ed from stem to stem, the carpenters went below to search
for the leak; and as they passed forwards, removing the lining as they
went, they found an auger hole left open in the middle of the keel, in
the foremost room save one, which hole was four inches and three
quarters about, and, had it sprung upon us while at sea and alone, would
have tired out our whole company in twenty-four hours. In this the great
mercy of God was manifest, that it never broke out upon us but when we
had a fleet along with us for our aid.

[Footnote 262: Perhaps this means by shifting the wadded sail.--E.]

A fast being proclaimed to be held on board the fleet, and the exercise
to be in the James on Sunday the 3d December, Mr Wren, the chaplain of
the Sun, preached in the morning, and our own minister, Mr Copland, in
the afternoon. This day the Bee sailed for Engano, in hopes to recover
some money and goods belonging to the Swan, from the inhabitants of that
island. The 4th, a Dutch ship, called the Black Lion, arrived from
Patania, and rode to the westward of Pulo Paniang. As Mr Denton was well
acquainted among the Dutch, he was sent aboard in the barge to enquire
whence she came. On coming aboard, he met an old acquaintance, Hendrick
Janson, who had been a long time chief factor for the Dutch in Patania.
He, and another inferior factor, came aboard the Moon along with Mr
Denton, where they were well entertained till Sir Thomas Dale came on
board, and were soon after set ashore at Bantam. That same night we held
a council, when it was determined to proceed before day with four ships,
the Moon, Clove, Globe, and Samson, against the Black Lion, the better
to prevent her escape. At break of day on the 6th, we were close around
her, and after a short parley, they yielded their ship, on condition of
being allowed to land with all their private property; and we brought
her that same day near the island, among the rest of our fleet.

The Bee returned on the 14th, having been forced back by contrary wind,
and unable to get through the straits. On the 16th, twenty Portuguese
came on board the James Royal, who had fled from the Dutch at Jacatra,
and whom we received kindly. This evening we were ready to sail, having
eleven ships, great and small, and being in hopes to drive the Dutch
from Jacatra. Our fleet consisted of the following ships:--The Moon, in
which Sir Thomas Dale sailed as admiral; the Gift, in which I sailed as
vice-admiral; the Unicorn,