Read Ebook: The Great Captain: A Story of the Days of Sir Walter Raleigh by Tynan Katharine

Font size: 10 px 15 px 20 px 25 px 30 px 35 px

Background color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Text color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Apply/Save settings

Ebook has 60 lines and 5863 words, and 2 pages

Editor: Jasper Dean

TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK REPRINTED WILLIAM ABBATT, 1917

Being Extra Number 59 of The Magazine of History with Notes and Queries

THE PUBLISHER

TO THE READER

A Few Months past, I little expected to appear in Print but the frequent Enquiries of many curious Persons seem to lay me under an absolute Necessity, least others less acquainted, prejudice the Truth with an imperfect Relation. Therefore, finding myself oblig'd to expose this small Treatise to publick View and Censure, I perswade my self, that what's here recorded will be entirely credited, by all candid, ingenious Spirits; for whose kind Opinion I am really sollicitous.

I presume any Person acquainted with my Brother will readily believe the Truth hereof: And for the Satisfaction of others, I would hope need only offer, that both his Character and my own may be easily gain'd by Enquiry. Likewise several of his Fellow Sufferers being now in Town, their Attestations might be procur'd, if saw a real Necessity.

I have in the whole endeavoer'd a plain smooth, unaffected stile; suitable to the Occasion, carefully avoiding unnecessary Enlargements, and relating only Matters of Fact.

I must acknowledge to have omitted many lesser Circumstances, least shou'd swell this Narrative beyond it's first Design, and thereby exceed the Bounds of common Purchase.

It's almost needless to intimate what Approbation the Copy has receiv'd, from many Persons of the most curious and discerning Judgments who have done me the Favour to view it, urging its Publication, and flattering me with an Expectation of a general Acceptance, considering it both as Novel and Real.

I cannot but also take Encouragement from the Value and Esteem it met with when appearing under much greater Disadvantages, as to Particulars and Dress in New England, North Britain, &c. So that adventure it into the World, to receive its Applause or Censures, according to its Demerrits or the Fancy of the Reader.

The Account I have receiv'd of those worthy New England Gentlemen's Kindness to the poor Men in their Extremities, affected me in the most near and sensible manner, and which to omitt making honourable mention of, wou'd be the highest Ingratitude

How generous, Christian-like, and worthy of Immitation, have these Gentlemen behav'd themselves, to such Objects of Commiseration who must otherwise have been render'd unable to serve their Families and how happy wou'd it be for us, did this kind and Publick Spirit more prevail among us, as on the contrary, how much to be lamented is that barbarous and savage Custom of murdering fellow Creatures in Order to plunder and rifle them with the greater Ease: A Crime so brutish and agravated

I might offer Abundance more Thoughts on these and other subjects in this Preface, but I am fearfull lest I shou'd make the Porch too large for the House; therefore conclude, subscribing my self thine in all Friendly Offices,

JASPER DEAN.

Horsly-Down, August the 2d. 1711.

The Nottingham Galley, of and from London, 120 Tons, ten Guns, and fourteen Men, John Dean Commander; having taken in Cordage in England, and Butter and Cheese, &c. in Ireland, sail'd for Boston in New England, the 25th of September, 1710. But meeting with contrary Winds and bad Weather 'twas the Beginning of December when first made Land to the Eastward of Piscataqua, and haling Southerly for the Massachuset's-Bay, under a hard gale of Wind at North-East, accompanied with Rain, Hail and Snow, having no observation for ten or twelve Days we on the Eleventh handed all our Sails, except our Fore-Sail and Main-top Sail double reeft, ordering one Hand forward to look out. Between 8 and 9 going forward myself, I saw the breakers ahead, whereupon I call'd out to put the Helm hard a Starboard, but ere the Ship cou'd wear, we struck upon the East End of the Rock called Boon-Island, four Leagues to the Eastward of Piscataqua.

The second or third Sea heav'd the Ship along Side of it, running likewise so very high, and the Ship labouring so excessively that we were not able to stand upon Deck, and notwithstanding it was not above thirty or forty Yards, yet the Weather was so thick and dark we cou'd not see the Rock, so that we were justly thrown into a Consternation at the sad Prospect of immediately perishing in the Sea. I presently call'd down all Hands to the Cabin, where we continu'd a few Minutes earnestly supplicating Mercy; but knowing Prayers without Endeavours are vain, I order'd all up again, to cut the Masts by the board, but several sunck so under Racks of Conscience that they were not able to stir. However, we upon deck cut the Weather-most shrouds, and the Ship heeling towards the Rock, the force of the Sea soon broke the Masts, so that they fell right towards the Shore.

One of the men went out on the Boltspright, and returning, told me he saw something black ahead, and wou'd adventure to get on shore, accompanied with any other Person; upon which I desir'd some of the best swimmers to go with him, and if they recover'd the Rock, to give notice by their Calls, and direct us to the most secure Place; and remembring some money and papers that might be of use, also Ammunition, Brandy, &c. I went down and open'd the Place in which they were but the Ship bulging, her decks opening, her back broke, and beams giving way, so that the Stern sunk almost under water, I was oblig'd to hasten forward to prevent immediate perishing. And having heard nothing of the men gone before, concluded them lost; yet notwithstanding, I was under a necessity to make the same Adventure upon the Fore Mast, moving gradually forward betwixt every sea, 'till at last quitting it, I cast myself with all the strength I had toward the Rock, and it being dead low water and the Rock exceeding slippery I cou'd get no Hold, but tore my Fingers, Hands and Arms in a most lamentable Manner; every wash of the sea fetching me off again, so that it was with the utmost peril and difficulty that I got safe on shore at last. The rest of the men running the same hazard yet thro' mercy we all escap'd with our lives.

After endeavouring to discharge the salt-water, and creeping a little way up the Rock, I heard the three men mentioned before and by ten all met together; where with joyfull hearts we return'd humble thanks to Providence for our Deliverance from so eminent a Danger; we then endeavour'd to gain shelter to the Lee-ward of the Rock, but found it so small and inconsiderable that it wou'd afford none and so very craggy, that we cou'd not walk to keep our selves warm, the weather still continuing extream cold, with Snow and Rain.

As soon as day-light appear'd, I went towards the place where we came on shoar, not questioning but we should meet with Provisions enough from the Wreck for our support, but found only some pieces of the Masts and Yards, amongst some old junk and cables conger'd, together, which the Anchors had prevented from being carried away, and kept moving about the Rock at some distance: Part of the ship's stores with some pieces of Plank and Timber, old Sails and Canvas &c. drove on shoar but nothing to eat, except some small pieces of cheese we pick'd up from among the Rock-Weed

We used our utmost endeavour to get Fire, but having nothing but what had been long watersoak'd, we could not effect it.

At night we stow'd one upon another in the best Manner possible, to keep each other warm; and the next day the weather a little clearing, and inclining to frost, I went out, and seeing the main Land knew where we was, therefore encouraged my men with hopes of being discover'd by fishing Shallops &c. requiring them to go about, and fetch up what planks they could get, in order to build a Tent and a Boat: The cook then complaining he was allmost starved, and his Countenance discovering his illness, I ordered him to remain with two or three more the frost had seiz'd. About noon the Men acquainted me that he was dead, so laid him in a convenient Place for the Sea to carry him away; none mentioning eating of him, tho' several with my self afterwards acknowledged, had Tho'ts of it.

After we had been there two or three Days, the frost being very severe, and the Weather extream cold, it seized most of our hands and feet to such a Degree as to take away the Sence of Feeling, and render them almost useless, so benumbing and discolouring them, as gave us just reason to fear mortifications. We pull'd off our shoes, and cut off our boots, but in getting off our stockings, many whose legs were blister'd, pull'd off Skin and all, and some the nails of their toes; we wrap'd up our legs and feet as warm as we could in Oakum and Canvas.

We now began to build our tent in a triangular Form, each angle about eight Foot, covered with what Sails and old Canvas came on shoar, having just room for all to lie down each on one side, so that none cou'd turn except all turn'd which was about every two hours, upon Notice given: We also fix'd a Staff to the top of our Tent, upon which we hoisted a piece of cloth in the Form of a Flag, in order to discover ourselves to any vessels that might come near.

We began now to build our Boat of plank and timber belonging to the Wreck; our tools the blade of a cutlass a Hammer and a Caulking Mallet: Some nails we found in the clifts of the Rock, others we got from the sheathing; we laid three Planks flat for the bottom, and two up each Side fix'd to stanchings, and let into the bottom timbers, with two short Pieces at each end, also one breadth of new Holland Duck round the sides, to keep out the Spray of the Sea. We cork'd all we could with oakum drawn from the old junk, and in other places, fill'd up the distances with long pieces of Canvas, all which we secured in the best Manner possible; we found also some Sheet Lead and Pump Leather, which proved of use; we fix'd a short Mast and square sail, with seven Padles to row, and another longer to stear; but our Carpenter who now should have been of most use to us, was scarce able to affoard us either assistance or advice; and all the Rest so benumb'd and feeble as not able to stir, except my self and two more, also the weather so extream cold, that we could seldom stay out of the Tent above four hours in the day, and some days do nothing at all.

When we had been there about a week without any manner of provisions, except the cheese before mentioned and some beefe bones, which we eat ; we saw three boats about five Leagues from us, which may be easily imagined rejoyced us not a little, believing our deliverance was now come: I made all creep out of the Tent, and hollow together making also all the signals we could, but alas all in vain; they neither hearing nor otherwise discovering us: however we receiv'd no small encouragement from the sight of 'em, they coming from S. West, and the Wind at N. E. when we were cast away, gave us reason to conclude our distress might be known, by the wreck driving on shoar, and to presume were come out in search of us, and that they would daily do so when weather would permit; thus we flatter'd our selves in hopes of deliverance tho' in vain.

Just before we had finished our boat, Providence so ordered it, that the Carpenter's Ax was cast on the Rock to us, whereby we were enabled to compleat our work; but then we had scarce strength enough to get her into the water.

About the 21st the boat just perfected, a fine day, and the water smoother than I had ever yet seen it since we came there, we consulted who shou'd attempt getting on shore, I offering my self as one to adventure, which they agreed to, because I was the strongest, and therefore fittest to undergoe the extremities we might be reduc'd to. My Mate also offering himself, and desiring to accompany me, I was allow'd him with my brother, and four more, so committing our enterprize to Divine Providence, all that were able came out, and with much difficulty we got our poor patch'd up boat to the water side; and the Surf running very high, was oblig'd to wade very deep to launch her, which being done, and my self and one more got into her, the swell of the Sea heav'd her along shore, and overset her upon us, and stav'd our poor boat all to peices: Totally disappointing our enterprize and destroying all our hopes at once.

And as that which still heighten'd our afflictions, and serv'd to aggravate our miserable prospects, and render our deliverance less practicable: We lost with our boat, both our Ax and Hammer, which wou'd have been of great use to us if we should hereafter attempt to build a Raft, yet had we reason to admire the goodness of God, in over-ruling our disappointment, for our safety; for that afternoon, the wind springing up it blew very hard, so that had we been at Sea in that imitation of a boat, in all probability we must have perish'd, and the rest left behind had no better fare, because unable to help themselves.

We were now reduc'd to the most deplorable and mallancholy Circumstance imaginable, almost every Man but myself, weak to an extremity, and near starved with Hunger and Cold; their Hands and Feet frozen and mortified, with large and deep ulcers in their legs and nothing to dress them with, but a Piece of linnen that was cast on shoar. No Fire, and the weather extream cold; our small stock of Cheese spent, and nothing to support our feeble Bodies but Rock-weed and a few Muscles, scarce and difficult to get . So that we had our miserable bodies perishing, and our poor disconsolate spirits overpowered, with the deplorable Prospect of starving, without any appearance of relief: Besides, to heighten the agravation we had reason to apprehend, lest the approaching Spring-Tide should totally overflow us. How dismal such a circumstance must be, is imposible to express; the pinching cold and hunger, extremity of weakness and pain, racks and horror of conscience and foresight of certain and painful death, without any views of deliverance. How heighten'd! How agravated is such Misery! and yet alas such was our deplorable Case: insomuch that the greater part of our company were ready to die with horror and despair, without the least hopes of escaping.

For my own part, I did my utmost to encourage my self, and exhort the rest to trust in God and patiently wait for his salvation; and Providence, a little to aleviate our distress, and encourage our Faith, directed my Mate to strike down a Sea Gull, which he joyfully brought to me, and I equally divided every one a proportion; and yet we received and eat thankfully.

The last method of safety we could possibly propose, was, the fixing a Raft that might carry two men, which was mightily urged by one of our men, a Sweed, a stout brave fellow, but had since our distress lost both his feet by the Frost; he frequently importun'd me, to attempt our deliverance in that way, offering himself to accompany me, or if I refused him, to go alone. After deliberate thoughts and consideration, we resolved upon a Raft, but found abundance of labour and difficulty in clearing the Fore-Yard from the junk, by reason our working hands were so few and weak.

That done, we split the Yard, and with the two parts made side pieces, fixing others, and adding some of the lightest Plank we cou'd get, first spiking and afterwards seizing them firm, in breadth four Foot: We likewise fix'd a Mast, and of two hammocks that were drove on shoar we made a Sail, with a Paddle for each Man and a spare one in case of necessity. This difficulty thus surmounted and brought to a period, he wou'd frequently ask me whether I design'd to accompany him, giving me also to understand that if I declin'd, there was another ready to embrace the offer.

About this Time we saw a Sail come out of Piscataqua River, about 7 Leagues to the Westward, we again made all the signal we cou'd, but the Wind being at N. West, and the ship standing to the Eastward, was presently out of sight, without ever coming near us, which prov'd a very great Mortification to our hopes; but the next day being moderate, and in the afternoon a small Breeze right on shoar, also the Raft wholy finished, the two men were very solicitous to have it launch'd, and the Mate as strenuously oppos'd it, on account 'twas so late but they urging the light nights, beg'd of me to have it done, to which at last I agreed, first commiting the enterprize to God's blessing; they both got upon it, and the Swell rowling very high soon overset them as it did our boat; the Sweed not minding it swam on shoar, but the other contin'd some Time under Water and as soon as appear'd, I caught hold of him and sav'd him, but was so discourag'd, that he was afraid to make a second attempt.

I desir'd the Sweed to wait a more favourable oportunity, but he continuing resolute, beg'd of me to go with him, or help him to turn the Raft, and would go himself alone.

We upon the desolate Island not knowing what had befallen them, waited daily for deliverance, and our expectations was the more heightened by a smoak we saw in the woods, two days after which continuing every day, and being willing to believe it made on our Account, tho' saw no appearance of any thing towards our relief, yet suppos'd the delay was occasion'd, by their not being able to procure a vessel so soon as we desir'd; and this hope under God, serv'd to bear our spirits and support us much.

But still our great want was Provisions; having nothing to eat but Rockweed and a very few Muscles, and the Spring-Tide being we cou'd scarce get any at all. I have gone my self several days at low water, and cou'd get no more than two or three at Piece, and have frequently been in danger of losing my hands and arms by putting them so often in the water, which when got, my stomach refus'd, and rather chose Rockweed.

At our first coming saw several Seals upon the Rock, and supposing they might harbour there in the night, I walked round at midnight, but cou'd never get any thing: We also saw a great many fowls, but they perceiving us daily there, wou'd never come on the Rock to lodge, so that we caught none.

Which disappointment was very greivous and still serv'd to irritate our miseries, but it was more especially afflicting to a brother I had with me, and another young Gentleman, who had never been at sea, or endur'd any severities before; but were now reduc'd to the last extreamities, having no assistance but what they receiv'd from me.

Part of a green hide being thrown up by the sea, the men importun'd me to bring it to the Tent, which being done we minc'd it small and swallow'd it down.

About this time, I set the men to open junck, and with the Rope-Yarn I thatcht the Tent in the best Manner my strength wou'd allow; that it might the better shelter us from extreamities of weather: And it prov'd of so much service as to turn two or three Hours' rain, and preserve us from the cold pinching winds which were always very severe upon us.

About the latter end of this month our Carpenter who from our first coming on shore, had been always very ill, and lost the use of his feet, complained of an excessive Pain in his Back, and stiffness in his Neck: bring likewise almost choakt with phlegm so that to our aprehension he drew near his End. We prayed over him, and us'd our utmost endeavours to be serviceable to him in his last moments; he shew'd himself sensible tho' speechless, and that night died: We suffered the Body to remain with us 'till morning, when I desir'd them who were best able, to remove it; creeping out my self, to see if Providence had yet sent us any thing, to satisfie our extreamly craving appetites: Before noon returning and not seeing the dead Body without, I ask'd why they had not remov'd it? And receiv'd for answer, they were not all of them able: Whereupon fastening a rope to the Body, I gave the utmost of my assistance, and with some difficulty we got it out of the Tent. But the fategue and consideration of our Misery together, so overcame my spirits, that being ready to faint, I crept into the Tent, and was no sooner got in there, but the Men began to request of me the dead Body to eat, the better to support their Lives.

This, of all I had met with, was the most greivous and shocking to me, to see my self and Company, who came thither laded with provisions but three weeks before, now reduc'd to such a deplorable circumstance, as to have two of us absolutely starv'd to death, other two we knew not what was become of, and the rest of us at the last Extreamity and requiring to eat the Dead for support.

After abundance of mature thought and consultation about the lawfullness or sinfullness on the one Hand, and absolute Necessity on the other; Judgment, Conscience, &c. were oblig'd to submit to the more prevailing arguments of our craving appetites; so that at last we determined to satisfie our hunger and support our feeble Bodies with the Carkass in Possession: first ordering his skin, head, hands, Feet and bowels to be buried in the Sea, and the Body to be quarter'd for Conveniency of drying and carriage, to which I again receiv'd for Answer, that they were not all of them able, but entreated I wou'd perform it for them: A task very greivous, and not readily comply'd with, but their incessant Prayers and Intreaties at last prevail'd, and by night I had perform'd my labour.

I then cut part of the flesh in thin Slices, and washing it in saltwater, brought it to the Tent, and oblig'd the men to eat Rockweed along with it, to serve instead of bread.

My Mate and two others, refus'd to eat any that night, but next morning complied, and earnestly desir'd to partake with the rest.

I found they all eat abundance and with the utmost greediness, so that I was constrain'd to carry the quarters farther from the Tent, least they shou'd prejudice themselves by overmuch eating, as also expend our small stock too soon.

I also limited each Man to an equal Proportion, that none might quarrel, or entertain hard thoughts of my self, or one another, and I was the more oblig'd to this method, because I found their very natural dispositions chang'd, and that affectionate, peacable temper they had all along hitherto discover'd totally lost; their eyes staring and looking wild, their Countenances fierce and barbarous, and instead of obeying my Commands I found all I cou'd say nothing now being to be heard but brutish quarrels, with horrid Oaths and Imprecations, instead of that quiet submissive spirit of Prayer and supplication we had before enjoy'd.

This, together with the dismal prospect of future want, oblig'd me to keep a strict watch over the rest of the Body, least any of 'em shou'd get to it, and this being spent, we be forc'd to feed upon the living: which we must certainly have done, had we staid a few days longer.

But now the goodness of God began to appear, and make provision for our deliverance, by putting it in the hearts of the good people on Shore, where our Raft drove, to come out in search of us; which they did the 2d of January in the morning.

Share on: WhatsApp @Hash Facebook Tweet