Part 16

Another strange Creature here is the Sea-Lion: The Governour tells me he has seen of them above 20 foot long and more in compass, which could not weigh less than two Tun weight. I saw several of these vast Creatures, but none of the above-mention’d Size; several of ’em were upward of 16 foot long, and more in bulk, so that they could not weigh less than a Tun weight. The Shape of their Body differs little from the Sea-Dogs or Seals, but have another sort of Skin, a Head much bigger in proportion, and very large Mouths, monstrous big Eyes, and a Face like that of a Lion, with very large Whiskers, the Hair of which is stiff enough to make Tooth-pickers. These Creatures come ashore to engender the latter end of _June_, and stay till the end of _September_; during all which time they lie on the Land, and are never observ’d to go to the Water, but lie in the same place above a Musket-shot from the Water-side, and have no manner of Sustenance all that time that he could observe. I took notice of some that lay a week, without once offering to move out of the place whilst I was there, till they were disturb’d by us; but we saw few in comparison of what he informs us he did, and that the Shore was all crouded full of them a Musket-shot into the Land. I admire how these Monsters come to yield such a quantity of Oil. Their Hair is short and coarse, and their Skin thicker than the thickest Ox-Hide I ever saw. We found no Land-Bird on the Island, but a sort of Black-Bird with a red Breast, not unlike our _English_ Black-Birds; and the Humming Bird of various Colours, and no bigger than a large Humble Bee. Here is a small Tide which flows uncertain, and the Spring-Tide flows about seven foot.

I shall not trouble the Reader with the Descriptions of this Island given by others, wherein there are many Falshoods; but the Truth of this I can assert from my own knowledg. Nor shall I insert the Description of the Cabbage and Piemento Trees, being so well known and so frequently done, that there’s no manner of need for it. I have insisted the longer upon this Island, because it might be at first of great use to those who would carry on any Trade to the _South-Sea._

_Febr. 13._ At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_ the 13_th_ of _February_, 170-8/9, it was agreed as follows:

“Resolv’d to steer from _Juan Fernandez_ N E by E. for the Land; and when come within six Leagues of the Shore, to keep that distance, steering along Shore to the Northward.

“The next Place we design’d to stop at, to build our Boats and land our Men, is the Island of _Lobos de la Mar_. In case of losing Company, to wait for each other 20 Leagues to the Northward of the place where we accounted we were when we separated.

“Then to lie at six Leagues distance from the Shore the space of four days, and to proceed with an easy Sail for _Lobos_, in case of not meeting; taking special care of the Rocks call’d _Ormigos_, lying about that distance off from _Callo_, the Sea-port of the City of _Lima_.

“In case of seeing one or more Sail, the Signal for chasing, if not out of call, is to clew up our Maintop-gallant Sheets, with the Yards aloft. And the general method we design to take in chasing, is, for the Ship that sails best, or is nearest the Chase, to chase directly after the Sail discover’d, and the other to keep to or from the Shore at a convenient distance, as occasion shall require, to prevent being known. And if the Ship that is nearest the Chase believes her to be too big for one Ship alone, then to make the same Signal, or any other plainer to be distinguish’d than the Signal for the Chase: And if either Ship comes up with the Chase, and have her in possession or under command, if in the day, to show a white Jack on the Maintop-Mast head; and if in the night, to make two false Fires, and carry as plain Lights as possible.

“To leave off Chase, the Signal by night is one good Light at the Maintop-Mast head; and to fire no Gun, but in a Fog, or very thick Weather, either night or day, to prevent being discover’d.

“To leave off Chase by day, the Signal is to haul down the Top-sails, keeping out our Maintop-gallant Stay-Sail; and in case of losing Company, we refer our selves to our weekly Signals to discover each other.

“In case either Ship in Chase or otherways should run into any danger of Shoal-Water or other kind, then the Ship in such danger is to fire a Gun with a Shot, and to stand from it.

“In case of a Separation, each Ship as they enter _Lobos_ to carry an _English_ Pennant at the Foretop-Mast head; and if the other happens to be there, she must show her _English_ Colours. And if either Ship anchor short of the Road, she shall put out three Lights, _viz._ at the Maintop-Mast head, Poop, Boltsprit end.

“Either Ship arriving at _Lobos_, and not finding his Consort there, he is immediately to set up two Crosses, one at the Landing-place nearest the farther end of the Starboard great Island going in, with a Glass-Bottle hid under ground 20 Yards directly North from each Cross, with Intelligence of what has happen’d since parting, and what their further Designs are. This to be done and in readiness, that if they give Chase, or be forc’d out by the Enemy, the missing Ship may not want Intelligence from her Consort.”

We began this Method at _Cork_, to secure the best place we could possible to rendevouz at; hoping by this means and our Signals always to keep Company, and know each other thro the whole Voyage. These Directions being something particular, made me insert them in the Journal.

_Febr. 13._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we sent our Yall a fishing, and got near 200 large Fish in a very little time, which we salted for our future spending. This Morning we concluded what we began last night, being the foregoing Agreement to direct our Affairs from this place; and as all our Success depends on a strict Secrecy, the Precautions may not be useless.

[Sidenote: _Sailing from the Coasts of Chili._]

_Febr. 14._ Yesterday about three in the Afternoon we weigh’d, had a fair pleasant Gale at S S E. Mr. _Vanbrugh_ came on board our Ship again, and exchang’d with Mr. _Bath_, I hope for the best. Course N. Lat. 32. 32. Long. W. from _London_, 83. 06.

_Febr. 16._ Had moderate Gales of Wind with Calms. This Morning I went on board the _Dutchess_, with Capt. _Dover_ and Capt. _Dampier_, and din’d there. Wind at S.

_Febr. 17._ Most part of this 24 hours was calm, and cloudy Weather. About ten a clock we hoisted our Boat out, and fetch’d Capt _Courtney_ and Capt. _Cook_ to dine with us: whilst they were on board, we settled and sign’d the following Instrument, one for each Ship, further to secure our Methods, and to regulate the Affair of Plunder, which if well follow’d will prevent the bad effects of so dangerous an Obstacle to our good Proceedings; which has prov’d too hard a Task for all others in our time that have gone out on the same account, so far from _Great Britain_: which I believe is chiefly owing either to want of Unity or good Measures. God be thank’d we have a good Concord between each Ships Company hitherto.

At a Committee held by the Officers of the _Duke_ and _Duchess_, 17 Febr. 1708/9.

_Mr._ George Underhill, _Mr._ David Wilson, _Mr._ Lanc. Appleby, _Mr._ Sam. Worden:

_You being chosen by the Officers and Men on board the_ Duke, _to be Managers of the Plunder which we may take in our Cruising at Sea on the Coast of_ New Spain, _’tis our Order that Mr._ Lanc. Appleby _and Mr._ Samuel Warden _do go and continue aboard the_ Dutchess, _in the place of two other Men from them; who are to search all Persons that return from such Prize or Prizes that may be taken by either Ship: as also all Persons that the Captains of either Ship shall give leave, whose Advice you are continually to follow, and apply to them for Assistance, if occasion require; and immediately to inform of any Persons belonging to either Ship, that shall be perceiv’d to use clandestine Methods to hide Plunder, or endeavour to avoid the searching them._

_If the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _are separated when any Prize it taken, then one of you is to be on board the Prize, and the other to remain on board the Ship; and in each place be very strict, and keep an exact Account of what comes to your hands, and as soon as possible secure it in such manner as the Captain of either Ship shall direct: still observing the Command of the superior Officer on board the Prize, who is also to assist you to the utmost of his power._

_If any Person not concern’d in this Order, nor employ’d in the same by Capt._ Courtney, _concerns himself with the Plunder, except the Commanding Officer, you are to forbid him; and if he disobeys, to give immediate Information of such Person or Persons._

_You are not to incumber the Boats with Chests or Plunder out of any Prize at first coming aboard, but mind what you see. And the first thing you are to do, is to take account of what you find aboard that is Plunder, and remove nothing without the Captains of either Ship’s Orders; or in case of their Absence, of the chief Officer or Officers of either Ship that shall be aboard the Prize, to avoid Trouble and Disturbance._

_You are by no means to be rude in your Office, but to do every thing as quiet and easy as possible; and to demean your selves so towards those employ’d by Capt._ Courtney, _that we may have no manner of Disturbance or Complaint: still observing that you be not overaw’d, nor deceiv’d of what is your Due, in the behalf of the Officers and Men._

_The Persons appointed to be Managers by the_ Dutchess, _were the underwritten_,

John Connely, Simon Fleming, Simon Hatley, Barth. Rowe.

_To whom the foregoing Orders were also given, and sign’d by the Committee._

Tho. Dover, _President_, Carleton Vanbrugh, Woodes Rogers, John Bridge, Stephen Courtney, William Stratton, William Dampier, John Rogers, Edward Cooke, John Connely, Robert Frye, William Bath, Charles Pope, Geo. Milbourne, Tho. Glendall, John Ballet.

_Febr. 17._ Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Cooke_ being aboard, we agreed that Mr. _Appleby_ should appear for the Officers on board the _Dutchess_, and _Samuel Worden_ for the Men: Mr. _Simon Hatley_ and _Simon Fleming_ were to have the like Charge on board of us, to manage the Plunder according to the foregoing Orders.

[Sidenote: _Our Approach near Lima._]

_Febr. 18._ About three Yesterday afternoon, we saw the Main dist. 9 Ls. it’s very high Land, with several Islands.

_Febr. 28._ Yesterday afternoon we came within about 6 Ls. of very high Land. This Morning we put both Pinnaces in the Water, to try them under Sail, having fix’d them with each a Gun after the manner of a Patterero,[126] and all things necessary for small Privateers; hoping they’l be serviceable to us in little Winds to take Vessels. Wind at S. and S by E.

_March 1._ Having little Wind and smooth Water, we heel’d both Ships and tallow’d.

_Mar. 2._ We are in sight of Land, dist. 12 or 14 Ls. Within the Country there’s a vast high Ridge of Mountains, nam’d _Cordilleras_, all along this Course; some parts I believe are full as high, if not higher, than the _Pico Teneriff_, with Snow on the top. We had a good Observ. Lat. 17. 03. Longit. 70. 29. West from _London_.

_March 4._ Fine pleasant Weather, with fresh Gales of Wind. This day we came to an Allowance of three Pints of Water a Man _per_ day, tho we had a good stock aboard. My reason for it was, that we might keep at Sea some time and take some Prizes, and not be forc’d to discover our selves by watring, before we attempted any thing ashore; because an Enemy being once discover’d, there’s nothing of Value, as I’m informed, puts to Sea from one end of the Coast to the other. They have great Conveniences of giving notice by Expresses and strict Orders for all Officers on the Shore to keep Lookers-out upon every Head-Land.

_Mar. 8._ Fine pleasant Weather, a brisk Gale at S E. At three this Morning we lay by, and at six saw the Land dist. about 14 Ls. after which I made sail. The _Dutchess_ had a Boy fell out of the Mizen-top down on the Deck, and broke his Leg; of which he is in a fair way to recover. Lat. 12. 31. Longit. 84. 58.

_Mar. 9._ Fair Weather, a moderate Gale at S E. We go under an easy Sail, in hopes of seeing rich Ships either going or coming out of _Lima_, being now near it. We keep about 7 Ls. from Shore, to prevent our being discover’d. We shall not lie long here, but design to go for _Lobos_ to build our Boats, and get things ready to land at _Guiaquil_.

_Mar. 10._ Pleasant Weather, moderate Gales at S E. This Morning, perceiving white Rocks at a distance which look’d like Ships, we brought to, and sent our Boats under the shore, having kept them ready a-stern four days, that if we saw a Sail near the Shore, they might take them, to prevent their discovering us to those on the Continent.

_Mar. 13._ Fair Weather, moderate Gales at S E. This Morning we ran near Land, and the _Dutchess_ kept in the Offing, to see if we could meet any of the Traders; there being, as I am inform’d, Ships of good Value sometimes on this Coast. Our Men begin to repine, that tho come so far, we have met with no Prize in these Seas.

_Mar. 14._ The Nights are very cold in comparison of the Days, which are warm enough, but not so hot as I expected in this Latitude. Here’s never any Rain, but great Dews in the night, almost equivalent to it, tho the Air be generally serene. At eight last night we hal’d up N N W. for the Island _Lobos_.

_Mar. 15._ We saw Land yesterday, and supposing it was _Lobos_, stood off and on all night. In the Morning it prov’d very hazy till ten, when we saw it again right a-head; we stood nearer till we were convinc’d it was not _Lobos_, but the main Land of _Peru_ within it: so we stood off at twelve, and had a good Observ. Lat. 6. 55.

_Mar. 16._ Yesterday afternoon we spy’d a Sail; our Consort being nearest, soon took her. She was a little Vessel of about 16 Tun belonging to _Payta_, and bound to _Cheripe_ for Flower, with a small Sum of Money aboard to purchase it. The Master’s Name was _Antonio Heliagos_, a _Mustees_, begotten between an _Indian_ and a _Spaniard_: his Company was eight Men, one of them a _Spaniard_, one a _Negro_, and the rest _Indians_. We ask’d them for News, and they assur’d us that all the _French_ ships, being seven in number, sail’d out of these Seas six months ago, and that no more were to return; adding, That the _Spaniards_ had such an Aversion to them, that at _Callo_ the Sea-Port for _Lima_ they kill’d so many of the _French_, and quarrel’d so frequently with ’em, that none were suffer’d to come ashore there for some time before they sail’d from thence. After we had put Men aboard the Prize, we hal’d off close on a Wind for _Lobos_, having shot within it; and had we not been better inform’d by the Crew of the Prize, might have endanger’d our Ships, by running in farther, because there are Shoals between the Island and the Main. The Prisoners tell us there had been no Enemy in those parts since Capt. _Dampier_, which is above four Years ago. They likewise inform’d us that Capt. _Stradling_’s[127] Ship the _Cinque-Ports_,

[Sidenote: _Arrival at Lobos._]

who was _Dampier_’s Consort, founder’d on the Coast of _Barbacour_, where he with six or seven of his Men were only sav’d; and being taken in their Boat, had been four Years Prisoners at _Lima_, where they liv’d much worse than our Governour _Selkirk_, whom they left on the Island _Juan Fernandez_. This Morning we saw the Island _Lobos_, which bore South about 4 Ls. at Noon it bore S by W. dist. 6 miles. We sent our Pinnace thither mann’d and arm’d, to see if there were any Fishermen upon it and secure ’em, lest they should discover us to the People on the Main.

_Mar. 17._ Yesterday about five in the Evening we got well into anchor, but found no body at the Island. We had 20 fathom Water, clean Ground in the Thorow-fair between the two Islands, above a Cable’s length from each Shore. ’Tis a bold going in and a good Road, the Wind blowing constantly over Land. We resolv’d here to fit out our small Bark for a Privateer, she being well built for sailing; and this Morning we had her into a small round Cove in the Southermost Island, where we haul’d her up dry on the Land. The Carpenters also got the Timber ashore, to build our Boat for landing Men.

_Mar. 18._ In the Evening we launch’d our small Privateer, having clean’d her Bottom well, call’d her the _Beginning_, and appointed Capt. _Cooke_ to command her. We got a small spare Mast out of our Ship, which made her a new Main-Mast, and our Mizen-top Sail was alter’d to make her a Main-Sail. The _Dutchess_ heel’d, and clean’d their Ship. This Morning I got all our sick Men ashore, and built Tents for them: the _Dutchess_ also landed hers. We agreed to stay the building of our Boat and fitting out the Privateer, while the _Dutchess_ cruis’d about the Island, and in sight of the Main.

_Mar. 19._ Yesterday afternoon we sent the Yall a fishing, got the Bark rigg’d, and almost ready, with four Swivel-Guns and a Deck near finish’d. This Morning the _Dutchess_ sail’d a cruising, and appointed to meet the Bark off the South-East End of the Island.

_Mar. 20._ The Bark being got ready, this Morning we victual’d her out of our Ship, and put 20 of ours, and 12 of our Consorts Men aboard her well arm’d. I saw her out of the Harbour with our Pinnance, she looks very pretty, and I believe will sail well in smooth Water, having all Masts, Sails, Rigging, and Materials, like one of the Half-Galley’s fitted out for her Majesty’s Service in _England_: They gave our Ship’s Company three Huzza’s, and we return’d them the like at parting. I told Capt. _Cooke_, if we should be forc’d out of the Road, or give Chase hence, we would leave a Glass-Bottle bury’d near a remarkable great Stone, that I show’d him, with Letters in it, to give an account how it was with us, of the occasion of our Departure, and where to meet again: I bid him acquaint Capt. _Courtney_ with it.

_Mar. 22._ This Morning a _Spaniard_ belonging to us, nam’d _Silvester Ramos_, died suddenly, and we buried him at night. Most of our Men are healthy, except two or three who are ill of the Scurvey.

_Mar. 23._ This Morning we began to scrub our Ship, and clear’d abundance of Barnacles off her Bottom, almost as large as Muscles. A Ship grows foul very fast in these Seas.

_Mar. 25._ We caught plenty of very good Fish. The Seals are numerous here, but not so many as at _Juan Fernandez_: A large one seiz’d a stout _Dutchman_, had like to have pull’d him into the Water, and bit him to the bone in several places, in one of his Arms and Legs.

_Mar. 26._ This Morning the _Dutchess_ came in with a Prize call’d the _Santa Josepha_, bound from _Guiaquil_ to _Truxillo_, Burden about 50 Tuns, full of Timber, with some Cocou, and Coco-Nuts, and Tobacco which we distributed among our Men: The _Dutchess_ and _Beginning_ took her between this Island and the Main; she had very little of Value on board.

_Mar. 27._ This Morning we gave our Ship a good heel, and tallow’d her low down. A _Dutchman_ belonging to the _Dutchess_ died of the Scurvy ashore, and was buried on the Island.

_Mar. 30._ Yesterday afternoon we got the second Prize (which we call’d the _Increase_) aboard us, and clean’d her. We brought all off shore, and launch’d our new Boat to tow at our stern, and at ten a clock came to sail, after we had put Mr. _Stratton_ to command the _Beginning_, and all our sick Men and a Doctor of each Ship aboard the _Increase_, of which Mr. _Selkirk_, our second Mate, was appointed Master.

[Sidenote: _Description of Lobos._]

By Observation we had here, this Island lies in Lat. 6. 50. S. the Variation 3. 30. Easterly; and I reckon it lies in the Longitude of 87. 35. West from _London_. The two largest Islands, call’d _Lobos de la Mar_ (to distinguish them from others call’d _Lobos de la Terra_, within 2 Ls. of the Land) are about 16 Ls. from the Main, and 6 Miles in length. There’s another small Island close by the Eastermost to Windward, not half a mile long, with some Rocks and Breakers near the Shore, all round and off of each side of the Entrance to the Road, which is bold and has no visible Danger. There’s a Passage for Boats to Windward, to come into the Road, which is to the Leeward of these Islands in a Sound between them. ’Tis not half a mile broad, but above a mile deep has from 10 to 20 fathom Water, and good Anchor-ground: there’s no coming in for Ships, but to Leeward of the Islands. We went in with a small Weather-Tide, tho I never perceiv’d it flow above 3 foot whilst we lay here. The Wind commonly blows Southerly, veering a little to the Eastward: on the Eastermost Island (which was on our Larboard side as we lay at anchor in the Sound) there is a round Hummock, and behind it a small Cove very smooth, deep, and convenient enough for a Ship to careen in; there we haul’d up, and fitted our little Frigat. The highest part of the Island appears in the Road not much higher than a large Ship’s Top-Mast head. The Soil is a hungry white clayish Earth, mix’d with Sand and Rocks. There’s no fresh Water, or green things on the Islands: Here’s abundance of Vultures, _alias_ Carrion-Crows, which look’d so like Turkeys, that one of our Officers at landing bless’d himself at the sight, and hop’d to fare deliciously here. He was so eager, that he would not stay till the Boat could put him ashore, but leap’d into the Water with his Gun, and getting near enough to a parcel, let fly at ’em; but when he came to take up his Game, it stunk insufferably, and made us merry at his Mistake. The other Birds here are Penguins, Pellicans, Boobys, Gulls, and a sort of Fowls like Teal, that nestle in holes on the Land. Our Men got Loads of ’em, which they skin’d, and prais’d them for very good Meat. We found abundance of Bull-Rushes and empty Jars that the _Spanish_ Fishermen had left ashore. All over this Coast they use Jars instead of Casks, for Oil, Wine, and all other sorts of Liquids. Here’s abundance of Seals and some Sea-Lions; the Seals are much larger than at _Juan Fernandez_, but the Fur not so fine. Our People kill’d several with a design to eat their Livers; but one of our Crew, a _Spaniard_, dying suddenly after eating ’em, I forbad the use of ’em. Our Prisoners told us, they accounted those old Seals very unwholesom. The Wind always blowing fresh over the Land, brought an ugly noisom Smell aboard from the Seals ashore; which gave me a violent Head-Ach, and every body else complain’d of this nauseous Smell; we found nothing so offensive at _Juan Fernandez_.

Our Prisoners tell us, they expect the Widow of the late Vice-Roy of _Peru_ would shortly embark for _Aquapulco_, with her Family and Riches, and stop at _Payta_ to refresh, or sail near in sight as customary, in one of the King’s Ships of 36 Guns; and that about eight months ago there was a Ship with 200000 Pieces of Eight aboard, the rest of her Cargo Liquors and Flower, which had pass’d _Payta_ for _Aquapulco_: she would have been a welcome Prize to us, but since she is gone, it’s not worth while to follow her. Our Prisoners added, That they left Signior _Morel_ in a stout Ship with dry Goods for _Lima_, recruiting at _Payta_, where he expected in few days a _French_-built Ship, belonging to the _Spaniards_, to come from _Panama_ richly laden, with a Bishop aboard. _Payta_ is a common Recruiting-place to those who go to or from _Lima_, or most Ports to Windward, in their Trade to _Panama_, or any part of the Coast of Mexico. Upon this Advice we agreed to spend as much time as possible cruising off of _Payta_, without discovering our selves, for fear of hindring our other Designs.