[Sidenote: _Aug. 1684_]
Every man reflected on this Accident according to his Inclination. Some
were of Opinion it was a Contrivance; and it was debated in Council,
Whether we should proceed to _Portugal_, or return to _Rochel_, or
_Rochfort_; but the latter Resolution prevail’d. The other Ships
design’d for the Islands and _Canada_, parted from us, and held on
their Course. We made back for the River of _Rochfort_, whither the
other three Vessels follow’d us, and a Boat was sent in, to acquaint
the Intendant with this Accident. The Boat returned some Hours after,
towing along a Boltsprit, which was soon set in its Place, and after
Monsieur _de la Sale_ had confer’d with the Intendant, he left that
Place on the first of _August, 1684_.
[Sidenote: Cape Finisterre.]
[Sidenote: Madera.]
We sail’d again, steering _W._ and by _S._ and on the 8th of the same
Month weather’d _Cape Finisterre_, which is in 43 Degrees of North
Latitude, without meeting any Thing remarkable. The 12th, we were in
the Latitude of _Lisbon_, or about 39 Degrees North. The 16th, we
were in 36 Degrees, the Latitude of the _Streights_, and the 20th,
discover’d the Island _Madera_, which is in 32 Degrees, and where
Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ propos’d to Monsieur _de la Sale_ to anchor, and
take in Water and some Refreshments.
[Sidenote: _Difference between the Commanders._]
Monsieur _de la Sale_ was not of that Mind, on Account that we had
been but twenty one Days from _France_, had sufficient Store of Water,
ought to have taken aboard Refreshments enough, and it would be a Loss
of eight or ten Days[32] to no Purpose; besides, that our Enterprize
requir’d Secrecy, whereas the _Spaniards_ might get some Information,
by Means of the People of that Island, which was not agreeable to the
King’s Intention.
This Answer was not acceptable to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, or the other
Officers, nor even to the Ships Crew, who mutter’d at it very much,
and it went so far, that a Passenger, call’d _Paget_, a _Hugonet_
of _Rochel_, had the Insolence to talk to Monsieur _de la Sale_ in
a very passionate and disrespectful Manner, so that he was fain to
make his Complaint to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, and ask of him, Whether
he had given any Incouragement to such a Fellow to talk to him after
that Manner. Monsieur _Beaujeu_ made him no Satisfaction. These
Misunderstandings, with some others which happen’d before, being no Way
advantageous to his Majesty’s Service, laid the Foundation of[33] those
tragical Events, which afterwards put an unhappy End to Monsieur _de la
Sale’s_ Life and Undertaking, and occasion’d our Ruin.
[Sidenote: _Flying Fish._]
[Sidenote: _Sept. 1684_]
However, it was resolv’d not to come to an Anchor at that Island,
whereupon Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ said, That since it was so, we should
put in no where but at the Island of _Santo Domingo_. We held on our
Course, weather’d the Island of _Madera_, and began to see those little
flying Fishes, which to escape the _Dorados_, or Gilt-Heads, that
pursue them, leap out of the Water, take a little Flight of about a
Pistol Shot, and then fall again into the Sea, but very often into
Ships, as they are sailing by. That Fish is about as big as a Herring,
and very good to eat.
[Sidenote: _Trade Wind._]
On the 24th, we came into the Trade Wind, which continually blows
from East to West, and is therefore call’d by some Authors _Ventus
subsolanus_, because it follows the Motion of the Sun. The 28th, we
were in 27 Degrees 44 Minutes[34] of North Latitude, and in 344 of
Longitude. The 30th, we had a Storm, which continu’d violent for two
Days, but being right astern of us, we only lost Sight of the Ketch,
for want of good Steering, but she join’d us again a few Days after.
[Sidenote: _Ducking._]
The 6th of _September_, we were under the Tropic of _Cancer_, in 23
Degrees 30 Minutes of North Latitude and 319 of Longitude. There Mons.
_de la Sale’s_ Obstructing the Ceremony the Sailors call Ducking, gave
them Occasion to mutter again, and render’d himself privately odious.
So many have given an Account of the Nature of that Folly, that it
would be needless to repeat it here; it may suffice to say, that there
are three things to authorize it, 1. Custom. 2. The Oath administer’d
to those who are duck’d, which is to this Effect, _That they will not
permit any to pass the Tropics or the Line, without obliging them to
the same Ceremony_. And 3, which is the most prevailing Argument,
the Interest accruing to the Sailors upon that Occasion, by the
Refreshments, Liquors or Money given them by the Passengers to be
excus’d from that Ceremony.
Monsr. _de la Sale_, being inform’d that all Things were preparing for
that Impertinent Ceremony of Ducking, and that a Tub full of Water
was ready on the Deck (_the French Duck in a great Cask of Water, the
English in the Sea, letting down the Person at the Yard Arm_)[35] sent
Word, that he would not allow such as were under his Command to be
subject to that Folly, which being told to Monsr. _de Beaujeu_, he
forbid putting of it in Execution, to the great Dissatisfaction of
the inferior Officers and Sailors, who expected a considerable Sum of
Money and Quantity of Refreshments, or Liquors, because there were many
Persons to Duck, and all the Blame was laid upon Monsr. _de la Sale_.
[Sidenote: Hispaniola _Island_.]
On the 11th of _September_, we were in the Latitude of the Island of
_Santa Domingo_, or _Hispaniola_, being 20 Degrees North, and the
Longitude of 320 Degrees. We steer’d our Course West, but the Wind
flatting, the ensuing Calm quite stopp’d our Way. That same Day Monsr.
_Dainmaville_, the Priest,[36] went aboard the Bark _la Belle_, to
administer the Sacraments to a Gunner, who died a few Days after.
Monsr. _de la Sale_ went to see him, and I bore him Company.
The 21st,[37] the Ketch, which we had before lost sight of, join’d
us again; and some Complaints being made to Monsr. _de la Sale_, by
several private Persons that were aboard the Flyboat, he order’d me to
go thither to accomodate those Differences, which were occasion’d only
by some Jealousies among them.
[Sidenote: Sombrero _Island_.]
The 16th, we sail’d by the Island _Sombrero_, and the 18th had hard
blowing Weather, which made us apprehensive of a Hurracan. The foul
Weather lasted two Days, during which Time, we kept under a main Course
and lost Sight of the other Vessels.
A Council was call’d aboard our Ship, the _Joly_, to consider whether
we should lie by for the others, or hold on our Course, and it was
resolv’d, that, considering our Water began to fall short, and there
were above five Persons[38] sick aboard, of which Number Monsr. _de la
Sale_ and the Surgeon[39] were, we should make all the Sail we could,
to reach the first Port[40] of the Island _Hispaniola_, being that
call’d _Port de Paix_, or Port Peace, which Resolution was accordingly
register’d.
[Sidenote: _Cape_ Samana.]
The 20th, we discover’d the first Land of _Hispaniola_, being Cape
_Samana_, lying in 19 Degrees of North Latitude, and of Longitude
308. The 25th we should have put into _Port de Paix_, as had been
concerted, and it was not only the most convenient Place for us to get
Refreshments, but also the Residence of Monsr. _de Cussy_, Governor
of the Island _Tortuga_, who knew that Monsr. _de la Sale_ carried
particular Orders for him to furnish such Necessaries as he stood in
Need of.
[Sidenote: Tortuga _Island_.]
Notwithstanding these cogent Reasons, Mr. _de Beaujeu_ was positive to
pass further on in the Night, weathering the Island _Tortuga_, which is
some Leagues distant from _Port de Paix_ and the Coast of _Hispaniola_.
He also pass’d Cape St. _Nicolas_, and the 26th[41] of the said Month,
we put into the Bay of _Jaguana_, coasting the Island _Guanabo_, which
is in the Middle of that Great Bay or Gulph, and in Conclusion, on the
27th we arriv’d at _Petit Gouave_, having spent 58 Days in our Passage
from the Port of _Chef de Bois_, near _Rochel_.
This Change of the Place for our little Squadron to put into, for
which no Reason could be given, prov’d very disadvantageous; and
it will hereafter appear, as I have before observ’d, that those
misunderstanding among the Officers insensibly drew on the Causes from
whence our Misfortune proceeded.
[Sidenote: _Oct. 1684._]
As soon as we had dropt Anchor, a _Piragua_, or great Sort of _Canoe_,
came out from the Place, with Twenty Men, to know who we were, and
hail’d us. Being inform’d that we were _French_, they acquainted us,
that Monsieur _de Cussy_ was at _Port de Paix_ with the Marquis
_de St. Laurent_, Lieutenant General of the _American_ Islands, and
Monsieur _Begon_ the Intendant, which very much troubled Monsieur _de
la Sale_, as having Affairs of the utmost Consequence to concert with
them; but there was no remedy, and he was oblig’d to bear it with
Patience.
The next Day, being the 28th, we sang _Te Deum_, in Thanksgiving for
our prosperous Passage. Monsieur _de la Sale_ being somewhat recover’d
of his Indisposition, went Ashore with several of the Gentlemen of his
Retinue, to buy some Refreshments for the Sick, and to find Means to
send Notice of his Arrival, to Messieurs _de St. Laurent_, _de Cussy_,
and _Begon_, and signify to them, how much he was concern’d that we
had not put into _Port de Paix_. He writ particularly to Monsieur _de
Cussy_, to desire he would come to him, if possible, that he might be
assisting to him, and take the necessary Measures for rendering his
Enterprize successful, that it might prove to the King’s Honour and
Service.
In the mean Time, the Sick suffering very much Aboard the Ships,[42] by
Reason of the Heat, and their being too close together, the Soldiers
were put Ashore, on a little Island, near _Petit Gouaves_, which
is the usual Burial-Place of the People of the pretended Reformed
Religion,[43] where they had fresh Provisions, and Bread baked on
Purpose, distributed to them. As for the Sick, I was order’d by
Monsieur _de la Sale_, to provide a House for them, whither they were
carry’d, with the Surgeons, and supply’d with all that was requisite
for them.
[Sidenote: _Nov. 1684_]
Some Days after, Monsieur _de la Sale_ fell dangerously ill, most
of his Family were also sick. A violent Fever, attended with
Lightheadedness, brought him almost to Extremity. The Posture of his
Affairs, Want of Money, and the Weight of a mighty Enterprize, without
knowing whom to trust with the Execution of it, made him still more
sick in Mind, than he was in his Body, and yet his Patience and
Resolution surmounted all those Difficulties. He pitch’d upon Monsieur
_le Gros_ and me to act for him, caus’d some Commodities he had Aboard
the Ships to be sold, to raise Money; and through our Care, and the
excellent Constitution of his Body, he recover’d Health.
[Sidenote: _Ketch taken by the Spaniards._]
Whilst he was in that Condition, two of our Ships, which had been
separated from us on the 18th of _September_, by the stormy Winds,
arriv’d at _Petit Gouave_ on the 2d of _October_. The Joy conceiv’d on
Account of their Arrival, was much allay’d by the News they brought of
the Loss of the Ketch, taken by two _Spanish Piraguas_; and that Loss
was the more grievous, because that Vessel was laden with Provisions,
Ammunition, Utensils and proper Tools for the settling of our new
Colonies; a Misfortune which would not have happen’d, had Monsieur _de
Beaujeu_ put into _Port de Paix_, and Messieurs _de St. Laurent_, _de
Cussy_, and _Begon_ who arrived at the same Time, to see Monsieur _de
la Sale_ did not spare to signify as much to him, and to complain of
that Miscarriage.
Monsieur _de la Sale_ being recover’d had several Conferences with
these Gentlemen, relating to his Voyage. A Consult of Pilots was called
to resolve where he should touch before we came upon the Coast of
_America_, and it was resolved to steer directly for the Western Point
of the Island of _Cuba_, or for _Cape_ St. _Antony_, distant about 300
Leagues from _Hispaniola_, there to expect the proper Season, and a
fair Wind to enter the Gulph or Bay, which is but Two hundred Leagues
over.
The next Care was to lay in Store of other Provisions, in the Room of
those which were lost, and Monsieur _de la Sale_ was the more pressing
for us to imbark, because most of his Men deserted, or were debauch’d
by the Inhabitants of the Place; and the Vessel call’d _l’ Aimable_,
being the worst Sailer of our little Squadron, it was resolv’d that
should carry the Light, and the others to follow it. Monsieur _de la
Sale_, Monsieur _Cavelier_ his Brother, the Fathers _Zenobius_[44] and
_Anastasius_, both Recolets, Monsieur _Chedeville_ and I imbark’d on
the said _Aimable_ and all sail’d the 25th of _November_.
We met with some Calms, and some violent Winds, which nevertheless
carry’d us in Sight of the Island of _Cuba_, on the 30th of the same
Month, and it then bore from us _N. W._ There we alter’d our Course and
steer’d _W._ and by _N._ The 31st, the Weather being somewhat close, we
lost Sight of that Island, then stood _W. N. W._ and the Sky clearing
up, made an Observation at Noon, and found we were in 19 Degrees, 45
Minutes of North Latitude: by which we judg’d that the Currents had
carry’d us off to Sea from the Island of _Cuba_.
[Sidenote: _Dec. 1684_]
[Sidenote: Cayman _Island_.]
[Sidenote: _Island of_ Pines.]
On the first of _December_ we discovered the Island _Cayman_. The 2d
we steer’d _N. W._ and by _W._ in order to come up with the Island of
_Cuba_ in the Northern Latitude of 20 Degrees 32 Minutes. The 3d we
discovered the little Island of _Pines_, lying close to _Cuba_. The
4th, we weather’d a Point of that Island, and the Wind growing scant,
were forc’d to ply upon a Bowling, and make several Trips till the
5th at Night, when we anchor’d in a Creek, in 15 Fathom Water, and
continued there till the 8th.
During that short Stay, Monsieur _de la Sale_ went Ashore with
several Gentlemen of his Retinue on the Island of _Pines_, shot an
Alligator dead, and returning Aboard, perceiv’d he had lost two of his
Voluntiers, who had wander’d into the Woods, and perhaps lost their
Way. We fired several Musquet Shots to call them, which they did not
hear, and I was order’d to expect them ashore, with 30 Musquetiers to
attend me. They return’d the next Morning with much Trouble.
[Sidenote: _Alligator eaten._]
[Sidenote: _Wild Swine._]
In the mean Time, our Soldiers, who had good Stomachs, boil’d and
eat the Alligator, Monsieur _de la Sale_ had kill’d. The flesh of it
was white and had a Taste of Musk, for which Reason I could not eat
it. One of our Hunters kill’d a wild Swine, which the Inhabitants
of those Islands call _Maron_. There are of them in the Island of
_Santo Domingo_, or _Hispaniola_, they are of the Breed of those the
_Spaniards_ left in the Islands when they first discover’d them,
and run wild in the Woods. I sent it to Monsieur _de la Sale_, who
presented the one Half to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_.
[Sidenote: _Island of_ Pines.]
That Island is all over very thick wooded, the Trees being of several
Sorts, and some of them bear a Fruit resembling the Acorn, but harder.
There are Abundance of Parrots, larger than those at _Petit Gouave_, a
great Number of Turtle Doves and other Birds, and a Sort of Creatures
resembling a Rat, but as big as a Cat, their Hair reddish. Our Men
kill’d many of them and fed heartily on them, as they did on a good
Quantity of Fish, wherewith that Coast abounds.
[Sidenote: _The Capes_ Corrientes _and St._ Antony.]
We imbark’d again, as soon as the two Men who had stray’d were
return’d, and on the 8th; being the Feast of the _Conception_ of the
Blessed Virgin, sail’d in the Morning, after having heard Mass, and
the Wind shifting were forc’d to steer several Courses. The 9th we
discover’d Cape _Corrientes_, of the Island of _Cuba_; where we were
first becalm’d; and then follow’d a stormy Wind, which carried us away
five Leagues to the Eastward. The 10th we spent the Night, making
several Trips. The 11th, the Wind coming about, we weather’d Cape
_Corrientes_, to make that of St. _Antony_; and at length, after plying
a considerable Time, and sounding, we came to an Anchor the 12th, upon
good Ground, in fifteen Fathom Water, in the Creek form’d by that Cape,
which is in 22 Degrees of North Latitude and 288 Degrees 35 Minutes of
Longitude.
We stay’d there only till next Day, being the 13th,[45] when the Wind
seem’d to be favourable to enter upon the Bay of _Mexico_. We made
ready and sail’d, steering _N. W._ and by _N._ and _N. N. W._ to
weather the said Cape and prosecute our Voyage: But by that Time we
were five Leagues from the Place of our Departure, we perceiv’d the
Wind shifted upon us, and not knowing which Way the Currents sate,
we stood _E._ and by _N._ and held that Course till the 14th, when
Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, who was aboard the _Joly_, join’d us again,
and having confer’d with Monsieur _de la Sale_ about the Wind’s
being contrary, proposed to him to return to Cape St. _Antony_, to
which Monsieur _de la Sale_ consented, to avoid giving him any Cause
to complain, tho’ there was no great Occasion for so doing, and
accordingly we went and anchor’d in the Place from whence we came.
The next Day, being the 15th, Monsieur _de la Sale_ sent some Men
ashore, to try whether we could fill some Casks with Water. They
brought Word, they had found some in the Wood, which was not much
amiss, but that there was no Conveniency for rowling of the Casks; for
which Reason Rundlets were sent, and as much Water brought in them, as
fill’d six or seven of our Water Casks.
[Sidenote: _Mistake in Monsieur_ Tonti’s _Account of the Voyage_.]
The same Men reported, that they had found a glass Bottle, and in
it a little Wine, or some other Liquor, almost dead. This was all
the Provision we found in that Place, by which it appears, how much
Monsieur _Tonti_ was misinform’d, since in his Book, _Pag._ 242, he
says, we found in that Island several Tun of _Spanish_ Wine, good
Brandy and _Indian_ Wheat, which the _Spaniards_ had left or abandon’d;
and it is a meer Invention without any Thing of Truth.
The 16th, the Weather being still Calm, the Men went ashore again for
five or six more Casks of Water. I was to have gone with them, had not
an Indisposition, which I first felt in the Island of _Pines_, and
afterwards turn’d to a tertian Ague, prevented me. Therefore I can give
no Account of that Island, any further than what I could see from the
Ships, which was Abundance of that Sort of Palm-Trees, in French call’d
_Lataniers_, fit for nothing but making of Brooms, or scarce any other
Use. That day we saw some Smoaks, far within the Island, and guess’d
they might be a Signal of the Number of our Ships, or else made by some
of the Country Hunters, who had lost their Way.
The next Night preceding the 17th, the Wind freshning from the _N.
W._ and starting up all on a sudden, drove the Vessel call’d _la
Belle_ upon her Anchor, so that she came foul of the Boltsprit
of the _Aimable_, carrying away the Spritsail-Yard and the
Spritsail-Top-Sail-Yard, and had not they immediately veer’d out the
Cable of the _Aimable_, the Vessel _la Belle_ would have been in danger
of perishing, but escap’d with the Loss of her Mizen, which came by the
Board, and of about a hundred Fathoms of Cable and an Anchor.
The 18th, the Wind being fresh, we made ready, and sail’d about Ten in
the Morning, standing _North_ and _N._ and by _W._ and held our Course
till Noon; the Point of Cape St. _Anthony_ bearing _East_ and _West_
with us, and so continu’d steering _North-West_, till the 19th at Noon,
when we found our selves in the Latitude of 22 Degrees 58 minutes
_North_, and in 287 Degrees 54 Minutes Longitude.
Finding the Wind shifting from one Side to another, we directed our
Course several Ways, but that which prov’d advantageous to us, was the
fair Weather, and that was a great Help, so that scarce a Day pass’d
without taking an Observation.
The 20th, we found the Variation of the Needle was 5 Degrees _West_,
and we were in 26 Degrees 40 Minutes of North Latitude and 285
Degrees 16 Minutes Longitude. The 23th it grew very cloudy,[46] which
threaten’d stormy Weather, and we prepar’d to receive it, but came off
only with the Apprehension, the Clouds dispersing several Ways, and we
continu’d till the 27th in and about 28 Degrees 14 Minutes, and both
by the Latitude and Estimation it was judg’d, that we were not far from
Land.
The Bark call’d _la Belle_ was sent out to discover and keep before,
sounding all the Way; and half an Hour before Sun-set, we saw the
Vessel _la Belle_ put out her Colours and lie by for us. Being come up
with her, the Master told us, he had found an Owzy Bottom at thirty
two Fathom Water. At eight of the Clock we sounded also, and found
forty Fathom, and at ten, but twenty five. About Midnight, _la Belle_
sounding again, found only seventeen, which being a Demonstration
of the Nearness of the Land, we lay by for the _Joly_, to know what
Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ design’d, who being come up, lay by with us.
The 27th, Monsieur _de Beaujeu_ sent the _Chevalier d’Aire_, his
Lieutenant, and two Pilots to Monsieur _de la Sale_, to conclude upon
the Course we were to steer, and it was agreed we should stand West
North West till we came into six Fathom Water; that then we should run
West, and when we had discover’d the Land, Boats should be sent to view
the Country. Matters being thus agreed on, we sail’d again, sounding
all the Way for the more Security, and about ten, were in ten or eleven
Fathom Water, the Bottom fine greyish Sand and owzy. At Noon, were in
26 Degrees[47] 37 Minutes of North Latitude.
The 28th, being in eight or nine Fathom Water, we perceiv’d the Bark
_la Belle_, which kept a Head of us, put out her Colours, which was the
Signal of her having discover’d Something. A Sailor was sent up to the
Main-Top, who descry’d the Land, to the N. E. not above six Leagues
Distance from us, which being told to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, he thought
fit to come to an Anchor.
[Sidenote: _Jan. 1685_]
There being no Man among us who had any Knowledge of that Bay, where
we had been told the Currents were strong, and sate swiftly to the
_Eastward_, it made us suspect that we were fallen off, and that the
Land we saw must be the Bay of _Apalache_, which oblig’d us on the 29th
to steer _W. N. W._ still keeping along the Land, and it was agreed
that the _Joly_ should follow us in six Fathom Water.
[Sidenote: _Currents._]
The 30th, the _Chevalier d’ Aire_ and the second Pilot of the _Joly_
came aboard us to confer and adjust by our Recknings what Place we
might be in, and they all agreed, according to Monsieur _de la Sale’s_
Opinion, that the Currents had set us to the _Eastward_, for which
Reason we held on our Course, as we had done the Day before to the _N.
W._ keeping along the Shore till the first of _January 1685_, when we
perceiv’d that the Currents forc’d us towards the Land, which oblig’d
us to come to an Anchor in six Fathom Water.
We had not been there long, before the Bark _la Belle_ made a Signal
that she had discover’d Land, which we descry’d at about 4 Leagues
Distance from us. Notice was given to Monsieur _de Beaujeu_, who drew
near to us, and it was resolv’d to send some Person to discover and
take an Account of the Land that appear’d to us.
Accordingly a Boat was man’d, and into it went Monsieur _de la Sale_,
the _Chevalier d’ Aire_ and several others; another Boat was also put
out, aboard which I went with Ten or Twelve of our Gentlemen, to join
Monsieur _de la Sale_ and the Bark _la Belle_ was order’d to follow
always keeping along the Shore; to the End that if the Wind shou’d
rise, we might get aboard her, to lose no Time.
[Sidenote: _First Landing._]
Some of those who were in Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Boat, and the
foremost,[48] went ashore and saw a spacious plain Country of much
Pasture Ground; but had not the Leisure to make any particular
Discovery, because the Wind freshning, they were oblig’d to return to
their Boat, to come aboard again; which was the Reason why we did not
go quite up to the Shore, but return’d with them to our Ship. All
that could be taken Notice of was a great Quantity of Wood along the
Coast. We took an Observation and found 29 Degrees 10 Minutes of North
Latitude.