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. XIV. The Bucaniers depart from the Port of Hilo, and sail unto that of Coquimbo. They are descry∣ed before their arrival. Notwithstanding they land: are encountred by the Spaniards, and put them to flight. They take, plunder, and fire the City of la Serena. A description thereof. A Stratagem of the Spaniards in endeavouring to fire their ship, discovered and prevented. They are deceived again by the Spaniards, and forced to retire from Coquimbo, without any Ransom for the City, or considerable pillage. They re∣lease several of their chiefest Prisoners.

THe next morning (being Wednesday November the th••rd,* 1.1 1680) about seven of the clock we set sail from Hilo, standing directly off to Sea, with a small land-wind.

[illustration]

A Description of Hilo

Upon the shoar we could not discover this morn∣ing, above fifty men of our Enemies Forces, which caused us to suspect the rest were run away from their Colours, and had deserted in the dark of the night. If this were so, we were equally afraid of each other, and as we quitted the Land, being jealous of their multitudes, so they aban∣doned their stations for fear of our Encounters. All the while we lay in the Port of Hilo, we had a fresh wind but now being come out from thence, we found it was almost stark calme. Hereabouts runneth a great Sea all along this Coast, as we experimented at Arica; insomuch, that there is no landing except under the favour of some Rock or other.

November the fourth in the morning, we saw the Port of Hilo at E.N.E. at the distance of nine Leagues,* 1.2 more or less from the Land. The white sand giveth a bright re∣flection over the land; the which we could see after we had lost the sight of the land it self.

The next day unto this, we had an indifferent fresh wind at S.S.E. We reckoned a S. W. half west way, and by it, that we had made twenty Leagues. The day was very fair and sun-shiny, and the sea very smooth

November the 6th, we had a clear night the last past, and the day proved very fair and clear, like unto the former. We reckoned by a S. W. by W. way, about twenty one leagues. In the afternoon it was almost stark calme.

On the following day we had in like manner very little wind, no more than the last twenty four hours.* 1.3 We were now about this time many of us very much troubled and diseased with the Survey. It proceeded as we judged, from the great hardship and want of Provisions which we had endured for several Months past, as having had only bread and water, as was mentioned above. Only at Hilo we killed a Mule,* 1.4 which gave unto those who would eat of the flesh, a very good meal, as we esteemed it, the Spani∣ards having swept away with them all other provisions of flesh. But there we had plundered some small quantity of

good Chocolate,* 1.5 whereof the Spaniards make infinite use. So that now we had each morning a dish of that pleasant liquor, containing almost a pint.

Next day likewise we had very little wind, as before. We made an observation this day, and found Lat. 20. d. 05. South.

November the Ninth we had still very little wind, and that variable. We took almost every hour an observation, and found our selves to be in the Lat. of 20 d. 18. South.

The 10th we had in like manner but little wind, as for so many days before. We observed an E.S.E. current, or nearest unto it, to run hereabouts. This day we saw the homing of a very high land, which much admired us, for at this time I conceived we could not be less than thirty five or forty leagues distant from land.* 1.6 We supposed it to be Mora Tarapaca. That day we set up our shrouds.

Upon the 11th an indifferent gale of wind sprang up at S. W. by S. by which we made twenty five Leagues,* 1.7 and one third. We had now a great S.S.W. sea. In the night the wind as we experimented, came one or two points from the land. This morning we saw the like homing of land, whereby we were made sensible it was no land, that which we had seen the day before.

On the 12th we had several mists of rain, with windy weather. We made by a S. S. W. half S. way, twenty five leagues and one third. We had likewise a great and row∣ling S. S. W. sea, as the day before.

The 13th of the said Month, we had both cloudy and misty weather. We made a S. S. W. and one quarter S. way; by which we ran fifty leagues.

But the next day, fair and clear weather came about a∣gain. We had likewise an ••••sie gale of wind, by which we made a S. W. way, and advanced twenty two leagues and an half.

On the 15th of November, we had also clear weather, and an indifferent gale of wind. Our way was S. W. by W. by which we reckoned eighteen leagues. Likewise that our

Westing from Hilo, from whence we set forth, was one hundred and fourteen leagues, and one third. Our lati∣tude by observation we found to be 23 D. 25 S.* 1.8 I to••k now the Declination-Table used and made by the Cosmo∣grapher of Lima.

Tuesday, November the 16th. In the night last past, we had a shower or two of rain. This day we made an observation, by which we found Lat. 23 D. 35 S.

The 17th we made a S. W. by W. half S. way. By ob∣servation we found Lat. 23 D. 46 S. with very little wind.

The 18th, upon a S. W. by W. way, we made twenty one leagues. By observation we found Lat. 24 D. 20 South.

Friday, Nov. the 19th, 1680. This morning, about an hour before day, we observ'd a Comet to appear,* 1.9 a degree N. from the bright in Libra. The body thereof seemed dull; and its tail extended it self eighteen or twenty degrees in length, being of a pale colour, and pointing directly N. N. W. Our prisoners hereupon reported unto us,* 1.10 that the Spaniards had seen very strange sights▪ both at Lima, the capital City of Peru, Guayaquil, and other places, much a∣bout the time of ••ur coming into the South Seas. I reckoned this day we had ran twenty leagues by a S. W. way.

The following day, unto the appearance of the Comet, we had many storms of wind at S.S.E. and at E. S. E.* 1.11 Our reckoning by a S. W. by W. way, was twenty two leagues.

Sunday, November the 21th, we had likewise many gusts of wind, such as the day before, with frequent showers of rain. The wind varyed to and fro, according as the Clouds drew it here and there. We reckoned a S. S. W. way, and by it twenty one leagues and a half. In all. West from Hilo, we judged our selves to be one hundred seven∣ty eight leagues and two thirds. We had this day a great S. W. Sea, and cloudy weather. I supposed our Latitude to be 26 D. 53 S.

November the 22d we had in like manner cloudy weather, and now but little wind. We reckoned a S. way, and fifty one leagues.

The 23d we had very little wind, all the storm, after the appearance of the Comet,* 1.12 being now quite allayed. We reckoned we had made a S. E. by E. way; and found our latitude, by observation, to bare 27 D. 46 S.

Wednesday, November the 24th. All the twenty four hours last past, we had a N. W. wind. Our way was S E. half S. by which we reckoned thirty one leagues and one third.

The 25th. Last night the wind blew at W. S. W. but this morning it came about again at N. W. as the day be∣fore. Our reckoning this day was a S. E. and one quarter E. way, twenty nine leagues and one third Our Latitude now, by observation made this day, was 39 D. 57 S. Our difference of Merid. 13 5⅓.

November the 26th. In the night the wind started to S. S. W. But this day at noon we had little better than a calm. I reckoned an E.S.E. half E. way, and by it twenty three leagues.

Saturday the 27th. Yesterday in the evening the wind came to S. I reckoned an East, and something Southerly way, and by that, twenty three leagues, as the day before this.

November the 28th. All the twenty four hours last past we enjoyed a fresh wind at S. S E. having a high S. W. sea. Our reckoning was an E. by N. and half N. way, and with∣al twenty four leagues. By observation, we found Lat. 30 D. 16 S. and Meridian distance eighty eight leagues. At noon the wind came at S. half E.

On the 29th we had a very great S. W. sea; and with∣al cloudy weather. My reckoning was by an E. one third S. way, twenty leagues and one third. This day we hap∣ned to see two or three great fowls flying in the air.* 1.13 Con∣cerning which our Pilot told us, that they used to appear seventy or eighty leagues off from the Island, called of Juan

Fernandez. The day before this, Captain Peralta our pri∣soner, was taken very much frantick,* 1.14 his distemper being occasioned, as we thought, through too much hardship and melancholy. Notwithstanding, this present day he became indifferent well again.

The following day we had likewise cloudy weather. We made, according to our account, an E. half N. way, and by it sixteen leagues and two thirds. Our Meridian difference fifty two leagues.

The first of December we had hasey weather, and with∣al an indifferent good wind at S. yea, sometimes S. by W. Our way was E. by S. by which we reckoned twenty two leagues. The night before this day, we sailed over white water like banks, of a mile in length, or more. But these banks, upon examination,* 1.15 we found to be onely great shoals of Anchovas.

On December the second, very early in the morning, we espied Land,* 1.16 the which appeared to be very high About noon this day we were at six leagues distance from it. All the preceding night we had so much wind, that we were forced to make use only of a pair of courses. By an ob∣servation made this day, we found Lat. 30. d. 35. South. We went away largely, driving better than nine leagues every watch. With this wind we made all the Sail we possi∣bly could, designing by this means to get into Coquimbo,* 1.17 upon which Coast we now were before night. But the wind was so high, that sometimes we were forced to lower all our sail, it blowing now a meer fret of wind. Towards the evening it abated by degrees; insomuch, that at mid∣night it was stark calme ag••••••. At that time we hoisted out our Lanch and Canoas, and putting into them one hundred men, we rowed away from the ship, with design to take by surprizal a considerable City, situated nigh un∣to the Coast, called by the Spaniards, la Ciudad de la Se∣rena.

Friday December the third, 1680. when we departed from the ship,* 1.18 we had above two leagues, more or less, to row unto the shoar. But as it hapned, the Lanch (wherein I was) rowed so heavy, in comparison to the Canoas, that we could not keep pace with the said Boats. For this rea∣son▪ and no other, it was broad day before we got unto a certain Store-house, situate upon the shoar; the which we found our men had passed by in the dark of the night, without perceiving it. They being landed, immediately marched away from their Canoas, towards the City afore∣mentioned of la Serena. But they had not proceeded far on their march, when they found, to the great sorrow and chagrin of us all, that we were timely discovered here al∣so, as we had been at the other two places before, to wit, Arica and Hilo. For as they marched in a body together, being but thirty five men in all, who were all those that were landed out of the Canoas, they were suddainly en∣countred and engaged by a whole Troop of an hundred Spanish horse. We that were behind hearing the noise of the dispute,* 1.19 followed them at their heels, and made all the hast we possibly could to come up to their relief. But before we could reach the place of the Battle, they had al∣ready routed the Spaniards, and forced them to fly away towards the Town.

Notwithstanding this rout given unto the horse, they rallyed again,* 1.20 at the distance of about a mile from that place, and seemed as if they did wait for us, and would engage us anew. But as soon as all our Forces were come together, whereof we could make but fourscore and eight men in all, the rest being left behind to guard the Boats, we marched towards them and offered them Battle. As we came nigh unto them we clearly found they design∣ed no such thing; for they instantly retired and rid away before us, keeping out of the reach of our guns. We fol∣lowed them as they rid, being led by them designedly clear out of the road that went unto the Town, that we might not reach nor find it so soon. In this engagement

with the horse, our company had killed three of their chie∣fest men, and wounded four more; killing also four of their horses. When we found that we had been led by this stratagem of the enemy, out of the way of the Town, we left the Bay, and crossed over the green fields to find it; wading oftentimes over several branches of water, which there serve to enclose each plot of ground. Upon this march we came unto several houses, but found them all empty, and swept clean both of inhabitants and provisi∣ons. We saw likewise several horses and other heads of cattel in the fields, as we went along towards the City. This place of la Serena,* 1.21 our Pilot had reported unto us to be but a small Town; but being arrived there, we found in it no fewer than seven great Churches and one Chappel belonging thereunto. Four of these Churches were Mo∣nasteries or Convents, and each Church had its Organs for the performance of Divine Service. Several of the houses had their Orchards of Fruit, and Gardens, belong∣ing unto them; both Houses and Gardens being as well and as neatly furnished, as those in England. In these Gar∣dens we found Strawberries as big as Walnuts,* 1.22 and those verg delicious to the taste. In a word, every thing in this City of la Serena, was most excellent and delicate, and far beyond what we could expect in so remote a place. The Town was inhabited by all sorts of Tradesmen, and be∣sides them, had its Merchants, some of which were accoun∣ted to be very rich.

The Inhabitants of la Serena, upon our approach and dis∣covery, were all fled,* 1.23 carrying with them whatsoever was most precious of their goods and jewels, or less cumbersome unto them. Much of their valuable things they had like∣wise concealed or buryed, as having had time since we were first discovered, so to do. Besides that they had had fore∣warning enough how to beware of us, sent them over land from Arica, and several other places where we had landed or been descryed at Sea. Notwithstanding, we took in the Town one Fryer, and two Chileno's, or Spaniards natives

of the Kingdom of Chile, which adjoyneth unto that of Peru, towards the Streight of Magallanes. These Priso∣ners related unto us, that the Spaniards, when they heard of our coming, had killed most of their Chilean slaves, fea∣ring lest they should run or revolt from them unto us. Moreover, that we had been descryed from their Coasts four days before our arrival, or descent upon land; all the which time they had employed in carrying away their Plate and Goods.* 1.24 Unto this information they added, that for their defence they had received a supply of sixty men from Arica. Having taken possession of the Town, that evening there came a Negro unto us, running away from the Spaniards. He likewise informed us, that when we were before Panama, we had taken a Negro, who was e∣steemed to be the best Pilot in all the South-sea; but more especially for this place, and all the Coasts of Coquimbo. Moreover, that if the Spaniards had not sent all the Ne∣gro's belonging unto this City farther up into the Coun∣try, out of our reach and communication, they would all undoubtedly have revolted unto us.

That night about midnight our Boatswain, being accom∣panied by forty men,* 1.25 and having a Chilean for their guide, went out of the Town some miles within the Country, with design to find out the places where the Spaniards lay concealed, and had hid their goods and plate. But before they came, the Spaniards had received intelligence thereof from some secret spies they had in the Town, and both the men and their women were all fled to places that were more occult and remote. So that by this search, they on∣ly found an old Indian woman and three children; but no gold nor plate, nor yet any other prisoners. This morn∣ing our ship came to an anchor, by the Store-house above-mentioned, named Tortuga, at the distance of a furlong from shoar, in the depth of seven fathom water. Mean while we were quartered in the Town, I took this follow∣••••g ground-plat thereof.

[illustration]

The City of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Serena. Altitude 30. d. 00. South.

The next morning, being Saturday, December the 4th, came into the Town a flag of Truce from the Enemy.* 1.26 Their message was to proffer a ransom for the Town to preserve it from burning; for now they began to fear we would set fire unto it, as having found no considerable booty nor pillage therein. The Captains, or chief Com∣manders of both sides, met about this point, and agreed betwixt them for the sum of 95000 pieces of eight to be the price of the whole ransom.* 1.27 In the afternoon of this day, I was sent down unto the Bay of Coquimbo, with a party of twenty men, to carry thither both goods taken in the Town, and provisions for the ship. It is two leagues and a half from the Town unto the Port; one league on the Bay, the rest being a very great road, which leadeth from the Bay unto the City. The Spaniards promised that the Ransom should be collected and paid in by the next day. This day also there dyed one of our Negro slaves on board the ship.

The following day in the morning, I returned back unto the Town, with the men I had brought down the day be∣fore. Onely six of them I left behind, to look after our Canoa's at the end of the Bay. When I came up into the City,* 1.28 I found that the Spaniards had broken their promise, and had not brought in the Ransom they had agreed for; but had begged more time until to morrow at eight in the forenoon. This evening another party of our men went down unto the ship, to carry goods, such as we had pillaged in the Town. Moreover, that night about nine of the clock,* 1.29 hapned an Earthquake, the which we were very sensible of, as we were all together in the Church of San Juan, where our chief rendezvous and Corps du garde was kept. In the night the Spaniards opened a sluyce, and let the water run in streams about the Town, with intent ei∣ther to overflow it, and thereby force us out of the place, or at least that they might the easier quench the flame, in case we should fire the Town.

On the next morning we set fire to the Town, percei∣ving it to be overflown,* 1.30 and that the Spaniards had not performed, or rather that they never designed to perform their promise. We fired, as nigh as we could, every house in the whole Town, to the intent it might be totally re∣duced into ashes. Thus we departed from la Serena, car∣rying with us what plunder we could find, having sent two parties before loaded with goods unto the ship, as was men∣tioned above. As we marched down unto the Bay, we beat up an Ambuscade of two hundred and fifty horse,* 1.31 which lay by the way in private, with an intent to fall on our men, in case we had sent down any other party again with goods unto the ship. When we came to the Sea-side, being half way unto our ship, we received advice that the Spaniards had endeavoured, by an unusual stratagem,* 1.32 to burn our ship, and by these means destroy us all. They acted thus: They up blew a horses hide like unto a bladder, and upon this float a man ventured to swim from shoar, and come under the stern of our ship. Being arrived there, he crammed Okeham and Brimstone, and other combusti∣ble matter, between the Rudder and the Stern-post. Having done this, he fired it with a match, so that in a small time our Rudder was on fire, and all the ship in a smoak. Our men both alarmed and amazed with this smoak, ran up and down the ship, suspecting the prisoners to have fired the vessel, thereby to get their liberty and seek our destructi∣on. At last they found it out where the fire was, and had the good fortune to quench it, before its going too far. As∣soon as they had put it out, they sent the boat ashoar, and found both the hide afore-mentioned, and the match bur∣ning at both ends, whereby they came acquainted with the whole matter. When we came unto the Store-house on the shoar-side, we set at liberty the Fryar our prisoner, and another Gentleman who was become our Hostage for the performance of the Ransom. Moreover,* 1.33 when we came a∣board, we sent away and set at liberty Captain Peralta, Don Thomas de Argandona, Don Baltazar, Don Christoval,

Captain Juan, the Pilots Mate, the old Moor, and several o∣thers of our chiefest prisoners. Unto this releasment of our prisoners we were moved, partly because we knew not well what to do with them, and partly because we feared lest by the example of this stratagem▪ they should plot our destruction in earnest, and by the help of so many men, e∣specially persons of Quality, be able to go through it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.2

  A great re∣flection.
• * 1.3

  They are trou∣bled with the Survey.
• * 1.4

  At Hilo they eat a Mule.
• * 1.5

  Chocolate.
• * 1.6

  They descry land.
• * 1.7

  B••t are d••c••i∣••ed.
• * 1.8

  The Table of Lima used by the Author.
• * 1.9

  A Comet seen.
• * 1.10

  Strange sights seen in the A••.
• * 1.11

  What followed the Comet.
• * 1.12

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.13

  Great fowls.
• * 1.14

  Captain Peral∣ta taken fran∣tick.
• * 1.15

  Huge shoals of Anchovas.
• * 1.16

  They s••e land.
• * 1.17

  Bay of Co¦quimbo.
• * 1.18

  They land and take the City of la Serena.
• * 1.19

  They rout the Spanish horse.
• * 1.20

  A Stratagem of the Enemy.
• * 1.21

  La Serena a considerable City.
• * 1.22

  Huge Straw∣berries.
• * 1.23

  The Inhabi∣tants all fled.
• * 1.24

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.25

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.26

  A flag of Truce from the Enem∣my.
• * 1.27

  95000 pieces of eight pro∣mised.
• * 1.28

  The Enemy breaketh his promise.
• * 1.29

  An Earth∣quake.
• * 1.30

  They fire the Town.
• * 1.31

  An Ambuscade of the Enemy.
• * 1.32

  A stratagem discovered.
• * 1.33

  They set at li∣berty their chief prisoners▪