On the 27th of October, in the evening, we made Cape Ortegal, and on the 31st came to an anchor in Brest road. The Lys, having so valuable a cargo on board, was towed into the harbour next morning, and lashed alongside one of their men of war. The money was soon landed; and the officers and men, who had been so many years absent from their native country, were glad to get on shore. Nobody remained on board but a man or two to look after the ship, and we three English prisoners, who had no leave to go ashore. The weather was extremely cold, and felt particularly so to us, who had been so long used to hot climates; and what made it still worse, we were very thinly clad. We had neither fire nor candle, for they were allowed on board of no ship in the harbour for fear of accidents, being close to their magazines in the dock-yard. Some of the officers belonging to the ship were so kind as to send us off victuals every day, or we might have starved, for Monsieur L'Intendant never sent us even a message; and though there was a very large squadron of men of war fitting out at that time, not one officer belonging to them ever came near Captain Cheap. From five in the evening we were obliged to sit in the dark; and if we chose to have any supper, it was necessary to place it very near us before that time, or we never could have found it.
We had passed seven or eight days in this melancholy manner, when one morning a kind of row-galley came alongside with a number of English prisoners belonging to two large privateers the French had taken. We were ordered into the same boat with them, and were carried four leagues up the river to Landernaw. At this town we were upon our parole, so took the best lodgings we could get, and lived very well for three months, when an order came from the court of Spain to allow us to return home by the first ship that offered. Upon this, hearing there was a Dutch ship at Morlaix ready to sail, we took horses and travelled to that town, where we were obliged to remain six weeks before we had an opportunity of getting away. At last we agreed with the master of a Dutch dogger to land us at Dover, and paid him beforehand.
When we had got down the river into the road, a French privateer that was almost ready to sail upon a cruize, hailed the Dutchman, and told him to come to an anchor, and that if he offered to sail before him he would sink him. This he was forced to comply with, and lay three days in the road, cursing the Frenchman, who at the end of that time put to sea, and then we were at liberty to do the same. We had a long uncomfortable passage. About the ninth day, before sunset, we saw Dover, and reminded the Dutchman of his agreement to land us there. He said he would, but instead of that in the morning we were off the coast of France. We complained loudly of this piece of villainy, and insisted upon his returning to land us, when an English man of war appeared to windward, and presently bore down, to us. She sent her boat on board with an officer, who informed us that the ship he came from was the Squirrel, commanded by Captain Masterton. We went on board of her, and Captain Masterton immediately sent one of the cutters he had with him to land us at Dover, where we arrived that afternoon, and directly set out for Canterbury upon post-horses; but Captain Cheap was so tired by the time he got there, that he could proceed no farther that night.
The next morning he still found himself so much fatigued, that he could ride no longer; therefore it was agreed that he and Mr Hamilton should take a post-chaise, and that I should ride: but here an unlucky difficulty was started, for upon sharing the little money we had, it was found to be not sufficient to pay the charges to London; and my proportion fell so short, that it was, by calculation, barely enough to pay for horses, without a farthing for eating a bit upon the road, or even for the very turnpikes. Those I was obliged to defraud, by riding as hard as I could through them all, not paying the least regard to the men, who called out to stop me. The want of refreshment I bore as well as I could.
When I got to the Borough, I took a coach and drove to Marlborough-street, where my friends had lived when I left England; but when I came there, I found the house shut up. Having been absent so many years, and in all that time never having heard a word from home, I knew not who was dead or who was living, or where to go next, or even how to pay the coachman. I recollected a linen-draper's shop, not far from thence, which our family had used. I therefore drove there next, and making myself known, they paid the coachman. I then enquired after our family, and was told my sister had married Lord Carlisle, and was at that time in Soho-square. I immediately walked to the house, and knocked at the door; but the porter not liking my figure, which was half French half Spanish, with the addition of a large pair of boots covered with dirt, he was going to shut the door in my face, but I prevailed with him to let me come in.
I need not acquaint my readers with what surprise and joy my sister received me. She immediately furnished me with money sufficient to appear like the rest of my countrymen; and till that time I could not be properly said to have finished all the extraordinary scenes which a series of unfortunate adventures had kept me in for the space of five years and upwards.
A VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH-SEAS, IN THE YEARS 1740, AND 1741:
CONTAINING
A faithful NARRATIVE of the Loss of his Majesty's Ship the WAGER, on a desolate Island in the Latitude 47 South, Longitude 81: 40 West: With the Proceedings and Conduct of the Officers and Crew, and the Hardships they endured in the said Island for the Space of five Months; their bold Attempt for Liberty, in coasting the Southern Part of the vast Region of Patagonia; setting out with upwards of eighty Souls in their Boats; the Loss of the Cutter; their Passage through the Streights of Magellan; an Account of their Manner of Living in the Voyage on Seals, Wild Horses, Dogs, &c. and the incredible Hardships they frequently underwent for want of Food of any Kind; a Description of the several Places where they touched in the Streights of Magellan, with an Account of the Inhabitants, &c. and their safe Arrival to the Brazil, after sailing one thousand Leagues in a Long- boat; their Reception from the Portuguese; an Account of the Disturbances at Rio Grand; their Arrival at Rio Janeiro; their Passage and Usage on board a Portuguese Ship to Lisbon; and their Return to England.
Interspersed with many entertaining and curious Observations, not taken Notice of by Sir John Narborough, or any other Journalist:
The Whole compiled by Persons concerned in the Facts related, viz.
JOHN BULKELEY AND JOHN CUMMINS,
Late Gunner and Carpenter of the WAGER.
Bold were the Men who on the Ocean first Spread the new Sails, when Shipwreck was the worst; More Dangers now from Man alone we find, Than from the Rocks, the Billows, and the Wind. WALLER.[119]
[119] In reprinting this very curious and scarce Narrative, we have thought it proper to adhere to the orthography and contractions of the original throughout. The former are little different from the present standard, and the latter cannot give any trouble to the reader. Altogether, this is a composition not without merit sufficient to warrant its being preserved.--E.
BULKELEYS NARRATIVE.
TO THE HONOURABLE EDWARD VERNON, ESQ. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE, &c.
Sir,
We have presumed to put the following sheets under your protection, though we have not the honour of being personally known to you, nor have applied to you for the liberty of using your celebrated name on this occasion.
As this book is a faithful extract from the journals of two British seamen, late officers in his majesty's navy, we thought we could not more properly dedicate it than to a British Admiral.
We know your detestation of flattery; and you know, from long experience, that a British seaman hath a spirit too brave to stoop to so degenerate a practice.
The following pages, we hope, will recommend themselves to you, because they are written in a plain maritime style, and void of partiality and prejudice.
The distresses mentioned in this book have perhaps not been equalled in our age; and we question whether any navigators living have, for so long a continuance, suffered such variety of hardships, as the unfortunate people of the Wager.
After surviving the loss of the ship, and combating with famine and innumerable difficulties, a remnant of us are returned to our native country; but even here we are still unfortunate, destitute of employment, almost without support, or any prospect of being restored to our stations, till some important questions are decided, which cannot be cleared up till the arrival of our late captain, or at least the commodore.
We, sir, who present you with this book, have been several years in the navy, and thought ourselves well acquainted with its laws and discipline, and have many certificates to produce, that we have always acted in obedience to command; but the proceedings of the officers and people, since the loss of the ship, are reckoned so dark and intricate, that we know not what to expect, nor what will be the result of our superiors determination.
The only consolation we have in our present anxiety, is placed in a confidence of the unbiassed integrity, justice, and humanity of the right honourable persons who will one day determine for or against us.
When you read our account of the affair, you'll find the facts impartially related, the whole narrative written without the least shadow of prejudice or malice, and no more in favour of ourselves, than of the other officers concerned: We stand or fall by the truth; if truth will not support us, nothing can.
In our voyage from the Brazil to Lisbon, we were obliged to you for the generous treatment we met with from an enemy, a subject of Spain, a person of distinction, and a passenger in the same ship: your virtues have procured you the esteem even of your enemies.
Your zeal for the national service deserves the love of every honest Briton: to leave an abundant fortune, your family, and your country, to hazard your life in the most perilous expeditions, with no other motive than to retrieve the honour of the nation, shows the spirit of a true British hero, and deserves the highest commendations.
That you, sir, may never deviate from your integrity, but continue a terror to the enemies of Britain, an honour to his majesty's service, and an ornament to your country, are the sincere wishes of,
Honourable Sir,
Your most dutiful,
And most obedient
Humble Servants,
John Bulkeley,
John Cummins.
BULKELEY'S NARRATIVE.
PREFACE.
As an Introduction, we think proper to acquaint the reader with our reasons for causing the following sheets to be made public to the world. The chief motive which induced us to this task, was to clear our characters, which have been exceedingly blemished by persons who, (next to Heaven) owe the preservation of their lives to our skill and indefatigable care; and who having an opportunity of arriving before us in England, have endeavoured to raise their reputation on the ruin of ours.
It will appear to the reader, on perusal of the following pages, that this journal was attempted to be taken from us by violence at Rio Janeiro; that we have preserved it at the hazard of our lives; that there was no journal kept after the loss of the ship, by any officers but ourselves; and if we had not been careful in making remarks on each day's transactions, persons must have continued in the dark, in relation to all the subsequent proceedings.
It is a very usual thing to publish voyages, especially when the navigators have met with any extraordinary events. We believe our expedition, though it was not a secret, is allowed to be an extraordinary one, consequently attended with extraordinary events: Indeed, while the commodore was with us, every thing went well; but when the squadron separated, things began to have a new face: After the loss of the Wager, there was a general disorder and confusion among the people, who were now no longer implicitly obedient. There were two seamen particularly, who propagated this confusion, they said they had suffered shipwreck in his majesty's ship the Biddeford, and received no wages from the day that the ship was lost; that when they were out of pay, they looked upon themselves as their own masters, and no longer subjected to command. The people, however, were not altogether infected, but still continued to pay a dutiful respect to their commander; but when the captain had rashly shot Mr Cozens, (whose fate the reader will find particularly related) they then grew very turbulent and unruly; the captain daily lost the love of the men, who with their affection lost their duty.
Our confining the captain is thought an audacious and unprecedented action, and our not bringing him home with us is reckoned worse; but the reader will find that necessity absolutely compelled us to act as we did, and that we had sufficient reasons for leaving him behind.
Our attempt for liberty, in sailing to the southward through the straits of Magellan, with such a number of people stowed in a long-boat, has been censured as a mad undertaking: Desperate diseases require desperate remedies; had we gone to the northward, there appeared no probability of escaping the Spaniards, and when we had fallen into their hands, 'tis not unlikely but they might have employed us as drudges in their mines for life; therefore we rather chose to encounter all difficulties than to become slaves to a merciless enemy.
Some persons have objected against our capacity for keeping a journal of this nature; but several judges of maritime affairs allow this work to be exact and regular. We think persons with a common share of understanding, are capable of committing to paper daily remarks of matter worthy their observation, especially of facts in which they themselves had so large a share. We only relate such things as could not possibly escape our knowledge, and what we actually know to be true. We don't set up for naturalists and men of great learning, therefore have avoided meddling with things above our capacity.
We are also condemned by many for being too busy and active for persons in our stations. There was a necessity for action, and a great deal of it too; and had we been as indolent and regardless for the preservation of the people as others who were superior in command, there would not have been a single man who was shipwrecked in the Wager, now in England to give any relation of the matter.
The gentleman who commanded in the long-boat, on his arrival before us at Lisbon, represented us to the English merchants in a very vile light; we were even advised by some of our friends there not to return to our country, lest we would suffer death for mutiny. But when the gentlemen of the factory had perused our journal, they found, if there was any mutiny in the case, the very person who accused us was the ringleader and chief mutineer. We were confident of our own innocence, and determined to see our country at all events, being positive that we have acted to the best of our understandings, in all respects, for the preservation of our lives and liberties; and when our superiors shall think proper to call us to an account, which we expect will be at the commodore's arrival, we do not doubt but we shall clear ourselves in spite of all invidious reflections and malicious imputations.
It has been hinted to us, as if publishing this journal would give offence to some persons of distinction. We can't conceive how any transactions relating to the Wager, although made ever so public, can give offence to any great man at home. Can it be any offence to tell the world that we were shipwrecked in the Wager, when all people know it already? Don't they know that the Wager was one of his majesty's store-ships? That we had on board not only naval stores, but other kind of stores, of an immense value? Don't they also know that we went abroad with hopes of acquiring great riches, but are return'd home as poor as beggars? We are guilty of no indecent reproaches, or unmannerly reflections; though, it is certain, we cannot but lament our being engaged in so fatal an expedition. When persons have surmounted great difficulties, it is a pleasure for them to relate their story; and if we give ourselves this satisfaction, who has any cause to be offended? Are we, who have faced death in so many shapes, to be intimidated, lest we should give offence to the--Lord knows whom? We never saw a satyrical journal in our lives, and we thought that kind of writing was the most obnoxious to give offence.
It has been a thing usual, in publishing of voyages, to introduce abundance of fiction; and some authors have been esteemed merely for being marvellous. We have taken care to deviate from those, by having a strict regard to truth. There are undoubtedly in this book some things which will appear incredible.
The account we give of the Patagonian Indians, and our own distresses, though ever so well attested, will not easily obtain credit; and people will hardly believe that human nature could possibly support the miseries that we have endured.
All the difficulties related we have actually endured, and perhaps must endure more: Till the commodore's arrival we cannot know our fate; at present we are out of all employment, and have nothing to support ourselves and families, but the profits arising from the sale of our journal; which perhaps may be the sum total we shall ever receive for our voyage to the South Seas.
A VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH SEAS.
On Thursday the 18th of September, 1740, sailed from St Hellens his majesty's ship Centurion, Commodore Anson, with the Gloucester, Pearl, Severn, Wager, and Tryal, and two store-ships; this squadron was designed round Cape-Horn into the South Seas, to distress the Spaniards in those parts. The ships were all in prime order, all lately rebuilt. The men were elevated with hopes of growing immensely rich, and in a few years of returning to Old England loaden with the wealth of their enemies.
Saturday, the 20th, the Ram-head bearing N. by W., distant four leagues, the commodore hoisted his pendant, and was saluted by every ship in the squadron, with thirteen guns each. This day joined company with us his majesty's ships Dragon, Winchester, South-Sea-Castle, and Rye-Galley, with a large convoy of merchant ships.
Thursday, the 25th, we parted company with the Winchester and the South- Sea-Castle, with their convoys, bound for America.
On Monday, we parted company with the Streights and Turkey convoys.
Friday, October the 3d, at eight in the morning, we saw two brigantines to the south-east; the commodore gave a signal to chace, at nine fired two shots to bring 'em to, at ten spoke with the chace, being two brigs from Lisbon, bound for New York.
Sunday, the 26th, about five in the morning, the Severn shewed lights, and fired several guns a-head; soon after we saw the land bearing W. by S, and at noon the east end of Madeira bore north, distant five leagues.
Wednesday, we moored in Fonchiale road, so called from a city of that name, which is the metropolis of the island of Madeira; here we employed most of our time in getting aboard water, and stowing our dry provisions between decks.
Tuesday, November the 4th, Captain Kidd our commander was removed on board the Pearl, and the Honourable Captain Murray succeeded him in the Wager. Captain Norris of the Gloucester having obtained leave to return to England, on account of his ill state of health, occasioned the above removals.
While we lay at Madeira, we were informed of ten sail of ships cruising off and on, to the westward, these ships were judged to be French, and had been seen every day for a week before our arrival: The commodore sent out a privateer sloop, but she returned the day following, without seeing 'em, so that we can give no account of 'em.
On Wednesday, the 5th, we sailed, from Madeira. On the 2Oth the Industry store-ship parted company, and on Friday the 28th, by account, we crossed the equinoctial.
On the 17th of December, we saw the island of St Catharine, at noon, the northmost land in sight bore W.N.W., and the southmost S.W. by W. Variation per amplitude 12; 57 easterly.
On the 18th, the north end of the island of St Catharine bore N.W. by W., distant seven leagues, and the island of Gaul bore N.W., distant six leagues.
On the 19th we anchored in St Catharine's bay, in upward of twelve fathom water, the island Gaul on the coast of Brazil, bearing N. by E., distant four leagues. On the 20th, we anchored in St Catharine's road, and the day following, we moored between the island of St Catharine and the main.
On Monday, the 22d, the commodore ordered fresh beef for the sick people.
On the 27th, came in a Portuguese brig from Rio Janeiro, for the Rio Grand: While we lay here, the people were generally employed in over-hauling the rigging, and getting aboard water.
On the 17th of January, 1741, we sailed from St Catharine's, the commodore saluted the fort with eleven guns, the fort returned the same number.
On Thursday, the 22d, we lost sight of the Pearl.
On Tuesday, the 17th of February, the Pearl joined the squadron, and on the 19th we came to anchor off the river of St Julian's, on the coast of Patagonia; St Julian's hill bearing S.W. by W., and the southmost land in sight S. by E., distant from the shore three leagues. This day our captain, the Honourable George Murray, took command on board the Pearl, Captain Kidd having died on the voyage since we left St Catharine's.
Captain Kidd was heard to say, a few days before his death, that this voyage, which both officers and sailors had engaged in with so much cheerfulness and alacrity, would prove in the end very far from their expectations, notwithstanding the vast treasure they imagined to gain by it; that it would end in poverty, vermin; famine, death, and destruction. How far the captain's words were prophetic will appear in the course of our journal. Captain C--p succeeded Captain Murray on board the Wager.
On the 26th of February, we sent on board the Pearl twelve butts and two puncheons of water, the Pearl having, while she was separated from us, been chased by five large Spanish men of war, the commander in chief being distinguished by a red broad pendant with a swallow's tail at his main-top- mast head, and a red flag at his ensign-staff: During the chace, the Pearl, in order to clear ship, threw overboard and stove fourteen tons of water; she likewise stove the long-boat, and threw her overboard, with oars, sails, and booms, and made all clear for engaging, but night coming on at seven o'clock lost sight of the enemy, at five in the morning saw the Spanish ships from the mast-head, two points on the lee-quarter, still giving chace, and crowding all the sail they could, but at nine the Pearl lost sight of 'em entirely. We judged this to be admiral Pizarro's squadron, sent out in pursuit of Commodore Anson. Had our ships united fallen in with 'em, 'tis probable we might have given a good account of 'em. While we lay at St Julian's we saw the sea full of shrimps, and red as if they were boiled, the water appeared tinctured to that degree, that it looked like blood.
On the 27th, we sent on board the Pearl four puncheons of water more; at six in the morning, the commodore made signal to weigh, at eight weighed, and came to sail; this day we lost sight of the Gloucester.
The 28th, the Gloucester came into the squadron again.
On the 7th of March we passed through the Streights of Le Mair; Cape Diego, on the island of Terra de Fuego, bore N.W., three leagues, and the west end of the island, Staten Land, bore E.N.E., distant four leagues, the squadron under reeft courses.
On the 10th, we lost sight of the Ann pink, on the 12th carried away the rails and timbers of the head on both sides.
On the 16th, the Ann pink joined the squadron again.
On the 3Oth, the Gloucester broke her main-yard in the slings.
April the 1st, the commodore ordered Mr Cummins, the carpenter, on board the Gloucester.
On the 8th, carried away the mizen-mast, two feet above the awning; there was no sail on the mast. Upon the rowl of a sea, all the chain-plates to windward broke, lat. 56, 31, long. 87.4, west. At noon Cape St Bartholomew bore north, 84 deg. E., distant 229 leagues.
The 10th, lost sight of the Severn and Pearl, lat. 56, 29, long. 85 west. At ten last night fell in with two small islands; at eight in the morning the islands bore N.N.W., by the compass distant eight leagues, in the latitude 54, 00 south; we took 'em for the islands which lay off Brewer's Streights, lat. 54, 50 south, long. 84, 56 west.
On the 12th, we had very hard gales at west, with the largest swell I ever saw; I was officer of the watch (though I was gunner of the ship, I had the charge of a watch during the whole voyage); we had our larboard tacks on board: Between six and seven in the morning, holding by the topsail hallyards to wind-ward, there broke a sea in the ship, which carried me over the wheel, bilged the cutter, and canted her over the sheet's bottom up athwart the barge; it likewise half filled the long-boat; the boatswain was for heaving the cutter overboard, I order'd him to do nothing with her till I had acquainted the captain, who was then very ill in his cabin: The captain desired me to use all means to save the cutter; at the same time I ask'd leave to skuttle the long-boat, and get the sprit-sail yard and jib in, for fear of endangering the bowsprit; which he ordered to be done, and told me, it was a very great misfortune that he should be ill at such a time. When I came from the captain, I found the lieutenant on the deck, got the cutter in her place, skuttled the long-boat, and got the sprit-sail yard and jib-boom in. The carpenter is still aboard the Gloucester.
The 13th, under reeft courses, the larboard tacks; the commodore being on the weather quarter, bore down under our lee, and spoke with us. He ask'd the captain, if the carpenter was returned from the Gloucester? The captain answer'd, No; and am surprised Captain M----d should detain him, when he knows I must want him about my mizen-mast. The commodore told him he would speak with the Gloucester, and order him on board. He then ask'd the captain why he did not set the main-top-sail, and make more sail? Captain C----p made answer, My rigging is all gone, and broke fore and aft, and my people almost all taken ill, and down; but I will set him as soon as possible. The commodore desired he would, and make what sail he could after him.
The 14th, the carpenter return'd from the Gloucester, it being the only day this fortnight a boat could live in the sea. As soon as the carpenter came on board, he waited on the captain, who order'd him to look on the chain- plates and chains, and give his opinion of the mast's going away. The carpenter look'd as order'd, and gave Captain C----p for answer, that the chain-plates were all broke. The captain shook his head, and said, Carpenter, that is not the reason of the mast's going away. The carpenter, not willing, as the mast was gone, to lay it to any one's mismanagement, or to occasion any uneasiness about what was now past prevention, fitted a cap on the stump of the mizen-mast, got up a lower studding-sail boom of 40 feet, and hoisted a sail to keep the ship to.
To-day, being the 19th, and the finest day we had in these seas, we were employ'd in repairing the rigging; we bent a new main-sail and reeft him, as did the Anne pink, the Gloucester at the same time fix'd her main-yard, the commodore and Tryal keeping a-head, and at a considerable distance; between four and six at night saw the commodore's light. At six, being relieved by the master, he could not see the commodore's light, though it was visible to every one else on the quarter-deck: The master still persisted he could not see it, on which I went and acquainted the captain, who came upon deck, and seeing the light, ask'd the master where his eyes were? This was the last time I ever saw the commodore. The lieutenant having the first watch lost sight of him at nine o'clock, and at ten was obliged to hand the foresail, in doing of which we lost a seaman over- board. We saw the Gloucester and Anne pink a-stern in the morning, but they were soon gone ahead, and out of sight.
The 21st, as I was in the steward's room, Joseph King, seaman, came for a pound of bread. I heard him ask the steward, if he thought they would be serv'd with the same quantity of water as before? Without waiting for an answer, No G--d d--n 'em, as the commodore was parted, they should find the difference. Not knowing the conseqence of this, or by whom the fellow might be spirited up, I acquainted the captain with the affair, who order'd me to deliver a brace of pistols charg'd with a brace of balls to every officer in the ship who wanted 'em, and to take no farther notice of the matter.
May the 1st. This day the officers were call'd, and their opinions ask'd concerning the best bower-anchor, resolved to cut the anchor away, for fear of endangering the ship, there being no possibility of securing it without putting our fore-mast in extreme danger, the shrouds and chain-plates being all broke.
Fourteen days before the loss of the ship, the wind at S. and S.S.W., steered N.W. by N., and N.N.W. by the compass: Laid the ship to for the first four nights; the meaning of this I could not learn. I ask'd the lieutenant the reason of our bearing for the land on a lee shore, when we had a fair wind for our rendezvous, which I had always thought was for the island of Juan Ferdinandez. The lieutenant told me the rendezvous was alter'd to an island in the latitude of 44 S. Upon this I said to the lieutenant, this was a very great misfortune to us, that we can do nothing with the ship in the condition she is in upon a lee shore, and am surpriz'd that we should be obliged to go there. The lieutenant told me, he had said every thing to dissuade the captain from it, but found him determined to go there. The fifth night, and every night after, made sail; the wind to the westward. I never relieved the lieutenant, but I ask'd him, what he thought of a lee shore with the ship in this condition? he always reply'd, he could not tell. We saw rock-weed in abundance pass by the ship. The Honourable J---n B---n, midshipman, being on the quarter-deck, said, We can't be far off the land by these weeds. The lieutenant and mate being by, I said, Gentlemen, what can we do with the ship in the miserable condition she is in on a lee shore? The lieutenant answer'd, Whenever I have been with the captain since our first lying-to, I always persuaded him to go for Juan Ferdinandez; therefore I would have you go to him, he may be persuaded by you tho' he will not by me. I said, If that was the case, my going to him is needless. In a quarter of an hour afterwards, the captain sent for me, and said, Gunner, what longitude have you made? I told him 82,30. What distance do you reckon yourself off the land? I answer'd, About 60 leagues; but if the two islands we saw are these which are laid down in your chart to lie off Brewer's Streights, and the same current continues with the western swell, we can't be above a third part of the distance off the land. The captain made answer, As for the currents, there is no account to be given for 'em; sometimes they set one way, and sometime another. I said, Sir, very true, but as the ship has been always under reeft courses, and the mizen-mast gone, she must wholly drive to leeward, and nigher the land than expected. The captain then told me, I suppose you are not unacquainted of my rendezvous for the island of Nostra Signora di Socora, in the latitude of 44. I reply'd, Sir, the ship is in a very bad condition to come in with the lee shore, and if it is possible to bring the ship to an anchor, we shall never purchase him again. The captain answered, I don't design to come to an anchor; for there are soundings until you come within seven leagues of the land. I purpose to stand off and on twenty-four hours; and if I don't see the commodore, or any of the squadron in that time, we will go for Juan Ferdinandez. To this I said, Sir, the ship is a perfect wreck; our mizen-mast gone, with our standing rigging afore and abaft, and all our people down; therefore I can't see what we can do in with the land. The captain's answer was, It does not signify, I am obliged and determin'd to go for the first rendezvous.
On the 13th, at eight in the morning, the straps of the fore-jeer blocks broke; reev'd the top ropes, and lower'd the yard; went to strapping the blocks. At nine, the carpenter going forward to inspect the chain-plates, saw the land from the fore-castle, on which he ask'd the boatswain's mate, who was by him, if he saw the land? he answer'd, No; the carpenter shew'd it him and he saw it plain. The carpenter then shew'd it to the lieutenant, but he would not believe it to be land, because it bore N.N.W., and said it was impossible; therefore he never inform'd the captain of the sight of land, as the Honourable Mr B----n hath heard the captain say. At two in the afternoon lower'd the fore-yard, and hawl'd the fore-sail up; notwithstanding I was officer of the watch, I was oblig'd to go upon the fore-yard, where was Mr Campbell, midshipman, one boatswain's mate, four seamen, and the master's servant, which were all the hands we could get out of the ship's company to assist. Whilst on the yard I saw the land very plain, on the lardboard beam, bearing N.W. half N., nearest high land, with hillocks, and one remarkable hommocoe like a sugar loaf, very high. At the sight of land I came off the fore-yard and acquainted the captain. He immediately gave orders to sway the fore-yard up, and set the fore-sail; then we wore ship with her head to the southward. The captain coming forward unhappily received a fall, which dislocated his shoulder, so that he was obliged to be put into the surgeon's cabin. Some time after he sent for the lieutenant and myself, acquainting us of the necessity there was for making sail, as being on a lee shore, therefore desired we would use our utmost endeavours to crowd the ship off. You see, gentlemen, said he, my misfortune will not permit me to continue on the deck; as for the master, he is not worthy of the charge of a watch, therefore I must desire you, Mr Bulkeley, to be in the watch with him, and to make but two watches; keep a good look-out, and if possible, set the main-top sail. Mr B----s, I must desire Mr Cummins to be with you, and beg you will take all the care you can. I having the first watch, set the main fore and mizen stay sail, it blew so hard I found it impossible to set the maintop sail, of which, I acquainted the captain: All the hands we cou'd muster in both watches, officers included, were but twelve, the rest of the ship's company were all sick below; I very often could get no more than three seamen in my watch. The ship for these three weeks hath been no better than a wreck, the mizen- mast gone, the standing rigging and chain-plates, afore and abaft, mostly broke and ruin'd. The top sails now at the yards are so bad, that if we attempt to loose'em for making sail, we are in danger of splitting'em, and we have not a spare sail in the ship that can be brought to the yard without being repair'd. This is the present deplorable situation of the ship. All the first and middle watch it blow'd and rain'd, and withal so very dark, that we could not see the length of the ship: For the greatest part of the night she came up no nearer than S. by W., and S.S.W. At four in the morning she came up with her head west, so that her head was then off the shore.
Thursday, May the 14th, 1741, at half an hour past four this morning, the ship struck abaft on a sunken rock, sounded fourteen fathom; but it being impossible to let go the anchor time enough to bring her up, being surrounded on every side with rocks, (a very dismal prospect to behold!) the ship struck a second time, which broke the head of the tiller, so that we were obliged to steer her with the main and fore-sheets, by easing off one, and hawling aft the other, as she came to, or fell off. In a short time after, she struck, bilged, and grounded, between two small islands, where Providence directed us to such a place as we could save our lives. When the ship struck it was about break of day, and not above a musket-shot from the shore. Launched the barge, cutter, and yawl over the gunnel, cut main and fore-mast by the board, and the sheet-anchor from the gunnel. The captain sent the barge ashore, with Mr S----w, the mate, to see if the place was inhabited, and to return aboard directly; but, without any regard to his duty, or the preservation of the lives of the people, he staid ashore. The barge not returning as expected, the lieutenant was sent in the yawl, with orders to bring off the barge. The lieutenant tarried ashore, but sent off the boat. As soon as the boat came on board, the captain being very ill, was persuaded by the officers to go ashore: With the captain went the land-officers, mate, and midshipmen, the officers remaining on board were the master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter: The boatswain, who was laid up a month before the loss of the ship, became of a sudden very vigorous and active. At night it blow'd very hard at north, with a great tumbling sea, we expected every moment that the ship would part, fetching such jirks and twistings as shock'd every person aboard, who had the least care for the preservation of life; yet, in the dismal situation we were in, we had several in the ship so thoughtless of their danger, so stupid and insensible of their misery, that upon the principal officers leaving her, they fell into the most violent outrage and disorder: They began with broaching the wine in the lazaretto; then to breaking open cabins and chests, arming themselves with swords and pistols, threatening to murder those who should oppose or question them: Being drunk and mad with liquor, they plunder'd chests and cabins for money and other things of value, cloathed themselves in the richest apparel they could find, and imagined themselves lords paramount.
Friday the 15th, the ship was bilged in the mid-ship, on a great rock; we took care to secure some powder, ball, and a little bread. In the afternoon, the carpenter and myself went ashore with several of those imaginary lords in the rich attire they had plunder'd yesterday; but upon the purser, and Lieutenant Hamilton of marines, presenting pistols to some of their breasts, those grandees suffer'd themselves very quietly to be disrob'd of all their greatness, and in a few minutes look'd like a parcel of transported fellons. On our coming ashore, we found the captain had taken his lodging in a little hut, supposed to be built by Indians; as for our parts, we were forced to take shelter under a great tree, where we made a large fire, but it rain'd so hard, that it had almost cost us our lives; an invalid died that very night on the spot. Before I left the ship I went to my cabin for my journal, but could not find it; I believe it is destroyed with the rest, for there is not one journal to be produced, we have good reason to apprehend there was a person employ'd to destroy them; I afterwards found part of the master's journal along shore, tore to pieces: Whatever is related in this book, preceding the loss of the Wager, is extracted from a journal belonging to a gentleman, lately an officer on board the Pearl. After we lost sight of the Pearl, I was obliged to have recourse to my memory, which I believe has been very faithful to me. From the time we were ship-wreck'd, the carpenter and myself were exceeding careful in writing each day's transactions: Had other persons taken the same care, there would be no necessity of imposing upon the publick a partial and inconsistent narrative, instead of a faithful relation of facts.
On the 16th, the weather very boisterous and a great sea, the boatswain wanted a boat, but finding no appearance of any coming aboard, brought a quarter-deck gun, a four pounder, to bear on the captain's hut, and fir'd two shot, which went just over the captain's tent. This day, being resolv'd to contrive something like a house, to secure us from the inclemency of the rain, and severity of the weather, we hawl'd up the cutter, and propping her up, we made a tolerable habitation. As for food, this island produces none; nor is there any vegetable upon it but cellery, which grows here in abundance, and is of great use to us, the men being in general very much troubled with the scurvy.
On the 17th of May, being Whitsunday, got several wild fowls, and plenty of muscles, limpets, and other shell-fish, which we find very refreshing, having subsisted a long time on nothing but salt provisions.
The 18th, went on board the ship, to see if it was possible to come at any provisions; got out of the Lazaretto two casks of flour and some wine, which were very useful.
On the 19th, went aboard again to scuttle the decks, in order to get some beef and pork out of the hold; we also scuttled the carpenter's store-room for nails and other things of service.
The 20th, cut away the gunnel to get the long-boat out, which was done. To- day we found several men dead, and some drowned, in the ship, suppos'd to have drank till they were not able to get from the water, as it flowed into the ship. While we were aboard working on the wreck, there came along-side a canoe with several Indians, bowing and crossing themselves, giving us to understand they were inclinable to the Romish religion; we gave 'em out of the ship two bales of cloth and sent them ashore to the captain, he gave them hats, and presented each of them with a soldier's coat. They had abundance of the largest and best muscles I ever saw, or tasted. This day was the first time of the boatswain's coming ashore; the captain called him rogue and villain, and felled him to the ground with his cane, so that he was motionless, and to appearance dead; when he had recovered the blow, and saw a cock'd pistol in the captain's hand, he offered his naked breast; the captain told him, he deserved to be shot, and said no more to him. The captain, lieutenant H--n of marines, the surgeon, and purser, always appear'd in arms on the beach, on the coming ashore of every boat, in order to prevent the people bringing any thing from the ship in a clandestine manner; they were so cautious of any thing being imbezzled, that they would not suffer the boats to go off and work by night, notwithstanding the moon, tides, and fairness of weather were more favourable to us by night than day; by this we omitted several opportunities of getting our provisions, and other useful things, which we shall shortly stand in great need of.
The 21st, continue to scuttle between decks, in getting necessaries out of the ship, found several men dead.
The 22d, the Indians brought us three sheep and some muscles. They are a people of a small stature, well shaped, of an olive complection, with black hair, in behaviour very civil, they have little clothes, except about their waists, notwithstanding the climate is very cold. They stay'd all night, it being very rainy weather, and has been ever since we have been here, the wind blowing from N. to N.W.
Saturday the 23d, the wind from the E.N.E. to north, fell abundance of snow, insomuch that the mountains are cover'd with it. It freezes very hard, and we find it extremely cold. The next day, the same weather, we went aboard, and scuttled for flour in the forehold.
The 25th, little wind at N.E. and frosty weather, went aboard again, and got out of the forehold eight barrels of flour, one cask of pease, with some brandy and wine. This day went to allowance, of half a pound of flour per man, and one piece of pork for three men, it being the first time of serving since on shore.
The 26th, we got out more casks of flour, one cask of oatmeal, with some brandy and wine. In the evening the Indians came with their wives, we gave the women hats, and the men breeches; they made signs as if they would bring more sheep.
On the 27th, we scuttled over the captain's store-room, got out several casks of rum and wine, and brought them ashore. This was the first time of the lieutenant's being between decks since the loss of the ship. The following day we went aboard, cut down and tost overboard the ship's awning, to make a deck for the long-boat.
Since the 27th, we have been employ'd in getting up the long-boat, and repairing the barge which had been stove ashore. Rainy weather.
On Wednesday, the 3d of June, hard gales of wind at N.N.W., with abundance of rain; deserted this day James Mitchel, carpenter's mate, John Russel, armourer, William Oram, carpenter's crew, Joseph King, John Redwood, boatswain's yeomen, Dennis O'Lawry, John Davis, James Roach, James Stewart, and William Thompson, seamen. Took up, along shore, one hogshead of brandy, and several things that drove out of the ship, a bale of cloth, hats, shoes, and other necessaries. An information was given, this day, by David Buckley, to the captain, that there was a design to blow him up, with the surgeon, and lieutenant H--n of marines. The train was actually found, laid by the deserters, to blow 'em up the night before they went off.
Thursday the 4th, we finished the boats, and shot several wild geese. Finding murmurings and discontents among the people, we secured the oars, and hawled up the boats, being apprehensive they would go away with them by night.
The 5th, we went on board the ship, found several casks of wine and brandy between decks, most part of the planks between decks gone, and some strakes to wind-ward started out, part of the upper deck blown up, the stumps of the masts and pumps risen five feet; brought ashore one cask of flour, with some stuff for the use of the long-boat; and two quarter casks of wine; the wind at S. by E.
Saturday the 6th, the wind at south and fair weather, we went aboard, got out of the hold eight casks of flour, two casks of wine, and a quarter cask and three hogsheads of brandy. The lieutenant went to the Indians, but could not find 'em, being inform'd by the deserters that they were gone.
On Sunday the 7th, we went aboard the ship, got out a cask of pork, two barrels of flour, started one pipe of wine, and brought it ashore, with a quarter cask of pease, some bales of cloth, and carpenter's stores. This day Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, was confin'd by the captain; the fault alledg'd against him was drunkenness. We learn from Nicholas Griselham, seaman, who was present and near the captain all the time, that as Mr Cozens was rowling up a steep beach a cask of pease, he found it too heavy for him, and left off rowling; the captain seeing this, told him he was drunk, Mr Cozens reply'd, With what should I get drunk, unless it be with water? The captain then said, You scoundrel, get more hands, and rowl the cask up: Cozens called for more hands, but no people came; with that the captain struck him with his cane. Griselham likewise says, that Cozens talked to the captain about one Captain Sh--lv--k; but the words he does not remember. But the same night I heard Mr Cozens use very unbecoming language to the captain, telling him, That he was come into those seas to pay Sh--lv--k's debts, and also insolently added, Tho' Sh--lv--k was a rogue, he was not a fool, and by G-d, you are both. When he spoke this, he was a prisoner in the store-tent, and asked the captain, If he was to be kept there all night? On these provocations, the captain attempted to strike him again, but the centinel said, he should strike no prisoner of his. But Cozens endeavouring to stave a cask of brandy, was soon after released. This day got out of the ship several chests of wax candles of all sizes, bales of cloth, bales of stockings, shoes, with some clocks and mercantile wares, with which the ship was throng'd.
The 8th, Mr Cummins and myself went to the deserters; we find they were determined to go off to the northward; the reason of their stay is the want of craft to go off in. They now find themselves mistaken, they believed at first they were on the main, but are convinced they are four or five leagues from it, therefore they purpose to build a punt out of the wreck of the ship: They live on sea-weed and shell-fish, got up one cask of beef, which was brought on shore with a cask of brandy, found one cask of beef on the rocks.
On Tuesday the 9th, I went with the doctor's mate to the deserters, and spoke to William Oram, a carpenter, and a very useful man, desiring him to return, with a promise of pardon from the captain: In this affair I was obliged to act very secretly. To-day, Mr Cozens, the midshipman, had a dispute with the surgeon; the latter having some business in our tent, which, when he had done, on his going away, Mr Cozens followed him; they soon fell to blows, but the surgeon had so much the advantage of the midshipman, that he tied his hands behind him and left him. In the evening the captain sent for me and the carpenter to his tent: We found the captain, lieutenant, purser, surgeon, and lieutenant H----n of marines. Here we had a consultation, which was chiefly concerning the disturbances among the people, as well in our tent as in the rest. Mr Cummins and I assured the captain, that the people in our tent were generally very well affected to him, and that we never would engage in any mutiny against him, or any other officer that would act for the publick good, and his majesty's service: The captain said, he had no reason to suspect us, for we were the only two in the ship that he put any trust or confidence in. Strict orders were given the centinel to keep a good look-out, and have a watchful eye on the provisions. Notwithstanding all this precaution and care, there was one-third part of a barrel of flour and half a barrel of gunpowder taken away that night. It is to be observed, that this day's consultation was the first that Captain C----p ever had with his officers; had he sometimes consulted them aboard, we might probably have escaped our present unhappy condition.
Wednesday the 10th, this day, serving the provisions, the boatswain's servant, a Portuguese boy, talking bad English, and bringing in the allowance of wine, the boatswain, Mr Cozens, midshipman, and the cook his mess-mates, with some difficulty, understood by the boy's talk, that one of the men had his allowance stopped; Mr Cozens went to know the reason; the purser and he having some dispute two or three days before, the purser told him, when he asked for his wine, that he was come to mutiny, and without any farther ceremony, discharged a pistol at his head, and would have shot him, had he not been prevented by the cooper's canting the pistol with his elbow, at the instant of its going off; the captain and lieutenant H----n, hearing the discharge of a pistol, the latter ran out with a firelock, then called the captain out of his tent, telling him that Cozens was come to mutiny; the captain on this jumped out, asking where the villain was, clapped a cock'd pistol to Mr Cozen's cheek, and precipitately shot him, without asking any questions; the noise of the two pistols going off reached our tent; it was rainy weather, and not fit for gunning, so that we could not imagine the meaning of it; soon after we heard Mr Cozens was shot by the captain: The lieutenant came to call all hands to the captain: I asked if we must go armed, the lieutenant answered, Yes; but, on consideration, I thought better to go without arms: When we came to the captain, he acquainted us with what he had done, and told us he was still our commander. The captain, purser, surgeon, lieutenants H----n, E----rs, and F----ng of marines, being all armed, I said to the captain. Sir, you see we are disarmed; on this the captain dropped his firelock to the ground, saying, I see you are, and have only sent for you, to let you all know I am still your commander, so let every man go to his tent; accordingly every man obeyed him. In our tent, we had eighteen of the stoutest fellows that belonged to the ship, and I believe the captain, and the gentlemen above- mentioned, have some suspicion of Mr Cummins and myself, believing we can sway most of the seamen on shore: But I think this day we have given a proof of the sincerity of our intentions, and our detestation of mutiny, by not appearing in arms at the report of Mr Cozens being shot; we walked up with the captain, where we saw Mr Cozens with his elbow on the ground resting his right cheek on the palm of his hand, alive, and to appearance sensible, but speechless; the captain ordered him to the sick-tent, the surgeon's mate dressed his left cheek where he was shot, and felt a ball about three inches under his right eye; the surgeon refused dressing him: This we may impute to his having lately a quarrel with Mr Cozens, which has been already mentioned. The shooting of Mr Cozens was a very unhappy affair; The person whose allowance was stopped made no complaint to him, he was too officious in the business, and his preceding behaviour, and notorious disrespectful words to the captain, might probably make the captain suspect his design was mutiny; tho' this we must aver, that Mr Cozens neither on this, or any other occasion, appeared in arms since the loss of the ship. However, his fate laid the foundation of a great deal of mischief which afterwards followed.
Thursday the 11th, moderate gales at W.N.W. The carpenter employed in laying the blocks for the long-boat. Dr O----y, of the land forces, was desired to assist the surgeon's mate, to take the ball out of Mr Cozens's cheek, which he then was inclinable to do, but in the afternoon, finding it not agreeable to the captain, refused to go, as we are informed by the surgeon's mate, who desired some surgeon might be present, to be witness of the operation; the ball was taken out, and for some time supposed to be lost, but was afterwards found.
This day being the 12th, the carpenter finished the blocks for lengthening the long-boat: In the morning he went to the captain's tent for some bolts for the use of the long-boat, where he saw the surgeon at the medicine- chest, who asked him how that unfortunate creature did, meaning Mr Cozens; the carpenter told him, he had not seen him to-day: The surgeon then said he would have visited him, but the captain would not give him leave. This was looked on as an act of inhumanity in the captain, and contributed very much to his losing the affections of the people, whose opinion was, that as Mr Cozens was very strong and healthy, with proper assistance he might recover; the people did not scruple to say, that the captain would act a more honourable part to discharge another pistol at him, and dispatch him at once, than to deny him relief, and suffer him to languish in a cold wet place in pain and misery.
On the 13th, Mr Cozens being, to all outward appearance, likely to recover, desired he might be removed to our tent, which was his place of residence before this unhappy accident. We being unwilling to disoblige the captain, the carpenter and myself waited on him; we told him, we were come to ask a favour, hoping that he would have so much mercy and compassion on the unhappy man who was in the sick tent, as to permit us to remove him to his former lodging, but the captain answer'd, No, I am so far from it, that if he lives, I will carry him a prisoner to the commodore, and hang him.
On the 14th, went aboard the ship, but could do nothing, she working so very much, we brought ashore the fore-top sail yard; the boat went up the river, brought back abundance of geese and shaggs. Wind at west.
Monday the 15th, hard gales of wind at west, with rain and hail; drove ashore three barrels of flour and abundance of small stuff out of the ship; took up a-long shore several pieces of pork and beef: John Anderson, a seaman, walking round the rocks, and reaching after a piece of beef, slipping his footing, was drown'd, but taken up directly, and that night bury'd: Turn'd the boatswain out of our tent for breeding quarrels; his turbulent temper was so well known to the captain, that he express'd himself pleas'd at our turning him out, and said he was surprized we ever admitted him among us.
On the 7th, the carpenter at work on the long-boat: The surgeon's mate, this day took out of Mr Cozens's cheek a ball much flatted, and a piece of bone, supposed to be part of the upper jaw, which was desired by Mr Cozens to be deliver'd to me; I receiv'd it, with the first ball mention'd to have been lost.
Thursday the 18th, the carpenter cut the long-boat in two, and lengthen'd her eleven feet ten inches and half by the keel.
Sunday the 21st, went aboard the ship, but it being dangerous going about any thing, by reason of her working much, and a great sea tumbling in, the boats were employ'd in going about the rocks in search of subsistence.
The 22d, the carpenter went with the boat up the bay to seek the Indians, but saw nothing of them; at night the boat returned, the people having shot abundance of wildfowl.
The 23d, the lieutenant went with the boat, and found the Indians just come from the place where they catch seal; their canoes were loaded with seal, sheep, and oil.
Wednesday the 24th, departed this life, Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, after languishing fourteen days with the wound he had received in his cheek: We bury'd him in as decent a manner as time, place, and circumstances would allow. There have died sundry ways since the ship first struck, forty-five men; seven have deserted from us, and still continue away; remain and now victual'd one hundred men.
Thursday the 25th, the wind at W.N.W. and rainy weather; saw the Indians coming towards us in their canoes, but the deserters settling where they took their habitation, when first we saw 'em, by their rowing, we thought they were design'd to go there; and knowing the deserters intended to take one of their canoes to go over the main, we therefore launch'd the yawl and went off to them; there were five canoes of 'em, laden with seal, shell- fish, and four sheep; they brought with 'em their wives and children, so that in all they were about fifty in number; they hawl'd their canoes up, and built four wigg whims, which they cover'd with the bark of trees and seal-skins; we imagined by this they had an intention to settle with us; they are a very simple and inoffensive people, of a low stature, flat- nos'd, with their eyes sunk very deep in their heads; they live continually in smoak, and are never without a fire, even in their canoes; they have nothing to cover their nakedness, but a piece of an old blanket, which they throw over their shoulders: We always see 'em in this manner, notwithstanding we cloath 'em whenever they come to us. By the crosses set up in many parts of the land, one would think they had some notion of the Romish religion: We can't make 'em understand us by any speech, nor by our signs: We show'd 'em a looking-glass; when they saw the representation of themselves, they seem'd amaz'd, and shew'd a thousand antick gestures, and when once they beheld themselves in the looking-glass, they could hardly be prevail'd on to look off.
On Sunday the 28th, in the afternoon, about twelve of the Indian women went off in their canoes: We thought they were gone to get muscles, but soon saw 'em diving, which we imagin'd was for pieces of beef or pork that come out of the wreck; but, when they came ashore, we found they had been only diving for sea-eggs. The women among those people seem to take more pains for the provisions of life than the men; the latter having little to do but to provide wood, and indulge themselves by the fire, while the women go every tide a fishing. To-day we kill'd two Indian sheep.
Monday the 29th, launch'd the yawl to go with the Indians to shew us where they get the muscles; but being too late for the tide, we came away without any: The captain sent to our tent two quarters of mutton; the carpenter daily at work on the long-boat. Winds variable.
On the 30th, the Indian women went again for sea-eggs, and brought a great quantity, with abundance of white maggots, about three quarters of an inch in length, and in circumference the bigness of a wheat-straw. These women keep an incredible time under water, with a small basket in their hands, about the size of the women's work-baskets in England, into which they put whatever they get in their diving. Among these people the order of nature seems inverted; the males are exempted from hardships and labour, and the women are meer slaves and drudges. This day one of our seamen died: We observe, the Indians are very watchful of the dead, sitting continually near the above-mention'd corpse, and carefully covering him, every moment looking on the face of the deceas'd with abundance of gravity: At the burial their deportment was grave and solemn, seeing the people with their hats off during the service, they were very attentive and observant, and continued so till the burial was over: They have nothing, as I have said before, but a blanket to cover 'em, and the boys and girls are quite naked, notwithstanding we felt it as cold here, as in the hardest frosts in England, and almost always rainy.
Wednesday, July the 1st, employ'd in cutting timbers in the woods for the long-boat; rainy weather, the wind at S.W. the Indian women diving for food as before.
Thursday the 2d, last night the store-tent was broke open, and robb'd of a great deal of flour.
Monday the 6th, hard gales of wind, with showers of rain and hail, came ashore from the ship one cask of beef, with several of the lower-deck carlings, and plank of the upper and lower-deck beams, and, what was reckon'd very odd, the cabin-bell came ashore, without its being fasten'd to any wood, or any one thing of the ship near it.
Tuesday the 7th, hard gales of wind, with hail, rain, and lightning: The Indian women went out as usual in their canoes to dive for sea-eggs, and brought ashore abundance of 'em; they jump overboard out of their canoe about a mile from shore, they take the handle of their baskets, which I have already described, between their teeth, diving five or six fathom water; their agility in diving, and their continuance under water for so long a time as they generally do, will be thought impossible by persons who have not been eye-witnesses of it; they seem as amphibious to us as seals and alligators, and rarely make use of any provisions but what they get out of the sea.
Wednesday the 8th, launch'd the yawl and went on board, saw several casks, some of meat, and some of liquor, the decks and sides abaft drove out, and entirely gone, the larboard-side abaft drove on shore; about two miles and a half from the tent a cask of liquor was found, and broach'd by the person who found it, which was allow'd to be a great fault; he likewise broach'd a cask of meat, which should have been preserv'd to carry away with us.
On Thursday the 9th, the Indians with their wives and children launch'd their canoes, and went away, 'tis believ'd they wanted provisions, such as seal, they are indeed never settled long in a place; it was said some of our people wanted to have to do with their wives, which was the reason of their going away so soon. To-day we saw several things drive out of the ship up the lagoon, as the stump of the main-mast, one of the pumps, with one of the gun-carriages. Wind at N.W.
Friday the 10th, went aboard the ship, found her broke asunder just at the gang-way, saw the cables out to the windward, but could not see any casks of liquor or provisions, went to shorter allowance of flour, one pound for three men per diem. Last night the tent was robbed of half a barrel of flour. Orders were given by the captain to watch the store-tent by night; all the officers, the marine included, with the mates and midshipmen, were oblig'd to watch, the captain and carpenter alone excus'd, the carpenter being every day at work on the long-boat.
Friday the 17th, for this week past hard gales of wind, with rain and hail as usual. Last Wednesday the ship parted her upper works from the lower deck: Launch'd the boat and went off to the wreck, but could do nothing, went up the bay, took a quarter cask, about three parts full of wine, saw the Indian dogs ashore, but no people.
Saturday the 18th, launched the boat, sent her to the wreck, and brought ashore one cask of beef, it is believed some guns were heard from the sea: The watch reported they have heard them two nights past. Great disturbances among the people. Wind at E.N.E. and frosty weather.
Sunday the 19th, launch'd the boat, sent her to the wreck, hook'd a cask supposed to be beef, but when towed ashore, we found it contained nothing but hatches; we took up along ashore, abundance of checque shirts in dozens, also caps, bales of cloth, and pieces of beef and pork.
Wednesday the 22d. This day began to build a house to dwell in, finding our stay here will be much longer than we at first expected.
The 23d, took up along shore several pieces of beef and pork, shirts, caps, frocks, trowsers, pieces of cloth, with other serviceable things, and wax candles of all sizes.
Saturday the 25th, hard showers of rain and hail, the wind at north. Shot several sea-gulls, geese, hawks, and other birds: The carpenter had this day given him by one of the people, a fine large rock crab, it being the first of the kind we ever saw here.
Sunday the 26th, moderate gales and variable winds, with rain and hail: Most part of our people eat a weed that grows on the rocks; it is a thin weed of a dark green colour, and called by the seamen, Slaugh. It is surprizing how the black currant trees, which are here in great plenty, have budded within these three days. Began thatching our new house with bushes: To-day we caught a fine rock-fish; this is the first fish we have seen alive since our being here. Observing our new town, we find there are no less than 18 houses in it.
Monday the 27th, launched the boat, went to the wreck, but found nothing; close weather, the wind still at north: Rose the sheets for erecting a tent over the long-boat to keep the men from being exposed to the continual rains. This day we finished the thatching of our new house.
Wednesday the 29th, fresh gales at N.W. with rain; sure no men ever met with such weather as we have in this climate: To-day we walked in the woods to take some notice of the trees, which we find to be very much like our beech in England; but the trees and bushes are in general of a soft free nature, and with a spicy bark.
Thursday the 30th, wind still at N.W. and rainy weather. This day departed this life, Nathaniel Robinson, the last private man of the invalids; there are now only two left, viz. the captain and surgeon. Being at the honourable Mr B----n's tent, I found him looking in Sir John Narborough's voyage to these seas: This book I desired the loan of, he told me it was Captain C----p's, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this favour I requested of the captain, and it was presently granted. Carefully perusing this book, I conceived an opinion that our going through the Streights of Magellan for the coast of Brasil, would be the only way to prevent our throwing ourselves into the hands of a cruel, barbarous, and insulting enemy: Our long-boat, when finished, can be fit for no enterprize, but the preservation of life: As we cannot act offensively, we ought to have regard to our safety and liberty. This evening proposals were offered to the officers concerning our going through the Streights of Magellan; which at this time they seem to approve of.
Friday the 31st, hard gales at N.W. with rain: This day was taken up along shore, an otter just killed, but by what animal we could not tell; it was bleeding fresh when taken up, and proved a dainty repast. Came ashore the ship's beams, with several things of great value.
Saturday, August the 1st, hard gales at N.W. with rain and hail. This day put to an allowance of flour, one quarter of a pound a man per diem, and one pint of wine: Those who like brandy, to have half a pint in lieu of wine. We have now in a manner nothing to live on but what we pick'd up along the shore: The ship's company agree to go through the Streights of Magellan.
Sunday the 2d, this morning found the store-tent robbed of brandy, filled up all the ullage casks, picked up about the rocks abundance of clams, a shell-fish not unlike our cockles: These fish are at present the support of our life. The people are now very quarrelsome and discontented.
Monday the 3d, this day having fine weather (which is a prodigy in this place) launched the boat, and went about the rocks and islands on discovery. This day we also moved into our new house, it being a very commodious habitation, exceedingly well thatched; in this dwelling there are cabins for fourteen people, which are covered inside and out with broad cloth: This is a rich house, and, in some parts of the world, would purchase a pretty estate; there are several hundred yards of cloth about it, besides the curtains and linings, which are shalloon and camblet; in short, considering where we are, we cannot desire a better habitation. The people fall into disputes concerning the boat, where we are to proceed with her, when she is built and ready for going off. It is the opinion of the navigators, that going through the Streights of Magellan is the safest and only way to preserve life and liberty: The artists, who have worked the bearings and distance, are very pressing that it should be moved to the captain, purposing to have their reasons drawn up, and signed by all who are willing to go that way, and to be delivered to the captain for his opinion; upon this there was a paper drawn up, and as soon as the people heard it, they came flocking to sign first, crying all aloud for the Streights, seeming overjoyed, as if they were going to England directly, without any affliction or trouble, but there must be a great deal of hardships to be encountered before we arrive at our native country: This paper was signed by all the officers on the spot, except the captain, lieutenant, purser, and surgeon, and by all the seamen in general, except the captain's steward.
Tuesday the 4th, at the time of serving at the storehouse, about twelve o'clock, I went to the captain, with the master, carpenter, and boatswain, and read to him the paper; he answered he would consider of it, and give his answer: Here follows a copy of the paper signed:--
"We whose names are under-mentioned, do, upon mature consideration, as we have met with so happy a deliverance, think it the best, surest, and most safe way for the preservation of the body of people on the spot, to proceed through the Streights of Magellan for England. Dated at a desolate island on the coast of Patagonia, in the latitude of 47 deg. 00 min. south, and west longitude from the meridian of London 81 deg. 40 min. in the South Seas, this 2d day of August, 1741.