raid of meeting contrary winds, for after
the sun has crossed the Line we must expect to meet 'em. I made answer, By
all accounts the wind hangs from N.W. to the S.W. above three parts of the
year, which is in our favour. Mr Cummins told him, There was fresh water to
be got as well on one coast as the other, and if Sir John Narborough's
treatment was so ill in a profound peace, what must we expect in a time of
open war? The captain said, I am afraid, very bad. Then Mr Cummins spoke in
this manner to the captain: Sir, I always took you for an honourable
gentleman, and I believe you to be such; on your honour, sir, I beg you
will give the true sentiments of your mind, whether through the Streights
is not the surest and safest way to preserve our lives, notwithstanding we
have a thousand difficulties to encounter with any way? The captain
answered, I really think going to the northward is the safest way; for
suppose we should be drove off to sea, when on the other side the land,
what is to be done then? I said, Sir, it is our business to keep the shore,
to prevent all accidents that may happen that way. Then Lieutenant B----s
made an objection, Suppose you have the wind blowing right in, and a
tumbling sea, as to endanger the boat, what are we to do? I made answer,
Sir, if you remember when we were riding at St Julian's, it blowed a very
hard gale of wind right in from the sea; yet, even then, the sea did not
run so high as to endanger a boat riding at anchor: Another instance I
bring you from St Catherine's, when we had such hard gales that the Trial
lost her masts, and the Pearl separated from the squadron; yet, at that
time, there was no sea comparable to what we have met with this side the
land. The lieutenant allowed this to be fact. Then the captain said, I will
allow you to have water at Port Desire; but do you consider the lengthening
your distance, by keeping along shore, and rounding every bay, and some of
those bays are very deep? I told him, that undoubtedly there was water all
along the coast, and that we had no business to round the bays, but to
steer from one head-land to the other. Then Lieutenant B----s made a second
objection, Suppose we are forced into a bay, and shoal water? I answered,
We should always have a boat a-head, and our draught of water will not be
above four or five feet at most; and if we should be so unfortunate as to
lose our boat, we must keep the lead a-going. The l----t replied, That was