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. XXV. The Bucaniers continue their Navigation, without seeing any Land, till they arrive at the Caribby Islands in the West Indies. They give away their Ship to some of their Companions that were poor; and disperce for several Countrys. The Author of this Journal arriveth in England.

DEcember the 20th, 1681. The night before this day was something cloudy, but the weather was fair and the wind but little. At noon the wind came a∣bout N. by E. our course being W. N. W. We made a N. N. W. way, and thereby as I reckoned twenty two leagues. By an observation made we took Lat. 27 D. 25 S. The evening of this day was cloudy, and now and then there fell a shower of rain.

December the 21st. At eight of the clock last night, the wind came N. W. by N. but withal, with such dark weather, that we were forced to take in our top-sails. The night was something rainy, and the weather, this mor∣ning calm and rainy. About ten we had a small breeze at N. W. We reckoned a N. by E. way, and by the same six∣teen leagues. The afternoon of this day was calm and still.

December the 22d. We had a fair and clear night the last past, which produced this day a smooth sea, and ex∣tream hot weather, and very little wind near the Sun; so that no observation was made.* 1.1

December the 23d. The night was very fair. At mid∣night or thereabouts, a fresh gale sprang up at S. E. and E. S. E. which sometime was E. This freshned by degrees. We had in the day very hot and clear weather. By a N. way I reckoned fifteen leagues.

December the 24. Last night we had both a fresh gale, and a clear night. The wind was at E. by S. We reckoned a N. E. by E. way, and by it thirty one leagues.

Sunday, December the 25th. This day being Christ∣mas-day,* 1.2 for celebration of that great festival, we killed yesterday in the evening a sow. This sow we had brought from the Gulf of Nicoya, being then a sucking pig of three weeks old, more or less, but now weighed about four∣score and ten pound.* 1.3 With this hogs-flesh we made our Christmas-dinner, being the onely flesh we had eaten ever since we turned away our prizes under the Aequinoctial, and left the Island of Plata. We had this day several flaws of wind, and some rain; but the weather otherwise was pretty clear. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and thirty three leagues by the same. It was now also extream hot wea∣ther, as we signified before.

December the 26th. We had this day several gusts of wind, which forced us to stand by our top-sails. Yet were they but very short, and all the rest of the while we enjoyed an indifferent fresh gale at E. and E. by S. We reckoned a N. by E. way, and twenty eight leagues.

December the 27th. We had fair weather, and a fresh wind at E. and E. by S. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and upon the same thirty two leagues. The evening of this day was cloudy.

December the 28. Last night was cloudy with a fresh w••nd. We reckoned a N. E. way, and by the same forty six leagues. We found by an observation made Lat. 15

D. 30 S. My whole Easting I reckoned this day to be eight hundred and twenty five leagues. Now we saw much flying-fish, with some Dolphins, Bonito's,* 1.4 and Albi∣cores; but they will not take the hook.

December the 29th. All last night was cloudy, with a fresh wind between E. and E. S. E. The weather all the afternoon was hasey. I reckoned a N. by E. way, and hereupon forty leagues and one third. In the afternoon we had a S. E. by E. wind, which blew very fresh. The evening was clear.* 1.5 At Sunset I found variation to N. W. 04 D. 19.

December the 30th. The night past was cloudy. To∣wards morning the wind came about at E. At six it came E. S. E. and at ten to S. E. by S. We made a N. by E. way, and forty three leagues. By observation we found Lat. 11 D. 03 S. The evening of this day was clear.

December the 31st. We had a cloudy night the last past, but the morning was hasey. We came now, to a strict allowance of onely three good pints of water each day. We made a N. by E. way, and found Lat. by obser∣vation 08 D. 55 S. In the afternoon we had an E. S. E. and S. E. by E. wind. My whole Easting I reckoned now to be eight hundred eighty four leagues and one third. At noon we stood away N. W.

Sunday, January the first 1681. All the night past was cloudy, as this day also with some showers of rain. We made a N. W. one eight N. way, and forty leagues. In the afternoon came about a fresh wind at S. E. and E. S. E.

January the 2d. The weather this day was both dull and cloudy. We reckoned a N. W. one quarter N. way, and by the same thirty two leagues. By observation we found, that our Lat. now was 06 D. 06 S. The wind came pretty fresh at S. E.

January the 3d. We had several squalls of wind, and some rain. But, withal a fresh wind at S. E. and E. S. E. Our reckoning was a N. W. one quarter N. way, and thir∣ty

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four leagues. The afternoon was clear, but the e∣vening cloudy.

January the 4th. All the night past was very cloudy; but this forenoon it cleared up. Yesterday we put a∣broad our main-top-sail, studden-sails; but took them in at night. At four this morning we set our larboard stud∣den-sail, and before noon fitted up top-gallant masts, and yard. We made a N. W. way, and by it forty leagues and two thirds. By observation we had now Lat. 03 D. 09 S. This afternoon also, we set our top-gallant-sail, being forced to make out all its running rigging. The wind was pretty fresh at S. E. and S. E. by E.

January the 5th. Most part of the night past was clear, and star-light, though with some rain towards the morning. This being come, we put out our top-gallant-sail, and both our top-sail, studden-sails. At noon like∣wise, we put up our fore-top-gallant masts, and yard. We caught an Albicore,* 1.6 this day, weighing about one hun∣dred and twenty pound weight. The wind was at S. E. by S. and S. S. E. We made a N. W. way, and reckoned thereby thirty five leagues. By observation we found Lat. 02 D. 03 S. We had now mighty hot weather.

January the 6th. Yesterday in the evening we caught another Albicore which weighed onely eight or nine pound weight.* 1.7 We made a N. W. way, and reckon∣ed thirty five leagues, as before. Now by an observation made, we could perceive onely Lat. 00 D. 49 S. The e∣vening of this day was very clear.

January the 7th. The wind was variable between S. S. E. and S. S. W. though not altogether so fresh as before. Our reckoning was a N. W. one quarter N. way, and thirty six leagues by the same. This day an observation gave us Lat. 00 D. 32 N. of the Aequinoctial,* 1.8 which now we had passed again. In the afternoon of this day we caught another Albicore which weighed more than the first we took;* 1.9 that is, between one hundred thirty five, and one hundred and forty pound. But little wind stir∣ring this afternoon.

January the 8th. This evening last past, we had little better than a calm. At nine this morning, we had a fresh wind at S. S. E. with dark weather, so that we thought it convenient, to take in our main-top-sail. But, at noon we set it again, and also, our larboard top-studden-sail with both top-gallant sails. We made a N. W. way, and by it thirty four leagues. By an observation made we found Lat. 01 D. 55 N. We had now extream hot weather, and a very small allowance of water.

January the 9th. Last night we took in top-sails all night, the wind then whiffling between S. and W. points. We had nowithstanding, for the most part very little wind. The morning of this day was rainy, and thereupon, with good diligence, we saved a bompkin of water. There was now a great ripling sea, rising very high; and it is repor∣ted, that sometimes and somewhere hereabouts, is to be seen an enchanted Island; which others say, and dare assert,* 1.10 that they have sailed over. I reckoned a N. W. by N. one quarter N. way, and twenty five leagues. This afternoon we had very dark and calm weather, looking, as if we should have much rain. Now, reckoning up my meridi∣an I found my self E. from my departure, seven hundred and two leagues. In the evening we had very rainy wea∣ther and a cockling sea.

January the 10th. All the night past was cloudy. A∣bout midnight sprang up a small breeze varying all round the compass. At five this morning we had a breeze at S. E. and a very clear sky, which afterwards continued to freshen, with the same clearness as before. We made a N. W. by N. one quarter N. way, and by the same two leagues and two thirds. By a clear observation we had now Lat. 03 D. 16 N. At four this evening the wind was at E. S. E. the weather being violent hot; in so much, that our al∣lowance of water was tedious unto us for its shortness. At the same time we had an indifferent smooth sea from the E.

January the 11th. All the night past we had little or

no wind. But about two in the morning, the wind fresh∣ned again at E. N. E. and brought both a clear and hot day. We made twenty three leagues by a N. W. one quarter W. way. This days observation gave us Lat. 04 D. 06. N. In the afternoon we had a shower of rain; and afterward a fresh wind at E. N. E. But the evening grew dull.

January the 12th. In the night past we had two or three squalls of wind, and some showers of rain. In the mean while the wind blew fresh at N. E. and N. E. by E. as it also continued to do in the day. I reckoned a N. W. way, and forty four leagues and one third. Our observa∣tion this day gave us 05 D. 49 N. Yesterday and to day we set our main-top-sail. Now I could not finde much variation of the needle.* 1.11

January the 13th. We had a fresh gale all the last night, but more Northerly than before; for now it was N. E. by N. We reckoned a W. N. W. way, and thereupon — leagues and two thirds. An observation taken shewed us Lat. 06 D. 41 N. We had a N. N. E. sea and very clear weather.

January the 14th. We had a clear night the last, and a fresh wind at E. N. E. We made a N. W. one fifth W. way, and thirty eight leagues. By observation we found Lat. 07 D. 46 N. We had a smooth sea; and now we were come to onely three horns of water a day, which made in all but a quart allowance for each man. The e∣vening was clear,* 1.12 and we had a fresh wind.

Sunday, January the 15th. The night past was clear, and the wind fresh at E.N.E. and again at N.E. by E. very fresh. About eleven of the clock at night, dyed one of our companions,* 1.13 named William Stephens. It was com∣monly believed that he poysoned himself with Manzanil∣la in Golfo dulce, for he never had been in health since that time. This forenoon was cloudy. We reckoned forty four leagues and a N. W. way. An observation gave us this day 09 D. 18 N. All the last night we kept out our top-gallant-sail••. We saw hereabouts, many flying-fish being

very large in size. This morning also, we threw over board our dead man, and gave him two French volly's and one English one. I found now again very small variation.

January the 16th. We had a clear night, and a very fresh wind at N. E. and E. N. E. with a long homeing sea. My reckoning was a N. W. one seventh W. way, and there∣by forty eight leagues and one third. The observation made this day gave us Lat. 10 D. 48 N. I reckoned my self now, East from my departure five hundred fifty three leagues. We had a cloudy evening.

January the 17th. All the night past we enjoyed a fresh wind, and so this day also, at N. E. by N. We made a N. W. half W. way, and thereupon forty seven leagues and one third of a league. By observation we found Lat. 12 D. 19 N. We had now a long North sea. At noon this day we steered away N. N. W. The day was very hot, but the night both cool and dewy.

January the 18th. All the night past was both cloudy and windy. At six this morning our sprit-sail-top-mast broke. I reckoned a W. N. W. way, and forty eight leagues by the same. We found by observation Lat. 13 D. 12 N. At noon we steered away W. the wind being at N. E. fresh, with a clear evening.

January the 19th. We had a clear night the last, and a fresh wind at E. N. E. which sometimes came in pushes. Our reckoning was a W. half Southerly way, and by the same forty six leagues. We found by observation Lat. 13 D. 01 N. Yesterday in the evening we put up a new sprit-sail-top-mast; with a fine smooth gale at N. E. by E.

January the 20th. The night past was clear, and not very fresh; but at day-break it freshened again. Last night we saw a great shoal of fish; whereof we caught none, by reason the Porpusses frightened them from us, as they oft∣times had done before. Yesterday in the evening also, we saw a Man of War-Fowl,* 1.14 and that gave us good hopes we should er'e long see land. These hopes, and the great de∣sires we had to end our voyage; gave us occasion this day

to put in, or stake down, each man of our company a piece of eight for a reward unto him,* 1.15 that should first discover land. We reckoned a W. one sixth Northerly way, and by it thirty eight leagues. An observation gave us this day Lat. 13 D. 11 N. The wind was at N. E. and E. N. E. This day we passed over many riplings, and also saw many multitudes of fish;* 1.16 but the Porpusses did always hinder us of having any good of them.

On January the 21st. We made a W. way, and reckon∣ed forty seven leagues. By observation we found Lat. 13 D. 07 N. The wind was at E. N. E. and from thence came a long sea. The evening was very clear.

January the 22d. We had a fair and a clear day, the wind being at E. We reckoned a W. by N. one third W. way, and forty leagues. An observation shewed us Lat. 13 D. 17 N. We had a clear evening, and a fresh wind at E. N. E.

January the 23d. This day was both clear and hot, with a fresh wind at E. N. E. My reckoning was a W. way, and forty six leagues. Our observation made this day afforded us Lat. 13 D. 15 N. In the evening we had some rain.

January the 24th. This day brought us likewise clear weather, such as the day before. I reckoned a W. way, and forty leagues and one third. By observation we found Lat. 13 D. 12. N. The afternoon was cloudy, and had some rain, the wind freshning at E.N.E. and at E. by N. I reckoned now, that I was East from my departure three hundred and eleven leagues. We had a cloudy evening.

January the 25th. Both last night and this morning the weather was cloudy. This morning we saw several Tropick-birds of divers sorts.* 1.17 Our reckoning was a W. three quarters N. way, and forty three leagues. We found by observation Lat. 13 D. 29 N. This afternoon we saw a Booby flying close aboard the Horison.* 1.18 The weather was hasey.* 1.19 But now we began to look out sharp on all sides for land, expecting to see it every minute. I reckon∣ed

my self to be Eastward of my departure two hundred sixty eight leagues.

January the 26th. The night last past was indifferent clear. Yet notwithstanding, this morning we had a smart shower of rain, and it was very windy. Hereupon we furled our sprit sail, the weather being very hasey to the Westward. We reckoned a W. way, and thereby forty six leagues and one third. By observation taken we found Lat. 13 D. 17. N. At noon this day, we had a very fierce Tornado, and rain together; but withal, a clear af∣ternoon. We had a high E N. E. sea;* 1.20 and saw multi∣tudes of flying-fish, also several fowls, and amongst these, two or three Booby's. The evening was hasey.

January the 27th. All night past we had a fresh wind, and clear weather. This morning our fore-top-mast back-stay gave way, and at day-break, the star-board-sheet of our fore-top-sail brake. We had several Tornado's this day, and dark weather. Our reckoning was a W. way, and forty eight leagues by the same. We had a clear e∣vening, and a dark night. This day also a certain bird, called a Noddy, came on board us,* 1.21 which we took for a certain token that we were not, now very far from land.

Saturday, January the 28th. We had a very clear night the last past. About an hour before day one of our company happened to descry land,* 1.22 which proved to be the Island of Barbado's, at S. S. W. from us, and at two leagues and an half distance, more or less. Hereupon we clapt on a wind, N. and by W. At day-break we were onely four leagues distant from Chalky-Mount, at which time we stood S. W. by S. As we sailed we saw several ships at anchor in Spikes-Road. Soon after a Shalop passed by, between us and the shoar, but would not come within call of us. Hereupon we stood in, within a mile of the shore; and made a wiff unto a Pinnace which we saw coming out of the road aforementioned. She came close aboard us, and as it should seem, was the Barge of one of his Majesties Frigats,* 1.23 the Richmond then lying at the Bridge-town at

anchor. They told us of a peace at home, but would not come on board us, though often invited thereunto. Nei∣ther dared we be so bold, as to put in there at Barbado's; for hearing of a Frigat lying there, we feared least the said Frigat should seize us for Privateers, and for having acted in all our voyage without Commission. Thus we stood away from thence for the Island of Antego.* 1.24

Here I cannot easily express the infinit joy we were possessed withal, this day to see our own country-men a∣gain. They told us that a ship, which we saw in the offing to leward of the Island, was a Bristol-man, and an Interloper; but, we feared that same vessel, to be the Frigat aforementioned. I reckoned a way of twenty five leagues. So that I was now by my account, to Eastward of my departure one hundred fifty one leagues. Now we stood N. by W. and by observation found Lat. 13 D. 17 N. we being then N. W. from the body of the Island of Barbado's, between seven and eight leagues. This after∣noon we freed the Negro who was our shooemaker by his trade,* 1.25 giving him his liberty for the good service he had done us in all the course of this voyage. We gave also unto our good commander Captain Sharp, a Mulato boy, as a free gift of the whole company, for to wait upon him, in token of the respects we all were owing unto him, for the safety of our conduct through so many dangerous ad∣ventures. This being done, we shared some small parcels of money, that had not as yet been touched of our former prizes;* 1.26 and this dividend amounted unto twenty four pieces of eight each man.

At one of the clock this day, from our fore-yard we de∣scryed the Island of Santa Lucia,* 1.27 being one of the Western Islands, not far distant from that of Barbados. I had o∣mitted to tell a passage which happened in our ship, on Thursday last, which was the 26th day of this Month, and just two days before we made the Island aforementioned of Barbados. On that day therefore a little Spanish shock-Dog,* 1.28 which we had found in our last Wine-prize, taken

under the Aequinoctial, and had kept alive till now, was sold at the mast by publick cry, for forty pieces of eight, his owner saying that all he could get for him should be spent upon the company at a publick merriment. Our commander Captain Sharp bought the Dog, with intenti∣on to eat him, in case we did not see land very soon. This money therefore, with one hundred pieces of eight more, which our Boatswain, Carpinter and Quartermaster had refused to take at this last dividend, for some quarrel they had against the sharers thereof; was all laid up in store till we came to land, to the intent of spending it ashore, at a common feast, or drinking bout. At Sunset the Island of Santa Lucia bore W. S. W. from us, and was at ten leagues distance.* 1.29 Also the Island of Martinica bore N. W. by W. of us at twelve or thirteen leagues distance. We had this day a very clear evening.

Sunday, January the 29th. We had a clear night and a fresh wind at E. by N. and E.N.E. Our reckoning was a N. N. W. half W. way, and hereby forty six leagues. By observation we took Lat. 15 D. 46 N. At noon this day we saw the Island named la Desseada,* 1.30 or the Desired I∣land, which then bore N. W. from us, and seemed to be at eight leagues distance more or less. At six of the clock in the evening, we saw likewise Marigalanta,* 1.31 another of the Cariby Islands, at S. W. by W. from us, and that of Guadalupe, streaking it self in several hammocks of land,* 1.32 both Westward and Northward: as also la Desseada above∣mentioned at S. E. which from thence showeth like table∣land, and at each end hath a low point running out. At six this evening it was W. S. W. and at five or six leagues distance from us. At the same time we saw the Island of Monserrate, at a great distance from our ship;* 1.33 and making three round hammocks close together. This evening likewise, we caught an Albicore of twenty pound weight.

Munday, January the 30th. We had a fair night all the last past, and a fresh wind. Hereupon, all night we halled up our main-sail in brails, standing at the same time

N. by W. with th•• wind at E. N. E. At midnight we stood N. W. At three in the morning we lay by until five. Then we stood away W. N. W. until six; and at that hour we stood W. At eight of the clock we saw the Island of la Antigua,* 1.34 called by us Antego, to the Southward of us, making three round hammocks of land, and a long high hill to Northw••••d. Hereupon, we stood W. S. W. for it. At noon we fo••nd Lat. 17 D. N. the Island being then just W. from us.

We came about to th•• S. of the Island, and sent a Canoa on shore, for to get Tobacco, and other necessaries that we wanted; as also to ask leave of the Governour to come in∣to the Port. The Gentry of the place and common peo∣ple, were very willing and desirous to receive us. But on Wednesday, February the first, the Governour flatly deny∣ed us entry; at which all the Gentry were much greived, and shewed themselves very kind unto us. Hereupon we agreed among our selves,* 1.35 to give away, and leave the ship unto them of our company, who had no money left them of all their purchase in this Voyage, having lost it all at play;* 1.36 and then to divide our selves into two Ships, which were now bound for England. Thus I my self, and thirteen more of our company, went on board Captain Robert Porteen his ship, called the Lisbon Merchant, and set sail from la Antigua on February the eleventh, and lan∣ded at Dartmouth in England, March the 26th, Anno 1682.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Extream hot weather.
• * 1.2

  Christmas-day.
• * 1.3

  The weather extream hot.
• * 1.4

  Much fish seen.
• * 1.5

  Variation.
• * 1.6

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Albi∣core taken.
• * 1.7

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 small one.
• * 1.8

  〈…〉〈…〉 the Aequinoctial.
• * 1.9

  An Albicore of ••3••
• * 1.10

  An enchanted Island.
• * 1.11

  Little 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no variation.
• * 1.12

  Their allow∣ance shortned.
• * 1.13

  One of their men dyeth.
• * 1.14

  A Man of War-Fowl.
• * 1.15

  A reward to him that first ••••th land.
• * 1.16

  Porpusses hin∣der their fish∣ing.
• * 1.17

  Tropick-birds seen.
• * 1.18

  A Booby seen.
• * 1.19

  They look out sharp for land.
• * 1.20

  A fierce T••••na∣do.
• * 1.21

  A Noddy com∣eth aboard.
• * 1.22

  They descry the Island of Bar∣bado's.
• * 1.23

  They are affraid of the Rich∣mond-Frigat.
• * 1.24

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 bear a∣way 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ante∣go.
• * 1.25

  They give li∣berty to a Ne∣gro.
• * 1.26

  The last divi∣dend ma••••.
• * 1.27

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.28

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.29

  Isle of Mart∣nica.
• * 1.30

  la Desseada.
• * 1.31

  Marigalanta.
• * 1.32

  Guadalupe▪
• * 1.33

  Monserrate▪
• * 1.34

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Antigua.
• * 1.35

  They give a∣way the ship.
• * 1.36

  And disperse.