Volume 17 / Part 3 / Book 3 — BULKELEY'S NARRATIVE.

PREFACE.

As an Introduction, we think proper to acquaint the reader with our reasons for causing the following sheets to be made public to the world. The chief motive which induced us to this task, was to clear our characters, which have been exceedingly blemished by persons who, (next to Heaven) owe the preservation of their lives to our skill and indefatigable care; and who having an opportunity of arriving before us in England, have endeavoured to raise their reputation on the ruin of ours.

It will appear to the reader, on perusal of the following pages, that this journal was attempted to be taken from us by violence at Rio Janeiro; that we have preserved it at the hazard of our lives; that there was no journal kept after the loss of the ship, by any officers but ourselves; and if we had not been careful in making remarks on each day's transactions, persons must have continued in the dark, in relation to all the subsequent proceedings.

It is a very usual thing to publish voyages, especially when the navigators have met with any extraordinary events. We believe our expedition, though it was not a secret, is allowed to be an extraordinary one, consequently attended with extraordinary events: Indeed, while the commodore was with us, every thing went well; but when the squadron separated, things began to have a new face: After the loss of the Wager, there was a general disorder and confusion among the people, who were now no longer implicitly obedient. There were two seamen particularly, who propagated this confusion, they said they had suffered shipwreck in his majesty's ship the Biddeford, and received no wages from the day that the ship was lost; that when they were out of pay, they looked upon themselves as their own masters, and no longer subjected to command. The people, however, were not altogether infected, but still continued to pay a dutiful respect to their commander; but when the captain had rashly shot Mr Cozens, (whose fate the reader will find particularly related) they then grew very turbulent and unruly; the captain daily lost the love of the men, who with their affection lost their duty.

Our confining the captain is thought an audacious and unprecedented action, and our not bringing him home with us is reckoned worse; but the reader will find that necessity absolutely compelled us to act as we did, and that we had sufficient reasons for leaving him behind.

Our attempt for liberty, in sailing to the southward through the straits of Magellan, with such a number of people stowed in a long-boat, has been censured as a mad undertaking: Desperate diseases require desperate remedies; had we gone to the northward, there appeared no probability of escaping the Spaniards, and when we had fallen into their hands, 'tis not unlikely but they might have employed us as drudges in their mines for life; therefore we rather chose to encounter all difficulties than to become slaves to a merciless enemy.

Some persons have objected against our capacity for keeping a journal of this nature; but several judges of maritime affairs allow this work to be exact and regular. We think persons with a common share of understanding, are capable of committing to paper daily remarks of matter worthy their observation, especially of facts in which they themselves had so large a share. We only relate such things as could not possibly escape our knowledge, and what we actually know to be true. We don't set up for naturalists and men of great learning, therefore have avoided meddling with things above our capacity.

We are also condemned by many for being too busy and active for persons in our stations. There was a necessity for action, and a great deal of it too; and had we been as indolent and regardless for the preservation of the people as others who were superior in command, there would not have been a single man who was shipwrecked in the Wager, now in England to give any relation of the matter.

The gentleman who commanded in the long-boat, on his arrival before us at Lisbon, represented us to the English merchants in a very vile light; we were even advised by some of our friends there not to return to our country, lest we would suffer death for mutiny. But when the gentlemen of the factory had perused our journal, they found, if there was any mutiny in the case, the very person who accused us was the ringleader and chief mutineer. We were confident of our own innocence, and determined to see our country at all events, being positive that we have acted to the best of our understandings, in all respects, for the preservation of our lives and liberties; and when our superiors shall think proper to call us to an account, which we expect will be at the commodore's arrival, we do not doubt but we shall clear ourselves in spite of all invidious reflections and malicious imputations.

It has been hinted to us, as if publishing this journal would give offence to some persons of distinction. We can't conceive how any transactions relating to the Wager, although made ever so public, can give offence to any great man at home. Can it be any offence to tell the world that we were shipwrecked in the Wager, when all people know it already? Don't they know that the Wager was one of his majesty's store-ships? That we had on board not only naval stores, but other kind of stores, of an immense value? Don't they also know that we went abroad with hopes of acquiring great riches, but are return'd home as poor as beggars? We are guilty of no indecent reproaches, or unmannerly reflections; though, it is certain, we cannot but lament our being engaged in so fatal an expedition. When persons have surmounted great difficulties, it is a pleasure for them to relate their story; and if we give ourselves this satisfaction, who has any cause to be offended? Are we, who have faced death in so many shapes, to be intimidated, lest we should give offence to the--Lord knows whom? We never saw a satyrical journal in our lives, and we thought that kind of writing was the most obnoxious to give offence.

It has been a thing usual, in publishing of voyages, to introduce abundance of fiction; and some authors have been esteemed merely for being marvellous. We have taken care to deviate from those, by having a strict regard to truth. There are undoubtedly in this book some things which will appear incredible.

The account we give of the Patagonian Indians, and our own distresses, though ever so well attested, will not easily obtain credit; and people will hardly believe that human nature could possibly support the miseries that we have endured.

All the difficulties related we have actually endured, and perhaps must endure more: Till the commodore's arrival we cannot know our fate; at present we are out of all employment, and have nothing to support ourselves and families, but the profits arising from the sale of our journal; which perhaps may be the sum total we shall ever receive for our voyage to the South Seas.

A VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH SEAS.

On Thursday the 18th of September, 1740, sailed from St Hellens his majesty's ship Centurion, Commodore Anson, with the Gloucester, Pearl, Severn, Wager, and Tryal, and two store-ships; this squadron was designed round Cape-Horn into the South Seas, to distress the Spaniards in those parts. The ships were all in prime order, all lately rebuilt. The men were elevated with hopes of growing immensely rich, and in a few years of returning to Old England loaden with the wealth of their enemies.

Saturday, the 20th, the Ram-head bearing N. by W., distant four leagues, the commodore hoisted his pendant, and was saluted by every ship in the squadron, with thirteen guns each. This day joined company with us his majesty's ships Dragon, Winchester, South-Sea-Castle, and Rye-Galley, with a large convoy of merchant ships.

Thursday, the 25th, we parted company with the Winchester and the South- Sea-Castle, with their convoys, bound for America.

On Monday, we parted company with the Streights and Turkey convoys.

Friday, October the 3d, at eight in the morning, we saw two brigantines to the south-east; the commodore gave a signal to chace, at nine fired two shots to bring 'em to, at ten spoke with the chace, being two brigs from Lisbon, bound for New York.

Sunday, the 26th, about five in the morning, the Severn shewed lights, and fired several guns a-head; soon after we saw the land bearing W. by S, and at noon the east end of Madeira bore north, distant five leagues.

Wednesday, we moored in Fonchiale road, so called from a city of that name, which is the metropolis of the island of Madeira; here we employed most of our time in getting aboard water, and stowing our dry provisions between decks.

Tuesday, November the 4th, Captain Kidd our commander was removed on board the Pearl, and the Honourable Captain Murray succeeded him in the Wager. Captain Norris of the Gloucester having obtained leave to return to England, on account of his ill state of health, occasioned the above removals.

While we lay at Madeira, we were informed of ten sail of ships cruising off and on, to the westward, these ships were judged to be French, and had been seen every day for a week before our arrival: The commodore sent out a privateer sloop, but she returned the day following, without seeing 'em, so that we can give no account of 'em.

On Wednesday, the 5th, we sailed, from Madeira. On the 2Oth the Industry store-ship parted company, and on Friday the 28th, by account, we crossed the equinoctial.

On the 17th of December, we saw the island of St Catharine, at noon, the northmost land in sight bore W.N.W., and the southmost S.W. by W. Variation per amplitude 12; 57 easterly.

On the 18th, the north end of the island of St Catharine bore N.W. by W., distant seven leagues, and the island of Gaul bore N.W., distant six leagues.

On the 19th we anchored in St Catharine's bay, in upward of twelve fathom water, the island Gaul on the coast of Brazil, bearing N. by E., distant four leagues. On the 20th, we anchored in St Catharine's road, and the day following, we moored between the island of St Catharine and the main.

On Monday, the 22d, the commodore ordered fresh beef for the sick people.

On the 27th, came in a Portuguese brig from Rio Janeiro, for the Rio Grand: While we lay here, the people were generally employed in over-hauling the rigging, and getting aboard water.

On the 17th of January, 1741, we sailed from St Catharine's, the commodore saluted the fort with eleven guns, the fort returned the same number.

On Thursday, the 22d, we lost sight of the Pearl.

On Tuesday, the 17th of February, the Pearl joined the squadron, and on the 19th we came to anchor off the river of St Julian's, on the coast of Patagonia; St Julian's hill bearing S.W. by W., and the southmost land in sight S. by E., distant from the shore three leagues. This day our captain, the Honourable George Murray, took command on board the Pearl, Captain Kidd having died on the voyage since we left St Catharine's.

Captain Kidd was heard to say, a few days before his death, that this voyage, which both officers and sailors had engaged in with so much cheerfulness and alacrity, would prove in the end very far from their expectations, notwithstanding the vast treasure they imagined to gain by it; that it would end in poverty, vermin; famine, death, and destruction. How far the captain's words were prophetic will appear in the course of our journal. Captain C--p succeeded Captain Murray on board the Wager.

On the 26th of February, we sent on board the Pearl twelve butts and two puncheons of water, the Pearl having, while she was separated from us, been chased by five large Spanish men of war, the commander in chief being distinguished by a red broad pendant with a swallow's tail at his main-top- mast head, and a red flag at his ensign-staff: During the chace, the Pearl, in order to clear ship, threw overboard and stove fourteen tons of water; she likewise stove the long-boat, and threw her overboard, with oars, sails, and booms, and made all clear for engaging, but night coming on at seven o'clock lost sight of the enemy, at five in the morning saw the Spanish ships from the mast-head, two points on the lee-quarter, still giving chace, and crowding all the sail they could, but at nine the Pearl lost sight of 'em entirely. We judged this to be admiral Pizarro's squadron, sent out in pursuit of Commodore Anson. Had our ships united fallen in with 'em, 'tis probable we might have given a good account of 'em. While we lay at St Julian's we saw the sea full of shrimps, and red as if they were boiled, the water appeared tinctured to that degree, that it looked like blood.

On the 27th, we sent on board the Pearl four puncheons of water more; at six in the morning, the commodore made signal to weigh, at eight weighed, and came to sail; this day we lost sight of the Gloucester.

The 28th, the Gloucester came into the squadron again.

On the 7th of March we passed through the Streights of Le Mair; Cape Diego, on the island of Terra de Fuego, bore N.W., three leagues, and the west end of the island, Staten Land, bore E.N.E., distant four leagues, the squadron under reeft courses.

On the 10th, we lost sight of the Ann pink, on the 12th carried away the rails and timbers of the head on both sides.

On the 16th, the Ann pink joined the squadron again.

On the 3Oth, the Gloucester broke her main-yard in the slings.

April the 1st, the commodore ordered Mr Cummins, the carpenter, on board the Gloucester.

On the 8th, carried away the mizen-mast, two feet above the awning; there was no sail on the mast. Upon the rowl of a sea, all the chain-plates to windward broke, lat. 56, 31, long. 87.4, west. At noon Cape St Bartholomew bore north, 84 deg. E., distant 229 leagues.

The 10th, lost sight of the Severn and Pearl, lat. 56, 29, long. 85 west. At ten last night fell in with two small islands; at eight in the morning the islands bore N.N.W., by the compass distant eight leagues, in the latitude 54, 00 south; we took 'em for the islands which lay off Brewer's Streights, lat. 54, 50 south, long. 84, 56 west.

On the 12th, we had very hard gales at west, with the largest swell I ever saw; I was officer of the watch (though I was gunner of the ship, I had the charge of a watch during the whole voyage); we had our larboard tacks on board: Between six and seven in the morning, holding by the topsail hallyards to wind-ward, there broke a sea in the ship, which carried me over the wheel, bilged the cutter, and canted her over the sheet's bottom up athwart the barge; it likewise half filled the long-boat; the boatswain was for heaving the cutter overboard, I order'd him to do nothing with her till I had acquainted the captain, who was then very ill in his cabin: The captain desired me to use all means to save the cutter; at the same time I ask'd leave to skuttle the long-boat, and get the sprit-sail yard and jib in, for fear of endangering the bowsprit; which he ordered to be done, and told me, it was a very great misfortune that he should be ill at such a time. When I came from the captain, I found the lieutenant on the deck, got the cutter in her place, skuttled the long-boat, and got the sprit-sail yard and jib-boom in. The carpenter is still aboard the Gloucester.

The 13th, under reeft courses, the larboard tacks; the commodore being on the weather quarter, bore down under our lee, and spoke with us. He ask'd the captain, if the carpenter was returned from the Gloucester? The captain answer'd, No; and am surprised Captain M----d should detain him, when he knows I must want him about my mizen-mast. The commodore told him he would speak with the Gloucester, and order him on board. He then ask'd the captain why he did not set the main-top-sail, and make more sail? Captain C----p made answer, My rigging is all gone, and broke fore and aft, and my people almost all taken ill, and down; but I will set him as soon as possible. The commodore desired he would, and make what sail he could after him.

The 14th, the carpenter return'd from the Gloucester, it being the only day this fortnight a boat could live in the sea. As soon as the carpenter came on board, he waited on the captain, who order'd him to look on the chain- plates and chains, and give his opinion of the mast's going away. The carpenter look'd as order'd, and gave Captain C----p for answer, that the chain-plates were all broke. The captain shook his head, and said, Carpenter, that is not the reason of the mast's going away. The carpenter, not willing, as the mast was gone, to lay it to any one's mismanagement, or to occasion any uneasiness about what was now past prevention, fitted a cap on the stump of the mizen-mast, got up a lower studding-sail boom of 40 feet, and hoisted a sail to keep the ship to.

To-day, being the 19th, and the finest day we had in these seas, we were employ'd in repairing the rigging; we bent a new main-sail and reeft him, as did the Anne pink, the Gloucester at the same time fix'd her main-yard, the commodore and Tryal keeping a-head, and at a considerable distance; between four and six at night saw the commodore's light. At six, being relieved by the master, he could not see the commodore's light, though it was visible to every one else on the quarter-deck: The master still persisted he could not see it, on which I went and acquainted the captain, who came upon deck, and seeing the light, ask'd the master where his eyes were? This was the last time I ever saw the commodore. The lieutenant having the first watch lost sight of him at nine o'clock, and at ten was obliged to hand the foresail, in doing of which we lost a seaman over- board. We saw the Gloucester and Anne pink a-stern in the morning, but they were soon gone ahead, and out of sight.

The 21st, as I was in the steward's room, Joseph King, seaman, came for a pound of bread. I heard him ask the steward, if he thought they would be serv'd with the same quantity of water as before? Without waiting for an answer, No G--d d--n 'em, as the commodore was parted, they should find the difference. Not knowing the conseqence of this, or by whom the fellow might be spirited up, I acquainted the captain with the affair, who order'd me to deliver a brace of pistols charg'd with a brace of balls to every officer in the ship who wanted 'em, and to take no farther notice of the matter.

May the 1st. This day the officers were call'd, and their opinions ask'd concerning the best bower-anchor, resolved to cut the anchor away, for fear of endangering the ship, there being no possibility of securing it without putting our fore-mast in extreme danger, the shrouds and chain-plates being all broke.

Fourteen days before the loss of the ship, the wind at S. and S.S.W., steered N.W. by N., and N.N.W. by the compass: Laid the ship to for the first four nights; the meaning of this I could not learn. I ask'd the lieutenant the reason of our bearing for the land on a lee shore, when we had a fair wind for our rendezvous, which I had always thought was for the island of Juan Ferdinandez. The lieutenant told me the rendezvous was alter'd to an island in the latitude of 44 S. Upon this I said to the lieutenant, this was a very great misfortune to us, that we can do nothing with the ship in the condition she is in upon a lee shore, and am surpriz'd that we should be obliged to go there. The lieutenant told me, he had said every thing to dissuade the captain from it, but found him determined to go there. The fifth night, and every night after, made sail; the wind to the westward. I never relieved the lieutenant, but I ask'd him, what he thought of a lee shore with the ship in this condition? he always reply'd, he could not tell. We saw rock-weed in abundance pass by the ship. The Honourable J---n B---n, midshipman, being on the quarter-deck, said, We can't be far off the land by these weeds. The lieutenant and mate being by, I said, Gentlemen, what can we do with the ship in the miserable condition she is in on a lee shore? The lieutenant answer'd, Whenever I have been with the captain since our first lying-to, I always persuaded him to go for Juan Ferdinandez; therefore I would have you go to him, he may be persuaded by you tho' he will not by me. I said, If that was the case, my going to him is needless. In a quarter of an hour afterwards, the captain sent for me, and said, Gunner, what longitude have you made? I told him 82,30. What distance do you reckon yourself off the land? I answer'd, About 60 leagues; but if the two islands we saw are these which are laid down in your chart to lie off Brewer's Streights, and the same current continues with the western swell, we can't be above a third part of the distance off the land. The captain made answer, As for the currents, there is no account to be given for 'em; sometimes they set one way, and sometime another. I said, Sir, very true, but as the ship has been always under reeft courses, and the mizen-mast gone, she must wholly drive to leeward, and nigher the land than expected. The captain then told me, I suppose you are not unacquainted of my rendezvous for the island of Nostra Signora di Socora, in the latitude of 44. I reply'd, Sir, the ship is in a very bad condition to come in with the lee shore, and if it is possible to bring the ship to an anchor, we shall never purchase him again. The captain answered, I don't design to come to an anchor; for there are soundings until you come within seven leagues of the land. I purpose to stand off and on twenty-four hours; and if I don't see the commodore, or any of the squadron in that time, we will go for Juan Ferdinandez. To this I said, Sir, the ship is a perfect wreck; our mizen-mast gone, with our standing rigging afore and abaft, and all our people down; therefore I can't see what we can do in with the land. The captain's answer was, It does not signify, I am obliged and determin'd to go for the first rendezvous.

On the 13th, at eight in the morning, the straps of the fore-jeer blocks broke; reev'd the top ropes, and lower'd the yard; went to strapping the blocks. At nine, the carpenter going forward to inspect the chain-plates, saw the land from the fore-castle, on which he ask'd the boatswain's mate, who was by him, if he saw the land? he answer'd, No; the carpenter shew'd it him and he saw it plain. The carpenter then shew'd it to the lieutenant, but he would not believe it to be land, because it bore N.N.W., and said it was impossible; therefore he never inform'd the captain of the sight of land, as the Honourable Mr B----n hath heard the captain say. At two in the afternoon lower'd the fore-yard, and hawl'd the fore-sail up; notwithstanding I was officer of the watch, I was oblig'd to go upon the fore-yard, where was Mr Campbell, midshipman, one boatswain's mate, four seamen, and the master's servant, which were all the hands we could get out of the ship's company to assist. Whilst on the yard I saw the land very plain, on the lardboard beam, bearing N.W. half N., nearest high land, with hillocks, and one remarkable hommocoe like a sugar loaf, very high. At the sight of land I came off the fore-yard and acquainted the captain. He immediately gave orders to sway the fore-yard up, and set the fore-sail; then we wore ship with her head to the southward. The captain coming forward unhappily received a fall, which dislocated his shoulder, so that he was obliged to be put into the surgeon's cabin. Some time after he sent for the lieutenant and myself, acquainting us of the necessity there was for making sail, as being on a lee shore, therefore desired we would use our utmost endeavours to crowd the ship off. You see, gentlemen, said he, my misfortune will not permit me to continue on the deck; as for the master, he is not worthy of the charge of a watch, therefore I must desire you, Mr Bulkeley, to be in the watch with him, and to make but two watches; keep a good look-out, and if possible, set the main-top sail. Mr B----s, I must desire Mr Cummins to be with you, and beg you will take all the care you can. I having the first watch, set the main fore and mizen stay sail, it blew so hard I found it impossible to set the maintop sail, of which, I acquainted the captain: All the hands we cou'd muster in both watches, officers included, were but twelve, the rest of the ship's company were all sick below; I very often could get no more than three seamen in my watch. The ship for these three weeks hath been no better than a wreck, the mizen- mast gone, the standing rigging and chain-plates, afore and abaft, mostly broke and ruin'd. The top sails now at the yards are so bad, that if we attempt to loose'em for making sail, we are in danger of splitting'em, and we have not a spare sail in the ship that can be brought to the yard without being repair'd. This is the present deplorable situation of the ship. All the first and middle watch it blow'd and rain'd, and withal so very dark, that we could not see the length of the ship: For the greatest part of the night she came up no nearer than S. by W., and S.S.W. At four in the morning she came up with her head west, so that her head was then off the shore.

Thursday, May the 14th, 1741, at half an hour past four this morning, the ship struck abaft on a sunken rock, sounded fourteen fathom; but it being impossible to let go the anchor time enough to bring her up, being surrounded on every side with rocks, (a very dismal prospect to behold!) the ship struck a second time, which broke the head of the tiller, so that we were obliged to steer her with the main and fore-sheets, by easing off one, and hawling aft the other, as she came to, or fell off. In a short time after, she struck, bilged, and grounded, between two small islands, where Providence directed us to such a place as we could save our lives. When the ship struck it was about break of day, and not above a musket-shot from the shore. Launched the barge, cutter, and yawl over the gunnel, cut main and fore-mast by the board, and the sheet-anchor from the gunnel. The captain sent the barge ashore, with Mr S----w, the mate, to see if the place was inhabited, and to return aboard directly; but, without any regard to his duty, or the preservation of the lives of the people, he staid ashore. The barge not returning as expected, the lieutenant was sent in the yawl, with orders to bring off the barge. The lieutenant tarried ashore, but sent off the boat. As soon as the boat came on board, the captain being very ill, was persuaded by the officers to go ashore: With the captain went the land-officers, mate, and midshipmen, the officers remaining on board were the master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter: The boatswain, who was laid up a month before the loss of the ship, became of a sudden very vigorous and active. At night it blow'd very hard at north, with a great tumbling sea, we expected every moment that the ship would part, fetching such jirks and twistings as shock'd every person aboard, who had the least care for the preservation of life; yet, in the dismal situation we were in, we had several in the ship so thoughtless of their danger, so stupid and insensible of their misery, that upon the principal officers leaving her, they fell into the most violent outrage and disorder: They began with broaching the wine in the lazaretto; then to breaking open cabins and chests, arming themselves with swords and pistols, threatening to murder those who should oppose or question them: Being drunk and mad with liquor, they plunder'd chests and cabins for money and other things of value, cloathed themselves in the richest apparel they could find, and imagined themselves lords paramount.

Friday the 15th, the ship was bilged in the mid-ship, on a great rock; we took care to secure some powder, ball, and a little bread. In the afternoon, the carpenter and myself went ashore with several of those imaginary lords in the rich attire they had plunder'd yesterday; but upon the purser, and Lieutenant Hamilton of marines, presenting pistols to some of their breasts, those grandees suffer'd themselves very quietly to be disrob'd of all their greatness, and in a few minutes look'd like a parcel of transported fellons. On our coming ashore, we found the captain had taken his lodging in a little hut, supposed to be built by Indians; as for our parts, we were forced to take shelter under a great tree, where we made a large fire, but it rain'd so hard, that it had almost cost us our lives; an invalid died that very night on the spot. Before I left the ship I went to my cabin for my journal, but could not find it; I believe it is destroyed with the rest, for there is not one journal to be produced, we have good reason to apprehend there was a person employ'd to destroy them; I afterwards found part of the master's journal along shore, tore to pieces: Whatever is related in this book, preceding the loss of the Wager, is extracted from a journal belonging to a gentleman, lately an officer on board the Pearl. After we lost sight of the Pearl, I was obliged to have recourse to my memory, which I believe has been very faithful to me. From the time we were ship-wreck'd, the carpenter and myself were exceeding careful in writing each day's transactions: Had other persons taken the same care, there would be no necessity of imposing upon the publick a partial and inconsistent narrative, instead of a faithful relation of facts.

On the 16th, the weather very boisterous and a great sea, the boatswain wanted a boat, but finding no appearance of any coming aboard, brought a quarter-deck gun, a four pounder, to bear on the captain's hut, and fir'd two shot, which went just over the captain's tent. This day, being resolv'd to contrive something like a house, to secure us from the inclemency of the rain, and severity of the weather, we hawl'd up the cutter, and propping her up, we made a tolerable habitation. As for food, this island produces none; nor is there any vegetable upon it but cellery, which grows here in abundance, and is of great use to us, the men being in general very much troubled with the scurvy.

On the 17th of May, being Whitsunday, got several wild fowls, and plenty of muscles, limpets, and other shell-fish, which we find very refreshing, having subsisted a long time on nothing but salt provisions.

The 18th, went on board the ship, to see if it was possible to come at any provisions; got out of the Lazaretto two casks of flour and some wine, which were very useful.

On the 19th, went aboard again to scuttle the decks, in order to get some beef and pork out of the hold; we also scuttled the carpenter's store-room for nails and other things of service.

The 20th, cut away the gunnel to get the long-boat out, which was done. To- day we found several men dead, and some drowned, in the ship, suppos'd to have drank till they were not able to get from the water, as it flowed into the ship. While we were aboard working on the wreck, there came along-side a canoe with several Indians, bowing and crossing themselves, giving us to understand they were inclinable to the Romish religion; we gave 'em out of the ship two bales of cloth and sent them ashore to the captain, he gave them hats, and presented each of them with a soldier's coat. They had abundance of the largest and best muscles I ever saw, or tasted. This day was the first time of the boatswain's coming ashore; the captain called him rogue and villain, and felled him to the ground with his cane, so that he was motionless, and to appearance dead; when he had recovered the blow, and saw a cock'd pistol in the captain's hand, he offered his naked breast; the captain told him, he deserved to be shot, and said no more to him. The captain, lieutenant H--n of marines, the surgeon, and purser, always appear'd in arms on the beach, on the coming ashore of every boat, in order to prevent the people bringing any thing from the ship in a clandestine manner; they were so cautious of any thing being imbezzled, that they would not suffer the boats to go off and work by night, notwithstanding the moon, tides, and fairness of weather were more favourable to us by night than day; by this we omitted several opportunities of getting our provisions, and other useful things, which we shall shortly stand in great need of.

The 21st, continue to scuttle between decks, in getting necessaries out of the ship, found several men dead.

The 22d, the Indians brought us three sheep and some muscles. They are a people of a small stature, well shaped, of an olive complection, with black hair, in behaviour very civil, they have little clothes, except about their waists, notwithstanding the climate is very cold. They stay'd all night, it being very rainy weather, and has been ever since we have been here, the wind blowing from N. to N.W.

Saturday the 23d, the wind from the E.N.E. to north, fell abundance of snow, insomuch that the mountains are cover'd with it. It freezes very hard, and we find it extremely cold. The next day, the same weather, we went aboard, and scuttled for flour in the forehold.

The 25th, little wind at N.E. and frosty weather, went aboard again, and got out of the forehold eight barrels of flour, one cask of pease, with some brandy and wine. This day went to allowance, of half a pound of flour per man, and one piece of pork for three men, it being the first time of serving since on shore.

The 26th, we got out more casks of flour, one cask of oatmeal, with some brandy and wine. In the evening the Indians came with their wives, we gave the women hats, and the men breeches; they made signs as if they would bring more sheep.

On the 27th, we scuttled over the captain's store-room, got out several casks of rum and wine, and brought them ashore. This was the first time of the lieutenant's being between decks since the loss of the ship. The following day we went aboard, cut down and tost overboard the ship's awning, to make a deck for the long-boat.

Since the 27th, we have been employ'd in getting up the long-boat, and repairing the barge which had been stove ashore. Rainy weather.

On Wednesday, the 3d of June, hard gales of wind at N.N.W., with abundance of rain; deserted this day James Mitchel, carpenter's mate, John Russel, armourer, William Oram, carpenter's crew, Joseph King, John Redwood, boatswain's yeomen, Dennis O'Lawry, John Davis, James Roach, James Stewart, and William Thompson, seamen. Took up, along shore, one hogshead of brandy, and several things that drove out of the ship, a bale of cloth, hats, shoes, and other necessaries. An information was given, this day, by David Buckley, to the captain, that there was a design to blow him up, with the surgeon, and lieutenant H--n of marines. The train was actually found, laid by the deserters, to blow 'em up the night before they went off.

Thursday the 4th, we finished the boats, and shot several wild geese. Finding murmurings and discontents among the people, we secured the oars, and hawled up the boats, being apprehensive they would go away with them by night.

The 5th, we went on board the ship, found several casks of wine and brandy between decks, most part of the planks between decks gone, and some strakes to wind-ward started out, part of the upper deck blown up, the stumps of the masts and pumps risen five feet; brought ashore one cask of flour, with some stuff for the use of the long-boat; and two quarter casks of wine; the wind at S. by E.

Saturday the 6th, the wind at south and fair weather, we went aboard, got out of the hold eight casks of flour, two casks of wine, and a quarter cask and three hogsheads of brandy. The lieutenant went to the Indians, but could not find 'em, being inform'd by the deserters that they were gone.

On Sunday the 7th, we went aboard the ship, got out a cask of pork, two barrels of flour, started one pipe of wine, and brought it ashore, with a quarter cask of pease, some bales of cloth, and carpenter's stores. This day Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, was confin'd by the captain; the fault alledg'd against him was drunkenness. We learn from Nicholas Griselham, seaman, who was present and near the captain all the time, that as Mr Cozens was rowling up a steep beach a cask of pease, he found it too heavy for him, and left off rowling; the captain seeing this, told him he was drunk, Mr Cozens reply'd, With what should I get drunk, unless it be with water? The captain then said, You scoundrel, get more hands, and rowl the cask up: Cozens called for more hands, but no people came; with that the captain struck him with his cane. Griselham likewise says, that Cozens talked to the captain about one Captain Sh--lv--k; but the words he does not remember. But the same night I heard Mr Cozens use very unbecoming language to the captain, telling him, That he was come into those seas to pay Sh--lv--k's debts, and also insolently added, Tho' Sh--lv--k was a rogue, he was not a fool, and by G-d, you are both. When he spoke this, he was a prisoner in the store-tent, and asked the captain, If he was to be kept there all night? On these provocations, the captain attempted to strike him again, but the centinel said, he should strike no prisoner of his. But Cozens endeavouring to stave a cask of brandy, was soon after released. This day got out of the ship several chests of wax candles of all sizes, bales of cloth, bales of stockings, shoes, with some clocks and mercantile wares, with which the ship was throng'd.

The 8th, Mr Cummins and myself went to the deserters; we find they were determined to go off to the northward; the reason of their stay is the want of craft to go off in. They now find themselves mistaken, they believed at first they were on the main, but are convinced they are four or five leagues from it, therefore they purpose to build a punt out of the wreck of the ship: They live on sea-weed and shell-fish, got up one cask of beef, which was brought on shore with a cask of brandy, found one cask of beef on the rocks.

On Tuesday the 9th, I went with the doctor's mate to the deserters, and spoke to William Oram, a carpenter, and a very useful man, desiring him to return, with a promise of pardon from the captain: In this affair I was obliged to act very secretly. To-day, Mr Cozens, the midshipman, had a dispute with the surgeon; the latter having some business in our tent, which, when he had done, on his going away, Mr Cozens followed him; they soon fell to blows, but the surgeon had so much the advantage of the midshipman, that he tied his hands behind him and left him. In the evening the captain sent for me and the carpenter to his tent: We found the captain, lieutenant, purser, surgeon, and lieutenant H----n of marines. Here we had a consultation, which was chiefly concerning the disturbances among the people, as well in our tent as in the rest. Mr Cummins and I assured the captain, that the people in our tent were generally very well affected to him, and that we never would engage in any mutiny against him, or any other officer that would act for the publick good, and his majesty's service: The captain said, he had no reason to suspect us, for we were the only two in the ship that he put any trust or confidence in. Strict orders were given the centinel to keep a good look-out, and have a watchful eye on the provisions. Notwithstanding all this precaution and care, there was one-third part of a barrel of flour and half a barrel of gunpowder taken away that night. It is to be observed, that this day's consultation was the first that Captain C----p ever had with his officers; had he sometimes consulted them aboard, we might probably have escaped our present unhappy condition.

Wednesday the 10th, this day, serving the provisions, the boatswain's servant, a Portuguese boy, talking bad English, and bringing in the allowance of wine, the boatswain, Mr Cozens, midshipman, and the cook his mess-mates, with some difficulty, understood by the boy's talk, that one of the men had his allowance stopped; Mr Cozens went to know the reason; the purser and he having some dispute two or three days before, the purser told him, when he asked for his wine, that he was come to mutiny, and without any farther ceremony, discharged a pistol at his head, and would have shot him, had he not been prevented by the cooper's canting the pistol with his elbow, at the instant of its going off; the captain and lieutenant H----n, hearing the discharge of a pistol, the latter ran out with a firelock, then called the captain out of his tent, telling him that Cozens was come to mutiny; the captain on this jumped out, asking where the villain was, clapped a cock'd pistol to Mr Cozen's cheek, and precipitately shot him, without asking any questions; the noise of the two pistols going off reached our tent; it was rainy weather, and not fit for gunning, so that we could not imagine the meaning of it; soon after we heard Mr Cozens was shot by the captain: The lieutenant came to call all hands to the captain: I asked if we must go armed, the lieutenant answered, Yes; but, on consideration, I thought better to go without arms: When we came to the captain, he acquainted us with what he had done, and told us he was still our commander. The captain, purser, surgeon, lieutenants H----n, E----rs, and F----ng of marines, being all armed, I said to the captain. Sir, you see we are disarmed; on this the captain dropped his firelock to the ground, saying, I see you are, and have only sent for you, to let you all know I am still your commander, so let every man go to his tent; accordingly every man obeyed him. In our tent, we had eighteen of the stoutest fellows that belonged to the ship, and I believe the captain, and the gentlemen above- mentioned, have some suspicion of Mr Cummins and myself, believing we can sway most of the seamen on shore: But I think this day we have given a proof of the sincerity of our intentions, and our detestation of mutiny, by not appearing in arms at the report of Mr Cozens being shot; we walked up with the captain, where we saw Mr Cozens with his elbow on the ground resting his right cheek on the palm of his hand, alive, and to appearance sensible, but speechless; the captain ordered him to the sick-tent, the surgeon's mate dressed his left cheek where he was shot, and felt a ball about three inches under his right eye; the surgeon refused dressing him: This we may impute to his having lately a quarrel with Mr Cozens, which has been already mentioned. The shooting of Mr Cozens was a very unhappy affair; The person whose allowance was stopped made no complaint to him, he was too officious in the business, and his preceding behaviour, and notorious disrespectful words to the captain, might probably make the captain suspect his design was mutiny; tho' this we must aver, that Mr Cozens neither on this, or any other occasion, appeared in arms since the loss of the ship. However, his fate laid the foundation of a great deal of mischief which afterwards followed.

Thursday the 11th, moderate gales at W.N.W. The carpenter employed in laying the blocks for the long-boat. Dr O----y, of the land forces, was desired to assist the surgeon's mate, to take the ball out of Mr Cozens's cheek, which he then was inclinable to do, but in the afternoon, finding it not agreeable to the captain, refused to go, as we are informed by the surgeon's mate, who desired some surgeon might be present, to be witness of the operation; the ball was taken out, and for some time supposed to be lost, but was afterwards found.

This day being the 12th, the carpenter finished the blocks for lengthening the long-boat: In the morning he went to the captain's tent for some bolts for the use of the long-boat, where he saw the surgeon at the medicine- chest, who asked him how that unfortunate creature did, meaning Mr Cozens; the carpenter told him, he had not seen him to-day: The surgeon then said he would have visited him, but the captain would not give him leave. This was looked on as an act of inhumanity in the captain, and contributed very much to his losing the affections of the people, whose opinion was, that as Mr Cozens was very strong and healthy, with proper assistance he might recover; the people did not scruple to say, that the captain would act a more honourable part to discharge another pistol at him, and dispatch him at once, than to deny him relief, and suffer him to languish in a cold wet place in pain and misery.

On the 13th, Mr Cozens being, to all outward appearance, likely to recover, desired he might be removed to our tent, which was his place of residence before this unhappy accident. We being unwilling to disoblige the captain, the carpenter and myself waited on him; we told him, we were come to ask a favour, hoping that he would have so much mercy and compassion on the unhappy man who was in the sick tent, as to permit us to remove him to his former lodging, but the captain answer'd, No, I am so far from it, that if he lives, I will carry him a prisoner to the commodore, and hang him.

On the 14th, went aboard the ship, but could do nothing, she working so very much, we brought ashore the fore-top sail yard; the boat went up the river, brought back abundance of geese and shaggs. Wind at west.

Monday the 15th, hard gales of wind at west, with rain and hail; drove ashore three barrels of flour and abundance of small stuff out of the ship; took up a-long shore several pieces of pork and beef: John Anderson, a seaman, walking round the rocks, and reaching after a piece of beef, slipping his footing, was drown'd, but taken up directly, and that night bury'd: Turn'd the boatswain out of our tent for breeding quarrels; his turbulent temper was so well known to the captain, that he express'd himself pleas'd at our turning him out, and said he was surprized we ever admitted him among us.

On the 7th, the carpenter at work on the long-boat: The surgeon's mate, this day took out of Mr Cozens's cheek a ball much flatted, and a piece of bone, supposed to be part of the upper jaw, which was desired by Mr Cozens to be deliver'd to me; I receiv'd it, with the first ball mention'd to have been lost.

Thursday the 18th, the carpenter cut the long-boat in two, and lengthen'd her eleven feet ten inches and half by the keel.

Sunday the 21st, went aboard the ship, but it being dangerous going about any thing, by reason of her working much, and a great sea tumbling in, the boats were employ'd in going about the rocks in search of subsistence.

The 22d, the carpenter went with the boat up the bay to seek the Indians, but saw nothing of them; at night the boat returned, the people having shot abundance of wildfowl.

The 23d, the lieutenant went with the boat, and found the Indians just come from the place where they catch seal; their canoes were loaded with seal, sheep, and oil.

Wednesday the 24th, departed this life, Mr Henry Cozens, midshipman, after languishing fourteen days with the wound he had received in his cheek: We bury'd him in as decent a manner as time, place, and circumstances would allow. There have died sundry ways since the ship first struck, forty-five men; seven have deserted from us, and still continue away; remain and now victual'd one hundred men.

Thursday the 25th, the wind at W.N.W. and rainy weather; saw the Indians coming towards us in their canoes, but the deserters settling where they took their habitation, when first we saw 'em, by their rowing, we thought they were design'd to go there; and knowing the deserters intended to take one of their canoes to go over the main, we therefore launch'd the yawl and went off to them; there were five canoes of 'em, laden with seal, shell- fish, and four sheep; they brought with 'em their wives and children, so that in all they were about fifty in number; they hawl'd their canoes up, and built four wigg whims, which they cover'd with the bark of trees and seal-skins; we imagined by this they had an intention to settle with us; they are a very simple and inoffensive people, of a low stature, flat- nos'd, with their eyes sunk very deep in their heads; they live continually in smoak, and are never without a fire, even in their canoes; they have nothing to cover their nakedness, but a piece of an old blanket, which they throw over their shoulders: We always see 'em in this manner, notwithstanding we cloath 'em whenever they come to us. By the crosses set up in many parts of the land, one would think they had some notion of the Romish religion: We can't make 'em understand us by any speech, nor by our signs: We show'd 'em a looking-glass; when they saw the representation of themselves, they seem'd amaz'd, and shew'd a thousand antick gestures, and when once they beheld themselves in the looking-glass, they could hardly be prevail'd on to look off.

On Sunday the 28th, in the afternoon, about twelve of the Indian women went off in their canoes: We thought they were gone to get muscles, but soon saw 'em diving, which we imagin'd was for pieces of beef or pork that come out of the wreck; but, when they came ashore, we found they had been only diving for sea-eggs. The women among those people seem to take more pains for the provisions of life than the men; the latter having little to do but to provide wood, and indulge themselves by the fire, while the women go every tide a fishing. To-day we kill'd two Indian sheep.

Monday the 29th, launch'd the yawl to go with the Indians to shew us where they get the muscles; but being too late for the tide, we came away without any: The captain sent to our tent two quarters of mutton; the carpenter daily at work on the long-boat. Winds variable.

On the 30th, the Indian women went again for sea-eggs, and brought a great quantity, with abundance of white maggots, about three quarters of an inch in length, and in circumference the bigness of a wheat-straw. These women keep an incredible time under water, with a small basket in their hands, about the size of the women's work-baskets in England, into which they put whatever they get in their diving. Among these people the order of nature seems inverted; the males are exempted from hardships and labour, and the women are meer slaves and drudges. This day one of our seamen died: We observe, the Indians are very watchful of the dead, sitting continually near the above-mention'd corpse, and carefully covering him, every moment looking on the face of the deceas'd with abundance of gravity: At the burial their deportment was grave and solemn, seeing the people with their hats off during the service, they were very attentive and observant, and continued so till the burial was over: They have nothing, as I have said before, but a blanket to cover 'em, and the boys and girls are quite naked, notwithstanding we felt it as cold here, as in the hardest frosts in England, and almost always rainy.

Wednesday, July the 1st, employ'd in cutting timbers in the woods for the long-boat; rainy weather, the wind at S.W. the Indian women diving for food as before.

Thursday the 2d, last night the store-tent was broke open, and robb'd of a great deal of flour.

Monday the 6th, hard gales of wind, with showers of rain and hail, came ashore from the ship one cask of beef, with several of the lower-deck carlings, and plank of the upper and lower-deck beams, and, what was reckon'd very odd, the cabin-bell came ashore, without its being fasten'd to any wood, or any one thing of the ship near it.

Tuesday the 7th, hard gales of wind, with hail, rain, and lightning: The Indian women went out as usual in their canoes to dive for sea-eggs, and brought ashore abundance of 'em; they jump overboard out of their canoe about a mile from shore, they take the handle of their baskets, which I have already described, between their teeth, diving five or six fathom water; their agility in diving, and their continuance under water for so long a time as they generally do, will be thought impossible by persons who have not been eye-witnesses of it; they seem as amphibious to us as seals and alligators, and rarely make use of any provisions but what they get out of the sea.

Wednesday the 8th, launch'd the yawl and went on board, saw several casks, some of meat, and some of liquor, the decks and sides abaft drove out, and entirely gone, the larboard-side abaft drove on shore; about two miles and a half from the tent a cask of liquor was found, and broach'd by the person who found it, which was allow'd to be a great fault; he likewise broach'd a cask of meat, which should have been preserv'd to carry away with us.

On Thursday the 9th, the Indians with their wives and children launch'd their canoes, and went away, 'tis believ'd they wanted provisions, such as seal, they are indeed never settled long in a place; it was said some of our people wanted to have to do with their wives, which was the reason of their going away so soon. To-day we saw several things drive out of the ship up the lagoon, as the stump of the main-mast, one of the pumps, with one of the gun-carriages. Wind at N.W.

Friday the 10th, went aboard the ship, found her broke asunder just at the gang-way, saw the cables out to the windward, but could not see any casks of liquor or provisions, went to shorter allowance of flour, one pound for three men per diem. Last night the tent was robbed of half a barrel of flour. Orders were given by the captain to watch the store-tent by night; all the officers, the marine included, with the mates and midshipmen, were oblig'd to watch, the captain and carpenter alone excus'd, the carpenter being every day at work on the long-boat.

Friday the 17th, for this week past hard gales of wind, with rain and hail as usual. Last Wednesday the ship parted her upper works from the lower deck: Launch'd the boat and went off to the wreck, but could do nothing, went up the bay, took a quarter cask, about three parts full of wine, saw the Indian dogs ashore, but no people.

Saturday the 18th, launched the boat, sent her to the wreck, and brought ashore one cask of beef, it is believed some guns were heard from the sea: The watch reported they have heard them two nights past. Great disturbances among the people. Wind at E.N.E. and frosty weather.

Sunday the 19th, launch'd the boat, sent her to the wreck, hook'd a cask supposed to be beef, but when towed ashore, we found it contained nothing but hatches; we took up along ashore, abundance of checque shirts in dozens, also caps, bales of cloth, and pieces of beef and pork.

Wednesday the 22d. This day began to build a house to dwell in, finding our stay here will be much longer than we at first expected.

The 23d, took up along shore several pieces of beef and pork, shirts, caps, frocks, trowsers, pieces of cloth, with other serviceable things, and wax candles of all sizes.

Saturday the 25th, hard showers of rain and hail, the wind at north. Shot several sea-gulls, geese, hawks, and other birds: The carpenter had this day given him by one of the people, a fine large rock crab, it being the first of the kind we ever saw here.

Sunday the 26th, moderate gales and variable winds, with rain and hail: Most part of our people eat a weed that grows on the rocks; it is a thin weed of a dark green colour, and called by the seamen, Slaugh. It is surprizing how the black currant trees, which are here in great plenty, have budded within these three days. Began thatching our new house with bushes: To-day we caught a fine rock-fish; this is the first fish we have seen alive since our being here. Observing our new town, we find there are no less than 18 houses in it.

Monday the 27th, launched the boat, went to the wreck, but found nothing; close weather, the wind still at north: Rose the sheets for erecting a tent over the long-boat to keep the men from being exposed to the continual rains. This day we finished the thatching of our new house.

Wednesday the 29th, fresh gales at N.W. with rain; sure no men ever met with such weather as we have in this climate: To-day we walked in the woods to take some notice of the trees, which we find to be very much like our beech in England; but the trees and bushes are in general of a soft free nature, and with a spicy bark.

Thursday the 30th, wind still at N.W. and rainy weather. This day departed this life, Nathaniel Robinson, the last private man of the invalids; there are now only two left, viz. the captain and surgeon. Being at the honourable Mr B----n's tent, I found him looking in Sir John Narborough's voyage to these seas: This book I desired the loan of, he told me it was Captain C----p's, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this favour I requested of the captain, and it was presently granted. Carefully perusing this book, I conceived an opinion that our going through the Streights of Magellan for the coast of Brasil, would be the only way to prevent our throwing ourselves into the hands of a cruel, barbarous, and insulting enemy: Our long-boat, when finished, can be fit for no enterprize, but the preservation of life: As we cannot act offensively, we ought to have regard to our safety and liberty. This evening proposals were offered to the officers concerning our going through the Streights of Magellan; which at this time they seem to approve of.

Friday the 31st, hard gales at N.W. with rain: This day was taken up along shore, an otter just killed, but by what animal we could not tell; it was bleeding fresh when taken up, and proved a dainty repast. Came ashore the ship's beams, with several things of great value.

Saturday, August the 1st, hard gales at N.W. with rain and hail. This day put to an allowance of flour, one quarter of a pound a man per diem, and one pint of wine: Those who like brandy, to have half a pint in lieu of wine. We have now in a manner nothing to live on but what we pick'd up along the shore: The ship's company agree to go through the Streights of Magellan.

Sunday the 2d, this morning found the store-tent robbed of brandy, filled up all the ullage casks, picked up about the rocks abundance of clams, a shell-fish not unlike our cockles: These fish are at present the support of our life. The people are now very quarrelsome and discontented.

Monday the 3d, this day having fine weather (which is a prodigy in this place) launched the boat, and went about the rocks and islands on discovery. This day we also moved into our new house, it being a very commodious habitation, exceedingly well thatched; in this dwelling there are cabins for fourteen people, which are covered inside and out with broad cloth: This is a rich house, and, in some parts of the world, would purchase a pretty estate; there are several hundred yards of cloth about it, besides the curtains and linings, which are shalloon and camblet; in short, considering where we are, we cannot desire a better habitation. The people fall into disputes concerning the boat, where we are to proceed with her, when she is built and ready for going off. It is the opinion of the navigators, that going through the Streights of Magellan is the safest and only way to preserve life and liberty: The artists, who have worked the bearings and distance, are very pressing that it should be moved to the captain, purposing to have their reasons drawn up, and signed by all who are willing to go that way, and to be delivered to the captain for his opinion; upon this there was a paper drawn up, and as soon as the people heard it, they came flocking to sign first, crying all aloud for the Streights, seeming overjoyed, as if they were going to England directly, without any affliction or trouble, but there must be a great deal of hardships to be encountered before we arrive at our native country: This paper was signed by all the officers on the spot, except the captain, lieutenant, purser, and surgeon, and by all the seamen in general, except the captain's steward.

Tuesday the 4th, at the time of serving at the storehouse, about twelve o'clock, I went to the captain, with the master, carpenter, and boatswain, and read to him the paper; he answered he would consider of it, and give his answer: Here follows a copy of the paper signed:--

"We whose names are under-mentioned, do, upon mature consideration, as we have met with so happy a deliverance, think it the best, surest, and most safe way for the preservation of the body of people on the spot, to proceed through the Streights of Magellan for England. Dated at a desolate island on the coast of Patagonia, in the latitude of 47 deg. 00 min. south, and west longitude from the meridian of London 81 deg. 40 min. in the South Seas, this 2d day of August, 1741.

"We whose names are under-mentioned, have had sufficient reasons, from the above-mentioned people, to consent to go this way. Signed by

Captain Robert Pemberton, commander of his majesty's land forces.

William Fielding, lieutenant Robert Ewers, lieutenant

Wednesday the 5th, this day I went with the master, carpenter, master's mates, and midshipmen, to the captain, to acquaint him with what was done, and resolved on, and farther told him, it was a duty incumbent on us to preserve life before any other interest. He answered, Gentlemen, I desire time to consider of it, and will give you my final determination; on which we took our leave, and came away.

Thursday the 6th, hard gales at W.S.W. and rainy weather. At noon we went with Mr Cummins to Captain P--mb--rt--n's tent, to have some farther conference for our future deliverance: While we were there, the captain sent his service to Captain C----p for a pair of pocket-pistols, his own property, which had been refused him on his request some time before. The servant was answered, by the captain's favourite and prime minister the steward, The captain is ill, and I can't let you have 'em. This answer not being satisfactory to Captain P--mb--rt--n, he sent a second time, and insisted on the delivery of his pistols, but was answered, they could not be come at before the captain was up; but a little time after it was judged proper to send Captain P--mb--rt--n his pistols. From Captain P--mb--rt-- n's we went to the L----t's tent; while there, the L----t was sent to Captain C----p, about an hour after the carpenter and myself were sent for; when we came to him, he said, Gentlemen, I have maturely considered the contents of your paper, so far as it regards the preservation of the people on the spot: This paper has given me a great deal of uneasiness, insomuch that I have not closed my eyes till eight o'clock this morning, for thinking of it, but, I think, you have not weighed the thing rightly; do you know we are above one hundred and sixty leagues distant S.W. from the Streights of Magellan, with the wind against us? Then think on the distance to be run afterwards on the other side the Streights, with the wind always against us, and where no water is to be had. I answered, Sir, you say it is above one hundred and sixty leagues to the Streights, but let the navigators work it, and they will find it not above ninety leagues; yourself and lieutenant are undoubtedly navigators and judges, therefore will certainly find it as I say. Mr Cummins acquainted him, accordingly to his calculation, the vessel would carry a month's water, at a quart a man per diem; and, sir, do you consider, after running along shore to the northward this side the land, that we have one hundred leagues to run right out to sea to the island of Juan Ferdinandez, and five hundred chances to one if we meet the commodore there, or any of the squadron, nor do we know but the commodore may have shared the same fate with ourselves, or perhaps worse? The captain answered, It's a thousand to one if we see the commodore at Juan Ferdinandez; for, gentlemen, to let you into a secret, which I never discovered before, we shall meet him at Baldavia, his orders were from ---- to go there with the squadron, it being a place of little or no force. Mr Cummins answered, Sir, 'tis agreed, the commodore is at Baldavia, but we make it in our bargain, when we go from hence, that we will put ashore at every place when we want water, whenever the weather will permit, without any obstruction. The captain replied, There is no occasion for that, we will water at the islands, and take a vessel going along. Mr Cummins said, Sir, what shall we do with a vessel, without provisions, for ninety souls? The captain answered, We will take a vessel loaded with flour from Chili, there being a great many trading vessels that way, and then we will proceed through the Streights of Magellan. Mr Cummins said, How shall we take a vessel without guns, not having any but muskets, and our enemies know, as well as ourselves, that we have a squadron in these seas, therefore, undoubtedly are well armed, and keep a good look-out? The captain's answer to this was, What are our small arms for, but to board 'em? The carpenter said, Sir, if a shot should take the boat under water, it would not be in my power to stop a leak of that kind, where the plank is so thin, that in some places it is not above three quarters of an inch thick. The captain then said, Gentlemen; I am agreeable to any thing, and willing to go any way, for the preservation of the people; but at the same time would have you consider of it, the wind being always against us on the other side the land, and we have above seven hundred leagues to the river Plate. I answered the captain, 'Tis not above five hundred and ninety leagues from hence to Cape St Antonio's; and, as I have before said, let the navigators work it, and reason take place, which is what we chiefly desire to be governed by: Another inducement we have to go the way proposed is, that we may be assured of water and provision. I allow that, says the captain, and we may save our own; but how do you know whether we may not meet enemies in the Streights? I replied to the captain, We can have no enemies to encounter there, but Indians in their canoes, and those we can master at our pleasure. The captain then seemed to countenance our opinion again, and said, When we come to St Julian's we shall be sure of salt in plenty for our provisions, without which our fowls will not keep above two or three days: Besides, when we come to the river Plate, we may meet with a prize, they not being acquainted with any English vessel like ours, with schooner's sails, by which means we may run up the river and take a larger vessel: If we fail here, we may go ashore, and get what cattle we please, but what business have we at the Rio Grand? We must go to the Rio Janeiro. I told him, we should be obliged to stop at every place along shore for supplies; at St Catharine's the governor will give us a certificate, so that we shall be known to be the people that were there in the squadron. The captain said, That's true, and I can get bills of credit in any part of Brazil; besides, the people may be separated, some in the Flota, and some in other ships, with less hands we may go to Barbadoes. Mr Cummins told him, we might venture to England with, twelve hands. Yes, you may, says the captain, with thirty. It is to be observed, during all this debate, the lieutenant spoke not a word. The carpenter asking him the reason of his silence in all the consultation, he answered, I'll give my opinion hereafter. The captain said, I knew nothing of his being acquainted with it, till Mr Bulkeley told me yesterday; but at the same time, Mr B----s, I expect, you will be the first that will sign the paper. I imagined the captain meant our paper, and immediately answered, with some warmth, As he had refused signing at first, and at the same time agreed to the proposal, that I had signed so close, that there was no room left for his name, and now it was too late for him to sign. The captain surprized me, by saying, I don't mean your paper; I told him, Any other, which should be contrary to ours, would never be signed by us. Mr Cummins said to the captain, Sir, 'tis all owing to you that we are here; if you had consulted your officers, we might have avoided this misfortune, considering the condition the ship was in, she was not fit to come in with the land, all our men being sick, and not above three seamen in a watch; suppose the mast had gone by the board, as was every moment expected. The captain made answer, Gentlemen, you do not know my orders; there never were any so strict given to a commander before, and had I but two men living besides myself, I must, and was obliged to go to the first rendezvous, which was the island of Nostra Senhora di Socora: I was obliged to go there at all events. I made answer to this, Sir, if that is the case, it seems plain the thing was designed we should be here: But, sir, I am of opinion, notwithstanding the commodore had his orders from ---- to go with the squadron to Baldavia, that at the same time those orders were so far discretional, that if the squadron was disabled, care was to be taken not to endanger his majesty's ships. Yes, that (says the captain) was settled at St Julian's: Notwithstanding what has been said, gentlemen, I am agreeable to take any chance with you, and to go any way; but would have you consider of it, and defer your determination till all is ready to go off the spot. I then told the captain, You have known, sir, from the time you saw the proposal, that the people are uneasy, and the work is at a stand, and in this situation things will be until this affair is settled; therefore the sooner you resolve the better. The captain replied, I design to have a consultation among my officers: Have you any more objections to make? I answered, Yes, sir, one more; which is, when you go from hence, you are not to weigh, come to an anchor, or alter course, without consulting your officers. The captain said, Gentlemen, I was your commander till the ship parted, or as long as any stores or provisions were getting out of her. We told him, we had always taken care to obey his orders in the strictest manner, which he allowed us to have done; and he added, You were the officers that I placed my whole dependence in. We answered, Sir, we will support you with our lives, as long as you suffer reason to rule: And then we parted. After this consultation, the captain seldom came out of his tent, which occasioned. great disturbances among the people.

Friday the 7th, the wind at W.N.W. with rain. This day the navigators worked the bearings and distance along shore, from one place to another, to know the true distance: Hereupon it was agreed to proceed through the Streights of Magellan, according to Sir John Narborough's directions, which give us great encouragement to go that way. Captain P----n drawed his men up, and dismissed 'em again. Great uneasiness among the people.

Saturday the 8th, this morning went to the lieutenant, for him to acquaint the captain all his officers were ready to give sufficient reasons for going through the Streights of Magellan, desiring a consultation might be held in the afternoon. At three o'clock the captain sent for me and Mr Cummins; when we came, the master and boatswain were sent for, but they were gone in search of subsistence, as limpetts, muscles, &c. The captain said, Gentlemen, I don't doubt but you have considered upon the business you are come about; therefore I am determined to take my fate with you, or where the spirit of the people leads, and shall use my best endeavours for their preservation; but I am afraid of meeting contrary winds, for after the sun has crossed the Line we must expect to meet 'em. I made answer, By all accounts the wind hangs from N.W. to the S.W. above three parts of the year, which is in our favour. Mr Cummins told him, There was fresh water to be got as well on one coast as the other, and if Sir John Narborough's treatment was so ill in a profound peace, what must we expect in a time of open war? The captain said, I am afraid, very bad. Then Mr Cummins spoke in this manner to the captain: Sir, I always took you for an honourable gentleman, and I believe you to be such; on your honour, sir, I beg you will give the true sentiments of your mind, whether through the Streights is not the surest and safest way to preserve our lives, notwithstanding we have a thousand difficulties to encounter with any way? The captain answered, I really think going to the northward is the safest way; for suppose we should be drove off to sea, when on the other side the land, what is to be done then? I said, Sir, it is our business to keep the shore, to prevent all accidents that may happen that way. Then Lieutenant B----s made an objection, Suppose you have the wind blowing right in, and a tumbling sea, as to endanger the boat, what are we to do? I made answer, Sir, if you remember when we were riding at St Julian's, it blowed a very hard gale of wind right in from the sea; yet, even then, the sea did not run so high as to endanger a boat riding at anchor: Another instance I bring you from St Catherine's, when we had such hard gales that the Trial lost her masts, and the Pearl separated from the squadron; yet, at that time, there was no sea comparable to what we have met with this side the land. The lieutenant allowed this to be fact. Then the captain said, I will allow you to have water at Port Desire; but do you consider the lengthening your distance, by keeping along shore, and rounding every bay, and some of those bays are very deep? I told him, that undoubtedly there was water all along the coast, and that we had no business to round the bays, but to steer from one head-land to the other. Then Lieutenant B----s made a second objection, Suppose we are forced into a bay, and shoal water? I answered, We should always have a boat a-head, and our draught of water will not be above four or five feet at most; and if we should be so unfortunate as to lose our boat, we must keep the lead a-going. The l----t replied, That was true, and there could not be a great deal of difficulty in it. This was the only time the l----t ever spoke in public on the affair; he always allowed, when absent from the captain, that going through the Streights was the best way; but in the captain's presence he sided with him, and was for going to the northward.

Sunday the 9th, at three this afternoon, I went with Mr Cummins, the master, and boatswain, as desired, to the captain, to give him our opinions, believing going through the Streights the surest way to preserve life; it was therefore agreed, That if the wind did not set in against us, at the sun's crossing the Line, that the captain would go that way. The captain asked every man's opinion, and found the people unanimous for the Streights of Magellan. To-day being fair weather, launched the yawl to go a fowling, shot several geese, ducks, shaggs, and sea-pies. Heeled the long- boat for planking.

Monday the 10th, wind at N. and N.N.W. rainy weather. Eat slaugh and sea- weed fryed with tallow-candles, which we picked up along shore; this we reckon at present exceeding good eating, having nothing to live on but a quarter of a pound of flour a man per day, and what we can get off the rocks: For many days the weather has been so bad that we have not been able to stir abroad, though almost starved for want of food.

Tuesday the 11th, hard gales at S.W. with heavy rains. This afternoon the people came in arms to acquaint us of the stores being robbed; they therefore wanted our consent for moving the stores to our tent; on which we desired they would desist from offering any violence: We told 'em of the ill consequence of mutiny, which, as we always abhorred, we took all imaginable care to prevent: The people, on our persuasions, instantly quitted their arms. The captain presently sent for me and Mr Cummins, to acquaint us with what had happened: He told us the purser, accidentally coming by, saw the prisoner Rowland Crussett, marine, crawling from the bushes, and from under the store tent, and found on him upwards of a day's flour for ninety souls, with one piece of beef under his coat, and three pieces more, which were concealed in the bushes, to carry off when an opportunity offered; and the sentry, Thomas Smith, his mess-mate, a marine, undoubtedly was privy to the robbery. The captain farther said, We have nothing to do with them; but I shall send to Captain P----n, to insist on a court-martial: I really think that for robbing the store-tent (which, in our present circumstances, is starving the whole body of people) the prisoners deserve death. This was not only the captain's opinion, but indeed the sentiments of every person present. After we parted from the captain, we were sent for by Captain P----n: He acquainted us, he would go as far as the martial law would allow him, and in conjunction with the sea- officers: I look (said he) on the l----t as nothing, and the c----n in the same light: As for you two, (meaning the gunner and carpenter) I confide in, and shall have regard to your opinions. When the articles of war were read, we found their crime did not touch life, but they were to suffer corporal punishment. Whilst Mr Cummins was laying open the nature of their guilt, and the ill consequence of lenity in the circumstances we were in, I proposed a way next to death, which was, if judged proper by Captain P----n and Captain C----p, to carry 'em off to an island where the ship parted, there being muscles, limpetts, and clams in abundance, and no want of water, and there to be left till we should be ready for sailing; and, to strike a terror in all for the future, that if any man should be guilty of the like offence, without any respect of person, he should share the same fate. This proposal was approved of by both the captains. At night Lieutenant B----n surprised us with a new kind of proposal we little dreamt of, which was, to have a proper place of devotion to perform divine service in every sabbath-day: For this sacred office, our tent was judged the most commodious place. The duty of public prayer had been entirely neglected on board, though every seaman pays fourpence per month towards the support of a minister; yet devotion, in so solemn a manner, is so rarely performed, that I know but one instance of it during the many years I have belonged to the navy. We believe religion to have the least share in this proposal of the lieutenant. If our tent should be turned into a house of prayer, and this project takes, we may, perhaps, in the midst of our devotion, be surprised, and our arms taken, from us, in order to frustrate our designs, and prevent our return to England through the Streights of Magellan, or any other way.

Wednesday the 12th, hard gales from S.W. to W. with heavy showers of hail and rain. Served out provisions today, a piece of beef for four men; some time past we have had but a quarter of a pound of flour per man per diem, and three pieces of beef: We live chiefly on muscles, limpitts, and clams, with saragraza and thromba; one is a green broad weed, common on the rocks in England; the other is a round sea-weed, so large, that a man can scarce grasp it; it grows in the sea, with broad leaves; this last we boil, the saragraza we fry in tallow; in this manner we support life: Even these shell-fish and weeds we get with great difficulty; for the wind, the rain, and coldness of the climate in this season, are so extremely severe, that a man will pause some time whether he shall stay in his tent and starve, or go out in quest of food.

Friday the 14th, very hard gales at W. and N.W., with showers of rain and hail, which beat with such violence against a man's face, that he can hardly withstand it; however, one of our mess-mates to-day shot three gulls and a hawk, which gave us a very elegant repast. This day was held a court- martial on the sentry who is believed confederate with the marine that robbed the store-tent: sentence was passed on them to receive six hundred lashes each: Captain C----p not thinking the punishment adequate to the crime, cut 'em short of their allowance, so that they have now but half the provisions they had before: The day following the offenders received two hundred lashes each, as part of their punishment. We hauled the long-boat higher up, for fear the sea should wash the blocks from under her. We have found a new way of managing the slaugh; we fry it in thin batter with tallow, and use it as bread.

Sunday the 16th, fresh gales of wind at S.W. with heavy showers of hail: The people generally complain of a malady in their eyes; they are in great pain, and can scarce see to walk about. The last tide flowed nine feet perpendicular; to-day we picked up shell-fish in abundance, with, pieces of beef and pork. The prisoners received two hundred lashes more.

Tuesday the 18th, this day the carpenter, who has all along been indefatigable in working about the long-boat, saw one of the seamen cutting up an anchor-stock for firewood, which had been designed for a particular use for the long-boat; at sight of the fellow's folly he could not contain himself: This affair, added to the little concern and intolerable indifference that appeared in the generality of the people, for some time impaired his understanding, and made him delirious; all possible methods are used to restore him, as he is the only man, who, through the assistance of Providence, can compleat the means of our deliverance.

Wednesday the 19th, the carpenter was so much recovered, that he went to work as usual; at night the lieutenant acquainted us, that the captain desired to speak with the carpenter and me to-morrow at noon, to consult what should be done with the two prisoners, having received but four hundred lashes out of the six, to which they were sentenced by a court- martial, the other two hundred being remitted by their own officers.

Thursday the 20th, we waited on the captain, who acquainted us with what the lieutenant had mentioned last night relating to the prisoners: We told him the people were very uneasy about this mitigation of the punishment indicted on them by a court-martial; therefore it was agreed they should provide for themselves as well as they could, but to have no sort of provisions out of the store-tent for the future.

Saturday, the 22d, we begun upon several contrivances to get provisions, such as building punts, cask-boats, leather-boats, and the like.

On Sunday the 23d, the store-tent was again robbed, and, on examination, was found a deficiency of twelve days brandy for ninety men: The lieutenant, myself, and carpenter, went to the captain to consult some way which might effectually prevent those villainous practices for the future: The captain desired us to make a nice inquiry into this robbery, being determined to inflict the severest punishment on the offenders; though it would give him the greatest concern if any innocent person should suffer. This day we confined one of the sentinels for being drunk on his post; the day following the boatswain gave us information of the persons who had robbed the tent; they were two sentinels, Smith and Butler; those very persons were the first who insisted that the seamen, as well as themselves, should watch the store-tent; their own officers, as yet, have brought them to no examination: We have also information that the purser holds frequent conversation with the rebels, contrary to all the laws of the navy, supplying them with liquors in abundance, to the great distress of his majesty's faithful subjects, who have but half a pint per day to subsist on. There are now great disturbances among the people concerning going to the northward; they believe Captain C----p never intended to return to England by his proposing this way, in opposition to the opinion of all the navigators, who have given reasons for going through the Streights of Magellan. There is a sort of a party rage among the people, fomented by a kind of bribery that has more influence on the seamen than money; there are some daily bought off by rum, and other strong liquors. Unless a stop is put to these proceedings, we shall never go off the spot.

Tuesday the 25th, this day felt four great earthquakes, three of which were very terrible; notwithstanding the violent shocks and tremblings of the earth, we find no ground shifted. Hard gales of wind at north, with heavy showers of rain.

Thursday the 27th, the disturbances increase among the people; we plainly see there is a party raised to go to the northward; we went to the lieutenant, and consulted with him what was to be done in the present exigence; myself being reckoned the projector of the scheme for going through the Streights, was threatened to be shot by Noble the quarter- master: After having some discourse with the lieutenant, he told me, If I would draw up a paper for the captain to sign, in order to satisfy the people, that he would go to the southward, and every officer to have a copy of it, to justify himself in England, it would be as proper a method as we could take. The paper was immediately drawn up in these words, viz.

"Whereas upon a general consultation, it has been agreed to go from this place through the Streights of Magellan, for the coast of Brazil, in our way for England: We do, notwithstanding, find the people separating into parties, which must consequently end in the destruction of the whole body; and as also there have been great robberies committed on the stores, and every thing is now at a stand, therefore, to prevent all future frauds and animosities, we are unanimously agreed to proceed as above-mentioned."

This paper was delivered to the lieutenant, who said that he was sure the captain would sign it, but in case of refusal he should be confined for shooting Mr Cozens, and he would take the command on himself: And, to prevent further disturbances, the purser, as he much conversed with the rebels, it is agreed by the body of officers to send him off the island, for acting so contrary to his duty, in contempt of the articles of war, the laws of his country, and the known rules of the navy. It was likewise agreed, that any person who engaged himself in raising parties, should be disarmed. By this day's proceedings, we thought the lieutenant a gentleman of resolution, but the words and actions of people do not always concur.

Friday the 28th, to-day the officers and people all appeared in arms. The master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter, with Mr J----s, mate, and Mr C----ll, midshipman, went into the captain's tent, the lieutenant being with him. As soon as the officers were seated, a consultation was held concerning Smith and Butler robbing the store-tent, they were sentenced to be transported to the main, or some island. As soon as this affair was over, we talk'd to the captain of the uneasiness among the people, that there had been a long time a visible inquietude among 'em, and that we could not help seeing there were schemes form'd to obstruct our design of going to the southward. The captain answer'd, Gentlemen, it is time enough to think of this when we are ready to go off; have not I told you before that I do not care which way I go, southward or northward? I will take my fate with you. Everybody now expected the lieutenant to reply, especially after the zeal he express'd himself with the day before; but he sat speechless, without any regard to the welfare of the people, or to his own proposals. Finding he did not move in the affair, I took out the paper which was agreed to by the lieutenant and the rest of the officers, and read it to the captain, and ask'd him to sign it, which he strenuously oppos'd, and seem'd very much enrag'd that it should be propos'd to him. Upon this we dropt the matter, and began to discourse concerning the provisions: We thought it necessary that ten weeks subsistence should be secur'd to carry with us, and that the liquor should be buried under ground, but he gave us no answer. Finding no relief here, we went to Captain P----n's tent to consult with him what we should do in the present exigence. On our coming out from the captain we saw a flag hoisted on Captain P----n's tent, the captain himself seated in a chair, surrounded by the people. On seeing this, all the officers present at the consultation, except the lieutenant, went over to Captain P----n. Here it was agreed, in case the captain persisted to refuse signing the paper, to take the command from him, and to give it the lieutenant, according to the lieutenant's own proposal. At the same time Caplain P----n told the people he would stand by 'em with his life, in going through the Streights of Magellan, the way propos'd in the paper. The people gave three cheers, crying aloud for England. The captain hearing the noise, got out of bed to his tent door, and call'd the people, enquiring what they wanted, then sent for all the officers: He was then told since he refused signing the paper, and had no regard to the safety of our provisions, the people unanimously agreed to take the command from him, and transfer it to the lieutenant. Hearing this, with an exalted voice, Captain C----p says, Who is he that will take the command from me? addressing himself to the lieutenant, Is it you, sir? The lieutenant reply'd, No, sir. The terror of the captain's aspect intimidated the lieutenant to that degree, that he look'd like a ghost. We left him with the captain, and return'd to Captain P----n's tent, to acquaint him of the lieutenant's refusing the command. We had not been long here before Captain C----p sent for us. I was the first person call'd for; at my entering his tent, I saw him seated on a chest, with a cock'd pistol on his right thigh; observing this, I desir'd Mr J----s, who was the mate he always rely'd on for navigation, to tell the captain I did not think proper to come before a cock'd pistol: Notwithstanding I was arm'd I drew back, altho' I had my pistol-cock'd, and there were several men near me arm'd with muskets. The captain's personal bravery no man doubted of, his courage was excessive, and made him rash and desperate; his shooting Mr Cozens was a fatal proof of it, he was grown more desperate by this unhappy action, and was observ'd since seldom to behave himself with any composure of mind. It is a piece of human prudence to retreat from a man in a phrenzy, because he who does not value his own life, has another man's in his power. I had no desire of falling by the hand of Captain C----p, and should be greatly disturb'd to be compelled, for my own preservation, to discharge a pistol at a gentleman against whom I never had any spleen, and who was my commander. When Mr J----s acquainted him with what I desired him, the captain threw his pistol aside, and came out of his tent; he told the people he would go with them to the southward; he desired to know their grievances, and he would redress them: They all call'd out for their sea- store of provisions to be secur'd, and the rest equally divided. Here the captain shew'd all the conduct and courage imaginable; he was a single man against a multitude, all of 'em dissatisfy'd with him, and all of 'em in arms: He told 'em the ill consequence of sharing the provisions, that it was living to-day and starving to-morrow; but the people were not to be satisfy'd, the officers had now no authority over 'em, and they were some time deaf to their persuasions; nay, it was with difficulty that they could dissuade 'em from pulling down the store-tent, and taking away the provisions by force; they remov'd the provisions out of the store-tent, then fell to digging a hole to bury the brandy; the sea-store to be secur'd, the remainder to be immediately shar'd. Had this been comply'd with, the consequences might have been very terrible; however, to pacify 'em in some shape, it was agreed, that every man should have a pint of brandy per day, which, by calculation, would last 'em three weeks. On this they seem'd very easy, and went to their respective tents. The captain told his officers that he would act nothing contrary to what was agreed on for the welfare and safety of the community. Finding the captain in a temper of mind to hearken to reason, I said to him, sir, I think it my duty to inform you that I am not the person whom you imagine to be the principal in this affair. The captain answer'd, how can I think otherwise? I reply'd, Sir, the paper I read to you was your lieutenant's projection: There sits the gentleman, let him disown it if he can. The captain turning himself to the lieutenant, says, Mr Bulkeley has honestly clear'd himself. We then drank a glass of wine, and took our leaves. At night the captain sent for Mr Cummins and me to sup with him; we were the only officers present with him: When I was seated, I said, Sir, I have my character at stake, from drawing back from your cock'd pistol; had I advanc'd, one of us must have dropt. The captain answer'd, Bulkeley, I do assure you the pistol was not design'd for you, but for another; for I knew the whole before. We then talk'd of indifferent things, and spent the evening in a very affable manner.