Page 527
An.1691
Captain Heath's Policy to hearten his Men.
for Johanna , where we might expect relief, that being a place where our outward bound East India Ships usually touch, and whose Natives are very familiar ; but other places, especially St. Lau- rence, or Madagascar, which was nearer, was un- known to us. We were now so nigh the Cape that with a fair Wind we might expect to be there in 4 or 5 days ; but as the Wind was now, we could not hope to get thither. On the other side, this Wind was fair to carry us to Johanna; but then Johanna was a great way off ; and if the Wind should continue as it was, to bring us into a true Trade wind, yet we could not get thither under a fortnight ; and if we should meet calms, as we might probably expect, it might be much longer. Besides, we should lose our passage about the Cape till October or November, this being about the latter end of March, for after the 10th of May 'tis not usual to beat about the Cape, to come home. All circumstances therefore being weighed and considered, we at last unanimously agreed, to profe- cute our Voyage towards the Cape, and with pa- tience wait for a shift of Wind.
But Captain Heath, having thus far founded the inclination of his weak men, told them, that it was not enough that they all consented to beat for the Cape, for our desires were not sufficient to bring us thither ; but that there would need a more than ordinary labour and management, from those that were able: And withal, for their en- couragement, he promised a months pay Gratis, to every man that would engage to assist on all oc- casions, and be ready upon call, whether it were his turn to watch, or not ; and this money he promised to pay at the Cape. This offer was first imbraced by some of the Officers, and then as many of the men as found themselves in a capacity,lifted themselves in a Roll, to serve their Commander.
This