Page 230
An.1685
Drift-wood, and Pumice-stones.
I met a Spanish Gentleman that had lived 30 years in the West Indies, and some years where these grow; and from him I had these relations. He was a ve- ry intelligent person, and pretended to be well ac- quainted in the Bay of Campechy; therefore I exa- mined him in many particulars concerning that Bay, where I was well acquainted my self, living there 3 years. He gave very true and pertinent answers to all my demands, so that I could have no distrust of what he related.
When we first saw the Mountain of Guatimala, we were by judgment 25 leagues distance from it. As we came nearer the Land it appeared higher and plainer, yet we saw no fire, but a little smoak pro- ceeding from it. The Land by the Sea was of a good height, yet but low in comparison with that in the Country. The Sea for about 8 or 10 leagues from the shore, was full of floating Trees, or Drift Wood as it is called, (of which I have seen a great deal, but no where so much as here), and Pumice- stones floating, which probably are thrown out of the burning Mountains, and washed down to the shore by the Rains, which are very violent and frequent in this Country; and on the side of Hon- duras it is excessively wet.
The 24th day we were in lat. 14 d. 30 m. North, and the weather more settled. Then Captain Townly took with him 106 men in 9 Canoas, and went away to the Westward, where he intended to Land, and romage in the Country for some refreshment for our sick men, we having at this time near half our men sick, and many were dead, since we left Ria Lexa. We in the Ships lay still with our Topfails furled, and our Corses or lower Sails hal'd up this day and the next, that Captain Townly might get the start of us.
The 26th day we made sail again, coasting to the Westward, having the Wind at North and fair weather.