Cruising Voyage Around the World — Island of Gorgona

_June 7. _ Yesterday at 2 in the Afternoon we made the Island of _Gorgona_; about 4 the Body bore E. N.

E.

5 Leagues.

_June 8. _ Yesterday at 4 in the Afternoon we got to an Anchor, about a good Cable’s Length from the Shore in 30 Fathom Water, on the East side of the Island; the Southermost point of it in sight bore S. E.

about 3 Miles, and the Rocks off the North Point bore N. half W. a Mile and a half.

_June 8. _ At 8 this Morning we spied a Sail to the Southward of the Island, between it and the Main; our Pinnace being a-shore for Water, the _Dutchess_’s Boat went first after her, ours followed on the other side of the Island, that if the Prize bore away, she might meet her on the West Side.

In the mean time I took in Water from the Island.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] _June 9. _ Yesterday in the Afternoon our Boats return’d and brought the Prize with them, being a small Bark of about 35 Tuns, call’d the _Golden Sun_; she belong’d to a Creek within this Island, on the Main, and was bound for _Guiaquil_, _Andros Enriques_ Master, with 10 _Spaniards_ and _Indians_, and some _Negroes_; no Cargo but a very little Gold Dust, and a large Gold Chain, together about 500 _l.

_ value, which were secur’d aboard the _Dutchess_.

The Prize design’d to purchase Salt and Brandy with ’em.

The Prisoners said they had no Notice of us, so that News does not spread in this Country so fast as we believ’d, especially this Way;

the Land being, as I am informed, full of Woods and Rivers, and bad for Travellers or Posts.

About 6 in the Evening there was a Consultation on board the _Dutchess_, with some of my Officers, Capt. _Dover_ and others; being discompos’d I was not with them, but resolved to act in consortship, according to their Agreement.

After they had examin’d the Prisoners, they resolved to go to _Malaga_, an Island which had a Rode, where we design’d to leave our Ships, and with our Boats row up the River, for the rich Gold Mines of _Barbacore_, call’d also by the _Spaniards_, the Mines of St. _Juan_, from a Village about two Tides up the River of that Name; there we design’d to surprize Canoes, as fitter than our Boats to go against the Stream; for this Time of the Year being subject to great Rains, which makes a strong Fresh down the River, our Pilot, an old _Spaniard_, did not propose to get up to the Mines in less than 12 Days.

I had often before suspected his Knowledge, but according to their Resolutions on board the _Dutchess_ we came to sail about 12 a Clock at Night, and steer’d N. E.

for the Place.

In the Morning I discours’d Captain _Morrel_, as I had done several Times before, and all the rest of the Prisoners, who agreed that this Island, call’d _Malaga_, was an unfrequented Place, and not fit for Ships, that ever they heard of.

I had also 2 Prisoners aboard, that were taken in the last Prize, who had been at the said Island very lately; I examin’d ’em separately, and they agreed, that a Ship could not be safe there, and the Place being so narrow, ’twas impossible to get in, but with the Tide, which ran very strong; that the Entrance was full of Shoals, and had not Water enough, but at Spring Tides, for our Ships to get out or in; besides that if a Ship gets loose (as we must moar Head and Stern) she would turn all adrift, and very much endanger the whole; they added that the River was so narrow before we could get to the Mines, that the _Indians_ and _Spaniards_ might fell Trees a cross, and cut off our Retreat, there being thick Woods on the Banks of the River, from whence the _Indians_ would gall us with their poison’d Arrows; for those about the Mines were in Amity with the _Spaniards_, and a bold and a very numerous People.

Upon this Information I was surpriz’d that the Council had not inform’d themselves better before they resolved on going to this Place, and immediately sent Mr. _White_ our Linguist with the two Prisoners, on board the _Dutchess_, to undeceive Capt. _Courtney_ and his Officers, and to desire his Company with some of the rest without Loss of Time, that we might agree how to act for our Safety and Interest, and not to proceed farther on this hazardous Enterprize.

_June 10. _ Yesterday Afternoon Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Cook_ came aboard us.

We immediately agreed to return to _Gorgona_, to refit our Prizes, and that there we would come to a final Resolution.

We saw the Island at 6 in the Evening, bearing S. W.

Distance about 8 Leagues.

In the Night, we had much Rain with Lightning and Squalls of Wind, by which the _Havre de Grace_ lost her main Top-mast.

This Morning died _Jonathan Smyth_, a Smith by Trade, and Armourer’s Mate of our Ship.

I went on board the _Havre de Grace_ and _Dutchess_, and lent them what was necessary for their Assistance.

Our Men being very much fatigued, many of them sick, and several of our Good Sailors dead, we are so weak, that should we meet an Enemy in this Condition, we could make but a mean Defence.

Every thing looks dull and discouraging, but it’s in vain to look back or repine in these Parts.

_June 11. _ We had good Soundings, but came no nearer the Shore than 36 Fathom Water, it being uncertain Soundings, and dangerous for Ships to venture within that Depth here.

_June 12. _ Had rainy Weather, with little or no Wind.

At 8 this Morning saw the Island of _Gorgona_; bore S. half W. distant about 9 Leagues.

We impatiently long to be there again, at an Anchor, being in an ordinary Condition to keep the Sea, tho’ when there, we are open to all Advantages against us, if the Enemy is out after us, which we expect, and that this is a Place they will search, but having no other Place so convenient, we must run the Risque of it.

_June 13. _ About 4 in the Morning we came to an Anchor again at _Gorgona_, in 40 Fathom Water, and most of both Ships Officers having some Thoughts of Careening[134] here.

We held the following Committee: _GORGONA_: 13 June, 1709. At a Committee held on Board the _Duke_.

_We have agreed on Mr. _ Lancelot Appleby _to succeed Mr. _ Samuel Hopkins, _and Mr. _ Robert Knowlesman _to succeed Mr. _ John Rogers, _who being deceased, these we approve as the fittest Men to be Members of a Committee in their Places; and having at the same time consider’d the Necessity of cleaning our Ships, we do desire Capt. _ Courtney _to use all manner of Dispatch to get ready for a Careen, and that the Men and Officers assist him as much as possible, and then he to assist the_ Duke, _as soon as his Ship is compleated, and off the Careen, because one Ship_ [Sidenote: _At Gorgona.

_] _ought to be in a Readiness to protect the other, whilst on a Careen, in case we be attack’d by the Enemy.

_ Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ Wm.

Stratton, Woodes Rogers, Cha.

Pope, Step.

Courtney, Tho.

Glendall, Wm.

Dampier, John Connely, Edw.

Cooke, John Bridge.

Rob.

Frye, While we were together, we agreed to fit out the _Havre de Grace_ with twenty Guns, and put Men out of each Ship aboard her, under Captain _Cook_’s Command, resolving to carry her home with us, and to make a third Ship to cruise in our Company, whilst in these Seas.

_June 14. _ I proposed before, we should careen at Port _a Penees_, because it was an unfrequented Place, and good Harbour, where we might lie sometime undiscover’d, and from thence go to the Bay of _Panama_, when ready; but considering our present Condition, every body seem’d most inclinable to stay here, which I the more readily agreed to, because it was pleasing to the rest, and that, if any Casualty happen’d, I might not be reflected on, if I had over-perswaded them to go elsewhere.

We began, according to agreement, to careen the _Dutchess_ first, and I to lye on the Guard the mean while, in case of being attack’d, which we had reason to fear, having been so long from _Guiaquil_.

The _Dutchess_ began to make ready for a Careen.

Captain _Courtney_ and I went a fishing together, and had pretty good Luck, Fish being plenty here.

_June 15. _ We had indifferent fair Weather, but very sultry.

We put all our sick Men, with our Consort’s on board the Galeon, being about 70 in Number, besides sick Officers, whom we put on board the _Havre de Grace_.

_June 16. _ We built a Tent a-shore for the Armourer and Cooper; set several Men to cutting of Wood, and clearing a Place for the sick Mens Tents.

Nothing remarkable pass’d from the 16th, but that we had frequent Thunder, Lightning and Rain, which retarded our Careening the _Dutchess_, till the 21st that we finish’d her, and began upon our Ship: We were forc’d to carry most of our Stores ashore, for want of Barks, which are full of the _Dutchess_’s Provisions and Materials.

We seldom miss catching good Fish daily, and keep a Boat and Men imploy’d for that purpose, there being very little Refreshment in the Island.

We spent till the 25th in careening; the Sea swelling into the Road hinder’d us heaving our Keel wholly out; however we clean’d within less than 2 Streaks of the Keel; and being upright again, _June 28. _ We got our Provisions aboard, and mounted all our Guns; so that in 14 Days we had calk’d our Ships all round, careen’d, rigg’d and stow’d them again, both fit for the Sea; which was great Dispatch, considering what we had to do was in an open Place, with few Carpenters, and void of the usual Conveniencies for careening.

The _Spaniards_ our Prisoners being very dilatory Sailors, were amazed at our Expedition, and told us, they usually take 6 Weeks or 2 Months to careen one of the King’s Ships at _Lima_, where they are well provided with all Necessaries, and account it good Dispatch.

_June 29. _ Yesterday in the Afternoon we built a Tent ashore for the Sick, who are now much better than when we came to the Island, neither the Weather nor the Air here being half so bad as the _Spaniards_ represented, which made us think ’twould be worse than we found it.

This Morning we got the sick Men into their Tents, and put the Doctors ashore with them: We unloaded the _Havre de Grace_, and chose a Place very easy to lay her ashore, to clean her Bottom.

A clear Sand about a Mile and half from the Place where we rode, near the South End of the Island.

_June 30. _ I went to her this Morning, and left Capts.

_Courtney_ and _Cooke_, with the Carpenters, _&c. _ to grave her Bottom, whilst I took the most experienced Prisoners, and walked through the Island (which is every where full of Wood) to look out Masts for her.

The _Spaniards_ knew best what Wood was most fit for this Purpose here.

We found one Tree proper to be a Fore-mast, having before that cut down a great Tree big enough, but a wrong sort of Wood.

All the Timber here is too heavy, but we must use it, her old Masts and Yards being unserviceable, her Sails rotten, and very little of her Cordage fit to be us’d; so that it’s near equal to rigging out a-new.

She is a very sharp Ship, but lies easy on soft red Sand, which is dry at little more than half Tide.

The Worms had not much damag’d her Bottom, but her Rudder and Cut-water[135] were eaten to pieces.

It flows 15 Foot at Spring Tides.

_July 1. _ We have Men imploy’d in our Tents ashore, to prepare the Rigging as fast as possible; a Rope-maker at work to make twice-laid Cordage, and a Smith, Block-maker [Illustration: CAPTAIN WOODES ROGERS, WITH HIS SON AND DAUGHTER, 1729 _From the engraving by W. Skelton, after the painting by Hogarth.

_] [Sidenote: _At Gorgona in Peru.

_] and Sail-maker at the same time; so that we want no Tradesmen to fit her out.

Necessity makes us of all Trades on this occasion.

The Natives of Old _Spain_ are accounted but ordinary Mariners, but here they are much worse; all the Prizes we took being rather cobled than fitted out for the Sea: So that had they such Weather as we often meet with in the _European_ Seas in Winter, they could scarce ever reach a Port again, as they are fitted, but they sail here hundreds of Leagues.

The _French_ us’d her as a Victualling Ship, and sold her at _Lima_, as they have done several others, for 4 times the Money they cost in _Europe_.

’Tis certainly a good Method they took at first trading hither, to bring a Victualling Ship with no other Goods but Provisions and Stores along with ’em.

Generally one of these small Ships comes out with two Traders, and since in six, nine, or 12 Months time, which they stay in these Seas, they expend their Provisions, and lessen their Men by Mortality or Desertion, they sell their Victualling Ship, and being recruited with Men and Provisions out of her, they return well victualled and mann’d to _France_.

But now they put into _Chili_, where they sell the remaining Part of their Cargo, and salt up a new Stock of Provisions for their homeward bound Passage, so that they need bring no more Victuallers.

_July 2. _ We had Showers of Rain, with Thunder and Lightning last Night, and few Nights are without Rain, but ’tis pretty dry in the day-time.

This day I got a fine Tree for the Main-mast; the Island is so cover’d with Trees, that we are forced to clear a Place for a Yard to work in.

The Wood that we us’d for Masts and Yards is 3 sorts, but the best is _Maria_ Wood, of the Colour and Grain of our _English_ Oak, all of the Cedar Kind, good Timber, but very heavy.

There are several other sorts fit for Masts, but Care must be taken not to use any that is short-grain’d, or soft and white when green.

_July 3. _ The Prize Flower we took in Bags being much damag’d by the Rats, I order’d the Coopers to put it up in 36 Casks: The little _English_ Bread we have left is eaten as hollow as a Honeycomb, and so full of Worms, that it’s hardly fit for Use.

Last Night we met aboard our Ship to consult of the quickest Method for Dispatch, and the Officers agreed each to take his Share of looking after the Ships, and forwarding the several Workmen: So that most of our little Commonwealth being ashore very busy, ’twas a Diversion for me to oversee the several Companies at work in our Yard, from Break of Day till Night, which otherwise in this hot Country would have been very burthensome to me.

We were imploy’d till the 9_th_ in refitting the _Havre de Grace_, and when finish’d call’d her the _Marquis_.

We saluted each of the other Ships with 3 Huzzas from on board her, distributed Liquor among the Company, drank her Majesty’s and our Owners Healths, and to our own good Success.

The Ship look’d well, so that we all rejoic’d in our new Consort to cruize with us.

The next thing we did was to clear Mr. _Selkirk’s_ Bark to carry our Prisoners to the Main, who being 72 in Number, were very chargeable to maintain; but we could not discharge them sooner, lest they should have allarm’d the Country, and inform’d the _French_ and _Spanish_ Men of War where to find us.

But being now almost ready to depart, we call’d a Committee, and came to the following Resolutions.

At a Committee held on board the Duke, riding at Anchor in the Road of _Gorgona_, _July 9, 1709_.

_We think it convenient to turn all our Prisoners ashore, in a Bark already provided for that purpose, and at the same time to Plunder the Settlements on the Main opposite to this Island, and do desire Capt. _ Thomas Dover, _Mr.

_ Robert Fry, _and Mr. _ William Stratton _to command the Bark and 45 Men on the same Expedition, and to make what Dispatch they can, and return hither with such Refreshments, &c. as they can get for our sick Men_.

Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, Cha.

Pope, Stephen Courtney, John Connely, William Dampier, John Ballett, Edw.

Cooke, John Bridge, Robert Frye, Lan.

Appleby.

After this we gave them the following Instructions.

_Capt.

_ Tho.

Dover, _Mr.

_ Robert Frye, _Mr.

W.

_ Stratton, Gorgona, 9 July, 1709. _Gentlemen_, [Sidenote: _At Gorgona.

_] _We having agreed with you in a Committee, That you take a Bark under your Care, and transport our Prisoners to the Main, and having order’d about 45 Men under your Command to proceed with you, and attempt the Plundering where you judge convenient: We only recommend the utmost Dispatch, and that you keep in mind, we hope to be ready in 8 Days, and shall earnestly expect you as much as possible within that Time.

Other things relating to this you’ll know better how to act than we can here direct.

_ _Should a powerful Enemy attempt us in your Absence, we’ll be certain to leave a Glass Bottle buried at the Root of the Tree whence the Fore-mast was cut, to acquaint you, then_ Quibo _is the Place we will wait for you at, if we are well, and you must leave a Glass Bottle at this Place in case we return hither again: But this we don’t expect, if once chas’d away.

_ Woodes Rogers, Tho.

Glendall, Stephen Courtney, John Connely, William Dampier, Geo.

Milbourne, Edward Cooke, John Bridge, William Bath, John Ballett, Cha.

Pope, _July 10. _ Early this Morning we put our 72 Prisoners aboard the Bark.

We had several times discours’d our Prisoners, the two _Morells_, and _Don Antonio_ about ransoming the Goods, and were in hopes of selling them to advantage, but deferr’d coming to Particulars, till now that we plainly saw, unless they could have the Cargoes under a quarter Value, they would not deal with us.

I propos’d going to _Panama_, and to lie 6 Days as near it as they pleas’d, till they brought the Money we should agree for at a moderate Rate; provided they left a Hostage aboard us, whom on failure we would carry to _England_.

To this they would have agreed, provided we would take 60000 Pieces of Eight for all the Prize Goods.

Then I propos’d their ransoming the Galleon, and putting good part of the Goods aboard her, provided one of them three and another they could procure would be Hostages for the Sum.

They answer’d, That neither of them would go Hostage to _England_ for the World.

Then I propos’d delivering the Galleon and Cargo to them here, provided 2 of them would be Ransomers to pay us the Money at any other Place but _Panama_ or _Lima_, in Six Days, if they would give us 120000 Pieces of Eight, being the lowest Price we could take for all the Prizes and Goods, Negroes, _&c. _ They told us that Trade with Strangers, especially the _English_ and _Dutch_, was so strictly prohibited in those Seas, that they must give more than the prime Cost of the Goods in Bribes, to get a License to deal with us: So that they could not assure us of Payment, unless we sold the Goods very cheap; therefore not finding it worth our Time, and knowing the Danger we must run in treating with them, we desisted, and order’d them all ashore, still hoping that this would necessitate the _Morells_ and _Navarre_ to get Money for us, and prevent our burning the Ships, and what we can’t carry away.

Every one now wish’d we had kept some others of the topping Prisoners, to have try’d whether they had a better Foundation and Method to trade; the Goods being of little value to us here, and we must fill our Ships so full, that we fear ’twill spoil our sailing.

_July 11. _ Yesterday our Bark and 2 Pinnaces sail’d with our chief Prisoners.

_Don Antonio_, the _Fleming_, Sen. _Navarre_, and the _Morells_, who did not expect to part with us so suddenly, but by continuing with us, and knowing we could not carry away all the Prizes and Goods, they hop’d we should of course have freely given them what we could not keep.

We apprehended that was the principal Reason of their not closing with our Terms, which were advantageous to them.

Besides, should we have been attack’d, they believ’d we must then put them in possession of their Ships, which were of no use for fighting.

But to obviate all their Hopes of benefiting themselves at this easy Rate, without our participating of their Money, the Magnet that drew us hither, I made them sensible at parting, that as we had treated them courteously like generous Enemies, we would sell them good Bargains for whatever Money they could bring us in 10 Days time, but that we would burn what we did not so dispose of or carry away.

They beg’d we would delay burning the Ships, and promis’d to raise what Money they could, and return within the time to satisfy us.

One of the chief Prisoners we now parted with was _Don Juan Cardoso_, design’d Governor of _Baldivia_, a brisk Man of about 35 Years of Age;

he had serv’d as a Collonel in _Spain_, had the Misfortune to be taken in the North Seas by an _English_ Privateer near _Portobello_, and carried to _Jamaica_, from whence he was sent back to _Portobello_: He complain’d heavily of the Usage he met with from the _Jamaica_ Privateer; but we parted very good Friends, and he returned us his hearty Thanks, and a Stone Ring for a Present to one of the Dutchess’s Lieutenants that had lent him his Cabbin while he was sick on board.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] We allow’d Liberty of Conscience on board our floating Commonwealth to our Prisoners, for there being a Priest in each Ship, they had the Great Cabbin for their Mass, whilst we us’d the Church of _England_ Service over them on the Quarter-deck, so that the Papists here were the Low Churchmen.

_July 13. _ This Morning our Vessels return’d from landing our Prisoners, and brought off 7 small Black Cattle, about 12 Hogs, 6 Goats, some Limes and Plaintains, which were very welcome to us; they met with little else of Value in the Village they were at, and the others being far up the River, they did not think it worth while to visit them.

The Country where they landed was so poor, that our Men gave the Prisoners and Negroes, some Bays, Nails, _&c. _ to purchase themselves Subsistance.

The Inhabitants ashore had notice of our taking _Guiaquil_, and were jealous of our being at this Island, because they heard our Guns, when we fired in order to scale them after careening.

This Place bears S. E.

about 7 Leagues from the Body of _Gorgona_, is low Land and full of Mangrove Trees; but within the Country the Land is very high.

The River is hard to be found without a Pilot, and has Shole Water for above 2 Leagues from Shore, There are some poor Gold Mines near it, but the Inhabitants agree that those of _Barbacore_ are very rich, tho’ difficult to be attempted, as we were informed before.

_July 16. _ Yesterday about Noon came aboard one _Michael Kendall_, a free Negro of _Jamaica_, who had been sold a Slave to the Village we plunder’d; but not being there when our People were ashore, he follow’d them privately in a small Canoe; and the Account he gave of himself was, that when the last War was declared at _Jamaica_, he embark’d under the Command of one Capt. _Edward Roberts_, who was join’d in Commission from the Governour of _Jamaica_ with Capts.

_Rash_, _Golding_ and _Pilkington_; they had 106 Men, and design’d to attempt the Mines of _Jaco_ at the Bottom of the Gulph of _Darien_: There were more Commanders and Men came out with them, but did not join in this Design.

They had been about 5 Months out, when they got near the Mines undiscover’d; they sail’d 15 Days up the River in Canoes, and travel’d 10 Days by Land afterwards.

By this time the _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ being alarm’d, laid Ambushes in the Woods, and shot many of them.

The Enemy having assembled at least 500 Men, and the _English_ being diminish’d to about 60, including the Wounded; the _Spaniards_ sent them a Flag of Truce, and offer’d them their Lives after a small Skirmish, wherein the _English_ lost 4, and the Enemy about 12 Men.

The _English_ being in want of Provisions, quite tir’d out, and not knowing their Way back, agreed to deliver their Arms, on condition to be us’d as Prisoners of War.

Having thus yielded, the _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ carried them in Canoes 3 Days up the River, that leads to the same Mines they design’d to attempt, treated them very well, and gave them the same Food that they eat themselves; but the 4_th_ Day, when they came to a Town beyond the Mines, and thought all Danger had been past, an Order came from the chief _Spanish_ Officer to cut them all off, which the _Indians_ and _Spanish_ Troops did, as those poor disarm’d Wretches sat at Victuals; so that in this barbarous manner they were all massacred in a few Minutes, except a _Scots_, a _French_, and an _English_ Boy, with 12 free Negroes, which at the Intercession of a Priest they kept for Slaves.

This Man being one of ’em, happen’d to be sold, first to the Mines, where he says he clear’d at least 3 Pieces of Eight a day for his Master, and from thence he was sold to this Place.

By this we may see what a mighty Advantage the _Spaniards_ make of their Slaves to imploy at these Mines, which are accounted the richest in _New Spain_.

The rest of the free Negroes being farther up the Country, could have no Opportunity to escape.

This is enough to shew what merciless and cowardly Enemies we have to deal with in these Parts of the World.

I

have heard of many such Cruelties in the _Spanish_ Parts of _America_, to the eternal Scandal of those who encourage or connive at them.

_July 17. _ About 10 this Morning, the two _Morells_, Mr. _Navarre_, and his Son in law, our old Prisoners came in a large Canoe, with some Money to ransom what they could of us: We told them of the Barbarity of their Countrymen, and of the different Treatment they met with from us; and that we had reason to apprehend, that if we became Prisoners here, that few of us would ever return to our native Country.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] _July 18. _ A Negro belonging to the _Dutchess_ was bit by a small brown speckl’d Snake, and died within 12 Hours, notwithstanding the Doctor us’d his utmost Endeavours to save him.

There’s abundance of Snakes on this Island, and the _Spaniards_ say some are as thick as the Middle of a Man’s Thigh.

I saw one as big as my Leg, and above 3 Yards long; their Bite proves generally mortal.

Yesterday in the Afternoon we had a Consultation, and agreed that the small Bark we took belonging to the Main right against this Island, should be given the Lieutenant’s Brother that we plunder’d, and who came over with our Bark; for being a Man in some Authority ashore, we hope this Favour will have some Influence on ’em to trade with us whilst we are here.

This Morning Mr. _Morell_ and _Navarre_ went a second time in our Bark for Money.

One of the same sort of Snakes that kill’d the Negro was found on our Forecastle this Morning, and kill’d by our Men; we suppose it came aboard on the Cable, they being often seen in the Water.

_July 19. _ We continued discharging the Galleon, and lading the _Marquiss_, and put a Part aboard of us and the _Dutchess_.

We found in the _Marquiss_ near 500 Bales of Pope’s Bulls, 16 Reams in a Bale.

This took up abundance of Room in the Ship; we throw’d most of them overboard to make room for better Goods, except what we used to burn the Pitch of our Ships Bottoms when we careen’d ’em.

These Bulls are imposed upon the People, and sold here by the Clergy from 3 Ryals to 50 Pieces of Eight a-piece, according to the Ability of the Purchaser.

Once in two Years they are rated, and all the People obliged to buy them against Lent;

they cannot be read, the Print looking worse than any of our old Ballads, yet the Vulgar are made believe it’s a mortal Sin to eat Flesh in Lent, without being licensed by one of these Bulls, the Negro Slaves not being exempted.

This is one of the greatest Branches of Income the King of _Spain_ has in this Country, being a free Gift from the Pope to him, as the _Spaniards_ and Natives told us.

We should have made something of them, if we had taken the Bishop before mentioned; but now they are of no use to us.

_July 20. _ At Noon _Navarre_ return’d with a little more Money, some Limes, Fowls, _&c. _ He told us he had left Mr. _Morell_ to get more, and that he would be soon with us.

_July 21. _ We sent aboard the _Marquiss 2_ of our Main Deck Guns, and the _Dutchess_ did the like, which with 4 we took at _Guiaquil_, and 12 taken in the same Ship, make 20 good ones.

The Carriages are all new, or very much repair’d, and as good and strong as if mounted in _England_.

Another Canoe came with Limes, Guavas, and other Fruit, and brought a little Money to trade with us.

The Main here is a poor Country, and I believe we might have pick’d up a good Quantity of Money any where else on this Coast, notwithstanding their severe Orders against trading with us.

_July 22. _ Two of our Negroes, and three of the _Dutchess_’s ran into the Woods to hide themselves, and go to the _Spaniards_ after we are gone: We caught one of ’em to day, and punish’d him severely.

_July 23. _ At 6 last Night our Stream Cable broke, and we lost our Anchor: The Ground here is a black Mud, which in all hot Countries rots Cables in a very little time.

We have often Thunder, Rain and Lightning all the Night, tho’ clear dry Days.

This is accounted by the _Spaniards_ the worst part of all the Coast for wet dirty Weather.

We have had enough of it, but God be thank’d are now pretty well, there not being above 30 Persons in all our Ships unhealthy.

_July 24. _ We caught our Negroes that ran away, and one of the _Dutchess_’s, Hunger having brought ’em out of the Woods.

_July 25. _ I put 35 Men aboard the _Marquiss_, and Capt. _Courtney_ 26, so that her Complement will be 61 White Men, and 20 Negroes.

Captain _Edward Cooke_ Commander, and our Second Lieutenant, Mr. _Charles Pope_, his Second.

We design to agree, that the Captain with his Officers and Men shall have equal Wages with others in the like Posts, to encourage them.

_July 26. _ Last Night the _Marquiss_ sprung a Leak, and made 8 Inches Water in an Hour; but the Carpenters stopt it.

A Canoe came from the Main, and bought some Negroes of us.

_July 27. _ At 8 this Morning, the Canoe return’d, with Mr. _John Morell_, who desir’d he might go ashore to his Brother, and forward his getting of more Money to deal with us for Goods, since he saw that we were resolved to leave nothing of Value behind us.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] _July 28. _ Yesterday Afternoon, Mr. _John Morell_ return’d, having met his Brother coming with what Money he could get; he told us the Country being alarm’d, he had much ado to get Leave to come to us; that the Governour of _Barbacore_ was at the Water-side, with above 200 Men commanded by himself, to prevent our Landing, or that any thing should be brought to us; and that all the Shore was lined with Men for that End.

We have took out of the Galleon 320 Bails of Linnen, Woolen, a little Silks, and most Sorts of Goods, usually in Bails, besides Boxes of Knives, Scizzars, Hatchets, _&c. _ The _Dutchess_ and _Marquiss_ have also taken what they can; so that all our 3 Ships are full.

We found aboard the Galeon a great Quantity of Bones in small Boxes, ticketed with the Names of _Romish_ Saints, some of which had been dead 7 or 800 Years; with an infinite Number of Brass Medals, Crosses, Beads, and Crucifixes, religious Toys in Wax, Images of Saints made of all sorts of Wood, Stone, and other Materials, I believe in all near 30 Tun, with 150 Boxes of Books in _Spanish_, _Latin_, _&c. _ which would take up much more Stowage than 50 Tuns of other Goods: All this came from _Italy_, and most from _Rome_, design’d for the Jesuits of _Peru_; but being of small Value to us, we contented our selves to take only a Sample of most Sorts to shew our Friends in _England_, and left the rest.

A large wooden Effigies of the Virgin _Mary_ being either dropt or thrown over board, from the Galeon, and drove ashoar near the North Point of the Island, the _Indians_ that came in the Canoes with Senior _Morell_, _&c. _ from the main Land, being then a Fishing, took up the Image, and brought her in the Canoe to the Shoar just over against our Ship, where we gave our Prisoners Liberty to walk that Day: As soon as they saw her, they cross’d and bless’d themselves, and fancied that this must be the Virgin _Mary_ come by Water from _Lima_ or _Panama_, to relieve them in their Necessity: They then set it up on the Shoar, and wip’d it dry with Cotton; and when they came aboard, told us, that tho’ they had wip’d her again and again, she continued to sweat very much; and all but those employ’d in wiping her, stood around devoutly amaz’d, praying and telling over their Beads: They also shew’d the Cotton to our Linguist and the Ransomers, wet by the excessive Sweat of the holy Virgin, as they fondly seem’d to believe, and kept it as a choice Relick.

The _Morells_ perceiving me laugh at the Story, they told me a much stranger, in order to convince me, _viz.

_ That a few Years ago, at a Procession in the Cathedral Church of _Lima_, which was at that time very richly furnished, and worth some Millions of Pieces of 8 in Gold, Silver and Jewels; the Image of the Virgin was more richly adorn’d with Pearls, Diamonds and Gold, than the rest; and those Ornaments being left in the Church, according to Custom, till the Night after Procession, without any Guard, because the People concluded that none durst be so sacrilegiously impious as to rob the Church; an unfortunate Thief, resolving at once to enrich himself, got into the Church at Midnight, and made up to the Image; but whilst he was going to take off a rich String of Pearls from the Virgin’s Wrists, she caught him fast by the Arm, and held him, till being found in that Posture he was apprehended and executed.

This Story was confirm’d as an unquestionable Truth by all the other Prisoners, who assured us, That all the Fathers of the Church at _Lima_ confidently affirm the same, as well as a considerable Number of Lay-Brethren, who (they say) were Eye-Witnesses of it; so that it passes amongst them as currant, as an Article of their Faith: By this we may see how the Belief of those false Miracles, by the Cunning of the _Romish_ Clergy in these Parts, obtains Credit among those Men who are not so easily imposed on in their worldly Affairs.

Thus I am apt to believe those Gentlemen invented the Story of the sweating Miracle, out of Zeal to their Church, and thinking thereby to deter us from carrying away any more of the Relicks out of Senior _Morell’s_ Galeon.

Before this, when I heard such Stories, I took ’em to have been invented meerly to ridicule the _Romanists_, but when I heard such silly Stories related by 8 grave Men, of a handsome Appearance and good Reputation amongst the _Spaniards_, I was convinc’d of the Ignorance and Credulity of the Papists.

_July 29. _ Having for a long time been importun’d by the Companys of each Ship, to divide what we was forc’d to agree to as Plunder, we resolved on a Committee to be called to morrow to settle that Affair, which we did in the following Manner.

At a Committee on board the _Duke_, the 29th Day of _July_, 1709. It’s agreed, that the following Articles shall regulate Plunder, and be in part a Satisfaction allow’d by the Committee of the _Duke_ and _Dutchess_, for past Services, more than each Man’s Agreement with the Owners.

[Sidenote: Impr.

] _Gold Rings found in any Place, except in a Gold-smith’s Shop, is Plunder.

All Arms, Sea Books and Instruments, all Cloathing and Moveables, usally worn about Prisoners, except Women’s Ear-rings, unwrought Gold or Silver, loose Diamonds, Pearls or Money; all Plate in use aboard Ships, but not on Shoar, (unless about the Persons of Prisoners) is Plunder.

_ [Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] _All manner of Clothes ready made, found on the upper Deck, and betwixt Decks, belonging to the Ships Company and Passengers, is Plunder also, except what is above limited, and is in whole Bundles and Pieces, and not open’d in this Country, that appears not for the Persons use that owns the Chest, but design’d purposely for Merchandize, which only shall not be plunder.

And for Encouragement, we shall allow to_ James Stratton _40 Rupees to buy him Liquor in_ India, _in Part of Amends for his smart Money.

To_ William Davis _and_ Yerrick Derrickson _20 Rupees each, as smart Money, over and above their Shares.

We also give the Boats Crews over and above their Shares, that were engag’d with the_ Marquis, _when taken, four Bails of Goods, to be sold when and where they think convenient; which Bail, shall be 1 of Serges, 1 of Linnen, and 2 of Bays; and this over and above their respective Shares.

Also a good Suit of Clothes to be made for each Man that went up the River above_ Guiaquil, _the last time in the_ Dutchess’_s Pinnace.

_ In witness whereof, _We have hereunto set our Hands the Day and Year above-mentioned_.

Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ John Connely, Woodes Rogers, William Bath, Stephen Courtney, Tho.

Glendal, William Dampier, Geo.

Melbourne, Edw.

Cooke, John Bridge, Rob.

Frye, John Ballett, William Stretton, Lan.

Appleby.

The Cause why we delay’d adjusting what should be Plunder so long, was the unreasonable Expectations of some among us: This made us wait till now we had a proper Opportunity, and could better insist on our Owner’s Interest: Besides, we were not willing that any Difference should arise about this knotty Affair, when the Prisoners were on board, nor till we had finish’d the Rigging of our Ships, lest it should have put a full Stop to our Business, or at least have hinder’d our Proceeding chearfully.

_July 30. _ We over hall’d our Plunder-Chests, and what was judged to be Plunder, (by Men appointed with the Owners Agents) was carried aboard the Galeon, which was kept clear between Decks, in order to divide it.

Mr. _Frye_ and Mr. _Pope_ were to be Appraisers for the _Duke_, and Mr. _Stratton_ and Mr. _Connely_ for the _Dutchess_, so I hope to get over a troublesome Job peaceably.

_July 31. _ Mr. _Navarr’s_ Bark grew leaky, and _Benjamin Parsons_, one of our Midshipmen, that had charge of her, ran her a-shore without Orders, at high Water, thinking to have stop’d her Leak at low Water, and got her off the next Tide; but contrary to his Expectation, the Vessel strain’d and sunk; so that we had much ado to get out what we had a-board her Time enough; and were forced to leave in her 10 Bails of damag’d Bays, and a great deal of Iron Work, which we gave Senior _Navarr_, in part of Payment for what we have received of him from the Settlement on the Main.

_August 1. _ The Officers we appointed to praise the Plunder met on board the Galeon, and valued the Cloathing, in order to divide it amongst the Officers and Men of each Ship, according to their respective Shares.

_August 2. _ We continued appraising the Plunder, and found it a very troublesome Task.

_August 3. _ Capt. _Cooke_ told me they had discover’d another Leak, and was troubled at so many Leaks in a Harbour; so that I began to dread that all our Labour and Time was lost on the _Marquiss_, but hop’d for the best.

_August 4. _ Yesterday in the Afternoon they made an End of appraising the Clothes at a very low rate, amounting to upwards of 400_l.

_ and the Silver-handled Swords, Buckles, Snuff-Boxes, Buttons, and Silver Plate in use aboard every Prize we took, and allow’d to be Plunder at 4_s.

_ 6_d.

_ _per_ Piece of 8, amounted to 743_l.

_ 15_s.

_ besides 3 ℔ 12℥ of Gold, which was in Rings, Gold, Snuff-boxes, Ear-rings, and Gold Chains, taken about Prisoners.

This I believe to be an exact Account.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] This Morning we had like to have a Mutiny amongst our Men: The Steward told me, that several of them had last Night made a private Agreement, and that he heard some Ring-leaders by way of Encouragement, boast to the rest, that 60 Men had already signed the Paper.

Not knowing what this Combination meant, or how far it was design’d, I sent for the chief Officers into the Cabin, where we arm’d our selves, secured two of the chief of those mutinous Fellows, and presently seized two others.

The Fellow that wrote the Paper we put in Irons; by this time all Hands were upon Deck, and we had got their Agreement from those who were in the Cabin, the Purport of which was to oblige themselves, not to take their Plunder, nor to move from thence till they had Justice done them, as they term’d it.

There being so many concern’d in this Design, Captains _Dover_ and _Fry_ desired I would discharge those in Confinement upon their asking Pardon, and faithfully promising never to be guilty of the like, or any other Combination again.

The Reason we shewed ’em this Favour was, that there were too many guilty to punish them at once: And not knowing what was design’d a-board the _Dutchess_ and _Marquiss_, we were of Opinion they had concerted to break the Ice first a-board the _Duke_, and the rest to stand by them.

Upon this I us’d what Arguments I could offer, shew’d them the Danger and Folly of Combinations, and exhorted them to believe they would have Justice in _England_, should any thing seem uneasy to them now, or in the whole Course of the Voyage; adding that we had done all that we could for their good, and would continue our Endeavours, not doubting their good Intentions, provided they were not mis-led.

With these and other healing Arguments, all appear’d easy and quiet, and every Man seem’d willing to stand to what had been done, provided the Gentlemen that were Officers, and not Sailors, amongst us, had not such large Shares, which they alledg’d was unreasonable, and that they could not possibly in a Privateer deserve what they were allow’d in proportion to the rest of the Ships Company: This we did in part yield to, in order to appease those Malecontents, by making some Abatements on Mr. _White’s_, Mr. _Bath’s_, and Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_ Shares; so that we hoped this difficult Work would, with less Danger than we dreaded, be brought to a good Conclusion: For Disputes about Plunder is the common Occasion of Privateers Quarrelling amongst themselves, and ruining their Voyages.

Sailors usually exceed all Measures when left to themselves, and account it a Privilege in Privateers to do themselves Justice on these Occasions, tho’ in every thing else I must own, they have been more obedient than any Ship’s Crews engag’d in the like Undertaking that ever I heard of.

Yet we have not wanted sufficient Tryal of our Patience and Industry in other things; so that if any Sea-Officer thinks himself endowed with these two Virtues, let him command in a Privateer, and discharge his Office well in a distant Voyage, and I’ll engage he shall not want Opportunities to improve, if not to exhaust all his Stock.

Had Capt. _Courtney_ and I kept what is always allow’d to be Plunder in Privateers, and not voluntarily given our Parts amongst the Men, but for a greater and more generous Design in view, (_viz.

_ The Good of the Voyage) our Parts of the Plunder would have been above 10 times so much as now it is, because very little valuable Plunder was taken out of any Place but the Great Cabbins; and all this in every Prize is of right due to the Commander that takes it; but if we had acted thus, we foresaw the fatal Consequences that we must have suffer’d by it, for the Officers and Crews would plunder unaccountably, as is too often practis’d in Privateers to keep their Men together, tho’ but meanly to their Duty; so that we (to preserve a good Discipline) gave an eminent Example to them, of preferring the common Interest before our own, to our particular Loss.

We have had lately almost a general Misunderstanding amongst our Chief Officers, and some great Abuses which I suppose sprung at first from several unhappy Differences arising at and before our Attempt on _Guiaquil_.

This made me so particularly relate all that pass’d material in that Attempt, so that I doubt not any ones contradicting this Journal to my Disadvantage; yet in Differences of this kind amongst the Sailors we all join, and I hope agree: Tho’ I long for a Reconciliation and good Harmony amongst Us, which is so essential to the Welfare of the Voyage;

but not being willing to make the Reader a Party-taker, or trouble his Patience to read over unreasonable Feuds, I have left ’em as much as possible out of my Journal.

Capt. _Morell_, that went for the Main to get Victuals, return’d. The Negro we caught first and punished, we kept in Irons, but this Night miss’d him.

We suppose he got his Irons off, and swam ashore.

We had the following Committees, confirmed the Officers of the _Marquiss_, agreed to sell the Bark and her Cargo, got off all our Wood and Water, and made Preparation for Sailing.

We design to leave the Launch we built at _Lobos_ with Sen. _Morells_ and _Navarre_, being of no farther use to us, tho’ hitherto she had done us very good Service.

Here follows what we agreed on in Council.

At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_, riding at _Gorgona_, _August 6. 1709_.

_We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, appointed as a Committee on board the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _do hereby impower and order Capt. _ Cooke _to command the_ Marquiss, _Mr.

_ Charles Pope _Lieutenant, Mr. _ Robert Knowlman _Master, Mr. _ William Page _Chief Master_, Joseph Parker _Second Mate, Mr. _ John Ballet _Doctor_, Benjamin Long _Boatswain_, George Knight _Gunner_, Edward Gormand _Carpenter, and other Officers as the Captain shall direct aboard the_ Marquiss: _Each of the above Officers, or the others, on their good Behaviour, to have such Wages as those in the same Offices on board the_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _and to cruise on this Coast in our Company, or where else Capt. _ Cooke _shall think convenient, in his Return to_ Bristol, _should he be unfortunately separated from us.

Witness our Hands.

_ Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ Tho.

Glendall, Woodes Rogers, John Connely, Stephen Courtney, William Bath, William Dampier, Geo.

Milbourne, Robert Frye, John Bridge, William Stratton, Lan.

Appleby.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road.

_] Memorandum, _We have now done careening, fixing, and loading our Ships, with the_ Marquiss, _and taken all manner of Goods out of our Prizes, as much as our Ships can carry, having received a valuable Consideration of Mr. _ Morell _and_ Navarre, _the Masters of our 2 Prizes, we are all of opinion we had best leave them in possession of their Ships, and what Negroes we can’t carry hence; our present Circumstances and the Condition of the Prizes not allowing us to remove them from this Place, could we make ever so great advantage of ’em elsewhere.

So judge it our present Interest to ply to Windward, to try for other Purchases and Sale of the Goods, and if possible to take or buy Provisions.

We all agree to land one of the_ Guiaquil _Hostages at_ Manta, _in order to procure Money to pay for the Ransom of the Town, and a Bark we have sold the same Man, laden with Prize Goods, Witness our Hands this_ 6th _of_ August, 1709. Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, Tho.

Glendall, Stephen Courtney, John Connely, William Dampier, William Bath, Edw.

Cooke, John Ballett, Robert Frye, Lan.

Appleby.

Cha.

Pope, I drew up the following Agreement, to which we Officers swore on the Holy Evangelists, because I thought it the most proper Method to prevent the Confusions which were like to happen among us, because of the Jealousies that were entertain’d of one another, and came to such a height, that I fear’d a Separation.

_We having made a solemn Agreement, do this Instant sign voluntarily, and give each other our Oaths on the Holy Bible; and as we hope for Forgiveness of Sins, and Salvation by the alone Merits and Intercession of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, to keep severely and strictly this serious concerted_ Memorandum.

_First we agree to keep company, and assist each other on all Occasions, and with all Necessaries, as far as our Abilities reach, and our common Safety requires.

Secondly, that in case we engage at any time with the Enemy, we design it in Consortship, and that each Commander and Second in each Ship, hereto subscribed, shall on all Occasions, without the least Reserve, and to the utmost of his Power, be forward and ready to assist, rescue or defend each other, with the utmost Dispatch, Bravery and Conduct, even to the apparent Hazard of his Ship and all that is dear to him: Well knowing all of us, that on whatever Occasion should either of our Ships be deserted by the other two, and taken or lost in these barbarous and remote Parts, it’s very improbable ever the Men will get home, and the Survivors would be in as bad, if not in a worse Condition than the Dead.

_ _On these and the like Considerations we do hereby solemnly agree never to desert each other in time of Need, if possibly we can avoid it, and to be to the utmost of our Power and Knowledge alike brave in attacking or defending our selves against the Enemy to the last Extremity.

_ _But if we are so unfortunate to see one Ship inevitably perish, then the two remaining (after they have us’d their utmost Endeavours for the distress’d Ship, and find all past Recovery) may then agree on the best Methods for their own Security.

The like for one Ship if two are lost, but for no other Reason to desert this firm and solemn Agreement of Consortship; and to shew that none of us is so unbecoming a Man as to shrink back, or slight this agreement in time of Action, we agree it shall not be alter’d without the Consent of all us three Commanders, and the major part of the Officers hereto subscrib’d, and to a Duplicate in each Ship of the same Date in_ Gorgona, _the sixth Day of_ August, 1709. Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ William Stretton, Woodes Rogers, Charles Pope, Stephen Courtney, John Connely, Edward Cooke, Tho.

Glendale.

Rob.

Fry, [Sidenote: _From Gorgona towards Manta, in Peru.

_] Another Paper was also drawn up for every Man to swear what Clothes, Goods, _&c. _ he had received of the Agents, and to restore whatever he had taken without the Agents Knowledge, in order to a just distribution of the Plunder, and every one was to oblige himself in a Penalty of 20_s.

_ for every Shilling Value that should be found about him conceal’d, besides the former Penalty agreed on of losing his Share of any Prize or Purchase for concealing above the Value of half a Piece of Eight; and for the Incouragement of Discoveries the Informer was to have half the Penalty, and the Protection of the Commanders.

This Paper was objected against by several of the Officers, who insisted, that there ought to be a greater Latitude allowed them to advantage themselves, since they had ventured their Lives hither on so difficult an Undertaking, which made us defer the signing it till a better Opportunity; for unless such Agreements as these had been constantly promoted, as occasion required, the Temptation of Interest wou’d have made us fall into irrecoverable Confusions abroad, which generally end in a Separation, or worse.