Page 283

An.1686

They arrive at Guam,one of the Ladrone Islands.

As we drew nigh the Island, we met with some small Rain, and the Clouds settling in the West, were an apparent token that we were not far from Land ; for in these Climates, between or near the Tropicks, where the Trade-wind blows constant- ly, the Clouds which fly swift over head, yet seem near the Limb of the Horizon to hang without much motion or alteration, where the Land is near. I have often taken notice of it, especially if it is high Land, for you shall then have the Clouds hang about it without any visible motion.

The 20th day of May, our Bark being about 3 leagues a head of our Ship, failed over a rocky shole, on which there was but 4 fathom water and abundance of Fish swimming about the Rocks. They imagin d by this that the Land was not far off ; so they clapt on a Wind with the Barks head to the North, and being past the Shole lay by for us. When we came up with them, Captain Teat came aboard us, and related what he had seen. We were then in lat. 12 d. 55 m. steering West. The Island Guam is laid down in Lat. 13 d. N. by the Spaniards, who are Masters of it, keeping it as a baiting place as they go to the Philippine Islands. Therefore we clapt on a Wind and stood to North- ward, being somewhat troubled and doubtful whi- ther we were right, because there is no Shole laid down in the Spanish drafts about the Island Guam. At 4 a clock, to our great joy, we saw the Island Guam, at about 8 leagues distance.

It was well for Captain Swan that we got sight of it before our Provision was spent, of which we had but enongh for 3 days more ; for as I was af- terwards informed, the men had contrived first to kill Captain Swan and eat him when the victuals was gone, and after him all of us who were accef- sary in promoting the undertaking this Voyage. This made Captain Swan say to mè after our ar- rival