many different Climates we must pass, and the excessive Cold which we
cannot avoid, going about Cape _Horne_; at the same time we had but a
slender Stock of Liquor, and our Men but meanly clad, yet good Liquor to
Sailors is preferable to Clothing. Upon this we held our first
Committee, to debate whether ’twas necessary for us to stop at _Madera_,
as follows.
At a Committee held on Board the _Duke_ Frigate, resolv’d by the
General Consent of the following Persons:
[Sidenote: _From Cork to the Southward._]
_That both the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _do touch at_ Madera, _to make
a larger Provision of Liquors, the better to carry on our long
Undertaking, being but meanly stor’d for so large a Number of Men as are
in both Ships; and in case of Separation between this Place and_ Madera,
_then to meet at the Island_ St. Vincent, _one of the_ Cape de Verd
_Islands, to wood and water our Ships. But if we miss of one another at
that Island, or that the first Ship finds it inconvenient for stopping,
then to proceed to_ Praia _on_ St. Jago, _another of the same Islands;
to wait at both these Islands fourteen Days: And then if the missing
Ship does not appear, the other to proceed to the Isle of_ Grande, _in
Latitude_ 23 deg. 30 m. S. _on the Coast of_ Brazil, _there to wait
three Weeks; and then if we don’t meet, let the single Ship proceed on
the Voyage, according to the Orders given from our Owners. This is our
Opinion this 9th day of_ September, 1708.
Thos. Dover _President_, Charles Pope,
Stephen Courtney, Carleton Vanbrugh,
Woodes Rogers, Tho. Glendall,
Edward Cooke, John Bridge,
William Dampier, John Ballet.
Robert Frye,
_Sept. 10._ At six in the Morning we saw a Sail; after speaking with our
Consort, we both chas’d. I gave the _Dutchess_ about a mile start of us,
in order to spread the more. It blew fresh, with a great Sea; and the
Chase being to Windward, we crouded extravagantly. Wind at N W.
_Sept. 11._ At three yesterday Afternoon we came up with the Chase, who
bore down right upon us, shewing _Swedish_ Colours. I fir’d twice at her
before she brought to, then went aboard her with my Yall,[90] Captain
_Courtney’s_ Boat being just before me. We examin’d the Master, and
found he came round _Scotland_ and _Ireland_. We suspected he had
Contraband Goods on board, because some of the Men we found drunk, told
us they had Gunpowder and Cables; so we resolv’d to examine her
strictly, put 12 Men on board her, and kept the _Swedes_ Master and 12
of his Men on board our Ships. This Morning, after we had examin’d the
Men, and searched the Ship, we found it difficult to be prov’d whether
she was a Prize: And not willing to hinder time to carry her into any
Harbour to examine her farther, we let her go without the least
Embezelment. The Master gave me two Hams, and some rufft dry’d Beef, and
I gave him a dozen Bottles of Red-Streak Cyder. They saluted us at
parting with four Guns: She belong’d to _Stadt_ near _Hamburg_, and was
a Frigate built Ship of 22 Guns, about 270 Tuns. While I was on board
the _Swede_ yesterday, our Men mutiny’d, the Ringleaders being our
Boatswain, and three other inferior Officers. This Morning the chief
Officers having kept with me in the after-part of the Ship, we confin’d
the Authors of this Disorder, in which there was not one Foreigner
concern’d. We put ten of the Mutineers in Irons, a Sailor being first
soundly whip’d for exciting the rest to join him. Others less guilty I
punish’d and discharg’d, but kept the chief Officers all arm’d, fearing
what might happen; the Ship’s Company seeming too much inclin’d to
favour the Mutineers, made me the easier forgive. Some beg’d Pardon, and
others I was forc’d to wink at; however, they began to find their Design
frustrated, which was to make a Prize of the _Swede_, who they alledg’d
had much Contraband Goods aboard, tho we could see none; yet they
obstinately insisted, that we apparently gave away their Interest, by
letting her go without plundering her. I labour’d to convince them of
the necessity of our making Dispatch, and that if we could make her a
Prize, it would unman our Ships too much to send her into any Port,
besides other Disadvantages it might procure to our selves and Owners
should we be mistaken; which pacify’d the major part. Our Consort’s Men
were at first very uneasy, but finding the Malecontents quell’d aboard
our Ship, they all kept quiet.
_Sept. 12._ Yesterday the Wind was very little and veerable, and we had
an Observation, 34 deg. 30 min. N.
_Sept. 13._ Those in Irons discover’d others who were Ringleaders in the
Mutiny, whom we also punish’d, and confin’d one of them in Irons with
the rest. _Alexander Wynter_ was made Boatswain instead of _Giles Cash_,
one of the Mutineers. Fair pleasant Weather, little Wind at N W by W.
[Sidenote: _Arrival among the Canary Isles._]
_Sept. 14._ I agreed with the Captain of the _Crown_ Galley to carry my
Boatswain (who was the most dangerous Fellow among the Mutineers) in
Irons with him to _Maderas_. I did not at his first Confinement think of
sending him off; but this day a Sailor came aft to the Steeridg Door,
with near half the Ship’s Company of Sailors following him, and demanded
the Boatswain out of Irons. I desir’d him to speak with me by himself on
the Quarter-Deck, which he did, where the Officers assisted me, seiz’d
him, and made one of his chief Comrades whip him. This Method I thought
best for breaking any unlawful Friendship amongst themselves; which,
with different Correction to other Offenders, allay’d the Tumult; so
that now they begin to submit quietly, and those in Irons beg Pardon,
and promise Amendment, This Mutiny would not have been easily lay’d,
were it not for the number of our Officers, which we begin to find very
necessary to bring our Crew to Order and Discipline, which is always
very difficult in Privateers, and without which ’tis impossible to carry
on any distant Undertaking like ours. Fine pleasant Weather, and
moderate Gales.
It being little Wind, and contrary, we agreed to pass by _Maderas_, and
cruise a little amongst the _Canary_ Islands for Liquor, to prevent Loss
of time: So we took leave of the _Crown_ Galley, who was bound into
_Madera_.
_Sept. 15._ Last night we sent _Giles Cash_ aboard her in Irons, with
several Letters by the Commander at large to our Owners. We parted at
twelve a Clock at night. Fair Weather, very little Wind from W N W. to N
by E. had a very good Observation. Latitude 31 deg. 29 min. N.
_Sept. 16._ I discharg’d the Prisoners from their Irons, upon their
humble Submission and strict Promises of good Behaviour for time to
come. While they continu’d in Irons they had Centries over them, and
were fed with Bread and Water. Those that were Officers we restor’d to
their Places, and every body was order’d to obey them; _John Pillar_ the
Boatswain’s Mate was advanc’d to be Boatswain, so that we are all quiet
again. About eight this morning we saw Land, and found it to be
_Salvage’s_ Island, bearing S S W. distant eight Leagues, Latitude 29
deg. 45 min. Wind very little, and veerable, with fair clear Weather.
_Sept. 17._ Moderate Gales of Wind; the _Salvages_ at a distance is not
unlike the Island _Lundy_ in _Bristol_ Channel, about two miles long, a
high Island. This Morning we saw the Rock, that appear’d to us a good
League to the S W. of the Island, and took it to be a Sail till we came
near it. Little Wind between the N N E. and the West.
_Sept. 18._ At four yesterday in the Afternoon we came in sight of _Pico
Teneriff_, bearing S W by W. distant about eight Leagues; steer’d S S E.
and S E by S. for _Grand Canaries_. This Morning about five a clock we
spy’d a Sail under our Lee Bow, between the Islands of _Grand Canaries_
and _Forteventura_; we chas’d her, and at 7 came up with her. Our
Consort being a little a Head, fir’d a Gun, and made her bring to; she
prov’d a Prize, being a _Spanish_ Bark about 25 Tuns, belonging to
_Oratava_ on _Teneriff_, and bound to _Forteventura_ with about 45
Passengers; who rejoic’d when they found us _English_, because they
fear’d we were _Turks_. Amongst the Prisoners were four Fryars, and one
of them the Padre Guardian for the Island _Forteventura_, a good honest
old Fellow. We made him heartily merry, drinking King _Charles_ the
Third’s[91] Health; but the rest were of the wrong sort. We us’d them
all very well, without searching them, _&c._ Fresh Gales and fair
Weather, Wind from the N N E. to the E S E.
_Sept. 19._ After we had took the Prize, we stood to the Westward for
_Teneriff_, in order to have her ransom’d; where our Agent Mr.
_Vanbrugh_ press’d to go ashoar with some of the Prisoners. At eleven
last night the Wind being at N E. when we were very near the Shore, we
could hardly weather Cape _Nago_, the Eastermost part of _Teneriff_,
till the Wind veer’d to the Northward. We stood off till Day: In the
Morning it prov’d moderate, so we stood in for _Oratava_, and sent the
_Spanish_ Master of the Bark to it in his Boat, being mann’d with some
of the Prisoners. Mr. _Vanbrugh_ still insisting to go ashore, I
consented, tho against my Judgment, and he went with them to treat for
the Ransom of the Hull of the Bark; her small Cargo, which consisted in
two Butts of Wine, and one Hogshead of Brandy, and other small matters,
we design’d for our own use in both Ships, the Agents of each being to
take an account of it the first Opportunity. Fresh Gale of Wind at N E.
_Sept. 20._ About eight this Morning came a Boat off from _Oratava_ with
a Flag of Truce, and brought a Letter signifying that unless we would
immediately restore the Bark and Cargo, Mr. _Vanbrugh_ should be
detain’d. I sent to Capt. _Courtney_, who agreed with me on an Answer.
We stood in with our Ships within a League of the Town, to tow in the
Boat for Dispatch, and about eleven they went ashore again. Wind at N E
by E. very fresh.
The Letter sent us was as follows:
Capt. _Rogers_ and Capt. _Courtney_;
_Gentlemen_,
Port _Oratava, 20 Sept. 1708_.
‘Your Lieutenant coming ashore, and having given an account to our
Governor of your having taken a Boat belonging to this place bound
to _Forteventura_; we must inform you that her Majesty is
graciously pleas’d to allow a Trade between her Subjects and the
People of these Islands, whereof we suppose you are not ignorant;
and that it is approv’d of not only by his Catholick Majesty, but
also by the most gracious Christian King, who has sent
[Sidenote: _Amongst the Canary Isles._]
express Orders unto his Consul here, that none of his Men of War or
others shall molest any Ship trading to these Islands: and there
has been actually an Example of a Ship belonging to the Subjects of
her _Britannick_ Majesty, which was taken by a _French_ Privateer,
and upon due Application to the _French_ Consul, the Ship was
restor’d. Wherefore we are all of Opinion, that there can be no
room for your making a Prize of this _Spanish_ Bark; for it will be
extremely prejudicial to her Majesty’s Subjects that reside here,
and likewise to those in _England_ trading hither, by prohibiting
of all future Trade, by making more than sufficient Reprisal upon
our Effects here, and perhaps on our Persons, by reason of the
evident Breach on our part of the stipulated Trade which has been
concerted with us. Wherefore we must once more desire you to
restore the _Spanish_ Bark, as you will answer the contrary before
her Majesty, who has so far approv’d of the private Trade, that she
was pleas’d to allow of two Men of War (viz. the _Dartmouth_ Capt.
_Cock_, and the _Greyhound_ Capt. _Hariot_) the last year, who had
express Orders to molest in no manner of way any Vessel belonging
to the _Spaniards_; which accordingly they observ’d. Wherefore as
you have a due Regard to what is so much the Interest of her
Majesties Subjects, we expect at the return of this Boat, that you
will make Restitution of the said Bark, otherwise Mr. _Vanbrugh_
will not be permitted to go off, and there will be extravagant
Reprisals made upon our Estates and Persons, which we expect you
will take into your Consideration: and we cannot omit to let you
know, that there is now a _Spanish_ Bark actually in _England_,
which is daily expected with other _English_ Ships to load Wine,
which they will not be admitted to do, in case you don’t restore
this Bark. We don’t doubt but the People here out of Complaisance
will make you some acknowledgment of a Refreshment.
Gentlemen,
Your very humble Servants,
_J. Pouldon_, Vice-Consul, _J. Crosse_,
_Bernard Walsh_, _G. Fitz-Gerald_.
‘Pray excuse Haste, that we have not time to transcribe.
‘The rest of the Merchants are in the City where our Governor
generally resides, being about six Leagues hence.
Our Answer was thus:
_On board the_ Duke Frigat,
Sept. 20.
_Gentlemen_,
‘We have yours, and observe its Contents; but having no
Instructions given us with our Commission relating to _Spanish_
Vessels trading amongst these Islands, we can’t justify the parting
with this Bark on your single Opinions. It was Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_
misfortune to go ashore; and if he is detain’d, we can’t help it.
To have convinc’d us satisfactorily of what you say, you ought to
have sent us a Copy of her Majesty’s Orders or Proclamation; but we
doubt there’s no such thing in this case. If Mr. _Vanbrugh_ is
unjustly detain’d, we’ll carry the Prisoners we have on board to
the Port we are bound to, let the Consequence be what it will. We
are requir’d to be accountable no farther than we are oblig’d by
our Instructions, which we have given sufficient Security already
to follow, and don’t fear a _Premunire_ when we comply with them.
We know Fishing-Boats are excus’d on both sides, and all trading
Vessels from _Rio la Hache_ to the River of _Chagre_ in the
_Spanish West-Indies_. We admire the Master and Passengers should
be so ignorant of a thing so necessary to be known by ’em, for we
never had the least word or intimation from them of what you write.
The Example you give us of a Trade here allow’d by the _French_
King and Duke of _Anjou_, we don’t admire at, because it is for the
Benefit of the _Spaniards_; and we know the _English_ Ships are
protected no farther than in Anchor-Ground: and since we took this
Vessel at Sea, we shan’t part with her unless on our own Terms. If
you are positive in what you wrote us, and conscious what detriment
it will be to the _English_ Trade, you have no way to prevent it,
but immediately to ransom this Bark; and if it be her Majesty of
_Great Britain’s_ Pleasure, and we are better inform’d in
_England_, then we can justify our Conduct to the Gentlemen that
imploy’d us, and you will be again reimbursed. We shall wait but a
short time for an Answer, having Water and Provisions for our
selves and Prisoners to the _English_ Settlements, where we are
bound. We are apprehensive you are oblig’d to give us this Advice
to gratify the _Spaniards_; and with Respect are,
Gentlemen,
Your Humble Servants,
_Woodes Rogers_,
_Stephen Courtney_.
[Sidenote: _Amongst the Canary Isles._]
‘If you send us Mr. _Vanbrugh_, and the Man with him, we’ll send
you the Prisoners; but we’ll not part from the Bark, unless
ransom’d: tho the Value is not much, we will not be impos’d on. We
desire you to use all manner of Dispatch without loss of time,
which we can’t allow, nor answer it to our Employers.
_Sept. 21._ At six last night the _Spanish_ Boat came again to us with
dilatory Answers to our last, insisting on behalf of the _Spaniards_,
that the Goods should be return’d ’em, tho they consented to ransom the
Bark. To which we immediately return’d an Answer; for we were angry at
their Tediousness and our ill Treatment, our time being precious,
because we were inform’d that they expected every hour a small Privateer
that usually cruis’d off of _Madera_, as also a _Spanish_ Ship from the
_West-Indies_ design’d for _Santa Cruz_: So that it look’d like a
Design, to keep us here in suspence till these Ships might get safely
in, on the other side of the Island. Our Answer was to this effect: That
had it not been out of respect to our Officer on shore, we would not
have staid one minute, but would now stay till Morning for their Answer,
and take a Cruise among the Islands some time longer than we intended,
in order to make a Reprisal; and tho we could not land our Men, would
visit the Town with our Guns by eight next morning: adding, that we
hop’d to meet with the Governor’s Frigat, and should repay his Civility
in his own way, but wonder’d that they being _Englishmen_ should trifle
with us. The Letter had its effect; for this Morning at eight a clock we
stood in close to the Town, and spy’d a Boat coming off, which prov’d to
be one Mr. _Crosse_ an _English_ Merchant, and Mr. _Vanbrugh_ our Agent
with him, with Wine, Grapes, Hogs, and other Necessaries, for the Ransom
of the Bark. Upon his coming up, we immediately went to work, discharg’d
the Bark, and parted the small Cargo between our two Ships. We treated
Mr. _Crosse_ as well as we could, and at his desire gave the Prisoners
back as much as we could find of what belong’d to their Persons;
particularly to the Fryars their Books, Crucifixes, and Reliques. We
presented the old _Padre_ Guardian with a Cheese, and such as were
strip’d, with other Clothes. So that we parted, very well satisfy’d on
all sides. Mr. _Crosse_ told us the _Spaniards_ ashore were very
inquisitive whither we were bound; and understanding by the Prisoners
that our Ships were sheath’d, and so full of Provisions, they suspected
we design’d for the _South-Sea_: and he inform’d us that four or five
_French_ Ships from 24 to 50 Guns sail’d thence about a month before on
the same Voyage. But we did not think fit to own there, that we were
bound to any other place than the _English West-Indies_. These Islands
being so well known, I need not add any Description of them. We saw the
Pike of _Teneriff_ plain but once while there, it being generally
clouded; you may often see the Top above the Clouds, when the rest is
all cover’d with them. Now we are indifferently well stock’d with
Liquor, and shall be the better able to endure the Cold when we get the
Length of Cape _Horn_, which we are inform’d has always very cold bad
Weather near it.
_Sept. 22._ Last night just as we had finish’d with Mr. _Crosse_, and
deliver’d the _Spaniards_ their Bark, we spy’d a Sail to the Westward of
the Island between three and four in the Evening. We immediately made
what Sail we could, and steer’d W by N. along the Shore. At eight a
clock we were in sight of _Gomera_ bearing S S W. distant three Leagues,
_Palma_ W by N. distant five Leagues. We lost sight of the Sail before
Night, spoke with our Consort, and agreed to keep between _Palma_ and
_Gomera_ in our Voyage; it being uncertain to meet with the Chase the
next day, since last night she was near five Leagues from us, so that we
believ’d she might get into a place of safety, if an Enemy, before we
could see her. Besides, there came on a stiff Gale, which put us quite
out of hopes of seeing her again to advantage. Fair Weather, fresh Gales
at N E by N.
_Sept. 23._ About five yesterday in the afternoon, when at least 36
Leagues distant, we saw the _Pico Teneriff_ very plain. Fine pleasant
Weather, fresh Gales with smooth Water, Wind at N E by E.
_Sept. 24._ We sent our Boat for Capt. _Courtney_, Capt. _Cook_, Mr.
_Stratton_, and Mr. _Bath_ their Agent, who staid and din’d with us; and
whilst they were aboard, we held a Council, the Result of which was as
follows.
At a Committee by Desire of Capt. _Woodes Rogers_, Capt. _Thomas
Dover_, and Capt. _Stephen Courtney_, held on board the _Duke_.
[Sidenote: _Differences with Mr. Carleton Vanbrugh._]
_We have examin’d all Letters and Proceedings that happen’d at and after
the taking the_ Spanish _Bark, and the Reason of both Ships Stay off of_
Teneriff, _and amongst the_ Canary _Islands; and we do approve of all
that was transacted and wrote: the major part of us having at the time
when ’twas done advis’d the Commanders to it. Witness our Hands_,
Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton,
Steph. Courtney, Robert Frye,
Woodes Rogers, Charles Pope,
Will. Dampier, Thomas Glendal,
Edward Cook, John Bridge,
Carl. Vanbrugh, John Ballet.
William Bath,
Whilst the Committee were together, Mr. _Vanbrugh_ complain’d I had not
treated him as I ought: upon which I offer’d to refer it to all present,
that we might not have needless Misunderstandings at the beginning of
our Voyage; and they came to the following Resolution.
_Whereas there has been some Difference between Capt._ Woodes Rogers
_and Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh _the Ship’s Agent; it being refer’d to the
Council, we adjudg’d the said Mr._ Vanbrugh _to be much in the wrong. In
witness whereof, we have set our Hands, the_ 24_th of_ Sept. 1708.
Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Bath,
Stephen Courtney, Charles Pope,
William Dampier, Thomas Glendal,
Edward Cook, John Bridge,
Robert Frye, John Ballet.
William Stratton,
_Sept. 25._ This day, according to custom, we duck’d[92] those that had
never pass’d the Tropick before. The manner of doing it was by a Rope
thro a Block from the Main-Yard, to hoist ’em above half way up to the
Yard, and let ’em fall at once into the Water; having a Stick cross thro
their Legs, and well fastned to the Rope, that they might not be
surpriz’d and let go their hold. This prov’d of great use to our
fresh-water Sailors, to recover the Colour of their Skins which were
grown very black and nasty. Those that we duck’d after this manner three
times, were about 60, and others that would not undergo it, chose to pay
Half a Crown Fine; the Money to be levy’d and spent at a publick
Meeting of all the Ships Companys, when we return to _England_. The
_Dutch_ Men and some _English_ Men desir’d to be duck’d, some six,
others eight, ten, and twelve times, to have the better Title for being
treated when they come home. Wind N W by W. and veering to the Northward
and Eastward.
_Sept. 26._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we sold the loose Plunder of the
Bark amongst the Sailors by Auction. Fair Weather, moderate Gales at N N
E. had a very good Observ. Lat. 21. 33. N.
_Sept. 29._ Betwixt nine and ten at night, a Sailor going up to furl the
Main-Top-Gallant Sail, fell suddenly without any noise from the Main-Top
over board, occasion’d as I suppos’d by a Fit. At nine this morning we
saw Land, and suppos’d it to be _Sal_ one of the Cape _De Verd_ Islands,
bearing S E by S. distant about 12 Ls.[93] At twelve a clock at noon it
bore E S E. dist. 4 Ls. fair Weather, smooth Water, fresh Gales at N E.
Lat. 17. 5. N. Long. W. from _London_, 23. 16.
_Sept. 30._ After being satisfy’d the Island was _Sal_, we stood from it
W and W by N. for _St. Vincent_. At four a clock _Sal_ bore E by S. 1/4
S. dist. 10 Ls. At six _St. Nicholas_ bore S W by W. dist. 8 Ls. We went
with an easy Sail till four this Morning, and lay by to make the
Islands, because we had none aboard either Ship that was acquainted with
’em. When day broke, we saw the Islands all in a range, much as is laid
down in the Draughts. At ten a clock we anchored in the Bay of _St.
Vincent_ in five fathom Water. ’Tis a fine Bay: The Northmost Point bore
North near a mile dist. and the Westermost Point bore West dist. about
two miles: _Monk’s_ Rock, which is like a Sugar-Loaf, high and round,
and bold on every side, lies almost in the Entrance of this fine sandy
Bay on the West-side of the Island: But nearest the North Point of the
Bay, Sailors must be careful as they come in, not to run too near under
the high Land of the North Point, for fear of being becalm’d, and sudden
Flaws coming every way upon ’em. There being a small Shoal about three
Ships length almost without the Point, but giving it a small birth it’s
bold enough. We ran within two Cables length of the first round Point,
next to the long sandy Bay, and came to an anchor in clean sandy Ground.
_Monk’s_ Rock bore N W by N. dist. 3/4 Mile; the Body of the Island _St.
Antonio_ bore N W 1/2 N. dist. nine Miles.
[Sidenote: _Arival at St. Vincent._]
This is a fine Bay and good Landing, but the best at the Northermost
Point. The Wood lies in the middle of the sandy Bay, and the Water
between the North Point and the place where we anchor’d. There is good
Anchoring all over the Bay, and the _Monks_-Rock will direct any
Stranger into it, there being no other like it about this Island on the
side opposite to _St. Antonio_. It blows here a constant Trade-Wind
betwixt the E by N. and the N N E. except in the Months of _October_,
_November_, _December_, and _January_, it sometimes blows Southerly with
Tornadoes and Rain.