of rain now and then, that ushers in the wet season. Several sorts of
good fruits were also still remaining, especially oranges, which were in
such plenty that I and all my company stocked ourselves for our voyage
with them, and they did us a great kindness; and we took in also a good
quantity of rum and sugar: but for fowls, they being here lean and dear,
I was glad I had stocked myself at St. Jago. But, by the little care my
officers took for fresh provisions, one might conclude they did not think
of going much farther. Besides I had like to have been embroiled with the
clergy here (of the Inquisition, as I suppose) and so my voyage might
have been hindered. What was said to them of me by some of my company
that went ashore I know not; but I was assured by a merchant there that
if they got me into their clutches (and it seems when I was last ashore
they had narrowly watched me) the governor himself could not release me.
Besides I might either be murdered in the streets, as he sent me word, or
poisoned, if I came ashore any more; and therefore he advised me to stay
aboard. Indeed I had now no further business ashore but to take leave of
the governor and therefore took his advice.

HIS DEPARTURE FOR NEW HOLLAND.

Our stay here was till the 23rd of April. I would have gone before if I
could sooner have fitted myself; but was now earnest to be gone, because
this harbour lies open to the south and south-south-west, which are
raging winds here, and now was the season for them. We had 2 or 3 touches
of them; and one pretty severe, and the ships ride there so near each
other that, if a cable would fail or an anchor start, you are instantly
aboard of one ship or other: and I was more afraid of being disabled he
in harbour by these blustering winds than discouraged by them, as my
people were, from prosecuting the voyage; for at present I even wished
for a brisk southerly wind, as soon as I should be once well out of the