Part 6

_Septemb. 1._ We took sailing Orders, the better to keep Company with the _Hastings_ and Fleet: and after having agreed with our Consort, Captain _Courtney_, on Signals between us, which are so common that I need not insert them here, and appointed places of Rendevouz in case of Separation, and how long to lie for each other at every place; about ten this Morning, we came to sail with the _Hastings_ and about 20 Merchant Ships, bound to the Southward and Westward, Wind at N by W. We should have sail’d yesterday, but could not weigh and cast our Ships clear of the rest; some at that time drove, and the _Sherstone_ Gally run quite ashore on the _Spit_. In the night it grew moderate

[Sidenote: _Departure from Cork._]

Weather, and Captain _Paul_ got her off to sail with us. Our Holds are full of Provisions; our Cables, a great deal of Bread, and Water-Casks between Decks; and 183 Men aboard the _Duke_, with 151 aboard the _Dutchess_: so that we are very much crouded and pester’d Ships, not fit to engage an Enemy without throwing Provision and Stores overboard.

_Septemb. 2._ We and our Consort stood out of the Fleet to chase a Sail we saw to Windward. Our ships sail’d as well as any in the Fleet, not excepting the Man of War; so that we began to hope we should find our heels, since we go so well tho deep loaden and pester’d. We found the Chase to be a small Vessel coming into the Fleet from _Baltimore_, one _Hunt_ Master, call’d the _Hope_ Gally, a small _French_-built Snow belonging to Mr. _James Vaughan_ of _Bristol_, bound for _Jamaica_. Wind at N by W. Moderate Weather.

_Septemb. 3._ The Wind very veerable from the W S W. to the N W. blow’d strong with Squalls, so that we reef’d often, and our Ship was a little leaky in her upper Works.

_Septemb. 4._ It blew fresh this Morning, but not so much Wind as Yesterday, and the Water smoother. Captain _Paul_ made a Signal for me, Capt. _Courtney_, and Capt. _Edwards_ Commander of the _Scipio_; and after speaking with him, he sent his Boat for us, being larger than ours. We with Capt. _Dover_ and Mr. _Vanbrugh_ went in her, and din’d with Capt. _Paul_ aboard his Ship, where we were very handsomly treated. He propos’d to me and Consort when he left the Fleet, which would be very soon, to cruise a few days together off Cape _Finister_, after having ask’d us what we wanted that he could supply us with. He gave us Scrubbers, Iron Scrapers for our Ships Bottom, a speaking Trumpet, and other things that we wanted: but he would accept nothing from us, because our Voyage would be long; but told us, he should be well pleas’d if our Owners return’d him the same Necessaries for his Ship when he return’d. Wind from the N N W. to the N W by W. moderate.

_Septemb. 5._ We came from on board Capt. _Paul_ to our own Ships, yesterday at six in the Afternoon; and now thought it fit to discover to our Crew whither we were bound, that if any Disorders should have risen upon it, we might have exchang’d our Malecontents whilst in Company with one of her Majesty’s Ships. But I found no Complaint on board the _Duke_, except from one Fellow who expected to have been Tything-Man that year in his Parish, and said his Wife would be oblig’d to pay Forty Shillings in his Absence: but seeing all the rest willing, he was easily quieted, and all Hands drank to a good Voyage. I and Capt. _Courtney_ writ to our Owners, Alderman _Batchelor_ and Company, in the same Letter, a Method we design’d to continue in the whole Voyage, for all things that related to it. A brisk Gale and clear Weather.

_Sept. 6._ The _Hastings_ and we parted at six last night. The reason why we did not keep him longer Company, was our Ships being very full, and our Consort unwilling to lose time so near home; so that we were oblig’d to break Measures with Capt. _Paul_. I excus’d it to him, and saluted him, which he answer’d, and wish’d us a prosperous Undertaking. Wind N. by W. and clear Weather. Our Ship does not sail so well as she did two days before. The _Crown_ Gally of _Biddiford_ keeps us Company bound for the _Maderas_. Wind from N N W. to N by E.

_Sept. 8._ Every thing now begins to come into Order, we having been hitherto in some Confusion, as is usual in Privateers at first setting out. We had a good Observation. Moderate Weather, Wind at W N W. Lat. 40. 10. N. This day the chief Officers din’d on board me, and the next day on board the _Dutchess_.

_Sept. 9._ Now we begin to consider the Length of our Voyage, and the many different Climates we must pass, and the excessive Cold which we cannot avoid, going about Cape _Horne_; at the same time we had but a slender Stock of Liquor, and our Men but meanly clad, yet good Liquor to Sailors is preferable to Clothing. Upon this we held our first Committee, to debate whether ’twas necessary for us to stop at _Madera_, as follows.

At a Committee held on Board the _Duke_ Frigate, resolv’d by the General Consent of the following Persons:

[Sidenote: _From Cork to the Southward._]

_That both the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _do touch at_ Madera, _to make a larger Provision of Liquors, the better to carry on our long Undertaking, being but meanly stor’d for so large a Number of Men as are in both Ships; and in case of Separation between this Place and_ Madera, _then to meet at the Island_ St. Vincent, _one of the_ Cape de Verd _Islands, to wood and water our Ships. But if we miss of one another at that Island, or that the first Ship finds it inconvenient for stopping, then to proceed to_ Praia _on_ St. Jago, _another of the same Islands; to wait at both these Islands fourteen Days: And then if the missing Ship does not appear, the other to proceed to the Isle of_ Grande, _in Latitude_ 23 deg. 30 m. S. _on the Coast of_ Brazil, _there to wait three Weeks; and then if we don’t meet, let the single Ship proceed on the Voyage, according to the Orders given from our Owners. This is our Opinion this 9th day of_ September, 1708.

Thos. Dover _President_, Charles Pope, Stephen Courtney, Carleton Vanbrugh, Woodes Rogers, Tho. Glendall, Edward Cooke, John Bridge, William Dampier, John Ballet. Robert Frye,

_Sept. 10._ At six in the Morning we saw a Sail; after speaking with our Consort, we both chas’d. I gave the _Dutchess_ about a mile start of us, in order to spread the more. It blew fresh, with a great Sea; and the Chase being to Windward, we crouded extravagantly. Wind at N W.

_Sept. 11._ At three yesterday Afternoon we came up with the Chase, who bore down right upon us, shewing _Swedish_ Colours. I fir’d twice at her before she brought to, then went aboard her with my Yall,[90] Captain _Courtney’s_ Boat being just before me. We examin’d the Master, and found he came round _Scotland_ and _Ireland_. We suspected he had Contraband Goods on board, because some of the Men we found drunk, told us they had Gunpowder and Cables; so we resolv’d to examine her strictly, put 12 Men on board her, and kept the _Swedes_ Master and 12 of his Men on board our Ships. This Morning, after we had examin’d the Men, and searched the Ship, we found it difficult to be prov’d whether she was a Prize: And not willing to hinder time to carry her into any Harbour to examine her farther, we let her go without the least Embezelment. The Master gave me two Hams, and some rufft dry’d Beef, and I gave him a dozen Bottles of Red-Streak Cyder. They saluted us at parting with four Guns: She belong’d to _Stadt_ near _Hamburg_, and was a Frigate built Ship of 22 Guns, about 270 Tuns. While I was on board the _Swede_ yesterday, our Men mutiny’d, the Ringleaders being our Boatswain, and three other inferior Officers. This Morning the chief Officers having kept with me in the after-part of the Ship, we confin’d the Authors of this Disorder, in which there was not one Foreigner concern’d. We put ten of the Mutineers in Irons, a Sailor being first soundly whip’d for exciting the rest to join him. Others less guilty I punish’d and discharg’d, but kept the chief Officers all arm’d, fearing what might happen; the Ship’s Company seeming too much inclin’d to favour the Mutineers, made me the easier forgive. Some beg’d Pardon, and others I was forc’d to wink at; however, they began to find their Design frustrated, which was to make a Prize of the _Swede_, who they alledg’d had much Contraband Goods aboard, tho we could see none; yet they obstinately insisted, that we apparently gave away their Interest, by letting her go without plundering her. I labour’d to convince them of the necessity of our making Dispatch, and that if we could make her a Prize, it would unman our Ships too much to send her into any Port, besides other Disadvantages it might procure to our selves and Owners should we be mistaken; which pacify’d the major part. Our Consort’s Men were at first very uneasy, but finding the Malecontents quell’d aboard our Ship, they all kept quiet.

_Sept. 12._ Yesterday the Wind was very little and veerable, and we had an Observation, 34 deg. 30 min. N.

_Sept. 13._ Those in Irons discover’d others who were Ringleaders in the Mutiny, whom we also punish’d, and confin’d one of them in Irons with the rest. _Alexander Wynter_ was made Boatswain instead of _Giles Cash_, one of the Mutineers. Fair pleasant Weather, little Wind at N W by W.

[Sidenote: _Arrival among the Canary Isles._]

_Sept. 14._ I agreed with the Captain of the _Crown_ Galley to carry my Boatswain (who was the most dangerous Fellow among the Mutineers) in Irons with him to _Maderas_. I did not at his first Confinement think of sending him off; but this day a Sailor came aft to the Steeridg Door, with near half the Ship’s Company of Sailors following him, and demanded the Boatswain out of Irons. I desir’d him to speak with me by himself on the Quarter-Deck, which he did, where the Officers assisted me, seiz’d him, and made one of his chief Comrades whip him. This Method I thought best for breaking any unlawful Friendship amongst themselves; which, with different Correction to other Offenders, allay’d the Tumult; so that now they begin to submit quietly, and those in Irons beg Pardon, and promise Amendment, This Mutiny would not have been easily lay’d, were it not for the number of our Officers, which we begin to find very necessary to bring our Crew to Order and Discipline, which is always very difficult in Privateers, and without which ’tis impossible to carry on any distant Undertaking like ours. Fine pleasant Weather, and moderate Gales.

It being little Wind, and contrary, we agreed to pass by _Maderas_, and cruise a little amongst the _Canary_ Islands for Liquor, to prevent Loss of time: So we took leave of the _Crown_ Galley, who was bound into _Madera_.

_Sept. 15._ Last night we sent _Giles Cash_ aboard her in Irons, with several Letters by the Commander at large to our Owners. We parted at twelve a Clock at night. Fair Weather, very little Wind from W N W. to N by E. had a very good Observation. Latitude 31 deg. 29 min. N.

_Sept. 16._ I discharg’d the Prisoners from their Irons, upon their humble Submission and strict Promises of good Behaviour for time to come. While they continu’d in Irons they had Centries over them, and were fed with Bread and Water. Those that were Officers we restor’d to their Places, and every body was order’d to obey them; _John Pillar_ the Boatswain’s Mate was advanc’d to be Boatswain, so that we are all quiet again. About eight this morning we saw Land, and found it to be _Salvage’s_ Island, bearing S S W. distant eight Leagues, Latitude 29 deg. 45 min. Wind very little, and veerable, with fair clear Weather.

_Sept. 17._ Moderate Gales of Wind; the _Salvages_ at a distance is not unlike the Island _Lundy_ in _Bristol_ Channel, about two miles long, a high Island. This Morning we saw the Rock, that appear’d to us a good League to the S W. of the Island, and took it to be a Sail till we came near it. Little Wind between the N N E. and the West.

_Sept. 18._ At four yesterday in the Afternoon we came in sight of _Pico Teneriff_, bearing S W by W. distant about eight Leagues; steer’d S S E. and S E by S. for _Grand Canaries_. This Morning about five a clock we spy’d a Sail under our Lee Bow, between the Islands of _Grand Canaries_ and _Forteventura_; we chas’d her, and at 7 came up with her. Our Consort being a little a Head, fir’d a Gun, and made her bring to; she prov’d a Prize, being a _Spanish_ Bark about 25 Tuns, belonging to _Oratava_ on _Teneriff_, and bound to _Forteventura_ with about 45 Passengers; who rejoic’d when they found us _English_, because they fear’d we were _Turks_. Amongst the Prisoners were four Fryars, and one of them the Padre Guardian for the Island _Forteventura_, a good honest old Fellow. We made him heartily merry, drinking King _Charles_ the Third’s[91] Health; but the rest were of the wrong sort. We us’d them all very well, without searching them, _&c._ Fresh Gales and fair Weather, Wind from the N N E. to the E S E.

_Sept. 19._ After we had took the Prize, we stood to the Westward for _Teneriff_, in order to have her ransom’d; where our Agent Mr. _Vanbrugh_ press’d to go ashoar with some of the Prisoners. At eleven last night the Wind being at N E. when we were very near the Shore, we could hardly weather Cape _Nago_, the Eastermost part of _Teneriff_, till the Wind veer’d to the Northward. We stood off till Day: In the Morning it prov’d moderate, so we stood in for _Oratava_, and sent the _Spanish_ Master of the Bark to it in his Boat, being mann’d with some of the Prisoners. Mr. _Vanbrugh_ still insisting to go ashore, I consented, tho against my Judgment, and he went with them to treat for the Ransom of the Hull of the Bark; her small Cargo, which consisted in two Butts of Wine, and one Hogshead of Brandy, and other small matters, we design’d for our own use in both Ships, the Agents of each being to take an account of it the first Opportunity. Fresh Gale of Wind at N E.

_Sept. 20._ About eight this Morning came a Boat off from _Oratava_ with a Flag of Truce, and brought a Letter signifying that unless we would immediately restore the Bark and Cargo, Mr. _Vanbrugh_ should be detain’d. I sent to Capt. _Courtney_, who agreed with me on an Answer. We stood in with our Ships within a League of the Town, to tow in the Boat for Dispatch, and about eleven they went ashore again. Wind at N E by E. very fresh.

The Letter sent us was as follows:

Capt. _Rogers_ and Capt. _Courtney_;

_Gentlemen_,

Port _Oratava, 20 Sept. 1708_.

‘Your Lieutenant coming ashore, and having given an account to our Governor of your having taken a Boat belonging to this place bound to _Forteventura_; we must inform you that her Majesty is graciously pleas’d to allow a Trade between her Subjects and the People of these Islands, whereof we suppose you are not ignorant; and that it is approv’d of not only by his Catholick Majesty, but also by the most gracious Christian King, who has sent

[Sidenote: _Amongst the Canary Isles._]

express Orders unto his Consul here, that none of his Men of War or others shall molest any Ship trading to these Islands: and there has been actually an Example of a Ship belonging to the Subjects of her _Britannick_ Majesty, which was taken by a _French_ Privateer, and upon due Application to the _French_ Consul, the Ship was restor’d. Wherefore we are all of Opinion, that there can be no room for your making a Prize of this _Spanish_ Bark; for it will be extremely prejudicial to her Majesty’s Subjects that reside here, and likewise to those in _England_ trading hither, by prohibiting of all future Trade, by making more than sufficient Reprisal upon our Effects here, and perhaps on our Persons, by reason of the evident Breach on our part of the stipulated Trade which has been concerted with us. Wherefore we must once more desire you to restore the _Spanish_ Bark, as you will answer the contrary before her Majesty, who has so far approv’d of the private Trade, that she was pleas’d to allow of two Men of War (viz. the _Dartmouth_ Capt. _Cock_, and the _Greyhound_ Capt. _Hariot_) the last year, who had express Orders to molest in no manner of way any Vessel belonging to the _Spaniards_; which accordingly they observ’d. Wherefore as you have a due Regard to what is so much the Interest of her Majesties Subjects, we expect at the return of this Boat, that you will make Restitution of the said Bark, otherwise Mr. _Vanbrugh_ will not be permitted to go off, and there will be extravagant Reprisals made upon our Estates and Persons, which we expect you will take into your Consideration: and we cannot omit to let you know, that there is now a _Spanish_ Bark actually in _England_, which is daily expected with other _English_ Ships to load Wine, which they will not be admitted to do, in case you don’t restore this Bark. We don’t doubt but the People here out of Complaisance will make you some acknowledgment of a Refreshment.

Gentlemen, Your very humble Servants, _J. Pouldon_, Vice-Consul, _J. Crosse_, _Bernard Walsh_, _G. Fitz-Gerald_.

‘Pray excuse Haste, that we have not time to transcribe.

‘The rest of the Merchants are in the City where our Governor generally resides, being about six Leagues hence.

Our Answer was thus:

_On board the_ Duke Frigat, Sept. 20.

_Gentlemen_,

‘We have yours, and observe its Contents; but having no Instructions given us with our Commission relating to _Spanish_ Vessels trading amongst these Islands, we can’t justify the parting with this Bark on your single Opinions. It was Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_ misfortune to go ashore; and if he is detain’d, we can’t help it. To have convinc’d us satisfactorily of what you say, you ought to have sent us a Copy of her Majesty’s Orders or Proclamation; but we doubt there’s no such thing in this case. If Mr. _Vanbrugh_ is unjustly detain’d, we’ll carry the Prisoners we have on board to the Port we are bound to, let the Consequence be what it will. We are requir’d to be accountable no farther than we are oblig’d by our Instructions, which we have given sufficient Security already to follow, and don’t fear a _Premunire_ when we comply with them. We know Fishing-Boats are excus’d on both sides, and all trading Vessels from _Rio la Hache_ to the River of _Chagre_ in the _Spanish West-Indies_. We admire the Master and Passengers should be so ignorant of a thing so necessary to be known by ’em, for we never had the least word or intimation from them of what you write. The Example you give us of a Trade here allow’d by the _French_ King and Duke of _Anjou_, we don’t admire at, because it is for the Benefit of the _Spaniards_; and we know the _English_ Ships are protected no farther than in Anchor-Ground: and since we took this Vessel at Sea, we shan’t part with her unless on our own Terms. If you are positive in what you wrote us, and conscious what detriment it will be to the _English_ Trade, you have no way to prevent it, but immediately to ransom this Bark; and if it be her Majesty of _Great Britain’s_ Pleasure, and we are better inform’d in _England_, then we can justify our Conduct to the Gentlemen that imploy’d us, and you will be again reimbursed. We shall wait but a short time for an Answer, having Water and Provisions for our selves and Prisoners to the _English_ Settlements, where we are bound. We are apprehensive you are oblig’d to give us this Advice to gratify the _Spaniards_; and with Respect are,

Gentlemen, Your Humble Servants, _Woodes Rogers_, _Stephen Courtney_.

[Sidenote: _Amongst the Canary Isles._]

‘If you send us Mr. _Vanbrugh_, and the Man with him, we’ll send you the Prisoners; but we’ll not part from the Bark, unless ransom’d: tho the Value is not much, we will not be impos’d on. We desire you to use all manner of Dispatch without loss of time, which we can’t allow, nor answer it to our Employers.

_Sept. 21._ At six last night the _Spanish_ Boat came again to us with dilatory Answers to our last, insisting on behalf of the _Spaniards_, that the Goods should be return’d ’em, tho they consented to ransom the Bark. To which we immediately return’d an Answer; for we were angry at their Tediousness and our ill Treatment, our time being precious, because we were inform’d that they expected every hour a small Privateer that usually cruis’d off of _Madera_, as also a _Spanish_ Ship from the _West-Indies_ design’d for _Santa Cruz_: So that it look’d like a Design, to keep us here in suspence till these Ships might get safely in, on the other side of the Island. Our Answer was to this effect: That had it not been out of respect to our Officer on shore, we would not have staid one minute, but would now stay till Morning for their Answer, and take a Cruise among the Islands some time longer than we intended, in order to make a Reprisal; and tho we could not land our Men, would visit the Town with our Guns by eight next morning: adding, that we hop’d to meet with the Governor’s Frigat, and should repay his Civility in his own way, but wonder’d that they being _Englishmen_ should trifle with us. The Letter had its effect; for this Morning at eight a clock we stood in close to the Town, and spy’d a Boat coming off, which prov’d to be one Mr. _Crosse_ an _English_ Merchant, and Mr. _Vanbrugh_ our Agent with him, with Wine, Grapes, Hogs, and other Necessaries, for the Ransom of the Bark. Upon his coming up, we immediately went to work, discharg’d the Bark, and parted the small Cargo between our two Ships. We treated Mr. _Crosse_ as well as we could, and at his desire gave the Prisoners back as much as we could find of what belong’d to their Persons; particularly to the Fryars their Books, Crucifixes, and Reliques. We presented the old _Padre_ Guardian with a Cheese, and such as were strip’d, with other Clothes. So that we parted, very well satisfy’d on all sides. Mr. _Crosse_ told us the _Spaniards_ ashore were very inquisitive whither we were bound; and understanding by the Prisoners that our Ships were sheath’d, and so full of Provisions, they suspected we design’d for the _South-Sea_: and he inform’d us that four or five _French_ Ships from 24 to 50 Guns sail’d thence about a month before on the same Voyage. But we did not think fit to own there, that we were bound to any other place than the _English West-Indies_. These Islands being so well known, I need not add any Description of them. We saw the Pike of _Teneriff_ plain but once while there, it being generally clouded; you may often see the Top above the Clouds, when the rest is all cover’d with them. Now we are indifferently well stock’d with Liquor, and shall be the better able to endure the Cold when we get the Length of Cape _Horn_, which we are inform’d has always very cold bad Weather near it.