The coast from Santos to Cape Frio, lyeth west and by south, southerly.
So we directed our course west south-west. The night comming on, and
directions given to our other shippes, we sett the watch, having a fayre
fresh gale of wind and large. My selfe with the master of our ship,
having watched the night past, thought now to give nature that which
shee had beene deprived of, and so recommended the care of steeridge to
one of his mates;[112] who with the like travell past being drowsie, or
[Unskilfulnesse of the masters mate.] with the confidence
which he had of him at the helme, had not that watchfull care which was
required; he at the helme steered west, and west and by south, and
brought us in a little time close upon the shore;[113] doubtlesse he had
cast us all away, had not God extraordinarily delivered us; for the
master being in his dead sleepe, was suddenly [Providence of
God, and the care of the master.] awaked, and with such a fright that he
could not be in quiet: whereupon waking his youth, which ordinarily
slept in his cabin by him, asked him how the watch went on; who
answered, that it could not be above an houre since he layd himselfe to
rest. He replyed, that his heart was so unquiet that he could not by any
meanes sleepe, and so taking his gowne, came forth upon the deck, and
presently discovered the land hard by us. And for that it was sandie and
low, those who had their eyes continually fixed on it, were dazeled with
the reflection of the starres, being a fayre night, and so were hindered
from the true discovery thereof. But he comming out of the darke, had
his sight more forcible, to discerne the difference of the sea, and the
shore. So that forthwith he commaunded him at the helme, to put it close
a starbourd, and tacking our ship, wee edged off; and sounding, found
scant three fathome water, whereby we saw evidently the miraculous
mercie of our God; that if he had not watched over us, as hee doth
continually over his, doubtlesse we had perished without remedie. To
whom be all glory, and prayse everlastingly, world without end.
Immediatly we shot off a peece, to give warning to our other shippes;
who having kept their direct course, and far to wind-wards and
sea-wards, because we carried no light, for that we were within sight of
the shore, could not heare the report; and the next morning were out of
sight.