Cruising Voyage Around the World — At Guiaquil Part 1

Tho.

Dover, _Presid.

_ Stephen Courtney.

Woodes Rogers, _April 13. _ We appointed an Officer to every ten Men, to prevent Disorders, and stragling ashore.

The Committee having agreed on our Method of Command, left it to us jointly and vigorously to attack the Enemy ashore; we knew that Misfortunes attend Sailors when out of their Element: and hearing that they began to murmur about the Encouragement they were to expect for Landing, which they alledg’d was a risque more than they were ship’d for; to prevent their Desertion, which we had reason to apprehend, since they were a mix’d Gang of most _European_ Nations, we the Commanders agreed on the most plausible Methods we could then think of, to form a good Discipline among ’em, if possible, and to give ’em all needful Encouragement, that we might depend on their good Order and Bravery; and therefore came to the following Resolves.

_Whereas as it is agreed to land and take the Town of_ Guiaquil, _we fully resolve to do it with all manner of Privacy and Dispatch; and that we our selves and our Men may have full Encouragement to attempt it bravely and cheerfully, we publish this following Order.

_ Imprim.

_All manner of Bedding and Clothes without stripping, all manner of Necessaries, Gold Rings, Buckles, Buttons, Liquors, and Provisions for our own expending and use, with all sorts of Arms and Ammunition, except great Guns for Ships, is Plunder, and shall be divided equally amongst the Men of each Ship, with their Prizes, wither aboard or ashore, according to the whole Shares.

_ [Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil.

_] 2. _It is also agreed, that any sort of wrought Silver or Gold Crucifixes, Gold and Silver Watches, or any other Movables found about the Prisoners, or wearing Apparel of any kind, shall likewise be Plunder: Provided always we make this Reserve, that Mony and Womens Ear-Rings, with loose Diamonds, Pearls, and precious Stones be excepted.

And if any thing is short and omitted in this Publication, we do hereby declare, that when this Expedition is over, every particular Man shall have a Hearing; or the Persons already appointed for the Company of both Ships, may come to us, and insist on what is or ought to be deem’d Plunder, either more or less than what is here inserted; and that a general Committee of the Officers of both Ships shall immediately meet, and at once resolve if any mors is or ought to be Plunder.

And that we shall give all manner of Encouragement, without Fraud to the Owners, or Prejudice to our selves, Officers, and Men, in the same manner as agreed on at the Island of_ St. Vincent _on this head: Provided always that our Intent and Meaning for the Mens Encouragement be not made liable to a Construction prejudicial to the Owners, or Ships Companies Interest; and that under pretence of the aforesaid Movables allow’d to be Plunder, no Person whatsoever do seize on, or clandestinely hide any wrought or unwrought Gold or Silver, Pearls, Jewels, Diamonds, and other precious Stones, which are not found about the Prisoners, or their wearing Apparel; which shall be accounted a high Misdemeanour, and punish’d severely: And that no Person do presume to keep any Plunder, but immediately deliver it to his Officers publickly, and carry it directly to the Place appointed for Plunder.

_ _In case this or any other Town, Fort, Ships, or the like, be taken in this Expedition by Storm, then the same Encouragement shall be allow’d each Man, as agreed on at_ St. Vincent, _over and above the Gratuity promis’d by the Owners, to such as shall signalize themselves in time of Action, as by their Instrument appears.

But if any Party of ours, or the whole, or any separate Body shall be engag’d with the Enemy on shore, and become Victors, then all Prisoners, the Mony, Arms, and Movables about ’em, are immediately on that place to be brought to the Officer or Officers of that Body or Party, and put into a general Stock, to be divided proportionately amongst those only of our Men that were engag’d in that Action, who are to enjoy the whole Reputation and Right of it to themselves.

_ _And tho there had been nothing yet taken worth a Division of Plunder, we don’t question but the effecting this good Enterprize will equally encourage us all, and that we shall gladly and expeditiously get the Wealth of the Town brought to the places appointed on shore.

There shall at the same time be several Places appointed, and Men to receive Plunder, and a sufficient time before we leave the Town allow’d to ship it off by it self, and Men appointed to take care and an account of it;

which, with all other Plunder, shall be enter’d in publick Books: and when we come on board, we hope and design to divide it equally, to the Satisfaction of all concern’d. _ _And to prevent all manner of pernicious and mischievous Ill-Conduct that may accrue by Disorders on shore, we pressingly remind you, that any Officer or other that shall be so brutish as to be drunk ashore in an Enemy’s Country, shall not only be severely punish’d, but lose all share of whatsoever is taken in this Expedition.

The same Punishment shall be inflicted on any that disobeys Command, or runs from his Post, discourages our Men, or is cowardly in any Action, or presumes to burn or destroy any thing in the Town without our Order, or for mischief sake; or that shall be so sneakingly barbarous to debauch themselves with any Prisoners on shore, where we have more generous things to do, both for our own Benefit and the future Reputation of our selves and our Country.

We shall always take care to keep Prisoners of the best Note, as Pledged for our Men that may be accidentally missing: for as soon as any Man is wanting, we shall engage the_ Spaniards _to bring him to us, or give a satisfactory account of him.

But we desire no Man to trust to this, or be a moment from his Officers and Post.

And if all the foregoing Rules be strictly follow’d, we hope to exceed all other Attempts of this nature before us in these Parts; and not only to enrich and oblige our selves and Friends, but even to gain Reputation from our Enemies.

Dated and sign’d on board the_ Duke, _the_ 13_th of_ April, 1709. Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ Stephen Courtney.

Woode Rogers.

_April 14. _ This Morning we got all our Arms, Ammunition, and Provisions, with part of our Men, _&c. _ aboard.

Our Bark being the largest, we took in part of Capt. _Courtney’s_ Men; and his Bark carrying the rest, we stood into the great Bay of _Guiaquil_ all night, designing to leave the Ships a good distance at Sea, for fear of being discover’d from the Town call’d _Tombes_, which lying on the Starboard side going in, would ruin our Design.

Wind at South, but very little.

Lat.

4. 23. 85. 42. [Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil.

_] _April 15. _ At Break of Day we saw a Ship between us and the Land: being calm, we sent off both our Pinnaces mann’d and arm’d. But our Men expecting no Resistance from that Ship, they hurry’d from us, left out their Swivel-Gun, and carry’d but a slender Stock of Arms with them.

My Brother _John Rogers_ being unfortunately aboard our Ship, to assist me in getting ready, because he was to be Lieutenant of my Company ashore, he stept into our Boat.

I had before this oppos’d his landing, which he resented as a Slight; and this hinder’d me stopping him now, tho it was not his business, he being second Lieutenant of our Consort, and we having Officers enough of our own for that Service: but Mr. _Frye_, who commanded the Boat, being related to us, was the occasion of my Brother’s Willingness to go as a Volunteer with him.

The _Dutchess’s_ Pinnace was worse provided than ours, and had not Arms enough for their Men, as Capt. _Cooke_ told me afterwards.

About nine a clock our Boat came within shot of the Ship, which prov’d to be the _French_-built Ship belonging to _Lima_, the same we have been a cruising for.

They hoisted their _Spanish_ Ensign in its place, and a Flag at their Top-Mast-Head;

which our Boats took to be the Bishop’s Banner, because it was broad, made of white Sattin and fring’d, which was unusual Colours in Ships.

They fir’d a Gun at our Boat, which lay still above half an hour before the _Dutchess_ Pinnace came up, she not rowing so well as ours.

When they came up, Capt. _Cooke_, Mr. _Frye_, and my Brother consulted how to begin the Attack with advantage: They agreed that our Boat should ply her under the Stern, and the other on the Bow, till they could get near enough to board at once.

But when they came up, the _Spaniards_ brought a Gun right aft, and upwards of twenty small Arms pointed into the Boats; so that the Fight began before they could reach the Station agreed on, and both were forc’d to engage the Enemy abaft, where they had five Guns mounted.

Our People were constrain’d to fall a-stern twice, after the loss of one Man kill’d and three wounded.

The Boats and Sails were much damag’d by the Enemies Partridge-shot,[128] yet they again attempted to come up and board her.

At this Attack my unfortunate Brother was shot thro the Head, and instantly died, to my unspeakable Sorrow: but as I began this Voyage with a Resolution to go thro it, and the greatest Misfortune or Obstacle shall not deter me, I’ll as much as possible avoid being thoughtful and afflicting my self for what can’t be recall’d, but indefatigably pursue the Concerns of the Voyage, which has hitherto allow’d little Respite.

Our Men, upon this Disaster, left engaging, and put all their spare Men and Arms into the _Dutchess_’s Boat; who was to keep between the Enemy and the Shore, to prevent them from landing their Riches.

Our Ships having little Wind, were yet at a distance; and our Boat came aboard after noon, with two dead and three wounded Men.

_April 16. _ We got possession of the _Spanish_ Ship about two yesterday in the afternoon.

She had upwards of 50 _Spaniards_ and above 100 Negroes, _Indians_, and Molattoes on board.

They would not strike till within half-shot of our Ships: The _Dutchess_ being somewhat nearest, fir’d two Shot over her, and then she struck, and bore down to us.

But we miss’d the Bishop, who ten days before landed at Point _St.

Hellena_, with his Attendants, Plate, _&c. _ designing to stop at _Guiaquil_.

This Morning we saw a small Sail under the shore; we sent our Pinnace and the _Beginning_, who brought her off to us: she prov’d a small Bark from _Payta_ with Soap, Cassa, Fistula, and Leather.

About twelve we read the Prayers for the Dead, and threw my dear Brother overboard, with one of our Sailors, another lying dangerously ill.

We hoisted our Colours but half-mast up: We began first, and the rest follow’d, firing each some Volleys of small Arms.

All our Officers express’d a great Concern for the Loss of my Brother, he being a very hopeful active young Man, a little above twenty Years of Age.

_April 17. _ We made ready to go ashore, and read the Encouragement agreed on the 13_th_ to the Men, who all express themselves well pleas’d with the Undertaking, and were so forward to land, that they make all the Interest possible to go ashore; not considering that we must secure a safe Retreat, by leaving a sufficient number on board our Ships to man ’em and guard our Prisoners: but it was a proof of their Courage, since the Advantage was alike, either to stay on board or go ashore.

To prevent their stragling when landed, we gave each Man a Ticket, that he might remember what Company he belong’d to; and appointed the best and soberest Man we could pick to command every ten Men under the Captains.

Capt. _Courtney_ and I being willing to compliment our President Capt. _Dover_, agreed that he should have the Preference in Command at our Landing: being a considerable Owner in our Ship, he had an equal third part of the Men allotted to be under his Command whilst ashore; we were afterwards to take it in turns.

[Sidenote: _The Isle of Puna.

_] _April 18. _ Yesterday Afternoon Capt. _Courtney_ and I settl’d every thing on board our Ships and Prizes, and got all the Men design’d for Landing on board the Barks.

We proportion’d the rest, and put Irons on board every Ship, because having many more Prisoners than we could leave Men to guard ’em, we must have ’em well secur’d. We agreed to leave on board the _Duke_ 42 Men and Boys, sick and well, _Robert Fry_ Commander;

37 aboard the _Dutchess_, _Edward Cook_ Commander; 14 aboard the Galleon, _John Bridge_ Master; 14 aboard the _Havre de Grace_, _Robert Knowlman_ Master; and 4 aboard the _Beginning_, _Henry Duck_ Master: The whole being 111, and 201 were design’d for the Shore.

The Prisoners on board are above 300, more than one half _Spaniards_ and _Indians_, the rest _Negroes_.

The Captain and 7 of the chief _Spaniards_ taken in the last Prize I carried aboard our Bark to go with us to the Town, fearing they might be dangerous Persons to leave behind us.

Last Midnight we left the Ships, every thing being in good order aboard both Imbarkations.

We were, when we parted, about 9 Leagues distant from the Island _Sancta Clara_, and not less than 36 from _Guiaquil_.

We order’d Capt. _Cook_ and _Fry_ to keep at Sea undiscover’d 48 Hours, and then to make the best of their way to Point _Arena_, and stay there at an Anchor till our Return, having engag’d Sen. _Morell_ and another _Spaniard_ to be their Pilots.

About 12 this Day we pass’d by the Island _Sancta Clara_, having little Wind, and the Weather very hot.

This Island appears like a Corps extended, therefore the _Spaniards_ call it _Mortho_; it’s not above two Miles long: We left it on the Starboard-side, which is not the Ships Channel; for none enter that way but Barks, by reason of Shoals both on the Island and towards the Main, within it, to the Northward.

About 10 last Night we came to an Anchor in sight of Point _Arena_ with both Barks, not being able to stem the Tide.

At 4 in the Morning we weigh’d, when Capt. _Courtney_ and I, with our Boats and 40 Men, left the Barks, and order’d ’em to lie at _Puna_ one Tide after us, that we might have time to surprize _Guiaquil_ before they should appear in sight of it to alarm them; for we had notice, that they keep a Look-out a League below the Town.

We reach’d about half way to _Puna_, and landed on the Island, where we staid during the Ebb Tide, and hid our Boats under the Mangrove Branches.

This Island is not passable, being full of thick Mangroves and Swamps, that swarm with Musketo’s. _April 20. _ Yesterday in the Evening we rowed and towed one another with the Flood, that if seen in the Night, we might look like Drift Timber.

We had an excellent _Indian_ Pilot, that advis’d us to come to a Graplin[129] about 11 at Night, to lie in our Boats about a Mile short of the Town, and to surprize ’em by Break of Day.

We took his Advice, but just as we got in by the Town, saw two Lights by the Water-side in Bark Logs, which we secured with all the Canoes; but an _Indian_ escaping, he alarm’d the People about the Church, who ran into the Woods before we could reach the Houses: However we secur’d the Lieutenant that governs here, with his Family, and about 20 others, who assur’d us there could be no body to give notice of us to _Guiaquil_, now we had secur’d them, and the rest being fled to the Woods.

We sent some of our Men, who took the Look-outs at their Posts, and cut all their Canoes and Bark-Logs to pieces there, and also at the Town.

, The Day was hot, and two of our Men finding Liquors in the Houses, got drunk betimes.

This Place has about 30 Houses, and a small Chappel.

We found a _Spanish_ Paper here, that gave us some Uneasiness; it was directed to the Lieutenant who had the chief Command here, and orderd him to keep a strict Watch, signifying that they had notice of Capt. _Dampier’s_ coming Pilot to a Squadron into these Seas.

The Copy of this Paper was sent from _Lima_ to all inhabited Places on the Coast of _Peru_, signifying, that the _French_ were on the first notice to fit out after us; and the Bark that came from _Paita_ told us of two great Ships that lay in _Callo_ Road, and one at _Pisco_, besides two in _Conception_, a Port of _Chili_; being all _French_ Frigats from 40 to 50 Guns and upwards, notwithstanding the Report of their not coming into these Seas any more.

But to our great Satisfaction we are certain, that we were not discover’d before this, and that it’s next to impossible any sufficient Force can arm out from _Lima_, to be here in less than 24 Days, by which time we hope to finish, and be gone where they cannot find us.

But since we perceive their Accounts of us imperfect, and that they believe a Squadron comes under Capt. _Dampier’s_ Pilotage, and he being known by the People, because he surprized this Village when last in these Seas;

we agreed amongst our selves how to improve this _Spanish_ Story of a Squadron, which I hope will not only hinder their fitting out from _Lima_, but even alarm them there.

The Substance of this _Spanish_ Advice Paper, in _English_, is as follows.

_To the Lieutenant General_ Don Hieronimo Boza y Soliz, _Corregidore and Judge of the City of_ St. Jago de Guiaquil, _under the Jurisdiction of the Captain General for his Majesty.

_ “I Have a Letter I received from his Excellency the Lord Marquis _de Castel dos Reys_, Viceroy, Governour, and Captain General of these Kingdoms, with the Copy of another of the tenor following.

[Sidenote: _Before Guiaquil.

_] “In the Packet with Letters from _Spain_, which I have received, there are Orders from his Majesty, giving an account of a Squadron of 7 Sail, getting ready at _London_ by several Lords, from 44 to 74 Guns each, to sail to the _South Sea_, under the Conduct of an _English_-man nam’d _Dampier_: That they are first to sail for _Ireland_ in _April_ to victual there, and afterwards to possess themselves of an Island and Harbour in these Seas, and particularly the Island of _Juan Fernandez_.

You are to give an account to all those Provinces where ’tis necessary, that they may take proper Measures to guard the Coasts and Harbors.

Order _Don Hieronimo_, as soon as he receives this, to give notice of it to the People on all the Coasts under his Jurisdiction to withdraw their Cattle and Provisions, and that he don’t neglect to put this in execution; that so the Enemies finding no Provision, may be oblig’d to retire from these Seas, whither they can’t bring Provision enough to maintain them for so long a Voyage.

And let the said _Don Hieronimo_ place Guards on all the Coasts, and in all the Sea-ports where ’tis necessary, with Orders to be vigilant, and carefully to observe every Sail that comes into any Port, and give an account of their Numbers with the utmost dispatch to _Don Hieronimo_ the Corregidore, that he may send the same from one Corregidore to another till it come to the Viceroy’s hands, without fail, all along the Coasts belonging to _Don Hieronimo_, and particularly that those he has given Orders to, do immediately dispatch ’em for the King’s Service.

This I trust he will do to all that can give notice of the Enemies Motions, that it may be impossible for ’em to get Provisions on the Coast, when ’tis well guarded, or in the Villages of his Jurisdiction; and I trust to his Activity and Zeal for the Royal Service in a Matter of such weight and consequence; and that he also give notice if there be on the Coasts or Ports in his Jurisdiction any _French_ Ships, as we hear there is in these Seas, and give ’em warning of the Enemy’s Squadron, take a Certificate that he gave ’em such notice, and send it to me, that they mayn’t pretend to have been surpriz’d, if the Enemy get any advantage of ’em.

God preserve _Don Hieronimo_, &c. _Lima_, March _El.

Marq.

de Castel de los Reyos.

_ 20, 1709. _Don.

Hieronimo Boza de Solis_, &c. “The like Orders are sent to the Lieutenant General, and the other Officers belonging to the Sea Coast, and the Lieutenant of _Puna_, _&c. _” _April 21. _ At 2 Yesterday Afternoon I left Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dampier_ at _Puna_, and went in quest of the Barks, admiring they did not come in sight, they being now a Tide and half behind.

I carried with me the Lieutenant of _Puna_, and went with the great Launch and our Pinnace, designing to join Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dampier_ again, who are to lie all Night in the River, to prevent being discover’d by any Advice going up before us to _Guiaquil_.

I found the Barks about 4 a Clock 4 Leagues below _Puna_: They had been with us according to Appointment, but last Night were misinform’d by the Pilot aboard the _Dutchess’s_ Bark, who brought ’em to anchor with a fair Wind below that Place, thinking they had got the Length of it; our Bark’s Pilot (who was the best) being with us in the Boats.

We got other Pilots at _Puna_, and left him aboard the Bark, where I punish’d one that I brought aboard drunk from _Puna_, and had him severely whipt before the whole Company as a Terror to the rest.

I was not aboard above half an hour before low Water, and had just time to imbark Capt. _Dover_ and part of his Company in the Launch, and as many more as we could carry in our Pinnace to get before the Barks up the River.

We rowed till 12 at Night, judg’d it High Water, and came to a Graplin: We saw Lights, which we took to be _Puna_.

It blow’d fresh, was very dark, with a small rolling Sea, and the Boat being deep laden and cram’d with Men, I had rather be in a Storm at Sea than here; but in regard we are about a charming Undertaking, we think no Fatigue too hard.

At Daybreak we saw a Bark above us in the River; we thought it to be a Stranger, and sent our Pinnace to her: I was in the Launch behind a Shole, which we were forc’d to go round to get into the Channel where the Bark was.

By 8 a Clock I was aboard her, and found it to be our Bark, which the honest Pilot had brought so high the last Tide.

We have no sight of the _Dutchess_’s Bark since we left her last Night.

About 10 we came up with Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dampier_, who told us they had kept a good Look-out, and that nothing had pass’d them up the River.

About Noon it was High-water; we lay with the Boats under the Mangroves all the Ebb, and the Bark off in the River.

We were now about half way up to _Guiaquil_ from _Puna_, and might have gone farther, but that there was a Plantation or Farm a little higher, which would have discover’d us, and alarm’d the Town, should we have gone higher before Night.

[Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] [Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] _April 22. _ It was very hot Yesterday, and we were pester’d and stung grievously by the Muskitoes, as we lay under the Mangroves.

At 6 in the Evening the Bark and Boats made way up the River.

By 12 at Night we were in sight of the Town with all the Boats, in which we had 110 Men.

We saw a very great Fire on the top of an adjoining Hill, and Lights in the Town.

In half an hour we were a-breast of it, and ready to land, but saw abundance of Lights appear at once coming down the Hill, and the Town full of ’em.

We enquir’d of the _Indians_, our Pilots, whether it was any Saint’s Day, or what might be the Occasion of it, and they answer’d us, that it must be an Alarm.

It was very dark whilst we lay still driving on the River, being just High-water, we heard a _Spaniard_ from the Shore, talking loudly that _Puna_ was taken, and that the Enemy were coming up the River.

This made us conclude it was an Alarm.

Immediately after we heard their Bells making a confused Noise, and then a Volly of Small Arms, and two Great Guns.

Above an Hour was spent in Debate betwixt Capt. _Dover_, Capt. _Courtney_, and my self, whether we should land.

I asked the Consent of the Lieutenants in all the Boats about Landing, telling ’em I suppos’d this to be the first Alarm, and that we had best land during their Consternation; but they differ’d in opinion, and few were for landing in the Night.

I asked Capt. _Dampier_ how the Buccaneers behav’d themselves in such Cases, and he told me they never attack’d any large Place after it was alarm’d. It drew near two in the Morning, and the Ebb run so strong, that the great Boat and Yall could not row up to Land; so that it being too late to attempt the Town, I advised to fall down the River out of sight of it, to meet our Barks, and land with the Morning Flood.

Upon this all our Boats drove down with the Ebb about a League below the Town, where we lay till Daybreak, and saw our Bark, Mr. _Glendall_ Commander, brought by the honest _Indian_ Pilot a Mile above us, for we had passed by him in the Night: We rowed back to him, and recruited our Men as well as we could.

We found the Water fresh there, and drank of it, tho’ yesterday it was a little brackish.

The Bark lay against a Wood of tall Trees close by the Shore, and we kept a File of Musketeers with their Arms pointing into the Wood, with Orders to fire if they saw any Men; and we kept firing a Musket now and then into the Woods, to prevent Ambuscades.

About 3 our Yall and Launch came aboard, for they could not row back with us to the Bark, till the Tide slacken’d, and the Flood was coming.

At 10 we saw the _Dutchess_’s Bark come in sight; immediately I order’d the Anchor to be got up to fall on the Town, which was about two Miles from us; but Capt. _Dover_ oppos’d it, press’d that we might have a Consultation with as many of the Officers as were present, and to lie in the Boat astern of the Bark, that what was debated might not be overheard by the rest of our Company.

We immediately assembled there accordingly, and Capt. _Dover_ insisted on the Difficulty of attempting the Enemy now they had been so long alarm’d; alledging we should but throw away our own and our Mens Lives, or else weaken our selves so much, as might occasion the Loss of the remaining part of the Voyage, that chiefly brought us from _England_, and was our greatest Dependance: That the Town appeared large, and consequently was much more able to hold out than we to attack it; and tho’ the _Spaniards_ in these Parts had no extraordinary fighting Character, yet if they armed the Mullatto’s, as they generally did on the like Occasions, we might find the Attempt very desperate, with other Objections not fit to recite here.

He concluded, that our best Method would be to send a Trumpeter with Proposals to the Enemy to trade with us for the Cargoes of Negroes and other Goods aboard our Prizes, that an immediate Meeting should be appointed, the Prices for the Negro’s and Goods fix’d, and good Hostages given us for the Performance within a limited Time, and if they agreed to this, that we would not land.

This Proposal I withstood by the best Arguments I could, and urged our landing immediately, least the Enemy gaining Time by our Delays, might send off their Wealth, and get leisure to strengthen themselves, so as to bid us defiance.

This being put to the Vote, the Majority was for landing, and as an Obligation on Capt. _Dover_, who was a part Owner in our Ships, we agreed he should lead on the Attack as he requested, and if he took the Town, he should give the Watchword that Night, and Capt. _Courtney_ and I to take it in turns after him: But this Resolution did not hold; for Capt. _Dover_ reflected on me, and said I should be answerable for all the Damage that might happen to us on our Landing.

By these Reflections, and some other Peoples Indifferency, I had reason to doubt the Consequence of attempting the Enemy with Success, since we were so divided amongst our selves;

therefore at length I yielded to send two of our Prisoners, instead of a Trumpeter, as Capt. _Dover_ first propos’d, with the foregoing Proposals.

The other Prisoners in our Bark oblig’d themselves for the Return of these two in less than an Hour; and this Method every one seem’d to be pleas’d with; so we put the Captain of the _French_-built Ship, and the Lieutenant of _Puna_ ashore in our Boat, and charged them to return from the Shore in less than an Hour, otherwise we would land.

In the mean while we ran up with the other Bark, and lay against the Middle of the Town at an Anchor.

As we sail’d up we saw 4 Barks put off from the Town to go higher up the River, and just as the limited Hour was past, we sent our Boats well mann’d and arm’d after them, who soon took and brought ’em to us.

Mean while our Prisoners returned in a Boat from the Town, with the _Spanish_ Master le Camp, who discoursed with us, and told us, that at his Return ashore the Corregidore or Governour, with another Gentleman, would come off and treat with us.

We soon put him ashore again, and quickly after came off the Corregidore with another Gentleman.

Capt. _Dover_ and I met them in our Boat, with a Linguist, and carried them aboard one of the Barks that our Boats had taken as they endeavour’d to escape up the River.

[Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] _April 23. _ We did nothing yesterday in the Afternoon, but secure the Barks, and treat with the Governour.

Several of our Prisoners told us they did not doubt to find Credit here, and that they would also deal with us; so that we were in hopes of more Profit by selling our Cargo’s and Negro’s than if we had ransack’d the Town.

The Corregidore and we had verbally agreed for the Goods by the Lump, at 140 Pieces of Eight _per_ Bale, one sort with another, and talked of the Price for other things.

We parted about Five in the Afternoon, he having desir’d to go ashore, that he might prevail with the other Gentlemen to agree with him, and promis’d to meet us three Commanders on board one of our Prizes at 8 in the Evening.

We order’d our Linguist to get Candles lighted, and the best Entertainment we could provide for them; but the Time being elapsed, and they not appearing, it gave us great reason to suspect we were trick’d; therefore we sent our Boats again above the Town, and alarm’d them afresh in the Night.

Our Centinels hail’d a Boat after Midnight, that came aboard us with a Gentleman, who told us he was sent from the Corregidore with a Present of 2 Bags of Flower, 2 Sheep and 2 Hogs ready kill’d, 2 Jars of Wine and 2 of Brandy; and to assure us the Governour had been with us according to Appointment, but that one of the chief Merchants concern’d was absent; yet he would come off in the Morning by 7 a Clock, on board one of the new Ships next the Shore, where he desir’d us to meet him, and requested us to believe he was a Man of Honour; for tho’ he had been considerably reinforced since he left us, and that more Men were continually coming into the Town, he resolved to discharge yesterday’s Promise, and therefore hoped we would forbear offering any Hostilities above the Town, because the Women and Children were there in Sanctuary, with little or no Wealth to prompt us to plunder them.

We the 3 Commanders return’d our humble Service to the Corregidore, and our kind Thanks for his Present, being sorry we had nothing to oblige him with by way of Return; but desir’d he might be told from us, that we all admir’d at his not keeping his Word according to Appointment, and still depended that he would convince us he was a Man of Honour, by meeting us at 7 in the Morning where we agreed last Night, otherwise our Treaty was at an end.

We were all uneasy till 7 in the Morning, when we saw a Flag of Truce aboard the new Ship, and supposing the Governour to be there, we mann’d our Pinnace, and sent our Linguist to give our Promise, that if the Corregidore came aboard the Bark our Prize, he should be at liberty to return.

Upon this he with three more came aboard, and we order’d our 2 Frigats Barks to go close under the Shore next the best Part of the Town, and that every thing should be kept in readiness for Landing, lest we should not agree with these Gentlemen.

Nothing else was transacted this Morning, but our Conference with these Men: Our first Proposals were 50000 Pieces of Eight Contribution for the Town, and we would deliver them their 2 new Ships that lay near the Shore, and 6 Barks, provided they would oblige themselves to buy our two Prizes Cargoes of Goods and Negroes, and gave us sufficient Hostages for Payment within 9 Days.

The latter they gave us some Hopes of complying with, if we would take their Words and two Hostages, which we thought too little; for tho’ they came to our Price for the Goods, they would not give near that Sum for the Town and Ships, alledging they were not yet in our Power, and consequently not liable to so large Contributions; adding, that they had Men and Arms sufficient in the Town, and Ships to protect them.

We all concluded by their dilatory Treaty, that they only design’d to trick us, and gain Time; upon which we gave ’em this Answer: That the Ships we could have in a Minute, or set them on fire; that we did not fear taking the Town at pleasure; that we look’d upon it as much our own, as if it was in our Possession, and must have the Money or good Hostages; otherwise before Night we would set it on fire.

By Noon the Corregidore and the other Gentlemen agreed with us to buy both Cargoes, and to give Hostages for 40000 Pieces of Eight for the Town, 2 new Ships, and 6 Barks: But neither of us were to sign this Agreement till it was confirm’d by the chief Men of the Town ashore, which the Corregidore was to procure in an hours time.

_April 24. _ About One Yesterday Afternoon the Governour was put ashore in my Pinnace: Some insisted on our stopping him, because not long before an _Indian_ came in a Canoe from the Master le Camp, and the other Officers ashore, to know whether the Governour had agreed.

Because our Barks lay near the Shore the _Spaniards_ kept to Arms, expecting we might fall on them suddenly; and said they wanted nothing but him, and if he could not come, his Orders when to begin the Fight with us, if we did not agree.

This Message was deliver’d in our Hearing, and occasion’d Disputes among us about keeping him Prisoner; those who were for it urg’d, that if he went ashore the Enemy would certainly fight us, and that as he had broke with us last Night, we might break with him now;

but I was utterly against it, since we had given him our Word of Honour to the contrary; and at last we agreed, and sent him ashore.

The three Gentlemen staid with us as Hostages, upon request of the Corregidore, neither they nor we doubting but the Agreement would be ratified ashore.

The Time allotted for Answer being past, a Messenger from the Town came to inform us, they could raise but 30000 Pieces of Eight, and not a word of the Trade; so we sent our Linguist and a Prisoner with our final Answer, that if they did not in half an hour send us three more good Hostages for the 40000 Pieces of Eight agreed on, we would take down our Flag of Truce, land, and give no Quarter, and fire the Town and Ships.

In the mean time we saw the _Spaniards_ quit the new Ships, and we took possession of them; our Messenger returned, and in half an hour 3 Men more from the Town came to the Bank against our Barks, holding out a white Handkerchief to parley again: They told us their Resolution was to give us 32000 Pieces of Eight, and no more; so we order’d our Linguist to tell ’em we had done treating, and bid the _Spaniards_ ashore retire forthwith, and keep out of shot of us, if they design’d to save their Lives.

We all at once hal’d down our White Flag of Truce, and let fly our _English_ and Field Colours.

I order’d 2 of our Guns of about 600 Weight each, mounted on Field Carriages, into the Great Launch to land before their Faces, and we fill’d our 3 Boats full of Men.

I went in our Pinnace, Capt. _Dover_ in the Launch, and Capt. _Courtney_ in his Pinnace, the 3 Boats landing about 70 Men: We towed the Launch ashore, Mr. _Glendal_, 3_d_ Lieutenant of our Ship, tarried aboard our Bark with 10 Men, to ply our Guns over our Heads into the Town as we landed.

The Enemy drew up their Horse at the End of the Street which fronted our Men and Barks, and also lin’d the Houses with Men within half Musket-shot of the Bank where we landed.

They made a formidable Show in respect to our little Number that was to attack them.

We landed, and fired every Man on his Knee at the Brink of the Bank, then loaded, and as we advanced, call’d to our Bark to forbear firing, for fear of hurting our Men.

We who landed kept loading and firing very fast; but the Enemy made only one Discharge, and retir’d back to their Guns, where their Horse drew up a second time; we got to the first Houses, and as we open’d the Streets, saw 4 Guns pointing at us before a spacious Church; but as our Men came in sight, firing, the Horse scower’d off.

This encourag’d me to call to our Men to run and seize the Guns, and I immediately hasten’d towards ’em with 8 or 10 of our Men till within Pistol-shot of the Guns, when we all fir’d, some at the Gunner, and others at the Men in Arms in the front of the Church, where they appear’d very numerous; but by the time we had loaded, and more of our Men came in sight, the Enemy began to run, and quitted the Guns, after they had fired them with round and Partridge Shot, one of the last was discharg’d at us very near, but Thanks to God did us no Hurt, and they had not Time to relade them.

We that were foremost ran into the Church, and seized about 10 or 12 Prisoners.

By that time many of our Men were coming up, and Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dover_, with the rest of their Company came all to the Church, where I staid to secure that Post with a few Men, the rest march’d with them to the other End of the Town.

From the Time we landed till we took their Guns, and Possession of the Church (which lies above a Furlong from the Water-side) I believe was not much above half an hour: I posted Capt. _Dampier_ and above 25 Men with the Guns, which we turned on the Enemy, who run clear out of the Town.

By this time the remaining part of our Men were landed, and joined me at the Church; then I marched after Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dover_ with this latter Gang; for most of those that got to the Church with me first I could not stop, after I had secur’d the Guns; so that 7 of them ran into the Valley and Woods adjoining to pursue the _Spaniards_, and having Cowards to deal with came well back; but being offended at their Boldness, I [Illustration: SEARCHING THE LADIES OF GUIAQUIL _From a scarce print in the Macpherson Collection.

_] [Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] reprimanded them, and they promis’d never to be guilty of the like Folly again.

All the Men in general behav’d themselves with great Courage, but like Sailors could be kept under no Command as soon as the first Piece was fired; however it happen’d much better than we could expect, for now the Attack is over, they keep handsomely together, and forbear immoderate Drinking.

I overtook Capt. _Dover_ and Capt. _Courtney_ at the other End of the Town, and left Capt. _Dover_ to keep guard at a Church there; as I march’d back with Capt. _Courtney_, I left him in the Middle of the Town at another Church, and I came to my first Post at the Church where the Guns were planted, and sent Capt. _Dampier_ with his Men to reinforce Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Dover_.

Thus we were in quiet possession of the Town by Sun-set, and posted our Guards, having had no Opposition after the Enemy quitted the great Church.

In the Evening I went on board our Barks, settl’d a good Watch, and secur’d the _Spaniards_ the Corregidore left behind him; then I return’d ashore to the Church.

Capt. _Dover_ set the Houses on fire that fronted the Church where he was posted, which burnt all Night and the next Day.

There was a Hill near his Quarter, and thick Woods within half Shot of the Church;

so that the Enemy were almost continually popping at him all Night.

He told me that the next Day some Parties appear’d out of the Woods; but when he fired a Volley at ’em, they retir’d, our Quarters were quiet, and out of hearing all Night.

The Enemy might have done him Mischief, had they been couragious, since we were not near enough to assist him in the Night.

For the Town being long, we could not keep the whole without dividing at such a distance; but his firing the Houses cover’d the worst part of his Quarters that Night, which was of great service to him.

Capt. _Courtney_ relieved him at Day-break, and they both quitted Capt. _Dover’s_ Quarters, as being too much expos’d to the Enemy.

An _Indian_ that I had taken Prisoner told us, that he knew of much Money up the River in Bark-logs and Houses; upon which Capt. _Courtney_ and I last Night detached 21 Men out of our Companies, and sent ’em in his Boat up the River under the Command of his new second Lieutenant Mr. _Connely_: I would fain have sent both Pinnaces to make the best use of our time, and seize that Wealth, finding little or none in the Town; but the rest would by no means consent to it, lest the Enemy might engage us next Morning, and then we should want our Boats and Men.

When I could not possibly prevail for another Boat, and Men enough to mann both Pinnaces, I desired Capt. _Courtney’s_ Boat might go, because the largest, and she was mann’d out of both our Companies.

In the Morning we began with Iron Crows and Mauls to break open the other two Churches, and all the Store-houses, Cellars, _&c. _ which was soon done, for no body was left at home, nor much of Value to be found, but Flower, Peas, Beans, and Jars of Wine and Brandy in great Plenty.

We began to carry it to the Water-side; but having sultry hot, wet and unhealthful Weather, and our Men being fatigued, they became so weak that they could not work very well at this new Imployment.

They would fain have had the boarded Floor of the Church taken up to look amongst the Dead for Treasure, fancying the _Spaniards_ might hide their Money there; but I would not suffer it, because of a contagious Distemper that had swept off a great Number of People here not long before; so that the Church Floor was full of Graves.

We have yet found but two of the Enemy kill’d in the Town, and one Prisoner, who was slightly wounded in the Head; but this Day I heard 15 of ’em were kill’d and wounded, amongst whom was the chief Gunner, an _Irish_-man, that fired the last Gun at us, who had lived some Years amongst ’em.

On our side we had but two Men wounded, one of ’em _Yerrick Derrickson_, a _Dutch_-man, belonging to my Company, was shot thro’ between the lower Part of his Neck and Shoulder, but I believe not mortal; and one _John Martin_ a _Portuguese_, mortally wounded aboard the Bark, occasion’d by a Cohorn Shell, which split as soon as fired out of our Cohorn Mortar.

[130] The _Spaniards_ Force being variously reported by our Prisoners, I’ll not insert it till I am better inform’d. The Fatigue I have had since I left our Ships in this hot Weather has weaken’d and disorder’d me very much.

_April 25. _ We kept our Colours flying on the Tower of the Church, Capt. _Dover_ keeping Guard there all Day, whilst I and Capt. _Courtney_ took care to get every thing we found useful carried to the Water-side.

Yesterday in the Afternoon we sent the Lieutenant of _Puna_ and another Prisoner into the Country, with Proposals to ransom the Town, a great part of the Enemy being in the Woods about a League from us; they have but ordinary Quarters, because of the great Rain.

Their Horses being in Parties, and continually [Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] in sight, alarm us several times in a day.

The Prisoners return’d to us in the Evening with an ambiguous Answer; but desir’d they might go again in the Morning to prevent burning the Town.

About 10 last Night the Boat return’d that we had sent up the River, having been from us about 24 Hours; they were 7 Leagues up, and 16 of ’em landed at 6 several Places, the other 5 kept the Boat, having a Swivel Gun to defend themselves.

At one place they separated, and Mr. _Connely_ with 3 others rambled so far in the Woods to look for Wealth, that after 3 hours search they could not find the Way back to the rest, but by Accident met again, and got to the Boat.

_William Davis_, one of my Men, was shot through the hinder part of the Neck by the Enemy, the Wound not dangerous, and none of the rest hurt; they chased 35 Horsemen well arm’d, that were coming to help those of _Guiaquil_.

The Houses up the River were full of Women, and particularly at one place there were above a Dozen handsom genteel young Women well dress’d, where our Men got several Gold Chains and Ear-rings, but were otherwise so civil to them, that the Ladies offer’d to dress ’em Victuals, and brought ’em a Cask of good Liquor.

Some of their largest Gold Chains were conceal’d, and wound about their Middles, Legs, and Thighs, _&c. _ but the Gentlewomen in these hot Countries being very thin clad with Silk and fine Linnen, and their Hair dressed with Ribbons very neatly, our Men by pressing felt the Chains, _&c. _ with their Hands on the Out-side of the Lady’s Apparel, and by their Linguist modestly desired the Gentlewomen to take ’em off and surrender ’em.

This I mention as a Proof of our Sailors Modesty, and in respect to Mr. _Connely_ and Mr. _Selkirk_ the late Governour of _Juan Fernandoes_, who commanded this Party: For being young Men, I was willing to do ’em this Justice, hoping the Fair Sex will make ’em a grateful Return when we arrive in _Great Britain_, on account of their civil Behaviour to these charming Prisoners.

They call’d at this House for Provisions as they return’d down the River, and being so civil at first, they gave their fair Landladies no Uneasiness nor Surprize at a 2_d_ Visit: They took a large empty Bark, but left her up the River, and brought with ’em in Gold Chains, Ear-rings and Plate, I believe above 1000 _l.

_ Value, with a Negro that had been serviceable in discovering part of the hidden Treasure; but they all agree that the Want of another Boat lost much more than they got; for while they search’d and plunder’d one Side, the Canoes and Bark-logs did cross the River, and carry the People and Purchase out of their reach, for want of another Boat to prevent it.

They also inform’d us, that in the Places where they had been above the Town, they saw more than 300 arm’d Horse and Foot in several Parties; so that we apprehended the Enemy design’d to gain Time by pretending to ransom, till with a vast Odds they might attack us, and reckon’d themselves sure of Victory; but we for fear of being surprized, agreed to assemble in a Body at every Alarm, which was beat several times a day on the sight of large Parties, tho’ it hinder’d our Business.

We found 5 Jars of Powder, some Match and Shot, with a good Quantity of ordinary Arms, 3 Drums, with several Swords and Launces, in the Church, where I pick’d up the Corregidore’s Gold-headed Cane, and another Captain’s with a Silver Head; for among the _Spaniards_ none carry a Cane but the chief Officers, and of those none under a Captain must wear a Cane with a Silver or Gold Head: So that those Gentlemen were much in haste to leave the Badges of their Office behind them.

After Capt. _Dover_ had quitted his Post yesterday Morning, one of our Men came to tell me, that the Enemy was coming down the Hill that way upon us: We beat an Alarm, and leaving part of our Men with the Guns, I march’d with the rest, and met Capt. _Courtney_ and part of his Company on the Bridge retiring: He told me the Enemy was numerous and well arm’d in the North End of the Town; I desir’d him to join us, and we would visit them; he left his chief Lieutenant and the rest of his Men at Arms in his Quarters, and we went together with 70 Men to face the Enemy.

As we march’d forward, they retir’d only now and then they shot at us out of the Woods.

We look’d into the two Churches, and several Houses, but found nobody.

The Woods were very thick, and join’d to the Backs of the Houses, from whence we had several Shot all round us, which we return’d at a venture, but none of ’em touched us, which was a very great Providence, for it was really strange that they miss’d us.

Capt. _Courtney_ and I could not agree to keep that End of the Town, so we march’d back again, took what we lik’d best into our Boats, and carried it aboard the Barks.

[Sidenote: _At Guiaquil.

_] _April 26. _ About one Yesterday in the Afternoon our Prisoners return’d with an Offer of 30000 Pieces of Eight for the Town, with their Ships and Barks, to be paid in 12 Days, which we don’t approve of, nor should we stay so long for a greater Sum.

By these Delays they design to gain Time, that if they don’t fight us, they may draw their Forces from _Lima_; for we know an Express was dispatch’d thither immediately on our Arrival.

This Morning we sent our final Answer, _viz.

_ that they should see the Town all on fire by 3 in the Afternoon, if they did not agree, and give us sufficient Hostages for the above-mention’d Sum, to be paid within 6 Days.

During which time we would grant a Cessation of Arms between _Guiaquil_ and _Puna_, where we expected they would meet us, and purchase our Cargoes.

A _French_ man belonging to my Company, whom I sent with others, by request of Capt. _Courtney_, to strengthen his Quarters, being put Centinel last Night, shot _Hugh Tidcomb_, one of their Men, so that he died.

The Accident happen’d by a too severe Order at their Quarters to shoot any in the Night that did not answer; and neither this Man nor the Centinel, as I am informed, understood how to ask or answer the Watch-word, by which Neglect a Man was unaccountably lost.

Mr. _Gardner_, one of their Officers, and 9 Men more, yesterday in the Afternoon engag’d at the North-end of the Town with a Party of _Spaniards_, whom they chased into the Woods, but following ’em too far, were attack’d by others, and one of our Men shot through the Calf of his Leg, and another of them, while he stopt to relade his Piece, was shot against the Middle of the Pole-ax that hung at his Side, which made an Impression on the Iron, and bruised the Part under it, so that it prov’d a Piece of Armour well placed.

The other Man who was wounded in the Leg, by his Irregularity and hard drinking fell into a Fever that carried him off.

At the same time Mr. _Stratton_, Capt. _Courtney’s_ chief Lieutenant, having his Pistols hanging at his Side, one of them unluckily discharg’d it self against the Outside of the thickest part of his Leg, and left a Bullet in the Flesh; but there’s little Danger of his Life: He being by this Accident disabled to make a quick Retreat, if occasion requir’d, his Captain immediately order’d him on board the Bark.

Upon these Accidents, and perceiving the Enemy to increase and grow bolder, Capt. _Courtney_ brought his Company to my Quarters.

Last Night we all lay in the Church, round which we kept Centinels within a Musket-shot; the Centinels, as customary, calling to each other every Quarter of an Hour, to prevent their sleeping, and our being surprized in the Night.

Every Man kept his Arms and Ammunition in exact Order by him, and was strictly charged to rise at the least Alarm.

We unhung a small Church Bell, and sent it aboard for our Ships Use.

We have done little this 24 Hours towards shipping off Goods, because the Enemy were continually popping at us from the Woods.

The Weather was very wet, hot and faint, the Streets deep and slippery, and the Ways to the Water-side very bad, which mightily incommoded us.