Page 3
An.1681
And Account of the Moskito Indians.
At 7 a clock we came a brest of Cape Passao, and found a small Bark at an Anchor in a small Bay to Leeward of the Cape, which we took, our own Boats being too small to transport us. We took her just under the Equinoctial Line, she was not only a help to us, but in taking her we were safe from being descried: We did not design to have meddled with any when we parted with our Consorts, nor to have seen any if we could have helped it. The Bark came from Gallio laden with Timber, and was bound for Guiaquill.
bark: barque, small-to-medium coastal sailing vessel
descry: caught sight of, spotted, or detected from a distance
The 19th day in the morning we came to an an- chor about 12 leagues to the Southward of Cape St. Francisco, to put our new Bark into a better trim. In 3 or 4 hours time we finished our business, and came to sail again, and steered along the Coast with the Wind at S. S. W. intending to touch at Gorgonia.
Being to the Northward of Cape St. Francisco we met with very wet weather; but the Wind conti- nuing we arrived at Gorgonia the 24th day in the morning, before it was light: we were afraid to approach it in the day time, for fear the Spaniards should lye there for us, it being the place where we careened lately, and where they might expect us.
When we came ashore we found the Spaniards had been there to seek after us, by a House they had built, which would entertain 100 Men, and a great Cross before the Door. This was token enough that the Spaniards did expect us this way again; therefore we examined our Prisoners if they knew any thing of it, who confessed they had heard of a Pereago (or large Canoa) that rowed with 14 Oars, which was kept in a River on the Main, and once in 2 or 3 days came over to Gorgonia purposely to fee for us; and that having discovered us, she was to make all speed to Panama with the news; where they had 3 Ships ready to send after us.
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