Page 12
An.1681
A Journey over the Isthmus of America.
not descend on that side, but followed the small path which led us down the Hill on the East side, where we presently found several other Indian Houses. The first that we came to at the foot of the Hill, had none but women at home, who could not speak Spanish, but gave each of us a good Cala- bash or Shell full of Corn-drink. The other Houses had some men at home, but none that spoke Spa- nish ; yet we made a shift to buy such food as their Houses or Plantations afforded, which we drest, and eat all together ; having all sorts of our Provi- sion in common, because none should live better than others, or pay dearer for any thing than it was worth. This day we had marched 6 mile.
dress: prepare and cook food
In the evening the Husbands of those women came home, and told us in broken Spanish, that they had been on board of the Guard Ship, which we fled from two days before, that we were now not above three mile from the mouth of the River of Congo, and that they could go from thence aboard the Guard Ship in half a Tydes time.
half a tide: 3 hrs
This evening we supped plentifully on Fowls and Pecary, a sort of Wild Hogs which we bought of the Indians ; Yams, Patatoes, and Plantains served us for Bread, whereof we had enough. After Sup- per we agreed with one of these Indians to guide us a days march into the Country, towards the North side ; he was to have for his pains a Hatchet, and his bargain was to bring us to a certain Indians ha- bitation, who could speak Spanish ; from whom we were in hopes to be better satisfied of our Journey.
The 3d day having fair weather, we began to stir betimes, and set out betwixt 6 and 7 a Clock, marching through several old ruined Plantations. This morning one of our men being tired gave us the slip. By 12 a Clock we had gone 8 mile, and arrived at the Indians house, who lived on the bank of the River Congo, and spake very good Spanish ; to whom
betimes: early, promptly