Comming in sight of the ilands of Pearles, the wind began to fresh in
with us, and wee profited our selves of it: but [La Pacheta.]
comming thwart of a small iland, which they call la Pacheta, that lyeth
within the Pearle ilands, close abourd the mayne, and some eight or ten
leagues south and by west from Panama, the wind calmed againe.
This iland belongeth to a private man; it is a round humock,[243]
conteyning not a league of ground, but most fertile. Insomuch, that by
the owners industrie, and the labour of some few slaves, who occupie
themselves in manuring it; and two barkes, which he imployeth in
bringing the fruit it giveth to Panama, it is sayd to bee worth him
every weeke, one with another, a barre of silver, valued betwixt two
hundreth and fiftie or three hundreth pezos; which in English money, may
amount to fiftie or threescore pounds: and for that which I saw at my
being in Panama, touching this, I hold to be true.
In our course to fetch the port of Panama, wee put our selves betwixt
the iland and the maine: which is a goodly channell, of three, foure,
and five leagues broad, and without danger, except a man come too neare
the shoare on any side; and that is thought the better course, then to
goe a sea-boord of the ilands, because of the swift running of the
tydes, and the advantage to stop the ebbe: as also for succour, if a man
should happen to bee becalmed at any time beyond expectation, which
happeneth sometimes.
[The generall certefieth the _Audiencia_ of his successe.]
The seventh of July wee had sight of Perico: they are two little ilands
which cause the port of Panama, where all the shippes used to ride. It
is some two leagues west north-west of the cittie, which hath also a
pere[244] in itselfe for small barkes; at full sea it may have some sixe
or seaven foote water, but at low water it is drie.
[The great joy of the Spaniards.]
The ninth of July wee anchored under Perico, and the generall presently
advised the _Audiencia_ of that which had succeeded in his journey:
which, understood by them, caused bonfires to be made, and every man to
put luminaries in their houses. The fashion is much used amongst the
Spaniards in their feasts of joy, or for glad tidings; placing many
lights in their churches, in their windowes, and galleries, and corners
of their houses; which being in the beginning of the night, and the
cittie close by the sea-shore, showed to us, being farre of, as though
the cittie had been on a light fire.
About eight of the clocke, all the artillery of the citty was shott
off, which wee might discerne by the flashes of fire, but could not
heare the report; yet the armado being advised thereof, and in a
readinesse, answered them likewise with all their artillery; which
taking ende, as all the vanities of this earth doe, the generall settled
himselfe to dispatch advise for the King, for the vice-roy of Peru, and
for the vice-roy of the Nova Spana, for hee also had beene certified of
our being in that sea, and had fitted an armado to seeke us, and to
guard his coast.
[Note.]
But now for a farewell (and note it), let me relate unto you this
secret, how Don Beltran shewed mee a letter from the King, his master,
directed to the vice-roy, wherein he gave him particular relation of my
pretended voyage; of the ships, their burden, their munition, their
number of men, which I had in them, as perfectly as if he had seene all
with his own eyes: saying unto me, “Heereby may you discerne whether the
King, my master, have friends in England, and good and speedie advice of
all that passeth.”
Whereunto I replyed: “It was no wonder, for that hee had plentie of gold
and silver, which worketh this and more strange effects: for my journey
was publique and notorious to all the kingdome.” Whereunto hee replyed,
that if I thought is so convenient, leave should be given mee to write
into England to the Queens Majestie, my mistresse, to my father, and to
other personages, as I thought good; and leaving the letters open, that
he would send some of them in the King’s packet, others to his uncle Don
Rodrigo de Castro, cardinall and archbishoppe of Sevill, and to other
friends of his; not making any doubt but that they would be speedily in
England. For which I thanked him, and accepted his courtesie; and
although I was my selfe unable to write, yet by the hands of a servant
of mine, I wrote three or foure coppies of one letter to my father, Sir
John Hawkins; in which I briefly made relation of all that had succeeded
in our voyage.
The dispatches of Spaine and New Spaine, went by ordinary course in
ships of advise; but that for the Peru, was sent by a kinseman of the
generalls, called Don Francisco de la Cuena.
Which being dispatched, Don Beltran hasted all that ever hee could to
put his shippes in order, to returne to Lyma. Hee caused the _Daintie_
to be grounded and trimmed; for in those ilands it higheth and falleth
some fifteen or sixteen foote water.
And the generall with his captaines, and some religious men being aboord
her, and new naming her, named her the _Visitation_, for that shee was
rendred on the day on which they celebrate the visitation of the blessed
Virgin Mary. In that place, the ground being plaine and without vantage,
whereby to helpe the tender sided and sharpe ships, they are forced to
shore them on either side. In the midest of their solemnity, her props
and shores of one side fayled, and so shee fell over upon that side
suddenly, intreating many of them which were in her, very badly; and
doubtlesse, had shee bin like the shippes of the South sea, shee had
broken out her bulge: but being without mastes and empty (for in the
South sea, when they bring a-ground a shippe, they leave neither mast,
balast, nor any other thing abourd, besides the bare hull), her strength
was such as it made no great show to have received any damage; but the
feare shee put them all into was not little, and caused them to runne
out of her faster then a good pace.
In these ilands is no succour nor refreshing; onely in the one of them
is one house of strawe, and a little spring of small moment. For the
water, which the shippes use for their provision, they fetch from
another iland, two leagues west north-west of these, which they call
Tabaga, having in it some fruite and refreshing, and some fewe Indians
to inhabite it.
What succeeded to mee, and to the rest during our imprisonment, with the
rarities and particularities of the Peru and Terra Firme, my voyage to
Spaine, and the successe, with the time I spent in prison in the Peru,
in the Tercera, in Sevill, and in Madrid, with the accidents which
befell me in them, I leave for a second part of this discourse, if God
give life and convenient place and rest, necessary for so tedious and
troublesome a worke: desiring God, that is Almightie, to give his
blessing to this and the rest of my intentions, that it and they may bee
fruitefull to His glory, and the good of all: then shall my desires be
accomplished, and I account myselfe most happie. To whom be all glory,
and thankes from all eternitie.
FINIS.
THE TABLE
OF
THE PRINCIPALL OBSERVATIONS
CONTEINED IN THIS BOOKE.
A
Advantage of obedience 137
Advise by land and sea 172
Advertisements for commanders 137
---- for servitors 138
Agnanapes 96
Alonso de Soto, noblenes of 153
Alcatraces 71
Amber-greece 74
Amitie of the Indians 170
Anchors unserviceable, mending of 132
Anchors, light, fit for the South sea 151
Arica 168
Arawcans, valour of the 158
---- much commended for all sorts of fruit and gold 157
Armado, Spanish 182
Arrogancy of the Spanish generall 202
Artillery, overcharging of 169
Artillery, courses for after bourding 206
Austria, Donna, in the narrow seas 36
B
Backwardnesse of companies 136
---- evill consequences thereof 136
Baldivia 143
Bay, English 124
Bezar stone, the 74
Beefe, pickled 143
---- held good beyond the equinoctiall 143
Blanches Bay 118
Bourding, policies to avoid 199
Bonito, the 67
Brasill, knowne etc. 61
Bravo 48
Brasil, description of 100
---- its havens 100
---- commodities and wants 100
---- bestial and discommodities 100
Burdeaux fleete, the losse of 18
C
Calking, false 32
---- prevention thereof 33
Candish, Thomas 129
---- surprised 90
Canary ilands 41
Canary, Grand 42
Cape Blanco 85
Captaines, ignoble 104
Captaines, disloyalties of 166
Cassavi, beverage of 96
Cassavi meale 95
---- preparing thereof 95
Catalina, Saint 101
Chieftain, parts requisite in a 189
Chieftains, two, dangerous 192
Cherries 86
Chile, people of 147
---- their weapons 147
---- and hate to the Spaniards 147
Cyvet catts 51
Cittie of Conception 149
Commanders, covetous, unwillingness to follow 161
Commander, a, not to trust his officers 184
Commanders, admonitions to 186
Cocos, and their kinds 50
Complaints of master Thomas Candish 27
---- of master George Raymond 28
Company sicke 56
---- and dismayed 126
_Cotton Edward_, the losse of 54
Clothes made in Coquinbo 158
Crabby Cove 128
Care of currants 54
D
Departure from Lyma 152
Devises in sudden accidents 115
Directions to be secret 189
Discipline of the Spanish 103
Discipline, cause of their prosperities 103
Discipline neglected by the English 17
Discipline pried into by the Spaniards 194
---- and by them imitated 195
Discoveries, use of 7
Discovery on the coast to be avoyded 149
Dolphin, the 66
Drake, Sir Francis, upon the southermost part of the world 142
Dutch, providence of the 17
Ducks 113
E
Elizabeth Bay 117
Engines of antiquitie, disuse of 206
English, the, carry up their flag 35
English, authors of sea discipline 17
English, carelessnesse of the 184
Exchange of trifles 145
---- of sheepe 146
Exercise alwayes necessary 44
F
Fenton, Edward 129
Fernandes, Juan 149
Fire, danger of 62
---- by heating of pitch 62
---- by taking tobacco 63
---- by candle light 63
---- by hooping and scuttling 64
---- by nature of waters 64
Fierro, strange tree in 42
Fight, the Spanish, beginning of 184
---- their intertainment 191
---- the English 191
---- the Spanish 191
---- pay deere for their rashnesse 196
---- take a new resolution 197
Flying fishes 70
French and English salute 35
French surprised 90
Fruits wholsome, to know 87
Fuego 48
Fugitives, end of 195
G
Gannetts 86
God propitious 127
---- therefore praised 127
Gold, some, and one shippe taken 150
Gold, every shower a shower of 158
Greenfield, Sir Richard, at Flores 20
Gulls 113
Gunner, deceit of the 185
H
Hampton, master Thomas 34
Harbours, annoyances in 80
Hawkins, Master William 130
Hawkins Mayden-land 108
Helm-man 84
I
Iago, Saint 47
---- sacked 48
Ilands, St. James 85
_Jesus of Lubecke_, the 10
Ienero 93
Ilands, unwholsome 45
---- their heat 45
---- the breze 45
---- the best remedie 46
Inconvenience of imprests 28
---- their true use 29
Indians housing 98
Indians poligamy 98
Indians apparrell 146
---- and manner of sleeping 99
Indians trechery 145
Indians foresight 122
Indians industry 90
Indians dismissed 180
Indians led by a Mulato 181
Instructions, consequence of 30
Isla Grand 93
Iuca, planting of 97
---- by women 97
K
_Kavas Purgativas_, use of 87
L
Land, unknowne 107
---- care of approach 107
Leakes, new devise for stopping, without bourd 155
Lyne, the, best time to passe 76
M
Madera 40
Mariner, a, who to be accounted 186
---- his knowledge 186
---- and materials 186
---- for navigation 187
Mariners, the, revenge 69
Mariners, wilfulnesse of 149
Maries, S. 148
Master, care of the 83
Masters mate, unskilfulnesse of the 83
Meeting, fittest places of 31
Mocha 143
Monkies, parrots 51
Moone, influence of the 46
Mutenies, how to be winked at 141
Multitude, unadvisednesse of the 183
O
Objections resolved 204
Office of a master 188
---- of a pilot 188
---- of the boteswaine 188
---- of the steward 188
---- of the carpenter 188
---- of the gunner 188
Oleron, lawes of 164
Oranges, vertue of 81
Oreweed, beds of 108
P
Palmer, Sir Henry, modestie of 18
Patience of the Earle of Nottingham 139
Parts requisite in a commander at sea 18
Palmito, the 48, 86
Palmito Iland 92
Pearles 133
Pengwins, iland of 110
---- described 111
---- hunting of 112
---- kept for store 113
Pentagones, care of the 106
Philip, King, comming into England 36
Pilats fishes 70
Pillage, challenging of 163
---- what to be reputed 166
---- undue, prevention of 167
Placentia 50
Plaintain, the 49
Pynaces, dutie of 40
Pynace lost 25
Porke, good, foure yeare old 143
Ports, danger of open 13
Providence of God 83
Provisions, corrupt or scantie 161
---- better provided at Plimouth 12
Puerto Viejo 178
Puma 177
Purgatives 87
Purslain 86
Q
Quintera, bay of 156
R
Ratts, prevention of 135
---- calamities they bring 135
Reach, Long 122
_Repentance_, the 8
Reasons of returne dangerous 131
_Revenge_, the 9
Rudders, spare 155
Runnawayes 104
S
Sabboth reserved for holy exercises 44
Sailes of cotton cloth 151
Salomon, ilands of 176
Santos, arrival at 77
---- forbidden to trade 79
Sarmiento, Pedro 109
Scurvy, the 56
---- the signes 56
---- the causes 57
---- the remedies 58
---- by diet 59
---- by shift 59
---- by labour 59
---- by early eating and drinking 59
---- by sower oranges and lemmons 60
---- by Dr. Stevens water 60
---- by oyle of vitry 60
---- by ayre of the land 60
Seething meat in salt water 58
---- corruption of victuall 58
Sea, the vapours of 58
Seafaring men, abuses of 26
Seales 114
Setting the ship upon a rock 126
---- Diligence to free it 127
Sheathing of ships 119
---- in Spaine and Portingall 120
---- with double plankes 120
---- with canvas 120
---- with burnt planks 120
---- with varnish in China 120
---- in England 121
---- best manner of 121
Sharke, the 68
Shipping, what requisit in 7
Ships, the honour of his Majesties 36
---- of trade 199
---- the prince his 200
---- of warre are not all to be low built 200
---- foure taken 149
Ship, dutie of a small against a greater 204
Shooting at sea 33
---- mischances thereupon ensuing 34
Sloth cause of fancies 125
Sounding, care of 52
Spanish discipline 191
---- officers 193
---- admirall commeth to leeward 190
Spaniards parley 207
---- inexperience of the 184
---- weaknesse of the 19
---- vain-glory of the 205
Severitie of Spaine 168
Steerage, care of 84
---- exquisite in the Spaniards and Portingals 84
Straights, the 108
---- second peopling of the 116
---- ilands, south part of the 142
Stormes, effects of courage in 24
Storme, a cruell 148
Swans, birds like 105
---- how caught 105
---- good refreshment 106
Swearing remedied 65
T
Tenerif, description of 41
_Thunderbolt_, the, of London 10
Tobias Cove 126
Trading, concealement hindereth 166
Tremontaine Point 107
Time, entertainement of 133
V
Vavisor, Captaine 21
Vessell, importance of a small 148
Vice admirall, place of 20
Voyages, considerations for 12
---- overthrowne by pretences 129
Voyage, the overthrow of the 102
---- the cause 102
---- infidelitie 103
W
Wafters, order of the Flemish 17
Wages, deteyning of 162
Warehouses sacked 150
Wast, objection of 118
---- answered 118
---- of men 89
Water salt, distilling of 82
---- contagious 88
Watches, care of 56
Watch, fruits of good 91
Weaknes, concealement of 152
Wilfulnesse of mariners 15
Wine more dangerous then the enemy 153
Wines, Spanish, and fevers unknowne in England 153
Wine consumeth treasure 154
Whale, fight of the 71
---- with the sword-fish 71
---- with the thresher 72
---- taking of the 72
---- by the Indians 75
Warning against wormes 119
Y
Yonkers ever necessary in the top 44
FINIS.
RICHARDS, PRINTER, 100, ST. MARTIN’S LANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Sir John Hawkins was one of the most distinguished men of his
period. He was a noted commander at sea forty-eight years, and treasurer
of the navy for twenty-two years; and it was generally owned that he was
the author of more useful inventions, and introduced into the navy
better regulations, than any officer before his time.
[2] Possibly her ladyship’s thoughts may be explained by the
consideration that she compared the objects of the proposed voyage with
those followed out by her husband. He was the first Englishman who
engaged in the inhuman traffic of slaves, and was granted the unenviable
addition to his arms: “a demi moor proper; bound.”
[3] Incurred?
[4] Docked?
[5] The brave defence of Sir Richard Greenfeild, or Greenville, against
nearly the whole Spanish fleet, merits being here recorded: himself
severely wounded and his ship a complete wreck, he ordered her to be
sunk, but to this his officers would not consent, so she surrendered on
terms. Out of one hundred men fit to bear arms, near sixty survived this
glorious action; but hardly a man but carried off some wounds as
memorials of their courage.
[6] Convoy? Whafter. A term applied to ships of war,--probably from
their carrying flags or whafts.
[7] This alludes to a base attack made on Sir John Hawkins, after he had
entered into a friendly agreement with the Viceroy.
[8] Corogne (F.) Coruña (S.).
[9] Probably an abbreviation or misprint for Biscayan. Lediard relates,
that in 1592, an expedition, fitted out against the Spaniards, took a
great Biscayan shipp of six hundred tunnes, laden with all sorts of
small iron-work.
[10] This great caracke was taken, after a sharp engagement, by six
ships, part of the expedition alluded to in note 1; which was dispatched
expressly to the Azores, to lie in wait for the East India carackes.
This expedition left under the command of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir
John Borrough. Sir Walter was, however, superseded by Sir Martin
Forbisher. She was called the “_Madre de Dios_,” a seven-decked ship of
one hundred and sixty-five feet from stem to stern, manned with six
hundred men. The burthen of this caracke was sixteen hundred tons, and
she carried thirty-two brass guns. Her cargo, besides jewels, _which
never came to light_, was as follows: spices, drugs, silks, and
calicoes, besides other wares, many in number, but less in value, as
elephant’s teeth, china, cocoa-nuts, hides, ebony, and cloth made from
rinds of trees. All which being appraised, was reckoned to amount to at
least one hundred and fifty thousand pounds. The carracke, or Carraca,
was a large vessel of two masts, used in the India and Brazilian trade.
[11] Bounty? or perhaps wages paid in advance.
[12] A small vessel fitted with sails and oars.
[13] Drop down.
[14] We ought to profit by the experience of those who precede us. Had
this “gentle warning” been attended to, probably the loss of the _Royal
George_ might have been prevented. She went down at her anchors while
lying at Spithead, the 29th of August, 1782, having been struck by a
squall, while her lower ports were open.
[15] The term admirall, appears formerly to have been applied as well to
the principal ship in a fleet, as to the superior officer. To cite one
among many instances, in an expedition under the Earl of Cumberland, in
1594, we find the _Royal Exchange_, Admiral, two hundred and fifty tons,
commanded by Captain George Cave. The _May-flower_, two hundred and
fifty tons, Vice-Admiral, commanded by Captain W. Anthony. The _Samson_
Rear-Admiral, by Captain Nicholas Downton, together with a caravel and
pinnace.
[16] A remarkable instance of carelessness occurred in 1801. The Dutch
Frigate _Ambuscade_, went down by the head half an hour after leaving
her moorings in Sheerness harbour. This arose from the hawse holes being
unusually large, and the plugs not in.
[17] This is sound advice and good seamanship. In turning to wind-ward,
it is wise to keep in the fair way, so that in case of missing stays,
you have not a danger under your lee.
[18] Boats built for speed (?) or perhaps from the Dutch _Filibote_.
[19] In the list of seven ships composing Lord Thomas Howard’s fleet, we
find the _Foresight_, Captain Vavisour. He deserves great credit for
attempting to yield what succour he was able to the gallant Sir R.
Greenville, whose brave defence has been already alluded to in page 10.
One other vessel followed, or perhaps set, the example: the _George
Noble_, of London, falling under the lee of the _Revenge_, asked Sir
Richard if he had anything to command him; but as he was one of the
victuallers and but of small force, Sir Richard bid him shift for
himself, and leave him to his fortune. Lediard adds in a note, that it
is more than probable had all the other vessels behaved with the same
vigour and resolution as Sir Richard and his company, they might have
given a good account of the Spanish fleet. It is to be regretted the
name of the commander of the _George Noble_ is not recorded. We know not
which to admire most, his bravery in fully acting up to the principle of
“succouring a known friend in view,” or the magnanimity of Sir Richard
in dismissing him from an unequal contest.
[20] _Souffler_--to blow.
[21] It is still unfortunately too much the custom to risk the loss of
ship and “sweet lives,” by neglecting the use of the lead.
[22] The tide runs two or three hours later in the offing than in shore;
by attending to this, a vessel working down channel may gain great
advantage.
[23] Of Magellan.
[24] Probably what is now called a “gig”; a fast-pulling boat.
[25] Obviously a phrase of the period. Ancient Pistol is made to say:
“Si fortuna me contenta, spero me contenta.”
[26] Familiar as we are with the present resources of the dockyard at
Plymouth, we can hardly estimate the firmness that could bear up against
such mischances; of this stuff were the founders of the British naval
power composed.
[27]
Now fitted the halter, now traversed the cart,
And often took leave yet was loath to depart.
_The Thief and the Cordelier.--Prior._
[28] Chart, or perhaps card for reducing the courses and distances:--
_Second Witch._ I will give thee a wind.
_First Witch._ Thou art kind.
_Third Witch._ And I another.
_First Witch._ I myself have all the other,
And the very ports they blow,
All the quarters that they know;
I’ the shipman’s card.
--_Macbeth._
[29] The seaman of 1600 appears to have differed very little from the
seaman of 1800. Let us hope that the present race will discountenance
such “lewd proceedings.”
[30] Thomas Cavendish, one of the early circumnavigators.
[31] Some such long-shore fellows are still to be met with.
[32] From the Dutch word _loeven_, to ply to windward.
[33] The “waytes” seem to have been either music played during the
setting of the watch, or occasionally, to show that a look-out was kept.
_Guetter_ (?)
[34] The use of private signals and the appointment of a place of
rendezvous, may perhaps date from this period.
[35] Weight--_peso_. (Spanish.)
[36] Stern-post.
[37] A trivial hole left open, or a treenail not driven by a careless
workman, may cause the failure of an important expedition; or at least
cause great mischief and discomfort: which neglect still occasionally
happens.
[38] _Amener le pavillon_--to haul down the ensign.
[39] Under bare poles.
[40] Probably derived from _lâcher un coup_: to fire a shot.
[41] In those days the principle of “mare clausum” was acted upon; now
it is “mare liberum” everywhere.
[42] Probably the islands that lie off Bayona, near Vigo.
[43] _Carabela_, (Spanish) a small vessel so called.
[44] Still well known as the rock of Lisbon.
[45] With the wind abeam.
[46] Although Sir Richard thinks it necessary to hold such prudent
language, we have little doubt he was just the man to attempt to take a
large ship armed or unarmed, in a “pynace.”
[47] _Orchilla_--a lichen yielding a purple dye.
[48] The latest measurement, by Captain Vidal, R.N., makes the height of
the Peak 12,370 feet.
[49] The old voyagers were fond of dealing in the marvellous; our author
is singularly free from this defect.
[50] We cannot trace the meaning of this word, unless it be a closed
vessel, derived from the Anglo-Saxon _tynan_--to close. At Bermuda all
the drinking water is preserved in tanks.
[51] Further on written “sedge,” surf (?)
[52] The Fortunate islands were known before they were conquered by MM.
Bethencourt, in the sixteenth century.
[53] Although the difference between _black_ and _white_ be great, we
think Cape Blanco is meant.
[54] Probably the evening watch.
[55] This has become a standing order in the service. Many a good prize
has been made by sending a mast head man up before daylight.
[56] Most of us are familiar with Dr. Watts’ lines,--
“For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.”
[57] Covering--the deck so called because it covers in the
ship--_cubierta_ (Spanish).
[58] _Montera_--a species of hat worn in Spain.
[59] We apprehend the whole of this story to be “moonshine.”
[60] Groups.
[61] Coast of Guinea and Bight of Benin.
[62] From the account in Lediard, it appears that Sir A. Shyrley failed
in his object; but he deserves credit for effecting a safe retreat to
his ships in the face of a superior force. The expedition under Sir F.
Drake was successful. It is curious to notice how the titles of military
rank have changed since those days. The troops were commanded by
Christopher Carlisle, an experienced officer; under him Captain A.
Powel, _Sergeant Major_; Captain M. Morgan, and Captain J. Sampson,
_Corporals of the field_. (See p. 17, line 26.)
[63] The terminal bud of the areca or cabbage palm, when boiled, makes a
delicate dish.
[64] This is a most valuable production: we believe it bears, on the
same area, a greater weight of food than any other vegetable. The fruit
of the plantain, _Musa sapientum_, is chiefly eaten cooked. The banana,
_Musa paradisiaca_, is eaten raw. There are many species, almost all
excellent.
[65] _Succade_--preserved citron.
[66] The cocoa nut palm is too well known to need description. All its
parts are applied by the natives to innumerable uses. Few visitors to
tropical countries but have been refreshed by a draught of cocoa nut
water; always preserved cool by the thick husk.
[67] _All sail set_--at present its signification is confined to a
vessel rigged and ready for sea.
[68] It is still the custom to attribute all similar discordancies to
the effect of current. This is a simple if not very philosophical mode
of making the reckoning agree with observation. In this case, probably
both the reckoning of the ship and the position of the land on the chart
were faulty.
[69] The term height is used for latitude; probably because the pole
star was the principal object used to determine position.
[70] The current in the West Indies, known as the Gulf stream, still
runs to the northward through the Gulf of Florida, and then trending to
the eastward, expends its force in the Atlantic.
[71] At the present day, by the general use of chronometers, the
longitude can be determined with almost as great facility as the
latitude.
[72] The cause of scurvy is now known to be, the use for a long period
of one diet, and that unwholesome. Since greater attention has been paid
to the proper admixture of articles of food, and also to the cleanliness
and ventilation of the vessel, this disease has nearly disappeared.
[73]
“The very deep did rot!
That ever this should be!
Yea slimy things did crawl with legs
Upon the slimy sea.”
_Ancient Mariner.--Coleridge._
[74] It forms part of a naval surgeon’s instructions, that in tropical
countries, when the crew are likely to be employed on shore, each is to
take a morning draught of spirits or wine, with bark infused.
[75] The scurvy is not peculiar to seamen. It raged with great violence
during the siege of Gibralter. Oranges and lemons were found of great
benefit in arresting the disease. Lime juice has been long a fixed
article of diet in men-of-war, and lately merchant vessels are compelled
to carry it as an article of provision.
[76] Oil of vitriol or sulphuric acid.
[77] In the year 1776, the Royal Society awarded their gold medal to
Captain James Cook, for a paper on “Preserving the health of the crew of
her majesty’s _Resolution_, &c.” Captain Cook considers that much was
owing to the extraordinary care taken by the admiralty in causing such
articles to be put on board, as by experience or conjecture were judged
to be useful. But he adds, that the introduction of the most salutary
articles will prove unsuccessful, unless supported by certain rules. The
men being at three watches, except on emergency, were consequently less
exposed to the weather, and generally had dry clothes to shift
themselves. Care was taken to keep their persons and clothes clean and
dry. A fire was often burned in the well. The coppers were kept clean,
and no fat allowed to be given to the people. Fresh water was obtained
at every opportunity. Few places but what offered some refreshment, and
example and authority were not wanting to induce their being employed.
These methods, under Divine Providence, enabled the _Resolution_ to
complete a voyage of three years and eighteen days with the loss of only
_one man_ by disease.
We may remark that our author seems to have been fully alive to the
importance of caring for the health of his company, and it is not
improbable that Cook benefited by some of his suggestions.
[78] Shoals called the Abrolhos.
[79] Snyte for snipe.
[80] Heating pitch, and drawing off spirits in the hold, using a light,
are the most common causes that lead to fire. Excluding the air is the
best remedy, and no better device could have been hit upon than wetting
the rug gowns.
[81] Holes in the ship’s side to carry off the water. The term now in
use is _scupper_: slopper appears to be as good a word.
[82] Swabs are a species of mop, made of a collection of rope yarns,
used to dry the deck. _Swebban_--(Anglo-Saxon) to sweep.
[83] _To scuttle_--to make openings. _Escotilla_ (Spanish), is applied
to the openings in the deck, called by us hatch-ways. The term scuttle
is also applied to the small openings made in the ship’s side, to admit
light and air.
[84] If impure water be confined in a close cask, gas will be generated,
and the effect described happen.
[85] In the instructions given by the Lords Generals, the Earl of Essex
and Charles Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral of England, to the captains
of the ships composing the expedition to Cadiz, in 1596, the second
article runs thus: Item--You shall forbid swearing, brawling, dicing,
and such like disorders, as may breed contention and disorder in your
ship, wherein you shall also avoid God’s displeasure and win his favour.
[86] The early painters and sculptors, and others who deal in “naval
attributes,” have treated the dolphin very ill; Sir Richard’s
description, if studied, might have amended the monsters given out to
the public as dolphins.
[87] A shoal or scull of fish; that is, separated from the main body.
This is Horne Tooke’s derivation. We think the term is more commonly
applied to the main body itself.
[88] _Fisgig_ or _grains_--a small trident used for striking fish. From
the Spanish _fisga_.
[89] Pouch or stomach.
[90] One species produces its young alive: others in a hard membraneous
pouch.
[91] This enmity betwixt sailors and sharks still exists, and the
interest attending their capture is great.
[92] Probably a small cask.
[93] The man-of-war bird, or cormorant--_Pelecanidæ_. On the coast of
Brazil, in latitude twenty-four, are the Alcatrasse islands.
[94] _Xiphias_--the sword or snout is about three-tenths of his whole
length.
[95] _The surface_--from cream or ream, what rises to the surface--or
perhaps from rim, brim.
[96] This story seems to be founded on the fact that the snout of the
sword fish is often found driven through parts of vessels’ bottoms;
whence it has been inferred, the fish mistook them for whales. We
imagine the account of the thresher to be fabulous.
[97] In the thirteenth century the tongue of the whale was esteemed as
an article of food; and whale beef, as it is called, is eaten at
Bermuda, and probably elsewhere.
[98] In the early days of the whale fishery, when the fish were
plentiful, the oil was boiled out on shore, near the place of capture.
At present the blubber is imported from the northern fishery.
[99]
“And telling me the sovereign’st thing on earth
Was parmaceti for an inward bruise.”
--_Henry IV_, Part I.
Spermaceti is obtained from the brain of the sperm whale,--_physeter
monocephalus_--not from the spawn.
[100] _Bezoar_--name applied to a concretion found in the stomach of
various animals. Many extraordinary virtues were formerly ascribed to
it, without much foundation.
[101] Ambergris is still considered to be a concretion formed in the
stomach of the sperm whale.
[102] In Waterton’s _Wanderings_ will be found a parallel story, of a
gentleman riding on a cayman.
[103] According to Horsburgh, the least favorable season for getting to
the southward, is the period from June to September inclusive.
[104] Bisoño--(Spanish) raw, undisciplined:--
_Pistol._ Under which king, Bezonian? speak or die.
_Henry IV_, Part II.
[105] The double pistole was a coin of about the value of thirty or
thirty-five shillings.
[106] So that he may get away when it pleases him.
[107] Alluding to the attempt the fleet made to return northabout. In
the British Museum is preserved a curious old pack of playing cards, on
which are depicted subjects relating to the defeat of the “Spanish
Armada”. On the ten of spades is shewn a consultation about returning by
the North Ocean.
[108] Such a wind as would enable them to lie aslant or obliquely near
the desired course. It is commonly said that “a calm is half a fair
wind”; it is more than this, as out of thirty-two points, twenty would
be fair.
[109] Easterhand?
[110] _Répartir_--(French) to divide.
[111] Various schemes have been tried to distil fresh water at sea from
salt water; but none apparently have succeeded in producing an
equivalent for the expense of fuel. In steam vessels a considerable
supply is obtained from the condensation of the steam.
[112] The term mate, as used at present, implies some one under the
master. The real meaning implies persons co-equal. Thus we still speak
of ship-mates, etc., without inference to rank.
[113] The coast lies nearer south and by west, than west and by south,
so they would certainly have run on shore without any blame attaching to
the helmsman.
[114] The quarter deck may be defined as the space betwixt the mainmast
and the after-hatchway; it seems also to have been called the half deck.
Both terms arising from the fact that before the mainmast, the skids or
beams were not planked. We still speak of being _on_ the quarter deck,
but _under_ the half deck. The quarter deck is set apart for purposes of
parade, and there the officer of the watch should always be sought.
[115] _Adjutare_--(Latin) to assist.
[116] On a still night, unless the attention of the helmsman be
continually excited, it is quite possible that he get into a dreamy
state and, if at the same time, the officer of the watch is thinking of
“those far away,” the ship may be run for a time some points off her
course. In the preceding section, Sir Richard well describes the
difficulty of distinguishing betwixt a sandy shore and the water, on a
calm bright night.
[117] Cape Saint Thomé?
[118] Now called Saint Anna.
[119] Well soaked in water to remove the salt.
[120] _Portulaca sativa_--a fleshy-leaved plant, much esteemed in hot
countries for its cooling properties.
[121] Great caution should be used in tasting unknown fruits; perhaps
this tree was the _croton tiglium_, every part of which possesses
powerful drastic properties.
[122] A species of cactus; the fruit is eaten in Sicily and elsewhere.
We cannot join Sir Richard in its praise: perhaps as he had been long at
sea, he found it grateful. The cochineal insect feeds on one species of
this plant.
[123] This river is now called the Maccahe: probably it floods in the
rainy season.
[124] By working up under their lee.
[125] These shoals, already alluded to at page 62, are now called the
Abrolhos: there is a channel betwixt the islets and the main: the
soundings extend to the eastward eighty or ninety miles.
[126] Boats hollowed from the trunk of a tree.
[127] Whoop! whoop! Cotgrave gives us the meaning of _hootings_ and
_whoopings_: noises wherewith swine are scared, or infamous old women
disgraced.
[128] A sudden sensation, be it from fear or otherwise, has a surprising
effect upon persons sick or bed-ridden. Lediard relates that in a sharp
engagement with a combined squadron of French and Dutch ships, off St.
Christopher, in 1667, Sir John Harman, the English commander, who had
been lame and in great pain from the gout, upon discovering the enemy’s
fleet, got up, walked about, and gave orders as well as ever, till the
fight was over, and then became as lame as before.
[129] We do not approve of such means of exciting vigilance; some might
have got their payments. According to Æsop, _wolf_ may be called too
often.
[130] Cape Frio has since become remarkable as the point on which her
majesty’s ship _Thetis_ was wrecked in December 1830, the night after
she had left Rio Janeiro. A landing was effected, and nearly the whole
crew saved. A snug cove north of the cape, with a boat entrance to the
southward, was much used during the operations afterwards carried on to
attempt to recover the treasure embarked in her.
[131] Pine apples, _ananassa sativa_.
[132] Probably a species of nautilus.
[133] The ryal of silver, of which ten went to a “piece,” is in value
about fivepence of our money.
[134] Cassava or manioc is of the natural order _euphorbiaceæ_. The root
abounds with a poisonous juice, but this after maceration is driven off
by heat, and the fecula is obtained in an edible state. Tapioca is a
preparation of cassava. _Farina do pao_--flour of wood.
[135] _Vinewed_--mouldy.
[136] Probably cacao (_theobroma cacao_), well known from the beverage
of the same name, and from which chocolate is manufactured.
[137] In the Devonshire dialect, _remlet_ means a remnant.
[138] A similar disagreeable preparation, called _kava_, is prepared and
drunk in the Polynesian islands.
[139] The hammock now in general use at sea, takes its name from this
term.
[140] Blow steadily--in one direction. Whence trade wind.
[141] Before the discovery of America, dye woods were known by this
denomination; and Brazil owes its name to the quantity of wood of this
nature found among its forests.
[142] Saint Catherine’s now ranks as a port after Rio Janeiro and Bahia.
[143] The cause of the variation of the compass still remains a secret.
But from the close analogy existing between magnetism and electricity,
perhaps we are not far from discovering it. The variation at this point
in 1820, was 7-1/2° E.
[144] Sudden squalls are generated on the Pampas or plains lying round
Buenos Ayres, called thence Pamperos; which do great damage. See the
account of one in the Voyages of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_.
[145] Probably barricades to retire behind in case of being boarded. The
piratical prahus of the Indian Archipelago are fitted with a similar
defence.
[146] Misbehaviour. Tooke derives _lewd_ from the Anglo-Saxon
_læwan_--to delude or mislead.
[147] This fowl was doubtless the albatross (Diomedea), which seems to
be a corruption of the Portuguese word _alcatraz_. The practice of
fishing for them still continues, though more for recreation (?) than
for refreshment.
[148] The account of the gigantic stature of the Patagonians seems to be
fabulous. Magalhaens reported them as giants; but later navigators
disputed it: however, Fitzroy states them to average nearly six feet.
[149] It is generally supposed that this land was the Falkland islands;
but as they lie betwixt 51° and 53°, this cannot be reconciled with
being “next of anything in 48°.” In this parallel, the main land
projects to the eastward; and this perhaps was the land he descried. The
rock like a sail might be the Bellaco rock.
[150] The expedition of Drake having excited considerable alarm in Peru,
the viceroy despatched Don Pedro Sarmiento with orders to take him dead
or alive. Proceeding to the Strait of Magalhaens in pursuit, he took the
opportunity to explore its shores. He afterwards pointed out to the King
of Spain, Philip II, the importance of fortifying the Straits, to
prevent the passage of strangers. Accordingly an expedition was fitted
out, which, after some accidents, founded the two settlements of Jesus
and San Felipe. The site of the last is now known as Port Famine: so
named from the disasters which befell the unhappy colonists, who mostly
perished by want. Sarmiento himself having been blown off the coast,
appears to have used every effort to obtain and forward supplies from
Brazil to his friends, but, proceeding to Europe for further assistance,
was captured and taken to England.
[151] The tides run with great velocity in some parts of the straits.
The rippling might justly cause fear, ignorant as the parties were of
the extent of the rise and fall of tide. Fitzroy relates that an
American captain hardly recovered, being told that it amounted to six or
seven fathoms.
[152] Birds which are strong-flavoured are rendered edible by stripping
off their skin.
[153] _Fucus giganteus._--In the voyage of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_
it was found firmly rooted in twenty fathoms, yet streaming fifty feet
upon the surface.
[154] The narrowest part is in Crooked Reach, a little to the westward
of St. Jerome point: here the strait is about one mile across.
[155] This was probably the opening into Otway water, leading to
Sky-ring water, but not disemboguing into the Pacific.
[156] The _teredo navalis_ is very destructive. Nothing but metal is
proof against its ravages. It is not clear what may be its purpose in
boring into any wood that comes in its way, for it is thought not to be
nourished by what it destroys.
[157] These inventions have been improved upon by the use of copper and
other metals; of these, copper is the best; and an approved method of
applying it, is over a coating of _felt_. Truly there is nothing new
under the sun.
[158] Taken _astayes_--another term for taken aback.
[159] It is possible that the natives may have been aware of the coming
change. The suspicion entertained of them is an instance of the mistakes
often fallen into by misconceiving the motives of those whose language
cannot be understood.
[160] To hull, is to lie without sail set; to try, with only low sail;
whence we have now special storm sails, called try sails. We believe the
correct expression is “to try” either a _hull_ or _under sail_.
[161] To _assay_--to prove. Ancient mode of writing essay.
[162] _To move her off._--To wind a ship now means to turn her. The term
is probably derived from to wend.
[163] Now called bilge--that part of the ship’s bottom that bulges or
swells out. When a ship takes the ground and heels over, the bilge bears
all the strain, and consequently suffers damage.
[164] _To flat in_, means so to adjust the sails as to cause them to act
with the greatest effect to turn the ship’s head from the wind; this is
done when the ship is nearly taken aback, either by a sudden flaw or by
carelessness at the helm. As applied here, it means that the vessel came
round on her heel. The time vessels take in performing a similar
evolution, bears a certain ratio to their length; long ships requiring
more time than short ones.
[165] Sir Richard does not exaggerate “the bitternesse of the time.”
During the survey of these straits in the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_,
Captain Stokes, an active, intelligent, and energetic officer, destroyed
himself, in consequence of his excitable mind becoming worn out by the
severe hardships of the cruize, the dreadful weather experienced, and
the dangerous situations in which the _Beagle_ was constantly exposed.
[166] Synnet is plait made from rope yarns. Wooling or woolding is
performed by passing turns of rope round a spar or rope, either for
strength, or, as in this case, to prevent chafe; if spun yarn is used,
it is called serving.
[167] The tree called Winter’s bark, _Drimys Winteri_, was discovered by
Captain Winter, one of Drake’s officers. The bark is agreeably aromatic,
and was found useful in cases of scurvy.
[168] Used for vats.
[169] The devastation caused by rats is very great. We have, however,
never heard of their gnawing through the bottom. Indeed if there be any
truth in the old sailor’s superstition that rats always leave a vessel
when in a dangerous state, they must be too clever to perform so
dangerous an experiment.
[170] Much discussion has arisen as to whether this should be written
_way_, or _weigh_. We think the correct phraseology is this: when the
anchor is _weighed_, the ship is under _way_.
[171] Now called Cape Pillar--on the modern charts Cape Deseado lies to
the south of it.
[172] After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, Lord Charles Howard, of
Effingham, was created Earl of Nottingham.
[173] These observations appear to have occurred to our author, in
consequence of what had taken place during the voyages of Magalhaens and
Drake. Both these great commanders, while lying at Port Saint Julian,
tried for mutiny, and executed, some of their chief officers; doubtless
deeming it wise to cut off the hydra’s head at an early period.
[174] This must be a misprint; it should be perhaps 56°. Some accounts
state that Drake visited a bay in 57°: this must be erroneous, as Cape
Horn, the most southern part of South America, is in the parallel of
56°.
[175] Much interesting information respecting these straits will be
found in the voyages of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_. Since the days of
Anson, the difficulties experienced in rounding Cape Horn have been such
as to cause navigators to look to the passage through these straits with
great interest, hoping, that if found practicable, adverse gales and a
heavy sea might be avoided. Now that the labours of King and Fitzroy
have provided correct charts, the road is well known; still it can
hardly be recommended to large vessels to “shoot the straits.”
[176] Chiloe.
[177] _Contractation_--commerce or dealings with them.
[178] _To lamm_ is used by Beaumont and Fletcher in the sense of
_beat_--_bruise_.
[179] The Araucanians have been immortalized in the _Araucano_, a poem
written by Don Alonzo d’Ercilla y Zuniga; Madrid, 1632.
[180] This word is perhaps derived from _lave_, _to draw out_, _to
exhaust_.
[181] Chile.
[182] A storm is often judged to be severe in inverse proportion to the
size of the vessel caught in it. We may form some idea of this sharp
storm from the fact that the boats in tow lived through it.
[183] Val paraiso--vale of Paradise.
[184] _Bota_ is Spanish for a wine-skin or vessel: _botijá_, a jar used
for the same purpose.
[185] Lard.
[186] Lime was added to sack, not to preserve it, apparently, but for
the same purpose that drugs are mixed in beer and spirits by brewers,
publicans, and rectifiers, at the present day.
_Falstaff._ Villain, there’s lime in this sack.
--_Hen. IV._
_Host._ I have spoke; let him follow; let me see thee
Froth and lime.
--_Merry Wives of Windsor._
[187] _Teased_, pulled, or unravelled. Oakum is made from rope yarns
teased or untwisted.
[188] We owe many good hints to Spanish seamen: this among others is
used to this day.
[189] This was one of Sarmiento’s unfortunate colonists.
[190] Coquimbo, or la Serena.
[191] Thirty years back, two or three ships sufficed for the trade of
this coast with Great Britain. At present above three hundred are
employed, carrying copper ore, wool, guano, nitrate of soda, etc.
[192] This reminds us of the familiar lines:
“For Widdrington needs must I wail,
As one in doleful dumps;
For when his legs were smitten off,
He fought upon his stumps.”--_Chevy Chace._
[193] “Going by thirds” means that the crew have a certain per centage
on the profits of the voyage, in lieu of wages; thus their remuneration
partly depends on their own exertions.
[194] Boatswain?
[195] Monte Morena.
[196] It is still the custom to prove ordnance with a heavier charge
than they are expected to carry on service. It seems quite possible that
a piece may bear the proof, and yet the particles be so disarranged,
that it fail afterwards.
[197] The demy-culverin was about equivalent to the nine-pounder; a
saker to the six-pounder; and the minion to the four-pounder.
[198] Arequipa.
[199] Sangallan.
[200] Used in the sense of misfortunes.
[201] The plan pursued at that day was to beat to wind-ward in shore:
now, by standing out boldly to the westward, the voyage to the
south-ward, against the prevailing wind, is much shortened.
[202] Punta de Ahuja?
[203] Puna.
[204] Various preparations of the root of the _smilax sarsaparilla_ are
used medicinally.
[205] Alligators.
[206] Cape Pasado.
[207] The first broadside--_tirer_ (French).
[208] Cornish? See page 24.
[209] Down?
[210] To sheer, or shore, means to _separate_--we use the term “sheer
to”, but “sheer off” appears to be the only sense in which it should be
applied.
[211] The greater part of the powder on board men-of-war, is made up
into cartridges, to avoid delay in filling during action, and danger
from using loose powder in a ladle.
[212] Crows or crow-bars?
[213] The additional velocity of the projectile gained by using long
guns, is thought to overbalance the advantage which the short guns
possess by being more easily handled. The usual length of heavy guns at
present, is about nine feet and a half.
[214] _To moil_ has been supposed to be derived from the French
_mouiller_.
[215] Profited.
[216] Since.
[217] Slightly--or perhaps what we now call “deep-waisted”.
[218] See note, page 199.
[219] Maim.
[220] Probably a misprint for “rare”.
[221] Did not hold so good a wind, or drove more easily to leeward.
[222] Seville was formerly the emporium of the trade of the new world:
since the Guadalquiver has become unnavigable for large vessels, its
trade has been transferred to Cadiz.
[223] Punctilio.
[224] This apopthegm is sufficient to stamp Sir Richard Hawkins as a
great commander.
[225] Fowlers, murderers, etc., were pieces of cannon of the nature of
swivels, adapted to close combat. The “cobridge heads” seem to have been
bulk heads across the fore and after parts of the vessel.
[226] _En buena guerra_ means by fair or lawful means: it probably
implied offering quarter; which means, that if accepted, a certain sum
was to be given as ransom.
[227] _Partido_ (Spanish), favour or protection.
[228] With respect to the transaction at San Juan de Ulloa, already
alluded to at page 10, Sir Richard Hawkins had good reason to be
suspicious of the good faith of the Spaniards. From the account given in
Hakluyt, from Sir John Hawkins himself, it appears, that “he was
attacked after he had been assured on the faith of the Spanish viceroy
that no treachery should be used.” But in the matter of Oxenham,
apparently, they were not to blame. John Oxenham had accompanied Drake
in his first voyage, in 1574, and after his return, was induced to fit
out a small expedition on his own account: he was successful in
acquiring booty, but by mismanagement he and all his people fell into
the hands of the Spaniards. At Panama he was examined as to what
authority he held from his queen; but not being able to produce any
power or commission, he with all his company were sentenced to death, as
pirates.
[229] _Wool_ probably means the covering or planking. _Rampire_ (for
rampart?) what is now termed the bulwark.
[230] Ready.
[231] “Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just.”
_--Henry V._
[232] Precedents.
[233] The term “race” is here repeated: if not a misprint (see note,
page 199), can “a race ship” mean one built for speed?
[234] Tumbling home (?); applied to the inclination inward, given to a
ship’s topsides.
[235] _Hoy por mi, mañana por ti_: which may be freely translated, “my
turn to-day, yours to-morrow.”
[236] Tow or tug.
[237] Divers.
[238] This island was probably named after the Latin term “Margaritæ”
pearls.
[239] Poles.
[240] Rare--wonderful: this pearl was found at Santa Margarita; weighed
two hundred and fifty carats, and was valued at thirty thousand pounds.
Tavernier purchased one at Katifa, in Arabia, for upwards of one hundred
thousand pounds. The Ceylon pearls are most valued in England.
[241] Imbargo--embargo: laying on an embargo, means issuing an order to
prevent the sailing of vessels.
[242] Oxenham? See page 209.
[243] Mound or hillock.
[244] Pier?
[Transcriber’s Note:
Footnote 128: “off Sir Christopher, in 1667,” changed to read “off St.
Christopher, in 1667,”. St. Christopher was an island during that
period, now Saint Kitts.
Obvious printer errors corrected silently.
Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]