Variation 3. 30. Easterly; and I reckon it lies in the Longitude of 87.
35. West from _London_. The two largest Islands, call’d _Lobos de la
Mar_ (to distinguish them from others call’d _Lobos de la Terra_, within
2 Ls. of the Land) are about 16 Ls. from the Main, and 6 Miles in
length. There’s another small Island close by the Eastermost to
Windward, not half a mile long, with some Rocks and Breakers near the
Shore, all round and off of each side of the Entrance to the Road, which
is bold and has no visible Danger. There’s a Passage for Boats to
Windward, to come into the Road, which is to the Leeward of these
Islands in a Sound between them. ’Tis not half a mile broad, but above a
mile deep has from 10 to 20 fathom Water, and good Anchor-ground:
there’s no coming in for Ships, but to Leeward of the Islands. We went
in with a small Weather-Tide, tho I never perceiv’d it flow above 3 foot
whilst we lay here. The Wind commonly blows Southerly, veering a little
to the Eastward: on the Eastermost Island (which was on our Larboard
side as we lay at anchor in the Sound) there is a round Hummock, and
behind it a small Cove very smooth, deep, and convenient enough for a
Ship to careen in; there we haul’d up, and fitted our little Frigat. The
highest part of the Island appears in the Road not much higher than a
large Ship’s Top-Mast head. The Soil is a hungry white clayish Earth,
mix’d with Sand and Rocks. There’s no fresh Water, or green things on
the Islands: Here’s abundance of Vultures, _alias_ Carrion-Crows, which
look’d so like Turkeys, that one of our Officers at landing bless’d
himself at the sight, and hop’d to fare deliciously here. He was so
eager, that he would not stay till the Boat could put him ashore, but
leap’d into the Water with his Gun, and getting near enough to a parcel,
let fly at ’em; but when he came to take up his Game, it stunk
insufferably, and made us merry at his Mistake. The other Birds here are
Penguins, Pellicans, Boobys, Gulls, and a sort of Fowls like Teal, that
nestle in holes on the Land. Our Men got Loads of ’em, which they
skin’d, and prais’d them for very good Meat. We found abundance of
Bull-Rushes and empty Jars that the _Spanish_ Fishermen had left ashore.
All over this Coast they use Jars instead of Casks, for Oil, Wine, and
all other sorts of Liquids. Here’s abundance of Seals and some
Sea-Lions; the Seals are much larger than at _Juan Fernandez_, but the
Fur not so fine. Our People kill’d several with a design to eat their
Livers; but one of our Crew, a _Spaniard_, dying suddenly after eating
’em, I forbad the use of ’em. Our Prisoners told us, they accounted
those old Seals very unwholesom. The Wind always blowing fresh over the
Land, brought an ugly noisom Smell aboard from the Seals ashore; which
gave me a violent Head-Ach, and every body else complain’d of this
nauseous Smell; we found nothing so offensive at _Juan Fernandez_.
Our Prisoners tell us, they expect the Widow of the late Vice-Roy of
_Peru_ would shortly embark for _Aquapulco_, with her Family and Riches,
and stop at _Payta_ to refresh, or sail near in sight as customary, in
one of the King’s Ships of 36 Guns; and that about eight months ago
there was a Ship with 200000 Pieces of Eight aboard, the rest of her
Cargo Liquors and Flower, which had pass’d _Payta_ for _Aquapulco_: she
would have been a welcome Prize to us, but since she is gone, it’s not
worth while to follow her. Our Prisoners added, That they left Signior
_Morel_ in a stout Ship with dry Goods for _Lima_, recruiting at
_Payta_, where he expected in few days a _French_-built Ship, belonging
to the _Spaniards_, to come from _Panama_ richly laden, with a Bishop
aboard. _Payta_ is a common Recruiting-place to those who go to or from
_Lima_, or most Ports to Windward, in their Trade to _Panama_, or any
part of the Coast of Mexico. Upon this Advice we agreed to spend as much
time as possible cruising off of _Payta_, without discovering our
selves, for fear of hindring our other Designs.
At these Islands Capt. _Dampier_ in his last Voyage left his Ship the
_St. George_ at anchor, and went to the _East-Indies_ in a _Spanish_
Brigantine with about 25 Men: After he had plunder’d _Puna_ in 1704. and
water’d his small Bark near it, he endur’d many Hardships, and for want
of his Commission to show (which he lost at _Puna_) he was imprison’d,
and had all his Goods seiz’d in the _Indies_ by the _Dutch_.
Before we came hither, we held a Committee, and publish’d an Order in
both Ships, forbidding our Officers or Men on severe Penalties to hold
any Correspondence, or talk any thing that in the least concerns the
Voyage, with our Prisoners; which was strictly observ’d, to prevent the
Discovery of our Designs to the _Spaniards_.
_April 1._ Small Gales, fair clear Weather. This Morning I went in our
Yall on board the _Dutchess_, and afterwards spoke with the _Beginning_.
We agreed how to act, in case we see more than one Sail at a time to
chase.
[Sidenote: _From Lobos to the Northward._]
_April 2._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we were surpriz’d with the Colour
of the Water, which look’d as red as Blood for several miles, occasion’d
by the Spawn of Fish. This Morning at Daybreak we spy’d a Sail about 2
Ls. to Windward: We immediately hoisted out and mann’d our Pinnace,
commanded by Mr. _Frye_ my chief Lieutenant, who by eight in the Morning
took the Ship; she was call’d the _Ascension_, built Galeon-fashion,
very high with Galleries, Burden between 4 and 500 Tun, two Brothers
being Commanders, _viz._ _Joseph_ and _John Morel_. She was laden with
dry Goods and Timber, had above 50 Negroes, and several Passengers bound
from _Panama_ to _Lima_.
_April 3._ We immediately mann’d this Prize, took some of the
_Spaniards_ out of her, and put in Mr. _Frye_ Commander. We found a good
stock of fresh Provisions on board. In the Evening we saw another Sail,
which the _Beginning_ took, and brought her to the rest this Morning:
She was a Vessel of 35 Tuns, laden with Timber from _Guiaquil_ to
_Chancay_ near _Lima_; the Master’s Name was _Juan Guastellos_, the Crew
11 white Men and 1 Negro. We agreed with the _Dutchess_ and _Beginning_
when and where to meet; and having all our Stations appointed, they left
us. We were inform’d by the Prisoners, that the Bishop of _Chokeaqua_, a
Place far up the Country in the South Parts of _Peru_, was to have come
from _Panama_ in this Vessel for _Lima_, in his way to the said
Bishoprick; but the Ship springing a Leak at _Panama_, he went on board
a _French_-built Ship belonging to the _Spaniards_ that was following
them for _Lima_, but would stop at _Payta_ to recruit, as the _Morels_
had done. Being near that place, we resolve to watch narrowly in order
to catch the Ship with his Lordship.
_April 4._ About six in the Evening we parted with Mr. _Frye_ in the
great Prize, having order’d him with the two other Prizes to keep
together, and ply about 8 Ls. off shore in sight of the Hummocks call’d
the Saddle of _Payta_, because they appear in that shape with low Land
betwixt ’em. We stood in for the Shore, and next Morning saw a Ship to
Leeward, and gave chase; she made a Signal, by which we knew her to be
the _Dutchess_; but being at a distance, and we not having kept out our
Signal long enough, they did not see it. We kept on sail till we came
near her, which made them clear their Ship in order to fight: I did this
to surprize them, and at Noon went on board.
_April 5._ I kept the _Dutchess_ company till the Evening; and whilst I
was on board her, the _Beginning_ came down to us. We agreed on an exact
Station; the _Beginning_ to keep close in with _Payta_, the _Dutchess_ 8
Ls. to Leeward, and I to lie right off of _Payta_ about 7 or 8 Ls. a
little to Windward. Just as the sun set I left them; they fancy’d they
saw a Sail, and chas’d in great haste: but we saw nothing except the
blowing of a Whale, of which there are abundance on this Coast. Wind
from the S E by S. to the E S E.
_April 6._ We came up with our three Prizes about four a clock in the
Afternoon, and found all in good order. Mr. _Frye_ had fitted out the
great Boat we built at _Lobos_, which we call a Launch, with Sails and
Oars, ready to give chase if they saw any thing in little Winds, having
Men enough for that end, in these peaceable Seas, where they are in no
fear of an Enemy.
_April 7._ At eight this Morning the Saddle of _Payta_ bore E N E. 7 Ls.
at Noon N E. dist. 10 Ls. I went on board the Galeon to Mr. _Frye_, and
station’d him again, leaving Signals for the other two, if he saw ’em;
and after having din’d on a good Quarter of Mutton and Cabbage with him,
which is a great Rarity to us here, I came on board, in order to leave
him the second time.
Mr. _Vanbrugh_ threatning to shoot one of our Men at _Lobos_, only for
refusing to carry some Carrion-Crows that he shot, and having lately
abus’d Capt. _Dover_, as he said; the latter desir’d a Committee might
be call’d to examine into Mr. _Vanbrugh_’s Conduct, and we came to the
following Issue: _That Mr._ Vanbrugh _had committed sundry
Misdemeanours, and according to our Orders, we not believing him a fit
Person to be one of the Committee, had chosen Mr._ Samuel Hopkins _in
his stead_. Which was sign’d, and agreed to by all the Committee in both
Ships.
At the same time, while we were together, we had a second Committee;
which concluded as follows.
_We have examin’d and do approve of all the Proceedings and
Transactions since our leaving the Island of_ Grande _on the Coast
of_ Brazile, _both as to punishing Offenders, our Dispatch at_ Juan
Fernandez, _and staying at_ Lobos _to build our Boat, and acting in
all cases for the best of our intended Voyage to this time. In
Testimony of which, we have set our Hands the Day and Year
above-written._
Sign’d by all the chief Officers in both Ships.
_April 11._ Yesterday afternoon we all met aboard the _Duke_, to consult
how to act; for beginning to grow short of Water, we can’t keep the Sea
much longer.
[Sidenote: _From Lobos to the Northward._]
_April 12._ This Morning we came to a full Resolution to land and
attempt _Guiaquil_. In order thereunto we fix’d two Barks, put
Ammunition and Arms on board them, with our four Quarter-Deck Guns and
Field-Carriages. And for the Management of this Expedition, we held a
Committee, and resolv’d on the following Particulars.
At a Committee held on board the _Duke-Frigot_
_We have consulted and examin’d sundry Pilots taken in Prizes, and had
several Meetings on this Occasion, being provided with convenient
Vessels to carry our Men, Guns, Arms, and other Necessaries to_
Guiaquil: _We resolve to attempt it, having also consulted the most
secret way of managing our Attempts on it without discovery. We do
approve and appoint Capt._ Tho. Dover, _Capt._ Woodes Rogers, _and
Capt._ Stephen Courtney, _to command the Men design’d to land in three
equal Parties; except 21 Men with Capt._ William Dampier _and Mr._ Tho.
Glendall, _who are to manage and take care of the Guns, Ammunition,
Provisions_, &c. _which we agree to be lodg’d in a convenient place, as
near as possible to the best Landing-place nearest the Water-side, in
order to take care and help ship off the Effects that we may take in the
Town; who are also to serve either Commander, where most wanted._
_We leave the Management of this Expedition wholly to the prudent
Conduct of the above Commanders, whom we heartily wish and desire to
consult each other on all occasions, as the most promising Method to
succeed and keep our Designs secret; which is the only way to prevent
the Enemies removing their Wealth, or giving us a vigorous Reception.
This is our Opinion; in witness whereof we have set our Hands, the_
12_th of_ April 1709.
Sign’d by all the chief Officers in both Ships.
Memorandum,
_We have considered the Opinion of the foregoing Committee sign’d this
Day, and do jointly concur with them, and accordingly design to
prosecute it with our Lives and Fortunes to the utmost of our Power and
Judgment. Witness our Hands, this_ 12_th Day of_ April 1709.
Tho. Dover, _Presid._ Stephen Courtney.
Woodes Rogers,
_April 13._ We appointed an Officer to every ten Men, to prevent
Disorders, and stragling ashore.
The Committee having agreed on our Method of Command, left it to us
jointly and vigorously to attack the Enemy ashore; we knew that
Misfortunes attend Sailors when out of their Element: and hearing that
they began to murmur about the Encouragement they were to expect for
Landing, which they alledg’d was a risque more than they were ship’d
for; to prevent their Desertion, which we had reason to apprehend, since
they were a mix’d Gang of most _European_ Nations, we the Commanders
agreed on the most plausible Methods we could then think of, to form a
good Discipline among ’em, if possible, and to give ’em all needful
Encouragement, that we might depend on their good Order and Bravery; and
therefore came to the following Resolves.
_Whereas as it is agreed to land and take the Town of_ Guiaquil, _we
fully resolve to do it with all manner of Privacy and Dispatch; and that
we our selves and our Men may have full Encouragement to attempt it
bravely and cheerfully, we publish this following Order._
Imprim. _All manner of Bedding and Clothes without stripping, all manner
of Necessaries, Gold Rings, Buckles, Buttons, Liquors, and Provisions
for our own expending and use, with all sorts of Arms and Ammunition,
except great Guns for Ships, is Plunder, and shall be divided equally
amongst the Men of each Ship, with their Prizes, wither aboard or
ashore, according to the whole Shares._
[Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil._]
2. _It is also agreed, that any sort of wrought Silver or Gold
Crucifixes, Gold and Silver Watches, or any other Movables found about
the Prisoners, or wearing Apparel of any kind, shall likewise be
Plunder: Provided always we make this Reserve, that Mony and Womens
Ear-Rings, with loose Diamonds, Pearls, and precious Stones be excepted.
And if any thing is short and omitted in this Publication, we do hereby
declare, that when this Expedition is over, every particular Man shall
have a Hearing; or the Persons already appointed for the Company of both
Ships, may come to us, and insist on what is or ought to be deem’d
Plunder, either more or less than what is here inserted; and that a
general Committee of the Officers of both Ships shall immediately meet,
and at once resolve if any mors is or ought to be Plunder. And that we
shall give all manner of Encouragement, without Fraud to the Owners, or
Prejudice to our selves, Officers, and Men, in the same manner as agreed
on at the Island of_ St. Vincent _on this head: Provided always that our
Intent and Meaning for the Mens Encouragement be not made liable to a
Construction prejudicial to the Owners, or Ships Companies Interest; and
that under pretence of the aforesaid Movables allow’d to be Plunder, no
Person whatsoever do seize on, or clandestinely hide any wrought or
unwrought Gold or Silver, Pearls, Jewels, Diamonds, and other precious
Stones, which are not found about the Prisoners, or their wearing
Apparel; which shall be accounted a high Misdemeanour, and punish’d
severely: And that no Person do presume to keep any Plunder, but
immediately deliver it to his Officers publickly, and carry it directly
to the Place appointed for Plunder._
_In case this or any other Town, Fort, Ships, or the like, be taken in
this Expedition by Storm, then the same Encouragement shall be allow’d
each Man, as agreed on at_ St. Vincent, _over and above the Gratuity
promis’d by the Owners, to such as shall signalize themselves in time of
Action, as by their Instrument appears. But if any Party of ours, or the
whole, or any separate Body shall be engag’d with the Enemy on shore,
and become Victors, then all Prisoners, the Mony, Arms, and Movables
about ’em, are immediately on that place to be brought to the Officer or
Officers of that Body or Party, and put into a general Stock, to be
divided proportionately amongst those only of our Men that were engag’d
in that Action, who are to enjoy the whole Reputation and Right of it to
themselves._
_And tho there had been nothing yet taken worth a Division of Plunder,
we don’t question but the effecting this good Enterprize will equally
encourage us all, and that we shall gladly and expeditiously get the
Wealth of the Town brought to the places appointed on shore. There shall
at the same time be several Places appointed, and Men to receive
Plunder, and a sufficient time before we leave the Town allow’d to ship
it off by it self, and Men appointed to take care and an account of it;
which, with all other Plunder, shall be enter’d in publick Books: and
when we come on board, we hope and design to divide it equally, to the
Satisfaction of all concern’d._
_And to prevent all manner of pernicious and mischievous Ill-Conduct
that may accrue by Disorders on shore, we pressingly remind you, that
any Officer or other that shall be so brutish as to be drunk ashore in
an Enemy’s Country, shall not only be severely punish’d, but lose all
share of whatsoever is taken in this Expedition. The same Punishment
shall be inflicted on any that disobeys Command, or runs from his Post,
discourages our Men, or is cowardly in any Action, or presumes to burn
or destroy any thing in the Town without our Order, or for mischief
sake; or that shall be so sneakingly barbarous to debauch themselves
with any Prisoners on shore, where we have more generous things to do,
both for our own Benefit and the future Reputation of our selves and our
Country. We shall always take care to keep Prisoners of the best Note,
as Pledged for our Men that may be accidentally missing: for as soon as
any Man is wanting, we shall engage the_ Spaniards _to bring him to us,
or give a satisfactory account of him. But we desire no Man to trust to
this, or be a moment from his Officers and Post. And if all the
foregoing Rules be strictly follow’d, we hope to exceed all other
Attempts of this nature before us in these Parts; and not only to enrich
and oblige our selves and Friends, but even to gain Reputation from our
Enemies. Dated and sign’d on board the_ Duke, _the_ 13_th of_ April,
1709.
Tho. Dover, _Pres._ Stephen Courtney.
Woode Rogers.
_April 14._ This Morning we got all our Arms, Ammunition, and
Provisions, with part of our Men, _&c._ aboard. Our Bark being the
largest, we took in part of Capt. _Courtney’s_ Men; and his Bark
carrying the rest, we stood into the great Bay of _Guiaquil_ all night,
designing to leave the Ships a good distance at Sea, for fear of being
discover’d from the Town call’d _Tombes_, which lying on the Starboard
side going in, would ruin our Design. Wind at South, but very little.
Lat. 4. 23. 85. 42.
[Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil._]
_April 15._ At Break of Day we saw a Ship between us and the Land: being
calm, we sent off both our Pinnaces mann’d and arm’d. But our Men
expecting no Resistance from that Ship, they hurry’d from us, left out
their Swivel-Gun, and carry’d but a slender Stock of Arms with them. My
Brother _John Rogers_ being unfortunately aboard our Ship, to assist me
in getting ready, because he was to be Lieutenant of my Company ashore,
he stept into our Boat. I had before this oppos’d his landing, which he
resented as a Slight; and this hinder’d me stopping him now, tho it was
not his business, he being second Lieutenant of our Consort, and we
having Officers enough of our own for that Service: but Mr. _Frye_, who
commanded the Boat, being related to us, was the occasion of my
Brother’s Willingness to go as a Volunteer with him. The _Dutchess’s_
Pinnace was worse provided than ours, and had not Arms enough for their
Men, as Capt. _Cooke_ told me afterwards. About nine a clock our Boat
came within shot of the Ship, which prov’d to be the _French_-built Ship
belonging to _Lima_, the same we have been a cruising for. They hoisted
their _Spanish_ Ensign in its place, and a Flag at their Top-Mast-Head;
which our Boats took to be the Bishop’s Banner, because it was broad,
made of white Sattin and fring’d, which was unusual Colours in Ships.
They fir’d a Gun at our Boat, which lay still above half an hour before
the _Dutchess_ Pinnace came up, she not rowing so well as ours. When
they came up, Capt. _Cooke_, Mr. _Frye_, and my Brother consulted how to
begin the Attack with advantage: They agreed that our Boat should ply
her under the Stern, and the other on the Bow, till they could get near
enough to board at once. But when they came up, the _Spaniards_ brought
a Gun right aft, and upwards of twenty small Arms pointed into the
Boats; so that the Fight began before they could reach the Station
agreed on, and both were forc’d to engage the Enemy abaft, where they
had five Guns mounted. Our People were constrain’d to fall a-stern
twice, after the loss of one Man kill’d and three wounded. The Boats and
Sails were much damag’d by the Enemies Partridge-shot,[128] yet they
again attempted to come up and board her. At this Attack my unfortunate
Brother was shot thro the Head, and instantly died, to my unspeakable
Sorrow: but as I began this Voyage with a Resolution to go thro it, and
the greatest Misfortune or Obstacle shall not deter me, I’ll as much as
possible avoid being thoughtful and afflicting my self for what can’t be
recall’d, but indefatigably pursue the Concerns of the Voyage, which has
hitherto allow’d little Respite. Our Men, upon this Disaster, left
engaging, and put all their spare Men and Arms into the _Dutchess_’s
Boat; who was to keep between the Enemy and the Shore, to prevent them
from landing their Riches. Our Ships having little Wind, were yet at a
distance; and our Boat came aboard after noon, with two dead and three
wounded Men.
_April 16._ We got possession of the _Spanish_ Ship about two yesterday
in the afternoon. She had upwards of 50 _Spaniards_ and above 100
Negroes, _Indians_, and Molattoes on board. They would not strike till
within half-shot of our Ships: The _Dutchess_ being somewhat nearest,
fir’d two Shot over her, and then she struck, and bore down to us. But
we miss’d the Bishop, who ten days before landed at Point _St. Hellena_,
with his Attendants, Plate, _&c._ designing to stop at _Guiaquil_. This
Morning we saw a small Sail under the shore; we sent our Pinnace and the
_Beginning_, who brought her off to us: she prov’d a small Bark from
_Payta_ with Soap, Cassa, Fistula, and Leather. About twelve we read the
Prayers for the Dead, and threw my dear Brother overboard, with one of
our Sailors, another lying dangerously ill. We hoisted our Colours but
half-mast up: We began first, and the rest follow’d, firing each some
Volleys of small Arms. All our Officers express’d a great Concern for
the Loss of my Brother, he being a very hopeful active young Man, a
little above twenty Years of Age.
_April 17._ We made ready to go ashore, and read the Encouragement
agreed on the 13_th_ to the Men, who all express themselves well pleas’d
with the Undertaking, and were so forward to land, that they make all
the Interest possible to go ashore; not considering that we must secure
a safe Retreat, by leaving a sufficient number on board our Ships to man
’em and guard our Prisoners: but it was a proof of their Courage, since
the Advantage was alike, either to stay on board or go ashore. To
prevent their stragling when landed, we gave each Man a Ticket, that he
might remember what Company he belong’d to; and appointed the best and
soberest Man we could pick to command every ten Men under the Captains.
Capt. _Courtney_ and I being willing to compliment our President Capt.
_Dover_, agreed that he should have the Preference in Command at our
Landing: being a considerable Owner in our Ship, he had an equal third
part of the Men allotted to be under his Command whilst ashore; we were
afterwards to take it in turns.
[Sidenote: _The Isle of Puna._]