Image unavailable: SEARCHING THE LADIES OF GUIAQUIL From a scarce print in the Macpherson Collection.SEARCHING THE LADIES OF GUIAQUILFrom a scarce print in the Macpherson Collection.
At Guiaquil.
reprimanded them, and they promis’d never to be guilty of the like Folly again. All the Men in general behav’d themselves with great Courage, but like Sailors could be kept under no Command as soon as the first Piece was fired; however it happen’d much better than we could expect, for now the Attack is over, they keep handsomely together, and forbear immoderate Drinking. I overtook Capt.Doverand Capt.Courtneyat the other End of the Town, and left Capt.Doverto keep guard at a Church there; as I march’d back with Capt.Courtney, I left him in the Middle of the Town at another Church, and I came to my first Post at the Church where the Guns were planted, and sent Capt.Dampierwith his Men to reinforce Capt.Courtneyand Capt.Dover. Thus we were in quiet possession of the Town by Sun-set, and posted our Guards, having had no Opposition after the Enemy quitted the great Church. In the Evening I went on board our Barks, settl’d a good Watch, and secur’d theSpaniardsthe Corregidore left behind him; then I return’d ashore to the Church. Capt.Doverset the Houses on fire that fronted the Church where he was posted, which burnt all Night and the next Day. There was a Hill near his Quarter, and thick Woods within half Shot of the Church; so that the Enemy were almost continually popping at him all Night. He told me that the next Day some Parties appear’d out of the Woods; but when he fired a Volley at ’em, they retir’d, our Quarters were quiet, and out of hearing all Night. The Enemy might have done him Mischief, had they been couragious, since we were not near enough to assist him in the Night. For the Town being long, we could not keep the whole without dividing at such a distance; but his firing the Houses cover’d the worst part of his Quarters that Night, which was of great service to him. Capt.Courtneyrelieved him at Day-break, and they both quitted Capt.Dover’sQuarters, as being too much expos’d to the Enemy. AnIndianthat I had taken Prisoner told us, that he knew of much Money up the River in Bark-logs and Houses; upon which Capt.Courtneyand I last Night detached 21 Men out of our Companies, and sent ’em in his Boat up the River under the Command of his new second Lieutenant Mr.Connely: I would fain have sent both Pinnaces to make the best use of our time, and seize that Wealth, finding little or none in the Town; but the rest would by no means consent to it, lest the Enemy might engage us next Morning, and then we should want our Boats and Men. When I could notpossibly prevail for another Boat, and Men enough to mann both Pinnaces, I desired Capt.Courtney’sBoat might go, because the largest, and she was mann’d out of both our Companies. In the Morning we began with Iron Crows and Mauls to break open the other two Churches, and all the Store-houses, Cellars,&c.which was soon done, for no body was left at home, nor much of Value to be found, but Flower, Peas, Beans, and Jars of Wine and Brandy in great Plenty. We began to carry it to the Water-side; but having sultry hot, wet and unhealthful Weather, and our Men being fatigued, they became so weak that they could not work very well at this new Imployment. They would fain have had the boarded Floor of the Church taken up to look amongst the Dead for Treasure, fancying theSpaniardsmight hide their Money there; but I would not suffer it, because of a contagious Distemper that had swept off a great Number of People here not long before; so that the Church Floor was full of Graves. We have yet found but two of the Enemy kill’d in the Town, and one Prisoner, who was slightly wounded in the Head; but this Day I heard 15 of ’em were kill’d and wounded, amongst whom was the chief Gunner, anIrish-man, that fired the last Gun at us, who had lived some Years amongst ’em. On our side we had but two Men wounded, one of ’emYerrick Derrickson, aDutch-man, belonging to my Company, was shot thro’ between the lower Part of his Neck and Shoulder, but I believe not mortal; and oneJohn MartinaPortuguese, mortally wounded aboard the Bark, occasion’d by a Cohorn Shell, which split as soon as fired out of our Cohorn Mortar.[130]TheSpaniardsForce being variously reported by our Prisoners, I’ll not insert it till I am better inform’d. The Fatigue I have had since I left our Ships in this hot Weather has weaken’d and disorder’d me very much.
April 25.We kept our Colours flying on the Tower of the Church, Capt.Doverkeeping Guard there all Day, whilst I and Capt.Courtneytook care to get every thing we found useful carried to the Water-side. Yesterday in the Afternoon we sent the Lieutenant ofPunaand another Prisoner into the Country, with Proposals to ransom the Town, a great part of the Enemy being in the Woods about a League from us; they have but ordinary Quarters, because of the great Rain. Their Horses being in Parties, and continuallyAt Guiaquil.in sight, alarm us several times in a day. The Prisoners return’d to us in the Evening with an ambiguous Answer; but desir’d they might go again in the Morning to prevent burning the Town. About 10 last Night the Boat return’d that we had sent up the River, having been from us about 24 Hours; they were 7 Leagues up, and 16 of ’em landed at 6 several Places, the other 5 kept the Boat, having a Swivel Gun to defend themselves. At one place they separated, and Mr.Connelywith 3 others rambled so far in the Woods to look for Wealth, that after 3 hours search they could not find the Way back to the rest, but by Accident met again, and got to the Boat.William Davis, one of my Men, was shot through the hinder part of the Neck by the Enemy, the Wound not dangerous, and none of the rest hurt; they chased 35 Horsemen well arm’d, that were coming to help those ofGuiaquil. The Houses up the River were full of Women, and particularly at one place there were above a Dozen handsom genteel young Women well dress’d, where our Men got several Gold Chains and Ear-rings, but were otherwise so civil to them, that the Ladies offer’d to dress ’em Victuals, and brought ’em a Cask of good Liquor. Some of their largest Gold Chains were conceal’d, and wound about their Middles, Legs, and Thighs,&c.but the Gentlewomen in these hot Countries being very thin clad with Silk and fine Linnen, and their Hair dressed with Ribbons very neatly, our Men by pressing felt the Chains,&c.with their Hands on the Out-side of the Lady’s Apparel, and by their Linguist modestly desired the Gentlewomen to take ’em off and surrender ’em. This I mention as a Proof of our Sailors Modesty, and in respect to Mr.Connelyand Mr.Selkirkthe late Governour ofJuan Fernandoes, who commanded this Party: For being young Men, I was willing to do ’em this Justice, hoping the Fair Sex will make ’em a grateful Return when we arrive inGreat Britain, on account of their civil Behaviour to these charming Prisoners. They call’d at this House for Provisions as they return’d down the River, and being so civil at first, they gave their fair Landladies no Uneasiness nor Surprize at a 2dVisit: They took a large empty Bark, but left her up the River, and brought with ’em in Gold Chains, Ear-rings and Plate, I believe above 1000l.Value, with a Negro that had been serviceable in discovering part of the hidden Treasure; but they all agree that the Want of another Boat lost much more than they got; for while they search’d and plunder’d one Side, the Canoes andBark-logs did cross the River, and carry the People and Purchase out of their reach, for want of another Boat to prevent it. They also inform’d us, that in the Places where they had been above the Town, they saw more than 300 arm’d Horse and Foot in several Parties; so that we apprehended the Enemy design’d to gain Time by pretending to ransom, till with a vast Odds they might attack us, and reckon’d themselves sure of Victory; but we for fear of being surprized, agreed to assemble in a Body at every Alarm, which was beat several times a day on the sight of large Parties, tho’ it hinder’d our Business. We found 5 Jars of Powder, some Match and Shot, with a good Quantity of ordinary Arms, 3 Drums, with several Swords and Launces, in the Church, where I pick’d up the Corregidore’s Gold-headed Cane, and another Captain’s with a Silver Head; for among theSpaniardsnone carry a Cane but the chief Officers, and of those none under a Captain must wear a Cane with a Silver or Gold Head: So that those Gentlemen were much in haste to leave the Badges of their Office behind them. After Capt.Doverhad quitted his Post yesterday Morning, one of our Men came to tell me, that the Enemy was coming down the Hill that way upon us: We beat an Alarm, and leaving part of our Men with the Guns, I march’d with the rest, and met Capt.Courtneyand part of his Company on the Bridge retiring: He told me the Enemy was numerous and well arm’d in the North End of the Town; I desir’d him to join us, and we would visit them; he left his chief Lieutenant and the rest of his Men at Arms in his Quarters, and we went together with 70 Men to face the Enemy. As we march’d forward, they retir’d only now and then they shot at us out of the Woods. We look’d into the two Churches, and several Houses, but found nobody. The Woods were very thick, and join’d to the Backs of the Houses, from whence we had several Shot all round us, which we return’d at a venture, but none of ’em touched us, which was a very great Providence, for it was really strange that they miss’d us. Capt.Courtneyand I could not agree to keep that End of the Town, so we march’d back again, took what we lik’d best into our Boats, and carried it aboard the Barks.
At Guiaquil.
April 26.About one Yesterday in the Afternoon our Prisoners return’d with an Offer of 30000 Pieces of Eight for the Town, with their Ships and Barks, to be paid in 12 Days, which we don’t approve of, nor should we stay so long for agreater Sum. By these Delays they design to gain Time, that if they don’t fight us, they may draw their Forces fromLima; for we know an Express was dispatch’d thither immediately on our Arrival. This Morning we sent our final Answer,viz.that they should see the Town all on fire by 3 in the Afternoon, if they did not agree, and give us sufficient Hostages for the above-mention’d Sum, to be paid within 6 Days. During which time we would grant a Cessation of Arms betweenGuiaquilandPuna, where we expected they would meet us, and purchase our Cargoes. AFrenchman belonging to my Company, whom I sent with others, by request of Capt.Courtney, to strengthen his Quarters, being put Centinel last Night, shotHugh Tidcomb, one of their Men, so that he died. The Accident happen’d by a too severe Order at their Quarters to shoot any in the Night that did not answer; and neither this Man nor the Centinel, as I am informed, understood how to ask or answer the Watch-word, by which Neglect a Man was unaccountably lost. Mr.Gardner, one of their Officers, and 9 Men more, yesterday in the Afternoon engag’d at the North-end of the Town with a Party ofSpaniards, whom they chased into the Woods, but following ’em too far, were attack’d by others, and one of our Men shot through the Calf of his Leg, and another of them, while he stopt to relade his Piece, was shot against the Middle of the Pole-ax that hung at his Side, which made an Impression on the Iron, and bruised the Part under it, so that it prov’d a Piece of Armour well placed. The other Man who was wounded in the Leg, by his Irregularity and hard drinking fell into a Fever that carried him off. At the same time Mr.Stratton, Capt.Courtney’schief Lieutenant, having his Pistols hanging at his Side, one of them unluckily discharg’d it self against the Outside of the thickest part of his Leg, and left a Bullet in the Flesh; but there’s little Danger of his Life: He being by this Accident disabled to make a quick Retreat, if occasion requir’d, his Captain immediately order’d him on board the Bark. Upon these Accidents, and perceiving the Enemy to increase and grow bolder, Capt.Courtneybrought his Company to my Quarters. Last Night we all lay in the Church, round which we kept Centinels within a Musket-shot; the Centinels, as customary, calling to each other every Quarter of an Hour, to prevent their sleeping, and our being surprized in the Night. Every Man kept his Arms and Ammunition in exact Order by him, and was strictly charged to rise at the least Alarm.We unhung a small Church Bell, and sent it aboard for our Ships Use. We have done little this 24 Hours towards shipping off Goods, because the Enemy were continually popping at us from the Woods. The Weather was very wet, hot and faint, the Streets deep and slippery, and the Ways to the Water-side very bad, which mightily incommoded us.
April 27.Yesterday about 2 in the Afternoon our Prisoners returned with two Men on Horseback from the Enemy’s sorry Camp, and told us the Agreement was concluded as we last proposed, that if we suspected them, they would stay for Hostages, and that the Lieutenant ofPuna, who as a Messenger forwarded the Treaty, with an old Gentleman already on board our Bark, were to be the other two. We contented our selves with the latter, and let the two Strangers return to their Camp with our Messenger, who was to bring back the Agreement sign’d; but they sent another back to us, signifying that we had omitted to take notice that the Town was taken by Force of Arms, which we afterwards inserted both in theSpanishandEnglishPaper. This Morning theSpanishAgreement was brought back sign’d by ’em, and we sent ours inEnglishsign’d to them as follows:
“WHereas the City ofGuiaquil, lately in subjection toPhilipV. King ofSpain, is now taken by Storm, and in the Possession of the Capts.Thomas Dover,Woodes Rogers, andStephen Courtney, commanding a Body of Her Majesty ofGreat Britain’sSubjects: We the underwritten are content to become Hostages for the said City, and to continue in the Custody of the said Capts.Tho. Dover,Woodes Rogers, andStephen Courtney, till 30000 Pieces of Eight shall be paid to them for the Ransom of the said City, 2 new Ships, and 6 Barks; during which time no Hostility is to be committed on either Side between this andPuna. The said Sum to be paid atPunain six Days from the Date hereof, and then the Hostages to be discharg’d, and all the Prisoners to be deliver’d immediately, otherwise the said Hostages do agree to remain Prisoners till the said Sum is discharg’d in any other Part of the World. In witness whereof we have voluntarily set our Hands this 27thDay ofApril, Old Stile, and the 7thofMay, S.N. in the Year of our Lord, 1709.”
At Guiaquil.
The two Hostages lay this Night at our Quarters, and we ship’d ’em off, with all we had got together, by 11 a Clock,and march’d towards our Barks with our Colours flying, while theSpaniardsreturn’d to their Houses. I march’d on the Rear with a few Men, and pick’d up Pistols, Cutlashes and Pole-axes, which shew’d that our Men were grown very careless, weak, and weary of being Soldiers, and that ’twas time to be gone from hence. The hardest Work we had was to get the Guns down to the Water, the Earth being so soft, that they who help’d to carry them sunk half Leg deep. To make it as easy as I could, I contriv’d a Frame of Bamboe Canes, under which 60 Men could stand, and bear equal Weight on their Shoulders. Tho’ they were large 4 Pounders, the Gun and the Frame did not exceed 15 C. Weight; but had not the Prisoners we took help’d us (tho’ it had been an easy Task in a cold Country) I could hardly have pick’d Men enough of our own for the Work.John Gabriel, one of my Company, aDutch-man was missing.
April 28.Yesterday in the Afternoon we settl’d every thing on board the Barks as well as we could, and separated our Men aboard the Prizes, where we had put most of our Town Goods and Plunder, being about 230 Bags of Flower, Beans, Peas and Rice, 15 Jars of Oil, about 160 Jars of other Liquors, some Cordage, Iron Ware, and small Nails, with about 4 half Jars of Powder, about a Tun of Pitch and Tar, a Parcel of Clothing and Necessaries, and as I guess about 1200l.in Plate, Ear-rings,&c.and 150 Bales of dry Goods, 4 Guns, and about 200Spanishordinary useless Arms and Musket Barrels, a few Packs of Indigo, Cocoa and Anotto, with about a Tun of Loaf-Sugar. We left abundance of Goods in the Town, besides Liquors of most sorts, and Sea-Stores, with several Warehouses full of Cocoa, divers Ships on the Stocks, and 2 new Ships unrigg’d, upwards of 400 Tun, which cost above 80000 Crowns, and then lay at Anchor before the Town. We are also to deliver 4 Barks ashore, and leave two here to bring down the Ransom. By this it appears theSpaniardshad a good Bargain; but this Ransom was far better for us than to burn what we could not carry off. About 2 yesterday Afternoon ourDutch-man that was missing rose out of his Brandy-wine Fit, and came aboard; he was disturb’d by the honest Man of the House where he lay, who first called in his Neighbours, and cautiously seized his Arms, then gently rais’d him, and when his Eyes were open, told him there was his Arms again, and bid him hasten aboard to us. This is the only Man that I know of since we tookGuiaquil, who had so much transgressed our Ordersby drinking beyond his bearing. This Morning about 8 we weighed, and sailed with all our Barks, and at parting made what Shew and Noise we could with our Drums, Trumpets and Guns, and thus took our Leave of theSpaniardsvery cheerfully, but not half so well pleased as we should have been, had we taken ’em by Surprize: For I was well assur’d from all hands, that at least we should then have got above 200000 Pieces of Eight in Money, wrought and unwrought. Gold and Silver, besides Jewels, and a greater Plenty of such Necessaries as we now found, tho’ the Place has not been poorer these 40 Years, by reason that a sudden Fire about 18 Months ago had destroy’d the better half of the Town, which is now mostly rebuilt. Before I go any further, ’tis proper to describe the Town.
At Guiaquil.
’TIS the Metropolis of its Province, about a Mile and half long, and divided into Old and New, joined by a wooden Bridge above half a Mile in Length, but passable only by People on foot. There are some Houses at a distance on each side the Bridge, and those of both Towns may be about 4 or 500 in the whole, besides 5 Churches, and the Inhabitants about 2000 in all. Their chief Church is that of St.Jagoor St.Jamesthe Apostle, which has 7 Altars, and before it a handsom Square; the others are those of St.Augustin, St.Francis, St.Dominick, and St.Ignatius. The latter belongs to the Jesuits. Before that of St.Dominick, which is not quite finished, there is also a Square, with a Half-moon, upon which they formerly planted Guns, but none were mounted there when we took it. Three of these Churches were very lofty, one of them of Stone, and all adorn’d with Altars, carv’d Work, Pictures,&c.and there was an Organ in that of St.Augustin; but the Priests and their Scholars had carry’d off all the Plate belonging to those Churches, and retir’d with it into the Woods before we landed. Some of the Houses of the Town were very high, several built of Brick, but most of them of Timber, and the meaner sort of Bamboes. There is but one regular Street along the Side of the River to the Bridge, and from thence along the Old Town. The Situation is in a low boggy Soil, so dirty in Winter, that without the Bridge they could scarcego from one House to another. The Town is govern’d by a Corregidore, who is their chief Magistrate and appointed by the King. His Name wasDon Jeronymo Bos, a young Man of about 24 Years of Age, and a Native of theCanaries. The Town is well seated for Trade, and building of Ships, for which they have Sheds to cover the Workmen from the Sun. It lies 14 Leagues up from PointArena, and 7 fromPuna. The River is large, receives several others, has many Villages and Farm Houses on its Banks, with abundance of Mangroves and Sarsaparilla, which impregnates its Water, and makes it good against theFrenchPox, but in the Time of Floods it is unwholesome, because of the poysonous Roots and Plants wash’d down from the Mountains. They have Plenty of Provisions, black Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Swine, Poultry, several sorts of Ducks unknown inEurope, and Store of Horses. The Water of the River is fresh at low Water, almost as far asPuna. AnEnglishmanwho had liv’d here some time, came over to us, inform’d us of many Particulars, and told us that inDecemberlast they had 3 Weeks Rejoycings for the Birth of the Prince ofAsturias, when they muster’d 1100 Foot and 500 Horse in Arms, besides a much greater Number that had none; but most of those Troops came from the adjacent Country. During this Solemnity, they baited many Bulls to Death, after the manner ofSpain, and run at the Ring,&c.which are their chief Diversions: He told us likewise that Ships are frequently built here for the King. The Hostages inform’d us, that during the Treaty, 80000 Dollars of the King’s Money was sent out of the Town, besides their Plate, Jewels, and other Things of greatest Value: But they were robb’d of a great deal by the Blacks, to whom they had given it in the Hurry to carry off: We took several of ’em with stoln Goods, as we went the Rounds by Night; and therefore we made a Signal to the Inhabitants to return, as we march’d off, that they might not suffer any more Loss by those Villains.
TheFrench, by their Commerce in these Seas, as theSpaniardsin general told us, damage their Trade so much, that their Sea-ports are sensibly impoverish’d, and this Town was much richer 6 Years go than now. A mile below I took my Leave of the Barks, with the Pinnace double mann’d, designing to get before them to the Ships at PointArena. The Day came on very hot, and we saw many Alligators in the River.
Apr. 29.Last Night I reachedPuna, and met Mr.Duckand Mr.Hatleyin theBeginning, and an empty Bark which theDuke’sYall had taken in our Absence; theSpaniardshaving run ashore and left her at Anchor off of PointArena. Our People were concern’d at our being absent so long, and hearing no News of us, the Scarcity of Water had made ’em give the Prisoners but a Pint a Day for some time; and they sunk the last small Prize we took coming fromPayta, to prevent the Prisoners running away with her, for they had not Men to spare for manning her themselves. By Day-light I got aboard, where I found all our People overjoyed at our Meeting again, after 12 Days Absence on an Undertaking subject to so many fatal Accidents, which we happily escaped. CaptainCookandFryewere very uneasie in our Absence, and had their full Share of Care and Fatigue. They usually gave the Prisoners Liberty by Day, but kept their Arms always ready, and the after Part of the Ships to themselves: At Night they shut ’em up in the Fore-Castle, or between Decks; but aboard the Prize, which was not so secure, they put them in Irons every Evening, and let ’em out in the Morning; but never suffer’d any Correspondence between the Prisoners in the several Ships, by which Means they neither knew their own Strength, nor our Weakness, any further than in the respective Ships they were confin’d to.Roger Booth, one of theDutchess’sMen, who was wounded through his Wind-pipe, in the Engagement with theHavre de Grace, died the 20th Instant.William Essex, a stout Sailor, one of our Quarter-Masters, being wounded in the Breast in the same Fight, died the 24th Instant: So that out of both Ships we lost 4 Good Men, including my dear Brother, by that Engagement. Mr.James Stratton, a Quarter-Master belonging to theDutchess, that was wounded at the same time, by a Musket-Ball in his Thigh, is now out of Danger, The wounded in these Parts, are more frequently attended with Fevers, and other dangerous Accidents, than inEurope.
At Guiaquil.
Apr. 30.About 3 Yesterday Afternoon a Sail from under the Main appear’d in sight running up the Channel toGuiaquil; Capt.Cookesent theHavre de Grace’s Boat in pursuit of her, but my Pinnace sailing better, followed and took her before Sun set: She was a Bark of above 30 Tuns, fromSania, call’d theFrancisco la Salma, SeniorJacomo de BrienasMaster, with 6 Men on board: She was laden with about 270 Bags of Flour, Beans and Pease; near 200 Sugar-Loaves; several Frails of Quinces, Marmalet, Sugar-plumbs, and other Sweetmeats, with a good Quantity of large Pomegranates, Apples and Onions; a little of this Country Cheese, and dried Beef: They had been out 7 Days, and heard nothing ofus; but confirm’d the Story of anEnglishSquadron expected in these Seas, and that there were several stoutFrenchShips in their Harbours, particularly two atLima, and one atPisco, besides others in the Harbours ofChili: That atChenipe, whence they came, being the Sea-port toSania, there was a strict Order lately sent fromLimato the chief Officer there, to be on his Guard, and keep continual Watch in the same Manner as I have before noted, in the Order we found directed to the Lieutenant or Governour ofPuna. This Morning, at 7, theBeginningcame to an Anchor by us, fromPuna, with a few Jarrs of Water, which we mightily wanted.
Mr.Goodalland others told me, there were no other Barks coming down but what went up with his, from the Ships for Water, and that he did not know the Reason why the rest stay’d there: He told me, he had a Letter from Capt.Courtneyto his Second, Capt.Cook, but no Message or Letter from him or Capt.Doverto me; adding, he heard one of them say that they expected this Bark would meet the Ships half way coming up toPuna, and that they looked for me hourly. This unexpected Story surpriz’d me, but I suppos’d they might now have some Hopes of disposing our Cargo to theSpaniardsatGuiaquil, which occasion’d their Staying, and Expectation of my Return. I discours’d it with Capt.Cookeand Mr.Frye, and saw Capt.Courtney’sLetter, but not a Word of Advice to me: However, I resolved to hasten away theBeginning, with some Negroes (the most troublesome Goods we had) to dispose of, that they might be atPunabefore me. I began to unmore theHavre de Grace, in order to go up with the Flood, hoping to sell her Cargo, or good Part of it, while our Ships took in Water, resolving to save as much Time as possible. Mean while the other Water Bark arriv’d, but without any manner of Advice to me when those above design’d to come down, or to send the Men that were so much wanting aboard, to put things in order for our going to Sea.
May 1.Yesterday, in the Afternoon, I took Sen.Morellfor a Pilot, and weigh’d with theHavre de Grace, but having little Wind, and being neep Tides, I did not get one Third of the Way up toPuna, with that Flood: I was likewise but ill mann’d; because I was obliged to leave the Pinnace and Crew that came down with me for the Security of our Ship. We weigh’d again with the Morning Flood, and met theDutchess’s Bark coming down, but without the least Advice to me from the 2 Captains atPuna, which farther confirm’dme that they waited for my Company, and the Ship, to sell her Goods: I was pleas’d at the Thoughts of this, for I concluded, that had it been otherwise, one, or both of them, would have come down, or have sent all the Barks, except one to stay for the Ransom. We were forced to anchor again before high Water; and the Tide shot us over towards the Island. There is a Shole Sand above half Way up toPuna, near mid Channel, over on that side, which ’tis difficult to avoid, unless we have a commanding Gale to keep in the Channel which is nearest the Main; ’tis the Starboard Shore as you go up, and there are gradual Soundings on both sides to the Shoal on the Larboard side, or the main Land on the Starboard side, keeping between 4 and 7 Fathom Water; the Coast clear of all is N. E. up the Channel, bearing about two large Leagues off PointArena, where it’s bold, and all athwart, till we get 2 Leagues higher than PointArena; and as we come against, or a little above, the white Chalky Cliff, near the Point or upper End, and the highest part of the Island ofPuna, we must hall over for the Island, and come to an Anchor before the Houses, that are plain to be seen, when we get above the high Point, which is easily known, because all the Land on the Island is even with the Water, and elsewhere there’s nothing to be seen but Trees, down to the River. We must keep nearest the Starboard Shore, going up, which is the only Channel for Ships; ’Tis above 8 Leagues from PointArenato the Town ofPuna; which lies on the upper End of the Island of that Name.
May 2.We got up to an Anchor beforePuna, by 10 this Morning, where I found 4 of the Barks that came down fromGuiaquil. Capt.DoverandCourtneycame on Board, and contrary to Expectation told me, they had not heard one Word from theSpaniardssince we left them. This being the last Day appointed for Payment, a Boat came and brought us upwards of 22000 Pieces of 8, in part of the Ransom, which we immediately receiv’d, and dispatch’d the Boat back, telling them, we design’d to leave this Place in the Morning, and would carry off the Hostages, if they did not come time enough with the rest of the Mony to prevent it.
At Guiaquil.
May 3.Yesterday in the Afternoon Capt.Courtneytook Charge of theHavre de Grace, and I agreed to follow him in the Morning, to PointArena, after I had ship’d off 7 live Black Cattel, some Sheep, Hogs and Fowls, with a good Quantity of Plantains, about 80 Jarrs and some Casks of Water, 24 Packs of Cocoa, 2 Sails, and 4 large Brass Patereroes.Two Barks sail’d about Midnight with theMarquiss. I began again early in the Morning, and by 9 got all aboard. We agreed to leave the Lieutenant ofPunahere, giving him 4 old sick Negroes, and a damag’d Bail of Goods for what we had taken from him, being a Man we had some Respect for: We also parted very friendly with several of our Prisoners we took at Sea, particularly an old Padre that I had treated civilly at my own Table, ever since we took him, for which he was extremely thankful.
About a League before the Town I saw theHavre de Graceat Anchor, near the Edge of a Shoal, and theDutchess’s Pinnace coming from her, with CaptainsCourtney,Dover, andDampier, who had quitted theHavre de Grace, and desired to exchange with me, which I did.
May 5.I went aboard theHavre de Graceabout 2 in the Afternoon, and got her out of Danger into the Channel, but came to an Anchor again, by the Advice of SeniorMorelland theIndianPilot: I encourag’d ’em and the Men to assist me as much as possible to get her under Sail, because we were in hast to be gone, but there being little Wind, I could not make use of half the Ebb, before I was again in shole Water, and came to an Anchor, where for the want of Wind we lay for the rest of these 24 Hours.
May 5.This Morning I got the Length of our Ships again, and soon after Day went aboard theDuke, being quite sick by my long Fatigue. Capt.Courtneycame to me aboard, and we agreed to throw the Timber and great Boat between Decks in the Galeon overboard, to make room for the Flour andGuiaquilGoods which were yet in the Barks. We gave the Flour Prize to the Prisoners whom we let go, to carry to the Inhabitants ofGuiaquil, and took in as much Water as we could get. Most of it was fetch’d half Way abovePuna, in the River towardsGuiaquil, and tho’ but very indifferent, we had not half enough for want of Time.
May 6.Our Hostages are very uneasy, fearing the Mony will not come in Time to redeem them, and it’s worse than Death, they say, to be carried toGreat Britain. We got all aboard last Night, by 7 a Clock, our People being fatigued. I was willing to rest my self and them one Night before we sailed; but Capt.Courtneywas in too much hast, and my Second, Capt.Dover, and my PilotDampierforsook me to go along with him. They sailed at Midnight with theHavre de Grace, leaving me and the rest at Anchor. Mr.Connely, who went in the Bark for Water, did not return till the Morning,when we saw our Consort and Prize at Anchor; for the Weather falling calm, they did not get 2 Leagues from us that Ebb. At high Water, about 10 this Morning, all the rest of us came to sail. Our small Bower Cable was cut with the foul Ground, and we lost our Anchor.
I endeavour’d, but in vain, to convince the other Captains that we were not yet in any danger from the Enemy, because it was not possible that theFrenchandSpaniardscould have Notice of us, and arm out time enough fromLimato attack us.
May 7.Yesterday, about 4 in the Afternoon, we came to an Anchor again, in 13 Fathom Water, about 4 Leagues below PointArena. At 2 this Morning, with a very small Breeze, we came to sail: Sometime after SeniorMorell, that went with us up toGuiaquilfromPuna, and a Gentleman of that Town related to our Prisoners, brought us about 3500 Pieces of 8, in Plate, towards the Ransom: they came as far as PointArenain a Boat, and thence follow’d in one of the 4 Barks that we left by Agreement.
May 8.Yesterday, in the Afternoon, we discharg’d all our Prisoners, except theMorells, a littleDutchman, and a Gentleman’s son ofPanama, with ourIndianPilots, that I took aboard to amuse the People ofGuiaquilthat we should return thither, and 2 more that desir’d to stay with us, besides the 3 Ransomers. The Gentleman that came fromGuiaquilhad a Gold Chain and some other Moveables, with which he purchased theBeginningof us, and we gave the Captain of theHavre de Grace3 Negroe Women, and SeniorMorell, and SeniorIgnatius, one a piece, and to all of them good part of their waring Apparel: So that we parted very friendly. They told us, A Prisoner we put a shore atPuna, call’d Senior DonPedro Sinfuegos, was a Man of great Credit atGuiaquil; that he had got a good Sum together, before they came thence in order to buy Goods of us, and that they expected him in less than 12 Hours; adding, that there were several others coming down to trade with us, but the Majority of our Officers would not believe ’em, being resolved to make the utmost Dispatch for theGallapagosIslands: They press’d to know where they might meet us to trade, but every one was against informing them of the Place where we design’d to rendezvous, lest they should discover it to the Enemies Ships of War.
Description of Guiaquil.
At 8 last Night we came to an Anchor in 16 FathomWater. The IslandSancta Clarabore N. E. by N. 5 Leagues. At 2 this Morning we weighed with the Flood, Wind at S. W. at 6 the Island bore N. by E. 4 Leagues distance.
THE City or Town ofGuiaquilis the Metropolis of a Province of that Name inPeru, govern’d by a President with 5 or 6 Orderes, which makes a RoyalAudienciaor chief Court of Judicature, accountable only to the Viceroy in military Affairs. Every Province has a Government of the same Nature.
These Governors are commonly appointed, or, to speak more properly, purchase their Offices in OldSpain, for Life, or good Behaviour; and in case any die, or misbehave themselves, the Vice-roy may name another during his Time, which ought to be but 5 Years; but sometimes he gets these Officers of his own placing confirm’d by an Order fromSpain, which is a considerable Part of the Vice-roy’s unknown Profits. The late Vice-roy continued 14 Years, several new ones having died by the Way. The King ofSpainhimself scarce lives in more Splendor than his Vice-roy in the City ofLima, where the chief Courts of Judicature are kept, and Appeals are brought thither from all Courts and Provinces of this extensive Kingdom. I should not here mention the vast Wealth the late Vice-roy obtain’d during his Government; the Sum being so large that I thought it fabulous, but that I was inform’d of it by so many Hands, who told me, that about 4 Years ago he died at least worth 8000000 Pieces of 8, and left it to his Widow and Children, but the greatest Part to his eldest Son, theConde de la Monclo, besides vast Sums he gave away in Charity, during his Life-time, and the many Churches, Fryaries, and Nunneries that he built.
He left a better Character behind him than any Vice-roy had done for an Age past. The Conde, his eldest Son, waits here, expecting to succeed the present Vice-roy ofPeruorMexico, if the Government holds in OldSpain; but I and everyEnglishmanought earnestly to hope, that K.CharlesIII. will happily recover that Monarchy, and gratefullyplace a Vice-roy here that will shew himself as good a Friend to theEnglishTrade, as the present Vice-roy does to theFrench; for he openly espouses their Interest, and encourages them; whereas theSpaniardssay, he racks and heavily oppresses their own Countrymen.
The Corregidore that last died atGuiaquil, tho’ he had possess’d the Office but 5 Years, had rak’d together 300000 Pieces of 8, tho’ his Post was not allow’d to exceed above 2000 Pieces of 8per Annum; but all the Corregidores make vast Advantages by Seizures, and trading privately themselves.
The Trade to and fromMexicois forbid here, under the severest Penalty, especially transporting Quick-silver fromPeruthither, because Quantities are brought from OldSpain, which is impos’d on the Refiners at great Rates. Here are many Ships employ’d coasting in this Kingdom; but a Trade is so severely prohibited between ’em andMexico, that all the Commodities with Silver and Gold in Returns, may have little other Circulation in these vast Countries, but by the Flota and Galeons to and from OldSpain. Yet notwithstanding the Severity us’d against private Traders, by the Vice-roys and Corregidores, there are some that use it, who have no Mercy shew’d ’em if caught, all being seiz’d in the King’s Name, tho’ his Majesty has little or no Share of it; All such Seizures (as I am told) being divided amongst these Officers, and the poor Sufferer banish’d or confin’d to a Goal.
Description of Guiaquil.
AllEnglishandDutchGoods, except what comes by the Galeons, are prohibited here, so that the private Traders, after they have by stealth purchased ’em in theNorthSeas, must vend ’em in like manner all overPeru, and if the wholesale Merchants have not a good Certificate from the Commerce ofSevilia, that their Commodities came by the Flota or Galeons; whenever the Goods are question’d, they must disown them, for fear of a worse Punishment, unless they have a good Interest in the Vice-roy, which costs dear to purchase, and preserve; so that the Trader makes little Profit, but where the chief Officers have a feeling: yet tho’ these mercenary Vice-roys are so severe on others, they themselves employ the Corregidores to negotiate a Trade for them by a 3d Hand, which cannot be done to the Purpose, without being publickly known; so that Ships are constantly imployed on their Account, and carry Quick-silver and all manner of prohibited Goods to and fromMexicoout of By-ports. Thus, being their own Judges, they get vast Estates, and stop allComplaints in OldSpain, by Bribes. The Goods they trade for have a free Passage and Sale through the Continent, whilst others, if they do but offer at it, are punish’d as above.
Their other Ways of getting Money unjustly are too many; but in short, in my Opinion, there’s no Country naturally more rich, nor any People more terribly oppress’d.
TheSpaniardssay, and I believe, not without Reason, That a Vice-roy, after purchasing his Place with all that he has, and quitting OldSpainas poor asJob, comes here like a hungry Lion, to devour all that he can; and that every Officer under him in the Provinces (who are ten times more than are necessary) are his Jackals to procure Prey for him, that they may have a Share of it themselves.
To this we may add, the Burthen of a numerous and luxurious Clergy, that indulge their Pride, Sloth, Effeminacy and Bigottry, more than in theRomishCountries ofEurope: So that were this Country possess’d by an industrious and well govern’d People, we might have reason to fear, that Silver and Gold would become so plentiful, and by consequence of so little Value, that the World would be at a Loss to find a less troublesome and more acceptable Species to satisfy Avarice and Luxury.
The River ofGuiaquil, from about 2 Leagues abovePunato PointArena, is so broad, that a Man can scarce see cross the Channel; the Land down to the Water-side, is low and cover’d with Mangrove Trees; the Tide flows above 3 Fathom, and an East and West Moon, as near as I could guess, makes High-water atPuna. The Tide has a quick Current, much stronger than in theThames, and I believe the Ebb is little inferior to that atBristol, and the Water as thick, and as much discolour’d. Not being able to describe the Channel plain enough to direct Strangers, I shall give a View of it from aSpanishDraught; for I had not time enough to draw the Channel, or found it all along. There’s need of a good Pilot to carry a Vessel to the Town. The River is 14 Leagues navigable beyond it, and the Tide flows 20 Leagues above it, but Canoes and Bark-Logs go much higher.
The Province abounds with several sorts of good Timber, which makes it the chief Country ofPerufor building and repairing Ships; there’s seldom less than 6 or 7 at a time on the Stocks before the Town ofGuiaquil. The chief Commodity this City and its Province afford isCocoa, which is so plentiful, as to supply most Places on theSouth Sea; they say there’s never less exported in a Year than 30000Cargaus, each Cargau 81 Pound Weight, and sometimes double the Quantity: It was purchas’d generally at half a RyalperPound, but now much cheaper, so that the Cargau may be bought for 2 Pieces of Eight and a half. Their coasting Trade is for Salt and Salt Fish, from PointSanta Helena, and most vended atQuitoand other distant Places within Land. A vast quantity of Timber is laden here forTruxillo,Chancay,Lima, and other Sea-ports, where ’tis scarce; it pays a great Freight, and is a profitable Trade: They export also from hence Rice, Cotton, and some dry’d Jerkt Beef. There are no Mines of Silver or Gold in this Province, but Plenty of all sorts of Cattle, and very cheap, especially on the IslandPuna, where we supply’d our selves with what we could stow conveniently. Here’s no other Corn butIndian, so that all their Flower is brought fromTruxillo,Cheripe, and other Places in the Windward Parts, it blows here always Southerly. They are also supplied with several sorts of Woollen Cloth, and very good strong Bays made atQuito; their Wine, Brandy, Oil, Olives and Sugar,&c.come fromPiscola,Nasca, and other Places to Windward. All sorts ofEuropeanGoods come hither fromPanama, whither they are brought over Land fromPortobelloout of the North Seas; so that the Number of Ships that come and go from hence, without including the Coasters, are no less than 40 Sail every Year, which shows that the Port ofGuiaquilis no mean Place of Trade in this Part of the World. A Market is also kept on Bark-Logs and Boats in the River every day before the Town, with all that the Country affords in great plenty.
Having thus given an account of the Wealth and Trade of the Town and Province from my own Knowledge, or good Information, I shall now proceed to give a further Account of the Strength and Government of the Province. The Corregidore is Governour in all Civil and Military Affairs of the whole; the next is his Lieutenant, call’d by theSpaniardsLieutenant General, and all the chief Officers reside in or nearGuiaquil.
Description of Guiaquil.
Their Method of trying Civil and Criminal Causes being different from ours, I shall give as clear an Idea of it as I can. When any Court is held, or urgent Affair happens, the following Persons are summon’d to the Council inGuiaquil. First, the Corregidore, the Lieutenant General, 2 Alcaldes or Justices, who are generally Men vers’d in the Law, and serve in the nature of Mayors and Justices by turnsevery Year; the next is the Algozil Major, with 8 Regidores or Common Council-men, who supply the room of the superior Officers, in case of Absence or Death, till the Viceroys Pleasure be known, and always give their Votes in publick Affairs; in Cases of Law they are a standing Jury, and the Corregidore is Judge, but generally follows the Advice of the Alcalds. The Plaintiff or Defendant may appeal after Trial to the Supream Court ofLima, which is encourag’d by the Gentlemen of the Law, who improve Suits to such a Degree, that tho’ they are almost as numerous as the Clergy, yet they are a thriving Society, seldom want Imployment, and have large Fees. There are 2 Attorneys call’d Clerks of the Court, and 4 Algozils or Serjeants. All Lawyers are allow’d to practise here, and have a Sallary from the King besides their Fees, and since Money abounds here, many of ’em don’t scruple taking Fees on both Sides.
The Inquisition rages worse here than in OldSpain; their chief Court is atLima, but 4 Officers from that Court are settl’d atGuiaquil, besides 24 Clergy belonging to the Town, who inform against any Person that they suspect of Opinions contrary to theRomanChurch, and with a violent Zeal prosecute ’em almost without any Formality. The Offenders are speedily sent to the chief Court atLima, where nothing but a great deal of Money can save ’em, if found guilty in the least degree.
Their Military Men affect great Titles, and their Strength is as follows.
The Corregidore is General,Don Hieronimo Boso.Master le Camp,Don Christopher Ramadeo de Areano.Serjeant Major,Don Francisco Gantes.Commissaria de la Cavalaria,Don Antonio Calabria.
They have 5 Dons all Captains of Infantry, and each of ’em a large Company: One Don is a Captain of near 200 Horsemen, and there are Lieutenants, Ensigns, Serjeants, Corporals and Drummers to each Company, as customary among theSpaniards. By the most reasonable Computation of their Force, they could in a few days bring together 900 armed Horse and Foot Militia; and I was inform’d by them they had not less than 500 of these in a Body before we landed, and beat ’em out of the Town, there being always that Number ready in the Towns and adjacent Parts upon an Alarm. These and many more form’d a sorry Camp within a League of us in the Woods, whilst with about 160 Men wekept the Town till they ransom’d it. AnEnglish-man that run over to us after the Fight, who had lived 2 Years in the Town, and saw their Force, told us there were many more than what theSpaniardsacknowledge by the abovemention’d Account, and that he saw at one time, a few Months before, upwards of 1100 Horse and Foot drawn up and muster’d before the Town.
Their other Towns are govern’d by Lieutenants deputed by the Corregidore; above half of ’em border on the same River and its Branches, so that they can join those of the Capital in 2 Tides, tho’ at several Leagues distance. These Towns and Lieutenancies are as follow.
A LISTof the Lieutenancy of this Province.
Porto Vacowas formerly the Metropolis of the Province, before the Government was removed toGuiaquil.