A Book of Voyages

by Patrick O'Brian

  I was not furnish’d with any thing upon the place, fit to make a return to the two queens for the great charity they used to feed and warm me; but when I came into a place where I could be supply’d, I was not wanting that way, according to my power.

  Early next morning we put our selves in posture to be gone, (viz.) major Stephens, myself, and three or four more, whose names are worn out of my mind. Major Morrison was so far recovered as to be heart-whole, but he wanted strength to go thro’ so great a labour as this was like to prove. We left him with some others to be brought in boats that the governor had order’d for their accommodation; and with them the two weak women, who were much recover’d by the good care and nourishment they received in the poor fisherman’s house.

  Breakfast being done, and our pilot Jack ready to set out, we took a solemn leave of the good king. He inclosed me in his arms, with kind embraces, not without expressions of sorrow to part, beyond the common rate of new acquaintance. I made Jack pump up his best compliments, which at present was all I was capable to return to the king’s kindness; and so, after many Hana haes, we parted.

  We were not gone far till the fatigue and tediousness of the journey discovered itself in the many creeks we were forc’d to head, the swamps to pass (like Irish bogs) which made the way at least double to what it would have amounted to in a strait line: and it was our wonder to see our guide Jack lead on the way with the same confidence of going right, as if he had had a London road to keep him from straying. Howbeit he would many times stand still and look about for land-marks; and when on one hand and the other his marks bore right for his direction, he would shew himself greatly satisfied. As to the purpose, an old deform’d tree that lay north-west, opposite to a small hammock of pines to the south-east, would evidence his going right in all weathers. It is true, they know not the compass by the loadstone, but, which is equivalent, they never are ignorant of the north-west point, which gives them the rest; and that they know by the weather-beaten moss that grows on that side of every oak, different from the rest of the tree, which is their compass. Towards evening we saw smoak (an infallible sign of an Indian town) which Jack knew to arise from Gingo Teague. We went boldly into the king’s house (by advice of his brother of Kickotank) who was also a very humane prince. What the place and season produc’d was set before us with all convenient speed, which was enough to satisfy hunger, and to fit us for repose.

  I was extremely tir’d with this tedious journey; and it was the more irksome to me, because I perform’d it in boots (my shoes being worn out) which at that time were commonly worn to walk in; so that I was much more sleepy than I had been hungry The alliance I had newly made at Kickotank did already stand me in some stead, for that it qualified me to a lodging apart, and gave me a first taste of all we had to eat, tho’ the variety was not so great as I had seen in other courts.

  And yet (as we see in all worldly honours) this grandeur of mine was not without its allay; for as it gave me accommodation of eating and sleeping in preference to my comrades, so did it raise the hopes of the royal progeny of gifts and presents, beyond what I was either able or willing to afford them: for when I would have taken my rest, I was troubled beyond measure with their visits, and saw by their carriage what they would be at; wherefore, to free myself of further disturbance, and to put myself out of the pain of denials, I resolv’d to comply with the necessities of nature, which press’d me hard to sleep; and to that end I took the freedom by Jack, to desire they would all withdraw until I found myself refresh’d.

  I pass’d the night till almost day-break in one intire sleep; and when I did awake (not suddenly able to collect who, or where I was) I found myself strangely confounded, to see a damsel plac’d close to my side, of no meaner extract than the king’s eldest daughter, who had completely finish’d the rape of all the gold and silver buttons that adorn’d the king of Kickotank’s coat, yet on my back. When I was broad awake, and saw this was no enchantment (like those trances knightserrant use to be in) but that I was really despoiled of what was not in my power to dispense withal, I called for Jack, and made him declare my resentment and much dislike of this princess’s too great liberty upon so small acquaintance, which made me have a mean opinion of her. Jack shew’d more anger than myself to see such usage by any of his country, and much more was he scandaliz’d, that one of the blood royal should purloin.

  But the king, upon notice of the fact and party concerned in it, immediately caused the buttons to be found out and returned, with no slight reprimand to his daughter, and then. all was well, and so much the better by the gift of such small presents as I was able to make to the king and princess. Breakfast was given us, and we hasten’d to proceed in our journey to Achomack.

  The uneasiness of boots to travel in, made me by much the more weary of the former day’s journey, and caus’d me to enter very unwillingly upon this second day’s work. We reckon’d our selves about twenty-five miles distant from Jenkin’s house. It pleased God to send us dry weather, and not excessive cold. We had made provision of Pone to bait on by the way, and we found good water to refresh us; but all this did not hinder my being tir’d and spent almost to the last degree. Jack very kindly offer’d his service to carry me on his shoulders (for I was brought to a moderate weight by the strict diet I had been in) but that would have been more uneasy to me, in contemplation of his more than double pains, and so I resolved to try my utmost strength, without placing so great a weight on his shoulders.

  The hopes of seeing English ground in America, and that in so short a time as they made us expect, did animate my spirits to the utmost point. Jack fearing the worst, was of opinion, that we should call at his aunt’s town, the queen of Pomumkin, not far out of the way: but Jenkin Price opposed that motion, and did assure me our journey’s end was at hand. His words and my own inclination carried the question, and I resolved, by God’s help, that night to sleep at Jenkin’s house.

  But the distance proving yet greater than had been decided, and my boots trashing me almost beyond all sufferance, I became desperate, and ready to sink and lie down. Jenkin lull’d me on still with words that spurr’d me to the quick; and would demonstrate the little distance betwixt us and his plantation, by the sight of hogs and cattle, of which species the Indians were not masters. I was fully convinc’d of what he said, but would however have consented to a motion of lying without doors on the ground, within two or three flights shot of the place, to save the labour of so small a remainder.

  The close of the evening, and a little more patience (thro’ the infinite goodness of the Almighty) did put a happy period to our cross adventure. A large bed of sweet straw was spread ready in Jenkin’s house for our reception, upon which I did hasten to extend and stretch my wearied limbs. And being thus brought into safe harbour by the many miracles of divine mercy, from all the storms and fatigues, perils and necessities to which we had been exposed by sea and land for almost the space of four months, I cannot conclude this voyage in more proper terms, than the words that are the burthen of that psalm of providence. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wondrous works unto the children of men!

  Our landlord Jenkin Price, and conductor Jack took great care to provide meat for us; and there being a dairy and hens, we could not want. As for our stomachs, they were open at all hours to eat whate’er was set before us, as soon as our wearied bodies were refresh’d with sleep. It was on Saturday the — day of January, that we ended this our wearisome pilgrimage, and entred into our king’s dominions at Achomat, called by the English, Northampton county, which is the only county on that side of the bay belonging to the colony of Virginia, and is the best of the whole for all sorts of necessaries for human life.

  Having been thus refresh’d in Jenkin’s house this night with all our hearts could wish, on the next morning, being Sunday, we would have been glad to have found a church for the performance of our duty to God, and to have rendred our hearty thanks to him in the publick assembl
y, for his unspeakable mercies vouchsafed to us; but we were not yet arrived to the heart of the country where there were churches, and ministry perform’d as our laws direct, but were glad to continue our own chaplains, as formerly. As we advanced into the plantations that lay thicker together, we had our choice of hosts for our entertainment, without money or its value; in which we did not begin any novelty, for there are no inns in the colony; nor do they take other payment for what they furnish to coasters, but by requital of such courtesies in the same way, as occasions offer.

  When I came to the house of one Stephen Charlton, he did not only outdo all that I had visited before him, in variety of dishes at his table, which was very well order’d in the kitchen, but would also oblige me to put on a good farmer-like suit of his own wearing cloaths, for exchange of my dirty habit; and this gave me opportunity to deliver my camlet coat to Jack, for the use of my brother of Kickotank, with other things to make it worth his acceptance.

  Having been thus frankly entertain’d at Mr. Charlton’s, our company were in condition to take care for themselves. We took leave of each other, and my next stage was to esquire Yardly, a gentleman of good name, whose father had sometimes been governor of Virginia. There I was received and treated as if I had in truth and reality been that man of honour my brother of Kickotank had created me. It fell out very luckily for my better welcome, that he had not long before brought over a wife from Rotterdam, that I had known almost from a child. Her father (Custis by name) kept a victualling house in that town, liv’d in good repute, and was the general host of our nation there. The esquire knowing I had the honour to be the governor’s kinsman, and his wife knowing my conversation in Holland, I was receiv’d and caress’d more like a domestick and near relation, than a man in misery, and a stranger. I stay’d there for a passage over the bay, about ten days, welcomed and feasted not only by the esquire and his wife, but by many neighbours that were not too remote.

  About the midst of February I had an opportunity to cross the bay in a sloop, and with much ado landed in York river, at esquire Ludlow’s plantation, a most pleasant situation. I was civilly receiv’d by him, who presently order’d an accommodation for me in a most obliging manner. But it fell out at that time, that captain Wormly (of his majesty’s council) had guests in his house (not a furlong distant from Mr. Ludlow’s) feasting and carousing, that were lately come from England, and most of them my intimate acquaintance. I took a sudden leave of Mr. Ludlow, thank’d him for his kind intentions to me, and using the common freedom of the country, I thrust myself amongst captain Wormly’s guests in crossing the creek, and had a kind reception from them all, which answered (if not exceeded) my expectation.

  Sir Thomas Lundsford, Sir Henry Chickly, Sir Philip Honywood, and colonel Hamond were the persons I met there, and enjoy’d that night with very good chear, but left them early the next morning, out of a passionate desire I had to see the governor, whose care for my preservation had been so full of kindness.

  Captain Wormly mounted me for James Town, where the governor was pleased to receive and take me to his house at Green-spring, and there I pass’d my hours (as at mine own house) until May following; at which time he sent me for Holland to find out the king, and to sollicite his majesty for the treasurer’s place of Virginia, which the governor took to be void by the delinquency of Claybourne, who had long enjoy’d it. He furnish’d me with a sum of money to bear the charge of this sollicitation; which took effect, tho’ the king was then in Scotland. He was not only thus kind to me (who had a more than ordinary pretence to his favour by our near affinity in blood) but, on many occasions, he shew’d great respect to all the royal party, who made that colony their refuge. His house and purse were open to all that were so qualify’d. To one of my comrades (major Fox) who had no friend at all to subsist on, he shew’d a generosity that was like himself; and to my other (major Morrison) he was more kind, for he did not only place him in the command of the fort, which was profitable to him whilst it held under the king, but did advance him after to the government of the country, wherein he got a competent estate.

  And thus (by the good providence of a gracious God, who helpeth us in our low estate, and causeth his angels to pitch tents round about them that trust in him) have I given as faithful an account of this signal instance of his goodness to the miserable objects of his mercy in this voyage, as I have been able to call to a clear remembrance.

  A LIST OF SEA-TERMS

  Aft or abaft, towards the stern or rudder-end of a ship.

  Anchor, there may be five anchors on a ship. The best bower and small bower are the two stowed farthest forward, the best bower being the one on the starboard bow and the small bower that on the port. The sheet anchor is of the same size and weight as either of the bowers, the stream anchor is smaller, and the kedge is the smallest of all.

  Backstays are long ropes that run from the topmast and topgallantmast heads towards the stern and serve to keep the masts from pitching forwards or overboard.

  Belay, to make fast.

  Binnacle or bittacle, the box on deck that holds the mariner’s compass.

  Bob-stays are ropes that hold the bowsprit downwards.

  Bolt-rope, a rope round the edge of a sail to keep it from tearing.

  Bonnet, extra canvas laced to the foot of a sail.

  Boom, a long spar of wood.

  Bow, the fore-end of a ship from where it begins to curve inward to the cutwater or stem.

  Bowlines are ropes fastened to the leeches or sides of the sails to pull them forward.

  Bowse, to haul on a rope.

  Bowsprit or boltsprit, a large boom or mast running out from the stem of a ship.

  Braces are ropes serving to turn the sails; they are made fast to the ends of the yards.

  Breeching, a stout rope holding a gun from recoiling too far.

  Broaching-to is when a ship is forced round sideways on to the sea and the wind in spite of the helm.

  Bulkheads are the walls or partitions in a ship.

  Bunt-lines, ropes fastened to the bottom of a sail to haul it up to the yard; this eases the labour of furling.

  Cap, a great block with two holes for fastening an upper mast to a lower.

  Careen, to careen a ship is to make her lie right over on one side so that men may come at the other to mend or clean it.

  Cat-heads, two horizontal beams, one on each bow, for raising and holding the anchors.

  Chains or channels are the strong iron fastenings for the shrouds; they are fixed to the ship’s sides abreast of the masts, so there are main-chains, fore-chains and mizzen-chains.

  Chess-trees, small timbers, one on each side of the ship between the main and fore-chains; the main-tack passes through them.

  Cleats are pieces of wood at the ends of the yards to stop ropes sliding off: also, pieces of wood to fasten ropes with or to fasten anything to.

  Clue-garnets, tackles fastened to the clues or lower corners of the main and foresail to truss them up to the yard, which is termed cluing up those sails. Clue lines serve the same purpose for the other square sails.

  Coamings, the borders of the hatches raised above the deck.

  Companion, the frame on the quarterdeck to light the cabin.

  Companion-way, the stairs down to the cabin; the covering of it is called the companion-hatch.

  Counter, the curved part of the ship’s stern.

  Courses are the foresail, mainsail and driver.

  Cross-jack-yard, the lower yard on the mizzen-mast.

  Cross-trees are horizontal timbers at the top of the lower and topmasts; they support the masts above them, and the topmast cross-trees secure the topgallant-shrouds.

  Cutwater, the foremost part of the ship’s prow.

  Davit, a piece of timber used as a crane to hoist the anchor clear of the side and for lowering boats.

  Dead-eyes, round flat blocks with three holes for extending the shrouds.

  Driver, the large sail suspended on the mizzen-gaff.<
br />
  Earings, small ropes fastening the upper corners of the sail to the yard.

  Falconet, a cannon of two inches bore, to shoot a ball of a pound and a half upwards of a thousand paces.

  Forecastle, the forward parts about the foremast, where the common sailors lie.

  Foremast, see Mast.

  Forestay, the stay running from the foremast head to the stem.

  Forward, towards the bows.

  Furling is wrapping or rolling a sail close up to the yard or stay to which it belongs.

  Grapnel, a clawed iron for seizing hold on another ship, or for anchoring a small boat.

  Gudgeons or Gudgins, rudder irons, the sockets in which the rudder works.

  Gunnel or Gunwale, is the upper edge of the ship’s side.

  Halser or Hawser, a large rope, somewhat less than a cable.

  Halyards, the ropes or tackles for hoisting sails or yards.

  Hand, to hand a sail is to take it in.

  Hawse-holes are holes through the bows on each side for the cables.

  Horses are ropes hanging in loops under the yards for the sailors to tread upon when they furl or reef the sails.