Chapter XI: Part 11

_July 2._ We had Showers of Rain, with Thunder and Lightning last Night, and few Nights are without Rain, but ’tis pretty dry in the day-time. This day I got a fine Tree for the Main-mast; the Island is so cover’d with Trees, that we are forced to clear a Place for a Yard to work in. The Wood that we us’d for Masts and Yards is 3 sorts, but the best is _Maria_ Wood, of the Colour and Grain of our _English_ Oak, all of the Cedar Kind, good Timber, but very heavy. There are several other sorts fit for Masts, but Care must be taken not to use any that is short-grain’d, or soft and white when green.

_July 3._ The Prize Flower we took in Bags being much damag’d by the Rats, I order’d the Coopers to put it up in 36 Casks: The little _English_ Bread we have left is eaten as hollow as a Honeycomb, and so full of Worms, that it’s hardly fit for Use. Last Night we met aboard our Ship to consult of the quickest Method for Dispatch, and the Officers agreed each to take his Share of looking after the Ships, and forwarding the several Workmen: So that most of our little Commonwealth being ashore very busy, ’twas a Diversion for me to oversee the several Companies at work in our Yard, from Break of Day till Night, which otherwise in this hot Country would have been very burthensome to me.

We were imploy’d till the 9_th_ in refitting the _Havre de Grace_, and when finish’d call’d her the _Marquis_. We saluted each of the other Ships with 3 Huzzas from on board her, distributed Liquor among the Company, drank her Majesty’s and our Owners Healths, and to our own good Success. The Ship look’d well, so that we all rejoic’d in our new Consort to cruize with us. The next thing we did was to clear Mr. _Selkirk’s_ Bark to carry our Prisoners to the Main, who being 72 in Number, were very chargeable to maintain; but we could not discharge them sooner, lest they should have allarm’d the Country, and inform’d the _French_ and _Spanish_ Men of War where to find us. But being now almost ready to depart, we call’d a Committee, and came to the following Resolutions.

At a Committee held on board the Duke, riding at Anchor in the Road
of _Gorgona_, _July 9, 1709_.

_We think it convenient to turn all our Prisoners ashore, in a Bark
already provided for that purpose, and at the same time to Plunder
the Settlements on the Main opposite to this Island, and do desire
Capt._ Thomas Dover, _Mr._ Robert Fry, _and Mr._ William Stratton
_to command the Bark and 45 Men on the same Expedition, and to make
what Dispatch they can, and return hither with such Refreshments,
&c. as they can get for our sick Men_.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton,
Woodes Rogers, Cha. Pope,
Stephen Courtney, John Connely,
William Dampier, John Ballett,
Edw. Cooke, John Bridge,
Robert Frye, Lan. Appleby.

After this we gave them the following Instructions.

_Capt._ Tho. Dover,
_Mr._ Robert Frye,
_Mr. W._ Stratton, Gorgona, 9 July, 1709.

_Gentlemen_,

[Sidenote: _At Gorgona._]

_We having agreed with you in a Committee, That you take a Bark
under your Care, and transport our Prisoners to the Main, and
having order’d about 45 Men under your Command to proceed with
you, and attempt the Plundering where you judge convenient: We only
recommend the utmost Dispatch, and that you keep in mind, we hope
to be ready in 8 Days, and shall earnestly expect you as much as
possible within that Time. Other things relating to this you’ll
know better how to act than we can here direct._

_Should a powerful Enemy attempt us in your Absence, we’ll be
certain to leave a Glass Bottle buried at the Root of the Tree
whence the Fore-mast was cut, to acquaint you, then_ Quibo _is the
Place we will wait for you at, if we are well, and you must leave a
Glass Bottle at this Place in case we return hither again: But this
we don’t expect, if once chas’d away._

Woodes Rogers, Tho. Glendall,
Stephen Courtney, John Connely,
William Dampier, Geo. Milbourne,
Edward Cooke, John Bridge,
William Bath, John Ballett,
Cha. Pope,

_July 10._ Early this Morning we put our 72 Prisoners aboard the Bark. We had several times discours’d our Prisoners, the two _Morells_, and _Don Antonio_ about ransoming the Goods, and were in hopes of selling them to advantage, but deferr’d coming to Particulars, till now that we plainly saw, unless they could have the Cargoes under a quarter Value, they would not deal with us. I propos’d going to _Panama_, and to lie 6 Days as near it as they pleas’d, till they brought the Money we should agree for at a moderate Rate; provided they left a Hostage aboard us, whom on failure we would carry to _England_. To this they would have agreed, provided we would take 60000 Pieces of Eight for all the Prize Goods. Then I propos’d their ransoming the Galleon, and putting good part of the Goods aboard her, provided one of them three and another they could procure would be Hostages for the Sum. They answer’d, That neither of them would go Hostage to _England_ for the World. Then I propos’d delivering the Galleon and Cargo to them here, provided 2 of them would be Ransomers to pay us the Money at any other Place but _Panama_ or _Lima_, in Six Days, if they would give us 120000 Pieces of Eight, being the lowest Price we could take for all the Prizes and Goods, Negroes, _&c._ They told us that Trade with Strangers, especially the _English_ and _Dutch_, was so strictly prohibited in those Seas, that they must give more than the prime Cost of the Goods in Bribes, to get a License to deal with us: So that they could not assure us of Payment, unless we sold the Goods very cheap; therefore not finding it worth our Time, and knowing the Danger we must run in treating with them, we desisted, and order’d them all ashore, still hoping that this would necessitate the _Morells_ and _Navarre_ to get Money for us, and prevent our burning the Ships, and what we can’t carry away. Every one now wish’d we had kept some others of the topping Prisoners, to have try’d whether they had a better Foundation and Method to trade; the Goods being of little value to us here, and we must fill our Ships so full, that we fear ’twill spoil our sailing.

_July 11._ Yesterday our Bark and 2 Pinnaces sail’d with our chief Prisoners. _Don Antonio_, the _Fleming_, Sen. _Navarre_, and the _Morells_, who did not expect to part with us so suddenly, but by continuing with us, and knowing we could not carry away all the Prizes and Goods, they hop’d we should of course have freely given them what we could not keep. We apprehended that was the principal Reason of their not closing with our Terms, which were advantageous to them. Besides, should we have been attack’d, they believ’d we must then put them in possession of their Ships, which were of no use for fighting. But to obviate all their Hopes of benefiting themselves at this easy Rate, without our participating of their Money, the Magnet that drew us hither, I made them sensible at parting, that as we had treated them courteously like generous Enemies, we would sell them good Bargains for whatever Money they could bring us in 10 Days time, but that we would burn what we did not so dispose of or carry away. They beg’d we would delay burning the Ships, and promis’d to raise what Money they could, and return within the time to satisfy us.

One of the chief Prisoners we now parted with was _Don Juan Cardoso_, design’d Governor of _Baldivia_, a brisk Man of about 35 Years of Age; he had serv’d as a Collonel in _Spain_, had the Misfortune to be taken in the North Seas by an _English_ Privateer near _Portobello_, and carried to _Jamaica_, from whence he was sent back to _Portobello_: He complain’d heavily of the Usage he met with from the _Jamaica_ Privateer; but we parted very good Friends, and he returned us his hearty Thanks, and a Stone Ring for a Present to one of the Dutchess’s Lieutenants that had lent him his Cabbin while he was sick on board.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

We allow’d Liberty of Conscience on board our floating Commonwealth to our Prisoners, for there being a Priest in each Ship, they had the Great Cabbin for their Mass, whilst we us’d the Church of _England_ Service over them on the Quarter-deck, so that the Papists here were the Low Churchmen.

_July 13._ This Morning our Vessels return’d from landing our Prisoners, and brought off 7 small Black Cattle, about 12 Hogs, 6 Goats, some Limes and Plaintains, which were very welcome to us; they met with little else of Value in the Village they were at, and the others being far up the River, they did not think it worth while to visit them. The Country where they landed was so poor, that our Men gave the Prisoners and Negroes, some Bays, Nails, _&c._ to purchase themselves Subsistance. The Inhabitants ashore had notice of our taking _Guiaquil_, and were jealous of our being at this Island, because they heard our Guns, when we fired in order to scale them after careening. This Place bears S.E. about 7 Leagues from the Body of _Gorgona_, is low Land and full of Mangrove Trees; but within the Country the Land is very high. The River is hard to be found without a Pilot, and has Shole Water for above 2 Leagues from Shore, There are some poor Gold Mines near it, but the Inhabitants agree that those of _Barbacore_ are very rich, tho’ difficult to be attempted, as we were informed before.

_July 16._ Yesterday about Noon came aboard one _Michael Kendall_, a free Negro of _Jamaica_, who had been sold a Slave to the Village we plunder’d; but not being there when our People were ashore, he follow’d them privately in a small Canoe; and the Account he gave of himself was, that when the last War was declared at _Jamaica_, he embark’d under the Command of one Capt. _Edward Roberts_, who was join’d in Commission from the Governour of _Jamaica_ with Capts. _Rash_, _Golding_ and _Pilkington_; they had 106 Men, and design’d to attempt the Mines of _Jaco_ at the Bottom of the Gulph of _Darien_: There were more Commanders and Men came out with them, but did not join in this Design. They had been about 5 Months out, when they got near the Mines undiscover’d; they sail’d 15 Days up the River in Canoes, and travel’d 10 Days by Land afterwards. By this time the _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ being alarm’d, laid Ambushes in the Woods, and shot many of them. The Enemy having assembled at least 500 Men, and the _English_ being diminish’d to about 60, including the Wounded; the _Spaniards_ sent them a Flag of Truce, and offer’d them their Lives after a small Skirmish, wherein the _English_ lost 4, and the Enemy about 12 Men. The _English_ being in want of Provisions, quite tir’d out, and not knowing their Way back, agreed to deliver their Arms, on condition to be us’d as Prisoners of War. Having thus yielded, the _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ carried them in Canoes 3 Days up the River, that leads to the same Mines they design’d to attempt, treated them very well, and gave them the same Food that they eat themselves; but the 4_th_ Day, when they came to a Town beyond the Mines, and thought all Danger had been past, an Order came from the chief _Spanish_ Officer to cut them all off, which the _Indians_ and _Spanish_ Troops did, as those poor disarm’d Wretches sat at Victuals; so that in this barbarous manner they were all massacred in a few Minutes, except a _Scots_, a _French_, and an _English_ Boy, with 12 free Negroes, which at the Intercession of a Priest they kept for Slaves. This Man being one of ’em, happen’d to be sold, first to the Mines, where he says he clear’d at least 3 Pieces of Eight a day for his Master, and from thence he was sold to this Place. By this we may see what a mighty Advantage the _Spaniards_ make of their Slaves to imploy at these Mines, which are accounted the richest in _New Spain_. The rest of the free Negroes being farther up the Country, could have no Opportunity to escape. This is enough to shew what merciless and cowardly Enemies we have to deal with in these Parts of the World. I have heard of many such Cruelties in the _Spanish_ Parts of _America_, to the eternal Scandal of those who encourage or connive at them.

_July 17._ About 10 this Morning, the two _Morells_, Mr. _Navarre_, and his Son in law, our old Prisoners came in a large Canoe, with some Money to ransom what they could of us: We told them of the Barbarity of their Countrymen, and of the different Treatment they met with from us; and that we had reason to apprehend, that if we became Prisoners here, that few of us would ever return to our native Country.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

_July 18._ A Negro belonging to the _Dutchess_ was bit by a small brown speckl’d Snake, and died within 12 Hours, notwithstanding the Doctor us’d his utmost Endeavours to save him. There’s abundance of Snakes on this Island, and the _Spaniards_ say some are as thick as the Middle of a Man’s Thigh. I saw one as big as my Leg, and above 3 Yards long; their Bite proves generally mortal. Yesterday in the Afternoon we had a Consultation, and agreed that the small Bark we took belonging to the Main right against this Island, should be given the Lieutenant’s Brother that we plunder’d, and who came over with our Bark; for being a Man in some Authority ashore, we hope this Favour will have some Influence on ’em to trade with us whilst we are here. This Morning Mr. _Morell_ and _Navarre_ went a second time in our Bark for Money. One of the same sort of Snakes that kill’d the Negro was found on our Forecastle this Morning, and kill’d by our Men; we suppose it came aboard on the Cable, they being often seen in the Water.

_July 19._ We continued discharging the Galleon, and lading the _Marquiss_, and put a Part aboard of us and the _Dutchess_. We found in the _Marquiss_ near 500 Bales of Pope’s Bulls, 16 Reams in a Bale. This took up abundance of Room in the Ship; we throw’d most of them overboard to make room for better Goods, except what we used to burn the Pitch of our Ships Bottoms when we careen’d ’em. These Bulls are imposed upon the People, and sold here by the Clergy from 3 Ryals to 50 Pieces of Eight a-piece, according to the Ability of the Purchaser. Once in two Years they are rated, and all the People obliged to buy them against Lent; they cannot be read, the Print looking worse than any of our old Ballads, yet the Vulgar are made believe it’s a mortal Sin to eat Flesh in Lent, without being licensed by one of these Bulls, the Negro Slaves not being exempted. This is one of the greatest Branches of Income the King of _Spain_ has in this Country, being a free Gift from the Pope to him, as the _Spaniards_ and Natives told us. We should have made something of them, if we had taken the Bishop before mentioned; but now they are of no use to us.

_July 20._ At Noon _Navarre_ return’d with a little more Money, some Limes, Fowls, _&c._ He told us he had left Mr. _Morell_ to get more, and that he would be soon with us.

_July 21._ We sent aboard the _Marquiss 2_ of our Main Deck Guns, and the _Dutchess_ did the like, which with 4 we took at _Guiaquil_, and 12 taken in the same Ship, make 20 good ones. The Carriages are all new, or very much repair’d, and as good and strong as if mounted in _England_. Another Canoe came with Limes, Guavas, and other Fruit, and brought a little Money to trade with us. The Main here is a poor Country, and I believe we might have pick’d up a good Quantity of Money any where else on this Coast, notwithstanding their severe Orders against trading with us.

_July 22._ Two of our Negroes, and three of the _Dutchess_’s ran into the Woods to hide themselves, and go to the _Spaniards_ after we are gone: We caught one of ’em to day, and punish’d him severely.

_July 23._ At 6 last Night our Stream Cable broke, and we lost our Anchor: The Ground here is a black Mud, which in all hot Countries rots Cables in a very little time. We have often Thunder, Rain and Lightning all the Night, tho’ clear dry Days. This is accounted by the _Spaniards_ the worst part of all the Coast for wet dirty Weather. We have had enough of it, but God be thank’d are now pretty well, there not being above 30 Persons in all our Ships unhealthy.

_July 24._ We caught our Negroes that ran away, and one of the _Dutchess_’s, Hunger having brought ’em out of the Woods.

_July 25._ I put 35 Men aboard the _Marquiss_, and Capt. _Courtney_ 26, so that her Complement will be 61 White Men, and 20 Negroes. Captain _Edward Cooke_ Commander, and our Second Lieutenant, Mr. _Charles Pope_, his Second. We design to agree, that the Captain with his Officers and Men shall have equal Wages with others in the like Posts, to encourage them.

_July 26._ Last Night the _Marquiss_ sprung a Leak, and made 8 Inches Water in an Hour; but the Carpenters stopt it. A Canoe came from the Main, and bought some Negroes of us.

_July 27._ At 8 this Morning, the Canoe return’d, with Mr. _John Morell_, who desir’d he might go ashore to his Brother, and forward his getting of more Money to deal with us for Goods, since he saw that we were resolved to leave nothing of Value behind us.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

_July 28._ Yesterday Afternoon, Mr. _John Morell_ return’d, having met his Brother coming with what Money he could get; he told us the Country being alarm’d, he had much ado to get Leave to come to us; that the Governour of _Barbacore_ was at the Water-side, with above 200 Men commanded by himself, to prevent our Landing, or that any thing should be brought to us; and that all the Shore was lined with Men for that End. We have took out of the Galleon 320 Bails of Linnen, Woolen, a little Silks, and most Sorts of Goods, usually in Bails, besides Boxes of Knives, Scizzars, Hatchets, _&c._ The _Dutchess_ and _Marquiss_ have also taken what they can; so that all our 3 Ships are full. We found aboard the Galeon a great Quantity of Bones in small Boxes, ticketed with the Names of _Romish_ Saints, some of which had been dead 7 or 800 Years; with an infinite Number of Brass Medals, Crosses, Beads, and Crucifixes, religious Toys in Wax, Images of Saints made of all sorts of Wood, Stone, and other Materials, I believe in all near 30 Tun, with 150 Boxes of Books in _Spanish_, _Latin_, _&c._ which would take up much more Stowage than 50 Tuns of other Goods: All this came from _Italy_, and most from _Rome_, design’d for the Jesuits of _Peru_; but being of small Value to us, we contented our selves to take only a Sample of most Sorts to shew our Friends in _England_, and left the rest. A large wooden Effigies of the Virgin _Mary_ being either dropt or thrown over board, from the Galeon, and drove ashoar near the North Point of the Island, the _Indians_ that came in the Canoes with Senior _Morell_, _&c._ from the main Land, being then a Fishing, took up the Image, and brought her in the Canoe to the Shoar just over against our Ship, where we gave our Prisoners Liberty to walk that Day: As soon as they saw her, they cross’d and bless’d themselves, and fancied that this must be the Virgin _Mary_ come by Water from _Lima_ or _Panama_, to relieve them in their Necessity: They then set it up on the Shoar, and wip’d it dry with Cotton; and when they came aboard, told us, that tho’ they had wip’d her again and again, she continued to sweat very much; and all but those employ’d in wiping her, stood around devoutly amaz’d, praying and telling over their Beads: They also shew’d the Cotton to our Linguist and the Ransomers, wet by the excessive Sweat of the holy Virgin, as they fondly seem’d to believe, and kept it as a choice Relick. The _Morells_ perceiving me laugh at the Story, they told me a much stranger, in order to convince me, _viz._ That a few Years ago, at a Procession in the Cathedral Church of _Lima_, which was at that time very richly furnished, and worth some Millions of Pieces of 8 in Gold, Silver and Jewels; the Image of the Virgin was more richly adorn’d with Pearls, Diamonds and Gold, than the rest; and those Ornaments being left in the Church, according to Custom, till the Night after Procession, without any Guard, because the People concluded that none durst be so sacrilegiously impious as to rob the Church; an unfortunate Thief, resolving at once to enrich himself, got into the Church at Midnight, and made up to the Image; but whilst he was going to take off a rich String of Pearls from the Virgin’s Wrists, she caught him fast by the Arm, and held him, till being found in that Posture he was apprehended and executed. This Story was confirm’d as an unquestionable Truth by all the other Prisoners, who assured us, That all the Fathers of the Church at _Lima_ confidently affirm the same, as well as a considerable Number of Lay-Brethren, who (they say) were Eye-Witnesses of it; so that it passes amongst them as currant, as an Article of their Faith: By this we may see how the Belief of those false Miracles, by the Cunning of the _Romish_ Clergy in these Parts, obtains Credit among those Men who are not so easily imposed on in their worldly Affairs. Thus I am apt to believe those Gentlemen invented the Story of the sweating Miracle, out of Zeal to their Church, and thinking thereby to deter us from carrying away any more of the Relicks out of Senior _Morell’s_ Galeon. Before this, when I heard such Stories, I took ’em to have been invented meerly to ridicule the _Romanists_, but when I heard such silly Stories related by 8 grave Men, of a handsome Appearance and good Reputation amongst the _Spaniards_, I was convinc’d of the Ignorance and Credulity of the Papists.

_July 29._ Having for a long time been importun’d by the Companys of each Ship, to divide what we was forc’d to agree to as Plunder, we resolved on a Committee to be called to morrow to settle that Affair, which we did in the following Manner.

At a Committee on board the _Duke_, the 29th Day of _July_, 1709.
It’s agreed, that the following Articles shall regulate Plunder,
and be in part a Satisfaction allow’d by the Committee of the
_Duke_ and _Dutchess_, for past Services, more than each Man’s
Agreement with the Owners.

[Sidenote: Impr.]

_Gold Rings found in any Place, except in a Gold-smith’s Shop, is
Plunder. All Arms, Sea Books and Instruments, all Cloathing and
Moveables, usally worn about Prisoners, except Women’s Ear-rings,
unwrought Gold or Silver, loose Diamonds, Pearls or Money; all
Plate in use aboard Ships, but not on Shoar, (unless about the
Persons of Prisoners) is Plunder._

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

_All manner of Clothes ready made, found on the upper Deck, and
betwixt Decks, belonging to the Ships Company and Passengers, is
Plunder also, except what is above limited, and is in whole Bundles
and Pieces, and not open’d in this Country, that appears not for
the Persons use that owns the Chest, but design’d purposely for
Merchandize, which only shall not be plunder. And for
Encouragement, we shall allow to_ James Stratton _40 Rupees to buy
him Liquor in_ India, _in Part of Amends for his smart Money. To_
William Davis _and_ Yerrick Derrickson _20 Rupees each, as smart
Money, over and above their Shares. We also give the Boats Crews
over and above their Shares, that were engag’d with the_ Marquis,
_when taken, four Bails of Goods, to be sold when and where they
think convenient; which Bail, shall be 1 of Serges, 1 of Linnen,
and 2 of Bays; and this over and above their respective Shares.
Also a good Suit of Clothes to be made for each Man that went up
the River above_ Guiaquil, _the last time in the_ Dutchess’_s
Pinnace._

In witness whereof, _We have hereunto set our Hands the Day and
Year above-mentioned_.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ John Connely,
Woodes Rogers, William Bath,
Stephen Courtney, Tho. Glendal,
William Dampier, Geo. Melbourne,
Edw. Cooke, John Bridge,
Rob. Frye, John Ballett,
William Stretton, Lan. Appleby.

The Cause why we delay’d adjusting what should be Plunder so long, was the unreasonable Expectations of some among us: This made us wait till now we had a proper Opportunity, and could better insist on our Owner’s Interest: Besides, we were not willing that any Difference should arise about this knotty Affair, when the Prisoners were on board, nor till we had finish’d the Rigging of our Ships, lest it should have put a full Stop to our Business, or at least have hinder’d our Proceeding chearfully.

_July 30._ We over hall’d our Plunder-Chests, and what was judged to be Plunder, (by Men appointed with the Owners Agents) was carried aboard the Galeon, which was kept clear between Decks, in order to divide it. Mr. _Frye_ and Mr. _Pope_ were to be Appraisers for the _Duke_, and Mr. _Stratton_ and Mr. _Connely_ for the _Dutchess_, so I hope to get over a troublesome Job peaceably.

_July 31._ Mr. _Navarr’s_ Bark grew leaky, and _Benjamin Parsons_, one of our Midshipmen, that had charge of her, ran her a-shore without Orders, at high Water, thinking to have stop’d her Leak at low Water, and got her off the next Tide; but contrary to his Expectation, the Vessel strain’d and sunk; so that we had much ado to get out what we had a-board her Time enough; and were forced to leave in her 10 Bails of damag’d Bays, and a great deal of Iron Work, which we gave Senior _Navarr_, in part of Payment for what we have received of him from the Settlement on the Main.

_August 1._ The Officers we appointed to praise the Plunder met on board the Galeon, and valued the Cloathing, in order to divide it amongst the Officers and Men of each Ship, according to their respective Shares.

_August 2._ We continued appraising the Plunder, and found it a very troublesome Task.

_August 3._ Capt. _Cooke_ told me they had discover’d another Leak, and was troubled at so many Leaks in a Harbour; so that I began to dread that all our Labour and Time was lost on the _Marquiss_, but hop’d for the best.

_August 4._ Yesterday in the Afternoon they made an End of appraising the Clothes at a very low rate, amounting to upwards of 400_l._ and the Silver-handled Swords, Buckles, Snuff-Boxes, Buttons, and Silver Plate in use aboard every Prize we took, and allow’d to be Plunder at 4_s._ 6_d._ _per_ Piece of 8, amounted to 743_l._ 15_s._ besides 3 ℔ 12℥ of Gold, which was in Rings, Gold, Snuff-boxes, Ear-rings, and Gold Chains, taken about Prisoners. This I believe to be an exact Account.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

This Morning we had like to have a Mutiny amongst our Men: The Steward told me, that several of them had last Night made a private Agreement, and that he heard some Ring-leaders by way of Encouragement, boast to the rest, that 60 Men had already signed the Paper. Not knowing what this Combination meant, or how far it was design’d, I sent for the chief Officers into the Cabin, where we arm’d our selves, secured two of the chief of those mutinous Fellows, and presently seized two others. The Fellow that wrote the Paper we put in Irons; by this time all Hands were upon Deck, and we had got their Agreement from those who were in the Cabin, the Purport of which was to oblige themselves, not to take their Plunder, nor to move from thence till they had Justice done them, as they term’d it. There being so many concern’d in this Design, Captains _Dover_ and _Fry_ desired I would discharge those in Confinement upon their asking Pardon, and faithfully promising never to be guilty of the like, or any other Combination again. The Reason we shewed ’em this Favour was, that there were too many guilty to punish them at once: And not knowing what was design’d a-board the _Dutchess_ and _Marquiss_, we were of Opinion they had concerted to break the Ice first a-board the _Duke_, and the rest to stand by them. Upon this I us’d what Arguments I could offer, shew’d them the Danger and Folly of Combinations, and exhorted them to believe they would have Justice in _England_, should any thing seem uneasy to them now, or in the whole Course of the Voyage; adding that we had done all that we could for their good, and would continue our Endeavours, not doubting their good Intentions, provided they were not mis-led. With these and other healing Arguments, all appear’d easy and quiet, and every Man seem’d willing to stand to what had been done, provided the Gentlemen that were Officers, and not Sailors, amongst us, had not such large Shares, which they alledg’d was unreasonable, and that they could not possibly in a Privateer deserve what they were allow’d in proportion to the rest of the Ships Company: This we did in part yield to, in order to appease those Malecontents, by making some Abatements on Mr. _White’s_, Mr. _Bath’s_, and Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_ Shares; so that we hoped this difficult Work would, with less Danger than we dreaded, be brought to a good Conclusion: For Disputes about Plunder is the common Occasion of Privateers Quarrelling amongst themselves, and ruining their Voyages. Sailors usually exceed all Measures when left to themselves, and account it a Privilege in Privateers to do themselves Justice on these Occasions, tho’ in every thing else I must own, they have been more obedient than any Ship’s Crews engag’d in the like Undertaking that ever I heard of. Yet we have not wanted sufficient Tryal of our Patience and Industry in other things; so that if any Sea-Officer thinks himself endowed with these two Virtues, let him command in a Privateer, and discharge his Office well in a distant Voyage, and I’ll engage he shall not want Opportunities to improve, if not to exhaust all his Stock. Had Capt. _Courtney_ and I kept what is always allow’d to be Plunder in Privateers, and not voluntarily given our Parts amongst the Men, but for a greater and more generous Design in view, (_viz._ The Good of the Voyage) our Parts of the Plunder would have been above 10 times so much as now it is, because very little valuable Plunder was taken out of any Place but the Great Cabbins; and all this in every Prize is of right due to the Commander that takes it; but if we had acted thus, we foresaw the fatal Consequences that we must have suffer’d by it, for the Officers and Crews would plunder unaccountably, as is too often practis’d in Privateers to keep their Men together, tho’ but meanly to their Duty; so that we (to preserve a good Discipline) gave an eminent Example to them, of preferring the common Interest before our own, to our particular Loss.

We have had lately almost a general Misunderstanding amongst our Chief Officers, and some great Abuses which I suppose sprung at first from several unhappy Differences arising at and before our Attempt on _Guiaquil_. This made me so particularly relate all that pass’d material in that Attempt, so that I doubt not any ones contradicting this Journal to my Disadvantage; yet in Differences of this kind amongst the Sailors we all join, and I hope agree: Tho’ I long for a Reconciliation and good Harmony amongst Us, which is so essential to the Welfare of the Voyage; but not being willing to make the Reader a Party-taker, or trouble his Patience to read over unreasonable Feuds, I have left ’em as much as possible out of my Journal.

Capt. _Morell_, that went for the Main to get Victuals, return’d. The Negro we caught first and punished, we kept in Irons, but this Night miss’d him. We suppose he got his Irons off, and swam ashore.

We had the following Committees, confirmed the Officers of the _Marquiss_, agreed to sell the Bark and her Cargo, got off all our Wood and Water, and made Preparation for Sailing. We design to leave the Launch we built at _Lobos_ with Sen. _Morells_ and _Navarre_, being of no farther use to us, tho’ hitherto she had done us very good Service. Here follows what we agreed on in Council.

At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_, riding at _Gorgona_,
_August 6. 1709_.

_We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, appointed as a Committee
on board the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _do hereby impower and
order Capt._ Cooke _to command the_ Marquiss, _Mr._ Charles Pope
_Lieutenant, Mr._ Robert Knowlman _Master, Mr._ William Page _Chief
Master_, Joseph Parker _Second Mate, Mr._ John Ballet _Doctor_,
Benjamin Long _Boatswain_, George Knight _Gunner_, Edward Gormand
_Carpenter, and other Officers as the Captain shall direct aboard
the_ Marquiss: _Each of the above Officers, or the others, on their
good Behaviour, to have such Wages as those in the same Offices on
board the_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _and to cruise on this Coast in our
Company, or where else Capt._ Cooke _shall think convenient, in his
Return to_ Bristol, _should he be unfortunately separated from us.
Witness our Hands._

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ Tho. Glendall,
Woodes Rogers, John Connely,
Stephen Courtney, William Bath,
William Dampier, Geo. Milbourne,
Robert Frye, John Bridge,
William Stratton, Lan. Appleby.

[Sidenote: _In Gorgona Road._]

Memorandum,

_We have now done careening, fixing, and loading our Ships, with
the_ Marquiss, _and taken all manner of Goods out of our Prizes, as
much as our Ships can carry, having received a valuable
Consideration of Mr._ Morell _and_ Navarre, _the Masters of our 2
Prizes, we are all of opinion we had best leave them in possession
of their Ships, and what Negroes we can’t carry hence; our present
Circumstances and the Condition of the Prizes not allowing us to
remove them from this Place, could we make ever so great advantage
of ’em elsewhere. So judge it our present Interest to ply to
Windward, to try for other Purchases and Sale of the Goods, and if
possible to take or buy Provisions. We all agree to land one of
the_ Guiaquil _Hostages at_ Manta, _in order to procure Money to
pay for the Ransom of the Town, and a Bark we have sold the same
Man, laden with Prize Goods, Witness our Hands this_ 6th _of_
August, 1709.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton,
Woodes Rogers, Tho. Glendall,
Stephen Courtney, John Connely,
William Dampier, William Bath,
Edw. Cooke, John Ballett,
Robert Frye, Lan. Appleby.
Cha. Pope,

I drew up the following Agreement, to which we Officers swore on the Holy Evangelists, because I thought it the most proper Method to prevent the Confusions which were like to happen among us, because of the Jealousies that were entertain’d of one another, and came to such a height, that I fear’d a Separation.

_We having made a solemn Agreement, do this Instant sign
voluntarily, and give each other our Oaths on the Holy Bible; and
as we hope for Forgiveness of Sins, and Salvation by the alone
Merits and Intercession of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, to keep
severely and strictly this serious concerted_ Memorandum. _First we
agree to keep company, and assist each other on all Occasions, and
with all Necessaries, as far as our Abilities reach, and our common
Safety requires. Secondly, that in case we engage at any time with
the Enemy, we design it in Consortship, and that each Commander and
Second in each Ship, hereto subscribed, shall on all Occasions,
without the least Reserve, and to the utmost of his Power, be
forward and ready to assist, rescue or defend each other, with the
utmost Dispatch, Bravery and Conduct, even to the apparent Hazard
of his Ship and all that is dear to him: Well knowing all of us,
that on whatever Occasion should either of our Ships be deserted by
the other two, and taken or lost in these barbarous and remote
Parts, it’s very improbable ever the Men will get home, and the
Survivors would be in as bad, if not in a worse Condition than the
Dead._

_On these and the like Considerations we do hereby solemnly agree
never to desert each other in time of Need, if possibly we can
avoid it, and to be to the utmost of our Power and Knowledge alike
brave in attacking or defending our selves against the Enemy to the
last Extremity._

_But if we are so unfortunate to see one Ship inevitably perish,
then the two remaining (after they have us’d their utmost
Endeavours for the distress’d Ship, and find all past Recovery) may
then agree on the best Methods for their own Security. The like for
one Ship if two are lost, but for no other Reason to desert this
firm and solemn Agreement of Consortship; and to shew that none of
us is so unbecoming a Man as to shrink back, or slight this
agreement in time of Action, we agree it shall not be alter’d
without the Consent of all us three Commanders, and the major part
of the Officers hereto subscrib’d, and to a Duplicate in each Ship
of the same Date in_ Gorgona, _the sixth Day of_ August, 1709.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stretton,
Woodes Rogers, Charles Pope,
Stephen Courtney, John Connely,
Edward Cooke, Tho. Glendale.
Rob. Fry,

[Sidenote: _From Gorgona towards Manta, in Peru._]

Another Paper was also drawn up for every Man to swear what Clothes, Goods, _&c._ he had received of the Agents, and to restore whatever he had taken without the Agents Knowledge, in order to a just distribution of the Plunder, and every one was to oblige himself in a Penalty of 20_s._ for every Shilling Value that should be found about him conceal’d, besides the former Penalty agreed on of losing his Share of any Prize or Purchase for concealing above the Value of half a Piece of Eight; and for the Incouragement of Discoveries the Informer was to have half the Penalty, and the Protection of the Commanders. This Paper was objected against by several of the Officers, who insisted, that there ought to be a greater Latitude allowed them to advantage themselves, since they had ventured their Lives hither on so difficult an Undertaking, which made us defer the signing it till a better Opportunity; for unless such Agreements as these had been constantly promoted, as occasion required, the Temptation of Interest wou’d have made us fall into irrecoverable Confusions abroad, which generally end in a Separation, or worse.

_Aug. 7._ We gave Sen. _Morell_ and _Navarre_ their Ships, and all the Goods we could not carry away, for what Money our Agents receiv’d of ’em, tho’ they expected to have had ’em at an easier Rate. We came to sail this Morning; the dividing the Plunder has took up more Time than we were willing to spare; but ’twas absolutely necessary to do it. We took Sen. _Navarre_ with us before we came to sail: I went ashore, and shew’d Sen. _Morell_ how we left things between his Ship and the other Prize. Mr. _Navarre_ left his Son-in-law in charge of this Vessel and Goods, then came with me on board our Ships, expecting to have the Bark betwixt him and our Ransomers, if they paid us at _Guiaquil_. Wind veerable in the South West Quarter, a Lee Current.

_August 8._ Yesterday at 6 in the Evening the Island of _Gorgona_ bore S. by E. distant 6 Leagues. Just before Night we took our Men out of the Bark, and left her in possession of an old _Indian_ Pilot, and some Negroes and _Indian_ Prisoners, putting our ordinary Ransomer aboard to go in her, as we agreed on before we came out. I and Capt. _Dover_ sign’d a Paper to protect them from being seiz’d by the _Spaniards_, if they should lose Company with us; but order’d them not to stir from us. I also desir’d the _Spaniards_ aboard the _Duke_, who had agreed for her, strictly to charge the Crew in the Bark not to leave us willingly, which they did, because our Agreement was not in Writing, but only Verbal, promising us 15000 Pieces of Eight for the Bark and her Cargo, including the Remainder of the Towns Ransom, we designing to have it under their hand in _Spanish_ and _English_ to morrow, before we would wholly let go the Bark: But this Morning, to our surprize, the Bark was out of sight. The _Marquiss_ is very crank, and sails heavy on a Wind. We held the following Committee to endeavour to help the _Marquiss_’s sailing.

At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_ at Sea, off the Island
_Gorgona, August 8th, 1709_.

Memorandum,

_The_ Marquiss _not answering our Expectations, but proving crank
and sailing heavy: We now advise Capt._ Cooke _to heave the_
Dutchess’_s two heavy Guns overboard, and 20 Boxes of Snuff, with
two spare Top-masts, and bring his Ship more by the Stern, stowing
every thing as low as possible in the Ship, to endeavour to make
her stiffer, and if he finds any thing more necessary for the
Benefit of the Ship, we desire him to do it. Witness our Hands._

Signed by the Majority of our Council.

Amongst our Prisoners taken on board Sen. _Navarre_’s Ship from _Panama_, there was a Gentlewoman and her Family, her eldest Daughter a pretty young Woman of about 18, was newly married, and had her Husband with her. We assign’d them the Great Cabin aboard the Galleon, and none were suffer’d to intrude amongst them, or to separate their Company; yet the Husband (I was told) shew’d evident Marks of Jealousy, the _Spaniards_ Epidemick Disease; but I hope he had not the least Reason for it amongst us, my third Lieutenant _Glendall_ alone having charge of the Galleon and Prisoners: For being above 50 Years of Age, he appear’d to be the most secure Guardian to Females that had the least Charm, tho’ all our young Men have hitherto appear’d modest beyond Example among Privateers; yet we thought it improper to expose them to Temptations. At this time Lieut. _Connely_, who behav’d himself so modestly to the Ladies of _Guiaquil_, was some days in possession of _Navarre_’s Ship before we stopt here, to remove these Prisoners aboard the Galleon, where he gain’d their Thanks and publick Acknowledgments for his Civilities to these Ladies, and even the Husband extols him. We had notice these Ladies had some conceal’d Treasure about them, and order’d a Female Negro that we took, and who spoke _English_, to search them narrowly, and found some Gold Chains and other things cunningly hid under their Clothes. They had before deliver’d to Capt. _Courtney_ Plate and other things of good Value. We gave them most of their wearing Apparel and Necessaries, with 3 Female Mullatto Slaves, and parted very friendly. They confess’d to our People, who put them ashore, that we had been much civiller than they did expect, or believe their own Countrymen would have been in the like case, and sent back the Husband with Gold to purchase some Goods and two Slaves of us. I come next to the Description of _Gorgona_.

[Sidenote: _From Gorgona towards Manta, in Peru._]

_Gorgona_ is 3 Leagues in Length, N. E. and S. W. but narrow. It’s about 6 Leagues from the Main, full of Wood and tall Trees, one of ’em call’d _Palma Maria_, of which the _Spaniards_ make Masts, and use a Balsam that flows from it for several Diseases. The Island appears at a distance indifferent high, and in 3 Hummocks. There is Riding for Ships all over against the North East Side; but in some places foul Ground, and shoal’d near the Shore, particularly on the South East Side, and near the South West End, where there’s a small Island almost joining, with Shoal Ground, and Breakers near a Mile to the Eastward from that End. Capt. _Dampier_ has been here several times, but never rode where we did, which is the best and only good Road in the Island. The _Spaniards_ told us of strange Storms and heavy Turnadoes of Wind about this Island; but we found it otherwise, and had only frequent Showers and Thunder: But in the time of Breezes, which the _Spaniards_ call our Winter Months, and in Spring, till the Beginning of _May_, here are now and then Northerly strong Breezes of Wind, and then I believe the Road must be shifted to the other Side of the Island, which may be at that time the best Riding; but this we had no Time to try, neither do I think it half so bad as these puny Mariners tell us. About this Island are several remarkable Rocks, at the South West End there’s one looks like a Sail half a Mile off shore; at the North East End there are several high ones, round and steep, near a Cable’s Length off Shore, where the Sea-Fowls breed. The Beasts and Insects, we saw in this Island are Monkeys, Guinea Pigs, Hares, Lizards, Lion Lizards, which change their Colours, and are fine Creatures to look at, several Species of great and small Snakes, and so numerous, that ’tis dangerous for a Man to walk the Island, for fear of treading on them. There’s great Variety of Plants and Trees peculiar to these hot Climates, and little or nothing resembling what we have in _Great Britain_; but it being out of my Road to describe such things, I refer ’em to such whose Talents lie that way. Here are also several sorts of Fish unknown in our Seas, besides Mullets in great Plenty, but hard to be caught with Hook and Line, which I suppose is occasion’d by the Clearness of the Water, so that they easily see the Hook and avoid it. Here’s also some white Coral, and abundance of Oysters, and as I am told by the Prisoners, good Pearls in them. We caught an ugly Creature here, which I suppose may be of the Monkey Kind, because it look’d like one of the middling sort, but with this difference; his Hair was thicker and longer, his Face, Eyes and Nose less, and more wrinkled and deformed; his Head of the same Shape, but his Ears not so large; his Teeth longer and sharper, his hinder Parts more clumsey, and his Body thicker in proportion, with a very short Tail, and instead of 5 Claws like Fingers as a Monkey has, he had only 3 on each Paw, with the Claws longer and sharper. We let one of ’em go at the lower part of the Mizon Shrowds, and it was about 2 Hours getting to the Mast Head, which a Monkey would have performed in less than half a Minute; he mov’d as if he had walk’d by Art, keeping an equal and slow Pace, as if all his Movements had been directed by Clock-work, within him. The _Spaniards_ call it a _Sloth_, and not improperly; they say it feeds on the Leaves of a certain lofty Tree, and when it has clear’d one, before it can get down and walk a little Way to find and climb another, would grow lean and be almost starved.

I saw no Land Birds here; because I suppose the Monkeys destroy their Nests and Eggs: We shot many of them, and made Fricassees and Broth for our sick Men; none of our Officers would touch them, Provisions being not yet so scarce; but Capt. _Dampier_, who had been accustomed to such Food, says he never eat any thing in _London_ that seemed more delicious to him than a Monkey or Baboon in these Parts.

_August 9._ I propos’d sending the _Marquiss_ to _India_, and thence to _Brazil_; and then we could add to our own Stock of Bread and salt Provisions, and if she got well to _Brazil_, would vend her Goods at an extraordinary Rate, to the Advantage of the Voyage, and we two should be strong enough to wait for the _Manila_ Ship, but Capts. _Dover_ and _Courtney_ did not think it reasonable.

_August 10._ We got to wind-ward very slowly, here being a constant Current, which runs down to Leward into the Bay of _Panama_.

[Sidenote: _From Gorgona towards Manta, in Peru._]

_August 11._ Yesterday Afternoon I went aboard the _Dutchess_, and carried with me Doctor _Dover_; we discoursed about parting with Capt. _Cooke_, and giving him only a Sailing Crew to go for _Brazil_, and sell his Cargo; but finding the Majority against my Proposition, I dropt it, tho’ I fear we shall repent it, were there no other Reasons but to save Provisions. Capt. _Cooke_ came to us a-board the _Dutchess_, to put in Execution the Order of the 8th instant, where we agreed as before to throw 2 of the heaviest Guns over-board he had out of the _Dutchess_, being less valuable than the Goods between Decks, and what Lumber they had besides, which he did, and we perceive his Ship much stiffer, and sails better; our Consort, Capt. _Courtney_ and his Officers, with some of mine, are uneasie at parting with the Bark, so that if we come up with her, we must take to her again for Peace sake.

_August 12._ Yesterday Evening, the Island of _Gorgona_ was in sight, and bore E. half S. about 13 Leagues. At 6 this Morning, we met with the Bark, and put Mr. _Selkirk_ aboard her, with his Crew. At 9 this Morning, we sent our Boat for Capt. _Courtney_ and Capt. _Cooke_, when we had a second Consultation, which again concluded with keeping the _Marquiss_ and Bark: Tho’ I was of Opinion, they’d be rather a Detriment than Furtherance to us in any thing, so long as the _Marquiss_ sails so heavily, besides the Benefit of more Provisions that would have been left for us that must stay behind.

_August 13._ In the Evening last Night, we saw the Island of _Gallo_, bearing S. by E. distant 6 Leagues. We have a strong Current runs to Leward, so that we lost Ground, and at 8 this Morning was again in sight of _Gorgona_, bearing N. E. by E. distant about 12 Leagues; had rainy Weather all Night, with Thunder and Lightning, but indifferent fair in the Morning. Wind veerable in the S. W. Quarter. This Coast is more subject to hot Weather than any other Part of _Peru_.

_August 15_. We sounded several Times in the Night, and had Ground in about 50 Fathom Water, not above two Leagues off Shore.