Page 435
An.1687
Their Traffick with the Basheans.
ceived them very busy getting out one of our Linch Pins; and took hold of the fellow, who immedi- ately bawl'd out, and all the rest presently leaped over-board, some into their Boats, others into the Sea; and they all made away for the shore. But when we perceived their fright we made much of him that was in hold, who stood trembling all the while ; and at last we gave him a small piece of Iron, with which he immediately leapt overboard, and swam to his Consorts ; who hovered about our Ship to see the issue. Then we beckned to them to come aboard again, being very loth to lose a commerce with them. Some of the Boats came aboard again, and they were always very honest and civil afterwards.
consort: companion
loth: loath, unwilling or reluctant
We presently after this sent a Canoa ashore, to see their manner of living, and what Provision they had: The Canoas Crew were made very welcom with Bashee drink, and saw abundance of Hogs ; some of which they bought, and returned aboard. After this the Natives brought aboard both Hogs and Goats to us in their own Boats : and every day we should have 15 or 20 Hogs and Goats in Boats aboard by our side. These we bought for a small matter : we could buy a good fat Goat for an old Iron Hoop, and a Hog of 70 or 80 pound weight for 2 or 3 pound of Iron. Their Drink also they brought off in Jars, which we bought for old Nails, Spikes, and Leaden Bullets. Beside the forementioned Commodities, they brought aboard great quantities of Yams and Potatoes ; which we purchased for Nails, Spikes, or Bullets. It was one Man's work to be all day cutting out Bars of Iron into small pieces with a cold Chisel : and these were for the great purchases of Hogs and Goats, which they would not sell for Nails, as their Drink and Roots. We never let them know what store we have; that they may value it the more. Every