Thursday the 5th, little wind at S.W., with heavy rains; at six this

morning went under sail, but could make no hand of it, therefore were

obliged to put back again: As soon as we came to an anchor, the boatswain

employed himself in making a raft to get ashore with; this raft was made

with oars and water barrels; when it was made, and over the side, it would

carry three men, but it was no sooner put off from the vessel's side but it

canted, and obliged the people to swim for their lives; the boatswain got

hold of the raft, and with some difficulty reach'd the shore; when he came

off in the evening, he informed us he had seen a beef puncheon, which gave

us some reason to apprehend some other ship of the squadron had suffered

our fate.

Friday the 6th, this morning went under sail, the wind at W.N.W., with

fresh gales and heavy rain, the wind came to the westward, and a great sea,

so that we could not turn out over the bar: In our putting back we saw the

cutter, a very agreeable sight, which gave us new life; in the evening

anchored at the place sailed from, the carpenter and others went ashore to

get shell-fish, which we stood in great need of; at night the proper boat's

crew would not go ashore with the boat as usual, but made her fast a-stern

of the vessel, with only two men in her, she never being left without four

before; at eleven at night one of the men came out of her into the vessel,

it blowing very hard at N.N.E., in half an hour shifted to N.W., and rainy

weather, that we could not see a boat's length: At two the next morning the

cutter broke loose from the stern of the vessel; we called from on board to

James Stewart, the man that was in her, but he could not hear us: In a

short time we lost sight of her, believing she must be stove among the

rocks. The loss of the cutter gives the few thinking people aboard a great

deal of uneasiness; we have seventy-two men in the vessel, and not above

six of that number that gives themselves the least concern for the

preservation of their lives, but are rather the reverse, being ripe for

mutiny and destruction; this is a great affliction to the lieutenant,

myself, and the carpenter, we know not what to do to bring them under any

command, they have troubled us to that degree, that we are weary of our

lives; therefore, this day we have told the people, that unless they alter

their conduct, and subject themselves to command, that we will leave them

to themselves, and take our chance in this desolate part of the globe,

rather than give ourselves any farther concern about so many thoughtless

wretches. Divided the people into four watches, to make more room below.

The people have promised to be under government, and seem much easier.

Sunday the 8th, this morning the people requested provisions to be served;

it being four days before the usual time, we think the request very

unreasonable. We laid the inconveniences before them of breaking in upon

our stores, considering the badness of the weather, and the length of our

passage, that if we are not exceedingly provident in regard to serving out

provisions, we must all inevitably starve. They will not hearken to reason,

therefore we are obliged to comply with their demands, and serve out

provisions accordingly. Several of the people have desired to be put on

shore, desiring us to allow them some few necessaries: We wanted to know

what could induce them to request our putting them ashore in this remote

and desolate part of the world: They answered, they did not fear doing

well, and doubted not but to find the cutter, which, if they did, they

would go back to the northward, otherwise they would make a canoe;

therefore insisted on going ashore. On their earnest intreaties the body of

people agreed to their request: We haul'd the boat close in shore; the

people who chose to stay behind were eleven in number, we supply'd them

with proper necessaries, and they signed a certificate, to inform the L----

s of the A----y, that they were not compelled to stay, but made it their

own choice, and that they did it for the preservation of themselves and us.

_A Copy of their Certificate_.

"These are to certify, the right honourable the lords commissioners for

executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain, &c. That we,

whose names are undermentioned, since the misfortune of losing the cutter,

have consider'd the ill conveniences and difficulties to be attended, where

so great a number of people are to be carried off, therefore we have

requested and desired the officers and company remaining of the same vessel

to put us on shore, with such necessaries of life as can be conveniently

spared out of the vessel. We, of our own free will and choice, do indemnify

all persons from ever being call'd to an account for putting us on shore,

or leaving us behind, contrary to our inclinations. Witness our hands, on

board the Speedwell schooner, in the latitude 50° 40' S. this 8th day of

November, 1741. Which was signed by the following people, viz.

Mat. Langley, gunner's mate

John Russel, armourer

George Smith, cook's mate

William Callicutt, washerman

John Williamson, marine

John McLeod, boatswain's servant

John Hart, joiner

Joseph Turner, captain's servant

Luke Lyon, gunner's servant

Rich. Phipps, boatswain's mate

Henry Mortimer, marine.

Witness, John Cummins, carpenter,

John Snow, master's mate,

Vincent Oakley, surgeon of the army."

Monday the 9th, at ten at night, we weigh'd and rowed out of the bay, at

day-light got about four leagues right out, every way surrounded with rocks

and breakers, with a great western swell: We found it a very difficult

matter to get clear of these rocks and breakers; they reach along shore

eighteen leagues, and without us at sea eight leagues; I take it, that from

the land they are fourteen leagues in the offing, those sunken rocks appear

like a low level land. This coast is too dangerous for shipping, the wind

being three parts of the year to the westward, which blows right on the

shore, with a large western swell, that seldom or never ceases; it always

blows and rains, it is worse here than in the rainy season on the coast of

Guinea, nor can we as yet distinguish summer from winter, only by the

length of the days. Steered out of the bay W. by N., then S. by W., then S.

At noon I had a good observation in the latitude of 50° 50' S., the

northmost point of the bay bore N.E. by E. seven leagues, the southmost

point of land S.S.E. twelve leagues. This coast, as far as we have come,

lies N. by E. and S. by W. by the compass.

Tuesday the 10th, at four this morning made all the sail we could; steering

S.E. in order to make the land, at six steer'd in E.S.E. at seven made the

land; at eight saw a point of land bearing S.E. distant six leagues, which,

when a-breast, seeing no land to the S. I take the point for Cape Victory,

and the four islands we see I believe to be the islands of Direction, which

Sir John Narborough gives an account of, excepting the distance, they

exactly answer his description; therefore, by the latitude, in yesterday's

observation, and by the distance we have run since, we are now at the

opening of the Streights of Magellan. At ten in the morning, hard gales at

N.W. steer'd S.E. the cape bearing E. distant four leagues; at noon bore E.

by N. distant six leagues; haul'd the main-sail down, and went under a

fore-sail. I never in my life, in any part of the world, have seen such a

sea as runs here, we expected every wave to swallow us, and the boat to

founder. This shore is full of small islands, rocks, and breakers, so that

we can't haul further to the southward, for fear of endangering the boat,

we are obliged to keep her right before the sea. At five broach'd to, at

which we all believ'd she would never rise again. We were surrounded with

rocks, and so near that a man might toss a biscuit on 'em: We had nothing

but death before our eyes, and every moment expected our fate. It blew a

hurricane of wind, with thick rainy weather, that we could not see twice

the boat's length; we pray'd earnestly for its clearing up, for nothing

else could save us from perishing; we no sooner ask'd for light, but it was

granted us from above. At the weather's clearing up, we saw the land on the

north shore, with islands, rocks and breakers all around us; we were

oblig'd to put in among 'em for shelter, finding it impossible to keep the

sea, we were in with the land amongst them, and compell'd to push thro',

looking death in the face, and expecting every sea to bury us; the boldest

men amongst us were dismay'd, nor can we possibly give an account in what

manner we have been this day deliver'd. After sailing amidst islands,

rocks, and breakers, for above a league, we got safe into a good harbour,

surrounded with small islands, which kept the sea off; here the water was

as smooth as in a mill-pond. We call this harbour the Port of God's Mercy,

esteeming our preservation this day to be a miracle. The most abandon'd

among us no longer doubt of an Almighty Being, and have promis'd to reform

their lives.

Wednesday the 11th, the wind much abated, with rain. This morning weigh'd,

and ran farther in. In the evening we saw two Indians lying on their

bellies on the top of a steep rock, just over the vessel, peeping with

their heads over the hill. As soon as we discover'd them, we made motions

to them to come down; they then rose up, and put on their heads white

feather'd caps; we then hoisted a white sheet for an ensign: At this they

made a noise, pronouncing Orza, Orza, which we took for a signal to come

ashore. We would not suffer above two men to go ashore, and those disarm'd,

lest we should put them in fear. The Indians had nothing in their hands but

a club, like our cricket-batts, with which they kill their seal. As soon as

they saw the two men come ashore they walk'd away, and when they perceiv'd

our men follow'd them, and gain'd ground of them, they took to their heels,

frequently looking back, crying Orza, Orza, beckoning the people to follow,

which they did for a mile or two along-shore, out of sight of the vessel:

Then the Indians fled to the woods, still wanting our people to follow

them; but being disarm'd, they were apprehensive the Indians would bush-

fight them, so they thought proper to give over the pursuit, and to return

to the boat.

Thursday the 12th, hard gales at W.N.W., with rain. At six this morning we

again saw the two Indians, they made the same noise and motions to come

ashore: At which I went with four of the people; the Indians walk'd and ran

as before, looking back, and making signs to follow, which we did till we

got to the place where the canoe lay with the four Indians in her. The two

Indians got into the canoe, and put her off the shore before we could get

nigh them: As soon as we got abreast of the canoe, they made signs as if

they wanted clothing; we endeavour'd to make them understand we wanted

fish, and would truck with them; they had none, but signified to us they

would go and get some: They had a mangey dog, which they parted with to one

of the people for a pair of cloth trowsers; this dog was soon kill'd,

dress'd, and devour'd. Here we found plenty of muscles, which gave us great

relief, having scarce any thing to subsist on for this week past.

Friday the 13th, very uncertain weather, and squally, the wind variable

from W.N.W. to S.S.W. This morning all hands ashore a-fishing. Lieutenant

E----rs of the marines kill'd a large seal or sea-dog, it is exceeding good

food, and we judg'd it to have weigh'd seventeen score.

Saturday the 14th, little wind at W.N.W. and close weather, with rain. At

five this morning cast loose, and steer'd south out between the islands,

the weather clearing up, we saw the south shore: It first appear'd like a

large island, stretching away to the westward, and at the west end two

hammacoes like sugar-loaves, and to the southward of them a large point of

rocks, steer'd S.E. until the point bore W. then steer'd S.E. by E. I took

the point for Cape Pillar, and was fully assur'd of our being in the

Streights.

Sunday the 15th, at three this morning cast loose, and row'd, but could not

get out, so were oblig'd to put back, and make fast, it blowing hard, with

thick weather all day, in the evening it clear'd up. This day several

people drove a trade with their allowance, giving silver buckles for flour,

valued at twelve shillings per pound, and before night it reach'd to a

guinea, the people crying aloud for provisions, which are now so scarce,

that several on board are actually starving thro' want.

Monday the 16th, at three this morning cast loose, being little wind, and

steer'd up the Streights S.E. by E. the wind at N.W. At eight o'clock got

a-breast of Cape Munday, at nine the cape bore W. distant four leagues, at

noon running along shore, made two openings, which put the rest of the

officers to a stand, not knowing which to take for their right passage.

Asking my opinion, I gave it for keeping on the E.S.E. passage, the other

lying S.E. by S. On which they said, Sir John Narborough bids us keep the

south shore on board. I answer'd, that Sir John tells us E.S.E. is the

direct course from Cape Pillar: I'll venture my life that we are now in the

right passage; so we kept on E. by S. half S. After running a league or two

up, and not seeing Cape Quod, nor any outlet, the wind blowing hard, we

were for running no farther, whereas one league more would have convinc'd

every body, but they all gave against me, that we were not in the right

passage: The wind being at W.N.W. we could not turn back again; so that we

were oblig'd to put into a cove lying on the north shore, where we found

good anchoring in four fathom water: No provisions to be got here, being a

barren rocky place, producing not any thing for the preservation of life.

This afternoon died George Bateman, a boy, aged sixteen years: This poor

creature starv'd, perish'd, and died a skeleton, for want of food. There

are several more in the same miserable condition, and who, without a speedy

relief, must undergo the same fate.

Tuesday the 17th, at five this morning, weigh'd, and row'd out, it being

calm; at seven a fresh breeze right up the sound, we could not turn to

windward not above a mile from where we last lay, we made fast along-side

the rocks; all hands ashore a-fishing for muscles, limpets, and clams; here

we found those shell-fish in abundance, which prov'd a very seasonable

relief. Just before we got in, one of the men gave a guinea for a pound of

flour, being all the money he had.

Wednesday the 18th, the wind at W.N.W. in hard squalls, with hail and snow.

This morning cast loose, and stood over to the southward, believing the

tide to run stronger and more true than on the north-shore, hoping shortly

to get out of the sound, which is not above a league in the wind's eye. At

two o'clock got into a cove on the south side, made fast along side of the

rocks; all hands on shore getting muscles and other fish.

Thursday the 19th, fresh gales W.N.W. with hail and snow. This morning cast

loose, and sail'd out, but could make no hand of it, our boat will not work

to windward; put back from whence we came, and sent the people ashore to

get muscles. This night departed this life Mr Thomas Caple, son of the late

Lieutenant Caple, aged twelve years, who perish'd for want of food. There

was a person on board who had some of the youth's money, upwards of twenty

guineas, with a watch and silver cup. Those last the boy was willing to

sell for flour; but his guardian told him, he would buy cloaths for him in

the Brazil. The miserable youth cry'd, Sir, I shall never live to see the

Brazil, I am starving now, almost starv'd to death, therefore, for God's

sake, give me my silver cup to get me some victuals or buy some for me

yourself. All his prayers and intreaties to him were vain, but heaven sent

death to his relief, and put a period to his miseries in an instant.

Persons who have not experienc'd the hardships we have met with, will

wonder how people can be so inhuman to see their fellow-creatures starving

before their faces, and afford 'em no relief: But hunger is void of all

compassion; every person was so intent on the preservation of his own life,

that he was regardless of another's, and the bowels of commiseration were

shut up. We slip no opportunity, day or night, to enter into the suppos'd

right Streights, but can get no ground. This day we serv'd flour and a

piece of beef between two men for a week. Captain P----n, of his majesty's

land forces, gave two guineas for two pounds of flour; this flour was sold

him by the seamen, who live on muscles. Many of the people eat their flour

raw as soon as they are serv'd it. The wind and weather not permitting us

to go out, the men were employ'd in getting wood and water.

Tuesday the 24th, this morning it being calm, row'd out, at eight o'clock

had the supposed right Streights open, having a breeze at W.N.W. S.E. by E.

through the first reach, and S.S.E. through the second, then saw three

islands, the largest of which lies on the north-shore, and there is a

passage about two miles broad between that and the islands to the

southward; there is also another passage between that island and the north-

shore, of a mile and a half broad. Before you come to those islands there

is a sound lying on the south-shore: You can see no passage until you come

close up with the island, and then the imaginary Streights are not above

two miles broad. Steer'd away for the island S.E. about two leagues, then

came into a narrow passage, not above a cable's length over, which put us

all to a stand, doubting of any farther passage. The wind took us a-head,

and the tide being spent we put into a small cove, and made fast. At seven

in the evening, being calm, cast loose, being willing to see if there was

any opening, but to our great misfortune, found none, which very much

surpriz'd us. The lieutenant is of opinion, that we are in a lagoon to the

northward of the Streights. This I cannot believe, and am positive, if ever

there was such a place in the world as the Streights of Magellan, we are

now in them, and above thirty leagues up. If he or any of the officers had

given themselves the trouble of coming upon deck, to have made proper

remarks, we had been free from all this perplexity, and by this time out of

the Streights to the northward. There is not an officer aboard, except the

carpenter and myself, will keep the deck a moment longer than his watch, or

has any regard to a reckoning, or any thing else. It is agreed to go back

again.

Wednesday the 25th, little wind with rain. At eight this morning row'd out,

and got about a league down; here we could get no ground, and were obliged

to put back again.

Thursday the 26th, little wind; row'd out, got about five leagues down.

This day we were in such want of provisions, that we were forced to cut up

the seal skin and broil it, notwithstanding it has lain about the deck for

this fortnight.

Friday the 27th, little wind and close weather. This morning cast loose and

row'd down, had a fresh breeze at north, steer'd W.S.W. into another

opening on the south-shore, hoping to find a passage out of the lagoon, as

the lieutenant calls it, into the right Streights. After going two leagues

up saw there was no opening, put back and made fast where we came from,

being determined to go back and make Cape Pillar a second time, which is

the south entrance of the Streights. Got abundance of large muscles, five

or six inches long, a very great relief to us at present.

Sunday the 29th, hard gales from N.W. to S.W. with heavy rains. Great

uneasiness among the people, many of them despairing of a deliverance, and

crying aloud to serve provisions four days before the time. Finding no way

to pacify them, we were obliged to serve them. We endeavoured to encourage

and comfort them as much as lay in our power, and at length they seemed

tolerably easy.

Monday the 30th, fresh gales at W. with continual rain. This day died three

of our people, viz. Peter Delroy, barber, Thomas Thorpe and Thomas

Woodhead, marines, they all perish'd for want of food: Several more are in

the same way, being not able to go ashore for provisions, and those who are

well cannot get sufficient for themselves, therefore the sick are left

destitute of all relief. There is one thing to be taken notice of in the

death of those people, that some hours before they die they are taken

lightheaded, and fall a joking and laughing, and in this humour they

expire.

Tuesday, December the 1st, 1741, little wind, and fair weather, which is a

kind of prodigy in those parts. In the morning put out of the cove, and got

four leagues down; then the wind took us a-head, and we put into another

cove where we got muscles and limpets. At four this afternoon saw an Indian

canoe coming over from the north-shore; they landed two of their men to the

leeward of the cove, they came opposite to us, and viewed us, then went

back, and came with the canoe within a cable's length of our boat, but no

nearer, so that we had no opportunity to truck with them.

Wednesday the 2d, little wind, with rain. At nine this morning row'd out

and got about a league farther down; the wind beginning to blow fresh, we

put into another cove, and found plenty of shell-fish, which kept up our

spirits greatly, for it is enough to deject any thinking man, to see that

the boat will not turn to windward, being of such length, and swimming so

buoyant upon the water, that the wind, when close haul'd, throws her to

leeward: We have been seventeen days going seven or eight leagues to

windward, which must make our passage very long and uncomfortable.

Friday the 4th, little wind at S. and fair. This morning rowed out, at ten

got down, where we saw a smoke, but no people; we saw a dog running along

shore, and keeping company with the boat for above a mile; we then put in,

with a design, to shoot him, but he soon disappointed us, by taking into

the woods. We put off again with a fine breeze, steering N.W. by W. down

the Streights. The carpenter gave a guinea this day for a pound of flour,

which he made into cakes, and eat instantly. At six in the evening abreast

of Cape Munday; at eight abreast of Cape Upright, being fair weather.

Intend to keep under sail all night.

Saturday the 5th, little wind and fair: At four this morning I saw Cape

Pillar, bearing W. by N. distant eight leagues; saw a smoke on the south

shore, and at noon we saw a smoke on the north shore, but we did not care

to lose time: At three o'clock saw Cape Desseada, bearing from Cape Pillar

S.W. distant four leagues, at four o'clock wore the boat, and steered

E.S.E. The lieutenant was now fully convinced we have been all along in the

right Streights, and had we run but one league further, on Monday, Nov. 17,

we had escaped all this trouble and anxiety: As for my own part, I was very

well assured, from the first entrance, that we were right, but the

lieutenant would not believe that it was Cape Pillar on the S. shore coming

into the Streights, but thought we were in a lagoon to the northward; so

that we have been above a fortnight coming back to rectify mistakes, and to

look at Cape Pillar a second time: At eight o'clock came abreast of the

smoke seen in the morning. The people being well assured that we are

actually in the Streights of Magellan, are all alive. Wind at W.S.W.

Sunday, little wind at W. with rain; at three this morning abreast of Cape

Munday; at six abreast of Cape de Quod, opposite to which, on the south

shore, saw a smoke, on which we went ashore to the Indians, who came out on

a point of land, at the entrance of a cove, hollowing and crying, _Bona!

Bona!_ endeavouring to make us understand they were our friends; when

ashore, we traded with them for two dogs, three brant geese, and some seal,

which supply was very acceptable to us; we supped on the dogs, and thought

them equal in goodness to the best mutton in England. We took from the

Indians a canoe, made of the bark of trees, but soon towed her under water,

and were obliged to cut her loose; steered N.E. by E. At eight o'clock

abreast of St Jerom's Sound; at twelve abreast of Royal Island.

The Indians we saw in the Streights of Magellan are people of a middle

stature, and well shaped, their complexion of a tawny olive colour, their

hair exceeding black, but not very long, they have round faces and small

noses, their eyes little and black, their teeth are smooth and even, and

close set, of an incomparable whiteness, they are very active in body, and

run with a surprising agility, they wear on their heads white feathered

caps, their bodies are covered with the skins of seals and guinacoes. The

women, as soon as they saw us, fled into the woods, so that we can give no

description of them.

Monday the 7th, fresh gales at W.N.W. and fine weather; at six this morning

abreast of Cape Forward, steered N. by E. At nine abreast of Port Famine,

at twelve at noon put in at Freshwater bay, and filled one cask of water,

having none aboard; at one o'clock put out again, steered N. by E.

expecting plenty of wood and water at Elizabeth's Island; at nine at night

passed by Sandy Point, it bore S.S.E. and the island St George E.N.E.

distant three leagues.

Tuesday the 8th, at four this morning, being calm, weighed, and rowed

towards Elizabeth's Island, it bearing W.N.W. At four in the afternoon

anchored off the northmost in eight fathom water, fine sand, about half a

cable's length from the shore put the vessel in, and landed some people to

see for wood and water. In the evening the people came aboard, having been

all over the island in search of wood and water, but found none; here

indeed we found shaggs and sea-gulls in great numbers, it being breeding

time, we got a vast quantity of their eggs, most of them having young ones

in the shell: However, we beat them up all together, with a little flour,

and made a very rich pudding. Elizabeth's Island is a beautiful spot of

ground to appearance, with very good pasture, but it is entirely barren of

any thing for the support of man. This day John Turner, marine, perished

for want of food.

Wednesday the 9th, at four this morning weighed, and steered E.N.E. for the

Narrows, with the wind at S.S.W., when abreast ef the Sweepstakes Foreland,

steered S.S.E. on purpose to look for water; after going along shore about

six leagues into a deep bay, we saw a fine delightful country: Here we saw

the guianacoes in great numbers, ten or twelve in a drove; they are to be

seen in such droves all along the shore for several leagues.

The guianacoe is as large as any English deer, with a long neck, his head,

mouth, and ears resembling a sheep; he has very long slender legs, and is

cloven-footed like a deer, with a short bushy tail of a reddish colour; his

back is covered with red wool, pretty long; but down his sides, and all the

belly part, is white wool: Those guianacoes, though at a distance very much

resembling the female deer, are probably the sheep of this country; they

are exceeding nimble, of an exquisite quick sight, very shy, and difficult

to be shot: At noon, finding neither wood nor water, wore to the northward,

at three got abreast of the Foreland, hauled in for Fish Cove, which lieth

just round the eastern point; here we expected to land and shoot some of

the guianacoes, but when abreast of the Cove, the wind blew so hard right

out, that we were obliged to bear away for the first Narrow, it being

impossible to get in. At eight this evening entered the first Narrow,

meeting the flood, which runs here very strong; at twelve came to an anchor

in five fathom, about a mile off shore. The tide floweth on the western

shore seven hours, and ebbs five. This day Robert Vicars, marine, perished

with want.

Thursday the 10th, at four this morning weighed, and came to sail; at six

got out of the first Narrow, hauled in for a deep bay on the north shore to

seek for water: The boatswain swam ashore, and in half an hour afterwards

came down on the beach, and brought us the news of finding fresh water. It

being rocky ground and ebbing water, the vessel struck; we were obliged in

this exigence to slip the cable, time not permitting us to haul up the

anchor, we stood off, and on the shore till half flood, then went in and

took the cable on board: After landing some people with casks to fill,

hauled the anchor up, and went about two miles farther out.

Friday the 11th, at three this morning the boat struck upon the tide of

ebb, it ebbing so fast we could not get her off, in a quarter of an hour's

time the boat was dry; we were favoured with little wind and smooth water,

otherwise she must have stove to pieces, the ground being very foul; it

ebbs dry above a league off, and there is shoal water a great deal further

out, so that it is dangerous for a ship to haul into this bay. While the

boat was dry got all the water casks out of the hold, and put them ashore

to be filled. At six hauled the boat off, having received no damage; at

eight, it being four feet flood, run the boat close in shore and took off

our water, the whole quantity being four tons, out of which we were obliged

to leave two puncheons, one quarter-cask, with three muskets, a funnel, and

some other necessaries, and were very much concerned lest we should also

leave some of the people ashore. The wind blowing hard, and the sea

tumbling in, we were under a necessity of hauling off and putting to sea,

for fear of losing the boat. Since we left the island where the Wager was

lost, we have several times very narrowly escaped being made a wreck, and

sometimes have been preserved when we have seen our fate before our eyes,

and every moment expected it, and when all the conduct and ability of men

could have availed nothing. Any one who has been a witness of those

providential deliverances, and doubts the being of a Supreme Power,

disqualifies himself from any title to all future mercy, and justly

deserves the wrath of an incensed Deity. This day, at noon, being well out

of the bay, and nigh mid-channel over, steered E.N.E. for Cape Virgin Mary,

with a fine gale at S.W. At one we saw the cape bearing N.E, by E. distant

nine leagues; at seven in the evening saw a low point of flat land,

stretching away from the cape S.S.E. two leagues; at eight little or no

wind, steered E. by S. at twelve at night doubled the point, the wind at W.

right in the middle of the bay, where we filled the water; in land lie two

peaks, exactly like ass's ears. We would advise all vessels from hauling

into this bay, it being shoal water and foul ground. As for every other

part of the Straights of Magellan, from Cape Victory to Cape Virgin Mary,

we recommend Sir John Narborough, who in his account is so just and exact,

that we think it is impossible for any man living to mend his works. We

have been a month in those Streights, from our first sight of Cape Pillar

to Cape Virgin Mary. The whole length of the Streights, the reaches and

turnings included, is reckoned one hundred and sixteen leagues.

Saturday the 12th, little wind, and fair weather. At one this morning

steered N. by W. At four the wind came to N.W. Tacked and stood to the

westward; the two points stretching off from the cape bore N.W. by W.

distant two leagues. At noon, the wind being at N.E. steering along shore

from the cape, saw on the shore three men, on mules or horses, riding

towards us; when they came abreast of us, they stopped and made signals,

waving their hats, as though they wanted to speak with us; at which we

edged close to the shore, where we saw to the number of twenty; five of

them rode abreast, the others were on foot, having a large store of cattle

with them. On sight of this, we anchored within a mile of the shore. The

cape bore W.S.W. distant seven leagues, the swell tumbling in from the sea,

would not permit us to speak with'em, by their motions, actions, cloathing,

and by their whole behaviour, we took them for Christians: It being a plain

level land, they rode backwards and forwards like racers, waving white

handkerchiefs, and making signs for us going into a bay, which lay about a

league to the northward, which we designed to do on the tide of ebb. The

flood being very strong against us, they waited on the shore till the tide

was spent; we weighed and stood to northward, the wind blowing right in

from sea, and a great swell, we could not clear the land, so that we wore

and stood to the southward, and very narrowly escaped clearing the breakers

off the pitch of the cape, which lay about two leagues out at sea to the

southward. At nine at night the cape bore W. distant six leagues; stood out

to sea till eleven o'clock, then wore and stood in, the wind shifting to

N.N.E. The next morning we steered in for the bay, and saw those people

again; but the wind soon afterwards veering to the westward, and blowing

strong, we were obliged to bear away: We could not by any means come to the

knowledge of these people; whether they are unfortunate creatures that have

been cast away, or whether they are inhabitants about the river Gallegoes,

we can't tell.

Tuesday the 15th, fresh gales and fair weather. This morning saw the land;

the southmost point bore W.S.W., the northmost point N.N.E. At eight saw

two ledges of rocks, running two leagues out from a point of land which

makes like an old castle. At noon the extremes of the land bore W. by N.

distant three leagues, had a good observation, latitude 49: 10 S. Course

made this twenty-four hours is N. by E. half E. distant 104 miles,

longitude in 74: 05 W.

Wednesday, the 16th, at noon abreast of Penguin island, not above half a

mile from shore. We saw on this island seals and penguins without number,

the shore being entirely covered with them. We find the penguin exactly to

answer Sir John Narborough's description; therefore we beg leave to give it

the reader in that excellent navigator's own words: "The penguin is a fowl

that lives by catching and eating fish, which he dives for, and is very

nimble in the water; he is as big as a brant goose, and weighs near about

eight pounds; they have no wings, but flat stumps like fins; their coat is

a downy stumped feather; they are blackish grey on the backs and heads, and

white about their necks and down their bellies; they are short-legged like

a goose, and stand upright like little children in white aprons, in

companies together; they are full-necked, and headed and beaked like a

crow, only the point of their bill turns down a little; they will bite

hard, but they are very tame, and will drive in herds to your boat-side

like sheep, and there you may knock'em on the head, all one after another;

they will not make any great haste away." We steered N.W. by N. for the

harbour of Port Desire: The going into this harbour is very remarkable; on

the south side lies, one mile in the land, an high peaked-tip rock, much

like a tower, looking as though it was a work of art set up for a land-mark

to steer into this harbour; this rock is forty feet high. At five o'clock

got into the harbour, run up to Seal Island, which lieth about a league up;

here we killed more seal in half an hour than we could carry off, being

obliged to leave the greatest part of what we killed behind. The people

eating greedily of the seal, were seized with violent fevers and pains in

their heads. While we were at Port Desire we had seal and fowl in

abundance. The carpenter found here a parcel of bricks, some of'em with

letters cut in them, on one of those bricks these words were very plain and

legible, viz. _Capt. Straiton, 16 Cannons, 1687_. Those we imagine have

been laid here from a wreck. The carpenter with six men went in search of

water, a mile up the water's side; they found Peckett's well, mention'd in

Sir John Narborough's book; the spring is so small, that it doth not give

above thirty gallons per day, but the well being full, supplied us. The

people grow very turbulent and uneasy, requiring flour to be served out;

which, in our present circumstance, is a most unreasonable request; we have

but one cask of flour on board, and a great distance to run into the

Brazil, and no other provision in the boat but the seal we have killed

here: Nay, they carry their demands much higher, insisting that the marine

officers, and such people as cannot be assisting in working the boat, shall

have but half the allowance of the rest; accordingly they have pitched upon

twenty to be served half a pound of flour each man, and themselves a pound.

This distinction the half-pounders complain of, and that twenty are

selected to be starved. While we were at Port Desire, one day dressing our

victuals, we set fire to the grass; instantly the flames spread, and

immediately we saw the whole country in a conflagration, and the next day,

from the watering-place, we saw the smoke at a distance, so that then the

fire was not extinguished.

Friday the 25th, little wind, and fair weather; went up to our slaughter-

house in Seal island, and took on board our sea-store, which we completed

in half an hour's time; turned down the harbour with the tide of ebb, in

the evening, the wind at N.E. could make no hand of it, so bore away for

the harbour again, and came to an anchor.

Saturday the 26th, at three in the morning, sailed out of Port Desire

harbour; steered out E.N.E. At six Penguin island bore S. by E. distant six

leagues, and Cape Blanco N.W. by N. four leagues. This day I took my

departure from Cape Blanco; I judge the cape to lie in the longitude of 71:

00 W. from the meridian of London.

Monday the 28th, moderate gales, and fair. This day served out all the

flour in the boat, at three pound and a half to each man. We have now

nothing to live on but seal, and what Providence throws in our way.

Friday, January the 1st, 1741-2, fresh gales and fair weather, with a great

sea. At ten last night shifting the man at the helm, brought her by the

lee, broke the boom; and lost a seaman overboard. The greatest part of our

seal taken in at Port Desire, for want of salt to cure it there, now stinks

very much; but having nothing else we are obliged to eat it. We are now

miserable beyond description, having nothing to feed on ourselves, and at

the same time almost eaten up with vermin.

Wednesday the 6th, departed this life Mr Thomas Harvey, the purser; he died

a skeleton for want of food: This gentleman probably was the first purser

belonging to his majesty's service that ever perished with hunger. We see

daily a great number of whales.

Sunday the 10th, this day at noon, in working the bearings, and distant to

Cape St Andrew, do find myself not above thirteen leagues distant from the

land, therefore hauled in N.W. to make it before night. We saw to-day

abundance of insects, particularly butterflies and horse-stingers. We have

nothing to eat but some stinking seal, and not above twenty out of the

forty-three which are now alive have even that, and such hath been our

condition for this week past; nor are we better off in regard to water,

there not being above eighty gallons on board: Never were beheld a parcel

of more miserable objects, there are not above fifteen of us healthy, (if

people may be called healthy that are scarce able to crawl). I am reckoned

at present one of the strongest men in the boat, yet can hardly stand on my

legs ten minutes together, nor even that short space of time without

holding: Every man of us hath had a new coat of skin from head to foot: We

that are in the best state of health do all we can to encourage the rest.

At four this afternoon, we were almost transported with joy at the sight of

land, (having seen no land for fourteen days before) the extremes of which

bore N.W. about seven leagues; we ran in with it, and at eight anchored in

eight fathom; fine sand about a league from the shore; the northmost point

bore about N.E., the southmost point about S.W. by S. This day perished for

want of food, serjeant Ringall.

Monday the 11th, at four this morning weighed, and came to sail, steering

along shore N.E. by E. This is a pleasant and delightful country to sail

by: We kept within a mile of the shore; we saw horses and large dogs in

great numbers, the shore being perfectly covered with them. At noon I had a

good observation in the latitude of 38: 40 S. At the same time a-head land,

which I took for Cape St Andrew's; it is a long sandy point, very low,

where a shoal runs off S.E. about three leagues. Sounded, and had but two

fathom and half at high-water. When we got clear of this, we steered N.E.

into a sandy bay, and anchored there in three fathom and half, fine sand;

the north point bore N.N.W., the south point S.E. by E. Here is a great

swell, and shoal water. This bay we call Shoalwater Bay.

Tuesday the 12th, lying in Shoalwater Bay, the wind at S.E. and fair

weather. Having nothing on board the vessel to eat, and but one cask of

water to drink, we put her in as nigh as we could venture; so that any

person who had the least skill in swimming, might get ashore: Here runs a

pretty large surf, which may endanger our vessel; this puts us to a stand:

To go from hence without meat or drink is certain death. A few of the

healthiest were resolved to swim on shore, to get water and provisions; the

officers, viz. the boatswain, carpenter, and Lieutenant E----rs, to animate

the rest, first leaped into the water; eleven of the people followed them;

in this attempt one of the marines was unfortunately drowned: We tossed

overboard four quarter-casks to fill with water; lashing to the cask two

fire-locks on each side, with ammunition for shooting. When the officers

and people got on shore, they saw thousands of horses and dogs; the dogs

are of a mongril breed, and very large. They also saw abundance of parrots

and seals on the rocks, but not a bush growing on the place; they made a

fire with horse dung, and shot a great many seal, which they cut up in

quarters to bring aboard. One of the water-casks being leaky, they cut it

up, and converted it into fuel to dress the seal. They caught four

armadilloes, they are much larger than our hedge-hogs, and very like them;

their bodies are cased all over with shells, shutting under one another

like shells of armour. In this country thirteen of his majesty's British

subjects put to flight a thousand Spanish horse. Horses are more numerous

here, than sheep are on the plains in Dorset and Wiltshire. We on board see

abundance of seal lying on the shore cut in pieces, but the wind blows so

hard we can by no means get at it. We think ourselves now worse off than

ever, for we are actually starving in the sight of plenty. We have but two

people on board that can swim; to give them all the assistance we can, the

lieutenant and myself, with the rest of the people, proposed to haul the

vessel nearer in, and make a raft for one of the two to swim ashore on, and

to carry a line to haul some of the seal aboard: With much entreaty these

two swimmers were prevailed on to cast lots; the lot falling on the weakest

of 'em, who was a young lad about fifteen years of age, and scarce able to

stand, we would not suffer him to go. While our brethren were regaling in

the fulness of plenty ashore, we aboard were obliged to strip the hatches

of a seal-skin, which has been for some time nailed on, and made use of for

a tarpawlin; we burnt the hair off the skin, and for want of any thing else

fell to chewing the seal-skin.

Wednesday the 13th, fine weather and calm. At six this morning the

boatswain shot a horse, and the people a wild dog. The horse was branded on

the left buttock with these letters A.R. By this we conjecture there are

inhabitants not far off. At nine veered the boat in, lashed the oars to the

hatches, and made a stage to haul up the seal. The people swam off three

casks of water, sent on shore one quarter-cask more, and two breakers. Came

aboard the boatswain, carpenter, and Lieutenant E----rs, and four men more

are getting the seal and the horse on board, which was no sooner in the

vessel than a sea-breeze came in, and blowed so hard, that we were obliged

to weigh, leaving ashore one quarter-cask, two breakers, and eight of the

people. The wind at E.S.E. and a tumbling sea, came to an anchor about a

league off the shore; we shared all the provisions among the company; we

still see the people ashore, but can't get them off.

Thursday the 14th, hard gales at E.S.E. and fair weather. Last night the

sea was so great, that it broke the rudder-head off; we were doubtful every

moment of the vessel's parting, which if she had, we must have been all of

us inevitably lost. We were obliged to put to sea, not being able to get

the people off. We sent ashore in a scuttled puncheon some wearing apparel,

four muskets, with balls, powder, flints, candles, and several necessaries,

and also a letter to acquaint them of the danger we were in, and of the

impossibility of our riding it out till they could get off.

In Freshwater Bay, dated on board the Speedwell schooner, on the coast of

South America, in the latitude of 37: 25 S. longitude from the meridian of

London, 65: 00 W. this 14th day of January, 1741-2.

"These are to certify the right honourable the lords commissioners for

executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain, &tc. That we,

whose names are undermentioned, having nothing left on board the vessel but

one quarter-cask of water, were obliged to put into the first place we

could for subsistence, which, was in Freshwater-Bay; where we came to an

anchor, as near the shore as we could, without endangering the vessel,

having no boat aboard, and a large surf on the shore, therefore Mr King the

boatswain, Mr Cummins the carpenter, and Lieutenant Ewers, with eleven of

the people, jumped overboard, in order to swim ashore, with three casks of

water, in which attempt James Greenham was drowned in the surf off the

shore: The sea-breeze coming on, prevented the people getting on board the

same night; therefore, on Wednesday morning, it being then calm, they

brought to the beach the casks filled with water, with seal and other

provisions in great quantities, which we hauled on board. The boatswain,

carpenter, Lieutenant Ewers, and three of the people, swam off, but the

sea-breeze coming in, and the surf rising, the rest were discouraged from

coming off; we hauled a good birth off the shore, where we lay the

remainder of the day, and all the night. The greatness of the sea broke off

our rudder-head, and we expected every minute the vessel would founder at

her anchor. Thursday morning we saw no probability of the people coming

aboard, and the wind coming out of the sea, and not one stick of fire-wood

in the vessel to dress our victuals, and it being every man's opinion that

we must put to sea or perish, we got up a scuttled cask, and put into it

all manner of necessaries, with four small arms lashed to the cask, and a

letter to acquaint them of our danger, which cask we saw them receive, as

also the letter that was in it; they then fell on their knees, and made

signals wishing us well, at which we got under sail, and left our brethren,

whose names are under-mentioned,

Sign'd by

Robert Beans, lieutenant

John King, boatswain

John Bulkeley, gunner

Thomas Clark, master

John Cummins, carpenter

Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate

John Jones, master's mate

John Snow, ditto.

The names of the people left on shore in the latitude of 35' 25 S.

longitude 65: 00 W.

Names. Where born.

Guy Broadwater, Blackwall.

John Duck, London.

Samuel Cooper, Ipswich.

Benjamin Smith, Southwark.

Joseph Clinch, Ditto.

John Allen, Gosport.

John Andrews, Manchester.

Isaac Morris, Topsham."

Those people had a good prospect of getting provisions, and we believe

inhabitants are not far off; they have all necessaries for shooting; we

hope to see them again, but at present we leave them to the care of

Providence and the wide world. At noon sailed hence, at four in the

afternoon could not clear the land, and were obliged to anchor in five

fathom, two leagues from the shore, the northmost point of land bore N.E.

by N. and the southmost point S. by W. Hard gales at E.N.E. and a great

sea. At noon in latitude 38: 00.

Friday the 15th, fresh gales at N.N.W. and a great sea tumbling into the

bay. We are not able to ride it out, therefore, at four in the afternoon,

got under sail, and stood off to sea; the southmost land bore S.W. by S.

distant five leagues.

Monday the 18th, in the latitude of 36: 29 S. the north point of

Freshwater-Bay bearing S.W. distant forty-four leagues, we went to an

allowance of water, at a pint a man per day, having on board not above

twenty gallons for thirty-three souls.

Tuesday the 19th, little wind at S. and clear weather. At four this morning

saw breakers right a-head; sounded, and found five fathom; saw the land

making like an island, bearing N.E. by E. distant twelve leagues; steered

N. for about a mile or two, shoaled the water from two fathom to nine feet,

then steer'd N.N.E. and deepen'd the water to five fathom. By the

appearance of the land, we are well up the river of Plate, and do take the

breakers for the English bank. Steer'd and sail'd all day E.N.E. along

shore, in the evening anchor'd in a fine sandy bay; saw two men coming down

on horseback, the boatswain swam ashore, and got up behind one of them, and

rode away to their caravans. When we made the land, we had not one drop of

water on board: Several people swam ashore to fill water, one of 'em, when

ashore, drank very plentifully of water; in attempting to come off, was so

weak, that he could not reach the vessel, but was unfortunately drown'd.

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

Wednesday the 20th, Mr Cummins and myself went ashore, four of the

inhabitants came down to us on horseback. As I could talk Portugueze, I

fell into discourse with them. They told me the English were still at war

with the Spaniards, that they had two fifty-gun ships up the river of

Plate, and one sixty gun ship cruizing off Cape St Mary's; and not above

six weeks ago a seventy gun ship lying at anchor, parted from her anchors

and drove on shore; that the ship was lost, and every man perish'd. They

also told me they were Spaniards, Castilians, and fishermen, that they came

here a fishing, the fish they took they salted and dried, then sold them at

Buenos Aires. The town they belong'd to they called Mount de Vidia, two

days journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the king of

Portugal's land. They said there were a great many Spanish settlements on

this side, and gave us an invitation to their caravan; we got up behind

them, and rode about a mile to it, where they entertained us with good junk

beef, roasted and boyl'd, with good white bread. We sought to buy some

provisions of 'em, but they had none but twenty-six loaves, about as big as

two-penny loaves in England, which they would not part with under four

guineas. We being in a weak condition, scarce able to stand on our legs,

and without bread for a long time, gave them their price. Their patron told

us at the same time, if it should be known that they had supplied us, they

should be all hang'd. He promis'd, if we would give him a fire-lock, he

would get us some wild fowl, and as many ducks in an hour or two as would

serve all the people on board. Mr Cummins sent for his fire-lock, and gave

it him, with some powder and sluggs. On our coming away, finding one of

their company missing with a horse, we were apprehensive of his being gone

to betray us; therefore immediately went on board, got our water in, and

made all ready for sailing to Rio Grand.

Thursday the 21st, little wind at N.W. and fair weather. At four this

morning got under sail, steered E.N.E. At twelve saw low land stretch off

to the eastward, which bore E. by S. At four the tide of flood flowing

strong in obliged us to come to an anchor in a large bay, in eight fathom

water; the south point bore S.S.W. the east point E.S.E.; at eight at night

got under sail, steering E.S.E.

Friday the 22d, little wind at N. and fair weather. At eight this morning

saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; at noon it bore

W.S.W. and the north land S.E. by E.

Sunday 23d, little wind, and calm. In the morning, not seeing the land,

steer'd in N.; at noon saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten

leagues; latitude per observation 34: 53 S. At seven in the evening, being

in shore and calm, anchored in fourteen fathom water, sandy ground, the

cape bearing W. by N. and the northmost land N. by E. This day departed

this life Mr Thomas Clark the master, as did also his son the day

following.

Sunday the 24th, the wind at S. and hazy weather. At two in the morning

weighed and came to sail, steering N.E. within a league of the shore. At

three in the afternoon saw three islands, the northmost of which is the

most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a church with a lofty

tower; at four we saw three islands more, steer'd N. quarter W. between

those islands, until we saw the main land. The most remarkable of these

islands is about four miles from the main; they are all steep. At eight

anchored in fourteen fathom, fine sand.

Monday the 25th, a fresh gale at E.N.E. and cloudy weather. At nine this

morning got under sail, in order to go back to those islands to get some

seal, there being great numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of

provision, with the wind against us. We took the opportunity of the wind

back to the islands, but were disappointed; being not able to get ashore

for provisions, came to an anchor in fourteen fathom, sandy ground. Hard

gales at N.N.E. with thunder, lightning and rain, all night.

Tuesday the 26th, this morning moderate gales at N.W. and fair weather, got

under sail; after clear of the islands, steer'd N.E. by N. keeping along

shore: It is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five

leagues off the land. We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board.

We have a fair wind, and not far from our desired port; so that we are in

pretty good spirits. This day died the oldest man belonging to us, Thomas

Maclean, cook, aged 82 years.

Wednesday the 27th, moderate gales at W. steered N. and sail'd all day

within a cable's length of the shore in three fathom water. We have now

nothing but a little water to support nature. At noon had an observation,

latitude in 32: 40 south: I reckon myself 18 leagues from the Rio Grand,

and hope to see it in the morning.

Thursday the 28th, kept the shore close aboard, and sounded every half

hour, not caring to go within three fathom, nor keep without five, sailing

along by the lead all night. At six in the morning saw the opening of the

river Grand; kept within the breakers of the bar, having at some times not

above seven feet water at half flood; steer'd N.E. by E. until the river's

mouth was fairly open; then steer'd N. and N.N.W. until abreast of the

town; anchored on the east shore in two fathom water. There presently came

a boat from the shore, with a serjeant of the army, and one soldier. The

lieutenant, myself, and Mr Cummins, with Captain P----n of the land forces,

went on shore with them. The commandant, the officers, and people of the

place, receiv'd us in a most tender and friendly manner. They instantly

sent on board to the people four quarters of beef, and two bags of Farine

bread. We were conducted to the surgeon's house, the handsomest habitation

in the place, where we were most hospitably entertain'd. At four in the

afternoon the governor came to town; After a strict enquiry into our

misfortunes, and the reasons of our coming into this port, being somewhat

doubtful that we might be inspectors of their coast, he began to examine

me, the lieutenant having reported me to him as pilot. He ask'd me if there

was a chart of the coast on board; and, if not, how it was possible we

could hit the bar, and venture into so hazardous a place as this is? I told

him, as for a chart, we had none of any kind, but I had a good observation

the day before, that our vessel drew but a small draught of water, that we

kept a lead always going, and in the necessity we were in, we were oblig'd,

at all events, to venture, and if we had not seen the opening of the river

before night, we must have been compell'd to run the vessel ashore. He

examin'd me also concerning the places we stopt at, from Cape Virgin Mary

to this port, and more particularly relating to the river Plate. He was

very nice in his enquiry of our putting in at Cape St Mary's, and of the

bearings and distance along shore from thence to this port. When he

thoroughly satisfy'd himself, he embraced us and blest himself to think of

our deliverance, which he term'd a miracle. He offer'd every thing the

country could afford to our relief; the sick were order'd to be taken care

of in the hospital: He took the lieutenant and the land officers home with

him, and desired the commandant to see that the rest of the officers and

people wanted for nothing. Before he went he inform'd us, that his

majesty's ships the Severn and Pearl were at Rio Janeiro, in great

distress; that they had sent to England for men, and could not sail from

thence until the arrival of the Flota, which would be in May or June. He

also told us, that we should be dispatch'd in the first vessel which

arriv'd in this port, for he did not think we could with safety go any

farther in our own, and that there could not be found twelve seamen in the

Brazils that would venture over the bar in her to sail to Rio Janeiro;

therefore he order'd our little Speedwell ashore: This wonder the people

are continually flocking to see; and it is now about nine months since we

were cast away in the Wager; in which time, I believe, no mortals have

experienc'd more difficulties and miseries than we have. This day may be

justly stiled the day of our deliverance, and ought to be remember'd

accordingly.

Sunday the 31st, little or nothing remarkable since the day we came in,

only a wonderful change in our diet, live on the best the country can

produce, and have plenty of every thing. This afternoon the governor,

commandant, and commissary, came on board, to see our little Speedwell;

they were surpriz'd that thirty souls, the number of people now living,

could be stowed in so small a vessel; but that she could contain the number

which first embark'd with us was to them amazing, and beyond all belief:

They could not conceive how the man at the helm could steer without falling

overboard, there not being above four inches rise from the deck. I told

them he sat down, and clapp'd his feet against the rise, and show'd them in

what manner we secured ourselves. The governor, after viewing the vessel

over, told us, we were more welcome to him in the miserable condition we

arriv'd than if we had brought all the wealth in the world with us. At the

same time he fully assur'd us, we should be supply'd with every thing that

the country could afford; that he would dispatch us the first opportunity

to Rio Janeiro, and whenever we stood in need of any thing, he order'd us

to acquaint the commandant, and our wants should be instantly supply'd. He

then took leave of us, and wished us well. All the deference and dutiful

respect we could shew him, to express a grateful sense of his favour, was

by manning the vessel, and giving him three cheers. The next day arriv'd at

this place the brigadier-governor of the island St Catharine; he came close

by our vessel, we mann'd her, and gave him three cheers. The soldiers of

the garrison, having twenty months arrears due to them, expected the

brigadier was coming to pay them, but when they found themselves

disappointed, they made a great disturbance among themselves. I apply'd to

the commandant for a house, the vessel, in rainy weather, not being fit to

live in; he order'd me one joining to his own, and gave me the key. I took

with me Mr Cummins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, Mr Oakley, and the cooper; we

brought our trifling necessaries on shore, and remov'd to our new

habitation: Here we were dry and warm, and though we had no bedding, we

lodg'd very comfortably. Since the loss of the Wager, we have been used to

lie hard; at present we think ourselves very happily fix'd, and heartily

wish that all the persons who surviv'd the loss of the ship were in so good

a situation as ourselves.

Tuesday, February the 2d, 1741-2, great murmurings among the soldiers; they

detain'd the brigadier from going back, as he intended, this morning, till

he promis'd to dispatch the money, cloaths, and provisions, and to see

their grievances adjusted. On those terms they have agreed he shall go; and

this evening he return'd for St Catharine's. We apprehended, till now, that

the right officers were in place; but we find ourselves mistaken. Some time

before we arrived here, there was an insurrection among the soldiers: Their

design was against the governor; but by his address, and fair promises of

seeing them righted, he diverted the storm from himself, and got himself

continued in his station, as were also the major and commissary. The

soldiers dismiss'd the rest of the officers, and supply'd their places with

their own people; though they were lately private men, they appear'd very

grand, and were not distinguish'd in dress from proper officers. The

disturbance at Rio Grand is of no service to us, for we feel the effects of

it, our allowance is now so small that it will hardly support nature, the

people have been without Farina, which is their bread, for some days past.

We apply'd to the governor, who promis'd to supply us the next day;

accordingly we went for a supply, which created fresh murmurings among the

soldiers; however we got a small quantity of bread to supply us for ten

days. The store-keeper shew'd me all the provisions, which, considering

there were a thousand to draw their subsistence from it, was a small stock

indeed, and not above six weeks at the present allowance. He told me we

were serv'd equally with the soldiers, and when more stores came, which

they shortly expected, our allowance should be encreas'd. I think, in

reason, this is as much as we can expect. The lieutenant not coming nigh us

since our first landing, I went with the people up to him at the

governor's, about two miles from this port, to endeavour to prevail with

him to get us dispatch'd, acquainting him of the call and necessity there

was for our assistance on board the two distress'd ships at Rio Janeiro. He

said he had spoke to the governor, and could not get us dispatch'd till

another vessel came in. I told him, as the garrison were in want of

provisions, what we were living on here would carry us off, and if any

misfortune should attend the vessel expected in with the provisions, we

should be put very hard to it for a subsistence. He promis'd to acquaint

the governor; on which I took my leave.

February the 17th, this evening came into this garrison three seamen,

giving an account of their belonging to a vessel with provisions and stores

for this place, from Rio Janeiro, that they had been from thence three

months, and had been off the bar waiting an opportunity to come in; that

not having any fresh water aboard, they were oblig'd to come to an anchor

ten leagues to the southward of this port, that a canoe was sent with those

three men to fill the water, but the wind coming in from the sea, and

blowing hard, oblig'd the vessel to put to sea, and leave them ashore, from

whence they travelled here, and believ'd the vessel was gone to St

Catharine's. The governor, not satisfy'd with this report, took them for

spies, and kept them as such. However, in a day or two afterwards, he

dispatch'd a pilot and two seamen for the island St Catharine, to bring the

vessel round, in case she should be there.

I took this opportunity of sending a letter by them to the Honourable

Captain Murray, commander of his majesty's ship the Pearl, at Rio Janeiro;

desiring them to order it to be dispatch'd by the first ship from St

Catharine's to the Rio Janeiro.

"Honourable Sir,

"I take it as a duty incumbent on me to acquaint you that his majesty's

ship the Wager was wrecked on a desolate island on the coast of Patagonia,

in the latitude of 47 00 S. and W. longitude from the meridian of London 81

30, on the 14th of May, 1741. After lengthening the longboat, and fitting

her in the best manner we could, launched her on the 13th of October, and

embarked and sailed, on the 14th, with the barge and cutter, to the number

of eighty-one souls in all. Captain Cheap,--at his own request, tarried

behind, with Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr Elliot, the surgeon. After a long

and fatiguing passage, coming through the Streights of Magellan, we arrived

here the 28th of January, 1741-2, bringing into this port alive to the

number of thirty, viz.

Robert Beans, lieutenant

John Bulkeley, gunner

John Cummins, carpenter

Robert Elliot, surgeon's mate

John Jones, master's mate

John Snow, ditto

John Mooring, boatswain's mate

John Young, cooper

William Oram, carpenter's crew

John King, boatswains

Nicholas Griselham, seaman

Samuel Stook, ditto

James Mac Cawlo, ditto

William Lane, ditto

John Montgomery, ditto

John George, ditto

Richard East, ditto

James Butler, ditto

John Pitman, ditto

Job Barns, seaman

John Shoreham, ditto

Thomas Edmunds, ditto

Richard Powell, ditto

Diego Findall, (the Portugueze boy).

Captain Robert Pemberton, of his majesty's

land forces

Lieutenants Ewers and Fielding, ditto

Vincent Oakley, surgeon of ditto

And two marines.

All which are living at present, and waiting an opportunity of a passage in

a Portugueze vessel, our own not being in a condition to proceed any

farther, having no sails, and being so bad in all other respects, that the

governor will not suffer us to hazard our lives in her, but hath promised

to dispatch us in the very first vessel that arrives in this port, where

we, with impatience, are obliged to tarry. We humbly pay our duty to

Captain Leg, praying the representation of this to him. From, Most

honourable Sir, Yours, &c."

Saturday the 20th, last night the three seamen which came here, as

mention'd before, with five more of this place, attempted to run away with

one of the large boats; but they were pursu'd and taken: Their design was

for the river Plate, the wind then favouring them. This was evident, that

the governor was right in his conjecture, and did not suspect them

wrongfully; they are now prisoners in the guard-house. The next morning I

went to the lieutenant, desiring him to apply to the governor for a pass

and horses for myself, Mr Cummins, and John Young, to go by land to St

Catharine's and St Francisco, where we need not doubt of a passage to his

majesty's distress'd ships at Rio Janeiro: That it was our duty to hasten

to their assistance: That he, the lieutenant, ought, the very day after our

arrival into this port, without any regard to expence and charges, to have

dispatch'd a special messenger by land, and then we might have been assur'd

of a vessel before now. The lieutenant answer'd, he had a thought of

enquiring at first coming about what I had mention'd, and of going himself,

tho' it cost him fifty pounds; but he was inform'd it was impossible to go

by land. I ask'd him, If so how came the brigadier from St Catharine's

here? As for fatigue or trouble, whoever undertook to go, he must expect

that; but there was no hardship to be encounter'd comparable to what we had

already undergone. We lay here on expence to the king, without doing any

service, and run the hazard of not only losing the opportunity of getting

on board our own ships, but perhaps of missing the Flota, and of wintering

here, therefore I begg'd he would entreat the governor to let us have

horses and guides; which he promis'd to mention to the governor at dinner,

and send me his answer in the afternoon without fail. I waited with

impatience for this answer; but the lieutenant failing in his promise, was

the occasion of my sending him this letter.

"Sir,

"I am sorry you should give me the liberty of telling you, you have not

discharg'd your promise, by letting us know the governor's answer to what

we requested: Which was, at our expence and charge, to go to the assistance

of his majesty's ships at Rio Janeiro; since which time I am to inform you

that we are in want of provision, having none of any kind allow'd us

yesterday, and but one small fish per man for two days before. The meaning

of which, I believe, is owing to you, by the endeavouring, through the

persuasions of the persons you confide in, to blacken us, and in so vile a

manner, that you seem unacquainted with the ill consequence, which may

attend the touching a man's character. We know, and are fully convinced,

from what has been done already, that nothing will be allow'd or granted us

but by your means: Mr Cummins and myself ask no favour from you, but to use

your endeavours to get us dispatches to the ships at Rio Janeiro, where

every man must give account of his actions, and justice take place. If I am

not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply'd with here was a bounty

flowing from the generous spirit of the governor, and the gentlemen of the

place. If this be the case, we ought to be very thankful indeed. I am

surprized, sir, you don't see the grievances of the inhabitants here, and

hear the soldiers murmurings for want of their arrears. If they should

revolt at this juncture, we shall stand a very bad chance. I must acquaint

you, sir, the vessel we came in is not so much out of repair, but that, if

you can get canvas out of the store for sails, we can make 'em, and get

ready for sailing in ten days time. And if the vessel expected here with

supplies comes in a shorter time, our vessel will be ready fix'd for the

use of the governor; and if one vessel should not be large enough to carry

us all off, we can go in company. I imagine you know of the stores being

robbed, and the disturbance among the soldiers, which must occasion

uneasiness enough, without repeating grievances, where relief is not to be

had. I beg, sir, you'll get us dispatch'd with all expedition to his

majesty's service, that we may not lose the opportunity of joining the two

ships and the Flota.

Sir, yours."

The next morning the lieutenant came down on horseback, being the first

time of his appearing among us since we have been here, which is above

three weeks; we went with him to the commandant, who promised we should not

want fresh beef and fish, but as for bread there is none to be got. William

Oram, one of the carpenter's crew, died this day in the hospital.

March the 6th, for several days the people very uneasy at the vessel's not

arriving, the wind having been fair for above three weeks past, and little

or no provisions in store, which makes them doubtful of any to be

dispatch'd to their relief. This day we are resolv'd to go by land, if the

governor will only allow us a guide; we acquainted the lieutenant with our

resolution; he went with me and Mr Jones to the governor, we obtain'd leave

to go, with the promise of a guide. Captain Pemberton, being at the

governor's, desired to go with us; the governor told him the journey was so

difficult and tedious, it would be impossible for him to encounter with it.

The captain answer'd, that he had a company on board his majesty's ship the

Severn, where his duty call'd him, and was determin'd, with the governor's

leave, to share his fate with us by land, which was granted. The governor

told us, notwithstanding the present scarcity of provisions in the place,

that he had so great a regard for an Englishman, that whilst he had any

thing for himself, we should not want, for which we thank'd him heartily.

This governor is certainly a gentleman of a noble generous spirit, of

exceeding humanity and goodness, and I believe him to have a sincere regard

for an Englishman.

March the 9th, this morning Mr Jones went over with me to the north side,

to make an agreement for six people to go to St Catharine's; while we were

here, the governor received letters from St Catharine's, which gave an

account of four vessels on their passage for this port; on the news of this

we put by our journey: It was very lucky we had not set out on this journey

before we heard the news; for on the nineteenth, the vessels for Rio

Janeiro arrived, and brought an account that the Severn and Pearl were

sail'd from thence for the island of Barbadoes. Those vessels not only

brought the soldiers provisions, but also a pardon.

On the 20th, the brigadier arriv'd, and had all the soldiers drawn up,

where their pardon was read to them: He acquainted them with what money was

come, which was not above a third part of their arrears, but the remainder

was on the passage. The money he had for them should be paid directly, as

far as it would go, if they would take it; but they cry'd out with one

voice, The whole or none, and a great disturbance there was, some was for

revolting to the king of Spain, some began to change their notes, and were

for taking part of the money, and the rest insisted upon the whole. To

quell this disturbance, the commandant, whom they look'd upon more than the

brigadier, or the governor, used his utmost endeavours. They told the

commandant they were no longer soldiers than while they were in the king's

pay, and let those who are for the king, draw off one way by themselves;

you are our commander, we trust in you to answer for us, what you do we

will stand by with our lives: On which the commandant deliver'd his command

up, shouldering his firelock, and took the place of a common soldier,

telling them, since the king was so good as to pardon them, he thought it

his duty to accept it. The brigadier was so well pleased with the behaviour

of the commandant, that he ran to him, took him in his arms, and embraced

him: The rest of the soldiers follow'd the example of their late

commandant, delivering their respective commands up to their proper

officers. This day put an end to the disturbance and confusion which had

been some time among them, and restor'd them to tranquillity, good

discipline, and order.

March the 22d, this morning went to the lieutenant for leave to go in the

first vessel, which was expected to sail in four days time: He told me he

expected to go in her himself, and that we could not go off all in one

vessel, there might be room for the officers, but the people must wait

another opportunity. I told him that it was a duty incumbent on the

officers that were in pay particularly to take care of the people; You,

sir, have been sure of half-pay ever since the ship was lost; we are not,

but I will tarry myself behind with the people, and be answerable for them,

if you'll give me a note under your hand to secure me the value of my pay,

from the loss of the ship, otherwise I don't know any business I have but

to endeavour to get to England as soon as I can, and will put it out of

your power to prevent my going off in the first vessel. I left the

lieutenant, and went with Mr Cummins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, M. King, and Dr

Oakley to the governor, to obtain leave for our going, the lieutenant

follow'd us, and said, but one half could go at a time. The governor told

us it was order'd that the land-officers, myself and the rest that apply'd

to go by land, should be the first dispatch'd, and might go on board when

we would, but as the vessel did not belong to the king, we must buy

provisions, and pay for our passage. I said, Sir, we have not money to

answer the expence: He then ask'd me whether I had not several times

apply'd to him for leave to go by land at my own charges? I answer'd, We

were obliged to dispose of our watches to raise that money, which will

barely be sufficient to carry us six off that intended to go by land,

therefore what must become of the rest who have not a single penny? And I

hope, sir, that you are not unacquainted that the king of Great-Britain

allows to all his subjects, distress'd in this manner, five vintins per day

to each man for subsistence. On my saying this, the governor call'd the

commissary and major: He walk'd and talk'd with them aside; then came back

again, and told us the account was so small, that it was not worth charging

the king of England with it; therefore we must buy our own provisions, and

pay our passage, and as to what we had received from them, we were welcome;

upon which we thank'd them and came away. We then consulted with the

lieutenant, to know what could be done with the people, and that as the

vessel we came in was not fit to proceed any farther, it was to no purpose

to leave her there; therefore we desired his consent to sell her, believing

the money she would bring would be sufficient to carry us all off. To this

proposal the lieutenant consented. We then apply'd to the master of the

vessel, to know what he would have for our passage; his demand was forty

shillings per man, of which we acquainted the lieutenant, who told us he

could not see what we could do, and, on second consideration, would not

give his consent to sell the boat, for when sold, he did not think she

would fetch the money. Those words of the lieutenant put us all to a stand,

especially after he had but now given his consent to sell her, and in so

short time to declare the reverse was very odd; tho' indeed it did not much

surprise us, because this gentleman was never known to be over stedfast to

his word. Seeing no possibility of carrying the people off without selling

the boat, I told the lieutenant, if he left them behind, I could not think

but so many of his majesty's subjects were sold, and believ'd he had made a

present of the vessel to the governor. At this the lieutenant paus'd for a

while, and then said, he had not money to carry himself off without selling

his coat. I reply'd, There was no occasion for that, when he had a gold

watch. The next morning went to the lieutenant again about our going off;

he acquainted us, that the brigadier had order'd things in another manner;

that myself, and nine more, being the persons desirous of going, should be

dispatch'd in the first vessel, and every thing found us; that he, the

lieutenant, was to tarry behind with the rest of the people, and to come in

the next vessel, an estimate of the charges being made out; and he also

told us, he had a severe check for requesting to go first himself, and

offering to leave the people behind.

Sunday, March 28th, I embark'd on board the St Catharine's brigantine, with

the carpenter, boatswain, the two mates, the surgeon of marines, the

cooper, and six of the people, the provisions laid in for us were two casks

of salt beef and ten alcadoes of farina.

Wednesday the 31st, we sail'd for Rio Janeiro, with the wind at W., steer'd

S.E. and S.E. by E., until over the bar; then E. by N., and E.N.E., with a

fine gale, and clear weather; there is not above two fathom and half water

on the bar at high-water; when you are in, it is a fine commodious harbour

for small vessels; it is a low land, of a sandy soil: Here is abundance of

fine cattle, with fresh-water fish, melons exceeding good, plenty of water,

and the best milk I ever tasted.

Thursday, April the 8th, little wind at S.W., and fair weather. At ten this

morning anchor'd before the town of St Sebastians. The Portugueze pilots,

who have been in England, call the land here the Isle of Wight; and indeed

it is very like it, tho' not so large, being only eight miles in length.

This is a very secure harbour for shipping; a stranger may go in or out

without any difficulty. At this place I was ashore, and think it as

delightful and pleasant a place as ever I saw in America, abounding with

fruit, as oranges, lemons, bonanoes; also with yams, potatoes, fish, and

fowl.

Saturday the 10th, sail'd from St Sebastians, little wind at S.W., steer'd

out S.E. between the island and the main; at eight in the morning, on the

Monday following, we anchor'd before the city of Rio Janeiro.

Tuesday the 13th, this morning we were all order'd before the governor. A

Dutch surgeon was sent for, who spoke very good English. After enquiring

into our misfortunes, the governor order'd him to be our consul, telling

us, that we should have a convenient house, with firing, and eight vintins

a man per day subsistence-money: He also desir'd we might make no

disturbance among ourselves, which we promis'd to avoid. A nobleman went

with the consul to look out for our habitation; they fix'd on a large

magnificent house, fit for a person of quality. This being the first day of

our coming ashore, they were pleas'd to order a dinner and supper out of

doors, and sent us where we were to eat all together. This was the first

time of the boatswain's eating with the rest of the officers since we left

Cheap island. The consul was so kind as to send us a table, benches, and

water-pots, and several useful things, from his own house; we thought

ourselves very happily seated.

Wednesday the 14th, this morning the consul went with the officers and

people to the treasury for our money. Mr Oakely, surgeon of his majesty's

land-forces, was desired by the consul to sign for it. The boatswain, who

now look'd upon himself as our captain, was not a little displeas'd at

this. When the money was receiv'd, the consul would have given it to the

surgeon to pay us, but he excus'd himself, telling the consul the boatswain

was a troublesome man, and it might occasion a disturbance, on which the

consul was so good as to come and pay it himself. Being all together, he

told us the governor had order'd us eight vintins a man per day; but at the

same time had made a distinction between the officers and seamen, that the

money received was to be paid in the manner following, viz. to the seamen

six vintins per man, and the officers ten. The reason of this distinction

was, that the seamen could go to work, when the officers could not, but

must be oblig'd to live entirely on their allowance. This distinction

caused great uneasiness, the boatswain insisting that the people had a

right to an equal share with us. The officers, willing to make all things

easy, desir'd the consul it might be so. The consul reply'd, The money

should be dispos'd of according to the governor's direction, or not at all.

The boatswain then objected against the cooper, because he was no officer.

The consul said, Master! I believe the cooper to be a very good quiet man,

and I dare say will take it as the men do, but sooner than this be an

objection, I will pay the money out of my own pocket. The boatswain then

began at me, abusing me in a very scandalous and abominable manner, saying,

among other things, that the cooper was got among the rest of the pirates,

for so he term'd me and the rest of the officers. When the money was paid,

we acquainted the consul, that we had, till now, been separated from the

boatswain, that he was of so perverse and turbulent a temper, and so

abusive in speech, that we could not bear with him. The boatswain then

chose to be with the people, and gave us the preference of the fore-room,

where we desir'd to be by ourselves. There were two doors to our room, we

lock'd both of them, and went to take a walk in the country: At our return,

in the evening, we found the doors broke open, and a small sword belonging

to me was broke an inch off the point, and the scabbard all in pieces. The

boatswain had in his room an Irishman, whom he sent in on purpose to

quarrel with us. This Irishman and Richard East, one of our own people,

fell upon the cooper and me: East chose to engage with me, he struck me

several times, he compelled me to stand in my own defence, and I soon

master'd him. During this quarrel the carpenter call'd the guards, at the

sight of whom the Irishman made his escape. I desir'd the guards to secure

East a prisoner, but the officer told me he could not, unless I would go to

prison with him. I told him it was my desire, and accordingly I went. The

prison was in the governor's house. I had not been there but a few minutes

before the governor sent for me; he enquir'd of the officer concerning the

disturbance, and order'd me to my habitation, but detain'd East a prisoner.

When I came home I found the boatswain and two renegadoes with him, all

about the cooper. On seeing me, he repeated his former abusive words. He

made us so uneasy in our lodging, that, to prevent murder, we were obliged

to lie out of the house. Next morning Mr Oakley and Mr Cummins went to the

consul; he came with them to the house, where we were all sent for; he told

us it was very strange that people who had undergone so many hardships and

difficulties could not agree lovingly together. We answer'd, we never used

to mess together, and sooner than we would be with the boatswain, we would

make it our choice to take a house in the country at our own expence. The

boatswain, on hearing this, fell again into his usual strain of slander and

abusive language, calling us rogues, villains, and pirates. It was the

governor's first request that we might have no disturbance among us, yet

the boatswain hath not suffer'd us to have a quiet minute since we have

been here. The consul went with us two miles out of the city, at a fishing

village, where we took a house at our own expence, to pay at the rate of

ten shillings per month, there being seven of us in all, viz. myself, the

carpenter, surgeon, the two mates, the cooper, and a seaman. Here we

thought ourselves safe and secure. The next day, in the afternoon, two of

the boatswain's friends, which had lately deserted from his majesty's

service, and an Irish clerk with them, came to pay us a visit. They were so

impertinent, as not only to enquire into the reasons of the disturbance

among ourselves, but they also instructed us in our duty, telling us, they

came from our commander the boatswain, with orders to see my journal. I

told them the journal shou'd not be a secret to any person who cou'd read;

but, at the same time, I wou'd never part with it to be copied out: They

then drank a glass of punch with us, and left us. This is a place that a

man is oblig'd sometimes to suffer himself to be used ill; if he resents

all affronts, he runs a great hazard of losing his life, for here ruffians

are to be hir'd at a small expence, and there is no place in the world

where people will commit murder at so cheap a rate. Between nine and ten at

night three people came to our door, one of which knock'd, telling us, that

he was the person that was with me and the cooper in the afternoon. Being

apprehensive that they came with no good intent, we refus'd opening the

door, telling them, that it was an improper season of the night, and that

we did not know they had any business with us, if they had, we told them to

come in the morning: But they still insisted upon the door being open'd,

saying, it would be better to do so than to be taken away in three hours'

time. When they had said this, they went away. We did not know the meaning

of their words, but imagin'd they were gone to bring some associates to

beset the house; having nothing to defend ourselves with, we got over the

back wall of the house, and took to the country for safety: In the morning

apply'd to the consul, who remov'd us to a house in the midst of the

village; he gave an account to the inhabitants of the design the boatswain

had formed against us, either to compel us to deliver up the journal, or to

take our lives; and therefore desir'd that the journal and papers might be

deposited in the hands of a neighbour there, till the time of our going

off. The people of the place offer'd to stand by us with their lives, in

opposition to any persons who should attempt to do us an injury.

Sunday the 18th, early this morning we were sent for to the consul. He said

to us, Gentlemen, as the lives of three of you are in danger, and I do not

know what villainy your boatswain may be capable of acting, in regard to

your peace and safety, I'll endeavour to get you three on board a ship

bound for Bahia and Lisbon; accordingly he went to the captain of the ship,

who consented that we should go with him, on these conditions, that the

governor should give us a pass, and that we would work for our passage;

this we agreed to. After this we requested the governor for a pass, which

he was so good as to grant, and is as follows:

Nas Fortalesas sedeixem passar.

_A 30 Abril_, 1742.

Podem passar par Portugal em qualquer Nao que selle ofreser semque che

ponha Impedimento algum Bahia, 19 Mayo, 1742.

"Dizem Joan Bocli, e Joan Cummins, e Joan Menino, Inglezes de Nasao, e

Cazados em Inglaterra, em quetem suas Mulleres e Fillios, que suedo

Officais de Calafate, e Condestavel, & Joneiro, de imadas Fragatas

Inglezas, dado a Costa de Patagonia, die fesivel a portarem, a Oporto de

Rio Grande, donde selhedeo faculdade para passarem aesta Cidade. E como

Naferma do Regimendo de son soberano Nao vensem soldo, algum desde otempo,

que Nao Pagau detta Fragata, selhes las presis a passarem a Inglaterra,

para poderem tratar de sua vida em Compania de suas familias; para oghe

pretendem na Naude Lisensia passar a Citade da Bahia, para da hi Opoderem

farer para Lisboa, na primera ocasio, que che for posivell, e sim desda Nao

podem intentar dito transporte.

Quaime sedigne dar che Lisensia que nas Fortalesas selhe nas ponha

Impedimento a sua Passagein, Come e Costume aos Nacionaes decte Reyne.

A. Rove."

The foregoing in English thus.

_Rio Janeiro Grand._

From all the Forts let them pass.

_April_ 30, 1742.

That they may pass to Portugal in any vessel that offers itself, without

any hindrance whatever, to Bahia, May 19, 1742.

"John Bocli, [Bulkeley] John Cummins, and John Young, of the English

nation, and married in England, where they have wives and children, the one

being an officer, the other a carpenter, and the third cooper of the ship,

being an English frigate, arrived on the coast of Patagonia; and at their

arrival in the great river, i.e. Rio Grand, leave was granted them to come

to this city; and as in the service of his majesty, they do not advance any

money, from the time that they paid off the said ship, they are obliged to

pass to England, that they may be enabled there to seek their livelihood

for their respective families: Therefore they desire that they may pass in

the license ship to the city of Bahia, that they may from thence go to

Lisbon, by the first opportunity that shall offer; and that without the

said ship they will not be able to perform their intended design.

Leave is hereby granted them to pass by the said ship for Bahia; and we

command all the forts to let them pass, and not hinder their passage, as is

the custom of the nation of this kingdom.

A. ROVE."

The following is a copy of the solicitor's certificate.

"ISTO he para que todos sabem que os Senhores Abaixo Nomeados y bem mal

afortunados, nesta Cidade de Rio Janeiro se comporlarao com toda Dereysao

nao dando escandalo Apesoa Alguma e Sao Dignos deque Joda pessoa posa os

favoreser emoque for de Ajudo para Sigimento de sua Viagem omais breve

possivel para Huropa.

JOHN BULKELEY.

JOHN CUMMINS.

JOHN YOUNG.

Hoje 1 de Mayo de 1742.

A sim que Assiney este Papel Como Procu

rador Sosil da Nasao Britanica.

PEDRO HENRIQUES DELAED."

In English thus.

"These Presents.

"Be it known to all persons, that the under-signed are in a deplorable

condition in this city of Rio Janeiro; who have behaved themselves with

decency and good decorum, not giving any scandal to any person whatsoever,

and are worthy that all people may have compassion, and succour them in

forwarding their voyage with all expedition to Europe.

JOHN BULKELEY.

JOHN CUMMINS.

JOHN YOUNG.

_The 1st of May_, 1742.

I have sign'd this paper as a sollicitor of the British nation.

PEDRO HENRIQ; DELAED."

Tuesday, May the 20th, this evening myself, the carpenter, and cooper, went

on board the St Tubes, one of the Brazil ships, carrying twenty-eight guns,

Theophilus Orego Ferrara, commander, bound for Bahia and Lisbon. The people

left on shore were,

John Jones, Master's mate.

John Snow, ditto.

Vincent Oakley, surgeon.

John King, boatswain.

Samuel Stook, seaman.

John Shoreham, ditto.

John Pitman, ditto.

Job Barns, ditto.

Richard East, ditto.

Richard Powell, ditto.

Wednesday the 21st, early this morning the captain came on board, on seeing

us, he ask'd us, how we came on board without his leave? Notwithstanding he

gave leave to the consul for our passage, we ought to have waited on him

ashore. There was on board the ship a Spanish don, a passenger, who told

the captain, no Englishman should go in the same ship with him, therefore

desir'd we might be turn'd ashore; but the captain insisted upon doing what

he pleas'd on board his own ship, and would not comply with his request.

The Spanish don, when we came to converse with him, was very much mov'd

with the relation of our misfortunes, and said to us, though our royal

masters, the king's of England and Spain, are at war, it was not our fault;

that we were now on board a neutral ship; belonging to a king who was a

friend to both nations; that he would not look upon us as enemies, but do

us all the service he could. He extoll'd the conduct and bravery of Admiral

Vernon at Porto Bello; but, above all, applauded him for his humanity and

generous treatment of his enemies. He made great encomiums on the

magnificence of the British fleet, and the boldness and intrepidity of the

sailors, styling the English the soldiers of the sea. He supplied us in our

passage not only with provisions from his table, but also with wine and

brandy; and during the whole voyage appear'd so different from an enemy,

that he took all opportunities of giving us proofs of his generosity and

goodness.

Friday, the 7th of May, 1742, this morning anchored before the city of

Bahia, went on shore to the vice-roy, shew'd him the pass we had from the

governor of Rio Janeiro: He told us the pass was to dispatch us to Lisbon,

and that the first ship which sail'd from hence would be the ship we came

in; we petition'd him for provisions, acquainting him of our reception at

Rio Grand and Rio Janeiro, that we had hitherto been supply'd at the rate

of eight vintins each man per day. He refused supplying us with any thing,

upon which I told him, we had better been prisoners to the king of Spain,

who would allow us bread and water, than in a friend's country to be

starv'd. The captain of the ship we came in, hearing the vice-roy would not

supply us, was so kind as to go with us to him, acquainting him how we were

provided for at Rio Janeiro, and that he would supply us himself, if he

would sign an account to satisfy the consul general at Lisbon, so that he

might be reimburs'd. The vice-roy answer'd, he had no orders concerning the

English; that he had letters from the king of Portugal his master to supply

the French, but had no orders about any other nation, and if he gave us any

thing it must be out of his own pocket, therefore he would not supply us.

The captain then told him, that we were officers and subjects to the king

of England, and in distress; that we did not want great matters, and only

barely enough to support life, and begg'd that he would allow but four

vintins per day, being but half the sum hitherto allow'd us. The captain's

entreaties avail'd nothing, the vice-roy continuing as fix'd in his

resolution of giving us no relief. I do not believe there ever was a worse

representative of royalty upon the face of the earth than this vice-roy;

his royal master, the king of Portugal, is very well known to have a

grateful affection for the British nation (nor can we believe he is so

Frenchify'd as this vice-roy makes him) his deputy differs greatly from

him, he has given a proof of his aversion to the English. We think persons

in the distress we were represented in to him, could in no part of the

world, nay, in an enemy's country, be treated with more barbarity than we

were here: We work'd here for our victuals, and then could get but one meal

per day, which was farina and caravances. At this place we must have

starv'd, if I had not by me some money and a silver watch of my own, which

I was obliged to turn into money to support us. I had in money fourteen

guineas, which I exchanged with the captain who brought us here for

Portugueze money; he at the same time told me, it would be hard upon me to

be so much out of pocket, and said, if I would draw a bill on the consul

general at Lisbon for the sum, as if supplied from him, upon the payment of

that bill, he would return me my fourteen guineas; accordingly a bill was

drawn up by an English merchant at Bahia and sign'd by us, being as

follows:

"Nos abaixo asignados Joam Bulkeley, Joam Cummins, & Joam Young, Vassalos

de sua Magg de Brittanica El Rey Jorge Segundo, declaramos que temos

recebido da mam do Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra Theodorio Rodrigues de

Faria a coanthia de Corenta eloatra Mil e Oito Centos reis em dinheiro

decontado comque por varias vezes nos Secorreo para o Nosso Sustento des o

dia 17 de Mayo proximo passado athe odia Prezente, por cuja caridade

rogamos a Deos conceda mera saud Born succesto e por este pedimos humildeme

te ao Snor' Consul Geral da Mesma Nacao que Aprezentado que este Seja nao'

duvide em Mandar Sattis fazer as sobredito Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra a

refferida coanthia visto ser expendida em Obra pia e que o Estado da nossa

Mizeria epobreza tre nao' pode pagar e por passar na Verdade o Refferido e

nao' sabermos Escrever pedimos a Gabriel Prynn homem de Negocio nesta

Cidade e Interprete de Ambas as Lingoas ou Idosmas que este por Nos fizese

e Como Testemunha Asignase.

Sao 44 800 re. Bahia, 14 Setembro, 1742.

JOHN BULKELEY.

JOHN CUMMINS.

JOHN YOUNG.

Como Testsmunha que fix a rogo dos Sobreditos,

GABRIEL PRYNN."

The foregoing in English thus.

"We, the undersign'd John Bulkeley, John Cummins, and John Young, subjects

of his majesty King George the Second, King of Great Britain, do declare to

have received from the honourable captain of sea and land, Theodore

Rodriques of Faria, the sum of fourty-four thousand and eight hundred rees,

in ready and lawful money, by different times, for our support and succour

from the 17th of May instant, to this present date: And, for the said

charily, we implore the Almighty to grant him health and prosperity. And on

this account, we humbly desire the consul of the same nation, that, by

these presents, he may not omit giving full satisfaction to the above-

mention'd captain of sea and land, for the said sum, it being employed on a

very charitable account, being in a deplorable condition, and not able to

repay the same; and we not knowing in what manner to write, to acknowledge

the above favours, have desired Mr Gabriel Prynn, a merchant in this city,

and interpreter of both languages, that he may act for us; and we leave it

to him to do in this affair as it shall seem meet unto him; and as a

witness to this matter he hath sign'd his name.

Say 44 100. Bahia, the 14th September, 1742.

JOHN BULKELEY.

JOHN CUMMINS.

JOHN YOUNG.

To the veracity of the above assertion I have sign'd my name,

GABRIEL PRYNN."

Since our being here, we have been inform'd of one of his majesty's ships

with three store-ships being arriv'd at Rio Janeiro, supply'd with stores

and men for the relief and assistance of the Severn and Pearl, (which were

sail'd before in January last for Barbadoes) and that our people were gone

on board of them, and bound for the West Indies.

Here is a very good bay for ships to ride in, with the wind from E.S.E., to

the northward and westward back to the S.W., and wind to the southward,

which blows in and makes a very great sea. At the east side coming in,

standeth Point de Gloria, where is a very large fortification with a tower

in the midst: From this point the land rises gradually; about a league from

hence is the city of Bahia; it is surrounded with fortifications, and

equally capable of defending it against any attempts from the sea or land.

Provisions here of all kinds are excessive dear, especially fish; this we

impute to the great number of whales that come into this bay, even where

the ships lye at anchor; the whale-boats go off and kill sometimes seven or

eight whales in a day, the flesh of which is cut up in small pieces, then

brought to the market-place, and sold at the rate of a vintin per pound; it

looks very much like coarse beef, but inferior to it in taste. The whales

here are not at all equal in size to the whales in Greenland, being not

larger than the grampus. After living here above four months without any

relief from the governor or the inhabitants, who behaved to us as if they

were under a combination to starve us, we embark'd on board the St Tubes

with our good friend the captain who brought us from Rio Janeiro: We sail'd

from Bahia the 11th of September for Lisbon, in company with one of the

king of Portugal's ships of war, and two East India ships, but the St Tubes

not being able to sail so well as the other ships, lost sight of them the

first night. About 70 leagues from the westward of Madeira we bent a new

foresail; within two or three days afterwards, we had a very hard gale of

wind, scudding under the foresail, and no danger happening to the ship

during this gale. When the wind had ceas'd, and we had fair weather, the

captain, after the evening mass, made an oration to the people, telling

them that their deliverance from danger in the last gale of wind, and the

ship though leaky, making no more water than before, was owing to their

prayers to Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua and her intercession: That in

gratitude they ought to make an acknowledgement to that saint for standing

their friend in time of need: That he himself would shew an example by

giving the new fore-sail, which was bent to the yard, to the saint their

deliverer: Accordingly one of the seamen went forward and mark'd out these

words on the sail, _Deal esta Trinchado pour nostra Senhora Boa Mortua_,

which is as much as to say, _I give this foresail to our saint, the

deliverer from death_. The sail and money collected on this occasion

amounted to upwards of twenty moydores.

On Monday, the 23d of November, in the latitude 39: 17 north, and longitude

6:00 W., that day at noon the rock of Lisbon bearing S. by W., distant

sixteen leagues; we steer'd E.S.E., to make the rock before night. At four

o'clock it blew a very hard gale, and right on the shore: The ship lay-to

under a foresail, with her head to the southward; at six it blew a storm;

the foresail splitting, oblig'd us to keep her before the wind, which was

running her right ashore. The ship was now given over for lost, the people

all fell to prayers, and cry'd out to their saints for deliverance,

offering all they had in the world for their lives, and yet at the same

time neglecting all means to save themselves; they left off pumping the

ship, though she was exceeding leaky. This sort of proceeding in time of

extremity is a thing unknown to our English seamen; in those emergencies

all hands are employ'd for the preservation of the ship and people, and if

any of them fall upon their knees, 'tis after the danger is over. The

carpenter and myself could by no means relish this behaviour; we begg'd the

people for God's sake to go to the pumps, telling them we had a chance to

save our lives, while we kept the ship above water, that we ought not to

suffer the ship to sink, while we could keep her free. The captain and

officers hearing us pressing them so earnestly, left off prayers, and

entreated the men to keep the pumps going, accordingly we went to pumping,

and preserv'd ourselves and the ship: In half an hour afterwards the wind

shifted to the W.N.W., then the ship lay south, which would clear the

course along shore; had the wind not shifted, we must in an hour's time

have run the ship ashore. This deliverance, as well as the former, was

owing to the intercession of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua: On this occasion

they collected fifty moydores more, and made this pious resolution, that

when the ship arrived safe at Lisbon, the foresail, which was split in the

last gale of wind, should be carried in procession to the church of this

grand saint, and the captain should there make an offering equal in value

to the foresail, which was reckon'd worth eighteen moydores.

On Saturday, the 28th of November, we arrived at Lisbon, and on the next

morning every person who came in the ship, (excepting the carpenter,

myself, and the cooper) officers, passengers, the Spanish don himself, and

all the people, men and boys, walk'd bare-footed, with the foresail, in

procession, to the church of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua; the weather at

that time being very cold, and the church a good mile distant from the

landing-place. We Englishmen, when we came ashore, went immediately on the

Change. I was pretty well known to some gentlemen of the English factory.

When I inform'd them that we were three of the unfortunate people that were

cast away in the Wager, and that we came here in one of the Brazil ships,

and wanted to embrace the first opportunity of going for England, they told

me, that the lieutenant had been before us, that he was gone home in the

packet-boat, and left us a very indifferent character. I answer'd, I

believ'd the lieutenant you'd give but a very bad account of himself,

having kept no journal, nor made any remarks since the loss of the ship,

nor perhaps before; that we doubted not but to acquit ourselves of any

false accusations, having with us a journal, which gave an impartial

relation of all our proceedings. The journal was read by several gentlemen

of the factory, who treated us, during our stay at Lisbon, with exceeding

kindness and benevolence.

On the 20th of December, we embark'd on board his majesty's ship the

Stirling Castle for England: Here we had again the happiness of

experiencing the difference between a British and a foreign ship,

particularly in regard to cleanliness, accommodation, diet, and discipline.

We met with nothing material in our passage, and arrived at Spithead on the

1st of January, 1742-3. Here we thought of nothing but going ashore

immediately to our families, but were told by the captain, we must not stir

out of the ship till he knew the pleasure of the l----ds of the A----y,

having already wrote to them concerning us. This was a very great

affliction to us, and the more so, because we thought our troubles at an

end. The carpenter and myself were in view of our habitations; our families

had long given us over for lost, and on the news of our safety, our

relatives look'd upon us as sons, husbands, and fathers, restor'd to them

in a miraculous manner. Our being detain'd on board gave them great

anxiety; we endeavour'd to console 'em as well as we could, being assured,

that we had done nothing to offend their l----s; that if things were not

carried on with that order and regularity which is strictly observ'd in the

navy, necessity drove us out of the common road. Our case was singular;

since the loss of the ship, our chiefest concern was for the preservation

of our lives and liberties, to accomplish which, we acted according to the

dictates of nature, and the best of our understanding. In a fortnight's

time, their l----ps order'd us at liberty, and we instantly went ashore to

our respective habitations, having been absent from thence about two years

and six months.

After we had staid a few days with our families, we came to London, to pay

our duties to the l----ds of the A----y. We sent in our journal for, their

l----ps' inspection: They had before received a narrative from the l----t,

which narrative he confesses to be a relation of such things as occur'd

to his memory; therefore of consequence could not be so satisfactory as a

journal regularly kept. This journal lay for some time in the a----y

o----e, when we were order'd to make an abstract, by way of narrative, that

it might not be too tedious for their l----ps' perusal. After the narrative

was examined into, their l----ps, upon our petition, were pleased to fix a

day for examining all the officers lately belonging to the Wager. The

gentlemen appointed to make enquiry into the whole affair were three

commanders of ships, persons of distinguish'd merit and honour. However, it

was afterwards thought proper not to admit us to any examination, till the

arrival of the commodore, or else Captain Cheap. And it was also resolv'd,

that not a person of us should receive any wages, or be employed in his

majesty's service, till every thing relating to the Wager was more plain

and conspicuous. There was no favour shewn in this case to one more than

another, so that every body seem'd easy with their l----ps' resolution. All

that we have to wish for now is the safe arrival of the commodore and

Captain Cheap: We are in expectation of soon seeing the former, but of the

captain we have as yet no account. However, we hope, when the commodore

shall arrive, that the character he will give of us will be of service to

us: He was very well acquainted with the behaviour of every officer in his

squadron, and will certainly give an account of them accordingly.

[119] In reprinting this very curious and scarce Narrative, we have thought

it proper to adhere to the orthography and contractions of the

original throughout. The former are little different from the present

standard, and the latter cannot give any trouble to the reader.

Altogether, this is a composition not without merit sufficient to

warrant its being preserved.--E.

END OF VOLUME SEVENTEENTH.