Bucaniers of America the second volume : containing the dangerous voyage and bold attempts of Captain Bartholomew Sharp, and others, performed upon the coasts of the South Sea, for the space of two years, &c. : from the original journal of the said voyage / written by ... Basil Ringrose, Gent., who was all along present at those transactions.

CHAP. XI. The Bucaniers depart from the Isle of Gorgona, with design to plunder Arica. They loose one ano∣ther by the way. They touch at the Isle of Plate, or Drakes Isle, where they meet again. Des∣cription of this Isle. Some Memoirs of Sir Francis Drake. An account of this Voyage, and the Coasts all along. They sail as far in a fort-night, as the Spaniards usually do in three months.

* 1.1ON Sunday July the 25th, in the afternoon, all things being now in a readiness for our departure, we set sail, and stood away from the Island of Gorgona, or Sharps I••••e, with a small breez which served us at N. W. But as the S••n went down that day, so our breez dyed away by degrees. Yet already we could begin to experiment, that our ship sailed much better, since the taking down her round house, and the other alterations which we made in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The next day about two of the clock in the morning,

we had a land breez to help us, which lasted for the space of six hours, more or less. So that at noon we found our selves to be five Leagues and a half distant to the South West from Gorgona. This day the Spaniards our prisoners, told us, in common discourse,* 1.2 that in most part of this low-land Coast, they find threescore fathom water. In the af∣ternoon we had from land a very strong breez: mean while we continued making short trips off and in. That night we had much rain for the greatest part of the night, which occasioned the next morning, being the third day of our Navigation, to be very cloudy until ten of the clock. About that hour it cleared up, and then we saw the Island of Gorgona at E. N. E. being distant about twelve Leagues more or less from us. We had the wind all this day at S.W. where it continued, seldom varying above two points of the Compass to the Westwards. Night being come, a∣bout ten of the clock, Captain Sharp ordered me to speak unto Captain Cox, and bid him go about and stand off from the shoar, for he feared least Cox should come too nigh unto it. But he replyed, he knew well, that he might stand in until two of the clock.* 1.3 The next day very early in the morning, we saw him not, the morning being clou∣dy and stark calm. Yet notwithstanding at eight of the clock it cleared up, and neither then could we see him. From hence we concluded, and so it proved, that we had lost him in the obscurity of the night, through his obstina∣cy in standing in too long, and not coming about when we spoke unto him. Thus our Admirals ship was left alone, and we had not the company of Captain Cox any longer in this Voyage, till we arrived at the Isle of Plate, where we had the good fortune to find him again, as shall be mentio∣ned hereafter. The weather being clear this morning, we could see Gorgona, at the distance of at least fifteen or six∣teen Leagues to the E. N. E. All this day it continued calm, till about four in the afternoon, at which time we had a W. S. W. wind, which continued to blow all that night.

* 1.4Thursday July the 29th 1680. This day the wind con∣tinued pretty fresh all day long. About four in the after∣noon we came within sight of the Island del Gallo, which I guessed to be nigh twenty eight Leagues distant from that of Gorgona, the place of our departure S. W. It is about nine Leagues distant to East from the Main. So that the Island with the Main Land S.W. from it appeareth thus.

[illustration]

GALLO. Lat. 2.12. N.

All this day the weather continued clear, and the wind W. S. W.

The next day being July the 30th, the wind blew very fresh and brisk; insomuch, that we were in some fear for the heads of our low Masts, as being very sensible that they were but weak. About three or four in the afternoon, we saw another Island, six or seven Leagues distant from Gallo, called Gorgonilla.* 1.5 At E. by S. from us it made the appea∣rance which I have here adjoyned. All the Main-Land hereabouts lyeth very low and flat, and is in very many places overflown and drowned every high-water.

[illustration]

GORGONILLA.

On Saturday July the thirty first in the morning, the I∣sland

del Gallo, at E.N.E. being distant about eight Leagues, gave us this appearance.

[illustration]

GALLO, Another Prospect thereof.

The point of Mangroves is a low and level point, run∣ning out S. S. W. This day, and the night before it, we lost by our computation three Leagues of our way.* 1.6 Which I believe hapned, by reason we stood out too far from the Land, as having stood off all night long.

August the first, which was Sunday, we had a very fresh wind at W. S. W. This was joyned also with several small showers of rain which fell that day. In the mean while we got pretty well to windward with it, by making small trips to and fro; which we performed most commonly, by standing in three glasses, and as many out.

The next day, August the second in the morning,* 1.7 we came up unto the high-land of San Tiago, where beginneth the high-land of this Coast. We kept at the distance of ten Leagues from it, and making continual short trips, as was mentioned before. The next day likewise we continued to do the same. But the weather was cloudy, and for the most part full of rain.

Wednesday August the fourth,* 1.8 we continued still turn∣ing in the winds eye, as we had done for two days before. This day in the afternoon we discovered three Hills at E. N. E. of our ship. These Hills make the Land of San Matteo, which giveth this following appearance.

[illustration]

San MATTEO.

* 1.9All the Coast along hereabouts is high land. That eve∣ning also we saw the Cape of San Francisco. At first this Cape appeared like unto two several Islands. But two hours after, at the distance of twelve Leagues, at S. by W. it looked thus.

[illustration]

Cape of San FRANCISCO.

Thursday August the fifth, we being then about the Cape, it looked very like unto Beachy-head in England. It is full of white Cliffs on all sides. The land turneth off here to the Eastward of the South, and maketh a large and deep Bay, the circumference whereof is full of pleasant Hills. In the bite of the Bay are two high and rocky Islands, the which represent exactly two ships with their Sails full. We were now come out of the rainy Countreys, into a plea∣sant and fair Region, where we had for the most part a clear sky, and dry weather. Only now and then we could here find a small mist, which soon would vanish away. In the mean while, every night a great dew used to fall, which supplied the defect of rain.

The two next days following, we continued plying to

windward with fair weather, nothing else remarkable hapning in them which might deserve any notice to be ta∣ken thereof.

On Sunday August the eighth, we came close under a wild and mountainous Country. This day likewise we saw Cape Passao,* 1.10 at the distance of ten Leagues more or less to windward of us. Ever since we came on this side Man∣grove point, we observed a windward Current did run all along as we sailed. Under shoar the Land is full of white Cliffs and Groves; lower towards the pitch of the Cape.

The next day we had both a fair day, and a fresh wind to help us on our Voyage. We observed that Cape Passao maketh three points, between which are two Bays. The Leeward-most of the two, is of the length of three Leagues, and the other of four. Adjoyning to the Bays is seen a pleasant valley. Our prisoners informed us, that North∣ward of these Capes live certain Indians, who sell Maiz, and other Provisions to any ships that happen to come in there. The Cape it self is a continued Cliff, covered with several sorts of shrubs and low bushes. Under these Cliffs lyeth a sandy Bay of the depth of forty feet. The Spa∣niards say, that the wind is always here between the S.S.W. and W.S.W. The Cape representeth with much likely∣ness the brow of an Alligator or Cayman. At South Cape Passao appeareth thus.

[illustration]

Cape PASSAO. Lat. 1.30. S.

Tuesday August the Tenth. This morning the sky was so thick and hasey, that we could not see the high-land;

though it were just before us, and not altogether two Leagues distant from us. But as soon as it cleared up, we stood in towards the Land, until we came within a mile of the shoar. Here having sounded, we found seven fathom and a half water, under which was a light and clayey ground. The Coast all along is very mountainous, and likewise full of high and towring Cliffs. When we soun∣ded, the Tyde was almost at low-water. Here it ebbeth and floweth nigh four fathom perpendicular. From this Cape the land runneth along S. E. for the space of three or four Leagues, with huge high-land Cliffs, like unto those of Callis over against England. Being past this Cape, high-land South from us, is Cape St. Lawrence.

August the 11th, we found our selves N. N. W. from Monte de Christo,* 1.11 being a very high and round hill. From thence to windward is seen a very pleasant Country, with spots here and there of woody land; which causeth the Country all over to look like so many enclosures of ripe Corn fields. To Leeward of the said Hill, the Land is all high and hilly, with white Cliffs at the sea-side. The Coast runneth S. W. till it reacheth unto a point of Land, within which is the Port of Manta, as it is called. This Port of Manta,* 1.12 is nothing else than a settlement of Spa∣niards and Indians together, where ships that want Provi∣sions do call in, and are furnished with several necessaries. About six or seven Leagues to windward of this Port is Cape St. Lawrence, butting out into the Sea, being in form like unto the top of a Church. Monte de Christo giveth this appearance at Sea.

[illustration]

Monte de CHRISTO. Lat. 50. S.

The Cape riseth higher and higher from the Port of Manta.* 1.13 As we sailed along we saw multitudes of Gram∣pusses every day; as also Water-Snakes of divers colours. Both the Spaniards, and Indians too are very fearful of these Snakes, as believing there is no cure for their bitings. At the distance of eight Leagues, or thereabouts, to Leeward of Cape St. Laurence, it appeareth thus.

[illustration]

Cape St. LAVRENCE. Lat. 55. S.

This day before night we came within sight of Manta. Here we saw the Houses of the Town belonging to the Port, which were not above twenty or thirty Indian houses, lying under the windward and the Mount. We were not willing to be descryed by the Inhabitants of the said place, and hereupon we stood off to sea again.

On Thursday August the 12th, in the morning, we saw the Island of Plate at S. W. at the distance of five Leagues more or less. It appeared unto us to be an even land.* 1.14 Ha∣ving made this Island, we resolved to go thither and resit our rigging, and get some Goats which there run wild up

and down the Country. For as was said before, at this time we had no other provision than flour and water. The Island it self is indifferent high land, and off at sea, looketh thus, as is here described.

[illustration]

Isle of PLATE. Lat. 2.42. S.

But the high-land of Cape Passao, of which we have spo∣ken before,* 1.15 at the distance of fifteen Leagues to North, giveth in several hamocks this appearance.

[illustration]

High-land of Cape PASSAO.

* 1.16The Land of Cape Lorenzo is all white Cliffs; the head of the Cape running N. and S. This day several great Whales came up to us, and dived under our ship. One of these Whales followed our ship, from two in the afternoon till dark night.

* 1.17The next morning very early, about six of the clock, we came under the aforesaid Isle of Plate, and here unex∣pectedly, to our great joy, we found at anchor the ship of Captain Cox, with his whole company, whom we had lost at sea for the space of a whole fortnight before. We found they had reached this Island, and had been there at an an∣chor four days before us, being now just ready to depart from th••nce. About seven we came to an anchor, and then the other vessel sent us a live Tortoise, and a Goat, to feast upon that day; telling us withal, of great store of Tortoise to be found ashoar upon the Bays; and of much

fish to be caught hereabouts.* 1.18 The Island is very steep on all sides; insomuch, that there is no landing, but only on the N. E. side thereof; where is a Gully, nigh unto which we anchored in twelve fathom water. Here at the di∣stance of a furlong, or little more from the shoar, as you go to land, you will see on the left side hill a Cross still standing, being there erected in former times. No Trees are to be found on the whole Island, but only low shrubs, on which the Goats feed; which Cattle is here very nu∣merous. The shoar is bold and hard; neither is there any water to be found upon it, excepting only on the S. W. side of the Island, where likewise it cannot be come at, as lying so much enclosed by the Rocks, and too great a Sea hindring the approach unto it in boats.

This Island received it's name from Sir Francis Drake,* 1.19 and his famous Actions. For here it is reported by tradi∣tion, that he made the dividend, or sharing of that vast quantity of Plate, which he took in the Armada of this Sea, distributing it unto each man of his company by whole bowles full. The Spaniards affirm unto this day, he took at that time twelve score Tuns of Plate, and six∣teen Bowles of Coyned Money a man; his number being then forty five men in all. Insomuch, that they were for∣ced to heave much of it over board, because his ship could not carry it all. Hence was this Island called by the Spa∣niards themselves the Isle of Plate, from this great Divi∣dend, and by us Drakes Isle.

All along as we sailed,* 1.20 we found the Spanish Pilots to be very ignorant of the Coasts. But they plead thus much for their ignorance, that the Merchants their employers, either of Mexico, Lima, Panama, or other parts, will not entrust one penny worth of Goods on that mans Vessel that corketh her, for fear lest she should miscarry. Here our Prisoners told us likewise, that in the time of Oliver Cromwel, or the Common-wealth of England,* 1.21 a certain ship was fitted out of Lima, with seventy brass Guns, ha∣ving on board her no less th••n thirty Millions of Dollers,

or pieces of Eight. All which vast sum of money was given by the Merchants of Lima, and sent as a Present unto our gracious King or rather his Father) who now reigneth, to supply him in his Exile and distress. But that this great and rich ship was lost by keeping the shoar along in the Bay of Manta above-mentioned, or thereabouts. What truth there may be in this History, I cannot easily tell. At least, it seemeth to me as scarce deserving any credit.

* 1.22At this Island we took out of Mr. Cox's ship the old Moor, (for of that Nation he was) who pretended he would be our Pilot unto Arica. This was done, lest we should have the misfortune of loosing the company of Cox's ves∣sel, as we had done before, our ship being the biggest in burthen, and having the greatest number of men. Captain Peralta admired oftentimes that we were gotten so far to windward in so little space of time; whereas they had been, he said, many times three or four months in reaching to this distance from our departure. But their long and te∣dious Voyages, he added, were occasioned by their keep∣ing at too great a distance from the shoar. Moreover, he told us, that had we gone unto the Islands of Galapagos, as we were once determined to do, we had met in that Voy∣age with many Calms, and such Currents, that many ships have by them been lost, and never heard of to this day. This Island of Plate is about two Leagues in length, and very full of both deep and dangerous Bays, as also such as we call Gully's in these parts. The circumference and description of the said Island is exactly thus.

[illustration]

S^•. Fran: Drakes Isle or Isla de la Plata

* 1.23We caught at this Island, and salted good number of Goats and Tortoises. One man standing here on a little Bay, in one day turned seventeen Tortoises; besides which number our Mosquito strikers brought us in several more. Captain Sharp our Commander shewed himself very in∣genious in striking them, he performing it as well as the Tortoise strikers themselves. For these creatures here are so little fearful, that they offer not to sink from the fisher∣men, but lye still until such time as they are struck. But we experimented that the Tortoises on this side, were not so large nor so sweet unto the tast, as those on the North side of the Island. Of Goats we have taken, killed, and salted above a hundred in a day, and that without any la∣bour. In the mean while we stayed here, we made a square main top-sail yard. We cut also six foot of our bolt-sprit, and three foot more of our head. Most of the time that we remained here, we had hasey weather. Only now and then the Sun would happen to break out, and then to shine so hot, that it burnt the skin of the necks of several of our men. As for me, my lips were burnt in such manner, that they were not well in a whole week after.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈…〉〈…〉 Gorgona.
• * 1.2

  A deep Coast.
• * 1.3

  They loose one another.
• * 1.4

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 del Gal∣l••.
• * 1.5

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.6

  They loose wa••▪
• * 1.7

  Land of San Tiago.
• * 1.8

  Land of San Matteo.
• * 1.9

  Cape St. Fran∣cis.
• * 1.10

  Cabo Passao.
• * 1.11

  Monte de Christo.
• * 1.12

  Port of Manta
• * 1.13

  Water-Snakes and 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.14

  Isle of Palte.
• * 1.15

  Cape Passao.
• * 1.16

  C. St. Law∣rence.
• * 1.17

  〈…〉〈…〉 Cap∣tain Cox, 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.18

  Description of the Isle of Plate
• * 1.19

  Sir Fr. Drake,
• * 1.20

  Spanish Pilot•• their igno∣rance.
• * 1.21

  A ship with money sent to King Cha•••••• the Second▪
• * 1.22

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.23

  Great number of Tortoises and G••ats.