Part 17

At these Islands Capt. _Dampier_ in his last Voyage left his Ship the _St. George_ at anchor, and went to the _East-Indies_ in a _Spanish_ Brigantine with about 25 Men: After he had plunder’d _Puna_ in 1704. and water’d his small Bark near it, he endur’d many Hardships, and for want of his Commission to show (which he lost at _Puna_) he was imprison’d, and had all his Goods seiz’d in the _Indies_ by the _Dutch_.

Before we came hither, we held a Committee, and publish’d an Order in both Ships, forbidding our Officers or Men on severe Penalties to hold any Correspondence, or talk any thing that in the least concerns the Voyage, with our Prisoners; which was strictly observ’d, to prevent the Discovery of our Designs to the _Spaniards_.

_April 1._ Small Gales, fair clear Weather. This Morning I went in our Yall on board the _Dutchess_, and afterwards spoke with the _Beginning_. We agreed how to act, in case we see more than one Sail at a time to chase.

[Sidenote: _From Lobos to the Northward._]

_April 2._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we were surpriz’d with the Colour of the Water, which look’d as red as Blood for several miles, occasion’d by the Spawn of Fish. This Morning at Daybreak we spy’d a Sail about 2 Ls. to Windward: We immediately hoisted out and mann’d our Pinnace, commanded by Mr. _Frye_ my chief Lieutenant, who by eight in the Morning took the Ship; she was call’d the _Ascension_, built Galeon-fashion, very high with Galleries, Burden between 4 and 500 Tun, two Brothers being Commanders, _viz._ _Joseph_ and _John Morel_. She was laden with dry Goods and Timber, had above 50 Negroes, and several Passengers bound from _Panama_ to _Lima_.

_April 3._ We immediately mann’d this Prize, took some of the _Spaniards_ out of her, and put in Mr. _Frye_ Commander. We found a good stock of fresh Provisions on board. In the Evening we saw another Sail, which the _Beginning_ took, and brought her to the rest this Morning: She was a Vessel of 35 Tuns, laden with Timber from _Guiaquil_ to _Chancay_ near _Lima_; the Master’s Name was _Juan Guastellos_, the Crew 11 white Men and 1 Negro. We agreed with the _Dutchess_ and _Beginning_ when and where to meet; and having all our Stations appointed, they left us. We were inform’d by the Prisoners, that the Bishop of _Chokeaqua_, a Place far up the Country in the South Parts of _Peru_, was to have come from _Panama_ in this Vessel for _Lima_, in his way to the said Bishoprick; but the Ship springing a Leak at _Panama_, he went on board a _French_-built Ship belonging to the _Spaniards_ that was following them for _Lima_, but would stop at _Payta_ to recruit, as the _Morels_ had done. Being near that place, we resolve to watch narrowly in order to catch the Ship with his Lordship.

_April 4._ About six in the Evening we parted with Mr. _Frye_ in the great Prize, having order’d him with the two other Prizes to keep together, and ply about 8 Ls. off shore in sight of the Hummocks call’d the Saddle of _Payta_, because they appear in that shape with low Land betwixt ’em. We stood in for the Shore, and next Morning saw a Ship to Leeward, and gave chase; she made a Signal, by which we knew her to be the _Dutchess_; but being at a distance, and we not having kept out our Signal long enough, they did not see it. We kept on sail till we came near her, which made them clear their Ship in order to fight: I did this to surprize them, and at Noon went on board.

_April 5._ I kept the _Dutchess_ company till the Evening; and whilst I was on board her, the _Beginning_ came down to us. We agreed on an exact Station; the _Beginning_ to keep close in with _Payta_, the _Dutchess_ 8 Ls. to Leeward, and I to lie right off of _Payta_ about 7 or 8 Ls. a little to Windward. Just as the sun set I left them; they fancy’d they saw a Sail, and chas’d in great haste: but we saw nothing except the blowing of a Whale, of which there are abundance on this Coast. Wind from the S E by S. to the E S E.

_April 6._ We came up with our three Prizes about four a clock in the Afternoon, and found all in good order. Mr. _Frye_ had fitted out the great Boat we built at _Lobos_, which we call a Launch, with Sails and Oars, ready to give chase if they saw any thing in little Winds, having Men enough for that end, in these peaceable Seas, where they are in no fear of an Enemy.

_April 7._ At eight this Morning the Saddle of _Payta_ bore E N E. 7 Ls. at Noon N E. dist. 10 Ls. I went on board the Galeon to Mr. _Frye_, and station’d him again, leaving Signals for the other two, if he saw ’em; and after having din’d on a good Quarter of Mutton and Cabbage with him, which is a great Rarity to us here, I came on board, in order to leave him the second time.

Mr. _Vanbrugh_ threatning to shoot one of our Men at _Lobos_, only for refusing to carry some Carrion-Crows that he shot, and having lately abus’d Capt. _Dover_, as he said; the latter desir’d a Committee might be call’d to examine into Mr. _Vanbrugh_’s Conduct, and we came to the following Issue: _That Mr._ Vanbrugh _had committed sundry Misdemeanours, and according to our Orders, we not believing him a fit Person to be one of the Committee, had chosen Mr._ Samuel Hopkins _in his stead_. Which was sign’d, and agreed to by all the Committee in both Ships.

At the same time, while we were together, we had a second Committee; which concluded as follows.

_We have examin’d and do approve of all the Proceedings and Transactions since our leaving the Island of_ Grande _on the Coast of_ Brazile, _both as to punishing Offenders, our Dispatch at_ Juan Fernandez, _and staying at_ Lobos _to build our Boat, and acting in all cases for the best of our intended Voyage to this time. In Testimony of which, we have set our Hands the Day and Year above-written._

Sign’d by all the chief Officers in both Ships.

_April 11._ Yesterday afternoon we all met aboard the _Duke_, to consult how to act; for beginning to grow short of Water, we can’t keep the Sea much longer.

[Sidenote: _From Lobos to the Northward._]

_April 12._ This Morning we came to a full Resolution to land and attempt _Guiaquil_. In order thereunto we fix’d two Barks, put Ammunition and Arms on board them, with our four Quarter-Deck Guns and Field-Carriages. And for the Management of this Expedition, we held a Committee, and resolv’d on the following Particulars.

At a Committee held on board the _Duke-Frigot_

_We have consulted and examin’d sundry Pilots taken in Prizes, and had several Meetings on this Occasion, being provided with convenient Vessels to carry our Men, Guns, Arms, and other Necessaries to_ Guiaquil: _We resolve to attempt it, having also consulted the most secret way of managing our Attempts on it without discovery. We do approve and appoint Capt._ Tho. Dover, _Capt._ Woodes Rogers, _and Capt._ Stephen Courtney, _to command the Men design’d to land in three equal Parties; except 21 Men with Capt._ William Dampier _and Mr._ Tho. Glendall, _who are to manage and take care of the Guns, Ammunition, Provisions_, &c. _which we agree to be lodg’d in a convenient place, as near as possible to the best Landing-place nearest the Water-side, in order to take care and help ship off the Effects that we may take in the Town; who are also to serve either Commander, where most wanted._

_We leave the Management of this Expedition wholly to the prudent Conduct of the above Commanders, whom we heartily wish and desire to consult each other on all occasions, as the most promising Method to succeed and keep our Designs secret; which is the only way to prevent the Enemies removing their Wealth, or giving us a vigorous Reception. This is our Opinion; in witness whereof we have set our Hands, the_ 12_th of_ April 1709.

Sign’d by all the chief Officers in both Ships.

Memorandum,

_We have considered the Opinion of the foregoing Committee sign’d this Day, and do jointly concur with them, and accordingly design to prosecute it with our Lives and Fortunes to the utmost of our Power and Judgment. Witness our Hands, this_ 12_th Day of_ April 1709.

Tho. Dover, _Presid._ Stephen Courtney. Woodes Rogers,

_April 13._ We appointed an Officer to every ten Men, to prevent Disorders, and stragling ashore.

The Committee having agreed on our Method of Command, left it to us jointly and vigorously to attack the Enemy ashore; we knew that Misfortunes attend Sailors when out of their Element: and hearing that they began to murmur about the Encouragement they were to expect for Landing, which they alledg’d was a risque more than they were ship’d for; to prevent their Desertion, which we had reason to apprehend, since they were a mix’d Gang of most _European_ Nations, we the Commanders agreed on the most plausible Methods we could then think of, to form a good Discipline among ’em, if possible, and to give ’em all needful Encouragement, that we might depend on their good Order and Bravery; and therefore came to the following Resolves.

_Whereas as it is agreed to land and take the Town of_ Guiaquil, _we fully resolve to do it with all manner of Privacy and Dispatch; and that we our selves and our Men may have full Encouragement to attempt it bravely and cheerfully, we publish this following Order._

Imprim. _All manner of Bedding and Clothes without stripping, all manner of Necessaries, Gold Rings, Buckles, Buttons, Liquors, and Provisions for our own expending and use, with all sorts of Arms and Ammunition, except great Guns for Ships, is Plunder, and shall be divided equally amongst the Men of each Ship, with their Prizes, wither aboard or ashore, according to the whole Shares._

[Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil._]

2. _It is also agreed, that any sort of wrought Silver or Gold Crucifixes, Gold and Silver Watches, or any other Movables found about the Prisoners, or wearing Apparel of any kind, shall likewise be Plunder: Provided always we make this Reserve, that Mony and Womens Ear-Rings, with loose Diamonds, Pearls, and precious Stones be excepted. And if any thing is short and omitted in this Publication, we do hereby declare, that when this Expedition is over, every particular Man shall have a Hearing; or the Persons already appointed for the Company of both Ships, may come to us, and insist on what is or ought to be deem’d Plunder, either more or less than what is here inserted; and that a general Committee of the Officers of both Ships shall immediately meet, and at once resolve if any mors is or ought to be Plunder. And that we shall give all manner of Encouragement, without Fraud to the Owners, or Prejudice to our selves, Officers, and Men, in the same manner as agreed on at the Island of_ St. Vincent _on this head: Provided always that our Intent and Meaning for the Mens Encouragement be not made liable to a Construction prejudicial to the Owners, or Ships Companies Interest; and that under pretence of the aforesaid Movables allow’d to be Plunder, no Person whatsoever do seize on, or clandestinely hide any wrought or unwrought Gold or Silver, Pearls, Jewels, Diamonds, and other precious Stones, which are not found about the Prisoners, or their wearing Apparel; which shall be accounted a high Misdemeanour, and punish’d severely: And that no Person do presume to keep any Plunder, but immediately deliver it to his Officers publickly, and carry it directly to the Place appointed for Plunder._

_In case this or any other Town, Fort, Ships, or the like, be taken in this Expedition by Storm, then the same Encouragement shall be allow’d each Man, as agreed on at_ St. Vincent, _over and above the Gratuity promis’d by the Owners, to such as shall signalize themselves in time of Action, as by their Instrument appears. But if any Party of ours, or the whole, or any separate Body shall be engag’d with the Enemy on shore, and become Victors, then all Prisoners, the Mony, Arms, and Movables about ’em, are immediately on that place to be brought to the Officer or Officers of that Body or Party, and put into a general Stock, to be divided proportionately amongst those only of our Men that were engag’d in that Action, who are to enjoy the whole Reputation and Right of it to themselves._

_And tho there had been nothing yet taken worth a Division of Plunder, we don’t question but the effecting this good Enterprize will equally encourage us all, and that we shall gladly and expeditiously get the Wealth of the Town brought to the places appointed on shore. There shall at the same time be several Places appointed, and Men to receive Plunder, and a sufficient time before we leave the Town allow’d to ship it off by it self, and Men appointed to take care and an account of it; which, with all other Plunder, shall be enter’d in publick Books: and when we come on board, we hope and design to divide it equally, to the Satisfaction of all concern’d._

_And to prevent all manner of pernicious and mischievous Ill-Conduct that may accrue by Disorders on shore, we pressingly remind you, that any Officer or other that shall be so brutish as to be drunk ashore in an Enemy’s Country, shall not only be severely punish’d, but lose all share of whatsoever is taken in this Expedition. The same Punishment shall be inflicted on any that disobeys Command, or runs from his Post, discourages our Men, or is cowardly in any Action, or presumes to burn or destroy any thing in the Town without our Order, or for mischief sake; or that shall be so sneakingly barbarous to debauch themselves with any Prisoners on shore, where we have more generous things to do, both for our own Benefit and the future Reputation of our selves and our Country. We shall always take care to keep Prisoners of the best Note, as Pledged for our Men that may be accidentally missing: for as soon as any Man is wanting, we shall engage the_ Spaniards _to bring him to us, or give a satisfactory account of him. But we desire no Man to trust to this, or be a moment from his Officers and Post. And if all the foregoing Rules be strictly follow’d, we hope to exceed all other Attempts of this nature before us in these Parts; and not only to enrich and oblige our selves and Friends, but even to gain Reputation from our Enemies. Dated and sign’d on board the_ Duke, _the_ 13_th of_ April, 1709.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ Stephen Courtney. Woode Rogers.

_April 14._ This Morning we got all our Arms, Ammunition, and Provisions, with part of our Men, _&c._ aboard. Our Bark being the largest, we took in part of Capt. _Courtney’s_ Men; and his Bark carrying the rest, we stood into the great Bay of _Guiaquil_ all night, designing to leave the Ships a good distance at Sea, for fear of being discover’d from the Town call’d _Tombes_, which lying on the Starboard side going in, would ruin our Design. Wind at South, but very little. Lat. 4. 23. 85. 42.

[Sidenote: _Sailing towards Guiaquil._]

_April 15._ At Break of Day we saw a Ship between us and the Land: being calm, we sent off both our Pinnaces mann’d and arm’d. But our Men expecting no Resistance from that Ship, they hurry’d from us, left out their Swivel-Gun, and carry’d but a slender Stock of Arms with them. My Brother _John Rogers_ being unfortunately aboard our Ship, to assist me in getting ready, because he was to be Lieutenant of my Company ashore, he stept into our Boat. I had before this oppos’d his landing, which he resented as a Slight; and this hinder’d me stopping him now, tho it was not his business, he being second Lieutenant of our Consort, and we having Officers enough of our own for that Service: but Mr. _Frye_, who commanded the Boat, being related to us, was the occasion of my Brother’s Willingness to go as a Volunteer with him. The _Dutchess’s_ Pinnace was worse provided than ours, and had not Arms enough for their Men, as Capt. _Cooke_ told me afterwards. About nine a clock our Boat came within shot of the Ship, which prov’d to be the _French_-built Ship belonging to _Lima_, the same we have been a cruising for. They hoisted their _Spanish_ Ensign in its place, and a Flag at their Top-Mast-Head; which our Boats took to be the Bishop’s Banner, because it was broad, made of white Sattin and fring’d, which was unusual Colours in Ships. They fir’d a Gun at our Boat, which lay still above half an hour before the _Dutchess_ Pinnace came up, she not rowing so well as ours. When they came up, Capt. _Cooke_, Mr. _Frye_, and my Brother consulted how to begin the Attack with advantage: They agreed that our Boat should ply her under the Stern, and the other on the Bow, till they could get near enough to board at once. But when they came up, the _Spaniards_ brought a Gun right aft, and upwards of twenty small Arms pointed into the Boats; so that the Fight began before they could reach the Station agreed on, and both were forc’d to engage the Enemy abaft, where they had five Guns mounted. Our People were constrain’d to fall a-stern twice, after the loss of one Man kill’d and three wounded. The Boats and Sails were much damag’d by the Enemies Partridge-shot,[128] yet they again attempted to come up and board her. At this Attack my unfortunate Brother was shot thro the Head, and instantly died, to my unspeakable Sorrow: but as I began this Voyage with a Resolution to go thro it, and the greatest Misfortune or Obstacle shall not deter me, I’ll as much as possible avoid being thoughtful and afflicting my self for what can’t be recall’d, but indefatigably pursue the Concerns of the Voyage, which has hitherto allow’d little Respite. Our Men, upon this Disaster, left engaging, and put all their spare Men and Arms into the _Dutchess_’s Boat; who was to keep between the Enemy and the Shore, to prevent them from landing their Riches. Our Ships having little Wind, were yet at a distance; and our Boat came aboard after noon, with two dead and three wounded Men.

_April 16._ We got possession of the _Spanish_ Ship about two yesterday in the afternoon. She had upwards of 50 _Spaniards_ and above 100 Negroes, _Indians_, and Molattoes on board. They would not strike till within half-shot of our Ships: The _Dutchess_ being somewhat nearest, fir’d two Shot over her, and then she struck, and bore down to us. But we miss’d the Bishop, who ten days before landed at Point _St. Hellena_, with his Attendants, Plate, _&c._ designing to stop at _Guiaquil_. This Morning we saw a small Sail under the shore; we sent our Pinnace and the _Beginning_, who brought her off to us: she prov’d a small Bark from _Payta_ with Soap, Cassa, Fistula, and Leather. About twelve we read the Prayers for the Dead, and threw my dear Brother overboard, with one of our Sailors, another lying dangerously ill. We hoisted our Colours but half-mast up: We began first, and the rest follow’d, firing each some Volleys of small Arms. All our Officers express’d a great Concern for the Loss of my Brother, he being a very hopeful active young Man, a little above twenty Years of Age.

_April 17._ We made ready to go ashore, and read the Encouragement agreed on the 13_th_ to the Men, who all express themselves well pleas’d with the Undertaking, and were so forward to land, that they make all the Interest possible to go ashore; not considering that we must secure a safe Retreat, by leaving a sufficient number on board our Ships to man ’em and guard our Prisoners: but it was a proof of their Courage, since the Advantage was alike, either to stay on board or go ashore. To prevent their stragling when landed, we gave each Man a Ticket, that he might remember what Company he belong’d to; and appointed the best and soberest Man we could pick to command every ten Men under the Captains. Capt. _Courtney_ and I being willing to compliment our President Capt. _Dover_, agreed that he should have the Preference in Command at our Landing: being a considerable Owner in our Ship, he had an equal third part of the Men allotted to be under his Command whilst ashore; we were afterwards to take it in turns.

[Sidenote: _The Isle of Puna._]

_April 18._ Yesterday Afternoon Capt. _Courtney_ and I settl’d every thing on board our Ships and Prizes, and got all the Men design’d for Landing on board the Barks. We proportion’d the rest, and put Irons on board every Ship, because having many more Prisoners than we could leave Men to guard ’em, we must have ’em well secur’d. We agreed to leave on board the _Duke_ 42 Men and Boys, sick and well, _Robert Fry_ Commander; 37 aboard the _Dutchess_, _Edward Cook_ Commander; 14 aboard the Galleon, _John Bridge_ Master; 14 aboard the _Havre de Grace_, _Robert Knowlman_ Master; and 4 aboard the _Beginning_, _Henry Duck_ Master: The whole being 111, and 201 were design’d for the Shore. The Prisoners on board are above 300, more than one half _Spaniards_ and _Indians_, the rest _Negroes_. The Captain and 7 of the chief _Spaniards_ taken in the last Prize I carried aboard our Bark to go with us to the Town, fearing they might be dangerous Persons to leave behind us. Last Midnight we left the Ships, every thing being in good order aboard both Imbarkations. We were, when we parted, about 9 Leagues distant from the Island _Sancta Clara_, and not less than 36 from _Guiaquil_. We order’d Capt. _Cook_ and _Fry_ to keep at Sea undiscover’d 48 Hours, and then to make the best of their way to Point _Arena_, and stay there at an Anchor till our Return, having engag’d Sen. _Morell_ and another _Spaniard_ to be their Pilots. About 12 this Day we pass’d by the Island _Sancta Clara_, having little Wind, and the Weather very hot. This Island appears like a Corps extended, therefore the _Spaniards_ call it _Mortho_; it’s not above two Miles long: We left it on the Starboard-side, which is not the Ships Channel; for none enter that way but Barks, by reason of Shoals both on the Island and towards the Main, within it, to the Northward.

About 10 last Night we came to an Anchor in sight of Point _Arena_ with both Barks, not being able to stem the Tide. At 4 in the Morning we weigh’d, when Capt. _Courtney_ and I, with our Boats and 40 Men, left the Barks, and order’d ’em to lie at _Puna_ one Tide after us, that we might have time to surprize _Guiaquil_ before they should appear in sight of it to alarm them; for we had notice, that they keep a Look-out a League below the Town. We reach’d about half way to _Puna_, and landed on the Island, where we staid during the Ebb Tide, and hid our Boats under the Mangrove Branches. This Island is not passable, being full of thick Mangroves and Swamps, that swarm with Musketo’s.