Part 6
_Aug. 28._ Nothing happen’d worth notice since the 16th, but that we had good Weather to clean and tallow our Ships five Streaks below the Water-Line, and to take in our Provisions and Men, _&c._ This Morning we fell down to the _Spit-end_ by the _Hastings_ Man of War, as our Consort did the night before. When I came without the _Spit-end_, I saluted the _Hastings_ with seven Guns; they return’d five, and I three for Thanks. We had now above double the number of Officers usual in Privateers, and a large Complement of Men to each Ship. We took this Method of doubling our Officers to prevent Mutinies, which often happen in long Voyages, and that we might have a large Provision for a Succession of
[Sidenote: _At Cork in Ireland._]
Officers in each Ship, in case of Mortality. Our Ship was now so full that we sent our Sheet-Cable and other new Store Cordage to Mr. _Noblett Rogers_ at _Cork_, to make room for our Men and Provisions; having three Cables besides, and being willing rather to spare that, than any thing else we had aboard. Our Crew were continually marrying whilst we staid at _Cork_, tho they expected to sail immediately. Among others there was a _Dane_ coupled by a Romish Priest to an _Irish_ Woman, without understanding a word of each other’s Language, so that they were forc’d to use an Interpreter; yet I perceiv’d this Pair seem’d more afflicted at Separation than any of the rest: The Fellow continu’d melancholy for several days after we were at Sea. The rest understanding each other, drank their Cans of Flip[88] till the last minute, concluded with a Health to our good Voyage, and their happy Meeting, and then parted unconcern’d.
I think it necessary to set down here the Names of all the Officers in both Ships, with the Number of our Men; because it is proper, that the Persons whom this Journal concerns, should be known.
_Officers of the_ Duke
_Woodes Rogers_, Captain, a Mariner; _Thomas Dover_, a Doctor of Physick, second Captain, President of our Council, and Captain of the Marines; _Carleton Vanbrugh_, Merchant, now our Owners Agent; _Robert Fry_, a Mariner, chief Lieutenant; _Charles Pope_, second Lieutenant; _Thomas Glendall_, third Lieutenant; _John Bridge_, Master; _William Dampier_, Pilot for the _South-Seas_, who had been already three times there, and twice round the World; _Alexander Vaughan_, chief Mate; _Lanc. Appleby_, second Mate; _John Ballet_, rated third Mate, but design’d Surgeon, if occasion; he had been Captain _Dampier’s_ Doctor, in his last unfortunate Voyage round the World; _Samuel Hopkins_, being Dr. _Dover’s_ Kinsman and an Apothecary, was both an Assistant to him, and to act as his Lieutenant, if we landed a Party any where under his Command during the Voyage; _George Underhill_ and _John Parker_, two young Lawyers design’d to act as Midshipmen; _John Vigor_, a Reformado,[89] to act as Capt. _Dover’s_ Ensign when ashore; _Benj. Parsons_ and _Howel Knethel_, Midshipmen; _Richard Edwards_, Coxswain of the Pinnace, to receive Midshipmens Pay; _James Wasse_, Surgeon; _Charles May_, his Mate; _John Lancy_, Assistant; _Henry Oliphant_, Gunner, with eight Men call’d the Gunner’s Crew; _Nath. Scorch_, Carpenter; _John Jones_, his Mate, with three Assistants; _Giles Cash_, Boatswain; and _John Pillar_, his Mate; _John Shepard_, Cooper, with two Assistants; _John Johnson_, _Thomas Young_, _Charles Clovet_, and _John Bowden_, all four Quarter-Masters; _John Finch_, late wholesale Oilman of _London_, now Ship’s Steward; _Henry Newkirk_, Sail-maker; _Peter Vandenhende_, Smith and Armourer; _William Hopkins_, Ship’s Corporal, Capt. _Dover’s_ Serjeant, and Cook to the Officers; _Barth. Burnes_, Ship’s Cook.
_Officers of the_ Dutchess
_Stephen Courtney_, Captain, a Mariner; _Edward Cook_, second Captain; _William Stretton_, chief Lieutenant; _John Rogers_, second Lieutenant; _John Connely_, third Lieutenant; _William Bath_, Owners Agent; _George Milbourn_, Master; _Robert Knowlman_, chief Mate; _Henry Duck_, second; _Simon Hatley_, third; _James Goodall_, fourth; and _William Page_, fifth Mate: With all other inferior Officers much the same as aboard the _Duke_. Most of us, the chief Officers, embrac’d this Trip of Privateering round the World, to retrieve the Losses we had sustain’d by the Enemy. Our Complement of Sailors in both Ships was 333, of which above one Third were Foreigners from most Nations; several of her Majesty’s Subjects on board were Tinkers, Taylors, Hay-makers, Pedlers, Fidlers, _&c._ one Negro, and about ten Boys. With this mix’d Gang we hop’d to be well mann’d, as soon as they had learnt the Use of Arms, and got their Sea-Legs, which we doubted not soon to teach ’em, and bring them to Discipline.
_Septemb. 1._ We took sailing Orders, the better to keep Company with the _Hastings_ and Fleet: and after having agreed with our Consort, Captain _Courtney_, on Signals between us, which are so common that I need not insert them here, and appointed places of Rendevouz in case of Separation, and how long to lie for each other at every place; about ten this Morning, we came to sail with the _Hastings_ and about 20 Merchant Ships, bound to the Southward and Westward, Wind at N by W. We should have sail’d yesterday, but could not weigh and cast our Ships clear of the rest; some at that time drove, and the _Sherstone_ Gally run quite ashore on the _Spit_. In the night it grew moderate
[Illustration: CROSSING THE TROPIC: SAILORS BEING DUCKED AT THE YARD ARM
_From a scarce print in the Macpherson collection._]
[Sidenote: _Departure from Cork._]
Weather, and Captain _Paul_ got her off to sail with us. Our Holds are full of Provisions; our Cables, a great deal of Bread, and Water-Casks between Decks; and 183 Men aboard the _Duke_, with 151 aboard the _Dutchess_: so that we are very much crouded and pester’d Ships, not fit to engage an Enemy without throwing Provision and Stores overboard.
_Septemb. 2._ We and our Consort stood out of the Fleet to chase a Sail we saw to Windward. Our ships sail’d as well as any in the Fleet, not excepting the Man of War; so that we began to hope we should find our heels, since we go so well tho deep loaden and pester’d. We found the Chase to be a small Vessel coming into the Fleet from _Baltimore_, one _Hunt_ Master, call’d the _Hope_ Gally, a small _French_-built Snow belonging to Mr. _James Vaughan_ of _Bristol_, bound for _Jamaica_. Wind at N by W. Moderate Weather.
_Septemb. 3._ The Wind very veerable from the W S W. to the N W. blow’d strong with Squalls, so that we reef’d often, and our Ship was a little leaky in her upper Works.
_Septemb. 4._ It blew fresh this Morning, but not so much Wind as Yesterday, and the Water smoother. Captain _Paul_ made a Signal for me, Capt. _Courtney_, and Capt. _Edwards_ Commander of the _Scipio_; and after speaking with him, he sent his Boat for us, being larger than ours. We with Capt. _Dover_ and Mr. _Vanbrugh_ went in her, and din’d with Capt. _Paul_ aboard his Ship, where we were very handsomly treated. He propos’d to me and Consort when he left the Fleet, which would be very soon, to cruise a few days together off Cape _Finister_, after having ask’d us what we wanted that he could supply us with. He gave us Scrubbers, Iron Scrapers for our Ships Bottom, a speaking Trumpet, and other things that we wanted: but he would accept nothing from us, because our Voyage would be long; but told us, he should be well pleas’d if our Owners return’d him the same Necessaries for his Ship when he return’d. Wind from the N N W. to the N W by W. moderate.
_Septemb. 5._ We came from on board Capt. _Paul_ to our own Ships, yesterday at six in the Afternoon; and now thought it fit to discover to our Crew whither we were bound, that if any Disorders should have risen upon it, we might have exchang’d our Malecontents whilst in Company with one of her Majesty’s Ships. But I found no Complaint on board the _Duke_, except from one Fellow who expected to have been Tything-Man that year in his Parish, and said his Wife would be oblig’d to pay Forty Shillings in his Absence: but seeing all the rest willing, he was easily quieted, and all Hands drank to a good Voyage. I and Capt. _Courtney_ writ to our Owners, Alderman _Batchelor_ and Company, in the same Letter, a Method we design’d to continue in the whole Voyage, for all things that related to it. A brisk Gale and clear Weather.
_Sept. 6._ The _Hastings_ and we parted at six last night. The reason why we did not keep him longer Company, was our Ships being very full, and our Consort unwilling to lose time so near home; so that we were oblig’d to break Measures with Capt. _Paul_. I excus’d it to him, and saluted him, which he answer’d, and wish’d us a prosperous Undertaking. Wind N. by W. and clear Weather. Our Ship does not sail so well as she did two days before. The _Crown_ Gally of _Biddiford_ keeps us Company bound for the _Maderas_. Wind from N N W. to N by E.
_Sept. 8._ Every thing now begins to come into Order, we having been hitherto in some Confusion, as is usual in Privateers at first setting out. We had a good Observation. Moderate Weather, Wind at W N W. Lat. 40. 10. N. This day the chief Officers din’d on board me, and the next day on board the _Dutchess_.
_Sept. 9._ Now we begin to consider the Length of our Voyage, and the many different Climates we must pass, and the excessive Cold which we cannot avoid, going about Cape _Horne_; at the same time we had but a slender Stock of Liquor, and our Men but meanly clad, yet good Liquor to Sailors is preferable to Clothing. Upon this we held our first Committee, to debate whether ’twas necessary for us to stop at _Madera_, as follows.
At a Committee held on Board the _Duke_ Frigate, resolv’d by the General Consent of the following Persons:
[Sidenote: _From Cork to the Southward._]
_That both the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _do touch at_ Madera, _to make a larger Provision of Liquors, the better to carry on our long Undertaking, being but meanly stor’d for so large a Number of Men as are in both Ships; and in case of Separation between this Place and_ Madera, _then to meet at the Island_ St. Vincent, _one of the_ Cape de Verd _Islands, to wood and water our Ships. But if we miss of one another at that Island, or that the first Ship finds it inconvenient for stopping, then to proceed to_ Praia _on_ St. Jago, _another of the same Islands; to wait at both these Islands fourteen Days: And then if the missing Ship does not appear, the other to proceed to the Isle of_ Grande, _in Latitude_ 23 deg. 30 m. S. _on the Coast of_ Brazil, _there to wait three Weeks; and then if we don’t meet, let the single Ship proceed on the Voyage, according to the Orders given from our Owners. This is our Opinion this 9th day of_ September, 1708.
Thos. Dover _President_, Charles Pope, Stephen Courtney, Carleton Vanbrugh, Woodes Rogers, Tho. Glendall, Edward Cooke, John Bridge, William Dampier, John Ballet. Robert Frye,
_Sept. 10._ At six in the Morning we saw a Sail; after speaking with our Consort, we both chas’d. I gave the _Dutchess_ about a mile start of us, in order to spread the more. It blew fresh, with a great Sea; and the Chase being to Windward, we crouded extravagantly. Wind at N W.
_Sept. 11._ At three yesterday Afternoon we came up with the Chase, who bore down right upon us, shewing _Swedish_ Colours. I fir’d twice at her before she brought to, then went aboard her with my Yall,[90] Captain _Courtney’s_ Boat being just before me. We examin’d the Master, and found he came round _Scotland_ and _Ireland_. We suspected he had Contraband Goods on board, because some of the Men we found drunk, told us they had Gunpowder and Cables; so we resolv’d to examine her strictly, put 12 Men on board her, and kept the _Swedes_ Master and 12 of his Men on board our Ships. This Morning, after we had examin’d the Men, and searched the Ship, we found it difficult to be prov’d whether she was a Prize: And not willing to hinder time to carry her into any Harbour to examine her farther, we let her go without the least Embezelment. The Master gave me two Hams, and some rufft dry’d Beef, and I gave him a dozen Bottles of Red-Streak Cyder. They saluted us at parting with four Guns: She belong’d to _Stadt_ near _Hamburg_, and was a Frigate built Ship of 22 Guns, about 270 Tuns. While I was on board the _Swede_ yesterday, our Men mutiny’d, the Ringleaders being our Boatswain, and three other inferior Officers. This Morning the chief Officers having kept with me in the after-part of the Ship, we confin’d the Authors of this Disorder, in which there was not one Foreigner concern’d. We put ten of the Mutineers in Irons, a Sailor being first soundly whip’d for exciting the rest to join him. Others less guilty I punish’d and discharg’d, but kept the chief Officers all arm’d, fearing what might happen; the Ship’s Company seeming too much inclin’d to favour the Mutineers, made me the easier forgive. Some beg’d Pardon, and others I was forc’d to wink at; however, they began to find their Design frustrated, which was to make a Prize of the _Swede_, who they alledg’d had much Contraband Goods aboard, tho we could see none; yet they obstinately insisted, that we apparently gave away their Interest, by letting her go without plundering her. I labour’d to convince them of the necessity of our making Dispatch, and that if we could make her a Prize, it would unman our Ships too much to send her into any Port, besides other Disadvantages it might procure to our selves and Owners should we be mistaken; which pacify’d the major part. Our Consort’s Men were at first very uneasy, but finding the Malecontents quell’d aboard our Ship, they all kept quiet.
_Sept. 12._ Yesterday the Wind was very little and veerable, and we had an Observation, 34 deg. 30 min. N.
_Sept. 13._ Those in Irons discover’d others who were Ringleaders in the Mutiny, whom we also punish’d, and confin’d one of them in Irons with the rest. _Alexander Wynter_ was made Boatswain instead of _Giles Cash_, one of the Mutineers. Fair pleasant Weather, little Wind at N W by W.
[Sidenote: _Arrival among the Canary Isles._]
_Sept. 14._ I agreed with the Captain of the _Crown_ Galley to carry my Boatswain (who was the most dangerous Fellow among the Mutineers) in Irons with him to _Maderas_. I did not at his first Confinement think of sending him off; but this day a Sailor came aft to the Steeridg Door, with near half the Ship’s Company of Sailors following him, and demanded the Boatswain out of Irons. I desir’d him to speak with me by himself on the Quarter-Deck, which he did, where the Officers assisted me, seiz’d him, and made one of his chief Comrades whip him. This Method I thought best for breaking any unlawful Friendship amongst themselves; which, with different Correction to other Offenders, allay’d the Tumult; so that now they begin to submit quietly, and those in Irons beg Pardon, and promise Amendment, This Mutiny would not have been easily lay’d, were it not for the number of our Officers, which we begin to find very necessary to bring our Crew to Order and Discipline, which is always very difficult in Privateers, and without which ’tis impossible to carry on any distant Undertaking like ours. Fine pleasant Weather, and moderate Gales.
It being little Wind, and contrary, we agreed to pass by _Maderas_, and cruise a little amongst the _Canary_ Islands for Liquor, to prevent Loss of time: So we took leave of the _Crown_ Galley, who was bound into _Madera_.
_Sept. 15._ Last night we sent _Giles Cash_ aboard her in Irons, with several Letters by the Commander at large to our Owners. We parted at twelve a Clock at night. Fair Weather, very little Wind from W N W. to N by E. had a very good Observation. Latitude 31 deg. 29 min. N.
_Sept. 16._ I discharg’d the Prisoners from their Irons, upon their humble Submission and strict Promises of good Behaviour for time to come. While they continu’d in Irons they had Centries over them, and were fed with Bread and Water. Those that were Officers we restor’d to their Places, and every body was order’d to obey them; _John Pillar_ the Boatswain’s Mate was advanc’d to be Boatswain, so that we are all quiet again. About eight this morning we saw Land, and found it to be _Salvage’s_ Island, bearing S S W. distant eight Leagues, Latitude 29 deg. 45 min. Wind very little, and veerable, with fair clear Weather.
_Sept. 17._ Moderate Gales of Wind; the _Salvages_ at a distance is not unlike the Island _Lundy_ in _Bristol_ Channel, about two miles long, a high Island. This Morning we saw the Rock, that appear’d to us a good League to the S W. of the Island, and took it to be a Sail till we came near it. Little Wind between the N N E. and the West.
_Sept. 18._ At four yesterday in the Afternoon we came in sight of _Pico Teneriff_, bearing S W by W. distant about eight Leagues; steer’d S S E. and S E by S. for _Grand Canaries_. This Morning about five a clock we spy’d a Sail under our Lee Bow, between the Islands of _Grand Canaries_ and _Forteventura_; we chas’d her, and at 7 came up with her. Our Consort being a little a Head, fir’d a Gun, and made her bring to; she prov’d a Prize, being a _Spanish_ Bark about 25 Tuns, belonging to _Oratava_ on _Teneriff_, and bound to _Forteventura_ with about 45 Passengers; who rejoic’d when they found us _English_, because they fear’d we were _Turks_. Amongst the Prisoners were four Fryars, and one of them the Padre Guardian for the Island _Forteventura_, a good honest old Fellow. We made him heartily merry, drinking King _Charles_ the Third’s[91] Health; but the rest were of the wrong sort. We us’d them all very well, without searching them, _&c._ Fresh Gales and fair Weather, Wind from the N N E. to the E S E.
_Sept. 19._ After we had took the Prize, we stood to the Westward for _Teneriff_, in order to have her ransom’d; where our Agent Mr. _Vanbrugh_ press’d to go ashoar with some of the Prisoners. At eleven last night the Wind being at N E. when we were very near the Shore, we could hardly weather Cape _Nago_, the Eastermost part of _Teneriff_, till the Wind veer’d to the Northward. We stood off till Day: In the Morning it prov’d moderate, so we stood in for _Oratava_, and sent the _Spanish_ Master of the Bark to it in his Boat, being mann’d with some of the Prisoners. Mr. _Vanbrugh_ still insisting to go ashore, I consented, tho against my Judgment, and he went with them to treat for the Ransom of the Hull of the Bark; her small Cargo, which consisted in two Butts of Wine, and one Hogshead of Brandy, and other small matters, we design’d for our own use in both Ships, the Agents of each being to take an account of it the first Opportunity. Fresh Gale of Wind at N E.
_Sept. 20._ About eight this Morning came a Boat off from _Oratava_ with a Flag of Truce, and brought a Letter signifying that unless we would immediately restore the Bark and Cargo, Mr. _Vanbrugh_ should be detain’d. I sent to Capt. _Courtney_, who agreed with me on an Answer. We stood in with our Ships within a League of the Town, to tow in the Boat for Dispatch, and about eleven they went ashore again. Wind at N E by E. very fresh.
The Letter sent us was as follows:
Capt. _Rogers_ and Capt. _Courtney_;
_Gentlemen_,
Port _Oratava, 20 Sept. 1708_.
‘Your Lieutenant coming ashore, and having given an account to our Governor of your having taken a Boat belonging to this place bound to _Forteventura_; we must inform you that her Majesty is graciously pleas’d to allow a Trade between her Subjects and the People of these Islands, whereof we suppose you are not ignorant; and that it is approv’d of not only by his Catholick Majesty, but also by the most gracious Christian King, who has sent
[Sidenote: _Amongst the Canary Isles._]
express Orders unto his Consul here, that none of his Men of War or others shall molest any Ship trading to these Islands: and there has been actually an Example of a Ship belonging to the Subjects of her _Britannick_ Majesty, which was taken by a _French_ Privateer, and upon due Application to the _French_ Consul, the Ship was restor’d. Wherefore we are all of Opinion, that there can be no room for your making a Prize of this _Spanish_ Bark; for it will be extremely prejudicial to her Majesty’s Subjects that reside here, and likewise to those in _England_ trading hither, by prohibiting of all future Trade, by making more than sufficient Reprisal upon our Effects here, and perhaps on our Persons, by reason of the evident Breach on our part of the stipulated Trade which has been concerted with us. Wherefore we must once more desire you to restore the _Spanish_ Bark, as you will answer the contrary before her Majesty, who has so far approv’d of the private Trade, that she was pleas’d to allow of two Men of War (viz. the _Dartmouth_ Capt. _Cock_, and the _Greyhound_ Capt. _Hariot_) the last year, who had express Orders to molest in no manner of way any Vessel belonging to the _Spaniards_; which accordingly they observ’d. Wherefore as you have a due Regard to what is so much the Interest of her Majesties Subjects, we expect at the return of this Boat, that you will make Restitution of the said Bark, otherwise Mr. _Vanbrugh_ will not be permitted to go off, and there will be extravagant Reprisals made upon our Estates and Persons, which we expect you will take into your Consideration: and we cannot omit to let you know, that there is now a _Spanish_ Bark actually in _England_, which is daily expected with other _English_ Ships to load Wine, which they will not be admitted to do, in case you don’t restore this Bark. We don’t doubt but the People here out of Complaisance will make you some acknowledgment of a Refreshment.
Gentlemen, Your very humble Servants, _J. Pouldon_, Vice-Consul, _J. Crosse_, _Bernard Walsh_, _G. Fitz-Gerald_.
‘Pray excuse Haste, that we have not time to transcribe.
‘The rest of the Merchants are in the City where our Governor generally resides, being about six Leagues hence.
Our Answer was thus:
_On board the_ Duke Frigat, Sept. 20.
_Gentlemen_,