Chapter IV: Part 4

3. _That if any Person on board either Ship do conceal any Plunder exceeding one Piece of Eight in value_, 24 _hours after the Capture of any Prize, he shall be severely punish’d, and lose his Shares of the Plunder. The same Penalty to be inflicted for being drunk in time of Action, or disobeying his superior Officer’s Commands, or concealing himself, or deserting his Post in Sea or Land-Service; except when any Prize is taken by Storm in Boarding, then whatsoever is taken shall be his own, as followeth: A Sailor or Landman_ 10 l. _Any Officer below the Carpenter_ 20 l. _A Mate, Gunner, Boatswain, and Carpenter_ 40 l. _A Lieutenant or Master_ 70 l. _And the Captains_ 100 l. _over and above the Gratuity promis’d by the Owners to such as shall signalize themselves._

4. _That publick Books of Plunder are to be kept in each Ship attested by the Officers, and the Plunder to be apprais’d by Officers chosen, and divided as soon as possible after the Capture. Also every Person to be sworn and search’d so soon as they shall come aboard, by such Persons as shall be appointed for that purpose: The Person or Persons refusing, shall forfeit their shares of the Plunder as above._

[Sidenote: _In the Bay of St. Vincent._]

5. _In consideration that Capt._ Rogers _and Capt._ Courtney, _to make both Ships Companies easy, have given the whole Cabin-Plunder (which in all probability is the major part) to be divided as aforesaid; we do voluntarily agree, that they shall have_ 5 _per Cent. each of ’em, over and above their respective Shares, as a Consideration for what is their Due of the Plunder aforesaid._

6. _That a Reward of twenty Pieces of Eight shall be given to him that first sees a Prize of good Value, or exceeding_ 50 _Tuns in Burden._

7. _That such of us who have not sign’d already to the Articles of Agreement indented with the Owners, do hereby oblige our selves to the same Terms and Conditions as the rest of the Ships Company have done; half Shares and half Wages_, &c.

_To which Articles of Agreement we have set our Hands, as our full
Intent and Meaning, without any Compulsion._

Sign’d by the Officers and Men of both Ships.

_Octob. 8._ At seven in the Evening (after having put the Deputy-Governour ashore, where he must lie in a Hole of the Rocks, there being no House on that part of the Island) we came to sail: our Consort got before us, and lay with a Light for us. There were several Negroes on the Island, that came from _St. Nicholas_ and _St. Antonio_ to make Oil of Turtle, there being very good green Turtle at this time of the Year, which I sometimes gave our Men to eat. They have likewise wild Goats, but in no great plenty; wild Asses, _Guinea_-Hens and Kerlews, and abundance of Sea-Fowls. Capt. _Dampier_, and others aboard each Ship, that had formerly stopt at _St. Jago_, another of these Cape _de Verd_ Islands, told us, that tho this Island is not often frequented by Ships, yet it is preferable to _St. Jago_ for stopping outward, because ’tis a much better Road for Ships, and more convenient for Water and Wood, and has better Landing. The Island is mountainous and barren, the plainest part lies against this sandy Bay where we rode. The Wood that grows in it is short, and for no use but Firing. They have very large Spiders here, which weave their Webs so strong betwixt the Trees, that ’tis difficult to get thro ’em. Where we water’d, there’s a little Stream that flows down the Hill from a Spring, and is very good, but in other parts ’tis brackish. This Island was formerly inhabited, and had a Governor, but is now only frequented in the Season for catching Tortoises by the Inhabitants of the other Islands, who are for the most part Negroes and Mulattoes, and very poor. The Stock of wild Goats in this Island is almost destroy’d by the People of _St. Nicholas_ and _St. Antonio_. The Heats are excessive to us who came newly from _Europe_, so that several of our Men began to be sick, and were blooded. Some of our Officers that went ashore a hunting, could meet no Game but a wild Ass, which after a long Chase they got within shot and wounded; yet he afterwards held out so as to tire them, and they return’d weary and empty-handed.

These Islands are so well known, that I need not say much of ’em. They are ten in number, of which _St. Jago_, _St. Nicholas Bonavist_, _St. Antonio_, _Brava Mayo_, and _Fuego_ are inhabited: The latter is so nam’d from a _Volcano_. _St. Jago_ is much the largest and best, and the Seat of the chief Governour. It produces a small matter of Indico, Sugar and Tobacco; which, with their Goat-Skins and others, they send to _Lisbon_. The Capital is of the same Name, and the See of a Bishop. There is also a Town call’d _Ribera Grande_, which is said to consist of 500 Houses, and has a good Harbour towards the West. The Air of this Island is not very wholesom, and the Soil uneven. Their Valleys produce some Corn and Wine. Their Goats are fat and good Meat, and the she ones are said to bring three or four Kids at a time once in four months. _St. Nicholas_ is the best peopled next to _St. Jago_. The Island _Mayo_ has a great deal of Salt naturally made by the Sun from the Sea-Water, which is left from time to time in Pits on shore: It’s known they load many Ships with that Commodity in a Year, and are able to furnish some thousands, had they Vent for it. The fine _Marroquin_ Leather is made of their Goats-Skins. The other inhabited Islands afford more or less of Provisions. They have their Name from Cape _Verd_ on the _African_ Coast, from whence they lie about 160 Leagues to the Westward. The _Portuguese_ settled here in 1572. We had very hot Weather here. On the 8_th_ a brisk Gale at E N E. At nine last night _St. Antonio’s_ bore N W by N. dist. 3 Ls. from whence we took our Departure for the Isle of _Grande_ in _Brazile_.

_Octob. 9._ Fair Weather, brisk Gale of Wind at N E. We saw abundance of flying Fish. At 12 a clock being near the Lat. 14 N. we hal’d up S E. by S. to get well to the Eastward, expecting as usual to meet with Southerly Winds, when near the Equinoctial. Had an Observ. Lat. 12. 53.

_Octob. 10._ Fair Weather, moderate Gales of Wind at N E by E. These 24 hours we met with several great Riplings as if a Current, which had it been calm we would have try’d.

[Sidenote: _From St. Antonio to the Southward._]

_Octob. 11._ Wind and Weather as before till seven last night, when we had much Lightning follow’d by a hard Shower of Rain, and a Calm ensu’d. Such Weather is customary as we draw near the Line.

_Octob. 14._ Cloudy Weather, with moderate Gales from the S S W. to the S W. by W. all last night; but this morning cloudy Weather, with hard Showers of Rain. This day we put up the Smith’s Forge, and he began to work on such things as we wanted.

_Octob. 21._ Yesterday I din’d on board Captain _Courtney_. Nothing remarkable happen’d since the 14_th_, but veerable Winds and frequent Showers of Rain, with Calms. We agreed with our Consort, if possible, to stop at the Isle _Trinidado_, and not to water and refresh at _Brazile_, for fear of our Mens deserting, and losing our time.

_Octob. 22._ Close cloudy Weather all night, with Squalls of Rain. At ten this morning it clear’d up: Capt. _Courtney_ came aboard of us, and sent back his Boat for Capt. _Cook_, with Orders to bring Mr. _Page_, second Mate, with him, to be in the room of Mr. _Ballett_, that we exchang’d out of our Ship. _Page_ disobeying Command, occasion’d Capt. _Cook_, being the superior Officer aboard, to strike him; whereupon _Page_ struck him again, and several Blows past: but at last _Page_ was forc’d into the Boat, and brought on board of us. And Capt. _Cook_ and others telling us what Mutiny had pass’d, we order’d _Page_ on the Fore-Castle into the Bilboes.[94] He begg’d to go into the Head to ease himself; under that pretence the Corporal and the rest left him for a while: upon which he leapt over board, thinking to swim back to the _Dutchess_, it being near calm, and the Captains out of the Ship. However, the Boat being along side, we soon overtook him, and brought him on board again. For which and his abusive Language he was lash’d to the Main-Geers[95] and drub’d; and for inciting the Men to Mutiny, was afterward confin’d in Irons aboard the _Duke_.

_Octob. 28._ At five last night we were on the Equinoctial, and spy’d a Sail about 4 Leagues dist. to Windward, bearing S. by E. and thinking she had not seen us, we lay by in her way from six a clock till half an hour past ten, hoping to meet her if bound to the _West-Indies_; but it growing dark, and she having, as we suppose, seen us before night, and alter’d her Course, we saw no more of her. This day we began to read Prayers in both Ships Mornings or Evenings, as Opportunity would permit, according to the Church of _England_, designing to continue it the Term of the Voyage. Cloudy Weather, moderate Gales at S E by S.

_Octob. 29._ This Morning I let Mr. _Page_ out of Irons on his humble Submission, and acknowledging his Fault, with Promises of Amendment. Fair pleasant Weather, with a fresh Gale.

_Novemb. 1._ This Morning between one and four a clock the Sea seem’d to be in a Breach as far as we could see, being a Moon-light Night. The Watch being surpriz’d, call’d me up; for they suppos’d it to be something extraordinary, and hove the Lead: but finding no Ground, were all easy, and afterwards believ’d that it was the Spawn of Fish floating on the Water. Fair Weather, with moderate Gales.

_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.

_Dec. 1._ Yesterday at two in the Afternoon we weigh’d again, with a Breeze at N E. but at five a Gale came up at S S W. and blew very strong with Rain, insomuch that we were forc’d to bear away, and come to an Anchor close under the Island of _Grande_, in fourteen Fathom Water. It rain’d hard all night, but towards morning little Wind. About ten this morning we weigh’d Anchor, and steer’d away S W. At twelve it was calm, and we anchor’d again. Just before we anchor’d, we spy’d a small Vessel close under the Shore, near the West-end of _Grande_. We sent our Boat to examine her, and found it to be the same Brigantine our Boats were aboard of six days before, and from whence I had the Present. I gave the Master an Half-hour Glass, and other small things of little Value, for which he was very thankful.

_Dec. 2._ I wrote a long Letter to my Owners, which Captain _Dover_ and Captain _Courtney_ also underwrote, and gave it the Master of this Brigantine, who promis’d to forward it by the first Conveyance for _Portugal_; so that now I had sent by four Conveyances. At ten this morning we sail’d, Wind at W N W. row’d and tow’d till twelve, and came to an Anchor to the Southward of _Grande_, our Men continuing healthy.

[Sidenote: _Description of Grande._]

_Dec. 3._ Yesterday in the afternoon we sail’d with a brisk Gale of Wind at E by N. At six a clock in the Evening, the S W Point of _Grande_ bore W N W. distant five Leagues. The small Three-_Hummock_ Island without _Grande_, which is seen as you go in both ways to it, bore N E 1/2 N. dist. 5 Ls. the Westermost Point of the Main bore W by S. dist. 9 Ls. from whence we departed for the Island of _Juan Fernandez_. The rest of these 24 hours a good Gale from E by N. to the E S E. This I observ’d when we came from Cape _Frio_ to _Grande_, more than I have yet noted: About 13 Leagues to the Eastward of the Isle of _Grande_ is a high round Rock, a good League without the Land, as it appear’d to us; within it is high mountainous Land, which we are inform’d is the Entrance to _Rio-Janeiro_: and as we came to the Westward, we open’d a sandy Bay with low sandy Land in the middle, and high Land on each side clear to the Points; it’s about 3 Leagues over, and deep. Next to this Bay, as we came to the Westward, open’d another low sandy Bay, not quite so deep, but above twice as wide. The Westermost Point is indifferent high, and full of Trees, which makes the Eastermost Point as we enter’d _Grande_; from whence it runs in West and Northerly about 4 Ls. There is no such Bay to the Eastward as _Rio-Janeiro_ between that and Cape _Frio_. This is a certain Mark not to miss _Grande_, which might easily be done by a Stranger, the Latitude being near the same for 40 Leagues within Cape _Frio_; but _Grande_ lies out near two Points farther Southerly, as you come to it from the Eastward, than any other Land between that and Cape _Frio_. We kept but an indifferent Account of the Ship’s Way from Cape _Frio_, being nothing but fluttering Weather; but the _Portuguese_ Master told me it is not less than 34 Ls. We kept continual Soundings, and had always Ground from one League to ten off the Shore, from 20 to 50 Fathom Water: Very even and gradual Soundings, with soft blue clayish Sand, till we got the Length of _Grande_; then we had harder Ground, mix’d with small Stones and red Sand. The Shore runs hither nearest West.

The Island _Grande_ is remarkable high Land, with a small Notch, and a Tip standing up on one side in the middle of the highest Land, easy to be seen if clear; and there’s a small Island to the Southward without it, which rises in three little Hummocks; the nearest Hummock to the Island _Grande_ is the least. As we came in and out, we saw it, and it appears alike on both sides: there is also a remarkable round white Rock that lies on the Larboard side nearest to _Grande_, between it and the Main at the Entrance going in. On the Starboard side there are several Islands, and the Main is much like Islands, till you get well in. The best way, when you open the Coves that are inhabited on the Starboard side going in, is to get a Pilot to carry you to the watering Cove within _Grande_; otherwise send in a Boat to the fresh-water Cove, which lies round the inner Westermost Point of the Island, and near a League in: the Passage is between small Islands, but room enough and bold; it’s the second Cove under the first high Mount and round, behind the first Point you see when you are in between the two Islands. This is the Cove where we water’d. There are two other Coves very good, with some Shoal-Banks between them, but no Shoal-Ground before we come to this Cove. We sounded all the Passage in, and seldom found less than ten Fathom Water, but had not time to know or sound the rest of the Coves. The Town bears N E. about 3 Ls. dist. from this Cove. The Island of _Grande_ is near about 9 Ls. long high Land, and so is the Main within it. All you see near the Water-side is thick covered with Wood. The Island abounds with Monkeys and other wild Beasts, has plenty of good Timber, Fire-wood, and excellent Water, with Oranges and Lemons, and Guavas growing wild in the Woods. The Necessaries we got from the Town were Rum, Sugar, and Tobacco, which they sell very dear, tho not good to smoke, ’tis so very strong. We had also Fowls and Hogs, but the latter are scarce; Beef and Mutton are cheap, but no great quantity to be had; _Indian_ Corn, Bonanoes, Plantanes, Guavas, Lemons, Oranges, and Pine-Apples they abound with; but have no Bread except Cassado (the same sort as is eaten in our _West-Indies_) which they call _Farana depau_, _i.e._ Bread of Wood. They have no kind of Salleting. We had fine pleasant Weather most of the time we were here, but hot like an Oven, the Sun being right over us. The Winds we did not much observe, because they were little and veerable; but commonly between the North and the East.

We clear’d an ordinary _Portuguese_ here, call’d _Emanuel de Santo_, and shipt another, whose Name was _Emanuel Gonsalves_.

I had _Newhoff’s_[99] Account of _Brazile_ on board, and by all the Enquiry and Observation I could make, found his Description of the Country, its Product and Animals, to be just; particularly of that Monster call’d _Liboya_, or the Roebuck-Serpent, which I enquir’d after, thinking it incredible till the _Portuguese_ Governour told me there are some of them 30 foot long, as big as a Barrel, and devour a Roebuck at once, from whence they had their name. I was also told that one of these Serpents was kill’d near this place a little before our Arrival. Tygers are very plenty here on the Continent, but not so ravenous as those in _India_.

The Product of _Brazile_ is well known to be Red Wood, Sugars, Gold, Tobacco, Whale-Oil, Snuff, and several sorts of Drugs. The _Portuguese_ build their best Ships here: The Country is now become very populous, and the People delight much in Arms, especially about the Gold Mines, where those of all sorts resort, but mostly Negroes and Molattoes. ’Tis

[Sidenote: _Account of Brazile._]

but four years since they would be under no Government, but now they have submitted: some Men of Repute here told me the Mines increase very fast, and that Gold is got much easier at these Mines than in any other Country.

This is all I can affirm from my own Observation concerning this Country, which was discover’d first by the famous _Americus Vespucius_, _Anno_ 1500. when he call’d it _Santa Cruz_; but the _Portuguese_ afterwards nam’d it _Brazile_, from the red Wood of that name which grows here. It’s situate in the Torrid Zone, and extends from the Equinoctial to the Lat. of 28 South. The Extent from East to West is uncertain, therefore I can determine nothing concerning it. The _Portuguese_ divide it into fourteen Districts or Captainships, six of which, being the Northern part, were subdu’d by the _Dutch_ about the Year 1637. and a Peace concluded, allowing it to be call’d _Dutch Brazile_, which extended from North to South about 180 Leagues: And since it is not usual for the _Dutch_ to lose their Settlements abroad, it mayn’t be amiss to give a brief Account how they were outed of this profitable Country. In 1643 the Face of the _Dutch_ Affairs there began to alter for the worse, the Magazines of their _West-India_ Company were exhausted by several Expeditions against _Angola_, &c. and receiving no Supplies from _Holland_ as usual, the great Council at the _Receife_, their Capital in _Brazile_, was forc’d to make use of what was due to the Company, for paying the Garisons and Civil Officers, and by consequence to force their conquer’d Debtors the _Portuguese_ to prompt Payment. This oblig’d the Debtors to borrow Mony at 3 or 4 _per Cnt. per_ Month, which impoverished them so in a little time, that they were neither able to pay Principal nor Interest. The _Portuguese_ immers’d themselves in Debt to the Company, because of their hopes that the Fleets coming from _Portugal_ would quickly subdue the _Dutch_, and pay off all scores. Besides, there happen’d a great Mortality among the _Portuguese_ Negroes, which they purchas’d from the _Dutch_ at 300 Pieces of Eight _per_ head. This compleated their Ruin; which, together with their Hatred to the _Dutch_ on account of Religion, made them resolve on a general Revolt.

The _Dutch_ at the same time were engag’d in a War with _Spain_ at home, and Count _Maurice_,[100] who was Governour of _Dutch Brazile_, was recall’d just in the height of the Plot. The _Dutch_ had several Discoveries of it, and an account of _Portuguese_ Commissions, importing that this Revolt was undertaken for the Honour of God, the Propagation of the Roman Faith, the Service of the King, and common Liberty. They complain’d of this to the _Portuguese_ Government in _Brazile_, who told them they would cultivate a good Correspondence with them, according to the Orders of the King their Master; and wrote so to the _Dutch_ Council, yet still carry’d on the Conspiracy, till at last the Rebellion broke out. The _Dutch_ renew’d their Complaints, but the _Portuguese_ Government deny’d their having any hand in it, till in 1645 they openly invaded the _Dutch_, on pretence at first of appeasing the Revolts of the _Portuguese_ in the _Dutch_ Provinces, according to the Tenour of the Peace; but afterwards when they had got footing, they alledg’d the _Dutch_ had murder’d many of the _Portuguese_ in cool Blood; and then carry’d on the War till 1660, when the _Dutch_ were forc’d to abandon _Brazile_ in the following Conditions: That the Crown of _Portugal_ should pay the States Eight hundred thousand Pounds in Mony or Goods, and that the Places taken on each side in the _East-Indies_ should remain to the present Possessors; and that a free Trade should be allow’d the _Dutch_ in _Portugal_, and at their Settlements in _Africa_ and _Brazile_, without paying any more Custom than the _Portuguese_. But other Agreements have been since made between the two States, and the _Portuguese_ remain in full possession of this fine Country, without allowing the _Dutch_ to trade to it. This they fancy makes them sufficient amends for the Loss of their large Conquests in _India_, taken from them by the _Dutch East-India_ Company; the _Portuguese_ being now the least Traders thither, after enjoying the whole _East-India_ Trade for above one hundred Years.

[Sidenote: _Account of Brazile._]

_Newhoff_, who gave the best Account of _Brazile_ at that time, assigns the following Causes for so easy a Reconquest of it by the _Portuguese_: 1. The _Dutch_ took no care to have sufficient Colonies of their own Natives, nor to keep strong Garisons in the Country. 2. They left the _Portuguese_ in possession of all their Sugar-Mills and Plantations, which hinder’d the _Dutch_ from getting any considerable Footing in the open Country. 3. The Plantations and Sugar-Mills that fell into their hands by Forfeiture or otherwise, they sold at such excessive Rates, and laid such Taxes on the Product, that the _Dutch_ did not care to purchase them. 4. The States of _Holland_, instead of reinforcing the Garisons of _Brazile_, according to Prince _Maurice’s_ Advice, reduc’d them lower, notwithstanding all the Remonstrances of the Company to the contrary; for they were so intent upon their Conquests in the _East-Indies_, that they seem’d willing to be rid of _Brazile_, which is now a vast and populous Country, and employs a great number of large Ships yearly from _Portugal_, who carry home an immense Treasure of Gold, besides all other Commodities of that Country.

Whilst Prince _Maurice_ was in _Brazile_, the _Dutch_ fitted Ships thence for _Chili_, which arriv’d there: but wanted a sufficient Force to withstand the _Spaniard_, while they could be recruited, or gain an Interest amongst the Natives, which they might have easily done, could they have settled, because at that time the _Spaniards_ had not conquer’d the _Indians_ of _Chili_; so the _Dutch_ being too weak, were forc’d to return without effecting any thing. I shall conclude this Head with a brief Account of the Natives of _Brazile_ from _Newhoff_, whose Authority, as I have said already, I found upon Inquiry to be very good. They are divided into several Nations, and speak different Languages. They are generally of a middling Size, well-limb’d, and their Women not ill-featur’d. They are not born black, but become so by the Heat of the Sun. They have black Eyes, black curl’d Hair, and have their Noses made flat when young. They come soon to Maturity, yet generally live to a great Age, without much Sickness; and many _Europeans_ live here to above a hundred Years old, which is ascrib’d to the Goodness of the Climate. The _Portuguese_ cut off such multitudes of ’em, that they perfectly hate that Nation, but were civil enough to the _Dutch_ because they treated them kindly. Such as live next the _Europeans_, wear Shirts of Linen or Callico, and the chief of ’em affect our Apparel; but those within Land go for the most part naked, covering their Privities slightly with Leaves or Grass fasten’d about them with a string, and the Men exceed the Women in Modesty. Their Hutts are built of Stakes, and cover’d with Palm-tree Leaves. Their Dishes and Cups are made of _Calabasses_, being the Shells of a sort of Pompions. Their chief Furniture is Hammocks of Cotton made like Network, and these they fasten to sticks, and use them for Beds; and when they travel, tie them to Trees. The Wives follow their Husbands to War and elsewhere, and carry their Luggage in a Basket, with a Child hung about them in a piece of Callico, a Parrot or an Ape in one hand, and leading a Dog by a string in the other; while the idle Lubber carries nothing but his Arms, which are Bows and Arrows, Darts or Wooden Clubs. They know nothing of Arithmetick, but count their Years by laying by a Chesnut in the Season. Those who inhabit the inland Parts know scarce any thing of Religion; yet they have a sort of Priests, or rather Conjurers, who pretend to foretel what’s to come. They have a Notion of a Supreme Being more excellent than the rest; some reckon this to be Thunder, and others _Ursa Minor_, or some Constellation. They fancy that after Death their Souls are transplanted into Devils, or enjoy all sorts of Pleasures in lovely Fields beyond the Mountains, if they have kill’d and eat many of their Enemies; but those that never did any thing of moment, they say are to be tormented by Devils. These People are much afraid of Apparitions and Spirits, and make Offerings to pacify ’em. Some of ’em are mightily addicted to Sorcery, to revenge themselves upon their Enemies; and they have others who pretend to cure those that are so bewitch’d. The _Castilians_ converted some of ’em, but the _Dutch_ Ministers were more successful, till they were hinder’d by the Revolt of the _Portuguese_. The _Brazilian_ Women are very fruitful, have easy Labour, retire to the Woods where they bring forth alone, and return after washing themselves and their Child; the Husbands lying a bed the first 24 hours, and being treated as if they had endur’d the Pains.[101]