Bucaniers of America: containing the dangerous voyage and bold attempts of Captain Bartholomew Sharp, and others; performed upon the coasts of the South Sea, for the space of two years, &c. from the original journal of the said voyage |
 | IV. |
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| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
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| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. | CHAP. XXIV. |
| XXV. |
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 | CHAP. XXIV. Bucaniers of America: |  |
CHAP. XXIV.
They depart from the English Gulf in quest of the
Straight of Magallanes which they cannot find.
They return home by an unknown way, never
Navigated before.
SUnday November the sixth, this morning we had lost
the sight of land, so that we could see it no more. All
the night last past, and this day, we were under our two
Courses and Sprit-sail. The weather this day was hasey.
My reckoning was a S.W. half South way, and by it twenty
one Leagues. We had now an indifferent high Sea,
and a fresh wind at N.N.W.
November the seventh, last night was both rainy and fog-
most part was at W. and W. N.W. But at noon it came
about at W. S. W. Our reckoning was a S. W. by S. way,
and by it twenty Leagues. We found by observation Lat.
52 d. 03. We now steered away S.S.E. the wind being at
that time at W.S.W. In the evening of this day I found
a variation of the Needle to N.E. to the number of 15 d.
or better. I was still troubled with the Gripes as I had
been before.
November the eighth, we had a fair night the last past.
About midnight the wind came to N.N.W. This day early,
at the break of day, we all were perswaded that we had
seen Land, but at noon we saw that it was none, but only
a Cloud. The wind was now at North. My reckoning
was a S.E. half East way, and thirty two leagues and one
third of a league. We had an observation that gave us 53
d. 27 South. The whole day was very fine and warm, and
we saw great numbers of Fowles and Seales.
November the ninth, yesterday in the evening the weather
After midnight we sailed East, and E. by N. with a fresh
wind at W. N. W. and not any great Sea. The day it self
was cloudy, and toward noon we had some rain. So at two
in the afternoon we lay by under a Main-course, the wind
being fresh at N. W. I reckoned an E. N. E. way, and
thereby twenty eight Leagues.
Thursday November the tenth, all the night last past we
lay under a Main-course, with a meer fret of wind at N.W.
and N.N.W. Day being come, the wind did rather encrease;
insomuch, that about noon our sail blew to pieces.
Hereupon we were forced to lower the yard, and unbend
the sail, lying for a little while under a Mizen. But that
also soon gave way. So that all the rest of this day we
lay a hull in very dark weather, foggy and windy, with a
huge sea, which often times rowled over us. In the afternoon
it seemed to abate for some space of time; but soon
after it blew worse than before, which compelled us to
lower our Fore-yard.
November the tenth, all the night last past we had furious
windy and tempestuous weather, from the points of
N.W. and N. N. W. together with Seas higher and higher.
In the evening we set our Mizen. At which time the Sun
appeared very waterish; but the wind now abated by degrees,
and the Seas also.
November the twelfth, this morning little wind was stiring,
but only some rain fell. About ten it cleared up, and
by an observation then made, we found Lat. 55 d. 25. The
Sea was now much fallen, and a fresh wind was sprung up
at W. and W.S. W. We experimented also a very great
current to the S. W. In the afternoon of this day we set
our sails again, resolving now unanimously together, to
make for the Straights of St. Vincent, otherwise called the
Straights of Fernando de Magallanes. We had a fresh wind
at W.N.W. our course being S.S.E. under our Sprit-sail, Fore-
rather Fowls, who had heads like unto Muscovia Ducks, as
fore-fins of Turtles: white breasts and bellies; their beak
and eyes being red. They are full of Feathers on their bodies,
and their hinder parts are like unto those of a Seal,
wherewith they cut the water. The Spaniard calleth
these Fowles Paxaros Ninos. They weigh most commonly
about six or seven pound, being about one foot, a little
more or less in length. Our Commander Captain Sharp,
had so much dexterity as to strike two of them. In the
evening we set also our Main-sail; the wind now coming
to the Southward of the West.
Sunday November the 13th, all the night past we had a
fresh wind between S.W. and W.N.W. with sometimes mists
of small rain. In the evening we enjoyed a fine leading
gale at W. N. W. together with both clear and wholesome
weather. We made a S.E. way, and by it forty two leagues
and two thirds. This day an observation gave us Lat. 56
d. 55 South. We still experimented a great S. W. current.
In the afternoon of this day we steered E.S.E. and in the evening
had whiffling winds.
November the 14th, both last night and this morning we
had cloudy weather. About eight it cleared up. My
reckoning was a S.E. by E. way, and by it thirty two leagues.
Our observation gave us Lat. 57 d. 50. South. This day
it. In the evening we stood E. by S.
November the 15th, all the night past was very cloudy.
We judged now that we should be close in with the Land
we had seen the day before, but the morning being come
we could see none. In the night much snow fell, and in
the day we had great fleets thereof, the weather being very
cold and cloudy. I reckoned an E.S.E. way, and hereby
twenty nine leagues and two thirds. Moreover, that our
Latitude was 58 d. 25 S. The wind was now so fresh at
North, that we were forced to lye under our two Courses
and Sprit-sail.
Novembe the 16th, most of this time we had still rain
dark. The wind was various, but from midnight before
this day, the wind was at S.E. and S.S.E. We now lay E.N.E.
I reckoned a N.E. by E. way, and twenty three leagues.
About four in the afternoon two of our fore-shrouds bolts
broke, but withal, were presently mended. This afternoon
also we saw a very large Whale. In the evening we
handed in our fore-top sail, and lay under our pair of Courses,
and Sprit-sail, the evening being very clear.
November the 17th, in the night past there was a very
hard frost. At four this morning we saw two or three Islands
of Ice, the distance of two or three leagues to the
Southward of us. Soon after this, we saw several others,
the biggest of them being at least two leagues round. By
an observation made this day, we found Lat. 58 d. 23
South. We had now a vehement current to the Southward.
At noon I saw many others of these Islands of Ice
afore-mentioned, of which some were so long, that we could
scarce see the end of them, and were extant about ten or
twelve fathom above water. The weather in the mean
while was very clear, and the wind cold. I found variati-
on of the Needle eighteen degrees to the North East.
November the 18th, all the night past was very fair. I
must call it night; for otherwise it was not dark at all.
The Sea was very smooth, and the wind at N. and N.N.W.
I reckoned a N.E. by N. way, and by the same twenty two
leagues. At ten it grew stark calme, which held all the
afternoon of this day. But at night we had a wind again at
N. and N. by E.
November the 19th, this day was cloudy with snow, and
a frosty night preceeding it. The wind now was so fresh at
North, that we were forced to take in our top-sails, and
lye all day under our Courses and Sprit-sail. We made by
an E.S.E. way, eighteen leagues and two thirds.
November the twentieth, we had a cloudy night the last
past, together with misling rain and snow. This morning
fell so great a fog, that we could not see from stem to stern
a calm and very cold weather. But what was worse than
all this, we were now kept to a very short allowance of our
sorry victuals; our Provisions growing very scanty with
us. About ten this morning we had a very small breeze
at North. Several of our men were not able to endure the
cold, so fierce it was, whereby they were forced to lye and
keep themselves as close as they could. We made an East
way, and by the same sixteen leagues. This day at noon
I reckoned my self to be East from the Gulf, from whence
we last departed, two hundred and five leagues and two
thirds of a league.
Munday November the 21, last evening we caught a
and also this morning. This sight afforded us good hopes
we were not far distant from some Coast or other, yet none
we could see in all this long and tedious voyage. In the
night past we had a calme, and all this morning a great fog
with much snow and rain. We reckoned an E. by N. way,
and ten leagues. At one in the afternoon we had a fresh
gale that sprang up at East, and at E. by N.
November the 22, most part of this day was calme. In
the mean while we could observe our ship to drive East.
My reckoning was an E. N. E. way, and thereby thirteen
leagues and one third. At one in the afternoon we had a
small gale at W. S. W. our course being N. N. E. and N. E.
by N.
November the 23, this day we had a gale at N.W. and
freshning still more and more; so that we were forced to
take in our top-sails and sprit-sail. The wind was not a setled
gale, but often varied from point to point. At noon
it came at N. E. and our course was then N. N. W. By a
North way we reckoned sixteen leagues.
November the 24th, both the night past and this morning
was foggy weather, with some calmes between times.
But at eight in the morning the Sun brake out, though
notwithstanding the day was not clear. By a N.N.E. way
about to East, and by noon it was again at N.E. We had
a clear evening and a fresh gale.
November the 25th, all the night past we had a fresh
wind at E. and E.N.E. Insomuch, that at eight in the morning
we took in our top-sails. But at noon the wind was
not so fresh as it had been before. I reckoned a N.N.W.
half West way, and by the same twenty leagues.
November the 26th, last night the wind was not altogether
so fresh as before; but this morning it was again very
high. The weather was both dark and cloudy, and
brought now and then rain and snow. We made a N.N.E.
way, and hereby thirty leagues. The wind all along E. by
S. and E. S. E. In the evening we had fair weather again.
We experimented for the ten days last past a great Western
Sea, and saw in the same time several Seals.
Sunday November the 27th, all the night past we enjoyed
a fresh gale and clear weather. I reckoned thirty six
leagues by a N. E. by N. way. By an observation made,
we now found Lat. 52 d. 48 South. And I judged my self
to be East from the Gulf, two hundred eighty five leagues.
In the evening of this day we had a very exact sight of the
Sun, and found above 30 d. variation of the Needle. From
whence ought to be concluded, that it is very difficult to
direct a course of Navigation in these parts. For in the
space of only twenty five leagues sailing, we have experimented
eight or nine degrees difference of variation, by a
good Dutch Azimouth Compass.
November the 28th, all last night we had a fresh wind at
E.S.E. Towards morning we had but little wind, all the
day being hasey weather. This day we saw a whole flight
of such Land-fowles, of which sort we killed one before, as
was mentioned above. This sight gave us occasion to believe,
that neither then, nor at this present, we were not
far distant from land, and yet we descryed none in the residue
of this whole voyage. We made by a N. N. E. way,
thirty three leagues. Yesterday in the evening we set a
main-sail. At one after-noon, the wind came about N. E.
and N. N. E. which in the evening blew very fresh, with
cloudy weather.
November the 29th. The night proved very cloudy,
and the wind blew very fresh at E. N. E. and N. E. by
E. This morning it was at East, both with snow, and
hail. Towards noon the weather cleared up, and we
found by an observation taken, Lat. 49 D 45 S. Our
reckoning was a North way, and thirty leagues. This
day we had a short Eastern sea, and withal, a very cold evening.
I took the Sun, and hereby I found variation 26
D. 30. unto the North East. This night the wind came
about W. and W. N. W. continuing so all the night.
November the 30th. This day the wind was N. and
N. N. E. with some clouds hovering in the sky. At this
time we had already almost four hours of night. The
for to give my self satisfaction in the point, as fearing
the truth of Spanish Books; I worked the true Amplitude
of the Sun, and found his variation to be 26 25 to
the N. E. being very conformable to what I had both read
and experimented before. Hereabouts, also we experimented
a current to the Northward. Moreover, this day
we saw much rock-weed, which renewed our hopes, once
more of seeing land. We reckoned a N. E. way and by
the same twenty two leagues. By an observation made
we found Lat. 48 D. 53 S. This day also we saw several
of those fowl-fish afore described called Paxaros-ninos; and
these of a larger size, than any we had seen before. In
the afternoon, the wind came about at N. N. E. whereby
we stood N. W. by W. with a fresh gale, and smooth water.
The weather now began to grow warmer, then hetherto,
and the evening of this day was clear.
Tuesday December the first. The latter part of the
night past was very cloudy, and also sometimes rainy.
About midnight we had a furious and violent Tornado,
in the morning we set them again, and at eleven, we had
another Tornado, forcing us to hand our top-sails the second
time. We made a N. N. E. two thirds East way,
and thereby thirteen leagues and two thirds of a league.
The afternoon of this stormy day, proved very fair, and
the wind came to W. S. W. our course being N. E. by N.
In the evening the wind freshned, with cloudy weather.
December the second. Last night we experimented a
very furious whirle-wind, which notwithstanding, it pleased
God, did pass about the length of our ship, to Westward
of us. However, we handed in our top-sails, and
halled up our low-sails, in the brails. After the whirlewind
came a fresh storm of large hail-stones, in the night,
and several Tornados; but God be thanked, they all came
large of our ship. We now made a great way under a
fore-course and sprit-sail. At four of the clock this morning,
our fore-sail split, whereby we were forced to lower
our fore-yard. At half an hour after ten we hoysted it again
with a furious S. W. wind. We made a N. E. by E.
way, and by the same forty seven leagues and an half. By
observation we now had Lat. 46 D. 54 S. We riffed our
fore-sail, with respect to the violence of the wind. But in
the evening, this rather increased, and we had a very great
Sea. Our standing rigging, through the fury of this gale,
gave way in several places, but was soon mended again.
December the third. The wind all the night past, was
very fresh, with several flaws both of wind and rain, at S.
W. and S. W. by S. We enjoyed now very warm weather.
This morning we set our fore-top-sail. Our reckoning
gave us, a N. E. half E. way and forty five leagues.
We found Lat. by observation 45 D. 28 S. This day at
noon, a large shoal of young Porpusses came about our ship,
and played up and down.
December the 4th. All the night past we had a fresh
gale at W. S. W. The night was clear, onely that now
and then we had a small cloud affording some rain. In
But then it cleared up again, with a S. W. wind and a very
smooth sea. We made by a N. E. one quarter N. way,
thirty nine leagues. By observation we found Lat. 44
D. 01 S. At noon the wind came to S. S. W. our course
then being N. N. E. This day we agreed among our selves
having the consent of our commander, to share the eight
chests of money, which as yet were remaining unshared.
Yesterday in the evening, we let out the reiff of our foresail,
and hoysted up our fore-yard. This evening I found
variation 17 D. N. E.
Munday, December the 5th. All the night past, a
clear night, and this a fair day, with a fresh wind at S. S.
W. We reckoned a N. E. 5. D. N. way, and by the same
forty two leagues. An observation gave us Lat. 42 D.
29. S. This afternoon we shared of the chests abovemen-
reckoned my self to be East from my departure four hundred
seventy one leagues and one third of a league. At
night again we shared twenty two pieces of eight more to
each.
December the 6th. We had a clear star-light-night the
last and a fair morning this day, with a fresh gale at S. W.
At noon we took in our fore-top-sail. We reckoned a N.
E. half N. way, and hereby fifty leagues and two thirds.
An observation taken afforded us 40 D. 31 S. This evening
was cloudy.
December the 7th. The night was both windy and
cloudy. At one in the morning, we took in our top-sails,
and at three, handed our sprit-sail, and so we scudded away
before the wind, which now was very fresh at West.
This morning a gust of wind came and tore our main-sail
into an hundred pieces, which made us put away before
the wind, till we could provide for that accident. My
reckoning was a N. E. three quarters E. way, and by the
same thirty three leagues. By observation we found Lat.
39 D. 37 S. We had now a great Sea, and a fresh wind.
being blown to pieces. Moreover, at the same time we
furled our sprit-sail. At five the wind came at W. S. W.
with very bad weather. This day our worthy comman-
der Captain Sharp, had very certain intelligence given him,
that on Christmas-day, which was, now at hand, the
company, or at least a great part thereof, had a design to
shoot him; he having appointed that day some time
since to be merry. Hereupon he made us share the wine
amongst us, as being perswaded they would scarce attempt
any such thing in their sobriety. The wine we shared fell
out to three jarrs unto each mess. That night the wind
encreased.
December the 8th. The night past was both cloudy
and windy; the wind often varying between the N. W.
and S. W. points. This morning it varyed between W.
and N. W. by W. About noon this day, we brought a
new main-sail to the yard, but did not set it then, by reason
there blowed too much wind. I reckoned a N. E.
half N. way, and by the same thirty leagues. By observation
made we found Lat. 38 D. 29 S. In the afternoon
we had one or two squalls of wind and rain; but the violence
of both fell at stern of us. In the evening it blew
again very hard. I observed this day, the rising and set-
D. 15 N. E.
December the 9th. The night was starry-light, but
withal, very windy. About the break of day, the wind
came to N. W. and at seven we set our fore-top-sail, and
stood N. N. E. with not much wind. We made since our
last reckoning a N. E. quarter E. way, and twenty nine
leagues. We found by observation Lat. 37 D. 30 S. The
of several leakes, through our tedious and long Voyage.
This afternoon we hoysted up our main-yard and set up
back-stays and main-swifter; whose ring-bolt gave way,
but was mended. In the evening of this day we had but
little wind.
December the 10th. The night was very clear, but till
ten of the clock this forenoon, we had no wind. Then a
small breeze sprang up at N. and N. by E. We made an
E. N. E. one third N. way, and hereby twenty one leagues.
An observation gave us Lat. 37 D. 01 S. In the afternoon
of this day our chief Surgeon cut off the foot of a Negro
be bad weather again. Hereupon we furled our top-sails,
and lay under a pair of courses. But in the evening we
lay under a fore-sail and mizen, with misty weather.
Sunday, December the 11th. All the night past, we had
a fresh wind at N. and sometimes at N. N. W. The weather
was very cloudy with drizling rain. We made an
E. way, and thereby twenty five leagues. This day
brought a great sea. About ten in the morning, one of
our main shrouds gave way. In the evening fell some
small rain.
December the 12th. All the night past we had misty
rain, and but little wind; yea, in the morning a perfect
calm. At noon came up a small gale at E. S. E. and S. E.
bringing with it cloudy weather. We reckoned a N. E.
by E. way, and by the same eighteen leagues. Yesterday
dyed the Negro boy whose leg was cut off by our Surgeon,
another Negro, something bigger than the former, named
Chepillo. The boy's name was Beafero. All this evening
but small wind.
December the 13th. All night the wind was at E. S.
E. our course being N. N. E. At three in the morning it
came about at S. S. W. and at nine at E. by N. I reckoned
a N. E. by N. way, and fifteen leagues. The weather
was hasey. In the afternoon the wind was at N. E. our
course being N. N. W. We enjoyed now a very smooth
sea, and saw multitudes of Grampusses, Whales, and Por-
December the 14th. The evening past was cloudy, as
also the night foggy. Hereupon we took in our top-sails.
the wind being then at N. N. W. At five we put out our
top-sails again. At seven of the morning, we saw a Turtle
floating upon the sea. We reckoned a N. N. E. way.
This days observation afforded us 34 D. 32. S. At this
time we had very hot weather, and great dews in the
night. My whole Easting I reckoned to be now, six
hundred seventy seven leagues and one third of a
league.
December the 15th. We had a fine night the last past,
and a great dew. The wind in the interim was between
N. and N. W. I reckoned a N. E. half E. way, and by the
same thirty one leagues. We had an observation that
gave us Lat. 33 D. 46 S. At noon the wind came about
at N. N. W. our course being N. E. We had this day a
very clear evening, and at the same time a fresh wind.
December the 16th. We had a fair night and wind at
N. N. W. and N. W. by N. This morning I took the
reckoning was a N. N. E. way, and thirty six leagues and
one third of another. By observation I found Lat. 32 D.
09 S. At noon this day the wind came about to N. W.
December the 17th. Most part of the last night, the
wind was at N. W. as before. But towards morning a
a fine and easie gale sprang up at W. N. W. This mor-
made us hope they would at last befriend us, and suddainly
shew us some land or other. We reckoned a N. E. by
N. one third N. way, and by the same twenty five leagues.
An observation gave us, now Lat. 31 D. 04. A fair evening.
December the 18th. We had a clear night past, together
with a smooth gale at N. W. which this morning was
at W. by S. We had now a smooth sea, for several days
past. Our reckoning was twenty five leagues, by a N.
E. by N. way. By observation we perceive Lat. 29 D.
48 S.
December the 19th. A clear night the last past, and a
fresh breeze at S. S. W. and S. W. by E. lasting untill nine
in the morning. Then sprang up a wind at S. E. by E.
I reckoned this day a N. N. E. half E. way, and upon the
same thirty leagues. By observation made, we took Lat.
28 D. 29 S. The day was very fair, and a smooth sea,
with weather that was very hot. My whole Easting I
reckoned now to be seven hundred and sixty leagues.
This evening I found variation 02 D. 50 N. E.
| CHAP. XXIV. Bucaniers of America: | |