Part 9

The Town consists of about sixty low Houses built of Mud, cover’d with Palmetto Leaves, and meanly furnish’d. They told us they had been plunder’d by the _French_, or perhaps they hid their Plate and other best Movables, because they were in doubt whether we were Friends or Enemies. They have two Churches and a _Franciscan_ Monastery tolerably decent, but not rich in Ornaments: They have also a Guard-house, where there are about 20 Men commanded by the Governour, a Lieutenant, and Ensign. The Monastery had some black Cattel belonging to it, but the Fathers would sell us none.

The Fish we saw in the Road were Sharks, so well known that I need not describe them. 2. Pilot-Fishes, so call’d because they commonly attend the Sharks, find out their Prey for ’em, and are never devour’d by ’em. 3. The Sucking-Fish, so call’d because of a Sucker about two inches long on the top of their Heads, by the Slime of which they stick so fast to Sharks and other large Fish, that they are not easily pull’d off. 4. Parrot-Fish, so nam’d because their Mouths resemble the Beak of a Parrot. 5. A Rock-Fish, which is very good, and much like our Cod. 6. Silver-Fish in great plenty: ’tis a deep-body’d bright Fish, from 12 to 18 inches long, and very good Meat: But there are so many sorts of good Fish here, that we can’t describe ’em all.

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande_]

_Nov. 28._ Yesterday in the Afternoon we left _Angre de Reys_; when we got aboard, we found the Main-Mast rigg’d, with every thing ready. This Morning we got our Ship out by our Consort, and the Wind being out of the way, and but little, we went with our Boat to the Town, to get Liquors for the Voyage, and bring the Gentlemen of the Town aboard our Ships, where we treated ’em the best we could. They were very merry, and in their Cups propos’d the Pope’s Health to us; but we were quits with ’em, by toasting that of the Archbishop of _Canterbury:_ to keep up the Humour, we also propos’d _William Pen’s_ to them; and they lik’d the Liquor so well, that they refus’d neither. We made the Governour and the Fathers of the Convent a handsom Present of Butter and Cheese from both Ships, in consideration of the small Presents and yesterday’s Favours from ’em, and as a farther Obligation on ’em to be careful of our Letters, which we took this opportunity to deliver into their own hands. I shall say no more of our Letters, but that they contain’d every thing material since my coming out, with two Postscripts wrote by Capt. _Dover_ and Capt. _Courtney_, to put it out of doubt amongst all those concern’d, that we join’d heartily in prosecuting our long Undertaking, and that our Officers behav’d themselves to satisfaction; which may clear up some Difficulties started amongst the Gentlemen at home before we sail’d, that were a great Hindrance and Discouragement to us in the beginning, because Mismanagement and Misunderstanding amongst the Officers never fail of ill Effects to the Voyage, and of spoiling the Men; which is an irrecoverable Loss.

_Nov. 29._ Yesterday in the Afternoon our Yall went to Town to get Necessaries for our next long Voyage, because we were to run near 2000 Leagues before we could expect any Recruit of Liquors, unless by extraordinary good fortune. In the Evening it came on blowing with thick Showers of Rain, which prevented the Governour and the rest from going ashore that night. This Morning the Governour and Company were carry’d ashore: at parting we saluted ’em with a Huzza from each Ship, because we were not overstock’d with Pouder. After which all the Officers of the Committee met on board the _Dutchess_, where we enquir’d into the true Cause of the aforesaid _Indian’s_ Death, and protested against Mr. _Vanbrugh_ (who was the Occasion) for commanding our Ships Pinnace as he did in chase of the Canoe unknown to me, and without my Order. At the same time I desir’d to have the Committee’s Hands, if they approv’d what I had transacted since my leaving the _Canary Islands_, which they very readily sign’d, as also the Protest against Mr. _Vanbrugh’s_ unadvis’d Management; for I was sensible that good Order and Discipline in Privateers was the only Method to support my self and the other Officers, and keep up our Authority, which is so essential towards acting with Success and Vigour on all occasions. This made it highly necessary in the Infancy of our Undertaking to prevent Innovations in Command, which inevitably confound the most promising Designs. Therefore I thought it a fit time now to resent ignorant and wilful Actions publickly, and to shew the Vanity and Mischief of ’em, rather than to delay or excuse such Proceedings; which would have made the Distemper too prevalent, and brought all to remediless Confusion, had we indulg’d conceited Persons with a liberty of hazarding the fairest Opportunities of Success. The above-mention’d Resolves of the Committee follow.

At a Committee held on board the _Dutchess_ riding at the Island _Grande_ on the Coast of _Brazile_, by Request of Capt. _Tho. Dover_ President, Capt. _Woodes Rogers_, and Capt. _Stephen Courtney_, _29 Novemb. 1708_.

_WE have examin’d, and do approve of all the Proceedings and Transactions since our being at the_ Canary Islands, _both as to the punishing of Offenders, and acting in all cases for the best of our intended Voyage, and that we found it actually necessary to sell part of the Goods taken in the Prize amongst the_ Canary Islands _here, to purchase some Liquor and other Necessaries for our Men as they go about Cape_ Horn, _they being very meanly clothed, and ill provided to endure the Cold; and we have and do hereby desire the Agent of each Ship to take particular Cognizance of what such Goods are sold and dispos’d of for; and agree that all possible Dispatch hath been made both here and at_ St. Vincent. _In acknowledgment of which we have set our Hands the Day and Year above-written._

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, William Bath, Stephen Courtney, Charles Pope, William Dampier, John Rogers, Edward Cook, John Connely, Robert Frye, Geo. Milbourne, Carleton Vanbrugh, John Ballet.

[Sidenote: _At the Isle of Grande._]

Memorandum, _That on the 26th Day of_ November, 1708. _a little before break of Day, a Canoe coming near the Ship_ Duke, _as she rode at Anchor at the Island of_ Grande _on the Coasts of_ Brazile; _they hal’d her, she not answering, they fir’d at her; upon which she row’d away, and the Captain order’d the Boat to get ready and pursue her: And Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh, _Agent of the said Ship, putting off the Boat, without the Order of his Captain, or before any Commanding Officer was in pursuit of her, fir’d, or order’d to be fir’d, at her several Muskets at a distance: But coming nearer, he order’d the Men to fire into the Boat; and the Corporal firing, as we have reason to believe, kill’d an_ Indian, _and took the Canoe, and sent her away with two of the_ Duke’s _Men, the Corporal and a Padre, and afterwards brought the rest of the People in the Ship’s Pinnace; since which time we are inform’d by the Padre, Master of the dead_ Indian, _that he lost a quantity of Gold to the Value of_ 200 l. _which he says he carry’d ashore, and hid in hopes to preserve (he taking them for_ Frenchmen _by their firing and chasing) which could not afterwards be found, altho, he says, he does verily believe it was not taken by any of the Ships People, but alledges it was lost by means of their chasing and surprizing him. Whatever Damages may arise from the above-mention’d Action on the account of killing the_ Indian, _or Loss of the Gold that the Padre says he has lost, We the Commanders and Officers of Ship_ Duke _and_ Dutchess _Consorts, do in behalf of our selves, and the rest of the Ships Company, protest against the unadvis’d Actions of the aforesaid Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh, _for proceeding without any Order from the Captain of the same Ship, and acting contrary to what he was ship’d for. In witness whereof we have set our Hands the 29th day of_ November, 1708.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ William Stratton, Woodes Rogers, William Bath, Steph. Courtney, John Rogers, Will. Dampier, Thomas Glendal, Edward Cook, John Connely, Robert Frye, Geo. Milbourne, Charles Pope, John Ballet.

_Nov. 30._ The Wind continuing out of the way, last night we held a Committee on board the _Dutchess_, and agreed to remove Mr. _Carleton Vanbrugh_ from the Ship _Duke_; which Agreement is as follows:

Memorandum, _This 30th of_ Novemb. 1708. _We the underwritten Officers belonging to the Ships_ Duke _and_ Dutchess, _appointed as a Committee by the Owners of both Ships, do find it necessary for the Good of our intended Voyage, to remove Mr._ Carleton Vanbrugh _from being Agent of the_ Duke _Frigate, to be Agent of the_ Dutchess, _and to receive Mr._ William Bath _Agent of the_ Dutchess _in his Place. This is our Opinion and Desire, in acknowledgment of which we have hereunto set our Hands in the Port of the Island of_ Grande _on the Coast of_ Brazile, _the Day above-written_.

Tho. Dover, _Pres._ Robert Frye, Woodes Rogers, Charles Pope, Stephen Courtney, Tho. Glendall, William Dampier, John Bridge. Edward Cooke,

_Nov. 30._ About ten this morning we both weigh’d, in order to go out on the other side of _Grande_, which I think is the fairest Outlet, tho they are both very large, bold and good. We went out E S E. the Wind at N E. and in two hours came to an Anchor again, it proving calm, and a Current against us.

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

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

[Sidenote: _Description of Grande._]

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Account of Brazile._]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: _Account of Brazile._]

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