Chapter VIII: Section II: Success Oct. 20, 1719

“This day a paper was fixt upon the main-mast, declaring what should and should not be deemed plunder.

“The man who first spys a sail, proving a prize, to have five dollars for every hundred ton the prize measures.

“Every man aboard a prize found drunk, or in any indecent act with a white or black woman, to be punished according to the nature of his offense.

“Every man, of whatsoever degree, concealing any money, or other thing above the value of half a dollar, shall forfeit his share of such prize, and twenty dollars out of his share in the next that shall be taken. The variation by an amplitude taken this day in latitude 15 39 S. is 9″ : 20 N. E.”

25. “We this day arrive in the latitude of _Lima_, our cruising station; where we brought to, and lay under our topsails till four in the morning: then made sail, and at seven chased a small vessel, which we came up with at eleven, being a snow of about forty ton, laden with sand and rubbish for manure. She was navigated by seven _Indians_ and two _Nigros_: her master was left sick ashore. They would not give us any intelligence. We found nothing aboard her worth the trouble of carrying away, except two jarrs of eggs, two of molosses, and a couple of dollars.”

28. “At one afternoon make a sail. At two are a long-side of her, being a ship of about 150 ton, call’d the St. _Vincent_, with wood from _Guiaquil_. There are two fryars, sixteen _Indians_ and four _Nigros_ aboard.”

30. “At four afternoon made a good sail, which we came not up with till eleven at night: she is a pretty large ship, of at least 400 ton, from _Panama_ for _Lima_, having a good many passengers aboard. She is called the _Trinity_, and was taken by captain _Rogers_ when he plunder’d _Guiaquil_, 1709.”

_Nov. 2._ “This afternoon at one saw a sail: at three came up with her, being a vessel of about seventy ton, bound from _Lima_ to _Panama_; she has on board the countess of _Laguna_, and several other passengers, a good deal of ready money, and at least 400 jars of wine and brandy, being two articles we much wanted. Our captain asks the lady whether she will come aboard the _Success_, or remain in the prize. She chuses the later. He sends a marine officer with a guard to take care she be not molested by any of our men, and that none enter her cabin but her own domestics, or such as she allows of. Mr. _Godfrey_, our agent, went aboard the prizes, carrying to each a couple of jars of wine and brandy, which was a very acceptable present.”

18. “At seven this morning we saw a sail: at eleven she became our prize, proving to be a _London_ built pink of about 200 ton from _Panama_ for _Lima_, with wood, of little value: but they tell us of two rich ships from _Lima_ coming this way; and that there are two _Spanish_ men of war of fifty and thirty guns, fitted out in quest of us.”

This being the prize that was run away with by stratagem _Nov. 20_, I need not repeat it. Turn back to p. 91 and 95.

24. “This afternoon we took a prize call’d the _Cayetan_, of about 200 tons, laden with wood from _Panama_ for _Lima_: she has aboard forty _Nigros_ and thirty _Spaniards_, most of them passengers.”

27. “Anchor at the isle of _Plate_ with our three prizes. Our captain being now under some apprehensions of the enemy’s men of war, which we know are clean, and fitted out on purpose to destroy or bring us in; begins to think that his cruising without a second, will turn but to little account: resolves therefore to make the most of what he has got; which consisteth chiefly of _European_ goods found in the prizes already taken. And being well assured the _Spaniards_ dare not purchase them by reason of a strict prohibition from the king of _Spain_, he puts a handsome cargo of ten thousand pound or upwards, aboard the lady’s bark now call’d the _Chichly_; and appoints captain _Mitchel_ commander of her, and to dispose of them to the best advantage on the coast of _Brasil_. He mounts her with eight guns, puts aboard thirteen _Englishmen_ and ten _Nigros_, with what provision and other necessaries he can spare him. Captain _Mitchel_ at parting gave us three cheers, which was answer’d by the _Success_. Here our captain discharges the other two prizes after rummaging them of all we wanted, and gave them to the _Spaniards_; reserving the _Nigros_, and the captain of one of them for our pilot. We ply to windward again to come into our station.”

_Decemb._ 12th. 1719. “We saw a sail about five in the evening, and at seven took her. She is called the _Rose_, bound from _Cheripe_ for _Panama_, laden with provisions. Our launch and pinnace were all day imploy’d in bringing on board the flower, and other provisions in order to discharge her. Having got as much flower out of her as we could well stow away, we cut her mainmast by the board, lest she should overset, and so let her go. These prisoners inform us, that our men who were taken by the _Spaniards_ were sent to _Lima_ by land. Here we continue to cruise, standing off all day, and towards the shore at night: but nothing happens till

27th. “Anchor in _Guanchaco Bay_ in nine fathom clay ground, and find two ships at anchor. We fire a shot at each: but they make no return: send our boats aboard: but found them abandon’d, and could discover that all the loading had just been taken out, and nothing left aboard, except some bread, and a few jars of water. We hung out a flag of truce, and fired two guns at half an hour’s interval, hoping they would come aboard to ransom their ships. They answer’d us from shore; but seeing no boat coming to us, we fired again, and remain here till next day, when seeing it was in vain to wait any longer, and that they would neither ransom nor beg their ships, we pull’d down the flag, and set the ships a fire. At eight forenoon, the church of _Guanchaco_ bore E. 3 leagues, from whence I take my departure, latitude 8 : 10 S. designing for the _Gallipagos_. The currents here set much to the northward.”

_January_ 9th. 1720. “Arrive at duke of York’s island being one of the _Gallipagos_. Here we scrub and clean our ship, and refresh our selves with tortoise: after visiting some more of these islands, we steer away to the northward.”

21. Made a’sail: sent our pinnace a head to keep sight of the chase, by making false fires: at eleven at night came up with her, and on our firing a gun she brought to, being a ship from _Panama_, having on board the marquiss _de Villa Roche_ president at _Panama_, and his family bound for _Lima_, called the _Prince Eugene_. This is the same ship in which captain _Clipperton_ was circumvented and taken in his late voyage in these seas, when he received but indifferent treatment from the said marquiss at _Panama_, before whom he was carry’d.”

22. “Mr. _Davison_ our first lieutenant was sent to command the prize; and I was order’d his assistant. At eight in the morning the pinnace came aboard to search for treasure: at eleven returned, carrying the marquiss, and what else they found most valuable. Nothing remarkable happens till,

_February_ 26th. “We are plying to windward in our cruising station with the last mention’d prize. A _Spaniard_ who was accidentally wounded at the taking of her, dying last night of his wound, his countrymen desired he might he bury’d after their custom and formalities; which was granted them. When they ended their prayers, the corpse which lay ready on a gratin with a good bag of ballast ty’d at the feet, was thrown over board: but to the admiration of every one, the body floated, and continued so till we sailed quite from the sight of it. The marquiss _de Villa Roche_ being present said, it was very portentous, and that some surprizing accident must be the consequence.”

“Upon throwing the corpse into the water, the _Spanish_ custom is to cry aloud _Bon Viaje_ three times, that is, a good voyage. This day took an observation in latitude 11 : 50 N: the current here sets very strong to windward.”

_March 8._ “We made the island of _Port Velas_ latitude 10 : 30 N: the next day anchor’d in thirty fathom. We find here a good watering place. The _padre_ and boatswain of the _Prince Eugene_ come aboard to be examined, as likewise the marquiss to dine: the father and boatswain being desirous to go ashore, they have leave, on condition they will indeavour to persuade the people to drive some cattle to the shore, and spare what provision they can in exchange for what we have aboard.”

_March_ 13th. “Our launch being near the shore, where runs a great sea, she was hove along, soon fill’d and sunk. By this accident we lost two men, _John Trumbal_ serjeant of marines, and _Roger Pengelly_ gunner’s mate. And here the wonderful perfection of the _Nigros_ is most remarkable: all the rest of the men got ashore, when one of our _Nigros_ stripping himself, takes a rope’s end, dived, and slung the boat: after which we hawld her up and towd her aboard, very little damaged.”

_March_ 16th. “The _padre_ and countermaster return with some natives, bringing four head of black cattle, some fowl, and fruit, as a present for the marquiss; but told our captain, that their _alcalde_ or governer could not allow us to trade with him. They give us an account of captain _Mitchel_, who put in here to water, and say that his men shot some of their young bulls: but that 200 of the inhabitants appearing under arms, he thought it best to go away. We doubt not of his being here, because we have seen some shirts and wearables of _Mitchel_’s men. The next day the marquiss writes letters ashore privately, to stir up the people to surprize our men at the watering, and secure the boats. These with other mischievous letters wrote to _Lima_ were stopp’d by Mr. _Godfrey_ our owners agent, who finding them in an _Indian_’s hand ashore, sent them to captain _Clipperton_, who now debars the marquiss the use of pen and paper, and uses him but roughly. The _Indians_ who were yesterday aboard, and to whom our captain made a few presents for themselves, the church and the governer, return this morning with some good fresh beef. After this, captain _Clipperton_ treats with the marquiss about ransoming the prize; but not agreeing, he orders the timber with which she was laden to be thrown overboard, saving as much for firing as we could stow: after which we rummage the cabin, taking away all the clothes and equipage.”

_March_ 20th. “The marquiss and his lady dine aboard the _Success_: after which they go ashore for recreation, leaving their only child aboard as a pledge. They send off a good bull, and some fowl: there being no oxen on this continent. On the 26th, the governer sends us two bulls more; and on the 31st, the marquiss sends a present of fruit to his child, to bring which there are seven _Indians_ a horseback: they left two letters hanging on a stick in the sand. Nothing happens to the 4th of _April_, but more presents from the marquiss, attended as before.”

_April_ 4th. “This evening the marquiss and his lady, with the governer and others came aboard. Nothing is said of the marquiss his plot; but all chearful company. The bargain of ransoming goes on so far, that all the _Spanish_ prisoners are orderd ashore, except those who had rather stay in the prize: but no talk of money in the case: On the 8th and 9th, the marchioness and the child are carried ashore, and we salute ’em with three guns; the marquiss remaining with us till the performance of articles, which were signed. The governer has a quantity of indigo delivered him, and he sends us a handsom present of beef, which we are all very glad of. We weighd; leaving the prize to the _Spanish_ captain, and are now plying to windward with moderate gales till

_April_ 20th. “We anchor in the gulph of _Amapala_ in 17 fathom: send the pinnace to find a watering: the _Spaniards_ oppose their landing, but suffer them to put on shore a _Spaniard_ and _Indian_ belonging to the marquiss, who are going to _Rio Lexos_ to fetch the ransom money: but it is my opinion we are all bit. Not being able to get water at _Amapala_, the pinnace is sent to the isle of _Tigris_; where they find very good water, and the _Indian_ who guided them is rewarded with some clothes. Our men meet with abundance of game on the island, killing a good number of deer. Here is also a great plenty of boobys, which are better eating than those catch’d at sea. Here we stay till the 10th of _May_, much longer than we intended, in expectation of the ransom money; but having little reason to believe the _Spaniards_ will be punctual and faithful, we unbent our sheet anchor and stow’d it, taking our departure from hence, latitude 12 : 36. N.

_May_ 20th. “This day, the books, instruments and clothes of lieutenant _Serjeantson_ were sold at the mast: being run ashore in the _Rosary_ pink with his men as aforesaid. Here I find a strong current to the N. About this time the cloathing, linen and other necessaries taken in our prizes were distributed, being deem’d fair plunder.”

_June_ 4th. “We arrive next at _Gorgona_, latitude 2 : 35 N. The current sets to the eastward. Here is wood and water, and great plenty of fish; but they wont take the hook, and we have no seine. From hence we ply to windward, and nothing happens till

_July_ 25th. “We spy a sail, and come up with her: she struck to us, being the St. _Vincent_ which we took once before, now commanded by Don _Clement de Andrado_, laden with timber and cocoa nuts from _Guiaquil_ for _Lima_. We keep to windward with our prize, and

_August_ 11th. “Anchor at _Lobos la mar_: the distance from this island, and _Lobos la tierra_ is 10 leagues. Our chief imployment here is to catch seal for the company. Our men have tents on shore, working in their several stations. Here we scrub and clean our ship, taking out of the prize what is most valuable. Our men, tho’ fatigued with work, live well and look well, and are now ready for another cruise. Nothing happens till

_Sept._ 6th. “A plot is discovered among the men, wherein the conspirators had form’d a design to seize the captain and officers, and run away with the ship: all who were secured, to be put ashore at the small desolate isle of _Lobos_, but the opposers to be shot. After discovery, the two principal actors, _Joseph Maynard_ boatswain’s mate, and _James Roch_ the ship’s corporal were severely punish’d, besides being put in irons: the rest were pardoned.”

“The cause of this uneasiness among the men, was their despair of making a good voyage, having no hope of the _Speedwel_’s joyning them, which had brought them into great straits and difficulties; so that they did not much care what happen’d.”

_Sept._ 15th. “Our design of coming down again to the northward, was to look into _Cheripe_, if we could see any ships there; but chance to fall to the leeward of it, by reason the currents set us much to the northward, tho’ we have already made allowance for the same: we soon beat up again, finding the coast alarm’d, and seeing no ship.”

_Sept._ 17th. “This day sent our pinnace well arm’d to chase a small vessel which she came up with, being a fishing boat that has used to make up her fish on the isle of _Lobos_, where we found a good parcel ready split and salted; besides a handsome quantity of fresh fish in the boat. We anchor again at _Lobos_, in 38 fathom, and find the S. _Vincent_, which we left here, was drove ashore and sunk. We clear the fishing boat, and send her away with 38 _Spanish_ prisoners: after which we weigh again and ply to windward, being in latitude 7 : 00 S. Here the currents set pretty much to the southward: no prize, nor any thing occurs, only the burying four or five of our hands; we hold our course for the bay of _Conception_ where we arrive.”

_November_ 1st. “Going into the bay we spy three sail of ships at anchor: the fort fired a signal gun: we hoisted _Spanish_ colours, and kept plying up till ten at night: being moon light, we discover a fourth ship standing in after us: we bore down upon her: she haled us in _Spanish_; we answer’d her with our guns; but the wind failing, and she being clean, gained a head of us. In the morning the pinnace and launch were sent after her: but soon left chasing, she being got almost out of sight. However, we really lost the substance for the shadow, our captain now steering for _Coquimbo_.”

5. “We came up with another sail, which upon our firing a gun struck her colours: she is call’d the _Solidad_: she hath a cargo of tobacco, sugar, and cloth enough to purchase her loading of wheat at _Coquimbo_, whither she is bound from _Lima_. They inform us that our last chase had much such another cargo; and that the two _Spanish_ men of war fitted out in quest of us and our consort, were returned to _Callao_ to be victual’d afresh: and had orders from the viceroy to cruise on the coast of _Chili_, not only upon us, but all the _French_ interloping traders.”

6. “The greatest part these 24 hours fresh gales of wind and hazy weather, with a great southern swell. At one this afternoon, coming open with the harbour of _Coquimbo_, we saw three sail of men of war at anchor, with their topsails loose in their tops; who, immediately on seeing us, slipt or cut their cables and stood after us, we hawling close upon a wind, our prize doing the same: but she being the windward-most, and at much the greatest distance from the enemy, they judged it necessary to send the best sailer among them after her: at three the headmost ship came up with our prize, and fired at her: upon which she struck: but after she had so done, the man of war fired several guns more into her, the reason of which we could not ghess: the other two ships crowded all the sail they could after us till four, when the biggest carryed away her mizentop-mast: he then fired a gun, tacked, and stood in for the shore again, which we were not very sorry for: one of them carrying 50, one 40, and the other 26 guns, all clean ships, _French_ built and sailed well. It pleased God the wind favour’d us whilst they continued the chase; so that we weather’d _Isla de pajeros_, i. e. the island of birds which lay just in our way: for if we had been forced to tack, we must have been taken.

“We have on board us the captain of the prize, and eight seamen, besides twelve _Nigros_. There were taken with her, twelve of our men, besides Mr. _Milne_ our third lieutenant who commanded her. However, we had the good luck to ease her of 97 pound weight of wrought silver, when she first became our prize.”

Mr. _James Milne_, whom I have since had conversation with in _London_, told me that the reason of the enemies continuing their fire after he had struck to them, was owing to the rage of the captain to find him a _Spanish_ prize instead of an _English_ privatier; and vexed at this mistake, he could not immediately quit his passion, but struck _Milne_ upon the head with his drawn sword. However, the captain soon after sent for him up, and finding him almost stript by the soldiers, generously asked his pardon, and order’d him a complete sute of apparel from top to toe. The captain’s name was _Don Blas de Lesso_ and had been a guard marine in the _French_ service where he lost one of his legs. I mention this to the honour of the said gentleman, who kept Mr. _Milne_ aboard him all the time the men of war were in quest of us and the _French_ interlopers, using him very kindly: and tho’ he was carried prisoner to _Lima_, the said captain soon got him his liberty, procured him his passage gratis to _Panama_, and gave him a jar of brandy, and a jar of wine for his sea store; beside 200 dollars for his expenses to _England_. But I am sorry to hear he never acknowledged it by letter from _Panama_ or elsewhere; the said _Don Blas_ having spoke of it to a particular gentleman, then factor for the _British South-Sea_ company at _Panama_.

_November_ 7th. “This day our agent Mr. _Godfrey_, and Mr. _Cook_ second lieutenant, had words about a pair of gold buckles, which the later had got privately in his keeping. The lieutenant gave Mr. _Godfrey_ very scurrilous language: but our agent insisted, that it was his immediate province to inspect all such matters. Whether _Cook_ keeps the buckles I know not: but he went in a very unmannerly way to captain _Clipperton_ and told him he would no longer take the charge of the watch: whereupon Mr. _Chambers_ the master took that charge in his room. The next day the clothes and other things belonging to our people, taken by the man of war, were sold publicly at the mast. Being thus worsted at _Coquimbo_, and forced to fly their men of war; remembring our mistakes at _Conception_, and that we must now abandon these coasts with short provisions, and no hopes of captain _Shelvocke_, we begin to be much dejected. However we keep jogging on the northward, and

14. “Make the isle of St. _Gallan_, whose latitude I find 13 : 42 S. On the 15th. stood into the road of _Pisco_; but finding nothing, we stood out again, holding to the northward.”

16. “See a sail and give chase. She hoisted _Spanish_ colours and fired a gun; and finding that she could wrong us, she hawld up her courses, and took in all her small sails: we let fly our topgallant sheets, firing three guns to windward, that being the signal between our ship and the _Speedwel_, in case we should meet. The chase holding her wind, we could not come near her. The next day at two in the afternoon she tacked, and stood for us, as if resolved to ingage us: we edgd on towards her, ’till we got within a mile or thereabouts, when she fired several guns at us, which we return’d with a broadside: upon which she held her wind again, and stood to the westward; and being just cleaned, and a prime sailor, went at least two foot for our one; so that we soon found we had no share in her.”

Mr. _Taylor_ is very right; for I my self was in this sham fight. I call it so, because I believe neither of the commanders had any great stomach for a battle. In the first place, it was contrary to the orders of captain _Fitzgerald_ who commanded this ship called the _Flying Fish_: for being ready to sail for _Cales_, he was only now order’d out by the viceroy in quest of _Shelvocke_; of whom news was brought to _Lima_, that he had a day or two before taken the _Jesu Maria_ out of _Pisco_, leaving the _Spaniards_ the bark he built at _Fernandes_. _Pisco_ being but a little to windward of _Callao_, they were in hopes of catching _Shelvocke_ as he went to leeward: and the _Flying Fish_ having a very considerable treasure aboard, the captain was strictly order’d to forbear attacking, or speaking with any imbarkation, except _Shelvocke_. On the other hand, _Clipperton_ may well be supposed willing enough to decline ingaging with a ship just come out of harbour with 200 fresh men aboard; at a time when his people were in a very low condition and dispirited, as appears by the journal: neither had he half the number of men. So that I am of opinion if the dollars had been left ashore, the _Flying Fish_ would have been able to carry _Clipperton_ into _Callao_. For _Fitzgerald_, who was a _St. Malo_ man, had aboard him a hundred townsmen, stout fellows; and the rest were the best hands he could pick out of all the ships at _Callao_ for this occasion.

_November_ 18th. “_Maltesi_ one of the _Guara_ islands bore N. E. one league; from whence I take my departure in latitude 11 : 10 S. Being fine weather we heel’d and scrubb’d both sides of our ship. We stood in for _Guanchaco_: but finding nothing there, bore away for _Cheripe_: where seeing nothing, we stood away for _Payta_, designing to try our fortune at every port to the northward; particularly to get a supply of flower, which being now all expended, we have three pound of _Indian_ corn served to a mess of six men each.”

27. “Saw point _Helen_: shorten’d sail and stood from the land. Hoisted out the pinnace and yawl to set the prisoners ashore belonging to the last prize retaken by the enemy. After which we steer to the westward for the _Gallipagos_ islands, in order to refresh our men, who are very bad with the scurvy.”

30. “Had an observation, and find my self in latitude 00 : 09 N. Here is a strong current to the northward, and I believe a little westerly. I am 22 miles more northerly than the log gives, variation and leeway having been allow’d. All our bread, flower, and _Indian_ corn is now expended, and we have but one little meal in 24 hours; which is a small piece of _English_ beef (being yet very good) and calivances. Six men in a mess.”

_December_ 4th. “Mr. _Thomas Fairman_ our purser departed this life; and we committed him to the deep. Measur’d our logline and find it three fathom too short, which amounts to 52 mile one hour with another since we left cape _Helen_. Having an observation, I rectify my account and find the latitude 00 : 36 N. We keep plying to windward against a strong S. W. current in sight of the _Gallipagos_.”

6th. “Sent the pinnace to discover an anchoring place at one of the islands: returns without finding any; but saw abundance of tortoise ashore. Send the pinnace and yawl to get some. They return with fish enough to serve the company a day: But there running a prodigious surf, they could not land, or look for turtle. We kept plying off and on, and sounded in foul ground from 80 to 50 fath; the latitude of the island I make 9 minutes N. ’tis a mere rock: so we left it, and steer’d away for another S. W. being the same which the _Spaniards_ make to lye under the equator. We run along shore but can find no anchoring: so that being unwilling to lose more time, we make our best way to the isle of _Cocos_, where we hope certainly to get fish, fowl, and coco-nuts; our people being very sick and weak.”

7th and 8th. “We had several islands N. E. but on the 9th got clear of them all. This day I took charge of the captain’s watch, and Mr. _Chambers_ the larboard, Mr. _Davison_ being sick, and lieutenant _Cook_ still refusing his duty. Little happens in this passage, but burying two or three of our hand. Our people fall apace; therefore are in pain lest we miss the island.”

17. “Going very slowly ahead, find there is a southern current. Lye so till day light, believing we are near the island. At nine forenoon with joy we beheld the island _Cocos_ about nine leagues N. W.”

18. “Anchor in 13 fathom white sand. Here all our people and the marquiss _de Villa Roche_ got ashore, where we build a house for the sick men. Here is abundance of good fish round the island which we take pains to catch, the surf being sometimes very great. Our people find here plenty of coco-nuts, crabs, boobies and their eggs, this being their hatching time. Our captain broaches the last hogshead of brandy, allowing every man a dram a day: and on new-years-day gave the people a gallon of strong beer for six. This food, ease, and refreshment pretty well recover’d all our company. We wood and water, tho’ with much difficulty; for here is a great swell coming in from the northward constantly at full moon and change: therefore are forced to wait ’till the spring tides are abated before we can get any thing off.”

_January_ 17. 1721. “The marquiss came aboard as do most of our people, being ready to sail. Eight nigros and three of our men desert here, and abscond in the woods. The names of our men are _Higgins_, _Caulker_ and _Shingle_. The anchorage here being rocky, we have sadly gaul’d both our cables. After continuing here a month, we weigh and set sail, from whence I take my departure, _January_ 20th. latitude 05 : 38 N. running now to the northward on the coast of _Mexico_.”

23. “We spy a sail to which give chase, and send the pinnace to keep sight of her: but at night she gives us the slip.”

25. “This morning I see the coast of _Mexico_. About seven we made a sail: at 11 she struck to our pinnace: which returns and brings account that she is the _Jesu Maria_ a _Spanish_ ship, but now in the possession of captain _Shelvocke_, who commands her. That he has about 40 of his men aboard, the rest being all dead or dispersed. That he lost the _Speedwel_ at _Fernandes_; where they stay’d five months, and built a barque out of the _Speedwel_’s wreck, with which they put to sea, and coasted along _Chili_ and _Peru_ meeting several ships, but could do nothing with them; ’till they came to _Pisco_ near _Lima_, where they took this prize, being the ship we went in there to look for. They differ much in their account: but have no regular command among them, being all alike as the _West-India_ privatiers. They have chose a quartermaster, carrying every thing by a majority of votes: so that we find, they have quite broke their articles with the owners, and have shared all among themselves.”

27. “Perceived captain _Shelvocke_ to hoist St. _George_’s colours at main-top-masthead, firing three guns at intervals, being signals to speak with us. We lye to for his boat, which came aboard with a letter for captain _Clipperton_; who immediately sent back the boat for their purser to be examined concerning their actions on the coast of _Brasil_, and in the rest of their absence from us. Sent away the boat: but the purser Mr. _Hendrie_ stays; who gives but a dark story of their procedings; and that he was not allow’d to take any account of the treasure for the owners. At eight captain _Shelvocke_ came aboard being sent for by our captain and agent to give an account of his transactions. The boat brought Mr. _Dod_ their lieutenant of marines to continue with us; he having been used very ill for standing up for the owners interest.”

28. “Came aboard from captain _Shelvocke_, six chests of pitch and dammer, and two barrels of tar, with six slabs of copper. Captain _Clipperton_ spares him two of our quarterdeck guns, some great and small shot, a compass, and a few other necessaries. His people have laid out a great deal of money with us for clothes, shoes, hats, _&c._ Captain _Shelvocke_ goes aboard and parts company. Here remain with us two of the _Speedwel_’s officers, Mr. _Hendrie_ the purser and Mr. _Dod_ lieutenant of marines, designing with us for China. We keep to the northward on the coast of _Mexico_, meeting with strong west and north-west currents ’till latitude 15 : 00 where they set S. E. In this passage we have met captain _Shelvocke_ three times without speaking, whom we knew by his making the signals. Our men have caught some tortoise, which has been very acceptable, but nothing material happens in all these traverses till _March_ 7th. “Our officers consult, and resolve to joyn captain _Shelvocke_ the next time we meet, in order to attempt the _Acapulco_ ship homeward bound.”

13th. “Made a sail, which by the signals proving to be captain _Shelvocke_, we brought to. He comes aboard with his lieutenants. Our captain and they agree in general, that if we meet the _Manilla_ ship, _Shelvocke_’s company to joyn us, and run her aboard at once. Accordingly we cruise for her: and on the 15th captain _Clipperton_ holds another consultation; wherein proposals being agreed on, are sign’d and sent to captain _Shelvocke_; _That if he and his crew would refund all the money shared among themselves contrary to their articles with the owners, and agree to put it in a joynt stock, then all faults should be forgot; both companies would unite, and procede to cruise for the_ Acapulco _ship_.”

17. “Not hearing from captain _Shelvocke_, and the time for the _Manilla_ ship setting out being several days past: Resolved in a council to make our best dispatch for _East India_. We have an infirm ship’s company, and but five months provision, which must serve us to _China_ unless we get a supply at _Guam_.”

“At six in the evening, the westmost land in sight, which I take to be _port Marquiss_ bore N. N. W. eight leagues; from whence I take my departure, it lying in 16 : 50 north latitude.”

_May_ 10th. “This day at noon we make _Serpana_ one of the _Ladron_ islands, _Guam_ being a few leagues farther ahead. The latitude of _Serpana_ I find to be 13 : 42 N. and the difference of longitude from _port Marquiss_ 121 : 08 W. Nothing worth notice has happen’d in this tedious passage, only burying six of our hands. All our people are very weak, and take the scurvy apace: so that land is now a very welcome sight.”

13. “Anchor at the island of _Guam_. Send the pinnace ashore with a flag of truce. They tell our lieutenant, they cannot trade with us without leave from the Governer.”

16. “A prow came from the governer with Mr. _Godfrey_ our agent, acquainting us, that we may be supply’d with provisions. Accordingly our launch brought aboard some cattle, bread, sugar, brandy and fruit. The next day his honour sent us a handsome present of palm wine, sugar and chocolate; for which we drink his health with a complement of seven guns.”

_May_ 18th. “The marquiss _de Villa Roche_ our prisoner, went ashore in company with our agent, the first lieutenant and doctor, having agreed with the governer about his ransom. We give him five guns at landing. Our launch is imploy’d these six days in bringing wood, and water, and provision aboard: during which time the governer desired he might have some arms and ammunition in exchange. Accordingly captain _Clipperton_ sends him twelve fuzees, three jars of powder, sixty round shot, four pair of pistols; beside cutlases, long swords and daggers.”

25. “Receive a letter, wherein the governer demands the marquiss’s jewels, some consecrated plate, and two _Nigros_ being christians and subjects to the king of _Spain_: as also a certificate under the captain and officers hands that peace was proclaimed; detaining Mr. _Godfrey_ and Mr. _Pritty_ ’till all this is performd. Hereupon our captain sends a letter with a certificate that the _Solidad_, the last prize we took on the coast of _Chili_, told us there was a peace between _England_ and _Spain_; but withal assured the governer that if he did not in 24 hours send the ransom with the two gentlemen, he would demolish the houses upon the shore, burn the ship in the harbour, and do all the mischief he could at the _Philippine_ islands. In the mean time we receive a letter that the governer will pay for the consecrated plate, and desires more powder and shot. To which our captain sends answer that he will not spare any more ammunition or the _Nigros_.”

28. “Our yawl went ashore for more provision: but the officer of the village told us we should have no more, unless we sent more powder and shot: upon which we immediately weighd, staying for no answer by Mr. _Godfrey_ or Mr. _Pritty_. Sent the pinnace ahead to sound, and made the best of our way to the ship in the harbour. The people ashore had raised a battery during this sham treaty, from whence they began to fire at our pinnace; which being returned gave account that what channel they found, was within pistol shot of the shore. At six afternoon, in making up to the ship, we run aground, they having carry’d her into shoal water: so that now we sustain two fires together, one from the battery over our heads, and another from the ship. At nine we got foul of the rocks where we cut away two of our anchors indeavouring to get the ship off; during which time the enemy fired so warmly with stones and shot from a new battery erected on a hill, that we suffer’d extremely in our hull and rigging. We have three men wounded, beside the misfortune of losing Mr. _Davison_ our first lieutenant who was an honest fellow and a good officer. Thus the _Success_ is forced to lye in a miserable condition exposed to the continual fire of the enemy, who in the night have still this advantage of us; that the surface of the water being smooth as a millpond easily shows them our position, whereas we have no other direction for our aim than the flashes of their guns.”

29. “In this emergence our captain being overcome with liquor, and quite unable to command the ship; we officers came to a resolution of running out clear of the enemy as soon as we could get the ship afloat, and signed a paper to indemnify Mr. _Cook_ if he would take upon him the command. At four afternoon we set her floating and cut away the small bower anchor; but in ten minutes we run aground again: at seven carry out the kedge anchor; but in heaving, the hawser broke. We immediately carry out another hawser with a lower deck gun to it, having now lost all our anchors and still aground. At two forenoon, the enemy hale us several times to surrender or except no quarter. At five, carry out the maintopmast-shroud hawser on the starboard bow with another gun; still plying the enemy with our great guns below, and small arms on the poop. We do them little mischief; tho’ they never miss us, especially our boats as soon as they see them stir. At eleven forenoon, carry out the rest of the small bower, with two lower deck guns right ahead into five fathom: we clear away the hold ready to start our water to make the ship lighter: got our upper and lower deck guns forward to bring her by the head, the ship hanging abaft on a rock: we keep two guns out of the stern ports, continually firing at the enemies new battery; but can’t bring them to bear. These twenty four hours we have happily only one wounded: but the ship is wretchedly paid off between wind and water.”

30. “At six afternoon the ship floating, we cut away the yawl being sunk with the shot: the other boats are much damaged: hove to our small bower; then cut away it, and the other two hawsers, and sent the pinnace ahead to tow the ship off. Just as we got afloat, the enemy fired so smartly from the new battery that their shot raked us through between wind and water, killing one of our people, and wounding two others. Thus have we lost both our bower anchors and cables, the stream and kedge anchors, four hawsers, four of our lower deck guns, nineteen barrels of powder, two men kill’d and six wounded: having stood these fifty hours, a fair mark for the enemy to fire at: and if we had not got clear, I do believe they would have sunk us before morning. We are all very sorry for Mr. _Godfrey_ and Mr. _Pritty_, not knowing how the governer may use them ashore. At ten afternoon we brought to, and begin to splice our rigging, not a rope of which has escaped a shot: As for the masts and yards, they have all been severely pepper’d, and the carpenters have been all night stopping the holes in the ship’s bottom. At seven forenoon stow our guns in the hold, bar in the ports, hoist in the launch and pinnace, and at noon steer away west with an easy sail, hoping to save our passage before the _Monsoons_ come on. Wind at S. S. E.”

31. “Our carpenters are imployed in fishing the masts and yards, and the rest of our people in fixing the rigging. At six afternoon, the body of the island _Guam_ bore E. seven leagues, from whence I take my departure, north latitude 13 : 20. allowing half a point N. E. variation, designing now for _China_. Nothing remarkable till

_June 23._ “Find our ship to be in a very weak condition, scarce a whole timber in her upper works: discover one of our fashion pieces to be shot through, which being the chief support of the after part of the ship, we are obliged to frap her, to keep her together: it blowing pretty fresh, we dare not carry sail; having been forced for a week past to feud under bare poles through variable winds and bad weather. We impatiently look out for land, being afraid the currents have forcibly set us much to the eastward.”

24. “At day break, find our selves among several islands, one of which is _Barbuon_ at the north point of the island _Luconia_. I saw also seven rocks, mark’d in some draughts; and likewise other islands, mark’d in some manuscripts with a figure of 5, and by captain _Dampier_ called the _Bashee_ islands. _Dampier_’s account and mine agree: but by Dr. _Halley_’s chart to _Luconia_, my reckoning is out by above three degrees; except he means the south cape of _Luconia_ which may reconcile the difference. From _June_ 14th to 19th. I found the current set to the southward; but whether W. or E. I know not: and from thence chiefly northward.”

30. “Make the isle and shoals of _Prata_ latitude 20 : 46 N. The longitude from _Barbuon_ to it is 4 : 46 W.”

_July_ 1st. “Saw a sail to the eastward which we take to be a _China_ junk. At six forenoon see other islands, and several boats a fishing. At nine forenoon bent the sheet cable: sounded in 30 fathom clay ground. At noon had the islands from N. N. E. to W. by S.: these lands were never mark’d in any chart. Longitude from _Prata_ 2 west.”

2. “Anchor in 13 fathom: send away the pinnace for intelligence how _Macao_ bore. Return’d with a boat and three _Chinese_, of whom we could only understand, that _Canton_ was to S. W. of us; so we parted, and had the land from N. E. to W. of us: soundings from 22 to 13 fathom.”

3. “We gain nothing to windward: but are further to leeward of _Macao_ than we expected. We can get no pilot, and so bear away for _Amoy_: at six afternoon made the white rock lying near the main land: at seven forenoon saw several boats a fishing: had 21 fathom clay ground.”

4. “At six afternoon saw the land N. E, and several islands laid down in the charts. Have had soundings from 30 to 15 fathom, latitude _per_ observation 23 : 40.”

5. “Not knowing the way into _Amoy_, and not being the length as yet, hold upon a wind designing to ply off and on ’till daylight. At six afternoon saw the range of islands that run to _Amoy_: the eastermost bore S. S. W; the southmost N. N. W. At four forenoon made a sail; have had several boats aboard to sell us fish, but can’t understand them. Soundings from 22 to 14 fathom good ground. At ten forenoon saw the _Piscadore_ islands from S. S. E. to E. S. E. 8 leagues.”

6. “At five afternoon came to with our sheet anchor in the gulf of _Amoy_. Longitude from _Barbuon_ W. 4 : 48. Blessed be God in our passage hither, from the 24 of _June_ we have had pleasant gales and serene weather, the winds between west and S. W. At ten the _Hoppo_’s men come aboard to know what we do here. Told them we was a king’s ship. They wrote down particularly our force and number of men, desiring us to be faithful in our account. The very next morning our men, in a mutinous manner, demand of captain _Clipperton_ their prize money, alledging that the _Success_ could never put to sea again. The first man that attacked the captain was _John Dennison_. I interposed thinking it my duty; whereupon _Edward Boreman_ bid me desist, or expect a brace of balls thro’ my head: Mr. _Cook_ with a sneer said, let the poor man rest and take breath a little, meaning the captain: upon this our captain went ashore to the _Hoppo_ or commissioner of the customs. During these four days we receive aboard a great quantity of rice, some cattle, fowl, wood and water. On the 12th, the officers go ashore and are handsomly received by the _Hoppo_, with whom we make an agreement to anchor in the harbour and lye the monsoons out. Two _Hoppo_ men or customhouse-officers are sent aboard to hinder private dealing with the natives. Several _Mandarins_ or noblemen visit the ship with the _Hoppo_. Some of the men go ashore without leave, for which our captain going to correct them, the whole crew unite and resist. We get more provision aboard; after which the _Hoppo_’s agent receives the port charges, being 1700 dollars, about 400 pound sterling. Our captain receives a present of wine and fruit from one of the _Mandarins_. Nothing material till

_August_ 25th. “We officers sign a paper for the captain to allow all the ships company money to buy necessaries. Captain _Mitchel_ being gone, and _Davison_ we succeded him being kill’d, _Cook_ violently insists upon having thirty shares as second captain: which by his own management with the men, we were forced to yield him: but when the question was put to make provision for the gentlemen who were kill’d or taken from us, and the two officers from the _Speedwel_, _Hendrie_ and _Dod_ who are passengers with us, _Cook_ was first man to oppose and reject it: so that we settle the shares as well as we can. Our captain and most of the officers are willing to allow something to the two passengers aforesaid; captain _Shelvocke_ having used them ill for favouring the owners interest, particularly Mr. _Hendrie_ the agent whom he would not suffer to act, but made him swab the deck: however the company murmur at making them an allowance, and I doubt they will receive nothing. After this we fall into great disorders and confusion, and the men are strangely set against the captain, refusing to work without their whole prize money, and complain to the chief _Mandarin_ call’d _Hyhung_: upon which captain _Clipperton_ is sent for, who represented, that according to our articles, the capture ought to be shared at _London_. However _Cook_ goes secretly to the _Mandarin_ and underhand favours the men, insinuating that they would be cheated; and threaten’d, if _Clipperton_ did not easily comply, to tell the _Mandarin_ of his fine doings at _Guam_, and the great loss of captain _Mitchel_ sent in the _Chichley_ prize with a good cargo never since heard of: So that in short there came a guard of soldiers aboard of us, and an order to captain _Clipperton_ to divide all the shares and pay them.”

_Sept._ 16th. “Which was done this day without reserving anything for _Shelvocke_’s two officers, our dead men, or thole who were taken prisoners.”

dollars. The share of money and plate. 280 The share of gold. 100 The share of jewels. 39 --- The total of a foremastman’s dividend. 419 ---

Which at 4 _s._ 8 _d._ a dollar, makes _English_ money, 97 _l_, 15
_s_, 4 _d._

According to this distribution,

_l._ _s._ _d._
The captain’s share was 1466 10 00
The second captain 733 05 00
The captain of marines, }
lieutenants of the ship } 488 16 08
and surgeon; _&c._ }

_Taylor_ not having here, or at leaving _China_, mention’d any thing of what became of _Clipperton_, or the gentlemens money, I think proper to insert that account as I had it from one of our owners and several of the _Success_’s people. The owners moiety consisting of dollars, wrought silver, gold and jewels amounted to upwards of 6000_l._ sterling, and was put aboard a _Portuguese East-India_ man, called the _Queen_ of _Angels_, _Don Francisco la Vero_ commander, which was unfortunately burnt at _Rio Janeiro_ on the coast of _Brasil_, _June_ 6th 1722; of which effects no more came to hand than 1800_l._ As for captain _Clipperton_, he having sold the _Success_ in _China_, took his passage in her to _Batavia_; and from thence in a _Dutch India_ man he came to _Holland_. He stay’d there a few weeks upon his own affairs, and went directly to his family at _Galway_ in _Ireland_, where he died two days after his arrival, in the year 22: being an _Englishman_ born at great _Yarmouth_, in the county of _Norfolk_. But more of this in another place. I procede to the journal.

_Sept._ 25th. “Weighed out of _Amoy_ harbour. Our arms, ammunition, and sails came aboard: it being a practice, with the _Chinese_, for their security, to take these ashore from all strangers.”

30. “Weighed and run out of the gulf, from whence I take my departure, latitude 24 N: designing now for _Macao_ an island belonging to his _Portuguese_ majesty.”

_October_ 4th. “Anchor in the road of _Macao_: salute the fort: captain goes ashore and returns with the commander of a _Portuguese_ man of war. Here we are informed of peace in _Europe_. _Cook_ and _Veitch_ go to _Canton_ to consult with Mr. _Winder_ supercargo of an _India_ man and son to one of our owners, what our captain is to do with the _Success_. Upon their return the ship is condemned, being uncapable to procede for _England_; and is sold for about 4000 dollars, much too cheap.

“Here I settle my account of time, and find I have lost a day coming westward round the world; therefore I allow but six days for this week and go on.”

30. “Twenty of us agreed here, at six dollars each, to go to _Canton_ in a boat with chests and bedding, and get a passage from thence to _England_: but it was my good hap to miss going in her, losing only my money; for she was taken by the pyrates: and some of our people now at _Canton_ have lost their things: So that seven of us agree for a _Mandarin_’s boat at twenty dollars each, finding it unsafe to go otherwise: we anchored at a town half way to _Canton_, being obliged to get into a private boat, while the _Mandarin_ convoyed us in sight of _Canton_. In our passage we saw a pyrate take a boat; and I find it is a common practice. I think it very scandalous: but probably the _Chinese_ government wink at it.”

_November_ 4th. “We arrive at the _English_ factory at _Canton_: are very kindly received. They meet, and agree to carry us to _Great Britain_ at five pound a man, being a very great favour: Accordingly we all pay our money. I and two or three more went aboard the _Maurice_, captain _Peacock_ at _Wampo_, being the place where the _European_ ships lye about three leagues down _Canton_ river. The rest of our company divide in several ships.”

9. “We made sail in company of the _Macclesfield_ an _English East India_ man, and an _Ostender_ call’d the _House_ of _Austria_.”

13. “The grand _Ladron_ island bore N. E. four leagues; from whence I take my departure. Latitude 22. N.”

The run from _China_ to _Great Britain_ being generally well known, it is foreign to my purpose to extract any more of this journal. I here give Mr. _Taylor_ my hearty thanks for the use of it: and am pleas’d I can do it in this public manner. Without it, I could not have been able in some particulars to confute the false and treacherous relation given by captain _Shelvocke_; who never kept any journal himself, or suffer’d any one to use pen and ink, but his own creatures. If Mr. _Taylor_ had designd to publish his account, he doubtless might have enterd remarks and occurrences of another nature than those which concern navigation and geography. And altho’ the expedition of these two ships faild in all its best particulars, yet a good journal of their procedings round the whole ocean might have been entertaining: for men love to read of enterprizes, tho’ they prove unfortunate.

Lastly, I must observe to Mr. _Taylor_’s credit, that he has kept his account truly and carefully like an honest man and a good artist; having judiciously markd the currents and rectifyd the latitudes of many places. He arrivd at _Batavia_ in _December_; at the cape of _Good Hope_ in _February_; at St. _Helena_ and _Ascension_ in _March_; and in _May_ 1722, at _London_: having thus made a complete tour of the globe.