_Hatley_ in the _Beginning_, and an empty Bark which the _Duke’s_ Yall
had taken in our Absence; the _Spaniards_ having run ashore and left
her at Anchor off of Point _Arena_. Our People were concern’d at our
being absent so long, and hearing no News of us, the Scarcity of Water
had made ’em give the Prisoners but a Pint a Day for some time; and they
sunk the last small Prize we took coming from _Payta_, to prevent the
Prisoners running away with her, for they had not Men to spare for
manning her themselves. By Day-light I got aboard, where I found all our
People overjoyed at our Meeting again, after 12 Days Absence on an
Undertaking subject to so many fatal Accidents, which we happily
escaped. Captain _Cook_ and _Frye_ were very uneasie in our Absence, and
had their full Share of Care and Fatigue. They usually gave the
Prisoners Liberty by Day, but kept their Arms always ready, and the
after Part of the Ships to themselves: At Night they shut ’em up in the
Fore-Castle, or between Decks; but aboard the Prize, which was not so
secure, they put them in Irons every Evening, and let ’em out in the
Morning; but never suffer’d any Correspondence between the Prisoners in
the several Ships, by which Means they neither knew their own Strength,
nor our Weakness, any further than in the respective Ships they were
confin’d to. _Roger Booth_, one of the _Dutchess’s_ Men, who was wounded
through his Wind-pipe, in the Engagement with the _Havre de Grace_, died
the 20th Instant. _William Essex_, a stout Sailor, one of our
Quarter-Masters, being wounded in the Breast in the same Fight, died the
24th Instant: So that out of both Ships we lost 4 Good Men, including my
dear Brother, by that Engagement. Mr. _James Stratton_, a Quarter-Master
belonging to the _Dutchess_, that was wounded at the same time, by a
Musket-Ball in his Thigh, is now out of Danger, The wounded in these
Parts, are more frequently attended with Fevers, and other dangerous
Accidents, than in _Europe_.
[Sidenote: _At Guiaquil._]
_Apr. 30._ About 3 Yesterday Afternoon a Sail from under the Main
appear’d in sight running up the Channel to _Guiaquil_; Capt. _Cooke_
sent the _Havre de Grace_’s Boat in pursuit of her, but my Pinnace
sailing better, followed and took her before Sun set: She was a Bark of
above 30 Tuns, from _Sania_, call’d the _Francisco la Salma_, Senior
_Jacomo de Brienas_ Master, with 6 Men on board: She was laden with
about 270 Bags of Flour, Beans and Pease; near 200 Sugar-Loaves; several
Frails of Quinces, Marmalet, Sugar-plumbs, and other Sweetmeats, with a
good Quantity of large Pomegranates, Apples and Onions; a little of this
Country Cheese, and dried Beef: They had been out 7 Days, and heard
nothing of us; but confirm’d the Story of an _English_ Squadron
expected in these Seas, and that there were several stout _French_ Ships
in their Harbours, particularly two at _Lima_, and one at _Pisco_,
besides others in the Harbours of _Chili_: That at _Chenipe_, whence
they came, being the Sea-port to _Sania_, there was a strict Order
lately sent from _Lima_ to the chief Officer there, to be on his Guard,
and keep continual Watch in the same Manner as I have before noted, in
the Order we found directed to the Lieutenant or Governour of _Puna_.
This Morning, at 7, the _Beginning_ came to an Anchor by us, from
_Puna_, with a few Jarrs of Water, which we mightily wanted.
Mr. _Goodall_ and others told me, there were no other Barks coming down
but what went up with his, from the Ships for Water, and that he did not
know the Reason why the rest stay’d there: He told me, he had a Letter
from Capt. _Courtney_ to his Second, Capt. _Cook_, but no Message or
Letter from him or Capt. _Dover_ to me; adding, he heard one of them say
that they expected this Bark would meet the Ships half way coming up to
_Puna_, and that they looked for me hourly. This unexpected Story
surpriz’d me, but I suppos’d they might now have some Hopes of disposing
our Cargo to the _Spaniards_ at _Guiaquil_, which occasion’d their
Staying, and Expectation of my Return. I discours’d it with Capt.
_Cooke_ and Mr. _Frye_, and saw Capt. _Courtney’s_ Letter, but not a
Word of Advice to me: However, I resolved to hasten away the
_Beginning_, with some Negroes (the most troublesome Goods we had) to
dispose of, that they might be at _Puna_ before me. I began to unmore
the _Havre de Grace_, in order to go up with the Flood, hoping to sell
her Cargo, or good Part of it, while our Ships took in Water, resolving
to save as much Time as possible. Mean while the other Water Bark
arriv’d, but without any manner of Advice to me when those above
design’d to come down, or to send the Men that were so much wanting
aboard, to put things in order for our going to Sea.
_May 1._ Yesterday, in the Afternoon, I took Sen. _Morell_ for a Pilot,
and weigh’d with the _Havre de Grace_, but having little Wind, and being
neep Tides, I did not get one Third of the Way up to _Puna_, with that
Flood: I was likewise but ill mann’d; because I was obliged to leave the
Pinnace and Crew that came down with me for the Security of our Ship. We
weigh’d again with the Morning Flood, and met the _Dutchess_’s Bark
coming down, but without the least Advice to me from the 2 Captains at
_Puna_, which farther confirm’d me that they waited for my Company, and
the Ship, to sell her Goods: I was pleas’d at the Thoughts of this, for
I concluded, that had it been otherwise, one, or both of them, would
have come down, or have sent all the Barks, except one to stay for the
Ransom. We were forced to anchor again before high Water; and the Tide
shot us over towards the Island. There is a Shole Sand above half Way up
to _Puna_, near mid Channel, over on that side, which ’tis difficult to
avoid, unless we have a commanding Gale to keep in the Channel which is
nearest the Main; ’tis the Starboard Shore as you go up, and there are
gradual Soundings on both sides to the Shoal on the Larboard side, or
the main Land on the Starboard side, keeping between 4 and 7 Fathom
Water; the Coast clear of all is N. E. up the Channel, bearing about two
large Leagues off Point _Arena_, where it’s bold, and all athwart, till
we get 2 Leagues higher than Point _Arena_; and as we come against, or a
little above, the white Chalky Cliff, near the Point or upper End, and
the highest part of the Island of _Puna_, we must hall over for the
Island, and come to an Anchor before the Houses, that are plain to be
seen, when we get above the high Point, which is easily known, because
all the Land on the Island is even with the Water, and elsewhere there’s
nothing to be seen but Trees, down to the River. We must keep nearest
the Starboard Shore, going up, which is the only Channel for Ships; ’Tis
above 8 Leagues from Point _Arena_ to the Town of _Puna_; which lies on
the upper End of the Island of that Name.
_May 2._ We got up to an Anchor before _Puna_, by 10 this Morning, where
I found 4 of the Barks that came down from _Guiaquil_. Capt. _Dover_ and
_Courtney_ came on Board, and contrary to Expectation told me, they had
not heard one Word from the _Spaniards_ since we left them. This being
the last Day appointed for Payment, a Boat came and brought us upwards
of 22000 Pieces of 8, in part of the Ransom, which we immediately
receiv’d, and dispatch’d the Boat back, telling them, we design’d to
leave this Place in the Morning, and would carry off the Hostages, if
they did not come time enough with the rest of the Mony to prevent it.
[Sidenote: _At Guiaquil._]
_May 3._ Yesterday in the Afternoon Capt. _Courtney_ took Charge of the
_Havre de Grace_, and I agreed to follow him in the Morning, to Point
_Arena_, after I had ship’d off 7 live Black Cattel, some Sheep, Hogs
and Fowls, with a good Quantity of Plantains, about 80 Jarrs and some
Casks of Water, 24 Packs of Cocoa, 2 Sails, and 4 large Brass
Patereroes. Two Barks sail’d about Midnight with the _Marquiss_. I
began again early in the Morning, and by 9 got all aboard. We agreed to
leave the Lieutenant of _Puna_ here, giving him 4 old sick Negroes, and
a damag’d Bail of Goods for what we had taken from him, being a Man we
had some Respect for: We also parted very friendly with several of our
Prisoners we took at Sea, particularly an old Padre that I had treated
civilly at my own Table, ever since we took him, for which he was
extremely thankful.
About a League before the Town I saw the _Havre de Grace_ at Anchor,
near the Edge of a Shoal, and the _Dutchess_’s Pinnace coming from her,
with Captains _Courtney_, _Dover_, and _Dampier_, who had quitted the
_Havre de Grace_, and desired to exchange with me, which I did.
_May 5._ I went aboard the _Havre de Grace_ about 2 in the Afternoon,
and got her out of Danger into the Channel, but came to an Anchor again,
by the Advice of Senior _Morell_ and the _Indian_ Pilot: I encourag’d
’em and the Men to assist me as much as possible to get her under Sail,
because we were in hast to be gone, but there being little Wind, I could
not make use of half the Ebb, before I was again in shole Water, and
came to an Anchor, where for the want of Wind we lay for the rest of
these 24 Hours.
_May 5._ This Morning I got the Length of our Ships again, and soon
after Day went aboard the _Duke_, being quite sick by my long Fatigue.
Capt. _Courtney_ came to me aboard, and we agreed to throw the Timber
and great Boat between Decks in the Galeon overboard, to make room for
the Flour and _Guiaquil_ Goods which were yet in the Barks. We gave the
Flour Prize to the Prisoners whom we let go, to carry to the Inhabitants
of _Guiaquil_, and took in as much Water as we could get. Most of it was
fetch’d half Way above _Puna_, in the River towards _Guiaquil_, and tho’
but very indifferent, we had not half enough for want of Time.
_May 6._ Our Hostages are very uneasy, fearing the Mony will not come in
Time to redeem them, and it’s worse than Death, they say, to be carried
to _Great Britain_. We got all aboard last Night, by 7 a Clock, our
People being fatigued. I was willing to rest my self and them one Night
before we sailed; but Capt. _Courtney_ was in too much hast, and my
Second, Capt. _Dover_, and my Pilot _Dampier_ forsook me to go along
with him. They sailed at Midnight with the _Havre de Grace_, leaving me
and the rest at Anchor. Mr. _Connely_, who went in the Bark for Water,
did not return till the Morning, when we saw our Consort and Prize at
Anchor; for the Weather falling calm, they did not get 2 Leagues from us
that Ebb. At high Water, about 10 this Morning, all the rest of us came
to sail. Our small Bower Cable was cut with the foul Ground, and we lost
our Anchor.
I endeavour’d, but in vain, to convince the other Captains that we were
not yet in any danger from the Enemy, because it was not possible that
the _French_ and _Spaniards_ could have Notice of us, and arm out time
enough from _Lima_ to attack us.
_May 7._ Yesterday, about 4 in the Afternoon, we came to an Anchor
again, in 13 Fathom Water, about 4 Leagues below Point _Arena_. At 2
this Morning, with a very small Breeze, we came to sail: Sometime after
Senior _Morell_, that went with us up to _Guiaquil_ from _Puna_, and a
Gentleman of that Town related to our Prisoners, brought us about 3500
Pieces of 8, in Plate, towards the Ransom: they came as far as Point
_Arena_ in a Boat, and thence follow’d in one of the 4 Barks that we
left by Agreement.
_May 8._ Yesterday, in the Afternoon, we discharg’d all our Prisoners,
except the _Morells_, a little _Dutchman_, and a Gentleman’s son of
_Panama_, with our _Indian_ Pilots, that I took aboard to amuse the
People of _Guiaquil_ that we should return thither, and 2 more that
desir’d to stay with us, besides the 3 Ransomers. The Gentleman that
came from _Guiaquil_ had a Gold Chain and some other Moveables, with
which he purchased the _Beginning_ of us, and we gave the Captain of the
_Havre de Grace_ 3 Negroe Women, and Senior _Morell_, and Senior
_Ignatius_, one a piece, and to all of them good part of their waring
Apparel: So that we parted very friendly. They told us, A Prisoner we
put a shore at _Puna_, call’d Senior Don _Pedro Sinfuegos_, was a Man of
great Credit at _Guiaquil_; that he had got a good Sum together, before
they came thence in order to buy Goods of us, and that they expected him
in less than 12 Hours; adding, that there were several others coming
down to trade with us, but the Majority of our Officers would not
believe ’em, being resolved to make the utmost Dispatch for the
_Gallapagos_ Islands: They press’d to know where they might meet us to
trade, but every one was against informing them of the Place where we
design’d to rendezvous, lest they should discover it to the Enemies
Ships of War.
[Sidenote: _Description of Guiaquil._]
At 8 last Night we came to an Anchor in 16 Fathom Water. The Island
_Sancta Clara_ bore N. E. by N. 5 Leagues. At 2 this Morning we weighed
with the Flood, Wind at S. W. at 6 the Island bore N. by E. 4 Leagues
distance.
_A Description of the Province of_
Guiaquil.
The City or Town of _Guiaquil_ is the Metropolis of a Province of that
Name in _Peru_, govern’d by a President with 5 or 6 Orderes, which makes
a Royal _Audiencia_ or chief Court of Judicature, accountable only to
the Viceroy in military Affairs. Every Province has a Government of the
same Nature.
These Governors are commonly appointed, or, to speak more properly,
purchase their Offices in Old _Spain_, for Life, or good Behaviour; and
in case any die, or misbehave themselves, the Vice-roy may name another
during his Time, which ought to be but 5 Years; but sometimes he gets
these Officers of his own placing confirm’d by an Order from _Spain_,
which is a considerable Part of the Vice-roy’s unknown Profits. The late
Vice-roy continued 14 Years, several new ones having died by the Way.
The King of _Spain_ himself scarce lives in more Splendor than his
Vice-roy in the City of _Lima_, where the chief Courts of Judicature are
kept, and Appeals are brought thither from all Courts and Provinces of
this extensive Kingdom. I should not here mention the vast Wealth the
late Vice-roy obtain’d during his Government; the Sum being so large
that I thought it fabulous, but that I was inform’d of it by so many
Hands, who told me, that about 4 Years ago he died at least worth
8000000 Pieces of 8, and left it to his Widow and Children, but the
greatest Part to his eldest Son, the _Conde de la Monclo_, besides vast
Sums he gave away in Charity, during his Life-time, and the many
Churches, Fryaries, and Nunneries that he built.
He left a better Character behind him than any Vice-roy had done for an
Age past. The Conde, his eldest Son, waits here, expecting to succeed
the present Vice-roy of _Peru_ or _Mexico_, if the Government holds in
Old _Spain_; but I and every _Englishman_ ought earnestly to hope, that
K. _Charles_ III. will happily recover that Monarchy, and gratefully
place a Vice-roy here that will shew himself as good a Friend to the
_English_ Trade, as the present Vice-roy does to the _French_; for he
openly espouses their Interest, and encourages them; whereas the
_Spaniards_ say, he racks and heavily oppresses their own Countrymen.
The Corregidore that last died at _Guiaquil_, tho’ he had possess’d the
Office but 5 Years, had rak’d together 300000 Pieces of 8, tho’ his Post
was not allow’d to exceed above 2000 Pieces of 8 _per Annum_; but all
the Corregidores make vast Advantages by Seizures, and trading privately
themselves.
The Trade to and from _Mexico_ is forbid here, under the severest
Penalty, especially transporting Quick-silver from _Peru_ thither,
because Quantities are brought from Old _Spain_, which is impos’d on the
Refiners at great Rates. Here are many Ships employ’d coasting in this
Kingdom; but a Trade is so severely prohibited between ’em and _Mexico_,
that all the Commodities with Silver and Gold in Returns, may have
little other Circulation in these vast Countries, but by the Flota and
Galeons to and from Old _Spain_. Yet notwithstanding the Severity us’d
against private Traders, by the Vice-roys and Corregidores, there are
some that use it, who have no Mercy shew’d ’em if caught, all being
seiz’d in the King’s Name, tho’ his Majesty has little or no Share of
it; All such Seizures (as I am told) being divided amongst these
Officers, and the poor Sufferer banish’d or confin’d to a Goal.
[Sidenote: _Description of Guiaquil._]
All _English_ and _Dutch_ Goods, except what comes by the Galeons, are
prohibited here, so that the private Traders, after they have by stealth
purchased ’em in the _North_ Seas, must vend ’em in like manner all over
_Peru_, and if the wholesale Merchants have not a good Certificate from
the Commerce of _Sevilia_, that their Commodities came by the Flota or
Galeons; whenever the Goods are question’d, they must disown them, for
fear of a worse Punishment, unless they have a good Interest in the
Vice-roy, which costs dear to purchase, and preserve; so that the Trader
makes little Profit, but where the chief Officers have a feeling: yet
tho’ these mercenary Vice-roys are so severe on others, they themselves
employ the Corregidores to negotiate a Trade for them by a 3d Hand,
which cannot be done to the Purpose, without being publickly known; so
that Ships are constantly imployed on their Account, and carry
Quick-silver and all manner of prohibited Goods to and from _Mexico_ out
of By-ports. Thus, being their own Judges, they get vast Estates, and
stop all Complaints in Old _Spain_, by Bribes. The Goods they trade for
have a free Passage and Sale through the Continent, whilst others, if
they do but offer at it, are punish’d as above.
Their other Ways of getting Money unjustly are too many; but in short,
in my Opinion, there’s no Country naturally more rich, nor any People
more terribly oppress’d.
The _Spaniards_ say, and I believe, not without Reason, That a Vice-roy,
after purchasing his Place with all that he has, and quitting Old
_Spain_ as poor as _Job_, comes here like a hungry Lion, to devour all
that he can; and that every Officer under him in the Provinces (who are
ten times more than are necessary) are his Jackals to procure Prey for
him, that they may have a Share of it themselves.
To this we may add, the Burthen of a numerous and luxurious Clergy, that
indulge their Pride, Sloth, Effeminacy and Bigottry, more than in the
_Romish_ Countries of _Europe_: So that were this Country possess’d by
an industrious and well govern’d People, we might have reason to fear,
that Silver and Gold would become so plentiful, and by consequence of so
little Value, that the World would be at a Loss to find a less
troublesome and more acceptable Species to satisfy Avarice and Luxury.
The River of _Guiaquil_, from about 2 Leagues above _Puna_ to Point
_Arena_, is so broad, that a Man can scarce see cross the Channel; the
Land down to the Water-side, is low and cover’d with Mangrove Trees; the
Tide flows above 3 Fathom, and an East and West Moon, as near as I could
guess, makes High-water at _Puna_. The Tide has a quick Current, much
stronger than in the _Thames_, and I believe the Ebb is little inferior
to that at _Bristol_, and the Water as thick, and as much discolour’d.
Not being able to describe the Channel plain enough to direct Strangers,
I shall give a View of it from a _Spanish_ Draught; for I had not time
enough to draw the Channel, or found it all along. There’s need of a
good Pilot to carry a Vessel to the Town. The River is 14 Leagues
navigable beyond it, and the Tide flows 20 Leagues above it, but Canoes
and Bark-Logs go much higher.
The Province abounds with several sorts of good Timber, which makes it
the chief Country of _Peru_ for building and repairing Ships; there’s
seldom less than 6 or 7 at a time on the Stocks before the Town of
_Guiaquil_. The chief Commodity this City and its Province afford is
_Cocoa_, which is so plentiful, as to supply most Places on the _South
Sea_; they say there’s never less exported in a Year than 30000
Cargaus, each Cargau 81 Pound Weight, and sometimes double the Quantity:
It was purchas’d generally at half a Ryal _per_ Pound, but now much
cheaper, so that the Cargau may be bought for 2 Pieces of Eight and a
half. Their coasting Trade is for Salt and Salt Fish, from Point _Santa
Helena_, and most vended at _Quito_ and other distant Places within
Land. A vast quantity of Timber is laden here for _Truxillo_, _Chancay_,
_Lima_, and other Sea-ports, where ’tis scarce; it pays a great Freight,
and is a profitable Trade: They export also from hence Rice, Cotton, and
some dry’d Jerkt Beef. There are no Mines of Silver or Gold in this
Province, but Plenty of all sorts of Cattle, and very cheap, especially
on the Island _Puna_, where we supply’d our selves with what we could
stow conveniently. Here’s no other Corn but _Indian_, so that all their
Flower is brought from _Truxillo_, _Cheripe_, and other Places in the
Windward Parts, it blows here always Southerly. They are also supplied
with several sorts of Woollen Cloth, and very good strong Bays made at
_Quito_; their Wine, Brandy, Oil, Olives and Sugar, _&c._ come from
_Piscola_, _Nasca_, and other Places to Windward. All sorts of
_European_ Goods come hither from _Panama_, whither they are brought
over Land from _Portobello_ out of the North Seas; so that the Number of
Ships that come and go from hence, without including the Coasters, are
no less than 40 Sail every Year, which shows that the Port of _Guiaquil_
is no mean Place of Trade in this Part of the World. A Market is also
kept on Bark-Logs and Boats in the River every day before the Town, with
all that the Country affords in great plenty.
Having thus given an account of the Wealth and Trade of the Town and
Province from my own Knowledge, or good Information, I shall now proceed
to give a further Account of the Strength and Government of the
Province. The Corregidore is Governour in all Civil and Military Affairs
of the whole; the next is his Lieutenant, call’d by the _Spaniards_
Lieutenant General, and all the chief Officers reside in or near
_Guiaquil_.
[Sidenote: _Description of Guiaquil._]
Their Method of trying Civil and Criminal Causes being different from
ours, I shall give as clear an Idea of it as I can. When any Court is
held, or urgent Affair happens, the following Persons are summon’d to
the Council in _Guiaquil_. First, the Corregidore, the Lieutenant
General, 2 Alcaldes or Justices, who are generally Men vers’d in the
Law, and serve in the nature of Mayors and Justices by turns every
Year; the next is the Algozil Major, with 8 Regidores or Common
Council-men, who supply the room of the superior Officers, in case of
Absence or Death, till the Viceroys Pleasure be known, and always give
their Votes in publick Affairs; in Cases of Law they are a standing
Jury, and the Corregidore is Judge, but generally follows the Advice of
the Alcalds. The Plaintiff or Defendant may appeal after Trial to the
Supream Court of _Lima_, which is encourag’d by the Gentlemen of the
Law, who improve Suits to such a Degree, that tho’ they are almost as
numerous as the Clergy, yet they are a thriving Society, seldom want
Imployment, and have large Fees. There are 2 Attorneys call’d Clerks of
the Court, and 4 Algozils or Serjeants. All Lawyers are allow’d to
practise here, and have a Sallary from the King besides their Fees, and
since Money abounds here, many of ’em don’t scruple taking Fees on both
Sides.
The Inquisition rages worse here than in Old _Spain_; their chief Court
is at _Lima_, but 4 Officers from that Court are settl’d at _Guiaquil_,
besides 24 Clergy belonging to the Town, who inform against any Person
that they suspect of Opinions contrary to the _Roman_ Church, and with a
violent Zeal prosecute ’em almost without any Formality. The Offenders
are speedily sent to the chief Court at _Lima_, where nothing but a
great deal of Money can save ’em, if found guilty in the least degree.
Their Military Men affect great Titles, and their Strength is as
follows.
The Corregidore is General, _Don Hieronimo Boso_.
Master le Camp, _Don Christopher Ramadeo de Areano_.
Serjeant Major, _Don Francisco Gantes_.
Commissaria de la Cavalaria, _Don Antonio Calabria_.
They have 5 Dons all Captains of Infantry, and each of ’em a large
Company: One Don is a Captain of near 200 Horsemen, and there are
Lieutenants, Ensigns, Serjeants, Corporals and Drummers to each Company,
as customary among the _Spaniards_. By the most reasonable Computation
of their Force, they could in a few days bring together 900 armed Horse
and Foot Militia; and I was inform’d by them they had not less than 500
of these in a Body before we landed, and beat ’em out of the Town, there
being always that Number ready in the Towns and adjacent Parts upon an
Alarm. These and many more form’d a sorry Camp within a League of us in
the Woods, whilst with about 160 Men we kept the Town till they
ransom’d it. An _English_-man that run over to us after the Fight, who
had lived 2 Years in the Town, and saw their Force, told us there were
many more than what the _Spaniards_ acknowledge by the abovemention’d
Account, and that he saw at one time, a few Months before, upwards of
1100 Horse and Foot drawn up and muster’d before the Town.