A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels Volume Xvii Part 39

In Freshwater Bay, dated on board the Speedwell schooner, on the coast of South America, in the lat.i.tude of 37: 25 S. longitude from the meridian of London, 65: 00 W. this 14th day of January, 1741-2.

"These are to certify the right honourable the lords commissioners for executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain, &tc. That we, whose names are undermentioned, having nothing left on board the vessel but one quarter-cask of water, were obliged to put into the first place we could for subsistence, which, was in Freshwater-Bay; where we came to an anchor, as near the sh.o.r.e as we could, without endangering the vessel, having no boat aboard, and a large surf on the sh.o.r.e, therefore Mr King the boatswain, Mr c.u.mmins the carpenter, and Lieutenant Ewers, with eleven of the people, jumped overboard, in order to swim ash.o.r.e, with three casks of water, in which attempt James Greenham was drowned in the surf off the sh.o.r.e: The sea-breeze coming on, prevented the people getting on board the same night; therefore, on Wednesday morning, it being then calm, they brought to the beach the casks filled with water, with seal and other provisions in great quant.i.ties, which we hauled on board. The boatswain, carpenter, Lieutenant Ewers, and three of the people, swam off, but the sea-breeze coming in, and the surf rising, the rest were discouraged from coming off; we hauled a good birth off the sh.o.r.e, where we lay the remainder of the day, and all the night. The greatness of the sea broke off our rudder-head, and we expected every minute the vessel would founder at her anchor. Thursday morning we saw no probability of the people coming aboard, and the wind coming out of the sea, and not one stick of fire-wood in the vessel to dress our victuals, and it being every man's opinion that we must put to sea or perish, we got up a scuttled cask, and put into it all manner of necessaries, with four small arms lashed to the cask, and a letter to acquaint them of our danger, which cask we saw them receive, as also the letter that was in it; they then fell on their knees, and made signals wis.h.i.+ng us well, at which we got under sail, and left our brethren, whose names are under-mentioned,

Sign'd by Robert Beans, lieutenant John King, boatswain John Bulkeley, gunner Thomas Clark, master John c.u.mmins, carpenter Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate John Jones, master's mate John Snow, ditto.

The names of the people left on sh.o.r.e in the lat.i.tude of 35' 25 S.

longitude 65: 00 W.

Names. Where born.

Guy Broadwater, Blackwall.

John Duck, London.

Samuel Cooper, Ipswich.

Benjamin Smith, Southwark.

Joseph Clinch, Ditto.

John Allen, Gosport.

John Andrews, Manchester.

Isaac Morris, Topsham."

Those people had a good prospect of getting provisions, and we believe inhabitants are not far off; they have all necessaries for shooting; we hope to see them again, but at present we leave them to the care of Providence and the wide world. At noon sailed hence, at four in the afternoon could not clear the land, and were obliged to anchor in five fathom, two leagues from the sh.o.r.e, the northmost point of land bore N.E.

by N. and the southmost point S. by W. Hard gales at E.N.E. and a great sea. At noon in lat.i.tude 38: 00.

Friday the 15th, fresh gales at N.N.W. and a great sea tumbling into the bay. We are not able to ride it out, therefore, at four in the afternoon, got under sail, and stood off to sea; the southmost land bore S.W. by S.

distant five leagues.

Monday the 18th, in the lat.i.tude of 36: 29 S. the north point of Freshwater-Bay bearing S.W. distant forty-four leagues, we went to an allowance of water, at a pint a man per day, having on board not above twenty gallons for thirty-three souls.

Tuesday the 19th, little wind at S. and clear weather. At four this morning saw breakers right a-head; sounded, and found five fathom; saw the land making like an island, bearing N.E. by E. distant twelve leagues; steered N. for about a mile or two, shoaled the water from two fathom to nine feet, then steer'd N.N.E. and deepen'd the water to five fathom. By the appearance of the land, we are well up the river of Plate, and do take the breakers for the English bank. Steer'd and sail'd all day E.N.E. along sh.o.r.e, in the evening anchor'd in a fine sandy bay; saw two men coming down on horseback, the boatswain swam ash.o.r.e, and got up behind one of them, and rode away to their caravans. When we made the land, we had not one drop of water on board: Several people swam ash.o.r.e to fill water, one of 'em, when ash.o.r.e, drank very plentifully of water; in attempting to come off, was so weak, that he could not reach the vessel, but was unfortunately drown'd.

Got one cask of water aboard, which reviv'd us exceedingly.

Wednesday the 20th, Mr c.u.mmins and myself went ash.o.r.e, four of the inhabitants came down to us on horseback. As I could talk Portugueze, I fell into discourse with them. They told me the English were still at war with the Spaniards, that they had two fifty-gun s.h.i.+ps up the river of Plate, and one sixty gun s.h.i.+p cruizing off Cape St Mary's; and not above six weeks ago a seventy gun s.h.i.+p lying at anchor, parted from her anchors and drove on sh.o.r.e; that the s.h.i.+p was lost, and every man perish'd. They also told me they were Spaniards, Castilians, and fishermen, that they came here a fis.h.i.+ng, the fish they took they salted and dried, then sold them at Buenos Aires. The town they belong'd to they called Mount de Vidia, two days journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the king of Portugal's land. They said there were a great many Spanish settlements on this side, and gave us an invitation to their caravan; we got up behind them, and rode about a mile to it, where they entertained us with good junk beef, roasted and boyl'd, with good white bread. We sought to buy some provisions of 'em, but they had none but twenty-six loaves, about as big as two-penny loaves in England, which they would not part with under four guineas. We being in a weak condition, scarce able to stand on our legs, and without bread for a long time, gave them their price. Their patron told us at the same time, if it should be known that they had supplied us, they should be all hang'd. He promis'd, if we would give him a fire-lock, he would get us some wild fowl, and as many ducks in an hour or two as would serve all the people on board. Mr c.u.mmins sent for his fire-lock, and gave it him, with some powder and sluggs. On our coming away, finding one of their company missing with a horse, we were apprehensive of his being gone to betray us; therefore immediately went on board, got our water in, and made all ready for sailing to Rio Grand.

Thursday the 21st, little wind at N.W. and fair weather. At four this morning got under sail, steered E.N.E. At twelve saw low land stretch off to the eastward, which bore E. by S. At four the tide of flood flowing strong in obliged us to come to an anchor in a large bay, in eight fathom water; the south point bore S.S.W. the east point E.S.E.; at eight at night got under sail, steering E.S.E.

Friday the 22d, little wind at N. and fair weather. At eight this morning saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; at noon it bore W.S.W. and the north land S.E. by E.

Sunday 23d, little wind, and calm. In the morning, not seeing the land, steer'd in N.; at noon saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; lat.i.tude per observation 34: 53 S. At seven in the evening, being in sh.o.r.e and calm, anch.o.r.ed in fourteen fathom water, sandy ground, the cape bearing W. by N. and the northmost land N. by E. This day departed this life Mr Thomas Clark the master, as did also his son the day following.

Sunday the 24th, the wind at S. and hazy weather. At two in the morning weighed and came to sail, steering N.E. within a league of the sh.o.r.e. At three in the afternoon saw three islands, the northmost of which is the most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a church with a lofty tower; at four we saw three islands more, steer'd N. quarter W. between those islands, until we saw the main land. The most remarkable of these islands is about four miles from the main; they are all steep. At eight anch.o.r.ed in fourteen fathom, fine sand.

Monday the 25th, a fresh gale at E.N.E. and cloudy weather. At nine this morning got under sail, in order to go back to those islands to get some seal, there being great numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of provision, with the wind against us. We took the opportunity of the wind back to the islands, but were disappointed; being not able to get ash.o.r.e for provisions, came to an anchor in fourteen fathom, sandy ground. Hard gales at N.N.E. with thunder, lightning and rain, all night.

Tuesday the 26th, this morning moderate gales at N.W. and fair weather, got under sail; after clear of the islands, steer'd N.E. by N. keeping along sh.o.r.e: It is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five leagues off the land. We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board.

We have a fair wind, and not far from our desired port; so that we are in pretty good spirits. This day died the oldest man belonging to us, Thomas Maclean, cook, aged 82 years.

Wednesday the 27th, moderate gales at W. steered N. and sail'd all day within a cable's length of the sh.o.r.e in three fathom water. We have now nothing but a little water to support nature. At noon had an observation, lat.i.tude in 32: 40 south: I reckon myself 18 leagues from the Rio Grand, and hope to see it in the morning.

Thursday the 28th, kept the sh.o.r.e close aboard, and sounded every half hour, not caring to go within three fathom, nor keep without five, sailing along by the lead all night. At six in the morning saw the opening of the river Grand; kept within the breakers of the bar, having at some times not above seven feet water at half flood; steer'd N.E. by E. until the river's mouth was fairly open; then steer'd N. and N.N.W. until abreast of the town; anch.o.r.ed on the east sh.o.r.e in two fathom water. There presently came a boat from the sh.o.r.e, with a serjeant of the army, and one soldier. The lieutenant, myself, and Mr c.u.mmins, with Captain P----n of the land forces, went on sh.o.r.e with them. The commandant, the officers, and people of the place, receiv'd us in a most tender and friendly manner. They instantly sent on board to the people four quarters of beef, and two bags of Farine bread. We were conducted to the surgeon's house, the handsomest habitation in the place, where we were most hospitably entertain'd. At four in the afternoon the governor came to town; After a strict enquiry into our misfortunes, and the reasons of our coming into this port, being somewhat doubtful that we might be inspectors of their coast, he began to examine me, the lieutenant having reported me to him as pilot. He ask'd me if there was a chart of the coast on board; and, if not, how it was possible we could hit the bar, and venture into so hazardous a place as this is? I told him, as for a chart, we had none of any kind, but I had a good observation the day before, that our vessel drew but a small draught of water, that we kept a lead always going, and in the necessity we were in, we were oblig'd, at all events, to venture, and if we had not seen the opening of the river before night, we must have been compell'd to run the vessel ash.o.r.e. He examin'd me also concerning the places we stopt at, from Cape Virgin Mary to this port, and more particularly relating to the river Plate. He was very nice in his enquiry of our putting in at Cape St Mary's, and of the bearings and distance along sh.o.r.e from thence to this port. When he thoroughly satisfy'd himself, he embraced us and blest himself to think of our deliverance, which he term'd a miracle. He offer'd every thing the country could afford to our relief; the sick were order'd to be taken care of in the hospital: He took the lieutenant and the land officers home with him, and desired the commandant to see that the rest of the officers and people wanted for nothing. Before he went he inform'd us, that his majesty's s.h.i.+ps the Severn and Pearl were at Rio Janeiro, in great distress; that they had sent to England for men, and could not sail from thence until the arrival of the Flota, which would be in May or June. He also told us, that we should be dispatch'd in the first vessel which arriv'd in this port, for he did not think we could with safety go any farther in our own, and that there could not be found twelve seamen in the Brazils that would venture over the bar in her to sail to Rio Janeiro; therefore he order'd our little Speedwell ash.o.r.e: This wonder the people are continually flocking to see; and it is now about nine months since we were cast away in the Wager; in which time, I believe, no mortals have experienc'd more difficulties and miseries than we have. This day may be justly stiled the day of our deliverance, and ought to be remember'd accordingly.

Sunday the 31st, little or nothing remarkable since the day we came in, only a wonderful change in our diet, live on the best the country can produce, and have plenty of every thing. This afternoon the governor, commandant, and commissary, came on board, to see our little Speedwell; they were surpriz'd that thirty souls, the number of people now living, could be stowed in so small a vessel; but that she could contain the number which first embark'd with us was to them amazing, and beyond all belief: They could not conceive how the man at the helm could steer without falling overboard, there not being above four inches rise from the deck. I told them he sat down, and clapp'd his feet against the rise, and show'd them in what manner we secured ourselves. The governor, after viewing the vessel over, told us, we were more welcome to him in the miserable condition we arriv'd than if we had brought all the wealth in the world with us. At the same time he fully a.s.sur'd us, we should be supply'd with every thing that the country could afford; that he would dispatch us the first opportunity to Rio Janeiro, and whenever we stood in need of any thing, he order'd us to acquaint the commandant, and our wants should be instantly supply'd. He then took leave of us, and wished us well. All the deference and dutiful respect we could shew him, to express a grateful sense of his favour, was by manning the vessel, and giving him three cheers. The next day arriv'd at this place the brigadier-governor of the island St Catharine; he came close by our vessel, we mann'd her, and gave him three cheers. The soldiers of the garrison, having twenty months arrears due to them, expected the brigadier was coming to pay them, but when they found themselves disappointed, they made a great disturbance among themselves. I apply'd to the commandant for a house, the vessel, in rainy weather, not being fit to live in; he order'd me one joining to his own, and gave me the key. I took with me Mr c.u.mmins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, Mr Oakley, and the cooper; we brought our trifling necessaries on sh.o.r.e, and remov'd to our new habitation: Here we were dry and warm, and though we had no bedding, we lodg'd very comfortably. Since the loss of the Wager, we have been used to lie hard; at present we think ourselves very happily fix'd, and heartily wish that all the persons who surviv'd the loss of the s.h.i.+p were in so good a situation as ourselves.

Tuesday, February the 2d, 1741-2, great murmurings among the soldiers; they detain'd the brigadier from going back, as he intended, this morning, till he promis'd to dispatch the money, cloaths, and provisions, and to see their grievances adjusted. On those terms they have agreed he shall go; and this evening he return'd for St Catharine's. We apprehended, till now, that the right officers were in place; but we find ourselves mistaken. Some time before we arrived here, there was an insurrection among the soldiers: Their design was against the governor; but by his address, and fair promises of seeing them righted, he diverted the storm from himself, and got himself continued in his station, as were also the major and commissary. The soldiers dismiss'd the rest of the officers, and supply'd their places with their own people; though they were lately private men, they appear'd very grand, and were not distinguish'd in dress from proper officers. The disturbance at Rio Grand is of no service to us, for we feel the effects of it, our allowance is now so small that it will hardly support nature, the people have been without Farina, which is their bread, for some days past.

We apply'd to the governor, who promis'd to supply us the next day; accordingly we went for a supply, which created fresh murmurings among the soldiers; however we got a small quant.i.ty of bread to supply us for ten days. The store-keeper shew'd me all the provisions, which, considering there were a thousand to draw their subsistence from it, was a small stock indeed, and not above six weeks at the present allowance. He told me we were serv'd equally with the soldiers, and when more stores came, which they shortly expected, our allowance should be encreas'd. I think, in reason, this is as much as we can expect. The lieutenant not coming nigh us since our first landing, I went with the people up to him at the governor's, about two miles from this port, to endeavour to prevail with him to get us dispatch'd, acquainting him of the call and necessity there was for our a.s.sistance on board the two distress'd s.h.i.+ps at Rio Janeiro. He said he had spoke to the governor, and could not get us dispatch'd till another vessel came in. I told him, as the garrison were in want of provisions, what we were living on here would carry us off, and if any misfortune should attend the vessel expected in with the provisions, we should be put very hard to it for a subsistence. He promis'd to acquaint the governor; on which I took my leave.

February the 17th, this evening came into this garrison three seamen, giving an account of their belonging to a vessel with provisions and stores for this place, from Rio Janeiro, that they had been from thence three months, and had been off the bar waiting an opportunity to come in; that not having any fresh water aboard, they were oblig'd to come to an anchor ten leagues to the southward of this port, that a canoe was sent with those three men to fill the water, but the wind coming in from the sea, and blowing hard, oblig'd the vessel to put to sea, and leave them ash.o.r.e, from whence they travelled here, and believ'd the vessel was gone to St Catharine's. The governor, not satisfy'd with this report, took them for spies, and kept them as such. However, in a day or two afterwards, he dispatch'd a pilot and two seamen for the island St Catharine, to bring the vessel round, in case she should be there.

I took this opportunity of sending a letter by them to the Honourable Captain Murray, commander of his majesty's s.h.i.+p the Pearl, at Rio Janeiro; desiring them to order it to be dispatch'd by the first s.h.i.+p from St Catharine's to the Rio Janeiro.

"Honourable Sir,

"I take it as a duty inc.u.mbent on me to acquaint you that his majesty's s.h.i.+p the Wager was wrecked on a desolate island on the coast of Patagonia, in the lat.i.tude of 47 00 S. and W. longitude from the meridian of London 81 30, on the 14th of May, 1741. After lengthening the longboat, and fitting her in the best manner we could, launched her on the 13th of October, and embarked and sailed, on the 14th, with the barge and cutter, to the number of eighty-one souls in all. Captain Cheap,--at his own request, tarried behind, with Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr Elliot, the surgeon. After a long and fatiguing pa.s.sage, coming through the Streights of Magellan, we arrived here the 28th of January, 1741-2, bringing into this port alive to the number of thirty, viz.

Robert Beans, lieutenant John Bulkeley, gunner John c.u.mmins, carpenter Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate John Jones, master's mate John Snow, ditto John Mooring, boatswain's mate John Young, cooper William Oram, carpenter's crew John King, boatswains Nicholas Griselham, seaman Samuel Stook, ditto James Mac Cawlo, ditto William Lane, ditto John Montgomery, ditto John George, ditto Richard East, ditto James Butler, ditto John Pitman, ditto Job Barns, seaman John Sh.o.r.eham, ditto Thomas Edmunds, ditto Richard Powell, ditto Diego Findall, (the Portugueze boy).

Captain Robert Pemberton, of his majesty's land forces Lieutenants Ewers and Fielding, ditto Vincent Oakley, surgeon of ditto And two marines.

All which are living at present, and waiting an opportunity of a pa.s.sage in a Portugueze vessel, our own not being in a condition to proceed any farther, having no sails, and being so bad in all other respects, that the governor will not suffer us to hazard our lives in her, but hath promised to dispatch us in the very first vessel that arrives in this port, where we, with impatience, are obliged to tarry. We humbly pay our duty to Captain Leg, praying the representation of this to him. From, Most honourable Sir, Yours, &c."

Sat.u.r.day the 20th, last night the three seamen which came here, as mention'd before, with five more of this place, attempted to run away with one of the large boats; but they were pursu'd and taken: Their design was for the river Plate, the wind then favouring them. This was evident, that the governor was right in his conjecture, and did not suspect them wrongfully; they are now prisoners in the guard-house. The next morning I went to the lieutenant, desiring him to apply to the governor for a pa.s.s and horses for myself, Mr c.u.mmins, and John Young, to go by land to St Catharine's and St Francisco, where we need not doubt of a pa.s.sage to his majesty's distress'd s.h.i.+ps at Rio Janeiro: That it was our duty to hasten to their a.s.sistance: That he, the lieutenant, ought, the very day after our arrival into this port, without any regard to expence and charges, to have dispatch'd a special messenger by land, and then we might have been a.s.sur'd of a vessel before now. The lieutenant answer'd, he had a thought of enquiring at first coming about what I had mention'd, and of going himself, tho' it cost him fifty pounds; but he was inform'd it was impossible to go by land. I ask'd him, If so how came the brigadier from St Catharine's here? As for fatigue or trouble, whoever undertook to go, he must expect that; but there was no hards.h.i.+p to be encounter'd comparable to what we had already undergone. We lay here on expence to the king, without doing any service, and run the hazard of not only losing the opportunity of getting on board our own s.h.i.+ps, but perhaps of missing the Flota, and of wintering here, therefore I begg'd he would entreat the governor to let us have horses and guides; which he promis'd to mention to the governor at dinner, and send me his answer in the afternoon without fail. I waited with impatience for this answer; but the lieutenant failing in his promise, was the occasion of my sending him this letter.

"Sir,

"I am sorry you should give me the liberty of telling you, you have not discharg'd your promise, by letting us know the governor's answer to what we requested: Which was, at our expence and charge, to go to the a.s.sistance of his majesty's s.h.i.+ps at Rio Janeiro; since which time I am to inform you that we are in want of provision, having none of any kind allow'd us yesterday, and but one small fish per man for two days before. The meaning of which, I believe, is owing to you, by the endeavouring, through the persuasions of the persons you confide in, to blacken us, and in so vile a manner, that you seem unacquainted with the ill consequence, which may attend the touching a man's character. We know, and are fully convinced, from what has been done already, that nothing will be allow'd or granted us but by your means: Mr c.u.mmins and myself ask no favour from you, but to use your endeavours to get us dispatches to the s.h.i.+ps at Rio Janeiro, where every man must give account of his actions, and justice take place. If I am not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply'd with here was a bounty flowing from the generous spirit of the governor, and the gentlemen of the place. If this be the case, we ought to be very thankful indeed. I am surprized, sir, you don't see the grievances of the inhabitants here, and hear the soldiers murmurings for want of their arrears. If they should revolt at this juncture, we shall stand a very bad chance. I must acquaint you, sir, the vessel we came in is not so much out of repair, but that, if you can get canvas out of the store for sails, we can make 'em, and get ready for sailing in ten days time. And if the vessel expected here with supplies comes in a shorter time, our vessel will be ready fix'd for the use of the governor; and if one vessel should not be large enough to carry us all off, we can go in company. I imagine you know of the stores being robbed, and the disturbance among the soldiers, which must occasion uneasiness enough, without repeating grievances, where relief is not to be had. I beg, sir, you'll get us dispatch'd with all expedition to his majesty's service, that we may not lose the opportunity of joining the two s.h.i.+ps and the Flota.

Sir, yours."

The next morning the lieutenant came down on horseback, being the first time of his appearing among us since we have been here, which is above three weeks; we went with him to the commandant, who promised we should not want fresh beef and fish, but as for bread there is none to be got. William Oram, one of the carpenter's crew, died this day in the hospital.

March the 6th, for several days the people very uneasy at the vessel's not arriving, the wind having been fair for above three weeks past, and little or no provisions in store, which makes them doubtful of any to be dispatch'd to their relief. This day we are resolv'd to go by land, if the governor will only allow us a guide; we acquainted the lieutenant with our resolution; he went with me and Mr Jones to the governor, we obtain'd leave to go, with the promise of a guide. Captain Pemberton, being at the governor's, desired to go with us; the governor told him the journey was so difficult and tedious, it would be impossible for him to encounter with it.

The captain answer'd, that he had a company on board his majesty's s.h.i.+p the Severn, where his duty call'd him, and was determin'd, with the governor's leave, to share his fate with us by land, which was granted. The governor told us, notwithstanding the present scarcity of provisions in the place, that he had so great a regard for an Englishman, that whilst he had any thing for himself, we should not want, for which we thank'd him heartily.

This governor is certainly a gentleman of a n.o.ble generous spirit, of exceeding humanity and goodness, and I believe him to have a sincere regard for an Englishman.

March the 9th, this morning Mr Jones went over with me to the north side, to make an agreement for six people to go to St Catharine's; while we were here, the governor received letters from St Catharine's, which gave an account of four vessels on their pa.s.sage for this port; on the news of this we put by our journey: It was very lucky we had not set out on this journey before we heard the news; for on the nineteenth, the vessels for Rio Janeiro arrived, and brought an account that the Severn and Pearl were sail'd from thence for the island of Barbadoes. Those vessels not only brought the soldiers provisions, but also a pardon.

On the 20th, the brigadier arriv'd, and had all the soldiers drawn up, where their pardon was read to them: He acquainted them with what money was come, which was not above a third part of their arrears, but the remainder was on the pa.s.sage. The money he had for them should be paid directly, as far as it would go, if they would take it; but they cry'd out with one voice, The whole or none, and a great disturbance there was, some was for revolting to the king of Spain, some began to change their notes, and were for taking part of the money, and the rest insisted upon the whole. To quell this disturbance, the commandant, whom they look'd upon more than the brigadier, or the governor, used his utmost endeavours. They told the commandant they were no longer soldiers than while they were in the king's pay, and let those who are for the king, draw off one way by themselves; you are our commander, we trust in you to answer for us, what you do we will stand by with our lives: On which the commandant deliver'd his command up, shouldering his firelock, and took the place of a common soldier, telling them, since the king was so good as to pardon them, he thought it his duty to accept it. The brigadier was so well pleased with the behaviour of the commandant, that he ran to him, took him in his arms, and embraced him: The rest of the soldiers follow'd the example of their late commandant, delivering their respective commands up to their proper officers. This day put an end to the disturbance and confusion which had been some time among them, and restor'd them to tranquillity, good discipline, and order.

March the 22d, this morning went to the lieutenant for leave to go in the first vessel, which was expected to sail in four days time: He told me he expected to go in her himself, and that we could not go off all in one vessel, there might be room for the officers, but the people must wait another opportunity. I told him that it was a duty inc.u.mbent on the officers that were in pay particularly to take care of the people; You, sir, have been sure of half-pay ever since the s.h.i.+p was lost; we are not, but I will tarry myself behind with the people, and be answerable for them, if you'll give me a note under your hand to secure me the value of my pay, from the loss of the s.h.i.+p, otherwise I don't know any business I have but to endeavour to get to England as soon as I can, and will put it out of your power to prevent my going off in the first vessel. I left the lieutenant, and went with Mr c.u.mmins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, M. King, and Dr Oakley to the governor, to obtain leave for our going, the lieutenant follow'd us, and said, but one half could go at a time. The governor told us it was order'd that the land-officers, myself and the rest that apply'd to go by land, should be the first dispatch'd, and might go on board when we would, but as the vessel did not belong to the king, we must buy provisions, and pay for our pa.s.sage. I said, Sir, we have not money to answer the expence: He then ask'd me whether I had not several times apply'd to him for leave to go by land at my own charges? I answer'd, We were obliged to dispose of our watches to raise that money, which will barely be sufficient to carry us six off that intended to go by land, therefore what must become of the rest who have not a single penny? And I hope, sir, that you are not unacquainted that the king of Great-Britain allows to all his subjects, distress'd in this manner, five vintins per day to each man for subsistence. On my saying this, the governor call'd the commissary and major: He walk'd and talk'd with them aside; then came back again, and told us the account was so small, that it was not worth charging the king of England with it; therefore we must buy our own provisions, and pay our pa.s.sage, and as to what we had received from them, we were welcome; upon which we thank'd them and came away. We then consulted with the lieutenant, to know what could be done with the people, and that as the vessel we came in was not fit to proceed any farther, it was to no purpose to leave her there; therefore we desired his consent to sell her, believing the money she would bring would be sufficient to carry us all off. To this proposal the lieutenant consented. We then apply'd to the master of the vessel, to know what he would have for our pa.s.sage; his demand was forty s.h.i.+llings per man, of which we acquainted the lieutenant, who told us he could not see what we could do, and, on second consideration, would not give his consent to sell the boat, for when sold, he did not think she would fetch the money. Those words of the lieutenant put us all to a stand, especially after he had but now given his consent to sell her, and in so short time to declare the reverse was very odd; tho' indeed it did not much surprise us, because this gentleman was never known to be over stedfast to his word. Seeing no possibility of carrying the people off without selling the boat, I told the lieutenant, if he left them behind, I could not think but so many of his majesty's subjects were sold, and believ'd he had made a present of the vessel to the governor. At this the lieutenant paus'd for a while, and then said, he had not money to carry himself off without selling his coat. I reply'd, There was no occasion for that, when he had a gold watch. The next morning went to the lieutenant again about our going off; he acquainted us, that the brigadier had order'd things in another manner; that myself, and nine more, being the persons desirous of going, should be dispatch'd in the first vessel, and every thing found us; that he, the lieutenant, was to tarry behind with the rest of the people, and to come in the next vessel, an estimate of the charges being made out; and he also told us, he had a severe check for requesting to go first himself, and offering to leave the people behind.

Sunday, March 28th, I embark'd on board the St Catharine's brigantine, with the carpenter, boatswain, the two mates, the surgeon of marines, the cooper, and six of the people, the provisions laid in for us were two casks of salt beef and ten alcadoes of farina.

Wednesday the 31st, we sail'd for Rio Janeiro, with the wind at W., steer'd S.E. and S.E. by E., until over the bar; then E. by N., and E.N.E., with a fine gale, and clear weather; there is not above two fathom and half water on the bar at high-water; when you are in, it is a fine commodious harbour for small vessels; it is a low land, of a sandy soil: Here is abundance of fine cattle, with fresh-water fish, melons exceeding good, plenty of water, and the best milk I ever tasted.