 157]</span> sickness, in which, if the patient
+  escape the third day, he generally recovers.</p>
+
+  <p>Most of the inhabitants of this country are tall black robust
+  men, of gay and lively dispositions. In point of religion, many
+  of them are idolaters, more of them Mahometans,<a id=
+  "footnotetag78" name="footnotetag78"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote78"><sup>2</sup></a> and some of them Christians. The
+  idolaters are split into numerous sects, some of whom believe
+  firmly in the metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls; for
+  which reason they will not take away the life of any living
+  creature, not even daring to kill a fly or a flea. They have even
+  hospitals for worn-out oxen and old cows, where they are fed and
+  attended till they die of age or disease. These people are in
+  general very industrious, but covetous, false, and perfidious.
+  They employ themselves, such as reside in towns, in the
+  manufactures of silk and cotton; and those who live in the
+  country are very diligent cultivators, so that they annually
+  expect from hence vast quantities of grain to Batavia.</p>
+
+  <p>The Great Mogul is one of the richest and most powerful
+  princes in the world, having a most magnificent court, and a
+  numerous army always on foot. The directors at Bengal and Surat
+  know perfectly well how to deal with him, and, by making shewy
+  presents, procure valuable diamonds and other precious stones in
+  return. Surat is a town of no great antiquity, yet very large and
+  immensely rich. It is in compass about five miles within the
+  walls, and is computed to contain about 200,000 inhabitants. The
+  Moorish and even the Indian merchants here are many of them
+  prodigiously rich. The former chiefly addict themselves to the
+  diamond trade, which is very precarious; for sometimes a small
+  stock produces an immense fortune, while at other times, a man
+  wastes immense sums without finding stones of any great value:
+  For, at the diamond-mines, the adventurers purchase so many yards
+  square at a certain price, employing slaves to dig and lift the
+  earth, taking whatever stones are found in that spot; which
+  sometimes are of great value, and sometimes so few and small as
+  not to pay costs. Other Moorish merchants deal largely in foreign
+  trade, and as the Mogul is a very easy master, some of them
+  acquire prodigious wealth, and carry on commerce to such an
+  extent as can scarce be credited in Europe. About twenty years
+  ago, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" id="page158"></a>[pg
+  158]</span> [that is, about the year 1700,] there died a Moorish
+  merchant at Surat, who used yearly to fit out twenty sail of
+  ships, from three to eight hundred tons, the cargoes of each of
+  which were in value from ten to twenty thousand pounds, and who
+  always retained goods in his warehouses equal in value to what he
+  sent away. The customs of Surat amount every year to upwards of
+  L. 160,000 sterling, and, as the merchants pay three per cent. at
+  a medium, the value of the goods must exceed five millions
+  yearly.</p>
+
+  <p>The fourth and last factory under a director, is that of
+  Gambroon or Bendar-abassi on the coast of Persia. The director
+  here is always a principal merchant, having a council and a
+  fiscal to assist him. As this city stands on the Persian gulf or
+  sea of Basora, being the only port of Persia on the Indian sea,
+  and lies at a great distance from Batavia, this direction is not
+  so much sought after as others; and besides, the heat at this
+  place is greater than in any part of the world, and the air is
+  excessively unwholesome. To balance these inconveniences, the
+  director at Gambroon has an opportunity of making a vast fortune
+  in a short time, so that in general, in four or five years, he
+  has no farther occasion to concern himself in commerce. There are
+  several other European nations settled here besides the Dutch,
+  but they have by far the best factory, and have fortified it so
+  effectually, that the inhabitants of the neighbouring mountains,
+  who are a crew of bold and barbarous robbers, have never been
+  able to gain possession of it, though they have made frequent
+  attempts. The king of Persia, who reigned about 1722, came
+  sometimes to Gambroon, and distinguished the Dutch above the
+  other European nations by many marks of his favour, and by the
+  grant of many privileges. Some time before that period, he sent a
+  gold saddle very richly wrought, and adorned with precious
+  stones, a present to the governor of Batavia, desiring in return
+  an European habit for himself and another for his queen.</p>
+
+  <p>Gambroon is a disagreeable place to live in, as in August it
+  is unbearably hot; and yet the winter is so cold that they wear
+  English cloth lined with furs. They have here beeves, sheep,
+  goats, poultry, and fish, all good of their kinds, and tolerably
+  cheap. They have also grapes, melons, and mangoes in the utmost
+  perfection, and excellent wine, which is esteemed superior to
+  that of all other countries, insomuch that it still preserves its
+  flavour after being diluted with four <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page159" id="page159"></a>[pg 159]</span>
+  times its quantity of water. At the time when our author was in
+  India, intestine wars raged to such a degree in Persia, that a
+  ship had to be constantly stationed at Gambroon to bring off the
+  factory, in case of danger. Another inconvenience to the trade on
+  this coast proceeded from the multitude of pirates on those seas,
+  mostly Europeans, who, having run away with the ships of their
+  owners, subsisted by robbing all nations. Among these at this
+  time was a stout ship named the Hare, which had been sent from
+  Batavia to Persia: But the crew mutinied, and forced their
+  officers to turn pirates. After committing many depredations on
+  this coast, they sailed to the Red-Sea, where they attacked and
+  plundered many Arabian pirates. At length, being short of
+  provisions, and not daring to put into any port, they resolved to
+  return; and finding themselves also in want of water, they
+  resolved to supply themselves at an island. With this view, most
+  of them crowded into the pinnace and put off from the ship, which
+  gave an opportunity to the officers to resume their authority;
+  wherefore they cut the cable, and brought the ship into the
+  harbour of Gambroon, by which means the ship and cargo were
+  restored to the Company.</p>
+
+  <p>In 1701, the Ballorches, who rebelled against the Shah,
+  attempted to make themselves masters of the English and Dutch
+  factories at Gambroon, with a body of four thousand men, but were
+  beat off at both places; but a warehouse belonging to the Dutch,
+  at some distance from the factory, fell into their hands, in
+  which were goods to the value of twenty thousand pounds. A short
+  time afterwards, the famous rebel <i>Meriweys</i> made himself
+  master of Ispahan, where he plundered both the English and Dutch
+  factories, taking from the former goods to the value of half a
+  million, and from the latter to the value of two hundred thousand
+  pounds.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote77" name="footnote77"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag77">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This seems to be a misprint for Narsinga, otherwise the
+    Carnatic.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote78" name="footnote78"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag78">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is an obvious mistake, as by far the greater part of
+    the population is idolatrous.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Account of the Commanderies of Malabar, Gallo, Java, and
+  Bantam.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>In such subordinate places as were not thought of sufficient
+  consequence to require a governor or director, the Dutch East
+  India Company has established another principal officer, with the
+  title of chief or commander. If the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page160" id="page160"></a>[pg 160]</span>
+  person entrusted with this authority be a merchant, he is
+  accountable for his conduct to the civil government, but if a
+  captain, to the military establishment. A chief or commander, in
+  conjunction with his council, has nearly the same authority with
+  a governor, except that he cannot execute any capital judgment on
+  criminals, till the case has been reviewed and confirmed by the
+  council at Batavia.</p>
+
+  <p>At the time when our author was in India, the commander at the
+  fort of Cochin on the Malabar coast, was Captain Julius de
+  Golints, a native of Mecklenburg, from whom he received great
+  civilities. Malabar was the first country discovered by the
+  Portuguese in India, and in which they established themselves,
+  not without great effusion of blood, nor were they many years in
+  possession till they were driven out by the Dutch. These
+  conquerors, in their turn, found it very difficult to support
+  themselves against the natives, who attacked them with great
+  spirit and success, and had infallibly driven them out of the
+  country, but for the courage and conduct of Major John Bergman,
+  who preserved their establishments with much difficulty.</p>
+
+  <p>Though very warm, the climate of Malabar is very healthy, and
+  the soil is fertile in rice, fruit, and all sorts of herbs. It is
+  divided into many principalities, among which the following are
+  reckoned kingdoms; Cananore, Calicut, Cranganore, Cochin,
+  Calicoulan, Porcaloulang, and Travancore. As the capital of the
+  Dutch possessions in Malabar was the city of Cochin, it may be
+  proper to describe this little kingdom as at that period. It
+  reaches from <i>Chitway</i> in the north, and extends twenty-four
+  leagues to the southwards along the coast, being divided into a
+  multitude of small islands by the streams which descend from the
+  mountains of <i>Gatti</i>, [the Gauts.] These rivers have two
+  great or principal mouths, one at Cranganore in the north, and
+  the other at Cochin, in the south, distant thirty marine leagues
+  from each other. The Portuguese were the first European nation
+  who settled here, where they built a fine city on the river about
+  three leagues from the sea; but the sea has since so gained on
+  the land, that it is now not above an hundred paces from the
+  city. This place is so pleasantly situated, that the Portuguese
+  had a common saying, "That China was a good place to get money
+  in, and Cochin a pleasant place to spend it at." The great number
+  of islands formed by the rivers and canals, make fishing and
+  fowling very <span class="pagenum"><a name="page161" id=
+  "page161"></a>[pg 161]</span> amusing; and the mountains, which
+  are at no great distance, are well stored with wild game. On the
+  island of <i>Baypin</i> [Vaypen], there stands an old fort called
+  <i>Pallapore</i>, for the purpose of inspecting all boats that
+  pass between Cranganore and Cochin: And five leagues up the
+  rivulets, there is a Romish church called <i>Varapoli</i>
+  [Virapell], served by French and Italian priests, and at which
+  the bishop takes up his residence when he visits this part of the
+  country. The <i>padre</i>, or superior priest at Virapell can
+  raise four thousand men on occasion, all Christians of the church
+  of Rome; but there are many more Christians of the church of St
+  Thomas, who do not communicate with the Romanists.<a id=
+  "footnotetag79" name="footnotetag79"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote79"><sup>1</sup></a> About two leagues farther up than
+  Virapell, towards the mountains, there is a place called
+  <i>Firdalgo</i>,<a id="footnotetag80" name=
+  "footnotetag80"></a><a href="#footnote80"><sup>2</sup></a> on the
+  side of a small but deep river, where the inhabitants of Cochin
+  annually resort in the hot months of April and May to refresh
+  themselves. The banks and bottom of the river here are clean
+  sand, and the water is so clear that a small pebble stone may be
+  seen at the bottom, in three fathoms water.</p>
+
+  <p>All the water along this low flat coast, to the south of
+  Cranganore, has the very bad quality of occasioning swelled legs
+  to those who drink it. This disease sometimes only affects one
+  leg, but sometimes both, and the swelling is often so great as to
+  measure a yard round at the ancles. It occasions no pain, but
+  great itching, neither does the swelled leg feel any heavier than
+  that which occasionally remains unaffected. To avoid this
+  disease, the Dutch who reside at Cochin, send boats daily to
+  Virapell, from which they bring water in small casks of about ten
+  or twelve gallons, to serve the city. This water is given free to
+  the servants of the Company, but private persons have to pay
+  six-pence for each cask-full, which is brought to their houses at
+  that price. Still, however, both Dutch men and women are
+  sometimes afflicted with this disease, and no means have hitherto
+  been found out for prevention or cure. The old legend imputes
+  this disease to the curse laid by St Thomas upon his murderers
+  and their posterity, as an odious mark to distinguish
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page162" id="page162"></a>[pg
+  162]</span> them: But St Thomas was slain by the
+  <i>Tilnigue</i><a id="footnotetag81" name=
+  "footnotetag81"></a><a href="#footnote81"><sup>3</sup></a>
+  priests at Miliapoor in Coromandel, above four hundred miles from
+  this coast; and the natives there have no touch of this
+  malady.</p>
+
+  <p>Cochin is washed by the greatest outlet on this coast, and
+  being near the sea, its situation is strong by nature, but art
+  has not been wanting to strengthen it. As built by the
+  Portugueze, it was a mile and a half long by a mile in breadth.
+  The Dutch took it in 1662, when Heitloff van Chowz was commander
+  of the forces by sea and land. The insolence of the Portuguese
+  had made several of the neighbouring princes their enemies, who
+  joined with the Dutch to drive them out of that country, and the
+  king of Cochin in particular assisted them with twenty thousand
+  men. Not long after the Dutch had invested the town, Van Chowz
+  received notice of a peace having been concluded between Portugal
+  and Holland, but kept the secret to himself and pushed on the
+  siege. Having made a breach in the weakest part of the
+  fortifications, he proceeded to a furious assault, which was kept
+  up for eight days and nights incessantly, relieving the
+  assailants every three hours, while the Portuguese were kept on
+  continual duty the whole time, and were quite worn out with
+  fatigue. Finding the city in danger of being taken by storm, the
+  Portuguese at length capitulated and gave up the place. There
+  were at this time four hundred topasses in the garrison, who had
+  done good service to the Portuguese, but were not comprehended in
+  the capitulation. On discovering this omission, and knowing the
+  cruel and licentious character of the Dutch soldiery in India,
+  they drew up close to the gate at which the Portuguese were to
+  march out, and the Dutch to enter, declaring, unless they had
+  equally favourable terms granted them with the Portugueze, they
+  would massacre them all, and set fire to the town. The Dutch
+  general not only granted them all they asked, but even offered to
+  take those who had a mind into the Dutch pay, to which many of
+  them assented. The very day after the surrender, a frigate came
+  from Goa, with the articles of peace, and the Portuguese loudly
+  complained of having been unfairly dealt with by Van Chowz; but
+  he answered, that the Portuguese had acted in the same manner
+  with the Dutch, only a few years before, in the capture of
+  Pernambuco <span class="pagenum"><a name="page163" id=
+  "page163"></a>[pg 163]</span> in Brazil. The English had at that
+  time a factory in Cochin, but the Dutch ordered them immediately
+  to remove with all their effects, which they accordingly did to
+  their factory at Paniany.</p>
+
+  <p>On gaining possession of Cochin, the Dutch thought it too
+  extensive, and therefore contracted it to the size it is now,
+  being hardly a tenth part of what it was before. It measures
+  about 600 paces long, by 200 in breadth, and is fortified with
+  seven large bastions and intermediate curtains, all the ramparts
+  being so thick that they are planted with double rows of trees,
+  to give shade in the hot season. Some of the streets built by the
+  Portuguese still remain, together with a church, which is now
+  used for the Dutch worship, the cathedral being converted into a
+  warehouse. The house of the commandant is the only one built in
+  the Dutch fashion, which is so near the river that the water
+  washes some part of its walls. The flag-staff is placed on the
+  steeple of the old cathedral, on a mast seventy-five feet high,
+  above which is the staff, other sixty feet in length, so that the
+  flag may be seen above seven leagues off at sea. The garrison of
+  Cochin usually consists of three hundred men; and from Cape
+  Comoras upwards, in all their forts and factories, they have five
+  hundred soldiers, and an hundred seamen, all Europeans, besides
+  some topasses and the militia. They procure their store of rice
+  from Barcelore, because the Malabar rice will not keep above
+  three months out of the husk, though it will keep twelve with the
+  husk on. This part of the country produces great quantities of
+  pepper, but it is lighter than that which grows more to the
+  northwards. The forests in the interior affords good teak-wood
+  for ship-building, and two woods, called <i>angelique</i> and
+  <i>prospect</i>, which make beautiful chests and cabinets, which
+  are sent all over the coasts of western India. They have also
+  iron and steel in plenty, and bees-wax for exportation. The sea
+  and the rivers afford abundance of excellent fish of various
+  kinds, which are sold very cheap.</p>
+
+  <p><i>Cranganore</i>, a little to the north of Cochin, stands
+  upon a river about a league from the sea, and at this place the
+  Dutch have a fort. This place is remarkable for having formerly
+  been the seat of a <i>Jewish government</i>, and that nation was
+  once so numerous here as to consist of 40,000 families, though
+  now reduced to 4000. They have a synagogue about two miles from
+  the city of Cochin, not far from the palace of the rajah, and in
+  it they carefully preserve their records, engraven <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page164" id="page164"></a>[pg 164]</span> upon
+  plates of copper in the Hebrew language; and when any of the
+  characters decay, they are cut anew, so that they still possess
+  their history down from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the
+  present day. About the year 1695, <i>Mynheer van Reede</i> had an
+  abstract of this history translated from Hebrew into the Dutch
+  language. They assert themselves to be of the tribe of Manasseh,
+  a part of which was sent by Nebuchadnezzar to the most easterly
+  province of his large empire, which is alleged to have reached
+  Cape Comorin. Twenty thousand of them travelled from Babylon to
+  this place in three years, and were civilly and hospitably
+  treated by the inhabitants of Malabar, who allowed them liberty
+  of conscience in religion, and the free exercise of their reason
+  and industry in the management of their secular affairs. Having
+  increased in numbers and riches, they at length, by policy or
+  wealth, became masters of the small kingdom of Cranganore: And a
+  particular family among them being much esteemed for wisdom and
+  riches, two of that family were chosen by their elders and
+  senators to govern the commonwealth, and to reign jointly over
+  them. At length one of the brothers invited his colleague to a
+  feast, at which he basely killed him, thinking to reign alone;
+  but a son of the deceased slew the fratricide, after which the
+  state fell into a democracy, which still continues among the Jews
+  here. Their lands have, however, reverted for many years into the
+  hands of the Malabars, and poverty and oppression have occasioned
+  many of them to apostatise.</p>
+
+  <p>Between Cranganore and Cochin there is an island called
+  Baypin, [Vaypen] four leagues long, but in no part above two
+  miles broad. The Dutch do not allow any vessels or boats to enter
+  or go out at Cranganore, obliging all to use the river of Cochin,
+  which is a quarter of a mile broad, and very deep, but has a bar
+  on which there is no more than fourteen feet water at
+  spring-tides. The inhabitants of this country are mostly
+  idolaters, over whom the bramins or priests exercise great
+  authority, which they much abuse, of which the following
+  abominable custom is a strong instance. When any man marries, he
+  is prohibited from bedding with his wife the first night, which
+  function is performed in his stead by one of the bramins, or, if
+  none of these be at hand, by some other man. Foreigners used
+  formerly to be often employed on these occasions, as the Malabars
+  made choice of them instead of their own countrymen, often making
+  large <span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" id=
+  "page165"></a>[pg 165]</span> presents to the substitutes,
+  sometimes to the value of forty or fifty pounds. But of late the
+  bramins have become so very religious, that they never fail to
+  execute this duty themselves. Besides this, the bramins frequent
+  the company of the women so much, that no one of their religion
+  can pretend to know his own father with any certainty. For which
+  reason, by the laws of this country, sons or daughters never
+  inherit from the husbands of their mothers, but the heritage
+  always goes, to nephews and nieces, by sisters of the deceased
+  born of the same mother, as certainly of his blood. This rule is
+  observed also in the order of succession in their royal families,
+  and is a glaring proof of the strange effects of boundless
+  superstition.<a id="footnotetag82" name=
+  "footnotetag82"></a><a href="#footnote82"><sup>4</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>The next commandery is <i>Gallo</i>, or Point de Galle, on the
+  island of Ceylon, at the distance of about twenty leagues from
+  Columbo, the Dutch capital of that island. Gallo was the first
+  place in Ceylon taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch, and still
+  is a place of considerable trade. The commander at this place is
+  entirely dependent upon the governor of Ceylon, and can do
+  nothing without his approbation. About the year 1672, Lewis XIV.
+  sent out a squadron of eight frigates, with orders to make
+  themselves master of this place, this project having been
+  proposed to the court of France by one Mynheer Jan Martin, who
+  had served the Dutch East India Company for many years, and had
+  quitted their service on some disgust. When the royal orders came
+  to be opened at sea, Martin found that the government was to be
+  vested in another person, in case the place were taken, on which
+  he took such measures as frustrated the object of the expedition.
+  Mynheer van Cosse, who then commanded the Dutch fleet, soon
+  arrived on the coast, and the French retired without venturing an
+  engagement. They went to <i>Trankamala</i>, or
+  <i>Trinconomalee</i>, and anchored in the bay of that name,
+  meaning to force the garrison of that small fort to surrender:
+  But Van Cosse soon followed them, and brought them to action
+  while disadvantageously situated in the bay, and either sank or
+  burnt half of the French fleet. The rest fled to St Thomas, on
+  the coast of Coromandel, intending <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page166" id="page166"></a>[pg 166]</span> to have formed a
+  settlement there; but Van Cosse again followed them to that place
+  and seized all their ships, many of their guns having been
+  carried ashore, as were at this time a great number of their
+  officers and men. The French who were on shore capitulated with
+  the Dutch to quit India, on being allowed shipping to carry them
+  home, which Van Cosse agreed to, giving them his flag-ship, the
+  <i>Groote Britanye</i>, and two others, for that purpose. Martin
+  was detained and carried to Batavia, where he was confined for
+  life on an allowance of a rix-dollar a-day.</p>
+
+  <p>The next commandery is that of Samarang, on the island of
+  Java, and he who commands here has the direction of all the
+  factories in that island, except those which depend immediately
+  on the government of Batavia. <i>Kuttasura</i>, which is the
+  residence of the emperor of Java, is within his jurisdiction. In
+  the year 1704, a war broke out in Java between the brother and
+  son of the deceased emperor, as competitors for the succession,
+  which lasted twenty years. The Dutch sided with the former, but
+  the affections of the natives were with the latter, who drew over
+  to his party a great number of the native soldiers who had served
+  under the Dutch, and who, being well disciplined, behaved
+  gallantly on all occasions, and gave the Dutch much trouble.</p>
+
+  <p>At <i>Bantam</i>, on the same island, the Dutch have a strong
+  fort with a numerous garrison, to keep the people in awe, who are
+  very mutinous, and far from being well affected to the Dutch
+  government. The king, or rajah of Bantam, has also a fort only a
+  few hundred paces from that belonging to the Dutch, in which be
+  keeps a numerous garrison for the security of his person. The
+  only commodity of this part of the country is pepper, of which
+  they are able to export 10,000 tons yearly. The king is obliged
+  to supply the company with a certain quantity of pepper yearly;
+  but in all other respects they treat him kindly enough. His
+  dominions are extensive and well peopled, and his subjects are
+  hardy and enterprising, but perfidious and revengeful, and
+  mortally hate all Christians. The bay of Bantam is safe and
+  pleasant, having many islands, which still retain the names given
+  them by the English, who had a fine factory here, from which they
+  were expelled in 1683. The territory of Bantam is very fertile,
+  abounding in rice, pepper, fruits, and cattle. In the interior of
+  the country the natives sometimes find precious stones of great
+  value, of which however the Dutch rarely <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page167" id="page167"></a>[pg 167]</span> get
+  possession, as the people fear they might be induced to extend
+  their conquests, by which they are already greatly oppressed. The
+  head of the factory at this place has the title of chief.</p>
+
+  <p>Another Dutch chief resides at <i>Padang</i>, on that part of
+  the coast of Sumatra which is called the <i>gold-coast</i>. This
+  chief has a council and fiscal like all the rest, and his post is
+  considered as both honourable and profitable. Sumatra is a very
+  large fine island, separated from the continent of Asia by the
+  Straits of Malacca, and from the island of Java by the Straits of
+  Sunda, and is justly esteemed one of the richest and noblest
+  islands in all India. The Dutch have a factory at Palambaugan,
+  about eight leagues from the sea, on the banks of a very large
+  river, which empties itself into the sea by four different
+  channels. The great trade of this part of the country is in
+  pepper, which the Dutch company wish to monopolize, as they have
+  done cloves, nutmegs, mace, and cinnamon; and are at great
+  expence in keeping several armed barks cruising at the mouths of
+  this river, to prevent what they are pleased to call smuggling.
+  It must be allowed, however, that they have a contract with the
+  king of this country to take all the pepper in his dominions, at
+  the rate of ten dollars the bahar of 400 pounds weight, which is
+  a fair price.<a id="footnotetag83" name=
+  "footnotetag83"></a><a href="#footnote83"><sup>5</sup></a> They
+  have, however, a clause in the contract, by which half the price
+  is to be paid in cloth, at such rates as greatly reduce the
+  cost.</p>
+
+  <p>The interior of the island is very mountainous, but most of
+  the mountains abound in mines of gold, silver, lead, and other
+  metals. The company possesses some mines of gold, said to be very
+  rich, and great care is taken to secure and conceal the profits.
+  Gold-dust is found in great quantities in all the rivers and
+  rivulets of the country, especially when the western monsoon
+  reigns, when the torrents roll down from the mountains with great
+  rapidity. Abundance of copper is also found here, of which they
+  make very good cannon. There are likewise found several sorts of
+  precious stones. There is a burning mountain on the island, which
+  continually throws forth flame and smoke, like Etna in Sicily;
+  and there is said to be a fountain of balsam, or petroleum. This
+  island abounds also in spice and silk; but the air is not very
+  wholesome, especially to strangers, owing to the great numbers
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page168" id="page168"></a>[pg
+  168]</span> of rivers, standing waters, and thick forests, which
+  every where abound. It produces no wheat, nor any other of the
+  grains which grow in Europe; but has plenty of rice, millet, and
+  fruits, which afford good and sufficient nourishment for the
+  inhabitants. It produces also, in great abundance, honey,
+  bees-wax, ginger, camphor, cassia, pepper, and many Other
+  valuable articles. It is of great extent, being 310 leagues long
+  from N.W. to S.E. and about 50 leagues across at an average. The
+  greatest sovereign in the island is the king of <i>Acheen,
+  Atcheen</i>, or Achem, who resides in a city of that name at the
+  N.W. end of the island. It was formerly always governed by a
+  woman, and it is not above forty years ago since the government
+  fell into the hands of a man, since which several attempts have
+  been made to restore the old constitution. Acheen is a free port,
+  to which the English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese resort, and
+  in short all the trading nations of Europe and Asia. The goods
+  brought there are rich brocades, silks of all kinds, muslins of
+  all sorts, raw silk, fish, butter, oil, and ammunition, for which
+  the payments are mostly made in gold, the great commodity of the
+  country, and remarkably fine.</p>
+
+  <p>During the western monsoon, the rains fall here with
+  prodigious violence, attended with terrible storms of thunder and
+  lightning, and frequent earthquakes; but the people, being used
+  to them, are not much alarmed. The nations are, generally
+  speaking, Mahometans, and are very expert in making all sorts of
+  plate and ornaments in gold, with very few tools, yet with such
+  inimitable dexterity, that their workmanship sells at a high rate
+  all over India. The company sends a great number of slaves to
+  this island every year to work in their gold-mines; but the kings
+  in that part of the country are seldom on good terms with the
+  Dutch, with whom they often quarrel. The principal places where
+  gold is found are <i>Trion</i> and <i>Manicabo</i>, and the way
+  in which they procure the gold is as follows:They dig trenches at
+  the bottoms of the hills, so as to intercept the torrents which
+  roll rapidly down their sides in the winter months: and having
+  drained off the water from the ditches in summer, they find
+  considerable quantities of gold-dust in the mud which remains. It
+  is generally believed that this island furnishes annually 5000
+  pounds weight of gold-dust,<a id="footnotetag84" name=
+  "footnotetag84"></a><a href="#footnote84"><sup>6</sup></a> yet
+  very little of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page169" id=
+  "page169"></a>[pg 169]</span> this quantity is ever brought to
+  Europe, being mostly employed by the servants of the East India
+  Company in making purchases of commodities in places where gold
+  bears a high price.</p>
+
+  <p>The Dutch East India Company has long entertained a project of
+  building ships at this island, as its timber is so good that
+  ships built here are expected to last forty or fifty years,
+  whereas those of Europe seldom last more than twelve or thirteen
+  years. The Dutch have a strong fort and great factory at
+  <i>Jambee</i>, and another at <i>Siack</i>, both in this island.
+  This last place is excessively unwholesome, owing to the
+  following circumstance, which certainly might be obviated. It
+  stands on the great river Andragheira, into which, at one season
+  of the year, there come vast shoals of large shads, a third part
+  of their bulk being composed of their <i>roes</i>, which are
+  accounted a great delicacy. Wherefore, after taking these out,
+  the rest of the fish is thrown away, and as these lie in great
+  heaps to corrupt, they exhale pestilential vapours and infect the
+  air. The persons, therefore, who are sent to reside at Siack, are
+  much of the same description with those formerly mentioned as
+  sent to Banda, being of abandoned characters and desperate
+  fortunes. There is another very considerable factory on the river
+  Bencalis, which produces a large profit from the sale of cloth
+  and opium, for which gold-dust is received in payment. This trade
+  was discovered about forty years ago, that is, about the year
+  1680, by a factor, who carried it on privately for his own
+  emolument for ten years, during which he acquired upwards of a
+  <i>ton of gold</i> yearly, a Dutch phrase implying L. 10,000
+  sterling. He then resolved to secure what he had got by making a
+  disclosure of this valuable branch of traffic to the company.
+  There are also several Dutch establishments on what is called the
+  <i>West-coast</i> of Sumatra.</p>
+
+  <p>A very powerful and warlike people subsists in this island,
+  known to Europeans by the name of the <i>Free-nation</i>, who are
+  equally averse from submitting either to the Sumatran sovereigns
+  or Europeans, and have always defended themselves valiantly
+  against both. All the natives of Sumatra are much more inclined
+  to the English than the Dutch, perhaps because they are not under
+  subjection to the former. But the latter use every precaution
+  they can to prevent the natives from dealing with any except
+  themselves. For a considerable time past, the chiefs at Padang
+  have been so unlucky <span class="pagenum"><a name="page170" id=
+  "page170"></a>[pg 170]</span> as to have their honesty much
+  suspected, chiefly owing to their management of the mines, which
+  do not turn out greatly to the profit of the company, while all
+  their officers gain immense sums out of them, which the councils
+  at Batavia are much dissatisfied with, yet cannot prevent. For
+  this reason they change the chief very frequently, yet to little
+  purpose.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote79" name="footnote79"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag79">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>A very interesting account of the remnant of an ancient
+    Christian church in the Travancore country, a little to the
+    southward of Cochin, has been lately published by Dr Buchanan,
+    in a work named Christian Researches in India, which will be
+    noticed more particularly in an after division of our
+    Collection.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote80" name="footnote80"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag80">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Perhaps Bardello, about the distance mentioned in the
+    text.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote81" name="footnote81"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag81">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This word ought assuredly to have been Telinga.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote82" name="footnote82"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag82">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This strange custom has been differently related formerly,
+    and we believe more accurately, as prevalent only in the Nayra
+    tribe, in which the women are allowed several husbands at the
+    same time, and may change them at pleasure.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote83" name="footnote83"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag83">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Exactly five farthings and two-fifths of a farthing the
+    pound.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote84" name="footnote84"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag84">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Supposing these troy pounds, the value may be estimated at
+    L. 240,000 sterling.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Some Account of the Residences of Cheribon, Siam, and
+  Mockha.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The chiefs of those factories belonging to the Dutch in India
+  are termed <i>Residents</i>, and correspond directly with the
+  governor-general at Batavia, and are not dependent on any
+  subordinate governor or director. The first of these independent
+  residents is fixed at <i>Cheribon</i>, on the coast of Java, at
+  the distance of about forty leagues from Batavia, where a very
+  advantageous commerce is carried on by the company in coffee,
+  cardamoms, indigo, and cotton. The land at this place is as
+  fertile in rice and other provisions as perhaps any country in
+  the world. This district is of considerable extent, and was
+  formerly under the dominion of four great lords, who used to be
+  styled <i>pangerans</i>, but have now the titles of sultans,
+  though their authority is not much extended by these more
+  splendid titles. One of these is called the company's sultan,
+  because always attached to the interests of the company, though
+  in truth they might all get the same appellation, as they are all
+  under the protection of the company, and freed from apprehensions
+  of the king of Bantam, who used formerly to be continually at war
+  with them, and must have reduced them under subjection, but for
+  the assistance of the Dutch. Since then, both from gratitude for
+  past favours, and in expectation of future protection, they have
+  granted great privileges to the company in their dominions. The
+  company maintains a fort at Cheribon, with a garrison of sixty
+  men, and has an excellent factory.</p>
+
+  <p>About half a league from the fort of Cheribon, the tombs of
+  the princes of Cheribon stand in a vast temple, splendidly built
+  of various fine kinds of stone, and are said to contain vast
+  riches, yet are left unguarded, from an idea that they
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page171" id="page171"></a>[pg
+  171]</span> are protected by some supernatural power; and they
+  tell strange stories of persons having dropt down dead, on
+  approaching the places where these riches are hidden, with an
+  intention to steal. Many people believe that the Javanese
+  priests, who are Mahometans, have the power of causing sudden
+  death by means of incantations; and that they are able to enchant
+  crocodiles and serpents, causing the former to go into and out of
+  the water at command, and the latter to remain in any posture
+  they please. A great number of priests are maintained about this
+  great temple, many of whom have made the pilgrimage to Mecca, and
+  are therefore held in much veneration. These priests are all
+  governed by a sovereign pontiff or mufti, who is even more
+  respected than the sultans. There was formerly a considerable
+  English factory at Cheribon, having a small town belonging to it:
+  But the persons of the factory so provoked the people, by
+  intriguing with their wives, that they rose one night and
+  massacred them all. Perhaps this might have been set on foot by
+  their Dutch neighbours.</p>
+
+  <p>Another resident has the direction of the company's affairs in
+  the kingdom of Siam, where the company carries on a considerable
+  trade in tin, lead, elephants-teeth, gum-lac, <i>wool</i>,<a id=
+  "footnotetag85" name="footnotetag85"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote85"><sup>1</sup></a> and other commodities. The king of
+  Siam is a prince of considerable power, and his dominions extend
+  nearly 300 leagues. Being favourable to commerce, all nations are
+  allowed to trade freely in his country; but ships of no great
+  burden are forced to anchor at the distance of sixty leagues from
+  his capital; because the river <i>Menan</i>, on which it is
+  situated, is so rapid that they find great difficulty in getting
+  higher up. This river, like the Nile and many others, overflows
+  its banks at a certain season, so that most of the country is
+  under water for half the year, for which reason all the houses
+  are built on posts. The capital is a large city, consisting at
+  least of 50,000 houses, with a prodigious number of
+  temples.<a id="footnotetag86" name="footnotetag86"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote86"><sup>2</sup></a> The natives are all pagans, and
+  hold this singular maxim, "That all religions are good, provided
+  they tend to the honour of God." They think, however, that their
+  own is the best; though they sometimes own that the God of the
+  Christians is most powerful, because the head of their principal
+  idol has been twice beaten to pieces by thunder. <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page172" id="page172"></a>[pg 172]</span> This
+  is perhaps the largest idol in the world, and is called by the
+  Dutch in derision, <i>The great blockhead of Lust</i>. He is
+  represented sitting cross-legged like a tailor; in which posture
+  he measures seventy feet high, and every one of his fingers is as
+  large as the body of a man. About three leagues from the capital
+  there is a temple of vast size, having an idol not quite so large
+  as the other, which the priests say is his wife; and that once in
+  seven years, one of these goes to visit the other. The priests
+  also pretend that both of these idols are of solid gold; but the
+  thunder-clap, which destroyed the head of the larger idol
+  detected that part of the cheat, shewing it to be only brick and
+  lime, very artificially gilded all over. One may justly wonder
+  that this accident did not put an end to the adoration of so
+  wretched a deity; but where superstition once prevails the
+  plainest proofs very seldom produce any effect.</p>
+
+  <p>The country of Siam is very rich and fertile, and there is a
+  considerable trade carried on here by the Chinese. The Dutch have
+  here considerable privileges, and are the favoured nation,
+  especially since the great revolution, when they got into great
+  favour with the new king, because the English had been entrusted
+  by his predecessor, whom he murdered, with the best places in the
+  government, both civil and military. The Dutch have a factory on
+  the side of the river, about a mile below the city, where they
+  collect great numbers of deer-skins; which are sent annually to
+  Japan. The Siamese are themselves much addicted to trade, and the
+  Chinese who reside here still more; so that they send ships every
+  year to Japan, which, considering the difficulty of the
+  navigation, is not a little extraordinary. The Siamese boast of
+  having used the compass above a thousand years before it was
+  known in Europe: But the Jesuits very justly observe, that the
+  Siamese and Chinese compasses are very imperfect.</p>
+
+  <p>The third resident is fixed at <i>Mokha</i>, being always a
+  merchant, having two factors under him. This country is under the
+  government of an Arab prince, styled <i>Imaum</i>, who resides in
+  the inland country, about 200 miles east from Mokha. The sea-port
+  of his dominions was formerly Aden; but as that was found very
+  inconvenient, he removed the trade to Mokha, then only a fishing
+  village. Mokha is situated close to the sea, in a large dry sandy
+  plain, which affords neither fruits nor water, except what is
+  brackish and unwholesome, and those who are forced to drink it
+  have long worms bred <span class="pagenum"><a name="page173" id=
+  "page173"></a>[pg 173]</span> in their legs and feet, which are
+  very troublesome and dangerous. The town is supplied with very
+  good and wholesome water from <i>Musa</i>, a town at the distance
+  of twenty miles; but it is so dear, being brought by land
+  carriage; that it costs as much as small beer does in England.
+  Mokha is large, and makes a fine appearance from the sea, the
+  buildings being lofty, but they look much better without than
+  within. The markets are well supplied with provisions, such as
+  beef, mutton, goats, kid, lamb, and camels flesh, antelopes,
+  poultry, guinea-fowls, partridges, and pigeons. The sea affords a
+  variety of fish, but not well tasted, owing probably to the
+  nature of their food. It is also furnished all the year with
+  excellent fruits, as grapes, peaches, apricots, and quinces, of
+  which they make great quantities of marmalade, both for their own
+  use and exportation. Yet there is neither tree nor shrub to be
+  seen near the town, except a few date-trees, and they seldom have
+  above two or three showers of rain in a year, sometimes no rain
+  for two or three years. Among the mountains, however, about
+  twenty miles inland, seldom a morning passes without a moderate
+  shower, which makes the vallies very fertile in such corn and
+  fruits as suit the soil and climate. They have plenty of wheat
+  and barley, but no rice.</p>
+
+  <p>Since Mokha has been made a free port, it has become a place
+  of great trade. Besides the Dutch factory, it has one belonging
+  to the English East-India Company. Trade is also carried on here
+  by English free merchants, by Portuguese, Banians, and Moors;
+  also by vessels from Basora, Persia, and Muskat. The country
+  itself produces few commodities, except coffee and some drugs, as
+  myrrh, olibanum or frankincense from <i>Cossin</i>, Soccotrine
+  aloes from Soccotora, liquid storax, white and yellow arsenic,
+  some gum-arabic, mummy, and balm of gilead, these two last being
+  brought down the Red Sea. The coffee trade brings a continual
+  supply of gold and silver from Europe, particularly Spanish
+  money, German crowns, and other European silver coins, with
+  chequins and German and Hungarian gold ducats, and
+  <i>ebramies</i> and <i>magrabees</i> of Turkey. It is a settled
+  point here, though other goods may be bought and sold on credit
+  for a certain time, coffee must always be paid for in ready
+  money. The European shipping that comes here annually rather
+  exceeds 20,000 tons, and that belonging to other nations may
+  amount to nearly the same tonnage. The whole province of
+  <i>Betlefackee</i> is planted with coffee-trees, which are
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page174" id="page174"></a>[pg
+  174]</span> never allowed to grow above four or five yards high.
+  The berries cling to the branches like so many insects, and are
+  shaken off when ripe. They are at first green, then red, and
+  lastly of a dark-brown colour.</p>
+
+  <p>The Dutch have here a great advantage over all other nations,
+  in consequence of their monopoly of the spice-trade, as these are
+  consumed here in great quantities, which consequently enables
+  them to procure coffee at much easier rates than other nations.
+  Yet this trade of Mokha is continually falling off, owing to the
+  vast quantities of coffee produced in their own plantations,
+  especially at Batavia, Amboina, and the Cape of Good Hope: Even
+  the Dutch, however, acknowledge that there is no comparison
+  between the coffee raised on their own plantations and that
+  brought from Mokha.</p>
+
+  <p>The <i>Happy Arabia</i> is divided into many small
+  territories, under independent princes, styled Emirs, who all pay
+  a kind of homage, but no obedience, to the Grand Signor or
+  Emperor of the Turks. The Red Sea gets this name from several
+  parts of it being of a red colour, owing to its bottom in these
+  parts.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote85" name="footnote85"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag85">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Perhaps cotton, often termed <i>cotton-wool</i>, ought to
+    have been here substituted.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote86" name="footnote86"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag86">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In Harris the temples are stated at 30,000.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XIV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and China.</i></h4>
+
+  <p><i>Borneo</i> is the largest island in the East Indies,
+  perhaps the largest in the world, being 220 marine leagues from
+  N. to S. and 170 leagues from E. to W. It is divided into many
+  small principalities, of which the most powerful is the king of
+  <i>Banjaar Masseen</i>, and after him the kings of <i>Borneo</i>
+  and <i>Sambas</i>. The air is reckoned very unwholesome in some
+  places, on account of being low and marshy; and it is only thinly
+  peopled, though abounding in very rich commodities. On the first
+  establishment of the Dutch in India, they were very solicitous to
+  have factories in this island, and accordingly fixed three, at
+  the cities of Borneo, Sambas, and Succadanea; but they soon found
+  it was impossible to have any dealings with the natives, who
+  certainly are the basest, crudest, and most perfidious people in
+  the world; wherefore they quitted the island, and though several
+  times invited back, have absolutely refused to return. The
+  commerce of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page175" id=
+  "page175"></a>[pg 175]</span> Borneo is as rich as any in India.
+  At Sambas and Banjaar Masseen they deal in diamonds, of which
+  there is a mine in the interior country. These stones generally
+  run from four to twenty-four carats each, though some are found
+  as high as thirty and even forty carats; but the whole trade does
+  not exceed 600 carats yearly. They always sell these stones for
+  gold, though that is a commodity of the island, and there is a
+  considerable trade in gold-dust at Pahang, Saya, Calantan,
+  Seribas, Catra, and Melanouba. Bezoar is another principal
+  article of their trade. Japan wood, fine wax, incense, mastic,
+  and several other rich gums, are here met with; but the staple
+  commodity is pepper, which this island produces in as great
+  abundance as any place in India. A drug is met with in this
+  island, called <i>piedro de porco</i>, or pork-stone, so highly
+  esteemed as to be worth 300 crowns each; as the Indian physicians
+  pretend that they can infallibly discover whether their patients
+  are to live or die, by exhibiting to them the water in which this
+  stone has been steeped.</p>
+
+  <p>Before the Portuguese discovered the way by sea to India, the
+  Chinese possessed the whole trade of this island, and since the
+  Europeans have declined settling here, it has reverted to them
+  again. The places where they are settled are Banjaar Masseen,
+  Mampua, Teya, Lando, and Sambas, where they parry on a great
+  trade, furnishing the inhabitants with silks, chintz, calico, and
+  all the manufactures of China and Japan. It has been suggested,
+  that a more valuable trade might be established in Borneo than in
+  any other part of India, as there come here every year large
+  fleets of Chinese junks, laden with all the commodities of that
+  empire, which might be purchased here as cheap, or cheaper even
+  than in China itself. There come also yearly some small vessels
+  from the island of Celebes to Borneo, in spite of the utmost
+  vigilance of the Dutch, which bring considerable quantities of
+  cloves, nutmegs, and mace, so that the Dutch are unable to sell
+  much of these spices to the inhabitants: Yet they send ships here
+  frequently to load with pepper, endeavouring to keep up a good
+  correspondence with the kings of Borneo and Sambas, for the king
+  of Banjaar Masseen refuses to have any dealings with them.</p>
+
+  <p>Considering the vast sway of the Dutch in India, it is strange
+  that they should not have any factory in China. They have indeed
+  formerly sent ambassadors to that country, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page176" id="page176"></a>[pg 176]</span>
+  under pretence of demanding a free trade, but in reality on
+  purpose to gain a more accurate knowledge of the nature of trade
+  in China, and in consequence of their discoveries in that manner,
+  have been induced to decline entering upon any direct trade to
+  that country. While they were possessed of the island of Formosa,
+  they carried on a direct trade to China with great profit: But,
+  since their expulsion from that island in 1661, they have not
+  been able to make that trade turn out profitable. After the
+  establishment of the Ostend East-India Company, they tried to
+  send ships to China, direct from Holland; but even this came to
+  no great account, the profit having seldom exceeded twenty-five
+  per cent. which, considering the hazard of so long a voyage, was
+  not considered a very encouraging return. It has been doubted
+  whether the Dutch were able to deal with the Chinese, where both
+  nations are upon an equal footing, as the latter are certainly
+  the cunningest of men: Besides, the Chinese are less inclined to
+  deal with the Dutch than with any other Europeans; and, when they
+  do, always hold them to harder terms. The port charges also in
+  China, and the presents they are obliged to make, cut deep into
+  their gains.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides the foregoing circumstances, as China is at a great
+  distance from Batavia, and as the officers of the Dutch ships can
+  so easily consign their effects into the hands of the Portuguese,
+  English, and other foreign merchants, they have been found to
+  mind their own affairs much more than those of the Company. But
+  the principal reason of avoiding the trade to China is, that the
+  Chinese carry on a prodigious trade with Batavia; and though the
+  voyage exceeds 550 leagues, the Chinese junks make the run in six
+  weeks, sailing from Canton in the beginning of December, and
+  arriving at Batavia in the middle of January. The company has in
+  the first place a duty of four per cent. on all the goods brought
+  by the Chinese, which are gold, silks of all sorts, tea,
+  anniseed, musk, rhubarb, copper, quicksilver, vermilion, china
+  ware, &amp;c. For which they receive in exchange lead, tin,
+  pepper, incense, camphor, cloves, nutmegs, amber, and many other
+  articles, on all which the Dutch fix their own prices, and
+  consequently buy much cheaper than other nations can do in China.
+  They have also found by experience, that a direct trade greatly
+  lessens this more profitable mode at Batavia. They have also
+  opportunities of dealing with the Chinese in many other parts of
+  India, where, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" id=
+  "page177"></a>[pg 177]</span> after the Chinese merchants have
+  completed their sales to the natives, they are glad to part with
+  the remainder of their commodities to the Dutch, at a cheap rate.
+  Thus, the Dutch East-India Company are able to send home vast
+  quantities of the commodities of China, and purchased on very
+  advantageous terms, without trading directly to China, either
+  from Holland or from Batavia.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Of the Dutch Trade with Japan.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>A Dutch chief resides at Japan, who is always a principal
+  merchant, and is assisted by some writers in the Company's
+  service. The profit formerly made of this establishment by the
+  Dutch East-India Company, frequently amounted to 80 and even 100
+  per cent. but has fallen off to such a degree, that they rarely
+  make now, 1721, above eight or ten. This has been chiefly
+  occasioned by the Chinese, who for some time past have purchased
+  every kind of goods at Canton that are in demand in Japan, and it
+  is even said that they have contracted with the Japanese to
+  furnish them with all kinds of merchandize at as low prices as
+  the Dutch. Another cause of the low profits is, that the Japanese
+  fix the prices of all the goods they buy, and if their offer is
+  not accepted, they desire the merchants to take them home again.
+  This may possibly have been suggested to them by the Chinese, who
+  used formerly to be treated in the same manner at Batavia. There
+  is no place in all India where the Dutch have so little
+  authority, or where their establishments are of so little
+  consequence, as in Japan. They are allowed a small island to
+  themselves, where they have warehouses for their goods, and a few
+  ordinary houses for the members of the factory; but this island
+  is a prison, in which they are completely shut up as long as they
+  remain in Japan, not being permitted to pass the bridge that
+  joins this island to the city of Naugasaque. The only shadow of
+  liberty that is allowed them is, that their chief, with two or
+  three attendants, goes once a-year as ambassador to the emperor.
+  One great reason of this is said to have been occasioned by their
+  using too great familiarities with the Japanese women; but the
+  true reason is, that the Dutch have more than once given strong
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page178" id="page178"></a>[pg
+  178]</span> indications of an inclination to establish themselves
+  in the country by force.</p>
+
+  <p>A French gentleman, Monsieur Carron, who was for some time at
+  the head of their factory in Japan, and who, in several journeys
+  to the court, had ingratiated himself into the favour of the
+  emperor, by entertaining him with accounts of the state of
+  Europe, got his permission to build a house for the factory on
+  the little island allotted to them. He accordly laid the
+  fortifications of great extent, and continued the work till he
+  had completed a handsome fortification, in form of a regular
+  tetragon; and as the Japanese were quite ignorant in the art of
+  fortification, they suffered it to be finished, without any
+  suspicion of deceit. Carron now desired the council at Batavia to
+  send him some cannon, packed in casks filled with oakum or
+  cotton, along with some other casks of the same form filled with
+  spices. This was done accordingly, but in rolling the casks after
+  landing, one of them that contained a brass gun burst open, by
+  which accident the cheat was discovered. This put an entire stop
+  to all trade till the pleasure of the emperor was known. The
+  emperor, without prohibiting trade, gave orders that no Dutchman
+  should presume to stir out of the island on pain of death, and
+  ordered Carron up to Jeddo, to answer for his fault. The emperor
+  reproached him for abusing his favour; after which he ordered his
+  beard to be pulled out by the roots, and that he should be led,
+  dressed in a fool's coat and cap, through all the streets of the
+  city. He was thus sent back to the factory, with orders to leave
+  Japan in the first ship that sailed for Batavia.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of <i>Desima</i>, where the Dutch reside, is
+  divided from the city of Naugasaki by a small creek of salt water
+  of about forty feet broad, over which there is a convenient
+  bridge, having a draw-bridge at one end, of which the Japanese
+  keep possession, and no Dutchman can pass this without leave from
+  the governor of the city; neither dare any Japanese converse with
+  the Dutch, except the merchants and factors, who have a licence
+  for that purpose. For the security of the factory, the island of
+  Desima is pallisaded all round. It contains four streets, with
+  large warehouses, and a spacious market-place over against the
+  bridge, where at stated times the town's people have leave to
+  trade with the Dutch. So great is the jealousy entertained of the
+  Dutch, that they are not even allowed to have the command of
+  their own ships while in Japan: For, as soon as one of them
+  enters <span class="pagenum"><a name="page179" id=
+  "page179"></a>[pg 179]</span> the harbour, the Japanese take
+  entire possession of her, taking out all the arms and ammunition,
+  which they lay up on shore, and return again in good order, when
+  the ship is ready to sail. They also exact a complete account of
+  all the men on board, whom they muster by one of their own
+  commissaries.</p>
+
+  <p>Japan is well peopled, and produces every thing necessary for
+  human sustenance in great plenty; yet the Dutch pay high for
+  every thing they need, and have even to purchase wood for fuel by
+  weight. The mountains are rich in gold, silver, and copper, which
+  last is the best in the world. Their porcelain is finer than that
+  of China, as also much thicker and heavier, with finer colours,
+  and sells much dearer both in India and Europe. The tea of Japan,
+  however, is not near so good as that of China. Their lackered
+  ware, usually called Japan, is the best in the world, and some of
+  it will even hold boiling water without being injured. They have
+  abundance of silks, both raw and manufactured, much stronger than
+  what is produced in China. Their houses are mostly built of wood,
+  but the palace of the emperor is of marble, covered with copper,
+  so remarkably well gilded that it withstands the weather many
+  years. Jeddo is the metropolis, and its magnitude may be guessed
+  from this circumstance, that in a great fire which raged in this
+  city for eight days, about the year 1660, it consumed 120,000
+  houses, and 500 temples.</p>
+
+  <p>The Japanese are strict observers of moral rules, especially
+  in commercial matters; insomuch that merchants of reputation put
+  up sums of gold <i>cupangs</i>, always in decimal numbers, in
+  silken bags, sealed with their seals; and these bags always pass
+  current for the several sums indicated by the seals, without any
+  one ever examining the contents of the bags for several
+  generations. These <i>cupangs</i> are broad oblong pieces of
+  gold, of about twenty shillings value in Japan; but gold is there
+  so plentiful and cheap, in relation to silver, that a
+  <i>cupang</i> passes current in Batavia for thirty-two shillings;
+  and, after being stampt with the lion of the Company, it passes
+  for forty shillings sterling. The Japanese also are exact
+  observers of justice, and punish crimes with extreme rigour. To a
+  man of distinction, when found guilty of a capital crime, the
+  emperor writes a letter, commanding him to become his own
+  executioner, on an appointed <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page180" id="page180"></a>[pg 180]</span> day and hour, on
+  penalty of being subjected to the most exquisite tortures, if he
+  survive the appointed time. On receiving this mandate, the
+  delinquent invites all his friends and near relations to a
+  sumptuous feast on the set day. When the feast is over, he shows
+  them the letter from the emperor, and, while they are reading it,
+  he stabs himself with a dagger below the navel, and cuts open his
+  belly to the breast bone. The capital punishments inflicted on
+  the inferior people are hanging, beheading, or being flung over a
+  precipice; and for smaller faults, whipping and branding are
+  usual.</p>
+
+  <p>The government of Japan would be well pleased to encourage
+  trade with all nations, but for two considerations. The first is,
+  lest their religion should be insulted, which was frequently the
+  case from misguided zeal, while there were any Christians among
+  the Japanese. The other proceeds from their aversion to strange
+  customs, or to any innovation in the manners of the people, from
+  which they dread the worst consequences. When the Dutch were
+  first established in this empire, the then prime minister
+  explained their opinions on this subject in the following manner:
+  "We are well acquainted with the advantages resulting from the
+  system of government established among us, and will on no account
+  run the hazard of any change. We know that great revolutions are
+  often brought about by imperceptible degrees, and are therefore
+  resolved to cure the itch of novelty by the rod of chastisement."
+  Upon this maxim a law is established in Japan, by which all the
+  subjects of the empire are prohibited from leaving the country;
+  or, if any do, they must never return. They are so wedded to
+  their own customs and opinions, and so jealous of the
+  introduction of any new or foreign customs, that they never send
+  any embassies to other countries, neither do they allow their
+  merchants to carry on commerce beyond their own country. A few
+  small junks are sent in summer to the land of Yedso, a country
+  about fifty leagues from the northern extremity of Japan; and it
+  is said that they bring much gold from thence.</p>
+
+  <p>There is but one good harbour in Japan, all the rest of the
+  coast being so guarded by steep rocks or shoals, that they have
+  no reason to fear being invaded. In point of military discipline
+  and bravery, the Japanese far exceed the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page181" id="page181"></a>[pg 181]</span>
+  Chinese, and are by no means of so base and effeminate
+  dispositions as most of the inhabitants of that great empire. The
+  government also of Japan is perfectly uniform and well settled,
+  so that there cannot be any diversity of interests; for, though
+  several of its provinces are denominated kingdoms, yet all these
+  petty kings are under the strictest subjection to the emperor,
+  and the laws of the country extend over all. These laws pay the
+  strictest regard to private property, the father transmitting to
+  his children not only the patrimonial estate, but all the
+  acquisitions of his own industry; and this is certainly a
+  powerful prevention of any desire of change. Though the emperor
+  resides at Jeddo, thirty days journey from Naugasaki, yet he
+  receives intelligence in the space of three days, of the number
+  and force of every ship that arrives, conveyed by a chain of
+  signal-posts, by means of flags and fire beacons.</p>
+
+  <p>The forms observed in business are wonderfully exact, and the
+  edicts and orders of the emperor are signified in most expressive
+  and dignified terms, containing very little of the bombast and
+  swelling style so common among oriental courts. Yet, amid all
+  their good sense and quick parts, the religion of the Japanese is
+  the idlest and most ridiculous paganism that can well be
+  imagined, of which the following is a sufficient proof. Every
+  family has a tutelary deity or idol, which is placed at the top
+  of the house, and instructed to keep off all sickness,
+  misfortunes, or accidents: And when any such happen, the idol is
+  taken down and whipt, for not doing its duty. <i>Amida</i> is the
+  name of their favourite god, his residence in heaven is at a
+  prodigious distance, insomuch that it requires three years
+  journey of a departed soul to reach paradise, which is only the
+  outskirts or suburbs of heaven; but when once there, the soul is
+  sure of getting to heaven, and enjoys a quiet residence in that
+  place, as none of the fiends dare come there to give annoyance.
+  They have several other gods, to all of whom they are
+  particularly attached devotees; and each god has his own
+  particular paradise, none nearer this world than three years
+  journey. On purpose to gain an easy passage to these paradises,
+  some of the zealots cut their own throats, and others hang
+  themselves. Their idols are often carried in procession on
+  horseback, attended by bands of music; and many feasts and
+  sacrifices are made in their honour, the idols being fed on
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page182" id="page182"></a>[pg
+  182]</span> the smoke and flavour, while the votaries regale on
+  the substantial meats.<a id="footnotetag87" name=
+  "footnotetag87"></a><a href="#footnote87"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote87" name="footnote87"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag87">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris here subjoins a long enquiry into the nature of the
+    Dutch commerce in Japan, in the form of answers to a number of
+    queries on the subject: But as we shall have an opportunity, in
+    a subsequent division of this work, to give much more ample and
+    satisfactory accounts of these matters, by actual travellers in
+    Japan, this has been omitted, as tedious and
+    unsatisfactory.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XVI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Nothing remarkable occurred to the author of this voyage,
+  while on the way from Batavia to the Cape of Good Hope, except
+  seeing the wreck of the Schonenberg, a ship belonging to the
+  Company, which had been lost a little before.<a id=
+  "footnotetag88" name="footnotetag88"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote88"><sup>1</sup></a> On coming in sight of the Cape,
+  they discovered many French, English, and Dutch ships at anchor
+  in the roads, some outward-bound and some homewards. A little way
+  from the entrance of the bay is a small island, on which there is
+  always a guard composed of a serjeant and a small number of men.
+  As soon as the serjeant sees what number of ships a fleet
+  consists of, he hoists a flag, and fires so many pieces of cannon
+  as there are ships in sight, to give notice to the commandant at
+  the Cape. They are here employed in making train-oil, and in
+  raking oyster-shells to burn into lime. Into this island,
+  malefactors are generally banished from the Cape, and from most
+  parts of India. Here, besides the punishment of being separated
+  from all their friends, they are kept to the hardest labour.</p>
+
+  <p>Table Bay is very fine and large, of a semi-oval form,
+  entering several leagues into the land, and may be about nine
+  leagues in circuit; but the anchorage is not every where equally
+  good, and there is some danger near the shore. The middle of the
+  bay is commanded by a very strong fort, being a regular pentagon,
+  and each of its fine bastions mounts twenty pieces of heavy
+  cannon. This fort and the town are situated on the edge of a
+  plain about three leagues <span class="pagenum"><a name="page183"
+  id="page183"></a>[pg 183]</span> in extent, lying at the bottom
+  of three very high mountains. The first of these is <i>Lion
+  Mountain</i>, having some resemblance to a lion couchant. The
+  second is <i>Table Mountain</i>, which is much higher, and has a
+  broad flat top like a table, being so high that it may be seen
+  twenty leagues out at sea in clear weather. The third is called
+  the <i>Devil's Mountain</i>, and is not so remarkable as either
+  of the other two. The houses of Cape Town are very neat and
+  commodious, but are only built two stories high, on account of
+  the furious winds at S.E. which sometimes blow here.</p>
+
+  <p>About the year 1650, the Dutch East-India Company bought a
+  certain district of this country from the Hottentots, its
+  aboriginal inhabitants, and took care to have it immediately
+  planted and well peopled, for the convenience of their ships,
+  both outward and homeward bound. All the inhabitants of this
+  colony are Europeans, or descended from Europeans. Some of the
+  planters are settled at the distance of three hundred leagues
+  from the Cape; yet all are obliged to appear once a-year at a
+  place called Stellenbosch, where the <i>Drossart</i> or
+  magistrate of the country resides. They have here to pass in
+  review, as all the peasants, as well as the towns-men, are formed
+  into companies under proper officers. After the review is over,
+  they go back to their respective plantations, generally carrying
+  home with them what tools or other European articles they stand
+  in need of. These people cultivate the ground, raising rye,
+  barley, beans, and other grains. They also plant vines, which
+  produce excellent grapes, of which they make very good wine. Some
+  of these peasants are in very easy circumstances, having, besides
+  large and well-cultivated plantations, great flocks of sheep and
+  cattle.</p>
+
+  <p>Among other colonists, there is one about eight leagues from
+  Cape Town, at a place called <i>Drakenstein</i>, entirely
+  composed of French refugees, who have a large tract of well
+  cultivated ground, and are allowed churches and ministers of
+  their own. Part of the inhabitants of Cape Town are in the
+  service of the Company, and the rest are free burgesses. They
+  have regular magistrates, who decide causes of small importance,
+  and regulate any little disputes that happen among them; but
+  affairs of moment are carried before the governor and council,
+  who determine finally and without appeal. In the interior
+  country, the drossart determines in things of small consequence;
+  but all matters of importance <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page184" id="page184"></a>[pg 184]</span> must come before the
+  governor and council, whose sentences, both in civil and criminal
+  cases, are executed without delay. The officer who commands here
+  in chief, has the rank and pay of major, yet does the duty in all
+  respects of a major-general. The officers under him are captains,
+  lieutenants, and ensigns, who take care to keep their companies
+  always complete and well disciplined; and in case of attack, they
+  can draw together five thousand men at least, all well armed and
+  as good as regular troops: Each peasant knows where he has to
+  repair to, in order to range himself under his proper
+  standard.</p>
+
+  <p>It is not easy to describe the expertness with which these
+  peasants manage their fire-arms, an exercise in which they are
+  constantly employed, even from their infancy; and it is almost
+  incredible how boldly they attack even the fiercest animals. Many
+  among them disdain to shoot a sleeping lion, because, as they
+  say, it shows neither skill nor courage: When, therefore, they
+  discover a lion asleep, they throw stones to waken him, and do
+  not fire till he is on his feet. A little before the arrival of
+  our author at the Cape, two peasants went out together to hunt.
+  One of them, seeing a lion, fired at and missed him, when the
+  lion rushed upon the man, who threw away his gun, to have more
+  liberty to defend himself. The other peasant, on hearing the
+  report, hastened to the place, and found his companion and the
+  lion closely engaged; on which he snatched up the gun, and slew
+  the lion by a few blows on the head, but broke the gun in pieces.
+  The first peasant, whose property the gun was, complained loudly
+  of its demolition, blamed his companion for coming up uncalled
+  for, and even talked of making him pay for the gun, insisting
+  that he could have slain the lion himself without aid. It was
+  formerly considered a wonderful deed for a man to kill a lion;
+  but now it is so common an occurrence, that they make no more of
+  killing a lion, than we do of shooting a hare.</p>
+
+  <p>The country about Cape Town is full of vineyards and gardens.
+  Two of these belong to the company, which are perhaps the finest
+  in the world. One is at the distance of two hundred paces from
+  the fort, between the town and Table Mountain, being about 1400
+  paces in length, by 235 paces broad, and having a fine rivulet
+  from the mountain running through the middle of it. It is divided
+  into quarters, in which they cultivate, with the utmost success,
+  the fruits and flowers <span class="pagenum"><a name="page185"
+  id="page185"></a>[pg 185]</span> of the four quarters of the
+  globe. The other garden is about two leagues distant from the
+  town, in what is called the <i>New Country</i>, and is likewise
+  kept in excellent order by slaves belonging to the company, of
+  whom there are seldom less than five hundred. The country
+  hereabout is mountainous and stony; but the vallies are very
+  agreeable, and extremely fertile. The climate is perhaps the best
+  in the world, neither cold nor heat being ever felt here to any
+  intolerable degree. The people accordingly live to great ages,
+  and have hardly any diseases except such as proceed from
+  intemperance of some kind. The mountains, which contribute to the
+  wholesomeness of the country, are supposed to be rich in gold and
+  other valuable metals. Some trials have been made; but as yet no
+  mines have been discovered, or at least none in such situations
+  as would permit their being worked to advantage.</p>
+
+  <p>Mynheer van Steel, who was lately governor of this colony,
+  travelled over the country, and examined it with much attention.
+  He caused gardens to be laid out, and pleasure-houses to be
+  built, in several places; but the peasants who were employed in
+  building these houses and cultivating these gardens, sent over a
+  representation and complaint to the company, alleging that these
+  works were prejudicial to their private affairs, and prevented
+  them from being able to maintain their families; upon which that
+  governor was immediately recalled. His discoveries, however, were
+  of great consequence, having made the interior country known to
+  the Dutch, together with the nations or tribes by whom it is
+  inhabited. These, so far as yet discovered, consist of seven
+  different tribes, all comprehended under the general denomination
+  of <i>Hottentots</i>. The first of these, and least considerable,
+  who live in the neighbourhood of the Cape, have no chief, and are
+  mostly either in the service of the company, or are employed as
+  servants by the townsmen, or by the peasants and farmers in
+  cultivating the lands, or tending their flocks and herds. The
+  second tribe inhabit the mountains, or, more properly speaking,
+  dwell in the caverns of the mountains, being thieves and robbers
+  by profession, and subsist entirely by plundering the other
+  Hottentots, with whom they are perpetually at war; yet never rob
+  or molest the Christians. The other tribes are called the
+  <i>Great</i> and <i>Little Maqua</i>, and the <i>Great</i> and
+  <i>Little Kriqua</i><a id="footnotetag89" name=
+  "footnotetag89"></a><a href="#footnote89"><sup>2</sup></a>, and
+  the <i>Caffres</i>. The words <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page186" id="page186"></a>[pg 186]</span> <i>Maqua</i> and
+  <i>Kriqua</i> signify king or chief, and these four tribes are
+  continually engaged in war against each other; but when any one
+  nation is in danger of being totally ruined, other tribes
+  immediately take up its cause; and these rude tribes seem to have
+  a notion of maintaining a kind of balance of power.</p>
+
+  <p>Such of the Hottentots as have submitted to the Hollanders are
+  called the Company's Hottentots. The Dutch send every year fifty
+  or sixty persons to trade among the Hottentots, who purchase
+  their cattle, giving them in exchange arrack, tobacco, hemp, and
+  such other things as they have occasion for; by which means a
+  good understanding is kept up. These Hottentots of the Company
+  are often attacked by the other tribes, and, when no longer able
+  to defend themselves, their king or chief comes down to the Cape,
+  attended by a small escort of his subjects, to demand assistance.
+  He goes immediately to the governor, having in his hand the staff
+  of command given him by the Company, decorated with their arms,
+  and holding it in his hand, demands assistance. If the governor
+  does not think proper to grant his request, but endeavours to
+  shift him off with fair words, he throws down his staff saying,
+  in bad Dutch, <i>Voor my, niet meer Compagnies Hottentot</i>;
+  that is, "For me, I will no more be the Company's Hottentot." The
+  governor generally sends him home with an escort of troops, as it
+  is the interest of the company to be on good terms with these
+  chiefs, who are always ready to do any service required of
+  them.</p>
+
+  <p>The Hottentots are a very stupid and brutal people. They rub
+  their bodies all over with rancid grease, which gives them a very
+  bad smell, so that you may nose them at a considerable distance.
+  Their children are all born perfectly white; but being constantly
+  rubbed with grease, and exposed to the sun, they grow by degrees
+  quite brown, and almost black. When a woman brings forth twins,
+  one of them is immediately condemned to death, and is tied to a
+  tree, where it is left to expire. Some of them have a custom of
+  extirpating one testicle in their male children, as soon as they
+  are able to bear the operation, in hope of preventing them
+  afterwards from begetting twins. They seem to have little or no
+  religion; yet they frequently look with admiration at the
+  heavenly bodies, saying, "He who governs these is certainly a
+  being of infinite power and wisdom." In many respects
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page187" id="page187"></a>[pg
+  187]</span> they are more like beasts than men, being abominably
+  nasty in their persons, and, taking them altogether, they are
+  certainly one of the meanest nations on the face of the earth.
+  They are short and thick-set, with flat noses like a Dutch pug
+  dog, very thick lips, and large mouths, having very white teeth,
+  but very long and ill set, some of them sticking out of their
+  mouths like boar's tusks. Their hair is black, and curled like
+  wool. They are very nimble, and run with incredible speed. They
+  are generally covered with a sheep's skin, each man having a
+  quiver full of arrows on his back, and a bow in his hand.
+  Immediately on coming in sight of an enemy, they set up a
+  dreadful cry, leaping, dancing, and skipping about, and throwing
+  themselves into the most frightful postures.</p>
+
+  <p>The seventh nation is named the <i>Caffres</i>, who are
+  certainly the <i>Anthropophagi</i> who have made so much noise in
+  the world<a id="footnotetag90" name="footnotetag90"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote90"><sup>3</sup></a>. The Hottentots are much afraid of
+  them, and take care to keep out of their way as much as possible,
+  for fear of being roasted or boiled if taken prisoners. This
+  abominable nation has never entered into any kind of commerce
+  with the Christians; but, on the contrary, takes all the pains
+  they can to entrap and murder them, in order, as is generally
+  believed, to eat them. It is reported that they have grown
+  somewhat more tractable of late years, and will enter into some
+  sort of trade with such as venture among them. They are a potent
+  and warlike nation, strong and well-made; and though black, and
+  having curled hair like other negroes, they have better faces,
+  and a much more manly appearance.</p>
+
+  <p>At the distance of about eighteen leagues from the Cape, there
+  is another port called Saldanha Bay, which is, in all respects,
+  an infinitely better harbour than Table Bay, except in wanting
+  fresh water, which prevents it from being frequented. The animals
+  of this country are many. The lion is common here, and in hard
+  winters often comes very near the habitations of the colonists.
+  He is reputed the king of beasts, because he never eats a man
+  till he has beaten out his breath with his paws. Before attacking
+  a man he roars terribly, and shakes his mane; and if he does not
+  give these signals of rage, there is no danger in passing him.
+  Tigers <span class="pagenum"><a name="page188" id=
+  "page188"></a>[pg 188]</span> and leopards are also very common,
+  and do a vast deal of mischief; and it is probable these animals
+  would be much more numerous, were it not for a race of wild dogs,
+  which hunt in packs, and are so bold that they often weary out
+  and worry a lion. They often destroy tigers, leopards, and
+  wolves, and it is said that they will allow a man to take their
+  prey from them when they have killed it. Travellers are never
+  afraid when they fall in with these wild dogs, but rather
+  rejoice, because they are sure that no ferocious animal is in the
+  neighbourhood. There are many elephants in this country, and of
+  as great size, as any in the world, being often from twelve to
+  fifteen feet high or better, their teeth weighing from sixty to
+  an hundred and twenty pounds. The rhinoceros is also often met
+  with. This animal is rather less than the elephant, but stronger.
+  His skin is prodigiously thick, and so hard that scarcely any
+  weapon can pierce it. His snout is like that of a hog, on which
+  grows a solid horn, ten or twelve inches long, which is much
+  valued, because esteemed an excellent medicine in
+  convulsions.</p>
+
+  <p>There are two animals peculiar to this country, which
+  therefore deserve notice. One is a species of wild ass, which
+  resembles the common ass in nothing but the length of its ears.
+  It is as large as an ordinary horse, and is the most beautiful
+  animal in the world. His hair is very soft, and from the ridge of
+  the back descends in coloured streaks to the belly, forming so
+  many circles. It is a brisk and lively creature, which runs more
+  swiftly than any horse. It is very difficult to take alive, and
+  when taken cannot be tamed; yet sells at a prodigious price, and
+  is thought a fit present for a sovereign prince, from its rarity
+  and exquisite beauty<a id="footnotetag91" name=
+  "footnotetag91"></a><a href="#footnote91"><sup>4</sup></a>. The
+  other creature, found in no other country, is called by the Dutch
+  the <i>Stinkbungsen</i>, or Stinking-Badger. This is of the size
+  of an ordinary dog, but is shaped like a ferret. When pursued by
+  man or beast, it retreats but slowly, and when its enemy draws
+  near, discharges backwards a so intolerably fetid wind, that dogs
+  tear up the ground and hide their noses in it, to avoid the
+  smell. When killed, it stinks so abominably that there is no
+  approaching the carcass, which is therefore left to consume where
+  it falls.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page189" id=
+  "page189"></a>[pg 189]</span>
+
+  <p>It is impossible to describe all the creatures that are seen
+  in the vast forests of Africa, as the inhabitants see new animals
+  every year that are utterly unknown to them. They allege that, in
+  the middle of summer, when the wild animals are almost raging mad
+  with thirst, they resort in vast multitudes to the rivers named
+  Salt, Elephants, and St John's rivers, where the males and
+  females of different species intermixing, produce strange beasts
+  that seem to be new species. The Hottentots in the service of the
+  Company frequently carry the skins of these monsters to the
+  governor; and our author assures us that he saw one of the
+  following description, that had been killed not long before. It
+  was about the size of a calf of six months old, and seemed to
+  have had four eyes. The head resembled that of a lion, but the
+  hair was quite smooth, and of a dark grey colour. It had tusks
+  like a boar. The fore-feet resembled those of that creature; but
+  the hind-feet were like those of a tiger.</p>
+
+  <p>The birds of this country are in a manner infinite in numbers
+  and sorts; and though they have not been observed often to
+  intermingle species, yet hybrids are sometimes remarked among
+  them. The largest and strongest birds are to be found in Africa,
+  among which is the ostrich, the largest of all, being commonly
+  seven feet high. The beak is short and pointed, but the neck is
+  very long. The feathers of the male are white and black only,
+  while those of the female are mixed white, black, and grey. Those
+  of the former are most esteemed, as their large feathers are
+  better spread, and their down much softer. This bird is
+  prodigiously swift of foot, and is hunted down by hounds. Their
+  wings do not serve them to fly, but assist them in running,
+  especially when they have the wind with them. The common opinion
+  of their being able to digest iron is totally false. They swallow
+  pieces of iron indeed, but then it is only to bruise the food in
+  their gizzards, just as other birds swallow stones for the same
+  purpose. They are also said to leave their eggs uncovered on the
+  sand, and to take no care of their young. But those of the Cape
+  country hide their eggs in the sand, and are so tender of their
+  young, that, though naturally timorous, if one of them is
+  missing, they become quite furious, so that it is not safe to go
+  near them. There are abundance of eagles of all sorts at the
+  Cape, which are very bold, and frequently do a great deal of
+  mischief. They are not very large, yet are incredibly strong, so
+  that they often kill and devour cattle when <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page190" id="page190"></a>[pg 190]</span>
+  returning home from work, when they come in great flocks. of
+  fifty or an hundred at once, single out a beast as it feeds among
+  the flock, and falling upon it all at once, kill and devour
+  it.</p>
+
+  <p>Some years before our author was at the Cape, there was seen
+  on Table Mountain a bird as large in the body as a horse, having
+  grey and black plumage. His beak and talons were like those of an
+  eagle, but of a most dreadful size. He sat and hovered about that
+  mountain for a long time, and the people were persuaded it was a
+  griffin. It frequently carried off sheep and calves, and at
+  length began to destroy the cows, on which orders were given to
+  destroy it, and it was accordingly shot, its skin stuffed, and
+  sent home as a curiosity to the Company. No such bird, has been
+  seen since, and the oldest people of the colony do not remember
+  to have heard of any such before.<a id="footnotetag92" name=
+  "footnotetag92"></a><a href="#footnote92"><sup>5</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Africa has been long famous for serpents, and there are such
+  vast numbers of them in the neighbourhood of the Cape, that many
+  of them have no names. Most of them are extremely venomous, and
+  the colonists would suffer much more than they do from them, were
+  it not that they have a specific remedy for their bites, not
+  known in Europe. This remedy is the <i>serpent-stone</i>, allowed
+  to be factitious, and is brought from India, where they are made
+  by the bramins who have the secret of composing them, which they
+  so carefully conceal, that no Europeans have hitherto been able
+  to discover how they are made. The serpent-stone is about the
+  size of a bean, white in the middle, but of a fine sky-blue on
+  the outside. When a person is bitten by a serpent, this stone is
+  applied to the wound, to which it soon sticks fast of itself,
+  without the aid of any bandage or plaister. The part bitten
+  begins immediately to swell and becomes inflamed. The stone also
+  swells till it becomes full of the venom, and then drops off. It
+  is then put into warm milk, where it soon purges itself from the
+  venom, and resumes its natural colour, after which it is again
+  applied to the wound, where it sticks as before, till a second
+  time full, and so on till all the venom is extracted and the cure
+  perfected.</p>
+
+  <p>All the mountains of this vast country are full of minerals
+  and crystal, with many things of great value, if they could be
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page191" id="page191"></a>[pg
+  191]</span> got at; but the natives are so fearful of being made
+  slaves in the mines, that they take all imaginable pains to
+  conceal them. There is particularly a mountain, about 500 leagues
+  from the Cape, called <i>Copper-mountain</i>, which is supposed
+  to contain great quantities of metals. Large quantities of copper
+  have been found here, which is said to contain a mixture of gold.
+  Some Europeans endeavoured to follow the natives, who were
+  suspected of going to that mountain to gather gold, but were all
+  massacred. The Company is so tender of the colonists, and so
+  unwilling to risk a revolt, that they have even neglected a
+  gold-mine much nearer the Cape, the marcasites of which gave
+  great hopes of its containing abundance of gold. Perhaps the
+  Company may have another reason for acting in this manner, lest,
+  if a gold-mine was discovered at the Cape, it might tempt the
+  French or English to undertake something to their prejudice.
+  Under its present management, the Dutch colony at the Cape is a
+  general advantage to other nations, as well as to the Dutch. A
+  few years ago a cavern was discovered in a mountain very near
+  Cape-Town, in which the Hottentots find the venom in which they
+  dip their poisoned arrows. There have likewise been found about
+  twenty leagues from the Cape, some hot springs impregnated with
+  steel, which have been found to cure many diseases, by using as a
+  bath.</p>
+
+  <p>Considerable improvements may certainly be made on this
+  colony, for the advantage both of the inhabitants and the
+  company, which latter make no great gains by this establishment
+  besides the convenience it affords in giving refreshments to
+  their ships going to and returning from India. The Company would
+  be glad of any means that might increase the value of the
+  settlement, consistent with their maxims of government, and with
+  that indulgence they find it necessary to shew the Hottentots,
+  who are perhaps more tenacious of their liberty than any people
+  on earth, and the most desperate in resenting any attempts to its
+  prejudice.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page192" id=
+  "page192"></a>[pg 192]</span>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote88" name="footnote88"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag88">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is said to have been on the coast of Africa <i>at the
+    height of Angola</i>, whither they were driven by a storm. But
+    this could not possibly have been the case <i>before</i>
+    reaching the Cape of Good Hope.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote89" name="footnote89"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag89">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These tribes are known in geography by the names of Namaquas
+    and Briquas, the latter being also called Booshuanas. The
+    second tribe in this account are named Bosjemans by the
+    Dutch.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote90" name="footnote90"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag90">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>A very different account is now given of the Caffres, or
+    Koussis rather, who are described as a half-civilized race, who
+    cultivate the ground, and live under regular government.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote91" name="footnote91"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag91">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is a very imperfect account of the Zebra, which exactly
+    resembles the ass, except in colour, and is by no means larger.
+    One died lately in Edinburgh, after being exhibited as a show,
+    which was as quiet and gentle as any lady's donkey.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote92" name="footnote92"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag92">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This was probably a stray Condor, and its size an ordinary
+    exaggeration, in the passage of the story, like that of <i>the
+    three black crows</i>.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XVII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Holland, with some
+  Account of St Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the
+  Acores.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Towards the end of March, 1723, the ship being revictualled,
+  they sailed from Table-bay with a brisk wind at S.E. the fleet
+  homewards bound consisting of twenty-three sail, mostly belonging
+  to the Dutch East India Company. In about three weeks they
+  reached the island of <i>St Helena</i>, which is in the latitude
+  of 16° 15' S. [lat. 16° S. long. 5°
+  30' W.] This island is about seven leagues in circumference, and
+  is entirely composed of rocky hills, which may be seen in a clear
+  day from the distance of forty leagues. It is surprising to see
+  so small an island in the midst of the ocean, at so great a
+  distance from any other land, being 550 leagues from the Cape,
+  500 leagues from Brazil, and 350 from Augusta, which is the
+  nearest land<a id="footnotetag93" name=
+  "footnotetag93"></a><a href="#footnote93"><sup>1</sup></a>; yet
+  the sea is all around so very deep, that there is hardly an
+  anchorage to be found. This island was first discovered by the
+  Portuguese, on which occasion one of their large Indian carracks
+  was wrecked, from the remains of which they built a chapel, long
+  since decayed, but which still gives name to the finest valley in
+  the island. They planted lemons, oranges, and pomegranates all
+  over the island, and left here hogs and goats, together with
+  partridges, pigeons, and peacocks, for the convenience of ships
+  touching here. At one time a hermit chose to live here, killing
+  the goats for the sake of their skins, which he sold to ships
+  that stopped here; but the Portuguese removed him, as they did
+  afterwards some negro slaves who had settled in the mountains. It
+  is now possessed by the English, who have so good a fort that it
+  is not likely any other nation should be able to drive them out.
+  The vallies are exceedingly beautiful and fertile, and in these
+  the weather is sometimes exceedingly hot; but as it is always
+  cool on the mountains, the inhabitants can never be in want of a
+  place of refreshment. It is admirably watered, having many
+  rivulets running <span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" id=
+  "page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> from the tops of the hills into the
+  sea, the water of these being as clear as crystal. The island
+  produces abundance of mustard, parsley, sorrel, cresses, and
+  other herbs, excellent against the scurvy. It has also abundance
+  of trees fit for fuel, but none that can serve as timber. All
+  sorts of refreshments are to be had in plenty.</p>
+
+  <p>They sailed from hence for the island of <i>Ascension</i>,
+  which lies in lat 8° N. and long. 14° 20' W.
+  about 200 leagues N. W. from St Helena. This is much of the same
+  size, but the shore is excessively rocky, and the whole island
+  absolutely barren, having neither trees nor grass, and the entire
+  surface seems as it were rent asunder, whence some have
+  conceived, and not without great show of reason, that it had been
+  formerly a volcano, or burning mountain. In the middle of the
+  island there is a high hill, on one side of which water has been
+  found. At one season of the year, the whole surface of the island
+  is covered with sea-fowl. What chiefly induces ships to put into
+  the only harbour of the island, is the great plenty of excellent
+  turtle to be found here. When these animals come on shore in the
+  night to lay their eggs, the sailors turn them over on their
+  backs till they have leisure to carry them on board. These
+  creatures will live above a month without any kind of sustenance,
+  having only a little salt water sprinkled over them three or four
+  times a-day. The sailors never weary of eating them, believing
+  that they make a perfect change of their juices, freeing them
+  entirely from the scurvy and other diseases of the blood.</p>
+
+  <p>As this island is a very miserable place to live in, it is
+  common to leave malefactors here when they do not incline to put
+  them to death. This was done not long before our author passed
+  this way, to a Dutch book-keeper, who was convicted of sodomy;
+  though perhaps this may be considered as a worse punishment even
+  than death, considering the miseries that must be endured in the
+  hottest climate of the world, on a place that does not afford
+  even the slightest shelter. After leaving this island, they began
+  to approach the line, which they crossed without feeling any
+  excessive heat, as the sun was then towards the north, and they
+  had the benefit of pretty fresh gales, which moderated the heat
+  extremely. They now also began to see the north-star at night,
+  which they had not done for a year and a half and it is
+  impossible to express how much the seamen were rejoiced at this
+  circumstance.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" id=
+  "page194"></a>[pg 194]</span>
+
+  <p>Coming into the latitude of 18° N. we found that part
+  of the sea which is generally so covered with grass that it looks
+  at a distance like a meadow. This grass has a yellowish cast,
+  being hollow within, and on being pressed it yields a clammy
+  viscous juice. In some years none of this grass appears, while in
+  other years it is found in prodigious quantities. Some imagine
+  that it comes from the bottom of the sea, as divers report that
+  the bottom is in many places covered with grass and flowers.
+  Others conceive that it comes from the coast of Africa: But our
+  author disapproves both of these opinions, because, if it came
+  from the bottom, there is no reason why the same appearance
+  should not be found elsewhere; whereas, if it came from the coast
+  of Africa, it ought to be found in other situations, especially
+  near that coast. His opinion, therefore, is, that it comes from
+  the coast of America, and particularly from the Gulf of Bahama,
+  or Mexico, where it is known to grow in great abundance, and
+  where, when it comes to maturity, it breaks off; and is carried
+  away by the currents.<a id="footnotetag94" name=
+  "footnotetag94"></a><a href="#footnote94"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Nothing is more difficult than to account for the motion and
+  course of currents in the ocean, which, in some places, run for
+  six months in one direction, and six in another, while in other
+  places they run always one way. There are instances also where
+  they run one way for a day or two after full moon, and then run
+  strongly in the opposite direction till next full moon. Seamen
+  also observe, that in places where the trade-winds blow, the
+  currents are generally influenced by them, moving the same way
+  with the winds, but not with equal force in all places; neither
+  are they so discernible in the wide ocean, but chiefly about
+  islands, where their effects are more or less felt according as
+  they are influenced by being more or less in the way of the
+  trade-winds. It would be of great service to navigation if
+  sensible men would take notice of these currents, and enquire
+  into the reason of their appearances. In old books of voyages we
+  find many more wonders than in those of later date, not because
+  the course of nature is at all changed, but because nature was
+  not then so well understood. A thousand things were prodigious a
+  century ago, which are not now at all strange. Thus the storms
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" id="page195"></a>[pg
+  195]</span> at the Cape of Good Hope, which make so great a
+  figure in the histories of the Portuguese discoveries, are now
+  known to have been merely the effect of endeavouring to double
+  that Cape at a wrong season of the year.</p>
+
+  <p>In the East and West Indies, the natives are able to foretell
+  hurricanes and tornadoes, not from any superior skill, but by
+  observing certain signs which usually precede them. There is
+  often so little apparent connection between the sign and the
+  event, that men who value themselves on their wisdom are apt to
+  slight such warnings as impertinent and absurd. But they had
+  better enquire diligently into facts, and neither receive nor
+  reject them too hastily. In the present case, it is a clear
+  matter of fact that the sea, in the latitude of 18° N.
+  between Africa and America, is frequently covered with weeds to a
+  great extent, and there is good reason for enquiry as to whence
+  these weeds come. In the first voyage made by the famous Columbus
+  for the discovery of the new world, he met with this grass or
+  sea-weed floating on the sea, without which he could not have
+  prevailed on his sailors to continue the voyage; and it is very
+  remarkable, that, by pursuing his course through these weeds, he
+  arrived in the Gulf of Bahama, the place whence our present
+  author supposes this sea-grass to come.<a id="footnotetag95"
+  name="footnotetag95"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote95"><sup>3</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Continuing their course to the north, they encountered hard
+  gales of wind, by which they were driven into lat. 37°
+  N. where they fell in with two islands, which proved to be
+  <i>Flores</i> and <i>Corres</i>;<a id="footnotetag96" name=
+  "footnotetag96"></a><a href="#footnote96"><sup>4</sup></a> and as
+  their fresh provisions were now nearly spent, they stopped three
+  days at the larger island to procure refreshments. There are two
+  of the islands named <i>A&amp;#231;ores</i> by the Spaniards,
+  which signifies the <i>islands of hawks</i>. The Dutch call them
+  <i>Vlanneische eslanders</i>, or <i>Flemish islands</i>, because
+  Fayal was first peopled by Flemings, and their descendants remain
+  in the island to this day, and are easily distinguished from the
+  other inhabitants by their shape and air. They dwell upon a
+  little river running down a mountain, called <i>Ribera dos
+  Flamenas</i> by the Portuguese, or river of the Flemings.</p>
+
+  <p>The nine islands of the A&amp;#231;ores, or Wester Islands,
+  are Tercera, San Michael, Santa Maria, St George, Gratiosa,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" id="page196"></a>[pg
+  196]</span> Pico, Fayal, Corvo, and Flores. Tercera is the chief
+  island, being fifteen or sixteen leagues in circumference, and so
+  high and steep in many places that it is almost impregnable, and
+  they have built forts in such places as are accessible. The only
+  port is before the capital, named <i>Angra</i>, and as it is in
+  the form of a half-moon, it is called the <i>Half-Moon of
+  Angra</i>. At each horn of this half-moon there is a mountain,
+  which are called the Brazils, which project out into the sea,
+  appearing from a distance as if two islands; and these mountains
+  are so high that one may see at any time ten or twelve leagues
+  off, and fifteen in clear weather. Angra has a fine cathedral,
+  and is the residence of a bishop, and of a governor and council,
+  whose authority extends over all the nine islands. There is
+  another town three leagues from Angra, called Praya, or the town
+  of the shore, situated on a shore which cannot be approached by
+  ships, so that it has no trade, and the town seems a kind of
+  desert, though well built and walled round.</p>
+
+  <p>The inhabitants raise sufficient provisions on the island for
+  all their wants, being pleasant and fertile, and all covered with
+  corn-fields; and so abounds with flesh, fish, and all sorts of
+  victuals, that even in times of the greatest scarcity, there is
+  enough for all the inhabitants. It produces wine also, but very
+  small, and does not keep well, wherefore the richer people
+  provide themselves from Madeira and the Canaries. They want oil,
+  salt, lime, and potters ware, which they have to import from
+  other countries. They have abundance of peaches, apples, pears,
+  oranges, and lemons, with all sorts of vegetables and garden
+  stuffs, and among these a plant called <i>batatas</i>, which
+  grows like a vine stock, but the leaves are different. These
+  produce roots, weighing a pound more or less, and are so
+  plentiful that they are despised by the rich, though of a sweet
+  pleasant taste and very nourishing. There is another root in this
+  country as large as a man's two fists, covered over with
+  filaments of a golden yellow colour, and as smooth as silk. The
+  inhabitants stuff beds with this, instead of feathers, but
+  skilful workmen could certainly manufacture it into fine
+  stuffs.</p>
+
+  <p>There are but few birds, except canaries, quails, ordinary
+  poultry, and turkies, which are numerous. Several parts of this
+  island are very hilly, and full of thick and almost impervious
+  woods; and travelling is rendered very difficult, as you often
+  find rocks a league in length, so rugged and sharp that
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" id="page197"></a>[pg
+  197]</span> they cut the shoes at every step; yet these rocks are
+  so full of vines that they are not to be seen in summer, being
+  covered over by the vine leaves. These vines spread their roots
+  among the crannies and crevices of the rocks, which are so small
+  and devoid of soil, that it is wonderful how they should find any
+  nourishment; yet if planted in the good soil of the country, the
+  vines will not grow. The corn and fruits of this island will not
+  keep above a year; and unless the corn is buried under ground, it
+  spoils in four months. On this account, every inhabitant has a
+  pit without the town, the mouth of which is round, just large
+  enough to admit a man, which is covered by a flat stone and
+  secured by a lock. Some of these pits are so large as to contain
+  two or three lasts of corn, the last containing 108 bushels
+  Amsterdam measure, and each bushel weighing forty pounds or more.
+  They put their corn into these pits in July, and cover the stone
+  with earth to exclude the air, and take it out at Christmas, or
+  considerably later, finding it then as good as when put in. The
+  oxen in Tercera are the largest and finest that can be, equal to
+  any in Europe, and have prodigiously wide horns. Every one has
+  his name, like our dogs, and they are so familiar, that when the
+  master calls one of them by his name, though among a thousand
+  others, he will presently come to him.</p>
+
+  <p>One would think the ground of this island were hollow, as the
+  rocks sound like vaults when walked on; and indeed the thing is
+  not at all improbable, as the island is much subject to
+  earthquakes. In many places of the island of San Michael there
+  are holes and cracks, out of which there comes a great smoke, and
+  the ground seems as if burnt all around. This is not uncommon
+  also in all the islands, as they all have sulphur mountains.
+  There are also fountains of water so hot as to boil eggs. Three
+  leagues from Angra there is a petrifying spring, which changes
+  wood into stone; and there was formerly a tree having some of its
+  roots in that water, which were stony and as hard as flint. This
+  island produces excellent timber, especially cedar, which is so
+  common that their carts and waggons are made of it, and it is
+  even used as fuel. The island of <i>Pico</i>, twelve leagues from
+  Tercera, has a sort of wood called <i>teixo</i>, as hard as iron,
+  and of a shining red colour when wrought. It becomes always
+  better and finer as it grows older; for which reason no person is
+  allowed to cut any of these trees, unless for the king's use,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" id="page198"></a>[pg
+  198]</span> and by virtue of a special order from the royal
+  officers. The chief trade of Tercera consists in <i>woad</i>, of
+  which they have great quantities. The fleets of Spain and
+  Portugal, bound for the East Indies, Brazil, Cape Verd, Guinea,
+  and other countries, usually come here for refreshments, to the
+  great profit of this and the other islands, the inhabitants
+  selling to them their various articles at good prices.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of <i>San Michael</i> is seven or eight leagues
+  S.E. of Tercera, and is about twenty leagues in length, having
+  several towns and villages. The capital of this island is
+  <i>Ponta del Guda</i>, which drives a considerable trade in
+  <i>woad</i>, sent to Tercera, producing about 200,000
+  quintals<a id="footnotetag97" name="footnotetag97"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote97"><sup>5</sup></a> every year. This island also
+  produces such abundance of corn, that it is transported to the
+  other islands; but it has no harbours or rivers to give shelter
+  to ships.</p>
+
+  <p><i>Santa Maria</i>, twelve leagues S. of San Michael, is ten
+  or twelve leagues in circumference, its only trade being in
+  earthen ware, with which the inhabitants supply the other
+  islands. It also produces plenty of all manner of provisions for
+  its own inhabitants. The island of <i>Gratiosa</i>, seven or
+  eight leagues N.N.W. of Tercera, is only about five or six
+  leagues in circumference, but abounds in provisions of all sorts.
+  <i>St George</i>, eight or nine leagues N.W. of Tercera, is
+  twelve leagues in length by two or three in breadth. This is a
+  wild mountainous country, producing very little woad. The
+  inhabitants subsist by cultivating the ground and keeping cattle,
+  and export considerable quantities of cedar to Tercera.
+  <i>Fayal</i>, seven German leagues S.S.W. of St George, is
+  seventeen or eighteen leagues in circumference, and is the best
+  of the A&amp;#231;ores, after Tercera and San Michael. This
+  island has plenty of woad, with abundance of fish, cattle, and
+  other commodities, which are exported to Tercera and the other
+  islands. Its chief town is called <i>Villa Dorta</i>. Most of the
+  inhabitants of this island are descended from Flemings, but now
+  speak the Portuguese language; yet they continue to love the
+  Flemings, and use all strangers kindly.</p>
+
+  <p>Three leagues S.E. of Fayal is the island of <i>Pico</i>, so
+  called from a peaked mountain, which some believe to be higher
+  than the Peak of Teneriffe. The inhabitants cultivate the soil,
+  and have plenty of cattle and other provisions, growing
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" id="page199"></a>[pg
+  199]</span> also better wine than in any other island of the
+  A&amp;#231;ores. This island is about fifteen leagues in
+  circumference. Seventy leagues W.N.W. from Tercera is the island
+  of <i>Flores</i>, and to the N. of it lies <i>Corvo</i>, the
+  former about seven, and the latter not above two or three leagues
+  in circumference. They both produce woad, especially Flores,
+  which also abounds in provisions. The winds at all these islands
+  are so strong, and the air so piercing, especially at Tercera,
+  that they in a short time spoil and consume the stones of the
+  houses, and even iron.<a id="footnotetag98" name=
+  "footnotetag98"></a><a href="#footnote98"><sup>6</sup></a> They
+  have a kind of stone, however, that is found within high-water
+  mark, which resists the air better than the other sorts, and of
+  which the fronts of their houses are generally built.</p>
+
+  <p>Leaving the A&amp;#231;ores, and getting into Spanish sea, or
+  mouth of the bay of Biscay, the weather proved so bad that the
+  <i>Advice-ship</i> lost her rudder, which obliged her to go
+  through the Channel in order to purchase a new one on the coast
+  of England. The French, Danish, and other ships, generally go
+  that way; but the Dutch ships generally go round Ireland and
+  north about, from an idea, if they should happen to meet with
+  stormy weather in the channel, so as to be obliged to go into an
+  English port, that this might occasion several inconveniences.
+  Such ships, however, as have sustained any damage at sea, are
+  permitted to take their way through the channel. The rest of the
+  Dutch fleet followed the north-about course; and after three
+  weeks, during which they were involved in perpetual mists and
+  fogs, they had sight at length of the Orkney islands, where some
+  Dutch ships were still engaged in the herring fishery. In the
+  latitude of 60° N. they met some ships of war that
+  waited for them, and convoyed them to the coast of Holland, where
+  all the ships got into their destined ports in safety. Those on
+  board of which were our author, and the other prisoners, came
+  into the Texel on the 11th of July, 1723; and arrived five days
+  afterwards at Amsterdam, the very same day two years after
+  sailing on their voyage.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page200" id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span>
+
+  <p>The West-Company immediately commenced a law-suit against the
+  East-India Company, in behalf of themselves and all the persons
+  engaged in their service in the foregoing voyage, to obtain
+  satisfaction for the injury and injustice done them at Batavia.
+  After a long litigation, the States-General decreed, that the
+  East-India Company should furnish the West-India Company with two
+  new ships, completely fitted for sea in every respect, better
+  than those which had been confiscated by their officers in India,
+  and should pay the full value of their cargoes. Also, that the
+  East-India Company should pay the wages of the crews of both
+  ships, up to the day of their landing in Holland: Together with
+  the entire costs of suit; besides a considerable sum by way of
+  fine, as a punishment for having abused their authority so
+  egregiously.<a id="footnotetag99" name=
+  "footnotetag99"></a><a href="#footnote99"><sup>7</sup></a></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote93" name="footnote93"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag93">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Caleo Negro, in lat. 16° 20' S. on the coast of
+    Africa, is the nearest part of the continent, and is probably
+    what is referred to in the text under the name of
+    Augusta.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote94" name="footnote94"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag94">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the old Portuguese maps and voyages, this part of the
+    Atlantic is called <i>Mar de Sargasso</i>, or the <i>Sea of
+    Cresses</i>; Sargasso signifying water-cresses, which these
+    weeds which spread over the sea nearly resemble.Harris.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote95" name="footnote95"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag95">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In his first voyage, Columbus kept the parallel of about
+    37° N. but was considerably farther south in his
+    subsequent voyage.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote96" name="footnote96"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag96">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Flores is in lat. 39° 10', Corvo in 39°
+    35', both N.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote97" name="footnote97"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag97">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This is perhaps an error for 2000, as the larger quantity
+    would amount to 10,000 tons.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote98" name="footnote98"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag98">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This effect on the iron is obviously occasioned by the
+    muriatic acid in the sea spray; and were it not that the author
+    expressly says they have no lime, one would be apt to believe
+    that the stones so affected were limestone. There are, however,
+    some cilicious sand-stones, in which the grit, or particles of
+    sand, are cemented together by a calcareous infiltration, which
+    may be the case in these islands.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote99" name="footnote99"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag99">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris has given a report of this law-suit at some length,
+    but it did not seem necessary to give any more than the result,
+    as quite uninteresting at the present day.E.</p>
+  </blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" id=
+  "page201"></a>[pg 201]</span>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+  <h2>VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE ANSON, IN</h2>
+
+  <h2>THE YEARS 1740-1744.<a id="footnotetag100" name=
+  "footnotetag100"></a><a href="#footnote100"><sup>1</sup></a></h2>
+
+  <h3>PREFACE.</h3>
+
+  <p>Though of considerable length, the importance of this
+  narrative forbids all attempts to alter it in any respect; except
+  that it has been necessary to leave out the explanations of
+  several engraved views of coasts and harbours, inserted in the
+  original, but which were greatly too large for admission, and
+  would have been rendered totally useless by being reduced to any
+  convenient use for the octavo form of this collection. Indeed, to
+  have introduced all the engravings of plans and views, necessary
+  for the illustration of this and many other voyages and travels,
+  would have been utterly incompatible with the nature and
+  circumstances of this work; as nothing less than a complete Atlas
+  and entire Neptune of the whole globe could have sufficed,
+  attended by an enormous expence, and at the same time
+  inadmissible into octavo volumes. It has therefore been
+  indispensably requisite, on all occasions, to confine our
+  illustrations of that kind to a few reduced charts, merely
+  sufficient to convey general notions of geographical
+  circumstances, and occasionally sketch plans of harbours,
+  straits, islands, and capes, explanatory of particular and
+  important places. Such of our readers, therefore, as require more
+  complete illustrations of geography, topography, and hydrography,
+  must have recourse to Atlasses, Neptunes, and coasting
+  pilots.</p>
+
+  <p>This narrative was originally published under the name of
+  Richard Walter, chaplain to H.M.S. Centurion in the expedition,
+  dedicated by him to John Duke of Bedford, and said to have been
+  compiled by that gentleman from papers and materials furnished
+  for the purpose by Commodore Anson.</p>
+
+  <p>As the object of this expedition was of an extensive political
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" id="page202"></a>[pg
+  202]</span> nature, intended to humble the power of Spain, in her
+  most valuable yet most vulnerable possessions, by injuring and
+  intercepting the great source of her public treasure, it has been
+  thought proper, on the present occasion, to give a transcript of
+  the reflections made upon the policy and expedience of this
+  important voyage, very soon after its completion, by Dr John
+  Harris, by way of <i>Introduction</i> to his abridged account of
+  this circumnavigation, in his Collection of Voyages and Travels,
+  vol. i. p. 337.</p>
+  <hr />
+
+  <p>"It is a thing that has been generally taken for granted, ever
+  since Spain has been possessed of her American dominions, and has
+  made use of the riches derived from these to disturb the peace
+  and invade the liberties of her neighbours, that the best way to
+  reduce her strength, and to prevent the bad effects of her evil
+  intentions, would be to attack her in the South Seas. This was
+  pursued with great diligence, and in some measure with success,
+  in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, [as has been already shewn in
+  the circumnavigatory voyages of Drake and Candish, almost solely
+  devoted to that object.] In that of her successor, when a new
+  quarrel broke out with that crown, in the year 1624, the first
+  thing thought of by our patriots, who were equally willing to
+  humble the king's enemies and to save the money of the nation,
+  was an expedition to the South Seas, to be carried on at the
+  expence of, and for the benefit of the people; which scheme was
+  entitled <i>The West-India Association</i>.</p>
+
+  <p>"It may be thought I look a great way back when I offer to the
+  view of the reader the reasons which were then suggested in
+  parliament in support of that scheme. But whoever considers that
+  it is not only the most effectual, but the safest method, to
+  instruct the present age from the sentiments of the last, will
+  readily enter into the reasons which induce me, upon this
+  occasion, to produce the speech of an eminent patriot, in which
+  the nature and scope of that <i>Association</i>, as well as the
+  motives on which it is grounded, are very fully and pathetically
+  set forth; and this in such terms, as, if the reader were not
+  told that this was a speech to Sir Dudley Diggs, then chairman of
+  a committee of the whole house, by Sir Benjamin Rudyard, he might
+  mistake it for a speech made only a few years since, so agreeable
+  is it, in language and sentiments, even to our present
+  occasions.</p>
+
+  <p>"Sir,I do profess that as my affections, my reason, and
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" id="page203"></a>[pg
+  203]</span> my judgement go strongly with the scope and drift of
+  this proposition, so shall good part of my fortune when it comes
+  to execution. For, to my understanding, there was never
+  propounded in parliament a design more proper for this kingdom,
+  nor more pregnant with advantages to it, whether we consider the
+  nature of our situation or the quality of our enemy's forces. As
+  we are an island, it concerns our very being to have store of
+  ships to defend us, and also our well-being by their trade to
+  enrich us. This Association for the West Indies, when it shall be
+  regulated and established by act of parliament, and thereby
+  secured from the violence and injury of any intruding hand, will
+  certainly give many men encouragement and confidence voluntarily
+  to bring in large and liberal contributions towards so noble and
+  so profitable an enterprize; so that, in short, we shall see many
+  new ships built, many brave men employed, and enabled to act for
+  the service of their country. None of this money shall be carried
+  out of the kingdom, but laid out in shipping, which is the
+  defence of it, and bestowed upon our own men, who must be fed and
+  maintained though they stay at home. For this, we shall reap the
+  fruit of whatsoever benefit plantation, traffic, or purchase can
+  procure us, besides honour and security.</p>
+
+  <p>"Now, let us a little consider the enemy we have to encounter,
+  the king of Spain. They are not his great territories which make
+  him so powerful and so troublesome to all Christendom. For it is
+  very well known that Spain itself is but weak in men, and barren
+  of natural commodities, and as for his other territories, they
+  lie divided and asunder, which is a weakness in itself. Besides,
+  they are held by force, and maintained at an extraordinary
+  charge; insomuch, as although he be a great king, yet he is like
+  that giant who was said to have an hundred hands, but had fifty
+  bellies to feed, so that, rateably, he had no more hands than
+  another man. No, sir, they are his mines in the West Indies which
+  minister fuel to feed his ambitious desire of universal monarchy.
+  It is the money he hath from thence which makes him able to levy
+  and pay soldiers in all places, and to keep an army on foot ready
+  to invade and endanger his neighbours, so that we have no other
+  way but to endeavour to cut him off at the root, and seek to
+  impeach or to supplant him in the West Indies; by part of which
+  course that famous queen, of glorious memory, had heretofore
+  almost brought him to his knees. And this our undertaking, if it
+  pleases God to bless <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" id=
+  "page204"></a>[pg 204]</span> it, most needs affect it sooner and
+  quicker, the whole body of the kingdom being united, and
+  concurring in a perpetual supply to this action, so that he shall
+  have no free time given him to rest.</p>
+
+  <p>"Moreover, this will be a means not only to save, but to fill
+  his majesty's coffers, enabling the people to give him liberally
+  and often. The king's ships will have little to do but to guard
+  the coasts; for the sea-war will be chiefly made at the charge of
+  the subjects. This I doubt not but that, in a short time, both
+  king and people shall be safe at home, and feared abroad. To
+  conclude, I shall be very glad to hear any man make objection
+  against this design, so that he do so with an intention to refine
+  and perfect the work; but if any shall speak against it with a
+  mind to hinder and destroy it, I must entreat him to pardon me,
+  if I do scarce think him to be a good Englishman.</p>
+
+  <p>"That project of the West India Association had the same fate
+  with most other bold and honest projects in that reign, which
+  was, after being talked of a little, it sunk into oblivion. Our
+  next difference with Spain was under the protectorate of
+  Cromwell, who encouraged Father Gage to publish his account of
+  the Spanish West Indies, which formed the foundation of his
+  attempt upon Hispaniola, and conquest of Jamaica; but I do not
+  know of any design formed by him to attack the Spaniards in the
+  South Seas. After the Restoration we were upon good terms with
+  Spain, as certainly was our interest. Yet Charles II. did not
+  absolutely neglect this navigation, but sent Sir John Marborough,
+  one of the best seamen this nation ever bred, in the Sweepstakes,
+  in the latter end of the year 1669, by way of the Straits of
+  Magellan, into the South Seas. To say the truth, our privateers,
+  under the command of Captains Sharpe, Davis, Swan, &amp;c. were
+  continually in these seas, during all that reign and the next; so
+  that, in those days, our seamen were no strangers to any of the
+  passages into the South Seas; and, as the reader may have already
+  observed, from the voyage of Captain Cowley, it was then no
+  unusual thing for the traders of London to fit out ships for
+  these parts, but whether with a view to traffic or privateering,
+  is a point not easy to determine at this distance of time. But
+  whatever the purpose they were sent upon, thither they went, and
+  no complaints were ever heard of with respect to extraordinary
+  hardships in the voyage, which is sufficient to shew how much
+  depends upon keeping all branches of navigation open,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" id="page205"></a>[pg
+  205]</span> in order to be constantly in a condition to secure
+  and extend our trade, and to preserve our reputation as a
+  maritime power.</p>
+
+  <p>"After the Revolution, several proposals were made in relation
+  to the establishment of a commerce in the South Sea, which were
+  received with approbation; and it is certain that king William
+  gave instructions to Admiral Benbow, when he went out last to the
+  West Indies, to enquire how far any of these projects were
+  feasible. After the breaking out of the last general war, all the
+  world expected that the first thing the maritime powers would
+  have done, would have been sending a squadron to these seas,
+  either for the service of the prince whom they owned as king of
+  Spain, or for their own advantage. The people of this nation, in
+  particular, were so desirous of seeing the war carried on this
+  way, and on this side, that, to give them hopes, and to shew, at
+  the same time, that the legislature approved their sentiments, a
+  bill was brought in and passed, in the House of Lords, for the
+  better carrying on the war in the West Indies, which was lost,
+  however, by a kind of ministerial craft, in the House of Commons;
+  and soon after, for reasons which have never yet been explained
+  to the public, all designs of this nature were laid aside. The
+  only expedition of this nature, during the whole war, was that of
+  the Duke and Duchess, under the command of Captain Woods Rogers,
+  already related, which was fitted out at the expence of some
+  private merchants of Bristol. On the change of ministry, a
+  prodigious clamour was raised on this head, and all of a sudden a
+  resolution was taken to secure all the advantages that could be
+  wished for to this nation from the trade of the South Seas, which
+  ended, however, only in erecting a company under that title. The
+  nation very soon became sensible that this would not do, and
+  therefore, as soon as our disputes with the king of Spain came to
+  a height, in the reign of the late king, George I. a design was
+  immediately set on foot for sending privateers once more into
+  that part of the world, which ended in the expedition of Captain
+  Shelvocke and Captain Clipperton, already related at large.</p>
+
+  <p>"By this short deduction of facts, I think it is demonstrably
+  proved, that, in the judgement of this nation, the most probable
+  way of humbling Spain, in case of a war, is to send a squadron
+  into the South Seas, and I will venture to say, that there is one
+  reason why this is now become more <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page206" id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> expedient than ever,
+  which is, that we are now no longer at liberty to send ships
+  thither in time of peace, as we were before the South Sea Company
+  was erected. It is not therefore at all strange, that as soon as
+  the present war broke out with Spain, the general voice of the
+  nation dictated such an expedition, or that, when they saw it
+  resolved on, and a squadron actually equipped for that service,
+  they very loudly testified their approbation of the scheme. I
+  believe also, my readers will readily give credit to the
+  assertion, when I affirm, that, during the time this squadron lay
+  at Portsmouth, there was a more general expectation of its
+  performing things of the highest consequence for the service of
+  Great Britain, and reducing the enemy to reason.</p>
+
+  <p>"It was in the midst of summer, in the year 1740, that this
+  squadron was formed at Portsmouth, at the same time that a great
+  embarkation was preparing for the West Indies, by which the siege
+  of Carthagena was afterwards undertaken, which turned the eyes of
+  the whole world upon that sea-port. At London, every person spoke
+  of the intended expedition to the South Seas as a design that
+  must necessarily be attended with highly advantageous
+  consequences, if properly conducted; and of this there was not
+  made the least doubt, when it was known that Captain Anson was
+  named to the command, because he had shewn himself upon all
+  occasions equally vigilant in his duty, and moderate in the
+  exercise of power, more ready to correct by his own example than
+  by any other sort of reproof, and who, in the course of his
+  services, had acquired the respect of the officers, and the love
+  of the sailors; qualities that rarely meet in one person, and
+  qualities which, without the least contradiction, were ascribed
+  to him.<a id="footnotetag101" name="footnotetag101"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote101"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>"Though this expedition was not attended by so great success
+  in the South Seas as was expected, yet the nation in general was
+  far from believing that its comparative failure ought to deter us
+  from the thoughts of such expeditions for the future, since it
+  plainly appeared, that, if the whole squadron had got round along
+  with the commodore into the South <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page207" id="page207"></a>[pg 207]</span> Seas, he would have
+  been able to have performed much greater things than any of our
+  commanders had hitherto done in these parts. Neither is it at all
+  clear that the Spaniards are there in a better condition, their
+  coasts better fortified, their garrisons more numerous, or the
+  country in any respect better provided, than when our privateers
+  had formerly so great success in those parts. The sacking of
+  Payta in this expedition proves the contrary, since it was then
+  actually in a worse condition, and less capable of making any
+  resistance, than when formerly taken by Captain Shelvocke. If
+  this expedition had never taken place, we might have been told
+  that it was impracticable, that the Spaniards were grown wiser,
+  that all their ports were well fortified, and any attempt of this
+  kind would be only to sacrifice the lives of such as might be
+  employed in the expedition. But we now know the contrary, and
+  that the Spaniards remained as unguarded, and as little
+  apprehensive as ever; perhaps even the fate of this expedition
+  may have made them less so, insomuch, that were a new project of
+  the same kind to be put in execution, either at public or private
+  expence, there seems next to a moral certainty that it would
+  succeed. Another expedition might, and probably would be attended
+  by fewer difficulties; at least, it certainly might be undertaken
+  at much less expence; and, besides all the advantages resulting
+  to such private persons as became proprietors, this inestimable
+  advantage would accrue to the public, that we should once more
+  have a number of able marines, well acquainted with the
+  navigation of the South Seas, which we never can have by any
+  other means.</p>
+
+  <p>"I would not be understood at all to lessen the miseries and
+  distresses of these who were employed in this voyage; and all I
+  would endeavour to aim at is to convince the reader that the
+  difficulties and discouragements met with in this voyage are not
+  sufficient to ground a decisive opinion by the few in opposition
+  to the sentiments of the many, that all attempts on this side
+  ought to be abandoned. And I really think that the setting the
+  difficulties and discouragements encountered by the Centurion in
+  the strongest light, will serve my purpose much better than
+  lessening or extenuating them. For, if after being ruined in a
+  manner by storms, diseases, and hardships, they landed rather
+  skeletons than men, on the island of Juan Fernandez; if, after
+  their long cruize in the South Seas, their distresses came to be
+  as great when they took shelter in the island of Tinian; if the
+  lying <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" id=
+  "page208"></a>[pg 208]</span> at Macao was attended with many
+  inconveniences; if the taking of the Spanish galleon be a thing
+  almost incredible, considering the small number of men, and the
+  condition they were in, who attacked her in the Centurion; if the
+  difficulties they afterwards met with in the river of Canton, and
+  the hazards run by the commodore in visiting the viceroy, and
+  thereby putting himself into the hands of such a people as the
+  Chinese, who could not but be displeased with his proceedings,
+  are circumstances which aggravate the matter: If so perilous a
+  navigation as that from Canton, through the Straits of Sunda, and
+  thence to the Cape of Good Hope, with little or no refreshment,
+  with a crew that wanted it so much, is still more amazing; and if
+  the bringing the ship home from thence, with a crew composed of
+  so many different nations, in the midst of a French war, and
+  without the least assistance from home, swell the whole into a
+  kind of miracle, what does all this prove? Since all this, under
+  God, was entirely owing to the prudence, moderation, and wise
+  conduct of the commanding officer, it certainly proves, if a
+  right choice be made of commanders, that there are no
+  difficulties which may not be overcome, and therefore that the
+  adverse circumstances attending this voyage ought not at all to
+  discourage us.</p>
+
+  <p>"For, with the help of the example afforded by Commodore
+  Anson, I presume that there are many officers who would undertake
+  and execute such an expedition, to the honour of their country,
+  and to the advantage of their employers, supposing them to be
+  employed by private persons. This is the right use that might be
+  made of this expedition: an expedition difficult, dangerous, and
+  in a manner impracticable, considered in one light, but equally
+  glorious and successful when considered in another point of view;
+  An expedition that has demonstrated to the whole world that a
+  train of unforeseen and most disastrous accidents may be
+  remedied, and even turned to advantage, by an honest, skilful,
+  brave, experienced, and well-meaning officer; An expedition which
+  shews that there are no hazards, no difficulties, no distresses
+  capable of depressing the courage of English seamen under a
+  proper commander; an expedition which makes it evident that
+  discontent, sedition, and mutiny, do not arise from the restless
+  tempers, intractable dispositions, and unruly behaviour of the
+  English sailors, but purely from the want of prudence, and right
+  management, and, in short, from the want of experience and
+  capacity of such as are entrusted with <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page209" id="page209"></a>[pg 209]</span> the
+  command of them; an expedition, in a word, that puts it beyond
+  all doubt that the British nation is, at this day, as capable of
+  undertaking as great things, and of performing them as
+  successfully, as ever were done by their ancestors; and,
+  consequently, an expedition that must convince not only us, but
+  all Europe, that if our maritime force be not employed in
+  undertakings of the most important nature, it is not owing to the
+  degeneracy or our seamen, nor to be imputed to our want of able
+  or daring commanders, which is not my business, and which indeed
+  surpasses my abilities, to discover.</p>
+
+  <p>"We are now to close this general subject of
+  circumnavigations, which relates to the whole world. It is true,
+  that all the circumnavigators did not propose, and that several
+  of them did not make, any discoveries; yet all their voyages are
+  of great, though not of equal importance, down to this last. For,
+  by comparing that by Magellan, which was the first, with this by
+  Mr Anson, we shall find them to differ in many respects,
+  especially in the conclusion; that by Mr Anson being by far the
+  longer of the two. Some of them, also, took quite a different
+  route from others. As, for instance, Le Maire and Roggewein, who
+  never ran at all into the northern latitudes, but sailed directly
+  through the South Seas to the coast of New Guinea, and thence to
+  the island of Java; which is a much shorter course than by way of
+  California to the Philippines. From hence it very clearly
+  appears, that the passage to the East Indies by the South Seas is
+  shorter than that by the Cape of Good Hope;<a id="footnotetag102"
+  name="footnotetag102"></a><a href="#footnote102"><sup>3</sup></a>
+  of which the reader will be convinced by considering the
+  following particulars. Captain Woods Rogers, in the Duke, sailed
+  From the coast of Ireland and doubled Cape Horn in four months;
+  and Le Maire sailed from Juan Fernandez to New Guinea and the
+  Moluccas in three months; so that this voyage takes up but seven
+  months in the whole; whereas the Dutch, when the chief emporium
+  of their eastern commerce <span class="pagenum"><a name="page210"
+  id="page210"></a>[pg 210]</span> was fixed at Amboina, thought it
+  a good passage thither from Holland, if performed in ten or
+  eleven months.<a id="footnotetag103" name=
+  "footnotetag103"></a><a href="#footnote103"><sup>4</sup></a> It
+  is from these stupendous voyages, that not only the greatest
+  discoveries have been made in general geography, but from which
+  all future discoveries must be expected; and therefore this ought
+  to be considered as one of the strongest arguments for
+  encouraging such voyages.<a id="footnotetag104" name=
+  "footnotetag104"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote104"><sup>5</sup></a><i>Harris.</i></p>
+  <hr />
+
+  <p>George Anson, the commodore on this expedition, was born in
+  1697, being the third son of William Anson, Esq. of Shuckborough,
+  in the county of Stafford. Taking an early inclination for the
+  naval service, and after passing through the usual inferior
+  steps, he was appointed second lieutenant of the Hampshire in
+  1716. He was raised to the rank of master and commander in 1722,
+  and obtained the rank of post captain in 1724, with the command
+  of the Scarborough man-of-war. Between that time and the year
+  1733, he made three voyages to North Carolina; and having
+  acquired considerable wealth, he appears to have purchased an
+  estate in that colony, where he erected a small town of his own
+  name, which gave the name of Anson County to the surrounding
+  district. In the years 1738 and 1739, he made another voyage to
+  America and the coast of Africa; and, without proceeding to
+  hostilities, removed certain obstructions under which the English
+  trade on the coast of Guinea had suffered from the French.</p>
+
+  <p>In the <i>War of the Merchants</i>, as it was called by Sir
+  Robert Walpole, which broke out in 1739 between Britain and
+  Spain, Captain Anson was appointed to the command of the
+  expedition, the narrative of which forms the subject of the
+  present chapter. Immediately after his return to England from
+  this circumnavigation, Captain Anson was made rear-admiral of the
+  blue, and shortly afterwards, one of the commissaries of the
+  Admiralty. In 1746 he was farther promoted to the rank of
+  Vice-admiral; and in the winter of 1746-7, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page211" id="page211"></a>[pg 211]</span> was
+  entrusted with the command of the channel fleet. In May 1747, off
+  Cape Finisterre, he captured six French ships of the line under
+  the command of Admiral Jonquiere, which had been dispatched for
+  the protection of the merchant ships destined for the East and
+  West Indies. On this occasion, when Mons. St George, one of the
+  French captains, surrendered his sword to Admiral Anson, he
+  addressed him in the following terms: <i>Vous avez vaincu
+  L'Invincible, et La Gloire vous suit.</i>"You have defeated the
+  Invincible, and Glory follows you:" alluding to two of the French
+  ships, the Invincible and the Gloire, which had surrendered to
+  him.</p>
+
+  <p>For this important service to his king and country, he was
+  created a peer of the realm, by the title of LORD ANSON; and, in
+  1749, on the death of Admiral Norris, he was appointed
+  Vice-admiral of England. In 1751, he succeeded to Lord Sandwich,
+  as first Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty; but, incurring
+  censure for the loss of Minorca, he resigned this situation in
+  1756. But, having been acquitted of all blame relative to that
+  disgraceful affair, after a parliamentary enquiry, he was
+  reinstated in that high office, which he continued to fill, with
+  honour to himself and advantage to his country, during the
+  remainder of his life. While attending upon the Duke of
+  Mecklenburgh Strelitz, brother to our present queen, to shew him
+  the naval arsenal at Portsmouth, and the fleet which was then
+  about to sail on the expedition against the Havannah, he caught a
+  violent cold, of which he died, at Moor-Park in Hertfordshire, on
+  the 6th of June 1762, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Having
+  no issue by his lady, the daughter of Lord Hardwicke, whom he
+  married in 1748, he left the whole of his property to his
+  brother.</p>
+
+  <p>Lord Anson appears to have been remarkable for the coolness
+  and equanimity of his temper. Amid all the dangers and successes
+  of his circumnavigation of the globe, he never expressed any
+  strong emotion, either of sorrow or joy, except when the
+  Centurion hove in sight of Tinian. He was a man of few words, and
+  was even reckoned particularly silent among English seamen, who
+  have never been distinguished for their loquacity. He introduced
+  a rigid discipline into the English navy, somewhat resembling
+  that of the Prussian army; and revived that bold and close method
+  of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page212" id="page212"></a>[pg
+  212]</span> fighting, within pistol-shot, which had formerly been
+  so successfully employed by Blake and Shovel, and which has
+  fostered that daring courage and irresistible intrepidity in our
+  British seamen, which anticipate and secure success to the most
+  daring and hazardous enterprizes.</p>
+
+  <p>In some reflexions, towards the conclusion of Betagh's
+  circumnavigation, Harris,<a id="footnotetag105" name=
+  "footnotetag105"></a><a href="#footnote105"><sup>6</sup></a> a
+  former editor of a collection of voyages and travels, breaks
+  forth in the following laudatory strain:</p>
+
+  <p>"Happy, happy, for us, that we have still a SEAMAN left, who
+  has shewn that the race of heroes is not yet extinct among us, in
+  ADMIRAL ANSON, that great and fortunate commander; who enjoys the
+  singular felicity, in an age of sloth, luxury, and corruption,
+  that his <i>ease</i> is the result of his <i>labour</i>, his
+  <i>title</i> the reward of his <i>merit</i>, and that his
+  <i>wealth</i> does <i>honour</i> to his country."</p>
+
+  <p>How much more happy is it for us in the present day, somewhat
+  more than half a century later, and while every energy is
+  required to the utmost stretch, that we still have a race of
+  transcendent heroes, who have annihilated the navy and trade and
+  colonies or our arch enemy, have vindicated and preserved our
+  glory and freedom and prosperity, and bid fair to restore the
+  honour and independence of the civilized world, threatened with
+  subversion by the modern AtillaEd.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote100" name="footnote100"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag100">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Voyage, &amp;c. by George Anson, Esq. afterwards Lord Anson;
+    compiled from his papers and materials by Richard Walter, M.A.
+    chaplain of H.M.S. Centurion in that expedition<i>fifteenth
+    edition</i>, 4to, Lond. 1776.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote101" name="footnote101"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag101">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The sequel of these observations, by Harris, are extracted
+    from his supplementary reflections at the close of the
+    expedition, vol. 1, p. 364, <i>et sequ.</i> In these, however,
+    we have used much retrenchment, as the observations that may
+    have been exceedingly applicable in 1745, when Spain was in a
+    great manner identified with France, have now lost much of
+    their force, in consequence of the passing events, well known
+    to all, but which do not admit of being discussed in a
+    note.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote102" name="footnote102"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag102">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is not easy to conceive how Harris should have fallen
+    into this enormous error. To say nothing of the greater length
+    and difficulty of passing round Cape Horn, rather than the Cape
+    of Good Hope, the difference in longitudes is sufficient to
+    establish the absolute contrary of the position in the text.
+    The longitude, for instance, of the island of Ceylon, by the
+    eastern passage, is only 80° E. whereas by the western
+    passage it is 280 W. an excess of 200 degrees. Even Canton in
+    China, is only in 113° E. but in 247° W. an
+    excess of 134 degrees.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote103" name="footnote103"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag103">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>To say nothing of the absurdity of the partial instances
+    adduced, it may be mentioned that, only a few years ago, an
+    English East Indiaman performed the voyage from England to
+    Madras, delivered his outward-bound cargo, took on board a new
+    cargo, and returned to England, all within nine months.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote104" name="footnote104"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag104">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The remaining observations of Harris, supplementary to his
+    abbreviated account of this expedition, have no manner of
+    connection with the subject in hand, and are therefore
+    omitted.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote105" name="footnote105"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag105">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Harris, Voy. and Trav. I. 253.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding the great improvement of navigation within the
+  last two centuries, a voyage round the world is still considered
+  as an enterprize of so very singular a nature, that the public
+  have never failed to be extremely inquisitive about the various
+  accidents and turns of fortune with which this uncommon attempt
+  is generally attended. And, though the amusement expected in
+  these narratives is doubtless one great source of that curiosity
+  with the bulk of readers, yet the more intelligent part of
+  mankind have always agreed, that, from accounts of this nature,
+  if faithfully executed, the more important purposes of
+  navigation, commerce, and national interest, may be greatly
+  promoted. For every authentic description of foreign coasts and
+  countries will contribute <span class="pagenum"><a name="page213"
+  id="page213"></a>[pg 213]</span> to one or more of these great
+  ends, in proportion to the wealth, wants, or commodities of these
+  countries, and our ignorance of these coasts; and therefore, a
+  voyage round the world promises a species of information, of all
+  others, the most desirable and interesting; since great part of
+  it is performed in seas with which we are, as yet, but very
+  imperfectly acquainted, and in the neighbourhood of a country
+  renowned for the abundance of its wealth; though it is, at the
+  same time, stigmatized for its poverty in the necessaries and
+  conveniences of a civilized life.</p>
+
+  <p>These considerations have occasioned the compiling the ensuing
+  work; which, in gratifying the inquisitive disposition of
+  mankind, and contributing to the safety and success of future
+  navigators, and to the extension of our commerce, may doubtless
+  vie with any narration of this kind hitherto made public; since,
+  as to the first of these heads, it may well be supposed that the
+  general curiosity hath been strongly excited, by the
+  circumstances of this undertaking already known to the world;
+  for, whether we consider the force of the squadron sent on this
+  service, or the diversified distresses that each single ship was
+  separately involved in, or the uncommon instances of varying
+  fortune which attended the whole enterprize; each of these
+  articles must, I conceive, from its well-known rude outlines,
+  appear worthy of a completer and more finished delineation: And,
+  if this be allowed with respect to the narrative part of the
+  work, there can be no doubt about the more useful and instructive
+  parts, which are almost every where interwoven with it; for I can
+  venture to affirm, without fear of being contradicted, on a
+  comparison, that no voyage, hitherto published, furnishes such a
+  number of views of land, soundings, draughts of ports, charts,
+  and other materials, for the improvement of geography and
+  navigation, as are contained in the ensuing volume; which are the
+  more valuable too, as the greatest part of them relate to such
+  islands or coasts as have been hitherto not at all, or
+  erroneously described; and where the want of sufficient and
+  authentic information might occasion future enterprizes to prove
+  abortive, perhaps with the destruction of the ships and men
+  employed therein.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides the number and choice of these marine drawings and
+  descriptions, there is another very essential circumstance
+  belonging to them, which much enhances their worth; and that is
+  the great accuracy with which they were executed. I <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page214" id="page214"></a>[pg 214]</span>
+  shall express my opinion of them, in this particular, very
+  imperfectly, when I say that they are not exceeded, and perhaps
+  not equalled, by any thing of this nature that hath, as yet, been
+  communicated to the world: For they were not copied from the
+  works of others, or composed at home from imperfect accounts
+  given by incurious and unskilful observers, a practice too
+  frequent in these matters; but the greatest part of them were
+  delineated on the spot, with the utmost exactness, by the
+  direction and under the eye of Mr Anson himself; and where, as is
+  the case in three or four of them, they have been done by less
+  skilful hands, or were found in possession of the enemy, and
+  consequently their justness could be less relied on, I have
+  always taken care to apprize the reader of it, and to put him on
+  his guard against giving entire credit to them; although I doubt
+  not but these less authentic draughts, thus cautiously inserted,
+  are to the full as correct as those which are usually published
+  upon these occasions. For, as actual surveys of roads and
+  harbours, and nice and critical delineations of views of land,
+  take up much time and attention, and require a good degree of
+  skill, both in planning and drawing, those who are defective in
+  industry and ability supply these wants by bold conjectures and
+  fictitious descriptions; and, as they can be no otherwise
+  confuted than by going on the spot, and running the risk of
+  suffering by their misinformation, they have no apprehension of
+  being detected; and therefore, when they intrude their
+  supposititious productions on the public, they make no conscience
+  of boasting, at the same time, with how much skill and care they
+  have been executed. But let not those who are unacquainted with
+  naval affairs imagine, that the impositions of this kind are of
+  an innocent nature; for, as exact views of land are the surest
+  guides to a seaman, on a coast where he has never been before,
+  all fictions, in so interesting a matter, must be attended with
+  numerous dangers, and sometimes with the destruction of those who
+  are thus unhappily deceived.<a id="footnotetag106" name=
+  "footnotetag106"></a><a href="#footnote106"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Besides these draughts of such places as Mr Anson, or
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page215" id="page215"></a>[pg
+  215]</span> the ships which he commanded, have touched at in the
+  course of this expedition, and the descriptions and directions
+  relating thereto, there is inserted, in the ensuing work, an
+  ample account, with a chart annexed to it, of a particular
+  navigation, of which hitherto little more than the name has been
+  known, except to those immediately employed in it: I mean the
+  tract described by the Manilla ship, in her passage to Acapulco,
+  through the northern part of the Pacific-ocean. This material
+  article is collected from the draughts and journals met with on
+  board the Manilla galleon, founded on the experience of more than
+  an hundred and fifty years practice, and corroborated in its
+  principal circumstances by the concurrent evidence of all the
+  Spanish prisoners taken in that vessel. And as many of their
+  journals; which I have examined, appear to have been not ill
+  kept, I presume the chart of that northern ocean, and the
+  particulars of their routes through it, may be very safely relied
+  on by future navigators. The advantages which may be drawn from
+  an exact knowledge of this navigation, and the beneficial
+  projects which may be formed thereon, both in war and peace, are
+  by no means proper to be discussed in this place; but they will
+  easily offer themselves to the skilful in maritime affairs.
+  However, as the Manilla ships are the only ones which have ever
+  traversed this vast ocean, except a French straggler or two,
+  which have been afterwards seized on the coast of Mexico; and as,
+  during near two ages, in which this trade has been carried on,
+  the Spaniards have secreted with the utmost care all accounts of
+  their voyages from the rest of the world; these reasons would
+  alone authorize the insertion of those papers, and would
+  recommend them to the inquisitive, as a very great improvement in
+  geography, and worthy of attention, from the singularity of many
+  circumstances therein recited.</p>
+
+  <p>I must add what, in my opinion, is far from being the least
+  recommendation of these materials, that the observations of the
+  variations of the compass, which are laid down in the chart from
+  these Spanish journals, tend greatly to complete the general
+  system of the magnetic variation, of infinite importance to the
+  commercial and sea-faring part of mankind. These observations
+  were, though in vain, often publicly called for by our learned
+  countryman, the late Dr Halley, and to his immortal reputation
+  they confirm, as far as they extend, the wonderful hypothesis he
+  had entertained <span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" id=
+  "page216"></a>[pg 216]</span> on this head, and very nearly
+  correspond, in their quantity, to the predictions he published
+  about fifty years since, long before he was acquainted with any
+  one observation made in those seas. The ascertaining the
+  variation in that part of the world is just now of more than
+  ordinary consequence, as the editors of a new variation chart,
+  lately published, for want of proper information, have been
+  misled by an erroneous analogy, and have even mistaken the very
+  species of variation in that of the northern ocean; for they make
+  it westerly where it is easterly, and have laid it down
+  12° or 13° different from its real
+  quantity.</p>
+
+  <p>This much it has been thought necessary to premise, with
+  regard to the hydrographical and geographical part of the ensuing
+  work; which, it is hoped, the reader will find, on perusal, much
+  ampler and more important than this slight sketch can well
+  explain. But, as there are hereafter interspersed, occasionally,
+  some accounts of Spanish transactions, and many observations
+  relative to the dispositions of the American Spaniards, and to
+  the condition of the countries bordering on the South Seas; and
+  as herein I may appear to differ greatly from the opinions
+  generally established; I think it behoves me particularly to
+  recite the authorities I have been guided by in these matters,
+  that I may not be censured as having given way, either to a
+  thoughtless credulity on the one hand, or, what would be a much
+  more criminal imputation, to a wilful and deliberate
+  misrepresentation on the other.</p>
+
+  <p>Mr Anson, before he set sail upon this expedition, besides the
+  printed journals to these parts, took care to furnish himself
+  with the best manuscript accounts he could procure of all the
+  Spanish settlements upon the coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico.
+  These he carefully compared with the examinations of his
+  prisoners, and the informations of several intelligent persons
+  who fell into his hands in the South Seas. He had likewise the
+  good fortune, in some of his captures, to possess himself of a
+  great number of letters and papers of a public nature, many of
+  them written by the viceroy of Peru to the viceroy of Santa Fee,
+  to the presidents of Panama and Chili, to Don Blass de Lezo,
+  admiral of the galleons, and to divers other persons in
+  considerable employments; and in these letters there was usually
+  inserted a recital of those they were intended to answer, so that
+  they contained no small part of the correspondence between these
+  officers, for some <span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" id=
+  "page217"></a>[pg 217]</span> time previous to our arrival on the
+  coast. We took, besides, many letters, sent from persons
+  entrusted by the Spanish government, to their friends and
+  correspondents, which were frequently filled with narrations of
+  public business, and sometimes contained undisguised
+  animadversions on the views and conduct of their superiors. From
+  these materials those accounts of the Spanish affairs ore drawn,
+  which may appear, at first sight, the most exceptionable. In
+  particular, the history of the various casualties which befel
+  Pizarro's squadron is, for the most part, composed from
+  intercepted letters; though, indeed, the relation of the
+  insurrection of Orellana and his followers is founded on rather a
+  less disputable authority; for it was taken from the mouths of an
+  English gentleman then on board Pizarro, who often conversed with
+  Pizarro; and it was, upon enquiry, confirmed in its principal
+  circumstances by others who were in the ship at the same time: so
+  that the fact, however extraordinary, is, I conceive, not to be
+  contested.</p>
+
+  <p>And, on this occasion, I cannot but mention, that, though I
+  have endeavoured with my utmost care to adhere strictly to truth,
+  in every article of the ensuing narration, yet I am apprehensive
+  that, in so complicated a work, some oversights must have been
+  committed, by the inattention to which, at all times, all mankind
+  are liable. However, I am conscious, as yet, of none but literal
+  and insignificant mistakes; and if there are others more
+  considerable, which have escaped me, I flatter myself they are
+  not of moment enough to affect any material transaction; and
+  therefore I hope they may justly claim the reader's
+  indulgence.</p>
+
+  <p>After this general account of the ensuing work, it might be
+  expected perhaps, that I should proceed to the work itself; but I
+  cannot finish this introduction without adding a few reflections
+  on a matter very nearly connected with the present subject, and,
+  as I conceive, neither destitute of utility nor unworthy the
+  attention of the public: I mean the animating my countrymen, both
+  in their public and private stations, to the encouragement of all
+  kinds of geographical and nautical observations, and of every
+  species of mechanical and commercial information. It is by a
+  settled attachment to these seemingly minute particulars, that
+  our ambitious neighbours have established some part of that power
+  with which we are now struggling: and as we have the means in our
+  hands of pursuing these subjects more effectually than
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page218" id="page218"></a>[pg
+  218]</span> they can, it would be a dishonour to us longer to
+  neglect so easy and beneficial a practice. For, as we have a navy
+  much more numerous than theirs, great part of which is always
+  employed in very distant stations, either in the protection of
+  our colonies and commerce, or in assisting our allies against the
+  common enemy, this gives us frequent opportunities of furnishing
+  ourselves with such kind of materials as are here recommended,
+  and such as might turn greatly to our advantage either in war or
+  peace; since, not to mention what might be expected from the
+  officers of the navy, if their application to these subjects was
+  properly encouraged, it would create no new expence to the
+  government to establish a particular regulation for this purpose;
+  as all that would be requisite would be constantly to embark, in
+  some of our men of war which are sent on those distant cruizes, a
+  person who, with the character of an engineer, and the skill and
+  talents necessary to that profession, should be employed in
+  drawing such coasts, and planning such harbours, as the ship
+  should touch at, and in making such other observations, of all
+  kinds, as might either prove of advantage to future navigators,
+  or might any ways tend to promote the public service. Persons
+  habituated to these operations, which could not fail at the same
+  time of improving them in their proper business, would be
+  extremely useful in many other lights besides those already
+  mentioned, and might tend to secure our fleets from those
+  disgraces with which their attempts against places on shore have
+  been often attended. And, in a nation like ours, where all
+  sciences are more eagerly and universally pursued, and better
+  understood, than in any other part of the world, proper subjects
+  for these employments cannot long be wanting, if due
+  encouragement were given to them.</p>
+
+  <p>This method, here recommended, is known to have been
+  frequently practised by the French, particularly in the instance
+  of Mons. Frezier, an engineer, who has published a celebrated
+  voyage to the South Seas: for this person was purposely sent by
+  the French king, in the year 1711, into that country, on board a
+  merchant ship, that he might examine and describe the coast, and
+  take plans of all the fortified places; the better to enable the
+  French to prosecute their illicit trade, or, on a rupture between
+  them and the court of Spain, to form their enterprizes in those
+  seas with more readiness and certainty. Should we pursue this
+  method, we might hope that the emulation amongst those who were
+  commissioned <span class="pagenum"><a name="page219" id=
+  "page219"></a>[pg 219]</span> for these undertakings, and the
+  experience which, even in the most peaceable intervals, they
+  would thereby acquire, might at length procure us a proper number
+  of able engineers, and might efface the national scandal which
+  our deficiency in that species of men has sometimes exposed us
+  to: and surely every step to encourage and improve them is of
+  greater moment to the public, as no persons, when they are
+  properly instructed, make better returns in war for the
+  distinctions and emoluments bestowed on them in times of peace:
+  of which, the advantages the French have reaped from their
+  dexterity, too numerous and recent to be soon forgot, are an
+  ample confirmation.</p>
+
+  <p>Having mentioned engineers, or such as are skilled in drawing
+  and the other usual practices of that profession, as the
+  properest persons to be employed in these foreign enquiries, I
+  cannot but lament, as it offers itself so very naturally to the
+  subject in hand, how very imperfect many of our accounts of
+  distant countries are rendered by the relators being unskilled in
+  drawing, and in the general principles of surveying, even where
+  other abilities have not been wanting. Had more of our travellers
+  been initiated in these acquirements, and had there been added
+  thereto some little skill in the common astronomical
+  observations, all which a person of ordinary talents might attain
+  with a very moderate share of application, we should, by this
+  time, have seen the geography of the globe much correcter than we
+  now find it; the dangers of navigation would have been
+  considerably lessened, and the manners, arts, and produce of
+  foreign countries would have been better known to us than they
+  are. Indeed, when I consider the strong incitements that all
+  travellers have to pursue some part at least of these
+  qualifications, especially drawing; when I consider how much it
+  would facilitate their observations, assist and strengthen their
+  memories, and of how tedious, and often unintelligible, a load of
+  description it would rid them; I cannot but wonder that any
+  person who intends to visit distant countries, with a view of
+  informing either himself or others, should be wanting in so
+  necessary a piece of skill. And, to enforce this argument still
+  farther, I must add, that, besides the uses of drawing already
+  mentioned, there is one which, though not so obvious, is yet
+  perhaps of more consequence than all that has been hitherto
+  urged; I mean the strength and distinguishing power it adds to
+  some of our faculties. This appears from <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page220" id="page220"></a>[pg 220]</span>
+  hence, that those who are used to draw objects observe them with
+  more accuracy than others who are not habituated to that
+  practice. For we may easily find, by a little experience, that
+  when we view any object, however simple, our attention or memory
+  is scarcely at any time so strong as to enable us, when we have
+  turned our eyes away from it, to recollect exactly every part it
+  consisted of, and to recall all the circular stances of its
+  appearance; since, on examination, it will be discovered, that in
+  some we were mistaken, and others we had totally overlooked. But
+  he who is accustomed to draw what he sees, is, at the same time,
+  accustomed to rectify this inattention; for, by confronting his
+  ideas, copied on the paper, with the object he intends to
+  represent, he finds out what circumstance has deceived him in its
+  appearance; and hence he at length acquires the habit of
+  observing much more at one view than he could ever have done
+  without his practice and proficiency in drawing.</p>
+
+  <p>If what has been said merits the attention of travellers of
+  all sorts, it is, I think, more particularly applicable to the
+  gentlemen of the navy, since, without drawing and planning,
+  neither charts nor views of land can be taken; and without these
+  it is sufficiently evident that navigation is at a full stand. It
+  is doubtless from a persuasion of the utility of these
+  qualifications, that his majesty has established a drawing-master
+  at Portsmouth, for the instruction of those who are presumed to
+  be hereafter entrusted with the command of his royal navy; and
+  though some have been so far misled as to suppose that the
+  perfection of sea officers consisted in a turn of mind and temper
+  resembling the boisterous element they have to deal with, and
+  have condemned all literature and science, as effeminate and
+  derogatory to that ferocity, which, they would falsely persuade
+  us, was the most unerring characteristic of courage, yet it is to
+  be hoped that such absurdities have not at any time been
+  authorized by the public opinion, and that the belief daily
+  diminishes. If those who adhere to these mischievous positions
+  were capable of being influenced by reason, or swayed by example,
+  I should think it sufficient for their conviction to observe,
+  that the most valuable drawings inserted in the following work,
+  though done with such skill that even professed artists can with
+  difficulty imitate them, were taken by Mr Piercy Bret, one of Mr
+  Anson's lieutenants, and since captain of the Lion man-of-war,
+  who, in his memorable engagement with the Elizabeth, [for the
+  importance <span class="pagenum"><a name="page221" id=
+  "page221"></a>[pg 221]</span> of the service, or the resolution
+  with which it was conducted, inferior to none this age has seen,]
+  has given ample proof that a proficiency in the arts I have been
+  recommending, is extremely consistent with the most exemplary
+  bravery, and the most distinguished skill in every function
+  belonging to a sea officer.</p>
+
+  <p>Indeed, when the many branches of science are considered, of
+  which even the common practice of navigation is composed, and the
+  many improvements which men of skill have added to this practice
+  within these few years, it would induce one to believe that the
+  advantages of reflection and speculative knowledge were in no
+  profession more eminent than in that of a naval officer; for, not
+  to mention some expertness in geography, geometry, and astronomy,
+  which it would be dishonourable for him to be without, as his
+  journal and his estimate of the daily position of the ship are
+  founded on particular branches of these sciences, it may well be
+  supposed, that the management and working of a ship, the
+  discovery of her most eligible position in the water, usually
+  called her trim, and the disposition of her sails in the most
+  advantageous manner, are articles in which the knowledge of
+  mechanics cannot but be greatly assistant. And, perhaps, the
+  application of this kind of knowledge to naval subjects may
+  produce as great improvements in sailing and working a ship, as
+  it has already done in many other matters conducive to the ease
+  and convenience of human life; since, when the fabric of a ship
+  and the variety of her sails are considered, together with the
+  artificial contrivances for adapting them to her different
+  motions, as it cannot be doubted but these things have been
+  brought about by more than ordinary sagacity and invention; so
+  neither can it be doubted but that, in some conjunctures, a
+  speculative and scientific turn of mind may find out the means of
+  directing and disposing this complicated mechanism much more
+  advantageously than can be done by mere habit, or by a servile
+  copying of what others may have, perhaps erroneously, practised
+  in similar emergencies. But it is time to finish this digression,
+  and to leave the reader to the perusal of the ensuing work,
+  which, with how little art soever it may be executed, will yet,
+  from the importance of the subject, and the utility and
+  excellence of the materials, merit some share of the public
+  attention.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" id=
+  "page222"></a>[pg 222]</span>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote106" name="footnote106"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag106">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It must be quite obvious to all who are in the least degree
+    acquainted with the nature of these draughts and views of land,
+    in the nature of a coasting pilot, that it is utterly
+    impossible to reduce them within the compass of an octavo size,
+    and at the same time to render them of the smallest degree of
+    usefulness; while large plates must have been necessary, and
+    speedily destroyed by opening and refolding.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION I.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the Incidents
+  relating to it, from its first Appointment to its setting Sail
+  from St Helens.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The squadron under the command of Mr Anson, of which I here
+  propose to recite the most material proceedings, having undergone
+  many changes in its destination, its force, and its equipment,
+  during the ten months between its original appointment and its
+  final sailing from St Helens, I conceive the history of these
+  alterations is a detail necessary to be made public, both for the
+  honour of those who first planned and promoted this enterprize,
+  and for the justification of those who have been entrusted with
+  its execution; since it will from hence appear, that the
+  accidents the expedition was afterwards exposed to, and which
+  prevented it from producing all the national advantages the
+  strength of the squadron and the expectation of the public seemed
+  to presage, were principally owing to a series of interruptions,
+  which delayed the commander in the course of his preparations,
+  and which it exceeded his utmost industry either to avoid or get
+  removed.</p>
+
+  <p>When, in the latter end of the summer 1739, it was foreseen
+  that a war with Spain was inevitable, it was the opinion of some
+  considerable persons, then trusted with the administration of
+  affairs, that the most prudent step the nation could take, on the
+  breaking out of the war, was attacking that crown in her distant
+  settlements; for by this means, as at that time there was the
+  greatest probability of success, it was supposed that we should
+  cut off the principal resources of the enemy, and should reduce
+  them to the necessity of sincerely desiring a peace, as they
+  would be deprived of the returns of that treasure by which alone
+  they could be enabled to carry on a war.</p>
+
+  <p>In pursuance of these sentiments, several projects were
+  examined, and several resolutions were taken by the council. And,
+  in all these deliberations, it was from the first determined,
+  that George Anson, Esq. then captain of the Centurion, should be
+  employed as commander-in-chief of an expedition of this kind:
+  and, he at that time being absent on a <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page223" id="page223"></a>[pg 223]</span>
+  cruize, a vessel was dispatched to his station so early as the
+  beginning of September, to order him to return with his ship to
+  Portsmouth. And soon after he came there, that is, on the 10th
+  November following, he received a letter from Sir Charles Wager,
+  directing him to repair to London, and to attend the board of
+  Admiralty; where, when he arrived, he was informed by Sir
+  Charles, that two squadrons would be immediately fitted out for
+  two secret expeditions, which, however, would have some
+  connection with each other; and that he, Mr Anson, was intended
+  to command one of them; and that Mr Cornwall, who hath since lost
+  his life gloriously in defence of his country's honour, was to
+  command the other; that the squadron under Mr Anson was to take
+  on board three independent companies of an hundred men each, and
+  Bland's regiment of foot; that Colonel Bland was likewise to
+  embark with his regiment, and to command the land-forces; and
+  that, as soon as this squadron could be fitted for sea, they were
+  to sail, with express orders to touch at no place till they came
+  to Java-Head in the East-Indies; that they were there only to
+  stop to take in water, and thence to proceed directly to the city
+  of Manilla in Lu&amp;#231;onia, one of the Philippine islands;
+  that the other squadron, of equal force with this commanded by Mr
+  Anson, was intended to pass round Cape Horn into the South Seas,
+  to range along that coast; and, after cruizing upon the enemy in
+  those parts, and attempting their settlements, this squadron, in
+  its return, was to rendezvous at Manilla, there to join the
+  squadron under Mr Anson, where they were to refresh their men,
+  and to refit their ships, and perhaps receive orders for other
+  considerable enterprizes.</p>
+
+  <p>This scheme was doubtless extremely well projected, and could
+  not but have greatly advanced the public service, and the
+  reputation and fortune of those concerned in its execution; for,
+  had Mr Anson proceeded to Manilla at the time and in the manner
+  proposed by Sir Charles Wager, he would in all probability have
+  arrived there before they had received any advice of the war
+  between us and Spain, and consequently before they had been in
+  the least prepared for the reception of an enemy, or had any
+  apprehensions of their danger. The city of Manilla might well be
+  supposed to have been at that time in the same defenceless
+  condition with all the other Spanish settlements, just at the
+  breaking out of the war; that is, their fortifications neglected,
+  and in many places decayed; <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page224" id="page224"></a>[pg 224]</span> their cannon
+  dismounted, or rendered useless by the mouldering of their
+  carriages; their magazines both of military stores and
+  provisions, all empty; their garrisons unpaid, and consequently
+  thin, ill affected, and dispirited; and the royal chests of Peru,
+  whence alone all these disorders could receive redress, drained
+  to the very bottom. This, from the intercepted letters of their
+  viceroys and governors, is well known to have been the
+  defenceless state of Panama, and the other places on the coast of
+  the South Sea, for near a twelvemonth after our declaration of
+  war. And it cannot be supposed that the city of Manilla, removed
+  still farther by almost half the circumference of the globe,
+  should have experienced from the Spanish government a greater
+  share of attention for its security than Panama, and the other
+  important ports in Peru and Chili, on which their possession of
+  that immense empire depends. Indeed, it is now well known that
+  Manilla was at that time incapable of making any considerable
+  defence, and, in all probability, would have surrendered only on
+  the appearance of our squadron before it. The consequence of this
+  city, and the island it stands on, may, in some measure, be
+  estimated from the known healthiness of its air, the excellence
+  of its port and bay, the number and wealth of its inhabitants,
+  and the very extensive and beneficial commerce it carries on to
+  the principal ports in the East-Indies and China, and its
+  exclusive trade to Acapulco; the returns for which alone, being
+  made in silver, are, upon the lowest calculation, not less than
+  three millions of dollars yearly.</p>
+
+  <p>On this scheme Sir Charles Wager was so intent, that, on the
+  18th December, a few days only before this first conference, Mr
+  Anson received an order to take under his command the Argyle,
+  Severn, Pearl, Wager, and Tryal sloop; and other orders were
+  issued to him, in the same month and in December, relating to the
+  victualling of this squadron. But, on attending the Admiralty in
+  the beginning of January, 1740, Mr Anson was informed by Sir
+  Charles Wager, that, for reasons with which he was not
+  acquainted, the expedition to Manilla was laid aside. It may well
+  be conceived that Mr Anson was extremely chagrined at losing the
+  command of so infallible, so honourable, and in every respect so
+  desirable an enterprize; especially as he had already, at a very
+  great expence, made the necessary provision for his own
+  accommodation in this voyage, which he had reason to expect would
+  prove very long. However, to render this <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page225" id="page225"></a>[pg 225]</span>
+  appointment more tolerable, Sir Charles Wager informed him that
+  the expedition to the South Sea was still intended; and that he,
+  Mr Anson, and his squadron, as their first destination was now
+  countermanded, should be employed in that service. And, on the
+  10th January, 1740, he received his commission, appointing him
+  Commander-in-chief of the before-mentioned squadron, the Argyle
+  being in the course of preparation exchanged for the Gloucester,
+  with which he sailed above eight months afterwards from St
+  Helens. On this change of destination, the equipment of the
+  squadron was still prosecuted with as much vigour as ever; and
+  the victualling, and whatever depended on the commodore, was soon
+  so far advanced, that he conceived the ships might be capable of
+  putting to sea the instant he should receive his final orders, of
+  which he was in daily expectation.</p>
+
+  <p>At length, on the 28th June, 1740, the Duke of Newcastle,
+  principal secretary of state, delivered to him his majesty's
+  instructions, dated on the 31st of January preceding, with an
+  additional instruction from the lords justices, dated 19th June.
+  On the receipt of these, Mr Anson immediately repaired to
+  Spithead, with a resolution to sail with the first fair wind,
+  flattering himself that all his difficulties were now at an end:
+  for though he knew by the muster that his squadron wanted three
+  hundred men of their complement, a deficiency he had not, with
+  all his assiduity, been able to get supplied, yet as Sir Charles
+  Wager had informed him that an order from the board of Admiralty
+  was sent to Sir John Norris to spare him the numbers which he
+  wanted; he doubted not of its being complied with. But, on his
+  arrival at Portsmouth, he found himself greatly mistaken and
+  disappointed in this persuasion: for, on application, Sir John
+  Norris told him he could spare him none, as he wanted men for his
+  own fleet. This occasioned an inevitable and very considerable
+  delay, and it was the end of July before this deficiency was by
+  any means supplied, and all that was then done was extremely
+  short of his necessities and expectation; for Admiral Balchen,
+  who succeeded to the command at Spithead, after Sir John Norris
+  had sailed to the westward, instead of three hundred sailors
+  which Mr Anson wanted of his complement, ordered on board the
+  squadron an hundred and seventy men only, of which thirty-two
+  were from the hospital and sick-quarters, thirty-seven men from
+  the Salisbury, with three officers and ninety-eight marines of
+  Colonel Lowther's regiment; <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page226" id="page226"></a>[pg 226]</span> and these were all
+  that were ever granted to make up the forementioned
+  deficiency.</p>
+
+  <p>But the commodore's mortification did not end here. It has
+  been already observed, that it was at first intended that Colonel
+  Bland's regiment, and three independent companies of an hundred
+  men each, should embark as land-forces on board the squadron. But
+  this disposition was now changed; and all the land-forces that
+  were to be allowed were five hundred invalids, to be collected
+  from the out-pensioners of Chelsea College. As these consisted of
+  soldiers, who, from their age, wounds, and other circumstances,
+  were incapable of serving in marching regiments, Mr Anson was
+  much chagrined at having such a decrepid detachment allotted to
+  him; for he was fully persuaded that the greatest part of them
+  would perish long before they could arrive at the scene of
+  action, since the delays he had already experienced necessarily
+  confined his passage round Cape Horn to the most rigorous season
+  of the year. Sir Charles Wager joined in opinion with the
+  commodore, that invalids were by no means proper for this
+  service, and strenuously solicited to have them, exchanged. But
+  he was told, that persons who were considered better judges of
+  soldiers than he or Mr Anson, thought them the properest men that
+  could be employed on this occasion; and, upon this determination,
+  they were ordered on board the squadron on the 5th of August.
+  But, instead of five hundred, there came no more on board than
+  two hundred and fifty-nine; for all those who had limbs and
+  strength to walk out of Portsmouth deserted, leaving only those
+  behind who were literally invalids, most of them being sixty
+  years of age, and some upwards of seventy. Indeed, it is
+  difficult to conceive a more moving scene than the embarkation of
+  these unhappy veterans: they were themselves extremely averse
+  from the service in which they were engaged, and fully apprized
+  of all the disasters they were afterwards exposed to, the
+  apprehensions of which were strongly marked by the concern which
+  appeared in their countenances, which was mixed with no small
+  degree of indignation to be thus hurried from their repose into a
+  fatiguing employ, to which neither the strength of their bodies,
+  nor the vigour of their minds, were any way proportioned; and in
+  which, without seeing the face of an enemy, or in the least
+  promoting the success of the enterprize, they would in all
+  probability uselessly perish by lingering and painful diseases;
+  and this, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page227" id=
+  "page227"></a>[pg 227]</span> too, after they had spent the
+  activity and strength of their youth in the service of their
+  country.</p>
+
+  <p>I cannot but observe, on this melancholy incident, how
+  extremely unfortunate it was, both to this aged and diseased
+  detachment, and to the expedition in which they were engaged,
+  that, amongst all the out-pensioners of Chelsea College, which
+  were supposed to amount to two thousand men, the most crazy and
+  infirm only should be called out for so laborious and perilous an
+  undertaking; for it was well known, however unfit invalids in
+  general might be for this service, yet, by a prudent choice,
+  there might have been found amongst them five hundred men who had
+  some remains of vigour; and Mr Anson fully expected that the best
+  of them would have been allotted to him; whereas the whole
+  detachment sent seemed to be made up of the most decrepid and
+  miserable objects that could be collected out of the whole body;
+  and by the desertion already mentioned, even these were cleared
+  of the little strength and health which were to be found among
+  them, and he had to take up with such as were much fitter for an
+  infirmary than for any military duty.</p>
+
+  <p>It is here also necessary to mention another material
+  particular in the equipment of this squadron. After it was
+  determined that Mr Anson should be sent to the South Sea, it was
+  proposed to Mr Anson to take with him two persons under the
+  denomination of agent-victuallers. Those mentioned for this
+  employment had been formerly in the Spanish American colonies, in
+  the service of the South-Sea Company, and it was supposed, that,
+  by their knowledge and intelligence on that coast, they might
+  often procure provisions for the squadron by compact with the
+  inhabitants, when they were not to be got by force of arms. These
+  agent-victuallers were, for this purpose, to be allowed to carry
+  to the value of fifteen thousand pounds in merchandize on board
+  the squadron, as they represented that it would be much easier to
+  procure provisions in exchange for goods, than for the value of
+  the same goods in money. Whatever colours were given to this
+  scheme, it was difficult to persuade the generality of mankind
+  that it was not principally intended for the enrichment of the
+  agents, by the beneficial commerce they proposed to carry on upon
+  that coast. From the beginning, Mr Anson objected both to the
+  appointment of agent-victuallers and to allowing them to carry a
+  cargo on board the squadron; for he conceived that in those few
+  amicable ports where the squadron <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page228" id="page228"></a>[pg 228]</span> might touch, he needed
+  not their assistance to contract for any provisions these places
+  afforded; and, when on the enemy's coast, he did not imagine they
+  could ever procure him the necessaries he should want, unless the
+  military operations of his squadron were to be regulated by the
+  ridiculous views of their trading projects, with which he was
+  resolved not to comply. All that he thought the government ought
+  to have done, of this kind, was to put on board, to the value of
+  two or three thousand pounds, of such goods only as were suitable
+  for the Indians, or the Spanish planters on the less cultivated
+  parts of the coast, as it was in such places only that he
+  considered it might be worth while to truck with the enemy for
+  provisions, and it was sufficiently evident that a very small
+  cargo would suffice for such places.</p>
+
+  <p>Although the commodore objected both to the appointment of
+  these officers and to their project, of the ill success of which
+  he had no question, yet, as they had insinuated that their
+  scheme, besides victualling the squadron, might contribute to the
+  settling a trade on that coast which might afterwards be carried
+  on without difficulty, and might become of very considerable
+  national advantage, they were much listened to by several
+  considerable persons; and, of the fifteen thousand pounds, which
+  was to be the amount of their cargo, the government agreed to
+  advance them ten thousand pounds upon imprest, and the remaining
+  five thousand they raised on bottomry bonds, and the goods
+  purchased with this latter sum were all that were put on board
+  the squadron, how much soever their amount might be afterwards
+  magnified by common report. This cargo was shipped at first in
+  the Wager store-ship, and one of the victuallers, no part of it
+  being admitted on board the men-of-war; but, when the commodore
+  was at St Catharine's, he considered, in case the squadron might
+  be separated, that it might be pretended that some of the ships
+  were disappointed of provisions for want of a cargo to truck
+  with, wherefore he distributed some of the least bulky
+  commodities on board the men-of-war, leaving the remainder
+  principally on board the Wager, in which it was lost, and more of
+  the goods perishing, by various accidents to be recited
+  afterwards, and as no part of them being disposed of on the
+  coast, the few that came home to England, when sold, did not
+  produce above a fourth part of the original cost. So true was the
+  commodore's judgment of the event of this project, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page229" id="page229"></a>[pg 229]</span>
+  which had been considered by many as infallibly productive of
+  immense gain.</p>
+
+  <p>We return to the transactions at Portsmouth. To supply the
+  place of the two hundred and forty invalids who had deserted,
+  there were ordered on board two hundred and ten marines, drafted
+  from different regiments. These were raw and undisciplined men,
+  just raised, and had scarcely any thing more of the soldier than
+  their regimentals, none of them having been so far trained as to
+  be permitted to fire. The last of these detachments came on board
+  on the 8th August, and on the 10th the squadron dropped down from
+  Spithead to St Helen's, there to wait for a wind to proceed on
+  the expedition. The delays we had already suffered had not yet
+  spent all their influence; for we were now advanced to that
+  season of the year when the westerly winds are usually very
+  prevalent and violent; and it was thought proper that we should
+  put to sea in company with the fleet commanded by Admiral
+  Balchen, and the expedition under Lord Cathcart. As we now made
+  up in all twenty-one sail of men-of-war, and one hundred and
+  twenty-four sail of merchant ships and transports, we had no
+  hopes of getting out of the channel with so large a fleet,
+  without the continuance of a fair wind for a considerable time,
+  and this was what we had every day less and less reason to
+  expect, as the time of the equinox drew near; wherefore our
+  golden dreams and ideal possession of the Peruvian treasures grew
+  every day more faint, and the difficulties and dangers of the
+  passage round Cape Horn, in the winter season, filled our
+  imaginations in their room. It was forty days from our arrival at
+  St Helens to our final departure from that place; and even then,
+  having orders to proceed without Lord Cathcart, we tided down the
+  channel with a contrary wind. But this interval of forty days was
+  not free from the displeasing fatigue of often setting sail, and
+  being as often obliged to return, nor exempt from dangers greater
+  than have been sometimes undergone in surrounding the globe. For
+  the wind coming fair for the first time on the 23d August, we got
+  under sail, and Admiral Balchen shewed himself truly solicitous
+  to have proceeded to sea; but the wind soon returned to its old
+  quarter, and obliged us to put back to St Helens, not without
+  considerable hazard, and some damage received by two of the
+  transports, which ran foul of each other when tacking. We made
+  two or three other attempts to sail, but without <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page230" id="page230"></a>[pg 230]</span> any
+  better success; and, on the 6th September, being returned to
+  anchor at St Helens, after one of those fruitless attempts, the
+  wind blew so fresh that the whole fleet had to strike yards and
+  topmasts to prevent drifting: Yet, notwithstanding this
+  precaution, the Centurion drove next evening, and brought both
+  cables a-head, when we were in no small danger of getting foul of
+  the Prince Frederick, a seventy-gun ship, which was moored only a
+  small distance under our stern, but we happily escaped, in
+  consequence of her drifting at the same time, by which she
+  preserved her distance, yet we did not think ourselves safe till
+  we at last let go our sheet anchor, which fortunately brought us
+  up.</p>
+
+  <p>We were in some measure relieved from this lingering and
+  vexatious situation on the 9th September, by an order then
+  received by Commodore Anson, from the lords justices, to put to
+  sea on the first opportunity, with his own squadron only, if Lord
+  Cathcart should not be ready. Being thus freed from the
+  troublesome company of so large a fleet, our commodore resolved
+  to weigh and tide it down channel, as soon as the weather should
+  become sufficiently moderate, and this might easily have been
+  done by our squadron full two months sooner, had the orders of
+  the Admiralty for supplying us with seamen been punctually
+  complied with, and had we met with none of those other delays
+  mentioned in this narration. Even now, our hopes of a speedy
+  departure were somewhat damped, by a subsequent order which Mr
+  Anson received on the 12th September, by which he was required to
+  take under his convoy the St Albans and the Turkey fleet, and to
+  join the Dragon and the Winchester, with the Straits and American
+  trade, at Torbay or Plymouth, and to proceed with them to sea as
+  far as their way and ours lay together. This encumbrance of
+  convoy gave us some uneasiness, fearing it might lengthen our
+  passage to Madeira: However, having now the command to himself,
+  Mr Anson resolved to tide down channel with the first moderate
+  weather; and, that the junction of the convoy might occasion as
+  little loss of time as possible, he immediately sent directions
+  to Torbay that the fleet he was there to take charge of should be
+  in readiness to join him instantly on his approach. And at last,
+  on the 18th September, he weighed from St Helens, and, though the
+  wind was at first contrary, had the good fortune to get clear of
+  the channel in four days, as will be more particularly related in
+  the ensuing section.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page231"
+  id="page231"></a>[pg 231]</span>
+
+  <p>Having thus gone through the respective steps taken in the
+  equipment of this squadron, it must be sufficiently obvious how
+  different an aspect the expedition bore at its first appointment
+  in the beginning of January, from what it did in the latter end
+  of September, when it left the channel, and how much its numbers,
+  its strength, and the probability of its success were diminished
+  by the various incidents which took place in that interval. For,
+  instead of having all our old and ordinary seamen exchanged for
+  such as were young and able, which the commodore was at first
+  promised, and having our complement complete to its full number,
+  we were obliged to retain our first crews, which were very
+  indifferent; and a deficiency of three hundred men in our numbers
+  was no otherwise made up than by sending on board an hundred and
+  seventy men, the greatest part of whom were discharged from
+  hospitals, or new-raised marines who had never been at sea
+  before. In the land-forces allotted to us, the change was still
+  more disadvantageous; as, instead of Bland's regiment of foot,
+  which was an old one, and three independent companies of an
+  hundred men each, we had only four hundred and seventy invalids
+  and marines, one part of whom were incapable of action, by their
+  age and infirmities, and the other part useless, by ignorance of
+  their duty. But the diminution of the strength of the squadron
+  was not the greatest inconveniency which attended these
+  alterations; for the contests, representations, and difficulties
+  which they continually produced, as we have seen above that the
+  authority of the Admiralty in these cases was not always
+  submitted to, occasioned a delay and waste of time, which, in its
+  consequences, was the source of all the disasters to which the
+  enterprize was afterwards exposed. For, owing to these
+  circumstances, we were forced to make our passage round Cape Horn
+  at the most tempestuous season of the year, whence proceeded the
+  separation of our squadron, the loss of numbers of our men, and
+  the imminent hazard of oar total destruction. By this delay also,
+  the enemy had been so well informed of our designs, that a person
+  who had been employed in the service of the South-Sea Company,
+  and arrived from Panama three or four days before we left
+  Portsmouth, was able to relate to Mr Anson most of the
+  particulars of the destination and strength of our squadron, from
+  what he had learnt from the Spaniards before he left them. This
+  was afterwards confirmed by a more extraordinary circumstance;
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" id="page232"></a>[pg
+  232]</span> for we shall find, that when the Spaniards, fully
+  satisfied of our expedition being intended for the South Seas,
+  had fitted out a squadron before us, which had so far got the
+  start as to arrive before us at the island of Madeira, the
+  commander of this squadron was so well instructed in the form and
+  make of Mr Anson's broad pendant, and had imitated it so exactly,
+  that he thereby decoyed the Pearl, one of our squadron, within
+  gun-shot of him, before the captain of the Pearl was able to
+  discover the deception.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION II.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>The Passage from St Helens to the Island of Madeira, with
+  a short Account of that Island, and of our Stay there.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>As observed in the preceding section, the squadron weighed
+  from St Helens with a contrary wind on the 18th of September,
+  1740, our commodore proposing to tide down the channel, as he
+  less dreaded the inconveniences we might have thereby to struggle
+  with, than the risk he should run of ruining the enterprize by an
+  uncertain, and, in all probability, a tedious attendance for a
+  fair wind. The squadron allotted for this expedition consisted of
+  five men-of-war, a sloop of war, and two victuallers. These were,
+  the Centurion of 60 guns, and 400 men, George Anson, Esq.
+  commander; the Gloucester, of 50 guns, and 300 men, Richard
+  Norris, commander; the Severn, of 50 guns, and 300 men, the
+  Honourable Edward Legg, commander; the Pearl, of 40 guns, and 250
+  men, Matthew Mitchell, commander; the Wager, of 28 guns, and 160
+  men, Dandy Kidd, commander; the Tryal sloop, of 8 guns, and 100
+  men, the Honourable John Murray, commander. The two victuallers
+  were pinks, the largest of about four hundred tons burden; and
+  these were to attend us till the provisions we had on board were
+  so far consumed as to make room for the additional quantity they
+  carried, which was then to be taken into our ships, and they were
+  to be discharged. Besides the before-mentioned complements of men
+  borne by the ships as their crews, there were embarked in our
+  squadron about 470 invalids and marines, as particularly
+  mentioned in last section, under the denomination of land-forces,
+  which were commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
+  Cracherode.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page233" id=
+  "page233"></a>[pg 233]</span>
+
+  <p>With this squadron, together with the St Albans and Lark, and
+  the Turkey trade under their convoy, we tided down channel for
+  the first forty-eight hours. In the morning of the 20th, we
+  discovered the Dragon, Winchester, South-Sea Castle, and Rye,
+  with a number of merchantmen under their convoy, waiting for us
+  off the Ram-head. We joined there the same day about noon, the
+  commodore having orders to see them, together with the convoy of
+  the St Albans and Lark, as far as their course and ours lay
+  together. When we came in sight of this last-mentioned ship, Mr
+  Anson first hoisted his broad pendant, and was saluted by all the
+  men-of-war in company. After joining this last convoy, we made up
+  eleven men-of-war, and about 150 sail of merchant ships,
+  consisting of the Turkey, the Straits, and the American trades.
+  The same day Mr Anson made a signal for all captains of
+  men-of-war to come on board, when he delivered them their
+  fighting and sailing instructions, and then we all stood to the
+  S.W. with a fair wind; so that next day at noon, being the 21st,
+  we had run forty leagues beyond the Ram-head. Being now clear of
+  the land, our commodore, to render our view more extensive,
+  ordered Captain Mitchell, in the Pearl, to make sail two leagues
+  a-head of the fleet every morning, and to repair to his station
+  every evening. Thus we proceeded till the 25th, when the
+  Winchester, with the American convoy, made the concerted signal
+  for leave to separate, and this being answered by the commodore,
+  they left us, which, was done by the St Albans and the Dragon on
+  the 24th, with the Turkey and Straits convoys.</p>
+
+  <p>There now remained only our own squadron and the two
+  victuallers, with which we stood on our course for the island of
+  Madeira. But the winds were so contrary, that we had the
+  mortification to be forty days on our passage to that island from
+  St Helens, though it is often known to be done in ten or twelve.
+  This delay was most unpleasant, and was productive of much
+  discontent and ill humour among our people, of which these only
+  can have an adequate idea who have experienced a similar
+  situation: For, besides the peevishness and despondency, which
+  foul and contrary winds, and a lingering voyage, never fail to
+  produce on all occasions, we in particular had substantial
+  reasons for being greatly alarmed at this unexpected impediment;
+  since, as we departed from England much later than we ought to
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" id="page234"></a>[pg
+  234]</span> have done, we had placed almost all our hope of
+  success on the chance of retrieving in some measure at sea, the
+  time we had so unhappily wasted at Spithead and St Helens. At
+  last, on Monday the 25th October, at five in the morning, we made
+  the land to our great joy, and came to anchor in the afternoon in
+  Madeira road, in forty fathoms, the Brazen Head bearing from us
+  E. by S. the Loo N.N.W. and the Great Church N.N.E. We had hardly
+  let go our anchor when an English privateer sloop ran under our
+  stern, and saluted the commodore with nine guns, which we
+  returned with five. Next day the English consul visited the
+  commodore, and was saluted with nine guns on coming on board.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of Madeira, where we now arrived, is famous through
+  all our American settlements for its excellent wines, which seem
+  designed by Providence for the refreshment of the inhabitants of
+  the torrid zone. It is situated in a fine climate, in lat.
+  32° 27' N. and long. from London 18° 30' to
+  19° 30' W. by our different reckonings, though laid down
+  in the charts in 47°.<a id="footnotetag107" name=
+  "footnotetag107"></a><a href="#footnote107"><sup>1</sup></a> The
+  whole island is composed of one continued hill of considerable
+  height, extending from east to west; the declivity of which, on
+  the south side, is cultivated and interspersed with vineyards. In
+  the middle of this slope the merchants have their country seats,
+  which contribute to form a very agreeable prospect. There is but
+  one considerable town, named Fonchiale, on the south part of the
+  island, situated at the bottom of a large bay. Towards the sea it
+  is defended by a high wall with a battery of cannon, besides a
+  castle on the Loo, which is a rock standing in the water at a
+  small distance from the shore. Tonchiale is the only place of
+  trade, and indeed the only place where it is possible for a boat
+  to land; and even there the beach is so covered with great
+  stones, and so violent a surf beats continually upon it, that the
+  commodore did not care to venture the long-boats of our ships in
+  fetching off water, and therefore ordered the captains to employ
+  Portuguese boats on that service.</p>
+
+  <p>We continued about a week at this island, watering our ships,
+  and providing the squadron with wine and other refreshments.
+  While here, on the 3d November, Captain <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page235" id="page235"></a>[pg 235]</span>
+  Richard Norris signified to the commodore, by letter, his desire
+  to quit the command of the Gloucester, in order to return to
+  England for the recovery of his health. The commodore complied
+  with this request, and was pleased to appoint Captain Matthew
+  Mitchell to command the Gloucester in his room, to remove Captain
+  Kidd from the Wager to the Pearl, and Captain Murray from the
+  Tryal sloop to the Wager, giving the command of the Tryal to
+  Lieutenant Cheap. These promotions being settled, with other
+  changes in the lieutenancies, the commodore, on the 4th November,
+  gave to the captains their orders, appointing St Jago, one of the
+  Cape Verd islands, to be the first place of rendezvous in case of
+  separation; and, if they did not meet the Centurion there,
+  directing them to make the best of their way to the island of St
+  Catharine on the coast of Brazil. The water for the squadron
+  being that day completed, and each ship supplied with as much
+  wine and other refreshments as they could take in, we weighed
+  anchor in the afternoon, and took leave of Madeira. But, before
+  continuing the narrative of our transactions, I think it
+  necessary to give some account of the proceedings of the enemy,
+  and of the measures they had taken to render all our designs
+  abortive.</p>
+
+  <p>On visiting the governor of Madeira, Mr Anson was informed by
+  him, that for three or four days in the latter end of October,
+  there had appeared to the westward of the island seven or eight
+  ships of the line and a <i>patache</i>, which last was sent close
+  in with the land every day. The governor assured our commodore,
+  upon his honour, that no person on the island had either given
+  them intelligence, or had any sort of communication with them. He
+  believed them to be either French or Spanish, but was rather
+  inclined to suppose the latter. On this intelligence, Mr Anson
+  sent an officer in a clean sloop eight leagues to the westwards,
+  to reconnoitre them, and, if possible, to discover what they
+  were: But the officer returned without having seen them, so that
+  we still remained in uncertainty; yet we could not but conjecture
+  that this fleet was intended to put a stop, if possible, to our
+  expedition; and, had they cruized to the eastward of the island,
+  instead of the westward, they could not have failed in doing so:
+  for, as in that case they must infallibly have fallen in with us,
+  we should have been under the necessity of throwing overboard
+  vast quantities of provisions, to clear our ships for action; and
+  this alone, independent <span class="pagenum"><a name="page236"
+  id="page236"></a>[pg 236]</span> of the event of the action,
+  would have effectually prevented our progress. This was so
+  obvious a measure, that we could not help imagining reasons which
+  might have prevented them from pursuing it. We supposed,
+  therefore, that this French or Spanish squadron, having advice
+  that we were to sail in company with Admiral Balchen and Lord
+  Cathcart's expedition, might not think it adviseable to meet with
+  us till we had parted company, from apprehension of being
+  over-matched, and supposed we might not separate before our
+  arrival at this island. These were our speculations at the time,
+  from which we had reason to suppose we might still fall in with
+  them, in our way to the Cape de Verd islands. We were afterwards
+  persuaded, in the course of our expedition, that this was the
+  Spanish squadron commanded by Don Joseph Pizarro, sent out
+  purposely to traverse the views and enterprizes of our squadron,
+  to which they were greatly superior in strength. As this Spanish
+  armament was so nearly connected with our expedition, and as the
+  catastrophe, if underwent, though not effected by our force, was
+  yet a considerable advantage to this nation produced in
+  consequence of our equipment; I have, in the following section,
+  given a summary account of their proceedings, from their first
+  setting out from Spain in 1740, till the Asia, the only ship of
+  the whole squadron that returned to Europe, got back to Corunna
+  in the beginning of the year 1746.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote107" name="footnote107"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag107">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The charts are however the most accurate, as that is the
+    long. of the centre of Madeira, in our best modern maps.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION III.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>History of the Spanish Squadron commanded by Don Joseph
+  Pizarro.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The squadron fitted out by the court of Spain, to attend our
+  motions, and traverse our projects, we supposed to have been the
+  ships seen off Madeira. As this force was sent out particularly
+  against our expedition, I cannot but imagine that the following
+  history of its casualties, so far as has come to my knowledge, by
+  intercepted letters and other information, is an essential part
+  of the present work. For it will from hence appear, that we were
+  the occasion of a considerable part of the Spanish naval power
+  being diverted from prosecuting the ambitious views of that court
+  in Europe; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" id=
+  "page237"></a>[pg 237]</span> and whatever men and ships were
+  lost by the enemy in this undertaking, were lost in consequence
+  of the precautions they took to secure themselves against our
+  expedition.</p>
+
+  <p>This squadron, besides two ships bound for the West Indies,
+  which did not part company till after they left Madeira, was
+  composed of the following men-of-war, commanded by Don Joseph
+  Pizarro. The Asia of 66 guns and 700 men, the admiral's ship; the
+  Guipuscoa of 74 guns and 700 men; the Hermiona of 54 guns and 500
+  men; the Esperanza of 50 guns and 450 men; the St Estevan of 40
+  guns and 350 men; and a patache of 20 guns.</p>
+
+  <p>Over and above their complements of sailors and marines, these
+  ships had on board an old Spanish regiment of foot, intended to
+  reinforce the garrisons on the coast of the South-Sea. Having
+  cruised some days to leeward of Madeira, as formerly mentioned,
+  they left that station in the beginning of November, and steered
+  for the Rio de la Plata, where they arrived on the 5th of January
+  O.S. and coming to anchor in the bay of Maldonado, at the mouth
+  of that river, their admiral sent immediately to Buenos Ayres for
+  a supply of provisions, having left Spain with only four months
+  provisions on board. While waiting this supply, they received
+  intelligence, by the treachery of the Portuguese governor of St
+  Catharines, of Mr Anson having arrived at that island on the 21st
+  December preceding, and that he was preparing to put to sea again
+  with the utmost expedition. Notwithstanding his superior force,
+  Pizarro had his reasons, and some say his orders, for avoiding
+  our squadron any where short of the South-Sea. He was, besides,
+  extremely desirous of getting round Cape Horn before us,
+  imagining that alone would effectually baffle all our designs;
+  wherefore, hearing that we were in his neighbourhood, and that we
+  should be soon ready to proceed for Cape Horn, he weighed anchor
+  with his five large ships, the Patache being disabled and
+  condemned, and the men taken out of her; and, after a stay of
+  seventeen days only, got under sail without his provisions, which
+  arrived at Maldonado within a day or two after his departure.
+  Notwithstanding this precipitation, we put to sea from St
+  Catharines four days before he did from Maldonado; and at one
+  part of our passage to Cape Horn the two squadrons were so near,
+  that the Pearl, one of our ships, being separated from the rest,
+  fell in with the Spanish fleet, and, mistaking the Asia for the
+  Centurion, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page238" id=
+  "page238"></a>[pg 238]</span> got within gun-shot of the Asia
+  before the mistake was discovered, and narrowly escaped being
+  taken.</p>
+
+  <p>As it was the 22d January when the Spaniards weighed from
+  Maldonado, they could not expect to get into the latitude of Cape
+  Horn before the equinox; and, as they had reason to apprehend
+  very tempestuous weather in doubling it at that season, while the
+  Spanish sailors, for the most part accustomed to a fair-weather
+  country, might be supposed averse from so dangerous and fatiguing
+  a navigation, the better to encourage them, some part of their
+  pay was advanced to them in European goods, which they were to
+  have leave to dispose of in the South-Seas, that so the hopes of
+  the great profits they were to make of their ventures, might
+  animate them in their duty, and render them less disposed to
+  repine at the labours, hardships, and perils they might in all
+  probability meet with, before their arrival on the coast of
+  Peru.</p>
+
+  <p>Towards the latter end of February, Pizarro and his squadron
+  got into the latitude of Cape Horn, and then stood to the
+  westwards in order to double that southern promontory. But, in
+  the night of the last of February O.S. while turning to windward
+  with this view, the Guipuscoa, Hermiona, and Espranza were
+  separated from the admiral. On the 6th March following, the
+  Guipuscoa was separated from the other two; and next day, being
+  that after we passed the Straits of Le Maire, there came on a
+  most furious storm at N.W. which, in spite of all their efforts,
+  drove the whole squadron to the eastward, and, after several
+  fruitless attempts, obliged them to bear away for the river of
+  Plate. Pizarro arrived there in the Asia about the middle of May,
+  and was followed a few days after by the Esperanza and Estevan.
+  The Hermiona was supposed to have foundered, as she was never
+  more heard of; and the Guipuscoa was run on shore and destroyed
+  on the coast of Brazil. The calamities of all kinds which this
+  squadron underwent in their unsuccessful attempt to double Cape
+  Horn, can only be paralleled by what we ourselves experienced in
+  the same climate, when buffeted by the same storms. There was
+  indeed some diversity in our distresses, rendering it difficult
+  to decide whose situation was most worthy of commiseration; for,
+  to all the miseries and misfortunes we experienced in common, as
+  shattered rigging, leaky ships, and the fatigues and despondency
+  necessarily attendant on these disasters, there <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page239" id="page239"></a>[pg 239]</span> was
+  superadded on board our squadron the ravages of a most
+  destructive and incurable disease; and in the Spanish squadron
+  the devastation of famine.</p>
+
+  <p>It has been already observed, that this squadron left Spain
+  with only four months provisions on board, and even that, it is
+  said, at short allowance, either owing to the hurry of their
+  outfit, or presuming upon a supply at Buenos Ayres; so that, when
+  their continuance at sea was prolonged, by the storms they met
+  with off Cape Horn, a month or more beyond their expectation,
+  they were reduced to such infinite distress, that rats, when they
+  could be caught, sold for four dollars a-piece; and a sailor who
+  died in one of the ships, had his death concealed by his brother
+  for some days, who lay all that time in the hammock with the
+  corpse, that he might receive the dead man's allowance of
+  provisions. In this dreadful situation, if their horrors were
+  capable of augmentation, they were alarmed by discovering a
+  conspiracy among the marines on board the Asia, who proposed
+  massacring the officers and whole crew, their sole motive for
+  this bloody resolution appearing to be the desire of relieving
+  their hunger, by appropriating the whole provisions in the ship
+  to themselves. This design was prevented, when just on the point
+  of execution, by means of one of their confessors, and three of
+  the ringleaders were immediately put to death. By the complicated
+  distresses of fatigue, sickness, and famine, the three ships that
+  escaped lost the greatest part of their men. The admiral's ship,
+  the Asia, arrived at Monte Video in the Rio Plata with only half
+  her crew. The Estevan, when she anchored in the bay of Barragan
+  had also lost half her men. The Esperanza was still more
+  unfortunate, for of 450 hands she brought with her from Spain,
+  only 58 remained alive. The whole regiment of foot perished
+  except sixty men. To give a more distinct idea of what they
+  underwent upon this occasion, I shall present a short account of
+  the fate of the Guipuscoa, extracted from a letter written by Don
+  Joseph Mindinuetta, her captain, to a person of distinction at
+  Lima, a copy of which fell into our hands when in the
+  South-Sea.</p>
+
+  <p>Having separated on the 6th March in a fog from the Hermiona
+  and Esperanza, being then, as I suppose, to the S.E. of States
+  Land, and plying to the westward, it blew a furious storm at N.W.
+  the succeeding night, which, at half past ten, split his
+  main-sail, and obliged him to bear away <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page240" id="page240"></a>[pg 240]</span> with
+  his foresail. The ship now went ten knots an hour with a
+  prodigious sea, and often ran her gangway under water. He
+  likewise sprung his main-mast, and the ship made so much water
+  that she could not be freed by four pumps assisted by bailing. On
+  the 9th the wind became calm, but the sea continued so high that
+  the ship, in rolling, opened all her upper works and seams, and
+  started the butt ends of her planks, and the greatest part of her
+  top-timbers, the bolts being drawn by the violence of the roll.
+  In this condition, with additional disasters to the hull and
+  rigging, they continued beating westward to the 12th, when they
+  were in lat. 60° S. and in great want of provisions,
+  numbers perishing daily by the fatigue of pumping, and the
+  survivors quite dispirited by labour, hunger, and the severity of
+  the weather, their decks being covered with snow above a foot in
+  depth. Finding the wind fixed in the west and blowing strong, and
+  their passage that way impossible, they resolved to bear away for
+  the Rio Plata. On the 22d they had to throw overboard all their
+  upper-deck guns and an anchor, and were obliged to take six turns
+  of the cable round the ship to prevent her from opening and
+  falling to pieces. On the 4th of April, in calm weather, but with
+  a very heavy sea, the ship rolled so much that her main-mast came
+  by the board, and was soon after followed by the fore and mizen
+  masts, after which they had to cut away the boltsprit, to
+  diminish, if possible, the leakage forwards. By this time two
+  hundred and fifty of the men had perished by hunger and fatigue.
+  Those who were capable of working at the pumps, at which every
+  officer took his turn without exception, were only allowed an
+  ounce and a half of biscuit daily; while those who were weak and
+  sickly, so that they could not assist in this necessary labour,
+  had no more than one ounce of wheat. It was common for the men to
+  fall down dead at the pumps, and all they could muster for duty,
+  including the officers, was from eighty to an hundred men.</p>
+
+  <p>The S.W. wind blew so fresh for some days after they lost
+  their masts, that they could not set up jury-masts; so that they
+  were obliged to drive like a wreck, between the latitude of
+  32° and 38° S. till the 24th of April, when
+  they made the coast of Brazil at Rio de Patas, ten leagues to the
+  southward of the island of St Catharines. They came here to an
+  anchor, the captain being very desirous of proceeding to St
+  Catharines, in order to save the hull of the ship, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page241" id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> with
+  her guns and stores: But the crew instantly left off pumping, and
+  all in one voice cried out, <i>On shore! on shore!</i> enraged at
+  the hardships they had suffered and the numbers they had lost,
+  there being at this time thirty dead bodies lying on the deck.
+  Thus the captain was obliged to run the ship directly to the
+  land, where she parted and sunk five days after, with all her
+  stores and furniture; but the remainder of the crew, whom hunger
+  and fatigue had spared, to the number of four hundred, got safe
+  on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>From this account of the adventures and catastrophe of the
+  Guiapuscoa, we may form some conjecture of the manner in which
+  the Hermiona was lost, and of the distresses endured by the three
+  remaining ships of the squadron which got into the Rio Plata.
+  These last being in great want of masts, yards, rigging, and all
+  kinds of naval stores, and having no supply at Buenos Ayres or
+  any of the neighbouring settlements, Pizarro dispatched an
+  advice-boat with a letter of credit to Rio de Janeiro, to
+  purchase what was wanting from the Portuguese. He sent at the
+  same time an express across the continent to St Jago de Chili, to
+  be thence forwarded to the viceroy of Peru, informing him of the
+  disasters that had befallen his squadron, and desiring a
+  remittance of two hundred thousand dollars from the royal chest
+  at Lima, to enable him to refit and victual his remaining ships,
+  that he might be again in condition to attempt the passage to the
+  South-Sea as soon as the season of the year should be more
+  favourable. It is mentioned by the Spaniards, as a most
+  extraordinary circumstance, that, though then the depth of
+  winter, when the Cordilleras are esteemed impassable on account
+  of the snow, the Indian who was charged with this express was
+  only thirteen days on his journey from Buenos Ayres to St Jago in
+  Chili, though the distance is three hundred Spanish leagues, near
+  forty of which are among the snows and precipices of the
+  Cordilleras.</p>
+
+  <p>The return to this dispatch of Pizarro from the viceroy was by
+  no means favourable. Instead of two hundred thousand dollars, the
+  sum demanded, the viceroy remitted him only one hundred thousand,
+  telling him that it was with great difficulty he was able to
+  procure even that sum. But the inhabitants of Lima, who
+  considered the presence of Pizarro as absolutely necessary to
+  their security, were much discontented at this procedure, and did
+  not scruple to assert, that it was not the want of money, but the
+  interested views <span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id=
+  "page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> of some of the viceroy's
+  confidants, that prevented Pizarro from getting the whole
+  sum.</p>
+
+  <p>The advice-boat sent to Rio Janeiro also executed her
+  commission but imperfectly; for, though she brought back a
+  considerable quantity of pitch, tar, and cordage, she could not
+  procure either masts or yards; and, as an additional misfortune,
+  Pizarro was disappointed of some masts he expected from Paraguay,
+  as a carpenter whom he entrusted with a large sum of money, and
+  sent there to cut masts, instead of prosecuting the business he
+  was sent upon, married in the country, and refused to return.
+  However, by removing the masts of the Esperanza into the Asia,
+  and using what spare masts and yards they had on board, they made
+  a shift to refit the Asia and Estevan: And, in the October
+  following, Pizarro was prepared to put to sea with these two
+  ships, in order to attempt the passage round Cape Horn a second
+  time; but, in coming down the Rio Plata, the Estevan ran upon a
+  shoal and beat off her rudder, and Pizarro proceeded to sea in
+  the Asia without her. Having now the antarctic summer before him,
+  and the winds favourable, no doubt was made of his having a
+  fortunate and speedy passage: But, when off Cape Horn and going
+  right before the wind, it being moderate weather, though in a
+  swelling sea, the ship rolled away her masts, by some misconduct
+  of the officer having the watch, and was a second time obliged to
+  put back in great distress to the Rio Plata.</p>
+
+  <p>As the Asia had suffered considerably in this second
+  unfortunate expedition, the Esperanza was now ordered to be
+  refitted, the command of her being given to Mindinuetta, who was
+  formerly captain of the Guipuscoa. In November 1742, he sailed
+  from the Rio Plata for the south, and arrived safe on the coast
+  of Chili, where he was met by his commodore, Pizarro, who passed
+  over-land from Buenos Ayres. Great animosities and contests took
+  place between these two officers, owing to the claim of Pizarro
+  to command the Esperanza, which Mindinuetta had brought round,
+  and now refused to resign; insisting, as he had come round the
+  South Sea alone and under no superior, it was not now in the
+  power of Pizarro to resume the authority he had once parted with.
+  But, after a long and obstinate struggle, as the president of
+  Chili interposed and declared for Pizarro, Mindinuetta was
+  obliged to submit.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id=
+  "page243"></a>[pg 243]</span>
+
+  <p>Pizarro had not yet completed the series of his misfortunes.
+  When he and Mindinuetta returned over-land, in 1745, from Chili
+  to Buenos Ayres, they found the Asia still at Monte Video, and
+  resolved, if possible, to carry her to Europe. With this view
+  they refitted her in the best manner they could, but had great
+  difficulty in procuring a sufficient number of hands to navigate
+  her, as all the remaining sailors of the squadron, then to be met
+  with in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres, did not amount to an
+  hundred men. They endeavoured to supply this defect, by pressing
+  many of the inhabitants of Buenos Ayres, and putting on board all
+  the English prisoners then in their custody, together with a
+  number of Portuguese smugglers they had taken at different times,
+  and some of the Indians of the country. Among these last there
+  was a chief and ten of his followers, who had been surprised by a
+  party of Spanish soldiers about three months before. The name of
+  this chief was Orellana, and he belonged to a very powerful
+  tribe, which had committed great ravages in the neighbourhood of
+  Buenos Ayres. With this motley crew, all of them except the
+  European sailors averse from the voyage, Pizarro set sail from
+  Monte Video about the beginning of November 1745: and the native
+  Spaniards, being no strangers to the dissatisfaction of their
+  forced men, treated them, the English prisoners and the Indians,
+  with great insolence and barbarity, particularly the Indians; for
+  it was common in the meanest officers in the ship to beat them
+  cruelly on the slightest pretence, and often merely to shew their
+  superiority.</p>
+
+  <p>Orellana and his followers, though in appearance sufficiently
+  patient and submissive, meditated a severe revenge for all these
+  inhumanities. As these Indians have great intercourse with Buenos
+  Ayres in time of peace, Orellana understood Spanish, and affected
+  to converse with such of the English prisoners as could speak
+  that language, seeming very desirous of being informed how many
+  Englishmen there were on board, and of having them pointed out to
+  him. As he knew the English were as much enemies to the Spaniards
+  as he was, he had doubtless an intention of disclosing his
+  purposes to them, and making them partners in the scheme he had
+  projected for revenging his wrongs and recovering his liberty;
+  but, having sounded them at a distance, and not finding them so
+  precipitate and vindictive as he expected, he proceeded no
+  farther with them, but resolved to trust alone <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page244" id="page244"></a>[pg 244]</span> to
+  the resolution of his ten faithful followers, who readily engaged
+  to observe his directions and to execute his commands. Having
+  agreed on the measures to be pursued, they contrived to provide
+  themselves with Dutch knives, sharp at the point, which, being
+  the common knives used in the ship, they procured without
+  difficulty. They also employed their leisure in secretly cutting
+  thongs from raw hides, of which there were great numbers on
+  board, and in fixing to each end of these thongs the
+  double-headed shot of the small quarter-deck guns; by which they
+  formed most mischievous weapons, in the use of which, by swinging
+  round the head, the Indians about Buenos Ayres are extremely
+  expert, being trained to it from their infancy. When these things
+  were in good forwardness, the execution of their scheme was
+  perhaps precipitated by a particular outrage committed upon
+  Orellana, who was ordered aloft by one of the officers, and being
+  incapable of doing so, the officer, who was a brutal fellow, beat
+  him with such violence, under pretence of disobedience, that he
+  left him bleeding on the deck, and quite stupified with wounds
+  and bruises. This certainly increased his thirst of revenge, so
+  that within a day or two he and his followers began to execute
+  their desperate resolves in the following manner.</p>
+
+  <p>About nine in the evening, when many of the principal officers
+  were on the quarter-deck indulging in the freshness of the night
+  air, the forecastle being manned with its customary watch,
+  Orellana and his companions, having prepared their weapons, and
+  thrown off their trowsers and other cumbrous parts of their
+  dress, came all together on the quarter-deck, and drew towards
+  the door of the great cabin. The boatswain reprimanded them for
+  their presumption, and ordered them to be gone; on which Orellana
+  spoke to his followers in their native language, when four of
+  them drew off, two towards each gangway, and the chief and six
+  remaining Indians seemed to be slowly quitting the quarter-deck.
+  When the detached Indians had taken possession of the gangways,
+  Orellana placed his hands hollow to his mouth, and bellowed out
+  the war-cry of the savages, said to be the harshest and most
+  terrifying of sounds. This hideous yell was the signal for
+  beginning the massacre; upon which all the Indians drew their
+  knives and brandished their prepared double-headed shot. The
+  chief, and the six who remained with him on the quarter-deck,
+  fell immediately on <span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id=
+  "page245"></a>[pg 245]</span> the Spaniards with whom they were
+  intermingled, and in a very short space laid forty of them at
+  their feet, above twenty of whom were killed on the spot, and the
+  rest disabled.</p>
+
+  <p>In the beginning of the tumult, many of the officers rushed
+  into the great cabin, where they put out the lights and
+  barricadoed the door; while of the others, who had escaped the
+  first fury of the Indians, some endeavoured to escape along the
+  gangways to the forecastle, where the Indians, placed there on
+  purpose, stabbed the greater part of them as they attempted to
+  pass, or forced them off the gangways into the waste of the ship,
+  which was filled with live cattle. Some threw themselves
+  voluntarily over the barricades into the waste, and thought
+  themselves fortunate to lie concealed among the cattle; but the
+  greatest part escaped up the main-shrouds, and took shelter in
+  the tops and rigging of the ship. Although the Indians only
+  attacked the quarter-deck, yet the watch in the forecastle,
+  finding their communication cut off, and terrified by a few of
+  the wounded who had been able to force their passage, and not
+  knowing either who were their enemies, or what were their
+  numbers, they also gave all over for lost, and in great confusion
+  ran up into the rigging of the foremast and boltsprit.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus these eleven Indians, with a resolution perhaps without
+  example, possessed themselves almost in an instant of the
+  quarter-deck of a ship mounting sixty-six guns, and manned by
+  near five hundred hands, and even continued in peaceable
+  possession of this part for some time. During a considerable
+  space, the officers in the great cabin, among whom were Pizarro
+  and Mindinuetta, the crew between decks, and those who had
+  escaped into the tops and rigging, were merely anxious for their
+  own safety, and were incapable of forming any project for
+  suppressing the insurrection and recovering the possession of the
+  ship. The yells of the Indians, the groans of the wounded, and
+  the confused clamours of the crew, all heightened by the darkness
+  of the night, had at first greatly magnified the danger, and
+  filled them with imaginary terrors. The Spaniards were sensible
+  of the dissatisfaction of their impressed hands, and were
+  conscious of their barbarity to their prisoners, wherefore they
+  concluded that the conspiracy was general, and considered their
+  own destruction as infallible; insomuch, that some are said to
+  have designed to leap into the sea, but were prevented by their
+  companions.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id=
+  "page246"></a>[pg 246]</span>
+
+  <p>When the Indians had entirely cleared the quarter-deck, the
+  tumult in a great measure subsided; for those who had escaped
+  were kept silent by their fears, and the Indians were incapable
+  of pursuing them. Orellana, when master of the quarter-deck,
+  broke open the arm-chest, which had been ordered there a few days
+  before, on a slight suspicion of mutiny. He there expected to
+  find cutlasses wherewith to arm himself and his followers, who
+  were all well skilled in the use of that weapon, and with these
+  it is imagined they proposed to have forced the great cabin: But
+  on opening the chest, there appeared nothing but fire-arms, which
+  to them were of no use. There were indeed abundance of cutlasses
+  in the chest, but they were hidden by the fire-arms being laid
+  uppermost. This was a sensible disappointment to Orellana and his
+  Indians. By this time Pizarro and his companions in the great
+  cabin had been able to communicate with those below in the
+  gun-room and between decks, by conversing aloud through the cabin
+  windows; by which means they learnt that the English prisoners,
+  whom they chiefly suspected, were all safe below, and had not
+  participated in the mutiny; and by other circumstances they were
+  at last made sensible that Orellana and his people only were
+  concerned in it. Upon this information, Pizarro and the officers
+  resolved to attack them on the quarter-deck, before any of the
+  discontented on board had so far recovered from their surprise as
+  to reflect on the facility of seizing the ship by joining with
+  the Indians. With this view, Pizarro collected what arms were in
+  the cabin and distributed them to those who were with him. There
+  were no fire-arms except pistols, and for these they had neither
+  powder nor ball; but having now a correspondence with the
+  gun-room, they lowered a bucket from the cabin window, into which
+  the gunner put a quantity of pistol cartridges out of one of the
+  gun-room ports. Having thus procured ammunition, and loaded their
+  pistols, they partly opened the cabin door, and fired several
+  shots among the Indians on the quarter-deck, though at first
+  without effect. At last Mindinuetta had the good fortune to shoot
+  Orellana dead; on which his faithful companions, abandoning all
+  thoughts of farther resistance, instantly leaped into the sea,
+  where they all perished. Thus was this insurrection quelled, and
+  possession of the quarter-deck regained, after it had been fully
+  two hours in the power of this <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page247" id="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span> great and daring
+  chief, and his small band of gallant unhappy countrymen.</p>
+
+  <p>Having thus escaped from imminent peril, Pizarro continued his
+  voyage for Europe, and arrived safely on the coast of Gallicia in
+  the beginning of the year 1746, after an absence of between four
+  and five years, and having, by attendance on our expedition,
+  diminished the royal power of Spain by above three thousand of
+  their prime sailors, and by four considerable ships of war and a
+  patache. For we have seen that the Hermione foundered at sea, the
+  Guipuscoa was stranded and destroyed on the coast of Brazil, the
+  St Estevan was condemned and broken up in the Rio Plata, and the
+  Esperanza, being left in the South Sea, is doubtless by this time
+  incapable of returning to Spain: So that the Asia alone, with
+  less than an hundred hands, may be considered as all that remains
+  of the squadron with which Pizarro put forth to sea; and whoever
+  considers the very large proportion which this squadron bore to
+  the whole navy of Spain, will no doubt confess that, even if our
+  undertaking had been attended with no other advantages, than that
+  of ruining so great a part of the naval force of so dangerous an
+  enemy, this alone would be a sufficient equivalent for our
+  equipment, and an incontestable proof of the service which the
+  nation has thence received. Having thus given a summary of
+  Pizarro's adventures, I return to the narrative of our own
+  transactions.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION IV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Passage from Madeira to St Catharines.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>I have already mentioned that we weighed from Madeira on the
+  3d November, after orders being given to rendezvous at St Jago,
+  one of the Cape Verd islands, in case of a separation. But next
+  day, when we were got to sea, the commodore, considering that the
+  season was far advanced, and that touching at St Jago would
+  create additional delay, thought proper for this reason to alter
+  the rendezvous, and appointed the island of St Catharines, on the
+  coast of Brazil, to be the first place to which the ships of the
+  squadron were to repair, in case of separation.</p>
+
+  <p>In our passage to the island of St Catharines, we found the
+  direction of the trade winds to differ considerably from what
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id="page248"></a>[pg
+  248]</span> we had reason to expect, both from the general
+  histories given of these winds, and the experience of former
+  navigators. For the learned Dr Halley, in his account of the
+  trade-winds which prevail in the Ethiopic and Atlantic Oceans,
+  tells us that, from the lat. of 28° N. to 10°
+  N. there is generally a fresh gale of N.E. wind, which, towards
+  the African coasts, rarely comes to the eastward of E.N.E. or
+  passes to the northward of N.N.E. but on the American side the
+  wind is somewhat more easterly; though even there it is commonly
+  a point or two to the northward of east; that from 10°
+  N. to 4° N. the calms and tornadoes take place; and from
+  4° N. to 30° S. the winds are generally and
+  perpetually between the south and east. We expected to find this
+  account of the matter confirmed by our experience; but we found
+  considerable variations from it, both in regard to the steadiness
+  of the winds, and the quarters from whence they blew. For though
+  we met with a N.E. wind about lat. 28° N. yet, from lat.
+  25° N. to 18° N the wind was never once to the
+  northward of E. but almost constantly to the southward of it.
+  From thence, however, to 6° 20' N. we had it usually to
+  the northward of E. though not always, as it changed for a short
+  time to E.S.E. From 6° 20' N. to about 4° 46'
+  N. the weather was very unsettled, the wind being sometimes N.E.
+  then changing to S.E. and sometimes we had a dead calm, with
+  small rain and lightning. After this, to the lat. of 7°
+  30' S. the wind continued almost invariably between S. and E. and
+  then again as invariably between N. and E. till we came to
+  15° 30' S. then E. and S.E. to 21° 37' S. After
+  this, even to 27° 44' S. the wind was never once between
+  S. and E. though we had it in all the other quarters of the
+  compass; though this last circumstance may be in some measure
+  accounted for from our approach to the coast of Brazil.</p>
+
+  <p>I do not mention these particulars with a view of cavilling at
+  the received accounts of these trade-winds, which, I doubt not,
+  are sufficiently accurate; but I thought it worthy of public
+  notice, that such deviations from the established rules do
+  sometimes take place. This observation may not only be of service
+  to navigators, by putting them on their guard against these
+  hitherto unexplained and unnoticed irregularities, but it is also
+  a circumstance that requires to be attended to in the solution of
+  the great question about the causes of trade-winds and monsoons;
+  a question which, in my opinion, has not been hitherto discussed
+  with that clearness and accuracy <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page249" id="page249"></a>[pg 249]</span> which its importance
+  demands, whether it be considered in a naval or a philosophical
+  point of view.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 16th November, one of our victuallers made a signal to
+  speak with the commodore, and we shortened sail for her to come
+  up with us. The master came on board, and represented to Mr
+  Anson, that, having complied with the terms of his charter-party,
+  he now desired to be unloaded and discharged. On consulting the
+  captain of the squadron, it was found all the ships had still
+  such quantities of provisions between their decks, and were also
+  so deep, that they could only take in their proportions of brandy
+  from the Industry pink, one of the victuallers; and consequently
+  the commodore had to continue the other, the Ann pink, in the
+  service of attending the squadron. Accordingly, a signal was made
+  next day for the ships to bring to, and the long-boats were
+  employed that and the three following days, till the 19th in the
+  evening, to take their proportions of the brandy in the Industry
+  to the several ships of the squadron. Being then unloaded, she
+  parted company, intending for Barbadoes; and there to take in a
+  freight for England. Most of the officers in the squadron took
+  the opportunity of this ship, to write to their friends at home;
+  but I have been informed she was taken by the Spaniards.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 20th November, the captains of the squadron represented
+  to the commodore, that their ships companies were very sickly;
+  and that, both in their own opinions and of their surgeons, it
+  would tend to the health of the men to let in more air between
+  decks; but that the ships were so deep in the water, that the
+  lower-deck ports could not possibly be opened. On this
+  representation, the commodore ordered six air-scuttles to be cut
+  in each ship, in such places as had least tendency to weaken
+  them. On this occasion, I cannot but observe how much it is the
+  duty of all who have any influence in the direction of our naval
+  affairs, to attend to the preservation of the lives and health of
+  our seamen. If it could be supposed that motives of humanity were
+  insufficient for this purpose, yet policy, a regard to the
+  success of our arms, and the honour and interest of each
+  individual commander, all should lead to a careful and impartial
+  examination of every probable method proposed for preserving the
+  health and vigour of seamen. But hath this been always done? Have
+  the late invented, plain, and obvious methods for keeping our
+  ships sweet and clean, by a constant supply <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page250" id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> of
+  fresh air, been considered with that candour and temper which the
+  great benefits they promise to produce ought naturally to have
+  inspired? On the contrary, have not these salutary schemes been
+  often treated with neglect and contempt? And have not some, who
+  have been entrusted with experimenting their effects, been guilty
+  of the most indefensible partiality in the accounts they have
+  given of these trials? It must, however, be confessed, that many
+  distinguished persons, both in the direction and command of our
+  fleets, have exerted themselves on these occasions with a
+  judicious and dispassionate examination, becoming the interesting
+  nature of the enquiry: But the wonder is, that any one should
+  have been found so irrational as to act a contrary part, in
+  despite of the strongest dictates of prudence and humanity. I
+  cannot, however, believe this conduct to have arisen from such
+  savage motives as the first reflection seems naturally to
+  suggest; but am apt rather to impute it to an obstinate, and, as
+  it were, superstitious attachment to long-established practices,
+  and to a settled contempt and hatred to all innovations,
+  especially such as are projected by landsmen, or persons residing
+  on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>We crossed the equinoctial, with a fine fresh gale at N.E. on
+  Friday, the 28th November, at four in the morning, being thus, by
+  estimation, in long. 27° 59' W. from London. In the
+  morning of the 2d December, we saw a sail in the N.W. and made
+  the Gloucester's and Tryal's signals to chase; and half an hour
+  after, let out our reefs, and chased with the rest of the
+  squadron. About noon a signal was made for the Wager to take our
+  remaining victualler, the Ann pink, in tow; but, at seven in the
+  evening, finding we did not near the chase, and that the Wager
+  was very far astern, we shortened sail, and recalled the chasing
+  ships. Next day but one we again discovered a sail, which, on a
+  nearer approach, we judged to be the same vessel. We chased her
+  the whole day, and though we rather gained upon her, night came
+  on before we could overtake her, which obliged us to give over
+  the chase, to collect the scattered squadron. We were much
+  chagrined at the escape of this vessel, supposing her to have
+  been an advice-boat from Old Spain to Buenos Ayres, sent to give
+  notice of our expedition: But we have since learnt that it was
+  our East-India Company's packet, bound to St Helena.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 10th December, being by our reckoning in lat.
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id="page251"></a>[pg
+  251]</span> 20° S. and long. 36° 30' W. from
+  London, the Tryal fired a gun to denote soundings. We immediately
+  tried, and found sixty fathoms, the bottom coarse ground with
+  broken shells. The Tryal, which was a-head of us, had at one time
+  thirty-seven fathoms, which afterwards increased to ninety, after
+  which she had no bottom; which happened to us also at our second
+  trial, though we sounded with a line of 150 fathoms. This is the
+  shoal laid down in most charts by the name of the
+  <i>Abrollos</i>,<a id="footnotetag108" name=
+  "footnotetag108"></a><a href="#footnote108"><sup>1</sup></a> and
+  it appeared we were upon its verge; perhaps farther in it may be
+  extremely dangerous. We were then, by our different accounts,
+  from sixty to ninety leagues east of the coast of Brazil. Next
+  day but one we spoke a Portuguese brigantine from Rio Janeiro
+  bound to <i>Bahia de todos los Santos</i>, by which we learnt
+  that we were thirty-four leagues from Cape St Thomas, and forty
+  from Cape Frio; which latter bore from us W.S.W. By our own
+  accounts we were nearly eight leagues from Cape Frio; and though,
+  on the information of this brig, we altered our course, standing
+  more southerly, yet, by our coming in with the land afterwards,
+  we were fully convinced that our own reckoning was more correct
+  than that of the Portuguese. After passing lat. 16° S.
+  we found a considerable current setting to the southward. The
+  same took place all along the coast of Brazil, and even to the
+  southward of the Rio Plata, amounting sometimes to thirty miles
+  in twenty-four hours, and once to above forty miles. If, as is
+  most probable, this current be occasioned by the running off of
+  the water which is accumulated on the coast of Brazil by the
+  constant sweeping of the eastern trade-wind over the Ethiopic
+  Ocean, it were then most natural to suppose that its general
+  course must be determined by the bearings of the adjacent shores.
+  Perhaps in every instance of currents the same may hold true, as
+  I believe there are no examples of any considerable currents at
+  any great distance from land. If this could be ascertained as a
+  general principle, it might be easy by their assistance and the
+  observed latitude, to correct the reckoning. But it were much to
+  be wished, for the general interests of navigation, that the
+  actual settings of the different currents in various parts of the
+  world were examined more frequently and more accurately than
+  appears to have been done hitherto.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page252" id="page252"></a>[pg 252]</span>
+
+  <p>We began now to grow impatient for a sight of land, both for
+  the recovery of our sick, and for the refreshment and security of
+  those who still continued in health. When we left. St Helens, we
+  were in so good a condition that we only lost two men in the
+  Centurion in our long run to Madeira. But in this run, from
+  Madeira to St Catharines, we were remarkably sickly, so that many
+  died, and great numbers were confined to their hammocks, both in
+  our ship and the others, and several of these past all hopes of
+  recovery. The disorders they in general laboured under were those
+  common to hot climates, and which most ships bound to the south
+  experience in a greater or less degree. These were the fevers
+  usually called <i>calentures</i>, a disease not only terrible in
+  its first instance, but of which the remains often proved fatal
+  to those who considered themselves as recovered; for it always
+  left them in a very weak and helpless condition, and usually
+  afflicted with fluxes or tenesmus. By our continuance at sea all
+  these complaints were every day increasing; so that it was with
+  great joy we discovered the coast of Brazil on the 18th December,
+  at seven in the morning.</p>
+
+  <p>The coast of Brazil appeared high and mountainous, extending
+  from W. to W.S.W. and when we first saw it, the distance was
+  about seventeen leagues. At noon we could perceive a low double
+  land, bearing W.S.W. about ten leagues distant, which we took to
+  be the island of St Catharines. That afternoon and the next
+  morning, the wind being N.N.W. we gained very little to windward,
+  and were apprehensive of being driven to leeward of the island:
+  But next day, a little before noon, the wind came about to the
+  southward, and enabled us to steer in between the N. point of St
+  Catharines and the neighbouring island of Alvoredo. As we stood
+  in for the land we had regular soundings, gradually decreasing
+  from thirty-six to twelve fathoms, all muddy ground. In this last
+  depth of water we let go our anchor at five in the evening of the
+  18th,<a id="footnotetag109" name="footnotetag109"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote109"><sup>2</sup></a> the N.W. part of St Catharines
+  bearing S.S.W. three miles off; and the island of Alvoredo N.N.E.
+  distant two leagues. Here we found the tide to set S.S.E. and
+  N.N.W. at the rate of two knots, the tide of flood coming from
+  the southward.</p>
+
+  <p>We could perceive from our ships two fortifications at a
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253"></a>[pg
+  253]</span> considerable distance from us, which seemed intended
+  to prevent the passage of an enemy between the island of St
+  Catharines and the main. We could also soon see that our squadron
+  had alarmed the coast, as the two forts hoisted their colours and
+  fired several guns, signals, as we supposed, for assembling the
+  inhabitants. To prevent any confusion, the commodore immediately
+  sent an officer to compliment the governor, and to request a
+  pilot to conduct our ships into the road. The governor returned a
+  very civil answer, and ordered us a pilot. On the morning of the
+  20th we weighed and stood in, and the pilot came aboard of us
+  about noon, and the same afternoon brought us to anchor in five
+  and a half fathoms, in a commodious bay on the continent, called
+  by the French Bon-port. From our last anchorage to this, we found
+  every where an oozy bottom, the water first regularly decreasing
+  to five fathoms, and then increasing to seven, after which we had
+  five and six fathoms alternately. The squadron weighed again next
+  morning, in order to run above the two fortifications formerly
+  mentioned, which are called the castles of Santa Cruiz and St
+  Joam. Our soundings between the island and the main were four,
+  five, and six fathoms, with muddy ground. We saluted the castle
+  of Santa Cruiz in passing with eleven guns, and were answered
+  with an equal number. At one in the afternoon of the 21st
+  December, the squadron came to anchor in five fathoms and a half,
+  Governor's Isle bearing N.N.W. St Joam's castle N.E. 1/2 E. and
+  the island of St Antonio S. At this time the squadron was sickly,
+  and in great want of refreshments, both of which we hoped to have
+  speedily remedied at this settlement, celebrated by former
+  navigators for its healthiness and abundance of provisions, and
+  for the freedom, indulgence, and friendly assistance given here
+  to all the ships of nations in amity with the crown of
+  Portugal.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote108" name="footnote108"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag108">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the map of the world by Arrowsmith, the Abrolhos are made
+    a cluster of islands off the coast of Brazil, in lat.
+    18° 10' S. long. 39° W. from Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote109" name="footnote109"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag109">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There is an error in date here, as it has been already said
+    they first got sight of the coast of Brazil on the 18th,
+    obviously two days before. Hence, if the former date be right,
+    this ought to be the 20th.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION V.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Proceedings at St Catharines, and a Description of that
+  Place, with a short Account of Brazil.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Our first care after mooring the ships was to get our sick men
+  on shore; preparatory for which each ship was ordered by the
+  commodore to erect two tents, one for the reception <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page254" id="page254"></a>[pg 254]</span> of
+  the sick, and the other for the surgeon and his assistants. We
+  sent eighty sick on shore from the Centurion, and I believe the
+  other ships sent as many in proportion to the number of their
+  hands. As soon as this necessary duty was performed, we scraped
+  our decks, and gave our ship a thorough cleansing, then smoaked
+  it between decks, and lastly washed every part with vinegar.
+  These operations were extremely necessary for correcting the
+  noisome stench on board, and destroying the vermin; for, from the
+  number of our men and the heat of the climate, both these
+  nuisances had increased upon us to a very loathsome degree, and,
+  besides being most intolerably offensive, were doubtless in some
+  sort productive of the sickness we had laboured under for a
+  considerable time before our arrival at this island.<a id=
+  "footnotetag110" name="footnotetag110"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote110"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Our next employment was wooding and watering the squadron,
+  caulking the sides and decks of the ships, overhawling the
+  rigging, and securing our masts against the tempestuous weather
+  we were, in all probability, to meet with in going round Cape
+  Horn at so advanced and inconvenient a season. Before proceeding
+  in the narrative of our voyage, it may be proper to give some
+  account of the present state of the island of St Catharines and
+  the neighbouring country; both because the circumstances of the
+  place have materially changed from what they were in the time of
+  former writers, and as these changes laid us under many more
+  difficulties and perplexities than we had reason to expect, or
+  than other British ships, bound hereafter to the South Sea, may
+  perhaps think it prudent to struggle with.</p>
+
+  <p>This island is nine leagues from N. to S. and two from E. to
+  W. It extends from lat. 27° 35' to 28° both S.
+  and is in long. 49° 45' W. from London.<a id=
+  "footnotetag111" name="footnotetag111"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote111"><sup>2</sup></a> Although of considerable height,
+  it is scarcely discernible at the distance of ten leagues, being
+  obscured under the continent of Brazil, the mountains of which
+  are exceedingly high; but on a nearer approach is easily
+  distinguished, and may be readily known by having a <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page255" id="page255"></a>[pg 255]</span>
+  number of small islands at each end.<a id="footnotetag112" name=
+  "footnotetag112"></a><a href="#footnote112"><sup>3</sup></a>
+  Frezier has given a draught of the island of St Catharines and
+  the neighbouring coast, with the smaller adjacent isles; but has,
+  by mistake, called the island of Alvoredo St Gal; whereas the
+  true island of St Gal is seven or eight miles northward of
+  Alvoredo, and much smaller. He has also called an island to the
+  southward of St Catharines Alvoredo, and has omitted the island
+  of Masaquara. In other respects his plan is sufficiently exact.
+  The best entrance to the harbour is between the N.E. point of the
+  island of St Catharines and the island of Alvoredo, where ships
+  may pass under the guidance of the lead, without the least
+  apprehensions of danger. The north entrance is about five miles
+  broad, the distance from thence to the island of St Antonio is
+  eight miles, and the coarse to that island is S.S.W. 1/2 W. About
+  the middle of the island the harbour is contracted to a narrow
+  channel by two points of land, not more than a quarter of a mile
+  separate, and at this time a battery was erecting on the point on
+  the island side to defend this passage. This seemed, however, a
+  very useless work, as this channel had only two fathoms water,
+  and is consequently only navigable for barks and boats, wherefore
+  an enemy could have no inducement to attempt this passage, more
+  especially as the northern one is so broad and safe that no
+  squadron can be prevented from coming in by any fortifications
+  whatever, when the sea-breeze makes. The brigadier Don Jose Sylva
+  de Paz, who is governor of this settlement, has a different
+  opinion; for, besides the above-mentioned battery, there were
+  three other forts carrying on for the defence of the harbour,
+  none of which were completed when we were there. The first of
+  these, called St Joam, was building on a point of the island of
+  St Catharines, near Parrot Island. The second, in form of a
+  half-moon, was on the island of St Antonio; and the third, which
+  seemed the chief, and had some appearance of a regular
+  fortification, is on an island near the continent, where the
+  governor resides. Don Jose Sylva de Paz was esteemed an expert
+  engineer; and he doubtless understood one branch of his business
+  very well, which is the advantages which new works bring to those
+  who have charge of their erection.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page256" id="page256"></a>[pg 256]</span>
+
+  <p>The soil of this island is truly luxuriant, producing many
+  kinds of fruits spontaneously, and is covered over with one
+  continued forest of trees, in perpetual verdure, and which, from
+  the exuberant fertility of the soil, are so entangled with
+  thorns, briars, and underwood, as to form an absolutely
+  impenetrable thicket, except by some narrow paths which the
+  inhabitants have opened for their own convenience; and these,
+  with a few spots cleared for plantations, along that side of the
+  island which faces the continent, are the only uncovered parts of
+  the island. The woods are extremely fragrant, from the many
+  aromatic trees and shrubs with which they abound, and here the
+  fruits and vegetables of all climates thrive, almost without
+  culture, and are to be had in great plenty, so that there is no
+  want of pine-apples, peaches, grapes, oranges, lemons, citrons,
+  melons, apricots, and plantains; there is also abundance of
+  onions and potatoes, two productions of no small consideration
+  for sea-stores. The flesh provisions are, however, much inferior
+  to the vegetables. There are, indeed, small wild cattle to be
+  purchased, something like buffaloes, but these are very
+  indifferent food, their flesh being of a loose texture, and
+  generally of a disagreeable flavour, probably owing to their
+  feeding on wild calabash. There are also abundance of pheasants,
+  but they are not to be compared in taste to those we have in
+  England. The other provisions of the place are monkeys, parrots,
+  and, above all, fish of various sorts: These abound in the
+  harbour, and are both exceedingly good and easily caught, as
+  there are numerous sandy bays, very convenient for haling the
+  seyne.</p>
+
+  <p>The water, both on the island and the opposite continent, is
+  excellent, and preserves at sea as well as that of the Thames.
+  After it has been a day or two in the cask, it begins to purge
+  itself, stinks most abominably, and is soon covered over with a
+  green scum, which subsides in a few days to the bottom, leaving
+  the water perfectly sweet, and as clear as crystal. The French
+  first brought this place into repute during their South-Sea trade
+  in the reign of Queen Anne, and usually wooded and watered in
+  Bon-port, on the continental side of the harbour, where they
+  anchored in great safety in six fathoms, and this is doubtless
+  the most commodious station for ships that are meant only for a
+  short stay. We watered on the St Catharine's side, at a
+  plantation opposite to the island of St Antonio.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page257" id="page257"></a>[pg 257]</span>
+
+  <p>Such are the advantages of this island; but it has its
+  inconveniences also, partly proceeding from its climate, but more
+  particularly from its new regulations and the form of its
+  government, as lately established. In regard to the climate, it
+  must be remembered that the woods and hills which surround the
+  harbour prevent a free circulation of air, and the continual
+  vigorous vegetation furnishes such a prodigious quantity of
+  vapour, that a thick fog covers the whole country all night, and
+  a great part of the morning, continuing till either the sun
+  gathers strength to dissipate it, or it is dispersed by a brisk
+  sea-breeze. This renders the place close and humid, and probably
+  occasioned the many fevers and fluxes we were there afflicted
+  with. I must not omit to add, that we were pestered all day by
+  vast numbers of mosquetoes, which are not much unlike the gnats
+  in England, but much more venomous in their stings. At sunset,
+  when the musquetoes retired, they were succeeded by an infinity
+  of sand-flies, which made a mighty buzzing, though scarcely
+  discernable by the naked eye; wherever these bite, they raise a
+  small lump attended by painful itching, like that arising from
+  the bite of an English harvest bug. The only light in which this
+  place deserves our consideration is its favourable situation for
+  supplying and refreshing our cruizers bound for the South Sea,
+  and in this view its greatest inconveniences remain to be
+  related, to do which more distinctly, it may not be amiss to
+  consider the changes which it has lately undergone, both in its
+  inhabitants, its police, and its governor.</p>
+
+  <p>In the time of Frazier and Shelvocke, this place served only
+  as a retreat to vagabonds and outlaws, who fled hither from all
+  parts of Brazil. It is true, that they acknowledged their
+  subjection to the crown of Portugal, and had a person among them
+  whom they called their captain, and who was considered as a kind
+  of governor; but both their allegiance to their king, and their
+  obedience to the captain, were merely verbal; for, as they had
+  plenty of provisions and no money, they were in a condition to
+  support themselves without aid from any neighbouring settlements,
+  and had nothing among them to tempt any neighbouring governor to
+  interpose his authority among them. In this situation they were
+  extremely hospitable and friendly to such foreign ships as came
+  among them; for, as these ships wanted only provisions, of which
+  the natives had great store, while the natives wanted clothes,
+  for they often despised money, and refused to <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page258" id="page258"></a>[pg 258]</span> take
+  it, the ships furnished them with apparel in exchange for their
+  provisions, both sides finding their account in this traffic, and
+  their captain had neither interest nor power to tax or restrain
+  it.</p>
+
+  <p>Of late, for reasons which will afterwards appear, these
+  honest vagabonds have been obliged to receive a new colony among
+  them, and to submit to new laws and a new form of government.
+  Instead of their former ragged and bare-legged captain, whom they
+  took care, however, to keep innocent, they have now the honour of
+  being governed by Don Jose Sylva de Paz, a brigadier of the
+  armies of Portugal, who is accompanied by a garrison of soldiers,
+  and has consequently a more extensive and better supported power
+  than any of his predecessors: And as he wears better cloaths,
+  lives more splendidly, and has a much better knowledge of the
+  importance of money than any of them could ever pretend to, so he
+  puts in practice certain methods for procuring it with which they
+  were utterly unacquainted; yet it may be much doubted if the
+  inhabitants consider these methods as tending to promote either
+  their interests, or that of their sovereign, the king of
+  Portugal. This much is certain, that his behaviour cannot but be
+  extremely embarrassing to such British ships as touch here in
+  their way to the South Seas.</p>
+
+  <p>One of his practices was, that he placed centinels at all the
+  avenues, to prevent the people from selling us any refreshments,
+  except at such exorbitant rates as we could not afford to give.
+  His pretence for this extraordinary stretch of power was, that he
+  was obliged to preserve their provisions for upwards of an
+  hundred families, which were daily expected as a reinforcement to
+  the colony. Thus he seems no novice in his profession, by his
+  readiness at inventing a plausible pretence for his interested
+  management. This circumstance, however, though sufficiently
+  provoking, was far from being the most exceptionable part of his
+  conduct; for, as by the neighbourhood of the Rio Plata, a
+  considerable smuggling trade is carried on between the Portuguese
+  and Spaniards, especially in exchanging gold for silver, by which
+  both princes are defrauded of their fifths; and as Don Jose was
+  deeply engaged in this prohibited commerce, in order to
+  ingratiate himself with his Spanish correspondents, he
+  treacherously dispatched an express to Buenos Ayres, where
+  Pizarro then lay, with an account of our arrival, our strength,
+  the number, of our ships, guns, men, and every circumstance
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" id="page259"></a>[pg
+  259]</span> he could suppose our enemy desirous of being
+  acquainted with.</p>
+
+  <p>This much, and what we shall have to relate in the course of
+  our own proceedings, may suffice as to the present state of St
+  Catharines and the character of its governor. But as the reader
+  may wish to know the reasons for the late new modelling of this
+  settlement, it will require, to explain this circumstance, to
+  give a short account of the adjacent continent of Brazil, and of
+  the wonderful discoveries which have been made within the last
+  forty years, which, from a country of but mean estimation, has
+  rendered it now perhaps the most considerable colony on the face
+  of the earth.</p>
+
+  <p>This country was first discovered by Americus Vesputio, a
+  Florentine, who had the good fortune to be honoured by giving his
+  name to the immense continent found out some time before by
+  Columbus. As Vesputio was in the service of Portugal, this
+  discovery was settled and planned by that nation, and afterwards
+  devolved to the crown of Spain along with the rest of the
+  Portuguese dominions. During the long war between Spain and the
+  states of Holland, the Dutch possessed themselves of the
+  northermost parts of Brazil, and kept it for some years; but,
+  when the Portuguese revolted from the Spanish government, this
+  country took part in the revolt, and the Dutch were soon driven
+  out of their acquisitions; since which time it has continued
+  without interruption under the crown of Portugal. Till the
+  beginning of the present century, it was only productive of sugar
+  and tobacco, and a few other commodities of very little
+  importance; but has been lately discovered to abound in the two
+  mineral productions, gold and diamonds, which mankind hold in the
+  highest estimation, and which they exercise their utmost art and
+  industry in acquiring.</p>
+
+  <p>Gold was first found in the mountains adjacent to the city of
+  Rio Janeiro. The occasion of its discovery is variously related,
+  but the most common account is, that the Indians dwelling on the
+  back of the Portuguese settlements were observed, by the soldiers
+  employed in an expedition against them, to use this metal for
+  fish-hooks; and, on enquiry into their manner of procuring this
+  precious metal, it appeared that great quantities of it were
+  annually washed from the hills, and left among the sand and
+  gravel which remained in the vallies after the running off or
+  evaporation of the water. It is now [in 1740] little more than
+  forty years since any quantities <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page260" id="page260"></a>[pg 260]</span> of gold, worth notice,
+  have been imported from Brazil to Europe; but, since that time,
+  the annual imports have been continually augmented by the
+  discovery of places in other provinces, where it is to be met
+  with as plentifully as at first about Rio Janeiro. It is alleged
+  that a <i>slender vein</i><a id="footnotetag113" name=
+  "footnotetag113"></a><a href="#footnote113"><sup>4</sup></a> of
+  gold spread through all the country, at about twenty-four feet
+  below the surface, but that this vein is too thin and poor to
+  answer the expence of digging.<a id="footnotetag114" name=
+  "footnotetag114"></a><a href="#footnote114"><sup>5</sup></a>
+  However, where the rivers or rains have had any course for a
+  considerable time, there gold is always to be collected, the
+  water having separated the metal from the earth, and deposited it
+  in the sands, thereby saving the expence of digging; hence it is
+  esteemed an infallible gain to be able to divert a stream from
+  its channel, and ransack its bed. From this account of the manner
+  of gathering gold, it should follow that there are no mines of
+  this metal in Brazil, and this the governor of Rio Grande, who
+  happened to be at St Catharines, and frequently visited Mr Anson,
+  did most confidently affirm, assuring us that all the gold was
+  collected from rivers, or from the beds of torrents after floods.
+  It is indeed asserted that large rocks are found in the mountains
+  abounding in gold, and I have seen a fragment of one of these
+  rocks having a considerable lump of gold entangled in it; but,
+  even in this case, the workmen only break off the rocks, and do
+  not properly mine into them; and the great expence of subsisting
+  among these mountains, and in afterwards separating the metal
+  from the stone, occasions this method of procuring gold to be but
+  rarely put in practice.</p>
+
+  <p>The examining the bottom of rivers and beds of torrents, and
+  the washing the gold there found, from the sand and dirt with
+  which it is always mixed, are performed by slaves, who are
+  principally negroes, kept in great numbers by the Portuguese for
+  this purpose. The regulation of the duty of these slaves is
+  singular, as they are each of them obliged to furnish their
+  master with the eighth part of an ounce of gold daily.<a id=
+  "footnotetag115" name="footnotetag115"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote115"><sup>6</sup></a> <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page261" id="page261"></a>[pg 261]</span> If they are either so
+  fortunate or industrious as to collect a greater quantity, the
+  surplus becomes their own property, and they may dispose of it as
+  they think fit; so that some negroes, who have accidentally
+  fallen upon rich washing-places, are said to have themselves
+  purchased slaves, and to have lived afterwards in great
+  splendour, their original master having no other demand upon them
+  than the daily supply of the before-mentioned eighths; which, as
+  the Portuguese ounce is somewhat lighter than our troy ounce, may
+  amount to about nine shillings sterling.</p>
+
+  <p>The quantity of gold thus collected in the Brazils and
+  returned annually to Lisbon, may be estimated, in some degree,
+  from the amount of the royal fifth. This has been of late
+  computed, one year with another, at one hundred and fifty
+  <i>aroues</i>, of thirty-two Portuguese pounds each, which,
+  valued at L. 4 sterling the troy ounce, make very nearly three
+  hundred thousand pounds sterling; and consequently the capital,
+  of which this is the fifth, is about a million and a half
+  sterling. It is obvious that the annual return of gold to Lisbon
+  cannot be less than this, though it may be difficult to guess how
+  much more it may be. Perhaps we may not be much mistaken in
+  conjecturing that the gold exchanged with the Spaniards at Buenos
+  Ayres for silver, and what is privately brought to Europe without
+  paying the duty, may amount to near half a million more, which
+  will make the entire yearly produce of Brazilian gold nearly two
+  millions sterling; a prodigious sum to be found in a country
+  which only a few years since was not known to furnish a single
+  grain.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides gold, this country also affords diamonds, as already
+  mentioned. The discovery of these valuable stones is much more
+  recent even than that of gold, as it is scarcely twenty years
+  since the first were brought to Europe.<a id="footnotetag116"
+  name="footnotetag116"></a><a href="#footnote116"><sup>7</sup></a>
+  They are found in the same manner as gold, in the gullies of
+  torrents and beds of rivers, but only in particular places, and
+  by no means so universally spread throughout the country. They
+  were often found while washing for gold, before they were known
+  to be diamonds, and were consequently thrown away along with the
+  sand and gravel; and it is well remembered that numbers of very
+  large stones, which would have made <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page262" id="page262"></a>[pg 262]</span> the
+  fortunes of the possessors, have passed unregarded through the
+  hands of those who now impatiently support the mortifying
+  reflection. However, about twenty years since, [that is, in
+  1720,] a person acquainted with the appearance of rough diamonds,
+  conceived that these pebbles, as they were then called, were of
+  the same kind; yet it is said there was a considerable interval
+  between the first stating of this opinion and its confirmation,
+  by proper examination, as it was difficult to persuade the
+  inhabitants that what they had been long accustomed to despise,
+  could be of such amazing importance; and in this interval, as I
+  was told, a governor of one of these places procured a good
+  number of these stones, which he pretended to make use of as
+  markers at cards. The truth of the discovery was at last
+  confirmed by skilful jewellers in Europe, who were consulted on
+  the occasion, and who declared that these Brazilian pebbles were
+  true diamonds, many of which were not inferior in lustre, or
+  other qualities, to those of the East Indies. On this being made
+  known, the Portuguese in the neighbourhood of the places where
+  these had been first discovered, set themselves to search for
+  diamonds with great assiduity, and were hopeful of discovering
+  them in considerable quantities, as they found large rocks of
+  crystal in many of the mountains whence the streams proceeded
+  that washed down the diamonds.</p>
+
+  <p>Soon after this discovery, it was represented to the king of
+  Portugal, that if diamonds should be met with in such abundance
+  as their sanguine expectations seemed to indicate, their value
+  and estimation would be so debased as to ruin all the Europeans
+  who had any quantity of East India diamonds in their possession,
+  and would even render the discovery itself of no importance, and
+  prevent his majesty from deriving any advantages from it. On
+  these considerations, his majesty thought proper to restrain the
+  general search for diamonds, and erected a diamond company, with
+  an exclusive charter for this purpose; in which company, in
+  consideration of a sum of money paid to the king, the property of
+  all diamonds found in Brazil is vested: But, to hinder them from
+  collecting too large quantities, and thereby reducing their value
+  in the market, they are prohibited from employing above eight
+  hundred slaves in this search. To prevent any of his other
+  subjects from continuing the search, and to secure the company
+  against interlopers, a large town, and considerable surrounding
+  district, has been depopulated; and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page263" id="page263"></a>[pg 263]</span> all
+  the inhabitants, said to have amounted to six thousand, have been
+  obliged to remove to another part of the country: For as this
+  town and district were in the neighbourhood of the diamonds, it
+  was thought impossible to prevent such a number of people from
+  frequently smuggling, if allowed to reside on the spot.</p>
+
+  <p>In consequence of these important discoveries in Brazil, new
+  laws, new governments, and new regulations, have been established
+  in many parts of the country. Not long ago there was a
+  considerable track of country possessed by a set of inhabitants
+  called Paulists, from the name of their principal settlement, who
+  were almost independent of the crown of Portugal, to which it
+  scarcely ever acknowledged a nominal allegiance. These Paulists
+  are said to be descendants from the Portuguese who retired from
+  the northern part of Brazil when it was invaded and possessed by
+  the Dutch. Being long neglected by their superiors, owing to the
+  confusions of the times, and obliged to provide for their own
+  security and defence, the necessity of their affairs produced a
+  kind of government among themselves, which sufficed for their
+  mode of life. Thus habituated to their own regulations, they
+  became fond of independence, so that, rejecting the mandates of
+  the court of Lisbon, they were often engaged in a state of
+  downright rebellion; and, owing to the mountains surrounding
+  their country, and the difficulty of clearing the few passes
+  leading towards it, they were generally able to make their own
+  terms before they submitted. But as gold was found in this
+  country of the Paulists, the present king of Portugal, in whose
+  reign almost all these great discoveries have been made, thought
+  it necessary to reduce this province, now become of great
+  importance, under the same dependence and obedience with the rest
+  of the country, which was at length effected, though, as I was
+  informed, with great difficulty.</p>
+
+  <p>The same motives which induced his majesty to reduce the
+  Paulists, have also occasioned the changes which I have mentioned
+  as having taken place at the island of St Catharines: For, as we
+  were assured by the governor of Rio Grande, there are
+  considerable rivers in this neighbourhood that are found to be
+  extremely rich in gold, for which reason a military governor with
+  a garrison have been placed here, along with a new colony; and,
+  as the harbour at this island is by much the largest and most
+  secure of any on the coast, it is not improbable, if the riches
+  of the neighbourhood <span class="pagenum"><a name="page264" id=
+  "page264"></a>[pg 264]</span> answer their present expectation,
+  that it may become in time the principal settlement in Brazil,
+  and the most considerable port in all South America.</p>
+
+  <p>This much I thought necessary to insert, in relation to the
+  present state of Brazil and of the island of St Catharines; for,
+  as this last place has been generally recommended as the most
+  eligible place for our cruizers to refresh at when bound to the
+  South Sea, I believed it to be my duty to instruct my countrymen
+  in the hitherto unsuspected inconveniences which attend that
+  place. And, as the Brazilian gold and diamonds are subjects of
+  novelty, of which very few particulars have hitherto been
+  published, I considered that the account I have been able to
+  collect respecting them might not be regarded either a trifling
+  or useless digression.</p>
+
+  <p>When we first arrived at St Catharines, we were employed in
+  refreshing our sick on shore, in wooding and watering the
+  squadron, in cleaning our ships, and in examining and securing
+  our masts and rigging, as formerly mentioned. At the same time Mr
+  Anson gave orders that the ships companies should be supplied
+  with fresh meat, and have a full allowance of all kinds of
+  provisions. In consequence of these orders we had fresh meat sent
+  on board continually for our daily expenditure; and every thing
+  else that was wanting to make up our allowances, was received
+  from the Anna Pink, our victualler, in order to preserve the
+  provisions on board the ships of the squadron as entire as
+  possible for future service. As the season of the year grew every
+  day less favourable for our passage round Cape Horn, Mr Anson was
+  very anxious to leave St Catharines as soon as possible, and we
+  were at first in hopes that all our business would be concluded,
+  and we should be in readiness to sail, in about a fortnight from
+  our arrival; but, on examining the masts of the Tryal, we found,
+  to our no small vexation, inevitable employment for twice that
+  time; for, on a survey, her main-mast was sprung at the upper
+  woulding, though that was thought capable of being secured by
+  means of two fishes; but the fore-mast was reported entirely
+  unfit for service, on which the carpenters were sent into the
+  woods in search of a stick proper for a new foremast. After a
+  search of four days, nothing could be found fit for the purpose;
+  wherefore, on a new consultation, it was agreed to endeavour to
+  secure the mast by three fishes, in which work the carpenters
+  were employed till within a <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page265" id="page265"></a>[pg 265]</span> day or two of our
+  departure. In the meantime, thinking it necessary to have a clean
+  vessel, on our arrival in the South Sea, the commodore ordered
+  the Tryal to be hove down, which occasioned no loss of time, as
+  it might be completed while the carpenters were refitting her
+  masts on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>A sail being discovered in the offing on the 27th December,
+  and not knowing but she might be Spanish, the eighteen-oared boat
+  was manned and armed, and sent under the command of our second
+  lieutenant, to examine her before she got within the protection
+  of the forts. She proved to be a Portuguese brigantine from Rio
+  Grande; and, though our officer behaved with the utmost civility
+  to the master, and even refused to accept a calf which the master
+  pressed him to accept, the governor took great offence at the
+  sending our boat, talking of it in a high strain, as a violation
+  of the peace subsisting between the crowns of Great Britain and
+  Portugal. We thus attributed this blustering to no deeper cause
+  than the natural insolence of Don Jose; but when he charged our
+  officer with behaving rudely, and attempting to take by violence
+  the calf which he had refused as a present, we had reason to
+  suspect that he purposely sought this quarrel, and had more
+  important objects in view than the mere captiousness of his
+  temper. What these motives might be we had then no means of
+  determining, or even guessing at; but we afterwards found, by
+  letters which fell into our hands when in the South-Seas, that he
+  had dispatched an express to Pizarro, who then lay in the Rio
+  Plata, with an account of our arrival at St Catharines, together
+  with a most ample and circumstantial account of our force and
+  condition. We then conceived, that Don Jose had raised this
+  groundless clamour on purpose to prevent us from visiting the
+  brigantine when she should go away again, lest we might have
+  found proofs of his perfidy, and perhaps have discovered the
+  secret of his smuggling correspondence with his neighbouring
+  governors, and with the Spaniards at Buenos Ayres.</p>
+
+  <p>It was near a month before the Tryal was refitted; for not
+  only were her lower-masts defective, but her main-topmast and
+  fore-yard were likewise found rotten. While this work was going
+  on, the other ships of the squadron set up new standing-rigging,
+  together with a sufficient number of preventer shrowds to each
+  mast, to secure them in the most effectual manner. Also, in order
+  to render the ships stiffer, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page266" id="page266"></a>[pg 266]</span> to enable them to
+  carry more sail abroad, and to prevent them from straining their
+  upper works in hard gales of wind, the several captains were
+  ordered to put some of their great guns into their holds. These
+  precautions being complied with, and all the ships having taken
+  in as much wood and water as there was room for, the Tryal was at
+  last completed, and the whole squadron was ready for sea: On
+  which the tents on shore were struck, and all the sick removed on
+  board. We had here a melancholy proof how much the healthiness of
+  this place was over-rated by former writers; for, though the
+  Centurion had alone buried no less than twenty-eight of her men
+  since our arrival, yet, in the same interval, the number of her
+  sick had increased from eighty to ninety-six.</p>
+
+  <p>All being embarked, and every thing prepared for our
+  departure, the commodore made the signal for all captains, and
+  delivered them their orders, containing the successive places of
+  rendezvous from hence to the coast of Chili. Next day, being the
+  18th of January, 1741, the signal was made for weighing, and the
+  squadron put to sea; leaving this island of St Catharines without
+  regret, as we had been extremely disappointed in our
+  accommodations and expectatations of refreshment, and in the
+  humane and friendly offices we had been taught to look for, in a
+  place so much celebrated for its hospitality, freedom, and
+  convenience.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote110" name="footnote110"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag110">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This matter is now infinitely better regulated in the
+    British navy, and with most admirable and infinitely important
+    advantages. By the most minute, sedulous, and perpetual
+    attention to cleanliness, all noisome stench and all vermin are
+    prevented, by which doubtless diseases are in a great measure
+    lessened.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote111" name="footnote111"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag111">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This account of the matter is very erroneous. The latitudes
+    are between 28° 5' and 28° 30' both S. and
+    the longitude is 49° 10' W. from Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote112" name="footnote112"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag112">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The more elaborate nautical description of this island is
+    necessarily omitted, as referring to two extensive views,
+    without which the description would be unintelligible.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote113" name="footnote113"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag113">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The author ought here to have said, <i>a thin layer</i>, or
+    <i>stratum</i>, to express the obvious meaning intended in the
+    text.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote114" name="footnote114"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag114">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The editor was informed, many years ago, by an intelligent
+    native of Rio Janeiro, that the search for gold is confined by
+    law to certain districts, on purpose to secure the royal fifth;
+    and that all over the country round Rio Janeiro, where the
+    search is prohibited, gold, emeralds, and aqua-marines are
+    found in small quantities, on every occasion of digging to any
+    depth into the earth, as for the purpose of a pit-well.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote115" name="footnote115"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag115">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>On the data of the text, and allowing sixty-five days in the
+    year for Sundays and high festivals, the yearly profit of one
+    slave to his master would be L. 135 sterling.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote116" name="footnote116"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag116">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The author writes as of the year 1740.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>The Run from St Catharines to Port St Julian; with some
+  Account of that Port, and of the Country to the South of the Rio
+  Plata.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>In quitting St Catharines, we left the last amicable port we
+  proposed to touch at, and were now proceeding to a hostile, or at
+  best a desert and inhospitable coast. As we were to expect a more
+  boisterous climate to the southward than any we had yet
+  experienced, not only our danger of separation would by this
+  means be much augmented, but other accidents of a more
+  mischievous nature were also to be apprehended, and as much as
+  possible provided against. Mr Anson, therefore, in appointing the
+  various stations at which the ships of the squadron were to
+  rendezvous, had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page267" id=
+  "page267"></a>[pg 267]</span> considered that his own ship might
+  be disabled from getting round Cape Horn, or might be lost, and
+  gave therefore proper directions, that, even in that case, the
+  expedition might not be abandoned. The orders delivered to the
+  captains, the day before sailing from St Catharines, were, in
+  case of separation, which they were to endeavour to avoid with
+  the utmost care, that the first place of rendezvous was to be
+  Port St Julian, describing the place from Sir John Narborough's
+  account of it. They were there to provide as much salt as they
+  could take on board, both for their own use and that of the other
+  ships of the squadron; and, if not joined by the commodore after
+  a stay of ten days, they were then to pass through the straits of
+  Le Maire and round Cape Horn into the South-Seas, where the next
+  place of rendezvous was to be the island of Nostra Senora del
+  Socoro, in lat. 45° S. long. 71° 12' W. from
+  the Lizard.<a id="footnotetag117" name=
+  "footnotetag117"></a><a href="#footnote117"><sup>1</sup></a> They
+  were to bring this island to bear E.N.E. and to cruize from five
+  to twelve leagues distance from it, as long as their store of
+  wood and water would permit, both of which they were directed to
+  expend with the utmost frugality. When under the necessity of
+  procuring a fresh supply, they were to stand in, and endeavour to
+  find an anchorage; and in case they could not, and the weather
+  made it dangerous to supply the ships by standing off and on,
+  they were then to make the best of their way to the island of
+  Juan Fernandez in lat. 33° 37' S. at which island, after
+  recruiting their wood and water, they were to cruize off the
+  anchorage for fifty-six days; and, if not joined by the commodore
+  in that time, they were to conclude that some accident had
+  befallen him, and were forthwith to put themselves under the
+  command of the senior officer, who was to use his utmost
+  endeavour to annoy the enemy both by sea and land. In this view,
+  the new commander was urged to continue in these seas as long as
+  provisions lasted, or as they could be supplied by what could be
+  taken from the enemy, reserving only a sufficiency to carry the
+  ships to Macao, at the entrance of the river of Canton on the
+  coast of China; whence, being supplied with a new stock of
+  provisions, they were to make the best of their way to England.
+  As it was found still impossible <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page268" id="page268"></a>[pg 268]</span> to unload the Anna
+  Pink, our victualler, the commodore gave her master instructions
+  for the same rendezvouses, and similar orders to put himself
+  under the command of the remaining senior officer.</p>
+
+  <p>Under these orders, the squadron sailed from St Catharines on
+  Sunday the 18th of January, 1741. Next day we had very squally
+  weather, attended with rain, lightning, and thunder; but it soon
+  cleared up again, with light breezes, and continued so to the
+  evening of the 21st, when it again blew fresh, and, increasing
+  all night, it became a most violent storm by next morning,
+  accompanied by so thick a fog that it was impossible for us to
+  see to the distance of two ships lengths, and we consequently
+  lost sight of all the squadron. On this a signal was made, by
+  firing guns, to bring to with the larboard tacks, the wind being
+  due east. We in the Centurion handed the top-sails, bunted the
+  main-sail, and lay to under a reefed-mizen till noon, when the
+  fog dispersed, and we soon discovered all the ships of the
+  squadron, except the Pearl, which did not join till near a month
+  afterwards. The Tryal was a great way to leeward, having lost her
+  main-mast in the squall, and having been obliged to cut away the
+  wreck, for fear of bilging. We therefore bore down with the
+  squadron to her relief, and the Gloucester was ordered to take
+  her in tow, as the weather did not entirely abate till next day,
+  and even then a great swell continued from the eastward, in
+  consequence of the preceding storm. After this accident we
+  continued to the southward with little interruption, finding the
+  same setting of the current we had observed before our arrival at
+  St Catharines; that is, we generally found ourselves about twenty
+  miles to the southward of our reckoning by the log every day.
+  This, with some inequality, lasted till we had passed the
+  latitude of the Rio Plata, and even then the same current,
+  however difficult to be accounted for, undoubtedly continued; for
+  we were not satisfied in attributing this appearance to any error
+  in our reckoning, but tried it more than once, when a calm
+  rendered it practicable.</p>
+
+  <p>Immediately on getting to the south of the latitude of the Rio
+  Plata we had soundings, which continued all along the coast of
+  Patagonia. These soundings, when well ascertained, being of great
+  use in determining the position of a ship on this coast, and as
+  we tried them more frequently, in <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page269" id="page269"></a>[pg 269]</span> greater depths, and
+  with more attention, than I believe had ever been done before, I
+  shall recite our observations on this subject as succinctly as I
+  can. In lat. 36° 52' S. we had 60 fathoms on a bottom of
+  fine black and grey sand: From thence to 39° 55' S. we
+  varied our depths from 50 to 80 fathoms, but always with the same
+  bottom: Between the last-mentioned latitude and 43° 16'
+  S. we had only fine grey sand with the same variation of depths,
+  except that we once or twice lessened the water to 40 fathoms.
+  After this we continued in 40 fathoms for about half a degree,
+  having a bottom of coarse sand and broken shells, at which time
+  we were in sight of land at not above seven leagues distance. As
+  we edged from the land we had a variety of soundings; first black
+  sand, then muddy, and soon after rough ground with stones: But
+  when we had increased our depth to forty-eight fathoms, we had a
+  muddy bottom to the lat. of 46° 10' S. Hence drawing
+  near the shore, we had at first thirty-six fathoms, and still
+  kept shoaling till we came into twelve fathoms, having constantly
+  small stones and pebbles at the bottom.</p>
+
+  <p>Part of this time we had a view of Cape Blanco, in about lat.
+  47° 10' S. and long. 69° W. from London.<a id=
+  "footnotetag118" name="footnotetag118"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote118"><sup>2</sup></a> Steering from hence S. by E.
+  nearly, we deepened our water to fifty fathoms in a run of about
+  thirty leagues, without once altering the bottom; and then
+  drawing towards the shore, with a S.W. course, varying rather
+  westward, we had constantly a sandy bottom till we came to thirty
+  fathoms, when we had again a sight of land in about lat.
+  48° 31' S. We made this land on the 17th February, and
+  came to anchor at five that afternoon in lat. 48° 58' S.
+  with the same soundings as before; the southermost land then in
+  view bearing S.S.W. the northermost N.E. a small island N.W. and
+  the westermost hummock W.S.W. At this anchorage we found the tide
+  to set S. by W.</p>
+
+  <p>We weighed anchor at five next morning, and an hour afterwards
+  descried a sail, which was soon found to be the Pearl, which had
+  separated from us a few days after leaving St Catharines. Yet she
+  increased her sail and stood away from the Gloucester; and when
+  she came up, the people of <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page270" id="page270"></a>[pg 270]</span> the Pearl had their
+  hammocks in their netting, and every thing ready for an
+  engagement. The Pearl joined us about two in the afternoon, and
+  running up under our stern, Lieutenant Salt informed the
+  commodore that Captain Kidd had died on the 31st of January. He
+  likewise said that he had seen five large ships on the 10th of
+  this month, which he for some time imagined had been our
+  squadron, insomuch that he suffered the commanding ship, which
+  wore a red broad pendant exactly resembling that of our commodore
+  at the main top-mast head, to come within gun-shot of the Pearl
+  before he discovered the mistake; but then, finding it was not
+  the Centurion, he haled close upon a wind and crowded from theirs
+  with all sail; and standing across a rippling, where they
+  hesitated to follow, he happily escaped. He had made them out to
+  be five Spanish ships of war, one of which was so exceedingly
+  like the Gloucester that he was under great apprehension when
+  chased now by the Gloucester. He thought they consisted of two
+  seventy-gun ships, two of fifty, and one of forty; the whole of
+  which squadron chased him all that day, but at night, finding
+  they could not get near, they gave over the chase and stood away
+  to the southward.</p>
+
+  <p>Had we not been under the necessity of refitting the Tryal,
+  this intelligence would have prevented our making any stay at St
+  Julians; but as it was impossible for that sloop to proceed round
+  Cape Horn in her present condition, some stay there became
+  inevitable; and therefore we came to an anchor again the same
+  evening in twenty-five fathoms, the bottom a mixture of mud and
+  sand, a high hummock bearing from us S.W. by W. Weighing at nine
+  next morning, we sent the cutters of the Centurion and Severn in
+  shore to discover the harbour of St Julian, while the ships kept
+  standing along the coast about a league from the land. At six in
+  the evening we anchored in the bay of St Julian, in nineteen
+  fathoms, the bottom muddy ground with sand, the northermost land
+  in sight bearing N. by E. the S. 1/2 E. and the high hummock,
+  called Wood's Mount by Sir John Narborough, W.S.W. The cutters
+  returned soon after, having discovered the harbour, which did not
+  appear to us where we lay, the northermost point shutting in upon
+  the southermost, and closing the entrance in appearance.</p>
+
+  <p>Our principal object in coming to anchor in this bay was to
+  refit the Tryal, in which business the carpenters were
+  immediately employed. Her main-mast had been carried away
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page271" id="page271"></a>[pg
+  271]</span> about twelve feet below the cap, but they contrived
+  to make the remainder of the mast serve. The Wager was directed
+  to supply her with a spare main-top-mast, which the carpenters
+  converted into a new fore-mast. And I cannot help observing, that
+  this accident to the Tryal's masts, which gave us so much
+  uneasiness at the time on account of the delay it occasioned, was
+  the means, in all probability, of preserving this sloop and all
+  her crew. For her masts before this were much too lofty for the
+  high southern latitudes we were proceeding into, so that, if they
+  had weathered the preceding storm, it would have been impossible
+  for them to have stood against the seas and tempests we
+  afterwards encountered in passing round Cape Horn; and the loss
+  of masts, in that boisterous climate, would scarcely have been
+  attended with less than the loss of the vessel and all on board,
+  as it would have been impracticable for the other ships to have
+  given them any assistance whatever, during the continuance of
+  these impetuous storms.</p>
+
+  <p>While at this place, the commodore appointed the honourable
+  Captain Murray to succeed to the Pearl, and Captain Cheap to the
+  Wager. He promoted Mr Charles Saunders, first lieutenant of the
+  Centurion, to the command of the Tryal sloop; but, as Mr Saunders
+  lay dangerously ill of a fever in the Centurion, and the surgeons
+  considered his removal to his own ship might hazard his life, Mr
+  Saumarez had orders to act as commander of the Tryal during the
+  illness of Captain Saunders.</p>
+
+  <p>At this place, the commodore held a consultation with his
+  captains about unloading and discharging the Anna pink; but they
+  represented that, so far from being in a condition for taking her
+  loading on board, their ships still had great quantities of
+  provisions in the way of their guns between decks, and that their
+  ships were so deep and so lumbered that they would not be fit for
+  action without being cleared. It was therefore necessary to
+  retain the pink in the service; and, as it was apprehended that
+  we should meet with the Spanish squadron in passing the cape, Mr
+  Anson ordered all the provisions that were in the way of the guns
+  to be put on board the Anna pink, and that all the guns which had
+  been formerly lowered into the holds, for the ease of the ships,
+  should be remounted.</p>
+
+  <p>As this bay and harbour of St Julian is a convenient
+  rendezvous, in case of separation, for all cruizers bound to the
+  southwards, or to any part of the coast of Patagonia, from
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" id="page272"></a>[pg
+  272]</span> the Rio Plata to the Straits of Magellan, as it lies
+  nearly parallel to their usual route, a short account of the
+  singularity of this country, with a particular description of
+  Port St. Julian, may perhaps be neither unacceptable to the
+  curious, nor unworthy the attention of future navigators, as some
+  of them, by unforeseen accidents, may be obliged to run in with
+  the land and to make some stay on this coast; in which case a
+  knowledge of the country, and of its productions and inhabitants,
+  cannot fail to be of the utmost consequence to them.</p>
+
+  <p>The tract of country usually called Patagonia, or that
+  southern portion of South America, not possessed by the
+  Spaniards, extends from their settlements to the Straits of
+  Magellan. This country on its eastern side, along the Atlantic
+  ocean, from the Rio Plata southwards, is remarkable for having no
+  trees of any kind, except a few peach trees planted by the
+  Spaniards in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres; so that the whole
+  eastern coast of Patagonia, extending near four hundred leagues
+  from north to south, and as far back into the interior as any
+  discoveries have yet been made, contains nothing that can be
+  called by the name of wood, and only a few insignificant shrubs
+  in some places. Sir John Narborough, who was sent out expressly
+  by Charles II to examine this country, wintered upon this coast
+  in Port St Julian and Port Desire, in the year 1670, and declares
+  that he did not see a stick in the whole country large enough to
+  make the handle of a hatchet. But, although this country be
+  destitute of wood, it abounds in pasture, as the whole land seems
+  made up of downs of a light dry and gravelly soil, producing
+  great quantities of long grass, which grows in tufts,
+  interspersed with large spots of barren gravel. In many places
+  this grass feeds immense herds of cattle, all derived from a few
+  European cattle brought over by the Spaniards at their first
+  settling, which have thriven and multiplied prodigiously, owing
+  to the abundance of herbage which they every where met with, and
+  are now so increased and extended so far into different parts of
+  Patagonia, that they are not considered as private property;
+  thousands of them being slaughtered every year by the hunters,
+  only for their hides and tallow.</p>
+
+  <p>The manner of killing these cattle, being peculiar to that
+  part of the world, merits a circumstantial description. Both
+  Spaniards and Indians in that country are usually most excellent
+  horsemen; and accordingly the hunters employed on this occasion
+  are all mounted on horseback, armed with a kind of spear, which,
+  instead of the usual point or blade in <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page273" id="page273"></a>[pg 273]</span> the
+  same line with the shaft, has its blade fixed across. Armed with
+  this instrument, they ride at a beast and surround him, when the
+  hunter that is behind hamstrings him, so that he soon falls, and
+  is unable to rise from the ground, where they leave him and
+  proceed against others, whom they serve in the same manner.
+  Sometimes there is a second party attending the hunters, on
+  purpose to skin the cattle as they fall; but it is said that the
+  hunters sometimes prefer to leave them to languish in torment
+  till next day, from an opinion that the lengthened anguish bursts
+  the lymphatics, and thereby facilitates the separation of the
+  skin from the carcass. Their priests have loudly condemned this
+  most barbarous practice, and have even gone so far, if my memory
+  do not deceive me, as to excommunicate such as persist to follow
+  it, yet all their efforts to put an entire stop to it have
+  hitherto proved ineffectual.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides great numbers of cattle which are slaughtered every
+  year in this manner, for their hides and tallow, it is often
+  necessary, for the uses of agriculture, and for other purposes,
+  to catch them alive, and without wounding them. This is performed
+  with a most wonderful and most incredible dexterity, chiefly by
+  means of an implement or contrivance which the English who have
+  resided at Buenos Ayres usually denominate a lash. This consists
+  of a very strong thong of raw hide, several fathoms in length,
+  with a running noose at one end. This the hunter, who is on
+  horseback, takes in his right hand, being properly coiled up, and
+  the other end fastened to the saddle: Thus prepared, the hunters
+  ride at a herd of cattle, and when arrived within a certain
+  distance of a beast, they throw their thong at him with such
+  exactness, that they never fail to fix the noose about his horns.
+  Finding himself thus entangled, the beast usually endeavours to
+  run away, but the hunter attends his motions, and the horse being
+  swifter, the thong is prevented from being so much straitened as
+  to break, till another hunter throws another noose about one of
+  his hind-legs. When this is done, the horses being trained to the
+  sport, instantly turn in opposite directions, straining the two
+  thongs contrary ways, by which the beast is overthrown. The
+  horses then stop, keeping both thongs on the stretch, so that the
+  beast remains on the ground incapable of resistance; and the two
+  hunters alight from their horses and secure the beast in such a
+  manner that they afterwards easily convey him to wherever they
+  please.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page274" id=
+  "page274"></a>[pg 274]</span>
+
+  <p>They catch horses by means of similar nooses, and are even
+  said to catch tigers in the same manner, which, however strange
+  it may appear, is asserted by persons of credit. It must be
+  owned, indeed, that the address both of Spaniards and Indians in
+  this part of the world, in the use of this lash or noose, and the
+  certainty with which they throw and fix it on any intended part
+  of a beast, even at a considerable distance, is so wonderful as
+  only to be credited and repeated on the concurrent testimony of
+  all who have frequented this country. The cattle killed in the
+  before-mentioned manner are slaughtered only for their hides and
+  tallow, and sometimes their tongues also are taken out; but the
+  rest of the flesh is left to putrify, or to be devoured by birds
+  of prey and wild beasts. The greatest part of it falls to the
+  share of the wild-dogs, of which there are immense numbers to be
+  found in the country. These are all supposed to be descended of
+  Spanish dogs from Buenos Ayres, which had left their masters,
+  allured by the great quantity of carrion, and had run wild where
+  they had such facility of subsisting, for they are plainly of the
+  European breed of dogs. Although these dogs are said to prowl in
+  vast packs, even some thousands together, they do not diminish
+  the number, nor prevent the increase of the cattle, as they dare
+  not attack the herds, by reason of the vast numbers that feed
+  together, but content themselves with the carrion left by the
+  hunters, and perhaps now and then meet with a few stragglers,
+  separated accidentally from the herds to which they belong.</p>
+
+  <p>This country, to the southward of Buenos Ayres, is also
+  stocked with great numbers of wild-horses, brought also
+  originally from Spain, and prodigiously increased, and extending
+  to a much greater distance than the cattle. Though many of these
+  are excellent, their numbers make them of very little value, the
+  best of them being sold in the neighbouring settlements, where
+  money is plenty and commodities very dear, for not more than a
+  dollar a piece. It is not certain how far to the southwards these
+  herds of wild cattle and horses extend; but there is reason to
+  believe that stragglers of both are to be met with very near the
+  Straits of Magellan, and they will doubtless in time fill all the
+  southern part of the continent with their breeds, which cannot
+  fail to be of vast advantage to such ships as may touch on the
+  coast. The horses are said to be very good eating, and are even
+  preferred by some of the Indians before the cattle. But however
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page275" id="page275"></a>[pg
+  275]</span> plentiful Patagonia may hereafter become in regard to
+  flesh, this eastern coast of that extensive country seems very
+  defective in regard to fresh water; for as the land is generally
+  of a nitrous and saline nature, the ponds and streams are
+  frequently brackish. However, as good water has been found,
+  though in small quantities, it is not improbable but this
+  inconvenience may be removed, on a farther search.</p>
+
+  <p>There are also in all parts of this country a good number of
+  <i>Vicunnas</i>, or Peruvian sheep, but these, by reason of their
+  swiftness, are very difficultly killed. On the eastern coast,
+  also, there are immense quantities of seals, and a vast variety
+  of sea-fowl, among which the most remarkable are the penguins.
+  These are, in size and shape, like a goose, but have short stumps
+  like fins instead of wings, which are of no use to them except
+  when in the water. Their bills are narrow, like that of the
+  albatross, and they stand and walk quite erect, from which
+  circumstance, and their white bellies, Sir John Narborough has
+  whimsically likened them to little children standing up in white
+  aprons.</p>
+
+  <p>The inhabitants of this eastern coast, to which hitherto I
+  confine my observations, appear to be but few, and rarely have
+  more than two or three of them been seen at a time by any ships
+  that have touched here. During our stay at Port St Julian we did
+  not see any. Towards Buenos Ayres, however, they are sufficiently
+  numerous, and are very troublesome to the Spaniards: But there
+  the greater breadth and variety of the country, and a milder
+  climate, yield them greater conveniences. In that part the
+  continent is between three and four hundred leagues in breadth,
+  while at Port St Julian it is little more than one hundred. I
+  conceive, therefore, that the same Indians who frequent the
+  western coast of Patagonia, and the northern shore of the Straits
+  of Magellan, often ramble to this eastern side. As the Indians
+  near Buenos Ayres are more numerous than those farther south,
+  they also greatly excel them in spirit and activity, and seem
+  nearly allied in their manners to the gallant Chilese Indians,
+  [Araucanians] who have long set the whole Spanish power at
+  defiance, have often ravaged their country, and remain to this
+  hour independent. The Indians about Buenos Ayres have learned to
+  be excellent horsemen, and are extremely expert in the management
+  of all cutting weapons, though ignorant of fire-arms, which the
+  Spaniards are exceedingly solicitous to keep from them. Of the
+  vigour and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page276" id=
+  "page276"></a>[pg 276]</span> resolution of these Indians, the
+  behaviour of Orellana and his followers, formerly mentioned, is a
+  memorable instance.</p>
+
+  <p>This much may suffice respecting the eastern coast of
+  Patagonia. The western coast is of less extent; and, by reason of
+  the Andes which skirt it, and stretch quite down to the sea side,
+  the shore is very rocky and dangerous. As I shall hereafter have
+  occasion to take farther notice of that coast, I shall not
+  enlarge any farther respecting it in this place, but shall
+  conclude this account with a short description of the harbour of
+  St Julian, the general form of which may be conceived from the
+  annexed sketch. It must however be noticed, that the bar there
+  marked at the entrance has many holes in it, and is often
+  shifting. The tide flows here N. and S. and at full and change
+  rises four fathoms. On our first arrival, an officer was sent on
+  shore to the salt pond marked D. in the sketch, in order to
+  procure a quantity of salt for the use of the squadron; for Sir
+  John Narborough had observed, when he was here, that the salt was
+  very white and good, and that in February there was enough to
+  have loaded a thousand ships. But our officer returned with a
+  sample which was very bad, and said that even of this very little
+  was to be had: I suppose the weather had been more rainy this
+  year than ordinary, and had destroyed the salt, or prevented its
+  fermentation.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote117" name="footnote117"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag117">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The centre of the island of Socoro, or Guayteca, on the
+    western coast of Patagonia, is in lat. 43° 10' S. and
+    long. 73° 40' W. from Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote118" name="footnote118"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag118">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Cape Blanco is in lat 47° 20' S. long. 64°
+    30' W. from Greenwich. At this place, instead of a description
+    of Cape Blanco, the original gives two views of the coast in
+    different directions, as seen from sea; here omitted for
+    reasons already assigned.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and Passage from
+  thence to the Straits of Le Maire.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The Tryal being nearly refitted, which was our principal
+  occupation at this bay, and sole occasion of our stay, the
+  commodore thought it necessary to fix the plan of his first
+  operations, as we were now directly bound for the South Seas and
+  the enemy's coasts; and therefore, on the 24th February, a signal
+  was made for all captains, and a council of war was held on board
+  the Centurion. There were present on this occasion the Honourable
+  Edward Legg, Captain Matthew Mitchell, the Honourable George
+  Murray, Captain David Cheap, and Colonel Mordaunt Cracherode,
+  commander of the land-forces. At this council, it was proposed by
+  Commodore Anson, that their first attempt, after arriving
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page277" id="page277"></a>[pg
+  277]</span> in the South Seas, should be against the town and
+  harbour of Baldivia, the principal frontier place in the south of
+  Chili, informing them, as an inducement for this enterprize, that
+  it formed part of his majesty's instructions to endeavour to
+  secure some port in the South Seas where the ships of the
+  squadron might be careened and refitted. The council readily and
+  unanimously agreed to this proposal; and, in consequence of this
+  resolution, new instructions were issued to the captains, by
+  which, though still directed, in case of separation, to make the
+  best of their way to the island of Socoro, they were only to
+  cruize off that island for ten days; from whence, if not then
+  joined by the commodore, they were to proceed off Baldivia,
+  making the land between the latitudes of 40° and
+  40° 30' S. and taking care to keep to the southward of
+  the port. If not there joined in fourteen days by the rest of the
+  squadron, they were then to direct their course for the island of
+  Juan Fernandez; after which they were to regulate their farther
+  proceedings by the former orders given out at St Catharines. The
+  same orders were also given to the master of the Anna pink, who
+  was enjoined to answer and obey the signals made by any ship of
+  the squadron, in absence of the commodore; and, if he should be
+  so unfortunate as to fell into the hands of the enemy, he was
+  directed to destroy his orders and papers with the utmost care.
+  Likewise, as the separation of the squadron might prove highly
+  prejudicial to the service, each captain was ordered to give it
+  in charge to the respective officers of the watch, on all
+  occasions, never to keep their respective ships at a greater
+  distance from the Centurion than two miles, as they should answer
+  at their peril; and if any captain should find his ship beyond
+  the specified distance, he was to acquaint the commodore with the
+  name of the officer who thus neglected his duty.</p>
+
+  <p>These necessary regulations established, and the repairs of
+  the Tryal sloop completed, the squadron weighed from Port St
+  Julians on Friday the 27th February, 1741, at seven in the
+  morning, and stood to sea. The Gloucester found such difficulty
+  in endeavouring to purchase her anchor, that she was left a great
+  way astern, so that we fired several guns in the night as signals
+  for her to make more sail: But she did not rejoin us till next
+  morning, when we learnt that she had been obliged to cut her
+  cable, leaving her best bower anchor behind. At ten in the
+  morning of the 28th, Wood's Mount, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page278" id="page278"></a>[pg 278]</span> the high land over
+  Port St Julian, bore from us N. by W. distant ten leagues, and we
+  had fifty-two fathoms water. Standing now to the southward, we
+  had great expectations of falling in with the Spanish squadron
+  under Pizarro; as, during our stay at Port St Julian, there had
+  generally been hard gales between W.N.W. and S.W. so that we had
+  reason to conclude that squadron, had gained no ground upon us in
+  that interval. Indeed, it was the prospect of meeting them that
+  had occasioned our commodore to be so very solicitous to prevent
+  the separation of our ships; for, had he been solely intent on
+  getting round Cape Horn in the shortest time, the most proper
+  method for this purpose would have been, to order each ship to
+  make the best of her way to the rendezvous, without waiting for
+  the rest.</p>
+
+  <p>From the time of leaving Port St Julian to the 4th March, we
+  had little wind with thick hazy weather and some rain, and our
+  soundings were generally from forty to fifty fathoms, with a
+  bottom of black and gray sand, sometimes mixed with pebble
+  stones. On the 4th March we were in sight of Cape Virgin Mary,
+  and not more than six or seven leagues distant, the northern
+  boundary of the eastern entrance of the Straits of Magellan, in
+  lat 52° 21' S. long. 71° 44' W. from
+  London.<a id="footnotetag119" name="footnotetag119"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote119"><sup>1</sup></a> It seemed a low flat land, ending
+  in a point.<a id="footnotetag120" name=
+  "footnotetag120"></a><a href="#footnote120"><sup>2</sup></a> Off
+  this cape the depth of water was from thirty-five to forty-eight
+  fathoms. The afternoon of this day was bright and clear, with
+  small breezes of wind, inclining to a calm; and most of the
+  captains took the opportunity of this fine weather to visit the
+  commodore. While all were on board the Centurion, they were
+  greatly alarmed by a sudden flame bursting out in the Gloucester,
+  followed by a cloud of smoke; but were soon relieved of their
+  apprehensions, by receiving information that the blast had been
+  occasioned by a spark of fire from the forge lighting on some
+  gun-powder, and other combustibles, which an officer was
+  preparing for use, in case of falling in with the Spanish
+  squadron, and which had exploded without any damage to the
+  ship.</p>
+
+  <p>We here found, what was constantly the case in these high
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page279" id="page279"></a>[pg
+  279]</span> southern latitudes, that fair weather was always of
+  exceedingly short continuance, and that when remarkably fine it
+  was a certain presage of a succeeding storm: For the calm and
+  sunshine of this afternoon ended in a most turbulent night; the
+  wind freshening from the S.W. as the night came on; and
+  increasing continually in violence till nine next morning. It
+  then blew so hard that we were forced to bring to with the
+  squadron, and to continue under a reefed mizen till eleven at
+  night, having in that time from forty-three to fifty-seven
+  fathoms water on black sand and gravel; and, by an observation we
+  had at noon, we concluded that a current had set us twelve miles
+  to the southward of our reckoning. Toward midnight the wind
+  abated, and we again made sail, steering S. In the morning we
+  discovered the southern land beyond the Straits of Magellan,
+  called Terra del Fuego, stretching from S. by W.S.E. 1/2 E. This
+  country afforded a very uncomfortable prospect, appearing of
+  stupendous height, every where covered with snow, and shewing at
+  its southern extremity the entrance into the Straits of Le Maire
+  at Cape St Diego.<a id="footnotetag121" name=
+  "footnotetag121"></a><a href="#footnote121"><sup>3</sup></a> We
+  steered along this uncouth and rugged coast all day, having
+  soundings from forty to fifty fathoms, on stones and gravel.</p>
+
+  <p>Intending to pass through the straits of Le Maire next day, we
+  lay to at night that we might not overshoot them, and took this
+  opportunity to prepare ourselves for the tempestuous climate in
+  which we were soon to be engaged, with which view we were
+  employed good part of the night in bending an entire new suit of
+  sails to the yards. At four next morning, being the 7th of March,
+  we made sail, and at eight saw land, and soon after began to open
+  the straits, at which time Cape St Diego bore E.S.E. Cape St
+  Vincent S.E. 1/2 E. the middlemost of the Three Brothers, hills
+  so called on Terra del Fuego S. by W. Montegorda, a high land up
+  the country appearing over the Three Brothers; S. and Cape St
+  Bartholomew, the southernmost point of Staten Land, E.S.E. I must
+  observe here that, though Frezier has given a very correct view
+  of that part of Terra del Fuego which borders on these straits to
+  the westwards, he has omitted the draught of Staten Land, which
+  forms the opposite shore of these straits, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page280" id="page280"></a>[pg 280]</span>
+  whence we found it difficult to determine exactly where the
+  straits lay until they began to open upon our view; and hence,
+  had we not coasted a considerable way along the shore of Terra
+  del Fuego, we might have missed the straits, and have gone to the
+  eastward of Staten Land before discovering it. This has happened
+  to many ships; particularly, as mentioned by Frezier, to the
+  Incarnation and Concord, which, intending to pass through the
+  Straits of Le Maire, were deceived by three hills on Staten Land,
+  and some creeks, resembling the Three Brothers and coves of Terra
+  del Fuego, so that they overshot the straits.</p>
+
+  <p>Though Terra del Fuego presented an aspect exceedingly barren
+  and desolate, yet this island of Staten Land far surpasses it in
+  the wildness and horror of its appearance, seeming to be entirely
+  composed of inaccessible rocks, without the smallest apparent
+  admixture of earth or mould, upon or between them. These rocks
+  terminate in a vast number of rugged points, which spire up to a
+  prodigious height, and are all covered with everlasting snow;
+  their pointed summits or pinnacles being every way surrounded by
+  frightful precipices, and often overhanging in a most astonishing
+  manner. The hills which are crowned by the rugged rocks, are
+  generally separated from each other by narrow clifts, appearing
+  as if the country had been frequently rent by earthquakes; for
+  these chasms are nearly perpendicular, and extend through the
+  substance of the main rocks almost to their bases; so that
+  nothing can be imagined more savage and gloomy than the whole
+  aspect of this coast.</p>
+
+  <p>Having opened the Straits of Le Maire on the morning of the
+  7th March, as before mentioned, the Pearl and Tryal, about ten
+  o'clock, were ordered to keep a-head of the squadron and lead the
+  way. We accordingly entered the straits with fair weather and a
+  brisk gale, and were hurried through by the rapidity of the tide
+  in about two hours, though they are between seven and eight
+  leagues in length. As these straits are often esteemed the
+  boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and as we
+  presumed that we had nothing now before us but an open sea, till
+  we should arrive on the opulent coasts where all our hopes and
+  wishes centered, we could not help flattering ourselves that the
+  greatest difficulty of our voyage was now at an end, and that our
+  most sanguine dreams were on the point of being realized. We
+  indulged ourselves, therefore, in the romantic imaginations which
+  the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page281" id="page281"></a>[pg
+  281]</span> fancied possession of the gold of Chili and silver of
+  Peru might readily be conceived to inspire. These joyous ideas
+  were considerably heightened, by the brightness of the sky and
+  serenity of the weather, which indeed were both most remarkably
+  delightful: For, though the antarctic winter was now advancing
+  with hasty strides, the morning of this day, in mildness and even
+  brilliancy, gave place to none that we had seen since our
+  departure from England. Thus, animated by these flattering
+  delusions, we passed those memorable straits, ignorant of the
+  dreadful calamities then impending, and ready to burst upon us;
+  ignorant that the moment was fast approaching when our squadron
+  was to be separated, never again to unite; and that this day of
+  our passage was the last cheerful day that the greatest part of
+  us was ever to enjoy in this world.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote119" name="footnote119"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag119">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The longitude of Cape Virgin Mary, is only 67° 42'
+    W. from Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote120" name="footnote120"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag120">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>By the draught in the original, omitted here for substantial
+    reasons already repeatedly stated, the coast at this southern
+    extremity of Patagonia is represented as a high bluff flat on
+    the top, and ending abruptly at this cape.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote121" name="footnote121"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag121">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The western side of the entrance into the Straits of Le
+    Maire is formed by the Capes of St Vincent and St Diego; the
+    former in lat. 54° 30', the latter in 54°
+    40', both S. and long. 65° 40' W.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION VIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Course from the Straits of Le Maire to Cape Noir.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>We had scarcely reached the southern extremity of the Straits
+  of Le Maire, when our flattering hopes were almost instantly
+  changed to the apprehension of immediate destruction. Even before
+  the sternmost ships of the squadron were clear of the straits,
+  the serenity of the sky was suddenly obscured, and we observed
+  all the presages of an impending storm. The wind presently
+  shifted to the southward, and blew in such violent squalls that
+  we had to hand our top-sails and reef our main-sail; while the
+  tide, which had hitherto favoured us, turned furiously adverse,
+  and drove us to the eastward with prodigious rapidity, so that we
+  were in great anxiety for the Wager and Anna pink, the two
+  sternmost vessels, fearing they might be dashed to pieces upon
+  the shore of Staten Land; nor were our apprehensions without
+  foundation, as they weathered that coast with the utmost
+  difficulty. Instead of pursuing our intended course to the S.W.
+  the whole squadron was now drifted to the eastward, by the united
+  force of the storm and current; so that next morning we found
+  ourselves nearly seven leagues eastward of the straits, which
+  then bore from us N.W.</p>
+
+  <p>The violence of the current, which had set us with so much
+  precipitation to the eastward, together with the fierceness
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page282" id="page282"></a>[pg
+  282]</span> and constancy of the westerly winds, soon taught us
+  to consider the doubling of Cape Horn as an enterprize that might
+  prove too mighty for all our efforts; though some among us had so
+  lately treated the difficulties which former voyagers were said
+  to have encountered in this undertaking as little better than
+  chimerical, and had supposed them to have arisen from timidity
+  and unskilfulness, rather than from the real embarrassments of
+  the winds and seas. But we were now convinced, from severe
+  experience, that these censures were rash and ill founded; for
+  the distresses with which we struggled during the three
+  succeeding months, will not be easily paralleled in the relation
+  of any former naval expedition; which, I doubt not, will be
+  readily allowed by those who shall carefully peruse the ensuing
+  narration.</p>
+
+  <p>From this storm, which came on before we were well clear of
+  the straits of Le Maire, we had a continual succession of such
+  tempestuous weather as surprised the oldest and most experienced
+  mariners on board, and obliged them to confess, that what they
+  had hitherto called storms were inconsiderable gales, when
+  compared with those winds we now encountered; which raised such
+  short, and at times such mountainous waves, as greatly surpassed
+  in danger all seas known in other parts of the globe, and, not
+  without reason, this unusual appearance filled us with continual
+  terror; for, had any one of these waves broken fairly over us, it
+  must almost inevitably have sent us instantly to the bottom.
+  Neither did we escape with terror only: for the ship, rolling
+  incessantly gunwale-to, gave us such quick and violent jerking
+  motions, that the men were in perpetual danger of being dashed to
+  pieces against the decks and sides of the ship; and, though we
+  were extremely careful to secure ourselves against these shocks,
+  by grasping some fixed body, yet many of our people were forced
+  from their holds, some of whom were actually killed, and others
+  greatly injured. In particular, one of our best seamen was canted
+  overboard and drowned; another dislocated his neck; a third was
+  thrown down the main hatchway into the hold and broke his thigh;
+  one of our boatswain's mates broke his collar-bone twice; not to
+  mention many other similar accidents.</p>
+
+  <p>These tempests, so dreadful in themselves, though unattended
+  by any other unfavourable circumstances, were yet rendered more
+  mischievous to us by their inequality, and by the deceitful
+  intervals that at times occurred; for, although <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page283" id="page283"></a>[pg 283]</span> we
+  had often to lie-to for days together under a reefed mizen, and
+  were frequently reduced to drive at the mercy of the winds and
+  waves under bare poles, yet now and then we ventured to make sail
+  under double-reefed courses; and occasionally, the weather
+  proving more moderate, were perhaps encouraged to set our
+  top-sails; after which, without any previous notice, the wind
+  would return with redoubled force, and would in an instant tear
+  our sails from the yards. And, that no circumstance might be
+  wanting which could aggravate our distress, these blasts
+  generally brought with them a great quantity of snow and sleet,
+  which cased our rigging in ice, and froze our sails, rendering
+  them and our cordage so brittle as to tear and snap with the
+  least strain; adding thereby great difficulty and labour to the
+  working of the ship, benumbing the hands and limbs of our people,
+  and rendering them incapable of exerting themselves with their
+  accustomed activity, and even disabling many of them, by inducing
+  mortification of their toes and fingers. It were, indeed, endless
+  to enumerate the various disasters of different kinds which befel
+  us, and I shall only mention the most material, which will
+  sufficiently evince; the calamitous condition of the whole
+  squadron, during this part of our navigation.</p>
+
+  <p>As already observed, it was on the 7th of March that we passed
+  the Straits of Le Maire, and were immediately afterwards driven
+  to the eastwards, by a violent storm, and by the force of the
+  current setting in that direction. During the four or five
+  succeeding days, we had hard gales of wind from the same western
+  quarter, attended by a most prodigious swell; insomuch that,
+  although we stood all that time towards the S.W. we had no reason
+  to imagine we had made any way to the westwards. In this interval
+  we had frequent squalls of rain and snow, and shipped great
+  quantities of water. After this, for three or four days, though
+  the sea ran mountains high, yet the weather was rather more
+  moderate; but, on the 18th; we had again strong gales of wind
+  with excessive cold, and at midnight the main top-sail split, and
+  one of the straps of the main dead-eyes broke. From the 18th to
+  the 23d the weather was more moderate, though, often intermixed
+  with rain and sleet and some hard gales; but, as the waves did
+  not subside, the ship, by labouring sore in this lofty sea,
+  became so loose in her upper-works that she let in water at every
+  seam, so that every part of her within <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page284" id="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span>
+  board was constantly exposed to the sea-water, and scarcely any
+  even of the officers ever lay dry in their beds. Indeed, hardly
+  did two nights pass without many of them being driven from their
+  beds by deluges of water.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 23d we had a most violent storm of wind, hail, and
+  rain, with a prodigious sea; and, though we handed the main-sail
+  before the height of the squall, yet we found the yard spring;
+  and soon after, in consequence of the foot-rope of the main-sail
+  breaking, the main-sail itself split instantly into rags, and
+  much the greater part of it was blown away, in spite of every
+  endeavour to save it. On this the commodore made the signal for
+  the squadron to bring to; and as the storm lulled into a calm, we
+  had an opportunity to lower the main-yard, and set the carpenters
+  to work upon it, while we also repaired our rigging; after which,
+  having bent a new main-sail, we got again under way with a
+  moderate breeze. But, in less than twenty-four hours, we had
+  another storm, still more furious than the former, which blew a
+  perfect hurricane, and obliged us to lie-to under bare poles. As
+  our ship kept the wind better than any of the rest, we were
+  obliged in the afternoon to wear, in order to join the squadron
+  to leeward, as otherwise we had been in danger of parting from
+  them in the night. On this occasion, as we dared not venture to
+  show any sail to the gale, we had to use an expedient, which
+  answered the purpose: This was putting the helm a-weather and
+  manning the fore-shrouds: But, though this answered the end in
+  view, yet in its execution one of our ablest seamen was canted
+  overboard. Notwithstanding the prodigious agitation of the waves,
+  we could perceive that he swam very vigorously, yet we found
+  ourselves, to our excessive concern, incapable of giving him the
+  smallest assistance; and were the more grieved at his unhappy
+  fate, as we lost sight of him struggling with the waves, and
+  conceived that he might continue long sensible of the horror of
+  his irretrievable situation.</p>
+
+  <p>Before this storm was quite abated, we found that two of our
+  main-shrouds and one of our mizen-shrouds were broken, all of
+  which we knotted and replaced immediately. After this we had an
+  interval of three or four days less tempestuous than usual, but
+  accompanied by so thick a fog, that we had to fire guns almost
+  every half hour to keep our squadron together. On the 31st we
+  were alarmed by a gun from the Gloucester, and a signal to speak
+  the commodore. We immediately <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page285" id="page285"></a>[pg 285]</span> bore down to her,
+  prepared to learn some terrible disaster, of which we were
+  apprised before we came down, by seeing that her main-yard was
+  broken in the slings. This was a grievous misfortune to us all,
+  at this juncture, as it was evident that it must prove a
+  hinderance to our sailing, and would detain us the longer in
+  these inhospitable latitudes. Our future safety and success was
+  not to be promoted by repining, but by resolution and activity;
+  and therefore, that this unhappy incident might delay us as short
+  as possible, the commodore ordered several carpenters to be put
+  on board the Gloucester from the other ships of the squadron, in
+  order to repair her damage with the utmost expedition. At this
+  time also, the captain of the Tryal represented that his pumps
+  were so bad, and his ship made so much water, that he was
+  scarcely able to keep her free; wherefore the commodore ordered
+  him a pump, ready fitted, from the Centurion. It was very
+  fortunate, both for the Gloucester and Tryal, that the weather
+  proved more favourable that day, than for many days both before
+  and after; since by this means they were enabled to receive the
+  assistance which seemed so essential for their preservation, and
+  which they could scarcely have procured at any other time, as it
+  would have been extremely hazardous to have ventured a boat on
+  board.</p>
+
+  <p>Next day, being the 1st of April, the weather returned to its
+  customary bias; the sky looking dark and gloomy, and the wind
+  beginning to freshen and to blow in squalls; yet it was not so
+  boisterous as to prevent us carrying our top-sails close reefed,
+  but its appearance evidently prognosticated that a still more
+  severe tempest was at hand. Accordingly, on the 3d of April,
+  there came on a storm, which, both in its violence and duration,
+  for it lasted three days, exceeded all we had hitherto
+  experienced. In its first onset, we received a furious shock from
+  a sea, which broke upon our larboard quarter, where it stove in
+  the quarter gallery, and rushed into the ship like a deluge. Our
+  rigging suffered also extremely from the blow; among the rest,
+  one of the straps of the main dead-eyes was broken, as were
+  likewise a main shroud and a puttock shroud; so that, to ease the
+  stress upon the masts and shrouds, we had to lower both our main
+  and fore yards, and to furl all our sails. We lay in this posture
+  for three days, when, the storm somewhat abating, we ventured to
+  make sail under our courses only. Even this would not avail us
+  long; for next day, being the 7th, we had another <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page286" id="page286"></a>[pg 286]</span> hard
+  gale, accompanied with lightning and rain, which obliged as to
+  lie-to all night.</p>
+
+  <p>It was really wonderful, notwithstanding the severe weather we
+  endured, that no extraordinary accident had happened to any of
+  the squadron since the Gloucester broke her main-yard. But this
+  good fortune now no longer attended us, for, at three next
+  morning, several guns were fired to leeward as signals of
+  distress, on which the commodore made the signal for the squadron
+  to bring to. At day-break we saw the Wager a considerable way to
+  leeward of any of the other ships, and soon perceived that she
+  had lost her mizen-mast, and main topsail-yard. We immediately
+  bore down towards her, and found that this disaster had arisen
+  from the badness of her iron-work, as all the chain plates to
+  windward had given way, in consequence of her having fetched a
+  deep roll. This accident proved the more unfortunate for the
+  Wager, as her captain had been on board the Gloucester ever since
+  the 31st March, and the weather was now too severe to permit of
+  his return. Nor was the Wager the only ship in the squadron that
+  suffered in this tempest; for next day, a signal of distress was
+  made by the Anna pink, and on speaking her, we found she had
+  broken her fore-stay and the gammon of her boltsprit, and was in
+  no small danger of all her masts coming by the board; so that the
+  whole squadron had to bear away to leeward till she made all
+  fast, after which we again hauled upon a wind.</p>
+
+  <p>After all our solicitude, and the numerous ills of every kind,
+  to which we had been incessantly exposed for near forty days, we
+  now had great consolation in the hope that our fatigues were
+  drawing to a close, and that we should soon arrive in a more
+  hospitable climate, where we should be amply rewarded for all our
+  past toils and sufferings; for, towards the latter end of March,
+  by our reckoning, we had advanced near ten degrees to the west of
+  the westermost point of Terra del Fuego; and, as this allowance
+  was double what former navigators had thought necessary to
+  compensate the drift of the western current, we esteemed
+  ourselves to be well advanced within the limits of the Southern
+  Pacific, and had been, ever since then, standing to the
+  northward, with as much expedition as the turbulence of the
+  weather and our frequent disasters would permit. On the 13th of
+  April, in addition to our before-mentioned westing, we were only
+  one degree of latitude to the southward of the western
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page287" id="page287"></a>[pg
+  287]</span> entrance into the Straits of Magellan, so that we
+  fully expected in a very few days to experience the celebrated
+  tranquillity of the Pacific Ocean. But these were only delusions,
+  which served to render our disappointment more terrible. On the
+  morning of the 14th, between two and three o'clock, the weather,
+  which till then had been hazy, fortunately cleared up, and the
+  pink made a signal for seeing the land right a-head; and, as it
+  was only two miles distant, we were all under the most dreadful
+  apprehensions of running on shore; which, had either the wind
+  blown from its usual quarter, with its wonted violence, or had
+  not the moon suddenly shone out, not a ship of the whole squadron
+  could possibly have avoided. But the wind, which some hours
+  before blew in squalls from the S.W. had fortunately shifted to
+  W.N.W. by which we were enabled to stand to the southward, and to
+  clear ourselves of this sudden and unexpected danger, and were
+  fortunate enough by noon to have gained an offing of near twenty
+  leagues.</p>
+
+  <p>By the latitude of this land we fell in with, it was agreed to
+  be that part of Terra del Fuego, near the south-western outlet of
+  the Straits of Magellan, described in Frezier's chart, and was
+  supposed to be that point which he calls Cape Noir.<a id=
+  "footnotetag122" name="footnotetag122"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote122"><sup>1</sup></a> It was indeed wonderful that the
+  current should have driven us to the eastward with so much
+  strength, for the whole squadron computed that we were ten
+  degrees to the westward of this land; so that in turning, by our
+  reckoning, about nineteen degrees of longitude, we had not in
+  reality advanced half that distance: And now, instead of having
+  our labours and anxieties relieved by approaching a warmer
+  climate, and more tranquil seas, we were forced again to steer
+  southwards, and had again to combat those western blasts which
+  had already so often terrified us; and this too, when we were
+  greatly enfeebled by our men falling sick and dying apace, and
+  when our spirits, dejected by long continuance at sea and by this
+  severe disappointment, were now much less capable of supporting
+  us through the various difficulties and dangers, which we could
+  not but look for in this new and arduous undertaking. Added to
+  all this, we were sore discouraged by the diminution in the
+  strength of the squadron; for, three days before this, we had
+  lost sight of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page288" id=
+  "page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> Severn and Pearl in the morning,
+  and, though we spread our ships, and beat about for them for some
+  time, we never saw them more; whence we apprehended that they
+  also had fallen in with this land in the night, and being less
+  favoured by the wind and the moon, might have perished by running
+  on shore. Full of these desponding thoughts and gloomy presages,
+  we stood away to the S.W. prepared, by our late disappointment,
+  how large an allowance soever we made in our westing for the
+  drift of the current from the westward, that we might still find
+  it insufficient upon a second trial.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote122" name="footnote122"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag122">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Cape Noir, is a small island off the western coast of Terra
+    del Fuego, is in lat. 54° 28' S. long, 78°
+    40' W.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION IX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Observations and Directions for facilitating the Passage
+  of future Navigators round Cape Horn.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The improper season of the year in which we attempted to
+  double Cape Horn, and to which is to be imputed the
+  before-recited disappointment, in falling in with Terra del
+  Fuego, when we reckoned ourselves above an hundred leagues to the
+  westward of that coast, and consequently well advanced into the
+  Pacific Ocean, to which we were necessitated by our too late
+  departure from England, was the fatal source of all the
+  misfortunes we afterwards experienced. For, from hence proceeded
+  the separation of our ships, the destruction of so many of our
+  people, the ruin of our project against Baldivia, and of all our
+  other views on the Spanish settlements, and the reduction of our
+  squadron, from the formidable condition in which it passed the
+  Straits of Le Maire, to a couple of shattered half-manned
+  cruizers and a sloop, so exceedingly disabled that, in many
+  climates, they scarcely durst have put to sea. To prevent,
+  therefore, as much as in me lies, the recurrence of similar
+  calamities to all ships bound hereafter to the South Seas, I
+  think it my duty to insert in this place such observations and
+  directions, as either my own experience and reflection, or the
+  conversation of the most skilful navigators on board the
+  squadron, could furnish me with, as to the most eligible manner
+  of doubling Cape Horn, whether in regard to the season of the
+  year, the course proper to be steered, or the places of
+  refreshment both on the eastern and western sides of South
+  America.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page289" id=
+  "page289"></a>[pg 289]</span>
+
+  <p>To begin with the proper place for refreshment on the eastern
+  side of South America. For this purpose the island of St
+  Catharines has been usually recommended by former writers, and on
+  their authority we put in there; but the treatment we
+  experienced, and the small store of refreshments we could procure
+  their are sufficient reasons to render all ships very cautious in
+  future how they trust to the government of Don Jose Sylva de Paz;
+  for they may assuredly depend on having their strength,
+  condition, and designs betrayed to the Spaniards, as far as the
+  knowledge the governor can procure of these particulars may
+  enable him. As this treacherous conduct was inspired by the views
+  of private gain, in the illicit commerce carried on to the river
+  Plate, rather than by any natural affection between the
+  Portuguese and Spaniards, the same perfidy may perhaps be
+  expected from most of the governors on the coast of Brazil, since
+  these smuggling engagements are doubtless very general and
+  extensive; and, though the governors themselves should detest so
+  faithless a procedure, yet, as ships are perpetually passing from
+  one or other of the Brazilian ports to the Rio Plata, the
+  Spaniards could scarcely fail of receiving intelligence, by this
+  means, of any British ships being on the coast; and, however
+  imperfect such intelligence might be, it might prove injurious to
+  the views and interests of cruizers thus discovered.</p>
+
+  <p>As the Spanish trade in the South Seas is all in one
+  direction, from north to south, or the direct reverse, with very
+  little deviation to the eastward or westward, it is in the power,
+  of two or three cruisers, properly stationed on different parts
+  of this track, to possess themselves of every ship that puts to
+  sea. This, however, can only be the case so long as they continue
+  concealed from the neighbouring coast; for, the moment that an
+  enemy is known to be in these seas, all navigation is prohibited,
+  and all chance of capture is consequently at an end; as the
+  Spaniards, well aware of these advantages to an enemy, send
+  expresses all along the coast, and lay a general embargo on all
+  trade; which measure they know will not only prevent their
+  vessels from being taken, but must soon oblige all cruisers, that
+  have not sufficient strength to attempt their settlements on
+  shore, to quit these seas for want of provisions. Hence the great
+  importance of carefully concealing all expeditions of this kind
+  is quite evident; and hence too it is obvious how extremely
+  prejudicial <span class="pagenum"><a name="page290" id=
+  "page290"></a>[pg 290]</span> such intelligence must prove as
+  that communicated by the Portuguese to the Spaniards in our case,
+  in consequence of touching at the ports of Brazil. Yet it will
+  often happen that ships, bound beyond Cape Horn, may be obliged
+  to call there for wood, water, and other refreshments; in which
+  case, St Catharines is the very last place I would recommend;
+  both because the proper animals for a live stock at sea, as hogs,
+  sheep, and fowls, are not to be procured there, for want of which
+  we found ourselves greatly distressed, being reduced to live
+  almost entirely on salt provisions; and because, from that port
+  being nearer the Rio Plata than many others of the Portuguese
+  settlements, the inducements and conveniences for betraying us to
+  the Spaniards were so much the stronger. The place I would
+  recommend is Rio Janeiro, where two of our squadron put in, after
+  separating from us in passing Cape Horn. At this place, as I was
+  informed by a gentleman on board one of these ships, any quantity
+  of hogs and poultry can be procured; and as it is more distant
+  from the Rio Plata, the difficulty of sending intelligence to the
+  Spaniards is somewhat increased, and consequently the chance of
+  continuing there undiscovered is so much the greater. Other
+  measures, which may effectually obviate all these embarrassments,
+  will be considered more at large hereafter.</p>
+
+  <p>I proceed, in the next place, to consider of the proper
+  measures to be pursued for doubling Cape Horn: And here, I think
+  I am sufficiently authorized, by our own fatal experience, and by
+  a careful comparison and examination of the journals of former
+  navigators, to give the following advice, which ought never, in
+  prudence, to be departed from: Which is, That all ships bound to
+  the South Seas, instead of passing through the Straits of Le
+  Maire, should constantly pass by the eastward of Staten-Land, and
+  should be invariably bent on running as far as the latitude of
+  61° or 62° S. before they endeavour to stand to
+  the westwards; and ought then to make sure of a sufficient
+  westing in or about that latitude, before commencing a northern
+  course. But, since directions diametrically opposite to these
+  have been formerly given by other writers, it is incumbent on me
+  to produce my reasons for each part of this maxim.</p>
+
+  <p>First then, as to the propriety of passing to the eastward of
+  Staten-Land. Those who have attended to the risk we ran in
+  passing the Straits of Le Maire, the danger we were in of
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page291" id="page291"></a>[pg
+  291]</span> being driven upon Staten-Land by the current, when,
+  though we happily escaped being driven on shore, we were yet
+  carried to the eastward of that island: those, I say, who reflect
+  on this and the like accidents which have happened to other
+  ships, will surely not esteem it prudent to pass through these
+  straits and run the risk of shipwreck, and find themselves, after
+  all, no farther to the westward, the only reason hitherto given
+  for this practice, than they might have been, in the same time,
+  by a more secure navigation in an open sea. And next, as to the
+  directions I have given for running into the latitude of
+  61° or 62° S. before any endeavour is made to
+  stand to the westward. The reasons for this precept are, that, in
+  all probability, the violence of the current setting from the
+  westward will be thereby avoided, and the weather will prove less
+  tempestuous and uncertain. This last circumstance we experienced
+  most remarkably; for after we had unexpectedly fallen in with the
+  land at Cape Noir, we stood away southward to get clear of it;
+  and were no sooner advanced into the lat. of 60° S. or
+  upwards, than we met with much better weather and smoother water
+  than in any other part of this whole passage. The air indeed was
+  very sharp and cold, and we had strong gales, but they were
+  steady and uniform, and we had at the same time sunshine and a
+  clear sky: whereas in the lower latitudes, the wind every now and
+  then intermitted, as it were, to recover new strength, and then
+  returned suddenly in the most violent gusts, threatening at every
+  blast to blow away our masts, which must have proved our
+  inevitable destruction.</p>
+
+  <p>Also, that the currents in this high latitude would be of much
+  less efficacy than nearer the land, seems to be evinced by these
+  considerations: That all currents run with greater violence near
+  the shore than out at sea, and that at great distances from the
+  land they are scarcely perceptible. The reason of this seems
+  sufficiently obvious, if we consider that constant currents, in
+  all probability, are produced by constant winds; the wind, though
+  with a slow and imperceptible motion, driving a large body of
+  water continually before it, which, being accumulated on any
+  coast that it meets with in its course, must escape along the
+  shore by the endeavours of the surface to reduce itself to the
+  level of the rest of the ocean. It is likewise reasonable to
+  suppose, that those violent gusts of wind which we experienced
+  near the shore, so very different from what we found in the lat.
+  of 60° S. and upwards, may be owing to a similar cause;
+  for a westerly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page292" id=
+  "page292"></a>[pg 292]</span> wind almost perpetually prevails in
+  the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, and this current of air
+  being interrupted by the enormously high range of the Andes, and
+  by the mountains on Terra del Fuego, which together bar up the
+  whole country as far south as Cape Horn, a part only of the wind
+  can force its way over the top of these prodigious precipices,
+  while the rest must naturally follow the direction of the coast,
+  and must range down the land to the southward, and sweep with an
+  impetuous and irregular blast round Cape Horn, and the
+  southermost part of Terra del Fuego. Without placing too much
+  reliance on these speculations, we may assume, I believe, as
+  incontestable facts, that both the rapidity of the currents, and
+  the violence of the western gales, are less sensible in lat.
+  61° or 62° S. than nearer the coasts of Terra
+  del Fuego.</p>
+
+  <p>Though satisfied, both from our own experience and the
+  relations of other navigators, of the importance of the precept
+  here insisted on, of proceeding to lat. 61° or
+  62° S. before any endeavours are made to stand to the
+  westwards, yet I would also advise all ships hereafter not to
+  trust so far to this management as to neglect another most
+  essential maxim: Which is, to make this passage in the height of
+  the <i>antarctic summer</i>, or, in other words, in the months of
+  December and January, which correspond exactly to the months of
+  June and July in our northern or arctic hemisphere: and the more
+  distant the time of passing may be from this season, so much the
+  more disastrous the passage may reasonably be expected to prove.
+  Indeed, if the mere violence of the western winds be considered,
+  the time of our passage, which was about the antarctic autumnal
+  equinox, was perhaps the most favourable period of the whole
+  year. But then it must be considered that there are, independent
+  of the winds, many other inconveniences to be apprehended in the
+  depth of winter, which are almost insuperable. For, at that
+  season, the severity of the cold, and the shortness of the days,
+  would render it impracticable to run so far to the southward as
+  is here recommended. The same reasons would also greatly augment
+  the danger and alarm of sailing, at that season, in the
+  neighbourhood of an unknown shore, dreadful in its appearance,
+  even in the midst of summer, and would render a winter navigation
+  on this coast, beyond all others, most dismaying and terrible. As
+  I would, therefore, advise all ships to make their passage, if
+  possible, in December and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page293"
+  id="page293"></a>[pg 293]</span> January, so I would warn them
+  never to attempt doubling Cape Horn, from the eastward, after the
+  month of March, which is equivalent to our August. As to the
+  remaining consideration, in regard to the most proper place for
+  cruizers to refit at, on their first arrival in the South Seas,
+  there is scarcely any choice, the island of Juan Fernandez being
+  the only place that can be prudently recommended for that
+  purpose. For, although there are many ports on the western side
+  of Patagonia, between the Straits of Magellan, one of which I
+  shall particularly notice in the sequel, in which ships may ride
+  in great safety, and may also recruit their wood and water, and
+  procure some few refreshments, yet that coast is in itself so
+  extremely dangerous, owing to its numerous rocks and breakers,
+  and to the violence of the western winds, which blow upon it
+  continually, that it is by no means advisable to fall in with
+  that coast, at least till the roads, channels, and anchorages in
+  each part of it have been accurately surveyed, and both the
+  perils and shelters with which it abounds are more distinctly
+  known.</p>
+
+  <p>Having thus given the best directions in my power, for the
+  success of our cruizers that may be hereafter bound to the South
+  Seas, it might be expected that I should now resume the narrative
+  of our voyage. Yet as, both in the preceding and subsequent parts
+  of this work, I have thought it my duty not only to recite all
+  such facts, and to inculcate such maxims, as had even the least
+  appearance of proving beneficial to future navigators, and also
+  to recommend such measures to the public as seemed adapted to
+  promote the same laudable purpose, I cannot desist from the
+  present subject without beseeching those persons to whom the
+  conduct of our naval affairs is confided, to endeavour to remove
+  the many perplexities and embarrassments with which the
+  navigation to the South Sea is at present encumbered. An effort
+  of this kind could not fail of proving highly honourable to
+  themselves, and extremely beneficial to their country; for it is
+  sufficiently evident, that whatever improvements navigation shall
+  receive, either by the invention of methods by which its practice
+  may be rendered less hazardous, or by the more accurate
+  delineation of the coasts, roads, and harbours already known, or
+  by the discovery of new countries and nations, or of new species
+  and sources of commerce, the advantages thence arising must
+  ultimately redound to the emolument <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page294" id="page294"></a>[pg 294]</span> of
+  Great Britain. Since, as our fleets are at present superior to
+  those of the whole world united, it must be a matchless degree of
+  supineness or meanness of spirit, if we permit any of the
+  advantages deriveable from new discoveries, or from a more
+  extended navigation, to be ravished from us.</p>
+
+  <p>Since it appears, from what has been already said, that all
+  our future expeditions to the South Seas must run a considerable
+  risk of proving abortive, while we remain under the necessity of
+  touching at Brazil in our passage thither, the discovery of some
+  place more to the southward, where ships might refresh, and
+  supply themselves with the necessary sea stock for their passage
+  round Cape Horn, would relieve us from this embarrassment, and
+  would surely be a matter worthy of the attention of the public.
+  Neither does this seem difficult to be effected, as we already
+  have an imperfect knowledge of two places, which might perhaps
+  prove, on examination, extremely convenient for this purpose. One
+  of these is Pepy's Island, in the latitude of 47° S. and
+  laid down by Dr Bailey about eighty leagues to the eastward of
+  Cape Blanco, on the coast of Patagonia.<a id="footnotetag123"
+  name="footnotetag123"></a><a href="#footnote123"><sup>1</sup></a>
+  The other is Falkland's Islands, in lat. 51° 30'
+  S.<a id="footnotetag124" name="footnotetag124"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote124"><sup>2</sup></a> nearly south of Pepy's
+  Island.</p>
+
+  <p>The first of these was discovered by Captain Cowley in 1683,
+  during his voyage round the world, and is represented by that
+  navigator as a commodious place for ships to wood and water at,
+  being provided with a good and capacious harbour, where a
+  thousand sail of ships might ride at anchor in great safety,
+  being also the resort of vast numbers of fowls; and as its shores
+  consist of either rocks or sands, it seems to promise great
+  plenty of fish. Falkland's Islands have been seen by many
+  navigators, both French and English. It is laid down by Frezier,
+  in his chart of the extremity of South America, under the name of
+  the New Islands. Woods Rogers, who ran along the N.E. coasts of
+  these islands in 1708, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page295"
+  id="page295"></a>[pg 295]</span> says they extend about two
+  degrees in length,<a id="footnotetag125" name=
+  "footnotetag125"></a><a href="#footnote125"><sup>3</sup></a> and
+  appeared with gentle descents from hill to hill, seeming to be
+  good ground, interspersed with woods, and not destitute of
+  harbours.</p>
+
+  <p>Either of these places, being islands at a considerable
+  distance from the continent, may be supposed, from their
+  latitude, to be situated in a sufficiently temperate climate.
+  They are both, it is true, too little known at present to be
+  recommended as the most eligible places of refreshment for ships
+  bound to the South Seas: But, if the admiralty should think
+  proper to order them to be surveyed, which might be done at a
+  very small expence, by a vessel fitted out on purpose; and if, on
+  examination, either one or both should appear proper for serving
+  the end in view, it is scarcely possible to conceive how
+  exceedingly important so convenient a station might prove, so far
+  to the southward, and so near Cape Horn. The Duke and Duchess of
+  Bristol, under Woods Rogers, were only thirty-five days from
+  losing sight of Falkland's Islands to their arrival at Juan
+  Fernandez, in the South Sea; and, as the return back is much
+  facilitated by the western winds, a voyage might doubtless be
+  made from Falkland's Islands to Juan Fernandez and back again in
+  little more than two months. Even in time of peace, this station
+  might be of great consequence to the nation; and in time of war,
+  would render us masters of those seas.</p>
+
+  <p>As all discoveries of this kind, though extremely honourable
+  to those who direct and promote them, may yet be carried on at an
+  inconsiderable expence, since small vessels are much the most
+  proper to be employed in this service, it were greatly to be
+  wished that the whole coasts of Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, and
+  Staten-Land, were carefully surveyed, and the numerous channels,
+  roads, harbours, and islands, in which they abound, accurately
+  examined, described, and represented. This might open to us vast
+  facilities for passing into the South Seas, such as hitherto we
+  have no knowledge of, and would render the whole of that southern
+  navigation greatly more secure than it is at present:
+  Particularly as exact draughts of the western coast of Patagonia,
+  from the Straits of Magellan to the Spanish settlements, might
+  furnish <span class="pagenum"><a name="page296" id=
+  "page296"></a>[pg 296]</span> us with better and more convenient
+  ports for refreshment, and better situated, both for the purposes
+  of war and commerce, than Juan Fernandez, as being above a
+  fornight's sail nearer to Falkland's Islands.</p>
+
+  <p>The discovery of this coast was formerly thought of so much
+  importance, by reason of its neighbourhood to the <i>Araucos</i>
+  and other Indians of Chili, who are generally at war, or at least
+  on ill terms, with the Spaniards, that, in the reign of Charles
+  II. Sir John Narborough was purposely fitted out to survey the
+  Straits of Magellan, the neighbouring coast of Patagonia, and the
+  Spanish ports on that frontier, with directions, if possible, to
+  procure some intercourse with the Chilese Indians, and to
+  establish a commerce and lasting correspondence with them. His
+  majesty's views, on this occasion, were not solely directed to
+  the advantage he might hope to receive from an alliance with
+  these savages, in restraining and intimidating the king of Spain,
+  but he even conceived, independent of these considerations, that
+  an immediate traffic with these Indians might prove highly
+  advantageous to the nation; for it is well known that Chili, at
+  its first discovery by the Spaniards, abounded in vast quantities
+  of gold, much beyond what it has ever produced since it came into
+  their possession. Hence it has been generally believed, that the
+  richest mines are carefully concealed by the Indians, as well
+  knowing that their discovery would excite in the Spaniards a
+  greater thirst for conquest and tyranny, and would render their
+  own independence more precarious. But, in regard to their
+  commerce with the English, could that be established, these
+  reasons would no longer influence them; since it would be in our
+  power to supply them with arms and ammunition of all kinds,
+  together with many other conveniences, which their intercourse
+  with the Spaniards has taught them to relish. They would then, in
+  all probability, open their mines, and gladly embrace a traffic
+  of such mutual advantage to both nations: For their gold, instead
+  of proving an incitement to enslave them, would then procure them
+  weapons with which to assert their liberty, to chastise their
+  tyranny, and to secure themselves for ever from falling under the
+  Spanish yoke; while, with our assistance, and under our
+  protection, they might become a considerable people, and might
+  secure to us that wealth, which was formerly most mischievously
+  lavished by the house of Austria, and <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page297" id="page297"></a>[pg 297]</span>
+  lately by the house of Bourbon, in pursuit of universal
+  monarchy.</p>
+
+  <p>It is true, that Sir John Narborough did not succeed in
+  opening this commerce, which promised, in appearance, so many
+  advantages to the nation: But his disappointment was merely
+  accidental; and his transactions on that coast, besides the many
+  advantages he furnished to geography and navigation, are rather
+  an encouragement for future trials of this kind, than any
+  objection against them. His principal misfortune was in losing a
+  small bark that accompanied him, and having some of his people
+  trepanned at Baldivia. It even appeared, by the fears and
+  precautions of the Spaniards, that they were fully convinced of
+  the practicability of the scheme he was sent to execute, and were
+  extremely alarmed with apprehensions for its consequences. It is
+  said that Charles II. was so far prepossessed with the belief of
+  the advantages that might redound to the public from this
+  expedition, and was so eager to be informed of the event, on
+  receiving intelligence of Sir John Narborough passing through the
+  Downs on his return, that he had not patience to wait till his
+  arrival at court, but went himself in his barge to meet him at
+  Gravesend.</p>
+
+  <p>The two most famous charts hitherto published, [i.e. in 1745,]
+  of the southern parts of South America, are those of Dr Halley,
+  in his General Chart of the Magnetic Variation, and of Frezier,
+  in his Voyage to the South Seas. Besides these, there is a chart
+  of the Straits of Magellan and some parts of the adjacent coast,
+  by Sir John Narborough, which is doubtless infinitely more exact
+  in that part than Frezier's, and even in some parts superior to
+  Halley's, particularly in regard to the longitudes of different
+  places in these straits. We were in some measure capable of
+  correcting, by our own observations, the coast from Cape Blanco
+  to Terra del Fuego, and thence to the Straits of Le Maire, as we
+  ranged along that coast, generally in sight of land. The position
+  of the land to the northward of the Straits of Magellan, on the
+  western side of Patagonia, is doubtless laid down very
+  imperfectly in our charts; and yet I believe it to be much nearer
+  the truth than any hitherto published; as it was drawn from the
+  information of some of the crew of the Wager, which was
+  shipwrecked on that coast; and as it pretty nearly agrees with
+  what I have seen in some Spanish manuscripts. The channel, called
+  Whale Sound, dividing Terra <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page298" id="page298"></a>[pg 298]</span> del Fuego, towards the
+  western extremity of the Straits of Magellan, was represented by
+  Frezier; but Sir Francis Drake, who first discovered Cape Horn,
+  and the south-west parts of Terra del Fuego, observed that the
+  whole coast was indented by a great number of inlets, all of
+  which he conceived to communicate with the Straits of Magellan:
+  And I do not doubt, when this country shall be thoroughly
+  examined, that this conjecture will be verified, and that Terra
+  del Fuego will be found to consist of several islands.</p>
+
+  <p>I must not omit warning all future navigators against relying
+  on the longitude of the Straits of Le Maire, or of any part of
+  that coast, as laid down by Frezier; the whole being from eight
+  to ten degrees too far to the eastward, if any faith can be given
+  to the concurrent evidences of a great number of journals,
+  verified, in some particulars, by astronomical observations. For
+  instance, Sir John Narborough places Cape Virgin Mary in long.
+  65° 42' W. from the Lizard, or about 71° 20'
+  from London. The ships of our squadron, taking their departure
+  from St Catharines, where the longitude was rectified by an
+  observation of an eclipse of the moon, found Cape Virgin Mary to
+  be from 70° 15' to 72° 30' W. from London,
+  according to their different reckonings; and, as there were no
+  circumstances in our run that could Tender it considerably
+  erroneous, it cannot be estimated in less than 71° W.
+  from London;<a id="footnotetag126" name=
+  "footnotetag126"></a><a href="#footnote126"><sup>4</sup></a>
+  whereas Frezier makes it only 66° W. from Paris, which
+  is little more than 63° from London. Again, our squadron
+  found the difference of longitude between Cape Virgin Mary and
+  the Straits of Le Maire to be not more than 2° 30',
+  while Frezier makes the difference nearly 4°,<a id=
+  "footnotetag127" name="footnotetag127"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote127"><sup>5</sup></a> by which he enlarged the coast,
+  from the Straits of Magellan to the Straits of Le Maire, to near
+  double its real extent.<a id="footnotetag128" name=
+  "footnotetag128"></a><a href="#footnote128"><sup>6</sup></a></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote123" name="footnote123"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag123">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Isla Grande, supposed to be the Pepy's Island discovered by
+    Cowley, is in lat. 46° 34' S. and is placed by Mr
+    Dalrymple in long. 46° 40' W. while the illustrious
+    navigator Cook makes its long. 35° 40' W. a difference
+    of longitude of no less than eleven degrees.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote124" name="footnote124"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag124">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The centre of Falkland's Islands is in 51° 45' S.
+    Janson's Islands, the most north-westerly of the group, or the
+    Sebaldines, is in 51°; and Beauchene's Isle, the most
+    southerly, in 53° S.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote125" name="footnote125"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag125">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The west extremity of this group is in long. 62° W.
+    and the east extremity in 56° 43' W. so that their
+    extent is 5° 12' in difference of longitude.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote126" name="footnote126"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag126">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Only 67° 40' W. from Greenwich.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote127" name="footnote127"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag127">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The Straits of Le Maire are in long. 65° 30' W. so
+    that the difference is 2° 10'.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote128" name="footnote128"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag128">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Some farther critical observations on the geographical
+    positions, as laid down by Frezier, Sir John Narborough, and Dr
+    Halley, are here omitted, as tending to no use or information;
+    these things having been since ascertained with much more
+    accuracy.E.</p>
+  </blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="page299" id=
+  "page299"></a>[pg 299]</span>
+
+  <h3>SECTION X.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan
+  Fernandez.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>After the mortifying disappointment of falling in with the
+  coast of Terra del Fuego, at Cape Noir, when we reckoned
+  ourselves ten degrees to the westward of it, as formerly
+  mentioned to have happened on the 14th of April, we stood away to
+  the S.W. till the 22d of that month, when we were in upwards of
+  60° S. and, by our reckoning, 6° westwards of
+  Cape Noir. In this run, we had a series of as favourable weather
+  as could well be expected in that part of the world, even in a
+  better season of the year; so that this interval, setting aside
+  our disquietudes on various accounts, was by far the most
+  eligible of any we had enjoyed since passing the Straits of Le
+  Maire. This moderate weather continued, with little variation,
+  till the evening of the 24th, when the wind began to blow fresh,
+  and soon increased to a prodigious storm. About midnight, the
+  weather being very thick, we lost sight of the other ships of the
+  squadron, which had hitherto kept us company, notwithstanding the
+  violence of the preceding storms. Neither was this our sole
+  misfortune, for next morning, while endeavouring to hand the
+  top-sails, the clew-lines and bunt-lines broke, and the sheets
+  being half flown, every seam in the top-sails was soon split from
+  top to bottom. The main top-sail shook so violently in the wind,
+  that it carried away the top lanthorn, and even endangered the
+  head of the mast. At length, however, some of the boldest of our
+  men ventured upon the yard, and cut the sail away close to the
+  reefs, with the utmost hazard of their lives. At the same time,
+  the fore top-sail beat about the yard with so much fury, that it
+  was soon blown to pieces. The main-sail also blew loose, which
+  obliged us to lower down the yard to secure the sail; and the
+  fore-yard also being lowered, we lay-to under a mizen. In this
+  storm, besides the loss of our top-sails, we had much of our
+  rigging broken, and lost a main studding-sail boom out of the
+  chains.</p>
+
+  <p>The weather became more moderate on the 25th at noon, which
+  enabled us to sway up our yards, and to repair our shattered
+  rigging in the best manner we could; but still we had no sight of
+  the rest of our squadron, neither did any of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page300" id="page300"></a>[pg 300]</span> them
+  rejoin us till after our arrival at Juan Fernandez; nor, as we
+  afterwards learnt, did any two of them continue in company
+  together. This total, and almost instantaneous separation was the
+  more wonderful, as we had hitherto kept together for seven weeks,
+  through all the reiterated tempests of this turbulent climate. It
+  must be owned, indeed, that we had hence room to expect we might
+  make our passage in a shorter time than if we had continued
+  together, because we could now make the best of our way, without
+  being retarded by the misfortunes of the other ships; but then we
+  had the melancholy reflection, that we were thereby deprived of
+  the assistance of others, and our safety depended solely on our
+  single ship; so that, if a plank started, or any other important
+  accident occurred, we must all irrecoverably perish. Or, should
+  we happen to be driven on shore, we had the uncomfortable
+  prospect of ending our days on some desolate coast, without any
+  reasonable hope of ever getting off again; whereas, with another
+  ship in company, all these calamities are much less formidable,
+  as in every kind of danger there would always be some probability
+  that one ship at least might escape, and be capable of preserving
+  or relieving the crew of the other.</p>
+
+  <p>During the remainder of April, we had generally hard gales,
+  though every day, since the 22d, edging to the northward. On the
+  last day of the month, however, we flattered ourselves with the
+  expectation of soon terminating our sufferings, as we then found
+  ourselves in lat. 52° 13' S. which, being to the
+  northward of the Straits of Magellan, we were now assured that we
+  had completed our passage, and were arrived on the confines of
+  the South Sea: And, as this ocean is denominated the
+  <i>Pacific</i>, from the equability of the seasons said to
+  prevail there, and the facility and security with which
+  navigation is there carried on, we doubted not that we should be
+  speedily cheered with the moderate gales, the smooth water, and
+  the temperate air, for which that portion of the globe is so
+  renowned. Under the influence of these pleasing circumstances, we
+  hoped to experience some compensation for the complicated
+  sufferings, which had so constantly beset us for the last eight
+  weeks. Yet here we were again miserably disappointed; for, in the
+  succeeding month of May, our sufferings rose even to a much
+  higher pitch than they had ever yet done, whether we consider the
+  violence of the storms, the shattering of our sails and rigging,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page301" id="page301"></a>[pg
+  301]</span> or the diminution and weakening of our crew by deaths
+  and sickness, and the even threatening prospect of our utter
+  destruction. All this will be sufficiently evident, from the
+  following circumstantial recital of our diversified
+  misfortunes.</p>
+
+  <p>Soon after we had passed the Straits of Le Maire, the scurvy
+  began to make its appearance among us, and our long continuance
+  at sea, the fatigue we underwent, and the various disappointments
+  we met with, had occasioned its spreading to such a degree, that
+  there were but few on board, by the latter end of April, that
+  were not afflicted with it in some degree; and in that month no
+  less than forty-three died of it in the Centurion. Although we
+  thought the distemper had then risen to an extraordinary height,
+  and were willing to hope that its malignity might abate as we
+  advanced to the northward, we yet found, on the contrary, that we
+  lost near double that number in the month of May; and, as we did
+  not get to land till the middle of June, the mortality went on
+  increasing, and so prodigiously did the disease extend, that,
+  after the loss of above 200 men, we could not muster at the last
+  above six foremast-men in a watch that were capable of duty.</p>
+
+  <p>This disease, so frequent in long voyages, and so particularly
+  destructive to us, is surely the most singular and unaccountable
+  of any that affects the human body. Its symptoms are innumerable
+  and inconstant, and its progress and effects singularly
+  irregular, for scarcely have any two persons complaints exactly
+  resembling each other; and where there have been, some conformity
+  in the symptoms, the order of their appearance has been totally
+  different. Though it frequently puts on the form of many other
+  diseases, and is not therefore to be described by any exclusive
+  and infallible criterions, yet there are some symptoms which are
+  more general than the rest, and of more frequent and constant
+  occurrence, and which therefore deserve a more particular
+  enumeration. These common appearances are large discoloured spots
+  dispersed over the whole surface of the body, swelled legs,
+  putrid gums, and, above all, an extraordinary lassitude of the
+  whole body, especially after any exercise, however inconsiderable
+  and this lassitude at last degenerates into a proneness to swoon,
+  and even to die, on the least exertion of strength, or even on
+  the least motion. This disease is usually attended, also, by a
+  strange dejection of spirits, with shiverings, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page302" id="page302"></a>[pg 302]</span>
+  tremblings, and a disposition to be seized with the most dreadful
+  terrors on the slightest accident. Indeed it was most remarkable,
+  in all our reiterated experience of this malady, that whatever
+  discouraged our people, or at any time damped their hopes, never
+  failed to add new vigour to the distemper, for such usually
+  killed those who were in the last stages of the disease, and
+  confined those to their hammocks who were before capable of some
+  kind of duty, so that it seemed as if alacrity of mind and
+  sanguine hopes were no small preservatives from its fatal
+  malignity.</p>
+
+  <p>But it is not easy to complete the long roll of the various
+  concomitants of this disease; for it often produced putrid
+  fevers, pleurisies, jaundice, and violent rheumatic pains, and
+  sometimes occasioned obstinate costiveness, which was generally
+  attended with a difficulty of breathing, and this was esteemed
+  the most deadly of all the scorbutic symptoms. At other times the
+  whole body, but more especially the legs, were subject to ulcers
+  of the worst kind, attended by rotten bones, and such a
+  luxuriance of fungous flesh as yielded to no remedy. The most
+  extraordinary circumstance, and which would scarcely be credible
+  upon any single evidence, was, that the scars of wounds that had
+  been healed for many years, were forced open again by this
+  virulent distemper. There was a remarkable instance of this in
+  the case of one of the invalid soldiers on board the Centurion,
+  who had been wounded above fifty years before, at the battle of
+  the Boyne; and though he was cured soon after, and had continued
+  well for a great many years, yet, on being attacked by the
+  scurvy, his wounds broke out afresh in the progress of the
+  disease, and appeared as if they had never been healed. What is
+  even still more extraordinary, the callus of a broken bone, which
+  had been completely formed for a long time, was dissolved in the
+  course of this disease, and the fracture seemed as if it had
+  never been consolidated. The effects, indeed, of this disease,
+  were in almost every instance wonderful, for many of our people,
+  though confined to their hammocks, appeared to have no
+  inconsiderable share of health, as they eat and drank heartily,
+  were even cheerful, talking with much seeming vigour with a loud
+  strong voice; and yet, on being in the least moved, though only
+  from one part of the ship to another, and that too in their
+  hammocks, they would instantly expire. Others, who have confided
+  in their seeming strength, and have resolved to get out of their
+  hammocks, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page303" id=
+  "page303"></a>[pg 303]</span> have died before they could well
+  reach the decks; neither was it uncommon for such as were able to
+  walk the deck, and even to perform some kind of duty, to drop
+  down dead in an instant, on any attempt to act with their utmost
+  effort; many of our people having perished in this manner in the
+  course of our voyage.</p>
+
+  <p>We struggled under this terrible disease during the greatest
+  part of the time of our beating round Cape Horn; and though it
+  did not then rage with its utmost violence, yet we buried no less
+  than forty-three men in the month of April, as formerly observed.
+  We were still, however, in hopes of seeing a period to this cruel
+  malady, and to all the other evils which had so constantly
+  pursued us, when we should have secured our passage round the
+  Cape: but we found, to our heavy misfortune, that the (so-called)
+  Pacific Ocean was to us less hospitable even than the turbulent
+  neighbourhood of Terra del Fuego and Cape Horn. On the 8th of
+  May, being arrived of the island of Socoro, on the western coast
+  of Patagonia, [in lat. 44° 50' S. long. 73° 45'
+  W.] the first rendezvous appointed for the squadron, and where we
+  hoped to have met with some of our consorts, we cruized for them
+  in that station several days. We were here not only disappointed
+  in our expectations of meeting our friends, which induced the
+  gloomy apprehensions of their having all perished, but were also
+  perpetually alarmed with the fear of being driven on this coast,
+  which appeared too craggy and irregular to give us the least
+  prospect, in such a case, that any of us could possibly escape
+  immediate destruction. The land, indeed, had a most tremendous
+  aspect. The most distant part, far within the country, being the
+  mountains of the Andes, or Cordelieras, was extremely high, and
+  covered with snow; while the coast seemed quite rocky and barren,
+  and the edge of the water skirted with precipices. In some
+  places, indeed, we observed several deep bays running; into the
+  land; but their entrances were generally blocked up by numbers of
+  small islands; and though it was not improbable but there might
+  be convenient shelter in some of the bays, and proper channels
+  leading to them, yet, as we were utterly ignorant of the coast,
+  had we been driven ashore by the westerly winds, which blew
+  almost incessantly we could not well have avoided the loss both
+  of the ship and of our lives.</p>
+
+  <p>This continued peril which lasted above a fortnight, was
+  greatly aggraved by the difficulties we found in working the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page304" id="page304"></a>[pg
+  304]</span> ship; as the scurvy, by this time, had destroyed so
+  great a number of our hands, and had in some degree infected
+  almost the whole crew. Neither did we, as we hoped, find the
+  winds less violent as we advanced to the northward; for we had
+  often prodigious squalls of wind, which split our sails, greatly
+  damaged our rigging, and endangered our masts. Indeed, during
+  much the greatest part of the time we were upon this coast, the
+  wind blew so hard that, in any other situation where we had
+  sufficient sea-room, we should certainly have lain-to; but, in
+  the present exigency, we were necessitated to carry both our
+  courses and top-sails, in order to keep clear of this lee-shore.
+  In one of these squalls, which was attended by several violent
+  claps of thunder, a sudden flash of fire darted along our decks,
+  which dividing, exploded with a report like that of several
+  pistols, and wounded many of our men and officers, marking them
+  in different parts of their bodies. This flame was attended by a
+  strong, sulphurous stench, and was doubtless of the same nature
+  with the larger and more violent flashes of lightning which then
+  filled the air.</p>
+
+  <p>It were endless to recite minutely the various disasters,
+  fatigues, and terrors, which we encountered on this coast, all of
+  which went on increasing till the 22d of May; at which time the
+  fury of all the storms we had hitherto encountered seemed to have
+  combined for our destruction. In this hurricane almost all our
+  sails were split, and a great part of our standing rigging
+  broken. About eight in the evening, an overgrown mountainous wave
+  took us upon our star-board quarter, and gave us so prodigious a
+  shock that several of our shrouds broke with the jerk, to the
+  great danger of our masts giving way, and our ballast and stores
+  were so strangely shifted, that the ship heeled afterwards two
+  streaks to port. This was a most tremendous blow, and we were
+  thrown into the utmost consternation, having the dismal
+  apprehension of instantly foundering. Though the wind abated in a
+  few hours, yet, having no sails left in a condition to bend to
+  the yards, the ship laboured exceedingly in a hollow sea, rolling
+  gunwale too, for want of sail to keep her steady, so that we
+  every moment expected that our masts, now very slenderly
+  supported, would have come by the board. We exerted ourselves,
+  however, the best we could, to stirrup our shrouds, to reeve new
+  lanyards, and to mend our sails: But, while these necessary
+  operations were going on, we ran great risk of being <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page305" id="page305"></a>[pg 305]</span>
+  driven ashore on the island of Chiloe, which was not far from us.
+  In the midst of our peril, the wind happily shifted to the
+  southward, and we steered off the land with the main-sail only;
+  at which time the master and I undertook the management of the
+  helm, while every one else, capable of acting, were busied in
+  securing the masts, and bending the sails as fast as they could
+  be repaired. This was the last effort of that stormy climate;
+  for, in a day or two after, we got clear of the land, and found
+  the weather more moderate than we had yet experienced since
+  passing the Straits of Le Maire.</p>
+
+  <p>Having now cruized in vain, for the other ships of the
+  squadron, during more than a fortnight, it was resolved to take
+  advantage of the present favourable weather, and the offing we
+  had made from this terrible coast, and to make the best of our
+  way for the island of Juan Fernandez. It is true that our next
+  rendezvous was appointed off Baldivia; yet, as we had seen none
+  of our companions at this first rendezvous, it was not to be
+  supposed that any of them would be found at the second, and
+  indeed we had the greatest reason to suspect that all but
+  ourselves had perished. Besides, we were now reduced to so low a
+  condition, that, instead of pretending to attack the settlements
+  of the enemy, our utmost hopes could only suggest the possibility
+  of saving the ship, and some part of the remaining crew, by a
+  speedy arrival at Juan Fernandez; as that was the only place, in
+  this part of the world, where there was any probability of
+  recovering our sick or refitting our ship, and consequently our
+  getting thither was the only chance we had left to avoid
+  perishing at sea.</p>
+
+  <p>Our deplorable situation allowing no room for deliberation, we
+  stood for the island of Juan Fernandez; and, to save time, which
+  was now extremely precious, as our men were dying by four, five,
+  and six of a day, and likewise to avoid being again engaged on a
+  lee shore, we resolved to endeavour to hit that island upon a
+  meridian. On the 28th of May, being nearly in the parallel on
+  which it is laid down, we had great expectations of seeing that
+  island; but, not finding it in the position laid down in our
+  charts, we began to fear that we had got too far to the westward;
+  and therefore, though the commodore was strongly persuaded that
+  he saw it in the morning of the 28th, yet his officers believing
+  it to have been only a cloud, to which opinion the haziness of
+  the weather gave some countenance, it was resolved, on
+  consultation, to stand to the eastward in the parallel of the
+  island; as, by <span class="pagenum"><a name="page306" id=
+  "page306"></a>[pg 306]</span> this course, we should certainly
+  fall in with the island, if we were already to the westward of
+  it, or should at least make the main land of Chili, whence we
+  could take a new departure, so as not to miss it a second time in
+  running to the westward.</p>
+
+  <p>Accordingly, on the 30th May, we had sight of the continent of
+  Chili, distant about twelve or thirteen leagues, the land
+  appearing very low and uneven, and quite white; what we saw being
+  doubtless a part of the Cordilleras, which are always covered
+  with snow. Though by this view of the land we ascertained our
+  position, yet it gave us great uneasiness to find that we had so
+  needlessly altered our course, when we had been, in all
+  probability, just upon the point of making the island: For the
+  mortality among us was now increased to a most frightful degree,
+  and those who remained were utterly dispirited by this new
+  disappointment, and the prospect of their longer continuance at
+  sea. Our water, too, began to grow scarce, and a general
+  dejection prevailed among us, which added much to the virulence
+  of the disease, and destroyed numbers of our best men. To all
+  these calamities, there was added this vexatious circumstance,
+  after getting sight of the main land, that we were so much
+  delayed by calms and contrary winds, while tacking westwards in
+  quest of the island, that it took us nine days to regain the
+  westing, which we ran down in two when standing to the
+  eastward.</p>
+
+  <p>In this desponding condition, and under these disheartening
+  circumstances, we stood to the westward, with a crazy ship, a
+  great scarcity of fresh water, and a crew so universally
+  diseased, that there were not above ten foremast men in a watch
+  capable of doing duty, and even some of these lame and unable to
+  go aloft. At last, at day-break on the 9th of June, we discovered
+  the long-wished-for island of Juan Fernandez. Owing to our
+  suspecting ourselves to be to the westward of this island on the
+  28th of May, and in consequence of the delay occasioned by our
+  standing in for the main and returning, we lost between seventy
+  and eighty of our men, whom we had doubtless saved, if we had
+  made the island on that day, which we could not have failed to
+  do, if we had kept on our course only for a few hours
+  longer.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page307" id=
+  "page307"></a>[pg 307]</span>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez, with a
+  Description of that Island.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>As mentioned in the preceding section, we descried the island
+  of Juan Fernandez at day-break on the 9th June, bearing N. by E.
+  1/2 E. distant eleven or twelve leagues. Though on this first
+  view it appeared very mountainous, ragged, and irregular, yet it
+  was land, and the land we sought for, and was therefore a most
+  agreeable sight: because here only we could hope to put a period
+  to those terrible calamities with which we had so long struggled,
+  which had already swept away above half of our crew, and which,
+  had we continued only a few days longer at sea, must inevitably
+  have completed our destruction. For we were now reduced to so
+  helpless a condition, that, out of two hundred and odd men who
+  remained alive, taking all our watches together, we could not
+  muster hands now to work the ship on any emergency, even
+  including the officers, the servants, and the boys.</p>
+
+  <p>The wind being northerly when we first made the island, we
+  kept plying to windward all that day, and the ensuing night, in
+  order to get in with the land; and, while wearing ship in the
+  middle watch, we had a melancholy instance of the almost
+  incredible debility of our people; for the lieutenant could
+  muster no more than two quarter-masters and six foremast men
+  capable of working; so that, without the assistance of the
+  officers, servants, and boys, it might have been impossible for
+  us to have reached the island after we got sight of it; and even
+  with their assistance, we were two hours in trimming the sails;
+  to so wretched a condition were we reduced, in a sixty-gun ship,
+  which had passed the Straits of Le Maire only three months before
+  with between four and five hundred men, most of them then in
+  health and vigour.</p>
+
+  <p>In the afternoon of the 10th, we got under the lee of the
+  island, and kept ranging along its coast at the distance of about
+  two miles, in order to look out for the proper anchorage, which
+  was described to be in a bay on its north side. Being now so near
+  the shore, we could perceive that the broken craggy precipices,
+  which had appeared so very unpromising from a distance, were far
+  from barren, being in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page308" id=
+  "page308"></a>[pg 308]</span> most places covered by woods; and
+  that there were every where the finest vallies interspersed
+  between them, cloathed with a most beautiful verdure, and watered
+  by numerous streams and cascades, every valley of any extent
+  being provided with its own rill; and we afterwards found that
+  the water was constantly clear, and not inferior to any we had
+  ever met with. The aspect of a country thus beautifully
+  diversified would at any time have been extremely delightful;
+  but, in our distressed situation, languishing as we were for the
+  land and its vegetable productions, an indication constantly
+  attending every stage of the sea-scurvy, it is scarcely credible
+  with what eagerness and transport we viewed the shore, and with
+  how much impatience we longed for the greens and other
+  refreshments which were in sight. We were particularly anxious
+  for the water, as we had been confined to a very sparing
+  allowance for a considerable time, and had then only five tons
+  remaining on board. Those only who have endured a long series of
+  thirst, and who can readily recall the desire and agitation which
+  even the ideas alone of springs and brooks have at that time
+  raised in their minds, can judge of the emotion with which we
+  viewed a large cascade of the purest water, which poured into the
+  sea at a short distance from the ship, from a rock near a hundred
+  feet high. Even those of the sick who were not in the very last
+  stage of the distemper, though they had been long confined to
+  their hammocks, exerted their small remains of strength, and
+  crawled up to the deck, to feast their eyes with this reviving
+  prospect.</p>
+
+  <p>We thus coasted along the island, fully occupied in
+  contemplating this enchanting landscape, which still improved as
+  we proceeded. But at last the night closed upon us, before we
+  could determine upon the proper bay in which to anchor. It was
+  resolved, therefore, to keep in soundings all night, having then
+  from sixty-four to seventy fathoms, and to send our boat next
+  morning to discover the road. The current shifted, however, in
+  the night, and set us so near the land that we were obliged to
+  let go our best bower in fifty-six fathoms, not half a mile from
+  shore. At four next morning, the cutter was dispatched, under our
+  third-lieutenant, to find out the bay of which we were in search.
+  The boat returned at noon, full of seals and grass; for though
+  the island abounded with better vegetables, the boat's crew,
+  during their short stay, had not met any other, and thought even
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page309" id="page309"></a>[pg
+  309]</span> this would be acceptable as a dainty, and indeed it
+  was all speedily and eagerly devoured. The seals, too, were
+  considered as fresh provision, but were not much admired, though
+  they afterwards came into more repute; but we had taken a
+  prodigious quantity of excellent fish during the absence of the
+  boat, which rendered the seals less valuable at this time.</p>
+
+  <p>The cutter had discovered the bay in which we intended to
+  anchor, which was to the westward of our present station; and
+  next morning, the weather proving favourable, we endeavoured to
+  weigh, in order to proceed thither, mustering all the strength we
+  could, obliging even the sick, who could hardly stand on their
+  legs, to assist; yet the capstan was so weakly manned, that it
+  was near four hours before we could heave the cable right up and
+  down: after which, with our utmost efforts, though with many
+  surges and some additional purchases to increase our strength, we
+  found it utterly impossible to start the anchor out of the
+  ground. At noon, however, as a fresh gale blew towards the bay,
+  we were induced to set the sails, which fortunately tripped the
+  anchor. We then steered along shore, till we came abreast of the
+  point forming the eastern part of the bay: But on opening the
+  bay, the wind, which had hitherto favoured us, chanced to shift,
+  and blew from the bay in squalls; yet, by means of the head-way
+  we had got, we luffed close in, till the anchor, which still hung
+  at our bow, brought us up in fifty-six fathoms.</p>
+
+  <p>Soon after we had thus got to anchor in the mouth of the bay,
+  we discovered a sail making toward us, which we had no doubt was
+  one of our squadron, and which, on a nearer approach, we found to
+  be the Tryal sloop; whereupon, we immediately dispatched some of
+  our hands to her assistance, by whose means she was brought to
+  anchor between us and the land. We soon learnt that she had by no
+  means been exempted from the same calamities by which we had been
+  so severely afflicted; for Captain Saunders, her commander,
+  waiting on the commodore, informed him, that he had buried
+  thirty-four men out of his small complement, and those that
+  remained alive were so universally afflicted with the scurvy,
+  that only himself, his lieutenant, and three of the men were able
+  to stand by the sails.</p>
+
+  <p>It was on the 12th about noon that the Tryal came to anchor
+  within us, when we carried our hawsers on board her, in order to
+  warp our ship nearer the shore; but the wind <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page310" id="page310"></a>[pg 310]</span>
+  coming off the land in violent gusts, prevented our mooring in
+  the intended birth. Indeed our principal attention was now
+  devoted to a business of rather more importance, as we were now
+  anxiously employed in sending on shore materials to erect tents
+  for the reception of the sick, who died rapidly on board.
+  Doubtless the distemper was considerably augmented by the stench
+  and filthiness in which they lay; for the number of the sick was
+  so great, and so few of them could be spared from the necessary
+  duty of the sails to look after them, that it was impossible to
+  avoid a great relaxation in regard to cleanliness, so that the
+  ship was extremely loathsome between decks. Notwithstanding our
+  desire to free the sick from their present hateful situation, and
+  their own extreme eagerness to get on shore, we had not hands
+  enough to prepare the tents for their reception sooner than the
+  16th; but on that and the two following days we got them all on
+  shore, to the number of an hundred and sixty-seven persons,
+  besides twelve or fourteen who died in the boats on being exposed
+  to the fresh air. The greatest part of our sick were so infirm,
+  that we had to carry them out of the ship in their hammocks, and
+  to convey them afterwards in the same manner from the water-side
+  to the tents, over a stony beach. This was a work of considerable
+  fatigue to the few who remained healthy; and therefore our
+  commodore, according to his accustomed humanity, not only
+  assisted in this himself, but obliged all his officers to give
+  their helping-hand.</p>
+
+  <p>The extreme weakness of our sick may be collected, in some
+  measure, from the numbers that died after they got on shore. It
+  has generally been found that the land, and the refreshments it
+  affords, very soon produce recovery in most stages of the scurvy,
+  and we flattered ourselves that those who had not perished on
+  their first exposure to the open air, but had lived to be placed
+  in the tents, would have been speedily restored to health and
+  vigour. Yet to our great mortification, it was nearly twenty days
+  after they landed, before the mortality entirely ceased, and for
+  the first ten or twelve days we rarely buried less than six each
+  day, and many of those who survived recovered by very slow and
+  insensible degrees. Those, indeed, who had sufficient strength,
+  at their first getting on shore, to creep out of the tents, and
+  to crawl about, were soon relieved, and speedily recovered their
+  health and strength: But, in the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page311" id="page311"></a>[pg 311]</span> rest, the disease
+  seemed to have attained a degree of inveteracy altogether without
+  example.</p>
+
+  <p>Before proceeding to any farther detail of our proceeding, I
+  think it necessary to give a distinct account of this island of
+  Juan Fernandez, including its situation, productions, and
+  conveniences. We were well enabled to be minutely instructed in
+  these particulars, during our three months stay at this island;
+  and its advantages will merit a circumstantial description, as it
+  is the only commodious place in these seas, where British
+  cruizers can refresh and recover their men, after passing round
+  Caps Horn, and where they may remain for some time without
+  alarming the Spanish coast. Commodore Anson, indeed, was
+  particularly industrious, in directing the roads and coasts of
+  this island to be surveyed, and other observations of all kinds
+  to be made; knowing, from his own experience, of how great
+  benefit these materials might prove hereafter, to any British
+  cruizers in these seas. For the uncertainty we were in of its
+  position, and our standing in for the main on the 28th May, as
+  formerly related, cost us the lives of between seventy and eighty
+  of our men; from which fatal loss we might have been saved, had
+  we possessed such an account of its situation as we could have
+  fully depended upon.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of Juan Fernandez is in lat. 33° 40'S.
+  [long. 77° 30' W.] one hundred marine leagues or five
+  degrees of longitude from the continent of Chili. It is said to
+  have received its name from a Spaniard who formerly procured a
+  grant of it, and resided there for some time with the view of
+  forming a settlement, but abandoned it afterwards.<a id=
+  "footnotetag129" name="footnotetag129"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote129"><sup>1</sup></a> On approaching its northern side
+  from the east, it appears a large congeries of lofty peaked
+  mountains, the shore in most places being composed of high
+  precipitous rocks, presenting three several bays, East bay,
+  Cumberland bay, and West bay, the second only being of any
+  extent, and is by far the best, in which we moored. The island
+  itself is of an irregular triangular figure; one side of which,
+  facing the N.E. contains these three bays. Its greatest extent is
+  between four and five leagues, and its greatest breadth something
+  less than two. The only safe anchorage is on the N.E.
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page312" id="page312"></a>[pg
+  312]</span> side, where, as already mentioned, are the three
+  bays; the middlemost of which, named Cumberland bay, is the
+  widest and deepest, and in all respects by much the best; for the
+  other two, named East and West bays, are scarcely more than good
+  landing places, where boats may conveniently put casks on shore
+  for water. Cumberland bay is well secured to the southward, and
+  is only exposed from the N. by W. to the E. by S. and as the
+  northerly winds seldom blow in that climate, and never with any
+  violence, the danger from that quarter is not worth attending to.
+  This last-mentioned bay is by far the most commodious road in the
+  island, and it is advisable for all ships to anchor on its
+  western side, within little more than two cables length of the
+  beach, where they may ride in forty fathoms, and be sheltered, in
+  a great measure, from a large heavy sea which comes rolling in,
+  whenever the wind blows from eastern or western quarters. It is
+  expedient, however, to <i>cackle</i> or arm the cables with an
+  iron chain, or with good rounding, for five or six fathoms from
+  the anchor, to secure them from being rubbed by the foulness of
+  the ground.<a id="footnotetag130" name=
+  "footnotetag130"></a><a href="#footnote130"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>I have already observed that a northerly wind, to which alone
+  this bay is directly exposed, very seldom blew while we were
+  there; and, as it was then winter, such may be supposed less
+  frequent in other seasons. In those few instances when the wind
+  was in that quarter, it did not blow with any great force, which
+  might be owing to the high lands, south of the bay, giving a
+  check to its force; for we had reason to believe that it blew
+  with considerable force a few leagues out at sea, since it
+  sometimes drove a prodigious sea before it into the bay, during
+  which we rode forecastle in. Though the northerly winds are never
+  to be apprehended in this bay, yet the southerly winds, which
+  generally prevail here, frequently blow off the land in violent
+  gusts and squalls, which seldom lasted, however, longer than two
+  or three minutes. This seems to be owing to the high hills, in
+  the neighbourhood of the bay, obstructing the southern gale; as
+  the wind, collected by this means, at last forces its passage
+  through the narrow <span class="pagenum"><a name="page313" id=
+  "page313"></a>[pg 313]</span> vallies; which, like so many
+  funnels, both facilitate its escape, and increase its violence.
+  These frequent and sudden guests make it difficult for a ship to
+  work in with the wind offshore, or to keep a clear hawse, when
+  anchored.</p>
+
+  <p>The northern part of this island is composed of high craggy
+  hills, many of them inaccessible, though generally covered with
+  trees. The soil of this part is loose and shallow, so that very
+  large trees in the hills frequently perish for want of root, and
+  are then easily overturned. This circumstance occasioned the
+  death of one of our men, who, being on the hills in search of
+  goats, caught hold of a tree upon a declivity to assist him in
+  his ascent, and this giving way, he rolled down the hill; and
+  though, in his fall, he fastened on another tree of considerable
+  bulk, this also gave way, and he fell among the rocks, where he
+  was dashed to pieces. Mr Brett, also, having rested his back
+  against a tree, near as large about as himself, which grew on a
+  slope, it gave way with him, and he fell to a considerable
+  distance, though without receiving any injury. Our prisoners,
+  whom, as will appear in the sequel, we afterwards brought to this
+  island, remarked that the appearance of the hills in some parts
+  resembled that of the mountains in Chili where gold is found; so
+  that it is not impossible that mines might be discovered here. In
+  some places we observed several hills of a peculiar red earth,
+  exceeding vermillion in colour, which perhaps, on examination,
+  might prove useful for many purposes. The southern, or rather
+  S.W. part of the island, is widely different from the rest; being
+  destitute of trees, dry, stony, and very flat and low, compared,
+  with the hills on the northern part. This part of the island is
+  never frequented by ships, being surrounded by a steep shore, and
+  having little or no fresh water; besides which, it is exposed to
+  the southerly winds, which generally blow here the whole year
+  round, and with great violence in the antarctic winter.</p>
+
+  <p>The trees, of which the woods in the northern part of the
+  island are composed, are mostly aromatic, and of many different
+  sorts. There are none of them of a size to yield any considerable
+  timber, except those we called myrtle-trees, which are the
+  largest on the island, and supplied us with all the timber we
+  used; yet even these would not work to a greater length than
+  forty feet. The top of the myrtle is circular, and as uniform and
+  regular as if clipped round by art. It bears an excrescence like
+  moss on its bark, having <span class="pagenum"><a name="page314"
+  id="page314"></a>[pg 314]</span> the taste and smell of garlic,
+  and was used instead of it by our people. We found here the
+  pimento, and the cabbage-tree, but in no great quantity. Besides
+  these, there were a great number of plants of various kinds,
+  which we were not botanists enough to describe or attend to. We
+  found here, however, almost all the vegetables that are usually
+  esteemed peculiarly adapted to the cure of those scorbutic
+  disorders which are contracted by salt diet and long voyages, as
+  we had great quantities of water-cresses and purslain, with
+  excellent wild sorrel, and a vast profusion of turnips and
+  Sicilian radishes, which two last, having a strong resemblance to
+  each other, were confounded by our people under the general name
+  of turnips. We usually preferred the tops of the turnips to the
+  roots, which we generally found stringy, though some of them were
+  free from that exception, and remarkably good. These vegetables,
+  with the fish and flesh we got here, to be more particularly
+  described hereafter, were not only exceedingly grateful to our
+  palates after the long course of salt diet to which we had been
+  confined, but were likewise of the most salutary consequence in
+  recovering and envigorating our sick, and of no mean service to
+  us who were well, by destroying the lurking seeds of the scurvy,
+  from which none of us, perhaps, were totally exempted, and in
+  refreshing and restoring us to our wonted strength and activity.
+  To the vegetables already mentioned, of which we made perpetual
+  use, I must add that we found many acres of ground covered with
+  oats and clover. There were some few cabbage-trees, as before
+  observed, but these grew generally on precipices and in dangerous
+  situations, and as it was necessary to cut down a large tree to
+  procure a single cabbage, we were rarely able to indulge in this
+  dainty.</p>
+
+  <p>The excellence of the climate, and the looseness of the soil,
+  renders this island extremely proper for all kinds of
+  cultivation: for, if the ground be any where accidentally turned
+  up, it becomes immediately overgrown with turnips and Sicilian
+  radishes. Our commodore, therefore, having with him garden-seeds
+  of all kinds, and stones of different kinds of fruits, sowed here
+  lettuces, carrots, and other garden-plants, and set in the woods
+  great numbers of plumb, apricot, and peach-stones, for the better
+  accommodation of our countrymen who might hereafter touch at this
+  island. These last have since thriven most remarkably, as has
+  been since learnt by Mr Anson. For some Spanish gentlemen having
+  been <span class="pagenum"><a name="page315" id="page315"></a>[pg
+  315]</span> taken on their passage from Lima to Spain, and
+  brought to England, having procured leave to wait upon him, to
+  thank him for his generosity and humanity to his prisoners, some
+  of whom were their relations, and foiling into discourse about
+  his transactions in the South Seas, asked if he had not planted a
+  great number of fruit-stones on the island of Juan Fernandez, as
+  their late navigators had discovered there a great many peach and
+  apricot trees, which, being fruits not observed there before,
+  they supposed to have been produced from kernels set by him.</p>
+
+  <p>This may suffice in general as to the soil and vegetable
+  productions of Juan Fernandez; but the face of the country, at
+  least of its northern part, is so extremely singular as to
+  require a particular consideration. I have already noticed the
+  wild and inhospitable appearance of it to us at first sight, and
+  the gradual improvement of its uncouth landscape as we drew
+  nearer, till we were at last captivated by the numerous beauties
+  we discovered on landing. During our residence, we found the
+  interior to fall no ways short of the sanguine prepossessions we
+  at first entertained. For the woods, which covered most of even
+  the steepest hills, were free from all bushes and underwood,
+  affording an easy passage through every part of them; and the
+  irregularities of the hills and precipices, in the northern part
+  of the island, traced out, by their various combinations, a great
+  number of romantic vallies, most of which were pervaded by
+  streams of the purest water, which tumbled in beautiful cascades
+  from rock to rock, as the bottoms of the vallies happened to be
+  broken into sudden descents by the course of the neighbouring
+  hills. Some particular spots occurred in these vallies where the
+  shade and fragrance of the contiguous woods, the loftiness of the
+  overhanging rocks, and the transparency and frequent cascades of
+  the streams, presented scenes of such elegance and dignity, as
+  would with difficulty be rivalled in any other part of the globe.
+  Here, perhaps, the simple productions of unassisted nature may be
+  said to excel all the fictitious descriptions of the most fertile
+  imagination.</p>
+
+  <p>The piece of ground which the commodore chose in which to
+  pitch his tent, was a small lawn on a gentle ascent, about half a
+  mile from the sea. In front of the tent was a large avenue,
+  opening through the woods to the shore, and sloping with a gentle
+  descent to the water, having a prospect of the bay and the ships
+  at anchor. This lawn was screened behind <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page316" id="page316"></a>[pg 316]</span> by a
+  wood of tall myrtle trees, sweeping round in a crescent form,
+  like a theatre, the slope on which the wood grew rising more
+  rapidly than the open lawn, yet not so much but that the hills
+  and precipices of the interior towered considerably above the
+  tops of the trees, and added greatly to the beauty and grandeur
+  of the view. There were also two streams of water, pure as the
+  finest crystal, which ran to the right and left of the tent
+  within the distance of an hundred yards, and which, shaded by
+  trees skirting either side of the lawn, completed the symmetry of
+  the whole.</p>
+
+  <p>It only now remains that we should mention the animals and
+  provisions which we met with at this island. Former writers have
+  related that this island abounded with vast numbers of goats, and
+  their accounts are not to be questioned, as this place was the
+  usual resort of the buccaneers and privateers who used formerly
+  to frequent these seas. There are two instances, one of a
+  <i>musquito</i> Indian, and the other of Alexander Selkirk, a
+  Scotsman, who were left here by their respective ships, and lived
+  alone upon the island for some years, and were consequently no
+  strangers to its productions. Selkirk, who was here the last,
+  after a stay of between four and five years, was taken off by the
+  Duke and Duchess privateers, of Bristol, as may be seen at large
+  in the journal of their voyage. His manner of life, during his
+  solitude, was very remarkable in most particulars; but he relates
+  one circumstance, which was so strongly verified by our own
+  experience, that it seems worthy of being mentioned. He tells us,
+  as he often caught more goats than he had occasion for, that he
+  sometimes marked their ears, and let them go. This was about
+  thirty-two years before our arrival, yet it happened that the
+  first goat killed by our people after they landed, had its ears
+  slit; whence we concluded that it had doubtless been formerly
+  caught by Selkirk. This was indeed an animal of a most venerable
+  aspect, dignified with a most majestic beard, and bearing many
+  other marks of great age. During our residence, we met with
+  others marked in the same manner, all the males being
+  distinguished by exuberant beards, with every other
+  characteristic of extreme age.</p>
+
+  <p>The great number of goats, which former writers describe as
+  having been found on this island, were very much diminished
+  before our arrival. For the Spaniards, aware of the advantages
+  derived by the buccaneers and pirates from the goats-flesh they
+  here procured, have endeavoured to extirpate <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page317" id="page317"></a>[pg 317]</span> the
+  breed, on purpose to deprive their enemies of this resource. For
+  this purpose, they put on shore great numbers of large dogs,
+  which have greatly increased, and have destroyed all the goats in
+  the accessible pans of the country; so that there were only, when
+  we were there, a few among the crags and precipices, where the
+  dogs cannot follow them. These remaining goats are divided into
+  separate flocks, of twenty or thirty each, which inhabit distinct
+  fastnesses, and never mingle with each other, so that we found it
+  exceedingly difficult to kill them; yet we were so desirous of
+  their flesh, which we all agreed resembled venison, that we came,
+  I believe, to the knowledge of all their haunts and flocks; and,
+  by comparing their numbers, it was conceived that they scarcely
+  exceeded two hundred on the whole island. I once witnessed a
+  remarkable contest between a flock of goats and a number of dogs.
+  Going in our boat into the East bay, we perceived some dogs
+  running very eagerly upon the foot, and willing to see what game
+  they were in pursuit of, we rested some time on our oars to
+  observe them, when at last they took to a hill, on the ridge of
+  which we saw a flock of goats drawn up for their reception. There
+  was a very narrow path leading to the ridge, skirted on each side
+  by precipices; and here the master he-goat of the flock posted
+  himself fronting the enemy, the rest of the goats being all
+  behind him, on more open ground. As the ridge was inaccessible by
+  any other path, except where this champion stood, though the dogs
+  ran up the hill with great alacrity, yet, when they came within
+  twenty yards, not daring to encounter him, as he would infallibly
+  have driven them down the precipice, they gave over the chase,
+  and lay down at that distance, panting at a great rate.</p>
+
+  <p>These dogs, which are masters of all the accessible parts of
+  the island, are of various kinds, some of them very large, and
+  have multiplied to a prodigious degree. They sometimes came down
+  to our habitations under night, and stole our provisions; and
+  once or twice they set upon single persons, but, assistance being
+  at hand, they were driven away, without doing any mischief. As it
+  is now rare for any goats to fall in their way, we conceived that
+  they lived principally on young seals; and some of our people,
+  having the curiosity to kill dogs sometimes, and dress them,
+  seemed to agree that they had a fishy taste.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page318" id="page318"></a>[pg 318]</span>
+
+  <p>Goats-flesh being scarce, as we were rarely able to kill above
+  one in a day, and our people growing tired of fish, which
+  abounded at this place, they at last condescended to eat seals,
+  which they came by degrees to relish, calling it <i>lamb</i>. As
+  the seal, of which numbers haunt this island, has been often
+  mentioned by former writers, it seems unnecessary to say any
+  thing particular respecting that animal in this place. There is,
+  however, another amphibious animal to be met with here, called
+  the <i>sea-lion</i>, having some resemblance to a seal, but much
+  larger, which I conceive may merit a particular description. This
+  too we eat, under the denomination of beef. When arrived at full
+  size, the sea-lion is between twelve and twenty feet in length,
+  and from eight to fifteen feet in circumference. They are
+  extremely fat, so that, below the skin, which is an inch thick,
+  there is at least a foot deep of fat, before coming to the lean
+  or bones, and we experienced more than once, that the fat of some
+  of the largest afforded us a butt of oil. They are also very full
+  of blood; for, if deeply wounded in a dozen places, there will
+  instantly gush out as many fountains of blood, spouting to a
+  considerable distance. To try what quantity of blood one of them
+  might contain, we shot one first, and then cut its throat,
+  measuring the blood which flowed, and found that we got at least
+  two hogsheads, besides a considerable quantity remaining in the
+  vessels of the animal.</p>
+
+  <p>Their skins are covered with short hair of a light dun colour;
+  but their tails and fins, which serve them for feet on shore, are
+  almost black. These fore-feet, or fins, are divided at the ends
+  like fingers, the web which joins them not reaching to the
+  extremities, and each of these fingers is furnished with a nail.
+  They have a distant resemblance to an overgrown seal; though in
+  some particulars there are manifest differences between these two
+  animals, besides the vast disproportion in size. The males
+  especially are remarkably dissimilar, having a large snout, or
+  trunk, hanging down five or six inches beyond the extremity of
+  the upper jaw, which renders the countenances of the male and
+  female easily distinguishable from each other. One of the largest
+  of these males, who was master of a large flock of females, and
+  drove off all the other males, got from our sailors the name of
+  the bashaw, from that circumstance. These animals divide their
+  time between the sea and the land, continuing at sea all summer,
+  and coming on shore at the setting in of winter, during
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page319" id="page319"></a>[pg
+  319]</span> all which season they reside on the land. In this
+  interval they engender and bring forth their young, having
+  generally two at a birth, which are suckled by the dams, the
+  young at first being as large as a full-grown seal.</p>
+
+  <p>During the time they continue on shore, they feed on the grass
+  and other plants which grow near the banks of fresh-water
+  streams; and, when not employed in feeding, sleep in herds in the
+  most miry places they can find. As they seem of a very lethargic
+  disposition, and are not easily awakened, each herd was observed
+  to place some of their males at a distance, in the nature of
+  centinels, who never failed to alarm them when any one attempted
+  to molest, or even to approach them. The noise they make is very
+  loud, and of different kinds; sometimes grunting like hogs, and
+  at other times snorting like horses in full vigour. Especially
+  the males have often furious battles, principally about their
+  females; and we were one day extremely surprised at seeing two
+  animals, which at first appeared quite different from any we had
+  before observed; but on a nearer approach, they proved to be two
+  sea-lions, which had been goring each other with their teeth, and
+  were all covered over with blood. The bashaw, formerly mentioned,
+  who generally lay surrounded by a seraglio of females, to which
+  no other male dared approach, had not acquired that envied
+  pre-eminence without many bloody contests, of which the marks
+  remained in numerous scars in every part of his body.</p>
+
+  <p>We killed many of these animals for food, particularly for
+  their hearts and tongues, which we esteemed exceeding good
+  eating, and preferable even to those of bullocks. In general
+  there was no difficulty in killing them, as they are incapable
+  either of flight or resistance, their motion being the most
+  unwieldy that can be imagined, and all the time they are in
+  motion, their blubber is agitated in large waves under the skin.
+  One day, a sailor being carelessly employed in skinning a young
+  sea-lion, the female from whom he had taken it, came upon him
+  unperceived, and getting his head into her mouth, scored his
+  skull in notches with her teeth in many places, and wounded him
+  so desperately that he died in a few days, though all possible
+  care was taken of him.<a id="footnotetag131" name=
+  "footnotetag131"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote131"><sup>3</sup></a></p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page320" id="page320"></a>[pg 320]</span>
+
+  <p>These are the principal animals which we found upon the island
+  of Juan Fernandez. We saw very few birds, and these were chiefly
+  hawks, blackbirds, owls, and hummingbirds. We saw not the
+  <i>paradela</i>,<a id="footnotetag132" name=
+  "footnotetag132"></a><a href="#footnote132"><sup>4</sup></a>
+  which burrows in the ground, and which former writers mention to
+  be found here; but as we often met with their holes, we supposed
+  that the wild dogs had destroyed them, as they have almost done
+  the cats; for these were very numerous when Selkirk was here,
+  though we did not see above two or three during our whole stay.
+  The rats, however, still keep their ground, and continue here in
+  great numbers, and were very troublesome to us, by infesting our
+  tents in the night.</p>
+
+  <p>That which furnished us with the most delicious of our
+  repasts, while at this island, still remains to be described.
+  This was the fish, with which the whole bay was most abundantly
+  stored, and in the greatest variety. We found here cod of
+  prodigious size; and by the report of some of our crew, who had
+  been formerly employed in the Newfoundland fishery, not less
+  plentiful than on the banks of that island. We had also
+  cavallies, gropers, large breams, maids, silver-fish, congers of
+  a particular kind; and above all, a black fish which we esteemed
+  most, called by some the chimney-sweeper, in shape somewhat
+  resembling a carp. The beach, indeed, was every where so full of
+  rocks and loose stones, that there was no possibility of hauling
+  the seyne; but with hooks and lines we caught what numbers we
+  pleased, so that a boat with only two or three lines, would
+  return loaded with fish in two or three hours. The only
+  interruption we ever met with arose from great quantities of
+  dog-fish and large sharks, which sometimes attended our boats,
+  and prevented our sport.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page321" id="page321"></a>[pg 321]</span>
+
+  <p>Besides these fish, we found one other delicacy in greater
+  perfection, both as to size, quantity, and flavour, than is to be
+  met with perhaps in any other part of the world. This was sea
+  craw-fish, usually weighing eight or nine pounds each, of a most
+  excellent taste, and in such vast numbers near the edge of the
+  water, that our boat-hooks often struck into them in putting the
+  boats to and from the shore.</p>
+
+  <p>These are the most material articles relating to the
+  accommodations, soil, vegetables, animals, and other productions
+  of the island of Juan Fernandez, by which it will distinctly
+  appear how admirably this place was adapted for recovering us
+  from the deplorable situation to which we had been reduced by our
+  tedious and unfortunate navigation round Cape Horn. Having thus
+  given the reader some idea of the situation and circumstances of
+  this island, in which we resided for six months, I shall now
+  proceed to relate all that occurred to us in that period,
+  resuming the narrative from the 18th of June, on which day the
+  Tryal sloop, having been driven out by a squall three days
+  before, came again to her moorings, on which day also we finished
+  sending our sick on shore, being about eight days after our first
+  anchoring at this island.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote129" name="footnote129"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag129">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the original, the description given of this island refers
+    to large engraved views, which could not be inserted in our
+    octavo form, so as to be of the smallest utility.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote130" name="footnote130"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag130">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Cumberland bay is called <i>La Baya</i> by the Spaniards,
+    who seem now to have established a fort here. East bay is by
+    them called <i>Puerta de Juan Fernandez</i>. There is yet a
+    fourth bay, or small indentation of the coast, with a landing
+    place and stream of water, named <i>Puerta Ingles</i>, or
+    Sugar-loaf bay, between West bay and the north point of the
+    island.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote131" name="footnote131"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag131">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>There are two species of the seal tribe which have received
+    the name of sea-lion; the phoca leonina, or bottle-nosed seal,
+    which is that of the text; and the phoca jubata, or maned seal,
+    which is the sea-lion of some other writers. These two species
+    are remarkably distinguishable from each other, especially the
+    moles: The bottle-nosed seal having a trunk, snout, or long
+    projection, on the upper jaw; while the male of the maned seal
+    has his neck covered with a long flowing mane. The latter is
+    also much larger, the males sometimes reaching twenty-five feet
+    in length, and weighing fifteen or sixteen hundred weight.
+    Their colour is reddish, and their voice resembles the
+    bellowing of bulls. The former are chiefly found in the
+    Southern Pacific; while the latter frequent the northern parts
+    of the same ocean.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote132" name="footnote132"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag132">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This name is inexplicable; but, from the context, appears to
+    refer to some animal of the cavia genus, resembling the rabbit:
+    Besides, a small islet, a short way S.W. of Juan Fernandez, is
+    named Isla de Conejos, or Rabbit Island.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and Anna Pink, at
+  Juan Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island during the
+  Interval.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The arrival of the Tryal sloop at this island, so soon after
+  we came there ourselves in the Centurion, gave us great hopes of
+  being speedily joined by the rest of the squadron; and we were
+  accordingly for some days continually looking out, in expectation
+  of their coming in sight. After near a fortnight had elapsed
+  without any of them appearing, we began to despair of ever
+  meeting them again, knowing, if our ship had continued so much
+  longer at sea, that we should every man of us have perished, and
+  the vessel, occupied only by dead bodies, must have been left to
+  the caprice of the winds and waves; and this we had great reason
+  to fear was the fate of our consorts, as every hour added to the
+  probability of these desponding suggestions. But, on the 21st of
+  June, some of our people, from an eminence on shore, discerned
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page322" id="page322"></a>[pg
+  322]</span> a ship to leeward, with her courses even with the
+  horizon. They could, at the same time, observe that she had no
+  sails aboard, except her courses and main-topsail. This
+  circumstance made them conclude that it must be one of our
+  squadron, which had probably suffered as severely in her sails
+  and rigging as we had done. They were prevented, however, from
+  forming more definite conjectures concerning her; for, after
+  viewing her a short time, the weather grew thick and hazy, and
+  she was no longer to be seen.</p>
+
+  <p>On this report, and no ship appearing for some days, we were
+  all under the greatest concern, suspecting that her people must
+  be under the utmost distress for want of water, and so weakened
+  and diminished in numbers by sickness, as to be unable to ply up
+  to windward, so that we dreaded, after having been in sight of
+  the island, that her whole crew might yet perish at sea. On the
+  21st, at noon, we again discerned a ship at sea in the N.E.
+  quarter, which we conceived to be the same that had been seen
+  before, and our conjecture proved true. About one o'clock she had
+  come so near that we could plainly distinguish her to be the
+  Gloucester; and as we had no doubt of her being in great
+  distress, the commodore immediately ordered out his boat to our
+  assistance, laden with fresh water, fish, and vegetables, which
+  was a most comfortable relief to them; for our apprehensions of
+  their calamitous situation were only too well founded, as there
+  never was, perhaps, a crew in greater distress. They had already
+  thrown two-thirds of their complement overboard; and of those who
+  remained alive, scarcely any were capable of doing duty, except
+  the officers and their servants. They had been a considerable
+  time at the small allowance of a pint of water to each man in
+  twenty-four hours, and yet had so very little left, that they
+  must soon have died of thirst, had it not been for the supply
+  sent them by our commodore.</p>
+
+  <p>The Gloucester plied up within three miles of the bay, but
+  could not reach the road, both wind and currents being contrary.
+  She continued, however, in the offing next day; and as she had no
+  chance of being able to come to anchor, the commodore repeated
+  his assistance, sending off the Tryal's boat, manned with the
+  people of the Centurion, with a farther supply of water, and
+  other refreshments. Captain Mitchell of the Gloucester was under
+  the necessity of detaining both this boat and that sent the
+  preceding day, as he had no longer strength to navigate his ship
+  without the aid <span class="pagenum"><a name="page323" id=
+  "page323"></a>[pg 323]</span> of both their crews. The Gloucester
+  continued near a fortnight in this tantalizing situation, without
+  being able to fetch the road, though frequently making the
+  attempt, and even at times bidding fair to effect the object in
+  view. On the 9th July, we observed her stretching away to the
+  eastward, at a considerable distance, which we supposed was with
+  a design to get to the southward of the island; but, as she did
+  not again appear for near a week, we were prodigiously alarmed
+  for her safety, knowing that she must be again in extreme
+  distress for want of water. After great impatience about her, we
+  again discovered her on the 16th, endeavouring to come round the
+  eastern point of the island, but the wind still blowing directly
+  from the bay, prevented her from getting nearer than within four
+  miles of the land.</p>
+
+  <p>Captain Mitchell now made signals of distress, and our
+  long-boat, was sent off with a good supply of water, and plenty
+  of fish and other refreshments: And, as the long-boat could not
+  be wanted, the cockswain had positive orders from the commodore
+  to return immediately. But next day proving stormy, and the boat
+  not appearing, we much feared she was lost, which would have been
+  an irretrievable misfortune to us all. We were relieved, however,
+  from this anxiety on the third day after, by the joyful
+  appearance of her sails on the water, on which the cutter was
+  sent to her assistance, and towed her alongside in a few hours,
+  when we found that the long-boat had taken in six of the
+  Gloucester's sick men, to bring them on shore, two of whom had
+  died in the boat. We now learnt that the Gloucester was in a most
+  dreadful condition, having scarcely a man in health on board,
+  except the few she had received from us. Numbers of their sick
+  were dying daily, and it appeared, had it not been for the last
+  supply sent by our long-boat, that both the healthy and diseased
+  must all have perished for want of water. This calamitous
+  situation was the more terrifying, as it appeared to be without
+  remedy; for the Gloucester had already spent a month in fruitless
+  endeavours to fetch the bay, and was now no farther advanced than
+  when she first made the island. The hopes of her people of ever
+  succeeding were now worn out, by the experience of its
+  difficulty; and, indeed, her situation became that same day more
+  desperate than ever, as we again lost sight of her, after
+  receiving our last supply of refreshments, so that we universally
+  despaired of her ever coming to anchor.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page324" id="page324"></a>[pg 324]</span>
+
+  <p>Thus was this unhappy vessel bandied about, within a few
+  leagues of her intended harbour, while the near neighbourhood of
+  that place, and of these circumstances which could alone put an
+  end to the calamities under which her people laboured, served
+  only to aggravate their distress, by torturing them with a view
+  of the relief they were unable to reach. She was at length
+  delivered from this dreadful situation at a time when we least
+  expected it: For, after having lost sight of her for several
+  days, we were joyfully surprised, in the morning of the 23d July,
+  to see her open the N.W. point of the bay with a flowing sail,
+  when we immediately dispatched what boats we had to her
+  assistance, and within an hour from our first perceiving her, she
+  anchored safe within us in the bay.</p>
+
+  <p>We were now more particularly convinced of the importance of
+  the assistance and refreshments we had repeatedly sent her, and
+  how impossible it must have been for a single man of her crew to
+  have survived, had we given less attention to their wants. For,
+  notwithstanding the water, vegetables, and fresh provisions with
+  which we had supplied them, and the hands we had sent to assist
+  in navigating the ship, by which the fatigue of her own people
+  had been greatly diminished, their sick relieved, and the
+  mortality abated; notwithstanding this provident care of our
+  commodore, they yet buried above three-fourths of their crew, and
+  a very small proportion of the survivors remained capable of
+  assisting in the duty of the ship. On getting to anchor, our
+  first care was to assist them in mooring, and the next to get
+  their sick on shore. These were now reduced, by numerous deaths,
+  to less than fourscore, of which we expected the greatest part to
+  have died; but whether it was that those farthest advanced in the
+  cruel distemper had already perished, or that the vegetables and
+  fresh provisions we had sent had prepared those who remained
+  alive for a more speedy recovery, it so happened, contrary to our
+  fears, that their sick, in general, were relieved and restored to
+  health in a much shorter time than our own had been when we first
+  came to the island, and very few of them died on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>Having thus given an account of the principal events relating
+  to the arrival of the Gloucester, in one continued narration, I
+  shall only add, that we were never joined by any other of our
+  ships, except our victualler, the Anna pink, which came in about
+  the middle of August, and whose history I <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page325" id="page325"></a>[pg 325]</span>
+  shall defer for the present, as it is now high time, to return to
+  our own transactions, both on board and ashore, during the
+  anxious interval of the Gloucester making frequent and
+  ineffectual attempts to reach the island.</p>
+
+  <p>Our next employment, after sending our sick on shore from the
+  Centurion, was cleansing our ship, and filling our water casks.
+  The former of these measures was indispensably necessary to our
+  future health, as the number of our sick, and the unavoidable
+  negligence arising from our deplorable situation at sea, had
+  rendered the decks most intolerably loathsome. The filling our
+  water was also a caution that appeared essential to our security,
+  as we had reason to apprehend that accidents might intervene
+  which would oblige us to quit the island at a very short warning,
+  as some appearances we had discovered on shore, at our first
+  landing, gave us grounds to believe that there were Spanish
+  cruizers in these seas, which had left the island only a short
+  time before our arrival, and might possibly return again, either
+  for a supply of water, or in search of us. For we could not doubt
+  that the sole purpose they had at sea was to intercept us, and we
+  knew that this island was the likeliest place, in their opinion,
+  to meet with us. The circumstances which gave rise to these
+  reflections, in part of which we were not mistaken, as will
+  appear more at large hereafter, were our finding on shore several
+  pieces of earthen jars, made use of in these seas for holding
+  water and other liquids, which appeared fresh broken. We saw also
+  many heaps of casks, near which were fish bones and pieces of
+  fish, besides whole fish scattered here and there, which plainly
+  appeared to have been only a short time out of the water, as they
+  were but just beginning to decay.</p>
+
+  <p>These were infallible indications that there had been a ship
+  or ships at this place only a short time before our arrival; and,
+  as all Spanish merchant ships are instructed to avoid this
+  island, on account of its being the common rendezvous of their
+  enemies, we concluded that those which had touched here must have
+  been ships of force; and, as we knew not that Pizarro had
+  returned to the Rio Plata, and were ignorant what strength might
+  have been fitted out at Calao, we were under considerable
+  apprehensions for our safety, being in so wretched and enfeebled
+  a condition, as, notwithstanding the rank of our ship, and the
+  sixty guns with which she was armed, there was hardly a privateer
+  sent to sea that was not an <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page326" id="page326"></a>[pg 326]</span> overmatch for us. Our
+  fears on this head, however, fortunately proved imaginary, and we
+  were not exposed to the disgrace which must unavoidably have
+  befallen us, had we been reduced to the necessity, by the
+  appearance of an enemy, of fighting our sixty-gun ship with no
+  more than thirty hands.</p>
+
+  <p>While employed in cleaning our ship, and filling our water
+  casks, we set up a large copper oven on shore, near the sick
+  tents, in which fresh bread was baked every day for the ship's
+  company, as, being extremely desirous of recovering our sick as
+  soon as possible, we believed that new bread, added to their
+  green vegetables and fresh fish, might prove powerfully conducive
+  to their relief. Indeed, we had all imaginable inducements to
+  endeavour at augmenting our present strength, as every little
+  accident, which to a full crew would have been insignificant, was
+  extremely alarming in our present helpless condition. Of this we
+  had a troublesome instance, on the 30th of June, at five in the
+  morning, when we were alarmed by a violent gust of wind directly
+  off shore, which instantly parted our small bower cable, about
+  ten fathoms from the ring of the anchor. The ship at once swung
+  off to the best bower, which happily stood the violence of the
+  jerk, and brought us up, with two cables on end, in eighty
+  fathoms.</p>
+
+  <p>At this time we had not above a dozen seamen in the ship, and
+  were apprehensive, if the squall continued, that we might be
+  driven out to sea in this helpless condition. We sent, therefore,
+  the boat on shore, to bring off all who were capable of acting;
+  and the wind soon abating of its fury, gave us an opportunity of
+  receiving the boat back with a reinforcement. With this
+  additional strength, we went immediately to work, to have in what
+  remained of the broken cable, which we suspected to have received
+  some injury from the ground before it parted, and accordingly we
+  found that seven fathoms and a half had been chaffed and rendered
+  unserviceable. In the afternoon, we bent this cable to the spare
+  anchor, and got it over the bows. Next morning, the 1st of July,
+  being favoured by the wind in gentle breezes, we warped the ship
+  in again, and let go the anchor in forty-one fathoms; the eastern
+  point of the bay now bearing from us E. 1/2 S. the western point
+  N.W. by W. and the bottom of the bay S.S.W. as before. We were,
+  however, much concerned for the loss of our anchor, and swept
+  frequently to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page327" id=
+  "page327"></a>[pg 327]</span> endeavour its recovery; but the
+  buoy having sunk at the instant when the cable parted, we could
+  never find it again.</p>
+
+  <p>As the month of July advanced, and some of our sick men were
+  tolerably recovered, the strongest of them were set to cut down
+  trees, and to split them into billets, while others, too weak for
+  this work, undertook to carry the billets, by one at a time, to
+  the water side. This they performed, some by the help of
+  crutches, and others supported by a single stick. We next set up
+  the forge on shore, and employed our smith, who was just capable
+  of working, to repair our chain-plates, and other broken and
+  decayed iron-work. We began also the repair of our rigging; but
+  as we had not enough of junk to make spun-yarn, we deferred the
+  general overhaul in the daily hope of the Gloucester arriving,
+  which was known to have a great quantity of junk on board. That
+  we might dispatch our refitting as fast as possible, we set up a
+  large tent on the beach for the sail-makers, who were employed
+  diligently in repairing our old sails and making new ones. These
+  occupations, with cleansing and watering our ship, now pretty
+  well completed, together with attending our sick, and the
+  frequent relief sent to the Gloucester, were the principal
+  transactions of our infirm crew, till the arrival of the
+  Gloucester at anchor in the bay.</p>
+
+  <p>Captain Mitchell immediately waited on the commodore, whom he
+  informed, that, in his last absence, he had been forced as far as
+  the small island of <i>Masefuero</i>, nearly in the same latitude
+  with the larger island of Juan Fernandez, and thirty leagues
+  farther W. That he had endeavoured to send his boat on shore
+  there for water, of which he observed several streams; but the
+  wind blew so strong upon the shore, and caused so great a surf,
+  that it was impossible to get to land. The attempt, however, was
+  not entirely useless, as the boat came back loaded with fish.
+  This island had been represented, by former navigators, as a mere
+  barren rock, but Captain Mitchell assured the commodore, that it
+  was almost every where covered with trees and verdure, and was
+  nearly four miles in length. He believed also, that some small
+  bay might possibly be found in it which might afford sufficient
+  shelter to any ship desirous of procuring refreshments.</p>
+
+  <p>As four ships of our squadron were still missing, this
+  description of Masefuero gave rise to a conjecture, that some of
+  them might possibly have fallen in with that island, mistaking it
+  for the true place of rendezvous. This suspicion <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page328" id="page328"></a>[pg 328]</span> was
+  the more reasonable, that we had no draught of either island that
+  could be relied upon; wherefore the commodore resolved to send
+  the Tryal sloop thither, as soon as she could be made ready for
+  sea, in order to examine all its creeks and bays, that it might
+  be ascertained whether any of our missing ships were there or
+  not. For this purpose, some of our best hands were sent on board
+  the Tryal next morning, to overhaul and fix her rigging, and our
+  long-boat was employed to complete her water; what stores and
+  necessaries she wanted, being immediately supplied from the
+  Centurion and Gloucester. It was the 4th of August before the
+  Tryal was in readiness to sail. When, having weighed, it soon
+  after fell calm, and the tide set her very near the eastern shore
+  of the bay. Captain Saunders immediately hung out lights, and
+  fired several guns, to apprise us of his danger; upon which all
+  the boats were sent to his aid, which towed the sloop into the
+  bay, where she anchored till next morning, and then proceeded
+  with a fair breeze.</p>
+
+  <p>We were now busily employed in examining and repairing our
+  rigging, and that of the Gloucester; but, in stripping our
+  fore-mast, we were alarmed by discovering that it was sprung just
+  above the partners of the upper deck. This spring was two inches
+  in depth and twelve in circumference; but the carpenters, on
+  inspection, gave it as their opinion, that fishing it with two
+  leaves of an anchor-stock would render it as secure as ever.
+  Besides this defect in our mast, we had other difficulties in
+  refitting, from the want of cordage and canvass; for, although we
+  had taken to sea much greater quantities of both than had ever
+  been done before, yet the continued bad weather we had met with,
+  after passing the straits of Le Maire, had occasioned so great a
+  consumption of these stores, that we were reduced to great
+  straits; as, after working up all our junk and old shrouds, to
+  make twice laid cordage, we were at last reduced to the necessity
+  to unlay a cable, to work up into running rigging; and, with all
+  the canvass and remnants of old sails, that could be mustered, we
+  could only make up one complete suit.</p>
+
+  <p>Towards the middle of August, our men being indifferently
+  recovered, they were permitted to quit the sick tents, and to
+  build separate huts for themselves; as it was imagined, by living
+  apart, that they might be much cleanlier, and consequently likely
+  to recover their strength the sooner: But strict orders were
+  given, at the same time, that they <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page329" id="page329"></a>[pg 329]</span> were instantly to
+  repair to the water-side, on the firing of a gun from the ship.
+  Their employment now on shore, was either the procurement of
+  refreshments, the cutting of wood, or the procurement of oil from
+  the blubber of sea-lions. This oil served for several purposes;
+  as burning in lamps, mixing with pitch to pay the sides of our
+  ships, or, when worked up with wood-ashes, to supply the place of
+  tallow, of which we had none left, to give the ship boat-hose
+  tops. Some of the men were also occupied in salting cod; for,
+  having two Newfoundland fishermen in the Centurion, the commodore
+  set them to work in providing a considerable quantity of salted
+  cod for sea-store; though very little of it was used, as it was
+  afterwards thought to be equally productive of scurvy with any
+  other kind of salted provisions.</p>
+
+  <p>It has been before mentioned, that we set up a copper oven on
+  shore, to bake bread for the sick: But it happened that the
+  greatest part of the flour, for the use of the squadron, was on
+  board the Anna pink. It should also have been mentioned, that the
+  Tryal sloop informed us, on her arrival, that she had fallen in
+  with our victualler, on the 9th of May, not far from the coast of
+  Chili, and had kept company with her for four days, when they
+  were parted in a gale of wind. This gave us some room to hope
+  that she was safe, and might rejoin us: But, all June and July
+  having passed without any news of her, we gave her over for lost;
+  and the commodore, at the end of July, ordered all the ships on a
+  short allowance of bread. Neither was it in bread alone that we
+  feared a deficiency: For, since our arrival at Juan Fernandez, it
+  was discovered that our former purser had neglected to take on
+  board large quantities of several kinds of provisions, which the
+  commodore had expressly ordered him to receive; so that the
+  supposed loss of our victualler was, on all accounts, a most
+  mortifying circumstance.</p>
+
+  <p>About noon on Thursday the 16th of August, after we had given
+  over all hopes of the Anna pink, a sail was espied in the
+  northern quarter, on which a gun was immediately fired from the
+  Centurion, to call off the people from the shore, who readily
+  obeyed the summons, by repairing to the beach, where the boats
+  waited to fetch them on board. Being now prepared for the
+  reception of the ship in view, whether friend or enemy, we had
+  various speculations respecting her, many supposing at first,
+  that it was the Tryal <span class="pagenum"><a name="page330" id=
+  "page330"></a>[pg 330]</span> sloop returning from the
+  examination of Masefuero. As she drew nearer, this opinion was
+  confuted, by observing that she had three masts, when other
+  conjectures were eagerly canvassed; some judging the vessel in
+  sight to be the Severn and others the Pearl, while several
+  affirmed that she did not belong to our squadron. But, about
+  three in the afternoon, all speculations were ended by the
+  unanimous persuasion that it was our victualler, the Anna pink.
+  And, though, this ship had fallen in with the island to the
+  northward like the Gloucester, she yet had the good fortune to
+  come to anchor in the bay at five in the afternoon. Her arrival
+  gave us all the utmost satisfaction, as the ship's companies were
+  immediately restored to their full allowance of bread, and we
+  were now relieved from the apprehensions of our provisions
+  falling short before we could reach some friendly port,a
+  calamity, in these seas, of all others the most irretrievable.
+  This was the last ship that joined us; and, as the dangers she
+  encountered, and the good fortune she afterwards experienced, are
+  worthy of a separate narration, I shall refer them, together with
+  a short account of the other missing ships, to the ensuing
+  section.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Short Account of what befell the Anna Pink before she
+  rejoined; with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and the
+  putting back of the Severn and Pearl.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>On the first recognition of the Anna pink, it seemed quite
+  wonderful to us how the crew of a vessel, which had thus come to
+  the rendezvous two months after us, should be capable of working
+  their ship in the manner they did, and with so little appearance
+  of debility and distress. This difficulty, however, was soon
+  solved after she came to anchor; for we then found that she had
+  been in harbour since the middle of May, near a month before our
+  arrival at Juan Fernandez, so that their sufferings, excepting
+  the risk they had run of being shipwrecked, were greatly short of
+  what had been undergone by the rest of the squadron.</p>
+
+  <p>They fell in with the land on the 16th of May, in lat.
+  45° 15' S. being then about four leagues from shore. On
+  the first sight of it, they wore ship and stood to the southward;
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page331" id="page331"></a>[pg
+  331]</span> but their fore-sail splitting, and the wind being
+  strong at W.S.W. they drove towards the shore. The captain,
+  either unable to clear the land, or, as others say, resolved to
+  keep the sea no longer, steered now for the coast, in order to
+  look out for some shelter among the many islands which appeared
+  in sight, and had the good fortune to bring the ship to anchor to
+  the eastward of the island of <i>Inchin</i><a id="footnotetag133"
+  name="footnotetag133"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote133"><sup>1</sup></a>. But, as they did not run
+  sufficiently near the east shore of that island, and had not
+  hands enough to veer away the cable briskly, they were soon
+  driven to the eastwards, deepening their water from twenty-five
+  to thirty-five fathoms. Still continuing to drive, they next day,
+  being the 17th May, let go their sheet anchor, which brought them
+  up for a short time: but on the 18th they drove again, till they
+  came into sixty-five fathoms; and, being now within a mile of the
+  land, they expected every moment to be forced on shore in a place
+  where the coast was so very high and steep, that there was not
+  the smallest prospect of saving the ship and cargo. As their
+  boats were very leaky, and there was no appearance of a landing
+  place, the whole crew, consisting of sixteen men and boys, gave
+  themselves up for lost, believing, if even any of them happened
+  to get on shore by some extraordinary chance, that they would be
+  almost certainly massacred by the savages; as these people,
+  knowing no other Europeans except Spaniards, might be expected to
+  treat all strangers with the same cruelty which they have so
+  often, and so signally, exercised against their Spanish
+  neighbours.</p>
+
+  <p>Under these terrifying circumstances, the Anna continued to
+  drive towards the rocks which formed the shore; and at last, when
+  expecting every instant to strike, they perceived a small opening
+  in the land, which raised their hopes of safety. Wherefore,
+  immediately cutting away their two anchors, they steered for this
+  opening, which they found to be a narrow opening between an
+  island and the main, which led them into a most excellent
+  harbour; which, for its security against all winds and swells,
+  and the consequent smoothness of its water, may perhaps vie with
+  any in the known world: And this place being scarcely two miles
+  from the spot where they deemed their destruction inevitable, the
+  horrors of shipwreck <span class="pagenum"><a name="page332" id=
+  "page332"></a>[pg 332]</span> and immediate death, with which
+  they had been so long and strongly possessed, vanished almost in
+  an instant, giving place to the most joyous ideas of security,
+  refreshment, and repose.</p>
+
+  <p>In this harbour, discovered almost by miracle, the Anna came
+  to anchor in twenty-five fathoms, with only a hawser and small
+  anchor of about three hundred weight. Here she continued for near
+  two months, and her people, who were many of them ill of the
+  scurvy, were soon restored to perfect health by the fresh
+  provisions, which they procured in abundance, and the excellent
+  water which they found in plenty on the adjacent shore. As this
+  place may prove of the greatest importance to future navigators
+  forced upon this coast by the western winds, which are almost
+  perpetual in that part of the world, it may be proper to give the
+  best account that could be collected of this port, as to its
+  situation, conveniences, and productions, before continuing the
+  adventures of the Anna pink. To facilitate, also, the knowledge
+  of this place, to such as may be desirous hereafter of using it,
+  there is annexed a plan both of the harbour and the large bay
+  before it, through which the Anna drifted. This plan, perhaps,
+  may not be in all respects as accurate as could be wished, being
+  composed from the memorandums and rude sketches of the master and
+  surgeon, who were not the most able draughtsmen; but, as the
+  principal parts were laid down by their estimates of their
+  distances from each other, in which kind of computation seamen
+  are commonly very dextrous, the errors are probably not very
+  considerable.</p>
+
+  <p>The latitude, which certainly is a very material point, was
+  not very accurately ascertained, as the Anna had no observation
+  either on the day she got there, or within a day of leaving the
+  bay; but is supposed to be not very distant from 45° 30'
+  S.<a id="footnotetag134" name="footnotetag134"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote134"><sup>2</sup></a> But the large extent of the bay,
+  at the bottom of which the harbour is situated, renders this
+  uncertainty of the less importance. The island lying before this
+  bay, called <i>Inchin</i> by the Indians, is supposed to be one
+  of the islands named <i>Chonos</i> by the Spanish accounts, and
+  said to spread along all this coast,<a id="footnotetag135" name=
+  "footnotetag135"></a><a href="#footnote135"><sup>3</sup></a>
+  being inhabited by a barbarous people, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page333" id="page333"></a>[pg 333]</span>
+  famous for their hatred to the Spaniards, and their cruelty to
+  such of that nation as have fallen into their hands. It is even
+  possible that the land in which this harbour is situated may be
+  one of these islands, while the continent may be considerably to
+  the eastward. This harbour, besides its depth of water and
+  complete shelter, has two coves, where ships may very
+  conveniently be hove down, as the water is constantly smooth.
+  There are also several fine runs of excellent fresh water, which
+  fall into the harbour, some so conveniently situated that the
+  casks may be filled in the long-boat by means of a hose. The most
+  remarkable of these is a stream in the N.E. part of the harbour,
+  being a fresh-water river, where the crew of the Anna caught a
+  few mullets of excellent flavour, and they were persuaded that it
+  would be found to have plenty of fish in the proper season, it
+  being winter when they were there.</p>
+
+  <p>The principal refreshments of green vegetables met with at
+  this port were wild cellery, nettle-tops, and the like, which,
+  after so long a continuance at sea, were highly acceptable. We
+  got abundance of shell-fish, as cockles and muscles of great size
+  and delicious flavour, with plenty of geese, shags, and penguins.
+  Though in the depth of winter the climate was by no means
+  extremely rigorous, neither were the trees or the face of the
+  country destitute of verdure; whence it may be concluded, that
+  many other kinds of fresh provisions would doubtless be found
+  there in summer. Notwithstanding the relations of the Spaniards
+  respecting the violence and barbarity of the inhabitants, it does
+  not appear that their numbers are sufficient to excite any
+  apprehensions in the crew of a ship of any size, or that their
+  dispositions are by any means so mischievous or merciless as has
+  been represented. With all these advantages, this place is so far
+  from the frontiers of the Spanish settlements, and so little
+  known to the Spaniards themselves, that, with proper precautions,
+  there is reason to believe a ship might remain here a long time
+  undiscovered. It is also capable of being made a very defensible
+  port; as, by possessing the island that closes tip the port or
+  inner harbour, which island is only accessible in a very few
+  places, a small force might easily secure this port against all
+  the force which the Spaniards could muster in that part of the
+  world. For this island is so steep towards the harbour, having
+  six fathoms close to the shore, that the Anna anchored within
+  forty yards of its coast; whence it is <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page334" id="page334"></a>[pg 334]</span>
+  obvious how difficult it would prove, either to board or cut out
+  any vessel protected by a force posted on shore within
+  pistol-shot, and where those thus posted could not be themselves
+  attacked. All these circumstances seem to render this port worthy
+  of a more accurate examination; and it is to be hoped that this
+  rude attempt to suggest, may hereafter recommend it to the
+  consideration of the public, and the attention of those who are
+  more immediately entrusted with the conduct of our naval
+  affairs.</p>
+
+  <p>After this account of the place where the Anna lay for two
+  months, it may be expected that I should relate the discoveries
+  made by her crew upon the adjacent coast, and the principal
+  incidents that occurred during their stay here. But, as they were
+  only a few in number, they durst not venture to detach any of
+  their people on distant searches, being under continual
+  apprehensions of being attacked either by the Spaniards or
+  Indians, so that their excursions were generally confined to the
+  tract of land surrounding the port, where they were never out of
+  view of the ship: Even if they had known from the first how
+  little grounds there were for these fears, yet the neighbouring
+  country was so overgrown with wood, and so traversed by
+  mountains, that it appeared impracticable to penetrate to any
+  distance, so that no account of the interior could be expected.
+  They were, however, in a condition to disprove the relations
+  given by Spanish writers, who have represented this coast as
+  inhabited by a fierce and powerful people, as no such inhabitants
+  were to be found, at least in the winter season; for, during the
+  whole time of their continuance here, they never saw any more
+  than one small Indian family, which came into the harbour in a
+  periagua, or canoe, about a month after the arrival of the Anna,
+  and consisted only of one Indian man, near forty years of age,
+  his wife, and two children, one about three years of age, and the
+  other still on the breast. They seemed to have with them all
+  their property, consisting of a dog and cat, a fishing net, a
+  hatchet, a knife, a cradle, some bark of trees, intended for
+  covering a hut, a reel with some worsted, a flint and steel, and
+  a few roots of a yellow hue, and very disagreeable taste, which
+  served them for bread.</p>
+
+  <p>As soon as these were perceived, the master of the Anna sent
+  his yawl and brought them on board; and, lest they might discover
+  him to the Spaniards if permitted to go away, he took proper
+  precautions, as he conceived, for securing <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page335" id="page335"></a>[pg 335]</span>
+  them, but without violence or ill usage, as they were permitted
+  to go about the ship where they pleased in the day time, but were
+  locked up in the forecastle at night. As they were fed in the
+  same manner with the crew, and were often indulged with brandy,
+  which they seemed greatly to relish, it did not appear at first
+  that they were much dissatisfied with their situation. The master
+  took the Indian on shore when he went to shoot, and he seemed
+  always much delighted on seeing the game killed. The crew also
+  treated them with great humanity; but it was soon apparent,
+  though the woman continued easy and cheerful, that the man grew
+  pensive and discontented at his confinement. He seemed to have
+  good natural parts, and though utterly unable to converse with
+  our people otherwise than by signs, was yet very curious and
+  inquisitive, and showed great dexterity in his manner of making
+  himself understood. Seeing so few people on board so large a
+  ship, he seemed to express his opinion that they had once been
+  more numerous, and, by way of representing what he imagined had
+  become of their companions, he laid himself on the deck, closing
+  his eyes, and stretching himself out motionless, as if to imitate
+  the appearance of a dead body.</p>
+
+  <p>The strongest proof of his sagacity was the manner of his
+  getting away. After having been on board the Anna for eight days,
+  the scuttle of the forecastle, where he and his family were
+  locked up every night, happened to be left unnailed, and on the
+  following night, which was extremely dark and stormy, he
+  contrived to convey his wife and children through the scuttle,
+  and then over the ship's side into the yawl, and immediately
+  rowed on shore, using the precaution to cut away the long-boat
+  and his own periagua, which were towing astern, to prevent being
+  pursued. He conducted all this with so much silence and secrecy,
+  that, though there was a watch on the quarter-deck with loaded
+  arms, he was not discovered by them till the noise of his oars in
+  the water gave notice of his escape, after he had put off from
+  the ship, when it was too late either to prevent or pursue him.
+  Besides, as their boats were all adrift, it was some time before
+  they could contrive the means of getting on shore to search for
+  their boats. By this effort, besides regaining his liberty, the
+  Indian was in some measure revenged on those who had confined
+  him, both by the perplexity they were in for the loss of their
+  boats, and by the terror occasioned by his departure;
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page336" id="page336"></a>[pg
+  336]</span> for, on the first alarm of the watch, who cried, "The
+  Indians," the whole crew were in the utmost confusion, believing
+  that the ship had been boarded by a whole fleet of armed
+  canoes.</p>
+
+  <p>Had the resolution and sagacity with which this Indian behaved
+  on this occasion, been exerted on a more extensive object, it
+  might have immortalized the exploit, and given him a rank among
+  the illustrious names of antiquity. The people of the Anna,
+  indeed, allowed that it was a most gallant enterprise, and were
+  grieved at having thus been under the necessity, from attention
+  to their own safety, to abridge the liberty of one who had now
+  given so distinguished a proof of courage and prudence. As he was
+  supposed still to continue in the woods near the port, where he
+  might suffer for want of provisions, they easily prevailed on the
+  master to leave a quantity of such food as they thought would be
+  most agreeable to him in a place where he was likely to find it,
+  and there was reason to believe this was not altogether without
+  its use, for, on visiting the place afterwards, the provisions
+  were gone, and in a manner that made them conclude they had
+  fallen into his hands.</p>
+
+  <p>Although many of the crew of the Anna believed that this
+  Indian still continued in the neighbourhood, there were some who
+  strongly suspected he might have gone off to the island of
+  Chiloe, where they feared he would alarm the Spaniards, and would
+  soon return with a force sufficient to surprise or overpower the
+  Anna. The master was therefore prevailed upon to discontinue
+  firing the evening gun, and there is a particular reason for
+  attending to this circumstance, to be explained hereafter; for he
+  had hitherto, from an ostentatious imitation of the men-of-war,
+  fired a gun every evening at setting the night watch. This, as he
+  pretended, was to awe the enemy, if there were any within
+  hearing, and to convince them that his ship was always on her
+  guard. The crew being now well refreshed, and their wood and
+  water sufficiently replenished, he put to sea a few days after
+  the escape of the Indian, and had a fortunate passage to the
+  rendezvous at Juan Fernandez, where he arrived on the 16th of
+  August, as already mentioned.</p>
+
+  <p>The remaining ships of the squadron, none of which rejoined
+  the commodore, were the Severn, Pearl, and Wager, of the fate of
+  which it may be proper to make mention. The Severn and Pearl
+  parted company from the commodore off <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page337" id="page337"></a>[pg 337]</span> Cape
+  Voir; and, as we afterwards learnt, put back to Brazil. The Wager
+  had on board a few field-pieces, and some coehorn-mortars,
+  mounted for land service, with several kinds of artillery stores
+  and pioneers tools, intended for operations on shore. And, as an
+  enterprise had been planned against Baldivia, for the first
+  operation of the squadron, Captain Cheap was extremely solicitous
+  that these articles might be forthcoming, and determined to use
+  his endeavours for that purpose, that no delay or disappointment
+  might be imputed to him, not knowing the state the squadron was
+  reduced to. While making the best of his way, with these views,
+  to the first appointed rendezvous, off Socoro, whence he proposed
+  to proceed for Baldivia, the Wager made the land on the 14th of
+  May, about the latitude of 47° S. and while Captain
+  Cheap was exerting himself in order to get clear of the land, he
+  had the misfortune to fall down the after-ladder, by which he
+  dislocated his shoulder, and was rendered incapable of acting.
+  This accident, together with the crazy condition of the ship,
+  which was little better than a wreck, prevented her from getting
+  off to sea, and entangled her more and more with the land;
+  insomuch, that at day-break next morning, the 15th May, she
+  struck on a sunken rock, and soon afterwards bilged, and grounded
+  between two small islands, about musket-shot from the shore.</p>
+
+  <p>In this situation the ship continued entire a long time, so
+  that all the crew might have got safe on shore. But a general
+  confusion ensued; many of them, instead of consulting their
+  safety, or reflecting on their calamitous condition, fell to
+  pillaging the ship, arming themselves with the first weapons that
+  came to hand, and threatening to murder all who should oppose
+  their proceedings. This frenzy was greatly heightened by the
+  liquors they found on board, with which they made themselves so
+  excessively intoxicated, that some fell down into the hold, where
+  they were drowned, as the water flowed into the wreck. Having
+  done his utmost, ineffectually, to get the whole crew on shore,
+  the captain was at last obliged to leave the mutineers behind,
+  and to follow his officers on shore, with such few men as he
+  could prevail upon to accompany him; but did not fail to send
+  back the boats, with a message to those who remained, entreating
+  them to have some regard to their own preservation. All his
+  efforts, however, were for some time in vain; but next day, the
+  weather proving stormy, and there being great danger of the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page338" id="page338"></a>[pg
+  338]</span> ship going to pieces, the refractory part of the crew
+  began to be afraid of perishing, and were desirous of getting to
+  land; and, in their madness, as the boat did not come to fetch
+  them off so soon as they wished, they pointed a four-pounder from
+  the quarter-deck, against the hut in which the captain resided on
+  shore, and fired two shots, which passed just over its roof.</p>
+
+  <p>From this specimen of the behaviour of part of the crew, some
+  idea may be formed of the disorder and anarchy which prevailed
+  when they at length got all on shore. For the men conceived that
+  the authority of their officers was at an end, in consequence of
+  the loss of the ship; and, as they were now upon an inhospitable
+  coast, where scarcely any other provisions could be got beyond
+  what could be saved from the wreck, this was another
+  insurmountable source of discord: for the working upon the wreck,
+  and securing the provisions on shore, so that they might be
+  preserved as much as possible for future exigencies, and that
+  they might be sparingly and equally distributed for present
+  subsistence, were matters, however important, that could not be
+  brought about unless by means of discipline and subordination. At
+  the same time, the mutinous disposition of the people, stimulated
+  by the immediate impulses of hunger, rendered every regulation
+  attempted for these indispensable purposes, quite unavailing; so
+  that there were continual frauds, concealments, and thefts, which
+  animated every one against his neighbour, and produced infinite
+  contentions and perpetual quarrels. Hence a perverse and
+  malevolent disposition was constantly kept up among them, which
+  rendered them utterly ungovernable.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides these heart-burnings, occasioned by petulance and
+  hunger, there was another important point which set the greatest
+  part of the people at variance with the captain. This was their
+  difference in opinion from him, on the measures proper to be
+  pursued on the present emergency; for the captain was determined,
+  if possible, to fit out the boats in the best manner he could,
+  and to proceed with them to the northward, as, having above two
+  hundred men in health, and having saved some fire-arms and
+  ammunition from the wreck, he had no doubt of being able to
+  master any Spanish, vessel they might fall in with in these seas,
+  and he thought that he could not fail of meeting with one in the
+  neighbourhood of Chiloe or Baldivia, in which, when taken, he
+  proposed to proceed to the rendezvous at Juan Fernandez. He
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page339" id="page339"></a>[pg
+  339]</span> also insisted, should they even meet with no prize by
+  the way, that the boats alone could easily carry them to Juan
+  Fernandez. But this scheme, however prudent and practicable, was
+  by no means relished by the generality of the people; for, quite
+  jaded and disgusted with the fatigues, dangers, and distresses
+  they had already encountered, they could not be persuaded to
+  prosecute an enterprize which had hitherto proved so disastrous.
+  The common resolution, therefore, was to lengthen the long-boat,
+  and, with her and the other boats, to steer to the southwards, to
+  pass through the Straits of Magellan, and to range along the
+  eastern coast of South America, till they came to Brazil, where
+  they had no doubt of being well received, and procuring a passage
+  to Britain.</p>
+
+  <p>This project was evidently a vast deal more tedious, and
+  infinitely more hazardous, than that proposed by the captain;
+  but, as it had the air of returning home, and flattered them with
+  the hope of getting once more to their native country, that
+  circumstance rendered them blind to all its inconveniences, and
+  made them adhere to it with insurmountable obstinacy. The captain
+  was therefore obliged to give way to the torrent, though he never
+  changed his opinion, and had, in appearance, to acquiesce in this
+  resolution, though he gave it all the obstruction he could,
+  particularly in regard to lengthening the long-boat, which he
+  contrived should be of such a size, as, though it might carry
+  them to Juan Fernandez, he yet hoped might appear incapable of so
+  long a navigation as that to the coast of Brazil. But the
+  captain, by his steady opposition at first to this favourite
+  project, had much embittered the people against him, to which,
+  also, the following unhappy accident greatly contributed.</p>
+
+  <p>A midshipman, named Cozens, had appeared the foremost in all
+  the refractory proceedings of the crew, had involved himself in
+  brawls with most of the officers who had adhered to the authority
+  of the captain, and had even treated the captain himself with
+  much insolence and abuse. As his turbulence and brutality grew
+  every day more and more intolerable, it was not in the least
+  doubted that some violent measures were in agitation, in which
+  Cozens was engaged as the ringleader; for which reason the
+  captain, and those about him, constantly kept themselves on their
+  guard. One day the purser having stopped, by order of the
+  captain, the allowance of a fellow who would not work, Cozens,
+  though the man had not complained to him, intermeddled in the
+  affair <span class="pagenum"><a name="page340" id=
+  "page340"></a>[pg 340]</span> with great bitterness, and grossly
+  insulted the purser, who was then delivering out the provisions
+  close by the captain's tent, and was himself sufficiently
+  violent. Enraged by his scurrility, and perhaps piqued by former
+  quarrels, the purser cried out, <i>A mutiny</i>; adding, <i>the
+  dog has pistols</i>, and then immediately fired himself a pistol
+  at Cozens, but missed him. On hearing this outcry, and the report
+  of the pistol, the captain rushed out from his tent, and not
+  doubting that it had been fired by Cozens as the commencement of
+  a mutiny, immediately shot him in the head without farther
+  enquiry. Though he did not die on the spot, the wound proved
+  mortal in about a fortnight.</p>
+
+  <p>Though this accident was sufficiently displeasing to the
+  people, it yet awed them for a considerable time to their duty,
+  and rendered them more submissive to the authority of the
+  captain. But at last, towards the middle of October, when, the
+  long-boat was finished, and they were preparing to put to sea,
+  the additional provocation given them, by covertly traversing
+  their project of proceeding through the Straits of Magellan, and
+  their fears that he might at length engage a sufficient party to
+  overturn this favourite measure, made them resolve to take
+  advantage of the death of Cozens as a reason for depriving him of
+  his command, under pretence of carrying him a prisoner to England
+  to be tried for murder, and he was accordingly confined under a
+  guard. Yet they never meant to carry him with them, as they too
+  well knew what they might expect on their return to England, if
+  their commander should be present to confront them; and
+  therefore, when just ready to depart, they set him at liberty,
+  leaving him, and the few who chose to take their fortunes along
+  with him, no other embarkation but the yawl, to which the barge
+  was afterwards added, by the people on board her being prevailed
+  upon to turn back.</p>
+
+  <p>When the ship was wrecked, there were about one hundred and
+  thirty persons alive on board; above thirty of whom died on the
+  place where they landed, and nearly eight went off in the
+  long-boat and cutter to the southward; after whose departure,
+  there remained no more than nineteen persons along with the
+  captain, which were as many, however, as the barge and yawl could
+  well carry, these being the only embarkations left them. It was
+  on the 13th of October, five months after the shipwreck, that the
+  long-boat, converted into a schooner, weighed and sailed to the
+  southwards, giving <span class="pagenum"><a name="page341" id=
+  "page341"></a>[pg 341]</span> three cheers at their departure to
+  the captain and Lieutenant Hamilton of the land-forces, and the
+  surgeon, who were then standing on the beach. On the 29th of
+  January, 1742, they arrived at Rio Grande, on the coast of
+  Brazil; but having, by various accidents, left about twenty of
+  their people on shore at the different places where they touched,
+  and a still greater number having perished of famine in the
+  course of their navigation, there were not more than thirty of
+  them remaining, when they arrived at that port. This undertaking
+  was certainly most extraordinary in itself; for, not to mention
+  the great length of the voyage, the vessel was scarcely able to
+  contain the number that first put to sea in her; and their stock
+  of provisions, being only what they saved from the ship,
+  diminished by five months expenditure on shore, was extremely
+  slender. They had also this additional misfortune, that the
+  cutter, the only boat they had along with them, broke loose from
+  their stern, and was staved to pieces, so that, when their
+  provisions and water failed, they had frequently no means of
+  getting on shore in search of a supply.</p>
+
+  <p>The captain and those who remained with him, now proposed to
+  proceed to the northward in the barge and yawl; but the weather
+  was so bad, and the difficulty of subsisting so great, that it
+  was two months after the departure of the long boat, before they
+  were able to put to sea. It seems that the place where the Wager
+  was lost, was not a part of the continent, but an island at some
+  distance from the main, affording no other sort of provisions
+  besides shell-fish, and a few herbs; and, as the greatest part of
+  what they had saved out of the wreck had been carried off in the
+  long-boat, the captain and his people were often in extreme want
+  of food, especially as they chose to preserve what little
+  remained to them of the ship's provisions, to serve them as
+  sea-store, when they should proceed to the northward. During
+  their residence at this place, which was called Wager Island by
+  the seamen, they were now and then visited by a straggling canoe
+  or two of Indians, who came and bartered their fish and other
+  provisions with our people. This was some little relief to their
+  necessities, and might perhaps have been greater at another
+  season; for there were several Indian huts on the shore, whence
+  it was supposed that, in some years, many of these savages might
+  resort thither in the height of summer, to catch fish. Indeed,
+  from what has <span class="pagenum"><a name="page342" id=
+  "page342"></a>[pg 342]</span> been related in the account of the
+  Anna pink, it would seem to be the general practice of these
+  Indians, to frequent this coast in the summer season, for the
+  purpose of fishing, and to retire more to the northwards in
+  winter, into a better climate.</p>
+
+  <p>It is worthy of remark, how much it is to be lamented that the
+  people of the Wager had no knowledge of the Anna pink being so
+  near them on the coast;<a id="footnotetag136" name=
+  "footnotetag136"></a><a href="#footnote136"><sup>4</sup></a> for,
+  as she was not above thirty leagues from them at the most, and
+  came into that neighbourhood about the same time that the Wager
+  was lost, and was a fine roomy ship, she could easily have taken
+  them all on board, and have carried them to Juan Fernandez.
+  Indeed, I suspect that she was still nearer them than is here
+  estimated; for, at different times, several of the people
+  belonging to the Wager heard the report of a cannon, which could
+  be no other than the evening gun fired by the Anna, as formerly
+  mentioned, more especially as the gun heard at Wager Island was
+  at that time of the day.</p>
+
+  <p>Captain Cheap and his people embarked in the barge and yawl,
+  on the 14th of December, in order to proceed to the northward,
+  taking on board along with them all the provisions they could
+  gather from the wreck of the ship; but they had scarcely been an
+  hour at sea, when the wind began to blow hard, and the sea to run
+  so high, that they were obliged to throw the greatest part of
+  their provisions overboard, to avoid immediate destruction. This
+  was a terrible misfortune, in a part of the world where food was
+  so difficult to be got; yet they persisted in their design, going
+  on shore as often as they could, in search of subsistence. About
+  a fortnight after their departure from Wager island, another
+  dreadful accident befel them, as the yawl sunk at an anchor, and
+  one of her hands was drowned; and, as the barge was incapable of
+  carrying the whole company, they were reduced to the hard
+  necessity of leaving four marines behind them, on that desolate
+  coast. They still, however, kept their course to the northward;
+  though greatly delayed by cross winds, and by the frequent
+  interruptions occasioned by the necessity <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page343" id="page343"></a>[pg 343]</span> of
+  searching for food on shore, and constantly struggling with a
+  series of the most sinister events. At length, about the end of
+  January, 1742, having made three unsuccessful attempts to double
+  a head-land, which they supposed to be that called Cape <i>Tres
+  Montes</i> by the Spaniards, and finding the difficulty
+  insurmountable, they unanimously resolved to return to Wager
+  Island, which they effected about the middle of February, quite
+  disheartened and desponding, through their reiterated
+  disappointments, and almost perishing with hunger and
+  fatigue.</p>
+
+  <p>On their return, they had the good fortune to fall in with
+  several pieces of beef, swimming in the sea, which had been
+  washed out of the wreck, which afforded them a most seasonable
+  relief, after the hardships they had endured. To complete their
+  good fortune, there came shortly afterwards to the place two
+  canoes with Indians, among whom there happened to be a native of
+  Chiloe, who spoke a little Spanish. The surgeon who accompanied
+  Captain Cheap understood that language, and made a bargain with
+  the Chiloe Indian, that, if he would carry the captain and his
+  people in the barge to Chiloe, he should have her and all her
+  furniture for his reward. Accordingly, on the 6th of March, the
+  eleven persons, to which the company was now reduced, embarked
+  again in the barge on this new expedition. After having proceeded
+  a few days, the captain and four of his principal officers being
+  on shore, the six, who remained in the barge along with an
+  Indian, shoved her off and put to sea, and never returned
+  again.</p>
+
+  <p>Captain Cheap, together with Mr Hamilton, lieutenant of
+  marines, the honourable Mr Byron and Mr Campbell, midshipmen, and
+  Mr Elliot, the surgeon, were thus left on shore in the most
+  deplorable situation imaginable. It might be thought that their
+  distresses, long before this time, were hardly capable of being
+  increased: Yet they found their present situation much more
+  dismaying than any thing they had hitherto experienced; being
+  left on a desert coast, far from the haunts of men, without
+  provisions, or the means of procuring any, and with no visible
+  prospect of relief; for their arms and ammunition, and every
+  convenience that had hitherto remained to them, except the few
+  tattered garments they had on, were all carried away in the
+  barge. While revolving the various circumstances of this new and
+  unlooked-for calamity, and sadly persuaded that they had no
+  possible <span class="pagenum"><a name="page344" id=
+  "page344"></a>[pg 344]</span> relief to hope for, they perceived
+  a canoe at a distance, which proved to be that belonging to the
+  Indian of Chiloe, who had undertaken to convey them to that
+  island. He it seems had left Captain Cheap and his people, only a
+  little before, to go a fishing in his canoe, accompanied by his
+  family, leaving the barge in the mean time under the care of the
+  other Indian, whom the sailors had carried with them to sea. When
+  he came on shore, and found the barge and his companion gone, he
+  was much concerned, and was with difficulty persuaded that his
+  companion had not been murdered; yet, being at last satisfied
+  with the account that was given him by Mr Elliot, he still
+  undertook to carry them to the Spanish settlements, and, being
+  well skilled in fishing and fowling, he undertook also to provide
+  them in provisions by the way.</p>
+
+  <p>About the middle of March, Captain Cheap and his four
+  remaining companions set out for Chiloe; their Indian conductor
+  having provided several canoes, and gathered many of his
+  countrymen together for that purpose. Mr Elliot, the surgeon,
+  soon afterwards died, so that there now only remained four of the
+  whole company. At last, after a very complicated passage, partly
+  by sea and partly by land, Captain Cheap, Mr Byron, and Mr
+  Campbell, arrived at the island of Chiloe, where they were
+  received by the Spaniards with great humanity; but, on account of
+  some quarrel among the Indians, Mr Hamilton did not get there
+  till two months later. It was thus above a twelvemonth, from the
+  loss of the Wager, before this fatiguing peregrination
+  terminated. The four who now remained were brought so extremely
+  low, by their fatigues and privations, that in all probability
+  none of them would have survived, had their distresses continued
+  only a few days longer. The captain was with difficulty
+  recovered; and the rest were so reduced by labour, the severity
+  of the weather, scantiness of food, and want of all kinds of
+  necessaries, that it was wonderful how they had supported
+  themselves so long.</p>
+
+  <p>After some stay at Chiloe, the captain and the other three who
+  were with him, were sent to Valparaiso, and thence to St Jago,
+  the capital of Chili, where they continued above a year, and
+  where they were joined by Mr Hamilton. News arriving that a
+  cartel had been settled between Great Britain and Spain, Captain
+  Cheap, Mr Byron, and Mr Hamilton, were permitted to return to
+  Europe in a French ship. Mr Campbell, the other midshipman,
+  having changed his religion <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page345" id="page345"></a>[pg 345]</span> while at St Jago,
+  chose to go from thence to Buenos Ayres along with Pizarro and
+  his officers, overland, and went with them afterwards to Spain in
+  the Asia: But failing in his endeavours to procure a commission
+  from the court of Spain, he returned to England, and attempted in
+  vain to get reinstated in the British navy. He has since
+  published a narration of his adventures in which he complains of
+  the injustice that has been done him and strongly disavows having
+  ever been in the Spanish service: but, as the change of his
+  religion and his offering himself to the court of Spain, though
+  he was not accepted, are matters which he must be conscious can
+  be incontestably proved, he has been entirely silent on these two
+  heads.<a id="footnotetag137" name="footnotetag137"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote137"><sup>5</sup></a></p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote133" name="footnote133"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag133">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The island of Inchin and the bay in which the Anna pink took
+    shelter is in lat. 46° 30' S. long. 74° 30'
+    in what is called the Peninsula de tres Montes, to the N. of
+    the Golfo de Penas.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote134" name="footnote134"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag134">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This has already, on the authority of Arrowsmith, been
+    stated at 46° 30' S.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote135" name="footnote135"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag135">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The gulf and archipelago of Chonos, or Guaytecas, one of the
+    islands of which is Socora, or Guayteca, is considerably to the
+    N. of Inchin, between the peninsula de tres Montes and the
+    island of Chiloe, the centre of that archipelago being in lat.
+    45° S.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote136" name="footnote136"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag136">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Inchin island, where the Anna pink lay, has been formerly
+    stated to be in lat. 46° 30' S. the supposed latitude
+    in which the Wager was lost, stated in the text at 47°
+    S. is only <i>ten</i> marine leagues to the southward, instead
+    of <i>thirty</i>, and must therefore have been on some one of
+    the islands toward the southern coast of the peninsula de Tres
+    Montes, on the north of the Golfo de Penas.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote137" name="footnote137"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag137">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The circumstances connected with the loss of the Wager, and
+    of the separation of the Severn and the Pearl, will be given
+    more at large, by way of supplement to the circumnavigation.
+    The incidents which occur to bold and unfortunate navigators
+    are certainly curious and interesting; but the author of
+    Anson's Voyage seems to have forgotten, that the circumstances
+    respecting the countries they visited, especially such of these
+    which are so little known, are of infinitely greater
+    utility.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XIV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan Fernandez, from the
+  Arrival of the Anna Pink, to our final Departure from
+  thence.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>About a week after the arrival of the Anna pink, the Tryal
+  sloop, which had been sent to examine the island of Masefuero,
+  returned to an anchor at Juan Fernandez, having gone entirely
+  round that island, without seeing any one of our squadron. As, on
+  this occasion, the island of Masefuero was more particularly
+  examined, I have no doubt, than it had ever been before, or
+  perhaps ever may be again, and as the knowledge of it may be of
+  great consequence hereafter, under peculiar circumstances, I
+  think it incumbent to insert the accounts given of it by the
+  officers of the Tryal.</p>
+
+  <p>The Spaniards have generally mentioned two islands, under the
+  same of Juan Fernandez, naming them the greater and the
+  less;<a id="footnotetag138" name="footnotetag138"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote138"><sup>1</sup></a> the greater being that island,
+  where we <span class="pagenum"><a name="page346" id=
+  "page346"></a>[pg 346]</span> anchored, and the less that we are
+  now about to describe; which, because it is more distant from the
+  continent, they call Masefuero. The Tryal found that it bore from
+  the greater Juan Fernandez, W. by S. about twenty-two leagues
+  distant. It is much larger and better than has been usually
+  represented, being reported by former writers as a small barren
+  rock, destitute of wood and water, and altogether inaccessible.
+  Whereas our people found that it was covered with trees, and that
+  there were several fine falls of water pouring down its sides
+  into the sea. They found, also, that there is a place on its
+  north side, where a ship might come to an anchor, though indeed
+  the anchorage be inconvenient; for the bank is steep, and extends
+  only a little way, and has very deep water, so that she must
+  anchor very near the shore, and be there exposed to all winds,
+  except those from the southward. Besides the inconvenience of the
+  anchorage, there is also a reef of rocks, about two miles in
+  length, running off the eastern point of the island, though these
+  are little to be feared, because always to be seen, by the sea
+  breaking over them. This island has at present one advantage
+  beyond Juan Fernandez, as it abounds in goats; and as these are
+  not accustomed to be disturbed, they were no way shy till they
+  had been frequently fired at. These animals reside here in great
+  tranquillity, as the Spaniards, not thinking this island
+  sufficiently considerable to be frequented by their enemies, have
+  not been solicitous to destroy the provisions it contains, so
+  that no dogs have hitherto been put on shore there. Besides
+  goats, the people of the Tryal found there vast numbers of seals
+  and sea lions; and upon the whole, though they did not consider
+  it as the most eligible place for ships to refresh at, yet, in
+  case of necessity, it might afford some sort of shelter, and
+  prove of considerable use, especially to a single ship,
+  apprehensive of meeting an enemy at Juan Fernandez.</p>
+
+  <p>The latter end of the month of December was spent in unloading
+  the provisions from the Anna pink; when we had the mortification
+  to find, that great quantities of our provisions, as bread, rice,
+  groats, &amp;c. were decayed and unfit for use. This had been
+  occasioned by the Anna taking in water, by her working and
+  straining in bad weather; owing to <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page347" id="page347"></a>[pg 347]</span> which several of her
+  casks had rotted, and many of her bags were soaked through.
+  Having now no farther occasion for her services, the commodore,
+  pursuant to his orders from the admiralty, sent notice to her
+  master, Mr Gerard, that he now discharged the Anna pink from
+  attending the squadron, and gave him a certificate at the same
+  time, specifying how long she had been employed. In consequence
+  of this dismission, her master was left at liberty, either to
+  return directly to England, or to make the best of his way to any
+  port where he thought he could take in such a cargo as might
+  serve the interest of his owners. But, sensible of the bad
+  condition of his ship, and her unfitness for any such voyage, the
+  master wrote next day to the commodore, stating, that he had
+  reason to apprehend the bottom of the Anna to be very much
+  decayed, from the great quantity of water she had let in on her
+  passage round Cape Horn, and ever since, in the tempestuous
+  weather she had experienced on the coast of Patagonia; that her
+  upper decks were rotten abaft; that she was extremely leaky; that
+  her fore-beam was broken; and, in short, that, in his opinion, it
+  was impossible to proceed with her to sea, unless she were
+  thoroughly repaired. He therefore requested of the commodore,
+  that the carpenters of the squadron might be directed to survey
+  her, so that their judgment of her condition might be known. In
+  compliance with this request, the carpenters were ordered to make
+  a careful and accurate survey of the Anna, and to give in a
+  faithful report to the commodore of her condition; directing them
+  to proceed with such circumspection, that they might be able, if
+  hereafter called upon, to confirm the veracity of their report
+  upon oath. Pursuant to these orders, the carpenters immediately
+  set about the examination, and made their report next day. This
+  was in substance, That the Anna had no less than fourteen knees
+  and twelve beams broken, and decayed; one breast-hook broken, and
+  another decayed; her water-ways open and decayed; two standards
+  and several clamps broken, besides others much rotten; all her
+  iron-work greatly decayed; her spirkiting and timbers very
+  rotten; that, having ripped off part of her sheathing, her wales
+  and outside planks were extremely defective; and her bows and
+  decks were very leaky. From all these defects and decays, they
+  certified that, in their opinion, the vessel could not depart
+  from Juan Fernandez, without great hazard, unless previously
+  thoroughly repaired.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page348"
+  id="page348"></a>[pg 348]</span>
+
+  <p>In our present situation, this thorough repair was
+  impracticable, all the plank and iron in the squadron being
+  insufficient for that purpose. Wherefore, the opinion of the
+  master being confirmed by this report, he presented a petition to
+  the commodore, in behalf of his owners, praying, as his vessel
+  was incapable of leaving the island, that her hull, materials,
+  and furniture, might be purchased for the use of the squadron.
+  The commodore, therefore, ordered an inventory to be taken of
+  every thing belonging to the pink, with its just value; and as
+  many of her stores might become useful in repairing the other
+  ship, these articles having become very scarce, in consequence of
+  the great quantities already expended, he agreed with Mr Gerard
+  to purchase the whole for &pound;300. The pink was now broken up,
+  Mr Gerard and her hands being sent on board the Gloucester, as
+  that ship had buried the greatest number of men in proportion to
+  her complement. Two or three of them were afterwards received
+  into the Centurion on their petition, as they were averse from
+  sailing in the same ship with their old master, on account of
+  some ill usage they alledged to have suffered from him.</p>
+
+  <p>This transaction brought us down to the beginning of
+  September, by which time our people were so far recovered from
+  the scurvy, that there was little danger of burying any more for
+  the present. I shall therefore now sum up the whole of our loss
+  since our departure from England, the better to convey some idea
+  of our past sufferings and our then remaining strength. In the
+  Centurion, since leaving St Helens, we had buried 292 men, and
+  had 214 remaining. This will doubtless appear a most
+  extraordinary mortality, yet that in the Gloucester had been much
+  greater; as, out of a much smaller crew than ours, she had lost
+  the same number, and had only 82 remaining alive. It might have
+  been expected that the mortality would have been the most
+  terrible in the Tryal, as her decks were almost constantly knee
+  deep in water: But it happened otherwise, for she escaped more
+  favourably than the other two, having only buried 42, and had 39
+  remaining alive. The havoc of this cruel disease had fallen still
+  more severely on the invalids and marines, than on the sailors.
+  For, in the Centurion, out of 50 invalids and 79 marines, there
+  only remained four invalids, including officers, and 11 marines.
+  In the Gloucester every invalid perished; and of 48 marines, only
+  two escaped. It appears <span class="pagenum"><a name="page349"
+  id="page349"></a>[pg 349]</span> from this account, that the
+  three ships departed from England with 961 men on board, of whom
+  626 were dead, and 335 men and boys only remained alive; a number
+  greatly insufficient for manning the Centurion alone, and barely
+  capable of navigating all the three with the utmost exertion of
+  their strength and vigour.</p>
+
+  <p>This prodigious reduction of our men was the more alarming, as
+  we were hitherto unacquainted with the fate of the squadron under
+  Pizarro, and had reason to suppose that some part of it, at
+  least, had got round into the South Seas. We were, indeed, much
+  of opinion, from our own sad experience, that they must have
+  suffered greatly in the passage: but then every port in the South
+  Sea was open to them, and the whole power of Peru and Chili would
+  be exerted for their refreshment and repair, and for recruiting
+  their loss of men. We had, also, some obscure information of a
+  force to be fitted out against us from Paluo; and, however
+  contemptible the ships and sailors of this part of the world may
+  have been generally esteemed, it was hardly possible for any
+  thing bearing the name of a ship of war, to be feebler or less
+  considerable than ourselves. Even if there had been nothing to
+  apprehend from the naval power of the Spaniards in these seas,
+  yet our enfeebled situation necessarily gave us great uneasiness,
+  as we were incapable of making an attempt against any of their
+  considerable places; for, in our state of weakness, the risking
+  even of twenty men, would have put the safety of the whole in
+  hazard. We conceived, therefore, that we should be forced to
+  content ourselves with what prizes we might be able to fall in
+  with at sea, before we were discovered, and then to depart
+  precipitately, and esteem ourselves fortunate to regain our
+  native country; leaving our enemies to triumph on the
+  inconsiderable mischief they had suffered from a squadron which
+  had filled them with such dreadful apprehensions. We had reason
+  to imagine the Spanish ostentation would remarkably exert itself
+  on this subject, though our disappointment and their security
+  neither originated in their valour nor our misconduct. Such were
+  the desponding reflections which at this time arose, on the
+  review and comparison of our remaining weakness with our original
+  strength: And, indeed, our fears were far from being groundless,
+  or disproportionate to our feeble and almost desperate condition:
+  For, though the final event proved more honourable than we
+  foreboded, yet the intermediate calamities did likewise
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page350" id="page350"></a>[pg
+  350]</span> surpass our most gloomy apprehensions; and, could
+  these have been predicted to us while at Juan Fernandez, they
+  would doubtless have appeared insurmountable.</p>
+
+  <p>In the beginning of September, as already mentioned, our men
+  being tolerably well recovered, and the season of navigation in
+  these seas drawing nigh, we exerted ourselves in getting our
+  ships ready for sea. We converted the foremast of the Anna into a
+  new main-mast for the Tryal; and, still flattering ourselves with
+  the possible hope of some other ships of our squadron arriving,
+  we intended to leave the main-mast of the Anna, to make a new
+  mizen-mast for the Wager. All hands being thus employed in
+  preparing for our departure, we espied a sail to the N.E. about
+  eleven a.m. of the 18th September, which continued to approach us
+  till her courses appeared even with the horizon. While advancing,
+  we had great hopes that this might prove one of our squadron; but
+  she at length steered away to the eastward, without hauling in
+  for the island, on which we concluded that she must be Spanish.
+  Great differences of opinion now took place, as to the
+  possibility of her people having discovered our tents on shore;
+  some of us strongly insisting, that she certainly had been near
+  enough to have seen something that had given them a jealousy to
+  an enemy, which had occasioned her standing away to the
+  eastwards. Leaving these contests to be settled afterwards, it
+  was resolved to pursue her; and, as the Centurion was in the
+  greatest forwardness, all her hands were got immediately on
+  board, her rigging set up, and her sails bent with all possible
+  expedition, and we got under sail by five in the evening.</p>
+
+  <p>At this time we had so very little wind, that all the boats
+  were employed to tow us out of the bay, and what wind there was
+  lasted only long enough to give us an offing of two or three
+  leagues, when it fell dead calm. As night came on we lost sight
+  of the chase, and were extremely impatient for the return of
+  light, in hopes to find that she had been becalmed, as well as
+  we; yet her great distance from the land was 3 reasonable ground
+  for suspecting the contrary, as we actually found in the morning,
+  to our great mortification; for, though the weather was then
+  quite clear, we had no sight of the chase from the mast-head.
+  But, being now quite satisfied that she was an enemy, and the
+  first we had seen in these seas, we resolved not to give over the
+  chase lightly; and, on a small breeze springing up from the
+  W.N.W. we got up our top-gallant <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page351" id="page351"></a>[pg 351]</span> masts and yards, set
+  all the sails, and steered S.E. in hopes of retrieving the chase,
+  which we imagined might be bound for Valparaiso. We continued on
+  this course all that day and the next; and then, seeing nothing
+  of the chase, gave over the pursuit, believing that she had, in
+  all probability, reached her port.</p>
+
+  <p>Resolving to return to Juan Fernandez, we hauled up to the
+  S.W. having very little wind till the 12th, at three a.m. when a
+  gale sprung up at W.S.W. which obliged us to tack and stand to
+  the N.W. At day-break, we were agreeably surprised by the
+  appearance of a sail on our weather-bow, between four and five
+  leagues distant, on which we crowded all sail and stood towards
+  her, soon perceiving she was a different vessel from that we had
+  chased before. She at first bore down towards us, shewing Spanish
+  colours, and making a signal as to a consort; but, seeing we did
+  not answer her signal, she instantly loofed close to the wind and
+  stood to the southward. Our people were now all in high spirits,
+  and put about ship with great briskness; and, as the chase
+  appeared a large ship, and had mistaken us for her consort, we
+  imagined that she must be a man of war, and probably belonged to
+  the squadron of Pizarro. This induced the commodore to order all
+  the officers cabins to be knocked down and thrown overboard,
+  along with several casks of water and provisions, that stood
+  between the guns; so that we had a clear ship, ready for action.
+  About nine a.m. it came on thick hazy weather, with a shower of
+  rain, during which we lost sight of the chase, and were
+  apprehensive, if this weather should continue, she might escape
+  us, by going on the other tack, or some other device. The weather
+  cleared up, however, in less than an hour, when we found that we
+  had both weathered and fore-reached upon her considerably, and
+  were then near enough to perceive that she was only a merchant
+  ship, without a single tire of guns. About half an hour after
+  twelve noon, being within reasonable distance, we fired four shot
+  among her rigging; on which they lowered their top-sails and bore
+  down to us, but in very great confusion, their top-gallant-sails
+  and stay-sails all fluttering in the wind. This was owing to
+  their having let run their sheets and halyards, just as we fired
+  at them; after which not a man among them would venture aloft to
+  take them in, as our shot had passed there just before.</p>
+
+  <p>As soon as the vessel came within hail of us, the commodore
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page352" id="page352"></a>[pg
+  352]</span> ordered her to bring to under his lee quarter; and
+  having the boat hoisted out, sent our first lieutenant, Mr
+  Saumarez, to take possession of the prize, with orders to send
+  all the prisoners on board the Centurion, the officers and
+  passengers first. When Mr Saumarez boarded the prize, he was
+  received by her people at the side with the most abject tokens of
+  submission; as they were all, especially the passengers, who were
+  twenty-five in number, extremely terrified, and under the
+  greatest apprehensions of meeting with very severe and cruel
+  usage. But the lieutenant endeavoured, with great courtesy, to
+  dissipate their terror, assuring them that their fears were
+  altogether groundless, and that they would find a generous enemy
+  in the commodore, who was no less remarkable for his lenity and
+  humanity, than for courage and resolution. The prisoners who were
+  first sent on board the Centurion, informed us, that the prize
+  was called <i>Neustra Lenora del Monte Carmelo</i>, and her
+  commander Don Manuel Zamorra. Her cargo consisted chiefly of
+  sugar, and a great quantity of blue cloth, made in the province
+  of Quito, somewhat resembling our coarse English broad cloth, but
+  inferior. They had also several bales of a coarser cloth, of
+  different colours, somewhat like Colchester baize, called by them
+  <i>Panniada Tierra</i>; with a few bales of cotton, and some
+  tolerably well-flavoured tobacco, though strong. These were her
+  principal goods; but we found besides, what was much more
+  valuable than the rest of her cargo, some trunks full of wrought
+  silver plate, and twenty-three serons of dollars, each weighing
+  upwards of two hundred pounds.<a id="footnotetag139" name=
+  "footnotetag139"></a><a href="#footnote139"><sup>2</sup></a> This
+  ship was of about 450 tons burden, having on board 53 sailors,
+  including whites and blacks. She came from Calao, bound for
+  Valparaiso, and had been twenty-seven days at sea. Her return
+  cargo from Chili was to have been corn and Chili wine, with some
+  gold, dried beef, and small cordage, which is afterwards
+  converted at Calao into larger rope. This vessel had been built
+  thirty years before; yet, as they lie in harbour all winter, and
+  the climate is remarkably favourable, she was not considered as
+  very old. Her rigging and sails were very indifferent, the latter
+  being of cotton. She had only three <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page353" id="page353"></a>[pg 353]</span>
+  four-pounders, which were quite unserviceable, as their carriages
+  could scarcely support them; and they had no small arms on board,
+  except a few pistols belonging to the passengers. They had sailed
+  from Callao in company with two other ships, which they had
+  parted from a few days before, and had at first taken our ship
+  for one of their consorts; and, by the description we gave of the
+  ship we had chased from Juan Fernandez, they assured us that she
+  was one of their number; although the coming in sight of that
+  island is directly contrary to the merchant's instructions, as
+  knowing, if any English ships should be in these seas, that this
+  island is most likely to be their place of rendezvous.</p>
+
+  <p>We met with very important intelligence in this prize, partly
+  from the prisoners, and partly from letters and papers that fell
+  into our hands. By these we first learnt with certainty the force
+  and destination of that squadron which cruised off Madeira at our
+  arrival there, and had afterwards chased the Pearl in our passage
+  to Port St Julian. This squadron we now knew to be composed of
+  five large Spanish ships, commanded by Admiral Pizarro, and
+  purposely fitted out to traverse our designs, as has been already
+  more amply related in our third section. We had now the
+  satisfaction to find, that Pizarro, after his utmost endeavours
+  to get round into these seas, had been forced back to the Rio
+  Plata, after losing two of his largest ships; which, considering
+  our great weakness, was no unacceptable intelligence. We also
+  learnt, that, though an embargo had been laid on all shipping in
+  the ports of South America, by the viceroy of Peru, in the
+  preceding month of May, on the supposition that we might then
+  arrive on the coast, yet it now no longer subsisted: For, on
+  receiving the account overland of the distresses of Pizarro, part
+  of which they knew we must also have suffered; and, on hearing
+  nothing of us for eight months after we were known to have left
+  St Catharines, they were fully satisfied we must either have been
+  shipwrecked, have perished at sea, or have been obliged to put
+  back again; as they conceived it impossible for any ships to have
+  continued at sea for so long an interval, and therefore, on the
+  application of the merchants, and the persuasion that we had
+  miscarried, the embargo had been lately taken off.</p>
+
+  <p>This intelligence made us flatter ourselves, as the enemy was
+  still ignorant of our having got round Cape Horn, and as
+  navigation was restored, that we might meet with some valuable
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page354" id="page354"></a>[pg
+  354]</span> captures, and might indemnify ourselves in that way,
+  of our incapacity to attempt any of their considerable
+  settlements on shore. This much at least we were certain of, from
+  the information of our prisoners, that, whatever might be our
+  success in regard to prizes, we had nothing to fear, weak even as
+  we were, from the Spanish force in that part of the world, though
+  we discovered that we had been in most imminent peril, when we
+  least apprehended any, when our other distresses were at the
+  greatest height. As we found, by letters in the prize, that
+  Pizarro, in the dispatch he sent by express to the viceroy of
+  Peru overland, after his own return to the Rio Plata, had
+  intimated the possibility of some part of our squadron getting
+  round; and as, from his own experience, he was certain any of our
+  ships that might arrive in the South Seas must be in a very weak
+  and defenceless condition, he advised the viceroy to send what
+  ships of war he had to the southwards, in order to be secure at
+  all events, where, in all probability, they would intercept us
+  singly, before we had an opportunity of touching any where for
+  refreshment; in which case he had no doubt of our proving an easy
+  conquest. The viceroy approved this advice, and as he had already
+  fitted out four ships of force at Callao, one of 50 guns, two of
+  40 each, and one of 24, which were intended to have joined
+  Pizarro, three of these were stationed off the port of
+  Conception, and one at the island of Juan Fernandez, where they
+  continued cruising for us till the 6th of June; and then,
+  conceiving it impossible that we could have kept the sea so long,
+  they quitted this station and returned to Callao, fully persuaded
+  we must either have perished, or been driven back.</p>
+
+  <p>Now, as the time when they left Juan Fernandez was only a few
+  days before our arrival at that island, it is evident, if we had
+  made it on our first search, without hauling in for the main to
+  secure our easting, a circumstance we then considered as very
+  unfortunate, on account of the many men we lost by our long
+  continuance at sea; had we made the island 28th of May, when we
+  first expected to see it, and were in reality very near to have
+  so done, we had inevitably fallen in with some part of the
+  squadron from Callao; and in our then distressed condition, the
+  encounter of a healthy and well-provided enemy might have proved
+  fatal, not only to us in the Centurion, but also to the Tryal,
+  Gloucester, and Anna pink, which separately joined us, and were
+  each less capable to have resisted than we. I may also add, that
+  these Spanish <span class="pagenum"><a name="page355" id=
+  "page355"></a>[pg 355]</span> ships, sent out to intercept us,
+  had been greatly shattered by a storm during their cruise, and
+  had been laid up after their return to Callao; and we were
+  assured by our prisoners, that, when intelligence might be
+  received at Lima of our being in the South Seas, it would require
+  two months at least, before this armament could be refitted for
+  going to sea. The whole of this intelligence was as favourable as
+  we, in our reduced circumstances, could wish for; and we were now
+  at no loss to account for the broken jars, ashes, and fish bones,
+  which we had observed at Juan Fernandez on our first landing;
+  these things having been doubtless the relics of the cruisers
+  stationed at that island. Having thus satisfied ourselves in the
+  most material articles of our enquiry, got all the silver on
+  board the Centurion, and most of the prisoners, we made sail to
+  the northward at eight that same evening, in company with our
+  prize. We got sight of Juan Fernandez at six next morning, and
+  the day following both we and our prize got safe there to anchor.
+  When the prize and her crew came into the bay, in which the rest
+  of our squadron lay, the Spaniards, who had been sufficiently
+  informed of the distresses we had gone through, and were
+  astonished we had been able to surmount them, were still more
+  surprised when they saw the Tryal sloop, that, after all our
+  fatigues, we should have had the industry to complete such a
+  vessel in so short a time, besides refitting our other ships, as
+  they concluded we had certainly built her there; nor was it
+  without great difficulty they could be brought to believe that
+  she came from England with the rest of the squadron; for they
+  long insisted, that it was impossible for such a bauble as she
+  was to have passed round Cape Horn, when the best ships of Spain
+  were forced to put back.</p>
+
+  <p>By the time of our arrival at Juan Fernandez, the letters
+  found on board our prize were more minutely examined, and it
+  appeared from them, and from the examination of our prisoners,
+  that several other merchant-ships were bound from Callao to
+  Valparaiso. Whereupon, the commodore dispatched the Tryal sloop,
+  the very next morning, to cruise off the port of Valparaiso,
+  reinforcing her crew with ten men from the Centurion. The
+  commodore resolved also, on the above intelligence, to employ the
+  ships under his command in separate cruises, as by this means he
+  might increase the chance of taking prizes, and should run less
+  risk of being discovered, and alarming the coast. The spirits of
+  our people <span class="pagenum"><a name="page356" id=
+  "page356"></a>[pg 356]</span> were now greatly raised, and their
+  despondency dissipated, by this earnest of success, so that they
+  forgot all their past distresses, resumed their wonted alacrity,
+  and laboured incessantly in completing our water, receiving our
+  lumber, and preparing to leave the island.</p>
+
+  <p>These necessary occupations took us up four or five days, with
+  all our industry and exertions; and in this interval, the
+  commodore directed the guns of the Anna pink, being four
+  six-pounders and four four-pounders, with two swivels, to be
+  mounted in the Carmelo, our prize. He sent also on board the
+  Gloucester, six Spanish passengers and twenty-three captured
+  seamen, to assist in navigating that ship, and directed Captain
+  Mitchell to leave the island as soon as possible, the service
+  demanding the utmost despatch, giving him orders to proceed to
+  the latitude of 5° S. and there to cruise off the
+  high-land of Payta, at such distance from shore as should prevent
+  his being discovered. He was to continue on this station till
+  joined by the Centurion; which was to be whenever it should be
+  known that the viceroy had fitted out the ships of war at Callao,
+  or on the commodore receiving any other intelligence that should
+  make it necessary to divide our strength. These orders being
+  delivered to Captain Mitchell of the Gloucester, and all our
+  business completed, we weighed anchor in the Centurion, on
+  Saturday the 19th of September, in company with our prize the
+  Carmelo, and got out of the bay, taking our last leave of Juan
+  Fernandez, and steering to the eastward, with the intention of
+  joining the Tryal sloop, on her station off Valparaiso, leaving
+  the Gloucester still at anchor.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote138" name="footnote138"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag138">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>They also distinguish the greater by the name of Isla de
+    Tierra, as being nearer the main land of Chili. There is yet a
+    third and smallest island, a little way from the S.W. extremity
+    of the largest, called J. de Cabras or Conejos, Goat or Rabbit
+    island.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote139" name="footnote139"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag139">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>A seron is a species of package made and used in Spanish
+    America, consisting of a piece of raw bullock's hide with the
+    hair on, formed while wet into the shape of a small trunk, and
+    sewed together. The quantity of dollars taken on this occasion
+    may have been between seventy and eighty thousand.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to the taking of
+  Payta.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Although we left the bay on the 19th of September, yet, by the
+  irregularity and fluctuation of the wind in the offing, it was
+  the 22d of that month, in the evening, before we lost sight of
+  Juan Fernandez; after which we continued our course to the
+  eastward, in order to join the Tryal off Valparaiso. Next night
+  the weather proved squally, and we <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page357" id="page357"></a>[pg 357]</span> split our main
+  top-sail, which we then handed; but got it repaired and set again
+  by next morning. In the evening, a little before sunset, we saw
+  two sail to the eastward, on which our prize stood directly from
+  us, to avoid any suspicion of our being cruisers, while we made
+  ready for an engagement, and steered with all our canvass towards
+  the two ships we had descried. We soon perceived, that one of
+  them, which seemed a very stout ship, stood directly for us,
+  while the other kept at a great distance. By seven o'clock we
+  were within pistol-shot of the nearest, and had a broadside ready
+  to pour into her, the gunners having their lighted matches in
+  their hands, only waiting orders to fire. But, as the commodore
+  knew that she could not now escape, he ordered the master to hail
+  the ship in Spanish; on which her commanding officer, who
+  happened to be Mr Hughes, lieutenant of the Tryal, answered us in
+  English, that she was a prize, taken by the Tryal a few days
+  before, and that the other vessel at a distance was the Tryal,
+  disabled in her masts.</p>
+
+  <p>We were soon after joined by the Tryal, when her commander,
+  Captain Saunders, came on board the Centurion. He acquainted the
+  commodore, that he had taken this ship on the 18th, being a prime
+  sailor, which had cost him thirty-six hours chase before he could
+  get up with her, and that for some time he gained so little upon
+  her, that he almost despaired of ever making up with the chase.
+  The Spaniards were at first alarmed, by seeing nothing but a
+  cloud of sail in pursuit of them, as the hull of the Tryal lay so
+  low in the water, that no part of it appeared; yet knowing the
+  goodness of their ship, and finding how little the Tryal neared
+  them, they at last laid aside their fears, and, recommending
+  themselves to the protection of the blessed Virgin, they began to
+  think themselves quite secure. Indeed, their success was near
+  doing honour to their <i>Ave Marias</i>; for, altering their
+  course in the night, and shutting close their cabin windows to
+  prevent any of their lights from being seen, they had some chance
+  of escaping: But a small crevice in one of their shutters
+  rendered all their invocations of no avail; as the people of the
+  Tryal perceived a light through this crevice, which they chased
+  till they got within gun-shot; and then Captain Saunders alarmed
+  them with a broadside, when they flattered themselves they were
+  beyond his reach. For some time, however, the chase still kept
+  the same sail abroad, and it was not observed that this first
+  salute had made any impression; <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page358" id="page358"></a>[pg 358]</span> but, just as the Tryal
+  was about to repeat her broadsides the Spaniards crept from their
+  holes, lowered their sails, and submitted without opposition. She
+  was named the <i>Arranzazu</i>, being one of the largest
+  merchantmen employed in these seas, of about 600 tons burden,
+  bound from Calao to Valparaiso, having much the same cargo with
+  the Carmelo, our former prize, except that her silver amounted
+  only to about 5000<i>l.</i> sterling.</p>
+
+  <p>To balance this success, we found that the Tryal had sprung
+  her main-mast, and that her main-top-mast had come by the board;
+  and next morning, as we were all standing to the eastward in a
+  fresh gale at S. she had the additional misfortune to spring her
+  fore-mast, so that now she had not a mast left on which she could
+  carry sail. These unhappy circumstances were still further
+  aggravated, by the impossibility of our being then able to assist
+  her, for the wind blew so hard, and raised such a hollow sea,
+  that we could not venture to hoist out a boat, and consequently
+  could not have any communication with her; so that we were
+  obliged to lie-to for the greatest part of forty-eight hours to
+  attend upon her, as we could not possibly leave her in such a
+  condition of distress. It was no small addition to our
+  misfortunes, on this occasion, that we were all the while driving
+  to leeward of our intended station, and at the very time, when,
+  by our intelligence, we had reason to expect several of the
+  enemy's ships would appear on the coast, and would now get into
+  the port of Valparaiso unobstructed; and, I am convinced, the
+  embarrassment we suffered by the dismasting of the Tryal and our
+  consequent absence from our intended station, deprived, us of
+  some very considerable captures.</p>
+
+  <p>The weather proved somewhat more moderate on the 27th, when we
+  sent our boat for Captain Saunders, who came on board the
+  Centurion, where he produced an instrument, signed by himself and
+  all his officers, representing that the Tryal, besides being
+  dismasted, was so very leaky in her hull, that it was necessary
+  to ply the pumps continually, even in moderate weather, and that
+  they were then scarcely able to keep her free; insomuch that, in
+  the late gale, though all the officers even had been engaged in
+  turns at the pumps, yet the water had increased upon them; and
+  that, on the whole, they apprehended her present condition to be
+  so defective, that they must all inevitably perish if they met
+  with much bad weather: For all which reasons, he petitioned the
+  commodore <span class="pagenum"><a name="page359" id=
+  "page359"></a>[pg 359]</span> to take measures for their safety.
+  The refittal of the Tryal, and the repair of her defects, were
+  utterly beyond our power on the present conjuncture, for we had
+  no masts to spare, no stores to complete her rigging, and no port
+  in which she could be hove down, to examine and repair her
+  bottom. Even had we possessed a port, and proper requisites for
+  the purpose it would yet have been extremely imprudent, in so
+  critical a conjuncture to have loitered away so much time as
+  would have been necessary for these operations. The commodore,
+  therefore, had no choice left, but was under the necessity of
+  taking out her people and destroying her. Yet, as he conceived it
+  expedient to keep up the appearance of our force, he appointed
+  the Tryal's prize, which had often been employed by the viceroy
+  of Peru as a man-of-war, to be a frigate in his majesty's
+  service, manning her with the crew of the Tryal, and giving
+  commissions to the captain and all the inferior officers
+  accordingly. This new frigate, when in the Spanish service, had
+  mounted thirty-two guns; but she was now to have only twenty,
+  which were the twelve that belonged to the Tryal and eight that
+  had been on board the Anna pink.</p>
+
+  <p>This affair being resolved on, the commodore gave orders to
+  Captain Saunders to carry it into execution, directing him to
+  take all the arms, stores, ammunition, and every thing else that
+  could be of use from the sloop, and then to scuttle and sink her.
+  After all this was done, Captain Saunders was to proceed with his
+  new frigate, now called the <i>Tryal's prize</i>, to cruise off
+  the high-land of Valparaiso, keeping it from him N.N.W. at the
+  distance of twelve or fourteen leagues: for, as all ships from
+  Valparaiso bound to the northward, steer that course, the
+  commodore proposed, by this means, to stop any intelligence that
+  might be dispatched to Callao, of two of their ships being
+  amissing, which might give them apprehensions of the English
+  squadron being in their neighbourhood. The Tryal's prize was to
+  continue on this station for twenty-four days, and, if not joined
+  by the commodore before the expiration of that time, was then to
+  proceed along the coast to Pisco, or Nasca, where she would be
+  certain to find the Centurion. The commodore also ordered
+  Lieutenant Saumarez, who commanded the Centurion's prize, to keep
+  company with Captain Saunders, both to assist in unloading the
+  Tryal, and that, by spreading in their cruise off Valparaiso,
+  there might be less danger of any ships of the enemy slipping
+  past unobserved. These orders being dispatched, the Centurion
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page360" id="page360"></a>[pg
+  360]</span> parted from the other vessels at eleven at night of
+  the 27th September, directing her course towards Valparaiso, with
+  the view of cruising for some days to windward of that port. By
+  this distribution of our ships, we flattered ourselves that we
+  had taken all the advantages we possibly could of the enemy with
+  our small force, as our disposition was certainly the most
+  prudent that could be devised: For, as we might suppose the
+  Gloucester to be now drawing nigh the high-land of Payta, we were
+  thus enabled, by our separate stations, to intercept all vessels
+  employed either between Peru and Chili to the southward, or
+  between Panama and Peru to the northward, since the principal
+  trade from Peru to Chili being carried on with the port of
+  Valparaiso, the Centurion, cruising to windward of that port,
+  would probably meet with them, as it is the constant practice of
+  these ships to fall in with land to windward of that place. The
+  Gloucester, also, would be in the way of all ships bound from
+  Panama, or any other place to the northward, to any port in Peru,
+  since the highland, off which she was ordered to cruise, is
+  constantly made by every ship on that voyage. While the Centurion
+  and Gloucester were thus conveniently situated for intercepting
+  the trade of the enemy, the Tryal's prize, and Centurion's prize,
+  were as conveniently stationed for preventing the communication
+  of intelligence, by intercepting all vessels bound from
+  Valparaiso to the northward; as by such vessels it was to be
+  feared that some account of us might be transmitted to Peru.</p>
+
+  <p>But the most judicious dispositions only produce a probability
+  of success, and cannot command certainty; since those chances,
+  which may reasonably enough be overlooked in deliberation, are
+  sometimes of most powerful influence in execution. Thus, in the
+  present instance, the distress of the Tryal, and our necessary
+  quitting our station to assist her, which were events that no
+  degree of prudence could either foresee or obviate, gave an
+  opportunity to all the ships bound for Valparaiso to reach that
+  port without molestation during this unlucky interval: so that,
+  after leaving Captain Saunders, we used every expedition in
+  regaining our station, which we reached on the 29th at noon; yet,
+  in plying on and off till the 6th of October, we had not the good
+  fortune to fall in with a sail of any sort. Having lost all hope
+  of meeting with any better fortune by longer stay, we then made
+  sail to leeward of the port, in order to rejoin our prizes; but
+  when we arrived off the high-land, where they were directed
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page361" id="page361"></a>[pg
+  361]</span> to cruise, we did not find them, though we continued
+  there three or four days. It was supposed, therefore, that some
+  chase had occasioned them to quit their station, wherefore we
+  proceeded to the northward to the high-land of Nasca, in lat.
+  15° 20' S. being the second rendezvous appointed for
+  Captain Saunders to join us. We got there on the 21st of October,
+  and were in great expectation of falling in with some of the
+  enemy's vessels, as both the accounts of former voyagers, and the
+  information of our prisoners, assured us, that all ships bound to
+  Callao consequently make this land to prevent the danger of
+  falling to leeward of the port.</p>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding the advantages of this station, we saw no sail
+  whatever till the 2d November, when two ships appeared together,
+  to which we immediately gave chase, and soon perceived that they
+  were the Tryal's and Centurion's prizes. As they were to
+  windward, we brought to and waited their coming up; when Captain
+  Saunders came on board the Centurion, and acquainted the
+  commodore that he had cleared and scuttled the Tryal according to
+  his orders, and remained by her till she sunk. It was, however,
+  the 4th of October before this could be effected; for there ran
+  so large and hollow a sea that the sloop, having neither masts
+  nor sails to steady her, rolled and pitched so violently, that,
+  for the greatest part of the time, it was impossible for a boat
+  to lie alongside of her; and, during this attendance on the
+  sloop, they were all driven so far to the N.W. that they were
+  afterwards obliged to stretch a long way to the westward, in
+  order to regain the ground they had lost, which was the reason we
+  had not met them on their station. They had met with no better
+  fortune on their cruise than ourselves, never having seen a
+  single vessel since we left them.</p>
+
+  <p>This want of success, and our certainty if any ships had been
+  stirring in these seas for some time past, that we must have
+  fallen in with them, made us believe that the enemy at
+  Valparaiso, on missing the two ships we had taken, had suspected
+  us to be in these seas, and had consequently laid an embargo on
+  all trade in the southern parts. We likewise apprehended they
+  might, by this time, be fitting out the ships of war at Callao;
+  as we knew that it was not uncommon for an express to reach Lima
+  from Valparaiso in twenty-nine or thirty days, and it was now
+  more than fifty since we had taken the first prize. These
+  apprehensions of an embargo on the coast, and of the equipment of
+  the Spanish squadron at <span class="pagenum"><a name="page362"
+  id="page362"></a>[pg 362]</span> Callao, determined the commodore
+  to hasten down to the leeward of Callao, to join the Gloucester
+  as soon as possible off Payta, that, our strength being united,
+  we might be prepared to give the ships from Callao a warm
+  reception, if they dared to put to sea. With this view we bore
+  away that same afternoon, taking particular care to keep at such
+  a distance from the shore that there might be no danger of our
+  being discovered from thence; for we knew that all the ships of
+  that country were commanded, under the severest penalties, not to
+  sail past the harbour of Callao without stopping: as this order
+  is always complied with, we should undoubtedly be known for
+  enemies if we were seen to act contrary to that regulation. In
+  this new navigation, being uncertain if we might not meet the
+  Spanish squadron on the way, the commodore took back a part of
+  the crew of the Centurion which had been for some time on board
+  the Carmelo.</p>
+
+  <p>While standing to the northward, we had sight of the small
+  island of St Gallan<a id="footnotetag140" name=
+  "footnotetag140"></a><a href="#footnote140"><sup>1</sup></a>
+  before night, bearing from us N. N.E. 1/2 E. about seven leagues
+  distant. This island lies in about the latitude of 14°
+  S. and about five miles to the northward of a high-land called
+  Morro Viejo, or the Old-man's Head, which island and high-land
+  near it are here more particularly mentioned, because between
+  them is perhaps the most eligible station on all this coast for
+  cruising against the enemy, as hereabouts all ships bound for
+  Callao, whether from the northward or southward, run well in with
+  the land. By the 5th November, at 3 p.m. we were within sight of
+  the high-land of <i>Barranca</i>, in lat. 10° 36' S.
+  bearing from us N.E. by E. eight or nine leagues distant; and an
+  hour and a half afterwards we had the satisfaction, so long
+  wished for, of seeing a sail. She appeared to leeward, and we all
+  immediately gave chase; but the Centurion so much outsailed the
+  two prizes that we soon ran them both out of sight, and gained
+  considerably upon the chase. Night, however, came on before we
+  could make up with her, and about seven o'clock the darkness
+  concealed her from our view, and we were in some perplexity what
+  course to steer; but our commodore resolved, being then before
+  the wind, to keep all his sails set and not to change his course:
+  For, although there was no doubt the chase would alter her course
+  in the night, as it was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page363"
+  id="page363"></a>[pg 363]</span> quite uncertain what tack she
+  might go upon, he thought it more prudent to continue the same
+  course, rather than change it on conjecture, as, should we
+  mistake, she would certainly get away. Continuing the chase about
+  an hour and a half after dark, one or other of our people
+  constantly believing they saw her sails right a-head of us, our
+  second lieutenant, Mr Brett, at length actually discovered her
+  about four points on the larboard bow, steering off to seawards,
+  on which we immediately clapped the helm a-weather, standing
+  right towards her, and came up with her in less than an hour,
+  and, having fired fourteen shots at her, she struck. Mr Dennis,
+  our third lieutenant, was sent in the boat with sixteen men to
+  take possession of the prize, and to shift the prisoners to our
+  ship.</p>
+
+  <p>This vessel was named the <i>Santa Teresa de Jesus</i>, built
+  at Guayaquil, of about 300 tons burden, commanded by Bartolome
+  Urrunaga, a Biscayan. She was bound from Guayaquil to Callao, her
+  loading consisting of timber, cocoa, cocoa-nuts, tobacco, hides,
+  <i>Pito</i> thread, (which is made of a kind of grass and is very
+  strong,) Quito cloth, wax, and various other articles; but the
+  specie on board was very inconsiderable, being principally small
+  silver coin, not exceeding 170<i>l.</i> sterling in value. Her
+  cargo, indeed, was of great value, if we could have sold it; but
+  the Spaniards have strict orders never to ransom their ships, so
+  that all the goods we captured in the South Seas, except what
+  little we had occasion for ourselves, were of no advantage to us;
+  yet it was some satisfaction to consider, that it was so much
+  real loss to the enemy, and that despoiling them was no
+  contemptible part of the service in which we were employed, and
+  was so far beneficial to our country. Besides her crew of
+  forty-five hands, she had on board ten passengers, consisting of
+  four men and three women, who were natives of the country, but
+  born of Spanish parents, together with three negro slaves who
+  attended them. The women were a mother and two daughters, the
+  elder about twenty-one, and the younger about fourteen. It is not
+  to be wondered that women of these years should be excessively
+  alarmed at falling into the hands of an enemy whom they had been
+  taught to consider as the most lawless and brutal of all mankind,
+  owing to the former excesses of the buccaneers, and by the artful
+  insinuations of their priests. In the present instance these
+  apprehensions were much augmented by the singular beauty of the
+  youngest of the women, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page364"
+  id="page364"></a>[pg 364]</span> and the riotous disposition they
+  might naturally enough expect to find in a set of sailors who had
+  not seen a woman for near a twelvemonth.</p>
+
+  <p>Full of these terrors, the women all hid themselves on the
+  lieutenant coming on board, and, when found out, it was with
+  difficulty he could persuade them to come to the light. But he
+  soon satisfied them, by the humanity of his conduct, and by his
+  assurances of their future safety and honourable treatment, that
+  they had nothing to fear. The commodore, also, being informed of
+  their fears, sent directions that they should continue in their
+  own ship, with the use of the same apartments and all other
+  conveniences they had before enjoyed, giving strict orders that
+  they should experience no inquietude or molestation; and, that
+  they might be the more certain of having these orders complied
+  with, or having the means of complaining if they were not, the
+  commodore appointed the pilot, who is generally the second person
+  in Spanish ships, to remain with them as their guardian and
+  protector. He was particularly chosen on this occasion, as he
+  seemed extremely interested in all that concerned these women,
+  and had at first declared that he was married to the youngest;
+  though it afterwards appeared that he had asserted this merely
+  with the view of securing them from the insults they dreaded on
+  falling into our hands. By this compassionate and indulgent
+  behaviour of the commodore, the consternation of our female
+  prisoners entirety subsided, and they continued easy and cheerful
+  during the time they were with us.</p>
+
+  <p>I have before mentioned that the Centurion ran her two
+  consorts out of sight at the commencement of this chase, on which
+  account we lay to for them all the night after we had taken the
+  prize, firing guns and shewing false fires every half hour, to
+  prevent them from passing us unobserved. But they were so far
+  astern, that they neither heard nor saw any of our signals, and
+  were not able to come up with us till broad day. When they had
+  joined, we proceeded together to the northward, being now four
+  sail in company. We here found the sea for many miles of a
+  beautiful red colour, owing, as we found upon examination, to an
+  immense quantity of spawn floating on its surface: For, taking
+  some of the water in a glass, it soon changed from a dirty aspect
+  to be perfectly clear, with some red globules of a slimy nature
+  floating on the top. Having now a supply of timber in our new
+  prize, the commodore ordered all our boats to be repaired, and a
+  swivel-stock to be fitted in the bow of the barge and pinnace,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page365" id="page365"></a>[pg
+  365]</span> in order to increase their force, in case we should
+  have occasion to use them in boarding ships, or making any
+  attempt on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>Continuing our course to the northward, nothing remarkable
+  occurred for two or three days, though we spread our ships in
+  such a manner that it was not probable any vessel of the enemy
+  should escape us. During our voyage along this coast, we
+  generally observed that a current set us to the northward, at the
+  rate of ten or twelve miles every day. When in about the latitude
+  of 8° S. we began to be attended by vast numbers of
+  flying fish and bonitos, which were the first we had seen after
+  leaving the coast of Brazil. It is remarkable that these fish
+  extend to a much higher latitude on the east side of America than
+  on the west, as we did not lose them on the coast of Brazil till
+  near the southern tropic. The reason, doubtless, of this
+  diversity, is owing to the different degrees of heat obtaining on
+  different sides of the continent in the same latitude; and, on
+  this occasion, I use the freedom to make a short digression on
+  the heat and cold of different climates, and on the variations
+  which occur in the same places at different times of the year,
+  and in different places in the same degree of latitude.</p>
+
+  <p>The ancients conceived that of the five zones into which they
+  divided the surface of the globe, two only were habitable;
+  supposing that the heat between the tropics, and the cold within
+  the polar circles, were too intense to be supported by mankind.
+  The falsehood of this idea has been long established; but the
+  particular comparison of the heat and cold of these various
+  climates have as yet been very imperfectly considered. Enough is
+  known, however, safely to determine this position, that all the
+  places within the tropics are far from being the hottest on the
+  globe, as many within the polar circle are far from enduring that
+  extreme degree of cold to which their situation seems to subject
+  them; that is to say, that the temperature of a place depends
+  much more upon other circumstances, than upon its distance from
+  the pole, or its proximity to the equinoctial line.</p>
+
+  <p>This proposition relates to the general temperature of places
+  taking the whole year round, and, in this sense, it cannot be
+  denied that the city of London, for instance, enjoys much warmer
+  seasons than the bottom of Hudson's Bay, which is nearly in the
+  same latitude, but where the severity of the winter is so great
+  as scarcely to permit the hardiest of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page366" id="page366"></a>[pg 366]</span> our
+  garden plants to live. If the comparison be made between the
+  coast of Brazil and the western shore of South America, as, for
+  example, between Bahia and Lima, the difference will be found
+  still more considerable; for, though the coast of Brazil is
+  extremely sultry, yet the coast of the South Sea, in the same
+  latitude, is perhaps as temperate and tolerable as any part of
+  the globe; since we, in ranging it along, did not once meet with
+  such warm weather as is frequently felt in a summer day in
+  England, which was still the more remarkable, as there never fell
+  any rain to refresh and cool the air.</p>
+
+  <p>The causes of this lower temperature in the South Sea are not
+  difficult to be assigned, and shall be mentioned hereafter. I am
+  now only solicitous to establish the truth of this assertion,
+  that the latitude of a place alone is no rule by which to judge
+  of the degree of heat and cold which obtains there. Perhaps this
+  position might be more briefly confirmed by observing that on the
+  tops of the Andes, though under the equator, the snow never melts
+  the whole year round; a criterion of cold stronger than is known
+  to take place in many parts far within the polar circle.</p>
+
+  <p>Hitherto I have considered the temperature of the air all the
+  year through, and the gross estimations of heat and cold which
+  every one makes from his own sensations. But if this matter be
+  examined by means of thermometers, which are doubtless the most
+  unerring evidences in respect to the absolute degrees of heat and
+  cold, the result will be indeed most wonderful; since it will
+  appear that the heat in very high latitudes, as at Petersburgh
+  for instance, is, at particular times, much greater than any that
+  has been hitherto observed between the tropics. Even at London in
+  the year 1746, there was a part of one day considerably hotter
+  than was at any time felt in one of the ships of our squadron in
+  the whole voyage out and home, though four times passing under
+  the equator; for, in the summer of that year, the thermometer in
+  London, graduated according to the scale of Fahrenheit, stood at
+  78°, and the greatest observed heat, by a thermometer of
+  the same kind in the same ship, was 76°, which was at St
+  Catharines in the latter end of December, when the sun was within
+  about 3° of the vertex. At St Petersburgh, I find by the
+  acts of the Academy, in the year 1734, on the 20th and 25th of
+  July, that the thermometer rose to 98° in the shade, or
+  22° higher than it was found to be at St Catharines;
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page367" id="page367"></a>[pg
+  367]</span> which extraordinary degree of heat, were it not
+  authenticated by the regularity and circumspection with which the
+  observations appear to have been conducted, would appear
+  altogether incredible.</p>
+
+  <p>If it should be asked, how it comes then to pass, that the
+  heat, in many places between the tropics, is esteemed so violent
+  and insufferable, when it appears, by these instances, that it is
+  sometimes rivalled, and even exceeded, in very high latitudes,
+  not far from the polar circle? I shall answer, That the
+  estimation of heat, in any particular place, ought not to be
+  founded upon that particular degree of it which may now and then
+  obtain there; but is rather to be deduced from the medium
+  observed during a whole season, or perhaps in a whole year; and
+  in this light, it will easily appear how much more intense the
+  same degree of heat may prove, by being long continued without
+  remarkable variation. For instance, in comparing together St
+  Catharines and St Petersburg, we shall suppose the summer heat at
+  St Catharines to be 76°, and the winter heat to be only
+  56°. I do not make this last supposition upon sufficient
+  authority, but am apt to suspect the allowance is full large.
+  Upon this supposition, therefore, the medium heat all the year
+  round will be 66°; and this perhaps by night as well as
+  by day, with no great variation. Now, those who have attended to
+  thermometrical observation will readily allow, that a continuance
+  of this degree of heat for a length of time, would be found
+  violent and suffocating by the generality of mankind. But at
+  Petersburg, though the heat, as measured by the thermometer, may
+  happen to be a few times in the year considerably higher than at
+  St Catharines, yet, at other times, the cold is intensely
+  sharper, and the medium for a year, or even for one season only,
+  would be far short of 60°. For I find, that the
+  variation of the thermometer at Petersburgh, is at least five
+  times greater, from its highest to its lowest point, than I have
+  supposed it to be at St Catherines.<a id="footnotetag141" name=
+  "footnotetag141"></a><a href="#footnote141"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Besides this estimation of the heat of a place, by taking the
+  medium for a considerable time together, there is another
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page368" id="page368"></a>[pg
+  368]</span> circumstance which will still farther augment the
+  apparent heat of the warmer climates, and diminish that of the
+  colder, though I do not remember to have seen it remarked by any
+  author. To explain myself more distinctly upon this head, I must
+  observe, that the measure of absolute heat, marked by the
+  thermometer, is not the certain criterion of the sensation of
+  heat with which human bodies are affected; for, as the presence
+  and perpetual succession of fresh air is necessary to our
+  respiration, so there is a species of tainted or stagnated air
+  often produced by the continuance of great heats, which, being
+  less proper for respiration, never fails to excite in us an idea
+  of sultriness and suffocating warmth, much beyond what the heat
+  of the air alone would occasion, supposing it pure and agitated.
+  Hence it follows, that the mere inspection of the thermometer
+  will never determine the heat which the human body feels from
+  this cause; and hence also, the heat, in most places between the
+  tropics, must be much more troublesome and uneasy, than the same
+  degree of absolute heat in a high latitude. For the equability
+  and duration of the tropical heat contribute to impregnate the
+  air with a multitude of steams and vapours from the soil and
+  water; and many of these being of an impure and noxious kind, and
+  being not easily removed, by reason of the regularity of the
+  winds in those parts, which only shift the exhalations from place
+  to place, without dispersing them, the atmosphere is by this
+  means rendered less capable of supporting the animal functions,
+  and mankind are consequently affected by what they call a most
+  intense and stifling heat. Whereas, in the higher latitudes,
+  these vapours are probably raised in smaller quantities, and are
+  frequently dispersed by the irregularity and violence of the
+  winds; so that the air, being in general more pure and less
+  stagnant, the same degree of absolute heat is not attended by
+  that uneasy and suffocating sensation.</p>
+
+  <p>This may suffice, in general, with respect to the present
+  speculation; but I cannot help wishing, as it is a subject in
+  which mankind are very much interested, especially travellers of
+  all sorts, that it were more thoroughly and accurately examined,
+  and that all ships bound to the warmer climates were furnished
+  with thermometers of a known fabric, and would observe them
+  daily, and register their observations. For, considering the turn
+  to philosophical enquiries <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page369" id="page369"></a>[pg 369]</span> which has obtained in
+  Europe since the beginning of the eighteenth century, it is
+  incredible how very rarely any thing of this kind has been
+  attended to. For my own part, I do not remember to have ever seen
+  any observations of the heat and cold, either in the East or West
+  Indies, which were made by marines or officers of vessels,
+  excepting those made by order of Commodore Anson on board the
+  Centurion, and those by Captain Legg on board the Severn, another
+  ship of our squadron.</p>
+
+  <p>I have been in some measure drawn into this digression, by the
+  consideration of the fine weather we experienced on the coast of
+  Peru, even under the equinoctial, but I have not yet described
+  the particularities of this weather. I shall now therefore
+  observe, that every circumstance concurred, in this climate, that
+  could render the open air and the day-light desirable: For, in
+  other countries, the scorching heat of the sun in summer renders
+  the greater part of the day unapt either for labour or amusement,
+  and the frequent rains are not less troublesome in the more
+  temperate parts of the year: But, in this happy climate, the sun
+  rarely appears. Not that the heavens have at any time a dark or
+  gloomy aspect; for there is constantly a cheerful gray sky, just
+  sufficient to screen the sun, and to mitigate the violence of its
+  perpendicular rays, without obscuring the air, or tinging the
+  light of day with an unpleasant or melancholy hue. By this means,
+  all parts of the day are proper for labour or exercise in the
+  open air; nor is there wanting that refreshing and pleasing
+  refrigeration of the air which is sometimes produced by rains in
+  other climates; for here the same effect is brought about by the
+  fresh breezes from the cooler regions to the southward. It is
+  reasonable to suppose, that this fortunate complexion of the
+  heavens is principally owing to the neighbourhood of those vast
+  mountains called the Andes, which, running nearly parallel to the
+  shore, and at a small distance from it, and extending immensely
+  higher than any other mountains upon the globe, form upon their
+  sides and declivities a prodigious tract of country, where,
+  according to the different approaches to the summit, all kinds of
+  climates may be found at all seasons of the year.</p>
+
+  <p>These mountains, by intercepting great part of the eastern
+  winds, which generally blow over the continent of South America,
+  and by cooling that part of the air which forces <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page370" id="page370"></a>[pg 370]</span> its
+  way over their tops, and by keeping besides a large portion of
+  the atmosphere perpetually cool, from its contiguity to the snows
+  by which they are always covered, and thus spreading the
+  influence of their frozen crests to the neighbouring coasts and
+  seas of Peru, are doubtless the cause of the temperature and
+  equability which constantly prevail there. For, when we had
+  advanced beyond the equinoctial to the north, where these
+  mountains left us, and had nothing to screen us to the eastward
+  but the high lands on the Isthmus of Darien, which are mere
+  mole-hills compared to the Andes, we then found that we had
+  totally changed our climate in a short run; passing, in two or
+  three days, from the temperate air of Peru, to the sultry and
+  burning atmosphere of the West Indies.</p>
+
+  <p>To return to our narration. On the 10th of November we were
+  three leagues south of the southern island, of <i>Lobos</i>, in
+  lat. 6° 27' S. This is called <i>Lobos de la Mar</i>;
+  and another, which is to the northward of it, and resembles it so
+  much in shape and appearance as to be often mistaken for it, is
+  called <i>Lobos de Tierra</i>.<a id="footnotetag142" name=
+  "footnotetag142"></a><a href="#footnote142"><sup>3</sup></a> We
+  were now drawing near the station that had been appointed for the
+  Gloucester, and fearing to miss her, we went under easy sail all
+  night. At day-break next morning, we saw a ship in shore and to
+  windward, which had passed us unseen in the night, and soon
+  perceiving that she was not the Gloucester, we got our tacks on
+  board and gave her chase. But as there was very little wind, so
+  that neither we nor the chase had made much way, the commodore
+  ordered his barge and pinnace, with the pinnace of the Tryal's
+  prize, to be manned and armed, and to pursue and board the chase.
+  Lieutenant Brett, who commanded our barge, came up with her first
+  about nine o'clock, a.m. and, running alongside, fired a volley
+  of small shot between her masts, just over the heads of her
+  people, and then instantly boarded with the greatest part of his
+  men. But the enemy made no resistance, being sufficiently
+  intimidated by the dazzling of the cutlasses, and the volley they
+  had just received. Lieutenant Brett now made the sails of the
+  prize be trimmed, and bore down towards the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page371" id="page371"></a>[pg 371]</span>
+  commodore, taking up the other two boats in his way. When within
+  about four miles of us, he put off in the barge, bringing with
+  him a number of the prisoners, who had given him some material
+  intelligence, which he was desirous of communicating to the
+  commodore as soon as possible. On his arrival, we learnt that the
+  prize was called <i>Nuestra Senora del Carmin</i>, of about 270
+  tons burden, commanded by Marcos Moreno, a native of Venice,
+  having on board forty-three mariners. She was deeply laden with
+  steel, iron, wax, pepper, cedar plank, snuff, <i>rosarios</i>,
+  European bale-goods, powder-blue, cinnamon, papal indulgences,
+  and other kinds of merchandize; and, though this cargo was of
+  little value to us, in our present circumstances, it was the most
+  considerable capture we had made, in respect to the Spaniards, as
+  it amounted to upwards of 400,000 dollars, prime cost at Panama.
+  This ship was bound from Panama to Callao, and had stopped at
+  Payta on her way, to take on board a recruit of water and
+  provisions, and had not left that place above twenty-four hours
+  when she fell into our hands.</p>
+
+  <p>The important intelligence received by Mr Brett, which he was
+  so anxious to communicate to the commodore, he had learnt from
+  one John Williams, an Irishman, whom he found in the prize, and
+  which was confirmed by examination of the other prisoners.
+  Williams was a papist, who had worked his passage from Cadiz, and
+  had travelled over the whole of the kingdom of Mexico as a
+  pedlar. He pretended that, by this business, he had at one time
+  cleared four or five thousand dollars, but at length got
+  entangled by the priests, who knew he had money, and was stripped
+  of every thing. At present he was all in rags, having just got
+  out of Payto gaol, where he had been confined for some
+  misdemeanour. He expressed great joy in thus meeting his
+  countrymen, and immediately informed them, that a vessel had come
+  into Payta, only a few days before, the master of which had
+  informed the governor, that he had been chased in the offing by a
+  very large ship, which he was persuaded, from her size and the
+  colour of her sails, must be one of the English squadron. This we
+  conjectured to have been the Gloucester, as we found afterwards
+  was the case. On examining the master, and being fully satisfied
+  of his account, the governor sent off an express with all
+  expedition to the viceroy at Lima; and the royal officer residing
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page372" id="page372"></a>[pg
+  372]</span> at Payta, apprehensive of a visit from the English,
+  had been busily employed, from his first hearing of this news, in
+  removing the king's treasure and his own to Piura, a town in the
+  interior, about fourteen leagues distant.<a id="footnotetag143"
+  name="footnotetag143"></a><a href="#footnote143"><sup>4</sup></a>
+  We learnt farther, from our prisoners, that there was at this
+  time a considerable sum of money in the custom-house of Payta,
+  belonging to some merchants of Lima, which was intended to be
+  shipped on board a vessel, then in the harbour of Payta, and was
+  preparing to sail for the bay of <i>Sansonnate</i>, on the coast
+  of Mexico, in order to purchase a part of the cargo of the
+  Manilla ship.</p>
+
+  <p>As the vessel in which this money was to be shipped was
+  reckoned a prime sailer, and had just received a new coat of
+  tallow on her bottom, and might, in the opinion of the prisoners,
+  be able to sail the succeeding morning, we had little reason to
+  expect that our ship, which had been nearly two years in the
+  water, could have any chance to get up with her, if she were once
+  allowed to escape from the port. Wherefore, and as we were now
+  discovered, and the whole coast would soon be alarmed, and as our
+  continuing to cruise any longer in these parts would now answer
+  no purpose, the commodore determined to endeavour to take Payta
+  by surprise, having in the first place informed himself minutely
+  of its strength and condition, by examining the prisoners, and
+  being fully satisfied that there was little danger of losing many
+  of our men in the attempt.</p>
+
+  <p>This attack on Payta, besides the treasure it promised, and
+  its being the only enterprise in our power to undertake, had also
+  several other probable advantages. We might, in all probability,
+  supply ourselves with great quantities of live provisions, of
+  which we were in great want; and we should also have an
+  opportunity of setting our prisoners on shore, who were now very
+  numerous, and made a greater consumption of our food than our
+  remaining stock was capable of furnishing much longer. In all
+  these lights, the attempt was most eligible, and to which our
+  situation, our necessities, and every prudential consideration,
+  strongly prompted. How it succeeded, and how far it answered our
+  expectations, shall be the subject, of the succeeding
+  section.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page373" id=
+  "page373"></a>[pg 373]</span>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote140" name="footnote140"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag140">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This island of San Gallan is in lat. 14° S. long.
+    76° W. about twelve miles S.W. of Pisco.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote141" name="footnote141"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag141">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>On his own principles, the lowest heat of Petersburg ought
+    to be -2°, and the medium temperature of the year
+    48°; but the data are loosely expressed and quite
+    unsatisfactory, as indeed is the whole reasoning on the
+    subject.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote142" name="footnote142"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag142">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The Southern Lobos, or Lobos de la Mar, is in fact two
+    contiguous islands, N. and S. from each other, in lat.
+    6° 57' S. and long. 80° 43' W. <i>Lobos de
+    Tierra</i>, called also <i>Inner Lobos</i>, from being nearer
+    the land, lying in the same longitude, is in lat. 6°
+    28' S. There is still a third, or Northern Lobos, in lat.
+    5° 10' S. long. 81° W.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote143" name="footnote143"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag143">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>San Migual de Piura is about 50 English miles E. by S. from
+    Payta, and nearly the same distance from the mouth of the Piura
+    river.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XVI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that Place.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The town of Payta is in lat 50° 12' S. [long.
+  81° 15' W.] being situated in a most barren soil,
+  composed only of sand and slate. It is of small extent, being
+  about 275 yards in length along the shore of the bay, and 130
+  yards in breadth, containing less than two hundred families. The
+  houses are only ground floors, their walls composed of split
+  canes and mud, and the roofs thatched with leaves. Though thus
+  extremely slight, these edifices are abundantly sufficient for a
+  climate where rain is considered as a prodigy, and is not seen in
+  many years: Insomuch that, a small quantity of rain falling in
+  the year 1728, is said to have ruined a great number of
+  buildings, which mouldered away, and melted as it were before it.
+  The inhabitants are chiefly Indians and black slaves, or of mixed
+  breed, the whites being very few. The port of Payta, though
+  little more than a bay, is reckoned the best on this coast, and
+  is indeed a very secure and commodious anchorage, and is
+  frequented by all vessels coming from the north, as here only the
+  ships from Acapulco, Sonsonnate, Realejo, and Panama, can touch
+  and refresh in their passage to Callao; and the length of these
+  voyages, the wind for the greatest part of the year being full
+  against them, renders it indispensably necessary for them to call
+  in here for a recruit of fresh water. Payta itself, however, is
+  situated in so parched a spot, that it does not furnish a drop of
+  fresh water, neither any kind of vegetables or other provisions,
+  except fish and a few goats. But, from an Indian town named
+  Colan, two or three leagues to the northward, water, maize,
+  vegetables, fowls, and other provisions, are conveyed to Payta on
+  <i>balsas</i> or floats, for the supply of ships which touch
+  there; and cattle are sometimes brought from Piura, a town about
+  thirty miles up the country. The water brought from Colan is
+  whitish and of a disagreeable appearance, but is said to be very
+  wholesome; for it is pretended by the inhabitants that it runs
+  through large tracks overgrown with sarsaparilla, with which it
+  is sensibly impregnated. Besides furnishing the trading ships
+  bound from the north for Callao with water and other necessary
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page374" id="page374"></a>[pg
+  374]</span> refreshments this port of Payta is the usual place
+  where passengers from Acapulco and Panama, bound to Lima,
+  disembark; as the voyage from hence to Callao, the port of Lima,
+  is two hundred leagues, and is extremely tedious and fatiguing,
+  owing to the wind being almost always contrary; whereas there is
+  a tolerably good road by land, running nearly parallel to the
+  coast, with many stations and villages for the accommodation of
+  travellers.</p>
+
+  <p>Payta is merely an open town, unprovided with any defence,
+  except a small fort or redoubt near the shore of the bay. It was
+  of much consequence to us to be well informed of the fabric and
+  strength of this fort; which, we learnt from our prisoners, had
+  eight pieces of cannon, but neither ditch nor outwork, being
+  merely surrounded by a plain brick wall; and that the garrison
+  consisted of one weak company, though the town might possibly be
+  able to arm three hundred men. Having informed himself of the
+  strength of the place, the commodore determined upon making an
+  attempt for its capture that very night, the 12th November. We
+  were then about twelve leagues from shore; a sufficient distance
+  to prevent being discovered, yet not so far but that, by making
+  all the sail we could carry; we might arrive in the bay long
+  before day-break. The commodore considered, however, that this
+  would be an improper manner of proceeding, as our ships, being
+  large bodies, might easily be seen at a distance, even in the
+  night, and might alarm the inhabitants, so as to give them an
+  opportunity of removing their most valuable effects. He resolved
+  therefore, as the strength of the place did not require the
+  employment of our whole force, to make the attempt with the boats
+  only, ordering our eighteen-oared barge, with our own and the
+  Tryal's pinnaces, on this service. Fifty-eight men, well
+  furnished with arms and ammunition, were picked out to man them,
+  and the command of the expedition was entrusted to Lieutenant
+  Brett, to whom the commodore gave the necessary orders and
+  instructions.</p>
+
+  <p>The better to prevent the disappointment and confusion which
+  might arise in the darkness of the night, and from the ignorance
+  of our people of the streets and passages of the place, two of
+  the Spanish pilots were appointed to attend Mr Brett, to conduct
+  him to the most convenient landing-place, and afterwards to be
+  his guides on shore. Likewise, that we might have the greater
+  security for their fidelity on this occasion, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page375" id="page375"></a>[pg 375]</span> the
+  commodore publicly assured all our prisoners, that they should be
+  set on shore and released at this place, provided the pilots
+  acted faithfully: But, in case of any misconduct or treachery,
+  the pilots were threatened with being instantly shot, and all the
+  rest were assured of being carried prisoners to England. Thus the
+  prisoners were themselves interested in our success, and we had
+  no reason to suspect our guides of negligence or perfidy. It is
+  worthy of remark, on this occasion, as a singular circumstance,
+  that one of these pilots, as we afterwards learnt, had been taken
+  by Captain Clipperton above twenty years before, and had then
+  been obliged to guide Captain Clipperton and his people to the
+  surprizal of Truxillo, a town to the southward of Payta; where,
+  however, he contrived to alarm and save his countrymen, though
+  the place was carried and pillaged. It is certainly an
+  extraordinary incident, that the only two attempts on shore, and
+  at so long an interval, should have been guided by the same
+  person, a prisoner both times, and forced upon, the service
+  contrary to his inclination.</p>
+
+  <p>During our preparation, the ships continued to stand for the
+  port with all the sail they could carry, secure that we were
+  still at too great a distance to be seen. About ten at night,
+  being then within five leagues of Payta, Lieutenant Brett put off
+  with the boats under his command, and arrived at the mouth of the
+  bay undiscovered. He had no sooner entered the bay, than some of
+  the people in a ship riding there at anchor perceived him, and
+  getting instantly into their boat, rowed towards the fort,
+  shouting and crying, <i>The English! the English dogs!</i> By
+  this the whole town was suddenly alarmed, and our people soon
+  observed several lights hurrying backwards and forwards in the
+  fort, and other indications of the inhabitants being all in
+  motion. On this, Mr Brett encouraged his men to pull briskly,
+  that they might give the enemy as little time as possible to
+  prepare for defence. Yet, before our boats could reach the shore,
+  the people in the fort had got some of their cannons ready, and
+  pointed them towards the landing-place; and though, in the
+  darkness of the night, chance may be supposed to have had a
+  greater share in their direction than skill, yet the first shot
+  passed extremely near one of our boats, whistling just over the
+  heads of the crew. This made our people redouble their efforts,
+  so that they had reached the shore, and were in part landed, by
+  the time the second shot was fired.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page376" id="page376"></a>[pg 376]</span>
+
+  <p>As soon as our men were landed, they were conducted by one of
+  the pilots to the entrance of a narrow street, not above fifty
+  yards from the beach, where they were covered from the fire of
+  the fort; and being here formed as well as the shortness of the
+  time would allow, they marched immediately for the parade, a
+  large square at the other end of this street, on one side of
+  which stood the fort, while the governor's house formed another
+  side of the same square. In this march, though performed with
+  tolerable regularity, the shouts and clamours of nearly
+  threescore sailors, who had been so long confined on ship board,
+  and who were now for the first time on shore of an enemy's
+  country, joyous as seamen always are when they land, and animated
+  on the present occasion with the hopes of immense pillage, joined
+  with the noise of their drums, and favoured by the night, had
+  augmented their numbers, in the opinion of the astonished enemy,
+  to at least three hundred; by which estimation, the inhabitants
+  were so greatly intimidated, that they were infinitely more
+  solicitous about the means of flight than of resistance. Hence,
+  though upon entering the parade, our people received a volley
+  from the merchants to whom the treasure then in the town
+  belonged, who were ranged in a gallery that went round the
+  governor's house, yet that post was immediately abandoned on the
+  first fire made by our people, who were thereby left in quiet
+  possession of the parade.</p>
+
+  <p>Mr Brett now divided his men into two parties, ordering one of
+  them to surround the governor's house, and if possible to secure
+  the governor, while he went himself at the head of the other
+  party, with the intention of forcing possession of the fort. But
+  the enemy abandoned it on his approach, making their escape over
+  the walls, and he entered it without opposition. Thus the place
+  was mastered in less than a quarter of an hour after landing, and
+  with no other loss on our side than one man killed and two
+  wounded. One of these was the Spanish pilot of the Teresa, who
+  received a slight bruise by a ball, which grazed his wrist. The
+  honourable Mr Keppell, son to the Earl of Albemarle, had on this
+  occasion a narrow escape. He wore a jockey-cap, one side of the
+  peak of which was shaved off by a ball, close to his temple, yet
+  did him no other injury.</p>
+
+  <p>Having thus far happily succeeded, Mr Brett placed a guard at
+  the fort, and another in the governor's house, and fixed
+  centinels at all the avenues of the town, both to prevent
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page377" id="page377"></a>[pg
+  377]</span> any surprise from the enemy, and to secure the
+  effects in the place from being embezzled. His next care was to
+  seize upon the custom-house, in which the treasure was lodged,
+  and to examine if any of the inhabitants remained in the town,
+  that he might know what farther precautions were necessary. He
+  soon found that the numbers remaining were no ways formidable;
+  for by far the greatest part of them, being in bed when the place
+  was surprised, had run away with so much precipitation, that they
+  had not taken time to put on their clothes. The governor was not
+  the last to secure himself in this general rout; for he fled
+  betimes half-naked, leaving his wife behind, a young lady of
+  about seventeen, to whom he had only been married three or four
+  days; yet she also was carried off half-naked, by a couple of
+  centinels, just as our detachment, ordered to invest the house,
+  arrived for that purpose. This escape of the governor was an
+  unpleasant circumstance, as the commodore had particularly
+  recommended to Mr Brett to secure him if possible, as by that
+  means he might have treated for the ransom of the place; but his
+  alacrity in flight rendered this impracticable. The few
+  inhabitants who remained were confined in one of the churches
+  under a guard, except some stout negroes, who were employed the
+  remaining part of the night in carrying the treasure, from the
+  custom-house and other places, to the fort, each party of them
+  being attended by a file of musketeers. This transportation of
+  the treasure was the chief employment of Mr Brett's people after
+  getting possession of the place; yet the sailors, while thus
+  busied, could not be prevented from entering the houses in their
+  way, in search of private pillage; when the first things that
+  occurred to them, were the clothes left by the Spaniards, and
+  which were mostly embroidered or laced, according to the fashion
+  of the country. Our people eagerly seized these glittering
+  dresses, and put them on over their own dirty trowsers and
+  jackets, not forgetting the tye or bag-wigs, and laced hats,
+  which were generally found along with the clothes. When this had
+  once begun, there was no possibility of preventing the whole
+  detachment from imitating the example; but those who came latest
+  into the fashion, not finding men's clothes sufficient to equip
+  them, were forced to take up with women's gowns and petticoats,
+  which, provided these were fine enough, they made no scruple of
+  putting on and blending with their own greasy dress: So that,
+  when a party of them first made they <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page378" id="page378"></a>[pg 378]</span>
+  appearance in that guise before Mr Brett, he was extremely
+  surprised at their grotesque exhibition, and could hardly believe
+  they were his own men.</p>
+
+  <p>While these transactions were going on at Payta, we lay-to
+  till one in the morning, from the time when our boats pushed off;
+  and then, supposing the detachment to be near landing, we went on
+  under easy sail for the bay. This we began to open about seven
+  a.m. of the 13th, and soon after had a view of the town. Though
+  we had no reason to doubt the success of the enterprise, yet we
+  saw with much joy an infallible sign of its being effected, as,
+  by means of our telescope, we could see the English flag hoisted
+  on the flag-staff of the fort. We plied into the bay with as much
+  expedition as the wind, which then blew from the shore, would,
+  allow; and at eleven a.m. the Tryal's pinnace came on board us,
+  laden with dollars and church plate, when the officer who
+  commanded her gave an account of the transactions of the
+  preceding night. About two p.m. we anchored in ten and a half
+  fathoms, about a mile and half from the town, and were
+  consequently near enough to have direct intercourse; with the
+  shore.</p>
+
+  <p>Mr Brett had hitherto gone on, collecting and removing the
+  treasure, without interruption; but the enemy had now
+  rendezvoused from all parts of the country, on a hill at the back
+  of the town, where they made no inconsiderable appearance; as,
+  among the rest of their force, there were two hundred horse,
+  seemingly well armed and mounted, and, as we conceived, properly
+  trained and regimented, as they were furnished with trumpets,
+  drums, and standards. These troops paraded about the hill with
+  much ostentation, sounding their military music; and, as our
+  small force on shore was by this time known to them, practising
+  every art to intimidate us, in hopes we might be induced, by our
+  fears of them, to abandon the place before completing its
+  pillage. We were not, however so ignorant as to believe that this
+  body of horse, which seemed to be what they chiefly depended on,
+  would dare to venture themselves among the streets and houses,
+  even had they been three times more numerous; and we went on
+  calmly, as long as day-light lasted, in sending off the treasure,
+  and carrying on board refreshments, such as hogs, poultry, and
+  the like, which we found in great abundance. At night, to prevent
+  surprise, the commodore sent a reinforcement on shore, who were
+  posted in all the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page379" id=
+  "page379"></a>[pg 379]</span> avenues leading to the parade; and,
+  for farther security, all the streets were traversed with
+  barricades six feet high. But the enemy continued quiet all
+  night, and at day-break we resumed our labour, in loading and
+  sending off the boats.</p>
+
+  <p>We were now thoroughly convinced of what consequence it would
+  have been, had fortune seconded the prudent views of the
+  commodore, by enabling us to have secured the governor. For we
+  found many warehouses full of valuable effects, which were quite
+  useless to us in our present circumstances, as we could not find
+  room for them on board. But, had the governor been in our power,
+  he would have treated, in all probability, for the ransom of this
+  merchandize, which would have been extremely advantageous, both
+  for him and us. Whereas, he being at liberty, and having
+  collected all the force of the country for many leagues around,
+  and having even got a body of militia from Piura, he was so
+  elated by his numbers, and so fond of his new military command,
+  that he did not seem to care about the fate of his government.
+  Insomuch that, although our commodore sent several messages to
+  him, by some of the inhabitants who were made prisoners, offering
+  to enter into treaty for the ransom of the town and goods, even
+  giving an intimation that we should be far from insisting on a
+  rigorous equivalent, and might perhaps be satisfied with some
+  live cattle and other necessaries for the use of the squadron,
+  yet the governor despised all these reiterated overtures, and did
+  not deign to give the slightest answer, though repeatedly
+  threatened, if he would not condescend to treat, that we would
+  set the town and all the warehouses on fire.</p>
+
+  <p>On the second day of our possessing the place, several negro
+  slaves deserted from the enemy on the hill, and voluntarily
+  entered into our service, one of them being well known to a
+  gentleman on board, who remembered to have seen him formerly at
+  Panama. We now learnt that the Spaniards, without the town, were
+  in extreme distress for water; for many of their slaves crept
+  into town by stealth, and carried away several jars of water to
+  their masters on the hill; and, though some of these were seized
+  in the attempt, yet their thirst was so pressing, that they
+  continued the practice as long as we remained in possession of
+  the place. In the course of this second day, we were assured,
+  both by deserters and prisoners, that the Spaniards were now
+  increased to a formidable number, and had resolved to storm the
+  town and fort <span class="pagenum"><a name="page380" id=
+  "page380"></a>[pg 380]</span> next night, under the command of
+  one Gordon, a Scots papist, and captain of a ship in these seas.
+  We continued, however, to prosecute our work, without hurry,
+  loading and sending off the boats as long as we had light; and at
+  night, a reinforcement was again sent on shore by the commodore,
+  and Mr Brett doubled his guards at all the barricades, all his
+  posts being connected, by means of centinels placed within call
+  of each other, and the whole visited by frequent rounds, attended
+  by a drum. These marks of our vigilance and readiness to receive
+  the enemy, which they could not be ignorant of, cooled their
+  resolution, and made them forget the vaunts of the preceding day;
+  so that we passed this second night with as little molestation as
+  we had done the first.</p>
+
+  <p>We had finished sending the treasure on board the evening
+  before, so that the third morning, being the 15th of November,
+  the boats were employed in carrying off the most valuable part of
+  the effects from the town. As the commodore proposed to sail in
+  the afternoon, he this day about ten o'clock, pursuant to his
+  promise, sent all his prisoners on shore, to the number of
+  eighty-eight, giving orders to Lieutenant Brett to have them
+  secured in one of the churches under a strict guard, till he and
+  his men were ready to embark. Mr Brett was also ordered to set
+  the whole town on fire, except the two churches, which
+  fortunately stood at some distance from the houses, after which
+  he was to abandon the place and return on board. Mr Brett
+  punctually complied with these orders, and immediately
+  distributed pitch, tar, and other combustibles, of which there
+  was great abundance to be had, into various houses in the several
+  streets of the town, so that as the place was to be fired in many
+  different quarters at the same time, the destruction might be the
+  more violent and sudden, and the enemy might not be able to
+  extinguish it after his departure. All these preparations being
+  made, Mr Brett made the cannon in the fort be spiked; and setting
+  fire to the houses most to windward, he collected his men and
+  marched them to the beach, where the boats waited to take them
+  off.</p>
+
+  <p>As that part of the beach where he intended to embark was an
+  open place without the town, near the churches, his retreat was
+  perceived by the Spaniards on the hill, on which they resolved to
+  endeavour to precipitate his departure, in order to have a
+  pretext for future boasting. For this purpose, a small squadron
+  of their horse, consisting of about <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page381" id="page381"></a>[pg 381]</span>
+  sixty, selected probably for this service, marched down the hill
+  with much seeming resolution, as if they had proposed to have
+  charged our men now on the open beach without any advantage or
+  situation. But no sooner did Mr Brett halt his men and face
+  about, than they stopped their career, and did not venture to
+  advance any farther. On arriving at the boats, and being quite
+  ready to embark, our people were detained some time by missing
+  one of their number; and, after some considerable delay, being
+  unable to learn where he was left, or by what accident he was
+  detained, they resolved to depart without him. Just when the last
+  man was embarked, and the boats were going to shove off they
+  heard him calling to be taken in; at which time the town was so
+  thoroughly on fire, and the smoke so covered the beach, that they
+  could hardly discern him, though he was quite well heard. Mr
+  Brett, however, instantly ordered one of the boats to his relief,
+  which found him up to the chin in the water, for he had waded as
+  far as he durst, being extremely terrified at the idea of falling
+  into the hands of the enemy, enraged as they doubtless were at
+  the pillage and destruction of their town. On enquiring into the
+  cause of his staying behind the rest, he acknowledged having
+  taken too large a dose of brandy, which had thrown him into so
+  profound a sleep that he did not wake till the fire began to
+  scorch him. At first opening his eyes, he was amazed to see all
+  the houses in a blaze on one side, and several Spaniards and
+  Indians not far from him on the other. The great and sudden
+  terror instantly restored him to sobriety, and gave him
+  sufficient presence of mind to push through the thickest of the
+  smoke, as the most likely means of escaping from the enemy; and,
+  making the best of his way to the beach, he ran into the water as
+  far as he durst, for he could not swim, before he ventured to
+  look back.</p>
+
+  <p>It was certainly much to the honour of our people, that though
+  there were great quantities of wine and spirits found in the
+  town, yet this was the only one who was known to have so far
+  neglected his duty as to get drunk: indeed, their whole
+  behaviour, while on shore, was greatly more regular than could
+  well have been expected, from sailors who had been so long
+  confined on board ship; and, though much of this good conduct
+  must doubtless be imputed to the diligence of the officers, and
+  to the excellent discipline they had been constantly inured to
+  under the commodore, it was certainly not a little to the
+  reputation of the men, that they should so <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page382" id="page382"></a>[pg 382]</span>
+  generally have refrained from indulging in these intoxicating
+  liquors, which they found in abundance in every warehouse.</p>
+
+  <p>There was another singular incident occurred here which merits
+  being recorded. An Englishman, who had formerly wrought as a
+  ship-carpenter in Portsmouth yard, had left his country and
+  entered into the Spanish service, and was at this time employed
+  by them at the port of Guayaquil; and, as it was well known to
+  his friends in England that he was in that part of the world,
+  they had put letters for him on board the Centurion. This man
+  happened at the present time to be among the Spaniards who had
+  retired to the hill of Payta; and ambitious, as it would seem, of
+  acquiring reputation among his new masters, he came down unarmed
+  to one of our centinels, who was posted at some distance from the
+  fort towards the enemy, pretending that he was desirous of
+  surrendering himself and returning to the service of his country.
+  Our centinel had a cocked pistol in his hand, but, deceived by
+  the fair speeches of the carpenter, he allowed him very
+  imprudently to come much too near him, so that, watching his
+  opportunity, the carpenter wrenched the pistol from his hand, and
+  ran away with it up the hill. By this time two others of our men,
+  who had seen the carpenter advance, and suspected his intentions,
+  were making towards him, and now pursued him, but he got up the
+  hill before they could reach him, and then turned round and fired
+  the pistol. His pursuers immediately returned the fire, though at
+  a great distance, and the crest of the hill covered him as soon
+  as they had fired, so that they took it for granted they had
+  missed him: yet we afterwards learnt that he was shot through the
+  body, and had fallen dead the very next step he took after firing
+  his pistol and getting out of sight. The centinel, too, whom he
+  had so grossly imposed upon, did not escape unpunished; as he was
+  ordered to be severely whipt, for allowing himself to be so
+  shamefully surprised on his post, and giving an example of
+  carelessness, which, if followed in other instances, might have
+  proved fatal to us all.</p>
+
+  <p>By the time our people had taken their comrade out of the
+  water, and were making the best of their way to the squadron, the
+  flames had got possession of every part of the town with so
+  powerful a hold, by means of the combustibles laid for the
+  purpose, and by the slightness of the materials of the houses,
+  and their aptitude to take fire, that it was now quite apparent
+  no efforts of the enemy, who now flocked down in great numbers,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page383" id="page383"></a>[pg
+  383]</span> could possibly stop its ravages, or prevent the
+  entire destruction of the place and all the merchandize it
+  contained. Our detachment under Lieutenant Brett safely joined
+  the squadron, and the commodore prepared to leave the bay that
+  same evening. On our first arrival there were six vessels
+  belonging to the enemy at anchor, one of which was the ship, that
+  was to have sailed with the treasure to the coast of Mexico; and,
+  as she was supposed to be a good sailer, the commodore resolved
+  to take her along with us. The others were two snows, a bark, and
+  two row gallies of thirty-six oars each. These last, as we
+  afterwards learnt, with many others of the same kind built at
+  different ports, were intended to prevent us from landing in the
+  neighbourhood of Callao; as the Spaniards, on the first
+  intelligence of our squadron being destined for the South seas,
+  and learning its force, expected that we would attempt the city
+  of Lima. Having no occasion for these five vessels, the commodore
+  ordered all their masts to be cut by the board at our first
+  arrival; and on leaving the place, they were all towed out into
+  deep water, scuttled, and sunk. The command of the remaining
+  ship, called the Solidad, was given to Mr Hughes, lieutenant of
+  the Tryal, with a crew of ten men. Towards midnight the squadron
+  weighed anchor and sailed out of the bay, now consisting of six
+  ships, the Centurion, Tryal's prize, Carmelo, Teresa, Carmin, and
+  Solidad.</p>
+
+  <p>Before proceeding to narrate our subsequent transactions, it
+  may be proper to give a succinct account of the booty we acquired
+  at Payta, and the losses there sustained by the Spaniards. It has
+  been already observed, that there were great quantities of
+  valuable effects at this place, but most of them were of a nature
+  that we could neither dispose of nor carry away, and their value,
+  therefore, can only be guessed at. In their representations to
+  the court of Madrid, as we were afterward assured, the Spaniards
+  estimated their loss at a million and a half of dollars; and as
+  no small portion of the goods we there burnt were of the richest
+  and most expensive kinds, as broad cloths, silks, cambrics,
+  velvets, and the like, perhaps that valuation might be
+  sufficiently moderate. The acquisition we made, though
+  inconsiderable in comparison to what we destroyed, was yet far
+  from despicable, as, in wrought plate, dollars, and other coin,
+  there was to the value of more than 30,000<i>l.</i> sterling,
+  besides several rings, bracelets, and other jewels, the value of
+  which could not then be <span class="pagenum"><a name="page384"
+  id="page384"></a>[pg 384]</span> ascertained; and besides the
+  very great plunder which became the property of the immediate
+  captors.</p>
+
+  <p>It has been already observed, that all the prisoners we had
+  taken in our preceding prizes were here discharged. Among these
+  were some persons of considerable distinction, one of them a
+  youth of seventeen, son to the vice-president of Chili. As the
+  barbarity of the buccaneers, and the artful uses the Spanish
+  ecclesiastics had made of that circumstance, had filled the
+  natives of these countries with the most horrible notions of the
+  English cruelty, we always found our prisoners, on first coming
+  aboard, extremely dejected, and under great horror and anxiety.
+  This youth particularly, having never been before from home,
+  lamented his captivity in the most moving terms, regretting the
+  loss of his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and his native
+  country; all of which he believed he should never see more,
+  conceiving that he was devoted for the remainder of his life to
+  an abject and cruel servitude. Indeed, all the Spaniards who came
+  into our power, seemed to entertain similarly desponding notions
+  of their condition. The commodore constantly exerted his utmost
+  endeavours to efface these terrifying impressions, always having
+  as many of the principal people among them as there was room for
+  to dine at his table; and giving strict charges that they should
+  at all times, and in every circumstance, be treated with the
+  utmost decency and humanity. In spite of this precaution, they
+  hardly ever parted with their fears for the first few days,
+  suspecting the gentleness of their usage to be only preparatory
+  to some after calamity; but at length, convinced of our
+  sincerity, they grew perfectly easy and cheerful, so that it was
+  often doubtful whether they considered their captivity as a
+  misfortune. The before-mentioned youth, who was near two months
+  on board the Centurion, had at last so completely conquered his
+  original melancholy surmises, and had taken such an affection for
+  the commodore, and seemed so much pleased with the manner of life
+  on board, so different from all he had ever seen before, that I
+  much question, if it had been in his choice, if he would not have
+  preferred a voyage to England in the Centurion to going on shore
+  at Payta, though he had here liberty of returning to his friends
+  and country.</p>
+
+  <p>This generous conduct of our commodore to his prisoners, which
+  he continued without interruption or deviation, gave them all the
+  highest idea of his humanity and benevolence; and, as mankind are
+  ever fond of forming general opinions, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page385" id="page385"></a>[pg 385]</span>
+  induced them to entertain very favourable thoughts of the whole
+  English nation. But, whatever opinion they might be disposed to
+  form of his character before the capture of the Teresa, their
+  veneration for him was prodigiously increased by his conduct
+  towards the women who were taken in that vessel, as formerly
+  mentioned. For the circumstance of leaving them in possession of
+  their own apartments, the strict orders he issued to prevent any
+  of our people from approaching them, and his permitting the pilot
+  to remain with them as their guardian, were measures that seemed
+  so different from what they expected in an enemy and a heretic,
+  that, although the Spanish prisoners had themselves experienced
+  his beneficence, they were astonished at this particular
+  instance; and the more so, that all this was done without his
+  ever having seen the women, though the two daughters were both
+  reckoned handsome, and the youngest was celebrated for her
+  uncommon beauty. The women were themselves so sensible of the
+  obligations they owed him for the attention and delicacy with
+  which he had protected them, that they refused to go on shore at
+  Payta till permitted to wait upon him, that they might in person
+  return him thanks. Indeed all the prisoners left us with the
+  strongest assurances of their grateful remembrance of his
+  uncommon kindness. A Jesuit, in particular, of some distinction,
+  expressed himself with great thankfulness for the civilities he
+  and his countrymen had experienced while on board, declaring that
+  he should consider it his duty to do Mr Anson justice at all
+  times; adding, that his usage of the men prisoners was such as
+  could never be forgotten, and merited the highest
+  acknowledgments; but his behaviour to the women was so
+  extraordinary and honourable, that he doubted all the regard due
+  to his own ecclesiastical character would be scarcely sufficient
+  to make it believed. Indeed, we were afterwards informed that he
+  and the rest of the prisoners had not been silent on this topic,
+  but had given the highest commendations of our commodore, both at
+  Lima and other places; and the Jesuit, as we were told, had
+  interpreted in his favour, in a lax and hypothetical sense, that
+  article of his church which asserts the impossibility of heretics
+  being saved.</p>
+
+  <p>Let it not be imagined, that the impression received by the
+  Spaniards to our advantage on the present occasion was a matter
+  of slight import; for, not to mention several of our countrymen
+  who had already felt the good effects of these <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page386" id="page386"></a>[pg 386]</span>
+  prepossessions, it may be observed, that the good opinion of this
+  nation is certainly of more consequence to us than that of all
+  the world besides. Not only as the commerce we have formerly
+  carried on with them, and perhaps may again hereafter, is so
+  extremely valuable, but also as its transacting so immediately
+  depends upon the honour and good faith of those who are entrusted
+  with its management. Even if no national conveniences were likely
+  to flow from this honourable conduct of our commodore, his own
+  equity and good dispositions would not the less have prevented
+  him from the exercise of tyranny and oppression on those whom the
+  chance of war had put into his hands. I shall only add, that, by
+  his constant practice of this humane and prudent conduct, he
+  acquired a distinguished character among the Spanish Creoles over
+  all their settlements in America, so that his name was
+  universally mentioned with honour and applause by most of the
+  Spanish inhabitants of that vast empire.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XVII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Occurrences from our Departure from Payta to our Arrival
+  at Quibo.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>Setting sail from the road of Payta about midnight of the 16th
+  November, we stood to the westward, and next morning the
+  commodore caused the squadron to spread, on purpose to look out
+  for the Gloucester, as we drew near the station where Captain
+  Mitchell had been directed to cruise, and we hourly expected to
+  get sight of him, yet the whole day passed without seeing
+  him.</p>
+
+  <p>At this time a jealousy between those who had gone ashore to
+  the attack of Payta, and those who had continued on board, grew
+  to such a height, that the commodore became acquainted with it,
+  and thought it necessary to interpose his authority for its
+  abatement. This was occasioned by the plunder taken at Payta,
+  which those who acted on shore had appropriated to themselves,
+  considering it as due to the risks they had run, and the
+  resolution they had shewn on that service. But those who had
+  remained on board, deemed this a very partial and unjust
+  procedure; urging, that they also would have preferred acting on
+  shore if it had been left to their choice; that their duty on
+  board was extremely fatiguing <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page387" id="page387"></a>[pg 387]</span> while their comrades
+  were on shore; for, besides the labour of the day, they were
+  forced to remain all night under arms to secure the prisoners,
+  who were more numerous than themselves, and of whom it was then
+  necessary to be extremely watchful, to prevent any attempts they
+  might have planned at that critical conjuncture. They insisted,
+  also, that it was undeniably as necessary to the success of the
+  enterprize to have an adequate force on board as on shore in its
+  execution, and, therefore, that those who remained on board could
+  not be deprived of their share in the plunder, without manifest
+  injustice. These contests were carried on with great heat on both
+  sides; and though the plunder in question was a mere trifle, in
+  comparison with the treasure taken, in which there was no doubt
+  that those on board had an equal right, yet, as the obstinacy of
+  sailors is not always regulated by the importance of the matter
+  in dispute, the commodore thought it necessary to put a speedy
+  stop to this commotion. Accordingly, on the morning of the 17th,
+  he ordered all hands to assemble on the quarter-deck, when,
+  addressing his discourse to those who had been detached on shore,
+  he highly commended their gallant conduct, and thanked them for
+  their services on that occasion. He then represented to them the
+  reasons that had been urged by those who continued on board, for
+  an equal distribution of the plunder, telling them that he
+  thought these reasons were conclusive, and that the expectations
+  of their comrades were justly founded; and he insisted,
+  therefore, that not only the men, but all the officers also, who
+  had been employed in the capture of Payta, should immediately
+  produce the whole of their plunder upon the quarter-deck, and
+  that it should be impartially divided among the whole crew,
+  proportionally to the rank and commission of each. To prevent
+  those who had been in possession of this plunder from murmuring
+  at this decision, and the consequent diminution of their shares,
+  he added, as an encouragement to those who might be afterwards
+  employed on like services, that he gave up his entire share, to
+  be distributed exclusively among those who had been detached to
+  attack the place. Thus this troublesome affair, which might
+  perhaps have had mischievous consequences if permitted to go on,
+  was soon appeased by the prudence of the commodore, to the
+  general satisfaction of all. Some few, indeed, whose selfish
+  dispositions were uninfluenced by the justice of this procedure,
+  and who were incapable of discerning the equity of the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page388" id="page388"></a>[pg
+  388]</span> decision, were dissatisfied, as it tended to deprive
+  them of what they had once possessed.</p>
+
+  <p>This important affair employed the best part of the day after
+  leaving Payta; and at night, having seen nothing of the
+  Gloucester, the commodore made the squadron bring to, that we
+  might not pass her in the dark. Next morning we again spread on
+  the look-out, and saw a sail at 10 a.m. to which we gave chase,
+  and which we came near enough by two p.m. to observe to be the
+  Gloucester, having a small vessel in tow. We joined her in about
+  an hour after, when we learnt that Captain Mitchell had only
+  taken two small prizes during the whole of his cruise. One was a
+  small snow, the cargo of which consisted chiefly of wine, brandy,
+  and olives in jars, with about 7000<i>l.</i> in specie. The other
+  was a large boat or launch, taken near shore by the Gloucester's
+  barge. The prisoners on board this boat alleged that they were
+  very poor, and that their loading consisted only of cotton;
+  though the circumstances under which they were surprized, seemed
+  to insinuate that they were more opulent than they pretended; for
+  they were found at dinner on a pigeon-pye, served up in silver
+  dishes. The officer who commanded the barge, having opened
+  several of the jars in the prize, to satisfy his curiosity, found
+  nothing as he thought but cotton, which inclined him to believe
+  the account given by the prisoners; but when these jars were
+  examined more strictly in the Gloucester, they were agreeably
+  surprised to find the whole a very extraordinary piece of
+  deception; as in every jar there was a considerable quantity of
+  double doubloons and dollars, artfully concealed among the
+  cotton, to the amount in all of near 12,000<i>l.</i> This
+  treasure was going to Payta, and belonged to the same merchants
+  who were proprietors of most of the money we had taken there; so
+  that, if this boat had escaped the Gloucester, her cargo would
+  probably have fallen into our hands. Besides these two prizes,
+  the Gloucester had been in sight of two or three other ships,
+  which had escaped them; and one of them, from some of our
+  intelligence, we had reason to believe was of immense value.</p>
+
+  <p>It was now resolved to stand to the northwards, and to make
+  the best of our way either for Cape St Lucas, in California, or
+  Cape Corientes on the coast of Mexico. When at Juan Fernandez,
+  the commodore had resolved to touch somewhere in the
+  neighbourhood of Panama, to endeavour <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page389" id="page389"></a>[pg 389]</span> to
+  get some correspondence overland with the fleet under Admiral
+  Vernon. For, on our departure from England, we left a fleet at
+  Portsmouth intended for the West Indies, to be employed there in
+  an expedition against some of the Spanish settlements. Taking for
+  granted, therefore, that this enterprise had succeeded, and that
+  Portobello might then be garrisoned by British troops, the
+  commodore conceived he might easily procure an intercourse with
+  our countrymen, on the other side of the isthmus of Darien,
+  either by means of the Indians, who are greatly disposed to
+  favour us, or even by the Spaniards themselves; some of whom
+  might be induced, by proper rewards, to carry on this
+  correspondence; which, when once begun, might be continued with
+  little difficulty. By this means, Mr Anson flattered himself that
+  he might procure a reinforcement of men from the other side, and
+  that, by settling a prudent plan of co-operation with our
+  commanders in the West Indies, he might even have taken Panama.
+  This would have given the British nation the command of the
+  isthmus, by which we should in effect have become masters of all
+  the wealth of Peru, and should have held an equivalent in our
+  hands for any demand, however extraordinary, that might have been
+  thought advisable to make on either branch of the Bourbon
+  family.</p>
+
+  <p>Such were the magnificent projects which the commodore
+  revolved in his mind, when at the island of Juan Fernandez,
+  notwithstanding the feeble condition to which his force was then
+  reduced; and, had the success of the expedition to the West
+  Indies been answerable to the general expectation, these views
+  had certainly been the most prudent that could have been devised.
+  But, on examining the papers found on board the Carmelo, our
+  first prize, it was then learnt, though I deferred mentioning it
+  till now, that the attempt on Carthagena had failed, and that
+  there was no probability of our fleet in the West Indies engaging
+  in any new enterprise that could at all facilitate this plan. Mr
+  Anson, therefore, had relinquished all hope of being reinforced
+  across the isthmus, and consequently had no inducement to proceed
+  at present for Panama, being incapable of assaulting that place;
+  and there was reason to believe there was now a general embargo
+  over all the coast of the South Sea. The only feasible measure
+  that now remained, was to steer as soon as possible for the
+  southern parts of California, or the adjacent coast of Mexico,
+  and there to cruise for the Manilla galleon, which <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page390" id="page390"></a>[pg 390]</span> was
+  now known to be at sea on her voyage to Acapulco; and we had no
+  doubt of being able to get upon that station in sufficient time
+  to intercept her, as she does not usually arrive at Acapulco till
+  towards the middle of January, and, being now only about the
+  middle of November, we did not suppose our passage thither would
+  cost us above a month or six weeks, so that, in our opinion, we
+  had nearly twice as much time as was necessary.</p>
+
+  <p>There was one business, however, which we knew must occasion
+  some delay, but which we hoped might be accomplished in four or
+  five days. This was to recruit our water; for the number of
+  prisoners we had to maintain, ever since we left Juan Fernandez,
+  had so far exhausted our stock, that it was impossible to think
+  of venturing upon a passage to the coast of Mexico, till we had
+  procured a fresh supply; especially as we had not found enough at
+  Payta for our consumption while there. It was for some time a
+  matter of deliberation with the commodore, where we might take in
+  this necessary article; but, by consulting the accounts of former
+  navigators, and examining our prisoners, he at last resolved for
+  the island of Quibo, beyond the bay of Panama. There was indeed a
+  small island called <i>Cocos</i>, less out of our way than Quibo,
+  where some of the Buccaneers pretended to have found water: But
+  none of our prisoners knew any thing of that island, and it was
+  thought too hazardous to risk the safety of the squadron, by
+  exposing ourselves to the chance of not finding water at that
+  place, on the mere authority of these legendary writers, of whose
+  misrepresentations and falsities we had almost daily experience.
+  Besides, we were not without hopes that in going to Quibo some of
+  the enemies ships bound to or from Panama might fall into our
+  hands, particularly such of them as were put to sea, before they
+  had intelligence of our squadron; we therefore directed our
+  course to the northward, being eight sail, and so having the
+  appearance of a very formidable fleet; and on the 19th at
+  day-break, we discovered Cape Blanco, bearing S.S.E. 1/2 E. seven
+  miles distant. This cape lies in the latitude of 4° 15'
+  south, and is always made by ships bound either to windward or to
+  leeward, so that it is a most excellent station to cruise upon
+  the enemy. As our last prize, the Solidad, was far from answering
+  the character given her of a good sailer, and she and the Santa
+  Teresa delayed us considerably, the commodore ordered them to be
+  cleared of every thing that might prove useful <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page391" id="page391"></a>[pg 391]</span> to
+  the rest of the ships, and then to be burnt. We then proceeded in
+  our course for Quibo, and, on the 22d in the morning, saw the
+  island of Plata bearing east, distant four leagues. One of our
+  prizes, which was ordered to stand close in, both to discover if
+  there were any ships between that island and the continent, and
+  likewise to look out for a stream of fresh water reported to be
+  there, returned without having seen any ship, or finding any
+  water. At three in the afternoon point Manta bore S.E. by E.
+  seven miles distant; and there being a town of the same name in
+  the neighbourhood, Captain Mitchell took this opportunity of
+  sending away several of his prisoners from the Gloucester in the
+  Spanish launch. The boats were now daily employed in distributing
+  provisions on board the Tryal and other prizes, to complete their
+  stock for six months; and, that the Centurion might be the better
+  prepared to give the Manilla ship (one of which we were told was
+  of immense size) a warm reception, the carpenters were ordered to
+  fix eight stocks in the main and fore-tops for the mounting of
+  swivel guns.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 25th we had a sight of the island of Gallo, bearing
+  E.S.E. 1/2 E. four leagues distant; from hence we crossed the bay
+  of Panama with a N.W. course, hoping that this would have carried
+  us in a direct line to the island of Quibo. But we afterwards
+  found that wrought to have stood more to the westward, for the
+  winds in a short time began to incline to that quarter, and made
+  it difficult for us to gain the island. And now, after passing
+  the equinoctial on the 22d, leaving the neighbourhood of the
+  Cordilleras, and standing more and more towards the isthmus,
+  where the communication of the atmosphere to the eastward and the
+  westward was no longer interrupted, we found, in a few days, an
+  extraordinary alteration in the climate. Instead of uniform
+  temperature, we had, for several days together, close and sultry
+  weather, resembling what we had met with between the tropics on
+  the eastern side of America. We had besides frequent calms and
+  heavy rains, which we at first ascribed to the neighbourhood of
+  the line, where this kind of weather is found to prevail; but,
+  observing that it attended us to the latitude of seven degrees
+  north, we were induced to believe that the stormy season, or, as
+  the Spaniards call it, the Vandevals, was not yet over; though
+  many positively assert, that it begins in June, and is ended
+  November.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 27th Captain Mitchel's largest prize being cleared,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page392" id="page392"></a>[pg
+  392]</span> was scuttled, and set on fire, and as the remaining
+  five ships were all good sailers, so we never occasioned any
+  delay to each other. Being now in a rainy climate, which we had
+  been long disused to, we found it necessary to caulk the decks
+  and sides of the Centurion, to prevent the rain-water from
+  running into her.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 3d of December we had a view of the island of Quibo,
+  the east end then bearing N.N.W. four leagues distant, and the
+  island of Quicara W.N.W. at about the same distance. Here we
+  struck ground with sixty-five fathom of line, and found the
+  bottom to consist of grey sand, with black specks. When we got
+  sight of the land, we found the wind to hang westerly, and
+  therefore thought it adviseable to stand off till morning, as
+  there are said to be some shoals in the entrance of the channel.
+  At six the next morning, point Mariato bore N.E. 1/2 N. three or
+  four leagues distant. In weathering this point, all the squadron,
+  except the Centurion, were very near it, and the Gloucester,
+  being the leewardmost ship, was forced to tack and stand to the
+  southward, so that we lost sight of her. At nine, the island
+  Sebaco bore N.W. by N. four leagues distant; but the wind still
+  proving unfavourable, we were obliged to ply on and off for the
+  succeeding twenty-four hours, and were frequently taken a-back.
+  However, at eleven the next morning the wind happily settling in
+  the S.S.W. we bore away for the S.S.E. end of the island, and
+  about three in the afternoon entered Canal Bueno, passing round a
+  shoal which stretches off about two miles from the south point of
+  the island. This Canal Bueno, or Good Channel, is at least six
+  miles in breadth; and as we had the wind large, we kept in a good
+  depth of water, generally from twenty-eight to thirty-three
+  fathom, and came not within a mile and a half distance of the
+  breakers, though, in all probability, if it had been necessary,
+  we might have ventured much nearer without incurring the least
+  danger. At seven in the evening we came to an anchor in
+  thirty-three fathom, muddy ground; the south point of the island
+  bearing S.E. by E. a remarkable high part of the island W. by N.
+  and the island Sebaco E. by N.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page393" id="page393"></a>[pg 393]</span>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XVIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an Account of the
+  Place.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The morning after our coming to an anchor, an officer was
+  dispatched to discover the watering-place; and, having found it,
+  returned before noon; then we sent the long-boat for a load of
+  water, and at the same time weighed and stood farther in with our
+  ships. At two we came again to an anchor in twenty-two fathom,
+  with a bottom of rough gravel intermixed with broken shells, the
+  watering-place now bearing from us N.W. 1/2 N. only three
+  quarters of a mile distant.</p>
+
+  <p>The island of Quibo is extremely convenient for wooding and
+  watering, for the trees grow close to the high-water mark, and a
+  large rapid stream of fresh water runs over the sandy beach into
+  the sea; so that we were little more than two days in laying in
+  all the wood and water we wanted. The whole island is of a very
+  moderate height, excepting one part. It consists of a continued
+  wood spread over the whole surface of the country, which
+  preserves its verdure all the year round. We found there
+  abundance of cassia, and a few lime-trees. It appeared singular
+  to us, that, considering the climate and the shelter, we should
+  see no other birds there than parrots, parroquets, and mackaws;
+  of the last there were prodigious flights. Next to these birds,
+  the animals we found in most plenty were monkeys and guanos, and
+  these we frequently killed for food; for though there were many
+  herds of deer upon the place, yet the difficulty of penetrating
+  the woods prevented our coming near them, so that though we saw
+  them often, we killed only two during our stay. Our prisoners
+  assured us that this island abounded with tygers; we did once
+  discover the print of a tyger's paw upon the beach, but the
+  tygers themselves we never saw. The Spaniards, too, informed us
+  that there was often found in the woods a most mischievous
+  serpent, called the Flying Snake, which they said darted itself
+  from the boughs of trees on either man or beast that came within
+  its reach, and whose sting they believed to be inevitable death.
+  Besides these mischievous land-animals, the sea hereabouts is
+  infested with great numbers of alligators of an extraordinary
+  size; and we often observed a large kind of flat fish jumping a
+  considerable <span class="pagenum"><a name="page394" id=
+  "page394"></a>[pg 394]</span> height out of the water, which we
+  supposed to be the fish that is said frequently to destroy the
+  pearl-divers, by clasping them in its fins as they rise from the
+  bottom; and we were told that the divers, for their security, are
+  now always armed with a sharp knife, which, when they are
+  entangled, they stick into the belly of the fish, and thereby
+  disengage themselves from its embraces.</p>
+
+  <p>Whilst the ship continued here at anchor, the commodore,
+  attended by some of his officers, went in a boat to examine a bay
+  which lay to the northward; and afterwards ranged all along the
+  eastern side of the island. In the places where they put on shore
+  in the course of his expedition, they generally found the soil to
+  be extremely rich, and met with great plenty of excellent water.
+  In particular, near the N.E. point of the island, they discovered
+  a natural cascade, which surpassed, as they conceived, every
+  thing of this kind, which human art or industry hath hitherto
+  produced. It was a river of transparent water, about forty yards
+  wide, which ran down a declivity of near a hundred and fifty
+  yards in length. The channel it ran in was very irregular; for it
+  was entirely formed of rock, both its sides and bottom being made
+  up of large detached blocks; and by these the course of the water
+  was frequently interrupted: For in some places it ran sloping
+  with a rapid but uniform motion, while in other parts it tumbled
+  over the ledges of rocks with a perpendicular descent. All the
+  neighbourhood of this stream was a fine wood; and even the huge
+  masses of rock which overhung the water, and which, by their
+  various projections, formed the inequalities of the channel, were
+  covered with lofty forest trees. Whilst the commodore, and those
+  with him, were attentively viewing this place, and remarking the
+  different blendings of the water, the rocks, and the wood, there
+  came in sight (as it were with an intent still to heighten and
+  animate the prospect) a prodigious flight of mackaws, which
+  hovering over this spot, and often wheeling and playing on the
+  wing about it, afforded a most brilliant appearance, by the
+  glittering of the sun on their variegated plumage; so that some
+  of the spectators cannot refrain from a kind of transport, when
+  they recount the complicated beauties which occurred in this
+  extraordinary scene.</p>
+
+  <p>In this expedition, along the eastern side of the island,
+  though they met with no inhabitants, yet they saw many
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page395" id="page395"></a>[pg
+  395]</span> huts upon the shore, and great heaps of shells of
+  fine mother-of-pearl scattered up and down in different places:
+  These were the remains left by the pearl-fishers from Panama, who
+  often frequent this place in the summer season; for the pearl
+  oysters, which are to be met with every where in the bay of
+  Panama, are so plenty at Quibo, that by advancing a very little
+  way into the sea, you might stoop down and reach them from the
+  bottom. They are usually very large, but extremely tough and
+  unpalatable.</p>
+
+  <p>The oysters most productive of pearls, are those found in
+  considerable depths; for, though what are taken up by wading are
+  of the same species, yet the pearls found in them are rare and
+  very small. It is said, too, that the pearl partakes in some
+  degree of the quality of the bottom on which the oyster is found;
+  so that if the bottom be muddy, the pearl is dark and
+  ill-coloured.</p>
+
+  <p>The diving for oysters is a work performed by negro slaves, of
+  whom the inhabitants of Panama and the neighbouring coast
+  formerly kept great numbers, carefully trained to this business.
+  These are not esteemed complete divers, till they are able to
+  protract their stay under water so long, that the blood gushes
+  out from their nose, mouth, and ears. It is the tradition of the
+  country, that when this accident has once befallen them, they
+  dive for the future with much greater facility than before; that
+  no inconvenience attends it, the bleeding generally stopping of
+  itself, and that there is no probability of their being subject
+  to it a second time.<a id="footnotetag144" name=
+  "footnotetag144"></a><a href="#footnote144"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>The sea at this place furnished us with a dainty, in the
+  greatest plenty and perfection, viz. the turtle. There are
+  reckoned four species of turtle: the trunk-turtle, the
+  loggerhead, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page396" id=
+  "page396"></a>[pg 396]</span> the hawksbill, and the green
+  turtle. The two first are rank and unwholesome; the hawksbill
+  (which furnishes the tortoise-shell) is but indifferent food,
+  though better than the other two; but the green turtle is
+  esteemed, by the greatest part of those who are acquainted with
+  its taste, as the most delicious of eatables; and that it is a
+  most wholesome food, we were amply convinced by our own
+  experience: For we fed on this for near four months, and
+  consequently had it been in any degree noxious, its ill effects
+  could not possibly have escaped us. At this island we took what
+  quantity we pleased with great facility; for, as they are an
+  amphibious animal, and get on shore to lay their eggs, which they
+  generally deposit in a large hole in the sand, just above the
+  high-water mark, covering them up, and leaving them to be hatched
+  by the heat of the sun, we usually dispersed several of our men
+  along the beach, whose business it was to turn them on their
+  backs when they came to land; and the turtle being thereby
+  prevented from getting away, we carried them off at our leisure.
+  These proved of great service both in lengthening out our store
+  of provision, and in heartening the whole crew with an almost
+  constant supply of fresh and palatable food; for the turtle being
+  large, generally weighing about 200 lb. weight each, what we took
+  with us lasted us near a month, and by that time we met with a
+  fresh recruit on the coast of Mexico, where we often saw them in
+  the heat of the day floating in great numbers on the surface of
+  the water fast asleep. Our mode of taking them was this; we sent
+  out our boat with a man in the bow, who was a dexterous diver;
+  when the boat came within a few yards of the turtle, the diver
+  plunged into the water, and took care to rise close upon it; on
+  seizing the shell near the tail, and pressing down the hinder
+  parts, the turtle awakened, and began to strike with its claws,
+  which motion supported both it and the diver, till the boat came
+  up and took them in. By this management we never wanted turtle
+  for the succeeding four months in which we continued at sea; and
+  though we had been three months on board, without putting our
+  foot on shore, except for the few days we stayed at the island of
+  Quibo, and those employed in the attack of Payta, yet, in the
+  whole seven months, from our leaving Juan Fernandez to our
+  anchoring in the harbour of Chequetan, we buried no more in the
+  whole squadron than two men; a most incontestable proof that the
+  turtle on which we fed for the last four months <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page397" id="page397"></a>[pg 397]</span> of
+  this term, was at least innocent, if not something more. It
+  appears wonderful, therefore, that a species of food so very
+  palatable and salubrious, and so much abounding in those parts,
+  should be proscribed by the Spaniards as unwholesome, and little
+  less than poisonous. Perhaps the strange appearance of this
+  animal may have been the foundation of this ridiculous aversion,
+  which is strongly rooted in all the inhabitants of that coast,
+  and of which we had many instances in the course of this
+  navigation. Some Indian and negro slaves we had taken in our
+  prizes, and continued on board to assist in navigating our ships,
+  were astonished at our feeding on turtle, and seemed fully
+  persuaded that it would soon destroy us; but finding that none of
+  us died, nor even suffered in our health by a continuation of
+  this diet, they at last got so far the better of their aversion,
+  as to be persuaded to taste it, to which the absence of all other
+  kinds of fresh provisions might not a little contribute. However,
+  it was with great reluctance, and very sparingly, that they began
+  to eat it: But the relish improving upon them by degrees, they at
+  last grew extremely fond of it, preferred it to every other kind
+  of food, and often felicitated each other on the happy experience
+  they had acquired, and the delicious and plentiful repasts it
+  would be always in their power to procure, when they should
+  return to their country. Those who are acquainted with the manner
+  of life of these unhappy wretches, need not be told, that next to
+  large draughts of spirituous liquors, plenty of tolerable food is
+  the greatest joy they know; and that the discovering a method
+  which would supply them with what quantity they pleased of a kind
+  more luxurious to the palate than any their haughty lords and
+  masters could indulge in, was a circumstance which they
+  considered as the most fortunate that could befal them.</p>
+
+  <p>In three days time we had completed our business at this
+  place, and were extremely impatient to put to sea, that we might
+  arrive time enough on the coast of Mexico to intercept the
+  Manilla galleon. The wind being contrary detained us a night, and
+  the next day when we got into the offing, (which we did through
+  the same channel by which we entered) we were obliged to keep
+  hovering about the island, in hopes of getting sight of the
+  Gloucester. It was the 9th of December, in the morning, when we
+  put to sea, and continuing to the southward of the island,
+  looking out for the Gloucester, we, on the 10th, at five in the
+  afternoon, discerned <span class="pagenum"><a name="page398" id=
+  "page398"></a>[pg 398]</span> a small sail to the northward of
+  us, to which we gave chase, and coming up took her. She proved to
+  be a bark from Panama, bound to Cheripe, an inconsiderable
+  village on the continent, and was called the <i>Jesu
+  Nazareno</i>. She had nothing on board but some oakum, about a
+  ton of rock-salt, and between 30<i>l.</i> and 40<i>l.</i> in
+  specie, most of it consisting of small silver money, intended for
+  purchasing a cargo of provisions at Cheripe.</p>
+
+  <p>I cannot but observe, for the use of future cruisers, that had
+  we been in want of provisions, we had by this capture an obvious
+  method of supplying ourselves. For at Cheripe, whither she was
+  bound, there is a constant store of provisions prepared for the
+  vessels which go thither every week from Panama, the market of
+  Panama being chiefly supplied from thence: So that by putting a
+  few of our hands on board our prize, we might easily have seized
+  a large store without any hazard, since Cheripe is a place of no
+  strength.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 12th of December we were relieved from the perplexity
+  we had suffered, by the separation of the Gloucester; for on that
+  day she joined us, and informed us, that in tacking to the
+  southward on our first arrival, she had sprung her fore-top-mast,
+  which had disabled her from working to windward, and prevented
+  her from joining us sooner. We now scuttled and sunk the Jesu
+  Nazareno, the prize we took last, and having the greatest
+  impatience to get into a proper station for the galleon, stood
+  altogether to the westward, and notwithstanding the impediments
+  we met with, left the island of Quibo in about nine days after
+  our first coming in sight of it.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote144" name="footnote144"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag144">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The intelligent reader will demand more than the
+    <i>tradition of the country</i> to induce his belief, that this
+    diving business is not most certainly destructive of the
+    miserable wretches who are compelled to pursue it. The divers
+    in the Persian gulph, where it is well known the pearl fishery
+    is carried on by individuals on their own account, "seldom live
+    to a great age," (says Mr Morier in the account of his Journey
+    through Persia.) "Their bodies break out in sores, and their
+    eyes become very weak and blood-shot. They are restricted to a
+    certain regimen; and to food composed of dates and other light
+    ingredients." It cannot be imagined that the negroes of Panama
+    fare better in this hazardous occupation. But to the expression
+    of any solicitude as to <i>their</i> blood, it is very probable
+    the answer might be something in the style of one of Juvenal's
+    worthy ladies:</p>
+
+    <div class="poem">
+      <div class="stanza">
+        <p class="i10">ita servus homo est?</p>
+
+        <p>Hoc volo, sic jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas.P.</p>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <p> </p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XIX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>On the 12th of December we left Quibo, and the same day the
+  commodore delivered fresh instructions to the captains of the men
+  of war, and the commanders of our prizes, appointing them the
+  rendezvouses they were to make, and the courses they were to
+  steer in case of a separation. And first, they were directed to
+  use all possible dispatch in getting to the northward of the
+  harbour of Acapulco, where they were to endeavour to fall in with
+  the land, between the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page399" id=
+  "page399"></a>[pg 399]</span> latitudes of 18 and 19°;
+  from thence, they were to beat up the coast at eight or ten
+  leagues distance from the shore, till they came a-breast of Cape
+  Corientes, in the latitude of 20°20'. When they arrived
+  there, they were to continue cruising on that station till the
+  14th of February; and then they were to proceed to the middle
+  island of the Tres Marias, in the latitude of 21°25',
+  bearing from Cape Corientes N.W. by N., twenty-five leagues
+  distant. And if at this island they did not meet the commodore,
+  they were there to recruit their wood and water, and then to make
+  the best of their way to the island of Macao, on the coast of
+  China. These orders being distributed, we had little doubt of
+  arriving soon upon our intended station; as we expected, upon the
+  increasing our offing from Quibo, to fall in with the regular
+  trade-wind. But, to our extreme vexation, we were baffled for
+  near a month, either with tempestuous weather from the western
+  quarter, or with dead calms and heavy rains, attended with a
+  sultry air; so that it was the 25th of December before we got a
+  sight of the island of Cocos, which by our reckoning was only a
+  hundred leagues from the continent; and we had the mortification
+  to make so little way, that we did not lose sight of it again in
+  five days. This island we found to be in the latitude of
+  5°20' north. It has a high hummock towards the western
+  part, which descends gradually, and at last terminates in a low
+  point to the eastward. From the island of Cocos we stood W. by
+  N., and were till the 9th of January in running an hundred
+  leagues more. We had at first flattered ourselves, that the
+  uncertain weather and western gales we met with were owing to the
+  neighbourhood of the continent, from which, as we got more
+  distant, we expected every day to be relieved, by falling in with
+  the eastern trade-wind: But as our hopes were so long baffled,
+  and our patience quite exhausted, we began at length to despair
+  of succeeding in the great purpose we had in view, that of
+  intercepting the Manilla galleon; and this produced a general
+  dejection amongst us, as we had at first considered this project
+  as almost infallible, and had indulged ourselves in the most
+  boundless hopes of the advantages we should thence receive.
+  However, our despondency was at last somewhat alleviated, by a
+  favourable change of the wind; for, on the 9th of January, a gale
+  for the first time sprang up from the N.E., and on this we took
+  the Carmelo in tow, as the Gloucester <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page400" id="page400"></a>[pg 400]</span> did
+  the Carmin, making all the sail we could to improve the
+  advantage, for we still suspected that it was only a temporary
+  gale, which would not last long; but the next day we had the
+  satisfaction to find, that the wind did not only continue in the
+  same quarter, but blew with so much briskness and steadiness,
+  that we now no longer doubted of its being the true trade-wind.
+  And as we advanced apace towards our station, our hopes began to
+  revive, and our despair by degrees gave place to pleasing
+  prejudices: For though the customary season of the arrival of the
+  galleon at Acapulco was already elapsed, yet we were unreasonable
+  enough to flatter ourselves, that some accidental delay might
+  lengthen her passage beyond its usual limits.</p>
+
+  <p>When we got into the trade-wind, we found no alteration in it
+  till the 17th of January, when we were advanced to the latitude
+  of 12°50', but on that day it shifted to the westward of
+  the north: This change we imputed to our having haled up too
+  soon, though we then esteemed ourselves full seventy leagues from
+  the coast, which plainly shows, that the trade-wind doth not take
+  place, but at a considerable distance from the continent. After
+  this, the wind was not so favourable to us as it had been:
+  However, we still continued to advance, and, on the 26th of
+  January, being then to the northward of Acapulco, we tacked and
+  stood to the eastward, with a view of making the land.</p>
+
+  <p>In the preceding fortnight we caught some turtle on the
+  surface of the water, and several dolphins, bonitos, and
+  albicores. One day, as one of the sail-makers mates was fishing
+  from the end of the gib-boom, he lost his hold, and dropped into
+  the sea; and the ship, which was then going at the rate of six or
+  seven knots, went directly over him: But as we had the Carmelo in
+  tow, we instantly called out to the people on board her, who
+  threw him over several ends of ropes, one of which he fortunately
+  caught hold of, and twisting it round his arm, was hauled into
+  the ship, without having received any other injury than a wrench
+  in his arm, of which he soon recovered.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 26th of January, we stood to the eastward, expecting,
+  by our reckonings, to have fallen in with the land on the 28th;
+  but though the weather was perfectly clear, we had no sight of it
+  at sun-set, and therefore continued our course, not doubting but
+  we should see it by the next morning. About ten at night we
+  discovered a light on the larboard-bow, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page401" id="page401"></a>[pg 401]</span>
+  bearing from us N.N.E. The Tryal's prize too, about a mile a-head
+  of us, made a signal at the same time for seeing a sail; and as
+  we had no doubt that what we saw was a ship's light, we were
+  extremely animated with a firm persuasion, that it was the
+  Manilla galleon, which had been so long the object of our wishes:
+  And what added to our alacrity, was our expectation of meeting
+  with two of them instead of one, for we took it for granted, that
+  the light in view was carried in the top of one ship for a
+  direction to her consort. We immediately cast off the Carmelo and
+  pressed forward with all our canvass, making a signal for the
+  Gloucester to do the same. Thus we chased the light, keeping all
+  our hands at their respective quarters, under an expectation of
+  engaging in the next half hour, as we sometimes conceived the
+  chase to be about a mile distant, and at other times to be within
+  reach of our guns; and some positively averred, that besides the
+  light, they could plainly discern her sails. The commodore
+  himself was so fully persuaded that we should be soon along-side
+  of her, that he sent for his first lieutenant, who commanded
+  between decks, and directed him to see all the great guns loaded
+  with two round-shot for the first broadside, and after that with
+  one round-shot and one grape, strictly charging him, at the same
+  time, not to suffer a gun to be fired, till he, the commodore,
+  should give orders, which he informed the lieutenant would not be
+  till we arrived within pistol-shot of the enemy. In this constant
+  and eager attention we continued all night, always presuming that
+  another quarter of an hour would bring us up with this Manilla
+  ship, whose wealth, with that of her supposed consort, we now
+  estimated by round millions. But when the morning broke, and
+  day-light came on, we were most strangely and vexatiously
+  disappointed, by finding that the light which had occasioned all
+  this bustle and expectancy was only a fire on the shore. Indeed
+  the circumstances of this deception are so extraordinary as to be
+  scarcely credible; for, by our run during the night, and the
+  distance of the land in the morning, this fire, when we first
+  discovered it, must have been above twenty-five leagues from us.
+  It was indeed upon a very high mountain, and continued burning
+  for several days afterwards; it was not a volcano, but rather, as
+  I suppose, stubble, or heath, set on fire for some purpose of
+  agriculture.<a id="footnotetag145" name=
+  "footnotetag145"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote145"><sup>1</sup></a></p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page402" id="page402"></a>[pg 402]</span>
+
+  <p>At sun-rising, after this mortifying delusion, we found
+  ourselves about nine leagues off the land, which extended from
+  the N.W. to E. 1/2 N. On this land we observed two remarkable
+  hummocks, such as are usually called paps, which bore north from
+  us: These, a Spanish pilot and two Indians, who were the only
+  persons amongst us that pretended to have traded in this part of
+  the world, affirmed to be over the harbour of Acapulco. Indeed,
+  we very much doubted their knowledge of the coast; for we found
+  these paps to be in the latitude of 17°56', whereas
+  those over Acapulco are said to be in 17° only; and we
+  afterwards found our suspicions of their skill to be well
+  grounded: However, they were very confident, and assured us, that
+  the height of the mountains was itself an infallible mark of the
+  harbour; the coast, as they pretended, (though falsely) being
+  generally low to the eastward and westward of it.</p>
+
+  <p>And now being in the track of the Manilla galleon, it was a
+  great doubt with us (as it was near the end of January,) whether
+  she was or was not arrived: But examining our prisoners about it,
+  they assured us, that she was sometimes known to come in after
+  the middle of February; and they endeavoured to persuade us, that
+  the fire we had seen on shore was a proof that she was as yet at
+  sea, it being customary, as they said, to make use of these fires
+  as signals for her direction, when she continued longer out than
+  ordinary. On this information, strengthened by our propensity to
+  believe them in a matter which so pleasingly flattered our
+  wishes, we resolved to cruise for her for some days; and we
+  accordingly spread our ships at the distance of twelve leagues
+  from the coast, in such a manner, that it was impossible she
+  should pass us unobserved: However, not seeing her soon, we were
+  at intervals inclined to suspect that she had gained her port
+  already; and as we now began to want a harbour to refresh our
+  people, the uncertainty of our present situation gave us great
+  uneasiness, and we were very solicitous to get some positive
+  intelligence, which might either set us at liberty to consult our
+  necessities, if the galleon was arrived, or might animate us to
+  continue our present cruise with cheerfulness, if she was not.
+  With this view the commodore, after examining our prisoners very
+  particularly, resolved to send a boat, under night, into the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page403" id="page403"></a>[pg
+  403]</span> harbour of Acapulco, to see if the Manilla ship was
+  there or not, one of the Indians being very positive that this
+  might be done without the boat itself being discovered. To
+  execute this project, the barge was dispatched the 6th of
+  February, with a sufficient crew and two officers, who took with
+  them a Spanish pilot, and the Indian who had insisted on the
+  practicability of this measure, and had undertaken to conduct it.
+  Our barge did not return to us again till the eleventh, when the
+  officers acquainted Mr Anson, that, agreeable to our suspicion,
+  there was nothing like a harbour in the place where the Spanish
+  pilots had at first asserted Acapulco to lie; that when they had
+  satisfied themselves in this particular, they steered to the
+  eastward, in hopes of discovering it, and had coasted along shore
+  thirty-two leagues; that in this whole range they met chiefly
+  with sandy beaches of a great length, over which the sea broke
+  with so much violence, that it was impossible for a boat to land;
+  that at the end of their run they could just discover two paps at
+  a very great distance to the eastward, which from their
+  appearance and their latitude, they concluded to be those in the
+  neighbourhood of Acapulco; but that not having a sufficient
+  quantity of fresh water and provision for their passage thither
+  and back again, they were obliged to return to the commodore, to
+  acquaint him with their disappointment. On this intelligence we
+  all made sail to the eastward, in order to get into the
+  neighbourhood of that port, the commodore resolving to send the
+  barge a second time upon the same enterprize, when we were
+  arrived within a moderate distance. And the next day, which was
+  the 12th of February, we being by that time considerably
+  advanced, the barge was again dispatched, and particular
+  instructions given to the officers to preserve themselves from
+  being seen from the shore. On the 13th we espied a high land to
+  the eastward, which we first imagined to be that over the harbour
+  of Acapulco; but we afterwards found that it was the high land of
+  Seguateneo, where there is a small harbour, of which we shall
+  have occasion to make more ample mention hereafter. And now,
+  having waited six days without any news of our barge, we began to
+  be uneasy for her safety; but, on the 7th day, that is, on the
+  19th of February, she returned. The officers informed the
+  commodore, that they had discovered the harbour of Acapulco,
+  which they esteemed to bear from us E.S.E. at least fifty leagues
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page404" id="page404"></a>[pg
+  404]</span> distant: That on the 17th, about two in the morning,
+  they were got within the island that lies at the mouth of the
+  harbour, and yet neither the Spanish pilot, nor the Indian who
+  were with them, could give them any information where they then
+  were; but that while they were lying upon their oars in suspence
+  what to do, being ignorant that they were then at the very place
+  they sought for, they discerned a small light upon the surface of
+  the water, on which they instantly plied their paddles, and
+  moving as silently as possible towards it, they found it to be in
+  a fishing canoe, which they surprised, with three negroes that
+  belonged to it. It seems the negroes at first attempted to jump
+  overboard; and being so near the land, they would easily have
+  swam on shore; but they were prevented by presenting a piece at
+  them, on which they readily submitted, and were taken into the
+  barge. The officers further added, that they had immediately
+  turned the canoe adrift against the face of a rock, where it
+  would inevitably be dashed to pieces by the fury of the sea: This
+  they did to deceive those who perhaps might be sent from the town
+  to search after the canoe; for upon seeing several pieces of a
+  wreck, they would immediately conclude that the people on board
+  her had been drowned, and would have no suspicion of their having
+  fallen into our hands. When the crew of the barge had taken this
+  precaution, they exerted their utmost strength in pulling out to
+  sea, and by dawn of day had gained such an offing, as rendered it
+  impossible for them to be seen from the coast.</p>
+
+  <p>And now having got the three negroes in our possession, who
+  were not ignorant of the transactions at Acapulco, we were soon
+  satisfied about the most material points which had long kept us
+  in suspense: And on examination we found, that we were indeed
+  disappointed in our expectation of intercepting the galleon
+  before her arrival at Acapulco; but we learnt other circumstances
+  which still revived our hopes, and which, we then conceived,
+  would more than balance the opportunity we had already lost: For
+  though our negro prisoners informed us that the galleon arrived
+  at Acapulco on our 9th of January, which was about twenty days
+  before we fell in with this coast, yet they at the same time told
+  us, that the galleon had delivered her cargo, and was taking in
+  water and provisions for her return, and that the viceroy of
+  Mexico had by proclamation fixed her departure <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page405" id="page405"></a>[pg 405]</span> from
+  Acapulco to the 14th of March, N.S. This last news was most
+  joyfully received by us, as we had no doubt but she must
+  certainly fall into our hands, and as it was much more eligible
+  to seize her on her return, than it would have been to have taken
+  her before her arrival, as the specie for which she had sold her
+  cargo, and which she would now have on board, was prodigiously
+  more to be esteemed by us than the cargo itself; great part of
+  which would have perished on our hands, and no part of it could
+  have been disposed of by us at so advantageous a mart as
+  Acapulco.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus we were a second time engaged in an eager expectation of
+  meeting with this Manilla ship, which, by the fame of its wealth,
+  we had been taught to consider as the most desirable prize that
+  was to be met with in any part of the globe. As all our future
+  projects will be in some sort regulated with a view to the
+  possession of this celebrated galleon, and as the commerce which
+  is carried on by means of these vessels between the city of
+  Manilla and the port of Acapulco is perhaps the most valuable, in
+  proportion to its quantity, of any in the known world, I shall
+  endeavour, in the ensuing chapter, to give as distinct an account
+  as I can of all the particulars relating thereto, both as it is a
+  matter in which I conceive the public to be in some degree
+  interested, and as I flatter myself, that from the materials
+  which have fallen into my hands, I am enabled to describe it with
+  more distinctness than has hitherto been done, at least in our
+  language.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote145" name="footnote145"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag145">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The reasons for this supposition ought to have been adduced.
+    It is not improbable that the volcanic mountain in the
+    neighbourhood of Acapulco did furnish this vexatious
+    light.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>An Account of the Commerce carried on between the City of
+  Manilla on the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco in the
+  Coast of Mexico.</i><a id="footnotetag146" name=
+  "footnotetag146"></a><a href="#footnote146"><sup>1</sup></a></h4>
+
+  <p>Though Spain did not acquire the property of any of the spice
+  islands, by the enterprising labours of Magellan (related in our
+  tenth volume, to which we refer,) yet the discovery made in his
+  expedition to the Philippine Islands, was thought too
+  considerable to be neglected; for these were not far distant from
+  those places which produced spices, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page406" id="page406"></a>[pg 406]</span> and
+  were very well situated for the Chinese trade, and for the
+  commerce of other parts of India; and therefore a communication
+  was soon established, and carefully supported between these
+  islands and the Spanish colonies on the coast of Peru: So that
+  the city of Manilla, (which Was built on the island of Luconia,
+  the chief of the Philippines) soon became the mart for all Indian
+  commodities, which were brought up by the inhabitants, and were
+  annually sent to the South-Seas to be there vended on their
+  account; and the returns of this commerce to Manilla being
+  principally made in silver, the place by degrees grew extremely
+  opulent and considerable, and its trade so far increased, as to
+  engage the attention of the court of Spain, and to be frequently
+  controlled and regulated by royal edicts.</p>
+
+  <p>In the infancy of this trade, it was carried on from the port
+  of Callao to the city of Manilla, in which voyage the trade-wind
+  continually favoured them; so that notwithstanding these places
+  were distant between three and four thousand leagues, yet the
+  voyage was often made in little more than two months: But then
+  the return from Manilla was extremely troublesome and tedious,
+  and is said to have sometimes taken them up above a twelvemonth,
+  which, if they pretended to ply up within the limits of the
+  trade-wind, is not at all to be wondered at; and it is asserted,
+  that in their first voyages they were so imprudent and unskilful
+  as to attempt this course. However, that route Was soon laid
+  aside by the advice, as it is said, of a Jesuit, who persuaded
+  them to steer to the northward till they got clear of the
+  trade-winds, and then by the favour of the westerly winds, which
+  generally prevail in high latitudes, to stretch away for the
+  coast of California. This has been the practice for at least a
+  hundred and sixty years past, (1740-4:) For Sir Thomas Cavendish,
+  in the year 1586, engaged off the south end of California a
+  vessel bound from Manilla to the American coast. And it was in
+  compliance with this new plan of navigation, and to shorten the
+  run both backwards and forwards, that the staple of this commerce
+  to and from Manilla was removed from Callao, on the coast of
+  Peru, to the port of Acapulco, on the coast of Mexico, where it
+  continues fixed at this time.</p>
+
+  <p>This trade to Acapulco is not laid open to all the inhabitants
+  of Manilla, but is confined by very particular regulations,
+  somewhat analogous to those by which the trade <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page407" id="page407"></a>[pg 407]</span> of
+  the register ships from Cadiz to the West-Indies is
+  restrained.</p>
+
+  <p>The trade is limited to a certain value, which the annual
+  cargo ought not to exceed. Some Spanish manuscripts', I have
+  seen, mention this limitation to be 600,000 dollars; but the
+  annual cargo does certainly surpass this sum; and though it may
+  be difficult to fix its exact value, yet from many comparisons I
+  conclude, that the return cannot be greatly short of three
+  millions of dollars.</p>
+
+  <p>This trade from Manilla to Acapulco and back again, is usually
+  carried on in one or at most two annual ships, which set sail
+  from Manilla about July, and arrive at Acapulco in the December,
+  January, or February following, and having there disposed of
+  their effects, return for Manilla some time in March, where they
+  generally arrive in June; so that the whole voyage takes up very
+  near an entire year: For this reason, though there is often no
+  more than one ship employed at a time, yet there is always one
+  ready for the sea when the other arrives; and therefore are
+  provided three or four stout ships, that, in case of any
+  accident, the trade may not be suspended.</p>
+
+  <p>The ship having received her cargo on board, and being fitted
+  for the sea, generally weighs from the mole of Cabite about the
+  middle of July, taking the advantage of the westerly monsoon,
+  which then sets in, to carry them to sea. It appears that the
+  getting through the Boccadero to the eastward must be a
+  troublesome navigation, and in fact it is sometimes the end of
+  August before they get clear of the land. When they have got
+  through this passage, and are clear of the islands, they stand to
+  the northward of the east, in order to get into the latitude of
+  thirty odd degrees, where they expect to meet with westerly
+  winds, before which they run away for the coast of
+  California.<a id="footnotetag147" name=
+  "footnotetag147"></a><a href="#footnote147"><sup>2</sup></a> It
+  is most remarkable, that by the concurrent testimony of all the
+  Spanish navigators, there is not one port, nor even a tolerable
+  road, as yet found out betwixt the Philippine Islands and the
+  coast of California and Mexico; so that from the time the Manilla
+  ship first loses sight of land, she never lets go her anchor till
+  she arrives on the coast of California, and very often not till
+  she gets to its southermost <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page408" id="page408"></a>[pg 408]</span> extremity: And
+  therefore, as this voyage is rarely of less than six months
+  continuance, and the ship is deep laden with merchandise and
+  crowded with people, it may appear wonderful how they can be
+  supplied with a stock of fresh water for so long a time. A supply
+  indeed they have, but the reliance upon it seems at first sight
+  so extremely precarious, that it is wonderful such numbers should
+  risque perishing by the most dreadful of all deaths, on the
+  expectation of so casual a circumstance. In short, their only
+  method of recruiting their water is by the rains, which they meet
+  with between the latitudes of 30° and 40°
+  north, and which they are always prepared to catch: For this
+  purpose they take to sea with them a great number of mats, which
+  they place slopingly against the gunwale, whenever the rain
+  descends; these mats extend from one end of the ship to the
+  other, and their lower edges rest on a large split bamboe, so
+  that all the water which falls on the mats drain into the bamboe,
+  and by this, as a trough, is conveyed into ajar; and this method
+  of supplying their water, however accidental and extraordinary it
+  may at first sight appear, hath never been known to fail them, so
+  that it is common, for them, when their voyage is a little longer
+  than usual, to fill all their water jars several times over.</p>
+
+  <p>The length of time employed in this passage, so much beyond
+  what usually occurs in any other navigation, is perhaps in part
+  to be imputed to the indolence and unskilfulness of the Spanish
+  sailors, and to an unnecessary degree of caution and concern for
+  so rich a vessel: For it is said, that they never set their
+  main-sail in the night, and often lie by unnecessarily. And
+  indeed the instructions given to their captains (which I have
+  seen) seem to have been drawn up by such as were more
+  apprehensive of too strong a gale, though favourable, than of the
+  inconveniences and mortality attending a lingering and tedious
+  voyage; for the captain is particularly ordered to make his
+  passage in the latitude of 30° if possible, and to be
+  extremely, careful to stand no farther to the northward than is
+  absolutely necessary for the getting a westerly wind. This,
+  according to our conceptions, appears to be a very absurd
+  restriction; since it can scarcely be doubted, that in the higher
+  latitudes the westerly winds are much steadier and brisker than
+  in the latitude of 30°: So that the whole conduct of
+  this navigation seems liable to very great censure. If instead
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page409" id="page409"></a>[pg
+  409]</span> of steering E.N.E. into the latitude of thirty odd
+  degrees, they at first stood N.E., or even still more northerly,
+  into the latitude of 40° or 45°, in part of
+  which course the trade-winds would greatly assist them, I doubt
+  not they might considerably contract their voyage. And this is
+  not merely matter of speculation; for I am credibly informed,
+  that about the year 1721, a French ship, by pursuing this course,
+  ran from the coast of China to the valley of Vanderas on the
+  coast of Mexico, in less than fifty days: But it was said that
+  this ship, notwithstanding the shortness of her passage, suffered
+  prodigiously by the scurvy, so that she had only four or five of
+  her crew left when she arrived in America.</p>
+
+  <p>The Manilla ship having stood so far to the northward as to
+  meet with a westerly wind, stretches away nearly in the same
+  latitude for the coast of California: And when she has run into
+  the longitude of 96° from Cape Espiritu, Santo, she
+  generally meets with a plant floating on the sea, which, being
+  called Porra by the Spaniards, is, I presume, a species of
+  sea-leek. On the sight of this plant they esteem themselves
+  sufficiently near the Californian shore, and immediately stand to
+  the southward; they rely so much on this circumstance, that on
+  the first discovery of the plant the whole ship's company chaunt
+  a solemn <i>Te Deum</i>, esteeming the difficulties and hazards
+  of their passage to be now at an end; and they constantly correct
+  their longitude thereby, without ever coming within sight of
+  land, till they draw near its southern extremity.</p>
+
+  <p>The most usual time of the arrival of the galleon at Acapulco
+  is towards the middle of January: But this navigation is so
+  uncertain, that she sometimes gets in a month sooner, and at
+  other times has been detained at sea above a month longer. The
+  port of Acapulco is by much the securest and finest in all the
+  northern parts of the Pacific Ocean; being, as it were, a bason
+  surrounded by very high mountains: But the town is a most
+  wretched place, and extremely unhealthy, for the air about it is
+  so pent up by the hills, that it has scarcely any circulation.
+  The place is besides destitute of fresh water; except what is
+  brought from a considerable distance; and is in all respects so
+  inconvenient, that except at the time of the mart, whilst the
+  Manilla galleon is in the port, it is almost deserted.</p>
+
+  <p>When the galleon arrives in this port, she is generally
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page410" id="page410"></a>[pg
+  410]</span> moored on its western side, and her cargo is
+  delivered with all possible expedition. And now the town of
+  Acapulco, from almost a solitude, is immediately thronged with
+  merchants from all parts of the kingdom of Mexico. The cargo
+  being landed and disposed of, the silver and the goods intended
+  for Manilla are taken on board, together with provisions and
+  water, and the ship prepares to put to sea with the utmost
+  expedition. There is indeed no time to be lost; for it is an
+  express order to the captain to be out of the port of Acapulco on
+  his return, before the first day of April, N.S.</p>
+
+  <p>The principal return is made in silver, and consequently the
+  rest of the cargo is but of little account; the other articles,
+  besides the silver, being some cochineal and a few sweetmeats,
+  the produce of the American settlements, together with European
+  millinery ware for the women at Manilla, and some Spanish wines,
+  such as tent and sherry, which are intended for the use of their
+  priests in the administration of the sacrament.</p>
+
+  <p>This difference in the cargo of the ship to and from Manilla,
+  occasions a very remarkable variety in the manner of equipping
+  the ship for these two different voyages. For the galleon, when
+  she sets sail from Manilla, being deep laden with a variety of
+  bulky goods, has not the conveniency of mounting her lower tire
+  of guns, but carries them in her hold, till she draws near Cape
+  St Lucas, and is apprehensive of an enemy. Her hands too are as
+  few as is consistent with the safety of the ship, that she may be
+  less pestered with the stowage of provisions. But on her return
+  from Acapulco, as her cargo lies in less room, her lower tire is
+  (or ought to be) always mounted before she leaves the port, and
+  her crew is augmented with a supply of sailors, and with one or
+  two companies of foot, which are intended to reinforce the
+  garrison at Manilla. And there being besides many merchants who
+  take their passage to Manilla, her whole number of hands on her
+  return is usually little short of six hundred, all which are
+  easily provided for, by reason of the small stowage necessary for
+  the silver. The galleon being thus fitted for her return, the
+  captain, on leaving the port of Acapulco, steers for the latitude
+  of 13° or 14°, and runs on that parallel, till
+  he gets sight of the island of Guam, one of the Ladrones. In this
+  run the captain is particularly directed to be careful of the
+  shoals <span class="pagenum"><a name="page411" id=
+  "page411"></a>[pg 411]</span> of St Bartholomew, and of the
+  island of Gasparico. He is also told in his instructions, that to
+  prevent his passing the Ladrones in the dark, there are orders
+  given that, through all the month of June, fires shall be lighted
+  every night on the highest part of Guam and Rota, and kept in
+  till the morning.</p>
+
+  <p>At Guam there is a small Spanish garrison, purposely intended
+  to secure that place for the refreshment of the galleon, and to
+  yield her all the assistance in their power. However, the danger
+  of the road at Guam is so great, that though the galleon is
+  ordered to call there, yet she rarely stays above a day of two,
+  but getting her water and refreshments on board as soon as
+  possible, she steers away directly for Cape Espiritu Santo, on
+  the island of Samal. Here the captain is again ordered to look
+  out for signals; and he is told, that centinels will be posted
+  not only on that Cape, but likewise in Catanduanas, Butusan,
+  Birriborongo, and on the island of Batan. These centinels are
+  instructed to make a fire when they discover the ship, which the
+  captain is carefully to observe: For if, after this first fire is
+  extinguished, he perceives that four or more are lighted up
+  again, he is then to conclude that there are enemies on the
+  coast; and on this he is immediately to endeavour to speak with
+  the centinel on shore, and to procure from him more particular
+  intelligence of their force, and of the station they cruise in;
+  pursuant to which, he is to regulate his conduct, and to
+  endeavour to gain some secure port amongst those islands, without
+  coming in sight of the enemy; and in case he should be discovered
+  when in port, and should be apprehensive of attack, he is then to
+  land his treasure, and to take some of his artillery on shore for
+  its defence, not neglecting to send frequent and particular
+  accounts to the city of Manilla of all that passes. But if, after
+  the first fire on shore, the captain observes that two others
+  only are made by the centinels, he is then to conclude, that
+  there is nothing to fear: And he is to pursue his course without
+  interruption, and to make the best of his way to the port of
+  Cabite, which is the port to the city of Manilla, and the
+  constant station for all the ships employed in this commerce to
+  Acapulco.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page412" id=
+  "page412"></a>[pg 412]</span>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote146" name="footnote146"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag146">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Much of the original in this section is omitted, as either
+    unimportant now; or elsewhere given in the work.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote147" name="footnote147"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag147">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the original is inserted a chart for the explanation of
+    this track, which it is unnecessary to give here.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for the Manilla
+  Ship.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>I have already mentioned, that the return of our barge from
+  the port of Acapulco, where she had surprised three negro
+  fishermen, gave us inexpressible satisfaction, as we learnt from
+  our prisoners, that the galleon was then preparing to put to sea,
+  and that her departure was fixed, by an edict of the viceroy of
+  Mexico, to the 14th of March, N.S. that is, to the 3d of March,
+  according to our reckoning.</p>
+
+  <p>Having satisfied ourselves upon this head, we indulged our
+  curiosity in enquiring after other news; when the prisoners
+  informed us, that they had received intelligence at Acapulco, of
+  our having plundered and burnt the town of Paita; and that, on
+  this occasion, the governor of Acapulco had augmented the
+  fortifications of the place, and had taken several precautions to
+  prevent us from forcing our way into the harbour; that in
+  particular, he had placed a guard on the island which lies at the
+  harbour's mouth, and that this guard had been withdrawn but two
+  nights before the arrival of our barge: So that had the barge
+  succeeded in her first attempt, or had she arrived at the port
+  the second time two days sooner, she could scarcely have avoided
+  being seized on, or if she had escaped, it must have been with
+  the loss of the greatest part of her crew, as she would have been
+  under the fire of the guard, before she had known her danger.</p>
+
+  <p>The withdrawing of this guard was a circumstance that greatly
+  encouraged us, as it seemed to demonstrate, not only that the
+  enemy had not as yet discovered us, but likewise that they had
+  now no farther apprehensions of our visiting their coast, indeed
+  the prisoners assured us, that they had no knowledge of our being
+  in those seas, and that they had therefore flattered themselves,
+  that, in the long interval since our taking of Paita, we had
+  steered another course. But we did not consider the opinion of
+  these negro prisoners so authentic a proof of our being hitherto
+  concealed, as the withdrawing of the guard from the harbour's
+  mouth, which being the action of the governor, was of all
+  arguments the most convincing, as he might be supposed
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page413" id="page413"></a>[pg
+  413]</span> to have intelligence, with which the rest of the
+  inhabitants were unacquainted.</p>
+
+  <p>Satisfied therefore that we were undiscovered, and that the
+  time was fixed for the departure of the galleon from Acapulco, we
+  made all necessary preparations, and waited with the utmost
+  impatience for the important day. As this was the 3d of March,
+  and it was the 19th of February when the barge returned and
+  brought us our intelligence, the commodore resolved to continue
+  the greatest part of the intermediate time on his present
+  station, to the westward of Acapulco, conceiving that in this
+  situation there would be less danger of his being seen from the
+  shore, which was the only circumstance that could deprive us of
+  the immense treasure, on which we had at present so eagerly fixed
+  our thoughts. During this interval, we were employed in scrubbing
+  and cleansing our ships, in bringing them into their most
+  advantageous trim, and in regulating the orders, signals, and
+  stations to be observed, when we should arrive off Acapulco, and
+  the time of the departure of the galleon should draw nigh.</p>
+
+  <p>On the first of March, we made the high lands, usually called
+  the paps over Acapulco, and got with all possible expedition into
+  the situation prescribed by the commodore's orders. The
+  distribution of our squadron on this occasion, both for the
+  intercepting the galleon, and for the avoiding a discovery from
+  the shore, was so very judicious, that it well merits to be
+  distinctly described.</p>
+
+  <p>The Centurion brought the paps over the harbour to bear
+  N.N.E., at fifteen leagues distance, which was a sufficient
+  offing to prevent our being seen by the enemy. To the westward of
+  the Centurion there was stationed the Carmelo, and to the
+  eastward were the Tryal prize, the Gloucester, and the Carmin:
+  These were all ranged in a circular line, and each ship was three
+  leagues distant from the next; so that the Carmelo and the
+  Carmin, which were the two extremes, were twelve leagues distant
+  from each other: And as the galleon could, without doubt, be
+  discerned at six leagues distance from either extremity, the
+  whole sweep of our squadron, within which nothing could pass
+  undiscovered, was at least twenty-four leagues in extent; and yet
+  we were so connected by our signals, as to be easily and speedily
+  informed of what was seen in any part of the line: And, to render
+  this disposition still more complete, and to prevent <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page414" id="page414"></a>[pg 414]</span> even
+  the possibility of the galleon's escaping us in the night, the
+  two cutters belonging to the Centurion and the Gloucester were
+  both manned and sent in shore; and were ordered to lie all day at
+  the distance of four or five leagues from the entrance of the
+  port, where they could not possibly be discovered; but they were
+  directed in the night to stand nearer to the harbour's mouth, and
+  as the light of the morning came on, to return back again to
+  their day-posts. When the cutters should first discover the
+  Manilla ship, one of them was to return to the squadron, and to
+  make a signal, whether the galleon stood to the eastward or to
+  the westward; whilst the other was to follow the galleon at a
+  distance, and if it grew dark, to direct the squadron in their
+  chace, by shewing false fires.</p>
+
+  <p>Besides the care we had taken to prevent the galleon from
+  passing us unobserved, we had not been inattentive to the means
+  of engaging her to advantage, when we came up with her: For,
+  considering the thinness of our hands, and the vaunting accounts
+  given by the Spaniards of her size, her guns, and her strength,
+  this was a consideration not to be neglected. As we supposed that
+  none of our ships but the Centurion and the Gloucester were
+  capable of lying alongside of her, we took on board the Centurion
+  all the hands belonging to the Carmelo and the Carmin, except
+  what were just sufficient to navigate those ships; and Captain
+  Saunders was ordered to send from the Tryal prize ten Englishmen,
+  and as many negroes, to reinforce the crew of the Gloucester. For
+  the encouragement of our negroes, we promised them, that on their
+  good behaviour they should all have their freedom; and as they
+  had been almost every day trained to the management of the great
+  guns for the two preceding months, they were very well qualified
+  to be of service to us; and from their hopes of liberty, and in
+  return for the usage they had met with amongst us, they seemed
+  disposed to exert themselves to the utmost of their power.</p>
+
+  <p>Being thus prepared for the reception of the galleon, we
+  expected, with the utmost impatience, the so-often-mentioned
+  third of March, the day fixed for her departure. And on that day
+  we were all of us most eagerly engaged in looking out towards
+  Acapulco; and we were so strangely prepossessed with the
+  certainty of our intelligence, and with an assurance of her
+  coming out of port, that some or other of us <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page415" id="page415"></a>[pg 415]</span> were
+  constantly imagining they discovered one of our cutters returning
+  with a signal. But, to our extreme vexation, both this day and
+  the succeeding night passed without any news of the galleon:
+  However, we did not yet despair, but were all heartily disposed
+  to flatter ourselves, that some unforeseen accident had
+  intervened, which might have put off her departure for a few
+  days; and suggestions of this kind occurred in plenty, as we knew
+  that the time fixed by the viceroy for her sailing was often
+  prolonged on the petition of the merchants of Mexico. Thus we
+  kept up our hopes, and did not abate of our vigilance; and as the
+  7th of March was Sunday the beginning of Passion-week, which is
+  observed by the Papists with great strictness, and a total
+  cessation from all kinds of labour, so that no ship is permitted
+  to stir out of port during the whole week, this quieted our
+  apprehensions for some days, and disposed us not to expect the
+  galleon till the week following. On the Friday in this week our
+  cutters returned to us, the officers being very confident that
+  the galleon was still in port, and that she could not possibly
+  have come out but they must have seen her. On the Monday morning
+  succeeding Passion-week, that is, on the 15th of March, the
+  cutters were again dispatched to their old station, and our hopes
+  were once more indulged in as sanguine prepossessions as before;
+  but in a week's time our eagerness was greatly abated, and a
+  general dejection and despondency took place. It is true, there
+  were some few amongst us who still kept up their spirits, and
+  were very ingenious in finding out reasons to satisfy themselves,
+  that the disappointment had been occasioned by a casual delay of
+  the galleon, which a few days would remove, and not by a total
+  suspension of her departure for the whole season: But these
+  speculations were not relished by the generality of our people;
+  for they were persuaded that the enemy had, by some accident,
+  discovered our being upon the coast, and had therefore laid an
+  embargo on the galleon till the next year. And indeed this
+  persuasion was but too well founded; for we afterwards learnt,
+  that our barge, when sent on the discovery of the port of
+  Acapulco, had been seen from the shore; and that this
+  circumstance (no embarkations but canoes ever frequenting that
+  coast) was to them a sufficient proof of the neighbourhood of our
+  squadron; on which they stopped the galleon till the succeeding
+  year.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore himself, though he declared not his opinion,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page416" id="page416"></a>[pg
+  416]</span> was yet in his own thoughts very apprehensive that we
+  were discovered, and that the departure of the galleon was put
+  off; and he had, in consequence of this opinion, formed a plan
+  for possessing himself of Acapulco; for he had no doubt that the
+  treasure remained in the town, though the orders for dispatching
+  the galleon were countermanded.<a id="footnotetag148" name=
+  "footnotetag148"></a><a href="#footnote148"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>His scheme was formed on a supposition that the galleon was
+  detained till the next year; but as this was a matter of opinion
+  only, and not founded on intelligence, and there was a
+  possibility that she might still put to sea in a short time, the
+  commodore thought it prudent to continue his cruise upon this
+  station, as long as the necessary attention to his stores of wood
+  and water, and to the convenient season for his future passage to
+  China, would give him leave; and therefore, as the cutters had
+  been ordered to remain, before Acapulco till the 23d of March,
+  the squadron did not change its position till that day; when the
+  cutters not appearing, we were in some pain for them,
+  apprehending they might have suffered either from the enemy or
+  the weather; but we were relieved from our concern the next
+  morning, when we discovered them, though at a great distance and
+  to the leeward of the squadron: We bore down to them and took
+  them up and were informed by them, that, conformable to their
+  orders, they had left their station the day before, without
+  having seen any thing of the galleon; and we found, that the
+  reason of their being so far to the leeward of us was a strong
+  current, which had driven the whole squadron to windward.</p>
+
+  <p>It afterwards appeared that this prolongation of our cruise
+  was a very prudent measure, and afforded us no contemptible
+  chance of seizing the treasure, on which we had so long fixed our
+  thoughts. For it seems, after the embargo was laid on the
+  galleon, the persons principally interested in the cargo sent
+  several expresses to Mexico, to beg that she might still be
+  permitted to depart: For as they knew, by the accounts sent from
+  Paita, that we had not more than three hundred men in all, they
+  insisted that there was nothing to be feared from us; for that
+  the galleon (carrying above twice as many hands as our whole
+  squadron) would be greatly an overmatch for us. Though the
+  viceroy was inflexible; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page417"
+  id="page417"></a>[pg 417]</span> yet, on this representation, she
+  was kept ready for the sea for near three weeks after the first
+  order came to detain her.</p>
+
+  <p>When we had taken up the cutters, all the ships being joined,
+  the commodore made a signal to speak with their commanders; and
+  upon enquiry into the stock of fresh water remaining on board the
+  squadron, it was found to be so very slender, that we were under
+  a necessity of quitting our station to procure a fresh supply. It
+  was agreed, that the harbour of Seguataneo or Chequetan being the
+  nearest to us, was, on that account, the most eligible; it was
+  therefore immediately resolved to make the best of our way
+  thither: And that, even while we were recruiting our water, we
+  might not abandon our views upon the galleon, which perhaps, upon
+  certain intelligence of our ship being employed at Chequetan,
+  might venture to slip out to sea; our cutter, under the command
+  of Mr Hughes, the lieutenant of the Tryal prize, was ordered to
+  cruise off the port of Acapulco for twenty-four days, that if the
+  galleon should set sail in that interval, we might be speedily
+  informed of it. In pursuance of these resolutions we endeavoured
+  to ply to the westward, to gain our intended port, but were often
+  interrupted in our progress by calms and adverse currents: In
+  these intervals we employed ourselves in taking out the most
+  valuable part of the cargoes of the Carmelo and Carmin prizes,
+  which two ships we intended to destroy as soon as we had
+  tolerably cleared them. By the first of April we were so far
+  advanced towards Seguataneo, that we thought it expedient to send
+  out two boats, that they might range along the coast, and
+  discover the watering-place; they were gone some days, and our
+  water being now very short, it was a particular felicity to us
+  that we met with daily supplies of turtle, for had we been
+  entirely confined to salt provisions, we must have suffered
+  extremely in so warm a climate. Indeed our present circumstances
+  were sufficiently alarming, and gave the most considerate amongst
+  us as much concern as any of the numerous perils we had hitherto
+  encountered; for our boats, as we conceived by their not
+  returning, had not as yet discovered a place proper to water at,
+  and by the leakage of our cask and other accidents, we had not
+  ten days water on board the whole squadron; so that from the
+  known difficulty of procuring water on this coast, and the little
+  reliance we had on the Buccaneer writers, (the only guides we had
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page418" id="page418"></a>[pg
+  418]</span> to trust to) we were apprehensive of being soon
+  exposed to a calamity, the most terrible of any in the long
+  disheartening catalogue of the distresses of a sea-faring
+  life.</p>
+
+  <p>But these gloomy suggestions were soon happily ended; for our
+  boats returned on the 5th of April, having discovered a place
+  proper for our purpose, about seven miles to the westward of the
+  rocks of Seguataneo, which, by the description they gave of it,
+  appeared to be the port called by Dampier the harbour of
+  Chequetan. They were ordered out again the next day, to sound the
+  harbour and its entrance, which they had represented as very
+  narrow. At their return they reported the place to be free from
+  any danger; so that on the 7th we stood in, and that evening came
+  to an anchor in eleven fathom. The Gloucester came to an anchor
+  at the same time with us; but the Camelo and the Carmin having
+  fallen to leeward, the Tryal prize was ordered to join them, and
+  to bring them in, which in two or three days she effected.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote148" name="footnote148"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag148">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It is unnecessary to detail this plan, as, for sufficient
+    reasons soon discovered, it was not attempted to be
+    executed.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>A short Account of Chequetan, and of the adjacent Coast
+  and Country.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The harbour of Chequetan lies in the latitude of 17°
+  36' N. and is about thirty leagues to the westward of Acapulco.
+  It is easy to be discovered by any ship that will keep well in
+  with the land, especially by such as range down coast from
+  Acapulco, and will attend to the following particulars.</p>
+
+  <p>There is a beach of sand which extends eighteen leagues from
+  the harbour of Acapulco to the westward, against which the sea
+  breaks with such violence that it is impossible to land in any
+  part of it; but yet the ground is so clean; that ships, in the
+  fair season, may anchor in great safety at the distance of a mile
+  or two from the shore. The land adjacent to this beach is
+  generally low, full of villages, and planted with a great number
+  of trees; and on the tops of some small eminencies there are
+  several look-out towers, so that the face of the country affords
+  a very agreeable prospect: For the cultivated part, which is the
+  part here described, extends some leagues back from the shore,
+  and there appears to be bounded by the chain of mountains, which
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page419" id="page419"></a>[pg
+  419]</span> stretch to a considerable distance on either side of
+  Acapulco. It is a most remarkable particularity, that in this
+  whole extent, being, as hath been mentioned, eighteen leagues,
+  and containing, in appearance, the most populous and best planted
+  district of the whole coast, there should be neither canoes,
+  boats, nor any other embarkations either for fishing, coasting,
+  or for pleasure.</p>
+
+  <p>The beach here described is the surest guide for finding the
+  harbour of Chequetan; for five miles to the westward of the
+  extremity of this beach there appears a hummock, which at first
+  makes like an island, and is in shape not very unlike the hill of
+  Petaplan, hereafter mentioned, though much smaller. Three miles
+  to the westward of this hummock is a white rock lying near the
+  shore, which cannot easily be passed by unobserved; it is about
+  two cables length from the land, and lies in a large bay about
+  nine leagues over. The westward point of this bay is the hill of
+  Petaplan. This hill, like the forementioned hummock, may be at
+  first mistaken for an island, though it be, in reality, a
+  peninsula, which is joined to the continent by a low and narrow
+  isthmus, covered over with shrubs and small trees. The bay of
+  Seguataneo extends from this hill a great way to the westward;
+  and at a small distance from the hill, and opposite to the
+  entrance of the bay, there is an assemblage of rocks, which are
+  white, from the excrements of boobies and tropical birds. Four of
+  these rocks are high and large, and, together with several other
+  smaller ones, are, by the help of a little imagination, pretended
+  to resemble the form of a cross, and are called the White Friars.
+  These rocks bear W. by N. from Petaplan, and about seven miles to
+  the westward of them lies the harbour of Chequetan, which is
+  still more minutely distinguished by a large and single rock,
+  that rises out of the water a mile and a half distant from its
+  entrance, and bears S. 1/2 W. from the middle of it.<a id=
+  "footnotetag149" name="footnotetag149"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote149"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>These are the infallible marks by which the harbour of
+  Chequetan may be known to those who keep well in with the land;
+  and I must add, that the coast is no ways to be dreaded from the
+  middle of October to the beginning of May, nor is there then any
+  danger from the winds, though in the remaining part of the year
+  there are frequent and violent <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page420" id="page420"></a>[pg 420]</span> tornadoes, heavy
+  rains, and hard gales, in all directions of the compass. But as
+  to those who keep at any considerable distance from the coast,
+  there is no other method to be taken by them for finding this
+  harbour than that of making it by its latitude; for there are so
+  many ranges of mountains rising one upon the back of another
+  within land, that no drawings of the appearance of the coast can
+  be at all depended on when off at sea, for every little change of
+  distance, or variation of position, brings new mountains in view,
+  and produces an infinity of different prospects, which would
+  render all attempts of delineating the aspect of the coast
+  impossible.</p>
+
+  <p>The harbour is environed on all sides, except to the westward,
+  with high mountains overspread with trees. The passage into it is
+  very safe on either side of the rock that lies off the mouth of
+  it, though we, both in coming in and going out, left it to the
+  eastward. The ground without the harbour is gravel mixed with
+  stones, but within it is soft mud: And it must be remembered,
+  that in coming to an anchor a good allowance should be made for a
+  large swell, which frequently causes a great send of the sea; as
+  likewise for the ebbing and flowing of the tide, which we
+  observed to be about five feet, and that it set nearly E. and
+  W.</p>
+
+  <p>The watering-place had the appearance of a large standing
+  lake, without any visible outlet into the sea, from which it is
+  separated by a part of the strand. The origin of this lake is a
+  spring, that bubbles out of the ground near half a mile within
+  the country. We found the water a little brackish, but more
+  considerably so towards the sea-side, for the nearer we advanced
+  towards the spring-head, the softer and fresher it proved: This
+  laid us under a necessity of filling all our casks from the
+  furthest part of the lake, and occasioned us some trouble, and
+  would have proved still more difficult had it not been for our
+  particular management, which, for the conveniency of it, deserves
+  to be recommended to all who shall hereafter water at this place.
+  Our method consisted in making use of canoes which drew but
+  little water; for, loading them with a number of small casks,
+  they easily got up the lake to the spring-head, and the small
+  casks being there filled, were in the same manner transported
+  back again to the beach, where some of our hands always attended
+  to start them into other casks of a larger size.</p>
+
+  <p>Though this lake, during our continuance there, appeared
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page421" id="page421"></a>[pg
+  421]</span> to have no outlet into the sea, yet there is reason
+  to suppose that in the wet season it overflows the strand, and
+  communicates with the ocean; for Dampier, who was formerly here,
+  speaks of it as a large river. Indeed, there must be a very great
+  body of water amassed before the lake can rise high enough to
+  overflow the strand, for the neighbouring country is so low, that
+  great part of it must be covered with water before it can run out
+  over the beach.</p>
+
+  <p>As the country in the neighbourhood, particularly the tract
+  which we have already described, appeared to be well peopled and
+  cultivated, we hoped thence to have procured fresh provision and
+  other refreshments which we stood in need of. With this view, the
+  morning after we came to an anchor, the commodore ordered a party
+  of forty men, well armed, to march into the country, and to
+  endeavour to discover some town or village, where they were to
+  attempt a correspondence with the inhabitants; for we doubted not
+  if we could have any intercourse with them, but that by presents
+  of some of the coarse merchandise, with which our prizes abounded
+  (which, though of little consequence to us, would to them be
+  extremely valuable,) we should allure them to furnish us with
+  whatever fruits or fresh provisions were in their power. Our
+  people were directed on this occasion to proceed with the
+  greatest circumspection, and to make as little ostentation of
+  hostility as possible; for we were sensible that we could meet
+  with no wealth here worth our notice, and that what necessaries
+  we really wanted we should in all probability be better supplied
+  with by an open amicable traffic, than by violence and force of
+  arms. But this endeavour of opening an intercourse with the
+  inhabitants proved ineffectual, for towards evening, the party
+  which had been ordered to march into the country, returned
+  greatly fatigued with their unusual exercise, and some of them so
+  far spent as to have fainted by the way, and to be obliged to be
+  brought back upon the shoulders of their companions. They had
+  marched in all, as they conceived, about ten miles, in a beaten
+  road, where they often saw the fresh dung of horses or mules.
+  When they had got about five miles from the harbour, the road
+  divided between the mountains into two branches, one running to
+  the east and the other to the west. After some deliberation about
+  the course they should take, they agreed to pursue the eastern
+  road, which, when they had followed for some time, led them at
+  once <span class="pagenum"><a name="page422" id="page422"></a>[pg
+  422]</span> into a large plain or savannah; on one side of which
+  they discovered a centinel on horseback with a pistol in his
+  hand: It was supposed that when they first saw him he was asleep,
+  but his horse startled at the glittering of their arms, and,
+  turning round suddenly, rode off with his master, who was very
+  near being unhorsed in the surprise, but he recovered his seat,
+  and escaped with the loss of his hat and his pistol, which he
+  dropped on the ground. Our people ran after him, in hopes of
+  discovering some village or habitation, but as he had the
+  advantage of being on horseback, they soon lost sight of him.
+  However, they were unwilling to come back without making some
+  discovery, and therefore still followed the track they were in;
+  but the heat of the day increasing, and finding no water to
+  quench their thirst, they were first obliged to halt, and then
+  resolved to return; for, as they saw no signs of plantations or
+  cultivated land, they had no reason to believe that there was any
+  village or settlement near them: But, to leave no means untried
+  of procuring some intercourse with the people, the officers stuck
+  up several poles in the road, to which were affixed declarations,
+  written in Spanish, encouraging the inhabitants to come down to
+  the harbour and to traffic with us, giving the strongest
+  assurances of a kind reception, and faithful payment for any
+  provisions they should bring us. This was doubtless a very
+  prudent measure, but it produced no effect; for we never saw any
+  of them during the whole time of our continuance at this port of
+  Chequetan. But had our men, upon the division of the path, taken
+  the western road instead of the eastern, it would soon have led
+  them to a village or town, which, in some Spanish manuscripts, is
+  mentioned as being in the neighbourhood of this port, and which
+  we afterwards learnt was not above two miles from that
+  turning.</p>
+
+  <p>And on this occasion I cannot help mentioning another
+  adventure which happened to some of our people in the bay of
+  Petaplan, as it may help to give the reader a just idea of the
+  temper of the inhabitants of this part of the world. Some time
+  after our arrival at Chequetan, Lieutenant Brett was sent by the
+  commodore, with two of our boats under his command, to examine
+  the coast to the eastward, particularly to make observations on
+  the bay and watering-place of Petaplan. As Mr Brett with one of
+  the boats was preparing to go on shore towards the hill of
+  Petaplan, he, accidentally <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page423" id="page423"></a>[pg 423]</span> looking across the
+  bay, perceived, on the opposite strand, three small squadrons of
+  horse parading upon the beach, and seeming to advance towards the
+  place where he proposed to land. On sight of this he immediately
+  put off the boat, though he had but sixteen men with him, and
+  stood over the bay towards them; and he soon came near enough to
+  perceive that they were mounted on very sightly horses, and were
+  armed with carbines and lances. On seeing him make towards them
+  they formed upon the beach, and seemed resolved to dispute his
+  landing, firing several distant shot at him as he drew near; till
+  at last, the boat being arrived within a reasonable distance of
+  the most advanced squadron, Mr Brett ordered his people to fire,
+  upon which this resolute cavalry instantly ran in great confusion
+  into the wood. In this precipitate flight one of their horses
+  fell down and threw his rider; but whether he was wounded or not
+  we could not learn, for both man and horse soon got up again, and
+  followed the rest. In the mean time the other two squadrons, who
+  were drawn up at a great distance behind, out of the reach of our
+  shot, were calm spectators of the rout of their comrades; for
+  they had halted on our first approach, and never advanced
+  afterwards. It was, doubtless, fortunate for our people that the
+  enemy acted with so little prudence, and exerted so little
+  spirit, for had they concealed themselves till our men had
+  landed, it is scarcely possible but the whole boat's crew must
+  have fallen into their hands, since the Spaniards were not much
+  short of two hundred in number. However, the discovery of so
+  considerable a force collected in this bay of Petaplan, obliged
+  us constantly to keep a boat or two before it; for we were
+  apprehensive that the cutter, which we had left to cruise off
+  Acapulco, might, on her return, be surprised by the enemy, if she
+  did not receive timely information of her danger.</p>
+
+  <p>After our unsuccessful attempt to engage the people of the
+  country to furnish us with the necessaries we wanted, we were
+  obliged to be contented with what we could procure in the
+  neighbourhood of the port. We caught fish here in tolerable
+  quantities, especially when the smoothness of the water permitted
+  us to hale the seyne. Amongst the rest, we got here cavallies,
+  breams, mullets, soles, fiddle-fish, sea eggs, and lobsters; and
+  here, and in no other place, met with that extraordinary fish
+  called the Torpedo, or numbing fish, which is in shape very like
+  the fiddle-fish, and is <span class="pagenum"><a name="page424"
+  id="page424"></a>[pg 424]</span> not to be known from it but by a
+  brown circular spot of about the bigness of a crown-piece near
+  the centre of its back; perhaps its figure will be better
+  understood when I say it is a flat fish, much resembling the
+  thorn-back. This fish is of a most singular nature, productive of
+  the strangest effects on the human body; for whoever handles it,
+  or happens even to set his foot upon it, is presently seized with
+  a numbness all over him, but more distinguishable in that limb
+  which was in immediate contact with it. The same effect, too,
+  will be, in some degree, produced by touching the fish, with any
+  thing held in the hand; for I myself had a considerable degree of
+  numbness conveyed to my right arm through a walking cane, which I
+  rested on the body of the fish for some time, and I make no doubt
+  but I should have been much more sensibly affected had not the
+  fish been near expiring when I made the experiment: For it is
+  observable that this influence acts with most vigour when the
+  fish is first taken out of the water, and entirely ceases when it
+  is dead, so that it may be then handled, or even eaten, without
+  any inconvenience. I shall only add that the numbness of my arm
+  on this occasion did not go off on a sudden, as the accounts of
+  some naturalists gave me reason to expect, but diminished
+  gradually, so that I had some sensation of it remaining till the
+  next day.</p>
+
+  <p>To the account given of the fish we met with here, I must add,
+  that though turtle now grew scarce, and we met with none in this
+  harbour of Chequetan, yet our boats, which, as I have mentioned,
+  were stationed off Petaplan, often supplied us therewith; and
+  though this was a food that we had now been so long as it were
+  confined to, (for it was the only fresh provisions which we had
+  tasted for near six months,) yet we were far from being cloyed
+  with it, or finding that the relish we had of it at all
+  diminished.</p>
+
+  <p>The animals we met with on shore were principally guanos, with
+  which the country abounds, and which are by some reckoned
+  delicious food. We saw no beasts of prey here, except alligators,
+  several of which our people discovered, but none of them very
+  large. However, we were satisfied there were tygers in the woods,
+  though none of them came in sight; for we every morning found the
+  beach near the watering-place imprinted with their footsteps: But
+  we never apprehended any mischief from them, for they are by no
+  means so fierce as the Asiatic or African tyger, and are
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page425" id="page425"></a>[pg
+  425]</span> rarely, if ever, known to attack mankind. Birds were
+  in sufficient plenty, especially pheasants of different kinds,
+  some of them of an uncommon size, but they were very dry and
+  tasteless food. Besides these we had a variety of smaller birds,
+  particularly parrots, which we often killed for food.</p>
+
+  <p>The fruits and vegetable refreshments at this place were
+  neither plentiful, nor of the best kinds: There were, it is true,
+  a few bushes scattered about the woods, which supplied us with
+  limes, but we scarcely could procure enough for our present use;
+  and these, with a small plumb of an agreeable acid, called in
+  Jamaica the hog-plumb, together with another fruit called a
+  papah, were the only fruits to be found in the woods. Nor is
+  there any other useful vegetable here worth mentioning, except
+  brook-lime: This indeed grew in great quantities near the
+  fresh-water banks; and, as it was esteemed an antiscorbutic, we
+  fed upon it frequently, though its extreme bitterness made it
+  very unpalatable.</p>
+
+  <p>By all that has been said, it will appear that the
+  conveniences of this port of Chequetan, particularly in the
+  articles of refreshment, are not altogether such as might be
+  desired: But, upon the whole, it is a place of considerable
+  consequence, as the only secure harbour in a vast extent of
+  coast, except Acapulco.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote149" name="footnote149"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag149">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>In the original are references to some plates, which cannot
+    be given in this work.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and on the adjacent
+  Coast, till our setting sail for Asia.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The next morning, after our coming to an anchor in the harbour
+  of Chequetan, we sent about ninety of our men well armed on
+  shore, forty of whom were ordered to march into the country, as
+  has been mentioned, and the remaining fifty were employed to
+  cover the watering-place, and to prevent any interruption from
+  the natives.</p>
+
+  <p>Here it was agreed, after mature consultation, to destroy the
+  Tryal's prize, as well as the Carmelo and Carmin whose fate had
+  been before resolved on. Indeed the ship was in good repair and
+  fit for the sea; but as the whole numbers onboard our squadron
+  did not amount to the complement of a fourth-rate man of war, we
+  found it was impossible to divide them into three ships, without
+  rendering them incapable <span class="pagenum"><a name="page426"
+  id="page426"></a>[pg 426]</span> of navigating in safety in the
+  tempestuous weather we had reason to expect on the coast of
+  China, where we supposed we should arrive about the time of the
+  change of the monsoons.</p>
+
+  <p>During our stay here there happened an incident, which, as it
+  proved the means of convincing our friends in England of our
+  safety, which for some time they were in doubt about, I shall beg
+  leave particularly to recite. I have observed, that from this
+  harbour of Chequetan there was but one path-way which led through
+  the woods into the country. This we found much beaten, and were
+  thence convinced that it was well known to the inhabitants. As it
+  passed by the spring-head, and was the only avenue by which the
+  Spaniards could approach us, we, at some distance beyond the
+  spring-head, felled several large trees, and laid them one upon
+  the other across the path; and at this barricado we constantly
+  kept a guard: And we besides ordered our men employed in watering
+  to have their arms ready, and, in case of any alarm, to march
+  instantly to this post. Though our principal intention was to
+  prevent our being disturbed by any sudden attack of the enemy's
+  horse, yet it answered another purpose, which was not in itself
+  less important; this was to hinder our own people from straggling
+  singly into the country, where we had reason to believe they
+  would be surprised by the Spaniards, who would doubtless be
+  extremely solicitous to pick up some of them, in hopes of getting
+  intelligence of our future designs. To avoid this inconvenience,
+  the strictest orders were given to the centinels, to let no
+  person whatever pass beyond their post: But, notwithstanding this
+  precaution, we missed one Lewis Leger, who was the commodore's
+  cook; and as he was a Frenchman, and suspected to be a papist, it
+  was by some imagined that he had deserted with a view of
+  betraying all that he knew to the enemy; but this appeared by the
+  event to be an ill-grounded surmise, for it was afterwards known
+  that he had been taken by some Indians, who carried him prisoner
+  to Acapulco, from whence he was transferred, to Mexico, and then
+  to Vera Cruz, where he was shipped on board a vessel bound to Old
+  Spain: And the vessel being obliged by some accident to put into
+  Lisbon, Leger escaped on shore, and was by the British consul
+  sent from thence to England; where he brought the first authentic
+  account of the safety of the commodore, and of what he had done
+  in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page427" id="page427"></a>[pg
+  427]</span> the South Seas. The relation he gave of his own
+  seizure was, that he had rambled into the woods at some distance
+  from the barricade, where he had first attempted to pass, but had
+  been stopped and threatened to be punished; that his principal
+  view was to get a quantity of limes for his master's store; and
+  that in this occupation he was surprised by four Indians, who
+  stripped him naked, and carried him in that condition to
+  Acapulco, exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, which at that
+  time of the year shone with its greatest violence: And afterwards
+  at Mexico his treatment in prison was sufficiently severe, and
+  the whole course of his captivity was a continued instance of the
+  hatred which the Spaniards bear to all those who endeavour to
+  disturb them in the peaceable possession of the coasts of the
+  South Seas. Indeed, Leger's fortune was upon the whole extremely
+  singular; for after the hazards he had run in the commodore's
+  squadron, and the severities he had suffered in his long
+  confinement amongst the enemy, a more fatal disaster attended him
+  on his return to England: For though, when he arrived in London,
+  some of Mr Anson's friends interested themselves in relieving him
+  from the poverty to which his captivity had reduced him, yet he
+  did not long enjoy the benefit of their humanity, for he was
+  killed in an insignificant night brawl, the cause of which could
+  scarcely be discovered.</p>
+
+  <p>And here I must observe, that though the enemy never appeared
+  in sight during our stay in this harbour; yet we perceived that
+  there were large parties encamped in the woods about us; for we
+  could see their smokes, and could thence determine that they were
+  posted in a circular line surrounding us at a distance; and just
+  before our coming away they seemed, by the increase of their
+  fires, to have received a considerable reinforcement.</p>
+
+  <p>Towards the latter end of April, the unloading of our three
+  prizes, our wooding and watering, and, in short, all our proposed
+  employments at the harbour of Chequetan were completed: So that,
+  on the 27th of April, the Tryal's prize, the Carmelo, and the
+  Carmin, all which we intended to destroy, were towed on shore and
+  scuttled, and a quantity of combustible materials were
+  distributed in their upper works; and the next morning the
+  Centurion and the Gloucester weighed anchor, but as there was but
+  little wind, and that not in their favour, they were obliged to
+  warp out of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page428" id=
+  "page428"></a>[pg 428]</span> harbour. When they had reached the
+  offing, one of the boats was dispatched back again to set fire to
+  our prize, which was accordingly executed. And a canoe was left
+  fixed to a grapnel in the middle of the harbour, with a bottle in
+  it well corked, inclosing a letter to Mr Hughes, who commanded
+  the cutter, which was ordered to cruise before the port of
+  Acapulco, when we came off that station. And on this occasion I
+  must mention more particularly than I have yet done, the views of
+  the commodore in leaving the cutter before that port.</p>
+
+  <p>When we were necessitated to make for Chequetan to take in our
+  water, Mr Anson considered that our being in that harbour would
+  soon be known at Acapulco; and therefore he hoped, that on the
+  intelligence of our being employed in port, the galleon might put
+  to sea, especially as Chequetan is so very remote from the course
+  generally steered by the galleon: He therefore ordered the cutter
+  to cruise twenty-four days off the port of Acapulco, and her
+  commander was directed, on perceiving the galleon under sail, to
+  make the best of his way to the commodore at Chequetan. As the
+  Centurion was doubtless a much better sailer than the galleon, Mr
+  Anson in this case resolved to have got to sea as soon as
+  possible, and to have pursued the galleon across the Pacific
+  Ocean: And supposing he should not have met with her in his
+  passage, (which considering that he would have kept nearly the
+  same parallel, was not very improbable,) yet he was certain of
+  arriving off Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal, before
+  her; and that being the first land she makes on her return to the
+  Philippines, we could not have failed to have fallen in with her,
+  by cruising a few days in that station. But the viceroy of Mexico
+  ruined this project by keeping the galleon in the port of
+  Acapulco all that year.</p>
+
+  <p>The letter left in the canoe for Mr Hughes, the commander of
+  the cutter, the time of whose return was now considerably
+  elapsed, directed him to go back immediately to his former
+  station before Acapulco, where he would find Mr Anson, who
+  resolved to cruise for him there for a certain number of days;
+  after which it was added, that the commodore would return to the
+  southward to join the rest of the squadron. This last article was
+  inserted to deceive the Spaniards, if they got possession of the
+  canoe, (as we afterwards learnt they did) but could not impose on
+  Mr <span class="pagenum"><a name="page429" id="page429"></a>[pg
+  429]</span> Hughes, who well knew that the commodore had no
+  squadron to join, nor any intention of steering back to Peru.</p>
+
+  <p>Being now in the offing of Chequetan, bound cross the vast
+  Pacific Ocean in our way to China, we were impatient to run off
+  the coast as soon as possible; for as the stormy season was
+  approaching apace, and as we had no further views in the American
+  seas, we had hoped that nothing would have prevented us from
+  standing to the westward, the moment we got out of the harbour of
+  Chequetan: And it was no small mortification to us, that our
+  necessary employment there had detained us so much longer than we
+  expected; and now we were farther detained by the absence of the
+  cutter, and the standing towards Acapulco in search of her.
+  Indeed, as the time of her cruise had been expired near a
+  fortnight, we suspected that she had been discovered from the
+  shore; and that the governor of Acapulco had thereupon sent out a
+  force to seize her, which, as she carried but six hands, was no
+  very difficult enterprize. However, this being only conjecture,
+  the commodore, as soon as we got clear of the harbour of
+  Chequetan, stood along the coast to the eastward in search of
+  her: And to prevent her from passing by us in the dark, we
+  brought to every night; and the Gloucester, whose station was a
+  league within us towards the shore, carried a light which the
+  cutter could not but perceive if she kept along shore, as we
+  supposed she would do; and as a farther security, the Centurion
+  and the Gloucester alternately showed two false fires every half
+  hour.</p>
+
+  <p>By Sunday, the 2d of May, we were advanced within three
+  leagues of Acapulco, and having seen nothing of our boat, we gave
+  her over for lost, which, besides the compassionate concern for
+  our shipmates, and for what it was apprehended they might have
+  suffered, was in itself a misfortune in our present scarcity of
+  hands, we were all greatly interested in: For the crew of the
+  cutter, consisting of six men and the lieutenant, were the very
+  flower of our people, purposely picked out for this service, and
+  known to be every one of them of tried and approved resolution,
+  and as skilful seamen as ever trod a deck. However, as it was the
+  general belief among us that they were taken and carried into
+  Acapulco, the commodore's prudence suggested a project which we
+  hoped would recover them. This was founded <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page430" id="page430"></a>[pg 430]</span> on
+  our having many Spanish and Indian prisoners in our possession,
+  and a number of sick negroes, who could be of no service to us in
+  the navigating of the ship. The commodore therefore wrote a
+  letter the same day to the governor of Acapulco, telling him that
+  he would release them all, provided the governor returned the
+  cutter's crew; and the letter was dispatched the same afternoon
+  by a Spanish officer, of whose honour we had a good opinion, and
+  who was furnished with a launch belonging to one of our prizes,
+  and a crew of six other prisoners who all gave their parole for
+  their return. The officer, besides the commodore's letter,
+  carried with him a petition signed by all the prisoners,
+  beseeching his excellency to acquiesce in the terms proposed.
+  From a consideration of the number of our prisoners, and the
+  quality of some of them, we did not doubt but the governor would
+  readily comply, and therefore we kept plying on and off the whole
+  night, intending to keep well in with the land, that we might
+  receive an answer at the limited time, which was the next day,
+  being Monday: But both on the Monday and Tuesday we were driven
+  so far off shore, that we could not hope to receive any answer;
+  and on the Wednesday morning we found ourselves fourteen leagues
+  from the harbour of Acapulco; but as the wind was now favourable,
+  we pressed forwards with all our sail, and did not doubt of
+  getting in with the land in a few hours. Whilst we were thus
+  standing in, the man at the mast-head called out that he saw a
+  boat under sail at a considerable distance to the south-eastward:
+  This we took for granted was the answer of the governor to the
+  commodore's message, and we instantly edged towards it; but when
+  we drew nearer, we found to our unspeakable joy that it was our
+  own cutter. While she was still at a distance, we imagined that
+  she had been discharged out of the port of Acapulco by the
+  governor; but when she drew nearer, the wan and meagre
+  countenances of the crew, the length of their beards, and the
+  feeble and hollow tone of their voices, convinced us that they
+  had suffered much greater hardships than could be expected from
+  even the severities of a Spanish prison. They were obliged to be
+  helped into the ship, and were immediately put to bed, and with
+  rest, and nourishing diet, which they were plentifully supplied
+  with, from the commodore's table, they recovered their health and
+  vigour apace. We learnt that they had kept the sea the whole time
+  of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page431" id="page431"></a>[pg
+  431]</span> their absence; that when they finished their cruise
+  before Acapulco, and had just begun to ply to the westward in
+  order to join the squadron, a strong adverse current had forced
+  them down the coast to the eastward in spite of all their
+  efforts; that at length their water being all expended, they were
+  obliged to search the coast farther on to the eastward, in quest
+  of some convenient landing-place, where they might get a fresh
+  supply; that in this distress they ran upwards of eighty leagues
+  to leeward, and found every where so large a surf, that there was
+  not the least possibility of their landing; that they passed some
+  days in this dreadful situation without water, and having no
+  other means left them to allay their thirst than sucking the
+  blood of the turtle which they caught; and at last, giving up all
+  hopes of relief, the heat of the climate augmenting their
+  necessities, and rendering their sufferings insupportable, they
+  abandoned themselves to despair, fully persuaded that they should
+  perish by the most terrible of all deaths; but that they were
+  soon after happily relieved by a most unexpected incident, for
+  there fell so heavy a rain, that by spreading their sails
+  horizontally, and by putting bullets in the centres of them to
+  draw them to a point, they caught as much water as filled all
+  their casks; that immediately upon this fortunate supply they
+  stood to the westward in quest of the commodore; and being now
+  luckily favoured by a strong current, they joined us in less than
+  fifty hours, from the time they stood to the westward, after
+  having been absent from us full forty-three days. Those who have
+  an idea of the inconsiderable size of a cutter belonging to a
+  sixty-gun ship, (being only an open boat about twenty-two feet in
+  length,) and who will attend to the various accidents to which
+  she was exposed during a six weeks continuance alone, in the open
+  ocean, on so impracticable and dangerous a coast, will readily
+  own that her return to us, after all the difficulties which she
+  actually experienced, and the hazards to which she was each hour
+  exposed, was little short of miraculous.</p>
+
+  <p>I cannot finish this article without remarking how little
+  reliance navigators ought to have on the accounts of the
+  Buccaneer writers: For though in this run eighty leagues to the
+  eastward of Acapulco, she found no place where it was possible
+  for a boat to land, yet those writers have not been ashamed to
+  feign harbours and convenient watering-places <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page432" id="page432"></a>[pg 432]</span>
+  within these limits, thereby exposing such as should confide in
+  their relations to the risk of being destroyed by thirst.</p>
+
+  <p>Having received our cutter, the sole object of our coming a
+  second time before Acapulco, the commodore resolved not to lose a
+  moment's time longer, but to run off the coast with the utmost
+  expedition, both as the stormy season on the coast of Mexico was
+  now approaching apace, and as we were apprehensive of having the
+  westerly monsoon to struggle with when we came upon the coast of
+  China; and therefore he no longer stood towards Acapulco, as he
+  now wanted no answer from the governor; but yet he resolved not
+  to deprive his prisoners of the liberty which he had promised
+  them; so that they were all immediately embarked in two launches
+  which belonged to our prizes, those from the Centurion in one
+  launch, and those from the Gloucester in the other. The launches
+  were well equipped with masts, sails, and oars, and, lest the
+  wind might prove unfavourable, they had a stock of water and
+  provisions put on board them sufficient for fourteen days. There
+  were discharged thirty-nine persons from on board the Centurion,
+  and eighteen from the Gloucester, the greatest part of them
+  Spaniards, the rest Indians and sick negroes: But as our crews
+  were very weak, we kept the mulattoes and some of the stoutest of
+  the negroes, with a few Indians, to assist us; but we dismissed
+  every Spanish prisoner whatever. We have since learnt, that these
+  two launches arrived safe at Acapulco, where the prisoners could
+  not enough extol the humanity with which they had been treated;
+  and that the governor, before their arrival, had returned a very
+  obliging answer to the commodore's letter, and had attended it
+  with a present of two boats laden with the choicest refreshments
+  and provisions which were to be got at Acapulco; but that these
+  boats not having found our ships, were at length obliged to put
+  back again, after having thrown all their provisions overboard in
+  a storm which threatened their destruction.</p>
+
+  <p>The sending away our prisoners was our last transaction on the
+  American coast; for no sooner had we parted with them, than we
+  and the Gloucester made sail to the S.W., proposing to get a good
+  offing from the land, where we hoped, in a few days, to meet with
+  the regular trade-wind, which the accounts of former navigators
+  had represented as much brisker and steadier in this ocean, than
+  in any other <span class="pagenum"><a name="page433" id=
+  "page433"></a>[pg 433]</span> part of the globe: For it has been
+  esteemed no uncommon passage to run from hence to the eastermost
+  parts of Asia in two months; and we flattered ourselves that we
+  were as capable of making an expeditious passage as any ships
+  that had ever run this course before us; so that we hoped soon to
+  gain the coast of China, for which we were now bound. And
+  conformable to the general idea of this navigation given by
+  former voyagers, we considered it as free from all kinds of
+  embarrassment of bad weather, fatigue, or sickness; and
+  consequently we undertook it with alacrity, especially as it was
+  no contemptible step towards oar arrival at our native country,
+  for which many of us by this time began to have great longings.
+  Thus, on the 6th of May, we, for the last time, lost sight of the
+  mountains of Mexico, persuaded, that in a few weeks we should
+  arrive at the river of Canton in China, where we expected to meet
+  with many English ships, and numbers of our countrymen; and hoped
+  to enjoy the advantages of an amicable, well-frequented port,
+  inhabited by a polished people, and abounding with the
+  conveniences and indulgences of a civilized life, which for near
+  twenty months had never been once in our power.</p>
+
+  <p>[It is judged advisable to omit altogether the next section of
+  the original, as occupied by mere reckoning on the advantages
+  "which might have been expected from the squadron, had it arrived
+  in the South Seas in good time." They are in part specified at
+  the beginning.]</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXIV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the Ladrones or Marian
+  Islands.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>When we left the coast of America, we stood to the S. W. with
+  a view of meeting with the N.E. trade-wind, which the accounts of
+  former writers made us expect at seventy or eighty leagues
+  distance from the land: We had another reason for standing to the
+  southward, which was the getting into the latitude of
+  13° or 14° north; that being the parallel where
+  the Pacific Ocean is most usually crossed, and consequently where
+  the navigation is esteemed the safest: This last purpose we had
+  soon answered, being in a day or two sufficiently advanced to the
+  south. At the same time we <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page434" id="page434"></a>[pg 434]</span> were also farther from
+  the shore, than we had presumed was necessary for the falling in
+  with the trade-wind: But in this particular we were most
+  grievously disappointed; for the wind still continued to the
+  westward, or at best variable. As the getting into the N.E.
+  trade-wind, was to us a matter of the last consequence, we stood
+  more to the southward, and made many experiments to meet with it;
+  but it was seven weeks, from our leaving the coast, before we got
+  into it. This was an interval, in which we believed we should
+  well nigh have reached the easternmost parts of Asia: But we were
+  so baffled with the contrary and variable winds, which for all
+  that time perplexed us, that we were not as yet advanced above a
+  fourth part of the way. The delay alone would have been a
+  sufficient mortification; but there were other circumstances
+  attending it, which rendered this situation not less terrible,
+  and our apprehensions perhaps still greater than in any of our
+  past distresses. For our two ships were by this time extremely
+  crazy; and many days had not passed, before we discovered a
+  spring in the fore-mast of the Centurion, which rounded about
+  twenty-six inches of its circumference, and which was judged to
+  be at least four inches deep: And no sooner had our carpenters
+  secured this with fishing it, but the Gloucester made a signal of
+  distress; and we learnt that she had a dangerous spring in her
+  main-mast, twelve feet below the trussel-trees; so that she could
+  not carry any sail upon it. Our carpenters, on a strict
+  examination of this mast, found it so very rotten and decayed,
+  that they judged it necessary to cut it down as low as it
+  appeared to have been injured; and by this it was reduced to
+  nothing but a stump, which served only as a step to the topmast.
+  These accidents augmented our delay, and occasioned us great
+  anxiety about our future security: For on our leaving the coast
+  of Mexico, the scurvy had begun to make its appearance again
+  amongst our people; though from our departure from Juan Fernandes
+  we had till then enjoyed a most uninterrupted state of health. We
+  too well knew the effects of this disease, from our former fatal
+  experience, to suppose that any thing but a speedy passage could
+  secure the greater part of our crew from perishing by it: And as,
+  after-being seven weeks at sea, there did not appear any reasons
+  that could persuade us we were nearer the trade-wind than when we
+  first set out, there was no ground for us to suppose but our
+  passage would prove at least three <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page435" id="page435"></a>[pg 435]</span> times as long as we at
+  first expected; and consequently we had the melancholy prospect,
+  either of dying by the scurvy, or perishing with the ship for
+  want of hands to navigate her. Indeed, some amongst us were at
+  first willing to believe, that in this warm climate, so different
+  from what we felt in passing round Cape Horn, the violence of
+  this disease, and its fatality, might be in some degree
+  mitigated; as it had not been unusual to suppose that its
+  particular virulence in that passage was in a great measure owing
+  to the severity of the weather; but the havock of the distemper,
+  in our present circumstances, soon convinced us of the falsity of
+  this speculation; as it likewise exploded some other opinions,
+  which usually pass current about the cause and nature of this
+  disease.<a id="footnotetag150" name="footnotetag150"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote150"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Our surgeon (who, during our passage round Cape Horn, had
+  ascribed the mortality we suffered to the severity of the
+  climate) exerted himself in the present run to the utmost, and at
+  last declared, that all his measures were totally ineffectual,
+  and did not in the least avail his patients. When we reached the
+  trade-wind, and it settled between the north and the east, yet it
+  seldom blew with so much strength, but the Centurion might have
+  carried all her small sails abroad with the greatest safety; so
+  that now, had we been a single ship, we might have run down our
+  longitude apace, and have reached the Ladrones soon enough to
+  have recovered great numbers of our men, who afterwards perished.
+  But the Gloucester, by the loss of her main-mast, sailed so very
+  heavily, that we had seldom any more than our top-sails set, and
+  yet were frequently obliged to lie to for her: And, I conceive,
+  that in the whole we lost little less than a month by our
+  attendance upon her, in consequence of the various mischances she
+  encountered. In all this run it was remarkable, that we were
+  rarely many days together, without seeing great numbers of birds;
+  which is a proof that there are many islands, or at least rocks,
+  scattered all along, at no very considerable distance from our
+  track. Some indeed there are marked in a Spanish chart; but the
+  frequency of the birds seems to evince, that there are many more
+  than have been hitherto discovered: For the greatest part of the
+  birds we observed were such as are known to roost on <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page436" id="page436"></a>[pg 436]</span>
+  shore; and the manner of their appearance sufficiently made out,
+  that they came from some distant haunt every morning, and
+  returned thither again in the evening; for we never saw them
+  early or late; and the hour of their arrival and departure
+  gradually varied, which we supposed was occasioned by our running
+  nearer their haunts, or getting farther from them.</p>
+
+  <p>The trade-wind continued to favour us without any fluctuation,
+  from the end of June till towards the end of July. But on the
+  26th of July, being then, as we esteemed, about three hundred
+  leagues distant from the Ladrones, we met with a westerly wind,
+  which did not come about again to the eastward in four days time.
+  This was a most dispiriting incident, as it at once damped all
+  our hopes of speedy relief, especially too as it was attended
+  with a vexatious accident to the Gloucester: For in one part of
+  these four days the wind-flatted to a calm, and the ships rolled
+  very deep; by which means the Gloucester's forecap split, and her
+  top-mast came by the board, and broke her fore-yard directly in
+  the slings. As she was hereby rendered incapable of making any
+  sail for some time, we were obliged, as soon as a gale sprung up,
+  to take her in tow; and near twenty of the healthiest and ablest
+  of our seamen were taken from the business of our own ship, and
+  were employed for eight or ten days together on board the
+  Gloucester in repairing her damages: But these things, mortifying
+  as we thought them, were but the beginning of our disasters; for
+  scarce had our people finished their business in the Gloucester,
+  before we met with a most violent storm in the western board,
+  which obliged us to lie to. In the beginning of this storm our
+  ship sprung a leak, and let in so much water, that all our
+  people, officers included, were employed continually in working
+  the pumps: And the next day we had the vexation to see the
+  Gloucester, with her top-mast once more by the board; and whilst
+  we were viewing her with great concern for this new distress, we
+  saw her main-top mast, which had hitherto served as a jury
+  main-mast, share the same fate. This completed our misfortunes,
+  and rendered them without resource; for we knew the Gloucester's
+  crew were so few and feeble, that without our assistance they
+  could not be relieved: And our sick were now so far increased,
+  and those that remained in health so continually fatigued with
+  the additional duty of our pumps, that it was impossible
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page437" id="page437"></a>[pg
+  437]</span> for us to lend them any aid. Indeed we were not as
+  yet fully apprized of the deplorable situation of the
+  Gloucester's crew; for when the storm abated, (which during its
+  continuance prevented all communication with them) the Gloucester
+  bore up under our stern; and Captain Mitchel informed the
+  commodore, that besides the loss of his masts, which was all that
+  had appeared to us, the ship had then no less than seven feet of
+  water in her hold, although his officers and men had been kept
+  constantly at the pump for the last twenty-four hours.</p>
+
+  <p>This last circumstance was indeed a most terrible accumulation
+  to the other extraordinary distresses of the Gloucester, and
+  required, if possible, the most speedy and vigorous assistance;
+  which captain Mitchel begged the commodore to send him: But the
+  debility of our people, and our own immediate preservation,
+  rendered it impossible for the commodore to comply with his
+  request. All that could be done was to send our boat on board for
+  a more particular condition of the ship; and it was soon
+  suspected that the taking her people on board us, and then
+  destroying her, was the only measure that could be prosecuted in
+  the present emergency, for the security of their lives and our
+  own.</p>
+
+  <p>Our boat soon returned with a representation of the state of
+  the Gloucester, and of her several defects, signed by Captain
+  Mitchel and all his officers; by which it appeared, that she had
+  sprung a leak by the stern-post being loose, and working with
+  every roll of the ship, and by two beams a midships being broken
+  in the orlope; no part of which the carpenters reported was
+  possible to be repaired at sea. That both officers and men had
+  worked twenty-four hours at the pump without intermission, and
+  were at length so fatigued, that they could continue their labour
+  no longer; but had been forced to desist, with seven feet of
+  water in the hold, which covered their cask, so that they could
+  neither come at fresh water, nor provision: That they had no mast
+  standing, except the fore-mast, the mizen-mast, and the mizen
+  top-mast, nor had they any spare masts to get up in the room of
+  those they had lost: That the ship was besides extremely decayed
+  in every part, for her knees and clamps were all worked quite
+  loose, and her upper works in general were so loose, that the
+  quarter-deck was ready to drop down: And that her crew was
+  greatly reduced, for there remained alive on board her no more
+  than seventy-seven, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page438" id=
+  "page438"></a>[pg 438]</span> men, eighteen boys, and two
+  prisoners, officers included; and that of this whole number, only
+  sixteen men and eleven boys were capable of keeping the deck, and
+  several of these very infirm.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore, on the perusal of this melancholy
+  representation, presently ordered them a supply of water and
+  provisions, of which they seemed to be in immediate want, and at
+  the same time sent his own carpenter on board them, to examine
+  into the truth of every particular; and it being found, on the
+  strictest enquiry, that the preceding account was in no instance
+  exaggerated, it plainly appeared, that there was no possibility
+  of preserving the Gloucester any longer, as her leaks were
+  irreparable, and the united hands on board both ships, capable of
+  working, would not be able to free her, even if our own ship
+  should not employ any part of them. What then could be resolved
+  on, when it was the utmost we ourselves could do to manage our
+  own pumps? Indeed there was no room for deliberation; the only
+  step to be taken was, the saving the lives of the few that
+  remained on board the Gloucester, and getting out of her as much
+  as was possible before she was destroyed. And therefore the
+  commodore immediately sent an order to Captain Mitchel, as the
+  weather was now calm and favourable, to send his people on board
+  the Centurion as expeditiously as he could; and to take out such
+  stores as he could get at, whilst the ship could be kept above
+  water. And as our leak required less attention, whilst the
+  present easy weather continued, we sent our boats with as many
+  men as we could spare, to Captain Mitchel's assistance.</p>
+
+  <p>The removing the Gloucester's people on board us, and the
+  getting out such stores as could most easily be come at, gave us
+  full employment for two days. Mr Anson was extremely desirous to
+  have gotten two of her cables and an anchor, but the ship rolled
+  so much, and the men were so excessively fatigued, that they were
+  incapable of effecting it; nay, it was even with the greatest
+  difficulty that the prize-money, which the Gloucester had taken
+  in the South-Seas, was secured, and sent on board the Centurion:
+  However, the prize-goods on board her, which amounted to several
+  thousand pounds in value, and were principally the Centurion's
+  property, were entirely lost; nor could any more provision be got
+  out than five casks of flour, three of which were spoiled by the
+  salt-water. Their sick men, amounting <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page439" id="page439"></a>[pg 439]</span> to
+  near seventy, were removed into boats with as much care as the
+  circumstances of that time would permit; but three or four of
+  them expired as they were hoisting them into the Centurion.</p>
+
+  <p>It was the 15th of August, in the evening, before the
+  Gloucester was cleared of every thing that was proposed to be
+  removed; and though the hold was now almost full of water, yet,
+  as the carpenters were of opinion that she might still swim for
+  some time, if the calm should continue, and the water become
+  smooth, she was set on fire; for we knew not how near we might
+  now be to the island of Guam, which was in the possession of our
+  enemies, and the wreck of such a ship would have been to them no
+  contemptible acquisition. When she was set on fire, Captain
+  Mitchel and his officers left her, and came on board the
+  Centurion: And we immediately stood from the wreck, not without
+  some apprehensions (as we had now only a light breeze) that if
+  she blew up soon, the concussion of the air might damage our
+  rigging; but she fortunately burnt, though very fiercely, the
+  whole night, her guns firing successively, as the flames reached
+  them. And it was six in the morning, when we were about four
+  leagues distant, before she blew up; the report she made upon
+  this occasion was but a small one, but there was an exceeding
+  black pillar of smoke, which shot up into the air to a very
+  considerable height.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus perished his majesty's ship the Gloucester. And now it
+  might have been expected, that, being freed from, the
+  embarrassments which her frequent disasters had involved us in,
+  we would proceed on our way much brisker than, we had hitherto
+  done, especially as we had received some small addition to our
+  strength, by the taking on board the Gloucester's crew; but our
+  anxieties were not yet to be relieved; for, notwithstanding all
+  that we had hitherto suffered, there remained much greater
+  distresses, which we were still to struggle with. For the late
+  storm, which had proved so fatal to the Gloucester, had driven us
+  to the northward of our intended course; and the current setting
+  the same way, after the weather abated, had forced us still a
+  degree or two farther, so that we were now in 17° 1/4 of
+  north latitude, instead of being in 13° 1/2, which was
+  the parallel we proposed to keep, in order to reach the island of
+  Guam: And as it had been a perfect calm for some days since the
+  cessation of the storm, and we were ignorant how near we
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page440" id="page440"></a>[pg
+  440]</span> were to the meridian of the Ladrones, and supposed
+  ourselves not to be far from it, we apprehended that we might be
+  driven to the leeward of them by the current, without discovering
+  them: In this case, the only land we could make would be some of
+  the eastern parts of Asia, where, if we could arrive, we should
+  find the western monsoon in its full force, so that it would be
+  impossible for the stoutest best-manned ship to get in. And this
+  coast being removed between four and five hundred leagues
+  farther, we, in our languishing circumstances, could expect no
+  other than to be destroyed by the scurvy, long before the most
+  favourable gale could carry us to such a distance: For our deaths
+  were now extremely alarming, no day passing in which we did not
+  bury eight or ten, and sometimes twelve of our men; and those,
+  who had hitherto continued healthy, began to fall down apace.
+  Indeed we made the use we could of the present calm, by employing
+  our carpenters in searching after the leak, which was now
+  considerable, notwithstanding the little wind we had: The
+  carpenters at length discovered it to be in the gunner's fore
+  store-room, where the water rushed in under the breast-hook, on
+  each side of the stein; but though they found where it was, they
+  agreed that it was impossible to stop it, till we should get into
+  port, and till they could come at it on the outside: However,
+  they did the best they could within board, and were fortunate
+  enough to reduce it, which was a considerable relief to us.</p>
+
+  <p>We had hitherto considered the calm which succeeded the storm,
+  and which continued for some days, as a very great misfortune;
+  since the currents were driving us to the northward of our
+  parallel, and we thereby risqued the missing of the Ladrones,
+  which we now conceived ourselves to be very near. But when a gale
+  sprung up, our condition was still worse; for it blew from the
+  S.W. and consequently was directly opposed to the course we
+  wanted to steer: And though it soon veered to the N.E. yet this
+  served only to tantalize us, for it returned back again in a very
+  short time to its old quarter. However, on the 22d of August we
+  had the satisfaction to find that the current was shifted; and
+  had set us to the southward: And the 23d, at day-break, we were
+  cheered with the discovery of two islands in the western board:
+  This gave us all great joy, and raised our drooping spirits; for
+  before this an universal dejection had seized us, and we almost
+  despaired of ever seeing land again: <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page441" id="page441"></a>[pg 441]</span> The
+  nearest of these islands we afterwards found to be Anatacan; we
+  judged it to be full fifteen leagues from us, and it seemed to be
+  high land, though of an indifferent length: The other was the
+  island of Serigan; and had rather the appearance of a high rock,
+  than a place we could hope to anchor at. We were extremely
+  impatient to get in with the nearest island, where we expected to
+  meet with anchoring-ground, and an opportunity of refreshing our
+  sick: But the wind proved so variable all day, and there was so
+  little of it, that we advanced towards it but slowly; however, by
+  the next morning we were got so far to the westward, that we were
+  in view of a third island, which was that of Paxaros, though
+  marked in the chart only as a rock. This was small and very low
+  land, and we had passed within less than a mile of it, in the
+  night, without seeing it: And now at noon, being within four
+  miles of the island of Anatacan, the boat was sent away to
+  examine the anchoring-ground and the produce of the place; and we
+  were not a little solicitous for her return, as we then conceived
+  our fate to depend upon the report we should receive: For the
+  other two islands were obviously enough incapable of furnishing
+  us with any assistance, and we knew not then that there were any
+  others which we could reach. In the evening the boat came back,
+  and the crew informed us that there was no place for a ship to
+  anchor, the bottom being every where foul ground, and all, except
+  one small spot, not less than fifty fathom in depth; that on that
+  spot there was thirty fathom, though not above half a mile from
+  the shore; and that the bank was steep, and could not be depended
+  on: They farther told us, that they had landed on the island, but
+  with some difficulty, on account of the greatness of the swell;
+  that they found the ground was every where covered with a kind of
+  cane, or rush; but that they met with no water, and did not
+  believe the place to be inhabited; though the soil was good, and
+  abounded with groves of cocoa-nut trees.</p>
+
+  <p>This account of the impossibility of anchoring at this island,
+  occasioned a general melancholy on board; for we considered it as
+  little less than the prelude to our destruction; and our
+  despondency was increased by a disappointment we met with the
+  succeeding night; for, as we were plying under top-sails, with an
+  intention of getting nearer to the island, and of sending our
+  boat on shore to load with cocoa-nuts for the refreshment of our
+  sick, the wind proved <span class="pagenum"><a name="page442" id=
+  "page442"></a>[pg 442]</span> squally, and blew so strong off
+  shore, as to drive us so far to the southward, that we dared not
+  to send off our boat. And now the only possible circumstance,
+  that could secure the few that remained alive from perishing, was
+  the accidental falling in with some other of the Ladrone islands,
+  better prepared for our accommodation; and as our knowledge of
+  these islands was extremely imperfect, we were to trust entirely
+  to chance for our guidance; only as they are all of them usually
+  laid down near the same meridian, and we had conceived those we
+  had already seen to be part of them, we concluded to stand to the
+  southward, as the most probable means of falling in with the
+  next. Thus, with the most gloomy persuasion of our approaching
+  destruction, we stood from the island of Anatacon, having all of
+  us the strongest apprehensions (and those not ill founded) either
+  of dying of the scurvy, or of perishing with the ship, which, for
+  want of hands to work her pumps, might in a short time be
+  expected to founder.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote150" name="footnote150"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag150">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Some remarks respecting the nature and treatment of this
+    disease are now given in the original, but being imperfect and
+    conjectural, are omitted here.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXV.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of the Island, and
+  of our Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out to
+  Sea.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>It was the 26th of August, 1742, in the morning, when we lost
+  sight of Anatacan. The next morning we discovered three other
+  islands to the eastward, which were from ten to fourteen leagues
+  from us. These were, as we afterwards learnt, the islands of
+  Saypan, Tinian, and Aguigan. We immediately steered towards
+  Tinian, which was the middlemost of the three, but had so much of
+  calms and light airs, that though we were helped forwards by the
+  currents, yet next day, at day-break, we were at least five
+  leagues distant from it. However, we kept on our course, and
+  about ten in the morning we perceived a proa under sail to the
+  southward, between Tinian and Aguigan. As we imagined from hence
+  that these islands were inhabited, and knew that the Spaniards
+  had always a force at Guam, we took the necessary precautions for
+  our own security, and for preventing the enemy from taking
+  advantage of our present wretched circumstances, of which they
+  would be sufficiently informed by the manner of our working the
+  ship; we therefore mustered <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page443" id="page443"></a>[pg 443]</span> all our hands, who
+  were capable of standing to their arms, and loaded our upper and
+  quarter-deck guns with grape-shot; and, that we might the more
+  readily procure some intelligence of the state of these islands,
+  we showed Spanish colours, and hoisted a red flag at the
+  fore-top-masthead, to give our ship the appearance of the Manilla
+  galleon, hoping thereby to decoy some of the inhabitants on board
+  us. Thus preparing ourselves, and standing towards the land, we
+  were near enough, at three in the afternoon, to send the cutter
+  in shore, to find out a proper birth for the ship; and we soon
+  perceived that a proa came off the shore to meet the cutter,
+  fully persuaded, as we afterwards found, that we were the Manilla
+  ship. As we saw the cutter returning back with the proa in tow,
+  we immediately sent the pinnace to receive the proa and the
+  prisoners, and to bring them on board, that the cutter might
+  proceed on her errand. The pinnace came back with a Spaniard and
+  four Indians, which were the people taken in the proa. The
+  Spaniard was immediately examined as to the produce and
+  circumstances of this island of Tinian, and his account of it
+  surpassed even our most sanguine hopes; for he informed us that
+  it was uninhabited, which, in our present defenceless condition,
+  was an advantage not to be despised, especially as it wanted but
+  few of the conveniences that could be expected in the most
+  cultivated country; for he assured us, that there was great
+  plenty of very good water, and that there were an incredible
+  number of cattle, hogs, and poultry running wild on the island,
+  all of them excellent in their kind; that the woods produced
+  sweet and sour oranges, limes, lemons, and cocoa-nuts in great
+  plenty, besides a fruit peculiar to these islands (called by
+  Dampier, Bread-fruit); that from the quantity and goodness of the
+  provisions produced here, the Spaniards at Guam made use of it as
+  a store for supplying the garrison; that he himself was a
+  serjeant of that garrison, and was sent here with twenty-two
+  Indians to jerk beef, which he was to load for Guam on board a
+  small bark of about fifteen tun, which lay at anchor near the
+  shore.</p>
+
+  <p>This account was received by us with inexpressible joy: Part
+  of it we were ourselves able to verify on the spot, as we were by
+  this time near enough to discover several numerous herds of
+  cattle feeding in different places of the island; and we did not
+  any ways doubt the rest of his relation, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page444" id="page444"></a>[pg 444]</span> as
+  the appearance of the shore prejudiced us greatly in its favour,
+  and made us hope, that not only our necessities might be there
+  fully relieved, and our diseased recovered, but that, amidst
+  those pleasing scenes which were then in view, we might procure
+  ourselves some amusement and relaxation, after the numerous
+  fatigues we had undergone: For the prospect of the country did by
+  no means resemble that of an uninhabited and uncultivated place,
+  but had much more the air of a magnificent plantation, where
+  large lawns and stately woods had been laid out together with
+  great skill, and where the whole had been so artfully combined,
+  and so judiciously adapted to the slopes of the hills, and the
+  inequalities of the ground, as to produce a most striking effect,
+  and to do honour to the invention of the contriver. Thus (an
+  event not unlike what we had already seen) we were forced upon
+  the most desirable and salutary measures by accidents, which at
+  first sight we considered as the greatest of misfortunes; for had
+  we not been driven by the contrary winds and currents to the
+  northward of our course (a circumstance which at that time gave
+  us the most terrible apprehensions) we should, in all
+  probability, never have arrived at this delightful island, and
+  consequently we should have missed of that place, where alone all
+  our wants could be most amply relieved, our sick recovered, and
+  our enfeebled crew once more refreshed, and enabled to put again
+  to sea.</p>
+
+  <p>The Spanish serjeant, from whom we received the account of the
+  island, having informed us that there were some Indians on shore
+  under his command, employed in jerking beef, and that there was a
+  bark at anchor to take it on board, we were desirous, if
+  possible, to prevent the Indians from escaping, who doubtless
+  would have given the governor of Guam intelligence of our
+  arrival; and we therefore immediately dispatched the pinnace to
+  secure the bark, which the serjeant told us was the only
+  embarkation on the place; and then, about eight in the evening,
+  we let go our anchor in twenty-two fathom; and though it was
+  almost calm, and whatever vigour and spirit was to be found on
+  board was doubtless exerted to the utmost on this pleasing
+  occasion, when, after having kept the sea for some months, we
+  were going to take possession of this little paradise, yet we
+  were full five hours in furling our sails: It is true, we were
+  somewhat <span class="pagenum"><a name="page445" id=
+  "page445"></a>[pg 445]</span> weakened by the crews of the cutter
+  and pinnace having been sent on shore; but it is not less true,
+  that, including those absent with the boats and some negro and
+  Indian prisoners, all the hands we could muster capable of
+  standing at a gun amounted to no more than seventy-one, most of
+  which number too were incapable of duty; but on the greatest
+  emergencies this was all the force we could collect, in our
+  present enfeebled condition, from the united crews of the
+  Centurion, the Gloucester, and the Tryal, which, when we departed
+  from England, consisted altogether of near a thousand hands.</p>
+
+  <p>When we had furled our sails, the remaining part of the night
+  was allowed to our people for their repose, to recover them from
+  the fatigue they had undergone; and in the morning a party was
+  sent on shore well armed, of which I myself was one, to make
+  ourselves masters of the landing place, as we were not certain
+  what opposition might be made by the Indians on the island: We
+  landed without difficulty, for the Indians having perceived, by
+  our seizure of the bark the night before, that we were enemies,
+  they immediately fled into the woody parts of the island. We
+  found on shore many huts which they had inhabited, and which
+  saved us both the time and trouble of erecting tents; one of
+  these huts which the Indians made use of for a storehouse was
+  very large, being twenty yards long, and fifteen broad; this we
+  immediately cleared of some bales of jerked beef, which we found
+  in it, and converted it into an hospital for our sick, who as
+  soon as the place was ready to receive them were brought on
+  shore, being in all a hundred and twenty-eight: Numbers of these
+  were so very helpless that we were obliged to carry them from the
+  boats to the hospital upon our shoulders, in which humane
+  employment (as before at Juan Fernandes) the commodore himself,
+  and every one of his officers, were engaged without distinction;
+  and, notwithstanding the great debility and the dying aspects of
+  the greatest part of our sick, it is almost incredible how soon
+  they began to feel the salutary influence of the land; for,
+  though we buried twenty-one men on this and the preceeding day,
+  yet we did not lose above ten men more during our whole two
+  months stay here; and in general, our diseased received so much
+  benefit from the fruits of the island, particularly the fruits of
+  the acid kind, that, in a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page446"
+  id="page446"></a>[pg 446]</span> week's time, there were but few
+  who were not so far recovered, as to be able to move about
+  without help.<a id="footnotetag151" name=
+  "footnotetag151"></a><a href="#footnote151"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Whilst we were employed in the removal of our sick on shore,
+  four of the Indians, being part of the Spanish serjeant's
+  detachment, came and surrendered themselves to us, so that with
+  those we took in the proa, we had now eight of them in our
+  custody. One of the four, who submitted, undertook to show us the
+  most convenient place for killing cattle, and two of our men were
+  ordered to attend him on that service; but one of them unwarily
+  trusting the Indian with his firelock and pistol, the Indian
+  escaped with them into the woods: His countrymen, who remained
+  behind, were apprehensive of suffering for this perfidy of their
+  comrade, and therefore begged leave to send one of their own
+  party into the country, who they engaged should both bring back
+  the arms, and persuade the whole detachment from Guam to submit
+  to us. The commodore granted their request; and one of them was
+  dispatched on this errand, who returned next day, and brought
+  back the firelock and pistol, but assured us, he had met with
+  them in a path-way in the wood, and protested that he had not
+  been able to meet with any one of his countrymen: This report had
+  so little the air of truth, that we suspected there was some
+  treachery carrying on, and therefore, to prevent any future
+  communication amongst them, we immediately ordered all the
+  Indians who were in our power on board the ship, and did not
+  permit them to return any more on shore.</p>
+
+  <p>When our sick were well settled on the island, we employed all
+  the hands that could be spared from attending them; in arming the
+  cables with a good rounding, several fathom from the anchor, to
+  secure them from being rubbed by the coral rocks, which here
+  abounded: And this being completed, our next attention was our
+  leak, and in order to raise it out of water, we, on the first of
+  September, began to get the guns aft to bring the ship by the
+  stern; and now the carpenters, being able to come at it on the
+  outside, ripped off the old sheathing that was left, and caulked
+  all the seams on both sides the cut-water, and leaded them over,
+  and then new-sheathed the bows to the surface of the water: By
+  this means we conceived the defect was sufficiently <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page447" id="page447"></a>[pg 447]</span>
+  secured; but upon our beginning to bring the guns into their
+  places, we had the mortification to perceive, that the water
+  rushed into the ship in the old place, with as much violence as
+  ever: Hereupon we were necessitated to begin again; and that our
+  second attempt might be more effectual, we cleared the fore
+  store-room, and sent a hundred and thirty barrels of powder on
+  board the small Spanish bark we had seized here, by which means
+  we raised the ship about three feet out of the water forwards,
+  and the carpenters ripped off the sheathing lower down, and new
+  caulked all the seams, and afterwards laid on new sheathing; and
+  then, supposing the leak lobe effectually stopped, we began to
+  move the guns forwards; but the upper deck guns were scarcely in
+  their places, when, to our amazement, it burst out again; and
+  now, as we durst not cut away the lining within board, lest a
+  but-end or a plank might start, and we might go down immediately,
+  we had no other resource left than chincing and caulking within
+  board; and indeed by this means the leak was stopped for some
+  time; but when our guns were all in their places, and our stores
+  were taken on board, the water again forced its way through a
+  hole in the stem, where one of the bolts was driven in; and on
+  this we desisted from all farther efforts, being now well
+  assured, that the defect was in the stem itself, and that it was
+  not to be remedied till we should have an opportunity of heaving
+  down.</p>
+
+  <p>Towards the middle of September, several of our sick were
+  tolerably recovered by their residence on shore; and, on the 12th
+  of September, all those who were so far relieved, since their
+  arrival, as to be capable of doing duty, were sent on board the
+  ship: And then the commodore, who was himself ill of the scurvy,
+  had a tent erected for him on shore, where he went with the view
+  of staying a few days for the recovery of his health, being
+  convinced, by the general experience of his people, that no other
+  method but living on the land was to be trusted to for the
+  removal of this dreadful malady. The place, where his tent was
+  pitched on this occasion, was near the well, whence we got all
+  our water, and was indeed a most elegant spot. As the crew on
+  board were now reinforced by the recovered hands returned from
+  the island, we began to send our cask on shore to be fitted up,
+  which till now could not be done, for the coopers were not well
+  enough to work. We <span class="pagenum"><a name="page448" id=
+  "page448"></a>[pg 448]</span> likewise weighed our anchors, that
+  we might examine our cables, which we suspected had by this time
+  received considerable damage. And as the new moon was now
+  approaching, when we apprehended violent gales, the commodore,
+  for our greater security, ordered that part of the cables next to
+  the anchors to be armed with the chains of the fire-grapnels; and
+  they were besides cackled twenty fathom from the anchors, and
+  seven fathom from the service, with a good rounding of a 41/2
+  inch hawser; and to all these precautions we added that of
+  lowering the main and fore-yard close down, that in case of
+  blowing weather the wind might have less power upon the ship, to
+  make her ride a strain.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus effectually prepared, as we conceived, we expected the
+  new moon, which was the 18th of September, and riding safe that
+  and the three succeeding days, (though the weather proved very
+  squally and uncertain) we flattered ourselves (for I was then on
+  board) that the prudence of our measures had secured us from all
+  accidents; but, on the 22d, the wind blew from the eastward with
+  such fury, that we soon despaired of riding out the storm; and
+  therefore we should have been extremely glad that the commodore
+  and the rest of our people on shore, which were the greatest part
+  of our hands, had been on board with us, since our only hopes of
+  safety seemed to depend on our putting immediately to sea; but
+  all communication with the shore was now effectually cut off, for
+  there was no possibility that a boat could live, so that we were
+  necessitated to ride it out, till our cables parted. Indeed it
+  was not long before this happened, for the small bower parted at
+  five in the afternoon, and the ship swung off to the best bower;
+  and as the night came on, the violence of the wind still
+  increased; but notwithstanding its inexpressible fury, the tide
+  ran with so much rapidity, as to prevail over it; for the tide
+  having set to the northward in the beginning of the storm, turned
+  suddenly to the southward about six in the evening, and forced
+  the ship before it in despight of the storm, which blew upon the
+  beam: And now the sea broke most surprisingly all round us, and a
+  large tumbling swell threatened to poop us; the long-boat, which
+  was at this time moored a-stern, was on a sudden canted so high,
+  that it broke the transom of the commodore's gallery, whose cabin
+  was on the quarter-deck, and would doubtless have risen as high
+  as the tafferel, had it not been for this stroke which stove the
+  boat all to pieces; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page449" id=
+  "page449"></a>[pg 449]</span> but the poor boat-keeper, though
+  extremely bruised, was saved almost by miracle. About eight the
+  tide slackened, but the wind did not abate; so that at eleven,
+  the best bower-cable, by which alone we rode, parted. Our
+  sheet-anchor, which was the only one we had left, was instantly
+  cut from the bow; but before it could reach the bottom, we were
+  driven from twenty-two into thirty-five fathom; and after we had
+  veered away one whole cable, and two-thirds of another, we could
+  not find ground with sixty fathom of line: This was a plain
+  indication, that the anchor lay near the edge of the bank, and
+  could not hold us. In this pressing danger, Mr Sanmarez, our
+  first lieutenant, who now commanded on board, ordered several
+  guns to be fired, and lights to be shown, as a signal to the
+  commodore of our distress; and in a short time after, it being
+  then about one o'clock, and the night excessively dark, a strong
+  gust, attended with rain and lightning, drove us off the bank,
+  and forced us out to sea, leaving behind us, on the island, Mr
+  Anson, with many more of our officers, and great part of our
+  crew, amounting in the whole to an hundred and thirteen persons.
+  Thus were we all, both at sea and on shore, reduced to the utmost
+  despair by this catastrophe, those on shore conceiving they had
+  no means left them ever to leave the island, and we on board
+  utterly unprepared to struggle with the fury of the seas and
+  winds we were now exposed to, and expecting each moment, to be
+  our last.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote151" name="footnote151"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag151">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The description of this beautiful island, and its most
+    desirable productions, is deferred till we come to the voyage
+    of Commodore Byron, who visited it in 1765.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXVI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Transactions at Tinian after the Departure of the
+  Centurion.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The storm, which drove the Centurion to sea, blew with too
+  much turbulence to permit either the commodore or any of the
+  people on shore bearing the guns, which she fired as signals of
+  distress; and the frequent glare of the lightning had prevented
+  the explosions from being observed: So that, when at day-break,
+  it was perceived from the shore that the ship was missing, there
+  was the utmost consternation amongst them: For much the greatest
+  part of them immediately concluded that she, was lost, and
+  entreated the commodore that the boat might be sent round the
+  island to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page450" id=
+  "page450"></a>[pg 450]</span> look for the wreck; and those who
+  believed her safe, had scarcely any expectation that she would
+  ever be able to make the island again: For the wind continued to
+  blow strong at east, and they knew how poorly she was manned and
+  provided for struggling with so tempestuous a gale. And if the
+  Centurion was lost, or should be incapable of returning, there
+  appeared no possibility of their ever getting off the island; For
+  they were at least six hundred leagues from Macao, which was
+  their nearest port; and they were masters of no other vessel than
+  the small Spanish bark, of about fifteen tun, which they seized
+  at their first arrival, and which would not even hold a fourth
+  part of their number: And the chance of their being taken off the
+  island by the casual arrival of any ship was altogether
+  desperate; as perhaps no European ship had ever anchored here
+  before, and it were madness to expect that like incidents should
+  send another in an hundred ages to come: So that their desponding
+  thoughts could only suggest to them the melancholy prospect of
+  spending the remainder of their days on this island, and bidding
+  adieu for ever to their country, their friends, their families,
+  and all their domestic endearments.</p>
+
+  <p>Nor was this the worst they had to fear: For they had reason
+  to expect, that the governor of Guam, when he should be informed
+  of their situation, might send a force sufficient to overpower
+  them, and to remove them to that island; and then, the most
+  favourable treatment they could hope for would be to be detained
+  prisoners for life; since, from the known policy and cruelty of
+  the Spaniards in their distant settlements, it was rather to be
+  expected, that the governor, if he once had them in his power,
+  would make their want of commissions (all of them being on board
+  the Centurion) a pretext for treating them, as pirates, and for
+  depriving them of their lives with infamy.</p>
+
+  <p>In the midst of these gloomy reflections, Mr Anson had his
+  share of disquietude; but he kept up his usual composure and
+  steadiness: And having soon projected a scheme for extricating
+  himself and his men from their present anxious situation, he
+  first communicated it to some of the most intelligent; and being
+  satisfied that it was practicable, he then endeavoured to animate
+  his people to a speedy and vigorous prosecution of it. With this
+  view he represented to them, how little foundation there was for
+  their apprehensions of the Centurion's being lost: That he should
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page451" id="page451"></a>[pg
+  451]</span> have hoped, they had been all of them better
+  acquainted with sea-affairs, than to give way to the impression
+  of so chimerical a fright; and that he doubted not, if they would
+  seriously consider what such a ship was capable of enduring, they
+  would confess that there was not the least probability of her
+  having perished: That he was not without hopes that she might
+  return in a few days; but if she did not, the worst that could be
+  supposed was, that she was driven so far to the leeward of the
+  island that she could not regain it, and that she would
+  consequently be obliged to bear away for Macao on the coast of
+  China: That as it was necessary to be prepared against all
+  events, he had, in this case, considered of a method of carrying
+  them off the island, and joining their old ship the Centurion
+  again at Macao: That this method was to hale the Spanish bark on
+  shore, to saw her asunder, and to lengthen her twelve feet, which
+  would enlarge her to near forty tun burthen, and would enable her
+  to carry them all to China: That he had consulted the carpenters,
+  and they had agreed that this proposal was very feasible, and
+  that nothing was wanting to execute it, but the united resolution
+  and industry of the whole body: He added, that, for his own part,
+  he would share the fatigue and labour with them, and would expect
+  no more from any man than what he himself was ready to submit to;
+  he concluded with representing to them the importance of saving
+  time; and that, in order to be the better prepared for all
+  events, it was necessary to set to work immediately, and to take
+  it for granted, that the Centurion would not be able to put back
+  (which was indeed the commodore's secret opinion;) since, if she
+  did return, they should only throw away a few days application;
+  but, if she did not, their situation, and the season of the year,
+  required their utmost dispatch.</p>
+
+  <p>These remonstrances, though not without effect, did not
+  immediately operate so powerfully as Mr Anson wished: He indeed
+  raised their spirits, by showing them the possibility of their
+  getting away, of which they had before despaired; but then, from
+  their confidence of this resource, they grew less apprehensive of
+  their situation, gave a greater scope to their hopes, and
+  flattered themselves that the Centurion would return and prevent
+  the execution of the commodore's scheme, which they could easily
+  foresee would be a work of considerable labour. By this means, it
+  was some days before they were all of them heartily engaged in
+  the project; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page452" id=
+  "page452"></a>[pg 452]</span> but at last, being in general
+  convinced of the impossibility of the ship's return, they set
+  themselves zealously to the different tasks allotted them, and
+  were as industrious and as eager as their commander could desire,
+  punctually assembling at day-break at the rendezvous, whence they
+  were distributed to their different employments, which they
+  followed with unusual vigour till night came on.</p>
+
+  <p>And here I must interrupt the course of this transaction for a
+  moment, to relate an incident which for some time gave Mr Anson
+  more concern than all the preceding disasters. A few days after
+  the ship was driven off, some of the people on shore cried out, A
+  sail. This spread a general joy, every one supposing that it was
+  the ship returning; but presently a second sail was descried,
+  which quite destroyed their conjecture, and made it difficult to
+  guess what they were. The commodore eagerly turned his glass
+  towards them, and saw they were two boats; on which it
+  immediately occurred to him that the Centurion was gone to the
+  bottom, and that these were her two boats coming back with the
+  remains of her people; and this sudden and unexpected suggestion
+  wrought on him so powerfully, that, to conceal his emotion, he
+  was obliged (without speaking to any one) instantly to retire to
+  his tent, where he past some bitter moments, in the firm belief
+  that the ship was lost, and that now all his views of farther
+  distressing the enemy, and of still signalizing his expedition by
+  some important exploit, were at an end.</p>
+
+  <p>But he was soon relieved from these disturbing thoughts, by
+  discovering that the two boats in the offing were Indian proas,
+  and, perceiving that they stood towards the shore, he directed
+  every appearance that could give them any suspicion to be
+  removed, and concealed his people in the adjacent thickets,
+  prepared to secure the Indians when they should land; but, after
+  the proas had stood in within a quarter of a mile of the land,
+  they suddenly stopt short, and remaining there motionless for
+  near two hours, they then made sail again, and stood to the
+  southward.To return to the projected enlargement of the bark.</p>
+
+  <p>If we examine how they were prepared for going through with
+  this undertaking, on which their safely depended, we shall find,
+  that, independent of other matters which were of as much
+  importance, the lengthening of the bark alone was attended with
+  great difficulty. Indeed, in a proper place, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page453" id="page453"></a>[pg 453]</span>
+  where all the necessary materials and tools were to be had, the
+  embarrassment would have been much less; but some of these tools
+  were to be made, and many of the materials were wanting; and it
+  required no small degree of invention to supply all these
+  deficiences. And when the hull of the bark should be completed,
+  this was but one article; and there were many others of equal
+  weight, which were to be well considered: These were the rigging
+  it, the victualling it, and, lastly, the navigating it, for the
+  space of six or seven hundred leagues, through unknown seas,
+  where no one of the company had ever passed before. In some of
+  these particulars such obstacles occurred, that, without the
+  intervention of very extraordinary and unexpected accidents, the
+  possibility of the whole enterprise would have fallen to the
+  ground, and their utmost industry and efforts must have been
+  fruitless. Of all these circumstances I shall make a short
+  recital.</p>
+
+  <p>It fortunately happened that the carpenters, both of the
+  Gloucester and of the Tryal, with their chests of tools, were on
+  shore when the ship drove out to sea; the smith, too, was on
+  shore, and had with him his forge and some tools, but unhappily
+  his bellows had not been brought from on board, so that he was
+  incapable of working, and without his assistance they could not
+  hope to proceed with their design; their first attention,
+  therefore, was to make him a pair of bellows, but in this they
+  were for some time puzzled, by their want of leather; however, as
+  they had hides in sufficient plenty, and they had found a
+  hogshead of lime, which the Indians or Spaniards had prepared for
+  their own use, they tanned some hides with this lime; and though
+  we may suppose the workmanship to be but indifferent, yet the
+  leather they thus made served tolerably well, and the bellows (to
+  which a gun-barrel served for a pipe) had no other inconvenience
+  than that of being somewhat strong-scented from the imperfection
+  of the tanner's work.</p>
+
+  <p>Whilst the smith was preparing the necessary iron work, others
+  were employed in cutting down trees, and sawing them into plank,
+  and this being the most laborious task, the commodore himself
+  wrought at it for the encouragement of his people. As there were
+  neither blocks nor cordage sufficient for tackles to hale the
+  bark on shore, it was proposed to get her up on rollers; and for
+  these the body of the cocoa-nut tree was extremely useful, for
+  its smoothness <span class="pagenum"><a name="page454" id=
+  "page454"></a>[pg 454]</span> and circular turn prevented much
+  labour, and fitted it for the purpose with very little
+  workmanship; many of these trees were therefore felled, and the
+  ends of them properly opened for the reception of hand-spikes;
+  and in the mean time a dry dock was dug for the bark, and ways
+  laid from thence quite into the sea to facilitate the bringing
+  her up. Besides those who were thus occupied in preparing
+  measures for the future enlargement of the bark, a party was
+  constantly ordered for the killing and preparing of provisions
+  for the rest: And though in these various employments, some of
+  which demanded considerable dexterity, it might have been
+  expected there would have been great confusion and delay, yet
+  good order being once established, and all hands engaged, their
+  preparations advanced apace. Indeed, the common men, I presume,
+  were not the less tractable for their want of spirituous liquors;
+  for, there being neither wine nor brandy on shore, the juice of
+  the cocoa-nut was their constant drink, and this, though
+  extremely pleasant, was not at all intoxicating, but kept them
+  very cool and orderly.</p>
+
+  <p>And now the officers began to consider of all the articles
+  necessary for the fitting out the bark; when it was found, that
+  the tents on shore, and the spare cordage accidentally left there
+  by the Centurion, together with the sails and rigging already
+  belonging to the bark, would serve to rig her indifferently well,
+  when she was lengthened. As they had tallow in plenty, they
+  proposed to pay her bottom with a mixture of tallow and lime,
+  which it was known was well adapted to that purpose; so that with
+  respect to her equipment, she would not have been very defective.
+  There was, however, one exception, which would have proved
+  extremely inconvenient, and that was her size; for as they could
+  not make her quite forty tun burthen, she would have been
+  incapable of containing half the crew below the deck, and must
+  have been so top-heavy, that if they were all at the same time on
+  deck, there would be no small hazard of her oversetting; but this
+  was a difficulty not to be removed, as they could not augment her
+  beyond the size already proposed. After the manner of rigging and
+  fitting up the bark was considered and regulated, the next
+  essential point to be thought on was, how to procure a sufficient
+  stock of provisions for their voyage; and here they were greatly
+  at a loss what course to take; for they had neither grain nor
+  bread of any kind on shore, their bread-fruit, which would not
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page455" id="page455"></a>[pg
+  455]</span> keep at sea, having all along supplied its place; and
+  though they had live cattle enough, yet they had no salt to cure
+  beef for a sea-store, nor would meat take salt in that climate.
+  Indeed, they had preserved a small quantity of jerked beef, which
+  they found upon the place at their landing, but this was greatly
+  disproportioned to the run of near six hundred leagues, which
+  they were to engage in, and to the number of hands they should
+  have on board. It was at last, however, resolved to take on board
+  as many cocoa-nuts as they possibly could; to make the most of
+  their jerked beef, by a very sparing distribution of it, and to
+  endeavour to supply their want of bread by rice; to furnish
+  themselves with which, it was proposed, when the bark was fitted
+  up, to make an expedition to the island of Rota, where they were
+  told that the Spaniards had large plantations of rice under the
+  care of the Indian inhabitants: But as this last measure was to
+  be executed by force, it became necessary to examine what
+  ammunition had been left on shore, and to preserve it carefully;
+  and on this enquiry, they had the mortification to find, that the
+  utmost that could be collected, by the strictest search, did not
+  amount to more than ninety charges of powder for their firelocks,
+  which was considerably short of one a-piece for each of the
+  company, and was indeed a very slender stock of ammunition, for
+  such as were to eat no grain or bread for a month, but what they
+  were to procure by force of arms.</p>
+
+  <p>But the most alarming circumstance, and what, without the
+  providential interposition of very improbable events, had
+  rendered all their schemes abortive, remains yet to be related.
+  The general idea of the fabric and equipment of the vessel was
+  settled in a few days, and when this was done, it was not
+  difficult to make some estimation of the time necessary to
+  complete her. After this, it was natural to expect that the
+  officers would consider on the course they were to steer, and the
+  land they were to make. These reflections led them to the
+  disheartening discovery, that there was neither compass nor
+  quadrant on the island. Indeed, the commodore had brought a
+  pocket compass on shore for his own use, but Lieutenant Brett had
+  borrowed it to determine the position of the neighbouring
+  islands, and he had been driven to sea in the Centurion, without
+  returning it; and as to a quadrant, that could not be expected to
+  be found on shore, for as it was of no use at land, there could
+  be no reason <span class="pagenum"><a name="page456" id=
+  "page456"></a>[pg 456]</span> for bringing it from on board the
+  ship. It was eight days, from the departure of the Centurion,
+  before they were relieved from this terrible perplexity: At last,
+  in rummaging a chest belonging to the Spanish bark, they found a
+  small compass, which, though little better than the toys usually
+  made for the amusement of school-boys, was to them an invaluable
+  treasure. And a few days after, by a similar piece of good
+  fortune, they found a quadrant on the sea-shore, which had been
+  thrown overboard amongst other lumber belonging to the dead: The
+  quadrant was eagerly seized, but it unluckily wanted vanes, and
+  therefore, in its present state, was altogether useless; however,
+  fortune still continuing in a favourable mood, it was not long
+  before a person, out of curiosity, pulling out the drawer of an
+  old table, which had been driven on shore, found some vanes,
+  which fitted the quadrant very well; and it being thus completed,
+  it was examined by the known latitude of the place, and found to
+  answer to a sufficient degree of exactness.</p>
+
+  <p>All these obstacles being in some degree removed (which were
+  always as much as possible concealed from the vulgar, that they
+  might not grow remiss with the apprehension of labouring to no
+  purpose,) the work proceeded very successfully and vigorously:
+  The necessary iron-work was in great forwardness; and the timbers
+  and planks (which, though not the most exquisite performances of
+  the sawyer's art, were yet sufficient for the purpose,) were all
+  prepared; so that on the 6th of October, being the 14th day from
+  the departure of the ship, they haled the bark on shore, and, on
+  the two succeeding days, she was sawn asunder (though with great
+  care not to cut her planks,) and her two parts were separated the
+  proper distance from each other, and, the materials being all
+  ready before-hand, they, the next day, being the 9th of October,
+  went on with great dispatch in their proposed enlargement of her;
+  and by this time they had all their future operations so fairly
+  in view, and were so much masters of them, that they were able to
+  determine when the whole would be finished, and had accordingly
+  fixed the 5th of November for the day of their putting to sea.
+  But their projects and labours were drawing to a speedier and
+  happier conclusion; for on the 11th of October, in the afternoon,
+  one of the Gloucester's men, being upon a hill in the middle of
+  the island, perceived the Centurion at a distance, and running
+  down with his utmost speed towards the landing-place,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page457" id="page457"></a>[pg
+  457]</span> he, in the way, saw some of his comrades, to whom he
+  hallooed out with extacy, The ship, the ship! This being heard by
+  Mr Gordon, a lieutenant of marines, who was convinced by the
+  fellow's transport that his report was true, Mr Gordon ran
+  towards the place where the commodore and his people were at
+  work, and being fresh and in breath, easily outstripped the
+  Gloucester's man, and got before him to the commodore, who, on
+  hearing this happy and unexpected news, threw down his axe with
+  which he was then at work, and by his joy broke through, for the
+  first time, the equable and unvaried character which he had
+  hitherto preserved; the others, who were with him, instantly ran
+  down to the sea-side in a kind of frenzy, eager to feast
+  themselves with a sight they had so ardently wished for, and of
+  which they had now for a considerable time despaired. By five in
+  the evening the Centurion was visible in the offing to them all;
+  and, a boat being sent off with eighteen men to reinforce her,
+  and with fresh meat and fruits for the refreshment of her crew,
+  she, the next afternoon, happily came to an anchor in the road,
+  when the commodore immediately went on board, and was received
+  with the sincerest and heartiest acclamations: For, from the
+  following short recital of the fears, the dangers and fatigues we
+  in the ship underwent during our nineteen days absence from
+  Tinian, it may be easily conceived, that a harbour, refreshments,
+  repose, and the joining of our commander and shipmates, were not
+  less pleasing to us than our return was to them.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXVII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Account of the Proceedings on board the Centurion when
+  driven out to Sea.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The Centurion being now once more safely arrived at Tinian, to
+  the mutual respite of the labours of our divided crew, it is high
+  time that the reader, after the relation already given of the
+  projects and employment of those left on shore, should be
+  apprised of the fatigues and distresses to which we, who were
+  driven off to sea, were exposed during the long interval of
+  nineteen, days that we were absent from the
+  island.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page458" id=
+  "page458"></a>[pg 458]</span>
+
+  <p>It has been already mentioned, that it was the 22d of
+  September, about one o'clock, in an extreme dark night, when, by
+  the united violence of a prodigious storm, and an exceeding rapid
+  tide, we were driven from our anchors and forced to sea. Our
+  condition was truly deplorable; we were in a leaky ship, with
+  three cables in our hawses, to one of which hung our only
+  remaining anchor; we had not a gun on board lashed, nor a port
+  barred in; our shrowds were loose, and our top-masts unrigged,
+  and we had struck our fore and main-yards close down, before the
+  storm came on, so that there were no sails we could set, except
+  our mizen. In this dreadful extremity we could muster no more
+  strength on board to navigate the ship, than an hundred and eight
+  hands, several negroes and Indians included: This was scarcely
+  the fourth part of our complement, and of these the greater
+  number were either boys, or such as, being lately recovered from
+  the scurvy, had not yet arrived at half their vigour. No sooner
+  were we at sea, but by the violence of the storm, and the working
+  of the ship, we made a great quantity of water through our
+  hawse-holes, ports, and scuppers, which, added to the constant
+  effect of our leak, rendered our pumps alone a sufficient
+  employment for us all: But though this leakage, by being a short
+  time neglected, would inevitably end in our destruction, yet we
+  had other dangers then impending, which occasioned this to be
+  regarded as a secondary consideration only. For we all imagined
+  that we were driving directly on the neighbouring island of
+  Aguiguan, which was about two leagues distant; and as we had
+  lowered our main and fore-yards close down, we had no sails we
+  could set but the mizen, which was altogether insufficient to
+  carry us clear of this instant peril; we therefore immediately
+  applied ourselves to work, endeavouring, by the utmost of our
+  efforts, to heave up the main and fore-yards, in hopes that, if
+  we could but be enabled to make use of our lower canvass, we
+  might possibly weather the island, and thereby save ourselves
+  from this impending shipwreck. But after full three hours
+  ineffectual labour, the jeers broke, and the men being quite
+  jaded, we were obliged, by mere debility, to desist, and quietly
+  to expect our fate, which we then conceived to be unavoidable:
+  For we imagined ourselves by this time to be driven just upon the
+  shore, and the night was so extremely dark, that we expected to
+  discover the island no otherwise than by striking upon
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page459" id="page459"></a>[pg
+  459]</span> it; so that the belief of our destruction, and the
+  uncertainly of the point of time when it would take place,
+  occasioned us to pass several hours under the most serious
+  apprehensions, that each succeeding moment would send us to the
+  bottom. Nor did these continued terrors of instantly striking and
+  sinking end but with the day-break, when we, with great
+  transport, perceived that the island we had thus dreaded was at a
+  considerable distance, and that a strong northern current had
+  been the cause of our preservation.</p>
+
+  <p>The turbulent weather which forced us from Tinian, did not
+  begin to abate till three days after; and then we swayed up the
+  fore-yard, and began to heave up the main-yard, but the jeers
+  broke and killed one of our men, and prevented us at that time
+  from proceeding. The next day, being the 26th of September, was a
+  day of most severe fatigue to us all; for it must be remembered,
+  that in these exigences no rank or office exempted any person
+  from the manual application and bodily labour of a common sailor.
+  The business of this day was no less than an attempt to heave up
+  the sheet-anchor, which we had hitherto dragged at our bows with
+  two cables an end. This was a work of great importance to our
+  future preservation: For, not to mention the impediment to our
+  navigation, and the hazard it would be to our ship, if we
+  attempted to make sail with the anchor in its present situation,
+  we had this most interesting consideration to animate us, that it
+  was the only anchor we had left; and, without securing it, we
+  should be under the utmost difficulties and hazards, whenever we
+  made the land again; and therefore, being all of us fully
+  apprized of the consequence of this enterprize, we laboured at it
+  with the severest application for full twelve hours, when we had
+  indeed made a considerable progress, having brought the anchor in
+  sight; but, it then growing dark, and we being excessively
+  fatigued, we were obliged to desist, and to leave our work
+  unfinished till the next morning, when, by the benefit of a
+  night's rest, we completed it, and hung the anchor at our
+  bow.</p>
+
+  <p>It was the 27th of September in the morning, that is, five
+  days after our departure, when we thus secured our anchor; And
+  the same day we got up our main-yard: And having now conquered in
+  some degree the distress and disorder which we were necessarily
+  involved in at our first driving out to sea, and being enabled to
+  make use of our canvass, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page460"
+  id="page460"></a>[pg 460]</span> we set our courses, and for the
+  first time stood to the eastward, in hopes of regaining the
+  island of Tinian, and joining our commodore in a few days: For we
+  were then, by our accounts, only forty-seven leagues to the
+  south-west of Tinian; so that on the first day of October, having
+  then run the distance necessary for making the island according
+  to our reckoning, we were in full expectation of seeing it; but
+  we were unhappily disappointed, and were thereby convinced that a
+  current had driven us to the westward. And as we could not judge
+  how much we might hereby have deviated, and consequently how long
+  we might still expect to be at sea, we had great apprehensions
+  that our stock of water might prove deficient; for we were
+  doubtful about the quantity we had on board, and found many of
+  our casks so decayed, as to be half leaked out. However, we were
+  delivered from our uncertainty the next day by having a sight of
+  the island of Guam, by which we discovered that the currents had
+  driven us forty-four leagues to the westward of our accounts.
+  This sight of land having satisfied us of our situation, we kept
+  plying to the eastward, though with excessive labour, for the
+  wind continuing fixed in the eastern board, we were obliged to
+  tack often, and our crew were so weak, that, without the
+  assistance of every man on board, it was not in our power to put
+  the ship about: This severe employment lasted till the 11th of
+  October, being the nineteenth day from our departure; when,
+  arriving in the offing of Tinian, we were reinforced from the
+  shore, as hath been already mentioned; and on the evening of the
+  same day, to our inexpressible joy, came to an anchor in the
+  road, thereby procuring to our shipmates on shore, as well as to
+  ourselves, a cessation from the fatigues and apprehensions which
+  this disastrous incident had given rise to.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXVIII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Of our Employment at Tinian, till the final Departure of
+  the Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao.</i><a id=
+  "footnotetag152" name="footnotetag152"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote152"><sup>1</sup></a></h4>
+
+  <p>The commodore resolved to stay no longer at the island than
+  was absolutely necessary to complete our stock of water,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page461" id="page461"></a>[pg
+  461]</span> a work which we immediately set ourselves about. But
+  the loss of our long-boat, which was staved against our poop when
+  we were driven out to sea, put us to great inconveniences in
+  getting our water on board: For we were obliged to raft off all
+  our cask, and the tide ran so strong, that, besides the frequent
+  delays and difficulties it occasioned, we more than once lost the
+  whole raft. Nor was this our only misfortune; for, on the third
+  day after our arrival, a sudden gust of wind brought home our
+  anchor, forced us off the bank, and drove the ship out to sea a
+  second time. The commodore, it is true, and the principal
+  officers, were now on board; but we had near seventy men on
+  shore, who had been employed in filling our water, and procuring
+  provisions: These had with them our two cutters; but as they were
+  too many for the cutters to bring off at once, we sent the
+  eighteen-oared barge to assist them; and at the same time made a
+  signal for all that could to embark. The two cutters soon came
+  off to us full of men; but forty of the company, who were
+  employed in killing cattle in the wood, and in bringing them down
+  to the landing-place, were left behind; and though the
+  eighteen-oared barge was left for their conveyance, yet, as the
+  ship soon drove to a considerable distance, it was not in their
+  power to join us. However, as the weather was favourable, and our
+  crew was now stronger than when we were first driven out, we, in
+  about five days time, returned again to an anchor at Tinian, and
+  relieved those we had left behind us from their second fears of
+  being deserted by their ship.</p>
+
+  <p>On our arrival, we found that the Spanish bark, the old object
+  of their hopes, had undergone a new metamorphosis: For those we
+  had left onshore began to despair of our return, and conceiving
+  that the lengthening the bark, as formerly proposed, was both a
+  toilsome and unnecessary measure, considering the small number
+  they consisted of, they had resolved to join her again, and to
+  restore her to her first state; and in this scheme they had made
+  some progress; for they had brought the two parts together, and
+  would have soon completed her, had not our coming back put a
+  period to their labours and disquietudes.</p>
+
+  <p>These people we had left behind informed us, that, just before
+  we were seen in the offing, two proas had stood in very near the
+  shore, and had continued there for some time; but, on the
+  appearance of our ship, they crowded away, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page462" id="page462"></a>[pg 462]</span> and
+  were presently out of sight. And, on this occasion, I must
+  mention an incident, which, though it happened during the first
+  absence of the ship, was then omitted, to avoid interrupting the
+  course of the narration.</p>
+
+  <p>It hath been already observed, that a part of the detachment,
+  sent to this island under the command of the Spanish Serjeant,
+  lay concealed in the woods; and we were the less solicitous to
+  find them out, as our prisoners all assured us, that it was
+  impossible for them to get off, and consequently that it was
+  impossible for them to send any intelligence about us to Guam.
+  But when the Centurion drove out to sea, and left the commodore
+  on shore, he one day, attended by some of his officers,
+  endeavoured to make the tour of the island: In this expedition,
+  being on a rising ground, they perceived in the valley beneath
+  them the appearance of a small thicket, which, by observing more
+  nicely, they found had a progressive motion: This at first
+  surprised them; but they soon discovered, that it was no more
+  than several large cocoa bushes, which were dragged along the
+  ground, by persons concealed beneath them. They immediately
+  concluded that these were some of the Serjeant's party (which,
+  was indeed true); and therefore the commodore and his people made
+  after them, in hopes of finding out their retreat. The Indians
+  soon perceived they were discovered, and hurried away with
+  precipitation; but Mr Anson was so near them, that he did not
+  lose sight of them till they arrived at their cell, which he and
+  his officers entering found to be abandoned, there being a
+  passage from it down a precipice contrived for the conveniency of
+  flight. They found here an old firelock or two, but no other
+  arms. However, there was a great quantity of provisions,
+  particularly salted spare-ribs of pork, which were excellent; and
+  from what our people saw here, they concluded, that the
+  extraordinary appetite, which they had found at this island, was
+  not confined to themselves; for, it being about noon, the Indians
+  had laid out a very plentiful repast considering their numbers,
+  and had their bread-fruit and cocoa-nuts prepared ready for
+  eating, and in a manner which plainly evinced, that, with them
+  too, a good meal was neither an uncommon nor an unheeded article.
+  The commodore having in vain endeavoured to discover the path by
+  which the Indians had escaped, he and his officers contented
+  themselves with sitting down to the dinner, which was thus
+  luckily filled to their present appetites; <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page463" id="page463"></a>[pg 463]</span>
+  after which, they returned back to their old habitation,
+  displeased at missing the Indians, as they hoped to have engaged
+  them in our service, if they could have had any conference with
+  them. But, notwithstanding what our prisoners had asserted, we
+  were afterwards assured, that these Indians were carried off to
+  Guam long before we left the place.</p>
+
+  <p>On our coming to an anchor again; after our second driving off
+  to sea; we laboured indefatigably in getting in our water; and
+  having, by the 20th of October, completed it to fifty tun, which
+  we supposed would be sufficient for our passage to Macao, we, on
+  the next day, sent one of each mess on shore, to gather as large
+  a quantity of oranges, lemons, cocoa-nuts, and other fruits of
+  the island, as they possibly could, for the use of themselves and
+  mess-mates, when at sea. And, these purveyors returning on board
+  us on the evening of the same day, we then set fire to the bark
+  and proa, hoisted in our boats, and got under sail, steering away
+  for the south-end of the island of Formosa, and taking our
+  leaves, for the third and last time, of the island of Tinian: An
+  island, which, whether we consider the excellence of its
+  productions, the beauty of its appearance, the elegance of its
+  woods and lawns, the healthiness of its air or the adventures it
+  gave rise to, may in all these views be truly styled
+  romantic.</p>
+
+  <p>[After the description, certainly a very imperfect one, of the
+  Ladrones, which now follows, the author gives a curious account
+  of the proas or prows so much used among them. This is extracted,
+  as likely to interest the reader, and as more satisfactory, than
+  the brief notice already given in the history of Magellan's
+  voyage. This account is more deserving of regard, as being drawn
+  up from very particular examination of one of the vessels taken,
+  as has been mentioned, at Tinian.]</p>
+
+  <p>The Indians that inhabit the Ladrones, of which Tinian
+  (formerly well peopled) is one, are a bold, well-limbed people;
+  and it should seem from some of their practices, that they are no
+  ways defective in understanding; for their flying proa in
+  particular, which has been for ages the only vessel used by them,
+  is so singular and extraordinary an invention, that it would do
+  honour to any nation, however dexterous and acute. Whether we
+  consider its aptitude to the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page464" id="page464"></a>[pg 464]</span> particular navigation
+  of these islands, or the uncommon simplicity and ingenuity of its
+  fabric and contrivance, or the extraordinary velocity with which
+  it moves, we shall find it worthy of our admiration, and meriting
+  a place amongst the mechanical productions of the most civilized
+  nations, where arts and sciences have most eminently
+  flourished.</p>
+
+  <p>The name of flying proa given to these vessels, is owing to
+  the swiftness with which they sail. Of this the Spaniards assert
+  such stories, as appear altogether incredible to those who have
+  never seen these vessels move; nor are the Spaniards the only
+  people who relate these extraordinary tales of their celerity.
+  For those who shall have the curiosity to enquire at the dock at
+  Portsmouth, about a trial made there some years since, with a
+  very imperfect one built at that place, will meet with accounts
+  not less wonderful than any the Spaniards have given. However,
+  from some rude estimations made, by our people, of the velocity
+  with which they crossed the horizon at a distance, whilst we lay
+  at Tinian, I cannot help believing that with a brisk trade-wind
+  they will run near twenty miles an hour: Which, though greatly
+  short of what the Spaniards report of them, is yet a prodigious
+  degree of swiftness.</p>
+
+  <p>The construction of this proa is a direct contradiction to the
+  practice of the rest of mankind. For as the rest of the world
+  make the head of their vessels different from the stern, but the
+  two sides alike, the proa, on the contrary, has her head and
+  stern exactly alike, but her two sides very different; the side,
+  intended to be always the lee-side, being flat; and the
+  windward-side made rounding, in the manner of other vessels: And,
+  to prevent her oversetting, which from her small breadth, and the
+  straight run of her leeward-side, would, without this precaution,
+  infallibly happen, there is a frame laid out from her to
+  windward, to the end of which is fastened a log, fashioned into
+  the shape of a small boat, and made hollow: The weight of the
+  frame is intended to balance the proa, and the small boat is by
+  its buoyancy (as it is always in the water) to prevent her
+  oversetting to windward; and this frame is usually called an
+  outrigger. The body of the proa (at least of that we took) is
+  made of two pieces joined end-ways, and sowed together with bark,
+  for there is no iron used about her: She is about two inches
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page465" id="page465"></a>[pg
+  465]</span> thick at the bottom, which at the gunwale is reduced
+  to less than one.<a id="footnotetag153" name=
+  "footnotetag153"></a><a href="#footnote153"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>The proa generally carries six or seven Indians; two of which
+  are placed in the head and stem, who steer the vessel alternately
+  with a paddle, according to the tack she goes on, be in the stern
+  being the steersman; the other Indians are employed either in
+  baling out the water which she accidentally ships, or in setting
+  and trimming the sail. From the description of these vessels it
+  is sufficiently obvious, how dexterously they are fitted for
+  ranging this collection of islands called the Ladrones: For as
+  these islands lie nearly N. and S. of each other, and are all
+  within the limits of the trade-wind, the proas, by sailing most
+  excellently on a wind, and with either end foremost, can ran from
+  one of these islands to the other and back again, only by
+  shifting the sail, without ever putting about; and, by the
+  flatness of their lee-side, and their small breadth, they are
+  capable of lying much nearer the wind than any other vessel
+  hitherto known.</p>
+
+  <p>The eastern monsoon was now, we reckoned, fairly settled; and
+  we had a constant gale blowing right upon our stern: So that we
+  generally ran from forty to fifty leagues a-day. But we had a
+  large hollow sea pursuing us, which occasioned the ship to labour
+  much; whence we received great damage in our rigging, which was
+  grown very rotten, and our leak was augmented: But, happily for
+  us, our people were now in full health; so that there were no
+  complaints of fatigue, but all went through their attendance on
+  the pumps, and every other duty of the ship, with ease and
+  cheerfulness.</p>
+
+  <p>Having no other but our sheet-anchor left, except our
+  prize-anchors, which were stowed in the hold, and were too light
+  to be depended on, we were under great concern how we should
+  manage on, the coast of China, where we were all entire
+  strangers, and where we should doubtless be frequently under the
+  necessity of coming to an anchor. Our sheet-anchor being much too
+  heavy for a coasting anchor, it was at length resolved to fix two
+  of our largest prize-anchors into one stock, and to place between
+  their shanks two guns, four pounders, which was accordingly
+  executed, and it was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page466" id=
+  "page466"></a>[pg 466]</span> to serve as a best bower: And a
+  third prize-anchor being ill like manner joined with our
+  stream-anchor, with guns between them, we thereby made a small
+  bower; so that, besides our sheet-anchor, we had again two others
+  at our bows, one of which weighed 3900, and the other 2900
+  pounds.</p>
+
+  <p>The 3d of November, about three in the afternoon, we saw an
+  island, which at first we imagined to be the island of Botel
+  Tobago Xima: But on nearer approach we found it to be much
+  smaller than that is usually represented; and about an hour after
+  we saw another island, five or six miles farther to the westward.
+  As no chart, nor any journal we had seen, took notice of any
+  other island to the eastward of Formosa, than Botel Tobago Xima,
+  and as we had no observation of our latitude at noon, we were in
+  some perplexity, being apprehensive that an extraordinary current
+  had driven us into the neighbourhood of the Bashee islands; and
+  therefore, when night came on, we brought to, and continued in
+  this posture till the next morning, which proving dark and
+  cloudy, for some time prolonged our uncertainty; but it cleared
+  up about nine o'clock, when we again discerned the two islands
+  above-mentioned; we then prest forwards to the westward, and by
+  eleven got a sight of the southern part of the island of Formosa.
+  This satisfied us that the second island we saw was Botel Tobago
+  Xima, and the first a small island or rock, lying five or six
+  miles due east from it, which, not being mentioned by any of our
+  books or charts, was the occasion of our fears.<a id=
+  "footnotetag154" name="footnotetag154"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote154"><sup>3</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>When we got sight of the island of Formosa, we steered W. by
+  S. in order to double its extremity, and kept a good look-out for
+  the rocks of Vele Rete, which we did not see till two in the
+  afternoon. They then bore from us W.N.W. three miles distant, the
+  south end of Formosa at the same time bearing N. by W. 1/2 W.
+  about five leagues distant. To give these rocks a good birth, we
+  immediately haled up S. by W. and so left them between us and the
+  land. Indeed we had reason to be careful of them; for though they
+  appeared as high out of the water as a ship's hull, yet they are
+  environed with breakers on all sides, and there is a shoal
+  stretching from them at least a mile and a half to the southward,
+  whence they may be truly called dangerous. <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page467" id="page467"></a>[pg 467]</span> The
+  course from Botel Tobago Xima to these rocks is S.W. by W. and
+  the distance about twelve or thirteen leagues: And the south end
+  of Formosa, off which they lie, is in the latitude of
+  21° 50' north, and in 23° 50' west longitude
+  from Tinian, according to our most approved reckonings, though by
+  some of our accounts above a degree more.</p>
+
+  <p>While we were passing by these rocks of Vele Rete, there was
+  an outcry of fire on the fore-castle; this occasioned a general
+  alarm, and the whole crew instantly flocked together in the
+  utmost confusion, so that the officers found it difficult for
+  some time to appease the uproar: But having at last reduced the
+  people to order, it was perceived that the fire proceeded from
+  the furnace; and, pulling down the brick-work, it was
+  extinguished with great facility, for it had taken its rise from
+  the bricks, which, being over-heated, had begun to communicate
+  the fire to the adjacent wood-work. In the evening we were
+  surprised with a view of what we at first sight conceived to have
+  been breakers, but, on a stricter examination, we found them to
+  be only a great number of fires on the island of Formosa. These,
+  we imagined, were, intended by the inhabitants of that island as
+  signals for us to touch there, but that suited not our views, we
+  being impatient to reach the port of Macao as soon as possible.
+  From Formosa we steered W.N.W. and sometimes still more
+  northerly, proposing to fall in with, the coast of China, to the
+  eastward of Pedro Blanco; for the rock so called is usually
+  esteemed an excellent direction for ships bound to Macao. We
+  continued this course till the following night, and then
+  frequently brought to, to try if we were in soundings: But it was
+  the 5th of November, at nine in the morning, before we struck
+  ground, and then, we had forty-two fathom, and a bottom of grey
+  sand mixed with shells. When we had got about twenty miles
+  farther W.N.W. we had thirty-five fathom; and the same bottom,
+  from whence our sounding gradually decreased from thirty-five to
+  twenty-five fathom; but soon after, to our great surprise, they
+  jumped back again to thirty fathom: This was an alteration we
+  could not very well account for,<a id="footnotetag155" name=
+  "footnotetag155"></a><a href="#footnote155"><sup>4</sup></a>
+  since all the charts laid down regular soundings every-where to
+  the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page468" id="page468"></a>[pg
+  468]</span> northward of Pedro Blanco; and for this reason we
+  kept a very careful look-out, and altered our course to N.N.W.
+  and having run thirty-five miles in this direction, our soundings
+  again gradually diminished to twenty-two fathom, and we at last,
+  about mid-night, got sight of the main land of China, bearing N.
+  by W. four leagues distant: We then brought the ship to, with her
+  head to the sea, proposing to wait for the morning; and before
+  sun-rise we were surprised to find ourselves in the midst of an
+  incredible number of fishing-boats, which seemed to cover the
+  surface of the sea as far as the eye could reach. I may well
+  style their number incredible, since I cannot believe, upon the
+  lowest estimate, that there were fewer than six thousand, most of
+  them manned with five hands, and none with less than three. Nor
+  was this swarm of fishing-vessels peculiar to this spot; for, as
+  we ran on to the westward, we found them as abundant on every
+  part of the coast. We at first doubted not but we should procure
+  a pilot from them to carry us to Macao; but though many of them
+  came close to the ship, and we endeavoured to tempt them by
+  showing them a number of dollars, a most alluring bait for
+  Chinese of all ranks and professions, yet we could not entice
+  them on board us, nor procure any directions from them; though, I
+  presume, the only difficulty was their not comprehending what we
+  wanted them to do, for we could have no communication with them,
+  but by signs: Indeed we often pronounced the word Macao; but this
+  we had reason to suppose they understood in a different sense;
+  for in return they sometimes held up fish to us, and we
+  afterwards learnt, that the Chinese name for fish is of a
+  somewhat similar sound. But what surprised us most, was the
+  inattention and want of curiosity, which we observed in this herd
+  of fishermen: A ship like ours had doubtless never been in those
+  seas before; perhaps, there might not be one, amongst all the
+  Chinese employed in this fishery, who had ever seen any European
+  vessel; so that we might reasonably have expected to have been
+  considered by them as a very uncommon and extraordinary object;
+  but though many of their vessels came close to the ship, yet they
+  did not appear to be at all interested about us, nor did they
+  deviate in the least from their course to regard us; which
+  insensibility, especially in maritime persons, about a matter in
+  their own profession, is scarcely to be credited, did not the
+  general behaviour of the Chinese, in other <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page469" id="page469"></a>[pg 469]</span>
+  instances, furnish us with continual proofs of a similar turn of
+  mind: It may perhaps be doubted, whether this cast of temper be
+  the effect of nature or education; but, in either case, it is an
+  incontestable symptom of a mean and contemptible disposition, and
+  is alone a sufficient confutation of the extravagant panegyrics,
+  which many hypothetical writers have bestowed on the ingenuity
+  and capacity of this nation.<a id="footnotetag156" name=
+  "footnotetag156"></a><a href="#footnote156"><sup>5</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Not being able to procure any information from the Chinese
+  fishermen about our proper course to Macao, it was necessary for
+  us to rely entirety on our own judgment; and concluding from our
+  latitude, which was 22° 42' north, and from our
+  soundings, which were only seventeen or eighteen fathoms, that we
+  were yet to the eastward of Pedro Blanco, we stood to the
+  westward: And, for the assistance of future navigators, who may
+  hereafter doubt about the parts of the coast they are upon, I
+  must observe, that, besides the latitude of Pedro Blanco, which
+  is 22° 18', and the depth of water, which to the
+  westward of that rock is almost every where twenty fathoms, there
+  is another circumstance which will give great assistance in
+  judging of the position of the ship: This is, the kind of ground;
+  for, till we came within thirty miles of Pedro Blanco, we had
+  constantly a sandy bottom; but there the bottom changed to soft
+  and muddy, and continued so quite to the island of Macao; only
+  while we were in sight of Pedro Blanco, and very near it, we had
+  for a short space a bottom of greenish mud, intermixed with
+  sand.</p>
+
+  <p>On the fifth of November, at midnight, we made the coast of
+  China; and the next day, about two o'clock, as we were standing
+  to the westward within two leagues of the coast, and still
+  surrounded by fishing vessels in as great numbers as at first, we
+  perceived that a boat a-head of us waved a red flag, and blew a
+  horn; This we considered as a signal made to us, either to warn
+  us of some shoal, or to inform us that they would supply us with
+  a pilot, and in this belief we immediately sent our cutter to the
+  boat, to know their <span class="pagenum"><a name="page470" id=
+  "page470"></a>[pg 470]</span> intentions; but we were soon made
+  sensible of our mistake, and found that this boat was the
+  commodore of the whole fishery, and that the signal she had made,
+  was to order them all to leave off fishing, and to return in
+  shore, which we saw them instantly obey. On this disappointment
+  we kept on our course, and soon after passed by two very small
+  rocks, which lay four or five miles distant from the shore; but
+  night came on before we got sight of Pedro Blanco, and we
+  therefore brought-to till the morning, when we had the
+  satisfaction to discover it. It is a rock of a small
+  circumference, but of a moderate height, and, both in shape and
+  colour, resembles a sugar-loaf, and is about seven or eight miles
+  from the shore. We passed within a mile and a half of it, and
+  left it between us and the land, still keeping on to the
+  westward; and the next day, being the 7th, we were a-breast of a
+  chain of islands, which stretched from east to west. These, as we
+  afterwards found, were called the islands of Lema;<a id=
+  "footnotetag157" name="footnotetag157"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote157"><sup>6</sup></a> they are rocky and barren, and
+  are in all, small and great, fifteen or sixteen; and there are,
+  besides, a great number of other islands between them and the
+  main land of China. These islands we left on the star-board side,
+  passing within four miles of them, where we had twenty-four
+  fathom water. We were still surrounded by fishing-boats; and we
+  once more sent the cutter on board one of them, to endeavour to
+  procure a pilot, but could not prevail; however, one of the
+  Chinese directed us by signs to sail round the westermost of the
+  islands, or rocks of Lema, and then to hale up. We followed this
+  direction; and in the evening came to an anchor in eighteen
+  fathom.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 9th at four in the morning, we sent our cutter to sound
+  the channel, where we proposed to pass; but before the return of
+  the cutter, a Chinese pilot put on board us, and told us, in
+  broken Portuguese, he would carry us to Macao for thirty dollars:
+  These were immediately paid him, and we then weighed and made
+  sail; and soon after, several other pilots came on board us, who,
+  to recommend themselves, produced certificates from the captains
+  of several ships they had piloted in, but we continued the ship
+  under the management of the Chinese who came first on board. By
+  this time we learnt, that we were not far distant from
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page471" id="page471"></a>[pg
+  471]</span> Macao, and that there were in the river of Canton, at
+  the mouth of which Macao lies, eleven European ships, of which
+  four were English. Our pilot carried us between the islands of
+  Bamboo and Cabouce, but the winds hanging in the northern board,
+  and the tides often setting strongly against us, we were obliged
+  to come frequently to an anchor, so that we did not get through
+  between the two islands till the 12th of November, at two in the
+  morning. In passing through, our depth of water was from twelve
+  to fourteen fathom; and as we still steered on N.W. 1/2 W.
+  between a number of other islands, our soundings underwent little
+  or no variation till towards the evening, when they increased to
+  seventeen fathom; in which depth (the wind dying away) we
+  anchored not far from the island of Lantoon, which is the largest
+  of all this range of islands. At seven in the morning we weighed
+  again, and steering W.S.W. and S.W. by W., we at ten o'clock
+  happily anchored in Macao road, in five fathom water, the city of
+  Macao bearing W. by N., three leagues distant; the peak of
+  Lantoon E. by N., and the grand Ladrone S. by E. each of them
+  about five leagues distant. Thus, after a fatiguing cruise of
+  above two years continuance, we once more arrived in an amicable
+  port, in a civilized country; where the conveniences of life were
+  in great plenty; where the naval stores, which we now extremely
+  wanted, could be in some degree procured; where we expected the
+  inexpressible satisfaction of receiving letters from our
+  relations and friends; and where our countrymen, who were lately
+  arrived from England, would be capable of answering the numerous
+  enquiries we were prepared to make, both about public and private
+  occurrences, and to relate to us many particulars, which, whether
+  of importance or not, would be listened to by us with the utmost
+  attention, after the long suspension of our correspondence with
+  our country, to which the nature of our undertaking had hitherto
+  subjected us.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote152" name="footnote152"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag152">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The original contains also a description of the Ladrones (or
+    Marian Islands, as they are now usually called,) which, for a
+    reason before mentioned, is omitted.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote153" name="footnote153"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag153">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The author refers to a plate for a minute description, which
+    is necessarily omitted.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote154" name="footnote154"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag154">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>These two islands are marked in Arrowsmith's map of Asia,
+    under the names of Bottle Tobago and Little Bottle
+    Tobago.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote155" name="footnote155"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag155">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>It was probably occasioned by their being over a sand bank,
+    which is laid down by Arrowsmith in this part of the
+    Centurion's course.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote156" name="footnote156"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag156">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Neither the ingenuity nor the capacity of the Chinese is at
+    all implicated by the circumstances recorded, the source of
+    which may be probably enough conjectured, viz. their contempt
+    of every thing foreign, which, it is well known, they never
+    scruple to avow. Besides, as is very soon mentioned, their
+    fishermen were under authority, and had received no orders or
+    permission to the effect desired.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote157" name="footnote157"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag157">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Called Grand Lema in Arrowsmith's map, and touched at by the
+    Lion in 1793.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXIX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Proceedings at Macao.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The city of Macao, in the road of which we came to an anchor
+  on the 12th of November, is a Portuguese settlement, <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page472" id="page472"></a>[pg 472]</span>
+  situated in an island at the mouth of the river of Canton. It was
+  formerly a very rich and populous city, and capable of defending
+  itself against the power of the adjacent Chinese governors: But
+  at present it is much fallen from its ancient splendour, for
+  though it is inhabited by Portuguese, and has a governor
+  nominated by the king of Portugal, yet it subsists merely by the
+  sufferance of the Chinese, who can starve the place, and
+  dispossess the Portuguese whenever they please: This obliges the
+  governor of Macao to behave with great circumspection, and
+  carefully to avoid every circumstance that may give offence to
+  the Chinese.<a id="footnotetag158" name=
+  "footnotetag158"></a><a href="#footnote158"><sup>1</sup></a>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page473" id="page473"></a>[pg
+  473]</span> The river of Canton, at the mouth of which this city
+  lies, is the only Chinese port, frequented by European ships; and
+  this river is indeed a more commodious harbour, on many accounts,
+  than Macao: But the peculiar customs of the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page474" id="page474"></a>[pg 474]</span>
+  Chinese, only adapted to the entertainment of trading ships, and
+  the apprehensions of the commodore, lest he should embroil the
+  East-India company with the regency of Canton, if he should
+  insist on being treated upon a different footing than the
+  merchantmen, made him resolve to go first to Macao, before he
+  ventured into the port of Canton. Indeed, had not this reason
+  prevailed with him, he himself had nothing to fear: For it is
+  certain that he might have entered the port of Canton, and might
+  have continued there as long as he pleased, and afterwards have
+  left it again, although the whole power of the Chinese empire had
+  been brought together to oppose him.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore, not to depart from his usual prudence, no
+  sooner came to an anchor in Macao road, than he dispatched an
+  officer with his compliments to the Portuguese governor of Macao,
+  requesting his excellency, by the same officer, to advise him in
+  what manner it would be proper to act, to avoid offending the
+  Chinese, which, as there were then four of our ships in their
+  power at Canton, was a matter worthy of attention. The
+  difficulty, which the commodore principally apprehended, related
+  to the duty usually paid by all ships in the river of Canton,
+  according to their tunnage. For as men of war are exempted in
+  every foreign harbour from all manner of port charges, the
+  commodore thought it would be derogatory to the honour of his
+  country to submit to this duty in China: And therefore he desired
+  the advice of the governor of Macao, who, being an European,
+  could not be ignorant of the privileges claimed by a British man
+  of war, and consequently might be expected to give us the best
+  lights for avoiding this perplexity. Our boat returned in the
+  evening with two officers sent by the governor, who informed the
+  commodore, that it was the governor's opinion, that if the
+  Centurion ventured into the river of Canton, the duty would
+  certainly be demanded; and therefore, if the commodore approved
+  of it, he would send him a pilot, who should conduct us into
+  another safe harbour, called the Typa, which was every way
+  commodious for careening the ship, (an operation we were resolved
+  to begin upon as soon as possible) and where the above-mentioned
+  duty would, in all probability, be never asked for.</p>
+
+  <p>This proposal the commodore agreed to, and in the morning we
+  weighed anchor, and, under the direction of the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page475" id="page475"></a>[pg 475]</span>
+  Portuguese pilot, steered for the intended harbour. As we entered
+  two islands, which form the eastern passage to it, we found our
+  soundings decreased to three fathom and a half: But the pilot
+  assuring us that this was the least depth we should meet with, we
+  continued our course, till at length the ship stuck fast in the
+  mud, with only eighteen feet water abaft; and, the tide of ebb
+  making, the water sewed to sixteen feet, but the ship remained
+  perfectly upright; we then sounded all round us, and finding the
+  water deepened to the northward, we carried out our small bower
+  with two hawsers an end, and at the return of the tide of flood,
+  hove the ship afloat, and a small breeze springing up at the same
+  instant, we set the fore top-sail, and, slipping the hawser, ran
+  into the harbour, where we moored in about five fathom water.
+  This harbour of the Typa is formed by a number of islands, and is
+  about six miles distant from Macao. Here we saluted the castle of
+  Macao with eleven guns, which were returned by an equal
+  number.</p>
+
+  <p>The next day the commodore paid a visit in person to the
+  governor, and was saluted at his landing by eleven guns, which
+  were returned by the Centurion. Mr Anson's business in this visit
+  was to solicit the governor to grant us a supply of provisions,
+  and to furnish us with such stores as were necessary to refit the
+  ship The governor seemed really inclined to do us all the service
+  he could, and assured the commodore, in a friendly manner, that
+  he would privately give us all the assistance in his power; but,
+  at the same time, frankly owned that he dared not openly furnish
+  us with any thing we demanded, unless we first procured an order
+  for it from the viceroy of Canton, for that he neither received
+  provisions for his garrison, nor any other necessaries, but by
+  permission from the Chinese government; and as they took care
+  only to furnish him from day to day, he was indeed no other than
+  their vassal, whom they could at all times compel to submit to
+  their own terms, only by laying an embargo on his provisions.</p>
+
+  <p>On this declaration of the governor, Mr Anson resolved himself
+  to go to Canton to procure a license from the viceroy; and
+  accordingly hired a Chinese boat for himself and his attendants;
+  but just as he was ready to embark, the Hoppo, or Chinese
+  custom-house officer at Macao, refused to grant a permit to the
+  boat, and ordered the watermen not to proceed at their peril. The
+  commodore at first endeavoured <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page476" id="page476"></a>[pg 476]</span> to prevail with the
+  hoppo to withdraw his injunction, and to grant a permit; and the
+  governor of Macao employed his interest with the hoppo to the
+  same purpose. Mr Anson, finding the officer inflexible, told him
+  the next day, that if he longer refused to grant the permit, he
+  would man and arm his own boats to carry him thither; asking the
+  hoppo, at the same time, who he imagined would dare to oppose
+  him. This threat immediately brought about what his entreaties
+  had laboured for in vain: The permit was granted, and Mr Anson
+  went to Canton. On his arrival there he consulted with the
+  supercargoes and officers of the English ships, how to procure an
+  order from the viceroy for the necessaries he wanted; but in this
+  he had reason to suppose, that the advice they gave him, though
+  doubtless well intended, was yet not the most prudent; for as it
+  is the custom with these gentlemen never to apply to the supreme
+  magistrate himself, whatever difficulties they labour under, but
+  to transact all matters relating to the government by the
+  mediation of the principal Chinese merchants, Mr Anson was
+  advised to follow the same method upon this occasion, the English
+  promising (in which they were doubtless sincere) to exert all
+  their interest to engage the merchants in his favour. And when
+  the Chinese merchants were applied to, they readily undertook the
+  management of it, and promised to answer for its success; but
+  after near a month's delay, and reiterated excuses, during which
+  interval they pretended to be often upon the point of completing
+  the business, they at last (being pressed, and measures being
+  taken for delivering a letter to the viceroy) threw off the mask,
+  and declared they neither had applied to the viceroy nor could
+  they; for he was too great a man, they said, for them to approach
+  on any occasion. And, not contented with having themselves thus
+  grossly deceived the commodore, they now used all their
+  persuasion with the English at Canton, to prevent them from
+  intermeddling with any thing that regarded him, representing to
+  them; that it would in all probability embroil them with the
+  government, and occasion them a great deal of unnecessary
+  trouble; which groundless insinuations had indeed but too much
+  weight with those they were applied to.</p>
+
+  <p>It may be difficult to assign a reason for this perfidious
+  conduct of the Chinese merchants: Interest indeed is known to
+  exert a boundless influence over the inhabitants of that
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page477" id="page477"></a>[pg
+  477]</span> empire; but how their interest could be affected in
+  the present case is not easy to discover, unless they apprehended
+  that the presence of a ship of force might damp their Manilla
+  trade, and therefore acted in this manner with a view of forcing
+  the commodore to Batavia: But it might be as natural in this
+  light to suppose, that they would have been eager to have got him
+  dispatched. I, therefore, rather impute their behaviour to the
+  unparalleled pusillanimity of the nation, and to the awe they are
+  under of the government; for as such a ship as the Centurion,
+  fitted for war only, had never been seen in those parts before,
+  she was the horror of these dastards, and the merchants were in
+  some degree terrified even with the idea of her, and could not
+  think of applying to the viceroy (who is doubtless fond of all
+  opportunities of fleecing them) without representing to
+  themselves the pretences which a hungry and tyrannical magistrate
+  night possibly find, for censuring their intermeddling in so
+  unusual a transaction, in which he might pretend the interest of
+  the state was immediately concerned. However, be this as it may,
+  the commodore was satisfied that nothing was to be done by the
+  interposition of the merchants, as it was on his pressing them to
+  deliver a letter to the viceroy that they had declared they durst
+  not intermeddle, and had confessed, that, notwithstanding all
+  their pretences of serving him, they had not yet taken one step
+  towards it. Mr Anson therefore told them, that he would proceed
+  to Batavia and refit his ship there; but informed them, at the
+  same time, that this was impossible to be done, unless he was
+  supplied with a stock of provisions sufficient for his passage.
+  The merchants on this undertook to procure him provisions, but
+  assured him that it was what they durst not engage in openly, but
+  proposed to manage it in a clandestine manner, by putting a
+  quantity of bread, flour, and other provision, on board the
+  English ships, which were now ready to sail, and these were to
+  stop at the mouth of the Typa, where the Centurion's boats were
+  to receive it. This article, which the merchants represented as a
+  matter of great favour, being settled, the commodore, on the 16th
+  of December, returned from Canton to the ship, seemingly resolved
+  to proceed to Batavia to refit, as soon as he should get his
+  supplies of provision on board.</p>
+
+  <p>But Mr Anson (who never intended going to Batavia) found, on
+  his return to the Centurion, that her main-mast <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page478" id="page478"></a>[pg 478]</span> was
+  sprung in two places, and that the leak was considerably
+  increased; so that, upon the whole, he was fully satisfied, that
+  though he should lay in a sufficient stock of provisions, yet it
+  would be impossible for him to put to sea without refitting: For,
+  if he left the port with his ship in her present condition, she
+  would be in the utmost danger of foundering, and therefore,
+  notwithstanding the difficulties he had met with, he resolved at
+  all events to have her hove down before he left Macao. He was
+  fully convinced, by what he had observed at Canton, that his
+  great caution not to injure the East India Company's affairs, and
+  the regard he had shown to the advice of their officers, had
+  occasioned all his embarrassments. For he now saw clearly, that
+  if he had at first carried his ship into the river of Canton, and
+  had immediately applied himself to the mandarines, who are the
+  chief officers of state, instead of employing the merchants to
+  apply for him, he would, in all probability, have had all his
+  requests granted, and would have been soon dispatched. He had
+  already lost a month by the wrong measures he had been put upon,
+  but he resolved to lose as little more time as possible; and,
+  therefore, the 17th of December, being the next day after his
+  return from Canton, he wrote a letter to the viceroy of that
+  place, acquainting him that he was commander-in-chief of a
+  squadron of his Britannic majesty's ships of war which had been
+  cruising for two years past in the South Seas against the
+  Spaniards, who were at war with the king his master; that, in his
+  way back to England, he had put into the port of Macao, having a
+  considerable leak in his ship, and being in great want of
+  provisions, so that it was impossible for him to proceed on his
+  voyage till his ship was repaired, and he was supplied with the
+  necessaries he wanted; that he had been at Canton, in hopes of
+  being admitted to a personal audience of his excellency, but
+  being a stranger to the customs of the country, he had not been
+  able to inform himself what steps were necessary to be taken to
+  procure such an audience, and therefore was obliged to apply to
+  him in this manner, to desire his excellency to give orders for
+  his being permitted to employ carpenters and proper workmen to
+  refit his ship, and to furnish himself with provisions and
+  stores, thereby to enable him to pursue his voyage to Great
+  Britain with this monsoon, hoping, at the same time, that these
+  orders would be issued with as little delay as possible, lest
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page479" id="page479"></a>[pg
+  479]</span> it might occasion his loss of the season, and he
+  might be prevented, from departing till the next winter.</p>
+
+  <p>This letter was translated into the Chinese language, and the
+  commodore delivered it himself to the hoppo, or chief officer of
+  the emperor's customs at Macao, desiring him to forward it to the
+  viceroy of Canton with as much expedition as he could. The
+  officer at first seemed unwilling to take charge of it, and
+  raised many difficulties about it, so that Mr Anson suspected him
+  of being in league with the merchants of Canton, who had always
+  shown a great apprehension of the commodore's having any
+  immediate intercourse with the viceroy or mandarines; and,
+  therefore, the commodore, with some resentment, took back his
+  letter from the hoppo, and told him he would immediately send, an
+  officer with it to Canton in his own boat, and would give him
+  positive orders not to return without an answer from the viceroy.
+  The hoppo, perceiving the commodore to be in earnest, and fearing
+  to be called to an account for his refusal, begged to be
+  entrusted with the letter, and promised to deliver it, and to
+  procure an answer as soon as possible. And now it was soon seen
+  how justly Mr Anson had at last judged of the proper manner of
+  dealing with the Chinese; for this letter was written but the
+  17th of December, as hath been already observed, and on the 19th
+  in the morning, a mandarine of the first rank, who was governor
+  of the city of Janson, together with two mandarines of an
+  inferior class, and a great retinue of officers and servants,
+  having with them eighteen half gallies, decorated with a great
+  number of streamers, and furnished with music, and full of men,
+  came to grapnel a-head of the Centurion; whence the mandarine
+  sent a message to the commodore, telling him that he (the
+  mandarine) was ordered by the viceroy of Canton to examine the
+  condition of the ship, and desiring the ship's boat might be sent
+  to fetch him on board. The Centurion's boat was immediately
+  dispatched, and preparations were made for receiving him; for a
+  hundred of the most sightly of the crew were uniformly drest in
+  the regimentals of the marines, and were drawn up under arms on
+  the main-deck on his arrival. When he entered the ship he was
+  saluted by the drums, and what other military music there was on
+  board; and, passing by the new-formed guard, he was met by the
+  commodore on the quarter-deck, who conducted him to the great
+  cabin. Here the mandarine <span class="pagenum"><a name="page480"
+  id="page480"></a>[pg 480]</span> explained his commission,
+  declaring, that his business was to examine all the particulars
+  mentioned in the commodore's letter to the viceroy, and to
+  confront them with the representation that had been given of
+  them; that he was particularly instructed to inspect the leak,
+  and had for that purpose brought with him two Chinese carpenters;
+  and that, for the greater regularity and dispatch or his
+  business, he had every head of enquiry separately wrote down on a
+  sheet of paper, with a void space opposite to it, where he was to
+  insert such information and remarks thereon as he could procure
+  by his own observation.</p>
+
+  <p>This mandarine appeared to be a person of very considerable
+  parts, and endowed with more frankness and honesty than is to be
+  found in the generality of the Chinese. After the proper
+  enquiries had been made, particularly about the leak, which the
+  Chinese carpenters reported to be as dangerous as it had been
+  represented, and consequently that it was impossible for the
+  Centurion to proceed to sea without being refitted, the mandarine
+  expressed himself satisfied with the account given in the
+  commodore's letter. And this magistrate, as he was more
+  intelligent than any other person of his nation that came to our
+  knowledge, so likewise was he more curious and inquisitive,
+  viewing each part of the ship with particular attention, and
+  appearing greatly surprised at the largeness of the lower-deck
+  guns, and at the weight and size of the shot. The commodore,
+  observing his astonishment, thought this a proper opportunity to
+  convince the Chinese of the prudence of granting him a speedy and
+  ample supply of all he wanted: With this view he told the
+  mandarine, and those who were with him, that, besides the demands
+  he made for a general supply, he had a particular complaint
+  against the proceedings of the custom-house of Macao; that at his
+  first arrival the Chinese boats had brought on board plenty of
+  greens, and variety of fresh provisions for daily use, for which
+  they had always been paid to their full satisfaction, but that
+  the custom-house officers at Macao had soon forbid them, by which
+  means he was deprived of those refreshments which were of the
+  utmost consequence to the health of his men after their long and
+  sickly voyage; that as they, the mandarines, had informed
+  themselves of his wants, and were eye-witnesses of the force and
+  strength of his ship, they might be satisfied it was not for want
+  of power to supply himself, that he desired <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page481" id="page481"></a>[pg 481]</span> the
+  permission of the government to purchase what provisions he stood
+  in need of; that they must be convinced that the Centurion alone
+  was capable of destroying the whole navigation of the port of
+  Canton, or of any other port in China, without running the least
+  risk from all the force the Chinese could collect; that it was
+  true this was not the manner of proceeding between nations in
+  friendship with each other, but it was likewise true that it was
+  not customary for any nation to permit the ships of their friends
+  to starve and sink in their ports, when those friends had money
+  to supply their wants, and only desired liberty to lay it out;
+  that they must confess he and his people had hitherto behaved
+  with great modesty and reserve, but that, as his wants were each
+  day increasing, hunger would at last prove too strong for any
+  restraint, and necessity was acknowledged in all countries to be
+  superior to every other law, and therefore it could not be
+  expected that his crew would long continue to starve in the midst
+  of that plenty to which their eyes were every day witnesses. To
+  this the commodore added, (though perhaps with a less serious
+  air,) that if by the delay of supplying him with fresh provisions
+  his men should be reduced to the necessity of turning cannibals,
+  and preying upon their own species, it was easy to be foreseen,
+  that, independent of their friendship to their comrades, they
+  would, in point of luxury, prefer the plump well-fed Chinese to
+  their own emaciated shipmates. The first mandarine acquiesced in
+  the justness of this reasoning, and told the commodore that he
+  should that night proceed for Canton; that on his arrival a
+  counsel of mandarines would be summoned, of which he himself was
+  a member, and that by being employed in the present commission,
+  he was of course the commodore's advocate; that, as he was fully
+  convinced of the urgency of Mr Anson's necessity, he did not
+  doubt but on his representation the counsel would be of the same
+  opinion; and that all that was demanded would be amply and
+  speedily granted. And with regard to the commodore's complaint of
+  the custom-house of Macao, he undertook to rectify that
+  immediately by his own authority; for, desiring a list to be
+  given him of the quantity of provision necessary for the expense
+  of the ship for a day, he wrote a permit under it, and delivered
+  it to one of his attendants, directing him to see that quantity
+  sent on board early every morning; <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page482" id="page482"></a>[pg 482]</span> and this order, from
+  that time forwards, was punctually complied with.<a id=
+  "footnotetag159" name="footnotetag159"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote159"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>When this weighty affair was thus in some degree regulated,
+  the commodore invited him and his two attendant mandarines to
+  dinner, telling them at the same time, that if his provisions,
+  either in kind or quantity, were not what they might expect, they
+  must thank themselves for having confined him to so hard an
+  allowance. One of his dishes was beef, which the Chinese all
+  dislike, though Mr Anson was not apprized of it; this seems to be
+  derived from the India superstition, which for some ages past has
+  made a great progress in China. However, his guests did not
+  entirely fast; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page483" id=
+  "page483"></a>[pg 483]</span> for the three mandarines completely
+  finished the white part of four large fowls. But they were
+  extremely embarrassed with their knives and forks, and were quite
+  incapable of making use of them: So that, after some fruitless
+  attempts to help themselves, which were sufficiently awkward, one
+  of the attendants was obliged to cut their meat in small pieces
+  for them. But whatever difficulty they might have in complying
+  with the European manner of eating, they seemed not to be novices
+  in drinking. The commodore excused himself in this part of the
+  entertainment, under the pretence of illness; but there being
+  another gentleman present, of a florid and jovial complexion, the
+  chief mandarine clapped him on the shoulder, and told him by the
+  interpreter, that certainly he could not plead sickness, and
+  therefore insisted on his bearing him company; and that gentleman
+  perceiving, that after they had dispatched four or five bottles
+  of Frontiniac, the mandarine still continued unruffled, he
+  ordered a bottle of citron-water to be brought up, which the
+  Chinese seemed much to relish; and this being near finished, they
+  arose from table in appearance cool and uninfluenced by what they
+  had drank, and the commodore having, according to custom, made
+  the mandarine a present, they all departed in the same vessels
+  that brought them.</p>
+
+  <p>After their departure, the commodore with great impatience
+  expected the resolution of the council, and the necessary
+  licences for his refitment. For it must be observed, as hath
+  already appeared from the preceding narration, that he could
+  neither purchase stores nor necessaries with his money, nor did
+  any kind of workmen dare to engage themselves to work for him,
+  without the permission of the government first obtained. And in
+  the execution of these particular injunctions, the magistrates
+  never fail of exercising great severity, they, notwithstanding
+  the fustian eulogiums bestowed on them by the catholic
+  missionaries and their European copiers, being composed of the
+  same fragile materials with the rest of mankind, and often making
+  use of the authority of the law, not to suppress crimes, but to
+  enrich themselves by the pillage of those who commit them; for
+  capital punishments are rare in China, the effeminate genius of
+  the nation, and their strong attachment to lucre, disposing them
+  rather to make use of fines; and hence arises no inconsiderable
+  profit to those who compose <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page484" id="page484"></a>[pg 484]</span> their tribunals:
+  Consequently prohibitions of all kinds, particularly such as the
+  alluring prospect of great profit may often tempt the subject to
+  infringe, cannot but be favourite institutions in such a
+  government. But to return:</p>
+
+  <p>Some time before this, Captain Saunders took his passage to
+  England on board a Swedish ship, and was charged with dispatches
+  from the commodore; and soon after, in the month of December,
+  Captain Mitchel, Colonel Cracherode, and Mr Tassel, one of the
+  agent-victuallers, with his nephew Mr Charles Harriot, embarked
+  on board some of our company's ships; and I, having obtained, the
+  commodore's leave to return home, embarked with them.</p>
+
+  <p>Whilst we lay here at Macao, we were informed by some of the
+  officers of our Indiamen, that the Severn and Pearl, the two
+  ships of our squadron, which had separated from us off Cape Noir,
+  were safely arrived at Rio Janeiro on the coast of Brazil. I have
+  formerly taken notice, that at the time of their separation, we
+  apprehended them to be lost. And there were many reasons which
+  greatly favoured this suspicion: For we knew that the Severn in
+  particular was extremely sickly; and this was the more obvious to
+  the rest of the ships, as, in the preceding part of the voyage,
+  her commander, Captain Legg, had been remarkable for his
+  exemplary punctuality in keeping his station, till, for the last
+  ten days before his separation, his crew was so diminished and
+  enfeebled, that with his utmost efforts it was not possible for
+  him to maintain it. Whatever was the cause of it, the Severn was
+  by much the most sickly of the squadron: For before her departure
+  from St Catharines, she buried more men than any of them,
+  insomuch that the commodore was obliged to recruit her with a
+  number of fresh hands; and the mortality still continuing, she
+  was supplied with men a second time at sea, after our setting
+  sail from St Julians; and, notwithstanding these different
+  reinforcements, she was at last reduced to the distressed
+  condition I have already mentioned.</p>
+
+  <p>Notwithstanding the favourable disposition of the mandarine
+  governor of Janson, at his leaving Mr Anson, several days were
+  elapsed before he had any advice from him; and Mr Anson was
+  privately informed there were great debates in council upon his
+  affair; partly perhaps owing to its being so unusual a case, and
+  in part to the influence, as I suppose, of the French at Canton:
+  For they had a countryman <span class="pagenum"><a name="page485"
+  id="page485"></a>[pg 485]</span> and fast friend residing on the
+  spot, who spoke the language very well, and was not unacquainted
+  with the venality of the government, nor with the persons of
+  several of the magistrates, and consequently could not be at a
+  loss for means of traversing the assistance desired by Mr Anson.
+  And this opposition of the French was not merely the effect of
+  national prejudice or contrariety of political interests, but was
+  in good measure owing to their vanity, a motive of much more
+  weight with the generality of mankind, than any attachment to the
+  public service of their community: For, the French pretending
+  their Indiamen to be men of war, their officers were apprehensive
+  that any distinction granted to Mr Anson, on account of his
+  bearing the king's commission, would render them less
+  considerable in the eyes of the Chinese, and would establish a
+  prepossession at Canton in favour of ships of war, by which they,
+  as trading vessels, would suffer in their importance: And I wish
+  the affectation of endeavouring to pass for men of war, and the
+  fear of sinking in the estimation of the Chinese, if the
+  Centurion was treated in a different manner from themselves, had
+  been confined to the officers of the French ships only.<a id=
+  "footnotetag160" name="footnotetag160"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote160"><sup>3</sup></a> However, notwithstanding all
+  these obstacles, it should seem that the representation of the
+  commodore to the mandarines of the facility with which he could
+  right himself, if justice were denied him, had at last its
+  effect: For, on the 6th of January, in the morning, the governor
+  of Janson, the commodore's advocate, sent down the viceroy of
+  Canton's warrant for the refitment of the Centurion, and for
+  supplying her people with all they wanted; and the next day a
+  number of Chinese smiths and carpenters went on board to agree
+  for the work. They demanded at first to the amount of a thousand
+  pounds sterling for the necessary repairs of the ship, the boats,
+  and the masts: This the commodore seemed to think an unreasonable
+  sum, and endeavoured to persuade them to work by the day; but
+  that proposal they would not hearken to; so it was at last
+  agreed, that the carpenters should have to the amount of about
+  six hundred pounds; and that the smiths should be paid for their
+  iron-work by weight, allowing them at the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page486" id="page486"></a>[pg 486]</span> rate
+  of three pounds a hundred nearly for the small work, and
+  forty-six shillings for the large.</p>
+
+  <p>This being regulated, the commodore exerted himself to get
+  this most important business completed; I mean the heaving down
+  the Centurion, and examining the state of her bottom: For this
+  purpose the first lieutenant was dispatched to Canton to hire two
+  country vessels, called in their language junks, one of them
+  being intended to heave down by, and the other to serve as a
+  magazine for the powder and ammunition: At the same time the
+  ground was smoothed on one of the neighbouring islands, and a
+  large tent was pitched for lodging the lumber and provisions, and
+  near a hundred Chinese caulkers were soon set to work on the
+  decks and sides of the ship. But all these preparations, and the
+  getting ready the careening gear, took up a great deal of time;
+  for the Chinese caulkers, though they worked very well, were far
+  from being expeditions; and it was the 26th of January before the
+  junks arrived; and the necessary materials, which were to be
+  purchased at Canton, came down very slowly, partly from the
+  distance of the place, and partly from the delays and
+  backwardness of the Chinese merchants. And in this interval Mr
+  Anson had the additional perplexity to discover that his
+  fore-mast was broken asunder above the upper deck partners, and
+  was only kept together by the fishes which had been formerly
+  clapt upon it.</p>
+
+  <p>However, the Centurion's people made the most of their time,
+  and exerted themselves the best they could; and as, by clearing
+  the ship, the carpenters were enabled to come at the leak, they
+  took care to secure that effectually, whilst the other
+  preparations were going forwards. The leak was found to be below
+  the fifteen-foot mark, and was principally occasioned by one of
+  the bolts being wore away and loose in the joining of the stem
+  where it was scarfed.</p>
+
+  <p>At last all things being prepared, they, on the 22d of
+  February, in the morning, hove out the first course of the
+  Centurion's starboard side, and had the satisfaction to find that
+  her bottom appeared sound and good; and, the next day (having by
+  that time completed the new sheathing of the first course) they
+  righted her again, to set up anew the careening rigging which
+  stretched much. Thus they continued heaving down, and often
+  righting the ship from a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page487"
+  id="page487"></a>[pg 487]</span> suspicion of their careening
+  tackle, till the 3d of March; when, having completed the paying
+  and sheathing the bottom, which proved to be every where very
+  sound, they for the last time righted the ship to their great
+  joy, for not only the fatigue of careening had been considerable,
+  but they had been apprehensive of being attacked by the
+  Spaniards, whilst the ship was thus incapacitated for defence.
+  Nor were their fears altogether groundless; for they learnt
+  afterwards by a Portuguese vessel, that the Spaniards at Manilla
+  had been informed that the Centurion was in the Typa, and
+  intended to careen there; and that thereupon the governor had
+  summoned his council, and had proposed to them to endeavour to
+  burn her whilst she was careening, which was an enterprise,
+  which, if properly conducted, might have put them in great
+  danger: They were farther told that this scheme was not only
+  proposed, but resolved on; and that a captain of a vessel had
+  actually undertaken to perform the business for forty thousand
+  dollars, which he was not to receive unless he succeeded; but the
+  governor pretending that there was no treasure in the royal
+  chest, and insisting that the merchants should advance the money,
+  and they refusing to comply with the demand, the affair was
+  dropped: Perhaps the merchants suspected that the whole was only
+  a pretext to get forty thousand dollars from them; and indeed
+  this was affirmed by some who bore the governor no good will, but
+  with what truth it is difficult to ascertain.</p>
+
+  <p>As soon as the Centurion was righted, they took in her powder
+  and gunner's stores, and proceeded in getting in their guns as
+  fast as possible, and then used their utmost; expedition in
+  repairing the fore-mast, and in completing the other articles of
+  her refitment. And being thus employed, they were alarmed on the
+  10th of March, by a Chinese fisherman, who brought them
+  intelligence that he had been on board a large Spanish ship off
+  the grand Ladrone, and that there were two more in company with
+  her: He added several particulars to his relation, as that he had
+  brought one of their officers to Macao; and that, on this, boats
+  went off early in the morning from Macao to them: And the better
+  to establish the belief of his veracity, he said he desired no
+  money if his information should not prove true. This was
+  presently believed to be the fore-mentioned <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page488" id="page488"></a>[pg 488]</span>
+  expedition from Manilla, and the commodore immediately fitted his
+  cannon and small arms in the best manner he could for defence;
+  and having; then his pinnace and cutter in the offing, who had
+  been ordered to examine a Portuguese vessel which was getting
+  under sail, he sent them the advice he had received, and directed
+  them to look out strictly: But no such ships ever appeared, and
+  they were soon satisfied the whole of the story was a fiction;
+  though it was difficult to conceive what reason could induce the
+  fellow to be at such extraordinary pains to impose on them.</p>
+
+  <p>It was the beginning of April before they had new-rigged the
+  ship, stowed their provisions and water on board, and had fitted
+  her for the sea; and before this time the Chinese grew very
+  uneasy, and extremely desirous that she should be gone; either
+  not knowing, or pretending not to believe, that this was a point
+  the commodore was as eagerly set on as they could be. On the 3d
+  of April, two mandarine boats came on board from Macao to urge
+  his departure; and this having been often done before, though
+  there had been no pretence to suspect Mr Anson of any affected
+  delays, he at this last message answered them in a determined
+  tone, desiring them to give him no further trouble, for he would
+  go when he thought proper, and not before. On this rebuke the
+  Chinese (though it was not in their power to compel him to be
+  gone) immediately prohibited all provisions from being carried on
+  board him, and took such care that their injunctions should be
+  complied with, that from that time forwards nothing could be
+  purchased at any rate whatever.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 6th of April, the Centurion weighed from the Typa, and
+  warped to the southward; and by the 15th, she was got into Macao
+  road, completing her water as she passed along, so that there
+  remained now very few articles more to attend to, and her whole
+  business being finished by the 19th, she, at three in the
+  afternoon of that day, weighed and made sail, and stood to
+  sea.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page489" id=
+  "page489"></a>[pg 489]</span>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote158" name="footnote158"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag158">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This circumspection has never availed much. The Portuguese
+    obtained this port and the adjoining territory of about 8 miles
+    in circuit, as a reward for assistance given in extirpating a
+    pirate who took refuge here. But the ingratitude of the Chinese
+    always grudged, and often violated, the immunities thus won
+    from their fears. The city, built after the European model, and
+    originally possessed of both military strength and commercial
+    consequence, has, through the carelessness of the Portuguese,
+    and the exactions and insolence of their neighbours, dwindled
+    into comparative insignificance. According to Sir George
+    Staunton's account, the population does not now exceed 12000,
+    and more than half is Chinese. In short, Macao is virtually a
+    Chinese town, where the Portuguese are merely tolerated. The
+    Chinese, it is certain, require almost any other treatment than
+    condescension and good manners. The reader will soon see in the
+    narrative how practicable it is to reduce them to common
+    senseone of the ingredients of it they have in a high degree,
+    the desire of self-preservation. The following quotation from a
+    work recently published, may amuse him in the mean time, and
+    serves besides to confirm the statement of the text. "The
+    situation of the Portuguese in Macao is particularly
+    restrained, and that of their governor extremely unpleasant to
+    him. Although the latter invariably conducts himself with the
+    greatest circumspection, cases still arise in which he cannot
+    give way without entirely sacrificing the honour of his
+    country, already greatly diminished in the eyes of the Chinese.
+    A few months only before our arrival (November 1805,) a
+    circumstance happened fully illustrative of this; an account of
+    which may tend to prove that, if the Portuguese possessed
+    greater power at Macao, the cowardly Chinese would not dare to
+    treat them with so little consideration, or, to speak more
+    correctly, with so much contempt. If Macao were in the hands of
+    the English, or even of the Spaniards, the shameful dependence
+    of this possession on the Chinese would soon fall to the
+    ground; and, with the assistance of their important possessions
+    in the vicinity of China, either of these nations established
+    in Macao might bid defiance to the whole empire. A Portuguese
+    resident at Macao stabbed a Chinese, but being rich, he offered
+    the family of the deceased a sum of money to suffer the affair
+    to drop. This was agreed to, and he paid 4000 piastres;
+    scarcely, however, had he given the money, when the affair was
+    represented to the Chinese magistracy, who exacted from the
+    governor that the criminal should be instantly given up. The
+    latter refused, alleging, that, as the deed was committed in
+    Macao, he was liable to the Portuguese law, according to which
+    he would be punished if they found him guilty. The Chinese, who
+    wished to inflict punishment on the Portuguese, immediately on
+    the receipt of this answer shut up all their booths, and
+    forbade the importation of provisions into Macao; but the
+    governor, who had two years stock of provisions for his
+    garrison, (we shall find it was otherwise with the governor in
+    Anson's time) troubled himself very little with this threat,
+    and still refused to give up the criminal; in the mean time his
+    trial went on; he was found guilty of the murder, and
+    immediately hanged. The Chinese assembled with the intention of
+    endeavouring to seize the perpetrator of the murder whilst on
+    his way to the scaffold: The governor collected his troops,
+    loaded the artillery on the batteries, and awaited the attack;
+    and, alarmed at his decisive measures, the Chinese withdrew,
+    under the pretence of being perfectly satisfied with the
+    execution of the murderer, and order was immediately restored."
+    The work from which this is extracted is Captain Krusenstern's
+    account of his voyage round the world, in 1803-4-5 and 6; being
+    the first circumnavigation the Russians have made, and that too
+    under the patronage and by the command of the most magnanimous
+    and beneficient Alexander, a monarch whom every friend of
+    humanity must admire and love from the heart, as surpassing
+    even his liberality in the promotion of useful science and
+    discovery amongst his own subjects, by the splendour and
+    substantial value of his services in the best interests of
+    Europe, and the world:</p>
+
+    <div class="poem">
+      <div class="stanza">
+        <p>Non possidentem multa vocaveris</p>
+
+        <p>Recte beatum: rectius occupat</p>
+
+        <p>Nomen beati, qui deorum</p>
+
+        <p>Muneribus sapienter uti,</p>
+
+        <p>Duramque callet <i>pauperiem</i> pati,</p>
+
+        <p>Pejusque leto flagitium timet;</p>
+
+        <p>Non ille pro caris <i>amicis</i></p>
+
+        <p>Aut patria timidus perire.</p>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>To return to Macao: Captain K. strongly expresses his wish
+    that some European power of sufficient energy and consequence
+    would take possession of it, before the Portuguese themselves
+    abandon it to the Chinese. It is evident he alludes to the
+    English. An agreement, it is very probable, might be readily
+    entered into with the Portuguese for the possession of that
+    place, which could not fail to prove most convenient for our
+    eastern commerce. An equivalent may be found among the West
+    Indian islands; but it is perhaps equally vain and invidious to
+    speculate on such very distant concerns, when the wonderful
+    events now occurring in a kingdom so long the torment and the
+    <i>teacher</i> of nations, arrest the imagination from every
+    trivial selfish pursuit, and fix the mind undividedly on the
+    operations of the great source of power, justice, and truth. A
+    new &amp;#230;ra commences in the worldMay it be remarkable to
+    all succeeding generations for liberal policy,
+    disinterestedness, and general benevolence!E.</p>
+
+    <p>12th April, 1814.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote159" name="footnote159"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag159">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>Captain Krusenstern, in his very interesting work already
+    referred to, relates an anecdote, which it may amuse the reader
+    to compare with the reasoning of Commodore Anson's now
+    given:</p>
+
+    <p>"An English brig (The Harrier) of eighteen guns, sent by
+    Captain Wood, commanding a squadron on that station, to demand
+    indemnification for a Spanish prize stranded on the coast of
+    China, and plundered by the natives, had the audacity, in
+    defiance of the laws of China, which prohibit ships of war
+    going up the Tigris, to force her way as high as Whampoa. Two
+    mandarines, as usual, went aboard the brig at the mouth of the
+    river, to enquire what her cargo was. The captain shewed them a
+    cannon-ball, on which they instantly retired.</p>
+
+    <p>"The brig," says K. "had found her way to Whampoa without a
+    pilot; and the captain, with a guard of twelve men, proceeded
+    to Canton to demand the payment of the sum (&pound;30,000.)
+    This daring conduct threw the viceroy into astonishment, and
+    perhaps occasioned him some terror; for nothing but the
+    excessive cowardice of the Chinese could have deterred him from
+    noticing the affront. They, indeed, shewed a disposition after
+    the captain had quitted Canton of avenging themselves, but this
+    altogether in their customary manner; and I was assured, that
+    the viceroy, as indemnification for this insult of the English
+    captain, had imposed a heavy fine upon the Kohong (a company of
+    merchants possessing the monopoly of the European trade,)
+    although the members of this body could have no concern in the
+    transaction." Capt. K. is decidedly of opinion, that nothing
+    but resolute conduct will overcome the fickleness and knavery
+    of the Chinese. He pays a high compliment to our countrymen,
+    especially Mr Drummond, president of the factory, who
+    interfered in his behalf when at Whampoa, and with effect, when
+    they could easily have thwarted his plan, and embroiled his
+    government with that of China. "That they pursued a very
+    different line of conduct," says he, "will appear by the above
+    account of their proceedings; nor can I sufficiently rejoice at
+    the zeal and eagerness manifested by them in this business. Had
+    we been detained only twenty-four-hours longer (he had applied
+    for leave to depart, which was granted with much difficulty,
+    and actually revoked a day after he had gone,) we must have
+    fallen into the absolute power of these savages, who have been
+    emboldened by an useless moderation, not only to call the
+    polite nations of Europe barbarians, but also to treat them as
+    such."E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote160" name="footnote160"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag160">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>This sly insinuation, it is pretty evident from the
+    preceding narrative, is directed against some of the English
+    merchants.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXX.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo; the taking of the
+  Manilla Galleon, and returning back again.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The commodore was now got to sea, with his ship very well
+  refitted, his stores replenished, and an additional stock of
+  provisions on board: His crew too was somewhat reinforced; for he
+  had entered twenty-three men during his stay at Macao, the
+  greatest part of which were Lascars or Indian sailors, and some
+  few Dutch. He gave out at Macao that he was bound to Batavia, and
+  thence to England; and though the westerly monsoon was now set
+  in, when that passage is considered as impracticable, yet, by the
+  confidence he had expressed in the strength of his ship, and the
+  dexterity of his people, he had persuaded not only his own crew,
+  but the people at Macao likewise, that he proposed to try this
+  unusual experiment; so that there were many letters put on board
+  him by the inhabitants of Canton and Macao for their friends at
+  Batavia.</p>
+
+  <p>But his real design was of a very different nature: For he
+  knew, that instead of one annual ship from Acapulco to Manilla,
+  there would be this year in all probability two; since, by being
+  before Acapulco, he had prevented one of them from putting to sea
+  the preceding season. He therefore resolved to cruise for these
+  returning vessels off Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of
+  Samal, which is the first land they always make in the Philippine
+  Islands. And as June is generally the month in which they arrive
+  there, he doubted not but he should get to his intended station
+  time enough to intercept them. It is true, they were said to be
+  stout vessels, mounting forty-four guns a-piece, and carrying
+  above five hundred hands, and might be expected to return in
+  company; and he himself had but two hundred and twenty-seven
+  hands on board, of which near thirty were boys: But this
+  disproportion of strength did not deter him, as he knew his ship
+  to be much better fitted for a sea-engagement than theirs, and as
+  he had reason to expect that his men would exert themselves in
+  the most extraordinary manner, when they had in view the immense
+  wealth of these Manilla galleons.</p><span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page490" id="page490"></a>[pg 490]</span>
+
+  <p>This project the commodore had resolved on in his own
+  thoughts, ever since his leaving the coast of Mexico. And the
+  greatest mortification which he received, from the various delays
+  he had met with in China, was his apprehension, lest he might be
+  thereby so long retarded as to let the galleons escape him.
+  Indeed, at Macao it was incumbent on him to keep these views
+  extremely secret; for there being a great intercourse and a
+  mutual connection of interests between that port and Manilla, he
+  had reason to fear, that if his designs were discovered,
+  intelligence would be immediately sent to Manilla, and measures
+  taken to prevent the galleons from falling into his hands: But
+  being now at sea, and entirely clear of the coast, he summoned
+  all his people on the quarter-deck, and informed them of his
+  resolution to cruise for the two Manilla ships, of whose wealth
+  they were not ignorant. He told them he should chuse a station,
+  where he could not fail of meeting with them; and though they
+  were stout ships, and full manned, yet, if his own people behaved
+  with their accustomed spirit, he was certain he should prove too
+  hard for them both, and that one of them at least could not fail
+  of becoming his prize: He further added, that many ridiculous
+  tales had been propagated about the strength of the sides of
+  these ships, and their being impenetrable to cannon-shot; that
+  these fictions had been principally invented to palliate the
+  cowardice of those who had formerly engaged them; but he hoped
+  there were none of those present weak enough to give credit to so
+  absurd a story: For his own part, he did assure them upon his
+  word, that, whenever he met with them, he would fight them so
+  near, that they should find, his bullets, instead of being
+  stopped by one of their sides, should go through them both.</p>
+
+  <p>This speech of the commodore's was received by his people with
+  great joy: For no sooner had he ended, than they expressed their
+  approbation, according to naval custom, by three strenuous
+  cheers, and all declared their determination to succeed or
+  perish, whenever the opportunity presented itself. And now their
+  hopes, which, since their departure from the coast of Mexico, had
+  entirely subsided, were again revived; and they all persuaded
+  themselves, that, notwithstanding the various casualties and
+  disappointments they had hitherto met with, they should yet be
+  repaid the price of their fatigues, and should at last return
+  home enriched <span class="pagenum"><a name="page491" id=
+  "page491"></a>[pg 491]</span> with the spoils of the enemy: For,
+  firmly relying on the assurances of the commodore, that they
+  should certainly meet with the vessels, they were all of them too
+  sanguine to doubt a moment of mastering them; so that they
+  considered themselves as having them already in their possession.
+  And this confidence was so universally spread through the whole
+  ship's company, that, the commodore having taken some Chinese
+  sheep to sea with him for his own provision, and one day
+  enquiring of his butcher, why, for some time past, he had seen no
+  mutton at his table, asking him if all the sheep were killed, the
+  butcher very seriously replied, that there were indeed two sheep
+  left, but that, if his honour would give him leave, he proposed
+  to keep those for the entertainment of the general of the
+  galleons.</p>
+
+  <p>When the Centurion left the port of Macao, she stood for some
+  days to the westward; and, on the first of May, they saw part of
+  the island of Formosa; and, standing thence to the southward,
+  they, on the 4th of May, were in the latitude of the Bashee
+  islands, as laid down by Dampier; but they suspected his account
+  of inaccuracy, as they found that he had been considerably
+  mistaken in the latitude of the south end of Formosa: For this
+  reason they kept a good look-out, and about seven in the evening
+  discovered from the mast-head five small islands, which were
+  judged to be the Bashees, and they had afterwards a sight of
+  Bottle Tobago Xima. By this means they had an opportunity of
+  correcting the position of the Bashee islands, which had been
+  hitherto laid down twenty-five leagues too far to the westward:
+  For, by their observations, they esteemed the middle of these
+  islands to be in 21° 4' north, and to bear from Botel
+  Tobago Xima S.S.E. twenty leagues distant, that island itself
+  being in 21° 57' north.<a id="footnotetag161" name=
+  "footnotetag161"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote161"><sup>1</sup></a></p><span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page492" id="page492"></a>[pg 492]</span>
+
+  <p>After getting a sight of the Bashee islands, they stood
+  between the S. and S.W. for Cape Espiritu Santo; and, the 20th of
+  May at noon, they first discovered that cape, which about four
+  o'clock they brought to bear S.S.W. about eleven leagues distant.
+  It appeared to be of a moderate height, with several round
+  hummocks on it. As it was known that there were centinels placed
+  upon this cape to make signals to the Acapulco ship, when she
+  first falls in with the land, the commodore immediately tacked,
+  and ordered the top-gallant sails to be taken in, to prevent
+  being discovered; and, this being the station in which it was
+  resolved to cruise for the galleons, they kept the cape between
+  the south and the west, and endeavoured to confine themselves
+  between the latitude of 12° 50', and 13° 5',
+  the cape itself lying, by their observations, in 12° 40'
+  north, and 4° of east longitude from Botel Tobago
+  Xima.</p>
+
+  <p>It was the last of May, when they arrived off this cape; and
+  the month of June being that in which the Manilla ships are
+  usually expected, the Centurion's people were now waiting each
+  hour with the utmost impatience for the happy crisis which was to
+  balance the account of all their past calamities. As from this
+  time there was but small employment for the crew, the commodore
+  ordered them almost every day to be exercised in the management
+  of the great guns, and in the use of their small arms. This had
+  been his practice, more or less, at all convenient seasons,
+  during the whole course of his voyage; and the advantages which
+  he received from it, in his engagement with the galleon, were an
+  ample recompence for all his care and attention.<a id=
+  "footnotetag162" name="footnotetag162"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote162"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>The galleons being now expected, the commodore made all
+  necessary preparations for receiving them, having hoisted out his
+  long-boat, and lashed her alongside, that the ship might be ready
+  for engaging, if they fell in with the galleons in the night. All
+  this time too he was very solicitous to keep at such a distance
+  from the cape, as not to be discovered: <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page493" id="page493"></a>[pg 493]</span> But
+  it hath been since learnt, that notwithstanding his care, he was
+  seen from the land; and advice of him was sent to Manilla, where
+  it was at first disbelieved, but on reiterated intelligence (for
+  it seems he was seen more than once) their merchants were
+  alarmed, and the governor was applied to, who undertook (the
+  commerce supplying the necessary sums) to fit out a force
+  consisting of two ships of thirty-two guns, one of twenty guns,
+  and two sloops of ten guns each, to attack the Centurion on her
+  station: And some of these vessels did actually weigh with this
+  view; but the principal ship not being ready, and the monsoon
+  being against then, the commerce and the governor disagreed, and
+  the enterprize was laid aside. This frequent discovery of the
+  Centurion from the shore was somewhat extraordinary; for the
+  pitch of the cape is not high, and she usually kept from ten to
+  fifteen leagues distant; though once indeed, by an indraught of
+  the tide, as was supposed, they found themselves in the morning
+  within seven leagues of the land.</p>
+
+  <p>As the month of June advanced, the expectancy and impatience
+  of the commodore's people each day increased. And I think no
+  better idea can be given of their great eagerness on this
+  occasion, than by copying a few paragraphs from the journal of an
+  officer, who was then on board, as it will, I presume, be a more
+  natural picture of the full attachment of their thoughts to the
+  business of their cruise, than can be given by any other means.
+  The paragraphs I have selected, as they occur in order of time,
+  are as follow:</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>May</i> 31. Exercising our men at their quarters, in great
+  expectation of meeting with the galleons very soon; this being
+  the eleventh of June their stile."</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 3. Keeping in our stations, and looking out for
+  the galleons."</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 5. Begin now to be in great expectation, this
+  being the middle of June their stile."</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 11. Begin to grow impatient at not seeing the
+  galleons."</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 13. The wind having blown fresh easterly for the
+  forty-eight hours past, gives us great expectations of seeing the
+  galleons soon."</p>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 15. Cruising on and off, and looking out
+  strictly."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page494" id=
+  "page494"></a>[pg 494]</span>
+
+  <p>"<i>June</i> 19. This being the last day of June, N.S. the
+  galleons, if they arrive at all, must appear soon."</p>
+
+  <p>From these samples it is sufficiently evident, how completely
+  the treasure of the galleons had engrossed their imagination, and
+  how anxiously they passed the latter part of their cruise, when
+  the certainty of the arrival of these vessels was dwindled down
+  to probability only, and that probability became each hour more
+  and more doubtful. However, on the 20th of June, O.S. being just
+  a month from their arrival on their station, they were relieved
+  from this state of uncertainty; when, at sun-rise, they
+  discovered a sail from the mast-head, in the S.E. quarter. On
+  this, a general joy spread through the whole ship; for they had
+  no doubt but this was one of the galleons, and they expected soon
+  to see the other. The commodore instantly stood towards her, and
+  at half an hour after seven they were near enough to see her from
+  the Centurion's deck; at which time the galleon fired a gun, and
+  took in her top-gallant sails, which was supposed to be a signal
+  to her consort, to hasten her up; and therefore the Centurion
+  fired a gun to leeward, to amuse her. The commodore was surprised
+  to find, that in all this time the galleon did not change her
+  course, but continued to bear down upon him; for he hardly
+  believed, what afterwards appeared to be the case, that she knew
+  his ship to be the Centurion, and resolved to fight him.</p>
+
+  <p>About noon the commodore was little more than a league distant
+  from the galleon, and could fetch her wake, so that she could not
+  now escape; and, no second ship appearing, it was concluded that
+  she had been separated from her consort. Soon after, the galleon
+  haled up her fore-sail, and brought-to under top-sails, with her
+  head to the northward, hoisting Spanish colours, and having the
+  standard of Spain flying at the top-gallant-mast-head. Mr Anson,
+  in the mean time, had prepared all things for an engagement on
+  board the Centurion, and had taken all possible care, both for
+  the most effectual exertion of his small strength, and for the
+  avoiding the confusion and tumult too frequent in actions of this
+  kind. He picked out about thirty of his choicest hands and best
+  marksmen, whom he distributed into his tops, and who fully
+  answered his expectation, by the signal services they performed.
+  As he had not hands enough remaining to quarter a sufficient
+  number to each <span class="pagenum"><a name="page495" id=
+  "page495"></a>[pg 495]</span> great gun, in the customary manner,
+  he therefore, on his lower tire, fixed only two men to each gun,
+  who were to be solely employed in loading it, whilst the rest of
+  his people were divided into different gangs of ten or twelve men
+  each, who were constantly moving about the decks, to ran out and
+  fire such guns as were loaded. By this management he was enabled
+  to make use of all his guns; and, instead of firing broad-sides
+  with intervals between them, he kept up a constant fire without
+  intermission, whence he doubted not to procure very signal
+  advantages; for it is common with the Spaniards to fall down upon
+  the decks when they see a broadside preparing, and to continue in
+  that posture till it is given; after which they rise again, and,
+  presuming the danger to be for some time over, work their guns,
+  and fire with great briskness, till another broad-side is ready:
+  But the firing gun by gun, in the manner directed by the
+  commodore, rendered this practice of theirs impossible.</p>
+
+  <p>The Centurion being thus prepared, and nearing the galleon
+  apace, there happened, a little after noon, several squalls of
+  wind and rain, which often obscured the galleon from their sight;
+  but whenever it cleared up, they observed her resolutely
+  lying-to; and, towards one o'clock, the Centurion hoisted her
+  broad pendant and colours, she being then within gun-shot of the
+  enemy. And the commodore observing the Spaniards to have
+  neglected clearing their ship till that time, as he then saw them
+  throwing overboard cattle and lumber, he gave orders to fire upon
+  them with the chace-guns, to embarrass them in their work, and
+  prevent them from completing it, though his general directions
+  had been not to engage till they were within pistol-shot. The
+  galleon returned the fire with two of her stern-chacers; and, the
+  Centurion getting her sprit-sail-yard fore and aft, that if
+  necessary she might be ready for boarding, the Spaniards in a
+  bravado rigged their sprit-sail-yard fore and aft likewise. Soon
+  after, the Centurion came a-breast of the enemy within
+  pistol-shot, keeping to the leeward with a view of preventing
+  them from putting before the wind, and gaining the port of
+  Jalapay, from which they were about seven leagues distant. And
+  now the engagement began in earnest, and, for the first half
+  hour, Mr Anson over-reached the galleon, and lay on her bow;
+  where, by the great wideness of his ports, he could traverse
+  almost all his guns upon the enemy, whilst the galleon could only
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page496" id="page496"></a>[pg
+  496]</span> bring a part of hers to bear. Immediately on the
+  commencement of the action, the mats, with which the galleon had
+  stuffed her netting, took fire, and burnt violently, blazing up
+  half as high as the mizen-top. This accident (supposed to be
+  caused by the Centurion's wads) threw the enemy into great
+  confusion, and at the same time alarmed the commodore, for he
+  feared least the galleon should be burnt, and least he himself
+  too might suffer by her driving on board him: But the Spaniards
+  at last freed themselves from the fire, by cutting away the
+  netting, and tumbling the whole mass, which was in flames, into
+  the sea. But still the Centurion kept her first advantageous
+  position, firing her cannon with great regularity and briskness,
+  whilst at the same time the galleon's decks lay open to her
+  top-men, who, having at their first volley driven the Spaniards
+  from their tops, made prodigious havock with their small-arms,
+  killing or wounding every officer but one that ever appeared on
+  the quarter-deck, and wounding in particular the general of the
+  galleon himself. And though the Centurion, after the first half
+  hour, lost her original situation, and was close alongside the
+  galleon, and the enemy continued to fire briskly for near an hour
+  longer, yet at last the commodore's grape-shot swept their decks
+  so effectually, and the number of their slain and wounded was so
+  considerable, that they began to fall into great disorder,
+  especially as the general, who was the life of the action, was no
+  longer capable of exerting himself. Their embarrassment was
+  visible from on board the commodore. For the ships were so near,
+  that some of the Spanish officers were seen running about with
+  great assiduity, to prevent the desertion of their men from their
+  quarters: But all their endeavours were in vain; for after
+  having, as a last effort, fired five or six guns with more
+  judgment than usual, they gave up the contest; and, the galleon's
+  colours being singed off the ensign-staff in the beginning of the
+  engagement, she struck the standard at her
+  main-top-gallant-mast-head, the person who was employed to do it,
+  having been in imminent peril of being killed, had not the
+  commodore, who perceived what he was about, given express orders
+  to his people to desist from firing.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus was the Centurion possessed of this rich prize, amounting
+  in value to near a million and a half of dollars. She was called
+  the Nostra Signora de Cabadonga, and was <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page497" id="page497"></a>[pg 497]</span>
+  commanded by the general Don Jeronimo de Montero, a Portuguese by
+  birth, and the most approved officer for skill and courage of any
+  employed in that service. The galleon, was much larger than the
+  Centurion, had five hundred and fifty men and thirty-six guns
+  mounted for action, besides twenty-eight pidreroes in her
+  gunwale, quarters and tops, each of which carried a four-pound
+  ball. She was very well furnished with small arms, and was
+  particularly provided against boarding, both by her close
+  quarters, and by a strong net-work of two-inch rope, which was
+  laced over her waist, and was defended by half pikes. She had
+  sixty-seven killed in the action, and eighty-four wounded, whilst
+  the Centurion had only two killed, and a lieutenant and sixteen
+  wounded, all of whom, but one, recovered: Of so little
+  consequence are the most destructive arms in untutored and
+  unpractised hands.</p>
+
+  <p>The treasure thus taken by the Centurion having been for at
+  least eighteen months the great object of their hopes, it is
+  impossible to describe the transport on board, when, after all
+  their reiterated disappointments, they at last saw their wishes
+  accomplished. But their joy was near being suddenly damped by a
+  most tremendous incident: For no sooner had the galleon struck,
+  than one of the lieutenants coming to Mr Anson to congratulate
+  him on his prize, whispered him at the same time, that the
+  Centurion was dangerously on fire near the powder-room. The
+  commodore received this dreadful news without any apparent
+  emotion, and, taking care not to alarm his people, gave the
+  necessary orders for extinguishing it, which was happily done in
+  a short time, though its appearance at first was extremely
+  terrible. It seems some cartridges had been blown up by accident
+  between decks, by which a quantity of oakum in the
+  after-hatch-way, near the after-powder-room, was set on fire; and
+  the great smother and smoke of the oakum occasioned the
+  apprehension of a more extended and mischievous fire. At the same
+  instant, too, the galleon fell on board the Centurion on the
+  starboard quarter, but she was cleared without doing or receiving
+  any considerable damage.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore made his first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, captain
+  of this prize, appointing her a post-ship in his majesty's
+  service. Captain Saumarez, before night, sent on board the
+  Centurion all the Spanish prisoners, but such as were thought the
+  most proper to be retained to assist in navigating <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page498" id="page498"></a>[pg 498]</span> the
+  galleon. And now the commodore learnt, from some of the
+  prisoners, that the other ship, which he had kept in the port of
+  Acapulco the preceding year, instead of returning in company with
+  the present prize, as was expected, had set sail from Acapulco
+  alone much sooner than usual, and had, in all probability, got
+  into the port of Manilla long before the Centurion arrived off
+  Espiritu Santo; so that Mr Anson, notwithstanding his present
+  success, had great reason to regret his loss of time at Macao,
+  which prevented him from taking two rich prizes instead of
+  one.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore, when the action was ended, resolved to make the
+  best of his way with his prize for the river of Canton, being in
+  the mean time fully employed in securing his prisoners, and in
+  removing the treasure from on board the galleon into the
+  Centurion. The last of these operations was too important to be
+  postponed; for as the navigation to Canton was through seas but
+  little known, and where, from the season of the year, much bad
+  weather might be expected, it was of great consequence that the
+  treasure should be sent on board the Centurion, which ship, by
+  the presence of the commander in chief, the greater number of her
+  hands, and her other advantages, was doubtless much safer against
+  all the casualties of winds and seas than the galleon; and the
+  securing the prisoners was a matter of still more consequence, as
+  not only the possession of the treasure, but the lives of the
+  captors, depended thereon. This was indeed an article which gave
+  the commodore much trouble and disquietude; for they were above
+  double the number of his own people; and some of them, when they
+  were brought on board the Centurion, and had observed how
+  slenderly she was manned, and the large proportion which the
+  striplings bore to the rest, could not help expressing themselves
+  with great indignation to be thus beaten by a handful of boys.
+  The method, which was taken to hinder them from rising, was by
+  placing all but the officers and the wounded in the hold, where,
+  to give them as much air as possible, two hatch-ways were left
+  open; but then (to avoid all danger, whilst the Centurion's
+  people should be employed upon the deck) there was a square
+  partition of thick planks, made in the shape of a funnel, which
+  enclosed each hatch-way on the lower deck, and reached to that
+  directly over it on the upper deck; these funnels served to
+  communicate the air to the hold better than could have
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page499" id="page499"></a>[pg
+  499]</span> been done without them; and, at the same time, added
+  greatly to the security of the ship; for they being seven or
+  eight feet high, it would have been extremely difficult for the
+  Spaniards to have clambered up; and still to augment that
+  difficulty, four swivel-guns loaded with musquet-bullets were
+  planted at the mouth of each funnel, and a centinel with lighted
+  match constantly attended, prepared to fire into the hold amongst
+  them, in case of any disturbance. Their officers, who amounted to
+  seventeen or eighteen, were all lodged in the first lieutenant's
+  cabin, under a constant guard of six men; and the general, as he
+  was wounded, lay in the commodore's cabin with a centinel always
+  with him; and they were all informed, that any violence or
+  disturbance would be punished with instant death. And that the
+  Centurion's people might be at all times prepared, if,
+  notwithstanding these regulations, any tumult should arise, the
+  small arms were constantly kept loaded in a proper place, whilst
+  all the men went armed with cutlasses and pistols; and no officer
+  ever pulled off his cloaths, and when he slept had always his
+  arms lying ready by him.</p>
+
+  <p>These measures were obviously necessary, considering the
+  hazards to which the commodore and his people would have been
+  exposed, had they been less careful. Indeed, the sufferings of
+  the poor prisoners, though impossible to be alleviated, were much
+  to be commiserated; for the weather was extremely hot, the stench
+  of the hold loathsome beyond all conception, and their allowance
+  of water but just sufficient to keep them alive, it not being
+  practicable to spare them more than at the rate of a pint a-day
+  for each, the crew themselves having only an allowance of a pint
+  and a half. All this considered, it was wonderful that not a man
+  of them died during their long confinement, except three of the
+  wounded, who died the same night they were taken; though it must
+  be confessed, that the greatest part of them were strangely
+  metamorphosed by the heat of the hold; for when they were first
+  taken, they were sightly, robust fellows; but when, after above a
+  month's imprisonment, they were discharged in the river of
+  Canton, they were reduced to mere skeletons; and their air and
+  looks corresponded much more to the conception formed of ghosts
+  and spectres, than to the figure and appearance of real men.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus employed in securing the treasure and the prisoners,
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page500" id="page500"></a>[pg
+  500]</span> the commodore stood for the river of Canton; and, on
+  the 30th of June, at six in the evening, got sight of Cape
+  Delangano, which then bore west ten leagues distant; and, the
+  next day, he made the Bashee islands, and the wind being so far
+  to the northward, that it was difficult to weather them, it was
+  resolved to stand through between Grafton and Monmouth islands,
+  where the passage seemed to be clear; but in getting through, the
+  sea had a very dangerous aspect, for it rippled and foamed, as if
+  it had been full of breakers, which was still more terrible, as
+  it was then night. But the ships got through very safe, (the
+  prize always keeping a-head) and it was found that the appearance
+  which had alarmed them had been occasioned only by a strong tide.
+  I must here observe, that though the Bashee islands are usually
+  reckoned to be no more than five, yet there are many more lying
+  about them to the westward, which, as the channels amongst them
+  are not at all known, makes it advisable for ships, rather to
+  pass to the northward or southward, than through them; and indeed
+  the commodore proposed to have gone to the northward, between
+  them and Formosa, had it been possible for him to have weathered
+  them. From hence the Centurion steering the proper course for the
+  river of Canton, she, on the 8th of July, discovered the island
+  of Supata, the westermost of the Lema islands. This island they
+  made to be an hundred and thirty-nine leagues distant from
+  Grafton's island, and to bear from it north 82°,
+  37° west: And, on the 11th, having taken on board two
+  Chinese pilots, one for the Centurion, and the other for the
+  prize, they came to an anchor off the city of Macao.</p>
+
+  <p>By this time the particulars of the cargo of the galleon were
+  well ascertained, and it was found that she had on board
+  1,313,843 pieces of eight, and 35,682 oz. of virgin silver,
+  besides some cochineal, and a few other commodities, which,
+  however, were but of small account, in comparison of the specie.
+  And this being the commodore's last prize, it hence appears, that
+  all the treasure taken by the Centurion was not much short of
+  400,000<i>l.</i> independent of the ships and merchandise, which
+  she either burnt or destroyed, and which, by the most reasonable
+  estimation, could not amount to so little as 600,000<i>l.</i>
+  more; so that the whole loss of the enemy, by our squadron, did
+  doubtless exceed a million sterling. To which, if there be added
+  the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page501" id="page501"></a>[pg
+  501]</span> great expence of the court of Spain, in fitting out
+  Pizarro, and in paying the additional charges in America,
+  incurred on our account, together with the loss of their men of
+  war, the total of all these articles will be a most exorbitant
+  sum, and is the strongest conviction of the utility of this
+  expedition, which, with all its numerous disadvantages, did yet
+  prove so extremely prejudicial to the enemy.</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote161" name="footnote161"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag161">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The Bashee Islands were so called by Dampier from the name
+    of a liquor used by the natives. Four of them are inhabited,
+    and are tolerably fertile, producing sugar canes, pine apples,
+    plantaines, potatoes, &amp;c. and having some hogs and goats.
+    The inhabitants, who are reckoned a harmless and peaceable
+    race, are said to resemble the Japanese, and probably are
+    derived from them. The unfortunate Peyreuse visited one of the
+    most northerly of these islands, and found its latitude to be
+    21° 9' 13" N. Arrowsmith's map lays them down very
+    particularly. The passage betwixt Formosa and these islands is
+    held very dangerous on account of the rock called Vele Rete,
+    the precise situation of which is matter of discord among the
+    navigators. Captain Krusenstern went through this passage
+    during the night, and that a stormy one too, with perfect
+    safety, keeping the middle of the channel, and having men
+    continually on the look-out. He seems to prefer the position of
+    Vele Rete and its reef of rocks, (of about two miles circuit,)
+    as given by Broughton, according to whose observations the
+    latitude is 21° 43' 24", and the longitude
+    239° 15'.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote162" name="footnote162"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag162">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The original has here some reflections on the importance and
+    advantages of exercising the seamen in firing, &amp;c. which,
+    however good, are too common and obvious to merit insertion.
+    The art of destroying men's lives has been abundantly improved
+    since our author's day.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXXI.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Transactions in the River of Canton.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>The commodore, having taken pilots on board, proceeded with
+  his prize for the river of Canton; and on the 14th of July, came
+  to an anchor short of the Bocca Tigris, which is a narrow passage
+  forming the mouth of that river: This entrance he proposed to
+  stand through the next day, and to run up as far as Tiger island,
+  which is a very safe road, secured from all winds. But whilst the
+  Centurion and her prize were thus at anchor, a boat with an
+  officer came off from the mandarine, commanding the forts at
+  Bocca Tigris, to examine what the ships were, and whence they
+  came. Mr Anson informed the officer, that his ship was a ship of
+  war, belonging to the king of Great Britain; and that the other
+  in company with him was a prize he had taken; that he was going
+  into Canton river to shelter himself against the hurricanes which
+  were then coming on; and that as soon as the monsoon shifted, he
+  should proceed for England. The officer then desired an account
+  of what men, guns, and ammunition were on board, a list of all
+  which he said was to be sent to the government of Canton. But
+  when these articles were repeated to him, particularly when he
+  was told that there were in the Centurion four hundred firelocks,
+  and between three and four hundred barrels of powder, he shrugged
+  up his shoulders, and seemed to be terrified with the bare
+  recital, saying, that no ships ever came into Canton river armed
+  in that manner; adding, that he durst not set down the whole of
+  this force, lest it should too much alarm the regency. After he
+  had finished his enquiries, and was preparing to depart, he
+  desired to leave the two custom-house officers behind him; on
+  which the commodore told him, that though as a man of war he was
+  prohibited <span class="pagenum"><a name="page502" id=
+  "page502"></a>[pg 502]</span> from trading, and had nothing to do
+  with customs or duties of any kind, yet, for the satisfaction of
+  the Chinese, he would permit two of their people to be left on
+  board, who might themselves be witnesses how punctually he should
+  comply with his instructions. The officer seemed amazed when Mr
+  Anson mentioned being exempted from all duties, and told him,
+  that the emperor's duty must be paid by all ships that came into
+  his ports: And it is supposed, that on this occasion, private
+  directions were given by him to the Chinese pilot, not to carry
+  the commodore through the Bocca Tigris; which makes it necessary
+  more particularly to describe that entrance.</p>
+
+  <p>The Bocca Tigris is a narrow passage, little more than
+  musquet-shot over, formed by two points of land, on each of which
+  there is a fort, that on the starboard-side being a battery on
+  the water's edge, with eighteen embrasures, but where there were
+  no more than twelve iron cannon mounted, seeming to be four or
+  six pounders; the fort on the larboard-side is a large castle,
+  resembling those old buildings which here in England we often
+  find distinguished by that name; it is situated on a high rock,
+  and did not appear to be furnished with more than eight or ten
+  cannon, none of which were supposed to exceed six pounders. These
+  are the defences which secure the river of Canton; and which the
+  Chinese (extremely defective in all military skill) have imagined
+  were sufficient to prevent any enemy from forcing his way
+  through.</p>
+
+  <p>But it is obvious, from the description of these forts, that
+  they could have given no obstruction to Mr Anson's passage, even
+  if they had been well supplied with gunners and stores; and
+  therefore, though the pilot, after the Chinese officer had been
+  on board, refused at first to take charge of the ship, till he
+  had leave from the forts, yet as it was necessary to get through
+  without any delay, for fear of the bad weather which was hourly
+  expected, the commodore weighed on the 15th, and ordered the
+  pilot to carry him by the forts, threatening him that, if the
+  ship ran aground, he would instantly hang him up at the yard-arm.
+  The pilot, awed by these threats, carried the ship through
+  safely, the forts not attempting to dispute the passage. Indeed
+  the poor pilot did not escape the resentment of his countrymen,
+  for when he came on shore, he was seized and sent to prison, and
+  was rigorously disciplined with the bamboo. <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page503" id="page503"></a>[pg 503]</span>
+  However, he found means to get at Mr Anson afterwards, to desire
+  of him some recompence for the chastisement he had undergone, and
+  of which he then carried very significant marks about him; and Mr
+  Anson, in commiseration of his sufferings, gave him such a sum of
+  money, as would at any time have enticed a Chinese to have
+  undergone a dozen bastinadings.</p>
+
+  <p>Nor was the pilot the only person that suffered on this
+  occasion; for the commodore soon after seeing some royal junks
+  pass by him from Bocca Tigris towards Canton, he learnt, on
+  enquiry, that the mandarine commanding the forts was a prisoner
+  on board them; that he was already turned out, and was now
+  carrying to Canton, where it was expected he would be severely
+  punished for having permitted the ships to pass; and the
+  commodore urging the unreasonableness of this procedure, from the
+  inability of the forts to have done otherwise, explaining to the
+  Chinese the great superiority his ships would have had over the
+  forts, by the number and size of their guns, the Chinese seemed
+  to acquiesce in his reasoning, and allowed that their forts could
+  not have stopped him; but they still asserted, that the mandarine
+  would infallibly suffer, for not having done what all his judges
+  were convinced was impossible. To such indefensible absurdities
+  are those obliged to submit who think themselves concerned to
+  support their authority, when the necessary force is wanting.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 16th of July the commodore sent his second lieutenant
+  to Canton, with a letter to the viceroy, informing him of the
+  reason of the Centurion's putting into that port; and that the
+  commodore himself soon proposed to repair to Canton, to pay a
+  visit to the viceroy. The lieutenant was very civilly received,
+  and was promised that an answer should be sent to the commodore
+  the next day. In the mean time Mr Anson gave leave to several of
+  the officers of the galleon to go to Canton, they engaging their
+  parole to return in two days. When these prisoners got to Canton,
+  the regency sent for them, and examined them, enquiring
+  particularly by what means they had fallen into Mr Anson's power.
+  And on this occasion the prisoners were honest enough to declare,
+  that as the kings of Great Britain and of Spain were at war, they
+  had proposed to themselves the taking of the Centurion, and had
+  bore down upon her with that view, but that the event had been
+  contrary to their hopes: However, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page504" id="page504"></a>[pg 504]</span> they acknowledged that
+  they had been treated by the commodore, much better than they
+  believed they should have treated him, had he fallen into their
+  hands. This confession from an enemy had great weight with the
+  Chinese, who, till then, though they had revered the commodore's
+  power, had yet suspected his morals, and had considered him
+  rather as a lawless freebooter, than as one commissioned by the
+  state for the revenge of public injuries. But they now changed
+  their opinion, and regarded him as a more important person; to
+  which perhaps the vast treasure of his prize might not a little
+  contribute; the acquisition of wealth being a matter greatly
+  adapted to the estimation and reverence of the Chinese
+  nation.</p>
+
+  <p>In this examination of the Spanish prisoners, though the
+  Chinese had no reason in the main to doubt of the account which
+  was given them, yet there were two circumstances which appeared
+  to them so singular, as to deserve a more ample explanation; one
+  of them was the great disproportion of men between the Centurion
+  and the galleon; the other was the humanity with which the people
+  of the galleon were treated after they were taken. The mandarines
+  therefore asked the Spaniards, how they came to be overpowered by
+  so inferior a force; and how it happened, since the two nations
+  were at war, that they were not put to death when they came into
+  the hands of the English. To the first of these enquiries the
+  Spaniards replied, that though they had more hands than the
+  Centurion, yet she being intended solely for war, had a great
+  superiority in the size of her guns, and in many other articles,
+  over the galleon, which was a vessel fitted out principally for
+  traffic: And as to the second question, they told the Chinese,
+  that amongst the nations of Europe, it was not customary to put
+  to death those who submitted; though they readily owned, that the
+  commodore, from the natural bias of his temper, had treated both
+  them and their countrymen, who had formerly been in his power,
+  with very unusual courtesy, much beyond what they could have
+  expected, or than was required by the customs established between
+  nations at war with each other. These replies fully satisfied the
+  Chinese, and at the same time wrought very powerfully in the
+  commodore's favour.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 20th of July, in the morning, three mandarines, with a
+  great number of boats, and a vast retinue, came on board the
+  Centurion, and delivered to the commodore the <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page505" id="page505"></a>[pg 505]</span>
+  viceroy of Canton's order for a daily supply of provisions, and
+  for pilots lo carry the ships up the river as far as the second
+  bar; and at the same time they delivered him a message from the
+  viceroy, in answer to the letter sent to Canton. The substance of
+  the message was, that the viceroy desired to be excused from
+  receiving the commodore's visit, during the then excessive hot
+  weather; because the assembling the mandarines and soldiers,
+  necessary to that ceremony, would prove extremely inconvenient
+  and fatiguing; but that in September, when the weather would be
+  more temperate, he should be glad to see both the commodore
+  himself, and the English captain of the other ship, that was with
+  him. As Mr Anson knew that an express had been dispatched to the
+  court at Pekin, with an account of the Centurion and her prize
+  being arrived in the river of Canton, he had no doubt, but the
+  principal motive for putting off this visit was, that the regency
+  at Canton might gain time to receive the emperor's instructions,
+  about their behaviour on this unusual affair.</p>
+
+  <p>When the mandarines had delivered their message, they began to
+  talk to the commodore about the duties to be paid by his ships;
+  but he immediately told them, that he would never submit to any
+  demand of that kind; that as he neither brought any merchandise
+  thither, nor intended to carry any away, he could not be
+  reasonably deemed to be within the meaning of the emperor's
+  orders, which were doubtless calculated for trading vessels only,
+  adding, that no duties were ever demanded of men of war, by
+  nations accustomed to their reception, and that his master's
+  orders expressly forbad him from paying any acknowledgement for
+  his ships anchoring in any port whatever.</p>
+
+  <p>The mandarines being thus cut short on the subject of the
+  duty, they said they had another matter to mention, which was the
+  only remaining one they had in charge; this was a request to the
+  commodore, that he would release the prisoners he had taken on
+  board the galleon; for that the viceroy of Canton apprehended the
+  emperor, his master, might be displeased, if he should be
+  informed, that persons, who were his allies, and carried on a
+  great commerce with his subjects, were under confinement in his
+  dominions. Mr Anson was himself extremely desirous to get rid of
+  the Spaniards, having, on his first arrival, sent about an
+  hundred of them to Macao, and those who remained, near four
+  hundred <span class="pagenum"><a name="page506" id=
+  "page506"></a>[pg 506]</span> more, were, on many accounts, a
+  great incumbrance to him. However, to enhance the favour, he at
+  first raised some difficulties; but permitting himself to be
+  prevailed on, he at last told the mandarines, that to show his
+  readiness to oblige the viceroy, he would release the prisoners,
+  whenever they, the Chinese, would send boats to fetch them off.
+  This matter being thus adjusted, the mandarines departed; and, on
+  the 28th of July, two Chinese junks were sent from Canton, to
+  take on board the prisoners, and to carry them to Macao. And the
+  commodore, agreeable to his promise, dismissed them all, and
+  ordered his purser to send with them eight days provision for
+  their subsistence, during their sailing down the river; this
+  being dispatched, the Centurion and her prize came to her
+  moorings, above the second bar, where they proposed to continue
+  till the monsoon shifted.</p>
+
+  <p>Though the ships, in consequence of the viceroy's permit,
+  found no difficulty in purchasing provisions for their daily
+  consumption, yet it was impossible for the commodore to proceed
+  to England; without laying in a large quantity both of provisions
+  and stores for his use, during the voyage: The procuring this
+  supply was attended with much embarrassment; for there were
+  people at Canton who had undertaken to furnish him with biscuit,
+  and whatever else he wanted; and his linguist, towards the middle
+  of September, had assured him, from day to day, that all was
+  ready, and would be sent on board him immediately. But a
+  fortnight being elapsed, and nothing being brought, the commodore
+  sent to Canton to enquire more particularly into the reasons of
+  this disappointment: And he had soon the vexation to be informed,
+  that the whole was an illusion: that no order had been procured
+  from the viceroy to furnish him with sea-stores, as had been
+  pretended; that there was no biscuit baked, nor any one of the
+  articles in readiness which had been promised him; nor did it
+  appear, that the contractors had taken the least step to comply
+  with their agreement. This was most disagreeable news, and made
+  it suspected, that the furnishing the Centurion for her return to
+  Great Britain might prove a more troublesome matter than had been
+  hitherto imagined; especially too, as the month of September was
+  nearly elapsed, without Mr Anson's having received any message
+  from the viceroy of Canton.</p>
+
+  <p>And here perhaps it might be expected that some satisfactory
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page507" id="page507"></a>[pg
+  507]</span> account should be given of the motives of the Chinese
+  for this faithless procedure. But as I have already, in a former
+  chapter, made some kind of conjectures about a similar event, I
+  shall not repeat them again in this place, but shall observe,
+  that after all, it may perhaps be impossible for an European,
+  ignorant of the customs and manners of that nation, to be fully
+  apprised of the real incitements to this behaviour. Indeed, thus
+  much may undoubtedly be asserted, that in artifice, falsehood,
+  and an attachment to all kinds of lucre, many of the Chinese are
+  difficult to be paralleled by any other people; but then the
+  combination of these talents, and the manner in which they are
+  applied in particular emergencies, are often beyond the reach of
+  a foreigner's penetration: So that though it may be safely
+  concluded, that the Chinese had some interest in thus amusing the
+  commodore, yet it may not be easy to assign the individual views
+  by which they were influenced. And that I may not be thought too
+  severe in ascribing to this nation a fraudulent and selfish turn
+  of temper, so contradictory to the character given of them in the
+  legendary accounts of the Roman missionaries, I shall here
+  mention an extraordinary transaction or two, which I hope will be
+  some kind of confirmation of what I have advanced.</p>
+
+  <p>When the commodore lay first at Macao, one of his officers,
+  who had been extremely ill, desired leave of him to go on shore
+  every day on a neighbouring island, imagining that a walk upon
+  the land would contribute greatly to the restoring of his health:
+  The commodore would have dissuaded him, suspecting the tricks of
+  the Chinese, but the officer continuing importunate, in the end
+  the boat was ordered to carry him. The first day he was put on
+  shore he took his exercise, and returned without receiving any
+  molestation, or even seeing any of the inhabitants; but the
+  second day, he was assaulted, soon after his arrival, by a great
+  number of Chinese who had been hoeing rice in the neighbourhood,
+  and who beat him so violently with the handles of their hoes,
+  that they soon laid him on the ground incapable of resistance;
+  after which they robbed him, taking from him his sword, the hilt
+  of which was silver, his money, his watch, gold-headed cane,
+  snuff box, sleeve-buttons, and hat, with several other trinkets:
+  In the mean time the boat's crew, who were at some little
+  distance, and had no arms of any kind with them, were incapable
+  of giving <span class="pagenum"><a name="page508" id=
+  "page508"></a>[pg 508]</span> him any assistance; till at last
+  one of them flew on the fellow who had the sword in his
+  possession, and wresting it out of his hands, drew it, and with
+  it was preparing to fall on the Chinese, some of whom he could
+  not have failed of killing; but the officer, perceiving what he
+  was about, immediately ordered him to desist, thinking it more
+  prudent to submit to the present violence, than to embroil his
+  commodore in an inextricable squabble with the Chinese government
+  by the death of their subjects; which calmness in this gentleman
+  was the more meritorious, as he was known to be a person of an
+  uncommon spirit, and of a somewhat hasty temper: By this means
+  the Chinese recovered the possession of the sword, which they
+  soon perceived was prohibited to be made use of against them, and
+  carried off their whole booty unmolested. No sooner were they
+  gone, than a Chinese on horseback, very well dressed, and who had
+  the air and appearance of a gentleman, came down to the shore,
+  and, as far as could be understood by his signs, seemed to
+  censure the conduct of his countrymen, and to commiserate the
+  officer, being wonderfully officious to assist in getting him on
+  board the boat: But notwithstanding this behaviour, it was
+  shrewdly suspected that he was an accomplice in the theft, and
+  time fully evinced the justice of those suspicions.</p>
+
+  <p>When the boat returned on board, and reported what had passed
+  to the commodore, he immediately complained of it to the
+  mandarine, who attended to see his ship supplied; but the
+  mandarine coolly replied, that the boat ought not to have gone on
+  shore, promising, however, that if the thieves could be found
+  out, they should be punished; though it appeared plain enough, by
+  his manner of answering, that he would never give himself any
+  trouble in searching them out. However, a considerable time
+  afterwards, when some Chinese boats were selling provisions to
+  the Centurion, the person who had wrested the sword from the
+  Chinese came with great eagerness to the commodore, to assure him
+  that one of the principal thieves was then in a provision-boat
+  alongside the ship; and the officer, who had been robbed, viewing
+  the fellow on this report, and well remembering his face, orders
+  were immediately given to seize him; and he was accordingly
+  secured on board the ship, where strange discoveries were now
+  made.</p>
+
+  <p>This thief, on his being apprehended, expressed so much
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page509" id="page509"></a>[pg
+  509]</span> fright in his countenance, that it was feared he
+  would have died upon the spot; the mandarine too, who attended
+  the ship, had visibly no small share of concern on the occasion.
+  Indeed he had reason enough to be alarmed, since it was soon
+  evinced that he had been privy to the whole robbery, for the
+  commodore, declaring that he would not deliver up the thief, but
+  would himself order him to be shot, the mandarine immediately put
+  off the magisterial air with which be had at first pretended to
+  demand him, and begged his release in the most abject manner; and
+  the commodore appearing inflexible, there came on board, in less
+  than two hours time, five or six of the neighbouring mandarines,
+  who all joined in the same entreaty, and, with a view of
+  facilitating their suit, offered a large sum of money for the
+  fellow's liberty. Whilst they were thus soliciting, it was
+  discovered that the mandarine, who was the most active amongst
+  them, and who seemed to be most interested in the event, was the
+  very gentleman who came to the officer just after the robbery,
+  and who pretended to be so much displeased with the villainy of
+  his countrymen. And, on further enquiry, it was found that he was
+  the mandarine of the island; and that he had, by the authority of
+  his office, ordered the peasants to commit that infamous action:
+  And it seemed, as far as could be collected from the broken hints
+  which were casually thrown out, that he and his brethren, who
+  were all privy to the transaction, were terrified with the fear
+  of being called before the tribunal at Canton, where the first
+  article of their punishment would be the stripping them of all
+  they were worth; though their judges (however fond of inflicting
+  a chastisement so lucrative to themselves) were perhaps of as
+  tainted a complexion as the delinquents. Mr Anson was not
+  displeased to have caught the Chinese in this dilemma; and he
+  entertained himself for some time with their perplexity,
+  rejecting their money with scorn, appearing inexorable to their
+  prayers, and giving out that the thief should certainly be shot;
+  but as he then foresaw that he should be forced to take shelter
+  in their ports a second time, when the influence he might hereby
+  acquire over the magistrates would be of great service to him, he
+  at length permitted himself to be persuaded, and, as a favour,
+  released his prisoner, but not till the mandarine had collected
+  and returned all that had been stolen from the officer, even to
+  the minutest trifle.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page510"
+  id="page510"></a>[pg 510]</span>
+
+  <p>But, notwithstanding this instance of the good intelligence
+  between the magistrates and criminals, the strong inclination of
+  the Chinese to lucre often prompts them to break through this
+  awful confederacy, and puts them on defrauding the authority that
+  protects them, of its proper quota of the pillage. For not long
+  after the above-mentioned transaction, (the former mandarine
+  attendant on the ship, being, in the mean time, relieved by
+  another,) the commodore lost a top-mast from his stern, which,
+  after the most diligent enquiry, could not be traced: As it was
+  not his own, but had been borrowed at Macao to heave down by, and
+  was not to be replaced in that part of the world, he was
+  extremely desirous to recover it, and published a considerable
+  reward to any who would bring it him again. There were suspicions
+  from the first of its being stolen, which made him conclude a
+  reward was the likeliest method of getting it back: Accordingly,
+  soon after, the mandarine told him that some of his, the
+  mandarine's people, had found the top-mast, desiring the
+  commodore to send his boats to fetch it, which being done, the
+  mandarine's people received the promised reward; but the
+  commodore told the mandarine that he would make him a present
+  besides for the care he had taken in directing it to be searched
+  for, and, accordingly, Mr Anson gave a sum of money to his
+  linguist, to be delivered to the mandarine; but the linguist
+  knowing that the people had been paid, and ignorant that a
+  further present had been promised, kept the money himself:
+  However, the mandarine fully confiding in Mr Anson's word, and
+  suspecting the linguist, took occasion one morning to admire the
+  size of the Centurion's masts, and thence, on a pretended sudden
+  recollection, he made a digression to the top-mast which had been
+  lost, and asked Mr Anson if he had not got it again. Mr Anson
+  presently perceived the bent of this conversation, and enquired
+  of him if he had not received the money from the linguist, and
+  finding he had not, he offered to pay it him upon the spot. But
+  this the mandarine refused, having now somewhat more in view than
+  the sum which had been detained; for the next day the linguist
+  was seized, and was doubtless mulcted of all he had gotten in the
+  commodore's service, which was supposed to be little less than
+  two thousand dollars; he was, besides, so severely bastinadoed
+  with the bamboo, that it was with difficulty he escaped with
+  life; and when he was upbraided by the commodore <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page511" id="page511"></a>[pg 511]</span> (to
+  whom he afterwards came begging) with his folly in risking all he
+  had suffered for fifty dollars (the present intended for the
+  mandarine,) he had no other excuse to make than the strong bias
+  of his nation to dishonesty, replying, in his broken jargon,
+  "Chinese man very great rogue truly, but have fashion, no can
+  help."</p>
+
+  <p>It were endless to recount all the artifices, extortions, and
+  frauds which were practised on the commodore and his people, by
+  this interested race. The method of buying all things in China
+  being by weight, the tricks made use of by the Chinese to
+  increase the weight of the provision they sold to the Centurion,
+  were almost incredible. One time a large quantity of fowls and
+  ducks being bought for the ship's use, the greatest part of them
+  presently died. This alarmed the people on board with the
+  apprehensions that they had been killed by poison, but, on
+  examination, it appeared that it was only owing to their being
+  crammed with stones and gravel to increase their weight, the
+  quantity thus forced into most of the ducks being found to amount
+  to ten ounces in each. The hogs, too, which were bought ready
+  killed of the Chinese butchers, had water injected into them for
+  the same purpose; so that a carcass, hung up all night for the
+  water to drain from it, hath lost above a stone of its weight;
+  and when, to avoid this cheat, the hogs were bought alive, it was
+  found that the Chinese gave them salt to increase their thirst,
+  and having by this means excited them to drink great quantities
+  of water, they then took measures to prevent them from
+  discharging it again by urine, and sold the tortured animal in
+  this inflated state. When the commodore first put to sea from
+  Macao, they practised an artifice of another kind; for as the
+  Chinese never object to the eating of any food that dies of
+  itself, they took care; by some secret practices, that great part
+  of his live sea-store should die in a short time after it was put
+  on board, hoping to make a second profit of the dead carcasses,
+  which they expected would be thrown overboard; and two-thirds of
+  the hogs dying before the Centurion was out of sight of land,
+  many of the Chinese boats followed her, only to pick up the
+  carrion. These instances may serve as a specimen of the manners
+  of this celebrated nation, which is often recommended to the rest
+  of the world as a pattern of all kinds of laudable qualities.</p>
+
+  <p>The commodore, towards the end of September, having
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page512" id="page512"></a>[pg
+  512]</span> found out (as has been said) that those who had
+  contracted, to supply him with sea-provisions and stores had
+  deceived him, and that the viceroy had not sent to him according
+  to his promise, saw it would be impossible for him to surmount
+  the embarrassment he was under, without going himself to Canton
+  and visiting the viceroy; and, therefore, on the 27th. of
+  September, he sent a message to the mandarine who attended the
+  Centurion, to inform him that he, the commodore, intended, on the
+  1st of October, to proceed in his boat to Canton, adding, that
+  the day after he got there he should notify his arrival to the
+  viceroy, and should desire him to fix a time for his audience; to
+  which the mandarine returned no other answer, than that he would
+  acquaint the viceroy with the commodore's intentions. In the mean
+  time all things were prepared for this expedition; and the boat's
+  crew in particular, which Mr Anson proposed to take with him,
+  were cloathed in an uniform dress, resembling that of the
+  watermen on the Thames; they were in number eighteen and a
+  coxswain; they had scarlet jackets and blue silk; waistcoats, the
+  whole trimmed with silver buttons, and with silver badges on
+  their jackets and caps. As it was apprehended, and even asserted,
+  that the payment of the customary duties for the Centurion and
+  her prize would be demanded by the regency of Canton, and would
+  be insisted on previous to the granting a permission for
+  victualling the ship for her future voyage, the commodore, who
+  was resolved never to establish so dishonourable a precedent,
+  took all possible precaution to prevent the Chinese from
+  facilitating the success of their unreasonable pretensions, by
+  having him in their power at Canton; and, therefore, for the
+  security of his ship, and the great treasure on board her, he
+  appointed his first lieutenant, Mr Brett, to be captain of the
+  Centurion under him, giving him proper instructions for his
+  conduct; directing him, particularly, if he, the commodore,
+  should be detained at Canton on account of the duties in dispute,
+  to take out the men from the Centurion's prize, and to destroy
+  her; and then to proceed down the river through the Bocca Tigris
+  with the Centurion alone, and to remain without that entrance
+  till he received further orders from Mr Anson.</p>
+
+  <p>These necessary steps being taken, which were not unknown to
+  the Chinese, it should seem as if their deliberations were in
+  some sort embarrassed thereby. It is reasonable <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page513" id="page513"></a>[pg 513]</span> to
+  imagine, that they were in general very desirous of getting the
+  duties to be paid them, not perhaps solely in consideration of
+  the amount of those dues, but to keep up their reputation for
+  address and subtlety, and to avoid the imputation of receding
+  from claims on which they had already so frequently insisted:
+  However, as they now foresaw that they had no other method of
+  succeeding than by violence, and that even against this the
+  commodore was prepared, they were at last disposed, I conceive,
+  to let the affair drop, rather than entangle themselves in an
+  hostile measure, which they found would only expose them to the
+  risk of having the whole navigation of their port destroyed,
+  without any certain prospect of gaining their favourite
+  point.</p>
+
+  <p>However, though there is reason to imagine that these were
+  their thoughts at that time, yet they could not depart at once
+  from the evasive conduct to which they had hither to adhered. For
+  when the commodore, on the morning of the 1st of October, was
+  preparing to set out for Canton, his linguist came to him from
+  the mandarine, who attended his ship, to tell him that a letter
+  had been received from the viceroy of Canton, desiring the
+  commodore to put off his going thither for two or three days: But
+  in the afternoon of the same day another linguist came on board,
+  who, with much seeming fright, told Mr Anson that the viceroy had
+  expected him up that day, that the counsel was assembled, and the
+  troops had been under arms to receive him; and that the viceroy
+  was highly offended at the disappointment, and had sent the
+  commodore's linguist to prison chained, supposing that the whole
+  had been owing to the linguist's negligence. This plausible tale
+  gave the commodore great concern, and made him apprehend that
+  there was some treachery designed him, which he could not yet
+  fathom; and though it afterwards appeared that the whole was a
+  fiction, not one article of it having the least foundation, yet
+  (for reasons best known to themselves) this falsehood was so well
+  supported by the artifices of the Chinese merchants at Canton,
+  that, three days afterwards, the commodore received a letter,
+  signed by all the supercargoes of the English ships then at that
+  place, expressing their great uneasiness at what had happened,
+  and intimating their fears that some insult would be offered to
+  his boat, if he came thither before the viceroy was fully
+  satisfied about the mistake. To <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page514" id="page514"></a>[pg 514]</span> this letter Mr Anson
+  replied, that he did not believe there had been any mistake, but
+  was persuaded it was a forgery of the Chinese, to prevent his
+  visiting the viceroy; that, therefore, he would certainly come up
+  to Canton on the 13th of October, confident that the Chinese
+  would not dare to offer him an insult, as well knowing it would
+  be properly returned.</p>
+
+  <p>On the 13th of October, the commodore continuing firm, to his
+  resolution, all the supercargoes of the English, Danish, and
+  Swedish ships, came on board the Centurion, to accompany him to
+  Canton, for which place he set out in his barge the same day,
+  attended by his own boats, and by those of the trading ships,
+  which, on this occasion, came to form his retinue; and, as he
+  passed by Whampoa, where the European vessels lay, he was saluted
+  by all of them but the French, and in the evening arrived safely
+  at Canton.</p>
+
+  <h3>SECTION XXXII.</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Proceedings at the City of Canton, and the Return of the
+  Centurion to England.</i></h4>
+
+  <p>When the commodore arrived at Canton, he was visited by the
+  principal Chinese merchants, who affected to appear very much
+  pleased that he had met with no obstruction in getting thither,
+  and who thence pretended to conclude that the viceroy was
+  satisfied about the former mistake, the reality of which they
+  still insisted on; they added, that as soon as the viceroy should
+  be informed that Mr Anson was at Canton (which they promised
+  should be done the next morning,) they were persuaded a day would
+  be immediately appointed for the visit, which was the principal
+  business that had brought the commodore thither.</p>
+
+  <p>The next day the merchants returned to Mr Anson, and told him
+  that the viceroy was then so fully employed in preparing his
+  dispatches for Pekin, that there was no getting admittance to him
+  for some days, but that they had engaged one of the officers of
+  his court to give them information as soon as he should be at
+  leisure, when they proposed to notify Mr Anson's arrival, and to
+  endeavour to fix the day of audience. The commodore was by this
+  time too well acquainted with their artifices not to perceive
+  that this was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page515" id=
+  "page515"></a>[pg 515]</span> a falsehood; and had he consulted
+  only his own judgment, he would have applied directly to the
+  viceroy by other hands: But the Chinese merchants had so far
+  prepossessed the supercargoes of our ships with chimerical fears,
+  that they were extremely apprehensive of being embroiled with the
+  government, and of suffering in their interest, if those measures
+  were taken, which appeared to Mr Anson at that time to be the
+  most prudential; and, therefore, lest the malice and
+  double-dealing of the Chinese might have given rise to some
+  sinister incident, which would be afterwards charged on him, he
+  resolved to continue passive as long as it should appear that he
+  lost no time by thus suspending his own opinion. With this view,
+  he promised not to take any immediate step for getting admittance
+  to the viceroy, provided the Chinese with whom he contracted for
+  provisions would let him see that his bread was baked, his meat
+  salted, and his stores prepared with the utmost dispatch; but if
+  by the time when all was in readiness to be shipped off (which it
+  was supposed would be in about forty days,) the merchants should
+  not have procured the viceroy's permission, then, the commodore
+  proposed to apply for himself. These were the terms Mr Anson
+  thought proper to offer, to quiet the uneasiness of the
+  supercargoes, and, notwithstanding the apparent equity of the
+  conditions, many difficulties and objections were urged; nor
+  would the Chinese agree to them till the commodore had consented
+  to pay for every article he bespoke before it was put in hand.
+  However, at last, the contract being past, it was some
+  satisfaction to the commodore to be certain that his preparations
+  were now going on, and being himself on the spot, he took care to
+  hasten them as much as possible.</p>
+
+  <p>During this interval, in which the stores and provisions were
+  getting ready, the merchants continually entertained Mr Anson
+  with accounts of their various endeavours to get a license from
+  the viceroy, and their frequent disappointments, which to him was
+  now a matter of amusement, as he was fully satisfied there was
+  not one word of truth in any thing they said. But when all was
+  completed, and wanted only to be shipped, which was about the
+  24th of November, at which time too the N.E. monsoon was set in,
+  he then resolved to apply himself to the viceroy to demand an
+  audience, as he was persuaded that, without this ceremony, the
+  procuring a permission to send his stores on board would
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page516" id="page516"></a>[pg
+  516]</span> meet with great difficulty. On the 24th of November,
+  therefore, Mr Anson sent one of his officers to the Mandarine,
+  who commanded the guard of the principal gate of the city of
+  Canton, with a letter directed to the viceroy. When this letter
+  was delivered to the mandarine, he received the officer who
+  brought it very civilly, and took down the contents of it in
+  Chinese, and promised that the viceroy should be immediately
+  acquainted with it; but told the officer it was not necessary for
+  him to wait for an answer, because a message would be sent to the
+  commodore himself.</p>
+
+  <p>On this occasion Mr Anson had been under great difficulties
+  about a proper interpreter to send with his officer, as he was
+  well aware that none of the Chinese, usually employed as
+  linguists, could be relied on: But he at last prevailed with Mr
+  Flint, an English gentleman belonging to the factory, who spoke
+  Chinese perfectly well, to accompany his officer. This person,
+  who upon this occasion and many others was of singular service to
+  the commodore, had been left at Canton when a youth, by the late
+  Captain Rigby. The leaving him there to learn the Chinese
+  language was a step taken by that captain, merely from his own
+  persuasion of the great advantages which the East-India company
+  might one day receive from an English interpreter; and though the
+  utility of this measure has greatly exceeded all that was
+  expected from it, yet I have not heard that it has been to this
+  day imitated: But we imprudently choose (except in this single
+  instance) to carry on the vast transactions of the port of
+  Canton, either by the ridiculous jargon of broken English, which
+  some few of the Chinese have learnt, or by the suspected
+  interpretation of the linguists of other nations.<a id=
+  "footnotetag163" name="footnotetag163"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote163"><sup>1</sup></a></p>
+
+  <p>Two days after the sending the above-mentioned letter, a fire
+  broke out in the suburbs of Canton. On the first alarm, Mr Anson
+  went thither with his officers, and his boat's crew, to assist
+  the Chinese. When he came there, he found that it had begun in a
+  sailor's shed, and that by the slightness of the buildings, and
+  the awkwardness of the Chinese, it was getting head apace: But he
+  perceived, that by pulling down some of the adjacent sheds it
+  might easily be extinguished; and particularly observing that it
+  was running <span class="pagenum"><a name="page517" id=
+  "page517"></a>[pg 517]</span> along a wooden cornish, which would
+  soon communicate it to a great distance, he ordered his people to
+  begin with tearing away that cornish; this was presently
+  attempted, and would have been soon executed; but, in the
+  meantime, he was told, that, as there was no mandarine there to
+  direct what was to be done, the Chinese would make him, the
+  commodore, answerable for whatever should be pulled down by his
+  orders. On this his people desisted; and he sent them to the
+  English factory, to assist in securing the company's treasure and
+  effects, as it was easy to foresee that no distance was a
+  protection against the rage of such a fire, where so little was
+  done to put a stop to it; for all this time the Chinese contented
+  themselves with viewing it, and now and then holding one of their
+  idols near it, which they seemed to expect should check its
+  progress: However, at last, a mandarine came out of the city,
+  attended by four or five hundred firemen: These made some feeble
+  efforts to pull down the neighbouring houses; but by this time
+  the fire had greatly extended itself, and was got amongst the
+  merchants' warehouses; and the Chinese firemen, wanting both
+  skill and spirit, were incapable of checking its violence; so
+  that its fury increased upon them, and it was feared the whole
+  city would be destroyed, in this general confusion the viceroy
+  himself came thither, and the commodore was sent to, and was
+  entreated to afford his assistance, being told that he might take
+  any measures he should think most prudent in the present
+  emergency. And now he went thither a second time, carrying with
+  him about forty of his people; who, upon this occasion, exerted
+  themselves in such a manner, as in that country was altogether
+  without example: For they were rather animated than deterred by
+  the flames and falling buildings, amongst which they wrought; so
+  that it was not uncommon to see the most forward of them tumble
+  to the ground on the roofs, and amidst the ruins of houses, which
+  their own efforts brought down with them. By their boldness and
+  activity the fire was soon extinguished, to the amazement of the
+  Chinese; and the building being all on one floor, and the
+  materials slight, the seamen, notwithstanding their daring
+  behaviour, happily escaped with no other injuries, than some
+  considerable bruises. The fire, though at last thus luckily
+  extinguished, did great mischief during the time it continued;
+  for it consumed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page518" id=
+  "page518"></a>[pg 518]</span> an hundred shops and eleven streets
+  full of warehouses, so that the damage amounted to an immense
+  sum; and one of the Chinese merchants, well known to the English,
+  whose name was Succoy, was supposed, for his own share, to have
+  lost near two hundred thousand pounds sterling. It raged indeed
+  with unusual violence, for in many of the warehouses, there were
+  large quantities of camphor, which greatly added to its fury, and
+  produced a column of exceeding white flame, which shot up into
+  the air to such a prodigious height that it was plainly seen on
+  board the Centurion, though she was thirty miles distant.</p>
+
+  <p>Whilst the commodore and his people were labouring at the
+  fire, and the terror of its becoming general still possessed the
+  whole city, several of the most considerable Chinese merchants
+  came to Mr Anson, to desire that he would let each of them have
+  one of his soldiers (for such they styled his boat's crew from
+  the uniformity, of their dress) to guard their warehouses and
+  dwellings-houses, which, from the known dishonesty of the
+  populace, they feared would be pillaged in the tumult. Mr Anson
+  granted them this request; and all the men that he thus furnished
+  to the Chinese behaved greatly to the satisfaction of their
+  employers, who afterwards highly applauded their great diligence
+  and fidelity.</p>
+
+  <p>By this means, the resolution of the English at the fire, and
+  their trustiness and punctuality elsewhere, was the general
+  subject of conversation amongst the Chinese: And, the next
+  morning, many of the principal inhabitants waited on the
+  commodore to thank him for his assistance; frankly owning to him,
+  that they could never have extinguished the fire of themselves,
+  and that he had saved their city from being totally consumed. And
+  soon after a message came to the commodore from the viceroy,
+  appointing the 30th of November for his audience; which sudden
+  resolution of the viceroy, in a matter that had been so long
+  agitated in vain, was also owing to the signal services performed
+  by Mr Anson and his people at the fire, of which the viceroy
+  himself had been in some measure an eye-witness.</p>
+
+  <p>The fixing this business of the audience, was, on all
+  accounts, a circumstance which Mr Anson was much pleased with; as
+  he was satisfied that the Chinese government would not have
+  determined this point, without having agreed among themselves to
+  give up their pretensions to the duties <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page519" id="page519"></a>[pg 519]</span> they
+  claimed, and to grant him all he could reasonably ask; for as
+  they well knew the commodore's sentiments, it would have been a
+  piece of imprudence, not consistent with the refined cunning of
+  the Chinese, to have admitted him to an audience, only to have
+  contested with him. And therefore, being himself perfectly easy
+  about the result of his visit, he made all necessary preparations
+  against the day. Mr Flint, whom he engaged to act as interpreter
+  in the conference, acquitted himself much to the commodore's
+  satisfaction; repeating with great boldness; and doubtless with
+  exactness, all that was given in charge, a part which no Chinese
+  linguist would ever have performed with any tolerable
+  fidelity.</p>
+
+  <p>At ten o'clock in the morning, on the day appointed, a
+  mandarine came to the commodore, to let him know that the viceroy
+  was ready to receive him; on which the commodore and his retinue
+  immediately set out: And as soon as he entered the outer gate of
+  the city, he found a guard of two hundred soldiers drawn up ready
+  to attend him; these conducted him to the great parade before the
+  emperor's palace, where the viceroy then resided. In this parade,
+  a body of troops, to the number of ten thousand, were drawn up
+  under arms, and made a very fine appearance, being all of them
+  new clothed for this ceremony: And Mr Anson and his retinue
+  having passed through the middle of them, he was then conducted
+  to the great hall of audience, where he found the viceroy seated
+  under a rich canopy in the emperor's chair of state, with all his
+  council of mandarines attending: Here there was a vacant seat
+  prepared for the commodore, in which he was placed on his
+  arrival: He was ranked the third it order from the viceroy, there
+  being above him only the head of the law, and of the treasury,
+  who in the Chinese government take place of all military
+  officers. When the commodore was seated, he addressed himself to
+  the viceroy by his interpreter, and began with reciting the
+  various methods he had formerly taken to get an audience; adding,
+  that he imputed the delays he had met with to the insincerity of
+  those he had employed, and that he had therefore no other means
+  left, than to send, as he had done, his own officer with a letter
+  to the gate. On the mention of this the viceroy stopped the
+  interpreter, and bid him assure Mr Anson, that the first
+  knowledge they had of his being at Canton, was from that letter.
+  Mr Anson then proceeded, and told him, that the subjects of the
+  king of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page520" id=
+  "page520"></a>[pg 520]</span> Great Britain trading to China had
+  complained to him, the commodore, of the vexatious impositions
+  both of the merchants and inferior custom-house officers, to
+  which they were frequently necessitated to submit, by reason of
+  the difficulty of getting access to the mandarines, who alone
+  could grant them redress: That it was his, Mr Anson's, duty, as
+  an officer of the king of Great Britain, to lay before the
+  viceroy these grievances of the British subjects, which he hoped
+  the viceroy would take into consideration, and would give orders,
+  that for the future there should be no just reason for complaint.
+  Here Mr Anson paused, and waited some time in expectation of an
+  answer; but nothing being said, he asked his interpreter if he
+  was certain the viceroy understood what he had urged; the
+  interpreter told him, he was certain it was understood, but he
+  believed no reply would be made to it. Mr Anson then represented
+  to the viceroy the case of the ship Haslingfield, which, having
+  been dismasted on the coast of China, had arrived in the river of
+  Canton but a few days before. The people on board this vessel had
+  been great sufferers by the fire; the captain in particular had
+  all his goods burnt, and had lost besides, in the confusion, a
+  chest of treasure of four thousand five hundred tahel, which was
+  supposed to be stolen by the Chinese boat-men. Mr Anson therefore
+  desired that the captain might have the assistance of the
+  government, as it was apprehended the money could never be
+  recovered without the interposition of the mandarines. And to
+  this request the viceroy made answer, that in settling the
+  emperor's customs for that ship, some abatement should be made in
+  consideration of her losses.</p>
+
+  <p>And now the commodore having dispatched the business with
+  which the officers of the East-India company had entrusted him,
+  he entered on his own affairs; acquainting the viceroy, that the
+  proper season was now set in for returning to Europe, and that he
+  waited only for a licence to ship off his provisions and stores,
+  which were all ready; and that as soon as this should be granted
+  him, and he should have gotten his necessaries on board, he
+  intended to leave the river of Canton, and to make the best of
+  his way for England. The viceroy replied to this, that the
+  licence should be immediately issued, and that every thing should
+  be ordered on board the following day. And finding that Mr Anson
+  had nothing farther to insist on, the viceroy continued the
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page521" id="page521"></a>[pg
+  521]</span> conversation for some time, acknowledging in very
+  civil terms how much the Chinese were obliged to him for his
+  signal services at the fire, and owning that he had saved the
+  city from being destroyed: And then observing that the Centurion
+  had been a good while on their coast, he closed his discourse, by
+  wishing the commodore a good voyage to Europe. After which, the
+  commodore, thanking him for his civility and assistance, took his
+  leave.</p>
+
+  <p>As soon as the commodore was out of the hall of audience, he
+  was much pressed to go into a neighbouring apartment, where there
+  was an entertainment provided; but finding, on enquiry, that the
+  viceroy himself was not to be present, he declined the
+  invitation, and departed, attended in the same manner as at his
+  arrival; only at his leaving the city he was saluted by three
+  guns, which are as many as in that country are ever fired on any
+  ceremony. Thus the commodore, to his great joy, at last finished
+  this troublesome affair, which, for the preceding four months,
+  had given him great disquietude. Indeed he was highly pleased
+  with procuring a licence for the shipping of his stores and
+  provisions; for thereby he was enabled to return to Great Britain
+  with the first of the monsoon, and to prevent all intelligence of
+  his being expected: But this, though a very important point, was
+  not the circumstance which gave him the greatest satisfaction;
+  for he was more particularly attentive to the authentic precedent
+  established on this occasion, by which his majesty's ships of war
+  are for the future exempted from all demands of duty in any of
+  the ports of China.</p>
+
+  <p>In pursuance of the promises of the viceroy, the provisions
+  were begun to be sent on board the day after the audience; and,
+  four days after, the commodore embarked at Canton for the
+  Centurion; and on the 7th of December, the Centurion and her
+  prize unmoored, and stood down the river, passing through the
+  Bocca Tigris on the 10th. And on this occasion I must observe,
+  that the Chinese had taken care to man the two forts, on each
+  side of that passage, with as many men as they could well
+  contain, the greatest part of them armed with pikes and
+  match-lock musquets. These garrisons affected to shew themselves
+  as much as possible to the ships, and were doubtless intended to
+  induce Mr Anson to think more reverently than he had hitherto
+  done of the Chinese military power: For this purpose they were
+  equipped with much parade, having a great number of colours
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page522" id="page522"></a>[pg
+  522]</span> exposed to view; and on the castle in particular
+  there were laid considerable heaps of large stones; and a soldier
+  of unusual size, dressed in very sightly armour, stalked about on
+  the parapet with a battle-axe in his hand, endeavouring to put on
+  as important and martial an air as possible, though some of the
+  observers on board the Centurion shrewdly suspected, from the
+  appearance of his armour, that instead of steel, it was composed
+  only of a particular kind of glittering paper.</p>
+
+  <p>The Centurion and her prize being now without the river of
+  Canton, and consequently upon the point of leaving the Chinese
+  jurisdiction, I beg leave, before I quit all mention of the
+  Chinese affairs, to subjoin a few remarks on the disposition and
+  genius of that extraordinary people. And though it may be
+  supposed, that observations made at Canton only, a place situated
+  in the corner of the empire, are very imperfect materials on
+  which to found any general conclusions, yet as those who have had
+  opportunities of examining the inner parts of the country, have
+  been evidently influenced by very ridiculous prepossessions, and
+  as this transactions of Mr Anson with the regency of Canton were
+  of an uncommon nature, in which many circumstances occurred,
+  different perhaps from any which have happened before, I hope the
+  following reflections, many of them drawn from these incidents,
+  will not be altogether unacceptable to the reader.</p>
+
+  <p>That the Chinese are a very ingenious and industrious people,
+  is sufficiently evinced, from the great number of curious
+  manufactures which are established amongst them, and which are
+  eagerly sought for by the most distant nations; but though skill
+  in the handicraft arts seems to be the most important
+  qualification of this people, yet their talents therein are but
+  of a second-rate kind; for they are much out-done by the Japanese
+  in those manufactures, which are common to both countries; and
+  they are in numerous instances incapable of rivalling the
+  mechanic dexterity of the Europeans. Indeed, their principal
+  excellency seems to be imitation; and they accordingly labour
+  under that poverty of genius, which constantly attends all
+  servile imitators. This is most conspicuous in works which
+  require great truth and accuracy; as in clocks, watches,
+  fire-arms, &amp;c. for in all these, though they can copy the
+  different parts, and can form some resemblance of the whole, yet
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page523" id="page523"></a>[pg
+  523]</span> they never could arrive at such a justness in their
+  fabric, as was necessary to produce the desired effect. And if we
+  pass from their manufactures to artists of a superior class, as
+  painters, statuaries, &amp;c., in these matters they seem to be
+  still more defective, their painters, though very numerous and in
+  great esteem, rarely succeeding in the drawing or colouring of
+  human figures; or in the grouping of large compositions; and
+  though in flowers and birds their, performances are much more
+  admired, yet even in these, some part of the merit is rather to
+  be imputed to the native brightness and excellency of the
+  colours, than to the skill of the painter; since it is very
+  unusual to see the light and shade justly and naturally handled,
+  or to find that ease and grace in the drawing, which are to be
+  met with in the works of European artists; In short, there is a
+  stiffness and minuteness in most of the Chinese productions,
+  which are extremely displeasing: And it may perhaps be asserted
+  with great truth, that these defects in their arts are entirely
+  owing to the peculiar turn of the people, amongst whom nothing
+  greater spirited is to be met with.</p>
+
+  <p>If we next examine the Chinese literature; (taking our
+  accounts from the writers, who have endeavoured to represent sent
+  it in the most favourable light) we shall find; that on this head
+  their obstinacy and absurdity are most wonderful: For though, for
+  many ages, they have been surrounded by nations, to whom the use
+  of letters was familiar, yet they, the Chinese alone, have
+  hitherto neglected to avail themselves of that almost divine
+  invention, and have continued to adhere to the rude and
+  inartificial method of representing words by arbitrary marks; a
+  method, which necessarily renders the number of their character
+  too great for human memory to manage, makes writing to be an art
+  that requires prodigious application, and in which no man can be
+  otherwise than partially skilled; whilst all reading, and
+  understanding of what is written, is attended with infinite
+  obscurity and confusion; for the connection between these marks,
+  and the words they represent; cannot be retained in books, but
+  must be delivered down from age to age by oral tradition: And how
+  uncertain this must prove in such a complicated subject, is
+  sufficiently obvious to those who have attended to the variation
+  which all verbal relations undergo, when they are transmitted
+  through three or four hands only. Hence it is easy to conclude,
+  that the history <span class="pagenum"><a name="page524" id=
+  "page524"></a>[pg 524]</span> and inventions of past ages,
+  recorded by these perplexed symbols, must frequently prove
+  unintelligible; and consequently the learning and boasted
+  antiquity of the nation most, in numerous instances, be extremely
+  problematical.</p>
+
+  <p>But we are told by some of the missionaries, that though the
+  skill of the Chinese in science is indeed much inferior to that
+  of the Europeans, yet the morality and justice taught and
+  practised by them are most exemplary. And from the description
+  given by some of these good fathers, one should be induced to
+  believe that the whole empire was a well-governed affectionate
+  family, where the only contests were, who should exert the most
+  humanity and beneficence: But our preceding relation of the
+  behaviour of the magistrates, merchants, and tradesmen at Canton,
+  sufficiently refutes these jesuitical fictions. And as to their
+  theories of morality, if we may judge from the specimens
+  exhibited in the works of the missionaries, we shall find them
+  solely employed in recommending ridiculous attachments to certain
+  immaterial points, instead of discussing the proper criterion of
+  human actions, and regulating the general conduct of mankind to
+  one another on reasonable and equitable principles. Indeed, the
+  only pretension of the Chinese to a more refined morality than
+  their neighbours is founded, not on their integrity or
+  beneficence, but solely on the affected evenness of their
+  demeanour, and their constant attention to suppress all symptoms
+  of passion and violence. But it must be considered, that
+  hypocrisy and fraud are often not less mischievous to the general
+  interests of mankind, than, impetuosity and vehemence of temper,
+  since these, though usually liable to the imputation of
+  imprudence, do not exclude sincerity, benevolence, resolution,
+  nor many other laudable qualities. And perhaps if this matter
+  were examined to the bottom, it would appear that the calm and
+  patient turn of the Chinese, on which they so much value
+  themselves, and which distinguishes the nation from all others,
+  is in reality the source of the most exceptionable part of their
+  character; for it has been often observed by those who have
+  attended to the nature of mankind, that it is difficult to curb
+  the more robust and violent passions, without augmenting at the
+  same time the force of the selfish ones: So that the timidity,
+  dissimulation, and dishonesty of the Chinese, may, in some sort,
+  be owing to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page525" id=
+  "page525"></a>[pg 525]</span> composure and external decency so
+  universally prevailing in that empire.</p>
+
+  <p>Thus much for the general disposition of the people: But I
+  cannot dismiss this subject without adding a few words about the
+  Chinese government, that too having been the subject of boundless
+  panegyric. And on this head I must observe, that the favourable
+  accounts often given of their prudent regulations for the
+  administration of their domestic affairs, are sufficiently
+  confuted by their transactions with Mr Anson: For we have seen
+  that their magistrates are corrupt, their people thievish, and
+  their tribunals crafty and venal. Nor is the constitution of the
+  empire, or the general orders of the state, less liable to
+  exception: Since that form of government, which does not in the
+  first place provide for the security of the public against the
+  enterprises of foreign powers, is certainly a most defective
+  institution: And yet this populous, this rich, and extensive
+  country, so pompously celebrated for its refined wisdom and
+  policy, was conquered about an age since by an handful of
+  Tartars; and even now, by the cowardice of the inhabitants, and
+  the want of proper military regulations, it continues exposed not
+  only to the attempts of any potent state, but to the ravages of
+  every petty invader. I have already observed, on occasion of the
+  commodore's disputes with the Chinese, that the Centurion alone
+  was an overmatch for all the naval power of that empire: This
+  perhaps may appear an extraordinary position; but to render it
+  unquestionable, one may refer to vessels made use of by the
+  Chinese.<a id="footnotetag164" name="footnotetag164"></a><a href=
+  "#footnote164"><sup>2</sup></a> The first of these is a junk of
+  about a hundred and twenty tons burden, and was what the
+  Centurion hove down by; these are most used in the great rivers,
+  though they sometimes serve for small coasting voyages: The other
+  junk is about two hundred and eighty tons burden, and is of the
+  same form with those in which they trade to Cochinchina, Manilla,
+  Batavia, and Japan, though some of their trading vessels are of a
+  much larger size; its head is perfectly flat; and when the vessel
+  is deep laden, the second or third plank of this flat surface is
+  oft-times under water. The masts, sails, and rigging of these
+  vessels are ruder than their built; for their masts are made of
+  trees, no otherwise fashioned than by barking them, and lopping
+  off their <span class="pagenum"><a name="page526" id=
+  "page526"></a>[pg 526]</span> branches. Each mast has only two
+  shrouds made of twisted rattan, which are often both shifted to
+  the weather-side; and the halyard, when the yard is up, serves
+  instead of a third shroud. The sails are made of mat,
+  strengthened every thee feet by an horizontal rib of bamboo; they
+  run upon the mast with hoops, and when they are lowered down,
+  they fold upon the deck. These merchantmen carry no cannon; and
+  it appears, from this whole description, that they are utterly
+  incapable of resisting any European armed, vessel. Nor is the
+  state provided with ships of considerable force, or of a better
+  fabric, to protect them: For at Canton, where doubtless their
+  principal naval power is stationed, we saw no more than four men
+  of war junks, of about three hundred tons burden, being of the
+  make already described, and mounted only with eight or ten guns,
+  the largest of which does not exceed a four-pounder. This may
+  suffice to give an idea of the defenceless state of the Chinese
+  empire. But it is time to return to the commodore, whom I left
+  with his two ships without the Bocca Tigris; and who, on the 12th
+  of December, anchored before the town of Macao.</p>
+
+  <p>Whilst the ships lay here, the merchants of Macao finished
+  their agreement for the galleon, for which they had offered 6000
+  dollars; this was much short of her value, but the impatience of
+  the commodore to get to sea, to which the merchants were no
+  strangers, prompted them to insist on so unequal a bargain. Mr
+  Anson had learnt enough from the English at Canton, to conjecture
+  that the war betwixt Great Britain and Spain was still continued;
+  and that probably the French might engage in the assistance of
+  Spain, before he could arrive in Great Britain; and therefore
+  knowing, that no intelligence could get to Europe of the prize he
+  had taken, and the treasure he had on board, till the return of
+  the merchantmen from Canton, he was resolved to make all possible
+  expedition in getting back, that he might be himself the first
+  messenger of his own good fortune, and might thereby prevent the
+  enemy from forming any projects to intercept him: For these
+  reasons, he, to avoid all delay, accepted of the sum offered for
+  the galleon; and she being delivered to the merchants the 15th of
+  December, 1743, the Centurion the same day got under sail, on her
+  return to England. And on the 3d of January, she came to an
+  anchor at Prince's Island, in the straits of <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page527" id="page527"></a>[pg 527]</span>
+  Sunda, and continued there wooding and watering till the 8th,
+  when, she weighed and stood for the Cape of Good Hope, where, on
+  the eleventh of March she anchored in Table-Bay.</p>
+
+  <p>Here the commodore continued till the beginning of April,
+  highly delighted with the place, which, by its extraordinary
+  accommodations, the healthiness of its air, and the picturesque
+  appearance of the country, all enlivened by the addition of a
+  civilized colony, was not disgraced in an imaginary comparison
+  with the vallies of Juan Fernandez, and the lawns of Tinian.
+  During his stay he entered about forty new men; and having by the
+  3d of April, 1744, completed his water and provision, he on that
+  day weighed and put to sea; and on the 19th of the same month
+  they saw the island of St Helena, which, however, they did not
+  touch at, but stood on their way; and, on the 10th of June, being
+  then in soundings, they spoke with an English ship from Amsterdam
+  bound for Philadelphia, whence they received the first
+  intelligence of a French war; the 12th they got sight of the
+  Lizard; and the 15th, in the evening, to their infinite joy, they
+  came safe to an anchor at Spithead. But that the signal perils
+  which had so often threatened them in the preceding part of the
+  enterprise, might pursue them to the very last, Mr Anson learnt
+  on his arrival, that there was a French fleet of considerable
+  force cruising in the chops of the channel, which, by the account
+  of their position, he found the Centurion had run through, and
+  had been all the time concealed by a fog. Thus was this
+  expedition finished, when it had lasted three years and nine
+  months; after having, by its event, strongly evinced this
+  important truth, that though prudence, intrepidity, and
+  perseverance united, are not exempted from the blows of adverse
+  fortune; yet in a long series of transactions, they usually rise
+  superior to its power, and in the end rarely fail of proving
+  successful.</p>
+  <hr />
+
+  <p>[In concluding the account of this very interesting
+  circumnavigation, it is necessary to advert to a question of some
+  importance in literature, as every question must be that involves
+  the claims of authors and their respective titles to reputation.
+  Nor is the public often impatient in listening to evidence on
+  such subjects, if the merit contended for be sufficiently great
+  to justify solicitude as to its being <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page528" id="page528"></a>[pg 528]</span>
+  rightly conferred. That it is so in the case of the question, Who
+  was the author of this work? no one can doubt, that is capable of
+  relishing its excellencies; or is aware of the high rank it has
+  always held among compositions of the kindthat its first
+  reception was such as to take off four large impressions within a
+  twelvemonththat it has been repeatedly printed since in a variety
+  of formsand that it has been translated into most of the
+  languages of Europe. The claimants are Mr Walter, chaplain of the
+  Centurion, under whose name (as is mentioned in this volume of
+  the Collection, p. 201,) it was originally, and, so far as the
+  editor knows, always published; and Mr Benjamin Robins, an
+  ingenious mathematician, and author of several works, much
+  esteemed by men of science. A short statement of such information
+  as the editor has been able to procure, is all that the limits of
+  this work will permit to be said on the subject of this question.
+  The public, being interested in what had been generally reported
+  through the medium of the periodical publications, respecting the
+  proceedings and fate of the squadron under Commodore Anson, had
+  eagerly expected some account of this voyage drawn up under his
+  notice, or authenticated by his approval. This anxiety, it is
+  likely, was not a little enhanced by the circumstance of several
+  small, but curious enough, narratives having been published of
+  the distresses experienced by part of the squadron, especially
+  the Wager; from which it was naturally enough inferred, that a
+  judicious and minute account of the whole could not fail to
+  gratify rational curiosity, and the common disposition to wonder.
+  Mr Walter, accordingly, who had gone in the Centurion, the
+  commodore's vessel, as chaplain, and who, it seems, had been in
+  the habit of keeping memorials of the transactions and
+  occurrences of the squadron, prepared materials for publication,
+  and actually procured subscriptions for the liquidation of its
+  expense. He brought down his narrative to the time of his leaving
+  the Centurion at Macao, when he returned by another conveyance to
+  England. But as the public expectation had been raised very high,
+  some persons, it would appear, suggested that the materials
+  intended to be published should be carefully examined, and, if
+  need be, corrected, by an adequate judge of literary and
+  scientific composition. Mr Robins, already well known as an
+  author of both mathematical and political essays, and much valued
+  by several distinguished characters <span class=
+  "pagenum"><a name="page529" id="page529"></a>[pg 529]</span> of
+  the times, was engaged to undertake this task, whether with or
+  without the desire of Mr Walter, or under any allegation of that
+  gentleman's known or reputed incompetency to fulfil the hopes
+  entertained, cannot now be discovered. On examination, we are
+  told, it was resolved that Mr Robins should write the whole work
+  anew, and merely use the materials furnished by Mr Walter, or
+  otherwise, as the particulars of wind, weather, currents,
+  courses, &amp;c. &amp;c. usually given in a sailor's journal. The
+  introduction, and several dissertations interspersed through, the
+  work, are said, moreover, to have been written by Mr Robins
+  without any such assistance whatever; but to what magnitude his
+  labours throughout amounted, it is perhaps impossible to
+  ascertain. That he acquired reputation by it is unquestionable;
+  but that Mr Walter himself should not have contributed so much as
+  to warrant his name appearing on the title-page of the book, and
+  at its dedication to the Duke of Bedford, would require a proof
+  of both want of talents and meanness of disposition, which no one
+  yet has attempted to adduce. Mr Walter's character, indeed, seems
+  to have been quite above either such deficiency; and, in all
+  probability, was, both in point of firmness and moral and
+  intellectual worth, the very circumstance which obtained for him
+  the appointment to a responsible office in an expedition, which,
+  in its origin, progress, and issue, attracted the peculiar regard
+  of the British government, and the admiration of mankind in
+  general. Besides this office, it may be mentioned, that in 1745,
+  on his return from the expedition, he was made chaplain of
+  Portsmouth dock-yard, in which situation he continued till his
+  death on March 10th, 1785. The first edition of the work appeared
+  in 1748; and a fifth being required in the following year, Mr
+  Robins, it is said, revised it, and intended, had he remained in
+  England, to have added a second volume. This rests on the
+  assertion of Dr Wilson, who published Mr Robins' works after his
+  death, in 2 vols. 8vo. 1761; and who, in the account of that
+  gentleman's life prefixed, has been at pains to claim, in the
+  strongest language, the merit of the Narrative for his friend. A
+  passage or two from that memoir may satisfy the reader as to this
+  part of the evidence, and as to the opinion of Dr W. one of the
+  principal witnesses, respecting the proportional labours of
+  Messrs Walter and Robins. "Upon a strict perusal of both the
+  performances," says he, "I find Mr Robins' to contain
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page530" id="page530"></a>[pg
+  530]</span> about as much matter again as that of Mr Walterso
+  this famous Voyage was composed in the person of the Centurion's
+  chaplain, by Mr Robins in his own style and manner. Of this Mr
+  Robins' friends, Mr Glover and Mr Ockenden, are witnesses as well
+  as myself, we having compared the printed book with Mr Walter's
+  manuscript. And this was at that time no secret, for in the
+  counterpart of an indenture, now lying before me, made between
+  Benjamin Robins, Esq. and John and Paul Knapton, booksellers, I
+  find that those booksellers purchased the copy of this book from
+  Mr Robins, as the sole proprietor, with no other mention of Mr
+  Walter than a proviso in relation to the subscriptions he had
+  taken." Dr Wilson evidently writes under some conviction that his
+  assertions are liable to scrutiny, and that the matter of his
+  remarks is debatable; hence his allegation that other
+  <i>friends</i> of Mr Robins are witnesses as well as himself, and
+  his insinuation that what he testifies was no secret. But it is
+  obvious, that, were his own assertions of the fact at all
+  questionable, he would be equally obnoxious to discredit in
+  assigning these other witnesses; for clearly, the man who could
+  falsify in the one case, would be capable of doing so in the
+  other. This may be said without any impeachment whatever of
+  either Dr Wilson or the other friends of Mr Robins. It is merely
+  a remark on the mode of proof which the Dr has adopted. As to the
+  insinuation again, of the fact being no secret, all that it may
+  be requisite to say is simply this, that the circumstance of the
+  existence of the counterpart of such an indenture as is
+  mentioned, is a very indifferent proof of publicity; and that
+  even were it otherwise, were it "confirmation strong," still it
+  might be readily conceived that Mr Robins should be the sole
+  proprietor of the work, and yet in no degree the author of it.
+  One may believe, at least, that Mr Robins, having aided in
+  drawing up the materials for publication, and having furnished
+  some pieces for it, was entrusted with the disposal of it to the
+  booksellers; Mr Walter himself, for value received; or other
+  considerations, abandoning all further concern. Some importance
+  has been attached to a letter from Lord Anson to Mr Robins, as
+  preserved by Dr Wilson, and published, as he says, by his
+  lordship's permission, or, to use his own expression, "Printed
+  not without the noble lord's consent; who," says the doctor,
+  "being requested to permit that this testimony might be exhibited
+  to the world of his lordship's <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+  "page531" id="page531"></a>[pg 531]</span> esteem for Mr Robins,
+  replied, in the politest manner, That every thing in his power
+  was due to the memory of one who had deserved so well of the
+  public." That Mr Robins deserved well of the public was
+  unquestionable, though he had not written a line of the
+  Narrative. He had published several works on subjects of general
+  utility; and, besides his private instructions in beneficial
+  science, he had been employed officially in the service of his
+  country: In short, he needed not any thing of the reputation of
+  the author of the Narrative, whoever he was, to extend his own.
+  But does the letter referred to, or the quotation now given
+  respecting Lord Anson's permission to publish it, in any degree
+  determine the question, or any thing connected with it? The
+  Editor has a different opinion of it; he thinks it quite
+  irrelevantthat it does not yield the least shadow of proof, that
+  Mr Robins had any thing to do with the volume of the Narrative,
+  already given to the public. All that can be legitimately
+  inferred from it amounts to this, that Lord Anson, entertaining a
+  high opinion of Mr Robins, and being much pleased with his works,
+  was desirous that he should publish a second volume of the
+  Voyage, and apprehended that he had abandoned the intention of
+  doing so. Of the fact of Mr Robins being the author of what had
+  appeared, or even of the existence of materials for a second
+  volume in a state fit for the public noticeof any thing, in
+  short, but an intention on the part of Mr Robins to this effect,
+  the letter in question says not a word. Let the reader judge for
+  himself. The letter is as follows:</p>
+
+  <p>"DEAR SIR,</p>
+
+  <p>"When I last saw you in town, I forgot to ask you, whether you
+  intended to publish the second volume of my "Voyage" before you
+  leave us; which, I confess, I am very sorry for. If you should
+  have laid aside all thoughts of favouring the world with more of
+  your works, it will be much disappointed, and no one in it more
+  than your very much obliged and humble servant,</p>
+
+  <p><i>Bath, 22d October, 1749.</i></p>
+
+  <p>"ANSON."</p>
+
+  <p>"If you can tell the time of your departure, let me know
+  it."</p>
+
+  <p>This letter is also preserved by Mr Nichols in his Literary
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page532" id="page532"></a>[pg
+  532]</span> Anecdotes of the 18th Century, vol. ii. page 206,
+  where the Narrative is explicitly ascribed to Mr Robins, but not
+  on, any particular evidence. The statement indeed that is there
+  given seems founded on Dr Wilson's account of Mr Robins, without
+  any other source of information having been consulted. The
+  Encyclop&amp;#230;dia Britannica is somewhat more candid, stating
+  merely what was generally thought as to the Narrative being the
+  work of Mr Robins, and at the same time pointing, though
+  indirectly, to the existence of information opposed to that
+  opinion. "In 1748," says the article Robins, 3d edition,
+  "appeared Lord Anson's Voyage round the World, which, though Mr
+  Walter's name is in the title, has been generally thought to be
+  the work of Mr Robins.""The 5th edition, printed at London, in
+  1749, was revised and corrected by Mr Robins himself. It appears,
+  however, from the corrigenda and addenda to the 1st volume of the
+  Biographia Britannica, printed in the beginning of the 4th volume
+  of that work, that Mr Robins was only consulted with respect to
+  the disposition of the drawings, and that he had left England
+  before the book was printed. Whether this be the fact, as it is
+  asserted to be by the widow of Mr Walter, it is not for us to
+  determine." The remark now made seems somewhat ambiguous, and may
+  refer to either the 5th edition only, or to the work in general.
+  In referring, however, to the Biog. Brit. as above, the ambiguity
+  is removed, and a testimony is discovered in opposition to the
+  statement of Dr Wilson, which the reader cannot fail to consider
+  of very high import, and as bearing strongly against the claims
+  of Mr Robins. The writers of the Biog. had spoken, in their
+  account of Lord Anson, of the history of his voyage having been
+  written by Mr Robins. This they did on common though
+  uncontradicted report, arising in all probability from the
+  positive assertions of Dr Wilson, to which, it is certainly very
+  singular, neither Mr Walter nor any of his friends chose to
+  object. With the most praise-worthy liberality and candour,
+  however, these gentlemen, in the corrigenda; &amp;c. referred to,
+  insert the following notice:"Thus has the matter hitherto stood.
+  But so late as the present year (1789) and a few days previously
+  to the writing of this note, a letter upon the subject has been
+  put into our hands by Mr John. Walter, bookseller at Charing
+  Cross. It is addressed to that gentleman by Mrs Walter, the widow
+  of the publisher of that Voyage, and is as
+  follows:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page533" id=
+  "page533"></a>[pg 533]</span>
+
+  <p>"SIR,</p>
+
+  <p>"I am informed that the Biographia Britannica insinuates that
+  Mr Robins, and not Mr Walter, was the writer of Lord Anson's
+  Voyage round the World. I shall therefore take it as a favour, if
+  you will put me in the way of correcting so great a mistake.
+  During the time of Mr Walter's writing that Voyage, he visited me
+  almost daily previous to our marriage, and I have frequently
+  heard him say how closely be had been engaged in writing for some
+  hours to prepare for his constant attendance upon Lord Anson at
+  six every morning for his approbation, as his lordship overlooked
+  every sheet that was written. At some of those meetings Mr Robins
+  assisted, as he was consulted in the disposition of the drawings;
+  and I also know that Mr Robins left England (for he was sent to
+  Bergen-op-Zoom,)<a id="footnotetag165" name=
+  "footnotetag165"></a><a href="#footnote165"><sup>3</sup></a> some
+  months before the publication of that book; and I have frequently
+  seen Mr Walter correct the proof sheets for the printer. You may
+  perhaps wonder that Mr Walter never took any steps to contradict
+  the assertion; but that wonder will cease when I tell you that
+  for four years before his death (which was in 1785) he laboured
+  under very severe and painful illnesses, and therefore never
+  heard any thing but newspaper squibs, which he looked upon with
+  contempt. But as it now appears to be published in a work that
+  will be handed down to-posterity, that Mr Walter was not the real
+  author, I think it a duty incumbent upon me to endeavour to clear
+  his memory from any imputation of duplicity. Nor can it be
+  supposed that any man would write a book for another to share the
+  greatest part of the advantages. These and many other reasons
+  make me to apply to you, as I should suppose that, as a relation
+  to the deceased, you would be anxious for his fame, as well
+  as,</p>
+
+  <p>Sir,</p>
+
+  <p>Your most humble servant,</p>
+
+  <p>JANE WALTER."</p>
+
+  <p><i>June 16th, 1789.</i></p>
+
+  <p>"We shall make no other comment on this letter than to
+  <span class="pagenum"><a name="page534" id="page534"></a>[pg
+  534]</span> observe, that it is highly worthy of attention. If it
+  shall give such full satisfaction to our readers as to convince
+  them that Mr Walter was the writer of the voyage in its present
+  form, we shall rejoice in having had an opportunity of doing
+  justice to an injured character."</p>
+
+  <p>Such is all the information the Editor has been able to
+  procure on this subject; and he regrets that it is not adequate
+  to what is desirable for the determining it. He might seem
+  invidiously disposed were he positively to decide in the claims,
+  the respective evidences of which, though not logically
+  contradictory, are so much opposed to each other; but he thinks
+  he can hazard no unfavourable imputation, if he should merely
+  state his opinion drawn from the consideration of the
+  testimonies, and the comparison of the style of part of the
+  Narrative, with that of the works which appeared in Mr Robins'
+  name. He thinks, then, in few words, that the Narrative is really
+  the production of Mr Walter, under whose name it appeared, but
+  that it was materially increased in size, if not in real value,
+  by the contributions of Mr Robins; and that the species of those
+  contributions may be condescended on, which of course goes far to
+  determine their amount.]</p>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote163" name="footnote163"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag163">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The practice recommended, it is almost unnecessary to
+    remark, has been adopted since our author's time, but certainly
+    not to the extent the probable advantages of it would
+    suggest.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote164" name="footnote164"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag164">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>The plate is necessarily omitted.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <blockquote class="footnote">
+    <a id="footnote165" name="footnote165"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b>
+    <a href="#footnotetag165">(return)</a>
+
+    <p>"Mr Robins," says Dr Wilson, "was invited over to assist in
+    the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, then invested by the French; and
+    he did accordingly set out for that place; but it was entered
+    by the besiegers September 16, 1747, just after his arrival in
+    the Dutch army." This corresponds well with Mrs Walter's
+    statement, and must have its weight in the question.E.</p>
+  </blockquote>
+
+  <p>END OF VOLUME ELEVENTH.</p>
+
+  <p>Edinburgh: Printed by James Ballantyne &amp; Co.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Volume 11, by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 11
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History
+       of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and
+       Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the
+       Present Time
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15376]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOLUME 11 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Alison Hadwin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team. This file was produced from
+images generously made available by the Canadian Institute
+for Historical Microreproductions.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,
+
+ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:
+
+FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF NAVIGATION,
+DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE, BY SEA AND LAND, FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO
+THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+BY
+
+
+ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. & F.A.S. EDIN.
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.
+
+VOL. XI.
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+MDCCCXXIV.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS OF VOL. XI
+
+
+PART II. BOOK IV. CONTINUED.
+
+CHAP. XII.--(_Continued_.)
+  Voyage round the World, by Captain George Shelvocke, in 1719-1722,
+
+  SECT.
+  V. Voyage from California to Canton in China,
+
+  VI. Residence in China, and Voyage thence to
+  England,
+
+  VII. Supplement to the foregoing Voyage,
+
+  VIII. Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round the
+  World. Containing Observations on the
+  Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain
+  Betagh,
+
+  Introduction,
+  Sec. 1. Particulars of the Capture of the Mercury
+  by the Spaniards,
+  Sec. 2. Observations made by Betagh in the
+  North of Peru,
+  Sec. 3. Voyage from Payta to Lima, and Account
+  of the English Prisoners at that
+  Place,
+  Sec. 4. Description of Lima, and some Account
+  of the Government of Peru,
+  Sec. 5. Some Account of the Mines of Peru and
+  Chili,
+  Sec. 6. Observations on the Trade of Chili,
+  Sec. 7. Some Account of the French Interlopers
+  in Chili,
+  Sec. 8. Return of Betagh to England,
+
+CHAP. XIII. Voyage round the World, by Commodore Roggewein, in 1721-1723
+
+  Introduction
+
+  SECT.
+  I. Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the Coast of Brazil,
+
+  II. Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of that Country,
+
+  III. Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to Juan Fernandez, with a
+  Description of that Island,
+
+  IV. Continuation of the Voyage from Juan Fernandez till the Shipwreck of
+  the African Galley,
+
+  V. Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of the African, to the
+  Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain,
+
+  VI. Description of New Britain, and farther Continuation of the Voyage
+  till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java,
+
+  VII. Occurrences from their Arrival at the Island of Java, to the
+  Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia,
+
+  VIII. Description of Batavia and the Island of Java, with some Account
+  of the Government of the Dutch East-India Company's Affairs,
+
+  IX. Description of Ceylon,
+
+  X. Some Account of the Governments of Amboina, Banda, Macasser, the
+  Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good Hope,
+
+  XI. Account of the Directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and
+  Persia,
+
+  XII. Account of the Commanderies of Malabar, Gallo, Java, and
+  Bantam,
+
+  XIII. Some Account of the Residences of Cheribon, Siam, and Mockha,
+
+  XIV. Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and China,
+
+  XV. Of the Dutch Trade with Japan,
+
+  XVI. Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope,
+
+  XVII. Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Holland, with some Account of
+  St Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the Acores,
+
+CHAP. XIV. Voyage round the World, by Captain George Anson, in the Years
+1740-1744,
+
+  Preface,
+
+  Introduction,
+
+  SECT.
+  I. Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the Incidents relating to it,
+  from its first Appointment to its setting Sail from St Helens,
+
+  II. The Passage from St Helens to the Island of Madeira, with a short
+  Account of that Island, and of our Stay there,
+
+  III. History of the Spanish Squadron commanded by Don Joseph
+  Pizarro, 236
+
+  IV. Passage from Madeira to St Catharines,
+
+  V. Proceedings at St Catharines, and a Description of that Place, with
+  a short Account of Brazil,
+
+  VI. The Run from St Catharines to Port St Julian; with some Account of
+  the Port, and of the Country to the South of the Rio Plata,
+
+  VII. Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and Passage from thence to
+  the Straits of Le Maire,
+
+  VIII. Course from the Straits of Le Maire to Cape Noir,
+
+  IX. Observations and Directions for facilitating the Passage of future
+  Navigators round Cape Horn,
+
+  X. Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan Fernandez,
+
+  XI. Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez, with a Description of
+  that Island,
+
+  XII. Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and Anna Pink, at Juan
+  Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island during the
+  Interval,
+
+  XIII. Short Account of what befell the Anna Pink before she rejoined;
+  with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and the putting back of
+  the Severn and Pearl,
+
+  XIV. Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan Fernandez, from the Arrival of
+  the Anna Pink, to our final Departure from thence,
+
+  XV. Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to the taking of
+  Payta,
+
+  XVI. Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that Place,
+
+  XVII. Occurrences from our Departure from Payta to our Arrival
+  at Quibo,
+
+  XVIII. Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an Account of the Place,
+
+  XIX. From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico,
+
+  XX. An Account of the Commerce carried on between the City of Manilla on
+  the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco on the Coast of
+  Mexico,
+
+  XXI. Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for the Manilla Ship,
+
+  XXII. A short Account of Chequetan, and of the adjacent Coast and
+  Country,
+
+  XXIII. Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and on the adjacent Coast,
+  till our setting sail for Asia,
+
+  XXIV. The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the Ladrones or Marian
+  Islands,
+
+  XXV. Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of the Island, and of our
+  Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out to Sea,
+
+  XXVI. Transactions at Tinian after the Departure of the Centurion,
+
+  XXVII. Account of the Proceedings on board the Centurion when driven out
+  to Sea,
+
+  XXVIII. Of our Employment at Tinian, till the final Departure of the
+  Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao,
+
+  XXIX. Proceeding at Macao,
+
+  XXX. From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo: The taking of the Manilla
+  Galleon, and returning back again,
+
+  XXXI. Transactions in the River of Canton,
+
+  XXXII. Proceedings at the City of Canton, and the Return of the
+  Centurion to England,
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.
+
+PART II.
+
+BOOK IV. (CONTINUED.)
+
+     *     *     *     *     *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII--_Continued_.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE SHELVOCKE, IN 1719-1722.
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Voyage from California to Canton in China_.
+
+We fell in with the coast of California on the 11th of August, and
+as soon as we were discovered by the natives, they made fires on the
+shore as we sailed past. Towards evening, two of them came off on a
+bark log, and were with difficulty induced to come on board. Seeing
+our negroes standing promiscuously among the whites, they angrily
+separated them from us, and would hardly suffer them to look at us.
+They then made signs for us to sit down, after which one of them put
+himself into strange postures, talking to us with great vehemence, and
+seeming to be in a transport of extacy, running from one to the
+other of us with great vehemence, continually singing, speaking, and
+running, till quite out of breath. Night coming on, they were for
+departing, when we gave them a knife and an old coat each, with which
+they were much pleased, and invited us by signs to go on shore along
+with them. On the 13th, we were near Porto Leguro, whence some of the
+natives came out to meet us on bark-logs, while others made fires,
+as if to welcome us, on the tops of hills and rocks near the sea, all
+seemingly rejoiced to see us; those on shore running up and down
+to each other, and those on the bark-logs paddling with all their
+strength to meet us.
+
+No sooner was our anchor down than they came off to us in crowds, some
+off bark-logs, but most of them swimming, all the while talking and
+calling to each other confusedly. In an instant our ship was full of
+these swarthy gentry, all quite naked. Among the rest was their
+king or chief; who was no way distinguishable from the rest by any
+particular ornament, or even by any deference paid to him by his
+people, his only ensign of sovereignty being a round black stick of
+hard wood, about two feet and a half long. This being observed by some
+of our people, they brought him to me, and concluding that I was the
+chief of the ship, he delivered his black sceptre to me in a handsome
+manner, which I immediately returned. Notwithstanding his savage
+appearance, this man had a good countenance, and there was something
+dignified in his manner and behaviour. I soon found a way to regale
+them, by setting before them abundance of our choicest Peruvian
+conserves, with which they seemed much gratified. They were
+accommodated with spoons, mostly silver, all of which they very
+honestly returned.
+
+Having thus commenced friendship with the natives, I sent an officer
+ashore to view the watering-place; and, to make him the more welcome,
+I sent with him some coarse blue baize and some sugar, to distribute
+among the women. On seeing our boat ready to put off, the king was
+for accompanying her in his bark-log, but I persuaded him to go in the
+boat, with which he seemed to be much gratified. The remainder of
+the day was spent with our wild visitors, who behaved in general very
+quietly. The officer returned with an account of having been very
+civilly received, and we prepared our casks for being sent ashore next
+morning. Although, at first view, the country and inhabitants might
+dissuade us from venturing freely among them, I had formerly read such
+accounts of these people, that I was under no apprehension of being
+molested in wooding and watering. The Californians, however, appeared
+very terrible to our negroes, insomuch, that one of them, who
+accompanied the officer on shore, was afraid to stir from the boat,
+and held an axe constantly in his hand, to defend himself in case of
+being attacked. On the approach of night, all the Indians swam ashore,
+leaving us a clear ship, after the fatigues of the day.
+
+Next morning, at day-break, our boat went ashore with the people
+appointed to cut wood and fill our water-casks; and before the sun was
+up, our ship was again filled with our former guests, who seemed
+never satisfied with gazing at us and every thing about the ship. That
+nothing might be wanting to keep up our amity, I sent a large boiler
+on shore, with a good store of flour and sugar, and a negro cook, who
+continually boiled hasty-pudding, to serve the numerous guests on the
+beach. At first the natives remained idle spectators of our labours;
+but at length, taking compassion to see our few men labouring hard in
+rolling great casks of water over the heavy sand in the sultry heat
+of the day, they put forth their hands to help them, encouraged by the
+particular readiness of their chief to serve us; for, after seeing Mr
+Randal take up a log of wood to carry to the boat, he took up another,
+and was immediately followed by two or three hundred of the natives,
+so that they eased our men mightily. They also rolled our casks down
+to the beach, but always expected a white man to assist them, though
+quite satisfied if he only touched the cask with his finger. This
+eased our men of a great deal of fatigue, and shortened the time of
+our stay at this place. We even found means to make those who used to
+stay all day on board, of some use to us; for, when we came to heel
+the ship, we crowded them, all over on one side, which, with other
+shifts, gave her a deep heel, while we cleaned and paid her bottom
+with pitch and tallow.
+
+The natives seemed every day more and more attached to us. When our
+boat went ashore in the morning, there was constantly a large retinue
+in waiting on the beach for our people, and particularly for those
+whom they guessed to be above the common rank, by their better dress.
+By this time, the news of our arrival had spread through all the
+neighbouring parts, and some natives of different tribes from that
+which dwelt about the bay, came daily to visit us. Those who came
+from any distance in the inland country could not swim, and were
+differently painted, besides some other visible distinctions; but
+all united amicably to assist us, and hardly any were idle except the
+women, who used to sit in circles on the scorching sand, waiting for
+their shares of what was going forwards, which they received without
+any quarrelling among themselves about the inequality of distribution.
+Having completed our business in five days, we prepared for our
+departure on the 18th August, and employed that morning in making a
+large distribution of sugar among the women, and gave a great many
+knives, old axes, and old iron among the men, being the most valuable
+presents we could make them; and, in return, they gave us bows and
+arrows, deer-skin bags, live foxes and squirrels, and the like. That
+we might impress them with awe of our superior power, we saluted them
+with five guns on loosing our top-sails, which greatly frightened
+them, and there seemed an universal damp on their spirits on seeing
+our sails loosed, as sorry for our approaching departure. The women
+were all in tears when my people were coming off to the ship; and many
+of the men remained till we were under sail, and then leapt into the
+sea with sorrowful countenances.
+
+Having made some stay in California, some account of that country and
+its inhabitants may be expected; though I believe a complete discovery
+of its extent and boundaries would produce few real advantages, except
+satisfying the curious. That part of California which I saw, being the
+southern extremity of its western coast, appears mountainous, barren,
+and sandy, much like some parts of Peru: yet the soil about Porto
+Leguro, and most likely in the other vallies, is a rich black mould,
+and when turned up fresh to the sun, appears as if intermingled with
+gold-dust. We endeavoured to wash and purify some of this, and the
+more this was done, the more it appeared like gold. In order to be
+farther satisfied, I brought away some of this earth, but it was
+afterwards lost in our confusions in China. However this may be,
+California probably abounds in metals of all sorts, though the natives
+had no ornaments or utensils of any metal, which is not to be wondered
+at, as they are perfectly ignorant of all arts.
+
+The country has plenty of wood, but the trees are very small, hardly
+better than bushes. But woods, which are an ornament to most other
+countries, serve only to make this appear the more desolate; for
+locusts swarm here in such numbers, that they do not leave a
+green leaf on the trees. In the day, these destructive insects are
+continually on the wing in clouds, and are extremely troublesome by
+flying in, one's face. In shape and size they greatly resemble our
+green grasshoppers, but are of a yellow colour. Immediately after we
+cast anchor, they came off in such numbers, that the sea around the
+ship was covered with their dead bodies. By their incessant ravages,
+the whole country round Porto Leguro was stripped totally naked,
+notwithstanding the warmth of the climate and the richness of the
+soil. Believing that the natives are only visited with this plague at
+this season of the year, I gave them a large quantity of calavances,
+and shewed them how they were sown. The harbour of Porto Leguro is
+about two leagues to the N.E. of Cape St Lucas, being a good and safe
+port, and very convenient for privateers when cruizing for the Manilla
+ship. The watering-place is on the north side of the bay or harbour,
+being a small river which there flows into the sea, and may easily be
+known by the appearance of a great quantity of green canes growing
+in it, which always retain their verdure, not being touched by the
+locusts, as these canes probably contain, something noxious to that
+voracious insect.
+
+The men of this country are tall, straight, and well set, having large
+limbs, with coarse black hair, hardly reaching to their shoulders. The
+women are of much smaller size, having much longer hair than the men,
+with which some of them almost cover their faces. Some of both sexes
+have good countenances; but all are much darker-complexioned than
+any of the other Indians I saw in the South Seas, being a very deep
+copper-colour. The men go quite naked, wearing only a few trifles by
+way of ornament, such as a band or wreath of red and white silk-grass
+round their heads, adorned on each side with a tuft of hawk's
+feathers. Others have pieces of mother-of-pearl and small shells
+fastened among their hair, and tied round their necks; and some had
+large necklaces of six or seven strings, composed of small red and
+black berries. Some are scarified all over their bodies; others use
+paint, some smearing their faces and breasts with black, while others
+were painted black down to the navel, and from thence to the feet with
+red.
+
+The women wear a thick fringe or petticoat of silk-grass, reaching
+from their middle to their heels, and have a deer-skin carelessly
+thrown over their shoulders. Some of the better sort have a cloak of
+the skin of some large bird, instead of the bear-skins. Though the
+appearance of the Californians is exceedingly savage, yet, from what
+I could observe of their behaviour to each other, and their deportment
+towards us, they seem to possess all imaginable humanity. All the time
+we were there, and constantly among many hundreds of them, there
+was nothing to be seen but the most agreeable harmony, and most
+affectionate behaviour to each other. When any of us gave any thing
+eatable to one person, he always divided it among all who were around
+him, reserving the smallest share to himself. They seldom walked
+singly, but mostly in pairs, hand in hand. They seemed of meek
+and gentle dispositions, having no appearance of cruelty in their
+countenances or behaviour, yet seemed haughty towards their women.
+They lead a careless life, having every thing in common, and seemed to
+desire nothing beyond the necessaries of life. They never once offered
+to pilfer or steal any of our tools or other utensils; and such was
+their honesty, that my men having forgotten their axes one day on
+shore, while cutting wood, which was noticed by one of the natives, he
+told it to the king, who sent into the wood for the axes, and restored
+them with much apparent satisfaction.
+
+Their language is guttural and harsh, and they talk a great deal, but
+I could never understand a single word they spoke. Their dwellings
+were very mean, being scarcely sufficient to shelter them. Their diet
+is, I believe, mostly fish, which they frequently eat raw, but they
+sometimes bake it in the sand. They seldom want abundance of this
+food, as the men go out to sea on their bark-logs, and are very expert
+harponiers. Their harpoons are made of hard wood, and with these
+they strike the largest albicores, and bring them ashore on their
+bark-logs, which they row with double paddles. This seemed strange
+to us, who had often experienced the strength of these fish; for
+frequently when we had hold of one of these with very large hooks,
+made fast to eight-strand twine, we had to bring the ship to, to bring
+them in, and it was then as much as eight or ten men could do; so that
+one would expect, when an Indian had struck one of these fish,
+from his light float, it would easily run away with the man and the
+bark-log; but they have some sleight in their way of management, by
+which the strength and struggling of these fish are all in vain. There
+are hardly any birds to be seen in this country except a few pelicans.
+
+When the Californians want to drink, they wade into the river, up to
+their middles, where they take up the water in their hands, or stoop
+down and suck it with their mouths. Their time is occupied between
+hunting, fishing, eating, and sleeping; and having abundant exercise,
+and rather a spare diet, their lives are ordinarily prolonged to
+considerable age, many of both sexes appearing to be very old, by
+their faces being much wrinkled, and their hair very grey. Their bows
+are about six feet long, with strings made of deer's sinews, but their
+arrows seemed too long for their bows; and considering that they have
+no adequate tools, these articles must require much time in making.
+The shafts of their arrows consist of a hollow cane, for two-thirds of
+their length, the other third, or head, being of a heavy kind of wood,
+edged with flint, or sometimes agate, and the edges notched like a
+saw, with a very sharp point. They made no display of their arms to
+us, and we seldom saw any in their hands, though they have need of
+some arms to defend themselves from wild beasts, as I saw some men who
+had been severely hurt in that way, particularly one old man, who
+had his thigh almost torn in pieces by a tiger or lion, and though,
+healed, it was frightfully scarred. The women commonly go into the
+woods with bows and arrows in search of game, while the men are
+chiefly occupied in fishing. I can say nothing respecting their
+government, except that it did not seem any way strict or rigorous.
+When the king appeared in public, he was usually attended by many
+couples, or men walking hand in hand, two and two together. On the
+first morning of our arrival, he was seen in this manner coming out of
+a wood, and noticing one of my officers cutting down a tree, whom
+he judged to be better than ordinary, by having silver lace on his
+waistcoat, be shewed both his authority and civility at the same time,
+by ordering one of his attendants to take the axe and work in his
+stead.
+
+One day while we were there, a prodigious flat fish was seen basking
+in the sun on the surface of the water near the shore, on which twelve
+Indians swam off and surrounded him. Finding himself disturbed, the
+fish dived, and they after him, but he escaped from them at this time.
+He appeared again in about an hour, when sixteen or seventeen Indians
+swam off and encompassed him; and, by continually tormenting him,
+drove, him insensibly ashore. On grounding, the force with which he
+struck the ground with his fins is not to be expressed, neither can
+I describe the agility with which the Indians strove to dispatch
+him, lest the surf should set him again afloat, which they at length
+accomplished with the help of a dagger lent them by Mr Randal. They
+then cut him into pieces, which were distributed among all who stood
+by. This fish, though of the flat kind, was very thick, and had a
+large hideous mouth, being fourteen or fifteen feet broad, but not
+quite so much in length.
+
+On the 18th August, 1721, we set sail from Porto Leguro, bound for
+Canton in China, as a likely place for meeting with some English
+ships, in which we might procure a passage home. Considering the
+length of the voyage before us, our ship was in a very bad condition,
+as her sails and rigging were so old and rotten, that if any accident
+had befallen our masts or sails, we had been reduced to extreme
+distress and danger, having no change either of sails or ropes; but
+ours being a case of necessity, we had to run all hazards, and to
+endeavour, by the utmost attention, to guard against deficiencies
+which could not be supplied. Having already overcome many
+difficulties, seemingly insurmountable in prospect, we were full
+of hope to get over these also, and the pleasing expectation of
+revisiting our native shores gave us spirits to encounter this tedious
+navigation in so weak and comfortless a condition. We were now so
+weakly manned, that we could scarcely have been able to navigate our
+vessel without the assistance of the negroes, not amounting now
+to thirty whites, so much had our crew been reduced by untoward
+accidents.
+
+We discovered an island on the 21st, 110 leagues W.S.W. from Cape St
+Lucas,[1] but as the wind blew fresh, I could not get nearer than two
+leagues, and did not think proper to lose time in laying-to in the
+night. It seemed seven or eight leagues in circumference, having a
+large bay on its S.W. side, in the middle of which was a high rock. My
+people named this Shelvocke's island. From hence we shelved, down to
+the latitude of 13 deg. N. but were stopped two or three days by westerly
+winds, which we did not expect in this sea, especially as being
+now five or six hundred leagues from the land. The trade-wind again
+returning, we kept in the parallel of 13 deg. N. except when we judged
+that we were near the shoals of St Bartholomew, and then haled a
+degree more to the north, and so continued for sixty or seventy
+leagues. A fortnight after leaving California, my people, who had
+hitherto enjoyed uninterrupted health, began to be afflicted with
+sickness, particularly affecting their stomachs, owing doubtless to
+the great quantities of sweetmeats they were continually devouring,
+and also to oar common food, chiefly composed of puddings made of
+coarse flour and sweetmeats, mixed up with sea-water, together with
+jerked beef, most of which was destroyed by ants, cockroaches, and
+other vermin. We could not afford to boil the kettle once in the whole
+passage with fresh water, so that the crew became reduced to a
+very melancholy state by scurvy and other distempers. The sickness
+increased upon us every day, so that we once buried two in one day,
+the armourer and carpenter's, mate, besides whom the carpenter,
+gunner, and several others died, together with some of our best
+negroes.
+
+[Footnote 1: Probably La Nablada, in lat. 18 deg. 55' N. long. 180 deg. 48'
+E.]
+
+The greatest part of my remaining people were disabled, and our ship
+very leaky; and to add to our misfortunes, one of our pumps split and
+became useless. Under these unhappy circumstances, we pushed forwards
+with favourable gales till within 80 leagues of Guam, one of the
+Ladrones, when we encountered dismal weather and tempestuous winds,
+veering round the compass. This was the more frightful, as we were
+unable to help ourselves, not above six or seven, being able for duty,
+though necessity obliged even those who were extremely low and weak
+to lend what help they could. In the boisterous sea raised by these
+gales, our ship so laboured that the knee of her head, and her whole
+beak-head, became loose, so that the boltsprit fetched away and played
+with every motion of the ship, and so continued all the rest of
+the time we were at sea. For some time our main-mast stood without
+larboard shrouds, till we could unlay our best cable to make more,
+having knotted and spliced the old shrouds till our labour was in
+vain. In the midst of these difficulties, I was taken very ill, and
+had little expectations of living much longer, till the gout gave me
+some painful hopes of recovery.
+
+In the beginning of October, we made the island of Guam, 100 leagues
+short of the account given by Rogers, who makes 105 deg. of longitude
+between Cape St Lucas and Guam, while we made not quite 100 deg..[2] We
+passed through between Guam and Serpana, and saw several flying proas,
+but none came near us that day. We had heavy and squally weather,
+which obliged me to keep the deck in the rain, by which I caught a
+cold, which threw me into a worse condition than before, in which I
+continued all the time I was in China. Guam seemed very green and of
+moderate height, and the sight of land was so pleasant after our long
+run, that we would gladly have stopped to procure some refreshments,
+but durst not venture in, though on the point of perishing, lest the
+inhabitants should take advantage of our weakness. From Guam I shaped
+our course for the island of Formosa, to which we had a long and
+melancholy voyage, as our sickness daily increased; so that, on the 3d
+November, when we got sight of that island, both ship and company
+were almost entirely worn out. Next day we doubled the south Cape of
+Formosa, passing within a league of the rocks of _Vele-Rete_, where
+we were sensible of a very strong current. As we passed in sight, the
+inhabitants of Formosa made continual fires on the coast, as inviting
+us to land; but we were so weak that we did not deem it prudent to
+venture into any of their harbours.
+
+[Footnote 2: Rogers is however nearer the truth, the difference of
+longitude being 106 deg. 42' between these two places.--E.]
+
+We directed our course from Formosa for the neighbouring coast of
+China, and found ourselves on the 6th at the mouth of the river
+_Loma_,[3] in twelve fathoms water, but the weather was so hazy that
+we could not ascertain where we were. Seeing abundance of fishing
+boats, we tried every method we could think of to induce some of
+the fishermen to come on board to pilot us to Macao, but found
+this impracticable, as we could not understand each other. We were
+therefore obliged to keep the land close on board, and to anchor
+every evening. This was a prodigious fatigue to our men, who were so
+universally ill that we could hardly find any one able to steer
+the ship. We were bewildered in a mist during four days, and much
+surprised by seeing a great many islands, omitted in our charts, on
+some of which we saw large fortifications. This made us believe
+that the current had carried us beyond our port, and occasioned much
+dejection of spirits; for, though the sea was covered with fishing
+boats, we could get no one to set us right, or to give us any
+directions we could understand.
+
+[Footnote 3: This name is so corrupted as to be unintelligible.--E]
+
+Towards evening of the 10th, as we were passing through a very narrow
+channel between two islands, a fisherman who was near, and observed
+by our manner of working that we were afraid to venture through, waved
+with his cap for us to bring to till he came to us. When he came, he
+seemed to understand that we enquired for Macao, and made signs that
+he would carry us there, if we gave him as many pieces of silver as
+he counted little fish from his basket, which amounted to forty. We
+accordingly counted out forty dollars into a hat, and gave them to
+him, on which he came into our ship, and took her in charge, carrying
+us through the narrow channel, and brought us to anchor at sun-set. We
+weighed next morning, and kept the coast of China close on board. By
+noon we were abreast of Pulo Lantoon, whence we could see two English
+ships under sail, passing the island of Macao on their way from the
+river of Canton. They kept on their way, taking no notice of us, which
+struck a damp into our spirits, fearing we should miss a passage for
+England this season. In the afternoon of next day, we anchored in
+the road of Macao, near the entrance of Canton river, which we never
+should have found out by any of our charts.
+
+I was much amazed at the incorrectness with which these coasts are
+laid down, to the eastwards of Pulo Lantoon; as there runs a cluster
+of islands for upwards of twenty leagues in that direction, which are
+not in the least noticed by any of our hydrographers, nor have I ever
+met with any navigator who knew any thing about them. The coast of
+China, within these islands, is rocky, mountainous, and barren;
+but, owing to my heavy sickness, I was unable to make any useful
+observations.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_Residence in China, and Voyage thence to England._
+
+As Macao is the place where ships always stop for a pilot to carry
+them up the river of Canton, I sent an officer with my compliments
+to the governor, and with orders to bring off a pilot; but
+hearing nothing of him till next morning, I was under very great
+apprehensions. Next morning, a great number of the people belonging
+to the Success came off to our ship, and acquainted me that Clipperton
+had left me designedly. About noon this day, the 12th November,
+1721, a pilot came off to us, when we immediately weighed anchor, and
+immediately entered Canton river, being assured that there still were
+some European ships at Wampoo, about ten miles short of Canton. We
+were four days in plying up to the road between the tower bars, where
+we anchored; and, finding the Bonetta and Hastings, two English
+ships, I sent an officer to request their instructions how to conduct
+ourselves in this port, and to acquaint us with its customs. They
+answered, that the Cadogan and Francis, two English European ships,
+were lying at Wampoo, and advised me to send up to the English factors
+at Canton, to acquaint them with our arrival, and the reasons which
+obliged us to come here. This I accordingly did next day, borrowing
+one of their flags to hoist as our boat, without which we had met with
+much trouble from the _Hoppo-men_, or custom-house officers. I sent
+letters to the captains of the English ships, signifying the necessity
+which forced me to this country, and requesting their succour and
+protection; assuring them that I acted under his majesty's commission,
+which also I sent, for their perusal. Next morning, being the 17th, I
+weighed and worked up to Wampoo, where, besides the two English ships,
+I found three belonging to France, one Ostender, and a small ship from
+Manilla.
+
+I was here in hopes of all my troubles being at an end, and that I
+should have full leisure for rest and refreshment after my many and
+great fatigues; but I soon found these expectations ill grounded,
+and after all my perils, that I was fallen into others least to be
+endured, as proceeding from false brethren. A most unlucky accident
+happened the very evening that we anchored at Wampoo, which gave birth
+to all the troubles I encountered in India; though, in respect to
+me, both unforeseen and unavoidable, and purely the effects of that
+eagerness in the ship's company to get out of this part of the world
+at any rate. Had there been any government among the English settled
+here, to have supported my authority, this unlucky business had never
+happened; and, as it was, could only be imputed to nothing but the
+want of such an establishment. One of my men, named David Griffith,
+being in a hurry to remove his effects into the Bonetta's boat, in
+which he was chased by a _Hoppo_ or custom-house boat; and being a
+little in liquor, and fearing to lose his silver, fired a musket and
+killed the Hoppo-man or custom-house officer. Early next morning, the
+dead body was laid at the door of the English factory, where Chinese
+officers lay in wait to seize the first Englishman that should come
+out. A supercargo belonging to the Bonetta happened to be the first;
+he was immediately seized and carried off, and afterwards led in
+chains about the suburbs of Canton. All that could be said or done
+by the most considerable Chinese merchants who were in correspondence
+with the English, was of no avail. In the mean time, my man, who had
+slain the Chinese officer, and another, were put in irons aboard
+the Francis, which was _chopped_, or seized, till the guilty man
+was delivered up. He was then carried to Canton in chains, and the
+supercargo was released.
+
+I had not been here many days, when I was deserted by all my officers
+and men, who were continually employed in removing their effects from
+my ship to some of the European ships, without my knowledge, I being
+then confined to bed. My officers were using all their efforts to
+engage the gentlemen belonging to the company in their interest, and
+had only left my son and a few negroes to look after the ship, and
+to defend my effects, which were on the brink of falling into the
+bottomless pit of Chinese avarice; besides, they and the ship's
+company had so many ways of disposing of every thing they could lay
+their hands on, that I found it impossible to oblige them to do what
+I thought justice to our owners: They all soon recovered from
+their illness, and they all became their own masters. There were no
+magistrates for me to appeal to on shore, who would aid me so far as
+to compel them to remain in my ship; and the officers commanding
+the English ships could not afford me the help they might have been
+inclined to give, lest the supercargoes might represent their conduct
+to the East India Company. And these last, who superintend the English
+trade at this port, seemed even inclined to have refused me a passage
+in one of their ships, and even treated me as one enemy would treat
+another in a neutral port; looking on me in that light for presuming
+to come within the limits of the Company, without considering the
+necessity by which I had been compelled to take that step.
+
+When Captains Hill and Newsham came to visit me, they were astonished
+at the ruinous condition of my ship, and could scarcely think it
+possible for her to have made so long a passage. The rottenness of her
+cordage, and the raggedness of her sails, filled them with surprise
+and pity for my condition. When I had given them a short history of
+the voyage, and requested they would receive my officers and company,
+with their effects, they at once said, That they saw plainly my ship
+was in no condition to be carried any farther, and they were willing
+to receive us all as soon as we pleased, on payment of our passage.
+But the supercargoes were displeased that I had not applied to them,
+as they are the chief men here, though only passengers when aboard; so
+that I was quite neglected, and the English captains were ordered to
+fall down with their ships five or six miles below where I lay. I was
+thus left destitute in the company of five foreign ships; yet their
+officers, seeing me deserted by my countrymen, kindly offered me their
+services, and assisted me as much as they could, and without them
+I know not what might have been my fate, as I was under perpetual
+apprehensions that the Chinese would have seized my ship.
+
+After the murder of the custom-house officer seemed to have been quite
+forgotten, a magistrate, called a _Little Mandarin_, committed the
+following outrageous action:--At the beginning of the troubles,
+occasioned by that murder, he had received orders to apprehend all the
+English he could find, which he neglected till all was over. He then
+one day, while passing the European factories, ordered his attendants
+to seize on all the English he could see in the adjoining shops, and
+took hold of nine or ten, French as well as English, whom he carried,
+with halters about their necks, to the palace of the _Chantock_, or
+viceroy. Application was then made to the _Hoppo_, or chief customer,
+who represented matters to the viceroy in favour of the injured
+Europeans; on which the mandarin was sent for, and being unable to
+vindicate himself was degraded from his post, subjected to the bamboo,
+a severe punishment, and rendered incapable of acting again as a
+magistrate; the Europeans being immediately liberated. It appears to
+me, however, that the English are tyrannized over by the Chinese, and
+exposed to the caprices of every magistrate, wherefore I was the more
+urgent to be on board one of the European ships. I had now discovered
+my error in addressing the captains, and now sent a letter to the
+supercargoes, demanding a passage for myself, my officers, and
+ship's company, which I was sensible they could not refuse: but their
+compliance was clogged with a charge to the captains not to receive
+any thing belonging to us, unless consigned to the company in England.
+
+The hoppo now made a demand upon me for anchorage in the river,
+amounting to no less than 6000 _tahel_, and, to quicken the payment,
+annexed a penalty to this extortion of 500 _tahel_ for every day
+the payment was delayed. There were no means to avoid this gross
+imposition; and though a day necessarily elapsed before I could
+send up the money, I had to add the penalty of that day, so that he
+received 6500 _tahel_, or L. 2166:13:4 sterling;[4] being about six
+times as much as was paid for the Cadogan, the largest English ship
+there at the time, and which measured a third larger than mine. I soon
+after sold my ship for 2000 tahel, or L. 666, 13s. 4d. sterling, which
+money was consigned to the India Company, along with all the rest of
+my effects, and I prevailed on most of my officers and men to take
+their passage in the English homeward-bound ships.
+
+[Footnote 4: At these proportions, the Chinese _tahel_ is exactly 6s.
+8d. sterling.--E.]
+
+Considering my short stay in China, and my bad health, I cannot be
+expected to give any tolerable account of this place from my own
+observation, and to copy others would be inconsistent with the purpose
+of this narrative, so that I shall only observe, that the English, at
+this time, had no settled factory at Canton, being only permitted
+to hire large houses, called _hongs_, with convenient warehouses
+adjoining, for receiving their goods previous to their shipment. For
+these they pay rent to the proprietors, and either hire the same or
+others, as they think proper, next time they have occasion for the
+accommodation.
+
+Notwithstanding my utmost diligence, the business I was engaged in
+kept me in a continual hurry till the ships were ready to depart,
+which was in December, 1721: At which time, heartily tired of the
+country, and the ill usage I had met with, I sailed in the Cadogan,
+Captain John Hall, in company with the Francis, Captain Newsham; and
+as the latter ship sailed much better than the Cadogan, she left us
+immediately after getting out to sea. Finding his ship very tender, or
+crank, Captain Hill put in at Batavia, to get her into better trim. We
+continued here about ten days; but I can say little about that place,
+being all the time unable to stand on my legs, and was only twice out
+in a coach to take the air, two or three miles out of the city, in
+which little excursion I saw a great variety of beautiful prospects of
+fine country seats and gardens, and, indeed, every thing around shewed
+the greatest industry. The buildings in the city are generally very
+handsome, and laid out in very regular streets, having canals running
+through most of them, with trees planted on each side, so that Batavia
+may justly be called a fine city: But the sight is the only sense that
+is gratified here, for the canals smell very offensively when the tide
+is low, and breed vast swarms of muskitoes, which are more troublesome
+here than in any place I was ever in.
+
+A great part of the inhabitants of Batavia are Chinese, who are
+remarkable for wearing there their ancient dress, having their hair
+rolled up in such a manner that there is little difference in that
+respect between the men and women. Ever since the revolution in China,
+which brought that country under the Tartar yoke, the Tartarian
+dress has been imposed upon the whole kingdom, which was not
+effected without great bloodshed: For many of the Chinese were
+so superstitiously attached to their ancient modes, that they
+unaccountably chose rather to lose their lives than their hair; as the
+Tartar fashion is to shave the head, except a long lock on the crown,
+which they plait in the same manner we do. The Dutch, taking advantage
+of this superstitious attachment of the Chinese to their hair, exact
+from all the men who live under their protection, a poll-tax of a
+dollar a month for the liberty of wearing their hair, which produces a
+very considerable revenue.
+
+Hearing at Batavia that there were several pirates in these seas,
+Captain Hill joined the Dutch homeward-bound fleet in Bantam bay, and
+the Dutch commodore promised to assist Captain Hill in wooding and
+watering at _Mew_ island, the water at Batavia being very bad. We fell
+in with the Francis in the Straits of Sunda, though we imagined that
+ship had been far a-head. The Dutch made this a pretence for leaving
+us before we got to Mew island, and Captain Newsham also deserted
+us, so that we were left alone. We continued six or seven days at
+Mew island, during which time several boats came to us from Prince's
+island, and brought us turtle, cocoa-nuts, pine-apples, and other
+fruits. From Mew island we had a very pleasant voyage to and about the
+Cape of Good Hope. By the good management of Captain Hill, although
+the Francis and the Dutch ships had the start of us seven days, by
+deserting us in the Straits of Sunda, we yet got to the cape seven
+days before the Francis, though she sailed considerably better than
+we. By comparing notes with the officers of the Francis, we found that
+she had suffered a good deal of bad weather off the south of Africa,
+while we, by keeping about ten leagues nearer shore, continually
+enjoyed pleasant weather and a fair wind, till we anchored in Table
+Bay, which we did towards the end of March, 1722.
+
+We here found Governor Boon and others, bound for England in the
+London Indiaman. We had a pleasant voyage from the cape to St Helena,
+and thence to England, arriving off the Land's-end towards the close
+of July. On coming into the British channel we had brisk gales from
+the west, with thick foggy weather. In the evening of the 30th July we
+anchored under Dungeness, and that same night some of the supercargoes
+and passengers, among whom I was one, hired a small vessel to carry
+us to Dover, where we arrived the next morning early. The same day we
+proceeded for London, and arrived there on the 1st August, 1722. Thus
+ended a long, fatiguing, and unfortunate voyage, of _three years,
+seven months, and eleven days_, in which I had sailed considerably
+more than round the circumference of the globe, and had undergone a
+great variety of troubles and hardships by sea and land.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Supplement to the foregoing Voyage._
+
+In the Collection of Harris, besides interweaving several
+controversial matters respecting this voyage, from an account of it by
+one Betagh, who was captain of marines in the Speedwell, a long series
+of remarks on the conduct of Shelvocke by that person, are appended.
+Neither of these appear to possess sufficient interest, at this
+distance of time, almost a century, to justify their insertion in
+our collection, where they would have very uselessly occupied a
+considerable space. Captain Betagh appears to have been actuated by
+violent animosity against Captain Shelvocke, whose actions he traduced
+and misrepresented with the utmost malignity, the innocent cause of
+his having suffered captivity among the Spaniards in South America,
+of which some account will be found in the subsequent section. Of
+all these charges, we have only deemed it expedient to insert the
+following statement of the circumstances connected with the capture
+of the Conception, as related by Betagh, which Harris, I. 230,
+characterizes as "a very extraordinary piece of recent history, and
+seemingly supported by evidence;" but at this distance of time we have
+no means of ascertaining to which side the truth belongs.--_Ed._
+
+"This being the great crisis of the voyage, I shall be more particular
+in relating the affair of this last prize. This ship was named the
+Conception, Don _Stephen de Recova_ commander,[1] bound from Calao to
+Panama, having on board several persons of distinction, particularly
+the Conde de la Rosa, who had been some time governor of Pisco,
+and was now going to Spain, laden with flour, sugar, marmalade, _et
+cetera_. Now, be it known to all men, that the _et cetera_ was 108,630
+pieces of eight, or Spanish dollars: And Shelvocke little thought,
+when he took this prize, or compiled his book, that I, of all men,
+should have the exact state of this affair. He often said that he
+would give the gentlemen owners a fair account; and I have often
+promised to prove that he did say so. We have now both made our
+words good, and I have not only an authentic account, but I will also
+declare how I got it.
+
+[Footnote 1: Shelvocke who certainly ought to have known best, names
+the ship the Conception de Recova, and her commander Don Joseph
+Desorio.--E.]
+
+"When I was carried prisoner to Lima, I had sufficient leisure to
+reflect on my misfortunes, and how likely I was to be ruined and
+the owners cheated; wherefore, to prepare them to defend their just
+rights, I wrote to one of them the substance of what had occurred
+to me; how Shelvocke had mismanaged; how arbitrarily he had acted in
+defiance of their articles, and what were his private intentions in
+the latter part of the voyage. As soon as I came to London, which was
+in October, 1721, I confirmed the report of my letter with several
+new circumstances; for all which performance of my duty, it is, as
+I suppose, that my name has met with so much reproach in Captain
+Shelvocke's book. But, besides my advices, the gentlemen owners had
+many proofs from prisoners and other people. Eleven months after me,
+being August, 1722, Shelvocke himself arrived, and immediately waited
+on the gentlemen in the lump for all his transactions; not owning any
+thing of this prize, which he had unlawfully shared, with every thing
+else, among twenty-three of his men. Instead of compromising the
+matter, the gentlemen read him a letter, secured him, and had him
+the same day confined in _Wood-street Compter_. A few days after, his
+pupil, Stewart, arrived at Dover, and was seized by the honest warden
+of the castle, according to directions, securing also his book of
+accounts, and brought it along with the prisoner to the owners, from
+whom I had the book, and copied from it the following statement of the
+dividends:--
+
+Names.                Quality     Number   Dollars       Eng.
+                                  of                     Money.
+                                  Shares
+
+George Shelvocke     Captain       6      14,325        2642  10  0
+Samuel Rundal        Lieutenant    2-1/2|
+John Rainer          Cap. Marines  2-1/2|
+Blowfield Coldsea    Master        2-1/2|---4718        1100  17  4
+Nicholas Adams       Surgeon       2-1/2|                  each
+Mathew Stewart       First mate    2|
+Monsieur La Porte    Second mate   2|
+George Henshall      Boatswain     2|-------3775         880  16  8
+Robert Davenport     Carpenter     2|                      each
+William Clark        Gunner        2|
+James Daniel         Midshipman    1-1/2|
+David Griffith       Ditto         1-1/2|
+Christopher Hawkins  Ditto         1-1/2|
+Oliver Lefevre       Sail-maker    1-1/2|
+John Doydge          Surgeon's          |
+                     mate          1-1/2|
+William Morgan       Ditto         1-1/2|---2850         660   0  0
+John Popplestone     Armourer      1-1/2|                  each
+James Moyett         Cooper        1-1/2|
+John Pearson         Carpenter's   1-1/2|
+                     mate               |
+Geo. Shelvocke, jun.               1-1/2|
+William Clement      Able seaman   1|
+John Norris          Ditto         1|
+James Moulville      Ditto         1|
+George Gill          Ditto         1|
+Peter Fero           Ditto         1|-------1887-1/4     440  7  2
+John Smith           Ditto         1|                      each
+Edward Alcocke       Ditto         1|
+John Theobald        Barber        1|
+William Burrows      Old seaman      3/4
+Daniel M'Donald      Ditto           3/4
+Richard Croft        Ditto           3/4
+John Robbins         Grommet,        1/2|
+                     or boy             |----943-1/4     220  4  2
+Benedict Harry       Cook            1/2|                  each
+------------------------------------------------------------------
+33 persons in all                 52-1/4  98,604-2/3  23,007 15  6
+
+"The reader will perceive that the sum total of this dividend falls
+short of what I said the capture amounted to; but, in order to set
+that matter right, there is a secret article of 627 quadruples of
+gold, which Shelvocke graciously shared among private friends, each
+quadruple, or double doubloon; being worth sixteen dollars each, or L.
+3:14:8 sterling, at 4s. 8d. the dollar. The value of these is 10,032
+dollars, which, added to the sum of the foregoing account, make
+108,636-3/4 dollars, or L. 25,348:11:6 sterling in all. Which large
+sum of money Shelvocke had the prodigious modesty to conceal, under
+the mysterious _et cetera_. Stewart's book mentions the double
+doubloons, but says not a word as to how they were distributed, so
+that we may imagine they were sunk between the two Shelvockes and
+Stewart: For, as Stewart was agent, cashier, and paymaster, it was an
+easy matter to hide a bag of gold from the public, and to divide it
+afterwards in a committee of two or three."--_Betagh._
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Appendix to Shelvocke's Voyage round the World. Containing
+Observations on the Country and Inhabitants of Peru, by Captain
+Betagh._[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris, I. 240.]
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+This article may rather seem misplaced, as here inserted among the
+circumnavigations; but, both as having arisen out of the voyage of
+Shelvocke, and because arranged in this manner by Harris, it has been
+deemed proper and necessary to preserve it in this place, where it
+may be in a great measure considered as a supplement to the preceding
+voyage. In the opinion of Harris, "The time that Betagh lived among
+the Spaniards in Peru, and the manner in which he was treated by them,
+gave him an opportunity of acquainting himself with their manners and
+customs, and with the nature and maxims of their government, such as
+no Englishman had possessed; and the lively manner in which he tells
+his story, gives it much beauty and spirit." We have already seen, in
+the narrative of Shelvocke, the occasion of Betagh separating from his
+commander, along with Hately and a complement of men in the Mercury,
+on which occasion Shelvocke alleged that they purposely separated from
+him, in consequence of taking a prize containing 150,000 dollars. In
+the following narrative, Betagh tells his own story very differently,
+and we do not presume to determine between them. The separation of
+Shelvocke originally from his own superior officer, Clipperton, is not
+without suspicion; and Hately and Betagh may have learnt from their
+commander, to endeavour to promote their own individual interests, at
+the expense of their duty, already weakened by bad example.--_Ed_.
+
+Sec. 1. _PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE OF THE MERCURY BY THE SPANIARDS_.
+
+It was in the beginning of the year 1720, about the middle of March,
+when Captain Shelvocke sent Hately and the rest of us to seek our
+fortunes in the lighter called the Mercury. He then went in the
+Speedwell to plunder the village of Payta, where we might easily have
+joined him, had he been pleased to have imparted his design to us.
+We had not cruized long off Cape Blanco, when we took a small bark,
+having a good quantity of flour and chocolate. There were also on
+board an elderly lady, and a thin old friar, whom we detained two
+or three days; and, after taking out what could be of use to us, we
+discharged the bark and them. Soon after this we took the Pink, which
+Shelvocke calls the rich prize. Her people had no suspicion of our
+being an enemy, and held on their way till they saw the Mercury
+standing towards them, and then began to suspect us; on which, about
+noon, they clapt their helm hard a-weather, and crowded all sail
+before the wind; and, being in ballast, this was her best sailing, yet
+proved also the greatest advantage they could have given us; for, had
+she held her wind, our flat-bottomed vessel could never have got up
+with theirs. About ten o'clock at night, with the assistance of hard
+rowing, we got up within shot of the chase, and made her bring to,
+when pretty near the shore. On boarding the prize, in which were
+about seventy persons, thirty of whom were negroes, Hately left me and
+Pressick in the Mercury, with other four, where we continued two or
+three days, till a heavy rain spoiled all our bread and other dry
+provisions. We then went on board the prize, sending three men to take
+charge of the Mercury.
+
+After this, we stood off and on in the height of Cape Blanco for seven
+or eight days, expecting to meet with the Speedwell; and at that
+place we sent ashore the Spanish Captain, a padre or priest, and some
+gentlemen passengers. At last we espied a sail plying to windward;
+and, having no doubt that she was either the Speedwell or the Success,
+we stood towards her, while she also edged down towards us. About ten
+in the morning we were near enough to make her out to be a ship of
+war, but neither of these we wished for. The master of our prize had
+before informed us, that he had fallen in with the _Brilliante_,
+which was cruizing for our privateers, and we had till now entirely
+disregarded his information. Upon this, Hately advised with me what
+we ought to do in this emergency, when we agreed to endeavour to take
+advantage of the information given us by the Spaniards; considering,
+as the Brilliante had spoken so very lately with the Pink, that there
+might not be many questions asked now. Accordingly, Hately and
+I dressed ourselves like Spaniards, and hoisted Spanish colours,
+confined all our prisoners in the great cabin, and allowed none but
+Indians and negroes to appear on the deck, that the Pink might have
+the same appearance as before. We had probably succeeded in this
+contrivance, but for the obstinacy of John Sprake, one of our men,
+whom we could not persuade to keep off the deck. As the Brilliante
+came up, she fired a gun to leeward, on which we lowered our topsail,
+going under easy sail till we got alongside. The first question asked
+was, If we had seen the English privateer? We answered, No. The next
+question was, How we had got no farther on our way to Lima? To
+which we answered, By reason of the currents. To two or three other
+questions, we answered satisfactorily in Spanish, and they were
+getting their tacks aboard in order to leave us, when Sprake and two
+or three more of our men appeared on the main deck. A Frenchman aboard
+the Brilliante, who was on the mast-head, seeing their long trowsers,
+called out, _Par Dieu, Monsieur, ils sont Anglois_, By Heaven, Sir,
+they are English: Upon which they immediately fired a broad-side into
+us with round and partridge shot, by one of which Hately was slightly
+wounded in the leg.
+
+As soon as we struck our flag, the enemy sent for all the English
+on board their ships, and ordered two of their own officers into our
+prize. The Brilliante then bore down on the Mercury, into which she
+fired at least twenty-five shot, which bored her sides through and
+through: Yet such was the construction of that extraordinary vessel,
+that, though quite full of water, there was not weight enough to sink
+her, and our three men who were in her remained unhurt. Don Pedro
+Midrando, the Spanish commander, ordered these three men into his
+own ship, in which he intended to sail for Payta. As for me, he gave
+directions that I should be sent forty miles up the country, to a
+place called _Piura_, and was so kind as to leave Mr Pressick the
+surgeon, and my serjeant Cobbs, to bear me company. Mr Hately and
+the rest of our men were ordered to Lima by land, a journey of four
+hundred miles.[2] Hately had the misfortune to be doubly under the
+displeasure of the Spaniards: First, for returning into these seas
+after having been long their prisoner, and being well used among them:
+And, second, for having stripped the Portuguese captain at Cape Frio
+of a good quantity of moidores, which were now found upon him. Don
+Pedro proposed to have this business searched to the bottom, and the
+guilty severely punished, without exposing the innocent to any danger.
+
+[Footnote 2: Lima is above six hundred miles from Cape Blanco, and
+Piura is about seventy-five miles from the same place. Betagh gives no
+account of the place where he landed; but forty miles northwards from
+Piura would only carry him to the north side of the bay of Payta; and,
+as he makes no mention of passing any river, he was probably landed on
+the south side of the river Amatape or Chira.--E.]
+
+Sec. 2. _OBSERVATIONS MADE BY BETAGH IN THE NORTH OF PERU._
+
+Leaving Mr Hately for the present, I proceed to the observations I
+made on the road, as the admiral was so good as send me up into the
+country, till his return from Payta. As the weather in this part of
+the world is much too hot to admit of any labour in the middle of the
+day, the custom is to travel only from six in the evening till eight
+next morning. My Indian guide set me on the best mule he had,
+which did not think proper to follow the rest, so that I led my
+fellow-travellers while day lasted. The whole country through which we
+travelled was an open plain, having Indian plantations laid out with
+tolerable regularity, on both sides of us. This champaign country is
+from thirty to an hundred miles broad, and extends three hundred
+miles along shore; and I was travelling to the southward, having the
+Cordelieras, or mountains of the Andes, on my left hand, and the great
+Pacific Ocean to the right. As the soil is good and fertile, this land
+would be as fine a country as any in the world, if well watered; but
+travellers are here obliged to carry water for their mules as well as
+themselves. At the approach of night, I was much puzzled to find the
+way, my mule still persisting to go foremost, being often stopped by
+great sand hills, and my mule as often endeavoured to pull the reins
+out of my hand. This being very troublesome, the Indians advised me
+to lay the reins on the mule's neck, and on doing that the creature
+easily hit the way. These sand hills often shift from place to place,
+which I suppose is occasioned by strong eddy winds, reverberated from
+the mountains.
+
+We rested at night in an old empty house, about half way, which
+the guide told me was built by the inhabitants of Piura, for the
+accommodation of the prince of San Bueno, viceroy of Peru, when they
+met and regaled him at his entrance on his government. After a short
+rest, we continued our journey, and arrived at Piura, a handsome
+regularly built town, on the banks of the river _Callan_ or _Piura_.
+The Indian conducted us to the house of an honest Spanish gentleman
+and his wife, to whose charge he committed us, and then returned to
+Payta. In less than a quarter of an hour, the inhabitants of the town
+flocked to see us, as a raree-show, and entertained us with respect
+and civility, instead of using us as prisoners of war. The gentleman
+to whose charge we were committed was named Don Jeronimo Baldivieso,
+who had five daughters, who received us in so benevolent a manner,
+that we hoped our time would slide easily away, and our captivity
+prove no way disagreeable; and I now became sensible of the favour
+shewn me by Don Pedro in sending me to this place; for he had such
+interest in all Peru, that for his sake we found very good treatment.
+
+After refreshing ourselves, according to the custom of the country,
+with chocolate, biscuit, and water, we were serenaded by the sound
+of a harp from some inner apartment, of which instrument the artist
+seemed to have a good command, as I heard parts of several famous
+compositions, both Italian and English. Upon enquiry, I found that
+all Don Jeronimo's daughters had learnt music, and sung or played
+upon some instrument. Though this seemed unaccountable at first, I
+afterwards found that music was much cultivated in Peru. During the
+prevalence of the Italian party at the court of Madrid, the last
+viceroy of Peru, the prince of San Bueno, who was an Italian, brought
+a great many musicians to that country along with him, by whom the
+taste for music had spread every where, and had become as good in
+Peru as in old Spain. I the rather notice this, because, by our
+being lovers of music, and behaving peaceably and civilly to the
+inhabitants, we passed our time quietly and chearfully. We were only
+exposed to one inconvenience, which lasted all the time we remained
+here: which was, the daily assembling of the people to stare at us.
+I and my sergeant Cobbs, being used to exercise in public, bore this
+pretty well; but Mr Pressick, being a grave man, at first hung down
+his head, and was very melancholy. But he grew better acquainted with
+the people by degrees, and came to like them so well, that we had much
+ado to get him away, when it became necessary for us to remove our
+quarters.
+
+Almost all the commodities of Europe are distributed through Spanish
+America by a sort of pedlars, or merchants who travel on foot. These
+men come from Panama to Payta by sea; and in their road from Payta
+to Lima, make Piura their first stage, disposing of their goods, and
+lessening their burdens, as they go along. From Piura, some take the
+inland road by Caxamarca, and others the road along the coast through
+Truxillo. From Lima they take their passage back to Panama by sea,
+perhaps carrying with them a small adventure of brandy. At Panama
+they again stock themselves with European goods, and return by sea to
+Payta. Here they hire mules to carry their goods, taking Indians along
+with them to guide the mules and carry them back: And in this
+way these traders keep a continual round, till they have gained a
+sufficiency to live on. Their travelling expenses are next to nothing;
+as the Indians are under such entire subjection to the Spaniards,
+that they always find them in lodgings free, and provide them with
+provender for their mules. All this every white man may command, being
+an homage the Indians have long been accustomed to, and some think
+themselves honoured into the bargain. Yet out of generosity, they
+sometimes meet with a small recompense. Among the British and French,
+a pedlar is despised, and his employment is considered as a very, mean
+shift for getting a living: But it is quite otherwise here, where the
+quick return of money is a sufficient excuse for the manner in which
+it is gained; and there are many gentlemen in old Spain, in declining
+circumstances, who send their sons to what they call _the Indies_, to
+retrieve their fortunes in this way.
+
+Our lodging while at Piura was in an out-house, which had been built
+on purpose for accommodating such travelling merchants. Every day,
+according to the Spanish custom, our dinner was served up under
+covers, and we eat at the same table with Don Jeronimo; while the good
+lady of the house and her daughters sat in another room. Any strong
+liquors are only used during dinner: And I think the only circumstance
+in our conduct that any way disobliged our good host, was once seeing
+me drink a dram with the doctor, at a small eating-house; and, as
+nothing is more offensive to the Spaniards than drunkenness, I had
+much ado to apologise for this step. Yet they admit of gallantry in
+the utmost excess, thus only exchanging one enormity for another.
+
+After remaining about six weeks at Piura, our Indian guide came to
+conduct us to Payta, to which place the Brilliante had returned. When
+about to take leave, Mr Pressick our surgeon was not to be found,
+which detained us a day. They had concealed him in the town, meaning
+to have kept him there, being a very useful man; and if he could have
+had a small chest of medicines, he might soon have made a handsome
+fortune. Next day, however, we mounted our mules, and parted
+reluctantly with our kind host and his family. We went on board the
+Brilliante at Payta, which had done nothing at sea since we left her,
+and now made a sort of cruizing voyage to Calao, the port of Lima.
+I have already mentioned the civility I received from Don Pedro
+Midranda, who was admiral or general of the South Seas; and I shall
+here add one circumstance to the honour of Monsieur de Grange, a
+captain under the general. When taken by the Brilliante, the soldiers
+stripped us, considering our clothes as the usual perquisite of
+conquerors; on which that gentleman generously gave me a handsome suit
+of clothes, two pair of silk stockings, shirts, a hat and wig, and
+every thing accordant, so that I was rather a gainer by this accident.
+
+Sec. 3. _VOYAGE FROM PAYTA TO LIMA, AND ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH PRISONERS
+AT THAT PLACE._
+
+Our voyage to Lima occupied about five weeks; and, immediately on our
+arrival, we were committed to the same prison in which the rest of
+the ship's company were confined, except Mr Hately, who, for reasons
+formerly assigned, was confined by himself, and very roughly treated.
+A short time after our arrival, commissioners were appointed to
+hear our cause, and to determine whether we were to be treated as
+criminals, or as prisoners of war. We were charged with piracy,
+not solely for what we had done in the South Seas in plundering
+the Spaniards, but for having used the like violence against other
+nations, before our arrival in that sea, from which they proposed to
+infer that we had evinced a piratical disposition in the whole of
+our conduct. Of this they thought they had sufficient proof in the
+moidores found upon Hately, as they appeared to have been taken from
+the subjects of a prince in amity with our sovereign. Happily for us,
+Don Diego Morsilio, the viceroy, who was an archbishop in the decline
+of life, was pleased to investigate this matter; and finding only one
+of us guilty, would not sign an order for taking away the lives of
+the innocent. Some were for sending Hatley to the mines for life,
+and others for hanging him: But the several accounts of the vile
+proceedings of Captain Shelvocke contributed to his deliverance, of
+the truth of which circumstance, there were enough of our people at
+Lima to witness; for, besides Lieutenant Sergeantson and his men,
+who were brought thither, there came also the men whom Shelvocke sent
+along with Hopkins to shift for themselves in an empty bark, who were
+forced to surrender themselves to the Indians for want of sustenance;
+so that the court were satisfied that Shelvocke was the principal in
+that piratical act, rather than Hately. Considering that we had all
+been sufficiently punished before our arrival at Lima, they thought
+fit to let us all go by degrees. Hately was kept in irons about a
+twelvemonth, and was then allowed to return to England. I was more
+fortunate, as my imprisonment lasted only a fortnight, owing to the
+interposition of one Captain Fitzgerald, a gentleman born in France,
+who had great interest with the viceroy, and became security for
+me, on which I was allowed my liberty in the city, provided I were
+forthcoming when called for.
+
+Among my first enquiries was into the condition of other English
+prisoners at this place. I learnt from Lieutenant Sergeantson and
+his men, who were here before us, that most of them had adopted the
+religion of the country, had been christened, and were dispersed among
+the convents of the city. The first of these I met had his catechism
+in one hand, and a large string of beads dangling in the other. I
+smiled, and asked him how he liked it? He said, very well; for having
+a religion to chuse, he thought theirs better than none, especially
+as it brought him good meat and drink, and a quiet life. Many of
+Shelvocke's men followed this example, and I may venture to say, that
+most of them had the same substantial reason for their conversion.
+It is here reckoned very meritorious to make a convert, and many
+arguments were used for that purpose, but no rigorous measures
+were used to bring any one over to their way of thinking. Those who
+consented to be baptized, generally had some of the merchants of Lima
+for their patrons and god-fathers, who never failed to give them a
+good suit of clothes, and some money to drink their healths.
+
+About this time four or five of Clipperton's men had leave from the
+convents where they resided, to meet together at a public-house kept
+by one John Bell, an Englishman, who had a negro wife, who had been
+made free for some service or other. The purpose of this meeting was
+merely to confirm their new baptism over a bowl of punch; but they all
+got drunk and quarrelled, and, forgetting they were true catholics,
+they demolished the image of some honest saint that stood in a corner,
+mistaking him for one of their companions. Missing them for a few
+days, I enquired at Bell what was become of them, when he told me they
+were all in the Inquisition; for the thing having taken air, he was
+obliged to go himself to complain of their behaviour, but he got them
+released a few days after, when they had time to repent and get
+sober in the dungeons of the holy office. Bell said, if these men had
+remained heretics, their drunken exploit had not come within the verge
+of the ecclesiastical power; but as they were novices, they were the
+easier pardoned, their outrages on the saint being attributed to the
+liquor, and not to any designed affront to the catholic faith, or a
+relapse into heresy.
+
+Some time afterwards, about a dozen of our men from the Success and
+Speedwell were sent to Calao, to assist in careening and fitting out
+the Flying-fish, designed for Europe. They here entered into a plot
+to run away with the Margarita, a good sailing ship which lay in the
+harbour, meaning to have gone for themselves, in which of course they
+would have acted as pirates. Not knowing what to do for ammunition and
+a compass, they applied to Mr Sergeantson, pretending they meant to
+steal away to Panama, where there was an English factory, and whence
+they had hopes of getting home. They said they had got half a dozen
+firelocks, with which they might be able to kill wild hogs or other
+game, as they went along, and begged him to help them to some powder
+and shot, and a compass to steer their way through the woods. By
+begging and making catholic signs to the people in Lima, they had
+collected some dollars, which they desired Sergeantson to lay out
+for them; and he, not mistrusting their plot, bought them what they
+wanted. Thus furnished, one of them came to me at Lima, and told me
+their intention, and that Sprake was to have the command, as being the
+only one among them who knew any thing of navigation. I answered, that
+it was a bold design; but as Captain Fitzgerald had engaged for my
+honour, I could not engage in it. Their plot was discovered a few days
+after, their lodgings searched, their arms taken away, and they were
+committed to prison. The government was much incensed against them,
+and had nearly determined upon their execution; but they were soon all
+released except Sprake, who was the ringleader, and was kept in irons
+for two or three months, and then set at liberty.
+
+The dominions belonging to the Spaniards in America are so large and
+valuable, that, if well governed, they might render that monarchy
+exceedingly formidable. In my long stay in Peru, I had the means of
+examining at leisure, and with attention, their manner of living, the
+form of their government, and many other circumstances little known
+in our part of the world, and had many opportunities of enquiring into
+things minutely, which did not fall under my immediate observation;
+and of which I propose to give as clear and accurate an account as
+I can, constantly distinguishing between what fell under my own
+immediate knowledge, and what I received from the information of
+others.
+
+Sec. 4. _DESCRIPTION OF LIMA, AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
+PERU._
+
+The great and rich city of Lima is the metropolis of Peru, and the
+seat of an archbishop. It is all regularly built, the streets being
+all straight and spacious, dividing the whole into small squares. It
+stands in an open vale, through which runs a gentle stream, dividing
+the city in two, as the Thames does London from Southwark. Calao is
+the port of Lima, from whence it is about seven miles distant. Because
+of the frequent earthquakes, the houses are only of one story, and
+generally twelve or fourteen feet high. It contains eight parish
+churches, three colleges for students, twenty-eight monasteries of
+friars, and thirteen nunneries, so that the religions occupy a fourth
+part of the city; yet, by the quick and plentiful flow of money, and
+the vast sums bequeathed through the effects of celibacy, they are
+well endowed. Besides these, there are two hospitals for sick, poor,
+and disabled; and in which several of our men were kindly looked
+after. The length of the city from north to south is two miles, and
+its breadth one and a half; its whole circumference, including the
+wall and the river, being six miles. The other, or smaller part of
+the city, is to the east of the river, over which there is a handsome
+stone bridge of seven arches. Including all sorts and colours, I
+computed that the whole population of Lima amounted to between
+sixty and seventy thousand persons; and I should not wonder at any
+multiplication in this city, as it is the centre of so much affluence
+and pleasure. Besides the natural increase of the inhabitants, all
+ships that trade this way, whether public or private, generally leave
+some deserters, who remain behind in consequence of the encouragement
+given to all white faces.
+
+The people here are perhaps the most expensive in their habits of any
+in the world. The men dress nearly as in England, their coats being
+either of silk, fine English cloth, or camblets, embroidered or laced
+with gold or silver, and their waistcoats usually of the richest
+brocades. The women wear no stays or hoops, having only a stitched
+holland jacket next their shifts, and they generally wear a square
+piece of swansdown flannel thrown over their shoulders, entirely
+covered with Flanders lace, and have their petticoats adorned with
+gold or silver lace. When they walk out, the Creole women are mostly
+veiled, but not the mulattoes; and, till thirty or forty years of
+age, they wear no head-clothes, their hair being tied behind with fine
+ribbons. The pride of the ladies chiefly appears in fine Mechlin or
+Brussels lace, with which they trim their linen in a most extravagant
+manner, not omitting even their sheets and pillows. Their linen
+jackets are double bordered with it, both at top and bottom, with four
+or five ruffles or furbelows hanging down to their knees. They
+are very extravagant also in pearls and precious stones, in rings,
+bracelets, and necklaces, though the value of these is hardly equal to
+the shew.
+
+The viceroy has a splendid palace in the royal square, or great
+quadrangle of the city, which seemed as large as Lincoln's-Inn-Fields.
+His salary is ten thousand pounds a-year, but his perquisites amount
+to double that sum. And though his government expires at the end of
+three, four, or five years, he generally makes a handsome fortune,
+as all places are in his gift, both in the government and the army
+throughout all Peru, except such as are sent out or nominated by the
+king. The great court of justice consists of twelve judges, besides a
+number of inferior officers, councillors, and solicitors. Before this
+court all causes are decided, but they are too often determined in
+favour of the party who gives most money. And, though these vast
+dominions abound in riches, there is not much work for the lawyers,
+as the laws are few and plain, which certainly is much better than
+a multiplicity of laws, explaining one another till they become so
+intricate that the issue of a cause depends more on the craft of the
+solicitor and advocate, than on its justice. Every magistrate in this
+country knows that his reign is short, and that he will be laughed at
+if he does not make a fortune, so that they wink at each other; and,
+so great is the distance between Spain and Peru, that the royal orders
+are seldom, regarded, being two years in going backward and forward:
+Hence arise many clandestine doings. According to law, the king ought
+to have a twentieth part of all the gold, and a fifth of all the
+silver procured from the mines; but vast quantities are carried away
+privately, without paying any duty, both north by Panama, and south
+through the Straits of Magellan. There are also vast sums allowed for
+the militia, the garrisons, and the repairs of fortifications, one
+half of which are never applied to these objects. Hence it may easily
+be imagined what immense riches would flow into the treasury of
+Madrid, if his catholic majesty were faithfully served.
+
+The country of Peru is naturally subject to earthquakes. About fifty
+years before I was there, or about the year 1670, there were two great
+ones at Lima, which overturned many houses, churches, and convents.
+And in the reign of Charles II. the late king of Spain, there was an
+earthquake near the equator, which lifted up whole fields, carrying
+them to the distance of several miles. Small shocks are often felt
+which do no harm, and I have been often called out of bed on such
+occasions, and heard nothing more about the matter; but on these
+occasions the bells always toll to prayers. Yet, although this country
+has suffered much from earthquakes, especially near the coast, their
+churches are lofty and neatly built. Such parts of their buildings as
+require strength are made of burnt bricks; but their dwelling-houses
+are all constructed of bamboos, canes, and bricks only dried in
+the sun, which are sufficiently durable, as it never rains in Peru.
+Instead of roofs, they are merely covered over with mats, on which
+ashes are strewed, to keep out the dews. The small river of Lima,
+or _Runac_, consists mostly of snow-water from the neighbouring
+mountains, which are covered all the year with snow, that partly
+dissolves in the summer-season, from September to March.
+
+One would expect the weather to be much hotter here; but there is
+no proportion between the heat of this part of America and the
+same latitudes in Africa. This is owing to two causes; that the
+neighbourhood of the snowy mountains diffuses a cool temperature
+of the air all around; and the constant humid vapours, which are so
+frequent that I often expected it to rain when I first went to Lima.
+These vapours are not so dense, low, and gloomy, like our fogs, nor
+yet are they separated above like our summer clouds; but an exhalation
+between both, spread all around, as when we say the day is overcast,
+so that sometimes a fine dew is felt on the upper garments, and may
+even be discerned on the knap of the cloth. This is a prodigious
+convenience to the inhabitants of Lima, who are thus screened half the
+day from the sun; and though it often shines out in the afternoon, yet
+is the heat very tolerable, being tempered by the sea-breezes, and
+not near so hot as at Lisbon and some parts of Spain, more than thirty
+degrees farther from the equator.
+
+The entire want of rain in this country induced the Indians, even
+before the conquest, to construct canals and drains for leading water
+from among the distant mountains, which they have done with great
+skill and labour, so as to irrigate and refresh the vallies, by which
+they produce grass and corn, and a variety of fruits, to which also
+the dews contribute. A Spanish writer observes that this perpetual
+want of rain is occasioned by the south-west wind blowing on the coast
+of Peru the whole year round, which always bears away the vapours from
+the plains before they are of sufficient body to descend in showers:
+But, when carried higher and farther inland, they become more compact,
+and at length fall down in rain on the interior hills. The inhabitants
+of Peru have plenty of cattle, fowls, fish, and all kinds of
+provisions common among us, except butter, instead of which they
+always use lard. They have oil, wine, and brandy in abundance, but not
+so good as in Europe. Instead of tea from China, which is prohibited,
+they make great use of _camini_, called herb of Paraguay, or Jesuits
+tea, which, is brought from Paraguay by land. They make a decoction
+of this, which they usually suck through a pipe, calling it _Mattea_,
+being the name of the bowl out of which it is drank. Chocolate is
+their usual breakfast, and their grace cup after dinner; and sometimes
+they take a glass of brandy, to promote digestion, but scarcely drink
+any wine. In Chili, they make some butter, such as it is, the cream
+being put into a skin bag kept for that purpose, which is laid on a
+table between two women, who shake it till the butter comes.
+
+The Spaniards are no friends to the bottle, yet gallantry and intrigue
+are here brought to perfection, insomuch that it is quite unmannerly
+here not to have a mistress, and scandalous not to keep her well. The
+women have many accomplishments, both natural and acquired, having
+graceful motions, winning looks, and engaging, free, and sprightly
+conversation. They are all delicately shaped, not injured by
+stiff-bodied stays, but left entirely to the beauty of nature, and
+hardly is there a crooked body to be seen, among them. Their eyes and
+teeth are singularly beautiful, and their hair is universally of a
+dark polished hue, nicely combed and plaited, and tied behind with
+ribbons, but never disguised by powder; and the brightness of their
+skins round the temples, clearly appears through their dark hair.
+Though amours are universal at Lima, the men are very careful to bide
+them, and no indecent word or action is ever permitted in public.
+They usually meet for these purposes, either in the afternoon at
+the _Siesta_, or in the evening in calashes on the other side of the
+river, or in the great square of the city, where calashes meet in
+great numbers in the dusk. These are slung like our coaches, but
+smaller, many of them being made only to hold two persons sitting
+opposite. They are all drawn by one mule, with the negro driver
+sitting on his back; and it is quite usual to see some of these
+calashes, with the blinds close, standing still for half an hour at
+a time. In these amusements they have several customs peculiar to
+themselves. After evening prayers, the gentleman changes his dress
+from a cloak to a _montero_, or jockey-coat, with a laced linen cap on
+his head, and a handkerchief round his neck, instead of a wig; or if
+he wear his own hair, it must be tucked under a cap and concealed, as
+it is the universal fashion to be thus disguised. Even those who
+have no mistress, are ashamed to appear virtuous, and must be somehow
+masked or disguised, in order to countenance the way of the world.
+As, all this is night-work, they have an established rule to avoid
+quarrels, by never speaking to or noticing each other, when going in
+quest of or to visit their ladies.
+
+In short, the fore-part of every night in the year is a kind of
+masquerade. Among people of any rank who do not keep calashes, one
+couple never walks close behind another, but each at the distance
+of at least twelve paces, to prevent the overhearing of any secret
+whispers. Should a lady drop a fan or any thing else by accident, a
+gentleman may take it up, but he must not give it to the lady, but to
+the gentleman who accompanies her, lest she may happen to be the wife
+or sister of him who takes it up; and as all the ladies are veiled,
+these wise rules are devised to prevent any impertinent discoveries.
+Any freedom in contravention of these laws of gallantry would be
+looked upon as the highest affront, and would be thought to merit a
+drawn sword through the midriff. Should any one see his most intimate
+friend any where with a woman, he must never take notice of it, or
+mention it afterwards. Every thing of this nature is conducted with
+all imaginary gravity and decorum, by which the practice of gallantry
+becomes decent and easy; yet there are some jealousies in this regular
+commerce of love, which sometimes end fatally. A story of this kind
+happened shortly before I went to Lima. A young lady, who thought
+herself sole sovereign in the heart of her lover, saw him by chance
+in the company of another, and, waiting no farther proof of his
+infidelity, she instantly plunged a dagger in his bosom. She was soon
+after brought to trial, and every one expected that she should pay
+the forfeit with her life; but the judges, considering her rashness
+as proceeding from excess of love, not malice, acquitted her. However
+agreeable these gallantries may be to the _Creole_ Spaniards, they
+have an inconvenient effect on society; as the men are so engrossed
+by these matters, as to spoil all public conversation. Their time is
+entirely taken up in attendance on their mistresses, so that there are
+no coffee-houses or taverns, and they can only be met with at their
+offices, or in church.
+
+Perhaps it may be chiefly owing to this effeminate propensity, that
+all manly exercises, all useful knowledge, and that noble emulation
+which inspires virtue, and keeps alive respect for the public good,
+are here unknown. Those amusements which serve in other countries to
+relax the labours of the industrious, and to keep alive the vigour of
+the body and mind, are unknown in Peru; and whoever should attempt to
+introduce any such, would be considered as an innovator, which, among
+them, is a hateful character: For they will never be convinced, that
+martial exercises or literary conferences are preferable to intrigues.
+They have, however, a sort of a play-house, where the young gentlemen
+and students divert themselves after their fashion; but their dramatic
+performances are so mean as hardly to be worth mentioning, being
+scripture stories, interwoven with romance, a mixture still worse than
+gallantry. At this theatre, two Englishmen belonging to the squadron
+of Mons. Martinat, fought a prize-battle a short time before I came
+to Lima. Having first obtained leave of the viceroy to display their
+skill at the usual weapons, and the day being fixed, they went through
+many previous ceremonies, to draw, as the phrase is, a good house.
+Preceded by beat of drum, and dressed in holland shirts and ribbons,
+they went about the streets saluting the spectators at the windows
+with flourishes of their swords, so that the whole city came to see
+the trial of skill, some giving gold for admittance, and hardly any
+one less than a dollar. The company, male and female, being assembled,
+the masters mounted the stage, and, after the usual manner of the
+English, having shaken hands, they took their distance, and stood
+on their guard in good order. Several bouts were played without much
+wrath or damage, the design being more to get money than cuts or
+credit, till at length one of the masters received a small hurt on
+the breast, which blooded his shirt, and began to make the combat look
+terrible. Upon this, fearing from this dreadful beginning that the
+zeal of the combatants might grow too warm, the company cried out,
+_Basta! basta!_ or enough! enough! And the viceroy would never permit
+another exhibition of the same kind, lest one of the combatants might
+receive a mortal wound, and so die without absolution.
+
+So deficient are the Spaniards in energy of spirit, that many
+extensive countries and islands remain unexplored, in the immediate
+neighbourhood of their vast American dominions, though some of these
+are reported to be richer and more valuable than those which are
+already conquered and settled. The first Spanish governors of Mexico
+and Peru were not of this indolent disposition, but bestowed great
+pains in endeavouring to acquire the most perfect knowledge bordering
+upon their respective governments: But now that general thirst of fame
+is entirely extinguished, and they content themselves with plundering
+their fellow-subjects in the countries already known. The regions to
+the north of Mexico are known to abound in silver, precious stones,
+and other rich commodities, yet the Spaniards decline all conquest on
+that side, and discourage as much as possible the reports which have
+spread of the riches of these countries. On the same principles, they
+give no encouragement to attempt penetrating into the heart of South
+America, whence most of the riches of Peru are known to come, the
+mountains at the back of the country being extremely rich in gold; and
+the regions, on the other side, towards the Atlantic, being inhabited
+by nations that have abundance of that metal, though, for fear of
+being oppressed by the Europeans, they conceal it as much as possible.
+
+Of all the discoveries that have been talked of among the Spaniards,
+that which has made the most noise is the island or islands of
+Solomon, supposed to be the same with those discovered by the famous
+Ferdinand Quiros. He reported them to be extremely rich and very
+populous, and repeatedly memorialed the court of Spain to be
+authorised to complete his discovery. All his solicitations, however,
+were neglected, and it became a question in a few years whether any
+such islands had ever existed. At length, towards the close of the
+seventeenth century, such discoveries were made as to the reality of
+these islands, that Don Alvaro de Miranda was sent out to discover
+them in 1695. He failed in the attempt, but in the search met with
+four islands, between the latitude of 7 deg. and 10 deg. S. which were
+wonderfully rich and pleasant, the inhabitants being a better looking
+race, and far more civilized than any of the Indians on the continent
+of America. This discovery occasioned a good deal of discourse at the
+time; but the subsequent disturbances relative to the succession to
+the crown of Spain, so occupied the attention of every person, that
+all views of endeavouring to find the islands of Solomon were laid
+aside.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: These islands of Miranda appear to have been the
+Marquebes, between the latitudes of 8 deg. 45' and 10 deg. 25' N. and long.
+139 deg. W. The Solomon islands, or New Georgia, are between 5 deg. and 10 deg. N.
+and long. 200 deg. to 205 deg. W. 63-1/2 degrees of longitude farther to the
+westwards.--E.]
+
+Sec. 5. _SOME ACCOUNT OF THE MINES OF PERU AND CHILI_.
+
+As the riches of Peru consist chiefly in mines of silver, I shall
+endeavour to give some account of them, from the best information I
+could procure. There are two sorts of silver-mines, in one of which
+the silver is found scattered about in small quantities, or detached
+masses, while, in the other kind of mine, it runs in a vein between
+two rocks, one of which is excessively hard, and the other much
+softer. These certainly best deserve the name of silver-mines, and
+are accordingly so denominated. This precious metal, which in other
+countries is the standard or measure of riches, is the actual riches
+of Peru, or its chief natural commodity; as, throughout the whole of
+that vast country, silver-mines are almost every where to be met with,
+of more or less value, according as the ore produces more or less
+silver, or can be wrought at a greater or less expence. Some of these
+mines are to the north of Lima, but not a great many, but to the south
+they are very numerous. On the back, or eastern side of the Andes,
+there is a nation of Indians called _Los Platerors_, or the _Plate_,
+or _Silver_ men, from their possessing vast quantities of silver,[1]
+but with them the Spaniards have very little communication. The best
+of the mine countries are to the south of Cusco, from thence to Potosi
+and the frontiers of Chili, where, for the space of 800 miles, there
+is a continued succession of mines, some being discovered and others
+abandoned almost every day.
+
+[Footnote 1: This tribe still holds its place in modern geography,
+in the vast plain to the E. of the Maranors or Amazons, where there
+cannot be any silver-mines, at least that they can explore. They are
+so named because of wearing silver ear-rings, which they must, almost
+certainly, procure in barter from the tribes in the mountains, far to
+the west.--E.]
+
+It is common, both here and elsewhere, for people to complain of the
+times, commending the past, as if there had been infinitely greater
+quantities of silver dug from the mines formerly than at present. This
+certainly may be the case with particular mines; but, on the whole,
+the quantities of silver now annually obtained from the mines in
+Spanish America, abundantly exceeds what used formerly to be procured.
+Those mines which are at present [1720] most remarkable in Peru are,
+Loxa, Camora, Cuenca, Puerto-veio, and St Juan del Oro. Those of Oruro
+and Titiri are neglected; and those of Porco and Plata are filled
+up. At Potosi there are a vast number of mines; and those of Tomina,
+Chocaia, Atacuna, Xuxui, Calchaques, Guasco, Iquique, &c. are all
+wrought with more or less profit, according to the skill of the
+proprietors or managers. It is generally believed that the Creoles
+have a very perfect acquaintance with the minerals, from experience,
+and with the art of treating them, so as to obtain the largest profit;
+but, when their utter ignorance in all other arts is considered, their
+constant going on in the old beaten track, and their enormous waste of
+quicksilver, one is tempted to believe that our European miners might
+conduct their works to still greater advantage.
+
+The most perfect silver that is brought from Peru is in the forms
+called _pinnas_ by the Spaniards, being extremely porous lumps of
+silver, as they are the remainder of a paste composed of silver dust
+and mercury, whence the latter being exhaled or evaporated, leaves the
+silver in a spongy mass, full of holes, and very light. This is the
+kind of silver which is put into various forms by the merchants, in
+order to cheat the king of his duty; wherefore all silver in this
+state, found any where on the road, or on board any ship, is looked
+upon as contraband, and liable to seizure.
+
+In regard to the art of refining, I propose to shew the progress of
+the ore, from the mine till it comes to this spongy mass or cake.
+After breaking the stone or ore taken out of the veins, it is grinded
+in mills between grindstones, or pounded in the _ingenious reales_,
+or royal engines, by means of hammers or beetles, like the mills for
+Paris plaster. These generally have a wheel of twenty-five or thirty
+feet diameter, with a long axle or lying shaft, set round with smooth
+triangular projections, which, as the axle turns, lay hold of the iron
+hammers, of about two hundred-weight each, lifting them to a certain
+height, whence they drop down with such violence that they crush and
+reduce the hardest stones to powder. The pounded ore is afterwards
+sifted through iron or copper sieves, which allow the finest powder
+to go through, the coarse being returned to the mill. When the one
+happens to be mixed with copper or other metals which prevent
+its reduction to powder, it is roasted or calcined in an oven or
+reverberatory furnace, and pounded over again.
+
+At the smaller mines, where they only use grindstones, they, for the
+most part, grind the ore along with water, forming it into a liquid
+paste, which runs out into receivers. When grinded dry, it has to be
+afterwards mixed with water, and well moulded up with the feet for a
+long time. For this purpose, they make a court or floor, on which that
+mud, or paste of pounded ore and water, is disposed in square parcels
+of about a foot thick, each parcel containing half a _caxon_, or
+chest, which is twenty-five quintals or hundred-weights of ore, and
+these parcels are called _cuerpos_, or bodies. On each of these they
+throw about two hundred-weights of sea-salt, more or less, according
+to the nature of the ore, which they mould or incorporate with the
+moistened ore for two or three days. They then add a certain quantity
+of quicksilver, squeezing it from a skin bag, to make it fall in drops
+equally on the mass or _cuerpo_, allowing to each mass ten, fifteen,
+or twenty pounds of quicksilver, according to the nature or quality of
+the ore, as the richer it is, it requires the more mercury to draw it
+to the silver contained in the mass, so that they know the quantity
+by long experience. An Indian is employed to mould or trample one
+of these square cuerpos eight times a-day, that the mercury
+may thoroughly incorporate with the silver. To expedite this
+incorporation, they often mix lime with the mass, when the ore happens
+to be what they call greasy, and in this great caution is required,
+as they say the mass sometimes grows so hot that they neither find
+mercury nor silver in it, which seems quite incredible. Sometimes also
+they strew in some lead or tin ore, to facilitate the operation of the
+mercury, which is slower in very cold weather; wherefore, at Potosi
+and Lipes, they are often obliged to mould or work up their cuerpos
+during a month or six weeks; but, in more temperate climates, the
+amalgama is completed in eight or ten days. To facilitate the action
+of the mercury, they, in some places, as at Puno and elsewhere,
+construct their _buiterons_ or floors on arches, under which they keep
+fires for twenty-four hours, to heat the masses or _cuerpos_, which
+are in that case placed as a pavement of bricks.
+
+When it is thought that the mercury has attracted all the silver,
+the assayer takes a small quantity of ore from each cuerpo, which he
+washes separately in a small earthen plate or wooden bowl; and, by the
+colour and appearance of the amalgama found at the bottom, when the
+earthy matters are washed away, he knows whether the mercury has
+produced its proper effect. When blackish, the ore is said to have
+been too much heated, and they add more salt, or some other temper. In
+this case they say that mercury is _dispara_, that is, shoots or flees
+away. If the mercury remains white, they put a drop under the thumb,
+and pressing it hastily, the silver in the amalgam sticks to the
+thumb, and the mercury slips away in little drops. When they conceive
+that all the silver has incorporated with the mercury, the mixed mass,
+or cuerpo, is carried to a basin or pond, into which a small stream
+of water is introduced to wash it, much in the same way as I shall
+afterwards describe the manner in which they wash gold, only that as
+the silver-ore is reduced to a fine mud without stones, it is stirred
+by an Indian with his feet, to dissolve it thoroughly, and loosen the
+silver. From the first basin it falls into a second, and thence into
+a third, where the stirring and washing is repeated, that any amalgam
+which has not subsided in the first and second may not escape the
+third.
+
+The whole being thoroughly washed in these basins, which are lined
+with leather, till the water runs clear off, the amalgam of mercury
+and silver is found at the bottom, and is termed _la pella_. This is
+put into a woollen bag and hung up, from whence some of the mercury
+runs out. The bag is then beaten and pressed as much as they can,
+laying upon it a flat piece of wood loaded with a heavy weight, to get
+out as much of the mercury as they can. The paste is then put into
+a mould of wooden planks bound together, generally in the form of an
+octagon pyramid cut short, its bottoms being a plate of copper, full
+of small holes, into which the paste is stirred and pressed down, in
+order to fasten it. When they design to make many _pinnas_, or spongy
+lumps of various weights, these are divided from each other by thin
+beds or layers of earth, which hinder them from uniting. For this
+purpose, the _pella_, or mass of amalgam, must be weighed out in
+separate portions, deducting two-thirds for the contained mercury, by
+which they know to a small matter the quantity of silver contained in
+each. They then take off the mould, and place the pella or mass with
+its copper base on a trivet, or such like instrument, standing over a
+great earthen vessel full of water, and cover it with an earthen cap,
+which again is covered by lighted coals. This fire is fed and kept
+up for some hours, by which the mass of pella below becomes violently
+heated, the contained mercury being thereby raised into vapour: But,
+having no means of escape through the cap or cover, it is forced down
+to the water underneath, where it condenses into quicksilver and sinks
+to the bottom. By this contrivance, little of the mercury is lost,
+and the same serves over again. But the quantity must be increased,
+_because it grows weak_.[2] At Potosi, as Acosta relates, they
+formerly consumed six or seven thousand quintals of mercury every
+year, by which Some idea may be formed of the silver there procured.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is utterly absurd, as the mercury must be the same
+in _quality_ as before, the _quantity_ only being _weakened_.]
+
+On the evaporation of the mercury, nothing remains but a spongy lump
+of contiguous grains of silver, very light and almost mouldering,
+called _la pinna_ by the Spaniards. These masses must be carried to
+the king's receipt or mint, to pay the royal fifth; and are there cast
+into ingots, on which are stamped the arms of the crown, the place
+where cast, and their weight and fineness. All these ingots, having
+paid the fifth, are sure to be without fraud or deceit; but it is not
+so with the _pinnas_, as these have often iron, sand, or some other
+matter contained within them, to increase their weight; Hence,
+prudence requires that these should be opened, and made red hot in a
+fire; for, if falsified, the fire will turn them black or yellow, or
+melt them more easily. This trial by fire is also necessary to extract
+moisture, which they contract in places where they are purposely laid
+to render them heavier, as also for separating the mercury with which
+the bottom of the mass is always more or less impregnated. The weight
+of these _pinnas_ may be increased nearly a third, by dipping them
+while red hot into water. It also sometimes happens that the same mass
+of pinna may be of different fineness in different parts.
+
+The ore, or stones taken from the mines, or the _mineray_, as it is
+called in Peru, from which the silver is extracted, is not always of
+the same nature, consistence, and colour. Some are white and grey,
+mixed with red or bluish spots, called _plata blanca_ or white silver;
+of which sort the one in the Lipes mines mostly consists. For the most
+part, some little grains of silver are to be discerned, and very often
+small branches are seen, ramifying along the layers of the stone. Some
+ores are as black as the dross of iron, and in which no silver is to
+be seen, which is called _negrillo_ or blackish ore. Sometimes the ore
+is rendered black by admixture of lead, and is called _plombo ronco_,
+or coarse lead, in which the silver appears as if scratched by
+something harsh. This ore is generally the richest in silver, and from
+it also the silver is got at the smallest charge; as instead of having
+to be moulded or kneaded with quicksilver, it has only to be melted
+in furnaces, where the lead evaporates by the force of fire, and the
+silver remains pure behind. From this sort. of mines, the Indians drew
+their silver before the coming of the Spaniards, having no knowledge
+of the use of mercury, and they accordingly only wrought those mines
+of which the ore would melt; and, having but little wood, they heated
+their furnaces with _ylo_, the dung of the _Llamas_ or Peruvian sheep,
+placing their furnaces on the sides of mountains, that the wind might
+render their fires fierce.
+
+There is another sort of black ore, in which the silver does not at
+all appear; and which, when wetted and rubbed against iron, becomes
+red. This ore is called _rosicler_, signifying that ruddiness which
+appears at the dawn of day. This is very rich, and affords the finest
+silver. Another kind, called _zoroche_, glitters like talc, and is
+generally very poor, yielding little silver: Its outer coat is very
+soft and of a yellowish red, but seldom rich; and the mines of this
+sort are wrought on account of the easiness of extracting the ore,
+being very easily dug. Another kind, not much harder than the last, is
+of a green colour, called _cobrissa_ or copperish, and is very rare.
+Although the silver usually appears in this kind, and it is almost
+mouldering, it is the most difficult of all to manage, as it parts
+very difficultly with the silver. Sometimes, after being stamped or
+reduced to powder, it has to be burnt in the fire, and several other
+expedients must be used to separate the silver, doubtless because
+mixed with copper. There is another very rare sort of ore, which has
+only been found in the mine of _Cotamiso_ at Potosi, being threads of
+pure silver entangled, or wound up together, like burnt lace, and so
+fine that it is called _arana_, or spider ore, from its resemblance to
+a cobweb.
+
+The veins of _mineray_, of whatever sort they may be, are generally
+richer in the middle than towards the edges; and where two veins
+happen to cross each other, the place where they meet is always very
+rich. It is also observed that those which lie north and south are
+richer than those which lie in any other direction. Those also which
+are near to places where mills can be erected, and can consequently
+be more commodiously wrought, are often preferable to others that are
+richer, but require more expense in working. For this reason, at Lipes
+and Potosi, a chest of ore must yield ten marks or eighty ounces of
+silver, to pay the charges of working; while those in the province of
+Tarama only require five merks or forty ounces to defray the expences.
+When even very rich, and they happen to sink down so as to be liable
+to be flooded, the adventurers must have recourse to pumps and
+machines in order to drain them; or to _cocabones_ or levels dug
+through the sides of the mountain, which often ruin the owners by the
+enormous expence they are insensibly drawn into. At some of the mines,
+where the methods of separation already described fail, they use other
+means of extracting the silver from the ore, and from other metals
+which may be combined with it; as by fire, or strong separating
+waters; and there the silver is cast into a sort of ingots, called
+_bollos_. But the most general and useful method is that already
+described.
+
+It may naturally be supposed that mines, as well as other things, are
+subject to variation in their productiveness. The mines which, till
+very lately, yielded most silver, were those of _Oroura_, a small town
+about eight leagues from Arica. In the year 1712, one was discovered
+at _Ollachea_ near Cusco, so rich that it yielded 2500 marks of silver
+of eight ounces each, or 20,000 ounces, out of each _caxon_ or chest,
+being almost a fifth part of the ore; but it has since declined much,
+and is now [1720] only reckoned among the ordinary sort. Those of
+Lipes have had a similar fate. Those at Potosi now yield but little,
+and are worked at a very heavy expence, owing to their excessive
+depth. Although the mines here are far diminished in their
+productiveness, yet the quantity of ore which has been formerly
+wrought, and has lain many years on the surface, is now thought
+capable of yielding a second crop; and when I was at Lima, they were
+actually turning it up, and milling it over again with great success.
+This is a proof that these minerals generate in the earth like all
+other inanimate things;[3] and it likewise appears, from all the
+accounts of the Spaniards, that gold, silver, and other metals are
+continually growing and forming in the earth. This opinion is verified
+by experience in the mountain of Potosi, where several mines had
+fallen in, burying the workmen and their tools; and these being
+again opened up after some years, many boxes and pieces of wood were
+discovered, having veins of silver actually running through them.[4]
+
+[Footnote 3: It is merely a proof that the ore had been formerly very
+imperfectly managed, and still contained enough of silver to pay for
+extraction with profit, by more expert methods.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: This proves only change of place, by solution,
+infiltration, and deposition not growth, increase, or new
+production.--E.]
+
+All these mines become the property of their first discoverer, who
+immediately presents a petition to the magistrates, desiring to have
+such a piece of ground for his own. This is accordingly granted, and
+a spot of ground eighty Spanish yards in length by forty in breadth[5]
+is measured out and appropriated to the discoverer, who chuses what
+spot he pleases within these bounds, and does with it as he thinks
+fit. The exact same quantity is then measured off as belonging to the
+king, and is sold to the best bidder, there being always many who are
+willing to purchase, what may turn out an inestimable treasure. After
+this, if any person may incline to work a part of this mine on his own
+account, he bargains with the proprietor for a particular vein. All
+that is dug out by any one is his own, subject however to payment of
+the royal duties; being one-twentieth part for gold, and a fifth for
+silver; and some proprietors find a good account in letting out their
+grounds and mills to others.
+
+[Footnote 5: In Harris this is said to be _about 1200 feet in length,
+and 100 in breadth_, which is obviously absurd; as the one measure
+gives the Spanish yard at 15 English feet, and the latter at 2-1/2
+feet. Both measures are probably erroneous; but there are no data for
+their correction.--E.]
+
+There are gold-mines just beyond the town of Copaipo, and in all the
+country around, which have attracted many purchasers and workmen to
+that district, to the great injury and oppression of the Indians;
+as the Spanish magistrates not only take away their lands for the
+purposes of mining, but their horses also, which they sell to the
+new adventurers, under pretence of serving the king and improving the
+settlements. There is also abundance of magnet and _lapiz lazuli_,
+of which the Indians know not the value; and some leagues within the
+country, there is plenty of salt and salt-petre, which often lies an
+inch thick on the ground. On the _Cordelieras_, about an hundred miles
+to the east, there is a vein of sulphur about two feet wide, so fine
+and pure that it needs no cleaning. This part of the country is full
+of all sorts of mines, but so excessively barren, that the inhabitants
+have to fetch all their subsistence from the country about Coquimbo,
+over a desert of more than 300 miles extent, in which the earth
+abounds so much in salt and sulphur that the mules often perish by
+the way, for want of grass and fresh water. In that long road there
+is only one river in the course of two hundred miles, which is named
+_Ancalulae_ or the Hyporite, because it runs only from sun-rise to
+sun-set. This is occasioned by the great quantities of snow melted on
+the Cordelieras in the day, which freezes again by the excessive cold
+of the night. Hence _Chili_ is said to derive its name, as _chile_
+signifies cold in the Indian language; and we are told by the Spanish
+historians, that some of their countrymen and others, who first traded
+to this country, were frozen to death on their mules; for which reason
+they now always travel by a lower road, towards the coast.
+
+The mine countries are all so cold and barren, that the inhabitants
+have to procure most of their provisions from the coast; this is
+caused by the exhalations of salts and sulphur from the earth, which
+destroy the growth of all vegetables. These are so stifling to the
+Spaniards who dwell about the mines, that they are obliged often to
+drink the _mattea_, or tea made of the herb _camini_, to moisten their
+mouths. The mules also, that trip it nimbly over the mountains, are
+forced to walk slowly in the country about the mines, and have often
+to stop to take breath. If these vapours are so strong without and in
+the open air, what must they be within the bowels of the earth in the
+mines, into which, if a fresh man go, he is suddenly benumbed with
+pain. This is the case with many, but seldom lasts above a day, and
+they are not liable to be affected a second time: Yet vapours often
+burst forth suddenly, by which the workmen are killed on the spot;
+and one way or another, great multitudes of Indians die in working the
+mines. One is apt to wonder that, through all this part of the world,
+those districts which are most barren and unwholesome are the best
+inhabited; while other places, that seem to vie with our nations of
+the terrestrial paradise, in beauty and fertility, are but thinly
+peopled. Yet, when one considers, that it is the thirst of wealth, not
+the love of ease, which attracts people thither, the wonder ceases,
+and we see how much the hope of living rich gets the better even of
+the hope of living; as if the sole end for which man was created was
+to acquire wealth, at the expence of health and happiness.
+
+In reference to these deserts, the following observation occurs to my
+memory, as having happened when we were on the road to Piura. When
+we lay down to sleep at night, our mules went eagerly in search of a
+certain root, not unlike a parsnip, but much bigger, which contains a
+great deal of juice, and, besides serving as food, often answers as
+a substitute for water in the deserts. When the mules find these, and
+are unable to rake them out of the ground with their feet, they stand
+over them and bray with all their might, till the Indians come to
+their assistance.
+
+It is generally understood that silver is the peculiar wealth of Peru,
+and the Spaniards usually talk of gold-mines as confined to Chili: Yet
+there are one or two _lavaderas_, or washing-places for gold in the
+south of Peru, near the frontiers of Chili. In 1709, two surprizingly
+large _pepitos_, or lumps of virgin gold, were found in one of these
+places, one of which weighed complete thirty-two pounds, and was
+purchased by the _Conde de Monclod_, then viceroy of Peru, and
+presented by him to the king of Spain. The other, shaped somewhat like
+an ox's heart, weighed twenty-two pounds and a half; and was purchased
+by the corregidor of Arica. In searching for these _lavadores_ or
+washing places, they dig in the corners of some little brook, where
+they judge, from certain tokens, that the grains of gold are lodged.
+To assist in carrying away the earth or mud, they let in a stream or
+current of water into the excavation, and keep stirring up the soil,
+that the water may carry it away. On reaching the golden sand, they
+turn the stream another way, and dig out this sand, which is carried
+on mules to certain ponds or basons, which are joined by small canals.
+Into these they introduce a smart stream of water, to loosen the earth
+and carry away the grosser part. The Indians stand in the basons or
+ponds, stirring up the earth to assist the operation of the water, and
+throwing out the stones. The gold remains at the bottom, still mixed
+with a black sand, and is hardly to be seen till farther cleaned and
+separated, which is easily done. These washing places differ much from
+each other. In some the grains of gold are as big as small shot; and
+in one belonging to the priests, near Valparaiso, some are found from
+the weight of two or three ounces to a pound and a half. This way
+of getting gold is much better than from the mines, as it does not
+require expensive digging, neither are mills necessary for grinding
+the ore, nor quicksilver for extracting the metal; so that both the
+trouble and expence are much less. The Creoles are by no means so nice
+in washing their gold as are the people in Europe; but great plenty
+makes them careless, both in this and other matters.
+
+Sec. 6. _OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRADE OF CHILI._
+
+It is not intended in this place to give a description of the large
+kingdom of Chili, but only some account of the nature of its trade,
+and the manner in which that is connected with the general commerce
+of Peru, by which the wealth of Chili is transmitted to Europe.
+Chili extends in length about 1200 miles from north to south, but its
+breadth is uncertain. The air is very temperate and wholesome, unless
+when rendered otherwise by pestilential exhalations, that are most
+common after earthquakes, to which this country is peculiarly liable.
+The winter rains are very heavy, during the months of May, June, July,
+and August; after which, for eight months together, they have fine
+weather, generally speaking. The soil, where it admits of cultivation,
+is prodigiously fertile, and fruit-trees carried thither from Europe
+come to the greatest perfection, so that fruit is coming forward in
+its different stages at all times of the year; insomuch that it is
+common to see apple-trees, in the situation so much admired in orange
+trees, having blossoms, fruit just set, green fruit, and ripe apples,
+all on one tree at the same time. The valleys, wherever they have any
+moisture, wear a perpetual verdure; and the hills are covered with
+odoriferous herbs, many of which are very useful in medicine. The
+country also produces trees of all sorts. Thus Chili, independent of
+its gold-mines, may well be accounted one of the richest and finest
+countries in the world. For instance, the town of Coquimbo, in lat.
+30 deg. S. [30 deg. 20'] a short mile from the sea, in a most delightful
+place. It is situated on a green rising ground, about ten yards high,
+formed by nature like a regular terrace, stretching north and south in
+a direct line of more than half a mile, turning a little at each end
+to the eastwards; and its principal street forms a delightful walk,
+having a fine prospect of the country and the bay. All this is placed
+in an evergreen valley, and watered by a beautiful river, which rises
+in the mountains, and flows in a winding stream to the sea, through
+beautiful meadows and fertile vales.
+
+Notwithstanding its many advantages, this vast country is very thinly
+inhabited; so that through its whole extent there are scarcely five
+towns deserving that appellation, and only one city, named St Jago.
+Through all the rest of the country there are only farms, called
+_estancias_, which are so remote from each other, that the whole
+country cannot muster 20,000 whites capable of bearing arms, of which
+St Jago contains 2000. All the rest of the population consists of
+mesticoes, mulattoes, and Indians, the number of whom may amount to
+three times as many.[1] This is exclusive of the _friendly_ Indians to
+the south of the river _Biobio_, who are reckoned to amount to 15,000
+fighting men, but whose fidelity is not much to be depended upon.
+
+[Footnote 1: Allowing _eight_ persons of all ages and both sexes
+to _one_ fit to bear arms, this would give to Chili, in 1720, a
+population of 160,000 whites, and 480,000 of colour, or 640,000 in
+all.--E.]
+
+The trade of this country is chiefly carried on by sea, and at
+present, 1720, is rather in a declining situation. The port of
+Baldivia was formerly very famous, on account of the very rich
+gold-mines which were wrought in its neighbourhood, which are now in
+a great measure disused. Hence it is now only kept as a garrison,
+serving to Peru as the fortresses on the coast of Barbary do to
+Spain, as a place to which malefactors are sent, to serve against the
+Indians. The trade of this place consists in sending ten or twelve
+ships every year to Peru, laden with hides, tanned leather, salt meat,
+corn, and other provisions, which are to be had here in great plenty.
+
+The port of Conception is more considerable, by reason of its trade
+with the Indians who are not under subjection to the crown of Spain.
+These Indians are copper-coloured, having large limbs, broad faces,
+and coarse lank hair. The nation of the _Puelches_ differs somewhat
+from the rest, as among them there are some who are tolerably white,
+and have some little colour in their cheeks; which is supposed to be
+owing to their having some Europeans blood in their veins, ever since
+the natives of this country revolted from the Spaniards, and cut off
+most of their garrisons; on which occasion they preserved the women,
+and especially the nuns, by whom they had many children; who still
+retain a sort of affection for the country of their mothers, and,
+though too proud to submit to the Spaniards, yet are unwilling to hurt
+them.
+
+These _Puelches_ inhabit the ridge of mountains called _La Cordeliera_
+by the Spaniards, and as the manner of trading with them is very
+singular, it may be proper to give some account of it. When the
+Spanish pedlar or travelling merchant goes into this country, he
+goes directly to a cacique or chief, and presents himself before him
+without speaking a word. The cacique breaks silence first, saying
+to the merchant, _Are you come?_ To which the merchant answers _I am
+come._ _What have you brought me?_ replies the cacique. To which the
+merchant rejoins, _Wine_, and such other things as he may have to
+dispose of, wine being a necessary article. Upon which the cacique
+never fails to say, _You are welcome_. The cacique then appoints
+a lodging for the merchant near his own hut, where his wives and
+children, bidding him welcome, each demand a present, however small,
+which he accordingly gives. The cacique then gives notice to his
+scattered subjects, by means of his horn or trumpet, that a merchant
+is arrived with whom they may trade. They come accordingly and see
+the commodities, which are knives, axes, combs, needles, thread, small
+mirrors, ribbons, and the like. The best of all would be wine, were it
+not dangerous to supply them with that article; as, when drunk, they
+are very quarrelsome and apt to kill one another, and it would not
+then be safe to be among them. When they have agreed on the price, or
+barter rather, they carry away all the articles without then making
+payment; so that the merchant delivers all his commodities without
+knowing to whom, or even seeing any of his debtors. When his business
+is concluded, and he proposes to go away, the cacique commands payment
+by again sounding his horn, and then every man honestly brings to
+the merchant the cattle he owes for the goods received; and, as
+these consist of mules, goats, oxen, and cows, the cacique commands a
+sufficient number of men to conduct them to the Spanish frontiers.
+
+The far greater number of bullocks and cows that are slaughtered and
+consumed every year in Chili, comes from the plains of Paraguay,[2]
+which are in a manner covered by them. The Puelches bring them through
+the plain of _Tapa-papa_, inhabited by the _Pteheingues_,[3] or
+unconquered Indians, this being the best pass for crossing the
+mountains, as being divided into two hills of less difficult access
+than the others, which are almost impassable for mules. There is
+another pass, about eighty leagues from Conception, at the volcano of
+_Silla Velluda_, which now and then casts out fire, and sometimes with
+so great a noise as to be heard even at that city. In that way the
+journey is much shortened, and they can go to Buenos Ayres in six
+weeks. By these communications they generally bring all the beeves and
+goats,[4] which are slaughtered in Chili by thousands for their tallow
+and lard. This last consists of the marrow of the bones, which serves
+throughout all South America instead of butter and oil, for making
+sauces. The flesh is either dried in the sun, or by means of smoke,
+to preserve it for use, instead of salt as used in Europe. These
+slaughters also afford great quantities of hides, especially
+goat-skins, which they dress like Morocco leather, by them called
+cordovanes, and is sent into Peru for making shoes, or other uses.
+
+[Footnote 2: Paraguay is here used in far too extensive a sense,
+as comprising the whole level country to the east of the Andes: The
+plains of Cuyo are those alluded to in the text.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The Pehneuches are probably here meant, who dwell on the
+west side of the Andes, between the latitudes of 33 deg. and 36 deg. S. The
+Puelches on the same side of the Andes, from 36 deg. to 40 deg..--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Perhaps, instead of the goats in the text, _vicunnas_
+ought to be understood.--E.]
+
+Besides the trade of hides, tallow, and dried meat, the inhabitants of
+Conception send every year eight or ten ships of forty or fifty tons
+to Calao laden with corn; besides supplying meal and biscuit to the
+French ships, which take in provisions there in order to proceed
+to Peru, and for their voyage back to France. All this were quite
+inconsiderable for so fine a country, were it better peopled; since
+the land is so extraordinarily fertile, were it well cultivated, that
+they only scratch it for the most part, by means of a plough made of a
+crooked stick, and drawn by two oxen; and, though the seed be scarcely
+covered, it produces seldom less than an hundred fold. Neither are
+they at any more pains in procuring their vines, in order to make good
+wine. Besides which, as they have not the art to glaze their jars in
+which the wine is secured, to make them hold in, they are under the
+necessity of pitching them. And this, together with the goat-skin bags
+in which it is carried from the estancias, gives it a bitter taste
+like treacle, and a flavour to which it is hard for strangers to
+accustom themselves. The grasses also are allowed to grow without any
+attention or industry being employed in grafting. Apples and pears
+grow naturally in the woods, and in such abundance as it is hard to
+comprehend how they could have so multiplied since the conquest, as
+they affirm there were none in the country before.
+
+The mines of _Quilogoya_ and _Quilacura_ are within four leagues of
+this port, and afford vast quantities of gold. At the _Estancia del
+Re_, or king's farm, which is at no great distance, there is by far
+the most plentiful _lavaders_, or washing-place for gold in all Chili,
+where sometimes they find lumps of pure gold of prodigious size. The
+mountains of the Cordelieras are reported to contain a continued chain
+of mines for many hundred miles, which certainly is highly probable,
+as hardly any of these mountains have hitherto been opened without
+vast quantities of metal being found in them, especially fine copper,
+of which all the artillery in the Spanish West Indies is constructed,
+at least all that are used in the countries on the South Seas.
+
+The most considerable port in Chili is Valparaiso, which is esteemed
+one of the best harbours on the whole coast of the South Sea. It lies
+on a river fifteen leagues below St Jago, the capital of Chili.[5]
+To this port all the riches of the mines on every side are brought,
+particularly from those of _Tiltil_, which are immensely rich, and are
+situated between St Jago and Valparaiso. The gold here is found in
+a very hard stone, some of which sparkles and betrays the inclosed
+treasure to the eye; but most of it does not shew the smallest sign
+of gold, appearing merely a hard harsh stone of various colours, some
+white, some red, some black. This ore, after being broken in pieces,
+is grinded or stamped in a mill by the help of water, into a gross
+powder, with which quicksilver is afterwards mixed. To this mixture a
+brisk stream of water is let in, which reduces the earthy matters to a
+kind of mud, which is carried off by the current, the amalgam of gold
+and quicksilver remaining at the bottom, in consequence of its weight.
+This amalgam is then put into a linen bag, and pressed very hard,
+by which the greatest part of the mercury is strained off, and the
+remainder is evaporated off by the force of fire, leaving the gold in
+a little wedge or mass, shaped like a pine-apple, whence it is called
+a _pinna_. This is afterwards melted and cast in a mould, to know its
+exact weight, and to ascertain the proportion of silver that is mixed
+with the gold, no farther process of refining being done here. The
+weightiness of the gold, and the facility with which it forms an
+amalgam with the mercury, occasions it easily to part from the dross
+or earthy matters of the stone or matrix. This is a great advantage
+to the gold-miners, as they every day know what they get; but the
+silver-miners often do not know how much they get till two months
+after, owing to the tediousness of their operation, as formerly
+described.
+
+[Footnote 5: This is a material error. Valparaiso is on no river, and
+lies forty English miles north from the river Maypo, on one of the
+upper branches of which, the Mapocho, St Jago is situated.--E.]
+
+According to the nature of these gold-mines, and the comparative
+richness of the veins, every _caxon_, or chest of fifty quintals,
+yields four, five, or six ounces of gold. When it only yields two
+ounces, the miner does not cover his charges, which often happens; but
+he sometimes receives ample amends, when he meets with good veins; and
+the gold-mines are those which produce metals the most unequally. In
+following a vein, it frequently widens, then becomes narrower, and
+then seems to disappear, all within a small space of ground; and this
+sport of nature makes the miners live in continual hopes of finding
+what they call a _purse_, being the expanded end of a vein, which is
+sometimes so rich as to make a man's fortune at once; yet this same
+inequality sometimes ruins them, which is the reason that it is more
+rare to see a gold-miner rich than a silver-miner, or even one in any
+other metal, although there be less expence in extracting gold from
+the mineral than any other metal. For this reason also the gold-miners
+have the particular privilege that they cannot be sued to execution in
+civil actions. Gold only pays a twentieth part to the king, which
+duty is called _Covo_, from the name of a private individual at whose
+instance the duty was thus reduced, gold having formerly paid a fifth,
+as silver still does.
+
+On the descent of this mountain of _Tiltil_, there runs, during the
+rainy season, a brisk stream of water, which passes through among
+the gold-ore, and washes away abundance of that rich metal, as it
+ripens[6] and breaks from its bed. On this account, this stream is
+accounted one of the richest lavaderos in all Chili for four months
+of every year; and well it may, as there are sometimes found in it
+pellets of gold of an ounce weight. At _Palma_, about four leagues
+from Valparaiso, there is another rich lavadero; and every where
+throughout the country, the fall of a brook or rivulet is accompanied
+by more or less of these golden showers, the richest of which fall
+into the laps of the jesuits, who farm or purchase abundance of mines
+and lavaderos, which are wrought for their benefit by their servants.
+The soil in the neighbourhood of Valparaiso is exceedingly rich and
+fertile, so that forty ships go from thence yearly to Calao, laden
+with corn; yet that commodity still remains so cheap at this place,
+where money is so abundant, that an English bushel of wheat may be
+bought for less than three shillings. It would be still cheaper, could
+all the country be cultivated; but as it has constant dry weather for
+eight months endurance, cultivation is only possible where they have
+brooks or little rills in the vales coming from the mountains, which
+can be applied for irrigating or watering the cultivated land.
+
+[Footnote 6: That is, as the matrix or rock in which it is contained,
+moulders and decays by the influences of the weather and of this
+stream; for the notion of ores ripening is a mere dream or fancy.--E.]
+
+There is a great trade carried on to all parts of Chili from the
+Atlantic ocean, by way of Buenos Ayres, whence the Chilese receive
+some European goods, together with large sums in silver, in return
+for their commodities. This is perhaps the largest route of Indian
+commerce in the world, as the road from Buenos Ayres to Potosi is 1500
+miles; and though the distance from Valparaiso be not above 160 miles
+more,[7] yet it is attended with much greater difficulty, as the
+vast chain of mountains called the Cordelieras of the Andes has to be
+passed, which can only be done during the three first months of the
+year, the passes being impracticable at all other times. At that
+season the merchants come from Mendoza, an inland town about 300
+leagues from Buenos Ayres, and travel through the mountains to St
+Jago. The passage of the mountains usually takes up six or seven days,
+though only about sixty leagues, and the travellers have not only to
+carry their own provisions with them, but also the provender of their
+mules, as the whole of that part of the road is a continued series
+of rocks and precipices, and all the country round so barren and so
+exposed to snows in winter, that it is utterly uninhabitable. The
+remainder of the journey, from St Jago to the mines, and from thence
+to Valparaiso, is both safe and pleasant; and in this the merchants
+have nothing to fear, except staying too long, and losing their
+passage home through the mountains for that season, in which case they
+would have to remain in Chili at least nine months longer than they
+intended.
+
+[Footnote 7: In these estimates, Betagh has been very unfortunate, as
+the direct distance from Buenos Ayres to Potosi does not exceed 1100
+miles, and the distance from Valparaiso, also in a straight line, is
+hardly 800 miles.--E.]
+
+On the whole, though a very great part of the enormous extent of
+the Spanish dominions in South America be absolutely desert, and the
+people in some of the inhabited parts do not acquire large fortunes,
+yet the Spanish settlers in Chili certainly procure immense riches
+yearly, as the country is but thinly inhabited, and all the gold
+drawn from the mines and lavadores must be divided among them. It
+is evident, however, that the greater part of the inhabitants do not
+abound in wealth. Those among them who deal in cattle, corn, and the
+other productions of the country, only acquire moderate fortunes;
+and those who are concerned in the mines are frequently ruined by
+launching out into unsuccessful speculations, and by expensive living.
+Those who are easy in their circumstances, and retire to the city of
+St Jago, Jago, live in such a manner as sufficiently demonstrates
+the riches of Chili; as all their utensils, even those of the most
+ordinary sort, are of pure gold, and it is believed that the wealth
+of that city cannot fall short of twenty millions.[8] Add to this,
+the gold-mines are continually increasing, and it is only for want
+of hands that they are not wrought to infinitely more advantage; for
+those already discovered and now neglected, would be sufficient to
+employ 40,000 men. It may also be observed, that the frauds practised
+against the royal revenue are increasing daily, and, as the riches
+of the Spanish West Indies are measured by the amount of the royal
+revenue, this must make them appear poorer than they are in reality.
+We have one instance of this in the mines of Potosi, which are said to
+produce less silver than they did formerly; yet, on a computation
+for fifty years, the annual revenue to the king has amounted, on the
+average, to 220,000 _pesos_, of thirteen rials and a quarter yearly,
+which shews that the annual produce of these mines, so far as it has
+paid the royal duty, amounts nearly to two million pieces of eight,
+or dollars, and it may be confidently asserted that the royal treasury
+does not receive above half of what is due: wherefore, from this
+example, the rest may be judged of.
+
+[Footnote 8: The coin or denomination is not specified: If dollars, at
+4s. 6d., this would amount to four millions and a half sterling.--E.]
+
+Sec. 7. _SOME ACCOUNT OF THE FRENCH INTERLOPERS IN CHILI._
+
+As the policy of Spain chiefly consists in endeavouring, by all
+possible means, to prevent the riches of these extensive dominions
+from passing into other hands, so the knowledge possessed by other
+nations of the great wealth of these countries, and of the great
+demand for European manufactures among their inhabitants, has excited
+almost every nation in Europe to devise every possible contrivance for
+coming in for a share in these riches, and this with such effect, that
+it is even questionable whether any considerable portion of the riches
+of the new world centres among the inhabitants of Old Spain. This may
+be judged of from the following considerations: Even the trade carried
+on from Spain to the new world is of much greater importance to
+foreigners than to the Spaniards themselves. For as Spain has few
+commodities of its own, and carries on scarcely any manufactures, the
+Spanish merchants at Cadiz have to make up their cargoes by means of
+purchases from other countries; or rather the Cadiz merchants are mere
+factors for the merchants of England, France, and Holland, whose goods
+they send to America, and pay them by the returns made in the Plate
+fleets. Spain also is a country very ill provided with some of the
+necessaries of life, and most of the conveniences; so that prodigious
+sums of the money brought from America have to be yearly exported for
+the purchase of these.
+
+Besides such drawbacks as the above, to which the Spaniards willingly
+submit, there are many others which they are forced to endure: For
+instance, all the negroes they employ in their plantations, in
+which every kind of labour is performed by them, are purchased from
+foreigners, particularly the English and Dutch, at a very large
+annual expence; and, under pretence of furnishing them with negroes, a
+clandestine trade is carried on every year, along the whole coasts
+of their possessions on the Atlantic. In the South Sea, however,
+they were tolerably free from every thing except the depredations
+of pirates, till the general war on account of the succession to the
+crown of Spain, which created a new kind of contraband trade, unknown
+in former times, of which I now propose to give some account.
+
+The _French interlopers_ carried vast quantities of goods directly
+from Europe into the South Seas, which till then had hardly ever been
+attempted by any European nation. This was always viewed with an evil
+eye by the court of Spain, as repugnant to the interests of Spain, and
+diametrically opposite to the maxims of her government; but there
+were many circumstances at that time which rendered this a kind of
+necessary evil, and obliged therefore the people of Old Spain to
+submit to it. As for the Creoles, they had European goods and at a
+cheaper rate, and it did not give them much concern who it was that
+received their money. The town of St Malo has always been noted for
+privateers, and greatly annoyed the trade of the English and Dutch
+during the whole reign of King William, and part of that of Queen
+Anne; and though some allege that money procured by privateering never
+prospers, yet I may safely affirm that the people of St Malo are as
+rich and flourishing as any in all France. Privateering has thriven
+so well among them, that all their South Sea trade has arisen from
+thence; and, during the last war, they were so rich and generous,
+that they made several free gifts to Louis XIV.; and so dexterous were
+they, that though our Admiralty always kept a stout squadron in
+the Atlantic, we were never able to capture one of their South-Sea
+traders. The reason of this was, that they always kept their ships
+extremely clean, having ports to careen at of which we knew not. In
+1709, when I belonged to her majesty's ship the Loo, being one of the
+convoy that year to Newfoundland, we saw and chased upon that coast
+a ship of fifty guns, which we soon perceived to be French-built; but
+she crowded sail and soon left us. She had just careened at Placentia,
+and we wondered much to find such a ship in that part of the world. We
+afterwards learnt, from some French prisoners, that she was a French
+ship bound to St Malo, having two or three millions of dollars on
+board, and was then so trim that she trusted to her heels, and valued
+nobody. They went thus far to the north and west on purpose to have
+the advantage of a westerly wind, which seldom failed of sending them
+into soundings at one spirt, if not quite home. Since Placentia
+has been yielded to Great Britain, they now use St Catherine and
+Islagrande, on the coast of Brasil, and Martinico in the West Indies.
+
+This trade succeeded so well, that all the merchants of St Malo
+engaged in it, sending every year to the number of twenty sail of
+ships. In 1721, I saw eleven sail of these together at one time on the
+coast of Chili, among which were several of fifty guns, and one called
+the _Fleur-de-luce_, which could mount seventy, formerly a man-of-war.
+As this trade was contrary to the _Assiento_ treaty between Great
+Britain and Spain, memorials were frequently presented against it
+at Madrid by the court of London; and the king of Spain, willing to
+fulfil his engagements to the king of England, resolved to destroy
+this contraband French trade. As there was no other way to accomplish
+this but by sending a squadron of men-of-war into the South Sea, and
+as few of the Spaniards were acquainted with the navigation of Cape
+Horn, or could bear the extreme rigour of the climate, the court of
+Spain was obliged to use foreigners on this expedition, and the
+four ships sent oat were both manned and commanded by Frenchmen. The
+squadron consisted of the _Gloucester_, of 50 guns, and 400 men, the
+_Ruby_, of 50 guns, and 330 men, both of these formerly English ships
+of war, the _Leon Franco_, of 60 guns, and 450 men, and a frigate
+of 40 guns, and 200 men. Monsieur _Martinet_, a French officer, was
+commodore of this squadron, and commanded the _Pembroke_,[1] and
+Monsieur _La Jonquiere_ the Ruby. The French conducted the navigation
+round the cape very well, though in the middle of winter; but the last
+ship of the four, which was manned with Spaniards, could not weather
+Cape Horn, and was forced back to the Rio Plata, where she was cast
+away. As the Spaniards have little or no trade into any of the cold
+climates, and are unused to hard work, it is not to be wondered that
+they failed on this occasion, especially considering the improper
+season of the year. The Biscaneers, indeed, are robust enough fellows;
+and had the Leon Franco been manned with them, she had certainly
+doubled the cape along with the other three ships; but the Spaniards
+in general, since acquiring their possessions in America, have become
+so delicate and indolent, that it would be difficult to find an entire
+ship's company capable to perform that navigation.
+
+[Footnote 1: No such name occurs, in enumerating the squadron
+immediately before--E.]
+
+The vast advantage of the trade of Chili by way of Cape Horn, is so
+obvious, that his catholic majesty is obliged by treaty to shut out
+all the European nations from it, as well as the English, although
+his own subjects make nothing of it, as it very rarely happens that
+a Spanish ship ventures to go round Cape Horn. Owing to this, all
+European goods sell enormously dear in Chili and Peru; insomuch, that
+I have been told at Lima, that they are often at 400 per cent. profit,
+and it may be fairly asserted, that the goods carried from France by
+Cape Horn are in themselves 50 per cent. better than those sent in
+the Cadiz _flota_ to Carthagena and Vera Cruz, because the former are
+delivered in six months, fresh and undamaged, while the latter are
+generally eighteen months before they reach Chili. In the course of
+this trade, the French sold their goods, furnished themselves with
+provisions, and got home again, all within twelve or fourteen months.
+
+When Martinet arrived on the coast of Chili in 1717, furnished with a
+commission from the king of Spain to take or destroy all the ships of
+his countrymen found trading in the South Sea, he soon had sufficient
+employment for his squadron and of fourteen ships belonging to St
+Malo, then on the coast, only one escaped him, which lay hid in a
+landlocked creek unseen till he had gone to leeward. Although in this
+he executed the orders of his catholic majesty, and did a material
+benefit to the British South Sea company, yet he almost ruined the
+trading part of the Creole Spaniards, as hindering the circulation of
+money and spoiling business, so that they could not bear the sight
+of the French men-of-war, though they liked the French merchant ships
+very much. On the other hand, imagining that they had done essential
+service to the Spaniards, the French expected to have received at
+least civil treatment in return, during their stay in these seas.
+As soon, however, as Martinet brought his prizes into Calao, and the
+Frenchmen had received their shares of the prize-money, forgetting
+the ancient antipathy of the Spaniards for the French, they gave
+themselves extravagant airs on shore, by dancing and drinking, which
+still more incensed the creolians against them, who called them
+cavachos and renegados, for falling foul of their own countrymen. From
+one thing to another, their mutual quarrels grew so high, that the
+Frenchmen were obliged to go about Lima and Calao in strong armed
+parties, the better to avoid outrages and affronts. At last, a young
+gentleman, who was ensign of the Ruby, and nephew to Captain La
+Jonquiere, was shot from a window, and the murderer took refuge in
+the great church of Calao. Martinet and La Jonquiere petitioned the
+viceroy to have the murderer delivered up to justice: But the viceroy,
+who was at the same time archbishop, would on no account consent to
+violate the privileges of the church. On this refusal, they called all
+their men on board by beat of drum, and laid the broadsides of their
+three ships to bear on the town of Calao, threatening to demolish
+the town and fortifications, unless the assassin were delivered up
+or executed. All this blustering, however, could not prevail upon the
+viceroy to give them any satisfaction, though they had several other
+men killed, besides that gentleman.
+
+At length, unwilling to proceed to extremities, and no longer able
+to endure the place where his nephew had been murdered, La Jonquiere
+obtained leave of his commodore to make the best of his way home.
+About this time, many _padros_ and many rich passengers were assembled
+at Conception in Chili, intending to take their passage to Europe in
+the French squadron, knowing that all ships bound for Cape Horn must
+touch at Conception, or some places thereabout, for provisions.
+La Jonquiere, having thus the start of his commodore, had all the
+advantage to himself of so many good passengers in his ship; for, as
+the king of Spain had no officer at Conception to register the
+money shipped at that place, these passengers and missionaries put
+astonishing sums of money on board the Ruby. They were thereby spared
+the trouble of a voyage to Panama or Acapulco, and travelling thence
+for Portobello or Vera Cruz, where they must have had their coffers
+visited, to see if the _indulto_ of his majesty were fairly accounted
+for. They therefore saved every shilling of that _indulto_, as the
+Ruby touched first in France, where no cognizance whatever was taken
+of this affair. They also got clear of the other moiety payable in
+Spain, as they landed all their money in France.
+
+Besides these rich passengers and their money, the Ruby had also on
+board a considerable sum arising to his catholic majesty from the
+confiscation of the thirteen captured interlopers, all of which, as I
+was informed, amounted to four millions of dollars in that ship. What
+a fine booty we missed therefore by the obstinacy of Shelvocke! For,
+when this ship, the Ruby, found us at the island of St Catharine, her
+company was so sickly that she had not above sixty sound men out of
+four hundred; so that La Jonquiere was actually afraid of us, and
+would not send his boat to the watering-place, where we kept guard,
+and our coopers and sail-makers were at work, till he had first
+obtained leave of our captain; neither is this strange, for he knew we
+had a consort, and was in Spain all the time he staid there, lest the
+Success should have joined us.
+
+After Commodore Martinet had cleared the coast of Chili and Peru
+of his countrymen, he sent his brother-in-law, Monsieur de Grange,
+express with the news to Madrid, who went by way of Panama,
+Portobello, Jamaica, and London. On delivering his message, the king
+of Spain asked what he could do for him, when he humbly requested his
+majesty would give him the command of a ship, and send him again round
+Cape Horn into the South Sea. He accordingly got the Zelerin, of fifty
+guns. He came first to _Calais_,[2] where the ship was getting ready,
+and was surprised to meet with a cold reception from the French
+merchants and other gentlemen of his acquaintance residing there; for,
+as there were merchants of various nations interested in the ships
+taken and confiscated in the South Sea, they universally considered
+him and all the French in that squadron as false brethren, for serving
+the crown of Spain to the prejudice of their own countrymen. Thus,
+while he expected to have had a valuable cargo consigned to his care,
+no man would ship the value of a dollar with him. Captain Fitzgerald,
+who was then at _Cales_, made him a considerable offer for the
+privilege of going out as his second officer, with liberty to take out
+what goods he might be able to procure, in his own name. As de Grange
+was not a little embarrassed, he accepted this offer, and procured a
+commission for Fitzgerald as second captain. They accordingly manned
+the Zelerin chiefly with French seamen, and some English, and got very
+well round Cape Horn. At this time our two privateers, the Success and
+Speedwell, were known to be in the South Seas, and the Zelerin was
+one of the ships commissioned by the viceroy of Peru to cruize for
+us. Fitzgerald sold all his goods to great advantage at Lima, where he
+continued to reside; while de Grange served as captain under Admiral
+Don Pedro Miranda, who took Hately and me prisoners.
+
+[Footnote 2: This, certainly, is a mistake for Cadiz, often named
+Cales by English seamen; and, in fact, only a few lines lower down,
+the place is actually named Cales.--E.]
+
+Though great sufferers by so many confiscations, the merchants of St
+Malo were not entirely discouraged; for, in the year 1720, we found
+the Solomon of St Malo, of 40 guns, and 150 men, at _Ylo_, on the
+coast of Chili, with several Spanish barks at her stern. In the course
+of six weeks, she sold all her cargo, got in a supply of provisions,
+and left the coast without interruption, as by this time Martinet's
+squadron had left the coast. Encouraged by the success of the Solomon,
+the merchants of St Malo fitted out fourteen sail together, all of
+which arrived in the South Sea in the beginning of the year 1721.
+Three of the commanders of these ships, being well acquainted with the
+creolians, quickly sold their cargoes and returned home. About this
+time, the people of Lima judged that our privateers were gone off the
+coast, or at least would not commit any more hostilities, because
+of the truce between the two crowns. Wherefore, the three Spanish
+men-of-war that had been fitted out to cruize against us, were ordered
+against these fresh interlopers. I was on board the Flying-fish, an
+advice-boat that accompanied the men-of-war, when they came up with
+eleven sail of the St Malo ships, which were then altogether on the
+coast of Chili, and, instead of firing on them, the Spaniards joined
+them as friends. At first, expecting to have been attacked, the French
+ships drew up in a line, as if daring the ships of war. This seemed to
+me somewhat strange, that three such ships, purposely fitted out for
+this cruize, should decline doing their duty on their own coasts; for,
+had they proved too weak, they had ports of their own to retire
+to, under their lee. But the ships of war contented themselves with
+watching the motions of the interlopers, keeping them always in sight;
+and when any of the French ships drew near the shore, the Spaniards
+always sent a pinnace or long-boat along with her, carrying the
+Spanish flag, the sight of which effectually deterred the creolians
+from trading with the French. In this manner they contrived to prevent
+all these ships from disposing of their goods, except when they
+were met with at sea by chance, and sold some of their commodities
+clandestinely. At length, completely tired out by this close
+superintendence, the French got leave to take in provisions, and went
+home, at least half of their goods remaining unsold. Notwithstanding
+these losses and disappointments, and severe edicts issued against
+this trade in France, the merchants of St Malo still persist to carry
+it on, though privately, nor is it probable they will ever leave off
+so lucrative a commerce, unless prevented by the strong arm of power,
+or supplanted by some other nation.
+
+Sec. 8. RETURN OF BETAGH TO ENGLAND.
+
+I now return to my own affairs, and the manner of my return to England
+from Peru. I have already acknowledged the kind reception I met with
+from the admiral of the South Seas, Don Pedro Miranda, and the reasons
+of his treating us so civilly. I think it barely justice to mention
+the several favours I received, during the eleven months that I
+continued at Lima, particularly from Don Juan Baptista Palacio, a
+native of Biscay, a knight of the order of St Jago, who came weekly
+to the prison while we were there, and distributed money to us all, in
+proportion to our several ranks. Captain Nicholas Fitzgerald procured
+my enlargement, by becoming security for me; and he afterwards
+supplied me with money and necessaries, from that time till my
+departure; and procured for me and twenty more, a passage to Cadiz, in
+a Spanish advice-boat called the Flying-fish, of which our surgeon's
+mate, Mr Pressick, acted as surgeon, receiving wages, as did the
+rest of our men, being released from prison expressly to assist in
+navigating that vessel home to Spain. For my own part, being well
+treated, I did not think proper to eat the bread of idleness, but kept
+my watches as well as the other officers. And pray, what is the harm
+of all this? Though Shelvocke had the stupidity to call it treason;
+it must surely appear a very malicious, as well as an ignorant charge,
+after a man has been driven among the enemy, to call him a traitor
+because he has been kindly used, and for accepting his passage back
+again; and, because I was not murdered in Peru, I ought to be
+executed at home. This is Shelvocke's great Christian charity and good
+conscience![1]
+
+[Footnote 1: After all, had the Flying-fish been captured by a British
+cruizer, Betagh would have run great risk of being found guilty of
+treason for _keeping his watches_.--E.]
+
+On my arrival at Cadiz, captain John Evers of the Britannia kindly
+gave me my passage to London, and entertained me at his own table. On
+my return to London, and representing the hardships I had undergone,
+nine honourable persons made me a present of ten guineas each; which
+afforded me the satisfaction of seeing, that such as were the best
+judges, had a proper idea of the miseries I had suffered, and approved
+the manner in which I had behaved, the only consolation I could
+receive in the circumstances in which I was left by that unfortunate
+voyage. The fair account I have given of facts, and the detail of my
+proceedings in the Spanish West Indies, together with the account of
+what I observed worthy of notice during my stay in these parts,
+will acquit me, I hope, in the opinion of every candid and impartial
+person, from the aspersions thrown upon me by Shelvocke, in the
+account he has published of his voyage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Note._
+
+"Betagh has fully shewn, that the navigation round Cape Horn is no
+such dangerous or wonderful voyage. If twenty ships from St Malo could
+perform it in one year, and not a single vessel either shipwrecked or
+forced to put back, what shall hinder an English ship or an English
+fleet from doing the same? We see from the foregoing account, with how
+much ease the French carried on a prodigious trade to the South Seas,
+at a time when the appearance of an English ship there was esteemed
+a prodigy. We certainly can send our frigates there, as well as the
+French can their ships from St Malo; and it might be well worth the
+while of our merchants to send out ships to the coasts of Chili and
+Peru, laden with proper goods for that country."--_Harris._
+
+In the present day, this trade to the coasts of Chili and Peru has
+been resumed by the citizens of the United States; but the subjects
+of Britain are debarred from even attempting to take a share, because
+within the exclusive limits of the East India Company; although their
+ships never come nearer to the western coast of America than Canton
+in China, at the enormous distance of 174 degrees of longitude, and
+59 degrees of latitude, counting from Canton in China to Conception in
+Peru, or upwards of _twelve thousand English miles_. It is certainly
+at least extremely desirable, that a trade of such promise should not
+remain any longer prohibited, merely to satisfy a punctilio, without
+the most distant shadow of benefit to the India Company, or to the
+nonentity denominated the South-sea Company.--_Ed._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY COMMODORE ROGGEWEIN, IS 1721-1723.[1]
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+There was, perhaps, no country in the world where commerce was more
+profitable, or held more honourable, than in Holland, or where more
+respect and attention was shewn to it by the government. As the
+republic chiefly subsisted by trade, every thing relating to it was
+considered as an affair of a public nature, in which the welfare
+of the state was concerned, and highly deserving therefore of the
+strictest and readiest attention. The great companies in Holland,
+as in other countries, were considered as injurious to trade in
+some lights, yet necessary to its welfare in others. The _West India
+Company_ of that country, originally erected in 1621, held, by an
+exclusive charter, the commerce of the coast of Africa, from the
+tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and that of America, from
+the southern point of Newfoundland in the N.E. all along the eastern
+coast to the Straits of Magellan or Le Maire, and thence northwards
+again along the western coast, to the supposed Straits of Anian, thus
+including the entire coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The
+directors of this company consisted of seventy-two persons, divided
+into five chambers, of whom eighteen were chosen to administer the
+affairs of the Company, together with a nineteenth person, nominated
+by the States-General.
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris, I. 256. Callender, III. 644.]
+
+The affairs of this Company were once in so very flourishing a
+condition, that it was considered as even superior to their East India
+Company. This prosperity was chiefly owing, to the happy success of
+their affairs at sea; as their admiral, Peter Haines, in the 1629,
+captured the Spanish plate fleet, laden with immense riches. They at
+one time made themselves masters of the greatest part of Brazil; and
+were so considerable that the great Count Maurice of Nassau did not
+think it beneath him to accept a commission from this Company as
+Governor-General of Brazil; which country, however, after it had cost
+them immense sums to defend, they at length lost. The term of their
+charter, originally limited to twenty-four years, expired in 1647,
+and was then renewed for other twenty-five years. During this second
+period, their affairs became so perplexed, so that the Company was
+dissolved towards the close of that term, with its own consent.
+
+In 1674, a new company was erected, by letters patent from the
+States-General, with nearly the same powers and privileges, which has
+subsisted ever since with great reputation.[2] The capital of this
+new company consisted of six millions of florins, which are equal
+to 545,454l. 10s. 10d. 10-11ths sterling. And the limits of their
+authority are the western coast of Africa and both coasts of America,
+all the establishments of the Dutch in these countries being under
+their authority, so that any one who proposes a new scheme of commerce
+in those parts, must necessarily apply himself to that company. Under
+these circumstances, a Mr Roggewein, a person of parts and enterprize,
+formed a project for the discovery of the vast continent and numerous
+islands, supposed to be in the southern part of the globe, under the
+name of _Terra Australis Incognita_, of which the world had hitherto
+only very imperfect notices from others; which project, with a plan
+for carrying the discovery into execution, they presented to the Dutch
+_East_ India Company[3] in 1696, by which it was favourably received,
+and he was assured of receiving all the assistance and support he
+could desire or expect, as soon as the affairs of the Company would
+permit. But the disturbances which soon afterwards followed put a stop
+to the good intentions of the Company; and Mr Roggewein died before
+any thing could be done. Mr Roggewein was a gentleman of the province
+of Zealand, who had addicted himself from his youth to mathematical
+studies, and we have reason to suppose recommended his projected
+discovery on his death-bed to his son.
+
+[Footnote 2: This refers to the year 1743, when Harris wrote: It
+is hardly necessary to say, that Holland and its great commercial
+companies are now merely matters of history.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: From what goes both before and after, this seems a
+mistake for the _West_ India Company.--E.]
+
+After the death of his father, the younger Roggewein applied to his
+studies with much vigour, and qualified himself for the office of
+counsellor in the court of justice at Batavia, where he resided
+for many years. After his return from Java, where he had acquired a
+handsome fortune, he resolved upon carrying his father's projected
+discovery into execution; and, in the year 1721, presented a memorial
+to the West India Company, narrating the proposal of his father
+for discovering the southern continent and islands, which they had
+formerly been pleased to approve of, and which he was now ready to
+attempt. The Company received this memorial with readiness; and, as
+its affairs were now in better order, acquainted Mr Roggewein, that it
+would give immediate orders for equipping such a squadron as might
+be necessary for carrying his design into effect. The squadron
+accordingly fitted out on this occasion consisted of three ships: The
+Eagle of 36 guns and 111 men, commanded by Captain Job Coster, and in
+which Mr Roggewein embarked as Commodore; the Tienhoven of 28 guns and
+100 men, commanded by Captain James Bowman; and the African, a galley
+armed with 14 guns, and carrying 60 men, commanded by Captain Henry
+Bosenthal.
+
+It may be proper to acquaint the reader, that the subsequent account
+of this voyage is derived from an original journal, which never
+appeared before in our language, for which I was indebted to the
+gentleman who commanded the land-forces on board the Commodore, and
+whose name I am not at liberty to mention; neither that of another
+gentleman who was engaged in the voyage, and from whom I received
+considerable assistance. The nature of the expedition is sufficient
+in itself to recommend it to the notice of the curious; and the many
+remarkable particulars it contains, especially respecting the state of
+the Dutch Company in the Indies, renders it both a very entertaining
+and a most instructive performance.
+
+Before proceeding to the narrative of this voyage, I hope to be
+indulged in making a few remarks, which may contribute both to
+amusement and information, and may clear up some points that might
+otherwise appear obscure in the following voyage. It is worth
+observing, that the Dutch West India Company had been long in a
+declining condition; which, instead of dispiriting the Directors,
+engaged them to turn their thoughts to every method that could be
+devised for recovering their affairs. There is so wide a difference
+between our English great chartered companies and those [formerly]
+in Holland, that it may not be amiss to give a concise account of the
+flourishing state of that Company, as it may shew what great things
+may be managed by a board of merchants, for such the Directors
+generally were.
+
+It appears, from the books of the Company, that, in the space of
+thirteen years, from 1623 to 1636, the Company had fitted out 800
+ships, either for war or trade, and that the expence of building,
+equipping, and seamen's wages had cost forty-five millions of florins,
+or upwards of _four millions_ sterling: And, in the same space of
+time, the Company had taken from the enemy 545 vessels, valued at
+_sixty millions_ of florins, or nearly _five and a half millions_
+sterling; besides to the value of _thirty millions_ at the least, or
+nearly _two millions and a quarter_ sterling, in spoils of various
+denominations. The greatest of their exploits was the capture of the
+Spanish _flota_ at the Havannah, by their admiral Peter Heyne; by
+which they gained seven millions of dollars in money, or L. 2,625,000
+sterling; besides ships, brass cannon, and other military stores, to
+the value of above ten millions.[4] Such were the flourishing times of
+the Company.
+
+[Footnote 4: Harris does not say whether dollars or florins: If the
+former, equal to L. 2,250,000 sterling at 4s. 6d. the dollar; if the
+latter, a little above L. 900,000 sterling at 11 florins to the pound
+sterling; both of these the old par of exchange.--E.]
+
+The causes of their decay seem to have been principally the following.
+_First_, their emulation of the East India Company, which induced
+them to make the conquest of Brazil from Portugal, the crown of which
+country had been usurped by their arch enemy the king of Spain. This
+was achieved at a vast expence, and Count Maurice of Nassau was
+appointed governor-general, who conducted their affairs with great
+skill and prudence. _Secondly_, owing to the desire of the Company
+to conduct all things, and repining at the expence incurred by
+that prince in the government of Brazil, was another cause of their
+misfortunes: For the merchants, who had conducted their affairs with
+great wisdom and capacity, while they confined themselves to commerce
+and maritime war, shewed themselves only indifferent statesmen, and
+soon lost all that Prince Maurice had gained, and loaded the Company
+with so heavy a debt, as compelled them in the end to consent to its
+dissolution.
+
+The new West India Company, warned by the example of its predecessors,
+has kept more within bounds, and has certainly managed its affairs
+with great prudence and economy. Having formed a project in 1714,
+for uniting the East and West India Companies into one,[5] and the
+proposition, being rejected, the directors of the West India
+Company very wisely turned their thoughts another way; and it is not
+improbable, that the rejection of their proposal on this occasion
+may have induced them to give encouragement to the proposition of
+Roggewein: For, being disappointed in their aim of coming in for a
+share in the commodities of the East Indies, they were desirous of
+acquiring the same articles of trade by some other means, expecting to
+have found these in the continent or islands proposed to be discovered
+by Roggewein. This also accounts for the extraordinary heat and
+violence of the Dutch East India Company, against those who were
+engaged on the present expedition, and is the true secret of the
+dispute so warmly carried on by the two Companies, and so wisely
+decided by the States-General. When the Dutch East India Company
+persecuted and destroyed Le Maire for his voyage of discovery,
+under pretence of interfering within their exclusive boundaries, the
+government did not interfere, because at that time the power of the
+East India Company was of the highest importance to the state: But,
+as the government of Holland became better established, and especially
+since a share in the public administration has been acquired by such
+as are conversant in trade, the concerns of the East India Company
+have been viewed in a new light. The first who explained this matter
+clearly was that consummate statesman and true patriot, John de Witte,
+whose words are most worthy the attention of the reader.
+
+[Footnote 5: A long, indistinct, and uninteresting account of this
+project is here omitted, which Harris alleges might have transferred
+the whole commerce of Europe to the Dutch, but for which opinion he
+advances no substantial reasons, or rather none at all.--E.]
+
+"When the East India Company had attained to a certain extent of power
+and grandeur, its interests came not only to clash with, but grew
+absolutely opposite to those of the country. For, whereas the
+advantage of the nation consists in the increase of manufactures,
+commerce, and freight of ships; the interests of the Company are to
+promote the sale of foreign manufactures, and that with the smallest
+extent of traffic and navigation that can be contrived. Hence, if
+the East India Company can gain more by importing Japan cloths, India
+quilts, carpets, and chintzes, than by raw silk; or, if the Company,
+by creating an artificial scarcity of nutmegs, mace, cloves, cinnamon,
+and other spices, can raise their price so as to gain as much profit
+by the sale of 100 tons, as it would otherwise gain by the sale of
+1000 tons, we are not to expect that it will import raw silks, or be
+at the expence of transporting 1000 tons of spice; though the former
+would assist and encourage our manufactures at home, and the latter
+would increase our navigation.
+
+This chain of reasoning is so plain, and so evidently agrees with the
+interests of all nations, as well as with those of Holland, that it
+is impossible for any unprejudiced person not to discern that all
+exclusive companies destroy, instead of promoting, the commerce of
+the countries in which they are established. The same great statesman
+already quoted observes, "That the more any country extends its
+foreign conquests, the more of its stock must necessarily be spent,
+for the preservation and defence of these conquests: And consequently,
+by how much the greater are its dominions, so much the less is that
+company able to prosecute the trade, for the promotion of which it was
+erected."[6]--_Harris._
+
+[Footnote 6: The remarks of Harris on this voyage are extended to a
+far greater length than have been here adopted, and are many of them
+loose and uninteresting; but some of those here inserted have a strong
+reference to a most important subject now under consideration of the
+legislature; and the notices respecting the Dutch West India Companies
+are curious in themselves, as well as upon a subject very little known
+in this country.
+
+The subject of this voyage round the world is principally exhausted
+in the _seven_ first sections; all those subsequent being chiefly a
+detail of the Indian settlements of the Dutch East India Company, as
+it was in the year 1722, almost a century ago. These certainly might
+have been omitted on the present occasion, without injury to the
+present article, as a _circumnavigation_: But, as conveying a
+considerable mass of information, respecting the _Dutch possessions in
+India_, now all belonging to Britain, and respecting which hardly any
+thing has been published in the English language, it has been deemed
+indispensable to preserve them.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Narrative of the Voyage from Holland to the Coast of Brazil._[1]
+
+The small squadron of three ships, already enumerated, sailed
+from Amsterdam on the 16th July, 1721, and arrived at the Texel in
+thirty-six hours, where they were provided with every thing requisite
+for so long a voyage. All things being in readiness, they sailed with
+a fair wind on the 21st August; but, as the wind changed next day,
+they were three days in beating to windward through the British
+channel, after which they continued their course to the S.W. for the
+coast of Barbary, but were opposed by a heavy storm which did them
+considerable damage. To this a dead calm succeeded, during which the
+water ran mountains high, owing to agitation they had been thrown into
+by the storm. By the rolling of the ships during the calm, several
+injuries were sustained, one of the vessels losing its main-top-mast
+and mizen-mast; and the main-yard of the Commodore came down with such
+force as to wound several of the people on deck. After two days the
+wind freshened again, and they continued their course S.W. towards the
+Canaries, amusing themselves with observing the manner in which the
+flying-fish endeavours to escape from its enemies, the albicores and
+bonitoes. The _flying-fish_ are not larger than a herring, and raise
+themselves into the air by means of two long fins, one on each side,
+not much unlike the wings of a bat in strength and texture. They are
+considered as good eating, and the sailors are always well pleased
+when they are met with in plenty. The _bonito_ is about two feet long,
+of a greyish colour, finely streaked from head to tail; but the flesh
+is hard, dry, and disagreeably tasted. The _albicore_ is generally
+five or six feet long, and sometimes weighs 150 pounds. They saw
+likewise several water-fowls, particularly _teal_, which the seamen
+account a sign of land being near.
+
+[Footnote 1: In the various steps of this voyage, the merely
+uninteresting journal or log-book incidents have been materially
+abbreviated.--E.]
+
+While in lat. 28 deg. N. and soon expecting to see the Canaries, a sail
+was descried from the mast-head carrying English colours. On drawing
+near she struck her colours and bore away, but re-appeared in about an
+hour, having four sail more in her company, sometimes carrying white,
+sometimes red, and sometimes black colours, which gave reason to
+suspect that they were pirates. The Commodore immediately made the
+signal for the line of battle, and all hands went to work in clearing
+the ship for action, filling grenades, and preparing every thing for
+the ensuing engagement, in which they fortunately had the advantage
+of the weather-gage. Observing this, the pirates put themselves into
+a fighting posture, struck their red flag, and hoisted a black one, on
+which was a death's head in the centre, surmounted by a powder horn,
+and two cross bones underneath. They likewise formed the line, and
+commenced a smart action. The pirates fought very briskly for some
+time, as believing the Dutch ships to be merchantmen; but after two
+hours cannonade, perceiving the Commodore preparing to board the
+vessel to which he was opposed, the pirates spread all their canvass,
+and crowded away as fast as they could sail. Commodore Roggewein, on
+seeing them bear away, called out, _Let the rascals go:_ In which he
+strictly obeyed his instructions; as all the ships belonging to the
+Dutch East and West India Companies have strict orders to pursue their
+course, and never to give chase. In this action, four men were killed,
+and nine wounded in the Commodore, the other two ships having seven
+slain and twenty-six wounded. The carpenters also had full employment
+in stopping leaks, and repairing the other damages sustained.
+
+Continuing their voyage, they had sight of Madeira on the 15th
+November, and in the neighbourhood saw a desert island which is much
+frequented by the pirates, for wood and water and other refreshments.
+They afterwards had sight of the Peak of Teneriffe, which is generally
+esteemed the highest single mountain in the world, on which account
+the geographers of Holland adopt it as the first meridian in their
+maps and charts; while the French and English of late incline to
+fix their first meridians at their respective capitals of Paris and
+London. These differences are apt to create much confusion in the
+longitudes of places, when not explained by the writers who use these
+several modes of reckoning; on which account Lewis XIII. of France, by
+edict in 1634, endeavoured to obviate this inconvenience, by directing
+the first meridian to be placed in the island of Ferro, the most
+westerly of the Canaries.[1] From these islands they directed their
+course for the islands of Cape Verde, so named from Cabo Verde, or
+the Green Cape, a point or mountain on the coast of Africa, called
+_Arlinarium_ by Ptolemy.
+
+[Footnote 1: The Royal Observatory at Greenwich is now the first
+meridian in British maps and globes, from which St Paul's in London is
+0 deg. 5' 37" W. the observatory of Paris 2 deg. 20' E. Teneriffe peak 16 deg. 40'
+W. and Ferrotown 17 deg. 45' 50" W.]
+
+This cape is bounded by two rivers, the Senegal and Gambia, called by
+the ancients the _Garatius_ and _Stachiris_. It has an island to the
+west, which is frequented by an infinite number of birds, the eggs of
+which are frequently gathered by mariners going this way. This cape is
+dangerous to land upon, because of a great many sunken rocks about
+it. The continent is here inhabited by negroes, who trade with all
+nations, and speak many languages, especially French and Portuguese.
+Most of them go naked, except a piece of cloth about their middle, but
+their princes and great men wear long garments of calico striped
+with blue, and made like shifts; they hang also little square bags of
+leather on their arms and legs, but we could not learn of them what
+these bags contain.[2] They wear necklaces made of sea-horses teeth,
+alternating with glass beads; and have caps of blue and white striped
+calico on their heads. They are a prudent and wise people, cultivating
+their soil, which bears good rice and other articles sufficient for
+their maintenance; and the richer people keep cattle, which are very
+dear, as being scarce. They have many good blacksmiths, and iron is
+much, valued among them, being forged into fish-spears, implements for
+cultivating the ground, and various weapons, as the heads of arrows,
+darts, and javelins. Their religion seems to border on Mahometism, as
+they are all circumcised; but they have little knowledge of the true
+God, except among a few who converse with Christians. They are very
+lascivious, and may have as many wives as they please; but the women
+are seldom contented with one husband, and are passionately fond of
+strangers. The whole country is under subjection to the governors
+or head-men of the various towns and villages, who row on board such
+ships as arrive, making them pay customs. Several Portuguese reside
+here, who trade freely with all nations, but have no power or
+authority, except over their own slaves and servants.
+
+[Footnote 2: These are called _obi_, containing a variety
+of ridiculous trash, and are held in superstitious esteem as
+amulets.--E.]
+
+Having the advantage of a strong N.E. wind, they took their departure
+from Cape de Verde, and continued their course for six weeks, without
+coming to anchor or handing a sail. In this long passage, they had
+some days in which the heat was almost insupportable, and the crew
+began to murmur excessively on account of being at short allowance of
+water. On this occasion one of the swabbers got into the hold, and,
+being extremely thirsty, pierced a cask of brandy, of which he pulled,
+so heartily that he was soon intoxicated to a degree of madness. In
+this condition he staggered into the cook-room, where he threw down a
+pan of grease, and being sharply reproved by the cook, drew his knife
+and rushed upon him. Some of the crew gathered about him and wrenched
+the knife out of his hand, but not till he had drawn it two or three
+times across the cook's face. For this they drubbed him soundly, which
+he resented so deeply that he seized a knife as soon as he got loose,
+and gave himself several stabs in the belly. The utmost care was taken
+of his recovery, in order to make him a public example, to prevent
+such actions in future among the crew; and after his recovery he
+was punished in the following manner. Being declared infamous at
+the fore-mast, he was thrice keel-hauled, and had 300 strokes on the
+buttocks, after which his right hand was fastened to the mast with his
+own knife. When he had stood some time in this condition, he was put
+in chains on the fore-castle, being allowed nothing but bread and
+water for some days; and was continued in irons to be set on shore at
+the first barren island they came to.
+
+Continuing their voyage till near the line, they were much incommoded
+by the shifting of the wind; and by scarcity of water, many of the
+crew falling ill of the scurvy. When it sometimes fell entirely calm,
+the heat of the sun became more than ordinarily oppressive, owing to
+which some of the men became quite distracted, others fell into high
+fevers, and some had fits like the epilepsy. Their water, as it grew
+low, stunk abominably, and became full of worms. The salt provisions
+were in a manner quite spoiled, and served only to turn their stomachs
+and increase their thirst. Hunger is said to be the greatest of
+torments, but they had reason to consider thirst as the greatest
+misery incident to human nature. At this time they often observed
+towards evening that the sea appeared all on fire; and taking up some
+buckets of water in this condition, they observed that it was full of
+an infinite number of little globules, of the size, form, and colour
+of pearls. These retained their lustre for some time when held in the
+hand, but on pressure seemed nothing more than an earthy fat substance
+like mud.
+
+They at length crossed the line, with the loss only of one man, who
+died of a high fever; and on getting into the latitude of 3 deg. S. they
+fell into the true trade-wind, before which they scudded along at a
+great rate. In lat. 5 deg. S. they had the sun directly vertical, so that
+they were some days without any observation. In 6 deg. S. they caught
+many dorados and dolphins, both, in the opinion of the author of this
+voyage, being the same fish, of which the dolphin is the male and
+the dorado the female. Some of these are six feet long, but not of
+proportional bulk. In the water they appear excessively beautiful,
+their skins shining as if streaked with burnished gold; but lose their
+splendid appearance on being taken out of the water. Their flesh is
+very sweet and well flavoured, so that the seamen always feast when
+they can procure plenty of this fish. They saw also abundance of
+sharks, many of which are ten feet long. Their flesh is hard, stringy,
+and very disagreeably tasted; yet the seamen frequently hang them up
+in the air for a day or two, and then eat them: Which compliment the
+surviving sharks never fail to return when a seaman falls in their
+way, either dead or alive, and seem to attend ships for that purpose.
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Arrival in Brazil, with some Account of that Country._
+
+Coming near the coast of Brazil, their design was to have anchored
+at the island _Grande_, but finding they had passed that island, they
+continued their course till off Porto, in lat. 24 deg. S. where they came
+to anchor. Some of the ship's company of the commodore then got into
+the boat in order to go shore, both for the purpose of procuring wood
+and water and other refreshments, and in order to bury one of their
+seamen who had died. Before they could get on shore, they descried a
+body of Portuguese well armed moving along the coast, who seemed
+to prevent them from landing, and beckoned the Dutch to keep off,
+threatening to fire if they attempted to land: But, on shewing them
+the dead body, they allowed them to land, and even shewed them a place
+in which to inter their dead companion. Being desirous of procuring
+some intelligence, the Dutch asked many questions about the country,
+but could only get for answer, that Porto was an advanced port to St
+Sebastian, not marked in the charts, and that they were inhabitants
+of Rio Janeiro, which lay at the distance of eight miles.[1] The Dutch
+endeavoured to persuade them to go on board the commodore, but they
+refused, fearing they might be pirates, which frequently used to come
+upon the coast, and, under pretence of getting fresh water, would land
+and pillage any of the little towns near the sea.
+
+[Footnote 1: There must be a considerable mistake here in regard to
+the latitude of Porto, said to be in 21 deg. S. as Rio Janeiro is in
+lat. 22 deg. 54' S. and must therefore have been eighty leagues distant.
+Perhaps the eight miles in the text, as the distance to Rio Janeiro,
+ought to have been eighty leagues or Dutch miles.--E.]
+
+About six months before the arrival of Roggewein at this place, a
+pirate had been there, and, while the crew were preparing to make a
+descent, a French ship of force arrived, which sent her to the bottom
+with one broadside. She sank in thirteen fathoms, and as she was
+supposed to have seven millions on board,[2] they had sent for divers
+from Portugal, in order to attempt recovering a part of her treasure.
+However, by dint of entreaties and the strongest possible assurance of
+safety, two of them were prevailed upon to go on board the commodore,
+where they were very kindly treated, and had clothes given them, by
+which they were induced to carry the squadron into a safe port, which
+was most serviceable to men in their condition, almost worn out with
+fatigues, and in a manner destroyed for want of water.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is a most inconclusive mode of expression, perhaps
+meaning Dutch florins, and if so, about L636,363 sterling.--E.]
+
+The harbour of Porto affords good anchorage in from six to eight
+fathoms. In entering it on the S.W. the main land is on the right, and
+a large island on the left, all the coast appearing very high land,
+consisting of mountains and intermediate vallies, overgrown with trees
+and shrubs. Porto is in a pleasant situation, but at this time had
+no inhabitants. They caught here both fish and tortoises of exquisite
+flavour, and so very nourishing, that about forty of the people who
+were ill of the scurvy, recovered very fast. Having remained there two
+days, in which time they supplied themselves with wood and water, they
+weighed anchor, and in six leagues sailing to the S.W. came into the
+road of St Sebastian. Just when entering the mouth of the river a
+violent storm arose, on which they had to drop their anchors, lest
+they had been driven on the rocks, and to wait the return of the tide
+in that situation. They entered the port next day, and came to anchor
+just before the town, which they saluted, but without being answered,
+either because the Portuguese guns were not in order, of because the
+inhabitants were not pleased, with their arrival, suspecting them of
+being pirates, though under the Dutch flag. In order to remove these
+apprehensions, Roggewein wrote to the governor, informing him what
+they were, and desiring to be furnished with cattle, vegetables,
+fruits, and other refreshments for payment, also requesting the use
+of a few huts on shore for the recovery of the sick men. The governor
+made answer, that these things were not in his power, as he was
+subordinate to the governor of Rio de Janeiro, to whom he should
+dispatch an express that evening, and hoped the commodore would give
+him time to receive the orders of his superior officer. But Roggewein
+was by no means satisfied with this answer, giving the governor to
+know, if he refused to deal with him by fair means and for ready money
+as offered, be should be obliged to have recourse to force, though
+much against his inclinations. Having learnt that there was a
+Franciscan monastery in the town, Roggewein sent also to inform the
+fathers of his arrival, accompanying his message by a present.
+
+It happened fortunately for the Dutch, that a native of Utrecht, one
+Father Thomas, belonged to this monastery, who came immediately on
+board, accompanied by several other monks. He was so much delighted
+at the sight of his countrymen, that he declared he should now die
+in peace, having earnestly wished for twenty-two years to enjoy the
+satisfaction he was now gratified with. The commodore gave him a kind
+welcome, and presented him with whatever was deemed useful for the
+monastery. The prior, who was of the party on this occasion, begged
+the commodore to have patience till the return of the express from
+Rio de Janeiro, and promised to use his interest with the governor, to
+induce him to furnish the demanded refreshments, so that they parted
+well satisfied with each other. In the mean time, the Portuguese came
+down to the coast in large bodies well armed, posting themselves in
+such places as they judged the Dutch might attempt to put their men on
+shore; and at the approach of a Dutch pinnace, thought proper to fire
+at her, by which one of the Dutchmen was dangerously wounded in the
+shoulder. The boat's crew returned the fire by a general discharge of
+their fire-arms, by which two of the Portuguese were brought down,
+and the rest made a precipitate retreat. The Dutch then landed
+immediately, filling what water they had occasion for, and returned on
+board.
+
+On the report of what had happened, which he deemed an act of
+hostility, Roggewein made immediate dispositions for attacking the
+town, ordering his smallest ship to go as near the place as possible,
+while the Teinhoven was ordered to watch the coast, and the commodore
+laid his own ship opposite the monastery, as if he had intended to
+batter it down. All this was merely to frighten the Portuguese
+into better behaviour, and it had the desired effect, as the
+deputy-governor came soon after on board, and entered into a
+treaty, granting every thing desired. He at the same time expressed
+considerable doubts of being paid for what they might furnish, as
+a French ship had been lately supplied with necessaries, and at its
+departure the French captain threatened to burn the town about their
+ears, if they insisted on payment according to agreement and his
+promises on first coming in. The sick were now landed on the island,
+and the whole of the ships companies were daily furnished by the
+Portuguese with beef, mutton, fowls, vegetables, fruits, and every
+thing else they wanted. The ships companies also had leave to go on
+shore, and soon contracted acquaintance among the Portuguese, from
+whom they obtained sugar, tobacco, brandy, and every thing else they
+wished for, in exchange for European goods, although the governor had
+strictly prohibited all commerce, under the strictest penalties. Thus,
+in a very short time the Portuguese became so well satisfied of the
+honesty and good intentions of the Dutch, that they brought back all
+their rich effects, formerly carried out of town when the ships first
+arrived. The Portuguese, however, complained loudly of the bad usage
+they met with from the French, who came frequently to this place with
+their ships, taking whatever they pleased by force, and plundering the
+houses in which they were permitted to lodge the sick; owing to which
+the Portuguese believed that all other Europeans would treat them in
+the same manner.
+
+The town of St Sebastians is situated in lat. 24 deg. S. and long. 60 deg.
+W.[3] being a place of moderate extent, only indifferently fortified
+by an inclosure of palisades, with a few cannon for its defence. The
+church however is a beautiful building, and the palace of the governor
+is very magnificent; but the houses of the inhabitants are only such
+as are commonly met with among the Spanish and Portuguese colonists in
+America. The Franciscan monastery stands on the S. side of the town,
+and accommodates about thirty monks very conveniently. The prior
+shewed to the commodore and his officers a curious idol, which he said
+had been worshipped by the ancient natives of the place. It was the
+image of a creature half tiger half lion, about four feet high and a
+foot and a half round. Its feet resembled the paws of a lion, and
+the head was adorned with a double crown, in which were stuck twelve
+Indian darts, one of which on each side was broken. On each shoulder
+there was a large wing like that of a stork. In the inside was seen
+the statue of a man, completely armed in the manner of the country,
+having a quiver of arrows at his back, a bow in his left hand, and an
+arrow in his right. The tail of this strange idol was very long, and
+twisted three or four times round the body of the man. It had been
+called _Nasil Lichma_, by its worshippers, and the prior said that it
+was made of gold; but the author of this voyage suspected it was
+only gilded. The monks had also a numerous collection of European and
+American curiosities, which they exhibited at the same time.
+
+[Footnote 3: It is impossible to reconcile this longitude with any
+of the first meridians mentioned in a former note, or indeed with any
+known geographical principles. It is 45 deg. 30' W. from Greenwich. If
+reckoned from the meridian of Teneriffe, said to be that used by the
+Dutch, this would place it 21 deg. 10' too far west, as Teneriffe is 16 deg.
+40' W. from Greenwich. This place, in an island of the same name, has
+to be carefully distinguished from the city of St Sebastian, now more
+commonly known by the name of Rio de Janeiro.--E.]
+
+The port, or river rather, of St Sebastian, is three or four leagues
+in length, and about one league broad, having a very fine island on
+the N.E. of about four miles round, and there are smaller islands on
+all the other sides of this haven. The country of Brazil is very large
+and rich, insomuch that the king of Portugal is said to draw as
+great a revenue from hence, as the king of Spain from all his vast
+possessions in America. Its capital is Bahia, or St Salvador, besides
+which there are many other towns, as Siara, Olinda, Rio de Janeiro, St
+Vincent, and others. The country was discovered in 1590; but even at
+this day the Portuguese have not penetrated above eighty leagues
+into the interior. The soil is good, and the country would doubtless
+produce abundance of corn and wine for the use of its inhabitants;
+but, from a principle of policy, the colonists are not permitted to
+cultivate these productions, and are consequently supplied with them
+from Portugal. It is the common opinion that the ancient inhabitants
+were _anthropophagi_, or cannibals, and it is even said that human
+flesh was sold in their markets, as commonly as beef and mutton, but
+of this there is no authentic proof.[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: There is no doubt that at least some of the tribes
+roasted and eat their prisoners, like the Caribs of the West Indies.
+But certainly they had not arrived to that state of civilization as
+to have markets; and beef and mutton were unknown in America, till
+carried there from Europe.--E.]
+
+Such of the natives as were seen were large dark-complexioned men,
+having thick lips, flat noses, and very white teeth. The Portuguese
+are numerous in Brazil, both Creoles, and such as come from time to
+time from Portugal, to repair their broken fortunes. A little time
+before the arrival of Roggewein, the Portuguese had discovered a
+diamond mine not far from St Sebastian, of which at that time they
+were not in full possession, but were meditating an expedition against
+the Indians, in order to become sole masters of so valuable a prize;
+and with this view they invited the Dutch to join them, promising them
+a share in the riches in the event of success. By these means, nine
+of our soldiers were tempted to desert. I know not the success of this
+expedition; but it is probable that it succeeded, as great quantities
+of diamonds have since been imported from Brazil into Europe. They are
+said to be found on the tops of mountains among a peculiar red earth
+containing a great deal of gold; and, being washed down by the great
+rains and torrents into the vallies, are there gathered in lavaderas
+by negroes employed for the purpose.
+
+Brazil abounds with numerous sorts of beasts, birds, and fish, both
+wild and tame. They have tigers that do a great deal of mischief,
+also elephants in great abundance, the teeth of which are of great
+value.[5] There is no country on earth where serpents, and other
+venomous reptiles, are more frequent, or of larger size. So far as
+the Portuguese power and colonization extends, the popish religion is
+established; but vast numbers of the indigenous natives of the country
+remain unsubdued, and continue their original idolatry, being of such
+cruel and vindictive dispositions, that when a Christian falls into
+their hands, the best thing that can happen to him is to have his
+throat cut, as they are, for the most part, put to death by means
+of cruel tortures. The air of the country, though excessively hot at
+certain times of the year, is extremely wholesome, as we experienced
+by our speedy recovery from the scurvy and other distempers. About
+St Sebastian there are vast quantities of venomous musquetoes, which
+sting to such a degree that we were all covered over with blisters.
+Our pilot, having drank too freely of the country rum, and afterwards
+fallen asleep in the open air, had his head, face, arms, and legs so
+severely stung, that his life was in imminent danger, and he recovered
+after a long time, not without much care.
+
+[Footnote 5: There are animals of the tyger kind in Brazil and
+other parts of America, and the Jaguar, Owza, or Brazilian tyger, is
+probably the one here meant. No elephants exist in America, and
+their teeth, mentioned in the text, must have come from some of the
+Portuguese African possessions.--E.]
+
+While here, the commodore kept up a very strict discipline over his
+people; and some of his sailors being complained against as having
+maltreated some Indian women, he caused them to be severely punished,
+and would never afterwards allow them to go on shore. The Dutch and
+Portuguese agreed extremely well, but the governor was far from being
+pleased with his visitors, more especially because he had learnt from
+some of the deserters that the object of the expedition was to make
+discoveries in the south. For this reason he practised every art he
+could devise to hinder and distress them, and furnished them with
+provisions only from day to day, that they might not increase their
+sea-stores. He also frequently talked of there being five or six
+Portuguese men-of-war in Rio de Janeiro, in order to put the Dutch in
+fear of being attacked, and actually sent for the only ship that
+was there at the time, to come to St Sebastian. Roggewein perfectly
+understood the meaning of all this, of which he took no notice, and
+complied exactly with the terms of the agreement entered into with the
+deputy governor, saving part of the fresh provisions daily and salting
+them, cleaned and repaired his ship in succession, and took on board
+tobacco, sugar, and every thing else he wanted, till in a condition
+to continue the voyage. He then fully satisfied the governor for every
+thing procured at this place, making payment in fire-arms, hats, silk
+stockings, linen, stock-fish, and other European articles, and made
+him a considerable present besides. In return, the governor sent
+him some black cattle, and gave him a certificate of his honourable
+behaviour.
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_Incidents during the Voyage from Brazil to Juan Fernandez, with a
+Description of that Island._
+
+Every thing being settled at St Sebastian, Roggewein set sail towards
+the S.W. and falling in with a desert island about three leagues from
+the coast, he set on shore the swabber who had attempted to murder the
+cook, pursuant to his sentence, as formerly related. Leaving the coast
+of Brazil, the commodore proposed to have visited an island called
+Aukes Magdeland, after the name of its supposed discoverer, who
+is said to have seen a light on that island about an hundred years
+before, but did not go on shore. This island was said to be situated
+in the latitude of 30 deg. S. and as being in the route of the navigation
+towards the South Sea, and in a good climate, he proposed to have
+settled a colony there for the service of such ships as might
+afterwards be bound for the _Southern Indies_, the object he was now
+in search of, where they might be supplied with wood, water, and other
+refreshments. But after much pains, he could neither discover that
+nor any other island in or near the latitude of 30 deg. S. He therefore
+altered his coarse, steering for those called the _New Islands_ by the
+Dutch, and the _Islands of St Lewis_, by a French privateer who first
+discovered them. Keeping always within forty or fifty leagues of
+the American coast, the squadron prosecuted its course very happily,
+having always the advantage of the land and sea-breezes; whereas, if
+it had kept farther from land, it would infallibly have fallen in with
+the western trade-wind.
+
+On the 21st December, being in lat. 40 deg.. S. they were assailed by a
+hurricane, attended with thunder and lightning, during which storm
+the Tienhoven parted company, and did not rejoin till three months
+afterwards. The extreme violence of this hurricane only lasted about
+four hours, during which they every moment expected to have been
+swallowed up by the waves, which ran mountain-high. These hurricanes
+are extremely dangerous, and are far more frequent in the American
+seas than in the East Indies. They usually happen at that season of
+the year when the west monsoon reigns, which is from the 20th July to
+the 15th October, for which reason ships usually remain then in port
+till they think the danger is over. Yet as storms of this kind are not
+exactly periodical, ships that trust to such calculations are often
+caught, as there are some years in which there are no hurricanes, and
+others in which they are more frequent and violent, and at unusual
+periods. The ordinary, or at least the surest sign of an approaching
+hurricane, is very fair weather, and so dead a calm that not even a
+wrinkle is to be seen on the surface of the sea. A very dark cloud is
+then seen to rise in the air, not larger than a man's hand, and in a
+very little time the whole sky becomes overcast. The wind then begins
+to blow from the west, and in a short space of time, whirls round the
+compass, swelling the sea to a dreadful height; and as the wind blows
+now on one side and then on the other, the contrary waves beat so
+forcibly on the ships that they seldom escape foundering or shipwreck.
+On first perceiving the before-mentioned small cloud, the best thing
+a ship can do is to stand out to sea. It is remarkable that the
+hurricanes are less frequent as we approach the higher latitudes in
+either hemisphere, so that they are not to be feared beyond the lat.
+of 55 deg. either S. or N. It is also remarked, that hurricanes rarely
+happen in the middle of the wide ocean, but chiefly on the coasts of
+such countries as abound with minerals, and off the mouths of large
+rivers. Another surprising phenomenon at sea is what is called a
+whirlwind water-spout, or syphon, which often carries up high into
+the air whatever comes within the circle of its force, as fish,
+grasshoppers, and other things, where they appear like a thick vapour
+or cloud. The English fire at a water-spout or whirlwind, and often
+succeed in stopping its progress; the circular motion ceasing, and all
+that it had taken up falling immediately down, when the sea becomes
+presently calm.
+
+On the cessation of the hurricane, the commodore and his remaining
+consort, the African galley, continued their course to the S.S.W. till
+in the height of the Straits of Magellan. They here fell in with an
+island of near 200 leagues in circumference, and about 14 leagues from
+the mainland of America, and seeing no smoke, nor any boat, or other
+kind of embarkation, they concluded that it was uninhabited. The west
+coast of this island was discovered by a French privateer, and named
+the Island of St Lewis; but being seen afterwards by the Dutch, who
+fancied its many capes to be distinct islands, they called it _New
+Islands_. Considering that, if ever it should be inhabited, its
+inhabitants would be the antipodes of the Dutch, Roggewein gave it the
+name of _Belgia Australis_. It is in the lat. of 52 deg. S. and long. of
+95 deg. W.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: There is not the smallest doubt that the text refers
+to the Falkland islands or Malouines, which consist of two principal
+islands, called West and East Islands, besides a number of islets,
+about 360 English miles from the continent of South America. The
+centre of the west, or principal island, is in lat. 51 deg. 25' S. and
+long. 60 deg. W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+The land appeared extremely beautiful and very fertile, being
+chequered with mountains and vallies, all of which were cloathed with
+fine straight trees. The verdure of the meadows, and freshness of the
+woods, afforded a delightful prospect, insomuch that all the people
+believed they should have found abundance of excellent fruits. But the
+commodore would not delay by permitting them to land, being anxious
+to get round Cape Horn, and chose therefore to defer a thorough
+examination of this new country till his return from discovering the
+southern continent and islands: This, however reasonable, proved vain
+in the sequel, as he was forced to return with his squadron by the
+East Indies; and this fine island, therefore, is likely to continue in
+a great measure unknown.
+
+Quitting this island, they made for the Straits of Magellan, in order
+to wait a wind favourable for their navigation, which took place in a
+few days: for, if it had continued to blow from the west, they could
+not possibly have got into the South Seas. They now resolved to
+attempt the Straits of Le Maire, as infinitely more commodious than
+the Strait of Magellan, in which latter the sea has but small depth,
+and the meeting of the north and south currents occasion continual
+rough seas. The bottom also of the Straits of Magellan is rocky,
+affording no good anchorage; and the flows of winds from the mountains
+on both sides are apt to endanger all ships that endeavour to pass
+through these perilous straits. Having now a fair wind, they continued
+their course to the south for the Straits of Le Maire, seeing on their
+way abundance of whales and other large fish of that kind. Among the
+rest, they were followed for a whole month by that kind of fish which
+is called the _Sea Devil_ by the Dutch sailors, which they took the
+utmost pains to catch, but to no purpose. It has a large head, a thick
+short body, and a very long tail, like that which painters bestow on
+the dragon.
+
+Arriving in the lat. of 55 deg. S. they soon after saw State Island, or
+Staten-land, which forms one side of the Straits of Luttaire. The
+fury of the waves, and the clashing of contending currents, gave such
+terrible shocks to their vessels, that they expected every moment
+their yards should have been broken, and their masts to come by the
+board. They would gladly have come to anchor, especially on finding
+the bottom to be good, but the weather and the sea were so rough that
+they durst not. They passed through the straits, which are about ten
+leagues long, by six over, with a swiftness not to be expressed, owing
+to the force and rapidity of the current. After getting through, this
+current, together with the westerly winds, carried them a great way
+from the coast of America; and, that they might be sure to sail free
+of Cape Horn, they sailed as high as the lat. of 62 deg. 30' S. For three
+weeks together, they sustained the most dreadful gusts of a furious
+west wind, accompanied with hail and snow, and the most piercing
+frost. While enveloped in thick mists, they were apprehensive of being
+driven by the extreme violence of the winds upon mountains of ice,
+where they must inevitably have perished.
+
+Whenever the weather was in any degree clear or serene, they had
+scarcely any night; for, being in the middle of January, 1722, the
+summer was then in its height, and the days at their utmost length.
+
+These mountains of ice, of which they were so much afraid, are certain
+proofs that the southern countries extend quite to the pole, as well
+as those under the north; for, without question, these vast hills of
+ice cannot be produced in the sea, nor formed by the common force of
+cold. It must therefore he concluded, that they are occasioned by the
+sharp piercing winds blowing out of the mouths of large rivers.[2] It
+is no less certain, that the currents discerned in this ocean must all
+proceed from the mouths of large rivers, which, rolling down from
+a high continent, fall with such impetuosity into the sea, as to
+preserve a great part of their force long after they have entered
+it.[3] The great quantity of birds seen here was an additional proof
+that land was not far off. It may be asked, whether this land be
+inhabited or not? For my part I believe it is. It may be again asked,
+How men should live in such a climate, in the lat. of 70 deg. S. where the
+winter is so very long, the summer so short, and where they must be
+involved for so great a portion of the year in perpetual night? To
+this I answer, That such as dwell there come only in the fine season
+in order to fish, and retire on the approach of winter, as is done by
+many of the inhabitants of Russia and of Davis Straits, who, when they
+have provided themselves with fish on the coasts of a frozen climate,
+retire farther inland, and eat in their cabins during the winter
+the fish they have caught in the summer. If the people who inhabit
+Greenland and Davis Straits are to be believed, the country is
+inhabited even as high as 70 deg. N. both winter and summer; and what is
+practicable in one country, cannot justly be reputed impracticable
+when supposed in another.[4]
+
+[Footnote 2: This is quite erroneous, as it is now well known that
+the sea water freezes, when reduced to a sufficient degree of cold,
+considerably lower than what is requisite for freezing fresh water. On
+this occasion, the salt precipitates from the freezing water, and the
+ice of sea water is sufficiently fresh for use when melted, if the
+first running be thrown away, which often contains salt, either
+adhering to the surface, or contained in cells.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: This is poor reasoning to support a preconceived theory
+of a southern continent, and might easily have been answered by
+themselves, as the prodigious current which set them through the
+Straits of Le Maire with such rapidity, could not have originated from
+any such cause. Currents are well known to be occasioned by the
+tides, the diurnal revolution of the earth, and by prevailing winds,
+influenced and directed by the bendings of coasts, the interposition
+of islands, and the position of straits. No such currents could
+possibly come from rivers in an austral land, locked up in ever-during
+frost, should any such land exist.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: It might be asked, whence are these fishers to come?
+Not surely from among the miserable inhabitants of Terra del Fuego.
+A miserable hypothesis is thus often obstinately defended by wretched
+arguments.--E.]
+
+Being driven 500 leagues from the continent by the contrary winds, the
+commodore now believed that he was beyond Cape Horn to the westwards,
+and steered therefore N.E. by N. in order to fall in with the coast of
+Chili. On the 10th March, being in lat. 37 deg. 30' S. they discovered
+the coast of Chili to their great joy, and anchored soon after on
+the coast of the island of Mocha, which is three leagues from the
+continent.[5] They were in hopes of finding on this island at least a
+part of the refreshments of which they were in want, especially fresh
+meat and vegetables, but were disappointed, by finding the island
+entirely abandoned, all its inhabitants having removed to the main
+land. They saw, however, in the island a multitude of horses and
+birds, and found some dogs in two cabins near the shore. They also
+discovered the wreck of a Spanish ship, from which they supposed the
+dogs had got on shore. The horses were supposed to have been left here
+to graze, and that the owners came at certain times from the main to
+take them, as wanted. They here killed abundance of geese and ducks;
+and finding the coast extremely rocky, and having no safe place of
+anchorage, they resolved to put to sea. In a council of the officers,
+it was determined to continue for some time longer on the coast of
+Chili, in hopes of meeting with some port in which they could
+safely anchor, in order to get some refreshments; but perceiving the
+Spaniards to be every where on their guard, they steered W.N.W.
+for the island of Juan Fernandez, which they reckoned to be at the
+distance of ninety leagues in that direction. Although the coast of
+Chili appears to be enormously high when seen from a distance, they
+discovered, by sailing along shore, that it was not higher than the
+coast of England, and that they had been deceived by the enormous
+height of the inland mountains, the tops of which are hid in the
+clouds, and cloathed in perpetual snow.
+
+[Footnote 5: Mocha is in lat. 36 deg. 20' S. and about 20 miles from the
+coast of Chili.--E.]
+
+Having a favourable wind, they made way at a great rate, and got sight
+of the island of Juan Fernandez, on the fourth day after leaving the
+coast of Chili, but could not get to anchor that day in the road,
+owing to its falling calm. Next day, when ready to go in, they were
+astonished by seeing a ship riding at anchor, which they conjectured
+to be either a Spanish ship of force or a French interloper, but at
+last concluded to be a pirate. While consulting what to do, they saw
+the boat belonging to the ship coming towards them, carrying a Spanish
+flag, on which they began to prepare for an engagement, but were
+astonished beyond measure, on its nearer approach, to find that it
+belonged to their consort the Tienhoven, which they concluded had
+foundered. Captain Bowman was himself on board the boat, and shewed
+how well he had followed his instructions, as, by the commodore's
+orders in case of separation, this was to be the first place of
+rendezvous; whence, after cruizing six weeks, they were to repair
+to lat. 28 deg. S. and cruize there a similar time: But, in case of not
+meeting the commodore in either of these places, they were then to
+open their sealed instructions, and follow them exactly. As soon as
+Captain Bowman was on board the commodore, he made a signal agreed
+on to his own ship, to acquaint them that the two ships were their
+consorts, After this, the Eagle and African entered the harbour.
+
+When leisure permitted, Captain Bowman gave an account of the dangers
+he had encountered in passing the Straits of Magellan: That he had met
+with many storms on the coast of America, and that his ship was in a
+very bad condition, having only arrived at Juan Fernandez the evening
+before his consorts, both of which he believed had been lost in
+the hurricane at the time of their separation. The three captains
+afterwards dined together very cheerfully in the Tienhoven, where they
+recounted and reciprocally commiserated their past misfortunes, and
+rejoiced at their present happy meeting. As it still continued a dead
+calm, they were unable to come to anchor at the place intended, but
+they next day got close beside the Tienhoven, anchoring in forty
+fathoms, within musket-shot of the shore. The sick were now landed,
+and proper persons sent ashore along with them to construct cabins
+or huts for their accommodation; and to search for provisions and
+refreshments.
+
+According to the author of this voyage, the island of Juan Fernandez
+is one of the finest and best situated in the world, having a
+pleasant, wholesome, and temperate climate, fit to restore health to
+the sick, and to give a constant flow of spirits to those who are
+in health, which this author personally experienced, having here
+recovered from a complication of disorders to perfect health. The
+hills are covered with tall trees of various kinds, fit for all kinds
+of uses; and the vallies are fertile, and able to produce all the
+necessaries of life with very little cultivation. It abounds with
+small streams and brooks, the banks of which are covered with
+wholesome giants; and the waters which run down from the mountains,
+though not in the least disagreeable to the taste, or injurious to
+health, are so impregnated with some mineral particles, that they
+never corrupt. On the east side of the bay in which the Dutch ships
+anchored, there are three mountains, the middlemost of which resembles
+the Table Mountains at the Cape of Good Hope. Behind these there
+are many other mountains which rise to a prodigious height, and are
+generally covered by very thick mist, especially in the mornings and
+evenings, whence I am apt to suspect that these mountains may contain
+rich mines. To give a just idea of the island in few words, it
+resembles in all respects the country at the Cape of Good Hope.
+
+This author also mentions the sea-lions and seals of other writers,
+and adds, that there are sea-cows also of enormous size, some weighing
+near half a ton. He also mentions the abundance and excellence of the
+fish, of which the Dutch cured many thousands during their short stay,
+which proved extraordinarily good, and were of great service during
+the rest of the voyage. He mentions goats also on the island in
+abundance, but says the Dutch were unable to catch them, and at a loss
+how to get at their bodies when shot; but they were frightened from
+this sport by an unlucky accident which happened to the steward of one
+of the ships, soon after their arrival, who, rambling one evening in
+the mountains, fell suddenly from the top of a rock and was dashed to
+pieces. They found here the remains of a wreck, supposed by them to
+have been of a Spanish ship; but it was more probably the vestiges of
+the Speedwell, lost a year before, and from which, by diving, some of
+the sailors recovered several pieces of silver plate.
+
+Having attentively considered the advantageous situation and many
+conveniences of this island, Roggewein conceived the design of
+settling on it, as the most proper place that could be thought of
+for ships bound, as he was, for the _Terra Australis_, or southern
+islands, and was the more encouraged in this design by considering
+the fertility of the island, which could not fail to afford sufficient
+subsistence for six hundred families at least. He postponed this,
+however, as also the settlement of _Belgia Australis_, or Falkland
+islands, till his proposed return, owing to which they never were
+settled. A settlement at the latter might have afforded a proper place
+for ships to careen and refit at, and to procure wood and water, after
+the long voyage from Europe, before entering the Straits of Magellan,
+and Juan Fernandez would have afforded every convenience for repairing
+any injuries that might have been sustained in passing through these
+straits, or going round Cape Horn. Whatever nation may revive and
+prosecute this plan, will certainly acquire in a few years as rich and
+profitable a commerce as is now possessed by the Spaniards with Mexico
+and Peru, or the Portuguese with Brazil.[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Britain once tried a settlement at Falkland islands, and
+had nearly gone to war with Spain on the occasion; and there can be no
+doubt that Spain could never have submitted to the settlement of Juan
+Fernandez by any other power. There is now a fort and small garrison
+kept in that island.--E]
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Continuation of the Voyage from Juan Fernandez till the Shipwreck of
+the African Galley._
+
+On leaving Juan Fernandez, Roggewein proposed to visit that part of
+the southern lands which was reported to have been discovered by Davis
+in 1680.[1] As the Dutch author of this voyage is rather dark on this
+subject, I shall here insert Mr Wafer's account of this discovery, as
+it is very short. Wafer was a man of sense and knowledge, who sailed
+along with Davis when this discovery was made.
+
+[Footnote 1: We have omitted a long, inconclusive, and uninteresting
+discussion about the climate and productions of the proposed
+discovery, the _Terra Australis_, which still remains _incognito_, or
+rather has been clearly shewn to have no existence.--E.]
+
+"We steered from the Gallapagos island S. by E. 1/2 E. until we came
+into the lat. of 27 deg. 20' S. when we fell in with a low sandy island,
+and heard a great roaring noise right a-head of the ship, like that
+of the sea beating on the shore. It being some hours before day, and
+fearing to fall foul of the shore, the ship put about, and plied off
+and on till next morning, and then stood in for the land, which
+proved to be a small flat island, not surrounded by any rocks. To the
+westwards, about twelve leagues by estimation, we saw a range of high
+land which we took to be islands, as there were several partitions
+in the prospect, and this land seemed to extend fourteen or sixteen
+leagues. There came great flocks of fowls from that direction; and I
+and more of the men would have made this land and gone on shore there,
+but the captain would not consent. The small island bears 500 leagues
+from Copaipo almost due W. and from the Gallapagos 600 leagues."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: There can be no doubt that the small low flat island was
+Easter island, in lat. 27 deg. 20' S. long. 110 deg. 10' W. Its distance from
+Copaipo, almost due W. is almost exactly 40 deg. or 800 marine leagues.
+The range of high land seen to the westwards, could be nothing but a
+fog bank, so that Roggewein set out from Juan Fernandez in search of a
+nonentity.--E.]
+
+In prosecuting his voyage to the westwards, the first land seen by
+Roggewein was the lesser island of Juan Fernandez, otherwise called
+Massa-fuero, about ninety-five English miles direct west. This
+appeared lower and less fertile from a distance, but they had not an
+opportunity of landing. Having the benefit of a S.E. trade-wind, they
+soon arrived in lat. 28 deg. S. and the longitude of 251 deg. E. where they
+expected to have fallen in with the land seen by Davis, but no such
+land was to be found. Continuing their voyage to the westwards, and
+attended by a vast quantity of birds, they arrived on the coast of a
+small island about sixteen leagues in extent, which they fell in with
+on the 14th April, 1722, being Easter-day, and called it therefore
+_Pascha_, or _Easter_ Island.
+
+The African galley being the smallest ship, was sent in first to
+examine this new discovery, and reported that it seemed to be very
+fertile and well peopled, as abundance of smoke was to be seen in all
+parts of the island. Next day, while looking out for a port, and when
+about two miles from the shore, an Indian came off to the ships in a
+canoe, who came readily on board and was well received. Being naked,
+he was first presented with a piece of cloth to cover him, and they
+gave him afterwards pieces of coral, beads, and other toys, all of
+which he hung about his neck, together with a dried fish. His body was
+painted all over with a variety of figures, through which the
+natural colour of his skin appeared to be dark brown. His ears were
+excessively large and long, hanging down to his shoulders, occasioned
+doubtless by wearing large heavy ear-rings; a thing also practised
+by the natives of Malabar. He was tall, well-made, robust and of a
+pleasing countenance, and brisk and active in his manners, appearing
+to be very merry by his gestures and way of speaking. They gave him
+victuals, of which he eat heartily, but could not be prevailed on to
+use a knife and fork; and when offered a glass of wine threw it away
+to their great surprise, afraid of being poisoned, or offended by
+the smell of strong liquor, to which he was unaccustomed. He was then
+dressed from head to foot, and had a hat put on his head, with which
+he did not seem at all pleased, but cut a very awkward figure, and
+seemed uneasy. The music was then ordered to play, with which he
+seemed much pleased, and when taken by the hand would leap and dance.
+Finding it impossible to bring the ships to anchor that day, they
+sent off the Indian, allowing him to keep all he had got in order to
+encourage the rest to come on board. But, what was really surprising,
+he had no mind to go away, and looked at the Dutch with regret, held
+up his hands towards his native island, and cried in a loud voice
+several times _Odorega!_ making appear by signs that he would much
+rather have staid, and they had much ado to get him into his canoe.
+They afterwards imagined he called upon his gods, as they saw
+abundance of idols erected on the coast when they landed.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: It will be afterwards seen in the modern
+circumnavigations, that there are several gigantic statues, having
+a distant resemblance to the human figure, on this island, which are
+perhaps alluded to in the text.--E.]
+
+
+Next morning at day-break, the ships entered a cove or bay on the S.E.
+side of the island, when _many thousands_[4] of the inhabitants came
+down to meet them, bringing with them vast quantities of fowls and
+roots; and many of them brought these provisions on board, while
+the rest ran backwards and forwards on the shore, like so many wild
+beasts. As the ships drew near, the islanders crowded down to the
+shore to get a better view of them, and at the same time lighted
+fires, and made offerings to their idols, probably to implore their
+protection against the strangers. All that day the Dutch spent in
+getting into the bay and mooring their ships. Next morning very early,
+the islanders were observed prostrating themselves before their idols
+towards the rising sun, and making burnt offerings. While preparations
+were making for landing, the friendly native who had been before on
+board came a second time, accompanied by many others, who had their
+canoes loaded with living fowls and roots cooked after their manner,
+as if to make themselves welcome. Among this troop of islanders there
+was one man perfectly white, having round pendents in his ears as big
+as a man's fist. He had a grave decent air, and was supposed to be a
+priest. By some accident, one of the islanders was shot dead in his
+canoe by a musket, which threw the whole into prodigious confusion,
+most of them leaping into the sea in order to get the sooner ashore;
+while the rest who remained in their canoes paddled away with all
+their might.
+
+[Footnote 4: This surely is a prodigious exaggeration, as the island
+is utterly incapable to have supported any considerable number of
+inhabitants, and there is not any other within 1500 miles.--E.]
+
+The Dutch presently followed, and made a descent with 150 soldiers and
+seamen, at the head of whom was Commodore Roggewein, accompanied by
+the author of the voyage, who commanded the soldiers. The islanders
+crowded so close upon them while landing, that they thought it
+necessary to make their way by force, especially as some of the
+natives were so bold as to lay hold of their arms; and the Dutch
+accordingly fired, when a great number of the islanders were slain,
+among whom was the friendly native who had been twice aboard ship.
+This frightened and dispersed them; yet in a few minutes they rallied
+again, but did not come quite so near the strangers as before, keeping
+at the distance of about ten yards, as if they supposed that
+were sufficient to ensure their safety from the muskets. Their
+consternation was however very great, and they howled and lamented
+dismally. After all, as if to employ every possible means to mollify
+their invaders, the men, women, and children presented themselves in
+the most humble postures, carrying branches of palm in token of peace
+and submission, bringing plenty of provisions of all kinds, and even
+pointing to their women, giving the Dutch to understand by signs that
+these were entirely at their disposal, and that they might carry as
+many of them on board ship as they thought proper. Softened by these
+tokens of submission, the Dutch did them no farther harm, but
+made them presents of coral beads and small looking-glasses, and
+distributed among them sixty yards of painted cloth.
+
+The natives now brought at once to the Dutch about 500 live fowls,
+every way the same with the ordinary poultry of Europe, together with
+a great quantity of red and white roots and potatoes, which these
+islanders use instead of bread. They brought also several hundred
+sugar-canes, and a great quantity of _pisans_, which are a sort of
+figs as large as gourds covered by a green rind, the pulp of which is
+as sweet as honey. The leaves of the tree on which these figs grow
+are six or eight feet long and three broad, and there are sometimes an
+hundred of these _pisans_ on one bough. The Dutch saw no quadrupeds of
+any kind, yet supposed there might be cattle and other beasts in the
+interior, as on shewing some hogs to the islanders, they expressed by
+signs that they had seen such animals before. They used pots to dress
+their meat in; and it appeared that every family or tribe among
+them dwelt in a separate village. The huts or cabins composing these
+villages were from forty to sixty feet long, by six or eight feet
+broad, made of upright poles, having the interstices filled up with
+loam or fat earth, and covered at top with palm leaves. They drew most
+of their subsistence from the earth by cultivation, the land being
+portioned out into small plantations very neatly divided and staked
+out. While the Dutch were there, almost all the fruits and roots were
+in full maturity, and the island seemed to abound in good things. In
+their houses there were not many moveables, and those they had were
+of no value, except some red and white quilts or cloths, which served
+them in the day for mantles, and at night for coverlets. The stuff of
+which these were composed felt as soft as silk, and was probably of
+their own manufacture.
+
+The natives of this island were in general a brisk, slender, active,
+well-made people, very swift of foot, and seemed of sweet tempers, and
+modest dispositions, but timorous and faint-hearted; for whenever they
+brought fowls or other provisions to the Dutch, they threw themselves
+on their knees, and immediately on delivering their presents retired
+in all haste. They were mostly as brown-complexioned as Spaniards,
+some among them being almost black, while others were white, and
+others again had their skins entirely red, as if sun-burnt. Their ears
+hung down to their shoulders, and some had large white bales hanging
+to them, which they seemed to consider as a great ornament. Their
+bodies were painted all over with the figures of birds and other
+animals, on some much better executed than on others.[5] All their
+women had artificial bloom on their cheeks, but of a much deeper
+crimson than is known in Europe, and the Dutch could not discover what
+this colour was composed of. They wore little hats on their heads
+made of straw or reeds, and had no other covering than the quilts or
+mantles formerly mentioned.[6] The women were by no means extremely
+modest, for they invited the Dutchmen into their houses by signs,
+and when they sat by them would throw off their mantles, as inviting
+familiarity. It is very singular of these islanders, that the Dutch
+saw no appearance whatever of arms among them; but, when attacked,
+they fled for refuge to their idols, numbers of which were erected
+all along the coast. These idols were all of stone, representing
+the figures of men with great ears, their heads covered by the
+representations of crowns; and all so nicely proportioned, and
+so highly finished, that the Dutch were much amazed. Many of the
+inhabitants seemed to be more frequent and more zealous worshippers
+of these images than the rest, which induced the Dutch to believe that
+these were priests; and that the more especially, as their heads were
+close shaven, on which they wore caps of black and white feathers,[7]
+and they had large white balls hanging at their ears.
+
+[Footnote 5: _Tatooed_ in all probability, a practice so common
+through the inhabitants of Polynesia, which will be minutely described
+in an after division of this collection. It may suffice to say at
+present, that this decoration is formed by pricking the skin with
+sharp instruments till it just bleeds, and afterwards rubbing
+some coloured powders into the punctures, which leave indelible
+stains.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 6: It is left ambiguous whether these straw hats and mantles
+were worn by both sexes, or confined exclusively to the women.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 7: A dissertation is here omitted on a fancied migration
+of storks annually from Europe to this island and others in the
+South-sea, as high as lat. 40 deg. and 50 deg. S. merely because the Dutch
+thought the feathers in these caps resembled those of storks.--E.]
+
+No appearance of government or subordination was observed among these
+islanders, and consequently no prince or chief having dominion over
+the rest. The old people wore bonnets made of feathers resembling
+the down of ostriches, and had sticks in their hands. In some of the
+houses, the father of the family was observed to have rule over all
+its inhabitants, and was obeyed with the greatest readiness. In the
+opinion of the Dutch author of this voyage, this island might be
+settled to great advantage, as the air is very wholesome and the soil
+rich; being proper for producing corn in the low lands, and its higher
+grounds might be converted into vineyards. On the evening, after
+returning on board, Roggewein proposed to land again next morning with
+a force sufficient to make a strict survey of the whole island: But
+during the night there arose so strong a west wind as drove them from
+their anchors, and they were forced to put to sea, to avoid being
+shipwrecked. After this misfortune, they cruized for some time in the
+same latitude, seeking in vain for the land discovered by Davis, on
+which Roggewein determined to bear away for the _Bad Sea of Schouten_,
+keeping always a west course, in hopes of discovering some new land.
+In this coarse, they soon found themselves in the height of the
+island discovered by Schonten in 1615, to which he gave the name of
+_Bad-water_, because all its waters were brackish; but, by changing
+their course, they ran 300 leagues out of their way, and at least 150
+leagues farther than Schonten.
+
+In this wide sea, Roggewein sailed upwards of 800 leagues without
+seeing land, though he frequently varied his course. At length, when
+in lat. 15 deg. 30' S. they discovered a very low island, the coast of
+which was covered with a deep yellow-coloured sand, having in
+the middle of the island a kind of pond, lake, or lagoon. All the
+principal officers were of opinion that this was the island to which
+Schonten gave the name of _Dog_ island, and did not therefore think
+it necessary to go on shore for more particular examination.[8] The
+author of this voyage was of a different opinion, conceiving it a new
+discovery, and calling it _Carlshoff_,[9] which he says is in lat. 15 deg.
+45' S. and long. 280 deg.. He describes it as a low flat island of about
+three leagues in extent, having a lake in the middle.
+
+[Footnote 8: In modern geography Dog island is placed in lat. 15 deg. 10'
+S. long. 137 deg. 45' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 9: Carlshoff is laid down by Arrowsmith in lat. 15 deg. 45' S.
+as in the text, and long. 145 deg. 28' W. The first meridian used for the
+longitude in the text is quite inexplicable, and was probably assumed
+on very erroneous computation. It is 190 marine leagues due west from
+Dog island.--E.]
+
+Leaving this island, the wind came about to the S.W. a sign that they
+were near some coast, which had changed the current of the air; and
+by this alteration of wind they were driven among some small islands,
+where they found themselves considerably embarrassed. In this
+situation the African galley led the way for the rest, as sailing best
+and drawing least water; but she soon found herself in such danger,
+that they fired repeated guns of distress, on which the other two
+ships hastened to her assistance, when they found her stuck so fast
+between two rocks that it was impossible to get her of? and were only
+able to save her people. Roused by the noise of the signal guns, the
+natives of the surrounding islands kindled many fires on their hills,
+and flocked in crowds to the coasts; and the Dutch; not knowing what
+might be their designs in the darkness of the night and in the midst
+of their own confusion, fired upon them without ceremony, that they
+might have as few dangers as possible to deal with at one time. In the
+morning as soon as it was light, they had a clear view of the danger
+all the ships had been in during the darkness of the past night,
+finding themselves environed on all sides by four islands, with a
+continued chain of steep rocks, and so close together that they could
+hardly discern the channel by which they had got in, so that they had
+much reason to be thankful for having been so wonderfully preserved
+in the midst of so much danger. On this occasion only one seaman was
+lost, who belonged to the Tienhoven, and who, in his eagerness to go
+to succour his friends, dropt overboard and was drowned.
+
+The danger was by no means over as soon as discovered, as it cost
+the Dutch no less than five days to extricate themselves from their
+perilous situation, during which time the commodore was separated from
+the Tienhoven, and remained ignorant of the fate of the African. At
+length, the boat of the Tienhoven, having sailed all round the group
+of islands, brought information that the crew of the African had got
+safe on shore; and that the natives, after being once fired on, had
+retired into the interior in all haste. Roggewein now sent his boat to
+bring off all those who had got on shore; and on mustering the crew of
+the African on board the Eagle, it appeared that a quarter-master and
+four seamen were missing. On enquiry, it was found that these men had
+chosen to remain on the island, as they had mutinied against their
+officers on getting ashore, because they had interposed to prevent
+them from killing each other with their knives, and Captain Rosenthall
+had threatened to have them all put to death when he got them aboard
+the commodore, wherefore they had fled to avoid punishment. Being
+unwilling to lose them, the commodore sent the author of this
+narrative with a detachment of soldiers to bring them away, but he was
+unable to succeed.
+
+These islands are situated between the latitudes of 15 deg. and 16 deg. S.
+about twelve leagues west from Carlshoff,[10] each of them appearing
+to be four or five leagues in compass. That on which the African
+was shipwrecked was named _Mischievous Island_, the two next it
+the _Brothers_, and the fourth the _Sister_ All four islands were
+beautifully verdant, and abounded in fine tall trees, especially
+cocoas; and the crews found material benefit while here by refreshing
+themselves on the vegetable productions of these islands, by which
+many of them were surprisingly recovered from the scurvy. The Dutch
+found here vast quantities of muscles, cockles, mother-of-pearls,
+and pearl-oysters, which gave reason to expect that a valuable pearl
+fishery might have been established here. These islands are extremely
+low, so that some parts of them must be frequently overflowed; but the
+inhabitants have plenty of stout canoes, as also stout barks provided
+with sails and cables; and the Dutch found several pieces of rope on
+the shore, that seemed made of hemp. The natives were of extraordinary
+size, all their bodies being painted [or _tatooed_] with many colours,
+and had mostly long black hair, though some had brown hair even
+inclined towards red. They were armed with pikes or lances eighteen or
+twenty feet long, and kept in bodies of fifty or an hundred together,
+endeavouring to entice the Dutch to follow them into the interior, as
+if to draw them into an ambuscade, on purpose to be revenged for the
+loss they had sustained by the firing on the night of the shipwreck.
+
+[Footnote 10: Pernicious islands, almost certainly the Mischievous
+islands of the text, are placed in lat. 16 deg. 5' S. and long. 148 deg. 50'
+W. about 20 leagues W. by S. from Carlshoff by Arrowsmith.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Continuation of the Voyage after the Loss of the African, to the
+Arrival of Roggewein at New Britain._
+
+The next morning after leaving Mischievous island, they saw a new
+island eight leagues to the west, to which they gave the name of
+_Aurora_ island, because observed first at break of day. At this time
+the Tienhoven was so near, that if the sun had risen half an hour
+later, she must have shared the same fate with the African, as she was
+within cannon-shot of the shore when the danger was perceived, and she
+then tacked and escaped with considerable difficulty. The fright which
+this occasioned produced a mutiny, in which all the seamen insisted
+with the commodore either to return immediately, or to give them
+security for payment of their wages, in case they should be so
+unfortunate as to suffer shipwreck. This request seemed just and
+reasonable, being daily exposed to excessive fatigue in these stormy
+and unknown seas, and at the same time ran the hazard of losing all
+the reward of their labours, as it is the custom in Holland that the
+seamen lose their wages if the ship is lost in which they sail.
+The commodore listened to their complaints with much humanity, and
+immediately gave them assurance upon oath, that they should have their
+wages to the uttermost farthing, and kept his promise with the utmost
+exactness; for, though the African was lost before, and both the other
+ships were condemned at Batavia, yet every one of their respective
+crews received their full wages on their arrival at Amsterdam.
+
+The island of _Aurora_ was about four leagues in extent, the whole
+being covered with delightful verdure, and adorned with lofty trees
+interspersed with smaller wood. But, as the coast was found to be all
+foul and rocky, they left this island also without landing. Towards
+evening of the same day, they had sight of another island, to which
+therefore they gave the name of _Vesper_.[1] This was about twelve
+leagues in circuit, all low land, yet verdant and containing abundance
+of trees of various sorts. Continuing their course to the west in
+about the latitude of 15 deg. S. they next morning discovered another
+country; and, as it was covered with smoke, they concluded it
+was inhabited, and made there all sail to come to it, in hopes of
+procuring refreshments. On approaching nearer, some of the inhabitants
+were seen diverting themselves off the coast in their canoes. They
+also perceived by degrees, that what they had at first supposed to
+be one country or large island, was in reality abundance of islands
+standing close together, among which they had now entered so far, that
+they found it difficult to get out again. In this situation, a man was
+sent to the mast-head to look out for a passage, and as the weather
+was quite serene, they had the good fortune to get out once more into
+the open sea without injury; although in passing by several steep
+ranges of rocks, they had reason to consider this as a great
+deliverance. There were six of these islands, exceedingly beautiful
+and pleasant in appearance, which altogether could not be less than
+thirty leagues in circumference. They were about twenty-five
+leagues west from Mischievous island, and the Dutch called them the
+Labyrinth,[2] having difficultly got clear of them by numerous tacks.
+
+[Footnote 1: Aurora and Vesper are called in modern geography
+Roggewein's or Palliser's Islands, in lat. 15 deg. 32' S, about 10 leagues
+N. by W. of Pernicious Islands.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Perhaps Prince of Wales' islands are here alluded to, in
+lat. 15 deg. 50' S. and long. 148 deg. 5' W. about 40 marine leagues W.N.W.
+from Pernicious islands.--E.]
+
+As it was very dangerous to anchor on the coast, and as none of the
+inhabitants came off in their canoes, the Dutch did not think fit to
+make any stay, but continued still a western course, and in a few days
+discovered another island, which at a distance appeared very high
+and beautiful; but, on a nearer approach they found no ground for
+anchorage, and the coast appeared so rocky that they were afraid to
+venture near. Each ship therefore embarked twenty-five men in their
+boats, in order to make a descent. The natives no sooner perceived
+their design than they came down in crowds to the coast to oppose
+their landing, being armed with long spears, which they soon shewed
+they knew how to use to the best advantage. When the boats drew near,
+the shore was found to be so steep and rocky, that the boats could not
+come to land, on which most of the sailors went into the water with
+their arms in their hands, having some baubles fit for presents to the
+natives tied upon their heads; while those who remained in the boats
+kept up a continual fire to clear the shore. This expedient succeeded,
+and the seamen got ashore without much resistance from the natives;
+who were frightened by the fire of the musquetry, and retired up the
+mountains, but came down again as soon as the Dutch ceased firing.
+
+On the return of the islanders, the Dutch who had landed shewed them
+small mirrors, beads, and other baubles, and the people came up to
+them without fear, took their presents, and suffered them to search
+where they pleased for herbs and sallading for the sick. They found
+abundance of these, and soon filled twelve sacks, six for the Eagle
+and six for the Tienhoven, the inhabitants even assisting them and
+shewing them the best sorts. They carried their cargo of greens
+immediately on board, which were more acceptable to the sick than if
+they had brought them as much gold and silver. Next morning a larger
+body of men were ordered on shore, both on purpose to gather herbs and
+to examine the island. The first thing they did was to make a present
+to the king or chief of a considerable assortment of trinkets, which
+he received with an air of indifference and disdain, which did not
+promise much good in their future intercourse, yet sent the Dutch
+a considerable quantity of cocoa nuts in return, which were very
+agreeable to them in their present circumstances. The chief was
+distinguished from the ordinary inhabitants by wearing various
+ornaments of pearls, as they judged to the value of 600 florins, or
+L. 55 sterling. The women of the island seemed to admire the white men
+much, and almost stifled them with caresses: But this was all employed
+to lull the Dutch into security, that the plot contrived by the men
+for their destruction might the more readily succeed.
+
+When the Dutch had filled twenty sacks with greens, they advanced
+farther into the country, till they came to the top of some steep
+rocks, which hung over a large and deep valley, the natives going both
+before and behind them, quite unsuspected of any evil intention.
+At length, thinking they had the Dutch at an advantage, the natives
+suddenly quitted them, and soon after prodigious numbers came pouring
+out from caves and holes in the rocks, and surrounded the Dutch on all
+sides, while they immediately formed in close order for defence. The
+chief or king then made a signal for the Dutch to keep off, but as
+they continued to advance, the chief made a signal of battle, which
+was instantly followed by a prodigious shower of stones. The Dutch in
+return made a general discharge of their fire arms, which did great
+execution, and the chief was among the first who fell. Yet the
+islanders continued to throw stones with great fury, so that most of
+the Dutch were soon wounded and almost disabled, on which they retired
+under shelter of a rock, whence they fired with such success that
+great numbers of the islanders were slain. They still obstinately
+maintained their ground, and the Dutch were at last forced to retreat,
+having some of their number killed, and a great many wounded, most of
+whom died not long after, in consequence of their scorbutical habit
+of body, in spite of every care. As soon as they could disengage
+themselves from the enemy, the Dutch retired on board ship, carrying
+with them the sacks of greens which they had gathered. This rencounter
+had so great an effect on the Dutch, that when it was proposed to
+land again, not a man could be prevailed upon to make the dangerous
+attempt.
+
+They had given to this island, before this unfortunate affair, the
+name of the _Island of Recreation_,[3] which is in lat. 16 deg. S. and
+long. 285 deg.. It is about twelve leagues in compass, with a fertile
+soil, producing a great number of trees, especially cocoa nuts, palms,
+and iron-wood. The Dutch conceived that there might be rich mines
+in the heart of the country, and other valuable things, but were not
+allowed to search. The natives were of middle size, but robust
+and active, having long black shining hair, which they anoint with
+cocoa-nut oil, a practice very common among the Indians. They were
+painted all over, like the inhabitants of Easter island; the men
+wearing a kind of net-work round their middles, which they stick
+up between their legs. The women were entirely covered by a kind of
+mantles of their own manufacture, the stuff of which to the sight and
+touch resembled silk;[4] and they wear long strings of pearls about
+their necks and wrists.
+
+[Footnote 3: By Arrowsmith, this island is placed in lat. 16 deg. 32' S.
+and long. 148 deg. 50' W. The longitude in the text is inexplicable on any
+supposition.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: The cloth of the South-sea islands is a substance in
+a great measure resembling paper, composed of the inner bark of the
+paper mulberry, the preparation of which will be afterwards detailed
+in the narratives of the modern circumnavigators--E.]
+
+Roggewein thought proper to sail from this island without farther loss
+of time, and before his departure held a council of his officers,
+in which he stated his instructions, which were,--If no discovery of
+importance could be made in the latitude and longitude in which they
+then were, that he should return home. Some of the council were much
+astonished at this, and remonstrated, That having already gone so
+far, and met with such encouragement to hope for discoveries of great
+importance, they thought it would betray a great want of spirit not
+to proceed. To this Roggewein answered, That they had now been out ten
+months, having still a long voyage to make to the East Indies; that
+provisions began to grow scarce, and, above all, that the crews were
+already so much diminished in number, and the survivors in so weak a
+condition, that if twenty more were to die or fall sick, there would
+not be a sufficient number remaining to navigate both ships. The true
+reason, however, in the opinion of the author of this voyage, was the
+anxiety to get to the East Indies before the change of the monsoon,
+in which case they must have remained six months longer in these
+seas. Some of the officers opposed this motion to the last, earnestly
+entreating the commodore that he would rather winter at the land
+mentioned by Ferdinand de Quiros, from which they could not now be
+more than 150 leagues distant. They insisted that it was wrong to
+think of going to the East Indies, that being directly contrary to
+the design of their instructions: And that by continuing in the same
+western course, they could not fail to fall in with some island, where
+they might land and procure refreshments, remaining on shore till
+all their sick men were recovered, and erecting a fort to defend
+themselves against the natives. If this were complied with, they said
+they might afterwards return home by an eastern coarse; and, by taking
+time, might effectually complete the discoveries on which they were
+sent.
+
+These reasons were listened to with patience and civility, but had
+not the weight they deserved; and a resolution was formed to continue
+their coarse for New Britain and New Guinea, and thence to the East
+Indies, by way of the Moluccas, being in hopes to procure there a
+supply of provisions and necessaries, together with a reinforcement
+of seamen, in case they should then be too weak for navigating their
+ships home to Europe. In consequence of this resolution, an end was
+put to all hope of visiting the land of Quiros, which the best seamen
+on board thought might have been easily discovered, called by him
+and Torres the _Islands of Solomon_, and reported to be beautiful
+and fertile, and abounding in gold, silver, precious stones, and
+spices.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: We have here omitted a long, uninteresting, and
+inconclusive disquisition on the supposed Terra Australis, as
+altogether founded on supposition and error.--E.]
+
+Leaving the island of _Recreation_, Roggewein steered a coarse towards
+the N.W. pursuant to the resolution of the council, in order to get
+into the latitude of New Britain. On the third day, in lat. 12 deg. S.
+and long. 29 deg. they discovered several islands which appeared very
+beautiful at a distance, and, on a nearer approach, were seen to be
+well planted with all sorts of trees, and produced herbs, corn,
+and roots in great plenty, to which they gave the name of _Bowman's
+Islands_, after the captain of the Tienhoven, by whom they were first
+seen.[6] As soon as they were seen by the natives, they came off in
+their canoes to the ships, bringing fish, cocoa-nuts, Indian figs,
+and other refreshments, in return for which the Dutch gave them small
+mirrors, strings of beads, and other trifles. These islands were very
+fully peopled, as many thousands of men and women came down to the
+shore to view the ships, most of the men being armed with bows and
+arrows. Among the rest, they saw a majestic personage, who, from the
+peculiar dress he wore, and the honours that were paid him, evidently
+appeared to be chief or king of these islanders. This person soon
+afterwards went into a canoe, accompanied by a fair young woman, who
+sat close by his side, and his canoe was immediately surrounded by a
+vast number of others, which seemed intended for his guard.
+
+[Footnote 6: These appear to have been the most northerly of the
+Society islands, about 70 marine leagues, or 3-1/2 degrees W. by N.
+from Recreation island, in lat. 15 deg. 20' S. long. 152 deg. W.]
+
+All the inhabitants of these islands were white, differing only from
+Europeans in being sun-burnt, and they seemed a very harmless good
+sort of people, of brisk and lively dispositions, behaving to each
+other with much civility, and shewing no appearance of wildness or
+savageness in their behaviour. Their bodies were not painted like
+those of the islanders they had seen hitherto, but very handsomely
+cloathed from the waist downwards, with a sort of silk fringes very
+neatly arranged. On their heads they wore hats of a very neat-looking
+stuff, very large and wide spreading, in order to keep off the sun,
+and their necks were adorned with collars or garlands of beautiful
+odoriferous flowers. The islands appeared quite charming, being
+agreeably diversified with beautiful hills and intermediate vallies.
+Each family or tribe appeared to have its separate district, and
+to compose a separate government or community, all the land being
+regularly laid out into regular and fair plantations, as had formerly
+been observed at _Pasch_, or _Easter_ island. In all respects, the
+natives were the most civilized and best disposed people they had seen
+in the South Seas. Instead of shewing any terror or apprehension at
+the arrival of the Dutch, the natives expressed the utmost joy and
+satisfaction, treating them with the utmost kindness and respect, and
+manifested the most sincere and deep concern at their departure. Many
+of the Dutch also felt a similar regret, and would have been well
+pleased to have made a longer stay in this delightful and plenteous
+country, among so kind a people, as, by the help of the excellent
+provisions in great abundance with which these good islands furnished
+them, all their sick people would have been perfectly recovered in
+a month. These islands had also one convenience greatly superior to
+those they had met with before, as there was good anchorage almost
+every where along their coasts, where they rode in the utmost safety,
+in from fifteen to twenty fathoms.
+
+So many advantageous circumstances ought to have induced Roggewein
+and his officers to have remained here longer; but their heads were
+so full of proceeding for the East Indies, that they were fearful of
+missing the favourable monsoon, while they afterwards discovered, to
+their cost, that they were two months too early, instead of two months
+too late. By this indiscreet step, they sacrificed the health and
+strength of their crew to such a degree, that they were at length
+hardly able to navigate their ships, and at one time were on the
+point of burning one of their ships, that they might be better able to
+manage the other: All of which inconveniences might have been avoided,
+had they embraced this opportunity afforded them by Divine Providence,
+and been contented to remain in a place of safety, plenty, and
+pleasure, till their sick were recovered, instead of wilfully seeking
+new dangers which they were so little able to encounter.
+
+Leaving Bowman's islands, and continuing their course towards the N.W.
+they came next morning in sight of two islands, which they took to
+be _Coccos_ and _Traitor's_ islands,[7] so called by Schouten, who
+discovered them. The island of Coccos, at a distance, for Roggewein
+would not stop to examine it, seemed very high land, and about eight
+leagues in circuit. The other seemed much lower, composed of a red
+soil, and destitute of trees. They soon after saw two other islands
+of large extent, one of which they named _Tienhoven_,[8] and the other
+_Groninguen_; which last many of their officers were of opinion was
+no island, but the _great southern continent_ they were sent out to
+discover. The island of _Tienhoven_ appeared a rich and beautiful
+country, moderately high, its meadows or low lands, by the sea,
+exceedingly green, and the interior well provided with trees. They
+coasted along this island for a whole day without reaching its
+extremity, yet noticed that it extended semi-circularly towards the
+island of Groninguen, so that those which they took for islands might
+be contiguous lands, and both of them parts of the _Terra Australis
+incognita_.
+
+[Footnote 7: There must be here an enormous error in the text; Coccos
+and Traitor's islands are almost directly west from Recreation
+island, and the northermost of the Society islands, supposed to be the
+Bowman's islands of the text, and not less than 23 deg.10' farther west
+than these last, or 463 marine leagues, which could not well be run in
+less than a week or ten days.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 8: These were probably the _Fee-jee_, or Bligh's islands, in
+lat. 17 deg. 20' S. long. 181 deg. 30' W. but the narrative is too
+incomplete to ascertain this and many other points with any tolerable
+certainty.--E.]
+
+A great part of the company were for anchoring on this coast, and
+making a descent, but the officers were so intent on proceeding
+for India, that they alleged it might be very dangerous to attempt
+landing, lest any of the men might be cut off, and they should not
+have enough left to carry on the ships. They continued in their
+course, therefore, not doubting that they should soon see the coasts
+of New Britain or New Guinea: But, after sailing many days without
+seeing any land at all, they began to see the vanity of these
+calculations, and could not forbear murmuring at their effects, as
+the scurvy began to cut off three, four, or five of their best hands
+daily. At this time nothing was to be seen but sick people, struggling
+with inexpressible pains, or dead carcasses just relieved from their
+intolerable distress. From these there arose so abominable a stench,
+that even those who were yet sound often fainted away, unable to
+endure it. Cries and groans were incessantly heard in all parts of the
+ships, and the sight of the poor diseased wretches who were still able
+to crawl about, excited horror and compassion. Some were reduced to
+such mere skeletons that their skins seemed to cleave to their bones,
+and these had this consolation, that they gradually consumed away
+without pain. Others were swelled out to monstrous sizes, and were so
+tormented with excruciating pain, as to drive them to furious madness.
+Some were worn away by the dysentery, and others were racked with
+excruciating rheumatism, while others again dragged their dead limbs
+after them, having lost feeling through the palsy. To these
+numerous and complicated diseases of the body, many had superadded
+distemperature of the mind. An anabaptist of twenty-five years old
+called out continually to be baptized, and when told with a sneer that
+there was no parson on board, he became quiet, and died with great
+resignation. Two papists on board gave what little money they had to
+their friends, beseeching them, if they ever got back to Holland, to
+lay it out in masses to St Anthony of Padua for the repose of their
+souls. Others again would listen to nothing that had the smallest
+savour of religion, for some time before they died. Some refused
+meat and drink for twenty-four hours before death, while others were
+suddenly carried off in the midst of conversation.
+
+All these various appearances of disease are attributed by the author
+of this voyage principally to the bad quality of their provisions;
+their salt meat being corrupted, their bread full of maggots, and
+their water intolerably putrid. Under these circumstances medicines
+were of no avail, being utterly unable to work a cure, and could at
+best only defer death for a little, and protract the sufferings of
+the sick. Though as well as any one in either ship, the author of this
+journal had the scurvy to such a degree that his teeth were all loose,
+his gums inflamed and ulcerated, and his body all over covered with
+livid spots. Even such as were reputed in best health, were low, weak,
+and much afflicted with the scurvy. Nothing could effectually relieve
+or even alleviate their sufferings, except fresh meat, vegetables,
+and sweet water. At length it pleased God to put a period to their
+miseries, by giving them sight of the coast of New Britain, the joy of
+which filled the sick with new spirits, and encouraged those who were
+still able to move, with the enlivening hope of once more revisiting
+their native land. Our author was fully of opinion, that if they
+had been many days longer at sea, they must all have perished by the
+continuance and necessary increase of the miseries which they endured,
+which no description can possibly express in any thing like adequate
+terms.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_Description of New Britain, and farther Continuation of the Voyage
+till the Arrival of Roggewein at Java._
+
+The country of New Britain, and all the islands in its neighbourhood,
+is composed of very high land, many of the mountains hiding their
+heads in the clouds. The sea coasts are however both pleasant and
+fertile, the low lands being cloathed in perpetual verdure, and the
+hills covered with a variety of trees, mostly bearing fruit. It is
+in lat. between 4 deg.and 7 deg. S.[1] and both in regard to situation and
+appearance, no country can promise better than this. After some
+consultation, it was resolved to go on shore here at all events,
+though now so much reduced by the long-continued sickness, that they
+could hardly muster a sufficient number of men from both ships to man
+a boat, and leave men enough, in case they were cut off, to navigate
+one ship home, supposing them even to sacrifice one of the ships. Yet
+such was the ardent desire of all to get on shore, and so urgent was
+the necessity for that measure, that it appeared indispensable
+to venture on landing, let the consequences be what they might.
+Accordingly, our author was ordered into the boat, with as many men
+as could be spared, with orders to get on shore at any rate, by fair
+means if possible, and with the consent of the inhabitants, for whom
+he carried a great number of baubles to distribute among them as
+presents. If, however, these had no effect, he was then to use force,
+as the circumstances to which they were reduced made it as eligible to
+die by the hands of barbarians as to perish gradually by disease and
+famine.
+
+[Footnote 1: No account is given of this voyage from Bowman's islands,
+perhaps the Fee-jees, as already mentioned, to New Britain, neither
+indeed is it any way expressed on what part of New Britain they had
+now arrived. They probably steered a course N.W. or N.W. by W. from
+the Fee-jees, and fell in with the N.E. part of New Britain, now known
+to be a separate island, and called New Ireland; and by the lower
+latitude mentioned, in the text, they appear to come first to the
+eastern part of New Ireland; but it is impossible to say whether they
+went to the N. or S. of Solomon's island.--E.]
+
+The nearer they drew towards the coast, the more they were delighted
+with its appearance, as giving them a nearer prospect of the
+wished-for refreshments. The inhabitants came down in multitudes to
+the coast, but in such guise as did not by any means increase their
+satisfaction, as they were all armed with bows and arrows and slings,
+and demonstrated sufficiently by their gestures that the Dutch were
+by no means welcome visitors, and that they were not to expect being
+permitted to land peaceably. As the boat approached the shore, the
+natives seemed to become frantic with despair, made frightful faces,
+tore their hair, and howled in a horrible manner; and at length, as
+borrowing courage from the increase of danger, they hurried into
+their canoes and put off from the shore, as if to meet that danger the
+sooner which was evidently unavoidable. As the Dutch continued their
+way towards the land, the natives discharged a flight of arrows at the
+boat, which they followed by throwing their spears or javelins,
+after which they threw in a shower of stones discharged from slings.
+Convinced now that there was nothing to be trusted to but force, the
+Dutch opened their fire, and kept it up with such effect, that many of
+the natives were slain, and the rest so terrified, that great numbers
+of them leapt into the water to swim ashore, and at last all the
+survivors followed the example, by turning their canoes towards the
+land. But such was their confusion and dismay, that they were now
+unable to distinguish the proper channels by which to get back to the
+coast, but ran them on the rocks and shoals. This circumstance almost
+deprived the Dutch of all hopes of being able to attain the coast.
+
+While thus embarrassed, there arose a violent storm, of that kind
+which the Dutch call _traffat_, and which in the east is named a
+_tuffoon_, which usually arises suddenly in the midst of a calm, and
+when the air is perfectly clear and serene, and which, by its extreme
+violence, often brings the masts by the board, and whirls the sails
+into the air, if they are not furled in an instant. By this sudden
+tempest, the two ships were forced out to sea, and the poor people in
+the boat were left without relief, and almost devoid of hope. The boat
+was forced on a sand-bank, where she was for some time so beaten by
+the winds and waves, that there seemed no chance of escaping almost
+instant destruction. But despair often lends strength and spirits to
+men beyond their usual powers; and, by dint of great exertions, they
+dragged their boat clear of the bank, and got to land, where all got
+safe on shore without hurt, but almost exhausted by fatigue. The first
+thing they did was to look out for some place of retreat, where they
+might be safe from any sudden assault of the natives; but night came
+on before any such could be found, so that they were forced to rest
+contented with making a fire on the shore, in order to dry and warm
+themselves, which in some measure revived their spirits. The light
+of the fire enabled them to discover several huts or cabins of the
+natives in the neighbourhood of where they were, on which they felt
+inclined to examine them, but found neither inhabitants nor household
+goods of any kind, all that they met with worth taking away being a
+few nets of curious workmanship. They also saw abundance of cocoa-nut
+trees, but, having no hatchets, were unable to come at any of the
+fruit, and had to pass a most comfortless night, during which they
+were perpetually disturbed and alarmed by the frightful noise of the
+natives in the adjoining wood, whence they naturally concluded they
+were every moment about to attack them. About midnight they heard a
+signal from the ships, which had been able to come back to that
+part of the coast, on which they immediately hastened on board, and
+immediately continued their voyage along the coast of New Britain,
+making their way with considerable difficulty through among numerous
+islands. They named that part of the coast on which they landed,
+_Stormland_, which was probably the same called _Slinger's bay_ by
+Dampier, on account of the dexterity of the natives in the management
+of that instrument.
+
+This country of New Britain seems to be extremely fertile, and to
+abound in fruits of many sorts. The inhabitants are a tall well-made
+people, perfect mulattoes in their complexions, with long black hair
+hanging down to their waists, being extremely nimble and vigorous,
+and so dexterous in the management of their weapons, that in all
+probability they live in a state of continual warfare with their
+neighbours. The sea along the coast is studded with numerous islands,
+so that they had great difficulty in getting a passage through them.
+
+Notwithstanding the dangers they had already experienced, they
+resolved to make another descent upon the coast on the first
+opportunity, though they had not now ten men in both vessels in
+perfect health, but their necessities admitted of no other remedy.
+The stock-fish, on which they had lived for some time past, was now
+so full of worms, and stunk so abominably, that, instead of eating
+it, they were unable to come near it. The officers were unable now
+to pacify the men with stories of relief in the East Indies, for
+they unanimously declared that immediate death on shore would be more
+welcome than living longer at sea in this dreadful condition. In
+this forlorn condition they arrived in the lat. of 2 deg. S. where they
+fortunately fell in with the islands of _Moa_ and _Arimoa_, [2]
+formerly discovered by Schouten, and immediately determined upon
+endeavouring to procure relief from Arimoa, the larger of these
+islands. The natives, on perceiving the approach of the two ships,
+came immediately off to meet them in their canoes, of which they
+had prodigious numbers. All of these people were armed with bows and
+arrows, even their women and children; but they brought with them
+various refreshments, as cocoa-nuts, _pisans_, or Indian figs, with
+various other fruits, and different kinds of roots, rowing directly to
+the ships without any signs of fear or distrust. The Dutch gave them
+such kind of trifles as they had by way of presents, and in return
+for these refreshments; but on shewing more of these, and giving the
+islanders to understand, by signs, that such was the merchandize they
+had to give in barter for refreshments, they looked at them coolly,
+as if they had no desire to trade for such commodities. Next day,
+however, they returned with great quantities of similar articles of
+provision; and the Dutch having endeavoured to express by signs
+that they wished them to bring some hogs, the natives mistook their
+meaning, and brought two or three dogs the day following, to the great
+disappointment of the Dutch.
+
+[Footnote 2: It is utterly impossible to ascertain what islands are
+here meant, as the indications of the voyage are so entirely vague. In
+the indicated latitude, off the mouth of the Great bay, in New Guinea,
+there are two considerable islands, named Mysory, or Schouten's
+island, and Jobie, or Long-island, which may possibly be Arimoa and
+Moa. Perhaps Jobie of our modern maps includes both, as in some more
+recent maps it is laid down as two contiguous islands, and it is more
+exactly in the indicated latitude, while Mysory is rather less than
+one degree from the line.]
+
+These refreshments were very seasonable, and greatly amended the
+health of many of the sick people in the two ships; and our author is
+convinced that most of them would have perfectly recovered in a few
+days, if they could have ventured to live on shore. The islanders
+never failed to invite them ashore every time they came off; but being
+greatly weakened, as for some days they had thrown four or five of
+their people overboard, they did not think it prudent to run so great
+a hazard; more especially as, even in the midst of their civility, the
+air, look, and language of these people seemed to savour of perfidy,
+and besides the island was extremely populous. The Dutch noticed that
+these islanders, always on coming on board their ships, carried a
+piece of stick to which some white stuff was fixed, as if in the
+nature of a flag of truce, whence they supposed they were often at
+war with some neighbouring nation or tribe, and especially with the
+inhabitants of _Moa_, particularly as none of their canoes ever went
+ashore on that island, but always, on the contrary, passed it with
+evident precipitation. These remarks furnished the Dutch with a
+new project by which to acquire a considerable stock of provisions
+speedily, by a sudden descent on Moa, which appeared to be but thinly
+peopled, though as pleasant and fertile as the other, hoping to carry
+off at once enough of provisions to enable them to prosecute their
+voyage, without the risk of falling again into the distress they had
+so lately endured.
+
+This bold scheme required much prudence, and it was thought expedient
+to land in different places at once, one party being directed to
+advance into the country, while the others should be at hand to
+support them, and to secure their retreat. This was accordingly very
+happily effected; for, although the natives formed an ambush behind
+the trees and bushes, and discharged their arrows at the principal
+party as soon as they began to cut down the cocoa-trees, the Dutch
+fortunately remained uninjured, and laid many of the natives dead by
+discharges of their fire-arms. This so frightened the rest that they
+took refuge in their canoes, whence they endeavoured by cries
+and shouts to alarm the rest of their countrymen to come to their
+assistance: But the Dutch were so judiciously posted as to constrain
+them to remain in the mountains, by which means the main party were
+enabled to carry off about 800 cocoa-nuts to their boats, with which
+booty they rejoined their ships.
+
+The _cocoa-tree_ is a species of palm, found in most parts of the East
+and West Indies. The trunk is large, straight, and lofty, tapering
+insensibly to the top, whence the fruit hangs in bunches united by a
+tendril, not unlike the twig of a vine, but stronger. The flowers are
+yellow, resembling those of the chesnut. As it produces new bunches
+every month, there are always some quite ripe, some green, some
+just beginning to button, and others in full flower. The fruit is
+three-lobed and of a greenish hue, of different sizes, from the size
+of an ordinary tennis-ball, to that of a man's head, and is composed
+of two rinds. The outer is composed of long tough fibres, between red
+and yellow colour, the second being a hard shell. Within this is a
+thick firm white substance or kernel, lining the shell, tasting like
+a sweet almond; and in a central hollow of this kernel there is a
+considerable quantity of a clear, bright, cool liquor, tasting like
+sugared water. The natives of the countries in which these trees grow,
+eat the kernel with their victuals instead of bread; and likewise
+extract from it, by pressure, a liquor resembling milk of almonds
+in taste and consistence. When this milk is exposed to the action of
+fire, it changes to a kind of oil, which they use as we do butter
+in dressing their victuals, and also burn in their lamps; and they
+likewise employ it for smearing their bodies. They also draw from the
+tree a liquor called _sura_ by the Indians, and which the Europeans
+name _toddy_, or palm-wine. For this purpose, having cut one of the
+largest twigs about a foot from the body of the tree, they hang to
+this stump a bottle or calabash, into which the sap distils. This
+_sura_ is of a very agreeable taste, little inferior to the Spanish
+white wine; but being strong and heady, is generally diluted with
+fresh clear water got from the nut It does not however keep, as it
+becomes sour in about two days; when, by exposure to the sun, it is
+converted into excellent vinegar. When boiled in its recent state,
+it is converted into another liquor, called _orraqua_ by the Indians;
+from which they distil a spirituous liquor called arrack, which many
+people prefer to the other liquor of the same name distilled from rice
+in India, which is so well known and so much esteemed in Europe.
+
+Besides cocoa-nuts, the Dutch found in Moa great plenty of
+pomegranates of exquisite taste, and abundance of _pisans_ or Indian
+figs. These refreshments were of infinite service to them, as without
+them the whole of both ships companies must have inevitably perished;
+and immediately on returning to their ships, they began to prepare
+for resuming their voyage. While engaged in these preparations, the
+inhabitants of Moa came off to the ships in about 200 canoes, which
+they exchanged with the Dutch for various articles, apparently doing
+this to prevent the Dutch from making a second descent on their
+island: But on this occasion, though the Dutch received them kindly,
+and treated them with fairness in purchasing their provisions, they
+would only admit a few of them into the ships at once; and when the
+islanders attempted to rush on board in crowds, they fired upon them.
+On these occasions, the natives all ducked their heads, and when they
+raised them again broke out into loud laughter. This exchange was no
+sooner over than they weighed anchor and proceeded on their voyage.
+The author of this narrative remarks, that such of the sick as had any
+strength remaining recovered surprisingly at these islands, through
+the excellent refreshments they procured there, while those who were
+already quite exhausted soon died.
+
+Leaving these islands of _Moa_ and _Arimoa_, they continued their
+voyage through a part of the sea so very full of islands, that finding
+it difficult or impossible to count them, they gave them the name of
+_Thousand Isles_.[3] Their inhabitants were negroes, of a short squat
+make, and their heads covered with thick curled wool, being a bold,
+mischievous, and intractable race of savages. They were all naked,
+men, women, and children, having no other ornaments except a belt
+about two fingers broad, stuck fall of teeth, and bracelets of
+the same; and some of them wore light straw hats, adorned with the
+feathers of the _Bird-of-Paradise_. These birds are said to be found
+no where else but in these islands. Such of these islands as are
+situated near the west point of New Guinea are still called the
+_Islands of the Popoes_ or _Papuas_, the continent itself being called
+the _Land of Papua_, till Schouten imposed upon it the name of _New
+Guinea_, chiefly because of its being in the same latitude with _Old
+Guinea_.[4]
+
+[Footnote 3: These appear, by the sequel, to have been the islands
+at the N.W. extremity of Papua or New Guinea, and from thence to
+Celebes--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: More probably because of its inhabitants being
+negroes.--E.]
+
+When the inhabitants of these islands go to Ternate, Banda, Amboina,
+or any of the Moluccas, in order to sell their salt pork, amber,[5]
+gold-dust, and other merchandise, they always carry some of these
+_Birds-of-Paradise_, which they constantly sell dead, affirming that
+they find them so, and that they know not whence they come or where
+they breed. This bird is always seen very high in the air. It is
+extremely light, as its bulk consists mostly of feathers, which are
+extremely beautiful, rendering it one of the greatest curiosities in
+the world. The plumage of the head is as bright as burnished gold;
+that of the neck resembles the neck of a drake; and those of the wings
+and tail are like those of a peacock. In beak and form, this bird
+comes nearest to a swallow, though considerably larger. Such as deal
+in them endeavour to persuade strangers that they have no feet, and
+that they hang themselves, when they sleep, to the boughs of trees by
+means of their feathers. But, in reality, these traders cut off their
+feet, to render them the more wonderful. They also pretend that the
+male has a cavity on his back, where the female lodges her young till
+they are able to fly. They always cut off the feet of these birds so
+close to the body, that the flesh dries in such a manner that the skin
+and feathers perfectly unite, making it impossible to perceive the
+smallest scar. They also assert, that these birds are perpetually on
+the wing, subsisting on birds and insects, which they catch in the
+air. The feathers of the male are much brighter than those of the
+female. In the east, this bird is usually called _Mancodiata_, or the
+Bird-of-God. Great numbers of them are sent to Batavia, where they
+generally sell for three crowns each. The Moors, Arabians, and
+Persians are anxious to procure these birds, with which they adorn
+their saddles and housings, often mixing with them pearls and
+diamonds. They wear them also in their turbans, especially on going
+to war, having a superstitious notion that they act as a charm or
+talisman, capable of preserving them from wounds. Formerly, the Shah
+and Mogul used to present their favourites with one of these birds, as
+a mark of esteem or favour.
+
+[Footnote 5: Perhaps ambergris ought to be here understood.--E.]
+
+Besides their girdle and bracelets, formerly mentioned, the _Popoes_,
+or inhabitants of the Thousand Isles, wear a bit of stick, the size of
+a tobacco-pipe and the length of a finger, thrust through the gristle
+of the nose, which they think renders them terrible to their enemies,
+as some Europeans consider mustachios. They are the worst and most
+savage people in all the South Seas. The continent of _New Guinea_
+appeared a high country, extremely full of trees and plants of a vast
+variety of kinds, so that, in sailing 400 leagues along its coast,
+they did not observe one barren spot. Our author thinks that it
+probably contains many precious commodities, as rich metals and
+valuable spices, especially as most of the countries hitherto
+discovered under the same parallel are not deficient in such riches.
+He was afterwards assured, that some of the free burgesses in the
+Moluccas go annually to New Guinea, where they exchange small pieces
+of iron for nutmegs. Schouten and other navigators conceived high
+ideas of this country, and represented it as one of the finest and
+richest in the world; but they were unable to penetrate any way into
+the interior, which could not be done with a small force, as it is
+extremely populous, and the natives are mostly well armed, and of a
+martial disposition.
+
+Roggewein and his officers were at this time in considerable doubts,
+whether to prosecute the route formerly followed by Dampier, or to go
+by Ternate, Tidore, and Bacian, as the less dangerous passage. To
+gain time, however, they chose the former, as they most otherwise
+have coasted round the last-mentioned islands, in their way to the
+Moluccas. In this view, they steered along shore, or rather through an
+innumerable chain of small islands, extending from the western point
+of New Guinea to the island of Gilolo, making their passage with much
+difficulty and danger, and were greatly delighted and astonished on
+getting sight of the island of _Bouro_, in lat. 2 deg. S. [3 deg. 30' S. and
+long. 127 deg. E.] the most eastern country in which the Dutch East-India
+Company, maintain a factory. This island is mostly pretty high land,
+and abounds every where with trees and shrubs of various kinds. On
+their arrival upon its coast, they were spoken with by a small vessel,
+in which were two white men and several blacks. The white men examined
+them very strictly to whom they belonged, whence they came, and
+whither they were bound. To which they answered, that they came from
+New Guinea, and were going to Batavia, but wisely concealed belonging
+to the West-India Company, knowing that the East-India Company
+permitted no vessels, except their own, to navigate these seas, and
+had given strict orders to capture all strange vessels that might
+appear there. Yet, in spite of these precautions, the English
+sometimes find their way among these islands, to the no small
+displeasure of the Dutch company, although they keep ships cruizing
+here during both monsoons, to preserve their monopoly of spices.
+
+The island of _Bouro_ is about forty or fifty leagues in
+circumference, and is indifferently fertile, formerly producing
+abundance of clove-trees; but a detachment of Dutch soldiers is sent
+yearly to grub them up, as they do also in the other Molucca islands,
+because Amboina is thought to produce enough of that commodity to
+maintain their commerce. Formerly also the Dutch had a strong fort
+here, which the natives took and demolished after a long siege,
+putting all the garrison to the sword. At present, [in 1721,]
+the company only sends a detachment of soldiers to root out the
+clove-trees, for which the inhabitants receive some present. The two
+whites who were on board this Dutch bark were the first Christians
+seen by Roggewein for the space of ten months, or since leaving the
+coast of Brazil. Continuing their course for the island of _Bootan_,
+in hopes of meeting with refreshments, of which they were now in
+extreme want, they arrived there in lat 4 deg. S.[6] and sailed along its
+coast for a whole day, in hopes of finding the strait for which they
+sought, and at length found they were eight leagues to leeward of
+it, and the monsoon now blew too strong to be able to bear up for the
+intended port. They had now no hopes of being able to find any port
+for refreshments till they should arrive at the island of Java; as,
+wherever they might attempt to land, they well knew that their ships
+would be confiscated, in consequence of the invariable maxims of the
+East-India Company. All men therefore, but especially the sick and
+feeble, cast an anxious look on the fertile island now left behind
+them, presaging the melancholy effects which must necessarily attend
+so pernicious a measure.
+
+[Footnote 6: The northern end of Bootan is in lat. 4 deg. 40' S.]
+
+The situation of the island of _Bootan_ is remarkably advantageous,
+being in from 4 deg. to 6 deg. of S. latitude, and nearly equal in size to the
+island of _Bouro_. It is extremely fertile, especially in rice, and
+has abundance of cattle and fish. It would also produce plenty both
+of clove and nutmeg trees, if they were permitted to grow. The king
+of the island has a very strong fort, on which the Dutch standard is
+displayed, though there is no Dutch garrison; the company contenting
+itself with sending deputies yearly to see the spice trees destroyed,
+in consideration of which the king receives a considerable sum
+yearly from the company. This nation is the most faithful of all the
+inhabitants of the Indian islands to the India company, having not
+only assisted them in expelling the Portuguese, but also against the
+inhabitants of the Moluccas, whenever they have attempted to revolt;
+by which means the company has acquired the whole trade of this part
+of the world. In consideration of this, the inhabitants of Bootan
+enjoy many privileges that are denied to all other Indians: As, for
+instance, they are allowed to come into any of the Dutch forts armed,
+which is never allowed even to the natives of the countries in which
+the forts are situated. Some time before this voyage, the king of
+Bootan sent his eldest son ambassador to the governor-general
+of Batavia, where he was received with every mark of honour and
+distinction. It would not have been easy to have known this prince for
+an Indian, had he not worn a triple-rowed turban, richly adorned
+with gold and precious stones, as the rest of his dress was entirely
+European, and he wore a sword instead of a cutlass, which no Indian
+had done before. His train was numerous and splendid, all dressed
+in the Indian manner: Twelve of them were armed with cuirasses and
+bucklers, carrying each a naked sword resting on his shoulder. At this
+time there was a prodigious mortality in Batavia, which carried off
+500 of the attendants of this prince, and destroyed no less than
+150,000 persons in one year, besides vast numbers of beasts. This
+mortality was occasioned by a malignant pestilential fever, which
+attacked indiscriminately all the inhabitants of Batavia, Europeans,
+natives, Chinese, and blacks. It spread also through Bengal and all
+the dominions of the Great Mogul, where it made incredible ravages,
+and extended even to Japan in the most extreme violence, where numbers
+fell down dead in the streets, who had left their houses in perfect
+health. This dreadful malady was supposed to have arisen from
+excessive drought, as no rain had fallen during the space of two
+years, whence it was conceived that the air was surcharged with
+mineral vapours.
+
+Leaving the island of Bootan, and passing through the channel of
+the Moluccas, or between the S.W. leg of Celebes and Salayr
+islands, during which course the crews of the two vessels suffered
+inexpressible miseries, by which the greatest part of them were
+carried off, Roggewein arrived on the coast of Java towards the close
+of September 1722.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Occurrences from their Arrival at the Island of Java, to the
+Confiscation of the Ships at Batavia._
+
+Roggewein came to anchor immediately in the road of Japara, and
+saluted the city and fort, after which the boats were hoisted out to
+go on shore, where they were astonished to find that it was Saturday,
+whereas on quitting their ships they conceived it to be Friday
+morning. This was occasioned by having come round from the east
+along with the sun, by which they had lost a day in their reckoning.
+Roggewein immediately waited upon Ensign Kuster, a very civil and
+well-behaved gentleman, who commanded there on the part of the
+East-India Company, to whom he gave an account of his motives for
+coming to this place. Kuster immediately assembled a council, to
+consider what measures were to be taken on this occasion, and all
+were much moved at the recital of the miseries which Roggewein and
+his people had endured. In truth, never were men more worthy of
+compassion. Only ten persons remained in any tolerable health, and
+twenty-six were down in various sicknesses, by which, exclusive of
+those who had been slain in their different engagements with the
+Indians, they had lost seventy men during the voyage. Their next care
+was to get the sick men on shore, which was done with all care and
+diligence, slinging them in their hammocks into the boats. Four of
+these poor people were in so low a condition that it was thought
+impossible they could bear removal, and they were therefore left on
+board, the very thoughts of which, after their companions went ashore,
+soon killed them. Those who were carried on shore were lodged under
+tents in an island, where they had every necessary afforded them that
+the country produced, yet many of them died.
+
+Mr Kuster sent an immediate account of their arrival to the
+commandant of the coasts of Java, who instantly forwarded it to Mr
+_Swaardekroon_, at that time governor-general of the East Indies. He
+sent a favourable answer, promising every assistance in his power, and
+adding, that they had nothing to do but to get to Batavia as soon as
+possible. While waiting the answer of the governor-general and the
+recovery of their sick, they passed their time agreeably enough at
+Japara, as their countrymen used them with all imaginable kindness.
+In a few days, the seamen became as frolicsome and gay as if they had
+made a pleasant and fortunate voyage; insomuch, that those who, only
+a few days before, were weeping, sighing, praying, and making warm
+protestations of leading new lives, if God in his mercy were pleased
+to save them, now ran headlong into the greatest extravagances;
+spending their whole time in debauched houses, and in swearing and
+drinking. This our author attributed to the bad example of those among
+whom they lived, all the lower people at Japara being as lewd and
+profligate as could be imagined; insomuch, that the first question
+they put to strangers from Europe is, if they have brought over any
+new oaths.
+
+The town of _Japara_ is seated at the bottom of a mountain of moderate
+height, is of a middling size, and is inhabited by Javans, Chinese,
+and Dutch; and was of more considerable extent than now, when in the
+hands of the Portuguese. Before getting possession of Jacatra, now
+Batavia, the Dutch East-India Company had their principal magazines
+for trade at this place, which was their chief factory, and on which
+all the other factories in Java were dependent; but it has fallen much
+in importance since the factory was transferred to Samarang. The port
+of Japara is both safe and commodious, and is defended by a fort,
+built mostly of wood, on the top of the mountain at the foot of which
+the town is seated. This fort is called the _Invincible Mountain_,
+because the Javanese were constantly defeated in all their attempts to
+get it into their hands, when in possession of the Portuguese; and its
+guns command the whole road.
+
+The king of Japara mostly resides at a place called _Kattasura_, about
+twenty-nine leagues up the country, where the Dutch have a strong
+fort with a good garrison, serving at the same time to secure their
+conquest, and to guard the king. This prince is a Mahomedan, and is
+served entirely by women, of whom he takes as many as he pleases,
+either as wives or concubines. Some of his priests are obliged to
+go every year on pilgrimage to Mecca, in order to make vows for the
+safety and prosperity of the king and royal family. His subjects are
+extremely faithful, and devoted to his service; the principal persons
+of his court having to approach him on their knees, every time they
+have an audience; but in time of war, this slavish custom is dispensed
+with. Such as commit the slightest fault, are poniarded on the spot by
+a kriss or dagger; this being almost the only punishment in use among
+them, as the smallest faults and the greatest crimes are all equally
+capital. The natives of this country are mostly of a very brown
+complexion, tolerably well shaped, and having long black hair, which
+however many of them cut short. Their noses are all flat and broad,
+and their teeth very black, owing to the incessant chewing of betel
+and faufel.
+
+The _faufel_ or _areka_ is a kind of nut, not much unlike a nutmeg,
+but smaller, and in a great measure tasteless, but yielding a red
+juice when chewed, which juice also is used by the Indians in painting
+chintzes, so much admired in Europe. The tree which bears this nut is
+very straight, and has leaves like those of the cocoa-nut tree. The
+_betel_ is a plant producing long rank leaves, shaped like those of
+the citron, and having an agreeable bitter taste. The fruit of this
+plant resembles a lizard's tail, and is about an inch and half long,
+having a pleasant aromatic flavour. The Indians continually carry
+the leaves of this plant, which also are presented at all ceremonious
+visits. They are almost continually chewing these leaves, and they
+mostly qualify their extreme bitterness by the addition of the faufel
+or areka-nut, and the powder of calcined oyster-shells, which give
+them a very agreeable taste; though some mix their betel leaves with
+shell lime, ambergris, and cardamom seeds, while others use Chinese
+tobacco. After all the juice is chewed out, they throw away the
+remaining dry mass. Many Europeans have got into the habit of chewing
+betel, so that they cannot leave it off, though it has proved fatal to
+some of them; for the natives are very skilful in preparing betel so
+as to do a man's business as effectually as a pistol or a dagger.
+
+The prevailing diversion among these people is called _tandakes_,
+which are a kind of comedies, acted by women very richly dressed, and
+consists chiefly in singing and dancing, accompanied by music, not
+very pleasant to European ears, the only instruments being small
+drums, on which they beat with much dexterity. Their dancing is mostly
+of a grotesque kind, in which they are very dexterous, throwing
+their bodies into all sorts of postures with astonishing agility, and
+expressing by them the passions of the mind so comically, that it is
+impossible to refrain from laughing. The men also practise a kind
+of war dance, in which the king and grandees bear a part. They also
+practise cock-fighting, like the English, and bet such considerable
+sums on this sport as often beggars them.
+
+The country abounds in all the necessaries of life, having abundance
+of beeves and hogs, and amazing quantities of fowls. The only thing
+scarce is mutton, chiefly owing to the richness of the pasture,
+which is very apt to burst the sheep. As to wild animals, they have
+buffaloes, stags, tygers, and rhinoceroses; which last animal is
+hunted by the Indians chiefly for the sake of its horns, of which they
+make drinking cups that are greatly valued, owing to a notion that
+they will not contain poison, but break immediately on that being
+poured into them. The high price of these tends to shew that the
+Javanese are addicted to the infamous practice of poisoning. The land
+is every where extremely fertile, producing vast abundance of pepper,
+ginger, cinnamon, rice, cardamoms, and other valuable articles. Of
+late they have planted coffee, and with such success as to have a
+reasonable hope of rendering it a principal commodity of the country.
+Cocoa-nuts, figs, and a variety of other excellent fruits grow every
+where in the greatest profusion; and as the trees on which they grow
+are verdant during the whole year, and are planted in rows along the
+rivers, they form the most agreeable walks that can be conceived.
+Sugar-canes also abound in Java. They have also plenty of vines, which
+produce ripe grapes seven times every year, but they are only fit
+for making raisins, and not wine, being too hastily ripened by the
+climate. The sea, and all the rivers, furnish an infinite variety of
+the finest fish. Thus, taking it altogether, it may be safely affirmed
+that Java is one of the most plentiful and pleasantest islands in the
+world.
+
+Having refreshed at Japara for about a month, Roggewein began to
+think of proceeding to Batavia, encouraged by the fine promises of the
+governor-general. Every thing being ready, the voyagers spent two
+days in taking leave of their kind friends, who supplied them with all
+sorts of provisions, much more than sufficient for so short a voyage,
+and they at length departed, feeling a sensible regret at parting with
+those who had treated them with so much kindness, relieving all their
+wants with so much generosity, and had enabled them to spend several
+weeks in peace and plenty, after a long period of sickness and misery.
+Steering from thence about seventy leagues to the westwards, with a
+fair wind, they entered the road of Batavia, where they saluted the
+fort, and anchored close to the ships that were loading for the voyage
+home, believing that all their distresses were now over, and that they
+should speedily accompany these other ships homewards. As soon as
+the ships were safely anchored, Roggewein went along with the other
+captains into his boat, meaning to have gone ashore to Batavia, but
+had not proceeded far from the ship when he met a boat having the
+commandant of Batavia on board, together with the fiscal, and some
+other members of the council, by whom he was desired to go back to his
+ship, which he did immediately; and, when the two boats came within
+hearing of the ships, the fiscal proclaimed, with a loud voice, that
+both ships were confiscated by order of the governor-general. At this
+time both ships were so environed by other large vessels belonging
+to the East India Company, that it was impossible to have escaped,
+if they had so inclined; and soon afterwards several hundred soldiers
+came on board, taking possession of both ships, and placing their
+crews under safe custody. Taught by so many and such unlooked-for
+misfortunes, Roggewein now thoroughly repented having proposed to
+return home by way of the East Indies, but was now wise behind hand.
+He had neglected prosecuting the discovery on which he had been
+sent, for which he now suffered a just punishment from the East India
+Company, however unjust in itself the sentence might be considered. By
+the sentence, both ships were declared legal prizes, and all the goods
+they contained were confiscated; and to prevent all trouble and delay
+from representations, reclamations, or memorials, every thing was
+immediately exposed to public auction, and sold to the highest
+bidders. The crews of both ships were divided, and put on board
+several of the homeward-bound ships.
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Description of Batavia and the Island of Java, with some Account of
+the Government of the Dutch East India Company's Affairs._
+
+The city of Batavia lies in the lat. of 6 deg. 20' S. and long. 107 deg. E.
+from Greenwich, being the capital of all the vast dominions belonging
+to the Dutch East India Company, serving also as the emporium of
+its prodigious trade, where all the merchandise and riches of that
+princely and wealthy company are laid up. It fell into the hands of
+the Dutch company in 1618, till which time it was known by the name of
+_Jacatra_, and soon afterwards they built a fort in the neighbourhood
+of that native city, to which they gave the name of Batavia. By the
+time this was hardly well finished, the natives of the island attacked
+it, animated and assisted by the English, and repeated their attempts
+several times, but always unsuccessfully, and to their great loss.
+The last time, they kept it blockaded for a considerable time, till
+succoured by a powerful squadron from Europe under Admiral Koen, when
+the siege was immediately raised, and the natives obliged to retire
+with the utmost precipitation. The Dutch had now leisure to consider
+the excellent situation of the fort, and the many advantages it
+possessed for becoming the centre of their East Indian trade and
+dominion, on which they resolved to build a town in the neighbourhood
+of the fort. With this view they demolished Jacatra, and erected on
+its ruins this famous commercial city, which they named Batavia.
+
+This city arrived at perfection in a short time, by the extraordinary
+diligence bestowed upon its construction, in spite of the many
+obstacles it met with from the two kings of Matarana and Bantam; the
+former of whom laid siege to it in 1629, and the latter in 1649. It
+is surrounded by an earthen rampart of twenty-one feet thick, faced on
+the outside with stone, and strengthened by twenty-two bastions, the
+whole environed by a ditch forty-five yards wide, and quite full of
+water, especially in spring-tides. All the approaches to the town are
+defended by several detached forts, all of which are well furnished
+with excellent brass cannon. Six of these are so considerable as
+to deserve being particularly mentioned, which are, Ansiol, Anke,
+Jacatra, Ryswyk, Noordywyk, and Vythock. The fort of _Ansiol_ is
+seated on a river of the same name, to the eastwards, and about 1200
+yards from the city, being built entirely of squared stone, and always
+provided with a strong garrison. _Anke_ is on a river of the same
+name, to the westwards, about 500 yards from the city, and is built
+like the former. _Jacatra_ lies also on a river of the same name, and
+is exactly like the two former, being 500 paces from the city. The
+road to this fort lies between two regular rows of fine trees, having
+very fine country houses and gardens on each side. The other three
+forts are all built of similar materials on the inland side of the
+city, and at small distances; the two first-named serving to secure
+the city on the side of the sea, and the other four to defend the
+approaches towards it from the land, and at the same time to protect
+the country houses, plantations, and gardens of the inhabitants.
+By these, all enemies are prevented from coming upon the city by
+surprise, as on every side they would be sure to meet a formidable
+resistance; and besides, no person is allowed to pass the forts, even
+outwards, unless with a passport.
+
+The river of Jacatra passes through the middle of the city, and
+supplies water to fifteen canals, all faced with freestone, and
+adorned on each side with ever-green trees, affording a charming
+prospect. Over these canals, which are all within the city, there are
+fifty-six bridges, besides others without the town. The streets are
+all perfectly straight, and are in general thirty feet broad on each
+side, besides the breadth of the canals. The houses are built of
+stone, mostly of several stories high, like those in the cities of
+Holland. The city of Batavia is about a league and a half in circuit,
+but is surrounded by a vast number of houses without the walls, which
+may be considered as forming suburbs, and in which there is ten times
+the population that is within the city. It has five gates, including
+that leading to the port, near to which there is a boom, or barrier,
+which is shut every night at nine o'clock, and at which there is a
+strong guard of soldiers night and day. There were formerly six
+gates, but one of these has since been walled up. There is a very fine
+stadt-house, or town-hall, and four churches for the Calvinists. The
+first of these, named _Kruist-kirk_, or Cross-church, was built in
+1640, and the second in 1672, and in both of these the worship is
+in the Dutch language. The third church belongs to the _protestant_
+Portuguese, and the fourth is for the Malays who have been converted
+to the reformed Christian religion. Besides these, there are abundance
+of other places of worship for various sorts of religions.
+
+They have likewise in this city a _Spin-hays_, or house of correction
+for the confinement of disorderly women; an orphan-house, and arsenal
+of marine stores, and many magazines for spiceries: Also many wharfs,
+docks, rope-walks, and other public buildings. The garrison usually
+consists of from two to three thousand men. Besides the forts formerly
+mentioned, the famous citadel or castle of Batavia is a fine regular
+fortification, having four bastions, situated at the mouth of the
+river opposite to the city; two of its bastions fronting towards the
+sea and commanding the anchorage, while the other two face towards
+the city. There are two main gates to the citadel, one called the
+Company's gate, which was built in 1636, to which leads a stone bridge
+of fourteen arches, each of which is twenty-six feet span, and ten
+feet wide. The other is called the Water-gate. Besides which, there
+are two posterns, one in the east curtain, and the other in the
+west, neither of which are ever opened except for the purposes of the
+garrison. In this citadel the governor-general resides, having a brick
+palace two stories high, with a noble front of Italian architecture.
+Opposite to this palace is that of the director-general, who is next
+in rank to the governor. The counsellors and other principal officers
+of the company have also their apartments within the citadel, together
+with the chief physician, chief surgeon, and chief apothecary. There
+in also a remarkably neat and light small church, and there are many
+magazines and store-houses well furnished with ammunition and military
+stores; and in it are the offices in which all the affairs of the
+company are transacted, and archives for containing all the records.
+
+Besides many Dutch, all of whom are either in the service of the
+company or free burgesses, the city is inhabited by a vast number
+of people of many different Indian nations, besides many Portuguese,
+French, and other Europeans, established here on account of trade. The
+Portuguese are mostly descendants of those who lived formerly here or
+at Goa, and who, finding their account in living under the government
+of the Dutch, did not think proper to remove after the Dutch had
+reduced the country; but far the greater number of these are now of
+the reformed religion. The Indian inhabitants consist of Javanese, or
+natives of the island, Chinese, Malays, negroes, Amboinese, Armenians,
+natives of the island of Bali, Mardykers, Macassars, Bougis, and
+others. It is a very curious thing to see so great a multitude of
+different nations all living in the same great city, and each nation
+according to their own manners. Every moment one sees new customs,
+strange manners, varieties of dresses, and faces of different colours,
+as black, white, brown, yellow, and olive-coloured; every one living
+as he pleases, and all speaking their different languages. Yet, amidst
+all this variety of people and customs so opposite to each other,
+there is a surprising unity among the citizens, occasioned by the
+advantages of commerce, the common object of all, so that they live
+harmoniously and happily under the gentle and prudent laws established
+by the company. All enjoy perfect liberty of conscience, whatever may
+be their religion or sect, only that none are permitted the public
+exercise of their religion except the Calvinists, any more than in
+Holland, so that priests and monks must not walk the streets in the
+habits of their respective orders. All are however allowed to live
+here in peace, and may exercise the rites of their religion within
+doors. Jesuits are, however, excluded, for fear of their intrigues;
+and the Chinese religion, because of its abominable idolatry, is
+obliged to have its pagoda, or idol temple, about a league from the
+city, where also they bury their dead.
+
+Every Indian nation settled at Batavia has its chief or head, who
+watches over the interests of his nation, but is not allowed to decide
+upon any thing of importance, his chief functions being those of
+religion, and to decide slight controversies among his countrymen. The
+_Japanese_ chiefly addict themselves to agriculture, ship-building,
+and fishing. These people, for the most part, only wear a kind of
+short petticoat, reaching to their knees, all the rest of their
+bodies being naked, having also a sort of scarf or sash across their
+shoulders, from which hangs a short sword. On their heads they wear
+small bonnets. Their huts or cabins are remarkably neater than those
+of the other Indians, built of split bamboos, with large spreading
+roofs, under which they sit in the open air.
+
+The _Chinese_ are very numerous, as it is reckoned there are at least
+five thousand of them in the city and its suburbs. These people seem
+naturally born for trade, and are great enemies to idleness, thinking
+nothing too hard or laborious that is attended with a prospect of
+gain. They can live on very little, are bold, enterprising, possessed
+of much address, and indefatigably industrious. Their sagacity,
+penetration, and subtilty, are so extraordinary as to make good their
+own saying, "That the Dutch have only one eye, while they have two;"
+but they are deceitful beyond measure, taking a pride in imposing on
+those who deal with them, and even boast of that cunning of which they
+ought to be ashamed. In husbandry and navigation they surpass all the
+other nations of India. Most of the sugar-mills around Batavia belong
+to them, and the distillery of arrack is entirely in their hands. They
+are the carriers of eastern Asia, and even the Dutch often make use
+of their vessels. They keep all the shops and most of the inns of
+Batavia, and farm all the duties of excise and customs. Generally
+speaking, they are well-made men, of an olive complexion, their heads
+being peculiarly round, with small eyes, and short flat noses. They
+do not cut their hair, as all in China are obliged to do since the
+Tartars conquered the country; and whenever any one comes to Batavia
+from China, he immediately suffers his hair to grow, as a token
+of freedom, dressing it with the utmost care; their priests only
+excepted, whose heads are all close shaven.
+
+The Chinese go always bare headed, carrying an umbrella in their hands
+to keep off the sun; and they suffer their nails to grow immoderately
+long, which gives them prodigious dexterity in slight of hand, an art
+of considerable importance as they use it. Their dress here differs
+materially from what they wear in their own country, their cotton
+robes being very ample, and their sleeves very wide. Below this they
+have a kind of breeches reaching to their ancles, having a kind
+of little slippers on their feet instead of shoes, and never wear
+stockings. Their women, who are very brisk, lively, impudent, and
+debauched, wear very long cotton robes. In general, the Chinese have
+no distinction of meats, but eat without ceremony of any animal that
+comes to hand, be it even dog, cat, or rat, or what it may. They are
+amazingly fond of shows and entertainments. Their feast of the new
+year, which they celebrate in the beginning of March, commonly lasts
+a whole month; during which they do nothing but divert themselves,
+chiefly in dancing, which they do in a strange manner, running round
+about to the sound of gongs, flutes, and trumpets, which do not form a
+very agreeable concert. They use the same music at their comedies,
+or theatrical diversions, of which they are extremely fond: These
+comedies consist of a strange mixture of drama, opera, and pantomime,
+as they sometimes sing, sometimes speak, and at other times the whole
+business of the scene consists in gesture. They have none but _women_
+players,[1] who are brought up to this employment from their infancy;
+but many of them act male parts, using proper disguises for the
+purpose. Whenever they act a comedy, the city receives fifty crowns
+for a licence. They erect the theatre in the street, in front of the
+house of him who is at the expence of the play, the subject of
+which always turns on the exploits of their ancient heroes, or the
+austerities of their old saints.
+
+[Footnote 1: This may possibly have been the case at this time in
+Batavia; but we are assured by recent travellers in China, that they
+have there none but _men_ players, the female parts being acted by
+youths.--E.]
+
+The funerals of the Chinese are very singular, as well as very rich
+and pompous, forming grand and solemn processions, in which sometimes
+at least 500 persons of both sexes assist, the women being all
+cloathed in white. At these funerals they employ music to heighten the
+shew, together with coloured umbrellas and canopies, carrying their
+principal idol, which they call _Joostie de Batavia_, under one of
+their canopies. Their tombs are some of them very magnificent. They
+follow the idolatrous religion of their native country, and have a
+pagoda, or idol temple, about the distance of a league from the
+city, where they assemble for worship. They are perhaps the grossest
+idolaters, and the most ridiculous in their opinions, of all the
+pagans of the east, as they openly profess to worship and adore the
+devil. This does not proceed from their ignorance or unbelief in a
+God, but rather from mistaken notions in their belief concerning him.
+They say that God is infinitely good and merciful, giving to man every
+thing he possesses, and never doing any hurt; and therefore that there
+is no need to worship him. But with the devil, the author of all ill,
+they are desirous to live upon good terms, and to omit nothing that
+can entitle them to his good graces. It is the devil therefore whom
+they represent by the idol above mentioned, and in whose honour they
+have frequently great feasts and rejoicings.
+
+Like the Javans, the Chinese are extravagantly addicted to gaming
+and laying wagers; and this humour, especially at cock-fights and the
+new-year's feasts, drives them sometimes into downright madness.
+They will not only stake and lose their money, goods, and houses, but
+sometimes their wives and children; and when these are all lost, will
+stake their beards, nails, and winds; that is, they bind themselves
+not to shave their beards, pare their nails, or go on board ship to
+trade, till they have paid their game debts. When reduced to this
+condition, they are forced to hire themselves as the bond slaves of
+some other Chinese. Under such misfortunes their only resource is,
+that some relative, either at Batavia or China, pays their debts out
+of compassion, and by that means reinstates them in their property and
+freedom.
+
+The _Malays_ who live at Batavia usually employ themselves in fishing,
+having very neat and shewy vessels, the sails of which are most
+ingeniously constructed of straw. These are a most wicked and
+profligate people, who often commit atrocious murders for very
+trifling gain. They profess the Mahomedan religion, but are so
+absolutely devoid of moral principle, that they even make a boast and
+merit of cheating Christians. Their last chief was publicly whipped
+and branded for his frauds and villainies, his goods confiscated, and
+he himself banished to Ceylon; since when they have been ashamed
+to elect another chief. Their habits are of silk or cotton, the men
+wearing a piece of cotton round their heads, and their black hair tied
+into a knot behind.
+
+The blacks or negroes at Batavia are mostly Mahomedans, who come
+chiefly from Bengal, dressing like the Malays, and living in the same
+quarter of the city. Some of them work at different mechanic trades,
+and others are a kind of pedlars; but the most considerable of them
+trade in stones for buildings, which they bring from the neighbouring
+islands.
+
+The _Amboinese_ are chiefly employed in building houses of bamboos,
+the windows of which are made of split canes, very nicely wrought in
+various figures. They are a bold boisterous race, and so turbulent
+that they are not permitted to reside in the city, but have their
+quarter near the Chinese burying ground. The chief of their own
+nation, to whom they pay the utmost submission, has a magnificent
+house in their quarter, well furnished after their manner. Their arms
+are chiefly large sabres and long bucklers. The men wear a piece of
+cotton cloth wrapped round their heads, the ends of which hang down
+behind, and adorn this species of turban with a variety of flowers.
+Their women wear a close habit, and a cotton mantle over their
+shoulders, having their arms bare. Their houses are built of boards,
+thatched with leaves, usually two or three stories high, the ground
+floor especially being divided into several apartments.
+
+The _Mardykers_ or _Topasses_ are idolaters from various Indian
+nations, and follow various trades and professions; and their
+merchants, under licences or passports from the company, carry on
+considerable commerce among the neighbouring islands. Some of these
+people are gardeners, others rear cattle, and others breed fowls. The
+men of this mixed tribe generally dress after the Dutch fashion, but
+the women wear the habits of other Indians. These people dwell both
+in the city and country, their houses being better than those of the
+other Indians, built of stone or brick, several stories high, and very
+neat. There are also some _Macassers_ at Batavia, so famous for their
+little poisoned arrows, which they blow from tubes. This poison is
+made of the juice of a certain tree, which grows in Macasser and the
+_Bougis_ islands, into which they dip the points of the arrows and
+allow them to dry. The wound inflicted by these arrows is absolutely
+mortal. The _Bougis_ are natives of three or four islands near
+Macasser, and since the conquest of that island have settled at
+Batavia. They are very bold and hardy fellows, for which reason they
+are employed as soldiers by the company. Their arms are bows and
+arrows, with sabres and bucklers. Besides these enumerated nations,
+which contribute to form the population of Batavia, there are several
+Armenians and some other Asiatics who reside there occasionally for
+the sake of trade, and stay no longer than their affairs require, All
+the inhabitants around Batavia, and for a track of about forty leagues
+along the mountains of the country of Bantam, are immediately subject
+to the governor-general, who sends _drossards_ or commissaries among
+them, to administer justice, and to collect the public revenues; and
+the chief men of the several districts resort at certain times to
+Batavia, to give an account of the behaviour of these commissaries.
+
+The city of Batavia, and all the dominions possessed by the company in
+the East Indies, are governed by two supreme councils, one of which is
+named the Council of the Indies, and the other the Council of Justice,
+both of which are fixed at Batavia, the capital of the dominions
+belonging to the company. To the first of these belong all matters
+of government, and the entire direction of public affairs, and to
+the other the administration of justice in all its branches. The
+governor-general always presided in the former of these councils,
+which is ordinarily composed of eighteen or twenty persons, called
+counsellors of the Indies; but it seldom happens that these are all
+at Batavia at one time, as they are usually promoted to the seven
+governments which are at the disposal of the company. This council
+assembles regularly twice a-week, besides as often extraordinarily as
+the governor pleases. They deliberate on all affairs concerning the
+interest of the company, and superintend the government of the island
+of Java and its dependencies: But in affairs of very great importance,
+the approbation and consent of the directors of the company in Europe
+must be had. From this Council of the Indies, orders and instructions
+are sent to all the other governments, which must be implicitly
+obeyed. In this council, all letters addressed to the governor or
+director-general are read and debated, and answers agreed upon by a
+plurality of voices.
+
+The Council of Justice consists of a president, who is generally a
+counsellor of the Indies, together with eight counsellors of justice,
+a fiscal or attorney-general for affairs of government, another fiscal
+for maritime affairs, and a secretary. The first fiscal has a vote
+along with the counsellors, and receives a third part of all fines
+below an hundred florins, and a sixth part of all above that sum.
+The duty of his office is to observe that the laws are obeyed, and to
+prefer informations against those who break them. The fiscal of the
+sea has jurisdiction over all frauds committed in commerce, in cases
+of piracy, or in whatever tends to disturb the settled rules of
+maritime affairs. Besides these sovereign tribunals, there is a
+council of the city of Batavia, consisting of nine burgomasters or
+aldermen, including a president, who is always a member of the Council
+of the Indies, and a vice-president. The bailiff of the city, and the
+commissary of the adjacent territory, have also seats in this council,
+to which likewise there is a secretary.
+
+The governor-general is head of the empire belonging to the company in
+India, being as it were stadtholder, captain-general, and admiral of
+the Indies. By his office he is president of the supreme council, in
+which he has two voices. He has the keys of all the magazines, and
+directs every thing belonging to them, without being accountable to
+any one. He commands by his own proper authority, and every person is
+bound to obey him, so that his authority equals, and even surpasses,
+that of several European sovereigns. But he is accountable to, and
+removeable by the directors at home. In cases, however, of being
+guilty of treason, or any other enormous crime, the Council of Justice
+have a right to seize his person and call him to account. In case the
+governor-general dies or resigns his office, the Council of the Indies
+meets and elects a successor, when they immediately write to the
+directors at home, desiring them to confirm and approve their choice.
+They also write to the same purpose to the states-general of the
+United Provinces, who have reserved to themselves the power of
+confirming or excluding a governor-general. It is usual, however, for
+the directors and the state to confirm the choice of the council, and
+to send him letters patent, conformable to the desire of the council;
+yet there have been some instances of the directors rejecting the
+governor-general thus elected, and sending out another.
+
+The salary allowed by the company to the governor-general is 800
+rix-dollars, with other 500 dollars for his table, and also pay the
+salaries of the officers of his household. But these appointments form
+a very small portion of his revenue; as the legal emoluments of his
+office are so great that he is able to amass an immense fortune in
+two or three years, without oppressing the people or burdening his
+conscience. Being the head and apparent sovereign of all the countries
+belonging to or dependent upon the company, he is allowed a court and
+most of the honours usually paid to crowned heads, in compliance with
+the customs of the east. When he goes from his palace to his country
+seat, he is preceded by the master of his household, at the head
+of six gentlemen on horseback. A trumpeter and two halberdeers on
+horseback go immediately before the coach. The master of the horse and
+six mounted halberdeers ride on the right; and he is followed by
+other coaches carrying his friends and retinue. The whole cavalcade is
+closed by a troop of forty-eight dragoons, commanded by a captain and
+three quarter-masters, and preceded by a trumpeter richly clothed. If
+this office be considerable for its honour, power, and emolument,
+it is also very fatiguing, as the governor-general is employed from
+morning to night in giving audiences, in reading letters, and in
+giving orders in the service of the company; so that he seldom can
+allow above half an hour for dinner, and even dispatches pressing
+affairs while at table. He has also to receive all Indian princes and
+ambassadors who come to Batavia, and of these many arrive every year.
+
+The director-general is the next in authority after the
+governor-general, and is the second person in the council of the
+Indies. This employment requires great care and attention, as he has
+the charge of buying and selling all the commodities that enter into
+or go out from the Company's warehouses. He gives orders for the kinds
+and quantities of all goods sent to Holland or elsewhere, keeps the
+keys of all the magazines, and every officer in the service of the
+Company makes a report to him daily of every thing committed to their
+charge. He has the supreme direction of every thing relative to the
+trade and commerce of the Company, both at Batavia and all other
+places; and the members of all the factories belonging to the Company
+are accountable to him for their conduct.
+
+The third person in the government is the Major-general, who has the
+command of all the forces under the governor-general. The number of
+regular troops in the service of the Company throughout the Indies may
+be about 12,000 men, exclusive of the militia, which amount to about
+100,000 more, and are well disciplined, and always called out in time
+of danger. The entire military and naval strength of the Company by
+land and sea is about 25,000 men, including officers, soldiers,
+and sailors. For the support of its commerce, the Company keeps
+in constant employment about 180 ships, of from 30 to 60 pieces of
+cannon, and in cases of emergency are able at any time to fit out
+forty of the largest size.
+
+The ecclesiastical government at Batavia, or consistory, consists of
+eleven persons; viz. the five ministers of the two Dutch churches in
+the city, and that in the citadel, besides the minister who resides
+in the island of _Ourust_, together with the three ministers of the
+Portuguese churches, and the two belonging to the Malay church. These
+last five are all Dutchmen-born, though they preach in the Portuguese
+and Malay languages. As it is deemed necessary that the state should
+be informed of all that passes among their clergy, the eleventh person
+is nominated by the government, whose especial business is to see
+that they do nothing contrary to the laws or to the regulations of the
+Company. Besides these, the consistory also consists of eight elders
+and twenty deacons. One principal branch of business confided to the
+consistory, is to provide ministers for the subordinate governments;
+where they are relieved after a certain term of years, and either
+return to Batavia or to Holland, to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
+Our author relates that one of these ministers went home in the same
+ship with him, who had made such good use of his time, that he bought
+a _noble fief_ on his return, and became a man of quality. In
+the smaller places belonging to the Company, where there are no
+established ministers, an itinerant is sent once in three or four
+years, to marry, baptize, and dispense the communion; which is
+necessary, since the synods do not permit the propagation of any other
+except the reformed religion in the territories of the Company.
+
+For a long time the Lutherans have solicited for permission to have a
+church in Batavia, but have constantly been refused, though certainly
+a just and reasonable demand, especially in a place where Mahomedans
+and Pagans are freely tolerated in the exercise of their religion,
+and where the Chinese are even permitted to worship the devil.
+This ecclesiastical consistory has also dependent upon it all the
+schoolmasters, consolators of the sick, and catechists. Of these last
+there are many in the service of the Company in their ships; their
+duty being to say prayers every day, and to instruct such as embrace
+the Christian religion; and as they are mostly natives, and speak
+several languages, they are the better able to give instructions, and
+to teach the confession of faith to so many different nations. Such
+as are converted are baptized and receive the communion; and, for the
+better preservation of uniformity in doctrine, an annual visitation of
+all the new converts is made by the ministers. In consequence of
+these regulations, the reformed religion has made amazing progress,
+especially among the blacks, of whom our author says he has seen 150
+at a time present themselves to receive baptism. This however is not
+rashly granted, as all who receive it must be well instructed, and be
+able to make their confession of faith. The Chinese are well known
+to be so obstinately addicted to their great Confucius, as not to be
+easily induced to embrace any other religion; yet some even of them
+from time to time have abjured their idolatry, and embraced the
+protestant faith. Yet our author seems to doubt their sincerity,
+alleging that the Chinese are seldom sincere in any thing; and he
+tells us, that a Chinese, on renouncing idolatry; said he was about to
+embrace the religion of the Company.
+
+The country around Batavia is extremely beautiful, and it may be said
+that nature and art seem to strive which shall have the greatest share
+in adorning it. The air is sweet and mild, the land extremely fertile,
+and the face of the country finely diversified with hills and vallies,
+all laid out in regular plantations, beautiful canals, and whatever
+can contribute to render the country pleasant and agreeable. The
+island of Java is about 300 leagues in circumference, divided into
+several kingdoms and principalities, all dependent upon the emperor
+who resides at _Kattasura_, except the kings of Bantam and Japara,[2]
+who do not acknowledge his authority. The country produces in
+abundance all the necessaries of life, as also great quantities of
+those valuable productions which form its commerce. It is interspersed
+by many mountains, rivers, and woods, to all of which nature has
+bestowed her treasures with a bountiful hand. There are gold-mines in
+some parts of the country, and for some years the government caused
+the mountains of _Parang_ to be wrought, in hopes of reaping profit;
+but, after expending a million, the marcasites were found not to
+be fully ripened.[3] Those who directed this enterprise were much
+censured, and the works have been long discontinued. Some are
+thoroughly satisfied that the natives find considerable quantities
+of gold in several places, which they carefully conceal from the
+knowledge of the Dutch. During the last war in Java, which continued
+from 1716 to 1721, the inhabitants of some parts of the country were
+so often plundered that they were reduced to absolute beggary; yet,
+after a year's peace, they were observed to have grown excessively
+rich, having plenty of gold, both in dust and ingots.
+
+[Footnote 2: There is some strange error here, which we do not presume
+to correct or explain. In the former section, the king of _Japara_ is
+said to reside chiefly at _Kattasura_, which in the present instance
+is said to be the residence of the emperor. In an after division of
+this collection, more ample and distinct accounts will be found of
+this rich island, now subject to Britain.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 3: In plain English, the mineral, or ore, was so poor as not
+to defray the expence of extracting the metal.--E.]
+
+The mountains of Java are very high, so that many of them can be seen
+at the distance of thirty or forty leagues. That which is called the
+_Blue Mountain_ is by far the highest, being seen from the greatest
+distance at sea. Java is subject to frequent and terrible earthquakes,
+which the inhabitants believe are caused by the mountain of Parang,
+which is full of sulphur, salt-petre, and bitumen, which take fire by
+their intestine commotions, causing a prodigious struggle within the
+bowels of the earth, whence proceeds the earthquake; and they assert
+that it is common, after an earthquake, to see a vast cloud of smoke
+hanging over the top of that mountain. About thirty years before
+Roggewein was in Batavia, Mynheer Ribeck, then governor-general, went
+with many attendants to the top of this mountain, where he perceived
+a large cavity, into which he caused a man to be let down, to examine
+the inside. On his return, this man reported that the mountain was
+all hollow within, that he heard a most frightful noise of torrents of
+water on every side, that he here and there saw flames bursting out,
+so that he was afraid of going far, from apprehension of either being
+stifled by the noxious vapours, or falling into one of the chasms. The
+waters in the neighbourhood of this mountain are unwholesome, and even
+those in the neighbourhood of Batavia are impregnated with sulphur,
+those who drink much of them being liable to several disorders,
+particularly the dysentery. But when boiled, their water is entirely
+freed from the sulphur, and does no manner of harm, though drank
+copiously.
+
+The fruits and plants of Java are excellent and numberless. Among
+these the cocoa-nut tree is by far the most valuable, as besides
+its fruit already described, the bark makes a kind of hemp which is
+manufactured into good ropes and cables; the timber serves to build
+houses and ships, and the leaves serve to cover the former. It is said
+that the father of a family in this country causes a cocoa-nut tree
+to be planted at the birth of each of his children, by which each may
+always know his own age, as this tree has a circle rising yearly on
+its stem, so that its age may be known by counting these circles: and
+when any one asks a father the ages of his children, he sends them to
+look at his cocoa trees.
+
+There are numerous woods or forests in different parts of the
+island, in which are abundance of wild beasts, as buffaloes, tigers,
+rhinoceroses, and wild horses. These also abound in serpents, some
+of which are of prodigious size. Crocodiles are numerous and large in
+this island, being mostly found about the mouths of the rivers; and,
+being amphibious animals, delight much in marshes and savannahs. Like
+the tortoise, this creature deposits its eggs in the hot sands,
+taking no farther care of them, and the sun hatches them in the proper
+season, when they immediately betake themselves to the water. A short
+time before the arrival of Roggewein at Batavia, a crocodile was
+taken in the mouth of the river to the east of the city, upwards of
+thirty-three feet long, and proportionally large. They have fowls of
+all kinds, and exquisitely good; particularly peacocks, partridges,
+pheasants, and wood-pigeons. The Indian bat is a great curiosity,
+differing little in form from ours, but its extended wings measure a
+full yard, and its body is as large as a rat.
+
+There are great numbers of excellent fish of different sorts to be had
+in the adjoining sea, and so plentiful and cheap that as much may be
+bought for three-pence as will dine six or seven men. Tortoises or
+sea-turtle also are abundant, their flesh resembling veal, and there
+are many persons who think it much better. The flat country round
+Batavia abounds in all kinds of provisions; and to prevent all danger
+of scarcity, vessels belonging to the Company are continually employed
+in bringing provisions, spiceries, and all other necessaries, from the
+most distant parts of the island, together with indigo, rice, pepper,
+cardamoms, coffee, and the like. In the magazines and store-houses,
+there are always vast quantities of rich and valuable commodities, not
+of Java only, but of all parts of India, ready to be transported to
+other parts of the Company's dominions, in the ships which return
+annually to Holland.
+
+The homeward-bound ships sail five times every year from Batavia. The
+first fleet sails in July, generally consisting of four or five sail,
+which touch on their way at the island of Ceylon. The second, of six
+or seven vessels, sails in September. The third usually consists
+of from sixteen to twenty ships, and leaves Batavia in October. The
+fourth, of four or five vessels, sails in January. And the fifth,
+being only a single ship, generally sails in March, but not till the
+arrival of the fleet from China which brings the tea, of which the
+principal part of the cargo of this ship consists, wherefore it is
+usually called the _tea-ship_: The common people call it also the
+_book-ship_ as it carries home the current account of the whole year,
+by which the Company is enabled to judge of the state of its trade
+in India. It is to be observed that these ships, laden with the rich
+commodities of many countries, all sail from this single port of
+Batavia; the ships from Mokha which carry coffee, being the only
+vessels in the service of the Dutch East India Company that are
+allowed to proceed directly home without going to Batavia.
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Description of Ceylon._
+
+The next best government belonging to the Dutch East India Company,
+after Batavia, is that of the island of Ceylon. The governor of this
+island is generally a member of the council of the Indies, and has
+a council appointed to assist him, framed after the model of that in
+Batavia, only that the members are not quite such great men. Though
+the governor of Ceylon be dependent upon the Council of the Indies at
+Batavia, he is at liberty to write directly to the directors of
+the Company in Holland, without asking permission from the
+governor-general, or being obliged to give any account of his conduct
+in so doing. This singular privilege has had bad effects, having even
+tempted some governors of Ceylon to endeavour to withdraw themselves
+from their obedience to the Company, in order to become absolute
+sovereigns of the island. There have been many examples of this kind,
+but it may be sufficient to mention the two last, owing to the
+tyranny of two successive governors, Vuist and Versluys, which made a
+considerable noise in Europe.
+
+When Mr Rumpf left the government of Ceylon, his immediate successor,
+Mr Vuist, began to act the tyrant towards all who were not so
+fortunate as to be in his good graces, persecuting both Europeans and
+natives. Having from the beginning formed the project of rendering
+himself an independent sovereign, he pursued his plan steadily, by
+such methods as seemed best calculated to insure success. He thought
+it necessary in the first place to rid himself of the richest persons
+in the island, and of all having the reputation of wisdom, experience,
+and penetration. In order to save appearances, and to play the
+villain with an air of justice, he thought it necessary to trump up a
+pretended plot, and caused informations to be preferred against such
+persons as he intended to ruin, charging them with having entered into
+a conspiracy to betray the principal fortresses of the island into the
+hands of some foreign power. This scheme secured him in two ways, as
+it seemed to manifest his great zeal for the interest of the Company,
+and enabled him to convict those he hated of high treason, and to
+deprive them at once of life and fortune. To manage this the more
+easily, he contrived to change the members of his council, into
+which he brought creatures of his own, on whose acquiescence in his
+iniquities he could depend upon. The confiscations of the estates and
+effects of a number of innocent persons whom he had murdered by these
+false judicial proceedings, gave him the means of obliging many, and
+gained him numerous dependants.
+
+Vuist was born in India of Dutch parents, and had a strong natural
+capacity which had been improved by assiduous application to his
+studies. His dark brow, and morose air, shewed the cruelty of his
+disposition: Yet he loved and protected the Indians, either from a
+natural disposition, or because he deemed them fit instruments to
+forward his designs. In order to gain the natives in his interest, he
+preferred them to many vacant offices under his government, in direct
+opposition to repeated instructions from the Company, to bestow the
+principal offices on Dutchmen or other Europeans. After carrying on
+his designs with much dexterity, and having acquired by gifts a vast
+number of dependants, ready to support his purposes, some of the
+faithful servants of the Company sent such clear and distinct
+information of his proceedings to Holland, as sufficiently evinced his
+real intentions, in spite of all his arts to conceal them. At length
+the Company sent out Mr Versluys to supersede him in the government
+of Ceylon, with orders to send him prisoner to Batavia. As soon as he
+arrived there, abundance of informations were preferred against him,
+for a variety of crimes both of a private and public nature, into
+all of which the council of justice made strict inquisition, and were
+furnished with abundant proofs of his guilt. In the end, he freely
+confessed that he had caused nineteen innocent persons to be put to
+death, having put them all to the torture, extorting from all of them
+confessions of crimes which they had never even dreamt of committing.
+He was accordingly sentenced to be broken alive on the wheel, his body
+to be quartered, and his quarters burnt to ashes and thrown into the
+sea.
+
+Such was the deserved end of the traitor and tyrant Vuist; yet
+Versluys, who was sent expressly to amend what the other had done
+amiss, and to make the people forget the excesses of his predecessor
+by a mild and gentle administration, acted perhaps even worse than
+Vuist. Versluys was by no means of a cruel disposition, wherefore,
+strictly speaking, he shed no blood, yet acted as despotically and
+tyrannically as the other, though with more subtilty and under a
+fairer appearance. His great point was not the absolute possession of
+the country, but to possess himself of all that it contained of value.
+For this purpose, immediately on getting possession of the government,
+he raised the price of rice, the bread of the country, to so
+extravagant a height that the people in a short time were unable
+to purchase it, and were soon reduced to beggary and a starving
+condition. Their humble representations of the great and general
+misery which reigned among all ranks of people throughout the island
+made no impression on his avaricious disposition; but all things went
+on from bad to worse, till an account of his nefarious conduct was
+transmitted to Holland. When informed of the distressed situation of
+the inhabitants of Ceylon, the States-general sent out Mr Doembourgh
+as governor, with orders to repair all past errors, and to treat the
+natives with all possible tenderness and indulgence. On his arrival,
+Versluys, after beggaring the whole nation, took it into his head that
+they would defend him against his masters, and absolutely refused to
+resign the government; and had even the insolency to fire upon
+the Company's ships as they lay at anchor in the road of Columbo.
+Doembourgh, however, immediately landed, and his authority was readily
+recognised by all the Company's servants, and submitted to by the
+people. He caused Versluys to be immediately arrested and sent to
+Batavia, where a long criminal process was instituted against him, but
+which was not concluded when our author left India.
+
+Of all the Asiatic islands, Ceylon is perhaps the fairest and most
+fertile. It lies to the S.E. of the peninsula of India on this side of
+the Ganges, between the latitudes of 5 deg. 30' and 9 deg. N. and between
+the longitudes of 79 deg. 45' and 82 deg. 12' E. so that it extends 70 marine
+leagues from N. to S. and 49 leagues from E. to W. It is so fertile
+and delicious, that many have believed it to have been the seat of the
+terrestrial paradise; and the natives certainly believe this, for they
+pretend to shew the tomb of Adam, and the print of his foot on the
+mountain named the Peak of Adam,[1] one of the highest mountains
+in the world. On another mountain there is a salt-lake, which the
+inhabitants affirm was filled by the tears shed by Eve, while she wept
+incessantly an hundred years for the death of Abel.
+
+[Footnote 1: This gross absurdity is not worth contesting; but the
+fact is, that the real natives, the idolaters of the interior, refer
+both the tomb and the footmark to their false god, or lawgiver,
+Bodh.--E.]
+
+The principal places in Ceylon are Jafnapatam, Trinkamaly, Baracola,
+Punta de Galla, Columbo, Negombo, Sitavaca, and Candy. The Dutch East
+India Company are possessed of all the coasts of the island, and ten
+or twelve leagues within the land, and most of the before-mentioned
+towns, except the two last. While the Portuguese had possession, they
+built abundance of forts for their security, so that the Dutch found
+it a difficult matter to dislodge them; but having contracted a secret
+treaty with the king of Candy, the Portuguese were attacked on all
+sides, by sea and land, and were driven by degrees out of all their
+possessions. Since then, the Dutch have taken much pains to cultivate
+a good understanding with that native sovereign, from whom they have
+obtained almost every thing they demanded. They send every year an
+ambassador to him with various presents; in return for which his
+Candian majesty sends to the company a casket of jewels, of such value
+that the ship which carries it home is reckoned to be worth half the
+fleet.
+
+Punta de Galle and Columbo are the two principal places in the
+island, the latter being the residence of the governor, and the other,
+properly speaking, is only the port of that city. Though extremely
+hot, the air of Ceylon is reckoned healthy, and the country abounds
+with excellent fruits of many kinds. The sea and the rivers afford
+plenty of various kinds of fish. There are also on the land great
+abundance of fowls, both wild and tame, and many wild animals,
+particularly elephants that are larger than any other country in Asia,
+also tygers, bears, civet cats, monkeys, and others. _Cinnamon_ is the
+production for which this island is peculiarly famous, as that which
+is procured here is estimated far superior to any other. The Dutch
+East India Company have the entire monopoly not only of this, but of
+all the other spices, with which they supply all parts of the world.
+Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tree resembling the orange, the
+flowers of which very much resemble those of the laurel both in size
+and figure. There are three sorts of cinnamon. The finest is taken
+from young trees; a coarser sort from the old ones; and the third is
+the _wild cinnamon_, or cassia, which grows not only in Ceylon, but
+in Malabar and China, and of late years in Brazil. The company also
+derives great profit from an essential oil drawn from cinnamon, which
+sells at a high price; and it also makes considerable gain by the
+precious stones found in this island, being rubies, white and blue
+sapphires, topazes, and others.
+
+Off the coast of this island, at Manaar and Tutecorin, there is a fine
+pearl fishery, which brings in a large revenue, being let twice a-year
+in farm to certain black merchants. The oysters are at the bottom of
+the sea, and the fishery is only carried on in fine weather, when the
+sea is perfectly calm. The diver has one end of a rope fastened round
+his body below the arm-pits, the other end being tied to the boat,
+having a large stone tied to his feet, that he may descend the
+quicker, and a bag tied round his waist to receive the oysters. As
+soon as he gets to the bottom of the sea, he takes up as many oysters
+as are within his reach, putting them as fast as possible into the
+bag; and in order to ascend, pulls strongly at a cord, different from
+that which is round his body, as a signal for those in the boat to
+haul him up as fast as they can, while he endeavours so shake loose
+the stone at his feet. When the boats are filled with oysters, the
+black merchants carry them to different places on the coast, selling
+them at so much the hundred; which trade is hazardous for the
+purchasers, who sometimes find pearls of great value, and sometimes
+none at all, or those only of small value.
+
+The inhabitants of Ceylon are called _Cingolesians_, or Cingalese, who
+are mostly very tall, of a very dark complexion, with very large ears,
+owing to the numerous large and heavy ornaments they wear in them.
+They are men of great courage, and live in a hardy manner, and
+are therefore excellent soldiers. They are, for the most part,
+Mahomedans,[2] though there are many idolaters among them who worship
+cows and calves. The inhabitants of the interior do not greatly
+respect the Dutch, whom they term their _coast-keepers_, in derision;
+but the Dutch care little about this, endeavouring to keep in good
+correspondence with the king of Candy, whose dominions are separated
+from theirs by a large rapid river, and by impenetrable forests. The
+Ceylonese are remarkable for their great skill in taming elephants,
+which they employ as beasts of burden in time of peace, and render
+serviceable against their enemies in war.
+
+[Footnote 2: The author has probably confounded the original natives
+of Ceylon, who are idolaters, with the Malays, who are Mahomedans, and
+of whom a considerable number are settled on the coast country.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Some Account of the Governments of Amboina, Banda, Macasser, the
+Moluccas, Mallacca, and the Cape of Good Hope._
+
+The third government under the East India Company is that of Amboina,
+one of the Molucca islands, which was formerly the seat of the
+governor-general till the building of Batavia, when it was transferred
+there on account of its advantageous situation, in the centre of the
+company's trade and settlements, while Amboina lay too far to the
+east. The island of Java also is vastly more fertile than Amboina,
+producing all the necessaries of life in abundance, so that it has
+no dependence for provisions on any other country, while they had
+provisions to search for in all other places, at the time when the
+government was established at Amboina. This island is one of the
+largest of the Moluccas, being situated in the _Archipelago of St
+Lazarus_, in lat. 3 40' S. and long. 128 deg. 30' E. 21 deg. 30' or 430 marine
+leagues east from Batavia. It was conquered in 1519 by the Portuguese,
+who built a fort there to keep the inhabitants under subjection, and
+to facilitate the conquest of all the adjacent islands. This fort was
+taken by the Dutch in 1605, but they did not entirely reduce the whole
+island of Amboina and the neighbouring islands till 1627, by which
+conquest they acquired entire possession of the clove trade, whence
+these islands are termed the _gold-mine_ of the company, owing to the
+vast profit they draw from them, and it is so far superior to
+other gold-mines, that there is no fear of these islands being ever
+exhausted of that commodity. A pound weight of cloves or nutmegs, for
+the company has the entire monopoly of both, does not in fact cost the
+company much more than a half-penny, and every one knows at what rate
+the spices are sold in Europe. Amboina is the centre of all this rich
+commerce; and to keep it more effectually in the hands of the company,
+all the clove-trees in the other islands are grubbed up and destroyed;
+and sometimes, when the harvest is very large at Amboina, a part even
+of its superfluous produce is burnt.
+
+This valuable spice grows only in Amboina and the other five Molucca
+islands, and in the islands of Meao, Cinomo, Cabel, and Marigoran. The
+Indians call cloves _calafoor_, while the inhabitants of the Moluccas
+call them _chinke_. The clove-tree is much like the laurel, but its
+leaves are narrower, resembling those of the almond and willow. Even
+the wood and leaves taste almost as strong as the cloves themselves.
+These trees bear a great quantity of branches and flowers, and each
+flower produces a single clove. The flowers are at first white, then
+green, and at last grow red and pretty hard, and are properly the
+cloves. While green, their smell is sweet and comfortable, beyond all
+other flowers. When ripe, the cloves are of a yellow colour, but
+after being gathered and dried, they assume a smoky and black hue. In
+gathering, they tie a rope round each bough, and strip off the whole
+of its produce by force, which violence injures the tree for the next
+year, but it bears more than ever in the following season. Others beat
+the trees with long poles, as we do walnut-trees, when the cloves fall
+down on cloths spread on the ground to receive them. The trees
+bear more fruit than leaves, the fruit hanging from the trees like
+cherries. Such cloves as are sold in the Indies are delivered just as
+procured from the trees, mixed with their stalks, and with dust and
+dirt; but such as are to be transported to Holland are carefully
+cleaned and freed from the stalks. If left ungathered on the tree,
+they grow large and thick, and are then termed _mother-cloves_, which
+the Javanese value more than the others, but the Dutch prefer the
+ordinary cloves.
+
+No care is ever taken in propagating or planting clove-trees, as the
+cloves which fall to the ground produce them in abundance, and the
+rains make them grow so fast that they give fruit in eight years,
+continuing to bear for more than an hundred years after. Some are of
+opinion that the clove-tree does not thrive close to the sea, nor when
+too far removed; but seamen who have been on the island assert that
+they are found everywhere, on the mountains, in the vallies, and
+quite near the sea. They ripen from the latter end of August to the
+beginning of January. Nothing whatever grows below or near these
+trees, neither grass, herb, or weed, as their heat draws all the
+moisture and nourishment of the soil to themselves. Such is the hot
+nature of cloves, that when a sackful of them is laid over a vessel
+of water, some of the water is very soon wasted, but the cloves are no
+way injured. When a pitcher of water is left in a room in which cloves
+are cleaned, all the water is consumed in two days, although even the
+cloves have been removed. Cloves are preserved in sugar, forming an
+extraordinary good confection. They are also pickled. Many Indian
+women chew cloves to give them a sweet breath. A very sweet-smelling
+water is distilled from green cloves, which is excellent for
+strengthening the eyes, by putting a drop or two into the eyes. Powder
+of cloves laid upon the head cures the headache; and used inwardly,
+increases urine, helps digestion, and is good against a diarrhoea, and
+drank in milk, procures sleep.
+
+A few days after the cloves are gathered, they are collected together
+and dried before the fire in bundles, by which operation they lose
+their natural beautiful red colour, changing into a deep purple or
+black. This is perhaps partly owing to their being sprinkled with
+water, which is said to be necessary for preventing worms from getting
+into them. Those persons who are sent for this commodity in the
+company's ships, practise a fraud of this nature, in order to conceal
+their thefts: For, having abstracted a certain quantity or proportion
+from the cloves received on board, they place two or three hogsheads
+of sea-water among those remaining, which is all sucked up in a few
+days by the cloves, which that recover their former weight. By this
+contrivance, the captain and merchant or supercargo agreeing
+together, find a way to cheat the company out of part of this valuable
+commodity. Yet this fraud, though easy and expeditious, is extremely
+dangerous as when detected it is invariably punished with death,
+and the company never want spies. Owing to this, cloves are commonly
+enough called galgen kruid, or gallows-spice, as frequently bringing
+men to an ill end.
+
+The king of Amboina has a pension from the company, and a guard of
+European soldiers, maintained at its expence. The inhabitants of the
+island are of middle stature, and of black complexions, being all
+extremely lazy and given to thieving; yet some of them are very
+ingenious, and have a singular art of working up the cloves while
+green into a variety of curious toys, as small ships or houses,
+crowns, and such like, which are annually sent to Europe as presents,
+and are much esteemed. Those of the Amboinese who acknowledge the
+authority of the king are Mahomedans, but there are many idolaters who
+live in the mountains, and maintain their independence, considering
+themselves as free men, but the king and the Hollanders reckon them
+savages; and as they are guilty of frequent robberies and murders,
+they are always reduced to slavery when caught, and are treated with
+the utmost rigour, and employed in the hardest labour. On this
+account a most excessive hatred subsists between them and the other
+inhabitants of the island, with whom they are perpetually at war,
+and to whom they hardly ever give quarter. Their arms are bucklers;
+swords, and javelins or pikes.
+
+The garrison kept in the fort of Amboina is numerous, and constantly
+maintained in excellent order, being composed of the best troops in
+the company's service. The fort is so strong, both by nature and
+art, as to be reckoned impregnable, and so effectually commands the
+harbour, that no vessel can possibly go in or out without being sunk
+by its cannon. Although the rich commerce in cloves might make a
+sufficient return to the company for the charges of this island, yet
+of late years coffee has been ordered to be cultivated here, and
+is likely to turn out to advantage. While this island was under
+the government of Mr Barnard, it was discovered that considerable
+quantities of gold-dust were washed down by the torrents in some parts
+of the mountains, and by tracing up the auriferous streams to their
+sources, the mine has at last been found. Amboina also produces a red
+kind of wood, which is both beautiful and durable, and is naturally
+embellished in its grain with abundance of curious figures. Of this
+wood they make tables, cabinets, writing-desks, and other beautiful
+pieces of furniture, which are sent as presents to the principal
+persons in the government, the rest being sold at extravagant prices
+all over India.
+
+The fourth government under the company is _Banda_, an island about
+fifty leagues from Amboina towards the east, and to the southward
+of the Moluccas. The governor, who is generally an eminent merchant,
+resides at _Nera_, the capital of the country, and has several other
+neighbouring islands under his jurisdiction, in the government of
+all which he is assisted by a council, as at Amboina. In some
+representations sent home, and published by the company, this island
+is set forth as being very expensive to the company, and so thinly
+inhabited as to take off very little goods, while it is so barren as
+to require large supplies of provisions. All this is pure artifice;
+for, though Banda is a very small island in comparison with Amboina,
+being only about twelve leagues in circumference, it certainly affords
+as great profits, which arise from the important commerce in nutmegs,
+which grow here in such prodigious quantities as to enable the Dutch
+company to supply all the markets in Europe.
+
+This admirable and much-valued fruit grows in no other part of the
+world except Banda and a few other small islands in its neighbourhood,
+named Orattan, Guimanasa, Wayer, Pulo-wai, and Pulo-rion. The
+nutmeg-tree is much like a peach-tree, but the leaves are shorter and
+rounder. The fruit is at first covered by two skins or shells, the
+outer one being tough and as thick as one's finger, which falls off
+when the fruit ripens. This outer rind when candied has a fine taste
+and flavour. When this falls off, the next is a fine smooth skin or
+peel, which is the mace, or flower of the nutmeg; and below this is a
+harder and blackish shell, much like that of a walnut; and on opening
+this shell, the nutmeg is found within, being the kernel. The mace is
+at first of a fine scarlet colour; but, when ripe, it falls off the
+shell, and is then of an orange colour, as it comes to Europe. They
+preserve whole nutmegs in sugar, which make the best sweetmeat in
+India. The Bandanese call nutmegs _palla_, and mace _buaa-palla_.
+There are two sorts of nutmegs; the one being of a long shape, called
+males, and the other round and reddish, called females, which latter
+have better taste and flavour than the other. When gathered and the
+mace carefully preserved, the shells are removed and the nutmegs
+dried, being first thrown among quicklime, as otherwise worms would
+breed in and destroy them.
+
+There are several islands in the neighbourhood of Banda in which the
+nutmeg-trees grow, but these are carefully destroyed every year, which
+at first sight may seem extraordinary, as, if once destroyed, one
+would imagine they would never grow again. But they are annually
+carried by birds to these islands. Some persons allege that the birds
+disgorge them undigested, while others assert that they pass through
+in the ordinary manner, still retaining their vegetative power. This
+bird resembles a cuckoo, and is called the nutmeg-gardener by the
+Dutch, who prohibit their subjects from killing any of them on pain
+of death. The nutmeg is a sovereign remedy for strengthening the
+brain and memory, for warming the stomach, sweetening the breath,
+and promoting urine; it is also good against flatulence, diarrhoea,
+head-ach, pain of the stomach, heat of the liver, and amenorrhoea.
+Oil of nutmegs is a powerful cordial. Mace is an effectual remedy
+for weakness of the stomach, helps digestion, expels bad humours,
+and cures flatulence. A plaister of mace and nutmegs in powder,
+and diluted with rose-water, greatly strengthens the stomach. Being
+peculiar to Banda, merchants from Java, Malucca, China, and all parts
+of the Indies, come to Nera and the other towns of Banda to purchase
+mace and nutmegs; and immediately on their arrival, they all purchase
+wives to keep house for them and dress their victuals during their
+stay, which is usually two or three months, and when they go away
+again, they give liberty to these temporary wives to go where they
+please.
+
+The island of Banda is very hilly, yet fertile, the government
+among the natives being a kind of commonwealth, administered by the
+Mahomedan priests, who are very strict and severe. The population
+of the whole island may be about 12,000 persons of all ages, of whom
+about 4000 are fighting men. It is so well fortified as to be deemed
+impregnable, yet there is always a numerous squadron of small vessels
+on the coast for farther security. The garrison is numerous, but in
+a worse condition than those of any other garrison, belonging to the
+company, owing to the scarcity of victuals, as the island is of a
+barren sandy soil,[1] wherefore the soldiers eat dogs, cats, and
+any other animal they can find. For six months of the year they have
+tolerable abundance of turtle or sea-tortoises, and after this they
+are glad to get a little sorry fish, now and then. Their bread is made
+from the juice of a tree, which resembles the grounds of beer when
+first drawn, but grows as hard as a stone when dried: Yet, when put
+into water, it swells and ferments, and so becomes fit to eat, at
+least in this country, where nothing else is to be had.[2] Butter,
+rice, dried fish, and other provisions, are all imported from Batavia,
+and are much too dear to be purchased by the soldiers, at least in any
+great plenty. Thus the inhabitants are none of the happiest; but, to
+do them justice, they live fully as well as they deserve, as there is
+not an honest man on the island.
+
+[Footnote 1: This is contradictory, having been before described as
+hilly, yet fertile.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: This account of the matter is not easily understood, and
+seems to want confirmation. Perhaps it is an ignorant or perverted
+report of sago: Yet there may possibly be some tree or plant affording
+a considerable quantity of fecula or starch by expression.--E.]
+
+According to the Dutch, the original natives of this island were so
+cruel, perfidious and intractable, that they were forced to root them
+out in a great measure for their own security, and to send a Dutch
+colony to occupy the island: But such a colony as has not much mended
+the matter, being entirely composed of a rascally good-for-nothing
+people, who were either content to come, or were sentenced to be sent
+here, almost to starve, not being able to live elsewhere. Their misery
+at this place does not continue long, as they are usually soon carried
+off by the dry gripes or twisting of the guts, which is the endemic,
+or peculiar disease of the country. Hence, and because wild young
+fellows are sometimes sent here by their relations, the Dutch at
+Batavia usually call this _Verbeetering Island_, or the Island of
+Correction.
+
+Macasser, or the island of Celebes, is considered as the fourth best
+government after Batavia. This island lies between Borneo and the
+Moluccas, 260 leagues or 13 deg. E. from Batavia. It is a singularly
+irregular island, consisting in a manner of four long peninsular
+processes, two projecting eastwards, and two towards the south,
+reaching from lat. 1 deg. 30' N. to 5 deg. 45' S. and from long. 119 deg. to 125 deg.
+20', both E. It is called, and with great reason, the key of the spice
+islands, and the form of its government is much the same as in the
+other islands, consisting of a governor and council. Since the Dutch
+conquered these islands from the Portuguese, they have carefully
+fortified the sea-coast, and have always a very numerous garrison
+in the fort of Macasser, where the governor resides; which is
+particularly necessary, as the island is very populous, and the
+natives are beyond comparison the bravest and best soldiers in India.
+This nation long gave inexpressible trouble to the Dutch, but was at
+length, subdued, and stands now in as much awe of the company as any
+other nation: But, till very lately, the expences of the troops at
+this place were so large, that the company derived very little gain
+from the conquest, although the slave-trade here is very profitable.
+
+Before the last Macasser war, which ended in the entire subjugation of
+the prince of this country, he was able to procure great quantities
+of mace, nutmegs, and cloves, which he sold to the English and other
+nations, at much more reasonable rates than they could procure them
+from the Dutch. For which reason the Dutch were at great pains and
+expence to reduce this island to entire subjection, that it might
+become the bulwark of the Moluccas, and secure their monopoly of the
+spice-trade: But, for similar reasons, the other European powers ought
+to have supported the king of Macasser in his independence. The
+island of Celebes is very fertile, and produces abundance of rice, and
+articles of great value in the Indies. The inhabitants are of middle
+stature, and have yellow complexions, with good features, and are of
+brisk and active dispositions: But are naturally thieves, traitors,
+and murderers to such a degree, that it is not safe for an European to
+venture beyond the walls of the fort after dark, or to travel at any
+time far into the country, lest he be robbed and murdered. Yet many of
+the natives live under the protection of the Dutch forts, being
+free burgesses, who carry on considerable trade. There are also a
+considerable number of Chinese residents, who sail from hence in
+vessels of their own to all parts of the company's dominions, and who
+acquire immense wealth by means of extensive commerce.
+
+The inland country is under the dominion of three different princes,
+who, fortunately for the Dutch, are in continual opposition to each
+other; for, if united, they might easily drive the Dutch from the
+island. One of these princes is styled the _Company's King_, as
+he lives in good correspondence with the Dutch, and promotes their
+interest as far as he can. On this account the Dutch make him presents
+of considerable value from time to time, such as gold chains, golden
+coronets set with precious stones, and the like, in order to keep him
+steady in his allegiance, and to prevent him from uniting with the
+other two princes of the island. Some little time before the arrival
+of Roggewein at Batavia, a rich gold-mine was discovered in Celebes,
+to which a director and a great number of workmen were sent from
+Batavia; but how far this has been attended with success, our author
+was unable to say.
+
+_Ternate_ is the fifth government at the disposal of the company, and
+the farthest east of all belonging to the Dutch dominions in India, so
+that it is a kind of frontier. The governor is always a merchant, and
+has a council, like all the others already mentioned. This is one of
+the largest of the Molucca islands, and the king of Ternate is the
+most valuable of all the allies of the company; as, although his
+island would abound in cloves, he causes them to be rooted out
+annually, for which the company allows him a pension of eighteen
+or twenty thousand rix dollars yearly. He has likewise a numerous
+life-guard, with a very strong fort well garrisoned, all at the
+expence of the company. The kings of Tidore and Bachian are his
+tributaries. Ternate is very fertile, and abounds in all sorts of
+provisions, and in every thing that can contribute to the ease and
+happiness of life, yet its commerce is of no great importance, hardly
+amounting to as much as is necessary to defray the charges of the
+government. It was at this time, however, expected to turn out to
+better account, as a rich gold-mine had been recently discovered. The
+natives are a middle-sized people, strong and active, more faithful
+than their neighbours, and better affected towards the Europeans. In
+religion they are mostly Mahometans or Pagans; but of late many of
+them had become Christians, chiefly occasioned by their king having
+declared himself of that religion, a point of great consequence
+towards the conversion of the people. The inhabitants of Ternate
+make a species of palm wine, called _Seggeweer_, which is excessively
+strong. There are here many most beautiful birds, having feathers
+of all sorts of colours, charmingly diversified, which are sent to
+Batavia, where they are sold at high prices on account of their beauty
+and docility, as they may be taught to sing finely, and to imitate the
+human voice. Many Birds-of-Paradise are also brought from this island.
+There are several sorts of these birds. The most common kind is
+yellow, having small bodies, about eight inches long exclusive of the
+tail, which is half a yard long, and sometimes more. The second kind
+is red, the third blue, and the fourth black. These last are the
+most beautiful and most in request, being called the King of the
+Birds-of-Paradise. This kind has a crown or tuft of feathers on the
+top of its head, which lies flat or is raised up at pleasure. In this
+they resemble the _cadocus_ or cockatoo, a bird entirely white, with a
+yellow crown on its head.
+
+The sixth government is Malacca, which city is the capital of a
+small kingdom of the same name, inhabited by Malayans or Malays. The
+governor here is a merchant, and is assisted by a council like all the
+others. This kingdom of Malacca is the south part of the peninsula of
+India beyond the Ganges, being divided from the island of Sumatra by
+a strait, named the strait of Malacca. This city is of considerable
+size, and carries on an extensive commerce, for which it is admirably
+situated, and is the storehouse or emporium of all that part of India.
+It is also the rendezvous of all the homeward-bound ships from Japan,
+which make at this place a distribution of their merchandise into
+various assortments, which are sent from hence to all the settlements
+of the company in India. It is however subject to the great
+inconvenience of scarcity of provisions, having nothing of that kind
+except various sorts of fish. The princes of the adjacent countries
+and their subjects are all notorious pirates, and give much
+disturbance to the trade of India; but are particularly inimical to
+the Dutch company, and omit no opportunity of doing all the evil
+in their power to its subjects. These people suffered formerly some
+severe reverses from the Portuguese, who were formerly established
+here, and since from their successors the Dutch, which has gradually
+reduced their power, so that they are now much less able to carry
+on their depredations. The natives of Malacca are of a very dark
+complexion, but brisk and active, and greatly addicted to thieving.
+Some are idolaters but they are mostly Mahometans.
+
+When the Portuguese were masters of Malacca, they had no less than
+three churches and a chapel within the fortress, and one on the
+outside. That which is now used for worship by the Dutch stands
+conspicuously on the top of a hill, and may be seen for a great
+distance up or down the straits. It has a flag-staff on the top of its
+steeple, where a flag is always displayed on seeing a ship. The fort
+is large and strong. A third part of its walls is washed by the sea:
+A deep, narrow, and rapid river covers its western side; and all the
+rest is secured by a broad, deep ditch. The governor's house is both
+beautiful and convenient, and there are several other good houses,
+both in the fort and the town. But, owing to the shallowness of the
+sea at this place, ships are obliged to ride above a league off,
+which is a great inconvenience, as the fort is of no use to defend the
+roads. The straits here are not above four leagues broad, and though
+the opposite coast of Sumatra is very low, it may easily be seen in
+a clear day: Hence the sea here is always quite smooth, except
+in squalls of wind, which are generally accompanied with thunder,
+lightning, and rain. These squalls, though violent, seldom last more
+than an hour.
+
+The country of Malacca produces nothing for exportation, except a
+little tin and elephants teeth; but has several excellent fruits and
+roots for the use of its inhabitants, and the refreshment of strangers
+who navigate this way. The pine-apples of Malacca are esteemed the
+best in the world, as they never offend the stomach; while those of
+other places, if eaten in the smallest excess, are apt to occasion
+surfeits. The _mangostein_ is a delicious fruit, almost in the shape
+of an apple. Its skin is thick and red, and when dried is an excellent
+astringent. The kernels, if they may be so called, are like cloves of
+garlic, of a most agreeable taste, but very cold. The _rambostan_ is
+a fruit about the size of a walnut, with a tough skin beset with
+capillaments,[3] and the pulp within is very savoury.
+
+[Footnote 3: This uncommon word is explained by Johnson, as "small
+threads or hairs growing in the middle of flowers, adorned with little
+knobs."--Here it may be supposed to mean that the fruit is hairy.--E.]
+
+There is a high mountain to the N.E. of Malacca, whence several rivers
+descend, that of Malacca being one of them, and all these have small
+quantities of gold in their channels. The inland inhabitants, called
+_Monacaboes_, are a barbarous and savage people, whose chief delight
+is in doing injury to their neighbours. On this account, the peasantry
+about Malacca sow no grain, except in inclosures defended by thickset
+prickly hedges or deep ditches: For, when the grain is ripe in the
+open plains, the Monacaboes never fail to set it on fire. These inland
+natives are much whiter than the Malays of the lower country; and the
+king of Johor, whose subjects they are or ought to be, has never been
+able to civilize them.
+
+When the Dutch finally attempted to conquer Malacca from the
+Portuguese, in alliance with the king of Johor, and besieged it both
+by sea and land, they found it too strong to be reduced by force, and
+thought it would be tedious to reduce it by famine. Hearing that the
+Portuguese governor was a sordid, avaricious wretch, much hated by the
+garrison, they tampered with him by letters, offering him mountains of
+gold to betray his trust, and at length struck a bargain with him for
+80,000 dollars, and to convey him to Batavia. Having in consequence of
+his treachery got into the fort, where they gave no quarter to any one
+found in arms, they dispatched the governor himself, to save payment
+of the promised bribe.
+
+The seventh government bestowed by the company is that of the Cape of
+Good Hope. The governor here is always one of the counsellors of the
+Indies, and has a council to assist him. This colony was taken from
+the Portuguese by the Dutch in 1653, and is justly esteemed one of the
+most important places in the hands of the company, though the profits
+derived from it are not comparable to what they derive from some of
+the islands in the East Indies. Formerly things were still worse, as
+the revenues of this settlement fell short of its expences. Yet the
+company could hardly carry on the trade to India, were it not in
+possession of this place, as here only the ships can meet with water
+and other refreshments on the outward and homeward-bound voyages; and
+these are indispensably necessary, especially for such ships as are
+distressed with the scurvy. This place so abounds in all sorts of
+provisions, that there never is any scarcity, notwithstanding the vast
+yearly demand, and all ships putting in here are supplied at moderate
+rates. These refreshments consist of beef, mutton, fowls, fruit,
+vegetables, wine, and every thing, in short, that is necessary, either
+for recovering the sick on shore, or recruiting the sea-stores for
+the continuance of the voyage out or home. In the space of a year, at
+least forty outward-bound ships touch here from Holland alone, and
+in these there cannot be less than eight or nine thousand people. The
+homeward-bound Dutch ships are not less than thirty-six yearly, in
+which there are about three thousand persons; not to mention
+foreign vessels, which likewise put in here, and have all kinds of
+refreshments furnished to them at reasonable rates. There are almost
+always some ships in this road, except in the months of May, June, and
+July, when the wind usually blows with great violence at N.W. and then
+the road is very dangerous.
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Account of the Directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and Persia._
+
+Having now given a short view of the governments in the disposal of
+the Dutch East-India Company, which are a kind of principalities, as
+each governor, with the advice and assistance of his council, is a
+kind of sovereign, and acts without controul through the whole extent
+of his jurisdiction, we are now to consider the other establishments
+of the company in India, for carrying on this extensive trade. In all
+the countries where their affairs require it, they have factories, in
+each of which there is a chief, with some title or other, having also
+a council to assist him in regard to matters of policy or trade. Among
+these, the directories of Coromandel, Surat, Bengal, and Persia are
+all of great importance, and the direction of them is attended with
+great profit. The directors have the same power with the governors,
+within their respective jurisdictions; only that they cannot execute
+any criminal sentences within the countries in which they reside, so
+that all criminals are executed on board ship, under the flag of the
+company.
+
+The directory of Coromandel is the first of the four, and has all the
+forts and factories belonging to the Dutch on that coast under
+his jurisdiction. Besides Negapatnam, on the southernmost point of
+Coromandel, and the fort of _Gueldria_, in which the director resides,
+they have factories at Guenepatnam, Sadraspatnam, Masulipatnam,
+Pelicol, Datskorom, Benlispatnam, Nagernauty, and Golconda. The Dutch
+director is a principal merchant, and if he discharges his office with
+reputation, he is commonly in a few years promoted to be one of
+the counsellors of the Indies. It is not uncommon for a governor
+or director in the Indies, in the space of a few years, to amass a
+fortune equal to the original capital of the company, or six millions
+and a half of guilders, or nearly L600,000 sterling.
+
+Formerly, the country of Coromandel was divided into a great number of
+principalities, and the little princes and chiefs imposed such heavy
+duties, and gave such interruptions to trade in other respects, as
+rendered the company very uneasy. But after the war of Golconda, which
+cost the company a great deal of money, yet ended to their advantage,
+these princes grow more tractable. At present, the kings of Bisnagar
+and Hassinga,[1] who are the most powerful in Coromandel, live in
+tolerably good terms with the Dutch and other European nations; the
+English and Danes having also a share in Coromandel, with several good
+fortresses for the protection of their trade.
+
+[Footnote 1: This seems to be a misprint for Narsinga, otherwise the
+Carnatic.--E.]
+
+The great trade carried on here is in cotton goods, as muslins,
+chintzes, and the like; in exchange for which the Dutch bring them
+spices, Japan copper, steel, gold-dust, sandal and _siampan_ woods.
+In this country, the inhabitants are some Pagans, some Mahomedans, and
+not a few Christians. The country is very fertile in rice, fruits,
+and herbs, and in every thing necessary to the support of man; but
+the weather is exceedingly hot during the eastern monsoon. All the
+manufactures of this country, purchased by the Dutch, are transported
+first to Batavia, whence they are sent home to Holland, and are thence
+distributed through all Germany and the north of Europe.
+
+The second and third directories are established at Hoogly on the
+Ganges, and at Surat on the western coast of India, both in the
+territories of the Great Mogul, and the two most important places
+of trade in all Asia. The Dutch, English, French, and other European
+natives trade to both, and have erected forts and magazines for their
+security and convenience. The best part of the trade is carried on by
+black merchants, who deal in all sorts of rich goods; such as opium,
+diamonds, rich stuffs, and all kinds of cotton cloths. The empire of
+the Great Mogul is of prodigious extent, and the countries under his
+dominion are esteemed the richest in the world. The air is tolerably
+pure, yet malignant fevers are common, generally attacking strangers
+as a kind of seasoning sickness, in which, if the patient escape the
+third day, he generally recovers.
+
+Most of the inhabitants of this country are tall black robust men, of
+gay and lively dispositions. In point of religion, many of them are
+idolaters, more of them Mahometans,[2] and some of them Christians.
+The idolaters are split into numerous sects, some of whom believe
+firmly in the metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls; for which
+reason they will not take away the life of any living creature, not
+even daring to kill a fly or a flea. They have even hospitals for
+worn-out oxen and old cows, where they are fed and attended till they
+die of age or disease. These people are in general very industrious,
+but covetous, false, and perfidious. They employ themselves, such as
+reside in towns, in the manufactures of silk and cotton; and those
+who live in the country are very diligent cultivators, so that they
+annually expect from hence vast quantities of grain to Batavia.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is an obvious mistake, as by far the greater part of
+the population is idolatrous.--E.]
+
+The Great Mogul is one of the richest and most powerful princes in the
+world, having a most magnificent court, and a numerous army always
+on foot. The directors at Bengal and Surat know perfectly well how
+to deal with him, and, by making shewy presents, procure valuable
+diamonds and other precious stones in return. Surat is a town of no
+great antiquity, yet very large and immensely rich. It is in compass
+about five miles within the walls, and is computed to contain about
+200,000 inhabitants. The Moorish and even the Indian merchants
+here are many of them prodigiously rich. The former chiefly addict
+themselves to the diamond trade, which is very precarious; for
+sometimes a small stock produces an immense fortune, while at other
+times, a man wastes immense sums without finding stones of any great
+value: For, at the diamond-mines, the adventurers purchase so many
+yards square at a certain price, employing slaves to dig and lift the
+earth, taking whatever stones are found in that spot; which sometimes
+are of great value, and sometimes so few and small as not to pay
+costs. Other Moorish merchants deal largely in foreign trade, and
+as the Mogul is a very easy master, some of them acquire prodigious
+wealth, and carry on commerce to such an extent as can scarce be
+credited in Europe. About twenty years ago, [that is, about the year
+1700,] there died a Moorish merchant at Surat, who used yearly to
+fit out twenty sail of ships, from three to eight hundred tons, the
+cargoes of each of which were in value from ten to twenty thousand
+pounds, and who always retained goods in his warehouses equal in
+value to what he sent away. The customs of Surat amount every year to
+upwards of L. 160,000 sterling, and, as the merchants pay three per
+cent. at a medium, the value of the goods must exceed five millions
+yearly.
+
+The fourth and last factory under a director, is that of Gambroon or
+Bendar-abassi on the coast of Persia. The director here is always a
+principal merchant, having a council and a fiscal to assist him. As
+this city stands on the Persian gulf or sea of Basora, being the only
+port of Persia on the Indian sea, and lies at a great distance from
+Batavia, this direction is not so much sought after as others; and
+besides, the heat at this place is greater than in any part of the
+world, and the air is excessively unwholesome. To balance these
+inconveniences, the director at Gambroon has an opportunity of making
+a vast fortune in a short time, so that in general, in four or five
+years, he has no farther occasion to concern himself in commerce.
+There are several other European nations settled here besides the
+Dutch, but they have by far the best factory, and have fortified it so
+effectually, that the inhabitants of the neighbouring mountains, who
+are a crew of bold and barbarous robbers, have never been able to gain
+possession of it, though they have made frequent attempts. The king
+of Persia, who reigned about 1722, came sometimes to Gambroon, and
+distinguished the Dutch above the other European nations by many marks
+of his favour, and by the grant of many privileges. Some time before
+that period, he sent a gold saddle very richly wrought, and adorned
+with precious stones, a present to the governor of Batavia, desiring
+in return an European habit for himself and another for his queen.
+
+Gambroon is a disagreeable place to live in, as in August it is
+unbearably hot; and yet the winter is so cold that they wear English
+cloth lined with furs. They have here beeves, sheep, goats, poultry,
+and fish, all good of their kinds, and tolerably cheap. They have also
+grapes, melons, and mangoes in the utmost perfection, and excellent
+wine, which is esteemed superior to that of all other countries,
+insomuch that it still preserves its flavour after being diluted with
+four times its quantity of water. At the time when our author was in
+India, intestine wars raged to such a degree in Persia, that a ship
+had to be constantly stationed at Gambroon to bring off the factory,
+in case of danger. Another inconvenience to the trade on this
+coast proceeded from the multitude of pirates on those seas, mostly
+Europeans, who, having run away with the ships of their owners,
+subsisted by robbing all nations. Among these at this time was a stout
+ship named the Hare, which had been sent from Batavia to Persia: But
+the crew mutinied, and forced their officers to turn pirates. After
+committing many depredations on this coast, they sailed to the
+Red-Sea, where they attacked and plundered many Arabian pirates. At
+length, being short of provisions, and not daring to put into any
+port, they resolved to return; and finding themselves also in want
+of water, they resolved to supply themselves at an island. With this
+view, most of them crowded into the pinnace and put off from the ship,
+which gave an opportunity to the officers to resume their authority;
+wherefore they cut the cable, and brought the ship into the harbour
+of Gambroon, by which means the ship and cargo were restored to the
+Company.
+
+In 1701, the Ballorches, who rebelled against the Shah, attempted
+to make themselves masters of the English and Dutch factories at
+Gambroon, with a body of four thousand men, but were beat off at both
+places; but a warehouse belonging to the Dutch, at some distance from
+the factory, fell into their hands, in which were goods to the value
+of twenty thousand pounds. A short time afterwards, the famous rebel
+_Meriweys_ made himself master of Ispahan, where he plundered both the
+English and Dutch factories, taking from the former goods to the value
+of half a million, and from the latter to the value of two hundred
+thousand pounds.
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Account of the Commanderies of Malabar, Gallo, Java, and Bantam._
+
+In such subordinate places as were not thought of sufficient
+consequence to require a governor or director, the Dutch East India
+Company has established another principal officer, with the title of
+chief or commander. If the person entrusted with this authority be a
+merchant, he is accountable for his conduct to the civil government,
+but if a captain, to the military establishment. A chief or commander,
+in conjunction with his council, has nearly the same authority with
+a governor, except that he cannot execute any capital judgment on
+criminals, till the case has been reviewed and confirmed by the
+council at Batavia.
+
+At the time when our author was in India, the commander at the fort of
+Cochin on the Malabar coast, was Captain Julius de Golints, a native
+of Mecklenburg, from whom he received great civilities. Malabar was
+the first country discovered by the Portuguese in India, and in which
+they established themselves, not without great effusion of blood, nor
+were they many years in possession till they were driven out by the
+Dutch. These conquerors, in their turn, found it very difficult to
+support themselves against the natives, who attacked them with great
+spirit and success, and had infallibly driven them out of the country,
+but for the courage and conduct of Major John Bergman, who preserved
+their establishments with much difficulty.
+
+Though very warm, the climate of Malabar is very healthy, and the soil
+is fertile in rice, fruit, and all sorts of herbs. It is divided into
+many principalities, among which the following are reckoned kingdoms;
+Cananore, Calicut, Cranganore, Cochin, Calicoulan, Porcaloulang, and
+Travancore. As the capital of the Dutch possessions in Malabar was the
+city of Cochin, it may be proper to describe this little kingdom as
+at that period. It reaches from _Chitway_ in the north, and extends
+twenty-four leagues to the southwards along the coast, being divided
+into a multitude of small islands by the streams which descend from
+the mountains of _Gatti_, [the Gauts.] These rivers have two great
+or principal mouths, one at Cranganore in the north, and the other at
+Cochin, in the south, distant thirty marine leagues from each other.
+The Portuguese were the first European nation who settled here, where
+they built a fine city on the river about three leagues from the sea;
+but the sea has since so gained on the land, that it is now not above
+an hundred paces from the city. This place is so pleasantly situated,
+that the Portuguese had a common saying, "That China was a good place
+to get money in, and Cochin a pleasant place to spend it at." The
+great number of islands formed by the rivers and canals, make fishing
+and fowling very amusing; and the mountains, which are at no great
+distance, are well stored with wild game. On the island of _Baypin_
+[Vaypen], there stands an old fort called _Pallapore_, for the purpose
+of inspecting all boats that pass between Cranganore and Cochin:
+And five leagues up the rivulets, there is a Romish church called
+_Varapoli_ [Virapell], served by French and Italian priests, and at
+which the bishop takes up his residence when he visits this part of
+the country. The _padre_, or superior priest at Virapell can raise
+four thousand men on occasion, all Christians of the church of Rome;
+but there are many more Christians of the church of St Thomas, who do
+not communicate with the Romanists.[1] About two leagues farther
+up than Virapell, towards the mountains, there is a place called
+_Firdalgo_,[2] on the side of a small but deep river, where the
+inhabitants of Cochin annually resort in the hot months of April and
+May to refresh themselves. The banks and bottom of the river here are
+clean sand, and the water is so clear that a small pebble stone may be
+seen at the bottom, in three fathoms water.
+
+[Footnote 1: A very interesting account of the remnant of an ancient
+Christian church in the Travancore country, a little to the southward
+of Cochin, has been lately published by Dr Buchanan, in a work named
+Christian Researches in India, which will be noticed more particularly
+in an after division of our Collection.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Perhaps Bardello, about the distance mentioned in the
+text.--E.]
+
+All the water along this low flat coast, to the south of Cranganore,
+has the very bad quality of occasioning swelled legs to those who
+drink it. This disease sometimes only affects one leg, but sometimes
+both, and the swelling is often so great as to measure a yard round at
+the ancles. It occasions no pain, but great itching, neither does
+the swelled leg feel any heavier than that which occasionally remains
+unaffected. To avoid this disease, the Dutch who reside at Cochin,
+send boats daily to Virapell, from which they bring water in small
+casks of about ten or twelve gallons, to serve the city. This water is
+given free to the servants of the Company, but private persons have to
+pay six-pence for each cask-full, which is brought to their houses
+at that price. Still, however, both Dutch men and women are sometimes
+afflicted with this disease, and no means have hitherto been found
+out for prevention or cure. The old legend imputes this disease to the
+curse laid by St Thomas upon his murderers and their posterity, as
+an odious mark to distinguish them: But St Thomas was slain by the
+_Tilnigue_[3] priests at Miliapoor in Coromandel, above four hundred
+miles from this coast; and the natives there have no touch of this
+malady.
+
+[Footnote 3: This word ought assuredly to have been Telinga.--E.]
+
+Cochin is washed by the greatest outlet on this coast, and being
+near the sea, its situation is strong by nature, but art has not been
+wanting to strengthen it. As built by the Portugueze, it was a mile
+and a half long by a mile in breadth. The Dutch took it in 1662, when
+Heitloff van Chowz was commander of the forces by sea and land. The
+insolence of the Portuguese had made several of the neighbouring
+princes their enemies, who joined with the Dutch to drive them out of
+that country, and the king of Cochin in particular assisted them with
+twenty thousand men. Not long after the Dutch had invested the town,
+Van Chowz received notice of a peace having been concluded between
+Portugal and Holland, but kept the secret to himself and pushed on the
+siege. Having made a breach in the weakest part of the fortifications,
+he proceeded to a furious assault, which was kept up for eight days
+and nights incessantly, relieving the assailants every three hours,
+while the Portuguese were kept on continual duty the whole time, and
+were quite worn out with fatigue. Finding the city in danger of being
+taken by storm, the Portuguese at length capitulated and gave up the
+place. There were at this time four hundred topasses in the garrison,
+who had done good service to the Portuguese, but were not comprehended
+in the capitulation. On discovering this omission, and knowing the
+cruel and licentious character of the Dutch soldiery in India, they
+drew up close to the gate at which the Portuguese were to march out,
+and the Dutch to enter, declaring, unless they had equally favourable
+terms granted them with the Portugueze, they would massacre them all,
+and set fire to the town. The Dutch general not only granted them all
+they asked, but even offered to take those who had a mind into the
+Dutch pay, to which many of them assented. The very day after the
+surrender, a frigate came from Goa, with the articles of peace, and
+the Portuguese loudly complained of having been unfairly dealt with by
+Van Chowz; but he answered, that the Portuguese had acted in the same
+manner with the Dutch, only a few years before, in the capture of
+Pernambuco in Brazil. The English had at that time a factory in
+Cochin, but the Dutch ordered them immediately to remove with all
+their effects, which they accordingly did to their factory at Paniany.
+
+On gaining possession of Cochin, the Dutch thought it too extensive,
+and therefore contracted it to the size it is now, being hardly a
+tenth part of what it was before. It measures about 600 paces long,
+by 200 in breadth, and is fortified with seven large bastions and
+intermediate curtains, all the ramparts being so thick that they are
+planted with double rows of trees, to give shade in the hot season.
+Some of the streets built by the Portuguese still remain, together
+with a church, which is now used for the Dutch worship, the cathedral
+being converted into a warehouse. The house of the commandant is the
+only one built in the Dutch fashion, which is so near the river that
+the water washes some part of its walls. The flag-staff is placed on
+the steeple of the old cathedral, on a mast seventy-five feet high,
+above which is the staff, other sixty feet in length, so that the flag
+may be seen above seven leagues off at sea. The garrison of Cochin
+usually consists of three hundred men; and from Cape Comoras upwards,
+in all their forts and factories, they have five hundred soldiers,
+and an hundred seamen, all Europeans, besides some topasses and the
+militia. They procure their store of rice from Barcelore, because the
+Malabar rice will not keep above three months out of the husk,
+though it will keep twelve with the husk on. This part of the country
+produces great quantities of pepper, but it is lighter than that which
+grows more to the northwards. The forests in the interior affords good
+teak-wood for ship-building, and two woods, called _angelique_ and
+_prospect_, which make beautiful chests and cabinets, which are sent
+all over the coasts of western India. They have also iron and steel
+in plenty, and bees-wax for exportation. The sea and the rivers afford
+abundance of excellent fish of various kinds, which are sold very
+cheap.
+
+_Cranganore_, a little to the north of Cochin, stands upon a river
+about a league from the sea, and at this place the Dutch have a
+fort. This place is remarkable for having formerly been the seat of a
+_Jewish government_, and that nation was once so numerous here as to
+consist of 40,000 families, though now reduced to 4000. They have a
+synagogue about two miles from the city of Cochin, not far from the
+palace of the rajah, and in it they carefully preserve their records,
+engraven upon plates of copper in the Hebrew language; and when any
+of the characters decay, they are cut anew, so that they still possess
+their history down from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the present
+day. About the year 1695, _Mynheer van Reede_ had an abstract of this
+history translated from Hebrew into the Dutch language. They assert
+themselves to be of the tribe of Manasseh, a part of which was sent
+by Nebuchadnezzar to the most easterly province of his large empire,
+which is alleged to have reached Cape Comorin. Twenty thousand of them
+travelled from Babylon to this place in three years, and were civilly
+and hospitably treated by the inhabitants of Malabar, who allowed
+them liberty of conscience in religion, and the free exercise of their
+reason and industry in the management of their secular affairs. Having
+increased in numbers and riches, they at length, by policy or wealth,
+became masters of the small kingdom of Cranganore: And a particular
+family among them being much esteemed for wisdom and riches, two of
+that family were chosen by their elders and senators to govern the
+commonwealth, and to reign jointly over them. At length one of the
+brothers invited his colleague to a feast, at which he basely killed
+him, thinking to reign alone; but a son of the deceased slew the
+fratricide, after which the state fell into a democracy, which still
+continues among the Jews here. Their lands have, however, reverted for
+many years into the hands of the Malabars, and poverty and oppression
+have occasioned many of them to apostatise.
+
+Between Cranganore and Cochin there is an island called Baypin,
+[Vaypen] four leagues long, but in no part above two miles broad.
+The Dutch do not allow any vessels or boats to enter or go out at
+Cranganore, obliging all to use the river of Cochin, which is a
+quarter of a mile broad, and very deep, but has a bar on which there
+is no more than fourteen feet water at spring-tides. The inhabitants
+of this country are mostly idolaters, over whom the bramins or
+priests exercise great authority, which they much abuse, of which
+the following abominable custom is a strong instance. When any man
+marries, he is prohibited from bedding with his wife the first night,
+which function is performed in his stead by one of the bramins, or, if
+none of these be at hand, by some other man. Foreigners used formerly
+to be often employed on these occasions, as the Malabars made choice
+of them instead of their own countrymen, often making large presents
+to the substitutes, sometimes to the value of forty or fifty pounds.
+But of late the bramins have become so very religious, that they
+never fail to execute this duty themselves. Besides this, the bramins
+frequent the company of the women so much, that no one of their
+religion can pretend to know his own father with any certainty. For
+which reason, by the laws of this country, sons or daughters never
+inherit from the husbands of their mothers, but the heritage always
+goes, to nephews and nieces, by sisters of the deceased born of the
+same mother, as certainly of his blood. This rule is observed also
+in the order of succession in their royal families, and is a glaring
+proof of the strange effects of boundless superstition.[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: This strange custom has been differently related
+formerly, and we believe more accurately, as prevalent only in the
+Nayra tribe, in which the women are allowed several husbands at the
+same time, and may change them at pleasure.--E.]
+
+The next commandery is _Gallo_, or Point de Galle, on the island of
+Ceylon, at the distance of about twenty leagues from Columbo, the
+Dutch capital of that island. Gallo was the first place in Ceylon
+taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch, and still is a place of
+considerable trade. The commander at this place is entirely
+dependent upon the governor of Ceylon, and can do nothing without his
+approbation. About the year 1672, Lewis XIV. sent out a squadron of
+eight frigates, with orders to make themselves master of this place,
+this project having been proposed to the court of France by one
+Mynheer Jan Martin, who had served the Dutch East India Company for
+many years, and had quitted their service on some disgust. When
+the royal orders came to be opened at sea, Martin found that the
+government was to be vested in another person, in case the place were
+taken, on which he took such measures as frustrated the object of the
+expedition. Mynheer van Cosse, who then commanded the Dutch fleet,
+soon arrived on the coast, and the French retired without venturing
+an engagement. They went to _Trankamala_, or _Trinconomalee_, and
+anchored in the bay of that name, meaning to force the garrison of
+that small fort to surrender: But Van Cosse soon followed them, and
+brought them to action while disadvantageously situated in the bay,
+and either sank or burnt half of the French fleet. The rest fled to
+St Thomas, on the coast of Coromandel, intending to have formed a
+settlement there; but Van Cosse again followed them to that place and
+seized all their ships, many of their guns having been carried ashore,
+as were at this time a great number of their officers and men. The
+French who were on shore capitulated with the Dutch to quit India, on
+being allowed shipping to carry them home, which Van Cosse agreed to,
+giving them his flag-ship, the _Groote Britanye_, and two others, for
+that purpose. Martin was detained and carried to Batavia, where he was
+confined for life on an allowance of a rix-dollar a-day.
+
+The next commandery is that of Samarang, on the island of Java, and
+he who commands here has the direction of all the factories in that
+island, except those which depend immediately on the government of
+Batavia. _Kuttasura_, which is the residence of the emperor of Java,
+is within his jurisdiction. In the year 1704, a war broke out in Java
+between the brother and son of the deceased emperor, as competitors
+for the succession, which lasted twenty years. The Dutch sided with
+the former, but the affections of the natives were with the latter,
+who drew over to his party a great number of the native soldiers who
+had served under the Dutch, and who, being well disciplined, behaved
+gallantly on all occasions, and gave the Dutch much trouble.
+
+At _Bantam_, on the same island, the Dutch have a strong fort with a
+numerous garrison, to keep the people in awe, who are very mutinous,
+and far from being well affected to the Dutch government. The king,
+or rajah of Bantam, has also a fort only a few hundred paces from that
+belonging to the Dutch, in which be keeps a numerous garrison for the
+security of his person. The only commodity of this part of the country
+is pepper, of which they are able to export 10,000 tons yearly. The
+king is obliged to supply the company with a certain quantity of
+pepper yearly; but in all other respects they treat him kindly enough.
+His dominions are extensive and well peopled, and his subjects are
+hardy and enterprising, but perfidious and revengeful, and mortally
+hate all Christians. The bay of Bantam is safe and pleasant, having
+many islands, which still retain the names given them by the English,
+who had a fine factory here, from which they were expelled in 1683.
+The territory of Bantam is very fertile, abounding in rice, pepper,
+fruits, and cattle. In the interior of the country the natives
+sometimes find precious stones of great value, of which however the
+Dutch rarely get possession, as the people fear they might be
+induced to extend their conquests, by which they are already greatly
+oppressed. The head of the factory at this place has the title of
+chief.
+
+Another Dutch chief resides at _Padang_, on that part of the coast of
+Sumatra which is called the _gold-coast_. This chief has a council
+and fiscal like all the rest, and his post is considered as both
+honourable and profitable. Sumatra is a very large fine island,
+separated from the continent of Asia by the Straits of Malacca,
+and from the island of Java by the Straits of Sunda, and is justly
+esteemed one of the richest and noblest islands in all India. The
+Dutch have a factory at Palambaugan, about eight leagues from the sea,
+on the banks of a very large river, which empties itself into the
+sea by four different channels. The great trade of this part of the
+country is in pepper, which the Dutch company wish to monopolize, as
+they have done cloves, nutmegs, mace, and cinnamon; and are at great
+expence in keeping several armed barks cruising at the mouths of this
+river, to prevent what they are pleased to call smuggling. It must
+be allowed, however, that they have a contract with the king of this
+country to take all the pepper in his dominions, at the rate of ten
+dollars the bahar of 400 pounds weight, which is a fair price.[5] They
+have, however, a clause in the contract, by which half the price is to
+be paid in cloth, at such rates as greatly reduce the cost.
+
+[Footnote 5: Exactly five farthings and two-fifths of a farthing the
+pound.--E.]
+
+The interior of the island is very mountainous, but most of the
+mountains abound in mines of gold, silver, lead, and other metals. The
+company possesses some mines of gold, said to be very rich, and great
+care is taken to secure and conceal the profits. Gold-dust is found
+in great quantities in all the rivers and rivulets of the country,
+especially when the western monsoon reigns, when the torrents roll
+down from the mountains with great rapidity. Abundance of copper
+is also found here, of which they make very good cannon. There are
+likewise found several sorts of precious stones. There is a burning
+mountain on the island, which continually throws forth flame and
+smoke, like Etna in Sicily; and there is said to be a fountain of
+balsam, or petroleum. This island abounds also in spice and silk; but
+the air is not very wholesome, especially to strangers, owing to the
+great numbers of rivers, standing waters, and thick forests, which
+every where abound. It produces no wheat, nor any other of the grains
+which grow in Europe; but has plenty of rice, millet, and fruits,
+which afford good and sufficient nourishment for the inhabitants. It
+produces also, in great abundance, honey, bees-wax, ginger, camphor,
+cassia, pepper, and many Other valuable articles. It is of great
+extent, being 310 leagues long from N.W. to S.E. and about 50 leagues
+across at an average. The greatest sovereign in the island is the king
+of _Acheen, Atcheen_, or Achem, who resides in a city of that name
+at the N.W. end of the island. It was formerly always governed by a
+woman, and it is not above forty years ago since the government fell
+into the hands of a man, since which several attempts have been made
+to restore the old constitution. Acheen is a free port, to which the
+English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese resort, and in short all the
+trading nations of Europe and Asia. The goods brought there are rich
+brocades, silks of all kinds, muslins of all sorts, raw silk, fish,
+butter, oil, and ammunition, for which the payments are mostly made in
+gold, the great commodity of the country, and remarkably fine.
+
+During the western monsoon, the rains fall here with prodigious
+violence, attended with terrible storms of thunder and lightning, and
+frequent earthquakes; but the people, being used to them, are not much
+alarmed. The nations are, generally speaking, Mahometans, and are very
+expert in making all sorts of plate and ornaments in gold, with very
+few tools, yet with such inimitable dexterity, that their workmanship
+sells at a high rate all over India. The company sends a great number
+of slaves to this island every year to work in their gold-mines; but
+the kings in that part of the country are seldom on good terms with
+the Dutch, with whom they often quarrel. The principal places where
+gold is found are _Trion_ and _Manicabo_, and the way in which they
+procure the gold is as follows:--They dig trenches at the bottoms of
+the hills, so as to intercept the torrents which roll rapidly down
+their sides in the winter months: and having drained off the water
+from the ditches in summer, they find considerable quantities of
+gold-dust in the mud which remains. It is generally believed that this
+island furnishes annually 5000 pounds weight of gold-dust,[6] yet
+very little of this quantity is ever brought to Europe, being mostly
+employed by the servants of the East India Company in making purchases
+of commodities in places where gold bears a high price.
+
+[Footnote 6: Supposing these troy pounds, the value may be estimated
+at L. 240,000 sterling.--E.]
+
+The Dutch East India Company has long entertained a project of
+building ships at this island, as its timber is so good that ships
+built here are expected to last forty or fifty years, whereas those of
+Europe seldom last more than twelve or thirteen years. The Dutch have
+a strong fort and great factory at _Jambee_, and another at _Siack_,
+both in this island. This last place is excessively unwholesome, owing
+to the following circumstance, which certainly might be obviated. It
+stands on the great river Andragheira, into which, at one season of
+the year, there come vast shoals of large shads, a third part of
+their bulk being composed of their _roes_, which are accounted a great
+delicacy. Wherefore, after taking these out, the rest of the fish is
+thrown away, and as these lie in great heaps to corrupt, they exhale
+pestilential vapours and infect the air. The persons, therefore, who
+are sent to reside at Siack, are much of the same description
+with those formerly mentioned as sent to Banda, being of abandoned
+characters and desperate fortunes. There is another very considerable
+factory on the river Bencalis, which produces a large profit from the
+sale of cloth and opium, for which gold-dust is received in payment.
+This trade was discovered about forty years ago, that is, about
+the year 1680, by a factor, who carried it on privately for his own
+emolument for ten years, during which he acquired upwards of a _ton
+of gold_ yearly, a Dutch phrase implying L. 10,000 sterling. He then
+resolved to secure what he had got by making a disclosure of this
+valuable branch of traffic to the company. There are also several
+Dutch establishments on what is called the _West-coast_ of Sumatra.
+
+A very powerful and warlike people subsists in this island, known to
+Europeans by the name of the _Free-nation_, who are equally averse
+from submitting either to the Sumatran sovereigns or Europeans,
+and have always defended themselves valiantly against both. All the
+natives of Sumatra are much more inclined to the English than the
+Dutch, perhaps because they are not under subjection to the former.
+But the latter use every precaution they can to prevent the natives
+from dealing with any except themselves. For a considerable time past,
+the chiefs at Padang have been so unlucky as to have their honesty
+much suspected, chiefly owing to their management of the mines, which
+do not turn out greatly to the profit of the company, while all their
+officers gain immense sums out of them, which the councils at Batavia
+are much dissatisfied with, yet cannot prevent. For this reason they
+change the chief very frequently, yet to little purpose.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Some Account of the Residences of Cheribon, Siam, and Mockha._
+
+The chiefs of those factories belonging to the Dutch in India are
+termed _Residents_, and correspond directly with the governor-general
+at Batavia, and are not dependent on any subordinate governor or
+director. The first of these independent residents is fixed at
+_Cheribon_, on the coast of Java, at the distance of about forty
+leagues from Batavia, where a very advantageous commerce is carried on
+by the company in coffee, cardamoms, indigo, and cotton. The land at
+this place is as fertile in rice and other provisions as perhaps any
+country in the world. This district is of considerable extent, and was
+formerly under the dominion of four great lords, who used to be
+styled _pangerans_, but have now the titles of sultans, though their
+authority is not much extended by these more splendid titles. One of
+these is called the company's sultan, because always attached to the
+interests of the company, though in truth they might all get the same
+appellation, as they are all under the protection of the company, and
+freed from apprehensions of the king of Bantam, who used formerly
+to be continually at war with them, and must have reduced them under
+subjection, but for the assistance of the Dutch. Since then, both from
+gratitude for past favours, and in expectation of future protection,
+they have granted great privileges to the company in their dominions.
+The company maintains a fort at Cheribon, with a garrison of sixty
+men, and has an excellent factory.
+
+About half a league from the fort of Cheribon, the tombs of the
+princes of Cheribon stand in a vast temple, splendidly built of
+various fine kinds of stone, and are said to contain vast riches,
+yet are left unguarded, from an idea that they are protected by some
+supernatural power; and they tell strange stories of persons having
+dropt down dead, on approaching the places where these riches are
+hidden, with an intention to steal. Many people believe that the
+Javanese priests, who are Mahometans, have the power of causing sudden
+death by means of incantations; and that they are able to enchant
+crocodiles and serpents, causing the former to go into and out of the
+water at command, and the latter to remain in any posture they please.
+A great number of priests are maintained about this great temple, many
+of whom have made the pilgrimage to Mecca, and are therefore held in
+much veneration. These priests are all governed by a sovereign pontiff
+or mufti, who is even more respected than the sultans. There was
+formerly a considerable English factory at Cheribon, having a small
+town belonging to it: But the persons of the factory so provoked the
+people, by intriguing with their wives, that they rose one night and
+massacred them all. Perhaps this might have been set on foot by their
+Dutch neighbours.
+
+Another resident has the direction of the company's affairs in the
+kingdom of Siam, where the company carries on a considerable trade in
+tin, lead, elephants-teeth, gum-lac, _wool_,[1] and other commodities.
+The king of Siam is a prince of considerable power, and his dominions
+extend nearly 300 leagues. Being favourable to commerce, all nations
+are allowed to trade freely in his country; but ships of no great
+burden are forced to anchor at the distance of sixty leagues from his
+capital; because the river _Menan_, on which it is situated, is so
+rapid that they find great difficulty in getting higher up. This
+river, like the Nile and many others, overflows its banks at a certain
+season, so that most of the country is under water for half the year,
+for which reason all the houses are built on posts. The capital is a
+large city, consisting at least of 50,000 houses, with a prodigious
+number of temples.[2] The natives are all pagans, and hold this
+singular maxim, "That all religions are good, provided they tend to
+the honour of God." They think, however, that their own is the best;
+though they sometimes own that the God of the Christians is most
+powerful, because the head of their principal idol has been twice
+beaten to pieces by thunder. This is perhaps the largest idol in the
+world, and is called by the Dutch in derision, _The great blockhead of
+Lust_. He is represented sitting cross-legged like a tailor; in which
+posture he measures seventy feet high, and every one of his fingers
+is as large as the body of a man. About three leagues from the capital
+there is a temple of vast size, having an idol not quite so large as
+the other, which the priests say is his wife; and that once in seven
+years, one of these goes to visit the other. The priests also pretend
+that both of these idols are of solid gold; but the thunder-clap,
+which destroyed the head of the larger idol detected that part of the
+cheat, shewing it to be only brick and lime, very artificially gilded
+all over. One may justly wonder that this accident did not put an end
+to the adoration of so wretched a deity; but where superstition once
+prevails the plainest proofs very seldom produce any effect.
+
+[Footnote 1: Perhaps cotton, often termed _cotton-wool_, ought to have
+been here substituted.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: In Harris the temples are stated at 30,000.--E.]
+
+The country of Siam is very rich and fertile, and there is a
+considerable trade carried on here by the Chinese. The Dutch have here
+considerable privileges, and are the favoured nation, especially since
+the great revolution, when they got into great favour with the new
+king, because the English had been entrusted by his predecessor, whom
+he murdered, with the best places in the government, both civil and
+military. The Dutch have a factory on the side of the river, about a
+mile below the city, where they collect great numbers of deer-skins;
+which are sent annually to Japan. The Siamese are themselves much
+addicted to trade, and the Chinese who reside here still more; so that
+they send ships every year to Japan, which, considering the difficulty
+of the navigation, is not a little extraordinary. The Siamese boast of
+having used the compass above a thousand years before it was known
+in Europe: But the Jesuits very justly observe, that the Siamese and
+Chinese compasses are very imperfect.
+
+The third resident is fixed at _Mokha_, being always a merchant,
+having two factors under him. This country is under the government
+of an Arab prince, styled _Imaum_, who resides in the inland country,
+about 200 miles east from Mokha. The sea-port of his dominions was
+formerly Aden; but as that was found very inconvenient, he removed the
+trade to Mokha, then only a fishing village. Mokha is situated close
+to the sea, in a large dry sandy plain, which affords neither fruits
+nor water, except what is brackish and unwholesome, and those who are
+forced to drink it have long worms bred in their legs and feet, which
+are very troublesome and dangerous. The town is supplied with very
+good and wholesome water from _Musa_, a town at the distance of twenty
+miles; but it is so dear, being brought by land carriage; that it
+costs as much as small beer does in England. Mokha is large, and makes
+a fine appearance from the sea, the buildings being lofty, but they
+look much better without than within. The markets are well supplied
+with provisions, such as beef, mutton, goats, kid, lamb, and camels
+flesh, antelopes, poultry, guinea-fowls, partridges, and pigeons. The
+sea affords a variety of fish, but not well tasted, owing probably
+to the nature of their food. It is also furnished all the year with
+excellent fruits, as grapes, peaches, apricots, and quinces, of which
+they make great quantities of marmalade, both for their own use and
+exportation. Yet there is neither tree nor shrub to be seen near the
+town, except a few date-trees, and they seldom have above two or three
+showers of rain in a year, sometimes no rain for two or three years.
+Among the mountains, however, about twenty miles inland, seldom a
+morning passes without a moderate shower, which makes the vallies very
+fertile in such corn and fruits as suit the soil and climate. They
+have plenty of wheat and barley, but no rice.
+
+Since Mokha has been made a free port, it has become a place of great
+trade. Besides the Dutch factory, it has one belonging to the English
+East-India Company. Trade is also carried on here by English free
+merchants, by Portuguese, Banians, and Moors; also by vessels
+from Basora, Persia, and Muskat. The country itself produces few
+commodities, except coffee and some drugs, as myrrh, olibanum or
+frankincense from _Cossin_, Soccotrine aloes from Soccotora, liquid
+storax, white and yellow arsenic, some gum-arabic, mummy, and balm
+of gilead, these two last being brought down the Red Sea. The coffee
+trade brings a continual supply of gold and silver from Europe,
+particularly Spanish money, German crowns, and other European silver
+coins, with chequins and German and Hungarian gold ducats, and
+_ebramies_ and _magrabees_ of Turkey. It is a settled point here,
+though other goods may be bought and sold on credit for a certain
+time, coffee must always be paid for in ready money. The European
+shipping that comes here annually rather exceeds 20,000 tons, and that
+belonging to other nations may amount to nearly the same tonnage. The
+whole province of _Betlefackee_ is planted with coffee-trees, which
+are never allowed to grow above four or five yards high. The berries
+cling to the branches like so many insects, and are shaken off when
+ripe. They are at first green, then red, and lastly of a dark-brown
+colour.
+
+The Dutch have here a great advantage over all other nations, in
+consequence of their monopoly of the spice-trade, as these are
+consumed here in great quantities, which consequently enables them to
+procure coffee at much easier rates than other nations. Yet this trade
+of Mokha is continually falling off, owing to the vast quantities
+of coffee produced in their own plantations, especially at Batavia,
+Amboina, and the Cape of Good Hope: Even the Dutch, however,
+acknowledge that there is no comparison between the coffee raised on
+their own plantations and that brought from Mokha.
+
+The _Happy Arabia_ is divided into many small territories, under
+independent princes, styled Emirs, who all pay a kind of homage, but
+no obedience, to the Grand Signor or Emperor of the Turks. The Red Sea
+gets this name from several parts of it being of a red colour, owing
+to its bottom in these parts.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Of the Trade of the Dutch in Borneo and China._
+
+_Borneo_ is the largest island in the East Indies, perhaps the largest
+in the world, being 220 marine leagues from N. to S. and 170 leagues
+from E. to W. It is divided into many small principalities, of which
+the most powerful is the king of _Banjaar Masseen_, and after him the
+kings of _Borneo_ and _Sambas_. The air is reckoned very unwholesome
+in some places, on account of being low and marshy; and it is only
+thinly peopled, though abounding in very rich commodities. On the
+first establishment of the Dutch in India, they were very solicitous
+to have factories in this island, and accordingly fixed three, at the
+cities of Borneo, Sambas, and Succadanea; but they soon found it was
+impossible to have any dealings with the natives, who certainly
+are the basest, crudest, and most perfidious people in the world;
+wherefore they quitted the island, and though several times invited
+back, have absolutely refused to return. The commerce of Borneo is
+as rich as any in India. At Sambas and Banjaar Masseen they deal in
+diamonds, of which there is a mine in the interior country. These
+stones generally run from four to twenty-four carats each, though some
+are found as high as thirty and even forty carats; but the whole trade
+does not exceed 600 carats yearly. They always sell these stones
+for gold, though that is a commodity of the island, and there is a
+considerable trade in gold-dust at Pahang, Saya, Calantan, Seribas,
+Catra, and Melanouba. Bezoar is another principal article of their
+trade. Japan wood, fine wax, incense, mastic, and several other rich
+gums, are here met with; but the staple commodity is pepper, which
+this island produces in as great abundance as any place in India.
+A drug is met with in this island, called _piedro de porco_, or
+pork-stone, so highly esteemed as to be worth 300 crowns each; as the
+Indian physicians pretend that they can infallibly discover whether
+their patients are to live or die, by exhibiting to them the water in
+which this stone has been steeped.
+
+Before the Portuguese discovered the way by sea to India, the Chinese
+possessed the whole trade of this island, and since the Europeans
+have declined settling here, it has reverted to them again. The places
+where they are settled are Banjaar Masseen, Mampua, Teya, Lando, and
+Sambas, where they parry on a great trade, furnishing the inhabitants
+with silks, chintz, calico, and all the manufactures of China and
+Japan. It has been suggested, that a more valuable trade might be
+established in Borneo than in any other part of India, as there come
+here every year large fleets of Chinese junks, laden with all the
+commodities of that empire, which might be purchased here as cheap, or
+cheaper even than in China itself. There come also yearly some small
+vessels from the island of Celebes to Borneo, in spite of the utmost
+vigilance of the Dutch, which bring considerable quantities of cloves,
+nutmegs, and mace, so that the Dutch are unable to sell much of these
+spices to the inhabitants: Yet they send ships here frequently to load
+with pepper, endeavouring to keep up a good correspondence with the
+kings of Borneo and Sambas, for the king of Banjaar Masseen refuses to
+have any dealings with them.
+
+Considering the vast sway of the Dutch in India, it is strange that
+they should not have any factory in China. They have indeed formerly
+sent ambassadors to that country, under pretence of demanding a free
+trade, but in reality on purpose to gain a more accurate knowledge of
+the nature of trade in China, and in consequence of their discoveries
+in that manner, have been induced to decline entering upon any direct
+trade to that country. While they were possessed of the island of
+Formosa, they carried on a direct trade to China with great profit:
+But, since their expulsion from that island in 1661, they have
+not been able to make that trade turn out profitable. After the
+establishment of the Ostend East-India Company, they tried to send
+ships to China, direct from Holland; but even this came to no great
+account, the profit having seldom exceeded twenty-five per cent.
+which, considering the hazard of so long a voyage, was not considered
+a very encouraging return. It has been doubted whether the Dutch were
+able to deal with the Chinese, where both nations are upon an equal
+footing, as the latter are certainly the cunningest of men: Besides,
+the Chinese are less inclined to deal with the Dutch than with any
+other Europeans; and, when they do, always hold them to harder terms.
+The port charges also in China, and the presents they are obliged to
+make, cut deep into their gains.
+
+Besides the foregoing circumstances, as China is at a great distance
+from Batavia, and as the officers of the Dutch ships can so easily
+consign their effects into the hands of the Portuguese, English,
+and other foreign merchants, they have been found to mind their own
+affairs much more than those of the Company. But the principal
+reason of avoiding the trade to China is, that the Chinese carry on
+a prodigious trade with Batavia; and though the voyage exceeds 550
+leagues, the Chinese junks make the run in six weeks, sailing from
+Canton in the beginning of December, and arriving at Batavia in the
+middle of January. The company has in the first place a duty of four
+per cent. on all the goods brought by the Chinese, which are gold,
+silks of all sorts, tea, anniseed, musk, rhubarb, copper, quicksilver,
+vermilion, china ware, &c. For which they receive in exchange lead,
+tin, pepper, incense, camphor, cloves, nutmegs, amber, and many
+other articles, on all which the Dutch fix their own prices, and
+consequently buy much cheaper than other nations can do in China. They
+have also found by experience, that a direct trade greatly lessens
+this more profitable mode at Batavia. They have also opportunities of
+dealing with the Chinese in many other parts of India, where, after
+the Chinese merchants have completed their sales to the natives, they
+are glad to part with the remainder of their commodities to the Dutch,
+at a cheap rate. Thus, the Dutch East-India Company are able to send
+home vast quantities of the commodities of China, and purchased on
+very advantageous terms, without trading directly to China, either
+from Holland or from Batavia.
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Of the Dutch Trade with Japan._
+
+A Dutch chief resides at Japan, who is always a principal merchant,
+and is assisted by some writers in the Company's service. The profit
+formerly made of this establishment by the Dutch East-India Company,
+frequently amounted to 80 and even 100 per cent. but has fallen off
+to such a degree, that they rarely make now, 1721, above eight or ten.
+This has been chiefly occasioned by the Chinese, who for some time
+past have purchased every kind of goods at Canton that are in demand
+in Japan, and it is even said that they have contracted with the
+Japanese to furnish them with all kinds of merchandize at as low
+prices as the Dutch. Another cause of the low profits is, that the
+Japanese fix the prices of all the goods they buy, and if their offer
+is not accepted, they desire the merchants to take them home again.
+This may possibly have been suggested to them by the Chinese, who
+used formerly to be treated in the same manner at Batavia. There is no
+place in all India where the Dutch have so little authority, or where
+their establishments are of so little consequence, as in Japan. They
+are allowed a small island to themselves, where they have warehouses
+for their goods, and a few ordinary houses for the members of the
+factory; but this island is a prison, in which they are completely
+shut up as long as they remain in Japan, not being permitted to pass
+the bridge that joins this island to the city of Naugasaque. The only
+shadow of liberty that is allowed them is, that their chief, with two
+or three attendants, goes once a-year as ambassador to the emperor.
+One great reason of this is said to have been occasioned by their
+using too great familiarities with the Japanese women; but the true
+reason is, that the Dutch have more than once given strong indications
+of an inclination to establish themselves in the country by force.
+
+A French gentleman, Monsieur Carron, who was for some time at the head
+of their factory in Japan, and who, in several journeys to the
+court, had ingratiated himself into the favour of the emperor,
+by entertaining him with accounts of the state of Europe, got his
+permission to build a house for the factory on the little island
+allotted to them. He accordly laid the fortifications of great extent,
+and continued the work till he had completed a handsome fortification,
+in form of a regular tetragon; and as the Japanese were quite ignorant
+in the art of fortification, they suffered it to be finished, without
+any suspicion of deceit. Carron now desired the council at Batavia
+to send him some cannon, packed in casks filled with oakum or cotton,
+along with some other casks of the same form filled with spices. This
+was done accordingly, but in rolling the casks after landing, one
+of them that contained a brass gun burst open, by which accident the
+cheat was discovered. This put an entire stop to all trade till the
+pleasure of the emperor was known. The emperor, without prohibiting
+trade, gave orders that no Dutchman should presume to stir out of the
+island on pain of death, and ordered Carron up to Jeddo, to answer for
+his fault. The emperor reproached him for abusing his favour; after
+which he ordered his beard to be pulled out by the roots, and that
+he should be led, dressed in a fool's coat and cap, through all the
+streets of the city. He was thus sent back to the factory, with orders
+to leave Japan in the first ship that sailed for Batavia.
+
+The island of _Desima_, where the Dutch reside, is divided from the
+city of Naugasaki by a small creek of salt water of about forty feet
+broad, over which there is a convenient bridge, having a draw-bridge
+at one end, of which the Japanese keep possession, and no Dutchman can
+pass this without leave from the governor of the city; neither
+dare any Japanese converse with the Dutch, except the merchants and
+factors, who have a licence for that purpose. For the security of the
+factory, the island of Desima is pallisaded all round. It contains
+four streets, with large warehouses, and a spacious market-place over
+against the bridge, where at stated times the town's people have leave
+to trade with the Dutch. So great is the jealousy entertained of the
+Dutch, that they are not even allowed to have the command of their own
+ships while in Japan: For, as soon as one of them enters the harbour,
+the Japanese take entire possession of her, taking out all the arms
+and ammunition, which they lay up on shore, and return again in good
+order, when the ship is ready to sail. They also exact a complete
+account of all the men on board, whom they muster by one of their own
+commissaries.
+
+Japan is well peopled, and produces every thing necessary for human
+sustenance in great plenty; yet the Dutch pay high for every thing
+they need, and have even to purchase wood for fuel by weight. The
+mountains are rich in gold, silver, and copper, which last is the best
+in the world. Their porcelain is finer than that of China, as also
+much thicker and heavier, with finer colours, and sells much dearer
+both in India and Europe. The tea of Japan, however, is not near so
+good as that of China. Their lackered ware, usually called Japan, is
+the best in the world, and some of it will even hold boiling water
+without being injured. They have abundance of silks, both raw and
+manufactured, much stronger than what is produced in China. Their
+houses are mostly built of wood, but the palace of the emperor is
+of marble, covered with copper, so remarkably well gilded that it
+withstands the weather many years. Jeddo is the metropolis, and its
+magnitude may be guessed from this circumstance, that in a great
+fire which raged in this city for eight days, about the year 1660, it
+consumed 120,000 houses, and 500 temples.
+
+The Japanese are strict observers of moral rules, especially in
+commercial matters; insomuch that merchants of reputation put up sums
+of gold _cupangs_, always in decimal numbers, in silken bags, sealed
+with their seals; and these bags always pass current for the several
+sums indicated by the seals, without any one ever examining the
+contents of the bags for several generations. These _cupangs_ are
+broad oblong pieces of gold, of about twenty shillings value in Japan;
+but gold is there so plentiful and cheap, in relation to silver, that
+a _cupang_ passes current in Batavia for thirty-two shillings; and,
+after being stampt with the lion of the Company, it passes for forty
+shillings sterling. The Japanese also are exact observers of justice,
+and punish crimes with extreme rigour. To a man of distinction,
+when found guilty of a capital crime, the emperor writes a letter,
+commanding him to become his own executioner, on an appointed day and
+hour, on penalty of being subjected to the most exquisite tortures,
+if he survive the appointed time. On receiving this mandate, the
+delinquent invites all his friends and near relations to a sumptuous
+feast on the set day. When the feast is over, he shows them the letter
+from the emperor, and, while they are reading it, he stabs himself
+with a dagger below the navel, and cuts open his belly to the breast
+bone. The capital punishments inflicted on the inferior people are
+hanging, beheading, or being flung over a precipice; and for smaller
+faults, whipping and branding are usual.
+
+The government of Japan would be well pleased to encourage trade with
+all nations, but for two considerations. The first is, lest their
+religion should be insulted, which was frequently the case from
+misguided zeal, while there were any Christians among the Japanese.
+The other proceeds from their aversion to strange customs, or to any
+innovation in the manners of the people, from which they dread the
+worst consequences. When the Dutch were first established in this
+empire, the then prime minister explained their opinions on this
+subject in the following manner: "We are well acquainted with the
+advantages resulting from the system of government established among
+us, and will on no account run the hazard of any change. We know that
+great revolutions are often brought about by imperceptible degrees,
+and are therefore resolved to cure the itch of novelty by the rod of
+chastisement." Upon this maxim a law is established in Japan, by
+which all the subjects of the empire are prohibited from leaving the
+country; or, if any do, they must never return. They are so wedded to
+their own customs and opinions, and so jealous of the introduction
+of any new or foreign customs, that they never send any embassies to
+other countries, neither do they allow their merchants to carry on
+commerce beyond their own country. A few small junks are sent in
+summer to the land of Yedso, a country about fifty leagues from the
+northern extremity of Japan; and it is said that they bring much gold
+from thence.
+
+There is but one good harbour in Japan, all the rest of the coast
+being so guarded by steep rocks or shoals, that they have no reason to
+fear being invaded. In point of military discipline and bravery, the
+Japanese far exceed the Chinese, and are by no means of so base and
+effeminate dispositions as most of the inhabitants of that great
+empire. The government also of Japan is perfectly uniform and well
+settled, so that there cannot be any diversity of interests; for,
+though several of its provinces are denominated kingdoms, yet all
+these petty kings are under the strictest subjection to the emperor,
+and the laws of the country extend over all. These laws pay the
+strictest regard to private property, the father transmitting to his
+children not only the patrimonial estate, but all the acquisitions of
+his own industry; and this is certainly a powerful prevention of any
+desire of change. Though the emperor resides at Jeddo, thirty days
+journey from Naugasaki, yet he receives intelligence in the space
+of three days, of the number and force of every ship that arrives,
+conveyed by a chain of signal-posts, by means of flags and fire
+beacons.
+
+The forms observed in business are wonderfully exact, and the edicts
+and orders of the emperor are signified in most expressive and
+dignified terms, containing very little of the bombast and swelling
+style so common among oriental courts. Yet, amid all their good sense
+and quick parts, the religion of the Japanese is the idlest and most
+ridiculous paganism that can well be imagined, of which the following
+is a sufficient proof. Every family has a tutelary deity or idol,
+which is placed at the top of the house, and instructed to keep off
+all sickness, misfortunes, or accidents: And when any such happen, the
+idol is taken down and whipt, for not doing its duty. _Amida_ is
+the name of their favourite god, his residence in heaven is at a
+prodigious distance, insomuch that it requires three years journey
+of a departed soul to reach paradise, which is only the outskirts or
+suburbs of heaven; but when once there, the soul is sure of getting
+to heaven, and enjoys a quiet residence in that place, as none of
+the fiends dare come there to give annoyance. They have several other
+gods, to all of whom they are particularly attached devotees; and each
+god has his own particular paradise, none nearer this world than three
+years journey. On purpose to gain an easy passage to these paradises,
+some of the zealots cut their own throats, and others hang themselves.
+Their idols are often carried in procession on horseback, attended
+by bands of music; and many feasts and sacrifices are made in their
+honour, the idols being fed on the smoke and flavour, while the
+votaries regale on the substantial meats.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Harris here subjoins a long enquiry into the nature of
+the Dutch commerce in Japan, in the form of answers to a number of
+queries on the subject: But as we shall have an opportunity, in
+a subsequent division of this work, to give much more ample and
+satisfactory accounts of these matters, by actual travellers in Japan,
+this has been omitted, as tedious and unsatisfactory.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Account of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope._
+
+Nothing remarkable occurred to the author of this voyage, while on the
+way from Batavia to the Cape of Good Hope, except seeing the wreck of
+the Schonenberg, a ship belonging to the Company, which had been lost
+a little before.[2] On coming in sight of the Cape, they discovered
+many French, English, and Dutch ships at anchor in the roads, some
+outward-bound and some homewards. A little way from the entrance of
+the bay is a small island, on which there is always a guard composed
+of a serjeant and a small number of men. As soon as the serjeant sees
+what number of ships a fleet consists of, he hoists a flag, and fires
+so many pieces of cannon as there are ships in sight, to give notice
+to the commandant at the Cape. They are here employed in making
+train-oil, and in raking oyster-shells to burn into lime. Into this
+island, malefactors are generally banished from the Cape, and from
+most parts of India. Here, besides the punishment of being separated
+from all their friends, they are kept to the hardest labour.
+
+[Footnote 2: This is said to have been on the coast of Africa _at the
+height of Angola_, whither they were driven by a storm. But this could
+not possibly have been the case _before_ reaching the Cape of Good
+Hope.--E.]
+
+Table Bay is very fine and large, of a semi-oval form, entering
+several leagues into the land, and may be about nine leagues in
+circuit; but the anchorage is not every where equally good, and there
+is some danger near the shore. The middle of the bay is commanded by
+a very strong fort, being a regular pentagon, and each of its fine
+bastions mounts twenty pieces of heavy cannon. This fort and the town
+are situated on the edge of a plain about three leagues in extent,
+lying at the bottom of three very high mountains. The first of these
+is _Lion Mountain_, having some resemblance to a lion couchant. The
+second is _Table Mountain_, which is much higher, and has a broad flat
+top like a table, being so high that it may be seen twenty leagues out
+at sea in clear weather. The third is called the _Devil's Mountain_,
+and is not so remarkable as either of the other two. The houses of
+Cape Town are very neat and commodious, but are only built two stories
+high, on account of the furious winds at S.E. which sometimes blow
+here.
+
+About the year 1650, the Dutch East-India Company bought a certain
+district of this country from the Hottentots, its aboriginal
+inhabitants, and took care to have it immediately planted and well
+peopled, for the convenience of their ships, both outward and homeward
+bound. All the inhabitants of this colony are Europeans, or descended
+from Europeans. Some of the planters are settled at the distance of
+three hundred leagues from the Cape; yet all are obliged to appear
+once a-year at a place called Stellenbosch, where the _Drossart_ or
+magistrate of the country resides. They have here to pass in review,
+as all the peasants, as well as the towns-men, are formed into
+companies under proper officers. After the review is over, they go
+back to their respective plantations, generally carrying home with
+them what tools or other European articles they stand in need of.
+These people cultivate the ground, raising rye, barley, beans, and
+other grains. They also plant vines, which produce excellent grapes,
+of which they make very good wine. Some of these peasants are in
+very easy circumstances, having, besides large and well-cultivated
+plantations, great flocks of sheep and cattle.
+
+Among other colonists, there is one about eight leagues from Cape
+Town, at a place called _Drakenstein_, entirely composed of French
+refugees, who have a large tract of well cultivated ground, and are
+allowed churches and ministers of their own. Part of the inhabitants
+of Cape Town are in the service of the Company, and the rest are free
+burgesses. They have regular magistrates, who decide causes of small
+importance, and regulate any little disputes that happen among them;
+but affairs of moment are carried before the governor and council,
+who determine finally and without appeal. In the interior country, the
+drossart determines in things of small consequence; but all matters of
+importance must come before the governor and council, whose sentences,
+both in civil and criminal cases, are executed without delay. The
+officer who commands here in chief, has the rank and pay of major, yet
+does the duty in all respects of a major-general. The officers under
+him are captains, lieutenants, and ensigns, who take care to keep
+their companies always complete and well disciplined; and in case of
+attack, they can draw together five thousand men at least, all well
+armed and as good as regular troops: Each peasant knows where he has
+to repair to, in order to range himself under his proper standard.
+
+It is not easy to describe the expertness with which these peasants
+manage their fire-arms, an exercise in which they are constantly
+employed, even from their infancy; and it is almost incredible how
+boldly they attack even the fiercest animals. Many among them disdain
+to shoot a sleeping lion, because, as they say, it shows neither skill
+nor courage: When, therefore, they discover a lion asleep, they throw
+stones to waken him, and do not fire till he is on his feet. A little
+before the arrival of our author at the Cape, two peasants went out
+together to hunt. One of them, seeing a lion, fired at and missed him,
+when the lion rushed upon the man, who threw away his gun, to have
+more liberty to defend himself. The other peasant, on hearing the
+report, hastened to the place, and found his companion and the lion
+closely engaged; on which he snatched up the gun, and slew the lion
+by a few blows on the head, but broke the gun in pieces. The first
+peasant, whose property the gun was, complained loudly of its
+demolition, blamed his companion for coming up uncalled for, and even
+talked of making him pay for the gun, insisting that he could have
+slain the lion himself without aid. It was formerly considered a
+wonderful deed for a man to kill a lion; but now it is so common an
+occurrence, that they make no more of killing a lion, than we do of
+shooting a hare.
+
+The country about Cape Town is full of vineyards and gardens. Two
+of these belong to the company, which are perhaps the finest in the
+world. One is at the distance of two hundred paces from the fort,
+between the town and Table Mountain, being about 1400 paces in length,
+by 235 paces broad, and having a fine rivulet from the mountain
+running through the middle of it. It is divided into quarters, in
+which they cultivate, with the utmost success, the fruits and flowers
+of the four quarters of the globe. The other garden is about two
+leagues distant from the town, in what is called the _New Country_,
+and is likewise kept in excellent order by slaves belonging to the
+company, of whom there are seldom less than five hundred. The
+country hereabout is mountainous and stony; but the vallies are very
+agreeable, and extremely fertile. The climate is perhaps the best
+in the world, neither cold nor heat being ever felt here to any
+intolerable degree. The people accordingly live to great ages, and
+have hardly any diseases except such as proceed from intemperance of
+some kind. The mountains, which contribute to the wholesomeness of the
+country, are supposed to be rich in gold and other valuable metals.
+Some trials have been made; but as yet no mines have been discovered,
+or at least none in such situations as would permit their being worked
+to advantage.
+
+Mynheer van Steel, who was lately governor of this colony, travelled
+over the country, and examined it with much attention. He caused
+gardens to be laid out, and pleasure-houses to be built, in several
+places; but the peasants who were employed in building these houses
+and cultivating these gardens, sent over a representation and
+complaint to the company, alleging that these works were prejudicial
+to their private affairs, and prevented them from being able to
+maintain their families; upon which that governor was immediately
+recalled. His discoveries, however, were of great consequence, having
+made the interior country known to the Dutch, together with the
+nations or tribes by whom it is inhabited. These, so far as yet
+discovered, consist of seven different tribes, all comprehended under
+the general denomination of _Hottentots_. The first of these, and
+least considerable, who live in the neighbourhood of the Cape, have
+no chief, and are mostly either in the service of the company, or are
+employed as servants by the townsmen, or by the peasants and farmers
+in cultivating the lands, or tending their flocks and herds. The
+second tribe inhabit the mountains, or, more properly speaking,
+dwell in the caverns of the mountains, being thieves and robbers by
+profession, and subsist entirely by plundering the other Hottentots,
+with whom they are perpetually at war; yet never rob or molest the
+Christians. The other tribes are called the _Great_ and _Little
+Maqua_, and the _Great_ and _Little Kriqua_[2], and the _Caffres_.
+The words _Maqua_ and _Kriqua_ signify king or chief, and these four
+tribes are continually engaged in war against each other; but when
+any one nation is in danger of being totally ruined, other tribes
+immediately take up its cause; and these rude tribes seem to have a
+notion of maintaining a kind of balance of power.
+
+[Footnote 2: These tribes are known in geography by the names of
+Namaquas and Briquas, the latter being also called Booshuanas. The
+second tribe in this account are named Bosjemans by the Dutch.--E.]
+
+Such of the Hottentots as have submitted to the Hollanders are called
+the Company's Hottentots. The Dutch send every year fifty or sixty
+persons to trade among the Hottentots, who purchase their cattle,
+giving them in exchange arrack, tobacco, hemp, and such other things
+as they have occasion for; by which means a good understanding is kept
+up. These Hottentots of the Company are often attacked by the other
+tribes, and, when no longer able to defend themselves, their king
+or chief comes down to the Cape, attended by a small escort of his
+subjects, to demand assistance. He goes immediately to the governor,
+having in his hand the staff of command given him by the Company,
+decorated with their arms, and holding it in his hand, demands
+assistance. If the governor does not think proper to grant his
+request, but endeavours to shift him off with fair words, he throws
+down his staff saying, in bad Dutch, _Voor my, niet meer Compagnies
+Hottentot_; that is, "For me, I will no more be the Company's
+Hottentot." The governor generally sends him home with an escort of
+troops, as it is the interest of the company to be on good terms with
+these chiefs, who are always ready to do any service required of them.
+
+The Hottentots are a very stupid and brutal people. They rub their
+bodies all over with rancid grease, which gives them a very bad smell,
+so that you may nose them at a considerable distance. Their children
+are all born perfectly white; but being constantly rubbed with grease,
+and exposed to the sun, they grow by degrees quite brown, and almost
+black. When a woman brings forth twins, one of them is immediately
+condemned to death, and is tied to a tree, where it is left to expire.
+Some of them have a custom of extirpating one testicle in their male
+children, as soon as they are able to bear the operation, in hope of
+preventing them afterwards from begetting twins. They seem to have
+little or no religion; yet they frequently look with admiration at the
+heavenly bodies, saying, "He who governs these is certainly a being of
+infinite power and wisdom." In many respects they are more like beasts
+than men, being abominably nasty in their persons, and, taking them
+altogether, they are certainly one of the meanest nations on the face
+of the earth. They are short and thick-set, with flat noses like a
+Dutch pug dog, very thick lips, and large mouths, having very white
+teeth, but very long and ill set, some of them sticking out of their
+mouths like boar's tusks. Their hair is black, and curled like
+wool. They are very nimble, and run with incredible speed. They are
+generally covered with a sheep's skin, each man having a quiver full
+of arrows on his back, and a bow in his hand. Immediately on coming in
+sight of an enemy, they set up a dreadful cry, leaping, dancing,
+and skipping about, and throwing themselves into the most frightful
+postures.
+
+The seventh nation is named the _Caffres_, who are certainly the
+_Anthropophagi_ who have made so much noise in the world[3]. The
+Hottentots are much afraid of them, and take care to keep out of their
+way as much as possible, for fear of being roasted or boiled if taken
+prisoners. This abominable nation has never entered into any kind
+of commerce with the Christians; but, on the contrary, takes all the
+pains they can to entrap and murder them, in order, as is generally
+believed, to eat them. It is reported that they have grown somewhat
+more tractable of late years, and will enter into some sort of trade
+with such as venture among them. They are a potent and warlike nation,
+strong and well-made; and though black, and having curled hair
+like other negroes, they have better faces, and a much more manly
+appearance.
+
+[Footnote 3: A very different account is now given of the Caffres,
+or Koussis rather, who are described as a half-civilized race, who
+cultivate the ground, and live under regular government.--E.]
+
+At the distance of about eighteen leagues from the Cape, there is
+another port called Saldanha Bay, which is, in all respects, an
+infinitely better harbour than Table Bay, except in wanting fresh
+water, which prevents it from being frequented. The animals of this
+country are many. The lion is common here, and in hard winters often
+comes very near the habitations of the colonists. He is reputed the
+king of beasts, because he never eats a man till he has beaten out his
+breath with his paws. Before attacking a man he roars terribly, and
+shakes his mane; and if he does not give these signals of rage, there
+is no danger in passing him. Tigers and leopards are also very common,
+and do a vast deal of mischief; and it is probable these animals would
+be much more numerous, were it not for a race of wild dogs, which hunt
+in packs, and are so bold that they often weary out and worry a lion.
+They often destroy tigers, leopards, and wolves, and it is said that
+they will allow a man to take their prey from them when they have
+killed it. Travellers are never afraid when they fall in with these
+wild dogs, but rather rejoice, because they are sure that no ferocious
+animal is in the neighbourhood. There are many elephants in this
+country, and of as great size, as any in the world, being often from
+twelve to fifteen feet high or better, their teeth weighing from sixty
+to an hundred and twenty pounds. The rhinoceros is also often met
+with. This animal is rather less than the elephant, but stronger. His
+skin is prodigiously thick, and so hard that scarcely any weapon can
+pierce it. His snout is like that of a hog, on which grows a solid
+horn, ten or twelve inches long, which is much valued, because
+esteemed an excellent medicine in convulsions.
+
+There are two animals peculiar to this country, which therefore
+deserve notice. One is a species of wild ass, which resembles the
+common ass in nothing but the length of its ears. It is as large as
+an ordinary horse, and is the most beautiful animal in the world. His
+hair is very soft, and from the ridge of the back descends in coloured
+streaks to the belly, forming so many circles. It is a brisk and
+lively creature, which runs more swiftly than any horse. It is very
+difficult to take alive, and when taken cannot be tamed; yet sells
+at a prodigious price, and is thought a fit present for a sovereign
+prince, from its rarity and exquisite beauty[4]. The other creature,
+found in no other country, is called by the Dutch the _Stinkbungsen_,
+or Stinking-Badger. This is of the size of an ordinary dog, but is
+shaped like a ferret. When pursued by man or beast, it retreats but
+slowly, and when its enemy draws near, discharges backwards a so
+intolerably fetid wind, that dogs tear up the ground and hide their
+noses in it, to avoid the smell. When killed, it stinks so abominably
+that there is no approaching the carcass, which is therefore left to
+consume where it falls.
+
+[Footnote 4: This is a very imperfect account of the Zebra, which
+exactly resembles the ass, except in colour, and is by no means
+larger. One died lately in Edinburgh, after being exhibited as a show,
+which was as quiet and gentle as any lady's donkey.--E.]
+
+It is impossible to describe all the creatures that are seen in the
+vast forests of Africa, as the inhabitants see new animals every year
+that are utterly unknown to them. They allege that, in the middle of
+summer, when the wild animals are almost raging mad with thirst, they
+resort in vast multitudes to the rivers named Salt, Elephants, and
+St John's rivers, where the males and females of different species
+intermixing, produce strange beasts that seem to be new species. The
+Hottentots in the service of the Company frequently carry the skins of
+these monsters to the governor; and our author assures us that he
+saw one of the following description, that had been killed not long
+before. It was about the size of a calf of six months old, and seemed
+to have had four eyes. The head resembled that of a lion, but the hair
+was quite smooth, and of a dark grey colour. It had tusks like a boar.
+The fore-feet resembled those of that creature; but the hind-feet were
+like those of a tiger.
+
+The birds of this country are in a manner infinite in numbers and
+sorts; and though they have not been observed often to intermingle
+species, yet hybrids are sometimes remarked among them. The largest
+and strongest birds are to be found in Africa, among which is the
+ostrich, the largest of all, being commonly seven feet high. The beak
+is short and pointed, but the neck is very long. The feathers of the
+male are white and black only, while those of the female are mixed
+white, black, and grey. Those of the former are most esteemed, as
+their large feathers are better spread, and their down much softer.
+This bird is prodigiously swift of foot, and is hunted down by hounds.
+Their wings do not serve them to fly, but assist them in running,
+especially when they have the wind with them. The common opinion of
+their being able to digest iron is totally false. They swallow pieces
+of iron indeed, but then it is only to bruise the food in their
+gizzards, just as other birds swallow stones for the same purpose.
+They are also said to leave their eggs uncovered on the sand, and to
+take no care of their young. But those of the Cape country hide their
+eggs in the sand, and are so tender of their young, that, though
+naturally timorous, if one of them is missing, they become quite
+furious, so that it is not safe to go near them. There are abundance
+of eagles of all sorts at the Cape, which are very bold, and
+frequently do a great deal of mischief. They are not very large, yet
+are incredibly strong, so that they often kill and devour cattle when
+returning home from work, when they come in great flocks. of fifty or
+an hundred at once, single out a beast as it feeds among the flock,
+and falling upon it all at once, kill and devour it.
+
+Some years before our author was at the Cape, there was seen on Table
+Mountain a bird as large in the body as a horse, having grey and black
+plumage. His beak and talons were like those of an eagle, but of a
+most dreadful size. He sat and hovered about that mountain for a long
+time, and the people were persuaded it was a griffin. It frequently
+carried off sheep and calves, and at length began to destroy the cows,
+on which orders were given to destroy it, and it was accordingly shot,
+its skin stuffed, and sent home as a curiosity to the Company. No such
+bird, has been seen since, and the oldest people of the colony do not
+remember to have heard of any such before.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: This was probably a stray Condor, and its size an
+ordinary exaggeration, in the passage of the story, like that of _the
+three black crows_.--E.]
+
+Africa has been long famous for serpents, and there are such vast
+numbers of them in the neighbourhood of the Cape, that many of them
+have no names. Most of them are extremely venomous, and the colonists
+would suffer much more than they do from them, were it not that they
+have a specific remedy for their bites, not known in Europe. This
+remedy is the _serpent-stone_, allowed to be factitious, and is
+brought from India, where they are made by the bramins who have the
+secret of composing them, which they so carefully conceal, that no
+Europeans have hitherto been able to discover how they are made. The
+serpent-stone is about the size of a bean, white in the middle, but of
+a fine sky-blue on the outside. When a person is bitten by a serpent,
+this stone is applied to the wound, to which it soon sticks fast of
+itself, without the aid of any bandage or plaister. The part bitten
+begins immediately to swell and becomes inflamed. The stone also
+swells till it becomes full of the venom, and then drops off. It is
+then put into warm milk, where it soon purges itself from the venom,
+and resumes its natural colour, after which it is again applied to the
+wound, where it sticks as before, till a second time full, and so on
+till all the venom is extracted and the cure perfected.
+
+All the mountains of this vast country are full of minerals and
+crystal, with many things of great value, if they could be got at;
+but the natives are so fearful of being made slaves in the mines, that
+they take all imaginable pains to conceal them. There is particularly
+a mountain, about 500 leagues from the Cape, called _Copper-mountain_,
+which is supposed to contain great quantities of metals. Large
+quantities of copper have been found here, which is said to contain a
+mixture of gold. Some Europeans endeavoured to follow the natives, who
+were suspected of going to that mountain to gather gold, but were all
+massacred. The Company is so tender of the colonists, and so unwilling
+to risk a revolt, that they have even neglected a gold-mine much
+nearer the Cape, the marcasites of which gave great hopes of its
+containing abundance of gold. Perhaps the Company may have another
+reason for acting in this manner, lest, if a gold-mine was discovered
+at the Cape, it might tempt the French or English to undertake
+something to their prejudice. Under its present management, the Dutch
+colony at the Cape is a general advantage to other nations, as well
+as to the Dutch. A few years ago a cavern was discovered in a mountain
+very near Cape-Town, in which the Hottentots find the venom in which
+they dip their poisoned arrows. There have likewise been found about
+twenty leagues from the Cape, some hot springs impregnated with steel,
+which have been found to cure many diseases, by using as a bath.
+
+Considerable improvements may certainly be made on this colony, for
+the advantage both of the inhabitants and the company, which latter
+make no great gains by this establishment besides the convenience it
+affords in giving refreshments to their ships going to and returning
+from India. The Company would be glad of any means that might
+increase the value of the settlement, consistent with their maxims of
+government, and with that indulgence they find it necessary to shew
+the Hottentots, who are perhaps more tenacious of their liberty than
+any people on earth, and the most desperate in resenting any attempts
+to its prejudice.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Holland, with some Account of St
+Helena, the Island of Ascension, and the Acores_.
+
+Towards the end of March, 1723, the ship being revictualled, they
+sailed from Table-bay with a brisk wind at S.E. the fleet homewards
+bound consisting of twenty-three sail, mostly belonging to the Dutch
+East India Company. In about three weeks they reached the island of
+_St Helena_, which is in the latitude of 16 deg. 15' S. [lat. 16 deg. S. long.
+5 deg. 30' W.] This island is about seven leagues in circumference, and
+is entirely composed of rocky hills, which may be seen in a clear day
+from the distance of forty leagues. It is surprising to see so small
+an island in the midst of the ocean, at so great a distance from any
+other land, being 550 leagues from the Cape, 500 leagues from Brazil,
+and 350 from Augusta, which is the nearest land[1]; yet the sea is all
+around so very deep, that there is hardly an anchorage to be found.
+This island was first discovered by the Portuguese, on which occasion
+one of their large Indian carracks was wrecked, from the remains of
+which they built a chapel, long since decayed, but which still gives
+name to the finest valley in the island. They planted lemons, oranges,
+and pomegranates all over the island, and left here hogs and goats,
+together with partridges, pigeons, and peacocks, for the convenience
+of ships touching here. At one time a hermit chose to live here,
+killing the goats for the sake of their skins, which he sold to
+ships that stopped here; but the Portuguese removed him, as they did
+afterwards some negro slaves who had settled in the mountains. It is
+now possessed by the English, who have so good a fort that it is not
+likely any other nation should be able to drive them out. The vallies
+are exceedingly beautiful and fertile, and in these the weather is
+sometimes exceedingly hot; but as it is always cool on the mountains,
+the inhabitants can never be in want of a place of refreshment. It is
+admirably watered, having many rivulets running from the tops of the
+hills into the sea, the water of these being as clear as crystal. The
+island produces abundance of mustard, parsley, sorrel, cresses, and
+other herbs, excellent against the scurvy. It has also abundance of
+trees fit for fuel, but none that can serve as timber. All sorts of
+refreshments are to be had in plenty.
+
+[Footnote 1: Caleo Negro, in lat. 16 deg. 20' S. on the coast of Africa,
+is the nearest part of the continent, and is probably what is referred
+to in the text under the name of Augusta.--E.]
+
+They sailed from hence for the island of _Ascension_, which lies in
+lat 8 deg. N. and long. 14 deg. 20' W. about 200 leagues N.W. from St Helena.
+This is much of the same size, but the shore is excessively rocky, and
+the whole island absolutely barren, having neither trees nor grass,
+and the entire surface seems as it were rent asunder, whence some
+have conceived, and not without great show of reason, that it had been
+formerly a volcano, or burning mountain. In the middle of the island
+there is a high hill, on one side of which water has been found. At
+one season of the year, the whole surface of the island is covered
+with sea-fowl. What chiefly induces ships to put into the only harbour
+of the island, is the great plenty of excellent turtle to be found
+here. When these animals come on shore in the night to lay their eggs,
+the sailors turn them over on their backs till they have leisure to
+carry them on board. These creatures will live above a month without
+any kind of sustenance, having only a little salt water sprinkled
+over them three or four times a-day. The sailors never weary of eating
+them, believing that they make a perfect change of their juices,
+freeing them entirely from the scurvy and other diseases of the blood.
+
+As this island is a very miserable place to live in, it is common to
+leave malefactors here when they do not incline to put them to death.
+This was done not long before our author passed this way, to a Dutch
+book-keeper, who was convicted of sodomy; though perhaps this may
+be considered as a worse punishment even than death, considering the
+miseries that must be endured in the hottest climate of the world, on
+a place that does not afford even the slightest shelter. After leaving
+this island, they began to approach the line, which they crossed
+without feeling any excessive heat, as the sun was then towards the
+north, and they had the benefit of pretty fresh gales, which moderated
+the heat extremely. They now also began to see the north-star at
+night, which they had not done for a year and a half and it is
+impossible to express how much the seamen were rejoiced at this
+circumstance.
+
+Coming into the latitude of 18 deg. N. we found that part of the sea which
+is generally so covered with grass that it looks at a distance like a
+meadow. This grass has a yellowish cast, being hollow within, and on
+being pressed it yields a clammy viscous juice. In some years none
+of this grass appears, while in other years it is found in prodigious
+quantities. Some imagine that it comes from the bottom of the sea, as
+divers report that the bottom is in many places covered with grass and
+flowers. Others conceive that it comes from the coast of Africa: But
+our author disapproves both of these opinions, because, if it came
+from the bottom, there is no reason why the same appearance should not
+be found elsewhere; whereas, if it came from the coast of Africa, it
+ought to be found in other situations, especially near that coast. His
+opinion, therefore, is, that it comes from the coast of America, and
+particularly from the Gulf of Bahama, or Mexico, where it is known
+to grow in great abundance, and where, when it comes to maturity, it
+breaks off; and is carried away by the currents.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2. In the old Portuguese maps and voyages, this part of
+the Atlantic is called _Mar de Sargasso_, or the _Sea of Cresses_;
+Sargasso signifying water-cresses, which these weeds which spread over
+the sea nearly resemble.--Harris.]
+
+Nothing is more difficult than to account for the motion and course
+of currents in the ocean, which, in some places, run for six months
+in one direction, and six in another, while in other places they run
+always one way. There are instances also where they run one way for
+a day or two after full moon, and then run strongly in the opposite
+direction till next full moon. Seamen also observe, that in places
+where the trade-winds blow, the currents are generally influenced by
+them, moving the same way with the winds, but not with equal force
+in all places; neither are they so discernible in the wide ocean,
+but chiefly about islands, where their effects are more or less felt
+according as they are influenced by being more or less in the way
+of the trade-winds. It would be of great service to navigation if
+sensible men would take notice of these currents, and enquire into the
+reason of their appearances. In old books of voyages we find many more
+wonders than in those of later date, not because the course of nature
+is at all changed, but because nature was not then so well understood.
+A thousand things were prodigious a century ago, which are not now at
+all strange. Thus the storms at the Cape of Good Hope, which make so
+great a figure in the histories of the Portuguese discoveries, are now
+known to have been merely the effect of endeavouring to double that
+Cape at a wrong season of the year.
+
+In the East and West Indies, the natives are able to foretell
+hurricanes and tornadoes, not from any superior skill, but by
+observing certain signs which usually precede them. There is often so
+little apparent connection between the sign and the event, that men
+who value themselves on their wisdom are apt to slight such warnings
+as impertinent and absurd. But they had better enquire diligently into
+facts, and neither receive nor reject them too hastily. In the present
+case, it is a clear matter of fact that the sea, in the latitude of
+18 deg. N. between Africa and America, is frequently covered with weeds
+to a great extent, and there is good reason for enquiry as to whence
+these weeds come. In the first voyage made by the famous Columbus for
+the discovery of the new world, he met with this grass or sea-weed
+floating on the sea, without which he could not have prevailed on his
+sailors to continue the voyage; and it is very remarkable, that, by
+pursuing his course through these weeds, he arrived in the Gulf of
+Bahama, the place whence our present author supposes this sea-grass to
+come.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: In his first voyage, Columbus kept the parallel of
+about 37 deg. N. but was considerably farther south in his subsequent
+voyage.--E.]
+
+Continuing their course to the north, they encountered hard gales of
+wind, by which they were driven into lat. 37 deg. N. where they fell in
+with two islands, which proved to be _Flores_ and _Corres_;[4] and as
+their fresh provisions were now nearly spent, they stopped three days
+at the larger island to procure refreshments. There are two of the
+islands named _Acores_ by the Spaniards, which signifies the _islands
+of hawks_. The Dutch call them _Vlanneische eslanders_, or _Flemish
+islands_, because Fayal was first peopled by Flemings, and their
+descendants remain in the island to this day, and are easily
+distinguished from the other inhabitants by their shape and air. They
+dwell upon a little river running down a mountain, called _Ribera dos
+Flamenas_ by the Portuguese, or river of the Flemings.
+
+[Footnote 4: Flores is in lat. 39 deg. 10', Corvo in 39 deg. 35', both N.]
+
+The nine islands of the Acores, or Wester Islands, are Tercera, San
+Michael, Santa Maria, St George, Gratiosa, Pico, Fayal, Corvo, and
+Flores. Tercera is the chief island, being fifteen or sixteen leagues
+in circumference, and so high and steep in many places that it is
+almost impregnable, and they have built forts in such places as are
+accessible. The only port is before the capital, named _Angra_, and
+as it is in the form of a half-moon, it is called the _Half-Moon of
+Angra_. At each horn of this half-moon there is a mountain, which are
+called the Brazils, which project out into the sea, appearing from a
+distance as if two islands; and these mountains are so high that one
+may see at any time ten or twelve leagues off, and fifteen in clear
+weather. Angra has a fine cathedral, and is the residence of a bishop,
+and of a governor and council, whose authority extends over all the
+nine islands. There is another town three leagues from Angra, called
+Praya, or the town of the shore, situated on a shore which cannot be
+approached by ships, so that it has no trade, and the town seems a
+kind of desert, though well built and walled round.
+
+The inhabitants raise sufficient provisions on the island for
+all their wants, being pleasant and fertile, and all covered with
+corn-fields; and so abounds with flesh, fish, and all sorts of
+victuals, that even in times of the greatest scarcity, there is enough
+for all the inhabitants. It produces wine also, but very small, and
+does not keep well, wherefore the richer people provide themselves
+from Madeira and the Canaries. They want oil, salt, lime, and potters
+ware, which they have to import from other countries. They have
+abundance of peaches, apples, pears, oranges, and lemons, with all
+sorts of vegetables and garden stuffs, and among these a plant
+called _batatas_, which grows like a vine stock, but the leaves are
+different. These produce roots, weighing a pound more or less, and
+are so plentiful that they are despised by the rich, though of a sweet
+pleasant taste and very nourishing. There is another root in this
+country as large as a man's two fists, covered over with filaments of
+a golden yellow colour, and as smooth as silk. The inhabitants
+stuff beds with this, instead of feathers, but skilful workmen could
+certainly manufacture it into fine stuffs.
+
+There are but few birds, except canaries, quails, ordinary poultry,
+and turkies, which are numerous. Several parts of this island are very
+hilly, and full of thick and almost impervious woods; and travelling
+is rendered very difficult, as you often find rocks a league in
+length, so rugged and sharp that they cut the shoes at every step;
+yet these rocks are so full of vines that they are not to be seen
+in summer, being covered over by the vine leaves. These vines spread
+their roots among the crannies and crevices of the rocks, which are
+so small and devoid of soil, that it is wonderful how they should find
+any nourishment; yet if planted in the good soil of the country, the
+vines will not grow. The corn and fruits of this island will not keep
+above a year; and unless the corn is buried under ground, it spoils in
+four months. On this account, every inhabitant has a pit without the
+town, the mouth of which is round, just large enough to admit a man,
+which is covered by a flat stone and secured by a lock. Some of these
+pits are so large as to contain two or three lasts of corn, the last
+containing 108 bushels Amsterdam measure, and each bushel weighing
+forty pounds or more. They put their corn into these pits in July,
+and cover the stone with earth to exclude the air, and take it out at
+Christmas, or considerably later, finding it then as good as when put
+in. The oxen in Tercera are the largest and finest that can be, equal
+to any in Europe, and have prodigiously wide horns. Every one has his
+name, like our dogs, and they are so familiar, that when the master
+calls one of them by his name, though among a thousand others, he will
+presently come to him.
+
+One would think the ground of this island were hollow, as the rocks
+sound like vaults when walked on; and indeed the thing is not at all
+improbable, as the island is much subject to earthquakes. In many
+places of the island of San Michael there are holes and cracks, out of
+which there comes a great smoke, and the ground seems as if burnt all
+around. This is not uncommon also in all the islands, as they all have
+sulphur mountains. There are also fountains of water so hot as to boil
+eggs. Three leagues from Angra there is a petrifying spring, which
+changes wood into stone; and there was formerly a tree having some of
+its roots in that water, which were stony and as hard as flint. This
+island produces excellent timber, especially cedar, which is so common
+that their carts and waggons are made of it, and it is even used as
+fuel. The island of _Pico_, twelve leagues from Tercera, has a sort of
+wood called _teixo_, as hard as iron, and of a shining red colour when
+wrought. It becomes always better and finer as it grows older; for
+which reason no person is allowed to cut any of these trees, unless
+for the king's use, and by virtue of a special order from the royal
+officers. The chief trade of Tercera consists in _woad_, of which they
+have great quantities. The fleets of Spain and Portugal, bound for the
+East Indies, Brazil, Cape Verd, Guinea, and other countries, usually
+come here for refreshments, to the great profit of this and the other
+islands, the inhabitants selling to them their various articles at
+good prices.
+
+The island of _San Michael_ is seven or eight leagues S.E. of Tercera,
+and is about twenty leagues in length, having several towns and
+villages. The capital of this island is _Ponta del Guda_, which drives
+a considerable trade in _woad_, sent to Tercera, producing about
+200,000 quintals[5] every year. This island also produces such
+abundance of corn, that it is transported to the other islands; but it
+has no harbours or rivers to give shelter to ships.
+
+[Footnote 5: This is perhaps an error for 2000, as the larger quantity
+would amount to 10,000 tons.--E.]
+
+_Santa Maria_, twelve leagues S. of San Michael, is ten or twelve
+leagues in circumference, its only trade being in earthen ware, with
+which the inhabitants supply the other islands. It also produces
+plenty of all manner of provisions for its own inhabitants. The island
+of _Gratiosa_, seven or eight leagues N.N.W. of Tercera, is only about
+five or six leagues in circumference, but abounds in provisions of all
+sorts. _St George_, eight or nine leagues N.W. of Tercera, is
+twelve leagues in length by two or three in breadth. This is a wild
+mountainous country, producing very little woad. The inhabitants
+subsist by cultivating the ground and keeping cattle, and export
+considerable quantities of cedar to Tercera. _Fayal_, seven German
+leagues S.S.W. of St George, is seventeen or eighteen leagues in
+circumference, and is the best of the Acores, after Tercera and San
+Michael. This island has plenty of woad, with abundance of fish,
+cattle, and other commodities, which are exported to Tercera and the
+other islands. Its chief town is called _Villa Dorta_. Most of the
+inhabitants of this island are descended from Flemings, but now speak
+the Portuguese language; yet they continue to love the Flemings, and
+use all strangers kindly.
+
+Three leagues S.E. of Fayal is the island of _Pico_, so called from
+a peaked mountain, which some believe to be higher than the Peak of
+Teneriffe. The inhabitants cultivate the soil, and have plenty of
+cattle and other provisions, growing also better wine than in any
+other island of the Acores. This island is about fifteen leagues in
+circumference. Seventy leagues W.N.W. from Tercera is the island of
+_Flores_, and to the N. of it lies _Corvo_, the former about seven,
+and the latter not above two or three leagues in circumference.
+They both produce woad, especially Flores, which also abounds in
+provisions. The winds at all these islands are so strong, and the air
+so piercing, especially at Tercera, that they in a short time spoil
+and consume the stones of the houses, and even iron.[6] They have a
+kind of stone, however, that is found within high-water mark, which
+resists the air better than the other sorts, and of which the fronts
+of their houses are generally built.
+
+[Footnote 6: This effect on the iron is obviously occasioned by
+the muriatic acid in the sea spray; and were it not that the author
+expressly says they have no lime, one would be apt to believe that the
+stones so affected were limestone. There are, however, some cilicious
+sand-stones, in which the grit, or particles of sand, are cemented
+together by a calcareous infiltration, which may be the case in these
+islands.--E.]
+
+Leaving the Acores, and getting into Spanish sea, or mouth of the bay
+of Biscay, the weather proved so bad that the _Advice-ship_ lost
+her rudder, which obliged her to go through the Channel in order to
+purchase a new one on the coast of England. The French, Danish, and
+other ships, generally go that way; but the Dutch ships generally go
+round Ireland and north about, from an idea, if they should happen
+to meet with stormy weather in the channel, so as to be obliged to go
+into an English port, that this might occasion several inconveniences.
+Such ships, however, as have sustained any damage at sea, are
+permitted to take their way through the channel. The rest of the Dutch
+fleet followed the north-about course; and after three weeks, during
+which they were involved in perpetual mists and fogs, they had sight
+at length of the Orkney islands, where some Dutch ships were still
+engaged in the herring fishery. In the latitude of 60 deg. N. they met
+some ships of war that waited for them, and convoyed them to the
+coast of Holland, where all the ships got into their destined ports
+in safety. Those on board of which were our author, and the other
+prisoners, came into the Texel on the 11th of July, 1723; and arrived
+five days afterwards at Amsterdam, the very same day two years after
+sailing on their voyage.
+
+The West-Company immediately commenced a law-suit against the
+East-India Company, in behalf of themselves and all the persons
+engaged in their service in the foregoing voyage, to obtain
+satisfaction for the injury and injustice done them at Batavia. After
+a long litigation, the States-General decreed, that the East-India
+Company should furnish the West-India Company with two new ships,
+completely fitted for sea in every respect, better than those which
+had been confiscated by their officers in India, and should pay the
+full value of their cargoes. Also, that the East-India Company should
+pay the wages of the crews of both ships, up to the day of their
+landing in Holland: Together with the entire costs of suit; besides
+a considerable sum by way of fine, as a punishment for having abused
+their authority so egregiously.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Harris has given a report of this law-suit at some
+length, but it did not seem necessary to give any more than the
+result, as quite uninteresting at the present day.--E.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, BY CAPTAIN GEORGE ANSON, IN THE YEARS
+1740-1744.[1]
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+Though of considerable length, the importance of this narrative
+forbids all attempts to alter it in any respect; except that it has
+been necessary to leave out the explanations of several engraved
+views of coasts and harbours, inserted in the original, but which were
+greatly too large for admission, and would have been rendered totally
+useless by being reduced to any convenient use for the octavo form
+of this collection. Indeed, to have introduced all the engravings of
+plans and views, necessary for the illustration of this and many other
+voyages and travels, would have been utterly incompatible with the
+nature and circumstances of this work; as nothing less than a complete
+Atlas and entire Neptune of the whole globe could have sufficed,
+attended by an enormous expence, and at the same time inadmissible
+into octavo volumes. It has therefore been indispensably requisite,
+on all occasions, to confine our illustrations of that kind to a
+few reduced charts, merely sufficient to convey general notions of
+geographical circumstances, and occasionally sketch plans of harbours,
+straits, islands, and capes, explanatory of particular and important
+places. Such of our readers, therefore, as require more complete
+illustrations of geography, topography, and hydrography, must have
+recourse to Atlasses, Neptunes, and coasting pilots.
+
+[Footnote 1: Voyage, &c. by George Anson, Esq. afterwards Lord
+Anson; compiled from his papers and materials by Richard Walter, M.A.
+chaplain of H.M.S. Centurion in that expedition--_fifteenth edition_,
+4to, Lond. 1776.]
+
+This narrative was originally published under the name of Richard
+Walter, chaplain to H.M.S. Centurion in the expedition, dedicated by
+him to John Duke of Bedford, and said to have been compiled by that
+gentleman from papers and materials furnished for the purpose by
+Commodore Anson.
+
+As the object of this expedition was of an extensive political nature,
+intended to humble the power of Spain, in her most valuable yet most
+vulnerable possessions, by injuring and intercepting the great source
+of her public treasure, it has been thought proper, on the present
+occasion, to give a transcript of the reflections made upon the
+policy and expedience of this important voyage, very soon after
+its completion, by Dr John Harris, by way of _Introduction_ to his
+abridged account of this circumnavigation, in his Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, vol. i. p. 337.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"It is a thing that has been generally taken for granted, ever since
+Spain has been possessed of her American dominions, and has made use
+of the riches derived from these to disturb the peace and invade the
+liberties of her neighbours, that the best way to reduce her strength,
+and to prevent the bad effects of her evil intentions, would be to
+attack her in the South Seas. This was pursued with great diligence,
+and in some measure with success, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, [as
+has been already shewn in the circumnavigatory voyages of Drake
+and Candish, almost solely devoted to that object.] In that of her
+successor, when a new quarrel broke out with that crown, in the year
+1624, the first thing thought of by our patriots, who were equally
+willing to humble the king's enemies and to save the money of the
+nation, was an expedition to the South Seas, to be carried on at
+the expence of, and for the benefit of the people; which scheme was
+entitled _The West-India Association_.
+
+"It may be thought I look a great way back when I offer to the view
+of the reader the reasons which were then suggested in parliament in
+support of that scheme. But whoever considers that it is not only the
+most effectual, but the safest method, to instruct the present age
+from the sentiments of the last, will readily enter into the reasons
+which induce me, upon this occasion, to produce the speech of an
+eminent patriot, in which the nature and scope of that _Association_,
+as well as the motives on which it is grounded, are very fully and
+pathetically set forth; and this in such terms, as, if the reader were
+not told that this was a speech to Sir Dudley Diggs, then chairman
+of a committee of the whole house, by Sir Benjamin Rudyard, he might
+mistake it for a speech made only a few years since, so agreeable is
+it, in language and sentiments, even to our present occasions.
+
+"Sir,--I do profess that as my affections, my reason, and my judgement
+go strongly with the scope and drift of this proposition, so shall
+good part of my fortune when it comes to execution. For, to my
+understanding, there was never propounded in parliament a design more
+proper for this kingdom, nor more pregnant with advantages to it,
+whether we consider the nature of our situation or the quality of our
+enemy's forces. As we are an island, it concerns our very being to
+have store of ships to defend us, and also our well-being by their
+trade to enrich us. This Association for the West Indies, when it
+shall be regulated and established by act of parliament, and thereby
+secured from the violence and injury of any intruding hand, will
+certainly give many men encouragement and confidence voluntarily
+to bring in large and liberal contributions towards so noble and so
+profitable an enterprize; so that, in short, we shall see many new
+ships built, many brave men employed, and enabled to act for the
+service of their country. None of this money shall be carried out of
+the kingdom, but laid out in shipping, which is the defence of it, and
+bestowed upon our own men, who must be fed and maintained though they
+stay at home. For this, we shall reap the fruit of whatsoever benefit
+plantation, traffic, or purchase can procure us, besides honour and
+security.
+
+"Now, let us a little consider the enemy we have to encounter, the
+king of Spain. They are not his great territories which make him so
+powerful and so troublesome to all Christendom. For it is very well
+known that Spain itself is but weak in men, and barren of natural
+commodities, and as for his other territories, they lie divided and
+asunder, which is a weakness in itself. Besides, they are held
+by force, and maintained at an extraordinary charge; insomuch, as
+although he be a great king, yet he is like that giant who was said
+to have an hundred hands, but had fifty bellies to feed, so that,
+rateably, he had no more hands than another man. No, sir, they are
+his mines in the West Indies which minister fuel to feed his ambitious
+desire of universal monarchy. It is the money he hath from thence
+which makes him able to levy and pay soldiers in all places, and to
+keep an army on foot ready to invade and endanger his neighbours, so
+that we have no other way but to endeavour to cut him off at the root,
+and seek to impeach or to supplant him in the West Indies; by part
+of which course that famous queen, of glorious memory, had heretofore
+almost brought him to his knees. And this our undertaking, if it
+pleases God to bless it, most needs affect it sooner and quicker, the
+whole body of the kingdom being united, and concurring in a perpetual
+supply to this action, so that he shall have no free time given him to
+rest.
+
+"Moreover, this will be a means not only to save, but to fill his
+majesty's coffers, enabling the people to give him liberally and
+often. The king's ships will have little to do but to guard the
+coasts; for the sea-war will be chiefly made at the charge of the
+subjects. This I doubt not but that, in a short time, both king and
+people shall be safe at home, and feared abroad. To conclude, I shall
+be very glad to hear any man make objection against this design, so
+that he do so with an intention to refine and perfect the work; but
+if any shall speak against it with a mind to hinder and destroy it, I
+must entreat him to pardon me, if I do scarce think him to be a good
+Englishman.
+
+"That project of the West India Association had the same fate with
+most other bold and honest projects in that reign, which was, after
+being talked of a little, it sunk into oblivion. Our next difference
+with Spain was under the protectorate of Cromwell, who encouraged
+Father Gage to publish his account of the Spanish West Indies, which
+formed the foundation of his attempt upon Hispaniola, and conquest of
+Jamaica; but I do not know of any design formed by him to attack the
+Spaniards in the South Seas. After the Restoration we were upon good
+terms with Spain, as certainly was our interest. Yet Charles II. did
+not absolutely neglect this navigation, but sent Sir John Marborough,
+one of the best seamen this nation ever bred, in the Sweepstakes, in
+the latter end of the year 1669, by way of the Straits of Magellan,
+into the South Seas. To say the truth, our privateers, under the
+command of Captains Sharpe, Davis, Swan, &c. were continually in these
+seas, during all that reign and the next; so that, in those days, our
+seamen were no strangers to any of the passages into the South Seas;
+and, as the reader may have already observed, from the voyage of
+Captain Cowley, it was then no unusual thing for the traders of London
+to fit out ships for these parts, but whether with a view to traffic
+or privateering, is a point not easy to determine at this distance of
+time. But whatever the purpose they were sent upon, thither they went,
+and no complaints were ever heard of with respect to extraordinary
+hardships in the voyage, which is sufficient to shew how much
+depends upon keeping all branches of navigation open, in order to
+be constantly in a condition to secure and extend our trade, and to
+preserve our reputation as a maritime power.
+
+"After the Revolution, several proposals were made in relation to the
+establishment of a commerce in the South Sea, which were received with
+approbation; and it is certain that king William gave instructions to
+Admiral Benbow, when he went out last to the West Indies, to enquire
+how far any of these projects were feasible. After the breaking out of
+the last general war, all the world expected that the first thing the
+maritime powers would have done, would have been sending a squadron
+to these seas, either for the service of the prince whom they owned as
+king of Spain, or for their own advantage. The people of this nation,
+in particular, were so desirous of seeing the war carried on this way,
+and on this side, that, to give them hopes, and to shew, at the same
+time, that the legislature approved their sentiments, a bill was
+brought in and passed, in the House of Lords, for the better carrying
+on the war in the West Indies, which was lost, however, by a kind
+of ministerial craft, in the House of Commons; and soon after, for
+reasons which have never yet been explained to the public, all designs
+of this nature were laid aside. The only expedition of this nature,
+during the whole war, was that of the Duke and Duchess, under the
+command of Captain Woods Rogers, already related, which was fitted out
+at the expence of some private merchants of Bristol. On the change of
+ministry, a prodigious clamour was raised on this head, and all of a
+sudden a resolution was taken to secure all the advantages that could
+be wished for to this nation from the trade of the South Seas, which
+ended, however, only in erecting a company under that title.
+The nation very soon became sensible that this would not do, and
+therefore, as soon as our disputes with the king of Spain came to
+a height, in the reign of the late king, George I. a design was
+immediately set on foot for sending privateers once more into that
+part of the world, which ended in the expedition of Captain Shelvocke
+and Captain Clipperton, already related at large.
+
+"By this short deduction of facts, I think it is demonstrably proved,
+that, in the judgement of this nation, the most probable way of
+humbling Spain, in case of a war, is to send a squadron into the South
+Seas, and I will venture to say, that there is one reason why this
+is now become more expedient than ever, which is, that we are now no
+longer at liberty to send ships thither in time of peace, as we were
+before the South Sea Company was erected. It is not therefore at all
+strange, that as soon as the present war broke out with Spain, the
+general voice of the nation dictated such an expedition, or that, when
+they saw it resolved on, and a squadron actually equipped for that
+service, they very loudly testified their approbation of the scheme.
+I believe also, my readers will readily give credit to the assertion,
+when I affirm, that, during the time this squadron lay at Portsmouth,
+there was a more general expectation of its performing things of the
+highest consequence for the service of Great Britain, and reducing the
+enemy to reason.
+
+"It was in the midst of summer, in the year 1740, that this squadron
+was formed at Portsmouth, at the same time that a great embarkation
+was preparing for the West Indies, by which the siege of Carthagena
+was afterwards undertaken, which turned the eyes of the whole world
+upon that sea-port. At London, every person spoke of the intended
+expedition to the South Seas as a design that must necessarily be
+attended with highly advantageous consequences, if properly conducted;
+and of this there was not made the least doubt, when it was known that
+Captain Anson was named to the command, because he had shewn himself
+upon all occasions equally vigilant in his duty, and moderate in the
+exercise of power, more ready to correct by his own example than by
+any other sort of reproof, and who, in the course of his services,
+had acquired the respect of the officers, and the love of the sailors;
+qualities that rarely meet in one person, and qualities which, without
+the least contradiction, were ascribed to him.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The sequel of these observations, by Harris, are
+extracted from his supplementary reflections at the close of the
+expedition, vol. 1, p. 364, _et sequ._ In these, however, we have used
+much retrenchment, as the observations that may have been exceedingly
+applicable in 1745, when Spain was in a great manner identified with
+France, have now lost much of their force, in consequence of the
+passing events, well known to all, but which do not admit of being
+discussed in a note.--E.]
+
+"Though this expedition was not attended by so great success in the
+South Seas as was expected, yet the nation in general was far from
+believing that its comparative failure ought to deter us from
+the thoughts of such expeditions for the future, since it plainly
+appeared, that, if the whole squadron had got round along with
+the commodore into the South Seas, he would have been able to have
+performed much greater things than any of our commanders had hitherto
+done in these parts. Neither is it at all clear that the Spaniards
+are there in a better condition, their coasts better fortified,
+their garrisons more numerous, or the country in any respect better
+provided, than when our privateers had formerly so great success
+in those parts. The sacking of Payta in this expedition proves the
+contrary, since it was then actually in a worse condition, and less
+capable of making any resistance, than when formerly taken by Captain
+Shelvocke. If this expedition had never taken place, we might have
+been told that it was impracticable, that the Spaniards were grown
+wiser, that all their ports were well fortified, and any attempt of
+this kind would be only to sacrifice the lives of such as might be
+employed in the expedition. But we now know the contrary, and that the
+Spaniards remained as unguarded, and as little apprehensive as ever;
+perhaps even the fate of this expedition may have made them less
+so, insomuch, that were a new project of the same kind to be put in
+execution, either at public or private expence, there seems next to a
+moral certainty that it would succeed. Another expedition might,
+and probably would be attended by fewer difficulties; at least, it
+certainly might be undertaken at much less expence; and, besides
+all the advantages resulting to such private persons as became
+proprietors, this inestimable advantage would accrue to the public,
+that we should once more have a number of able marines, well
+acquainted with the navigation of the South Seas, which we never can
+have by any other means.
+
+"I would not be understood at all to lessen the miseries and
+distresses of these who were employed in this voyage; and all I would
+endeavour to aim at is to convince the reader that the difficulties
+and discouragements met with in this voyage are not sufficient to
+ground a decisive opinion by the few in opposition to the sentiments
+of the many, that all attempts on this side ought to be abandoned. And
+I really think that the setting the difficulties and discouragements
+encountered by the Centurion in the strongest light, will serve my
+purpose much better than lessening or extenuating them. For, if after
+being ruined in a manner by storms, diseases, and hardships, they
+landed rather skeletons than men, on the island of Juan Fernandez; if,
+after their long cruize in the South Seas, their distresses came to be
+as great when they took shelter in the island of Tinian; if the lying
+at Macao was attended with many inconveniences; if the taking of the
+Spanish galleon be a thing almost incredible, considering the small
+number of men, and the condition they were in, who attacked her in the
+Centurion; if the difficulties they afterwards met with in the river
+of Canton, and the hazards run by the commodore in visiting the
+viceroy, and thereby putting himself into the hands of such a people
+as the Chinese, who could not but be displeased with his proceedings,
+are circumstances which aggravate the matter: If so perilous a
+navigation as that from Canton, through the Straits of Sunda, and
+thence to the Cape of Good Hope, with little or no refreshment, with
+a crew that wanted it so much, is still more amazing; and if the
+bringing the ship home from thence, with a crew composed of so many
+different nations, in the midst of a French war, and without the least
+assistance from home, swell the whole into a kind of miracle, what
+does all this prove? Since all this, under God, was entirely owing to
+the prudence, moderation, and wise conduct of the commanding officer,
+it certainly proves, if a right choice be made of commanders, that
+there are no difficulties which may not be overcome, and therefore
+that the adverse circumstances attending this voyage ought not at all
+to discourage us.
+
+"For, with the help of the example afforded by Commodore Anson, I
+presume that there are many officers who would undertake and execute
+such an expedition, to the honour of their country, and to the
+advantage of their employers, supposing them to be employed by private
+persons. This is the right use that might be made of this expedition:
+an expedition difficult, dangerous, and in a manner impracticable,
+considered in one light, but equally glorious and successful
+when considered in another point of view; An expedition that has
+demonstrated to the whole world that a train of unforeseen and most
+disastrous accidents may be remedied, and even turned to advantage, by
+an honest, skilful, brave, experienced, and well-meaning officer; An
+expedition which shews that there are no hazards, no difficulties, no
+distresses capable of depressing the courage of English seamen under
+a proper commander; an expedition which makes it evident that
+discontent, sedition, and mutiny, do not arise from the restless
+tempers, intractable dispositions, and unruly behaviour of the English
+sailors, but purely from the want of prudence, and right management,
+and, in short, from the want of experience and capacity of such as
+are entrusted with the command of them; an expedition, in a word, that
+puts it beyond all doubt that the British nation is, at this day,
+as capable of undertaking as great things, and of performing them as
+successfully, as ever were done by their ancestors; and, consequently,
+an expedition that must convince not only us, but all Europe, that
+if our maritime force be not employed in undertakings of the most
+important nature, it is not owing to the degeneracy or our seamen, nor
+to be imputed to our want of able or daring commanders, which is not
+my business, and which indeed surpasses my abilities, to discover.
+
+"We are now to close this general subject of circumnavigations, which
+relates to the whole world. It is true, that all the circumnavigators
+did not propose, and that several of them did not make, any
+discoveries; yet all their voyages are of great, though not of equal
+importance, down to this last. For, by comparing that by Magellan,
+which was the first, with this by Mr Anson, we shall find them to
+differ in many respects, especially in the conclusion; that by Mr
+Anson being by far the longer of the two. Some of them, also, took
+quite a different route from others. As, for instance, Le Maire and
+Roggewein, who never ran at all into the northern latitudes, but
+sailed directly through the South Seas to the coast of New Guinea, and
+thence to the island of Java; which is a much shorter course than
+by way of California to the Philippines. From hence it very clearly
+appears, that the passage to the East Indies by the South Seas is
+shorter than that by the Cape of Good Hope;[3] of which the reader
+will be convinced by considering the following particulars. Captain
+Woods Rogers, in the Duke, sailed From the coast of Ireland and
+doubled Cape Horn in four months; and Le Maire sailed from Juan
+Fernandez to New Guinea and the Moluccas in three months; so that this
+voyage takes up but seven months in the whole; whereas the Dutch, when
+the chief emporium of their eastern commerce was fixed at Amboina,
+thought it a good passage thither from Holland, if performed in ten or
+eleven months.[4] It is from these stupendous voyages, that not only
+the greatest discoveries have been made in general geography, but
+from which all future discoveries must be expected; and therefore
+this ought to be considered as one of the strongest arguments for
+encouraging such voyages.[5]--_Harris._
+
+[Footnote 3: It is not easy to conceive how Harris should have fallen
+into this enormous error. To say nothing of the greater length and
+difficulty of passing round Cape Horn, rather than the Cape of Good
+Hope, the difference in longitudes is sufficient to establish the
+absolute contrary of the position in the text. The longitude, for
+instance, of the island of Ceylon, by the eastern passage, is only
+80 deg. E. whereas by the western passage it is 280 W. an excess of 200
+degrees. Even Canton in China, is only in 113 deg. E. but in 247 deg. W. an
+excess of 134 degrees.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: To say nothing of the absurdity of the partial instances
+adduced, it may be mentioned that, only a few years ago, an English
+East Indiaman performed the voyage from England to Madras, delivered
+his outward-bound cargo, took on board a new cargo, and returned to
+England, all within nine months.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The remaining observations of Harris, supplementary
+to his abbreviated account of this expedition, have no manner of
+connection with the subject in hand, and are therefore omitted.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+George Anson, the commodore on this expedition, was born in 1697,
+being the third son of William Anson, Esq. of Shuckborough, in the
+county of Stafford. Taking an early inclination for the naval service,
+and after passing through the usual inferior steps, he was appointed
+second lieutenant of the Hampshire in 1716. He was raised to the rank
+of master and commander in 1722, and obtained the rank of post captain
+in 1724, with the command of the Scarborough man-of-war. Between that
+time and the year 1733, he made three voyages to North Carolina; and
+having acquired considerable wealth, he appears to have purchased an
+estate in that colony, where he erected a small town of his own name,
+which gave the name of Anson County to the surrounding district. In
+the years 1738 and 1739, he made another voyage to America and the
+coast of Africa; and, without proceeding to hostilities, removed
+certain obstructions under which the English trade on the coast of
+Guinea had suffered from the French.
+
+In the _War of the Merchants_, as it was called by Sir Robert Walpole,
+which broke out in 1739 between Britain and Spain, Captain Anson was
+appointed to the command of the expedition, the narrative of which
+forms the subject of the present chapter. Immediately after his
+return to England from this circumnavigation, Captain Anson was
+made rear-admiral of the blue, and shortly afterwards, one of the
+commissaries of the Admiralty. In 1746 he was farther promoted to the
+rank of Vice-admiral; and in the winter of 1746-7, was entrusted with
+the command of the channel fleet. In May 1747, off Cape Finisterre,
+he captured six French ships of the line under the command of Admiral
+Jonquiere, which had been dispatched for the protection of the
+merchant ships destined for the East and West Indies. On this
+occasion, when Mons. St George, one of the French captains,
+surrendered his sword to Admiral Anson, he addressed him in the
+following terms: _Vous avez vaincu L'Invincible, et La Gloire vous
+suit._--"You have defeated the Invincible, and Glory follows you:"
+alluding to two of the French ships, the Invincible and the Gloire,
+which had surrendered to him.
+
+For this important service to his king and country, he was created a
+peer of the realm, by the title of LORD ANSON; and, in 1749, on the
+death of Admiral Norris, he was appointed Vice-admiral of England. In
+1751, he succeeded to Lord Sandwich, as first Lord Commissioner of the
+Admiralty; but, incurring censure for the loss of Minorca, he resigned
+this situation in 1756. But, having been acquitted of all blame
+relative to that disgraceful affair, after a parliamentary enquiry, he
+was reinstated in that high office, which he continued to fill, with
+honour to himself and advantage to his country, during the remainder
+of his life. While attending upon the Duke of Mecklenburgh Strelitz,
+brother to our present queen, to shew him the naval arsenal at
+Portsmouth, and the fleet which was then about to sail on the
+expedition against the Havannah, he caught a violent cold, of which he
+died, at Moor-Park in Hertfordshire, on the 6th of June 1762, in the
+sixty-fifth year of his age. Having no issue by his lady, the daughter
+of Lord Hardwicke, whom he married in 1748, he left the whole of his
+property to his brother.
+
+Lord Anson appears to have been remarkable for the coolness and
+equanimity of his temper. Amid all the dangers and successes of his
+circumnavigation of the globe, he never expressed any strong emotion,
+either of sorrow or joy, except when the Centurion hove in sight of
+Tinian. He was a man of few words, and was even reckoned particularly
+silent among English seamen, who have never been distinguished for
+their loquacity. He introduced a rigid discipline into the English
+navy, somewhat resembling that of the Prussian army; and revived
+that bold and close method of fighting, within pistol-shot, which had
+formerly been so successfully employed by Blake and Shovel, and which
+has fostered that daring courage and irresistible intrepidity in our
+British seamen, which anticipate and secure success to the most daring
+and hazardous enterprizes.
+
+In some reflexions, towards the conclusion of Betagh's
+circumnavigation, Harris,[6] a former editor of a collection of
+voyages and travels, breaks forth in the following laudatory strain:--
+
+"Happy, happy, for us, that we have still a SEAMAN left, who has shewn
+that the race of heroes is not yet extinct among us, in ADMIRAL ANSON,
+that great and fortunate commander; who enjoys the singular felicity,
+in an age of sloth, luxury, and corruption, that his _ease_ is the
+result of his _labour_, his _title_ the reward of his _merit_, and
+that his _wealth_ does _honour_ to his country."
+
+[Footnote 6: Harris, Voy. and Trav. I. 253.]
+
+How much more happy is it for us in the present day, somewhat more
+than half a century later, and while every energy is required to the
+utmost stretch, that we still have a race of transcendent heroes, who
+have annihilated the navy and trade and colonies or our arch enemy,
+have vindicated and preserved our glory and freedom and prosperity,
+and bid fair to restore the honour and independence of the civilized
+world, threatened with subversion by the modern Atilla--Ed.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+Notwithstanding the great improvement of navigation within the last
+two centuries, a voyage round the world is still considered as an
+enterprize of so very singular a nature, that the public have never
+failed to be extremely inquisitive about the various accidents
+and turns of fortune with which this uncommon attempt is generally
+attended. And, though the amusement expected in these narratives is
+doubtless one great source of that curiosity with the bulk of readers,
+yet the more intelligent part of mankind have always agreed, that,
+from accounts of this nature, if faithfully executed, the more
+important purposes of navigation, commerce, and national interest, may
+be greatly promoted. For every authentic description of foreign coasts
+and countries will contribute to one or more of these great ends, in
+proportion to the wealth, wants, or commodities of these countries,
+and our ignorance of these coasts; and therefore, a voyage round
+the world promises a species of information, of all others, the most
+desirable and interesting; since great part of it is performed in seas
+with which we are, as yet, but very imperfectly acquainted, and in the
+neighbourhood of a country renowned for the abundance of its wealth;
+though it is, at the same time, stigmatized for its poverty in the
+necessaries and conveniences of a civilized life.
+
+These considerations have occasioned the compiling the ensuing work;
+which, in gratifying the inquisitive disposition of mankind, and
+contributing to the safety and success of future navigators, and to
+the extension of our commerce, may doubtless vie with any narration of
+this kind hitherto made public; since, as to the first of these heads,
+it may well be supposed that the general curiosity hath been strongly
+excited, by the circumstances of this undertaking already known to the
+world; for, whether we consider the force of the squadron sent on
+this service, or the diversified distresses that each single ship was
+separately involved in, or the uncommon instances of varying fortune
+which attended the whole enterprize; each of these articles must,
+I conceive, from its well-known rude outlines, appear worthy of a
+completer and more finished delineation: And, if this be allowed with
+respect to the narrative part of the work, there can be no doubt about
+the more useful and instructive parts, which are almost every where
+interwoven with it; for I can venture to affirm, without fear of being
+contradicted, on a comparison, that no voyage, hitherto published,
+furnishes such a number of views of land, soundings, draughts of
+ports, charts, and other materials, for the improvement of geography
+and navigation, as are contained in the ensuing volume; which are the
+more valuable too, as the greatest part of them relate to such islands
+or coasts as have been hitherto not at all, or erroneously described;
+and where the want of sufficient and authentic information might
+occasion future enterprizes to prove abortive, perhaps with the
+destruction of the ships and men employed therein.
+
+Besides the number and choice of these marine drawings and
+descriptions, there is another very essential circumstance belonging
+to them, which much enhances their worth; and that is the great
+accuracy with which they were executed. I shall express my opinion of
+them, in this particular, very imperfectly, when I say that they are
+not exceeded, and perhaps not equalled, by any thing of this nature
+that hath, as yet, been communicated to the world: For they were not
+copied from the works of others, or composed at home from imperfect
+accounts given by incurious and unskilful observers, a practice
+too frequent in these matters; but the greatest part of them were
+delineated on the spot, with the utmost exactness, by the direction
+and under the eye of Mr Anson himself; and where, as is the case in
+three or four of them, they have been done by less skilful hands, or
+were found in possession of the enemy, and consequently their justness
+could be less relied on, I have always taken care to apprize the
+reader of it, and to put him on his guard against giving entire credit
+to them; although I doubt not but these less authentic draughts, thus
+cautiously inserted, are to the full as correct as those which are
+usually published upon these occasions. For, as actual surveys of
+roads and harbours, and nice and critical delineations of views of
+land, take up much time and attention, and require a good degree
+of skill, both in planning and drawing, those who are defective
+in industry and ability supply these wants by bold conjectures and
+fictitious descriptions; and, as they can be no otherwise confuted
+than by going on the spot, and running the risk of suffering by their
+misinformation, they have no apprehension of being detected; and
+therefore, when they intrude their supposititious productions on the
+public, they make no conscience of boasting, at the same time, with
+how much skill and care they have been executed. But let not those who
+are unacquainted with naval affairs imagine, that the impositions of
+this kind are of an innocent nature; for, as exact views of land are
+the surest guides to a seaman, on a coast where he has never been
+before, all fictions, in so interesting a matter, must be attended
+with numerous dangers, and sometimes with the destruction of those who
+are thus unhappily deceived.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: It must be quite obvious to all who are in the least
+degree acquainted with the nature of these draughts and views of land,
+in the nature of a coasting pilot, that it is utterly impossible to
+reduce them within the compass of an octavo size, and at the same
+time to render them of the smallest degree of usefulness; while large
+plates must have been necessary, and speedily destroyed by opening and
+refolding.--E.]
+
+Besides these draughts of such places as Mr Anson, or the ships which
+he commanded, have touched at in the course of this expedition, and
+the descriptions and directions relating thereto, there is inserted,
+in the ensuing work, an ample account, with a chart annexed to it, of
+a particular navigation, of which hitherto little more than the name
+has been known, except to those immediately employed in it: I mean
+the tract described by the Manilla ship, in her passage to Acapulco,
+through the northern part of the Pacific-ocean. This material article
+is collected from the draughts and journals met with on board the
+Manilla galleon, founded on the experience of more than an hundred and
+fifty years practice, and corroborated in its principal circumstances
+by the concurrent evidence of all the Spanish prisoners taken in that
+vessel. And as many of their journals; which I have examined, appear
+to have been not ill kept, I presume the chart of that northern ocean,
+and the particulars of their routes through it, may be very safely
+relied on by future navigators. The advantages which may be drawn from
+an exact knowledge of this navigation, and the beneficial projects
+which may be formed thereon, both in war and peace, are by no means
+proper to be discussed in this place; but they will easily offer
+themselves to the skilful in maritime affairs. However, as the Manilla
+ships are the only ones which have ever traversed this vast ocean,
+except a French straggler or two, which have been afterwards seized on
+the coast of Mexico; and as, during near two ages, in which this trade
+has been carried on, the Spaniards have secreted with the utmost
+care all accounts of their voyages from the rest of the world; these
+reasons would alone authorize the insertion of those papers, and would
+recommend them to the inquisitive, as a very great improvement in
+geography, and worthy of attention, from the singularity of many
+circumstances therein recited.
+
+I must add what, in my opinion, is far from being the least
+recommendation of these materials, that the observations of the
+variations of the compass, which are laid down in the chart from these
+Spanish journals, tend greatly to complete the general system of
+the magnetic variation, of infinite importance to the commercial and
+sea-faring part of mankind. These observations were, though in vain,
+often publicly called for by our learned countryman, the late Dr
+Halley, and to his immortal reputation they confirm, as far as they
+extend, the wonderful hypothesis he had entertained on this head,
+and very nearly correspond, in their quantity, to the predictions he
+published about fifty years since, long before he was acquainted with
+any one observation made in those seas. The ascertaining the
+variation in that part of the world is just now of more than
+ordinary consequence, as the editors of a new variation chart, lately
+published, for want of proper information, have been misled by
+an erroneous analogy, and have even mistaken the very species of
+variation in that of the northern ocean; for they make it westerly
+where it is easterly, and have laid it down 12 deg. or 13 deg. different from
+its real quantity.
+
+This much it has been thought necessary to premise, with regard to the
+hydrographical and geographical part of the ensuing work; which, it
+is hoped, the reader will find, on perusal, much ampler and more
+important than this slight sketch can well explain. But, as there
+are hereafter interspersed, occasionally, some accounts of Spanish
+transactions, and many observations relative to the dispositions
+of the American Spaniards, and to the condition of the countries
+bordering on the South Seas; and as herein I may appear to differ
+greatly from the opinions generally established; I think it behoves me
+particularly to recite the authorities I have been guided by in these
+matters, that I may not be censured as having given way, either to a
+thoughtless credulity on the one hand, or, what would be a much more
+criminal imputation, to a wilful and deliberate misrepresentation on
+the other.
+
+Mr Anson, before he set sail upon this expedition, besides the printed
+journals to these parts, took care to furnish himself with the best
+manuscript accounts he could procure of all the Spanish settlements
+upon the coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico. These he carefully
+compared with the examinations of his prisoners, and the informations
+of several intelligent persons who fell into his hands in the South
+Seas. He had likewise the good fortune, in some of his captures, to
+possess himself of a great number of letters and papers of a public
+nature, many of them written by the viceroy of Peru to the viceroy
+of Santa Fee, to the presidents of Panama and Chili, to Don Blass
+de Lezo, admiral of the galleons, and to divers other persons in
+considerable employments; and in these letters there was usually
+inserted a recital of those they were intended to answer, so that they
+contained no small part of the correspondence between these officers,
+for some time previous to our arrival on the coast. We took, besides,
+many letters, sent from persons entrusted by the Spanish government,
+to their friends and correspondents, which were frequently filled with
+narrations of public business, and sometimes contained undisguised
+animadversions on the views and conduct of their superiors. From these
+materials those accounts of the Spanish affairs ore drawn, which may
+appear, at first sight, the most exceptionable. In particular, the
+history of the various casualties which befel Pizarro's squadron is,
+for the most part, composed from intercepted letters; though, indeed,
+the relation of the insurrection of Orellana and his followers is
+founded on rather a less disputable authority; for it was taken from
+the mouths of an English gentleman then on board Pizarro, who often
+conversed with Pizarro; and it was, upon enquiry, confirmed in its
+principal circumstances by others who were in the ship at the same
+time: so that the fact, however extraordinary, is, I conceive, not to
+be contested.
+
+And, on this occasion, I cannot but mention, that, though I have
+endeavoured with my utmost care to adhere strictly to truth, in every
+article of the ensuing narration, yet I am apprehensive that, in so
+complicated a work, some oversights must have been committed, by the
+inattention to which, at all times, all mankind are liable. However, I
+am conscious, as yet, of none but literal and insignificant mistakes;
+and if there are others more considerable, which have escaped me, I
+flatter myself they are not of moment enough to affect any material
+transaction; and therefore I hope they may justly claim the reader's
+indulgence.
+
+After this general account of the ensuing work, it might be expected
+perhaps, that I should proceed to the work itself; but I cannot finish
+this introduction without adding a few reflections on a matter very
+nearly connected with the present subject, and, as I conceive, neither
+destitute of utility nor unworthy the attention of the public: I
+mean the animating my countrymen, both in their public and private
+stations, to the encouragement of all kinds of geographical and
+nautical observations, and of every species of mechanical and
+commercial information. It is by a settled attachment to these
+seemingly minute particulars, that our ambitious neighbours have
+established some part of that power with which we are now struggling:
+and as we have the means in our hands of pursuing these subjects more
+effectually than they can, it would be a dishonour to us longer to
+neglect so easy and beneficial a practice. For, as we have a navy much
+more numerous than theirs, great part of which is always employed in
+very distant stations, either in the protection of our colonies and
+commerce, or in assisting our allies against the common enemy, this
+gives us frequent opportunities of furnishing ourselves with such kind
+of materials as are here recommended, and such as might turn greatly
+to our advantage either in war or peace; since, not to mention what
+might be expected from the officers of the navy, if their application
+to these subjects was properly encouraged, it would create no new
+expence to the government to establish a particular regulation for
+this purpose; as all that would be requisite would be constantly to
+embark, in some of our men of war which are sent on those distant
+cruizes, a person who, with the character of an engineer, and the
+skill and talents necessary to that profession, should be employed in
+drawing such coasts, and planning such harbours, as the ship should
+touch at, and in making such other observations, of all kinds, as
+might either prove of advantage to future navigators, or might any
+ways tend to promote the public service. Persons habituated to these
+operations, which could not fail at the same time of improving them in
+their proper business, would be extremely useful in many other lights
+besides those already mentioned, and might tend to secure our fleets
+from those disgraces with which their attempts against places on
+shore have been often attended. And, in a nation like ours, where
+all sciences are more eagerly and universally pursued, and better
+understood, than in any other part of the world, proper subjects for
+these employments cannot long be wanting, if due encouragement were
+given to them.
+
+This method, here recommended, is known to have been frequently
+practised by the French, particularly in the instance of Mons.
+Frezier, an engineer, who has published a celebrated voyage to the
+South Seas: for this person was purposely sent by the French king, in
+the year 1711, into that country, on board a merchant ship, that
+he might examine and describe the coast, and take plans of all the
+fortified places; the better to enable the French to prosecute their
+illicit trade, or, on a rupture between them and the court of Spain,
+to form their enterprizes in those seas with more readiness and
+certainty. Should we pursue this method, we might hope that the
+emulation amongst those who were commissioned for these undertakings,
+and the experience which, even in the most peaceable intervals, they
+would thereby acquire, might at length procure us a proper number
+of able engineers, and might efface the national scandal which our
+deficiency in that species of men has sometimes exposed us to: and
+surely every step to encourage and improve them is of greater moment
+to the public, as no persons, when they are properly instructed, make
+better returns in war for the distinctions and emoluments bestowed
+on them in times of peace: of which, the advantages the French have
+reaped from their dexterity, too numerous and recent to be soon
+forgot, are an ample confirmation.
+
+Having mentioned engineers, or such as are skilled in drawing and the
+other usual practices of that profession, as the properest persons
+to be employed in these foreign enquiries, I cannot but lament, as
+it offers itself so very naturally to the subject in hand, how very
+imperfect many of our accounts of distant countries are rendered by
+the relators being unskilled in drawing, and in the general principles
+of surveying, even where other abilities have not been wanting. Had
+more of our travellers been initiated in these acquirements, and had
+there been added thereto some little skill in the common astronomical
+observations, all which a person of ordinary talents might attain with
+a very moderate share of application, we should, by this time, have
+seen the geography of the globe much correcter than we now find it;
+the dangers of navigation would have been considerably lessened, and
+the manners, arts, and produce of foreign countries would have been
+better known to us than they are. Indeed, when I consider the strong
+incitements that all travellers have to pursue some part at least of
+these qualifications, especially drawing; when I consider how much
+it would facilitate their observations, assist and strengthen their
+memories, and of how tedious, and often unintelligible, a load of
+description it would rid them; I cannot but wonder that any person who
+intends to visit distant countries, with a view of informing either
+himself or others, should be wanting in so necessary a piece of skill.
+And, to enforce this argument still farther, I must add, that, besides
+the uses of drawing already mentioned, there is one which, though not
+so obvious, is yet perhaps of more consequence than all that has been
+hitherto urged; I mean the strength and distinguishing power it adds
+to some of our faculties. This appears from hence, that those who are
+used to draw objects observe them with more accuracy than others who
+are not habituated to that practice. For we may easily find, by a
+little experience, that when we view any object, however simple, our
+attention or memory is scarcely at any time so strong as to enable us,
+when we have turned our eyes away from it, to recollect exactly every
+part it consisted of, and to recall all the circular stances of its
+appearance; since, on examination, it will be discovered, that in some
+we were mistaken, and others we had totally overlooked. But he who is
+accustomed to draw what he sees, is, at the same time, accustomed to
+rectify this inattention; for, by confronting his ideas, copied on
+the paper, with the object he intends to represent, he finds out
+what circumstance has deceived him in its appearance; and hence he at
+length acquires the habit of observing much more at one view than he
+could ever have done without his practice and proficiency in drawing.
+
+If what has been said merits the attention of travellers of all sorts,
+it is, I think, more particularly applicable to the gentlemen of the
+navy, since, without drawing and planning, neither charts nor views of
+land can be taken; and without these it is sufficiently evident that
+navigation is at a full stand. It is doubtless from a persuasion of
+the utility of these qualifications, that his majesty has established
+a drawing-master at Portsmouth, for the instruction of those who are
+presumed to be hereafter entrusted with the command of his royal
+navy; and though some have been so far misled as to suppose that the
+perfection of sea officers consisted in a turn of mind and temper
+resembling the boisterous element they have to deal with, and have
+condemned all literature and science, as effeminate and derogatory
+to that ferocity, which, they would falsely persuade us, was the most
+unerring characteristic of courage, yet it is to be hoped that
+such absurdities have not at any time been authorized by the public
+opinion, and that the belief daily diminishes. If those who adhere
+to these mischievous positions were capable of being influenced by
+reason, or swayed by example, I should think it sufficient for their
+conviction to observe, that the most valuable drawings inserted in
+the following work, though done with such skill that even professed
+artists can with difficulty imitate them, were taken by Mr Piercy
+Bret, one of Mr Anson's lieutenants, and since captain of the Lion
+man-of-war, who, in his memorable engagement with the Elizabeth, [for
+the importance of the service, or the resolution with which it was
+conducted, inferior to none this age has seen,] has given ample proof
+that a proficiency in the arts I have been recommending, is extremely
+consistent with the most exemplary bravery, and the most distinguished
+skill in every function belonging to a sea officer.
+
+Indeed, when the many branches of science are considered, of which
+even the common practice of navigation is composed, and the many
+improvements which men of skill have added to this practice within
+these few years, it would induce one to believe that the advantages
+of reflection and speculative knowledge were in no profession more
+eminent than in that of a naval officer; for, not to mention some
+expertness in geography, geometry, and astronomy, which it would be
+dishonourable for him to be without, as his journal and his estimate
+of the daily position of the ship are founded on particular branches
+of these sciences, it may well be supposed, that the management and
+working of a ship, the discovery of her most eligible position in the
+water, usually called her trim, and the disposition of her sails in
+the most advantageous manner, are articles in which the knowledge
+of mechanics cannot but be greatly assistant. And, perhaps, the
+application of this kind of knowledge to naval subjects may produce
+as great improvements in sailing and working a ship, as it has already
+done in many other matters conducive to the ease and convenience of
+human life; since, when the fabric of a ship and the variety of her
+sails are considered, together with the artificial contrivances for
+adapting them to her different motions, as it cannot be doubted but
+these things have been brought about by more than ordinary sagacity
+and invention; so neither can it be doubted but that, in some
+conjunctures, a speculative and scientific turn of mind may find out
+the means of directing and disposing this complicated mechanism much
+more advantageously than can be done by mere habit, or by a servile
+copying of what others may have, perhaps erroneously, practised in
+similar emergencies. But it is time to finish this digression, and to
+leave the reader to the perusal of the ensuing work, which, with how
+little art soever it may be executed, will yet, from the importance
+of the subject, and the utility and excellence of the materials, merit
+some share of the public attention.
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Of the Equipment of the Squadron, and the Incidents relating to it,
+from its first Appointment to its setting Sail from St Helens._
+
+The squadron under the command of Mr Anson, of which I here propose to
+recite the most material proceedings, having undergone many changes in
+its destination, its force, and its equipment, during the ten months
+between its original appointment and its final sailing from St Helens,
+I conceive the history of these alterations is a detail necessary to
+be made public, both for the honour of those who first planned and
+promoted this enterprize, and for the justification of those who have
+been entrusted with its execution; since it will from hence appear,
+that the accidents the expedition was afterwards exposed to, and which
+prevented it from producing all the national advantages the strength
+of the squadron and the expectation of the public seemed to presage,
+were principally owing to a series of interruptions, which delayed the
+commander in the course of his preparations, and which it exceeded his
+utmost industry either to avoid or get removed.
+
+When, in the latter end of the summer 1739, it was foreseen that a
+war with Spain was inevitable, it was the opinion of some considerable
+persons, then trusted with the administration of affairs, that the
+most prudent step the nation could take, on the breaking out of the
+war, was attacking that crown in her distant settlements; for by this
+means, as at that time there was the greatest probability of success,
+it was supposed that we should cut off the principal resources of the
+enemy, and should reduce them to the necessity of sincerely desiring
+a peace, as they would be deprived of the returns of that treasure by
+which alone they could be enabled to carry on a war.
+
+In pursuance of these sentiments, several projects were examined,
+and several resolutions were taken by the council. And, in all these
+deliberations, it was from the first determined, that George
+Anson, Esq. then captain of the Centurion, should be employed as
+commander-in-chief of an expedition of this kind: and, he at that time
+being absent on a cruize, a vessel was dispatched to his station so
+early as the beginning of September, to order him to return with his
+ship to Portsmouth. And soon after he came there, that is, on the
+10th November following, he received a letter from Sir Charles
+Wager, directing him to repair to London, and to attend the board of
+Admiralty; where, when he arrived, he was informed by Sir Charles,
+that two squadrons would be immediately fitted out for two secret
+expeditions, which, however, would have some connection with each
+other; and that he, Mr Anson, was intended to command one of them; and
+that Mr Cornwall, who hath since lost his life gloriously in defence
+of his country's honour, was to command the other; that the squadron
+under Mr Anson was to take on board three independent companies of an
+hundred men each, and Bland's regiment of foot; that Colonel Bland was
+likewise to embark with his regiment, and to command the land-forces;
+and that, as soon as this squadron could be fitted for sea, they were
+to sail, with express orders to touch at no place till they came to
+Java-Head in the East-Indies; that they were there only to stop to
+take in water, and thence to proceed directly to the city of Manilla
+in Luconia, one of the Philippine islands; that the other squadron,
+of equal force with this commanded by Mr Anson, was intended to pass
+round Cape Horn into the South Seas, to range along that coast; and,
+after cruizing upon the enemy in those parts, and attempting their
+settlements, this squadron, in its return, was to rendezvous at
+Manilla, there to join the squadron under Mr Anson, where they were
+to refresh their men, and to refit their ships, and perhaps receive
+orders for other considerable enterprizes.
+
+This scheme was doubtless extremely well projected, and could not
+but have greatly advanced the public service, and the reputation
+and fortune of those concerned in its execution; for, had Mr Anson
+proceeded to Manilla at the time and in the manner proposed by Sir
+Charles Wager, he would in all probability have arrived there before
+they had received any advice of the war between us and Spain, and
+consequently before they had been in the least prepared for the
+reception of an enemy, or had any apprehensions of their danger. The
+city of Manilla might well be supposed to have been at that time in
+the same defenceless condition with all the other Spanish settlements,
+just at the breaking out of the war; that is, their fortifications
+neglected, and in many places decayed; their cannon dismounted, or
+rendered useless by the mouldering of their carriages; their magazines
+both of military stores and provisions, all empty; their garrisons
+unpaid, and consequently thin, ill affected, and dispirited; and the
+royal chests of Peru, whence alone all these disorders could receive
+redress, drained to the very bottom. This, from the intercepted
+letters of their viceroys and governors, is well known to have been
+the defenceless state of Panama, and the other places on the coast of
+the South Sea, for near a twelvemonth after our declaration of war.
+And it cannot be supposed that the city of Manilla, removed still
+farther by almost half the circumference of the globe, should have
+experienced from the Spanish government a greater share of attention
+for its security than Panama, and the other important ports in Peru
+and Chili, on which their possession of that immense empire depends.
+Indeed, it is now well known that Manilla was at that time incapable
+of making any considerable defence, and, in all probability, would
+have surrendered only on the appearance of our squadron before it. The
+consequence of this city, and the island it stands on, may, in some
+measure, be estimated from the known healthiness of its air,
+the excellence of its port and bay, the number and wealth of its
+inhabitants, and the very extensive and beneficial commerce it carries
+on to the principal ports in the East-Indies and China, and its
+exclusive trade to Acapulco; the returns for which alone, being made
+in silver, are, upon the lowest calculation, not less than three
+millions of dollars yearly.
+
+On this scheme Sir Charles Wager was so intent, that, on the 18th
+December, a few days only before this first conference, Mr Anson
+received an order to take under his command the Argyle, Severn, Pearl,
+Wager, and Tryal sloop; and other orders were issued to him, in
+the same month and in December, relating to the victualling of this
+squadron. But, on attending the Admiralty in the beginning of January,
+1740, Mr Anson was informed by Sir Charles Wager, that, for reasons
+with which he was not acquainted, the expedition to Manilla was laid
+aside. It may well be conceived that Mr Anson was extremely chagrined
+at losing the command of so infallible, so honourable, and in every
+respect so desirable an enterprize; especially as he had already, at
+a very great expence, made the necessary provision for his own
+accommodation in this voyage, which he had reason to expect would
+prove very long. However, to render this appointment more tolerable,
+Sir Charles Wager informed him that the expedition to the South Sea
+was still intended; and that he, Mr Anson, and his squadron, as their
+first destination was now countermanded, should be employed in that
+service. And, on the 10th January, 1740, he received his commission,
+appointing him Commander-in-chief of the before-mentioned squadron,
+the Argyle being in the course of preparation exchanged for the
+Gloucester, with which he sailed above eight months afterwards from St
+Helens. On this change of destination, the equipment of the squadron
+was still prosecuted with as much vigour as ever; and the victualling,
+and whatever depended on the commodore, was soon so far advanced, that
+he conceived the ships might be capable of putting to sea the
+instant he should receive his final orders, of which he was in daily
+expectation.
+
+At length, on the 28th June, 1740, the Duke of Newcastle, principal
+secretary of state, delivered to him his majesty's instructions, dated
+on the 31st of January preceding, with an additional instruction from
+the lords justices, dated 19th June. On the receipt of these, Mr Anson
+immediately repaired to Spithead, with a resolution to sail with the
+first fair wind, flattering himself that all his difficulties were now
+at an end: for though he knew by the muster that his squadron wanted
+three hundred men of their complement, a deficiency he had not, with
+all his assiduity, been able to get supplied, yet as Sir Charles Wager
+had informed him that an order from the board of Admiralty was sent to
+Sir John Norris to spare him the numbers which he wanted; he doubted
+not of its being complied with. But, on his arrival at Portsmouth, he
+found himself greatly mistaken and disappointed in this persuasion:
+for, on application, Sir John Norris told him he could spare him none,
+as he wanted men for his own fleet. This occasioned an inevitable
+and very considerable delay, and it was the end of July before this
+deficiency was by any means supplied, and all that was then done
+was extremely short of his necessities and expectation; for Admiral
+Balchen, who succeeded to the command at Spithead, after Sir John
+Norris had sailed to the westward, instead of three hundred sailors
+which Mr Anson wanted of his complement, ordered on board the squadron
+an hundred and seventy men only, of which thirty-two were from the
+hospital and sick-quarters, thirty-seven men from the Salisbury, with
+three officers and ninety-eight marines of Colonel Lowther's regiment;
+and these were all that were ever granted to make up the forementioned
+deficiency.
+
+But the commodore's mortification did not end here. It has been
+already observed, that it was at first intended that Colonel Bland's
+regiment, and three independent companies of an hundred men each,
+should embark as land-forces on board the squadron. But this
+disposition was now changed; and all the land-forces that were to
+be allowed were five hundred invalids, to be collected from the
+out-pensioners of Chelsea College. As these consisted of soldiers,
+who, from their age, wounds, and other circumstances, were incapable
+of serving in marching regiments, Mr Anson was much chagrined at
+having such a decrepid detachment allotted to him; for he was fully
+persuaded that the greatest part of them would perish long before they
+could arrive at the scene of action, since the delays he had already
+experienced necessarily confined his passage round Cape Horn to the
+most rigorous season of the year. Sir Charles Wager joined in opinion
+with the commodore, that invalids were by no means proper for this
+service, and strenuously solicited to have them, exchanged. But he was
+told, that persons who were considered better judges of soldiers than
+he or Mr Anson, thought them the properest men that could be employed
+on this occasion; and, upon this determination, they were ordered on
+board the squadron on the 5th of August. But, instead of five hundred,
+there came no more on board than two hundred and fifty-nine; for all
+those who had limbs and strength to walk out of Portsmouth deserted,
+leaving only those behind who were literally invalids, most of them
+being sixty years of age, and some upwards of seventy. Indeed, it
+is difficult to conceive a more moving scene than the embarkation of
+these unhappy veterans: they were themselves extremely averse from
+the service in which they were engaged, and fully apprized of all the
+disasters they were afterwards exposed to, the apprehensions of
+which were strongly marked by the concern which appeared in their
+countenances, which was mixed with no small degree of indignation to
+be thus hurried from their repose into a fatiguing employ, to which
+neither the strength of their bodies, nor the vigour of their minds,
+were any way proportioned; and in which, without seeing the face of an
+enemy, or in the least promoting the success of the enterprize, they
+would in all probability uselessly perish by lingering and painful
+diseases; and this, too, after they had spent the activity and
+strength of their youth in the service of their country.
+
+I cannot but observe, on this melancholy incident, how extremely
+unfortunate it was, both to this aged and diseased detachment, and
+to the expedition in which they were engaged, that, amongst all the
+out-pensioners of Chelsea College, which were supposed to amount to
+two thousand men, the most crazy and infirm only should be called out
+for so laborious and perilous an undertaking; for it was well known,
+however unfit invalids in general might be for this service, yet, by a
+prudent choice, there might have been found amongst them five hundred
+men who had some remains of vigour; and Mr Anson fully expected that
+the best of them would have been allotted to him; whereas the
+whole detachment sent seemed to be made up of the most decrepid and
+miserable objects that could be collected out of the whole body; and
+by the desertion already mentioned, even these were cleared of the
+little strength and health which were to be found among them, and he
+had to take up with such as were much fitter for an infirmary than for
+any military duty.
+
+It is here also necessary to mention another material particular in
+the equipment of this squadron. After it was determined that Mr Anson
+should be sent to the South Sea, it was proposed to Mr Anson to take
+with him two persons under the denomination of agent-victuallers.
+Those mentioned for this employment had been formerly in the Spanish
+American colonies, in the service of the South-Sea Company, and it
+was supposed, that, by their knowledge and intelligence on that coast,
+they might often procure provisions for the squadron by compact with
+the inhabitants, when they were not to be got by force of arms. These
+agent-victuallers were, for this purpose, to be allowed to carry
+to the value of fifteen thousand pounds in merchandize on board the
+squadron, as they represented that it would be much easier to procure
+provisions in exchange for goods, than for the value of the same goods
+in money. Whatever colours were given to this scheme, it was difficult
+to persuade the generality of mankind that it was not principally
+intended for the enrichment of the agents, by the beneficial commerce
+they proposed to carry on upon that coast. From the beginning, Mr
+Anson objected both to the appointment of agent-victuallers and to
+allowing them to carry a cargo on board the squadron; for he conceived
+that in those few amicable ports where the squadron might touch,
+he needed not their assistance to contract for any provisions these
+places afforded; and, when on the enemy's coast, he did not imagine
+they could ever procure him the necessaries he should want, unless
+the military operations of his squadron were to be regulated by the
+ridiculous views of their trading projects, with which he was resolved
+not to comply. All that he thought the government ought to have
+done, of this kind, was to put on board, to the value of two or three
+thousand pounds, of such goods only as were suitable for the Indians,
+or the Spanish planters on the less cultivated parts of the coast, as
+it was in such places only that he considered it might be worth
+while to truck with the enemy for provisions, and it was sufficiently
+evident that a very small cargo would suffice for such places.
+
+Although the commodore objected both to the appointment of these
+officers and to their project, of the ill success of which he had
+no question, yet, as they had insinuated that their scheme, besides
+victualling the squadron, might contribute to the settling a trade on
+that coast which might afterwards be carried on without difficulty,
+and might become of very considerable national advantage, they were
+much listened to by several considerable persons; and, of the fifteen
+thousand pounds, which was to be the amount of their cargo, the
+government agreed to advance them ten thousand pounds upon imprest,
+and the remaining five thousand they raised on bottomry bonds, and the
+goods purchased with this latter sum were all that were put on
+board the squadron, how much soever their amount might be afterwards
+magnified by common report. This cargo was shipped at first in the
+Wager store-ship, and one of the victuallers, no part of it being
+admitted on board the men-of-war; but, when the commodore was at St
+Catharine's, he considered, in case the squadron might be separated,
+that it might be pretended that some of the ships were disappointed of
+provisions for want of a cargo to truck with, wherefore he distributed
+some of the least bulky commodities on board the men-of-war, leaving
+the remainder principally on board the Wager, in which it was lost,
+and more of the goods perishing, by various accidents to be recited
+afterwards, and as no part of them being disposed of on the coast,
+the few that came home to England, when sold, did not produce above a
+fourth part of the original cost. So true was the commodore's judgment
+of the event of this project, which had been considered by many as
+infallibly productive of immense gain.
+
+We return to the transactions at Portsmouth. To supply the place
+of the two hundred and forty invalids who had deserted, there were
+ordered on board two hundred and ten marines, drafted from different
+regiments. These were raw and undisciplined men, just raised, and had
+scarcely any thing more of the soldier than their regimentals, none of
+them having been so far trained as to be permitted to fire. The last
+of these detachments came on board on the 8th August, and on the 10th
+the squadron dropped down from Spithead to St Helen's, there to wait
+for a wind to proceed on the expedition. The delays we had already
+suffered had not yet spent all their influence; for we were now
+advanced to that season of the year when the westerly winds are
+usually very prevalent and violent; and it was thought proper that
+we should put to sea in company with the fleet commanded by Admiral
+Balchen, and the expedition under Lord Cathcart. As we now made up
+in all twenty-one sail of men-of-war, and one hundred and twenty-four
+sail of merchant ships and transports, we had no hopes of getting out
+of the channel with so large a fleet, without the continuance of a
+fair wind for a considerable time, and this was what we had every day
+less and less reason to expect, as the time of the equinox drew near;
+wherefore our golden dreams and ideal possession of the Peruvian
+treasures grew every day more faint, and the difficulties and dangers
+of the passage round Cape Horn, in the winter season, filled our
+imaginations in their room. It was forty days from our arrival at St
+Helens to our final departure from that place; and even then, having
+orders to proceed without Lord Cathcart, we tided down the channel
+with a contrary wind. But this interval of forty days was not free
+from the displeasing fatigue of often setting sail, and being as often
+obliged to return, nor exempt from dangers greater than have been
+sometimes undergone in surrounding the globe. For the wind coming fair
+for the first time on the 23d August, we got under sail, and Admiral
+Balchen shewed himself truly solicitous to have proceeded to sea; but
+the wind soon returned to its old quarter, and obliged us to put
+back to St Helens, not without considerable hazard, and some damage
+received by two of the transports, which ran foul of each other when
+tacking. We made two or three other attempts to sail, but without any
+better success; and, on the 6th September, being returned to anchor
+at St Helens, after one of those fruitless attempts, the wind blew so
+fresh that the whole fleet had to strike yards and topmasts to prevent
+drifting: Yet, notwithstanding this precaution, the Centurion drove
+next evening, and brought both cables a-head, when we were in no small
+danger of getting foul of the Prince Frederick, a seventy-gun ship,
+which was moored only a small distance under our stern, but we happily
+escaped, in consequence of her drifting at the same time, by which she
+preserved her distance, yet we did not think ourselves safe till we at
+last let go our sheet anchor, which fortunately brought us up.
+
+We were in some measure relieved from this lingering and vexatious
+situation on the 9th September, by an order then received by
+Commodore Anson, from the lords justices, to put to sea on the first
+opportunity, with his own squadron only, if Lord Cathcart should not
+be ready. Being thus freed from the troublesome company of so large
+a fleet, our commodore resolved to weigh and tide it down channel,
+as soon as the weather should become sufficiently moderate, and this
+might easily have been done by our squadron full two months sooner,
+had the orders of the Admiralty for supplying us with seamen been
+punctually complied with, and had we met with none of those other
+delays mentioned in this narration. Even now, our hopes of a speedy
+departure were somewhat damped, by a subsequent order which Mr Anson
+received on the 12th September, by which he was required to take under
+his convoy the St Albans and the Turkey fleet, and to join the Dragon
+and the Winchester, with the Straits and American trade, at Torbay or
+Plymouth, and to proceed with them to sea as far as their way and
+ours lay together. This encumbrance of convoy gave us some uneasiness,
+fearing it might lengthen our passage to Madeira: However, having now
+the command to himself, Mr Anson resolved to tide down channel with
+the first moderate weather; and, that the junction of the convoy
+might occasion as little loss of time as possible, he immediately sent
+directions to Torbay that the fleet he was there to take charge of
+should be in readiness to join him instantly on his approach. And at
+last, on the 18th September, he weighed from St Helens, and, though
+the wind was at first contrary, had the good fortune to get clear of
+the channel in four days, as will be more particularly related in the
+ensuing section.
+
+Having thus gone through the respective steps taken in the equipment
+of this squadron, it must be sufficiently obvious how different an
+aspect the expedition bore at its first appointment in the beginning
+of January, from what it did in the latter end of September, when
+it left the channel, and how much its numbers, its strength, and the
+probability of its success were diminished by the various incidents
+which took place in that interval. For, instead of having all our old
+and ordinary seamen exchanged for such as were young and able,
+which the commodore was at first promised, and having our complement
+complete to its full number, we were obliged to retain our first
+crews, which were very indifferent; and a deficiency of three hundred
+men in our numbers was no otherwise made up than by sending on board
+an hundred and seventy men, the greatest part of whom were discharged
+from hospitals, or new-raised marines who had never been at sea
+before. In the land-forces allotted to us, the change was still more
+disadvantageous; as, instead of Bland's regiment of foot, which was
+an old one, and three independent companies of an hundred men each,
+we had only four hundred and seventy invalids and marines, one part of
+whom were incapable of action, by their age and infirmities, and the
+other part useless, by ignorance of their duty. But the diminution of
+the strength of the squadron was not the greatest inconveniency which
+attended these alterations; for the contests, representations, and
+difficulties which they continually produced, as we have seen above
+that the authority of the Admiralty in these cases was not always
+submitted to, occasioned a delay and waste of time, which, in its
+consequences, was the source of all the disasters to which the
+enterprize was afterwards exposed. For, owing to these circumstances,
+we were forced to make our passage round Cape Horn at the most
+tempestuous season of the year, whence proceeded the separation of our
+squadron, the loss of numbers of our men, and the imminent hazard of
+oar total destruction. By this delay also, the enemy had been so well
+informed of our designs, that a person who had been employed in the
+service of the South-Sea Company, and arrived from Panama three or
+four days before we left Portsmouth, was able to relate to Mr Anson
+most of the particulars of the destination and strength of our
+squadron, from what he had learnt from the Spaniards before he
+left them. This was afterwards confirmed by a more extraordinary
+circumstance; for we shall find, that when the Spaniards, fully
+satisfied of our expedition being intended for the South Seas, had
+fitted out a squadron before us, which had so far got the start as
+to arrive before us at the island of Madeira, the commander of this
+squadron was so well instructed in the form and make of Mr Anson's
+broad pendant, and had imitated it so exactly, that he thereby decoyed
+the Pearl, one of our squadron, within gun-shot of him, before the
+captain of the Pearl was able to discover the deception.
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_The Passage from St Helens to the Island of Madeira, with a short
+Account of that Island, and of our Stay there._
+
+As observed in the preceding section, the squadron weighed from
+St Helens with a contrary wind on the 18th of September, 1740, our
+commodore proposing to tide down the channel, as he less dreaded the
+inconveniences we might have thereby to struggle with, than the risk
+he should run of ruining the enterprize by an uncertain, and, in
+all probability, a tedious attendance for a fair wind. The squadron
+allotted for this expedition consisted of five men-of-war, a sloop of
+war, and two victuallers. These were, the Centurion of 60 guns, and
+400 men, George Anson, Esq. commander; the Gloucester, of 50 guns, and
+300 men, Richard Norris, commander; the Severn, of 50 guns, and 300
+men, the Honourable Edward Legg, commander; the Pearl, of 40 guns, and
+250 men, Matthew Mitchell, commander; the Wager, of 28 guns, and 160
+men, Dandy Kidd, commander; the Tryal sloop, of 8 guns, and 100 men,
+the Honourable John Murray, commander. The two victuallers were pinks,
+the largest of about four hundred tons burden; and these were to
+attend us till the provisions we had on board were so far consumed as
+to make room for the additional quantity they carried, which was then
+to be taken into our ships, and they were to be discharged. Besides
+the before-mentioned complements of men borne by the ships as their
+crews, there were embarked in our squadron about 470 invalids
+and marines, as particularly mentioned in last section, under
+the denomination of land-forces, which were commanded by
+Lieutenant-Colonel Cracherode.
+
+With this squadron, together with the St Albans and Lark, and the
+Turkey trade under their convoy, we tided down channel for the first
+forty-eight hours. In the morning of the 20th, we discovered the
+Dragon, Winchester, South-Sea Castle, and Rye, with a number of
+merchantmen under their convoy, waiting for us off the Ram-head. We
+joined there the same day about noon, the commodore having orders to
+see them, together with the convoy of the St Albans and Lark, as far
+as their course and ours lay together. When we came in sight of this
+last-mentioned ship, Mr Anson first hoisted his broad pendant, and
+was saluted by all the men-of-war in company. After joining this last
+convoy, we made up eleven men-of-war, and about 150 sail of merchant
+ships, consisting of the Turkey, the Straits, and the American trades.
+The same day Mr Anson made a signal for all captains of men-of-war
+to come on board, when he delivered them their fighting and sailing
+instructions, and then we all stood to the S.W. with a fair wind; so
+that next day at noon, being the 21st, we had run forty leagues beyond
+the Ram-head. Being now clear of the land, our commodore, to render
+our view more extensive, ordered Captain Mitchell, in the Pearl, to
+make sail two leagues a-head of the fleet every morning, and to repair
+to his station every evening. Thus we proceeded till the 25th, when
+the Winchester, with the American convoy, made the concerted signal
+for leave to separate, and this being answered by the commodore, they
+left us, which, was done by the St Albans and the Dragon on the 24th,
+with the Turkey and Straits convoys.
+
+There now remained only our own squadron and the two victuallers, with
+which we stood on our course for the island of Madeira. But the winds
+were so contrary, that we had the mortification to be forty days on
+our passage to that island from St Helens, though it is often known
+to be done in ten or twelve. This delay was most unpleasant, and was
+productive of much discontent and ill humour among our people, of
+which these only can have an adequate idea who have experienced a
+similar situation: For, besides the peevishness and despondency, which
+foul and contrary winds, and a lingering voyage, never fail to produce
+on all occasions, we in particular had substantial reasons for being
+greatly alarmed at this unexpected impediment; since, as we departed
+from England much later than we ought to have done, we had placed
+almost all our hope of success on the chance of retrieving in some
+measure at sea, the time we had so unhappily wasted at Spithead and St
+Helens. At last, on Monday the 25th October, at five in the morning,
+we made the land to our great joy, and came to anchor in the afternoon
+in Madeira road, in forty fathoms, the Brazen Head bearing from us E.
+by S. the Loo N.N.W. and the Great Church N.N.E. We had hardly let go
+our anchor when an English privateer sloop ran under our stern, and
+saluted the commodore with nine guns, which we returned with five.
+Next day the English consul visited the commodore, and was saluted
+with nine guns on coming on board.
+
+The island of Madeira, where we now arrived, is famous through all our
+American settlements for its excellent wines, which seem designed by
+Providence for the refreshment of the inhabitants of the torrid zone.
+It is situated in a fine climate, in lat. 32 deg. 27' N. and long. from
+London 18 deg. 30' to 19 deg. 30' W. by our different reckonings, though laid
+down in the charts in 47 deg..[1] The whole island is composed of one
+continued hill of considerable height, extending from east to
+west; the declivity of which, on the south side, is cultivated and
+interspersed with vineyards. In the middle of this slope the merchants
+have their country seats, which contribute to form a very agreeable
+prospect. There is but one considerable town, named Fonchiale, on
+the south part of the island, situated at the bottom of a large
+bay. Towards the sea it is defended by a high wall with a battery of
+cannon, besides a castle on the Loo, which is a rock standing in the
+water at a small distance from the shore. Tonchiale is the only place
+of trade, and indeed the only place where it is possible for a boat to
+land; and even there the beach is so covered with great stones, and so
+violent a surf beats continually upon it, that the commodore did not
+care to venture the long-boats of our ships in fetching off water,
+and therefore ordered the captains to employ Portuguese boats on that
+service.
+
+[Footnote 1: The charts are however the most accurate, as that is the
+long. of the centre of Madeira, in our best modern maps.--E.]
+
+We continued about a week at this island, watering our ships, and
+providing the squadron with wine and other refreshments. While here,
+on the 3d November, Captain Richard Norris signified to the commodore,
+by letter, his desire to quit the command of the Gloucester, in order
+to return to England for the recovery of his health. The commodore
+complied with this request, and was pleased to appoint Captain Matthew
+Mitchell to command the Gloucester in his room, to remove Captain Kidd
+from the Wager to the Pearl, and Captain Murray from the Tryal sloop
+to the Wager, giving the command of the Tryal to Lieutenant
+Cheap. These promotions being settled, with other changes in the
+lieutenancies, the commodore, on the 4th November, gave to the
+captains their orders, appointing St Jago, one of the Cape Verd
+islands, to be the first place of rendezvous in case of separation;
+and, if they did not meet the Centurion there, directing them to make
+the best of their way to the island of St Catharine on the coast of
+Brazil. The water for the squadron being that day completed, and each
+ship supplied with as much wine and other refreshments as they
+could take in, we weighed anchor in the afternoon, and took leave of
+Madeira. But, before continuing the narrative of our transactions,
+I think it necessary to give some account of the proceedings of the
+enemy, and of the measures they had taken to render all our designs
+abortive.
+
+On visiting the governor of Madeira, Mr Anson was informed by him,
+that for three or four days in the latter end of October, there had
+appeared to the westward of the island seven or eight ships of the
+line and a _patache_, which last was sent close in with the land every
+day. The governor assured our commodore, upon his honour, that no
+person on the island had either given them intelligence, or had any
+sort of communication with them. He believed them to be either French
+or Spanish, but was rather inclined to suppose the latter. On this
+intelligence, Mr Anson sent an officer in a clean sloop eight leagues
+to the westwards, to reconnoitre them, and, if possible, to discover
+what they were: But the officer returned without having seen them, so
+that we still remained in uncertainty; yet we could not but conjecture
+that this fleet was intended to put a stop, if possible, to our
+expedition; and, had they cruized to the eastward of the island,
+instead of the westward, they could not have failed in doing so: for,
+as in that case they must infallibly have fallen in with us, we should
+have been under the necessity of throwing overboard vast quantities of
+provisions, to clear our ships for action; and this alone, independent
+of the event of the action, would have effectually prevented our
+progress. This was so obvious a measure, that we could not help
+imagining reasons which might have prevented them from pursuing it.
+We supposed, therefore, that this French or Spanish squadron, having
+advice that we were to sail in company with Admiral Balchen and Lord
+Cathcart's expedition, might not think it adviseable to meet with us
+till we had parted company, from apprehension of being over-matched,
+and supposed we might not separate before our arrival at this island.
+These were our speculations at the time, from which we had reason to
+suppose we might still fall in with them, in our way to the Cape
+de Verd islands. We were afterwards persuaded, in the course of our
+expedition, that this was the Spanish squadron commanded by Don Joseph
+Pizarro, sent out purposely to traverse the views and enterprizes of
+our squadron, to which they were greatly superior in strength. As this
+Spanish armament was so nearly connected with our expedition, and as
+the catastrophe, if underwent, though not effected by our force, was
+yet a considerable advantage to this nation produced in consequence
+of our equipment; I have, in the following section, given a summary
+account of their proceedings, from their first setting out from Spain
+in 1740, till the Asia, the only ship of the whole squadron that
+returned to Europe, got back to Corunna in the beginning of the year
+1746.
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_History of the Spanish Squadron commanded by Don Joseph Pizarro._
+
+The squadron fitted out by the court of Spain, to attend our motions,
+and traverse our projects, we supposed to have been the ships seen
+off Madeira. As this force was sent out particularly against our
+expedition, I cannot but imagine that the following history of its
+casualties, so far as has come to my knowledge, by intercepted letters
+and other information, is an essential part of the present work. For
+it will from hence appear, that we were the occasion of a considerable
+part of the Spanish naval power being diverted from prosecuting the
+ambitious views of that court in Europe; and whatever men and ships
+were lost by the enemy in this undertaking, were lost in consequence
+of the precautions they took to secure themselves against our
+expedition.
+
+This squadron, besides two ships bound for the West Indies, which did
+not part company till after they left Madeira, was composed of the
+following men-of-war, commanded by Don Joseph Pizarro. The Asia of 66
+guns and 700 men, the admiral's ship; the Guipuscoa of 74 guns and 700
+men; the Hermiona of 54 guns and 500 men; the Esperanza of 50 guns and
+450 men; the St Estevan of 40 guns and 350 men; and a patache of 20
+guns.
+
+Over and above their complements of sailors and marines, these ships
+had on board an old Spanish regiment of foot, intended to reinforce
+the garrisons on the coast of the South-Sea. Having cruised some days
+to leeward of Madeira, as formerly mentioned, they left that station
+in the beginning of November, and steered for the Rio de la Plata,
+where they arrived on the 5th of January O.S. and coming to anchor in
+the bay of Maldonado, at the mouth of that river, their admiral sent
+immediately to Buenos Ayres for a supply of provisions, having left
+Spain with only four months provisions on board. While waiting this
+supply, they received intelligence, by the treachery of the Portuguese
+governor of St Catharines, of Mr Anson having arrived at that island
+on the 21st December preceding, and that he was preparing to put to
+sea again with the utmost expedition. Notwithstanding his superior
+force, Pizarro had his reasons, and some say his orders, for avoiding
+our squadron any where short of the South-Sea. He was, besides,
+extremely desirous of getting round Cape Horn before us, imagining
+that alone would effectually baffle all our designs; wherefore,
+hearing that we were in his neighbourhood, and that we should be soon
+ready to proceed for Cape Horn, he weighed anchor with his five large
+ships, the Patache being disabled and condemned, and the men taken
+out of her; and, after a stay of seventeen days only, got under sail
+without his provisions, which arrived at Maldonado within a day or two
+after his departure. Notwithstanding this precipitation, we put to sea
+from St Catharines four days before he did from Maldonado; and at one
+part of our passage to Cape Horn the two squadrons were so near, that
+the Pearl, one of our ships, being separated from the rest, fell in
+with the Spanish fleet, and, mistaking the Asia for the Centurion,
+got within gun-shot of the Asia before the mistake was discovered, and
+narrowly escaped being taken.
+
+As it was the 22d January when the Spaniards weighed from Maldonado,
+they could not expect to get into the latitude of Cape Horn before the
+equinox; and, as they had reason to apprehend very tempestuous weather
+in doubling it at that season, while the Spanish sailors, for the most
+part accustomed to a fair-weather country, might be supposed averse
+from so dangerous and fatiguing a navigation, the better to encourage
+them, some part of their pay was advanced to them in European goods,
+which they were to have leave to dispose of in the South-Seas, that
+so the hopes of the great profits they were to make of their ventures,
+might animate them in their duty, and render them less disposed
+to repine at the labours, hardships, and perils they might in all
+probability meet with, before their arrival on the coast of Peru.
+
+Towards the latter end of February, Pizarro and his squadron got into
+the latitude of Cape Horn, and then stood to the westwards in order
+to double that southern promontory. But, in the night of the last of
+February O.S. while turning to windward with this view, the Guipuscoa,
+Hermiona, and Espranza were separated from the admiral. On the 6th
+March following, the Guipuscoa was separated from the other two; and
+next day, being that after we passed the Straits of Le Maire, there
+came on a most furious storm at N.W. which, in spite of all their
+efforts, drove the whole squadron to the eastward, and, after several
+fruitless attempts, obliged them to bear away for the river of Plate.
+Pizarro arrived there in the Asia about the middle of May, and was
+followed a few days after by the Esperanza and Estevan. The Hermiona
+was supposed to have foundered, as she was never more heard of; and
+the Guipuscoa was run on shore and destroyed on the coast of Brazil.
+The calamities of all kinds which this squadron underwent in their
+unsuccessful attempt to double Cape Horn, can only be paralleled by
+what we ourselves experienced in the same climate, when buffeted by
+the same storms. There was indeed some diversity in our distresses,
+rendering it difficult to decide whose situation was most worthy of
+commiseration; for, to all the miseries and misfortunes we experienced
+in common, as shattered rigging, leaky ships, and the fatigues and
+despondency necessarily attendant on these disasters, there was
+superadded on board our squadron the ravages of a most destructive
+and incurable disease; and in the Spanish squadron the devastation of
+famine.
+
+It has been already observed, that this squadron left Spain with only
+four months provisions on board, and even that, it is said, at short
+allowance, either owing to the hurry of their outfit, or presuming
+upon a supply at Buenos Ayres; so that, when their continuance at sea
+was prolonged, by the storms they met with off Cape Horn, a month
+or more beyond their expectation, they were reduced to such infinite
+distress, that rats, when they could be caught, sold for four dollars
+a-piece; and a sailor who died in one of the ships, had his death
+concealed by his brother for some days, who lay all that time in
+the hammock with the corpse, that he might receive the dead man's
+allowance of provisions. In this dreadful situation, if their horrors
+were capable of augmentation, they were alarmed by discovering
+a conspiracy among the marines on board the Asia, who proposed
+massacring the officers and whole crew, their sole motive for this
+bloody resolution appearing to be the desire of relieving their
+hunger, by appropriating the whole provisions in the ship to
+themselves. This design was prevented, when just on the point of
+execution, by means of one of their confessors, and three of the
+ringleaders were immediately put to death. By the complicated
+distresses of fatigue, sickness, and famine, the three ships that
+escaped lost the greatest part of their men. The admiral's ship, the
+Asia, arrived at Monte Video in the Rio Plata with only half her crew.
+The Estevan, when she anchored in the bay of Barragan had also lost
+half her men. The Esperanza was still more unfortunate, for of 450
+hands she brought with her from Spain, only 58 remained alive. The
+whole regiment of foot perished except sixty men. To give a more
+distinct idea of what they underwent upon this occasion, I shall
+present a short account of the fate of the Guipuscoa, extracted from a
+letter written by Don Joseph Mindinuetta, her captain, to a person of
+distinction at Lima, a copy of which fell into our hands when in the
+South-Sea.
+
+Having separated on the 6th March in a fog from the Hermiona and
+Esperanza, being then, as I suppose, to the S.E. of States Land, and
+plying to the westward, it blew a furious storm at N.W. the succeeding
+night, which, at half past ten, split his main-sail, and obliged him
+to bear away with his foresail. The ship now went ten knots an hour
+with a prodigious sea, and often ran her gangway under water. He
+likewise sprung his main-mast, and the ship made so much water that
+she could not be freed by four pumps assisted by bailing. On the 9th
+the wind became calm, but the sea continued so high that the ship, in
+rolling, opened all her upper works and seams, and started the butt
+ends of her planks, and the greatest part of her top-timbers, the
+bolts being drawn by the violence of the roll. In this condition, with
+additional disasters to the hull and rigging, they continued beating
+westward to the 12th, when they were in lat. 60 deg. S. and in great want
+of provisions, numbers perishing daily by the fatigue of pumping, and
+the survivors quite dispirited by labour, hunger, and the severity
+of the weather, their decks being covered with snow above a foot in
+depth. Finding the wind fixed in the west and blowing strong, and
+their passage that way impossible, they resolved to bear away for the
+Rio Plata. On the 22d they had to throw overboard all their upper-deck
+guns and an anchor, and were obliged to take six turns of the cable
+round the ship to prevent her from opening and falling to pieces. On
+the 4th of April, in calm weather, but with a very heavy sea, the
+ship rolled so much that her main-mast came by the board, and was soon
+after followed by the fore and mizen masts, after which they had
+to cut away the boltsprit, to diminish, if possible, the leakage
+forwards. By this time two hundred and fifty of the men had perished
+by hunger and fatigue. Those who were capable of working at the pumps,
+at which every officer took his turn without exception, were only
+allowed an ounce and a half of biscuit daily; while those who were
+weak and sickly, so that they could not assist in this necessary
+labour, had no more than one ounce of wheat. It was common for the men
+to fall down dead at the pumps, and all they could muster for duty,
+including the officers, was from eighty to an hundred men.
+
+The S.W. wind blew so fresh for some days after they lost their masts,
+that they could not set up jury-masts; so that they were obliged to
+drive like a wreck, between the latitude of 32 deg. and 38 deg. S. till the
+24th of April, when they made the coast of Brazil at Rio de Patas,
+ten leagues to the southward of the island of St Catharines. They came
+here to an anchor, the captain being very desirous of proceeding to St
+Catharines, in order to save the hull of the ship, with her guns and
+stores: But the crew instantly left off pumping, and all in one voice
+cried out, _On shore! on shore!_ enraged at the hardships they had
+suffered and the numbers they had lost, there being at this time
+thirty dead bodies lying on the deck. Thus the captain was obliged to
+run the ship directly to the land, where she parted and sunk five days
+after, with all her stores and furniture; but the remainder of the
+crew, whom hunger and fatigue had spared, to the number of four
+hundred, got safe on shore.
+
+From this account of the adventures and catastrophe of the Guiapuscoa,
+we may form some conjecture of the manner in which the Hermiona was
+lost, and of the distresses endured by the three remaining ships of
+the squadron which got into the Rio Plata. These last being in great
+want of masts, yards, rigging, and all kinds of naval stores,
+and having no supply at Buenos Ayres or any of the neighbouring
+settlements, Pizarro dispatched an advice-boat with a letter of credit
+to Rio de Janeiro, to purchase what was wanting from the Portuguese.
+He sent at the same time an express across the continent to St Jago de
+Chili, to be thence forwarded to the viceroy of Peru, informing him
+of the disasters that had befallen his squadron, and desiring a
+remittance of two hundred thousand dollars from the royal chest at
+Lima, to enable him to refit and victual his remaining ships, that he
+might be again in condition to attempt the passage to the South-Sea
+as soon as the season of the year should be more favourable. It is
+mentioned by the Spaniards, as a most extraordinary circumstance,
+that, though then the depth of winter, when the Cordilleras are
+esteemed impassable on account of the snow, the Indian who was charged
+with this express was only thirteen days on his journey from Buenos
+Ayres to St Jago in Chili, though the distance is three hundred
+Spanish leagues, near forty of which are among the snows and
+precipices of the Cordilleras.
+
+The return to this dispatch of Pizarro from the viceroy was by no
+means favourable. Instead of two hundred thousand dollars, the sum
+demanded, the viceroy remitted him only one hundred thousand, telling
+him that it was with great difficulty he was able to procure even
+that sum. But the inhabitants of Lima, who considered the presence
+of Pizarro as absolutely necessary to their security, were much
+discontented at this procedure, and did not scruple to assert, that
+it was not the want of money, but the interested views of some of the
+viceroy's confidants, that prevented Pizarro from getting the whole
+sum.
+
+The advice-boat sent to Rio Janeiro also executed her commission but
+imperfectly; for, though she brought back a considerable quantity of
+pitch, tar, and cordage, she could not procure either masts or yards;
+and, as an additional misfortune, Pizarro was disappointed of some
+masts he expected from Paraguay, as a carpenter whom he entrusted
+with a large sum of money, and sent there to cut masts, instead of
+prosecuting the business he was sent upon, married in the country,
+and refused to return. However, by removing the masts of the Esperanza
+into the Asia, and using what spare masts and yards they had on board,
+they made a shift to refit the Asia and Estevan: And, in the October
+following, Pizarro was prepared to put to sea with these two ships,
+in order to attempt the passage round Cape Horn a second time; but, in
+coming down the Rio Plata, the Estevan ran upon a shoal and beat off
+her rudder, and Pizarro proceeded to sea in the Asia without her.
+Having now the antarctic summer before him, and the winds favourable,
+no doubt was made of his having a fortunate and speedy passage: But,
+when off Cape Horn and going right before the wind, it being moderate
+weather, though in a swelling sea, the ship rolled away her masts, by
+some misconduct of the officer having the watch, and was a second time
+obliged to put back in great distress to the Rio Plata.
+
+As the Asia had suffered considerably in this second unfortunate
+expedition, the Esperanza was now ordered to be refitted, the command
+of her being given to Mindinuetta, who was formerly captain of the
+Guipuscoa. In November 1742, he sailed from the Rio Plata for the
+south, and arrived safe on the coast of Chili, where he was met by
+his commodore, Pizarro, who passed over-land from Buenos Ayres. Great
+animosities and contests took place between these two officers, owing
+to the claim of Pizarro to command the Esperanza, which Mindinuetta
+had brought round, and now refused to resign; insisting, as he had
+come round the South Sea alone and under no superior, it was not now
+in the power of Pizarro to resume the authority he had once parted
+with. But, after a long and obstinate struggle, as the president of
+Chili interposed and declared for Pizarro, Mindinuetta was obliged to
+submit.
+
+Pizarro had not yet completed the series of his misfortunes. When
+he and Mindinuetta returned over-land, in 1745, from Chili to Buenos
+Ayres, they found the Asia still at Monte Video, and resolved, if
+possible, to carry her to Europe. With this view they refitted her in
+the best manner they could, but had great difficulty in procuring
+a sufficient number of hands to navigate her, as all the remaining
+sailors of the squadron, then to be met with in the neighbourhood of
+Buenos Ayres, did not amount to an hundred men. They endeavoured to
+supply this defect, by pressing many of the inhabitants of Buenos
+Ayres, and putting on board all the English prisoners then in their
+custody, together with a number of Portuguese smugglers they had taken
+at different times, and some of the Indians of the country. Among
+these last there was a chief and ten of his followers, who had been
+surprised by a party of Spanish soldiers about three months before.
+The name of this chief was Orellana, and he belonged to a very
+powerful tribe, which had committed great ravages in the neighbourhood
+of Buenos Ayres. With this motley crew, all of them except the
+European sailors averse from the voyage, Pizarro set sail from Monte
+Video about the beginning of November 1745: and the native Spaniards,
+being no strangers to the dissatisfaction of their forced men, treated
+them, the English prisoners and the Indians, with great insolence and
+barbarity, particularly the Indians; for it was common in the meanest
+officers in the ship to beat them cruelly on the slightest pretence,
+and often merely to shew their superiority.
+
+Orellana and his followers, though in appearance sufficiently patient
+and submissive, meditated a severe revenge for all these inhumanities.
+As these Indians have great intercourse with Buenos Ayres in time of
+peace, Orellana understood Spanish, and affected to converse with such
+of the English prisoners as could speak that language, seeming very
+desirous of being informed how many Englishmen there were on board,
+and of having them pointed out to him. As he knew the English were as
+much enemies to the Spaniards as he was, he had doubtless an intention
+of disclosing his purposes to them, and making them partners in the
+scheme he had projected for revenging his wrongs and recovering his
+liberty; but, having sounded them at a distance, and not finding them
+so precipitate and vindictive as he expected, he proceeded no farther
+with them, but resolved to trust alone to the resolution of his ten
+faithful followers, who readily engaged to observe his directions and
+to execute his commands. Having agreed on the measures to be pursued,
+they contrived to provide themselves with Dutch knives, sharp at the
+point, which, being the common knives used in the ship, they procured
+without difficulty. They also employed their leisure in secretly
+cutting thongs from raw hides, of which there were great numbers on
+board, and in fixing to each end of these thongs the double-headed
+shot of the small quarter-deck guns; by which they formed most
+mischievous weapons, in the use of which, by swinging round the head,
+the Indians about Buenos Ayres are extremely expert, being trained to
+it from their infancy. When these things were in good forwardness,
+the execution of their scheme was perhaps precipitated by a particular
+outrage committed upon Orellana, who was ordered aloft by one of the
+officers, and being incapable of doing so, the officer, who was
+a brutal fellow, beat him with such violence, under pretence of
+disobedience, that he left him bleeding on the deck, and quite
+stupified with wounds and bruises. This certainly increased his thirst
+of revenge, so that within a day or two he and his followers began to
+execute their desperate resolves in the following manner.
+
+About nine in the evening, when many of the principal officers were
+on the quarter-deck indulging in the freshness of the night air, the
+forecastle being manned with its customary watch, Orellana and his
+companions, having prepared their weapons, and thrown off their
+trowsers and other cumbrous parts of their dress, came all together
+on the quarter-deck, and drew towards the door of the great cabin. The
+boatswain reprimanded them for their presumption, and ordered them
+to be gone; on which Orellana spoke to his followers in their native
+language, when four of them drew off, two towards each gangway, and
+the chief and six remaining Indians seemed to be slowly quitting the
+quarter-deck. When the detached Indians had taken possession of the
+gangways, Orellana placed his hands hollow to his mouth, and bellowed
+out the war-cry of the savages, said to be the harshest and most
+terrifying of sounds. This hideous yell was the signal for beginning
+the massacre; upon which all the Indians drew their knives and
+brandished their prepared double-headed shot. The chief, and the six
+who remained with him on the quarter-deck, fell immediately on the
+Spaniards with whom they were intermingled, and in a very short space
+laid forty of them at their feet, above twenty of whom were killed on
+the spot, and the rest disabled.
+
+In the beginning of the tumult, many of the officers rushed into the
+great cabin, where they put out the lights and barricadoed the door;
+while of the others, who had escaped the first fury of the Indians,
+some endeavoured to escape along the gangways to the forecastle, where
+the Indians, placed there on purpose, stabbed the greater part of them
+as they attempted to pass, or forced them off the gangways into the
+waste of the ship, which was filled with live cattle. Some threw
+themselves voluntarily over the barricades into the waste, and thought
+themselves fortunate to lie concealed among the cattle; but the
+greatest part escaped up the main-shrouds, and took shelter in the
+tops and rigging of the ship. Although the Indians only attacked
+the quarter-deck, yet the watch in the forecastle, finding their
+communication cut off, and terrified by a few of the wounded who had
+been able to force their passage, and not knowing either who were
+their enemies, or what were their numbers, they also gave all over for
+lost, and in great confusion ran up into the rigging of the foremast
+and boltsprit.
+
+Thus these eleven Indians, with a resolution perhaps without example,
+possessed themselves almost in an instant of the quarter-deck of a
+ship mounting sixty-six guns, and manned by near five hundred hands,
+and even continued in peaceable possession of this part for some time.
+During a considerable space, the officers in the great cabin, among
+whom were Pizarro and Mindinuetta, the crew between decks, and those
+who had escaped into the tops and rigging, were merely anxious for
+their own safety, and were incapable of forming any project for
+suppressing the insurrection and recovering the possession of the
+ship. The yells of the Indians, the groans of the wounded, and the
+confused clamours of the crew, all heightened by the darkness of the
+night, had at first greatly magnified the danger, and filled them with
+imaginary terrors. The Spaniards were sensible of the dissatisfaction
+of their impressed hands, and were conscious of their barbarity to
+their prisoners, wherefore they concluded that the conspiracy was
+general, and considered their own destruction as infallible; insomuch,
+that some are said to have designed to leap into the sea, but were
+prevented by their companions.
+
+When the Indians had entirely cleared the quarter-deck, the tumult in
+a great measure subsided; for those who had escaped were kept silent
+by their fears, and the Indians were incapable of pursuing them.
+Orellana, when master of the quarter-deck, broke open the arm-chest,
+which had been ordered there a few days before, on a slight suspicion
+of mutiny. He there expected to find cutlasses wherewith to arm
+himself and his followers, who were all well skilled in the use of
+that weapon, and with these it is imagined they proposed to have
+forced the great cabin: But on opening the chest, there appeared
+nothing but fire-arms, which to them were of no use. There were indeed
+abundance of cutlasses in the chest, but they were hidden by the
+fire-arms being laid uppermost. This was a sensible disappointment to
+Orellana and his Indians. By this time Pizarro and his companions in
+the great cabin had been able to communicate with those below in the
+gun-room and between decks, by conversing aloud through the cabin
+windows; by which means they learnt that the English prisoners, whom
+they chiefly suspected, were all safe below, and had not participated
+in the mutiny; and by other circumstances they were at last made
+sensible that Orellana and his people only were concerned in it. Upon
+this information, Pizarro and the officers resolved to attack them on
+the quarter-deck, before any of the discontented on board had so far
+recovered from their surprise as to reflect on the facility of
+seizing the ship by joining with the Indians. With this view, Pizarro
+collected what arms were in the cabin and distributed them to those
+who were with him. There were no fire-arms except pistols, and
+for these they had neither powder nor ball; but having now a
+correspondence with the gun-room, they lowered a bucket from the cabin
+window, into which the gunner put a quantity of pistol cartridges out
+of one of the gun-room ports. Having thus procured ammunition, and
+loaded their pistols, they partly opened the cabin door, and fired
+several shots among the Indians on the quarter-deck, though at first
+without effect. At last Mindinuetta had the good fortune to shoot
+Orellana dead; on which his faithful companions, abandoning all
+thoughts of farther resistance, instantly leaped into the sea, where
+they all perished. Thus was this insurrection quelled, and possession
+of the quarter-deck regained, after it had been fully two hours in the
+power of this great and daring chief, and his small band of gallant
+unhappy countrymen.
+
+Having thus escaped from imminent peril, Pizarro continued his
+voyage for Europe, and arrived safely on the coast of Gallicia in the
+beginning of the year 1746, after an absence of between four and five
+years, and having, by attendance on our expedition, diminished the
+royal power of Spain by above three thousand of their prime sailors,
+and by four considerable ships of war and a patache. For we have seen
+that the Hermione foundered at sea, the Guipuscoa was stranded and
+destroyed on the coast of Brazil, the St Estevan was condemned and
+broken up in the Rio Plata, and the Esperanza, being left in the South
+Sea, is doubtless by this time incapable of returning to Spain:
+So that the Asia alone, with less than an hundred hands, may be
+considered as all that remains of the squadron with which Pizarro put
+forth to sea; and whoever considers the very large proportion which
+this squadron bore to the whole navy of Spain, will no doubt confess
+that, even if our undertaking had been attended with no other
+advantages, than that of ruining so great a part of the naval force of
+so dangerous an enemy, this alone would be a sufficient equivalent
+for our equipment, and an incontestable proof of the service which the
+nation has thence received. Having thus given a summary of Pizarro's
+adventures, I return to the narrative of our own transactions.
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Passage from Madeira to St Catharines._
+
+I have already mentioned that we weighed from Madeira on the 3d
+November, after orders being given to rendezvous at St Jago, one of
+the Cape Verd islands, in case of a separation. But next day, when we
+were got to sea, the commodore, considering that the season was far
+advanced, and that touching at St Jago would create additional delay,
+thought proper for this reason to alter the rendezvous, and appointed
+the island of St Catharines, on the coast of Brazil, to be the first
+place to which the ships of the squadron were to repair, in case of
+separation.
+
+In our passage to the island of St Catharines, we found the direction
+of the trade winds to differ considerably from what we had reason to
+expect, both from the general histories given of these winds, and the
+experience of former navigators. For the learned Dr Halley, in his
+account of the trade-winds which prevail in the Ethiopic and Atlantic
+Oceans, tells us that, from the lat. of 28 deg. N. to 10 deg. N. there is
+generally a fresh gale of N.E. wind, which, towards the African
+coasts, rarely comes to the eastward of E.N.E. or passes to the
+northward of N.N.E. but on the American side the wind is somewhat
+more easterly; though even there it is commonly a point or two to the
+northward of east; that from 10 deg. N. to 4 deg. N. the calms and tornadoes
+take place; and from 4 deg. N. to 30 deg. S. the winds are generally and
+perpetually between the south and east. We expected to find this
+account of the matter confirmed by our experience; but we found
+considerable variations from it, both in regard to the steadiness of
+the winds, and the quarters from whence they blew. For though we met
+with a N.E. wind about lat. 28 deg. N. yet, from lat. 25 deg. N. to 18 deg. N the
+wind was never once to the northward of E. but almost constantly to
+the southward of it. From thence, however, to 6 deg. 20' N. we had it
+usually to the northward of E. though not always, as it changed for a
+short time to E.S.E. From 6 deg. 20' N. to about 4 deg. 46' N. the weather was
+very unsettled, the wind being sometimes N.E. then changing to S.E.
+and sometimes we had a dead calm, with small rain and lightning. After
+this, to the lat. of 7 deg. 30' S. the wind continued almost invariably
+between S. and E. and then again as invariably between N. and E. till
+we came to 15 deg. 30' S. then E. and S.E. to 21 deg. 37' S. After this, even
+to 27 deg. 44' S. the wind was never once between S. and E. though we
+had it in all the other quarters of the compass; though this last
+circumstance may be in some measure accounted for from our approach to
+the coast of Brazil.
+
+I do not mention these particulars with a view of cavilling at the
+received accounts of these trade-winds, which, I doubt not, are
+sufficiently accurate; but I thought it worthy of public notice, that
+such deviations from the established rules do sometimes take place.
+This observation may not only be of service to navigators, by putting
+them on their guard against these hitherto unexplained and unnoticed
+irregularities, but it is also a circumstance that requires to be
+attended to in the solution of the great question about the causes
+of trade-winds and monsoons; a question which, in my opinion, has not
+been hitherto discussed with that clearness and accuracy which
+its importance demands, whether it be considered in a naval or a
+philosophical point of view.
+
+On the 16th November, one of our victuallers made a signal to speak
+with the commodore, and we shortened sail for her to come up with us.
+The master came on board, and represented to Mr Anson, that, having
+complied with the terms of his charter-party, he now desired to be
+unloaded and discharged. On consulting the captain of the squadron,
+it was found all the ships had still such quantities of provisions
+between their decks, and were also so deep, that they could only take
+in their proportions of brandy from the Industry pink, one of the
+victuallers; and consequently the commodore had to continue the other,
+the Ann pink, in the service of attending the squadron. Accordingly, a
+signal was made next day for the ships to bring to, and the long-boats
+were employed that and the three following days, till the 19th in the
+evening, to take their proportions of the brandy in the Industry to
+the several ships of the squadron. Being then unloaded, she parted
+company, intending for Barbadoes; and there to take in a freight for
+England. Most of the officers in the squadron took the opportunity of
+this ship, to write to their friends at home; but I have been informed
+she was taken by the Spaniards.
+
+On the 20th November, the captains of the squadron represented to the
+commodore, that their ships companies were very sickly; and that,
+both in their own opinions and of their surgeons, it would tend to the
+health of the men to let in more air between decks; but that the
+ships were so deep in the water, that the lower-deck ports could not
+possibly be opened. On this representation, the commodore ordered
+six air-scuttles to be cut in each ship, in such places as had least
+tendency to weaken them. On this occasion, I cannot but observe how
+much it is the duty of all who have any influence in the direction
+of our naval affairs, to attend to the preservation of the lives and
+health of our seamen. If it could be supposed that motives of humanity
+were insufficient for this purpose, yet policy, a regard to the
+success of our arms, and the honour and interest of each individual
+commander, all should lead to a careful and impartial examination of
+every probable method proposed for preserving the health and vigour of
+seamen. But hath this been always done? Have the late invented,
+plain, and obvious methods for keeping our ships sweet and clean, by
+a constant supply of fresh air, been considered with that candour
+and temper which the great benefits they promise to produce ought
+naturally to have inspired? On the contrary, have not these salutary
+schemes been often treated with neglect and contempt? And have not
+some, who have been entrusted with experimenting their effects, been
+guilty of the most indefensible partiality in the accounts they have
+given of these trials? It must, however, be confessed, that many
+distinguished persons, both in the direction and command of our
+fleets, have exerted themselves on these occasions with a judicious
+and dispassionate examination, becoming the interesting nature of the
+enquiry: But the wonder is, that any one should have been found so
+irrational as to act a contrary part, in despite of the strongest
+dictates of prudence and humanity. I cannot, however, believe
+this conduct to have arisen from such savage motives as the first
+reflection seems naturally to suggest; but am apt rather to impute
+it to an obstinate, and, as it were, superstitious attachment to
+long-established practices, and to a settled contempt and hatred to
+all innovations, especially such as are projected by landsmen, or
+persons residing on shore.
+
+We crossed the equinoctial, with a fine fresh gale at N.E. on Friday,
+the 28th November, at four in the morning, being thus, by estimation,
+in long. 27 deg. 59' W. from London. In the morning of the 2d December, we
+saw a sail in the N.W. and made the Gloucester's and Tryal's signals
+to chase; and half an hour after, let out our reefs, and chased with
+the rest of the squadron. About noon a signal was made for the Wager
+to take our remaining victualler, the Ann pink, in tow; but, at seven
+in the evening, finding we did not near the chase, and that the Wager
+was very far astern, we shortened sail, and recalled the chasing
+ships. Next day but one we again discovered a sail, which, on a nearer
+approach, we judged to be the same vessel. We chased her the whole
+day, and though we rather gained upon her, night came on before
+we could overtake her, which obliged us to give over the chase, to
+collect the scattered squadron. We were much chagrined at the escape
+of this vessel, supposing her to have been an advice-boat from Old
+Spain to Buenos Ayres, sent to give notice of our expedition: But we
+have since learnt that it was our East-India Company's packet, bound
+to St Helena.
+
+On the 10th December, being by our reckoning in lat. 20 deg. S. and long.
+36 deg. 30' W. from London, the Tryal fired a gun to denote soundings. We
+immediately tried, and found sixty fathoms, the bottom coarse ground
+with broken shells. The Tryal, which was a-head of us, had at one
+time thirty-seven fathoms, which afterwards increased to ninety,
+after which she had no bottom; which happened to us also at our second
+trial, though we sounded with a line of 150 fathoms. This is the shoal
+laid down in most charts by the name of the _Abrollos_,[1] and
+it appeared we were upon its verge; perhaps farther in it may be
+extremely dangerous. We were then, by our different accounts, from
+sixty to ninety leagues east of the coast of Brazil. Next day but one
+we spoke a Portuguese brigantine from Rio Janeiro bound to _Bahia de
+todos los Santos_, by which we learnt that we were thirty-four leagues
+from Cape St Thomas, and forty from Cape Frio; which latter bore from
+us W.S.W. By our own accounts we were nearly eight leagues from Cape
+Frio; and though, on the information of this brig, we altered our
+course, standing more southerly, yet, by our coming in with the land
+afterwards, we were fully convinced that our own reckoning was more
+correct than that of the Portuguese. After passing lat. 16 deg. S. we
+found a considerable current setting to the southward. The same took
+place all along the coast of Brazil, and even to the southward of the
+Rio Plata, amounting sometimes to thirty miles in twenty-four hours,
+and once to above forty miles. If, as is most probable, this current
+be occasioned by the running off of the water which is accumulated on
+the coast of Brazil by the constant sweeping of the eastern trade-wind
+over the Ethiopic Ocean, it were then most natural to suppose that
+its general course must be determined by the bearings of the adjacent
+shores. Perhaps in every instance of currents the same may hold true,
+as I believe there are no examples of any considerable currents at any
+great distance from land. If this could be ascertained as a general
+principle, it might be easy by their assistance and the observed
+latitude, to correct the reckoning. But it were much to be wished, for
+the general interests of navigation, that the actual settings of the
+different currents in various parts of the world were examined
+more frequently and more accurately than appears to have been done
+hitherto.
+
+[Footnote 1: In the map of the world by Arrowsmith, the Abrolhos are
+made a cluster of islands off the coast of Brazil, in lat. 18 deg. 10' S.
+long. 39 deg. W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+We began now to grow impatient for a sight of land, both for the
+recovery of our sick, and for the refreshment and security of those
+who still continued in health. When we left. St Helens, we were in
+so good a condition that we only lost two men in the Centurion in our
+long run to Madeira. But in this run, from Madeira to St Catharines,
+we were remarkably sickly, so that many died, and great numbers were
+confined to their hammocks, both in our ship and the others, and
+several of these past all hopes of recovery. The disorders they in
+general laboured under were those common to hot climates, and which
+most ships bound to the south experience in a greater or less degree.
+These were the fevers usually called _calentures_, a disease not only
+terrible in its first instance, but of which the remains often proved
+fatal to those who considered themselves as recovered; for it always
+left them in a very weak and helpless condition, and usually
+afflicted with fluxes or tenesmus. By our continuance at sea all these
+complaints were every day increasing; so that it was with great joy we
+discovered the coast of Brazil on the 18th December, at seven in the
+morning.
+
+The coast of Brazil appeared high and mountainous, extending from W.
+to W.S.W. and when we first saw it, the distance was about seventeen
+leagues. At noon we could perceive a low double land, bearing W.S.W.
+about ten leagues distant, which we took to be the island of St
+Catharines. That afternoon and the next morning, the wind being N.N.W.
+we gained very little to windward, and were apprehensive of being
+driven to leeward of the island: But next day, a little before noon,
+the wind came about to the southward, and enabled us to steer in
+between the N. point of St Catharines and the neighbouring island
+of Alvoredo. As we stood in for the land we had regular soundings,
+gradually decreasing from thirty-six to twelve fathoms, all muddy
+ground. In this last depth of water we let go our anchor at five in
+the evening of the 18th,[2] the N.W. part of St Catharines bearing
+S.S.W. three miles off; and the island of Alvoredo N.N.E. distant two
+leagues. Here we found the tide to set S.S.E. and N.N.W. at the rate
+of two knots, the tide of flood coming from the southward.
+
+[Footnote 2: There is an error in date here, as it has been already
+said they first got sight of the coast of Brazil on the 18th,
+obviously two days before. Hence, if the former date be right, this
+ought to be the 20th.--E.]
+
+We could perceive from our ships two fortifications at a considerable
+distance from us, which seemed intended to prevent the passage of an
+enemy between the island of St Catharines and the main. We could also
+soon see that our squadron had alarmed the coast, as the two forts
+hoisted their colours and fired several guns, signals, as we supposed,
+for assembling the inhabitants. To prevent any confusion, the
+commodore immediately sent an officer to compliment the governor, and
+to request a pilot to conduct our ships into the road. The governor
+returned a very civil answer, and ordered us a pilot. On the morning
+of the 20th we weighed and stood in, and the pilot came aboard of us
+about noon, and the same afternoon brought us to anchor in five and
+a half fathoms, in a commodious bay on the continent, called by the
+French Bon-port. From our last anchorage to this, we found every where
+an oozy bottom, the water first regularly decreasing to five fathoms,
+and then increasing to seven, after which we had five and six fathoms
+alternately. The squadron weighed again next morning, in order to run
+above the two fortifications formerly mentioned, which are called the
+castles of Santa Cruiz and St Joam. Our soundings between the island
+and the main were four, five, and six fathoms, with muddy ground. We
+saluted the castle of Santa Cruiz in passing with eleven guns, and
+were answered with an equal number. At one in the afternoon of the
+21st December, the squadron came to anchor in five fathoms and a half,
+Governor's Isle bearing N.N.W. St Joam's castle N.E. 1/2 E. and the
+island of St Antonio S. At this time the squadron was sickly, and in
+great want of refreshments, both of which we hoped to have speedily
+remedied at this settlement, celebrated by former navigators for
+its healthiness and abundance of provisions, and for the freedom,
+indulgence, and friendly assistance given here to all the ships of
+nations in amity with the crown of Portugal.
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Proceedings at St Catharines, and a Description of that Place, with a
+short Account of Brazil._
+
+Our first care after mooring the ships was to get our sick men on
+shore; preparatory for which each ship was ordered by the commodore to
+erect two tents, one for the reception of the sick, and the other for
+the surgeon and his assistants. We sent eighty sick on shore from the
+Centurion, and I believe the other ships sent as many in proportion
+to the number of their hands. As soon as this necessary duty was
+performed, we scraped our decks, and gave our ship a thorough
+cleansing, then smoaked it between decks, and lastly washed every part
+with vinegar. These operations were extremely necessary for correcting
+the noisome stench on board, and destroying the vermin; for, from the
+number of our men and the heat of the climate, both these nuisances
+had increased upon us to a very loathsome degree, and, besides being
+most intolerably offensive, were doubtless in some sort productive of
+the sickness we had laboured under for a considerable time before our
+arrival at this island.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: This matter is now infinitely better regulated in
+the British navy, and with most admirable and infinitely important
+advantages. By the most minute, sedulous, and perpetual attention to
+cleanliness, all noisome stench and all vermin are prevented, by which
+doubtless diseases are in a great measure lessened.--E.]
+
+Our next employment was wooding and watering the squadron, caulking
+the sides and decks of the ships, overhawling the rigging, and
+securing our masts against the tempestuous weather we were, in all
+probability, to meet with in going round Cape Horn at so advanced
+and inconvenient a season. Before proceeding in the narrative of our
+voyage, it may be proper to give some account of the present state of
+the island of St Catharines and the neighbouring country; both because
+the circumstances of the place have materially changed from what they
+were in the time of former writers, and as these changes laid us under
+many more difficulties and perplexities than we had reason to expect,
+or than other British ships, bound hereafter to the South Sea, may
+perhaps think it prudent to struggle with.
+
+This island is nine leagues from N. to S. and two from E. to W. It
+extends from lat. 27 deg. 35' to 28 deg. both S. and is in long. 49 deg. 45'
+W. from London.[4] Although of considerable height, it is scarcely
+discernible at the distance of ten leagues, being obscured under the
+continent of Brazil, the mountains of which are exceedingly high; but
+on a nearer approach is easily distinguished, and may be readily known
+by having a number of small islands at each end.[5] Frezier has given
+a draught of the island of St Catharines and the neighbouring coast,
+with the smaller adjacent isles; but has, by mistake, called the
+island of Alvoredo St Gal; whereas the true island of St Gal is seven
+or eight miles northward of Alvoredo, and much smaller. He has also
+called an island to the southward of St Catharines Alvoredo, and
+has omitted the island of Masaquara. In other respects his plan is
+sufficiently exact. The best entrance to the harbour is between the
+N.E. point of the island of St Catharines and the island of Alvoredo,
+where ships may pass under the guidance of the lead, without the least
+apprehensions of danger. The north entrance is about five miles broad,
+the distance from thence to the island of St Antonio is eight miles,
+and the coarse to that island is S.S.W. 1/2 W. About the middle of the
+island the harbour is contracted to a narrow channel by two points of
+land, not more than a quarter of a mile separate, and at this time a
+battery was erecting on the point on the island side to defend this
+passage. This seemed, however, a very useless work, as this channel
+had only two fathoms water, and is consequently only navigable for
+barks and boats, wherefore an enemy could have no inducement to
+attempt this passage, more especially as the northern one is so broad
+and safe that no squadron can be prevented from coming in by any
+fortifications whatever, when the sea-breeze makes. The brigadier Don
+Jose Sylva de Paz, who is governor of this settlement, has a different
+opinion; for, besides the above-mentioned battery, there were three
+other forts carrying on for the defence of the harbour, none of which
+were completed when we were there. The first of these, called St Joam,
+was building on a point of the island of St Catharines, near Parrot
+Island. The second, in form of a half-moon, was on the island of
+St Antonio; and the third, which seemed the chief, and had some
+appearance of a regular fortification, is on an island near the
+continent, where the governor resides. Don Jose Sylva de Paz was
+esteemed an expert engineer; and he doubtless understood one branch of
+his business very well, which is the advantages which new works bring
+to those who have charge of their erection.
+
+[Footnote 4: This account of the matter is very erroneous. The
+latitudes are between 28 deg. 5' and 28 deg. 30' both S. and the longitude is
+49 deg. 10' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The more elaborate nautical description of this island
+is necessarily omitted, as referring to two extensive views, without
+which the description would be unintelligible.--E.]
+
+The soil of this island is truly luxuriant, producing many kinds of
+fruits spontaneously, and is covered over with one continued forest of
+trees, in perpetual verdure, and which, from the exuberant fertility
+of the soil, are so entangled with thorns, briars, and underwood,
+as to form an absolutely impenetrable thicket, except by some narrow
+paths which the inhabitants have opened for their own convenience; and
+these, with a few spots cleared for plantations, along that side of
+the island which faces the continent, are the only uncovered parts of
+the island. The woods are extremely fragrant, from the many aromatic
+trees and shrubs with which they abound, and here the fruits and
+vegetables of all climates thrive, almost without culture, and are
+to be had in great plenty, so that there is no want of pine-apples,
+peaches, grapes, oranges, lemons, citrons, melons, apricots, and
+plantains; there is also abundance of onions and potatoes, two
+productions of no small consideration for sea-stores. The flesh
+provisions are, however, much inferior to the vegetables. There are,
+indeed, small wild cattle to be purchased, something like buffaloes,
+but these are very indifferent food, their flesh being of a loose
+texture, and generally of a disagreeable flavour, probably owing to
+their feeding on wild calabash. There are also abundance of pheasants,
+but they are not to be compared in taste to those we have in England.
+The other provisions of the place are monkeys, parrots, and, above
+all, fish of various sorts: These abound in the harbour, and are both
+exceedingly good and easily caught, as there are numerous sandy bays,
+very convenient for haling the seyne.
+
+The water, both on the island and the opposite continent, is
+excellent, and preserves at sea as well as that of the Thames. After
+it has been a day or two in the cask, it begins to purge itself,
+stinks most abominably, and is soon covered over with a green
+scum, which subsides in a few days to the bottom, leaving the water
+perfectly sweet, and as clear as crystal. The French first brought
+this place into repute during their South-Sea trade in the reign
+of Queen Anne, and usually wooded and watered in Bon-port, on the
+continental side of the harbour, where they anchored in great safety
+in six fathoms, and this is doubtless the most commodious station
+for ships that are meant only for a short stay. We watered on the
+St Catharine's side, at a plantation opposite to the island of St
+Antonio.
+
+Such are the advantages of this island; but it has its inconveniences
+also, partly proceeding from its climate, but more particularly
+from its new regulations and the form of its government, as lately
+established. In regard to the climate, it must be remembered that the
+woods and hills which surround the harbour prevent a free circulation
+of air, and the continual vigorous vegetation furnishes such a
+prodigious quantity of vapour, that a thick fog covers the whole
+country all night, and a great part of the morning, continuing till
+either the sun gathers strength to dissipate it, or it is dispersed
+by a brisk sea-breeze. This renders the place close and humid, and
+probably occasioned the many fevers and fluxes we were there afflicted
+with. I must not omit to add, that we were pestered all day by vast
+numbers of mosquetoes, which are not much unlike the gnats in England,
+but much more venomous in their stings. At sunset, when the musquetoes
+retired, they were succeeded by an infinity of sand-flies, which
+made a mighty buzzing, though scarcely discernable by the naked eye;
+wherever these bite, they raise a small lump attended by painful
+itching, like that arising from the bite of an English harvest bug.
+The only light in which this place deserves our consideration is its
+favourable situation for supplying and refreshing our cruizers bound
+for the South Sea, and in this view its greatest inconveniences remain
+to be related, to do which more distinctly, it may not be amiss
+to consider the changes which it has lately undergone, both in its
+inhabitants, its police, and its governor.
+
+In the time of Frazier and Shelvocke, this place served only as a
+retreat to vagabonds and outlaws, who fled hither from all parts of
+Brazil. It is true, that they acknowledged their subjection to the
+crown of Portugal, and had a person among them whom they called their
+captain, and who was considered as a kind of governor; but both their
+allegiance to their king, and their obedience to the captain, were
+merely verbal; for, as they had plenty of provisions and no money,
+they were in a condition to support themselves without aid from any
+neighbouring settlements, and had nothing among them to tempt any
+neighbouring governor to interpose his authority among them. In this
+situation they were extremely hospitable and friendly to such foreign
+ships as came among them; for, as these ships wanted only provisions,
+of which the natives had great store, while the natives wanted
+clothes, for they often despised money, and refused to take it, the
+ships furnished them with apparel in exchange for their provisions,
+both sides finding their account in this traffic, and their captain
+had neither interest nor power to tax or restrain it.
+
+Of late, for reasons which will afterwards appear, these honest
+vagabonds have been obliged to receive a new colony among them, and
+to submit to new laws and a new form of government. Instead of their
+former ragged and bare-legged captain, whom they took care, however,
+to keep innocent, they have now the honour of being governed by Don
+Jose Sylva de Paz, a brigadier of the armies of Portugal, who is
+accompanied by a garrison of soldiers, and has consequently a more
+extensive and better supported power than any of his predecessors:
+And as he wears better cloaths, lives more splendidly, and has a much
+better knowledge of the importance of money than any of them could
+ever pretend to, so he puts in practice certain methods for procuring
+it with which they were utterly unacquainted; yet it may be much
+doubted if the inhabitants consider these methods as tending to
+promote either their interests, or that of their sovereign, the king
+of Portugal. This much is certain, that his behaviour cannot but be
+extremely embarrassing to such British ships as touch here in their
+way to the South Seas.
+
+One of his practices was, that he placed centinels at all the avenues,
+to prevent the people from selling us any refreshments, except at such
+exorbitant rates as we could not afford to give. His pretence for this
+extraordinary stretch of power was, that he was obliged to preserve
+their provisions for upwards of an hundred families, which were daily
+expected as a reinforcement to the colony. Thus he seems no novice in
+his profession, by his readiness at inventing a plausible pretence
+for his interested management. This circumstance, however, though
+sufficiently provoking, was far from being the most exceptionable
+part of his conduct; for, as by the neighbourhood of the Rio Plata, a
+considerable smuggling trade is carried on between the Portuguese and
+Spaniards, especially in exchanging gold for silver, by which both
+princes are defrauded of their fifths; and as Don Jose was deeply
+engaged in this prohibited commerce, in order to ingratiate himself
+with his Spanish correspondents, he treacherously dispatched an
+express to Buenos Ayres, where Pizarro then lay, with an account of
+our arrival, our strength, the number, of our ships, guns, men,
+and every circumstance he could suppose our enemy desirous of being
+acquainted with.
+
+This much, and what we shall have to relate in the course of our own
+proceedings, may suffice as to the present state of St Catharines and
+the character of its governor. But as the reader may wish to know
+the reasons for the late new modelling of this settlement, it will
+require, to explain this circumstance, to give a short account of the
+adjacent continent of Brazil, and of the wonderful discoveries which
+have been made within the last forty years, which, from a country of
+but mean estimation, has rendered it now perhaps the most considerable
+colony on the face of the earth.
+
+This country was first discovered by Americus Vesputio, a Florentine,
+who had the good fortune to be honoured by giving his name to the
+immense continent found out some time before by Columbus. As Vesputio
+was in the service of Portugal, this discovery was settled and planned
+by that nation, and afterwards devolved to the crown of Spain along
+with the rest of the Portuguese dominions. During the long war between
+Spain and the states of Holland, the Dutch possessed themselves of the
+northermost parts of Brazil, and kept it for some years; but, when
+the Portuguese revolted from the Spanish government, this country
+took part in the revolt, and the Dutch were soon driven out of their
+acquisitions; since which time it has continued without interruption
+under the crown of Portugal. Till the beginning of the present
+century, it was only productive of sugar and tobacco, and a few other
+commodities of very little importance; but has been lately discovered
+to abound in the two mineral productions, gold and diamonds, which
+mankind hold in the highest estimation, and which they exercise their
+utmost art and industry in acquiring.
+
+Gold was first found in the mountains adjacent to the city of Rio
+Janeiro. The occasion of its discovery is variously related, but the
+most common account is, that the Indians dwelling on the back of the
+Portuguese settlements were observed, by the soldiers employed in an
+expedition against them, to use this metal for fish-hooks; and,
+on enquiry into their manner of procuring this precious metal, it
+appeared that great quantities of it were annually washed from the
+hills, and left among the sand and gravel which remained in the
+vallies after the running off or evaporation of the water. It is now
+[in 1740] little more than forty years since any quantities of gold,
+worth notice, have been imported from Brazil to Europe; but, since
+that time, the annual imports have been continually augmented by the
+discovery of places in other provinces, where it is to be met with
+as plentifully as at first about Rio Janeiro. It is alleged that a
+_slender vein_[3] of gold spread through all the country, at about
+twenty-four feet below the surface, but that this vein is too thin and
+poor to answer the expence of digging.[4] However, where the rivers
+or rains have had any course for a considerable time, there gold is
+always to be collected, the water having separated the metal from the
+earth, and deposited it in the sands, thereby saving the expence of
+digging; hence it is esteemed an infallible gain to be able to divert
+a stream from its channel, and ransack its bed. From this account of
+the manner of gathering gold, it should follow that there are no mines
+of this metal in Brazil, and this the governor of Rio Grande, who
+happened to be at St Catharines, and frequently visited Mr Anson, did
+most confidently affirm, assuring us that all the gold was collected
+from rivers, or from the beds of torrents after floods. It is indeed
+asserted that large rocks are found in the mountains abounding in
+gold, and I have seen a fragment of one of these rocks having a
+considerable lump of gold entangled in it; but, even in this case, the
+workmen only break off the rocks, and do not properly mine into them;
+and the great expence of subsisting among these mountains, and in
+afterwards separating the metal from the stone, occasions this method
+of procuring gold to be but rarely put in practice.
+
+[Footnote 3: The author ought here to have said, _a thin layer_, or
+_stratum_, to express the obvious meaning intended in the text.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 4: The editor was informed, many years ago, by an
+intelligent native of Rio Janeiro, that the search for gold is
+confined by law to certain districts, on purpose to secure the royal
+fifth; and that all over the country round Rio Janeiro, where the
+search is prohibited, gold, emeralds, and aqua-marines are found in
+small quantities, on every occasion of digging to any depth into the
+earth, as for the purpose of a pit-well.--E.]
+
+The examining the bottom of rivers and beds of torrents, and the
+washing the gold there found, from the sand and dirt with which it is
+always mixed, are performed by slaves, who are principally negroes,
+kept in great numbers by the Portuguese for this purpose. The
+regulation of the duty of these slaves is singular, as they are each
+of them obliged to furnish their master with the eighth part of an
+ounce of gold daily.[5] If they are either so fortunate or industrious
+as to collect a greater quantity, the surplus becomes their own
+property, and they may dispose of it as they think fit; so that some
+negroes, who have accidentally fallen upon rich washing-places, are
+said to have themselves purchased slaves, and to have lived afterwards
+in great splendour, their original master having no other demand upon
+them than the daily supply of the before-mentioned eighths; which,
+as the Portuguese ounce is somewhat lighter than our troy ounce, may
+amount to about nine shillings sterling.
+
+[Footnote 5: On the data of the text, and allowing sixty-five days
+in the year for Sundays and high festivals, the yearly profit of one
+slave to his master would be L. 135 sterling.--E.]
+
+The quantity of gold thus collected in the Brazils and returned
+annually to Lisbon, may be estimated, in some degree, from the amount
+of the royal fifth. This has been of late computed, one year with
+another, at one hundred and fifty _aroues_, of thirty-two Portuguese
+pounds each, which, valued at L. 4 sterling the troy ounce, make very
+nearly three hundred thousand pounds sterling; and consequently the
+capital, of which this is the fifth, is about a million and a half
+sterling. It is obvious that the annual return of gold to Lisbon
+cannot be less than this, though it may be difficult to guess how much
+more it may be. Perhaps we may not be much mistaken in conjecturing
+that the gold exchanged with the Spaniards at Buenos Ayres for silver,
+and what is privately brought to Europe without paying the duty, may
+amount to near half a million more, which will make the entire yearly
+produce of Brazilian gold nearly two millions sterling; a prodigious
+sum to be found in a country which only a few years since was not
+known to furnish a single grain.
+
+Besides gold, this country also affords diamonds, as already
+mentioned. The discovery of these valuable stones is much more recent
+even than that of gold, as it is scarcely twenty years since the first
+were brought to Europe.[6] They are found in the same manner as gold,
+in the gullies of torrents and beds of rivers, but only in particular
+places, and by no means so universally spread throughout the country.
+They were often found while washing for gold, before they were known
+to be diamonds, and were consequently thrown away along with the
+sand and gravel; and it is well remembered that numbers of very large
+stones, which would have made the fortunes of the possessors, have
+passed unregarded through the hands of those who now impatiently
+support the mortifying reflection. However, about twenty years since,
+[that is, in 1720,] a person acquainted with the appearance of rough
+diamonds, conceived that these pebbles, as they were then called, were
+of the same kind; yet it is said there was a considerable interval
+between the first stating of this opinion and its confirmation, by
+proper examination, as it was difficult to persuade the inhabitants
+that what they had been long accustomed to despise, could be of such
+amazing importance; and in this interval, as I was told, a governor of
+one of these places procured a good number of these stones, which
+he pretended to make use of as markers at cards. The truth of the
+discovery was at last confirmed by skilful jewellers in Europe, who
+were consulted on the occasion, and who declared that these Brazilian
+pebbles were true diamonds, many of which were not inferior in lustre,
+or other qualities, to those of the East Indies. On this being made
+known, the Portuguese in the neighbourhood of the places where these
+had been first discovered, set themselves to search for diamonds with
+great assiduity, and were hopeful of discovering them in considerable
+quantities, as they found large rocks of crystal in many of the
+mountains whence the streams proceeded that washed down the diamonds.
+
+[Footnote 6: The author writes as of the year 1740.--E.]
+
+Soon after this discovery, it was represented to the king of Portugal,
+that if diamonds should be met with in such abundance as their
+sanguine expectations seemed to indicate, their value and estimation
+would be so debased as to ruin all the Europeans who had any quantity
+of East India diamonds in their possession, and would even render
+the discovery itself of no importance, and prevent his majesty from
+deriving any advantages from it. On these considerations, his majesty
+thought proper to restrain the general search for diamonds, and
+erected a diamond company, with an exclusive charter for this purpose;
+in which company, in consideration of a sum of money paid to the king,
+the property of all diamonds found in Brazil is vested: But, to hinder
+them from collecting too large quantities, and thereby reducing their
+value in the market, they are prohibited from employing above eight
+hundred slaves in this search. To prevent any of his other subjects
+from continuing the search, and to secure the company against
+interlopers, a large town, and considerable surrounding district, has
+been depopulated; and all the inhabitants, said to have amounted
+to six thousand, have been obliged to remove to another part of the
+country: For as this town and district were in the neighbourhood of
+the diamonds, it was thought impossible to prevent such a number of
+people from frequently smuggling, if allowed to reside on the spot.
+
+In consequence of these important discoveries in Brazil, new laws, new
+governments, and new regulations, have been established in many parts
+of the country. Not long ago there was a considerable track of country
+possessed by a set of inhabitants called Paulists, from the name of
+their principal settlement, who were almost independent of the
+crown of Portugal, to which it scarcely ever acknowledged a nominal
+allegiance. These Paulists are said to be descendants from the
+Portuguese who retired from the northern part of Brazil when it was
+invaded and possessed by the Dutch. Being long neglected by their
+superiors, owing to the confusions of the times, and obliged to
+provide for their own security and defence, the necessity of their
+affairs produced a kind of government among themselves, which sufficed
+for their mode of life. Thus habituated to their own regulations, they
+became fond of independence, so that, rejecting the mandates of the
+court of Lisbon, they were often engaged in a state of downright
+rebellion; and, owing to the mountains surrounding their country, and
+the difficulty of clearing the few passes leading towards it, they
+were generally able to make their own terms before they submitted. But
+as gold was found in this country of the Paulists, the present king of
+Portugal, in whose reign almost all these great discoveries have been
+made, thought it necessary to reduce this province, now become of
+great importance, under the same dependence and obedience with the
+rest of the country, which was at length effected, though, as I was
+informed, with great difficulty.
+
+The same motives which induced his majesty to reduce the Paulists,
+have also occasioned the changes which I have mentioned as having
+taken place at the island of St Catharines: For, as we were assured
+by the governor of Rio Grande, there are considerable rivers in this
+neighbourhood that are found to be extremely rich in gold, for which
+reason a military governor with a garrison have been placed here,
+along with a new colony; and, as the harbour at this island is by much
+the largest and most secure of any on the coast, it is not improbable,
+if the riches of the neighbourhood answer their present expectation,
+that it may become in time the principal settlement in Brazil, and the
+most considerable port in all South America.
+
+This much I thought necessary to insert, in relation to the present
+state of Brazil and of the island of St Catharines; for, as this last
+place has been generally recommended as the most eligible place for
+our cruizers to refresh at when bound to the South Sea, I believed it
+to be my duty to instruct my countrymen in the hitherto unsuspected
+inconveniences which attend that place. And, as the Brazilian gold and
+diamonds are subjects of novelty, of which very few particulars have
+hitherto been published, I considered that the account I have been
+able to collect respecting them might not be regarded either a
+trifling or useless digression.
+
+When we first arrived at St Catharines, we were employed in refreshing
+our sick on shore, in wooding and watering the squadron, in cleaning
+our ships, and in examining and securing our masts and rigging, as
+formerly mentioned. At the same time Mr Anson gave orders that the
+ships companies should be supplied with fresh meat, and have a full
+allowance of all kinds of provisions. In consequence of these orders
+we had fresh meat sent on board continually for our daily expenditure;
+and every thing else that was wanting to make up our allowances, was
+received from the Anna Pink, our victualler, in order to preserve the
+provisions on board the ships of the squadron as entire as possible
+for future service. As the season of the year grew every day less
+favourable for our passage round Cape Horn, Mr Anson was very anxious
+to leave St Catharines as soon as possible, and we were at first in
+hopes that all our business would be concluded, and we should be in
+readiness to sail, in about a fortnight from our arrival; but, on
+examining the masts of the Tryal, we found, to our no small vexation,
+inevitable employment for twice that time; for, on a survey, her
+main-mast was sprung at the upper woulding, though that was thought
+capable of being secured by means of two fishes; but the fore-mast was
+reported entirely unfit for service, on which the carpenters were sent
+into the woods in search of a stick proper for a new foremast. After
+a search of four days, nothing could be found fit for the purpose;
+wherefore, on a new consultation, it was agreed to endeavour to secure
+the mast by three fishes, in which work the carpenters were employed
+till within a day or two of our departure. In the meantime, thinking
+it necessary to have a clean vessel, on our arrival in the South Sea,
+the commodore ordered the Tryal to be hove down, which occasioned
+no loss of time, as it might be completed while the carpenters were
+refitting her masts on shore.
+
+A sail being discovered in the offing on the 27th December, and not
+knowing but she might be Spanish, the eighteen-oared boat was manned
+and armed, and sent under the command of our second lieutenant, to
+examine her before she got within the protection of the forts. She
+proved to be a Portuguese brigantine from Rio Grande; and, though
+our officer behaved with the utmost civility to the master, and even
+refused to accept a calf which the master pressed him to accept, the
+governor took great offence at the sending our boat, talking of it
+in a high strain, as a violation of the peace subsisting between
+the crowns of Great Britain and Portugal. We thus attributed this
+blustering to no deeper cause than the natural insolence of Don Jose;
+but when he charged our officer with behaving rudely, and attempting
+to take by violence the calf which he had refused as a present, we had
+reason to suspect that he purposely sought this quarrel, and had more
+important objects in view than the mere captiousness of his temper.
+What these motives might be we had then no means of determining, or
+even guessing at; but we afterwards found, by letters which fell into
+our hands when in the South-Seas, that he had dispatched an express to
+Pizarro, who then lay in the Rio Plata, with an account of our arrival
+at St Catharines, together with a most ample and circumstantial
+account of our force and condition. We then conceived, that Don Jose
+had raised this groundless clamour on purpose to prevent us from
+visiting the brigantine when she should go away again, lest we might
+have found proofs of his perfidy, and perhaps have discovered
+the secret of his smuggling correspondence with his neighbouring
+governors, and with the Spaniards at Buenos Ayres.
+
+It was near a month before the Tryal was refitted; for not only were
+her lower-masts defective, but her main-topmast and fore-yard were
+likewise found rotten. While this work was going on, the other
+ships of the squadron set up new standing-rigging, together with a
+sufficient number of preventer shrowds to each mast, to secure them in
+the most effectual manner. Also, in order to render the ships stiffer,
+to enable them to carry more sail abroad, and to prevent them from
+straining their upper works in hard gales of wind, the several
+captains were ordered to put some of their great guns into their
+holds. These precautions being complied with, and all the ships having
+taken in as much wood and water as there was room for, the Tryal was
+at last completed, and the whole squadron was ready for sea: On which
+the tents on shore were struck, and all the sick removed on board. We
+had here a melancholy proof how much the healthiness of this place
+was over-rated by former writers; for, though the Centurion had alone
+buried no less than twenty-eight of her men since our arrival, yet, in
+the same interval, the number of her sick had increased from eighty to
+ninety-six.
+
+All being embarked, and every thing prepared for our departure, the
+commodore made the signal for all captains, and delivered them their
+orders, containing the successive places of rendezvous from hence to
+the coast of Chili. Next day, being the 18th of January, 1741, the
+signal was made for weighing, and the squadron put to sea; leaving
+this island of St Catharines without regret, as we had been extremely
+disappointed in our accommodations and expectatations of refreshment,
+and in the humane and friendly offices we had been taught to look
+for, in a place so much celebrated for its hospitality, freedom, and
+convenience.
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_The Run from St Catharines to Port St Julian; with some Account of
+that Port, and of the Country to the South of the Rio Plata._
+
+In quitting St Catharines, we left the last amicable port we proposed
+to touch at, and were now proceeding to a hostile, or at best a desert
+and inhospitable coast. As we were to expect a more boisterous climate
+to the southward than any we had yet experienced, not only our
+danger of separation would by this means be much augmented, but other
+accidents of a more mischievous nature were also to be apprehended,
+and as much as possible provided against. Mr Anson, therefore, in
+appointing the various stations at which the ships of the squadron
+were to rendezvous, had considered that his own ship might be disabled
+from getting round Cape Horn, or might be lost, and gave therefore
+proper directions, that, even in that case, the expedition might not
+be abandoned. The orders delivered to the captains, the day before
+sailing from St Catharines, were, in case of separation, which they
+were to endeavour to avoid with the utmost care, that the first place
+of rendezvous was to be Port St Julian, describing the place from Sir
+John Narborough's account of it. They were there to provide as much
+salt as they could take on board, both for their own use and that of
+the other ships of the squadron; and, if not joined by the commodore
+after a stay of ten days, they were then to pass through the straits
+of Le Maire and round Cape Horn into the South-Seas, where the next
+place of rendezvous was to be the island of Nostra Senora del Socoro,
+in lat. 45 deg. S. long. 71 deg. 12' W. from the Lizard.[1] They were to bring
+this island to bear E.N.E. and to cruize from five to twelve leagues
+distance from it, as long as their store of wood and water would
+permit, both of which they were directed to expend with the utmost
+frugality. When under the necessity of procuring a fresh supply, they
+were to stand in, and endeavour to find an anchorage; and in case they
+could not, and the weather made it dangerous to supply the ships by
+standing off and on, they were then to make the best of their way to
+the island of Juan Fernandez in lat. 33 deg. 37' S. at which island, after
+recruiting their wood and water, they were to cruize off the anchorage
+for fifty-six days; and, if not joined by the commodore in that time,
+they were to conclude that some accident had befallen him, and were
+forthwith to put themselves under the command of the senior officer,
+who was to use his utmost endeavour to annoy the enemy both by sea and
+land. In this view, the new commander was urged to continue in these
+seas as long as provisions lasted, or as they could be supplied by
+what could be taken from the enemy, reserving only a sufficiency to
+carry the ships to Macao, at the entrance of the river of Canton
+on the coast of China; whence, being supplied with a new stock of
+provisions, they were to make the best of their way to England. As it
+was found still impossible to unload the Anna Pink, our victualler,
+the commodore gave her master instructions for the same rendezvouses,
+and similar orders to put himself under the command of the remaining
+senior officer.
+
+[Footnote 1: The centre of the island of Socoro, or Guayteca, on the
+western coast of Patagonia, is in lat. 43 deg. 10' S. and long. 73 deg. 40' W.
+from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+Under these orders, the squadron sailed from St Catharines on Sunday
+the 18th of January, 1741. Next day we had very squally weather,
+attended with rain, lightning, and thunder; but it soon cleared up
+again, with light breezes, and continued so to the evening of the
+21st, when it again blew fresh, and, increasing all night, it became a
+most violent storm by next morning, accompanied by so thick a fog that
+it was impossible for us to see to the distance of two ships lengths,
+and we consequently lost sight of all the squadron. On this a signal
+was made, by firing guns, to bring to with the larboard tacks, the
+wind being due east. We in the Centurion handed the top-sails, bunted
+the main-sail, and lay to under a reefed-mizen till noon, when the
+fog dispersed, and we soon discovered all the ships of the squadron,
+except the Pearl, which did not join till near a month afterwards.
+The Tryal was a great way to leeward, having lost her main-mast in
+the squall, and having been obliged to cut away the wreck, for fear of
+bilging. We therefore bore down with the squadron to her relief, and
+the Gloucester was ordered to take her in tow, as the weather did not
+entirely abate till next day, and even then a great swell continued
+from the eastward, in consequence of the preceding storm. After this
+accident we continued to the southward with little interruption,
+finding the same setting of the current we had observed before our
+arrival at St Catharines; that is, we generally found ourselves about
+twenty miles to the southward of our reckoning by the log every day.
+This, with some inequality, lasted till we had passed the latitude of
+the Rio Plata, and even then the same current, however difficult to
+be accounted for, undoubtedly continued; for we were not satisfied in
+attributing this appearance to any error in our reckoning, but tried
+it more than once, when a calm rendered it practicable.
+
+Immediately on getting to the south of the latitude of the Rio Plata
+we had soundings, which continued all along the coast of Patagonia.
+These soundings, when well ascertained, being of great use in
+determining the position of a ship on this coast, and as we tried them
+more frequently, in greater depths, and with more attention, than I
+believe had ever been done before, I shall recite our observations
+on this subject as succinctly as I can. In lat. 36 deg. 52' S. we had 60
+fathoms on a bottom of fine black and grey sand: From thence to 39 deg.
+55' S. we varied our depths from 50 to 80 fathoms, but always with the
+same bottom: Between the last-mentioned latitude and 43 deg. 16' S. we had
+only fine grey sand with the same variation of depths, except that
+we once or twice lessened the water to 40 fathoms. After this we
+continued in 40 fathoms for about half a degree, having a bottom of
+coarse sand and broken shells, at which time we were in sight of land
+at not above seven leagues distance. As we edged from the land we had
+a variety of soundings; first black sand, then muddy, and soon after
+rough ground with stones: But when we had increased our depth to
+forty-eight fathoms, we had a muddy bottom to the lat. of 46 deg. 10' S.
+Hence drawing near the shore, we had at first thirty-six fathoms,
+and still kept shoaling till we came into twelve fathoms, having
+constantly small stones and pebbles at the bottom.
+
+Part of this time we had a view of Cape Blanco, in about lat. 47 deg.
+10' S. and long. 69 deg. W. from London.[2] Steering from hence S. by
+E. nearly, we deepened our water to fifty fathoms in a run of about
+thirty leagues, without once altering the bottom; and then drawing
+towards the shore, with a S.W. course, varying rather westward, we had
+constantly a sandy bottom till we came to thirty fathoms, when we had
+again a sight of land in about lat. 48 deg. 31' S. We made this land on
+the 17th February, and came to anchor at five that afternoon in lat.
+48 deg. 58' S. with the same soundings as before; the southermost land
+then in view bearing S.S.W. the northermost N.E. a small island N.W.
+and the westermost hummock W.S.W. At this anchorage we found the tide
+to set S. by W.
+
+[Footnote 2: Cape Blanco is in lat 47 deg. 20' S. long. 64 deg. 30' W. from
+Greenwich. At this place, instead of a description of Cape Blanco, the
+original gives two views of the coast in different directions, as seen
+from sea; here omitted for reasons already assigned.--E.]
+
+We weighed anchor at five next morning, and an hour afterwards
+descried a sail, which was soon found to be the Pearl, which had
+separated from us a few days after leaving St Catharines. Yet she
+increased her sail and stood away from the Gloucester; and when she
+came up, the people of the Pearl had their hammocks in their netting,
+and every thing ready for an engagement. The Pearl joined us about
+two in the afternoon, and running up under our stern, Lieutenant
+Salt informed the commodore that Captain Kidd had died on the 31st
+of January. He likewise said that he had seen five large ships on
+the 10th of this month, which he for some time imagined had been our
+squadron, insomuch that he suffered the commanding ship, which wore a
+red broad pendant exactly resembling that of our commodore at the
+main top-mast head, to come within gun-shot of the Pearl before he
+discovered the mistake; but then, finding it was not the Centurion,
+he haled close upon a wind and crowded from theirs with all sail; and
+standing across a rippling, where they hesitated to follow, he happily
+escaped. He had made them out to be five Spanish ships of war, one of
+which was so exceedingly like the Gloucester that he was under great
+apprehension when chased now by the Gloucester. He thought they
+consisted of two seventy-gun ships, two of fifty, and one of forty;
+the whole of which squadron chased him all that day, but at night,
+finding they could not get near, they gave over the chase and stood
+away to the southward.
+
+Had we not been under the necessity of refitting the Tryal, this
+intelligence would have prevented our making any stay at St Julians;
+but as it was impossible for that sloop to proceed round Cape Horn
+in her present condition, some stay there became inevitable; and
+therefore we came to an anchor again the same evening in twenty-five
+fathoms, the bottom a mixture of mud and sand, a high hummock bearing
+from us S.W. by W. Weighing at nine next morning, we sent the cutters
+of the Centurion and Severn in shore to discover the harbour of St
+Julian, while the ships kept standing along the coast about a league
+from the land. At six in the evening we anchored in the bay of St
+Julian, in nineteen fathoms, the bottom muddy ground with sand, the
+northermost land in sight bearing N. by E. the S. 1/2 E. and the
+high hummock, called Wood's Mount by Sir John Narborough, W.S.W. The
+cutters returned soon after, having discovered the harbour, which did
+not appear to us where we lay, the northermost point shutting in upon
+the southermost, and closing the entrance in appearance.
+
+Our principal object in coming to anchor in this bay was to refit the
+Tryal, in which business the carpenters were immediately employed. Her
+main-mast had been carried away about twelve feet below the cap, but
+they contrived to make the remainder of the mast serve. The Wager
+was directed to supply her with a spare main-top-mast, which
+the carpenters converted into a new fore-mast. And I cannot help
+observing, that this accident to the Tryal's masts, which gave us so
+much uneasiness at the time on account of the delay it occasioned, was
+the means, in all probability, of preserving this sloop and all her
+crew. For her masts before this were much too lofty for the high
+southern latitudes we were proceeding into, so that, if they had
+weathered the preceding storm, it would have been impossible for them
+to have stood against the seas and tempests we afterwards encountered
+in passing round Cape Horn; and the loss of masts, in that boisterous
+climate, would scarcely have been attended with less than the loss of
+the vessel and all on board, as it would have been impracticable for
+the other ships to have given them any assistance whatever, during the
+continuance of these impetuous storms.
+
+While at this place, the commodore appointed the honourable Captain
+Murray to succeed to the Pearl, and Captain Cheap to the Wager. He
+promoted Mr Charles Saunders, first lieutenant of the Centurion, to
+the command of the Tryal sloop; but, as Mr Saunders lay dangerously
+ill of a fever in the Centurion, and the surgeons considered his
+removal to his own ship might hazard his life, Mr Saumarez had
+orders to act as commander of the Tryal during the illness of Captain
+Saunders.
+
+At this place, the commodore held a consultation with his captains
+about unloading and discharging the Anna pink; but they represented
+that, so far from being in a condition for taking her loading on
+board, their ships still had great quantities of provisions in the way
+of their guns between decks, and that their ships were so deep and so
+lumbered that they would not be fit for action without being cleared.
+It was therefore necessary to retain the pink in the service; and, as
+it was apprehended that we should meet with the Spanish squadron in
+passing the cape, Mr Anson ordered all the provisions that were in
+the way of the guns to be put on board the Anna pink, and that all the
+guns which had been formerly lowered into the holds, for the ease of
+the ships, should be remounted.
+
+As this bay and harbour of St Julian is a convenient rendezvous, in
+case of separation, for all cruizers bound to the southwards, or to
+any part of the coast of Patagonia, from the Rio Plata to the Straits
+of Magellan, as it lies nearly parallel to their usual route, a
+short account of the singularity of this country, with a particular
+description of Port St. Julian, may perhaps be neither unacceptable to
+the curious, nor unworthy the attention of future navigators, as some
+of them, by unforeseen accidents, may be obliged to run in with the
+land and to make some stay on this coast; in which case a knowledge of
+the country, and of its productions and inhabitants, cannot fail to be
+of the utmost consequence to them.
+
+The tract of country usually called Patagonia, or that southern
+portion of South America, not possessed by the Spaniards, extends
+from their settlements to the Straits of Magellan. This country on its
+eastern side, along the Atlantic ocean, from the Rio Plata southwards,
+is remarkable for having no trees of any kind, except a few peach
+trees planted by the Spaniards in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres;
+so that the whole eastern coast of Patagonia, extending near four
+hundred leagues from north to south, and as far back into the interior
+as any discoveries have yet been made, contains nothing that can be
+called by the name of wood, and only a few insignificant shrubs
+in some places. Sir John Narborough, who was sent out expressly by
+Charles II to examine this country, wintered upon this coast in Port
+St Julian and Port Desire, in the year 1670, and declares that he did
+not see a stick in the whole country large enough to make the handle
+of a hatchet. But, although this country be destitute of wood, it
+abounds in pasture, as the whole land seems made up of downs of a
+light dry and gravelly soil, producing great quantities of long grass,
+which grows in tufts, interspersed with large spots of barren gravel.
+In many places this grass feeds immense herds of cattle, all derived
+from a few European cattle brought over by the Spaniards at their
+first settling, which have thriven and multiplied prodigiously, owing
+to the abundance of herbage which they every where met with, and
+are now so increased and extended so far into different parts of
+Patagonia, that they are not considered as private property; thousands
+of them being slaughtered every year by the hunters, only for their
+hides and tallow.
+
+The manner of killing these cattle, being peculiar to that part of the
+world, merits a circumstantial description. Both Spaniards and Indians
+in that country are usually most excellent horsemen; and accordingly
+the hunters employed on this occasion are all mounted on horseback,
+armed with a kind of spear, which, instead of the usual point or blade
+in the same line with the shaft, has its blade fixed across. Armed
+with this instrument, they ride at a beast and surround him, when the
+hunter that is behind hamstrings him, so that he soon falls, and
+is unable to rise from the ground, where they leave him and proceed
+against others, whom they serve in the same manner. Sometimes there is
+a second party attending the hunters, on purpose to skin the cattle as
+they fall; but it is said that the hunters sometimes prefer to leave
+them to languish in torment till next day, from an opinion that the
+lengthened anguish bursts the lymphatics, and thereby facilitates the
+separation of the skin from the carcass. Their priests have loudly
+condemned this most barbarous practice, and have even gone so far, if
+my memory do not deceive me, as to excommunicate such as persist to
+follow it, yet all their efforts to put an entire stop to it have
+hitherto proved ineffectual.
+
+Besides great numbers of cattle which are slaughtered every year in
+this manner, for their hides and tallow, it is often necessary, for
+the uses of agriculture, and for other purposes, to catch them alive,
+and without wounding them. This is performed with a most wonderful
+and most incredible dexterity, chiefly by means of an implement or
+contrivance which the English who have resided at Buenos Ayres usually
+denominate a lash. This consists of a very strong thong of raw hide,
+several fathoms in length, with a running noose at one end. This the
+hunter, who is on horseback, takes in his right hand, being properly
+coiled up, and the other end fastened to the saddle: Thus prepared,
+the hunters ride at a herd of cattle, and when arrived within a
+certain distance of a beast, they throw their thong at him with such
+exactness, that they never fail to fix the noose about his horns.
+Finding himself thus entangled, the beast usually endeavours to run
+away, but the hunter attends his motions, and the horse being swifter,
+the thong is prevented from being so much straitened as to break, till
+another hunter throws another noose about one of his hind-legs. When
+this is done, the horses being trained to the sport, instantly turn in
+opposite directions, straining the two thongs contrary ways, by which
+the beast is overthrown. The horses then stop, keeping both thongs
+on the stretch, so that the beast remains on the ground incapable of
+resistance; and the two hunters alight from their horses and secure
+the beast in such a manner that they afterwards easily convey him to
+wherever they please.
+
+They catch horses by means of similar nooses, and are even said to
+catch tigers in the same manner, which, however strange it may appear,
+is asserted by persons of credit. It must be owned, indeed, that the
+address both of Spaniards and Indians in this part of the world, in
+the use of this lash or noose, and the certainty with which they throw
+and fix it on any intended part of a beast, even at a considerable
+distance, is so wonderful as only to be credited and repeated on the
+concurrent testimony of all who have frequented this country. The
+cattle killed in the before-mentioned manner are slaughtered only for
+their hides and tallow, and sometimes their tongues also are taken
+out; but the rest of the flesh is left to putrify, or to be devoured
+by birds of prey and wild beasts. The greatest part of it falls to the
+share of the wild-dogs, of which there are immense numbers to be found
+in the country. These are all supposed to be descended of Spanish dogs
+from Buenos Ayres, which had left their masters, allured by the great
+quantity of carrion, and had run wild where they had such facility
+of subsisting, for they are plainly of the European breed of dogs.
+Although these dogs are said to prowl in vast packs, even some
+thousands together, they do not diminish the number, nor prevent the
+increase of the cattle, as they dare not attack the herds, by reason
+of the vast numbers that feed together, but content themselves with
+the carrion left by the hunters, and perhaps now and then meet with
+a few stragglers, separated accidentally from the herds to which they
+belong.
+
+This country, to the southward of Buenos Ayres, is also stocked with
+great numbers of wild-horses, brought also originally from Spain, and
+prodigiously increased, and extending to a much greater distance than
+the cattle. Though many of these are excellent, their numbers
+make them of very little value, the best of them being sold in the
+neighbouring settlements, where money is plenty and commodities very
+dear, for not more than a dollar a piece. It is not certain how far to
+the southwards these herds of wild cattle and horses extend; but there
+is reason to believe that stragglers of both are to be met with very
+near the Straits of Magellan, and they will doubtless in time fill
+all the southern part of the continent with their breeds, which cannot
+fail to be of vast advantage to such ships as may touch on the coast.
+The horses are said to be very good eating, and are even preferred by
+some of the Indians before the cattle. But however plentiful Patagonia
+may hereafter become in regard to flesh, this eastern coast of that
+extensive country seems very defective in regard to fresh water; for
+as the land is generally of a nitrous and saline nature, the ponds
+and streams are frequently brackish. However, as good water has been
+found, though in small quantities, it is not improbable but this
+inconvenience may be removed, on a farther search.
+
+There are also in all parts of this country a good number of
+_Vicunnas_, or Peruvian sheep, but these, by reason of their
+swiftness, are very difficultly killed. On the eastern coast, also,
+there are immense quantities of seals, and a vast variety of sea-fowl,
+among which the most remarkable are the penguins. These are, in size
+and shape, like a goose, but have short stumps like fins instead of
+wings, which are of no use to them except when in the water. Their
+bills are narrow, like that of the albatross, and they stand and walk
+quite erect, from which circumstance, and their white bellies, Sir
+John Narborough has whimsically likened them to little children
+standing up in white aprons.
+
+The inhabitants of this eastern coast, to which hitherto I confine my
+observations, appear to be but few, and rarely have more than two or
+three of them been seen at a time by any ships that have touched here.
+During our stay at Port St Julian we did not see any. Towards
+Buenos Ayres, however, they are sufficiently numerous, and are very
+troublesome to the Spaniards: But there the greater breadth and
+variety of the country, and a milder climate, yield them greater
+conveniences. In that part the continent is between three and four
+hundred leagues in breadth, while at Port St Julian it is little more
+than one hundred. I conceive, therefore, that the same Indians who
+frequent the western coast of Patagonia, and the northern shore of the
+Straits of Magellan, often ramble to this eastern side. As the Indians
+near Buenos Ayres are more numerous than those farther south, they
+also greatly excel them in spirit and activity, and seem nearly allied
+in their manners to the gallant Chilese Indians, [Araucanians] who
+have long set the whole Spanish power at defiance, have often ravaged
+their country, and remain to this hour independent. The Indians about
+Buenos Ayres have learned to be excellent horsemen, and are extremely
+expert in the management of all cutting weapons, though ignorant of
+fire-arms, which the Spaniards are exceedingly solicitous to keep from
+them. Of the vigour and resolution of these Indians, the behaviour
+of Orellana and his followers, formerly mentioned, is a memorable
+instance.
+
+This much may suffice respecting the eastern coast of Patagonia. The
+western coast is of less extent; and, by reason of the Andes which
+skirt it, and stretch quite down to the sea side, the shore is very
+rocky and dangerous. As I shall hereafter have occasion to take
+farther notice of that coast, I shall not enlarge any farther
+respecting it in this place, but shall conclude this account with a
+short description of the harbour of St Julian, the general form of
+which may be conceived from the annexed sketch. It must however be
+noticed, that the bar there marked at the entrance has many holes in
+it, and is often shifting. The tide flows here N. and S. and at full
+and change rises four fathoms. On our first arrival, an officer was
+sent on shore to the salt pond marked D. in the sketch, in order to
+procure a quantity of salt for the use of the squadron; for Sir John
+Narborough had observed, when he was here, that the salt was very
+white and good, and that in February there was enough to have loaded a
+thousand ships. But our officer returned with a sample which was very
+bad, and said that even of this very little was to be had: I suppose
+the weather had been more rainy this year than ordinary, and had
+destroyed the salt, or prevented its fermentation.
+
+
+
+SECTION VII.
+
+_Departure from the Bay of St Julian, and Passage from thence to the
+Straits of Le Maire._
+
+The Tryal being nearly refitted, which was our principal occupation
+at this bay, and sole occasion of our stay, the commodore thought
+it necessary to fix the plan of his first operations, as we were
+now directly bound for the South Seas and the enemy's coasts; and
+therefore, on the 24th February, a signal was made for all captains,
+and a council of war was held on board the Centurion. There were
+present on this occasion the Honourable Edward Legg, Captain Matthew
+Mitchell, the Honourable George Murray, Captain David Cheap, and
+Colonel Mordaunt Cracherode, commander of the land-forces. At this
+council, it was proposed by Commodore Anson, that their first attempt,
+after arriving in the South Seas, should be against the town and
+harbour of Baldivia, the principal frontier place in the south of
+Chili, informing them, as an inducement for this enterprize, that it
+formed part of his majesty's instructions to endeavour to secure
+some port in the South Seas where the ships of the squadron might be
+careened and refitted. The council readily and unanimously agreed
+to this proposal; and, in consequence of this resolution, new
+instructions were issued to the captains, by which, though still
+directed, in case of separation, to make the best of their way to the
+island of Socoro, they were only to cruize off that island for ten
+days; from whence, if not then joined by the commodore, they were to
+proceed off Baldivia, making the land between the latitudes of 40 deg. and
+40 deg. 30' S. and taking care to keep to the southward of the port. If
+not there joined in fourteen days by the rest of the squadron, they
+were then to direct their course for the island of Juan Fernandez;
+after which they were to regulate their farther proceedings by the
+former orders given out at St Catharines. The same orders were also
+given to the master of the Anna pink, who was enjoined to answer and
+obey the signals made by any ship of the squadron, in absence of the
+commodore; and, if he should be so unfortunate as to fell into the
+hands of the enemy, he was directed to destroy his orders and papers
+with the utmost care. Likewise, as the separation of the squadron
+might prove highly prejudicial to the service, each captain was
+ordered to give it in charge to the respective officers of the watch,
+on all occasions, never to keep their respective ships at a greater
+distance from the Centurion than two miles, as they should answer
+at their peril; and if any captain should find his ship beyond the
+specified distance, he was to acquaint the commodore with the name of
+the officer who thus neglected his duty.
+
+These necessary regulations established, and the repairs of the Tryal
+sloop completed, the squadron weighed from Port St Julians on Friday
+the 27th February, 1741, at seven in the morning, and stood to sea.
+The Gloucester found such difficulty in endeavouring to purchase her
+anchor, that she was left a great way astern, so that we fired several
+guns in the night as signals for her to make more sail: But she did
+not rejoin us till next morning, when we learnt that she had been
+obliged to cut her cable, leaving her best bower anchor behind. At ten
+in the morning of the 28th, Wood's Mount, the high land over Port
+St Julian, bore from us N. by W. distant ten leagues, and we had
+fifty-two fathoms water. Standing now to the southward, we had great
+expectations of falling in with the Spanish squadron under Pizarro;
+as, during our stay at Port St Julian, there had generally been hard
+gales between W.N.W. and S.W. so that we had reason to conclude that
+squadron, had gained no ground upon us in that interval. Indeed, it
+was the prospect of meeting them that had occasioned our commodore to
+be so very solicitous to prevent the separation of our ships; for, had
+he been solely intent on getting round Cape Horn in the shortest time,
+the most proper method for this purpose would have been, to order each
+ship to make the best of her way to the rendezvous, without waiting
+for the rest.
+
+From the time of leaving Port St Julian to the 4th March, we had
+little wind with thick hazy weather and some rain, and our soundings
+were generally from forty to fifty fathoms, with a bottom of black
+and gray sand, sometimes mixed with pebble stones. On the 4th March
+we were in sight of Cape Virgin Mary, and not more than six or seven
+leagues distant, the northern boundary of the eastern entrance of
+the Straits of Magellan, in lat 52 deg. 21' S. long. 71 deg. 44' W. from
+London.[1] It seemed a low flat land, ending in a point.[2] Off this
+cape the depth of water was from thirty-five to forty-eight fathoms.
+The afternoon of this day was bright and clear, with small breezes
+of wind, inclining to a calm; and most of the captains took the
+opportunity of this fine weather to visit the commodore. While all
+were on board the Centurion, they were greatly alarmed by a sudden
+flame bursting out in the Gloucester, followed by a cloud of
+smoke; but were soon relieved of their apprehensions, by receiving
+information that the blast had been occasioned by a spark of fire from
+the forge lighting on some gun-powder, and other combustibles, which
+an officer was preparing for use, in case of falling in with the
+Spanish squadron, and which had exploded without any damage to the
+ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: The longitude of Cape Virgin Mary, is only 67 deg. 42' W.
+from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: By the draught in the original, omitted here for
+substantial reasons already repeatedly stated, the coast at this
+southern extremity of Patagonia is represented as a high bluff flat on
+the top, and ending abruptly at this cape.--E.]
+
+We here found, what was constantly the case in these high southern
+latitudes, that fair weather was always of exceedingly short
+continuance, and that when remarkably fine it was a certain presage of
+a succeeding storm: For the calm and sunshine of this afternoon ended
+in a most turbulent night; the wind freshening from the S.W. as the
+night came on; and increasing continually in violence till nine next
+morning. It then blew so hard that we were forced to bring to with the
+squadron, and to continue under a reefed mizen till eleven at night,
+having in that time from forty-three to fifty-seven fathoms water
+on black sand and gravel; and, by an observation we had at noon, we
+concluded that a current had set us twelve miles to the southward
+of our reckoning. Toward midnight the wind abated, and we again made
+sail, steering S. In the morning we discovered the southern land
+beyond the Straits of Magellan, called Terra del Fuego, stretching
+from S. by W.S.E. 1/2 E. This country afforded a very uncomfortable
+prospect, appearing of stupendous height, every where covered with
+snow, and shewing at its southern extremity the entrance into the
+Straits of Le Maire at Cape St Diego.[3] We steered along this
+uncouth and rugged coast all day, having soundings from forty to fifty
+fathoms, on stones and gravel.
+
+[Footnote 3: The western side of the entrance into the Straits of Le
+Maire is formed by the Capes of St Vincent and St Diego; the former in
+lat. 54 deg. 30', the latter in 54 deg. 40', both S. and long. 65 deg. 40' W.]
+
+Intending to pass through the straits of Le Maire next day, we lay to
+at night that we might not overshoot them, and took this opportunity
+to prepare ourselves for the tempestuous climate in which we were soon
+to be engaged, with which view we were employed good part of the night
+in bending an entire new suit of sails to the yards. At four next
+morning, being the 7th of March, we made sail, and at eight saw land,
+and soon after began to open the straits, at which time Cape St Diego
+bore E.S.E. Cape St Vincent S.E. 1/2 E. the middlemost of the Three
+Brothers, hills so called on Terra del Fuego S. by W. Montegorda, a
+high land up the country appearing over the Three Brothers; S. and
+Cape St Bartholomew, the southernmost point of Staten Land, E.S.E. I
+must observe here that, though Frezier has given a very correct view
+of that part of Terra del Fuego which borders on these straits to the
+westwards, he has omitted the draught of Staten Land, which forms
+the opposite shore of these straits, whence we found it difficult to
+determine exactly where the straits lay until they began to open upon
+our view; and hence, had we not coasted a considerable way along the
+shore of Terra del Fuego, we might have missed the straits, and have
+gone to the eastward of Staten Land before discovering it. This has
+happened to many ships; particularly, as mentioned by Frezier, to the
+Incarnation and Concord, which, intending to pass through the Straits
+of Le Maire, were deceived by three hills on Staten Land, and some
+creeks, resembling the Three Brothers and coves of Terra del Fuego, so
+that they overshot the straits.
+
+Though Terra del Fuego presented an aspect exceedingly barren and
+desolate, yet this island of Staten Land far surpasses it in the
+wildness and horror of its appearance, seeming to be entirely composed
+of inaccessible rocks, without the smallest apparent admixture of
+earth or mould, upon or between them. These rocks terminate in a vast
+number of rugged points, which spire up to a prodigious height,
+and are all covered with everlasting snow; their pointed summits or
+pinnacles being every way surrounded by frightful precipices, and
+often overhanging in a most astonishing manner. The hills which are
+crowned by the rugged rocks, are generally separated from each other
+by narrow clifts, appearing as if the country had been frequently rent
+by earthquakes; for these chasms are nearly perpendicular, and extend
+through the substance of the main rocks almost to their bases; so that
+nothing can be imagined more savage and gloomy than the whole aspect
+of this coast.
+
+Having opened the Straits of Le Maire on the morning of the 7th March,
+as before mentioned, the Pearl and Tryal, about ten o'clock,
+were ordered to keep a-head of the squadron and lead the way. We
+accordingly entered the straits with fair weather and a brisk gale,
+and were hurried through by the rapidity of the tide in about two
+hours, though they are between seven and eight leagues in length. As
+these straits are often esteemed the boundary between the Atlantic and
+Pacific oceans, and as we presumed that we had nothing now before us
+but an open sea, till we should arrive on the opulent coasts where all
+our hopes and wishes centered, we could not help flattering ourselves
+that the greatest difficulty of our voyage was now at an end, and
+that our most sanguine dreams were on the point of being realized. We
+indulged ourselves, therefore, in the romantic imaginations which
+the fancied possession of the gold of Chili and silver of Peru might
+readily be conceived to inspire. These joyous ideas were considerably
+heightened, by the brightness of the sky and serenity of the weather,
+which indeed were both most remarkably delightful: For, though the
+antarctic winter was now advancing with hasty strides, the morning of
+this day, in mildness and even brilliancy, gave place to none that
+we had seen since our departure from England. Thus, animated by these
+flattering delusions, we passed those memorable straits, ignorant of
+the dreadful calamities then impending, and ready to burst upon us;
+ignorant that the moment was fast approaching when our squadron was to
+be separated, never again to unite; and that this day of our passage
+was the last cheerful day that the greatest part of us was ever to
+enjoy in this world.
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII.
+
+_Course from the Straits of Le Maire to Cape Noir._
+
+We had scarcely reached the southern extremity of the Straits of Le
+Maire, when our flattering hopes were almost instantly changed to the
+apprehension of immediate destruction. Even before the sternmost ships
+of the squadron were clear of the straits, the serenity of the sky was
+suddenly obscured, and we observed all the presages of an impending
+storm. The wind presently shifted to the southward, and blew in
+such violent squalls that we had to hand our top-sails and reef our
+main-sail; while the tide, which had hitherto favoured us, turned
+furiously adverse, and drove us to the eastward with prodigious
+rapidity, so that we were in great anxiety for the Wager and Anna
+pink, the two sternmost vessels, fearing they might be dashed to
+pieces upon the shore of Staten Land; nor were our apprehensions
+without foundation, as they weathered that coast with the utmost
+difficulty. Instead of pursuing our intended course to the S.W. the
+whole squadron was now drifted to the eastward, by the united force of
+the storm and current; so that next morning we found ourselves nearly
+seven leagues eastward of the straits, which then bore from us N.W.
+
+The violence of the current, which had set us with so much
+precipitation to the eastward, together with the fierceness and
+constancy of the westerly winds, soon taught us to consider the
+doubling of Cape Horn as an enterprize that might prove too mighty
+for all our efforts; though some among us had so lately treated the
+difficulties which former voyagers were said to have encountered in
+this undertaking as little better than chimerical, and had supposed
+them to have arisen from timidity and unskilfulness, rather than
+from the real embarrassments of the winds and seas. But we were now
+convinced, from severe experience, that these censures were rash and
+ill founded; for the distresses with which we struggled during the
+three succeeding months, will not be easily paralleled in the relation
+of any former naval expedition; which, I doubt not, will be readily
+allowed by those who shall carefully peruse the ensuing narration.
+
+From this storm, which came on before we were well clear of the
+straits of Le Maire, we had a continual succession of such tempestuous
+weather as surprised the oldest and most experienced mariners on
+board, and obliged them to confess, that what they had hitherto called
+storms were inconsiderable gales, when compared with those winds
+we now encountered; which raised such short, and at times such
+mountainous waves, as greatly surpassed in danger all seas known
+in other parts of the globe, and, not without reason, this unusual
+appearance filled us with continual terror; for, had any one of these
+waves broken fairly over us, it must almost inevitably have sent us
+instantly to the bottom. Neither did we escape with terror only:
+for the ship, rolling incessantly gunwale-to, gave us such quick and
+violent jerking motions, that the men were in perpetual danger of
+being dashed to pieces against the decks and sides of the ship; and,
+though we were extremely careful to secure ourselves against these
+shocks, by grasping some fixed body, yet many of our people were
+forced from their holds, some of whom were actually killed, and others
+greatly injured. In particular, one of our best seamen was canted
+overboard and drowned; another dislocated his neck; a third was thrown
+down the main hatchway into the hold and broke his thigh; one of our
+boatswain's mates broke his collar-bone twice; not to mention many
+other similar accidents.
+
+These tempests, so dreadful in themselves, though unattended by any
+other unfavourable circumstances, were yet rendered more mischievous
+to us by their inequality, and by the deceitful intervals that at
+times occurred; for, although we had often to lie-to for days together
+under a reefed mizen, and were frequently reduced to drive at the
+mercy of the winds and waves under bare poles, yet now and then we
+ventured to make sail under double-reefed courses; and occasionally,
+the weather proving more moderate, were perhaps encouraged to set our
+top-sails; after which, without any previous notice, the wind would
+return with redoubled force, and would in an instant tear our sails
+from the yards. And, that no circumstance might be wanting which could
+aggravate our distress, these blasts generally brought with them a
+great quantity of snow and sleet, which cased our rigging in ice, and
+froze our sails, rendering them and our cordage so brittle as to tear
+and snap with the least strain; adding thereby great difficulty and
+labour to the working of the ship, benumbing the hands and limbs of
+our people, and rendering them incapable of exerting themselves
+with their accustomed activity, and even disabling many of them, by
+inducing mortification of their toes and fingers. It were, indeed,
+endless to enumerate the various disasters of different kinds which
+befel us, and I shall only mention the most material, which will
+sufficiently evince; the calamitous condition of the whole squadron,
+during this part of our navigation.
+
+As already observed, it was on the 7th of March that we passed the
+Straits of Le Maire, and were immediately afterwards driven to the
+eastwards, by a violent storm, and by the force of the current setting
+in that direction. During the four or five succeeding days, we had
+hard gales of wind from the same western quarter, attended by a most
+prodigious swell; insomuch that, although we stood all that time
+towards the S.W. we had no reason to imagine we had made any way to
+the westwards. In this interval we had frequent squalls of rain and
+snow, and shipped great quantities of water. After this, for three
+or four days, though the sea ran mountains high, yet the weather was
+rather more moderate; but, on the 18th; we had again strong gales of
+wind with excessive cold, and at midnight the main top-sail split, and
+one of the straps of the main dead-eyes broke. From the 18th to the
+23d the weather was more moderate, though, often intermixed with rain
+and sleet and some hard gales; but, as the waves did not subside,
+the ship, by labouring sore in this lofty sea, became so loose in her
+upper-works that she let in water at every seam, so that every part of
+her within board was constantly exposed to the sea-water, and scarcely
+any even of the officers ever lay dry in their beds. Indeed, hardly
+did two nights pass without many of them being driven from their beds
+by deluges of water.
+
+On the 23d we had a most violent storm of wind, hail, and rain, with a
+prodigious sea; and, though we handed the main-sail before the height
+of the squall, yet we found the yard spring; and soon after, in
+consequence of the foot-rope of the main-sail breaking, the main-sail
+itself split instantly into rags, and much the greater part of it
+was blown away, in spite of every endeavour to save it. On this the
+commodore made the signal for the squadron to bring to; and as
+the storm lulled into a calm, we had an opportunity to lower the
+main-yard, and set the carpenters to work upon it, while we also
+repaired our rigging; after which, having bent a new main-sail, we got
+again under way with a moderate breeze. But, in less than twenty-four
+hours, we had another storm, still more furious than the former, which
+blew a perfect hurricane, and obliged us to lie-to under bare poles.
+As our ship kept the wind better than any of the rest, we were obliged
+in the afternoon to wear, in order to join the squadron to leeward, as
+otherwise we had been in danger of parting from them in the night. On
+this occasion, as we dared not venture to show any sail to the gale,
+we had to use an expedient, which answered the purpose: This was
+putting the helm a-weather and manning the fore-shrouds: But, though
+this answered the end in view, yet in its execution one of our ablest
+seamen was canted overboard. Notwithstanding the prodigious agitation
+of the waves, we could perceive that he swam very vigorously, yet we
+found ourselves, to our excessive concern, incapable of giving him the
+smallest assistance; and were the more grieved at his unhappy fate, as
+we lost sight of him struggling with the waves, and conceived that
+he might continue long sensible of the horror of his irretrievable
+situation.
+
+Before this storm was quite abated, we found that two of our
+main-shrouds and one of our mizen-shrouds were broken, all of which
+we knotted and replaced immediately. After this we had an interval of
+three or four days less tempestuous than usual, but accompanied by so
+thick a fog, that we had to fire guns almost every half hour to keep
+our squadron together. On the 31st we were alarmed by a gun from the
+Gloucester, and a signal to speak the commodore. We immediately bore
+down to her, prepared to learn some terrible disaster, of which we
+were apprised before we came down, by seeing that her main-yard was
+broken in the slings. This was a grievous misfortune to us all, at
+this juncture, as it was evident that it must prove a hinderance to
+our sailing, and would detain us the longer in these inhospitable
+latitudes. Our future safety and success was not to be promoted by
+repining, but by resolution and activity; and therefore, that this
+unhappy incident might delay us as short as possible, the commodore
+ordered several carpenters to be put on board the Gloucester from the
+other ships of the squadron, in order to repair her damage with
+the utmost expedition. At this time also, the captain of the Tryal
+represented that his pumps were so bad, and his ship made so much
+water, that he was scarcely able to keep her free; wherefore the
+commodore ordered him a pump, ready fitted, from the Centurion. It was
+very fortunate, both for the Gloucester and Tryal, that the weather
+proved more favourable that day, than for many days both before and
+after; since by this means they were enabled to receive the assistance
+which seemed so essential for their preservation, and which they
+could scarcely have procured at any other time, as it would have been
+extremely hazardous to have ventured a boat on board.
+
+Next day, being the 1st of April, the weather returned to its
+customary bias; the sky looking dark and gloomy, and the wind
+beginning to freshen and to blow in squalls; yet it was not so
+boisterous as to prevent us carrying our top-sails close reefed,
+but its appearance evidently prognosticated that a still more severe
+tempest was at hand. Accordingly, on the 3d of April, there came on a
+storm, which, both in its violence and duration, for it lasted three
+days, exceeded all we had hitherto experienced. In its first onset,
+we received a furious shock from a sea, which broke upon our larboard
+quarter, where it stove in the quarter gallery, and rushed into the
+ship like a deluge. Our rigging suffered also extremely from the blow;
+among the rest, one of the straps of the main dead-eyes was broken, as
+were likewise a main shroud and a puttock shroud; so that, to ease the
+stress upon the masts and shrouds, we had to lower both our main and
+fore yards, and to furl all our sails. We lay in this posture for
+three days, when, the storm somewhat abating, we ventured to make sail
+under our courses only. Even this would not avail us long; for
+next day, being the 7th, we had another hard gale, accompanied with
+lightning and rain, which obliged as to lie-to all night.
+
+It was really wonderful, notwithstanding the severe weather we
+endured, that no extraordinary accident had happened to any of the
+squadron since the Gloucester broke her main-yard. But this good
+fortune now no longer attended us, for, at three next morning, several
+guns were fired to leeward as signals of distress, on which the
+commodore made the signal for the squadron to bring to. At day-break
+we saw the Wager a considerable way to leeward of any of the other
+ships, and soon perceived that she had lost her mizen-mast, and main
+topsail-yard. We immediately bore down towards her, and found that
+this disaster had arisen from the badness of her iron-work, as all the
+chain plates to windward had given way, in consequence of her having
+fetched a deep roll. This accident proved the more unfortunate for the
+Wager, as her captain had been on board the Gloucester ever since
+the 31st March, and the weather was now too severe to permit of his
+return. Nor was the Wager the only ship in the squadron that suffered
+in this tempest; for next day, a signal of distress was made by the
+Anna pink, and on speaking her, we found she had broken her fore-stay
+and the gammon of her boltsprit, and was in no small danger of all her
+masts coming by the board; so that the whole squadron had to bear away
+to leeward till she made all fast, after which we again hauled upon a
+wind.
+
+After all our solicitude, and the numerous ills of every kind, to
+which we had been incessantly exposed for near forty days, we now
+had great consolation in the hope that our fatigues were drawing to
+a close, and that we should soon arrive in a more hospitable
+climate, where we should be amply rewarded for all our past toils and
+sufferings; for, towards the latter end of March, by our reckoning, we
+had advanced near ten degrees to the west of the westermost point
+of Terra del Fuego; and, as this allowance was double what former
+navigators had thought necessary to compensate the drift of the
+western current, we esteemed ourselves to be well advanced within
+the limits of the Southern Pacific, and had been, ever since then,
+standing to the northward, with as much expedition as the turbulence
+of the weather and our frequent disasters would permit. On the 13th of
+April, in addition to our before-mentioned westing, we were only one
+degree of latitude to the southward of the western entrance into the
+Straits of Magellan, so that we fully expected in a very few days to
+experience the celebrated tranquillity of the Pacific Ocean. But these
+were only delusions, which served to render our disappointment more
+terrible. On the morning of the 14th, between two and three o'clock,
+the weather, which till then had been hazy, fortunately cleared up,
+and the pink made a signal for seeing the land right a-head; and, as
+it was only two miles distant, we were all under the most dreadful
+apprehensions of running on shore; which, had either the wind blown
+from its usual quarter, with its wonted violence, or had not the moon
+suddenly shone out, not a ship of the whole squadron could possibly
+have avoided. But the wind, which some hours before blew in squalls
+from the S.W. had fortunately shifted to W.N.W. by which we were
+enabled to stand to the southward, and to clear ourselves of this
+sudden and unexpected danger, and were fortunate enough by noon to
+have gained an offing of near twenty leagues.
+
+By the latitude of this land we fell in with, it was agreed to be that
+part of Terra del Fuego, near the south-western outlet of the Straits
+of Magellan, described in Frezier's chart, and was supposed to be that
+point which he calls Cape Noir.[1] It was indeed wonderful that the
+current should have driven us to the eastward with so much strength,
+for the whole squadron computed that we were ten degrees to the
+westward of this land; so that in turning, by our reckoning, about
+nineteen degrees of longitude, we had not in reality advanced half
+that distance: And now, instead of having our labours and anxieties
+relieved by approaching a warmer climate, and more tranquil seas, we
+were forced again to steer southwards, and had again to combat those
+western blasts which had already so often terrified us; and this
+too, when we were greatly enfeebled by our men falling sick and dying
+apace, and when our spirits, dejected by long continuance at sea
+and by this severe disappointment, were now much less capable of
+supporting us through the various difficulties and dangers, which we
+could not but look for in this new and arduous undertaking. Added to
+all this, we were sore discouraged by the diminution in the strength
+of the squadron; for, three days before this, we had lost sight of the
+Severn and Pearl in the morning, and, though we spread our ships, and
+beat about for them for some time, we never saw them more; whence we
+apprehended that they also had fallen in with this land in the night,
+and being less favoured by the wind and the moon, might have perished
+by running on shore. Full of these desponding thoughts and
+gloomy presages, we stood away to the S.W. prepared, by our late
+disappointment, how large an allowance soever we made in our westing
+for the drift of the current from the westward, that we might still
+find it insufficient upon a second trial.
+
+[Footnote 1: Cape Noir, is a small island off the western coast of
+Terra del Fuego, is in lat. 54 deg. 28' S. long, 78 deg. 40' W.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Observations and Directions for facilitating the Passage of future
+Navigators round Cape Horn._
+
+The improper season of the year in which we attempted to double Cape
+Horn, and to which is to be imputed the before-recited disappointment,
+in falling in with Terra del Fuego, when we reckoned ourselves above
+an hundred leagues to the westward of that coast, and consequently
+well advanced into the Pacific Ocean, to which we were necessitated by
+our too late departure from England, was the fatal source of all the
+misfortunes we afterwards experienced. For, from hence proceeded the
+separation of our ships, the destruction of so many of our people, the
+ruin of our project against Baldivia, and of all our other views on
+the Spanish settlements, and the reduction of our squadron, from the
+formidable condition in which it passed the Straits of Le Maire, to a
+couple of shattered half-manned cruizers and a sloop, so exceedingly
+disabled that, in many climates, they scarcely durst have put to
+sea. To prevent, therefore, as much as in me lies, the recurrence of
+similar calamities to all ships bound hereafter to the South Seas,
+I think it my duty to insert in this place such observations and
+directions, as either my own experience and reflection, or the
+conversation of the most skilful navigators on board the squadron,
+could furnish me with, as to the most eligible manner of doubling Cape
+Horn, whether in regard to the season of the year, the course proper
+to be steered, or the places of refreshment both on the eastern and
+western sides of South America.
+
+To begin with the proper place for refreshment on the eastern side of
+South America. For this purpose the island of St Catharines has been
+usually recommended by former writers, and on their authority we put
+in there; but the treatment we experienced, and the small store of
+refreshments we could procure their are sufficient reasons to render
+all ships very cautious in future how they trust to the government of
+Don Jose Sylva de Paz; for they may assuredly depend on having their
+strength, condition, and designs betrayed to the Spaniards, as far as
+the knowledge the governor can procure of these particulars may enable
+him. As this treacherous conduct was inspired by the views of private
+gain, in the illicit commerce carried on to the river Plate, rather
+than by any natural affection between the Portuguese and Spaniards,
+the same perfidy may perhaps be expected from most of the governors on
+the coast of Brazil, since these smuggling engagements are doubtless
+very general and extensive; and, though the governors themselves
+should detest so faithless a procedure, yet, as ships are perpetually
+passing from one or other of the Brazilian ports to the Rio Plata,
+the Spaniards could scarcely fail of receiving intelligence, by this
+means, of any British ships being on the coast; and, however imperfect
+such intelligence might be, it might prove injurious to the views and
+interests of cruizers thus discovered.
+
+As the Spanish trade in the South Seas is all in one direction, from
+north to south, or the direct reverse, with very little deviation
+to the eastward or westward, it is in the power, of two or three
+cruisers, properly stationed on different parts of this track, to
+possess themselves of every ship that puts to sea. This, however,
+can only be the case so long as they continue concealed from the
+neighbouring coast; for, the moment that an enemy is known to be in
+these seas, all navigation is prohibited, and all chance of capture
+is consequently at an end; as the Spaniards, well aware of these
+advantages to an enemy, send expresses all along the coast, and lay
+a general embargo on all trade; which measure they know will not
+only prevent their vessels from being taken, but must soon oblige
+all cruisers, that have not sufficient strength to attempt their
+settlements on shore, to quit these seas for want of provisions. Hence
+the great importance of carefully concealing all expeditions of this
+kind is quite evident; and hence too it is obvious how extremely
+prejudicial such intelligence must prove as that communicated by the
+Portuguese to the Spaniards in our case, in consequence of touching at
+the ports of Brazil. Yet it will often happen that ships, bound beyond
+Cape Horn, may be obliged to call there for wood, water, and other
+refreshments; in which case, St Catharines is the very last place I
+would recommend; both because the proper animals for a live stock at
+sea, as hogs, sheep, and fowls, are not to be procured there, for want
+of which we found ourselves greatly distressed, being reduced to live
+almost entirely on salt provisions; and because, from that port being
+nearer the Rio Plata than many others of the Portuguese settlements,
+the inducements and conveniences for betraying us to the Spaniards
+were so much the stronger. The place I would recommend is Rio Janeiro,
+where two of our squadron put in, after separating from us in passing
+Cape Horn. At this place, as I was informed by a gentleman on board
+one of these ships, any quantity of hogs and poultry can be procured;
+and as it is more distant from the Rio Plata, the difficulty of
+sending intelligence to the Spaniards is somewhat increased, and
+consequently the chance of continuing there undiscovered is so much
+the greater. Other measures, which may effectually obviate all these
+embarrassments, will be considered more at large hereafter.
+
+I proceed, in the next place, to consider of the proper measures to
+be pursued for doubling Cape Horn: And here, I think I am sufficiently
+authorized, by our own fatal experience, and by a careful comparison
+and examination of the journals of former navigators, to give the
+following advice, which ought never, in prudence, to be departed from:
+Which is, That all ships bound to the South Seas, instead of passing
+through the Straits of Le Maire, should constantly pass by the
+eastward of Staten-Land, and should be invariably bent on running as
+far as the latitude of 61 deg. or 62 deg. S. before they endeavour to stand to
+the westwards; and ought then to make sure of a sufficient westing
+in or about that latitude, before commencing a northern course. But,
+since directions diametrically opposite to these have been formerly
+given by other writers, it is incumbent on me to produce my reasons
+for each part of this maxim.
+
+First then, as to the propriety of passing to the eastward of
+Staten-Land. Those who have attended to the risk we ran in passing
+the Straits of Le Maire, the danger we were in of being driven upon
+Staten-Land by the current, when, though we happily escaped being
+driven on shore, we were yet carried to the eastward of that island:
+those, I say, who reflect on this and the like accidents which have
+happened to other ships, will surely not esteem it prudent to
+pass through these straits and run the risk of shipwreck, and find
+themselves, after all, no farther to the westward, the only reason
+hitherto given for this practice, than they might have been, in the
+same time, by a more secure navigation in an open sea. And next, as
+to the directions I have given for running into the latitude of 61 deg.
+or 62 deg. S. before any endeavour is made to stand to the westward. The
+reasons for this precept are, that, in all probability, the violence
+of the current setting from the westward will be thereby avoided,
+and the weather will prove less tempestuous and uncertain. This
+last circumstance we experienced most remarkably; for after we had
+unexpectedly fallen in with the land at Cape Noir, we stood away
+southward to get clear of it; and were no sooner advanced into the
+lat. of 60 deg. S. or upwards, than we met with much better weather and
+smoother water than in any other part of this whole passage. The air
+indeed was very sharp and cold, and we had strong gales, but they were
+steady and uniform, and we had at the same time sunshine and a clear
+sky: whereas in the lower latitudes, the wind every now and then
+intermitted, as it were, to recover new strength, and then returned
+suddenly in the most violent gusts, threatening at every blast to blow
+away our masts, which must have proved our inevitable destruction.
+
+Also, that the currents in this high latitude would be of much
+less efficacy than nearer the land, seems to be evinced by these
+considerations: That all currents run with greater violence near the
+shore than out at sea, and that at great distances from the land
+they are scarcely perceptible. The reason of this seems sufficiently
+obvious, if we consider that constant currents, in all probability,
+are produced by constant winds; the wind, though with a slow and
+imperceptible motion, driving a large body of water continually before
+it, which, being accumulated on any coast that it meets with in its
+course, must escape along the shore by the endeavours of the surface
+to reduce itself to the level of the rest of the ocean. It is likewise
+reasonable to suppose, that those violent gusts of wind which we
+experienced near the shore, so very different from what we found in
+the lat. of 60 deg. S. and upwards, may be owing to a similar cause; for a
+westerly wind almost perpetually prevails in the southern part of
+the Pacific Ocean, and this current of air being interrupted by the
+enormously high range of the Andes, and by the mountains on Terra del
+Fuego, which together bar up the whole country as far south as Cape
+Horn, a part only of the wind can force its way over the top of
+these prodigious precipices, while the rest must naturally follow the
+direction of the coast, and must range down the land to the southward,
+and sweep with an impetuous and irregular blast round Cape Horn, and
+the southermost part of Terra del Fuego. Without placing too
+much reliance on these speculations, we may assume, I believe, as
+incontestable facts, that both the rapidity of the currents, and the
+violence of the western gales, are less sensible in lat. 61 deg. or 62 deg. S.
+than nearer the coasts of Terra del Fuego.
+
+Though satisfied, both from our own experience and the relations of
+other navigators, of the importance of the precept here insisted on,
+of proceeding to lat. 61 deg. or 62 deg. S. before any endeavours are made to
+stand to the westwards, yet I would also advise all ships hereafter
+not to trust so far to this management as to neglect another most
+essential maxim: Which is, to make this passage in the height of the
+_antarctic summer_, or, in other words, in the months of December and
+January, which correspond exactly to the months of June and July in
+our northern or arctic hemisphere: and the more distant the time
+of passing may be from this season, so much the more disastrous the
+passage may reasonably be expected to prove. Indeed, if the mere
+violence of the western winds be considered, the time of our passage,
+which was about the antarctic autumnal equinox, was perhaps the most
+favourable period of the whole year. But then it must be considered
+that there are, independent of the winds, many other inconveniences to
+be apprehended in the depth of winter, which are almost insuperable.
+For, at that season, the severity of the cold, and the shortness of
+the days, would render it impracticable to run so far to the southward
+as is here recommended. The same reasons would also greatly augment
+the danger and alarm of sailing, at that season, in the neighbourhood
+of an unknown shore, dreadful in its appearance, even in the midst of
+summer, and would render a winter navigation on this coast, beyond all
+others, most dismaying and terrible. As I would, therefore, advise all
+ships to make their passage, if possible, in December and January,
+so I would warn them never to attempt doubling Cape Horn, from the
+eastward, after the month of March, which is equivalent to our August.
+As to the remaining consideration, in regard to the most proper place
+for cruizers to refit at, on their first arrival in the South Seas,
+there is scarcely any choice, the island of Juan Fernandez being the
+only place that can be prudently recommended for that purpose. For,
+although there are many ports on the western side of Patagonia,
+between the Straits of Magellan, one of which I shall particularly
+notice in the sequel, in which ships may ride in great safety, and may
+also recruit their wood and water, and procure some few refreshments,
+yet that coast is in itself so extremely dangerous, owing to its
+numerous rocks and breakers, and to the violence of the western winds,
+which blow upon it continually, that it is by no means advisable
+to fall in with that coast, at least till the roads, channels, and
+anchorages in each part of it have been accurately surveyed, and both
+the perils and shelters with which it abounds are more distinctly
+known.
+
+Having thus given the best directions in my power, for the success of
+our cruizers that may be hereafter bound to the South Seas, it might
+be expected that I should now resume the narrative of our voyage. Yet
+as, both in the preceding and subsequent parts of this work, I have
+thought it my duty not only to recite all such facts, and to inculcate
+such maxims, as had even the least appearance of proving beneficial to
+future navigators, and also to recommend such measures to the public
+as seemed adapted to promote the same laudable purpose, I cannot
+desist from the present subject without beseeching those persons to
+whom the conduct of our naval affairs is confided, to endeavour
+to remove the many perplexities and embarrassments with which the
+navigation to the South Sea is at present encumbered. An effort of
+this kind could not fail of proving highly honourable to themselves,
+and extremely beneficial to their country; for it is sufficiently
+evident, that whatever improvements navigation shall receive, either
+by the invention of methods by which its practice may be rendered less
+hazardous, or by the more accurate delineation of the coasts, roads,
+and harbours already known, or by the discovery of new countries and
+nations, or of new species and sources of commerce, the advantages
+thence arising must ultimately redound to the emolument of Great
+Britain. Since, as our fleets are at present superior to those of the
+whole world united, it must be a matchless degree of supineness or
+meanness of spirit, if we permit any of the advantages deriveable from
+new discoveries, or from a more extended navigation, to be ravished
+from us.
+
+Since it appears, from what has been already said, that all our future
+expeditions to the South Seas must run a considerable risk of proving
+abortive, while we remain under the necessity of touching at Brazil
+in our passage thither, the discovery of some place more to the
+southward, where ships might refresh, and supply themselves with the
+necessary sea stock for their passage round Cape Horn, would relieve
+us from this embarrassment, and would surely be a matter worthy of
+the attention of the public. Neither does this seem difficult to be
+effected, as we already have an imperfect knowledge of two places,
+which might perhaps prove, on examination, extremely convenient for
+this purpose. One of these is Pepy's Island, in the latitude of 47 deg.
+S. and laid down by Dr Bailey about eighty leagues to the eastward
+of Cape Blanco, on the coast of Patagonia.[1] The other is Falkland's
+Islands, in lat. 51 deg. 30' S.[2] nearly south of Pepy's Island.
+
+[Footnote 1: Isla Grande, supposed to be the Pepy's Island discovered
+by Cowley, is in lat. 46 deg. 34' S. and is placed by Mr Dalrymple in
+long. 46 deg. 40' W. while the illustrious navigator Cook makes its long.
+35 deg. 40' W. a difference of longitude of no less than eleven degrees.]
+
+[Footnote 2: The centre of Falkland's Islands is in 51 deg. 45' S.
+Janson's Islands, the most north-westerly of the group, or the
+Sebaldines, is in 51 deg.; and Beauchene's Isle, the most southerly, in
+53 deg. S.--E.]
+
+The first of these was discovered by Captain Cowley in 1683, during
+his voyage round the world, and is represented by that navigator as a
+commodious place for ships to wood and water at, being provided with a
+good and capacious harbour, where a thousand sail of ships might ride
+at anchor in great safety, being also the resort of vast numbers of
+fowls; and as its shores consist of either rocks or sands, it seems
+to promise great plenty of fish. Falkland's Islands have been seen by
+many navigators, both French and English. It is laid down by Frezier,
+in his chart of the extremity of South America, under the name of
+the New Islands. Woods Rogers, who ran along the N.E. coasts of these
+islands in 1708, says they extend about two degrees in length,[3] and
+appeared with gentle descents from hill to hill, seeming to be good
+ground, interspersed with woods, and not destitute of harbours.
+
+[Footnote 3: The west extremity of this group is in long. 62 deg. W. and
+the east extremity in 56 deg. 43' W. so that their extent is 5 deg. 12' in
+difference of longitude.--E.]
+
+Either of these places, being islands at a considerable distance from
+the continent, may be supposed, from their latitude, to be situated
+in a sufficiently temperate climate. They are both, it is true, too
+little known at present to be recommended as the most eligible
+places of refreshment for ships bound to the South Seas: But, if the
+admiralty should think proper to order them to be surveyed, which
+might be done at a very small expence, by a vessel fitted out on
+purpose; and if, on examination, either one or both should appear
+proper for serving the end in view, it is scarcely possible to
+conceive how exceedingly important so convenient a station might
+prove, so far to the southward, and so near Cape Horn. The Duke and
+Duchess of Bristol, under Woods Rogers, were only thirty-five days
+from losing sight of Falkland's Islands to their arrival at Juan
+Fernandez, in the South Sea; and, as the return back is much
+facilitated by the western winds, a voyage might doubtless be made
+from Falkland's Islands to Juan Fernandez and back again in little
+more than two months. Even in time of peace, this station might be of
+great consequence to the nation; and in time of war, would render us
+masters of those seas.
+
+As all discoveries of this kind, though extremely honourable to
+those who direct and promote them, may yet be carried on at an
+inconsiderable expence, since small vessels are much the most proper
+to be employed in this service, it were greatly to be wished that
+the whole coasts of Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, and Staten-Land, were
+carefully surveyed, and the numerous channels, roads, harbours, and
+islands, in which they abound, accurately examined, described, and
+represented. This might open to us vast facilities for passing into
+the South Seas, such as hitherto we have no knowledge of, and would
+render the whole of that southern navigation greatly more secure than
+it is at present: Particularly as exact draughts of the western coast
+of Patagonia, from the Straits of Magellan to the Spanish settlements,
+might furnish us with better and more convenient ports for
+refreshment, and better situated, both for the purposes of war and
+commerce, than Juan Fernandez, as being above a fornight's sail nearer
+to Falkland's Islands.
+
+The discovery of this coast was formerly thought of so much
+importance, by reason of its neighbourhood to the _Araucos_ and other
+Indians of Chili, who are generally at war, or at least on ill
+terms, with the Spaniards, that, in the reign of Charles II. Sir John
+Narborough was purposely fitted out to survey the Straits of Magellan,
+the neighbouring coast of Patagonia, and the Spanish ports on that
+frontier, with directions, if possible, to procure some intercourse
+with the Chilese Indians, and to establish a commerce and lasting
+correspondence with them. His majesty's views, on this occasion, were
+not solely directed to the advantage he might hope to receive from an
+alliance with these savages, in restraining and intimidating the king
+of Spain, but he even conceived, independent of these considerations,
+that an immediate traffic with these Indians might prove highly
+advantageous to the nation; for it is well known that Chili, at its
+first discovery by the Spaniards, abounded in vast quantities of
+gold, much beyond what it has ever produced since it came into their
+possession. Hence it has been generally believed, that the richest
+mines are carefully concealed by the Indians, as well knowing that
+their discovery would excite in the Spaniards a greater thirst for
+conquest and tyranny, and would render their own independence more
+precarious. But, in regard to their commerce with the English, could
+that be established, these reasons would no longer influence them;
+since it would be in our power to supply them with arms and ammunition
+of all kinds, together with many other conveniences, which their
+intercourse with the Spaniards has taught them to relish. They would
+then, in all probability, open their mines, and gladly embrace a
+traffic of such mutual advantage to both nations: For their gold,
+instead of proving an incitement to enslave them, would then procure
+them weapons with which to assert their liberty, to chastise their
+tyranny, and to secure themselves for ever from falling under the
+Spanish yoke; while, with our assistance, and under our protection,
+they might become a considerable people, and might secure to us that
+wealth, which was formerly most mischievously lavished by the house of
+Austria, and lately by the house of Bourbon, in pursuit of universal
+monarchy.
+
+It is true, that Sir John Narborough did not succeed in opening this
+commerce, which promised, in appearance, so many advantages to
+the nation: But his disappointment was merely accidental; and his
+transactions on that coast, besides the many advantages he furnished
+to geography and navigation, are rather an encouragement for future
+trials of this kind, than any objection against them. His principal
+misfortune was in losing a small bark that accompanied him, and having
+some of his people trepanned at Baldivia. It even appeared, by the
+fears and precautions of the Spaniards, that they were fully convinced
+of the practicability of the scheme he was sent to execute, and were
+extremely alarmed with apprehensions for its consequences. It is
+said that Charles II. was so far prepossessed with the belief of the
+advantages that might redound to the public from this expedition, and
+was so eager to be informed of the event, on receiving intelligence of
+Sir John Narborough passing through the Downs on his return, that he
+had not patience to wait till his arrival at court, but went himself
+in his barge to meet him at Gravesend.
+
+The two most famous charts hitherto published, [i.e. in 1745,] of
+the southern parts of South America, are those of Dr Halley, in his
+General Chart of the Magnetic Variation, and of Frezier, in his Voyage
+to the South Seas. Besides these, there is a chart of the Straits of
+Magellan and some parts of the adjacent coast, by Sir John Narborough,
+which is doubtless infinitely more exact in that part than Frezier's,
+and even in some parts superior to Halley's, particularly in regard to
+the longitudes of different places in these straits. We were in some
+measure capable of correcting, by our own observations, the coast from
+Cape Blanco to Terra del Fuego, and thence to the Straits of Le
+Maire, as we ranged along that coast, generally in sight of land. The
+position of the land to the northward of the Straits of Magellan, on
+the western side of Patagonia, is doubtless laid down very imperfectly
+in our charts; and yet I believe it to be much nearer the truth than
+any hitherto published; as it was drawn from the information of some
+of the crew of the Wager, which was shipwrecked on that coast; and
+as it pretty nearly agrees with what I have seen in some Spanish
+manuscripts. The channel, called Whale Sound, dividing Terra del
+Fuego, towards the western extremity of the Straits of Magellan, was
+represented by Frezier; but Sir Francis Drake, who first discovered
+Cape Horn, and the south-west parts of Terra del Fuego, observed that
+the whole coast was indented by a great number of inlets, all of which
+he conceived to communicate with the Straits of Magellan: And I do
+not doubt, when this country shall be thoroughly examined, that this
+conjecture will be verified, and that Terra del Fuego will be found to
+consist of several islands.
+
+I must not omit warning all future navigators against relying on the
+longitude of the Straits of Le Maire, or of any part of that coast,
+as laid down by Frezier; the whole being from eight to ten degrees
+too far to the eastward, if any faith can be given to the concurrent
+evidences of a great number of journals, verified, in some
+particulars, by astronomical observations. For instance, Sir John
+Narborough places Cape Virgin Mary in long. 65 deg. 42' W. from the
+Lizard, or about 71 deg. 20' from London. The ships of our squadron,
+taking their departure from St Catharines, where the longitude was
+rectified by an observation of an eclipse of the moon, found Cape
+Virgin Mary to be from 70 deg. 15' to 72 deg. 30' W. from London, according to
+their different reckonings; and, as there were no circumstances in
+our run that could Tender it considerably erroneous, it cannot be
+estimated in less than 71 deg. W. from London;[4] whereas Frezier makes
+it only 66 deg. W. from Paris, which is little more than 63 deg. from London.
+Again, our squadron found the difference of longitude between Cape
+Virgin Mary and the Straits of Le Maire to be not more than 2 deg. 30',
+while Frezier makes the difference nearly 4 deg.,[5] by which he enlarged
+the coast, from the Straits of Magellan to the Straits of Le Maire, to
+near double its real extent.[6]
+
+[Footnote 4: Only 67 deg. 40' W. from Greenwich.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The Straits of Le Maire are in long. 65 deg. 30' W. so that
+the difference is 2 deg. 10'.]
+
+[Footnote 6: Some farther critical observations on the geographical
+positions, as laid down by Frezier, Sir John Narborough, and Dr
+Halley, are here omitted, as tending to no use or information; these
+things having been since ascertained with much more accuracy.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Course from Cape Noir to the Island of Juan Fernandez._
+
+After the mortifying disappointment of falling in with the coast of
+Terra del Fuego, at Cape Noir, when we reckoned ourselves ten degrees
+to the westward of it, as formerly mentioned to have happened on the
+14th of April, we stood away to the S.W. till the 22d of that month,
+when we were in upwards of 60 deg. S. and, by our reckoning, 6 deg. westwards
+of Cape Noir. In this run, we had a series of as favourable weather
+as could well be expected in that part of the world, even in a
+better season of the year; so that this interval, setting aside our
+disquietudes on various accounts, was by far the most eligible of any
+we had enjoyed since passing the Straits of Le Maire. This moderate
+weather continued, with little variation, till the evening of the
+24th, when the wind began to blow fresh, and soon increased to a
+prodigious storm. About midnight, the weather being very thick, we
+lost sight of the other ships of the squadron, which had hitherto
+kept us company, notwithstanding the violence of the preceding
+storms. Neither was this our sole misfortune, for next morning, while
+endeavouring to hand the top-sails, the clew-lines and bunt-lines
+broke, and the sheets being half flown, every seam in the top-sails
+was soon split from top to bottom. The main top-sail shook so
+violently in the wind, that it carried away the top lanthorn, and
+even endangered the head of the mast. At length, however, some of the
+boldest of our men ventured upon the yard, and cut the sail away close
+to the reefs, with the utmost hazard of their lives. At the same time,
+the fore top-sail beat about the yard with so much fury, that it was
+soon blown to pieces. The main-sail also blew loose, which obliged
+us to lower down the yard to secure the sail; and the fore-yard also
+being lowered, we lay-to under a mizen. In this storm, besides the
+loss of our top-sails, we had much of our rigging broken, and lost a
+main studding-sail boom out of the chains.
+
+The weather became more moderate on the 25th at noon, which enabled us
+to sway up our yards, and to repair our shattered rigging in the
+best manner we could; but still we had no sight of the rest of our
+squadron, neither did any of them rejoin us till after our arrival
+at Juan Fernandez; nor, as we afterwards learnt, did any two of them
+continue in company together. This total, and almost instantaneous
+separation was the more wonderful, as we had hitherto kept together
+for seven weeks, through all the reiterated tempests of this turbulent
+climate. It must be owned, indeed, that we had hence room to expect
+we might make our passage in a shorter time than if we had continued
+together, because we could now make the best of our way, without being
+retarded by the misfortunes of the other ships; but then we had the
+melancholy reflection, that we were thereby deprived of the assistance
+of others, and our safety depended solely on our single ship; so that,
+if a plank started, or any other important accident occurred, we must
+all irrecoverably perish. Or, should we happen to be driven on shore,
+we had the uncomfortable prospect of ending our days on some desolate
+coast, without any reasonable hope of ever getting off again; whereas,
+with another ship in company, all these calamities are much less
+formidable, as in every kind of danger there would always be some
+probability that one ship at least might escape, and be capable of
+preserving or relieving the crew of the other.
+
+During the remainder of April, we had generally hard gales, though
+every day, since the 22d, edging to the northward. On the last day
+of the month, however, we flattered ourselves with the expectation of
+soon terminating our sufferings, as we then found ourselves in lat.
+52 deg. 13' S. which, being to the northward of the Straits of Magellan,
+we were now assured that we had completed our passage, and were
+arrived on the confines of the South Sea: And, as this ocean is
+denominated the _Pacific_, from the equability of the seasons said to
+prevail there, and the facility and security with which navigation is
+there carried on, we doubted not that we should be speedily cheered
+with the moderate gales, the smooth water, and the temperate air, for
+which that portion of the globe is so renowned. Under the influence of
+these pleasing circumstances, we hoped to experience some compensation
+for the complicated sufferings, which had so constantly beset us for
+the last eight weeks. Yet here we were again miserably disappointed;
+for, in the succeeding month of May, our sufferings rose even to a
+much higher pitch than they had ever yet done, whether we consider the
+violence of the storms, the shattering of our sails and rigging, or
+the diminution and weakening of our crew by deaths and sickness, and
+the even threatening prospect of our utter destruction. All this will
+be sufficiently evident, from the following circumstantial recital of
+our diversified misfortunes.
+
+Soon after we had passed the Straits of Le Maire, the scurvy began
+to make its appearance among us, and our long continuance at sea, the
+fatigue we underwent, and the various disappointments we met with, had
+occasioned its spreading to such a degree, that there were but few on
+board, by the latter end of April, that were not afflicted with it in
+some degree; and in that month no less than forty-three died of it in
+the Centurion. Although we thought the distemper had then risen to
+an extraordinary height, and were willing to hope that its malignity
+might abate as we advanced to the northward, we yet found, on the
+contrary, that we lost near double that number in the month of May;
+and, as we did not get to land till the middle of June, the mortality
+went on increasing, and so prodigiously did the disease extend, that,
+after the loss of above 200 men, we could not muster at the last above
+six foremast-men in a watch that were capable of duty.
+
+This disease, so frequent in long voyages, and so particularly
+destructive to us, is surely the most singular and unaccountable of
+any that affects the human body. Its symptoms are innumerable and
+inconstant, and its progress and effects singularly irregular, for
+scarcely have any two persons complaints exactly resembling each
+other; and where there have been, some conformity in the symptoms,
+the order of their appearance has been totally different. Though
+it frequently puts on the form of many other diseases, and is not
+therefore to be described by any exclusive and infallible criterions,
+yet there are some symptoms which are more general than the rest, and
+of more frequent and constant occurrence, and which therefore deserve
+a more particular enumeration. These common appearances are large
+discoloured spots dispersed over the whole surface of the body,
+swelled legs, putrid gums, and, above all, an extraordinary
+lassitude of the whole body, especially after any exercise, however
+inconsiderable and this lassitude at last degenerates into a proneness
+to swoon, and even to die, on the least exertion of strength, or even
+on the least motion. This disease is usually attended, also, by a
+strange dejection of spirits, with shiverings, tremblings, and
+a disposition to be seized with the most dreadful terrors on the
+slightest accident. Indeed it was most remarkable, in all our
+reiterated experience of this malady, that whatever discouraged our
+people, or at any time damped their hopes, never failed to add new
+vigour to the distemper, for such usually killed those who were in the
+last stages of the disease, and confined those to their hammocks who
+were before capable of some kind of duty, so that it seemed as if
+alacrity of mind and sanguine hopes were no small preservatives from
+its fatal malignity.
+
+But it is not easy to complete the long roll of the various
+concomitants of this disease; for it often produced putrid fevers,
+pleurisies, jaundice, and violent rheumatic pains, and sometimes
+occasioned obstinate costiveness, which was generally attended with a
+difficulty of breathing, and this was esteemed the most deadly of
+all the scorbutic symptoms. At other times the whole body, but
+more especially the legs, were subject to ulcers of the worst kind,
+attended by rotten bones, and such a luxuriance of fungous flesh as
+yielded to no remedy. The most extraordinary circumstance, and which
+would scarcely be credible upon any single evidence, was, that the
+scars of wounds that had been healed for many years, were forced open
+again by this virulent distemper. There was a remarkable instance
+of this in the case of one of the invalid soldiers on board the
+Centurion, who had been wounded above fifty years before, at the
+battle of the Boyne; and though he was cured soon after, and had
+continued well for a great many years, yet, on being attacked by the
+scurvy, his wounds broke out afresh in the progress of the disease,
+and appeared as if they had never been healed. What is even still more
+extraordinary, the callus of a broken bone, which had been completely
+formed for a long time, was dissolved in the course of this disease,
+and the fracture seemed as if it had never been consolidated. The
+effects, indeed, of this disease, were in almost every instance
+wonderful, for many of our people, though confined to their hammocks,
+appeared to have no inconsiderable share of health, as they eat and
+drank heartily, were even cheerful, talking with much seeming vigour
+with a loud strong voice; and yet, on being in the least moved, though
+only from one part of the ship to another, and that too in their
+hammocks, they would instantly expire. Others, who have confided
+in their seeming strength, and have resolved to get out of their
+hammocks, have died before they could well reach the decks; neither
+was it uncommon for such as were able to walk the deck, and even to
+perform some kind of duty, to drop down dead in an instant, on any
+attempt to act with their utmost effort; many of our people having
+perished in this manner in the course of our voyage.
+
+We struggled under this terrible disease during the greatest part of
+the time of our beating round Cape Horn; and though it did not then
+rage with its utmost violence, yet we buried no less than forty-three
+men in the month of April, as formerly observed. We were still,
+however, in hopes of seeing a period to this cruel malady, and to all
+the other evils which had so constantly pursued us, when we should
+have secured our passage round the Cape: but we found, to our
+heavy misfortune, that the (so-called) Pacific Ocean was to us less
+hospitable even than the turbulent neighbourhood of Terra del Fuego
+and Cape Horn. On the 8th of May, being arrived of the island of
+Socoro, on the western coast of Patagonia, [in lat. 44 deg. 50' S. long.
+73 deg. 45' W.] the first rendezvous appointed for the squadron, and where
+we hoped to have met with some of our consorts, we cruized for them in
+that station several days. We were here not only disappointed in
+our expectations of meeting our friends, which induced the gloomy
+apprehensions of their having all perished, but were also perpetually
+alarmed with the fear of being driven on this coast, which appeared
+too craggy and irregular to give us the least prospect, in such a
+case, that any of us could possibly escape immediate destruction. The
+land, indeed, had a most tremendous aspect. The most distant part, far
+within the country, being the mountains of the Andes, or Cordelieras,
+was extremely high, and covered with snow; while the coast seemed
+quite rocky and barren, and the edge of the water skirted with
+precipices. In some places, indeed, we observed several deep bays
+running; into the land; but their entrances were generally blocked
+up by numbers of small islands; and though it was not improbable but
+there might be convenient shelter in some of the bays, and proper
+channels leading to them, yet, as we were utterly ignorant of the
+coast, had we been driven ashore by the westerly winds, which blew
+almost incessantly we could not well have avoided the loss both of the
+ship and of our lives.
+
+This continued peril which lasted above a fortnight, was greatly
+aggraved by the difficulties we found in working the ship; as the
+scurvy, by this time, had destroyed so great a number of our hands,
+and had in some degree infected almost the whole crew. Neither did
+we, as we hoped, find the winds less violent as we advanced to the
+northward; for we had often prodigious squalls of wind, which split
+our sails, greatly damaged our rigging, and endangered our masts.
+Indeed, during much the greatest part of the time we were upon this
+coast, the wind blew so hard that, in any other situation where we
+had sufficient sea-room, we should certainly have lain-to; but, in the
+present exigency, we were necessitated to carry both our courses and
+top-sails, in order to keep clear of this lee-shore. In one of these
+squalls, which was attended by several violent claps of thunder, a
+sudden flash of fire darted along our decks, which dividing, exploded
+with a report like that of several pistols, and wounded many of our
+men and officers, marking them in different parts of their bodies.
+This flame was attended by a strong, sulphurous stench, and was
+doubtless of the same nature with the larger and more violent flashes
+of lightning which then filled the air.
+
+It were endless to recite minutely the various disasters, fatigues,
+and terrors, which we encountered on this coast, all of which went
+on increasing till the 22d of May; at which time the fury of all the
+storms we had hitherto encountered seemed to have combined for our
+destruction. In this hurricane almost all our sails were split, and a
+great part of our standing rigging broken. About eight in the evening,
+an overgrown mountainous wave took us upon our star-board quarter, and
+gave us so prodigious a shock that several of our shrouds broke with
+the jerk, to the great danger of our masts giving way, and our ballast
+and stores were so strangely shifted, that the ship heeled afterwards
+two streaks to port. This was a most tremendous blow, and we were
+thrown into the utmost consternation, having the dismal apprehension
+of instantly foundering. Though the wind abated in a few hours, yet,
+having no sails left in a condition to bend to the yards, the ship
+laboured exceedingly in a hollow sea, rolling gunwale too, for want
+of sail to keep her steady, so that we every moment expected that our
+masts, now very slenderly supported, would have come by the board. We
+exerted ourselves, however, the best we could, to stirrup our shrouds,
+to reeve new lanyards, and to mend our sails: But, while these
+necessary operations were going on, we ran great risk of being driven
+ashore on the island of Chiloe, which was not far from us. In the
+midst of our peril, the wind happily shifted to the southward, and we
+steered off the land with the main-sail only; at which time the master
+and I undertook the management of the helm, while every one else,
+capable of acting, were busied in securing the masts, and bending the
+sails as fast as they could be repaired. This was the last effort of
+that stormy climate; for, in a day or two after, we got clear of the
+land, and found the weather more moderate than we had yet experienced
+since passing the Straits of Le Maire.
+
+Having now cruized in vain, for the other ships of the squadron,
+during more than a fortnight, it was resolved to take advantage of
+the present favourable weather, and the offing we had made from this
+terrible coast, and to make the best of our way for the island of
+Juan Fernandez. It is true that our next rendezvous was appointed off
+Baldivia; yet, as we had seen none of our companions at this first
+rendezvous, it was not to be supposed that any of them would be found
+at the second, and indeed we had the greatest reason to suspect that
+all but ourselves had perished. Besides, we were now reduced to so low
+a condition, that, instead of pretending to attack the settlements
+of the enemy, our utmost hopes could only suggest the possibility
+of saving the ship, and some part of the remaining crew, by a speedy
+arrival at Juan Fernandez; as that was the only place, in this part of
+the world, where there was any probability of recovering our sick or
+refitting our ship, and consequently our getting thither was the only
+chance we had left to avoid perishing at sea.
+
+Our deplorable situation allowing no room for deliberation, we stood
+for the island of Juan Fernandez; and, to save time, which was now
+extremely precious, as our men were dying by four, five, and six of
+a day, and likewise to avoid being again engaged on a lee shore, we
+resolved to endeavour to hit that island upon a meridian. On the 28th
+of May, being nearly in the parallel on which it is laid down, we had
+great expectations of seeing that island; but, not finding it in the
+position laid down in our charts, we began to fear that we had got too
+far to the westward; and therefore, though the commodore was strongly
+persuaded that he saw it in the morning of the 28th, yet his officers
+believing it to have been only a cloud, to which opinion the
+haziness of the weather gave some countenance, it was resolved, on
+consultation, to stand to the eastward in the parallel of the island;
+as, by this course, we should certainly fall in with the island, if we
+were already to the westward of it, or should at least make the main
+land of Chili, whence we could take a new departure, so as not to miss
+it a second time in running to the westward.
+
+Accordingly, on the 30th May, we had sight of the continent of Chili,
+distant about twelve or thirteen leagues, the land appearing very low
+and uneven, and quite white; what we saw being doubtless a part of the
+Cordilleras, which are always covered with snow. Though by this
+view of the land we ascertained our position, yet it gave us great
+uneasiness to find that we had so needlessly altered our course, when
+we had been, in all probability, just upon the point of making
+the island: For the mortality among us was now increased to a most
+frightful degree, and those who remained were utterly dispirited by
+this new disappointment, and the prospect of their longer continuance
+at sea. Our water, too, began to grow scarce, and a general dejection
+prevailed among us, which added much to the virulence of the disease,
+and destroyed numbers of our best men. To all these calamities, there
+was added this vexatious circumstance, after getting sight of the main
+land, that we were so much delayed by calms and contrary winds, while
+tacking westwards in quest of the island, that it took us nine days
+to regain the westing, which we ran down in two when standing to the
+eastward.
+
+In this desponding condition, and under these disheartening
+circumstances, we stood to the westward, with a crazy ship, a great
+scarcity of fresh water, and a crew so universally diseased, that
+there were not above ten foremast men in a watch capable of doing
+duty, and even some of these lame and unable to go aloft. At last, at
+day-break on the 9th of June, we discovered the long-wished-for island
+of Juan Fernandez. Owing to our suspecting ourselves to be to the
+westward of this island on the 28th of May, and in consequence of the
+delay occasioned by our standing in for the main and returning, we
+lost between seventy and eighty of our men, whom we had doubtless
+saved, if we had made the island on that day, which we could not
+have failed to do, if we had kept on our course only for a few hours
+longer.
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Arrival of the Centurion at Juan Fernandez, with a Description of
+that Island._
+
+As mentioned in the preceding section, we descried the island of
+Juan Fernandez at day-break on the 9th June, bearing N. by E. 1/2
+E. distant eleven or twelve leagues. Though on this first view it
+appeared very mountainous, ragged, and irregular, yet it was land,
+and the land we sought for, and was therefore a most agreeable sight:
+because here only we could hope to put a period to those terrible
+calamities with which we had so long struggled, which had already
+swept away above half of our crew, and which, had we continued only
+a few days longer at sea, must inevitably have completed our
+destruction. For we were now reduced to so helpless a condition, that,
+out of two hundred and odd men who remained alive, taking all our
+watches together, we could not muster hands now to work the ship on
+any emergency, even including the officers, the servants, and the
+boys.
+
+The wind being northerly when we first made the island, we kept plying
+to windward all that day, and the ensuing night, in order to get in
+with the land; and, while wearing ship in the middle watch, we had a
+melancholy instance of the almost incredible debility of our people;
+for the lieutenant could muster no more than two quarter-masters and
+six foremast men capable of working; so that, without the assistance
+of the officers, servants, and boys, it might have been impossible for
+us to have reached the island after we got sight of it; and even
+with their assistance, we were two hours in trimming the sails; to so
+wretched a condition were we reduced, in a sixty-gun ship, which had
+passed the Straits of Le Maire only three months before with between
+four and five hundred men, most of them then in health and vigour.
+
+In the afternoon of the 10th, we got under the lee of the island, and
+kept ranging along its coast at the distance of about two miles, in
+order to look out for the proper anchorage, which was described to
+be in a bay on its north side. Being now so near the shore, we could
+perceive that the broken craggy precipices, which had appeared so
+very unpromising from a distance, were far from barren, being in most
+places covered by woods; and that there were every where the finest
+vallies interspersed between them, cloathed with a most beautiful
+verdure, and watered by numerous streams and cascades, every valley of
+any extent being provided with its own rill; and we afterwards found
+that the water was constantly clear, and not inferior to any we had
+ever met with. The aspect of a country thus beautifully diversified
+would at any time have been extremely delightful; but, in our
+distressed situation, languishing as we were for the land and its
+vegetable productions, an indication constantly attending every stage
+of the sea-scurvy, it is scarcely credible with what eagerness and
+transport we viewed the shore, and with how much impatience we longed
+for the greens and other refreshments which were in sight. We were
+particularly anxious for the water, as we had been confined to a very
+sparing allowance for a considerable time, and had then only five
+tons remaining on board. Those only who have endured a long series of
+thirst, and who can readily recall the desire and agitation which
+even the ideas alone of springs and brooks have at that time raised
+in their minds, can judge of the emotion with which we viewed a large
+cascade of the purest water, which poured into the sea at a short
+distance from the ship, from a rock near a hundred feet high.
+Even those of the sick who were not in the very last stage of the
+distemper, though they had been long confined to their hammocks,
+exerted their small remains of strength, and crawled up to the deck,
+to feast their eyes with this reviving prospect.
+
+We thus coasted along the island, fully occupied in contemplating this
+enchanting landscape, which still improved as we proceeded. But at
+last the night closed upon us, before we could determine upon the
+proper bay in which to anchor. It was resolved, therefore, to keep in
+soundings all night, having then from sixty-four to seventy fathoms,
+and to send our boat next morning to discover the road. The current
+shifted, however, in the night, and set us so near the land that we
+were obliged to let go our best bower in fifty-six fathoms, not half
+a mile from shore. At four next morning, the cutter was dispatched,
+under our third-lieutenant, to find out the bay of which we were in
+search. The boat returned at noon, full of seals and grass; for though
+the island abounded with better vegetables, the boat's crew, during
+their short stay, had not met any other, and thought even this would
+be acceptable as a dainty, and indeed it was all speedily and eagerly
+devoured. The seals, too, were considered as fresh provision, but were
+not much admired, though they afterwards came into more repute; but we
+had taken a prodigious quantity of excellent fish during the absence
+of the boat, which rendered the seals less valuable at this time.
+
+The cutter had discovered the bay in which we intended to anchor,
+which was to the westward of our present station; and next morning,
+the weather proving favourable, we endeavoured to weigh, in order to
+proceed thither, mustering all the strength we could, obliging even
+the sick, who could hardly stand on their legs, to assist; yet the
+capstan was so weakly manned, that it was near four hours before we
+could heave the cable right up and down: after which, with our utmost
+efforts, though with many surges and some additional purchases to
+increase our strength, we found it utterly impossible to start the
+anchor out of the ground. At noon, however, as a fresh gale blew
+towards the bay, we were induced to set the sails, which fortunately
+tripped the anchor. We then steered along shore, till we came abreast
+of the point forming the eastern part of the bay: But on opening the
+bay, the wind, which had hitherto favoured us, chanced to shift, and
+blew from the bay in squalls; yet, by means of the head-way we had
+got, we luffed close in, till the anchor, which still hung at our bow,
+brought us up in fifty-six fathoms.
+
+Soon after we had thus got to anchor in the mouth of the bay, we
+discovered a sail making toward us, which we had no doubt was one
+of our squadron, and which, on a nearer approach, we found to be the
+Tryal sloop; whereupon, we immediately dispatched some of our hands
+to her assistance, by whose means she was brought to anchor between
+us and the land. We soon learnt that she had by no means been exempted
+from the same calamities by which we had been so severely afflicted;
+for Captain Saunders, her commander, waiting on the commodore,
+informed him, that he had buried thirty-four men out of his small
+complement, and those that remained alive were so universally
+afflicted with the scurvy, that only himself, his lieutenant, and
+three of the men were able to stand by the sails.
+
+It was on the 12th about noon that the Tryal came to anchor within us,
+when we carried our hawsers on board her, in order to warp our ship
+nearer the shore; but the wind coming off the land in violent gusts,
+prevented our mooring in the intended birth. Indeed our principal
+attention was now devoted to a business of rather more importance, as
+we were now anxiously employed in sending on shore materials to
+erect tents for the reception of the sick, who died rapidly on board.
+Doubtless the distemper was considerably augmented by the stench and
+filthiness in which they lay; for the number of the sick was so great,
+and so few of them could be spared from the necessary duty of the
+sails to look after them, that it was impossible to avoid a great
+relaxation in regard to cleanliness, so that the ship was extremely
+loathsome between decks. Notwithstanding our desire to free the sick
+from their present hateful situation, and their own extreme eagerness
+to get on shore, we had not hands enough to prepare the tents
+for their reception sooner than the 16th; but on that and the two
+following days we got them all on shore, to the number of an hundred
+and sixty-seven persons, besides twelve or fourteen who died in the
+boats on being exposed to the fresh air. The greatest part of our sick
+were so infirm, that we had to carry them out of the ship in their
+hammocks, and to convey them afterwards in the same manner from
+the water-side to the tents, over a stony beach. This was a work of
+considerable fatigue to the few who remained healthy; and therefore
+our commodore, according to his accustomed humanity, not only
+assisted in this himself, but obliged all his officers to give their
+helping-hand.
+
+The extreme weakness of our sick may be collected, in some measure,
+from the numbers that died after they got on shore. It has generally
+been found that the land, and the refreshments it affords, very
+soon produce recovery in most stages of the scurvy, and we flattered
+ourselves that those who had not perished on their first exposure to
+the open air, but had lived to be placed in the tents, would have
+been speedily restored to health and vigour. Yet to our great
+mortification, it was nearly twenty days after they landed, before
+the mortality entirely ceased, and for the first ten or twelve days we
+rarely buried less than six each day, and many of those who survived
+recovered by very slow and insensible degrees. Those, indeed, who had
+sufficient strength, at their first getting on shore, to creep out
+of the tents, and to crawl about, were soon relieved, and speedily
+recovered their health and strength: But, in the rest, the disease
+seemed to have attained a degree of inveteracy altogether without
+example.
+
+Before proceeding to any farther detail of our proceeding, I think it
+necessary to give a distinct account of this island of Juan Fernandez,
+including its situation, productions, and conveniences. We were well
+enabled to be minutely instructed in these particulars, during our
+three months stay at this island; and its advantages will merit a
+circumstantial description, as it is the only commodious place in
+these seas, where British cruizers can refresh and recover their men,
+after passing round Caps Horn, and where they may remain for some
+time without alarming the Spanish coast. Commodore Anson, indeed, was
+particularly industrious, in directing the roads and coasts of this
+island to be surveyed, and other observations of all kinds to be made;
+knowing, from his own experience, of how great benefit these materials
+might prove hereafter, to any British cruizers in these seas. For the
+uncertainty we were in of its position, and our standing in for
+the main on the 28th May, as formerly related, cost us the lives of
+between seventy and eighty of our men; from which fatal loss we might
+have been saved, had we possessed such an account of its situation as
+we could have fully depended upon.
+
+The island of Juan Fernandez is in lat. 33 deg. 40'S. [long. 77 deg. 30'
+W.] one hundred marine leagues or five degrees of longitude from
+the continent of Chili. It is said to have received its name from a
+Spaniard who formerly procured a grant of it, and resided there for
+some time with the view of forming a settlement, but abandoned it
+afterwards.[1] On approaching its northern side from the east, it
+appears a large congeries of lofty peaked mountains, the shore in
+most places being composed of high precipitous rocks, presenting three
+several bays, East bay, Cumberland bay, and West bay, the second only
+being of any extent, and is by far the best, in which we moored. The
+island itself is of an irregular triangular figure; one side of which,
+facing the N.E. contains these three bays. Its greatest extent is
+between four and five leagues, and its greatest breadth something
+less than two. The only safe anchorage is on the N.E. side, where, as
+already mentioned, are the three bays; the middlemost of which, named
+Cumberland bay, is the widest and deepest, and in all respects by much
+the best; for the other two, named East and West bays, are scarcely
+more than good landing places, where boats may conveniently put casks
+on shore for water. Cumberland bay is well secured to the southward,
+and is only exposed from the N. by W. to the E. by S. and as the
+northerly winds seldom blow in that climate, and never with any
+violence, the danger from that quarter is not worth attending to. This
+last-mentioned bay is by far the most commodious road in the island,
+and it is advisable for all ships to anchor on its western side,
+within little more than two cables length of the beach, where they may
+ride in forty fathoms, and be sheltered, in a great measure, from a
+large heavy sea which comes rolling in, whenever the wind blows from
+eastern or western quarters. It is expedient, however, to _cackle_ or
+arm the cables with an iron chain, or with good rounding, for five or
+six fathoms from the anchor, to secure them from being rubbed by the
+foulness of the ground.[2]
+
+[Footnote 1: In the original, the description given of this island
+refers to large engraved views, which could not be inserted in our
+octavo form, so as to be of the smallest utility.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 2: Cumberland bay is called _La Baya_ by the Spaniards, who
+seem now to have established a fort here. East bay is by them called
+_Puerta de Juan Fernandez_. There is yet a fourth bay, or small
+indentation of the coast, with a landing place and stream of water,
+named _Puerta Ingles_, or Sugar-loaf bay, between West bay and the
+north point of the island.--E.]
+
+I have already observed that a northerly wind, to which alone this bay
+is directly exposed, very seldom blew while we were there; and, as it
+was then winter, such may be supposed less frequent in other seasons.
+In those few instances when the wind was in that quarter, it did not
+blow with any great force, which might be owing to the high lands,
+south of the bay, giving a check to its force; for we had reason to
+believe that it blew with considerable force a few leagues out at
+sea, since it sometimes drove a prodigious sea before it into the bay,
+during which we rode forecastle in. Though the northerly winds are
+never to be apprehended in this bay, yet the southerly winds, which
+generally prevail here, frequently blow off the land in violent gusts
+and squalls, which seldom lasted, however, longer than two or
+three minutes. This seems to be owing to the high hills, in the
+neighbourhood of the bay, obstructing the southern gale; as the wind,
+collected by this means, at last forces its passage through the narrow
+vallies; which, like so many funnels, both facilitate its escape,
+and increase its violence. These frequent and sudden guests make it
+difficult for a ship to work in with the wind offshore, or to keep a
+clear hawse, when anchored.
+
+The northern part of this island is composed of high craggy hills,
+many of them inaccessible, though generally covered with trees. The
+soil of this part is loose and shallow, so that very large trees in
+the hills frequently perish for want of root, and are then easily
+overturned. This circumstance occasioned the death of one of our men,
+who, being on the hills in search of goats, caught hold of a tree
+upon a declivity to assist him in his ascent, and this giving way, he
+rolled down the hill; and though, in his fall, he fastened on another
+tree of considerable bulk, this also gave way, and he fell among the
+rocks, where he was dashed to pieces. Mr Brett, also, having rested
+his back against a tree, near as large about as himself, which grew on
+a slope, it gave way with him, and he fell to a considerable distance,
+though without receiving any injury. Our prisoners, whom, as will
+appear in the sequel, we afterwards brought to this island, remarked
+that the appearance of the hills in some parts resembled that of the
+mountains in Chili where gold is found; so that it is not impossible
+that mines might be discovered here. In some places we observed
+several hills of a peculiar red earth, exceeding vermillion in colour,
+which perhaps, on examination, might prove useful for many purposes.
+The southern, or rather S.W. part of the island, is widely different
+from the rest; being destitute of trees, dry, stony, and very flat and
+low, compared, with the hills on the northern part. This part of
+the island is never frequented by ships, being surrounded by a steep
+shore, and having little or no fresh water; besides which, it is
+exposed to the southerly winds, which generally blow here the whole
+year round, and with great violence in the antarctic winter.
+
+The trees, of which the woods in the northern part of the island are
+composed, are mostly aromatic, and of many different sorts. There are
+none of them of a size to yield any considerable timber, except those
+we called myrtle-trees, which are the largest on the island, and
+supplied us with all the timber we used; yet even these would not
+work to a greater length than forty feet. The top of the myrtle is
+circular, and as uniform and regular as if clipped round by art. It
+bears an excrescence like moss on its bark, having the taste and smell
+of garlic, and was used instead of it by our people. We found here
+the pimento, and the cabbage-tree, but in no great quantity. Besides
+these, there were a great number of plants of various kinds, which
+we were not botanists enough to describe or attend to. We found
+here, however, almost all the vegetables that are usually esteemed
+peculiarly adapted to the cure of those scorbutic disorders which are
+contracted by salt diet and long voyages, as we had great quantities
+of water-cresses and purslain, with excellent wild sorrel, and a vast
+profusion of turnips and Sicilian radishes, which two last, having a
+strong resemblance to each other, were confounded by our people under
+the general name of turnips. We usually preferred the tops of the
+turnips to the roots, which we generally found stringy, though some
+of them were free from that exception, and remarkably good.
+These vegetables, with the fish and flesh we got here, to be more
+particularly described hereafter, were not only exceedingly grateful
+to our palates after the long course of salt diet to which we had
+been confined, but were likewise of the most salutary consequence in
+recovering and envigorating our sick, and of no mean service to us who
+were well, by destroying the lurking seeds of the scurvy, from which
+none of us, perhaps, were totally exempted, and in refreshing and
+restoring us to our wonted strength and activity. To the vegetables
+already mentioned, of which we made perpetual use, I must add that we
+found many acres of ground covered with oats and clover. There were
+some few cabbage-trees, as before observed, but these grew generally
+on precipices and in dangerous situations, and as it was necessary to
+cut down a large tree to procure a single cabbage, we were rarely able
+to indulge in this dainty.
+
+The excellence of the climate, and the looseness of the soil, renders
+this island extremely proper for all kinds of cultivation: for, if
+the ground be any where accidentally turned up, it becomes immediately
+overgrown with turnips and Sicilian radishes. Our commodore,
+therefore, having with him garden-seeds of all kinds, and stones of
+different kinds of fruits, sowed here lettuces, carrots, and other
+garden-plants, and set in the woods great numbers of plumb, apricot,
+and peach-stones, for the better accommodation of our countrymen who
+might hereafter touch at this island. These last have since thriven
+most remarkably, as has been since learnt by Mr Anson. For some
+Spanish gentlemen having been taken on their passage from Lima to
+Spain, and brought to England, having procured leave to wait upon him,
+to thank him for his generosity and humanity to his prisoners, some
+of whom were their relations, and foiling into discourse about his
+transactions in the South Seas, asked if he had not planted a great
+number of fruit-stones on the island of Juan Fernandez, as their late
+navigators had discovered there a great many peach and apricot trees,
+which, being fruits not observed there before, they supposed to have
+been produced from kernels set by him.
+
+This may suffice in general as to the soil and vegetable productions
+of Juan Fernandez; but the face of the country, at least of its
+northern part, is so extremely singular as to require a particular
+consideration. I have already noticed the wild and inhospitable
+appearance of it to us at first sight, and the gradual improvement
+of its uncouth landscape as we drew nearer, till we were at last
+captivated by the numerous beauties we discovered on landing. During
+our residence, we found the interior to fall no ways short of the
+sanguine prepossessions we at first entertained. For the woods, which
+covered most of even the steepest hills, were free from all bushes and
+underwood, affording an easy passage through every part of them; and
+the irregularities of the hills and precipices, in the northern part
+of the island, traced out, by their various combinations, a great
+number of romantic vallies, most of which were pervaded by streams
+of the purest water, which tumbled in beautiful cascades from rock to
+rock, as the bottoms of the vallies happened to be broken into sudden
+descents by the course of the neighbouring hills. Some particular
+spots occurred in these vallies where the shade and fragrance of the
+contiguous woods, the loftiness of the overhanging rocks, and the
+transparency and frequent cascades of the streams, presented scenes of
+such elegance and dignity, as would with difficulty be rivalled in
+any other part of the globe. Here, perhaps, the simple productions of
+unassisted nature may be said to excel all the fictitious descriptions
+of the most fertile imagination.
+
+The piece of ground which the commodore chose in which to pitch his
+tent, was a small lawn on a gentle ascent, about half a mile from
+the sea. In front of the tent was a large avenue, opening through the
+woods to the shore, and sloping with a gentle descent to the water,
+having a prospect of the bay and the ships at anchor. This lawn was
+screened behind by a wood of tall myrtle trees, sweeping round in a
+crescent form, like a theatre, the slope on which the wood grew rising
+more rapidly than the open lawn, yet not so much but that the hills
+and precipices of the interior towered considerably above the tops of
+the trees, and added greatly to the beauty and grandeur of the view.
+There were also two streams of water, pure as the finest crystal,
+which ran to the right and left of the tent within the distance of an
+hundred yards, and which, shaded by trees skirting either side of the
+lawn, completed the symmetry of the whole.
+
+It only now remains that we should mention the animals and provisions
+which we met with at this island. Former writers have related that
+this island abounded with vast numbers of goats, and their accounts
+are not to be questioned, as this place was the usual resort of the
+buccaneers and privateers who used formerly to frequent these seas.
+There are two instances, one of a _musquito_ Indian, and the other of
+Alexander Selkirk, a Scotsman, who were left here by their respective
+ships, and lived alone upon the island for some years, and were
+consequently no strangers to its productions. Selkirk, who was here
+the last, after a stay of between four and five years, was taken off
+by the Duke and Duchess privateers, of Bristol, as may be seen at
+large in the journal of their voyage. His manner of life, during his
+solitude, was very remarkable in most particulars; but he relates one
+circumstance, which was so strongly verified by our own experience,
+that it seems worthy of being mentioned. He tells us, as he often
+caught more goats than he had occasion for, that he sometimes marked
+their ears, and let them go. This was about thirty-two years before
+our arrival, yet it happened that the first goat killed by our people
+after they landed, had its ears slit; whence we concluded that it had
+doubtless been formerly caught by Selkirk. This was indeed an animal
+of a most venerable aspect, dignified with a most majestic beard, and
+bearing many other marks of great age. During our residence, we
+met with others marked in the same manner, all the males being
+distinguished by exuberant beards, with every other characteristic of
+extreme age.
+
+The great number of goats, which former writers describe as having
+been found on this island, were very much diminished before our
+arrival. For the Spaniards, aware of the advantages derived by the
+buccaneers and pirates from the goats-flesh they here procured,
+have endeavoured to extirpate the breed, on purpose to deprive their
+enemies of this resource. For this purpose, they put on shore
+great numbers of large dogs, which have greatly increased, and have
+destroyed all the goats in the accessible pans of the country; so
+that there were only, when we were there, a few among the crags and
+precipices, where the dogs cannot follow them. These remaining goats
+are divided into separate flocks, of twenty or thirty each, which
+inhabit distinct fastnesses, and never mingle with each other, so
+that we found it exceedingly difficult to kill them; yet we were so
+desirous of their flesh, which we all agreed resembled venison, that
+we came, I believe, to the knowledge of all their haunts and flocks;
+and, by comparing their numbers, it was conceived that they scarcely
+exceeded two hundred on the whole island. I once witnessed a
+remarkable contest between a flock of goats and a number of dogs.
+Going in our boat into the East bay, we perceived some dogs running
+very eagerly upon the foot, and willing to see what game they were in
+pursuit of, we rested some time on our oars to observe them, when
+at last they took to a hill, on the ridge of which we saw a flock
+of goats drawn up for their reception. There was a very narrow path
+leading to the ridge, skirted on each side by precipices; and here
+the master he-goat of the flock posted himself fronting the enemy, the
+rest of the goats being all behind him, on more open ground. As the
+ridge was inaccessible by any other path, except where this champion
+stood, though the dogs ran up the hill with great alacrity, yet, when
+they came within twenty yards, not daring to encounter him, as he
+would infallibly have driven them down the precipice, they gave over
+the chase, and lay down at that distance, panting at a great rate.
+
+These dogs, which are masters of all the accessible parts of the
+island, are of various kinds, some of them very large, and have
+multiplied to a prodigious degree. They sometimes came down to our
+habitations under night, and stole our provisions; and once or twice
+they set upon single persons, but, assistance being at hand, they were
+driven away, without doing any mischief. As it is now rare for any
+goats to fall in their way, we conceived that they lived principally
+on young seals; and some of our people, having the curiosity to kill
+dogs sometimes, and dress them, seemed to agree that they had a fishy
+taste.
+
+Goats-flesh being scarce, as we were rarely able to kill above one in
+a day, and our people growing tired of fish, which abounded at this
+place, they at last condescended to eat seals, which they came by
+degrees to relish, calling it _lamb_. As the seal, of which numbers
+haunt this island, has been often mentioned by former writers, it
+seems unnecessary to say any thing particular respecting that animal
+in this place. There is, however, another amphibious animal to be met
+with here, called the _sea-lion_, having some resemblance to a seal,
+but much larger, which I conceive may merit a particular description.
+This too we eat, under the denomination of beef. When arrived at full
+size, the sea-lion is between twelve and twenty feet in length, and
+from eight to fifteen feet in circumference. They are extremely fat,
+so that, below the skin, which is an inch thick, there is at least
+a foot deep of fat, before coming to the lean or bones, and we
+experienced more than once, that the fat of some of the largest
+afforded us a butt of oil. They are also very full of blood; for, if
+deeply wounded in a dozen places, there will instantly gush out as
+many fountains of blood, spouting to a considerable distance. To try
+what quantity of blood one of them might contain, we shot one first,
+and then cut its throat, measuring the blood which flowed, and found
+that we got at least two hogsheads, besides a considerable quantity
+remaining in the vessels of the animal.
+
+Their skins are covered with short hair of a light dun colour; but
+their tails and fins, which serve them for feet on shore, are almost
+black. These fore-feet, or fins, are divided at the ends like fingers,
+the web which joins them not reaching to the extremities, and each
+of these fingers is furnished with a nail. They have a distant
+resemblance to an overgrown seal; though in some particulars there
+are manifest differences between these two animals, besides the vast
+disproportion in size. The males especially are remarkably dissimilar,
+having a large snout, or trunk, hanging down five or six inches beyond
+the extremity of the upper jaw, which renders the countenances of the
+male and female easily distinguishable from each other. One of the
+largest of these males, who was master of a large flock of females,
+and drove off all the other males, got from our sailors the name of
+the bashaw, from that circumstance. These animals divide their time
+between the sea and the land, continuing at sea all summer, and coming
+on shore at the setting in of winter, during all which season they
+reside on the land. In this interval they engender and bring forth
+their young, having generally two at a birth, which are suckled by the
+dams, the young at first being as large as a full-grown seal.
+
+During the time they continue on shore, they feed on the grass and
+other plants which grow near the banks of fresh-water streams; and,
+when not employed in feeding, sleep in herds in the most miry places
+they can find. As they seem of a very lethargic disposition, and are
+not easily awakened, each herd was observed to place some of their
+males at a distance, in the nature of centinels, who never failed to
+alarm them when any one attempted to molest, or even to approach them.
+The noise they make is very loud, and of different kinds; sometimes
+grunting like hogs, and at other times snorting like horses in full
+vigour. Especially the males have often furious battles, principally
+about their females; and we were one day extremely surprised at seeing
+two animals, which at first appeared quite different from any we
+had before observed; but on a nearer approach, they proved to be two
+sea-lions, which had been goring each other with their teeth, and
+were all covered over with blood. The bashaw, formerly mentioned, who
+generally lay surrounded by a seraglio of females, to which no other
+male dared approach, had not acquired that envied pre-eminence without
+many bloody contests, of which the marks remained in numerous scars in
+every part of his body.
+
+We killed many of these animals for food, particularly for their
+hearts and tongues, which we esteemed exceeding good eating, and
+preferable even to those of bullocks. In general there was no
+difficulty in killing them, as they are incapable either of flight or
+resistance, their motion being the most unwieldy that can be imagined,
+and all the time they are in motion, their blubber is agitated
+in large waves under the skin. One day, a sailor being carelessly
+employed in skinning a young sea-lion, the female from whom he had
+taken it, came upon him unperceived, and getting his head into her
+mouth, scored his skull in notches with her teeth in many places,
+and wounded him so desperately that he died in a few days, though all
+possible care was taken of him.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: There are two species of the seal tribe which have
+received the name of sea-lion; the phoca leonina, or bottle-nosed
+seal, which is that of the text; and the phoca jubata, or maned seal,
+which is the sea-lion of some other writers. These two species are
+remarkably distinguishable from each other, especially the moles: The
+bottle-nosed seal having a trunk, snout, or long projection, on the
+upper jaw; while the male of the maned seal has his neck covered
+with a long flowing mane. The latter is also much larger, the males
+sometimes reaching twenty-five feet in length, and weighing fifteen
+or sixteen hundred weight. Their colour is reddish, and their voice
+resembles the bellowing of bulls. The former are chiefly found in the
+Southern Pacific; while the latter frequent the northern parts of the
+same ocean.--E.]
+
+These are the principal animals which we found upon the island of
+Juan Fernandez. We saw very few birds, and these were chiefly hawks,
+blackbirds, owls, and hummingbirds. We saw not the _paradela_,[4]
+which burrows in the ground, and which former writers mention to be
+found here; but as we often met with their holes, we supposed that the
+wild dogs had destroyed them, as they have almost done the cats; for
+these were very numerous when Selkirk was here, though we did not see
+above two or three during our whole stay. The rats, however, still
+keep their ground, and continue here in great numbers, and were very
+troublesome to us, by infesting our tents in the night.
+
+[Footnote 4: This name is inexplicable; but, from the context, appears
+to refer to some animal of the cavia genus, resembling the rabbit:
+Besides, a small islet, a short way S.W. of Juan Fernandez, is named
+Isla de Conejos, or Rabbit Island.--E.]
+
+That which furnished us with the most delicious of our repasts, while
+at this island, still remains to be described. This was the fish, with
+which the whole bay was most abundantly stored, and in the greatest
+variety. We found here cod of prodigious size; and by the report of
+some of our crew, who had been formerly employed in the Newfoundland
+fishery, not less plentiful than on the banks of that island. We had
+also cavallies, gropers, large breams, maids, silver-fish, congers of
+a particular kind; and above all, a black fish which we esteemed most,
+called by some the chimney-sweeper, in shape somewhat resembling a
+carp. The beach, indeed, was every where so full of rocks and loose
+stones, that there was no possibility of hauling the seyne; but with
+hooks and lines we caught what numbers we pleased, so that a boat with
+only two or three lines, would return loaded with fish in two or
+three hours. The only interruption we ever met with arose from great
+quantities of dog-fish and large sharks, which sometimes attended our
+boats, and prevented our sport.
+
+Besides these fish, we found one other delicacy in greater perfection,
+both as to size, quantity, and flavour, than is to be met with perhaps
+in any other part of the world. This was sea craw-fish, usually
+weighing eight or nine pounds each, of a most excellent taste, and
+in such vast numbers near the edge of the water, that our boat-hooks
+often struck into them in putting the boats to and from the shore.
+
+These are the most material articles relating to the accommodations,
+soil, vegetables, animals, and other productions of the island of Juan
+Fernandez, by which it will distinctly appear how admirably this place
+was adapted for recovering us from the deplorable situation to which
+we had been reduced by our tedious and unfortunate navigation round
+Cape Horn. Having thus given the reader some idea of the situation and
+circumstances of this island, in which we resided for six months, I
+shall now proceed to relate all that occurred to us in that period,
+resuming the narrative from the 18th of June, on which day the Tryal
+sloop, having been driven out by a squall three days before, came
+again to her moorings, on which day also we finished sending our sick
+on shore, being about eight days after our first anchoring at this
+island.
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Separate Arrivals of the Gloucester, and Anna Pink, at Juan
+Fernandez, and Transactions at that Island during the Interval._
+
+The arrival of the Tryal sloop at this island, so soon after we
+came there ourselves in the Centurion, gave us great hopes of being
+speedily joined by the rest of the squadron; and we were accordingly
+for some days continually looking out, in expectation of their coming
+in sight. After near a fortnight had elapsed without any of them
+appearing, we began to despair of ever meeting them again, knowing, if
+our ship had continued so much longer at sea, that we should every
+man of us have perished, and the vessel, occupied only by dead bodies,
+must have been left to the caprice of the winds and waves; and this we
+had great reason to fear was the fate of our consorts, as every hour
+added to the probability of these desponding suggestions. But, on the
+21st of June, some of our people, from an eminence on shore, discerned
+a ship to leeward, with her courses even with the horizon. They could,
+at the same time, observe that she had no sails aboard, except her
+courses and main-topsail. This circumstance made them conclude that it
+must be one of our squadron, which had probably suffered as severely
+in her sails and rigging as we had done. They were prevented, however,
+from forming more definite conjectures concerning her; for, after
+viewing her a short time, the weather grew thick and hazy, and she was
+no longer to be seen.
+
+On this report, and no ship appearing for some days, we were all under
+the greatest concern, suspecting that her people must be under the
+utmost distress for want of water, and so weakened and diminished in
+numbers by sickness, as to be unable to ply up to windward, so that we
+dreaded, after having been in sight of the island, that her whole crew
+might yet perish at sea. On the 21st, at noon, we again discerned a
+ship at sea in the N.E. quarter, which we conceived to be the same
+that had been seen before, and our conjecture proved true. About one
+o'clock she had come so near that we could plainly distinguish her
+to be the Gloucester; and as we had no doubt of her being in great
+distress, the commodore immediately ordered out his boat to our
+assistance, laden with fresh water, fish, and vegetables, which was
+a most comfortable relief to them; for our apprehensions of their
+calamitous situation were only too well founded, as there never
+was, perhaps, a crew in greater distress. They had already thrown
+two-thirds of their complement overboard; and of those who remained
+alive, scarcely any were capable of doing duty, except the officers
+and their servants. They had been a considerable time at the small
+allowance of a pint of water to each man in twenty-four hours, and yet
+had so very little left, that they must soon have died of thirst, had
+it not been for the supply sent them by our commodore.
+
+The Gloucester plied up within three miles of the bay, but could not
+reach the road, both wind and currents being contrary. She continued,
+however, in the offing next day; and as she had no chance of being
+able to come to anchor, the commodore repeated his assistance, sending
+off the Tryal's boat, manned with the people of the Centurion, with a
+farther supply of water, and other refreshments. Captain Mitchell of
+the Gloucester was under the necessity of detaining both this boat and
+that sent the preceding day, as he had no longer strength to navigate
+his ship without the aid of both their crews. The Gloucester continued
+near a fortnight in this tantalizing situation, without being able
+to fetch the road, though frequently making the attempt, and even at
+times bidding fair to effect the object in view. On the 9th July,
+we observed her stretching away to the eastward, at a considerable
+distance, which we supposed was with a design to get to the southward
+of the island; but, as she did not again appear for near a week, we
+were prodigiously alarmed for her safety, knowing that she must be
+again in extreme distress for want of water. After great impatience
+about her, we again discovered her on the 16th, endeavouring to come
+round the eastern point of the island, but the wind still blowing
+directly from the bay, prevented her from getting nearer than within
+four miles of the land.
+
+Captain Mitchell now made signals of distress, and our long-boat, was
+sent off with a good supply of water, and plenty of fish and other
+refreshments: And, as the long-boat could not be wanted, the cockswain
+had positive orders from the commodore to return immediately. But next
+day proving stormy, and the boat not appearing, we much feared she was
+lost, which would have been an irretrievable misfortune to us all. We
+were relieved, however, from this anxiety on the third day after, by
+the joyful appearance of her sails on the water, on which the cutter
+was sent to her assistance, and towed her alongside in a few hours,
+when we found that the long-boat had taken in six of the Gloucester's
+sick men, to bring them on shore, two of whom had died in the boat.
+We now learnt that the Gloucester was in a most dreadful condition,
+having scarcely a man in health on board, except the few she had
+received from us. Numbers of their sick were dying daily, and it
+appeared, had it not been for the last supply sent by our long-boat,
+that both the healthy and diseased must all have perished for want
+of water. This calamitous situation was the more terrifying, as it
+appeared to be without remedy; for the Gloucester had already spent a
+month in fruitless endeavours to fetch the bay, and was now no farther
+advanced than when she first made the island. The hopes of her
+people of ever succeeding were now worn out, by the experience of
+its difficulty; and, indeed, her situation became that same day more
+desperate than ever, as we again lost sight of her, after receiving
+our last supply of refreshments, so that we universally despaired of
+her ever coming to anchor.
+
+Thus was this unhappy vessel bandied about, within a few leagues of
+her intended harbour, while the near neighbourhood of that place, and
+of these circumstances which could alone put an end to the calamities
+under which her people laboured, served only to aggravate their
+distress, by torturing them with a view of the relief they were unable
+to reach. She was at length delivered from this dreadful situation at
+a time when we least expected it: For, after having lost sight of her
+for several days, we were joyfully surprised, in the morning of the
+23d July, to see her open the N.W. point of the bay with a flowing
+sail, when we immediately dispatched what boats we had to her
+assistance, and within an hour from our first perceiving her, she
+anchored safe within us in the bay.
+
+We were now more particularly convinced of the importance of the
+assistance and refreshments we had repeatedly sent her, and how
+impossible it must have been for a single man of her crew to
+have survived, had we given less attention to their wants. For,
+notwithstanding the water, vegetables, and fresh provisions with
+which we had supplied them, and the hands we had sent to assist in
+navigating the ship, by which the fatigue of her own people had been
+greatly diminished, their sick relieved, and the mortality abated;
+notwithstanding this provident care of our commodore, they yet buried
+above three-fourths of their crew, and a very small proportion of the
+survivors remained capable of assisting in the duty of the ship. On
+getting to anchor, our first care was to assist them in mooring,
+and the next to get their sick on shore. These were now reduced, by
+numerous deaths, to less than fourscore, of which we expected the
+greatest part to have died; but whether it was that those farthest
+advanced in the cruel distemper had already perished, or that the
+vegetables and fresh provisions we had sent had prepared those who
+remained alive for a more speedy recovery, it so happened, contrary to
+our fears, that their sick, in general, were relieved and restored to
+health in a much shorter time than our own had been when we first came
+to the island, and very few of them died on shore.
+
+Having thus given an account of the principal events relating to the
+arrival of the Gloucester, in one continued narration, I shall only
+add, that we were never joined by any other of our ships, except our
+victualler, the Anna pink, which came in about the middle of August,
+and whose history I shall defer for the present, as it is now high
+time, to return to our own transactions, both on board and ashore,
+during the anxious interval of the Gloucester making frequent and
+ineffectual attempts to reach the island.
+
+Our next employment, after sending our sick on shore from the
+Centurion, was cleansing our ship, and filling our water casks. The
+former of these measures was indispensably necessary to our future
+health, as the number of our sick, and the unavoidable negligence
+arising from our deplorable situation at sea, had rendered the decks
+most intolerably loathsome. The filling our water was also a caution
+that appeared essential to our security, as we had reason to apprehend
+that accidents might intervene which would oblige us to quit the
+island at a very short warning, as some appearances we had discovered
+on shore, at our first landing, gave us grounds to believe that there
+were Spanish cruizers in these seas, which had left the island only a
+short time before our arrival, and might possibly return again, either
+for a supply of water, or in search of us. For we could not doubt that
+the sole purpose they had at sea was to intercept us, and we knew that
+this island was the likeliest place, in their opinion, to meet with
+us. The circumstances which gave rise to these reflections, in part
+of which we were not mistaken, as will appear more at large hereafter,
+were our finding on shore several pieces of earthen jars, made use
+of in these seas for holding water and other liquids, which appeared
+fresh broken. We saw also many heaps of casks, near which were fish
+bones and pieces of fish, besides whole fish scattered here and there,
+which plainly appeared to have been only a short time out of the
+water, as they were but just beginning to decay.
+
+These were infallible indications that there had been a ship or
+ships at this place only a short time before our arrival; and, as all
+Spanish merchant ships are instructed to avoid this island, on account
+of its being the common rendezvous of their enemies, we concluded that
+those which had touched here must have been ships of force; and, as we
+knew not that Pizarro had returned to the Rio Plata, and were ignorant
+what strength might have been fitted out at Calao, we were under
+considerable apprehensions for our safety, being in so wretched and
+enfeebled a condition, as, notwithstanding the rank of our ship, and
+the sixty guns with which she was armed, there was hardly a privateer
+sent to sea that was not an overmatch for us. Our fears on this head,
+however, fortunately proved imaginary, and we were not exposed to the
+disgrace which must unavoidably have befallen us, had we been reduced
+to the necessity, by the appearance of an enemy, of fighting our
+sixty-gun ship with no more than thirty hands.
+
+While employed in cleaning our ship, and filling our water casks, we
+set up a large copper oven on shore, near the sick tents, in which
+fresh bread was baked every day for the ship's company, as, being
+extremely desirous of recovering our sick as soon as possible, we
+believed that new bread, added to their green vegetables and fresh
+fish, might prove powerfully conducive to their relief. Indeed, we
+had all imaginable inducements to endeavour at augmenting our present
+strength, as every little accident, which to a full crew would have
+been insignificant, was extremely alarming in our present helpless
+condition. Of this we had a troublesome instance, on the 30th of June,
+at five in the morning, when we were alarmed by a violent gust of
+wind directly off shore, which instantly parted our small bower cable,
+about ten fathoms from the ring of the anchor. The ship at once swung
+off to the best bower, which happily stood the violence of the jerk,
+and brought us up, with two cables on end, in eighty fathoms.
+
+At this time we had not above a dozen seamen in the ship, and were
+apprehensive, if the squall continued, that we might be driven out to
+sea in this helpless condition. We sent, therefore, the boat on shore,
+to bring off all who were capable of acting; and the wind soon abating
+of its fury, gave us an opportunity of receiving the boat back with a
+reinforcement. With this additional strength, we went immediately to
+work, to have in what remained of the broken cable, which we suspected
+to have received some injury from the ground before it parted, and
+accordingly we found that seven fathoms and a half had been chaffed
+and rendered unserviceable. In the afternoon, we bent this cable to
+the spare anchor, and got it over the bows. Next morning, the 1st of
+July, being favoured by the wind in gentle breezes, we warped the
+ship in again, and let go the anchor in forty-one fathoms; the eastern
+point of the bay now bearing from us E. 1/2 S. the western point N.W.
+by W. and the bottom of the bay S.S.W. as before. We were, however,
+much concerned for the loss of our anchor, and swept frequently to
+endeavour its recovery; but the buoy having sunk at the instant when
+the cable parted, we could never find it again.
+
+As the month of July advanced, and some of our sick men were tolerably
+recovered, the strongest of them were set to cut down trees, and
+to split them into billets, while others, too weak for this work,
+undertook to carry the billets, by one at a time, to the water
+side. This they performed, some by the help of crutches, and others
+supported by a single stick. We next set up the forge on shore, and
+employed our smith, who was just capable of working, to repair our
+chain-plates, and other broken and decayed iron-work. We began also
+the repair of our rigging; but as we had not enough of junk to make
+spun-yarn, we deferred the general overhaul in the daily hope of the
+Gloucester arriving, which was known to have a great quantity of junk
+on board. That we might dispatch our refitting as fast as possible,
+we set up a large tent on the beach for the sail-makers, who were
+employed diligently in repairing our old sails and making new ones.
+These occupations, with cleansing and watering our ship, now pretty
+well completed, together with attending our sick, and the frequent
+relief sent to the Gloucester, were the principal transactions of our
+infirm crew, till the arrival of the Gloucester at anchor in the bay.
+
+Captain Mitchell immediately waited on the commodore, whom he
+informed, that, in his last absence, he had been forced as far as
+the small island of _Masefuero_, nearly in the same latitude with the
+larger island of Juan Fernandez, and thirty leagues farther W. That he
+had endeavoured to send his boat on shore there for water, of which he
+observed several streams; but the wind blew so strong upon the shore,
+and caused so great a surf, that it was impossible to get to land.
+The attempt, however, was not entirely useless, as the boat came
+back loaded with fish. This island had been represented, by former
+navigators, as a mere barren rock, but Captain Mitchell assured the
+commodore, that it was almost every where covered with trees and
+verdure, and was nearly four miles in length. He believed also,
+that some small bay might possibly be found in it which might afford
+sufficient shelter to any ship desirous of procuring refreshments.
+
+As four ships of our squadron were still missing, this description of
+Masefuero gave rise to a conjecture, that some of them might possibly
+have fallen in with that island, mistaking it for the true place of
+rendezvous. This suspicion was the more reasonable, that we had no
+draught of either island that could be relied upon; wherefore the
+commodore resolved to send the Tryal sloop thither, as soon as she
+could be made ready for sea, in order to examine all its creeks and
+bays, that it might be ascertained whether any of our missing ships
+were there or not. For this purpose, some of our best hands were sent
+on board the Tryal next morning, to overhaul and fix her rigging,
+and our long-boat was employed to complete her water; what stores and
+necessaries she wanted, being immediately supplied from the Centurion
+and Gloucester. It was the 4th of August before the Tryal was in
+readiness to sail. When, having weighed, it soon after fell calm,
+and the tide set her very near the eastern shore of the bay. Captain
+Saunders immediately hung out lights, and fired several guns, to
+apprise us of his danger; upon which all the boats were sent to his
+aid, which towed the sloop into the bay, where she anchored till next
+morning, and then proceeded with a fair breeze.
+
+We were now busily employed in examining and repairing our rigging,
+and that of the Gloucester; but, in stripping our fore-mast, we were
+alarmed by discovering that it was sprung just above the partners
+of the upper deck. This spring was two inches in depth and twelve in
+circumference; but the carpenters, on inspection, gave it as their
+opinion, that fishing it with two leaves of an anchor-stock would
+render it as secure as ever. Besides this defect in our mast, we had
+other difficulties in refitting, from the want of cordage and canvass;
+for, although we had taken to sea much greater quantities of both than
+had ever been done before, yet the continued bad weather we had met
+with, after passing the straits of Le Maire, had occasioned so great
+a consumption of these stores, that we were reduced to great straits;
+as, after working up all our junk and old shrouds, to make twice laid
+cordage, we were at last reduced to the necessity to unlay a cable, to
+work up into running rigging; and, with all the canvass and remnants
+of old sails, that could be mustered, we could only make up one
+complete suit.
+
+Towards the middle of August, our men being indifferently recovered,
+they were permitted to quit the sick tents, and to build separate huts
+for themselves; as it was imagined, by living apart, that they might
+be much cleanlier, and consequently likely to recover their strength
+the sooner: But strict orders were given, at the same time, that they
+were instantly to repair to the water-side, on the firing of a
+gun from the ship. Their employment now on shore, was either the
+procurement of refreshments, the cutting of wood, or the procurement
+of oil from the blubber of sea-lions. This oil served for several
+purposes; as burning in lamps, mixing with pitch to pay the sides of
+our ships, or, when worked up with wood-ashes, to supply the place of
+tallow, of which we had none left, to give the ship boat-hose tops.
+Some of the men were also occupied in salting cod; for, having two
+Newfoundland fishermen in the Centurion, the commodore set them to
+work in providing a considerable quantity of salted cod for sea-store;
+though very little of it was used, as it was afterwards thought to be
+equally productive of scurvy with any other kind of salted provisions.
+
+It has been before mentioned, that we set up a copper oven on shore,
+to bake bread for the sick: But it happened that the greatest part of
+the flour, for the use of the squadron, was on board the Anna pink. It
+should also have been mentioned, that the Tryal sloop informed us, on
+her arrival, that she had fallen in with our victualler, on the 9th
+of May, not far from the coast of Chili, and had kept company with her
+for four days, when they were parted in a gale of wind. This gave us
+some room to hope that she was safe, and might rejoin us: But, all
+June and July having passed without any news of her, we gave her over
+for lost; and the commodore, at the end of July, ordered all the ships
+on a short allowance of bread. Neither was it in bread alone that we
+feared a deficiency: For, since our arrival at Juan Fernandez, it was
+discovered that our former purser had neglected to take on board large
+quantities of several kinds of provisions, which the commodore had
+expressly ordered him to receive; so that the supposed loss of our
+victualler was, on all accounts, a most mortifying circumstance.
+
+About noon on Thursday the 16th of August, after we had given over all
+hopes of the Anna pink, a sail was espied in the northern quarter, on
+which a gun was immediately fired from the Centurion, to call off the
+people from the shore, who readily obeyed the summons, by repairing
+to the beach, where the boats waited to fetch them on board. Being
+now prepared for the reception of the ship in view, whether friend or
+enemy, we had various speculations respecting her, many supposing at
+first, that it was the Tryal sloop returning from the examination of
+Masefuero. As she drew nearer, this opinion was confuted, by observing
+that she had three masts, when other conjectures were eagerly
+canvassed; some judging the vessel in sight to be the Severn and
+others the Pearl, while several affirmed that she did not belong to
+our squadron. But, about three in the afternoon, all speculations were
+ended by the unanimous persuasion that it was our victualler, the
+Anna pink. And, though, this ship had fallen in with the island to the
+northward like the Gloucester, she yet had the good fortune to come
+to anchor in the bay at five in the afternoon. Her arrival gave us
+all the utmost satisfaction, as the ship's companies were immediately
+restored to their full allowance of bread, and we were now relieved
+from the apprehensions of our provisions falling short before we could
+reach some friendly port,--a calamity, in these seas, of all others
+the most irretrievable. This was the last ship that joined us; and,
+as the dangers she encountered, and the good fortune she afterwards
+experienced, are worthy of a separate narration, I shall refer them,
+together with a short account of the other missing ships, to the
+ensuing section.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Short Account of what befell the Anna Pink before she rejoined;
+with an Account of the Loss of the Wager, and the putting back of the
+Severn and Pearl._
+
+On the first recognition of the Anna pink, it seemed quite wonderful
+to us how the crew of a vessel, which had thus come to the rendezvous
+two months after us, should be capable of working their ship in
+the manner they did, and with so little appearance of debility and
+distress. This difficulty, however, was soon solved after she came
+to anchor; for we then found that she had been in harbour since the
+middle of May, near a month before our arrival at Juan Fernandez,
+so that their sufferings, excepting the risk they had run of being
+shipwrecked, were greatly short of what had been undergone by the rest
+of the squadron.
+
+They fell in with the land on the 16th of May, in lat. 45 deg. 15' S.
+being then about four leagues from shore. On the first sight of
+it, they wore ship and stood to the southward; but their fore-sail
+splitting, and the wind being strong at W.S.W. they drove towards the
+shore. The captain, either unable to clear the land, or, as others
+say, resolved to keep the sea no longer, steered now for the coast,
+in order to look out for some shelter among the many islands which
+appeared in sight, and had the good fortune to bring the ship to
+anchor to the eastward of the island of _Inchin_[1]. But, as they did
+not run sufficiently near the east shore of that island, and had not
+hands enough to veer away the cable briskly, they were soon driven to
+the eastwards, deepening their water from twenty-five to thirty-five
+fathoms. Still continuing to drive, they next day, being the 17th May,
+let go their sheet anchor, which brought them up for a short time: but
+on the 18th they drove again, till they came into sixty-five fathoms;
+and, being now within a mile of the land, they expected every moment
+to be forced on shore in a place where the coast was so very high and
+steep, that there was not the smallest prospect of saving the ship and
+cargo. As their boats were very leaky, and there was no appearance of
+a landing place, the whole crew, consisting of sixteen men and boys,
+gave themselves up for lost, believing, if even any of them happened
+to get on shore by some extraordinary chance, that they would be
+almost certainly massacred by the savages; as these people, knowing
+no other Europeans except Spaniards, might be expected to treat all
+strangers with the same cruelty which they have so often, and so
+signally, exercised against their Spanish neighbours.
+
+[Footnote 1: The island of Inchin and the bay in which the Anna pink
+took shelter is in lat. 46 deg. 30' S. long. 74 deg. 30' in what is called the
+Peninsula de tres Montes, to the N. of the Golfo de Penas.--E.]
+
+Under these terrifying circumstances, the Anna continued to drive
+towards the rocks which formed the shore; and at last, when expecting
+every instant to strike, they perceived a small opening in the land,
+which raised their hopes of safety. Wherefore, immediately cutting
+away their two anchors, they steered for this opening, which they
+found to be a narrow opening between an island and the main, which led
+them into a most excellent harbour; which, for its security against
+all winds and swells, and the consequent smoothness of its water, may
+perhaps vie with any in the known world: And this place being
+scarcely two miles from the spot where they deemed their destruction
+inevitable, the horrors of shipwreck and immediate death, with which
+they had been so long and strongly possessed, vanished almost in
+an instant, giving place to the most joyous ideas of security,
+refreshment, and repose.
+
+In this harbour, discovered almost by miracle, the Anna came to anchor
+in twenty-five fathoms, with only a hawser and small anchor of about
+three hundred weight. Here she continued for near two months, and her
+people, who were many of them ill of the scurvy, were soon restored
+to perfect health by the fresh provisions, which they procured in
+abundance, and the excellent water which they found in plenty on the
+adjacent shore. As this place may prove of the greatest importance to
+future navigators forced upon this coast by the western winds, which
+are almost perpetual in that part of the world, it may be proper to
+give the best account that could be collected of this port, as to
+its situation, conveniences, and productions, before continuing the
+adventures of the Anna pink. To facilitate, also, the knowledge of
+this place, to such as may be desirous hereafter of using it, there
+is annexed a plan both of the harbour and the large bay before it,
+through which the Anna drifted. This plan, perhaps, may not be in
+all respects as accurate as could be wished, being composed from the
+memorandums and rude sketches of the master and surgeon, who were not
+the most able draughtsmen; but, as the principal parts were laid down
+by their estimates of their distances from each other, in which kind
+of computation seamen are commonly very dextrous, the errors are
+probably not very considerable.
+
+The latitude, which certainly is a very material point, was not very
+accurately ascertained, as the Anna had no observation either on the
+day she got there, or within a day of leaving the bay; but is supposed
+to be not very distant from 45 deg. 30' S.[2] But the large extent of
+the bay, at the bottom of which the harbour is situated, renders this
+uncertainty of the less importance. The island lying before this bay,
+called _Inchin_ by the Indians, is supposed to be one of the islands
+named _Chonos_ by the Spanish accounts, and said to spread along all
+this coast,[3] being inhabited by a barbarous people, famous for their
+hatred to the Spaniards, and their cruelty to such of that nation as
+have fallen into their hands. It is even possible that the land in
+which this harbour is situated may be one of these islands, while the
+continent may be considerably to the eastward. This harbour, besides
+its depth of water and complete shelter, has two coves, where ships
+may very conveniently be hove down, as the water is constantly smooth.
+There are also several fine runs of excellent fresh water, which fall
+into the harbour, some so conveniently situated that the casks may
+be filled in the long-boat by means of a hose. The most remarkable of
+these is a stream in the N.E. part of the harbour, being a fresh-water
+river, where the crew of the Anna caught a few mullets of excellent
+flavour, and they were persuaded that it would be found to have plenty
+of fish in the proper season, it being winter when they were there.
+
+[Footnote 2: This has already, on the authority of Arrowsmith, been
+stated at 46 deg. 30' S.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The gulf and archipelago of Chonos, or Guaytecas, one of
+the islands of which is Socora, or Guayteca, is considerably to the
+N. of Inchin, between the peninsula de tres Montes and the island of
+Chiloe, the centre of that archipelago being in lat. 45 deg. S.--E.]
+
+The principal refreshments of green vegetables met with at this port
+were wild cellery, nettle-tops, and the like, which, after so long
+a continuance at sea, were highly acceptable. We got abundance
+of shell-fish, as cockles and muscles of great size and delicious
+flavour, with plenty of geese, shags, and penguins. Though in the
+depth of winter the climate was by no means extremely rigorous,
+neither were the trees or the face of the country destitute of
+verdure; whence it may be concluded, that many other kinds of fresh
+provisions would doubtless be found there in summer. Notwithstanding
+the relations of the Spaniards respecting the violence and barbarity
+of the inhabitants, it does not appear that their numbers are
+sufficient to excite any apprehensions in the crew of a ship of any
+size, or that their dispositions are by any means so mischievous or
+merciless as has been represented. With all these advantages, this
+place is so far from the frontiers of the Spanish settlements, and
+so little known to the Spaniards themselves, that, with proper
+precautions, there is reason to believe a ship might remain here
+a long time undiscovered. It is also capable of being made a very
+defensible port; as, by possessing the island that closes tip the
+port or inner harbour, which island is only accessible in a very few
+places, a small force might easily secure this port against all the
+force which the Spaniards could muster in that part of the world. For
+this island is so steep towards the harbour, having six fathoms close
+to the shore, that the Anna anchored within forty yards of its coast;
+whence it is obvious how difficult it would prove, either to board
+or cut out any vessel protected by a force posted on shore within
+pistol-shot, and where those thus posted could not be themselves
+attacked. All these circumstances seem to render this port worthy of
+a more accurate examination; and it is to be hoped that this rude
+attempt to suggest, may hereafter recommend it to the consideration
+of the public, and the attention of those who are more immediately
+entrusted with the conduct of our naval affairs.
+
+After this account of the place where the Anna lay for two months, it
+may be expected that I should relate the discoveries made by her crew
+upon the adjacent coast, and the principal incidents that occurred
+during their stay here. But, as they were only a few in number, they
+durst not venture to detach any of their people on distant searches,
+being under continual apprehensions of being attacked either by the
+Spaniards or Indians, so that their excursions were generally confined
+to the tract of land surrounding the port, where they were never out
+of view of the ship: Even if they had known from the first how little
+grounds there were for these fears, yet the neighbouring country
+was so overgrown with wood, and so traversed by mountains, that
+it appeared impracticable to penetrate to any distance, so that no
+account of the interior could be expected. They were, however, in a
+condition to disprove the relations given by Spanish writers, who have
+represented this coast as inhabited by a fierce and powerful people,
+as no such inhabitants were to be found, at least in the winter
+season; for, during the whole time of their continuance here, they
+never saw any more than one small Indian family, which came into the
+harbour in a periagua, or canoe, about a month after the arrival of
+the Anna, and consisted only of one Indian man, near forty years of
+age, his wife, and two children, one about three years of age, and
+the other still on the breast. They seemed to have with them all their
+property, consisting of a dog and cat, a fishing net, a hatchet, a
+knife, a cradle, some bark of trees, intended for covering a hut, a
+reel with some worsted, a flint and steel, and a few roots of a yellow
+hue, and very disagreeable taste, which served them for bread.
+
+As soon as these were perceived, the master of the Anna sent his yawl
+and brought them on board; and, lest they might discover him to the
+Spaniards if permitted to go away, he took proper precautions, as he
+conceived, for securing them, but without violence or ill usage, as
+they were permitted to go about the ship where they pleased in the day
+time, but were locked up in the forecastle at night. As they were fed
+in the same manner with the crew, and were often indulged with brandy,
+which they seemed greatly to relish, it did not appear at first that
+they were much dissatisfied with their situation. The master took
+the Indian on shore when he went to shoot, and he seemed always much
+delighted on seeing the game killed. The crew also treated them with
+great humanity; but it was soon apparent, though the woman continued
+easy and cheerful, that the man grew pensive and discontented at his
+confinement. He seemed to have good natural parts, and though utterly
+unable to converse with our people otherwise than by signs, was yet
+very curious and inquisitive, and showed great dexterity in his manner
+of making himself understood. Seeing so few people on board so large
+a ship, he seemed to express his opinion that they had once been more
+numerous, and, by way of representing what he imagined had become of
+their companions, he laid himself on the deck, closing his eyes, and
+stretching himself out motionless, as if to imitate the appearance of
+a dead body.
+
+The strongest proof of his sagacity was the manner of his getting
+away. After having been on board the Anna for eight days, the scuttle
+of the forecastle, where he and his family were locked up every night,
+happened to be left unnailed, and on the following night, which
+was extremely dark and stormy, he contrived to convey his wife and
+children through the scuttle, and then over the ship's side into the
+yawl, and immediately rowed on shore, using the precaution to cut
+away the long-boat and his own periagua, which were towing astern, to
+prevent being pursued. He conducted all this with so much silence
+and secrecy, that, though there was a watch on the quarter-deck with
+loaded arms, he was not discovered by them till the noise of his oars
+in the water gave notice of his escape, after he had put off from the
+ship, when it was too late either to prevent or pursue him. Besides,
+as their boats were all adrift, it was some time before they could
+contrive the means of getting on shore to search for their boats. By
+this effort, besides regaining his liberty, the Indian was in some
+measure revenged on those who had confined him, both by the perplexity
+they were in for the loss of their boats, and by the terror occasioned
+by his departure; for, on the first alarm of the watch, who cried,
+"The Indians," the whole crew were in the utmost confusion, believing
+that the ship had been boarded by a whole fleet of armed canoes.
+
+Had the resolution and sagacity with which this Indian behaved on
+this occasion, been exerted on a more extensive object, it might have
+immortalized the exploit, and given him a rank among the illustrious
+names of antiquity. The people of the Anna, indeed, allowed that it
+was a most gallant enterprise, and were grieved at having thus been
+under the necessity, from attention to their own safety, to abridge
+the liberty of one who had now given so distinguished a proof of
+courage and prudence. As he was supposed still to continue in the
+woods near the port, where he might suffer for want of provisions,
+they easily prevailed on the master to leave a quantity of such food
+as they thought would be most agreeable to him in a place where he
+was likely to find it, and there was reason to believe this was not
+altogether without its use, for, on visiting the place afterwards, the
+provisions were gone, and in a manner that made them conclude they had
+fallen into his hands.
+
+Although many of the crew of the Anna believed that this Indian still
+continued in the neighbourhood, there were some who strongly suspected
+he might have gone off to the island of Chiloe, where they feared
+he would alarm the Spaniards, and would soon return with a force
+sufficient to surprise or overpower the Anna. The master was therefore
+prevailed upon to discontinue firing the evening gun, and there is a
+particular reason for attending to this circumstance, to be explained
+hereafter; for he had hitherto, from an ostentatious imitation of
+the men-of-war, fired a gun every evening at setting the night watch.
+This, as he pretended, was to awe the enemy, if there were any within
+hearing, and to convince them that his ship was always on her
+guard. The crew being now well refreshed, and their wood and water
+sufficiently replenished, he put to sea a few days after the escape
+of the Indian, and had a fortunate passage to the rendezvous at
+Juan Fernandez, where he arrived on the 16th of August, as already
+mentioned.
+
+The remaining ships of the squadron, none of which rejoined the
+commodore, were the Severn, Pearl, and Wager, of the fate of which
+it may be proper to make mention. The Severn and Pearl parted company
+from the commodore off Cape Voir; and, as we afterwards learnt, put
+back to Brazil. The Wager had on board a few field-pieces, and some
+coehorn-mortars, mounted for land service, with several kinds of
+artillery stores and pioneers tools, intended for operations on shore.
+And, as an enterprise had been planned against Baldivia, for the first
+operation of the squadron, Captain Cheap was extremely solicitous
+that these articles might be forthcoming, and determined to use his
+endeavours for that purpose, that no delay or disappointment might
+be imputed to him, not knowing the state the squadron was reduced
+to. While making the best of his way, with these views, to the first
+appointed rendezvous, off Socoro, whence he proposed to proceed
+for Baldivia, the Wager made the land on the 14th of May, about the
+latitude of 47 deg. S. and while Captain Cheap was exerting himself in
+order to get clear of the land, he had the misfortune to fall down the
+after-ladder, by which he dislocated his shoulder, and was rendered
+incapable of acting. This accident, together with the crazy condition
+of the ship, which was little better than a wreck, prevented her from
+getting off to sea, and entangled her more and more with the land;
+insomuch, that at day-break next morning, the 15th May, she struck on
+a sunken rock, and soon afterwards bilged, and grounded between two
+small islands, about musket-shot from the shore.
+
+In this situation the ship continued entire a long time, so that all
+the crew might have got safe on shore. But a general confusion ensued;
+many of them, instead of consulting their safety, or reflecting
+on their calamitous condition, fell to pillaging the ship, arming
+themselves with the first weapons that came to hand, and threatening
+to murder all who should oppose their proceedings. This frenzy was
+greatly heightened by the liquors they found on board, with which they
+made themselves so excessively intoxicated, that some fell down into
+the hold, where they were drowned, as the water flowed into the wreck.
+Having done his utmost, ineffectually, to get the whole crew on shore,
+the captain was at last obliged to leave the mutineers behind, and to
+follow his officers on shore, with such few men as he could prevail
+upon to accompany him; but did not fail to send back the boats, with a
+message to those who remained, entreating them to have some regard to
+their own preservation. All his efforts, however, were for some time
+in vain; but next day, the weather proving stormy, and there being
+great danger of the ship going to pieces, the refractory part of the
+crew began to be afraid of perishing, and were desirous of getting to
+land; and, in their madness, as the boat did not come to fetch them
+off so soon as they wished, they pointed a four-pounder from the
+quarter-deck, against the hut in which the captain resided on shore,
+and fired two shots, which passed just over its roof.
+
+From this specimen of the behaviour of part of the crew, some idea
+may be formed of the disorder and anarchy which prevailed when they at
+length got all on shore. For the men conceived that the authority of
+their officers was at an end, in consequence of the loss of the ship;
+and, as they were now upon an inhospitable coast, where scarcely any
+other provisions could be got beyond what could be saved from the
+wreck, this was another insurmountable source of discord: for the
+working upon the wreck, and securing the provisions on shore, so that
+they might be preserved as much as possible for future exigencies,
+and that they might be sparingly and equally distributed for present
+subsistence, were matters, however important, that could not be
+brought about unless by means of discipline and subordination. At the
+same time, the mutinous disposition of the people, stimulated by the
+immediate impulses of hunger, rendered every regulation attempted for
+these indispensable purposes, quite unavailing; so that there were
+continual frauds, concealments, and thefts, which animated every one
+against his neighbour, and produced infinite contentions and perpetual
+quarrels. Hence a perverse and malevolent disposition was constantly
+kept up among them, which rendered them utterly ungovernable.
+
+Besides these heart-burnings, occasioned by petulance and hunger,
+there was another important point which set the greatest part of the
+people at variance with the captain. This was their difference in
+opinion from him, on the measures proper to be pursued on the present
+emergency; for the captain was determined, if possible, to fit out
+the boats in the best manner he could, and to proceed with them to
+the northward, as, having above two hundred men in health, and having
+saved some fire-arms and ammunition from the wreck, he had no doubt
+of being able to master any Spanish, vessel they might fall in with in
+these seas, and he thought that he could not fail of meeting with one
+in the neighbourhood of Chiloe or Baldivia, in which, when taken,
+he proposed to proceed to the rendezvous at Juan Fernandez. He also
+insisted, should they even meet with no prize by the way, that the
+boats alone could easily carry them to Juan Fernandez. But this
+scheme, however prudent and practicable, was by no means relished by
+the generality of the people; for, quite jaded and disgusted with the
+fatigues, dangers, and distresses they had already encountered, they
+could not be persuaded to prosecute an enterprize which had hitherto
+proved so disastrous. The common resolution, therefore, was to
+lengthen the long-boat, and, with her and the other boats, to steer to
+the southwards, to pass through the Straits of Magellan, and to range
+along the eastern coast of South America, till they came to Brazil,
+where they had no doubt of being well received, and procuring a
+passage to Britain.
+
+This project was evidently a vast deal more tedious, and infinitely
+more hazardous, than that proposed by the captain; but, as it had the
+air of returning home, and flattered them with the hope of getting
+once more to their native country, that circumstance rendered them
+blind to all its inconveniences, and made them adhere to it with
+insurmountable obstinacy. The captain was therefore obliged to give
+way to the torrent, though he never changed his opinion, and had, in
+appearance, to acquiesce in this resolution, though he gave it all
+the obstruction he could, particularly in regard to lengthening the
+long-boat, which he contrived should be of such a size, as, though
+it might carry them to Juan Fernandez, he yet hoped might appear
+incapable of so long a navigation as that to the coast of Brazil.
+But the captain, by his steady opposition at first to this favourite
+project, had much embittered the people against him, to which, also,
+the following unhappy accident greatly contributed.
+
+A midshipman, named Cozens, had appeared the foremost in all the
+refractory proceedings of the crew, had involved himself in brawls
+with most of the officers who had adhered to the authority of the
+captain, and had even treated the captain himself with much insolence
+and abuse. As his turbulence and brutality grew every day more and
+more intolerable, it was not in the least doubted that some violent
+measures were in agitation, in which Cozens was engaged as the
+ringleader; for which reason the captain, and those about him,
+constantly kept themselves on their guard. One day the purser having
+stopped, by order of the captain, the allowance of a fellow who
+would not work, Cozens, though the man had not complained to him,
+intermeddled in the affair with great bitterness, and grossly insulted
+the purser, who was then delivering out the provisions close by the
+captain's tent, and was himself sufficiently violent. Enraged by his
+scurrility, and perhaps piqued by former quarrels, the purser cried
+out, _A mutiny_; adding, _the dog has pistols_, and then immediately
+fired himself a pistol at Cozens, but missed him. On hearing this
+outcry, and the report of the pistol, the captain rushed out from
+his tent, and not doubting that it had been fired by Cozens as the
+commencement of a mutiny, immediately shot him in the head without
+farther enquiry. Though he did not die on the spot, the wound proved
+mortal in about a fortnight.
+
+Though this accident was sufficiently displeasing to the people, it
+yet awed them for a considerable time to their duty, and rendered them
+more submissive to the authority of the captain. But at last, towards
+the middle of October, when, the long-boat was finished, and they were
+preparing to put to sea, the additional provocation given them, by
+covertly traversing their project of proceeding through the Straits of
+Magellan, and their fears that he might at length engage a sufficient
+party to overturn this favourite measure, made them resolve to take
+advantage of the death of Cozens as a reason for depriving him of his
+command, under pretence of carrying him a prisoner to England to be
+tried for murder, and he was accordingly confined under a guard. Yet
+they never meant to carry him with them, as they too well knew what
+they might expect on their return to England, if their commander
+should be present to confront them; and therefore, when just ready to
+depart, they set him at liberty, leaving him, and the few who chose to
+take their fortunes along with him, no other embarkation but the yawl,
+to which the barge was afterwards added, by the people on board her
+being prevailed upon to turn back.
+
+When the ship was wrecked, there were about one hundred and thirty
+persons alive on board; above thirty of whom died on the place where
+they landed, and nearly eight went off in the long-boat and cutter
+to the southward; after whose departure, there remained no more than
+nineteen persons along with the captain, which were as many,
+however, as the barge and yawl could well carry, these being the only
+embarkations left them. It was on the 13th of October, five months
+after the shipwreck, that the long-boat, converted into a schooner,
+weighed and sailed to the southwards, giving three cheers at their
+departure to the captain and Lieutenant Hamilton of the land-forces,
+and the surgeon, who were then standing on the beach. On the 29th of
+January, 1742, they arrived at Rio Grande, on the coast of Brazil;
+but having, by various accidents, left about twenty of their people on
+shore at the different places where they touched, and a still greater
+number having perished of famine in the course of their navigation,
+there were not more than thirty of them remaining, when they arrived
+at that port. This undertaking was certainly most extraordinary in
+itself; for, not to mention the great length of the voyage, the vessel
+was scarcely able to contain the number that first put to sea in her;
+and their stock of provisions, being only what they saved from the
+ship, diminished by five months expenditure on shore, was extremely
+slender. They had also this additional misfortune, that the cutter,
+the only boat they had along with them, broke loose from their stern,
+and was staved to pieces, so that, when their provisions and water
+failed, they had frequently no means of getting on shore in search of
+a supply.
+
+The captain and those who remained with him, now proposed to proceed
+to the northward in the barge and yawl; but the weather was so bad,
+and the difficulty of subsisting so great, that it was two months
+after the departure of the long boat, before they were able to put to
+sea. It seems that the place where the Wager was lost, was not a
+part of the continent, but an island at some distance from the main,
+affording no other sort of provisions besides shell-fish, and a few
+herbs; and, as the greatest part of what they had saved out of the
+wreck had been carried off in the long-boat, the captain and his
+people were often in extreme want of food, especially as they chose
+to preserve what little remained to them of the ship's provisions, to
+serve them as sea-store, when they should proceed to the northward.
+During their residence at this place, which was called Wager Island
+by the seamen, they were now and then visited by a straggling canoe or
+two of Indians, who came and bartered their fish and other provisions
+with our people. This was some little relief to their necessities,
+and might perhaps have been greater at another season; for there were
+several Indian huts on the shore, whence it was supposed that, in some
+years, many of these savages might resort thither in the height of
+summer, to catch fish. Indeed, from what has been related in the
+account of the Anna pink, it would seem to be the general practice of
+these Indians, to frequent this coast in the summer season, for the
+purpose of fishing, and to retire more to the northwards in winter,
+into a better climate.
+
+It is worthy of remark, how much it is to be lamented that the people
+of the Wager had no knowledge of the Anna pink being so near them on
+the coast;[4] for, as she was not above thirty leagues from them at
+the most, and came into that neighbourhood about the same time that
+the Wager was lost, and was a fine roomy ship, she could easily have
+taken them all on board, and have carried them to Juan Fernandez.
+Indeed, I suspect that she was still nearer them than is here
+estimated; for, at different times, several of the people belonging to
+the Wager heard the report of a cannon, which could be no other
+than the evening gun fired by the Anna, as formerly mentioned, more
+especially as the gun heard at Wager Island was at that time of the
+day.
+
+[Footnote 4: Inchin island, where the Anna pink lay, has been formerly
+stated to be in lat. 46 deg. 30' S. the supposed latitude in which the
+Wager was lost, stated in the text at 47 deg. S. is only _ten_ marine
+leagues to the southward, instead of _thirty_, and must therefore
+have been on some one of the islands toward the southern coast of the
+peninsula de Tres Montes, on the north of the Golfo de Penas.--E.]
+
+Captain Cheap and his people embarked in the barge and yawl, on the
+14th of December, in order to proceed to the northward, taking on
+board along with them all the provisions they could gather from the
+wreck of the ship; but they had scarcely been an hour at sea, when the
+wind began to blow hard, and the sea to run so high, that they were
+obliged to throw the greatest part of their provisions overboard, to
+avoid immediate destruction. This was a terrible misfortune, in a part
+of the world where food was so difficult to be got; yet they persisted
+in their design, going on shore as often as they could, in search
+of subsistence. About a fortnight after their departure from Wager
+island, another dreadful accident befel them, as the yawl sunk at
+an anchor, and one of her hands was drowned; and, as the barge was
+incapable of carrying the whole company, they were reduced to the hard
+necessity of leaving four marines behind them, on that desolate
+coast. They still, however, kept their course to the northward; though
+greatly delayed by cross winds, and by the frequent interruptions
+occasioned by the necessity of searching for food on shore, and
+constantly struggling with a series of the most sinister events. At
+length, about the end of January, 1742, having made three unsuccessful
+attempts to double a head-land, which they supposed to be that called
+Cape _Tres Montes_ by the Spaniards, and finding the difficulty
+insurmountable, they unanimously resolved to return to Wager Island,
+which they effected about the middle of February, quite disheartened
+and desponding, through their reiterated disappointments, and almost
+perishing with hunger and fatigue.
+
+On their return, they had the good fortune to fall in with several
+pieces of beef, swimming in the sea, which had been washed out of
+the wreck, which afforded them a most seasonable relief, after the
+hardships they had endured. To complete their good fortune, there came
+shortly afterwards to the place two canoes with Indians, among whom
+there happened to be a native of Chiloe, who spoke a little Spanish.
+The surgeon who accompanied Captain Cheap understood that language,
+and made a bargain with the Chiloe Indian, that, if he would carry the
+captain and his people in the barge to Chiloe, he should have her and
+all her furniture for his reward. Accordingly, on the 6th of March,
+the eleven persons, to which the company was now reduced, embarked
+again in the barge on this new expedition. After having proceeded
+a few days, the captain and four of his principal officers being on
+shore, the six, who remained in the barge along with an Indian, shoved
+her off and put to sea, and never returned again.
+
+Captain Cheap, together with Mr Hamilton, lieutenant of marines, the
+honourable Mr Byron and Mr Campbell, midshipmen, and Mr Elliot, the
+surgeon, were thus left on shore in the most deplorable situation
+imaginable. It might be thought that their distresses, long before
+this time, were hardly capable of being increased: Yet they found
+their present situation much more dismaying than any thing they had
+hitherto experienced; being left on a desert coast, far from the
+haunts of men, without provisions, or the means of procuring any, and
+with no visible prospect of relief; for their arms and ammunition, and
+every convenience that had hitherto remained to them, except the few
+tattered garments they had on, were all carried away in the barge.
+While revolving the various circumstances of this new and unlooked-for
+calamity, and sadly persuaded that they had no possible relief to hope
+for, they perceived a canoe at a distance, which proved to be that
+belonging to the Indian of Chiloe, who had undertaken to convey them
+to that island. He it seems had left Captain Cheap and his people,
+only a little before, to go a fishing in his canoe, accompanied by his
+family, leaving the barge in the mean time under the care of the other
+Indian, whom the sailors had carried with them to sea. When he came
+on shore, and found the barge and his companion gone, he was much
+concerned, and was with difficulty persuaded that his companion had
+not been murdered; yet, being at last satisfied with the account that
+was given him by Mr Elliot, he still undertook to carry them to the
+Spanish settlements, and, being well skilled in fishing and fowling,
+he undertook also to provide them in provisions by the way.
+
+About the middle of March, Captain Cheap and his four remaining
+companions set out for Chiloe; their Indian conductor having provided
+several canoes, and gathered many of his countrymen together for that
+purpose. Mr Elliot, the surgeon, soon afterwards died, so that there
+now only remained four of the whole company. At last, after a very
+complicated passage, partly by sea and partly by land, Captain Cheap,
+Mr Byron, and Mr Campbell, arrived at the island of Chiloe, where they
+were received by the Spaniards with great humanity; but, on account of
+some quarrel among the Indians, Mr Hamilton did not get there till two
+months later. It was thus above a twelvemonth, from the loss of the
+Wager, before this fatiguing peregrination terminated. The four who
+now remained were brought so extremely low, by their fatigues and
+privations, that in all probability none of them would have survived,
+had their distresses continued only a few days longer. The captain was
+with difficulty recovered; and the rest were so reduced by labour, the
+severity of the weather, scantiness of food, and want of all kinds of
+necessaries, that it was wonderful how they had supported themselves
+so long.
+
+After some stay at Chiloe, the captain and the other three who were
+with him, were sent to Valparaiso, and thence to St Jago, the capital
+of Chili, where they continued above a year, and where they were
+joined by Mr Hamilton. News arriving that a cartel had been settled
+between Great Britain and Spain, Captain Cheap, Mr Byron, and Mr
+Hamilton, were permitted to return to Europe in a French ship. Mr
+Campbell, the other midshipman, having changed his religion while at
+St Jago, chose to go from thence to Buenos Ayres along with Pizarro
+and his officers, overland, and went with them afterwards to Spain in
+the Asia: But failing in his endeavours to procure a commission from
+the court of Spain, he returned to England, and attempted in vain to
+get reinstated in the British navy. He has since published a narration
+of his adventures in which he complains of the injustice that has
+been done him and strongly disavows having ever been in the Spanish
+service: but, as the change of his religion and his offering himself
+to the court of Spain, though he was not accepted, are matters which
+he must be conscious can be incontestably proved, he has been entirely
+silent on these two heads.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: The circumstances connected with the loss of the Wager,
+and of the separation of the Severn and the Pearl, will be given more
+at large, by way of supplement to the circumnavigation. The incidents
+which occur to bold and unfortunate navigators are certainly curious
+and interesting; but the author of Anson's Voyage seems to have
+forgotten, that the circumstances respecting the countries they
+visited, especially such of these which are so little known, are of
+infinitely greater utility.--E.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Conclusion of Proceedings at Juan Fernandez, from the Arrival of the
+Anna Pink, to our final Departure from thence._
+
+About a week after the arrival of the Anna pink, the Tryal sloop,
+which had been sent to examine the island of Masefuero, returned to
+an anchor at Juan Fernandez, having gone entirely round that island,
+without seeing any one of our squadron. As, on this occasion, the
+island of Masefuero was more particularly examined, I have no doubt,
+than it had ever been before, or perhaps ever may be again, and as the
+knowledge of it may be of great consequence hereafter, under peculiar
+circumstances, I think it incumbent to insert the accounts given of it
+by the officers of the Tryal.
+
+The Spaniards have generally mentioned two islands, under the same of
+Juan Fernandez, naming them the greater and the less;[1] the greater
+being that island, where we anchored, and the less that we are
+now about to describe; which, because it is more distant from the
+continent, they call Masefuero. The Tryal found that it bore from the
+greater Juan Fernandez, W. by S. about twenty-two leagues distant.
+It is much larger and better than has been usually represented, being
+reported by former writers as a small barren rock, destitute of wood
+and water, and altogether inaccessible. Whereas our people found that
+it was covered with trees, and that there were several fine falls
+of water pouring down its sides into the sea. They found, also, that
+there is a place on its north side, where a ship might come to an
+anchor, though indeed the anchorage be inconvenient; for the bank is
+steep, and extends only a little way, and has very deep water, so
+that she must anchor very near the shore, and be there exposed to all
+winds, except those from the southward. Besides the inconvenience
+of the anchorage, there is also a reef of rocks, about two miles in
+length, running off the eastern point of the island, though these are
+little to be feared, because always to be seen, by the sea breaking
+over them. This island has at present one advantage beyond Juan
+Fernandez, as it abounds in goats; and as these are not accustomed to
+be disturbed, they were no way shy till they had been frequently fired
+at. These animals reside here in great tranquillity, as the Spaniards,
+not thinking this island sufficiently considerable to be frequented by
+their enemies, have not been solicitous to destroy the provisions
+it contains, so that no dogs have hitherto been put on shore there.
+Besides goats, the people of the Tryal found there vast numbers of
+seals and sea lions; and upon the whole, though they did not consider
+it as the most eligible place for ships to refresh at, yet, in case
+of necessity, it might afford some sort of shelter, and prove of
+considerable use, especially to a single ship, apprehensive of meeting
+an enemy at Juan Fernandez.
+
+[Footnote 1: They also distinguish the greater by the name of Isla de
+Tierra, as being nearer the main land of Chili. There is yet a third
+and smallest island, a little way from the S.W. extremity of the
+largest, called J. de Cabras or Conejos, Goat or Rabbit island.--E.]
+
+The latter end of the month of December was spent in unloading the
+provisions from the Anna pink; when we had the mortification to find,
+that great quantities of our provisions, as bread, rice, groats, &c.
+were decayed and unfit for use. This had been occasioned by the Anna
+taking in water, by her working and straining in bad weather; owing
+to which several of her casks had rotted, and many of her bags were
+soaked through. Having now no farther occasion for her services, the
+commodore, pursuant to his orders from the admiralty, sent notice
+to her master, Mr Gerard, that he now discharged the Anna pink from
+attending the squadron, and gave him a certificate at the same time,
+specifying how long she had been employed. In consequence of this
+dismission, her master was left at liberty, either to return directly
+to England, or to make the best of his way to any port where he
+thought he could take in such a cargo as might serve the interest of
+his owners. But, sensible of the bad condition of his ship, and
+her unfitness for any such voyage, the master wrote next day to the
+commodore, stating, that he had reason to apprehend the bottom of the
+Anna to be very much decayed, from the great quantity of water she
+had let in on her passage round Cape Horn, and ever since, in the
+tempestuous weather she had experienced on the coast of Patagonia;
+that her upper decks were rotten abaft; that she was extremely leaky;
+that her fore-beam was broken; and, in short, that, in his opinion, it
+was impossible to proceed with her to sea, unless she were thoroughly
+repaired. He therefore requested of the commodore, that the carpenters
+of the squadron might be directed to survey her, so that their
+judgment of her condition might be known. In compliance with this
+request, the carpenters were ordered to make a careful and accurate
+survey of the Anna, and to give in a faithful report to the commodore
+of her condition; directing them to proceed with such circumspection,
+that they might be able, if hereafter called upon, to confirm the
+veracity of their report upon oath. Pursuant to these orders, the
+carpenters immediately set about the examination, and made their
+report next day. This was in substance, That the Anna had no less than
+fourteen knees and twelve beams broken, and decayed; one breast-hook
+broken, and another decayed; her water-ways open and decayed; two
+standards and several clamps broken, besides others much rotten; all
+her iron-work greatly decayed; her spirkiting and timbers very rotten;
+that, having ripped off part of her sheathing, her wales and outside
+planks were extremely defective; and her bows and decks were very
+leaky. From all these defects and decays, they certified that, in
+their opinion, the vessel could not depart from Juan Fernandez,
+without great hazard, unless previously thoroughly repaired.
+
+In our present situation, this thorough repair was impracticable,
+all the plank and iron in the squadron being insufficient for that
+purpose. Wherefore, the opinion of the master being confirmed by this
+report, he presented a petition to the commodore, in behalf of his
+owners, praying, as his vessel was incapable of leaving the island,
+that her hull, materials, and furniture, might be purchased for the
+use of the squadron. The commodore, therefore, ordered an inventory
+to be taken of every thing belonging to the pink, with its just value;
+and as many of her stores might become useful in repairing the other
+ship, these articles having become very scarce, in consequence of
+the great quantities already expended, he agreed with Mr Gerard to
+purchase the whole for L300. The pink was now broken up, Mr Gerard and
+her hands being sent on board the Gloucester, as that ship had buried
+the greatest number of men in proportion to her complement. Two or
+three of them were afterwards received into the Centurion on their
+petition, as they were averse from sailing in the same ship with
+their old master, on account of some ill usage they alledged to have
+suffered from him.
+
+This transaction brought us down to the beginning of September, by
+which time our people were so far recovered from the scurvy, that
+there was little danger of burying any more for the present. I shall
+therefore now sum up the whole of our loss since our departure from
+England, the better to convey some idea of our past sufferings and our
+then remaining strength. In the Centurion, since leaving St Helens, we
+had buried 292 men, and had 214 remaining. This will doubtless appear
+a most extraordinary mortality, yet that in the Gloucester had been
+much greater; as, out of a much smaller crew than ours, she had lost
+the same number, and had only 82 remaining alive. It might have been
+expected that the mortality would have been the most terrible in the
+Tryal, as her decks were almost constantly knee deep in water: But
+it happened otherwise, for she escaped more favourably than the other
+two, having only buried 42, and had 39 remaining alive. The havoc of
+this cruel disease had fallen still more severely on the invalids
+and marines, than on the sailors. For, in the Centurion, out of 50
+invalids and 79 marines, there only remained four invalids, including
+officers, and 11 marines. In the Gloucester every invalid perished;
+and of 48 marines, only two escaped. It appears from this account,
+that the three ships departed from England with 961 men on board, of
+whom 626 were dead, and 335 men and boys only remained alive; a number
+greatly insufficient for manning the Centurion alone, and barely
+capable of navigating all the three with the utmost exertion of their
+strength and vigour.
+
+This prodigious reduction of our men was the more alarming, as we were
+hitherto unacquainted with the fate of the squadron under Pizarro, and
+had reason to suppose that some part of it, at least, had got round
+into the South Seas. We were, indeed, much of opinion, from our own
+sad experience, that they must have suffered greatly in the passage:
+but then every port in the South Sea was open to them, and the whole
+power of Peru and Chili would be exerted for their refreshment and
+repair, and for recruiting their loss of men. We had, also, some
+obscure information of a force to be fitted out against us from Paluo;
+and, however contemptible the ships and sailors of this part of the
+world may have been generally esteemed, it was hardly possible for
+any thing bearing the name of a ship of war, to be feebler or less
+considerable than ourselves. Even if there had been nothing to
+apprehend from the naval power of the Spaniards in these seas, yet our
+enfeebled situation necessarily gave us great uneasiness, as we were
+incapable of making an attempt against any of their considerable
+places; for, in our state of weakness, the risking even of twenty
+men, would have put the safety of the whole in hazard. We conceived,
+therefore, that we should be forced to content ourselves with what
+prizes we might be able to fall in with at sea, before we were
+discovered, and then to depart precipitately, and esteem ourselves
+fortunate to regain our native country; leaving our enemies to triumph
+on the inconsiderable mischief they had suffered from a squadron which
+had filled them with such dreadful apprehensions. We had reason to
+imagine the Spanish ostentation would remarkably exert itself on
+this subject, though our disappointment and their security neither
+originated in their valour nor our misconduct. Such were the
+desponding reflections which at this time arose, on the review and
+comparison of our remaining weakness with our original strength: And,
+indeed, our fears were far from being groundless, or disproportionate
+to our feeble and almost desperate condition: For, though the final
+event proved more honourable than we foreboded, yet the intermediate
+calamities did likewise surpass our most gloomy apprehensions; and,
+could these have been predicted to us while at Juan Fernandez, they
+would doubtless have appeared insurmountable.
+
+In the beginning of September, as already mentioned, our men being
+tolerably well recovered, and the season of navigation in these seas
+drawing nigh, we exerted ourselves in getting our ships ready for sea.
+We converted the foremast of the Anna into a new main-mast for the
+Tryal; and, still flattering ourselves with the possible hope of
+some other ships of our squadron arriving, we intended to leave the
+main-mast of the Anna, to make a new mizen-mast for the Wager. All
+hands being thus employed in preparing for our departure, we espied
+a sail to the N.E. about eleven a.m. of the 18th September, which
+continued to approach us till her courses appeared even with the
+horizon. While advancing, we had great hopes that this might prove
+one of our squadron; but she at length steered away to the eastward,
+without hauling in for the island, on which we concluded that she must
+be Spanish. Great differences of opinion now took place, as to the
+possibility of her people having discovered our tents on shore; some
+of us strongly insisting, that she certainly had been near enough to
+have seen something that had given them a jealousy to an enemy, which
+had occasioned her standing away to the eastwards. Leaving these
+contests to be settled afterwards, it was resolved to pursue her; and,
+as the Centurion was in the greatest forwardness, all her hands were
+got immediately on board, her rigging set up, and her sails bent with
+all possible expedition, and we got under sail by five in the evening.
+
+At this time we had so very little wind, that all the boats were
+employed to tow us out of the bay, and what wind there was lasted only
+long enough to give us an offing of two or three leagues, when it
+fell dead calm. As night came on we lost sight of the chase, and were
+extremely impatient for the return of light, in hopes to find that she
+had been becalmed, as well as we; yet her great distance from the land
+was 3 reasonable ground for suspecting the contrary, as we actually
+found in the morning, to our great mortification; for, though the
+weather was then quite clear, we had no sight of the chase from the
+mast-head. But, being now quite satisfied that she was an enemy, and
+the first we had seen in these seas, we resolved not to give over the
+chase lightly; and, on a small breeze springing up from the W.N.W. we
+got up our top-gallant masts and yards, set all the sails, and steered
+S.E. in hopes of retrieving the chase, which we imagined might be
+bound for Valparaiso. We continued on this course all that day and the
+next; and then, seeing nothing of the chase, gave over the pursuit,
+believing that she had, in all probability, reached her port.
+
+Resolving to return to Juan Fernandez, we hauled up to the S.W. having
+very little wind till the 12th, at three a.m. when a gale sprung up at
+W.S.W. which obliged us to tack and stand to the N.W. At day-break,
+we were agreeably surprised by the appearance of a sail on our
+weather-bow, between four and five leagues distant, on which we
+crowded all sail and stood towards her, soon perceiving she was a
+different vessel from that we had chased before. She at first bore
+down towards us, shewing Spanish colours, and making a signal as to
+a consort; but, seeing we did not answer her signal, she instantly
+loofed close to the wind and stood to the southward. Our people were
+now all in high spirits, and put about ship with great briskness;
+and, as the chase appeared a large ship, and had mistaken us for
+her consort, we imagined that she must be a man of war, and probably
+belonged to the squadron of Pizarro. This induced the commodore to
+order all the officers cabins to be knocked down and thrown overboard,
+along with several casks of water and provisions, that stood between
+the guns; so that we had a clear ship, ready for action. About nine
+a.m. it came on thick hazy weather, with a shower of rain, during
+which we lost sight of the chase, and were apprehensive, if this
+weather should continue, she might escape us, by going on the other
+tack, or some other device. The weather cleared up, however, in
+less than an hour, when we found that we had both weathered and
+fore-reached upon her considerably, and were then near enough to
+perceive that she was only a merchant ship, without a single tire of
+guns. About half an hour after twelve noon, being within reasonable
+distance, we fired four shot among her rigging; on which they lowered
+their top-sails and bore down to us, but in very great confusion,
+their top-gallant-sails and stay-sails all fluttering in the wind.
+This was owing to their having let run their sheets and halyards, just
+as we fired at them; after which not a man among them would venture
+aloft to take them in, as our shot had passed there just before.
+
+As soon as the vessel came within hail of us, the commodore ordered
+her to bring to under his lee quarter; and having the boat hoisted
+out, sent our first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, to take possession of the
+prize, with orders to send all the prisoners on board the Centurion,
+the officers and passengers first. When Mr Saumarez boarded the prize,
+he was received by her people at the side with the most abject tokens
+of submission; as they were all, especially the passengers, who were
+twenty-five in number, extremely terrified, and under the greatest
+apprehensions of meeting with very severe and cruel usage. But the
+lieutenant endeavoured, with great courtesy, to dissipate their
+terror, assuring them that their fears were altogether groundless,
+and that they would find a generous enemy in the commodore, who was
+no less remarkable for his lenity and humanity, than for courage and
+resolution. The prisoners who were first sent on board the Centurion,
+informed us, that the prize was called _Neustra Lenora del Monte
+Carmelo_, and her commander Don Manuel Zamorra. Her cargo consisted
+chiefly of sugar, and a great quantity of blue cloth, made in the
+province of Quito, somewhat resembling our coarse English broad cloth,
+but inferior. They had also several bales of a coarser cloth, of
+different colours, somewhat like Colchester baize, called by them
+_Panniada Tierra_; with a few bales of cotton, and some tolerably
+well-flavoured tobacco, though strong. These were her principal goods;
+but we found besides, what was much more valuable than the rest of
+her cargo, some trunks full of wrought silver plate, and twenty-three
+serons of dollars, each weighing upwards of two hundred pounds.[2]
+This ship was of about 450 tons burden, having on board 53 sailors,
+including whites and blacks. She came from Calao, bound for
+Valparaiso, and had been twenty-seven days at sea. Her return cargo
+from Chili was to have been corn and Chili wine, with some gold, dried
+beef, and small cordage, which is afterwards converted at Calao into
+larger rope. This vessel had been built thirty years before; yet,
+as they lie in harbour all winter, and the climate is remarkably
+favourable, she was not considered as very old. Her rigging and sails
+were very indifferent, the latter being of cotton. She had only three
+four-pounders, which were quite unserviceable, as their carriages
+could scarcely support them; and they had no small arms on board,
+except a few pistols belonging to the passengers. They had sailed from
+Callao in company with two other ships, which they had parted from
+a few days before, and had at first taken our ship for one of their
+consorts; and, by the description we gave of the ship we had chased
+from Juan Fernandez, they assured us that she was one of their number;
+although the coming in sight of that island is directly contrary to
+the merchant's instructions, as knowing, if any English ships should
+be in these seas, that this island is most likely to be their place of
+rendezvous.
+
+[Footnote 2: A seron is a species of package made and used in Spanish
+America, consisting of a piece of raw bullock's hide with the hair on,
+formed while wet into the shape of a small trunk, and sewed together.
+The quantity of dollars taken on this occasion may have been between
+seventy and eighty thousand.--E.]
+
+We met with very important intelligence in this prize, partly from
+the prisoners, and partly from letters and papers that fell into
+our hands. By these we first learnt with certainty the force and
+destination of that squadron which cruised off Madeira at our arrival
+there, and had afterwards chased the Pearl in our passage to Port St
+Julian. This squadron we now knew to be composed of five large Spanish
+ships, commanded by Admiral Pizarro, and purposely fitted out to
+traverse our designs, as has been already more amply related in our
+third section. We had now the satisfaction to find, that Pizarro,
+after his utmost endeavours to get round into these seas, had been
+forced back to the Rio Plata, after losing two of his largest
+ships; which, considering our great weakness, was no unacceptable
+intelligence. We also learnt, that, though an embargo had been laid on
+all shipping in the ports of South America, by the viceroy of Peru,
+in the preceding month of May, on the supposition that we might then
+arrive on the coast, yet it now no longer subsisted: For, on receiving
+the account overland of the distresses of Pizarro, part of which they
+knew we must also have suffered; and, on hearing nothing of us for
+eight months after we were known to have left St Catharines, they were
+fully satisfied we must either have been shipwrecked, have perished
+at sea, or have been obliged to put back again; as they conceived
+it impossible for any ships to have continued at sea for so long an
+interval, and therefore, on the application of the merchants, and the
+persuasion that we had miscarried, the embargo had been lately taken
+off.
+
+This intelligence made us flatter ourselves, as the enemy was still
+ignorant of our having got round Cape Horn, and as navigation was
+restored, that we might meet with some valuable captures, and might
+indemnify ourselves in that way, of our incapacity to attempt any of
+their considerable settlements on shore. This much at least we were
+certain of, from the information of our prisoners, that, whatever
+might be our success in regard to prizes, we had nothing to fear, weak
+even as we were, from the Spanish force in that part of the world,
+though we discovered that we had been in most imminent peril, when we
+least apprehended any, when our other distresses were at the greatest
+height. As we found, by letters in the prize, that Pizarro, in the
+dispatch he sent by express to the viceroy of Peru overland, after
+his own return to the Rio Plata, had intimated the possibility of some
+part of our squadron getting round; and as, from his own experience,
+he was certain any of our ships that might arrive in the South Seas
+must be in a very weak and defenceless condition, he advised the
+viceroy to send what ships of war he had to the southwards, in order
+to be secure at all events, where, in all probability, they would
+intercept us singly, before we had an opportunity of touching any
+where for refreshment; in which case he had no doubt of our proving an
+easy conquest. The viceroy approved this advice, and as he had already
+fitted out four ships of force at Callao, one of 50 guns, two of 40
+each, and one of 24, which were intended to have joined Pizarro, three
+of these were stationed off the port of Conception, and one at the
+island of Juan Fernandez, where they continued cruising for us till
+the 6th of June; and then, conceiving it impossible that we could
+have kept the sea so long, they quitted this station and returned to
+Callao, fully persuaded we must either have perished, or been driven
+back.
+
+Now, as the time when they left Juan Fernandez was only a few days
+before our arrival at that island, it is evident, if we had made it
+on our first search, without hauling in for the main to secure our
+easting, a circumstance we then considered as very unfortunate, on
+account of the many men we lost by our long continuance at sea; had
+we made the island 28th of May, when we first expected to see it, and
+were in reality very near to have so done, we had inevitably fallen in
+with some part of the squadron from Callao; and in our then distressed
+condition, the encounter of a healthy and well-provided enemy might
+have proved fatal, not only to us in the Centurion, but also to the
+Tryal, Gloucester, and Anna pink, which separately joined us, and were
+each less capable to have resisted than we. I may also add, that these
+Spanish ships, sent out to intercept us, had been greatly shattered by
+a storm during their cruise, and had been laid up after their
+return to Callao; and we were assured by our prisoners, that, when
+intelligence might be received at Lima of our being in the South Seas,
+it would require two months at least, before this armament could
+be refitted for going to sea. The whole of this intelligence was as
+favourable as we, in our reduced circumstances, could wish for; and
+we were now at no loss to account for the broken jars, ashes, and fish
+bones, which we had observed at Juan Fernandez on our first landing;
+these things having been doubtless the relics of the cruisers
+stationed at that island. Having thus satisfied ourselves in the most
+material articles of our enquiry, got all the silver on board the
+Centurion, and most of the prisoners, we made sail to the northward
+at eight that same evening, in company with our prize. We got sight of
+Juan Fernandez at six next morning, and the day following both we and
+our prize got safe there to anchor. When the prize and her crew came
+into the bay, in which the rest of our squadron lay, the Spaniards,
+who had been sufficiently informed of the distresses we had gone
+through, and were astonished we had been able to surmount them, were
+still more surprised when they saw the Tryal sloop, that, after all
+our fatigues, we should have had the industry to complete such a
+vessel in so short a time, besides refitting our other ships, as they
+concluded we had certainly built her there; nor was it without great
+difficulty they could be brought to believe that she came from England
+with the rest of the squadron; for they long insisted, that it was
+impossible for such a bauble as she was to have passed round Cape
+Horn, when the best ships of Spain were forced to put back.
+
+By the time of our arrival at Juan Fernandez, the letters found on
+board our prize were more minutely examined, and it appeared from
+them, and from the examination of our prisoners, that several other
+merchant-ships were bound from Callao to Valparaiso. Whereupon, the
+commodore dispatched the Tryal sloop, the very next morning, to cruise
+off the port of Valparaiso, reinforcing her crew with ten men from the
+Centurion. The commodore resolved also, on the above intelligence,
+to employ the ships under his command in separate cruises, as by this
+means he might increase the chance of taking prizes, and should run
+less risk of being discovered, and alarming the coast. The spirits of
+our people were now greatly raised, and their despondency dissipated,
+by this earnest of success, so that they forgot all their past
+distresses, resumed their wonted alacrity, and laboured incessantly in
+completing our water, receiving our lumber, and preparing to leave the
+island.
+
+These necessary occupations took us up four or five days, with all our
+industry and exertions; and in this interval, the commodore
+directed the guns of the Anna pink, being four six-pounders and four
+four-pounders, with two swivels, to be mounted in the Carmelo, our
+prize. He sent also on board the Gloucester, six Spanish passengers
+and twenty-three captured seamen, to assist in navigating that ship,
+and directed Captain Mitchell to leave the island as soon as possible,
+the service demanding the utmost despatch, giving him orders to
+proceed to the latitude of 5 deg. S. and there to cruise off the high-land
+of Payta, at such distance from shore as should prevent his being
+discovered. He was to continue on this station till joined by the
+Centurion; which was to be whenever it should be known that the
+viceroy had fitted out the ships of war at Callao, or on the commodore
+receiving any other intelligence that should make it necessary to
+divide our strength. These orders being delivered to Captain Mitchell
+of the Gloucester, and all our business completed, we weighed anchor
+in the Centurion, on Saturday the 19th of September, in company with
+our prize the Carmelo, and got out of the bay, taking our last leave
+of Juan Fernandez, and steering to the eastward, with the intention
+of joining the Tryal sloop, on her station off Valparaiso, leaving the
+Gloucester still at anchor.
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Our Cruise, from leaving Juan Fernandez, to the taking of Payta._
+
+Although we left the bay on the 19th of September, yet, by the
+irregularity and fluctuation of the wind in the offing, it was the 22d
+of that month, in the evening, before we lost sight of Juan Fernandez;
+after which we continued our course to the eastward, in order to join
+the Tryal off Valparaiso. Next night the weather proved squally, and
+we split our main top-sail, which we then handed; but got it repaired
+and set again by next morning. In the evening, a little before sunset,
+we saw two sail to the eastward, on which our prize stood directly
+from us, to avoid any suspicion of our being cruisers, while we made
+ready for an engagement, and steered with all our canvass towards the
+two ships we had descried. We soon perceived, that one of them, which
+seemed a very stout ship, stood directly for us, while the other kept
+at a great distance. By seven o'clock we were within pistol-shot of
+the nearest, and had a broadside ready to pour into her, the gunners
+having their lighted matches in their hands, only waiting orders to
+fire. But, as the commodore knew that she could not now escape,
+he ordered the master to hail the ship in Spanish; on which her
+commanding officer, who happened to be Mr Hughes, lieutenant of the
+Tryal, answered us in English, that she was a prize, taken by the
+Tryal a few days before, and that the other vessel at a distance was
+the Tryal, disabled in her masts.
+
+We were soon after joined by the Tryal, when her commander, Captain
+Saunders, came on board the Centurion. He acquainted the commodore,
+that he had taken this ship on the 18th, being a prime sailor, which
+had cost him thirty-six hours chase before he could get up with her,
+and that for some time he gained so little upon her, that he almost
+despaired of ever making up with the chase. The Spaniards were at
+first alarmed, by seeing nothing but a cloud of sail in pursuit of
+them, as the hull of the Tryal lay so low in the water, that no part
+of it appeared; yet knowing the goodness of their ship, and finding
+how little the Tryal neared them, they at last laid aside their fears,
+and, recommending themselves to the protection of the blessed Virgin,
+they began to think themselves quite secure. Indeed, their success was
+near doing honour to their _Ave Marias_; for, altering their course
+in the night, and shutting close their cabin windows to prevent any of
+their lights from being seen, they had some chance of escaping: But a
+small crevice in one of their shutters rendered all their invocations
+of no avail; as the people of the Tryal perceived a light through this
+crevice, which they chased till they got within gun-shot; and then
+Captain Saunders alarmed them with a broadside, when they flattered
+themselves they were beyond his reach. For some time, however, the
+chase still kept the same sail abroad, and it was not observed that
+this first salute had made any impression; but, just as the Tryal was
+about to repeat her broadsides the Spaniards crept from their holes,
+lowered their sails, and submitted without opposition. She was named
+the _Arranzazu_, being one of the largest merchantmen employed in
+these seas, of about 600 tons burden, bound from Calao to Valparaiso,
+having much the same cargo with the Carmelo, our former prize, except
+that her silver amounted only to about 5000l. sterling.
+
+To balance this success, we found that the Tryal had sprung her
+main-mast, and that her main-top-mast had come by the board; and next
+morning, as we were all standing to the eastward in a fresh gale at S.
+she had the additional misfortune to spring her fore-mast, so that now
+she had not a mast left on which she could carry sail. These unhappy
+circumstances were still further aggravated, by the impossibility
+of our being then able to assist her, for the wind blew so hard, and
+raised such a hollow sea, that we could not venture to hoist out a
+boat, and consequently could not have any communication with her; so
+that we were obliged to lie-to for the greatest part of forty-eight
+hours to attend upon her, as we could not possibly leave her in such a
+condition of distress. It was no small addition to our misfortunes,
+on this occasion, that we were all the while driving to leeward of our
+intended station, and at the very time, when, by our intelligence, we
+had reason to expect several of the enemy's ships would appear on the
+coast, and would now get into the port of Valparaiso unobstructed;
+and, I am convinced, the embarrassment we suffered by the dismasting
+of the Tryal and our consequent absence from our intended station,
+deprived, us of some very considerable captures.
+
+The weather proved somewhat more moderate on the 27th, when we sent
+our boat for Captain Saunders, who came on board the Centurion, where
+he produced an instrument, signed by himself and all his officers,
+representing that the Tryal, besides being dismasted, was so very
+leaky in her hull, that it was necessary to ply the pumps continually,
+even in moderate weather, and that they were then scarcely able
+to keep her free; insomuch that, in the late gale, though all the
+officers even had been engaged in turns at the pumps, yet the water
+had increased upon them; and that, on the whole, they apprehended her
+present condition to be so defective, that they must all inevitably
+perish if they met with much bad weather: For all which reasons,
+he petitioned the commodore to take measures for their safety. The
+refittal of the Tryal, and the repair of her defects, were utterly
+beyond our power on the present conjuncture, for we had no masts to
+spare, no stores to complete her rigging, and no port in which she
+could be hove down, to examine and repair her bottom. Even had we
+possessed a port, and proper requisites for the purpose it would yet
+have been extremely imprudent, in so critical a conjuncture to have
+loitered away so much time as would have been necessary for these
+operations. The commodore, therefore, had no choice left, but was
+under the necessity of taking out her people and destroying her. Yet,
+as he conceived it expedient to keep up the appearance of our force,
+he appointed the Tryal's prize, which had often been employed by the
+viceroy of Peru as a man-of-war, to be a frigate in his majesty's
+service, manning her with the crew of the Tryal, and giving
+commissions to the captain and all the inferior officers accordingly.
+This new frigate, when in the Spanish service, had mounted thirty-two
+guns; but she was now to have only twenty, which were the twelve that
+belonged to the Tryal and eight that had been on board the Anna pink.
+
+This affair being resolved on, the commodore gave orders to Captain
+Saunders to carry it into execution, directing him to take all the
+arms, stores, ammunition, and every thing else that could be of use
+from the sloop, and then to scuttle and sink her. After all this was
+done, Captain Saunders was to proceed with his new frigate, now
+called the _Tryal's prize_, to cruise off the high-land of Valparaiso,
+keeping it from him N.N.W. at the distance of twelve or fourteen
+leagues: for, as all ships from Valparaiso bound to the northward,
+steer that course, the commodore proposed, by this means, to stop any
+intelligence that might be dispatched to Callao, of two of their ships
+being amissing, which might give them apprehensions of the English
+squadron being in their neighbourhood. The Tryal's prize was to
+continue on this station for twenty-four days, and, if not joined by
+the commodore before the expiration of that time, was then to proceed
+along the coast to Pisco, or Nasca, where she would be certain to find
+the Centurion. The commodore also ordered Lieutenant Saumarez,
+who commanded the Centurion's prize, to keep company with Captain
+Saunders, both to assist in unloading the Tryal, and that, by
+spreading in their cruise off Valparaiso, there might be less danger
+of any ships of the enemy slipping past unobserved. These orders being
+dispatched, the Centurion parted from the other vessels at eleven at
+night of the 27th September, directing her course towards Valparaiso,
+with the view of cruising for some days to windward of that port. By
+this distribution of our ships, we flattered ourselves that we had
+taken all the advantages we possibly could of the enemy with our small
+force, as our disposition was certainly the most prudent that could
+be devised: For, as we might suppose the Gloucester to be now drawing
+nigh the high-land of Payta, we were thus enabled, by our separate
+stations, to intercept all vessels employed either between Peru and
+Chili to the southward, or between Panama and Peru to the northward,
+since the principal trade from Peru to Chili being carried on with the
+port of Valparaiso, the Centurion, cruising to windward of that port,
+would probably meet with them, as it is the constant practice of these
+ships to fall in with land to windward of that place. The Gloucester,
+also, would be in the way of all ships bound from Panama, or any other
+place to the northward, to any port in Peru, since the highland, off
+which she was ordered to cruise, is constantly made by every ship on
+that voyage. While the Centurion and Gloucester were thus conveniently
+situated for intercepting the trade of the enemy, the Tryal's prize,
+and Centurion's prize, were as conveniently stationed for preventing
+the communication of intelligence, by intercepting all vessels bound
+from Valparaiso to the northward; as by such vessels it was to be
+feared that some account of us might be transmitted to Peru.
+
+But the most judicious dispositions only produce a probability of
+success, and cannot command certainty; since those chances, which may
+reasonably enough be overlooked in deliberation, are sometimes of most
+powerful influence in execution. Thus, in the present instance, the
+distress of the Tryal, and our necessary quitting our station to
+assist her, which were events that no degree of prudence could either
+foresee or obviate, gave an opportunity to all the ships bound for
+Valparaiso to reach that port without molestation during this unlucky
+interval: so that, after leaving Captain Saunders, we used every
+expedition in regaining our station, which we reached on the 29th at
+noon; yet, in plying on and off till the 6th of October, we had not
+the good fortune to fall in with a sail of any sort. Having lost all
+hope of meeting with any better fortune by longer stay, we then made
+sail to leeward of the port, in order to rejoin our prizes; but when
+we arrived off the high-land, where they were directed to cruise, we
+did not find them, though we continued there three or four days. It
+was supposed, therefore, that some chase had occasioned them to
+quit their station, wherefore we proceeded to the northward to the
+high-land of Nasca, in lat. 15 deg. 20' S. being the second rendezvous
+appointed for Captain Saunders to join us. We got there on the 21st of
+October, and were in great expectation of falling in with some of
+the enemy's vessels, as both the accounts of former voyagers, and
+the information of our prisoners, assured us, that all ships bound to
+Callao consequently make this land to prevent the danger of falling to
+leeward of the port.
+
+Notwithstanding the advantages of this station, we saw no sail
+whatever till the 2d November, when two ships appeared together, to
+which we immediately gave chase, and soon perceived that they were the
+Tryal's and Centurion's prizes. As they were to windward, we brought
+to and waited their coming up; when Captain Saunders came on board
+the Centurion, and acquainted the commodore that he had cleared and
+scuttled the Tryal according to his orders, and remained by her till
+she sunk. It was, however, the 4th of October before this could be
+effected; for there ran so large and hollow a sea that the sloop,
+having neither masts nor sails to steady her, rolled and pitched so
+violently, that, for the greatest part of the time, it was impossible
+for a boat to lie alongside of her; and, during this attendance on
+the sloop, they were all driven so far to the N.W. that they were
+afterwards obliged to stretch a long way to the westward, in order to
+regain the ground they had lost, which was the reason we had not met
+them on their station. They had met with no better fortune on their
+cruise than ourselves, never having seen a single vessel since we left
+them.
+
+This want of success, and our certainty if any ships had been stirring
+in these seas for some time past, that we must have fallen in with
+them, made us believe that the enemy at Valparaiso, on missing the
+two ships we had taken, had suspected us to be in these seas, and had
+consequently laid an embargo on all trade in the southern parts. We
+likewise apprehended they might, by this time, be fitting out the
+ships of war at Callao; as we knew that it was not uncommon for an
+express to reach Lima from Valparaiso in twenty-nine or thirty days,
+and it was now more than fifty since we had taken the first prize.
+These apprehensions of an embargo on the coast, and of the equipment
+of the Spanish squadron at Callao, determined the commodore to hasten
+down to the leeward of Callao, to join the Gloucester as soon as
+possible off Payta, that, our strength being united, we might be
+prepared to give the ships from Callao a warm reception, if they dared
+to put to sea. With this view we bore away that same afternoon, taking
+particular care to keep at such a distance from the shore that there
+might be no danger of our being discovered from thence; for we knew
+that all the ships of that country were commanded, under the severest
+penalties, not to sail past the harbour of Callao without stopping: as
+this order is always complied with, we should undoubtedly be known for
+enemies if we were seen to act contrary to that regulation. In this
+new navigation, being uncertain if we might not meet the Spanish
+squadron on the way, the commodore took back a part of the crew of the
+Centurion which had been for some time on board the Carmelo.
+
+While standing to the northward, we had sight of the small island of
+St Gallan[1] before night, bearing from us N.N.E. 1/2 E. about seven
+leagues distant. This island lies in about the latitude of 14 deg. S. and
+about five miles to the northward of a high-land called Morro Viejo,
+or the Old-man's Head, which island and high-land near it are here
+more particularly mentioned, because between them is perhaps the most
+eligible station on all this coast for cruising against the enemy, as
+hereabouts all ships bound for Callao, whether from the northward or
+southward, run well in with the land. By the 5th November, at 3 p.m.
+we were within sight of the high-land of _Barranca_, in lat. 10 deg. 36'
+S. bearing from us N.E. by E. eight or nine leagues distant; and an
+hour and a half afterwards we had the satisfaction, so long wished
+for, of seeing a sail. She appeared to leeward, and we all immediately
+gave chase; but the Centurion so much outsailed the two prizes that
+we soon ran them both out of sight, and gained considerably upon the
+chase. Night, however, came on before we could make up with her, and
+about seven o'clock the darkness concealed her from our view, and
+we were in some perplexity what course to steer; but our commodore
+resolved, being then before the wind, to keep all his sails set and
+not to change his course: For, although there was no doubt the chase
+would alter her course in the night, as it was quite uncertain what
+tack she might go upon, he thought it more prudent to continue the
+same course, rather than change it on conjecture, as, should we
+mistake, she would certainly get away. Continuing the chase about
+an hour and a half after dark, one or other of our people constantly
+believing they saw her sails right a-head of us, our second
+lieutenant, Mr Brett, at length actually discovered her about four
+points on the larboard bow, steering off to seawards, on which we
+immediately clapped the helm a-weather, standing right towards her,
+and came up with her in less than an hour, and, having fired fourteen
+shots at her, she struck. Mr Dennis, our third lieutenant, was sent
+in the boat with sixteen men to take possession of the prize, and to
+shift the prisoners to our ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: This island of San Gallan is in lat. 14 deg. S. long. 76 deg. W.
+about twelve miles S.W. of Pisco.--E.]
+
+This vessel was named the _Santa Teresa de Jesus_, built at Guayaquil,
+of about 300 tons burden, commanded by Bartolome Urrunaga, a Biscayan.
+She was bound from Guayaquil to Callao, her loading consisting of
+timber, cocoa, cocoa-nuts, tobacco, hides, _Pito_ thread, (which is
+made of a kind of grass and is very strong,) Quito cloth, wax,
+and various other articles; but the specie on board was very
+inconsiderable, being principally small silver coin, not exceeding
+170l. sterling in value. Her cargo, indeed, was of great value, if
+we could have sold it; but the Spaniards have strict orders never to
+ransom their ships, so that all the goods we captured in the South
+Seas, except what little we had occasion for ourselves, were of no
+advantage to us; yet it was some satisfaction to consider, that it
+was so much real loss to the enemy, and that despoiling them was no
+contemptible part of the service in which we were employed, and was so
+far beneficial to our country. Besides her crew of forty-five hands,
+she had on board ten passengers, consisting of four men and three
+women, who were natives of the country, but born of Spanish parents,
+together with three negro slaves who attended them. The women were a
+mother and two daughters, the elder about twenty-one, and the younger
+about fourteen. It is not to be wondered that women of these years
+should be excessively alarmed at falling into the hands of an enemy
+whom they had been taught to consider as the most lawless and brutal
+of all mankind, owing to the former excesses of the buccaneers, and
+by the artful insinuations of their priests. In the present instance
+these apprehensions were much augmented by the singular beauty of
+the youngest of the women, and the riotous disposition they might
+naturally enough expect to find in a set of sailors who had not seen a
+woman for near a twelvemonth.
+
+Full of these terrors, the women all hid themselves on the lieutenant
+coming on board, and, when found out, it was with difficulty he could
+persuade them to come to the light. But he soon satisfied them, by the
+humanity of his conduct, and by his assurances of their future
+safety and honourable treatment, that they had nothing to fear. The
+commodore, also, being informed of their fears, sent directions that
+they should continue in their own ship, with the use of the same
+apartments and all other conveniences they had before enjoyed,
+giving strict orders that they should experience no inquietude or
+molestation; and, that they might be the more certain of having these
+orders complied with, or having the means of complaining if they were
+not, the commodore appointed the pilot, who is generally the second
+person in Spanish ships, to remain with them as their guardian and
+protector. He was particularly chosen on this occasion, as he seemed
+extremely interested in all that concerned these women, and had
+at first declared that he was married to the youngest; though it
+afterwards appeared that he had asserted this merely with the view of
+securing them from the insults they dreaded on falling into our hands.
+By this compassionate and indulgent behaviour of the commodore, the
+consternation of our female prisoners entirety subsided, and they
+continued easy and cheerful during the time they were with us.
+
+I have before mentioned that the Centurion ran her two consorts out
+of sight at the commencement of this chase, on which account we lay to
+for them all the night after we had taken the prize, firing guns and
+shewing false fires every half hour, to prevent them from passing us
+unobserved. But they were so far astern, that they neither heard nor
+saw any of our signals, and were not able to come up with us till
+broad day. When they had joined, we proceeded together to the
+northward, being now four sail in company. We here found the sea
+for many miles of a beautiful red colour, owing, as we found upon
+examination, to an immense quantity of spawn floating on its surface:
+For, taking some of the water in a glass, it soon changed from a dirty
+aspect to be perfectly clear, with some red globules of a slimy nature
+floating on the top. Having now a supply of timber in our new prize,
+the commodore ordered all our boats to be repaired, and a swivel-stock
+to be fitted in the bow of the barge and pinnace, in order to increase
+their force, in case we should have occasion to use them in boarding
+ships, or making any attempt on shore.
+
+Continuing our course to the northward, nothing remarkable occurred
+for two or three days, though we spread our ships in such a manner
+that it was not probable any vessel of the enemy should escape us.
+During our voyage along this coast, we generally observed that a
+current set us to the northward, at the rate of ten or twelve miles
+every day. When in about the latitude of 8 deg. S. we began to be attended
+by vast numbers of flying fish and bonitos, which were the first we
+had seen after leaving the coast of Brazil. It is remarkable that
+these fish extend to a much higher latitude on the east side of
+America than on the west, as we did not lose them on the coast of
+Brazil till near the southern tropic. The reason, doubtless, of this
+diversity, is owing to the different degrees of heat obtaining on
+different sides of the continent in the same latitude; and, on this
+occasion, I use the freedom to make a short digression on the heat and
+cold of different climates, and on the variations which occur in the
+same places at different times of the year, and in different places in
+the same degree of latitude.
+
+The ancients conceived that of the five zones into which they divided
+the surface of the globe, two only were habitable; supposing that the
+heat between the tropics, and the cold within the polar circles, were
+too intense to be supported by mankind. The falsehood of this idea has
+been long established; but the particular comparison of the heat
+and cold of these various climates have as yet been very imperfectly
+considered. Enough is known, however, safely to determine this
+position, that all the places within the tropics are far from being
+the hottest on the globe, as many within the polar circle are far from
+enduring that extreme degree of cold to which their situation seems to
+subject them; that is to say, that the temperature of a place depends
+much more upon other circumstances, than upon its distance from the
+pole, or its proximity to the equinoctial line.
+
+This proposition relates to the general temperature of places taking
+the whole year round, and, in this sense, it cannot be denied that
+the city of London, for instance, enjoys much warmer seasons than
+the bottom of Hudson's Bay, which is nearly in the same latitude, but
+where the severity of the winter is so great as scarcely to permit
+the hardiest of our garden plants to live. If the comparison be made
+between the coast of Brazil and the western shore of South America,
+as, for example, between Bahia and Lima, the difference will be found
+still more considerable; for, though the coast of Brazil is extremely
+sultry, yet the coast of the South Sea, in the same latitude, is
+perhaps as temperate and tolerable as any part of the globe; since we,
+in ranging it along, did not once meet with such warm weather as is
+frequently felt in a summer day in England, which was still the more
+remarkable, as there never fell any rain to refresh and cool the air.
+
+The causes of this lower temperature in the South Sea are not
+difficult to be assigned, and shall be mentioned hereafter. I am now
+only solicitous to establish the truth of this assertion, that the
+latitude of a place alone is no rule by which to judge of the degree
+of heat and cold which obtains there. Perhaps this position might be
+more briefly confirmed by observing that on the tops of the Andes,
+though under the equator, the snow never melts the whole year round;
+a criterion of cold stronger than is known to take place in many parts
+far within the polar circle.
+
+Hitherto I have considered the temperature of the air all the year
+through, and the gross estimations of heat and cold which every one
+makes from his own sensations. But if this matter be examined by means
+of thermometers, which are doubtless the most unerring evidences in
+respect to the absolute degrees of heat and cold, the result will be
+indeed most wonderful; since it will appear that the heat in very high
+latitudes, as at Petersburgh for instance, is, at particular times,
+much greater than any that has been hitherto observed between the
+tropics. Even at London in the year 1746, there was a part of one day
+considerably hotter than was at any time felt in one of the ships
+of our squadron in the whole voyage out and home, though four times
+passing under the equator; for, in the summer of that year, the
+thermometer in London, graduated according to the scale of Fahrenheit,
+stood at 78 deg., and the greatest observed heat, by a thermometer of the
+same kind in the same ship, was 76 deg., which was at St Catharines in
+the latter end of December, when the sun was within about 3 deg. of the
+vertex. At St Petersburgh, I find by the acts of the Academy, in the
+year 1734, on the 20th and 25th of July, that the thermometer rose
+to 98 deg. in the shade, or 22 deg. higher than it was found to be at
+St Catharines; which extraordinary degree of heat, were it not
+authenticated by the regularity and circumspection with which the
+observations appear to have been conducted, would appear altogether
+incredible.
+
+If it should be asked, how it comes then to pass, that the heat,
+in many places between the tropics, is esteemed so violent and
+insufferable, when it appears, by these instances, that it is
+sometimes rivalled, and even exceeded, in very high latitudes, not far
+from the polar circle? I shall answer, That the estimation of heat,
+in any particular place, ought not to be founded upon that particular
+degree of it which may now and then obtain there; but is rather to be
+deduced from the medium observed during a whole season, or perhaps in
+a whole year; and in this light, it will easily appear how much more
+intense the same degree of heat may prove, by being long continued
+without remarkable variation. For instance, in comparing together St
+Catharines and St Petersburg, we shall suppose the summer heat at St
+Catharines to be 76 deg., and the winter heat to be only 56 deg.. I do not
+make this last supposition upon sufficient authority, but am apt to
+suspect the allowance is full large. Upon this supposition, therefore,
+the medium heat all the year round will be 66 deg.; and this perhaps by
+night as well as by day, with no great variation. Now, those who have
+attended to thermometrical observation will readily allow, that a
+continuance of this degree of heat for a length of time, would be
+found violent and suffocating by the generality of mankind. But at
+Petersburg, though the heat, as measured by the thermometer, may
+happen to be a few times in the year considerably higher than at St
+Catharines, yet, at other times, the cold is intensely sharper, and
+the medium for a year, or even for one season only, would be far
+short of 60 deg.. For I find, that the variation of the thermometer at
+Petersburgh, is at least five times greater, from its highest to its
+lowest point, than I have supposed it to be at St Catherines.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: On his own principles, the lowest heat of Petersburg
+ought to be -2 deg., and the medium temperature of the year 48 deg.; but the
+data are loosely expressed and quite unsatisfactory, as indeed is the
+whole reasoning on the subject.--E.]
+
+Besides this estimation of the heat of a place, by taking the medium
+for a considerable time together, there is another circumstance which
+will still farther augment the apparent heat of the warmer climates,
+and diminish that of the colder, though I do not remember to have seen
+it remarked by any author. To explain myself more distinctly upon this
+head, I must observe, that the measure of absolute heat, marked by
+the thermometer, is not the certain criterion of the sensation of
+heat with which human bodies are affected; for, as the presence and
+perpetual succession of fresh air is necessary to our respiration, so
+there is a species of tainted or stagnated air often produced by the
+continuance of great heats, which, being less proper for respiration,
+never fails to excite in us an idea of sultriness and suffocating
+warmth, much beyond what the heat of the air alone would occasion,
+supposing it pure and agitated. Hence it follows, that the mere
+inspection of the thermometer will never determine the heat which the
+human body feels from this cause; and hence also, the heat, in most
+places between the tropics, must be much more troublesome and uneasy,
+than the same degree of absolute heat in a high latitude. For the
+equability and duration of the tropical heat contribute to impregnate
+the air with a multitude of steams and vapours from the soil and
+water; and many of these being of an impure and noxious kind, and
+being not easily removed, by reason of the regularity of the winds
+in those parts, which only shift the exhalations from place to place,
+without dispersing them, the atmosphere is by this means rendered
+less capable of supporting the animal functions, and mankind are
+consequently affected by what they call a most intense and stifling
+heat. Whereas, in the higher latitudes, these vapours are probably
+raised in smaller quantities, and are frequently dispersed by the
+irregularity and violence of the winds; so that the air, being in
+general more pure and less stagnant, the same degree of absolute heat
+is not attended by that uneasy and suffocating sensation.
+
+This may suffice, in general, with respect to the present speculation;
+but I cannot help wishing, as it is a subject in which mankind are
+very much interested, especially travellers of all sorts, that it were
+more thoroughly and accurately examined, and that all ships bound
+to the warmer climates were furnished with thermometers of a known
+fabric, and would observe them daily, and register their observations.
+For, considering the turn to philosophical enquiries which has
+obtained in Europe since the beginning of the eighteenth century, it
+is incredible how very rarely any thing of this kind has been
+attended to. For my own part, I do not remember to have ever seen any
+observations of the heat and cold, either in the East or West Indies,
+which were made by marines or officers of vessels, excepting those
+made by order of Commodore Anson on board the Centurion, and those by
+Captain Legg on board the Severn, another ship of our squadron.
+
+I have been in some measure drawn into this digression, by the
+consideration of the fine weather we experienced on the coast of
+Peru, even under the equinoctial, but I have not yet described the
+particularities of this weather. I shall now therefore observe, that
+every circumstance concurred, in this climate, that could render the
+open air and the day-light desirable: For, in other countries, the
+scorching heat of the sun in summer renders the greater part of the
+day unapt either for labour or amusement, and the frequent rains are
+not less troublesome in the more temperate parts of the year: But, in
+this happy climate, the sun rarely appears. Not that the heavens
+have at any time a dark or gloomy aspect; for there is constantly a
+cheerful gray sky, just sufficient to screen the sun, and to mitigate
+the violence of its perpendicular rays, without obscuring the air, or
+tinging the light of day with an unpleasant or melancholy hue. By this
+means, all parts of the day are proper for labour or exercise in
+the open air; nor is there wanting that refreshing and pleasing
+refrigeration of the air which is sometimes produced by rains in
+other climates; for here the same effect is brought about by the fresh
+breezes from the cooler regions to the southward. It is reasonable to
+suppose, that this fortunate complexion of the heavens is principally
+owing to the neighbourhood of those vast mountains called the Andes,
+which, running nearly parallel to the shore, and at a small distance
+from it, and extending immensely higher than any other mountains upon
+the globe, form upon their sides and declivities a prodigious tract of
+country, where, according to the different approaches to the summit,
+all kinds of climates may be found at all seasons of the year.
+
+These mountains, by intercepting great part of the eastern winds,
+which generally blow over the continent of South America, and by
+cooling that part of the air which forces its way over their tops, and
+by keeping besides a large portion of the atmosphere perpetually cool,
+from its contiguity to the snows by which they are always covered,
+and thus spreading the influence of their frozen crests to the
+neighbouring coasts and seas of Peru, are doubtless the cause of the
+temperature and equability which constantly prevail there. For, when
+we had advanced beyond the equinoctial to the north, where these
+mountains left us, and had nothing to screen us to the eastward but
+the high lands on the Isthmus of Darien, which are mere mole-hills
+compared to the Andes, we then found that we had totally changed
+our climate in a short run; passing, in two or three days, from the
+temperate air of Peru, to the sultry and burning atmosphere of the
+West Indies.
+
+To return to our narration. On the 10th of November we were three
+leagues south of the southern island, of _Lobos_, in lat. 6 deg. 27'
+S. This is called _Lobos de la Mar_; and another, which is to the
+northward of it, and resembles it so much in shape and appearance as
+to be often mistaken for it, is called _Lobos de Tierra_.[3] We
+were now drawing near the station that had been appointed for the
+Gloucester, and fearing to miss her, we went under easy sail all
+night. At day-break next morning, we saw a ship in shore and to
+windward, which had passed us unseen in the night, and soon perceiving
+that she was not the Gloucester, we got our tacks on board and gave
+her chase. But as there was very little wind, so that neither we
+nor the chase had made much way, the commodore ordered his barge
+and pinnace, with the pinnace of the Tryal's prize, to be manned
+and armed, and to pursue and board the chase. Lieutenant Brett, who
+commanded our barge, came up with her first about nine o'clock, a.m.
+and, running alongside, fired a volley of small shot between her
+masts, just over the heads of her people, and then instantly boarded
+with the greatest part of his men. But the enemy made no resistance,
+being sufficiently intimidated by the dazzling of the cutlasses, and
+the volley they had just received. Lieutenant Brett now made the sails
+of the prize be trimmed, and bore down towards the commodore, taking
+up the other two boats in his way. When within about four miles of us,
+he put off in the barge, bringing with him a number of the prisoners,
+who had given him some material intelligence, which he was desirous of
+communicating to the commodore as soon as possible. On his arrival, we
+learnt that the prize was called _Nuestra Senora del Carmin_, of
+about 270 tons burden, commanded by Marcos Moreno, a native of Venice,
+having on board forty-three mariners. She was deeply laden with
+steel, iron, wax, pepper, cedar plank, snuff, _rosarios_, European
+bale-goods, powder-blue, cinnamon, papal indulgences, and other kinds
+of merchandize; and, though this cargo was of little value to us, in
+our present circumstances, it was the most considerable capture we
+had made, in respect to the Spaniards, as it amounted to upwards of
+400,000 dollars, prime cost at Panama. This ship was bound from Panama
+to Callao, and had stopped at Payta on her way, to take on board a
+recruit of water and provisions, and had not left that place above
+twenty-four hours when she fell into our hands.
+
+[Footnote 3: The Southern Lobos, or Lobos de la Mar, is in fact two
+contiguous islands, N. and S. from each other, in lat. 6 deg. 57' S. and
+long. 80 deg. 43' W. _Lobos de Tierra_, called also _Inner Lobos_, from
+being nearer the land, lying in the same longitude, is in lat. 6 deg. 28'
+S. There is still a third, or Northern Lobos, in lat. 5 deg. 10' S. long.
+81 deg. W.]
+
+The important intelligence received by Mr Brett, which he was so
+anxious to communicate to the commodore, he had learnt from one John
+Williams, an Irishman, whom he found in the prize, and which was
+confirmed by examination of the other prisoners. Williams was a
+papist, who had worked his passage from Cadiz, and had travelled over
+the whole of the kingdom of Mexico as a pedlar. He pretended that,
+by this business, he had at one time cleared four or five thousand
+dollars, but at length got entangled by the priests, who knew he had
+money, and was stripped of every thing. At present he was all in rags,
+having just got out of Payto gaol, where he had been confined for some
+misdemeanour. He expressed great joy in thus meeting his countrymen,
+and immediately informed them, that a vessel had come into Payta, only
+a few days before, the master of which had informed the governor, that
+he had been chased in the offing by a very large ship, which he was
+persuaded, from her size and the colour of her sails, must be one of
+the English squadron. This we conjectured to have been the Gloucester,
+as we found afterwards was the case. On examining the master, and
+being fully satisfied of his account, the governor sent off an express
+with all expedition to the viceroy at Lima; and the royal officer
+residing at Payta, apprehensive of a visit from the English, had been
+busily employed, from his first hearing of this news, in removing the
+king's treasure and his own to Piura, a town in the interior, about
+fourteen leagues distant.[4] We learnt farther, from our prisoners,
+that there was at this time a considerable sum of money in the
+custom-house of Payta, belonging to some merchants of Lima, which
+was intended to be shipped on board a vessel, then in the harbour of
+Payta, and was preparing to sail for the bay of _Sansonnate_, on
+the coast of Mexico, in order to purchase a part of the cargo of the
+Manilla ship.
+
+[Footnote 4: San Migual de Piura is about 50 English miles E. by S.
+from Payta, and nearly the same distance from the mouth of the Piura
+river.--E.]
+
+As the vessel in which this money was to be shipped was reckoned
+a prime sailer, and had just received a new coat of tallow on her
+bottom, and might, in the opinion of the prisoners, be able to sail
+the succeeding morning, we had little reason to expect that our ship,
+which had been nearly two years in the water, could have any chance
+to get up with her, if she were once allowed to escape from the port.
+Wherefore, and as we were now discovered, and the whole coast would
+soon be alarmed, and as our continuing to cruise any longer in
+these parts would now answer no purpose, the commodore determined
+to endeavour to take Payta by surprise, having in the first place
+informed himself minutely of its strength and condition, by examining
+the prisoners, and being fully satisfied that there was little danger
+of losing many of our men in the attempt.
+
+This attack on Payta, besides the treasure it promised, and its being
+the only enterprise in our power to undertake, had also several other
+probable advantages. We might, in all probability, supply ourselves
+with great quantities of live provisions, of which we were in great
+want; and we should also have an opportunity of setting our prisoners
+on shore, who were now very numerous, and made a greater consumption
+of our food than our remaining stock was capable of furnishing much
+longer. In all these lights, the attempt was most eligible, and
+to which our situation, our necessities, and every prudential
+consideration, strongly prompted. How it succeeded, and how far it
+answered our expectations, shall be the subject, of the succeeding
+section.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Capture of Payta, and Proceedings at that Place._
+
+The town of Payta is in lat 50 deg. 12' S. [long. 81 deg. 15' W.] being
+situated in a most barren soil, composed only of sand and slate. It
+is of small extent, being about 275 yards in length along the shore
+of the bay, and 130 yards in breadth, containing less than two hundred
+families. The houses are only ground floors, their walls composed of
+split canes and mud, and the roofs thatched with leaves. Though thus
+extremely slight, these edifices are abundantly sufficient for a
+climate where rain is considered as a prodigy, and is not seen in many
+years: Insomuch that, a small quantity of rain falling in the year
+1728, is said to have ruined a great number of buildings, which
+mouldered away, and melted as it were before it. The inhabitants are
+chiefly Indians and black slaves, or of mixed breed, the whites
+being very few. The port of Payta, though little more than a bay,
+is reckoned the best on this coast, and is indeed a very secure and
+commodious anchorage, and is frequented by all vessels coming from the
+north, as here only the ships from Acapulco, Sonsonnate, Realejo,
+and Panama, can touch and refresh in their passage to Callao; and the
+length of these voyages, the wind for the greatest part of the year
+being full against them, renders it indispensably necessary for them
+to call in here for a recruit of fresh water. Payta itself, however,
+is situated in so parched a spot, that it does not furnish a drop
+of fresh water, neither any kind of vegetables or other provisions,
+except fish and a few goats. But, from an Indian town named Colan, two
+or three leagues to the northward, water, maize, vegetables, fowls,
+and other provisions, are conveyed to Payta on _balsas_ or floats,
+for the supply of ships which touch there; and cattle are sometimes
+brought from Piura, a town about thirty miles up the country. The
+water brought from Colan is whitish and of a disagreeable appearance,
+but is said to be very wholesome; for it is pretended by the
+inhabitants that it runs through large tracks overgrown with
+sarsaparilla, with which it is sensibly impregnated. Besides
+furnishing the trading ships bound from the north for Callao with
+water and other necessary refreshments this port of Payta is the
+usual place where passengers from Acapulco and Panama, bound to Lima,
+disembark; as the voyage from hence to Callao, the port of Lima, is
+two hundred leagues, and is extremely tedious and fatiguing, owing to
+the wind being almost always contrary; whereas there is a tolerably
+good road by land, running nearly parallel to the coast, with many
+stations and villages for the accommodation of travellers.
+
+Payta is merely an open town, unprovided with any defence, except
+a small fort or redoubt near the shore of the bay. It was of much
+consequence to us to be well informed of the fabric and strength of
+this fort; which, we learnt from our prisoners, had eight pieces of
+cannon, but neither ditch nor outwork, being merely surrounded by a
+plain brick wall; and that the garrison consisted of one weak company,
+though the town might possibly be able to arm three hundred men.
+Having informed himself of the strength of the place, the commodore
+determined upon making an attempt for its capture that very night,
+the 12th November. We were then about twelve leagues from shore; a
+sufficient distance to prevent being discovered, yet not so far but
+that, by making all the sail we could carry; we might arrive in the
+bay long before day-break. The commodore considered, however, that
+this would be an improper manner of proceeding, as our ships, being
+large bodies, might easily be seen at a distance, even in the night,
+and might alarm the inhabitants, so as to give them an opportunity of
+removing their most valuable effects. He resolved therefore, as the
+strength of the place did not require the employment of our whole
+force, to make the attempt with the boats only, ordering our
+eighteen-oared barge, with our own and the Tryal's pinnaces, on this
+service. Fifty-eight men, well furnished with arms and ammunition,
+were picked out to man them, and the command of the expedition
+was entrusted to Lieutenant Brett, to whom the commodore gave the
+necessary orders and instructions.
+
+The better to prevent the disappointment and confusion which might
+arise in the darkness of the night, and from the ignorance of our
+people of the streets and passages of the place, two of the Spanish
+pilots were appointed to attend Mr Brett, to conduct him to the most
+convenient landing-place, and afterwards to be his guides on shore.
+Likewise, that we might have the greater security for their fidelity
+on this occasion, the commodore publicly assured all our prisoners,
+that they should be set on shore and released at this place, provided
+the pilots acted faithfully: But, in case of any misconduct or
+treachery, the pilots were threatened with being instantly shot, and
+all the rest were assured of being carried prisoners to England. Thus
+the prisoners were themselves interested in our success, and we had no
+reason to suspect our guides of negligence or perfidy. It is worthy
+of remark, on this occasion, as a singular circumstance, that one
+of these pilots, as we afterwards learnt, had been taken by Captain
+Clipperton above twenty years before, and had then been obliged to
+guide Captain Clipperton and his people to the surprizal of Truxillo,
+a town to the southward of Payta; where, however, he contrived to
+alarm and save his countrymen, though the place was carried and
+pillaged. It is certainly an extraordinary incident, that the only two
+attempts on shore, and at so long an interval, should have been
+guided by the same person, a prisoner both times, and forced upon, the
+service contrary to his inclination.
+
+During our preparation, the ships continued to stand for the port with
+all the sail they could carry, secure that we were still at too great
+a distance to be seen. About ten at night, being then within five
+leagues of Payta, Lieutenant Brett put off with the boats under his
+command, and arrived at the mouth of the bay undiscovered. He had no
+sooner entered the bay, than some of the people in a ship riding there
+at anchor perceived him, and getting instantly into their boat, rowed
+towards the fort, shouting and crying, _The English! the English
+dogs!_ By this the whole town was suddenly alarmed, and our people
+soon observed several lights hurrying backwards and forwards in the
+fort, and other indications of the inhabitants being all in motion.
+On this, Mr Brett encouraged his men to pull briskly, that they might
+give the enemy as little time as possible to prepare for defence. Yet,
+before our boats could reach the shore, the people in the fort had
+got some of their cannons ready, and pointed them towards the
+landing-place; and though, in the darkness of the night, chance may
+be supposed to have had a greater share in their direction than skill,
+yet the first shot passed extremely near one of our boats, whistling
+just over the heads of the crew. This made our people redouble their
+efforts, so that they had reached the shore, and were in part landed,
+by the time the second shot was fired.
+
+As soon as our men were landed, they were conducted by one of the
+pilots to the entrance of a narrow street, not above fifty yards from
+the beach, where they were covered from the fire of the fort; and
+being here formed as well as the shortness of the time would allow,
+they marched immediately for the parade, a large square at the other
+end of this street, on one side of which stood the fort, while the
+governor's house formed another side of the same square. In this
+march, though performed with tolerable regularity, the shouts and
+clamours of nearly threescore sailors, who had been so long confined
+on ship board, and who were now for the first time on shore of an
+enemy's country, joyous as seamen always are when they land, and
+animated on the present occasion with the hopes of immense pillage,
+joined with the noise of their drums, and favoured by the night, had
+augmented their numbers, in the opinion of the astonished enemy, to
+at least three hundred; by which estimation, the inhabitants were so
+greatly intimidated, that they were infinitely more solicitous about
+the means of flight than of resistance. Hence, though upon entering
+the parade, our people received a volley from the merchants to whom
+the treasure then in the town belonged, who were ranged in a gallery
+that went round the governor's house, yet that post was immediately
+abandoned on the first fire made by our people, who were thereby left
+in quiet possession of the parade.
+
+Mr Brett now divided his men into two parties, ordering one of them to
+surround the governor's house, and if possible to secure the governor,
+while he went himself at the head of the other party, with the
+intention of forcing possession of the fort. But the enemy abandoned
+it on his approach, making their escape over the walls, and he entered
+it without opposition. Thus the place was mastered in less than a
+quarter of an hour after landing, and with no other loss on our side
+than one man killed and two wounded. One of these was the Spanish
+pilot of the Teresa, who received a slight bruise by a ball, which
+grazed his wrist. The honourable Mr Keppell, son to the Earl of
+Albemarle, had on this occasion a narrow escape. He wore a jockey-cap,
+one side of the peak of which was shaved off by a ball, close to his
+temple, yet did him no other injury.
+
+Having thus far happily succeeded, Mr Brett placed a guard at the
+fort, and another in the governor's house, and fixed centinels at all
+the avenues of the town, both to prevent any surprise from the enemy,
+and to secure the effects in the place from being embezzled. His next
+care was to seize upon the custom-house, in which the treasure was
+lodged, and to examine if any of the inhabitants remained in the town,
+that he might know what farther precautions were necessary. He soon
+found that the numbers remaining were no ways formidable; for by far
+the greatest part of them, being in bed when the place was surprised,
+had run away with so much precipitation, that they had not taken
+time to put on their clothes. The governor was not the last to secure
+himself in this general rout; for he fled betimes half-naked, leaving
+his wife behind, a young lady of about seventeen, to whom he had
+only been married three or four days; yet she also was carried off
+half-naked, by a couple of centinels, just as our detachment, ordered
+to invest the house, arrived for that purpose. This escape of
+the governor was an unpleasant circumstance, as the commodore had
+particularly recommended to Mr Brett to secure him if possible, as by
+that means he might have treated for the ransom of the place; but his
+alacrity in flight rendered this impracticable. The few inhabitants
+who remained were confined in one of the churches under a guard,
+except some stout negroes, who were employed the remaining part of
+the night in carrying the treasure, from the custom-house and other
+places, to the fort, each party of them being attended by a file
+of musketeers. This transportation of the treasure was the chief
+employment of Mr Brett's people after getting possession of the
+place; yet the sailors, while thus busied, could not be prevented from
+entering the houses in their way, in search of private pillage; when
+the first things that occurred to them, were the clothes left by the
+Spaniards, and which were mostly embroidered or laced, according to
+the fashion of the country. Our people eagerly seized these glittering
+dresses, and put them on over their own dirty trowsers and jackets,
+not forgetting the tye or bag-wigs, and laced hats, which were
+generally found along with the clothes. When this had once begun,
+there was no possibility of preventing the whole detachment from
+imitating the example; but those who came latest into the fashion, not
+finding men's clothes sufficient to equip them, were forced to take
+up with women's gowns and petticoats, which, provided these were fine
+enough, they made no scruple of putting on and blending with their own
+greasy dress: So that, when a party of them first made they appearance
+in that guise before Mr Brett, he was extremely surprised at their
+grotesque exhibition, and could hardly believe they were his own men.
+
+While these transactions were going on at Payta, we lay-to till one
+in the morning, from the time when our boats pushed off; and then,
+supposing the detachment to be near landing, we went on under easy
+sail for the bay. This we began to open about seven a.m. of the 13th,
+and soon after had a view of the town. Though we had no reason to
+doubt the success of the enterprise, yet we saw with much joy an
+infallible sign of its being effected, as, by means of our telescope,
+we could see the English flag hoisted on the flag-staff of the fort.
+We plied into the bay with as much expedition as the wind, which then
+blew from the shore, would, allow; and at eleven a.m. the Tryal's
+pinnace came on board us, laden with dollars and church plate, when
+the officer who commanded her gave an account of the transactions
+of the preceding night. About two p.m. we anchored in ten and a half
+fathoms, about a mile and half from the town, and were consequently
+near enough to have direct intercourse; with the shore.
+
+Mr Brett had hitherto gone on, collecting and removing the treasure,
+without interruption; but the enemy had now rendezvoused from all
+parts of the country, on a hill at the back of the town, where they
+made no inconsiderable appearance; as, among the rest of their force,
+there were two hundred horse, seemingly well armed and mounted,
+and, as we conceived, properly trained and regimented, as they were
+furnished with trumpets, drums, and standards. These troops paraded
+about the hill with much ostentation, sounding their military music;
+and, as our small force on shore was by this time known to them,
+practising every art to intimidate us, in hopes we might be induced,
+by our fears of them, to abandon the place before completing its
+pillage. We were not, however so ignorant as to believe that this body
+of horse, which seemed to be what they chiefly depended on, would dare
+to venture themselves among the streets and houses, even had they been
+three times more numerous; and we went on calmly, as long as
+day-light lasted, in sending off the treasure, and carrying on board
+refreshments, such as hogs, poultry, and the like, which we found in
+great abundance. At night, to prevent surprise, the commodore sent a
+reinforcement on shore, who were posted in all the avenues leading to
+the parade; and, for farther security, all the streets were traversed
+with barricades six feet high. But the enemy continued quiet all
+night, and at day-break we resumed our labour, in loading and sending
+off the boats.
+
+We were now thoroughly convinced of what consequence it would have
+been, had fortune seconded the prudent views of the commodore, by
+enabling us to have secured the governor. For we found many warehouses
+full of valuable effects, which were quite useless to us in our
+present circumstances, as we could not find room for them on board.
+But, had the governor been in our power, he would have treated, in all
+probability, for the ransom of this merchandize, which would have
+been extremely advantageous, both for him and us. Whereas, he being
+at liberty, and having collected all the force of the country for many
+leagues around, and having even got a body of militia from Piura, he
+was so elated by his numbers, and so fond of his new military command,
+that he did not seem to care about the fate of his government.
+Insomuch that, although our commodore sent several messages to him,
+by some of the inhabitants who were made prisoners, offering to enter
+into treaty for the ransom of the town and goods, even giving
+an intimation that we should be far from insisting on a rigorous
+equivalent, and might perhaps be satisfied with some live cattle
+and other necessaries for the use of the squadron, yet the governor
+despised all these reiterated overtures, and did not deign to give
+the slightest answer, though repeatedly threatened, if he would not
+condescend to treat, that we would set the town and all the warehouses
+on fire.
+
+On the second day of our possessing the place, several negro slaves
+deserted from the enemy on the hill, and voluntarily entered into our
+service, one of them being well known to a gentleman on board, who
+remembered to have seen him formerly at Panama. We now learnt that the
+Spaniards, without the town, were in extreme distress for water; for
+many of their slaves crept into town by stealth, and carried away
+several jars of water to their masters on the hill; and, though some
+of these were seized in the attempt, yet their thirst was so pressing,
+that they continued the practice as long as we remained in possession
+of the place. In the course of this second day, we were assured, both
+by deserters and prisoners, that the Spaniards were now increased to
+a formidable number, and had resolved to storm the town and fort next
+night, under the command of one Gordon, a Scots papist, and captain
+of a ship in these seas. We continued, however, to prosecute our work,
+without hurry, loading and sending off the boats as long as we had
+light; and at night, a reinforcement was again sent on shore by the
+commodore, and Mr Brett doubled his guards at all the barricades, all
+his posts being connected, by means of centinels placed within call
+of each other, and the whole visited by frequent rounds, attended by a
+drum. These marks of our vigilance and readiness to receive the enemy,
+which they could not be ignorant of, cooled their resolution, and made
+them forget the vaunts of the preceding day; so that we passed this
+second night with as little molestation as we had done the first.
+
+We had finished sending the treasure on board the evening before, so
+that the third morning, being the 15th of November, the boats were
+employed in carrying off the most valuable part of the effects from
+the town. As the commodore proposed to sail in the afternoon, he this
+day about ten o'clock, pursuant to his promise, sent all his prisoners
+on shore, to the number of eighty-eight, giving orders to Lieutenant
+Brett to have them secured in one of the churches under a strict
+guard, till he and his men were ready to embark. Mr Brett was also
+ordered to set the whole town on fire, except the two churches, which
+fortunately stood at some distance from the houses, after which he was
+to abandon the place and return on board. Mr Brett punctually complied
+with these orders, and immediately distributed pitch, tar, and other
+combustibles, of which there was great abundance to be had, into
+various houses in the several streets of the town, so that as the
+place was to be fired in many different quarters at the same time, the
+destruction might be the more violent and sudden, and the enemy
+might not be able to extinguish it after his departure. All these
+preparations being made, Mr Brett made the cannon in the fort be
+spiked; and setting fire to the houses most to windward, he collected
+his men and marched them to the beach, where the boats waited to take
+them off.
+
+As that part of the beach where he intended to embark was an open
+place without the town, near the churches, his retreat was perceived
+by the Spaniards on the hill, on which they resolved to endeavour
+to precipitate his departure, in order to have a pretext for
+future boasting. For this purpose, a small squadron of their horse,
+consisting of about sixty, selected probably for this service, marched
+down the hill with much seeming resolution, as if they had proposed
+to have charged our men now on the open beach without any advantage
+or situation. But no sooner did Mr Brett halt his men and face about,
+than they stopped their career, and did not venture to advance any
+farther. On arriving at the boats, and being quite ready to embark,
+our people were detained some time by missing one of their number;
+and, after some considerable delay, being unable to learn where he
+was left, or by what accident he was detained, they resolved to depart
+without him. Just when the last man was embarked, and the boats were
+going to shove off they heard him calling to be taken in; at which
+time the town was so thoroughly on fire, and the smoke so covered the
+beach, that they could hardly discern him, though he was quite well
+heard. Mr Brett, however, instantly ordered one of the boats to his
+relief, which found him up to the chin in the water, for he had waded
+as far as he durst, being extremely terrified at the idea of falling
+into the hands of the enemy, enraged as they doubtless were at the
+pillage and destruction of their town. On enquiring into the cause of
+his staying behind the rest, he acknowledged having taken too large a
+dose of brandy, which had thrown him into so profound a sleep that he
+did not wake till the fire began to scorch him. At first opening his
+eyes, he was amazed to see all the houses in a blaze on one side, and
+several Spaniards and Indians not far from him on the other. The great
+and sudden terror instantly restored him to sobriety, and gave him
+sufficient presence of mind to push through the thickest of the smoke,
+as the most likely means of escaping from the enemy; and, making
+the best of his way to the beach, he ran into the water as far as he
+durst, for he could not swim, before he ventured to look back.
+
+It was certainly much to the honour of our people, that though there
+were great quantities of wine and spirits found in the town, yet this
+was the only one who was known to have so far neglected his duty as to
+get drunk: indeed, their whole behaviour, while on shore, was greatly
+more regular than could well have been expected, from sailors who had
+been so long confined on board ship; and, though much of this good
+conduct must doubtless be imputed to the diligence of the officers,
+and to the excellent discipline they had been constantly inured to
+under the commodore, it was certainly not a little to the reputation
+of the men, that they should so generally have refrained from
+indulging in these intoxicating liquors, which they found in abundance
+in every warehouse.
+
+There was another singular incident occurred here which merits being
+recorded. An Englishman, who had formerly wrought as a ship-carpenter
+in Portsmouth yard, had left his country and entered into the
+Spanish service, and was at this time employed by them at the port of
+Guayaquil; and, as it was well known to his friends in England that he
+was in that part of the world, they had put letters for him on board
+the Centurion. This man happened at the present time to be among the
+Spaniards who had retired to the hill of Payta; and ambitious, as it
+would seem, of acquiring reputation among his new masters, he came
+down unarmed to one of our centinels, who was posted at some distance
+from the fort towards the enemy, pretending that he was desirous of
+surrendering himself and returning to the service of his country. Our
+centinel had a cocked pistol in his hand, but, deceived by the fair
+speeches of the carpenter, he allowed him very imprudently to come
+much too near him, so that, watching his opportunity, the carpenter
+wrenched the pistol from his hand, and ran away with it up the
+hill. By this time two others of our men, who had seen the carpenter
+advance, and suspected his intentions, were making towards him, and
+now pursued him, but he got up the hill before they could reach him,
+and then turned round and fired the pistol. His pursuers immediately
+returned the fire, though at a great distance, and the crest of the
+hill covered him as soon as they had fired, so that they took it for
+granted they had missed him: yet we afterwards learnt that he was shot
+through the body, and had fallen dead the very next step he took after
+firing his pistol and getting out of sight. The centinel, too, whom
+he had so grossly imposed upon, did not escape unpunished; as he was
+ordered to be severely whipt, for allowing himself to be so shamefully
+surprised on his post, and giving an example of carelessness, which,
+if followed in other instances, might have proved fatal to us all.
+
+By the time our people had taken their comrade out of the water, and
+were making the best of their way to the squadron, the flames had got
+possession of every part of the town with so powerful a hold, by means
+of the combustibles laid for the purpose, and by the slightness of the
+materials of the houses, and their aptitude to take fire, that it was
+now quite apparent no efforts of the enemy, who now flocked down in
+great numbers, could possibly stop its ravages, or prevent the entire
+destruction of the place and all the merchandize it contained. Our
+detachment under Lieutenant Brett safely joined the squadron, and the
+commodore prepared to leave the bay that same evening. On our first
+arrival there were six vessels belonging to the enemy at anchor, one
+of which was the ship, that was to have sailed with the treasure to
+the coast of Mexico; and, as she was supposed to be a good sailer,
+the commodore resolved to take her along with us. The others were
+two snows, a bark, and two row gallies of thirty-six oars each. These
+last, as we afterwards learnt, with many others of the same kind built
+at different ports, were intended to prevent us from landing in the
+neighbourhood of Callao; as the Spaniards, on the first intelligence
+of our squadron being destined for the South seas, and learning its
+force, expected that we would attempt the city of Lima. Having no
+occasion for these five vessels, the commodore ordered all their masts
+to be cut by the board at our first arrival; and on leaving the place,
+they were all towed out into deep water, scuttled, and sunk. The
+command of the remaining ship, called the Solidad, was given to Mr
+Hughes, lieutenant of the Tryal, with a crew of ten men. Towards
+midnight the squadron weighed anchor and sailed out of the bay,
+now consisting of six ships, the Centurion, Tryal's prize, Carmelo,
+Teresa, Carmin, and Solidad.
+
+Before proceeding to narrate our subsequent transactions, it may be
+proper to give a succinct account of the booty we acquired at Payta,
+and the losses there sustained by the Spaniards. It has been already
+observed, that there were great quantities of valuable effects at this
+place, but most of them were of a nature that we could neither dispose
+of nor carry away, and their value, therefore, can only be guessed at.
+In their representations to the court of Madrid, as we were afterward
+assured, the Spaniards estimated their loss at a million and a half of
+dollars; and as no small portion of the goods we there burnt were
+of the richest and most expensive kinds, as broad cloths, silks,
+cambrics, velvets, and the like, perhaps that valuation might be
+sufficiently moderate. The acquisition we made, though inconsiderable
+in comparison to what we destroyed, was yet far from despicable, as,
+in wrought plate, dollars, and other coin, there was to the value of
+more than 30,000l. sterling, besides several rings, bracelets, and
+other jewels, the value of which could not then be ascertained;
+and besides the very great plunder which became the property of the
+immediate captors.
+
+It has been already observed, that all the prisoners we had taken
+in our preceding prizes were here discharged. Among these were some
+persons of considerable distinction, one of them a youth of
+seventeen, son to the vice-president of Chili. As the barbarity of the
+buccaneers, and the artful uses the Spanish ecclesiastics had made of
+that circumstance, had filled the natives of these countries with
+the most horrible notions of the English cruelty, we always found our
+prisoners, on first coming aboard, extremely dejected, and under great
+horror and anxiety. This youth particularly, having never been before
+from home, lamented his captivity in the most moving terms, regretting
+the loss of his parents, his brothers, his sisters, and his native
+country; all of which he believed he should never see more, conceiving
+that he was devoted for the remainder of his life to an abject and
+cruel servitude. Indeed, all the Spaniards who came into our power,
+seemed to entertain similarly desponding notions of their condition.
+The commodore constantly exerted his utmost endeavours to efface these
+terrifying impressions, always having as many of the principal people
+among them as there was room for to dine at his table; and
+giving strict charges that they should at all times, and in every
+circumstance, be treated with the utmost decency and humanity. In
+spite of this precaution, they hardly ever parted with their fears
+for the first few days, suspecting the gentleness of their usage to be
+only preparatory to some after calamity; but at length, convinced of
+our sincerity, they grew perfectly easy and cheerful, so that it
+was often doubtful whether they considered their captivity as a
+misfortune. The before-mentioned youth, who was near two months on
+board the Centurion, had at last so completely conquered his
+original melancholy surmises, and had taken such an affection for
+the commodore, and seemed so much pleased with the manner of life
+on board, so different from all he had ever seen before, that I much
+question, if it had been in his choice, if he would not have preferred
+a voyage to England in the Centurion to going on shore at Payta,
+though he had here liberty of returning to his friends and country.
+
+This generous conduct of our commodore to his prisoners, which he
+continued without interruption or deviation, gave them all the highest
+idea of his humanity and benevolence; and, as mankind are ever fond
+of forming general opinions, induced them to entertain very favourable
+thoughts of the whole English nation. But, whatever opinion they might
+be disposed to form of his character before the capture of the Teresa,
+their veneration for him was prodigiously increased by his conduct
+towards the women who were taken in that vessel, as formerly
+mentioned. For the circumstance of leaving them in possession of their
+own apartments, the strict orders he issued to prevent any of our
+people from approaching them, and his permitting the pilot to remain
+with them as their guardian, were measures that seemed so different
+from what they expected in an enemy and a heretic, that, although the
+Spanish prisoners had themselves experienced his beneficence, they
+were astonished at this particular instance; and the more so, that all
+this was done without his ever having seen the women, though the two
+daughters were both reckoned handsome, and the youngest was celebrated
+for her uncommon beauty. The women were themselves so sensible of the
+obligations they owed him for the attention and delicacy with which
+he had protected them, that they refused to go on shore at Payta
+till permitted to wait upon him, that they might in person return him
+thanks. Indeed all the prisoners left us with the strongest assurances
+of their grateful remembrance of his uncommon kindness. A Jesuit,
+in particular, of some distinction, expressed himself with great
+thankfulness for the civilities he and his countrymen had experienced
+while on board, declaring that he should consider it his duty to do
+Mr Anson justice at all times; adding, that his usage of the men
+prisoners was such as could never be forgotten, and merited the
+highest acknowledgments; but his behaviour to the women was so
+extraordinary and honourable, that he doubted all the regard due to
+his own ecclesiastical character would be scarcely sufficient to make
+it believed. Indeed, we were afterwards informed that he and the rest
+of the prisoners had not been silent on this topic, but had given the
+highest commendations of our commodore, both at Lima and other places;
+and the Jesuit, as we were told, had interpreted in his favour, in a
+lax and hypothetical sense, that article of his church which asserts
+the impossibility of heretics being saved.
+
+Let it not be imagined, that the impression received by the Spaniards
+to our advantage on the present occasion was a matter of slight
+import; for, not to mention several of our countrymen who had already
+felt the good effects of these prepossessions, it may be observed,
+that the good opinion of this nation is certainly of more consequence
+to us than that of all the world besides. Not only as the commerce we
+have formerly carried on with them, and perhaps may again hereafter,
+is so extremely valuable, but also as its transacting so immediately
+depends upon the honour and good faith of those who are entrusted with
+its management. Even if no national conveniences were likely to flow
+from this honourable conduct of our commodore, his own equity and good
+dispositions would not the less have prevented him from the exercise
+of tyranny and oppression on those whom the chance of war had put into
+his hands. I shall only add, that, by his constant practice of this
+humane and prudent conduct, he acquired a distinguished character
+among the Spanish Creoles over all their settlements in America, so
+that his name was universally mentioned with honour and applause by
+most of the Spanish inhabitants of that vast empire.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Occurrences from our Departure from Payta to our Arrival at Quibo._
+
+Setting sail from the road of Payta about midnight of the 16th
+November, we stood to the westward, and next morning the commodore
+caused the squadron to spread, on purpose to look out for the
+Gloucester, as we drew near the station where Captain Mitchell had
+been directed to cruise, and we hourly expected to get sight of him,
+yet the whole day passed without seeing him.
+
+At this time a jealousy between those who had gone ashore to the
+attack of Payta, and those who had continued on board, grew to such a
+height, that the commodore became acquainted with it, and thought
+it necessary to interpose his authority for its abatement. This was
+occasioned by the plunder taken at Payta, which those who acted on
+shore had appropriated to themselves, considering it as due to the
+risks they had run, and the resolution they had shewn on that service.
+But those who had remained on board, deemed this a very partial and
+unjust procedure; urging, that they also would have preferred acting
+on shore if it had been left to their choice; that their duty on
+board was extremely fatiguing while their comrades were on shore; for,
+besides the labour of the day, they were forced to remain all night
+under arms to secure the prisoners, who were more numerous than
+themselves, and of whom it was then necessary to be extremely
+watchful, to prevent any attempts they might have planned at that
+critical conjuncture. They insisted, also, that it was undeniably as
+necessary to the success of the enterprize to have an adequate force
+on board as on shore in its execution, and, therefore, that those who
+remained on board could not be deprived of their share in the plunder,
+without manifest injustice. These contests were carried on with great
+heat on both sides; and though the plunder in question was a mere
+trifle, in comparison with the treasure taken, in which there was no
+doubt that those on board had an equal right, yet, as the obstinacy
+of sailors is not always regulated by the importance of the matter in
+dispute, the commodore thought it necessary to put a speedy stop to
+this commotion. Accordingly, on the morning of the 17th, he ordered
+all hands to assemble on the quarter-deck, when, addressing his
+discourse to those who had been detached on shore, he highly commended
+their gallant conduct, and thanked them for their services on that
+occasion. He then represented to them the reasons that had been urged
+by those who continued on board, for an equal distribution of the
+plunder, telling them that he thought these reasons were conclusive,
+and that the expectations of their comrades were justly founded; and
+he insisted, therefore, that not only the men, but all the officers
+also, who had been employed in the capture of Payta, should
+immediately produce the whole of their plunder upon the quarter-deck,
+and that it should be impartially divided among the whole crew,
+proportionally to the rank and commission of each. To prevent those
+who had been in possession of this plunder from murmuring at this
+decision, and the consequent diminution of their shares, he added,
+as an encouragement to those who might be afterwards employed on
+like services, that he gave up his entire share, to be distributed
+exclusively among those who had been detached to attack the place.
+Thus this troublesome affair, which might perhaps have had mischievous
+consequences if permitted to go on, was soon appeased by the prudence
+of the commodore, to the general satisfaction of all. Some few,
+indeed, whose selfish dispositions were uninfluenced by the justice of
+this procedure, and who were incapable of discerning the equity of the
+decision, were dissatisfied, as it tended to deprive them of what they
+had once possessed.
+
+This important affair employed the best part of the day after leaving
+Payta; and at night, having seen nothing of the Gloucester, the
+commodore made the squadron bring to, that we might not pass her in
+the dark. Next morning we again spread on the look-out, and saw a sail
+at 10 a.m. to which we gave chase, and which we came near enough by
+two p.m. to observe to be the Gloucester, having a small vessel in
+tow. We joined her in about an hour after, when we learnt that Captain
+Mitchell had only taken two small prizes during the whole of his
+cruise. One was a small snow, the cargo of which consisted chiefly
+of wine, brandy, and olives in jars, with about 7000l. in specie. The
+other was a large boat or launch, taken near shore by the Gloucester's
+barge. The prisoners on board this boat alleged that they were very
+poor, and that their loading consisted only of cotton; though the
+circumstances under which they were surprized, seemed to insinuate
+that they were more opulent than they pretended; for they were found
+at dinner on a pigeon-pye, served up in silver dishes. The officer who
+commanded the barge, having opened several of the jars in the prize,
+to satisfy his curiosity, found nothing as he thought but cotton,
+which inclined him to believe the account given by the prisoners; but
+when these jars were examined more strictly in the Gloucester, they
+were agreeably surprised to find the whole a very extraordinary piece
+of deception; as in every jar there was a considerable quantity of
+double doubloons and dollars, artfully concealed among the cotton, to
+the amount in all of near 12,000l. This treasure was going to Payta,
+and belonged to the same merchants who were proprietors of most of
+the money we had taken there; so that, if this boat had escaped the
+Gloucester, her cargo would probably have fallen into our hands.
+Besides these two prizes, the Gloucester had been in sight of two or
+three other ships, which had escaped them; and one of them, from some
+of our intelligence, we had reason to believe was of immense value.
+
+It was now resolved to stand to the northwards, and to make the best
+of our way either for Cape St Lucas, in California, or Cape Corientes
+on the coast of Mexico. When at Juan Fernandez, the commodore had
+resolved to touch somewhere in the neighbourhood of Panama, to
+endeavour to get some correspondence overland with the fleet under
+Admiral Vernon. For, on our departure from England, we left a fleet
+at Portsmouth intended for the West Indies, to be employed there in
+an expedition against some of the Spanish settlements. Taking for
+granted, therefore, that this enterprise had succeeded, and that
+Portobello might then be garrisoned by British troops, the commodore
+conceived he might easily procure an intercourse with our countrymen,
+on the other side of the isthmus of Darien, either by means of
+the Indians, who are greatly disposed to favour us, or even by
+the Spaniards themselves; some of whom might be induced, by proper
+rewards, to carry on this correspondence; which, when once begun,
+might be continued with little difficulty. By this means, Mr Anson
+flattered himself that he might procure a reinforcement of men from
+the other side, and that, by settling a prudent plan of co-operation
+with our commanders in the West Indies, he might even have taken
+Panama. This would have given the British nation the command of the
+isthmus, by which we should in effect have become masters of all the
+wealth of Peru, and should have held an equivalent in our hands
+for any demand, however extraordinary, that might have been thought
+advisable to make on either branch of the Bourbon family.
+
+Such were the magnificent projects which the commodore revolved in his
+mind, when at the island of Juan Fernandez, notwithstanding the feeble
+condition to which his force was then reduced; and, had the success
+of the expedition to the West Indies been answerable to the general
+expectation, these views had certainly been the most prudent that
+could have been devised. But, on examining the papers found on board
+the Carmelo, our first prize, it was then learnt, though I deferred
+mentioning it till now, that the attempt on Carthagena had failed, and
+that there was no probability of our fleet in the West Indies engaging
+in any new enterprise that could at all facilitate this plan. Mr
+Anson, therefore, had relinquished all hope of being reinforced across
+the isthmus, and consequently had no inducement to proceed at present
+for Panama, being incapable of assaulting that place; and there was
+reason to believe there was now a general embargo over all the coast
+of the South Sea. The only feasible measure that now remained, was to
+steer as soon as possible for the southern parts of California, or the
+adjacent coast of Mexico, and there to cruise for the Manilla galleon,
+which was now known to be at sea on her voyage to Acapulco; and we had
+no doubt of being able to get upon that station in sufficient time to
+intercept her, as she does not usually arrive at Acapulco till
+towards the middle of January, and, being now only about the middle of
+November, we did not suppose our passage thither would cost us above
+a month or six weeks, so that, in our opinion, we had nearly twice as
+much time as was necessary.
+
+There was one business, however, which we knew must occasion some
+delay, but which we hoped might be accomplished in four or five days.
+This was to recruit our water; for the number of prisoners we had to
+maintain, ever since we left Juan Fernandez, had so far exhausted our
+stock, that it was impossible to think of venturing upon a passage to
+the coast of Mexico, till we had procured a fresh supply; especially
+as we had not found enough at Payta for our consumption while there.
+It was for some time a matter of deliberation with the commodore,
+where we might take in this necessary article; but, by consulting the
+accounts of former navigators, and examining our prisoners, he at last
+resolved for the island of Quibo, beyond the bay of Panama. There was
+indeed a small island called _Cocos_, less out of our way than Quibo,
+where some of the Buccaneers pretended to have found water: But none
+of our prisoners knew any thing of that island, and it was thought too
+hazardous to risk the safety of the squadron, by exposing ourselves to
+the chance of not finding water at that place, on the mere authority
+of these legendary writers, of whose misrepresentations and falsities
+we had almost daily experience. Besides, we were not without hopes
+that in going to Quibo some of the enemies ships bound to or from
+Panama might fall into our hands, particularly such of them as were
+put to sea, before they had intelligence of our squadron; we therefore
+directed our course to the northward, being eight sail, and so
+having the appearance of a very formidable fleet; and on the 19th
+at day-break, we discovered Cape Blanco, bearing S.S.E. 1/2 E. seven
+miles distant. This cape lies in the latitude of 4 deg. 15' south, and is
+always made by ships bound either to windward or to leeward, so that
+it is a most excellent station to cruise upon the enemy. As our last
+prize, the Solidad, was far from answering the character given her of
+a good sailer, and she and the Santa Teresa delayed us considerably,
+the commodore ordered them to be cleared of every thing that might
+prove useful to the rest of the ships, and then to be burnt. We then
+proceeded in our course for Quibo, and, on the 22d in the morning,
+saw the island of Plata bearing east, distant four leagues. One of our
+prizes, which was ordered to stand close in, both to discover if there
+were any ships between that island and the continent, and likewise to
+look out for a stream of fresh water reported to be there, returned
+without having seen any ship, or finding any water. At three in the
+afternoon point Manta bore S.E. by E. seven miles distant; and there
+being a town of the same name in the neighbourhood, Captain Mitchell
+took this opportunity of sending away several of his prisoners
+from the Gloucester in the Spanish launch. The boats were now daily
+employed in distributing provisions on board the Tryal and other
+prizes, to complete their stock for six months; and, that the
+Centurion might be the better prepared to give the Manilla ship (one
+of which we were told was of immense size) a warm reception, the
+carpenters were ordered to fix eight stocks in the main and fore-tops
+for the mounting of swivel guns.
+
+On the 25th we had a sight of the island of Gallo, bearing E.S.E. 1/2
+E. four leagues distant; from hence we crossed the bay of Panama with
+a N.W. course, hoping that this would have carried us in a direct line
+to the island of Quibo. But we afterwards found that wrought to have
+stood more to the westward, for the winds in a short time began to
+incline to that quarter, and made it difficult for us to gain the
+island. And now, after passing the equinoctial on the 22d, leaving the
+neighbourhood of the Cordilleras, and standing more and more towards
+the isthmus, where the communication of the atmosphere to the eastward
+and the westward was no longer interrupted, we found, in a few
+days, an extraordinary alteration in the climate. Instead of uniform
+temperature, we had, for several days together, close and sultry
+weather, resembling what we had met with between the tropics on the
+eastern side of America. We had besides frequent calms and heavy
+rains, which we at first ascribed to the neighbourhood of the line,
+where this kind of weather is found to prevail; but, observing that it
+attended us to the latitude of seven degrees north, we were induced
+to believe that the stormy season, or, as the Spaniards call it, the
+Vandevals, was not yet over; though many positively assert, that it
+begins in June, and is ended November.
+
+On the 27th Captain Mitchel's largest prize being cleared, was
+scuttled, and set on fire, and as the remaining five ships were all
+good sailers, so we never occasioned any delay to each other. Being
+now in a rainy climate, which we had been long disused to, we found
+it necessary to caulk the decks and sides of the Centurion, to prevent
+the rain-water from running into her.
+
+On the 3d of December we had a view of the island of Quibo, the
+east end then bearing N.N.W. four leagues distant, and the island of
+Quicara W.N.W. at about the same distance. Here we struck ground with
+sixty-five fathom of line, and found the bottom to consist of grey
+sand, with black specks. When we got sight of the land, we found the
+wind to hang westerly, and therefore thought it adviseable to stand
+off till morning, as there are said to be some shoals in the entrance
+of the channel. At six the next morning, point Mariato bore N.E. 1/2
+N. three or four leagues distant. In weathering this point, all the
+squadron, except the Centurion, were very near it, and the Gloucester,
+being the leewardmost ship, was forced to tack and stand to the
+southward, so that we lost sight of her. At nine, the island Sebaco
+bore N.W. by N. four leagues distant; but the wind still proving
+unfavourable, we were obliged to ply on and off for the succeeding
+twenty-four hours, and were frequently taken a-back. However, at
+eleven the next morning the wind happily settling in the S.S.W. we
+bore away for the S.S.E. end of the island, and about three in the
+afternoon entered Canal Bueno, passing round a shoal which stretches
+off about two miles from the south point of the island. This Canal
+Bueno, or Good Channel, is at least six miles in breadth; and as we
+had the wind large, we kept in a good depth of water, generally from
+twenty-eight to thirty-three fathom, and came not within a mile and a
+half distance of the breakers, though, in all probability, if it had
+been necessary, we might have ventured much nearer without incurring
+the least danger. At seven in the evening we came to an anchor in
+thirty-three fathom, muddy ground; the south point of the island
+bearing S.E. by E. a remarkable high part of the island W. by N. and
+the island Sebaco E. by N.
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII.
+
+_Our Proceedings at Quibo, with an Account of the Place._
+
+The morning after our coming to an anchor, an officer was dispatched
+to discover the watering-place; and, having found it, returned before
+noon; then we sent the long-boat for a load of water, and at the same
+time weighed and stood farther in with our ships. At two we came
+again to an anchor in twenty-two fathom, with a bottom of rough gravel
+intermixed with broken shells, the watering-place now bearing from us
+N.W. 1/2 N. only three quarters of a mile distant.
+
+The island of Quibo is extremely convenient for wooding and watering,
+for the trees grow close to the high-water mark, and a large rapid
+stream of fresh water runs over the sandy beach into the sea; so that
+we were little more than two days in laying in all the wood and water
+we wanted. The whole island is of a very moderate height, excepting
+one part. It consists of a continued wood spread over the whole
+surface of the country, which preserves its verdure all the year
+round. We found there abundance of cassia, and a few lime-trees.
+It appeared singular to us, that, considering the climate and the
+shelter, we should see no other birds there than parrots, parroquets,
+and mackaws; of the last there were prodigious flights. Next to these
+birds, the animals we found in most plenty were monkeys and guanos,
+and these we frequently killed for food; for though there were many
+herds of deer upon the place, yet the difficulty of penetrating the
+woods prevented our coming near them, so that though we saw them
+often, we killed only two during our stay. Our prisoners assured us
+that this island abounded with tygers; we did once discover the print
+of a tyger's paw upon the beach, but the tygers themselves we never
+saw. The Spaniards, too, informed us that there was often found in the
+woods a most mischievous serpent, called the Flying Snake, which they
+said darted itself from the boughs of trees on either man or beast
+that came within its reach, and whose sting they believed to be
+inevitable death. Besides these mischievous land-animals, the
+sea hereabouts is infested with great numbers of alligators of an
+extraordinary size; and we often observed a large kind of flat fish
+jumping a considerable height out of the water, which we supposed to
+be the fish that is said frequently to destroy the pearl-divers, by
+clasping them in its fins as they rise from the bottom; and we were
+told that the divers, for their security, are now always armed with a
+sharp knife, which, when they are entangled, they stick into the belly
+of the fish, and thereby disengage themselves from its embraces.
+
+Whilst the ship continued here at anchor, the commodore, attended by
+some of his officers, went in a boat to examine a bay which lay to
+the northward; and afterwards ranged all along the eastern side of
+the island. In the places where they put on shore in the course of his
+expedition, they generally found the soil to be extremely rich, and
+met with great plenty of excellent water. In particular, near the
+N.E. point of the island, they discovered a natural cascade, which
+surpassed, as they conceived, every thing of this kind, which human
+art or industry hath hitherto produced. It was a river of transparent
+water, about forty yards wide, which ran down a declivity of near
+a hundred and fifty yards in length. The channel it ran in was very
+irregular; for it was entirely formed of rock, both its sides and
+bottom being made up of large detached blocks; and by these the course
+of the water was frequently interrupted: For in some places it ran
+sloping with a rapid but uniform motion, while in other parts it
+tumbled over the ledges of rocks with a perpendicular descent. All the
+neighbourhood of this stream was a fine wood; and even the huge
+masses of rock which overhung the water, and which, by their various
+projections, formed the inequalities of the channel, were covered with
+lofty forest trees. Whilst the commodore, and those with him, were
+attentively viewing this place, and remarking the different blendings
+of the water, the rocks, and the wood, there came in sight (as it
+were with an intent still to heighten and animate the prospect) a
+prodigious flight of mackaws, which hovering over this spot, and often
+wheeling and playing on the wing about it, afforded a most brilliant
+appearance, by the glittering of the sun on their variegated
+plumage; so that some of the spectators cannot refrain from a kind of
+transport, when they recount the complicated beauties which occurred
+in this extraordinary scene.
+
+In this expedition, along the eastern side of the island, though they
+met with no inhabitants, yet they saw many huts upon the shore, and
+great heaps of shells of fine mother-of-pearl scattered up and down
+in different places: These were the remains left by the pearl-fishers
+from Panama, who often frequent this place in the summer season; for
+the pearl oysters, which are to be met with every where in the bay of
+Panama, are so plenty at Quibo, that by advancing a very little way
+into the sea, you might stoop down and reach them from the bottom.
+They are usually very large, but extremely tough and unpalatable.
+
+The oysters most productive of pearls, are those found in considerable
+depths; for, though what are taken up by wading are of the same
+species, yet the pearls found in them are rare and very small. It is
+said, too, that the pearl partakes in some degree of the quality of
+the bottom on which the oyster is found; so that if the bottom be
+muddy, the pearl is dark and ill-coloured.
+
+The diving for oysters is a work performed by negro slaves, of whom
+the inhabitants of Panama and the neighbouring coast formerly kept
+great numbers, carefully trained to this business. These are not
+esteemed complete divers, till they are able to protract their stay
+under water so long, that the blood gushes out from their nose, mouth,
+and ears. It is the tradition of the country, that when this accident
+has once befallen them, they dive for the future with much greater
+facility than before; that no inconvenience attends it, the bleeding
+generally stopping of itself, and that there is no probability of
+their being subject to it a second time.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The intelligent reader will demand more than the
+_tradition of the country_ to induce his belief, that this diving
+business is not most certainly destructive of the miserable wretches
+who are compelled to pursue it. The divers in the Persian gulph, where
+it is well known the pearl fishery is carried on by individuals on
+their own account, "seldom live to a great age," (says Mr Morier in
+the account of his Journey through Persia.) "Their bodies break out
+in sores, and their eyes become very weak and blood-shot. They are
+restricted to a certain regimen; and to food composed of dates and
+other light ingredients." It cannot be imagined that the negroes of
+Panama fare better in this hazardous occupation. But to the expression
+of any solicitude as to _their_ blood, it is very probable the answer
+might be something in the style of one of Juvenal's worthy ladies:
+
+  ----ita servus homo est?
+  Hoc volo, sic jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas.--P.]
+
+The sea at this place furnished us with a dainty, in the greatest
+plenty and perfection, viz. the turtle. There are reckoned four
+species of turtle: the trunk-turtle, the loggerhead, the hawksbill,
+and the green turtle. The two first are rank and unwholesome; the
+hawksbill (which furnishes the tortoise-shell) is but indifferent
+food, though better than the other two; but the green turtle is
+esteemed, by the greatest part of those who are acquainted with
+its taste, as the most delicious of eatables; and that it is a most
+wholesome food, we were amply convinced by our own experience: For we
+fed on this for near four months, and consequently had it been in any
+degree noxious, its ill effects could not possibly have escaped us. At
+this island we took what quantity we pleased with great facility; for,
+as they are an amphibious animal, and get on shore to lay their eggs,
+which they generally deposit in a large hole in the sand, just above
+the high-water mark, covering them up, and leaving them to be hatched
+by the heat of the sun, we usually dispersed several of our men along
+the beach, whose business it was to turn them on their backs when
+they came to land; and the turtle being thereby prevented from getting
+away, we carried them off at our leisure. These proved of great
+service both in lengthening out our store of provision, and in
+heartening the whole crew with an almost constant supply of fresh and
+palatable food; for the turtle being large, generally weighing about
+200 lb. weight each, what we took with us lasted us near a month, and
+by that time we met with a fresh recruit on the coast of Mexico, where
+we often saw them in the heat of the day floating in great numbers
+on the surface of the water fast asleep. Our mode of taking them was
+this; we sent out our boat with a man in the bow, who was a dexterous
+diver; when the boat came within a few yards of the turtle, the
+diver plunged into the water, and took care to rise close upon it; on
+seizing the shell near the tail, and pressing down the hinder parts,
+the turtle awakened, and began to strike with its claws, which motion
+supported both it and the diver, till the boat came up and took them
+in. By this management we never wanted turtle for the succeeding four
+months in which we continued at sea; and though we had been three
+months on board, without putting our foot on shore, except for the
+few days we stayed at the island of Quibo, and those employed in the
+attack of Payta, yet, in the whole seven months, from our leaving Juan
+Fernandez to our anchoring in the harbour of Chequetan, we buried no
+more in the whole squadron than two men; a most incontestable proof
+that the turtle on which we fed for the last four months of this term,
+was at least innocent, if not something more. It appears wonderful,
+therefore, that a species of food so very palatable and salubrious,
+and so much abounding in those parts, should be proscribed by the
+Spaniards as unwholesome, and little less than poisonous. Perhaps the
+strange appearance of this animal may have been the foundation of this
+ridiculous aversion, which is strongly rooted in all the inhabitants
+of that coast, and of which we had many instances in the course of
+this navigation. Some Indian and negro slaves we had taken in our
+prizes, and continued on board to assist in navigating our ships, were
+astonished at our feeding on turtle, and seemed fully persuaded that
+it would soon destroy us; but finding that none of us died, nor even
+suffered in our health by a continuation of this diet, they at last
+got so far the better of their aversion, as to be persuaded to taste
+it, to which the absence of all other kinds of fresh provisions might
+not a little contribute. However, it was with great reluctance, and
+very sparingly, that they began to eat it: But the relish improving
+upon them by degrees, they at last grew extremely fond of it,
+preferred it to every other kind of food, and often felicitated each
+other on the happy experience they had acquired, and the delicious and
+plentiful repasts it would be always in their power to procure, when
+they should return to their country. Those who are acquainted with the
+manner of life of these unhappy wretches, need not be told, that next
+to large draughts of spirituous liquors, plenty of tolerable food is
+the greatest joy they know; and that the discovering a method which
+would supply them with what quantity they pleased of a kind more
+luxurious to the palate than any their haughty lords and masters
+could indulge in, was a circumstance which they considered as the most
+fortunate that could befal them.
+
+In three days time we had completed our business at this place, and
+were extremely impatient to put to sea, that we might arrive time
+enough on the coast of Mexico to intercept the Manilla galleon. The
+wind being contrary detained us a night, and the next day when we got
+into the offing, (which we did through the same channel by which we
+entered) we were obliged to keep hovering about the island, in hopes
+of getting sight of the Gloucester. It was the 9th of December, in the
+morning, when we put to sea, and continuing to the southward of the
+island, looking out for the Gloucester, we, on the 10th, at five in
+the afternoon, discerned a small sail to the northward of us, to which
+we gave chase, and coming up took her. She proved to be a bark from
+Panama, bound to Cheripe, an inconsiderable village on the continent,
+and was called the _Jesu Nazareno_. She had nothing on board but some
+oakum, about a ton of rock-salt, and between 30l. and 40l. in specie,
+most of it consisting of small silver money, intended for purchasing a
+cargo of provisions at Cheripe.
+
+I cannot but observe, for the use of future cruisers, that had we been
+in want of provisions, we had by this capture an obvious method of
+supplying ourselves. For at Cheripe, whither she was bound, there is a
+constant store of provisions prepared for the vessels which go thither
+every week from Panama, the market of Panama being chiefly supplied
+from thence: So that by putting a few of our hands on board our prize,
+we might easily have seized a large store without any hazard, since
+Cheripe is a place of no strength.
+
+On the 12th of December we were relieved from the perplexity we had
+suffered, by the separation of the Gloucester; for on that day she
+joined us, and informed us, that in tacking to the southward on our
+first arrival, she had sprung her fore-top-mast, which had disabled
+her from working to windward, and prevented her from joining us
+sooner. We now scuttled and sunk the Jesu Nazareno, the prize we took
+last, and having the greatest impatience to get into a proper station
+for the galleon, stood altogether to the westward, and notwithstanding
+the impediments we met with, left the island of Quibo in about nine
+days after our first coming in sight of it.
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX.
+
+_From Quibo to the Coast of Mexico._
+
+On the 12th of December we left Quibo, and the same day the commodore
+delivered fresh instructions to the captains of the men of war, and
+the commanders of our prizes, appointing them the rendezvouses
+they were to make, and the courses they were to steer in case of a
+separation. And first, they were directed to use all possible dispatch
+in getting to the northward of the harbour of Acapulco, where they
+were to endeavour to fall in with the land, between the latitudes of
+18 and 19 deg.; from thence, they were to beat up the coast at eight or
+ten leagues distance from the shore, till they came a-breast of Cape
+Corientes, in the latitude of 20 deg.20'. When they arrived there, they
+were to continue cruising on that station till the 14th of February;
+and then they were to proceed to the middle island of the Tres Marias,
+in the latitude of 21 deg.25', bearing from Cape Corientes N.W. by N.,
+twenty-five leagues distant. And if at this island they did not meet
+the commodore, they were there to recruit their wood and water, and
+then to make the best of their way to the island of Macao, on the
+coast of China. These orders being distributed, we had little doubt
+of arriving soon upon our intended station; as we expected, upon
+the increasing our offing from Quibo, to fall in with the regular
+trade-wind. But, to our extreme vexation, we were baffled for near a
+month, either with tempestuous weather from the western quarter, or
+with dead calms and heavy rains, attended with a sultry air; so that
+it was the 25th of December before we got a sight of the island of
+Cocos, which by our reckoning was only a hundred leagues from the
+continent; and we had the mortification to make so little way, that we
+did not lose sight of it again in five days. This island we found to
+be in the latitude of 5 deg.20' north. It has a high hummock towards the
+western part, which descends gradually, and at last terminates in a
+low point to the eastward. From the island of Cocos we stood W. by N.,
+and were till the 9th of January in running an hundred leagues more.
+We had at first flattered ourselves, that the uncertain weather and
+western gales we met with were owing to the neighbourhood of the
+continent, from which, as we got more distant, we expected every day
+to be relieved, by falling in with the eastern trade-wind: But as our
+hopes were so long baffled, and our patience quite exhausted, we began
+at length to despair of succeeding in the great purpose we had in
+view, that of intercepting the Manilla galleon; and this produced
+a general dejection amongst us, as we had at first considered this
+project as almost infallible, and had indulged ourselves in the most
+boundless hopes of the advantages we should thence receive. However,
+our despondency was at last somewhat alleviated, by a favourable
+change of the wind; for, on the 9th of January, a gale for the first
+time sprang up from the N.E., and on this we took the Carmelo in tow,
+as the Gloucester did the Carmin, making all the sail we could to
+improve the advantage, for we still suspected that it was only a
+temporary gale, which would not last long; but the next day we had the
+satisfaction to find, that the wind did not only continue in the same
+quarter, but blew with so much briskness and steadiness, that we now
+no longer doubted of its being the true trade-wind. And as we advanced
+apace towards our station, our hopes began to revive, and our despair
+by degrees gave place to pleasing prejudices: For though the customary
+season of the arrival of the galleon at Acapulco was already elapsed,
+yet we were unreasonable enough to flatter ourselves, that some
+accidental delay might lengthen her passage beyond its usual limits.
+
+When we got into the trade-wind, we found no alteration in it till the
+17th of January, when we were advanced to the latitude of 12 deg.50', but
+on that day it shifted to the westward of the north: This change
+we imputed to our having haled up too soon, though we then esteemed
+ourselves full seventy leagues from the coast, which plainly shows,
+that the trade-wind doth not take place, but at a considerable
+distance from the continent. After this, the wind was not so
+favourable to us as it had been: However, we still continued to
+advance, and, on the 26th of January, being then to the northward of
+Acapulco, we tacked and stood to the eastward, with a view of making
+the land.
+
+In the preceding fortnight we caught some turtle on the surface of the
+water, and several dolphins, bonitos, and albicores. One day, as one
+of the sail-makers mates was fishing from the end of the gib-boom, he
+lost his hold, and dropped into the sea; and the ship, which was then
+going at the rate of six or seven knots, went directly over him: But
+as we had the Carmelo in tow, we instantly called out to the people on
+board her, who threw him over several ends of ropes, one of which he
+fortunately caught hold of, and twisting it round his arm, was hauled
+into the ship, without having received any other injury than a wrench
+in his arm, of which he soon recovered.
+
+On the 26th of January, we stood to the eastward, expecting, by our
+reckonings, to have fallen in with the land on the 28th; but though
+the weather was perfectly clear, we had no sight of it at sun-set, and
+therefore continued our course, not doubting but we should see it
+by the next morning. About ten at night we discovered a light on the
+larboard-bow, bearing from us N.N.E. The Tryal's prize too, about a
+mile a-head of us, made a signal at the same time for seeing a sail;
+and as we had no doubt that what we saw was a ship's light, we were
+extremely animated with a firm persuasion, that it was the Manilla
+galleon, which had been so long the object of our wishes: And what
+added to our alacrity, was our expectation of meeting with two of them
+instead of one, for we took it for granted, that the light in view
+was carried in the top of one ship for a direction to her consort.
+We immediately cast off the Carmelo and pressed forward with all our
+canvass, making a signal for the Gloucester to do the same. Thus we
+chased the light, keeping all our hands at their respective quarters,
+under an expectation of engaging in the next half hour, as we
+sometimes conceived the chase to be about a mile distant, and at other
+times to be within reach of our guns; and some positively averred,
+that besides the light, they could plainly discern her sails. The
+commodore himself was so fully persuaded that we should be soon
+along-side of her, that he sent for his first lieutenant, who
+commanded between decks, and directed him to see all the great guns
+loaded with two round-shot for the first broadside, and after that
+with one round-shot and one grape, strictly charging him, at the same
+time, not to suffer a gun to be fired, till he, the commodore, should
+give orders, which he informed the lieutenant would not be till we
+arrived within pistol-shot of the enemy. In this constant and eager
+attention we continued all night, always presuming that another
+quarter of an hour would bring us up with this Manilla ship, whose
+wealth, with that of her supposed consort, we now estimated by round
+millions. But when the morning broke, and day-light came on, we were
+most strangely and vexatiously disappointed, by finding that the light
+which had occasioned all this bustle and expectancy was only a fire
+on the shore. Indeed the circumstances of this deception are so
+extraordinary as to be scarcely credible; for, by our run during the
+night, and the distance of the land in the morning, this fire, when we
+first discovered it, must have been above twenty-five leagues from
+us. It was indeed upon a very high mountain, and continued burning
+for several days afterwards; it was not a volcano, but rather, as
+I suppose, stubble, or heath, set on fire for some purpose of
+agriculture.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The reasons for this supposition ought to have been
+adduced. It is not improbable that the volcanic mountain in the
+neighbourhood of Acapulco did furnish this vexatious light.--E.]
+
+At sun-rising, after this mortifying delusion, we found ourselves
+about nine leagues off the land, which extended from the N.W. to E.
+1/2 N. On this land we observed two remarkable hummocks, such as are
+usually called paps, which bore north from us: These, a Spanish pilot
+and two Indians, who were the only persons amongst us that pretended
+to have traded in this part of the world, affirmed to be over the
+harbour of Acapulco. Indeed, we very much doubted their knowledge of
+the coast; for we found these paps to be in the latitude of 17 deg.56',
+whereas those over Acapulco are said to be in 17 deg. only; and we
+afterwards found our suspicions of their skill to be well grounded:
+However, they were very confident, and assured us, that the height of
+the mountains was itself an infallible mark of the harbour; the
+coast, as they pretended, (though falsely) being generally low to the
+eastward and westward of it.
+
+And now being in the track of the Manilla galleon, it was a great
+doubt with us (as it was near the end of January,) whether she was or
+was not arrived: But examining our prisoners about it, they assured
+us, that she was sometimes known to come in after the middle of
+February; and they endeavoured to persuade us, that the fire we
+had seen on shore was a proof that she was as yet at sea, it being
+customary, as they said, to make use of these fires as signals for
+her direction, when she continued longer out than ordinary. On this
+information, strengthened by our propensity to believe them in a
+matter which so pleasingly flattered our wishes, we resolved to cruise
+for her for some days; and we accordingly spread our ships at the
+distance of twelve leagues from the coast, in such a manner, that it
+was impossible she should pass us unobserved: However, not seeing her
+soon, we were at intervals inclined to suspect that she had gained
+her port already; and as we now began to want a harbour to refresh
+our people, the uncertainty of our present situation gave us
+great uneasiness, and we were very solicitous to get some positive
+intelligence, which might either set us at liberty to consult our
+necessities, if the galleon was arrived, or might animate us to
+continue our present cruise with cheerfulness, if she was not.
+With this view the commodore, after examining our prisoners very
+particularly, resolved to send a boat, under night, into the harbour
+of Acapulco, to see if the Manilla ship was there or not, one of the
+Indians being very positive that this might be done without the
+boat itself being discovered. To execute this project, the barge
+was dispatched the 6th of February, with a sufficient crew and two
+officers, who took with them a Spanish pilot, and the Indian who had
+insisted on the practicability of this measure, and had undertaken to
+conduct it. Our barge did not return to us again till the eleventh,
+when the officers acquainted Mr Anson, that, agreeable to our
+suspicion, there was nothing like a harbour in the place where the
+Spanish pilots had at first asserted Acapulco to lie; that when they
+had satisfied themselves in this particular, they steered to the
+eastward, in hopes of discovering it, and had coasted along shore
+thirty-two leagues; that in this whole range they met chiefly with
+sandy beaches of a great length, over which the sea broke with so much
+violence, that it was impossible for a boat to land; that at the
+end of their run they could just discover two paps at a very great
+distance to the eastward, which from their appearance and their
+latitude, they concluded to be those in the neighbourhood of Acapulco;
+but that not having a sufficient quantity of fresh water and provision
+for their passage thither and back again, they were obliged to return
+to the commodore, to acquaint him with their disappointment. On this
+intelligence we all made sail to the eastward, in order to get into
+the neighbourhood of that port, the commodore resolving to send the
+barge a second time upon the same enterprize, when we were arrived
+within a moderate distance. And the next day, which was the 12th of
+February, we being by that time considerably advanced, the barge was
+again dispatched, and particular instructions given to the officers
+to preserve themselves from being seen from the shore. On the 13th we
+espied a high land to the eastward, which we first imagined to be that
+over the harbour of Acapulco; but we afterwards found that it was the
+high land of Seguateneo, where there is a small harbour, of which we
+shall have occasion to make more ample mention hereafter. And now,
+having waited six days without any news of our barge, we began to be
+uneasy for her safety; but, on the 7th day, that is, on the 19th of
+February, she returned. The officers informed the commodore, that they
+had discovered the harbour of Acapulco, which they esteemed to bear
+from us E.S.E. at least fifty leagues distant: That on the 17th, about
+two in the morning, they were got within the island that lies at
+the mouth of the harbour, and yet neither the Spanish pilot, nor the
+Indian who were with them, could give them any information where they
+then were; but that while they were lying upon their oars in suspence
+what to do, being ignorant that they were then at the very place
+they sought for, they discerned a small light upon the surface of
+the water, on which they instantly plied their paddles, and moving
+as silently as possible towards it, they found it to be in a fishing
+canoe, which they surprised, with three negroes that belonged to it.
+It seems the negroes at first attempted to jump overboard; and being
+so near the land, they would easily have swam on shore; but they
+were prevented by presenting a piece at them, on which they readily
+submitted, and were taken into the barge. The officers further added,
+that they had immediately turned the canoe adrift against the face of
+a rock, where it would inevitably be dashed to pieces by the fury of
+the sea: This they did to deceive those who perhaps might be sent from
+the town to search after the canoe; for upon seeing several pieces of
+a wreck, they would immediately conclude that the people on board her
+had been drowned, and would have no suspicion of their having fallen
+into our hands. When the crew of the barge had taken this precaution,
+they exerted their utmost strength in pulling out to sea, and by dawn
+of day had gained such an offing, as rendered it impossible for them
+to be seen from the coast.
+
+And now having got the three negroes in our possession, who were not
+ignorant of the transactions at Acapulco, we were soon satisfied about
+the most material points which had long kept us in suspense: And
+on examination we found, that we were indeed disappointed in our
+expectation of intercepting the galleon before her arrival at
+Acapulco; but we learnt other circumstances which still revived our
+hopes, and which, we then conceived, would more than balance the
+opportunity we had already lost: For though our negro prisoners
+informed us that the galleon arrived at Acapulco on our 9th of
+January, which was about twenty days before we fell in with this
+coast, yet they at the same time told us, that the galleon had
+delivered her cargo, and was taking in water and provisions for her
+return, and that the viceroy of Mexico had by proclamation fixed her
+departure from Acapulco to the 14th of March, N.S. This last news
+was most joyfully received by us, as we had no doubt but she must
+certainly fall into our hands, and as it was much more eligible to
+seize her on her return, than it would have been to have taken her
+before her arrival, as the specie for which she had sold her cargo,
+and which she would now have on board, was prodigiously more to be
+esteemed by us than the cargo itself; great part of which would have
+perished on our hands, and no part of it could have been disposed of
+by us at so advantageous a mart as Acapulco.
+
+Thus we were a second time engaged in an eager expectation of meeting
+with this Manilla ship, which, by the fame of its wealth, we had been
+taught to consider as the most desirable prize that was to be met with
+in any part of the globe. As all our future projects will be in
+some sort regulated with a view to the possession of this celebrated
+galleon, and as the commerce which is carried on by means of these
+vessels between the city of Manilla and the port of Acapulco is
+perhaps the most valuable, in proportion to its quantity, of any in
+the known world, I shall endeavour, in the ensuing chapter, to give as
+distinct an account as I can of all the particulars relating thereto,
+both as it is a matter in which I conceive the public to be in some
+degree interested, and as I flatter myself, that from the materials
+which have fallen into my hands, I am enabled to describe it with more
+distinctness than has hitherto been done, at least in our language.
+
+
+
+SECTION XX.
+
+_An Account of the Commerce carried on between the City of Manilla
+on the Island of Luconia, and the Port of Acapulco in the Coast of
+Mexico._[1]
+
+Though Spain did not acquire the property of any of the spice islands,
+by the enterprising labours of Magellan (related in our tenth volume,
+to which we refer,) yet the discovery made in his expedition to the
+Philippine Islands, was thought too considerable to be neglected; for
+these were not far distant from those places which produced spices,
+and were very well situated for the Chinese trade, and for the
+commerce of other parts of India; and therefore a communication was
+soon established, and carefully supported between these islands
+and the Spanish colonies on the coast of Peru: So that the city of
+Manilla, (which Was built on the island of Luconia, the chief of the
+Philippines) soon became the mart for all Indian commodities, which
+were brought up by the inhabitants, and were annually sent to the
+South-Seas to be there vended on their account; and the returns of
+this commerce to Manilla being principally made in silver, the place
+by degrees grew extremely opulent and considerable, and its trade so
+far increased, as to engage the attention of the court of Spain, and
+to be frequently controlled and regulated by royal edicts.
+
+[Footnote 1: Much of the original in this section is omitted, as
+either unimportant now; or elsewhere given in the work.]
+
+In the infancy of this trade, it was carried on from the port
+of Callao to the city of Manilla, in which voyage the trade-wind
+continually favoured them; so that notwithstanding these places were
+distant between three and four thousand leagues, yet the voyage was
+often made in little more than two months: But then the return from
+Manilla was extremely troublesome and tedious, and is said to have
+sometimes taken them up above a twelvemonth, which, if they pretended
+to ply up within the limits of the trade-wind, is not at all to be
+wondered at; and it is asserted, that in their first voyages they were
+so imprudent and unskilful as to attempt this course. However, that
+route Was soon laid aside by the advice, as it is said, of a Jesuit,
+who persuaded them to steer to the northward till they got clear of
+the trade-winds, and then by the favour of the westerly winds, which
+generally prevail in high latitudes, to stretch away for the coast
+of California. This has been the practice for at least a hundred and
+sixty years past, (1740-4:) For Sir Thomas Cavendish, in the year
+1586, engaged off the south end of California a vessel bound from
+Manilla to the American coast. And it was in compliance with this
+new plan of navigation, and to shorten the run both backwards and
+forwards, that the staple of this commerce to and from Manilla was
+removed from Callao, on the coast of Peru, to the port of Acapulco, on
+the coast of Mexico, where it continues fixed at this time.
+
+This trade to Acapulco is not laid open to all the inhabitants of
+Manilla, but is confined by very particular regulations, somewhat
+analogous to those by which the trade of the register ships from Cadiz
+to the West-Indies is restrained.
+
+The trade is limited to a certain value, which the annual cargo ought
+not to exceed. Some Spanish manuscripts', I have seen, mention this
+limitation to be 600,000 dollars; but the annual cargo does certainly
+surpass this sum; and though it may be difficult to fix its exact
+value, yet from many comparisons I conclude, that the return cannot be
+greatly short of three millions of dollars.
+
+This trade from Manilla to Acapulco and back again, is usually carried
+on in one or at most two annual ships, which set sail from Manilla
+about July, and arrive at Acapulco in the December, January, or
+February following, and having there disposed of their effects, return
+for Manilla some time in March, where they generally arrive in June;
+so that the whole voyage takes up very near an entire year: For this
+reason, though there is often no more than one ship employed at
+a time, yet there is always one ready for the sea when the other
+arrives; and therefore are provided three or four stout ships, that,
+in case of any accident, the trade may not be suspended.
+
+The ship having received her cargo on board, and being fitted for
+the sea, generally weighs from the mole of Cabite about the middle of
+July, taking the advantage of the westerly monsoon, which then sets
+in, to carry them to sea. It appears that the getting through the
+Boccadero to the eastward must be a troublesome navigation, and in
+fact it is sometimes the end of August before they get clear of the
+land. When they have got through this passage, and are clear of the
+islands, they stand to the northward of the east, in order to get into
+the latitude of thirty odd degrees, where they expect to meet
+with westerly winds, before which they run away for the coast of
+California.[2] It is most remarkable, that by the concurrent testimony
+of all the Spanish navigators, there is not one port, nor even a
+tolerable road, as yet found out betwixt the Philippine Islands and
+the coast of California and Mexico; so that from the time the Manilla
+ship first loses sight of land, she never lets go her anchor till she
+arrives on the coast of California, and very often not till she gets
+to its southermost extremity: And therefore, as this voyage is rarely
+of less than six months continuance, and the ship is deep laden with
+merchandise and crowded with people, it may appear wonderful how they
+can be supplied with a stock of fresh water for so long a time. A
+supply indeed they have, but the reliance upon it seems at first sight
+so extremely precarious, that it is wonderful such numbers should
+risque perishing by the most dreadful of all deaths, on the
+expectation of so casual a circumstance. In short, their only method
+of recruiting their water is by the rains, which they meet with
+between the latitudes of 30 deg. and 40 deg. north, and which they are always
+prepared to catch: For this purpose they take to sea with them a
+great number of mats, which they place slopingly against the gunwale,
+whenever the rain descends; these mats extend from one end of the ship
+to the other, and their lower edges rest on a large split bamboe, so
+that all the water which falls on the mats drain into the bamboe,
+and by this, as a trough, is conveyed into ajar; and this method of
+supplying their water, however accidental and extraordinary it may at
+first sight appear, hath never been known to fail them, so that it is
+common, for them, when their voyage is a little longer than usual, to
+fill all their water jars several times over.
+
+[Footnote 2: In the original is inserted a chart for the explanation
+of this track, which it is unnecessary to give here.--E.]
+
+The length of time employed in this passage, so much beyond what
+usually occurs in any other navigation, is perhaps in part to be
+imputed to the indolence and unskilfulness of the Spanish sailors, and
+to an unnecessary degree of caution and concern for so rich a vessel:
+For it is said, that they never set their main-sail in the night, and
+often lie by unnecessarily. And indeed the instructions given to their
+captains (which I have seen) seem to have been drawn up by such as
+were more apprehensive of too strong a gale, though favourable, than
+of the inconveniences and mortality attending a lingering and tedious
+voyage; for the captain is particularly ordered to make his passage in
+the latitude of 30 deg. if possible, and to be extremely, careful to
+stand no farther to the northward than is absolutely necessary for the
+getting a westerly wind. This, according to our conceptions, appears
+to be a very absurd restriction; since it can scarcely be doubted,
+that in the higher latitudes the westerly winds are much steadier and
+brisker than in the latitude of 30 deg.: So that the whole conduct of this
+navigation seems liable to very great censure. If instead of steering
+E.N.E. into the latitude of thirty odd degrees, they at first stood
+N.E., or even still more northerly, into the latitude of 40 deg. or 45 deg.,
+in part of which course the trade-winds would greatly assist them, I
+doubt not they might considerably contract their voyage. And this is
+not merely matter of speculation; for I am credibly informed, that
+about the year 1721, a French ship, by pursuing this course, ran from
+the coast of China to the valley of Vanderas on the coast of
+Mexico, in less than fifty days: But it was said that this ship,
+notwithstanding the shortness of her passage, suffered prodigiously
+by the scurvy, so that she had only four or five of her crew left when
+she arrived in America.
+
+The Manilla ship having stood so far to the northward as to meet with
+a westerly wind, stretches away nearly in the same latitude for the
+coast of California: And when she has run into the longitude of 96 deg.
+from Cape Espiritu, Santo, she generally meets with a plant floating
+on the sea, which, being called Porra by the Spaniards, is, I
+presume, a species of sea-leek. On the sight of this plant they esteem
+themselves sufficiently near the Californian shore, and immediately
+stand to the southward; they rely so much on this circumstance, that
+on the first discovery of the plant the whole ship's company chaunt
+a solemn _Te Deum_, esteeming the difficulties and hazards of their
+passage to be now at an end; and they constantly correct their
+longitude thereby, without ever coming within sight of land, till they
+draw near its southern extremity.
+
+The most usual time of the arrival of the galleon at Acapulco is
+towards the middle of January: But this navigation is so uncertain,
+that she sometimes gets in a month sooner, and at other times has been
+detained at sea above a month longer. The port of Acapulco is by
+much the securest and finest in all the northern parts of the Pacific
+Ocean; being, as it were, a bason surrounded by very high mountains:
+But the town is a most wretched place, and extremely unhealthy, for
+the air about it is so pent up by the hills, that it has scarcely any
+circulation. The place is besides destitute of fresh water; except
+what is brought from a considerable distance; and is in all respects
+so inconvenient, that except at the time of the mart, whilst the
+Manilla galleon is in the port, it is almost deserted.
+
+When the galleon arrives in this port, she is generally moored on its
+western side, and her cargo is delivered with all possible expedition.
+And now the town of Acapulco, from almost a solitude, is immediately
+thronged with merchants from all parts of the kingdom of Mexico. The
+cargo being landed and disposed of, the silver and the goods intended
+for Manilla are taken on board, together with provisions and water,
+and the ship prepares to put to sea with the utmost expedition.
+There is indeed no time to be lost; for it is an express order to the
+captain to be out of the port of Acapulco on his return, before the
+first day of April, N.S.
+
+The principal return is made in silver, and consequently the rest of
+the cargo is but of little account; the other articles, besides the
+silver, being some cochineal and a few sweetmeats, the produce of the
+American settlements, together with European millinery ware for the
+women at Manilla, and some Spanish wines, such as tent and sherry,
+which are intended for the use of their priests in the administration
+of the sacrament.
+
+This difference in the cargo of the ship to and from Manilla,
+occasions a very remarkable variety in the manner of equipping the
+ship for these two different voyages. For the galleon, when she sets
+sail from Manilla, being deep laden with a variety of bulky goods, has
+not the conveniency of mounting her lower tire of guns, but
+carries them in her hold, till she draws near Cape St Lucas, and is
+apprehensive of an enemy. Her hands too are as few as is consistent
+with the safety of the ship, that she may be less pestered with the
+stowage of provisions. But on her return from Acapulco, as her cargo
+lies in less room, her lower tire is (or ought to be) always mounted
+before she leaves the port, and her crew is augmented with a supply of
+sailors, and with one or two companies of foot, which are intended
+to reinforce the garrison at Manilla. And there being besides many
+merchants who take their passage to Manilla, her whole number of hands
+on her return is usually little short of six hundred, all which are
+easily provided for, by reason of the small stowage necessary for the
+silver. The galleon being thus fitted for her return, the captain, on
+leaving the port of Acapulco, steers for the latitude of 13 deg. or 14 deg.,
+and runs on that parallel, till he gets sight of the island of Guam,
+one of the Ladrones. In this run the captain is particularly directed
+to be careful of the shoals of St Bartholomew, and of the island of
+Gasparico. He is also told in his instructions, that to prevent his
+passing the Ladrones in the dark, there are orders given that, through
+all the month of June, fires shall be lighted every night on the
+highest part of Guam and Rota, and kept in till the morning.
+
+At Guam there is a small Spanish garrison, purposely intended to
+secure that place for the refreshment of the galleon, and to yield her
+all the assistance in their power. However, the danger of the road at
+Guam is so great, that though the galleon is ordered to call there,
+yet she rarely stays above a day of two, but getting her water and
+refreshments on board as soon as possible, she steers away directly
+for Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal. Here the captain is
+again ordered to look out for signals; and he is told, that centinels
+will be posted not only on that Cape, but likewise in Catanduanas,
+Butusan, Birriborongo, and on the island of Batan. These centinels
+are instructed to make a fire when they discover the ship, which the
+captain is carefully to observe: For if, after this first fire is
+extinguished, he perceives that four or more are lighted up again, he
+is then to conclude that there are enemies on the coast; and on this
+he is immediately to endeavour to speak with the centinel on shore,
+and to procure from him more particular intelligence of their force,
+and of the station they cruise in; pursuant to which, he is to
+regulate his conduct, and to endeavour to gain some secure port
+amongst those islands, without coming in sight of the enemy; and in
+case he should be discovered when in port, and should be apprehensive
+of attack, he is then to land his treasure, and to take some of his
+artillery on shore for its defence, not neglecting to send frequent
+and particular accounts to the city of Manilla of all that passes.
+But if, after the first fire on shore, the captain observes that two
+others only are made by the centinels, he is then to conclude, that
+there is nothing to fear: And he is to pursue his course without
+interruption, and to make the best of his way to the port of Cabite,
+which is the port to the city of Manilla, and the constant station for
+all the ships employed in this commerce to Acapulco.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI.
+
+_Our Cruise off the Port of Acapulco for the Manilla Ship._
+
+I have already mentioned, that the return of our barge from the port
+of Acapulco, where she had surprised three negro fishermen, gave us
+inexpressible satisfaction, as we learnt from our prisoners, that the
+galleon was then preparing to put to sea, and that her departure was
+fixed, by an edict of the viceroy of Mexico, to the 14th of March,
+N.S. that is, to the 3d of March, according to our reckoning.
+
+Having satisfied ourselves upon this head, we indulged our curiosity
+in enquiring after other news; when the prisoners informed us, that
+they had received intelligence at Acapulco, of our having plundered
+and burnt the town of Paita; and that, on this occasion, the governor
+of Acapulco had augmented the fortifications of the place, and had
+taken several precautions to prevent us from forcing our way into the
+harbour; that in particular, he had placed a guard on the island which
+lies at the harbour's mouth, and that this guard had been withdrawn
+but two nights before the arrival of our barge: So that had the barge
+succeeded in her first attempt, or had she arrived at the port the
+second time two days sooner, she could scarcely have avoided being
+seized on, or if she had escaped, it must have been with the loss of
+the greatest part of her crew, as she would have been under the fire
+of the guard, before she had known her danger.
+
+The withdrawing of this guard was a circumstance that greatly
+encouraged us, as it seemed to demonstrate, not only that the enemy
+had not as yet discovered us, but likewise that they had now no
+farther apprehensions of our visiting their coast, indeed the
+prisoners assured us, that they had no knowledge of our being in those
+seas, and that they had therefore flattered themselves, that, in
+the long interval since our taking of Paita, we had steered another
+course. But we did not consider the opinion of these negro prisoners
+so authentic a proof of our being hitherto concealed, as the
+withdrawing of the guard from the harbour's mouth, which being the
+action of the governor, was of all arguments the most convincing, as
+he might be supposed to have intelligence, with which the rest of the
+inhabitants were unacquainted.
+
+Satisfied therefore that we were undiscovered, and that the time was
+fixed for the departure of the galleon from Acapulco, we made all
+necessary preparations, and waited with the utmost impatience for the
+important day. As this was the 3d of March, and it was the 19th of
+February when the barge returned and brought us our intelligence, the
+commodore resolved to continue the greatest part of the intermediate
+time on his present station, to the westward of Acapulco, conceiving
+that in this situation there would be less danger of his being seen
+from the shore, which was the only circumstance that could deprive us
+of the immense treasure, on which we had at present so eagerly fixed
+our thoughts. During this interval, we were employed in scrubbing and
+cleansing our ships, in bringing them into their most advantageous
+trim, and in regulating the orders, signals, and stations to be
+observed, when we should arrive off Acapulco, and the time of the
+departure of the galleon should draw nigh.
+
+On the first of March, we made the high lands, usually called the paps
+over Acapulco, and got with all possible expedition into the situation
+prescribed by the commodore's orders. The distribution of our squadron
+on this occasion, both for the intercepting the galleon, and for the
+avoiding a discovery from the shore, was so very judicious, that it
+well merits to be distinctly described.
+
+The Centurion brought the paps over the harbour to bear N.N.E., at
+fifteen leagues distance, which was a sufficient offing to prevent our
+being seen by the enemy. To the westward of the Centurion there was
+stationed the Carmelo, and to the eastward were the Tryal prize, the
+Gloucester, and the Carmin: These were all ranged in a circular line,
+and each ship was three leagues distant from the next; so that the
+Carmelo and the Carmin, which were the two extremes, were twelve
+leagues distant from each other: And as the galleon could, without
+doubt, be discerned at six leagues distance from either extremity,
+the whole sweep of our squadron, within which nothing could pass
+undiscovered, was at least twenty-four leagues in extent; and yet
+we were so connected by our signals, as to be easily and speedily
+informed of what was seen in any part of the line: And, to render this
+disposition still more complete, and to prevent even the possibility
+of the galleon's escaping us in the night, the two cutters belonging
+to the Centurion and the Gloucester were both manned and sent in
+shore; and were ordered to lie all day at the distance of four or five
+leagues from the entrance of the port, where they could not possibly
+be discovered; but they were directed in the night to stand nearer
+to the harbour's mouth, and as the light of the morning came on, to
+return back again to their day-posts. When the cutters should first
+discover the Manilla ship, one of them was to return to the squadron,
+and to make a signal, whether the galleon stood to the eastward or
+to the westward; whilst the other was to follow the galleon at a
+distance, and if it grew dark, to direct the squadron in their chace,
+by shewing false fires.
+
+Besides the care we had taken to prevent the galleon from passing us
+unobserved, we had not been inattentive to the means of engaging her
+to advantage, when we came up with her: For, considering the thinness
+of our hands, and the vaunting accounts given by the Spaniards of her
+size, her guns, and her strength, this was a consideration not to be
+neglected. As we supposed that none of our ships but the Centurion
+and the Gloucester were capable of lying alongside of her, we took
+on board the Centurion all the hands belonging to the Carmelo and the
+Carmin, except what were just sufficient to navigate those ships;
+and Captain Saunders was ordered to send from the Tryal prize
+ten Englishmen, and as many negroes, to reinforce the crew of the
+Gloucester. For the encouragement of our negroes, we promised them,
+that on their good behaviour they should all have their freedom; and
+as they had been almost every day trained to the management of the
+great guns for the two preceding months, they were very well qualified
+to be of service to us; and from their hopes of liberty, and in return
+for the usage they had met with amongst us, they seemed disposed to
+exert themselves to the utmost of their power.
+
+Being thus prepared for the reception of the galleon, we expected,
+with the utmost impatience, the so-often-mentioned third of March, the
+day fixed for her departure. And on that day we were all of us most
+eagerly engaged in looking out towards Acapulco; and we were so
+strangely prepossessed with the certainty of our intelligence, and
+with an assurance of her coming out of port, that some or other of us
+were constantly imagining they discovered one of our cutters returning
+with a signal. But, to our extreme vexation, both this day and the
+succeeding night passed without any news of the galleon: However,
+we did not yet despair, but were all heartily disposed to flatter
+ourselves, that some unforeseen accident had intervened, which might
+have put off her departure for a few days; and suggestions of this
+kind occurred in plenty, as we knew that the time fixed by the viceroy
+for her sailing was often prolonged on the petition of the merchants
+of Mexico. Thus we kept up our hopes, and did not abate of our
+vigilance; and as the 7th of March was Sunday the beginning of
+Passion-week, which is observed by the Papists with great strictness,
+and a total cessation from all kinds of labour, so that no ship is
+permitted to stir out of port during the whole week, this quieted our
+apprehensions for some days, and disposed us not to expect the galleon
+till the week following. On the Friday in this week our cutters
+returned to us, the officers being very confident that the galleon was
+still in port, and that she could not possibly have come out but they
+must have seen her. On the Monday morning succeeding Passion-week,
+that is, on the 15th of March, the cutters were again dispatched
+to their old station, and our hopes were once more indulged in as
+sanguine prepossessions as before; but in a week's time our eagerness
+was greatly abated, and a general dejection and despondency took
+place. It is true, there were some few amongst us who still kept
+up their spirits, and were very ingenious in finding out reasons to
+satisfy themselves, that the disappointment had been occasioned by a
+casual delay of the galleon, which a few days would remove, and not
+by a total suspension of her departure for the whole season: But these
+speculations were not relished by the generality of our people; for
+they were persuaded that the enemy had, by some accident, discovered
+our being upon the coast, and had therefore laid an embargo on the
+galleon till the next year. And indeed this persuasion was but too
+well founded; for we afterwards learnt, that our barge, when sent on
+the discovery of the port of Acapulco, had been seen from the
+shore; and that this circumstance (no embarkations but canoes
+ever frequenting that coast) was to them a sufficient proof of the
+neighbourhood of our squadron; on which they stopped the galleon till
+the succeeding year.
+
+The commodore himself, though he declared not his opinion, was yet in
+his own thoughts very apprehensive that we were discovered, and that
+the departure of the galleon was put off; and he had, in consequence
+of this opinion, formed a plan for possessing himself of Acapulco;
+for he had no doubt that the treasure remained in the town, though the
+orders for dispatching the galleon were countermanded.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: It is unnecessary to detail this plan, as, for sufficient
+reasons soon discovered, it was not attempted to be executed.--E.]
+
+His scheme was formed on a supposition that the galleon was detained
+till the next year; but as this was a matter of opinion only, and not
+founded on intelligence, and there was a possibility that she might
+still put to sea in a short time, the commodore thought it prudent
+to continue his cruise upon this station, as long as the necessary
+attention to his stores of wood and water, and to the convenient
+season for his future passage to China, would give him leave; and
+therefore, as the cutters had been ordered to remain, before Acapulco
+till the 23d of March, the squadron did not change its position till
+that day; when the cutters not appearing, we were in some pain for
+them, apprehending they might have suffered either from the enemy or
+the weather; but we were relieved from our concern the next morning,
+when we discovered them, though at a great distance and to the leeward
+of the squadron: We bore down to them and took them up and were
+informed by them, that, conformable to their orders, they had left
+their station the day before, without having seen any thing of the
+galleon; and we found, that the reason of their being so far to
+the leeward of us was a strong current, which had driven the whole
+squadron to windward.
+
+It afterwards appeared that this prolongation of our cruise was a very
+prudent measure, and afforded us no contemptible chance of seizing the
+treasure, on which we had so long fixed our thoughts. For it seems,
+after the embargo was laid on the galleon, the persons principally
+interested in the cargo sent several expresses to Mexico, to beg
+that she might still be permitted to depart: For as they knew, by the
+accounts sent from Paita, that we had not more than three hundred men
+in all, they insisted that there was nothing to be feared from us;
+for that the galleon (carrying above twice as many hands as our whole
+squadron) would be greatly an overmatch for us. Though the viceroy was
+inflexible; yet, on this representation, she was kept ready for the
+sea for near three weeks after the first order came to detain her.
+
+When we had taken up the cutters, all the ships being joined, the
+commodore made a signal to speak with their commanders; and upon
+enquiry into the stock of fresh water remaining on board the squadron,
+it was found to be so very slender, that we were under a necessity of
+quitting our station to procure a fresh supply. It was agreed, that
+the harbour of Seguataneo or Chequetan being the nearest to us, was,
+on that account, the most eligible; it was therefore immediately
+resolved to make the best of our way thither: And that, even while
+we were recruiting our water, we might not abandon our views upon the
+galleon, which perhaps, upon certain intelligence of our ship being
+employed at Chequetan, might venture to slip out to sea; our cutter,
+under the command of Mr Hughes, the lieutenant of the Tryal prize, was
+ordered to cruise off the port of Acapulco for twenty-four days, that
+if the galleon should set sail in that interval, we might be speedily
+informed of it. In pursuance of these resolutions we endeavoured
+to ply to the westward, to gain our intended port, but were often
+interrupted in our progress by calms and adverse currents: In these
+intervals we employed ourselves in taking out the most valuable part
+of the cargoes of the Carmelo and Carmin prizes, which two ships we
+intended to destroy as soon as we had tolerably cleared them. By the
+first of April we were so far advanced towards Seguataneo, that we
+thought it expedient to send out two boats, that they might range
+along the coast, and discover the watering-place; they were gone some
+days, and our water being now very short, it was a particular felicity
+to us that we met with daily supplies of turtle, for had we been
+entirely confined to salt provisions, we must have suffered
+extremely in so warm a climate. Indeed our present circumstances were
+sufficiently alarming, and gave the most considerate amongst us
+as much concern as any of the numerous perils we had hitherto
+encountered; for our boats, as we conceived by their not returning,
+had not as yet discovered a place proper to water at, and by the
+leakage of our cask and other accidents, we had not ten days water
+on board the whole squadron; so that from the known difficulty of
+procuring water on this coast, and the little reliance we had on
+the Buccaneer writers, (the only guides we had to trust to) we were
+apprehensive of being soon exposed to a calamity, the most terrible
+of any in the long disheartening catalogue of the distresses of a
+sea-faring life.
+
+But these gloomy suggestions were soon happily ended; for our boats
+returned on the 5th of April, having discovered a place proper for our
+purpose, about seven miles to the westward of the rocks of Seguataneo,
+which, by the description they gave of it, appeared to be the port
+called by Dampier the harbour of Chequetan. They were ordered out
+again the next day, to sound the harbour and its entrance, which they
+had represented as very narrow. At their return they reported the
+place to be free from any danger; so that on the 7th we stood in, and
+that evening came to an anchor in eleven fathom. The Gloucester came
+to an anchor at the same time with us; but the Camelo and the Carmin
+having fallen to leeward, the Tryal prize was ordered to join them,
+and to bring them in, which in two or three days she effected.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII.
+
+_A short Account of Chequetan, and of the adjacent Coast and Country._
+
+The harbour of Chequetan lies in the latitude of 17 deg. 36' N. and is
+about thirty leagues to the westward of Acapulco. It is easy to
+be discovered by any ship that will keep well in with the land,
+especially by such as range down coast from Acapulco, and will attend
+to the following particulars.
+
+There is a beach of sand which extends eighteen leagues from the
+harbour of Acapulco to the westward, against which the sea breaks with
+such violence that it is impossible to land in any part of it; but yet
+the ground is so clean; that ships, in the fair season, may anchor in
+great safety at the distance of a mile or two from the shore. The land
+adjacent to this beach is generally low, full of villages, and planted
+with a great number of trees; and on the tops of some small eminencies
+there are several look-out towers, so that the face of the country
+affords a very agreeable prospect: For the cultivated part, which is
+the part here described, extends some leagues back from the shore, and
+there appears to be bounded by the chain of mountains, which stretch
+to a considerable distance on either side of Acapulco. It is a most
+remarkable particularity, that in this whole extent, being, as hath
+been mentioned, eighteen leagues, and containing, in appearance, the
+most populous and best planted district of the whole coast, there
+should be neither canoes, boats, nor any other embarkations either for
+fishing, coasting, or for pleasure.
+
+The beach here described is the surest guide for finding the harbour
+of Chequetan; for five miles to the westward of the extremity of this
+beach there appears a hummock, which at first makes like an island,
+and is in shape not very unlike the hill of Petaplan, hereafter
+mentioned, though much smaller. Three miles to the westward of this
+hummock is a white rock lying near the shore, which cannot easily be
+passed by unobserved; it is about two cables length from the land,
+and lies in a large bay about nine leagues over. The westward point
+of this bay is the hill of Petaplan. This hill, like the forementioned
+hummock, may be at first mistaken for an island, though it be, in
+reality, a peninsula, which is joined to the continent by a low and
+narrow isthmus, covered over with shrubs and small trees. The bay of
+Seguataneo extends from this hill a great way to the westward; and at
+a small distance from the hill, and opposite to the entrance of
+the bay, there is an assemblage of rocks, which are white, from the
+excrements of boobies and tropical birds. Four of these rocks are high
+and large, and, together with several other smaller ones, are, by
+the help of a little imagination, pretended to resemble the form of a
+cross, and are called the White Friars. These rocks bear W. by N.
+from Petaplan, and about seven miles to the westward of them lies the
+harbour of Chequetan, which is still more minutely distinguished by a
+large and single rock, that rises out of the water a mile and a half
+distant from its entrance, and bears S. 1/2 W. from the middle of
+it.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: In the original are references to some plates, which
+cannot be given in this work.--E.]
+
+These are the infallible marks by which the harbour of Chequetan may
+be known to those who keep well in with the land; and I must add, that
+the coast is no ways to be dreaded from the middle of October to the
+beginning of May, nor is there then any danger from the winds, though
+in the remaining part of the year there are frequent and violent
+tornadoes, heavy rains, and hard gales, in all directions of the
+compass. But as to those who keep at any considerable distance from
+the coast, there is no other method to be taken by them for finding
+this harbour than that of making it by its latitude; for there are so
+many ranges of mountains rising one upon the back of another within
+land, that no drawings of the appearance of the coast can be at all
+depended on when off at sea, for every little change of distance, or
+variation of position, brings new mountains in view, and produces an
+infinity of different prospects, which would render all attempts of
+delineating the aspect of the coast impossible.
+
+The harbour is environed on all sides, except to the westward, with
+high mountains overspread with trees. The passage into it is very safe
+on either side of the rock that lies off the mouth of it, though we,
+both in coming in and going out, left it to the eastward. The ground
+without the harbour is gravel mixed with stones, but within it is soft
+mud: And it must be remembered, that in coming to an anchor a good
+allowance should be made for a large swell, which frequently causes a
+great send of the sea; as likewise for the ebbing and flowing of the
+tide, which we observed to be about five feet, and that it set nearly
+E. and W.
+
+The watering-place had the appearance of a large standing lake,
+without any visible outlet into the sea, from which it is separated
+by a part of the strand. The origin of this lake is a spring, that
+bubbles out of the ground near half a mile within the country. We
+found the water a little brackish, but more considerably so towards
+the sea-side, for the nearer we advanced towards the spring-head,
+the softer and fresher it proved: This laid us under a necessity
+of filling all our casks from the furthest part of the lake, and
+occasioned us some trouble, and would have proved still more difficult
+had it not been for our particular management, which, for the
+conveniency of it, deserves to be recommended to all who shall
+hereafter water at this place. Our method consisted in making use of
+canoes which drew but little water; for, loading them with a number of
+small casks, they easily got up the lake to the spring-head, and the
+small casks being there filled, were in the same manner transported
+back again to the beach, where some of our hands always attended to
+start them into other casks of a larger size.
+
+Though this lake, during our continuance there, appeared to have no
+outlet into the sea, yet there is reason to suppose that in the wet
+season it overflows the strand, and communicates with the ocean; for
+Dampier, who was formerly here, speaks of it as a large river. Indeed,
+there must be a very great body of water amassed before the lake can
+rise high enough to overflow the strand, for the neighbouring country
+is so low, that great part of it must be covered with water before it
+can run out over the beach.
+
+As the country in the neighbourhood, particularly the tract which we
+have already described, appeared to be well peopled and cultivated, we
+hoped thence to have procured fresh provision and other refreshments
+which we stood in need of. With this view, the morning after we came
+to an anchor, the commodore ordered a party of forty men, well armed,
+to march into the country, and to endeavour to discover some town
+or village, where they were to attempt a correspondence with the
+inhabitants; for we doubted not if we could have any intercourse with
+them, but that by presents of some of the coarse merchandise, with
+which our prizes abounded (which, though of little consequence to us,
+would to them be extremely valuable,) we should allure them to furnish
+us with whatever fruits or fresh provisions were in their power. Our
+people were directed on this occasion to proceed with the greatest
+circumspection, and to make as little ostentation of hostility as
+possible; for we were sensible that we could meet with no wealth here
+worth our notice, and that what necessaries we really wanted we
+should in all probability be better supplied with by an open amicable
+traffic, than by violence and force of arms. But this endeavour of
+opening an intercourse with the inhabitants proved ineffectual, for
+towards evening, the party which had been ordered to march into the
+country, returned greatly fatigued with their unusual exercise, and
+some of them so far spent as to have fainted by the way, and to be
+obliged to be brought back upon the shoulders of their companions.
+They had marched in all, as they conceived, about ten miles, in a
+beaten road, where they often saw the fresh dung of horses or mules.
+When they had got about five miles from the harbour, the road divided
+between the mountains into two branches, one running to the east and
+the other to the west. After some deliberation about the course they
+should take, they agreed to pursue the eastern road, which, when they
+had followed for some time, led them at once into a large plain or
+savannah; on one side of which they discovered a centinel on horseback
+with a pistol in his hand: It was supposed that when they first saw
+him he was asleep, but his horse startled at the glittering of their
+arms, and, turning round suddenly, rode off with his master, who was
+very near being unhorsed in the surprise, but he recovered his seat,
+and escaped with the loss of his hat and his pistol, which he dropped
+on the ground. Our people ran after him, in hopes of discovering
+some village or habitation, but as he had the advantage of being on
+horseback, they soon lost sight of him. However, they were unwilling
+to come back without making some discovery, and therefore still
+followed the track they were in; but the heat of the day increasing,
+and finding no water to quench their thirst, they were first obliged
+to halt, and then resolved to return; for, as they saw no signs of
+plantations or cultivated land, they had no reason to believe that
+there was any village or settlement near them: But, to leave no means
+untried of procuring some intercourse with the people, the
+officers stuck up several poles in the road, to which were affixed
+declarations, written in Spanish, encouraging the inhabitants to
+come down to the harbour and to traffic with us, giving the strongest
+assurances of a kind reception, and faithful payment for any
+provisions they should bring us. This was doubtless a very prudent
+measure, but it produced no effect; for we never saw any of them
+during the whole time of our continuance at this port of Chequetan.
+But had our men, upon the division of the path, taken the western road
+instead of the eastern, it would soon have led them to a village or
+town, which, in some Spanish manuscripts, is mentioned as being in
+the neighbourhood of this port, and which we afterwards learnt was not
+above two miles from that turning.
+
+And on this occasion I cannot help mentioning another adventure which
+happened to some of our people in the bay of Petaplan, as it may help
+to give the reader a just idea of the temper of the inhabitants of
+this part of the world. Some time after our arrival at Chequetan,
+Lieutenant Brett was sent by the commodore, with two of our boats
+under his command, to examine the coast to the eastward, particularly
+to make observations on the bay and watering-place of Petaplan. As Mr
+Brett with one of the boats was preparing to go on shore towards the
+hill of Petaplan, he, accidentally looking across the bay, perceived,
+on the opposite strand, three small squadrons of horse parading upon
+the beach, and seeming to advance towards the place where he proposed
+to land. On sight of this he immediately put off the boat, though he
+had but sixteen men with him, and stood over the bay towards them; and
+he soon came near enough to perceive that they were mounted on very
+sightly horses, and were armed with carbines and lances. On seeing him
+make towards them they formed upon the beach, and seemed resolved to
+dispute his landing, firing several distant shot at him as he drew
+near; till at last, the boat being arrived within a reasonable
+distance of the most advanced squadron, Mr Brett ordered his people
+to fire, upon which this resolute cavalry instantly ran in great
+confusion into the wood. In this precipitate flight one of their
+horses fell down and threw his rider; but whether he was wounded or
+not we could not learn, for both man and horse soon got up again, and
+followed the rest. In the mean time the other two squadrons, who were
+drawn up at a great distance behind, out of the reach of our shot,
+were calm spectators of the rout of their comrades; for they had
+halted on our first approach, and never advanced afterwards. It was,
+doubtless, fortunate for our people that the enemy acted with so
+little prudence, and exerted so little spirit, for had they concealed
+themselves till our men had landed, it is scarcely possible but
+the whole boat's crew must have fallen into their hands, since the
+Spaniards were not much short of two hundred in number. However,
+the discovery of so considerable a force collected in this bay of
+Petaplan, obliged us constantly to keep a boat or two before it; for
+we were apprehensive that the cutter, which we had left to cruise off
+Acapulco, might, on her return, be surprised by the enemy, if she did
+not receive timely information of her danger.
+
+After our unsuccessful attempt to engage the people of the country
+to furnish us with the necessaries we wanted, we were obliged to be
+contented with what we could procure in the neighbourhood of the
+port. We caught fish here in tolerable quantities, especially when the
+smoothness of the water permitted us to hale the seyne. Amongst the
+rest, we got here cavallies, breams, mullets, soles, fiddle-fish, sea
+eggs, and lobsters; and here, and in no other place, met with that
+extraordinary fish called the Torpedo, or numbing fish, which is in
+shape very like the fiddle-fish, and is not to be known from it but by
+a brown circular spot of about the bigness of a crown-piece near the
+centre of its back; perhaps its figure will be better understood when
+I say it is a flat fish, much resembling the thorn-back. This fish is
+of a most singular nature, productive of the strangest effects on the
+human body; for whoever handles it, or happens even to set his foot
+upon it, is presently seized with a numbness all over him, but more
+distinguishable in that limb which was in immediate contact with it.
+The same effect, too, will be, in some degree, produced by touching
+the fish, with any thing held in the hand; for I myself had a
+considerable degree of numbness conveyed to my right arm through a
+walking cane, which I rested on the body of the fish for some time,
+and I make no doubt but I should have been much more sensibly affected
+had not the fish been near expiring when I made the experiment: For it
+is observable that this influence acts with most vigour when the fish
+is first taken out of the water, and entirely ceases when it is
+dead, so that it may be then handled, or even eaten, without any
+inconvenience. I shall only add that the numbness of my arm on
+this occasion did not go off on a sudden, as the accounts of some
+naturalists gave me reason to expect, but diminished gradually, so
+that I had some sensation of it remaining till the next day.
+
+To the account given of the fish we met with here, I must add, that
+though turtle now grew scarce, and we met with none in this harbour of
+Chequetan, yet our boats, which, as I have mentioned, were stationed
+off Petaplan, often supplied us therewith; and though this was a food
+that we had now been so long as it were confined to, (for it was the
+only fresh provisions which we had tasted for near six months,) yet we
+were far from being cloyed with it, or finding that the relish we had
+of it at all diminished.
+
+The animals we met with on shore were principally guanos, with which
+the country abounds, and which are by some reckoned delicious food.
+We saw no beasts of prey here, except alligators, several of which
+our people discovered, but none of them very large. However, we were
+satisfied there were tygers in the woods, though none of them came in
+sight; for we every morning found the beach near the watering-place
+imprinted with their footsteps: But we never apprehended any mischief
+from them, for they are by no means so fierce as the Asiatic or
+African tyger, and are rarely, if ever, known to attack mankind. Birds
+were in sufficient plenty, especially pheasants of different kinds,
+some of them of an uncommon size, but they were very dry and tasteless
+food. Besides these we had a variety of smaller birds, particularly
+parrots, which we often killed for food.
+
+The fruits and vegetable refreshments at this place were neither
+plentiful, nor of the best kinds: There were, it is true, a few
+bushes scattered about the woods, which supplied us with limes, but we
+scarcely could procure enough for our present use; and these, with
+a small plumb of an agreeable acid, called in Jamaica the hog-plumb,
+together with another fruit called a papah, were the only fruits to be
+found in the woods. Nor is there any other useful vegetable here worth
+mentioning, except brook-lime: This indeed grew in great quantities
+near the fresh-water banks; and, as it was esteemed an antiscorbutic,
+we fed upon it frequently, though its extreme bitterness made it very
+unpalatable.
+
+By all that has been said, it will appear that the conveniences of
+this port of Chequetan, particularly in the articles of refreshment,
+are not altogether such as might be desired: But, upon the whole, it
+is a place of considerable consequence, as the only secure harbour in
+a vast extent of coast, except Acapulco.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII.
+
+_Account of Proceedings at Chequetan and on the adjacent Coast, till
+our setting sail for Asia._
+
+The next morning, after our coming to an anchor in the harbour of
+Chequetan, we sent about ninety of our men well armed on shore, forty
+of whom were ordered to march into the country, as has been mentioned,
+and the remaining fifty were employed to cover the watering-place, and
+to prevent any interruption from the natives.
+
+Here it was agreed, after mature consultation, to destroy the Tryal's
+prize, as well as the Carmelo and Carmin whose fate had been before
+resolved on. Indeed the ship was in good repair and fit for the sea;
+but as the whole numbers onboard our squadron did not amount to the
+complement of a fourth-rate man of war, we found it was impossible
+to divide them into three ships, without rendering them incapable
+of navigating in safety in the tempestuous weather we had reason to
+expect on the coast of China, where we supposed we should arrive about
+the time of the change of the monsoons.
+
+During our stay here there happened an incident, which, as it proved
+the means of convincing our friends in England of our safety, which
+for some time they were in doubt about, I shall beg leave particularly
+to recite. I have observed, that from this harbour of Chequetan there
+was but one path-way which led through the woods into the country.
+This we found much beaten, and were thence convinced that it was well
+known to the inhabitants. As it passed by the spring-head, and was
+the only avenue by which the Spaniards could approach us, we, at some
+distance beyond the spring-head, felled several large trees, and laid
+them one upon the other across the path; and at this barricado we
+constantly kept a guard: And we besides ordered our men employed in
+watering to have their arms ready, and, in case of any alarm, to march
+instantly to this post. Though our principal intention was to prevent
+our being disturbed by any sudden attack of the enemy's horse, yet it
+answered another purpose, which was not in itself less important; this
+was to hinder our own people from straggling singly into the country,
+where we had reason to believe they would be surprised by the
+Spaniards, who would doubtless be extremely solicitous to pick up some
+of them, in hopes of getting intelligence of our future designs.
+To avoid this inconvenience, the strictest orders were given to the
+centinels, to let no person whatever pass beyond their post: But,
+notwithstanding this precaution, we missed one Lewis Leger, who was
+the commodore's cook; and as he was a Frenchman, and suspected to be
+a papist, it was by some imagined that he had deserted with a view
+of betraying all that he knew to the enemy; but this appeared by the
+event to be an ill-grounded surmise, for it was afterwards known
+that he had been taken by some Indians, who carried him prisoner to
+Acapulco, from whence he was transferred, to Mexico, and then to Vera
+Cruz, where he was shipped on board a vessel bound to Old Spain: And
+the vessel being obliged by some accident to put into Lisbon, Leger
+escaped on shore, and was by the British consul sent from thence to
+England; where he brought the first authentic account of the safety of
+the commodore, and of what he had done in the South Seas. The relation
+he gave of his own seizure was, that he had rambled into the woods
+at some distance from the barricade, where he had first attempted to
+pass, but had been stopped and threatened to be punished; that his
+principal view was to get a quantity of limes for his master's store;
+and that in this occupation he was surprised by four Indians, who
+stripped him naked, and carried him in that condition to Acapulco,
+exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, which at that time of the
+year shone with its greatest violence: And afterwards at Mexico his
+treatment in prison was sufficiently severe, and the whole course
+of his captivity was a continued instance of the hatred which the
+Spaniards bear to all those who endeavour to disturb them in the
+peaceable possession of the coasts of the South Seas. Indeed, Leger's
+fortune was upon the whole extremely singular; for after the hazards
+he had run in the commodore's squadron, and the severities he had
+suffered in his long confinement amongst the enemy, a more fatal
+disaster attended him on his return to England: For though, when he
+arrived in London, some of Mr Anson's friends interested themselves in
+relieving him from the poverty to which his captivity had reduced him,
+yet he did not long enjoy the benefit of their humanity, for he was
+killed in an insignificant night brawl, the cause of which could
+scarcely be discovered.
+
+And here I must observe, that though the enemy never appeared in sight
+during our stay in this harbour; yet we perceived that there were
+large parties encamped in the woods about us; for we could see their
+smokes, and could thence determine that they were posted in a circular
+line surrounding us at a distance; and just before our coming away
+they seemed, by the increase of their fires, to have received a
+considerable reinforcement.
+
+Towards the latter end of April, the unloading of our three prizes,
+our wooding and watering, and, in short, all our proposed employments
+at the harbour of Chequetan were completed: So that, on the 27th of
+April, the Tryal's prize, the Carmelo, and the Carmin, all which we
+intended to destroy, were towed on shore and scuttled, and a quantity
+of combustible materials were distributed in their upper works; and
+the next morning the Centurion and the Gloucester weighed anchor, but
+as there was but little wind, and that not in their favour, they were
+obliged to warp out of the harbour. When they had reached the offing,
+one of the boats was dispatched back again to set fire to our prize,
+which was accordingly executed. And a canoe was left fixed to a
+grapnel in the middle of the harbour, with a bottle in it well corked,
+inclosing a letter to Mr Hughes, who commanded the cutter, which was
+ordered to cruise before the port of Acapulco, when we came off that
+station. And on this occasion I must mention more particularly than I
+have yet done, the views of the commodore in leaving the cutter before
+that port.
+
+When we were necessitated to make for Chequetan to take in our water,
+Mr Anson considered that our being in that harbour would soon be known
+at Acapulco; and therefore he hoped, that on the intelligence of our
+being employed in port, the galleon might put to sea, especially as
+Chequetan is so very remote from the course generally steered by the
+galleon: He therefore ordered the cutter to cruise twenty-four
+days off the port of Acapulco, and her commander was directed, on
+perceiving the galleon under sail, to make the best of his way to the
+commodore at Chequetan. As the Centurion was doubtless a much better
+sailer than the galleon, Mr Anson in this case resolved to have got
+to sea as soon as possible, and to have pursued the galleon across the
+Pacific Ocean: And supposing he should not have met with her in his
+passage, (which considering that he would have kept nearly the same
+parallel, was not very improbable,) yet he was certain of arriving
+off Cape Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal, before her; and that
+being the first land she makes on her return to the Philippines, we
+could not have failed to have fallen in with her, by cruising a few
+days in that station. But the viceroy of Mexico ruined this project by
+keeping the galleon in the port of Acapulco all that year.
+
+The letter left in the canoe for Mr Hughes, the commander of the
+cutter, the time of whose return was now considerably elapsed,
+directed him to go back immediately to his former station before
+Acapulco, where he would find Mr Anson, who resolved to cruise for him
+there for a certain number of days; after which it was added, that
+the commodore would return to the southward to join the rest of the
+squadron. This last article was inserted to deceive the Spaniards, if
+they got possession of the canoe, (as we afterwards learnt they did)
+but could not impose on Mr Hughes, who well knew that the commodore
+had no squadron to join, nor any intention of steering back to Peru.
+
+Being now in the offing of Chequetan, bound cross the vast Pacific
+Ocean in our way to China, we were impatient to run off the coast as
+soon as possible; for as the stormy season was approaching apace, and
+as we had no further views in the American seas, we had hoped that
+nothing would have prevented us from standing to the westward, the
+moment we got out of the harbour of Chequetan: And it was no small
+mortification to us, that our necessary employment there had detained
+us so much longer than we expected; and now we were farther detained
+by the absence of the cutter, and the standing towards Acapulco in
+search of her. Indeed, as the time of her cruise had been expired near
+a fortnight, we suspected that she had been discovered from the shore;
+and that the governor of Acapulco had thereupon sent out a force to
+seize her, which, as she carried but six hands, was no very difficult
+enterprize. However, this being only conjecture, the commodore, as
+soon as we got clear of the harbour of Chequetan, stood along the
+coast to the eastward in search of her: And to prevent her from
+passing by us in the dark, we brought to every night; and the
+Gloucester, whose station was a league within us towards the shore,
+carried a light which the cutter could not but perceive if she kept
+along shore, as we supposed she would do; and as a farther security,
+the Centurion and the Gloucester alternately showed two false fires
+every half hour.
+
+By Sunday, the 2d of May, we were advanced within three leagues of
+Acapulco, and having seen nothing of our boat, we gave her over for
+lost, which, besides the compassionate concern for our shipmates, and
+for what it was apprehended they might have suffered, was in itself
+a misfortune in our present scarcity of hands, we were all greatly
+interested in: For the crew of the cutter, consisting of six men and
+the lieutenant, were the very flower of our people, purposely picked
+out for this service, and known to be every one of them of tried
+and approved resolution, and as skilful seamen as ever trod a deck.
+However, as it was the general belief among us that they were taken
+and carried into Acapulco, the commodore's prudence suggested a
+project which we hoped would recover them. This was founded on our
+having many Spanish and Indian prisoners in our possession, and
+a number of sick negroes, who could be of no service to us in the
+navigating of the ship. The commodore therefore wrote a letter the
+same day to the governor of Acapulco, telling him that he would
+release them all, provided the governor returned the cutter's crew;
+and the letter was dispatched the same afternoon by a Spanish officer,
+of whose honour we had a good opinion, and who was furnished with
+a launch belonging to one of our prizes, and a crew of six other
+prisoners who all gave their parole for their return. The officer,
+besides the commodore's letter, carried with him a petition signed by
+all the prisoners, beseeching his excellency to acquiesce in the terms
+proposed. From a consideration of the number of our prisoners, and
+the quality of some of them, we did not doubt but the governor would
+readily comply, and therefore we kept plying on and off the whole
+night, intending to keep well in with the land, that we might receive
+an answer at the limited time, which was the next day, being Monday:
+But both on the Monday and Tuesday we were driven so far off shore,
+that we could not hope to receive any answer; and on the Wednesday
+morning we found ourselves fourteen leagues from the harbour of
+Acapulco; but as the wind was now favourable, we pressed forwards with
+all our sail, and did not doubt of getting in with the land in a
+few hours. Whilst we were thus standing in, the man at the mast-head
+called out that he saw a boat under sail at a considerable distance
+to the south-eastward: This we took for granted was the answer of the
+governor to the commodore's message, and we instantly edged towards
+it; but when we drew nearer, we found to our unspeakable joy that it
+was our own cutter. While she was still at a distance, we imagined
+that she had been discharged out of the port of Acapulco by the
+governor; but when she drew nearer, the wan and meagre countenances of
+the crew, the length of their beards, and the feeble and hollow tone
+of their voices, convinced us that they had suffered much greater
+hardships than could be expected from even the severities of a
+Spanish prison. They were obliged to be helped into the ship, and were
+immediately put to bed, and with rest, and nourishing diet, which
+they were plentifully supplied with, from the commodore's table, they
+recovered their health and vigour apace. We learnt that they had kept
+the sea the whole time of their absence; that when they finished their
+cruise before Acapulco, and had just begun to ply to the westward in
+order to join the squadron, a strong adverse current had forced them
+down the coast to the eastward in spite of all their efforts; that at
+length their water being all expended, they were obliged to search
+the coast farther on to the eastward, in quest of some convenient
+landing-place, where they might get a fresh supply; that in this
+distress they ran upwards of eighty leagues to leeward, and found
+every where so large a surf, that there was not the least possibility
+of their landing; that they passed some days in this dreadful
+situation without water, and having no other means left them to allay
+their thirst than sucking the blood of the turtle which they caught;
+and at last, giving up all hopes of relief, the heat of the climate
+augmenting their necessities, and rendering their sufferings
+insupportable, they abandoned themselves to despair, fully persuaded
+that they should perish by the most terrible of all deaths; but that
+they were soon after happily relieved by a most unexpected incident,
+for there fell so heavy a rain, that by spreading their sails
+horizontally, and by putting bullets in the centres of them to draw
+them to a point, they caught as much water as filled all their casks;
+that immediately upon this fortunate supply they stood to the westward
+in quest of the commodore; and being now luckily favoured by a strong
+current, they joined us in less than fifty hours, from the time
+they stood to the westward, after having been absent from us full
+forty-three days. Those who have an idea of the inconsiderable size of
+a cutter belonging to a sixty-gun ship, (being only an open boat
+about twenty-two feet in length,) and who will attend to the various
+accidents to which she was exposed during a six weeks continuance
+alone, in the open ocean, on so impracticable and dangerous a coast,
+will readily own that her return to us, after all the difficulties
+which she actually experienced, and the hazards to which she was each
+hour exposed, was little short of miraculous.
+
+I cannot finish this article without remarking how little reliance
+navigators ought to have on the accounts of the Buccaneer writers:
+For though in this run eighty leagues to the eastward of Acapulco,
+she found no place where it was possible for a boat to land, yet
+those writers have not been ashamed to feign harbours and convenient
+watering-places within these limits, thereby exposing such as should
+confide in their relations to the risk of being destroyed by thirst.
+
+Having received our cutter, the sole object of our coming a second
+time before Acapulco, the commodore resolved not to lose a moment's
+time longer, but to run off the coast with the utmost expedition, both
+as the stormy season on the coast of Mexico was now approaching apace,
+and as we were apprehensive of having the westerly monsoon to struggle
+with when we came upon the coast of China; and therefore he no longer
+stood towards Acapulco, as he now wanted no answer from the governor;
+but yet he resolved not to deprive his prisoners of the liberty which
+he had promised them; so that they were all immediately embarked in
+two launches which belonged to our prizes, those from the Centurion in
+one launch, and those from the Gloucester in the other. The launches
+were well equipped with masts, sails, and oars, and, lest the wind
+might prove unfavourable, they had a stock of water and provisions
+put on board them sufficient for fourteen days. There were discharged
+thirty-nine persons from on board the Centurion, and eighteen from the
+Gloucester, the greatest part of them Spaniards, the rest Indians and
+sick negroes: But as our crews were very weak, we kept the mulattoes
+and some of the stoutest of the negroes, with a few Indians, to assist
+us; but we dismissed every Spanish prisoner whatever. We have since
+learnt, that these two launches arrived safe at Acapulco, where the
+prisoners could not enough extol the humanity with which they had been
+treated; and that the governor, before their arrival, had returned a
+very obliging answer to the commodore's letter, and had attended it
+with a present of two boats laden with the choicest refreshments and
+provisions which were to be got at Acapulco; but that these boats
+not having found our ships, were at length obliged to put back again,
+after having thrown all their provisions overboard in a storm which
+threatened their destruction.
+
+The sending away our prisoners was our last transaction on the
+American coast; for no sooner had we parted with them, than we and the
+Gloucester made sail to the S.W., proposing to get a good offing from
+the land, where we hoped, in a few days, to meet with the regular
+trade-wind, which the accounts of former navigators had represented as
+much brisker and steadier in this ocean, than in any other part of the
+globe: For it has been esteemed no uncommon passage to run from
+hence to the eastermost parts of Asia in two months; and we flattered
+ourselves that we were as capable of making an expeditious passage as
+any ships that had ever run this course before us; so that we hoped
+soon to gain the coast of China, for which we were now bound. And
+conformable to the general idea of this navigation given by former
+voyagers, we considered it as free from all kinds of embarrassment of
+bad weather, fatigue, or sickness; and consequently we undertook it
+with alacrity, especially as it was no contemptible step towards oar
+arrival at our native country, for which many of us by this time began
+to have great longings. Thus, on the 6th of May, we, for the last
+time, lost sight of the mountains of Mexico, persuaded, that in a
+few weeks we should arrive at the river of Canton in China, where
+we expected to meet with many English ships, and numbers of our
+countrymen; and hoped to enjoy the advantages of an amicable,
+well-frequented port, inhabited by a polished people, and abounding
+with the conveniences and indulgences of a civilized life, which for
+near twenty months had never been once in our power.
+
+[It is judged advisable to omit altogether the next section of the
+original, as occupied by mere reckoning on the advantages "which might
+have been expected from the squadron, had it arrived in the South Seas
+in good time." They are in part specified at the beginning.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV.
+
+_The Run from the Coast of Mexico to the Ladrones or Marian Islands._
+
+When we left the coast of America, we stood to the S.W. with a view
+of meeting with the N.E. trade-wind, which the accounts of former
+writers made us expect at seventy or eighty leagues distance from the
+land: We had another reason for standing to the southward, which was
+the getting into the latitude of 13 deg. or 14 deg. north; that being
+the parallel where the Pacific Ocean is most usually crossed, and
+consequently where the navigation is esteemed the safest: This last
+purpose we had soon answered, being in a day or two sufficiently
+advanced to the south. At the same time we were also farther from the
+shore, than we had presumed was necessary for the falling in with
+the trade-wind: But in this particular we were most grievously
+disappointed; for the wind still continued to the westward, or at best
+variable. As the getting into the N.E. trade-wind, was to us a matter
+of the last consequence, we stood more to the southward, and made many
+experiments to meet with it; but it was seven weeks, from our leaving
+the coast, before we got into it. This was an interval, in which we
+believed we should well nigh have reached the easternmost parts of
+Asia: But we were so baffled with the contrary and variable winds,
+which for all that time perplexed us, that we were not as yet advanced
+above a fourth part of the way. The delay alone would have been a
+sufficient mortification; but there were other circumstances
+attending it, which rendered this situation not less terrible, and
+our apprehensions perhaps still greater than in any of our past
+distresses. For our two ships were by this time extremely crazy;
+and many days had not passed, before we discovered a spring in the
+fore-mast of the Centurion, which rounded about twenty-six inches of
+its circumference, and which was judged to be at least four inches
+deep: And no sooner had our carpenters secured this with fishing it,
+but the Gloucester made a signal of distress; and we learnt that
+she had a dangerous spring in her main-mast, twelve feet below the
+trussel-trees; so that she could not carry any sail upon it. Our
+carpenters, on a strict examination of this mast, found it so very
+rotten and decayed, that they judged it necessary to cut it down as
+low as it appeared to have been injured; and by this it was reduced to
+nothing but a stump, which served only as a step to the topmast. These
+accidents augmented our delay, and occasioned us great anxiety about
+our future security: For on our leaving the coast of Mexico, the
+scurvy had begun to make its appearance again amongst our people;
+though from our departure from Juan Fernandes we had till then enjoyed
+a most uninterrupted state of health. We too well knew the effects of
+this disease, from our former fatal experience, to suppose that any
+thing but a speedy passage could secure the greater part of our crew
+from perishing by it: And as, after-being seven weeks at sea, there
+did not appear any reasons that could persuade us we were nearer the
+trade-wind than when we first set out, there was no ground for us to
+suppose but our passage would prove at least three times as long as
+we at first expected; and consequently we had the melancholy prospect,
+either of dying by the scurvy, or perishing with the ship for want of
+hands to navigate her. Indeed, some amongst us were at first willing
+to believe, that in this warm climate, so different from what we felt
+in passing round Cape Horn, the violence of this disease, and its
+fatality, might be in some degree mitigated; as it had not been
+unusual to suppose that its particular virulence in that passage
+was in a great measure owing to the severity of the weather; but the
+havock of the distemper, in our present circumstances, soon convinced
+us of the falsity of this speculation; as it likewise exploded some
+other opinions, which usually pass current about the cause and nature
+of this disease.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: Some remarks respecting the nature and treatment of
+this disease are now given in the original, but being imperfect and
+conjectural, are omitted here.--E.]
+
+Our surgeon (who, during our passage round Cape Horn, had ascribed the
+mortality we suffered to the severity of the climate) exerted himself
+in the present run to the utmost, and at last declared, that all his
+measures were totally ineffectual, and did not in the least avail his
+patients. When we reached the trade-wind, and it settled between the
+north and the east, yet it seldom blew with so much strength, but
+the Centurion might have carried all her small sails abroad with the
+greatest safety; so that now, had we been a single ship, we might
+have run down our longitude apace, and have reached the Ladrones soon
+enough to have recovered great numbers of our men, who afterwards
+perished. But the Gloucester, by the loss of her main-mast, sailed so
+very heavily, that we had seldom any more than our top-sails set, and
+yet were frequently obliged to lie to for her: And, I conceive, that
+in the whole we lost little less than a month by our attendance upon
+her, in consequence of the various mischances she encountered. In all
+this run it was remarkable, that we were rarely many days together,
+without seeing great numbers of birds; which is a proof that there
+are many islands, or at least rocks, scattered all along, at no very
+considerable distance from our track. Some indeed there are marked in
+a Spanish chart; but the frequency of the birds seems to evince,
+that there are many more than have been hitherto discovered: For the
+greatest part of the birds we observed were such as are known to roost
+on shore; and the manner of their appearance sufficiently made out,
+that they came from some distant haunt every morning, and returned
+thither again in the evening; for we never saw them early or late;
+and the hour of their arrival and departure gradually varied, which we
+supposed was occasioned by our running nearer their haunts, or getting
+farther from them.
+
+The trade-wind continued to favour us without any fluctuation, from
+the end of June till towards the end of July. But on the 26th of July,
+being then, as we esteemed, about three hundred leagues distant from
+the Ladrones, we met with a westerly wind, which did not come about
+again to the eastward in four days time. This was a most dispiriting
+incident, as it at once damped all our hopes of speedy relief,
+especially too as it was attended with a vexatious accident to the
+Gloucester: For in one part of these four days the wind-flatted to a
+calm, and the ships rolled very deep; by which means the Gloucester's
+forecap split, and her top-mast came by the board, and broke her
+fore-yard directly in the slings. As she was hereby rendered incapable
+of making any sail for some time, we were obliged, as soon as a gale
+sprung up, to take her in tow; and near twenty of the healthiest and
+ablest of our seamen were taken from the business of our own ship, and
+were employed for eight or ten days together on board the Gloucester
+in repairing her damages: But these things, mortifying as we thought
+them, were but the beginning of our disasters; for scarce had our
+people finished their business in the Gloucester, before we met with
+a most violent storm in the western board, which obliged us to lie to.
+In the beginning of this storm our ship sprung a leak, and let in
+so much water, that all our people, officers included, were employed
+continually in working the pumps: And the next day we had the vexation
+to see the Gloucester, with her top-mast once more by the board; and
+whilst we were viewing her with great concern for this new distress,
+we saw her main-top mast, which had hitherto served as a jury
+main-mast, share the same fate. This completed our misfortunes, and
+rendered them without resource; for we knew the Gloucester's crew
+were so few and feeble, that without our assistance they could not
+be relieved: And our sick were now so far increased, and those that
+remained in health so continually fatigued with the additional duty of
+our pumps, that it was impossible for us to lend them any aid. Indeed
+we were not as yet fully apprized of the deplorable situation of
+the Gloucester's crew; for when the storm abated, (which during its
+continuance prevented all communication with them) the Gloucester bore
+up under our stern; and Captain Mitchel informed the commodore, that
+besides the loss of his masts, which was all that had appeared to
+us, the ship had then no less than seven feet of water in her hold,
+although his officers and men had been kept constantly at the pump for
+the last twenty-four hours.
+
+This last circumstance was indeed a most terrible accumulation to the
+other extraordinary distresses of the Gloucester, and required, if
+possible, the most speedy and vigorous assistance; which captain
+Mitchel begged the commodore to send him: But the debility of our
+people, and our own immediate preservation, rendered it impossible for
+the commodore to comply with his request. All that could be done was
+to send our boat on board for a more particular condition of the ship;
+and it was soon suspected that the taking her people on board us, and
+then destroying her, was the only measure that could be prosecuted in
+the present emergency, for the security of their lives and our own.
+
+Our boat soon returned with a representation of the state of the
+Gloucester, and of her several defects, signed by Captain Mitchel and
+all his officers; by which it appeared, that she had sprung a leak by
+the stern-post being loose, and working with every roll of the ship,
+and by two beams a midships being broken in the orlope; no part of
+which the carpenters reported was possible to be repaired at sea. That
+both officers and men had worked twenty-four hours at the pump without
+intermission, and were at length so fatigued, that they could continue
+their labour no longer; but had been forced to desist, with seven feet
+of water in the hold, which covered their cask, so that they could
+neither come at fresh water, nor provision: That they had no mast
+standing, except the fore-mast, the mizen-mast, and the mizen
+top-mast, nor had they any spare masts to get up in the room of those
+they had lost: That the ship was besides extremely decayed in every
+part, for her knees and clamps were all worked quite loose, and her
+upper works in general were so loose, that the quarter-deck was
+ready to drop down: And that her crew was greatly reduced, for there
+remained alive on board her no more than seventy-seven, men, eighteen
+boys, and two prisoners, officers included; and that of this whole
+number, only sixteen men and eleven boys were capable of keeping the
+deck, and several of these very infirm.
+
+The commodore, on the perusal of this melancholy representation,
+presently ordered them a supply of water and provisions, of which
+they seemed to be in immediate want, and at the same time sent his
+own carpenter on board them, to examine into the truth of every
+particular; and it being found, on the strictest enquiry, that the
+preceding account was in no instance exaggerated, it plainly appeared,
+that there was no possibility of preserving the Gloucester any longer,
+as her leaks were irreparable, and the united hands on board both
+ships, capable of working, would not be able to free her, even if
+our own ship should not employ any part of them. What then could be
+resolved on, when it was the utmost we ourselves could do to manage
+our own pumps? Indeed there was no room for deliberation; the only
+step to be taken was, the saving the lives of the few that remained on
+board the Gloucester, and getting out of her as much as was possible
+before she was destroyed. And therefore the commodore immediately
+sent an order to Captain Mitchel, as the weather was now calm and
+favourable, to send his people on board the Centurion as expeditiously
+as he could; and to take out such stores as he could get at, whilst
+the ship could be kept above water. And as our leak required less
+attention, whilst the present easy weather continued, we sent our
+boats with as many men as we could spare, to Captain Mitchel's
+assistance.
+
+The removing the Gloucester's people on board us, and the getting out
+such stores as could most easily be come at, gave us full employment
+for two days. Mr Anson was extremely desirous to have gotten two of
+her cables and an anchor, but the ship rolled so much, and the men
+were so excessively fatigued, that they were incapable of effecting
+it; nay, it was even with the greatest difficulty that the
+prize-money, which the Gloucester had taken in the South-Seas, was
+secured, and sent on board the Centurion: However, the prize-goods
+on board her, which amounted to several thousand pounds in value, and
+were principally the Centurion's property, were entirely lost; nor
+could any more provision be got out than five casks of flour, three
+of which were spoiled by the salt-water. Their sick men, amounting
+to near seventy, were removed into boats with as much care as the
+circumstances of that time would permit; but three or four of them
+expired as they were hoisting them into the Centurion.
+
+It was the 15th of August, in the evening, before the Gloucester was
+cleared of every thing that was proposed to be removed; and though
+the hold was now almost full of water, yet, as the carpenters were of
+opinion that she might still swim for some time, if the calm should
+continue, and the water become smooth, she was set on fire; for we
+knew not how near we might now be to the island of Guam, which was in
+the possession of our enemies, and the wreck of such a ship would have
+been to them no contemptible acquisition. When she was set on fire,
+Captain Mitchel and his officers left her, and came on board the
+Centurion: And we immediately stood from the wreck, not without some
+apprehensions (as we had now only a light breeze) that if she blew
+up soon, the concussion of the air might damage our rigging; but she
+fortunately burnt, though very fiercely, the whole night, her guns
+firing successively, as the flames reached them. And it was six in the
+morning, when we were about four leagues distant, before she blew up;
+the report she made upon this occasion was but a small one, but there
+was an exceeding black pillar of smoke, which shot up into the air to
+a very considerable height.
+
+Thus perished his majesty's ship the Gloucester. And now it might have
+been expected, that, being freed from, the embarrassments which her
+frequent disasters had involved us in, we would proceed on our way
+much brisker than, we had hitherto done, especially as we had received
+some small addition to our strength, by the taking on board the
+Gloucester's crew; but our anxieties were not yet to be relieved; for,
+notwithstanding all that we had hitherto suffered, there remained much
+greater distresses, which we were still to struggle with. For the late
+storm, which had proved so fatal to the Gloucester, had driven us to
+the northward of our intended course; and the current setting the same
+way, after the weather abated, had forced us still a degree or two
+farther, so that we were now in 17 deg. 1/4 of north latitude, instead of
+being in 13 deg. 1/2, which was the parallel we proposed to keep, in order
+to reach the island of Guam: And as it had been a perfect calm for
+some days since the cessation of the storm, and we were ignorant how
+near we were to the meridian of the Ladrones, and supposed ourselves
+not to be far from it, we apprehended that we might be driven to the
+leeward of them by the current, without discovering them: In this
+case, the only land we could make would be some of the eastern parts
+of Asia, where, if we could arrive, we should find the western monsoon
+in its full force, so that it would be impossible for the stoutest
+best-manned ship to get in. And this coast being removed between
+four and five hundred leagues farther, we, in our languishing
+circumstances, could expect no other than to be destroyed by the
+scurvy, long before the most favourable gale could carry us to such a
+distance: For our deaths were now extremely alarming, no day passing
+in which we did not bury eight or ten, and sometimes twelve of our
+men; and those, who had hitherto continued healthy, began to fall
+down apace. Indeed we made the use we could of the present calm, by
+employing our carpenters in searching after the leak, which was now
+considerable, notwithstanding the little wind we had: The carpenters
+at length discovered it to be in the gunner's fore store-room, where
+the water rushed in under the breast-hook, on each side of the stein;
+but though they found where it was, they agreed that it was impossible
+to stop it, till we should get into port, and till they could come at
+it on the outside: However, they did the best they could within board,
+and were fortunate enough to reduce it, which was a considerable
+relief to us.
+
+We had hitherto considered the calm which succeeded the storm, and
+which continued for some days, as a very great misfortune; since the
+currents were driving us to the northward of our parallel, and we
+thereby risqued the missing of the Ladrones, which we now conceived
+ourselves to be very near. But when a gale sprung up, our condition
+was still worse; for it blew from the S.W. and consequently was
+directly opposed to the course we wanted to steer: And though it
+soon veered to the N.E. yet this served only to tantalize us, for it
+returned back again in a very short time to its old quarter. However,
+on the 22d of August we had the satisfaction to find that the
+current was shifted; and had set us to the southward: And the 23d, at
+day-break, we were cheered with the discovery of two islands in the
+western board: This gave us all great joy, and raised our drooping
+spirits; for before this an universal dejection had seized us, and
+we almost despaired of ever seeing land again: The nearest of these
+islands we afterwards found to be Anatacan; we judged it to be full
+fifteen leagues from us, and it seemed to be high land, though of
+an indifferent length: The other was the island of Serigan; and had
+rather the appearance of a high rock, than a place we could hope to
+anchor at. We were extremely impatient to get in with the nearest
+island, where we expected to meet with anchoring-ground, and an
+opportunity of refreshing our sick: But the wind proved so variable
+all day, and there was so little of it, that we advanced towards it
+but slowly; however, by the next morning we were got so far to the
+westward, that we were in view of a third island, which was that of
+Paxaros, though marked in the chart only as a rock. This was small and
+very low land, and we had passed within less than a mile of it, in the
+night, without seeing it: And now at noon, being within four miles
+of the island of Anatacan, the boat was sent away to examine the
+anchoring-ground and the produce of the place; and we were not a
+little solicitous for her return, as we then conceived our fate to
+depend upon the report we should receive: For the other two islands
+were obviously enough incapable of furnishing us with any assistance,
+and we knew not then that there were any others which we could reach.
+In the evening the boat came back, and the crew informed us that there
+was no place for a ship to anchor, the bottom being every where foul
+ground, and all, except one small spot, not less than fifty fathom
+in depth; that on that spot there was thirty fathom, though not above
+half a mile from the shore; and that the bank was steep, and could
+not be depended on: They farther told us, that they had landed on the
+island, but with some difficulty, on account of the greatness of the
+swell; that they found the ground was every where covered with a kind
+of cane, or rush; but that they met with no water, and did not believe
+the place to be inhabited; though the soil was good, and abounded with
+groves of cocoa-nut trees.
+
+This account of the impossibility of anchoring at this island,
+occasioned a general melancholy on board; for we considered it as
+little less than the prelude to our destruction; and our despondency
+was increased by a disappointment we met with the succeeding night;
+for, as we were plying under top-sails, with an intention of getting
+nearer to the island, and of sending our boat on shore to load with
+cocoa-nuts for the refreshment of our sick, the wind proved squally,
+and blew so strong off shore, as to drive us so far to the southward,
+that we dared not to send off our boat. And now the only possible
+circumstance, that could secure the few that remained alive from
+perishing, was the accidental falling in with some other of the
+Ladrone islands, better prepared for our accommodation; and as our
+knowledge of these islands was extremely imperfect, we were to trust
+entirely to chance for our guidance; only as they are all of them
+usually laid down near the same meridian, and we had conceived those
+we had already seen to be part of them, we concluded to stand to the
+southward, as the most probable means of falling in with the next.
+Thus, with the most gloomy persuasion of our approaching destruction,
+we stood from the island of Anatacon, having all of us the strongest
+apprehensions (and those not ill founded) either of dying of the
+scurvy, or of perishing with the ship, which, for want of hands to
+work her pumps, might in a short time be expected to founder.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV.
+
+_Our Arrival at Tinian, and an Account of the Island, and of our
+Proceedings there, till the Centurion drove out to Sea._
+
+It was the 26th of August, 1742, in the morning, when we lost sight
+of Anatacan. The next morning we discovered three other islands to the
+eastward, which were from ten to fourteen leagues from us. These were,
+as we afterwards learnt, the islands of Saypan, Tinian, and Aguigan.
+We immediately steered towards Tinian, which was the middlemost of the
+three, but had so much of calms and light airs, that though we were
+helped forwards by the currents, yet next day, at day-break, we were
+at least five leagues distant from it. However, we kept on our course,
+and about ten in the morning we perceived a proa under sail to the
+southward, between Tinian and Aguigan. As we imagined from hence that
+these islands were inhabited, and knew that the Spaniards had always a
+force at Guam, we took the necessary precautions for our own security,
+and for preventing the enemy from taking advantage of our present
+wretched circumstances, of which they would be sufficiently informed
+by the manner of our working the ship; we therefore mustered all our
+hands, who were capable of standing to their arms, and loaded our
+upper and quarter-deck guns with grape-shot; and, that we might the
+more readily procure some intelligence of the state of these
+islands, we showed Spanish colours, and hoisted a red flag at the
+fore-top-masthead, to give our ship the appearance of the Manilla
+galleon, hoping thereby to decoy some of the inhabitants on board us.
+Thus preparing ourselves, and standing towards the land, we were near
+enough, at three in the afternoon, to send the cutter in shore, to
+find out a proper birth for the ship; and we soon perceived that a
+proa came off the shore to meet the cutter, fully persuaded, as we
+afterwards found, that we were the Manilla ship. As we saw the cutter
+returning back with the proa in tow, we immediately sent the pinnace
+to receive the proa and the prisoners, and to bring them on board,
+that the cutter might proceed on her errand. The pinnace came back
+with a Spaniard and four Indians, which were the people taken in the
+proa. The Spaniard was immediately examined as to the produce
+and circumstances of this island of Tinian, and his account of it
+surpassed even our most sanguine hopes; for he informed us that it
+was uninhabited, which, in our present defenceless condition, was an
+advantage not to be despised, especially as it wanted but few of the
+conveniences that could be expected in the most cultivated country;
+for he assured us, that there was great plenty of very good water,
+and that there were an incredible number of cattle, hogs, and poultry
+running wild on the island, all of them excellent in their kind;
+that the woods produced sweet and sour oranges, limes, lemons, and
+cocoa-nuts in great plenty, besides a fruit peculiar to these islands
+(called by Dampier, Bread-fruit); that from the quantity and goodness
+of the provisions produced here, the Spaniards at Guam made use of it
+as a store for supplying the garrison; that he himself was a serjeant
+of that garrison, and was sent here with twenty-two Indians to jerk
+beef, which he was to load for Guam on board a small bark of about
+fifteen tun, which lay at anchor near the shore.
+
+This account was received by us with inexpressible joy: Part of it
+we were ourselves able to verify on the spot, as we were by this time
+near enough to discover several numerous herds of cattle feeding in
+different places of the island; and we did not any ways doubt the rest
+of his relation, as the appearance of the shore prejudiced us greatly
+in its favour, and made us hope, that not only our necessities might
+be there fully relieved, and our diseased recovered, but that, amidst
+those pleasing scenes which were then in view, we might procure
+ourselves some amusement and relaxation, after the numerous fatigues
+we had undergone: For the prospect of the country did by no means
+resemble that of an uninhabited and uncultivated place, but had
+much more the air of a magnificent plantation, where large lawns and
+stately woods had been laid out together with great skill, and where
+the whole had been so artfully combined, and so judiciously adapted
+to the slopes of the hills, and the inequalities of the ground, as to
+produce a most striking effect, and to do honour to the invention of
+the contriver. Thus (an event not unlike what we had already seen)
+we were forced upon the most desirable and salutary measures by
+accidents, which at first sight we considered as the greatest of
+misfortunes; for had we not been driven by the contrary winds and
+currents to the northward of our course (a circumstance which at
+that time gave us the most terrible apprehensions) we should, in
+all probability, never have arrived at this delightful island, and
+consequently we should have missed of that place, where alone all
+our wants could be most amply relieved, our sick recovered, and our
+enfeebled crew once more refreshed, and enabled to put again to sea.
+
+The Spanish serjeant, from whom we received the account of the island,
+having informed us that there were some Indians on shore under his
+command, employed in jerking beef, and that there was a bark at anchor
+to take it on board, we were desirous, if possible, to prevent the
+Indians from escaping, who doubtless would have given the governor
+of Guam intelligence of our arrival; and we therefore immediately
+dispatched the pinnace to secure the bark, which the serjeant told us
+was the only embarkation on the place; and then, about eight in the
+evening, we let go our anchor in twenty-two fathom; and though it was
+almost calm, and whatever vigour and spirit was to be found on board
+was doubtless exerted to the utmost on this pleasing occasion, when,
+after having kept the sea for some months, we were going to take
+possession of this little paradise, yet we were full five hours in
+furling our sails: It is true, we were somewhat weakened by the crews
+of the cutter and pinnace having been sent on shore; but it is not
+less true, that, including those absent with the boats and some
+negro and Indian prisoners, all the hands we could muster capable of
+standing at a gun amounted to no more than seventy-one, most of which
+number too were incapable of duty; but on the greatest emergencies
+this was all the force we could collect, in our present enfeebled
+condition, from the united crews of the Centurion, the Gloucester, and
+the Tryal, which, when we departed from England, consisted altogether
+of near a thousand hands.
+
+When we had furled our sails, the remaining part of the night was
+allowed to our people for their repose, to recover them from the
+fatigue they had undergone; and in the morning a party was sent on
+shore well armed, of which I myself was one, to make ourselves masters
+of the landing place, as we were not certain what opposition might be
+made by the Indians on the island: We landed without difficulty, for
+the Indians having perceived, by our seizure of the bark the night
+before, that we were enemies, they immediately fled into the woody
+parts of the island. We found on shore many huts which they had
+inhabited, and which saved us both the time and trouble of erecting
+tents; one of these huts which the Indians made use of for a
+storehouse was very large, being twenty yards long, and fifteen broad;
+this we immediately cleared of some bales of jerked beef, which we
+found in it, and converted it into an hospital for our sick, who as
+soon as the place was ready to receive them were brought on shore,
+being in all a hundred and twenty-eight: Numbers of these were so
+very helpless that we were obliged to carry them from the boats to the
+hospital upon our shoulders, in which humane employment (as before at
+Juan Fernandes) the commodore himself, and every one of his officers,
+were engaged without distinction; and, notwithstanding the great
+debility and the dying aspects of the greatest part of our sick, it is
+almost incredible how soon they began to feel the salutary influence
+of the land; for, though we buried twenty-one men on this and the
+preceeding day, yet we did not lose above ten men more during our
+whole two months stay here; and in general, our diseased received so
+much benefit from the fruits of the island, particularly the fruits of
+the acid kind, that, in a week's time, there were but few who were not
+so far recovered, as to be able to move about without help.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The description of this beautiful island, and its most
+desirable productions, is deferred till we come to the voyage of
+Commodore Byron, who visited it in 1765.--E.]
+
+Whilst we were employed in the removal of our sick on shore, four of
+the Indians, being part of the Spanish serjeant's detachment, came and
+surrendered themselves to us, so that with those we took in the
+proa, we had now eight of them in our custody. One of the four, who
+submitted, undertook to show us the most convenient place for killing
+cattle, and two of our men were ordered to attend him on that service;
+but one of them unwarily trusting the Indian with his firelock and
+pistol, the Indian escaped with them into the woods: His countrymen,
+who remained behind, were apprehensive of suffering for this perfidy
+of their comrade, and therefore begged leave to send one of their own
+party into the country, who they engaged should both bring back the
+arms, and persuade the whole detachment from Guam to submit to us.
+The commodore granted their request; and one of them was dispatched on
+this errand, who returned next day, and brought back the firelock
+and pistol, but assured us, he had met with them in a path-way in the
+wood, and protested that he had not been able to meet with any one of
+his countrymen: This report had so little the air of truth, that we
+suspected there was some treachery carrying on, and therefore, to
+prevent any future communication amongst them, we immediately ordered
+all the Indians who were in our power on board the ship, and did not
+permit them to return any more on shore.
+
+When our sick were well settled on the island, we employed all the
+hands that could be spared from attending them; in arming the cables
+with a good rounding, several fathom from the anchor, to secure them
+from being rubbed by the coral rocks, which here abounded: And this
+being completed, our next attention was our leak, and in order to
+raise it out of water, we, on the first of September, began to get the
+guns aft to bring the ship by the stern; and now the carpenters, being
+able to come at it on the outside, ripped off the old sheathing that
+was left, and caulked all the seams on both sides the cut-water, and
+leaded them over, and then new-sheathed the bows to the surface of the
+water: By this means we conceived the defect was sufficiently secured;
+but upon our beginning to bring the guns into their places, we had the
+mortification to perceive, that the water rushed into the ship in
+the old place, with as much violence as ever: Hereupon we were
+necessitated to begin again; and that our second attempt might be
+more effectual, we cleared the fore store-room, and sent a hundred and
+thirty barrels of powder on board the small Spanish bark we had seized
+here, by which means we raised the ship about three feet out of the
+water forwards, and the carpenters ripped off the sheathing lower
+down, and new caulked all the seams, and afterwards laid on new
+sheathing; and then, supposing the leak lobe effectually stopped, we
+began to move the guns forwards; but the upper deck guns were scarcely
+in their places, when, to our amazement, it burst out again; and now,
+as we durst not cut away the lining within board, lest a but-end or a
+plank might start, and we might go down immediately, we had no other
+resource left than chincing and caulking within board; and indeed by
+this means the leak was stopped for some time; but when our guns were
+all in their places, and our stores were taken on board, the water
+again forced its way through a hole in the stem, where one of the
+bolts was driven in; and on this we desisted from all farther efforts,
+being now well assured, that the defect was in the stem itself, and
+that it was not to be remedied till we should have an opportunity of
+heaving down.
+
+Towards the middle of September, several of our sick were tolerably
+recovered by their residence on shore; and, on the 12th of September,
+all those who were so far relieved, since their arrival, as to be
+capable of doing duty, were sent on board the ship: And then the
+commodore, who was himself ill of the scurvy, had a tent erected for
+him on shore, where he went with the view of staying a few days for
+the recovery of his health, being convinced, by the general experience
+of his people, that no other method but living on the land was to be
+trusted to for the removal of this dreadful malady. The place, where
+his tent was pitched on this occasion, was near the well, whence we
+got all our water, and was indeed a most elegant spot. As the crew
+on board were now reinforced by the recovered hands returned from the
+island, we began to send our cask on shore to be fitted up, which till
+now could not be done, for the coopers were not well enough to work.
+We likewise weighed our anchors, that we might examine our cables,
+which we suspected had by this time received considerable damage.
+And as the new moon was now approaching, when we apprehended violent
+gales, the commodore, for our greater security, ordered that part
+of the cables next to the anchors to be armed with the chains of the
+fire-grapnels; and they were besides cackled twenty fathom from the
+anchors, and seven fathom from the service, with a good rounding of
+a 41/2 inch hawser; and to all these precautions we added that of
+lowering the main and fore-yard close down, that in case of blowing
+weather the wind might have less power upon the ship, to make her ride
+a strain.
+
+Thus effectually prepared, as we conceived, we expected the new moon,
+which was the 18th of September, and riding safe that and the
+three succeeding days, (though the weather proved very squally and
+uncertain) we flattered ourselves (for I was then on board) that the
+prudence of our measures had secured us from all accidents; but, on
+the 22d, the wind blew from the eastward with such fury, that we soon
+despaired of riding out the storm; and therefore we should have been
+extremely glad that the commodore and the rest of our people on shore,
+which were the greatest part of our hands, had been on board with
+us, since our only hopes of safety seemed to depend on our putting
+immediately to sea; but all communication with the shore was now
+effectually cut off, for there was no possibility that a boat could
+live, so that we were necessitated to ride it out, till our cables
+parted. Indeed it was not long before this happened, for the small
+bower parted at five in the afternoon, and the ship swung off to the
+best bower; and as the night came on, the violence of the wind still
+increased; but notwithstanding its inexpressible fury, the tide ran
+with so much rapidity, as to prevail over it; for the tide having set
+to the northward in the beginning of the storm, turned suddenly to the
+southward about six in the evening, and forced the ship before it in
+despight of the storm, which blew upon the beam: And now the sea broke
+most surprisingly all round us, and a large tumbling swell threatened
+to poop us; the long-boat, which was at this time moored a-stern,
+was on a sudden canted so high, that it broke the transom of the
+commodore's gallery, whose cabin was on the quarter-deck, and would
+doubtless have risen as high as the tafferel, had it not been for this
+stroke which stove the boat all to pieces; but the poor boat-keeper,
+though extremely bruised, was saved almost by miracle. About eight
+the tide slackened, but the wind did not abate; so that at eleven, the
+best bower-cable, by which alone we rode, parted. Our sheet-anchor,
+which was the only one we had left, was instantly cut from the bow;
+but before it could reach the bottom, we were driven from twenty-two
+into thirty-five fathom; and after we had veered away one whole cable,
+and two-thirds of another, we could not find ground with sixty fathom
+of line: This was a plain indication, that the anchor lay near the
+edge of the bank, and could not hold us. In this pressing danger, Mr
+Sanmarez, our first lieutenant, who now commanded on board, ordered
+several guns to be fired, and lights to be shown, as a signal to the
+commodore of our distress; and in a short time after, it being then
+about one o'clock, and the night excessively dark, a strong gust,
+attended with rain and lightning, drove us off the bank, and forced us
+out to sea, leaving behind us, on the island, Mr Anson, with many more
+of our officers, and great part of our crew, amounting in the whole to
+an hundred and thirteen persons. Thus were we all, both at sea and
+on shore, reduced to the utmost despair by this catastrophe, those on
+shore conceiving they had no means left them ever to leave the island,
+and we on board utterly unprepared to struggle with the fury of the
+seas and winds we were now exposed to, and expecting each moment, to
+be our last.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI.
+
+_Transactions at Tinian after the Departure of the Centurion._
+
+The storm, which drove the Centurion to sea, blew with too much
+turbulence to permit either the commodore or any of the people on
+shore bearing the guns, which she fired as signals of distress; and
+the frequent glare of the lightning had prevented the explosions from
+being observed: So that, when at day-break, it was perceived from the
+shore that the ship was missing, there was the utmost consternation
+amongst them: For much the greatest part of them immediately concluded
+that she, was lost, and entreated the commodore that the boat might
+be sent round the island to look for the wreck; and those who believed
+her safe, had scarcely any expectation that she would ever be able to
+make the island again: For the wind continued to blow strong at east,
+and they knew how poorly she was manned and provided for struggling
+with so tempestuous a gale. And if the Centurion was lost, or should
+be incapable of returning, there appeared no possibility of their ever
+getting off the island; For they were at least six hundred leagues
+from Macao, which was their nearest port; and they were masters of no
+other vessel than the small Spanish bark, of about fifteen tun, which
+they seized at their first arrival, and which would not even hold a
+fourth part of their number: And the chance of their being taken off
+the island by the casual arrival of any ship was altogether desperate;
+as perhaps no European ship had ever anchored here before, and it
+were madness to expect that like incidents should send another in an
+hundred ages to come: So that their desponding thoughts could only
+suggest to them the melancholy prospect of spending the remainder
+of their days on this island, and bidding adieu for ever to their
+country, their friends, their families, and all their domestic
+endearments.
+
+Nor was this the worst they had to fear: For they had reason to
+expect, that the governor of Guam, when he should be informed of their
+situation, might send a force sufficient to overpower them, and to
+remove them to that island; and then, the most favourable treatment
+they could hope for would be to be detained prisoners for life; since,
+from the known policy and cruelty of the Spaniards in their distant
+settlements, it was rather to be expected, that the governor, if he
+once had them in his power, would make their want of commissions (all
+of them being on board the Centurion) a pretext for treating them, as
+pirates, and for depriving them of their lives with infamy.
+
+In the midst of these gloomy reflections, Mr Anson had his share of
+disquietude; but he kept up his usual composure and steadiness: And
+having soon projected a scheme for extricating himself and his men
+from their present anxious situation, he first communicated it to some
+of the most intelligent; and being satisfied that it was practicable,
+he then endeavoured to animate his people to a speedy and vigorous
+prosecution of it. With this view he represented to them, how little
+foundation there was for their apprehensions of the Centurion's being
+lost: That he should have hoped, they had been all of them better
+acquainted with sea-affairs, than to give way to the impression of so
+chimerical a fright; and that he doubted not, if they would seriously
+consider what such a ship was capable of enduring, they would confess
+that there was not the least probability of her having perished: That
+he was not without hopes that she might return in a few days; but if
+she did not, the worst that could be supposed was, that she was driven
+so far to the leeward of the island that she could not regain it, and
+that she would consequently be obliged to bear away for Macao on the
+coast of China: That as it was necessary to be prepared against all
+events, he had, in this case, considered of a method of carrying them
+off the island, and joining their old ship the Centurion again at
+Macao: That this method was to hale the Spanish bark on shore, to saw
+her asunder, and to lengthen her twelve feet, which would enlarge her
+to near forty tun burthen, and would enable her to carry them all to
+China: That he had consulted the carpenters, and they had agreed
+that this proposal was very feasible, and that nothing was wanting to
+execute it, but the united resolution and industry of the whole body:
+He added, that, for his own part, he would share the fatigue and
+labour with them, and would expect no more from any man than what he
+himself was ready to submit to; he concluded with representing to them
+the importance of saving time; and that, in order to be the better
+prepared for all events, it was necessary to set to work immediately,
+and to take it for granted, that the Centurion would not be able to
+put back (which was indeed the commodore's secret opinion;) since, if
+she did return, they should only throw away a few days application;
+but, if she did not, their situation, and the season of the year,
+required their utmost dispatch.
+
+These remonstrances, though not without effect, did not immediately
+operate so powerfully as Mr Anson wished: He indeed raised their
+spirits, by showing them the possibility of their getting away, of
+which they had before despaired; but then, from their confidence of
+this resource, they grew less apprehensive of their situation, gave
+a greater scope to their hopes, and flattered themselves that the
+Centurion would return and prevent the execution of the commodore's
+scheme, which they could easily foresee would be a work of
+considerable labour. By this means, it was some days before they were
+all of them heartily engaged in the project; but at last, being in
+general convinced of the impossibility of the ship's return, they set
+themselves zealously to the different tasks allotted them, and were as
+industrious and as eager as their commander could desire, punctually
+assembling at day-break at the rendezvous, whence they were
+distributed to their different employments, which they followed with
+unusual vigour till night came on.
+
+And here I must interrupt the course of this transaction for a moment,
+to relate an incident which for some time gave Mr Anson more concern
+than all the preceding disasters. A few days after the ship was driven
+off, some of the people on shore cried out, A sail. This spread a
+general joy, every one supposing that it was the ship returning; but
+presently a second sail was descried, which quite destroyed their
+conjecture, and made it difficult to guess what they were. The
+commodore eagerly turned his glass towards them, and saw they were two
+boats; on which it immediately occurred to him that the Centurion was
+gone to the bottom, and that these were her two boats coming back with
+the remains of her people; and this sudden and unexpected suggestion
+wrought on him so powerfully, that, to conceal his emotion, he was
+obliged (without speaking to any one) instantly to retire to his tent,
+where he past some bitter moments, in the firm belief that the ship
+was lost, and that now all his views of farther distressing the enemy,
+and of still signalizing his expedition by some important exploit,
+were at an end.
+
+But he was soon relieved from these disturbing thoughts, by
+discovering that the two boats in the offing were Indian proas,
+and, perceiving that they stood towards the shore, he directed every
+appearance that could give them any suspicion to be removed, and
+concealed his people in the adjacent thickets, prepared to secure
+the Indians when they should land; but, after the proas had stood in
+within a quarter of a mile of the land, they suddenly stopt short,
+and remaining there motionless for near two hours, they then made
+sail again, and stood to the southward.--To return to the projected
+enlargement of the bark.
+
+If we examine how they were prepared for going through with this
+undertaking, on which their safely depended, we shall find, that,
+independent of other matters which were of as much importance, the
+lengthening of the bark alone was attended with great difficulty.
+Indeed, in a proper place, where all the necessary materials and tools
+were to be had, the embarrassment would have been much less; but
+some of these tools were to be made, and many of the materials were
+wanting; and it required no small degree of invention to supply all
+these deficiences. And when the hull of the bark should be completed,
+this was but one article; and there were many others of equal weight,
+which were to be well considered: These were the rigging it, the
+victualling it, and, lastly, the navigating it, for the space of six
+or seven hundred leagues, through unknown seas, where no one of the
+company had ever passed before. In some of these particulars
+such obstacles occurred, that, without the intervention of very
+extraordinary and unexpected accidents, the possibility of the whole
+enterprise would have fallen to the ground, and their utmost industry
+and efforts must have been fruitless. Of all these circumstances I
+shall make a short recital.
+
+It fortunately happened that the carpenters, both of the Gloucester
+and of the Tryal, with their chests of tools, were on shore when the
+ship drove out to sea; the smith, too, was on shore, and had with
+him his forge and some tools, but unhappily his bellows had not
+been brought from on board, so that he was incapable of working,
+and without his assistance they could not hope to proceed with their
+design; their first attention, therefore, was to make him a pair of
+bellows, but in this they were for some time puzzled, by their want of
+leather; however, as they had hides in sufficient plenty, and they had
+found a hogshead of lime, which the Indians or Spaniards had prepared
+for their own use, they tanned some hides with this lime; and though
+we may suppose the workmanship to be but indifferent, yet the leather
+they thus made served tolerably well, and the bellows (to which a
+gun-barrel served for a pipe) had no other inconvenience than that of
+being somewhat strong-scented from the imperfection of the tanner's
+work.
+
+Whilst the smith was preparing the necessary iron work, others were
+employed in cutting down trees, and sawing them into plank, and this
+being the most laborious task, the commodore himself wrought at it
+for the encouragement of his people. As there were neither blocks
+nor cordage sufficient for tackles to hale the bark on shore, it
+was proposed to get her up on rollers; and for these the body of the
+cocoa-nut tree was extremely useful, for its smoothness and circular
+turn prevented much labour, and fitted it for the purpose with very
+little workmanship; many of these trees were therefore felled, and the
+ends of them properly opened for the reception of hand-spikes; and
+in the mean time a dry dock was dug for the bark, and ways laid from
+thence quite into the sea to facilitate the bringing her up. Besides
+those who were thus occupied in preparing measures for the future
+enlargement of the bark, a party was constantly ordered for the
+killing and preparing of provisions for the rest: And though in these
+various employments, some of which demanded considerable dexterity,
+it might have been expected there would have been great confusion and
+delay, yet good order being once established, and all hands engaged,
+their preparations advanced apace. Indeed, the common men, I presume,
+were not the less tractable for their want of spirituous liquors;
+for, there being neither wine nor brandy on shore, the juice of
+the cocoa-nut was their constant drink, and this, though extremely
+pleasant, was not at all intoxicating, but kept them very cool and
+orderly.
+
+And now the officers began to consider of all the articles necessary
+for the fitting out the bark; when it was found, that the tents on
+shore, and the spare cordage accidentally left there by the Centurion,
+together with the sails and rigging already belonging to the bark,
+would serve to rig her indifferently well, when she was lengthened.
+As they had tallow in plenty, they proposed to pay her bottom with
+a mixture of tallow and lime, which it was known was well adapted to
+that purpose; so that with respect to her equipment, she would not
+have been very defective. There was, however, one exception, which
+would have proved extremely inconvenient, and that was her size; for
+as they could not make her quite forty tun burthen, she would have
+been incapable of containing half the crew below the deck, and must
+have been so top-heavy, that if they were all at the same time on
+deck, there would be no small hazard of her oversetting; but this was
+a difficulty not to be removed, as they could not augment her beyond
+the size already proposed. After the manner of rigging and fitting up
+the bark was considered and regulated, the next essential point to be
+thought on was, how to procure a sufficient stock of provisions for
+their voyage; and here they were greatly at a loss what course to
+take; for they had neither grain nor bread of any kind on shore, their
+bread-fruit, which would not keep at sea, having all along supplied
+its place; and though they had live cattle enough, yet they had no
+salt to cure beef for a sea-store, nor would meat take salt in that
+climate. Indeed, they had preserved a small quantity of jerked beef,
+which they found upon the place at their landing, but this was greatly
+disproportioned to the run of near six hundred leagues, which they
+were to engage in, and to the number of hands they should have on
+board. It was at last, however, resolved to take on board as many
+cocoa-nuts as they possibly could; to make the most of their jerked
+beef, by a very sparing distribution of it, and to endeavour to supply
+their want of bread by rice; to furnish themselves with which, it was
+proposed, when the bark was fitted up, to make an expedition to the
+island of Rota, where they were told that the Spaniards had large
+plantations of rice under the care of the Indian inhabitants: But as
+this last measure was to be executed by force, it became necessary
+to examine what ammunition had been left on shore, and to preserve it
+carefully; and on this enquiry, they had the mortification to find,
+that the utmost that could be collected, by the strictest search, did
+not amount to more than ninety charges of powder for their firelocks,
+which was considerably short of one a-piece for each of the company,
+and was indeed a very slender stock of ammunition, for such as were
+to eat no grain or bread for a month, but what they were to procure by
+force of arms.
+
+But the most alarming circumstance, and what, without the providential
+interposition of very improbable events, had rendered all their
+schemes abortive, remains yet to be related. The general idea of the
+fabric and equipment of the vessel was settled in a few days, and when
+this was done, it was not difficult to make some estimation of the
+time necessary to complete her. After this, it was natural to expect
+that the officers would consider on the course they were to steer,
+and the land they were to make. These reflections led them to the
+disheartening discovery, that there was neither compass nor quadrant
+on the island. Indeed, the commodore had brought a pocket compass
+on shore for his own use, but Lieutenant Brett had borrowed it to
+determine the position of the neighbouring islands, and he had been
+driven to sea in the Centurion, without returning it; and as to a
+quadrant, that could not be expected to be found on shore, for as it
+was of no use at land, there could be no reason for bringing it
+from on board the ship. It was eight days, from the departure of the
+Centurion, before they were relieved from this terrible perplexity: At
+last, in rummaging a chest belonging to the Spanish bark, they found a
+small compass, which, though little better than the toys usually made
+for the amusement of school-boys, was to them an invaluable treasure.
+And a few days after, by a similar piece of good fortune, they found
+a quadrant on the sea-shore, which had been thrown overboard amongst
+other lumber belonging to the dead: The quadrant was eagerly seized,
+but it unluckily wanted vanes, and therefore, in its present state,
+was altogether useless; however, fortune still continuing in a
+favourable mood, it was not long before a person, out of curiosity,
+pulling out the drawer of an old table, which had been driven on
+shore, found some vanes, which fitted the quadrant very well; and it
+being thus completed, it was examined by the known latitude of the
+place, and found to answer to a sufficient degree of exactness.
+
+All these obstacles being in some degree removed (which were always as
+much as possible concealed from the vulgar, that they might not grow
+remiss with the apprehension of labouring to no purpose,) the work
+proceeded very successfully and vigorously: The necessary iron-work
+was in great forwardness; and the timbers and planks (which, though
+not the most exquisite performances of the sawyer's art, were yet
+sufficient for the purpose,) were all prepared; so that on the 6th of
+October, being the 14th day from the departure of the ship, they
+haled the bark on shore, and, on the two succeeding days, she was sawn
+asunder (though with great care not to cut her planks,) and her two
+parts were separated the proper distance from each other, and, the
+materials being all ready before-hand, they, the next day, being
+the 9th of October, went on with great dispatch in their proposed
+enlargement of her; and by this time they had all their future
+operations so fairly in view, and were so much masters of them, that
+they were able to determine when the whole would be finished, and had
+accordingly fixed the 5th of November for the day of their putting
+to sea. But their projects and labours were drawing to a speedier and
+happier conclusion; for on the 11th of October, in the afternoon,
+one of the Gloucester's men, being upon a hill in the middle of the
+island, perceived the Centurion at a distance, and running down with
+his utmost speed towards the landing-place, he, in the way, saw some
+of his comrades, to whom he hallooed out with extacy, The ship, the
+ship! This being heard by Mr Gordon, a lieutenant of marines, who
+was convinced by the fellow's transport that his report was true, Mr
+Gordon ran towards the place where the commodore and his people
+were at work, and being fresh and in breath, easily outstripped the
+Gloucester's man, and got before him to the commodore, who, on hearing
+this happy and unexpected news, threw down his axe with which he was
+then at work, and by his joy broke through, for the first time, the
+equable and unvaried character which he had hitherto preserved; the
+others, who were with him, instantly ran down to the sea-side in a
+kind of frenzy, eager to feast themselves with a sight they had so
+ardently wished for, and of which they had now for a considerable time
+despaired. By five in the evening the Centurion was visible in the
+offing to them all; and, a boat being sent off with eighteen men to
+reinforce her, and with fresh meat and fruits for the refreshment of
+her crew, she, the next afternoon, happily came to an anchor in the
+road, when the commodore immediately went on board, and was received
+with the sincerest and heartiest acclamations: For, from the following
+short recital of the fears, the dangers and fatigues we in the ship
+underwent during our nineteen days absence from Tinian, it may be
+easily conceived, that a harbour, refreshments, repose, and the
+joining of our commander and shipmates, were not less pleasing to us
+than our return was to them.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII.
+
+_Account of the Proceedings on board the Centurion when driven out to
+Sea._
+
+The Centurion being now once more safely arrived at Tinian, to the
+mutual respite of the labours of our divided crew, it is high time
+that the reader, after the relation already given of the projects and
+employment of those left on shore, should be apprised of the fatigues
+and distresses to which we, who were driven off to sea, were exposed
+during the long interval of nineteen, days that we were absent from
+the island.
+
+It has been already mentioned, that it was the 22d of September, about
+one o'clock, in an extreme dark night, when, by the united violence of
+a prodigious storm, and an exceeding rapid tide, we were driven from
+our anchors and forced to sea. Our condition was truly deplorable; we
+were in a leaky ship, with three cables in our hawses, to one of which
+hung our only remaining anchor; we had not a gun on board lashed, nor
+a port barred in; our shrowds were loose, and our top-masts unrigged,
+and we had struck our fore and main-yards close down, before the storm
+came on, so that there were no sails we could set, except our mizen.
+In this dreadful extremity we could muster no more strength on board
+to navigate the ship, than an hundred and eight hands, several
+negroes and Indians included: This was scarcely the fourth part of our
+complement, and of these the greater number were either boys, or such
+as, being lately recovered from the scurvy, had not yet arrived at
+half their vigour. No sooner were we at sea, but by the violence of
+the storm, and the working of the ship, we made a great quantity of
+water through our hawse-holes, ports, and scuppers, which, added to
+the constant effect of our leak, rendered our pumps alone a sufficient
+employment for us all: But though this leakage, by being a short time
+neglected, would inevitably end in our destruction, yet we had other
+dangers then impending, which occasioned this to be regarded as a
+secondary consideration only. For we all imagined that we were driving
+directly on the neighbouring island of Aguiguan, which was about two
+leagues distant; and as we had lowered our main and fore-yards close
+down, we had no sails we could set but the mizen, which was altogether
+insufficient to carry us clear of this instant peril; we therefore
+immediately applied ourselves to work, endeavouring, by the utmost of
+our efforts, to heave up the main and fore-yards, in hopes that, if
+we could but be enabled to make use of our lower canvass, we might
+possibly weather the island, and thereby save ourselves from this
+impending shipwreck. But after full three hours ineffectual labour,
+the jeers broke, and the men being quite jaded, we were obliged, by
+mere debility, to desist, and quietly to expect our fate, which we
+then conceived to be unavoidable: For we imagined ourselves by this
+time to be driven just upon the shore, and the night was so extremely
+dark, that we expected to discover the island no otherwise than by
+striking upon it; so that the belief of our destruction, and the
+uncertainly of the point of time when it would take place, occasioned
+us to pass several hours under the most serious apprehensions, that
+each succeeding moment would send us to the bottom. Nor did these
+continued terrors of instantly striking and sinking end but with the
+day-break, when we, with great transport, perceived that the island
+we had thus dreaded was at a considerable distance, and that a strong
+northern current had been the cause of our preservation.
+
+The turbulent weather which forced us from Tinian, did not begin to
+abate till three days after; and then we swayed up the fore-yard, and
+began to heave up the main-yard, but the jeers broke and killed one of
+our men, and prevented us at that time from proceeding. The next day,
+being the 26th of September, was a day of most severe fatigue to us
+all; for it must be remembered, that in these exigences no rank or
+office exempted any person from the manual application and bodily
+labour of a common sailor. The business of this day was no less than
+an attempt to heave up the sheet-anchor, which we had hitherto
+dragged at our bows with two cables an end. This was a work of
+great importance to our future preservation: For, not to mention the
+impediment to our navigation, and the hazard it would be to our ship,
+if we attempted to make sail with the anchor in its present situation,
+we had this most interesting consideration to animate us, that it was
+the only anchor we had left; and, without securing it, we should be
+under the utmost difficulties and hazards, whenever we made the
+land again; and therefore, being all of us fully apprized of the
+consequence of this enterprize, we laboured at it with the severest
+application for full twelve hours, when we had indeed made a
+considerable progress, having brought the anchor in sight; but, it
+then growing dark, and we being excessively fatigued, we were obliged
+to desist, and to leave our work unfinished till the next morning,
+when, by the benefit of a night's rest, we completed it, and hung the
+anchor at our bow.
+
+It was the 27th of September in the morning, that is, five days after
+our departure, when we thus secured our anchor; And the same day we
+got up our main-yard: And having now conquered in some degree the
+distress and disorder which we were necessarily involved in at
+our first driving out to sea, and being enabled to make use of our
+canvass, we set our courses, and for the first time stood to the
+eastward, in hopes of regaining the island of Tinian, and joining
+our commodore in a few days: For we were then, by our accounts, only
+forty-seven leagues to the south-west of Tinian; so that on the first
+day of October, having then run the distance necessary for making
+the island according to our reckoning, we were in full expectation
+of seeing it; but we were unhappily disappointed, and were thereby
+convinced that a current had driven us to the westward. And as
+we could not judge how much we might hereby have deviated, and
+consequently how long we might still expect to be at sea, we had great
+apprehensions that our stock of water might prove deficient; for we
+were doubtful about the quantity we had on board, and found many
+of our casks so decayed, as to be half leaked out. However, we were
+delivered from our uncertainty the next day by having a sight of the
+island of Guam, by which we discovered that the currents had driven us
+forty-four leagues to the westward of our accounts. This sight of land
+having satisfied us of our situation, we kept plying to the eastward,
+though with excessive labour, for the wind continuing fixed in the
+eastern board, we were obliged to tack often, and our crew were so
+weak, that, without the assistance of every man on board, it was not
+in our power to put the ship about: This severe employment lasted
+till the 11th of October, being the nineteenth day from our departure;
+when, arriving in the offing of Tinian, we were reinforced from the
+shore, as hath been already mentioned; and on the evening of the same
+day, to our inexpressible joy, came to an anchor in the road, thereby
+procuring to our shipmates on shore, as well as to ourselves, a
+cessation from the fatigues and apprehensions which this disastrous
+incident had given rise to.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII.
+
+_Of our Employment at Tinian, till the final Departure of the
+Centurion, and of the Voyage to Macao._[1]
+
+The commodore resolved to stay no longer at the island than was
+absolutely necessary to complete our stock of water, a work which we
+immediately set ourselves about. But the loss of our long-boat, which
+was staved against our poop when we were driven out to sea, put us
+to great inconveniences in getting our water on board: For we were
+obliged to raft off all our cask, and the tide ran so strong, that,
+besides the frequent delays and difficulties it occasioned, we more
+than once lost the whole raft. Nor was this our only misfortune; for,
+on the third day after our arrival, a sudden gust of wind brought home
+our anchor, forced us off the bank, and drove the ship out to sea a
+second time. The commodore, it is true, and the principal officers,
+were now on board; but we had near seventy men on shore, who had been
+employed in filling our water, and procuring provisions: These had
+with them our two cutters; but as they were too many for the cutters
+to bring off at once, we sent the eighteen-oared barge to assist them;
+and at the same time made a signal for all that could to embark. The
+two cutters soon came off to us full of men; but forty of the company,
+who were employed in killing cattle in the wood, and in bringing
+them down to the landing-place, were left behind; and though the
+eighteen-oared barge was left for their conveyance, yet, as the ship
+soon drove to a considerable distance, it was not in their power to
+join us. However, as the weather was favourable, and our crew was now
+stronger than when we were first driven out, we, in about five days
+time, returned again to an anchor at Tinian, and relieved those we
+had left behind us from their second fears of being deserted by their
+ship.
+
+[Footnote 1: The original contains also a description of the Ladrones
+(or Marian Islands, as they are now usually called,) which, for a
+reason before mentioned, is omitted.]
+
+On our arrival, we found that the Spanish bark, the old object of
+their hopes, had undergone a new metamorphosis: For those we had
+left onshore began to despair of our return, and conceiving that the
+lengthening the bark, as formerly proposed, was both a toilsome and
+unnecessary measure, considering the small number they consisted of,
+they had resolved to join her again, and to restore her to her first
+state; and in this scheme they had made some progress; for they had
+brought the two parts together, and would have soon completed her, had
+not our coming back put a period to their labours and disquietudes.
+
+These people we had left behind informed us, that, just before we were
+seen in the offing, two proas had stood in very near the shore, and
+had continued there for some time; but, on the appearance of our
+ship, they crowded away, and were presently out of sight. And, on this
+occasion, I must mention an incident, which, though it happened during
+the first absence of the ship, was then omitted, to avoid interrupting
+the course of the narration.
+
+It hath been already observed, that a part of the detachment, sent to
+this island under the command of the Spanish Serjeant, lay concealed
+in the woods; and we were the less solicitous to find them out, as our
+prisoners all assured us, that it was impossible for them to get
+off, and consequently that it was impossible for them to send any
+intelligence about us to Guam. But when the Centurion drove out to
+sea, and left the commodore on shore, he one day, attended by some
+of his officers, endeavoured to make the tour of the island: In this
+expedition, being on a rising ground, they perceived in the valley
+beneath them the appearance of a small thicket, which, by observing
+more nicely, they found had a progressive motion: This at first
+surprised them; but they soon discovered, that it was no more than
+several large cocoa bushes, which were dragged along the ground, by
+persons concealed beneath them. They immediately concluded that
+these were some of the Serjeant's party (which, was indeed true); and
+therefore the commodore and his people made after them, in hopes
+of finding out their retreat. The Indians soon perceived they were
+discovered, and hurried away with precipitation; but Mr Anson was so
+near them, that he did not lose sight of them till they arrived at
+their cell, which he and his officers entering found to be abandoned,
+there being a passage from it down a precipice contrived for the
+conveniency of flight. They found here an old firelock or two, but
+no other arms. However, there was a great quantity of provisions,
+particularly salted spare-ribs of pork, which were excellent; and
+from what our people saw here, they concluded, that the extraordinary
+appetite, which they had found at this island, was not confined to
+themselves; for, it being about noon, the Indians had laid out a very
+plentiful repast considering their numbers, and had their bread-fruit
+and cocoa-nuts prepared ready for eating, and in a manner which
+plainly evinced, that, with them too, a good meal was neither an
+uncommon nor an unheeded article. The commodore having in vain
+endeavoured to discover the path by which the Indians had escaped, he
+and his officers contented themselves with sitting down to the dinner,
+which was thus luckily filled to their present appetites; after which,
+they returned back to their old habitation, displeased at missing the
+Indians, as they hoped to have engaged them in our service, if they
+could have had any conference with them. But, notwithstanding what our
+prisoners had asserted, we were afterwards assured, that these Indians
+were carried off to Guam long before we left the place.
+
+On our coming to an anchor again; after our second driving off to sea;
+we laboured indefatigably in getting in our water; and having, by the
+20th of October, completed it to fifty tun, which we supposed would be
+sufficient for our passage to Macao, we, on the next day, sent one of
+each mess on shore, to gather as large a quantity of oranges, lemons,
+cocoa-nuts, and other fruits of the island, as they possibly could,
+for the use of themselves and mess-mates, when at sea. And, these
+purveyors returning on board us on the evening of the same day, we
+then set fire to the bark and proa, hoisted in our boats, and got
+under sail, steering away for the south-end of the island of Formosa,
+and taking our leaves, for the third and last time, of the island of
+Tinian: An island, which, whether we consider the excellence of its
+productions, the beauty of its appearance, the elegance of its woods
+and lawns, the healthiness of its air or the adventures it gave rise
+to, may in all these views be truly styled romantic.
+
+[After the description, certainly a very imperfect one, of the
+Ladrones, which now follows, the author gives a curious account of the
+proas or prows so much used among them. This is extracted, as likely
+to interest the reader, and as more satisfactory, than the brief
+notice already given in the history of Magellan's voyage. This account
+is more deserving of regard, as being drawn up from very particular
+examination of one of the vessels taken, as has been mentioned, at
+Tinian.]
+
+The Indians that inhabit the Ladrones, of which Tinian (formerly well
+peopled) is one, are a bold, well-limbed people; and it should seem
+from some of their practices, that they are no ways defective in
+understanding; for their flying proa in particular, which has been for
+ages the only vessel used by them, is so singular and extraordinary
+an invention, that it would do honour to any nation, however dexterous
+and acute. Whether we consider its aptitude to the particular
+navigation of these islands, or the uncommon simplicity and ingenuity
+of its fabric and contrivance, or the extraordinary velocity with
+which it moves, we shall find it worthy of our admiration, and
+meriting a place amongst the mechanical productions of the most
+civilized nations, where arts and sciences have most eminently
+flourished.
+
+The name of flying proa given to these vessels, is owing to the
+swiftness with which they sail. Of this the Spaniards assert such
+stories, as appear altogether incredible to those who have never seen
+these vessels move; nor are the Spaniards the only people who relate
+these extraordinary tales of their celerity. For those who shall have
+the curiosity to enquire at the dock at Portsmouth, about a trial made
+there some years since, with a very imperfect one built at that place,
+will meet with accounts not less wonderful than any the Spaniards have
+given. However, from some rude estimations made, by our people, of the
+velocity with which they crossed the horizon at a distance, whilst we
+lay at Tinian, I cannot help believing that with a brisk trade-wind
+they will run near twenty miles an hour: Which, though greatly short
+of what the Spaniards report of them, is yet a prodigious degree of
+swiftness.
+
+The construction of this proa is a direct contradiction to the
+practice of the rest of mankind. For as the rest of the world make
+the head of their vessels different from the stern, but the two sides
+alike, the proa, on the contrary, has her head and stern exactly
+alike, but her two sides very different; the side, intended to be
+always the lee-side, being flat; and the windward-side made rounding,
+in the manner of other vessels: And, to prevent her oversetting, which
+from her small breadth, and the straight run of her leeward-side,
+would, without this precaution, infallibly happen, there is a frame
+laid out from her to windward, to the end of which is fastened a log,
+fashioned into the shape of a small boat, and made hollow: The weight
+of the frame is intended to balance the proa, and the small boat is by
+its buoyancy (as it is always in the water) to prevent her oversetting
+to windward; and this frame is usually called an outrigger. The body
+of the proa (at least of that we took) is made of two pieces joined
+end-ways, and sowed together with bark, for there is no iron used
+about her: She is about two inches thick at the bottom, which at the
+gunwale is reduced to less than one.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The author refers to a plate for a minute description,
+which is necessarily omitted.--E.]
+
+The proa generally carries six or seven Indians; two of which are
+placed in the head and stem, who steer the vessel alternately with a
+paddle, according to the tack she goes on, be in the stern being the
+steersman; the other Indians are employed either in baling out the
+water which she accidentally ships, or in setting and trimming
+the sail. From the description of these vessels it is sufficiently
+obvious, how dexterously they are fitted for ranging this collection
+of islands called the Ladrones: For as these islands lie nearly N. and
+S. of each other, and are all within the limits of the trade-wind,
+the proas, by sailing most excellently on a wind, and with either
+end foremost, can ran from one of these islands to the other and back
+again, only by shifting the sail, without ever putting about; and,
+by the flatness of their lee-side, and their small breadth, they are
+capable of lying much nearer the wind than any other vessel hitherto
+known.
+
+The eastern monsoon was now, we reckoned, fairly settled; and we had
+a constant gale blowing right upon our stern: So that we generally
+ran from forty to fifty leagues a-day. But we had a large hollow
+sea pursuing us, which occasioned the ship to labour much; whence we
+received great damage in our rigging, which was grown very rotten, and
+our leak was augmented: But, happily for us, our people were now in
+full health; so that there were no complaints of fatigue, but all went
+through their attendance on the pumps, and every other duty of the
+ship, with ease and cheerfulness.
+
+Having no other but our sheet-anchor left, except our prize-anchors,
+which were stowed in the hold, and were too light to be depended on,
+we were under great concern how we should manage on, the coast
+of China, where we were all entire strangers, and where we should
+doubtless be frequently under the necessity of coming to an anchor.
+Our sheet-anchor being much too heavy for a coasting anchor, it was
+at length resolved to fix two of our largest prize-anchors into one
+stock, and to place between their shanks two guns, four pounders,
+which was accordingly executed, and it was to serve as a best bower:
+And a third prize-anchor being ill like manner joined with our
+stream-anchor, with guns between them, we thereby made a small bower;
+so that, besides our sheet-anchor, we had again two others at our
+bows, one of which weighed 3900, and the other 2900 pounds.
+
+The 3d of November, about three in the afternoon, we saw an island,
+which at first we imagined to be the island of Botel Tobago Xima: But
+on nearer approach we found it to be much smaller than that is usually
+represented; and about an hour after we saw another island, five or
+six miles farther to the westward. As no chart, nor any journal we had
+seen, took notice of any other island to the eastward of Formosa, than
+Botel Tobago Xima, and as we had no observation of our latitude
+at noon, we were in some perplexity, being apprehensive that an
+extraordinary current had driven us into the neighbourhood of the
+Bashee islands; and therefore, when night came on, we brought to, and
+continued in this posture till the next morning, which proving dark
+and cloudy, for some time prolonged our uncertainty; but it cleared
+up about nine o'clock, when we again discerned the two islands
+above-mentioned; we then prest forwards to the westward, and by
+eleven got a sight of the southern part of the island of Formosa. This
+satisfied us that the second island we saw was Botel Tobago Xima, and
+the first a small island or rock, lying five or six miles due east
+from it, which, not being mentioned by any of our books or charts, was
+the occasion of our fears.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: These two islands are marked in Arrowsmith's map of Asia,
+under the names of Bottle Tobago and Little Bottle Tobago.--E.]
+
+When we got sight of the island of Formosa, we steered W. by S. in
+order to double its extremity, and kept a good look-out for the rocks
+of Vele Rete, which we did not see till two in the afternoon. They
+then bore from us W.N.W. three miles distant, the south end of Formosa
+at the same time bearing N. by W. 1/2 W. about five leagues distant.
+To give these rocks a good birth, we immediately haled up S. by W.
+and so left them between us and the land. Indeed we had reason to be
+careful of them; for though they appeared as high out of the water as
+a ship's hull, yet they are environed with breakers on all sides, and
+there is a shoal stretching from them at least a mile and a half to
+the southward, whence they may be truly called dangerous. The course
+from Botel Tobago Xima to these rocks is S.W. by W. and the distance
+about twelve or thirteen leagues: And the south end of Formosa, off
+which they lie, is in the latitude of 21 deg. 50' north, and in 23 deg. 50'
+west longitude from Tinian, according to our most approved reckonings,
+though by some of our accounts above a degree more.
+
+While we were passing by these rocks of Vele Rete, there was an outcry
+of fire on the fore-castle; this occasioned a general alarm, and the
+whole crew instantly flocked together in the utmost confusion, so that
+the officers found it difficult for some time to appease the uproar:
+But having at last reduced the people to order, it was perceived that
+the fire proceeded from the furnace; and, pulling down the brick-work,
+it was extinguished with great facility, for it had taken its rise
+from the bricks, which, being over-heated, had begun to communicate
+the fire to the adjacent wood-work. In the evening we were surprised
+with a view of what we at first sight conceived to have been breakers,
+but, on a stricter examination, we found them to be only a great
+number of fires on the island of Formosa. These, we imagined, were,
+intended by the inhabitants of that island as signals for us to touch
+there, but that suited not our views, we being impatient to reach the
+port of Macao as soon as possible. From Formosa we steered W.N.W. and
+sometimes still more northerly, proposing to fall in with, the coast
+of China, to the eastward of Pedro Blanco; for the rock so called is
+usually esteemed an excellent direction for ships bound to Macao. We
+continued this course till the following night, and then frequently
+brought to, to try if we were in soundings: But it was the 5th of
+November, at nine in the morning, before we struck ground, and then,
+we had forty-two fathom, and a bottom of grey sand mixed with shells.
+When we had got about twenty miles farther W.N.W. we had thirty-five
+fathom; and the same bottom, from whence our sounding gradually
+decreased from thirty-five to twenty-five fathom; but soon after, to
+our great surprise, they jumped back again to thirty fathom: This was
+an alteration we could not very well account for,[4] since all the
+charts laid down regular soundings every-where to the northward of
+Pedro Blanco; and for this reason we kept a very careful look-out, and
+altered our course to N.N.W. and having run thirty-five miles in this
+direction, our soundings again gradually diminished to twenty-two
+fathom, and we at last, about mid-night, got sight of the main land of
+China, bearing N. by W. four leagues distant: We then brought the ship
+to, with her head to the sea, proposing to wait for the morning; and
+before sun-rise we were surprised to find ourselves in the midst of an
+incredible number of fishing-boats, which seemed to cover the surface
+of the sea as far as the eye could reach. I may well style their
+number incredible, since I cannot believe, upon the lowest estimate,
+that there were fewer than six thousand, most of them manned with
+five hands, and none with less than three. Nor was this swarm of
+fishing-vessels peculiar to this spot; for, as we ran on to the
+westward, we found them as abundant on every part of the coast. We at
+first doubted not but we should procure a pilot from them to carry
+us to Macao; but though many of them came close to the ship, and we
+endeavoured to tempt them by showing them a number of dollars, a most
+alluring bait for Chinese of all ranks and professions, yet we could
+not entice them on board us, nor procure any directions from them;
+though, I presume, the only difficulty was their not comprehending
+what we wanted them to do, for we could have no communication with
+them, but by signs: Indeed we often pronounced the word Macao; but
+this we had reason to suppose they understood in a different sense;
+for in return they sometimes held up fish to us, and we afterwards
+learnt, that the Chinese name for fish is of a somewhat similar sound.
+But what surprised us most, was the inattention and want of curiosity,
+which we observed in this herd of fishermen: A ship like ours had
+doubtless never been in those seas before; perhaps, there might not
+be one, amongst all the Chinese employed in this fishery, who had ever
+seen any European vessel; so that we might reasonably have expected
+to have been considered by them as a very uncommon and extraordinary
+object; but though many of their vessels came close to the ship, yet
+they did not appear to be at all interested about us, nor did
+they deviate in the least from their course to regard us; which
+insensibility, especially in maritime persons, about a matter in
+their own profession, is scarcely to be credited, did not the
+general behaviour of the Chinese, in other instances, furnish us with
+continual proofs of a similar turn of mind: It may perhaps be doubted,
+whether this cast of temper be the effect of nature or education;
+but, in either case, it is an incontestable symptom of a mean and
+contemptible disposition, and is alone a sufficient confutation of the
+extravagant panegyrics, which many hypothetical writers have bestowed
+on the ingenuity and capacity of this nation.[5]
+
+[Footnote 4: It was probably occasioned by their being over a sand
+bank, which is laid down by Arrowsmith in this part of the Centurion's
+course.--E.]
+
+[Footnote 5: Neither the ingenuity nor the capacity of the Chinese is
+at all implicated by the circumstances recorded, the source of which
+may be probably enough conjectured, viz. their contempt of every thing
+foreign, which, it is well known, they never scruple to avow. Besides,
+as is very soon mentioned, their fishermen were under authority, and
+had received no orders or permission to the effect desired.--E.]
+
+Not being able to procure any information from the Chinese fishermen
+about our proper course to Macao, it was necessary for us to rely
+entirety on our own judgment; and concluding from our latitude, which
+was 22 deg. 42' north, and from our soundings, which were only seventeen
+or eighteen fathoms, that we were yet to the eastward of Pedro
+Blanco, we stood to the westward: And, for the assistance of future
+navigators, who may hereafter doubt about the parts of the coast they
+are upon, I must observe, that, besides the latitude of Pedro Blanco,
+which is 22 deg. 18', and the depth of water, which to the westward of
+that rock is almost every where twenty fathoms, there is another
+circumstance which will give great assistance in judging of the
+position of the ship: This is, the kind of ground; for, till we came
+within thirty miles of Pedro Blanco, we had constantly a sandy bottom;
+but there the bottom changed to soft and muddy, and continued so quite
+to the island of Macao; only while we were in sight of Pedro Blanco,
+and very near it, we had for a short space a bottom of greenish mud,
+intermixed with sand.
+
+On the fifth of November, at midnight, we made the coast of China; and
+the next day, about two o'clock, as we were standing to the westward
+within two leagues of the coast, and still surrounded by fishing
+vessels in as great numbers as at first, we perceived that a boat
+a-head of us waved a red flag, and blew a horn; This we considered as
+a signal made to us, either to warn us of some shoal, or to inform
+us that they would supply us with a pilot, and in this belief we
+immediately sent our cutter to the boat, to know their intentions; but
+we were soon made sensible of our mistake, and found that this boat
+was the commodore of the whole fishery, and that the signal she had
+made, was to order them all to leave off fishing, and to return in
+shore, which we saw them instantly obey. On this disappointment we
+kept on our course, and soon after passed by two very small rocks,
+which lay four or five miles distant from the shore; but night came on
+before we got sight of Pedro Blanco, and we therefore brought-to till
+the morning, when we had the satisfaction to discover it. It is a rock
+of a small circumference, but of a moderate height, and, both in shape
+and colour, resembles a sugar-loaf, and is about seven or eight miles
+from the shore. We passed within a mile and a half of it, and left
+it between us and the land, still keeping on to the westward; and the
+next day, being the 7th, we were a-breast of a chain of islands,
+which stretched from east to west. These, as we afterwards found, were
+called the islands of Lema;[6] they are rocky and barren, and are in
+all, small and great, fifteen or sixteen; and there are, besides, a
+great number of other islands between them and the main land of China.
+These islands we left on the star-board side, passing within four
+miles of them, where we had twenty-four fathom water. We were still
+surrounded by fishing-boats; and we once more sent the cutter on board
+one of them, to endeavour to procure a pilot, but could not prevail;
+however, one of the Chinese directed us by signs to sail round the
+westermost of the islands, or rocks of Lema, and then to hale up.
+We followed this direction; and in the evening came to an anchor in
+eighteen fathom.
+
+[Footnote 6: Called Grand Lema in Arrowsmith's map, and touched at by
+the Lion in 1793.--E.]
+
+On the 9th at four in the morning, we sent our cutter to sound the
+channel, where we proposed to pass; but before the return of the
+cutter, a Chinese pilot put on board us, and told us, in broken
+Portuguese, he would carry us to Macao for thirty dollars: These were
+immediately paid him, and we then weighed and made sail; and soon
+after, several other pilots came on board us, who, to recommend
+themselves, produced certificates from the captains of several ships
+they had piloted in, but we continued the ship under the management of
+the Chinese who came first on board. By this time we learnt, that we
+were not far distant from Macao, and that there were in the river of
+Canton, at the mouth of which Macao lies, eleven European ships, of
+which four were English. Our pilot carried us between the islands of
+Bamboo and Cabouce, but the winds hanging in the northern board, and
+the tides often setting strongly against us, we were obliged to come
+frequently to an anchor, so that we did not get through between the
+two islands till the 12th of November, at two in the morning. In
+passing through, our depth of water was from twelve to fourteen
+fathom; and as we still steered on N.W. 1/2 W. between a number of
+other islands, our soundings underwent little or no variation till
+towards the evening, when they increased to seventeen fathom; in which
+depth (the wind dying away) we anchored not far from the island of
+Lantoon, which is the largest of all this range of islands. At seven
+in the morning we weighed again, and steering W.S.W. and S.W. by
+W., we at ten o'clock happily anchored in Macao road, in five fathom
+water, the city of Macao bearing W. by N., three leagues distant; the
+peak of Lantoon E. by N., and the grand Ladrone S. by E. each of them
+about five leagues distant. Thus, after a fatiguing cruise of above
+two years continuance, we once more arrived in an amicable port, in
+a civilized country; where the conveniences of life were in great
+plenty; where the naval stores, which we now extremely wanted, could
+be in some degree procured; where we expected the inexpressible
+satisfaction of receiving letters from our relations and friends; and
+where our countrymen, who were lately arrived from England, would be
+capable of answering the numerous enquiries we were prepared to make,
+both about public and private occurrences, and to relate to us many
+particulars, which, whether of importance or not, would be listened
+to by us with the utmost attention, after the long suspension of
+our correspondence with our country, to which the nature of our
+undertaking had hitherto subjected us.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX.
+
+_Proceedings at Macao._
+
+The city of Macao, in the road of which we came to an anchor on the
+12th of November, is a Portuguese settlement, situated in an island
+at the mouth of the river of Canton. It was formerly a very rich and
+populous city, and capable of defending itself against the power of
+the adjacent Chinese governors: But at present it is much fallen from
+its ancient splendour, for though it is inhabited by Portuguese, and
+has a governor nominated by the king of Portugal, yet it subsists
+merely by the sufferance of the Chinese, who can starve the place,
+and dispossess the Portuguese whenever they please: This obliges the
+governor of Macao to behave with great circumspection, and carefully
+to avoid every circumstance that may give offence to the Chinese.[7]
+The river of Canton, at the mouth of which this city lies, is the only
+Chinese port, frequented by European ships; and this river is indeed
+a more commodious harbour, on many accounts, than Macao: But the
+peculiar customs of the Chinese, only adapted to the entertainment of
+trading ships, and the apprehensions of the commodore, lest he should
+embroil the East-India company with the regency of Canton, if he
+should insist on being treated upon a different footing than the
+merchantmen, made him resolve to go first to Macao, before he ventured
+into the port of Canton. Indeed, had not this reason prevailed with
+him, he himself had nothing to fear: For it is certain that he might
+have entered the port of Canton, and might have continued there as
+long as he pleased, and afterwards have left it again, although the
+whole power of the Chinese empire had been brought together to oppose
+him.
+
+[Footnote 7: This circumspection has never availed much. The
+Portuguese obtained this port and the adjoining territory of about 8
+miles in circuit, as a reward for assistance given in extirpating a
+pirate who took refuge here. But the ingratitude of the Chinese always
+grudged, and often violated, the immunities thus won from their fears.
+The city, built after the European model, and originally possessed of
+both military strength and commercial consequence, has, through the
+carelessness of the Portuguese, and the exactions and insolence of
+their neighbours, dwindled into comparative insignificance. According
+to Sir George Staunton's account, the population does not now exceed
+12000, and more than half is Chinese. In short, Macao is virtually a
+Chinese town, where the Portuguese are merely tolerated. The Chinese,
+it is certain, require almost any other treatment than condescension
+and good manners. The reader will soon see in the narrative how
+practicable it is to reduce them to common sense--one of the
+ingredients of it they have in a high degree, the desire of
+self-preservation. The following quotation from a work recently
+published, may amuse him in the mean time, and serves besides to
+confirm the statement of the text. "The situation of the Portuguese in
+Macao is particularly restrained, and that of their governor extremely
+unpleasant to him. Although the latter invariably conducts himself
+with the greatest circumspection, cases still arise in which he cannot
+give way without entirely sacrificing the honour of his country,
+already greatly diminished in the eyes of the Chinese. A few months
+only before our arrival (November 1805,) a circumstance happened fully
+illustrative of this; an account of which may tend to prove that, if
+the Portuguese possessed greater power at Macao, the cowardly Chinese
+would not dare to treat them with so little consideration, or, to
+speak more correctly, with so much contempt. If Macao were in
+the hands of the English, or even of the Spaniards, the shameful
+dependence of this possession on the Chinese would soon fall to the
+ground; and, with the assistance of their important possessions in the
+vicinity of China, either of these nations established in Macao might
+bid defiance to the whole empire. A Portuguese resident at Macao
+stabbed a Chinese, but being rich, he offered the family of the
+deceased a sum of money to suffer the affair to drop. This was agreed
+to, and he paid 4000 piastres; scarcely, however, had he given the
+money, when the affair was represented to the Chinese magistracy, who
+exacted from the governor that the criminal should be instantly given
+up. The latter refused, alleging, that, as the deed was committed
+in Macao, he was liable to the Portuguese law, according to which he
+would be punished if they found him guilty. The Chinese, who wished
+to inflict punishment on the Portuguese, immediately on the receipt of
+this answer shut up all their booths, and forbade the importation of
+provisions into Macao; but the governor, who had two years stock of
+provisions for his garrison, (we shall find it was otherwise with
+the governor in Anson's time) troubled himself very little with this
+threat, and still refused to give up the criminal; in the mean time
+his trial went on; he was found guilty of the murder, and immediately
+hanged. The Chinese assembled with the intention of endeavouring to
+seize the perpetrator of the murder whilst on his way to the scaffold:
+The governor collected his troops, loaded the artillery on the
+batteries, and awaited the attack; and, alarmed at his decisive
+measures, the Chinese withdrew, under the pretence of being
+perfectly satisfied with the execution of the murderer, and order
+was immediately restored." The work from which this is extracted
+is Captain Krusenstern's account of his voyage round the world, in
+1803-4-5 and 6; being the first circumnavigation the Russians have
+made, and that too under the patronage and by the command of the most
+magnanimous and beneficient Alexander, a monarch whom every friend of
+humanity must admire and love from the heart, as surpassing even his
+liberality in the promotion of useful science and discovery amongst
+his own subjects, by the splendour and substantial value of his
+services in the best interests of Europe, and the world:
+
+  Non possidentem multa vocaveris
+  Recte beatum: rectius occupat
+  Nomen beati, qui deorum
+  Muneribus sapienter uti,
+  Duramque callet _pauperiem_ pati,
+  Pejusque leto flagitium timet;
+  Non ille pro caris _amicis_
+  Aut patria timidus perire.
+
+To return to Macao: Captain K. strongly expresses his wish that
+some European power of sufficient energy and consequence would take
+possession of it, before the Portuguese themselves abandon it to the
+Chinese. It is evident he alludes to the English. An agreement, it is
+very probable, might be readily entered into with the Portuguese
+for the possession of that place, which could not fail to prove most
+convenient for our eastern commerce. An equivalent may be found among
+the West Indian islands; but it is perhaps equally vain and invidious
+to speculate on such very distant concerns, when the wonderful events
+now occurring in a kingdom so long the torment and the _teacher_ of
+nations, arrest the imagination from every trivial selfish pursuit,
+and fix the mind undividedly on the operations of the great source of
+power, justice, and truth. A new aera commences in the world--May it
+be remarkable to all succeeding generations for liberal policy,
+disinterestedness, and general benevolence!--E.
+
+12th April, 1814.]
+
+The commodore, not to depart from his usual prudence, no sooner came
+to an anchor in Macao road, than he dispatched an officer with his
+compliments to the Portuguese governor of Macao, requesting his
+excellency, by the same officer, to advise him in what manner it would
+be proper to act, to avoid offending the Chinese, which, as there were
+then four of our ships in their power at Canton, was a matter
+worthy of attention. The difficulty, which the commodore principally
+apprehended, related to the duty usually paid by all ships in the
+river of Canton, according to their tunnage. For as men of war are
+exempted in every foreign harbour from all manner of port charges, the
+commodore thought it would be derogatory to the honour of his country
+to submit to this duty in China: And therefore he desired the advice
+of the governor of Macao, who, being an European, could not be
+ignorant of the privileges claimed by a British man of war, and
+consequently might be expected to give us the best lights for avoiding
+this perplexity. Our boat returned in the evening with two officers
+sent by the governor, who informed the commodore, that it was the
+governor's opinion, that if the Centurion ventured into the river of
+Canton, the duty would certainly be demanded; and therefore, if
+the commodore approved of it, he would send him a pilot, who should
+conduct us into another safe harbour, called the Typa, which was every
+way commodious for careening the ship, (an operation we were resolved
+to begin upon as soon as possible) and where the above-mentioned duty
+would, in all probability, be never asked for.
+
+This proposal the commodore agreed to, and in the morning we weighed
+anchor, and, under the direction of the Portuguese pilot, steered
+for the intended harbour. As we entered two islands, which form the
+eastern passage to it, we found our soundings decreased to three
+fathom and a half: But the pilot assuring us that this was the least
+depth we should meet with, we continued our course, till at length the
+ship stuck fast in the mud, with only eighteen feet water abaft; and,
+the tide of ebb making, the water sewed to sixteen feet, but the ship
+remained perfectly upright; we then sounded all round us, and finding
+the water deepened to the northward, we carried out our small bower
+with two hawsers an end, and at the return of the tide of flood, hove
+the ship afloat, and a small breeze springing up at the same instant,
+we set the fore top-sail, and, slipping the hawser, ran into the
+harbour, where we moored in about five fathom water. This harbour
+of the Typa is formed by a number of islands, and is about six miles
+distant from Macao. Here we saluted the castle of Macao with eleven
+guns, which were returned by an equal number.
+
+The next day the commodore paid a visit in person to the governor, and
+was saluted at his landing by eleven guns, which were returned by
+the Centurion. Mr Anson's business in this visit was to solicit the
+governor to grant us a supply of provisions, and to furnish us with
+such stores as were necessary to refit the ship The governor seemed
+really inclined to do us all the service he could, and assured the
+commodore, in a friendly manner, that he would privately give us all
+the assistance in his power; but, at the same time, frankly owned that
+he dared not openly furnish us with any thing we demanded, unless we
+first procured an order for it from the viceroy of Canton, for that
+he neither received provisions for his garrison, nor any other
+necessaries, but by permission from the Chinese government; and as
+they took care only to furnish him from day to day, he was indeed no
+other than their vassal, whom they could at all times compel to submit
+to their own terms, only by laying an embargo on his provisions.
+
+On this declaration of the governor, Mr Anson resolved himself to go
+to Canton to procure a license from the viceroy; and accordingly hired
+a Chinese boat for himself and his attendants; but just as he was
+ready to embark, the Hoppo, or Chinese custom-house officer at Macao,
+refused to grant a permit to the boat, and ordered the watermen not to
+proceed at their peril. The commodore at first endeavoured to prevail
+with the hoppo to withdraw his injunction, and to grant a permit; and
+the governor of Macao employed his interest with the hoppo to the same
+purpose. Mr Anson, finding the officer inflexible, told him the next
+day, that if he longer refused to grant the permit, he would man and
+arm his own boats to carry him thither; asking the hoppo, at the
+same time, who he imagined would dare to oppose him. This threat
+immediately brought about what his entreaties had laboured for in
+vain: The permit was granted, and Mr Anson went to Canton. On his
+arrival there he consulted with the supercargoes and officers of
+the English ships, how to procure an order from the viceroy for the
+necessaries he wanted; but in this he had reason to suppose, that the
+advice they gave him, though doubtless well intended, was yet not the
+most prudent; for as it is the custom with these gentlemen never to
+apply to the supreme magistrate himself, whatever difficulties they
+labour under, but to transact all matters relating to the government
+by the mediation of the principal Chinese merchants, Mr Anson was
+advised to follow the same method upon this occasion, the English
+promising (in which they were doubtless sincere) to exert all their
+interest to engage the merchants in his favour. And when the Chinese
+merchants were applied to, they readily undertook the management of
+it, and promised to answer for its success; but after near a month's
+delay, and reiterated excuses, during which interval they pretended
+to be often upon the point of completing the business, they at last
+(being pressed, and measures being taken for delivering a letter to
+the viceroy) threw off the mask, and declared they neither had applied
+to the viceroy nor could they; for he was too great a man, they said,
+for them to approach on any occasion. And, not contented with having
+themselves thus grossly deceived the commodore, they now used all
+their persuasion with the English at Canton, to prevent them from
+intermeddling with any thing that regarded him, representing to them;
+that it would in all probability embroil them with the government, and
+occasion them a great deal of unnecessary trouble; which groundless
+insinuations had indeed but too much weight with those they were
+applied to.
+
+It may be difficult to assign a reason for this perfidious conduct of
+the Chinese merchants: Interest indeed is known to exert a boundless
+influence over the inhabitants of that empire; but how their interest
+could be affected in the present case is not easy to discover, unless
+they apprehended that the presence of a ship of force might damp
+their Manilla trade, and therefore acted in this manner with a view of
+forcing the commodore to Batavia: But it might be as natural in this
+light to suppose, that they would have been eager to have got him
+dispatched. I, therefore, rather impute their behaviour to the
+unparalleled pusillanimity of the nation, and to the awe they are
+under of the government; for as such a ship as the Centurion, fitted
+for war only, had never been seen in those parts before, she was
+the horror of these dastards, and the merchants were in some degree
+terrified even with the idea of her, and could not think of applying
+to the viceroy (who is doubtless fond of all opportunities of fleecing
+them) without representing to themselves the pretences which a hungry
+and tyrannical magistrate night possibly find, for censuring their
+intermeddling in so unusual a transaction, in which he might pretend
+the interest of the state was immediately concerned. However, be this
+as it may, the commodore was satisfied that nothing was to be done by
+the interposition of the merchants, as it was on his pressing them to
+deliver a letter to the viceroy that they had declared they durst
+not intermeddle, and had confessed, that, notwithstanding all their
+pretences of serving him, they had not yet taken one step towards it.
+Mr Anson therefore told them, that he would proceed to Batavia and
+refit his ship there; but informed them, at the same time, that this
+was impossible to be done, unless he was supplied with a stock of
+provisions sufficient for his passage. The merchants on this undertook
+to procure him provisions, but assured him that it was what they
+durst not engage in openly, but proposed to manage it in a clandestine
+manner, by putting a quantity of bread, flour, and other provision, on
+board the English ships, which were now ready to sail, and these were
+to stop at the mouth of the Typa, where the Centurion's boats were to
+receive it. This article, which the merchants represented as a
+matter of great favour, being settled, the commodore, on the 16th
+of December, returned from Canton to the ship, seemingly resolved to
+proceed to Batavia to refit, as soon as he should get his supplies of
+provision on board.
+
+But Mr Anson (who never intended going to Batavia) found, on his
+return to the Centurion, that her main-mast was sprung in two places,
+and that the leak was considerably increased; so that, upon the whole,
+he was fully satisfied, that though he should lay in a sufficient
+stock of provisions, yet it would be impossible for him to put to
+sea without refitting: For, if he left the port with his ship in her
+present condition, she would be in the utmost danger of foundering,
+and therefore, notwithstanding the difficulties he had met with, he
+resolved at all events to have her hove down before he left Macao. He
+was fully convinced, by what he had observed at Canton, that his great
+caution not to injure the East India Company's affairs, and the regard
+he had shown to the advice of their officers, had occasioned all
+his embarrassments. For he now saw clearly, that if he had at first
+carried his ship into the river of Canton, and had immediately applied
+himself to the mandarines, who are the chief officers of state,
+instead of employing the merchants to apply for him, he would, in all
+probability, have had all his requests granted, and would have been
+soon dispatched. He had already lost a month by the wrong measures
+he had been put upon, but he resolved to lose as little more time as
+possible; and, therefore, the 17th of December, being the next day
+after his return from Canton, he wrote a letter to the viceroy of that
+place, acquainting him that he was commander-in-chief of a squadron of
+his Britannic majesty's ships of war which had been cruising for two
+years past in the South Seas against the Spaniards, who were at war
+with the king his master; that, in his way back to England, he had put
+into the port of Macao, having a considerable leak in his ship, and
+being in great want of provisions, so that it was impossible for
+him to proceed on his voyage till his ship was repaired, and he was
+supplied with the necessaries he wanted; that he had been at Canton,
+in hopes of being admitted to a personal audience of his excellency,
+but being a stranger to the customs of the country, he had not been
+able to inform himself what steps were necessary to be taken to
+procure such an audience, and therefore was obliged to apply to him
+in this manner, to desire his excellency to give orders for his being
+permitted to employ carpenters and proper workmen to refit his ship,
+and to furnish himself with provisions and stores, thereby to enable
+him to pursue his voyage to Great Britain with this monsoon, hoping,
+at the same time, that these orders would be issued with as little
+delay as possible, lest it might occasion his loss of the season, and
+he might be prevented, from departing till the next winter.
+
+This letter was translated into the Chinese language, and the
+commodore delivered it himself to the hoppo, or chief officer of the
+emperor's customs at Macao, desiring him to forward it to the viceroy
+of Canton with as much expedition as he could. The officer at first
+seemed unwilling to take charge of it, and raised many difficulties
+about it, so that Mr Anson suspected him of being in league with the
+merchants of Canton, who had always shown a great apprehension of
+the commodore's having any immediate intercourse with the viceroy or
+mandarines; and, therefore, the commodore, with some resentment, took
+back his letter from the hoppo, and told him he would immediately
+send, an officer with it to Canton in his own boat, and would give him
+positive orders not to return without an answer from the viceroy. The
+hoppo, perceiving the commodore to be in earnest, and fearing to be
+called to an account for his refusal, begged to be entrusted with the
+letter, and promised to deliver it, and to procure an answer as soon
+as possible. And now it was soon seen how justly Mr Anson had at last
+judged of the proper manner of dealing with the Chinese; for this
+letter was written but the 17th of December, as hath been already
+observed, and on the 19th in the morning, a mandarine of the first
+rank, who was governor of the city of Janson, together with two
+mandarines of an inferior class, and a great retinue of officers and
+servants, having with them eighteen half gallies, decorated with a
+great number of streamers, and furnished with music, and full of men,
+came to grapnel a-head of the Centurion; whence the mandarine sent
+a message to the commodore, telling him that he (the mandarine) was
+ordered by the viceroy of Canton to examine the condition of the ship,
+and desiring the ship's boat might be sent to fetch him on board. The
+Centurion's boat was immediately dispatched, and preparations were
+made for receiving him; for a hundred of the most sightly of the crew
+were uniformly drest in the regimentals of the marines, and were drawn
+up under arms on the main-deck on his arrival. When he entered the
+ship he was saluted by the drums, and what other military music there
+was on board; and, passing by the new-formed guard, he was met by the
+commodore on the quarter-deck, who conducted him to the great cabin.
+Here the mandarine explained his commission, declaring, that
+his business was to examine all the particulars mentioned in the
+commodore's letter to the viceroy, and to confront them with the
+representation that had been given of them; that he was particularly
+instructed to inspect the leak, and had for that purpose brought with
+him two Chinese carpenters; and that, for the greater regularity and
+dispatch or his business, he had every head of enquiry separately
+wrote down on a sheet of paper, with a void space opposite to it,
+where he was to insert such information and remarks thereon as he
+could procure by his own observation.
+
+This mandarine appeared to be a person of very considerable parts,
+and endowed with more frankness and honesty than is to be found in the
+generality of the Chinese. After the proper enquiries had been made,
+particularly about the leak, which the Chinese carpenters reported to
+be as dangerous as it had been represented, and consequently that
+it was impossible for the Centurion to proceed to sea without being
+refitted, the mandarine expressed himself satisfied with the account
+given in the commodore's letter. And this magistrate, as he was more
+intelligent than any other person of his nation that came to our
+knowledge, so likewise was he more curious and inquisitive, viewing
+each part of the ship with particular attention, and appearing greatly
+surprised at the largeness of the lower-deck guns, and at the weight
+and size of the shot. The commodore, observing his astonishment,
+thought this a proper opportunity to convince the Chinese of the
+prudence of granting him a speedy and ample supply of all he wanted:
+With this view he told the mandarine, and those who were with him,
+that, besides the demands he made for a general supply, he had a
+particular complaint against the proceedings of the custom-house of
+Macao; that at his first arrival the Chinese boats had brought on
+board plenty of greens, and variety of fresh provisions for daily use,
+for which they had always been paid to their full satisfaction, but
+that the custom-house officers at Macao had soon forbid them, by which
+means he was deprived of those refreshments which were of the utmost
+consequence to the health of his men after their long and sickly
+voyage; that as they, the mandarines, had informed themselves of his
+wants, and were eye-witnesses of the force and strength of his
+ship, they might be satisfied it was not for want of power to supply
+himself, that he desired the permission of the government to purchase
+what provisions he stood in need of; that they must be convinced that
+the Centurion alone was capable of destroying the whole navigation of
+the port of Canton, or of any other port in China, without running the
+least risk from all the force the Chinese could collect; that it
+was true this was not the manner of proceeding between nations in
+friendship with each other, but it was likewise true that it was
+not customary for any nation to permit the ships of their friends to
+starve and sink in their ports, when those friends had money to supply
+their wants, and only desired liberty to lay it out; that they must
+confess he and his people had hitherto behaved with great modesty and
+reserve, but that, as his wants were each day increasing, hunger
+would at last prove too strong for any restraint, and necessity was
+acknowledged in all countries to be superior to every other law, and
+therefore it could not be expected that his crew would long continue
+to starve in the midst of that plenty to which their eyes were every
+day witnesses. To this the commodore added, (though perhaps with a
+less serious air,) that if by the delay of supplying him with fresh
+provisions his men should be reduced to the necessity of turning
+cannibals, and preying upon their own species, it was easy to be
+foreseen, that, independent of their friendship to their comrades,
+they would, in point of luxury, prefer the plump well-fed Chinese to
+their own emaciated shipmates. The first mandarine acquiesced in the
+justness of this reasoning, and told the commodore that he should that
+night proceed for Canton; that on his arrival a counsel of mandarines
+would be summoned, of which he himself was a member, and that by being
+employed in the present commission, he was of course the commodore's
+advocate; that, as he was fully convinced of the urgency of Mr Anson's
+necessity, he did not doubt but on his representation the counsel
+would be of the same opinion; and that all that was demanded would
+be amply and speedily granted. And with regard to the commodore's
+complaint of the custom-house of Macao, he undertook to rectify that
+immediately by his own authority; for, desiring a list to be given him
+of the quantity of provision necessary for the expense of the ship
+for a day, he wrote a permit under it, and delivered it to one of his
+attendants, directing him to see that quantity sent on board early
+every morning; and this order, from that time forwards, was punctually
+complied with.[8]
+
+[Footnote 8: Captain Krusenstern, in his very interesting work already
+referred to, relates an anecdote, which it may amuse the reader to
+compare with the reasoning of Commodore Anson's now given:
+
+"An English brig (The Harrier) of eighteen guns, sent by Captain Wood,
+commanding a squadron on that station, to demand indemnification for
+a Spanish prize stranded on the coast of China, and plundered by the
+natives, had the audacity, in defiance of the laws of China, which
+prohibit ships of war going up the Tigris, to force her way as high as
+Whampoa. Two mandarines, as usual, went aboard the brig at the mouth
+of the river, to enquire what her cargo was. The captain shewed them a
+cannon-ball, on which they instantly retired.
+
+"The brig," says K. "had found her way to Whampoa without a pilot; and
+the captain, with a guard of twelve men, proceeded to Canton to
+demand the payment of the sum (L30,000.) This daring conduct threw the
+viceroy into astonishment, and perhaps occasioned him some terror; for
+nothing but the excessive cowardice of the Chinese could have deterred
+him from noticing the affront. They, indeed, shewed a disposition
+after the captain had quitted Canton of avenging themselves, but this
+altogether in their customary manner; and I was assured, that the
+viceroy, as indemnification for this insult of the English captain,
+had imposed a heavy fine upon the Kohong (a company of merchants
+possessing the monopoly of the European trade,) although the members
+of this body could have no concern in the transaction." Capt. K. is
+decidedly of opinion, that nothing but resolute conduct will overcome
+the fickleness and knavery of the Chinese. He pays a high compliment
+to our countrymen, especially Mr Drummond, president of the factory,
+who interfered in his behalf when at Whampoa, and with effect, when
+they could easily have thwarted his plan, and embroiled his government
+with that of China. "That they pursued a very different line of
+conduct," says he, "will appear by the above account of their
+proceedings; nor can I sufficiently rejoice at the zeal and eagerness
+manifested by them in this business. Had we been detained only
+twenty-four-hours longer (he had applied for leave to depart, which
+was granted with much difficulty, and actually revoked a day after
+he had gone,) we must have fallen into the absolute power of these
+savages, who have been emboldened by an useless moderation, not only
+to call the polite nations of Europe barbarians, but also to treat
+them as such."--E.]
+
+When this weighty affair was thus in some degree regulated, the
+commodore invited him and his two attendant mandarines to dinner,
+telling them at the same time, that if his provisions, either in
+kind or quantity, were not what they might expect, they must thank
+themselves for having confined him to so hard an allowance. One of his
+dishes was beef, which the Chinese all dislike, though Mr Anson
+was not apprized of it; this seems to be derived from the India
+superstition, which for some ages past has made a great progress
+in China. However, his guests did not entirely fast; for the three
+mandarines completely finished the white part of four large fowls. But
+they were extremely embarrassed with their knives and forks, and were
+quite incapable of making use of them: So that, after some fruitless
+attempts to help themselves, which were sufficiently awkward, one of
+the attendants was obliged to cut their meat in small pieces for them.
+But whatever difficulty they might have in complying with the European
+manner of eating, they seemed not to be novices in drinking. The
+commodore excused himself in this part of the entertainment, under the
+pretence of illness; but there being another gentleman present, of a
+florid and jovial complexion, the chief mandarine clapped him on the
+shoulder, and told him by the interpreter, that certainly he could not
+plead sickness, and therefore insisted on his bearing him company; and
+that gentleman perceiving, that after they had dispatched four or five
+bottles of Frontiniac, the mandarine still continued unruffled, he
+ordered a bottle of citron-water to be brought up, which the Chinese
+seemed much to relish; and this being near finished, they arose from
+table in appearance cool and uninfluenced by what they had drank,
+and the commodore having, according to custom, made the mandarine a
+present, they all departed in the same vessels that brought them.
+
+After their departure, the commodore with great impatience expected
+the resolution of the council, and the necessary licences for his
+refitment. For it must be observed, as hath already appeared from
+the preceding narration, that he could neither purchase stores nor
+necessaries with his money, nor did any kind of workmen dare to engage
+themselves to work for him, without the permission of the government
+first obtained. And in the execution of these particular injunctions,
+the magistrates never fail of exercising great severity, they,
+notwithstanding the fustian eulogiums bestowed on them by the catholic
+missionaries and their European copiers, being composed of the same
+fragile materials with the rest of mankind, and often making use
+of the authority of the law, not to suppress crimes, but to enrich
+themselves by the pillage of those who commit them; for capital
+punishments are rare in China, the effeminate genius of the nation,
+and their strong attachment to lucre, disposing them rather to make
+use of fines; and hence arises no inconsiderable profit to those
+who compose their tribunals: Consequently prohibitions of all kinds,
+particularly such as the alluring prospect of great profit may often
+tempt the subject to infringe, cannot but be favourite institutions in
+such a government. But to return:
+
+Some time before this, Captain Saunders took his passage to England
+on board a Swedish ship, and was charged with dispatches from the
+commodore; and soon after, in the month of December, Captain Mitchel,
+Colonel Cracherode, and Mr Tassel, one of the agent-victuallers, with
+his nephew Mr Charles Harriot, embarked on board some of our company's
+ships; and I, having obtained, the commodore's leave to return home,
+embarked with them.
+
+Whilst we lay here at Macao, we were informed by some of the officers
+of our Indiamen, that the Severn and Pearl, the two ships of our
+squadron, which had separated from us off Cape Noir, were safely
+arrived at Rio Janeiro on the coast of Brazil. I have formerly taken
+notice, that at the time of their separation, we apprehended them
+to be lost. And there were many reasons which greatly favoured this
+suspicion: For we knew that the Severn in particular was extremely
+sickly; and this was the more obvious to the rest of the ships, as,
+in the preceding part of the voyage, her commander, Captain Legg, had
+been remarkable for his exemplary punctuality in keeping his station,
+till, for the last ten days before his separation, his crew was so
+diminished and enfeebled, that with his utmost efforts it was not
+possible for him to maintain it. Whatever was the cause of it, the
+Severn was by much the most sickly of the squadron: For before her
+departure from St Catharines, she buried more men than any of them,
+insomuch that the commodore was obliged to recruit her with a number
+of fresh hands; and the mortality still continuing, she was supplied
+with men a second time at sea, after our setting sail from St Julians;
+and, notwithstanding these different reinforcements, she was at last
+reduced to the distressed condition I have already mentioned.
+
+Notwithstanding the favourable disposition of the mandarine governor
+of Janson, at his leaving Mr Anson, several days were elapsed before
+he had any advice from him; and Mr Anson was privately informed there
+were great debates in council upon his affair; partly perhaps owing
+to its being so unusual a case, and in part to the influence, as I
+suppose, of the French at Canton: For they had a countryman and fast
+friend residing on the spot, who spoke the language very well, and
+was not unacquainted with the venality of the government, nor with the
+persons of several of the magistrates, and consequently could not be
+at a loss for means of traversing the assistance desired by Mr
+Anson. And this opposition of the French was not merely the effect of
+national prejudice or contrariety of political interests, but was in
+good measure owing to their vanity, a motive of much more weight with
+the generality of mankind, than any attachment to the public service
+of their community: For, the French pretending their Indiamen to be
+men of war, their officers were apprehensive that any distinction
+granted to Mr Anson, on account of his bearing the king's commission,
+would render them less considerable in the eyes of the Chinese, and
+would establish a prepossession at Canton in favour of ships of war,
+by which they, as trading vessels, would suffer in their importance:
+And I wish the affectation of endeavouring to pass for men of war, and
+the fear of sinking in the estimation of the Chinese, if the Centurion
+was treated in a different manner from themselves, had been confined
+to the officers of the French ships only.[9] However, notwithstanding
+all these obstacles, it should seem that the representation of the
+commodore to the mandarines of the facility with which he could right
+himself, if justice were denied him, had at last its effect: For,
+on the 6th of January, in the morning, the governor of Janson, the
+commodore's advocate, sent down the viceroy of Canton's warrant for
+the refitment of the Centurion, and for supplying her people with
+all they wanted; and the next day a number of Chinese smiths and
+carpenters went on board to agree for the work. They demanded at first
+to the amount of a thousand pounds sterling for the necessary repairs
+of the ship, the boats, and the masts: This the commodore seemed to
+think an unreasonable sum, and endeavoured to persuade them to work
+by the day; but that proposal they would not hearken to; so it was at
+last agreed, that the carpenters should have to the amount of about
+six hundred pounds; and that the smiths should be paid for their
+iron-work by weight, allowing them at the rate of three pounds a
+hundred nearly for the small work, and forty-six shillings for the
+large.
+
+[Footnote 9: This sly insinuation, it is pretty evident from
+the preceding narrative, is directed against some of the English
+merchants.--E.]
+
+This being regulated, the commodore exerted himself to get this most
+important business completed; I mean the heaving down the Centurion,
+and examining the state of her bottom: For this purpose the first
+lieutenant was dispatched to Canton to hire two country vessels,
+called in their language junks, one of them being intended to heave
+down by, and the other to serve as a magazine for the powder and
+ammunition: At the same time the ground was smoothed on one of the
+neighbouring islands, and a large tent was pitched for lodging the
+lumber and provisions, and near a hundred Chinese caulkers were
+soon set to work on the decks and sides of the ship. But all these
+preparations, and the getting ready the careening gear, took up a
+great deal of time; for the Chinese caulkers, though they worked very
+well, were far from being expeditions; and it was the 26th of January
+before the junks arrived; and the necessary materials, which were
+to be purchased at Canton, came down very slowly, partly from the
+distance of the place, and partly from the delays and backwardness
+of the Chinese merchants. And in this interval Mr Anson had the
+additional perplexity to discover that his fore-mast was broken
+asunder above the upper deck partners, and was only kept together by
+the fishes which had been formerly clapt upon it.
+
+However, the Centurion's people made the most of their time, and
+exerted themselves the best they could; and as, by clearing the ship,
+the carpenters were enabled to come at the leak, they took care to
+secure that effectually, whilst the other preparations were going
+forwards. The leak was found to be below the fifteen-foot mark, and
+was principally occasioned by one of the bolts being wore away and
+loose in the joining of the stem where it was scarfed.
+
+At last all things being prepared, they, on the 22d of February, in
+the morning, hove out the first course of the Centurion's starboard
+side, and had the satisfaction to find that her bottom appeared sound
+and good; and, the next day (having by that time completed the new
+sheathing of the first course) they righted her again, to set up
+anew the careening rigging which stretched much. Thus they continued
+heaving down, and often righting the ship from a suspicion of their
+careening tackle, till the 3d of March; when, having completed the
+paying and sheathing the bottom, which proved to be every where very
+sound, they for the last time righted the ship to their great joy, for
+not only the fatigue of careening had been considerable, but they had
+been apprehensive of being attacked by the Spaniards, whilst the ship
+was thus incapacitated for defence. Nor were their fears altogether
+groundless; for they learnt afterwards by a Portuguese vessel, that
+the Spaniards at Manilla had been informed that the Centurion was
+in the Typa, and intended to careen there; and that thereupon the
+governor had summoned his council, and had proposed to them to
+endeavour to burn her whilst she was careening, which was an
+enterprise, which, if properly conducted, might have put them in great
+danger: They were farther told that this scheme was not only
+proposed, but resolved on; and that a captain of a vessel had actually
+undertaken to perform the business for forty thousand dollars, which
+he was not to receive unless he succeeded; but the governor pretending
+that there was no treasure in the royal chest, and insisting that the
+merchants should advance the money, and they refusing to comply with
+the demand, the affair was dropped: Perhaps the merchants suspected
+that the whole was only a pretext to get forty thousand dollars from
+them; and indeed this was affirmed by some who bore the governor no
+good will, but with what truth it is difficult to ascertain.
+
+As soon as the Centurion was righted, they took in her powder and
+gunner's stores, and proceeded in getting in their guns as fast as
+possible, and then used their utmost; expedition in repairing the
+fore-mast, and in completing the other articles of her refitment.
+And being thus employed, they were alarmed on the 10th of March, by a
+Chinese fisherman, who brought them intelligence that he had been on
+board a large Spanish ship off the grand Ladrone, and that there were
+two more in company with her: He added several particulars to his
+relation, as that he had brought one of their officers to Macao; and
+that, on this, boats went off early in the morning from Macao to them:
+And the better to establish the belief of his veracity, he said he
+desired no money if his information should not prove true. This was
+presently believed to be the fore-mentioned expedition from Manilla,
+and the commodore immediately fitted his cannon and small arms in the
+best manner he could for defence; and having; then his pinnace and
+cutter in the offing, who had been ordered to examine a Portuguese
+vessel which was getting under sail, he sent them the advice he had
+received, and directed them to look out strictly: But no such ships
+ever appeared, and they were soon satisfied the whole of the story
+was a fiction; though it was difficult to conceive what reason could
+induce the fellow to be at such extraordinary pains to impose on them.
+
+It was the beginning of April before they had new-rigged the ship,
+stowed their provisions and water on board, and had fitted her for the
+sea; and before this time the Chinese grew very uneasy, and extremely
+desirous that she should be gone; either not knowing, or pretending
+not to believe, that this was a point the commodore was as eagerly set
+on as they could be. On the 3d of April, two mandarine boats came on
+board from Macao to urge his departure; and this having been often
+done before, though there had been no pretence to suspect Mr Anson
+of any affected delays, he at this last message answered them in a
+determined tone, desiring them to give him no further trouble, for he
+would go when he thought proper, and not before. On this rebuke the
+Chinese (though it was not in their power to compel him to be gone)
+immediately prohibited all provisions from being carried on board him,
+and took such care that their injunctions should be complied with,
+that from that time forwards nothing could be purchased at any rate
+whatever.
+
+On the 6th of April, the Centurion weighed from the Typa, and warped
+to the southward; and by the 15th, she was got into Macao road,
+completing her water as she passed along, so that there remained now
+very few articles more to attend to, and her whole business being
+finished by the 19th, she, at three in the afternoon of that day,
+weighed and made sail, and stood to sea.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX.
+
+_From Macao to Cape Espiritu Santo; the taking of the Manilla Galleon,
+and returning back again._
+
+The commodore was now got to sea, with his ship very well refitted,
+his stores replenished, and an additional stock of provisions on
+board: His crew too was somewhat reinforced; for he had entered
+twenty-three men during his stay at Macao, the greatest part of which
+were Lascars or Indian sailors, and some few Dutch. He gave out at
+Macao that he was bound to Batavia, and thence to England; and though
+the westerly monsoon was now set in, when that passage is considered
+as impracticable, yet, by the confidence he had expressed in the
+strength of his ship, and the dexterity of his people, he had
+persuaded not only his own crew, but the people at Macao likewise,
+that he proposed to try this unusual experiment; so that there were
+many letters put on board him by the inhabitants of Canton and Macao
+for their friends at Batavia.
+
+But his real design was of a very different nature: For he knew, that
+instead of one annual ship from Acapulco to Manilla, there would be
+this year in all probability two; since, by being before Acapulco, he
+had prevented one of them from putting to sea the preceding season.
+He therefore resolved to cruise for these returning vessels off Cape
+Espiritu Santo, on the island of Samal, which is the first land they
+always make in the Philippine Islands. And as June is generally the
+month in which they arrive there, he doubted not but he should get to
+his intended station time enough to intercept them. It is true, they
+were said to be stout vessels, mounting forty-four guns a-piece, and
+carrying above five hundred hands, and might be expected to return in
+company; and he himself had but two hundred and twenty-seven hands
+on board, of which near thirty were boys: But this disproportion of
+strength did not deter him, as he knew his ship to be much better
+fitted for a sea-engagement than theirs, and as he had reason to
+expect that his men would exert themselves in the most extraordinary
+manner, when they had in view the immense wealth of these Manilla
+galleons.
+
+This project the commodore had resolved on in his own thoughts, ever
+since his leaving the coast of Mexico. And the greatest mortification
+which he received, from the various delays he had met with in China,
+was his apprehension, lest he might be thereby so long retarded as to
+let the galleons escape him. Indeed, at Macao it was incumbent on
+him to keep these views extremely secret; for there being a great
+intercourse and a mutual connection of interests between that port and
+Manilla, he had reason to fear, that if his designs were discovered,
+intelligence would be immediately sent to Manilla, and measures taken
+to prevent the galleons from falling into his hands: But being now at
+sea, and entirely clear of the coast, he summoned all his people on
+the quarter-deck, and informed them of his resolution to cruise for
+the two Manilla ships, of whose wealth they were not ignorant. He told
+them he should chuse a station, where he could not fail of meeting
+with them; and though they were stout ships, and full manned, yet, if
+his own people behaved with their accustomed spirit, he was certain
+he should prove too hard for them both, and that one of them at least
+could not fail of becoming his prize: He further added, that many
+ridiculous tales had been propagated about the strength of the sides
+of these ships, and their being impenetrable to cannon-shot; that
+these fictions had been principally invented to palliate the cowardice
+of those who had formerly engaged them; but he hoped there were none
+of those present weak enough to give credit to so absurd a story: For
+his own part, he did assure them upon his word, that, whenever he met
+with them, he would fight them so near, that they should find, his
+bullets, instead of being stopped by one of their sides, should go
+through them both.
+
+This speech of the commodore's was received by his people with
+great joy: For no sooner had he ended, than they expressed their
+approbation, according to naval custom, by three strenuous cheers, and
+all declared their determination to succeed or perish, whenever the
+opportunity presented itself. And now their hopes, which, since their
+departure from the coast of Mexico, had entirely subsided, were again
+revived; and they all persuaded themselves, that, notwithstanding the
+various casualties and disappointments they had hitherto met with,
+they should yet be repaid the price of their fatigues, and should at
+last return home enriched with the spoils of the enemy: For, firmly
+relying on the assurances of the commodore, that they should certainly
+meet with the vessels, they were all of them too sanguine to doubt a
+moment of mastering them; so that they considered themselves as
+having them already in their possession. And this confidence was
+so universally spread through the whole ship's company, that, the
+commodore having taken some Chinese sheep to sea with him for his own
+provision, and one day enquiring of his butcher, why, for some time
+past, he had seen no mutton at his table, asking him if all the sheep
+were killed, the butcher very seriously replied, that there were
+indeed two sheep left, but that, if his honour would give him leave,
+he proposed to keep those for the entertainment of the general of the
+galleons.
+
+When the Centurion left the port of Macao, she stood for some days to
+the westward; and, on the first of May, they saw part of the island
+of Formosa; and, standing thence to the southward, they, on the 4th
+of May, were in the latitude of the Bashee islands, as laid down by
+Dampier; but they suspected his account of inaccuracy, as they found
+that he had been considerably mistaken in the latitude of the south
+end of Formosa: For this reason they kept a good look-out, and about
+seven in the evening discovered from the mast-head five small islands,
+which were judged to be the Bashees, and they had afterwards a sight
+of Bottle Tobago Xima. By this means they had an opportunity of
+correcting the position of the Bashee islands, which had been hitherto
+laid down twenty-five leagues too far to the westward: For, by their
+observations, they esteemed the middle of these islands to be in 21 deg.
+4' north, and to bear from Botel Tobago Xima S.S.E. twenty leagues
+distant, that island itself being in 21 deg. 57' north.[1]
+
+
+[Footnote 1: The Bashee Islands were so called by Dampier from the
+name of a liquor used by the natives. Four of them are inhabited, and
+are tolerably fertile, producing sugar canes, pine apples, plantaines,
+potatoes, &c. and having some hogs and goats. The inhabitants, who
+are reckoned a harmless and peaceable race, are said to resemble the
+Japanese, and probably are derived from them. The unfortunate Peyreuse
+visited one of the most northerly of these islands, and found its
+latitude to be 21 deg. 9' 13" N. Arrowsmith's map lays them down very
+particularly. The passage betwixt Formosa and these islands is held
+very dangerous on account of the rock called Vele Rete, the precise
+situation of which is matter of discord among the navigators. Captain
+Krusenstern went through this passage during the night, and that
+a stormy one too, with perfect safety, keeping the middle of the
+channel, and having men continually on the look-out. He seems to
+prefer the position of Vele Rete and its reef of rocks, (of about two
+miles circuit,) as given by Broughton, according to whose observations
+the latitude is 21 deg. 43' 24", and the longitude 239 deg. 15'.--E.]
+
+After getting a sight of the Bashee islands, they stood between the S.
+and S.W. for Cape Espiritu Santo; and, the 20th of May at noon, they
+first discovered that cape, which about four o'clock they brought
+to bear S.S.W. about eleven leagues distant. It appeared to be of a
+moderate height, with several round hummocks on it. As it was known
+that there were centinels placed upon this cape to make signals to the
+Acapulco ship, when she first falls in with the land, the commodore
+immediately tacked, and ordered the top-gallant sails to be taken in,
+to prevent being discovered; and, this being the station in which it
+was resolved to cruise for the galleons, they kept the cape between
+the south and the west, and endeavoured to confine themselves between
+the latitude of 12 deg. 50', and 13 deg. 5', the cape itself lying, by their
+observations, in 12 deg. 40' north, and 4 deg. of east longitude from Botel
+Tobago Xima.
+
+It was the last of May, when they arrived off this cape; and the month
+of June being that in which the Manilla ships are usually expected,
+the Centurion's people were now waiting each hour with the utmost
+impatience for the happy crisis which was to balance the account
+of all their past calamities. As from this time there was but small
+employment for the crew, the commodore ordered them almost every day
+to be exercised in the management of the great guns, and in the use
+of their small arms. This had been his practice, more or less, at all
+convenient seasons, during the whole course of his voyage; and the
+advantages which he received from it, in his engagement with the
+galleon, were an ample recompence for all his care and attention.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: The original has here some reflections on the importance
+and advantages of exercising the seamen in firing, &c. which, however
+good, are too common and obvious to merit insertion. The art of
+destroying men's lives has been abundantly improved since our author's
+day.--E.]
+
+The galleons being now expected, the commodore made all necessary
+preparations for receiving them, having hoisted out his long-boat, and
+lashed her alongside, that the ship might be ready for engaging, if
+they fell in with the galleons in the night. All this time too he was
+very solicitous to keep at such a distance from the cape, as not to
+be discovered: But it hath been since learnt, that notwithstanding
+his care, he was seen from the land; and advice of him was sent
+to Manilla, where it was at first disbelieved, but on reiterated
+intelligence (for it seems he was seen more than once) their merchants
+were alarmed, and the governor was applied to, who undertook (the
+commerce supplying the necessary sums) to fit out a force consisting
+of two ships of thirty-two guns, one of twenty guns, and two sloops
+of ten guns each, to attack the Centurion on her station: And some
+of these vessels did actually weigh with this view; but the principal
+ship not being ready, and the monsoon being against then, the commerce
+and the governor disagreed, and the enterprize was laid aside. This
+frequent discovery of the Centurion from the shore was somewhat
+extraordinary; for the pitch of the cape is not high, and she usually
+kept from ten to fifteen leagues distant; though once indeed, by an
+indraught of the tide, as was supposed, they found themselves in the
+morning within seven leagues of the land.
+
+As the month of June advanced, the expectancy and impatience of the
+commodore's people each day increased. And I think no better idea can
+be given of their great eagerness on this occasion, than by copying a
+few paragraphs from the journal of an officer, who was then on
+board, as it will, I presume, be a more natural picture of the full
+attachment of their thoughts to the business of their cruise, than can
+be given by any other means. The paragraphs I have selected, as they
+occur in order of time, are as follow:
+
+"_May_ 31. Exercising our men at their quarters, in great expectation
+of meeting with the galleons very soon; this being the eleventh of
+June their stile."
+
+"_June_ 3. Keeping in our stations, and looking out for the galleons."
+
+"_June_ 5. Begin now to be in great expectation, this being the middle
+of June their stile."
+
+"_June_ 11. Begin to grow impatient at not seeing the galleons."
+
+"_June_ 13. The wind having blown fresh easterly for the forty-eight
+hours past, gives us great expectations of seeing the galleons soon."
+
+"_June_ 15. Cruising on and off, and looking out strictly."
+
+"_June_ 19. This being the last day of June, N.S. the galleons, if
+they arrive at all, must appear soon."
+
+From these samples it is sufficiently evident, how completely the
+treasure of the galleons had engrossed their imagination, and how
+anxiously they passed the latter part of their cruise, when the
+certainty of the arrival of these vessels was dwindled down to
+probability only, and that probability became each hour more and more
+doubtful. However, on the 20th of June, O.S. being just a month from
+their arrival on their station, they were relieved from this state
+of uncertainty; when, at sun-rise, they discovered a sail from the
+mast-head, in the S.E. quarter. On this, a general joy spread
+through the whole ship; for they had no doubt but this was one of
+the galleons, and they expected soon to see the other. The commodore
+instantly stood towards her, and at half an hour after seven they were
+near enough to see her from the Centurion's deck; at which time the
+galleon fired a gun, and took in her top-gallant sails, which
+was supposed to be a signal to her consort, to hasten her up; and
+therefore the Centurion fired a gun to leeward, to amuse her. The
+commodore was surprised to find, that in all this time the galleon
+did not change her course, but continued to bear down upon him; for
+he hardly believed, what afterwards appeared to be the case, that she
+knew his ship to be the Centurion, and resolved to fight him.
+
+About noon the commodore was little more than a league distant from
+the galleon, and could fetch her wake, so that she could not now
+escape; and, no second ship appearing, it was concluded that she had
+been separated from her consort. Soon after, the galleon haled up
+her fore-sail, and brought-to under top-sails, with her head to the
+northward, hoisting Spanish colours, and having the standard of Spain
+flying at the top-gallant-mast-head. Mr Anson, in the mean time, had
+prepared all things for an engagement on board the Centurion, and had
+taken all possible care, both for the most effectual exertion of his
+small strength, and for the avoiding the confusion and tumult too
+frequent in actions of this kind. He picked out about thirty of his
+choicest hands and best marksmen, whom he distributed into his tops,
+and who fully answered his expectation, by the signal services
+they performed. As he had not hands enough remaining to quarter a
+sufficient number to each great gun, in the customary manner, he
+therefore, on his lower tire, fixed only two men to each gun, who were
+to be solely employed in loading it, whilst the rest of his people
+were divided into different gangs of ten or twelve men each, who were
+constantly moving about the decks, to ran out and fire such guns as
+were loaded. By this management he was enabled to make use of all his
+guns; and, instead of firing broad-sides with intervals between them,
+he kept up a constant fire without intermission, whence he doubted not
+to procure very signal advantages; for it is common with the Spaniards
+to fall down upon the decks when they see a broadside preparing, and
+to continue in that posture till it is given; after which they rise
+again, and, presuming the danger to be for some time over, work their
+guns, and fire with great briskness, till another broad-side is ready:
+But the firing gun by gun, in the manner directed by the commodore,
+rendered this practice of theirs impossible.
+
+The Centurion being thus prepared, and nearing the galleon apace,
+there happened, a little after noon, several squalls of wind and rain,
+which often obscured the galleon from their sight; but whenever it
+cleared up, they observed her resolutely lying-to; and, towards one
+o'clock, the Centurion hoisted her broad pendant and colours, she
+being then within gun-shot of the enemy. And the commodore observing
+the Spaniards to have neglected clearing their ship till that time, as
+he then saw them throwing overboard cattle and lumber, he gave orders
+to fire upon them with the chace-guns, to embarrass them in their
+work, and prevent them from completing it, though his general
+directions had been not to engage till they were within pistol-shot.
+The galleon returned the fire with two of her stern-chacers; and, the
+Centurion getting her sprit-sail-yard fore and aft, that if necessary
+she might be ready for boarding, the Spaniards in a bravado rigged
+their sprit-sail-yard fore and aft likewise. Soon after, the Centurion
+came a-breast of the enemy within pistol-shot, keeping to the leeward
+with a view of preventing them from putting before the wind, and
+gaining the port of Jalapay, from which they were about seven leagues
+distant. And now the engagement began in earnest, and, for the first
+half hour, Mr Anson over-reached the galleon, and lay on her bow;
+where, by the great wideness of his ports, he could traverse almost
+all his guns upon the enemy, whilst the galleon could only bring a
+part of hers to bear. Immediately on the commencement of the action,
+the mats, with which the galleon had stuffed her netting, took fire,
+and burnt violently, blazing up half as high as the mizen-top. This
+accident (supposed to be caused by the Centurion's wads) threw
+the enemy into great confusion, and at the same time alarmed the
+commodore, for he feared least the galleon should be burnt, and least
+he himself too might suffer by her driving on board him: But the
+Spaniards at last freed themselves from the fire, by cutting away the
+netting, and tumbling the whole mass, which was in flames, into the
+sea. But still the Centurion kept her first advantageous position,
+firing her cannon with great regularity and briskness, whilst at the
+same time the galleon's decks lay open to her top-men, who, having
+at their first volley driven the Spaniards from their tops, made
+prodigious havock with their small-arms, killing or wounding every
+officer but one that ever appeared on the quarter-deck, and wounding
+in particular the general of the galleon himself. And though the
+Centurion, after the first half hour, lost her original situation,
+and was close alongside the galleon, and the enemy continued to
+fire briskly for near an hour longer, yet at last the commodore's
+grape-shot swept their decks so effectually, and the number of their
+slain and wounded was so considerable, that they began to fall into
+great disorder, especially as the general, who was the life of the
+action, was no longer capable of exerting himself. Their embarrassment
+was visible from on board the commodore. For the ships were so near,
+that some of the Spanish officers were seen running about with great
+assiduity, to prevent the desertion of their men from their quarters:
+But all their endeavours were in vain; for after having, as a last
+effort, fired five or six guns with more judgment than usual, they
+gave up the contest; and, the galleon's colours being singed off
+the ensign-staff in the beginning of the engagement, she struck
+the standard at her main-top-gallant-mast-head, the person who was
+employed to do it, having been in imminent peril of being killed,
+had not the commodore, who perceived what he was about, given express
+orders to his people to desist from firing.
+
+Thus was the Centurion possessed of this rich prize, amounting in
+value to near a million and a half of dollars. She was called the
+Nostra Signora de Cabadonga, and was commanded by the general Don
+Jeronimo de Montero, a Portuguese by birth, and the most approved
+officer for skill and courage of any employed in that service. The
+galleon, was much larger than the Centurion, had five hundred and
+fifty men and thirty-six guns mounted for action, besides twenty-eight
+pidreroes in her gunwale, quarters and tops, each of which carried a
+four-pound ball. She was very well furnished with small arms, and was
+particularly provided against boarding, both by her close quarters,
+and by a strong net-work of two-inch rope, which was laced over her
+waist, and was defended by half pikes. She had sixty-seven killed in
+the action, and eighty-four wounded, whilst the Centurion had only two
+killed, and a lieutenant and sixteen wounded, all of whom, but one,
+recovered: Of so little consequence are the most destructive arms in
+untutored and unpractised hands.
+
+The treasure thus taken by the Centurion having been for at least
+eighteen months the great object of their hopes, it is impossible
+to describe the transport on board, when, after all their reiterated
+disappointments, they at last saw their wishes accomplished. But their
+joy was near being suddenly damped by a most tremendous incident: For
+no sooner had the galleon struck, than one of the lieutenants coming
+to Mr Anson to congratulate him on his prize, whispered him at
+the same time, that the Centurion was dangerously on fire near the
+powder-room. The commodore received this dreadful news without any
+apparent emotion, and, taking care not to alarm his people, gave the
+necessary orders for extinguishing it, which was happily done in a
+short time, though its appearance at first was extremely terrible. It
+seems some cartridges had been blown up by accident between decks,
+by which a quantity of oakum in the after-hatch-way, near the
+after-powder-room, was set on fire; and the great smother and smoke
+of the oakum occasioned the apprehension of a more extended and
+mischievous fire. At the same instant, too, the galleon fell on board
+the Centurion on the starboard quarter, but she was cleared without
+doing or receiving any considerable damage.
+
+The commodore made his first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, captain of this
+prize, appointing her a post-ship in his majesty's service. Captain
+Saumarez, before night, sent on board the Centurion all the Spanish
+prisoners, but such as were thought the most proper to be retained to
+assist in navigating the galleon. And now the commodore learnt, from
+some of the prisoners, that the other ship, which he had kept in the
+port of Acapulco the preceding year, instead of returning in company
+with the present prize, as was expected, had set sail from Acapulco
+alone much sooner than usual, and had, in all probability, got into
+the port of Manilla long before the Centurion arrived off Espiritu
+Santo; so that Mr Anson, notwithstanding his present success, had
+great reason to regret his loss of time at Macao, which prevented him
+from taking two rich prizes instead of one.
+
+The commodore, when the action was ended, resolved to make the best of
+his way with his prize for the river of Canton, being in the mean time
+fully employed in securing his prisoners, and in removing the treasure
+from on board the galleon into the Centurion. The last of these
+operations was too important to be postponed; for as the navigation to
+Canton was through seas but little known, and where, from the season
+of the year, much bad weather might be expected, it was of great
+consequence that the treasure should be sent on board the Centurion,
+which ship, by the presence of the commander in chief, the greater
+number of her hands, and her other advantages, was doubtless much
+safer against all the casualties of winds and seas than the galleon;
+and the securing the prisoners was a matter of still more consequence,
+as not only the possession of the treasure, but the lives of the
+captors, depended thereon. This was indeed an article which gave the
+commodore much trouble and disquietude; for they were above double the
+number of his own people; and some of them, when they were brought on
+board the Centurion, and had observed how slenderly she was manned,
+and the large proportion which the striplings bore to the rest, could
+not help expressing themselves with great indignation to be thus
+beaten by a handful of boys. The method, which was taken to hinder
+them from rising, was by placing all but the officers and the
+wounded in the hold, where, to give them as much air as possible, two
+hatch-ways were left open; but then (to avoid all danger, whilst
+the Centurion's people should be employed upon the deck) there was a
+square partition of thick planks, made in the shape of a funnel,
+which enclosed each hatch-way on the lower deck, and reached to
+that directly over it on the upper deck; these funnels served to
+communicate the air to the hold better than could have been done
+without them; and, at the same time, added greatly to the security of
+the ship; for they being seven or eight feet high, it would have been
+extremely difficult for the Spaniards to have clambered up; and
+still to augment that difficulty, four swivel-guns loaded with
+musquet-bullets were planted at the mouth of each funnel, and a
+centinel with lighted match constantly attended, prepared to fire into
+the hold amongst them, in case of any disturbance. Their officers,
+who amounted to seventeen or eighteen, were all lodged in the first
+lieutenant's cabin, under a constant guard of six men; and the
+general, as he was wounded, lay in the commodore's cabin with a
+centinel always with him; and they were all informed, that any
+violence or disturbance would be punished with instant death. And
+that the Centurion's people might be at all times prepared, if,
+notwithstanding these regulations, any tumult should arise, the small
+arms were constantly kept loaded in a proper place, whilst all the men
+went armed with cutlasses and pistols; and no officer ever pulled off
+his cloaths, and when he slept had always his arms lying ready by him.
+
+These measures were obviously necessary, considering the hazards to
+which the commodore and his people would have been exposed, had they
+been less careful. Indeed, the sufferings of the poor prisoners,
+though impossible to be alleviated, were much to be commiserated; for
+the weather was extremely hot, the stench of the hold loathsome beyond
+all conception, and their allowance of water but just sufficient to
+keep them alive, it not being practicable to spare them more than at
+the rate of a pint a-day for each, the crew themselves having only an
+allowance of a pint and a half. All this considered, it was wonderful
+that not a man of them died during their long confinement, except
+three of the wounded, who died the same night they were taken; though
+it must be confessed, that the greatest part of them were strangely
+metamorphosed by the heat of the hold; for when they were first taken,
+they were sightly, robust fellows; but when, after above a month's
+imprisonment, they were discharged in the river of Canton, they were
+reduced to mere skeletons; and their air and looks corresponded much
+more to the conception formed of ghosts and spectres, than to the
+figure and appearance of real men.
+
+Thus employed in securing the treasure and the prisoners, the
+commodore stood for the river of Canton; and, on the 30th of June, at
+six in the evening, got sight of Cape Delangano, which then bore west
+ten leagues distant; and, the next day, he made the Bashee islands,
+and the wind being so far to the northward, that it was difficult to
+weather them, it was resolved to stand through between Grafton and
+Monmouth islands, where the passage seemed to be clear; but in getting
+through, the sea had a very dangerous aspect, for it rippled and
+foamed, as if it had been full of breakers, which was still more
+terrible, as it was then night. But the ships got through very safe,
+(the prize always keeping a-head) and it was found that the appearance
+which had alarmed them had been occasioned only by a strong tide. I
+must here observe, that though the Bashee islands are usually reckoned
+to be no more than five, yet there are many more lying about them
+to the westward, which, as the channels amongst them are not at all
+known, makes it advisable for ships, rather to pass to the northward
+or southward, than through them; and indeed the commodore proposed
+to have gone to the northward, between them and Formosa, had it been
+possible for him to have weathered them. From hence the Centurion
+steering the proper course for the river of Canton, she, on the 8th
+of July, discovered the island of Supata, the westermost of the
+Lema islands. This island they made to be an hundred and thirty-nine
+leagues distant from Grafton's island, and to bear from it north 82 deg.,
+37 deg. west: And, on the 11th, having taken on board two Chinese pilots,
+one for the Centurion, and the other for the prize, they came to an
+anchor off the city of Macao.
+
+By this time the particulars of the cargo of the galleon were well
+ascertained, and it was found that she had on board 1,313,843 pieces
+of eight, and 35,682 oz. of virgin silver, besides some cochineal, and
+a few other commodities, which, however, were but of small account, in
+comparison of the specie. And this being the commodore's last prize,
+it hence appears, that all the treasure taken by the Centurion was
+not much short of 400,000l. independent of the ships and merchandise,
+which she either burnt or destroyed, and which, by the most reasonable
+estimation, could not amount to so little as 600,000l. more; so that
+the whole loss of the enemy, by our squadron, did doubtless exceed a
+million sterling. To which, if there be added the great expence of the
+court of Spain, in fitting out Pizarro, and in paying the additional
+charges in America, incurred on our account, together with the loss
+of their men of war, the total of all these articles will be a most
+exorbitant sum, and is the strongest conviction of the utility of this
+expedition, which, with all its numerous disadvantages, did yet prove
+so extremely prejudicial to the enemy.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI.
+
+_Transactions in the River of Canton._
+
+The commodore, having taken pilots on board, proceeded with his prize
+for the river of Canton; and on the 14th of July, came to an anchor
+short of the Bocca Tigris, which is a narrow passage forming the mouth
+of that river: This entrance he proposed to stand through the next
+day, and to run up as far as Tiger island, which is a very safe road,
+secured from all winds. But whilst the Centurion and her prize were
+thus at anchor, a boat with an officer came off from the mandarine,
+commanding the forts at Bocca Tigris, to examine what the ships were,
+and whence they came. Mr Anson informed the officer, that his ship was
+a ship of war, belonging to the king of Great Britain; and that the
+other in company with him was a prize he had taken; that he was going
+into Canton river to shelter himself against the hurricanes which were
+then coming on; and that as soon as the monsoon shifted, he should
+proceed for England. The officer then desired an account of what men,
+guns, and ammunition were on board, a list of all which he said was
+to be sent to the government of Canton. But when these articles were
+repeated to him, particularly when he was told that there were in the
+Centurion four hundred firelocks, and between three and four hundred
+barrels of powder, he shrugged up his shoulders, and seemed to be
+terrified with the bare recital, saying, that no ships ever came into
+Canton river armed in that manner; adding, that he durst not set down
+the whole of this force, lest it should too much alarm the regency.
+After he had finished his enquiries, and was preparing to depart, he
+desired to leave the two custom-house officers behind him; on which
+the commodore told him, that though as a man of war he was prohibited
+from trading, and had nothing to do with customs or duties of any
+kind, yet, for the satisfaction of the Chinese, he would permit two
+of their people to be left on board, who might themselves be witnesses
+how punctually he should comply with his instructions. The officer
+seemed amazed when Mr Anson mentioned being exempted from all duties,
+and told him, that the emperor's duty must be paid by all ships
+that came into his ports: And it is supposed, that on this occasion,
+private directions were given by him to the Chinese pilot, not to
+carry the commodore through the Bocca Tigris; which makes it necessary
+more particularly to describe that entrance.
+
+The Bocca Tigris is a narrow passage, little more than musquet-shot
+over, formed by two points of land, on each of which there is a fort,
+that on the starboard-side being a battery on the water's edge, with
+eighteen embrasures, but where there were no more than twelve iron
+cannon mounted, seeming to be four or six pounders; the fort on the
+larboard-side is a large castle, resembling those old buildings
+which here in England we often find distinguished by that name; it is
+situated on a high rock, and did not appear to be furnished with more
+than eight or ten cannon, none of which were supposed to exceed six
+pounders. These are the defences which secure the river of Canton;
+and which the Chinese (extremely defective in all military skill) have
+imagined were sufficient to prevent any enemy from forcing his way
+through.
+
+But it is obvious, from the description of these forts, that they
+could have given no obstruction to Mr Anson's passage, even if they
+had been well supplied with gunners and stores; and therefore, though
+the pilot, after the Chinese officer had been on board, refused at
+first to take charge of the ship, till he had leave from the forts,
+yet as it was necessary to get through without any delay, for fear of
+the bad weather which was hourly expected, the commodore weighed on
+the 15th, and ordered the pilot to carry him by the forts, threatening
+him that, if the ship ran aground, he would instantly hang him up
+at the yard-arm. The pilot, awed by these threats, carried the ship
+through safely, the forts not attempting to dispute the passage.
+Indeed the poor pilot did not escape the resentment of his countrymen,
+for when he came on shore, he was seized and sent to prison, and was
+rigorously disciplined with the bamboo. However, he found means to
+get at Mr Anson afterwards, to desire of him some recompence for
+the chastisement he had undergone, and of which he then carried very
+significant marks about him; and Mr Anson, in commiseration of his
+sufferings, gave him such a sum of money, as would at any time have
+enticed a Chinese to have undergone a dozen bastinadings.
+
+Nor was the pilot the only person that suffered on this occasion;
+for the commodore soon after seeing some royal junks pass by him from
+Bocca Tigris towards Canton, he learnt, on enquiry, that the mandarine
+commanding the forts was a prisoner on board them; that he was already
+turned out, and was now carrying to Canton, where it was expected he
+would be severely punished for having permitted the ships to pass; and
+the commodore urging the unreasonableness of this procedure, from
+the inability of the forts to have done otherwise, explaining to the
+Chinese the great superiority his ships would have had over the forts,
+by the number and size of their guns, the Chinese seemed to acquiesce
+in his reasoning, and allowed that their forts could not have stopped
+him; but they still asserted, that the mandarine would infallibly
+suffer, for not having done what all his judges were convinced was
+impossible. To such indefensible absurdities are those obliged to
+submit who think themselves concerned to support their authority, when
+the necessary force is wanting.
+
+On the 16th of July the commodore sent his second lieutenant to
+Canton, with a letter to the viceroy, informing him of the reason of
+the Centurion's putting into that port; and that the commodore himself
+soon proposed to repair to Canton, to pay a visit to the viceroy. The
+lieutenant was very civilly received, and was promised that an answer
+should be sent to the commodore the next day. In the mean time Mr
+Anson gave leave to several of the officers of the galleon to go to
+Canton, they engaging their parole to return in two days. When these
+prisoners got to Canton, the regency sent for them, and examined them,
+enquiring particularly by what means they had fallen into Mr Anson's
+power. And on this occasion the prisoners were honest enough to
+declare, that as the kings of Great Britain and of Spain were at war,
+they had proposed to themselves the taking of the Centurion, and
+had bore down upon her with that view, but that the event had been
+contrary to their hopes: However, they acknowledged that they had been
+treated by the commodore, much better than they believed they should
+have treated him, had he fallen into their hands. This confession from
+an enemy had great weight with the Chinese, who, till then, though
+they had revered the commodore's power, had yet suspected his morals,
+and had considered him rather as a lawless freebooter, than as one
+commissioned by the state for the revenge of public injuries. But
+they now changed their opinion, and regarded him as a more important
+person; to which perhaps the vast treasure of his prize might not a
+little contribute; the acquisition of wealth being a matter greatly
+adapted to the estimation and reverence of the Chinese nation.
+
+In this examination of the Spanish prisoners, though the Chinese had
+no reason in the main to doubt of the account which was given them,
+yet there were two circumstances which appeared to them so singular,
+as to deserve a more ample explanation; one of them was the great
+disproportion of men between the Centurion and the galleon; the other
+was the humanity with which the people of the galleon were treated
+after they were taken. The mandarines therefore asked the Spaniards,
+how they came to be overpowered by so inferior a force; and how it
+happened, since the two nations were at war, that they were not put
+to death when they came into the hands of the English. To the first of
+these enquiries the Spaniards replied, that though they had more hands
+than the Centurion, yet she being intended solely for war, had a great
+superiority in the size of her guns, and in many other articles, over
+the galleon, which was a vessel fitted out principally for traffic:
+And as to the second question, they told the Chinese, that amongst
+the nations of Europe, it was not customary to put to death those who
+submitted; though they readily owned, that the commodore, from
+the natural bias of his temper, had treated both them and their
+countrymen, who had formerly been in his power, with very unusual
+courtesy, much beyond what they could have expected, or than was
+required by the customs established between nations at war with each
+other. These replies fully satisfied the Chinese, and at the same time
+wrought very powerfully in the commodore's favour.
+
+On the 20th of July, in the morning, three mandarines, with a great
+number of boats, and a vast retinue, came on board the Centurion, and
+delivered to the commodore the viceroy of Canton's order for a daily
+supply of provisions, and for pilots lo carry the ships up the river
+as far as the second bar; and at the same time they delivered him a
+message from the viceroy, in answer to the letter sent to Canton. The
+substance of the message was, that the viceroy desired to be excused
+from receiving the commodore's visit, during the then excessive hot
+weather; because the assembling the mandarines and soldiers, necessary
+to that ceremony, would prove extremely inconvenient and fatiguing;
+but that in September, when the weather would be more temperate, he
+should be glad to see both the commodore himself, and the English
+captain of the other ship, that was with him. As Mr Anson knew that an
+express had been dispatched to the court at Pekin, with an account of
+the Centurion and her prize being arrived in the river of Canton, he
+had no doubt, but the principal motive for putting off this visit was,
+that the regency at Canton might gain time to receive the emperor's
+instructions, about their behaviour on this unusual affair.
+
+When the mandarines had delivered their message, they began to talk
+to the commodore about the duties to be paid by his ships; but he
+immediately told them, that he would never submit to any demand of
+that kind; that as he neither brought any merchandise thither, nor
+intended to carry any away, he could not be reasonably deemed to
+be within the meaning of the emperor's orders, which were doubtless
+calculated for trading vessels only, adding, that no duties were ever
+demanded of men of war, by nations accustomed to their reception,
+and that his master's orders expressly forbad him from paying any
+acknowledgement for his ships anchoring in any port whatever.
+
+The mandarines being thus cut short on the subject of the duty, they
+said they had another matter to mention, which was the only remaining
+one they had in charge; this was a request to the commodore, that he
+would release the prisoners he had taken on board the galleon; for
+that the viceroy of Canton apprehended the emperor, his master, might
+be displeased, if he should be informed, that persons, who were his
+allies, and carried on a great commerce with his subjects, were under
+confinement in his dominions. Mr Anson was himself extremely desirous
+to get rid of the Spaniards, having, on his first arrival, sent about
+an hundred of them to Macao, and those who remained, near four hundred
+more, were, on many accounts, a great incumbrance to him. However,
+to enhance the favour, he at first raised some difficulties; but
+permitting himself to be prevailed on, he at last told the mandarines,
+that to show his readiness to oblige the viceroy, he would release the
+prisoners, whenever they, the Chinese, would send boats to fetch them
+off. This matter being thus adjusted, the mandarines departed; and, on
+the 28th of July, two Chinese junks were sent from Canton, to take on
+board the prisoners, and to carry them to Macao. And the commodore,
+agreeable to his promise, dismissed them all, and ordered his purser
+to send with them eight days provision for their subsistence, during
+their sailing down the river; this being dispatched, the Centurion
+and her prize came to her moorings, above the second bar, where they
+proposed to continue till the monsoon shifted.
+
+Though the ships, in consequence of the viceroy's permit, found no
+difficulty in purchasing provisions for their daily consumption, yet
+it was impossible for the commodore to proceed to England; without
+laying in a large quantity both of provisions and stores for his use,
+during the voyage: The procuring this supply was attended with much
+embarrassment; for there were people at Canton who had undertaken
+to furnish him with biscuit, and whatever else he wanted; and his
+linguist, towards the middle of September, had assured him, from
+day to day, that all was ready, and would be sent on board him
+immediately. But a fortnight being elapsed, and nothing being brought,
+the commodore sent to Canton to enquire more particularly into the
+reasons of this disappointment: And he had soon the vexation to be
+informed, that the whole was an illusion: that no order had been
+procured from the viceroy to furnish him with sea-stores, as had
+been pretended; that there was no biscuit baked, nor any one of the
+articles in readiness which had been promised him; nor did it appear,
+that the contractors had taken the least step to comply with their
+agreement. This was most disagreeable news, and made it suspected,
+that the furnishing the Centurion for her return to Great Britain
+might prove a more troublesome matter than had been hitherto imagined;
+especially too, as the month of September was nearly elapsed, without
+Mr Anson's having received any message from the viceroy of Canton.
+
+And here perhaps it might be expected that some satisfactory account
+should be given of the motives of the Chinese for this faithless
+procedure. But as I have already, in a former chapter, made some kind
+of conjectures about a similar event, I shall not repeat them again
+in this place, but shall observe, that after all, it may perhaps be
+impossible for an European, ignorant of the customs and manners of
+that nation, to be fully apprised of the real incitements to this
+behaviour. Indeed, thus much may undoubtedly be asserted, that in
+artifice, falsehood, and an attachment to all kinds of lucre, many of
+the Chinese are difficult to be paralleled by any other people; but
+then the combination of these talents, and the manner in which they
+are applied in particular emergencies, are often beyond the reach of
+a foreigner's penetration: So that though it may be safely concluded,
+that the Chinese had some interest in thus amusing the commodore, yet
+it may not be easy to assign the individual views by which they were
+influenced. And that I may not be thought too severe in ascribing to
+this nation a fraudulent and selfish turn of temper, so contradictory
+to the character given of them in the legendary accounts of the Roman
+missionaries, I shall here mention an extraordinary transaction or
+two, which I hope will be some kind of confirmation of what I have
+advanced.
+
+When the commodore lay first at Macao, one of his officers, who had
+been extremely ill, desired leave of him to go on shore every day on
+a neighbouring island, imagining that a walk upon the land would
+contribute greatly to the restoring of his health: The commodore would
+have dissuaded him, suspecting the tricks of the Chinese, but the
+officer continuing importunate, in the end the boat was ordered to
+carry him. The first day he was put on shore he took his exercise, and
+returned without receiving any molestation, or even seeing any of
+the inhabitants; but the second day, he was assaulted, soon after his
+arrival, by a great number of Chinese who had been hoeing rice in the
+neighbourhood, and who beat him so violently with the handles of their
+hoes, that they soon laid him on the ground incapable of resistance;
+after which they robbed him, taking from him his sword, the hilt of
+which was silver, his money, his watch, gold-headed cane, snuff box,
+sleeve-buttons, and hat, with several other trinkets: In the mean time
+the boat's crew, who were at some little distance, and had no arms of
+any kind with them, were incapable of giving him any assistance;
+till at last one of them flew on the fellow who had the sword in his
+possession, and wresting it out of his hands, drew it, and with it
+was preparing to fall on the Chinese, some of whom he could not have
+failed of killing; but the officer, perceiving what he was about,
+immediately ordered him to desist, thinking it more prudent to
+submit to the present violence, than to embroil his commodore in an
+inextricable squabble with the Chinese government by the death
+of their subjects; which calmness in this gentleman was the more
+meritorious, as he was known to be a person of an uncommon spirit, and
+of a somewhat hasty temper: By this means the Chinese recovered the
+possession of the sword, which they soon perceived was prohibited
+to be made use of against them, and carried off their whole booty
+unmolested. No sooner were they gone, than a Chinese on horseback,
+very well dressed, and who had the air and appearance of a gentleman,
+came down to the shore, and, as far as could be understood by his
+signs, seemed to censure the conduct of his countrymen, and to
+commiserate the officer, being wonderfully officious to assist in
+getting him on board the boat: But notwithstanding this behaviour,
+it was shrewdly suspected that he was an accomplice in the theft, and
+time fully evinced the justice of those suspicions.
+
+When the boat returned on board, and reported what had passed to
+the commodore, he immediately complained of it to the mandarine, who
+attended to see his ship supplied; but the mandarine coolly replied,
+that the boat ought not to have gone on shore, promising, however,
+that if the thieves could be found out, they should be punished;
+though it appeared plain enough, by his manner of answering, that he
+would never give himself any trouble in searching them out. However,
+a considerable time afterwards, when some Chinese boats were selling
+provisions to the Centurion, the person who had wrested the sword from
+the Chinese came with great eagerness to the commodore, to assure
+him that one of the principal thieves was then in a provision-boat
+alongside the ship; and the officer, who had been robbed, viewing
+the fellow on this report, and well remembering his face, orders were
+immediately given to seize him; and he was accordingly secured on
+board the ship, where strange discoveries were now made.
+
+This thief, on his being apprehended, expressed so much fright in his
+countenance, that it was feared he would have died upon the spot; the
+mandarine too, who attended the ship, had visibly no small share of
+concern on the occasion. Indeed he had reason enough to be alarmed,
+since it was soon evinced that he had been privy to the whole robbery,
+for the commodore, declaring that he would not deliver up the thief,
+but would himself order him to be shot, the mandarine immediately put
+off the magisterial air with which be had at first pretended to
+demand him, and begged his release in the most abject manner; and the
+commodore appearing inflexible, there came on board, in less than two
+hours time, five or six of the neighbouring mandarines, who all joined
+in the same entreaty, and, with a view of facilitating their suit,
+offered a large sum of money for the fellow's liberty. Whilst they
+were thus soliciting, it was discovered that the mandarine, who was
+the most active amongst them, and who seemed to be most interested in
+the event, was the very gentleman who came to the officer just after
+the robbery, and who pretended to be so much displeased with the
+villainy of his countrymen. And, on further enquiry, it was found that
+he was the mandarine of the island; and that he had, by the authority
+of his office, ordered the peasants to commit that infamous action:
+And it seemed, as far as could be collected from the broken hints
+which were casually thrown out, that he and his brethren, who were all
+privy to the transaction, were terrified with the fear of being
+called before the tribunal at Canton, where the first article of their
+punishment would be the stripping them of all they were worth; though
+their judges (however fond of inflicting a chastisement so lucrative
+to themselves) were perhaps of as tainted a complexion as the
+delinquents. Mr Anson was not displeased to have caught the Chinese
+in this dilemma; and he entertained himself for some time with their
+perplexity, rejecting their money with scorn, appearing inexorable to
+their prayers, and giving out that the thief should certainly be shot;
+but as he then foresaw that he should be forced to take shelter in
+their ports a second time, when the influence he might hereby acquire
+over the magistrates would be of great service to him, he at length
+permitted himself to be persuaded, and, as a favour, released his
+prisoner, but not till the mandarine had collected and returned all
+that had been stolen from the officer, even to the minutest trifle.
+
+But, notwithstanding this instance of the good intelligence between
+the magistrates and criminals, the strong inclination of the Chinese
+to lucre often prompts them to break through this awful confederacy,
+and puts them on defrauding the authority that protects them, of its
+proper quota of the pillage. For not long after the above-mentioned
+transaction, (the former mandarine attendant on the ship, being, in
+the mean time, relieved by another,) the commodore lost a top-mast
+from his stern, which, after the most diligent enquiry, could not be
+traced: As it was not his own, but had been borrowed at Macao to heave
+down by, and was not to be replaced in that part of the world, he was
+extremely desirous to recover it, and published a considerable reward
+to any who would bring it him again. There were suspicions from the
+first of its being stolen, which made him conclude a reward was the
+likeliest method of getting it back: Accordingly, soon after, the
+mandarine told him that some of his, the mandarine's people, had found
+the top-mast, desiring the commodore to send his boats to fetch it,
+which being done, the mandarine's people received the promised reward;
+but the commodore told the mandarine that he would make him a present
+besides for the care he had taken in directing it to be searched for,
+and, accordingly, Mr Anson gave a sum of money to his linguist, to be
+delivered to the mandarine; but the linguist knowing that the people
+had been paid, and ignorant that a further present had been promised,
+kept the money himself: However, the mandarine fully confiding in Mr
+Anson's word, and suspecting the linguist, took occasion one morning
+to admire the size of the Centurion's masts, and thence, on a
+pretended sudden recollection, he made a digression to the top-mast
+which had been lost, and asked Mr Anson if he had not got it again. Mr
+Anson presently perceived the bent of this conversation, and enquired
+of him if he had not received the money from the linguist, and finding
+he had not, he offered to pay it him upon the spot. But this the
+mandarine refused, having now somewhat more in view than the sum which
+had been detained; for the next day the linguist was seized, and was
+doubtless mulcted of all he had gotten in the commodore's service,
+which was supposed to be little less than two thousand dollars; he
+was, besides, so severely bastinadoed with the bamboo, that it was
+with difficulty he escaped with life; and when he was upbraided by
+the commodore (to whom he afterwards came begging) with his folly in
+risking all he had suffered for fifty dollars (the present intended
+for the mandarine.) he had no other excuse to make than the strong
+bias of his nation to dishonesty, replying, in his broken jargon,
+"Chinese man very great rogue truly, but have fashion, no can help."
+
+It were endless to recount all the artifices, extortions, and
+frauds which were practised on the commodore and his people, by this
+interested race. The method of buying all things in China being by
+weight, the tricks made use of by the Chinese to increase the weight
+of the provision they sold to the Centurion, were almost incredible.
+One time a large quantity of fowls and ducks being bought for the
+ship's use, the greatest part of them presently died. This alarmed the
+people on board with the apprehensions that they had been killed by
+poison, but, on examination, it appeared that it was only owing to
+their being crammed with stones and gravel to increase their weight,
+the quantity thus forced into most of the ducks being found to amount
+to ten ounces in each. The hogs, too, which were bought ready killed
+of the Chinese butchers, had water injected into them for the same
+purpose; so that a carcass, hung up all night for the water to drain
+from it, hath lost above a stone of its weight; and when, to avoid
+this cheat, the hogs were bought alive, it was found that the Chinese
+gave them salt to increase their thirst, and having by this means
+excited them to drink great quantities of water, they then took
+measures to prevent them from discharging it again by urine, and sold
+the tortured animal in this inflated state. When the commodore first
+put to sea from Macao, they practised an artifice of another kind;
+for as the Chinese never object to the eating of any food that dies of
+itself, they took care; by some secret practices, that great part
+of his live sea-store should die in a short time after it was put on
+board, hoping to make a second profit of the dead carcasses, which
+they expected would be thrown overboard; and two-thirds of the hogs
+dying before the Centurion was out of sight of land, many of the
+Chinese boats followed her, only to pick up the carrion. These
+instances may serve as a specimen of the manners of this celebrated
+nation, which is often recommended to the rest of the world as a
+pattern of all kinds of laudable qualities.
+
+The commodore, towards the end of September, having found out (as
+has been said) that those who had contracted, to supply him with
+sea-provisions and stores had deceived him, and that the viceroy had
+not sent to him according to his promise, saw it would be impossible
+for him to surmount the embarrassment he was under, without going
+himself to Canton and visiting the viceroy; and, therefore, on the
+27th. of September, he sent a message to the mandarine who attended
+the Centurion, to inform him that he, the commodore, intended, on the
+1st of October, to proceed in his boat to Canton, adding, that the day
+after he got there he should notify his arrival to the viceroy,
+and should desire him to fix a time for his audience; to which the
+mandarine returned no other answer, than that he would acquaint the
+viceroy with the commodore's intentions. In the mean time all things
+were prepared for this expedition; and the boat's crew in particular,
+which Mr Anson proposed to take with him, were cloathed in an uniform
+dress, resembling that of the watermen on the Thames; they were in
+number eighteen and a coxswain; they had scarlet jackets and blue
+silk; waistcoats, the whole trimmed with silver buttons, and with
+silver badges on their jackets and caps. As it was apprehended,
+and even asserted, that the payment of the customary duties for the
+Centurion and her prize would be demanded by the regency of Canton,
+and would be insisted on previous to the granting a permission for
+victualling the ship for her future voyage, the commodore, who was
+resolved never to establish so dishonourable a precedent, took all
+possible precaution to prevent the Chinese from facilitating the
+success of their unreasonable pretensions, by having him in their
+power at Canton; and, therefore, for the security of his ship, and
+the great treasure on board her, he appointed his first lieutenant,
+Mr Brett, to be captain of the Centurion under him, giving him proper
+instructions for his conduct; directing him, particularly, if he, the
+commodore, should be detained at Canton on account of the duties
+in dispute, to take out the men from the Centurion's prize, and to
+destroy her; and then to proceed down the river through the Bocca
+Tigris with the Centurion alone, and to remain without that entrance
+till he received further orders from Mr Anson.
+
+These necessary steps being taken, which were not unknown to the
+Chinese, it should seem as if their deliberations were in some sort
+embarrassed thereby. It is reasonable to imagine, that they were
+in general very desirous of getting the duties to be paid them, not
+perhaps solely in consideration of the amount of those dues, but to
+keep up their reputation for address and subtlety, and to avoid
+the imputation of receding from claims on which they had already so
+frequently insisted: However, as they now foresaw that they had no
+other method of succeeding than by violence, and that even against
+this the commodore was prepared, they were at last disposed, I
+conceive, to let the affair drop, rather than entangle themselves in
+an hostile measure, which they found would only expose them to the
+risk of having the whole navigation of their port destroyed, without
+any certain prospect of gaining their favourite point.
+
+However, though there is reason to imagine that these were their
+thoughts at that time, yet they could not depart at once from the
+evasive conduct to which they had hither to adhered. For when the
+commodore, on the morning of the 1st of October, was preparing to
+set out for Canton, his linguist came to him from the mandarine, who
+attended his ship, to tell him that a letter had been received from
+the viceroy of Canton, desiring the commodore to put off his going
+thither for two or three days: But in the afternoon of the same day
+another linguist came on board, who, with much seeming fright, told Mr
+Anson that the viceroy had expected him up that day, that the counsel
+was assembled, and the troops had been under arms to receive him; and
+that the viceroy was highly offended at the disappointment, and had
+sent the commodore's linguist to prison chained, supposing that the
+whole had been owing to the linguist's negligence. This plausible tale
+gave the commodore great concern, and made him apprehend that there
+was some treachery designed him, which he could not yet fathom; and
+though it afterwards appeared that the whole was a fiction, not one
+article of it having the least foundation, yet (for reasons best known
+to themselves) this falsehood was so well supported by the artifices
+of the Chinese merchants at Canton, that, three days afterwards, the
+commodore received a letter, signed by all the supercargoes of the
+English ships then at that place, expressing their great uneasiness at
+what had happened, and intimating their fears that some insult would
+be offered to his boat, if he came thither before the viceroy was
+fully satisfied about the mistake. To this letter Mr Anson replied,
+that he did not believe there had been any mistake, but was persuaded
+it was a forgery of the Chinese, to prevent his visiting the viceroy;
+that, therefore, he would certainly come up to Canton on the 13th of
+October, confident that the Chinese would not dare to offer him an
+insult, as well knowing it would be properly returned.
+
+On the 13th of October, the commodore continuing firm, to his
+resolution, all the supercargoes of the English, Danish, and Swedish
+ships, came on board the Centurion, to accompany him to Canton, for
+which place he set out in his barge the same day, attended by his own
+boats, and by those of the trading ships, which, on this occasion,
+came to form his retinue; and, as he passed by Whampoa, where the
+European vessels lay, he was saluted by all of them but the French,
+and in the evening arrived safely at Canton.
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII.
+
+_Proceedings at the City of Canton, and the Return of the Centurion to
+England._
+
+When the commodore arrived at Canton, he was visited by the principal
+Chinese merchants, who affected to appear very much pleased that
+he had met with no obstruction in getting thither, and who thence
+pretended to conclude that the viceroy was satisfied about the former
+mistake, the reality of which they still insisted on; they added, that
+as soon as the viceroy should be informed that Mr Anson was at Canton
+(which they promised should be done the next morning,) they were
+persuaded a day would be immediately appointed for the visit, which
+was the principal business that had brought the commodore thither.
+
+The next day the merchants returned to Mr Anson, and told him that
+the viceroy was then so fully employed in preparing his dispatches for
+Pekin, that there was no getting admittance to him for some days, but
+that they had engaged one of the officers of his court to give them
+information as soon as he should be at leisure, when they proposed
+to notify Mr Anson's arrival, and to endeavour to fix the day of
+audience. The commodore was by this time too well acquainted with
+their artifices not to perceive that this was a falsehood; and had he
+consulted only his own judgment, he would have applied directly to
+the viceroy by other hands: But the Chinese merchants had so far
+prepossessed the supercargoes of our ships with chimerical fears,
+that they were extremely apprehensive of being embroiled with the
+government, and of suffering in their interest, if those measures
+were taken, which appeared to Mr Anson at that time to be the most
+prudential; and, therefore, lest the malice and double-dealing of the
+Chinese might have given rise to some sinister incident, which would
+be afterwards charged on him, he resolved to continue passive as long
+as it should appear that he lost no time by thus suspending his own
+opinion. With this view, he promised not to take any immediate step
+for getting admittance to the viceroy, provided the Chinese with whom
+he contracted for provisions would let him see that his bread was
+baked, his meat salted, and his stores prepared with the utmost
+dispatch; but if by the time when all was in readiness to be shipped
+off (which it was supposed would be in about forty days,) the
+merchants should not have procured the viceroy's permission, then, the
+commodore proposed to apply for himself. These were the terms Mr Anson
+thought proper to offer, to quiet the uneasiness of the supercargoes,
+and, notwithstanding the apparent equity of the conditions, many
+difficulties and objections were urged; nor would the Chinese agree
+to them till the commodore had consented to pay for every article
+he bespoke before it was put in hand. However, at last, the contract
+being past, it was some satisfaction to the commodore to be certain
+that his preparations were now going on, and being himself on the
+spot, he took care to hasten them as much as possible.
+
+During this interval, in which the stores and provisions were getting
+ready, the merchants continually entertained Mr Anson with accounts of
+their various endeavours to get a license from the viceroy, and their
+frequent disappointments, which to him was now a matter of amusement,
+as he was fully satisfied there was not one word of truth in any thing
+they said. But when all was completed, and wanted only to be shipped,
+which was about the 24th of November, at which time too the N.E.
+monsoon was set in, he then resolved to apply himself to the viceroy
+to demand an audience, as he was persuaded that, without this
+ceremony, the procuring a permission to send his stores on board would
+meet with great difficulty. On the 24th of November, therefore, Mr
+Anson sent one of his officers to the Mandarine, who commanded the
+guard of the principal gate of the city of Canton, with a letter
+directed to the viceroy. When this letter was delivered to the
+mandarine, he received the officer who brought it very civilly, and
+took down the contents of it in Chinese, and promised that the viceroy
+should be immediately acquainted with it; but told the officer it was
+not necessary for him to wait for an answer, because a message would
+be sent to the commodore himself.
+
+On this occasion Mr Anson had been under great difficulties about a
+proper interpreter to send with his officer, as he was well aware that
+none of the Chinese, usually employed as linguists, could be relied
+on: But he at last prevailed with Mr Flint, an English gentleman
+belonging to the factory, who spoke Chinese perfectly well, to
+accompany his officer. This person, who upon this occasion and many
+others was of singular service to the commodore, had been left at
+Canton when a youth, by the late Captain Rigby. The leaving him there
+to learn the Chinese language was a step taken by that captain, merely
+from his own persuasion of the great advantages which the East-India
+company might one day receive from an English interpreter; and though
+the utility of this measure has greatly exceeded all that was expected
+from it, yet I have not heard that it has been to this day imitated:
+But we imprudently choose (except in this single instance) to carry on
+the vast transactions of the port of Canton, either by the ridiculous
+jargon of broken English, which some few of the Chinese have
+learnt, or by the suspected interpretation of the linguists of other
+nations.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: The practice recommended, it is almost unnecessary to
+remark, has been adopted since our author's time, but certainly not to
+the extent the probable advantages of it would suggest.--E.]
+
+Two days after the sending the above-mentioned letter, a fire broke
+out in the suburbs of Canton. On the first alarm, Mr Anson went
+thither with his officers, and his boat's crew, to assist the Chinese.
+When he came there, he found that it had begun in a sailor's shed, and
+that by the slightness of the buildings, and the awkwardness of the
+Chinese, it was getting head apace: But he perceived, that by pulling
+down some of the adjacent sheds it might easily be extinguished; and
+particularly observing that it was running along a wooden cornish,
+which would soon communicate it to a great distance, he ordered his
+people to begin with tearing away that cornish; this was presently
+attempted, and would have been soon executed; but, in the meantime, he
+was told, that, as there was no mandarine there to direct what was
+to be done, the Chinese would make him, the commodore, answerable
+for whatever should be pulled down by his orders. On this his people
+desisted; and he sent them to the English factory, to assist in
+securing the company's treasure and effects, as it was easy to foresee
+that no distance was a protection against the rage of such a fire,
+where so little was done to put a stop to it; for all this time the
+Chinese contented themselves with viewing it, and now and then holding
+one of their idols near it, which they seemed to expect should check
+its progress: However, at last, a mandarine came out of the city,
+attended by four or five hundred firemen: These made some feeble
+efforts to pull down the neighbouring houses; but by this time the
+fire had greatly extended itself, and was got amongst the merchants'
+warehouses; and the Chinese firemen, wanting both skill and spirit,
+were incapable of checking its violence; so that its fury increased
+upon them, and it was feared the whole city would be destroyed, in
+this general confusion the viceroy himself came thither, and the
+commodore was sent to, and was entreated to afford his assistance,
+being told that he might take any measures he should think most
+prudent in the present emergency. And now he went thither a second
+time, carrying with him about forty of his people; who, upon this
+occasion, exerted themselves in such a manner, as in that country
+was altogether without example: For they were rather animated than
+deterred by the flames and falling buildings, amongst which they
+wrought; so that it was not uncommon to see the most forward of them
+tumble to the ground on the roofs, and amidst the ruins of houses,
+which their own efforts brought down with them. By their boldness
+and activity the fire was soon extinguished, to the amazement of the
+Chinese; and the building being all on one floor, and the materials
+slight, the seamen, notwithstanding their daring behaviour, happily
+escaped with no other injuries, than some considerable bruises. The
+fire, though at last thus luckily extinguished, did great mischief
+during the time it continued; for it consumed an hundred shops and
+eleven streets full of warehouses, so that the damage amounted to
+an immense sum; and one of the Chinese merchants, well known to the
+English, whose name was Succoy, was supposed, for his own share, to
+have lost near two hundred thousand pounds sterling. It raged indeed
+with unusual violence, for in many of the warehouses, there were large
+quantities of camphor, which greatly added to its fury, and produced a
+column of exceeding white flame, which shot up into the air to such
+a prodigious height that it was plainly seen on board the Centurion,
+though she was thirty miles distant.
+
+Whilst the commodore and his people were labouring at the fire, and
+the terror of its becoming general still possessed the whole city,
+several of the most considerable Chinese merchants came to Mr Anson,
+to desire that he would let each of them have one of his soldiers (for
+such they styled his boat's crew from the uniformity, of their dress)
+to guard their warehouses and dwellings-houses, which, from the known
+dishonesty of the populace, they feared would be pillaged in the
+tumult. Mr Anson granted them this request; and all the men that he
+thus furnished to the Chinese behaved greatly to the satisfaction of
+their employers, who afterwards highly applauded their great diligence
+and fidelity.
+
+By this means, the resolution of the English at the fire, and their
+trustiness and punctuality elsewhere, was the general subject of
+conversation amongst the Chinese: And, the next morning, many of the
+principal inhabitants waited on the commodore to thank him for
+his assistance; frankly owning to him, that they could never have
+extinguished the fire of themselves, and that he had saved their city
+from being totally consumed. And soon after a message came to the
+commodore from the viceroy, appointing the 30th of November for his
+audience; which sudden resolution of the viceroy, in a matter that had
+been so long agitated in vain, was also owing to the signal services
+performed by Mr Anson and his people at the fire, of which the viceroy
+himself had been in some measure an eye-witness.
+
+The fixing this business of the audience, was, on all accounts, a
+circumstance which Mr Anson was much pleased with; as he was satisfied
+that the Chinese government would not have determined this point,
+without having agreed among themselves to give up their pretensions to
+the duties they claimed, and to grant him all he could reasonably ask;
+for as they well knew the commodore's sentiments, it would have been
+a piece of imprudence, not consistent with the refined cunning of the
+Chinese, to have admitted him to an audience, only to have contested
+with him. And therefore, being himself perfectly easy about the result
+of his visit, he made all necessary preparations against the day.
+Mr Flint, whom he engaged to act as interpreter in the conference,
+acquitted himself much to the commodore's satisfaction; repeating with
+great boldness; and doubtless with exactness, all that was given in
+charge, a part which no Chinese linguist would ever have performed
+with any tolerable fidelity.
+
+At ten o'clock in the morning, on the day appointed, a mandarine
+came to the commodore, to let him know that the viceroy was ready to
+receive him; on which the commodore and his retinue immediately set
+out: And as soon as he entered the outer gate of the city, he found
+a guard of two hundred soldiers drawn up ready to attend him; these
+conducted him to the great parade before the emperor's palace, where
+the viceroy then resided. In this parade, a body of troops, to the
+number of ten thousand, were drawn up under arms, and made a very fine
+appearance, being all of them new clothed for this ceremony: And Mr
+Anson and his retinue having passed through the middle of them, he
+was then conducted to the great hall of audience, where he found the
+viceroy seated under a rich canopy in the emperor's chair of state,
+with all his council of mandarines attending: Here there was a
+vacant seat prepared for the commodore, in which he was placed on
+his arrival: He was ranked the third it order from the viceroy, there
+being above him only the head of the law, and of the treasury, who in
+the Chinese government take place of all military officers. When
+the commodore was seated, he addressed himself to the viceroy by
+his interpreter, and began with reciting the various methods he had
+formerly taken to get an audience; adding, that he imputed the delays
+he had met with to the insincerity of those he had employed, and that
+he had therefore no other means left, than to send, as he had done,
+his own officer with a letter to the gate. On the mention of this the
+viceroy stopped the interpreter, and bid him assure Mr Anson, that the
+first knowledge they had of his being at Canton, was from that letter.
+Mr Anson then proceeded, and told him, that the subjects of the
+king of Great Britain trading to China had complained to him, the
+commodore, of the vexatious impositions both of the merchants
+and inferior custom-house officers, to which they were frequently
+necessitated to submit, by reason of the difficulty of getting access
+to the mandarines, who alone could grant them redress: That it was
+his, Mr Anson's, duty, as an officer of the king of Great Britain, to
+lay before the viceroy these grievances of the British subjects, which
+he hoped the viceroy would take into consideration, and would give
+orders, that for the future there should be no just reason for
+complaint. Here Mr Anson paused, and waited some time in expectation
+of an answer; but nothing being said, he asked his interpreter if he
+was certain the viceroy understood what he had urged; the interpreter
+told him, he was certain it was understood, but he believed no reply
+would be made to it. Mr Anson then represented to the viceroy the case
+of the ship Haslingfield, which, having been dismasted on the coast of
+China, had arrived in the river of Canton but a few days before. The
+people on board this vessel had been great sufferers by the fire; the
+captain in particular had all his goods burnt, and had lost besides,
+in the confusion, a chest of treasure of four thousand five hundred
+tahel, which was supposed to be stolen by the Chinese boat-men. Mr
+Anson therefore desired that the captain might have the assistance
+of the government, as it was apprehended the money could never be
+recovered without the interposition of the mandarines. And to this
+request the viceroy made answer, that in settling the emperor's
+customs for that ship, some abatement should be made in consideration
+of her losses.
+
+And now the commodore having dispatched the business with which the
+officers of the East-India company had entrusted him, he entered on
+his own affairs; acquainting the viceroy, that the proper season was
+now set in for returning to Europe, and that he waited only for a
+licence to ship off his provisions and stores, which were all ready;
+and that as soon as this should be granted him, and he should have
+gotten his necessaries on board, he intended to leave the river of
+Canton, and to make the best of his way for England. The viceroy
+replied to this, that the licence should be immediately issued, and
+that every thing should be ordered on board the following day. And
+finding that Mr Anson had nothing farther to insist on, the viceroy
+continued the conversation for some time, acknowledging in very civil
+terms how much the Chinese were obliged to him for his signal
+services at the fire, and owning that he had saved the city from being
+destroyed: And then observing that the Centurion had been a good while
+on their coast, he closed his discourse, by wishing the commodore a
+good voyage to Europe. After which, the commodore, thanking him for
+his civility and assistance, took his leave.
+
+As soon as the commodore was out of the hall of audience, he was
+much pressed to go into a neighbouring apartment, where there was
+an entertainment provided; but finding, on enquiry, that the viceroy
+himself was not to be present, he declined the invitation, and
+departed, attended in the same manner as at his arrival; only at his
+leaving the city he was saluted by three guns, which are as many as
+in that country are ever fired on any ceremony. Thus the commodore,
+to his great joy, at last finished this troublesome affair, which, for
+the preceding four months, had given him great disquietude. Indeed he
+was highly pleased with procuring a licence for the shipping of his
+stores and provisions; for thereby he was enabled to return to Great
+Britain with the first of the monsoon, and to prevent all intelligence
+of his being expected: But this, though a very important point, was
+not the circumstance which gave him the greatest satisfaction; for he
+was more particularly attentive to the authentic precedent established
+on this occasion, by which his majesty's ships of war are for the
+future exempted from all demands of duty in any of the ports of China.
+
+In pursuance of the promises of the viceroy, the provisions were begun
+to be sent on board the day after the audience; and, four days after,
+the commodore embarked at Canton for the Centurion; and on the 7th
+of December, the Centurion and her prize unmoored, and stood down
+the river, passing through the Bocca Tigris on the 10th. And on this
+occasion I must observe, that the Chinese had taken care to man the
+two forts, on each side of that passage, with as many men as they
+could well contain, the greatest part of them armed with pikes and
+match-lock musquets. These garrisons affected to shew themselves as
+much as possible to the ships, and were doubtless intended to induce
+Mr Anson to think more reverently than he had hitherto done of the
+Chinese military power: For this purpose they were equipped with much
+parade, having a great number of colours exposed to view; and on
+the castle in particular there were laid considerable heaps of large
+stones; and a soldier of unusual size, dressed in very sightly
+armour, stalked about on the parapet with a battle-axe in his hand,
+endeavouring to put on as important and martial an air as possible,
+though some of the observers on board the Centurion shrewdly
+suspected, from the appearance of his armour, that instead of steel,
+it was composed only of a particular kind of glittering paper.
+
+The Centurion and her prize being now without the river of Canton, and
+consequently upon the point of leaving the Chinese jurisdiction, I beg
+leave, before I quit all mention of the Chinese affairs, to subjoin
+a few remarks on the disposition and genius of that extraordinary
+people. And though it may be supposed, that observations made at
+Canton only, a place situated in the corner of the empire, are very
+imperfect materials on which to found any general conclusions, yet as
+those who have had opportunities of examining the inner parts of
+the country, have been evidently influenced by very ridiculous
+prepossessions, and as this transactions of Mr Anson with the regency
+of Canton were of an uncommon nature, in which many circumstances
+occurred, different perhaps from any which have happened before,
+I hope the following reflections, many of them drawn from these
+incidents, will not be altogether unacceptable to the reader.
+
+That the Chinese are a very ingenious and industrious people, is
+sufficiently evinced, from the great number of curious manufactures
+which are established amongst them, and which are eagerly sought for
+by the most distant nations; but though skill in the handicraft arts
+seems to be the most important qualification of this people, yet
+their talents therein are but of a second-rate kind; for they are much
+out-done by the Japanese in those manufactures, which are common
+to both countries; and they are in numerous instances incapable of
+rivalling the mechanic dexterity of the Europeans. Indeed, their
+principal excellency seems to be imitation; and they accordingly
+labour under that poverty of genius, which constantly attends all
+servile imitators. This is most conspicuous in works which require
+great truth and accuracy; as in clocks, watches, fire-arms, &c. for in
+all these, though they can copy the different parts, and can form
+some resemblance of the whole, yet they never could arrive at such
+a justness in their fabric, as was necessary to produce the desired
+effect. And if we pass from their manufactures to artists of a
+superior class, as painters, statuaries, &c., in these matters they
+seem to be still more defective, their painters, though very numerous
+and in great esteem, rarely succeeding in the drawing or colouring of
+human figures; or in the grouping of large compositions; and though in
+flowers and birds their, performances are much more admired, yet even
+in these, some part of the merit is rather to be imputed to the native
+brightness and excellency of the colours, than to the skill of the
+painter; since it is very unusual to see the light and shade justly
+and naturally handled, or to find that ease and grace in the drawing,
+which are to be met with in the works of European artists; In
+short, there is a stiffness and minuteness in most of the Chinese
+productions, which are extremely displeasing: And it may perhaps
+be asserted with great truth, that these defects in their arts are
+entirely owing to the peculiar turn of the people, amongst whom
+nothing greater spirited is to be met with.
+
+If we next examine the Chinese literature; (taking our accounts from
+the writers, who have endeavoured to represent sent it in the most
+favourable light) we shall find; that on this head their obstinacy
+and absurdity are most wonderful: For though, for many ages, they have
+been surrounded by nations, to whom the use of letters was familiar,
+yet they, the Chinese alone, have hitherto neglected to avail
+themselves of that almost divine invention, and have continued to
+adhere to the rude and inartificial method of representing words by
+arbitrary marks; a method, which necessarily renders the number of
+their character too great for human memory to manage, makes writing
+to be an art that requires prodigious application, and in which no
+man can be otherwise than partially skilled; whilst all reading, and
+understanding of what is written, is attended with infinite obscurity
+and confusion; for the connection between these marks, and the words
+they represent; cannot be retained in books, but must be delivered
+down from age to age by oral tradition: And how uncertain this must
+prove in such a complicated subject, is sufficiently obvious to those
+who have attended to the variation which all verbal relations undergo,
+when they are transmitted through three or four hands only. Hence it
+is easy to conclude, that the history and inventions of past
+ages, recorded by these perplexed symbols, must frequently prove
+unintelligible; and consequently the learning and boasted antiquity of
+the nation most, in numerous instances, be extremely problematical.
+
+But we are told by some of the missionaries, that though the skill
+of the Chinese in science is indeed much inferior to that of the
+Europeans, yet the morality and justice taught and practised by them
+are most exemplary. And from the description given by some of these
+good fathers, one should be induced to believe that the whole empire
+was a well-governed affectionate family, where the only contests were,
+who should exert the most humanity and beneficence: But our preceding
+relation of the behaviour of the magistrates, merchants, and tradesmen
+at Canton, sufficiently refutes these jesuitical fictions. And as
+to their theories of morality, if we may judge from the specimens
+exhibited in the works of the missionaries, we shall find them solely
+employed in recommending ridiculous attachments to certain immaterial
+points, instead of discussing the proper criterion of human actions,
+and regulating the general conduct of mankind to one another on
+reasonable and equitable principles. Indeed, the only pretension
+of the Chinese to a more refined morality than their neighbours is
+founded, not on their integrity or beneficence, but solely on the
+affected evenness of their demeanour, and their constant attention
+to suppress all symptoms of passion and violence. But it must be
+considered, that hypocrisy and fraud are often not less mischievous to
+the general interests of mankind, than, impetuosity and vehemence
+of temper, since these, though usually liable to the imputation of
+imprudence, do not exclude sincerity, benevolence, resolution,
+nor many other laudable qualities. And perhaps if this matter were
+examined to the bottom, it would appear that the calm and patient
+turn of the Chinese, on which they so much value themselves, and which
+distinguishes the nation from all others, is in reality the source of
+the most exceptionable part of their character; for it has been often
+observed by those who have attended to the nature of mankind, that
+it is difficult to curb the more robust and violent passions, without
+augmenting at the same time the force of the selfish ones: So that the
+timidity, dissimulation, and dishonesty of the Chinese, may, in some
+sort, be owing to the composure and external decency so universally
+prevailing in that empire.
+
+Thus much for the general disposition of the people: But I cannot
+dismiss this subject without adding a few words about the Chinese
+government, that too having been the subject of boundless panegyric.
+And on this head I must observe, that the favourable accounts often
+given of their prudent regulations for the administration of their
+domestic affairs, are sufficiently confuted by their transactions with
+Mr Anson: For we have seen that their magistrates are corrupt, their
+people thievish, and their tribunals crafty and venal. Nor is the
+constitution of the empire, or the general orders of the state, less
+liable to exception: Since that form of government, which does not
+in the first place provide for the security of the public against
+the enterprises of foreign powers, is certainly a most defective
+institution: And yet this populous, this rich, and extensive country,
+so pompously celebrated for its refined wisdom and policy, was
+conquered about an age since by an handful of Tartars; and even now,
+by the cowardice of the inhabitants, and the want of proper military
+regulations, it continues exposed not only to the attempts of any
+potent state, but to the ravages of every petty invader. I have
+already observed, on occasion of the commodore's disputes with the
+Chinese, that the Centurion alone was an overmatch for all the
+naval power of that empire: This perhaps may appear an extraordinary
+position; but to render it unquestionable, one may refer to vessels
+made use of by the Chinese.[2] The first of these is a junk of about
+a hundred and twenty tons burden, and was what the Centurion hove down
+by; these are most used in the great rivers, though they sometimes
+serve for small coasting voyages: The other junk is about two hundred
+and eighty tons burden, and is of the same form with those in which
+they trade to Cochinchina, Manilla, Batavia, and Japan, though some of
+their trading vessels are of a much larger size; its head is perfectly
+flat; and when the vessel is deep laden, the second or third plank
+of this flat surface is oft-times under water. The masts, sails, and
+rigging of these vessels are ruder than their built; for their masts
+are made of trees, no otherwise fashioned than by barking them, and
+lopping off their branches. Each mast has only two shrouds made of
+twisted rattan, which are often both shifted to the weather-side; and
+the halyard, when the yard is up, serves instead of a third shroud.
+The sails are made of mat, strengthened every thee feet by an
+horizontal rib of bamboo; they run upon the mast with hoops, and when
+they are lowered down, they fold upon the deck. These merchantmen
+carry no cannon; and it appears, from this whole description, that
+they are utterly incapable of resisting any European armed, vessel.
+Nor is the state provided with ships of considerable force, or of a
+better fabric, to protect them: For at Canton, where doubtless their
+principal naval power is stationed, we saw no more than four men
+of war junks, of about three hundred tons burden, being of the make
+already described, and mounted only with eight or ten guns, the
+largest of which does not exceed a four-pounder. This may suffice to
+give an idea of the defenceless state of the Chinese empire. But it
+is time to return to the commodore, whom I left with his two ships
+without the Bocca Tigris; and who, on the 12th of December, anchored
+before the town of Macao.
+
+[Footnote 2: The plate is necessarily omitted.]
+
+Whilst the ships lay here, the merchants of Macao finished their
+agreement for the galleon, for which they had offered 6000 dollars;
+this was much short of her value, but the impatience of the commodore
+to get to sea, to which the merchants were no strangers, prompted them
+to insist on so unequal a bargain. Mr Anson had learnt enough from the
+English at Canton, to conjecture that the war betwixt Great Britain
+and Spain was still continued; and that probably the French might
+engage in the assistance of Spain, before he could arrive in Great
+Britain; and therefore knowing, that no intelligence could get to
+Europe of the prize he had taken, and the treasure he had on board,
+till the return of the merchantmen from Canton, he was resolved to
+make all possible expedition in getting back, that he might be himself
+the first messenger of his own good fortune, and might thereby prevent
+the enemy from forming any projects to intercept him: For these
+reasons, he, to avoid all delay, accepted of the sum offered for
+the galleon; and she being delivered to the merchants the 15th of
+December, 1743, the Centurion the same day got under sail, on her
+return to England. And on the 3d of January, she came to an anchor at
+Prince's Island, in the straits of Sunda, and continued there wooding
+and watering till the 8th, when, she weighed and stood for the Cape of
+Good Hope, where, on the eleventh of March she anchored in Table-Bay.
+
+Here the commodore continued till the beginning of April, highly
+delighted with the place, which, by its extraordinary accommodations,
+the healthiness of its air, and the picturesque appearance of the
+country, all enlivened by the addition of a civilized colony, was
+not disgraced in an imaginary comparison with the vallies of Juan
+Fernandez, and the lawns of Tinian. During his stay he entered about
+forty new men; and having by the 3d of April, 1744, completed his
+water and provision, he on that day weighed and put to sea; and on
+the 19th of the same month they saw the island of St Helena, which,
+however, they did not touch at, but stood on their way; and, on the
+10th of June, being then in soundings, they spoke with an English ship
+from Amsterdam bound for Philadelphia, whence they received the first
+intelligence of a French war; the 12th they got sight of the Lizard;
+and the 15th, in the evening, to their infinite joy, they came safe to
+an anchor at Spithead. But that the signal perils which had so often
+threatened them in the preceding part of the enterprise, might pursue
+them to the very last, Mr Anson learnt on his arrival, that there
+was a French fleet of considerable force cruising in the chops of
+the channel, which, by the account of their position, he found the
+Centurion had run through, and had been all the time concealed by a
+fog. Thus was this expedition finished, when it had lasted three years
+and nine months; after having, by its event, strongly evinced this
+important truth, that though prudence, intrepidity, and perseverance
+united, are not exempted from the blows of adverse fortune; yet in a
+long series of transactions, they usually rise superior to its power,
+and in the end rarely fail of proving successful.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[In concluding the account of this very interesting circumnavigation,
+it is necessary to advert to a question of some importance in
+literature, as every question must be that involves the claims of
+authors and their respective titles to reputation. Nor is the public
+often impatient in listening to evidence on such subjects, if the
+merit contended for be sufficiently great to justify solicitude as
+to its being rightly conferred. That it is so in the case of the
+question, Who was the author of this work? no one can doubt, that is
+capable of relishing its excellencies; or is aware of the high rank
+it has always held among compositions of the kind--that its first
+reception was such as to take off four large impressions within a
+twelvemonth--that it has been repeatedly printed since in a variety of
+forms--and that it has been translated into most of the languages of
+Europe. The claimants are Mr Walter, chaplain of the Centurion, under
+whose name (as is mentioned in this volume of the Collection, p. 201,)
+it was originally, and, so far as the editor knows, always published;
+and Mr Benjamin Robins, an ingenious mathematician, and author of
+several works, much esteemed by men of science. A short statement of
+such information as the editor has been able to procure, is all that
+the limits of this work will permit to be said on the subject of this
+question. The public, being interested in what had been generally
+reported through the medium of the periodical publications, respecting
+the proceedings and fate of the squadron under Commodore Anson,
+had eagerly expected some account of this voyage drawn up under his
+notice, or authenticated by his approval. This anxiety, it is likely,
+was not a little enhanced by the circumstance of several small, but
+curious enough, narratives having been published of the distresses
+experienced by part of the squadron, especially the Wager; from which
+it was naturally enough inferred, that a judicious and minute account
+of the whole could not fail to gratify rational curiosity, and the
+common disposition to wonder. Mr Walter, accordingly, who had gone in
+the Centurion, the commodore's vessel, as chaplain, and who, it seems,
+had been in the habit of keeping memorials of the transactions and
+occurrences of the squadron, prepared materials for publication, and
+actually procured subscriptions for the liquidation of its expense. He
+brought down his narrative to the time of his leaving the Centurion at
+Macao, when he returned by another conveyance to England. But as the
+public expectation had been raised very high, some persons, it would
+appear, suggested that the materials intended to be published should
+be carefully examined, and, if need be, corrected, by an adequate
+judge of literary and scientific composition. Mr Robins, already well
+known as an author of both mathematical and political essays, and much
+valued by several distinguished characters of the times, was engaged
+to undertake this task, whether with or without the desire of Mr
+Walter, or under any allegation of that gentleman's known or
+reputed incompetency to fulfil the hopes entertained, cannot now
+be discovered. On examination, we are told, it was resolved that Mr
+Robins should write the whole work anew, and merely use the materials
+furnished by Mr Walter, or otherwise, as the particulars of wind,
+weather, currents, courses, &c. &c. usually given in a sailor's
+journal. The introduction, and several dissertations interspersed
+through, the work, are said, moreover, to have been written by Mr
+Robins without any such assistance whatever; but to what magnitude his
+labours throughout amounted, it is perhaps impossible to ascertain.
+That he acquired reputation by it is unquestionable; but that Mr
+Walter himself should not have contributed so much as to warrant his
+name appearing on the title-page of the book, and at its dedication to
+the Duke of Bedford, would require a proof of both want of talents and
+meanness of disposition, which no one yet has attempted to adduce. Mr
+Walter's character, indeed, seems to have been quite above either such
+deficiency; and, in all probability, was, both in point of firmness
+and moral and intellectual worth, the very circumstance which obtained
+for him the appointment to a responsible office in an expedition,
+which, in its origin, progress, and issue, attracted the peculiar
+regard of the British government, and the admiration of mankind in
+general. Besides this office, it may be mentioned, that in 1745, on
+his return from the expedition, he was made chaplain of Portsmouth
+dock-yard, in which situation he continued till his death on March
+10th, 1785. The first edition of the work appeared in 1748; and a
+fifth being required in the following year, Mr Robins, it is said,
+revised it, and intended, had he remained in England, to have added a
+second volume. This rests on the assertion of Dr Wilson, who published
+Mr Robins' works after his death, in 2 vols. 8vo. 1761; and who, in
+the account of that gentleman's life prefixed, has been at pains to
+claim, in the strongest language, the merit of the Narrative for his
+friend. A passage or two from that memoir may satisfy the reader as to
+this part of the evidence, and as to the opinion of Dr W. one of the
+principal witnesses, respecting the proportional labours of Messrs
+Walter and Robins. "Upon a strict perusal of both the performances,"
+says he, "I find Mr Robins' to contain about as much matter again as
+that of Mr Walter--so this famous Voyage was composed in the person of
+the Centurion's chaplain, by Mr Robins in his own style and manner. Of
+this Mr Robins' friends, Mr Glover and Mr Ockenden, are witnesses as
+well as myself, we having compared the printed book with Mr
+Walter's manuscript. And this was at that time no secret, for in
+the counterpart of an indenture, now lying before me, made between
+Benjamin Robins, Esq. and John and Paul Knapton, booksellers, I find
+that those booksellers purchased the copy of this book from Mr Robins,
+as the sole proprietor, with no other mention of Mr Walter than a
+proviso in relation to the subscriptions he had taken." Dr Wilson
+evidently writes under some conviction that his assertions are liable
+to scrutiny, and that the matter of his remarks is debatable; hence
+his allegation that other _friends_ of Mr Robins are witnesses as well
+as himself, and his insinuation that what he testifies was no secret.
+But it is obvious, that, were his own assertions of the fact at all
+questionable, he would be equally obnoxious to discredit in assigning
+these other witnesses; for clearly, the man who could falsify in the
+one case, would be capable of doing so in the other. This may be said
+without any impeachment whatever of either Dr Wilson or the other
+friends of Mr Robins. It is merely a remark on the mode of proof which
+the Dr has adopted. As to the insinuation again, of the fact being no
+secret, all that it may be requisite to say is simply this, that the
+circumstance of the existence of the counterpart of such an indenture
+as is mentioned, is a very indifferent proof of publicity; and that
+even were it otherwise, were it "confirmation strong," still it might
+be readily conceived that Mr Robins should be the sole proprietor of
+the work, and yet in no degree the author of it. One may believe, at
+least, that Mr Robins, having aided in drawing up the materials for
+publication, and having furnished some pieces for it, was entrusted
+with the disposal of it to the booksellers; Mr Walter himself, for
+value received; or other considerations, abandoning all further
+concern. Some importance has been attached to a letter from Lord Anson
+to Mr Robins, as preserved by Dr Wilson, and published, as he says, by
+his lordship's permission, or, to use his own expression, "Printed
+not without the noble lord's consent; who," says the doctor, "being
+requested to permit that this testimony might be exhibited to the
+world of his lordship's esteem for Mr Robins, replied, in the politest
+manner, That every thing in his power was due to the memory of one who
+had deserved so well of the public." That Mr Robins deserved well of
+the public was unquestionable, though he had not written a line of
+the Narrative. He had published several works on subjects of general
+utility; and, besides his private instructions in beneficial science,
+he had been employed officially in the service of his country: In
+short, he needed not any thing of the reputation of the author of
+the Narrative, whoever he was, to extend his own. But does the letter
+referred to, or the quotation now given respecting Lord Anson's
+permission to publish it, in any degree determine the question, or any
+thing connected with it? The Editor has a different opinion of it; he
+thinks it quite irrelevant--that it does not yield the least shadow
+of proof, that Mr Robins had any thing to do with the volume of the
+Narrative, already given to the public. All that can be legitimately
+inferred from it amounts to this, that Lord Anson, entertaining a
+high opinion of Mr Robins, and being much pleased with his works, was
+desirous that he should publish a second volume of the Voyage, and
+apprehended that he had abandoned the intention of doing so. Of the
+fact of Mr Robins being the author of what had appeared, or even of
+the existence of materials for a second volume in a state fit for the
+public notice--of any thing, in short, but an intention on the part of
+Mr Robins to this effect, the letter in question says not a word. Let
+the reader judge for himself. The letter is as follows:--
+
+
+"DEAR SIR,
+
+"When I last saw you in town, I forgot to ask you, whether you
+intended to publish the second volume of my "Voyage" before you leave
+us; which, I confess, I am very sorry for. If you should have laid
+aside all thoughts of favouring the world with more of your works, it
+will be much disappointed, and no one in it more than your very much
+obliged and humble servant,
+
+_Bath, 22d October, 1749._
+
+"ANSON."
+
+"If you can tell the time of your departure, let me know it."
+
+
+This letter is also preserved by Mr Nichols in his Literary Anecdotes
+of the 18th Century, vol. ii. page 206, where the Narrative is
+explicitly ascribed to Mr Robins, but not on, any particular evidence.
+The statement indeed that is there given seems founded on Dr Wilson's
+account of Mr Robins, without any other source of information having
+been consulted. The Encyclopaedia Britannica is somewhat more candid,
+stating merely what was generally thought as to the Narrative
+being the work of Mr Robins, and at the same time pointing, though
+indirectly, to the existence of information opposed to that opinion.
+"In 1748," says the article Robins, 3d edition, "appeared Lord Anson's
+Voyage round the World, which, though Mr Walter's name is in the
+title, has been generally thought to be the work of Mr Robins."--"The
+5th edition, printed at London, in 1749, was revised and corrected
+by Mr Robins himself. It appears, however, from the corrigenda and
+addenda to the 1st volume of the Biographia Britannica, printed in
+the beginning of the 4th volume of that work, that Mr Robins was only
+consulted with respect to the disposition of the drawings, and that
+he had left England before the book was printed. Whether this be the
+fact, as it is asserted to be by the widow of Mr Walter, it is not for
+us to determine." The remark now made seems somewhat ambiguous, and
+may refer to either the 5th edition only, or to the work in general.
+In referring, however, to the Biog. Brit. as above, the ambiguity is
+removed, and a testimony is discovered in opposition to the statement
+of Dr Wilson, which the reader cannot fail to consider of very high
+import, and as bearing strongly against the claims of Mr Robins. The
+writers of the Biog. had spoken, in their account of Lord Anson, of
+the history of his voyage having been written by Mr Robins. This they
+did on common though uncontradicted report, arising in all probability
+from the positive assertions of Dr Wilson, to which, it is certainly
+very singular, neither Mr Walter nor any of his friends chose to
+object. With the most praise-worthy liberality and candour, however,
+these gentlemen, in the corrigenda; &c. referred to, insert the
+following notice:--"Thus has the matter hitherto stood. But so late
+as the present year (1789) and a few days previously to the writing of
+this note, a letter upon the subject has been put into our hands by
+Mr John. Walter, bookseller at Charing Cross. It is addressed to that
+gentleman by Mrs Walter, the widow of the publisher of that Voyage,
+and is as follows:
+
+
+"SIR,
+
+"I am informed that the Biographia Britannica insinuates that Mr
+Robins, and not Mr Walter, was the writer of Lord Anson's Voyage round
+the World. I shall therefore take it as a favour, if you will put me
+in the way of correcting so great a mistake. During the time of Mr
+Walter's writing that Voyage, he visited me almost daily previous to
+our marriage, and I have frequently heard him say how closely be had
+been engaged in writing for some hours to prepare for his constant
+attendance upon Lord Anson at six every morning for his approbation,
+as his lordship overlooked every sheet that was written. At some
+of those meetings Mr Robins assisted, as he was consulted in the
+disposition of the drawings; and I also know that Mr Robins left
+England (for he was sent to Bergen-op-Zoom,)[2] some months before the
+publication of that book; and I have frequently seen Mr Walter correct
+the proof sheets for the printer. You may perhaps wonder that Mr
+Walter never took any steps to contradict the assertion; but that
+wonder will cease when I tell you that for four years before his
+death (which was in 1785) he laboured under very severe and painful
+illnesses, and therefore never heard any thing but newspaper squibs,
+which he looked upon with contempt. But as it now appears to be
+published in a work that will be handed down to-posterity, that Mr
+Walter was not the real author, I think it a duty incumbent upon me
+to endeavour to clear his memory from any imputation of duplicity.
+Nor can it be supposed that any man would write a book for another
+to share the greatest part of the advantages. These and many other
+reasons make me to apply to you, as I should suppose that, as a
+relation to the deceased, you would be anxious for his fame, as well
+as,
+
+Sir,
+
+Your most humble servant,
+
+JANE WALTER."
+
+_June 16th, 1789._
+
+[Footnote 2: "Mr Robins," says Dr Wilson, "was invited over to assist
+in the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, then invested by the French; and
+he did accordingly set out for that place; but it was entered by the
+besiegers September 16, 1747, just after his arrival in the Dutch
+army." This corresponds well with Mrs Walter's statement, and must
+have its weight in the question.--E.]
+
+"We shall make no other comment on this letter than to observe,
+that it is highly worthy of attention. If it shall give such full
+satisfaction to our readers as to convince them that Mr Walter was the
+writer of the voyage in its present form, we shall rejoice in having
+had an opportunity of doing justice to an injured character."
+
+Such is all the information the Editor has been able to procure
+on this subject; and he regrets that it is not adequate to what is
+desirable for the determining it. He might seem invidiously disposed
+were he positively to decide in the claims, the respective evidences
+of which, though not logically contradictory, are so much opposed to
+each other; but he thinks he can hazard no unfavourable imputation, if
+he should merely state his opinion drawn from the consideration of the
+testimonies, and the comparison of the style of part of the Narrative,
+with that of the works which appeared in Mr Robins' name. He thinks,
+then, in few words, that the Narrative is really the production of
+Mr Walter, under whose name it appeared, but that it was materially
+increased in size, if not in real value, by the contributions of
+Mr Robins; and that the species of those contributions may be
+condescended on, which of course goes far to determine their amount.]
+
+
+END OF VOLUME ELEVENTH.
+
+Edinburgh: Printed by James Ballantyne & Co.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, Volume 11, by Robert Kerr
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