Chapter LXIX: Section LXVIII

Comming in sight of the ilands of Pearles, the wind began to fresh in with us, and wee profited our selves of it: but [La Pacheta.] comming thwart of a small iland, which they call la Pacheta, that lyeth within the Pearle ilands, close abourd the mayne, and some eight or ten leagues south and by west from Panama, the wind calmed againe.

This iland belongeth to a private man; it is a round humock,[243] conteyning not a league of ground, but most fertile. Insomuch, that by the owners industrie, and the labour of some few slaves, who occupie themselves in manuring it; and two barkes, which he imployeth in bringing the fruit it giveth to Panama, it is sayd to bee worth him every weeke, one with another, a barre of silver, valued betwixt two hundreth and fiftie or three hundreth pezos; which in English money, may amount to fiftie or threescore pounds: and for that which I saw at my being in Panama, touching this, I hold to be true.

In our course to fetch the port of Panama, wee put our selves betwixt the iland and the maine: which is a goodly channell, of three, foure, and five leagues broad, and without danger, except a man come too neare the shoare on any side; and that is thought the better course, then to goe a sea-boord of the ilands, because of the swift running of the tydes, and the advantage to stop the ebbe: as also for succour, if a man should happen to bee becalmed at any time beyond expectation, which happeneth sometimes.

[The generall certefieth the _Audiencia_ of his successe.]

The seventh of July wee had sight of Perico: they are two little ilands which cause the port of Panama, where all the shippes used to ride. It is some two leagues west north-west of the cittie, which hath also a pere[244] in itselfe for small barkes; at full sea it may have some sixe or seaven foote water, but at low water it is drie.

[The great joy of the Spaniards.]

The ninth of July wee anchored under Perico, and the generall presently advised the _Audiencia_ of that which had succeeded in his journey: which, understood by them, caused bonfires to be made, and every man to put luminaries in their houses. The fashion is much used amongst the Spaniards in their feasts of joy, or for glad tidings; placing many lights in their churches, in their windowes, and galleries, and corners of their houses; which being in the beginning of the night, and the cittie close by the sea-shore, showed to us, being farre of, as though the cittie had been on a light fire.

About eight of the clocke, all the artillery of the citty was shott off, which wee might discerne by the flashes of fire, but could not heare the report; yet the armado being advised thereof, and in a readinesse, answered them likewise with all their artillery; which taking ende, as all the vanities of this earth doe, the generall settled himselfe to dispatch advise for the King, for the vice-roy of Peru, and for the vice-roy of the Nova Spana, for hee also had beene certified of our being in that sea, and had fitted an armado to seeke us, and to guard his coast.

[Note.]

But now for a farewell (and note it), let me relate unto you this secret, how Don Beltran shewed mee a letter from the King, his master, directed to the vice-roy, wherein he gave him particular relation of my pretended voyage; of the ships, their burden, their munition, their number of men, which I had in them, as perfectly as if he had seene all with his own eyes: saying unto me, “Heereby may you discerne whether the King, my master, have friends in England, and good and speedie advice of all that passeth.”

Whereunto I replyed: “It was no wonder, for that hee had plentie of gold and silver, which worketh this and more strange effects: for my journey was publique and notorious to all the kingdome.” Whereunto hee replyed, that if I thought is so convenient, leave should be given mee to write into England to the Queens Majestie, my mistresse, to my father, and to other personages, as I thought good; and leaving the letters open, that he would send some of them in the King’s packet, others to his uncle Don Rodrigo de Castro, cardinall and archbishoppe of Sevill, and to other friends of his; not making any doubt but that they would be speedily in England. For which I thanked him, and accepted his courtesie; and although I was my selfe unable to write, yet by the hands of a servant of mine, I wrote three or foure coppies of one letter to my father, Sir John Hawkins; in which I briefly made relation of all that had succeeded in our voyage.

The dispatches of Spaine and New Spaine, went by ordinary course in ships of advise; but that for the Peru, was sent by a kinseman of the generalls, called Don Francisco de la Cuena.

Which being dispatched, Don Beltran hasted all that ever hee could to put his shippes in order, to returne to Lyma. Hee caused the _Daintie_ to be grounded and trimmed; for in those ilands it higheth and falleth some fifteen or sixteen foote water.

And the generall with his captaines, and some religious men being aboord her, and new naming her, named her the _Visitation_, for that shee was rendred on the day on which they celebrate the visitation of the blessed Virgin Mary. In that place, the ground being plaine and without vantage, whereby to helpe the tender sided and sharpe ships, they are forced to shore them on either side. In the midest of their solemnity, her props and shores of one side fayled, and so shee fell over upon that side suddenly, intreating many of them which were in her, very badly; and doubtlesse, had shee bin like the shippes of the South sea, shee had broken out her bulge: but being without mastes and empty (for in the South sea, when they bring a-ground a shippe, they leave neither mast, balast, nor any other thing abourd, besides the bare hull), her strength was such as it made no great show to have received any damage; but the feare shee put them all into was not little, and caused them to runne out of her faster then a good pace.

In these ilands is no succour nor refreshing; onely in the one of them is one house of strawe, and a little spring of small moment. For the water, which the shippes use for their provision, they fetch from another iland, two leagues west north-west of these, which they call Tabaga, having in it some fruite and refreshing, and some fewe Indians to inhabite it.

What succeeded to mee, and to the rest during our imprisonment, with the rarities and particularities of the Peru and Terra Firme, my voyage to Spaine, and the successe, with the time I spent in prison in the Peru, in the Tercera, in Sevill, and in Madrid, with the accidents which befell me in them, I leave for a second part of this discourse, if God give life and convenient place and rest, necessary for so tedious and troublesome a worke: desiring God, that is Almightie, to give his blessing to this and the rest of my intentions, that it and they may bee fruitefull to His glory, and the good of all: then shall my desires be accomplished, and I account myselfe most happie. To whom be all glory, and thankes from all eternitie.

FINIS.

THE TABLE

OF

THE PRINCIPALL OBSERVATIONS

CONTEINED IN THIS BOOKE.

A

Advantage of obedience 137

Advise by land and sea 172

Advertisements for commanders 137
---- for servitors 138

Agnanapes 96

Alonso de Soto, noblenes of 153

Alcatraces 71

Amber-greece 74

Amitie of the Indians 170

Anchors unserviceable, mending of 132

Anchors, light, fit for the South sea 151

Arica 168

Arawcans, valour of the 158
---- much commended for all sorts of fruit and gold 157

Armado, Spanish 182

Arrogancy of the Spanish generall 202

Artillery, overcharging of 169

Artillery, courses for after bourding 206

Austria, Donna, in the narrow seas 36

B

Backwardnesse of companies 136
---- evill consequences thereof 136

Baldivia 143

Bay, English 124

Bezar stone, the 74

Beefe, pickled 143
---- held good beyond the equinoctiall 143

Blanches Bay 118

Bourding, policies to avoid 199

Bonito, the 67

Brasill, knowne etc. 61

Bravo 48

Brasil, description of 100
---- its havens 100
---- commodities and wants 100
---- bestial and discommodities 100

Burdeaux fleete, the losse of 18

C

Calking, false 32
---- prevention thereof 33

Candish, Thomas 129
---- surprised 90

Canary ilands 41

Canary, Grand 42

Cape Blanco 85

Captaines, ignoble 104

Captaines, disloyalties of 166

Cassavi, beverage of 96

Cassavi meale 95
---- preparing thereof 95

Catalina, Saint 101

Chieftain, parts requisite in a 189

Chieftains, two, dangerous 192

Cherries 86

Chile, people of 147
---- their weapons 147
---- and hate to the Spaniards 147

Cyvet catts 51

Cittie of Conception 149

Commanders, covetous, unwillingness to follow 161

Commander, a, not to trust his officers 184

Commanders, admonitions to 186

Cocos, and their kinds 50

Complaints of master Thomas Candish 27
---- of master George Raymond 28

Company sicke 56
---- and dismayed 126

_Cotton Edward_, the losse of 54

Clothes made in Coquinbo 158

Crabby Cove 128

Care of currants 54

D

Departure from Lyma 152

Devises in sudden accidents 115

Directions to be secret 189

Discipline of the Spanish 103

Discipline, cause of their prosperities 103

Discipline neglected by the English 17

Discipline pried into by the Spaniards 194
---- and by them imitated 195

Discoveries, use of 7

Discovery on the coast to be avoyded 149

Dolphin, the 66

Drake, Sir Francis, upon the southermost part of the world 142

Dutch, providence of the 17

Ducks 113

E

Elizabeth Bay 117

Engines of antiquitie, disuse of 206

English, the, carry up their flag 35

English, authors of sea discipline 17

English, carelessnesse of the 184

Exchange of trifles 145
---- of sheepe 146

Exercise alwayes necessary 44

F

Fenton, Edward 129

Fernandes, Juan 149

Fire, danger of 62
---- by heating of pitch 62
---- by taking tobacco 63
---- by candle light 63
---- by hooping and scuttling 64
---- by nature of waters 64

Fierro, strange tree in 42

Fight, the Spanish, beginning of 184
---- their intertainment 191
---- the English 191
---- the Spanish 191
---- pay deere for their rashnesse 196
---- take a new resolution 197

Flying fishes 70

French and English salute 35

French surprised 90

Fruits wholsome, to know 87

Fuego 48

Fugitives, end of 195

G

Gannetts 86

God propitious 127
---- therefore praised 127

Gold, some, and one shippe taken 150

Gold, every shower a shower of 158

Greenfield, Sir Richard, at Flores 20

Gulls 113

Gunner, deceit of the 185

H

Hampton, master Thomas 34

Harbours, annoyances in 80

Hawkins, Master William 130

Hawkins Mayden-land 108

Helm-man 84

I

Iago, Saint 47
---- sacked 48

Ilands, St. James 85

_Jesus of Lubecke_, the 10

Ienero 93

Ilands, unwholsome 45
---- their heat 45
---- the breze 45
---- the best remedie 46

Inconvenience of imprests 28
---- their true use 29

Indians housing 98

Indians poligamy 98

Indians apparrell 146
---- and manner of sleeping 99

Indians trechery 145

Indians foresight 122

Indians industry 90

Indians dismissed 180

Indians led by a Mulato 181

Instructions, consequence of 30

Isla Grand 93

Iuca, planting of 97
---- by women 97

K

_Kavas Purgativas_, use of 87

L

Land, unknowne 107
---- care of approach 107

Leakes, new devise for stopping, without bourd 155

Lyne, the, best time to passe 76

M

Madera 40

Mariner, a, who to be accounted 186
---- his knowledge 186
---- and materials 186
---- for navigation 187

Mariners, the, revenge 69

Mariners, wilfulnesse of 149

Maries, S. 148

Master, care of the 83

Masters mate, unskilfulnesse of the 83

Meeting, fittest places of 31

Mocha 143

Monkies, parrots 51

Moone, influence of the 46

Mutenies, how to be winked at 141

Multitude, unadvisednesse of the 183

O

Objections resolved 204

Office of a master 188
---- of a pilot 188
---- of the boteswaine 188
---- of the steward 188
---- of the carpenter 188
---- of the gunner 188

Oleron, lawes of 164

Oranges, vertue of 81

Oreweed, beds of 108

P

Palmer, Sir Henry, modestie of 18

Patience of the Earle of Nottingham 139

Parts requisite in a commander at sea 18

Palmito, the 48, 86

Palmito Iland 92

Pearles 133

Pengwins, iland of 110
---- described 111
---- hunting of 112
---- kept for store 113

Pentagones, care of the 106

Philip, King, comming into England 36

Pilats fishes 70

Pillage, challenging of 163
---- what to be reputed 166
---- undue, prevention of 167

Placentia 50

Plaintain, the 49

Pynaces, dutie of 40

Pynace lost 25

Porke, good, foure yeare old 143

Ports, danger of open 13

Providence of God 83

Provisions, corrupt or scantie 161
---- better provided at Plimouth 12

Puerto Viejo 178

Puma 177

Purgatives 87

Purslain 86

Q

Quintera, bay of 156

R

Ratts, prevention of 135
---- calamities they bring 135

Reach, Long 122

_Repentance_, the 8

Reasons of returne dangerous 131

_Revenge_, the 9

Rudders, spare 155

Runnawayes 104

S

Sabboth reserved for holy exercises 44

Sailes of cotton cloth 151

Salomon, ilands of 176

Santos, arrival at 77
---- forbidden to trade 79

Sarmiento, Pedro 109

Scurvy, the 56
---- the signes 56
---- the causes 57
---- the remedies 58
---- by diet 59
---- by shift 59
---- by labour 59
---- by early eating and drinking 59
---- by sower oranges and lemmons 60
---- by Dr. Stevens water 60
---- by oyle of vitry 60
---- by ayre of the land 60

Seething meat in salt water 58
---- corruption of victuall 58

Sea, the vapours of 58

Seafaring men, abuses of 26

Seales 114

Setting the ship upon a rock 126
---- Diligence to free it 127

Sheathing of ships 119
---- in Spaine and Portingall 120
---- with double plankes 120
---- with canvas 120
---- with burnt planks 120
---- with varnish in China 120
---- in England 121
---- best manner of 121

Sharke, the 68

Shipping, what requisit in 7

Ships, the honour of his Majesties 36
---- of trade 199
---- the prince his 200
---- of warre are not all to be low built 200
---- foure taken 149

Ship, dutie of a small against a greater 204

Shooting at sea 33
---- mischances thereupon ensuing 34

Sloth cause of fancies 125

Sounding, care of 52

Spanish discipline 191
---- officers 193
---- admirall commeth to leeward 190

Spaniards parley 207
---- inexperience of the 184
---- weaknesse of the 19
---- vain-glory of the 205

Severitie of Spaine 168

Steerage, care of 84
---- exquisite in the Spaniards and Portingals 84

Straights, the 108
---- second peopling of the 116
---- ilands, south part of the 142

Stormes, effects of courage in 24

Storme, a cruell 148

Swans, birds like 105
---- how caught 105
---- good refreshment 106

Swearing remedied 65

T

Tenerif, description of 41

_Thunderbolt_, the, of London 10

Tobias Cove 126

Trading, concealement hindereth 166

Tremontaine Point 107

Time, entertainement of 133

V

Vavisor, Captaine 21

Vessell, importance of a small 148

Vice admirall, place of 20

Voyages, considerations for 12
---- overthrowne by pretences 129

Voyage, the overthrow of the 102
---- the cause 102
---- infidelitie 103

W

Wafters, order of the Flemish 17

Wages, deteyning of 162

Warehouses sacked 150

Wast, objection of 118
---- answered 118
---- of men 89

Water salt, distilling of 82
---- contagious 88

Watches, care of 56

Watch, fruits of good 91

Weaknes, concealement of 152

Wilfulnesse of mariners 15

Wine more dangerous then the enemy 153

Wines, Spanish, and fevers unknowne in England 153

Wine consumeth treasure 154

Whale, fight of the 71
---- with the sword-fish 71
---- with the thresher 72
---- taking of the 72
---- by the Indians 75

Warning against wormes 119

Y

Yonkers ever necessary in the top 44

FINIS.

RICHARDS, PRINTER, 100, ST. MARTIN’S LANE.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Sir John Hawkins was one of the most distinguished men of his period. He was a noted commander at sea forty-eight years, and treasurer of the navy for twenty-two years; and it was generally owned that he was the author of more useful inventions, and introduced into the navy better regulations, than any officer before his time.

[2] Possibly her ladyship’s thoughts may be explained by the consideration that she compared the objects of the proposed voyage with those followed out by her husband. He was the first Englishman who engaged in the inhuman traffic of slaves, and was granted the unenviable addition to his arms: “a demi moor proper; bound.”

[3] Incurred?

[4] Docked?

[5] The brave defence of Sir Richard Greenfeild, or Greenville, against nearly the whole Spanish fleet, merits being here recorded: himself severely wounded and his ship a complete wreck, he ordered her to be sunk, but to this his officers would not consent, so she surrendered on terms. Out of one hundred men fit to bear arms, near sixty survived this glorious action; but hardly a man but carried off some wounds as memorials of their courage.

[6] Convoy? Whafter. A term applied to ships of war,--probably from their carrying flags or whafts.

[7] This alludes to a base attack made on Sir John Hawkins, after he had entered into a friendly agreement with the Viceroy.

[8] Corogne (F.) Coruña (S.).

[9] Probably an abbreviation or misprint for Biscayan. Lediard relates, that in 1592, an expedition, fitted out against the Spaniards, took a great Biscayan shipp of six hundred tunnes, laden with all sorts of small iron-work.

[10] This great caracke was taken, after a sharp engagement, by six ships, part of the expedition alluded to in note 1; which was dispatched expressly to the Azores, to lie in wait for the East India carackes. This expedition left under the command of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir John Borrough. Sir Walter was, however, superseded by Sir Martin Forbisher. She was called the “_Madre de Dios_,” a seven-decked ship of one hundred and sixty-five feet from stem to stern, manned with six hundred men. The burthen of this caracke was sixteen hundred tons, and she carried thirty-two brass guns. Her cargo, besides jewels, _which never came to light_, was as follows: spices, drugs, silks, and calicoes, besides other wares, many in number, but less in value, as elephant’s teeth, china, cocoa-nuts, hides, ebony, and cloth made from rinds of trees. All which being appraised, was reckoned to amount to at least one hundred and fifty thousand pounds. The carracke, or Carraca, was a large vessel of two masts, used in the India and Brazilian trade.

[11] Bounty? or perhaps wages paid in advance.

[12] A small vessel fitted with sails and oars.

[13] Drop down.

[14] We ought to profit by the experience of those who precede us. Had this “gentle warning” been attended to, probably the loss of the _Royal George_ might have been prevented. She went down at her anchors while lying at Spithead, the 29th of August, 1782, having been struck by a squall, while her lower ports were open.

[15] The term admirall, appears formerly to have been applied as well to the principal ship in a fleet, as to the superior officer. To cite one among many instances, in an expedition under the Earl of Cumberland, in 1594, we find the _Royal Exchange_, Admiral, two hundred and fifty tons, commanded by Captain George Cave. The _May-flower_, two hundred and fifty tons, Vice-Admiral, commanded by Captain W. Anthony. The _Samson_ Rear-Admiral, by Captain Nicholas Downton, together with a caravel and pinnace.

[16] A remarkable instance of carelessness occurred in 1801. The Dutch Frigate _Ambuscade_, went down by the head half an hour after leaving her moorings in Sheerness harbour. This arose from the hawse holes being unusually large, and the plugs not in.

[17] This is sound advice and good seamanship. In turning to wind-ward, it is wise to keep in the fair way, so that in case of missing stays, you have not a danger under your lee.

[18] Boats built for speed (?) or perhaps from the Dutch _Filibote_.

[19] In the list of seven ships composing Lord Thomas Howard’s fleet, we find the _Foresight_, Captain Vavisour. He deserves great credit for attempting to yield what succour he was able to the gallant Sir R. Greenville, whose brave defence has been already alluded to in page 10. One other vessel followed, or perhaps set, the example: the _George Noble_, of London, falling under the lee of the _Revenge_, asked Sir Richard if he had anything to command him; but as he was one of the victuallers and but of small force, Sir Richard bid him shift for himself, and leave him to his fortune. Lediard adds in a note, that it is more than probable had all the other vessels behaved with the same vigour and resolution as Sir Richard and his company, they might have given a good account of the Spanish fleet. It is to be regretted the name of the commander of the _George Noble_ is not recorded. We know not which to admire most, his bravery in fully acting up to the principle of “succouring a known friend in view,” or the magnanimity of Sir Richard in dismissing him from an unequal contest.

[20] _Souffler_--to blow.

[21] It is still unfortunately too much the custom to risk the loss of ship and “sweet lives,” by neglecting the use of the lead.

[22] The tide runs two or three hours later in the offing than in shore; by attending to this, a vessel working down channel may gain great advantage.

[23] Of Magellan.

[24] Probably what is now called a “gig”; a fast-pulling boat.

[25] Obviously a phrase of the period. Ancient Pistol is made to say: “Si fortuna me contenta, spero me contenta.”

[26] Familiar as we are with the present resources of the dockyard at Plymouth, we can hardly estimate the firmness that could bear up against such mischances; of this stuff were the founders of the British naval power composed.

[27]

Now fitted the halter, now traversed the cart,
And often took leave yet was loath to depart.

_The Thief and the Cordelier.--Prior._

[28] Chart, or perhaps card for reducing the courses and distances:--

_Second Witch._ I will give thee a wind.
_First Witch._ Thou art kind.
_Third Witch._ And I another.
_First Witch._ I myself have all the other,
And the very ports they blow,
All the quarters that they know;
I’ the shipman’s card.
--_Macbeth._

[29] The seaman of 1600 appears to have differed very little from the seaman of 1800. Let us hope that the present race will discountenance such “lewd proceedings.”

[30] Thomas Cavendish, one of the early circumnavigators.

[31] Some such long-shore fellows are still to be met with.

[32] From the Dutch word _loeven_, to ply to windward.

[33] The “waytes” seem to have been either music played during the setting of the watch, or occasionally, to show that a look-out was kept. _Guetter_ (?)

[34] The use of private signals and the appointment of a place of rendezvous, may perhaps date from this period.

[35] Weight--_peso_. (Spanish.)

[36] Stern-post.

[37] A trivial hole left open, or a treenail not driven by a careless workman, may cause the failure of an important expedition; or at least cause great mischief and discomfort: which neglect still occasionally happens.

[38] _Amener le pavillon_--to haul down the ensign.

[39] Under bare poles.

[40] Probably derived from _lâcher un coup_: to fire a shot.

[41] In those days the principle of “mare clausum” was acted upon; now it is “mare liberum” everywhere.

[42] Probably the islands that lie off Bayona, near Vigo.

[43] _Carabela_, (Spanish) a small vessel so called.

[44] Still well known as the rock of Lisbon.

[45] With the wind abeam.

[46] Although Sir Richard thinks it necessary to hold such prudent language, we have little doubt he was just the man to attempt to take a large ship armed or unarmed, in a “pynace.”

[47] _Orchilla_--a lichen yielding a purple dye.

[48] The latest measurement, by Captain Vidal, R.N., makes the height of the Peak 12,370 feet.

[49] The old voyagers were fond of dealing in the marvellous; our author is singularly free from this defect.

[50] We cannot trace the meaning of this word, unless it be a closed vessel, derived from the Anglo-Saxon _tynan_--to close. At Bermuda all the drinking water is preserved in tanks.

[51] Further on written “sedge,” surf (?)

[52] The Fortunate islands were known before they were conquered by MM. Bethencourt, in the sixteenth century.

[53] Although the difference between _black_ and _white_ be great, we think Cape Blanco is meant.

[54] Probably the evening watch.

[55] This has become a standing order in the service. Many a good prize has been made by sending a mast head man up before daylight.

[56] Most of us are familiar with Dr. Watts’ lines,--

“For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.”

[57] Covering--the deck so called because it covers in the ship--_cubierta_ (Spanish).

[58] _Montera_--a species of hat worn in Spain.

[59] We apprehend the whole of this story to be “moonshine.”

[60] Groups.

[61] Coast of Guinea and Bight of Benin.

[62] From the account in Lediard, it appears that Sir A. Shyrley failed in his object; but he deserves credit for effecting a safe retreat to his ships in the face of a superior force. The expedition under Sir F. Drake was successful. It is curious to notice how the titles of military rank have changed since those days. The troops were commanded by Christopher Carlisle, an experienced officer; under him Captain A. Powel, _Sergeant Major_; Captain M. Morgan, and Captain J. Sampson, _Corporals of the field_. (See p. 17, line 26.)

[63] The terminal bud of the areca or cabbage palm, when boiled, makes a delicate dish.

[64] This is a most valuable production: we believe it bears, on the same area, a greater weight of food than any other vegetable. The fruit of the plantain, _Musa sapientum_, is chiefly eaten cooked. The banana, _Musa paradisiaca_, is eaten raw. There are many species, almost all excellent.

[65] _Succade_--preserved citron.

[66] The cocoa nut palm is too well known to need description. All its parts are applied by the natives to innumerable uses. Few visitors to tropical countries but have been refreshed by a draught of cocoa nut water; always preserved cool by the thick husk.

[67] _All sail set_--at present its signification is confined to a vessel rigged and ready for sea.

[68] It is still the custom to attribute all similar discordancies to the effect of current. This is a simple if not very philosophical mode of making the reckoning agree with observation. In this case, probably both the reckoning of the ship and the position of the land on the chart were faulty.

[69] The term height is used for latitude; probably because the pole star was the principal object used to determine position.

[70] The current in the West Indies, known as the Gulf stream, still runs to the northward through the Gulf of Florida, and then trending to the eastward, expends its force in the Atlantic.

[71] At the present day, by the general use of chronometers, the longitude can be determined with almost as great facility as the latitude.

[72] The cause of scurvy is now known to be, the use for a long period of one diet, and that unwholesome. Since greater attention has been paid to the proper admixture of articles of food, and also to the cleanliness and ventilation of the vessel, this disease has nearly disappeared.

[73]

“The very deep did rot!
That ever this should be!
Yea slimy things did crawl with legs
Upon the slimy sea.”

_Ancient Mariner.--Coleridge._

[74] It forms part of a naval surgeon’s instructions, that in tropical countries, when the crew are likely to be employed on shore, each is to take a morning draught of spirits or wine, with bark infused.

[75] The scurvy is not peculiar to seamen. It raged with great violence during the siege of Gibralter. Oranges and lemons were found of great benefit in arresting the disease. Lime juice has been long a fixed article of diet in men-of-war, and lately merchant vessels are compelled to carry it as an article of provision.

[76] Oil of vitriol or sulphuric acid.

[77] In the year 1776, the Royal Society awarded their gold medal to Captain James Cook, for a paper on “Preserving the health of the crew of her majesty’s _Resolution_, &c.” Captain Cook considers that much was owing to the extraordinary care taken by the admiralty in causing such articles to be put on board, as by experience or conjecture were judged to be useful. But he adds, that the introduction of the most salutary articles will prove unsuccessful, unless supported by certain rules. The men being at three watches, except on emergency, were consequently less exposed to the weather, and generally had dry clothes to shift themselves. Care was taken to keep their persons and clothes clean and dry. A fire was often burned in the well. The coppers were kept clean, and no fat allowed to be given to the people. Fresh water was obtained at every opportunity. Few places but what offered some refreshment, and example and authority were not wanting to induce their being employed. These methods, under Divine Providence, enabled the _Resolution_ to complete a voyage of three years and eighteen days with the loss of only _one man_ by disease.

We may remark that our author seems to have been fully alive to the importance of caring for the health of his company, and it is not improbable that Cook benefited by some of his suggestions.

[78] Shoals called the Abrolhos.

[79] Snyte for snipe.

[80] Heating pitch, and drawing off spirits in the hold, using a light, are the most common causes that lead to fire. Excluding the air is the best remedy, and no better device could have been hit upon than wetting the rug gowns.

[81] Holes in the ship’s side to carry off the water. The term now in use is _scupper_: slopper appears to be as good a word.

[82] Swabs are a species of mop, made of a collection of rope yarns, used to dry the deck. _Swebban_--(Anglo-Saxon) to sweep.

[83] _To scuttle_--to make openings. _Escotilla_ (Spanish), is applied to the openings in the deck, called by us hatch-ways. The term scuttle is also applied to the small openings made in the ship’s side, to admit light and air.

[84] If impure water be confined in a close cask, gas will be generated, and the effect described happen.

[85] In the instructions given by the Lords Generals, the Earl of Essex and Charles Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral of England, to the captains of the ships composing the expedition to Cadiz, in 1596, the second article runs thus: Item--You shall forbid swearing, brawling, dicing, and such like disorders, as may breed contention and disorder in your ship, wherein you shall also avoid God’s displeasure and win his favour.

[86] The early painters and sculptors, and others who deal in “naval attributes,” have treated the dolphin very ill; Sir Richard’s description, if studied, might have amended the monsters given out to the public as dolphins.

[87] A shoal or scull of fish; that is, separated from the main body. This is Horne Tooke’s derivation. We think the term is more commonly applied to the main body itself.

[88] _Fisgig_ or _grains_--a small trident used for striking fish. From the Spanish _fisga_.

[89] Pouch or stomach.

[90] One species produces its young alive: others in a hard membraneous pouch.

[91] This enmity betwixt sailors and sharks still exists, and the interest attending their capture is great.

[92] Probably a small cask.

[93] The man-of-war bird, or cormorant--_Pelecanidæ_. On the coast of Brazil, in latitude twenty-four, are the Alcatrasse islands.

[94] _Xiphias_--the sword or snout is about three-tenths of his whole length.

[95] _The surface_--from cream or ream, what rises to the surface--or perhaps from rim, brim.

[96] This story seems to be founded on the fact that the snout of the sword fish is often found driven through parts of vessels’ bottoms; whence it has been inferred, the fish mistook them for whales. We imagine the account of the thresher to be fabulous.

[97] In the thirteenth century the tongue of the whale was esteemed as an article of food; and whale beef, as it is called, is eaten at Bermuda, and probably elsewhere.

[98] In the early days of the whale fishery, when the fish were plentiful, the oil was boiled out on shore, near the place of capture. At present the blubber is imported from the northern fishery.

[99]

“And telling me the sovereign’st thing on earth
Was parmaceti for an inward bruise.”

--_Henry IV_, Part I.

Spermaceti is obtained from the brain of the sperm whale,--_physeter monocephalus_--not from the spawn.

[100] _Bezoar_--name applied to a concretion found in the stomach of various animals. Many extraordinary virtues were formerly ascribed to it, without much foundation.

[101] Ambergris is still considered to be a concretion formed in the stomach of the sperm whale.

[102] In Waterton’s _Wanderings_ will be found a parallel story, of a gentleman riding on a cayman.

[103] According to Horsburgh, the least favorable season for getting to the southward, is the period from June to September inclusive.

[104] Bisoño--(Spanish) raw, undisciplined:--

_Pistol._ Under which king, Bezonian? speak or die.

_Henry IV_, Part II.

[105] The double pistole was a coin of about the value of thirty or thirty-five shillings.

[106] So that he may get away when it pleases him.

[107] Alluding to the attempt the fleet made to return northabout. In the British Museum is preserved a curious old pack of playing cards, on which are depicted subjects relating to the defeat of the “Spanish Armada”. On the ten of spades is shewn a consultation about returning by the North Ocean.

[108] Such a wind as would enable them to lie aslant or obliquely near the desired course. It is commonly said that “a calm is half a fair wind”; it is more than this, as out of thirty-two points, twenty would be fair.

[109] Easterhand?

[110] _Répartir_--(French) to divide.

[111] Various schemes have been tried to distil fresh water at sea from salt water; but none apparently have succeeded in producing an equivalent for the expense of fuel. In steam vessels a considerable supply is obtained from the condensation of the steam.

[112] The term mate, as used at present, implies some one under the master. The real meaning implies persons co-equal. Thus we still speak of ship-mates, etc., without inference to rank.

[113] The coast lies nearer south and by west, than west and by south, so they would certainly have run on shore without any blame attaching to the helmsman.

[114] The quarter deck may be defined as the space betwixt the mainmast and the after-hatchway; it seems also to have been called the half deck. Both terms arising from the fact that before the mainmast, the skids or beams were not planked. We still speak of being _on_ the quarter deck, but _under_ the half deck. The quarter deck is set apart for purposes of parade, and there the officer of the watch should always be sought.

[115] _Adjutare_--(Latin) to assist.

[116] On a still night, unless the attention of the helmsman be continually excited, it is quite possible that he get into a dreamy state and, if at the same time, the officer of the watch is thinking of “those far away,” the ship may be run for a time some points off her course. In the preceding section, Sir Richard well describes the difficulty of distinguishing betwixt a sandy shore and the water, on a calm bright night.

[117] Cape Saint Thomé?

[118] Now called Saint Anna.

[119] Well soaked in water to remove the salt.

[120] _Portulaca sativa_--a fleshy-leaved plant, much esteemed in hot countries for its cooling properties.

[121] Great caution should be used in tasting unknown fruits; perhaps this tree was the _croton tiglium_, every part of which possesses powerful drastic properties.

[122] A species of cactus; the fruit is eaten in Sicily and elsewhere. We cannot join Sir Richard in its praise: perhaps as he had been long at sea, he found it grateful. The cochineal insect feeds on one species of this plant.

[123] This river is now called the Maccahe: probably it floods in the rainy season.

[124] By working up under their lee.

[125] These shoals, already alluded to at page 62, are now called the Abrolhos: there is a channel betwixt the islets and the main: the soundings extend to the eastward eighty or ninety miles.

[126] Boats hollowed from the trunk of a tree.

[127] Whoop! whoop! Cotgrave gives us the meaning of _hootings_ and _whoopings_: noises wherewith swine are scared, or infamous old women disgraced.

[128] A sudden sensation, be it from fear or otherwise, has a surprising effect upon persons sick or bed-ridden. Lediard relates that in a sharp engagement with a combined squadron of French and Dutch ships, off St. Christopher, in 1667, Sir John Harman, the English commander, who had been lame and in great pain from the gout, upon discovering the enemy’s fleet, got up, walked about, and gave orders as well as ever, till the fight was over, and then became as lame as before.

[129] We do not approve of such means of exciting vigilance; some might have got their payments. According to Æsop, _wolf_ may be called too often.

[130] Cape Frio has since become remarkable as the point on which her majesty’s ship _Thetis_ was wrecked in December 1830, the night after she had left Rio Janeiro. A landing was effected, and nearly the whole crew saved. A snug cove north of the cape, with a boat entrance to the southward, was much used during the operations afterwards carried on to attempt to recover the treasure embarked in her.

[131] Pine apples, _ananassa sativa_.

[132] Probably a species of nautilus.

[133] The ryal of silver, of which ten went to a “piece,” is in value about fivepence of our money.

[134] Cassava or manioc is of the natural order _euphorbiaceæ_. The root abounds with a poisonous juice, but this after maceration is driven off by heat, and the fecula is obtained in an edible state. Tapioca is a preparation of cassava. _Farina do pao_--flour of wood.

[135] _Vinewed_--mouldy.

[136] Probably cacao (_theobroma cacao_), well known from the beverage of the same name, and from which chocolate is manufactured.

[137] In the Devonshire dialect, _remlet_ means a remnant.

[138] A similar disagreeable preparation, called _kava_, is prepared and drunk in the Polynesian islands.

[139] The hammock now in general use at sea, takes its name from this term.

[140] Blow steadily--in one direction. Whence trade wind.

[141] Before the discovery of America, dye woods were known by this denomination; and Brazil owes its name to the quantity of wood of this nature found among its forests.

[142] Saint Catherine’s now ranks as a port after Rio Janeiro and Bahia.

[143] The cause of the variation of the compass still remains a secret. But from the close analogy existing between magnetism and electricity, perhaps we are not far from discovering it. The variation at this point in 1820, was 7-1/2° E.

[144] Sudden squalls are generated on the Pampas or plains lying round Buenos Ayres, called thence Pamperos; which do great damage. See the account of one in the Voyages of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_.

[145] Probably barricades to retire behind in case of being boarded. The piratical prahus of the Indian Archipelago are fitted with a similar defence.

[146] Misbehaviour. Tooke derives _lewd_ from the Anglo-Saxon _læwan_--to delude or mislead.

[147] This fowl was doubtless the albatross (Diomedea), which seems to be a corruption of the Portuguese word _alcatraz_. The practice of fishing for them still continues, though more for recreation (?) than for refreshment.

[148] The account of the gigantic stature of the Patagonians seems to be fabulous. Magalhaens reported them as giants; but later navigators disputed it: however, Fitzroy states them to average nearly six feet.

[149] It is generally supposed that this land was the Falkland islands; but as they lie betwixt 51° and 53°, this cannot be reconciled with being “next of anything in 48°.” In this parallel, the main land projects to the eastward; and this perhaps was the land he descried. The rock like a sail might be the Bellaco rock.

[150] The expedition of Drake having excited considerable alarm in Peru, the viceroy despatched Don Pedro Sarmiento with orders to take him dead or alive. Proceeding to the Strait of Magalhaens in pursuit, he took the opportunity to explore its shores. He afterwards pointed out to the King of Spain, Philip II, the importance of fortifying the Straits, to prevent the passage of strangers. Accordingly an expedition was fitted out, which, after some accidents, founded the two settlements of Jesus and San Felipe. The site of the last is now known as Port Famine: so named from the disasters which befell the unhappy colonists, who mostly perished by want. Sarmiento himself having been blown off the coast, appears to have used every effort to obtain and forward supplies from Brazil to his friends, but, proceeding to Europe for further assistance, was captured and taken to England.

[151] The tides run with great velocity in some parts of the straits. The rippling might justly cause fear, ignorant as the parties were of the extent of the rise and fall of tide. Fitzroy relates that an American captain hardly recovered, being told that it amounted to six or seven fathoms.

[152] Birds which are strong-flavoured are rendered edible by stripping off their skin.

[153] _Fucus giganteus._--In the voyage of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_ it was found firmly rooted in twenty fathoms, yet streaming fifty feet upon the surface.

[154] The narrowest part is in Crooked Reach, a little to the westward of St. Jerome point: here the strait is about one mile across.

[155] This was probably the opening into Otway water, leading to Sky-ring water, but not disemboguing into the Pacific.

[156] The _teredo navalis_ is very destructive. Nothing but metal is proof against its ravages. It is not clear what may be its purpose in boring into any wood that comes in its way, for it is thought not to be nourished by what it destroys.

[157] These inventions have been improved upon by the use of copper and other metals; of these, copper is the best; and an approved method of applying it, is over a coating of _felt_. Truly there is nothing new under the sun.

[158] Taken _astayes_--another term for taken aback.

[159] It is possible that the natives may have been aware of the coming change. The suspicion entertained of them is an instance of the mistakes often fallen into by misconceiving the motives of those whose language cannot be understood.

[160] To hull, is to lie without sail set; to try, with only low sail; whence we have now special storm sails, called try sails. We believe the correct expression is “to try” either a _hull_ or _under sail_.

[161] To _assay_--to prove. Ancient mode of writing essay.

[162] _To move her off._--To wind a ship now means to turn her. The term is probably derived from to wend.

[163] Now called bilge--that part of the ship’s bottom that bulges or swells out. When a ship takes the ground and heels over, the bilge bears all the strain, and consequently suffers damage.

[164] _To flat in_, means so to adjust the sails as to cause them to act with the greatest effect to turn the ship’s head from the wind; this is done when the ship is nearly taken aback, either by a sudden flaw or by carelessness at the helm. As applied here, it means that the vessel came round on her heel. The time vessels take in performing a similar evolution, bears a certain ratio to their length; long ships requiring more time than short ones.

[165] Sir Richard does not exaggerate “the bitternesse of the time.” During the survey of these straits in the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_, Captain Stokes, an active, intelligent, and energetic officer, destroyed himself, in consequence of his excitable mind becoming worn out by the severe hardships of the cruize, the dreadful weather experienced, and the dangerous situations in which the _Beagle_ was constantly exposed.

[166] Synnet is plait made from rope yarns. Wooling or woolding is performed by passing turns of rope round a spar or rope, either for strength, or, as in this case, to prevent chafe; if spun yarn is used, it is called serving.

[167] The tree called Winter’s bark, _Drimys Winteri_, was discovered by Captain Winter, one of Drake’s officers. The bark is agreeably aromatic, and was found useful in cases of scurvy.

[168] Used for vats.

[169] The devastation caused by rats is very great. We have, however, never heard of their gnawing through the bottom. Indeed if there be any truth in the old sailor’s superstition that rats always leave a vessel when in a dangerous state, they must be too clever to perform so dangerous an experiment.

[170] Much discussion has arisen as to whether this should be written _way_, or _weigh_. We think the correct phraseology is this: when the anchor is _weighed_, the ship is under _way_.

[171] Now called Cape Pillar--on the modern charts Cape Deseado lies to the south of it.

[172] After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, Lord Charles Howard, of Effingham, was created Earl of Nottingham.

[173] These observations appear to have occurred to our author, in consequence of what had taken place during the voyages of Magalhaens and Drake. Both these great commanders, while lying at Port Saint Julian, tried for mutiny, and executed, some of their chief officers; doubtless deeming it wise to cut off the hydra’s head at an early period.

[174] This must be a misprint; it should be perhaps 56°. Some accounts state that Drake visited a bay in 57°: this must be erroneous, as Cape Horn, the most southern part of South America, is in the parallel of 56°.

[175] Much interesting information respecting these straits will be found in the voyages of the _Adventure_ and _Beagle_. Since the days of Anson, the difficulties experienced in rounding Cape Horn have been such as to cause navigators to look to the passage through these straits with great interest, hoping, that if found practicable, adverse gales and a heavy sea might be avoided. Now that the labours of King and Fitzroy have provided correct charts, the road is well known; still it can hardly be recommended to large vessels to “shoot the straits.”

[176] Chiloe.

[177] _Contractation_--commerce or dealings with them.

[178] _To lamm_ is used by Beaumont and Fletcher in the sense of _beat_--_bruise_.

[179] The Araucanians have been immortalized in the _Araucano_, a poem written by Don Alonzo d’Ercilla y Zuniga; Madrid, 1632.

[180] This word is perhaps derived from _lave_, _to draw out_, _to exhaust_.

[181] Chile.

[182] A storm is often judged to be severe in inverse proportion to the size of the vessel caught in it. We may form some idea of this sharp storm from the fact that the boats in tow lived through it.

[183] Val paraiso--vale of Paradise.

[184] _Bota_ is Spanish for a wine-skin or vessel: _botijá_, a jar used for the same purpose.

[185] Lard.

[186] Lime was added to sack, not to preserve it, apparently, but for the same purpose that drugs are mixed in beer and spirits by brewers, publicans, and rectifiers, at the present day.

_Falstaff._ Villain, there’s lime in this sack.

--_Hen. IV._

_Host._ I have spoke; let him follow; let me see thee
Froth and lime.

--_Merry Wives of Windsor._

[187] _Teased_, pulled, or unravelled. Oakum is made from rope yarns teased or untwisted.

[188] We owe many good hints to Spanish seamen: this among others is used to this day.

[189] This was one of Sarmiento’s unfortunate colonists.

[190] Coquimbo, or la Serena.

[191] Thirty years back, two or three ships sufficed for the trade of this coast with Great Britain. At present above three hundred are employed, carrying copper ore, wool, guano, nitrate of soda, etc.

[192] This reminds us of the familiar lines:

“For Widdrington needs must I wail,
As one in doleful dumps;
For when his legs were smitten off,
He fought upon his stumps.”--_Chevy Chace._

[193] “Going by thirds” means that the crew have a certain per centage on the profits of the voyage, in lieu of wages; thus their remuneration partly depends on their own exertions.

[194] Boatswain?

[195] Monte Morena.

[196] It is still the custom to prove ordnance with a heavier charge than they are expected to carry on service. It seems quite possible that a piece may bear the proof, and yet the particles be so disarranged, that it fail afterwards.

[197] The demy-culverin was about equivalent to the nine-pounder; a saker to the six-pounder; and the minion to the four-pounder.

[198] Arequipa.

[199] Sangallan.

[200] Used in the sense of misfortunes.

[201] The plan pursued at that day was to beat to wind-ward in shore: now, by standing out boldly to the westward, the voyage to the south-ward, against the prevailing wind, is much shortened.

[202] Punta de Ahuja?

[203] Puna.

[204] Various preparations of the root of the _smilax sarsaparilla_ are used medicinally.

[205] Alligators.

[206] Cape Pasado.

[207] The first broadside--_tirer_ (French).

[208] Cornish? See page 24.

[209] Down?

[210] To sheer, or shore, means to _separate_--we use the term “sheer to”, but “sheer off” appears to be the only sense in which it should be applied.

[211] The greater part of the powder on board men-of-war, is made up into cartridges, to avoid delay in filling during action, and danger from using loose powder in a ladle.

[212] Crows or crow-bars?

[213] The additional velocity of the projectile gained by using long guns, is thought to overbalance the advantage which the short guns possess by being more easily handled. The usual length of heavy guns at present, is about nine feet and a half.

[214] _To moil_ has been supposed to be derived from the French _mouiller_.

[215] Profited.

[216] Since.

[217] Slightly--or perhaps what we now call “deep-waisted”.

[218] See note, page 199.

[219] Maim.

[220] Probably a misprint for “rare”.

[221] Did not hold so good a wind, or drove more easily to leeward.

[222] Seville was formerly the emporium of the trade of the new world: since the Guadalquiver has become unnavigable for large vessels, its trade has been transferred to Cadiz.

[223] Punctilio.

[224] This apopthegm is sufficient to stamp Sir Richard Hawkins as a great commander.

[225] Fowlers, murderers, etc., were pieces of cannon of the nature of swivels, adapted to close combat. The “cobridge heads” seem to have been bulk heads across the fore and after parts of the vessel.

[226] _En buena guerra_ means by fair or lawful means: it probably implied offering quarter; which means, that if accepted, a certain sum was to be given as ransom.

[227] _Partido_ (Spanish), favour or protection.

[228] With respect to the transaction at San Juan de Ulloa, already alluded to at page 10, Sir Richard Hawkins had good reason to be suspicious of the good faith of the Spaniards. From the account given in Hakluyt, from Sir John Hawkins himself, it appears, that “he was attacked after he had been assured on the faith of the Spanish viceroy that no treachery should be used.” But in the matter of Oxenham, apparently, they were not to blame. John Oxenham had accompanied Drake in his first voyage, in 1574, and after his return, was induced to fit out a small expedition on his own account: he was successful in acquiring booty, but by mismanagement he and all his people fell into the hands of the Spaniards. At Panama he was examined as to what authority he held from his queen; but not being able to produce any power or commission, he with all his company were sentenced to death, as pirates.

[229] _Wool_ probably means the covering or planking. _Rampire_ (for rampart?) what is now termed the bulwark.

[230] Ready.

[231] “Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just.”

_--Henry V._

[232] Precedents.

[233] The term “race” is here repeated: if not a misprint (see note, page 199), can “a race ship” mean one built for speed?

[234] Tumbling home (?); applied to the inclination inward, given to a ship’s topsides.

[235] _Hoy por mi, mañana por ti_: which may be freely translated, “my turn to-day, yours to-morrow.”

[236] Tow or tug.

[237] Divers.

[238] This island was probably named after the Latin term “Margaritæ” pearls.

[239] Poles.

[240] Rare--wonderful: this pearl was found at Santa Margarita; weighed two hundred and fifty carats, and was valued at thirty thousand pounds. Tavernier purchased one at Katifa, in Arabia, for upwards of one hundred thousand pounds. The Ceylon pearls are most valued in England.

[241] Imbargo--embargo: laying on an embargo, means issuing an order to prevent the sailing of vessels.

[242] Oxenham? See page 209.

[243] Mound or hillock.

[244] Pier?

[Transcriber’s Note:

Footnote 128: “off Sir Christopher, in 1667,” changed to read “off St. Christopher, in 1667,”. St. Christopher was an island during that period, now Saint Kitts.

Obvious printer errors corrected silently.

Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]