On the 27th, we scuttled over the captai_A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 17 Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time

casks of rum and wine, and brought them ashore. This was the first time of

the lieutenant's being between decks since the loss of the ship. The

following day we went aboard, cut down and tost overboard the ship's

awning, to make a deck for the long-boat.

Since the 27th, we have been employ'd in getting up the long-boat, and

repairing the barge which had been stove ashore. Rainy weather.

On Wednesday, the 3d of June, hard gales of wind at N.N.W., with abundance

of rain; deserted this day James Mitchel, carpenter's mate, John Russel,

armourer, William Oram, carpenter's crew, Joseph King, John Redwood,

boatswain's yeomen, Dennis O'Lawry, John Davis, James Roach, James Stewart,

and William Thompson, seamen. Took up, along shore, one hogshead of brandy,

and several things that drove out of the ship, a bale of cloth, hats,

shoes, and other necessaries. An information was given, this day, by David

Buckley, to the captain, that there was a design to blow him up, with the

surgeon, and lieutenant H--n of marines. The train was actually found, laid

by the deserters, to blow 'em up the night before they went off.

Thursday the 4th, we finished the boats, and shot several wild geese.

Finding murmurings and discontents among the people, we secured the oars,

and hawled up the boats, being apprehensive they would go away with them by

night.

The 5th, we went on board the ship, found several casks of wine and brandy

between decks, most part of the planks between decks gone, and some strakes

to wind-ward started out, part of the upper deck blown up, the stumps of

the masts and pumps risen five feet; brought ashore one cask of flour, with

some stuff for the use of the long-boat; and two quarter casks of wine; the

wind at S. by E.

Saturday the 6th, the wind at south and fair weather, we went aboard, got

out of the hold eight casks of flour, two casks of wine, and a quarter cask

and three hogsheads of brandy. The lieutenant went to the Indians, but

could not find 'em, being inform'd by the deserters that they were gone.

On Sunday the 7th, we went aboard the ship, got out a cask of pork, two

barrels of flour, started one pipe of wine, and brought it ashore, with a

quarter cask of pease, some bales of cloth, and carpenter's stores. This

day Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, was confin'd by the captain; the fault

alledg'd against him was drunkenness. We learn from Nicholas Griselham,

seaman, who was present and near the captain all the time, that as Mr

Cozens was rowling up a steep beach a cask of pease, he found it too heavy

for him, and left off rowling; the captain seeing this, told him he was

drunk, Mr Cozens reply'd, With what should I get drunk, unless it be with

water? The captain then said, You scoundrel, get more hands, and rowl the

cask up: Cozens called for more hands, but no people came; with that the

captain struck him with his cane. Griselham likewise says, that Cozens

talked to the captain about one Captain Sh--lv--k; but the words he does

not remember. But the same night I heard Mr Cozens use very unbecoming

language to the captain, telling him, That he was come into those seas to

pay Sh--lv--k's debts, and also insolently added, Tho' Sh--lv--k was a

rogue, he was not a fool, and by G-d, you are both. When he spoke this, he

was a prisoner in the store-tent, and asked the captain, If he was to be

kept there all night? On these provocations, the captain attempted to

strike him again, but the centinel said, he should strike no prisoner of

his. But Cozens endeavouring to stave a cask of brandy, was soon after

released. This day got out of the ship several chests of wax candles of all

sizes, bales of cloth, bales of stockings, shoes, with some clocks and

mercantile wares, with which the ship was throng'd.

The 8th, Mr Cummins and myself went to the deserters; we find they were

determined to go off to the northward; the reason of their stay is the want

of craft to go off in. They now find themselves mistaken, they believed at

first they were on the main, but are convinced they are four or five

leagues from it, therefore they purpose to build a punt out of the wreck of

the ship: They live on sea-weed and shell-fish, got up one cask of beef,

which was brought on shore with a cask of brandy, found one cask of beef on

the rocks.

On Tuesday the 9th, I went with the doctor's mate to the deserters, and

spoke to William Oram, a carpenter, and a very useful man, desiring him to

return, with a promise of pardon from the captain: In this affair I was

obliged to act very secretly. To-day, Mr Cozens, the midshipman, had a

dispute with the surgeon; the latter having some business in our tent,

which, when he had done, on his going away, Mr Cozens followed him; they

soon fell to blows, but the surgeon had so much the advantage of the

midshipman, that he tied his hands behind him and left him. In the evening

the captain sent for me and the carpenter to his tent: We found the

captain, lieutenant, purser, surgeon, and lieutenant H----n of marines.

Here we had a consultation, which was chiefly concerning the disturbances

among the people, as well in our tent as in the rest. Mr Cummins and I

assured the captain, that the people in our tent were generally very well

affected to him, and that we never would engage in any mutiny against him,

or any other officer that would act for the publick good, and his majesty's

service: The captain said, he had no reason to suspect us, for we were the

only two in the ship that he put any trust or confidence in. Strict orders

were given the centinel to keep a good look-out, and have a watchful eye on

the provisions. Notwithstanding all this precaution and care, there was

one-third part of a barrel of flour and half a barrel of gunpowder taken

away that night. It is to be observed, that this day's consultation was the

first that Captain C----p ever had with his officers; had he sometimes

consulted them aboard, we might probably have escaped our present unhappy

condition.

Wednesday the 10th, this day, serving the provisions, the boatswain's

servant, a Portuguese boy, talking bad English, and bringing in the

allowance of wine, the boatswain, Mr Cozens, midshipman, and the cook his

mess-mates, with some difficulty, understood by the boy's talk, that one of

the men had his allowance stopped; Mr Cozens went to know the reason; the

purser and he having some dispute two or three days before, the purser told

him, when he asked for his wine, that he was come to mutiny, and without

any farther ceremony, discharged a pistol at his head, and would have shot

him, had he not been prevented by the cooper's canting the pistol with his

elbow, at the instant of its going off; the captain and lieutenant H----n,

hearing the discharge of a pistol, the latter ran out with a firelock, then

called the captain out of his tent, telling him that Cozens was come to

mutiny; the captain on this jumped out, asking where the villain was,

clapped a cock'd pistol to Mr Cozen's cheek, and precipitately shot him,

without asking any questions; the noise of the two pistols going off

reached our tent; it was rainy weather, and not fit for gunning, so that we

could not imagine the meaning of it; soon after we heard Mr Cozens was shot

by the captain: The lieutenant came to call all hands to the captain: I

asked if we must go armed, the lieutenant answered, Yes; but, on

consideration, I thought better to go without arms: When we came to the

captain, he acquainted us with what he had done, and told us he was still

our commander. The captain, purser, surgeon, lieutenants H----n, E----rs,

and F----ng of marines, being all armed, I said to the captain. Sir, you

see we are disarmed; on this the captain dropped his firelock to the

ground, saying, I see you are, and have only sent for you, to let you all

know I am still your commander, so let every man go to his tent;

accordingly every man obeyed him. In our tent, we had eighteen of the

stoutest fellows that belonged to the ship, and I believe the captain, and

the gentlemen above- mentioned, have some suspicion of Mr Cummins and

myself, believing we can sway most of the seamen on shore: But I think this

day we have given a proof of the sincerity of our intentions, and our

detestation of mutiny, by not appearing in arms at the report of Mr Cozens

being shot; we walked up with the captain, where we saw Mr Cozens with his

elbow on the ground resting his right cheek on the palm of his hand, alive,

and to appearance sensible, but speechless; the captain ordered him to the

sick-tent, the surgeon's mate dressed his left cheek where he was shot, and

felt a ball about three inches under his right eye; the surgeon refused

dressing him: This we may impute to his having lately a quarrel with Mr

Cozens, which has been already mentioned. The shooting of Mr Cozens was a

very unhappy affair; The person whose allowance was stopped made no

complaint to him, he was too officious in the business, and his preceding

behaviour, and notorious disrespectful words to the captain, might probably

make the captain suspect his design was mutiny; tho' this we must aver,

that Mr Cozens neither on this, or any other occasion, appeared in arms

since the loss of the ship. However, his fate laid the foundation of a

great deal of mischief which afterwards followed.

Thursday the 11th, moderate gales at W.N.W. The carpenter employed in

laying the blocks for the long-boat. Dr O----y, of the land forces, was

desired to assist the surgeon's mate, to take the ball out of Mr Cozens's

cheek, which he then was inclinable to do, but in the afternoon, finding it

not agreeable to the captain, refused to go, as we are informed by the

surgeon's mate, who desired some surgeon might be present, to be witness of

the operation; the ball was taken out, and for some time supposed to be

lost, but was afterwards found.

This day being the 12th, the carpenter finished the blocks for lengthening

the long-boat: In the morning he went to the captain's tent for some bolts

for the use of the long-boat, where he saw the surgeon at the medicine-

chest, who asked him how that unfortunate creature did, meaning Mr Cozens;

the carpenter told him, he had not seen him to-day: The surgeon then said

he would have visited him, but the captain would not give him leave. This

was looked on as an act of inhumanity in the captain, and contributed very

much to his losing the affections of the people, whose opinion was, that as

Mr Cozens was very strong and healthy, with proper assistance he might

recover; the people did not scruple to say, that the captain would act a

more honourable part to discharge another pistol at him, and dispatch him

at once, than to deny him relief, and suffer him to languish in a cold wet

place in pain and misery.

On the 13th, Mr Cozens being, to all outward appearance, likely to recover,

desired he might be removed to our tent, which was his place of residence

before this unhappy accident. We being unwilling to disoblige the captain,

the carpenter and myself waited on him; we told him, we were come to ask a

favour, hoping that he would have so much mercy and compassion on the

unhappy man who was in the sick tent, as to permit us to remove him to his

former lodging, but the captain answer'd, No, I am so far from it, that if

he lives, I will carry him a prisoner to the commodore, and hang him.

On the 14th, went aboard the ship, but could do nothing, she working so

very much, we brought ashore the fore-top sail yard; the boat went up the

river, brought back abundance of geese and shaggs. Wind at west.

Monday the 15th, hard gales of wind at west, with rain and hail; drove

ashore three barrels of flour and abundance of small stuff out of the ship;

took up a-long shore several pieces of pork and beef: John Anderson, a

seaman, walking round the rocks, and reaching after a piece of beef,

slipping his footing, was drown'd, but taken up directly, and that night

bury'd: Turn'd the boatswain out of our tent for breeding quarrels; his

turbulent temper was so well known to the captain, that he express'd

himself pleas'd at our turning him out, and said he was surprized we ever

admitted him among us.

On the 7th, the carpenter at work on the long-boat: The surgeon's mate,

this day took out of Mr Cozens's cheek a ball much flatted, and a piece of

bone, supposed to be part of the upper jaw, which was desired by Mr Cozens

to be deliver'd to me; I receiv'd it, with the first ball mention'd to have

been lost.

Thursday the 18th, the carpenter cut the long-boat in two, and lengthen'd

her eleven feet ten inches and half by the keel.

Sunday the 21st, went aboard the ship, but it being dangerous going about

any thing, by reason of her working much, and a great sea tumbling in, the

boats were employ'd in going about the rocks in search of subsistence.

The 22d, the carpenter went with the boat up the bay to seek the Indians,

but saw nothing of them; at night the boat returned, the people having shot

abundance of wildfowl.

The 23d, the lieutenant went with the boat, and found the Indians just come

from the place where they catch seal; their canoes were loaded with seal,

sheep, and oil.

Wednesday the 24th, departed this life, Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, after

languishing fourteen days with the wound he had received in his cheek: We

bury'd him in as decent a manner as time, place, and circumstances would

allow. There have died sundry ways since the ship first struck, forty-five

men; seven have deserted from us, and still continue away; remain and now

victual'd one hundred men.

Thursday the 25th, the wind at W.N.W. and rainy weather; saw the Indians

coming towards us in their canoes, but the deserters settling where they

took their habitation, when first we saw 'em, by their rowing, we thought

they were design'd to go there; and knowing the deserters intended to take

one of their canoes to go over the main, we therefore launch'd the yawl and

went off to them; there were five canoes of 'em, laden with seal, shell-

fish, and four sheep; they brought with 'em their wives and children, so

that in all they were about fifty in number; they hawl'd their canoes up,

and built four wigg whims, which they cover'd with the bark of trees and

seal-skins; we imagined by this they had an intention to settle with us;

they are a very simple and inoffensive people, of a low stature, flat-

nos'd, with their eyes sunk very deep in their heads; they live continually

in smoak, and are never without a fire, even in their canoes; they have

nothing to cover their nakedness, but a piece of an old blanket, which they

throw over their shoulders: We always see 'em in this manner,

notwithstanding we cloath 'em whenever they come to us. By the crosses set

up in many parts of the land, one would think they had some notion of the

Romish religion: We can't make 'em understand us by any speech, nor by our

signs: We show'd 'em a looking-glass; when they saw the representation of

themselves, they seem'd amaz'd, and shew'd a thousand antick gestures, and

when once they beheld themselves in the looking-glass, they could hardly be

prevail'd on to look off.

On Sunday the 28th, in the afternoon, about twelve of the Indian women went

off in their canoes: We thought they were gone to get muscles, but soon saw

'em diving, which we imagin'd was for pieces of beef or pork that come out

of the wreck; but, when they came ashore, we found they had been only

diving for sea-eggs. The women among those people seem to take more pains

for the provisions of life than the men; the latter having little to do but

to provide wood, and indulge themselves by the fire, while the women go

every tide a fishing. To-day we kill'd two Indian sheep.

Monday the 29th, launch'd the yawl to go with the Indians to shew us where

they get the muscles; but being too late for the tide, we came away without

any: The captain sent to our tent two quarters of mutton; the carpenter

daily at work on the long-boat. Winds variable.

On the 30th, the Indian women went again for sea-eggs, and brought a great

quantity, with abundance of white maggots, about three quarters of an inch

in length, and in circumference the bigness of a wheat-straw. These women

keep an incredible time under water, with a small basket in their hands,

about the size of the women's work-baskets in England, into which they put

whatever they get in their diving. Among these people the order of nature

seems inverted; the males are exempted from hardships and labour, and the

women are meer slaves and drudges. This day one of our seamen died: We

observe, the Indians are very watchful of the dead, sitting continually

near the above-mention'd corpse, and carefully covering him, every moment

looking on the face of the deceas'd with abundance of gravity: At the

burial their deportment was grave and solemn, seeing the people with their

hats off during the service, they were very attentive and observant, and

continued so till the burial was over: They have nothing, as I have said

before, but a blanket to cover 'em, and the boys and girls are quite naked,

notwithstanding we felt it as cold here, as in the hardest frosts in

England, and almost always rainy.

Wednesday, July the 1st, employ'd in cutting timbers in the woods for the

long-boat; rainy weather, the wind at S.W. the Indian women diving for food

as before.

Thursday the 2d, last night the store-tent was broke open, and robb'd of a

great deal of flour.

Monday the 6th, hard gales of wind, with showers of rain and hail, came

ashore from the ship one cask of beef, with several of the lower-deck

carlings, and plank of the upper and lower-deck beams, and, what was

reckon'd very odd, the cabin-bell came ashore, without its being fasten'd

to any wood, or any one thing of the ship near it.

Tuesday the 7th, hard gales of wind, with hail, rain, and lightning: The

Indian women went out as usual in their canoes to dive for sea-eggs, and

brought ashore abundance of 'em; they jump overboard out of their canoe

about a mile from shore, they take the handle of their baskets, which I

have already described, between their teeth, diving five or six fathom

water; their agility in diving, and their continuance under water for so

long a time as they generally do, will be thought impossible by persons who

have not been eye-witnesses of it; they seem as amphibious to us as seals

and alligators, and rarely make use of any provisions but what they get out

of the sea.

Wednesday the 8th, launch'd the yawl and went on board, saw several casks,

some of meat, and some of liquor, the decks and sides abaft drove out, and

entirely gone, the larboard-side abaft drove on shore; about two miles and

a half from the tent a cask of liquor was found, and broach'd by the person

who found it, which was allow'd to be a great fault; he likewise broach'd a

cask of meat, which should have been preserv'd to carry away with us.

On Thursday the 9th, the Indians with their wives and children launch'd

their canoes, and went away, 'tis believ'd they wanted provisions, such as

seal, they are indeed never settled long in a place; it was said some of

our people wanted to have to do with their wives, which was the reason of

their going away so soon. To-day we saw several things drive out of the

ship up the lagoon, as the stump of the main-mast, one of the pumps, with

one of the gun-carriages. Wind at N.W.

Friday the 10th, went aboard the ship, found her broke asunder just at the

gang-way, saw the cables out to the windward, but could not see any casks

of liquor or provisions, went to shorter allowance of flour, one pound for

three men per diem. Last night the tent was robbed of half a barrel of

flour. Orders were given by the captain to watch the store-tent by night;

all the officers, the marine included, with the mates and midshipmen, were

oblig'd to watch, the captain and carpenter alone excus'd, the carpenter

being every day at work on the long-boat.

Friday the 17th, for this week past hard gales of wind, with rain and hail

as usual. Last Wednesday the ship parted her upper works from the lower

deck: Launch'd the boat and went off to the wreck, but could do nothing,

went up the bay, took a quarter cask, about three parts full of wine, saw

the Indian dogs ashore, but no people.

Saturday the 18th, launched the boat, sent her to the wreck, and brought

ashore one cask of beef, it is believed some guns were heard from the sea:

The watch reported they have heard them two nights past. Great disturbances

among the people. Wind at E.N.E. and frosty weather.

Sunday the 19th, launch'd the boat, sent her to the wreck, hook'd a cask

supposed to be beef, but when towed ashore, we found it contained nothing

but hatches; we took up along ashore, abundance of checque shirts in

dozens, also caps, bales of cloth, and pieces of beef and pork.

Wednesday the 22d. This day began to build a house to dwell in, finding our

stay here will be much longer than we at first expected.

The 23d, took up along shore several pieces of beef and pork, shirts, caps,

frocks, trowsers, pieces of cloth, with other serviceable things, and wax

candles of all sizes.

Saturday the 25th, hard showers of rain and hail, the wind at north. Shot

several sea-gulls, geese, hawks, and other birds: The carpenter had this

day given him by one of the people, a fine large rock crab, it being the

first of the kind we ever saw here.

Sunday the 26th, moderate gales and variable winds, with rain and hail:

Most part of our people eat a weed that grows on the rocks; it is a thin

weed of a dark green colour, and called by the seamen, Slaugh. It is

surprizing how the black currant trees, which are here in great plenty,

have budded within these three days. Began thatching our new house with

bushes: To-day we caught a fine rock-fish; this is the first fish we have

seen alive since our being here. Observing our new town, we find there are

no less than 18 houses in it.

Monday the 27th, launched the boat, went to the wreck, but found nothing;

close weather, the wind still at north: Rose the sheets for erecting a tent

over the long-boat to keep the men from being exposed to the continual

rains. This day we finished the thatching of our new house.

Wednesday the 29th, fresh gales at N.W. with rain; sure no men ever met

with such weather as we have in this climate: To-day we walked in the woods

to take some notice of the trees, which we find to be very much like our

beech in England; but the trees and bushes are in general of a soft free

nature, and with a spicy bark.

Thursday the 30th, wind still at N.W. and rainy weather. This day departed

this life, Nathaniel Robinson, the last private man of the invalids; there

are now only two left, viz. the captain and surgeon. Being at the

honourable Mr B----n's tent, I found him looking in Sir John Narborough's

voyage to these seas: This book I desired the loan of, he told me it was

Captain C----p's, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this favour I

requested of the captain, and it was presently granted. Carefully perusing

this book, I conceived an opinion that our going through the Streights of

Magellan for the coast of Brasil, would be the only way to prevent our

throwing ourselves into the hands of a cruel, barbarous, and insulting

enemy: Our long-boat, when finished, can be fit for no enterprize, but the

preservation of life: As we cannot act offensively, we ought to have regard

to our safety and liberty. This evening proposals were offered to the

officers concerning our going through the Streights of Magellan; which at

this time they seem to approve of.

Friday the 31st, hard gales at N.W. with rain: This day was taken up along

shore, an otter just killed, but by what animal we could not tell; it was

bleeding fresh when taken up, and proved a dainty repast. Came ashore the

ship's beams, with several things of great value.

Saturday, August the 1st, hard gales at N.W. with rain and hail. This day

put to an allowance of flour, one quarter of a pound a man per diem, and

one pint of wine: Those who like brandy, to have half a pint in lieu of

wine. We have now in a manner nothing to live on but what we pick'd up

along the shore: The ship's company agree to go through the Streights of

Magellan.

Sunday the 2d, this morning found the store-tent robbed of brandy, filled

up all the ullage casks, picked up about the rocks abundance of clams, a

shell-fish not unlike our cockles: These fish are at present the support of

our life. The people are now very quarrelsome and discontented.

Monday the 3d, this day having fine weather (which is a prodigy in this

place) launched the boat, and went about the rocks and islands on

discovery. This day we also moved into our new house, it being a very

commodious habitation, exceedingly well thatched; in this dwelling there

are cabins for fourteen people, which are covered inside and out with broad

cloth: This is a rich house, and, in some parts of the world, would

purchase a pretty estate; there are several hundred yards of cloth about

it, besides the curtains and linings, which are shalloon and camblet; in

short, considering where we are, we cannot desire a better habitation. The

people fall into disputes concerning the boat, where we are to proceed with

her, when she is built and ready for going off. It is the opinion of the

navigators, that going through the Streights of Magellan is the safest and

only way to preserve life and liberty: The artists, who have worked the

bearings and distance, are very pressing that it should be moved to the

captain, purposing to have their reasons drawn up, and signed by all who

are willing to go that way, and to be delivered to the captain for his

opinion; upon this there was a paper drawn up, and as soon as the people

heard it, they came flocking to sign first, crying all aloud for the

Streights, seeming overjoyed, as if they were going to England directly,

without any affliction or trouble, but there must be a great deal of

hardships to be encountered before we arrive at our native country: This

paper was signed by all the officers on the spot, except the captain,

lieutenant, purser, and surgeon, and by all the seamen in general, except

the captain's steward.

Tuesday the 4th, at the time of serving at the storehouse, about twelve

o'clock, I went to the captain, with the master, carpenter, and boatswain,

and read to him the paper; he answered he would consider of it, and give

his answer: Here follows a copy of the paper signed:--

"We whose names are under-mentioned, do, upon mature consideration, as we

have met with so happy a deliverance, think it the best, surest, and most

safe way for the preservation of the body of people on the spot, to proceed

through the Streights of Magellan for England. Dated at a desolate island

on the coast of Patagonia, in the latitude of 47 deg. 00 min. south, and

west longitude from the meridian of London 81 deg. 40 min. in the South

Seas, this 2d day of August, 1741.

John Bulkeley, gunner.

John Cummins, carpenter.

Thomas Clark, master.

John King, boatswain.

John Jones, master's mate.

John Snow, ditto.

Robt. Elliot, surgeon's mate.

The Hon. John Byron, midshipman.

Alexander Campbell, ditto.

Isaac Morris, ditto.

Thomas Maclean, cook.

John Mooring, boatswain's mate.

Henry Stevens, seaman.

Benjamin Smith, seaman.

John Montgomery, seaman.

John Duck, seaman.

John Hayes, seaman.

James Butler, seaman.

John Hart, seaman.

James Roach, seaman.

Job Barns, seaman.

John Petman, seaman.

William Callicutt, seaman.

Richard Phipps, boatswain's mate.

John Young, cooper.

Richard Noble, quarter-master.

William Rose, ditto.

William Hervey, quarter-gunner.

John Bosman, seaman.

William Moore, ditto.

Samuel Stook, ditto.

Samuel Cooper, ditto.

David Buckley, quarter-gunner.

George Smith, seaman.

Peter Deleroy, seaman.

James M'Cawle, seaman.

John George, seaman.

John Shorclan, seaman.

Richard East, seaman.

William Lane, seaman.

William Oram, seaman.

Moses Lewis, seaman.

Nicholas Griselham, seaman.

"We whose names are under-mentioned, have had sufficient reasons, from the

above-mentioned people, to consent to go this way. Signed by

Captain Robert Pemberton, commander of his majesty's land forces.

William Fielding, lieutenant

Robert Ewers, lieutenant

Wednesday the 5th, this day I went with the master, carpenter, master's

mates, and midshipmen, to the captain, to acquaint him with what was done,

and resolved on, and farther told him, it was a duty incumbent on us to

preserve life before any other interest. He answered, Gentlemen, I desire

time to consider of it, and will give you my final determination; on which

we took our leave, and came away.

Thursday the 6th, hard gales at W.S.W. and rainy weather. At noon we went

with Mr Cummins to Captain P--mb--rt--n's tent, to have some farther

conference for our future deliverance: While we were there, the captain

sent his service to Captain C----p for a pair of pocket-pistols, his own

property, which had been refused him on his request some time before. The

servant was answered, by the captain's favourite and prime minister the

steward, The captain is ill, and I can't let you have 'em. This answer not

being satisfactory to Captain P--mb--rt--n, he sent a second time, and

insisted on the delivery of his pistols, but was answered, they could not

be come at before the captain was up; but a little time after it was judged

proper to send Captain P--mb--rt--n his pistols. From Captain P--mb--rt--

n's we went to the L----t's tent; while there, the L----t was sent to

Captain C----p, about an hour after the carpenter and myself were sent for;

when we came to him, he said, Gentlemen, I have maturely considered the

contents of your paper, so far as it regards the preservation of the people

on the spot: This paper has given me a great deal of uneasiness, insomuch

that I have not closed my eyes till eight o'clock this morning, for

thinking of it, but, I think, you have not weighed the thing rightly; do

you know we are above one hundred and sixty leagues distant S.W. from the

Streights of Magellan, with the wind against us? Then think on the distance

to be run afterwards on the other side the Streights, with the wind always

against us, and where no water is to be had. I answered, Sir, you say it is

above one hundred and sixty leagues to the Streights, but let the

navigators work it, and they will find it not above ninety leagues;

yourself and lieutenant are undoubtedly navigators and judges, therefore

will certainly find it as I say. Mr Cummins acquainted him, accordingly to

his calculation, the vessel would carry a month's water, at a quart a man

per diem; and, sir, do you consider, after running along shore to the

northward this side the land, that we have one hundred leagues to run right

out to sea to the island of Juan Ferdinandez, and five hundred chances to

one if we meet the commodore there, or any of the squadron, nor do we know

but the commodore may have shared the same fate with ourselves, or perhaps

worse? The captain answered, It's a thousand to one if we see the commodore

at Juan Ferdinandez; for, gentlemen, to let you into a secret, which I

never discovered before, we shall meet him at Baldavia, his orders were

from ---- to go there with the squadron, it being a place of little or no

force. Mr Cummins answered, Sir, 'tis agreed, the commodore is at Baldavia,

but we make it in our bargain, when we go from hence, that we will put

ashore at every place when we want water, whenever the weather will permit,

without any obstruction. The captain replied, There is no occasion for

that, we will water at the islands, and take a vessel going along. Mr

Cummins said, Sir, what shall we do with a vessel, without provisions, for

ninety souls? The captain answered, We will take a vessel loaded with flour

from Chili, there being a great many trading vessels that way, and then we

will proceed through the Streights of Magellan. Mr Cummins said, How shall

we take a vessel without guns, not having any but muskets, and our enemies

know, as well as ourselves, that we have a squadron in these seas,

therefore, undoubtedly are well armed, and keep a good look-out? The

captain's answer to this was, What are our small arms for, but to board

'em? The carpenter said, Sir, if a shot should take the boat under water,

it would not be in my power to stop a leak of that kind, where the plank is

so thin, that in some places it is not above three quarters of an inch

thick. The captain then said, Gentlemen; I am agreeable to any thing, and

willing to go any way, for the preservation of the people; but at the same

time would have you consider of it, the wind being always against us on the

other side the land, and we have above seven hundred leagues to the river

Plate. I answered the captain, 'Tis not above five hundred and ninety

leagues from hence to Cape St Antonio's; and, as I have before said, let

the navigators work it, and reason take place, which is what we chiefly

desire to be governed by: Another inducement we have to go the way proposed

is, that we may be assured of water and provision. I allow that, says the

captain, and we may save our own; but how do you know whether we may not

meet enemies in the Streights? I replied to the captain, We can have no

enemies to encounter there, but Indians in their canoes, and those we can

master at our pleasure. The captain then seemed to countenance our opinion

again, and said, When we come to St Julian's we shall be sure of salt in

plenty for our provisions, without which our fowls will not keep above two

or three days: Besides, when we come to the river Plate, we may meet with a

prize, they not being acquainted with any English vessel like ours, with

schooner's sails, by which means we may run up the river and take a larger

vessel: If we fail here, we may go ashore, and get what cattle we please,

but what business have we at the Rio Grand? We must go to the Rio Janeiro.

I told him, we should be obliged to stop at every place along shore for

supplies; at St Catharine's the governor will give us a certificate, so

that we shall be known to be the people that were there in the squadron.

The captain said, That's true, and I can get bills of credit in any part of

Brazil; besides, the people may be separated, some in the Flota, and some

in other ships, with less hands we may go to Barbadoes. Mr Cummins told

him, we might venture to England with, twelve hands. Yes, you may, says the

captain, with thirty. It is to be observed, during all this debate, the

lieutenant spoke not a word. The carpenter asking him the reason of his

silence in all the consultation, he answered, I'll give my opinion

hereafter. The captain said, I knew nothing of his being acquainted with

it, till Mr Bulkeley told me yesterday; but at the same time, Mr B----s, I

expect, you will be the first that will sign the paper. I imagined the

captain meant our paper, and immediately answered, with some warmth, As he

had refused signing at first, and at the same time agreed to the proposal,

that I had signed so close, that there was no room left for his name, and

now it was too late for him to sign. The captain surprized me, by saying, I

don't mean your paper; I told him, Any other, which should be contrary to

ours, would never be signed by us. Mr Cummins said to the captain, Sir,

'tis all owing to you that we are here; if you had consulted your officers,

we might have avoided this misfortune, considering the condition the ship

was in, she was not fit to come in with the land, all our men being sick,

and not above three seamen in a watch; suppose the mast had gone by the

board, as was every moment expected. The captain made answer, Gentlemen,

you do not know my orders; there never were any so strict given to a

commander before, and had I but two men living besides myself, I must, and

was obliged to go to the first rendezvous, which was the island of Nostra

Senhora di Socora: I was obliged to go there at all events. I made answer

to this, Sir, if that is the case, it seems plain the thing was designed we

should be here: But, sir, I am of opinion, notwithstanding the commodore

had his orders from ---- to go with the squadron to Baldavia, that at the

same time those orders were so far discretional, that if the squadron was

disabled, care was to be taken not to endanger his majesty's ships. Yes,

that (says the captain) was settled at St Julian's: Notwithstanding what

has been said, gentlemen, I am agreeable to take any chance with you, and

to go any way; but would have you consider of it, and defer your

determination till all is ready to go off the spot. I then told the

captain, You have known, sir, from the time you saw the proposal, that the

people are uneasy, and the work is at a stand, and in this situation things

will be until this affair is settled; therefore the sooner you resolve the

better. The captain replied, I design to have a consultation among my

officers: Have you any more objections to make? I answered, Yes, sir, one

more; which is, when you go from hence, you are not to weigh, come to an

anchor, or alter course, without consulting your officers. The captain

said, Gentlemen, I was your commander till the ship parted, or as long as

any stores or provisions were getting out of her. We told him, we had

always taken care to obey his orders in the strictest manner, which he

allowed us to have done; and he added, You were the officers that I placed

my whole dependence in. We answered, Sir, we will support you with our

lives, as long as you suffer reason to rule: And then we parted. After this

consultation, the captain seldom came out of his tent, which occasioned.

great disturbances among the people.

Friday the 7th, the wind at W.N.W. with rain. This day the navigators

worked the bearings and distance along shore, from one place to another, to

know the true distance: Hereupon it was agreed to proceed through the

Streights of Magellan, according to Sir John Narborough's directions, which

give us great encouragement to go that way. Captain P----n drawed his men

up, and dismissed 'em again. Great uneasiness among the people.

Saturday the 8th, this morning went to the lieutenant, for him to acquaint

the captain all his officers were ready to give sufficient reasons for

going through the Streights of Magellan, desiring a consultation might be

held in the afternoon. At three o'clock the captain sent for me and Mr

Cummins; when we came, the master and boatswain were sent for, but they

were gone in search of subsistence, as limpetts, muscles, &c. The captain

said, Gentlemen, I don't doubt but you have considered upon the business

you are come about; therefore I am determined to take my fate with you, or

where the spirit of the people leads, and shall use my best endeavours for

their preservation; but I am afraid of meeting contrary winds, for after

the sun has crossed the Line we must expect to meet 'em. I made answer, By

all accounts the wind hangs from N.W. to the S.W. above three parts of the

year, which is in our favour. Mr Cummins told him, There was fresh water to

be got as well on one coast as the other, and if Sir John Narborough's

treatment was so ill in a profound peace, what must we expect in a time of

open war? The captain said, I am afraid, very bad. Then Mr Cummins spoke in

this manner to the captain: Sir, I always took you for an honourable

gentleman, and I believe you to be such; on your honour, sir, I beg you

will give the true sentiments of your mind, whether through the Streights

is not the surest and safest way to preserve our lives, notwithstanding we

have a thousand difficulties to encounter with any way? The captain

answered, I really think going to the northward is the safest way; for

suppose we should be drove off to sea, when on the other side the land,

what is to be done then? I said, Sir, it is our business to keep the shore,

to prevent all accidents that may happen that way. Then Lieutenant B----s

made an objection, Suppose you have the wind blowing right in, and a

tumbling sea, as to endanger the boat, what are we to do? I made answer,

Sir, if you remember when we were riding at St Julian's, it blowed a very

hard gale of wind right in from the sea; yet, even then, the sea did not

run so high as to endanger a boat riding at anchor: Another instance I

bring you from St Catherine's, when we had such hard gales that the Trial

lost her masts, and the Pearl separated from the squadron; yet, at that

time, there was no sea comparable to what we have met with this side the

land. The lieutenant allowed this to be fact. Then the captain said, I will

allow you to have water at Port Desire; but do you consider the lengthening

your distance, by keeping along shore, and rounding every bay, and some of

those bays are very deep? I told him, that undoubtedly there was water all

along the coast, and that we had no business to round the bays, but to

steer from one head-land to the other. Then Lieutenant B----s made a second

objection, Suppose we are forced into a bay, and shoal water? I answered,

We should always have a boat a-head, and our draught of water will not be

above four or five feet at most; and if we should be so unfortunate as to

lose our boat, we must keep the lead a-going. The l----t replied, That was

true, and there could not be a great deal of difficulty in it. This was the

only time the l----t ever spoke in public on the affair; he always allowed,

when absent from the captain, that going through the Streights was the best

way; but in the captain's presence he sided with him, and was for going to

the northward.

Sunday the 9th, at three this afternoon, I went with Mr Cummins, the

master, and boatswain, as desired, to the captain, to give him our

opinions, believing going through the Streights the surest way to preserve

life; it was therefore agreed, That if the wind did not set in against us,

at the sun's crossing the Line, that the captain would go that way. The

captain asked every man's opinion, and found the people unanimous for the

Streights of Magellan. To-day being fair weather, launched the yawl to go a

fowling, shot several geese, ducks, shaggs, and sea-pies. Heeled the long-

boat for planking.

Monday the 10th, wind at N. and N.N.W. rainy weather. Eat slaugh and sea-

weed fryed with tallow-candles, which we picked up along shore; this we

reckon at present exceeding good eating, having nothing to live on but a

quarter of a pound of flour a man per day, and what we can get off the

rocks: For many days the weather has been so bad that we have not been able

to stir abroad, though almost starved for want of food.

Tuesday the 11th, hard gales at S.W. with heavy rains. This afternoon the

people came in arms to acquaint us of the stores being robbed; they

therefore wanted our consent for moving the stores to our tent; on which we

desired they would desist from offering any violence: We told 'em of the

ill consequence of mutiny, which, as we always abhorred, we took all

imaginable care to prevent: The people, on our persuasions, instantly

quitted their arms. The captain presently sent for me and Mr Cummins, to

acquaint us with what had happened: He told us the purser, accidentally

coming by, saw the prisoner Rowland Crussett, marine, crawling from the

bushes, and from under the store tent, and found on him upwards of a day's

flour for ninety souls, with one piece of beef under his coat, and three

pieces more, which were concealed in the bushes, to carry off when an

opportunity offered; and the sentry, Thomas Smith, his mess-mate, a marine,

undoubtedly was privy to the robbery. The captain farther said, We have

nothing to do with them; but I shall send to Captain P----n, to insist on a

court-martial: I really think that for robbing the store-tent (which, in

our present circumstances, is starving the whole body of people) the

prisoners deserve death. This was not only the captain's opinion, but

indeed the sentiments of every person present. After we parted from the

captain, we were sent for by Captain P----n: He acquainted us, he would go

as far as the martial law would allow him, and in conjunction with the sea-

officers: I look (said he) on the l----t as nothing, and the c----n in the

same light: As for you two, (meaning the gunner and carpenter) I confide

in, and shall have regard to your opinions. When the articles of war were

read, we found their crime did not touch life, but they were to suffer

corporal punishment. Whilst Mr Cummins was laying open the nature of their

guilt, and the ill consequence of lenity in the circumstances we were in, I

proposed a way next to death, which was, if judged proper by Captain P----n

and Captain C----p, to carry 'em off to an island where the ship parted,

there being muscles, limpetts, and clams in abundance, and no want of

water, and there to be left till we should be ready for sailing; and, to

strike a terror in all for the future, that if any man should be guilty of

the like offence, without any respect of person, he should share the same

fate. This proposal was approved of by both the captains. At night

Lieutenant B----n surprised us with a new kind of proposal we little dreamt

of, which was, to have a proper place of devotion to perform divine service

in every sabbath-day: For this sacred office, our tent was judged the most

commodious place. The duty of public prayer had been entirely neglected on

board, though every seaman pays fourpence per month towards the support of

a minister; yet devotion, in so solemn a manner, is so rarely performed,

that I know but one instance of it during the many years I have belonged to

the navy. We believe religion to have the least share in this proposal of

the lieutenant. If our tent should be turned into a house of prayer, and

this project takes, we may, perhaps, in the midst of our devotion, be

surprised, and our arms taken, from us, in order to frustrate our designs,

and prevent our return to England through the Streights of Magellan, or any

other way.

Wednesday the 12th, hard gales from S.W. to W. with heavy showers of hail

and rain. Served out provisions today, a piece of beef for four men; some

time past we have had but a quarter of a pound of flour per man per diem,

and three pieces of beef: We live chiefly on muscles, limpitts, and clams,

with saragraza and thromba; one is a green broad weed, common on the rocks

in England; the other is a round sea-weed, so large, that a man can scarce

grasp it; it grows in the sea, with broad leaves; this last we boil, the

saragraza we fry in tallow; in this manner we support life: Even these

shell-fish and weeds we get with great difficulty; for the wind, the rain,

and coldness of the climate in this season, are so extremely severe, that a

man will pause some time whether he shall stay in his tent and starve, or

go out in quest of food.

Friday the 14th, very hard gales at W. and N.W., with showers of rain and

hail, which beat with such violence against a man's face, that he can

hardly withstand it; however, one of our mess-mates to-day shot three gulls

and a hawk, which gave us a very elegant repast. This day was held a court-

martial on the sentry who is believed confederate with the marine that

robbed the store-tent: sentence was passed on them to receive six hundred

lashes each: Captain C----p not thinking the punishment adequate to the

crime, cut 'em short of their allowance, so that they have now but half the

provisions they had before: The day following the offenders received two

hundred lashes each, as part of their punishment. We hauled the long-boat

higher up, for fear the sea should wash the blocks from under her. We have

found a new way of managing the slaugh; we fry it in thin batter with

tallow, and use it as bread.

Sunday the 16th, fresh gales of wind at S.W. with heavy showers of hail:

The people generally complain of a malady in their eyes; they are in great

pain, and can scarce see to walk about. The last tide flowed nine feet

perpendicular; to-day we picked up shell-fish in abundance, with, pieces of

beef and pork. The prisoners received two hundred lashes more.

Tuesday the 18th, this day the carpenter, who has all along been

indefatigable in working about the long-boat, saw one of the seamen cutting

up an anchor-stock for firewood, which had been designed for a particular

use for the long-boat; at sight of the fellow's folly he could not contain

himself: This affair, added to the little concern and intolerable

indifference that appeared in the generality of the people, for some time

impaired his understanding, and made him delirious; all possible methods

are used to restore him, as he is the only man, who, through the assistance

of Providence, can compleat the means of our deliverance.

Wednesday the 19th, the carpenter was so much recovered, that he went to

work as usual; at night the lieutenant acquainted us, that the captain

desired to speak with the carpenter and me to-morrow at noon, to consult

what should be done with the two prisoners, having received but four

hundred lashes out of the six, to which they were sentenced by a court-

martial, the other two hundred being remitted by their own officers.

Thursday the 20th, we waited on the captain, who acquainted us with what

the lieutenant had mentioned last night relating to the prisoners: We told

him the people were very uneasy about this mitigation of the punishment

indicted on them by a court-martial; therefore it was agreed they should

provide for themselves as well as they could, but to have no sort of

provisions out of the store-tent for the future.

Saturday, the 22d, we begun upon several contrivances to get provisions,

such as building punts, cask-boats, leather-boats, and the like.

On Sunday the 23d, the store-tent was again robbed, and, on examination,

was found a deficiency of twelve days brandy for ninety men: The

lieutenant, myself, and carpenter, went to the captain to consult some way

which might effectually prevent those villainous practices for the future:

The captain desired us to make a nice inquiry into this robbery, being

determined to inflict the severest punishment on the offenders; though it

would give him the greatest concern if any innocent person should suffer.

This day we confined one of the sentinels for being drunk on his post; the

day following the boatswain gave us information of the persons who had

robbed the tent; they were two sentinels, Smith and Butler; those very

persons were the first who insisted that the seamen, as well as themselves,

should watch the store-tent; their own officers, as yet, have brought them

to no examination: We have also information that the purser holds frequent

conversation with the rebels, contrary to all the laws of the navy,

supplying them with liquors in abundance, to the great distress of his

majesty's faithful subjects, who have but half a pint per day to subsist

on. There are now great disturbances among the people concerning going to

the northward; they believe Captain C----p never intended to return to

England by his proposing this way, in opposition to the opinion of all the

navigators, who have given reasons for going through the Streights of

Magellan. There is a sort of a party rage among the people, fomented by a

kind of bribery that has more influence on the seamen than money; there are

some daily bought off by rum, and other strong liquors. Unless a stop is

put to these proceedings, we shall never go off the spot.

Tuesday the 25th, this day felt four great earthquakes, three of which were

very terrible; notwithstanding the violent shocks and tremblings of the

earth, we find no ground shifted. Hard gales of wind at north, with heavy

showers of rain.

Thursday the 27th, the disturbances increase among the people; we plainly

see there is a party raised to go to the northward; we went to the

lieutenant, and consulted with him what was to be done in the present

exigence; myself being reckoned the projector of the scheme for going

through the Streights, was threatened to be shot by Noble the quarter-

master: After having some discourse with the lieutenant, he told me, If I

would draw up a paper for the captain to sign, in order to satisfy the

people, that he would go to the southward, and every officer to have a copy

of it, to justify himself in England, it would be as proper a method as we

could take. The paper was immediately drawn up in these words, viz.

"Whereas upon a general consultation, it has been agreed to go from this

place through the Streights of Magellan, for the coast of Brazil, in our

way for England: We do, notwithstanding, find the people separating into

parties, which must consequently end in the destruction of the whole body;

and as also there have been great robberies committed on the stores, and

every thing is now at a stand, therefore, to prevent all future frauds and

animosities, we are unanimously agreed to proceed as above-mentioned."

This paper was delivered to the lieutenant, who said that he was sure the

captain would sign it, but in case of refusal he should be confined for

shooting Mr Cozens, and he would take the command on himself: And, to

prevent further disturbances, the purser, as he much conversed with the

rebels, it is agreed by the body of officers to send him off the island,

for acting so contrary to his duty, in contempt of the articles of war, the

laws of his country, and the known rules of the navy. It was likewise

agreed, that any person who engaged himself in raising parties, should be

disarmed. By this day's proceedings, we thought the lieutenant a gentleman

of resolution, but the words and actions of people do not always concur.

Friday the 28th, to-day the officers and people all appeared in arms. The

master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter, with Mr J----s, mate, and Mr

C----ll, midshipman, went into the captain's tent, the lieutenant being

with him. As soon as the officers were seated, a consultation was held

concerning Smith and Butler robbing the store-tent, they were sentenced to

be transported to the main, or some island. As soon as this affair was

over, we talk'd to the captain of the uneasiness among the people, that

there had been a long time a visible inquietude among 'em, and that we

could not help seeing there were schemes form'd to obstruct our design of

going to the southward. The captain answer'd, Gentlemen, it is time enough

to think of this when we are ready to go off; have not I told you before

that I do not care which way I go, southward or northward? I will take my

fate with you. Everybody now expected the lieutenant to reply, especially

after the zeal he express'd himself with the day before; but he sat

speechless, without any regard to the welfare of the people, or to his own

proposals. Finding he did not move in the affair, I took out the paper

which was agreed to by the lieutenant and the rest of the officers, and

read it to the captain, and ask'd him to sign it, which he strenuously

oppos'd, and seem'd very much enrag'd that it should be propos'd to him.

Upon this we dropt the matter, and began to discourse concerning the

provisions: We thought it necessary that ten weeks subsistence should be

secur'd to carry with us, and that the liquor should be buried under

ground, but he gave us no answer. Finding no relief here, we went to

Captain P----n's tent to consult with him what we should do in the present

exigence. On our coming out from the captain we saw a flag hoisted on

Captain P----n's tent, the captain himself seated in a chair, surrounded by

the people. On seeing this, all the officers present at the consultation,

except the lieutenant, went over to Captain P----n. Here it was agreed, in

case the captain persisted to refuse signing the paper, to take the command

from him, and to give it the lieutenant, according to the lieutenant's own

proposal. At the same time Caplain P----n told the people he would stand by

'em with his life, in going through the Streights of Magellan, the way

propos'd in the paper. The people gave three cheers, crying aloud for

England. The captain hearing the noise, got out of bed to his tent door,

and call'd the people, enquiring what they wanted, then sent for all the

officers: He was then told since he refused signing the paper, and had no

regard to the safety of our provisions, the people unanimously agreed to

take the command from him, and transfer it to the lieutenant. Hearing this,

with an exalted voice, Captain C----p says, Who is he that will take the

command from me? addressing himself to the lieutenant, Is it you, sir? The

lieutenant reply'd, No, sir. The terror of the captain's aspect intimidated

the lieutenant to that degree, that he look'd like a ghost. We left him

with the captain, and return'd to Captain P----n's tent, to acquaint him of

the lieutenant's refusing the command. We had not been long here before

Captain C----p sent for us. I was the first person call'd for; at my

entering his tent, I saw him seated on a chest, with a cock'd pistol on his

right thigh; observing this, I desir'd Mr J----s, who was the mate he

always rely'd on for navigation, to tell the captain I did not think proper

to come before a cock'd pistol: Notwithstanding I was arm'd I drew back,

altho' I had my pistol-cock'd, and there were several men near me arm'd

with muskets. The captain's personal bravery no man doubted of, his courage

was excessive, and made him rash and desperate; his shooting Mr Cozens was

a fatal proof of it, he was grown more desperate by this unhappy action,

and was observ'd since seldom to behave himself with any composure of mind.

It is a piece of human prudence to retreat from a man in a phrenzy, because

he who does not value his own life, has another man's in his power. I had

no desire of falling by the hand of Captain C----p, and should be greatly

disturb'd to be compelled, for my own preservation, to discharge a pistol

at a gentleman against whom I never had any spleen, and who was my

commander. When Mr J----s acquainted him with what I desired him, the

captain threw his pistol aside, and came out of his tent; he told the

people he would go with them to the southward; he desired to know their

grievances, and he would redress them: They all call'd out for their sea-

store of provisions to be secur'd, and the rest equally divided. Here the

captain shew'd all the conduct and courage imaginable; he was a single man

against a multitude, all of 'em dissatisfy'd with him, and all of 'em in

arms: He told 'em the ill consequence of sharing the provisions, that it

was living to-day and starving to-morrow; but the people were not to be

satisfy'd, the officers had now no authority over 'em, and they were some

time deaf to their persuasions; nay, it was with difficulty that they could

dissuade 'em from pulling down the store-tent, and taking away the

provisions by force; they remov'd the provisions out of the store-tent,

then fell to digging a hole to bury the brandy; the sea-store to be

secur'd, the remainder to be immediately shar'd. Had this been comply'd

with, the consequences might have been very terrible; however, to pacify

'em in some shape, it was agreed, that every man should have a pint of

brandy per day, which, by calculation, would last 'em three weeks. On this

they seem'd very easy, and went to their respective tents. The captain told

his officers that he would act nothing contrary to what was agreed on for

the welfare and safety of the community. Finding the captain in a temper of

mind to hearken to reason, I said to him, sir, I think it my duty to inform

you that I am not the person whom you imagine to be the principal in this

affair. The captain answer'd, how can I think otherwise? I reply'd, Sir,

the paper I read to you was your lieutenant's projection: There sits the

gentleman, let him disown it if he can. The captain turning himself to the

lieutenant, says, Mr Bulkeley has honestly clear'd himself. We then drank a

glass of wine, and took our leaves. At night the captain sent for Mr

Cummins and me to sup with him; we were the only officers present with him:

When I was seated, I said, Sir, I have my character at stake, from drawing

back from your cock'd pistol; had I advanc'd, one of us must have dropt.

The captain answer'd, Bulkeley, I do assure you the pistol was not design'd

for you, but for another; for I knew the whole before. We then talk'd of

indifferent things, and spent the evening in a very affable manner.

Saturday the 29th, came here five Indian canoes, loaden with muscles; the

men, women, and children, were about fifty: These Indians had never been

with us before, they are not so generous and good-natur'd as our friends I

have already mentioned; they were so mercenary, that they would not part

with a single muscle without something in exchange; their stay was but

short with us, for the next morning they launch'd their canoes, and went

off.

Tuesday, September the 1st, the carpenter was shot in the thigh with

several large pewter slugs by the captain's cook, but he being at a great

distance, the slugs did not enter his skin: Whether this was design'd, or

accidental, we don't know; however, we thought it proper to disarm him.

Wednesday the 2d, wind at N. and N. by W. with rain. This day we were

inform'd that three of the deserters, viz. James Mitchel, carpenter's mate,

Joseph King and Owen Thomson, seamen, were gone over to the main in a punt

of their own building; the others were here yesterday, and I believe would

be gladly received again, but am of opinion there are few voices in their

favour.

Friday the 4th, some disorders among the people about watching the

provisions, some taking all opportunities to rob the stores. Our living now

is very hard, shell-fish are very scarce, and difficult to be had; the sea-

weeds are our greatest support; we have found a sort of sea-weed which we

call dulse, it is a narrow weed, growing on rocks in the sea, which, when

boil'd about two hours, thickens the water like flour; this we esteem a

good and wholsome food.

Sunday the 6th, last night the store-tent was robbed of brandy and flour:

The people on hearing this were greatly enrag'd, and insisted on searching

the marines tents; on search they found four bottles of brandy, and four

small parcels of flour. The captain sent for the lieutenant, master gunner,

carpenter, and surgeon, with lieutenants H----n, E----s, and F----g, of the

army, Captain Pemberton was also sent for, but was so ill that he could not

be present, but desir'd all might pass according to the judgment of the

above-mention'd officers. A consultation was held, five of the accused

marines did not appear, dreading the punishment due to their crime, they

march'd off to the deserters: Four more, who staid to be try'd, receiv'd

sentence, on the first opportunity, to carry them off to the main, and

there to shift for themselves with the former deserters. The seamen

insisted on a pint of brandy each man per diem, which was agreed on. The

provisions being found were put into the store.

Monday the 7th, I was invited to a dog-feast at Mr J----s's tent: There

were present at this entertainment, the lieutenant, the Honourable John

Byron, Mr Cummins, Mr Campbell, Mr Young, Lieutenants Ewers and Fielding,

and Dr Oakley of the army. It was exceeding good eating, we thought no

English mutton preferable to it.

Tuesday the 8th, in the afternoon, William Harvey, quarter gunner, came to

our tent with a paper sign'd by seven people; the contents as follows, viz.

"These are to acquaint you, the gentlemen, officers, and seamen of the ship

Wager, that, for the easement of the boat now building, we do agree to go

in the yawl, after she is fitted up, with allowing us our share of

provisions, and other conveniences, to go in her to the southward, through

the Streights of Magellan, for the coast of Brazil.

David Buckley, quarter gunner.

William Harvey, ditto.

Rich. Noble, quarter-master.

William Moor, captain's cook.

William Rose, quarter-master.

John Hayes, seaman.

John Bosman, ditto."

The next day, the above-mention'd added one more to their number, viz.

Peter Plastow, captain's steward: he came to acquaint us he was willing to

go with them, and hoped we would give our consent; we told him we had

nothing to do with it, therefore he must apply to the captain.

Thursday the 10th, hard gales at W.N.W., with rain and hail. The captain

sent for the lieutenant, master, myself, the carpenter, and boatswain; when

we were all met, the captain ask'd us if Plastow had mention'd any thing to

us about going off in the yawl. We told him he had. Plastow being sent for,

the captain said, Peter, I hear you are for going in the boat? He answer'd,

Yes, sir, I will take my chance, for I want to get to England. The captain

bade him be gone for a villain, and said no more. This Plastow was a mighty

favourite with the captain, and had often been admitted to his

conversation: He above all men ought to have stood steadfast to him,

because the captain regarded him above the whole body of people, and hath

been heard to say as much. It was this day agreed that the sentence put off

on the 6th should be executed the first opportunity, without any delay, and

that no boat should go off from hence before all was ready, believing some

have a design to go to the northward.

Friday the 11th, wind at N.N.W. The people very uneasy, scarce any work

done for this week past; every thing at a stand, we have now among us no

command, order, or discipline, add to our uneasiness the uncomfortableness

of the climate; we have been inhabitants of this island sixteen weeks, and

have not seen ten fair days; the murmurings of the people, the scarcity of

provision, and the severity of the weather, would really make a man weary

of life.

Monday the 14th, last night very hard gales at N.W. and W.N.W., with large

showers of hail, with thunder. The wind to-day is much abated. As to the

article of provisions, nothing comes amiss, we eat dogs, rats, and, in

short, every thing we can come at.

Friday the 18th, Dennis O'Lary, and John Redwood, seamen, with six marines,

were put off to the main, according to their sentence, it being a fine

summer's day. This day the lieutenant bringing a pair of pistols to the

carpenter, and complaining they were in bad order, did not imagine they

were loaded, snapping the first it miss'd fire, the second went off, but

providentially did no harm, tho' the lieutenant had then a crowd of people

about him.

Sunday the 20th, little wind, and clear weather. Launch'd the barge, and

went off to the wreck; we took up four casks of beef, with a cask of pease,

which was stay'd, we serv'd out to each man five pieces of beef, and pease

to suck as would have 'em, but there were none to take 'em, having now

plenty of meat, our stomachs are become nice and dainty.

Wednesday, the 23d, the people went to the captain with a two gallon cagg,

and ask'd it full of wine. The captain refus'd 'em, but apprehending that

they would make no ceremony of filling it without leave, and carrying it

off by force, he thought proper to order it to be fill'd. They brought it

to the long-boat, and drank it in her hold. Stept the long-boat's mast

forward. The people very much disorder'd in liquor, and very quarrelsome.

Thursday the 24th, I was sent on a week's cruize in the barge, the officers

with me were Mr Jones, the mate, and the Honourable Mr B----n, midshipman,

and Mr Harvey the purser, who was a good draughtsman; we went in order to

discover the coast to the southward, for the safety of the long-boat; we

were informed on our return, that the people in our absence went to the

captain and got two gallons of wine which they mixed with their half pints

of brandy, they got all drunk and mad, but no great mischief ensued. Six

Indian canoes likewise came in our absence loaden with men, women, and

children, and brought with them clams out of the shells strung on lines.

The Indian women dived for muscles, and brought them ashore in abundance,

the men went to the fresh water river, and caught several fish like our

English mullets. The people bought dogs of the Indians, which they kill'd

and eat, esteeming the flesh very good food. The next day the Indians went

out and caught a vast quantity of fish out of a pond, where they sent their

dogs to hunt; the dogs dived, and drove the fish ashore in great numbers to

one part of the pond, as if they had been drawn in a seyne; the Indians

sold the fish to the people. This method of catching fish, is, I believe,

unknown any where else, and was very surprising; and, what is also very

strange, after the Indians went away, we hauled the seyne over the pond,

and could never get a fish.

Monday the 28th, returned with the barge; the first evening we were out we

had a good harbour for the barge, which we put into; the first animal we

saw was a fine large bitch big with puppies, we kill'd her, we then roasted

one side and boiled the other, were exceedingly well pleased with our fare,

supped heartily, and slept well. The next morning we got up at day-break,

and proceeded on our cruize, finding all along the coast to be very

dangerous; at evening put into a place of very good shelter for the barge:

Here we found the Indians had been very lately, the shore being covered

with the offals of seal; in an hour's time we killed ten wild fawn, we

roasted three geese and two ducks, the rest we put into a sea pye, so that

we fared most elegantly; got up at day-light next morning, but seeing the

weather hazy and dirty, thought it not proper to put out with the barge,

fearing we should not get a harbour before night; we took a walk five miles

in the country cross the land to the southward, but could not see any

shelter for the boat, being then twelve leagues from the place we came

from, so we returned back in the evening, and got into a fine sandy bay; I

think it as good a harbour for shipping as any I ever saw: Coming into this

bay, saw the southmost land, which we had seen before, bearing about S.S.W.

right over an inlet of land, above two miles. After landing, lived as we

did last night; in the morning we walked over, where we found a deep bay,

it being eighteen leagues deep, and twelve leagues broad; here we had a

very good prospect of the coast; we found here the green pease that Sir

John Narborough mentions in his book.

Saturday, the 3d of October, after our return from the cruize, the

lieutenant, the master, myself, the boatswain, and Mr J----s the mate, went

to the captain, to acquaint him how forward the boat was, and to consult

some measures to be observ'd on board the boat, to prevent mutiny; he

desir'd a day or two to consider of it.

On Monday, the 5th, the carpenter sent his case bottle, as usual, to the

captain, to be filled with wine, but it was sent back empty, with this

answer, I will give him none. This sudden change of the captain's behaviour

to the carpenter, proceeded from some words which the latter dropt, and

were carried to the captain; the words the carpenter spoke were to this

purport, that he was not to be led by favour or affection, nor to be

biassed by a bottle of brandy. To-day we heeled the long-boat, and caulked

the star-board side, paid her bottom with wax, tallow, and soap that came

out of the ship.

Tuesday the 6th, hard gales at N.W. and N., with rain: This morning the

lieutenant acquainted us of the captain's resolution, which was to be

captain as before, and to be governed by the rules of the navy, and to

stand or fall by them; it was objected in the present situation, the rules

of the navy are not sufficient to direct us, several rules being requisite

in our circumstances which are not mention'd there, that the whole body of

officers and people are determin'd not to be govern'd by those rules at

present. This objection was started, not from a disrespect to those rules,

but we imagin'd, if Captain C----p was restor'd to the absolute command he

had before the loss of the Wager, that he would proceed again on the same

principles, never on any exigency consult his officers, but act

arbitrarily, according to his humour and confidence of superior knowledge;

while he acts with reason, we will support his command with our lives, but

some restriction is necessary for our own preservation. We think him a

gentleman worthy to have a limited command, but too dangerous a person to

be trusted with an absolute one. This afternoon the people insisted to be

serv'd brandy out of the casks that were buried under ground, accordingly

they were serv'd half a pint each man. Got the long-boat upright.

Thursday the 18th, this day the master went to the captain concerning ten

half barrels of powder more than can be carried off, which will make good

water casks for the boats; the captain told him not to start the powder, or

destroy any thing, without his orders, and said, he must have time, to

consider of it. In the afternoon Captain P--m-b--rt--n, of the land forces,

came on the beach and desired the assistance of the seamen to take Captain

C----p a prisoner, for the death of Mr Cozens, the midshipman, telling us,

he should be call'd to an account, if he did not. This evening the

carpenter went up to the hill-tent, so called from its situation; the

people were shooting balls at marks, some of 'em were firing in vollies,

without shot or sluggs; one of the men on the beach fir'd at the tent while

the carpenter was in it, who was standing with a book in his hand; there

was a piece of beef hung close at his cheek, the ball went through the tent

and the beef, but the carpenter receiv'd no damage. To-day I overhaul'd the

powder, and told the lieutenant that I had twenty-three half barrels in

store, and that we could not carry off in the vessel above six half

barrels, therefore proposed to start the overplus into the sea, and make

water casks of the half barrels, they being very proper for that purpose. I

desired him to acquaint the captain with my intention; that since he had no

regard for the publick good, or any thing that tended to promoting it, the

carpenter and I had determin'd never to go near him again. The lieutenant

declin'd going, fearing the captain would murther him, but he sent the

master to him, to let him know the necessity of starting the powder; the

captain's answer to the master was, I desire you will not destroy any one

thing without my orders. We now are convinc'd the captain hath no intention

of going to the southward, notwithstanding he had lately given his word and

honour that he would; therefore Captain P--mb--r-t--n, in order to put an

end to all future obstructions, demanded our assistance to make him a

prisoner for the shooting Mr Cozens, intending to carry him as such to

England; at the same time to confine Lieutenant H----n with him, which was

readily agreed to by the whole body. It was reckon'd dangerous to suffer

the captain any longer to enjoy liberty, therefore the lieutenant, gunner,

carpenter, and Mr J----s the mate, resolv'd next morning to surprize him in

his bed.

Friday the 9th, this morning went in a body and surpriz'd the captain in

bed, disarm'd him, and took every thing out of his tent. The captain said

to the seamen, What are you about? where are my officers? at which the

master, gunner, carpenter, and boatswain, went in. The captain said,

Gentlemen, do you know what you have done, or are about? He was answer'd,

Yes, sir; our assistance was demanded by Captain P----n, to secure you as a

prisoner for the death of Mr Cozens; and as we are subjects of Great

Britain, we are oblig'd to take you as such to England. The captain said,

Gentlemen, Captain P----n has nothing to do with me, I am your commander

still, I will shew you my instructions, which he did to the people, on this

we came out. He then call'd his officers a second time, and said, What is

this for? He was answer'd as before, that assistance was demanded by

Captain P----n to take him prisoner for the death of Mr Cozens. He still

insisted, Captain P----n has no business with me, I could not think you

would serve me so. It was told him, Sir, it is your own fault, you have

given yourself no manner of concern for the publick good, on our going from

hence, but have acted quite the reverse, or else been so careless and

indifferent about it, as if we had no commander, and if other persons had

given themselves no more trouble and concern than you have, we should not

be ready to go from hence as long as provisions lasted. The captain said,

Very well, gentlemen, you have caught me napping; I do not see any of you

in liquor, you are a parcel of brave fellows, but my officers are

scoundrels: Then turning himself to me, he said, Gunner, where's my

lieutenant? did not he head you? I told him, No, sir, but was here to see

it executed, and is here now. One of you, says the captain, call Mr B----s.

When Mr B----s came, he said, What is all this for, sir? Sir, it is Captain

P----n's order. Captain P----n hath no business with me, and you will

answer for it hereafter, if I do not live to see England, I hope some of my

friends will. On this the lieutenant left him. The captain then address'd

himself to the seamen, saying, My lads, I do not blame you, but it is the

villainy of my officers, which they will answer for hereafter. He then

call'd Mr B----s again, and said, Well, sir, what do you design to do by

me? The lieutenant answer'd, Sir, your officers have design'd the purser's

tent for you. Hum! I should be obliged to the gentlemen, if they would let

me stay in my own tent. The lieutenant came to acquaint the officers of the

captain's request, but they judg'd it inconvenient, as Mr H----n's tent

join'd the purser's, one guard might serve 'em both; accordingly all his

things were mov'd to the purser's tent: As he was coming along, he said,

Gentlemen, you must excuse my not pulling my hat off, my hands are

confin'd. Well, Captain B----s you will be call'd to an account for this

hereafter. The boatswain, after the captain's confinement, most barbarously

insulted him, reproaching him with striking him, saying, Then it was your

time, but now, G--d d--n you, it is mine; The captain made no reply but

this, You are a scoundrel for using a gentleman ill when he is a prisoner.

When the captain was a prisoner, he declar'd, he never intended to go to

the southward, having more honour than to turn his back on his enemies; and

farther, he said, Gentlemen, I do not want to go off in any of your craft,

for I never design'd to go for England, and would rather cause to be shot

by you; there is not a single man on the beach dare engage me, but this is

what I fear'd.

It is very odd, that Captain C----p should now declare be never intended to

go to the southward, when he publickly gave his word and honour he would go

that way, or any way where the spirit of the people led: But he afterwards

told his officers, he knew he had a severe trial to go through, if ever he

came to England; and as for those who liv'd to return to their country, the

only favour he requested from them, was to declare the truth, without

favour or prejudice, and this we promis'd faithfully to do: His words, in

this respect, were as much regarded by us as the words of a dying man, and

have been most punctually observ'd.

Saturday the 10th, little wind at N. and N.W. Getting all ready for going

off this afternoon, the captain sent for the lieutenant and me, desiring us

both to go to Captain P----n, to know what he intended to do with him. We

accordingly came, and both promised to go directly, and bring him his

answer. When we came out, went to the lieutenant's tent; from thence I

expected, and made no doubt but he would go to Captain P----n's: But when I

ask'd him he refused, which very much surprised me. I thought it very

ungenerous to trifle with Captain C----p, or any gentleman in his unhappy

situation; therefore went alone to Captain Pemberton. When I delivered him

Captain C----p's message the answer was, I design, and must carry him

prisoner to England. I return'd, and acquainted Captain C----p with Captain

P----n's answer: He ask'd me then if the lieutenant was with me. I told

him, no; and I believe did not design it. He said, Mr Bulkeley, I am very

much obliged to you, and could not think the lieutenant would use me thus.

In the evening the lieutenant and I were sent for again: The captain said

to the lieutenant, Sir, have you been with Captain P----n? He answer'd, No,

sir. I thought, sir, you promised me you would: However, I have his answer

from Mr Bulkeley; I am to be carried a prisoner to England. Gentlemen, I

shall never live to see England, but die by inches in the voyage; and it is

surprising to me to think what you can expect by going to the southward,

where there are ten thousand difficulties to be encounter'd with: I am

sorry so many brave fellows should be led to go where they are not

acquainted, when, by going to the northward, there is the island of Chili,

not above ninety leagues, where we need not fear taking prizes, and may

have a chance to see the commodore. I made answer, Sir, you have said that

we shall be call'd to an account for this in England: I must tell you, for

my part, had I been guilty of any crime, and was sure of being hang'd for

it in England, I would make it my choice to go there, sooner than to the

northward: Have not you given your word and honour to go to the southward?

It is true there is a chance in going to the northward, by delivering us

from this unhappy situation of life to a worse, viz. a Spanish prison. The

captain said no more but this, Gentlemen, I wish you well and safe to

England.

Sunday the 11th, this morning the captain sent for me, and told me he had

rather be shot than carried off a prisoner, and that he would not go off

with us; therefore desired me to ask the people to suffer him to remain on

the island: The people readily agreed to his request, and also consented to

leave him all things needful for his support, as much as could be spared.

Lieutenant H----n and the surgeon chose to stay with him. We offer'd him

also the barge and yawl, if he could procure men to go with him. The

question was proposed before the whole body, but they all cry'd aloud for

England, and let him stay and be d----'d; does he want to carry us to a

prison? There is not a man will go. The captain being deprived of his

command in the manner above mentioned, and for the reasons already given,

it was resolved to draw some articles to be sign'd for the good of the

community, and to give the lieutenant a limited command. The paper was

drawn up in this manner:--

"Whereas Captain David C----p, our commander in his majesty's ship the

Wager, never consulted any of his officers for the safety and preservation

of the said ship, and his majesty's subjects thereto belonging, but several

times, since the unhappy loss of the said ship, he has been solicited in

the most dutiful manner, promising him at the same time to support his

command with our lives, desiring no more than to go off heart in hand from

this place to the southward, which he gave his word and honour to do; and

being almost ready for sailing, did apply to him some few days past, to

draw up some proper articles, in order to suppress mutiny, and other

material things, which were thought necessary to be agreed to before we

went off; but he, in the most scornful manner, hath rejected every thing

proposed for the public good, and as he is now a prisoner, and the command

given to the lieutenant, upon his approbation of the following articles:

"First, As we have no conveniency for dressing provisions, on board the

vessel, for a third part of the number to be carried off the spot,

therefore this day served out to every man and boy twelve days' provision,

for them to dress before we go off; and also it is agreed, that whoever is

guilty of defrauding another of any part of his allowance, on sufficient

proof thereof, the person found guilty (without any respect of person)

shall be put on shore at the first convenient place, and left there.

"Secondly, In regard to the boats going off with us, we think proper to

allow one week's provision for each man appointed to go in them, in order

to prevent separation from each other, which would be of the worst

consequence of any thing that can happen to us: To prevent which, we do

agree, that when under way they shall not separate, but always keep within

musket-shot, and on no pretence or excuse whatsoever go beyond that reach.

The officer, or any other person, that shall attempt a separation, or

exceed the above-mention'd bounds, shall, on proof, be put on shore, and

left behind.

"Thirdly, It is agreed, in order to suppress mutiny, and prevent broils and

quarrels on board the vessel, that no man shall threaten the life of

another, or offer violence in any shape, the offender, without any respect

of station or quality, being found guilty, shall be put on shore, and left

behind.

"Fourthly, We do agree, whatever fowl, fish, or necessaries of life, we

shall happen to meet with on our passage, the same shall be divided among

the whole, and if Captain David C----p shall, be put on board a prisoner,

it shall not be in the lieutenant's power to release him.

"The aforesaid articles were agreed to, and sign'd by the undermention'd,

Robert Beans, lieutenant

Thomas Clark, master

John King, boatswain

John Bulkeley, gunner

John Cummins, carpenter

Thomas Harvey, purser

Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate

John Jones, master's mate

John Snow, ditto

The Hon. John Byron, midshipman

Alexander Campbell, ditto

Isaac Morris, ditto

Thomas Maclean, cook

Richard Phipps, boatswain's mate

John Mooring, ditto

Matthew Langley, gunner's mate

Guy Broadwater, coxswain

Samuel Stook, seaman

Joseph Clinch, ditto

John Duck, ditto

Peter Plastow, captain's steward

John Pitman, butcher

David Buckley, quarter-gunner

Richard Noble, quarter-master

William Moore, captain's cook

George Smith, seaman

Benjamin Smith, ditto

William Oram, carpenter's mate

John Hart, joiner

John Bosman, seaman

William Harvey, quarter-gunner

Richard East, seaman

Samuel Cooper, ditto

Job Barns, ditto

Joseph Butler, ditto

William Rose, quarter-master

John Shoreham, seaman

John Hayes, ditto

Henry Stephens, ditto

William Callicutt, ditto

John Russel, armourer

James MacCawle, seaman

William Lane, ditto

James Roach, ditto

John George, ditto

John Young, cooper

Moses Lewis, gunner's mate

Nicholas Griselham, seaman."

Monday the 12th, at day-light, launch'd the long-boat, and gave her the

name of the Speedwell, (which God preserved to deliver us) we got all the

provision on board, and other necessaries. The captain sent for the

lieutenant, myself, and the carpenter, desiring us to leave him what could

be spared, and to send to the deserters to know if they will go in the yawl

to the northward, we promised to grant him his request. To-day every body

got on board. The captain, surgeon, and Mr H----n, had their share of

provisions equal with us.

Tuesday the 13th, we sent the barge to the deserters, with Mr S----w, the

mate, to know if they were willing to tarry, and go with the captain to the

northward, to acquaint them what provision and necessaries should be

allow'd 'em: They readily agreed to tarry. On the return of the boat,

deliver'd to the captain the share of provision for the deserters, and

sundry necessaries, as under-mentioned, viz.

Six hand-grenadoes, five half barrels of powder, two caggs of musket-balls,

Lieutenant H----n's pistols and gun, one pair of pistols for the captain,

twelve musket-flints, six pistol-flints, sundry carpenter's tools, half a

pint of sweet oil, two swords of the captain's own, five muskets, twelve

pistol balls, one bible, one azimuth compass, one quadrant, and one

Gunter's scale.

Provision deliver'd to the captain, surgeon, and Lieutenant K----n, with

eight deserters, which last are to be at half allowance of the quantity

made out to the people, which make the whole number seven at whole

allowance.

To the captain, surgeon, and Lieutenant H----n, six pieces of beef, six

pieces of pork, and ninety pound of flour; for the deserters, eight pieces

of beef, eight pieces of pork, one hundred weight of flour.

As soon as the above things were delivered, we got ready for sailing. I

went and took my leave of the captain; he repeated his injunction, that at

my return to England I would impartially relate all proceedings: He spoke

to me in the most tender and affectionate manner, and, as a token of his

friendship and regard for me, desired me to accept of a suit of his best

wearing apparel: At parting he gave me his hand with a great deal of

chearfulness, wishing me well and safe to England. This was the last time I

ever saw the unfortunate Captain C----p. However, we hope to see him again

in England, that Mr Cummins and myself may be freed from some heavy

imputations to our prejudice, laid on us by the gentleman who succeeded him

in command, and who, having an opportunity of arriving before us in

England, not only in the places he touched at abroad, but at home, has

blackened us with the greatest calumnies, and by an imperfect narrative,

has not only traduced us, but made the whole affair so dark and mystical,

that till the captain's arrival the l----s of the a----y will not decide

for or against us. But if that unfortunate captain never returns to his

country, let us do so much justice to his character, to declare that he was

a gentleman possessed of many virtues: He was an excellent seaman himself,

and loved a seaman; as for personal bravery, no man, had a larger share of

it; even when a prisoner he preserved the dignity of a commander, no

misfortune could dispirit or deject him, and fear was a weakness he was

entirely a stranger to; the loss of the ship was the loss of him; he knew

how to govern while he was a commander on board, but when things were

brought to confusion and disorder, he thought to establish his command

ashore by his courage, and to suppress the least insult on his authority on

the first occasion; an instance of this was seen on the boatswain's first

appearing ashore--shooting Mr Cozens, and treating him in the manner he did

after his confinement, was highly resented by the people, who soon got the

power in their own hands; the officers only had the name, and they were

often compelled, for the preservation of their lives, to comply sometimes

with their most unreasonable demands; and it is a miracle, amidst the

wildness and distraction of the people, that there was no more bloodshed.

At eleven in the forenoon, the whole body of people embarked, to the number

of eighty-one souls, fifty-nine on board the vessel, on board the cutter

twelve, and in the barge ten. At noon got under sail, the wind at N.W. by

W. The captain, surgeon, and Mr H----n, being on the shore side, we gave

them three cheers, which they returned. Coming out of Wager's Bay, split

the foresail, and very narrowly escaped the rocks; with the assistance of

the barge and our own oars, tow'd her clear, and bore away into a large

sandy bay, on the south side of the lagoon, which we called by the name of

the Speedwell Bay. At four in the afternoon, anchored in ten fathom fine

sand, the barge and cutter went ashore, there not being room on board the

boat to lodge the people.

Wednesday the 14th, fresh gales at S.W. and W., with rain. At three this

afternoon, being fair weather, weigh'd, and came to sail to take a cruize

up the lagoon, to try the vessel, it being smooth water she work'd very

well; after three or four trips returned, and anchor'd where we came from.

"These are to certify the right honourable the lords commissioners for

executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain, That we, whose

names are under-mentioned, do beg leave to acquaint your lordships that

Captain David Cheap, our late commander in his majesty's ship Wager, having

publicly declared, that he will never go off this spot, at his own request

desires to be left behind; but Captain Pemberton, of his majesty's land

forces, having confined him a prisoner for the death of Mr Henry Cozens,

midshipman, with Lieutenant Hamilton, for breaking his confinement, did

insist on delivering them up on the beach to the charge of Lieutenant

Beans, but he, with his officers and people, consulting the ill

consequences that might attend carrying two prisoners off in so small a

vessel, and for so long and tedious a passage as we are likely to have, and

that they might have opportunities of acting such things in secret as may

prove destructive to the whole body; and also in regard to the chief

article of life, as the greatest part of the people must be obliged at

every place we stop, to go on shore in search of provisions, and there

being now no less than eighty-one souls in this small vessel, which we hope

to be delivered in, we therefore, to prevent any difficulties to be added

to the unforeseen we have to encounter with, think proper to agree, and in

order to prevent murder, to comply with Captain David Cheap's request: The

surgeon also begs leave to be left with him. Dated on board the Speedwell

schooner, in Cheap's Bay, this 14th day of October, 1741.

Robert Beans, lieutenant

Thomas Clark, master

John King, boatswain

John Bulkeley, gunner

John Cummins, master

Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate

John Jones, master's mate

John Snow, ditto

Captain Pemberton, of his majesty's land forces

Vincent Oakley, surgeon of ditto."

Thursday the 15th, this morning it being calm, made a signal for the boats

to come off, by firing five muskets. At day-light came to sail, with the

wind at W. by N. It blowing hard, and a great swell, the vessel would not

work, therefore we were obliged to put into a small bay, lying S.W. of

Harvey's Bay, where we had very good shelter, there being a large ledge of

rocks without us, which broke the sea off. At eleven we sent the barge to

Cheap's Bay, for what canvass could be found serviceable, having left a

sufficient quantity behind to supply us with sails, in case we wanted 'em.

Went in the barge the Hon. John Byron, at his own request, Alexander

Campbell, midshipman; William Harvey, quarter-gunner; David Buckley, ditto;

William Rose, quarter-master; Richard Noble, ditto; Peter Plastow,

captain's steward; Joseph Clinch, seaman, and Rowland Crusset, marine. This

afternoon the carpenter went ashore in the cutter, with several of the

people, to look for provender. Shot several geese, and other sea-fowl.

Rainy weather. Wind W.N.W.

Friday the 16th, continual rain, and hard gales all night at S.W. This

morning the carpenter came on board, and acquainted us that he saw an

anchor of seven feet in the shank, the palm of each arm filed off just

above the crown: This anchor we suppose to have belonged to some small

vessel wreck'd on the coast. The cutter brought off abundance of shell-fish

ready dress'd for the people.

Sunday, the 18th, at noon, the cutter came off, and brought aboard plenty

of shell-fish and greens. The Hon. Mr B----n, Mr C----l, and three of the

barge's crew, came from where the barge lay. Mr B----n came aboard, and

inform'd us of the barge being safe in the bay where we left her, and only

waited the opportunity of weather to come round with her: At the same time

he desired to know if we would give him, and those who would stay with

Captain C----p, their share of provisions. This question of Mr B----n's

very much surprized us; and what surprized us more was, that he should be

influenced by Mr C----l, a person whom he always held in contempt. As for

my part, I believe Mr B----n left us because he could not get an

accommodation aboard the vessel that he liked, being obliged to lie forward

with the men; as were also the carpenter and myself when below: It is very

certain, that we are so closely pent up for want of room, that the worst

jail in England is a palace to our present situation.

Tuesday the 20th, served out to the people eight days' flour, to be dress'd

ashore. I went in the cutter to command in my turn for a week.

Wednesday the 21st, close weather; the wind from W. to N.W., with rain and

hail. Brought aboard shell-fish in abundance. At noon the Honourable Mr

B----n came with some of the crew over-land; he ask'd me whether the boat's

crew were gone off, and if we had served the provision, for he wanted to

return to the barge. I told him all the people were out a-fishing, and that

the first who came in should carry him off. On which he said, I think we

will go and get some fish too, having nothing else to live on. This was the

last time I ever saw his honour. When the people return'd from fishing,

they told me Mr B----n had lost his hat, the wind blowing it off his head.

I said, rather than he should want a hat I would give him my own. One of

the seamen forced a hat on his head; his name was John Duck: But Mr B----n

would by no means wear it, saying, John, I thank you, if I accept of your

kindness you must go bareheaded, and I think I can bear hardships as well

as the best of you, and must use myself to them. I took eight people and

went overland to the place where the barge lay, to get the canvass that we

stood so much in need of, but found that she was gone from thence. The

people in the barge told our men that they would return to us again, but it

is plain they never intended it.

Thursday the 22d, this day we saw sea-fowl in vast flocks, flying to the

southward, where was a dead whale. Look'd out all this day for the barge,

but to no purpose. The barge not returning was a very great misfortune,

having no boat but the cutter; and if by an unlucky accident we lose her,

we must be reduced to the greatest extremities to get provision. The

persons in the barge, except the captain's steward, always approved of

going to the southward, but it seems Mr C----l, the poltron, prevail'd on

'em to return to Captain C----p.

Friday the 23d, saw thousands of sea-fowl; in the morning they fly to the

northward, and in the evening come back to the south; they are birds of a

very large size, but of what kind we do not know. Since we have been here

we saw several Indian graves; they are dug just within the surface of the

earth, with a board on each side, and a cross stuck, up at the head. The

day following, a gun, a four-pounder, was seen near the anchor in Clam Bay;

we call it by this name, because of the vast quantities of this sort of

shell-fish which are found there.

Monday the 26th, it being very calm and fair weather, I went ashore to

bring off the people; weigh'd the longboat, and took her in tow over a bar

where there was ten feet water, but a great swell; as soon as we got over

the bar there sprung up a breeze of wind at N.W., steer'd away S. 1/2 E.

for the southmost part of land, which bore S. by E., distant fourteen

leagues. The two points of land make a large and deep sandy bay, we sounded

but found no ground; it is a bold shore close to. I kept a-head in the

cutter, in order to provide a harbour for the long-boat; Providence

directed us to a very good one: It blew so hard, with thick hazy weather,

that we could not keep the sea. At eight at night we anchor'd in eight

fathom water, a-breast of a fine sandy bay, and land-locked not above three

boats length from the shore: At the entrance of the harbour, which lies

about a league up the lagoon, I set the land, the northmost point bore by

the compass N. by E., distant twelve leagues, and the southmost S. by W.,

distant five leagues; the entrance lies E.

Tuesday the 27th, fresh gales at west, and cloudy weather, with a great

swell without, insomuch that we could not put out to sea; we therefore sent

the people ashore to dress their provisions; each man is allow'd but a

quarter of a pound of flour per day, without any other subsistence but what

Providence brings in our way.

Thursday, the 29th, early this morning it being calm and thick weather,

with small rain, we rowed out of the lagoon; at five it cleared up, with a

fresh breeze at S.S.E., steer'd S.W. and S.W. by W., saw a small island

bearing S. by W., the southmost end S. by E. This island we called the rock

of Dundee, it being much like that island in the West-Indies, but not so

large; it lieth about four leagues distant from the southmost point of land

out at sea. This day it blow'd so hard that we were obliged to take the

cutter in tow.

Friday the 30th, hard gales, and a great sea; saw some islands and some

sunken rocks; at six saw the main in two points of land, with a large

opening; on each side the sunken rocks are innumerable; the entrance is so

dangerous, that no mortal would attempt it unless his case was desperate as

ours, we have nothing but death before our eyes in keeping the sea, and the

same prospect in running in with the land: We ran in before the wind to the

opening that appear'd between the two points, the northmost of which bore

N. by E., and the southmost S. by E. We steered in east, and found the

opening to be a large lagoon on the southmost side, running into a very

good harbour; here our small vessel lay secure in a cove, which nature had

form'd like a dock; we had no occasion to let go our anchor, but ran

alongside the land, and made fast our head and stern. The people went

ashore in search of provision; here we found plenty of wood and water, and

fine large muscles in great quantities. Served to each man half a piece of

beef.

Saturday the 31st, this morning cast loose and row'd towards the mouth of

the lagoons, designing to put out to sea, but the wind blew so hard that we

were obliged to come to an anchor. This afternoon, in weighing the grapnel

in order to go to the cove, we found it foul among some rocks, all hands

haul'd, took a turn round the main-mast and went aft, which weighed the

grapnel, but straightened one of the flukes: Here the land is very high and

steep on each side, the carpenter and cooper were on the highest of these

hills, and found deep ponds of water on the top of them; these hills are

very rocky, and there are great falls of water all along the coast: The

whole navy of England may lie with safety in many of those lagoons, but the

coast is too dangerous for any ship to fall in with the land. The people

today were very much afflicted with the gripes and pains in their side.

Here are abundance of trees, not unlike our yew-trees, they are not above

seven or eight inches in diameter, and the bark is like cedar. The land is

to appearance very good, but on digging beneath the surface we find it

almost an entire stone. We saw no people here, though it is plain there

have been some lately, by their wigwams or huts. We are so closely pent up

for want of room, that our lodging is very uncomfortable; the stench of the

men's wet cloaths makes the air we breathe nauseous to that degree, that

one would think it impossible for a man to live below. We came to sail, and

steered out of the lagoon west; went into a sandy bay one league to the

southward of the lagoon. Indian huts to be seen, but no natives.

Monday November 2d, at five in the morning, came to sail with the wind at

S. and S. by E. At noon the wind came to the W. and W.N.W. in small

breezes. This day I had a very good observation, it being the first since

we left Cheap's Island. We found ourselves in the latitude of 50° 0' S.

After observing, bore away and ran into a fine smooth passage between the

island and the main. These islands I believe to be the same that are taken

notice of in Cook's voyage. From the entrance to the northward, to the

going out of the Cape of Good Hope (as we call it) the distance is about

six leagues, and the depth of the water is from two fathom to twelve; the

northmost land before we came into the passage bore N. by W., and the

southmost, or Cape of Good Hope, bore S. by E. In the evening anchored in a

fine sandy bay; here we also saw Indian huts, but no people. To-day we shot

wild geese in abundance, and got of shell-fish, as limpets and muscles.

Tuesday the 3d, at four this morning weighed, and came to sail with the

wind at W., till we got about the Cape of Good Hope, then at W.N.W.,

steering S., and a tumbling sea from the W. The cutter steer'd S. by E.

into a deep bay; supposing them not to see the southmost land, we made the

signal for her, by hoisting an ensign at the topping-lift; as the cutter

was coming up to us her square sail splitted, we offer'd to take them in

tow, but they would not accept it; we lay with our sails down some time

before they would show any signal of making sail; coming before the wind,

and a large sea, we ordered them to steer away for the southmost point of

land after us, and to keep as near us as possible; but, instead of

observing our directions, they steered away into the cod of a deep bay,

supposed to be King's Bay: The cutter being much to leeward, and the

weather being very thick, we were obliged to steer after her, but soon lost

sight of her. The place being exceeding dangerous, we could not venture any

farther after the cutter, therefore we hauled by the wind to the southward,

it continued blowing hard, with thick weather, with sunken rocks and

breakers, so that we were obliged to bear away before the wind into a large

bay, the tide running rampant, and in a great swell, every where surrounded

with sunken rocks, that we thought nothing but a miracle could save

us: at last we got safe into the bay, and came to in two fathom water, we

steered in east. At four this morning rowed out between the islands, after

we got out had a fresh breeze at N.W., steered out S.S.W. then S. and S. by

E., the cutter a-head. At seven in the morning a-breast of Cape Good Hope,

saw a large high rock bearing S., steered S. by E., going within it, and

the main a-breast of the rocks, saw a long point making into islands

bearing S. by E., steer'd S. until a-breast of them: The same day saw a

very high land, with a low point running off in small hommacoes, bearing

from the northmost point S. by E. about eighteen leagues; between those two

points is a large deep bay, all within surrounded with rocks and small

islands, steered S. and S. by W. for the outermost point, the cutter

keeping within, and we considering the ill consequence of being embayed, to

prevent which we hauled the mainsail and foresail down, and kept the vessel

before the wind; at eleven the cutter came alongside, with her mainsail

split; we called to them to take hold of a tow-rope, but they refused,

telling us that the boat would not bear towing, by reason of the swell of

the sea, therefore they would have us nearer the shore, where we should

have smooth water; we answered them that the water was smoother without,

and nothing nigh the sea that runs within; besides, we shall be embay'd,

therefore we desire you to come on board the vessel, and we'll take the

boat in tow: They had no regard to what we said; we at the same time, for

above a quarter of an hour, lay in the trough of the sea, with a fair wind:

The people in the cutter would neither make sail nor row, at last, finding

them obstinate, we hoisted a skirt of the mainsail, and edged farther off,

S. by W.; when they found we would not go into that bay, they hoisted their

mainsail, and went a-head; being some distance a-head, we made sail, the

cutter still keeping a-head till one o'clock, then she bore away S. by E.

and S.S.E., the reason of which we could not tell, it blowing very hard,

with a great sea, nothing before us but rocks and breakers, therefore of

consequence the farther in the sea must be the greater. At half an hour

past two, the cutter being on the beam, and four miles within us, we bore

away after them, and in a very heavy squall of wind and rain we lost sight

of her: After the squall was over it cleared up, but we saw nothing of the

cutter, nor could we clear the shore to the northward, being not above two

miles off the breakers; therefore we were under a necessity of hauling to

the southward for self-preservation, and very narrowly escaped clearing the

rocks: After running about three leagues, saw an opening, where we hoped to

find a good harbour; Bore away for the opening, we were here again

surrounded with rocks and breakers, with a hard gale of wind and a great

sea, the oldest seaman on board never saw a more dismal prospect; we ran in

before the wind for about two leagues; expecting every rise and fall of the

sea to be a wreck, but Providence at length conducted us to an indifferent

place of shelter: We were now in a most wretched condition, having no boat

to go ashore in, to seek for provender, and the greatest part of the people

on board are so regardless of life, that they really appear quite

indifferent whether they shall live or die, and it is with much intreaty

that any of them can be prevailed on to come upon deck, to assist for their

preservation.

The people's names in the cutter are as follow, viz.

Names. Quality. Age. Where born.

Thomas Harvey, purser, 23 Westminster.

John Mooring, boatswain's mate, 34 Gosport.

William Oram, carpenter's crew, 28 Philadelphia.

Richard Phipps, boatswain's mate, 30 Bristol.

Matthew Lively, gunner's mate, 34 Exeter.

John George, seaman, 22 Wandsworth.

Nicholas Griselham, ditto, 31 Ipswich.

James Stewart, ditto, 35 Aberdeen.

James Roach, ditto, 21 Cork.

James Butler, ditto, 32 Dublin.

John Allen, ditto, 18 Gosport.

Wednesday the 4th, hard gales at W.N.W., and a great sea without; served

out flour and a piece of beef to two men for a week's subsistence; the

weather is so bad that there is no other food to be got.

A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 17 Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time · 第 14 / 15 章

On the 27th, we scuttled over the captain's store-room, got out several