Mr Penrose, page 17
Chapter 14
Now while matters were thus in agitation how they should act for the future We had much trouble to encounter, as thus. Altho Mr. Vantulden and the Boatswain used every method to keep good Order while on Shore, yet as there was plenty of Liquor it was totally out of their power to keep the people sober. Then Somer acquainted me that if I did not provide to secure some of it for my own use, it would soon be all gone, and privately conveyed by Mr. Van Tuldens order four Anchors of Brandy and some few kegs of Gin away by the assistance of Harry and Toby, while they were all sleeping.
After they had concluded to go to the southward in ye longboat and to leave the Yawl with me, I asked them where they intended first to touch at, and they told me at Puertobela1 if they could reach it, that they intended to keep in shore along the coast. I then desired they would inform me what lattitude they thought we were then in, and they said they judged about IId and 30 m North. Then I enquired what name the country bore, and they said they believed it was Costa Rica.2 I desired Mr. Van Tulden to leave the date of the Year and day of the Month as I was quite ignorant as to any certainty about it. He then asked me for the bottle he had given me and I told Harry to fetch it, then expressed a desire that I would contrive some sort of a pen. This I was under the necessity of being beholden to one of the Parrots for, and made a sort of a pen with one of her feathers He then bid Harry get a little water in a small shell, and when it was brought he took the bottle and emptied forth a powder of a grey colour and then with his finger produced Inck, being the first Ink powder I had ever seen. He then told me that Somer should speak it in English or I should not understand his writing, so I had best to write it myself. This was done and I found that It was thus: Anno 1754 and the Month of August the 5th day; so that by my own account I had missed in my reckoning about six week, some how or other, but it was a matter of no great moment to me.
Now there were Two Fellow among them who were absolute bruits and void of all Grace or generosity, by name Clause Deckker and Adam Brandt. These two Hell hounds, for they deserved no better title, took occasion to pick a quarrel and demanded the liquor that they said was missing. All argument had no Effect on them. Brandt went about raving and cursing like a devil as he was. I offered it back again but all the rest insisted I should not return it by any means, for that I had been a true friend to them all. About half an hour after this as Mr. Vantulden and Brill were sitting at victuals with me we heard a Pistol go off. Up we jumped. I snatched up a Mascheet and they took each of them a Pistol and out we ran. The noise came from the cook-room as I thought. The Girls were runing away with the children up the hill, screeming like distracted. Now my blood began to mount and away I flew to the Kitchen. But just as we entered off went another. We then ran back and stood togather, not knowing what to do, when out rushes Somer like a fury with a pistol in his hand. We then all three stood on our own defence, but he call’d out to me saying, “Never mind, Skipper, never mind! Dat divel is gone pon Hell now!”
“For Gods sake,” said I, “Somer, are you gone mad too? What is the matter at once, or I will cut you down.”
“Vel, dan, dat divel Brandt he vill say Toby hites da chin. He say neet him do ut. Dan dis Hellson he shoot him in van minuet. Out dan I rones and plows out his pranes, unt dat is all.”
We then ran into the kitchen and there found poor Toby rolling in blood. I stood like a Man thunder struck. And now all became confusion and noise. The Mate and the Boatswain then call’d Somer and me out to them, and then demanded who were of their side, when one and all came over to us—even Deckker himself as thro fear perhaps now his coleague was dead. After strict enquiry we found there was no kind of plot at all, but that all had taken rise from that wretches own jealousy of my poor Toby, poor fellow, innocenly lost his life by it, to my great grief.
Every one highly commended Somer’s action, and after all became a little quiet again I gave orders for the burial of my poor, unfortunat, faithful friend, and they laid him by my own Wife on the other side. Ocuma would not be seen but shut her self up, and all my pleadings could have no power over her, but she remain’d in the back part of my dwelling for two days without being seen at all. At last by much entreaty we got her out so emaciated that it was wonderful to see in so short a time. But I was forced to let her have her own way as I knew she had lost so great a friend, and I as fine a tempered a fellow as ever was born.
Now some of them talked of burying Brandt, but I absolutly refused it saying no murderers bones should be laid any where nigh my peaceful habitation. Then the Majority said he should be taken and sunk off at sea for Sharks meat, and this was done accordingly.
They then began to talk of leaving my place and made me an offer of a place in the Longboat if I had any desire to leave the place I was then in. But I thanked them for their kind offer and said as I had two young Children left me to take care of, I thought it my duty to stand their true father as perhaps should I leave them they would become meer Savages—and that would remain on my spirits the longest day I should live.
The Mate, soon after matters became a little reconciled again, call’d me aside and told me that Brill and Somer had been talking with him on an Affair of much concern to him, meaning Somer. “Well,” said I, “can I be of any service in the thing?”
“Yes,” said he, “I bin saying met Mr. Vantulden, as you vil Ick sal stay hare unt liven met you, as I ben feared for Deckker he vil go put me pon Chail ven Ick sal comen en Oland, as you knowen for vat.”
“Is the Mate willing?” said I.
“Yes, besure,” said he, “all mine people sayen so, it is petter for me.”
I then asked him if he had a Wife; if so, that I thought it more expedient for him not to remain with me but to retire to some other part of the world where there was a propability of providing for his family. But he answered that he had none to care for but himself, and that he was no way inclined to run himself headlong into danger while it was in his power to prevent it.
“Come on, then,” Said I, “Old Shipmate, and I shall be proud to have you for my Companion, so now you may let them all know that you and I are one, and you are fully out of Deckkers power. Now you can bid him defiance.” Then the Mate call’d Brill the Boatswain and they both shook me by ye hand, then told Somer that what ever they had not a direct call for to carry with them was for our use. I told them that we must Certainly acknowledge it a great favour at their hands. They made answer that they were all certain I owed them nothing but good will, and they should take care to report my Christian like behaviour to their owners if ever they lived to return to Holland. Mr. Vantulden then told Godart Somer to call all the men togather, and then retired into the house where, seating him at my table, he took Pen, Ink and Paper and drew up a sort of protest in Dutch, then read it over to them and they all with one accord signed their names to it.
The Substance of which was that after the loss of the Ship, Captain Meert, with part of the Crew that a certain friend, a Subject of Great Britain shipwrecked or cast away on the same coast years before and there residing, had through the kind assistance of Providence been greatly aiding and willingly did do every thing in his power toward their immediate relief. To which he asked them all if they were free and willing to put their names. They all answered, “Yaw, yaw, yaw,” and kindly shook hands with me all round. The names of those who signed are as follows: Jacob Van Tulden, Jan Brill, Adam Oest, Harman Byvank, Wouter Meyer, Abert Dubbels, Godart Somer, Claess Deckker, Peter Bylert, Cornelius De Man, Teysen Willems, Davit Oert, and Joust Van Drill a boy.
I then begged that Somer might translate it for me that I might have a coppy of the same for to keep by me, and they told me to do so which I did. Mr. Vantulden then mentioned to them the affair of Somers remaining with me, and they all agreed that they thought him much in the right so to do. Nevertheless they all said what he had done was no more than common justice as that they thought the taking of Brandts life was ridding the world of a great Villain. After this they made all ready as fast as possible, having fitted up the Longboat to the best advantage for the run and got on board all they could conveniently carry. The Carpenter Adam Oest had calked her afresh and now they only waited a favourable Wind. About three days after, it came round to the North East and then they began to Muster all hands, being 12 in number. I then told Somer to speak to the Mate and tell him that it was my ernest request he would do me the favour not to mention any thing concerning me being here when they should come among the Spaniards, as he knew my reasons, And that he would not fail to forward my letter to my Mother by all means possible. All this he faithfully engaged to do if he lived to get home again. And now as they were just on the go I summon’d all my folks. Mr. Vantulden then kissed the Girls and Children with the tears floating in his Eyes, shook hands with Harry and all the Crew followed the example, then turning to me offered to put a few pistoles3 into my hand. But I bid Somer inform him that I should think myself almost as bad as Brandt should I dare to take it, as knowing it could not be of any use to me as I was so scituated but it might prove of great benefit to them whither they were going.
He then laid his arms over my shoulders and said, “You ben wan goot vrind, Mine Hare,” then turning to my old Shipmate said something in Dutch and dropt on his knees. This I took directly and as they all knelt I made a motion to my folks and we all joyned them, And by his behavour he seem’d to me very devout. They then began to Sing a psalm or rather a sort of Hymn as I thought. When they had done they all got up and took their leave of me and all the rest in a most hearty way; but just as they were steping onboard I call’d for a large bottle they had Given me and made them all take a parting drop of Brandy with me. Then they shoved off and we gave them three Cheers. After this ceremony was passed they began to row away down the Lagoon, and we all ran up the hill to see them out. When they got out so as to give the Reef a good birth then they bore away before it, and about two hours after, we lost sight of them as they doubled a point.
They were with us from the first time of their landing about three weeks, and took their departure on the 30 day of August anno 1754. And now I must make my candid declaration that as to Vantulden, Brill, Bylert, Oest and indeed all but that fool Deckker behaved to us in all respects like honest men. During the whole time they remain’d with us I made All the three Girls sleep in the internal part of my dwelling as I judged that precaution best, finding some of the men a little too fond of Jessy; but Ocuma kept a keen eye over her by my direction.
I now began to think it necessary to begin a sort of new regulation in the family, as Toby was dead and another in his room who it was possible would not be quite so tractable as the other, to my mind. And soon began a serious conversation with Somer as that his stay with me being absolutly his own choice, I begged he would take my advice in all respects, knowing as I had been here so long a time I for certain knew the natural tempers of the Indians better than he possibly could; and that if he strictly studied to be my friend I should use all my best endevours to make all things as easy to him as lay in my power. That he had won the love of Harry I was positive by the noble part he had acted in revenging the death of his countryman and friend.
Somer said that he should abide by my council as I knew full well he was a Stranger. I then told him he might fall too, and Harry should help him to fit up a good birth in the Kitchen to sleep in; and then they went about it.
Now I resolved to take Ocuma to my self as a Wife. This I had the greater mind to do as thinking perhaps Somer might pay his addresses to her. And for to put it out of all hazzard I took an opportunity to give Patty notice of my intentions, and to mention it to her in their own language as she had not English enough so as to understand me. After this in about an hour Patty came and call’d me aside and told me that Ocuma said she must do all things as I would have her to do if I thought her good enough, and that she would willingly serve me and my children with all her heart. “Then tell her to come into the house to me,” said I, and away she went and brought her. I then told Patty to call Messmate Somer and the rest in. When they were all assembled I took Ocuma by the hand and declared before them all that I took her as my Wife and mother to my children. Nothing could go beyond the joy they all expressed on the occasion; and thus I became a married Man again, as I may say.
The Ship shewed herself above water for a long time after this and Somer went with Harry now and then off to her, bringing back what they could come at as they found opportunities. I had now been here approaching to Eight years and everything proved quite agreeable. My new friend acted in all respects as became his Condition. But one morning erly Godart came in and informed me that he saw 5 Indians coming down the hill and caught up his Gun.
“What are you at?” said I. “Don’t terrify yourself, they are all my friends; you may be certain of that. But go and call Harry and his Wife here.”
Now when the Indians observed that I had another White man in my company they halted untill I beckoned them, when they advanced saluting me in a very kind way. These Indians were Vinniquote or the Smoker and Brother to Ocuma, Selacato or a joyous person—these two Strangers were conducted hither by Owagamy, Futatee and Noonawaiah, my old acquaintances as I may say.
Owagamy asked directly for Luta. Upon this I withdrew to a distance, leaving Harry and his wife to recite the whole melancholy story which took up almost an hour. All this time I kept out of sight to give them the opportunity. After this I returned and seated myself alone, but no sooner had I done this than my three friends came all to me and shewed the greatest tokens of compassion in plain and unfeigned condolation. They then all hugged Somer as though they could have eaten him. They told Harry they were well pleased to learn I had took poor Toby’s widow for my own Wife, as it shewed the true regard I had for him as they also did the like among good friends. They told us they had seen a boat full of White men pass by their shore. Harry told them they were Messmate Somers friends. When they learnt this they said had they know that and they had landed among them, they should have used them as well as ourselves, observing if I used their people so favourable it was their duty to do the like by mine—drawing this parrallel.
Owagamy told Harry that firm friends were to be compared to a Strong Man whose two arms assisted each other to fight and defend the body from injuries, While his two legs were the mutual supporters of his body while he ran, leeped, &c. I answered that Mr. Somer and I were greatly beholden to him and his people and should use our best endevours to continue the old friendship. Owagamy then desired me not to be cast down, saying that As to my loss he thought I was well recompensed for that the Spirit of Luta was now centered in the heart of Ocuma, and that of Toby in the Soul of my new friend, pointing to my Shipmate Somer, saying did he not possess as good a Spirit as Toby he would not have revenged his death. Then he observed we did not perhaps take the same conduct as they did when ever they took Fool-Water, for on all such adventures it was their standing rule to lay aside their arms and to order a certain person to take care of the true things least when they should become as foolish as the Water was itself they should revenge the deaths of their Old fathers Old fathers a thousand moons ago.
The Indians stay’d with us four days, and I gave each of them a piece of Wollen cloth we had got from the wreck. Somer desired Harry to ask if they would bring some Tobacco with them when they should next visit us, and they said we should have enough. Then they departed. Shortly after they were gone Ocuma asked Harry if Somer was not younger than me. I told him to let her understand he was my elder and that she would soon see his beard become long also from want of a Razor—and this remark put me on triming my own with the Scissors. I had humoured my whiskers so that they turn’d up finely. As for Brother Harry, he plucked his out by the roots after his own country fashion.
It was wonderful to see what a quantity of goods we had got togather from the Wreck; it took us two days to stow things away for our own advantage. We could now dress ourselves in Dutch cloaths, which I did at times to divert the Indians. We wanted not for Strong liquors, yet at times I could have wished not to have had one drop as my Friend Harry had got to great a relish for it.
This put me on a scheem to wean him if possible at once. I took a good time when he was abscent and convey’d a quantity of Groupar Slime into a bottle, then filled it with Brandy and Gin mixed, then hid it for my view untill a fair opportunity. Soon after this he asked for some. I then took occasion to tell him if he loved it so much it would cause him to hate all his best friends, saying it was not made to make men mad but to use when they were sick. So a drop served for that time; but before night Harry told me he was sick.
“Are you very sick?” I replied.
“Yes, very, very!” said he.
“Oh, then you shall have enough of it, Harry, to be sure; and when you have taken what quantity you like, go to sleep.” This took, and I gave him the bottle. He took it off quite pleased to his lodgings, and was not long without a good suck, undoubted.
Now as we did not see him for some hours I sent to Enquire after him. They found him fast asleep nor did I see him all the Evening. But after we were all gone to bed Patty came to waken us and crying that Harry was sick, sick. Now as she stood with a torch of Pitch burning in her hand and shewing a most dismal face it put me in mind of the midnight opperations of Witchcraft. Nevertheless, we got up to save appearances and I shewed much seeming concern. The poor Girls were all in tears so that Jessy ran to call Somer. No sooner did he come than like a true Dutchman he cried, “Oh! Dat felow is Tronken, he is tronk, dat is all.”
And indeed the poor fellow had taken such a quantity that I began to dread consiquences. He had almost finished the bottle, and it had worked him fore and Aft at no small rate. The next morning he began to come too a little but was very stupid and sick. No reason was to be got from him all the day. I told them to inform him how vexed I was, and to say if he had died his friends would lay his death at my door. Soon after he came to me and begged pardon, saying he would never have one drop more in his life. I then told him if he was resolved to go after poor Toby he could not lay his death to me, having been informed of its true use before, but that he would not take my advice.
