Page 301
An.1686
Their treating for Provisions.
in this Conspiracy went away. As for these who yet remain, if they were not actually concerned in that broil, yet their hearts also are bent against the Spaniards: for they offered to carry us to the Fort, and assist us in the Conquest of the Island; but C. Swan was not for molesting the Spaniards here.
Before we came to an anchor here one of the Priests came aboard in the night with 3 Indians. They first hailed us to know from whence we came, and what we were; to whom answer was made in Spanish, that we were Spaniards, and that we came from Acapulco. It being dark they could not see the make of our Ship, nor very well discern what we were. Therefore they came aboard: but perceiving the mistake that they were in, in taking us for a Spanish Ship, they endeavoured to get from us again; but we held their Boat fast, and made them come in. Captain Swan received the Priest with much civility, and conducting him into the great Cabbin declared, that the reason of our co- ming to this Island was want of Provision, and that he came not in any hostile manner, but as a friend to purchase with his Money what he wanted: and therefore desired the Priest to write a Letter to the Governor, to inform him what we were, and on what account we came. For having him now a- board, the Captain was willing to detain him as an Hostage, till we had Provision. The Padre told Captain Swan that Provision was now scarce on the Island: but he would engage, that the Governour would do his utmost to furnish us.
In the morning the Indians, in whose Boat or Prow the Frier came aboard, were sent to the Go- vernour with 2 Letters; one from the Frier, and another very obliging one from Captain Swan, and a Present of 4 yards of Scarlet-cloath, and a piece of broad Silver and Gold Lace. The Governor lives near the South end of the Island on the West fide,