A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 17 / Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History / of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and / Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the / Present Time

The names of the people left on shore in the latitude of 35' 25 S. longitude 65: 00 W.

Those people had a good prospect of getting provisions, and we believe inhabitants are not far off; they have all necessaries for shooting; we hope to see them again, but at present we leave them to the care of Providence and the wide world. At noon sailed hence, at four in the afternoon could not clear the land, and were obliged to anchor in five fathom, two leagues from the shore, the northmost point of land bore N.E. by N. and the southmost point S. by W. Hard gales at E.N.E. and a great sea. At noon in latitude 38: 00.

Friday the 15th, fresh gales at N.N.W. and a great sea tumbling into the bay. We are not able to ride it out, therefore, at four in the afternoon, got under sail, and stood off to sea; the southmost land bore S.W. by S. distant five leagues.

Monday the 18th, in the latitude of 36: 29 S. the north point of Freshwater-Bay bearing S.W. distant forty-four leagues, we went to an allowance of water, at a pint a man per day, having on board not above twenty gallons for thirty-three souls.

Tuesday the 19th, little wind at S. and clear weather. At four this morning saw breakers right a-head; sounded, and found five fathom; saw the land making like an island, bearing N.E. by E. distant twelve leagues; steered N. for about a mile or two, shoaled the water from two fathom to nine feet, then steer'd N.N.E. and deepen'd the water to five fathom. By the appearance of the land, we are well up the river of Plate, and do take the breakers for the English bank. Steer'd and sail'd all day E.N.E. along shore, in the evening anchor'd in a fine sandy bay; saw two men coming down on horseback, the boatswain swam ashore, and got up behind one of them, and rode away to their caravans. When we made the land, we had not one drop of water on board: Several people swam ashore to fill water, one of 'em, when ashore, drank very plentifully of water; in attempting to come off, was so weak, that he could not reach the vessel, but was unfortunately drown'd. Got one cask of water aboard, which reviv'd us exceedingly.

Wednesday the 20th, Mr Cummins and myself went ashore, four of the inhabitants came down to us on horseback. As I could talk Portugueze, I fell into discourse with them. They told me the English were still at war with the Spaniards, that they had two fifty-gun ships up the river of Plate, and one sixty gun ship cruizing off Cape St Mary's; and not above six weeks ago a seventy gun ship lying at anchor, parted from her anchors and drove on shore; that the ship was lost, and every man perish'd. They also told me they were Spaniards, Castilians, and fishermen, that they came here a fishing, the fish they took they salted and dried, then sold them at Buenos Aires. The town they belong'd to they called Mount de Vidia, two days journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the king of Portugal's land. They said there were a great many Spanish settlements on this side, and gave us an invitation to their caravan; we got up behind them, and rode about a mile to it, where they entertained us with good junk beef, roasted and boyl'd, with good white bread. We sought to buy some provisions of 'em, but they had none but twenty-six loaves, about as big as two-penny loaves in England, which they would not part with under four guineas. We being in a weak condition, scarce able to stand on our legs, and without bread for a long time, gave them their price. Their patron told us at the same time, if it should be known that they had supplied us, they should be all hang'd. He promis'd, if we would give him a fire-lock, he would get us some wild fowl, and as many ducks in an hour or two as would serve all the people on board. Mr Cummins sent for his fire-lock, and gave it him, with some powder and sluggs. On our coming away, finding one of their company missing with a horse, we were apprehensive of his being gone to betray us; therefore immediately went on board, got our water in, and made all ready for sailing to Rio Grand.

Thursday the 21st, little wind at N.W. and fair weather. At four this morning got under sail, steered E.N.E. At twelve saw low land stretch off to the eastward, which bore E. by S. At four the tide of flood flowing strong in obliged us to come to an anchor in a large bay, in eight fathom water; the south point bore S.S.W. the east point E.S.E.; at eight at night got under sail, steering E.S.E.

Friday the 22d, little wind at N. and fair weather. At eight this morning saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; at noon it bore W.S.W. and the north land S.E. by E.

Sunday 23d, little wind, and calm. In the morning, not seeing the land, steer'd in N.; at noon saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; latitude per observation 34: 53 S. At seven in the evening, being in shore and calm, anchored in fourteen fathom water, sandy ground, the cape bearing W. by N. and the northmost land N. by E. This day departed this life Mr Thomas Clark the master, as did also his son the day following.

Sunday the 24th, the wind at S. and hazy weather. At two in the morning weighed and came to sail, steering N.E. within a league of the shore. At three in the afternoon saw three islands, the northmost of which is the most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a church with a lofty tower; at four we saw three islands more, steer'd N. quarter W. between those islands, until we saw the main land. The most remarkable of these islands is about four miles from the main; they are all steep. At eight anchored in fourteen fathom, fine sand.

Monday the 25th, a fresh gale at E.N.E. and cloudy weather. At nine this morning got under sail, in order to go back to those islands to get some seal, there being great numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of provision, with the wind against us. We took the opportunity of the wind back to the islands, but were disappointed; being not able to get ashore for provisions, came to an anchor in fourteen fathom, sandy ground. Hard gales at N.N.E. with thunder, lightning and rain, all night.

Tuesday the 26th, this morning moderate gales at N.W. and fair weather, got under sail; after clear of the islands, steer'd N.E. by N. keeping along shore: It is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five leagues off the land. We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board. We have a fair wind, and not far from our desired port; so that we are in pretty good spirits. This day died the oldest man belonging to us, Thomas Maclean, cook, aged 82 years.

Wednesday the 27th, moderate gales at W. steered N. and sail'd all day within a cable's length of the shore in three fathom water. We have now nothing but a little water to support nature. At noon had an observation, latitude in 32: 40 south: I reckon myself 18 leagues from the Rio Grand, and hope to see it in the morning.

Thursday the 28th, kept the shore close aboard, and sounded every half hour, not caring to go within three fathom, nor keep without five, sailing along by the lead all night. At six in the morning saw the opening of the river Grand; kept within the breakers of the bar, having at some times not above seven feet water at half flood; steer'd N.E. by E. until the river's mouth was fairly open; then steer'd N. and N.N.W. until abreast of the town; anchored on the east shore in two fathom water. There presently came a boat from the shore, with a serjeant of the army, and one soldier. The lieutenant, myself, and Mr Cummins, with Captain P----n of the land forces, went on shore with them. The commandant, the officers, and people of the place, receiv'd us in a most tender and friendly manner. They instantly sent on board to the people four quarters of beef, and two bags of Farine bread. We were conducted to the surgeon's house, the handsomest habitation in the place, where we were most hospitably entertain'd. At four in the afternoon the governor came to town; After a strict enquiry into our misfortunes, and the reasons of our coming into this port, being somewhat doubtful that we might be inspectors of their coast, he began to examine me, the lieutenant having reported me to him as pilot. He ask'd me if there was a chart of the coast on board; and, if not, how it was possible we could hit the bar, and venture into so hazardous a place as this is? I told him, as for a chart, we had none of any kind, but I had a good observation the day before, that our vessel drew but a small draught of water, that we kept a lead always going, and in the necessity we were in, we were oblig'd, at all events, to venture, and if we had not seen the opening of the river before night, we must have been compell'd to run the vessel ashore. He examin'd me also concerning the places we stopt at, from Cape Virgin Mary to this port, and more particularly relating to the river Plate. He was very nice in his enquiry of our putting in at Cape St Mary's, and of the bearings and distance along shore from thence to this port. When he thoroughly satisfy'd himself, he embraced us and blest himself to think of our deliverance, which he term'd a miracle. He offer'd every thing the country could afford to our relief; the sick were order'd to be taken care of in the hospital: He took the lieutenant and the land officers home with him, and desired the commandant to see that the rest of the officers and people wanted for nothing. Before he went he inform'd us, that his majesty's ships the Severn and Pearl were at Rio Janeiro, in great distress; that they had sent to England for men, and could not sail from thence until the arrival of the Flota, which would be in May or June. He also told us, that we should be dispatch'd in the first vessel which arriv'd in this port, for he did not think we could with safety go any farther in our own, and that there could not be found twelve seamen in the Brazils that would venture over the bar in her to sail to Rio Janeiro; therefore he order'd our little Speedwell ashore: This wonder the people are continually flocking to see; and it is now about nine months since we were cast away in the Wager; in which time, I believe, no mortals have experienc'd more difficulties and miseries than we have. This day may be justly stiled the day of our deliverance, and ought to be remember'd accordingly.

Sunday the 31st, little or nothing remarkable since the day we came in, only a wonderful change in our diet, live on the best the country can produce, and have plenty of every thing. This afternoon the governor, commandant, and commissary, came on board, to see our little Speedwell; they were surpriz'd that thirty souls, the number of people now living, could be stowed in so small a vessel; but that she could contain the number which first embark'd with us was to them amazing, and beyond all belief: They could not conceive how the man at the helm could steer without falling overboard, there not being above four inches rise from the deck. I told them he sat down, and clapp'd his feet against the rise, and show'd them in what manner we secured ourselves. The governor, after viewing the vessel over, told us, we were more welcome to him in the miserable condition we arriv'd than if we had brought all the wealth in the world with us. At the same time he fully assur'd us, we should be supply'd with every thing that the country could afford; that he would dispatch us the first opportunity to Rio Janeiro, and whenever we stood in need of any thing, he order'd us to acquaint the commandant, and our wants should be instantly supply'd. He then took leave of us, and wished us well. All the deference and dutiful respect we could shew him, to express a grateful sense of his favour, was by manning the vessel, and giving him three cheers. The next day arriv'd at this place the brigadier-governor of the island St Catharine; he came close by our vessel, we mann'd her, and gave him three cheers. The soldiers of the garrison, having twenty months arrears due to them, expected the brigadier was coming to pay them, but when they found themselves disappointed, they made a great disturbance among themselves. I apply'd to the commandant for a house, the vessel, in rainy weather, not being fit to live in; he order'd me one joining to his own, and gave me the key. I took with me Mr Cummins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, Mr Oakley, and the cooper; we brought our trifling necessaries on shore, and remov'd to our new habitation: Here we were dry and warm, and though we had no bedding, we lodg'd very comfortably. Since the loss of the Wager, we have been used to lie hard; at present we think ourselves very happily fix'd, and heartily wish that all the persons who surviv'd the loss of the ship were in so good a situation as ourselves.

Tuesday, February the 2d, 1741-2, great murmurings among the soldiers; they detain'd the brigadier from going back, as he intended, this morning, till he promis'd to dispatch the money, cloaths, and provisions, and to see their grievances adjusted. On those terms they have agreed he shall go; and this evening he return'd for St Catharine's. We apprehended, till now, that the right officers were in place; but we find ourselves mistaken. Some time before we arrived here, there was an insurrection among the soldiers: Their design was against the governor; but by his address, and fair promises of seeing them righted, he diverted the storm from himself, and got himself continued in his station, as were also the major and commissary. The soldiers dismiss'd the rest of the officers, and supply'd their places with their own people; though they were lately private men, they appear'd very grand, and were not distinguish'd in dress from proper officers. The disturbance at Rio Grand is of no service to us, for we feel the effects of it, our allowance is now so small that it will hardly support nature, the people have been without Farina, which is their bread, for some days past. We apply'd to the governor, who promis'd to supply us the next day; accordingly we went for a supply, which created fresh murmurings among the soldiers; however we got a small quantity of bread to supply us for ten days. The store-keeper shew'd me all the provisions, which, considering there were a thousand to draw their subsistence from it, was a small stock indeed, and not above six weeks at the present allowance. He told me we were serv'd equally with the soldiers, and when more stores came, which they shortly expected, our allowance should be encreas'd. I think, in reason, this is as much as we can expect. The lieutenant not coming nigh us since our first landing, I went with the people up to him at the governor's, about two miles from this port, to endeavour to prevail with him to get us dispatch'd, acquainting him of the call and necessity there was for our assistance on board the two distress'd ships at Rio Janeiro. He said he had spoke to the governor, and could not get us dispatch'd till another vessel came in. I told him, as the garrison were in want of provisions, what we were living on here would carry us off, and if any misfortune should attend the vessel expected in with the provisions, we should be put very hard to it for a subsistence. He promis'd to acquaint the governor; on which I took my leave.

February the 17th, this evening came into this garrison three seamen, giving an account of their belonging to a vessel with provisions and stores for this place, from Rio Janeiro, that they had been from thence three months, and had been off the bar waiting an opportunity to come in; that not having any fresh water aboard, they were oblig'd to come to an anchor ten leagues to the southward of this port, that a canoe was sent with those three men to fill the water, but the wind coming in from the sea, and blowing hard, oblig'd the vessel to put to sea, and leave them ashore, from whence they travelled here, and believ'd the vessel was gone to St Catharine's. The governor, not satisfy'd with this report, took them for spies, and kept them as such. However, in a day or two afterwards, he dispatch'd a pilot and two seamen for the island St Catharine, to bring the vessel round, in case she should be there.

I took this opportunity of sending a letter by them to the Honourable Captain Murray, commander of his majesty's ship the Pearl, at Rio Janeiro; desiring them to order it to be dispatch'd by the first ship from St Catharine's to the Rio Janeiro.

"Honourable Sir,

"I take it as a duty incumbent on me to acquaint you that his majesty's ship the Wager was wrecked on a desolate island on the coast of Patagonia, in the latitude of 47 00 S. and W. longitude from the meridian of London 81 30, on the 14th of May, 1741. After lengthening the longboat, and fitting her in the best manner we could, launched her on the 13th of October, and embarked and sailed, on the 14th, with the barge and cutter, to the number of eighty-one souls in all. Captain Cheap,--at his own request, tarried behind, with Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr Elliot, the surgeon. After a long and fatiguing passage, coming through the Streights of Magellan, we arrived here the 28th of January, 1741-2, bringing into this port alive to the number of thirty, viz.

All which are living at present, and waiting an opportunity of a passage in a Portugueze vessel, our own not being in a condition to proceed any farther, having no sails, and being so bad in all other respects, that the governor will not suffer us to hazard our lives in her, but hath promised to dispatch us in the very first vessel that arrives in this port, where we, with impatience, are obliged to tarry. We humbly pay our duty to Captain Leg, praying the representation of this to him. From, Most honourable Sir, Yours, &c."

Saturday the 20th, last night the three seamen which came here, as mention'd before, with five more of this place, attempted to run away with one of the large boats; but they were pursu'd and taken: Their design was for the river Plate, the wind then favouring them. This was evident, that the governor was right in his conjecture, and did not suspect them wrongfully; they are now prisoners in the guard-house. The next morning I went to the lieutenant, desiring him to apply to the governor for a pass and horses for myself, Mr Cummins, and John Young, to go by land to St Catharine's and St Francisco, where we need not doubt of a passage to his majesty's distress'd ships at Rio Janeiro: That it was our duty to hasten to their assistance: That he, the lieutenant, ought, the very day after our arrival into this port, without any regard to expence and charges, to have dispatch'd a special messenger by land, and then we might have been assur'd of a vessel before now. The lieutenant answer'd, he had a thought of enquiring at first coming about what I had mention'd, and of going himself, tho' it cost him fifty pounds; but he was inform'd it was impossible to go by land. I ask'd him, If so how came the brigadier from St Catharine's here? As for fatigue or trouble, whoever undertook to go, he must expect that; but there was no hardship to be encounter'd comparable to what we had already undergone. We lay here on expence to the king, without doing any service, and run the hazard of not only losing the opportunity of getting on board our own ships, but perhaps of missing the Flota, and of wintering here, therefore I begg'd he would entreat the governor to let us have horses and guides; which he promis'd to mention to the governor at dinner, and send me his answer in the afternoon without fail. I waited with impatience for this answer; but the lieutenant failing in his promise, was the occasion of my sending him this letter.

"Sir,

"I am sorry you should give me the liberty of telling you, you have not discharg'd your promise, by letting us know the governor's answer to what we requested: Which was, at our expence and charge, to go to the assistance of his majesty's ships at Rio Janeiro; since which time I am to inform you that we are in want of provision, having none of any kind allow'd us yesterday, and but one small fish per man for two days before. The meaning of which, I believe, is owing to you, by the endeavouring, through the persuasions of the persons you confide in, to blacken us, and in so vile a manner, that you seem unacquainted with the ill consequence, which may attend the touching a man's character. We know, and are fully convinced, from what has been done already, that nothing will be allow'd or granted us but by your means: Mr Cummins and myself ask no favour from you, but to use your endeavours to get us dispatches to the ships at Rio Janeiro, where every man must give account of his actions, and justice take place. If I am not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply'd with here was a bounty flowing from the generous spirit of the governor, and the gentlemen of the place. If this be the case, we ought to be very thankful indeed. I am surprized, sir, you don't see the grievances of the inhabitants here, and hear the soldiers murmurings for want of their arrears. If they should revolt at this juncture, we shall stand a very bad chance. I must acquaint you, sir, the vessel we came in is not so much out of repair, but that, if you can get canvas out of the store for sails, we can make 'em, and get ready for sailing in ten days time. And if the vessel expected here with supplies comes in a shorter time, our vessel will be ready fix'd for the use of the governor; and if one vessel should not be large enough to carry us all off, we can go in company. I imagine you know of the stores being robbed, and the disturbance among the soldiers, which must occasion uneasiness enough, without repeating grievances, where relief is not to be had. I beg, sir, you'll get us dispatch'd with all expedition to his majesty's service, that we may not lose the opportunity of joining the two ships and the Flota.

Sir, yours."

The next morning the lieutenant came down on horseback, being the first time of his appearing among us since we have been here, which is above three weeks; we went with him to the commandant, who promised we should not want fresh beef and fish, but as for bread there is none to be got. William Oram, one of the carpenter's crew, died this day in the hospital.

March the 6th, for several days the people very uneasy at the vessel's not arriving, the wind having been fair for above three weeks past, and little or no provisions in store, which makes them doubtful of any to be dispatch'd to their relief. This day we are resolv'd to go by land, if the governor will only allow us a guide; we acquainted the lieutenant with our resolution; he went with me and Mr Jones to the governor, we obtain'd leave to go, with the promise of a guide. Captain Pemberton, being at the governor's, desired to go with us; the governor told him the journey was so difficult and tedious, it would be impossible for him to encounter with it. The captain answer'd, that he had a company on board his majesty's ship the Severn, where his duty call'd him, and was determin'd, with the governor's leave, to share his fate with us by land, which was granted. The governor told us, notwithstanding the present scarcity of provisions in the place, that he had so great a regard for an Englishman, that whilst he had any thing for himself, we should not want, for which we thank'd him heartily. This governor is certainly a gentleman of a noble generous spirit, of exceeding humanity and goodness, and I believe him to have a sincere regard for an Englishman.

March the 9th, this morning Mr Jones went over with me to the north side, to make an agreement for six people to go to St Catharine's; while we were here, the governor received letters from St Catharine's, which gave an account of four vessels on their passage for this port; on the news of this we put by our journey: It was very lucky we had not set out on this journey before we heard the news; for on the nineteenth, the vessels for Rio Janeiro arrived, and brought an account that the Severn and Pearl were sail'd from thence for the island of Barbadoes. Those vessels not only brought the soldiers provisions, but also a pardon.

On the 20th, the brigadier arriv'd, and had all the soldiers drawn up, where their pardon was read to them: He acquainted them with what money was come, which was not above a third part of their arrears, but the remainder was on the passage. The money he had for them should be paid directly, as far as it would go, if they would take it; but they cry'd out with one voice, The whole or none, and a great disturbance there was, some was for revolting to the king of Spain, some began to change their notes, and were for taking part of the money, and the rest insisted upon the whole. To quell this disturbance, the commandant, whom they look'd upon more than the brigadier, or the governor, used his utmost endeavours. They told the commandant they were no longer soldiers than while they were in the king's pay, and let those who are for the king, draw off one way by themselves; you are our commander, we trust in you to answer for us, what you do we will stand by with our lives: On which the commandant deliver'd his command up, shouldering his firelock, and took the place of a common soldier, telling them, since the king was so good as to pardon them, he thought it his duty to accept it. The brigadier was so well pleased with the behaviour of the commandant, that he ran to him, took him in his arms, and embraced him: The rest of the soldiers follow'd the example of their late commandant, delivering their respective commands up to their proper officers. This day put an end to the disturbance and confusion which had been some time among them, and restor'd them to tranquillity, good discipline, and order.

March the 22d, this morning went to the lieutenant for leave to go in the first vessel, which was expected to sail in four days time: He told me he expected to go in her himself, and that we could not go off all in one vessel, there might be room for the officers, but the people must wait another opportunity. I told him that it was a duty incumbent on the officers that were in pay particularly to take care of the people; You, sir, have been sure of half-pay ever since the ship was lost; we are not, but I will tarry myself behind with the people, and be answerable for them, if you'll give me a note under your hand to secure me the value of my pay, from the loss of the ship, otherwise I don't know any business I have but to endeavour to get to England as soon as I can, and will put it out of your power to prevent my going off in the first vessel. I left the lieutenant, and went with Mr Cummins, Mr Jones, Mr Snow, M. King, and Dr Oakley to the governor, to obtain leave for our going, the lieutenant follow'd us, and said, but one half could go at a time. The governor told us it was order'd that the land-officers, myself and the rest that apply'd to go by land, should be the first dispatch'd, and might go on board when we would, but as the vessel did not belong to the king, we must buy provisions, and pay for our passage. I said, Sir, we have not money to answer the expence: He then ask'd me whether I had not several times apply'd to him for leave to go by land at my own charges? I answer'd, We were obliged to dispose of our watches to raise that money, which will barely be sufficient to carry us six off that intended to go by land, therefore what must become of the rest who have not a single penny? And I hope, sir, that you are not unacquainted that the king of Great-Britain allows to all his subjects, distress'd in this manner, five vintins per day to each man for subsistence. On my saying this, the governor call'd the commissary and major: He walk'd and talk'd with them aside; then came back again, and told us the account was so small, that it was not worth charging the king of England with it; therefore we must buy our own provisions, and pay our passage, and as to what we had received from them, we were welcome; upon which we thank'd them and came away. We then consulted with the lieutenant, to know what could be done with the people, and that as the vessel we came in was not fit to proceed any farther, it was to no purpose to leave her there; therefore we desired his consent to sell her, believing the money she would bring would be sufficient to carry us all off. To this proposal the lieutenant consented. We then apply'd to the master of the vessel, to know what he would have for our passage; his demand was forty shillings per man, of which we acquainted the lieutenant, who told us he could not see what we could do, and, on second consideration, would not give his consent to sell the boat, for when sold, he did not think she would fetch the money. Those words of the lieutenant put us all to a stand, especially after he had but now given his consent to sell her, and in so short time to declare the reverse was very odd; tho' indeed it did not much surprise us, because this gentleman was never known to be over stedfast to his word. Seeing no possibility of carrying the people off without selling the boat, I told the lieutenant, if he left them behind, I could not think but so many of his majesty's subjects were sold, and believ'd he had made a present of the vessel to the governor. At this the lieutenant paus'd for a while, and then said, he had not money to carry himself off without selling his coat. I reply'd, There was no occasion for that, when he had a gold watch. The next morning went to the lieutenant again about our going off; he acquainted us, that the brigadier had order'd things in another manner; that myself, and nine more, being the persons desirous of going, should be dispatch'd in the first vessel, and every thing found us; that he, the lieutenant, was to tarry behind with the rest of the people, and to come in the next vessel, an estimate of the charges being made out; and he also told us, he had a severe check for requesting to go first himself, and offering to leave the people behind.

Sunday, March 28th, I embark'd on board the St Catharine's brigantine, with the carpenter, boatswain, the two mates, the surgeon of marines, the cooper, and six of the people, the provisions laid in for us were two casks of salt beef and ten alcadoes of farina.

Wednesday the 31st, we sail'd for Rio Janeiro, with the wind at W., steer'd S.E. and S.E. by E., until over the bar; then E. by N., and E.N.E., with a fine gale, and clear weather; there is not above two fathom and half water on the bar at high-water; when you are in, it is a fine commodious harbour for small vessels; it is a low land, of a sandy soil: Here is abundance of fine cattle, with fresh-water fish, melons exceeding good, plenty of water, and the best milk I ever tasted.

Thursday, April the 8th, little wind at S.W., and fair weather. At ten this morning anchor'd before the town of St Sebastians. The Portugueze pilots, who have been in England, call the land here the Isle of Wight; and indeed it is very like it, tho' not so large, being only eight miles in length. This is a very secure harbour for shipping; a stranger may go in or out without any difficulty. At this place I was ashore, and think it as delightful and pleasant a place as ever I saw in America, abounding with fruit, as oranges, lemons, bonanoes; also with yams, potatoes, fish, and fowl.

Saturday the 10th, sail'd from St Sebastians, little wind at S.W., steer'd out S.E. between the island and the main; at eight in the morning, on the Monday following, we anchor'd before the city of Rio Janeiro.

Tuesday the 13th, this morning we were all order'd before the governor. A Dutch surgeon was sent for, who spoke very good English. After enquiring into our misfortunes, the governor order'd him to be our consul, telling us, that we should have a convenient house, with firing, and eight vintins a man per day subsistence-money: He also desir'd we might make no disturbance among ourselves, which we promis'd to avoid. A nobleman went with the consul to look out for our habitation; they fix'd on a large magnificent house, fit for a person of quality. This being the first day of our coming ashore, they were pleas'd to order a dinner and supper out of doors, and sent us where we were to eat all together. This was the first time of the boatswain's eating with the rest of the officers since we left Cheap island. The consul was so kind as to send us a table, benches, and water-pots, and several useful things, from his own house; we thought ourselves very happily seated.

Wednesday the 14th, this morning the consul went with the officers and people to the treasury for our money. Mr Oakely, surgeon of his majesty's land-forces, was desired by the consul to sign for it. The boatswain, who now look'd upon himself as our captain, was not a little displeas'd at this. When the money was receiv'd, the consul would have given it to the surgeon to pay us, but he excus'd himself, telling the consul the boatswain was a troublesome man, and it might occasion a disturbance, on which the consul was so good as to come and pay it himself. Being all together, he told us the governor had order'd us eight vintins a man per day; but at the same time had made a distinction between the officers and seamen, that the money received was to be paid in the manner following, viz. to the seamen six vintins per man, and the officers ten. The reason of this distinction was, that the seamen could go to work, when the officers could not, but must be oblig'd to live entirely on their allowance. This distinction caused great uneasiness, the boatswain insisting that the people had a right to an equal share with us. The officers, willing to make all things easy, desir'd the consul it might be so. The consul reply'd, The money should be dispos'd of according to the governor's direction, or not at all. The boatswain then objected against the cooper, because he was no officer. The consul said, Master! I believe the cooper to be a very good quiet man, and I dare say will take it as the men do, but sooner than this be an objection, I will pay the money out of my own pocket. The boatswain then began at me, abusing me in a very scandalous and abominable manner, saying, among other things, that the cooper was got among the rest of the pirates, for so he term'd me and the rest of the officers. When the money was paid, we acquainted the consul, that we had, till now, been separated from the boatswain, that he was of so perverse and turbulent a temper, and so abusive in speech, that we could not bear with him. The boatswain then chose to be with the people, and gave us the preference of the fore-room, where we desir'd to be by ourselves. There were two doors to our room, we lock'd both of them, and went to take a walk in the country: At our return, in the evening, we found the doors broke open, and a small sword belonging to me was broke an inch off the point, and the scabbard all in pieces. The boatswain had in his room an Irishman, whom he sent in on purpose to quarrel with us. This Irishman and Richard East, one of our own people, fell upon the cooper and me: East chose to engage with me, he struck me several times, he compelled me to stand in my own defence, and I soon master'd him. During this quarrel the carpenter call'd the guards, at the sight of whom the Irishman made his escape. I desir'd the guards to secure East a prisoner, but the officer told me he could not, unless I would go to prison with him. I told him it was my desire, and accordingly I went. The prison was in the governor's house. I had not been there but a few minutes before the governor sent for me; he enquir'd of the officer concerning the disturbance, and order'd me to my habitation, but detain'd East a prisoner. When I came home I found the boatswain and two renegadoes with him, all about the cooper. On seeing me, he repeated his former abusive words. He made us so uneasy in our lodging, that, to prevent murder, we were obliged to lie out of the house. Next morning Mr Oakley and Mr Cummins went to the consul; he came with them to the house, where we were all sent for; he told us it was very strange that people who had undergone so many hardships and difficulties could not agree lovingly together. We answer'd, we never used to mess together, and sooner than we would be with the boatswain, we would make it our choice to take a house in the country at our own expence. The boatswain, on hearing this, fell again into his usual strain of slander and abusive language, calling us rogues, villains, and pirates. It was the governor's first request that we might have no disturbance among us, yet the boatswain hath not suffer'd us to have a quiet minute since we have been here. The consul went with us two miles out of the city, at a fishing village, where we took a house at our own expence, to pay at the rate of ten shillings per month, there being seven of us in all, viz. myself, the carpenter, surgeon, the two mates, the cooper, and a seaman. Here we thought ourselves safe and secure. The next day, in the afternoon, two of the boatswain's friends, which had lately deserted from his majesty's service, and an Irish clerk with them, came to pay us a visit. They were so impertinent, as not only to enquire into the reasons of the disturbance among ourselves, but they also instructed us in our duty, telling us, they came from our commander the boatswain, with orders to see my journal. I told them the journal shou'd not be a secret to any person who cou'd read; but, at the same time, I wou'd never part with it to be copied out: They then drank a glass of punch with us, and left us. This is a place that a man is oblig'd sometimes to suffer himself to be used ill; if he resents all affronts, he runs a great hazard of losing his life, for here ruffians are to be hir'd at a small expence, and there is no place in the world where people will commit murder at so cheap a rate. Between nine and ten at night three people came to our door, one of which knock'd, telling us, that he was the person that was with me and the cooper in the afternoon. Being apprehensive that they came with no good intent, we refus'd opening the door, telling them, that it was an improper season of the night, and that we did not know they had any business with us, if they had, we told them to come in the morning: But they still insisted upon the door being open'd, saying, it would be better to do so than to be taken away in three hours' time. When they had said this, they went away. We did not know the meaning of their words, but imagin'd they were gone to bring some associates to beset the house; having nothing to defend ourselves with, we got over the back wall of the house, and took to the country for safety: In the morning apply'd to the consul, who remov'd us to a house in the midst of the village; he gave an account to the inhabitants of the design the boatswain had formed against us, either to compel us to deliver up the journal, or to take our lives; and therefore desir'd that the journal and papers might be deposited in the hands of a neighbour there, till the time of our going off. The people of the place offer'd to stand by us with their lives, in opposition to any persons who should attempt to do us an injury.

Sunday the 18th, early this morning we were sent for to the consul. He said to us, Gentlemen, as the lives of three of you are in danger, and I do not know what villainy your boatswain may be capable of acting, in regard to your peace and safety, I'll endeavour to get you three on board a ship bound for Bahia and Lisbon; accordingly he went to the captain of the ship, who consented that we should go with him, on these conditions, that the governor should give us a pass, and that we would work for our passage; this we agreed to. After this we requested the governor for a pass, which he was so good as to grant, and is as follows:

Nas Fortalesas sedeixem passar.

A 30 Abril, 1742.

Podem passar par Portugal em qualquer Nao que selle ofreser semque che ponha Impedimento algum Bahia, 19 Mayo, 1742.

"Dizem Joan Bocli, e Joan Cummins, e Joan Menino, Inglezes de Nasao, e Cazados em Inglaterra, em quetem suas Mulleres e Fillios, que suedo Officais de Calafate, e Condestavel, & Joneiro, de imadas Fragatas Inglezas, dado a Costa de Patagonia, die fesivel a portarem, a Oporto de Rio Grande, donde selhedeo faculdade para passarem aesta Cidade. E como Naferma do Regimendo de son soberano Nao vensem soldo, algum desde otempo, que Nao Pagau detta Fragata, selhes las presis a passarem a Inglaterra, para poderem tratar de sua vida em Compania de suas familias; para oghe pretendem na Naude Lisensia passar a Citade da Bahia, para da hi Opoderem farer para Lisboa, na primera ocasio, que che for posivell, e sim desda Nao podem intentar dito transporte.

Quaime sedigne dar che Lisensia que nas Fortalesas selhe nas ponha Impedimento a sua Passagein, Come e Costume aos Nacionaes decte Reyne.

A. Rove."

The foregoing in English thus.

Rio Janeiro Grand.

From all the Forts let them pass.

April 30, 1742.

That they may pass to Portugal in any vessel that offers itself, without any hindrance whatever, to Bahia, May 19, 1742.

"John Bocli, [Bulkeley] John Cummins, and John Young, of the English nation, and married in England, where they have wives and children, the one being an officer, the other a carpenter, and the third cooper of the ship, being an English frigate, arrived on the coast of Patagonia; and at their arrival in the great river, i.e. Rio Grand, leave was granted them to come to this city; and as in the service of his majesty, they do not advance any money, from the time that they paid off the said ship, they are obliged to pass to England, that they may be enabled there to seek their livelihood for their respective families: Therefore they desire that they may pass in the license ship to the city of Bahia, that they may from thence go to Lisbon, by the first opportunity that shall offer; and that without the said ship they will not be able to perform their intended design.

Leave is hereby granted them to pass by the said ship for Bahia; and we command all the forts to let them pass, and not hinder their passage, as is the custom of the nation of this kingdom.

A. ROVE."

The following is a copy of the solicitor's certificate.

"ISTO he para que todos sabem que os Senhores Abaixo Nomeados y bem mal afortunados, nesta Cidade de Rio Janeiro se comporlarao com toda Dereysao nao dando escandalo Apesoa Alguma e Sao Dignos deque Joda pessoa posa os favoreser emoque for de Ajudo para Sigimento de sua Viagem omais breve possivel para Huropa.

JOHN BULKELEY.
JOHN CUMMINS.
JOHN YOUNG.

Hoje 1 de Mayo de 1742.

A sim que Assiney este Papel Como Procu
rador Sosil da Nasao Britanica.
PEDRO HENRIQUES DELAED."

In English thus.

"These Presents.

"Be it known to all persons, that the under-signed are in a deplorable condition in this city of Rio Janeiro; who have behaved themselves with decency and good decorum, not giving any scandal to any person whatsoever, and are worthy that all people may have compassion, and succour them in forwarding their voyage with all expedition to Europe.

JOHN BULKELEY.
JOHN CUMMINS.
JOHN YOUNG.

The 1st of May, 1742.

I have sign'd this paper as a sollicitor of the British nation.

PEDRO HENRIQ; DELAED."

Tuesday, May the 20th, this evening myself, the carpenter, and cooper, went on board the St Tubes, one of the Brazil ships, carrying twenty-eight guns, Theophilus Orego Ferrara, commander, bound for Bahia and Lisbon. The people left on shore were,

Wednesday the 21st, early this morning the captain came on board, on seeing us, he ask'd us, how we came on board without his leave? Notwithstanding he gave leave to the consul for our passage, we ought to have waited on him ashore. There was on board the ship a Spanish don, a passenger, who told the captain, no Englishman should go in the same ship with him, therefore desir'd we might be turn'd ashore; but the captain insisted upon doing what he pleas'd on board his own ship, and would not comply with his request. The Spanish don, when we came to converse with him, was very much mov'd with the relation of our misfortunes, and said to us, though our royal masters, the king's of England and Spain, are at war, it was not our fault; that we were now on board a neutral ship; belonging to a king who was a friend to both nations; that he would not look upon us as enemies, but do us all the service he could. He extoll'd the conduct and bravery of Admiral Vernon at Porto Bello; but, above all, applauded him for his humanity and generous treatment of his enemies. He made great encomiums on the magnificence of the British fleet, and the boldness and intrepidity of the sailors, styling the English the soldiers of the sea. He supplied us in our passage not only with provisions from his table, but also with wine and brandy; and during the whole voyage appear'd so different from an enemy, that he took all opportunities of giving us proofs of his generosity and goodness.

Friday, the 7th of May, 1742, this morning anchored before the city of Bahia, went on shore to the vice-roy, shew'd him the pass we had from the governor of Rio Janeiro: He told us the pass was to dispatch us to Lisbon, and that the first ship which sail'd from hence would be the ship we came in; we petition'd him for provisions, acquainting him of our reception at Rio Grand and Rio Janeiro, that we had hitherto been supply'd at the rate of eight vintins each man per day. He refused supplying us with any thing, upon which I told him, we had better been prisoners to the king of Spain, who would allow us bread and water, than in a friend's country to be starv'd. The captain of the ship we came in, hearing the vice-roy would not supply us, was so kind as to go with us to him, acquainting him how we were provided for at Rio Janeiro, and that he would supply us himself, if he would sign an account to satisfy the consul general at Lisbon, so that he might be reimburs'd. The vice-roy answer'd, he had no orders concerning the English; that he had letters from the king of Portugal his master to supply the French, but had no orders about any other nation, and if he gave us any thing it must be out of his own pocket, therefore he would not supply us. The captain then told him, that we were officers and subjects to the king of England, and in distress; that we did not want great matters, and only barely enough to support life, and begg'd that he would allow but four vintins per day, being but half the sum hitherto allow'd us. The captain's entreaties avail'd nothing, the vice-roy continuing as fix'd in his resolution of giving us no relief. I do not believe there ever was a worse representative of royalty upon the face of the earth than this vice-roy; his royal master, the king of Portugal, is very well known to have a grateful affection for the British nation (nor can we believe he is so Frenchify'd as this vice-roy makes him) his deputy differs greatly from him, he has given a proof of his aversion to the English. We think persons in the distress we were represented in to him, could in no part of the world, nay, in an enemy's country, be treated with more barbarity than we were here: We work'd here for our victuals, and then could get but one meal per day, which was farina and caravances. At this place we must have starv'd, if I had not by me some money and a silver watch of my own, which I was obliged to turn into money to support us. I had in money fourteen guineas, which I exchanged with the captain who brought us here for Portugueze money; he at the same time told me, it would be hard upon me to be so much out of pocket, and said, if I would draw a bill on the consul general at Lisbon for the sum, as if supplied from him, upon the payment of that bill, he would return me my fourteen guineas; accordingly a bill was drawn up by an English merchant at Bahia and sign'd by us, being as follows:

"Nos abaixo asignados Joam Bulkeley, Joam Cummins, & Joam Young, Vassalos de sua Magg de Brittanica El Rey Jorge Segundo, declaramos que temos recebido da mam do Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra Theodorio Rodrigues de Faria a coanthia de Corenta eloatra Mil e Oito Centos reis em dinheiro decontado comque por varias vezes nos Secorreo para o Nosso Sustento des o dia 17 de Mayo proximo passado athe odia Prezente, por cuja caridade rogamos a Deos conceda mera saud Born succesto e por este pedimos humildeme te ao Snor' Consul Geral da Mesma Nacao que Aprezentado que este Seja nao' duvide em Mandar Sattis fazer as sobredito Snor' Cappam de Mar e Guerra a refferida coanthia visto ser expendida em Obra pia e que o Estado da nossa Mizeria epobreza tre nao' pode pagar e por passar na Verdade o Refferido e nao' sabermos Escrever pedimos a Gabriel Prynn homem de Negocio nesta Cidade e Interprete de Ambas as Lingoas ou Idosmas que este por Nos fizese e Como Testemunha Asignase.

Sao 44 800 re. Bahia, 14 Setembro, 1742.

JOHN BULKELEY.
JOHN CUMMINS.
JOHN YOUNG.

Como Testsmunha que fix a rogo dos Sobreditos,
GABRIEL PRYNN."

The foregoing in English thus.

"We, the undersign'd John Bulkeley, John Cummins, and John Young, subjects of his majesty King George the Second, King of Great Britain, do declare to have received from the honourable captain of sea and land, Theodore Rodriques of Faria, the sum of fourty-four thousand and eight hundred rees, in ready and lawful money, by different times, for our support and succour from the 17th of May instant, to this present date: And, for the said charily, we implore the Almighty to grant him health and prosperity. And on this account, we humbly desire the consul of the same nation, that, by these presents, he may not omit giving full satisfaction to the above- mention'd captain of sea and land, for the said sum, it being employed on a very charitable account, being in a deplorable condition, and not able to repay the same; and we not knowing in what manner to write, to acknowledge the above favours, have desired Mr Gabriel Prynn, a merchant in this city, and interpreter of both languages, that he may act for us; and we leave it to him to do in this affair as it shall seem meet unto him; and as a witness to this matter he hath sign'd his name.

Say 44 100. Bahia, the 14th September, 1742.

JOHN BULKELEY.
JOHN CUMMINS.
JOHN YOUNG.

To the veracity of the above assertion I have sign'd my name,

GABRIEL PRYNN."

Since our being here, we have been inform'd of one of his majesty's ships with three store-ships being arriv'd at Rio Janeiro, supply'd with stores and men for the relief and assistance of the Severn and Pearl, (which were sail'd before in January last for Barbadoes) and that our people were gone on board of them, and bound for the West Indies.

Here is a very good bay for ships to ride in, with the wind from E.S.E., to the northward and westward back to the S.W., and wind to the southward, which blows in and makes a very great sea. At the east side coming in, standeth Point de Gloria, where is a very large fortification with a tower in the midst: From this point the land rises gradually; about a league from hence is the city of Bahia; it is surrounded with fortifications, and equally capable of defending it against any attempts from the sea or land.

Provisions here of all kinds are excessive dear, especially fish; this we impute to the great number of whales that come into this bay, even where the ships lye at anchor; the whale-boats go off and kill sometimes seven or eight whales in a day, the flesh of which is cut up in small pieces, then brought to the market-place, and sold at the rate of a vintin per pound; it looks very much like coarse beef, but inferior to it in taste. The whales here are not at all equal in size to the whales in Greenland, being not larger than the grampus. After living here above four months without any relief from the governor or the inhabitants, who behaved to us as if they were under a combination to starve us, we embark'd on board the St Tubes with our good friend the captain who brought us from Rio Janeiro: We sail'd from Bahia the 11th of September for Lisbon, in company with one of the king of Portugal's ships of war, and two East India ships, but the St Tubes not being able to sail so well as the other ships, lost sight of them the first night. About 70 leagues from the westward of Madeira we bent a new foresail; within two or three days afterwards, we had a very hard gale of wind, scudding under the foresail, and no danger happening to the ship during this gale. When the wind had ceas'd, and we had fair weather, the captain, after the evening mass, made an oration to the people, telling them that their deliverance from danger in the last gale of wind, and the ship though leaky, making no more water than before, was owing to their prayers to Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua and her intercession: That in gratitude they ought to make an acknowledgement to that saint for standing their friend in time of need: That he himself would shew an example by giving the new fore-sail, which was bent to the yard, to the saint their deliverer: Accordingly one of the seamen went forward and mark'd out these words on the sail, Deal esta Trinchado pour nostra Senhora Boa Mortua, which is as much as to say, I give this foresail to our saint, the deliverer from death. The sail and money collected on this occasion amounted to upwards of twenty moydores.

On Monday, the 23d of November, in the latitude 39: 17 north, and longitude 6:00 W., that day at noon the rock of Lisbon bearing S. by W., distant sixteen leagues; we steer'd E.S.E., to make the rock before night. At four o'clock it blew a very hard gale, and right on the shore: The ship lay-to under a foresail, with her head to the southward; at six it blew a storm; the foresail splitting, oblig'd us to keep her before the wind, which was running her right ashore. The ship was now given over for lost, the people all fell to prayers, and cry'd out to their saints for deliverance, offering all they had in the world for their lives, and yet at the same time neglecting all means to save themselves; they left off pumping the ship, though she was exceeding leaky. This sort of proceeding in time of extremity is a thing unknown to our English seamen; in those emergencies all hands are employ'd for the preservation of the ship and people, and if any of them fall upon their knees, 'tis after the danger is over. The carpenter and myself could by no means relish this behaviour; we begg'd the people for God's sake to go to the pumps, telling them we had a chance to save our lives, while we kept the ship above water, that we ought not to suffer the ship to sink, while we could keep her free. The captain and officers hearing us pressing them so earnestly, left off prayers, and entreated the men to keep the pumps going, accordingly we went to pumping, and preserv'd ourselves and the ship: In half an hour afterwards the wind shifted to the W.N.W., then the ship lay south, which would clear the course along shore; had the wind not shifted, we must in an hour's time have run the ship ashore. This deliverance, as well as the former, was owing to the intercession of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua: On this occasion they collected fifty moydores more, and made this pious resolution, that when the ship arrived safe at Lisbon, the foresail, which was split in the last gale of wind, should be carried in procession to the church of this grand saint, and the captain should there make an offering equal in value to the foresail, which was reckon'd worth eighteen moydores.

On Saturday, the 28th of November, we arrived at Lisbon, and on the next morning every person who came in the ship, (excepting the carpenter, myself, and the cooper) officers, passengers, the Spanish don himself, and all the people, men and boys, walk'd bare-footed, with the foresail, in procession, to the church of Nuestra Senhora Boa Mortua; the weather at that time being very cold, and the church a good mile distant from the landing-place. We Englishmen, when we came ashore, went immediately on the Change. I was pretty well known to some gentlemen of the English factory. When I inform'd them that we were three of the unfortunate people that were cast away in the Wager, and that we came here in one of the Brazil ships, and wanted to embrace the first opportunity of going for England, they told me, that the lieutenant had been before us, that he was gone home in the packet-boat, and left us a very indifferent character. I answer'd, I believ'd the lieutenant you'd give but a very bad account of himself, having kept no journal, nor made any remarks since the loss of the ship, nor perhaps before; that we doubted not but to acquit ourselves of any false accusations, having with us a journal, which gave an impartial relation of all our proceedings. The journal was read by several gentlemen of the factory, who treated us, during our stay at Lisbon, with exceeding kindness and benevolence.

On the 20th of December, we embark'd on board his majesty's ship the Stirling Castle for England: Here we had again the happiness of experiencing the difference between a British and a foreign ship, particularly in regard to cleanliness, accommodation, diet, and discipline. We met with nothing material in our passage, and arrived at Spithead on the 1st of January, 1742-3. Here we thought of nothing but going ashore immediately to our families, but were told by the captain, we must not stir out of the ship till he knew the pleasure of the l----ds of the A----y, having already wrote to them concerning us. This was a very great affliction to us, and the more so, because we thought our troubles at an end. The carpenter and myself were in view of our habitations; our families had long given us over for lost, and on the news of our safety, our relatives look'd upon us as sons, husbands, and fathers, restor'd to them in a miraculous manner. Our being detain'd on board gave them great anxiety; we endeavour'd to console 'em as well as we could, being assured, that we had done nothing to offend their l----s; that if things were not carried on with that order and regularity which is strictly observ'd in the navy, necessity drove us out of the common road. Our case was singular; since the loss of the ship, our chiefest concern was for the preservation of our lives and liberties, to accomplish which, we acted according to the dictates of nature, and the best of our understanding. In a fortnight's time, their l----ps order'd us at liberty, and we instantly went ashore to our respective habitations, having been absent from thence about two years and six months.

After we had staid a few days with our families, we came to London, to pay our duties to the l----ds of the A----y. We sent in our journal for, their l----ps' inspection: They had before received a narrative from the l----t, which narrative he confesses to be a relation of such things as occur'd to his memory; therefore of consequence could not be so satisfactory as a journal regularly kept. This journal lay for some time in the a----y o----e, when we were order'd to make an abstract, by way of narrative, that it might not be too tedious for their l----ps' perusal. After the narrative was examined into, their l----ps, upon our petition, were pleased to fix a day for examining all the officers lately belonging to the Wager. The gentlemen appointed to make enquiry into the whole affair were three commanders of ships, persons of distinguish'd merit and honour. However, it was afterwards thought proper not to admit us to any examination, till the arrival of the commodore, or else Captain Cheap. And it was also resolv'd, that not a person of us should receive any wages, or be employed in his majesty's service, till every thing relating to the Wager was more plain and conspicuous. There was no favour shewn in this case to one more than another, so that every body seem'd easy with their l----ps' resolution. All that we have to wish for now is the safe arrival of the commodore and Captain Cheap: We are in expectation of soon seeing the former, but of the captain we have as yet no account. However, we hope, when the commodore shall arrive, that the character he will give of us will be of service to us: He was very well acquainted with the behaviour of every officer in his squadron, and will certainly give an account of them accordingly.

END OF VOLUME SEVENTEENTH.