Part 8

_Novemb. 2._ This Morning two Persons being accus’d of concealing a Peruke of the Plunder in the _Canary_ Bark, two Shirts, and a Pair of Stockings; and being found guilty, I order’d them into the Bilboes: After which they begg’d pardon, promis’d Amendment, and were discharg’d. Pleasant Weather and moderate Gales of Wind from E S E to S E by S. Had an Observ. Lat. 7. 50. S.

_Nov. 4._ Yesterday about four in the Afternoon we spoke with our Consort, and agreed to bear away for the Island of _Grande_ in _Brazile_, it being uncertain to fetch the Island of _Trinidado_; and besides, by the time we could get the length of it, being generally close Weather, and the Sun in the Zenith, we might miss so small an Island; which would prove a great loss of time to us. Close Weather, with a fresh Gale of Wind at S E by E.

_Nov. 13._ Nothing remarkable since the fourth. We have had the Winds very veerable. Now we draw near the Land, the Wind veers to the Northward, and often strong Gales with hazy Weather. About eleven last night we made a Signal to our Consort, and both lay by, thinking our selves to be near the Land. This morning came on moderate Weather, and we made sail again. Wind at N by E.

_Nov. 14._ This Morning at five we made the Land of _Brazile_ very plain, bearing N W. We had several Soundings on the Sand call’d in the Maps _Bonfunda_, from 28 to 50 Fathom Water; brown fair Sand, with grey Stones amongst it. We had several Showers of Rain with very little Wind from N N E. to N by W. Lat. 22. 9. S.

[Sidenote: _Make the Land of Brazile._]

_Nov. 15._ At ten a clock last night we had a heavy Turnado with Lightning, which fell as if it had been liquid. While this Storm held, which was not above an hour, we had all our Sails furl’d; yet the Ship lay along very much. Wind at S W. but afterwards calm, and little Wind. The Sun being near the Zenith here at this time, occasions such Weather. As soon as Day appear’d, we saw the Land bearing West about 7 Ls. dist. a small Breeze at N N W. We stood in with it, but could not be certain what Land it was: we had sundry Soundings from 40 to 50 Fathom Water, coarse Sand.

_Nov. 16._ Yesterday Evening having a brave Breeze at E. we stood in with the Land, and suppos’d it to be the Island of Cape _Frio_. It makes the Southermost Land of several other Islands; is high and uneven. This Island appears in two Hills to the Southward: The least looks like a Saddle, and appears at a distance like two Islands, but as you draw near it, you see that it joins.

_Nov. 17._ This Morning, the Weather being calm, our Pinnace went ashore with Capt. _Dampier_ into a sandy Bay about two Leagues off; they brought aboard a large Tortoise which our People eat. The Tortoises on this Coast have a strong Taste. Foggy Weather, and very little Wind from the East to the S W. sometimes calm.

_Nov. 19._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we came to an anchor in 22 Fathom Water. The East End of the large Island, which we took to be _Grande_, bore W S W dist. about 4 Ls. and there’s a high woody Point at the West end of the low sandy Bay, which at last we run by, about one League and a half from us. We sent our Pinnace ashore well-mann’d to this Point, with Capt. _William Dampier_, in order to be certain whether it was the Entrance of _Grande_ between the two Lands. The Boat return’d about ten a clock at night, with a Confirmation that it was the Island of _Grande_, as we had suppos’d: So we immediately weigh’d with a small Breeze; but it soon falling calm, we came to anchor again: then weigh’d with another small Breeze, and row’d and tow’d; by the help of which, at twelve a clock we came to an anchor in the middle of the Entrance of the Island of _Grande_ in 11 Fathom water. The Entrance goes in W by S. a remarkable white Rock on the Larboard side of the Bay bore S E. about a mile and a half. ’Tis a long Entrance near 5 Leagues from the place we anchor’d at.

_Nov. 20._ Yesterday at one a clock in the Afternoon we sent our Boats in, with a Lieutenant in one Boat, and Capt. _Dampier_ in the other, to sound all the way to our watering-place, and see if no Enemy lay there. I borrow’d the _Dutchess_ Yall, and kept her a-head sounding; but having a Breeze against us, we got little ground. This morning at four we weigh’d again with the Wind at N E. and got both into the Bay on the West side of the Isle of _Grande_, but could not reach the Cove where we design’d to water: heavy Showers of Rain took us. At eleven we row’d and tow’d into the Cove, where our Consort had been an hour before us: A _Portuguese_ Boat came from a small Cove on our Starboard side as we came in, and told us they had been rob’d by the _French_ not long before.

_Nov. 21._ Yesterday Afternoon it rain’d so hard that our Men could not work. At four a clock Capt. _Courtney_ put eight of his Men in Irons for disobeying Command; and knowing ’em to be Ringleaders, was willing to secure them whilst here, where they could run away. About six a clock it began to clear up, and our Pinnace with Capt. _Cook_ and Lieutenant _Pope_ went to _Angre de Reys_, as it’s call’d in Sea-Draughts, but the _Portuguese_ call it _Nostra Seniora de La Conception_, a small Village about three Leagues distant, to wait on the Governour, and acquaint him with our Arrival, with a Present of Butter and Cheese, to procure his Friendship if any of our Men should run away. The Boat return’d at twelve at night, and told us that when they came near the Town it was almost dark; that the People suspecting they were _French_, fir’d on ’em several times, but did no hurt, and when they came ashore begg’d their pardon. The Fryars invited them to the Convent, and told ’em they were often plunder’d by the _French_, or they should not have been so ready to fire at ’em. The Governour was gone to _Riojanero_, a City about 12 Ls. distant, but expected back every day. This morning our Men went in our Boat to hall our Fishing-Net, and caught some very good Fish much better than those at _St. Vince_.

_Nov. 22._ Yesterday Afternoon we got our empty Casks ashore, and sent our Carpenter with a _Portuguese_ to look out Wood for Trusle-Trees,[96] our Main and Fore Trusle-Trees being both broke: but the Weather prov’d so wet and sultry, that we could do little or nothing. Here are abundance of

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande in Brazile._]

Graves of dead Men; and the _Portuguese_ tell us, that two great _French_ Ships homeward bound from the _South Seas_, that water’d in this same place about nine months before, had bury’d near half their Men here; but God be thank’d ours are very healthy. At this place the _French South-Sea_ Ships generally water both out and homewards. This Morning we had several Canoes from the Town, with Limes, Fowls, _Indian_ Corn, _&c._ to exchange for such things as we could spare. We treated ’em all very civilly, and offer’d a Gratuity to such as would secure our Men if any of ’em run away: they all promis’d to give us good Information, and assist us in searching after ’em.

_Nov. 23._ This was a fair pleasant Day, but violent hot. We heel’d the _Dutchess_ both sides by us, we had a great deal of Wood cut, caught excellent Fish with our Lines, and had several Canoes from the Town, which inform’d us of a Brigantine at an anchor in the Entrance where we came in. I sent our Pinnace mann’d and arm’d to know what she was, and found her a _Portuguese_ laden with Negroes for the Gold Mines. Our Boat return’d and brought a Present, being a Roove[97] of fine Sugar and a Pot of Sweet-meats from the Master, who spoke a little _English_, and had formerly sail’d with ’em. The Way that leads to these Gold Mines is not far from this Place by Water, but the _Portuguese_ say they lie several days Journy up in the Country; and some will tell you ’tis ten or fifteen days, others a month’s Travel from the Town of _Sanetas_, which is the Sea-Port; for they are cautious how they discover the Truth: but there is certainly abundance of Gold found in this Country. They told us, the _French_ often surprize their Boats, and that at one time when the _French_ staid to water, which could not exceed a month, they took of Gold above 1200 _l._ weight (in Boats from the Mines bound to _Rio-Janero_, because the Way is not good by Land.)

_Nov. 24._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we clean’d one side by the _Dutchess_, and this Morning the other side, gave the Ships great Lists; and having Men enough, whilst our Ship was cleaning, we let the Pinnace with Capt. _Dover_, Mr. _Vanbrugh_, and others, go to take their pleasure, but to return by twelve a clock, when we should want our Boat. When they return’d, they brought with them a monstrous Creature which they had kill’d, having Prickles or Quills like a Hedghog, with Fur between them, and the Head and Tail resembled those of a Monkey. It stunk intolerably, which the _Portuguese_ told us was only the Skin; that the Meat of it is very delicious, and they often kill’d them for the Table. But our Men being not yet at very short Allowance, none of ’em had Stomach good enough to try the Experiment: so that we were forc’d to throw it overboard, to make a sweet Ship. Soon after came several Canoes with _Portuguese_ in ’em, whom we treated very civilly.

_Nov. 25._ This Day was fair, but very hot. We had three or four Canoes aboard, one of which had three Fathers belonging to the _Franciscan_ Convent at _Angre de Reys_. We had got a great deal of Water and Wood aboard, with new Trusle-Trees fix’d to the head of the Fore-Mast.

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande._]

_Nov. 26._ Yesterday Afternoon we rigg’d the Fore-Mast again, and got almost all our Water on board. Last night one _Michael Jones_ and _James Brown_, two _Irish_ Landmen, run into the Woods, thinking to get away from us; tho two such Sparks run away the 25_th_ from the _Dutchess_, and in the night were so frighted with Tygers, as they thought, but really by Monkeys and Baboons, that they ran into the water, hollowing to the Ship till they were fetch’d aboard again. About four this Morning the Watch on the Quarter-Deck spy’d a Canoe, and call’d her to come on board; but they not answering, and trying to get away, made us suspect they had either got our Men that run away last Evening, or were coming by Agreement to fetch ’em off the Island, which was uninhabited. We immediately sent the Pinnace and Yall after ’em; the Pinnace coming up near the Canoe, fir’d to stay ’em, but to no purpose; at last they wounded one of the _Indians_ that row’d in the Canoe. He that own’d and steer’d her was a Fryar, and had a Quantity of Gold which he got at the Mines, I suppose by his Trade of confessing the Ignorant. The Fryar had just ran the Canoe ashore on a little Island full of Wood as our Boats landed, and afterwards told us he hid some Gold there. A _Portuguese_ that would not run away with the Father, because he had no Gold to hide, knew our People to be _English_, and call’d the Father back. The Man that was wounded could not move, and was brought by our Men, with the Father and several Slaves that row’d the large Canoe, on board our Ship, where our Surgeon dress’d the wounded _Indian_, who died in two hours time. I made the Father as welcome as I could, but he was very uneasy at the Loss of his Gold and the Death of his Slave, and said he would seek for Justice in _Portugal_ or _England_.

_Nov. 27._ Yesterday in the Afternoon the _Dutchess_ weigh’d, and tow’d out of the Cove about a mile, and came to anchor to wait for us: Their Boats returning to the Cove to fetch what was left, they spy’d two Men waiting under the side of a Wood by the Shore, for a _Portuguese_ Canoe to get ’em off; but our Boats landed on each side of the Point, where they were not seen, found ’em to be the Men that left us the Evening before, and brought ’em to us. I order’d ’em both to be severely whip’d, and put in Irons.

This Morning Capt. _Courtney_ and I, with most of our Officers, except those which we left to do what little remain’d unfinish’d on board the Ships, went in our Boat to _Angre de Reys_, it being the Day kept for the Conception of the Virgin _Mary_, and a high Day of Procession amongst these People. The Governour Signior _Raphael de Silva Lagos_, a _Portuguese_, receiv’d us very handsomly. He ask’d us if we would see the Convent and Procession: we told him our Religion differ’d very much from his. He answer’d we were welcome to see it, without partaking in the Ceremony. We waited on him in a Body, being ten of us, with two Trumpets and a Hautboy, which he desir’d might play us to Church, where our Musick did the Office of an Organ, but separate from the Singing, which was by the Fathers well perform’d. Our Musick play’d, _Hey Boys up go we!_[98] and all manner of noisy paltry Tunes: and after Service our Musicians, who were by that time more than half drunk, march’d at the head of the Company, next to them an old Father and two Fryars carrying Lamps of Incense with the Host, next came the Virgin _Mary_ on a Bier carry’d on four Mens shoulders, and dress’d with Flowers and Wax-Candles, _&c._ After her came the Padre Guardian of the Convent, and then about forty Priests, Fryars, _&c._ Next was the Governour of the Town, my self, and Capt. _Courtney_, with each of us a long Wax-Candle lighted: Next follow’d the rest of our Officers, the chief Inhabitants, and junior Priests, with every one a lighted Wax-Candle. The Ceremony held about two hours, after which we were splendidly entertain’d by the Fathers of the Convent, and then by the Governour at the Guard-House, his Habitation being three Leagues off. It’s to be noted, they kneel’d at every Crossway, and turning, walk’d round the Convent, and came in at another Door, kneeling and paying their Devotion to the Image of the Virgin and her Wax-Candles. They unanimously told us, they expected nothing from us but our Company, and they had no more but our Musick.

The Town consists of about sixty low Houses built of Mud, cover’d with Palmetto Leaves, and meanly furnish’d. They told us they had been plunder’d by the _French_, or perhaps they hid their Plate and other best Movables, because they were in doubt whether we were Friends or Enemies. They have two Churches and a _Franciscan_ Monastery tolerably decent, but not rich in Ornaments: They have also a Guard-house, where there are about 20 Men commanded by the Governour, a Lieutenant, and Ensign. The Monastery had some black Cattel belonging to it, but the Fathers would sell us none.

The Fish we saw in the Road were Sharks, so well known that I need not describe them. 2. Pilot-Fishes, so call’d because they commonly attend the Sharks, find out their Prey for ’em, and are never devour’d by ’em. 3. The Sucking-Fish, so call’d because of a Sucker about two inches long on the top of their Heads, by the Slime of which they stick so fast to Sharks and other large Fish, that they are not easily pull’d off. 4. Parrot-Fish, so nam’d because their Mouths resemble the Beak of a Parrot. 5. A Rock-Fish, which is very good, and much like our Cod. 6. Silver-Fish in great plenty: ’tis a deep-body’d bright Fish, from 12 to 18 inches long, and very good Meat: But there are so many sorts of good Fish here, that we can’t describe ’em all.

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande_]

_Nov. 28._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we left _Angre de Reys_; when we got aboard, we found the Main-Mast rigg’d, with every thing ready. This Morning we got our Ship out by our Consort, and the Wind being out of the way, and but little, we went with our Boat to the Town, to get Liquors for the Voyage, and bring the Gentlemen of the Town aboard our Ships, where we treated ’em the best we could. They were very merry, and in their Cups propos’d the Pope’s Health to us; but we were quits with ’em, by toasting that of the Archbishop of _Canterbury:_ to keep up the Humour, we also propos’d _William Pen’s_ to them; and they lik’d the Liquor so well, that they refus’d neither. We made the Governour and the Fathers of the Convent a handsom Present of Butter and Cheese from both Ships, in consideration of the small Presents and yesterday’s Favours from ’em, and as a farther Obligation on ’em to be careful of our Letters, which we took this opportunity to deliver into their own hands. I shall say no more of our Letters, but that they contain’d every thing material since my coming out, with two Postscripts wrote by Capt. _Dover_ and Capt. _Courtney_, to put it out of doubt amongst all those concern’d, that we join’d heartily in prosecuting our long Undertaking, and that our Officers behav’d themselves to satisfaction; which may clear up some Difficulties started amongst the Gentlemen at home before we sail’d, that were a great Hindrance and Discouragement to us in the beginning, because Mismanagement and Misunderstanding amongst the Officers never fail of ill Effects to the Voyage, and of spoiling the Men; which is an irrecoverable Loss.

_Nov. 29._ Yesterday in the Afternoon our Yall went to Town to get Necessaries for our next long Voyage, because we were to run near 2000 Leagues before we could expect any Recruit of Liquors, unless by extraordinary good fortune. In the Evening it came on blowing with thick Showers of Rain, which prevented the Governour and the rest from going ashore that night. This Morning the Governour and Company were carry’d ashore: at parting we saluted ’em with a Huzza from each Ship, because we were not overstock’d with Pouder. After which all the Officers of the Committee met on board the _Dutchess_, where we enquir’d into the true Cause of the aforesaid _Indian’s_ Death, and protested against Mr. _Vanbrugh_ (who was the Occasion) for commanding our Ships Pinnace as he did in chase of the Canoe unknown to me, and without my Order. At the same time I desir’d to have the Committee’s Hands, if they approv’d what I had transacted since my leaving the _Canary Islands_, which they very readily sign’d, as also the Protest against Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_ unadvis’d Management; for I was sensible that good Order and Discipline in Privateers was the only Method to support my self and the other Officers, and keep up our Authority, which is so essential towards acting with Success and Vigour on all occasions. This made it highly necessary in the Infancy of our Undertaking to prevent Innovations in Command, which inevitably confound the most promising Designs. Therefore I thought it a fit time now to resent ignorant and wilful Actions publickly, and to shew the Vanity and Mischief of ’em, rather than to delay or excuse such Proceedings; which would have made the Distemper too prevalent, and brought all to remediless Confusion, had we indulg’d conceited Persons with a liberty of hazarding the fairest Opportunities of Success. The above-mention’d Resolves of the Committee follow.

At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_ riding at the Island _Grande_ on the Coast of _Brazile_, by Request of Capt. _Tho. Dover_ President, Capt. _Woodes Rogers_, and Capt. _Stephen Courtney_, _29 Novemb. 1708_.

_WE have examin’d, and do approve of all the Proceedings and Transactions since our being at the_ Canary Islands, _both as to the punishing of Offenders, and acting in all cases for the best of our intended Voyage, and that we found it actually necessary to sell part of the Goods taken in the Prize amongst the_ Canary Islands _here, to purchase some Liquor and other Necessaries for our Men as they go about Cape_ Horn, _they being very meanly clothed, and ill provided to endure the Cold; and we have and do hereby desire the Agent of each Ship to take particular Cognizance of what such Goods are sold and dispos’d of for; and agree that all possible Dispatch hath been made both here and at_ St. Vincent. _In acknowledgment of which we have set our Hands the Day and Year above-written._

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, William Bath, Stephen Courtney, Charles Pope, William Dampier, John Rogers, Edward Cook, John Connely, Robert Frye, Geo. Milbourne, Carleton Vanbrugh, John Ballet.

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande._]

Memorandum, _That on the 26th Day of_ November, 1708. _a little before break of Day, a Canoe coming near the Ship_ Duke, _as she rode at Anchor at the Island of_ Grande _on the Coasts of_ Brazile; _they hal’d her, she not answering, they fir’d at her; upon which she row’d away, and the Captain order’d the Boat to get ready and pursue her: And Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh, _Agent of the said Ship, putting off the Boat, without the Order of his Captain, or before any Commanding Officer was in pursuit of her, fir’d, or order’d to be fir’d, at her several Muskets at a distance: But coming nearer, he order’d the Men to fire into the Boat; and the Corporal firing, as we have reason to believe, kill’d an_ Indian, _and took the Canoe, and sent her away with two of the_ Duke’s _Men, the Corporal and a Padre, and afterwards brought the rest of the People in the Ship’s Pinnace; since which time we are inform’d by the Padre, Master of the dead_ Indian, _that he lost a quantity of Gold to the Value of_ 200 l. _which he says he carry’d ashore, and hid in hopes to preserve (he taking them for_ Frenchmen _by their firing and chasing) which could not afterwards be found, altho, he says, he does verily believe it was not taken by any of the Ships People, but alledges it was lost by means of their chasing and surprizing him. Whatever Damages may arise from the above-mention’d Action on the account of killing the_ Indian, _or Loss of the Gold that the Padre says he has lost, We the Commanders and Officers of Ship_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _Consorts, do in behalf of our selves, and the rest of the Ships Company, protest against the unadvis’d Actions of the aforesaid Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh, _for proceeding without any Order from the Captain of the same Ship, and acting contrary to what he was ship’d for. In witness whereof we have set our Hands the 29th day of_ November, 1708.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, William Bath, Steph. Courtney, John Rogers, Will. Dampier, Thomas Glendal, Edward Cook, John Connely, Robert Frye, Geo. Milbourne, Charles Pope, John Ballet.

_Nov. 30._ The Wind continuing out of the way, last night we held a Committee on board the _Dutchess_, and agreed to remove Mr. _Carleton Vanbrugh_ from the Ship _Duke_; which Agreement is as follows:

Memorandum, _This 30th of_ Novemb. 1708. _We the underwritten Officers belonging to the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _appointed as a Committee by the Owners of both Ships, do find it necessary for the Good of our intended Voyage, to remove Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh _from being Agent of the_ Duke _Frigate, to be Agent of the_ Dutchess, _and to receive Mr._ William Bath _Agent of the_ Dutchess _in his Place. This is our Opinion and Desire, in acknowledgment of which we have hereunto set our Hands in the Port of the Island of_ Grande _on the Coast of_ Brazile, _the Day above-written_.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ Robert Frye, Woodes Rogers, Charles Pope, Stephen Courtney, Tho. Glendall, William Dampier, John Bridge. Edward Cooke,

_Nov. 30._ About ten this morning we both weigh’d, in order to go out on the other side of _Grande_, which I think is the fairest Outlet, tho they are both very large, bold and good. We went out E S E. the Wind at N E. and in two hours came to an Anchor again, it proving calm, and a Current against us.