[ch15 is page 403-440] 403 An.1687 C H A P. XV. They leave Pulo Condore, desigining for Mani- la, but are driven off from thence, and from the Isle of Prata, by the Winds, and brought upon the Coast of China. Isle of St. John, on the Coast of the Province of Canton; its soil and productions, China Hogs, &c. The Inhabitants; and of the Tartars forcing the Chinese to cut off their Hair. Their Habits, and the little Feet of their Women. China- ware, China-roots, Tea, &c. A Village at St. John's Island, and of the Husbandry of their Rice. A story of a Chinese Pagoda; or Idol-Temple, and Image. Of the China Jonks; and their Ringing. They leave St. John's and the Coast of China. A most out- ragious Storm: Corpus Sant, a Light, or Meteor appearing in Storms. The Piscadores; or Fishers Islands near Formosa: A Tarta- rian Garison, and Chinese Town on one of these Islands. They anchor in the Harbour near the Tartars Garison, and treat with the Governor. Of Amoy in the Province of Fo- kieu, and Macao a Chinese and Portuguese Town near Canton in China. The Habits of a Tartarian Officer and his Retinue. Their presents, excellent Beef. Samciû, a sort of Chinese Arack, and Hocciu a kind of Chi- nese Mum, and the Jars it is bottled in. Of the Isle of Formosa, and the 5 Islands: to which [---+++] [+++---] 404 An.1687 Their Departure from Pulo Condor. which they give the Names of Orange, Mon- mouth, Grafton, Bashee, and Goat-Islands, in general, the Bashee Islands. A digression concerning the different depths of the Sea near high or low Lands. The Soil, &c. as before. The Soil, Fruits, and Animals of these Islands. The Inhabitants and their Cloathing. Rings of a yellow Metal like Gold. Their Houses built on remarkable precipices. Their Boats and Employments. Their food, of Goat Skins, Entrails, &c. Parcht Locusts. Bashee, or Sugar-cane drink. Of their Language and Original, Launces and Buffaloe Coats. No Idols, nor Civil form of Government. A young man buried alive by them; supposed to be for Theft. Their Wives and Children, and Husbandry. Their Manners, Entertainments, and Traffick. Of the Ships first Intercourse with these people, and bartering with them. Their Course among the Islands; their stay there, and provision to depart. They are driven off by a violent Storm, and return. The Na- tives kindness to 6 of them left behind. The Crew discouraged by those Storms, quit their design of Cruising off Manila for the Aca- pulco Ship: and 'tis resolved to fetch a Com- pass to Cape Comorin, and so for the Red- Sea. [---+++] Having fill'd our Water, cut our Wood, and got our Ship in a sailing posture, while the blustring hard Winds lasted, we took the first op- portunity of a settled gale to sail towards Manila. Accordingly June the 4th, 1687, we loofed from [+++---] 405 An.1687 Shoals of Pracel. Isles and Rocks of Prata Pulo Condore, with the Wind at S. W. fair weather at a brisk gale. The Pepper Jonk bound to Siam remained there, waiting for an Easterly wind; but one of his men, a kind of a bastard Portuguese, came aboard our Ship, and was entertained for the sake of his knowledge in the several Languages of these Countries. The Wind continued in the S. W. but 24 hours, or a little more, and then came about to the North, and then to the N. E.; and the Sky became exceeding clear. Then the Wind came at East, and lasted betwixt E. and S. E. for 8 or 10 days. Yet we continued plying to Windward, ex- pecting every day a shift of Wind, because these Winds were not according to the season of the year. [---+++] We were now afraid left the Currents might de- ceive us, and carry us on the shoals of Pracel, which were near us, a little to the N. W. but we passed on to the Eastward, without seeing any sign of them; yet we were kept much to the Northward of our intended course: and the Easterly Winds still continuing, we despaired of getting to Manila; and therefore began to project some new design; and the result was, to visit the Island Prata, about the Lat. of 20 deg. 40 min. North; and not far from us at this time. [---+++] It is a small low Island, environed with Rocks clear round it, by report. It lyeth so in the way between Manila and Canton, the head of a Province, and a Town of great trade in China, that the Chi- nese do dread the Rocks about it, more than the Spaniards did formerly dread Bermudas: for many of their Jonks coming from Manila have been lost there, and with abundance of Treasure in them; as we were informed by all the Spaniards that ever we conversit with in these parts. They told us al- fo, that in these wrecks most of the men were drowned, and that the Chinese did never go thi- [+++---] 406 An.1687 St. Johns Island on the Coast of China. ther to take up any of the Treasure that was lost there, for fear of being lost themselves. But the danger of the place did not daunt us; for we were resolved to try our fortunes there, if the Winds would permit; and we did beat for it 5 or 6 days: but at last were forced to leave that design also for want of Winds; for the S. E. Winds con- tinuing, forced us on the Coast of China. [---+++] It was the 25th day of June when we made the Land; and running in towards the shore we came to an Anchor the same day, on the N. E. end of St. John's Island. [---+++] This Island is in Lat. about 21 d. 30 min. North, lying on the S. Coast of the Province of Quantung or Canton in China. It is of an indifferent heighth, and pretty plain, and the Soil fertile enough. It is partly woody, partly Savannahs or Pasturage for Cattle; and there is some moist arable Land for Rice. The skirts or outer part of the Island, espe- cially that part of it which borders on the main Sea, is woody: The middle part of it is good thick grassy Pasture, with some groves of Trees; and that which is cultivated Land is low wet Land, yielding plentiful Crops of Rice; the only grain that I did see here. The tame Cattle which this Island affords, are China Hogs, Goats, Buffaloes, and some Bullocks. The Hogs of this Island are all black; they have but small Heads, very short thick Necks, great Bellies, commonly touching the ground, and short Legs. They eat but little food, yet they are most of them very fat; probably be- cause they sleep much. The tame Fowl are Ducks, and Cocks and Hens. I saw no wild Fowl but a few small Birds. [---+++] The Natives of this Island are Chinese. They are subject to the Crown of China, and consequently at this time to the Tartars. The Chinese in general are tall, strait-bodied, raw boned men. The [+++---] 407 An.1687 The Chinese compelled to cut their Hair. are long Visaged, and their Foreheads are high; but they have little Eyes. Their Noses are pretty large, with a rising in the middle. Their Mouths are of a mean size, pretty thin Lips. They are of an ashy complexion; their Hair is black, and their Beards thin and long, for they pluck the hair out by the roots, suffering only some few very long straggling Hairs to grow about their Chin, in which they take great pride, often combing them, and sometimes tying them up in a knot, and they have such Hairs too growing down from each side of their upper Lip like Whiskers. The ancient Chinese were very proud of the Hair of their Heads, letting it grow very long, and stroking it back with their Hands curiously, and then winding the plats all together round a Bodkin, thrust through it at the hinder part of the Head; and both Men and Women did thus. But when the Tartars con- quer'd them, they broke them of this custom they were fond of, by main force; infomuch that they resented this imposition worse than their subjection, and rebelled upon it: but being still worrted, were forc'd to acquiesce; and to this day they follow the fashion of their Masters the Tartars, and shave all their Heads, only reserving one Lock; which some tye up, others let it hang down to a great or small length as they please. The Chinese in other Countries still keep their old custom, but if any of the Chinese is found wearing long Hair in China, he forfeits his Head; and many of them have abandoned their Country to preserve their liberty of wearing their Hair, as I have been told by themselves. [---+++] The Chinese have no Hats, Caps, or Turbans; but when they walk abroad, they carry a small Umbrello in their hands, wherewith they fence their heads from the Sun or the Rain, by holding it over their heads. If they walk but a little way, they [+++---] 408 An.1687 The Chinese Womens little Feet. they carry only a large Fan made of Paper, or Silk, of the same fashion as those our Ladies have, and many of them are brought over hither: one of these every man carries in his hand if he do but cross the street, skreening his head with it, if he hath not an Umbrello with him. [---+++] The common apparel of the men, is a loose Frock and Breeches. They seldom wear Stock- ings, but they have Shoes, or a sort of Slippers ra- ther. The mens Shoes are made diversly: the women have very small Feet, and consequently but little Shoes; for from their Infancy their Feet are kept swathed up with bands, as hard as they can possibiy endure them; and from the time they can go till they have done growing they bind them up every night. This they do purposely to hin- der them from from growing, esteeming little Feet to be a great Beauty. But by this unrea- sonable custom they do in a manner lose the use of their Feet, and instead of going they only stum- ble about their Houses, and presently squat down on their Breeches again, being, as it were, con- fined to sitting all days of their lives. They fel- dom stir abroad, and one would be apt to think, that, as some have conjectured, their keeping up their fondness for this fashion were a stratagem of the mens, to keep them from gadding and gossip- ping about, and confine them at home. They are kept constantly to their work, being fine Needle- Women, and making many curious Embroideries, and they make their own Shoes; but if any Stran- ger be desirous to bring away any for Novelty's sake, he must be a great Favourite to get a pair of Shoes of them, tho he give twice their value. The poorer sort of Women trudge about streets, and to the Market, without Shoes or Stockings: and these cannot afford to have little feet, being to get their living with them. [---+++] [+++---] 409 An.1687 China Ware. China Root. Tea. The Chinese, both Men and Women, are very in- genious; as may appear by the many curious things that are brought from thence, especially the Porce- laine or China Earthen Ware. The Spaniards of Manila, that we took on the Coast of Luconia, told me, that this Commodity is made of Conch-shells; the inside of which looks like Mother of Pearl. But the Portuguese lately mentioned, who had lived in China, and spoke that and the neighbouring Lan- guages very well, faid, that it was made of a fine sort of Clay that was dug in the Province of Can- ton. I have often made enquiry about it, but cou'd never be well satisfied in it: but while I was on the Coast of Canton I forgot to inquire about it. They make very fine Lacquer Ware also, and good Silks; and they are curious at Painting and Carving. [---+++] China affords Drugs in great abundance; especi- ally China Root; but this is not peculiar to that Country alone; for there is much of this Root growing in Jamaica, particularly at 16 mile walk; and in the Bay of Honduras it is very plentiful. There is a great store of Sugar made in this Coun- try; and Tea in abundance is brought from thence; being much used there, and in Tunquin and Cochin- china as common drinking; Women sitting in the Streets, and selling Dishes of Tea hot and ready made: they call it Chau, and even the poorest People sip it. But the Tea at Tonqueen or Cochinchina seems not so good, or of so pleasant a bitter, or of so fine a colour, or such virtue as this in China; for I have drank of it in these Countries: unless the fault be in their way of making it, for I made none there my self: and by the high red colour it looks as if they made a Decoction of it, or kept it stale. Yet at Japan I was told there is a great deal of pure Tea, very good. [---+++] The Chinese are very great Gamesters, and they will never be tired with it, playing night and day, till [+++---] 410 An.1687 The Product and Inhabitants of St. Johns. till they have lost all their Estates; then it is usu- al with them to hang themselves. This was fre- quently done by the Chinese Factors at Manila, as I was told by Spaniards that lived there. The Spani- ards themselves are much addicted to gaming, and are very expert at it; but the Chinese are too subtle for them, being in general a very cunning people. [---+++] But a particular account of them and their Country would fill a Volume; nor doth my short experience of them qualify me to say much of them. Wherefore to confine my self chiefly to what I observ'd at St. Johns Island, where we lay some time, and visited the shore every day to buy Provision, as Hogs, Fowl, and Buffaloe. Here was a small Town standing in a wet swampy ground, with many filthy Ponds amongst the Houses, which were built on the ground as ours are, not on posts as at Mindanao. In these Ponds were plenty of Ducks; the Houses were small and low, and covered with Thatch, and the inside were but ill furnished, and kept nastily: and I have been told by one who was there, that most of the Houses in the City of Canton itself are but poor and irregular. [---+++] The Inhabitants of this Village seem to be most Husbandmen: They were at this time very busy in Sowing their Rice, which is their chiefest Com- modity. The Land in which they choose to Sow the Rice is low and wet, and when Plowed the Earth was like a mass of Mud. They plow their Land with a small Plow, drawn by one Buffaloe, and one man both holds the Plow, and drives the Beast. When the Rice is ripe and gathered in, they tread it out of the Earth with Buffaloes, in a large round place made with a hard floor fit for that purpose, where they chain 3 or 4 of these Beasts, one at the tail of the other, and driving them round in a ring, as in a Horse-mill, they so order it [+++---] 411 An.1687 A Chinese Idol-Temple and Image. that the Buffaloes may tread upon it all. [---+++] I was once ashore at this Island, with 7 or 8 En- glish men more, and having occasion to stay some time, we killed a small Shote, or young Porker, and roasted it for our Dinners. While we were busy dressing of our Pork, one of the Natives came and sat down by us, and when our Dinner was ready, we cut a good piece and gave it him, which he willingly received. But by signs he begged more, and withal pointed into the Woods: yet we did not understand his meaning, nor much mind him, till our Hunger was pretty well asswaged; although he did still make signs, and walking a little way from us, he beckoned to us to come to him; which at last I did, and 2 or 3 more. He going before, led the way in a small blind path, through a thicket, into a small grove of Trees, in which there was an old Idol Temple about 10 foot square: The Walls of it were about 9 foot high, and 2 foot thick, made of Bricks. The floor was paved with broad Bricks, and in the middle of the floor stood an old rusty Iron Bell on its brims. This Bell was about two foot high, standing flat on the ground; the brims on which it stood were about 16 inches diameter. From the brims it did taper away a little towards the head, much like our Bells; but that the brims did not turn out so much as ours do. On the head of the Bell there were 3 Iron bars as big as a mans Arm, and about 10 inches long from the top of the Bell, where the ends join'd as in a center, and seemed of one Mass with the Bell, as if cast toge- ther. These bars stood all parallel to the ground, and their further ends, which stood triangularly and opening from each other at equal distances, like the flyers of our Kitchen Jacks, were made exactly in the shape of the paw of some mon- strous Beast, having sharp claws on it. This it seems was their God: for as soon as our zealous Guide [+++---] 412 An.1687 China Jonks, like Well-boats. Guide came before the Bell, he fell flat on his face, and beckned to us, seeming very desirous to have us do the like. At the inner side of the Temple against the Walls, there was an Altar of white hewn Stone. The Table of the Altar was about 3 foot long, 16 inches broad, and 3 inches thick. It was raised about two foot from the ground, and supported by 3 small pillars of the same white Stone. On this Altar there were several small Earthen Vessels; one of them was full of small sticks that had been burned at one end. Our Guide made a great many signs for us to fetch and to leave some of our meat there, and seemed very importunate, but we refused. We left him there, and went aboard; I did see no other Tem- ple nor Idol here. [---+++] While we lay at this place, we saw several small China Jonks, sailing in the Lagune between the Islands and the Main, one came and anchored by us. I and some more of our men went aboard to view her: She was built with a square flat Head as well as Stern, only the head or fore part was not so broad as the Stern. On her Deck she had little thatcht Houses like Hovels, covered with Palmeto Leaves, and raised about 3 foot high, for the Sea- men to creep into. She had a pretty large Cabin, wherein there was an Altar and a Lamp burning, I did but just look in, and saw not the Idol. The Hold was divided in many small partitions, all of them made so tight, that if a leak should spring up in any one of them, it could go no farther, and so could do but little damage, but only to the Goods in the bottom of that room where the leek springs up. Each of these rooms belong to one or two Merchants, or more, and every man freights his Goods in his own room; and probably lodges there, if he be on board himself. These Jonks have only two Mafts, a Main-maft and a Fore-maft. The Fore- [+++---] 413 An.1687 Great Masts. They leave China. Fore-mast has a square Yard and a square Sail, but the Main-mast has a Sail narrow aloft, like a Sloops Sail, and in fair weather they use a Top-sail, which is to hale down on the Deck in foul weather, Yard and all; for they do not go up to furl it. The Main-mast in their biggest Jonks seemed to me as big as any third rate Man of Wars Mast in England, and yet not pierced as ours, but made of one grown Tree: and in all my Travels I never saw any single Tree-masts so big in the body, and so long, and yet so well tapered, as I have seen in the Chinese Jonks. [---+++] Some of our men went over to a pretty large Town on the Continent of China, where we might have furnished our selves with Provision, which was a thing we were always in want of, and was our chief business here: but we were afraid to lye in this place any longer, for we had some signs of an approaching Storm: this being the time of the year in which Storms are expected on this Coast; and here was no safe Riding. It was now the time of the year for the S. W. Mon- soon, but the Wind had been whistling about from one part of the Compass to another for two or three days, and sometimes it would be quite calm. This caused us to put to Sea, that we might have Sea-room at least; for such flattering weather is commonly the fore-runner of a Tempest. [---+++] Accordingly we weighed Anchor, and set out: yet we had very little Wind all the next night. But the day ensuing, which was the 4th day of July, about 4 a clock in the afternoon, the Wind came to the N. E. and freshened upon us, and the Sky look'd very black in that quarter, and the black clouds began to rise apace and move towards us; having hung all the morning in the Horizon. This made us take in our Top-fails, and the Wind still increa- sing, about 9 a clock we rift our Main-sail and Fore- fail: [+++---] 414 An.1687 A most dreadful Storm. Corpus Sant. fail; at 10 we furl'd our Fore-sail, keeping under a Main-sail and Mizen. At 11 a clock we furl'd our Main-sail, and ballasted our Mizen: at which time it began to rain, and by 12 a clock at night it blew exceeding hard, and the Rain poured down as through a Sieve. It thundered and lightned pro- digiously, and the Sea seemed all of a Fire about us: for every Sea that broke sparkled like Light- ning. The violent Wind raised the Sea presently to a great heighth, and it ran very short, and be- gan to break in on our Deck. One Sea struck a- way the Rails of our Head, and our Sheet Anchor, which was stowed with one Flook or bending of the Iron, over the Ships Gunal, and lasht very well down to the side, was violently washt off, and had like to have struck a hole in our Bow, as it lay beating against it. Then we were forced to put right before the Wind to stow our Anchor again; which we did with much ado: but afterwards we durst not adventure to bring our Ship to the wind again, for fear of foundring, for the turning the Ship either to or from the Wind is dangerous in such violent Storms. The fierceness of the weather con- tinued till 4 a clock that morning; in which time we did cut away two Canoas that were towing aftern. [---+++] After four a clock the Thunder and the Rain abated, and then we saw a Corpus Sant at our Main- top-mast head, on the very top of the truck of the Spindle. This sight joyc'd our Men exceedingly; for the height of the Storm is commonly over when the Corpus Sant is seen aloft: but when they are seen lying on the Deck, it is generally accounted a bad sign. [---+++] A Corpus Sant is a certain small glittering light: when it appears as this did, on the very top of the Main- mast or at a Yard-arm, it is like a Star; but when it appears on the Deck, it resembles a great Glow- worm. [+++---] 415 An.1687 A Storm. worm. The Spaniards have another Name for it, (though I take even this to be a Spanish or Portuguese Name, and a corruption only of Corpus Sanctum) and I have been told that when they see them, they presently go to Prayers, and bless themselves for the happy sight. I have heard some ignorant Sea- men discoursing how they have seen them creep, or as they say, travel about in the Scuppers, telling many dismal stories that hapned at such times : but I did never see any one stir out of the place where it first was fixt, except upon Deck, where every Sea washeth it about. Neither did I ever see any but when we have had hard rain as well as wind; and therefore do believe it is some Jelly: but enough of this. [---+++] We continued scudding right before wind and sea from 2 till 7 a clock in the morning, and then the wind being much abated, we set our Mizen again, and brought our Ship to the wind, and lay under a Mizen till 11. Then it fell flat calm, and it continued so for about 2 hours: but the Sky looked very black and rueful, especially in the S. W. and the Sea tossed us about like an Egg-shell, for want of wind. About one a clock in the after- noon the wind sprung up at S. W. out of the quar- ter from whence we did expect it: therefore, we presently brail'd up our Mizen, and wore our Ship : but we had no sooner put our Ship before the wind, but it blew a Storm again, and it rain'd very hard; though not so violently as the night before: but the wind was altogether as boyfterous, and so continued till 10 or 11 a clock at night. All which time we scudded, or run before the wind very swift, tho only with our bare Poles, that is, with- out any Sail abroad. Afterwards the wind died away by degrees, and before day we had but little wind, and fine clear weather. [+++---] 416 An.1687 The Piscador Islands near Formosa. I was never in such a violent storm in all my life; so said all the company. This was near the change of the Moon : it was 2 or 3 days before the change. The 6th day in the morning, having fine handsome weather, we got up our Yards again, and began to dry our selves and our cloaths, for we were all well sopt. This Storm had deadned the hearts of our men so much, that instead of going to buy more Provision at the same place from whence we came before the Storm, or of seeking any more for the Island Prata, they thought of going somewhere to shelter before the Full Moon, for fear of another such Storm at that time : For commonly, if there is any very bad weather in the month, it is about 2 or 3 days before or after the Full, or Change of the Moon. [---+++] These thoughts, I say, put our men on thinking where to go, and the Drafts or Sea-plats being first consulted, it was concluded to go to certain Islands lying in lat. 23 d. N. called Piscadores. For there was not a man aboard that was any thing acquaint- ed on these Coasts ; and therefore all our depen- dance was on the Drafts, which only pointed out to us where such and such places or Islands were, without giving us any account, what Harbour, Roads, or Bays there were; or the produce, strength, or trade of them: these we were forced to seek after our selves. [---+++] The Piscadores are a great many inhabited Islands, lying near the Island Formosa, between it and China, in or near the lat. of 23 deg. N. lat. almost as high as the Tropick of Cancer. These Piscadore Islands are moderately high, and appear much like our Dorset- shire and Wiltshire Downs in England. They produce thick short Grass, and a few Trees. They are pretty well watered, and they feed abundance of Goats, and some great Cattle. There are abun- dance of Mounts and old Fortifications on them: but [+++---] 417 An.1687 A Tartar Garrison at the Piscadores. but of no use now, whatever they have been. Between the 2 Eastermost Islands there is a very good Harbour, which is never without Jonks ri- ding in it: and on the West side of the Eastermost Island there is a large Town and Fort commanding the Harbour. The Houses are but low, yet well built: and the Town makes a fine prospect. This is a Garrison of the Tartars, wherein are also 3 or 400 Soldiers; who live here 3 years, and then they are removed to some other place. [---+++] On the Island, on the West side of the Har- bour, close by the Sea, there is a small Town of Chinese, and most of the other Islands have some Chinese living on them, more or less. [---+++] Having, as I said before, concluded to go to these Islands, we steered away for them, having the Wind at W. S. W. a small gale. The 20th day of July we had first sight of them, and steered in among them; finding no place to anchor in till we came into the Harbour before-mentioned. We blundered in, knowing little of our way, and we ad- mired to see so many Jonks going and coming, and some at an anchor, and so great a Town as the Neighbouring Eastermost Town, the Tartarian Garrison; for we did not expect, nor desire, to have seen any people, being in care to lye con- ceal'd in these Seas; however, seeing we were here, we boldly run into the Harbour, and pre- sently sent ashore our Canoa to the Town. [---+++] Our people were met by an Officer at their landing; and our Quarter-master, who was the chiefest man in the Boat, was conducted before the Governour and examined, of what Nation we were, and what was our business here. He an- swered that we were English, and were bound to Amoy, or Anbay, which is a City standing on a Na- vigable River in the Province of Fokien in China, and is a place of vast Trade, there being a huge multi- tude [+++---] 418 An.1687 Cities of Amoy and Macao in China. tude of Ships there, and in general on all these Coasts, as I have heard of several that have been there. He said also, that having received some damage by a storm, we therefore put in here to refit, before we would adventure to go farther; and that we did intend to lye here till after the full Moon, for fear of another storm. The Go- vernour told him, that we might better refit our Ship at Amoy than here, and that he heard that two English Vessels were arrived there already; and that he should be very ready to assist us in any thing, but we must not expect to Trade there, but must go to the places allowed to entertain Merchant Strangers, which were Amoy and Macao. [---+++] Macao is a Town of great Trade also, lying in an Island at the very mouth of the River of Canton. Tis fortified and garrisoned by a large Portugueze Colony, but yet under the Chinese Governour, whose po ople inhabit one moyety of the Town, and lay on the Portugueze what Tax they please; for they dare not disoblige the Chinese, for fear of losing their Trade. However, the Governour very kindly told our Quarter-master, that whatfoever we wanted, if that place could furnish us, we should have it. Yet that we must not come ashore on that Island, but he would send aboard some of his men, to know what we wanted, and they should also bring it off to us. That nevertheless we might go on shore on the other Islands to buy refreshments of the Chinese. After the discourse was ended, the Governour dismisst him, with a small jar of Flower, and 3 or 4 large Cakes of very fine Bread, and about a dozen Pine-apples and Water-melons, (all very good in their kind) as a Present to the Captain. [---+++] The next day an eminent Officer came aboard, with a great many Attendants. He wore a black Silk Cap of a particular make, with a plume of black [+++---] 419 An.1687 Sam Shu and Hoc Shu, Chinese Liquors. black and white Feathers, standing up almost round his head behind, and all his outside Cloaths were black Silk. He had a loose black Coat, which reached to his Knees, and his Breeches were of the same; and underneath his Coat he had two Garments more, of other coloured Silk. His Legs were covered with small black limber Boots. All his Attendants were in a very handsom garb of black Silk, all wearing those small black Boots and Caps. These Caps were like the Crown of a Hat made of Palmeto-leaves, like our Straw-hats; but without brims, and coming down but to their Ears. These had no Feathers, but had an oblong Button on the top, and from between the Button and the Cap, there fell down all round their Head as low as the Cap reached, a fort of course Hair like Horse-hair, dyed (as I suppose) of a light red colour. [---+++] The Officer brought aboard, as a present from the Governour, a young Heifer, the fattest and kindliest Beef, that I did ever taste in any foreign Country: Twas small yet full grown; 2 large Hogs, 4 Goats, 2 Baskets of fine Flower, 20 great flat Cakes of fine well tasted Bread, 2 great Jars of Arack, (made of Rice as I judged) called by the Chinese, Sam Shu; and 55 Jars of Hog Shu, as they call it, and our Europeans from them. This is a strong Liquor, made of Wheat as I have been told. It looks like Mum, and tastes much like it, and is very pleasant and hearty. Our Seamen love it mightily, and will lick their Lips with it: for scarce a Ship goes to China, but the men come home fat with soaking this Liquor, and bring store of Jars of it home with them. It is put into small white thick Jars, that hold near a quart : The double Jars hold about two quarts. These Jars are small below, and thene rise up with a pretty full belly, closing in pretty short at top, with a small thick mouth. Over the [+++---] 420 An.1687 They leave the Piscadores. the mouth of the Jar they put a thin chip cut round, just so as to cover the mouth, over that a piece of paper, and over that they put a great lump of clay, almost as big as the Bottle or Jar it self, with a hollow in it, to admit the neck of the Bottle, made round and about 4 inches long; this is to preserve the Liquor. If the Liquor take any vent it will be fowre presently, so that when we buy any of it, of the Ships from China returning to Maderas, or Fort St. George, where it is then sold, or of the Chinese themselves, of whom I have bought it at Achin, and Bancouli in Sumatra, if the clay be crackt, or the Liquor mothery, we make them take it again. A quart Jar there is worth Sixpence. Besides this present from the Governour, there was a Captain of a Jonk sent two Jars of Arack, and abundance of Pine-apples, and Water-melons. [---+++] Captain Read sent ashore, as a Present to the Governour, a curious Spanish Silver-hilted Rapier, an English Carbine, and a Gold Chain, and when the Officer went ashore, three Guns were fired. In the afternoon the Governour sent off the same Officer again, to complement the Captain for his civility, and promised to retaliate his kindness before we departed; but we had such bluftring weather afterward, that no Boat could come a- board. [---+++] We stayed here till the 29th day, and then sailed from hence with the wind at S. W. and pretty fair weather. We now directed our course for some Islands we had chosen to go to, that lye be- tween Formosa and Luconia. They are laid down in our plots without any name, only with a figure of 5, denoting the number of them. It was sup- posed by us, that these Islands had no Inhabitants, because they had not any name by our Hydrogra- phers. Therefore we thought to lye there secure, and be pretty near the Island Luconia, which we did still intend to visit. [+++---] 421 An.1687 Isle of Formosa. Orange Island. In going to them we sailed by the South West end of Formosa, leaving it on our larboard side. This is a large Island ; the South end is in lat. 21 d. 20 m. and the North end in 25 d. 10 m. North lat. the longitude of this Isle is laid down from 142 d. 5 m. to 143 d. 16 m. reckoning East from the pike of Tenariffe; so that 'tis but narrow; and the Tropick of Cancer crosses it. It is a high and woody Island, and was formerly well inhabited by the Chinese, and was then frequently visited by English Mer- chants, there being a very good Harbour to secure their Ships. But since the Tartars have conquered China, they have spoiled the Harbour, (as I have been informed) to hinder the Chinese that were then in Rebellion, from fortifying themselves there; and ordered the foreign Merchants to come and trade on the Main. [---+++] The 6th day of August we arrived at the five Islands that we were bound to, and anchored on the East side of the Northermost Island, in 15 fa- thom, a Cables length from the shore. Here, con- trary to our expectation, we found abundance of Inhabitants in fight; for there were 3 large Towns all within a league of the Sea; and another larger Town than any of the three, on the back side of a small hill close by also, as we found afterwards. These Islands lye in lat. 20 d. 20 m. North lat. by my observation, for I took it there, and I find their Longitude according to our Drafts, to be 141 d. 50 m. These Islands having no particular Names in the Drafts, some or other of us made use of the Seamiens priviledge, to give them what names we pleased. Three of the Islands were pretty large; the Westermost is the biggest. This the Dutch men who were among us called the Prince of Orange's Island, in honour of his present Ma- jesty. It is about 7 or 8 leagues long, and about 2 leagues wide ; and it lies almost N. and S. [+++---] 422 An.1687 Grafton, Monmouth, Bathee, Goat Isles. The other two great Islands are about 4 or 5 leagues to the Eastward of this. The Northermost of them, where we first anchored, I called the D. of Grafton's Isle, as soon as we landed on it: ha- ving married my Wife out of his Dutchess's Fami- ly, and leaving her at Arlington house, at my going aboard. This Isle is about 4 leagues long, and one league and a half wide, stretching North and South. The other great Isle our Seamen called the Duke of Monmouth's Island. This is about a league to the Southward of Grafton Isle. It is about 3 leagues long, and a league wide, lying as the other. Between Monmouth and the South end of Orange Island, there are two small Islands of a roundish form, lying East and West. The Easter- most Island of the two, our men unani- mously called Bathee Island, from a Liquor which we drank there plentifully every day, after we came to an anchor at it. The other which is the smallest of all, we called Goat Island, from the great number of Goats there: and to the North- ward of them all, are two high Rocks. [---+++] Orange Island, which is the biggest of them all, is not inhabited. It is high Land, flat, and even on the top, with steep cliffs against the Sea; for which reason we could not go ashore there, as we did on all the rest. [---+++] I have made it my general observation, that where the Land is fenced with steep Rocks and Cliffs against the Sea, there the Sea is very deep, and seldom affords anchor ground; and on the other side where the Land falls away with a de- clivity into the Sea, (altho the Land be exrraordi- nary high within, yet) there are commonly good foundings, and consequently anchoring; and as the visible declivity of the Land appears near, or at the edge of the Water, whether pretty steep, or more sloping, so we commonly find our anchor ground 423 An.1687 Deep Seas near high Lands. ground to be, more or less deep or steep ; there- fore we came nearer the shore, or anchor farther off, as we see convenient ; for there is no Coast in the World, that I know, or have heard of, where the Land is of a continual heighth, without some small Valleys or declivities, which lye inter- mixt with the high Land. They are these subsi- dings of Valleys or low Lands, that make dents in the shore, and Creeks, small Bays, and Harbours, or little Coves, &c. which afford good anchoring, the surface of the Earth being there lodged deep under Water. Thus we find many good Harbours on such Coasts, where the Land bounds the Sea with steep Cliffs, by reason of the Declivities, or subsiding of the Land between these Cliffs: But where the Declension from the Hills, or Cliffs, is not within Land, between Hill and Hill, but, as on the Coast of Chili and Peru, the Declivity is to- ward the Main Sea, or into it, the Coast being perpendicular, or very steep from the neighbouring Hills, as in those Countries from the Andes, that run along the shore, there is a deep Sea, and [few or no Harbours, or Creeks. All that Coast is too steep for anchoring, and hath the fewest Roads fit for Ships of any Coast I know. The Coasts of Gallicia, Portugal, Norway, and Newfoundland, &c. are Coasts like the Peruvian, and the high Islands of the Archipelago; but yet not so scanty of good Harbours ; for where there are short Ridges of Land, there are good Bays at the extremities of those Ridges, where they plunge into the Sea ; as on the Coast of Caraccos, &c. The Island of John Fernando, and the Island St. Helena, &c. are such high Land with deep shore : and in general, the plunging of any Land under Water, seems to be in proportion to the rising of its continuous part above Water, more or less steep ; and it must be a bottom almost level, or very gently declining. E e 3 that [---+++] [+++---] 424 An.1687 High Shores and deep Seas. that affords good anchoring, Ships being soon driven from their Moorings on a steep bank: [---+++] Therefore we never strive to anchor where we see the Land high, and bounding the Sea with steep Cliffs ; and for this reason, when we came in sight of States Island near Terra del Fuego, before we entered into the South Seas, we did not so much as think of anchoring after we saw what Land it was, because of the steep Cliffs which appear'd a- gainst the Sea : Yet there might be little Harbours or Coves for Shallops, or the like, to anchor in, which we did not see nor search after. [---+++] As high steep Cliffs bounding on the Sea have this ill consequence, that they seldom afford an- choring ; so they have this benefit, that we can see them far off, and fail close to them, without dan- ger : for which reason we call them Bold Shores. Whereas low Land, on the contrary, is seen but a little way, and in many places we dare not come near it, for fear of running aground before we see it. Besides, there are in many places shoals thrown out by the course of great Rivers, that from the low Land fall into the Sea. [---+++] This which I have said, that there is usually good anchoring near low Lands, may be illustra- ted by several instances. Thus on the South side of the Bay of Campeachy, there is mostly low Land, and there also is good anchoring all along shore ; and in some places to the Eastward of the Town of Campeachy, we shall have so many fathom as we are leagues off from Land ; that is, from 9 or 10 leagues distance, till you come within 4 leagues: and from thence to Land it grows but shallower. The Bay of Honduras also is low Land, and con- tinues mostly so, as we past along from thence to the Coasts of Portobel, and Cartagena, till we came as high as Santa Martha ; afterwards the Land is low again, till you come towards the Coast of Caraccos, [---+++] [+++---] 425 An.1687 Low Shores, and shallow Seas. Caraccos, which is a high Coast and bold shore. The Land about Surinam on the same Coast is low and good anchoring, and that over on the Coast of Guinea is such also. And such too is the Bay of Panama, where the Pilot-book orders the Pilot always to found, and not to come within such a depth, be it by night or day. In the same Seas, from the high Land of Guatimala in Mexico, to California, there is mostly low Land and good an- choring. In the Main of Asia, the Coast of China, the Bays of Siam and Bengal, and all the Coast, of Coromandel, and the Coast about Malacca, and against it the Island Sumatra, on that side, are mostly low anchoring shores. But on the West side of Sumatra, the shore is high and bold ; so most of the Islands lying to the Eastward of Su- matra; as the Islands Borneo, Celebes, Gilolo, and a- bundance of Island of less note, lying scattering up and down those Seas, are low Land and have good anchoring about them, with many shoals scattered to and fro among them ; but the Islands lying against the East Indian Ocean, especially the West sides of them, are high Land and steep, par- ticularly the West parts, not only of Sumatra, but also of Java, Timor, &c. Particulars are endless ; but in general, 'tis seldom but high Shores and deep Waters, and on the other side, low Land and shallow Seas, are found together. [---+++] But to return from this digression, to speak of the rest of these Islands. Monmouth and Grafton Isles are very hilly, with many of those steep in- habited Precipices on them, that I shall describe particularly. The two small Islands are flat and even ; only the Bashee Island hath one steep crag- gy Hill, but Goat-Island is all flat and very e- ven. [---+++] The mold of these Islands in the Valleys, is blackish in some places, but in most red. The Hills [---+++] [+++---] 426 An.1687 The Product and Inhabitants of the Bashee Isles. Hills are very rocky : The Valleys are well wa- tered with Brooks of fresh water, which run into the Sea in many different places. The Soil is in- different fruitful, especially in the Valleys ; pro- ducing pretty great plenty of Trees (tho not very big) and thick Grafs. The sides of the Mountains have also short Grafs ; and some of the Mountains have Mines within them, for the Natives told us, that the yellow Metal they shew'd us, (as I shall speak more particularly) came from these Moun- tains ; for when they held it up they would point towards them. [---+++] The fruit of the Islands are a few Plantains, Bonanoes, Pine-apples, Pumkins, Sugar-canes, &c. and there might be more if the Natives would, for the ground seems fertile enough. Here are great plenty of Potatoes, and Yames, which is the common food for the Natives, for bread kind: for those few Plantains they have, are only used as Fruit. They have some Cotton growing here of the small plants. [---+++] Here are plenty of Goats, and abundance of Hogs ; but few Fowls either wild or tame. For this I have always observed in my Travels, both in the East and West Indies, that in those places where there is plenty of Grain, that is, of Rice in the one, and Maiz in the other, there are also found great abundance of Fowls; but on the contrary, few Fowls in those Countries, where the Inhabitants feed on Fruits and Roots only. The few wild Fowls that are here, are Parakites, and some other small Birds. Their tame Fowl are only a few Cocks and Hens. [---+++] Monmouth and Grafton Islands are very thick in- habited : and Bashee Island hath one Town on it. The Natives of these Islands are short squat people; they are generally round visaged, with low Fore- heads, and thick Eye-brows ; their Eyes of a ha- zel [---+++] [+++---] 427 Their Habit, and Rings of yellow Metal. 427 An.1687 zel colour, and small, yet bigger than the Chinese; short low Noses, and their Lips and Mouths mid- dle proportioned. Their Teeth are white ; their Hair is black, and thick, and lank, which they wear but short ; it will just cover their Ears, and so it is cut round very even. Their Skins are of a very dark copper colour. [---+++] They wear no Hat, Cap, nor Turbat, nor any thing to keep off the Sun. The men for the big- gest part have only a small clout to cover their Nakedness ; some of them have Jackets made of Plantain leaves, which were as rough as any Bears skin : I never saw such rugged things. The Wo- men have a short Petticoat made of Cotton, which comes a little below their Knees. It is a thick fort of stubborn cloath, which they make themselves of their Cotton. Both Men and Women do wear large Ear-rings, made of that yellow Metal before mention'd. Whether it were Gold or no I cannot positively say: I took it to be so, it was heavy, and of the colour of our paler Gold. I would fain have brought away some to have satisfied my curiosity ; but I had nothing wherewith to buy any. Captain Read bought 2 of these Rings with some Iron, of which the people are very greedy: and he would have bought more, thinking he was come to a very fair Market ; but that the paleness of the Metal made him and his Crew distrust its being right Gold. For my part, I should have ventur'd on the purchase of some: but having no property in the Iron, of which we had great store on board, sent from England by the Merchants along with Captain Swan, I durst nor barter it away. [---+++] These Rings when first polished look very glo- riously, but time makes them fade, and turn to a pale yellow. Then they make a soft paste of red earth, and smearing it over their Rings, they cast them into a quick fire, where they remain till they be [---+++] [+++---] 428 Buildings on the sides of Precipices. 428 An.1687 be red hot : then they take them out and cool them in water, and rub off the paste ; and they look again of a glorious colour and lustre. [---+++] These people make but small low Houses. The sides, which are made of small posts, watled with boughs, are not above 4 foot and an half high : the ridge pole is about 7 or 8 foot high. They have a fire-place at one end of their Houses, and boards placed on the ground to lye on. They inhabit to- gether in small Villages, built on the sides and tops of rocky hills ; 3 or 4 rows of Houses one a- bove another, and on such steep præcipices, that they go up to the first row with a wooden Ladder, and so with a Ladder still from every story up to that above it, there being no way to ascend. The Plain on the first præcipice may be so wide, as to have room both for a row of Houses that stand all along on the edge or brink of it, and a very narrow street running along before their doors, between the row of Houses and the foot of the next præci- pice ; the plain of which is in a manner level to the tops of the Houses below, and so for the rest. The common Ladder to each row or street comes up at a narrow passage left purposely about the middle of it ; and the street being bounded with a præcipice also at each end, tis but drawing up the Ladder, if they be assaulted, and then there is no coming at them from below, but by climbing up as against a perpendicular wall: and that they may not be assaulted from above, they take care to build on the side of such a hill, whose backside hangs over the Sea, or is some high, steep, per- pendicular præcipice, altogether inaccessible. These præcipices are natural ; for the Rocks seem too hard to work on ; nor is there any sign that Art hath been employed about them. On Bashee Island there is one such, and built upon, with its back next the Sea. Grafton and Monmouth Isles are very thick [---+++] [+++---] 429 Their Boats, Fishing, Food. 429 An.1687 thick set with these Hills and Towns: and the Natives, whether for fear of Pyrates, or Foreign Enemies, or Factions among their own Clans, care not for building but in these Fastnesses : which I take to be the reason that Orange Isle, though the largest, and as fertile as any, yet being level, and exposed, hath no Inhabitants. I never saw the like Præcipices and Towns. [---+++] These People are pretty ingenious also in build- ing Boats. Their small Boats are much like our Deal Yalls, but not so big ; and they are built with very narrow Plank, pinn'd with Wooden Pins, and some Nails. They have also some pretty large Boats, which will carry 40 or 50 Men. These they row with 12 or 14 Oars of a side. They are built much like the small ones, and they row dou- ble banked ; that is, two Men setting on one Bench, but one rowing on one side, the other on the other side of the Boat. They understand the use of Iron, and work it themselves. Their Bel- lows are like those at Mindanao. [---+++] The common employment for the Men is Fish- ing ; but I did never see them catch much : whe- ther it is more plenty at other times of the year I know not. The Women do manage their Planta- tions. [---+++] I did never see them kill any of their Goats or Hogs for themselves, yet they would beg the Paunches of the Goats that they themselves did fell to us : and if any of our furly Seamen did heave them into the Sea, they would take them up again, and the Skins of the Goats also. They would not meddle with Hogs-guts; if our Men threw away any beside what they made Chitterlings and Sawsages of. The Goat-skins these people would carry athore, and making a fire they would singe off all the hair, and afterwards let the skin lye and parch on the coals, till they thought it eatable: and then they would [---+++] [+++---] 430 Goats Maws cookt, and Locusts. 430 An.1687 would gnaw it, and tear it in pieces with their teeth, and at last swallow it. The Paunches of the Goats would make them an excellent dish : they dress it in this manner. They would turn out all the chopt grass and crudities found in the Maw in- to their Pots, and set it over the fire, and stir it about often : this would smoke and puff, and heave up as it were boyling ; wind breaking out of the ferment, and making a very savory stink. While this was doing, if they had any Fish, as com- monly they had 2 or 3 small Fish, these they would make very clean (as hating Nastiness belike) and cut the flesh from the bone, and then mince the flesh as small as possibly they could, and when that in the Pot was well boil'd, they would take it up, and strewing a little Salt into it, they would eat it, mixt with their raw minc'd fish. The dung in the Maw would look like so much boil'd Herbs minc'd very small ; and they took up their mess with their fingers, as the Moors do their Pilaw, using no Spoons. [---+++] They had another dish made of a sort of Locusts, whose bodies were about an inch and an half long, and as thick as the top of one's little finger ; with large thin Wings, and long and small Legs. At this time of the year these creatures came in great swarms to devour their Potato-leaves and other Herbs ; and the Natives would go out with small Nets, and take a quart at one sweep. When they had enough, they would carry them home, and parch them over the fire in an earthen Pan ; and then their Wings and Legs would fall off, and their Heads and Backs would turn red like boil'd Shrimps, being before brownish. Their bodies being full, would eat very moist, their heads would crackle in ones teeth. I did once eat of this Dish, and liked it well enough : but their other Dish my stomach would not take. [---+++] [+++---] 431 The Bashee Liquor : their Language. 431 An.1687 Their common drink is Water ; as it is of all other Indians : beside which they make a fort of drink with the juice of the Sugar-cane, which they boyl, and put some small black fort of Berries among it. When it is well boyled, they put it into great Jars, and let it stand 3 or 4 days, and work. Then it settles, and becomes clear, and is present- ly fit to drink. This is an excellent Liquor, and very much like English Beer, both in colour and taste. It is very strong, and I do believe very wholesome : for our men, who drank briskly of it all day for several weeks, were frequently drunk with it, and never sick after it. The Natives brought a vast deal of it every day to those aboard and ashore : for some of our men were ashore at work on Bashee Island ; which Island they gave that name to from their drinking this Liquor there ; that be- ing the name which the Natives call'd this Liquor by : and as they fold it to our men very cheap, fo they did not spare to drink it as freely. And in- deed from the plenty of this Liquor, and their plentiful use of it, our Men call'd all these Islands, the Bashee Islands. [---+++] What Language these people do speak I know not: for it had no affinity in sound to the Chinese, which is spoke much through the teeth ; nor yet to the Malayan Language. They called the Metal that their Ear-rings were made of Bullawan, which is the Mindanao word for Gold ; therefore probably they may be related to the Philippine Indians: for that is the general Name for Gold among all those Indians. I could not learn from whence they have their Iron : but it is most likely they go in their great Boats to the North end of Luconia, and trade with the Indians of that Island for it. Neither did I see any thing beside Iron, and pieces of Buffaloes Hides, which I could judge that they bought of Strangers : Their Cloaths were of their own growth and manufacture. These [---+++] [+++---] 432 Their Ammunition, Politie, &c. 432 An.1687 These men had Wooden Lances, and a few Lances headed with Iron ; which are all the Wea- pons that they have. Their Armour is a piece of Buffaloe-hide, shaped like our Carters Frocks, be- ing without Sleeves, and sowed both sides toge- ther, with holes for the Head and the Arms to come forth. This Buff-Coat reaches down to their Knees: It is close about their Shoulders, but below it is 3 foot wide, and as thick as a Board. [---+++] I could never perceive them to worship any thing, neither had they any Idols : neither did they seem to observe any one day more than other. I could never perceive that one man was of greater power than another ; but they seemed to be all equal : only every man ruling in his own House, and the Children respecting and honouring their Parents. [---+++] Yet 'tis probable that they have some Law, or Custome, by which they are governed : for while we lay here we saw a young man buried alive in the Earth ; and 'twas for Theft, as far as we could understand from them. There was a great deep hole dug, and abundance of people came to the place to take their last farewel of him: Among the rest, there was one Woman who made great lamentation, and took off the condemned persons Ear-rings. We supposed her to be his Mother. After he had taken his leave of her and some others he was put into the pit, and covered over with Earth. He did not struggle, but yielded very qui- etly to his punishment : and they cramm'd the Earth close upon him, and stifled him. [---+++] They have but one Wife, with whom they live and agree very well ; and their Children live very obediently under them. The Boys go out a Fish- ing with their Fathers, and the Girls live at home with their Mothers : and when the Girls are grown pretty strong, they send them to their Plantations 433 An.1687 The Manners of the Basheans. to dig Yames and Potatoes ; of which they bring home on their heads every day enough to serve the whole family : for they have no Rice nor Maiz. [---+++] Their Plantations are in the Valleys, at a good distance from their Houses : where every man has a certain spot of Land, which is properly his own. This he manageth himself for his own use; and provides enough, that he may not be beholding to his neighbour. [---+++] Notwithstanding the seeming nastiness of their Dish of Goats Maw, they are in their Persons a very neat cleanly people, both Men and Women: And they are withal the quietest and civilest people that I did ever meet with. I could never perceive them to be angry with one another. I have admired to see 20 or 30 Boats aboard our Ship at a time, and yet no difference among them ; but all civil and quiet, endeavouring to help each other on occasi- on: No noise, nor appearance of distaste : and al- though sometimes cross accidents would happen, which might have set other men together by the ears, yet they were not moved by them. Some- times they will also drink freely, and warm them- selves with their drink ; yet neither then could I ever perceive them out of humour. They are not only thus civil among themselves, but very obliging and kind to strangers : nor were their Children rude to us, as is usual. Indeed the Women, when we came to their houses, would modestly beg any Rags, or small pieces of Cloath, to swaddle their young ones in ; holding out their Children to us: and begging is usual among all these wild Nations. Yet neither did they beg so importunately as in other places ; nor did the Men ever beg any thing at all. Neither, except once at the first time that we came to an Anchor, (as I shall relate) did they steal any thing ; but deal justly, and with great sincerity with us; and make us very welcome to their [+++---] 434 An.1687 Their Entertainments, Trading, &c. their houses with Bashee drink. If they had none of this Liquor themselves, they would buy a Jar of Drink of their neighbours, and sit down with us : for we could see them go and give a piece or two of their Gold for some Jars of Bashee. And indeed among Wild Indians, as these seem to be, I wonder'd to see buying and selling, which is not so usual ; nor to converse so freely, as to go aboard strangers Ships with so little caution : Yet their own small Trading may have brought them to this. At these Entertainments, they and their Family, Wife and Children, drank out of small Callabashes: and when by themselves, they drink about from one to another ; but when any of us came among them, then they would always drink to one of us. [---+++] They have no sort of Coin : but they have small crumbs of the Metal before described, which they bind up very safe in Plantain Leaves, or the like. This Metal they exchange for what they want, giving a small quantity of it, about 2 or 3 grains, for a Jar of Drink, that would hold 5 or 6 Gallons. They have no Scales, but give it by guesse. Thus much in general. [---+++] To proceed therefore with our affairs, I have said before, that we anchored here the 6th day of August. While we were furling our Sails there came near 100 Boats of the Natives aboard, with 3 or 4 Men in each ; so that our Deck was full of Men. We were at first afraid of them, and there- fore got up 20 or 30 small Arms on our Poop, and kept 3 or 4 Men as Centinels, with Guns in their hands, ready to fire on them if they had offered to moleft us. But they were pretty quiet, only they pickt up such old Iron that they found on our Deck, and they also took out our Pump Bolts, and Linch- Pins out of the Carriages of our Guns, before we perceived them. At last, one of our Men per- ceived [+++---] 435 An.1687 Their Traffick with the Basheans. ceived them very busy getting out one of our Linch Pins; and took hold of the fellow, who immedi- ately bawl'd out, and all the rest presently leaped over-board, some into their Boats, others into the Sea; and they all made away for the shore. But when we perceived their fright we made much of him that was in hold, who stood trembling all the while ; and at last we gave him a small piece of Iron, with which he immediately leapt overboard, and swam to his Consorts ; who hovered about our Ship to see the issue. Then we beckned to them to come aboard again, being very loth to lose a commerce with them. Some of the Boats came aboard again, and they were always very honest and civil afterwards. [---+++] We presently after this sent a Canoa ashore, to see their manner of living, and what Provision they had: The Canoas Crew were made very welcom with Bashee drink, and saw abundance of Hogs ; some of which they bought, and returned aboard. After this the Natives brought aboard both Hogs and Goats to us in their own Boats : and every day we should have 15 or 20 Hogs and Goats in Boats aboard by our side. These we bought for a small matter : we could buy a good fat Goat for an old Iron Hoop, and a Hog of 70 or 80 pound weight for 2 or 3 pound of Iron. Their Drink also they brought off in Jars, which we bought for old Nails, Spikes, and Leaden Bullets. Beside the forementioned Commodities, they brought aboard great quantities of Yams and Potatoes ; which we purchased for Nails, Spikes, or Bullets. It was one Man's work to be all day cutting out Bars of Iron into small pieces with a cold Chisel : and these were for the great purchases of Hogs and Goats, which they would not sell for Nails, as their Drink and Roots. We never let them know what store we have; that they may value it the more. F f Every [+++---] 436 An.1687 Their stay and business at these Isles. Every morning, assoon as it was light, they would thus come aboard with their Commodities ; which we bought as we had occasion. We did commonly furnish our selves with many Goats and Roots as served us all the day ; and their Hogs we bought in large quantities, as we thought convenient ; for we salted them Their Hogs were very sweet: but I never saw so many meazled ones. [---+++] We filled all our Water at a curious Brook close by us in Graftons Isle, where we first anchored. We stayed there about 3 or 4 days, before we went to other Islands. We sailed to the South- ward, passing on the East side of Grafton Island, and then passed thro between that and Monmouth Island ; but we found no anchoring till we came to the North end of Monmouth Island, and there we stopt during one Tide. The Tide runs very strong here, and sometimes makes a short chop- ping Sea. Its course amongst these Islands is S. by E. and N. by W. The flood sets to the North, and ebb to to the South, and it rifeth and falleth 8 foot. [---+++] When we went from hence, we coasted about 2 leagues to the Southward, on the West side of Monmouth Island ; and finding no anchor ground, we stood over to Bashee Island, and came to an anchor on the North East part of it, against a small sandy Bay, in 7 fathom clean hard sand, and about a quarter of a mile from the shore. Here is a pretty wide Channel between these two Islands, and anchoring all over it. The depth of Water is 12, 14, and 16 fathom. [---+++] We presently built a Tent ashore, to mend our Sails in, and stay'd all the rest of our time here, viz. from the 13th day of August till the 26 day of September. In which time we mended our Sails, and scrubbed our Ships bottom very well: and eve- ry day some of us went to their Towns, and were kindly [+++---] 437 An.1687 A fierce Storm. kindly entertained by them. Their Boats also came aboard with their Merchandize to sell, and lay aboard all day; and if we did not take it off their hands one day, they would bring the same again the next. [---+++] We had yet the Winds at S.W. and S.S.W. mostly fair weather. In October we did expect the Winds to shift to the N. E. and therefore we pro- vided to sail (as soon as the Eastern Monsoon was settled) to cruise off of Manila. Accordingly we pro- vided a stock of Provision. We salted 70 or 80 good fat Hogs, and bought Yams and Potatoes good store to eat at Sea. [---+++] About the 24th day of September, the Winds shifted about to the East, and from thence to the N.E. fine fair weather. The 25th it came at N. and began to grow fresh, and the Sky began to be clouded ; and the Wind freshned on us. [---+++] At 12 a clock at night it blew a very fierce storm. We were then riding with our best Bower a head, and though our Yards and Top-mast were down, yet we drove. This obliged us to let go our Sheet Anchor, veering out a good scope of Cabie, which stopt us till 10 or 11 a clock the next day. Then the Wind came on so fierce, that she drove again, with both Anchors a head. The Wind was now at N. by W. and we kept driving till 3 or 4 a clock in the afternoon: and it was well for us that there were no Islands, Rocks, or Sands in our way, for if there had, we must have been driven upon them. We used our utmost endea- vours to stop her, being loath to go to Sea, be- cause we had 6 of our Men ashore, who could not get off now. At last we were driven out into deep Water, and then it was in vain to wait any longer: Therefore we hove in our Sheet Cabie, and got up our Sheet Anchor, and cut away our best Bower, (for to have heav'd her up then would have [+++---] 438 An.1687 Of 6 Englishmen left ashore. have gone near to have foundred us) and so put to Sea. We had very violent weather the night en- suing, with very hard Rain, and we were forced to scud with our bare poles till 3 a clock in the morning. Then the Wind slacken'd, and we brought our Ship to, under a mizen, and lay with our head to the Westward. The 27th day the Wind abated much, but it rained very hard all day, and the night ensuing. The 28th day the Wind came about to the N.E. and it cleered up, and blew a hard gale, but it stood not there, for it shifted about the Eastward, thence to the S. E. then to the South, and at last it settled at S.W. and then we had a moderate gale and fair wea- ther. [---+++] It was the 29th day when the Wind came to the S.W. Then we made all the sail we could for the Island again. The 30th day we had the Wind at West, and saw the Islands; but could not get in before night. Therefore we stood off to the Southward till 2 a clock in the morning; then we tackt, and stood in all the morning, and about 12 a clock, the 1st day of October, we an- chored again at the place from whence we were driven. [---+++] Then our 6 men were brought aboard by the Natives, to whom we gave 3 whole bars of Iron, for their kindness and civility, which was an ex- traordinary Present to them. Mr. Robert Hall, was one of the men that was left ashore. I shall speak more of him hereafter. He and the rest of them told me, that after the Ship was out of sight, the Natives began to be more kind to them than they had been before, and perswaded them to cut their Hair short, as theirs was, offering to each of them if they would do it, a young Woman to Wife, and a small Hatchet, and other Iron Utensils, fit for a Planter, in Dowry; and withal shewed them [+++---] 439 An.1687 The Crew go upon new Projects. them a piece of Land for them to manage. They were counted thus by several of the Town where they then were : but they took up their head-quar- ters at the house of him with whom they first went ashore. When the Ship appeared in sight again, then they importuned them for some Iron, which is the chief thing that they covet, even above their Ear-rings. We might have bought all their Ear- rings, or other Gold they had, with our Iron-bars, had we been assur'd of its goodness : and yet when it was touch'd, and compared with other Gold, we could not discern any difference, tho it look'd so pale in the lump: but the seeing them polish it fo often, was a new discouragement. [---+++] This last Storm put our Men quite out of heart: for although it was not altogether so fierce as that which we were in on the Coast of China, which was still fresh in memory, yet it wrought more powerfully, and frighted them from their design of cruising before Manila, fearing another Storm there. Now every Man wisht himself at home, as they had done an hundred times before : but Captain Reed, and Captain Teat the Master, perswaded them to go towards Cape Comorin, and then they would tell them more of their minds, intending doubtless to cruize in the Red Sea: and they easily prevailed with the Crew. [---+++] The Eastern Monsoon was now at hand, and the best way had been to go through the Streights of Malacca : but Captain Teat said it was dangerous, by reason of many Islands and Shoals there, with which none of us were acquainted. Therefore he thought it beft to go round on the East side of all the Philippine Islands, and so keeping South toward the Spice Islands, to pass out into the East Indian Ocean about the Island Timor. [+++---] 440 An.1687 The Author's Resolutions. This seemed to be a very tedious way about, and as dangerous altogether for Sholes; but not for meeting with English or Dutch Ships, which was their greatest fear. I was well enough satisfied, know- ing that the farther we went, the more Knowledge and Experience I should get, which was the main thing that I regarded ; and should also have the more variety of places to attempt an Escape from them, being fully resolv'd to take the first oppor- tunity of giving them the slip.