Page 47
An. 1681
D'Estre's Expedition.
with European goods, whereby they make very pro- fitable returns. The Dutch have two other Islands here, but of little moment in comparison of Queri- fao; the one lieth 7 or 8 leagues to the Westward of Querisao, called Aruba; the other 9 or 10 leagues to the Eastward of it, called Bon-Airy. From these Islands the Dutch fetch in Sloops Provision for Queri- fao, to maintain their Garrison and Negroes. I was never at Aruba, therefore cannot say any thing of it as to my own knowledge; but by report it is much like Bon-Airy, which I shall describe, only not so big. Between Querisao aud Bon-Airy is a small Island called Little Querisao, it is not above a league from Great Querisao. The King of France has long had an eye on Querisao, and made some attempts to take it, but never yet succeeded. I have heard that about 23 or 24 years since the Governour had sold it to the French, but dy'd a small time before the Fleet came to demand it; and by his death that design fail'd. Afterwards, in the year 1678, the Count D Estre, who a year before had taken the Isle of Tobago from the Dutch, was sent hither also with a Squadron of stout Ships, very well mann'd, and fitted with Bombs and Carcasses; intending to take it by storm. This Fleet first came to Martinico; where, while they stay'd, orders were sent to Petit-Guavers, for all Pri- vateers to repair thither, and assist the Count in his design. There were but two Privateers Ships that went hither to him, which were mann'd partly with French, partly with English men. These fet out with the Count; but in their way to Querisao, the whole Fleet was loft on a Riff or Ridge of Rocks, that runs off from the Isle of Aves; not above two Ships escaping, one of which was one of the Priva- teers; and so that design perished.
Whereof not driving a bargain for our Sugar with the Governour of Querisao; we went from thence to Bon-Airy, another Dutch Island, where we met a Dutch