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A

VOYAGE

TO THE

SOUTH-SEAS,

In the YEARS 1740–1.

CONTAINING,

A faithful NARRATIVE of the Loss of his Majesty's Ship the WAGER on a desolate Island in the Latitude 47 South, Longitude 81: 40 West: With the Proceedings and Conduct of the Officers and Crew, and the Hardships they endured in the said Island for the Space of five Months; their bold Attempt for Liberty, in Coasting the Southern Part of the vast Region of Patagonia; setting out with upwards of Eighty Souls in their Boats; the Loss of the Cutter; their Passage through the Streights of Magellan; an Account of their Manner of living in the Voyage on Seals, Wild Horses, Dogs, &c. and the incredible Hardships they frequently underwent for Want of Food of any Kind; a Description of the several Places where they touch'd in the Streights of Magellan, with an Account of the Inhabitants, &c. and their safe Arrival to the Brazil, after sailing one thousand Leagues in a Long-Boat; their Reception from the Portuguese; an Account of the Disturbances at Rio Grand; their Arrival at Rio Janeiro; their Passage and Usage on Board a Portuguese Ship to Lisbon; and their Return to England.

Interspersed with many entertaining and curious Observations, not taken Notice of by Sir John Narborough, or any other Journalist.

The Whole compiled by Persons concerned in the Facts related,
VIZ.

John Bulkeley and John Cummins,
Late Gunner and Carpenter of the WAGER.

Bold were the Men who on the Ocean first

Spread the new Sails, when Ship-wreck was the worst:

More Dangers Now from MAN alone we find,

Than from the Rocks, the Billows, and the Wind. WALLER.

LONDON:
Printed for JACOB ROBINSON, Publisher, at the Golden-Lion in Ludgate-Street. M.DCC.XLIII.

[Price Bound Three Shillings and Six-pence.]

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TO the HONOURABLE

Edward Vernon, Esq;
Vice-Admiral of the BLUE, &c.

SIR,

WE have presum'd to put the following Sheets under your Protection, tho' we have not the Honour of being personally known to you, nor have applied to you

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for the Liberty of using your celebrated Name on this Occasion.

As this Book is a faithful Extract from the Journals of two British Seamen, late Officers in his Majesty's Navy, we thought we could not more properly dedicate it than to a BRITISH ADMIRAL.

We know your Detestation of Flattery; and you know, from long Experience, that a British Seaman hath a Spirit too brave to stoop to so degenerate a Practice.

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The following Pages we hope will recommend themselves to you, because they are written in a plain maritime Stile, and void of Partiality and Prejudice.

The Distresses mention'd in this Book have perhaps not been equal'd in our Age; and we question whether any Navigators living have, for so long a Continuance, suffer'd such Variety of Hardships, as the unfortunate People of the Wager.

After surviving the Loss of the Ship, and combating with Famine and innumerable Diffi-

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culties, a Remnant of us are return'd to our Native Country; but even here we are still unfortunate, destitute of Employment, almost without Support, or any Prospect of being restor'd to our Stations, till some important Questions are decided, which cannot be cleared up till the Arrival of our late Captain, or at least the Commodore.

We, SIR, who present you with this Book, have been several Years in the Navy, and thought ourselves well acquainted with its Laws and Discipline,

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and have many Certificates to produce, that we have always acted in Obedience to Command; but the Proceedings of the Officers and People, since the Loss of the Ship, are reckon'd so dark and intricate, that we know not what to expect, nor what will be the Result of our Superiors Determination.

The only Consolation, we have in our present Anxiety, is placed in a Confidence of the unbiass'd Integrity, Justice, and Humanity of the Right Honourable Persons who will one

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Day determine for or against us.

When you read our Account of the Affair, you'll find the Facts impartially related, the whole Narrative written without the least Shadow of Prejudice or Malice, and no more in Favour of ourselves, than of the other Officers concern'd: We stand or fall by the Truth; if Truth will not support us, nothing can.

In our Voyage from the Brazil to Lisbon, we were oblig'd to you for the generous Treatment we met with from an

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Enemy, a Subject of Spain, a Person of Distinction, and a Passenger in the same Ship: Your Virtues have procur'd you the Esteem even of your Enemies.

Your Zeal for the National Service deserves the Love of every Honest Briton: To leave an abundant Fortune, your Family, and your Country, to hazard your Life in the most perilous Expeditions, with no other Motive than to retrieve the Honour of the Nation, shows the Spirit of a true British Hero, and deserves the highest Commendations.

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That you, SIR, may never deviate from your Integrity, but continue a Terror to the Enemies of Britain, an Honour to his Majesty's Service, and an Ornament to your Country, are the sincere Wishes of,

HONOURABLE SIR,

Your most dutiful,

And most obedient

Humble Servants,

JOHN BULKELEY,
JOHN CUMMINS.

[page xi]

THE

PREFACE.

AS an Introduction, we think proper to acquaint the Reader with our Reasons for causing the following Sheets to be made publick to the World. The chief Motive, which induced us to this Task, was to clear our Characters, which have been exceedingly blemish'd by Persons who (next to Heaven) owe the Preservation of their Lives to our Skill, and indefatigable Care; and who having an Opportunity of arriving before us in England,

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have endeavour'd to raise their Reputation on the Ruin of Our's.

It will appear to the Reader, on Perusal of the following Pages, that this Journal was attempted to be taken from us by Violence at Rio Janeiro; that we have preserved it, at the Hazard of our Lives; that there was no Journal kept after the Loss of the Ship, by any Officers but ourselves; and if we had not been careful in making Remarks on each Day's Transactions, Persons must have continued in the Dark, in relation to all the subsequent Proceedings.

It is a very usual Thing to publish Voyages, especially when the Navigators have met with any extraordinary Events. We believe, our Expedition, though it was not a Secret, is allowed to be an extraordinary One,

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and consequently attended with extraordinary Events: Indeed while the Commodore was with us, every thing went well, but when the Squadron separated, Things began to have a new Face; after the Loss of the Wager, there was a general Disorder and Confusion among the People, who were now no longer implicitly obedient. There were two Seamen particularly, who propagated this Confusion, they said they had suffer'd Ship-wreck in his Majesty's Ship the Biddeford, and received no Wages from the Day that the Ship was lost; that when they were out of Pay, they look'd upon themselves as their own Masters, and no longer subjected to Command. The People however were not altogether infected, but still continued to pay a dutiful Respect to their Commander; but when the Captain had rashly shot

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Mr. Cozens (whose Fate the Reader will find particularly related) they then grew very turbulent and unruly, the Captain daily lost the Love of the Men, who with their Affection lost their Duty.

Our confining the Captain is reckoned an audacious and unprecedented Action, and our not bringing him home with us, is reckon'd worse; but the Reader will find that Necessity absolutely compell'd us to act as we did, and that we had Sufficient Reasons for leaving him behind.

Our Attempt for Liberty in sailing to the Southward through the Streights of Magellan with such a number of People, stow'd in a Long Boat, has been censur'd as a mad Undertaking: Desperate Diseases require desperate Remedies; had we gone to the Northward,

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there appear'd no Probability of escaping the Spaniards, and when we had fallen into their Hands, 'tis not unlikely but they might have employed us as Drudges in their Mines for Life, therefore we rather chose to encounter all Difficulties than to become Slaves to a merciless Enemy.

Some Persons have objected against our Capacity for keeping a Journal of this Nature; but several Judges of Maritime Affairs, allow this Work to be exact and regular. We think, Persons with a common Share of Understanding are capable of committing to Paper daily Remarks of Matters worthy their Observation, especially of Facts in which they themselves had so large a Share. We only relate such Things as could not possibly escape our Knowledge, and what we actually

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know to be true. We don't set up for Naturalists and Men of great Learning, therefore have avoided meddling with Things above our Capacity.

We are also condemn'd by many for being too busy and active for Persons in our Stations. There was a Necessity for Action, and a great deal of it too; and had we been as indolent and regardless for the Preservation of the People, as others who were superior in Command, there would not have been a single Man, who was shipwreck'd in the Wager, now in England to give any Relation of the Matter.

The Gentleman who commanded in the Long-Boat on his Arrival before us at Lisbon, represented us to the English Merchants in a very vile

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Light, we were even advised by some of our Friends there not to return to our Country, lest we should suffer Death for Mutiny. But when the Gentlemen of the Factory had perus'd our Journal, they found, if there was any Mutiny in the Case, the very Person who accused us, was the Ringleader and chief Mutineer. We were confident of our own Innocence, and determin'd to see our Country at all Events, being positive that we have acted to the best of our Understandings, in all Respects, for the preservation of our Lives and Liberties; and when our Superiors shall think proper to call us to an Account, which we expect will be at the Commodore's Arrival, we do not doubt but we shall clear ourselves in spite of all invidious Reflections and malicious Imputations.

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It has been hinted to us, as if publishing this Journal would give Offence to some Persons of Distinction. We can't conceive, how any Transactions relating to the Wager, although made ever so publick, can give Offence to any Great Man at Home. Can it be any Offence to tell the World that we were ship-wreck'd in the Wager, when all People know it already? Don't they know that the Wager was one of his Majesty's Store-Ships? That we had on Board not only Naval Stores, but other Kind of Stores of an immense Value? Don't they also know that we went Abroad with Hopes of acquiring great Riches, but are return'd Home as poor as Beggars? We are guilty of no indecent Reproaches, or unmannerly Reflexions; though, it is certain, we cannot but lament our being engaged

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in so fatal an Expedition. When Persons have surmounted great Difficulties, it is a Pleasure for them to relate their Story; and if we give ourselves this Satisfaction, who has any Cause to be offended? Are we, who have faced Death in so many Shapes, to be intimidated, lest we should give Offence to the — Lord knows whom? We never saw a satyrical Journal in our Lives, and we thought that Kind of Writing was the most obnoxious to give Offence.

It has been a Thing usual, in publishing of Voyages, to introduce Abundance of Fiction; and some Authors have been esteem'd merely for being marvellous. We have taken Care to deviate from those, by having a strict Regard to Truth. There are undoubtedly in this Book some Things

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which will appear incredible. The Account we give of the Patagonian Indians, and our own Distresses, tho' ever so well attested, will not easily obtain Credit; and People will hardly believe that Human Nature could possibly support the Miseries that we have endured.

All the Difficulties related we have actually endur'd, and perhaps must endure more: Till the Commodore's Arrival we cannot know our Fate; at present we are out of all Employment, and have nothing to support ourselves and Families, but the Profits arising from the Sale of our Journal; which perhaps may be the Sum Total we shall ever receive for our Voyage to the South-Seas.

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A

VOYAGE

TO THE

SOUTH SEAS.

ON Thursday the 18th of September 1740, sailed from St. Hellens his Majesty's Ship Centurion, Commodore Anson, with the Gloucester, Pearl, Severn, Wager, and Tryal, and two Store-ships; this Squadron was design'd round Cape Horn into the South Seas, to distress the Spaniards in those Parts. The Ships were all in prime Order, all lately rebuilt. The Men were elevated with Hopes of growing immensely rich, and in a few Years of returning to Old England loaden with the Wealth of their Enemies.

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Saturday the 20th, the Ram-head bearing N. by W. half W. distant four Leagues, the Commodore hoisted his broad Pendant, and was saluted by every Ship in the Squadron, with thirteen Guns each. This Day join'd Company with us his Majesty's Ships, Dragon, Winchester, Chatham, South-Sea-Castle, and Rye Galley, with a large Convoy of Merchant-ships.

Thursday the 25th, we parted Company with the Winchester and the South-Sea-Castle, with their Convoys, bound for America.

On Monday, we parted Company with the Streights and Turky Convoys.

Friday, October the 3d, at Eight in the Morning, we saw two Brigantines to the South East; the Commodore gave a Signal to chace; at Nine fired two Shot to bring 'em to; at Ten spoke with the Chace, being two Brigs from Lisbon, bound for New York.

Sunday the 26th, about Five in the Morning, the Severn showed Lights, and fired several Guns a-head; soon after we saw the Land bearing W. by S. and at Noon the East End of Madeira bore North, distant five Leagues.

Wednesday we moored in Fonchiale Road, so called from a City of that Name, which

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is the Metropolis of the Island of Madeira; here we employ'd most of our Time in getting aboard Water, and stowing our dry Provisions between Decks.

Tuesday, November the 4th, Captain Kidd our Commander was removed on Board the Pearl, and the Honourable Captain Murray succeeded him in the Wager. Captain Norris of the Gloucester having obtained Leave to return to England, on Account of his ill State of Health, occasioned the above Removals.

While we lay at Madeira, we were informed of ten Sail of Ships cruising off and on, to the Westward; these Ships were judg'd to be French, and had been seen every Day for a Week before our Arrival: The Commodore sent out a Privateer Sloop, but she returned the Day following, without seeing 'em; so that we can give no Account of 'em.

On Wednesday the 5th, we sailed from Madeira. On the 20th the Industry Store-ship parted Company; and on Friday the 28th, by Account, we cross'd the Equinoctial.

On the 17th of December we saw the Island of St. Catharine, at Noon; the Northmost Land in Sight bore W. N. W. and the Southmost S. W. by W. Variation per Amplitude 13: 57 Easterly.

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On the 18th, the North End of the Island of St. Catharine bore N. W. by W. distant seven Leagues; and the Island of Gaul bore N. W. distant six Leagues.

On the 19th we anchor'd in St. Catharine's Bay, in upward of twelve Fathom Water, the Island Gaul on the Coast of Brazil bearing N. by E. distant four Leagues. On the 20th we anchor'd in St. Catharine's Road, and the Day following we moored between the Island of St. Catharine and the Main.

On Monday the 22d, the Commodore ordered fresh Beef for the sick People.

On the 27th came in a Portuguese Brig from Rio Janeiro, for the Rio Grand: While we lay here, the People were generally employ'd in over-hauling the Rigging, and getting aboard Water.

On the 17th of January 1741, we sailed from St. Catharine's; the Commodore saluted the Fort with eleven Guns, the Fort returned the same Number.

On Thursday the 22d we lost Sight of the Pearl.

On Tuesday the 17th of February, the Pearl join'd the Squadron; and on the 19th we came to Anchor off the River of St. Julian's on the Coast of Patagonia, St. Julian's

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Hill bearing S. W. by W. and the Southmost Land in Sight S. by E. distant from the Shore three Leagues. This Day our Captain, the Honourable George Murray, took Command on Board the Pearl, Captain Kidd having died on the Voyage since we left St. Catharine's.

Captain Kidd was heard to say, a few Days before his Death, That this Voyage, which both Officers and Sailors had engag'd in, with so much Cheerfulness and Alacrity, would prove in the End very far from their Expectations, notwithstanding the vast Treasure they imagined to gain by it; that it would end in Poverty, Vermin, Famine, Death, and Destruction. How far the Captain's Words were prophetick, will appear in the Course of our Journal. Captain C——p succeeded Captain Murray on Board the Wager.

On the 26th of February we sent on Board the Pearl twelve Butts and two Puncheons of Water; the Pearl having, while she was separated from us, been chased by five large Spanish Men of War, the Commander in Chief being distinguish'd by a red broad Pendant with a Swallow's Tail at his Main-top-mast Head, and a red Flag at his Ensign-staff:

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During the Chace, the Pearl, in order to clear Ship, threw over-board and stove fourteen Tons of Water; she likewise stove the Long-Boat, and threw her over-board, with Oars, Sails and Booms, and made all clear for engaging; but Night coming on, at Seven o' Clock lost Sight of the Enemy; at Five in the Morning saw the Spanish Ships from the Mast-head, two Points on the Lee-quarter, still giving Chace, and crowding all the Sail they could; but at Nine the Pearl lost Sight of 'em entirely. We judged this to be Admiral Pizarro's Squadron, sent out in Pursuit of Commodore Anson. Had our Ships united fallen in with 'em, 'tis probable we might have given a good Account of 'em. While we lay at St. Julian's, we saw the Sea full of Shrimps, and red as if they were boiled; the Water appeared tinctured to that Degree, that it look'd like Blood.

On the 27th, we sent on Board the Pearl four Puncheons of Water more; at Six in the Morning, the Commodore made Signal to weigh; at Eight weigh'd, and came to Sail; this Day we lost Sight of the Gloucester.

The 28th, the Gloucester came into the Squadron again.

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On the 7th of March we pass'd through the Streights of Le Mair; Cape Diego on the Island of Terra del Fuego bore N. W. by W. three Leagues, and the West End of the Island, Staten Land, bore E. N. E. distant Four Leagues, the Squadron under Reeft Courses.

On the 10th we lost Sight of the Ann Pink, on the 12th carried away the Rails and Timbers of the Head on both Sides.

On the 16th the Ann Pink join'd the Squadron again.

The 30th the Gloucester broke her Main-Yard in the Slings.

April the 1st, the Commodore order'd Mr. Cummins, the Carpenter, on Board the Gloucester.

On the 8th carried away the Mizen-Mast, two Feet above the Awning; there was no Sail on the Mast. Upon the Rowl of a Sea, all the Chain-Plates to Wind-ward broke, Lat. 56. 31. Long. 87. 4 West. At Noon Cape St. Bartholomew bore North, 84 Deg. E. distant 229 Leagues.

The 10th lost Sight of the Severn and Pearl, Lat. 56. 29. Long. 85 West. At Ten last Night fell in with two small Islands; at Eight in the Morning the Islands bore N.N. W. by the Compass distant eight Leagues, in the

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Latitude 54.00 South; we took 'em for the Islands which lay off Brewer's Streights, Latitude 54:50 South, Long. 84. 56 West.

On the 12th we had very hard Gales at West, with the largest Swell I ever saw; I was Officer of the Watch (tho' I was Gunner of the Ship, I had the Charge of a Watch during the whole Voyage); we had our Larboard Tacks on Board: Between Six and Seven in the Morning, holding by the Topsail Hallyards to Wind-ward, there broke a Sea in the Ship, which carried me over the Wheel, bilg'd the Cutter, and canted her off the Skeet's Bottom up athwart the Barge; it likewise half filled the Long-Boat; the Boatswain was for heaving the Cutter over-board, I order'd him to do nothing with her till I had acquainted the Captain, who was then very ill in his Cabbin: The Captain desired me to use all Means to save the Cutter; at the same Time I asked Leave to skuttle the Long-Boat, and get the Sprit-sail Yard and Jib in, for fear of endangering the Bowsprit; which he ordered to be done, and told me, It was a very great Misfortune that he should be ill at such a Time. When I came from the Captain, I found the Lieutenant on the Deck, got the Cutter in her Place, skuttled

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the Long-Boat, and got the Sprit-sail Yard and Jib-boom in. The Carpenter is still aboard the Gloucester.

The 13th, under Reeft Courses, the Larboard Tacks; the Commodore being on the Weather-Quarter, bore down under our Lee, and spoke with us. He ask'd the Captain, If the Carpenter was return'd from the Gloucester? The Captain answer'd, No; and am surprized Capt. M——ll should detain him, when he knows I must want him about my Mizen-Mast. The Commodore told him he would speak with the Gloucester, and order him on Board. He then ask'd the Captain, Why he did not set the Main-top-sail, and make more Sail? Capt. C——p made Answer, My Rigging is all gone, and broke fore and aft, and my People almost all taken ill, and down; but I will set him as soon as possible. The Commodore desired he would, and make what Sail he could after him.

The 14th, the Carpenter return'd from the Gloucester, it being the only Day this Fortnight a Boat could live in the Sea. As soon as the Carpenter came on Board, he waited on the Captain, who order'd him to look on the Chain-Plates and Chains, and to give his Opinion of the Mast's going away. The

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Carpenter look'd as order'd, and gave Capt. C——p for Answer, That the Chain-Plates were all broke. The Captain shook his Head, and said, Carpenter! that is not the Reason of the Mast's going away. The Carpenter, not willing, as the Mast was gone, to lay it to any one's Mismanagement, or to occasion any Uneasiness about what was now past Prevention, fitted a Capp on the Stump of the Mizen-Mast, got up a lower Studding-Sail-Boom of 40 Feet, and hoisted a Sail to keep the Ship to.

To-day, being the 19th, and the finest Day we had in these Seas, we were employ'd in repairing the Rigging; we bent a new Main-Sail and Reeft him, as did the Anne Pink; the Gloucester at the same Time fix'd her Main-Yard; the Commodore and Tryal keeping a-head, and at a considerable Distance; between Four and Six at Night saw the Commodore's Light. At Six, being reliev'd by the Master, he could not see the Commodore's Light, tho' it was visible to every one else on the Quarter-Deck: The Master still persisted he could not see it; on which I went and acquainted the Captain, who came upon Deck, and seeing the Light, ask'd the Master, Where his Eyes were? This was the last

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Time I ever saw the Commodore. The Lieutenant having the first Watch lost Sight of him at Nine o' Clock, and at Ten was oblig'd to hand the Fore-Sail; in doing of which we lost a Seaman over-board. We saw the Gloucester and Anne Pink a-stern in the Morning; but they were soon gone ahead, and out of Sight.

The 21st, as I was in the Steward's Room, Joseph King, Seaman, came for a Pound of Bread. I heard him ask the Steward, If he thought they would be serv'd with the same Quantity of Water as before? Without waiting for an Answer, No, G—d d——n 'em; as the Commodore was parted, they should find the Difference. Not knowing the Consequence of this, or by whom the Fellow might be spirited up, I acquainted the Captain with the Affair, who order'd me to deliver a Brace of Pistols charg'd with a Brace of Balls to every Officer in the Ship who wanted 'em, and to take no farther Notice of the Matter.

May the 1st. This Day the Officers were call'd, and their Opinions ask'd concerning the best Bower-Anchor; resolv'd to cut the Anchor away, for fear of endangering the Ship, there being no Possibility of securing

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it without putting our Fore-Mast in extreme Danger, the Shrouds and Chain-Plates being all broke.

Fourteen Days before the Loss of the Ship, the Wind at S. and S. S. W. steer'd N. W. by N. and N. N. W. by the Compass: Laid the Ship to for the first four Nights; the meaning of this I could not learn. I ask'd the Lieutenant the Reason of our bearing for the Land on a Lee-Shore, when we had a fair Wind for our Rendezvous, which I had always thought was for the Island of Juan Ferdinandez. The Lieutenant told me the Rendezvous was alter'd to an Island in the Latitude of 44:S. Upon this I said to the Lieutenant, This is a very great Misfortune to us; that we can do nothing with the Ship in the Condition she is in upon a Lee-shore; and am surpriz'd, that we should be oblig'd to go there. The Lieutenant told me, he had said every Thing he could to dissuade the Captain from it, but found him determin'd to go there. The fifth Night, and every Night after, made Sail; the Wind to the Westward. I never reliev'd the Lieutenant, but I ask'd him, What he thought of a Lee-shore with the Ship in this Condition? He always reply'd, He could not tell. We

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saw Rock-weed in abundance pass by the Ship. The Honourable J——n B——n, Midshipman, being on the Quarter-Deck, said, We can't be far off the Land by these Weeds. The Lieutenant and Mate being by, I said, Gentlemen, What can we do with the Ship in the miserable Condition she is in on a Lee-shore? The Lieutenant answer'd, Whenever I have been with the Captain since our first lying to, I always persuaded him to go for Juan Ferdinandez; therefore I would have you go to him, he may be persuaded by you, tho' he will not by me. I said, If that was the Case, my going to him is needless. In a Quarter of an Hour afterwards, the Captain sent for me, and said, Gunner! What Longitude have you made? I told him 82:30. What Distance do you reckon yourself off the Land? I answer'd, About 60 Leagues: But if the two Islands we saw are those which are laid down in your Chart to lay off Brewer's Streights, and the same Current continues with the Western Swell, we can't be above a third Part of the Distance off the Land. The Captain made Answer, As for the Currents, there is no Account to be given for 'em; sometimes they set one Way, and sometimes another. I said, Sir, very true; but

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as the Ship has been always under Reeft Courses, with the Mizen-Mast gone, she must wholly drive to Leeward, and nigher the Land than expected. The Captain then told me, I supppose you are not unacquainted of my Rendezvous for the Island of Nostra Signora Di Socora, in the Latitude of 44. I reply'd, Sir, the Ship is in a very bad Condition to come in with the Lee-shore; and if it is possible to bring the Ship to an Anchor, we shall never purchase him again. The Captain answer'd, I don't design to come to an Anchor; for there are no Soundings until you come within seven Leagues of the Land. I purpose to stand off and on twenty-four Hours; and if I don't see the Commodore, or any of the Squadron in that Time, we will go for Juan Ferdinandez. To this I said, Sir, the Ship is a perfect Wreck; our Mizen-Mast gone, with our standing Rigging afore and abaft, and all our People down; therefore I can't see what we can do in with the Land. The Captain's Answer was, It does not signify, I am oblig'd and determin'd to go for the first Rendezvous.

On the 13th, at Eight in the Morning, the Straps of the Fore-Jeer Blocks broke; reev'd the Top Ropes, and lower'd the Yard; went

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to strapping the Blocks. At Nine, the Carpenter going forward to inspect the Chain-Plates, saw the Land from the Fore-castle; on which he ask'd the Boatswain's Mate, who was by him, If he saw the Land? He answer'd, No. The Carpenter shew'd it him, and he saw it plain. The Carpenter then shew'd it to the Lieutenant; but he would not believe it to be Land, because it bore N. N. W. and said it was impossible; therefore he never inform'd the Captain of the Sight of Land, as the Honourable Mr. B—n hath heard the Captain say. At Two in the Afternoon lower'd the Fore-yard, and hawl'd the Fore-sail up. Notwithstanding I was Officer of the Watch, I was oblig'd to go upon the Fore-yard, where was Mr. Campbell Midshipman, one Boatswain's Mate, four Seamen, and the Master's Servant; which were all the Hands we could get out of the Ship's Company to assist. Whilst on the Yard I saw the Land very plain, on the Larboard-beam bearing N. W. half N. nearest High Land, with Hillocks, and one remarkable Hommacoe like a Sugar-loaf, very high. At the Sight of Land I came off the Fore-yard, and acquainted the Captain. He immediately gave Orders to sway the Fore-yard

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up, and set the Fore-sail; then we wore Ship with her Head to the Southward. The Captain coming forward unhappily received a Fall, which dislocated his Shoulder, so that he was obliged to be put into the Surgeon's Cabbin. Some Time after he sent for the Lieutenant and myself, acquainting us of the Necessity there was for making Sail, as being on a Lee-shore; therefore desired we would use our utmost Endeavours to crowd the Ship off. You see, Gentlemen, said he, my Misfortune will not permit me to continue on the Deck: As for the Master, he is not worthy of the Charge of a Watch; therefore I must desire you, Mr. Bulkeley, to be in the Watch with him, and to make but two Watches: Keep a good Look-out, and, if possible, set the Main-top-sail. Mr. B——s, I must desire Mr. Cummins to be with you; and beg you will take all the Care you can. I having the first Watch, set the Main, Fore and Mizen Stay-sail; it blew so hard I found it impossible to set the Main-top-sail; of which I acquainted the Captain: All the Hands we could muster in both Watches, Officers included, were but twelve; the rest of the Ship's Company were all sick below: I very often could get no more than three

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Seamen in my Watch. The Ship for these three Weeks hath been no better than a Wreck; the Mizen-Mast gone; the standing Rigging and Chain-Plates, afore and abaft, mostly broke and ruin'd. The Top-sails now at the Yards are so bad, that if we attempt to loose 'em for making Sail, we are in Danger of splitting 'em; and we have not a spare Sail in the Ship that can be brought to the Yard without being repair'd. This is the present deplorable Situation of the Ship. All the first and middle Watch it blow'd and rain'd; and withal so very dark, that we could not see the Length of the Ship: For the greatest Part of the Night she came up no nearer than S. by W. and S. S. W. At Four in the Morning she came up with her Head West; so that her Head was then off the Shore.

Thursday, May the 14th, 1741, at Half an Hour past Four this Morning, the Ship struck abaft on a sunken Rock, sounded fourteen Fathom; but it being impossible to let go the Anchor Time enough to bring her up, being surrounded on every Side with Rocks, (a very dismal Prospect to behold!) the Ship struck a second Time, which broke the Head of the Tiller; so that we were obliged to steer her with the Main and Fore-sheets, by

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easing off one, and hawling aft the other, as she came to, or fell off. In a short Time after, she struck, bilged, and grounded, between two small Islands, where Providence directed us to such a Place as we could save our Lives. When the Ship struck it was about Break of Day, and not above a Musket-shot from the Shore. Launch'd the Barge, Cutter, and Yawl over the Gunnel; cut the Main and Fore-Mast by the Board, and the Sheet-Anchor from the Gunnel. The Captain sent the Barge ashore, with Mr. S—w the Mate, to see if the Place was inhabited, and to return aboard directly; but, without any Regard to his Duty, or the Preservation of the Lives of the People, he staid ashore. The Barge not returning as expected, the Lieutenant was sent in the Yawl, with Orders to bring off the Barge. The Lieutenant tarried ashore, but sent off the Boat. As soon as the Boat came on Board, the Captain, being very ill, was persuaded by the Officers to go ashore: With the Captain went the Land-Officers, Mate, and Mid-shipmen; the Officers remaining on Board were the Master, Boatswain, Gunner, and Carpenter: The Boatswain, who was laid up a Month before the Loss of the Ship, became

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of a sudden very vigorous and active. At Night it blow'd very hard at North, with a great tumbling Sea; we expected every Moment that the Ship would part, fetching such Jirks and Twistings as shock'd every Person aboard, who had the least Care for the Preservation of Life; yet, in the dismal Situation we were in, we had several in the Ship so thoughtless of their Danger, so stupid, and insensible of their Misery, that upon the principal Officers leaving her, they fell into the most violent Outrage and Disorder: They began with broaching the Wine in the Lazaretto; then to breaking open Cabbins and Chests, arming themselves with Swords and Pistols, threatning to murder those who should oppose or question them: Being drunk and mad with Liquor, they plunder'd Chests and Cabbins for Money and other Things of Value, cloathed themselves in the richest Apparel they could find, and imagined themselves Lords Paramount.

Friday the 15th the Ship was bilged in the Mid-ships on a great Rock; we took Care to secure some Powder, Ball, and a little Bread. In the Afternoon, the Carpenter and myself went ashore with several of those imaginary Lords in the rich Attire they had

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plunder'd Yesterday; but upon the Purser and Lieutenant Hamilton of Marines presenting Pistols to some of their Breasts, those Grandees suffer'd themselves very quietly to be disrob'd of all their Greatness, and in a few Minutes look'd like a Parcel of transported Felons. On our coming ashore, we found the Captain had taken his Lodging in a little Hut, supposed to be built by Indians; as for our Parts, we were forced to take Shelter under a great Tree, where we made a large Fire; but it rain'd so hard, that it had almost cost us our Lives; an Invalid died that very Night on the Spot. Before I left the Ship I went to my Cabbin for my Journal, but could not find it; I believe it is destroy'd with the rest, for there is not one Journal to be produced; we have good Reason to apprehend there was a Person employ'd to destroy them; I afterwards found Part of the Master's Journal along Shore, tore to Pieces: Whatever is related in this Book, preceding the Loss of the Wager, is extracted from a Journal belonging to a Gentleman lately an Officer on Board the Pearl. After we lost Sight of the Pearl, I was obliged to have Recourse to my Memory, which I believe has been very faithful to me. From

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the Time we were Ship-wreck'd, the Carpenter and myself were exceeding careful in writing each Day's Transactions: Had other Persons taken the same Care, there would be no Necessity of imposing upon the Publick a partial and inconsistent Narrative, instead of a faithful Relation of Facts.

On the 16th, the Weather very boisterous and a great Sea, the Boatswain wanted a Boat; but finding no Appearance of any coming aboard, brought a Quarter-deck Gun, a four Pounder, to bear on the Captain's Hut, and fir'd two Shot, which went just over the Captain's Tent. This Day, being resolv'd to contrive something like a House, to secure us from the Inclemency of the Rain, and Severity of the Weather, we hawl'd up the Cutter, and propping her up we made a tolerable Habitation. As for Food this Island produces none; nor is there any Vegetable upon it but Cellery, which grows here in abundance, and is of great Use to us, the Men being in general very much troubled with the Scurvy.

On the 17th of May, being Whitsunday, got several wild Fowls, and Plenty of Muscles, Limpetts, and other Shel-fish, which we find very refreshing, having subsisted a long Time on nothing but Salt-provisions.

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The 18th went on Board the Ship, to see if it was possible to come to any Provisions; got out of the Lazaretto two Casks of Flower and some Wine, which were very useful.

On the 19th went aboard again to scuttle the Decks, in order to get some Beef and Pork out of the Hold; we also scuttled the Carpenter's Store-room, for Nails and other Things of Service.

The 20th cut away the Gunnel, to get the Long Boat out; which was done. To-day we found several Men dead, and some drowned, in the Ship; suppos'd to have drank till they were not able to get from the Water, as it flowed into the Ship. While we were aboard working on the Wreck, there came a-long-side a Canoe with several Indians, bowing and crossing themselves, giving us to understand they were inclineable to the Romish Religion; we gave 'em out of the Ship two Bales of Cloth, and sent them ashore to the Captain; he gave them Hats, and presented each of them with a Soldier's Coat. They had Abundance of the largest and best Muscles I ever saw, or tasted. This Day was the first Time of the Boatswain's coming ashore; the Captain called him Rogue and Villain, and felled him to the Ground with his Cane, so that he

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was motionless, and to Appearance dead; when he had recovered the Blow, and saw a cockt Pistol in the Captain's Hand, he offered his naked Breast; the Captain told him, he deserved to be shot, and said no more to him. The Captain, Lieutenant H—n of Marines, the Surgeon, and Purser, always appear'd in Arms on the Beach, on the coming ashore of every Boat, in order to prevent the People bringing any Thing from the Ship in a clandestine Manner; they were so cautious of any Thing being imbezzled, that they would not suffer the Boats to go off and work by Night, notwithstanding the Moon, Tides, and Fairness of Weather were more favourable to us by Night than Day; by this we omitted several Opportunities of getting out Provisions, and other useful Things, which we shall shortly stand in great Need of.

The 21st, continue to scuttle between Decks, in getting Necessaries out of the Ship; found several Men dead.

The 22d, the Indians brought us three Sheep, and some Muscles. They are a People of a small Stature, well shaped, of an Olive Complexion, with black Hair; in Behaviour very civil: they have little Cloaths, except about their Waists, notwithstanding

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the Climate is excessive cold. They stay'd all Night, it being very rainy Weather, and has been ever since we have been here, the Wind blowing from North to N. W.

Saturday the 23d, the Wind from the E. N. E. to North, fell Abundance of Snow, insomuch that the Mountains are cover'd with it. It freezes very hard, and we find it extreamly cold. The next Day, the same Weather, we went aboard, and scuttled for Flower in the Forehold.

The 25th, little Wind at N. E. and frosty Weather, went aboard again, and got out of the Forehold eight Barrels of Flower, one Cask of Pease, with some Brandy and Wine. This Day went to Allowance, of half a Pound of Flower per Man, and one Piece of Pork for three Men, it being the first Time of serving since on Shore.

The 26th, we got out more Casks of Flower, one Cask of Oatmeal, with some Brandy and Wine. In the Evening the Indians came with their Wives, we gave the Women Hats, and the Men Breeches; they made Signs as if they would bring more Sheep.

On the 27th, we scuttled over the Captain's Store-room, got out several Casks of Rum and Wine, and brought them ashore. This

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was the first Time of the Lieutenant's being between Decks since the Loss of the Ship. The following Day we went aboard, cut down and tost over-board the Ship's Awning, to make a Deck for the Long Boat.

Since the 27th, we have been employ'd in getting up the Long Boat, and repairing the Barge which had been stove ashore. Rainy Weather.

On Wednesday, the 3d of June, hard Gales of Wind at N. N. West, with Abundance of Rain; deserted this Day James Mitchel, Carpenter's Mate, John Russell, Armourer, William Oram, Carpenter's Crew, Joseph King, John Redwood, Boatswain's Yeoman, Dennis O'Lary, John Davis, James Roach, James Stewart, and William Thompson, Seamen. Took up, along Shore, one Hogshead of Brandy, and several Things that drove out of the Ship, as Bales of Cloth, Hats, Shoes, and other Necessaries. An Information was given, this Day, by David Buckley, to the Captain, that there was a Design to blow him up, with the Surgeon, and Lieutenant H———n of Marines. The Train was actually found, laid by the Deserters, to blow 'em up the Night before they went off.

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Thursday the 4th, we finished the Boats, and shot several wild Geese. Finding Murmurings and Discontents among the People, we secured the Oars, and hawled up the Boats, being apprehensive they would go away with them by Night.

The 5th, we went on Board the Ship, found several Casks of Wine and Brandy between Decks, most Part of the Planks between Decks gone, and some Strakes to Windward started out, Part of the upper Deck blown up, the Stumps of the Masts and Pumps risen five Feet; brought ashore one Cask of Flower, with some Stuff for the Use of the Long Boat; and two Quarter Casks of Wine; the Wind at S. by E.

Saturday the 6th, the Wind at South and fair Weather, we went aboard, got out of the Hold eight Casks of Flower, two Casks of Wine, a Quarter Cask and three Hogsheads of Brandy. The Lieutenant went to the Indians, but could not find 'em, being inform'd by the Deserters that they were gone.

On Sunday the 7th, we went aboard the Ship, got out a Cask of Pork, two Barrels of Flower, started one Pipe of Wine, and brought it ashore, with a Quarter Cask of Pease, some Bales of Cloth, and Carpenter's Stores. This

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Day Mr. Henry Cozens, Midshipman, was confin'd by the Captain; the Fault alledg'd against him was Drunkenness. We learn from Nicholas Griselham, Seaman, who was present and near the Captain all the Time, that as Mr. Cozens was rowling up a steep Beach a Cask of Pease, he found it too heavy for him, and left off rowling; the Captain seeing this told him, he was drunk; Mr. Cozens reply'd, With what should I get drunk, unless it be with Water? The Captain then said, You Scoundrel, get more Hands, and rowl the Cask up: Cozens called for more Hands, but no People came; with that the Captain struck him with his Cane. Griselham likewise says, that Cozens talked to the Captain about one Capt. Sh—lv—k; but the Words he does not remember. But the same Night I heard Mr. Cozens use very unbecoming Language to the Captain, telling him, That he was come into those Seas to pay Sh—lv—k's Debts; and also insolently added, Tho' Sh—lv—k was a Rogue, he was not a Fool; and, by G——d, you are both. When he spoke this, he was a Prisoner in the Store-Tent, and asked the Captain, If he was to be kept there all Night? On these Provocations, the Captain attempted to strike him again; but the Centinel said,

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he should strike no Prisoner of his. But Cozens endeavouring to stave a Cask of Brandy, was soon after released. This Day got out of the Ship several Chests of Wax Candles of all Sizes, Bales of Cloth, Bales of Stockings, Shoes, with some Clocks, and mercantile Wares, with which the Ship was throng'd.

The 8th, Mr. Cummins and myself went to the Deserters; we find they are determined to go off to the Northward; the Reason of their Stay is the Want of Craft to go off in. They now find themselves mistaken, they believed at first they were on the Main, but are convinced they are four or five Leagues from it, therefore they purpose to build a Punt out of the Wreck of the Ship: They live on Sea Weed and Shell Fish; got up one Cask of Beef, which was brought on Shore with a Cask of Brandy, found one Cask of Beef on the Rocks.

On Tuesday the 9th, I went with the Doctor's Mate to the Deserters, and spoke to William Oram, a Carpenter, and a very useful Man, desiring him to return, with a Promise of Pardon from the Captain: In this Affair I was obliged to act very secretly. To-day, Mr. Cozens, the Midshipman, had a Dispute with the Surgeon; the latter having

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some Business in our Tent, which when he had done, on his going away, Mr. Cozens followed him; they soon fell to Blows, but the Surgeon had so much the Advantage of the Midshipman, that he tied his Hands behind him and left him. In the Evening the Captain sent for me and the Carpenter to his Tent: We found with the Captain, the Lieutenant, Purser, Surgeon, and Lieutenant H——n of Marines. Here we had a Consultation, which was chiefly concerning the Disturbances among the People, as well in our Tent as in the rest. Mr. Cummins and I assured the Captain, that the People in our Tent were generally very well affected to him, and that we never would engage in any Mutiny against him, or any other Officer that would act for the publick Good, and his Majesty's Service: The Captain said, he had no Reason to suspect us, for we were the only two in the Ship, that he put any Trust or Confidence in; strict Orders were given the Centinel to keep a good Look-out, and have a watchful Eye on the Provisions; notwithstanding all this Precaution and Care, there was one third Part of a Barrel of Flower, and half a Barrel of Gunpowder taken away that Night. It is to be observed, that this

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Day's Consultation was the first that Captain C——p ever had with his Officers; had he sometimes consulted them aboard, we might probably have escaped our present unhappy Condition.

Wednesday the 10th, This Day, serving the Provisions, the Boatswain's Servant, a Portuguese Boy, talking bad English, and bringing in the Allowance of Wine, the Boatswain, Mr. Cozens Midshipman, and the Cook his Mess-mates, with some Difficulty, understood by the Boy's Talk, that one of the Men had his Allowance stopped; Mr. Cozens went to know the Reason; the Purser and he having some Dispute two or three Days before, the Purser told him, when he asked for his Wine, that he was come to Mutiny, and, without any farther Ceremony, discharged a Pistol at his Head, and would have shot him, had he not been prevented by the Cooper's canting the Pistol with his Elbow, at the Instant of its going off; the Captain, and Lieutenant H——n, hearing the Discharge of the Pistol, the latter ran out with a Firelock, then called the Captain out of his Tent, telling him that Cozens was come to Mutiny; the Captain on this jumped out, asking where the Villain was, clapped a cock'd

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Pistol to Mr. Cozens's Cheek, and precipitately shot him, without asking any Questions; the Noise of the two Pistols going off, reached our Tent; it was rainy Weather, and not fit for Gunning, so that we could not imagine the Meaning of it; soon after we heard Mr. Cozens was shot by the Captain: The Lieutenant came to call all Hands to the Captain; I asked if we must go armed; the Lieutenant answered, yes; but, on Consideration, I thought better to go without Arms: When we came to the Captain, he acquainted us with what he had done, and told us he was still our Commander. The Captain, Purser, Surgeon, Lieutenants H——n E——rs, and F——ng of Marines being all armed, I said to the Captain, Sir, you see we are disarmed; on this the Captain dropped his Firelock, to the Ground, saying, I see you are, and have only sent for you, to let you all know I am still your Commander, so let every Man go to his Tent; accordingly every Man obeyed him. In our Tent we had eighteen of the stoutest Fellows that belonged to the Ship; and I believe the Captain, and the Gentlemen above-mentioned, have some Suspicion of Mr.Cummins and myself, believing we can sway most of the Seamen on Shore:

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But I think this Day we have given a Proof of the Sincerity of our Intentions, and our Detestation of Mutiny, by not appearing in Arms at the Report of Mr. Cozens being shot; we walked up with the Captain, where we saw Mr. Cozens with his Elbow on the Ground resting his right Cheek on the Palm of his Hand, alive, and to Appearance sensible, but speechless; the Captain ordered him to the sick Tent, the Surgeon's Mate dressed his left Cheek where he was shot, and felt a Ball about three Inches under his right Eye; the Surgeon refused dressing him; this we may impute to his having lately a Quarrel with Mr. Cozens, which has been already mentioned. The shooting of Mr. Cozens was a very unhappy Affair; the Person whose Allowance was stopped, made no Complaint to him; he was too officious in the Business, and his preceding Behaviour, and notorious disrespectful Words to the Captain, might probably make the Captain suspect his Design was Mutiny; tho' this we must aver, that Mr. Cozens neither on this, or any other Occasion, appeared in Arms since the Loss of the Ship: However, his Fate laid the Foundation of a great deal of Mischief which afterwards followed.

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Thursday the 11th, moderate Gales at W. N. W. The Carpenter employed in laying the Blocks for the Long-Boat. Dr. O——y, of the Land Forces, was desired to assist the Surgeon's Mate, to take the Ball out of Mr. Cozens's Cheek, which he then was inclinable to do; but in the Afternoon, finding it not agreeable to the Captain, refused to go, as we are informed by the Surgeon's Mate, who desired some Surgeon might be present, to be Witness of the Operation; the Ball was taken out, and for some time supposed to be lost, but was afterwards found.

This Day being the 12th, the Carpenter finished the Blocks for lengthening the Long-Boat; in the Morning he went to the Captain's Tent for some Bolts for the Use of the Long-Boat, where he saw the Surgeon at the Medicine-Chest, who asked him how that unfortunate Creature did, meaning Mr. Cozens the Carpenter told him he had not seen him To-day: The Surgeon then said he would have visited him, but the Captain would not give him Leave. This was looked on as an Act of Inhumanity in the Captain, and contributed very much to his losing the Affections of the People, whose Opinion was, that as Mr. Cozens was very strong and heal-

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thy, with proper Assistance he might recover; the People did not scruple to say that the Captain would act a more honourable Part to discharge another Pistol at him, and dispatch him at once, than to deny him Relief, and suffer him to languish in a cold wet Place in Pain and Misery.

On the 13th, Mr. Cozens being, to all outward Appearance, likely to recover, desired he might be removed to our Tent, which was his Place of Residence before this unhappy Accident: We being unwilling to disoblige the Captain, the Carpenter and myself waited on him; we told him, we were come to ask a Favour, hoping that he would have so much Mercy and Compassion on the unhappy Man who was in the sick Tent, as to permit us to remove him to his former Lodging; but the Captain answer'd, No; I am so far from it, that, if he lives, I will carry him a Prisoner to the Commodore, and hang him.

On the 14th, went aboard the Ship, but could do nothing, she working so very much; we brought ashore the Fore-top-sail Yard; the Boat went up the River, brought back Abundance of Geese and Shaggs. Wind at West.

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Monday the 15th, hard Gales of Wind at West, with Rain and Hail; drove ashore three Barrels of Flower, and abundance of small Stuff out of the Ship; took up a-long Shore several Pieces of Pork and Beef; John Anderson, a Seaman, walking round the Rocks, and reaching after a Piece of Beef, slipping his Footing, was drown'd, but taken up directly, and that Night bury'd: Turn'd the Boatswain out of our Tent for breeding Quarrels; his turbulent Temper was so well known to the Captain, that he express'd himself pleas'd at our turning him out, and said he was surpriz'd we ever admitted him among us.

On the 17th, the Carpenter at Work on the Long Boat: The Surgeon's Mate this Day took out of Mr. Cozens's Cheek a Ball much flatted, and a Piece of Bone, supposed to be Part of the Upper Jaw, which was desired by Mr. Cozens to be deliver'd to me; I receiv'd it, with the first Ball mention'd to have been lost.

Thursday the 18th, the Carpenter cut the Long-Boat in two, and lengthen'd her eleven Feet ten Inches and half by the Keel.

Sunday the 21st, went aboard the Ship; but it being dangerous going about any

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Thing, by Reason of her working much, and a great Sea tumbling in, the Boats were employ'd in going about the Rocks in Search of Subsistence.

The 22d, the Carpenter went with the Boat up the Bay to seek the Indians, but saw nothing of them; at Night the Boat return'd, the People having shot Abundance of wild Fowl.

The 23d, the Lieutenant went with the Boat, and found the Indians just come from the Place where they catch Seal; their Canoes were loaded with Seal, Sheep, and Oil.

Wednesday the 24th, departed this Life Mr. Henry Cozens, Midshipman, after languishing fourteen Days with the Wound he had receiv'd in his Cheek: We bury'd him in as decent a Manner as Time, Place, and Circumstances would allow. There have died sundry Ways since the Ship first struck forty-five Men; seven have deserted from us, and still continue away; remain and now victual'd one hundred Men.

Thursday the 25th, the Wind at W.N.W. and rainy Weather; saw the Indians coming towards us in their Canoes; but the Deserters settling where they took their Habitation when first we saw 'em, by their rowing, we

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thought they were design'd to go there; and knowing the Deserters intended to take one of their Canoes to go over to the Main, we therefore launch'd the Yawl and went off to them; there were five Canoes of 'em, laden with Seal, Shell-fish, and four Sheep; they brought with 'em their Wives and Children, so that in all they were about fifty in Number; they hawl'd their Canoes up, and built four Wigg-whams, which they cover'd with the Bark of Trees and Seal-skins; we imagin'd by this they had an Intention to settle with us; they are a very simple and inoffensive People, of a low Stature, flat-nos'd, with their Eyes sunk very deep in their Heads; they live continually in Smoak, and are never without a Fire, even in their Canoes; they have nothing to cover their Nakedness, but a Piece of an old Blanket, which they throw over their Shoulders: We always see 'em in this Manner, notwithstanding we cloath 'em whenever they come to us. By the Crosses set up in many Parts of the Land, one would think they had some Notion of the Romish Religion: We can't make 'em understand us by any Speech, nor by our Signs; we show'd 'em a Looking-glass; when they saw the Representation of themselves, they seem'd a-

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maz'd, and show'd a thousand antick Gestures; and when once they beheld themselves in the Looking-glass, they could hardly be prevail'd on to look off.

On Sunday the 28th, in the Afternoon, about twelve of the Indian Women went off in their Canoes: We thought they were gone to get Muscles, but soon saw 'em diving; which we imagin'd was for Pieces of Beef or Pork that came out of the Wreck; but, when they came ashore, we found they had been only diving for Sea-Eggs. The Women among those People seem to take more Pains for the Provisions of Life than the Men; the latter having little to do but to provide Wood, and indulge themselves by the Fire, while the Women go every Tide a fishing. To-day we kill'd two Indian Sheep.

Monday the 29th, launch'd the Yawl to go with the Indians to shew us where they get the Muscles; but being too late for the Tide, we came away without any: The Captain sent to our Tent two Quarters of Mutton; the Carpenter daily at work on the Long-Boat. Winds variable.

On the 30th, the Indian Women went again for Sea-Eggs, and brought a great Quantity, with Abundance of white Mag-

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gots about three Quarters of an Inch in Length, and in Circumference the Bigness of a Wheat-straw. These Women keep an incredible Time under Water, with a small Basket in their Hands, about the Size of the Womens Work-baskets in England, into which they put whatever they get in their diving. Among these People the Order of Nature seems inverted; the Males are exempted from Hardships and Labour, and the Women are meer Slaves and Drudges. This Day one of our Seamen died: We observe, the Indians are very watchful of the Dead, sitting continually near the above-mention'd Corpse, and carefully covering him; every Moment looking on the Face of the Deceas'd with Abundance of Gravity: At the Burial their Deportment was grave and solemn; seeing the People with their Hats off during the Service, they were very attentive and observant, and continued so till the Burial was over: They have nothing, as I have said before, but a Blanket to cover 'em, and the Boys and Girls are quite naked, notwithstanding we felt it as cold here, as in the hardest Frosts in England and almost always rainy.

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Wednesday, July the 1st, employ'd in cutting Timbers in the Woods for the Long-Boat; rainy Weather; the Wind at S. W. the Indian Women diving for Food as before.

Thursday the 2d, last Night the Store-Tent was broke open, and robbed of a great deal of Flower.

Monday the 6th, hard Gales of Wind, with Showers of Rain and Hail; came ashore from the Ship one Cask of Beef, with several of the Lower Deck Carlings, and Plank of the Upper and Lower Deck Beams; and, what was reckon'd very odd, the Cabbin-Bell came ashore, without its being fasten'd to any Wood, or any one Thing of the Ship near it.

Tuesday the 7th, hard Gales of Wind, with Hail, Rain, and Lightning: The Indian Women went out as usual in their Canoes to dive for Sea-Eggs, and brought ashore Abundance of 'em; they jump over-board out of their Canoe about a Mile from Shore; they take the Handle of their Baskets, which I have already described, between their Teeth, and dive in five or six Fathom Water; their Agility in Diving, and their Continuance under Water, for so long a Time as they

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generally do, will be thought impossible by Persons who have not been Eye-witnesses of it; they seem as amphibious to us as Seals and Allegators, and rarely make use of any Prpvision but what they get out of the Sea.

Wednesday the 8th, launch'd the Yawl and went on Board; saw several Casks, some of Meat, and some of Liquor; the Decks and Sides abaft drove out, and entirely gone; the Larboard Side abaft drove on Shore; about two Miles and a half from the Tent a Cask of Liquor was found, and broach'd by the Person who found it, which was allow'd to be a great Fault; he likewise broach'd a Cask of Meat, which should have been preserv'd to carry away with us.

On Thursday the 9th, the Indians with their Wives and Children launch'd their Canoes, and went away; 'tis believ'd they wanted Provisions, such as Seal; they are indeed never settled long in a Place; it was said some of our People wanted to have to do with their Wives, which was the Reason of their going away so soon. To-day we saw several Things drive out of the Ship up the Lagoon, as the Stump of the Main-Mast, one of the Pumps, with one of the Gun-Carriages. Wind at N. W.

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Friday the 10th, went aboard the Ship, found her broke asunder just at the Gangway; saw the Cables out to the Windward, but could not see any Casks of Liquor or Provisions; went to shorter Allowance of Flower, one Pound for three Men per Diem. Last Night the Tent was robbed of half a Barrel of Flower: Orders were given by the Captain to watch the Store-Tent by Night; all the Officers, the Marine included, with the Mates and Midshipmen, were oblig'd to watch, the Captain and Carpenter alone excus'd, the Carpenter being every Day at work on the Long-Boat.

Friday the 17th, for this Week past hard Gales of Wind, with Rain and Hail as usual. Last Wednesday the Ship parted her Upper Works from the Lower Deck: Launch'd the Boat and went off to the Wreck, but could do nothing; went up the Bay; took a Quarter Cask, about three Parts full of Wine; saw the Indian Dogs ashore, but no People.

Saturday the 18th, launched the Boat, sent her to the Wreck, and brought ashore one Cask of Beef; it is believed some Guns were heard from the Sea: The Watch reported they have heard them two Nights past. Great

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Disturbances among the People. Wind at E. N. E. and frosty Weather.

Sunday the 19th, launch'd the Boat, sent her to the Wreck, hook'd a Cask supposed to be Beef; but when towed ashore, we found it contained nothing but Hatchets; we took up along Shore, Abundance of Checque Shirts in Dozens, also Caps, Bales of Cloth, and Pieces of Beef and Pork.

Wednesday the 22d. This Day began to build a House to dwell in, finding our Stay here, will be much longer than we at first expected.

The 23d, took up along Shore several Pieces of Beef and Pork, Shirts, Caps, Frocks, Trowsers, Pieces of Cloth, with other serviceable Things, and Wax Candles of all Sizes.

Saturday the 25th, hard Showers of Rain and Hail; the Wind at North. Shot several Sea-Gulls, Geese, Hawks, and other Birds: The Carpenter had this Day given him by one of the People, a fine large Rock Crab, it being the first of the Kind we ever saw here.

Sunday the 26th, moderate Gales and variable Winds, with Rain and Hail: Most Part of our People eat a Weed that grows on

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the Rocks; it is a thin Weed of a dark green Colour, and called by the Seamen, Slaugh. It is surprising how the black Currant Trees, which are here in great Plenty, have budded within these three Days. Began thatching our new House with Bushes: To-day we caught a fine Rock-Fish; this is the first Fish we have seen alive since our being here. Observing our new Town, we find there are no less than eighteen Houses in it.

Monday the 27th, launched the Boat, went to the Wreck, but found nothing; close Weather, the Wind still at North: Rise the Sheers for erecting a Tent over the Long-Boat to keep the Men from being exposed to the continual Rains. This Day we finished the Thatching of our new House.

Wednesday the 29th, Fresh Gales at N. W. with Rain; sure no Men ever met with such Weather as we have in this Climate: To-day we walked in the Woods to take some notice of the Trees, which we find to be very much like our Beech in England; but the Trees and Bushes are in general of a soft free Nature, and with a spicey Bark.

Thursday the 30th, Wind still at N. W. and rainy Weather. This Day departed this Life Nathaniel Robinson, the last private Man

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of the Invalids; there are now only two left, viz. the Captain and Surgeon. Being at the Honourable Mr. B——n's Tent, I found him looking in Sir John Narborough's Voyage to these Seas; this Book I desired the Loan of, he told me it was Captain C——p's, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this Favour I requested of the Captain, and it was presently granted. Carefully perusing this Book, I conceived an Opinion that our going through the Streights of Magellan for the Coast of Brasil, would be the only Way to prevent our throwing ourselves into the Hands of a cruel, barbarous, and insulting Enemy: Our Long-Boat, when finished, can be fit for no Enterprize, but the Preservation of Life: As we cannot act offensively, we ought to have Regard to our Safety and Liberty. This Evening Proposals were offered to the Officers concerning our going through the Streights of Magellan; which at this Time they seem to approve of.

Friday the 31st, hard Gales at N. W. with Rain: This Day was taken up along Shore an Otter just killed, but by what Animal we could not tell; it was bleeding fresh when taken up, and proved a dainty Re-

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past. Came ashore the Ship's Beams, with several Things of great Value.

Saturday, August the 1st, hard Gales at N. W. with Rain and Hail. This Day put to an Allowance of Flower, one Quarter of a Pound a Man per Diem, and one Pint of Wine; those who like Brandy, to have half a Pint in Lieu of Wine. We have now in a manner nothing to live on but what we pick up along the Shore: The Ship's Company agree to go through the Streights of Magellan.

Sunday the 2d, This Morning found the Store Tent robbed of Brandy; filled up all the ullage Casks; picked up about the Rocks Abundance of Clams, a Shell-fish not unlike our Cockles: These Fish are at present the Support of our Life. The People are now very quarrelsome and discontented.

Monday the 3d, this Day having fine Weather, which is a Prodigy in this Place) launched the Boat, and went about the Rocks and Islands on Discovery. This Day we also moved into our new House, it being a very commodious Habitation, exceedingly well thatched; in this Dwelling there are Cabbins for fourteen People, which are covered inside and out with broad Cloath: This is a rich House, and, in some Parts of the World,

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would purchase a pretty Estate; there are several hundred Yards of Cloth about it, besides the Curtains and Linings, which are Shalloon and Camblet; in short, considering where we are, we cannot desire a better Habitation. The People fall into Disputes concerning the Boat, where we are to proceed with her, when she is built and ready for going off. It is the Opinion of the Navigators, that going through the Streights of Magellan is the safest and only Way to preserve Life and Liberty: The Artists, who have worked the Bearings and Distance, are very pressing that in should be moved to the Captain, purposing to have their Reasons drawn up, and signed by all who are willing to go that Way, and to be delivered to the Captain for his Opinion: upon this there was a Paper drawn up, and as soon as the People heard it, they came flocking to sign first, crying all aloud for the Streights, seeming overjoyed, as if they were going to England directly, without any Affliction or Trouble; but there must be a great deal of Hardship to be encountered before we arrive at our native Country: This Paper was signed by all the Officers on the Spot, except the Captain, Lieutenant, Purser, and Surgeon, and by all the Seamen in general, except the Captain's Steward.

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Tuesday the 4th, at the Time of serving at the Store-house, about Twelve o'Clock, I went to the Captain, with the Master, Carpenter, and Boatswain, and read to him the Paper; he answered, he would consider of it, and give his Answer: Here follows a Copy of the Paper signed.

WE whose Names are under-mentioned, do, upon mature Consideration, as we have met with so happy a Deliverance, think it the best, surest, and most safe Way, for the Preservation of the Body of People on the Spot, to proceed through the Streights of Magellan for England. Dated at a desolate Island on the Coast of Patagonia, in the Latitude of 47 Deg. 00 Min. South, and West Longitude from the Meridian of London 81 Deg. 40 Min. in the South-Seas, this 2d Day of August 1741.

John Bulkeley, Gunner

John Cummins, Carpenter

Thomas Clark, Master

John King, Boatswain

John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

Robert Elliot, Surgeon's Mate

The Hon. John Byron, Midshipman

Alexander Campbell, ditto

Isaac Morris, ditto

Thomas Maclean, Cook

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John Mooring, Boatswain's Mate

Richard Phipps, ditto

John Young, Cooper

Richard Noble, Quarter-Master

William Rose, ditto

William Hervey, Quarter-Gunner

John Bosman, Seaman

William Moore, ditto

Samuel Stook, ditto

Samuel Cooper, ditto

David Buckley, Quarter-Gunner

Henry Stevens

Benjamin Smith

John Montgomery

John Duck

John Hayes

James Butler

James Roach

Job Barns

John Petman

William Callicutt

George Smith

Peter Deleroy

James Mac Cawle

John George

John Shorclan

Richard East

William Lane

William Oram

Moses Lewis

Nicholas Griselham

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We whose Names are under-mention'd, have had sufficient Reasons, from the above-mention'd People, to consent to go this Way. Sign'd by.

Capt. Robert Pemberton, Commander of his Majesty's Land-Forces.

William Fielding,	Lieutenants.
Robert Ewers

Wednesday the 5th, this Day I went with the Master, Carpenter, Master's Mates, and Midshipmen, to the Captain, to acquaint him with what was done, and resolv'd on; and farther told him, It was a Duty incumbent on us to preserve Life before any other Interest. He answer'd, Gentlemen, I desire Time to consider of it, and will give you my final Determination; on which we took our Leave, and came away.

Thursday the 6th, hard Gales at W. S. W. and rainy Weather. At Noon went with Mr. Cummins to Captain P—mb–rt–n's Tent, to have some farther Conference for our future Deliverance: While we were there, the Captain sent his Service to Captain C——p for a Pair of Pocket-Pistols, his own Property, which had been refused him on his Request some Time before. The Servant

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was answer'd, by the Captain's Favourite and Prime Minister the Steward, The Captain is ill, and I can't let you have 'em. This Answer not being satisfactory to Capt. P—mb–rt–n, he sent a second Time, and insisted on the Delivery of his Pistols; but was answer'd, they could not be come at before the Captain was up; but a little Time after it was judg'd proper to send Captain P—mb–rt–n his Pistols. From Captain P—mb–rt–n's we went to the L——t's Tent; while there, the L——t was sent for to Captain C——p; about an Hour after the Carpenter and myself were sent for; when we came to him, he said, Gentlemen, I have maturely consider'd the Contents of your Paper, so far as it regards the Preservation of the People on the Spot: This Paper has given me a great deal of Uneasiness, insomuch that I have not clos'd my Eyes till Eight o'Clock this Morning, for thinking of it; but, I think, you have not weigh'd the Thing rightly; do you know we are above one hundred and sixty Leagues distant S. W. from the Streights of Magellan, with the Wind against us? Then think on the Distance to be run afterwards on the other Side the Streights, with the Wind always against us, and where no Water is to be

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had. I answer'd, Sir, you say it is above one hundred and sixty Leagues to the Streights; but let the Navigators work it, and they will find it not above ninety Leagues; yourself and Lieutenant are undoubtedly Navigators and Judges, therefore will certainly find it as I say. Mr. Cummins acquainted him, according to his Calculation, the Vessel would carry a Month's Water, at a Quart a Man per Diem; and, Sir, do you consider, after running a-long Shore to the Northward this Side the Land, that we have one hundred Leagues to run right out to Sea to the Island of Juan Ferdinandez; and five hundred Chances to one, if we meet the Commodore there, or any of the Squadron; nor do we know but the Commodore may have shared the same Fate with ourselves, or perhaps worse? The Captain answer'd, It's a thousand to one if we see the Commodore at Juan Ferdinandez; for, Gentlemen, to let you into a Secret, which I never discover'd before, we shall meet him at Baldavia, his Orders were from——to go there with the Squadron, it being a Place of little or no Force. Mr. Cummins answer'd, Sir, 'tis agreed, the Commodore is at Baldavia; but we make it in our Bargain, when we go from hence, that we

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will put ashore at every Place when we want Water, whenever the Weather will permit, without any Obstruction. The Captain reply'd, There is no Occasion for that; we will water at the Islands, and take a Vessel going along. Mr. Cummins said, Sir, what shall we do with a Vessel, without Provisions, for ninety Souls? The Captain answer'd, We will take a Vessel loaden with Flower from Chili, there being a great many Trading Vessels that Way; and then we will proceed through the Streights of Magellan. Mr. Cummins said, How shall we take a Vessel without Guns? not having any but Muskets; and our Enemies know, as well as ourselves, that we have a Squadron in these Seas, therefore undoubtedly are well arm'd, and keep a good Look-out. The Captain's Answer to this was, What are our small Arms for, but to board 'em? The Carpenter said, Sir, if a Shot should take the Boat under Water, it would not be in my Power to stop a Leak of that kind, where the Plank is so thin, that in some Places it is not above three Quarters of an Inch thick. The Captain then said, Gentlemen, I am agreeable to any Thing, and willing to go any Way, for the Preservation of the People; but at the same Time

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would have you consider of it, the Wind being always against us on the other Side the Land, and we have above seven hundred Leagues to the River Plate. I answer'd the Captain, 'Tis not above five hundred and ninety Leagues from hence to Cape St. Antonio's; and, as I have before said, let the Navigators work it, and Reason take Place, which is what we chiefly desire to be govern'd by: Another Inducement we have to go the Way propos'd is, that we may be assur'd of Water and Provision. I allow that, says the Captain, and we may save our own; but how do you know whether we may not meet Enemies in the Streights? I reply'd to the Captain, We can have no Enemies to encounter there, but Indians in their Canoes, and those we can master at our Pleasure. The Captain then seem'd to countenance our Opinion again; and said, When we come to St. Julian's we shall be sure of Salt in Plenty for our Provisions, without which our Fowls will not keep above two or three Days: Besides, when we come to the River Plate, we may meet with a Prize, they not being acquainted with any English Vessel like ours, with Schooner's Sails; by which Means we may run up the River, and take a larger

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Vessel: If we fail here, we may go ashore, and get what Cattle we please; but what Business have we at the Rio Grand? We must go to the Rio Janeiro. I told him, we should be oblig'd to stop at every Place a-long Shore for Supplies; at St. Catharine's the Governor will give us a Certificate, so that we shall be known to be the People that were there in the Squadron. The Captain said, That's true, and I can get Bills of Credit in any Part of Brazil; besides, the People may be separated, some in the Flota, and some in other Ships; with less Hands we may go to Barbadoes. Mr. Cummins told him, We might venture to England with twelve Hands. Yes, you may, says the Captain, with thirty. It is to be observ'd, during all this Debate, the Lieutenant spoke not a Word. The Carpenter asking him the Reason of his Silence in all the Consultation, he answer'd, I'll give my Opinion hereafter. The Captain said, I knew nothing of his being acquainted with it, till Mr. Bulkeley told me Yesterday; but at the same Time, Mr. B——s, I expect you will be the first that will sign the Paper. I imagin'd the Captain meant our Paper, and immediately answer'd, with some Warmth, As he had refus'd signing at first, and at the

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same Time agreed to the Proposal, that I had sign'd so close, that there was no Room left for his Name, and now it was too late for him to sign. The Captain surpriz'd me, by saying, I don't mean your Paper. I told him, Any other, which should be contrary to ours, would never be sign'd by us. Mr. Cummins said to the Captain, Sir, 'tis all owing to you that we are here; if you had consulted your Officers, we might have avoided this Misfortune; considering the Condition the Ship was in, she was not fit to come in with the Land, all our Men being sick, and not above three Seamen in a Watch; suppose the Mast had gone by the Board, as was every Moment expected. The Captain made Answer, Gentlemen, you do not know my Orders, there never were any so strict given to a Commander before; and had I but two Men living besides myself, I must, and was obliged to go to the first Rendezvous, which was the Island of Nostra Senhora di Socora: I was obliged to go there at all Events. I made Answer to this, Sir, if that is the Case, it seems plain, the Thing was design'd we should be here: But, Sir, I am of Opinion, notwithstanding the Commodore had his Orders from——to go with the Squadron to Baldavia,

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that at the same Time those Orders were so far discretional, that if the Squadron was disabled, Care was to be taken not to endanger his Majesty's Ships. Yes, that (says the Captain) was settled at St. Julian's: Notwithstanding what has been said, Gentlemen, I am agreeable to take any Chance with you, and to go any Way; but would have you consider of it, and defer your Determination till all is ready to go off the Spot. I then told the Captain, You have known, Sir, from the Time you saw the Proposal, that the People are uneasy, and the Work is at a Stand, and in this Situation Things will be until this Affair is settled; therefore the sooner you resolve, the better. The Captain reply'd, I design to have a Consultation among my Officers: Have you any more Objections to make? I answer'd, Yes, Sir, one more; which is, when you go from hence, you are not to weigh, come to an Anchor, or alter Course, without consulting your Officers. The Captain said, Gentlemen, I was your Commander till the Ship parted, or as long as any Stores or Provisions were getting out of her. We told him, we had always taken Care to obey his Orders in the strictest Manner; which he allow'd us to have done; and

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he added, You were the Officers that I placed my whole Dependence in. We answer'd, Sir, we will support you with our Lives, as long as you suffer Reason to rule; and then we parted. After this Consultation the Captain seldom came out of his Tent, which occasion'd great Disturbances among the People.

Friday the 7th, the Wind at W. N. W. with Rain. This Day the Navigators work'd the Bearings and Distance along Shore, from one Place to another, to know the true Distance: Hereupon it was agreed to proceed through the Streights of Magellan, according to Sir John Narborough's Directions, which give us great Encouragement to go that Way. Captain P——n draw'd his Men up, and dismiss'd 'em again. Great Uneasiness among the People.

Saturday the 8th, this Morning went to the Lieutenant, for him to acquaint the Captain all his Officers were ready to give sufficient Reasons for going through the Streights of Magellan, desiring a Consultation might be held in the Afternoon. At Three o'Clock the Captain sent for me and Mr. Cummins; when we came, the Master and Boatswain were sent for, but they were gone in Search of Subsistence, as Limpetts, Muscles, &c.

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The Captain said, Gentlemen, I don't doubt but you have consider'd upon the Business you are come about; therefore I am determin'd to take my Fate with you, or where the Spirit of the People leads, and shall use my best Endeavours for their Preservation; but I am afraid of meeting contrary Winds, for after the Sun has cross'd the Line we must expect to meet 'em. I made Answer, By all Accounts, the Wind hangs from N. W. to the S. W. above three Parts of the Year; which is in our Favour. Mr. Cummins told him, There was fresh Water to be got as well on one Coast as the other; and if Sir John Narborough's Treatment was so ill in a profound Peace, what must we expect in a Time of open War? The Captain said, I am afraid, very bad. Then Mr. Cummins spoke in this Manner to the Captain: Sir, I always took you for an honourable Gentleman, and I believe you to be such; on your Honour, Sir, I beg you will give the true Sentiments of your Mind, whether thro' the Streights is not the surest and safest Way to preserve our Lives, notwithstanding we have a thousand Difficulties to encounter with any way? The Captain answer'd, I really think going to the Northward is the

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safest Way; for suppose we should be drove off to Sea, when on the other Side the Land, what is to be done then? I said, Sir, it is our Business to keep the Shore, to prevent all Accidents that may happen that way. Then Lieutenant B—s made an Objection, Suppose you have the Wind blowing right in, and a tumbling Sea, as to endanger the Boat, what are we to do? I made Answer, Sir, if you remember, when we were riding at St. Julian's, it blow'd a very hard Gale of Wind right in from the Sea; yet, even then, the Sea did not run so high as to endanger a Boat riding at Anchor: Another Instance I bring you from St. Catharine's, when we had such hard Gales, that the Tryal lost her Masts, and the Pearl separated from the Squadron; yet, at that Time, there was no Sea comparable to what we have met with this Side the Land. The Lieutenant allow'd this to be Fact. Then the Captain said, I will allow you to have Water at Port Desire; but do you consider the lengthening your Distance, by keeping along Shore, and rounding every Bay, and some of those Bays are very deep. I told him, That undoubtedly there was Water all along the Coast, and that we had no Business to round the Bays, but to steer from

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one Head-land to the other. Then Lieutenant B——s made a second Objection, Suppose we are forced into a Bay, and Shoal-water? I answer'd, We should always have a Boat a-head, and our Draught of Water will not be above four or five Feet at most; and if we should be so unfortunate as to lose our Boat, we must keep the Lead a going. The L——t reply'd, That was true, and there could not be a great deal of Difficulty in it. This was the only Time the L——t ever spoke in Publick on the Affair; he always allow'd, when absent from the Captain, that going through the Streights was the best Way; but in the Captain's Presence he sided with him, and was for going to the Northward.

Sunday the 9th, at Three this Afternoon, I went with Mr. Cummins, the Master, and Boatswain, as desir'd, to the Captain, to give him our Opinions, believing, going thro' the Streights the surest Way to preserve Life: It was therefore agreed, That if the Wind did not set in against us, at the Sun's crossing the Line, that the Captain would go that Way. The Captain ask'd every Man's Opinion, and found the People unanimous for the Streights of Magellan. To-day, being

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fair Weather, launch'd the Yawl to go a fowling; shot several Geese, Ducks, Shaggs, and Sea-pies. Heel'd the Long-Boat for planking.

Monday the 10th, Wind at N. and N.N.W. Rainy Weather. Eat Slaugh and Sea-weed fry'd with Tallow-Candles, which we pick'd up along Shore; this we reckon at present exceeding good Eating, having nothing to live on but a Quarter of a Pound of Flower a Man per Day, and what we can get off the Rocks; for many Days the Weather has been so bad, that we have not been able to stir abroad, tho' almost starv'd for want of Food.

Tuesday the 11th, hard Gales at S. W. with heavy Rains. This Afternoon the People came in Arms to acquaint us of the Stores being robbed; they therefore wanted our Consent for moving the Stores to our Tent; on which we desir'd they would desist from offering any Violence; we told 'em of the ill Consequence of Mutiny, which, as we always abhor'd, we took all imaginable Care to prevent: The People, on our Persuasions, instantly quitted their Arms. The Captain presently sent for me and Mr. Cummins, to acquaint us with what had happen'd: He

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told us the Purser, accidentally coming by, saw the Prisoner Rowland Crussett, Marine, crawling from the Bushes, and from under the Store-Tent, and found on him upwards of a Day's Flower for ninety Souls, with one Piece of Beef under his Coat, and three Pieces more, which were conceal'd in the Bushes, to carry off when an Opportunity offer'd; and the Centry, Thomas Smith, his Mess-mate, a Marine, undoubtedly was privy to the Robbery. The Captain farther said, We have nothing to do with them; but I shall send to Captain P——n, to insist on a Court-Martial: I really think, that for robbing the Store-Tent, (which, in our present Circumstances, is starving the whole Body of People) the Prisoners deserve Death. This was not only the Captain's Opinion, but indeed the Sentiments of every Person present. After we parted from the Captain, we were sent for by Capt. P——n: He acquainted us, he would go as far as the Martial Law would allow him, and in Conjunction with the Sea-Officers: I look (said he) on the L——t as nothing, and the C——n in the same Light: As for you two, (meaning the Gunner and Carpenter) I confide in, and shall have Regard to your Opinions. When the Articles

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of War were read, we found their Crime did not touch Life, but that they were to suffer Corporal Punishment. Whilst Mr. Cummins was laying open the Nature of their Guilt, and the ill Consequence of Lenity in the Circumstances we were in, I propos'd a Way, next to Death; which was, if judg'd proper by Captain P——n and Captain C——p, to carry 'em off to an Island where the Ship parted, there being Muscles, Limpetts, and Clams in Abundance, and no want of Water, and there to be left till we should be ready for sailing; and, to strike a Terror in all for the future, that if any Man should be guilty of the like Offence, without any Respect of Person, he should share the same Fate. This Proposal was approved of by both the Captains. At Night Lieutenant B——n surpriz'd us with a new kind of Proposal we little dreamt of, which was, to have a proper Place of Devotion, to perform Divine Service in every Sabbath-Day: For this Sacred Office our Tent was judg'd the most commodious Place. The Duty of Publick Prayer had been entirely neglected on Board, tho' every Seaman pays Four-pence per Month towards the Support of a Minister; yet Devotion, in so solemn a Manner, is so rarely

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perform'd, that I know but one Instance of it during the many Years I have belong'd to the Navy. We believe Religion to have the least Share in this Proposal of the Lieutenant. If our Tent should be turn'd into a House of Prayer, and this Project takes, we may, perhaps, in the Midst of our Devotion, be surpriz'd, and our Arms taken from us, in order to frustrate our Designs, and prevent our Return to England through the Streights of Magellan, or any other Way.

Wednesday the 12th, hard Gales from S. W. to W. with heavy Showers of Hail and Rain. Serv'd out Provisions To-day, a Piece of Beef for four Men; some Time past we have had but a Quarter of a Pound of Flower per Man per Diem, and three Pieces of Beef; we live chiefly on Muscles, Limpitts, and Clams, with Saragraza and Thromba; one is a green broad Weed, common on the Rocks in England; the other is a round Sea-weed, so large, that a Man can scarce grasp it; it grows in the Sea, with broad Leaves; this last we boil, the Saragraza we fry in Tallow; in this Manner we support Life: Even these Shell-fish and Weeds we get with great Difficulty; for the Wind, the Rain, and Coldness of the Climate in this Season, are so extremely severe,

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that a Man will pause some Time whether he shall stay in his Tent and starve, or go out in Quest of Food.

Friday the 14th, very hard Gales at W. and N. W. with Showers of Rain and Hail, which beat with such Violence against a Man's Face, that he can hardly withstand it; however, one of our Mess-mates To-day shot three Gulls and a Hawk; which gave us a very elegant Repast. This Day was held a Court-Martial on the Centry who is believ'd Confederate with the Marine that robbed the Store-Tent: Sentence was pass'd on 'em to receive six hundred Lashes each: Captain C——p, not thinking the Punishment adequate to the Crime, cut 'em short of their Allowance; so that they have now but half the Provisions they had before: The Day following the Offenders receiv'd two hundred Lashes each, as Part of their Punishment. We hawl'd the Long-Boat higher up, for fear the Sea should wash the Blocks from under her. We have found out a new Way of managing the Slaugh; we fry it in thin Batter with Tallow, and use it as Bread.

Sunday the 16th, Fresh Gales of Wind at S. W. with heavy Showers of Hail: The People generally complain of a Malady in

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their Eyes; they are in great Pain, and can scarce see to walk about. The last Tide flowed nine Feet perpendicular; To-day we picked up Shell-Fish in Abundance, with Pieces of Beef and Pork. The Prisoners received two hundred Lashes more.

Tuesday the 18th, this Day the Carpenter, who has all along been indefatigable in working about the Long-Boat, saw one of the Seamen cutting up an Anchor-Stock for Fire-Wood, which had been designed for a particular Use for the Boat; at Sight of the Fellow's Folly he could not contain himself: This Affair, added to the little Concern and intolerable Indifference that appeared in the Generality of the People, for some Time impaired his Understanding, and made him delirious; all possible Methods are used to restore him, as he is the only Man, who, through the Assistance of Providence, can compleat the Means of Our Deliverance.

Wednesday the 19th, The Carpenter was so much recovered, that he went to Work as usual; at Night, the Lieutenant acquainted us, that the Captain desired to speak with the Carpenter and me To-morrow at Noon, to consult what should be done with the two Prisoners, having received but four hundred

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Lashes out of the six, to which they were sentenced by a Court-Martial, the other two hundred being remitted by their own Officers.

Thursday the 20th, We waited on the Captain, who acquainted us with what the Lieutenant had mentioned last Night relating to the Prisoners: We told him the People were very uneasy about this Mitigation of the Punishment inflicted on them by a Court Martial; therefore it was agreed they should provide for themselves as well as they could; but to have no Sort of Provisions out of the Store-Tent for the future.

Saturday the 22d, We begun upon several Contrivances to get Provisions, such as building Punts, Cask-Boats, Leather-Boats, and the like.

On Sunday the 23d, The Store-Tent was again robbed, and, on Examination, was found a Deficiency of twelve Days Brandy for ninety Men: The Lieutenant, myself, and Carpenter went to the Captain to consult some Way which might effectually prevent those villainous Practices for the future; the Captain desired us to make a nice Enquiry into this Robbery, being determined to inflict the severest Punishment on the Offen-

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ders; tho' it would give him the greatest Concern if any innocent Person should suffer. This Day we confined one of the Centinels for being drunk on his Post; the Day following the Boatswain gave us Information of the Persons who had robbed the Tent; they were two Centinels, Smith and Butler; those very Persons were the first who insisted, that the Seamen, as well as themselves, should watch the Store-Tent; their own Officers, as yet, have brought them to no Examination: We have also Information that the Purser holds frequent Conversation with the Rebels, contrary to all the Laws of the Navy, supplying them with Liquors in Abundance, to the great Distress of his Majesty's faithful Subjects, who have but half a Pint per Day to subsist on. There are now great Disturbances among the People concerning going to the Northward; they believe Captain C——p never intended to return to England by his proposing this Way, in Opposition to the Opinion of all the Navigators, who have given Reasons for going thro' the Streights of Magellan. There is a Sort of a Party-Rage among the People, fomented by a kind of Bribery that has more Influence on the Seamen than Money; there are some daily

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bought off by Rum, and other strong Liquors. Unless a Stop is put to these Proceedings, we shall never go off the Spot.

Tuesday the 25th, This Day felt four great Earthquakes, three of which were very terrible; notwithstanding the violent Shocks and Tremblings of the Earth, we find no Ground shifted. Hard Gales of Wind at North, with heavy Showers of Rain.

Thursday the 27th, The Disturbances increase among the People; we plainly see there is a Party raised to go to the Northward; we went to the Lieutenant, and consulted with him what was to be done in the present Exigence; myself being reckoned the Projector of the Scheme for going through the Streights was threatened to be shot by Noble the Quarter-Master: After having some Discourse with the Lieutenant, he told me, If I would draw up a Paper for the Captain to sign, in order to satisfy the People, that he would go to the Southward, and every Officer to have a Copy of it, to justify himself in England, it would be as proper a Method as we could take. The Paper was immediately drawn up in these Words, viz.

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WHEREAS upon a General Consultation, it has been agreed to go from this Place through the Streights of Magellan, for the Coast of Brazil, in our Way for England: We do, notwithstanding, find the People separating into Parties, which must consequently end in the Destruction of the whole Body; and as also there have been great Robberies committed on the Stores, and every Thing is now at a Stand; therefore, to prevent all future Frauds and Animosities, we are unanimously agreed to proceed as above-mention'd.

This Paper was deliver'd to the Lieutenant, who said that he was sure the Captain would sign it; but in Case of Refusal, he should be confin'd for shooting Mr. Cozens, and he would take the Command on himself: And, to prevent further Disturbances, the Purser, as he much convers'd with the Rebels, it is agreed, by the Body of Officers, to send him off the Island, for acting so contrary to his Duty, in Contempt of the Articles of War, the Laws of his Country, and the known Rules of the Navy. It was likewise agreed, that any Person, who engaged himself in

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raising Parties, should be disarm'd. By this Day's Proceedings, we thought the Lieutenant a Gentleman of Resolution; but the Words and Actions of People do not always concur.

Friday the 28th, To-day the Officers and People all appear'd in Arms. The Master, Boatswain, Gunner, and Carpenter, with Mr. J——s Mate, and Mr. C——ll Midshipman, went into the Captain's Tent, the Lieutenant being with him. As soon as the Officers were seated, a Consultation was held concerning Smith and Butler robbing the Store-Tent; they were sentenced to be transported to the Main, or some Island. As soon as this Affair was over, we talk'd to the Captain of the Uneasiness among the People; that there had been a long Time a visible Inquietude among 'em, and that we could not help seeing there were Schemes form'd to obstruct our Design in going to the Southward. The Captain answer'd, Gentlemen, it is Time enough to think of this when we are ready to go off: Have not I told you before, that I do not care which Way I go, Southward or Northward? I will take my Fate with you. Every body now expected the Lieutenant to reply, especially after the Zeal he express'd

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himself with the Day before; but he sate speechless, without any Regard to the Welfare of the People, or to his own Proposals. Finding he did not move in the Affair, I took out the Paper which was agreed to by the Lieutenant and the rest of the Officers, and read it to the Captain, and ask'd him to sign it; which he strenuously oppos'd, and seem'd very much enrag'd that it should be propos'd to him. Upon this we dropt the Matter, and began to discourse concerning the Provisions: We thought it necessary, that ten Weeks Subsistence should be secur'd to carry with us, and that the Liquor should be buried Under-ground; but he gave us no Answer. Finding no Relief here, we went to Captain P——n's Tent, to consult with him what we shoxuld do in the present Exigence. On our coming out from the Captain, we saw a Flag hoisted on Captain P——n's Tent, the Captain himself seated in a Chair, surrounded by the People. On seeing this, all the Officers present at the Consultation, except the Lieutenant, went over to Captain P——n. Here it was agreed, in Case the Captain persisted to refuse signing the Paper, to take the Command from him, and to give it the Lieutenant, according to the Lieutenant's own Proposal.

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At the same Time Captain P——n told the People, he would stand by 'em with his Life, in going through the Streights of Magellan, the Way propos'd in the Paper. The People gave three Cheers, crying aloud for England. The Captain hearing the Noise, got out of Bed to his Tent-Door, and call'd the People, enquiring what they wanted; then sent for all the Officers: He was then told, since he refus'd signing the Paper, and had no Regard to the Safety of our Provisions, the People unanimously agreed to take the Command from him, and transfer it to the Lieutenant. Hearing this, with an exalted Voice, Captain C——p says, Who is he that will take the Command from me? Addressing himself to the Lieutenant, Is it you, Sir? The Lieutenant reply'd, No, Sir. The Terror of the Captain's Aspect intimidated the Lieutenant to that Degree, that he look'd like a Ghost. We left him with the Captain, and return'd to Captain P——n's Tent, to acquaint him of the Lieutenant's refusing the Command. We had not been long here before Captain C——p sent for us. I was the first Person call'd for; at my entering his Tent, I saw him seated on a Chest, with a cock'd Pistol on his Right Thigh; observing this, I desir'd

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Mr. J——s, who was the Mate he always rely'd on for Navigation, to tell the Captain, I did not think proper to come before a cock'd Pistol: Notwithstanding I was arm'd, I drew back, altho' I had my Pistol cock'd, and there were several Men near me arm'd with Muskets. The Captain's personal Bravery no Man doubted of; his Courage was excessive, and made him rash and desperate; his shooting Mr. Cozens was a fatal Proof of it; he was grown more desperate by this unhappy Action, and was observ'd since seldom to behave himself with any Composure of Mind. It is a Piece of human Prudence to retreat from a Man in a Phrenzy, because he who does not value his own Life, has another Man's in his Power. I had no Desire of falling by the Hand of Captain C——p, and should be greatly disturb'd to be compell'd, for my own Preservation, to discharge a Pistol at a Gentleman against whom I never had any Spleen, and who was my Commander. When Mr. J——s acquainted him with what I desired him, the Captain threw his Pistol aside, and came out of his Tent; he told the People, he would go with them to the Southward; he desired to know their Grievances, and he would redress them; They

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all call'd out for their Sea-Store of Provisions to be secur'd, and the rest equally divided. Here the Captain show'd all the Conduct and Courage imaginable; he was a single Man against a Multitude, all of 'em dissatisfy'd with him, and all of 'em in Arms: He told 'em the ill Consequence of sharing the Provisions, that it was living To-day and starving To-morrow; but the People were not to be satisfy'd, the Officers had now no Authority over 'em, and they were some Time deaf to their Persuasions; nay, it was with Difficulty that they could dissuade 'em from pulling down the Store-Tent, and taking away the Provisions by Force; they remov'd the Provisions out of the Store-Tent, then fell to digging a Hole to bury the Brandy; the Sea-Store to be secur'd, the Remainder to be immediately shar'd. Had this been comply'd with, the Consequences might have been very terrible: However, to pacify 'em in some Shape, it was agreed, that every Man should have a Pint of Brandy per Day, which, by Calculation, would last 'em three Weeks. On this they seem'd very easy, and went to their respective Tents. The Captain told his Officers, that he would act nothing contrary to what was agreed on for the Welfare and

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Safety of the Community. Finding the Captain in a Temper of Mind to hearken to Reason, I said to him, Sir, I think it my Duty to inform you, that I am not the Person whom you imagine to be the Principal in this Affair. The Captain answer'd, How can I think otherwise? I reply'd, Sir, the Paper I read to you was your Lieutenant's Projection: There sits the Gentleman, let him disown it, if he can. The Captain turning himself to the Lieutenant, says, Mr. Bulkeley has honestly clear'd himself. We then drank a Glass of Wine, and took our Leaves. At Night the Captain sent for Mr. Cummins and me to sup with him; we were the only Officers present with him: When I was seated, I said, Sir, I have my Character at Stake, for drawing back from your cock'd Pistol: Had I advanc'd, one of us must have dropt. The Captain answer'd, Bulkeley, I do assure you, the Pistol was not design'd for you, but for another; for I knew the Whole before. We then talk'd of indifferent Things, and spent the Evening in a very affable Manner.

Saturday the 29th, came here five Indian Canoes, loaden with Muscles; Men, Women and Children were about fifty: These Indians had never been with us before; they

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are not so generous and good-natur'd as our Friends I have already mention'd; they were so mercenary, that they would not part with a single Muscle without something in Exchange; their Stay was but short with us, for the next Morning they launch'd their Canoes, and went off.

Tuesday, September the 1st, the Carpenter was shot in the Thigh with several large Pewter Sluggs by the Captain's Cook; but he being at a great Distance, the Sluggs did not enter his Skin: Whether this was design'd, or accidental, we don't know; however, we thought it proper to disarm him.

Wednesday the 2d, Wind at N. and N. by W. with Rain. This Day we were inform'd that three of the Deserters, viz. James Mitchel, Carpenter's Mate, Joseph King and Owen Thomson, Seamen, were gone over to the Main in a Punt of their own building; the others were here Yesterday, and I believe would be gladly received again, but am of Opinion there are few Voices in their Favour.

Friday the 4th, some Disorders among the People about watching the Provisions; some taking all Opportunities to rob the Stores. Our Living now is very hard; Shell-fish are

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very scarce, and difficult to be had; the Seaweeds are our greatest Support; we have found a Sort of Sea-weed, which we call Dulse; it is a narrow Weed, growing on Rocks in the Sea, which, when boil'd about two Hours, thickens the Water like Flower; this we esteem a good and wholesome Food.

Sunday the 6th, last Night the Store-Tent was robbed of Brandy and Flower: The People at hearing this were greatly enrag'd, and insisted on searching the Marines Tents; on Search they found four Bottles of Brandy, and four small Parcels of Flower. The Captain sent for the Lieutenant, Master, Gunner, Carpenter, and Surgeon, with Lieutenants H——n, E——s, and F——g, of the Army; Captain P——n was also sent for, but was so ill that he could not be present, but desir'd all might pass according to the Judgment of the above-mention'd Officers. A Consultation was held: Five of the accus'd Marines did not appear, dreading the Punishment due to their Crime; they march'd off to the Deserters: Four more, who staid to be try'd, receiv'd Sentence, on the first Opportunity, to carry them off to the Main, and there to shift for themselves with the former Deserters. The Seamen insisted on a

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Pint of Brandy each Man per Diem, which was agreed on. The Provisions being found were put into the Store.

Monday the 7th, I was invited to a Dog-Feast at Mr. J——s's Tent: There were present at this Entertainment, the Lieutenant, the Honourable John B——n, Mr. Cummins, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Young, Lieutenants Ewers and Fielding, and Dr. Oakley of the Army. It was exceeding good Eating; we thought no English Mutton preferable to it.

Tuesday the 8th, in the Afternoon, William Harvey, Quarter-Gunner, came to our Tent, with a Paper sign'd by seven People; the Contents as follow, viz.

THESE are to acquaint you, the Gentlemen, Officers, and Seamen of the Ship Wager, that, for the Easement of the Boat now building, we do agree to go in the Yawl, after she is fitted up, with allowing us our Share of Provisions, and other Conveniencies, to go in her to the Southward, through the Streights of Magellan, for the Coast of Brazil.

David Buckley, Quarter-Gunner

William Harvey, ditto

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Richard Noble, Quarter-Master

William Moor, Captain's Cook

William Rose, Quarter-Master

John Hayes, Seaman

John Bosman, ditto

The next Day, the above-mention'd added one more to their Number, viz. Peter Plastow, Captain's Steward: He came to acquaint us, he was willing to go with them, and hoped we would give our Consent; we told him we had nothing to do with it, therefore he must apply to the Captain.

Thursday the 10th, hard Gales at W.N.W. with Rain and Hail. The Captain sent for the Lieutenant, Master, myself, the Carpenter, and Boatswain: When we were all met, the Captain ask'd us, if Plastow had mention'd any Thing to us about going off in the Yawl. We told him he had. Plastow being sent for, the Captain said, Peter ! I hear you are for going in the Boat. He answer'd, Yes, Sir; I will take my Chance, for I want to get to England. The Captain bade him be gone for a Villain, and said no more. This Plastow was a mighty Favourite with the Captain, and had often been admitted to his Conversation: He above all Men ought to

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have stood stedfast to him, because the Captain regarded him above the whole Body of People, and hath been heard to say as much. It was this Day agreed, that the Sentence put off on the 6th should be executed the first Opportunity, without any Delay; and that no Boat should go off from hence before all was ready, believing some have a Design to go to the Northward.

Friday the 11th, Wind at N. N. W. The People very uneasy; scarce any Work done for this Week past; every Thing is at a Stand; we have now among us no Command, Order, or Discipline; add to our Uneasiness, the Uncomforcableness of the Climate; we have been Inhabitants of this Island sixteen Weeks, and have not seen ten fair Days; the Murmurings of the People, the Scarcity of Provision, and the Severity of the Weather, would really make a Man weary of Life.

Monday the 14th, last Night very hard Ga es at N. W. and W. N. W. with large Showers of Hail, with Thunder. The Wind To-day is much abated. As to the Article of Provisions, nothing comes amiss; we eat Dogs, Rats, and, in short, every Thing we can come at.

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Friday the 18th, Dennis O'Lary and John Redwood, Seamen, with six Marines, were put off to the Main, according to their Sentence; it being a fine Summer's Day. This Day the Lieutenant, bringing a Pair of Pistols to the Carpenter, and complaining they were in bad Order, did not imagine they were loaded, snapping the first it miss'd Fire, the second went off, but providentially did no Harm, tho' the Lieutenant had then a Crowd of People about him.

Sunday the 20th, little Wind, and clear Weather. Launch'd the Barge, and went off to the Wreck; we took up four Casks of Beef, with a Cask of Pease, which was stav'd; we serv'd out to each Man five Pieces of Beef, and Pease to such as would have 'em, but there were none to take 'em; having now Plenty of Meat, our Stomachs are become nice and dainty.

Wednesday the 23d, the People went to the Captain with a Two-Gallon Cagg, and ask'd it full of Wine: The Captain refus'd 'em; but apprehending that they would make no Ceremony of filling it without Leave, and carrying it off by Force, he thought proper to order it to be fill'd: They brought it to the Long-Boat, and drank it in her Hold.

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Stept the Long-Boat's Mast forward. The People very much disorder'd in Liquor, and very quarrelsome.

Thursday the 24th, I was sent on a Week's Cruize in the Barge; the Officers with me were Mr. Jones the Mate, and the Hon. Mr. B——n Midshipman, and Mr. Harvey the Purser, who was a good Draughtsman; we went in order to discover the Coast to the Southward, for the Safety of the Long-Boat; we were informed on our Return, that the People in our Absence went to the Captain, and got two Gallons of Wine which they mixed with their half Pints of Brandy; they got all drunk and mad, but no great Mischiefs ensued. Six Indian Canoes likewise came in our Absence loaden with Men, Women, and Children; they brought with them Clams out of the Shells strung on Lines: The Indian Women dived for Muscles, and brought them ashore in abundance; the Men went to the fresh Water River, and caught several Fish like our English Mullets. The People bought Dogs of the Indians, which they kill'd, and eat, esteeming the Flesh very good Food: The next Day the Indians went out and caught a vast Quantity of Fish out of a Pond, where they sent in their Dogs to hunt;

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the Dogs dived, and drove the Fish ashore in great Numbers, to one Part of the Pond, as if they had been drawn in a Seyne; the Indians sold the Fish to the People. This Method of catching Fish, is, I believe, unknown any where else, and was very surprising; and, what is also very strange, after the Indians went away, we hauled the Seyne over the Pond, and could never get a Fish.

Monday the 28th, returned with the Barge; the first Evening we were out we had a good Harbour for the Barge, which we put into; the first Animal we saw was a fine large Bitch big with Puppies; we killed her; we then roasted one Side and boiled the other, were exceedingly well pleased with our Fare, supped heartily, and slept well: The next Morning we got up at Day-breaking, and proceeded on our Cruize, finding all along the Coast to be very dangerous; at Evening put into a Place of very good Shelter for the Barge: Here we found the Indians had been very lately, the Shore being covered with the Offals of Seal: In an Hour's Time we killed ten wild Fowl; we roasted three Geese and two Ducks, the rest we put into a Sea Pye, so that we sared most elegantly; got up at Day-light next Morning, but seeing the

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Weather hazy and dirty, thought it not proper to put out with the Barge, fearing we should not get a Harbour before Night; we took a Walk five Miles in the Country cross the Land to the Southward, but could not see any Shelter for the Boat, being then twelve Leagues from the Place we came from; so we returned back in the Evening, and got into a fine sandy Bay; I think it as good a Harbour for Shipping as any I ever saw: Coming into this Bay, saw the Southmost Land, which we had seen before, bearing about S. S. W. right over an Inlet of Land, about two Miles. After landing, lived as we did last Night; in the Morning we walked over, where we found a deep Bay, it being eighteen Leagues deep, and twelve Leagues broad; here we had a very good Prospect of the Coast; we found here the green Pease that Sir John Narborough mentions in his Book.

Saturday the 3d of October, after our Return from the Cruize, the Lieutenant, the Master, myself, the Boatswain, and Mr. J——s the Mate, went to the Captain, to acquaint him how forward the Boat was and to consult some Measures to be observ'd on Board the Boat, to prevent Mutiny; he desir'd a Day or two to consider of it.

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On Monday the 5th, the Carpenter sent his Case Bottle, as usual, to the Captain, to be filled with Wine; but it was sent back empty, with this Answer, I will give him none: This sudden Change of the Captain's Behaviour to the Carpenter, proceeded from some Words which the latter dropt, and were carried to the Captain: The Words the Carpenter spoke were to this Purport, That he was not to be led by Favour or Affection, nor to be biassed by a Bottle of Brandy. To-day we heeled the Long-boat, and caulked the Star board Side, paid her Bottom with Wax, Tallow, and Soap that came out of the Ship.

Tuesday the 6th, hard Gales at N. W. and N. with Rain: This Morning the Lieutenant acquainted us of the Captain's Resolution, which was to be Captain as before, and to be governed by the Rules of the Navy, and to stand or fall by them; it was objected in the present Situation, the Rules of the Navy are not sufficient to direct us, several Rules being requisite in our Circumstances which are not mention'd there; that the whole Body of Officers and People are determin'd not to be govern'd by those Rules at present. This Objection was started, not from a Disrespect

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to those Rules; but we imagin'd, if Captain C——p was restor'd to the absolute Command he had before the Loss of the Wager, that he would proceed again upon the same Principles, never on any Exigence consult his Officers, but act arbitrarily, according to his Humour and Confidence of superior Knowledge: While he acts with Reason, we will support his Command with our Lives; but some Restriction is necessary for our own Preservation. We think him a Gentleman worthy to have a limited Command, but too dangerous a Person to be trusted with an absolute one. This Afternoon the People insisted to be serv'd Brandy out of the Casks that were buried Under-ground; accordingly they were serv'd half a Pint each Man. Got the Long-Boat upright.

Thursday the 8th, this Day the Master went to the Captain concerning ten half Barrels of Powder more than can be carried off, which will make good Water-Casks for the Boats: The Captain told him not to start the Powder, or destroy any Thing, without his Orders; and said, he must have Time to consider of it. In the Afternoon, Captain P——mb——rt——n, of the Land Forces, came on the Beach, and desired the Assistance of the

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Seamen to take Captain C——p a Prisoner, for the Death of Mr. Cozens, the Midshipman; telling us, he should be call'd to an Account, if he did not. This Evening the Carpenter went up to the Hill-Tent, so called from its Situation; the People were shooting Balls at Marks; some of 'em were firing in Vollies, without Shot or Sluggs: One of the Men on the Beach fir'd at the Tent while the Carpenter was in it, who was standing with a Book in his Hand; there was a Piece of Beef hung close at his Cheek, the Ball went through the Tent and the Beef, but the Carpenter receiv'd no Damage. To-day I over-haul'd the Powder, and told the Lieutenant that I had twenty-three half Barrels in Store, and that we could not carry off in the Vessel above six half Barrels; therefore purpose to start the Overplus into the Sea, and make Water-Casks of the half Barrels, they being very proper for that Purpose. I desired him to acquaint the Captain with my Intention; that since he had no Regard for the Publick Good, or to any Thing that tended to promoting it, the Carpenter and I had determin'd never to go near him again. The Lieutenant declin'd going, fearing the Captain would murther him; but he

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sent the Master to him, to let him know the Necessity of starting the Powder: The Captain's Answer to the Master was, I desire you will not destroy any one Thing without my Orders. We now are convinc'd the Captain hath no Intention of going to the Southward, notwithstanding he had lately given his Word and Honour that he would; therefore Captain P——mb——rt——n in order to put an End to all future Obstructions, demanded our Assistance to make him a Prisoner for the shooting Mr. Cozens, intending to carry him as such to England; at the same Time to confine Lieutenant H——n with him; which was readily agreed to by the whole Body. It was reckon'd dangerous to suffer the Captain any longer to enjoy Liberty; therefore the Lieutenant, Gunner, Carpenter, and Mr. J——s the Mate, resolv'd next Morning to surprize him in his Bed.

Friday the 9th, this Morning went in a Body and surpriz'd the Captain in Bed, disarm'd him, and took every Thing out of his Tent. The Captain said to the Seamen, What are you about? Where are my Officers? At which the Master, Gunner, Carpenter, and Boatswain, went in. The Captain said, Gentlemen, do you know what

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you have done, or are about? He was answer'd, Yes, Sir; our Assistance was demanded by Captain P——n, to secure you as a Prisoner for the Death of Mr. Cozens; and as we are Subjects of Great-Britain, we are oblig'd to take you as such to England. The Captain said, Gentlemen, Captain P——n hath nothing to do with me; I am your Commander still; I will shew you my Instructions; which he did to the People; on this we came out. He then call'd his Officers a second Time, and said, What is this for? He was answer'd, as before, That Assistance was demanded by Captain P——n to take him Prisoner for the Death of Mr. Cozens. He still insisted, Captain P——n has no Business with me; I could not think you would serve me so. It was told him, Sir, it is your own Fault; you have given yourself no manner of Concern, for the Publick Good, on our going from hence; but have acted quite the Reverse, or else been so careless and indifferent about it, as if we had no Commander; and if other Persons had given themselves no more Trouble and Concern than you have, we should not be ready to go from hence as long as Provisions lasted. The Captain said, Very well, Gentlemen, you have

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caught me Napping; I do not see any of you in Liquor; you are a Parcel of brave Fellows, but my Officers are Scoundrels: Then turning himself to me, he said, Gunner, where's my Lieutenant? Did not he Head you? I told him, No, Sir; but was here to see it executed, and is here now. One of you (says the Captain) call Mr. B——s. When Mr. B——s came, he said, What is all this for, Sir? Sir, it is Captain P——n's Order. Captain P——n hath no Business with me, and you will answer for it hereafter; if I do not live to see England, I hope some of my Friends will. On this the Lieutenant left him. The Captain then address'd himself to the Seamen, saying, My Lads, I do not blame you; but it is the Villainy of my Officers, which they will answer for hereafter. He then call'd Mr. B——s again, and said, Well, Sir, what do you design to do by me? The Lieutenant answer'd, Sir, your Officers have design'd the Purser's Tent for you. Hum ! I should be obliged to the Gentlemen, if they would let me stay in my own Tent. The Lieutenant came to acquaint the Officers of the Captain's Request; but they judg'd it inconvenient; as Mr. H——n's Tent join'd the Purser's, one Guard might serve

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'em both; accordingly all his Things were mov'd to the Purser's Tent: As he was coming along, he said, Gentlemen, you must excuse my not pulling my Hat off, my Hands are confin'd. Well, Captain B——s ! you will be call'd to an Account for this hereafter. The Boatswain, after the Captain's Confinement, most barbarously insulted him, reproaching him with striking him, saying, Then it was your Time; but now, G——d d——n you, it is mine. The Captain made no Reply but this, You are a Scoundrel for using a Gentleman ill when he is a Prisoner. When the Captain was a Prisoner, he declared, he never intended to go to the Southward, having more Honour than to turn his Back on his Enemies; and farther, he said, Gentlemen, I do not want to go off in any of your Craft; for I never design'd to go for England, and would rather chuse to be shot by you; there is not a single Man on the Beach dare engage me; but this is what I fear'd.

It is very odd, that Capt. C——p should now declare he never intended to go to the Southward, when he publickly gave his Word and Honour he would go that Way, or any Way where the Spirit of the People led: But he

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afterwards told his Officers, he knew he had a severe Trial to go through, if ever he came to England; and as for those who liv'd to return to their Country, the only Favour he requested from them, was to declare the Truth, without Favour or Prejudice; and this we promis'd faithfully to do: His Words, in this Respect, were as much regarded by us as the Words of a dying Man, and have been most punctually observ'd.

Saturday the 10th, little Wind at N. and N. W. Getting all ready for going off this Afternoon, the Captain sent for the Lieutenant and me, desiring us both to go to Captain P——n, to know what he intended to do with him. We accordingly came, and both promis'd to go directly, and bring him his Answer. When we came out, went to the Lieutenant's Tent; from thence I expected, and made no doubt, but he would go to Captain P——n's: But when I ask'd him, he refus'd; which very much surpriz'd me. I thought it very ungenerous to trifle with Captain C——p, or any Gentleman in his unhappy Situation; therefore went alone to Captain P——n. When I deliver'd him Captain C——p's Message, the Answer was, I design, and must carry him Prisoner to

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England. I return'd, and acquainted Captain C——p with Captain P——n's Answer: He ask'd me then, if the Lieutenant was with me. I told him, No; and I believe did not design it. He said, Mr. Bulkeley, I am very much oblig'd to you, and could not think the Lieutenant would use me thus. In the Evening the Lieutenant and I were sent for again: The Captain said to the Lieutenant, Sir, have you been with Captain P——n ? He answer'd, No, Sir. I thought, Sir, you promis'd me you would: However, I have his Answer from Mr. Bulkeley; I am to be carried a Prisoner to England. Gentlemen, I shall never live to see England, but die by Inches in the Voyage; and it is surprizing to me to think, what you can expect by going to the Southward, where there are ten thousand Difficulties to be encounter'd with: I am sorry so many brave Fellows should be led to go where they are not acquainted, when, by going to the Northward, there is the Island of Chili, not above ninety Leagues, where we need not fear taking Prizes, and may have a Chance to see the Commodore. I made Answer, Sir, you have said, that we shall be call'd to an Account for this in England: I must tell you, for my Part, had I

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been guilty of any Crime, and was sure of being hang'd for it in England, I would make it my Choice to go there, sooner than to the Northward: Have not you given your Word and Honour to go to the Southward? It is true, there is a Chance in going to the Northward, by delivering us from this unhappy Situation of Life to a worse, viz. a Spanish Prison. The Captain said no more but this, Gentlemen, I wish you well and safe to England.

Sunday the 11th, this Morning the Captain sent for me, and told me, he had rather be shot than carried off a Prisoner, and that he would not go off with us; therefore desired me to ask the People to suffer him to remain on the Island: The People readily agreed to his Request; and also consented to leave him all Things needful for his Support, as much as could be spar'd. Lieutenant H——n and the Surgeon chose to stay with him. We offer'd him also the Barge and Yawl, if he could procure Men to go with him. The Question was propos'd before the whole Body; but they all cry'd aloud for England, and let him stay and be d——n'd; does he want to carry us to a Prison? There is not a Man will go. The Captain being

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depriv'd of his Command in the Manner above-mention'd, and for the Reasons already given, it was resolv'd to draw some Articles to be sign'd for the Good of the Community, and to give the Lieutenant a limited Command. The Paper was drawn up in this Manner:

WHereas Captain David C——p, our Commander in his Majesty's Ship the Wager, never consulted any of his Officers for the Safety and Preservation of the said Ship, and his Majesty's Subjects thereto belonging; but several Times, since the unhappy Loss of the said Ship, he has been solicited in the most dutiful Manner, promising him at the same Time to support his Command with our Lives, desiring no more than to go off Heart in Hand from this Place to the Southward, which he gave his Word and Honour to do; and being almost ready for sailing, did apply to him, some few Days past, to draw up some proper Articles, in order to suppress Mutiny, and other material Things, which were thought necessary to be agreed to before we went off; but he, in the most scornful Manner, hath rejected every Thing propos'd for the Publick Good; and

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as he is now a Prisoner, and the Command given to the Lieutenant, upon his Approbation of the following Articles.

First, As we have no Conveniency for dressing Provisions on Board the Vessel for a third Part of the Number to be carried off the Spot, therefore this Day serv'd out to every Man and Boy twelve Days Provision, for them to dress before we go off; and also it is agreed, that whoever is guilty of defrauding another of any Part of his Allowance, on sufficient Proof thereof, the Person found guilty (without any Respect: of Person) shall be put on Shore at the first convenient Place, and left there.

Secondly, In Regard to the Boats going off with us, we think proper to allow one Week's Provision for each Man appointed to go in them, in order to prevent Separation from each other, which would be of the worst Consequence of any Thing that can happen to us; to prevent which, we do agree, that when Under-way they shall not separate, but always keep within Musket-shot, and on no Pretence or Excuse whatsoever go beyond that Reach. The Officer, or any other Person, that shall attempt a Separation; or ex-

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ceed the above-mention'd Bounds, shall, on Proof, be put on Shore, and left behind.

Thirdly, It is agreed, in order to suppress Mutiny, and prevent Broils and Quarrels on Board the Vessel, that no Man shall threaten the Life of another, or offer Violence in any Shape; the Offender, without any Respect of Station or Quality, being found guilty, shall be put on Shore, and left behind.

Fourthly, We do agree, whatever Fowl, Fish, or Necessaries of Life, we shall happen to meet with in our Passage, the same shall be divided among the whole; and if Captain David C——p shall be put on Board a Prisoner, it shall not be in the Lieutenant's Power to release him.

The aforesaid Articles were agreed to, and sign'd by the under-mention'd.

Robert Beans, Lieutenant

Thomas Clark, Master

John King, Boatswain

John Bulkeley, Gunner

John Cummins, Carpenter

Thomas Harvey, Purser

Robert Elliot, Surgeon's Mate

John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

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The Hon. John Byron, Midshipman

Alexander Campbell, ditto

Isaac Morris, ditto

Thomas Maclean, Cook

Richard Phipps, Boatswain's Mate

John Mooring, ditto

Matthew Langley, Gunner's Mate

Guy Broadwater, Coxswain

Samuel Stook, Seaman

Joseph Clinch, ditto

John Duck, ditto

Peter Plastow, Captain's Steward

John Pitman, Butcher

David Buckley, Quarter-Gunner

Richard Noble, Quarter-Master

William Moore, Captain's Cook

George Smith, Seaman

Benjamin Smith, ditto

William Oram, Carpenter's Mate

John Hart, Joiner

John Bosman, Seaman

William Harvey, Quarter-Gunner

Richard East, Seaman

Samuel Cooper, ditto

Job Barns, ditto

James Butler, ditto

William Rose, Quarter-Master

John Shoreham, Seaman

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John Hayes, Seaman

Henry Stephens, ditto

William Callicutt, ditto

John Russel, Armourer

James Mac Cawle, Seaman

William Lane, ditto

James Roach, ditto

John George, ditto

John Young, Cooper

Moses Lewis, Gunner's Mate

Nicholas Griselham, Seaman.

Monday the 12th, at Day-light, launch'd the Long-Boat, and gave her the Name of the Speedwell (which God preserv'd to deliver us); we got all the Provision on Board, and other Necessaries. The Captain sent for the Lieutenant, myself, and the Carpenter, desiring us to leave him what could be spar'd, and to send to the Deserters to know if they will go in the Yawl to the Northward; we promis'd to grant him his Request. To-day every Body got on Board. The Captain, Surgeon, and Mr. H——n, had their Share of Provisions equal with us.

Tuesday the 13th, we sent the Barge to the Deserters, with Mr. S——w the Mate, to know if they were willing to tarry, and go

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with the Captain to the Northward; to acquaint them what Provision and Necessaries should be allow'd 'em: They readily agreed to tarry. On the Return of the Boat, deliver'd to the Captain the Share of Provision for the Deserters, and sundry Necessaries, as under-mention'd, viz.

Six Hand-Grenadoes.

Five half Barrels of Powder.

Two Caggs of Musket-Balls.

Lieutenant H——n's Pistols and Gun.

One Pair of Pistols for the Captain.

Twelve Musket-Flints.

Six Pistol-Flints.

Sundry Carpenters Tools.

Half a Pint of Sweet Oil.

Two Swords of the Captain's own.

Five Muskets.

Twelve Pistol-Balls.

One Bible.

One Azimuth Compass.

One Quadrant.

One Gunter's Scale.

Provision deliver'd to the Captain, Surgeon, and Lieutenant H——n, with eight Deserters; which last are to be at half Allowance of the Quantity made out to the

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People, which make the whole Number seven at whole Allowance.

To the Captain, Surgeon, and Lieutenant H——n:

Six Pieces of Beef.

Six Pieces of Pork.

Flower ninety Pound.

For the Deserters:

Eight Pieces of Beef.

Eight Pieces of Pork.

Flower one hundred Weight.

As soon as the above Things were deliver'd, we got ready for sailing. I went and took my Leave of the Captain: He repeated his Injunction, That at my Return to England, I would impartially relate all Proceedings: He spoke to me in the most tender and affectionate Manner; and, as a Token of his Friendship and Regard for me, desir'd me to accept of a Suit of his best Wearing-Apparel: At parting, he gave me his Hand with a great deal of Chearfulness, wishing me well and safe to England. This was the last Time I ever saw the unfortunate Captain C——p. However, we hope to see him again in Eng-

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land that Mr. Cummins and myself may be freed from some heavy Imputations to our Prejudice laid on us by the Gentleman who succeeded him in Command, and who, having an Opportunity of arriving before us in England, not only in the Places he touch'd at Abroad, but at Home, has blacken'd us with the greatest Calumnies; and, by an imperfect Narrative, has not only traduc'd us, but made the whole Affair so dark and mystical, that till the Captain's Arrival the L——s of the A——y will not decide for or against us. But if that unfortunate Captain never returns to his Country, let us do so much Justice to his Character, to declare, that he was a Gentleman possess'd of many Virtues; he was an excellent Seaman himself, and lov'd a Seaman; as for personal Bravery, no Man had a larger Share of it; even when a Prisoner he preserv'd the Dignity of a Commander; no Misfortunes could dispirit or deject him, and Fear was a Weakness he was entirely a Stranger to; the Loss of the Ship, was the Loss of him; he knew how to govern while he was a Commander on Board; but when Things were brought to Confusion and Disorder, he thought to establish his Command ashore by his Courage, and to

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suppress the least Insult on his Authority on the first Occasion; an Instance of this was seen on the Boatswain's first appearing ashore; shooting Mr. Cozens, and treating him in the Manner he did after his Confinement, was highly resented by the People, who soon got the Power in their own Hands, the Officers only had the Name, and they were often compell'd, for the Preservation of their Lives, to comply sometimes with their most unreasonable Demands; and it is a Miracle, amidst the Wildness and Distraction of the People, that there was no more Bloodshed.

At Eleven in the Forenoon, the whole Body of People embark'd, to the Number of eighty-one Souls; fifty-nine on Board the Vessel, on Board the Cutter twelve, and in the Barge ten: At Noon got under Sail, the Wind at N. W. by W. The Captain, Surgeon, and Mr. H——n, being on the Shore-side, we gave them three Cheers; which they return'd. Coming out of Wager's Bay split the Fore-sail, and very narrowly escap'd the Rocks; with the Assistance of the Barge, and our own Oars, tow'd her clear, and bore away, into a large sandy Bay, on the South-side of the Lagoon, which we call'd by the Name of the Speedwell Bay. At Four in the

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Afternoon anchor'd in ten Fathom fine Sand; the Barge and Cutter went ashore, there not being Room on Board the Boat to lodge the People.

Wednesday the 14th, fresh Gales at S. W. and W. with Rain. At Three this Afternoon, being fair Weather, weigh'd, and came to Sail to take a Cruize up the Lagoon, to try the Vessel; it being smooth Water, she work'd very well; after three or four Trips return'd, and anchor'd where we came from.

THESE are to certify the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great-Britain, That we, whose Names are under-mention'd, do beg Leave to acquaint your Lordships, that Captain David Cheap, our late Commander in his Majesty's Ship Wager, having publickly declar'd, that he will never go off this Spot, at his own Request desires to be left behind; but Captain Pemberton, of his Majesty's Land Forces, having confined him a Prisoner for the Death of Mr. Henry Cozens Midshipman, with Lieutenant Hamilton for breaking his Confinement, did insist on delivering them up on the Beach to the Charge of Lieutenant Beans;

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but he, with his Officers and People, consulting the ill Consequences that might attend carrying two Prisoners off in so small a Vessel, and for so long and tedious a Passage as we are likely to have, and that they might have Opportunities of acting such Things in Secret as may prove destructive to the whole Body; and also in Regard to the chief Article of Life, as the greatest Part of the People must be oblig'd, at every Place we stop, to go on Shore in Search of Provisions, and there being now no less than eighty-one Souls in this small Vessel, which we hope to be deliver'd in; we therefore, to prevent any Difficulties to be added to the unforeseen we have to encounter with, think proper to agree, and in order to prevent Murther, to comply with Captain David Cheap's Request: The Surgeon also begs Leave to be left with him. Dated on Board the Speedwell Schooner in Cheap's Bay, this 14th Day of October, 1741.

Robert Beans, Lieutenant

Thomas Clark, Master

John King, Boatswain

John Bulkeley, Gunner

John Cummins, Carpenter

Robert Elliot, Surgeon's Mate

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John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

Captain Pemberton, of his Majesty's Land Forces

Vincent Oakley, Surgeon of ditto.

Thursday the 15th, This Morning, it being Calm, made a Signal for the Boats to come off, by firing five Muskets. At Day-light came to Sail, with the Wind at W. by N. It blowing hard, and a great Swell, the Vessel would not work; therefore we were oblig'd to put into a small Bay, laying S. W. of Harvey's Bay, where we had very good Shelter, there being a large Ledge of Rocks without us, which broke the Sea off. At Eleven we sent the Barge to Cheap's Bay for what Canvass could be found serviceable, having left a sufficient Quantity behind, to supply us with Sails, in Case we wanted'em. Went in the Barge the Hon. John B——n, at his own Request, Alexander C——l Midshipman, William Harvey Quarter-Gunner, David Buckley ditto, William Rose Quarter-Master, Richard Noble ditto, Peter Plastow Captain's Steward, Joseph Clinch Seaman, and Rowland Crusset Marine. This Afternoon the Carpenter, went ashore in the Cutter, with

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several of the People, to look for Provender. Shot several Geese, and other Sea Fowl. Rainy Weather. Wind W. N. W.

Friday the 16th, continual Rain, and hard Gales all Night at S. W. This Morning the Carpenter came on Board, and acquainted us that he saw an Anchor of seven Feet in the Shank, the Palm of each Arm filed off just above the Crown: This Anchor we suppose to have belong'd to some small Vessel wreck'd on the Coast. The Cutter brought off Abundance of Shell-fish ready dress'd for the People.

Sunday the 18th, at Noon, the Cutter came off, and brought aboard Plenty of Shell-fish and Greens. The Honourable Mr. B——n, Mr. C——l, and three of the Barge's Crew, came from where the Barge lay. Mr. B—n came aboard, and inform'd us of the Barge's being safe in the Bay, where we left her, and only waited the Opportunity of Weather to come round with her: At the same Time he desired to know, if we would give him, and those who would stay with Captain C——p, their Share of Provisions. This Question of Mr. B——n's very much surpriz'd us; and what surpriz'd us more was, that he should be influenc'd by Mr. C——l, a Person whom he always held in Contempt. As for my

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Part, I believe Mr. B——n left us because he could not get any Accommodation aboard the Vessel that he lik'd, being oblig'd to lie forward with the Men; as were also the Carpenter and myself, when below: It is very certain, that we are so closely pent up for want of Room, that the worst Jail in England is a Palace to our present Situation.

Tuesday the 20th, serv'd out to the People eight Days Flower, to be dress'd ashore. I went in the Cutter to command in my Turn for a Week.

Wednesday the 21st, close Weather; the Wind from W. to N. W. with Rain and Hail. Brought aboard Shell-fish in Abundance. At Noon the Honourable Mr. B—n came with some of the Crew Over-land; he ask'd me, whether the Boat's Crew were gone off, and if we had serv'd the Provision, for he wanted to return to the Barge. I told him all the People were out a Fishing, and that the first who came in should carry him off. On which he said, I think we will go and get some Fish too, having nothing else to live on. This was the last Time I ever saw his Honour. When the People return'd from fishing, they told me Mr. B——n had lost his Hat, the Wind blowing it off his Head.

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I said, Rather than he should want a Hat, I would give him my own. One of the Seamen forced a Hat on his Head; his Name was John Duck: But Mr. B——n would by no Means wear it; saying, John! I thank you; if I accept of your Kindness, you must go bare-headed; and, I think, I can bear Hardships as well as the best of you, and must use myself to them. I took eight People, and went Over-land to the Place where the Barge lay, to get the Canvass that we stood so much in Need of; but found she was gone from thence. The People in the Barge told our Men, that they would return to us again; but it is plain they never intended it.

Thursday the 22d, This Day we saw Sea-Fowl in vast Flocks flying to the Southward, where was a dead Whale. Look'd out all this Day for the Barge, but to no Purpose. The Barge not returning was a very great Misfortune, having no Boat but the Cutter; and if by an unlucky Accident we lose her, we must be reduc'd to the greatest Extremities to get Provision. The Persons in the Barge, except the Captain's Steward, always approv'd of going to the Southward; but it seems Mr. C——l the Patroon prevail'd on 'em to return to Captain C——p.

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Friday the 23d, Saw Thousands of Sea-Fowl; in the Morning they fly to the Northward, and in the Evening come back to the South; they are Birds of a very large Size, but of what Kind we do not know. Since we have been here we saw several Indian Graves; they are dug just within the Surface of the Earth, with a Board on each Side, and a Cross stuck up at the Head. The Day following a Gun, a four Pounder, was seen near the Anchor in Clam Bay; we call it by this Name, because of the vast Quantities of this sort of Shell-fish which are found there.

Monday the 26th, it being very calm, and fair Weather, I went ashore to bring off the People; weigh'd the Long-Boat, and took her in Tow over a Bar, where was ten Feet Water, but a great Swell; as soon as we got over the Bar, there sprung up a Breeze of Wind at N. W. steer'd away S. half E for the Southmost Part of Land, which bore S. by E. distant fourteen Leagues. The two Points of Land make a large and deep sandy Bay; we founded, but found no Ground; it is a bald Shore close to. I kept a-head in the Cutter, in order to provide a Harbour for the Long-Boat; providence directed us to a very good one: It blew so hard, with thick

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hazy Weather, that we could not keep the Sea. At Eight at Night we anchor'd in eight Fathom Water, a-breast of a fine sandy Bay, and Land lock'd not above three Boats Length from the Shores: At the Entrance of the Harbour, which lies about a League up the Lagoon, I set the Land; the Northmost Point bore by the Compass N. by E. distant twelve Leagues, and the Southmost S. by W. distant five Leagues; the Entrance lies E.

Tuesday the 27th, Fresh Gales at W. and cloudy Weather, with a great Swell without, insomuch that we could not put out to Sea; we therefore sent the People ashore to dress their Provisions; each Man is allow'd but a Quarter of a Pound of Flower per Day, without any other Subsistence, but what Providence brings in our Way.

Thursday the 29th, Early this Morning, it being calm and thick Weather, with small Rain, we rowed out of the Lagoon; at Five it cleared up, with a fresh Breeze at S. S. E. steer'd S. W. and S. W. by W. saw a small Island bearing S. by W. the Southmost End S. by E. This Island we call the Rock of Dundee, it being much like that Island in the West-Indies, but not so large; it lieth about four Leagues distant from the Southmost

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Point of Land out at Sea. This Day it blow'd so hard, that we were oblig'd to take the Cutter in Tow.

Friday the 30th, Hard Gales, and a great Sea; saw some Islands and some sunken Rocks; at Six saw the Main in two Points of Land, with a large Opening; on each Side the sunken Rocks are innumerable; the Entrance is so dangerous, that no Mortal would attempt it, unless his Case was desperate, as ours; we have nothing but Death before our Eyes in keeping the Sea, and the same Prospect in running in with the Land: We ran in before the Wind to the Opening that appear'd between the two Points, the Northmost of which bore N. by E. and the Southmost S. by E. We steer'd in E. and found the Opening to be a large Lagoon, on the Southmost Side, running into a very good Harbour; here our small Vessel lay secure in a Cove, which Nature had form'd like a Dock; we had no Occasion to let go an Anchor, but ran along-side the Land, and made fast our Head and Stern. The People went ashore in Search of Provision; here we found Plenty of Wood and Water, and fine large Muscles in great Quantities. Serv'd to each Man half a Piece of Beef.

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Saturday the 31st, This Morning cast loose, and row'd towards the Mouth of the Lagoons, designing to put out to Sea; but the Wind blew so hard, that we were oblig'd to come to an Anchor. This Afternoon, in weighing the Grapenel, in order to go to the Cove, we found it foul among some Rocks; all Hands haul'd, took a Turn round the Main-Mast, and went aft; which weigh'd the Grapenel, but streighten'd one of the Flukes: Here the Land is very high and steep on each Side; the Carpenter and Cooper were on the highest of these Hills, and found deep Ponds of Water on the Top of them; these Hills are very rocky, and there are great Falls of Water all along the Coast: The whole Navy of England may lay with Safety in many of those Lagoons; but the Coast is too dangerous for any Ship to fall in with the Land. The People To-day were very much afflicted with the Gripes, and Pains in their Side. Here are Abundance of Trees, not unlike our Yew-Trees; they are not above seven or eight Inches in Diameter, and the Bark is like Cedar. The Land is to Appearance very good; but on digging beneath the Surface, we find it almost an entire Stone. We saw no People here, tho', it is plain, here have been some

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lately, by their Wigg-whams or Huts. We are so closely pent up for want of Room, that our Lodging is very uncomfortable; the Stench of the Mens wet Cloaths make the Air we breathe nauseous to that Degree, that one would think it impossible for a Man to live below. We came to sail, and steer'd out of the Lagoon West; went into a sandy Bay, one League to the Southward of the Lagoon. Indian Huts to be seen, but no Natives.

Monday, November the 2d, at Five in the Morning, came to sail with the Wind at S. and S. by E. At Noon the Wind came to the W. and W. N. W. in small Breezes. This Day I had a very good Observation, it being the first since we left Cheep's Island. We found ourselves in the Latitude of 50:00 S. After observing, bore away, and ran into a fine smooth Passage between the Island and the Main. These Islands I believe to be the same that are taken Notice of in Cook's Voyage. From the Entrance to the Northward, to the going out of the Cape of Good Hope, (as we call it) the Distance is about six Leagues, and the Depth of Water is from two Fathom to twelve; the Northmost Land before we came into the Passage bore N. by W.

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and the Southmost, or Cape of Good Hope bore S. by E. In the Evening anchored in a fine sandy Bay: Here we also saw Indian Huts, but no People; To-day we shot wild Geese in Abundance, and got of Shell-Fish, as Limpets and Muscles.

Tuesday the 3d, at Four this Morning weighed, and came to sail with the Wind at W. till we got about the Cape of Good-Hope, then at W. N. W. steering S. and a tumbling Sea from the W. The Cutter steer'd S. by E. into a deep Bay; supposing them not to see the Southmost Land, we made the Signal for her, by hoisting an Ensign at the Topping-Lift; as the Cutter was coming up to us, her square Sail splitted; we offered to take them in Tow, but they would not accept it; we lay with our Sails down some time before they would show any Signal of making Sail; coming before the Wind, and a large Sea, we ordered them to steer away for the Southmost Point of Land after us, and to keep as near us as possible; but instead of observing our Directions, they steered away into the Cod of a deep Bay, supposed to be King's Bay: The Cutter being much to Leeward, and the Weather coming on very thick, we were obliged to steer after her, but soon

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lost Sight of her. The Place being exceeding dangerous, we could not venture any farther after the Cutter; therefore we hauled by the Wind to the Southward; it continued blowing hard, with thick Weather, with sunken Rocks and Breakers, so that we were obliged to bear away before the Wind into a large Bay, the Tide running rampant, and in a great Swell, every where surrounded with sunken Rocks, that we thought nothing but a Miracle could save us; at last we got safe into the Bay, and came to in two Fathom Water, we steered in E. At Four this Morning rowed out between the Islands; after we got out, had a fresh Breeze at N. W. steered out S. S. W. then S. and S. by E. the Cutter a-head. At Seven in the Morning a-breast of Cape Good-Hope, saw a large high Rock bearing S. steered S. by E. going within it, and the Main a-breast of the Rocks; saw a long Point making into Islands bearing S. by E. steer'd S. until a-breast of them: The same Day saw a very high Land, with a low Point running off, in small Hommacoes, bearing from the Northmost Point S. by E. about eighteen Leagues; between those two Points, is a large deep Bay, all within surrounded with Rocks and small Islands; steered S. and S. by W. for the outer-

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most Point, the Cutter keeping within, and we considering the ill Consequence of being embay'd, to prevent which we hauled the Mainsail and Foresail down, and kept the Vessel before the Wind; at Eleven the Cutter came a long-side, with her Mainsail split; we called to them to take hold of a Towe-Rope, but they refused, telling us that the Boat would not bear towing, by reason of the Swell of the Sea, therefore they would have us nearer the Shore, where we should have smooth Water; we answered them that the Water was smoother without, and nothing nigh the Sea that runs within; besides, we shall be embay'd, therefore we desire you to come on board the Vessel, and we'll take the Boat in Tow: They had no Regard to what we said; we at the same Time, for above a Quarter of an Hour, lay in the Trough of the Sea, with a fair Wind: The People in the Cutter would neither make Sail, nor row; at last, finding them obstinate, we hoisted a skirt of the Mainsail, and edged farther off, S. by W. when they found we would not go into that Bay, they hoisted their Mainsail, and went a-head; being some Distance a-head, we made sail, the Cutter still keeping a-head till One o' Clock; then she bore away

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S. by E. and S. S. E. the Reason of which we could not tell, it blowing very hard, with a great Sea, nothing before us but Rocks and Breakers, therefore of Consequence the farther in, the Sea must be the greater. At half an Hour past Two, the Cutter, being on the Beam, and four Miles within us, we bore away after them; and in a very heavy Squall of Wind and Rain we lost Sight of her: After the Squall was over, it cleared up, but we saw nothing of the Cutter, nor could we clear the Shore to the Northward, being not above two Miles off the Breakers; therefore we were under a Necessity of hauling to the Southward for Self-preservation, and very narrowly escaped clearing the Rocks: After running about three Leagues, saw an Opening, where we hoped to find a good Harbour; bore away for the Opening; we were here again surrounded with Rocks and Breakers, with a hard Gale of Wind, and a great Sea, the oldest Seaman on board never saw a more dismal Prospect; we ran in before the Wind for about two Leagues, expecting every Rise and Fall of the Sea to be a Wreck, but Providence at length conducted us to an indifferent Place of Shelter: We are now in a most wretched Condition, having no Boat to go

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ashore in, to seek for Provender: And the greatest Part of the People on board are so regardless of Life, that they really appear quite indifferent whether they shall live or die; and it is with much Intreaty that any of them can be prevailed on to come upon Deck, to assist for their Preservation.

The People's Names in the Cutter are as follow, viz.

Names.	Quality.	Age.	Where born.
Thomas Harvey,	Purser	25	Westminster
John Mooring,	Boatswain's Mate	34	Gosport
William Oram,	Carpenter's Crew	28	Philadelphia
Richard Phipps,	Boatswain's Mate	30	Bristol
Matthew Lively,	Gunner's Mate	34	Exeter
John George,	Seaman	22	Wandsworth
Nicholas Griselham,	ditto	31	Ipswich
James Stewart,	ditto	35	Aberdeen
James Roach,	ditto	21	Cork
James Butler,	ditto	32	Dublin
John Allen,	ditto	18	Gosport

Wednesday the 4th, Hard Gales at W. N. W. and a great Sea without; served out Flower and a Piece of Beef to two Men for a Week's Subsistence; the Weather is so bad that there is no other Food to be got.

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Thursday the 5th, Little Wind at S. W. with heavy Rains; at Six this Morning went under Sail, but could make no Hand of it, therefore were obliged to put back again: As soon as we came to an Anchor, the Boatswain employed himself in making a Raft to get Ashore with; this Raft was made with Oars and Water Barrels, when it was made, and over the Side it would carry three Men; but it was no sooner put off from the Vessel's Side but it canted, and obliged the People to swim for their Lives; the Boatswain got hold of the Raft, and, with some Difficulty, reached the Shore; when he came off in the Evening, he informed us he had seen a Beef Puncheon, which gave us some Reason to apprehend some other Ship of the Squadron had suffered our Fate.

Friday the 6th, This Morning went under Sail, the Wind at W. N. W. with fresh Gales and heavy Rain; the Wind came to the Westward, and a great Sea, so that we could not turn out over the Bar: In our putting back we saw the Cutter, a very agreeable Sight, which gave us new Life; in the Evening anchored at the Place sailed from; the Carpenter and others went Ashore to get Shell-fish, which we stood in great Need of; at

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Night the proper Boat's Crew would not go Ashore with the Boat as usual, but made her fast a-stern of the Vessel, with only two Men in her, she never being left without four before; at Eleven at Night one of the Men came out of her into the Vessel, it blowing very hard at N. N. E. in half an Hour shifted to N. W. and rainy Weather, that we could not see a Boat's Length: At Two the next Morning the Cutter broke loose from the Stern of the Vessel; we called from on board to James Stewart, the Man that was in her, but he could not hear us; in a short time we lost Sight of her, believing she must be stove among the Rocks. The Loss of the Cutter gives the few thinking People aboard a great deal of Uneasiness; we have seventy-two Men in the Vessel, and not above six of that Number that give themselves the least Concern for the Preservation of their Lives, but are rather the reverse, being ripe for Mutiny and Destruction; this is a great Affliction to the Lieutenant, myself, and the Carpenter; we know not what to do to bring them under any Command; they have troubled us to that Degree, that we are weary of our Lives; therefore this Day we have told the People, that, unless they alter their

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Conduct, and subject themselves to Command, that we will leave them to themselves, and take our Chance in this desolate Part of the Globe, rather than give ourselves any farther Concern about so many thoughtless Wretches: Divided the People into four Watches, to make more Room below. The People have promis'd to be under Government, and seem much easier.

Sunday the 8th, This Morning the People requested Provisions to be serv'd; it being four Days before the usual Time, we think the Request very unreasonable. We laid the Inconveniencies before them of breaking in upon our Stores, considering the Badness of the Weather, and the Length of our Passage; that if we are not exceedingly provident in Regard to serving out Provisions, we must all inevitably starve. They will not hearken to Reason; therefore we are obliged to comply with their Demands, and serve out Provisions accordingly. Several of the People have desir'd to be put on Shore, desiring us to allow them some few Necessaries: We wanted to know what could induce them to request our putting them ashore in this remote and desolate Part of the World: They answer'd, they did not fear doing well, and

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doubted not but to find the Cutter, which if they did, they would go back to the Northward, otherwise they would make a Canoe; therefore insisted on going ashore. On their earnest Intreaties, the Body of People agreed to their Request: We haul'd the Boat close in Shore; the People who chose to stay behind were eleven in Number; we supply'd them with proper Necessaries, and they sign'd a Certificate, to inform the L—s of the A——y that they were not compell'd to stay, but made it their own Choice, and that they did it for the Preservation of themselves and us.

A Copy of their Certificate.

THESE are to certify the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great-Britain, &c. That we, whose Names are under-mention'd, since the Misfortune of losing the Cutter, have consider'd the ill Conveniencies and Difficulties to be attended, where so great a Number of People are to be carried off; therefore we have requested, and desired the Officers and Company remaining of the same Vessel to put us on Shore, with such Necessaries of Life as can be con-

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veniently spar'd out of the Vessel. We, of our own free Will and Choice, do indemnify all Persons from ever being calle'd to an Account for putting us on Shore, or leaving us behind, contrary to our Inclinations. Witness our Hands, on Board the Speedwell Schooner, in the Latitude 50:40 S. this 8th Day of November, 1741. Which was sign'd by the following People, viz.

Matthew Langley, Gunner's Mate

John Russel, Armourer

George Smith, Cook's Mate

William Callicutt, Washerman

John Williamson, Marine

John Mc Leod, Boatswain's Servant

John Hart, Joiner

Joseph Turner, Captain's Servant

Luke Lyon, Gunner's Servant

Richard Phipps, Boatswain's Mate

Henry Mortimer, Marine

Witness,

John Cummins, Carpenter

John Snow, Master's Mate

Vincent Oakley, Surgeon of the Army.

Monday the 9th, at Ten at Night, we weigh'd, and row'd out of the Bay; at Day-

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light got about four Leagues right out, every Way surrounded with Rocks and Breakers, with a great Western Swell: We found it a very difficult Matter to get clear of those Rocks and Breakers; they reach along Shore eighteen Leagues, and without us at Sea eight Leagues; I take it, that from the Land they are fourteen Leagues in the Offin; those sunken Rocks appear like a low level Land. This Coast is too dangerous for Shipping, the Wind being three Parts of the Year to the Westward, which blows right on the Shore, with a large western Swell, that seldom or never ceases; it always blows and rains; it is worse here than in the rainy Season on the Coast of Guinea; nor can we as yet distinguish Summer from Winter, only by the Length of the Days. Steer'd out of the Bay W. by N. then S. by W. then S. At Noon I had a good Observation in the Latitude of 50:50 South; the Northmost Part of the Bay bore N. E. by E. seven Leagues; the Southmost Point of Land S. S. E. twelve Leagues. This Coast, as far as we have come, lies N. by E. and S. by W. by the Compass.

Tuesday the 10th, At Four this Morning made all the Sail we could, steering S. E. in order to make the Land; at Six steer'd in

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E. S. E. at Seven made the Land; at Eight saw a Point of Land bearing S. E. distant six Leagues, which, when a-breast, seeing no Land to the S. I take the Point for Cape Victory, and the four Islands we see I believe to be the Islands of Direction, which Sir John Narborough gives an Account of; excepting the Distance, they exactly answer his Description; therefore, by the Latitude in Yesterday's Observation, and by the Distance we have run since, we are now at the Opening of the Streights of Magellan. At Ten in the Morning, hard Gales at N. W. steer'd S. E. the Cape bearing E. distant four Leagues; at Noon bore E. by N. distant six Leagues; haul'd the Main-sail down, and went under a Fore-sail. I never in my Life, in any Part of the World, have seen such a Sea as runs here; we expected every Wave to swallow us, and the Boat to founder. This Shore is full of small Islands, Rocks, and Breakers; so that we can't haul further to the Southward, for fear of endangering the Boat; we are oblig'd to keep her right before the Sea. At Five broach'd to, at which we all believ'd she would never rise again. We were surrounded with Rocks, and so near that a Man might toss a Bisket on 'em: We had

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nothing but Death before our Eyes, and every Moment expected our Fate. It blew a Hurricane of Wind, with thick rainy Weather, that we could not see twice the Boat's Length; we pray'd earnestly for its clearing up, for nothing else could save us from perishing; we no sooner ask'd for Light, but it was granted us from above. At the Weather's clearing up, we saw the Land on the NorthShore, with Islands, Rocks, and Breakers all around us; we were obliged to put in among 'em for Shelter, finding it impossible to keep the Sea; we were in with the Land amongst them, and compelle'd to push thro', looking Death in the Face, and expecting every Sea to bury us; the boldest Men among us were dismay'd, nor can we possibly give an Account in what Manner we have been this Day deliver'd. After sailing amidst Islands, Rocks, and Breakers, for above a League, we got safe into a good Harbour, surrounded with small Islands, which kept the Sea off; here the Water was as smooth as in a Mill-pond. We call this Harbour the Port of God's Mercy, esteeming our Preservation this Day to be a Miracle. The most abandon'd among us no longer doubt of an

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Almighty Being, and have promis'd to reform their Lives.

Wednesday the 11th, The Wind much abated, with Rain. This Morning weigh'd, and ran farther in. In the Evening we saw two Indians lying on their Bellies on the Top of a steep Rock, just over the Vessel, peeping with their Heads over the Hill. As soon as we discover'd them, we made Motions to them to come down; they then rose up, and put on their Heads white feather'd Caps; we then hoisted a white Sheet for an Ensign; at this they made a Noise, pronouncing Orza, Orza; which we took for a Signal to come ashore. We would not suffer above two Men to go ashore, and those disarm'd, lest we should put them in Fear. The Indians had nothing in their Hands but a Club, like to our Cricket-Batts, with which they kill their Seal. As soon as they saw the two Men come ashore, they walk'd away; and when they perceiv'd our Men follow'd them, and gain'd Ground of them, they took to their Heels, frequently looking back, crying Orza, Orza, beckoning the People to follow, which they did for a Mile or two along Shore, out of Sight of the Vessel: Then the Indians fled to the Woods, still wanting our

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People to follow them; but being disarm'd, they were apprehensive the Indians would Bush-fight them; so they thought proper to give over the Pursuit, and to return to the Boat.

Thursday the 12th, Hard Gales at W.N.W. with Rain. At Six this Morning we again saw the two Indians; they made the same Noise and Motions to come ashore; at which I went with four of the People; the Indians walk'd and ran as before, looking back, and making Signs to follow, which we did till we got to the Place where the Canoe lay with four Indians in her. The two Indians got into the Canoe, and put her off the Shore before we could get nigh them; as soon as we got a-breast of the Canoe, they made Signs as if they wanted Cloathing; we endeavour'd to make them understand we wanted Fish, and would truck with them; they had none, but signified to us they would go and get some: They had a mangey Dog, which they parted with to one of the People for a Pair of Cloth Trowzers; this Dog was soon kill'd, dress'd, and devour'd. Here we found Plenty of Muscles, which gave us great Relief, having scarce any Thing to subsist on for this Week past.

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Friday the 13th, Very uncertain Weather, and squally; the Wind variable from W.N.W. to S.S.W. This Morning all Hands ashore a fishing. Lieutenant E—rs of the Marines kill'd a large Seal or Sea-Dog; it is exceeding good Food, and we judg'd it to have weigh'd seventeen Score.

Saturday the 14th, Little Wind at W.N.W. and close Weather, with Rain. At Five this Morning cast loose, and steer'd South out between the Islands; the Weather clearing up, we saw the South Shore; it first appear'd like a large Island, stretching away to the Westward, and at the West-End two Hommacoes like Sugar-loaves, and to the Southward of them a large Point of Rocks; steer'd S.E. until the Point bore W. then steer'd S.E. by E. I took the Point for Cape Pillar, and was fully assur'd of our being in the Streights.

Sunday the 15th, At Three this Morning cast loose, and row'd, but could not get out, so were oblig'd to put back, and make fast, it blowing hard, with thick Weather all Day; in the Evening it clear'd up. This Day several People drove a Trade with their Allowance, giving Silver Buckles for Flower, valued at twelve Shillings per Pound, and before Night it reach'd to a Guinea, the

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People crying aloud for Provisions, which are now so scarce, that several on Board are actually starving through Want.

Monday the 16th, At Three this Morning cast loose, being little Wind, and steer'd up the Streights S. E. by E. the Wind at N. W. At Eight o'Clock got a-breast of Cape Monday; at Nine the Cape bore W. distant four Leagues; at Noon running along Shore, made two Openings, which put the rest of the Officers to a Stand, not knowing which to take for the right Passage. Asking my Opinion, I gave it for keeping on the E. S. E. Passage, the other lying S. E. by S. On which they said, Sir John Narborough bids us keep the South Shore on Board. I answer'd, That Sir John tells us E. S. E. is the direct Course from Cape Pillar; I'll venture my Life that we are now in the right Passage; so we kept on E. by S. half S. After running a League or two up, and not seeing Cape Quod, nor any Outlet, the Wind blowing hard, we were for running no farther, whereas one League more would have convinc'd every Body; but they all gave it against me, that we were not in the right Passage: The Wind being at W. N. W. we could not turn back again; so that we were oblig'd

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to put into a Cove lying on the North Shore, where we found good anchoring in four Fathom Water; no Provisions to be got here, being a barren rocky Place, producing not any Thing for the Preservation of Life. This Afternoon died George Bateman, a Boy, aged sixteen Years: This poor Creature starv'd, perish'd, and died a Skeleton, for want of Food. There are several more in the same miserable Condition, and who, without a speedy Relief, must undergo the same Fate.

Tuesday the 17th, At Five this Morning weigh'd, and row'd out, it being calm; at Seven a fresh Breeze right up the Sound; we could not turn to Windward not above a Mile from where we last lay; we made fast along Side the Rocks; all Hands ashore a fishing for Muscles, Limpetts, and Clams; here we found those Shell-fish in Abundance, which prov'd a very seasonable Relief. Just before we got in, one of the Men gave a Guinea for a Pound of Flower, being all the Money he had.

Wednesday the 18th, The Wind at W. N. W. in hard Squalls, with Hail and Snow. This Morning cast loose, and stood over to the Southward, believing the Tide to run stronger and more true than on the North-shore, ho-

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ping shortly to get out of the Sound, which is not above a League in the Wind's Eye. At Two o'Clock got into a Cove on the Southside; made fast along Side of the Rocks; all Hands on Shore getting Muscles, and other Fish.

Thursday the 19th, Fresh Gales at W. N. W. with Hail and Snow. This Morning cast loose, and sail'd out, but could make no Hand of it; our Boat will not work to Windward; put back from whence we came, and sent the People ashore to get Muscles. This Night departed this Life Mr. Thomas Caple, Son of the late Lieutenant Caple, aged twelve Years, who perish'd for want of Food. There was a Person on Board who had some of the Youth's Money, upwards of twenty Guineas, with a Watch and Silver Cup. Those last the Boy was willing to sell for Flower; but his Guardian told him, he would buy Cloaths for him in the Brazil. The miserable Youth cry'd, Sir, I shall never live to see the Brazil; I am starving now, almost starv'd to Death; therefore, for G—d's Sake, give me my Silver Cup to get me some Victuals, or buy some for me yourself. All his Prayers and Intreaties to him were vain; but Heaven sent Death to his Relief, and put a Period to his

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Miseries in an Instant. Persons who have not experienc'd the Hardships we have met with, will wonder how People can be so inhuman to see their Fellow-Creatures starving before their Faces, and afford 'em no Relief: But Hunger is void of all Compassion; every Person was so intent on the Preservation of his own Life, that he was regardless of another's, and the Bowels of Commiseration were shut up. We slip no Opportunity, Day or Night, to enter into the supposed right Streights, but can get no Ground. This Day we serv'd Flower and a Piece of Beef between two Men for a Week. Capt. P——n, of his Majesty's Land Forces, gave two Guineas for two Pounds of Flower; this Flower was sold him by the Seamen, who live on Muscles. Many of the People eat their Flower raw as soon as they are serv'd it. The Wind and Weather not permitting us to go out, the Men were employ'd in getting Wood and Water.

Tuesday the 24th, This Morning, it being calm, row'd out; at Eight o'Clock had the supposed right Streights open, having a Breeze at W. N. W. S. E. by E. through the first Reach, and S. S. E. through the second; then saw three Islands, the largest of which lies

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on the North-shore; and there is a Passage about two Miles broad between that and the Islands to the Southward; there is also another Passage between that Island and the North-shore, of a Mile and a half broad. Before you come to those Islands there is a Sound lying on the South-shore: You can see no Sea-Passage until you come close up with the Island, and then the imaginary Streights are not above two Miles broad. Steer'd away for the Island S. E. about two Leagues; then came into a narrow Passage, not above a Cable's Length over, which put us all to a Stand, doubting of any farther Passage. The Wind took us a-head, and the Tide being spent, we put into a small Cove, and made fast. At Seven in the Evening, being calm, cast loose, being willing to see if there was any Opening; but, to our great Misfortune, found none; which very much surpriz'd us. The Lieutenant is of Opinion, that we are in a Lagoon to the Northward of the Streights. This I cannot believe; and am positive, if ever there was such a Place in the World as the Streights of Magellan, we are now in them, and above thirty Leagues up. If he, or any of the Officers, had given themselves the Trouble of coming upon Deck,

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to have made proper Remarks, we had been free from all this Perplexity, and by this Time out of the Streights to the Northward. There is not an Officer aboard, except the Carpenter and myself, will keep the Deck a Moment longer than his Watch, or has any Regard to a Reckoning, or any Thing else. It is agreed to go back again.

Wednesday the 25th, Little Wind, with Rain. At Eight this Morning row'd out, and got about a League down; here we could get no Ground, and were oblig'd to put back again.

Thursday the 26th, Little Wind; row'd out, got about five Leagues down. This Day we were in such want of Provisions, that we were forc'd to cut up the Seal-skin and broil it, notwithstanding it has lain about the Deck for this Fortnight.

Friday the 27th, Little Wind, and close Weather. This Morning cast loose, and row'd down; had a fresh Breeze at North; steer'd W. S. W. up into another Opening on the South-shore, hoping to find a Passage out of the Lagoon, as the Lieutenant calls it, into the right Streights. After going two Leagues up, saw there was no Opening; put back, and made fast, where we came from; being

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determin'd to go back, and make Cape Pillar a second Time; which is the South Entrance of the Streights. Got Abundance of large Muscles, five or six Inches long; a very great Relief to us at present.

Sunday the 29th, Hard Gales from N. W. to S. W. with heavy Rains. Great Uneasiness among the People, many of them despairing of a Deliverance, and crying aloud to serve Provisions four Days before the Time. Finding no Way to pacify them, we were oblig'd to serve them. We endeavour'd to encourage and comfort them as much as lay in our Power, and at length they seem'd tolerably easy.

Monday the 30th, Fresh Gales at W. with continual Rain. This Day died three of our People, viz. Peter Delroy Barber, Thomas Thorpe and Thomas Woodhead, Marines; they all perish'd for want of Food: Several more are in the same Way, being not able to go ashore for Provisions; and those who are well can't get sufficient for themselves; therefore the Sick are left destitute of all Relief. There is one Thing to be taken Notice of in the Death of those People, that some Hours before they die, they are taken light-headed,

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and fall a joking and laughing; and in this Humour they expire.

Tuesday, December the 1st, 1741, Little Wind, and fair Weather; which is a kind of Prodigy in those Parts. In the Morning put out of the Cove, and got four Leagues down; then the Wind took us a-head, and we put into another Cove, where we got Muscles and Limpetts. At Four this Afternoon saw an Indian Canoe coming over from the Northshore; they landed two of their Men to Leeward of the Cove; they came opposite to us, and view'd us; then went back, and came with the Canoe within a Cable's Length of our Boat, but no nearer; so that we had no Opportunity to truck with them.

Wednesday the 2d, Little Wind, with Rain. At Nine this Morning row'd out, and got about a League farther down; the Wind beginning to blow fresh, we put into another Cove, and found Plenty of Shell-fish, which kept up our Spirits greatly; for it is enough to deject any thinking Man, to see that the Boat will not turn to Windward; being of such Length, and swimming so boyant upon the Water, that the Wind, when close haul'd, throws her quite to Leeward: We have been seventeen Days going seven or eight Leagues

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to Windward, which must make our Passage very long and uncomfortable.

Friday the 4th, Little Wind at S. and fair. This Morning row'd out; at Ten got down, where we saw a Smoak, but no People; we saw a Dog running along Shore, and keeping Company with the Boat for above a Mile; we then put in, with a Design to shoot him; but he soon disappointed us, by taking into the Woods. We put off again with a fine Breeze, steering N. W. by W. down the Streights. The Carpenter gave a Guinea this Day for a Pound of Flower, which he made into Cakes, and eat instantly. At Six in the Evening a-breast of Cape Munday; at Eight a-breast of Cape Upright, being fair Weather. Intend to keep under Sail all Night.

Saturday the 5th, Little Wind, and fair: At Four this Morning I saw Cape Pillar, bearing W. by N. distant eight Leagues; saw a Smoak on the South Shore, and at Noon we saw a Smoak on the North Shore, but we did not care to lose Time: At Three o'Clock saw Cape Desseada, bearing from Cape Pillar S. W. distant four Leagues; at Four o'Clock wore the Boat, and steered E. S. E. The Lieutenant was now fully con-

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vinced we have been all along in the right Streights, and had we run but one League further, on Monday, Nov. 17, we had escaped all this Trouble and Anxiety: As for my own Part, I was, very well assured, from the first Entrance, that we were right; but the Lieutenant would not believe that it was Cape Pillar on the S. Shore coming into the Streights, but thought we were in a Lagoon to the Northward; so that we have been above a Fortnight coming back to rectify Mistakes, and to look at Cape Pillar a second Time: At Eight o'Clock came a-breast of the Smoak seen in the Morning. The People being well assured that we are actually in the Streights of Magellan, are all alive. Wind at W. S. W.

Sunday, Little Wind at W. with Rain: At Three this Morning a-breast of Cape Munday; at Six a-breast of Cape de Quad opposite to which, on the South-shore, saw a Smoak, on which, we went ashore to the Indians, who came out on a Point of Land, at the Entrance of a Cove, hollowing, and crying, Bona! Bona! endeavouring to make us understand that they were our Friends; when ashore, we traded with them for two Dogs, three Brant Geese, and some Seal; which Supply was very acceptable to us; we supped on the Dogs, and thought them equal

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in Goodness to the best Mutton in England: We took from the Indians a Canoe, made of the Bark of Trees, but soon towed her under Water, and were obliged to cut her loose; steer'd N. E. by E. At Eight o'Clock a-a-breast of St. Jerom's Sound; at Twelve, breast of Royal Island.

The Indians we saw in the Streights of Magellan, are People of a middle Stature, and well-shaped; their Complexion of a tawney Olive Colour, their Hair exceeding black, but not very long; they have round Faces, and small Noses, their Eyes little and black; their Teeth are smooth and even, and close set, of an incomparable Whiteness; they are very active in Body, and run with a surprizing Agility; they wear on their Heads white feathered Caps; their Bodies are covered with the Skins of Seals and Guianacoes: The Women, as soon as they saw us, fled into the Woods, so that we can give no Description of them.

Monday the 7th, Fresh Gales at W. N. W. and fine Weather; at Six this Morning a-breast of Cape Forward, steered N. by E. At Nine a-breast of Port Famen; at Twelve at Noon, put in at Freshwater-Bay, and filled one Cask of Water, having none aboard; at

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One o'Clock put out again, steer'd N. by E. expecting Plenty of Wood and Water at Elizabeth's Island; at Nine at Night passed by Sandy Point; it bore S. S. E. and the Island St. George E. N. E. distant three Leagues.

Tuesday the 8th, At Four this Morning, being calm, weighed, and rowed towards Elizabeth's Island, it bearing W. N. W. At Four in the Afternoon anchor'd off the Northmost in eight Fathom Water, fine Sand, about half a Cable's Length from the Shore, put the Vessel in, and landed some People to see for Wood and Water: In the Evening the People came aboard, having been all over the Island in search of Wood and Water, but found none; here indeed we found Shaggs and Sea-Gulls in great Numbers, it being Breeding Time; we got a vast Quantity of their Eggs, most of them having young ones in the Shell: However, we beat them up all together, with a little Flower, and made a very rich Pudding. Elizabeth's Island is a beautiful Spot of Ground to Appearance, with very good Pasture; but it is intirely barren of any thing for the Support of Man. This Day John Turner, Marine, perished for want of Food.

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Wednesday the 9th, At Four this Morning weighed, and steered E. N. E. for the Narrows, with the Wind at S. S. W. when a-breast of the Sweepstakes-Foreland, steered S. S. E. on Purpose to look for Water; after going along shore about six Leagues into a deep Bay, we saw a fine delightful Country: Here we saw the Guianacoes in great Numbers, ten or twelve in a Drove; they are to be seen in such Droves all along the Shore for several Leagues.

The Guianacoe is as large as any English Deer, with a long Neck; his Head, Mouth, and Ears, resembling a Sheep; he has very long slender Legs, and is cloven-footed like a Deer, with a short bushy Tall, of a reddish Colour; his Back is covered with red Wool, pretty long; but down his Sides, and all the Belly Part, is white Wool: Those Guianacoes, though, at a Distance, very much resembling the Female Deer, are probably the Sheep of this Country: They are exceeding nimble, of an exquisite quick Sight, very shy, and difficult to be shot; at Noon, finding neither Wood nor Water, wore to the Northward: At Three got a-breast of the Foreland, hauled in for Fish Cove, which lieth just round the Eastern Point; here we expected to land, and

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shoot some of those Guianacoes; but when a-breast of the Cove, the Wind blew so hard right out, that we were obliged to bear away for the first Narrow, it being impossible to get in. At Eight this Evening entered the first Narrow, meeting the Flood, which runs here very strong: At Twelve came to an Anchor in five Fathom, about a Mile off Shore: The Tide floweth on the Western Shore seven Hours, and ebbs five. This Day Robert Vicars Marine perished with Want.

Thursday the 10th, At Four this Morning weighed, and came to Sail; at Six got out of the first Narrow, hauled in for a deep Bay on the N. Shore to seek for Water: The Boatswain swam ashore, and in half an Hour afterwards came down on the Beach, and brought us the News of finding fresh Water: It being rocky Ground, and ebbing Water, the Vessel struck; we were oblig'd, in this Exigence, to slip the Cable, Time not permitting us to haul up the Anchor; we stood off and on the Shore till half Flood; then went in, and took the Cable on Board: After landing some People with Casks to fill, haul'd the Anchor up, and went about two Miles farther out.

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Friday the 11th, At Three this Morning the Boat struck upon the Tide of Ebb; it ebbing so fast, we could not get her off; in a Quarter of an Hour's Time the Boat was dry; we were favour'd with little Wind and smooth Water, otherwise she must have stove to Pieces, the Ground being very foul; it ebbs dry above a League off, and there is Shoal Water a great deal further out; so that it is dangerous for a Ship to haul into this Bay. While the Boat was dry, got all the Water-Casks out of the Hold, and put them ashore to be fill'd. At Six haul'd the Boat off, having receiv'd no Damage; at Eight, it being four Feet Flood, run the Boat close in Shore, and took off our Water, the whole Quantity being four Tons, out of which we were oblig'd to leave two Puncheons, one Quarter-Cask, with three Muskets, a Funnel, and some other Necessaries; and were very much concern'd, lest we should also leave some of the People ashore. The Wind blowing hard, and the Sea tumbling in, we were under a Necessity of hauling off, and putting to Sea, for fear of losing the Boat. Since we left the Island where the Wager was lost, we have several Times very narrowly escap'd being made a Wreck, and some Times have been

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preserv'd when we have seen our Fate before our Eyes, and every Moment expected it, and when all the Conduct and Ability of Men could have avail'd nothing. Any one, who has been a witness of those Providential Deliverances, and doubts the Being of a Supreme Power, disqualifies himself from any Title to all future Mercy, and justly deserves the Wrath of an incens'd Deity. This Day, at Noon, being well out of the Bay, and nigh Mid-channel over, steer'd E. N. E. for Cape Virgin Mary, with a fine Gale at S. W. At One we saw the Cape bearing N. E. by E. distant nine Leagues; at Seven in the Evening saw a low Point of flat Land, stretching away from the Cape S. S. E. two Leagues; at Eight, little or no Wind, steer'd E. by S. at Twelve at Night doubled the Point, the Wind at W. right in the Middle of the Bay, where we fill'd the Water; in Land lie two Peaks, exactly like Asses Ears. We would advise all Vessels from hauling into this Bay, it being shoal Water and soul Ground. As for every other Part of the Streights of Magellan, from Cape Victory to Cape Virgin Mary, we recommend Sir John Narborough, who in his Account is so just and exact, that we think it is impossible for any Man living to mend his

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Works. We have been a Month in those Streights, from our first Sight of Cape Pillar to Cape Virgin Mary. The whole Length of the Streights, the Reaches and Turnings included, is reckon'd one hundred and sixteen Leagues.

Saturday the 12th, Little Wind, and fair Weather. At One this Morning steer'd N. by W. At Four the Wind came to N. W. Tack'd and flood to the Westward; the two Points stretching off from the Cape bore N.W. by W. distant two Leagues. At Noon, the Wind being at N. E. steering along Shore from the Cape, saw on the Shore three Men, on Mules or Horses, riding towards us; when they came a-breast of us, they stop'd and made Signals, waving their Hats, as tho' they wanted to speak with us; at which we edg'd close to the Shore, where we saw to the Number of twenty; five of them rode a-breast, the others were on Foot, having a large Store of Cattle with them. On Sight of this, we anchor'd within a Mile of the Shore. The Cape bore W. S. W. distant seven Leagues; the Swell tumbling in from the Sea, would not permit us to speak with 'em; by their Motions, Actions, Cloathing, and by their whole Behaviour, we took them for

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Christians: It being a plain level Land, they rode backwards and forwards like Racers, waving white Handkerchiefs, and making Signs for us to go into a Bay, which lay about a League to the Northward; which we design'd to do on the Tide of Ebb. The Flood being very strong against us, they waited on the Shore till the Tide was spent; we weigh'd and stood to Northward; the Wind blowing right in from Sea, and a great Swell, we could not clear the Land; so that we wore and stood to the Southward, and very narrowly escap'd clearing the Breakers off the Pitch of the Cape, which lay about two Leagues out at Sea to the Southward. At Nine at Night the Cape bore W. distant six Leagues; stood out to Sea till Eleven o'Clock, then wore and stood in the Wind, shifting to N. N. E. The next Morning we steer'd in for the Bay, and saw those People again; but the Wind soon afterwards veering to the Westward, and blowing strong, we were oblig'd to bear away: We could not by any Means come to the Knowledge of these People; whether they are unfortunate Creatures that have been cast away, or whether they are Inhabitants about the River Gallegoes, we can't tell.

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Tuesday the 15th, Fresh Gales, and fair Weather. This Morning saw the Land; the South most Point bore W. S. W. the North-most Point N. N. E. At Eight saw two Ledges of Rocks, running two Leagues out from a Point of Land which makes like an old Castle. At Noon the Extreams of the Land bore W. by N. distant three Leagues; had a good Observation, Latitude 49: 10 S. Course made this twenty-four Hours is N. by E. half E. distant 104 Miles, Longitude in 74: 05 W.

Wednesday the 16th, At Noon a-breast of Penguin Island, not above half a Mile from Shore. We saw on this Island Seals and Penguins without Number, the Shore being entirely cover'd with them. We find the Penguin exactly to answer Sir John Narborough's Description; therefore we beg Leave to give it the Reader in that excellent Navigator's own Words. "The Penguin is a Fowl that lives by catching and eating of Fish, which he dives for, and is very nimble in the Water; he is as big as a Brant-Goose, and weighs near about eight Pounds; they have no Wings, but flat Stumps like Fins; their Coat is a downy stumped Feather; they are blackish Grey on the Backs and

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Heads, and White about their Necks and down their Bellies; they are short-legg'd like a Goose, and stand upright like little Children in white A prons, in Companies together; they are full-neck'd, and headed and beaked like a Crow, only the Point of their Bill turns down a little; they will bite hard, but they are very tame, and will drive in Herds to your Boat-side like Sheep, and there you may knock 'em on the Head, all one after another; they will not make any great Haste away." We steer'd N. W. by N. for the Harbour of Port Desire: The going into this Harbour is very remarkable; on the South-side lies, one Mile in the Land, an high peak'd-up Rock, much like a Tower, looking as tho' it was a Work of Art set up for a Land-mark to steer into this Harbour; this Rock is forty Feet high. At Five o'Clock got into the Harbour; run up to Seal Island, which lieth about a League up; here we kill'd more Seal in half an Hour, than we could carry off, being oblig'd to leave the greatest Part of what we kill'd behind. The People eating greedily of the Seal, were seiz'd with violent Fevers and Pains in their Heads. While we were at Port Desire we had Seal and Fowl in Abundance. The Car-

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penter found here a Parcel of Bricks, some of 'em with Letters cut in them; on one of those Bricks these Words were very plain and legible, viz. Capt. Straiton, 16 Cannons, 1687. Those we imagine have been laid here from a Wreck. The Carpenter with six Men went in Search of Water; a Mile up the Water's Side they found Peckett's Well, mention'd in Sir John Narborough's Book; the Spring is so small, that it doth not give above thirty Gallons per Day; but the Well being full, supplied us. The People grow very turbulent and uneasy, requiring Flower to be serv'd out; which, in our present Circumstances, is a most unreasonable Request; we have but one Cask of Flower on Board, and a great Distance to run into the Brazil, and no other Provision in the Boat but the Seal we have kill'd here: Nay, they carry their Demands much higher, insisting that the Marine Officers, and such People as cannot be assisting in working the Boat, shall have but half the Allowance of the rest; accordingly they have pitch'd upon twenty to be serv'd half a Pound of Flower each Man, and themselves a Pound. This Distinction the Half-Pounders complain of, and that twenty are selected to be starv'd. While we were at Port Desire, one Day dres-

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sing our Victuals we set Fire to the Grass; instantly the Flames spread, and immediately we saw the whole Country in a Conflagration; and the next Day, from the Watering-place, we saw the Smoak at a Distance; so that then the Fire was not extinguish'd.

Friday the 25th, Little Wind, and fair Weather, went up to our Slaughter-House in Seal Island, and took on Board our Sea-store, which we compleated in half an Hour's Time; turn'd down the Harbour with the Tide of Ebb; in the Evening, the Wind at N. E. could make no Hand of it; so bore away for the Harbour again, and came to an Anchor.

Saturday the 26th, at Three in the Morning, sail'd out of Port Desire Harbour; steer'd out E. N. E. At Six Penguin Island bore S. by E. distant six Leagues, and Cape Blanco N. W. by N. four Leagues. This Day I took my Departure from Cape Blanco; I judge the Cape to lie in the Longitude of 71:00 W. from the Meridian of London.

Monday the 28th, Moderate Gales, and fair. This Day serv'd out all the Flower in the Boat, at three Pound and half to each Man. We have now nothing to live on but Seal, and what Providence throws in our Way.

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Friday, January the 1st, 1741–2, Fresh Gales, and fair Weather, with a great Sea. At Teh last Night shifting the Man at Helm, brought her by the Lee, broke the Boom, and lost a Seaman over-board. The greatest Part of our Seal taken in at Port Desire, for want of Salt to cure it there, now stinks very much; but having nothing else we are oblig'd to eat it. We are now miserable beyond Description, having nothing to feed on ourselves, and at the same Time almost eaten up with Vermin.

Wednesday the 6th, Departed this Life Mr. Thomas Harvey, the Purser; he died a Skeleton for want of Food: This Gentleman probably was the first Purser, belonging to his Majesty's Service, that ever perish'd with Hunger. We see daily a great Number of Whales.

Sunday the 10th, This Day at Noon, in working the Bearings, and Distance to Cape St. Andrew, do find myself not above thirteen Leagues distant from the Land; therefore haul'd in N. W. to make it before Night. We saw To-day Abundance of Insects, particularly Butterflies and Horse-stingers. We have nothing to eat but some stinking Seal, and not above twenty out of the forty-three which

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are now alive have even that; and such hath been our Condition for this Week past; nor are we better off in Regard to Water, there not being above eighty Gallons aboard: Never were beheld a Parcel of more miserable Objects; there are not above fifteen of us healthy, (if People may be call'd healthy that are scarce able to crawl.) I am reckon'd at present one of the strongest Men in the Boat, yet can hardly stand on my Legs ten Minutes together, nor even that short Space of Time without holding: Every Man of us hath had a new Coat of Skin from Head to Foot: We that are in the best State of Health do all we can to encourage the rest. At Four this Afternoon we were almost transported with Joy at the Sight of Land, (having seen no Land for fourteen Days before) the Extreams of which bore N. W. about seven Leagues; we ran in with it, and at Eight anchor'd in eight Fathom; fine Sand about a League from the Shore; the Northmost Point bore about N. E. the Southmost Point about S. W. by S. This Day perish'd for want of Food Serjeant Ringall.

Monday the 11th, At Four this Morning weigh'd, and came to sail, steering along Shore N. E. by E. This is a pleasant and de-

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lightful Country to sail by; we kept within a Mile of the Shore; we saw Horses and large Dogs in great Numbers, the Shore being perfectly cover'd with them. At Noon I had a good Observation in the Latitude of 38:40 S. At the same Time saw a-head Land, which I take for Cape St. Andrew's; it is a long sandy Point, very low, where a Shoal runs off S. E. about three Leagues. Sounded, and had but two Fathom and half at High-water. When we got clear of this, we steer'd N. E. into a sandy Bay, and anchor'd there in three Fathom and half, fine Sand; the North Point bore N. N. W. the South Point S. E. by E. Here is a great Swell, and Shoal Water. This Bay we call Shoalwater Bay.

Tuesday the 12th, Lying in Shoalwater Bay, the Wind at S. E. and fair Weather. Having nothing on Board the Vessel to eat, and but one Cask of Water to drink, we put her in as nigh as we could venture; so that any Person, who had the least Skill in Swimming, might get ashore: Here runs a pretty large Surf, which may endanger our Vessel; this puts us to a Stand: To go from hence without Meat or Drink is certain Death. A few of the healthiest were resolv'd to swim on

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Shore, to get Water and Provisions; the Officers, viz. the Boatswain, Carpenter, and Lieutenant E——rs, to animate the rest, first leap'd into the Water; eleven of the People follow'd them; in this Attempt one of the Marines was unfortunately drown'd: We toss'd over-board four Quarter-Casks to fill with Water; lashing to the Cask two Fire-locks on each Side, with Ammunition for shooting When the Officers and People got on Shore, they saw Thousands of Horses and Dogs; the Dogs are of a mongrel Breed, and very large. They also saw Abundance of Parrots and Seals on the Rocks, but not a Bush growing on the Place; they made a Fire with Horse-dung, and shot a great many Seal, which they cut up in Quarters to bring aboard. One of the Water-Casks being leaky, they cut it up, and converted it into Fuel to dress the Seal. They caught four Armadilloes; they are much larger than our Hedge-hogs, and very like them; their Bodies are cased all over with Shells, shutting under one another like Shells of Armour. In this Country thirteen of his Majesty's British Subjects put to Flight a thousand Spanish Horse. Horses are more numerous here, than Sheep are on the Plains in Dorset and Wiltshire. We on

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Board see Abundance of Seal lying on the Shore cut up in Pieces; but the Wind blows so hard we can by no Means get at it. We think ourselves now worse off than ever, for we are actually starving in the Sight of Plenty. We have but two People on Board that can swim; to give them all the Assistance we can, the Lieutenant and myself, with the rest of the People, proposed to haul the Vessel nearer in, and make a Raft for one of the two to swim ashore on, and to carry a Line to haul some of the Seal a-board: With much Entreaty these two Swimmers were prevail'd on to cast: Lots; the Lot falling on the weakest of 'em, who was a young Lad about fifteen Years of Age, and scarce able to stand, we would not suffer him to go. While our Brethren were regaling in the Fulness of Plenty ashore, we aboard were oblig'd to strip the Hatches of a Seal-skin, which has been for some Time nail'd on, and made use of for a Tarpawlin; we burnt the Hair off the Skin, and for want of any Thing else fell to chewing the Seal-skin.

Wednesday the 13th, Fine Weather, and calm. At Six this Morning the Boatswain shot a Horse, and the People a wild Dog. The Horse was branded on the Left Buttock with these Letters AR. By this we conjec-

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ture there are Inhabitants not far off. At Nine veer'd the Boat in, lash'd the Oars to the Hatches, and made a Stage to haul up the Seal. The People swam off three Casks of Water; sent on Shore one Quarter-Cask more, and two Breakers. Came aboard the Boatswain, Carpenter, and Lieutenant E——rs; and four Men more are getting the Seal and the Horse on Board; which was no sooner in the Vessel, than a Sea-Breeze came in, and blow'd so hard, that we were oblig'd to weigh; leaving ashore one Quarter-Cask, two Breakers, and eight of the People. The Wind at E. S. E. and a tumbling Sea, came to an Anchor about a League off the Shore; we shar'd all the Provisions among the Company; we still see the People ashore, but can't get them off.

Thursday the 14th, Hard Gales at E. S. E. and fair Weather. Last Night the Sea was so great, that it broke the Rudder-Head off; we were doubtful every Moment of the Vessel's parting, which if she had, we must have been all of us inevitably lost. We were oblig'd to put to Sea, not being able to get the People off. We sent ashore in a scuttled Puncheon some wearing Apparel, four Muskets, with Balls, Powder, Flints, Candles, and several Necessaries; and also a Letter to acquaint

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them of the Danger we were in, and of the Impossibility of our riding it out till they could get off.

In Fresh-water Bay, dated on Board the Speed-well Schooner, on the Coast of South America, in the Latitude of 37: 25 S. Longitude from the Meridian of London, 65:00 W. this 14th Day of January, 1741–2.

THESE are to certify the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great-Britain, &c. That we, whose Names are under-mention'd, having nothing left on Board the Vessel but one Quarter-Cask of Water, were oblig'd to put into the first Place we could for Subsistence, which was in Fresh-water Bay; where we came to an Anchor, as near the Shore as we could, without endangering the Vessel, having no Boat aboard, and a large Surf on the Shore; therefore Mr. King the Boatswain, Mr. Cummins the Carpenter, and Lieutenant E——rs, with eleven of the People, jump'd over-board, in order to swim ashore, with three Casks for Water; in which Attempt James Greenham was drown'd in the Surf, off the Shore: The Sea-Breeze coming

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on, prevented the People getting on Board the same Night; therefore, on Wednesday Morning, it being then calm, they brought to the Beach the Casks fill'd with Water, with Seal and other Provisions in great Quantities, which we haul'd on Board. The Boatswain, Carpenter, Lieut. E—rs, and three of the People swam off; but the Sea-Breeze coming in, and the Surf rising, the rest were discourag'd from coming off; we haul'd a good Birth off the Shore, where we lay the Remainder of the Day, and all the Night. The Greatness of the Sea broke off our Rudder-Head, and we expected every Minute the Vessel would founder at her Anchor. Thursday Morning we saw no Probability of the People coming aboard; and the Wind coming out of the Sea, and not one Stick of Fire-wood in the Vessel to dress our Victuals, and it being every Man's Opinion that we must put to Sea or perish, we got up a scuttled Cask, and put into it all Manner of Necessaries, with four small Arms lash'd to the Cask, and a Letter to acquaint them of our Danger; which Cask we saw them receive, as also the Letter that was in it; they then fell on their Knees, and made Signals wishing us well; at which we got under

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Sail, and left our Brethren, whose Names are under-mention'd. Sign'd by

Robert Beans, Lieutenant

John King, Boatswain

John Bulkeley, Gunner

Thomas Clark, Master

John Cummins, Carpenter

Robert Elliot, Surgeon's Mate

John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

The Names of the People left on Shore in the Lat. of 37:25 S. Long. 65: 00 W.

Names.	Where born.
Guy Broadwater,	Blackwall
John Duck,	London
Samuel Cooper,	Ipswich
Benjamin Smith,	Southwark
Joseph Clinch,	ditto
John Allen,	Gosport
John Andrews,	Manchester
Isaac Morris,	Topsham

Those People had a good Prospect of getting Provisions, and we believe Inhabitants are not far off; they have all Necessaries for

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shooting; we hope to see them again, but at present we leave 'em to the Care of Providence and the wide World. At Noon sail'd hence; at Four in the Afternoon could not, clear the Land, and were oblig'd to anchor in five Fathom, two Leagues from the Shore; the Northmost Point of Land bore N. E. by N. and the Southmost Point S. by W. Hard Gales at E. N. E. and a great Sea. At Noon Latitude in 38: 00 S.

Friday the 15th, Fresh Gales at N. N. W. and a great Sea tumbling into the Bay. We are not able to ride it out; therefore, at Four in the Afternoon, got under Sail, and stood off to Sea; the Southmost Land bore S. W. by S. distant five Leagues.

Monday the 18th, In the Latitude of 36: 29 S. the North Point of Fresh-water Bay bearing S. W. distant forty-four Leagues, we went to an Allowance of Water, at a Pint a Man per Day, having on Board not above twenty Gallons for thirty-three Souls.

Tuesday the 19th, Little Wind at S. and clear Weather. At Four this Morning saw Breakers right a-head; sounded, and found five Fathom; saw the Land making like an Island, bearing N. E. by E. distant twelve Leagues; steer'd N. for about a Mile or

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two; shoal'd the Water from two Fathom to nine Feet; then steer'd N.N.E. and deepen'd the Water to five Fathom. By the Appearance of the Land, we are well up the River of Plate, and do take the Breakers for the English Bank. Steer'd and sail'd all Day E. N. E. along Shore; in the Evening anchor'd in a fine sandy Bay; saw two Men coming down on Horseback; the Boatswain swam ashore, and got up behind one of them, and rode away to their Caravans. When we made the Land, we had not one Drop of Water on Board: Several People swam ashore to fill Water; one of 'em, when ashore, drank very plentifully of water; in attempting to come off, was so weak, that he could not reach the Vessel, but was unfortunately drown'd. Got one Cask of Water aboard, which reviv'd us exceedingly.

Wednesday the 20th, Mr. Cummins and myself went ashore; four of the Inhabitants came down to us on Horseback. As I could talk Portugueze, I fell into Discourse with them. They told me the English were still at War with the Spaniards; that they had two fifty Gun Ships up the River of Plate, and one sixty Gun Ship cruizing off Cape St. Mary's; and not above six Weeks ago a

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seventy Gun Ship lying at Anchor, parted from her Anchors and drove on Shore; that the Ship was lost, and every Man perish'd. They also told me they were Spaniards, Castilians, and Fishermen; that they came here a fishing; the Fish they took they salted and dried, then sold them at Buenos Aires. The Town they belong'd to, they call'd Mount de Vidia, two Days Journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the King of Portugal's Land. They said there were a great many Spanish Settlements on this Side, and gave us an Invitation to their Caravan. We got up behind them, and rode about a Mile to it; where they entertain'd us with good Jurk-Beef, roasted and boil'd, with good white Bread. We sought to buy some Provisions of 'em; but they had none but twenty-six Loaves, about as big as Twopenny Loaves in England; which they would not part with under four Guineas. We being in a weak Condition, scarce able to stand on our Legs, and without Bread for a long Time, gave them their Price. Their Patroon told us at the same Time, if it should be known that they had supplied us, they should be all hang'd. He promis'd, if we would give him a Fire-lock, he would get us some

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wild Fowl, and as many Ducks in an Hour or two as would serve all the People aboard. Mr. Cummins sent for his Fire-lock, and gave it him, with some Powder and Sluggs. Oh our coming away, finding one of their Company missing with a Horse, we were apprehensive of his being gone to betray us; therefore immediately went on Board, got our Water in, and made all ready for sailing to the Rio Grand.

Thursday the 21st, little Wind at N. W. and fair Weather. At four this Morning got under Sail; steer'd E.N.E. At Twelve saw low Land stretch off to the Eastward, which bore E. by S. At Four the Tide of Flood flowing strong in oblig'd us to come to an Anchor in a large Bay, in eight Fathom Water; the South Point bore S.S.W. the East Point E. S. E. at Eight at Night got under Sail, steering E. S. E.

Friday the 22d, Little Wind at N. and fair Weather. At Eight this Morning saw Cape St. Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten Leagues; at Noon it bore W.S.W. and the North Land S. E. by E.

Saturday 23d, Little Wind, and calm. In the Morning, not seeing the Land, steer'd in N. at Noon saw Cape St. Mary's, bearing N. W. distant ten Leagues; Latitude per

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Observation 34:53 S. At Seven in the Evening, being in Shore and calm, anchored in fourteen Fathom Water, sandy Ground; the Cape bearing W. by N. and the Northmost Land N. by E. This Day departed this Life Mr. Thomas Clark the Master; as did also his Son the Day following.

Sunday the 24th, The Wind at S. and hazy Weather. At Two in the Morning weighed and came to sail; steering N. E. within a League of the Shore. At Three in the Afternoon saw three Islands; the Northmost of which is the most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a Church with a lofty Tower; at Four we saw three Islands more, steer'd N. Quarter W between those Islands, until we saw the main Land. The most remarkable of these Islands is about four Miles from the Main; They are all steep. At Eight anchor'd in fourteen Fathom, sine Sand.

Monday the 25th, A fresh Gale at E. N. E. and cloudy Weather. At Nine this Morning got under Sail, in Order to go back to those Islands to get some Seal, there being great Numbers on the Rocks, and we in great Want of Provision, with the Wind against us. We took the Opportunity of the Wind back to the Islands, but were disappointed, being

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not able to get ashore for Provisions, came to an Anchor in fourteen Fathom, sandy Ground. Hard Gales at N. N. E. with Thunder, Lightning and Rain all Night.

Tuesday the 26th, This Morning, moderate Gales at N. W. and fair Weather, got under Sail; after clear of the Islands, steer'd N.E. by N. keeping along Shore; it is a fine level Land, and regular Soundings fifteen Fathom, five Leagues off the Land. We have no Seal, nor any other kind of Food on Board. We have a fair Wind, and not far from our desir'd Port; so that we are in pretty good Spirits. This Day died the oldest Man belonging to us, Thomas Maclean, Cook, aged 82 Years.

Wednesday 27th, Moderate Gales at W. steer'd N. and sail'd all Day within a Cable's length of the Shore in three Fathom Water. We have now nothing but a little Water to support Nature. At Noon had an Observation, Latitude in 32: 40 South: I reckon myself 18 Leagues from the Rio Grand, and hope to see it in the Morning.

Thursday the 28th, Kept the Shore close a-board, and sounded every half Hour, not caring to go within three Fathom, nor keep without five, sailing along by the Lead all Night. At Six in the Morning saw the

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Opening of the River Grand; kept within the Breakers of the Bar, having at sometimes not above seven Feet Water at half Flood; steer'd N.E. by E. until the River's Mouth was fairly open; then steer'd N. and N. N. W. until a-breast of the Town; anchor'd on the East-shore in two Fathom Water. There presently came a Boat from the Shore, with a Serjeant of the Army, and one Soldier. The Lieutenant, myself, and Mr. Cummins, with Captain P——n of the Land Forces, went on Shore with them. The Commandant, the Officers, and People of the Place, receiv'd us in a most tender and friendly Manner. They instantly sent on Board to the People four Quarters of Beef, and two Bags of Farine Bread. We were conducted to the Surgeon's House, the handsomest Habitation in the Place; where we were most hospitably entertain'd. At Four in the Afternoon the Governor came to Town; after a strict Enquiry into our Misfortunes, and the Reasons of our coming into this Port, being somewhat doubtful that we might be Inspectors of their Coast, he began to examine me, the Lieutenant having reported me to him as Pilot. He ask'd me if there was a Chart of the Coast on Board; and, if not, how it was

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possible we could hit the Bar, and venture into so hazardous a Place as this is? I told him, as for a Chart, we had none of any kind; but I had a good Observation the Day before, that our Vessel drew but a small Draught of Water; that we kept the Lead always going, and in the Necessity we were in, we were oblig'd, at all Events, to venture; and if we had not seen the Opening of the River before Night, we must have been compell'd to run the Vessel ashore. He examin'd me also concerning the Places we stopt at, from Cape Virgin Mary to this Port, and more particularly relating to the River Plate. He was very nice in his Enquiry of our putting in at Cape St. Mary's, and of the Bearings and Distance along Shore from thence to this Port. When he throughly satisfy'd himself, he embraced us, and blest himself to think of our Deliverance, which he term'd a Miracle. He offer'd every Thing the Country could afford to our Relief; the Sick were order'd to be taken Care of in the Hospital: He took the Lieutenant and the Land Officers home with him; and desired the Commandant to see that the rest of the Officers and People wanted for nothing. Before he went he inform'd us, that his Majesty's Ships

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the Severn and Pearl were at Rio Janeiro, in great Distress; that they had sent to England for Men, and could nat sail from thence until the Arrival of the Flota, which would be in May or June. He also told us, that we should be dispatch'd in the first Vessel which arriv'd in this Port; for he did not think we could with Safety go any farther in our own; and that there could not be found twelve Seamen in the Brazils that would venture over the Bar in her to sail to Rio Janeiro; therefore he order'd our little Speedwell ashore; this Wonder the People are continually flocking to see; and it is now about nine Months since we were cast away in the Wager; in which Time, I believe, no Mortals have experienc'd more Difficulties and Miseries than we have. This Day may be justly stiled the Day of our Deliverance, and ought to be remember'd accordingly.

Sunday the 31st, Little or nothing remarkable since the Day we came in, only a wonderful Change in our Diet; we live on the best the Country can produce, and have Plenty of every Thing. This Afternoon the Governor, Commandant, and Commissary, came on Board, to see our little Speedwell; they were surpriz'd, that thirty Souls, the

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Number of People now living, could be stow'd in so small a Vessel; but that she could contain the Number which first embark'd with us, was to them amazing, and beyond all Belief: They could not conceive how the Man at Helm could steer without falling over-board, there not being above four Inches Rise from the Deck. I told them he sat down, and clap'd his Feet against the Rise; and show'd. them in what Manner we secured ourselves. The Governor, after viewing the Vessel over, told us, we were more welcome to him in the miserable Condition we arriv'd, than if we. had brought all the Wealth in the World with us. At the same Time he fully assur'd us, we should be supply'd with every Thing that the Country could afford; that he would dispatch us the first Opportunity to Rio Janeiro; and whenever we stood in Need of any Thing, he order'd us to acquaint the Commandant, and our Wants should be instantly supply'd. He then took Leave of us, and wish'd us well. All the Deference and dutiful Respect we could show him, to express a grateful Sense of his Favour, was by manning the Vessel, and giving him three Cheers. The next Day arriv'd at this Place the Brigadier-Governor of the Island St. Ca-

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tharine; he came close by our Vessel, we mann'd her, and gave him three Cheers. The Soldiers of the Garrison, having twenty Months Arrears due to them, expected the Brigadier was come to pay them; but when they found themselves disappointed, they made a great Disturbance among themselves. I apply'd to the Commandant for a House, the Vessel, in rainy Weather, not being fit to lie in; he order'd me one joining to his own, and gave me the Key. I took with me Mr. Cummins, Mr. Jones, Mr. Snow, Mr. Oakley, and the Cooper; we brought our trifling Necessaries on Shore, and remov'd to our new Habitation: Here we were dry and warm; and tho' we had no Bedding, we lodg'd very comfortably. Since the Loss of the Wager, we have been used to lie hard; at present we think ourselves very happily fix'd, and heartily wish that all the Persons who surviv'd the Loss of the Ship were in so good a Situation as ourselves.

Tuesday, February the 2d, 1741–2, Great Murmurings among the Soldiers; they detain'd the Brigadier from going back, as he intended, this Morning, till he promis'd to dispatch the Money, Cloaths, and Provisions, and to see their Grievances adjusted. On

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those Terms they have agreed he shall go; and this Evening he return'd for St. Catharine's. We apprehended, till now, that the right Officers were in Place; but we find ourselves mistaken. Some Time before we arrived here, there was an Insurrection among the Soldiers: Their Design was against the Governor; but by his Address, and fair Promises of seeing them righted, he diverted the Storm from himself, and got himself continued in his Station; as were also the Major and Commissary. The Soldiers dismiss'd the rest of the Officers, and supply'd their Places with their own People, tho' they were lately private Men; they appear'd very grand, and were not distinguish'd in Dress from the proper Officers. The Disturbance at Rio Grand is of no Service to us, for we feel the Effects of it; our Allowance is now so small that it will hardly support Nature; the People have been without Farina, which is their Bread, for some Days past. We apply'd to the Governor, who promis'd to supply us the next Day; accordingly we went for a Supply, which created fresh Murmurings among the Soldiers; however we got a small Quantity of Bread to supply us for ten Days. The Store-keeper show'd me all the Provisions,

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which, considering there were a thousand to draw their Subsistence from it, was a small Stock indeed, and not above six Weeks at the present Allowance. He told me we were serv'd equally with the Soldiers; and when more Stores came, which they shortly expected, our Allowance should be encreas'd. I think, in Reason, this is as much as we can expect. The Lieutenant not coming nigh us since our first landing, I went with the People up to him at the Governor's, about two Miles from this Port, to endeavour to prevail with him to get us dispatch'd, acquainting him of the Call and Necessity there was for our Assistance on Board the two distress'd Ships at Rio Janeiro. He said he had spoke to the Governor, and could not get us dispatch'd till another Vessel came in. I told him, as the Garrison were in want of Provisions, what we were living on here, would carry us off; and if any Misfortune should attend the Vessel expected in with the Provisions, we should be put very hard to it for a Subsistence. He promis'd to acquaint the Governor; on which I took my Leave.

February the 17th, This Evening came into this Garrison three Seamen, giving an Account of their belonging to a Vessel with

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Provisions and Stores for this Place, from Rio Janeiro; that they had been from thence three Months, and had been off the Bar waiting an Opportunity to come in; that not having any fresh Water aboard, they were oblig'd to come to an Anchor ten Leagues to the Southward of this Port; that a Canoe was sent with those three Men to fill the Water, but the Wind coming in from the Sea, and blowing hard, oblig'd the Vessel to put to Sea, and leave them ashore, from whence they travelled here, and believ'd the Vessel was gone to St. Catharine's. The Governor, not satisfy'd with their Report, took them for Spies, and kept them as such. However, in a Day or two afterwards, he dispatch'd a Pilot and two Seamen for the Island St. Catharine, to bring the Vessel round, in Case she should be there.

I took this Opportunity of sending a Letter by them to the Honourable Capt. Murray, Commander of his Majesty's Ship the Pearl, at Rio Janeiro; desiring them to order it to be dispatch'd by the first Ship from St. Catharine's to the Rio Janeiro.

Honourable Sir,

I Take it as a Duty incumbent on me to acquaint you, that his Majesty's Ship the

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Wager was wreck'd on a desolate Island on the Coast of Patagonia, in the Latitude of 47:00 S. and W. Longitude from the Meridian of London 81:30, on the 14th of May, 1741. After lengthning the Long-Boat, and fitting her in the best Manner we could, launch'd her on the 13th of October, and embark'd and sail'd on the 14th, with the Barge and Cutter, to the Number of eighty-one Souls in all. Capt. Cheep—, at his own Request, tarried behind, with Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr. Elliot the Surgeon. After a long and fatiguing Passage, coming through the Streights of Magellan, we arrived here the 28th of January, 1741–2; bringing into this Port alive to the Number of thirty, viz.

Robert Beans, Lieutenant

John Bulkeley, Gunner

John Cummins, Carpenter

Robert Elliot, Surgeon's Mate

John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

John Mooring, Boatswain's Mate

John Young, Cooper

William Oram, Carpenter's Crew

John King, Boatswain

Nicholas Griselham, Seaman

Samuel Stook, ditto

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James Mac Cawle, Seaman

William Lane, ditto

John Montgomery, ditto

John George, ditto

Richard East, ditto

James Butler, ditto

John Pitman, ditto

Job Barns, ditto

John Shoreham, ditto

Thomas Edmunds, ditto

Richard Powell, ditto

Diego Findall, (the Portugueze Boy)

Capt. Robert Pemberton, of his Majesty's Land Forces

Lieutenants Ewers and Fielding, ditto

Vincent Oakley, Surgeon of ditto

And two Marines

All which are living at present, and waiting an Opportunity of a Passage in a Portugueze Vessel, our own not being in a Condition to proceed any farther, having no Sails, and being so bad in all other Respects, that the Governor will not suffer us to hazard our Lives in her; but hath promis'd to dispatch us in the very first Vessel that arrives in this Port; where we, with Impatience, are oblig'd to

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tarry. We humbly pay our Duty to Capt. Leg, praying the Representation of this to him. From,

Most Honourable Sir,

Yours, &c.

Saturday the 20th, Last Night the three Seamen which came here, as mention'd before, with five more of this Place, attempted to run away with one of the large Boats; but they were pursu'd and taken: Their Design was for the River Plate, the Wind then favouring them. This is evident, that the Governor was right in his Conjecture, and did not suspect them wrongfully; they are now Prisoners in the Guard-House. The next Morning I went to the Lieutenant, desiring him to apply to the Governor for a Pass and Horses for myself, Mr. Cummins, and John Young, to go by Land to St. Catharine's and St. Francisco; where we need not doubt of a Passage to his Majesty's distress'd Ships at Rio Janeiro: That it was our Duty to hasten to their Assistance: That he, the Lieutenant, ought, the very Day after our Arrival into this Port, without any Regard

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to Expence and Charges, to have dispatch'd a special Messenger by Land; and then we might have been assured of a Vessel before now. The Lieutenant answer'd, he had a Thought of enquiring at first coming about what I had mention'd, and of going himself, tho' it cost him fifty Pounds; but he was inform'd it was impossible to go by Land. I ask'd him, if so, how came the Brigadier from St. Catharine's here? And how do People weekly go from hence thither? As for Fatigue or Trouble, whoever undertook to go, he must expect that; but there was no Hardship to be encounter'd comparable to what we had already undergone. We lay here on Expence to the King, without doing any Service, and run the Hazard of not only losing the Opportunity of getting on Board our own Ships, but perhaps of missing the Flota, and of wintering here; therefore I beg'd he would entreat the Governor to let us have Horses and Guides; which he promis'd to mention to the Governor at Dinner, and send me his Answer in the Afternoon without fail. I waited with Impatience for this Answer; but the Lieutenant failing in his Promise, was the Occasion of my sending him this Letter.

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SIR,

I Am sorry you should give me the Liberty of telling you, you have not discharg'd your Promise, by letting us know the Governor's Answer to what we requested; Which was, at our Expence and Charge, to go to the Assistance of his Majesty's Ships at Rio Janeiro; since which Time I am to inform you that we are in want of Provision, having none of any kind allow'd us yesterday, and but one small Fish per Man for two Days before. The Meaning of which I believe is owing to you, by the endeavouring, through the Persuasions of the Persons you confide in, to blacken us, and in so vile a Manner, that you seem unacquainted with the ill Consequence, which may attend the touching a Man's Character We know, and are fully convinced, from what has been done already, that nothing will be allow'd or granted us but by your Means: Mr. Cummins and myself ask no Favour from you, but to use your Endeavours to get us Dispatches to the Ships at Rio Janeiro, where every Man must give Account of his Actions, and Justice take Place. If I am not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply'd with here, was a Bounty flowing from the

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generous Spirit of the Governor, and the Gentlemen of the Place. If this be the Case, we ought to be very thankful indeed. I am surprized, Sir, you don't see the Grievances of the Inhabitants here, and hear the Soldiers Murmurings for want of their Arrears. If they should revolt at this Juncture, we shall stand a very bad Chance. I must acquaint you, Sir, the Vessel we came in, is not so much out of Repair, but that, if you can get Canvas out of the Store for Sails, we can make'em, and get ready for sailing in ten Days Time. And if the Vessel expected here with Supplies comes in a shorter Time, our Vessel will be ready fix'd for the Use of the Governor; and if one Vessel should not be large enough to carry us all off, we can go in Company. I imagine you know of the Stores being robb'd, and the Disturbance among the Soldiers, which must occasion Uneasiness enough, without repeating Grievances, where Relief is not to be had. I beg, Sir, you'll get us dispatch'd with all Expedition to his Majesty's Service, that we may not lose the Opportunity of joining the two Ships and the Flota.

SIR, Yours.

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The next Morning the Lieutenant came down on Horse-back, being the first Time of his appearing among us since we have been here, which is above three Weeks; we went with him to the Commandant, who promised we should not want fresh Beef and Fish; but as for Bread, there is none to be got. William Oram, one of the Carpenter's Crew, died this Day in the Hospital.

March the 6th, For several Days the People very uneasy at the Vessel's not arriving, the Wind having been fair for above three Weeks past, and little or no Provisions in Store, which makes them doubtful of any to be dispatch'd to their Relief. This Day we are resolv'd to go by Land, if the Governor will only allow us a Guide; we acquainted the Lieutenant with our Resolution; he went with me and Mr. Jones to the Governor; we obtain'd Leave to go, with the Promise of a Guide. Captain P——n, being at the Governor's, desired to go with us; the Governor told him the Journey was so difficult and tedious, it would be impossible for him to encounter with it. The Captain answer'd, that he had a Company on Board his Majesty's Ship the Severn, where his Duty call'd him, and was determin'd, with the Gover-

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nor's leave, to share his Fate with us by Land; which was granted. The Governor told us, notwithstanding the present Scarcity of Provisions in the Place, that he had so great a Regard for an Englishman, that whilst he had any thing for himself, we should not want; for which we thank'd him heartily. This Governor is certainly a Gentleman of a noble generous Spirit, of exceeding Humanity and Goodness, and I believe him to have a sincere Regard for an Englishman.

March the 9th, This Morning Mr. Jones went over with me to the North Side, to make an Agreement for six People to go to St. Catharine's; while we were here, the Governor received Letters from St. Catharine's, which gave an Account of four Vessels on their Passage for this Port; on the News of this we put by our Journey: It was very lucky we had not set out on this Journey before we heard the News: For on the nineteenth the Vessels from Rio Janeiro arrived, and brought an Account that the Severn and Pearl were sail'd from thence for the Island of Barbadoes. Those Vessels not only brought the Soldiers Provisions, but also a Pardon.

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On the 20th, The Brigadier arriv'd, and had all the Soldiers drawn up, where their Pardon was read to them: He acquainted them with what Money was come, which was not above a third Part of their Arrears, but the Remainder was on the Passage. The Money he had for them should be paid directly, as far as it would go, if they would take it; but they cry'd out with one Voice, The Whole or none, and a great Disturbance there was; some were for revolting to the King of Spain, some began to change their Notes, and were for taking Part of the Money, and the Rest insisted upon the Whole. To quell this Disturbance, the Commandant, whom they look'd upon more than the Brigadier, or the Governor, used his utmost Endeavours. They told the Commandant they were no longer Soldiers than while they were in the King's Pay, and let those who are for the King, draw off one way by themselves; you are our Commander, we trust in you to answer for us, what you do we will stand by with our Lives: On which the Commandant deliver'd his Command up, shouldering his Firelock, and took the Place of a common Soldier, telling

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them, since the King was so good as to pardon them, he thought it his Duty to accept it; the Brigadier was so well pleased with the Behaviour of the Commandant, that he ran to him, took him in his Arms, and embraced him; the rest of the Soldiers follow'd the Example of their late Commandant, delivering their respective Commands up to their proper Officers. This Day put an End to the Disturbance and Confusion which had been some time among them, and restor'd them to Tranquillity, good Discipline, and Order.

March the 22d, This Morning went to the Lieutenant for Leave to go in the first Vessel, which was expected to sail in four Days time; he told me he expected to go in her himself, and that we could not go off all in one Vessel; there might be Room for the Officers, but the People must wait another Opportunity. I told him that it was a Duty incumbent on the Officers that were in Pay, particularly, to take Care of the People; you, Sir, have been sure of half Pay ever since the Ship was lost; we are not, but I will tarry myself behind with the People, and be answerable for them, if you'll give me a Note under your Hand to secure me the Value of my

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Pay, from the Loss of the Ship; otherwise I don't know any Business I have but to endeavour to get to England as soon as I can, and will put it out of your Power to prevent my going off in the first Vessel. I left the Lieutenant, and went with Mr. Cummins, Mr. Jones, Mr. Snow, Mr. King, and Dr. Oakley to the Governor, to obtain leave for our going; the Lieutenant follow'd us, and said, but one half could go at a time. The Governor told us it was order'd that the Land Officers, myself and the rest that apply'd to go by Land, should be the first dispatch'd and might go on board when we would; but as the Vessel did not belong to the King, we must buy Provisions, and pay for our Passage. I said, Sir, we have not Money to answer the Expence: He then ask'd me whether I had not several Times apply'd to him for Leave to go by Land at my own Charges? I answer'd, we were obliged to dispose of our Watches to raise that Money, which will barely be sufficient to carry us six off that intended to go by Land, therefore what must become of the rest who have not a single Penny? And I hope, Sir, that you are not unacquainted that the King of Great-Britain allows to all

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his Subjects, distress'd in this Manner, five Vintins per Day to each Man for Subsistence. On my saying this, the Governor call'd the Commissary and Major; he walk'd and talk'd with them aside; then came back again, and told us the Account was so small, that it was not worth charging the King of England with it; therefore we must buy our own Provisions, and pay our Passage; and as to what we had received from them, we were welcome; upon which we thank'd them, and came away. We then consulted with the Lieutenant, to know what could be done with the People; and that as the Vessel we came in was not fit to proceed in any farther it was to no Purpose to leave her there; therefore we desired his Consent to sell her, believing the Money she would bring, would be sufficient to carry us all off. To this Proposal the Lieutenant consented. We then apply'd to the Master of the Vessel, to know what he would have for our Passage; his Demand was forty Shillings per Man; of which we acquainted the Lieutenant, who told us he could not see what we could do, and, on second Consideration, would not give his Consent to sell the Boat; for, when sold, he did not think she would fetch the Money.

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Those Words of the Lieutenant put us all to a Stand, especially after he had but now given his Consent to sell her; and in so short Time to declare the Reverse, was very odd; tho' indeed it did not much surprize us, because this Gentleman was never known to be over stedfast to his Word. Seeing no Possibility of carrying the People off without selling the Boat, I told the Lieutenant, if he left them behind, I could not think but so many of his Majesty's Subjects were sold; and believ'd he had made a Present of the Vessel to the Governor. At this the Lieutenant paus'd for a while; and then said, he had not Money to carry himself off without selling his Coat. I reply'd, there was no Occasion for that, when he had a Gold Watch. The next Morning went to the Lieutenant again about our going off; he acquainted us, that the Brigadier had order'd Things in another Manner; that myself, and nine more, being the Persons desirous of going, should be dispatch'd in the first Vessel, and every Thing found us; that he, the Lieutenant, was to tarry behind with the rest of the People, and to come in the next Vessel, an Estimate of the Charges being made out; and also he told us, he had a severe Check for

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requesting to go first himself, and offering to leave the People behind.

Sunday, March 28, I embark'd on Board the St. Catharine's Brigantine, with the Carpenter, Boatswain, the two Mates, the Surgeon of Marines, the Cooper, and six of the People; the Provisions laid in for us were two Casks of Salt Beef, and ten Alcadoes of Farina.

Wednesday the 31st, We sail'd for Rio Janeiro, with the Wind at W. steer'd S.E. and S.E. by E. until over the Bar; then E. by N. and E.N.E. with a fine Gale, and clear Weather; there is not above two Fathom and half Water on the Bar at High-water; when you are in, it is a fine commodious Harbour for small Vessels; it is a low Land, of a sandy Soil: Here is Abundance of fine Cattle; with Fresh-water Fish, Melons exceeding good, Plenty of Water, and the best Milk I ever tasted.

Thursday, April the 8th, Little Wind at S.W. and fair Weather. At Ten this Morning anchor'd before the Town of St. Sebastians. The Portugueze Pilots, who have been in England, call the Land here the Isle of Wight; and indeed it is very like it, tho' not so large, being only eight Miles in Length. This is a

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very secure Harbour for Shipping; a Stranger may go in or out without any Difficulty. At this Place I was ashore, and think it as delightful and pleasant a Place as ever I saw in America; abounding with Fruit, as Oranges, Lemons, Bonano's; also with Yamms, Potatoes, Fish, and Fowl.

Saturday the 10th, Sail'd from St. Sebastians; little Wind at S.W. steer'd out S.E. between the Island and the Main; and at Eight in the Morning, on the Monday following, we anchor'd before the City of Rio Janeiro.

Tuesday the 13th, This Morning we were all order'd before the Governor. A Dutch Surgeon was sent for, who spoke very good English. After an Enquiry into our Misfortunes, the Governor order'd him to be our Consul; telling us, that we should have a convenient House, with Firing, and eight Vintins a Man per Day Subsistence-Money: He also desir'd we might make no Disturbance among ourselves; which we promis'd to avoid. A Nobleman went with the Consul to look out for our Habitation; they fix'd on a large magnificent House, fit for a Person of Quality. This being the first Day of our coming ashore, they were pleas'd to order a Dinner

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and Supper out of Doors, and sent us where we were to eat all together. This was the first Time of the Boatswain's eating with the rest of the Officers since we left Cheap Island. The Consul was so kind as to send us a Table, Benches, Water-pots, and several useful Things, from his own House; we thought ourselves very happily seated.

Wednesday the 14th, This Morning the Consul went with the Officers and People to the Treasury for our Money. Mr. Oakley, Surgeon of his Majesty's Land Forces, was desired by the Consul to sign for it. The Boatswain, who now look'd upon himself as our Captain, was not a little displeas'd at this. When the Money was received, the Consul would have given it the Surgeon to pay us; but he excus'd himself, telling the Consul the Boatswain was a troublesome Man, and it might occasion a Disturbance; on which the Consul was so good as to come and pay it himself. Being all together, he told us the Governor had order'd us eight Vintins a Man per Day; but at the same Time had made a Distinction between the Officers and Seamen; that the Money received was to be paid in the Manner following, viz. to the Seamen six Vintins per Man,

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and the Officers ten. The Reason of this Distinction was, that the Seamen could go to work, and get Money by their Labour; when the Officers could not, but must be obliged to live entirely on their Allowance. This Distinction caused great Uneasiness, the Boatswain insisting that the People had a Right to an equal Share with us. The Officers, willing to make all Things easy, desir'd the Consul it might be so. The Consul reply'd, the Money should be dispos'd of according to the Governor's Direction, or not at all. The Boatswain then objected against the Cooper, because he was no Officer. The Consul said, Master! I believe the Cooper to be a very good quiet Man, and I dare say will take it as the Men do; but sooner than this be an Objection, I will pay the Money out of my own Pocket. The Boatswain then began at me, abusing me in a very scandalous and abominable Manner; saying, among other Things, that the Cooper was got among the rest of the Pirates, for so he term'd me and the rest of the Officers. When the Money was paid, we acquainted the Consul, that we had, till now, been separated from the Boatswain; that he was of so perverse and turbulent a Temper, and so abusive in Speech,

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that we could not bear with him. The Boatswain then chose to be with the People, and gave us the Preference of the Fore-Room, where we desired to be by ourselves. There were two Doors to our Room; we lock'd both of them, and went to take a Walk in the Country: At our Return in the Evening, we found the Doors broke open, and a small Sword belonging to me was broken an Inch off the Point, and the Scabbard all in Pieces. The Boatswain had in his Room an Irishman, whom he sent in on Purpose to quarrel with us. This Irishman and Richard East, one of our own People, fell upon the Cooper and me: East chose to engage with me; he struck me several Times; he compell'd me to stand in my own Defence, and I soon master'd him. During this Quarrel the Carpenter call'd the Guards; at Sight of whom the Irishman made his Escape. I desired the Guards to secure East a Prisoner; but the Officer told me he could not, unless I would go to Prison with him. I told him it was my Desire, and accordingly I went. The Prison was in the Governor's House. I had not been there but a few Minutes before the Governor sent for me; he enquired of the Officer concerning the Disturbance, and or-

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der'd me to my Habitation; but detain'd East a Prisoner. When I came home, I found the Boatswain, and two Renegadoes with him, all about the Cooper. On seeing me, he repeated his former abusive Words. He made us so uneasy in our Lodging, that, to prevent Murder, we were oblig'd to lie out of the House. Next Morning Mr. Oakley and Mr. Cummins went to the Consul; he came with them to the House, where we were all sent for; he told us it was very strange, that People who had undergone so many Hardships and Difficulties, could not agree lovingly together. We answer'd, we never us'd to mess together; and sooner than we would be with the Boatswain, we would make it our Choice to take a House in the Country at our own Expence. The Boatswain, on hearing this, fell again into his usual Strain of Slander and abusive Language, calling us Rogues, Villains, and Pirates. It was the Governor's first Request, that we might have no Disturbance among us; yet the Boatswain hath not suffer'd us to have a quiet Minute since we have been here. The Consul went with us two Miles out of the City, at a fishing Village; where we took a House, at our own Expence, to pay at the Rate of

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ten Shillings per Month, there being seven of us in all, viz. myself, the Carpenter, Surgeon, the two Mates, the Cooper, and a Seaman. Here we thought ourselves safe and secure. The next Day, in the Afternoon, two of the Boatswain's Friends, which had lately deserted from his Majesty's Service, and an Irish Clerk with them, came to pay us a Visit. They were so impertinent, as not only to enquire into the Reasons of the Disturbance among ourselves, but they also instructed us in our Duty, telling us, they came from our Commander the Boatswain, with Orders to see my Journal. I told them the Journal should not be a Secret to any Person who could read; but at the same Time I would never part with it to be copied out: They then drank a Glass of Punch with us, and left us. This is a Place that a Man is oblig'd sometimes to suffer himself to be used ill; if he resents all Affronts, he runs a great Hazard of losing his Life; for here Ruffians are to be hired at a small Expence; and there is no Place in the World where People will commit Murder at so cheap a Rate. Between Nine and Ten at Night, three People came to our Door; one of which knock'd, telling us that he was the Person that was

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with me and the Cooper in the Afternoon. Being apprehensive that they came with no good Intent, we refus'd opening the Door; telling them, that it was an improper Season of the Night, and that we did not know they had any Business with us; if they had, we told them to come in the Morning: But they still insisted upon the Door being open'd; saying, it would be better to do so, than to be taken away in three Hours Time. When they had said this, they went away. We did not know the Meaning of their Words, but imagin'd they were gone to bring some Associates to beset the House; having nothing to defend ourselves with, we got over the Back-Wall of the House, and took to the Country for Safety: In the Morning apply'd to the Consul, who remov'd us to a House in the Midst of the Village; he gave an Account to the Inhabitants of the Design the Boatswain had form'd against us, either to compel us to deliver up the Journal, or to take our Lives; he therefore desired that the Journal and Papers might be deposited in the Hands of a Neighbour there, till the Time of our going off. The People of the Place offer'd to stand by us with their Lives, in Opposition to any

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Persons who should attempt to do us an Injury.

Sunday the 18th, Early this Morning we were sent for to the Consul. He said to us, Gentlemen, as the Lives of three of you are in Danger, and I don't know what Villainy your Boatswain may be capable of acting, in Regard to your Peace and Safety; I'll endeavour to get you three on Board a Ship bound for Bahia and Lisbon; accordingly he went to the Captain of the Ship, who consented that we should go with him, on these Conditions, that the Governor would give us a Pass, and that we would work for our Passage; this we agreed to: After this we requested the Governor for a Pass, which he was so good as to grant, and is as follows:

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Nas Fortalesas sedeixem passar.

A 30 Abril, 1742.

Podem passar par Portugal em qualquer Nao que selle ofreser semque che ponha Impedimento algum Bahia, 19 Mayo, 1742.

DIZEM Joan Bocli, e Joan Cummins, e Joan Menino, Inglezes de Nasao, e Cazados em Inglaterra, em quetem suas Mulleres e Fillios, que seudo Officais de Calafate, e Condestavel, & Joneiro, de imadas Fragatas Inglezas, dado a Costa de Patagonia, che fesivel a portarem, a Oporto do Rio Grande, donde selhedeo faculdade para passarem aesta Cidade. E como Naferma do Regimendo de son soberano Nao vensem soldo, algum desde otempo, que Nao Pagau detta Fragata, selhes fas presis a passarem a Inglaterra, para poderem tratar de sua vida em Compania de suas Familias, para oghe pretendem na Naude Lisensia passar a Citade da Bahia, para da hi Opoderem farer para Lisboa, na primera ocasiao, que che for

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posivell, e sim desda Nao podem intentar dito transporte.

Quaime sedigne dar che Lisensia que nas Fortalesas selhe nas ponha Impedimento a sua Passagem, Come e Costume aos Nacionaes decte Reyne.

A. ROVE.

The foregoing in English thus.

Rio Janeiro Grand.

From all the Forts let them pass.

April 30, 1742.

That they may pass to Portugal in any Vessel that offers itself, without any Hindrance whatever, to Bahia, May 19, 1742.

JOHN Bocli, [Bulkeley] John Cummins, and John Young, of the English Nation, and married in England, where they have

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Wives and Children, the one being an Officer, the other a Carpenter, and the third Cooper of the Ship, being an English Frigate, arrived on the Coast of Patagonia; and at their Arrival in the Great River, i. e. Rio Grand, Leave was granted them to come to this City; and as in the Service of his Majesty, they do not advance any Money, from the Time that they paid off the said Ship, they are obliged to pass to England, that they may be enabled there to seek their Livelihood for their respective Families: Therefore they desire that they may pass in the License Ship to the City of Bahia, that they may from thence go to Lisbon, by the first Opportunity that shall offer; and that without the said Ship they will not be able to perform their intended Design.

Leave is hereby granted them to pass by the said Ship for Bahia; and we command all the Forts to let them pass, and not hinder their Passage, as is the Custom of the Nation of this Kingdom.

A. ROVE.

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The following is a Copy of the Sollicitor's Certificate.

IS TO he para que todos sabem que os Senhores Abaixo Nomeados y bem mal afortunados, nesta Cidade de Rio Janeiro se comportarao com toda aboa Dereysao nao dando escandalo Apesoa Alguma e Sao Dignos deque Joda pessoa posa os favoreser emoque for de Ajudo para Sigimento de sua Viagem omais breve possivel para Huropa.

John Bulkeley.

John Cummins.

John Young.

Hoje 1 de Mayo de 1742.

A sim que Assiney este Papel Como Procurador Sosil da Nasao Britanica.

Pedro Henriques Delaed.

In English thus.

These Presents.

BE it known to all Persons, that the under-signed are in a deplorable Condition in this City of Rio Janeiro; who have

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behaved themselves with Decency and good Decorum, not giving any Scandal to any Person whatsoever, and are worthy that all People may have Compassion, and succour them in forwarding their Voyage with all Expedition to Europe.

John Bulkeley.

John Cummins.

John Young.

The 1st of May, 1742.

I have sign'd this Paper as a Sollicitor of the British Nation.

Pedro Henriq; Delaed.

Tuesday, May the 20th, This Evening myself, the Carpenter, and Cooper, went on Board the St. Tubes, one of the Brazil Ships, carrying twenty-eight Guns, Theophilus Orego Ferrara Commander, bound for Bahia and Lisbon. The People left on Shore were,

John Jones, Master's Mate

John Snow, ditto

Vincent Oakley, Surgeon

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John King, Boatswain

Samuel Stook, Seaman

John Sboreham, ditto

John Pitman, ditto

Job Barns, ditto

Richard East, ditto

Richard Powell, ditto

Wednesday the 21st, Early this Morning the Captain came on Boards; on seeing us, he ask'd us, How we came on Board without his Leave? Notwithstanding he gave Leave to the Consul for our Passage, we ought to have waited on him ashore. There was on Board the Ship a Spanish Don, a Passenger, who told the Captain no Englishman should go in the same Ship with him; therefore desired we might be turn'd ashore; but the Captain insisted upon doing what he pleas'd aboard his own Ship, and would not comply with his Request. The Spanish Don, when we came to converse with him, was very much mov'd with the Relation of our Misfortunes; and said to us, though our Royal Masters, the Kings of England and S. ain, are at War, it was not our Fault; that we were now on Board a Neutral Ship belonging to a King who was a Friend to both Nations;

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that he would not look upon us as Enemies, but do us all the Service he could. He extoll'd the Conduct and Bravery of Admiral Vernon at Porto-Bello; but, above all, applauded him for his Humanity and generous Treatment of his Enemies. He made great Encomiums on the Magnificence of the British Fleet, and the Boldness and Intrepidity of the Sailors, stiling the English the Soldiers of the Sea. He supplied us in our Passage not only with Provisions from his Table, but also with Wine and Brandy; and during the whole Voyage appear'd so different from an Enemy, that he took all Opportunities of giving us Proofs of his Generosity and Goodness.

Friday the 7th of May 1742, This Morning anchor'd before the City of Bahia, went on Shoar to the Vice-Roy, shew'd him the Pass we had from the Governor of Rio Janeiro: He told us the Pass was to dispatch us to Lisbon, and that the first Ship which sail'd from hence would be the Ship we came in; we petition'd him for Provisions, acquainting him of our Reception at Rio Grand, and Rio Janeiro, that we had hitherto been supply'd at the Rate of eight Vintins each Man per Day. He refused supplying us with any thing; upon which I told him,

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we had better been Prisoners to the King of Spain, who would allow us Bread and Water, than in a Friend's Country to be starv'd. The Captain ot the Ship, we came in, hearing the Vice-Roy would not supply us, was so kind as to go with us to him, acquainting him how we were provided for at Rio Janeiro, and that he would supply us himself, if he would sign an Account to satisfy the Consul General at Lisbon, so that he might be reimburs'd. The Vice-Roy answer'd, he had no Orders concerning the English, that he had Letters from the King of Portugal his Master to supply the French, but had no Orders about any other Nation, and if he gave us any thing, it must be out of his own Pocket, therefore he would not supply us; The Captain then told him that we were Officers and Subjects to the King of England, and in Distress; that we did not want great Matters, only barely enough to support Life, and beg'd that he would allow but four Vintins per Day, being but half the Sum hitherto allow'd us. The Captain's Intreaties avail'd nothing, the Vice-Roy continuing as fix'd in his Resolution of giving us no Relief; I don't believe there

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ever was a worse Representative of Royalty upon the Face of the Earth, than this Vice-Roy; His Royal Master the King of Portugal is very well known to have a grateful Affection for the British Nation (nor can we believe he is so Frenchify'd as this Vice-Roy makes him) his Deputy differs greatly from him, he has given a Proof of his Aversion to the English. We think Persons in the Distress we were represented in to him, could in no Part of the World, nay in an Enemy's Country, be treated with more Barbarity than we were here; We work'd here for our Victuals, and then could get but one Meal per Day, which was Farina and Caravances. At this Place we must have starv'd, if I had not by me some Money and a Silver Watch of my own, which I was oblig'd to turn into Money to support us. I had in Money fourteen Guineas, which I exchang'd with the Captain who brought us here) for Portugueze Money; He at the same time told me it would be hard upon me to be so much out of Pocket, and said if I would draw a Bill on the Consul General at Lisbon for the Sum, as if supply'd from him, upon the Payment of that

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Bill, he would return me my fourteen Guineas, accordingly a Bill was drawn up by an English Merchant at Bahia and sign'd by us, being as follows:

NOS abaixo asignados Joam Bulkeley, Joam Cummins, & Joam Young Vassalos de sua Magg de Brittanica El-Rey Jorge Segundo, declaramos que temos recebido da mam do Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra Theodorio Rodrigues de Faria a coanthia de Corenta eloatro Mil e Oito Centos reis em dinheiro decontado comque por varias vezes nos Secorreo para o Nosso Sustento des o dia 17 de Mayo proximo passado athe odia Prezente, por Cuja caridade rogamos a Deos conceda mera saud Born succesto e por este pedimos humildeme te ao Snor' Consul Geral da Mesma Nacao' que Aprenzentado que este Seja nao' duvide em Mandar Sattis fazer as sobredito snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra a refferida coanthia visto ser expendida em Obra pia e que o Estado da nossa Mizeria epobreza tre nao' pode pagar e por passar na Verdade o Refferido e nao' sabermos Escrever pedimos a Gabriel Prynn homem de Negocio nesta Cidade e Interprete de Ambas as Lingoas

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ou Idosmas que este por Nos fizese e Como Testemunha Asignase.

Sao 44 800 re. Bahia 14 Setembro 1742.

John Bulkeley.

John Cummins.

John Young.

Como Testamunha que fiz a rogo dos Sobreditos, Gabriel Prynn.

The foregoing in English thus,

WE the undersign'd John Bulkeley, John Cummins, and Jahn Young, Subjects of his Majesty King George the Second, King of Great-Britain, do declare to have received from the Honourable Captain of Sea and Land, Theodore Rodriques of Faria, the Sum of fourty-four-thousand and eight hundred Rees, in ready and lawful Money, by different times, for our Support and Succour from the 17th of May Instant to this present Date: And, for the said Charity, we implore the Almighty to grant him Health and Prosperity. And on this Account, we humbly desire the Consul of the same Nation, that, by these Presents, he may not omit giving full Satisfaction to the above men-

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tion'd Captain of Sea and Land, for the said Sum, it being employed on a very Charitable Account, being in a deplorable Condition, and not able to repay the Same; And we not knowing in what Manner to write, to acknowledge the above Favours, have desired Mr. Gabriel Prynn, a Merchant in this City, and Interpreter of both Languages, that he may act for us; and we leave it to him to do in this Affair as it shall seem meet unto him; and as a Witness to this Matter he hath sign'd his Name.

Say 44 100. Bahia the 14th September 1742.

John Bulkeley,

John Cummins.

John Young.

To the Veracity of the above Assertion I have sign'd my Name,

Gabril Prynn.

Since our being here, we have been inform'd of one of his Majesty's Ships with three Store-Ships being arriv'd at Rio Janeiro, supply'd with Stores and Men for the Relief and Assistance of the Severn and Pearl, (which were sail'd before in January last for Barbadoes) and that our People were

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gone on board of them, and bound for the West-Indies.

Here is a very good Bay for Ships to ride in, with the Wind from the E. S. E. to the Northward and Westward back to the S. W. and Wind to the Southward, which blows in, and makes a very great Sea. At the East Side coming in, standeth Point de Gloria, where is a very large Fortification with a Tower in the mid'st; from this Point the Land rises gradually; about a League from hence is the City of Bahia; it is surrounded with Fortifications and equally capable of defending it against any Attempts from the Sea or Land.

Provisions here of all kinds are excessive dear, especially Fish, this we impute to the great Number of Whales that come into this Bay, even where the Ships lye at Anchor; the Whale Boats go off and kill sometimes seven or eight Whales in a Day. The Flesh of which is cut-up in small Pieces, then brought to the Market Place, and sold at the Rate of a Vintin per Pound; it looks very much like coarse Beef, but inferior to it in Taste. The Whales here are not at all equal in Size to the Whales in Greenland, being not larger than the Grampus.

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After living here above four Months without any Relief from the Governor or the Inhabitants, who behaved to us as if they were under a Combination to starve us, we embark'd on Board the St. Tubes with our good Friend the Captain who brought us from Rio Janeiro; we sail'd from Bahia the 11th of September for Lisbon, in Company with one of the King of Portugal's Ships of War, and two East-India Ships; but the St. Tubas not being able to sail so well as the other Ships, lost sight of them the first Night. About 70 Leagues from the Westward of Madeira, we bent a new Foresail; within two or three Days afterwards, we had a very hard Gale of Wind, scudding under the Foresail, and no Danger happening to the Ship during this Gale. When the Wind had ceas'd, and we had fair Weather, the Captain, after the Evening Mass, made an Oration to the People, telling them that their Deliverance from Danger in the last Gale of Wind, and that the Ship though leaky making no more Water than before, was owing to their Prayers to Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua and her Intercession. That in Gratitude they ought to make an Acknowledgment to that Saint for standing their Friend

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in time of Need. That he himself would shew an Example by giving the new Foresail, which was bent to the Yard, to the Saint their Deliverer; accordingly one of the Seamen went forward and mark'd out these Words on the Sail, Deal esta Trinckado pour nostra Senhora Boa mortua (which is as much as to say) I give this Foresail to our Saint the Deliverer from Death. The Sail and Money collected on this Occasion amounted to upwards of twenty Moydores.

On Monday the 23d of November, in the Latitude 39: 17: North, and Longitude 6: 00 W. that Day at Noon the Rock of Lisbon bearing S. by W. distant sixteen Leagues; we steer'd E. S. E to make the Rock before Night. At Four o'Clock it blew a very hard Gale, and right on the Shore; the Ship lay to under a Foresail with her Head to the Southward; at Six it blew a Storm, the Foresail splitting, oblig'd us to keep her before the Wind, which was running her right on the Shore. The Ship was now given over for lost, the People all fell to Prayers, and cry'd out to their Saints for Deliverance, offering all they had in the World for their Lives; and yet at the same time neglected all Means to save themselves;

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they left off pumping the Ship, though she was exceeding leaky. This Sort of Proceeding in time of Extremity is a thing unknown to our English Seamen; in those Emergencies all Hands are employ'd for the Preservation of the Ship and People, and, if any of them fal1 upon their Knees, 'tis after the Danger is over. The Carpenter and myself could by no Means relish this Behaviour, we begg'd the People for God's sake to go to the Pumps, telling them we had a Chance to save our Lives, while we kept the Ship above Water, that we ought not to suffer the Ship to sink, while we could keep her free. The Captain and Officers hearing us pressing them so earnestly, left off Prayers, and intreated the Men to keep the Pumps going, accordingly we went to pumping, and preserv'd ourselves and the Ship: In half an Hour afterwards the Wind shifted to the W. N. W. then the Ship lay South, which would clear the Course along Shore had the Wind not shifted; we must in an Hour's time have run the Ship a-shore. This Deliverance, as well as the former, was owing to the Intercession of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua: On this Occasion they collected Fifty Moydores more, and made this pious Resolution, that, when

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the Ship arriv'd safe at Lisbon, the Foresail, which was split in the last Gale of Wind, should be carried in Procession to the Church of this grand Saint, and the Captain should there make an Offering equal in Value to the Foresail, which was reckon'd worth eighteen Moydores.

On Saturday the 28th of November, we arrived at Lisbon; and on the next Morning every Person who came in the Ship, (excepting the Carpenter, myself, and the Cooper) Officers, Passengers, the Spanish Don himself, and all the People, Men and Boys, walk'd bare-footed, with the Fore-sail in Procession, to the Church of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua; the Weather at that Time being very cold, and the Church a good Mile distant from the Landing-place. We Englishmen, when we came ashore, went immediately on the Change. I was pretty well known to some Gentlemen of the English Factory. When I inform'd them that we were three of the unfortunate People that were cast away in the Wager, and that we came here in one of the Brazil Ships, and wanted to embrace the first Opportunity of going for England; they told me, that the Lieutenant had been before us; that he was gone home in the Packet-Boat,

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and left us a very indifferent Character. I answer'd, I believ'd the Lieutenant could give but a very bad Account of himself, having kept no Journal, nor made any Remarks since the Loss of the Ship, nor perhaps before; that we doubted not but to acquit ourselves of any false Accusations, having with us a Journal, which gave an impartial Relation of all our Proceedings. The Journal was read by several Gentlemen of the Factory, who treated us, during our Stay at Lisbon, with exceeding Kindness and Benevolence.

On the 20th of December, we embark'd on Board his Majesty's Ship the Stirling-Castle for England: Here we had again the Happiness of experiencing, the Difference between a British and a Foreign Ship, particularly in Regard to Cleanliness, Accommodation, Diet, and Discipline. We met with nothing material in our Passage, and arrived at Spithead on the 1st of January, 1742–3. Here we thought of nothing but going ashore immediately to our Families; but were told by the Captain, we must not stir out of the Ship till he knew the Pleasure of the L——S of the A——y, having already wrote to them concerning us. This was a very great Affliction to us; and the more so, because

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we thought our Troubles at an End. The Carpenter and myself were in View of our Habitations; our Families had long given us over for lost; and, on the News of our Safety, our Relatives look'd upon us as Sons, Husbands, and Fathers, restor'd to them in a miraculous Manner. Our being detain'd on Board gave them great Anxiety; we endeavour'd to console'em as well as we could; being assured, that we had done nothing to offend their L——S; that, if Things were not carried on with that Order and Regularity which is strictly observ'd in the Navy, Necessity drove us out of the common Road. Our Case was singular: Since the Loss of the Ship, our chiefest Concern was for the Preservation of our Lives and Liberties; to accomplish which, we acted according to the Dictates of Nature, and the best of our Understanding. In a Fortnight's Time, their L——ps order'd us at Liberty, and we instantly went ashore to our respective Habitations, having been absent from thence about two Years and six Months.

After we had staid a few Days with our Families, we came to London, to pay our Duties to the L——ds of the A——y. We sent in our Journal for their L——ps Inspec-

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tion: They had before received a Narrative from the L——t; which Narrative he confesses to be a Relation of such Things as occur'd to his Memory; therefore of Consequence could not be so satisfactory as a Journal regularly kept. This Journal lay for some Time in the A—y-O—e; when we were order'd to make an Abstract by way of Narrative, that it might not be too tedious for their L——ps Perusal. After the Narrative was examined into, their L——ps, upon our Petition, were pleas'd to fix a Day for examining all the Officers lately belonging to the Wager. The Gentlemen, appointed to make Enquiry into the whole Affair, were three Commanders of Ships, Persons of distinguish'd Merit and Honour. However, it was afterwards thought proper not to admit us to any Examination, till the Arrival of the Commodore, or else Capt. Cheap. And it was also resolved, that not a Person of us should receive any Wages, or be employ'd in his Majesty's Service, till every Thing relating to the Wager was more plain and conspicuous. There was no Favour shown in this Case to one more than another; so that every body seem'd easy with their L——ps Resolution. All that we have to wish for

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now is the safe Arrival of the Commodore and Captain Cheap: We are in Expectation of soon seeing the former; but of the Captain we have as yet no Account. However, we hope, when the Commodore shall arrive, that the Character he will give of us will be of Service to us: He was very well acquainted with the Behaviour of every Officer in his Squadron, and will certainly give an Account of them accordingly.

FINIS.