Page 483
An.1688
The Author goes ashore.
that he used, he intimated that somewhat would come out of the Woods in the night, when I was asleep, and kill me, meaning probably some Wild Beast. Then I carried my Chest and Cloaths up into the house.
I had not been ashore an hour before Cap- tain Teat and one John Damarell, with 2 or 4 arm- ed men more came to fetch me aboard again. They need not have sent an armed Posse for me; for had they but sent the Cabbin-boy ashore for me, I would not have denied going aboard. For though I could have hid my self in the Woods, yet then they would have abused, or have kill'd some of the Natives, purposely to incense them against me. I told them therefore, that I was ready to go with them, and went aboard with all my things.
When I came aboard I found the Ship in an up- roar: for there were 3 men more, who taking courage by my example, desired leave also to ac- company me. One of them was the Surgeon Mr. Coppenger, the other were Mr. Robert Hall and one named Ambrose; I have forgot his Sir-name. These men had always harboured the same designs as I had. The two last were not much opposed ; but Captain Read and his Crew would not part with the Surgeon. At last the Surgeon leapt into the Canoa, and taking up my Gun, swore he would go ashore, and that if any man did oppose it, he would shoot him: but John Oliver, who was then Quarter-master, leapt into the Canoa, taking hold of him, took away the Gun, and with the help of 2 or 3 more, they dragg'd him again into the Ship.
Then Mr. Hall and Ambrose and I were again sent ashore; and one of the men that rowed us ashore stole an Ax, and gave it to us, knowing it was a good Commodity with the Indians. It was now dark, therefore we lighted a Candle, and I being