A new voyage to the East-Indies in the years 1690 and 1691 being a full description of the isles of Maldives, Cicos, Andamants, and the Isle of Ascention ... / by Monsieur Duquesne ; to which is added, a new description of the Canary Islands, Cape Verd, Senegal, and Gambia, &c. ; illustrated with sculptures, together with a new map of the Indies, and another of the Canaries ; done into English from the Paris edition.

A RELATION OF A Voyage and Return FROM THE EAST-INDIES.

CHAP. I.

An Account of the Squadron designed by France to the East-Indies.

THE Enemies of France having alarm'd all Europe for her De∣struction, expected their Pro∣jects would have equal suc∣cess in these Parts of the World; that the Commerce she had establish'd in the Indies, would follow the Re∣volution of Siam, and be intirely

ruin'd, as being too much employ'd at home, in her own immediate De∣fence; to be able to send any Forces to those distant Parts of the World: But the GOD of Armies having de∣feated the Designs of so numerous and Confederated an Enemy, has so visibly extended his Holy protection to the sacred Person of his Majesty and his Dominions; that in spight of all their utmost Efforts, he has been the Agressor, and set on them first and their Factories in those Parts; a sufficient demonstration of the Glory and Strength of France. To this En∣terprise the King appointed six Ships; which were the Bird, the Lyon, the Dragon, the Jolly, the Prosperus, and the Rock; the Three first of which were fitted at Brest, the rest in the Magazines of the East, at Port Lewis, where the Squadron Rendevouz'd; which being join'd the beginning of February, (90,) the Equipages were di∣dributed in this manner.

Monsieur Duquesne, whom the Court had made Commandant, pitch'd upon the Jolly, mounted with Forty four Guns, Two hundred and Fifty Men.

He had Messieurs the Commander of Portere for Second Captain, D' Anber∣ville for Lieutenant, de Voutron, Fauche, and Baron, for Ensigns, with Ten Guard-Marines.

Monsieur le Chealier d' Aire Com∣manded the Bird, of 42 Guns and Two hundred Men; Messieurs de la Neufville was his Second Captain, De la Villauclers, and Demons, his Lieutenants.

Monsieur Joyeuse went on Board the Prosperus of 44 Guns, and Two hun∣dred and Thirty Men; he had Messieurs Granche, for Lieutenant, his Son and de la Perine for Ensigns.

Monsieur Hortin took the Rock, of 38 Guns, and 200 Men; Messieurs le Chevalier de de Bouchetier, and le Vasseur were his Lieutenants.

Monsieur de Chamoreau, Commanded the Lyon, which is a Frigat of 24 Guns, and a 180 Men; he had no other Officers then Monsieur de Presac his Lieutenant; Two Capuchins went aboard him, who was bound for Surate.

And Monsieur Quistly boarded the Dragon, which is another Frigat of 28 Guns, 280 Men; Monsieur de

Chenelon was his Lieutenant. Two Companies of Foot with their Offiers, were over and above distributed a board these six Ships, and some Re∣ligious, which the Papist Priest Ta∣chard carried to the Indies; they came aboard us with a Secretary, and Three Mandarins of the late King of Siam.

CHAP. II.

The Squadron Sails.

THE Squadron thus Arm'd, had not been Ten Days before the Isle of Groge, when Orders came from Court to Sail immediately. So Fri∣day the 24th of February (90,) Monsieur Duquesne coming aboard at Five in the Evening, weighed Anchor, after giving the parting Guns; we present∣ly were under Sail, with the Wind at North, and a delicate Gale as could be wish'd, but it did not last long, coming about at Ten next Morning; so that we were obliged to put back again; but by the 27th we Sailed a∣gain,

the Wind being more favourable than at first.

We made such way, that we soon lost sight of Land, which we were not like to see again in a good while: The Wind contiued so favourable, that by the Tenth of March we doubled Cape Fenester: The Sea is commonly Boysterous in this Latitude, and the passage dangerous, and there's no bearing much Sail here.

The Sixth Day became remarkable, by an Accident that happen'd to us. The Gabier, who is one appointed to look to the Masts and Tackling, hang∣ing on the Foremast Sail-yard, un∣hapily fell into the Sea, which was then very boisterous; we did all we could to save him, threw out Ropes, hoisted out the Boat, but all in vain, for the Storm was so violent, that he sunk presently.

Great are the terrors of this Ele∣ment, and there is nothing apter to make a Man serious, when he consi∣ders there is but a Plank between him and Eternity.

CHAP. III.

The first discovery of Land, since we lost sight of it, Remarks on the Pike of Teneriffe.

WE Steer'd our Course for the Madera Islands, where with pleasure, we waited to take in some refreshments, tho' 'twas not above Nine Days that we had lost sight of Land. But the Currents which we met having carried us too far to the East, or rather to the great Foggs at Land, having hinder'd us from the sight of it; we left it to the Right, without perceiving it, till we had doubled it. The 9th we discovered the Isle of Savages, which was the first Land we made since we parted from Port-Lewis; 'tis scituated in 30 Degrees of the Northern Latitude, and Twenty Minutes Longitude. This is an uninhabited Island, very dangerous for the Steep Craggy Rocks that in∣viron it for above a League; that

scarce a Boat can go a Shoar; by this sight of Land we judged we were not far from the Canary Islands, which doubtless we should have come to sight of, the next Morning, if we had not been delay'd by a Calm, which happily lasted but a little while; for, in the Evening it began to blow a brisk Gale, so that by the Eleventh, at 7 a Clock in the Morning, we were with∣in Thirteen Lagues of the Pike of Teneriffe.

By Noon we were near it, being in Twenty Eight Degrees, Thirty Six Minutes, North Latitude, and Three Hundred and Fifty Nine Degrees of Longitude. The Pike of Teneriffe is seen Forty Leagues off, and undoubt∣edly may pass for one of the highest Mountains in the World. Some make it seven Leagues high, others Twelve. This proud Mountain wraps its head in the Clouds, which appears white, by reason of the Snow that covers it Winter and Summer, rising through the middle Region of the Air, which makes it so cold that none was ever able to mount it.

Behind this Mountain stands the Town of Canary, of which the Island bears the Name; which is very Fruit∣ful, and abounds in Corn, and is fa∣mous for the rich Wines it produces, which are carried to all Parts of the World. Three are besides Three o∣ther Islands; the first, that of Gomer, of the same side with the Pike, and not above Six or Seven Leagues distant. The second is Palm Island, memorable for the Death of Forty Jesuits, who going to Brazill, to Preach the Faith of Jesus Christ, were there Martyr'd by the Calvinists, about a Hundred Years ago. This latter is opposite to the Pike of Teneriffe, and is about Twelve or Thirteen Leagues distant. We past between these two, having Palme Island on the Right, and the Pike of Teneriffe on the Left. And the last is the Isle of Fer, where Geo∣graphers commonly place the first Meridian. These four Islands belong to Spain, so that we could not take a view of them, but at a distance, by reason of the War between us and it.

CHAP. IV.

The different Opinions concerning the Trading Winds.

THe Wind which had hardly stir'd all day, began to blow fresh in the Evening, so that we cou'd easily perceive the Trading Winds, which are so useful for Sailing; they are call'd so by reason of their continuing three or four months without changing. These sort of Winds Blow always from the North East in the Southern parts, and from the South East in the Northern parts, which very much perplexes cu∣rious people to find out the true rea∣son of it. Some maintain, that the Trading Winds are no other then those which blow from the West, and the North with great violence, which passing over Europe to the East and South, rarify and grow weaker as they approach the warmer Cli∣mates; on the contrary, in the Sou∣thern

parts, the Western and Southern Winds blowing with the same vio∣lence towards Africa, are thence dri∣ven towards the East and North, and abate by degrees as they approach the warmths of the Line, and quite cease when they reach it.

Others explain this matter after a different manner; they will have it, that the excessive heats of the Line draw these Winds from the Poles, where the Exhalations and Vapors, which are the matter of the Winds, being stronger and in greater abun∣dance cause more violent and lasting ones, and that afterwards these Winds or Exhalations are drawn towards the Zone, and there abated by the exces∣sive heat.

Behold the best Account I could meet with, to satisfy those who are curious in this matter; but whatever the Natural Cause of them may be, it may be truly said, they are the sweet∣est Winds that blow.

CHAP. V.

The Squadron Anchors at the Island of Saintiague.

HEther we had reason to admire our happiness, and to hope we should soon arrive at Saintiague, where we were to stay some days; our only misery was a violent Fever which feiz'd our men, and of which fifty lay dangerously ill, tho' we had been but three weeks at sea. 'Twas then the R. R. F. F. the Jesuites, found an op∣portunity to exercise their Zeal and Charity; they Confest the sick, gave them Instructions for dying well, and assisted them with their own pro∣visions: It must be said, that from the first day they came aboard us, they had such care, by their Holy Example, to promote a good life a∣mongst the Officers and seamen, that far from following the loose way of others, they thought themselves ob∣liegd to behave themselves according

to the utmost severity of the Christian Religion; they were willingly present at their Catechisms and Sermons on Sundays, and at Mass every morning, with prayers at the end for the King; in the evening we said our beads, and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, making an Examen of Conscience on our knees with an Act of Contriction.

Great was the happiness and ad∣vantages we had from the company of these Religious persons, but chiefly the sick; one of the Mandarins nam'd Pipit dy'd the 7th. day of his distem∣per; the R. P. Fachard took parti∣cular care of him, never leaving him till he had administerd extream Unction, and the Holy Eucharist to him. Of these three Envoys of the King of Siam, he converted two to the Catholick Religion, Baptizing them at Brest, and 'tis to be presum'd that the third would soon have yeilded too, to the Authority of his holy Life, as well as that of his Arguments.

All the funeral Honours due to a person of Quality, were paid to this deceas'd Mandarin: Four Gard Marines held the corners of the Pall, and after

the usual prayers on the occasion, threw him into the Sea, with five Guns, fir'd at a distance one from another, which made it more sad and Sollemn; 'twas believ'd in the rest of the ships that 'twas an Ensign dy'd, so to honour him, and to testify to their Admiral their concern for him, they struck their sails, and lay by, rolling in his way sadly, as if there were none to govern them; as soon as the ship past by, they hoist their Sails again.

The next night, which was the 15th, we past the Tropick of Cancer, which our Pilots perceiv'd next day by the computation they made, we had made vast way in a little time, being but sixteen days since we left France; the winds and seas seem'd to conspire to prosper our Voyage, every thing succeeding to our wishes.

The 17th. in the Evening Mon∣sieur Duquesne made the Cape, of which he gave notice to the rest by the signal of a Gun, and two fires, one on the Round-top of the Main-Mast, and the other on the Round-top of the Fore-mast, for fear we should run

aground in the night, from which we could not be far, according to the Elevation taken at Noon: Next morn∣ing by break of day we perceiv'd the Isle of May to the left, which we no sooner doubel'd, but we saw that of Saintiage, our Commandant per∣ceiving no ships at anchor there, hoisted a white Flag and an Admiral Flame on the top of the Main-mast, and coming near, he sent in the Rock to sound; there appear'd at a great distance a Man on the top of a hill, who hoisted a flag six several times, in all probability to give the Inhabitants notice of the number of our ships. Saturday the 18th. of March, at two in the afternoon, we anchor'd half a League from the shoar.

CHAP. VI.

A Description of the Isle and Town of Saintiague, Manners and Reli∣gion of the Inhabitants.

THE Commandant Monsieur de Pouriere went a shoar by Mon∣sieur Duquesnes orders, to complement the Governor, and to desire leave to take in fresh water, and to settle the teremony of the Salute; who easily agreed to what was desir'd, and not only so, but promis'd we should be furnisht with Beef and Mutton, tho' very scarce among themselves; but when it came to the ceremony of the Salute, this raw young Governor, who in all probality was ignorant of what was really our due, refused to answer Gun for Gun; but the Com∣mandant provokt at it, told him; that the French expected other returns, and that seeing he stood so stiff upon't, they would not salute him at all:

'Twas then he perceiv'd he mistook his men, and so presently agreed to five Guns each,

He made a present of two dozen of sweet Oranges and some Chocolet to Monsieur de Pouriere, having neither wine nor sweet-meats tho' very com∣mon here; who after he had receiv'd them, went to give our Commandant an account of what past, and to ac∣quaint him he had been inform'd by the Governor, that two Dutch and one English ship parted thence but three days before, bound for the East-Indies, and that they expected two more suddainly: We lay at anchor till Tues∣day evening, without perceiving any, whence we pursu'd our Voyage, not a little troubl'd to miss 'em, for they could hardly escape falling into our hands: Being now late, we omitted the Salute till next morning, which was Palm-Sunday; when after our Almoner had said Mass, we saluted them with five Guns, and they returned the same number.

Being curious to go a shoar, I got leave of the Commandant, and so went in company with F. Tachard,

and an Officer, who carri'd a small Present from Monsieur Duquesne to the Governour; at our landing, we saw some Negro's that were quite naked, excepting a ragg about their wasts to cover their nakedness. There's a Chapel on the shoar dedi∣cated to the Blessed Virgin, and a little further a Battery of four Iron Guns; we were forced to climb, 'till we came to a certain Bastion, on which were mounted six old Iron Guns, of which the biggest was a six pounder. This is the best fortify'd part of the Island, where the Portuguese keep a Garrison, but the Soldiers are fitter to be pitty'd than fear'd.

F. Tachard askt them news of the Governour; they shew'd him a Church where he was, into which we enterd, when he presently rose from his seat, and gave us a graceful salute, the Fa∣ther after talking some time with him in Portuguese, went out; but I conti∣nu'd some time observing the Ceremo∣nies, and other things; after blessing the Palm branches, a Negro Priest said Mass, assisted by a Deacon.

They are more devout and solemn than we, but we were a little scanda∣liz'd at the negress women half naked in the Church, who as they star'd at us, so we could not but stare at them; as likewise at the Governour's Guard, which was a wretched one; their Arms were a Pike and a Sword of an extraordinary length, with a pair of Beads about their necks.

In the midst of them stood the little Governor, of about twenty year old; a Native of Lisbon, pretty tall, but meanly clad, and of a poor meen and air.

This is a wretched Country, and fitter to starve than live in; they have their wine and bread from Lisbon, or from the Cunarys, the latter is 8 pence a pound, and the first half a Crown a Bottel, which holds no more than the Chopin of France; 'tis true the Negro's who are naturally fober, use little wine, or even so much as bread; living for the most part of dry cake well prest, which is made of the root of a tree call'd Macoc, the Juice of which is a subtil poison.

They are all Soldiers or Slaves, and so given to robbery, that its hard to escape them, if they meet one in a by place, they are very fond of knives, ribbon, needles, but chiefly of Biscuit, for which they readily give Oranges, Goiaves, Bannanes, and se∣veral other fruits, they have large proportion'd bodies, short friz'd hair, little beard, and whither hunting or walking, they still carry bows and ar∣rows about 'em.

No one will wonder at the sterillity of the Country, when he is told it has not rain'd there in four years time; which has made the ground so parcht and barren, that of 25000 inhabitants which it had, there dy'd 6000 in two years time of hunger, as one of their Priests told me, with whom I discours'd some time in Latin.

The Cloathing of the women is only a piece of white or blew cotton cloath, that covers them from the wast to the knee, the rest of their bo∣dy is naked, going barefoot and bare∣headed, only sometimes wearing an ordinary handkerchief round their heads, and for the most part gold

Rings, or three wooden pins in their ears. These women have their pe∣culiar beauties, as tall, proper, comely, and well proportioned bodies, and a certain great air, especially when they walk; they smoak much, and are scarce ever seen without a pipe.

I was to see the Town of Saintiague, about three Leagues from the place our ships lay at anchor; where I was told that he whom I took for Gover∣nour, was only the Lieutenant; the Governor residing always at Saintiague. This is a little Town in a bottom, scituated by the sea side, thro' which a large River takes its course, descend∣ing from the neighbouring Moun∣tains which surround it; It has a mat∣ter of three hundred houses; the best part of the Inhabitants are Portuguese, the rest Negro's, these last go naked, the former clad after their own Fa∣shion, having all Beads about their necks.

There's a Bishop in this Twon, a Native of Lisbon, of the order of St. Frances; and two Convents, one of Men and the other of Women. There's a Fort raised at the end of the

Town, mounted with two cast Guns, and at the foot of it eight, and three Iron Guns, mouthing towards the sea; hard by, is the Isle of Fougo, or the Fiery Island, where there's a very high mountain, whose top casts, fourth flames continually, with a thick smoak. This is all I could remark in the short stay I made here.

Saintiague is an Island of Cape Verde, belonging to the Portuguese, which is scituated in fourteen degrees, thirty six Minutes North Lat. and three hundred and fifty three degrees thirty Minutes Longitude. I have already said, that provisions were so scarce here, that we could have but one Bullock, which was divided amongst us all, and some sheep for the Commodant, but plenty of excellent Fish is caught here. We got some barrels of fresh water which was none of the best, and hard to come by, having it out of a dirty Cistern, which was a great distance from the sea. After we had fill'd our empty Casks with it, Monsieur Du∣quesne weigh'd Anchor, and left Sain∣tiague, Tuesday the 21st. at five a clock in the morning.

CHAP. VII.

The passing of the Line in 358 Deg. of Long. and the burning Heats that are felt there.

WE made great way the first three or four days, but the winds begining to slack as we ap∣proacht the heats of the Line, we did not sail so fast as before; being now Passion, or the Holy-week, Father Tachard would omit nothing of the holy Exercises practis'd at this time, we sung the Tenebra, we hear'd Ser∣mons, and tho' at sea perform'd all the duties of Christians who have more conveniency.

Holy Friday the 24th. of March this Father, who often studdied the Courses and Position of the Stars, foretold us an Ecclipse of the Moon, which should happen at seven a clock in the evening, five Minutes past, and end exactly at ten, which accord∣ingly

did; it could not be seen in France, •…•…r according to the Calculation, it was ••o be at Paris at four a clock in the after∣••oon.

In the mean time we insensibly ap∣••roacht the Line, the passing of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 don't admire people should dread so much, we had nothing now but faint winds, very inconstant, and almost con∣tinual Calms, caus'd by the excessive heats which are felt here, which would be unsupportable, if it were not for those suddain gusts that abate them, and cool the air from time to time; these suddain gusts, or rather rains, are commonly accompanied with cool winds that greatly comfort this scorch∣ing passage, they rise and cease of a sud∣dain, and then a burning calm succeeds

'Tis then that troops of Fish leap∣ing above the water of all sides, in∣vite the seamen to take them. I re∣member one day when the sea was a little rough, I, with no little pleasure, beheld shoals of fish leaping above the water, and continuing so as long as their fins were wet, to avoid the pur∣suit of the Bonites, a large fish, who is a great devourer of the rest; the

others; as I said, are forc'd to quit their natural Element, and have much a do to save themselves by their often riseing above it, being often snapt by them in the air; so that its almost im∣possible for them to escape the enemy, who incessantly pursues them in vast numbers. We took a great many of these Bonites, which resemble Shads, but are more savory and firm.

We were within five or six Degrees of the Line, and so had continual Calms, which were almost unsupport∣able, and by which we suffer'd extream∣ly; our Wine and Victuals were spoil'd, and our Vigor consum'd, and our Distemper encreast daily through the long and violent heats; the very air that should keep us alive, almost suffocated us, night and day the heat was so excessive, that the very Sealing∣wax we had in our trunks melted. The rest of this Month past without any thing remarkable, save that it thunderd, with violent winds and rain, which forwarded us very much in our Voyage.

'Twas not a little gastly, in the horrors of dark and tempestious nights, to see the Lightnings perform the office of the day; which gave us no other prospect, but that of a rising and a yawning Ocean, into which two of our Men fell.

The fifth of April our Carpenter being at the ships head, fell into the sea; but being a good swimmer, he kept himself above water till he got hold of a rope, and then cry'd out for help; one of the Seamen presently gave him his foot to take hold of, which breaking, he drew the other in with him, we gave 'em all the assist- we could, and with much ado saved them both at last.

The way we made this night, brought us considerably nearer the Line; which we long'd to pass, almost quite spent with the intollerable heats we had endur'd for fiefteen days time; only those rains which fell helpt to abate the rageing heats, and were a great relief to us; at length, after a great deal of them, accompanied with Thunder and Lightnings Sunday the ninth of April at ten a clock in the

morning we past the Line, which we so impatiently long'd for.

Here the Mariners use an execrable custom of a mock Baptism, which is fitter to be condemned with the ut∣most severity than describ'd.

CHAP. VIII.

How the sick recover'd after passing the Line. Monsieur Hortin, Captain of the Rock, dies.

TO the Southward of the Line we met with as long and frequent Calms as before; which for some days made us as earnestly wish to get at a distance from it, as we did before to pass it. There is nothing distresses a Voyage more than those Calms, while unable to go backward or forward, you are forced to remain whole days in the same place, scorching and broiling in the sun, and tumbling on great rolling waves and surges which are met here, notwithstanding the calm, so that one

can scarce stand on the deck; but be∣ing past the Line about a hunderd Leagues, our miseries began to abate, as the South-East winds began to blow, when we found our selves as in another Climate, and to breath a more tem∣perate air: This change rejoyc'd us all, and was very happy for the sick, of whom two parts in three presently re∣cover'd, besides our hopes of doubling the Cape of Good-hope encreast daily, by the vast way we made, which sometimes was no less than 55 Leagues in 24 hours, and had been more, if all our ships had sail'd alike, and one had not been forc'd to stay for the other, that we might not lose com∣pany, so that we could not make the same use of the wind as a single ship would.

About this time Monsieur Duquesne was inform'd of Monsieur Hortin's sickness, who was Captain of the Rock, as he was a person of great ex∣perience, and whom he had a great value for, he often visited him, and order'd the Surgeons of the Squadron to consult of his Distemper, who seem'd to have good hopes of him, but his

age made him yield to the violence of it, which took him off the 22d. of April; all were very sensible of his death, which was presently known by the signal from the Rock, which all day had her two Flags half down, and her Fane quite down, the common Ceremonies with which the funeral of a Captain is honor'd, with eleven Guns when he is thrown into the Sea.

Our Commandant was not much put to it to chuse one in his place, who was fit to succeed him; for he presently chose Monsieur Pouriere, who accepted the employment, to the great regret of his own Crew, who were not a little troubled to part with him, who they lov'd so entirely for his many excellent Accomplish∣ments.

CHAP. IX.

Passage of the Tropick of Capricorn, and the Cape of Good-hope hap∣pily doubled.

WE had calms for some days, and the winds were change∣able, but this did not last long, for blowing fresher and fresher, we past the Tropick of Capricorn the 15th. at ten at night. In this traverse you're expos'd to a great many different Cli∣mates; as we approach'd the Cape, we had delicate cool winds, which were not a little pleasant to us, after coming out of the scortching heats of the Line: These two contrary quali∣ties acting on the same bodies, pro∣duced violent effects, and thence our sickness at land had its original.

Hitherto we sail'd as happily as we could wish, nothing was more beauti∣ful than the sea, which seem'd to join with the winds to Expedite our Voyage;

the very water in the hold was not corrupted, and being as happy as could be expected in a voyage of this kind; in a little time we met with the west∣ern winds, which were necessary to gain the Cape of Good-hope.

The third of May we had them, but they lasted but a little while, coming about to the North, which serving our purpose as well, we sailed sixty Leagues in 24 hours with them, which made us hope we should soon be at the place where we were to an∣chor, which every one earnestly desir'd, so that our joy was excessive when we reach'd the heighth of the Cape. The judgment of our Pilots was confirm'd by the sight of the Vel∣vet Channels, call'd so from a large Bird which is only seen there, be∣cause half their plumage resembles Velvet spotted with Pearl. We saw two whales, with a great number of birds of different kinds, and all sorts of colours; the Calms delaid us there very much, and hindered our passing it, as did likewise the contrary winds.

But with the blessing of God over∣coming these difficulties, Sunday the 28th. of May we doubled the Cape of Good-hope, with a northerly wind as good as we could wish. It's here our ships refit going to the Indies, and meet with plenty of provisions; but being in War with the Dutch, who are Masters of the Cape, we were depriv'd of this happiness; and so without so much as passing within sight of it, we continued our Voyage, resolving not to stop till we reacht Ami∣ouam, vvhich is 800 Leagues farther.

CHAP. X.

The Bank of Needles, a most dan∣gerous passage: And sight of the Isle of Madugascar: Which made us rejoice.

IT still blew so fair, that next day by seven a clock in the morning we arriv'd at the Bank of Needles, tho' it be fourty Leagues from the Cape;

the Rock sounding, found ground at the first, of which she gave us notice by a gun, and hanging out a flag; our Commandant order'd Te Deum to be sung at the end of Mass, to thank GOD for it, after which we made it our business to get over it as soon as possible, the winds rising making that place more dangerous, which at last grew to a storm.

We could scarce bear as much sail as was sufficient to keep the ships head to the Waves, which while they roll'd, often enter'd into them; the Dragon lost the round top of her Main-Mast, which Monsieur Duquesne observing, he furl'd a sail, that she might not be left too far behind, which de∣lay'd us a little, for else we had been clear of the Bank that very day. At four in the evening we saw the Needles Cape on our left, at about five or six Leagues distance, two sea wolfs, and a power of strange birds.

After having happily past this Bank, and the Cape of Good Hope, we were past the worst, and had little more to fear; we had no more to wish but to discover the Isle of Madagascar, which was ab∣solutely

necessary in our passage to Amiouam; fifteen days we impatiently waited for it, at which time Thursday the 15th. of Jure we made it, which greatly rejoic'd us all, and for which we sung Te Deum; for had we mist it, we should scarce have been able to have found a place to refit, or so much as know where we were.

We were not long before we saw the Lyon, who was sent upon the dis∣covery; Monsieur Duquesne finding he was just on the Island, struck sail, and with the signal of a Gun gave no∣tice to the other ships to follow him; so steering North, North East, the wind in our stern, we left Madagascar on the right to the East of us.

This is perhaps the greatest Island in the world; its scituated betwixt 12 and 22 Degrees of south Lat. its allow'd to be about 800 Leagues in compass, and 300 over; it has several Kings, each having a good part of it; they often make War on one another, and command a great many men, of whom some are so savage, that they care not for having any commerce

with strangers, and often eat one another, and their neighbours when they can light on them.

CHAP. XI.

The Squadron anchors at the Isle of Moelly.

WE had all along resolv'd to an∣chor at Amiouam, but the re∣port of some, who assur'd us that 'twas easier to be supply'd with water and wood at Moelly, which is but eight Leagues distant from it, made Mon∣sieur Duquesne go thither first; that after having well refresht his Company and supply'd his wants, he might be in a condition when he came to Ami∣ovam, to fight and chase the ships he hop'd to meet there, being the place where the English use to take in Supplies. This conduct proceeded from his great prudence and experience, and know∣ledgein those parts; for you must know, that if you misse anchoring at Amiouam,

'tis impossible almost to regain it; and if we had gone thither at first, what a mortification it would have been to us, meeting shiping there, to see 'em weigh anchor immediately and be∣gone, without our being able to follow them.

So that we could not take our mea∣sures better, and earnestly desiring to arrive there, and the wind serving, the Pilots every day encourag'd us to hope for't. On the 20th. of June we had the happiness to descry it; and the Sentinel whom we had plac'd on the Top-gallant no sooner cry'd Land, but we hoist our Flag to give the wel∣com news to the other ships who were behind, which caus'd a vast and uni∣versal joy, especially amongst the Sick, who would needs come above-board to behold the Land where they hop't for recovery. Being now late we durst not come too nigh, so having lain By half the night, Wednesday the 21st. of June we came to an anchor before the Isle of Moelly, between nine and ten in the morning.

CHAP. XII.

Monsieur Duquesne treats with the King of the Isle of Moelly for re∣freshments, who furnishes him in a∣bundance: Its Situation, Fertility Religion, and Manners of its In∣habitants.

THe Commandant gave the Gun of Assurance, the common practice amongst strange Nations when War is not intended, and sent in a sloop with Monsieur Voutron and the Scrivain, to know if upon presenting the King, we might be furnish'd with Refreshments and other necessaries, they were receiv'd as well as could be immagin'd by these Savages, who seem'd very well pleas'd to exchange their Fruits and Cattel with us.

This great present consisted of two pieces of Indian cloath, and an old Musket, which the latter carried, who

had been in the Country before, and spoke some Portuguese; he presented them to the King, who was then in a sweet and pleasant Valley, call'd the Queen's Creek, lying by the sea side, about 7 Leagues from where we anchord. If one may judge of his Condition, by his Brother and Sons, whom I have seen selling Hens for paper, it can be none of the greatest; this little Prince was charm'd with our Present, and signify'd to the Scrivain by an Indian Portuguese, who had liv'd some time in the Country, and was his Interpreter, and Intendant of his Affairs, that he thanked the Com∣mandant, and that he would give Orders to his subjects to furnish us with whatever we had occasion, for our Money.

Upon which Monsieur Duquesne went a shoar that very day, to regu∣late every thing, that there might be no disorder or difference on the land∣ing; and orderd the Captains of the several ships, to command the seamen on pain of death to offer no violence to the Negro's. Next morning we debarkt our sick to the number of a∣bout

fifty, most ill of the Scurvy, for whom we made Tents by the Sea side; the Negro's came from all parts, with provisions, vix. Oxen, Cows, Kids, and almost all other kinds of provisions, which we had plenty every day, and at very easy rates.

Our Commandant finding he could at an easy rate refresh his men here after their vast fatiegues, allow'd them while they stai'd every day, as much fresh provisions morning and evening as they could eat, which were so plentiful and cheap, that a fat Ox cost but four Livers and a half, a Cow but a Crown, and Pullets, Kids, Eggs, Milk, and Fruits we had in ex∣change for Knives, Paper, and bits of Linen.

Of all other, they were fondest of Knives and Linen: Being generally Magicians, they made use of the first to make characters, and with the last they cover'd their nakedness; and some of our men have bought an Ox for an old tatter'd Shirt.

They were no less careful to supply us aboard than a shoar, coming every day in their Pirogues, which are little

Banows made of the hollow'd trunk of a Tree; bringing us Ananas, Ba∣nanes, Cocos, Lemons, Oranges, and divers other excellent sorts of fruits, which we had in plenty, as well as of the other provisions while we lay at anchor.

Every meal seem'd a feast, and in∣deed we had no less than four or five several sorts of meat at each, as much water as we would drink, besides our ration of wine at dinner and supper, instead of Aqua-vita, which we were forc'd to drink for two months; we had great plenty of Oranges, and scarce eat or drank any thing without them, so that our present happiness mads us forget all our past miseries, which lasted three whole months, without so much as sight of land, and having no more than was just necessary to keep us alive.

Moelly is an Island of Arabia, which may be about 30 Leagues in compass, scituated in 12 degrees of south Lat. and 63 Degrees 40 Minutes of Long. its very fertil through the frequent rains that fall, and hedg'd in with steep rocks; both its vallies and high

mountains are cover'd with woods, in which fat Oxen are found, differing from those of France, by a bunch of fat on their backs like a wenn; as likewise Kidds, Poule, Pindades, Ring∣doves, and a great deal of other game, and there would be excellent fowling if it were not for the inaccssible Moun∣tains. The Orange and Lemon Trees are not its least glory, they stand so thick in some places, that one may smell them at a great distance, and distinguish them amongst crowds of other odorifirocous Trees, not inferiour even to them; there's scarce a sweet Orange to be found, but all of a de∣licat tartness, except some of a smaller growth, that have neither the form nor size of a true natural Orange.

The Island produces besides, ex∣cellent Rice and Mill, thrice as large as that of France, and were it more even and compact, would be very fit to live in. It seems to be but thinly peopl'd, for I saw but one Village, of about threescore or fourscore cot∣tages, made and cover'd with branches of Palm, under which the Negro's lie; the entrance into them is so low, that

one must creep to get into them; they sleep on Mats of rice straw, which they lay on the ground; one sees nothing here which does not ar∣gue the miserable life these Savages lead.

Taking a view of this Village, I had the curiosity to enter into a wretched Hutt, built of stone and sand; which they told me was a Pagod, or Temple, in which these wretches wor∣ship an Oxe's head, the forehead being inscrib'd with Arabick characters; they made him a grot in the wall, adorn'd with shell work, where they plac'd this reverend Divinity, and which they remov'd a little after we went in, whither 'twas they believ'd us unwor∣thy to look on't, or that they observ'd we slighted it as much as it deserv'd: The middle of the Pagod was matted, and on the right side as you enter, there was a pole stuck in the ground forkt at one end, supporting some mother of pearl burnt; on the inside, which I suppose serv'd for a lamp; and a little lower of the same side, was a stair-case of 5 steps, leading to the place where the King sits.

To so many superstitions they joyn a great many of the Mahometan, so true it is that the Author of that infa∣mous Religion, has sprea'd his follies at so great a distance. When we ar∣riv'd, it was the time of their Ramadam, or Lent, during which they mayn't eat, drink, or smoak 'till the sun's set, and they are so exact in't, that no perswasions or threats can make 'em do otherwise.

These Negro's appear'd more Savage than they of Saintiague, ruder in their manner of living, but more plain in their dealing; they are large, and strong bodied, but very fearful; a Pistol shot will scare them so, that they'll run into the woods to hide, so much they fear fire Arms. They were long beards, and their hair cover∣ing their shoulders; for 'tis to be ob∣serv'd, that to the south of the Line, they all have them thus, and to the North, have short friz'd hair; they all go naked, having only a rag of Linen to cover their nakedness, and some wear beads about their necks without crosses, and holes in

their Ears that your finger will go through.

I could never imagine that these Savages could be so jealous of their Wives, for they hid them in their Cottages as we past by, that we might not see them, judging our in∣clinations I suppose by their own; we saw, some of their women who are not easily to be distinguished from their Men, but by their habit; which consists of a piece of Linen that crosses their Stomacks, and so falls down their breasts, with another which binds their Thghes behind and before like drawers: They are very wild, for when I but touch'd one of their ears, to observe three little pieces of wood she had in them, she skriekt out, and ran as if I intended to eat her.

Tho' Idolaters, yet they are very temperate and sober; and for the most part feed only on fish, fruits and Rice, and rarely eat any flesh, tho' they have plenty. Their best drink is Tarry, which is very refreshing, and much resembles the Cider made of pears in Britany, it costs them no more

pains than the rest of their provisions, which the unmanur'd soil freely fur∣nishes 'em with of its own accord. It is no more than cutting the bottom of the Palm trees, and placing Vessels beneath to receive it.

CHAP. XIII.

The Squadron parts from the road of Moelly, on the news we receiv'd that there were some ships of the Enemy at Amiouam.

WE had lain at anchor about Se∣ven or Eight days, when we understood by a Negro, who spoke Portuguese, that there lay some ships at Amiouam. Tho' the information was uncertain, yet it gave us a great deal of joy, and the Commandant gave notice that we should make ready to sail in two days, so we made hast to take in all necessaries, and to sup∣ply our selves with water, wood, and fresh provisions, to take down

our Tents, and embark the sick, of whom we lost one at land, and three the day we landed, whom we cast in∣to the sea, which with eleven we lost in crossing the Line, made in all fifteen since we left France.

This evening Monsieur Duquesne gave orders for sailing, and according∣ly next day being Saturday the first of July, we left the road of Moelly at 5 in the morning, but were becalm'd al∣most all that day, except a faint wind that blew sometimes, which serv'd us a little till six in the evening, when we came to an anchor again, for that night; next day we sail'd, and it blowing a fresh gale, about ten we doubled the Isle of Moelly, and by reason of the Tides we were fore'd to coast it near the Shoar.

We presently made all the sail we could that we might reach Amiouam as soon as possible, which was now in sight, the Rock still kept close to us, and in a little time the rest came up within 3 or 4 Leagues of us: and now we took down our hamocks, and made every thing ready for a fight, tho' we had no plain sight of any ship∣ing,

till we came near the road, when we perceived one lying at anchor near to land, and the smoak of two guns which were fir'd to warn the men aboard.

'Twas now Sun-set, and we had yet two Leagues before we could come up with her; all had orders to prepare, and we as usual, were posted on the quarter Deck, we had already hung out Dutch colours, and put a square Flag on the top of the Main∣mast, making in with full sails to set upon her by day light.

CHAP. XIV.

An Engagement at Amiouam with an English ship richly laden, which was burnt with above three hunderd persons in her.

THis ship took a pleasure to see us coming in, believing us to be Dutch, and the rather, because Seven ships were to be sent this year

from Holland to the East-Indies, but to rid them of their mistake, the Rock who had gain'd the wind of us, ap∣proacht according to orders, with a design to anchor on her Buoy; we then took in our Flag, which very much surpriz'd them, who presently hall'd the Rock, and askt him whence he was bound, and the Captain an∣swering in Dutch from Amsterdam, they seem'd mightily pleas'd; then he asking them again whence their ship was, answer'd, from London. The Captain was just ready to go aboard him, when the sloop which he had sent to get intelligence of us, and which he had order'd to go aboard the Admiral if they were Dutch, keeping close to the land side, for fear of being taken, came to give him notice that we were French; this unexpected news surpriz'd him very much, and immediately gave orders to charge the guns; which the Rock observing, presently came and anchord on his buoy, and straight powerd in his small shot, with a broad side into her, crying, Vive le Roy•• Vive France.

The English much surpriz'd, re∣turn'd us five guns, and going to tack about, the Rock at the second discharge splitting the Capstain, and wounded two and twenty of his men, upon which she cut away, and hoist sail with all the speed she could, which Monsieur Pouriere who was resolv'd to follow her close, no sooner observ'd but he cut his Cables too, and call'd to us to board her for that she was just sailing away.

Our Commandant knowing what he had to do, presently tackt, and got under the wind with her, who fir'd on us with both her broad sides, seeing herself oblig'd to pass between us and the Rock, who still kept the wind of her, and power'd his Musket shot into her, but we had no sooner suffer'd her to go a little a head of us, but we ply'd her with our great and small shot from both our ships, the English ship scarce firing at all, and thinking of nothing but of making her escape by the favour of the night.

But his endeavours were to no pur∣pose, for we were resolv'd to ply him

close all night; after the third dis∣charge, the Commandant order'd us to cease firing, while a message was sent to him, that if he would not sur∣render, he should be hang'd up, on the Main-yard; this threatening mes∣sage, which might have frightend a∣nother, gave him so little concern, that he answer'd it with as many great Guns as he could, at which we ad∣mir'd at the undaunted courage and re∣solution of the man, to stand it out at such a desperate rate, when there was no hopes of escapeng.

So we renew'd the fight, and were board and board with him, our Mainyards almost touching for a good while, 'twas now we gall'd him terribly with our great and small shot, and scarce one miss'd, when if we might judge according to appearance, he must needs have last half his Com∣pany. Yet for all this he shew'd no sign of fear, or any thing like it; for we could not hear 'em so much as once cry for Quarter: But on the con∣trary, receiving our shot without fir∣ing, he lengthen'd out his Sprit-sail

that he might come close to us, be∣lieving we had a design to board him, at which time he long'd for nothing more, for if we had, he was resolv'd to blow us up, tho' at the expence of setting himself a fire, but happily the night coming on, was the cause the Commandant gave orders not to at∣tempt it, so being contented for the present with what we had done, we stood aloof, and lay at some distance one from another, only the Rock would not quit her a moment, but continued still firing incessantly at her.

By this time the rest of the Squa∣dron came up, who presently began to fire on the unhappy Englishman, and surrounded him of all sides, that the ship scarce knew which way to turn her head; the bullets fell like hail in∣to her, and the night was now so dark that one could scarce discern any thing, which was the cause that our ships incommoded one another, notwith∣standing our lanthors were all fill'd with lights.

The enemy having for some time receiv'd a great many shot from us,

without making any return, and thought of nothing but meeting with a convenient opportunity to make their escape. When Monsieur Duquesne ob∣serving 'twas in vain to wast povvder and shot, and that 'twas to no purpose to think of reducing him before day, sent an arm'd sloup with an Officer, commanding all the ships not to fire any more, but only keep a strict watch on her all night.

It might be now about eleven a clock, the action having lasted with∣out intermission since eight, when the Commandant order'd us to repose our selves for a while; and the sloop going to the Rock with these orders; Mon∣sieut de Pouriere, the Captain of it, sent us a young Malouin Seaman, who made his escape from aboard the ene∣my by swiming, and had come aboard him, after his second discharge.

This man inform'd us, that the English Captain, after giving all his men a large bowl of Canary, exhorted them to fight it out to the last; tell∣ing them at the same time too, that he was resolv'd to set fire to the ship before ever it should fall into our hands,

if we prov'd to be French; which he but too well perform'd, as you'l see by what follows. The ships name was the Herbert▪ built for eighty Guns; carrying but 54; and two hunderd and fifty men, with about fourscore passengers, amongst whom was a rich English Bankrupt, who had fourscore thousand crowns in silver, having with him his wife and a daugh∣ter, a great beauty about twenty years old, with two young sons, one of which was born under the Line.

He told us the Cargo of the ship consisted of Laces, and Brocard of gold, scarlet cloaths, Bevers, Iron, To∣bacco, Canary wines, and a great deal of Money; ordered for commerce, and paying off the English soldiers in the service of the Company, who had receiv'd no pay in four years time, and that if taken would prove a vast rich Prize, which very much rejoyc'd us. But the desperate Captain took care that none should be the richer for't, or gain by what he lost.

So we gave over firing in good time, for besides that it signify'd nothing; we should a done our selves as much

damage as the enemy; at length he made four or five shot at us, to waken our Squadron out of that profound steep it seem'd to have been in, and then lay still; and continuing so for some time, about two in the morning the wind blowing fresh, she made all the sail she could to escape the ap∣proaching danger.

He thought the same happiness would have attended him now; which he had had at the Canary Islands, where its said he clear'd himself of three stout Algerines that surrounded him; but he soon found to the con∣trary, for he was no sooner under sail, but we began to follow him, when seeing there was no possibillity of escap∣ing, and that as soon as 'twas day, we should bear down upon him in a line, and sink him; Fir'd with rage and des∣pair, he took the most cruel resoluti∣on in the world; and without any more delay set fire to his ship, placing two chests of powder under the highest part of the stern, near the Mizzen Mast; making his escape himself thro' the Gunners room in his boat, in which they perceiv'd a light, but he endea∣vour'd

to hide it that they might not follow him.

This dreadful spectacle amaz'd us ex∣ceedingly, and as eargerly as we endea∣vour'd to attack her before, as hastily we attempted to avoid her now; our men lookt on't as belonging to themselves; and could not but censure the Cap∣tain, for acting so cruel and inhumane a part, as not to save his Cargo, or perish with them himself. But this horrible proceeding quite ruin'd the opinion, we had before conceiv'd of his bravery.

Some of our men heard these miser∣able people crying out like the damn'd, and runing up the bolt sprit in crowds, endeavouring to avoid the flames, which rag'd so violenty, but 'twas in vain. The ship continually burning for three hours, when at length the flames catching in the powder room, it blew up all at once; so that in less than half a quarter of an hour there was nothing to be seen of that rich ship, but dreadful conflagration.

Our single ship fir'd for her share no less than 200 and 80 guns, and we had five men kill'd and six wounded;

I could not receive an exact account of what the rest suffer'd, but I am cer∣tain we suffer'd most; after having re∣pair'd▪ what damage we sustain'd, we steer'd our course North North East, and left Amiouam behind us, Monsieur de Pourier being unable to regain the Point was constrain'd to cut his cables.

CHAP. XV.

We past the Line a second time in the 7th. Degree of Long▪ without feel∣ing any extraordinary heat, one of our Seamen unhappily drown'd.

WE were to pass the Line again before we could arrive at Pontichery, tho' in doing of it, we felt no extraordinary heat, nor the other usual inconveniences, nor were so much as becalm'd; of the contrary, the wind encreasing still more and more since our departure, on Monday the tenth of July we repast it at ele∣ven in the morning, in the 70th. Deg. of Longit. without so much as per∣ceiving

when we were under it, by reason of the Southern winds which blew so fresh, that the heat was less then that we often feel at Paris in sum∣mer: Never was Voyage happier; sail∣ing no less than three or four Leagues an hour, and the winds as good and constant as we could desire.

Sailing so succesfully, we could not miss arriving quickly in the heigth of the Maldives, which we left of the right, without so much as seeing them; tho' we had sent the Lyon on the 20th. to discover them they are seldon past unseen, but our Pilots according to their Card, and their calculation, told us they must be there, so we reckon'd we should soon be at the Isle of Ceylon, whither we were order'd to go, to see if there were any of the Ene∣my's ships there, for besides that the Dutch, had several Collonies there, the English came thither every year for Nutmegs, Cinnamon, and Cloves, with which this Island greatly abounds.

The same day one of our Seamen was drown'd about six at night, when the rest of our men were at supper; all things seem'd to conspire to his

loss, a slack wind in our stern, made the ship rowl very much, and instead of eating with his Comarades accord∣ing to custom, he went on the Deck to kill a Kidd, were treading on the blood of the Kidd, he slipt, and fell into the sea, to which the rowling of the ship very much contributed; he was a pretty vvay off us before vve perceiv'd it, and so could give him no help by casting out ropes, the Mar∣riners did all that they could, and Monsieur Duquesne order'd them to take dovvn the sails, and hoise the boat out, but 'tvvas too late; and we saw him perish, without our being able to give him the least assistance.

Next day, being the 22d. there hap∣pen'd a pleasant, but an unlucky, mi∣stake, presently after noon, the Seamen cry'd Land before us; and we immedi∣ately believ'd that 'twas the Coast of Coromandal, or the Isle of Ceylon, we made the ordinary signal, and presently after discover'd eight Islands, near one ano∣ther, which joyn'd to the view we had of land to the South, made Monsieur Duquesne say, that 'twas certainly the Maldives; the Pilots could not be of his

opinion, and the reputation of their skill and judgment was concern'd, to differ from him: In the mean time after peru∣sing the Cards and their Journals, they own'd their mistake, and agreed that the biggest sight of land, was the point of the Maldives, which is the most Northerly Island of all the rest which we found too true; and we attributed the cause of this mistake, to the strong Currents which they found had thrown us too much to the west, we presently tack't about, and lay by all night, for fear of being run aground by the tides.

CHAP. XVI.

Vicu of the Isle of Ceylon, famous for its Beauty, Riches, and the moun∣tain of the Peke of Adam; a Dutch Pink with eight chests of Silver made Prize.

FRom break of day 'till Friday the 28th. we made all the sail we could, when Loyseau▪ who kept the

head of the Squadron, made a signal of his discovering land, and after we had descry'd it our selves too on the edge of the Horrison, we hoisted our flag to give notice to the rest: 'Twas not long before we plainly perceiv'd the Isle of Ceylon, at which we very much rejoyc'd, having all along ex∣pected to meet some of the Enemys ships there. I think I never saw a more pleasant Country, being very even and of a vast extent, and one of the most rich and fertill in the world; you see here a great number of tall Trees ever green; some forming lovely Arbours, others beautiful alleys, in the vast plaines which stretcht them∣selves towards the sea side, besides a rich smell of Nutmegs and Cinnamon, charming and delicious beyond Ex∣pression.

Of the three Mountains in this Island, there is one remarkable for its heigth and name, being the Peke of Adam, and by some believ'd that Adam and Eve were bury'd here, which is as great a certainty as that other opinion, they have here; that God in this Island establisht the terre∣strical

Paradice, which I leave to the more knowing to judge of.

This Isle is plac'd between 6 and 10 Deg. of North Lat. and 103 Deg. of Long. its form is round, and may be about 250 Leagues in compass, or better. The Dutch who are Masters of it, draw an immence revennue thence, for the Nutmegs, and Cin∣namon, as well as the Pearl, which is fisht up here.

Coasting the Island we discoverd two sail a head of us, who seem'd to keep at a distance from the Island, but presently made to land when they saw us. Our Commandant impati∣ent to know whence they were, thought to snap them by hoisting up English colours, and making all the sail he could; the Dragon as the swiftest sailer went to cut off their way, and when we were vvithin shot of them, vve fir'd a gun, as did the Dragon too, and the ball so scar'd em that instead of coming aboard as vve hop'd; they presently fled for refuge to a house by the sea side; a fevv hours after, the Sentinel vvho vvas on the top, cry'd a Sail; I can't easily describe the dif∣ferent

motions of joy it caus'd amongst us; some vvent up to the round-top, others to the fane, others vvho could not so easily do it, stood in the shrouds, and the rest made use of their Per∣spectives to discover a vessel, which could not yet be seen but by her top, yet after an hours sailing, she was plainly disern'd, to be three Leagues off.

The Sun was already set, and we fear'd but one thing; which was, that she would sail off in the night and so escape us, by taking a contrary course, so that we scarce knew what to do, tho' we were sure she lay at anchor, our Commandant considerd of it, be∣ing loath to do, as he had done before at Amiouam, where he shot a matter of eight hunderd shot at random in the night, when fifty would serve by day light, so he resolv'd to ly by her all night, without attempting any thing; by which means we shou'd con∣firm her the more in her mistake of us.

So we anchord in 25 fathom water at seven a-clock, and next morning be∣ing the 25th. weighed anchor again

at 5 in the morning the wind blow∣ing fresh quickly brought us to the sight of her, for which we were so much concern'd all night, least she should make her escape. We first heard Mass, after that we breakfasted, and then Monsieur Duqusne orderd to hoise up English colours; the Enemy mistak∣ing their friends, answer'd us by hang∣ing out Dutch colours, whithour stir∣ing from where they lay, giving us all the time and opportunity we could wish for, to attack them, and now indeed it was in vain to attempt an escape, if they had known we were French.

This Vessel lay at Anchor in the road of Mevelle, under the shelter of a high ground, which hinder'd her having a sight of us the night before. The Rock whom we follow'd enter'd into the same road, and anchor'd by her side, which she had scarce done, but the Dutch underdanding what we were, endeavour'd to get ashoar in their sloop with their richest things; at the same time Monsieur de Pouriere man'd out his sloop▪ after our Com∣mandant had return'd back again, un∣willing that any should share the first

advantage with him, which was very Considerable, else the enemy had not had time to go ashoar, and save what they did, and we had certainly taken 2 Women who cary'd off eight hun∣dred Caupants of gold, to the vallue of above 10000 crowns in Pearls and Jevvels.

While these fled ashoar, we made a detatchment of six Gard Marins and several Musketeers to arm the sloop, and the boat, in which Monsieur Dauberville, our Lieutenant, was com∣manded to board the Dutch man; I was chosen with one of my com∣marades to accompany him, and the other four going in the boat, we went directly to the Pink while the men aboard her Smoaking their pipes veiw'd us with little or no Concern, but se∣ven or eight, more affirighted than the rest, cry'd out to the Negros, who were not far off; to fetch them a shoar in their Perogues, vvhich they did; notwithstanding all our threats; the Dutch lept into it confusedly, but our men in the boat Coming up with them at the first fire so scar'd them, that

they chose to Row back again to their ship, and there abide the utmost.

We were within pistol shot of the ship, when we saw one of the Sea∣men busy at one of the Guns, upon which we in a manner gave our selves for lost, and Monsieur Duquesne had the same opinion of us; and had they been men of any resolution, nothing had been easier than to have destroy'd us, by levelling one gun at the boat, and another at the sloop.

'Twas now some time since our Squadron had hung out French co∣lours, and the enemy-thinking all re∣sistance vain; took down theirs, when we presently boarded them, without the least resistance, crying, Vive le Roy.

One would scarce believe with what earnestness and violence the Seamen pillage, when they enter a ship, break∣ing open trunks and boxes, and rifling every thing, nay, they were so violent in plundring these Dutchmen, that some of them fell on the Captain, who was smoaking quietly with his Lieutenant, tearing the gold buttons out of the neck and sleeves of his shirt, and

taking six Caupants of gold from him, which is a sort of long money of Japan, of the value of ten crowns a piece.

Monsieur D' Auberville having em∣barqued all the Spoil he received from the Seamen that boarded her, sent back the Boat to our Commandant; who landed some men in it, soon e∣nough to recover eight of those Ele∣ven Chests of Silver, which the Ene∣my had carried off in their sloop. Our men soon discover'd them, by a track of Rix Dollars that were scatter'd on the Sand, which lead them directly to the place where the Dutchmen had hid them; but our persuit being vigo∣rous, they they had not time enongh to convey them to a Counter about 2 Leagues distant.

Some of the Seamen got no less than 3 or 400 Crowns in the plunder, for their share, and afterwards their thoughts run on nothing else but more prize and pillage. This was a new Pink, of about 70 Tun, and came from Batavia ballasted with Rice, to load Nutmegs and Cinnamon at Ceylon. We fetcht her out of the road of Me∣velle,

and brought her to an anchor hard by our Squadron; the prisoners we desperst amongst us, Monsieur Du∣quesne took six of the chief of them, with the Captain and Lieutenant, whom he treated at his own Table, and omitted no part of Civillity, that might lessen the sense of their present loss and imprisonment.

CHAP. XVII.

Another small Dutch Vessel taken.

HAving chosen a Pilot, and some Seamen to conduct the Prize, we sail'd the last of July in the even∣ing, and came to an anchor nearer Land, but sail'd again early next morn∣ing, still on the watch for more Prize. We were very much delay'd here by a calm that lasted four days, and the slow sailing of the Prize, which could not keep us company; we took in some of our sails to stay for her, this made the Commandant resolve to send

the Lyon with her to Pontecherry, where the Squadron was to call, while we cruis'd about the Island.

Being thus separated on the 6th. of August, we perceiv'd a ship a head of us, when we presently made all the sail we could to come up with her before she could gain the land, which she endeavour'd with all the speed she could; at a distance we believ'd her as big as the Rock, but after giving he chase for 2 hours, we found she was a small Vessel of thirty five Tuns; carrying Dutch colours, we fir'd one gun at her without ball, to make her strike, which she presently did, and lay by till we came up, seeing us hang out English Colours, but the Captain of this little Vessel was not a little surpriz'd, when he saw us take in the English Colours and hang out French, and took down his own, when we presently commanded him aboard; who answering he had neer a boat, we sent our sloop, who brought him, and 20 more Dutch prisoners aboard, whom we distributed amongst the se∣veral ships.

This poor man lookt upon himself as lost▪ with his whole Family, and the first favour he desired of the Comman∣dant was, to take pitty on his wife and six Children which he had, which was promiss'd him; when Monsieur Duquesne gave orders to bring his Chest aboard, which when 'twas searcht, there was found neither money nor mer∣chandize of value in it, any more than in the Vessel, so he had leave given him to return with his wife, who was a Negress; but the com∣mand of his ship was given to another, and a Pilot and other Seamen put aboard.

CHAP. XVIII.

Six Dutch ships under the Fort of Negapatam, avoid being attackt by the advantage of a Sand bank.

AFter we had cruis'd for some time upon the Isle of Ceylon, we left it, and made towards the main Land;

the 9th. of August we anchor'd within five leagues of the Negapatan, which is a Town on the coast of Coramandel, where the Dutch have a Fort, and a considerable Factory. Next day, hav∣ing weigh'd anchor early in the morn∣ing, we arriv'd there betimes, and every one being greedy of Action, we were overjoy'd to see six ships there, that seem'd to us of a considerable burthen.

The Fort discovering us, set up Dutch colours, and three of these ships, of which the greatest, as Admiral, hung them out on the Main mast top; we answer'd them presently with Eng∣lish colours, which did not puzzle them a little to discover what we were; in the mean time we made in with full sail, ready and forward to engage.

But just as we thought to seize our prey two accidents happen'd that baukt us extreamly; the wind blowing from the land, and a Sand bank which vve discover'd, hinderd us from coming within shot of them; we past on still sounding, and were once in four fa∣thom

and an half, the ships mudding the water as they past.

These delays and these turnings, gave them time to discover what we were; so that the Admiral who an∣chor'd at large, suspecting our tacking about so long, made close into the land, intending to run herself aground, if pursued, others follow'd her ex∣ample, and two rang'd themselves un∣der the Cannon of the Fort.

Monsieur Duquesne meeting with such difficulties, would undertake no∣thing of his own head; but call'd a a Councel of War, in which it was resolv'd to run no riske, for besides that there was nothing to be done, we were in great danger of running a ground on the Bank, so we tackt, and stood to fea.

An hour after we discover'd three more, which we reckon'd would make us amends for our former loss, but as soon as we came nigher, we discover'd them to be Danes by their colours, and so had nothing to say to them; They lay at anchor before Trinqubart, five Leagues from Negapa∣tan, where they have a Fort and Factory.

CHAP. XIX.

The Indian Princes take the Factories in their Dominions into their pro∣tection, and defend them from the Insults of a stronger Enemy.

WE anchor'd two Leagues far∣ther over, against a Factory that belongs to us, where there are only two French who have but four or five port-holes, with as many guns to defend them, which rather make a shew than a real strength; when they discover'd our Squadron they hung out a white flag, notwithstanding, that they had reason to believe us Dutch or English.

But in the Iudies, each Factory sets out their own National Colours be it in time of War or Peace, be they ne're so weak, or the approaching enemy ne're so strong: For if the English, for exam∣ple▪ insult a French Factory, the Great Mogul, or another Prince, in whose

Country the Factory is, resents it as done to himself, and oblieges himself to make amends for any damage re∣ceiv'd.

A little after we hung out white colours, which very much surpriz'd our French, who did not know what to make of such a novelty, but when we added the Admiral flame on the main mast top, and considering the building of our ships when they came to an anchor, they no longer doubted, as they told us afterwards, but that it was Monsieur Duquesne's Squadron, which they had every day expect∣ed, upon which they presently came to Complement him; our Sloop which was sent to them, met them half way, and brought them aboard, where we long'd for their Company; as well to learn News of them, as to meet with our Country-men, in so distant a part of the world, with whom we might happily entertain our selves, and be inform'd of what was necessary, we did them some honor, for going to the Councel Chamber, where Monsieur Duquesne expected them, they past through two double

Lanes, lin'd with Soldiers and Seamen, who prest hard to see them, that they could scarce go along, they told us little news, and next day we parted for Pontecherry, where we with reason expected to hear more, and with more certainty.

CHAP. XX.

The French Squadron arrives before Ponticheri, the chief Factory of our East-India Company; situated on the Coast of Coromandel.

THe Coast of Coromandel is very beautiful all along; the pleasant mixture of Meadows and Trees ever green, making a Charming prospect, you meet with mountains here and there, which intercept it, but are themselves a prospect no less pleasant: and some rising grounds, which you overlook and loose your sight in de∣licious▪ fair, and wide extended

plains; besides a number of beautiful habitations by the sea side, where you meet with another entertainment, which to me seem'd very diverting, which is a great number of Catimarons, in which the Negros of the Country go a fishing, they are made of two or three pieces of a Tree, bound togea∣ther with Coco cords, with a Mat sail of a Triangular form, as they sit in them their breech touches the water, and yet they are not afraid to launch out ten or twelve Leagues in them; the sea is some times cover'd with these Catimarons, which sail so swiftly, tho' with nere so small a wind, that at a distance you would take them for birds skiming up and down on the surface of the waters.

We past by a Dutch factory, before which there lay only one bark, that was not worth the taking coasting a long, we at length arriv'd at Porta-Nova at eleaven in the morning, near which we saw four Pagods hard by one another, in which the Negros worship the Devil, we saw there three ships, of which the biggest carry'd a flag on the top of the Main-mast; these were

worth the attacking, but whither they were willing to spare us the paines, or rather prevent their own danger, they hung out Danish colours, And nothing could impose upon us more, tho' we can't Vindicate our weakness in this matter, considering they lay at anchor before a Dutch factory, and knowing too, that the Danes had but three ships in the East-Indies, which we had just left at Frin∣quebart; after having made a faint to discover them, we left them to con∣tinue our course.

We had so little wind, that vve scarse expected to arrive the same day at Ponticherri, and being afterwards down-right becalm'd, we were oblig'd to anchor 2 Leagues short of the Cour∣toir, which is a Fort belonging to Prince Gingi, a friend to the French Nation, being now within 2 Leagues, we took our own time, and next day being Saturday, the 12 of August, the wind blowing a little fresh, we sail'd, and at eight in the morning arriv'd at Pontecherri, where we found the Lyon and the Dutch Pink, who came thither but the day before.

We had scarce anchor'd within half a league of the land, when the greatest part of the Officers of the Fort came to wait upon the Commandant; the Fort saluted us with eleven guns, and we could return but nine, because the Deck was so incumber'd. Next day Monsieur Martin, Director general for the French East-India Company came aboard, where he was receiv'd with a salute of five guns, and nobly re∣gal'd by Monsieur Duquesne, who de∣liver'd him his Majesty's Letter, by which he enabled him, and a few days after perform'd the Ceremony of girt∣ing him with a Sword by his side.

Our arrival here sprea'd a great and general joy, which appear'd even a∣mongst the Negro's of the Country; who in their way exprest their satis∣faction, and no doubt our own French had reason to rejoice, to see us come with a force sufficient to make the Indies tremble; and their joy was e∣qual to the consternation of the enemy, who secretly dispatcht notice to all the Factories on the Coast, to be on their guard, against six French Priva∣teers, the stoutest, and the best, that

had yet been sent from Europe into those parts.

This allarum which the English and Dutch gave one another, did not a little encrease the glory and reputati∣on of France; they were no more to be seen strutting in these parts, and hect∣oring the Fort of Pontichery, threat∣ning to burn the Director in't, as they had done but two months before our arrival, with I don't know what other Rodomontado's; of the contrary, let their strengrh be what they please to bluster it in these parts, they did not care for seeing us, or having any thing to do with us.

We began with debarking the eight chests of Silver we took out of the Dutch prize, and four Musketeers con∣veyed the Captain and Lieutenant to the Fort till farther orders; our Com∣mandant went a shoar at the same time, and was receiv'd with a salute of five guns. Monsieur Martin entertain'd him so nobly, with the other Officesr of the Squadron, that feasting and hunting was all our employment, while we lay at anchor here.

CHAP. XXI.

The Negros before we debarkt bring plenty of fresh provisions aboard. Mony of Ponticheri.

THe Negros constantly came a∣board us with fresh provisions; as Piggs, Hares, Henns, Bananes, Lemons, Oranges, Chibbols, Reddishes, Giraumont, and several other sorts of pulse; which were not so cheap as we expected, for the Negros at the first sight of our six ships, knowing we should have need of all, presently rais'd their pri∣zes, to that degree, that whereas before one might have bought thirty Henns for a crown, they now cost a Fanon a piece, which is six sols French.

The Fanon is a little piece of mixt gold, of the shape and size of a half pea, and no bigger; there is another of pure gold, call'd a pagod, of the value of a half a pistol, shapt like the Fanon,

only bigger, and the figure of an Idol im∣prest on one side; they have besides sil∣ver Roupys of the value of half a crown; and for their small mony of Caches and Doudous of copper, there goes fourteen of these last to a Fanon, and two Caches to a Doudou.

The Negros found they were such gainers by us, that from morning 'till night you might see them fishing up and down in their Catimarons; and in∣deed they furnisht us with the finest fish that ever I tasted, which they caught in such abundance, and with so much speed, that for three pence half penny we could buy as much as would satisfy eight persons.

Our Men fed on Mutton, Pigs, and a power of herbs, which they through into the pot; which with other pro∣visions made very good fare, but the Rice, of which all our bread was made since we took the Dutch Pink, was not so agreable; especially to us who were so little us'd to it, besides the un∣toward way of making it, for after washing it in salt water, they bakt it with a little salt, and we were often

forc't to eat it mere dough and full of chaffe.

CHAP. XXII.

The Author's Reflections on the Sallys of his Youth, and the fatigues of his Voyage.

VOyages of this kind, teach youth a great deal of experience; and by the miseries they meet with, con∣vince them of the folly of their ex∣travagancies. I am sure this Voyage instructed me largely in the knowledge of my own, for which I need not now be beholding to the examples of others. I suffer'd all that's extream in hun∣ger and thirst, and those Coroding miseries, gall'd me into more wis∣dom, and fretted me into a sense, of my, and a better vallue for my Father's house, and a soberer course of life, which I so much slighted before; this I got, whatever I lost; but I went

far and paid dear for't; if any price can be too dear for wisdom.

CHAP. XXIII.

The Negros flock to the Sea side to see us land, others come to help us in their boats.

I Was one of the first that landed, tho' it be very difficult at Ponti∣cheri, by reason the sea all along the coast rolls in mighty surges on the shoar, so that without a great deal of care, boats are apt to be lost in landing and thetefore anchor at some distance, and wait the Negros coming to take them a shoar in the Chelingues, which are flat bottom boats, the planks sow'd togeather with Coco cordes, being light and very high of the sides, they hu∣mour the roling of the surges, which has no sooner cast them on the shoar, but the Negros leap out, striving who shall carry you out, first on his back.

I saw a great number of them at landing, of all sorts; some half nak∣ed, others thinly clad in muslin shirts, and turbants on their heads, and se∣veral with their bodies painted of divers colours; they saluted us in rais∣ing the right hand to the top of the head, which is the most respectful way of saluting amongst them; you see the Caze's rais'd of each side, and a Magazine of the Companies, and behind it there's a stable, in which there were eight Persians horses, which the Officers rid when they went a hunting, and two Suret Oxen, which drew Monsieur Martin's Coach.

The Suret oxen are a rarity worth the seeing, being no less than ten or eleven foot high, and proportionably thick; they draw a cord of two inches thick through their nostrils for a bridle; tho' they appear very dull and heavy, yet they'll trot continually in the deep sand, and the roughest ways.

A few steps farther, as you go to∣wards the Fort, is a sort of a street which leads to the Bazar, the place where the Market is kept; encom∣past

round with a parcell of paul∣try shops, where the Negros sell to∣bacco, pipes, sugar, colours, onions and others things of that kind.

CHAP. XXIV.

A short Description of Pontichery, and the Garrison; of the Negros and Negresses.

POvichery, commonly cald Pontichery, is situated on the coast of Coro∣mandel, depending on Prince G'ingi, in 12 Deg. Nor. Lat. and a 114 Deg. of Long; the French have within these two years built a Fort of four Towers, mounted with twenty four guns; nei∣ther the walls nor situation seem'd strong to me, but the garrison, com∣pos'd of a 150 French soldiers, are able to defend it against any at∣tack.

Monsieur Martin and the chief Of∣ficers are lodg'd in't, with the Capacins, who serve the Chappel which is built

there. A great many of the Soldiers are settled there, and married to Por∣tuguese Women, so that they scarce ever desire to return to France again, they have built themselves houses, in which they live very happily; and tho' that bread and wine is a little scarce, they have every thing else in great plenty.

They drink Punch, Rack, and Le∣monade, to which they accustom them∣selves very much; and if they trade ne'er so little, and are good husbands, they may lay up mony; so that 'tis not to be wonderd, that most of them having come hither for ill things done in France, they are not fond of return∣ing thither, from this very hot and distant Country.

All the Inhabitants are black, and of a comely Stature, having long hair and beards; their cloathing is nothing but a white Cavage, with a turbant on their heads of the same colour, with gold pendants set, with pearls in their ears, the chief Mer∣chants cover part of their bodies with a red or yellow scarfe, which they throw over their shoulders, and

wear Baboaches, which are a sort of shoes, never going barefoot like the rest, and are follow'd by several Ser∣vants, who carry their Parosals or Um∣brellos.

The Women are generally little, and inclind to love; they are girded with a callico scarfe, one end of which crossing their shoulders, covers their breasts: they gather their hair about their heads, and knot it about their Ears, which are loaded with gold Rings.

They are as fond too of adorning their arms and legs with braceletts; and wear gold rings on their toes as well as their fingers, and add to these, odd bizzarre ornaments, another of making hols in their Nostrils, where they hang a ring of gold or any other mettle which is their greatest pride.

CHAP. XXV.

An ample Description of the different sects, manners and religions of the Inhabitants of Pontichery.

I Have yet spoke only of the best sort in general, of whom there are several different in this Town; as the Moors, the Faquiras, the Brames, the heathen Malebars and Christian Male∣bars, the Talingars, the Marchois, and Barias.

They are as so many several Tribes, who never inter-marry, and whose Man∣ners and Religions differ from the Mar∣quoise and the Parias's the meanest and the basest, of them all; their Habitati∣ons are seperated from the rest; they go barefoot, wearing only a bit of linnen just to cover their nakedness, the Mar∣quoise follow fishing for the most part, and wear rush bonnets like miters, they make use of Chelingues, and Cati∣marons, and eat any thing that's of∣fer'd

them. The Parias are shoemakers, and the most infamous of all, the nastiest in their way of living, and eat the bodies of dead creatures tho' they died of sickness, not sparing the rotton stinking gutts, and are very vile and miserable, but the Brames and the Faquers are those who are most esteem'd.

The Brames are the Gentlemen, and only they are permitted to wear silk strings in bandaliers, and three lines on their faces, two white, and one red in the midple; their heads are shav'd, except a tufft which they leave on the top, they wear Muslin turbants, and commonly shirts of the same, with a delicate Callico, to touch which is a crime that deserves punishment a∣mongst them.

So that a French man one day ig∣norantly touching one that belong'd to a Brame, who was bathing himself, they came to the Fort in crowds to complain of him to Monsieur Martin, and to demand him in order to have justice done on him, they pretended he was burnt, so they were obliged to hide him, and after often remonstrat∣ing

to them, that what he had done, was out of ignorance not disrespect, they were at last appeas'd; they eat nothing that has life, neither flesh nor fish, nor so much as eggs, living on rice, Milk, Roots, and the like. They won't be so much as seen eating, and are so jealous of their honor, that they think it a great disgrace to enter into the house of a mean person.

These Brames, as all the rest, have a great Veneration for cows, and will not on any account suffer them to be kild; being so useful to mankind by their work and labour; and when our men kill any, they are forc't to do it in private, for fear of provoking these Idolaters, who on the tenth of Jan. the first day of their year, celebrate a feast in honor of them.

On these days after feasting them∣selves they lead all the cows and oxen into a lake, where they wash them by the sound of drums and the trumpets, and paint their foreheads and horns; after which they lead them to a pub∣lick place, and each holding a nose∣gay in his hand, they dance round casting water on them, and often

prostrating themselves on the Ground the Brames direct these ceremonies; and glory in being the most zealous observers of these sort of superstitions. And are the instructors of others.

The name of their Idol is Ram, and when they salute any one with respect, they call him by that name. For they not only worship this sup∣pos'd Divinity, but the rest of the Statues, which they believe serve him; they carry them about on sollemn days; some have eight and some four heads on a body, siting on a bird, that holds a serpent in his Beeck.

Others squatting on their tails like Monkies, have the head of an Elephant, and belly of a woman; they pray to them often, and are careful of washing their heads with Coco water, and rubing the rest of their bodies with oyl.

If you inquire into the reason of their sensless Superstitions and ridicu∣lous follies they readily answer, that they received them from their Ancest∣ors, in whose Example they Glory in, without the least desire of being better inform'd.

The Faquirs of Ponticheri, as at o∣ther places, are persons of no certain body, who wander up and down doing pennance, and that little cloath∣ing they weare is so wretchedly poor, they vow chastity, and voluntary po∣verty, and when Alms is denied them, they wound themselves, to move com∣passion.

As for the first Vow of Chastity, they have little pretence to it, and the very opinion the people have of their sanct∣ity, is the occasion of the most loath∣some obscenities in the Female Sex.

However these Faquirs impose pe∣nances on themselves, which they in∣violably observe as long as they live, viz. as to have both their arms always rais'd above their heads, one foot con∣stantly lifted up, and a great many other painful postures, which they continue in to their deaths. I saw one with his head in an Iron cage, which he carri'd night and day on his shoul∣ders, eating through the barrs; these wretches, as well as others, paint their bodies and faces of a great many dif∣ferent colours, which makes them look dismally.

Tho' their superstitious Rites are for the most part the same, yet they wor∣ship a great many several false Gods, as Trees, Rivers, the Sun and Moon, &c. In an Eclipse they meet by the sea side, crying out hideously to the noise of some instruments of brass, bathing themselves, and believing that as they wash themselves, they clear and brighten the eclips'd planet. They burn the bodies of the dead, and be∣fore the French settled at Ponticheri, these men's wives in proof of their con∣jugal love and fidelity, burnt them∣selves alive with the corps of their de∣ceas'd husbands; but we afterwards chang'd this custom amongst them, and indeed 'twas no very difficult mat∣ter to perswade them to it, being ready enough to embrace an oppor∣tunity of being releas'd.

When any one dies, they carry the Corps on a Beer, cover'd with Callico, and strow'd round with Bannany Leaves, to the Place where it is to be burnt; attended with a Mournful sound of Trumpets, their Relations meeting them by the way crying out, aloud Apa, which is as much as to say, Fa∣ther;

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Jumping and beating their breasts with so much Violence, that they often faint away in the Ceremony, while the rest of his kindred stay be∣hind to comfort his Children, &c.

When they are near the funeral pile, they set down the Beer, to change the situation of the body; placing the head where the feet were; after which, one of the company, who never ceast crying all the way, having washt his hands, lays three small quantities of Rice on the Funeral pile; and taking four little pieces of wood, and putting one on each hand, a third at his feet, and a fourth at his head: He after∣wards makes three holes in a pot full of water, and sprinkles round the corps three times. When they pre∣sently take it up, and carry it to the place where it is design'd to be burnt.

Then they lay it on the Funeral pile, the face to the wood, and the legs crost under the belly, and after covering it with straw and cows dung, which they spread over it very neatly, they set fire to it; blowing the Trum∣pet till the Corps is quite consum'd;

and the pots in which the water and Rice was carried, they beat to pow∣der with sticks.

But if the Corps is to be interr'd, the grave is made with steps to go down, and a rising at the bottom, on which it is seated cross leg'd; the relations strew flowers and ashes on't, and then cover it with earth.

The Mallebar Christians have built a fine vaulted Church, in which the Missionaries of Ponticheri commonly officiate, and where the Jesuits say Mass; I have seen the Negros so de∣vout, that it very much edify'd me to see their Zeal to be so solemn and pure.

Flesh is very little us'd amongst these people, particularly here; where they live wholly on rice and fish; they won't eat or drink after an European; much less tast of what he has drest, These Malabars may marry at the age of four or five, but then they are separ∣ated again till eleven or twelve; when they are permitted to dwell to∣gather.

While I was a shoar the marriage of a rich merchant, who serv'd the

Company, was sollemm'zd, and after this manner; two Bambouss were plac'd at each corner of the Fort, encompass'd of the out side with fireworks; in the evening he came fourth, according to custom with his wife, in a rich Palan∣quin, carried by twelve Negros, pre∣ceded by two hundred Flamboys rank'd in very good order; their nearest Re∣lations accompany'd them a horseback, and of all sides was continually heard the confus'd noise of Fifes, drums and Kettle-drums; ten or twelve dan∣cers richly drest follow'd them, danc∣ing from space to space to the sound of little bells; and when the married persons past before the Bambouss that were prepar'd, the fire works were lighted, which were so inter∣mix'd with Petars and Musquets, that they made them entertaining enough.

This Solemnity having lasted a good part of the night, they regaild them∣selves with Bethel, Chocolet, Bannanes, and made themselves drunk with Rack, which is stronger then Aquavitae, and very much in use amongst the Indi∣ans,

as is Bethel, a leaf very like the Ivy, which they eat, after spreading a little Lime on't, made red with ginger, lapt up in a piece of Raique resembling Musk; this is of an excellent tast and smell, and serves to redden the lips, and sweeten the breath.

The women, for the most part, all along the coast are hard favour'd, and go barefoot and bareheaded like the men, from whom 'tis difficult to di∣stinguish them; only for a piece of cotton cloath which covers them from the navel to the knee; they wear their hair lank, very much oyl'd and greas'd, with holes in their ears, that an egg would almost pass throw; and black lank breasts, with nipples al∣most as big as an Apple; they carry their children on their hips, their legs dangling on each side. I have seen of them that were not above four months old creeping on the sand on all four, and muddling like Ducks in the water.

They smoak perpetually, and with∣out scruple indulge themselves in the vilest lusts, and so readily prostitute their Bodies on all occasions, that

their lusts exceed all other qualificati∣ons.

CHAP. XXVI.

The French Spuadron sails, to fight fourteen Dutch and English ships that lay under the fort of Madras.

IN the mean time our Ships took in fresh water, and debark't what was to be left at Ponticheri; and a∣mongst the rest four Brass Guns, of 18 pounders, to strengthen the Fort, the biggest of those it had before, being but Twelve; and while we were re∣freshing our selves after our long fa∣tigues, the Commandant understood by a Letter of Monsieur Martin's, that there were fourteen Dutch and English ships ac Madras, who expected us there, with a Resolution of fighting us.

He accordingly took the best mea∣surs he cou'd, and prepared to fight them: Omitting nothing that might

prove advantagious for the attacque: And thereupon he presently ordered us to turn that little vessel we had taken off of the Isle of Ceylon into a Fire ship, and to unring the Dutch Pink, which after Monsieur Poureire had taken her top mast, and plac't it in the room of his own which was split in the Action at Amjouam, we left her naked at Ponticheri; from whence we departed the 24th. of August at two in the af∣ternoon, carrying the Captain and Lieutenant along with us prisoners.

In about an hours space, we saw Con∣jumelle, a place situated by the sea side, the sweetest on all the coast; the Dutch having a Factory, hung out a flag there.

The wind blowing fresh in the evening, we took in some sail for fear of coming to Madras in the night; the passage from Ponticheri thither, not being above 20 Leagues: so sail∣ing gently the rest of the night, we discover'd a ship a head of us, which hoist sail as soon as ever she saw us; we took it for granted she was a stout ship, sent out by the Enemy to observe us.

So we presently brought down our hamocks, having put all the chests in the hole, since our departure; so that in less than half an hour we were fit∣ted for the fight, which we the more eagerly desir'd, because it was St. Lewis's day.

And now we perceived the ships, which seem'd to us to be rang'd in a line under the Cannon of Fort St. George; which is a strong and noble one, hanging out English colours; we had Mass said betimes, then took a short breakfast, and after hoisting the white Flag, and adorning the ships, and the round tops with Flower deluce't shields, we made all the sail we could, till we came over against St. Thomas's, a Town belonging to the Portugues, 2 Leagues from Madras, where formerly stood the noblest Fort of the Coun∣try.

This place is remarkable for the Mar∣tyrdome of St. Thomas the Apostle, who suffer'd here; his Sepulcher is this day to be seen on a rising ground hard by the Town; the shoar was cover'd with people, who came to be spectators of the action that was like to ensue.

CHAP. XXVII.

Combat of Madras.

WE now perfectly discovered the number of the Enemy's ships, and their strength; I counted fourteen, of which only eleven carry'd Guns; that is, six Dutch, with their Admiral, which seem'd to carry 60 guns, with a flag on the main top mast; and five English, of which the Admiral, who was 60 guns too, had a flag also on the main top.

Monsieur Duquesne, observing the greatest of them anchord next to us, and that the rest lay between them and the Fort, hung out a flame of Orders, to command the several Captains aboard, to concert the manner of the attack, and to gain the wind.

'Tis indeed convenient, that the Lyon and the Dragon should coast it from St. Thomas's to gain the wind, and throw out a small anchor by the

sides of the lesser ships, that the others follow'd by the Rock, the Flowrishing, and the Bird, should attack the rest; and that while we fir'd on the Dutch Admiral, which was our part, Mon∣sieur d' Auberville should endeavour to approach it with his fire ship by the favour of the smoak. These orders given, each took his post immediately to execute them.

Never men more heartily desir'd to come to action than ours, and we had reason to expect an answerable succes, and by the manner of our falling on, our thoughts ran more on a certain Victory, than an uncertain fight. The Lyon and the Dragon who made all the sail they could, were presently within shot of the Fort, which began to fire upon them; yet notwithstand∣ing they past by with little or no damage; and according to orders, came and anchor'd over against the ships they intended, and fir'd furiously upon them. It might now be about One in the afternoon, and we followed them so close, that the enemy had scarce answer'd them again, when we

came up with the Dutch Admiral, and gave her a broad side.

'Tis not very common to see six such ships as ours attack eleven large ones, and to bear all their fire, and that of a strong fort too; the least of whose guns were twenty four and thirty six pounders, and indeed the fire was so terrible of both sides, that nothing was to be seen but fire, smoak and ball.

'Twas then that Monsieur d' Auber∣ville disdaining danger, in the midst of that shower of Ball, attempted to fire the Dutch Admiral; who seeing a fire ship coming towards him, in vain endea∣vour'd to avoid it; Monsieur d' Auber∣ville shew'd great courage and con∣duct in this undertaking; so having quickly fastned the fireship to the Ad∣miral, with chains and graples, and set fire to it, he leapt into the boat, which return'd safe to his ship, in spight of all the fire of the ene∣my.

All expected that this undertaking would have had the greatest succss, and that the Admiral could not escape being burnt; nay, the Dutch them∣selves

were of that opinion, for they presently quitted her, and got into 2 boats to make off. But unhappily the graples (being only made of hoopes) breaking, she fell off, and Drove a∣shoar, consuming none but her self, which the Dutch observing, they with great joy return'd aboard again, from whence they fir'd as before: The fight still continu'd with great obstinacy, till 5 in the evening; when the Comman∣dant gave orders to cease firing. We had not a man kill'd, except a Valet of a Mandarin, whose bowels were carried away with a Cannon ball; But we suffer'd more in our masts, which was partly the reason we quitted them so soon.

CHAP. XXVIII.

After the fight, we took and burnt an English ship in the face of the enemy.

HAving anchor'd about a quarter of a League distant, where we past the rest of the day in refitting; be∣tween ten and eleven in the evening we had a false alarum in our Squadron, I don't know how; a sloop that in all probabillity knew not what had past, came directly to the Dragon; the seamen on the watch discovering her, fir'd at her which made her retire presently; how∣ever this alarum'd the whole squadron, which immediately had orders to be in a readiness, and to keep a strickt Guard all night, for fear of a surpize, tho' the contrary winds, and the dis∣position of the ememy was a sufficient security against it.

But in affairs of war one can't be too vigilant; for then, whatever harm

happens, it cannot be imputed to folly or neglect, however this unaccount∣able trifle of a sloop disturb'd us all, and depriv'd us of our rest that night.

Next morning we saw the ships lying nearer the Fort, and rang'd in a better line then they were before. We then perceiv'd our oversight in not boarding them to rights at first, by the much greater difficulty of at∣tacking them a second time; they had now plac't themselves at such a distance from each other, that the Fort might fire at us, without hurting them; a piece of management they had neg∣lected the day before.

Considering the difficulty of a se∣cond attempt, and the uncertainty of succeeding, we resolv'd to pursue our course, tho' with an easy sail, that we might give them time to fol∣us, if they thought they could make any thing of it, but there appear'd not the least disposition in them; on the contrary they fir'd several guns for joy that they had escapt us so cheap; but we understood afterwards that

they buried some Officers, who were kill'd in this action.

However we still pursued our course under a slack sail, eying a vessel we discover'd at anchor two Leagues before us. The Bird, which kept a head of the Squadron approacht within shot of her, and sent in his sloop arm'd, with an Officer; who found nothing in her but such trifling things as the English had not time to take away, we left some men to sail her, but she prov'd so slow, that we chose ra¦ther to set her a fire than to be troubled with her, which he did, (after tak∣ing out of her whatever might be of any use) not far from a Dutch Factory, nam'd Pailliacat, and in the sight of the enemy.

CHAP. XXIX.

An English Vessel chast, and run aground.

WE afterwards lancht out into the Ocean, and by that means lost the sight of Masilipatam, where they make the finest painted Calico's in all the Indies, and the most vallu'd in Europe; after some days, having regain'd the Coast, the 30th of August, in the morning we perceiv'd a Vessel near the shoar without a Top-mast; tho' we made towards her with Dutch colours, yet she hung out none, and we observ'd that she had not so much as a flag staff, which made us believe she was a Moor, and Monsieur Duquesne being farther convinc't of it by her building presently tackt about, and stood away.

Next day, being the last of this month, we discover'd another about three in the afternoon, which present∣ly

hoisted sail, and fir'd several Guns at her departure, we presently made all the sail we could after her, and gave the chase signal to the Lyon, and the Dragon, who gaining the wind, got between her and the shoar, to prevent her runing her self a ground; the rest of us kept under the wind to inter∣cept her course; but notwithstanding she being far a head of us, and mak∣ing all the sail she could, ran herself aground at a place call'd Cangam, near a River which bears that name, be∣fore we could come within shot of her.

It was now too late to attacque her, or so much as to perceive how she lay; in this uncertainty we anchor'd so, that she could not escape us with∣out being seen, and in the Morning, Monsieur Duquesne sent Monsieur de la Neufville, second Captain of the Bird, to view her with all the sloops.

This little Squadron of arm'd sloops, as is necessary on such an Expediti∣on, quickly reacht the place, where that change of waters is observ'd, which is caus'd in the sea by the over∣flowing of this River; we now began

to sound; by reason of a vast number of little rocks that lay under water here abouts, beyond which this ship had run her self aground; we went two fathom and a half water, with∣out being able to come near her; so that we could not immagin, how 'twas possible for the Vessel to get so far in.

About a quarter of an hour after, we saw a topmast floating on the side of the ebb, with seven seamen cling∣ing to it, who were half drown'd, and who by signs, of Crosses, desir'd us to save them; Monsieur de la Neuf∣ville going towards them took them up in his boat, where they no sooner were, but the seamen fell a rifling these miserable people, for the money they had hid in the wast bands of their breeches. They were, Portuguese, who inform'd us, that 'twas an Eng∣lish ship of 36 guns coming from Mas∣silipatam, that from the time she was run aground, the Captain debarkt with 40000 Roupies in silver, which is 20000 crowns French, and her richest lading that could be best carried off: That the English, who were but

fifteen, sav'd themselves a shoar, except two or three, whom we saw on the deck; adding also, that they themselves had made the same shift, in order or get a shoar, bnt the tide of ebb instead of landing them, carried them farther out to Sea.

We saw her struck at one end, and so we judg'd, there could not be above three foot water where she was; the vast surges that roll all along on this coast, went over her stern, so that in the condition she lay, there seem'd to be little likely hood of getting her off, but by pieces. They ask't the Portu∣guess if the sloops could come at her without danger, they answer'd, that we must steer directly towards her Stern, But Monsieur de la Neufelle not judg∣ing it so easy a matter, resolv'd to run no such hazards on the bare word of Strangers, in an enterprize, which in the opinion of every one, would have succeeded better than he expect∣ed.

The Negros appear'd thick on the shoar, to see what we would do; both the English and they expected to see the ship pillag'd or burnt; but they were

not a little pleas'd with their mistake, when they saw our sloops tacking and going off again, accompanied with great rains. We were afterwards in∣form'd that there was aboard a great deal of Scarlet cloath, and Masslipa∣tam Calico's, so that we lost a con∣siderable booty.

CHAP. XXX.

Two English ships richly laden escape our Squadron, which anchors be∣fore Balazor. Our Admiral hap∣pily avoids being burnt.

THE calm hinder'd our departure this day, but the next being the 2d. of Sep. we sail'd with a fresh gale that just began to blow. The two fol∣lowing days we discover'd another ship, and presently made what sail we could after her; sometimes, she made to∣wards the land, as if she intended to run a shoat; then she would tack, and stand out to sea, as if she did not

know what course to take. At last seeing the Lyon and the Dragon ready to come up with her, after some hours chase, she struck her topmast, which she would have hoisted again immedi∣ately; the Dragon hanging out a white flag, fir'd a gun at her, which oblig'd her to ly by, till the Admiral came up.

She prov'd a Moorish ship, bound from the Maldive Islands, laden with Coris's, which are certain shells that pass for small mony at several places, as Bengale, Siam and Guinne. We sail'd together almost to Balazor, where we arriv'd later than we expected, by reason of the calms we met; however on the seventh we came in sight of it at 4 in the evening.

Two English Vessels which lay in the road as soon as ever they saw us at a distance, presently hoist sail; thinking it better to quit the place than to expect us, tho' they were secure enough; the Great Mogull on whom this Country is dependant, suffering no vessel to be attackt in 8 fathom water. They made towards the mouth of the Ganges, to anchor

at a good distance from us; expecting as they said, a Convoy of twelve ships, because they were richly laden with Coupans and gold ingots from Japan; but we had the wind so scan∣ty, that they could hardly fly, or we pursue, but we observ'd we were the better sailors, for when they came to an anchor, we were within two cables length of them.

The Commandant order'd three guns to be fir'd, to give the Director of the French Factory notice of our arrival, and sent his sloop to Balazor next day for fresh provisions, which did not return again in three days, being no less than seven Leagues by Land. Monsieur Pele the Direct∣or, and several other Merchants came aboard, who brought two ships laden with provisions with them, which by reason of the wind, were oblieg'd to an∣chor at two Leagues distance from us till it chang'd, but there appearing no like∣ly hood of it, we went and joyn'd them.

He receiv'd us with a flag, and one of them saluted us with seven guns. The fresh provisions were distributed amongst the ships of the Squadron, of which we stood in great need, for

we were half famisht. Monsieur Du∣quesne writ to Monsieur Deslandes, Di∣rector general, who commonly re∣sides at Ougly, a Town situated on the bank of the Ganges, fifty Leagues from Balazor; to make ready two thousand sacks of Biscuit, with the Merchandize that was to be transported to France against the 15th. of December, when he expected to return.

The same day about two in the afternoon, we had the saddest alarum that cou'd happen aboard, a fire be∣gan in the Lyons room through the neg∣ligence of the Mate, but the Counter∣master happening by good providence to be a sleep there, suddainly wak't and cry'd Fire, every one scar'd and ala∣rum'd, run to draw water, and to wet linen cloaths to extinguish it; it had already reacht the cable room, but we follow'd it so close, and took such care, that it did little damage.

About three days before, and I know not for what reason, (which ought to make us admire and thank the Divine Providence the more) we remov'd the powder out of the Lyons hold, (which is put there in times of

action,) and that very happily; for if it had continued there, the forecastle blowing up; we should have had but little time to have sav'd our selves in the sloop.

CHAP. XXXI.

The Squadron leaves Balazor for Mergui, which we could not gain; is disperst by a storm, and suffers extreamly.

THE 13th. of September we part∣ed from Balazor for Mergui, we had little wind that day, and a calm at night; so that after having several times weigh'd and cast anchor in vain, we were forc'd to make use of the Currents, and to drive with the tide when it serv'd us.

On the 18th. at night there hap∣pen'd an Eclipse of the Moon, which lasted from seven, till thirty Minutes past nine, a third part was darkned; I believe neither this nor that I men∣tioned

before, were seen in France; for 'twas about two in the afternoon when we saw it there.

'Till this day we were still troubled with weighing and casting anchor continually: The 29th. in the even∣ing this long calm chang'd into a vio∣lent storm, that after loosing two an∣chors we were oblieg'd to hoist sail tho' the wind was against us; the storm encreast so, that about midnight we thought we should a lost all our Masts.

In the morning we saw none of our ships but the Bird, the tempest hav∣ing separated the rest. The Rende∣vouzse was to be at Negraille, in case we could not make Mergui our port, for which, the wind was quite contrary, and so violently accompanied with hail, that we `struck our top sails three or four times a day; being fearful we should want water if this weather lasted, and tho' we had sup∣plied our selves for six months at Ponticheri, we had so wasted it, that we had not enough for one month. Monsieur Duquesne began to manage it with care retrenching the Rice, which

consum'd a great deal of it, and or∣der'd Biscuit in its place, and stinted the whole Company to a pint a day.

I never was more sensible of the violence of thirst; the salt Victuals, and the Extream heats had almost parcht me up, once in the extremity of this suffering, I offer'd five Crowns for a pot of water, but cou'd find none that would accept of it, each labouring un∣der the same evil, so that there was no remedy but patience, which is but a small relief to him that is stinted by nature.

At length the wind chang'd, and continued good for five or six days, in which we recover'd what we had lost of our way; But it becoming changeable again, we sail'd sometimes losing, sometimes gaining, without hopes of seeing Mergui so soon as we expected, which very much afflicted us.

The last of September in the morn∣ing, we discover'd a sail a head of us, steering the same course; we made what hast we could to know what she was, and after three hours chase, we

came within shot of her, who hung out a flag all red; we hung out ours, which they saluted by hoisting their topmast three times for want of guns. Monsieur Duquesne sent his sloop to bring the Captain aboard, who shew'd him a Pass-port sign'd by Monsieur Martin; he was accompanied by three old men like himself, clad in Muslin Shirts, and Turbants on their heads, and each a long beard, they were rich Moorish Merchants, bound from Mas∣silipatam for Mergui: they had a flag all red by way of distinction, and to shew they were more than ordinany; for the common flag of the Moors, is no more than a cimiter crost with its scabard on a red ground. We regail'd them with wine, Tea, and sweetmeats, and after viewing exactly and admir∣ing our ship, they departed without selling any of their goods, which they held at too dear a rate. Next day we lost sight of them.

The fifth of October, discovering another ship we steer'd towards her for some time, believing she was one of our Squadron, of whom as yet we had heard no news since we were se∣parated

at Balazor; but as she made off with all the sail she could, and that 'twould have carried us too far out of our way to have persu'd the Chase, we quitted her, to make our best advantage of the little wind we had; it never was so changeable, for if it favour'd us for a day, 'twas a calm again at night, or perhaps con∣trary for four or five days after; in the mean time the water in the hold was very much diminisht, and our thirst encreast more and more with that little we drank of it at meals, and the vio∣lent heats.

CHAP. XXXII.

A wonderful shower of rain falls: We discover the Isle of the Anda∣mants, a barbarous people.

GOD who never abandons his own in such extremities as there shew'd us in some measure the same favour he formerly did the Isra∣lites

in the wilderness; and by a large and unexpected shower of rain, which supplied us all with the means of quenching our violent thirst, that tor∣mented us so much.

How eagerly did all endeavour to tast of this celestial Manna, every one, sought vessels and all other shifts to save as much as they could, and then with what greediness did they drink it, I am sure no Champaign wine ever drunk like it to me; we fill'd 27 barrels with this water, which refresht us very much in the midst of our distress, not so much as knowing where we were.

We continu'd a long time in this uncertainty, but having at last a good wind, we judg'd by the Latitude, that we were not far from the Andamants, nor by consequence from the Coco Islands, which are but ten Leagues thence; which was the reason we lay by every night, or five or six hours together, for fear of running upon them.

The 12th. of October before sun rise, we discover'd the Isles of the Anda∣mants, which we left on the right,

lying in 13 Deg. 40 Minutes North Lat. and a hundred and 16 Deg. forty nine Minutes Long. the Inhabitants are the most cruel and savage in the world, they neither trade nor corre∣spond with any other whatsoever, not so much as suffer any to land upon their coast, and if by Chance they are so unhappy as to be driven upon't: these Barbarous savages immedi∣ately kill them, and dress them for food.

CHAP. XXXIII.

The great straights that Monsieur Duquesne was in for want of water, makes him anchor at the great Isle of COCOS.

AN hour after discovering the Isles of the Andamants we saw those of the Coco's, which we endeavour'd to gain, that we might take in water at any rate: We had the wind almost quite against us, but in such extrea∣mities

as these, the utmost was to be try'd, for fear of missing them, and tho' they were in sight of us, yet we several times lost hopes of gaining them, in the mean time we tack'd so of∣ten, that on Sunday the 15th. at 3 in the afternoon we anchor'd on a little Island which lay South-East and by South of us, bord'ring to the South East of all the rest, but plac'd wrong in the Carde. We observ'd it to lie in 14 Deg. N. L. of one side; at about two Leagues distance from it there is larger Islands, which lay to the East of us.

The Commandant sent the sloop arm'd a shoar, in case they should hin∣der their landing; but none opposing it, they ransak't the whole Island with all the eagerness and nicey, as such violent thirst could inspire them with, without being able to discover spring or river, and consequently any Inhabitants; they past the night easy enough, by reason of the abun∣dance of Cocos they met with, which supplied the defect of water, of which they brought us the boat full next day, and two Lizards of a prodigious

length, with three Tortoises's, one of which was big enough two make two meals for the whole Crew; but as it was not that we wanted most, Mon∣sieur Duquesne sent the sloop presently to the other Island, ordering the Officer if he met with water, to give notice of it by a signal of two fires.

The Bird which could not get so near the wind as we, lay at a Loofe, and therefore could not come at an anchor with us, till four in the after∣noon, in the morning Chavilier Dair came aboard us, as well to know our necessities, as to inform us of his own; for he told us we wanted not only Water, but meat for his Table. Mon∣sieur Duquesne reflecting on the miser∣able condition the last Tempest had brought them too, the Dangers they had run, and those they shou'd be ex∣pos'd too, in case they attempted to gain Merguy while the wind was con∣trary: He resolved therefore, in case there was no Water in that great Island, to Steer his course directly to Negraille, it being a place design'd for our Rendezvouze, and winter Quar∣ters, if we were not able to reach

Merguy, or force the Siamoi's to enter∣tain us.

About Two in the afternoon, we saw the sloop returning, and presently we hoist sail and met her, in order to take our measures, according to the news she brought us; which indeed was such, as could not be more Wel∣com than in our present distress: Our Company was all on the Deck to see the sloop returning loaden, tho' yet uncertain with what, shouted for joy; they askt what she brought, and be∣ing answer'd, Water, at that word im∣mediately all our trouble were dis∣pers'd, by this pleasing draught, of which we drunk unmeasurably; and then anchor'd with satisfaction near the great Isle, about a League from Land.

CHAP. XXXIV.

WE would not loose a moment of time in going a shour; where we loaded fifty tun of water and wood, tho' not without great toil,

by reason of the landing, which is very troublesom at low water. The sloops being obliged to anchor at large, we were forc'd to go up to the Neck in the Water, to get a shoar; by reason of the vast number of small Rocks that inviron this Isle.

They who admire shell-work, may glut their fancy here; for the strand is cover'd or'e with the most beautiful shells that can be seen. The Island produces no pallatable fruit but Cocos, the vast plenty of which was very benificial to me, and some others, whose curiosity had oblig'd us to lie in a part of the Island where there is no sweet Water to be had; we kindled a great fire, and past the whole night by it, eating and drinking Cocos; not being able to sleep, by reason of the Maraingevins, that continually stung us; they are little flies, like those they call Cousins in France; But much more troublesom and pernicious, they appearing only in the night.

Every one will justly wonder, that the same fruit should yeild both heat and drink, yet such is the Coco; the tree is lofty, Crooked at the Foot

like the Pinetree, its branches are ga∣ther'd at top; the fruit is commonly as big as ones head, the bark being so exceeding thick, you cannot find the Coco till you have stript it, at the end there's a hole, which you no sooner touch with your knife but there spurts out a clear water, very sweet, and re∣freshing; they are of a small size in this Island, but I remember at Moelly they were so large, that three of us could scarse deal with one of them: You must split the Coco to get at the Kernell, which is white and about the thickness of your finger, and tastes al∣most like a hasel-nut; of all fruits this is perhaps the most useful; the Indians besides meat and drink, draw a certain oyl from it, into which the Water turns after it has stood sometime; they make bowls, and cups, of the shells and ropes, and Tow of the bark, to bind and caulk their boats with.

This Island is nothing near so steep as others I have seen, but then 'ts so wooded with high trees, that it is one impenetrable forest all over; be∣sides a great many curious and un∣known birds, we saw Lizards of 5 or

6 foot long, and as thick as a Mans leg; whose deep mouths were set with teeth as dangerous, as their claws are with talons, however they fled at the sight of us, and do no harm if not at∣tackt; their flesh is wonderful white, and some of our men eat of it, and found it good.

It is stock'd with different sorts of Insects; amongst the rest there's one very little Annimal which seems to be all legs, very remarkable by their various colours, and a pretty shell on their backs. There's another creature of the shape of a serpent, which I have often heard cry distinctly in the trees; Tocquets, so being igno∣rant of its other Qualities, we call'd it by that name, as none of us saw any Fal∣low Deer while we were here, I believe the place is scarce fit for them, and much less for the habitations of men, for I believe it never was inhabited. 'Tis true, that in the Eastern part of the Isle, I observ'd two little hills, whose seeming fertility, together with the beautiful verdure of a Meadow at the bottom, inclin'd me to believe

there might be some cattel feeding thereabouts, tho' I saw none,

We arriv'd here Tuesday the 17th. and departed Saturday the 21st. of Octtober at 8 in the morning for Ne∣graile, or rather for Mergui, if the wind permitted, which blew very faint, so that 'twas the day following before we reach'd a certain Island that lies ten Leagues distant from the Cocos, and in 14 D. N. 50 Min. Lat. it has a chain of rocks that runs a matter of three Leagues out into the sea. Sail∣ing pretty near it, we left it to the Southward of us.

CHAP. XXXV.

Monsieur Duquesne quits his design of going to Merguy, by reason of the contrary winds; and anchors at the Negraille Islands, where he meets the rest of his Squa∣dron.

HEre Monsieur Duquesne lost hopes of gaining Merguy, and without striving any longer to come near the wind, resolv'd to go to Ne∣graille, whether we presently steer'd our course; the 24th. we discover'd the land of Pegu, and we anchor'd in ten fathom water, tho we were above 8 Leagues from it, sailing again next morning: About 4 in the afternoon we understood that there lay four ships at anchor between the great and the little Island of Negraille, which we made no doubt were our own. Who had stood in to that place.

So the Commandant having given them the signal of knowledge, in set∣ing his Topgallant in the form as a banner, they answer'd him with the same signal, and sent their sloop to us, which could not get aboard us; so night coming on, together with the danger of the banks, that are very shallow in divers places, oblieg'd us to anchor again over against the Dia∣mond, a little Island 3 Leagues from Negraille, which we left to the right when we came to an anchor.

This next day, being the 26th. we continued still at anchor waiting for the tide, when about eleven we saw a ship, which after having doubl'd the most northerly point of the great Isle, came and anchor'd within half a League of us; we commanded the Capt. aboard, who was a Portugues, bound from Madras, where he was an eye witness of the action we were engag'd in. He told us the news of the English Admirals having lost his nose by the bursting of a gun, and that the Dutch had no less then two hundred men kill'd, which are not stories like those the enemy publisht after our depar∣ture

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from Madras, and spread over all the Indies; of the falsness of which I shall hereafter give you an account.

This evening three sloops having observ'd our ship, we enter'd by the favour of the tide, amongst the rest, where we anchor'd within musket shot of two lands; we debarkt five or six sick men on the little Island, and built two Tents for them on a lovely and spacious plain, that presents it self to our sight at landing. We lay 8 days there, feasting on Venison, and Wild∣boar, and very large Tortoyses, which we took on the Isle of Diamonds, with which the whole Company feasted themselves twice a day, for all had free leave to go a shoar, not excepting the very prisoners.

CHAP. XXXVI.

The Squadron lying at anchor, Mon∣sieur Duquesne orders five arm'd sloops to chase an English ship; who carry'd out to sea by the winds, were like to have been lost. The Death of Monsieur de la Villau∣clers, Lieutenant of the Bird.

THat we might the better forget our past Misfortunes, Monsieur Duquesne, according to his usual good∣ness, furnisht us with Fusees, powder and ball, to go and shoot some Fallow-Deer; of which there were large num∣bers in this Island; our ship was al∣ready on the bar, when news was brought, that an English ship was ar∣riv'd at the point of the great Isle; none of the Squadron being in a con∣dition to go out after her; he sent out five arm'd sloops, under the com∣mand of Monsieur Neufeville; as soon

as the English saw them, they made full sail; however they came within Mus∣ket shot of them, and fir'd at one another; but the wind rising, and the enemy making off, Monsieur Neufe∣ville was oblieg'd to tack about; the wind and Tide which still encreast, drove our sloops a matter of 7 or 8 Leagues out to sea, and in vain they endeavour'd by rowing to recover the land; four of which with much a doe return'd back, after they had been the sport of the winds, and suffer'd ex∣treamly through hunger and thirst; having had no provisions with them.

They could give us no account of the fifth, which was Monsieur Neu∣feville; I heard this sad news a shoar, which troubled me the more, because there was a Lieutenant my very good friend aboard; we gave them for lost, but it pleas'd God, almost by a mira∣cle, to restore 'em safe, about two days after, in which there were 25 men, so spent with toil and hunger, that they excited our compassion.

About this time died Monsieur de la Villeau Clerk, Lieutenant of the

Bird, dyed of a Fever: the greatest part of the Officers assisted at his Funeral, and we buried him in the plain with a discharge of seven great guns.

CHAP. XXXVII.

A Desceiption of the Islands of Ne∣graille, and an account of what past while the Squadron lay at an∣chor there.

NEgraille consists of two Islands about a Cannon shot distant from each other, and about 4 Leagues off from the Terra Firma of Pegu; one of which is three Leagues in compass, the other twelve; they are situated in 116. D. of Lon. and 15 D. N. Lat.

'Tis strange that so convenient and happy a place, should only be inha∣bited by an innumerable number of wild beasts; as Tigers, Elephants, Wild Oxen, Staggs, and Wild-Boars,

which live there undisturb'd in the midst of the greatest plenty; no other Island is so stor'd with game, or has better hunting; besides the beasts I have nam'd, which are seen in vast droves; there's plenty of Ring-doves, Wood-cocks, Teal, Parrots, and an endless number of strange birds of divers kinds.

The are Swans, Lizards, and Ser∣pents of a great length, and a great number of Crocodils, call'd Caymans, who in the day time hide themselves in rivers, the better to surprize the beasts when they come to drink; this subtile creature fastning on the nose of the Wild Oxen, draws them in, and after drownding them eats them.

At the little Island where we took in Water and Wood, are seen two spacious and beautiful plains, cover'd with good feeding, in which the sight loses it self: Through the midst of it, a pleasant river takes its Course; whose Water is exceeding good, and easiy to be come at; there we bath'd our selves almost every hour in the day, under the thick shady trees, and in

large and greedy draughts, quencht the violence of our raging thirst.

All this place is marshy, and in many places with salt water; yet in the woods there are places where they don't reach, and where there is sweet water always to be found; which the beasts drink of, who come thither in troops of a hunderd at a time, and feed quietly together; without fear of being disturb'd by the Huntsman.

One of my companions and I go∣ing a hunting, we follow'd some Harts and Hinds very warmly, which carried us further into the wood than we were aware of; so that after two hours pursuit, being quite tir'd, and intending to return back again, 'twas more than we could do, to find our way, tho' we still flattered our selves with hopes; but after long trying in vain, we at last began to despair, and almost to give our selves for lost; be∣ing already over-power'd with hun∣ger thirst and weariness.

We past through a great many Thickets, the paths being only beaten by the wild beasts; the sight of whom diverted our melancholy wanderings

in a desart Island, destitute of all Sub∣sistance; expos'd to Tygers, Wild-Oxen and Serpents; in this sad con∣dition, knowing not what to do, we adrest our selves to God; and took observations of the Sun; Steering our course by it. So after much labour and fatigue, and beating about from four in the morning to 4 in the even∣ing, we at length discover'd the plain in which our Companions were en∣camp'd; from whence we went to our tent, rejoycing that we were not oblieg'd to lie in the woods, that night.

These two Isles differ but little, save only this, that the greatest, nou∣rishes a great many Tygers, and greater variety of strange creaturs then the less, where the conveniency of water, and the beautiful walks renders it very happy and proper for human habitation. The Hunters had so di∣sturb'd these wild Inhabitants, that the Oxen, whose calves, they every day kill'd; became so furious, that the Femals ran at all they met.

A Captain of the Marines belonging to the Bird, being a hunting with 2

others, was set upon by one of these creaturs; she broke his leg, and tore out his bowels, while he was climb∣ing up a tree to save himself; this spectacle so frighten'd his companions, that instead of shooting at her, they fled and left him expos'd to her fury; but however they went back after∣wards and took him up half dead, bringing him to the Tent; whom we were oblieg'd to leave at Pontichery, his wounds and bruises, not permit∣ting him to return to France.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

The Squadron departs from Negraile for Balazor; hinder'd by calms; Monsieur Duquesne in vain en∣deavours to supply himself with fresh provisions at Cheduba.

WHile we were taking in Water, and Wood, and other Ne∣cessaries for our departure, we saw a

Vessel anchoring half a League off from the Diamond; Monsieur Duquesne tak∣ing notice of it, sent the Lyon after her; who found she was a Portuguese ketch, that came to take some Tortoises before she went to Pegu; the Dragon joyn'd her a little after, so these two Frigats lay cruising out till the twelfth of November, when we sail'd out from between the two Isles of Negraile, to be the readier to sail when the wind should present.

We had no sooner anchor'd again over against the Diamond, but Mon∣sieur Duquesne sent for the Captain of the ketch aboard; he was a Genoese by nation, and 'twas from him we understood the enemy reported they had kill'd two hundred of us in the fight off Madras, and fourscore of our Officers, of whom were Mon∣sieur Duquesne himself, and Father Tach∣ard; whom we buried in the night at St. Thomas's; we were not a little sur∣priz'd at this news, for what likeli∣hood was there of Father Tachards being kil'd, who all the time of the fight was in the hold, and so could not be lost, unless the ship sunk; and

how was it possible, for us to lose fourscore Officers out of thirty, which was the whole number we brought out of France.

However a report attended with such particulars, did not fail to gain belief every where; and they man∣ag'd it so, that at Ponticheri it past for a certain, truth; and all along the coast, none knevv the contrary, but themselves; vvho vvere so far from be∣lieving it, that they could not con∣ceal that they were more afraid of us than ever; the best part of them re∣moving with their best effects from Madras, for fear we should return and make a descent: And this did not look like the security, and triumph of Victors.

Yet this boasted Victory, serv'd till our return, to conceal the disgrace of having eleven large ships, under the protection of a Fort, insulted by a Squadron of six; I can't imagin what people will think of them, when they see Monsieur Duquesne reviv'd again, and the fourscore Officers rais'd from tht dead; and our whole Com∣pany

as Compleat as before, except∣ing only four that were kil'd.

Tuesday the fourteenth of November, having taken about fourscore Tortoises, we sail'd for Balazor. That day a Seaman of Provence deserted us, who enrag'd, because he could not revenge himself for some hard usage he thought he had receiv'd from his Officers, re∣main'd at the great Isle of Negraille; whither we had sent the sloop in the morning to look for our men that had been a hunting since the day before; without taking any other provision, but a little Rack and some Biscuit in his Pocket, a hatchet, and three great nails; in all probability to make a Catamaron with, in which by the favour of the tide, he might gain the Country of Pegu, which was but four Leagues distant.

Scarce had we lost sight of Negraile, but the little wind we had, turn'd into a downright calm; which lasted a long while, and was very Tiresom by rea∣son of the violent heats, and a malig∣nant Fever that began to spread amongst the Seamen; which we with reasnn attributed to the extraordinary

fatigues they had gone through, and to the pestilential serenes of these Marshy Islands, which are damp, un∣wholesome Vapors rising after Sun-set; and the whole Crew, that before en∣joy'd so perfect a health, became ve∣ry much infected; so that Monsieur Duquesne through a necessity of being supply'd with fresh provisions was oblieg'd to stop at Cheduba, an Island in the Kingdom of Racam, situated in 18 Deg. 23 Min. N. L. and 115 D. 34 M. L. where we say for a while, and sent three sloops ashoar.

As soon as ever these fearful Islanders perceiv'd them, they fled to the woods; there came a band of them afterwards to the sea side with Lances and Bows in their hands, making signs that we should not Land; notwith∣standing which two of our men did, (and put them out of pain,) by letting them understand as well as they could the reason of it; but 'twas impossible to perswade these savages to supply us with any fresh provisions for our mony, or by the way of exchange, tho' they had plenty of Fowl and Cat∣tel.

They are of a swarthy complection, and go naked; have very thick hair, and are taller than ordinary. 'Twas no small mortification to fail of being supplied with those Provisions and necessaries we expected to meet with here; our distemper encreasing daily, and having scarce fresh provisions enough to serve the sick, the number of whom by this time amounted to 60, and 'twas not long before I was one of them, but was so happy as to have but six fits of the Fever.

CHAP. XXXIX.

The Squadron anchors before Balazor, where we supplied our selves with fresh provisions, and took in Goods for France.

WHatever care we could take to mannage our fesh provisions, the number of the sick soon consum'd them; so we were forc'd to have re∣course to Monsieur Duquesne, who

at the instance of Father Tachar'd stinted himself of his own, to supply them, who else had perish'd through Want.

I can't hear omit the indefatigable pains this good Father took with them; he toil'd with the Almoner from morn∣ing till night, visiting some, serving others, and administering the Sacra∣ments to the dying, and performing the utmost that lay in his power. What the Commandant spar'd, prov'd but inconsiderable, when divided a∣mongst fourscore sick persons, who yet were glad of it till they got to Balazor, to the sight of which we came the last of November in the morning; we sail'd four days along the coast, and the banks of the Ganges, which is one of the four principal Rivers of the World; and on the third of December, we came to an anchor within three Leagues and a half of the Land, where after firing three guns of notice, as the first time, the Commandant sent Mon∣sieur Fauche to give notice of his ar∣rival.

We presently prepar'd to set a shoar at the mouth of the River, those, who

had the disease of the Country, and to get fresh provisions aboard for the rest of the sick; the number of whom was too great to let the English know of it, who had a Factory too at Balazor, and might make their advantages of it.

Monsieur Deslandes, Director gen∣eral, arriv'd from Ougly. 2 days after; almost at the same time as the Mer∣gui, an English built ship of 18 guns, with two others, that the French took from the Siamois, which were partly laden with Salt-peter, and some bales of goods, that were to be put aboard the Squadron; we unloaded 'em out of hand, and several other great Barks, who every day brought us the rest of the goods; while we were loading, Monsieur Deslandes continued a board us, whom the Commandant entertain'd very nobly, and honour'd him several times with the discharge of guns, as well from his own ship, as the rest, who complimented him thus in their Turns.

We were very ill furnisht with fresh provisions here; the beef and mutton was meer carrion, so that two of the Captains who were careful of the health of their men, threw, what fell to

their share over-board; I never saw any flesh so red, or so likely to pro∣cure a flux; however our Captain who did not much concern himself with such things, and the violence of hunger, made us digest them with rice, which was now our bread for four months.

This fare was none of the best, and I long'd to go to Balazor to mend my diet, but could not get leave, by reason that at our first landing there were some of the Seamen who got drunk with Aquavitae, and quarrell'd with the English, one of vvhom they kill'd with a knife, which was the oc∣casion of hindring the others going a shoar, without so much as excepting some of us, who were not given to such kind of quarrels.

The two Mandarins being gone to Balazor, to Inquire out a convenient passage to their Country, understood that them was a Moorish ship bound suddainly for Mergui, they agreed pre∣sently for their passage with the Cap∣tain, and afterwards came to take their leave of Monsieur Duquesne, and Father Tachard, who was glad to be

rid of the burthen; The Father who had them under his protection, and who was in honor oblieg'd to see them us'd respectfully, having receiv'd them from the hand of the late King of Siam; procur'd from Monsieur Duquesne a Compliment, to dismiss them with five guns.

We recommended to them the mi∣erable state of the French who languisht in their prisons, and Monsieur Chamo∣reau, Captain of the Lyon, besought them in particular, in the behalf of a Brother of his, who was actually a prisoner there, tho' to be plain with them, I believe their interest was very inconsiderable: And if I may believe the account a Jesuite gave me of them, 'twould be as much as they could do to keep their own feet out of the fet∣ters, when they came home.

Father Duchast, whom a long Re∣sidence in Siam, had render'd him knowing in the Maxims and policies of this Nation, arriv'd at Ougli, and came to salute Father Tachard, and to put into his hands a great quantity of provisions, which the Jesuits of this Town sent to those of Ponticheri;

after he had put them aboard us, he he return'd very well pleas'd with his Voyage, and us too; for he was so civil as to let us have all the curious stuffs he had brought from Ougly at reason∣able rates. Monsieur Vasseur, second Lieutenant of the Rock, dying next morning, we threw him into the sea, with 7 guns discharg'd for his Funeral.

CHAP. XL.

The Squadron parts from Balazor to return to Ponticheri, we found a great number of Moors there, who fled for refuge to the French.

THe near approach of an ill Sea∣son; but cheifly the earnest de∣sire of Monsieur Duquesne, to return to France, made us hasten our departure; after having taken in fresh Water, and all other supplies necessary for our Voyage, we commanded our sick aboard, whom the land Air had perfectly recover'd.

And on Saturday the 30th. of Decem∣ber, we parted with Monsieur Deslandes for Pontichery, being follow'd by the Company's boat loaden with powder and ball for the Fort.

We took our course South East and by South, with a fresh gale, which soon turn'd into a calm; and lasted from the first, to the fifth of January, 1691. When it began to blow a fresh again; and on the tenth in the evening, we discover'd the land of Madras; at which the Commandant lay by, for fear of passing beyond it in the night, resolving to stop there the next day, if he discover'd any shiping, tho' the fright and consternation the enemy was in, gave us little ground to expect it; yet nevertheless we met one, whom the fort had no sooner warn'd of our arrival by six guns, but she fled; not believing it a sufficient protection.

We follow'd her with all the sail we could make, and at last came up with her, notwithstanding she had been so far a head of us; about four in the afternoon seeing the Lyon and the Dragon within shot of her, she run herself within a little bank at Sadras∣patam,

where her men presently went a shoar. But in vain had she sought for safety there, if the sea, which was very ruff, had not hinder'd us from boarding her; yet we earnestly de∣sier'd it, being ready to run any riskque in the pillageing and burning of her, but Monsieur Duquesne judging otherwise of it, pursued his Voyage, and this evening came to an anchor some Leagues beyond Madras, from whence we departed next morning being the twelfth, and arriv'd at Pon∣tichery at one in the afternoon; the Fort saluted us with nine Guns, and we answer'd them with as many: Father Tachand went a shoar pre∣sently, taking with him what he had aboard, intending to make his residence there.

I could not immagine that the loss of his Reverence, could produce such different effects as it did; there were some who were very much afflicted at it▪ and a great many others, who of the contrary were very little con∣cern'd: and most of the Seamen, who are little verst in the merits, and worth of Men, were as incensible of the loss

of him, as if they had never enjoy'd the advantages of his company; how∣ever he wanted not the civility of seven Guns at his departure.

The Publick is like to be oblieg'd to him for an account of his Voyage, which at parting he put into the hands of Monsieur Duquesne, to deliver it to the RR. FF. Jesuites, who were to see it printed, but it contains no return; I read nothing in it which I had not seen, and which I have not inserted in this; except a letter from one of their Fathers, who is at present in China; which contains a full account of the Revolution that happen'd at Siam, and this has very much enlarg'd his Relation.

Since our departure from Pontichery, they had planted on the shoar a new battery of eight Guns, 18 pounder each, being those we had brought from France; and we found above twenty thousand Negros there, who had fled thither for refuge, under the French Pavillion, to avoid the Troops of the Great Mogul; who had besieg'd Gingy, the Caputal of the Prince of that Name.

This is a very great Town, about fifteen Leagues up the land; the strongest, and the only one, able to resist the power of the Mogul; with whom this Prince has continual war: And whose Troops, tho' to the num∣ber of fourscore thousand, where, as they told us, shamefully oblieg'd to quit the Siege, through the vigorus resistance of the Garison and the Town, where the Prince of Gingy commanded in person.

Two great Lords of the Country who where at Pontichery when we lay at anchor, had the curiosity to come and see our ship, accompanied with five and twenty servants, which they took out of above three hundred, that each of them had; we put all things in as good order as we could, and brought all our Company above Deck, the number of which they admir'd at; but the Sea incommoding them very much, and not being able to stand on the deck, they returned immediately; with a salute of 7 Guns and 7 vive le Roy's.

CHAP. XLI.

The Squadron leaves the Indies to return to France, passes the Line the third time, without any incon∣veniencies, in the 170 D. of Long. The beginning of our Navigation is happy.

AFter we had taken some hogs∣heads of water aboard, and some other provisions we wanted; the Commandant took leave of Monsieur Martin, who saluted him from the Fort with three discharges of eleven Guns. That day we gave the part∣ing Gun; so on Wednesday the ••4th: of January we sail'd by four in the morning to quit the Indies for this time; and return to France; the wind was very favourable to us, and soon carried us a considerable distance, from a land, which we wisht six thou∣sand Leagues off us.

It seem'd to me as if this long Voyage we now entered on, would never be ended, and tho' we sailed ne're so swiftly, and I had made the Voyage already, yet I fancy'd we should never come to the end of it: however we made such way, that February the 24th. 3 in the afternoon we past the Line the third time, in 107 D. of Long. without any inconveniency of Calms or Heats. Such a happy be∣ginning of a Voyage was no little com∣fort to us, and the hopes 'twould continue so, sweeten'd our toil, and made the time more pleasant than before.

The 16th. We had the sun in our Zeinth, that is, darting his Beams perpendicularly on us, casting no sha∣dow, but on the contrary an excessive heat, which we were forc'd to bear, without so much as one drop of Water to refresh us between meals; this heat diminisht insensibly as we depart∣ed from the Sun, and enter'd into cooler climates; which however did not hin∣der our experiencing great miseries and fatigues, and had we not been unaccustom'd to 'em, should scarce

have been able to have undergone 'em.

The 25th. in the morning we past the Tropick of Capricorn, and met with Blustring winds in these Latitudes, which forwarded us very much on way; but afterwards became so out∣rageous, that we cou'd more willing∣ly have embrac'd the most tiresome calm.

CHAP. XLII.

A dreadfull tempest happens in the Heigth of Mascarin, which dis∣perses the Squadron, and is in great danger of being lost.

BEing now the time of Carnevall, Monsieur Duquesne was obliged to give us Wine, instead of Rack, which we had drunk for four Months before, at this time every one is de∣sirous to fare a little better than or∣dinary, but in vain did we attempt it at sea, where good chear is general∣ly

scarce, but especially in such long Voyages as these; the Seamen danc'd Morning and Evening, and were ve∣ry merry; which joyn'd with the fair wind we had, serv'd to lessen the time, which was more irksom to us, than any thing else.

The Wind already blew so strong, that we sail'd no less than 3 Leagues an hour; and encreasing on Tuesday the 1st. of March, obleig'd us to furl all our Sails, except the fore-mast; and the air was so thick and Cloudy, that we cou'd scarce descern from Ship to Ship, which prov'd but too Fatal an Omen, of that dreadful Tempest that ensu'd. Sure nothing cou'd be more Frightful and amazing, than to see the air condens'd, and our beloved Element representing a dismal scene of Death. The Winds spent their ut∣most rage, and seem'd to groan be∣neath their Burthen; while the yawn∣ing seas torn with their fury, eagerly desir'd to make a prey of us: Yet still kept us in suspense, even in the Arms of Death; about Four in the af∣ternoon, the foremast sheet was blown to rags, and the vast noise and Uni∣versal

rouling of the ship, fill'd us all with confusion and horror.

And now being about 3000 Leagues from Land, we saw ourselves exposed to the outragious Element; without sails, and distitute of all means that might tend to our safty. The vast prodigious waves no sooner rowl'd over our Decks, and fill'd our ship with water, but greater still return'd, and seem'd to sink us to the Bottom; so that sometimes we had scarce time to take breath, and hardly knew whether we were in the ship or the sea.

In this miserable condition and ap∣proaching danger, every one plied the pump; and the short remainder of the day, we spent in fastening a sprit sail to the yard of the fore-mast sail, which we had no sooner done, but as an addition to our misery, a dismal shout was heard at the sight of one of our ships, which driven by the violence of the Storm, was just ready to run fowl of us, and split us both.

All that's horrible and amazing in death; presented it self to our view;

himself at the last moment of life, knew not what course to take, or what he should do to avoid it▪ we unfurl'd our two sprit-sails, which were no sooner loose, but the winds blew them into a thousand Shatters however they serv'd to Clear us of the ship to which we so happily shew'd our lights▪ that hoisting her foremast sail she past by, without damage on either side.

In the midst of so many alarums and continual dangers, we past the rest of night in pumping, and rummaging the inside of the ship, which was so wet that there was not a dry place to be found in't to lie down: Rivers of Water ran continually over the deck; the Boxes, chests, and all the hamocks were thrown down, and nothing was to be seen throughout the whole Vessel but the perfect picture of a shipwrack, to which the winds and Seas seem'd to conspire; this night we had the the Jack Staff carried away by one single Wave.

We waited for day Break with more impatience than our Friends for our Return▪ as tho' 'twould alay the storm,

or rescue us from danger; at last it came, but alas it only serv'd to give us a clearer sight of our Misery, so that Friday in the morning, the wind and the seas having abated nothing of their rage, but still encreasing; and finding our selves quite spent, we with horror beheld the Wild and al∣most inevitable death that waited for us.

We had recourse to GOD as the only means left, and with tears in our Eyes, and terror in our Hearts, we implor'd his Infinite Goodness, by the suffrages of the Blessed Vir∣gin, and St. Joseph; whom we pray'd to interpose their credit to obtain mercy for us. In the mean time we ply'd four pumps continually, and having discover'd two great Leaks, the one afore, the other aff't we were oblieg'd to make a well in the bottom of the keel, and to draw the water thence with Buckets and Pails to pre∣vent sinking.

'Twas strange, that tho' watching and fasting had quite spent us; yet we shou'd gather strength out of our very weakness, and work and toil on,

without so much as reflecting on our miserable condition; each of us thought of nothing but disputing his life, which he saw prest and attackt with a thou∣sand dangers at once.

We continued thus toyling in our Misery, till four in the evening, when not knowing what farther course to take to save our selves, or to resist the violence of the storm, we a second time adrest our selves to GOD, vowing upon a deliverance to have a Service, or each his particular Mass said at St. Anns in Auray.

We crept up upon the Deck, and our Almoner on his knees, under the quarter deck, as did all the rest invok the aid and mercy of Heaven, in the name of two hundred and fifty Saints more, who poured out their Souls in the same devotion, implor∣ing the mercy of GOD; never was a more moving Spectacle seen, and I then with horror read our ruin in the disparing looks of Monsieur Duquesne, who kneeling on his bed, and looking fixedly on the raging Seas, mounting high in the air, and threatning us with ruin, seem'd to tell us there was

no more hopes left but in the immedi∣ate Favour of Heaven: The Vow be∣ing made, he let himself fall on his bed, saying his only hopes were in the Infinite mercy of GOD, and that 'twas invain to strive any longer.

This, I own threw me into the last despair, yet we were resolv'd to try once more what we could do; resolv∣ing to save our selves, or perish; we try'd to hoist a second time our fore∣mast sail, where we us'd care in tak∣ing of the rise; each with fear and impatience waited the success of a course, that was either to save or ruin us; and at this very time we were quite consum'd with the labour of the merciless Sea.

A little after a Seaman, whom the Sea had swept out of the ship, was thrown in again by the Waves, and sav'd.

But GOD at last show'd us mercy, and pitty, and was pleas'd to put an end to all our Fatigues and sufferings; for unfurling the foremast sail, it re∣sisted the wind; when full of joy and acknowledgement for so visible a pro∣tection, we began to pursue our way;

and in our turn, triumphing over those Waves that had so insulted us for two days together.

We ran thus the rest of the night, and next day, being Saturday, the wind began to alter about four in the morning; so that at break of day we saw our selves out of that danger, which continually threatned us for eight and forty hours together, without sleeping, or eating, or drinking, save a little Biscuit and Rack.

When we had stopt the two leakes as well as we could, we fell to settling all things in the inside of the ship, that were in confusion; for nothing cou'd be seen but Chests and Arms, &c. scatter'd up and down; fowls and beasts drown'd; in short, an Emblem of an universal Deluge: each now taking breath, began to provide for himself, some prest with hunger, be∣gan to search for Victuals; but the kitchins being spoiled we could have none drest in three days time; and others almost dead for want of sleep, fell to drying their beds and cloaths in the Sun.

Never was the returning spring, after a long and Torrid winter, more greatful than the sight of the Sun to us, which compos'd the remainder of the storm, and hush't it quite asleep: This was a truly happy day to us; but seeing our selves all alone, we reckon'd we were preserv'd by Heaven, only to carry home the dismal news of the loss of the rest of the Squadron; we sail'd on, still continuing our way, and endeavouring to discover what was become of the rest of the ships, whose rendevouze was appointed at Martinico.

CHAP. XLIII.

As we approach the Cape of Good Hope, we meet with contrary winds, with much fatiegue and sick∣ness. Monsieur Duquesne finds part of the Squadron which he gave for lost.

THe begining of the month we sail'd with all success imaginable, during which time we often saw certain dark Birds with yellow Beaks, but towards the end, as we approacht the Cape of Good Hope, meeting with contrary winds we suffered great fatigues, which were very prejudicial to our men, and occasioned the Bloody Flux, and other Distempers; and the Cold increasing daily, was as great a Mor∣tification to us now, as ever the heats had been before.

The Severity of the Climate had not been so tiresome, if our passage

had been more speedy; but we scarcely had sailed above fourty or fifty Leagues, but the Wind chopt about, which forc'd us to ly by till it came fair again; and these delays were very uneasiy to us, by reason of the continual rains, and excessive rowlings of the ship.

The third of April, I remember amongst a number of other Misfor∣tunes, we had Thunder, Lighting and contrary Winds, opprest us, all at once; which gave us all imaginable distur∣bance, and the excessive roulling and tos∣sing of the ship would not let us take one moments rest, or suffer us to stay a minute in a place, and sure nothing could be more irksom than our present condition was, especially the little hopes we had of a speedy deliverance.

The next day we received an un∣expected comfort; for about Seven in the morning we perceiv'd, through the vast Fogs that arose, two ships a head of us, to whom we gave chace, though all alone, and had suffered so much in our Rigging; they immedi∣ately made us the Signals of Acknow∣ledgments, in furling the Fore-sail, and lashing the Fore-top-sail; to which we

answer'd in the same manner, and had no sooner hoisted up a white flag, but they did so too: We quickly per∣ceiv'd they were our own ships, and as soon as came near them, they seve∣rally saluted us with five Guns a piece, and a Vive le Roy; the first was the Lion, whose Poop, as well as ours, was carried away; the second was the Dragon, who for eight days had been seperated from the rest: If we were glad at the sight of them, they were not less surpriz'd at our return, they believing us lost ever since they had seen a Top-mast floating on the Sea; they told us, that the Squadron had suffered extreamly, and that the Bird had been forced to heave her Boat and four Guns over board to save herself; and that the Flourishing and the Rock were nigh being lost, all the Goods in the first being spoiled, and the last having been obliged to pump continu∣ally to save themselves.

CHAP. XLIV.

We gave thanks to God for finding our selves on the Bank of Needles, which we happily passed, and the gentle Trading Winds succeed∣ing, we sailed prosperously.

AS bad as this news was, we were glad to hear it, for we never expected to see or hear of one ano∣ther more, and great wou'd have been our satisfaction in pursuing our Voyage together, if the South West Winds, which lasted eight days, had not obliged us to lie by; at last they chang'd, and having seen a little Bird, of the size of a Sparrow, we judg'd we were not far from Land.

Having sounded several times with∣out finding ground, though according to the variation, and the Point of the Pilots, we shou'd have been on the Bank of Needles. The 7th. of April we saw a Whale, and several Birds, as Cormorants, and Velvet Channels, were

sitting on the Water, which gave us to understand we were very near Land; so that next day being the eighth, the Dragon having found ground, hoisted a Flag to give us notice of it, we pre∣sently huddled over a few pray∣ers, according to custom, and sound∣ing all along we found ground in a 100 fathom Water.

It was wonderful strange that in this place, where the Sea is always so boi∣sterous and violent, it prov'd a dead Calm, followed by so gentle a Breeze, that we past this Bank of 24 Leagues in length, with our Top-gallant Sails only: Thus having doubled the Cape of Good Hope we took heart, and ho∣ped for a prosperous Voyage hence forward, the Winds being now so favourable.

And indeed we made great way, for after having sailed 200 Leagues be∣yond it, we began to breath in a tem∣perate Air, and to have fair and clear Weather, constantly accompanied with the gentle Trading Winds; it seem'd as if God was now pleased to give us a little comfort, after so much mi∣sery and Sufferings; and, to say truth,

we extreamly stood in need of it, for the Vessel was not able to bear any more weather; our Men were very sickly, and grew so more and more, with what they had suffered in doub∣ling the Cape; so that every day some of 'em died, either of the Flux, or of the Scurvey.

Yet still we had reason to believe our selves happy, the Cold abating by degrees, and warm weather succeed∣ing, which was no small relief to those who were ill of the latter Distemper; the Sea was now no longer dangerous, but on the contrary all was calm and pleasant, as if we had made an In-land Voyage.

CHAP. XLV.

Our pleasant Navigation invites us to fish. A Description of an extraor∣dinary Fish call'd a Requiem.

THis happiness, and the Diversi∣ons we gave our selves of Gam∣ing, Dancing and Reading, charm'd the fateigues of so long a Voyage;

besides these, we often delighted our selves with Fishing, and in one calm day we caught numbers of Tons, Gold∣fishes and Bounites, and a large Fish call'd a Requiem, by fastening a great piece of Bacon to the hook.

This monstrous Creature is between 15 and 16 foot long, and almost as big as a Man, it has no shell, but a skin thick and rough like Shagrin, with a Muzzle half round, distinct from the rest of the head; four fingers below, towards the Belly is plac'd the larger mouth, whose two Jaw bones have each three rows of Teeth, which are large and flat, yet very sharp, so that whenever he eats he is forc'd to throw himself on his back.

It seems as if Nature, wonderful in her productions, wou'd by that means suppress the devouring Appetite of this greedy Creature, which I have seen re∣turn three times to the same Bait, tho' the hook had torn his Gills before.

This Monstrous creature does not shun Men, as other fish do, for he no sooner sees him in the water, but he follows him, and when he designs to quit the prey, he throws himself

upon it, carrying away that part on which he fastens first; he is never seen but in a calm, following ships to catch whatever meat or rubbish the Seamen throw out.

Certain little Fishes of the size of a Sardine which Swims before, (free from the insults of this creature as devouring as it is) and serve him as a Pilot, for from thence it is they are called by that name; they are such faithful companions to him, that when he is taken with the hook, and drawing in, they lie on his back, and suffer themselves to be drawn in also.

I had forgot to mention how we found in the belly of one we took, a Knife and six pound of Bacon, which in all probability it got at the hook; I believe there is no creature in the World so hard liv'd, and difficult to kill.

I took notice of one thing, among several others on board our Ship, that was peculiarly amazing in this fish; which was this, that it being cut in peices, and each peice, sepera∣ted from the heart, yet they all

mov'd alike, which surprized us very much.

This fish has a sort of marrow in the head, that hardens against the Sun, and being powder'd, and taken in White-wine, is very good for the Chollick.

CHAP. XLVI.

Monsieur Duquesne meets with two more Ships of his Squadron and sail together, in Order to anchor at the Isle of the Ascention.

WHile we enjoyed the innocent diversion of fishing, a more sollid entertainment diverted us for some time, the wind which we had directly in our Stern, made us dis∣patch no less than 40 Leagues a day, sailing now as expeditiously since our departure from Pontichery, as we did unsuccesfully before.

The 25th. of April, the Dragon having given a signal about 3 in the afternoon, that she saw two ships, the Admiral ordered her to give chase to them; they seem'd to be Dutch bound for St. Helens, from whence we were not fat; but when we came up with them, we discovered they were the Bird and the Flourishing, which we had not seen in two Months be∣fore. Our Squadron had now been all re-united, if the Rock, which they told us, was a head of us, had been in company; We made use of the Wind, which was very favourable to joyn her at the Isle of Ascentions, near which we should pass to take some Tortoise aboard.

We never had more need of going a shoar, for our Company was harrast and quite spent with our poor diet, and continual pumping night and day; for our refuge was nothing but a little Brandy at our meals, with Biscuit and stinking flesh, and this was but a small relief to the sick, who dy'd 3 or 4 at a time, and were pittyed in vain by others, in whose power it was not to help them.

You might see fifty at a time, some dried up with a Fevour, and others consum'd with the Bloody Flux, a third sort bloated and disfigured with the Country-disease, for we could not get one drop of good Wine, or a bit of fresh meat for them, since our fowl and Sheep, design'd for their use, perished in the Tempest, which surpriz'd us in the height of Mascarin.

You may imagine that the long continuance of such ill diet, began to be very loathsom to us; the Scurvy, and weakness of a continual Flux had brought me to nothing; but I was still preserv'd, and tho' I had the same distemper with the rest, yet not the same destiny; for I often saw my self surrounded with the sick, and dying, without the least fear of death, being fully perswaded I should recover when I went a shoar at the Isle of Ascention, which we all impatiently long'd for.

The Admiral, who without doubt, is one of the most expert in the Art of Navigation the King has, believed we were now drawing near it; and ac∣cordingly, after having run some

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Leagues more on the eighth of May, at Two in the Afternoon it appeared to us.

We no sooner came near the shoar: But an infinite number of va∣rious sorts of Birds, Inhabitants of this desert Island, came in flocks, as it were, to meet and receive us; they crouded so thick about us, that we killed them with half-pikes. Here we anchored in 30 fathom water, over against a great Sand-Creek, where the Tortoises go ashoar, which is at the foot of the Mountain of the Cross, so called, because of a Cross which the Portuguese have planted on the top, where all Ships that touch there, are obliged to leave a Letter in a Bottle, to inform them from whence, and where they are bound, as also the day they past by.

CHAP. XLVII.

A Description of the Isle of Ascen∣tion, and of the great Tortoises that are found there.

AS soon as we had cast Anchor, the Seamen began to fish, and catch vast numbers; next day I went ashoar, although it was very difficult landing, the Sloop being obliged to set us ashoar on a steep rock, where we were forced to creep on all four, with a great deal of trouble and dan∣ger; several of our sick that were landed here, died presently, not hav∣ing strength enough to bear the Air, and the difficulties of climbing the Cliffs.

There is no Water found in this uninhabited Island, nor any thing to be seen but parch'd barren Hills, and Vales without verdure; nay, not so much as a blade of Grass, or any Herb; so violent and piercing are the Rays of the Sun. It's situated in 7 d. 30 m. of S. L. and may be about

five leagues in compass. At first it appeared full of Mountains and Crag∣gy Rocks, cover'd with Birds dung, who make their Nests on the top of them; but in the West of the Island, two high Mountains rise, which are a little green, being better moistned by the frequent Dews, which causes the ground all about, to abound with the largest, and best tasted Pursloine that ever I met with.

As weak as I was, the desire I had to be cured of the Scurvy, in taking the Air at Land, which is the only remedy for this evil, made me run up and down this part of the Island; where I observ'd one thing that was very extraordinary: The Birds which stood thick on the Rocks, suffered us to come so near them, that we might take them with our hands, and I stooping to gather some Pursloine, several hovering round my head, came and pearcht on my Hat, of which I took four alive, and kill'd two more with my Cane.

The great numbers of these Birds, destroy the young Tortoises as soon as hatch'd, for they love their flesh so

well, that they are continually pur∣suing them; and before they leave the Egg, or are able to gain the Sea, or swim on the surface of the Water; they kill them with their Beaks; but after they are grown bigger, the light∣ness of their shell makes them swim with more strength, and defends them from these Birds of Prey. Yet not∣withstanding this vast destruction of them, their number is immense; the Tortoise being one of those Creatures, that multiply most. Nor will they ad∣mire at it, who consider it as one of the largest fish, that has its Nutri∣ment from this Element.

Its shape and colour being known by most people, I thought it unne∣cessary to give you a particular de∣scription of it here; I shall only say, that its head resembles that of an Eagle, and the Fins, which are about a foot and half long, are hid under their Shells: And for that reason, when the Requiems (a fish I have men∣tioned before) meet with the Tortoises, they always seize upon that part first, and so kill them; their Shell being but thin, and uncapable of resisting

so great a strength, as that of the Re∣quiem: This Battle I have often seen my self, and so can the better attest the truth of it.

Some who have been ill inform'd, have said, that they make use of their Paws in fighting, as the Land Tor∣toises do; but nothing is more false than this, they having nothing like a Paw, only a few Prickles at the end of their Fins, which they Crawl ashoar with, and dig holes in the ground to lay their Eggs in; which having done, they immediately return to Sea again, leaving them covered, to be hatch'd by the warmth of the Sun.

Great care and diligence must be used in the taking of them, for they are very quick-sighted, you must range your self in the night, in seve∣ral places of the Creek, where they are known to come ashoar, and when you perceive them at a sufficient di∣stance from the Water, run to 'em and throw 'em on their backs, and then 'tis impossible for 'em to rise again.

The Tortoises that are taken at the Isle of Ascention, are the biggest that ever I saw; there are some that weigh

three or four hundred weight, suffici∣ent to feed so many men at a time; the flesh is very wholsom and delicate, and the Eggs, which are exactly round, and are found in great quantities a∣long the coast, are almost as big as an Hen's, but their shells are so thick, that if you throw them against the ground, they will rebound without breaking.

CHAP. XLVIII.

We leave the Isle of Ascention, and hap∣pily pass the Line a fourth time by the 346th, Deg. of Long. and come to an Anchor at Martinico.

AFter having stay'd here three days, to refresh our selves with Pur∣sloin and Fish, we left it on the 10th. at Four in the Afternoon, and the eleven Tortoises which we took on this Isle, were a great support to our sick; the goodness of God still favouring us with a fair wind, on the 22d. of May we past the Line a 4th. time, by the 346 Deg. of Long. and indeed we stood in need of an expeditious return, for we had no less than 60 on board who lay

sick on their beds, and they who were on their legs were so spent, that they mov'd compassion: Amongst the first were Monsieur Baron, the Almoner, and the King's Secretary, all three af∣flicted with the same Distemper, viz. the Scurvy, and dy'd within a few days of one another, notwithstanding all care imaginable was taken of them; on∣ly Mr. Baron had the honour of seven Guns given him, being a Major Offi∣cer; so that our ship by its shatter'd condition, and our own miseries, re∣sembled those Hospitals, where one sick Person is no sooner dead, but a∣nother takes his place.

In the mean time we made the best of our way towards Martinico, where Monsieur Duquesme had orders to touch at; and just as we expected to disco∣ver it we met with a Squadron of 10 ships, the Admiral of which had her Flag on the main-top mast, which made us believe they were the Enemy; however superior they seem'd to us in strength, we presently prepar'd for a fight, brought down our Hamocks, and threw the Chests into the hold; at least making a shew of courage,

tho' we desired nothing less than fight∣ing, in the miserable condition we were in.

Each reason'd differently of the mat∣ter, as he was more or less concern'd for his Life, his Goods, or his Liberty, which he now reckon'd in the utmost danger. Monsieur Duquesne, whom Glory and Interest had rendred more discerning than the rest, inferr'd that if this was an English Squadron sent to intercept our passed, France must be the sufferer, for we shou'd never be able to resist them.

But while this was considering on he resolv'd, that during the rest of the day we shou'd go as near the Wind (which we had of them) as possible, and that when night came on, we shou'd steer a false course to avoid them, which was the only way we cou'd take in the present exigency.

A Capuchin, a Passenger (who was our Almoner since the death of the former) gave the general Ab∣solution above deck by order of the Commandant; after a succinct Exhor∣tation in few words, put us in mind of that Courage and Bravery we had

formerly shown on the like occasions; exhorted us as much as his fears wou'd permit him, to abate nothing of it in the present necessity, when our Lives and Liberties was both at stake.

This Discourse out of season, made me resolve on a certain thing I scru∣pled to think of before, which hap∣pily had no further consequence; for night had scarce conceal'd us from the Enemy, but immediately tacking about we made a false course; in the morn∣ing we found our selves as secure as we cou'd wish, and in a few hours in sight of Martinico, where we came to An∣chor over against St. Peter's Fort, Thursday the 7th. of June. There rod at Anchor in the Harbour four of the King's ships, Commanded by Mon∣sieur le Chevalier de Arbouvill, who, as an inferiour Officer to our Com∣mandant, struck his Flame, and salu∣ted us with seven Guns, and we in return answer'd with the same num∣ber.

CHAP. XLIX.

We put the sick a shoar. The whole Squa∣dron rejoins, and prepares to return immediately to France.

WE immediately debarkt the sick, and lodg'd them in an House for that purpose, upon the shoar near the River; who were furnished with Bread, Wine, fresh Meat, Oran∣ges, Lemons, Bananes, Ananes, and all sorts of Refreshments; as were the rest of the Company, which with the plenty of Fish the Negroes brought on board, were sufficient to restore us to our former vigour.

We understood there, that the ten ships we met in our return, were Eng∣lish, bound home from Barbadoes, whom the Squadron of Monsieur le Chevalier de Arbouville had oblig'd to raise the siege of Guadaloupa, with the loss of 500 of the Enemy, and a great many Cannon, having understood since by some French prisoners, who had made their escapes, that they were so much concern'd at the sight

of us, that as soon as 'twas night they pre∣sentlv tackt and stood a false course as well as we.

They told us also some news from France, and amongst other things, that of the death of Monsieur Segnelay, and of the worthy choice his Majesty had made of Monsieur de Poutchartraine to supply his place. The death of this Minister was the reason we met with no new orders at Martinico, as he promis'd our Commandant, nor the Flute loaden with Provisions which he was to send thither, which was the oc∣casion of a greater scarcity there than we expected, Meal and fresh Provisions be∣ing somewhat scarce at Martinico, eversince the War.

This Island is so well known in France, by the relations that have been made of it, and the Trade it maintains there, that I ought not to speak much of it, except some small matters I observ'd in the short stay I made there; but that which pleas'd me most was, the many fine Houses scitu∣ated on the Mountains all about, whose Avenues, Allies and Arbours are compos'd of Jessamins, Orange and Lemon Trees, which are as common there, as Apple trees in Normandy.

The Women there wou'd be very a∣greeable, but for the pale colour which is contracted by the Air of the Island, where the heats in my mind are too great

for any, but the Natives to live, happily there.

Not being to make any long stay there, we began to Wood and Water, after we had clean'd our Ship and stopt the two leaks we had. At this time the Rock, whom we had not yet seen, came from an ad∣jacent harbour where she had lain three days at Anchor before our arrival, and came to an anchor over against the Fort of St. Peter, driven by the Wind and Tide; she rang'd our side so close, that intending to pass betwixt us and the Flourishing, she struck against our head and broke the Beak, which so provoked Monsieur Du∣quesne, that he resolv'd to have the head Pilot drawn under the keel, but he was discharg'd after three days lying in Irons.

CHAP. L.

The Squadron departs from Martinico for France, where they at last safely arrived. Death of Monsieur Questil∣ly, Captain of the Dragon.

IT must be own'd that Idea's which the mind forms of a future happiness are sometimes wonderful, and delude the time till we arrive at it. I was restless till I came to Martinico, and when there, as un∣easy

till I reacht France, nor was it with∣out reason, for whatever advantage we had by being there, there was none but desired to leave it, when he reflected on the number of those that died there daily.

The Standard, a ship of the Company's coming from the Indies with two others, named the Game and the Loure, brought a pestilential distemper thither from Bru∣rill, which had not yet ceast; so that the most healthy and vigorous amongst us, upon the least excess, were carried off in 4 or 5 days at most, in spight of any remedies that could be used.

This mortality which might have very much lessened the Company, and rendred them so weak as to be scarce able to bring the Ship back again to France, made the Commandant resolve to hasten away; we took in Wine and new Biscuit, and after imbarking the sick, we sail'd the 2d. of July at nine in the morning, followed by Monsieur le••ehvaler de Arbouville, who was to Convoy two and twenty Mer∣chants to Rochfort.

We were presently becalm'd, which hindred our coming within sight of the English Islands till the 8th. when making all the sail we could we left the convoy behind us the Merchants sailing very heavily.

By leaving Martinico we thought to have left the distemper that reign'd there, but it follw'd, us and did not take it's leave till it had swept away sixteen of our Men, in the first fifteen days after our departure. Monsieur de Questilly, Captain of the Dra∣gon, struck to it, as well as others; to whom we gave the accustom'd honours, and the Commandant put Monsieur de Aubervill, our Lieutenant in his place.

In the mean time the Wind continuing good, we past the Tropick of Cancer on the 21st. and except a few days sailed very succesfully the rest of the month, and during those few we met with very rough Seas, fomented by violent Storms; but the very thought of approaching France made us easy, though we had reason enough to be otherwise; so nothing disturb'd us after∣wards, seeing our selves near the end of so many fatiegues, and so long and hazard∣ous a Voyage.

The 9th. of August the Rock hung out English Colours, to give us notice that she discover'd a sail which we saw behind us, making all the sail she could to us; we were willing to gratify her curiosity, furl'd our sails, and gave her time enough to come up with us, and after she was near enough to discover our strength, she stood away presently without daring to come any nearer. Monsieur Duquesne having hung out French colours, which

she did too without taking them down, tho' we hung out English Colours again.

Next day the Lyon was dispatcht to discover Cape Finister, who believing she had sight of it, gave us the Signal; but her mistake was very great, and our joy short, for we did not discover it till next day; the Bird, who kept the head of the Squdron, having got a clear view of it, we gave God thanks by singing Te Deum, the Wind being at North East, and there∣fore contrary, we came within Cannon shot of the Land, tacking till it chang'd, which it did that very evening, and carried us so happily for seven days together, that at last we arrived at the heighth of our Wishes, that is, within sight of France, and came all six to an Anchor under the Island of Groye, Saturday the eighteenth of August 1691, at Nine in the morning: Whence sailing again the 19th. we en∣tered For Lewis full of joy for our hap∣py return, thanking the Divine Pro∣vidence who had preserved us through a thousand dangers in this long and painful Voyage, from which we parted from the Island Groye, the 27 of Feb. 1690.

FINIS.