ghly acceptable. We got abundance
of shell-fish, as cockles and muscles of great size and delicious
flavour, with plenty of geese, shags, and penguins. Though in the
depth of winter the climate was by no means extremely rigorous,
neither were the trees or the face of the country destitute of
verdure; whence it may be concluded, that many other kinds of fresh
provisions would doubtless be found there in summer. Notwithstanding
the relations of the Spaniards respecting the violence and barbarity
of the inhabitants, it does not appear that their numbers are
sufficient to excite any apprehensions in the crew of a ship of any
size, or that their dispositions are by any means so mischievous or
merciless as has been represented. With all these advantages, this
place is so far from the frontiers of the Spanish settlements, and
so little known to the Spaniards themselves, that, with proper
precautions, there is reason to believe a ship might remain here
a long time undiscovered. It is also capable of being made a very
defensible port; as, by possessing the island that closes tip the
port or inner harbour, which island is only accessible in a very few
places, a small force might easily secure this port against all the
force which the Spaniards could muster in that part of the world. For
this island is so steep towards the harbour, having six fathoms close
to the shore, that the Anna anchored within forty yards of its coast;
whence it is obvious how difficult it would prove, either to board
or cut out any vessel protected by a force posted on shore within
pistol-shot, and where those thus posted could not be themselves
attacked. All these circumstances seem to render this port worthy of
a more accurate examination; and it is to be hoped that this rude
attempt to suggest, may hereafter recommend it to the consideration
of the public, and the attention of those who are more immediately
entrusted with the conduct of our naval affairs.

After this account of the place where the Anna lay for two months, it
may be expected that I should relate the discoveries made by her crew
upon the adjacent coast, and the principal incidents that occurred
during their stay here. But, as they were only a few in number, they
durst not venture to detach any of their people on distant searches,
being under continual apprehensions of being attacked either by the
Spaniards or Indians, so that their excursions were generally confined
to the tract of land s