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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 | CHAP. XXV. Bucaniers of America: |  |
CHAP. XXV.
The Bucaniers continue their Navigation, without
seeing any Land, till they arrive at the Caribby
Islands in the West Indies. They give away
their Ship to some of their Companions that were
poor; and disperce for several Countrys. The
Author of this Journal arriveth in England.
DEcember the 20th, 1681. The night before this
day was something cloudy, but the weather was
fair and the wind but little. At noon the wind came about
N. by E. our course being W. N. W. We made a
N. N. W. way, and thereby as I reckoned twenty two
leagues. By an observation made we took Lat. 27 D. 25
S. The evening of this day was cloudy, and now and then
there fell a shower of rain.
December the 21st. At eight of the clock last night,
the wind came N. W. by N. but withal, with such dark
weather, that we were forced to take in our top-sails. The
night was something rainy, and the weather, this morning
calm and rainy. About ten we had a small breeze at
N. W. We reckoned a N. by E. way, and by the same sixteen
leagues. The afternoon of this day was calm and
still.
December the 22d. We had a fair and clear night the
last past, which produced this day a sinooth sea, and ex-
that no observation was made.
December the 23d. The night was very fair. At midnight
or thereabouts, a fresh gale sprang up at S. E. and E.
S. E. which sometime was E. This freshned by degrees.
We had in the day very hot and clear weather. By a
N. way I reckoned fifteen leagues.
December the 24. Last night we had both a fresh
gale, and a clear night. The wind was at E. by S. We
reckoned a N. E. by E. way, and by it thirty one leagues.
Sunday, December the 25th. This day being Christmas-day,
for celebration of that great festival, we killed
yesterday in the evening a sow. This sow we had brought
from the Gulf of Nicoya, being then a sucking pig of three
weeks old, more or less, but now weighed about four-
score and ten pound. With this hogs-flesh we made our
Christmas-dinner, being the onely flesh we had eaten ever
since we turned away our prizes under the Æquinoctial,
and left the Island of Plata. We had this day several flaws
of wind, and some rain; but the weather otherwise was
pretty clear. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and thirty three
leagues by the same. It was now also extream hot weather,
as we signified before.
December the 26th. We had this day several gusts of
wind, which forced us to stand by our top-sails. Yet
were they but very short, and all the rest of the while we
enjoyed an indifferent fresh gale at E. and E. by S. We
reckoned a N. by E. way, and twenty eight leagues.
December the 27th. We had fair weather, and a fresh
wind at E. and E. by S. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and
upon the same thirty two leagues. The evening of this
day was cloudy.
December the 28. Last night was cloudy with a fresh
wind. We reckoned a N. E. way, and by the same forty
six leagues. We found by an observation made Lat. 15
eight hundred and twenty five leagues. Now we saw
much flying-fish, with some Dolphins, Bonito's, and Albi-
cores; but they will not take the hook.
December the 29th. All last night was cloudy, with a
fresh wind between E. and E. S. E. The weather all the
afternoon was hasey. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and
hereupon forty leagues and one third. In the afternoon
we had a S. E. by E. wind, which blew very fresh. The
evening was clear. At Sunset I found variation to N. W.
December the 30th. The night past was cloudy. Towards
morning the wind came about at E. At six it
came E. S. E. and at ten to S. E. by S. We made a N. by
E. way, and forty three leagues. By observation we found
Lat. 11 D. 03 S. The evening of this day was clear.
December the 31st. We had a cloudy night the last
past, but the morning was hasey. We came now, to a
strict allowance of onely three good pints of water each
day. We made a N. by E. way, and found Lat. by observation
08 D. 55 S. In the afternoon we had an E. S. E.
and S. E. by E. wind. My whole Easting I reckoned now
to be eight hundred eighty four leagues and one third. At
noon we stood away N. W.
Sunday, January the first 1681. All the night past
was cloudy, as this day also with some showers of rain.
We made a N. W. one eight N. way, and forty leagues.
In the afternoon came about a fresh wind at S. E. and E.
S. E.
January the 2d. The weather this day was both dull
and cloudy. We reckoned a N. W. one quarter N. way,
and by the same thirty two leagues. By observation we
found, that our Lat. now was 06 D. 06 S. The wind came
pretty fresh at S. E.
January the 3d. We had several squalls of wind, and
some rain. But, withal a fresh wind at S. E. and E. S. E.
Our reckoning was a N. W. one quarter N. way, and thirty
cloudy.
January the 4th. All the night past was very cloudy;
but this forenoon it cleared up. Yesterday we put abroad
our main-top-sail, studden-sails; but took them in
at night. At four this morning we set our larboard studden-sail,
and before noon sitted up top-gallant masts, and
yard. We made a N. W. way, and by it forty leagues and
two thirds. By observation we had now Lat. 03 D. 09
S. This afternoon also, we set our top-gallant-sail, being
forced to make out all its running rigging. The wind
was pretty fresh at S. E. and S. E. by E.
January the 5th. Most part of the night past was
clear, and star-light, though with some rain towards the
morning. This being come, we put out our top-gallantsail,
and both our top-sail, studden-sails. At noon likewise,
we put up our fore-top-gallant masts, and yard. We
and twenty pound weight. The wind was at S. E.
by S. and S. S. E. We made a N. W. way, and reckoned
thereby thirty five leagues. By observation we found
Lat. 02 D. 03 S. We had now mighty hot weather.
January the 6th. Yesterday in the evening we
nine pound weight. We made a N. W. way, and reckoned
thirty five leagues, as before. Now by an observation
made, we could perceive onely Lat. 00 D. 49 S. The evening
of this day was very clear.
January the 7th. The wind was variable between S.
S. E. and S. S. W. though not altogether so fresh as before.
Our reckoning was a N. W. one quarter N. way, and
thirty six leagues by the same. This day an observation
we had passed again. In the afternoon of this day we
caught another Albicore which weighed more than the
first we took; that is, between one hundred thirty five,
and one hundred and forty pound. But little wind stirring
this afternoon.
January the 8th. This evening last past, we had little
better than a calm. At nine this morning, we had a fresh
wind at S. S. E. with dark weather, so that we thought it
convenient, to take in our main-top-sail. But, at noon
we set it again, and also, our larboard top-studden-sail with
both top-gallant-sails. We made a N. W. way, and by it
thirty four leagues. By an observation made we found
Lat. 01 D. 55 N. We had now extream hot weather, and
a very small allowance of water.
January the 9th. Last night we took in top-sails all
night, the wind then whiffling between S. and W. points.
We had nowithstanding, for the most part very little wind.
The morning of this day was rainy, and thereupon, with
good diligence, we saved a bompkin of water. There was
now a great ripling sea, rising very high; and it is reported,
that sometimes and somewhere hereabouts, is to be
seen an enchanted Island; which others say, and dare assert,
quarter N. way, and twenty five leagues. This afternoon
we had very dark and calm weather, looking, as if we
should have much rain. Now, reckoning up my meridian
I found my self E. from my departure, seven hundred
and two leagues. In the evening we had very rainy weather
and a cockling sea.
January the 10th. All the night past was cloudy. About
midnight sprang up a small breeze varying all round
the compass. At five this morning we had a breeze at S.
E. and a very clear sky, which afterwards continued to
freshen, with the same clearness as before. We made a N.
W. by N. one quarter N. way, and by the same two leagues
and two thirds. By a clear observation we had now Lat.
03 D. 16 N. At four this evening the wind was at E. S.
E. the weather being violent hot; in so much, that our allowance
of water was tedious unto us for its shortness.
At the same time we had an indifferent smooth sea from
the E.
January the 11th. All the night past we had little or
again at E. N. E. and brought both a clear and hot day.
We made twenty three leagues by a N. W. one quarter W.
way. This days observation gave us Lat. 04 D. 06. N.
In the afternoon we had a shower of rain; and afterward
a fresh wind at E. N. E. But the evening grew dull.
January the 12th. In the night past we had two or
three squalls of wind, and some showers of rain. In the
mean while the wind blew fresh at N. E. and N. E. by E.
as it also continued to do in the day. I reckoned a N. W.
way, and forty four leagues and one third. Our observation
this day gave us 05 D. 49 N. Yesterday and to day
we set our main-top-sail. Now I could not finde much
January the 13th. We had a fresh gale all the last night,
but more Northerly than before; for now it was N. E. by
N. We reckoned a W. N. W. way, and thereupon ——
leagues and two thirds. An observation taken shewed us
Lat. 06 D. 41 N. We had a N. N. E. sea and very clear
weather.
January the 14th. We had a clear night the last, and a
fresh wind at E. N. E. We made a N. W. one fifth W.
way, and thirty eight leagues. By observation we found
Lat. 07 D. 46 N. We had a smooth sea; and now we
were come to onely three horns of water a day, which
was clear, and we had a fresh wind.
Sunday, January the 15th. The night past was clear,
and the wind fresh at E.N.E. and again at N.E. by E. very
our companions, named William Stephens. It was commonly
believed that he poysoned himself with Manzanilla
in Golfo dulce, for he never had been in health since that
time. This forenoon was cloudy. We reckoned forty
four leagues and a N. W. way. An observation gave us
this day 09 D. 18 N. All the last night we kept out our topgallant-sails.
We saw hereabouts, many flying-fish being
board our dead man, and gave him two French volly's and
one English one. I found now again very small variation.
January the 16th. We had a clear night, and a very
fresh wind at N. E. and E. N. E. with a long homeing sea.
My reckoning was a N. W. one seventh W. way, and thereby
forty eight leagues and one third. The observation
made this day gave us Lat. 10 D. 48 N. I reckoned my
self now, East from my departure five hundred fifty three
leagues. We had a cloudy evening.
January the 17th. All the night past we enjoyed a
fresh wind, and so this day also, at N. E. by N. We made
a N. W. half W. way, and thereupon forty seven leagues
and one third of a league. By observation we found Lat.
12 D. 19 N. We had now a long North sea. At noon
this day we steered away N. N. W. The day was very
hot, but the night both cool and dewy.
January the 18th. All the night past was both cloudy
and windy. At six this morning our sprit-sail-top-mast
broke. I reckoned a W. N. W. way, and forty eight
leagues by the same. We found by observation Lat. 13
D. 12 N. At noon we steered away W. the wind being
at N. E. fresh, with a clear evening.
January the 19th. We had a clear night the last, and a
fresh wind at E. N. E. which sometimes came in pushes.
Our reckoning was a W. half Southerly way, and by the
same forty six leagues. We found by observation Lat. 13
D. 01 N. Yesterday in the evening we put up a new
sprit-sail-top-mast; with a fine smooth gale at N. E. by E.
January the 20th. The night past was clear, and not
very fresh; but at day-break it freshened again. Last night
we saw a great shoal of fish; whereof we caught none, by
reason the Porpusses frightened them from us, as they ofttimes
had done before. Yesterday in the evening also, we
saw a Man of War-Fowl, and that gave us good hopes we
should er'e long see land. These hopes, and the great desires
we had to end our voyage; gave us occasion this day
piece of eight for a reward unto him, that should first
discover land. We reckoned a W. one sixth Northerly
way, and by it thirty eight leagues. An observation gave
us this day Lat. 13 D. 11 N. The wind was at N. E. and
E. N. E. This day we passed over many riplings, and
also saw many multitudes of fish; but the Porpusses did
always hinder us of having any good of them.
On January the 21st. We made a W. way, and reckoned
forty seven leagues. By observation we found Lat. 13
D. 07 N. The wind was at E. N. E. and from thence
came a long sea. The evening was very clear.
January the 22d. We had a fair and a clear day, the
wind being at E. We reckoned a W. by N. one third W.
way, and forty leagues. An observation shewed us Lat.
13 D. 17 N. We had a clear evening, and a fresh wind at
E. N. E.
January the 23d. This day was both clear and hot,
with a fresh wind at E. N. E. My reckoning was a W.
way, and forty six leagues. Our observation made this
day afforded us Lat. 13 D. 15 N. In the evening we had
some rain.
January the 24th. This day brought us likewise clear
weather, such as the day before. I reckoned a W. way,
and forty leagues and one third. By observation we found
Lat. 13 D. 12. N. The afternoon was cloudy, and had
some rain, the wind freshning at E.N.E. and at E. by N. I
reckoned now, that I was East from my departure three
hundred and eleven leagues. We had a cloudy evening.
January the 25th. Both last night and this morning
the weather was cloudy. This morning we saw several
three quarters N. way, and forty three leagues. We found
by observation Lat. 13 D. 29 N. This afternoon we saw
a Booby flying close aboard the Horison. The weather
was hasey. But now we began to look out sharp on all
sides for land, expecting to see it every minute. I reckoned
sixty eight leagues.
January the 26th. The night last past was indifferent
clear. Yet not withstanding, this morning we had a smart
shower of rain, and it was very windy. Hereupon we
furled our sprit sail, the weather being very hasey to the
Westward. We reckoned a W. way, and thereby forty six
leagues and one third. By observation taken we found
Lat. 13 D. 17. N. At noon this day, we had a very
fierce Tornado, and rain together; but withal, a clear af-
ternoon. We had a high E N. E. sea; and saw multitudes
of flying-fish, also several fowls, and amongst these,
two or three Booby's. The evening was hasey.
January the 27th. All night past we had a fresh wind,
and clear weather. This morning our fore-top-mast
back-stay gave way, and at day-break, the star-board-sheet
of our fore-top-sail brake. We had several Tornado's this
day, and dark weather. Our reckoning was a W. way,
and forty eight leagues by the same. We had a clear evening,
and a dark night. This day also a certain bird,
called a Noddy, came on board us, which we took for a
Saturday, January the 28th. We had a very clear
night the last past. About an hour before day one of our
company happened to descry land, which proved to be the
Island of Barbado's, at S. S. W. from us, and at two leagues
and an half distance, more or less. Hereupon we clapt on
a wind, N. and by W. At day-break we were onely four
leagues distant from Chalky-Mount, at which time we stood
S. W. by S. As we sailed we saw several ships at anchor
in Spikes-Road. Soon after a Shalop passed by, between
us and the shoar, but would not come within call of us.
Hereupon we stood in, within a mile of the shore; and
made a wiff unto a Pinnace which we saw coming out of
the road aforementioned. She came close aboard us, and
as it should seem, was the Barge of one of his Majesties
Frigats, the Richmond then lying at the Bridge-town at
come on board us, though often invited thereunto. Neither
dared we be so bold, as to put in there at Barbado's;
for hearing of a Frigat lying there, we feared least the said
Frigat should seize us for Privateers, and for having acted
in all our voyage without Commission. Thus we stood
away from thence for the Island of Antego.
Here I cannot easily express the infinit joy we were
possessed withal, this day to see our own country-men again.
They told us that a ship, which we saw in the
offing to leward of the Island, was a Bristol-man, and an
Interloper; but, we feared that same vessel, to be the
Frigat aforementioned. I reckoned a way of twenty five
leagues. So that I was now by my account, to Eastward
of my departure one hundred fifty one leagues. Now we
stood N. by W. and by observation found Lat. 13 D. 17
N. we being then N. W. from the body of the Island of
Barbado's, between seven and eight leagues. This after-
noon we freed the Negro who was our shooemaker by
his trade, giving him his liberty for the good service he had
done us in all the course of this voyage. We gave also
unto our good commander Captain Sharp, a Mulato boy,
as a free gift of the whole company, for to wait upon him,
in token of the respects we all were owing unto him, for
the safety of our conduct through so many dangerous adventures.
This being done, we shared some small parcels
of money, that had not as yet been touched of our former
prizes; and this dividend amounted unto twenty four
pieces of eight each man.
At one of the clock this day, from our fore-yard we de-
Islands, not far distant from that of Barbados. I had omitted
to tell a passage which happened in our ship, on
Thursday last, which was the 26th day of this Month, and
just two days before we made the Island aforementioned
of Barbados. On that day therefore a little Spanish shockDog,
which we had found in our last Wine-prize, taken
sold at the mast by publick cry, for forty pieces of eight,
his owner saying that all he could get for him should be
spent upon the company at a publick merriment. Our
commander Captain Sharp bought the Dog, with intention
to eat him, in case we did not see land very soon. This
money therefore, with one hundred pieces of eight more,
which our Boatswain, Carpinter and Quartermaster had
refused to take at this last dividend, for some quarrel they
had against the sharers thereof; was all laid up in store
till we came to land, to the intent of spending it ashore, at
a common feast, or drinking bout. At Sunset the Island
of Santa Lucia bore W. S. W. from us, and was at ten
leagues distance. Also the Island of Martinica bore N. W.
by W. of us at twelve or thirteen leagues distance. We
had this day a very clear evening.
Sunday, January the 29th. We had a clear night and
a fresh wind at E. by N. and at E. N. E. Our reckoning
was a N. N. W. half W. way, and hereby forty six leagues.
By observation we took Lat. 15 D. 46 N. At noon this
day we saw the Island named la Desseada, or the Desired I-
at eight leagues distance more or less. At six of the clock
in the evening, we saw likewise Marigalanta, another of
the Cariby Islands, at S. W. by W. from us, and that of
Guadalupe, streaking it self in several hammocks of land,
both Westward and Northward: as also la Desseada abovementioned
at S. E. which from thence showeth like tableland,
and at each end hath a low point running out. At
six this evening it was W. S. W. and at five or six leagues
distance from us. At the same time we saw the Island of
Monserrate, at a great distance from our ship; and making
three round hammocks close together. This evening
likewise, we caught an Albicore of twenty pound weight.
Munday, January the 30th. We had a fair night all
the last past, and a fresh wind. Hereupon, all night we
halled up our main-sail in brails, standing at the same time
stood N. W. At three in the morning we lay by until
five. Then we stood away W. N. W. until six; and at
that hour we stood W. At eight of the clock we saw the
Island of la Antigua, called by us Antego, to the Southward
of us, making three round hammocks of land, and a long
high hill to Northw d. Hereupon, we stood W. S. W.
for it. At noon we found Lat. 17 D. N. the Island being
then just W. from us.
We came about to th S. of the Island, and sent a Canoa
on shore, for to get Tobacco, and other necessaries that we
wanted; as also to ask leave of the Governour to come into
the Port. The Gentry of the place and common people,
were very willing and desirous to receive us. But on
Wednesday, February the first, the Governour flatly denyed
us entry; at which all the Gentry were much grieved,
and shewed themselves very kind unto us. Hereupon
ship unto them of our company, who had no money left
them of all their purchase in this Voyage, having lost it
all at play; and then to divide our selves into two Ships,
which were now bound for England. Thus I my self, and
thirteen more of our company, went on board Captain
Robert Porteen his ship, called the Lisbon Merchant, and
set sail from la Antigua on February the eleventh, and landed
at Dartmouth in England, March the 26th, Anno 1682.
| CHAP. XXV. Bucaniers of America: | |