there were two Portuguese barks
in the port who threatened to fire at them but did not; telling them this
was Porto del Roy de Portugal. They saw also another bark which ran and
anchored close by the shore, and the men ran all away for fear: but our
men calling to them in Portuguese, they at last came to them, and told
them that Sesial was the place which they came from, where the 2 barks
lay: had not these men told them they could not have known it to be a
port, it being only a little bad cove, lying open to the north; having 2
ledges of rocks at its entrance, one on each side; and a channel between,
which was so narrow that it would not be safe for us to go in. However I
stood in with the ship, to be better satisfied; and when I came near it
found it answer my men's description. I lay by a while to consider what I
had best do; for my design was to lie in a place where I might get fresh
provisions if I could: for, though my men were again pretty well
recruited, and those that had been sick of the scurvy were well again,
yet I designed if possible to refresh them as much and as long as I could
before I went farther. Besides my ship wanted cleaning; and I was
resolved to clean her if possible.

RETURN TO BABAO IN KUPANG BAY.

At last after much consideration I thought it safer to go away again for
Babao; and accordingly stood to the westward. We were now about 60
leagues to the east of Babao. The coast is bold all the way, having no
shoals, and but one island which I saw and described coming to the
eastward. The land in the country is very mountainous; but there are some
large valleys towards the east end. Both the mountains and valleys on
this side are barren; some wholly so; and none of them appear so pleasant
as the place where I watered. It was the 23rd day in the evening when I
stood back again for Babao. We had but small sea and land-breezes. On the
27th we came into Kupang Bay; and the next day, having sounded Babao
road, I ran in and came to an anchor there, in 20 fathom, soft oaze, 3
mile from the shore. One reason, as I said before, of my coming hither,
was to ride secure and to clean my ship's bottom; as also to endeavour by
fishing and hunting of buffaloes to refresh my men and save my salt
provision. It was like to be some time before I could clean my ship
because I wanted a great many necessaries, especially a vessel to careen
by. I had a long-boat in a frame that I brought out of England, by which
I might