A Short Account of My Voyage …

May it please your Grase To Except of A Short Acount of My Voyage Round this terestiall Globe of the world from Virginia to England and through the Great South Sea.

May it please Your Grace to accept a short account of my voyage around this terrestrial globe of the world, from Virginia to England and through the Great South Sea.

In the Month of June in the yeare of 1683 thare arived in Virginia A Ship having a comition from Pety Guaves & pretending that they wanted A Master to that port to cary thare Ship they hired Me to cary the Ship to Pety Guaves. A greeing with Me for five hundred pises of Eyght for My paines - The 4 of Agust we set saille from Smiths Iland liing in 37 Degres & 20 Minits. We stered Away Est & by South till we came into the Latitude of 36 degrees & 20 minits. Then I woulld have shaped a corse for Pety Guaves. But the captaine & company told me that they I was mistaken. They ware not bownd to Pety Guaves for they ware bound to the South Seas whare they should get Gold & Silver A Nofe. I replied that it was not My contract to goe Any whare Else but whare I was shipped for. But I found the contract was of none efect. I was to cary the Ship whare so Ever they Plesed to comand me. Then wee shaped a corse for the Iland of Sall whare we thoght to get water. But the water was not good: thare wee tooke greate store of fish while we lay thare & some salt & some Gootes.

In the Month of June in the year of 1683 there arrived in Virginia a ship having a commission from Petit-Guâve [Haiti]. Pretending that they wanted a Master to carry their ship to that port, they hired me, agreeing on 500 pieces of eight for my pains. On the 4th of August we set sail from Smith's Island [Smith Island, Maryland] lying in 37 degrees and 20 minutes latitude. We steered away East and by South until we came into the latitude of 36 degrees and 20 minutes. Then I would have shaped a course for Petit-Guâve, but the captain and company told me that I was mistaken. They were not bound to Petit-Guâve, but instead were bound to the South Seas where they would get gold and silver enough. I replied that it was not in my contract to go anywhere else but where I was shipped for, but I found the contract was of no effect. I was to carry the ship wheresoever they pleased to command me. Then we shaped a course for the island of Sall [I. Sal, Cape Verde] where we thought to get water. But the water was not good: there we took a great store of fish, some salt and some goats.

In the Month of October wee set saille fore Saint Nicholas ling to the Westerd of Sall A Bout 30 leges. Thare we came to An Anker About the South est Side of the Iland whare we tooke in water & taking store of fish & deling with the inhabitants for wine that groeth thare & Gots. When we had goten in oure water, we wayed oure Anker & stered South Est, we having the wind at E North E till wee came in the Latidude of 7 Degrees & 30 minite or thare abouts whare we found variable winds for ten daies spase: in the Month of Novmber we came upon the cost of Ginia whare we woded & watred oure Ship. And in the Month of Desember we set saille for the South Sea we having the winds at N Est we stered Away sou west & by South untill we came in the Latidute [sic] of twelve Degres South latitude. Then we stered Away sw & b w. That corse caried Me upon the cost of Brasille Whare I had sowndins 65 fathom water & Great variation of the compas from 36 Degres the variation was increasing in 52 Degres Before the Straights of Magelene the compase varied 22 Degres & in 58 Degres the compas varied 25 Degres Esterly variation.

In the month of October we set sail for Saint Nicholas [S. Nicalau], lying to the westward of Sal about 30 leagues. There we came to an anchor about the southeast side of the island, where we took in water and taking store of fish and dealing with the inhabitants for wine that groeth there, and goats. When we had gotten in our water, we weighed our anchor and steered southeast, we having the wind at E North E until we came in the latitude of 7 degrees and 30 minutes or thereabouts, where we found variable winds for ten days days space. In the month of November we came upon the coast of Guinea, where we wooded and watered our ship. And in the month of December we set sail for the South Sea, we having the winds at N East. We steered away southwest and by South until we came in the latitude of twelve Degrees South. Then we steered away SW and by W. That course carried me upon the coast of Brazil, where I had soundings of 65 fathom water and great variation of the compass. From 36 degrees the variation increased until 52 degrees. Before the Straits of Magellan the compass varied 22 degrees, and in 58 degrees the compass varied 25 degrees easterly variation.

We Sailed in the Month of Febary 1683 Round the Iland caled Strabone Iland which Iland with the land of teragh foga Maketh the Straits Lamare. The 14 of the said Month We had the Length of Cape Horne thare we met with A Great Swell of the sea coming from the Nwest. The next day we had the wind at NW Bloing very hard then I Laid the Ships hed to the Southward under A pare of corses rifed & sometimes her Maine corse rifed till we ware driven in to the Lattidude of 60 Degres & 20 minits which is farther than I have hard Any Mane hath bine to the South ward befor me we having had bad wether & very colld the remainer of the Month.

We sailed in the month of February 1683 around the island called Staten Island. This island, along with the land of Tierra del Fuego maketh the Straits of Lamaire [Le Maire]. The 14th of the said month we had the length of Cape Horn, and there we met with a great swell of the sea coming from the northwest. The next day we had the wind at northwest blowing very hard. Then I laid the ship's head to the southward under a pair of reefed courses [shortened sails] and sometimes her main course [main sail] was reefed until we were driven into the latitude of 60 degrees and 20 minutes, which is farther than I have heard that any man hath been to the southward before me. We have had bad weather and it was very cold for the remainder of the month.

A Bout The beginning of March The winds came by at South which caried us as loe as Guanfarnandoe. But Before that we came thare, Captaine Eton was come up with us which bore us company thither from the Lattd. of 40 Degres to this Iland Liing in the Latitude of 35 Degres & 40 minits South Lattidude whare we filed oure water & woded oure ships & Refreshed oure selves with fish & Gote flesh. And in the Month of Aprill 1684 we set saille from the Iland of Guanfarnandoe. With the wind at South we stered away North & b E & NNE untill we came as loe as the Iland of Lobus liing in the Latitude of 7 Degrees South Lattidude whare we thoght to water oure ship But there was noe water upon the Iland But fowles in Abundans.

About the beginning of March the winds came by at South which carried us as low as Juan Fernandez. But before we came there, Captain Eaton came up with us and bore us company thither from the latitude of 40 degrees to this island lying in the latitude of 33 degrees and 40 minutes south latitude. We filled our water and wooded our ships and refreshed ourselves with fish and goat flesh. And in the month of April 1684 we set sail from the island of Juan Fernandez. With the wind at South we steered away North and by East and NNE until we came as low as the island of Lobus lying in the latitude of 7 degrees south latitude, where we thought to water our ship. But there was no water upon the island, but there were fowls in abundance.

In the Month of May wee stered Away nwest till we came under the Line then we stered Away west. About the Later End of the Month we saw ann Iland baring of us South west. But thare runeth soe Great a courant that Seteth to the Norward that I could not fech it. But the Land semed very Greene with woods upon the high land & plaine & Greane one loe as if that it had Bine grass ground. Which Iland I was very sory that I could not come up with by reson that I doe belive that there was water which we wanted. This Iland I gave the name of King Charlles the Second Iland by reson that it was the first that I saw. I juge that the body of that Iland May lie neare one South Latitude, but I have forgoten the Longitude of them till My booke comes from Holand.

In the month of May we steered away northwest until we came under the Line. Then we steered away West. About the end of the month we saw an island bearing southwest of us. But there ran so great a current that seteth to the northward that I could not fetch it. But the land seemed very green with woods upon the high land, and plain and green on the low land, as if it had been grassy ground. I was very sorry that I could not come up with this island by reason that I do believe there was water which we wanted. This island I gave the name of King Charles the Second's [San Cristóbal] Island, by reason that it was the first that I saw. I judge that the body of that island may lie near one degree south latitude, but I have forgotten the longitude of them until my book comes from Holland.

Within one houre or soe after I saw Another Brave Iland & not long after I saw Many More. But I Made all the saille that I coulld to that which liked Me Best. I came to Anker under it in 7 fathom water. They went with the bote one shore one this Iland but there was noe water to be found for that End had bine burned but great store of land turtell & sea turtell And Abundans of fowles not firfull of Man for they would light upon us & sufer them selves to be taken captive.

Within one hour or so later I saw another brave island [unidentified, probably Santa Fe] and not long after I saw many more. But I made all the sail that I could to that island [San Salvador] which I liked best. I came to anchor under it in 7 fathoms of water. They went with the boat on shore on this island, but there was no water to be found for that end had been burned. But there was a great store of land turtle and sea turtle, and abundance of fowls not fearful of man, for they would light upon us and suffer themselves to be taken captive.

At the Estward End of this Iland thare are semingly very Good harbors for A hundred saille of Ships to ride in. We wayed oure Anker & sailed to the westermost End of this Iland whare we found good water & great plenty of turtell both sea & land. This Iland I named the Duke of Yorks Iland wich is Now by Gods Grace oure present King. But the water was not very plenty that we should water our Ships in 2 Daice & Captaine Eton being to the west ward of us & we seeing an Ialnd that way that we saw him we wayed from thens thinking to water oure ships at that Iland which we saw.

At the eastward end of this island there are seemingly very good harbors for a hundred sail of ships to ride in. We weighed our anchor and sailed to the westernmost end of this island, where we found good water and a great plenty of turtle, both sea and land. This island I named the Duke of York's Island, who is now by God's grace our present King. But the water was not very plentiful, and we must water our ships within 2 days. Captain Eaton was to the westward of us, and we seeing an island [Isabela] that was in the same direction that we saw him, we weighed from thence, thinking to water our ships at that island which we saw.

As wee ware sailing to the westward after captain Eton we came fare by an Iland liing one oure Starboard side. A round Iland liing in the latitude of 20 minits South which I caled the Duke of Norfolk Iland* for the Exact Longitude of those Iland Acording to oure gesing I have forgotten. Nether can I remember untill I get my papers from Holand. But when I Get them I doe intend toe have them drane out with thare Exact Latitudes & Gesed Longitudes.

As we were sailing to the westward after Captain Eaton we came close by an island [Santa Cruz] lying on our starboard side. It was a round island lying in the latitude of 20 minutes south which I called the Duke of Norfolk's Island.§ For the exact longitude of those islands according to our guessing I have forgotten. Neither can I remember until I get my papers from Holland. But when I do get them I intend to have them drawn out with their exact latitudes and guessed longitudes.

§ The Duke of Norfolk's island is actually east of the Duke of York's (King James) Island. Therefore, this paragraph appears to be Cowley's recollection of passing it as his ship proceeded on its way to the latter island. Their departure from the Duke of York's Island was described in the previous paragraph, and Cowley describes their arrival at the Duke of Albemarle's Island in the following paragraph.

Wee arived at the NW End of this Iland whare we came to An anker in A bad plase not knowing whare to find a beter harbor by reson we had not well sarched the Iland. But we found noe water thare but ware sartaine thare ware water About the Iland by reson of soe great resort of turtell Doves which canot live with out water. Nether found we the harber for shiping the first time although thare be a harber for a thousand saille of Ships to rigde land locked with the help of a Small Iland that that lieth NW from the harbor whare we found great store of fish & turtell & fowles as the Iland former [ly in right margin] caled the Duke of Yorks Iland but now King James the seconds Iland: This Iland I named the Duke of Alber Males Iland it liing in the latitude from 15 Degres minits north to one degree & 30 minits south.

We arrived at the northwest end of this island [Isabela], where we came to an anchor in a bad place, not knowing where to find a better harbor by reason that we had not well searched the island. But we found no water there, although we were certain there was water about the island by reason of so great a resort of turtle doves, which cannot live without water. Neither did we find the harbor [Elizabeth Bay] for shipping the first time, although there is a harbor for a thousand sail of ships to ride land-locked with the help of a small island [Fernandina] that lieth northwest from the harbor. Here we found as great a store of fish and turtle and fowls as at the island formerly called the Duke of York's Island but now King James the second's Island. This island I named the Duke of Albemarle's Island, it lying in the latitude from 15 minutes north to one degree and 30 minutes south.

Another Iland liing in the Lat of 20 minits North toe one Degre North caled My Lord Nories Iland it being of the nature of the other Ilands but with out water that we could find: likewise Another Iland liing from one Degree & 5 minites North to toe Degrees North caled My Lord Culp Culpepers Iland: Another liing from one Degree north to 15 minits north which is caled My Lord WainMans Iland. Another Iland liing in 15 minits South caled Cowleys Iland. The other Ilands we have seen but have not bine very nere to them to discover them but they lie from one Degre & 40 Minits South to two Degre north difring something in Longitude though not Much thare being 15 of them.

Another island lying in the latitude of 20 minutes North to one degree North I called My Lord Nories' Island [Pinta], it being of the nature of the other islands but without water that we could find: likewise another island lying from one degree and 5 minutes North to two degrees North, called My Lord Culpeper's Island [Darwin]: another lying from one degree North to 15 minutes North which is called My Lord Wainman's Island [Wolf]. Another island lying in 15 minutes South I called Cowley's Island. We have seen other islands, but have not been very near to them to discover them. They lie from one degree and 40 minutes South to two degrees North, differing somewhat in longitude though not by much, there being 15 of them.

Those Ilands are all very very well repleneshed with fish turtell & fowles in A bundans that one Mane May take as Many ore as much provisions in one Day as will Sarve A thousand Menn A Day. The most part of the fowles are turtelldoves not firfull of Mane for they would light upon us that we could take them of of our Armes & heds & plentie of good hakes to oure sight being as tame as the other fowles lighting upon oure heds & sofring there selves to be taken by us & After being taken being very frendly, eating what what we gave them. But we found not the water of Any of Those Ilands save King James the seconds Iland formerly caled the Duke of Yorks Iland . Thare running a strong courant amongest those Ilands that wee coulld not get to King James his Iland. Againe we ware faine to goe to water at port tras velus upon the Maine whare Cap Cooke died & was buried one shore. We having watered our Ship we went in toe the Gulfe of Malpelogh [Saint Mighills above strikeout] whare wee careened both oure ships & there we had another captain caled Davie which broat the consort ship with Cap Etone. & bringing to get as Many of Captaine Etons Men as he could & had not Cap Eton Made fast away from that place he had not had Men anof left to have sailed his Ship. At this place I came a Bord of Captaine Etons Ship thinking at one time or other to be be redemed from My Slavery. We set saile from this plas in the Month of Agust 1684 for Cape Fransiscoe liing in the lattitude of one North if I am not mistaken & lay thare some small time. Then we turned up to the Iland of Plate & from thens to the Iland of Lobus Liiing in the lattidude of 7 Degrees South Latidude. Then Captaine Etons Men being Desireous to get a Board of Captaine Davises ship he was resolved to goe home by the way of the Est Indies soe that he shaped his corse for King James the Seconds Iland for to take in wood water & turtell for our voyage. But the corse not being held southerly enofe we fell with Wainmans Iland & could not get hire as the Duke of Albermales Iland. After that we had tried for them almost a month we ware resolved to goe to the Iland of the Gorgonia to water & wood which we did.

Those islands are all very well replenished with fish, turtles and fowls in abundance, that one man may take as many or as much provisions in one day as will serve a thousand men a day. Most of the fowls are turtledoves and not fearful of man, for they would light upon us so that we could take them off our arms and heads. There were plenty of good hawks within our sight, being as tame as the other fowls and lighting upon our heads and suffering themselves to be taken by us. After being taken they were very friendly, eating what what we gave them. But we found no water on any of those those islands, save King James the Second's Island formerly called the Duke of York's Island. But a strong current ran amongst those islands so that we could not get back to King James' Island. Again we were faine to go to water at Cape Tres Pontes upon the Main, where Captain Cook died and was buried on shore. We having watered our ship we went in to the Gulf of Saint Michael's [probably Golfo de Fonseca between El Salvador and Nicaragua] where we careened both our ships, and there we had another captain called Davis who brought the consort ship with Captain Eaton. He sought to get as many of Captain Eaton's men as he could, and had not Captain Eaton made fast away from that place, he would not have had men enough left to have sailed his ship. At this place I came aboard Captain Eaton's ship, thinking at one time or other to be redeemed from my slavery. We set sail from this place in the month of August 1684 for Cape Francisco [Ecuador] lying in the latitude of one North if I am not mistaken, and we lay there some small time. Then we turned up to the Island of Plate and from thence to the Island of Lobus lying in the latitude of 7 degrees South. Then Captain Eaton's men desired to get aboard Captain Davis's ship. Captain Eaton was resolved to go home by the way of the East Indies, so he shaped his course for King James the Second's Island to take in wood, water and turtle for our voyage. But the course was not held southerly enough, and we fell in with Wainman's Island and could not get to the Duke of Albemarle's Island. After we had tried for almost a month we resolved to go to the Island of Gorgona to water and wood, which we did.

The 22 of December wee set saille from the Iland of Gorgonia stering our course west NW untill we came in the Latitude of 13 Degres North Latitude. Then we stered away west unitll we juged we ware nere a parsell of rocks caled Saint Bartholimies rocks. Then we saild away to the northward untill we ware goten in toe 16 Degrees. When we thoght that we ware pased the dainger we hailed into oure old latitude againe into 13 degres holding our corse till the Month of March 1685.

The 22nd of December we set sail from the Island of Gorgona, steering our course west NW until we came in the latitude of 13 degrees North. Then we steered away west until we judged we were near a parcel of rocks called Saint Bartholomew's Rocks. Then we sailed away to the northward until we got to 16 degrees. When we thought that we were past the danger, we sailed into our old latitude again, into 13 degrees holding our course until the month of March 1685.

In the Month of March 1685 wee arived at the Ilands of the Ladroons, at one of them caled Goan. Oure Mane being very weake alle of them for want of vitalle we having nothing but roten flowre & water in oure Ship. When we came to An anker one the wester Most side of this Iland we went one shore & feched some of the fruite of the land & treted with the Indians hoe dare not well trust us, fearing that we had bine Spaniards for they had burned a convent & killed 16 Spanish fathers which we after wards under stood by the Spaniards: for the Spaniards had toe slaves which they had goten from the Manilus, which had given the Indians notice of their strength. The Spaniards having not more then 60 Soldiers within there fort & but three or fore pounds of powder A cording to the informmation of the Indians, for after wards the Governer sent one of his captains a bord with provitions, desireing our Ayde which when we under stood what the Indians had Done we fell one them & drove the most part of them from the Iland. They them selves bruning there houses & goods runing away by the light there of there houses being not built as other Indian houses are but strong & with good timber for some of the fire was not out in 14 daies. If we had not asisted them they had lost the Iland of Goan fore we gave them fore hundred L. of powder & many guns to defend them selves if they shoulld come A gaine: But before we came away the Indians the Indians under standing that we ware noe Spaniards sent to us to treat with us for pease & Before they ware asked teling us in what month the great apuapulca ship was posed to come thare & her strength but we would have noe pease with them, thinking an open enemy beter as a privat one & knoing there trechery before.

In the month of March 1685 we arrived at the islands of the Ladrones, at one of them called Guam. All of our men were very weak for want of victuals, we having nothing but rotten flour and water in our ship. When we came to an anchor on the westernmost side of this island we went on shore and fetched some of the fruit of the land and treated with the Indians who dared not trust us, fearing that we were Spaniards, for they had burned a convent and killed 16 Spanish fathers which we afterwards understood by the Spaniards. The Spaniards had two slaves which they had gotten from the Manillas, which had given the Indians notice of their strength. The Spaniards had not more then 60 Soldiers within their fort and but three or four pounds of powder, according to the information from the Indians. Afterwards the Governor sent one of his captains aboard with provisions, desiring our aide, which when we understood what the Indians had done we fell on them and drove the most part of them from the island. They themselves burned their houses and goods, runing away by the light thereof. They are not built as other Indian houses are, but are built strong and with good timber, and therefore some of the fire was not out in 14 days. If we had not assisted them they would have lost the island of Guam. We gave them four hundred pounds of powder and many guns to defend themselves if the Indians should come again. But before we came away the Indians, understanding that we were not Spaniards, sent to us to treat with us for peace. Before they were asked, they told us in what month the great Acapulco ship was supposed to come there, and her strength. But we would have no peace with them, thinking an open enemy better than a private one, and we knew of their treachery before.

In the month of Aprill 1685 wee set saille from the Iland of Goan with the wind at N Est & all oure Menn in helth againe. We stering Away west S west to get cleare of a lege of rock caled by the Spaniards Saint Bartholimies. Those Rocks Lieth by the Relation of the Spaniards 20 leges North & South they being unknone to us before now. They lie to the west ward of Goan toe hundred leges when we thoght oure selves clear of those rocks we hailed away to the Norward againe coming in betwene a parsell of small Ilands or Rocks & the South End of ForeMosa liing in A bout 21 Degres North Latitude from thens we thought to saill betwene Luconia & Chenagh But the Mosone was come that we had the wind right in oure teethes then we sailed to the west ward coming before the Riven of cantone in Chenigh whare we got betwene toe Ilands to get som water & Mend oure Ship.

In the month of April 1685 we set sail from the island of Guam with the wind at northeast and all our men in health again. We steered away west southwest to get clear of a ledge of rocks called by the Spaniards Saint Bartholomew's. These rocks lieth by the relation of the Spaniards 20 leagues North and South, they being unknown to us before now. They lie to the westward of Guam two hundred leagues. When we thought ourselves clear of those rocks we sailed away to the northward, again coming in between a parcel of small islands or rocks and the south end of Formosa [Taiwan], lying in about 21 degrees north latitude. From thence we thought to sail between Luconia [Luzon, Phillipines] and China but the monsoon had come and we had the wind right in our teeth. Then we sailed to the westward, coming before the River of Canton [Guangzhou] in China, where we got between two islands to get some water and mend our ship.

When wee had Mended our Ship & taken in oure water we set saille from thens in the Month of July 1685 indevering to turne to wind ward But what wee got in the increase of the mone we should lose againe after the full. Then winds coming soe furios that we could not cary saille we shoulld be driven from the latitude of foretene degrees in to 21 degres. Soe we ware sarved three times after each other.

When we had mended our ship and taken in our water we set sail from thence in the month of July 1685, endeavoring to turn to windward. But what we got in the increase of the moon we lost again after the full. The winds came so furious that we could not carry sail, and we were driven from the latitude of 14 degrees into 21 degrees. And so were served three times after each other.

In the Month of October [wee had the wind inserted above line] at North Est. Then we sailed betwene the Iland of Luconia & Shenigh the first land that we made was peragh goa An Iland liing norwest or thare about from Burneo whare we ware A mong mongst Daingerous lands for eyght dayes at length wee got intoe a small Iland liing at the North end of Bornea to water & fit oure Ship & get some vitialls. There we got oure ship one shore & got our guns one shore & stood upon oure defens for the Indians ware afraid of oure culer they having never seene a whit Man before But we could get noe vitialls but Musels & one wild hoge & one Great snake 17 fut long. About 14 days after we had made comers with the Indians & then they broght us fish enofe.

In the month of October we had the wind at northeast. Then we sailed between the island of Luconia and China. The first land that we made was Palawan, an island lying northwest or thereabouts from Borneo, where we were amongst dangerous lands for eight days. At length we got into a small island lying at the north end of Borneo to water and fit our ship and get some victuals. There we got our ship on shore and got our guns on shore and stood upon our defense, for the Indians were afraid of our color, they having never seen a white man before but we could get no victuals but mussels and and one wild hog and one great snake 17 feet long. After about 14 days we made commerce with the Indians and then they brought us fish enough.

About the beginning of December we set saille from thens ordering our corse south west until we came to the Ilands of Natura liing in the latidude of fore degres & from thens we sailed to the Ilands of Timone a spise Iland whare I got a bote & 19 Men more whare I came to the Iland of Sorogh Bone Liing in the latitude of 6 degres south latitude wheare I arived at Sorogh Bone thare the chanseler firnished mee with with a bot & 6 men which broght me & five more unto the Sity of Batavia wee arived there in the Month of Febary & one the first of March I with toe more got abord of a Holands Estindian being bound for Amsterdame the first of October we arived at Helfor Sluie in Holand whare I came from thens to Roter Roterdame whare I found the yot caled the Ann whare I went a bord & arived at Grinwhich one Tuesday being the 12 of October 1686. Whare now being arived at London am redy at all times to sarve youre Grase I what Quality some ever I am capable of & shall bee youre most faithfull sarvant till deth.

About the begining of December we set sail from thence, ordering our course southwest until we came to the islands of Natura [Natuna Besar] lying in the latitude of four degrees and from thence we sailed to the islands of Bimone [Tioman], a spice island where I got a boat and 19 men more when I came to the Iland of Javagh [Java] lying in the latitude of 6 degrees south latitude. When I arrived at Sorogh Bone [Cirabon], there the chancellor [Governor] furnished me with a boat and 6 men, which brought me and the other five to the city of Batavia [Jakarta]. We arrived there in the month of February and on the first of March I with two more got aboard a Dutch East India ship bound for Amsterdam. The first of October we arrived at Helford Sluice [Hellevoetsluis] in Holland, and I went from thence to Rotterdam, where I found the yacht called the Ann. I went aboard and arrived at Greenwich on Tuesday, the 12 of October 1686. Now being arrived at London, I am ready at all times to serve Your Grace in whatever quality I am capable of, and shall be your most faithful servant until death.