[ch13 is page 345-374] 345 An.1686 C H A P. XIII. Their coasting along the Isle of Mindanao, from a Bay on the East side to another at the S. E. end. Tornadoes and boisterous Weather. The S. E. Coast, and its Savannah and plenty of Deer. They coast along the South side to the River of Mindanao City, and anchor there. The Sultans Brother and Son come aboard them, and invite them to settle there. Of the Feasibleness and probable Advantage of such a Settlement, from the Neighbouring Gold and Spice Islands. Of the best way to Mindanao by the South Sea and Terra Australis; and of an accidental Discovery there by Captain Davis, and a probability of a greater. The capacity they were in to settle here. The Min- danaians measure their Ship. Captain Swan's Present to the Sultan: his Reception of it, and Audience given to Captain Swan, with Raja Laut, the Sultans Brother's Entertain- ment of him. The Contents of 2 English Letters shewn them by the Sultan of Minda- nao. Of the Commodities, and the Punishment there. The Generals Caution how to demean themselves: at his Persuasion they lay up their Ships in the River. The Mindanaians Caresses. The great Rains and Floods at the City The Mindanaians have Chinese Accomptants. How their Women dance. A Story of one John Thacker. Their Bark eaten up, and their Ship indanger'd by the Worm. Of the Worms [+++---]346 An.1686 Two Islands at the S. E. of Mindanao. Worms here and elsewhere. Of Captain Swan, Raja Laut, the General's, Deceitfulness. Hunting wild Kine. The Prodigality of some of the English. Captain Swan treats with a young Indian of a Spice-Island. A Hunting Voyage with the General. His punishing a Ser- vant of his. Of his Wives and Women. A fort of strong Rice Drink. The Generals foul Deal- ing and Exactions. Captain Swan's Uneasi- ness and indiscreet Management. His Men mutiny. Of a Snake twisting about one of their Necks. The main part of the Crew go away with the Ship, leaving Captain Swan and some of his Men: several others poysoned there. [---+++] HAving in the two last Chapters given some account of the Natural, Civil, and Religious State of Mindanao, I shall now go on with the prosecution of our affairs during our stay there. [---+++] 'Twas in a Bay on the N. East side of the Island that we came to an anchor, as hath been said. We lay in this Bay but one night, and part of the next day. Yet there we got speech with some of the Natives, who by signs made us understand, that the City Mindanao was on the West side of the Island. We endeavoured to persuade one of them to go with us to be our Pilot, but he would not: Therefore in the afternoon we loofed from hence, steering again to the South East, having the Wind at S. W. When we came to the S. E. end of the Island Mindanao, we saw two small Islands about 3 leagues distant from it. We might have passed between them and the main Island, as we learnt since but not knowing them, nor what dangers we might encounter there; we chose rather to sail to the Eastward of them. But meeting very strong Westerly Winds, we got nothing forward in many days. [+++---] 347 An.1686 The Bay of Deer. days. In this time we first saw the Islands Meangis, which are about 16 leagues distant from the Min- danao, , bearing S. E. I shall have occasion to speak more of them hereafter. [---+++] The 4th day of July we got into a deep Bay, 4 leagues N. W. from the two small Islands before mentioned. But the night before, in a violent Tornado, our Bark being unable to beat any long- er, bore away, which put us in some pain for fear she was overset, as we had like to have been our selves. We anchored on the South West side of the Bay, in 15 fathom Water, about a Cables length from the shore. Here we were forced to shelter our selves from the violence of the Weather, which was so boisterous with Rains, and Tornadoes, and a strong Westerly Wind, that we were very glad to find this place to anchor in, being the only shelter on this side from the West Winds. [---+++] This Bay is not above two mile wide at the mouth, but farther in it is 3 leagues wide, and 7 leagues deep, running in N. N. W. There is a good depth of Water about 4 or 5 leagues in, but rocky foul ground for above 2 leagues in, from the mouth on both sides of the Bay, except only in that place where we lay. About 3 leagues in from the mouth, on the Eastern side, there are fair fan- dy Bays, and very good anchoring in 4, 5 and 6 fathom. The Land on the East side is high mountainous, and woody, yet very well watered with small Brooks, and there is one River large e- nough for Canoas to enter. On the West side of the Bay, the Land is of a mean heighth with a large Savannah, bordering on the Sea, and stretch- ing from the mouth of the Bay, a great way to the Westward. [---+++] This Savannah abounds with long Grass, and it is plentifully stock'd with Deer. The adjacent Woods are a covert for them in the heat of the day : but mornings [+++---] 348 An.1686 They arrive at Mindanao River. mornings and evenings they feed in the open Plains, as thick as in our Parks in England. I ne- ver saw any where such plenty of wild Deer, tho I have met with them in several parts of America, both in the North and South Seas. [---+++] The Deer live here pretty peaceably and unmo- lested; for there are no Inhabitants on that side of the Bay. We visited this Savannah every morning, and killed as many Deer as we pleased, sometimes 16 or 18 in a day; and we did eat nothing but Venison all the time we staid here. [---+++] We saw a great many Plantations by the sides of the Mountains, on the East side of the Bay, and we went to one of them, in hopes to learn of the Inhabitants whereabouts the City was, that we might not over-sail it in the night : but they fled from us. [---+++] We lay here till the 12th day before the Winds abated of their fury, and then we sailed from hence, directing our course to the Westward. In the morning we had a Land Wind at North. At 11 a clock the Sea breeze came at West, just in our Teeth, but it being fair weather, we kept on our way, turning and taking the advantage of the Land breezes by night, and the Sea breezes by day. [---+++] Being now past the S. E. part of the Island, we coasted down on the South side, and we saw abundance of Canoas a fishing, and now and then a small Village. Neither were these Inhabitants afraid of us (as the former) but came aboard ; yet we could not understand them, nor they us, but by signs: and when we mentioned the word Mindanao, they would point towards it. [---+++] The 18th day of July we arrived before the Ri- ver of Mindanao; the mouth of which lies in lat. 6 d. 22 m. No. and is laid in 231 d. 12 m. Longi- tude West, from the Lizard in England. We anchor- ed right against the River in 15 fathom water, clear hard [+++---] 349 An.1686 Their Reception by the Mindanaians. hard Sand ; about 2 miles from the shore, and 3 or 4 miles from a small Island, that lay without us to the Southward. We fired 7 or 9 Guns, I remem- ber not well which; and were answered again with 3 from the shore ; for which we gave one again. Immediately after our coming to an anchor Raja Laut, and one of the Sultans Sons came off in a Canoa, being rowed with 10 Oars, and demanded in Spanish what we were? and from whence we came? Mr. Smith (he who was taken Prisoner at Leon in Mexico) answered in the same Language, that we were English, and that we had been a great while out of England. They told us that we were welcom, and asked us a great many questions a- bout England; especially concerning our East India Merchants; and whether we were sent by them to settle a Factory here? Mr. Smith told them that we came hither only to buy provision. They seemed a little discontented when they understood that we were not come to settle among them: for they had heard of our arrival on the East side of the Island a great while before, and entertained hopes that we were sent purposely out of England hither to settle a trade with them; which it should seem they are very defirous of. For Captain Goodlud had been here not long before to treat with them about it; and when he went away told them (as they said) that in a short time they might expect an Ambassadour from England, to make a full bargain with them. [---+++] Indeed upon mature thoughts, I should think by we could not have done better, than to have com- plied with the desire they seemed to have of our settling here; and to have taken up our quarters among them. For as thereby we might better have consulted our own profit and satisfaction, than by the other loose roving way of life; so it might probably have proved of publick benefit to our Nation, and been a means of introducing an English [+++---]350 An.1686 Advantages of a Settlement here. English Settlement and Trade, not only here, but through several of the Spice-Islands, which lye in its neighbourhood. [---+++] For the Islands Meangis, which I mentioned in the beginning of this Chapter, lye within 20 leagues of Mindanao. These are 3 small Islands that abound with Gold and Cloves, if I may credit my Author Prince Jeoly, who was born on one of them, and was at this time a Slave in the City of Mindanao. He might have been purchased by us of his Master for a small matter, as he was afterwards by Mr. Moody, (who came hither to Trade, and laded a Ship with Clove Bark) and by trans- porting him home to his own Country, we might have gotten a Trade there. But of Prince Jeoly I shall speak more hereafter. These Islands are as yet probably unknown to the Dutch, who as I said be- fore, indeavour to ingross all the Spice into their own hands. [---+++] There was another opportunity offered us here of settling on another Spice Island that was very well inhabited: for the Inhabitants fearing the Dutch, and understanding that the English were set- tling at Mindanao, their Sultan sent his Nephew to Mindanao while we were there to invite us thither: Captain Swan conferr'd with him about it divers times, and I do believe he had some inclination to accept the offer; and I am sure most of the men were for it: but this never came to a head, for want of a true understanding between Captain Swan and his Men, as may be declared hereafter. [---+++] Beside the benefit which might accrue from this Trade with Meangis, and other the Spice Islands, the Philippine Islands themselves, by a little care and industry, might have afforded us a very bene- ficial Trade, and all these Trades might have been managed from Mindanao, by settling there first. For that Island lyeth very convenient for Trading either [+++---] 351 An.1686 The best way to the Philippine Islands. either to the Spice Islands, or to the rest of the Philippine Islands; since as its Soil is much of the same nature with either of them, fo it lies as it were in the Center of the Gold and Spice Trade in these parts: the Islands North of Mindanao abounding most in Gold, and those South of Meangis in Spice. [---+++] As the Island Mindanao lies very convenient for Trade, fo considering its distance, the way thi- ther may not be over long and tiresome. The course that I would choose should be to set out of England about the latter end of August, and to pass round Terra del Fuego, and so stretching over to- wards New Holland, coast it along that shore till I came near to Mindanao; or first I would coast down near the American shore, as far as I found convenient, and then direct my course according- ly for the Island. By this I should avoid coming near any of the Dutch settlements, and be sure to meet always with a constant brisk Easterly Trade Wind, after I was once past Terra del Fuego. Whereas in passing about the Cape of Good Hope, after you are shot over the East Indian Ocean, and are come to the Islands, you must past thro the Streights of Malacca or Sundy, or else some other Streights East from Java, where you will be sure to meet with Counter-winds, go on which side of the Equator you please; and this would require ordinarily 7 or 8 months for the Voyage, but the other I should hope to perform in 6 or 7 at most. In your return from thence also you must observe the same Rule as the Spaniards do in going from Manila to Acapulco; only as they run towards the North Pole for variable Winds, so you must run to the South- ward, till you meet with a Wind that will carry you over to Terra del Fuego. There are places e- nough to touch at for Refreshments, either going or coming. You may touch going thither on ei- ther [+++---]352 An.1686 Davis's Discovery of Terra Australis. ther side of Terra Patagonica; or, if you please, at the Gallapagoes Islands, where there is Refreshment enough; and returning you may probably touch somewhere on New Holland, and fo make some pro- fitable discovery in these places without going out of your way. And to speak my thoughts freely, I believe 'tis owing to the neglect of this easy way that all that vast Tract of Terra Australis which bounds the South Sea is yet undiscovered: those that cross that Sea seeming to design some business on the Peruvian or Mexican Coast, and so lea- ving that at a distance. To confirm which, I shall add what Captain Davis told me lately, that after his Departure from us at the Haven of Ria Lexa (as is mentioned in the 8th Chap.) he went, after seve- ral Traverses, to the Gallapagoes, and that standing thence Southward for Wind, to bring him about Terra del Fuego, in the Lat. of 27 South, about 500 leagues from Copayapo, on the Coast of Chili, he saw a small fandy Island just by him; and that they faw to the Westward of it a long tract of pretty high Land, tending away toward the North West out of sight. This might probably be the Coast of Terra Australis Incognita. [---+++] But to return to Mindanao; as to the capacity we were then in, of settling our selves at Mindanao, al- though we were not sent out of any such design of settling, yet we were as well provided, or better, considering all circumstances, than if we had. For there was scarce any useful Trade, but some or others of us understood it. We had Sawyers, Car- penters, Joyners, Brickmakers, Bricklayers, Shoe- makers, Taylors, &c. we only wanted a good Smith for great work; which we might have had at Mindanao. We were very well provided with Iron, Lead, and all sorts of Tools, as Saws, Axes, Hammers, &c. We had Powder and Shot enough, and very good small Arms. If we had designed to build [+++---]353 An.1686 Raja Laut invites them ashore. build a Fort, we could have spared 8 or 10 Guns out of our Ship, and Men enough to have ma- naged it, and any affair of Trade beside. We had also a great advantage above raw Men that are sent out of England into these places, who proceed usu- ally too cautiously, coldly and formerly, to compass any considerable design, which Experience better teaches than any Rules whatsoever; besides the danger of their Lives in so great and sudden a a change of Air: whereas we were all inured to hot Climates, hardned by many fatigues, and in general daring Men, and such as would not be eafily baffled. To add one thing more, our Men were almost tired, and began to desire a quietus est; and therefore they would gladly have seated them- selves any where. We had a good Ship too, and enough of us (beside what might have been spared to manage our new Settlement) to bring the News with the effects to the Owners in England: for Captain Swan had already 5000 l. in Gold, which he and his Merchants received for goods sold most- ly to Captain Harris and his men: which if he had laid but part of it out in Spice, as probably he might have done, would have satisfy'd the Merchants to their hearts content. So much by way of di- gression. [---+++] To proceed therefore with our first Reception at Mindanao, Raja Laut and his Nephew sat still in their Canoa, and would not come aboard us; becauſe, as they said, they had no orders for it from the Sultan. After about half an hours discourse, they took their leaves; first inviting Captain Swan alhore; and promising him to assist him in getting provision; which they said at present was scarce, but in 3 or 4 months time the Rice would be gathered in, and then he might have as much as he pleased: and that in the mean time he might secure his Ship in some convenient place, for fear of the Westerly winds, [+++---]354 An.1686 Their Presents and Audience of the Sultan. winds, which they said would be very violent at the latter end of this month, and all the next, as we found them. [---+++] We did not know the quality of these two per- sons till after they were gone; else we should have fir'd some Guns at their departure: When they were gone, a certain Officer under the Sultan came aboard, and measured our Ship. A custome deri- ved from the Chinese, who always measured the length and breadth and the depth of the Hold of all Ships that come to load there; by which means they know how much each Ship will carry. But for what reason this Custom is used either by the Chinese, or Mindanao men, I could never learn; un- less the Mindanaians design by this means to im- prove their skill in Shipping, against they have a trade. [---+++] Captain Swan, considering that the season of the year would oblige us to spend some time at this Island, thought it convenient to make what inte- rest he could with the Sultan; who might after- wards either obstruct, or advance his designs. He therefore immediately provided a present to send a- shore to the Sultan, viz. 3 yards of Scarlet Cloath, 3 yards of broad Gold Lace, a Turkish Scimiter and a pair of Pistols: and to Raja Laut he sent 3 yards of Scarlet Cloath, and 3 yards of Silver Lace. This Present was carried by Mr. Henry More in the even- ing. He was first conducted to Raja Laut's house; where he remained till report thereof was made to the Sultan, who immediately gave order for all things to be made ready to receive him. [---+++] About 9 a clock at night, a Messenger came from the Sultan to bring the Present away. Then Mr. More was conducted all the way, with Torch- es and armed Men, till he came to the House where the Sultan was. The Sultan with 8 or 10 men of his Council were seated on Carpets, waiting his Page 355 An. 1686 Two English Letters found at Mindanao. his coming. The Present that Mr. More brought was laid down before them, and was very kindly accepted by the Sultan, who caused Mr. More to sit down by them, and asked a great many questions of him. The discourse was in Spanish by an In- terpreter. This conference lasted about an hour, and then he was dismissed, and returned again to Raja Laut's House. There was a supper provided for him, and the Boats crew; after which he returned aboard. The next day the Sultan sent for Capt. Swan: He immediately went ashore with a Flag flying in the Boats head, and two Trumpets sounding all the way. When he came ashore, he was met at his Landing by two principal Officers, guarded along with Soldiers, and abundance of people gazing to see him. The Sultan waited for him in his Char- ber of Audience, where Captain Swan was treated with Tobacco and Betel, which was all his enter- tainment. The Sultan sent for two English Letters for Cap- tain Swan to read, purposely to let him know, that our East India Merchants did design to settle here, and that they had already sent a Ship hi- ther. One of these Letters was sent to the Sultan from England, by the East India Merchants. The chiefest things contained in it, as I remember, for I saw it afterwards in the Secretaries hand, who was very proud to shew it us, was to desire some privileges, in order to the building of a Fort there. This Letter was written in a very fair hand, and between each line, there was a Gold line drawn. The other Letter was left by Captain Goodlud, directed to any English men who should happen to come thither. This related wholly to Trade, giving an account; at what rate he had agreed with them for Goods of the Island, and how European Goods should be sold to them; JPG + 4 [---+++] with JPG [+++---] Page 356 An. 1686 A Mindanaian Punishment. with an account of their Weight and Measures, and their difference from ours. The rate agreed on for Mindanao Gold, was 14 Spanish Dollars, (which is a current Coin all over India) the English Ounce, and 18 Dollars the Min- danao Ounce. But for Bees-wax and Clove-bark, I do not remember the rate; neither do I well re- member the rates of Europe Commodities; but I think the rate of Iron was not above 4 Dollars a hundred. Captain Goodlud s Letter concluded thus. Trust none of them, for they are all Thieves, but Tace is Latin for a Candle. We understood afterwards that Captain Goodlud was robb d of some Goods by one of the Generals men, and that he that robb d him was fled into the Mountains, and could not be found while Captain Goodlud was here. But the fellow returning back to the City some time after our arrival here, Raja Laut brought him bound to Captain Swan, and told him what he had done, desiring him to punish him for it as he pleased ; but Captain Swan excused himself, and said it did not belong to him, therefore he would have no- thing to do with it. However, the General Raja Laut, would not pardon him, but punished him ac- cording to their own custom, which I did never see but at this time. He was stript stark naked in the morning at Sun- rising, and bound to a post, so that he could not stir hand nor foot, but as he was moved; and was placed with his face Eastward against the Sun. In the afternoon they turn'd his face towards the West, that the Sun might still be in his face; and thus he stood all day, parcht in the Sun (which shines here excessively hot) and tormented with the Moskitos or Gnats: After this the General would have [kill d him, if Captain Swan had contented to it. I did never see any put to Death; but I believe they are barbarous enough in it; The General told us him- self JPG + 4 [+++---] Page 357 An. 1686 Raja Laut entertains Captain Swan. self that he put two men to death in a Town where some of us were with him; but I heard not the manner of it. Their common way of punish- ing is to strip them in this manner, and place them in the Sun; but sometimes they lay them flat on their backs on the Sand, which is very hot; where they remain a whole day in the scorching Sun, with the Moskito s biting them all the time. This action of the General in offering Captain Swan the punishment of the Thief, caus'd Captain Swan afterwards to make him the same offer of his men, when any had offended the Mindanao men: but the General left such offenders to be punished by Captain Swan, as he thought convenient. So that for the least offence Captain Swan punished his men, and that in the sight of the Mindanaians; and I think sometimes only for revenge: as he did once punish his Chief Mate Mr. Teat, he that came Cap- tain of the Bark to Mindanao. Indeed at that time Captain Swan had his men as much under com- mand as if he had been in a Kings Ship: and had he known how to use his Authority, he might have led them to any Settlement, and have brought them to assist him in any design he had pleased. Captain Swan being dismissed from the Sultan, with abundance of civility, after about two hours discourse with him, went thence to Raja Laut's House. Raja Laut had then some difference with the Sultan, and therefore he was not present at the Sultans reception of our Captain; but waited his re- turn, and treated him and all his men with boyled Rice and Fowls. He then to'd Captain Swan again, and urged it to him, that it would be best to get his Ship into the River as soon as he could, because of the usual tempestuous weather at this time of the year: and that he should want no assist- ance to further him in any thing. He to'd him al- so, that as we must of necessity stay here some time, JPG + 4 [---+++] A a 3 JPG [+++---] Page 358 An. 1686 They draw their Ship up the River. time, so our men would often come ashore; and he therefore desired him to warn his men to be careful to give no affront to the Natives; who, he said, were very revengeful. That their Customs being different from ours, he feared that Captain Swan s men might some time or other offend them, though ignorantly; that therefore he gave him this friendly warning, to prevent it: that his house should always be open to receive him or any of his men, and that he knowing our customs, would never be offended at any thing. After a great deal of such discourse he dismiss't the Captain and his Company, who took their leave and came aboard. Captain Swan having seen the two Letters, did not doubt but that the English did design to settle a Factory here: therefore he did not much scruple the honesty of these people, but immediately or- dered us to get the Ship into the River. The Ri- ver upon which the City of Mindanao stands is but small, and hath not above 10 or 11 foot water on the Bar at a Spring-tide: therefore we lightned our Ship, and the Spring coming on, we with much ado got her into the River, being assisted by 50 or 60 Mindanaian Fishermen, who liv'd at the mouth of the River; Raja Laut himself being a- board our Ship to direct them. We carried her about a quarter of a mile up, within the mouth of the River, and there moored her, head and stern in a hole, where we always rode afloat. After this the Citizens of Mindanao came frequently a- board, to invite our men to their houses, and to offer us Pagallies. 'Twas a long time since any of us had received such Friendship, and therefore we were the more easily drawn to accept of their kindnesses; and in a very short time most of our men got a Comrade or two, and as many Pagal- lies; especially such of us as had good cloaths, and store of Gold, as many had, who were of the number JPG + 4 [+++---] Page 359 An. 1686 The Natives caress them. number of those, that accompanied Captain Har- ris over the Isthmus of Darien, the rest of us being poor enough. Nay the very poorest and meanest of us could hardly pass the Streets, but we were even hal'd by force into their houfes, to be treated by them; altho their Treats were but mean, viz. Tobacco, or Betel-nut, or a little sweet spiced Wa- ter. Yet their seeming sincerity. fimplicity, and the manner of bestowing these Gifts, made them very acceptable. When we came to their houfes they would always be praising the English, as decla- ring that the English and Mindanaians were all one. This they exprett by putting their two fore-fingers close together,and faying that the English and Minda- naians were famo,famo,that is all one. Then they would draw their fore-fingers half a foot afunder, and fay the Dutch and they were Bugeto, which signifies so, that they were at fuch diftance in point of friend- fhip: and for the Spaniards, they would make a greater reprefentation of diftance than for the Dutch: fearing these, but having felt, and fmarted from the Spaniards, who had once almoft brought them under. Captain Swan did seldom go into any houfe at firft,but into Raja Laut's. There he dined commonly every day; and as many of his men as were ashore, and had no money to entertain themselves, resort- ed thither about 12 a clock, where they had Rice enough boiled and well dreft, and fonie fcraps of Fowls, or bits of Buffaloe, dreft very naftily. Ca tain Swan was ferved a little better, and his tv Trumpeters founded all the time that he was at di: ner. After dinner Raja Laut would fit and difcourf with him moft part of the afrternoon. It was now the Ramdam time, therefore the General ex- cufed himfelf, that he could not entertain our Captain with dances, and other paftimes, as he intended to do when this folemn time was paft; be sides, JPG + 4 [---+++] A a 4 JPG [+++---] Page 360 An. 1686 Violent Rains and Floods. befides, it was the very heighth of the wet Seafon, and therefore not fo proper for paftimes. We had now very tempeftuous Weather, and exceffive Rains, which fo fwell'd the River, that it overflowed its Banks; fo that we had much ado to keep our Ship fafe: For every now and then we should have a great Tree come floating down the River, and fometimes lodge againft our Bows, to the endangering the breaking our Cables, and either the driving us in over the Banks, or carrying us out to Sea; both which would have been very dangerous to us, efpecially being without Ballaft. The City is about a mile long (of no great breadth) winding with the banks of the River on the Right hand going up, tho it hath many houfes on the other fide too. But at this time it feemed to ftand as in a pond, and there was no palling from one houfe to another but in Canoas. This tem- peftuous rainy Weather happened the latter end of July, and lafted moft part of Auguft. When the bad Weather was a little affwaged, Captain Swan hired a houfe, to put our Sails and Goods in, while we careen'd our Ship. We had a great deal of Iron and Lead, which was brought ashore into this houfe. Of thefe Commodities Captain Swan fold to the Sultan and General, 8 or 10 Tuns, at the rates agreed on by Captain Goodlud, to be paid in Rice. The Mindanaians are no good Accomptants; therefore the Chinefe that live here, do caft up their Accompts for them. After this, Captain Swan bought Timber-trees of the General, and fet fome of our men to faw them into Planks, to fheath the Ships bottom. He had two Whip-faws on board, which he brought out of England, and four or five men that knew the ufe of them, for they had been Sawyers in Jamaica. JPG + 4 [---+++] When JPG [+++---] Page 361 An. 1686 Their Dances. A Story of J. Thacker. When the Ramdam time was over, and the dry time fet in a little, the General, to oblige Captain Swan, entertained him every night with Dances. The dancing Women that are purpofely bred up to it, and make it their Trade, I have already de- fcribed. But befide them all the Women in gene- ral are much addicted to Dancing. They dance 40 or 50 at once: and that ftanding all round in a Ring joined hand in hand, and finging and keep- ing time. But they never budge out of their places, nor makeany motion till the Chorus is fung; then all at once they throw out one Leg, and bawl out aloud; and fometime they only clap their hands when the Chorus is fung. Captain Swan, to re- talliate the Generals favours, fent for his Violins, and fome that could dance English Dances; where- with the General was very well pleafed. They commonly spent the biggeft part of the nights in thefe fort of Paftimes. Among the reft of our Men that did ufe to dance thus before the General, there was one John Thack- er, who was a Seaman bred, and could neither write nor read; but had formerly learnt to dance in the Mufick-houfes about Wapping: This man came into the South Seas with Captain Harris, and getting with him a good quantity of Gold, and be- ing a pretty good husband of his fhare, had ftill fome left, befides what he laid out in a very good fuit of Clothes. The General fuppofed by his garb and his dancing, that he had been of noble ex- traction: and to be fatisfy'd of his Quality, asked of one of our men if he did not guess aright of him? The man of whom the General asked this queftion told him, he was much in the right; and that moft of our Ships company were of the like extraction; efpecially all thofe that had fine Clothes; and that they came abroad only to fee the World, having Money enough to bear their expences JPG + 4 [---+++] expences JPG [+++---] Page 362 An. 1686 The Generals Treachery. expences where-ever they came; but that for the reft, thofe that had but mean Clothes, they were only common Sea-men. After this the General fhew'd a great deal of refpect to all that had good Clothes, but efpecially to John Thacker; till Captain Swan came to know the bufinefs, and marr'd all; undeceiving the General, and drubbing the Noble-man: for he was fo much incenfed a- gainft John Thacker, that he could never endure him afterwards; tho the poor fellow knew nothing of the matter. About the middle of November we began to work on our Ships bottom, which we found very much eaten with the Worm: for this is a horrid place for Worms. We did not know this till after we had been in the River a month; and then we found our Canoas bottoms eaten like Honey-combs; our Bark, which was a fingle bottom, was eaten thro; fo that fhe could not fwim. But our Ship was fheath- ed, and the Worm came no farther than the Hair between the fheathing Plank and the main Plank. We did not miftruft the Generals Knavery till now: for when he came down to our Ship, and found us ripping off the fheathing Plank, and faw the firm bottom underneath, he fhook his Head, and feem- ed to be difcontented; faying he did never fee a Ship with 2 bottoms before. We were told that in this place where we now lay a Dutch Ship was eaten up in 2 months time, and the General had all her Guns; and it is probable he did expect to have had ours: which I do believe was the main reafon that made him fo forward in affifting us to get our Ship into the River, for when we went out again we had no affiftance from him. We had no Worms till we came to this place: for when we careen'd at the Marias, the Worm had not touch'd us; nor at Guam, for there we fcrubb'd; nor after we came to the Iland Mindanao; for at the S. E. end of the Ifland JPG + 4 [---+++] Island JPG [+++---] Page 363 An. 1686 Ship-Worms. Ifland we heel'd and fcrubb'd alfo. The Mindanai- ans are fo fenfible of thefe deftructive Infects, that whenever they come from Sea, they immediately hale their Ships into a dry Dock, and burn her bot- tom, and there let her lye dry, till they are ready to go to Sea again. The Canoas or Proes they hale up dry, and never fuffer them to be long in the water. It is reported that thofe Worms which get into a Ships bottom in the falt water, will dye in the frefh water; and that the frefh water Worms will dye in falt water: but in brackifh water both forts will increafe prodigioufly. Now this place where we lay was fometimes brackifh water, yet commonly frefh; but what fort of Worm this was I know not. Some men are of opinion, that thefe Worms breed in the Plank; but I am perfwaded they breed in the Sea: for I have feen millions of them fwimming in the water, particularly in the Bay of Panama; for there Captain Davis, Captain Swan and my felf, and moft of our men, did take notice of them divers times, which was the reafon of our Cleaning fo often while we were there: and thefe were the largeft Worms that I did ever fee. I have alfo feen them in Virginia, and in the Bay of Campeachy; in the latter of which places the Worm eats prodigioufly. They are always in Bays, Creeks, mouths of Rivers, and fuch places as are near the fhore; being never found far out at Sea, that I could ever learn: yet a Ship will bring them lodg'd in its Plank for a great way. Having thus ript off all our Worm-eaten Plank, and clapt on new, by the beginning of December, 1686, our Ships bottom was fheathed and tallowed; and the 10th day we went over the Bar, and took aboard the Iron and Lead that we could not fell, and began to fill our Water and fetch aboard Rice for our Voyage: But C. Swan remain d'ashore ftill, and was not yet determin'd when to fail, or whither. But JPG + 4 [+++---] Page 364 An. 1686 The General tricks them. But I am well affured that he did never intend to cruize about Manila, as his Crew defign'd; for I did once ask him, and he told me, that what he had already done of that kind he was forc'd to; but now being at liberty, he would never more engage in any fuch defign: For, faid he,there is no Prince on Earth is able to wipe off the ftain of fuch actions. What other defigns he had I know not; for he was commonly very crofs, yet he did never propofe doing any thing elfe, but only ordered the Provifion to be got aboard in order to fail; and I am con- fident if he had made a motion to go to any En- glifh Factory, moft of his men would have con- fented to it, tho, probably fome would have ftill oppofed it. However, his authority might foon have over-fwayed thofe that were refractory; for it was very ftrange to fee the awe that thefe men were in of him, for he punished the moft ftubborn and daring of his men. Yet when we had brought the Ship out into the Road, they were not alto- gether fo fubmiffive, as while it lay in the River, though even then it was that he punished Captain Teat. I was at that time a hunting with the General for Beef, which he had a long time promifed us. But now I faw that there was no credit to he gi- ven to his word; for I was a week out with him and faw but four Cows, which were fo wild, that we did not get one. There were five or fix more of our Company with me: thefe who were young men, and had Dalilahs there, which made them fond of the place, all agreed with the Ge- neral to tell Captain Swan, that there were Beeves enough, only they were wild. But I told him the truth, and advifed him not to be too credulous of the Generals promifes. He feemed to be very angry, and ftormed behind the Generals back, but in his prefence was very mute, being a man of finall cou- rage. JPG + 4 [+++---] 365 An.1686 The Prodigality of the English Seamen. It was about the 20th day of December when we returned from hunting, and the General designed to go again to another place to hunt for Beef ; but he stayed till after Christmas-day, because some of us designed to go with him ; and Captain Swan had desired all his men to be aboard that day, that we might keep it solemnly together : And accord- ingly he sent aboard a Buffaloelthe day before, that we might have a good Dinner. So the 25th day about 10 a clock, Captain Swan came aboard, and all his Men who were ashore : For you must understand that near a third of our men lived con- stantly ashore, with their Comrades and Pagallies, and some with Women-servants, whom they hired of their Masters for Concubines. Some of our men also had Houses, which they hired or bought, for Houses are very cheap, for 5 or 6 Dollars. [---+++] For many of them having more money than they knew what to do with, eased themselves here of the trouble of telling it, spending it very lavishly, their prodigality making the people impose upon them to the making the rest of us pay the dearer for what we bought, and to the endangering the like impositions upon such Englishmen as may come here hereafter. For the Mindanaoians knew how to get our Squires Gold from them (for we had no Silver,) and when our men wanted Silver, they would change now and then an Ounce of Gold, and could get for it no more then 10 or 11 Dol- lars for a Mindanao Ounce which they would not part with again under 18 Dollars. Yet this, and the great prices they set on their Goods, were not the only way to lessen their stocks ; for their Pa- gallies and Comrades would often be begging somewhat of them, and our men were generous enough, and would bestow half an ounce of Gold at a time, in a Ring for their Pagallies, or in a Silver Wrist-band, or Hoop to come about their Arms, [+++---]366 An.1686 Captain Swan's ill conduct. Arms, in hopes to get a nights Lodging with them. [---+++] When we were all aboard on Christmas-day, Cap- tain Swan and his two Merchants ; I did expect that Captain Swan would have made some pro- posals, or have told us his designs ; but he only dined and went ashore again, without speaking a- ny thing of his mind. Yet even then I do think that he was driving on a design, of going to one of the Spice Islands, to load with Spice ; for the young man before mentioned, who I said was sent by his Uncle, the Sultan of a Spice Island near Ternate, to invite the English to their Island, came aboard at this time, and after some private dis- course with Captain Swan, they both went ashore together. This young man did not care that the Mindanaians should be privy to what he said. I have heard Captain Swan say that he offered to load his Ship with Spice, provided he would build a small Fort, and leave some men to secure the Island from the Dutch ; but I am since informed, that the Dutch have now got possession of the Island. [---+++] The next day after Christmas the General went away again, and 5 or 6 Englishmen with him, of whom I was one, under pretence of going a hunt- ing ; and we all went together by Water in his Proe, together with his Women and Servants, to the hunting place. The General always carried his Wives and Children, his Servants, his Money and Goods with him : so we all imbarked in the morning, and arrived there before night. I have already described the fashion of their Proes, and the rooms made in them. We were entertained in the Generals Room or Cabbin. Our Voyage was not so far, but that we reached our Port before night. [+++---]367 An.1686 The Generals Seraglio. At this time one of the Generals Servants had offended, and was punished in this manner. He was bound fast flat on his Belly, on a Bambou be- longing to the Proe, which was so near the Wa- ter, that by the Vessels motion, it frequently del- ved under water, and the man along with it ; and sometime when hoisted up, he had scarce time to blow before he would be carried under Water a- gain. [---+++] When we had rowed about two leagues, we entered a pretty large deep River, and rowed up a league further ; the Water salt all the way. There was a pretty large Village, the Houses built after the Country fashion. We landed at this place, where there was a House made ready im- mediately for us. The General and his Women lay at one end of the house, and we at the other end, and in the evening all the Women in the Village danced before the General. [---+++] While he stayed here, the General with his men went out every morning betimes, and did not re- turn till 4 or 5 a clock in the afternoon, and he would often complement us, by telling us what good trust and confidence he had in us, saying that he left his Women and Goods under our protection, and that he thought them as secure with us fix, (for we had all our Arms with us) as if he had left 100 of his own men to guard them. Yet for all this great confidence, he al- ways left one of his principal men, for fear some of us should be too familiar with his Women. [---+++] They did never stir out of their own Room when the General was at home, but as soon as he was gone out, they would presently come into our Room, and sit with us all day, and ask a thou- sand questions of us concerning our English Wo- men, and our customs. You may imagin that before this time, some of us had attained so much of [+++---]368 An.1686 Their Converse with the Generals Women. their Language as to understand them, and give them answers to their demands. I remember that one day they asked how many Wives the King of England had? we told them but one, and that our English Laws did not allow of any more. They said it was a very strange custom, that a Man should be confined to one Woman ; some of them said it was a very bad Law, but others again said it was a good Law ; so there was a great dif- pute among them about it. But one of the Ge- neral's Women said positively, that our Law was better than theirs, and made them all silent by the reason which she gave for it. This was the War Queen, as we called her, for she did always accompany the General when-ever he was called out to engage his Enemies, but the rest did not. [---+++] By this familiarity among the Women, and by often discoursing them, we came to be acquainted with their customs and privileged. The General lies with his Wives by turns, but she by whom he had the first Son, has a double portion of his com- pany : for when it comes to her turn, she has him two nights, whereas the rest have him but one. She with whom he is to lye at night seems to have a particular respect shewn her by the rest all the precedent day, and for a mark of distincti- on, wears a striped silk Handerchief about her Neck, by which we knew who was Queen that day. [---+++] We lay here about 5 or 6 days, but did never in all that time see the least sign of any Beef, which was the business we came about: neither were we suffered to go out with the General to see the wild kind, but we wanted for nothing else: However this did not please us, and we often im- portuned him to let us go out among the Cattle. At last he told us, that he had provided a Jar of Rice- drink to be merry with us, and after that we should go with him. [+++---] 369 An.1686 Rice-Drink. This Rice-drink is made of Rice boiled and put into a Jar, where it remains a long time steep- ing in Water. I know not the manner of making it, but it is very strong pleasant drink. The e- vening when the General designed to be merry, he caused a Jar of this drink to be brought into our Room, and he began to drink first himself; then afterwards his men ; so they took turns till they were all as drunk as Swine, before they suf- fered us to drink. After they had enough, then we drank, and they drank no more, for they will not drink after us. The General leapt about our Room a little while ; but having his Load soon went to sleep. [---+++] The next day we went out with the General into the Savannah, where he had near 100 men making of a large pen to drive the Cattle into. For that is the manner of their Hunting; having no Dogs. But I saw not above 8 or 10 Cows ; and those as wild as Deer, so that we got none this day : yet the next day some of his men brought in 3 Heifers, which they kill'd in the Savannah. With these we returned aboard, they being all that we got there. [---+++] Captain Swan was much vext at the Generals actions; for he promised to supply us with as much Beef as we should want, but now either could not, or would not make good his promise. Besides, he failed to perform his promise in a bargain of Rice, that we were to have for the Iron which he sold him, but he put us off still from time to time, and would not come to any account. Neither were these all his tricks, for a little before his Son was circumcised, (of which I spake in the forego- ing Chapter) he pretended a great freight for money, to defray the charges of that day ; and therefore desired Captain Swan to lend him about 20 Ounces of Gold ; for he knew that Captain Swan [+++---] 370 An.1687 Raja Laut's uneasiness to Capt. Swan. Swan had a considerable quantity of Gold in his possession, which the General thought was his own, but indeed had none but what belonged to the Merchants. However he lent it the General, but when he came to an account with Captain Swan, he told him, that is was usual at such so- lemn times to make Presents, and that he received it as a Gift. He also demanded payment for the Victuals that our Captain and his Men did eat at his house. These things startled Captain Swan, yet how to help himself he knew not. But all this, with other inward troubles lay hard on our Captains spirits, and put him very much out of humour ; for his own Company also were pressing him every day to be gone, because now was the heighth of the Easterly Monsoon, the only Wind to carry us farther into the Indies. [---+++] About this time some of our men, who were weary and tired with wandring, ran away into the Country and absconded, they being assisted, as was generally believed, by Raja Laut. There were others also, who fearing we should not go to an English Port, bought a Canoa, and designed to go in her to Borneo : For not long before a Mindanao Vessel came from thence, and brought a Letter di- rected to the chief of the English Factory at, Min- danao. This Letter the General would have, Cap- tain Swan have opened, but he thought it might come from some of the East India Merchants, whose Affairs he would not intermeddle with, and there- fore did not open. it. I since met with Captain Bowry at Achin, and telling him this story, he said that he sent that Letter, supposing that the En- glish were settled there at Mindanao, and by this Letter we also thought that there was an English Factory at Borneo: so here was a mistake on both sides. But this Canoa wherewith some of them thought to go to Borneo, Captain Swan took from them, [+++---] 371 An.1686 The Disorders among the Ships Crew. them, and threatened the undertakers very hardly. However this did not so far discourage them, for they secretly bought another ; but their de- signs taking air, they were again frustrated by Captain Swan. [---+++] The whole Crew were at this time under a ge- neral disaffection, and full of very different Pro- jects ; and all for want of action. The main divi- sion was between those that had Money and those that had none. There was a great difference in the humours of these ; for they that had Money liv'd a- shore, and did not care for leaving Mindanao; whilst those that were poor liv'd aboard, and urged C. Swan to go to Sea. These began to be unruly as well as dis- satisfied, and sent ashore the Merchants Iron to sell for Rack and Honey, to make Punch, where- with they grew drunk and quarrelsome : Which disorderly actions deterr'd me from going aboard; for I did ever abhor drunkenness, which now our men that were aboard, abandoned them- selves wholly to! [---+++] Yet these disorders might have been crush'd, if Captain Swan had used his authority to suppress them : But he with his Merchants living always a- shore, there was no command, and therefore eve- ry man did what he pleased, and encourag'd each other in his villanies. Now Mr. Harthop, who was one of Captain Swan's Merchants, did very much importune him to settle his resolutions, and declare his mind to his men ; which at last he contented to do : Therefore he gave warning to all his men to come aboard the 13th day of January 1687. [---+++] We did all earnestly expect to hear what Cap- tain Swan would propose; and therefore were very willing to go aboard. But unluckily for him, two days before this meeting was to be, Captain Swan sent aboard his Gunner, to fetch something ashore out of his Cabbin. The Gunner rummaging to [+++---] 372 An.1687 The Crew disgusted at their Captain. find what he was sent for, among other things took out the Captains Journal, from America to the Island Guam, and laid it down by him. This Journal was taken up by one John Reed, a Bristol man, whom I have mentioned in my 4th Chapter. He was a pretty ingenious young man, and of a very civil carriage and behaviour. He was also accounted a good Artist, and kept a Journal, and was now prompted by his curiosity, to peep into Captain Swan's Journal, to see how it agreed with his own ; a thing very usual among Sea-men that keep Journals, when they have an opportunity, and especially young men, who have no great ex- perience. At the first opening of the Book he light on a place in which Captain Swan had inveighed bitterly against most of his men, especially against another John Reed, a Jamaica-man. This was such stuff as he did not seek after : But hitting so pat on this subject, his curiosity led him to pry farther ; and therefore while the Gunner was busie, he convey'd the Book away, to look over it at his leisure. The Gunner having dispatch'd his business, lock'd up the Cabbin-door not missing the Book, and went ashore. Then John Reed shew'd it to his Name- sake, and to the rest that were aboard ; who were by this time the biggest part of them ripe for mischief; only wanting some fair pretence to set themselves to work about it. Therefore looking on what was written in this Journal to be matter sufficient for them to accomplish their ends, Cap- tain Teat, who, as I said before, had been abused by Captain Swan, laid hold on this opportunity to be revenged for his injuries, and aggravated the matter to the heighth ; perswading the men to turn out Captain Swan from being Commander, in hopes to have commanded the Ship himself. As for the Sea-men, they were easily perswaded to any thing ; for they were quite tired with this long and tedious [+++---]373 An.1687 A Snake about a Mans Neck. tedious Voyage, and most of them despaired of ever getting home, and therefore did not care what they did, or whither they went. It was only want of being busied in some action that made them so uneasie ; therefore they consented to what Teat proposed, and immediately all that were aboard bound themselves by Oath to turn Captain Swan out, and to conceal this design from those that were ashore, until the Ship was under sail ; which would have been presently, if the Surgeon or his Mate had been aboard : but they were both ashore, and they thought it no prudence to go to Sea with- out a Surgeon : Therefore the next morning they sent ashore one John Cookworthy, to hasten off either the Surgeon or his Mate, by pretending that one of the men in the night broke his Leg by falling into the Hold. The Surgeon told him that he in- tended to come aboard the next day with the Cap- tain, and would not come before ; but sent his Mate Herman Coppinger. [---+++] This man some time before this was sleeping at his Pagallies, and a Snake twisted himself about his Neck ; but afterwards went away without hurting him. In this Country it is usual to have the Snakes come into the Houses, and into the Ships too ; for we had several came aboard our Ship when we lay in the River. But to proceed, Herman Coppinger provided to go aboard ; and the next day, being the time appointed for Captain Swan and all his men to meet aboard, I went aboard with him, nei- ther of us mistrusting what was designing by those aboard, till we came thither. Then we found it was only a trick to get the Surgeon off ; for now, having obtained their desires, the Canoa was sent ashore again immediately, to desire as many as they could meet to come aboard ; but not to tell the reason, left Captain Swan should come to hear of it, [+++---]374 An.1687 They leave Captain Swan behind. The 13th day in the morning they weighed, and fired a Gun : Captain Swan immediately sent a- board Mr. Nelly, who was now his chief Mate, to see what the matter was : To him they told all their grievances, and shew'd him the Journal. He per- swaded them to stay till the next day, for an an- swer from Captain Swan and the Merchants. So they came to an Anchor again, and the next morn- ing Mr. Harthop came aboard : He perswaded them to be reconciled again, or at least to stay and get more Rice : But they were deaf to it, and weigh- ed again while he was aboard. Yet at Mr. Harthop's perswasion they promised to stay till 2 a clock in the afternoon for Captain Swan, and the rest of the men, if they would come aboard ; but they suf- fer'd no man to go ashore, except one William Wil- liams that had a Wooden Leg, and another that was a Sawyer. [---+++] If Captain Swan had yet come aboard, he might have dash'd all their designs : but he neither came himself, as a Captain of any Prudence and Cou- rage would have done, nor sent till the time was expired. So we left Captain Swan and about 36 men ashore in the City, and 6 or 8 that run away ; and about 16 we had buried there, the most of which dyed by Poyson. The Natives are very ex- pert at Poysoning, and do it upon small occasions : nor did our men want for giving offence, through their general Rogueries, and sometimes by dallying too familiarly with their Women even before their faces. Some of their Poysons are slow and linger- ing ; for we had some now aboard who were poy- son'd there ; but dyed not till some months after.