Page 303

An.1686

The Acapulco Ship narrowly escapes them.

had then a design to go to Fort St. George, and from thence intended to trade to Manila: but this his de- fign was concealed from the company. While we lay here the Acapulco Ship arrived in sight of the Island, but did not come in sight of us: for the Governour sent an Indian Proe with advice of our being here. Therefore she stood off to the South- ward of the Island, and coming foul of the same shole that our Bark had run over before, was in great danger of being lost there; for she struck off her Rudder, and with much ado got clear; but not till after three days labour. For tho the shole be so near the Island, and the Indians go off and fish there every day, yet the Master of the Acapulco Ship, who shouid (one would think) know these parts, was utterly ignorant of it. This their striking on the shole we heard afterward, when we were on the Coast of Manila; but these Indians of Guam speak of her being in sight of the Island while we lay there: which put our men in a great heat to go out after her; but Captain Swan perswaded them out of that humour, for he was now wholly averfe to any hostile action.

The 30th day of May the Governour sent his last Present, which was some Hogs, a Jar of pickled Mangoes, a Jar of excellent pickled Fish, and a Jar of fine Rusk, or Bread of fine Wheat Flower, baked like Bisket, but not so hard. He sent besides 6 or 7 packs of Rice, desiring to be excused from fending any more Provision to us, saying he had no more on the Island that he could spare. He fent word also that the West Monsoon was at hand; that therefore it behoved us to be jogging from hence, unless we were resolved to return back to America again. Captain Swan returned him thanks for his kindness and advice, and took his leave; and the same day sent the Frier ashore that was seized on at our first arrival, and gave him a large Brafs