Part 10
_David Griffith_, who went with _Shelvocke_ to _China_, confirms all the above particulars. He has been with me since his arrival in _London_, and says that captain _Morel_, who was afterwards taken aboard the _Conception_, declared there was a man in the _Margarita_, who stood ready by the colours immediately to strike, if captain _Shelvocke_ could have taken courage to board her. _David_ further assures me, that _Shelvocke_’s whole account of that story is to excuse his own faint heart: for whereas he talks of his animating the men, and their backwardness to fight, it is a mean pitiful forgery; for the men were unanimous for boarding the enemy; and _Shelvocke_ shamefully refused it; took the helm and sheerd off.
His next feat is plundering the village of _Iquique_; where he got a good quantity of provision, wine and brandy: immediately after which he meets with and attacks the _Francisco Palacio_ a large merchant ship: and _Shelvocke_ by this time being somewhat potvaliant, I believe he did his indeavour to carry her; but she provd too big for his bark. However his main purpose being to change his new baptized vessel, as soon as he could, he quickly met with an opportunity that succeded. Standing into the road of _Pisco_, they discover a good ship: whereupon _Shelvocke_ summons his people, who came to a resolution to board her at once; which they luckily performd without resistance. This prize was calld _Jesu Maria_ of 200 ton, laden with pitch, tar and copper: so that our freebooters decently quit their slight new tenement for a good, clean, weatherproof habitation. It seems the _Spaniard_ offerd 16000 dollars for her again: but _Shelvocke_’s people were certainly in the right to keep the prize; for considering their circumstance, no money at that time could be an equivalent.
A way he sails to _Payta_ in the _Jesu Maria_, where the most important thing I find, is the reflexion he makes upon the conduct of captain _Clipperton_, who he says refused a booty of 400,000 dollars, king’s money, which lay there in the governer’s hands.
Here _Shelvocke_ gives another great example of his ignorance; for to my experience, who was first set there ashore, after being a prisoner; I know very well that the place is poor and without a governer, having no trade whereby any duties, worth mentioning, can arise to his _Catholic_ Majesty: There is indeed a head man (as there is in all places) called _Teniente_, who makes a hard shift to live by exacting port charges and other small fees from the vessels that touch there only for refreshments, and to put their pedlars ashore. _Clipperton_ knew this very well, and was too prudent to make a fresh broil upon the coast for nothing at all, and that’s the reason he never touchd there; tho’ _Shelvocke_ has magnified himself so much upon it, and has absurdly connected two facts together, which happend at a year’s distance: For the first time the _Success_ was in the parallel of _Payta_, was _Nov. 1719_; and the second time _Nov. 1720_, as appears plainly by _Taylor_’s journal: and yet this ignorant book-writer, p. 188 and 288, has mention’d _Clipperton_’s puting prisoners ashore there in _Nov. 1719_, being the first time: whereas the prisoners he designd to put ashore was in _Nov. 1720_, a twelve month afterwards; which however he did not; but landed them at _Cape Helen_; as specifyd in the journal the 2d. section of this voyage. He is very right to assert that which no one can doubt of, when he says _Clipperton_ might have taken _Payta_ as easily as he did; and so might any vessel, sending ashore six armed men, for there’s no such thing as firearms, being a naked village of defenceless _Indians_. But it is endless for me to set the public right in every fact of _Shelvocke_’s history; for as the whole is divided into voluntary falshood and plain ignorance, his book may more justly be calld a romantic libel than a journal.
His next arrival is at the island of _Quibo_, p. 303; where he talks of a terrible sort of hogs with their navels upon their backs; for my part I don’t easily believe such out of the way things; but refer our captain _Quibo_ to dispute it with the physicians and anatomists.
In their passage hither he says his men frequently got drunk and quareld; and that he went in danger of his life, and used to have his clothes tore from his back, if he endeavourd to part them. This too may be a very important discovery to the rest of his readers; but I my self know him so well that it is no news to me: for _Shelvocke_ used to make freer with the wine and brandy than any one; and I believe his men thought it no harm to follow his example and drink their skins full, especially since their new establishment was more like a commonwealth than an absolute monarchy.
During these useful discoveries of our author, I think ’tis pity any thing should interrupt him; but as the devil would have it, _Jan. 1721_, he meets captain _Clipperton_ in the _Success_, which interview he says was very astonishing: And truly I believe it was: _Clipperton_ might well be surprized at the history of _Shelvocke_’s management; and _Shelvocke_ had as great reason to wonder the other did not confine him for it: And I can tell him the gentlemen here at home wondered at it, and took it ill that he did not. But what astonishes me most, is that _Shelvocke_ has the hardiness to give us the history of captain _Mitchel_, for the truth of which he appeals to a dead man, Mr. _Davison_, who told him so; which _Davison_ was killd at _Guam_ before _Shelvocke_ came to _China_. The tragical circumstances, as he calls them, p. 309, of a jealousy between _Clipperton_ and _Mitchel_; of the later’s being orderd with a rich cargo to a place no where to be found, and yet orderd thither on purpose to be destroyd, are reflexions so malicious, and yet so irrational, that _Shelvocke_ must be fuddled when he writ them.
The journal tells us how he was fitted out, and whither bound; that his cargo was ten thousand pound value: is it possible then, supposing a real misunderstanding, that _Clipperton_ would pay so dear to get rid of the gentleman? ’Tis certain he never imbarked his men in lighters or in empty prizes with any design to make away with them, as _Shelvocke_ served us: captain _Mitchel_ was put aboard a clean ship, well mand, and provided with stores and necessaries, and a valuable parcel of goods to dispose of at _Brasil_ for the Owners advantage in order to secure them something: and it is true that neither he nor the twenty three men with him were ever yet heard of: But how is _Clipperton_ chargeable with that? or what excuse can _Shelvocke_ make for these impious reflexions, but a sort of pleasure he has in being revenged on the memory of the dead. Thus far _Mitchel_ may be accounted for: The journal _March_ 16th. 1720. tells us that being obliged to wood and water, he touched to the northward, at port _Velas_; where it’s very probable he and his men became a prey to the enemy: for the said article mentions that several of _Clipperton_’s men saw some shirts and other things worn by the natives, which by the mark convinced them _Mitchel_ had been there. _Shelvocke_ goes on in this childish manner, p. 308. talking of submersions of islands, and that it was conjectured _Mitchel_ and his men, the ship, the island and all were sunk under water: This likewise he says was Mr. _Davison_’s opinion; who I know had more sense than to say or think any such silly thing. He says farther that _Clipperton_ never cleand his ship, whereas the journal takes notice of his having done it two or three times; besides several others omitted by me, as not for my design to transcribe every such trifling remark. As for _Clipperton_’s behaviour at _Conception_, _Coquimbo_, and afterwards at _Guam_ it was ill judged no doubt: and tho’ it was so, I have impartially enterd it in my second section, it being much more for my purpose to tell the truth, than to stifle it: But let it be as it will; he certainly had the Owners interest in view, and thought honesty the best policy; though captain _Shelvocke_ has taken leave to think otherwise. On the next leaf he says, that upon meeting the _Success_ he expected to be treated by them as one belonging to the same interest; but found himself mistaken. Truly there’s nothing strange in that; for his was a private interest, and theirs a public one. Besides, the journal says, that he would not come into terms: which is answer enough to all his complaints of unkindness, treachery, and so forth.
After meeting with the _Success_ several times in the _South Seas_, I come now to the last time of their meeting, which was in _March 1721._ off of _Acapulco_; whereas the journal mentions, it was thought most adviseable to joyn both companies, and attempt the great _Manilla_ ship. As to the remarks that _Shelvocke_ has made upon this transaction, and the pains he has taken to represent _Clipperton_ a monstrous creature, ’tis not to be minded. The journal says, the proposal to _Shelvocke_ was this, That if he and his crew would refund all the money shared among themselves contrary to the Owners articles, and put it in a joint stock; then all faults should be forgot, both companies would unite and procede to cruise for the _Acapulco_ ship: The very next article in the journal is, that not hearing from captain _Shelvocke_, and the time for the _Acapulco_ ship setting out for _Manilla_, being several days past; Resolved in council to make our best dispatch for _East India_. Here is the plain true account of the affair, and how the treaty broke off: but _Shelvocke_ has labourd hard to pervert the truth of this fact, as he has done all the rest, thinking to gain pity from mankind, by telling what he sufferd through the deceit of _Clipperton_, never expecting that these things would be refuted and clear’d up. Besides, there may be other reasons assignd for _Clipperton_’s sudden separation, tho’ not enterd in the journal: for he knew, before he left _England_, that the _Spanish_ fleet was all taken and destroyd by admiral _Byng_; and therefore a peace was probably concluded, being two years past: and therefore Shelvocke, who had not made his fortune while the war lasted, and had really ruind the project, ought of the two to be the sufferer. ’Tis very likely, _Clipperton_ for these reasons did not care to imbarrass his ship just upon the point of his leaving the _South-Sea_; but on second thoughts, concluded it was better to keep what he had got. These, I say, are very fair conjectures: but the reason mentiond in the journal above is sufficient of it self; for _Shelvocke_ thought the conditions proposed by _Clipperton_ were too strict: He did not care to refund what he had unlawfully shared, which doubtless he ought to have done; and for the neglect of which, ’tis evident the whole affair ended.
P. 321, _Shelvocke_ talks of articles which he demanded of _Clipperton_ and _Godfrey_: That in case they took this rich prize, he and his people should be intitled to their proper shares, according to their first agreement with the Owners: This in my humble opinion is a great weakness in _Shelvocke_ to publish, tho’ he passes for a cunning fellow: for why should he insist upon a repetition or confirmation of the first articles with the gentlemen Owners, if he was not conscious of his having, some how or other, forfeited his right by a notorious mismanagement and breach of trust?
P. 327. He concludes this long invective with a smart reflexion upon _Clipperton_, that it was his fear to ingage the _Manilla_ ship, which made him recede from the proposal. For my part, I really think he had reason to fear it, having twice narrowly escaped the men of war already: and since _Shelvocke_ refused to put his plunder money in the common stock, why should _Clipperton_ risk all he had, to mend another man’s fortune? _Shelvocke_ most certainly would have been glad of so great an addition to his capture, as the _Acapulco_ ship must have afforded; and I doubt not he would have run away with a very handsome share of it, as he has done with all he took both before and after: and now he is bitterly vext with _Clipperton_, because the bite did not take.
_Shelvocke_’s next exploit is at _Sansonate_; where finding a ship at anchor call’d the _Holy Family_ he attacks her, and after some resistance takes her: She proved no great prize: but being a better sailer, he thought fit to shift the cargo of the _Jesu Maria_, and change ships with the _Spaniard_.
_Shelvocke_ says p. 331, that this ship was fitted out and commission’d on purpose to take him; and would have us believe he has performed wonders in the ingagement. I own I am at a loss to account for this man’s extravagant assurance, when he and I, and every body knows the viceroy never grants commissions to merchantmen. There were three men of war out already; and had this been a commission ship, there would have been officers and sailors aboard making a regular force of 150 men at least; who would never have submitted, especially in the condition they found _Shelvocke_. He owns himself it was a merchantman, and yet stupidly says they were commission’d to take him.
Just as he was going to sea, he receives a letter from the governer with notice that there was a truce between _England_ and _Spain_; wherein he demanded restitution of the ship and cargo; on refusal of which he should be declared a pyrate. Tho’ _Shelvocke_ did not depend upon this for truth; yet being greatly reduced and wanting all necessaries of life, he was willing in some measure to treat about it. He sends ashore lieutenant _Brook_ his next officer with five men under a flag of truce; who were immediately made prisoners.
Thus he gets rid of six more of his people, under the show of a treaty with the governer, for they were never since heard of. I don’t expect the world will judge of this affair as I do, because those who are ignorant of the circumstances of these things, and unacquainted with _Shelvocke_’s personal behaviour, cannot make a proper censure. When a man dies in a course of physic, who knows whether ’tis chance, or design in the doctor? the patient is gone by legal prescription. So here a gentleman is fairly orderd ashore into an enemy’s hand: and if he never returns, who can say it is a design or accident? Thus much is certain, they went without a hostage, tho’ _Shelvocke_ always had strong notions of the _Spaniards_ resentment, and their manner of revenge; especially in _Mexico_, where the _Indians_ are the cruelest people alive. And while he was speaking of _Mitchel_’s story, we find him quick enough to leave it past doubt, that he and his men perishd in some obscure manner: and yet he must now send a young gentleman ashore into the clutches of this enemy, at a time when he knew the whole coast was exasperated, and himself destitute of all common necessaries; with a very indifferent force, and consequently not able to resent any affront, much less to avenge himself on the governer, in case he detaind _Brook_ and his men. _Shelvocke_ immediately before and after this acted in a hostile manner on that coast; and even in their view he took this ship called the _Holy Family_, where the countermaster lost his life: so that if poor _Brook_ and his men were sacrific’d by way of atonement, ’tis no severe supposition. For my own part, I know he hated _Brook_, for adhering to the constitution of his country; and because he could not digest the jacobite healths, that _Shelvocke_ usd to drink: I have observed before, how he abused him for discovering _Clipperton_’s name on the tree, when we first touchd at _Fernandes_; and _Shelvocke_ himself explains the jealousy he had of him, when they were there the second time: all which being considerd, I leave those to make inferences, who have been long in the world, and studyd mankind.
There’s another gentleman this author has made free with, _Randal_ by name, _Brook_’s brother in law, who having gone round the world with _Shelvocke_ was arrested by the Owners at his landing, as were several others, and secured in the King’s bench prison, where he died. This lieutenant _Randal_ has not escaped the malice of his pen; but in many places of the book, is very ill treated. And I cannot help observing that a great part of captain _Shelvocke_’s voyage is libelling the dead: such as _Clipperton_, _Davison_, _Randal_, and others. This way of accusing is infamous, and abhorrd by all civilized nations; which I hope is some excuse, for my appearing in their defense: and tho’ I can but poorly perform the office, yet what I do offer, is founded upon certain knowledge and truth.
Before I leave this prize calld the _Holy Family_, I must inform the reader, that _Shelvocke_, far from having any merit in taking her, ought to have lost the command of his own ship for deserting his post upon the quarter deck. After two or three of his men were wounded, _Shelvocke_ expecting warm work, sculkd with his son behind the boat which lay upon the main deck; and left _David Griffith_ alone to ply the gun upon quarter deck: for which desertion, _Griffith_ ought in justice to have succeded as captain of the ship. Moreover, whenever _Shelvocke_ ventured from the said barricade and judged a shot was coming, he would skilfully plant himself behind the main mast, leaving _David_ by himself to fight the _Philistines_. But to return.
_Shelvocke_ unable to get provision at _Sansonate_, retires with fresh apprehensions that he must be forced to surrender whether peace or war; and chose therefore to go to _Panama_, where he hoped for tolerable usage, there being an _English_ factory: And what excuse can he invent for not going there before the loss of these six men? Conscious of his guilt, he frames a long protest against the governer’s procedings, which doubtless is a thing all invented since, and no original. Accordingly he steers away for the gulf of _Amapala_, where among the islands he hoped for a recruit of water; but found none: and being now indeed in a deplorable condition, forced to drink the sea water or their own urine; they agree, weak as they are, to bear away again for _Quibo_ to get water. In their way to this place, they providentially met with a small supply at the isle of _Cano_, with the apparent hazard of _Randal_’s life. For _Shelvocke_, tho’ he was so liberal with the lives of other men, took care of his son, tall boy _George_, and his minion _Stewart_, keeping them safe aboard; and never orderd either of them ashore when there was any appearance of danger; nor is there one instance of it in all his book. At last with miserable difficulties they reach _Quibo_, where they wood and water at leisure; thinking however still to surrender at _Panama_, if fortune did not throw some agreeable prize in their way, which happend very soon: For a few days after they left _Quibo_, a small bark laden with beef and pork fell accidentally into their hands, taking them for _Spaniards_: Tho’ she proved a lucky prize to _Shelvocke_, at a time when his people were near starving, and had not provision enough to hold them to _China_, yet he tells us p. 266, that they were all so tired of the sea, and past hopes of making a considerable dividend of money, that they chose rather to go ashore at any rate and surrender.
While things were in this doubtful state, and nothing material happend for three days; but it was really expected a period must be put to _Shelvocke_’s privatiering, a sail presented her self standing along shore to _Panama_, which he immediately gave chase to, leaving the bark which he had in tow, with four of his men and five _Nigros_ to take care of her. He made all the sail he could ’till night, when fearing the chafe would give him the slip, he advised, as he says, bringing to, that the bark might come up again; but having otherwise resolved, they continued their sail all night. Early the next morning, being the 20th of _May_, he came up with the chase, and after a small dispute carryd her. I must not omit that when they returnd to the bark, they found her quite deserted, and the decks coverd with blood: so that he has now four more of his men destroyd, and leaves it past question that they were murderd. After which he would patch the story up with an idle supposition, that the _Spanish_ crew he left in the bark all jumpd into the sea and drownd themselves: Is it not as easy to imagine they saw a boat coming by before they acted the murder? or if not, ’tis common for the natives of that part of the world to swim several leagues. All people naturally secure their method of escape before they commit a violence of this nature: and I am sure ’tis a more rational conjecture, than to think they would destroy the _English_ first, and murder themselves afterwards. _Shelvocke_ crys out it was a cruel return for his civilities, having lent them these four men to assist them, p. 374. Sure this cannot be captain _Shelvocke_ himself, but his son _Georgy_ who talks of sending men aboard a prize out of civility. This is such a sort of complaisance, as when an officer takes the defendents goods in execution, and out of pure good nature sends a man into the house to keep possession. Such stuff as this is worth reading for the great rarity of it; but who would ever expect to meet with it in a book calld A voyage round the world. He goes on and says, “It seemd strange to me, that our men should suffer themselves or run the least hazard of exposing themselves to be thus butcherd.” Indeed, captain, I believe they could not help it; otherwise it would have been somewhat strange: and I am apt to fancy no man alive can help it when he is overpowerd. But what sort of language is this, “to run the least hazard of exposing themselves to be thus butcherd?” Did you ever hear of peoples voluntary exposing themselves to have their throats cut? Did not he hazard and expose the men who left them there without an officer? _Shelvocke_’s reason why this seemd strange is as good as the rest; for says he, they were four in number! a mighty number indeed against a ship’s crew. He owns they were five _Spaniards_, and there might be ten for any thing we know: it was certainly for his purpose to lessen the number: and why might not the five _Nigros_ joyn in the massacre upon certain views and promises? I have as much reason to suppose the one as the other. But the whole story is such a piece of dull thinking and poor language, that ’tis time I have done with it.