Cruising Voyage Around the World — East Indies to the Cape of Good Hope

_June 9. _ In the Morning we made Land, from S. W.

to N. W.

by W. distant about 8 Leagues, which we took to be the Islands of _Zalayer_ [Salayer], S.

Lat.

5. 45. Long.

W from _Lond.

_ 240°.

21´´.

We likewise saw a Sail to Windward of us, and taking it to be a _Dutch_ Vessel, we hall’d nearer the Wind, till 8 a Clock, then the _Dutchess_ and we made Sail at once, to speak with her, but the Wind abating soon after, and she making the best of her Way from us, we mann’d our Pinnace, and sent it after her.

We made 3 Islands to the Northward of _Zalayer_, and the Looming of other Land to the Westward of all, which we took to be the Southermost part of _Celebes_.

_June 10. _ Our Pinnaces came up with this small Vessel, who told them they were bound for _Macassar_, a _Dutch_ Factory on the South Part of _Celebes_: The Pinnace took the Master of her aboard, (being a _Malayan_) who promis’d to pilot us not only through the Streights of _Zalayer_, but to _Batavia_, if we would keep it secret, for fear of the _Dutch_.

He sent his Vessel to lie in the narrow Passage, between the Islands, till such Time as our Ships came up.

About 4 a Clock we enter’d the Streight, and came betwixt the Islands that are next to _Zalayer_.

And another little one to the Northward of that being the middlemost of the three; where we found a good Passage, 3 Leagues over, all deep Water, steering through N. W.

by W. to give the Larboard Islands a good Birth; then we made the Southermost Part of _Celebes_.

_June 11. _ The Pilot promis’d to carry us thro’ the Channel the great _Dutch_ Ships generally went for _Batavia_, and by that Means avoid the Shoals call’d the _Brill_ and _Bunker_ Ground; the _Brill_ has very uneven Soundings, and in many Places but 3 Fathom Water and less, so we hall’d away to the Northward, keeping the Islands _Celebes_ aboard, the S.

W.

Part of which trents away in low Land, with high Mountains at the back of it; and off the Point their lies a Rock pretty high and remarkable; at 4 a Clock we came into Soundings, and had 10 Fathom the first Cast; the Rock off the S. W.

Point bore then N. distant about 6 Leagues, and we had an Island a head of us, from N. W.

by W. to N. N.

W.

being low and level, about 3 Leagues long, and near the same Distance from the main as we enter’d betwixt ’em, it grew narrower.

We stem’d with the North Part of the Island, till we came within a League and half of it, then steer’d North a little to weather a Spit of Sand, lying off the Island, by which Means we open’d 3 small Keys; after we were clear of the Shoal, we hall’d up N. W.

about 7, and came to an Anchor under the Island, behind the Spit of Sand, in 10 Fathom Water, very good clean Ground.

The Rock of _Celebes_ then bore N. E.

by N. 4 Leagues; the Northermost of the Keys, W. 2 Leagues; and the middlemost W. S.

W.

3 Leagues: The other being shut in with the long Island.

We kept the Lead going all the way constantly through, and had never less than 6 Fathom, nor more than 10. As soon as it was Day we weigh’d, and went betwixt the two small Keys, keeping nearest the Northernmost, sounding all the Way, and had no more than 10 Fathom.

The Water still deepning, being clear of them, we hall’d away West, and then S. W.

having a fresh Gale of Wind at S.

E.

and S. E.

by E. no Land in sight at Noon but Part of the high Land of _Celebes_, which bore East, distant about 12 Leagues.

It is well for us, that we met with this Pilot, for having no good Charts, nor any one acquainted with those Seas, we had run greater Hazards.

_June 13. _ We made Land a second time, which bore S. W.

by W. distant 6 Leagues.

_June 14. _ We ran by the Island _Madura_, which is about 40 Leagues long, lying East and West, on the N. Side of _Java_, the Land we made in the Morning, being the N. E.

part of it, which agreeing with the Pilot’s Knowledge made us the more certain.

[Sidenote: _Sailing from Bouton towards Batavia.

_] _June 15_.

In the Morning we fell in with the Coast of _Java_, near the high Land of _Japara_, which bore W. by S. distant about 5 Leagues.

We had Soundings betwixt 10 and 20 Fathom good easy Ground, and saw abundance of Fishing-boats, but all kept at a Distance.

We got our Guns out of the Hold, and scal’d them, in order to be in a Readiness against we come to _Batavia_, where in all Probability we shall get in 2 or 3 Days more, it being not above 90 Leagues from this Place: By Noon we brought the Land of _Japara_ to bear S. by E. distant 4 Leagues, having open’d a large deep Bay, with other high Land, further to the Westward, which bore W. N.

W.

distant 9 Leagues, Lat.

6°.

19´´.

S.

Long.

248°.

47´´.

W.

from _London_.

_June 16. _ We made a small high Hummock to the Westward of the high Land we set yesterday Noon, which, at 6 a Clock bore W. by S. distant 5 Leagues.

We hall’d off N. W.

by W. and W. N.

W.

and in the Morning made the Islands of _Caraman Java_ [Crimon Java], which bore N. E.

by N. distant 3 Leagues, as also a ragged Island to the Eastward of it, bearing E. N.

E.

5 Leagues, and 5 small Keys to the Westward, which are all call’d _Caraman Java_ [Crimon Java].

We had Soundings most part of this 24 Hours, betwixt 20 and 30 Fathom ouzy Ground.

Lat.

6. 7. S.

Long.

250. 14. W.

from _London_.

_June 17. _ We made the high Land of _Cheribon_, which bore S. W.

In the Morning we saw a great Ship right a head, and being very eager to hear News, I sent our Pinnace aboard to know what she was.

She prov’d a _Dutch_ Ship, about 600 Tuns, and 50 Guns, belonging to _Batavia_, and was plying to some of the _Dutch_ Factories for Timber.

They told us of Prince _George’s_ Death, which we heard of in the _South Seas_, but gave no Credit to it then; That the Wars continued in _Europe_; and that we had good Success in _Flanders_, and but little else where.

They likewise told us, that ’twas about 30 _Dutch_ Leagues from hence to Batavia; but no Danger.

We borrowed a large Draft, which was very useful to us, and left ’em at Anchor.

Towards Noon we made the Land, being very low, but had gradual Soundings, by which we was satisfied in the Night how to sail by the Sand.

_June 20. _ In the Afternoon we saw the Ships in the Road of _Batavia_, betwixt 30 and 40 Sail, great and small, and got happily to Anchor just after Sun set, betwixt 6 and 7 Fathom Water, at the long desired Port of _Batavia_.

Lat.

6. 10 S.

Long.

252. 51. W.

from _London_.

By our Reckoning here, we alter’d our Account of Time, having, as customary, lost almost one Day in running West so far round the Globe.

_June 22. _ We waited on his Excellency the Governour-General, whom we acquainted with the Necessity we lay under to refit our Ships.

He was pleased to see and approve of our Commissions, as Private Men of War, and promis’d he would meet the Council, and soon resolve us how far he could afford such Assistance as we desired.

_June 30. _ I am still very weak and thin, but I hope to get Time and Leisure to recover my Health.

During these 10 Days, I was not able to go much on board, and whenever I went, found, that till then I was a Stranger to the Humours of our Ship’s Company.

Some of them were hugging each other, others blessing themselves that they were come to such a glorious Place for Punch, where they could have Arack for 8 Pence _per_ Gallon, and Sugar for 1 Peny a Pound; others quarrelling who should make the next Bowl, for now the Labour was worth more than the Liquor, whereas a few Weeks past, a Bowl of Punch to them was worth half the Voyage.

8 Days ago the Doctor cut a large Musket Shot out of my Mouth, which had been there near 6 Months, ever since I was first wounded; we reckon’d it a Piece of my Jaw-bone, the upper and lower Jaw being much broken, and almost closed together, so that the Doctor had much ado to come at the Shot, to get it out.

I had also several Pieces of my Foot and Heel-bone taken out, but God be thanked, am now in a fair way to have the Use of my Foot, and to recover my Health.

The Hole the Shot made in my Face is now scarce discernable.

I propos’d the calling of a Committee to regulate our Affairs, wherein we agreed as follows.

At a Committee, held on board the _Batchelor_ Frigat, _June 30. 1710. _ in the Road of _Batavia_.

Impr.

_It is agreed to pack and repack all Goods that appear damag’d, and to let other Bails, that are not, nor have not been apparently damag’d, to be only new cover’d with Wax cloth, or Tarpawlins, if necessary, in every Ship, and that Mr. _ Vanbrugh _and Mr. _ Goodall _be at every Place, and the rest of the Agents be accountable to ’em, and they to leave a Duplicate of the whole with the other two, and be always ready to give an Account to a general Committee.

_ [Sidenote: _Transactions in Batavia Road.

_] 2dly, _That Capt. _ Courtney _do provide the Ships with all manner of Necessaries, as fast an wanting; and as soon as Captain_ Rogers _is in Health, that he assist in it, and that every one give a List to ’em of what they want from time to time; that Mr. _ Charles Pope _do continue a-shore, and send off Provisions for all the Ships, and keep a Book of the whole.

Let every Ship take their daily turn to divide the Meat, and send it off as early as possible, in a Country Boat, and as near at he can no more nor less than_ 350 lb _weight; every other Day, or as often as he can conveniently.

Let him send off Greens, Carrots, Eggs, or any other small Refreshment, more than the common Allowance, to be equally divided with the Meat.

_ 3dly, _That a suitable Quantity of Rack and Sugar be sent aboard each Ship, to give a Quart a Mess to the Ships Companies, but whilst on the careen, the Allowance may be enlarg’d as the commanding Officers think convenient.

_ 4thly, _If any thing not included is necessary to the Dispatch and Out-set of our Ships, considering the Trouble and Loss of Time, to meet in a whole Committee, we to prevent dilatory Proceedings, unanimously leave such things to Capt. _ Thomas Dover, _Capt.

_ Woodes Rogers, _Capt.

_ Stephen Courtney, _and Capt. _ Edward Cooke, _who are to agree on a Time and Place to meet, and have the same Power in this Affair as a whole Committee.

That if any thing required such Dispatch that the four cannot be present at a time, then any three of them together, agreeing and signing what they have done for the Satisfaction of the rest shall be sufficient; but otherwise we desire them to act in conjunction.

_ 5thly, _We agree to continue Mr. _ Carleton Vanbrugh _Agent of the_ Duke.

_Mr.

_ James Goodall _Agent of the_ Dutchess, _to make Mr. _ John Viger _Agent of the_ Batchelor, _and Mr. _ Joseph Parker _Agent of the_ Marquiss, _to keep a strict Account of what they can in each Ship, and to preserve and take Care of the general Interest, to the utmost of their Power.

_ 6thly, _We likewise agree to divide the Plunder on board the_ Batchelor, _and in order thereto, we appoint Capt. _ William Dampier, _and Mr. _ Thomas Glendall, _to be Judges what ought to be divided as Plunder, who are to govern themselves as near as possible by our Resolutions, in a Committee of the 9th of_ July, 1709. _And in order to dispatch Matters quietly without loss of time, we appoint Mr. _ John Ballett, _Mr.

_ Lancelot Appleby, _Mr.

_ Alexander Selkirk, _and Mr. _ Joseph Smith, _to act for the Officers, in apprising and dividing the said Plunder, and we allow the Sailors to agree on a Man from each Ship, who is to act in conjunction with them, and in the whole to promote the general Good with the utmost Sincerity and Dispatch.

We also appoint Mr. _ Carleton Vanbrugh, _and Mr. _ James Goodall _to be in the Place when the Plunder is open’d or divided, and to receive what belongs to the Cargo.

_ 7thly, _It’s farther resolved for our general Safety that all trading be prohibited by any of us with the Inhabitants of this City of_ Batavia, _or this Island of_ Java, _or any part of_ India.

_And to the End that no Person may plead Ignorance, a Protest shall be drawn up and published at the Mast of each Ship, prohibiting the aforesaid Commerce, and protesting against all Damages arising through the same, and the Person found guilty of it.

_ 8thly, _It is also agreed, That a Reward of 100 Rix-Dollars shall be given to the Pilot we made use of from the Streights of_ Zelaya _to this Port.

_ 9thly, _It is further agreed, That the_ Marquiss _shall go first upon the careen; and then to be next followed by the_ Duke; _the_ Dutchess _to be the last.

_ 10thly, _We have consider’d the Charge and Method of our Out-sett, and do agree, in order to promote Dispatch, that 10000 Pieces of 8 be deliver’d to Capts.

_ Dover, Rogers, Courtney, _and_ Cooke, _to morrow being the 1st of_ July, 1710. Sign’d by the Majority of our Council.

The Committee did likewise resolve on a Supply of Money to the Officers, as follows.

At a Committee held in _Batavia_ Road, _July 1. 1710_.

_We have resolved to supply these Officers of the_ Duke, Dutchess, Marquiss, _and_ Batchelor, _with the following Sums, to provide themselves with Necessaries in our long Passage to_ Europe.

Pieces of Eight.

[Sidenote: _Transactions at Batavia.

_] Captain_ Thomas Dover 2000 _Captain_ Rogers, _and Captain_ Courtney, _for their_ } _present Expences_ } 400 _Captain_ Cook 800 _Mr.

_ Fry _and Mr. _ Stretton 1000 _Captain_ Dampier 200 _Mr.

_ Pope 350 _Mr.

_ Glendall, _and Mr. _ Connely 700 _Mr.

_ Vanbrugh 250 _Mr.

_ Tho.

Bridge, _and Mr. _ Milbourne 100 _Mr.

_ Knowlman, _and Mr. _ Selkirk 80 _To the Three Doctors of the_ Duke, Dutchess, _and_ } Marquiss } 90 _To the Doctor of the_ Batchelor 20 _To Mr. _ Goodall, _and Mr. _ Appleby 80 ---- Total 6070 ==== _All these Sums we order’d Mr. _ Vanbrugh _and Mr. _ Goodall _to discharge out of the Money on Board the_ Duke _or_ Dutchess, _as either Commanders shall think convenient, whenever the above-mentioned Officers shall demand it, and the Receipts to Mr. _ Vanbrugh _and Mr. _ Goodall, _so far as is here order’d, shall be sufficient.

Witness our Hands_, July 1, 1710. Signed by the Majority of our Council.

_July 2. _ From the _22d_ of the last Month we lay leaky and in a very ordinary Condition, not knowing when and how the General would please to order us Assistance, according to our present Necessities, which were then laid open to him; and this Day, to shew that we could sufficiently vindicate and justifie all our Proceedings like honest Men, we gave in an Abstract of our Voyage, from the Day we set sail out of _King_ Road, to the Day we arrived in _Batavia_, which they desir’d to see, before they would assist us; so we gave it ’em as short as possible.

_July 7. _ To Day our Men finished appraising and dividing the Plunder-Cloth in the _Batchelor_; which being tolerable good, amounts to about 400 _l.

_ _Sterling_.

_July 8. _ This Day, after a great many dilatory Answers, we were at last permitted to make Preparations for careening at _Horn_ Island, which is about 2 or 3 Leagues to the Northward of the Road, (but were by no Means suffer’d to go to the Island _Unrest_, where all the _Dutch_ Ships are clean’d) being only allow’d 8 or 10 _Malayan_ Caulkers and small Vessels to put our Goods in.

The _Marquiss_ began to careen aboard her; but the Carpenters having view’d her betwixt Wind and Water, finding her very bad, and that she had but a single Bottom, eat to a Honey-comb by the Worms, they judg’d her altogether unfit to go to _Europe_; whereupon I desir’d the Committee to meet and agree to dispose of her, as follows.

_It is agreed, that having now discharged the_ Marquiss _of her Cargoe brought from the_ South _Sea, and finding great Part thereof perish’d thro’ the Weakness of the Ship, and Damage of the Worms, which had eaten thro’ her Bends, and good Part of her Bottom like a perfect Honey-Comb; we have consider’d our present Condition, with the great Charge and Lost of Time to repair her here, and judging our 3 Ships sufficient, and capable to carry the remaining Part of her Cargoe: We, according to the best of our Judgment and Information from a View made by the Carpenters, do believe it for our Safety and Benefit for the Concern’d, to sell she said Ship the_ Marquiss _here, as soon as possible, for the most she will yield; and we do appoint Capt. _ Woodes Rogers, _Capt.

_ Steph.

Courtney, _Capt.

_ Edw.

Cook, _and Capt. _ Tho.

Dover, _to treat of and conclude the Sale, letting the Purchaser have sufficient Power (as far as we are capable) to condemn her.

_ Sign’d by the Officers of the Committee.

_July 20. _ The _Marquiss_ being condemned to Sale, we had the Caulkers aboard us to make all Manner of Dispatch for careening.

Our Ship being very leaky, we thought it high Time to wait on the Governour with the following Representation, which we got put into _Dutch_, but could not get the _Sabandar_ to introduce us, as the Custom is here, therefore we went our selves, and gave Presents to the _Dutch_ Guards to let us in to see the General; after an Hours waiting we were admitted, and deliver’d him a Copy of our Commissions, and were promis’d Assistance, but find it’s no more than what he can’t have a Pretence to deny us.

Our Memorial was as follows.

To His Excellency the Governour-General and Council of the _Dutch East-India_ Company.

_About four Weeks ago we arriv’d here, and waited upon your Excellency, acquainting you with our Circumstances, which according to your Order we delivered the same Day in Writing to your_ Sabandar, _and have daily waited upon him for your Resolution thereupon.

He has since visited our several Ships, and we question not but all Things appear’d to him agreeable to our Representation.

_ _We have lain some time ready with leaky Ships to go to the Place appointed us to careen at, only waiting for a careening Vessel to heave down by.

Which we humbly crave you will be pleas’d to order us.

_ _Delays are very prejudicial to our Ships, that have been long without the Benefit of a Friend’s Port.

Which we earnestly request, you’ll please to consider.

_ _We have deferr’d troubling you, in daily Hopes of an Order for our Assistance by the proper Officer, till we can no longer account for our Loss of Time, without a direct Application.

_ _We hope for a Continuance of the common Benefits and Refreshments, and on our Parts shall persevere to behave our selves with all due Regard and Respect to the Government and Customs of this City.

_ Batavia, _July 20. 1710_.

Woodes Rogers.

Steph.

Courtney.

The Governour immediately order’d us a Vessel to careen, and we took our Leaves.

_July 23. _ We went over to _Horn_ Island, having a Pilot to direct us, and a Sampan[149] ready to heave down by, and take in our Guns, Carriages, _&c. _ anchor’d on the South side of the Island, in 5 Fathom Water, about a Stone’s Cast off Shore, where we careen’d. We continued refitting our Ships, and re-packing our Goods, with a great deal of difficulty, till the 13_th_ of _September_, during which time nothing remarkable happen’d, but that, after I had refitted as well as I could on _Horn_ Island, I return’d to the Road of _Batavia_.

Many of our Men fell ill of Fevers and Fluxes, occasion’d, as I was inform’d, by their drinking the Water upon the Island.

We buried here _John Bridge_ our Master, as also the Gunner of the _Dutchess_, with another of her Crew, and one belonging to the _Batchelor_.

The Season being so far spent, and the Wind blowing fresh on _Horn_ Island, I could not go again thither to careen my Ship, tho’ she needed it much; therefore we try’d to get an Order to careen at _Unrest_, where the _Dutch_ careen their own, as we might have done ours, in a few Days, and with little Trouble.

I wrote from hence on the 21_st_ of _August_ to my Owners by the _Nathanael_, an _English E. India_ Ship bound directly for _England_, to let them know of our safe Arrival here with our Effects, and that we hoped to be with them in a very short time.

On the 15_th_ we called a Committee, and came to the following Resolutions.

Batavia, Sept.

15. 1710. _At a Committee held then, it it agreed to divide the Money received for a Quantity of Plate sold amongst the several Ships Company, being what had been adjudged Plunder.

Also that we should make out a Request, and deliver it the first Opportunity to the General, to the following Purpose_, viz.

_to gain Leave, if possible, to careen the_ Duke _at_ Unrest, &c. _Also for Leave to set up the_ Marquiss _for Sale here, and for a Supply of 10 Hogsheads of_ Dutch _Beef and Pork, with a Permission to buy and carry aboard some Rack and Sugar for the 3 Ships Stores for our Company, &c. _ _It is also agreed to allow the following Particulars for the use of the Officers in the Great Cabbin of each Ship_, viz.

_To each Ship as followeth.

_ _Two Firkins of Butter.

_ _Two Gallons of Sweet Oil.

_ _400 Cask of Bread or Rusk.

_ _100 Pound Weight of Flower.

_ _400 Pound Weight of_ Tamarinds.

_Half a Leaguer_[150] _of_ Spelman’_s_ Neep, _or the best sort of Arrack.

_[151] _3 Cheeses.

_ _The Third part of a Leaguer of Cape Wine.

_ _3 Peckel of fine Sugar.

_ _Also 60 Dollars of_ Spanish _Money to buy small Necessaries.

_ _Signed_, Tho.

Dover, _Pres.

_ William Dampier, Woodes Rogers, Cha.

Pope, Steph.

Courtney, William Stretton, Edw.

Cooke, John Connely.

Rummaging to day in the Powder room, we found a Leak 3 or 4 Foot under Water, which we did our best to stop.

All _English_ Ships are allowed by the Government here half a Leaguer of Arrack a Man for the Ships Use, and ’tis counted as part of the Provisions, but our Boats are not suffer’d to bring the least thing off Shore, without being first severely searched.

This, tho’ we pay more, will likewise hinder all manner of Traffick with any one here.

Our chief [Sidenote: _Transactions at Batavia.

_] Officers have also prevented it aboard, and narrowly watch our Crews; so that I doubt they’ll want several Necessaries that this Place affords.

This we do to avoid giving the _India_ Company in _England_ any Pretence to clamour against us at home, on account of our trading here without their Permission.

We requested the Governour to have Liberty to sell the _Marquiss_ by Inventory to the highest Bidder at a publick Sale; but the Sabandar, or chief Custom-house Officer for Foreigners, told us it was the Governour and Council’s Resolution to publish at the Sale, that if any _Dutch_ Freeman should purchase the Ship, they must either rip her up or burn her.

This we thought another great Hardship, that we could not get _Dutch_ Carpenters at Liberty to careen and refit her at _Unrest_, nor get Freedom of Sale; so we drew up a Request, and got it put in _Dutch_, resolving to wait on the General, to set forth the Hardships we were under; and likewise requested to careen the _Duke_ at _Unrest_, where we might have _Dutch_ Carpenters, that being the only fit Place; now the Weather and Wind was changeable, and we could not do it at any other Island: But when Capt. _Courtney_ and I came to the Castle, to wait on the General, the Guards told us, They had Orders, that no _Englishman_ should be admitted without the _Sabandar_, and that they durst carry no Paper or Message from us to the Governour-General.

We waited till past the middle of the Day, and then address’d our selves to one of the Rads of _India_, who us’d to listen to the _English_, when any was impos’d on: He treated us very handsomly, with our Linguists, Mr. _Vanbrugh_ and Mr. _Swart_, at his House, and said, He believed we had not Justice done us; but the _Sabandar_ being the General’s near Relation, he should make Enemies, if he appear’d in our Affair, and could advise us no better than to try what we could do again with the _Sabandar_, who we knew was inflexible; so we were forced to be silent and let this drop, that we might dispatch for the Cape of _Good Hope_, as fast as possible; the best Season for our Passage being now at hand.

_July 30. _ The Plunder-Money was shar’d on the 24th Instant, which amounted to 26 _Shillings_ a-share, being what was adjudg’d as Plunder, when at the Island _Gorgona_, to which I refer.

_Octob.

7. _ This Week we made all Preparation for sailing, having got most of our Stores aboard, and discharged the _Marquiss_, which was so leaky that we sold her to Capt. _John Opey_, Commander of the _Oley_ Frigate, lately arriv’d from _London_, for 575 _Dutch_ Dollars, being an extraordinary Bargain; we had been offer’d much more before by another Person, but then I could not prevail with the Majority of our Council to consent to the Sale.

_Octob.

12. _ At Day-break this Morning, we, our Consort and Prize, weigh’d out of the Road, taking the first of the Land Breeze: About Noon came too again, in 11 Fathom Water, about a Mile to the Northward of _Horn_ Island.

We had several _English_ Gentlemen a-board our Ships, who favour’d us with their Company out of the Road, there being several that arriv’d during our Stay here.

English _Ships that arriv’d and sail’d hence during our Stay_.

_Frederick_, Capt. _Phrip_, arriv’d _June 23. _ sail’d _July 29. _ from _Bencouli_, bound to _ditto_.

_Rochester_, Capt. _Stains_, arriv’d _July 6. _ sail’d the _21st_, from _England_, bound to _China_.

_Nathanael_, Capt. _Neagers_, arriv’d _July 27. _ sail’d _Aug.

27. _ from _Bencouli_, bound to _England_.

_Stringer_, Capt. _Pike_, arriv’d _Aug.

30. _ from _England_, bound to _China_.

We left her there, she having lost her Passage for _China_.

_Oley_, Capt. _Opie_, arriv’d _Sept.

9. _ from _England_, left there behind us.

Here follows, * * * * * _A Description of_ Batavia.

[Sidenote: _A Description of Batavia.

_] [Sidenote: _A Description of Batavia.

_] [Sidenote: _Sailing from Batavia.

_] Altho’ this Place is well known, and has been so frequently describ’d, yet being such a noble Settlement, and a Proof of the Industry of the _Dutch_ in these Parts; I can’t omit giving the following Account of it.

The Town lies on the N. W.

side of the Island of _Java_, Lat.

5°.

50´´.

S.

The Time we were here it was not very healthy.

The East and West Winds blow all the Year along the Shore, besides the ordinary Land and Sea Winds, which qualifie the Air, and makes it pleasant, otherwise it would be excessive hot.

Their Summer begins in _May_, with continual Breezes from the East, and a very clear Sky till the latter End of _October_, or Beginning of _November_, when the Winter begins with hard Rains, which holds sometimes 3 or 4 Days without Intermission.

In _December_ the West Winds blow very violently, so that then there’s little Trade on the Coast of _Java_.

In _February_ ’tis changeable Weather, with sudden Thunderstorms.

In _March_ they begin to sow: _June_ is their pleasantest Month; in _September_ they gather in their Sugar and Rice; and in _October_ they have Plenty of Fruit and Flowers, Plants and Herbs of most Sorts: There’s a large fenny plain Country before the City, but it’s well improv’d by the _Dutch_, and to the Eastward, ’tis very full of Woods and Morasses.

The City is four square, with a River running through it, and fortified by a Stone Wall and 22 Bastions.

About 10 Years past there was an Earthquake, which broke down part of the Mountains, in the Country, and alter’d the Course of the River, so that the Canals in and about _Batavia_, are not near so commodious as they have been, nor the Entrance into the River so deep, and for want of a strong Current of Water, to keep it open, they are forced to employ a large Engine work’d with Horses, to preserve the Entrance of the River navigable for small Vessels to come into the Canals of the City.

It lies on a Bay in and about which there are 17 or 18 Islands, which so break off the Sea, that tho’ the Road is very large, yet it is safe.

The Banks of the Canals through the City are fac’d with Stone on both Sides, as far as the Boom, which is shut up every Night, at 9 a Clock, and guarded by Soldiers; there’s Channels cut out of the main River for smaller Vessels, and every one that passes the Boom pays Custom.

All the Streets run in a streight Line, most of them being above 30 Foot broad, on each side clear of the Canals, and pav’d next the Houses with Bricks.

All the Streets are very well built and inhabited, 15 of which have Canals, and they reckon 56 Bridges on them, most of them made of Stone.

The Country Seats and Buildings round the City, are generally neat and well contriv’d with handsom Gardens for Fruit and Flowers, and adorn’d with Springs, Fountains, Statues, _&c. _ The vast Quantity of Coco nut Trees, every where afford delightful and profitable Groves.

They have fine Structures here, particularly the Cross Church, built of Stone, and the inside very neat.

There are 2 other Churches for the _Dutch_, and 2 for the _Portugueze_ Protestants; who are a mixed Breed of People.

There is one Church also for the Protestant _Malayans_.

The Town-house is built of Brick, in a Square, about the Center of the City; ’tis two lofty Stories high, and very finely built, where all Courts of Advice are held, and all Matters relating to the Civil Government of the City are determin’d, and the Senators and Directors of military Affairs meet.

There’s an inner Court inclos’d with a high Wall, and a double Row of Stone Pillars, where the Officers of Justice live.

Here are Hospitals, Spin-houses, and Rasp-houses, the same as in _Amsterdam_, with all other publick Buildings, equal to most Cities in _Europe_.

The _Chinese_ have also a large Hospital in this City for their Aged and Sick Persons, and manage their Charity so well, that you never see a _Chinese_ look despicable in the street.

The _Dutch_ Women have greater Privileges in _India_ than in _Holland_, or any where else; for on slight Occasions they are often divorc’d from their Husbands, and share the Estate betwixt them.

A Lawyer told me at _Batavia_, he has known out of 58 Causes, all depending in the Council-Chamber, 52 of them were Divorces.

Great Numbers of the Natives, who are Criminals, and not executed after Condemnation, are chain’d by Pairs, and kept at hard Labour under a Guard, perpetually clearing the Canals and Moats round the City, or any other Labour for the publick.

Three Leagues West from the Town, is the Island _Unrest_, where all the Company’s Ships are refitted.

There are great Magazines of Naval Stores, defended by Platforms of Guns; and the Castle at _Batavia_ is Quadrangular, lies in a Level, and has 4 Bastions and Courtins, fac’d with white Stones, and provided with Watch-houses.

In this Castle, or rather Citadel, the _Dutch_ Governour-General, and most of the Members of the Council of _India_, with the other Officers of _Batavia_, have their Residence.

The Governour’s Pallace is of Brick, large and well built.

In this Pallace is the Council-Chamber, the Secretary’s Office and Chamber of Accounts.

The great Hall is hung with bright Armour, Ensigns, Flags, _&c. _ taken by the _Dutch_ here.

The Governour gives Audience to Strangers who are introduc’d to him by the _Sabandar_, who is chief Custom-master.

Here is also a Church within the Castle, and an Armory with Apartments for all the Artificers belonging to the Castle, which has 4 Gates, and all the Avenues well defended, the whole being surrounded with Ditches and the Works well mounted with Brass Cannon, as are the Bastions of the Town with Block-houses within the Walls, so that they can fire upon Mutineers within, as well as upon an Enemy without.

The Out-works of the Town, of which there are several every way at 4 Leagues Distance, are made of Earth, surrounded with Ditches and Quick-set Hedges, which render them Arbours for Beauty, and some of them fac’d with Brick.

The Garrison on Duty is generally about 1000 strong, and all the Out-works are said to be furnish’d with a good Stock of Provisions as well as the Castle; but the Soldiers are kept much under, except the Governour’s Guards, who have large Privileges, and make a fine Appearance.

The Governour-General lives in as great Splendor as a King; he has a Train and Guards, having a Troop of Horse, and a Company of Foot, with Halberds, in Liveries of yellow Satin, richly adorn’d with Silver Laces and Fringes, to attend his Coach when he goes abroad.

The Guards are as well equipp’d as most Princes in _Europe_: His Lady has also her Guards and Train.

He is chosen but for 3 Years, out of the 24 Counsellors call’d Rads of _India_, 12 of whom must always reside in the City.

The _Chinese_ have the greatest Trade here, farm most of the Excise and Customs, live according to their own Laws and idolatrous Worship, and have a Chief that manages their Affairs with the Company, who allow them great Privileges, and particularly a Representative in Council, who has a Vote when any _Chinese_ is tried for Life: But these Privileges are allow’d only to such _Chinese_ as inhabit here, for others are not admitted to stay above 6 Months in the Town, or on the Island _Java_.

The other Strangers, who inhabit here, besides _Europeans_, are _Malayans_, with some People from most part of _India_.

The _Javanese_, or ancient Natives are numerous, and said to be barbarous and proud, of a dark Colour, with flat Faces, thin short black Hair, large Eye-brows and Cheeks.

The Men are strong limb’d, but the Women small; the former have a Wrapper of Callicoe, 3 or 4 times round their Bodies, and the latter from their Arm-pits to their Knees.

The Men have 2 or 3 Wives besides Concubines, and the _Dutch_ say, they are much addicted to lying and stealing: Those on the Coast are generally _Mahometans_, but the others _Pagans_.

The Women are not so tawny as the Men, and many of them handsom, but in general amorous, and unfaithful to their Husbands or others, being very apt to give Poison, which they do very cunningly.

It would be too tedious for me to describe all the remarkable Things I saw at _Batavia_.

In short, I was perfectly surpriz’d, when I came hither, to see such a noble City, and _Europeans_ so well settled in the _Indies_.

The Town is very populous, but not one Sixth of them _Dutch_.

The _Chineze_ here go all bare-headed, with their Hair roul’d up, and long Gowns, carrying Fans in their Hands.

The _Dutch_ say they are more industrious and acute in Trade than themselves.

The Discipline and Order of the _Dutch_ here, both in Civil and Military Affairs, is admirable.

They have all Necessaries for Building and Careening Ships, as well as in _Europe_, and their Officers as regular as in her Majesty’s Yards; whereas we have nothing like it in _India_.

They keep the Natives very much in Awe, being perfectly despotical in their Government over them, because they say the Natives are naturally so treacherous that they are obliged to punish them severely, for small Faults; but they are favourable to the _Chineze_, because of the great Trade they have by their Means, and that they pay great Rents for their Shops, besides large Taxes, and from 16 to 30 _per Cent.

_ for Money, which they frequently borrow of the _Dutch_.

I was told, there are about 80000 on the Island, who pay the _Dutch_ a Dollar a head, each Month, for Liberty to wear their Hair, which they are not allow’d to do at home, since they were conquer’d by the _Tartars_.

There comes hither from _China_ 14 or 16 large Junks yearly, being flat bottom’d Vessels, from 3 to 500 Tuns a-piece.

The Merchants come along with their Goods, which are lodg’d in different Partitions in the Vessel, like Ware-houses, for which they pay a certain Price, and not for the Weight or Measure of their Cargo, as we do; so that they fill them with what they please.

They come in with an Easterly Monsoon, and generally arrive in _November_ or _December_, and return the Beginning of _June_, so that the _Dutch_ have all _Chineze_ Commodities brought to them cheaper than they can fetch them; and being conveniently situated for the Spice Trade, they have all in their own Hands.

_Batavia_ wants no Commodities that _India_ affords.

’Tis Pity our _East India_ Company has no Settlement to which the _Chineze_ might resort; which I presume would turn to a much better Account than our going to _China_ does, where our Traders are but indifferently us’d. ’Tis about 5 Years since we quitted _Benjar_, in the Island of _Borneo_, which, by all the Accounts I had here, might, if well improv’d, have been as serviceable to our _East India_ Company as _Batavia_ is to the _Dutch_, who have seldom less than 20 Sail of Ships at the Isle of _Java_, from 30 to 50 and 60 Guns each, with Men enough for them on all Occasions, so that they might easily drive us out of most Parts, if not all _India_, should we ever have an unfortunate War with them.

Their Soldiers are very well train’d, and there’s a Company always on Duty at every Gate of the City and Citadel; and they have 7 or 8000 disciplin’d _Europeans_ in and about the City, who can be ready for Action, at a very short Warning: ’Tis the Metropolis of their _Indian_ Settlements, and sends Governours and Officers to all the rest: The late General, before we came hither, had War with the _Indians_, which, I was inform’d, had like to have spoil’d their Settlements; but at last, they divided the Natives amongst themselves, brought them to a Peace on advantageous Conditions, and are now pretty secure of the Sea-Coasts.

There are many pleasant Seats about the City, and the adjacent Country abounds with Rice, Sugar-Cane-fields, Gardens and Orchards, Mills for Sugar, Corn, and Gun-powder; so that this City is one of the pleasantest in the World.

I don’t think it so large as _Bristol_, but ’tis more populous: They have Schools for _Latin_, _Greek_, _&c. _ and a Printing House.

They have lately begun to plant Coffee here, which thrives very well, so that in a little time they may be able to load a Ship or two; but I am told it is not so good as that of _Arabia_.

_Octob.

_ 12. We, according to Order from our Owners to keep our Ships full mann’d, if the War continued till our Return, ship’t here seventeen Men, most of them _Dutch_; the _Dutchess_ and _Batchelor_ near the same Number, so that we are all well mann’d; and tho’ we look’d upon our Hardships to be over, several ran from us here that came out of _England_ with us, being stragling Fellows that can’t leave their old Trade of Deserting, tho’ now they have a good Sum due to each of them, so that their Shares are by Contract due to those that continu’d. _Octob.

_ 17. We got to the watering Place on the Main, within _Princes_ Island to _Java_ Head.

The Chief of our Business here, was to get Water and Wood for our Passage to the Cape of _Good Hope_, which we compleated in 4 Days Time: But in the Interim a Misfortune befel us, which occasion’d our Stay longer on Account of a Boat lent us by Capt. _Pike_, Commander of the _Stringer_ Gally, who followed us hither from _Batavia_, after a Servant of his who was brought away by Captain _Dover_ in the _Batchelor_.

_Octob.

_ 23. The Boat was missing, but came back with all the Men safe, and we return’d her to Captain _Pike_, who had his Servant, and took his Leave of us.

We held the following Council just before we came to sail.

In a Committee on Board the _Duke_, _Octob.

_ 23. 1710. at _Java_ Head.

_It is agreed, that we make the best of our Way from hence to the Cape of_ Good Hope _; and if through Misfortune any Ship should loose or part Company, either by bad Weather or otherwise, they are to go to the Cape of_ Good Hope, _and if they don’t find the other Ships, to stay there 20 Days: But if within that Time the missing Ship or Ships don’t appear, then to make their utmost Dispatch for the Island St. _ Hellena _; and if not there, to proceed thence according to the Owners Orders for_ Great Britain _.

_ Signed by the Majority of our Council.

_Octob.

_ 24. At 4 in the Afternoon _Java_ Head bore N. E.

by E. distant 10 or 12 Leagues, which being the last Sight we had of it, from that we took our Departure.

_Octob.

_ 25. A fresh Gale of Wind at S. E.

with fair Weather, but an ugly swelling Sea.

This Morning in Stowing our best Anchor, _Joseph Long_, a Sailor, fell over Board, and being no Swimmer, before we could get the Boat out to his Assistance, was lost.