Mr Penrose, page 32
But we had not composed our selves long before I felt a cool breeze from the North. I then told Nunez that I did not like our birth and proposed that we should put into a small bay on the other side the small point we were then at. This was done, and we haled up the boats. Now It came on to rain; the clouds gathered, and the Indians fell to making shelters as fast as possible. And thus we remained for three days. My poor Child shivered with the stress of the weather as he had never been exposed to the like before, altho it was not cold.
When we had eaten up all we had I took Harry with me to try to shoot something, but while we were abscent the Indians sounded a Shell for us to return. We did so, and Zulawana proposed as it was now become almost a Calm that we should push for it and away we went. The Indians began to work away with all their might. My poor boy almost famished for food. At last they all began to sing, Gattaloon shewing the example. I asked the reason, when they told me they should see my place soon. This I could not well credit but in about an hour after, one of the Indians call’d out and pointed with his finger, and I saw the point of a low spit of land which they told me was where I lived; but on my standing up I found they meant our Long Key. Upon this I told my Harry to begin our old Song as I knew that would please. This gave them all fresh spirits and in about 2 hours we came in with it, and glad I was to my very Soul even as tho I had been just that momen going to land on my native shore.
I now proposed that we should land and I would go off with my Gun with Harry while others went a stricking, giving order that they made up a good fire in the mean time. After about 2 hours we all assembled and relieved our hungry bellies with what we had procured. It was now about 3 oclock and we all Embarked again. I looked out for our Signal but saw none as they had not seen us. When we got within the bay I took up a Shell and gave my usual blast, soon after which I saw our Rag flang out which rejoyced me much. When we got within the Lagoon I heard my Messmate blow, as we all had a different mode for that purpose wherby we knew each others blast.
When we got in sight of the Landing we saw them all hands dancing and singing. Owen jumped out and swam on shore for gladness. But such greeting was there when we were all landed that I need not endevour to discribe it, only I must observe that my Betty exprest her joy by a flood of tears. But to be short, Bell told me all had been well in my abscence and that they longed for our return every hour. And now was we reinstated once more after we had been abscent above 3 weeks.
We had left three dogs at home as Harry, being a mighty dog man, he now and then got one from his friends. But as they were fresking about, Rover being glad of his return, I missed Swift and on enquiry was informed he had paid his debt to nature by the bite of a snake 5 days after our departure.
My Home was so transporting a place to me now that the old Proverb was truly fulfilled, “Home is home, &cc.” Daddy Nunez said if I had told him I had been born there he might have believed it, we had so vast a body of articles about us. I introduced him to messmate Norman in the fairest light and he recieved him as a friend, gave him to know that whoever I recommended to him he made it his business to Esteem.
Our friends stay’d among us 4 days, and on the third Soroteet or the Crabcatcher was missing for a time. At last he came down the Hill with a small Basket of Flowers he had composed in the Woods. These he came and presented to our Jessy to the great surprize of us all. She recieved it, which made us wonder as much, and then they both came to me and Soroteet asked me if I would suffer him to remain among us if he chose her for a Wife. I then asked Gattaloon if it was agreeable to them all as, if so, they had my free consent—supposing the thing had been made up between him and Harry while we were at their place, as I found it soon to have been the case. All agreed and they performed the ceremony among them directly, when they took their farewell of us in as much good humour as ever.
The first thing I studied was the building two new Wigwams as our family was now increased, and this they went to work about it as I proposed that Mr. Bell and Daddy Nunez should live in one and the new married couple in the other.2 When they were finished they took possession, and we all lived very agreeable togather as I made it now a determined rule that Bell, Nunez, my Wife and I should always mess togather. And thus we carried matters on for the future, living on after my old fashion for the remainder of my Seventeenth year without controle.3
1. The Boyne was built at Deptford in 1692 and saw wide service in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Baltic. Sir John Norris eventually became Admiral of the Fleet.
2. The author has apparently forgotten that Bell had brought back an Indian wife, the twenty-five year old Aanora, some months previously.
3. Check or restraint.
Chapter 29: Eighteenth Year
Soon after the commencement of this year and about 9 oclock in the evening we heard several heavy guns fire in the offing. Norman ran up the hill but could percieve no flashes. This put us all on the wonder, but how to account for It we knew not. But Old Nunez observed that he supposed it might be Guardacostas, saying the Spaniards had several out to prevent contraband trade since the late Peace. “Peace,” cried I, “that has been for many years unless there has been a fresh war.” Upon this he told us that they had but just then concluded a peace with the English, for there had been another war since that he and I were concerned in—all which we knew no more of than a new born infant.1
On the 17th day of July as our people were busy making torches about 10 in the forenoon all at once we heard a Gun fired as from some Vessel nigh in shore. This was a novelty indeed, and what to think or how to act we could not tell. Away ran Harry and came down with the news, saying there was a fine Ship right off with a flag out not far from the Long Key. “What, what!” said Bell. “Come away, now, Mr. Penrose,” he cried, “let us see!”
When we got up the hill she proved to be a large Sloop quite in shore with our bay. “This is new indeed,” said I. “How must we act in this case, think you?”
We saw them douse their colours three times. “They want to Speak us,” cried I, “and have discovered us by the great fire we have had this morning. And now how we must proceed I am sure is a mystery to me.”
“Get the Glass,” said Bell. When that was brought I could plainly percieve She had up a St. Georges Jack.
“They are English!” I cried, “Or if Spaniards they have discovered us at last and are come to learn what we are here upon.”
“Well,” said Bell, “suppose they are. If you are willing we will go off to them. It is but to know the worst, and let it come. What would they do to a couple of such forlorn fellows as we are ?”
“How will you order the affair?” said I. “Suppose you and old Nunez go off to them. You can act the Spaniard to a notch.” This we fixed on. Now all was in a confusion, but we told the Old Man our intention and he complyed. The Yawl was got ready and off they went without arms or any thing excep water. After some time I saw them out clear of the Lagoon. I had given Bell and Nunez their cue at their departure so that they knew how to carry the thing on. When I saw them geting along side I said to my own heart—Now is this Day big with some important Event or other, and how it may go none can devise as yet. But I determined in my mind to keep up a Spirit. I thought every hour a day while they were abscent, but in about 4 hours they returned and gave the following account of the expedition.
Bell said he found her to be a Bermudian built Sloop, had guns and looked much like a smart Privateer with a bottom as white as a Hounds tooth; and as they drew near her he plainly heard, “A Rope for the boat!” call’d with a “damme” tacked to the end of the charge. That he then Hail’d them in Spanish to which they answered in the same language. When he got or board he asked from whence they came and was answered from Gillicrankey [Killiecrankey]. This he said seem’d odd to him as knowing that place to be in his own country, but that he soon found they were English.
“Well,” said I, “and what had brought them hither?”
“It is my opinion they are Pirates, as Nunez says the War is over some time.”
“No, no,” said he, “they are what you may call Fair Traders, and we can purchase some Flour of them if you think proper.”
“Thats the mark,” said I. “And how did you come on with them?”
“They know no more than the Dead but that I am a true Spaniard,” said he. “I have told them we live 5 miles up the Country and that we would purchase from them if they stay’d a day or two, upon which they asked where they could water and I have directed them to the point of Long Key. So now I think I have done my part so far, messmate.”
“Well, then,” I replied, “we must in the first place get out a parcel of our Dollars and boil them in hot water and ashes to get off their blackness. But what may they ask pr barrel?”
“Only 30 pieces of 8,” said he.
“O, that is but a trifle,” cried I, “to us but money enough, God knows, to some folks. How many will they spare us?” said I.
“As much as we want, for seeing our Signal of Smoke as they thought was what made them bring too and fire that Gun.”
“What do you really take them to be?”
“Why, they are people from North America, either Pensilvania, New York, Maryland or New England upon what they call the fair thing.”
Now I observed to Bell that we should be obligated to admit our New associate Nunez into the secret of our cash as it was unavoidable. “Well,” said he, “he has sworn to you to be true, yet I think it would not be amiss to sware him again on your Bible and let him know also that we are English men as he will certainly come by the thing one way or other in the course of time, as It is my opinion he suspects it already by our talking English so much and by small hints he lets fall at times.”
“Agreed,” said I, “and as we have little time to spare let us both take him into the house directly, and you shall open the whole affair to him in brief as you can best do it in Spanish.” We then sent for him and Bell began with him to the following effect by my advice:
“Signior Nunez, My friend and I have sent for you in order to inform you of a matter greatly to your advantage. You are Well acquainted that your coming among us was of your own free will and seeking, and that you have given my friend here your positive affirmation to be true to all his secrets. What say you to this?”
“Gentlemen,” said he, “I am now but a poor Old man dependant on your generous friendship. I shall steadfastly keep my word.”
“Ay, hold,” said Bell. “Stop there. Are you content and free, provided we make you a Richer Man than you ever were before, to sware on this Sacred Book that you will inviolably keep secret what we shall now unfold to you? We are two plain and honest Men and have no Evil in our hearts against you or any man on this Earth.”
He then said, “My friends, I trust you because I see no cause to the contrary. I am at your service.” I then told him the book then before him was none other than the Holy Scriptures and tendered him his oath with a Cross laid theron, and he took it in a very serious manner. After this Bell gave him to know that we were both Englishmen, and of the Money I had discovered, &cc. As to our being English, he said that was no more than what he suspected, and in regard to every thing else we might rely on his fidelity and thanked us most cordially for admiting him a member of our interest. I then set Him, Bell and Harry to work with the Dollars, but when the Old Man came to behold our treasure, “Santa Maria!” said he in an extatic attitude, “Mucho Plato per Cierta!”—or a deal of Money for certain. “Maravillosa!”
After we had got this piece of business done, Early the next day I sent off Messmate Norman, Nunez and Harry in the Yawl with a quantity of Money, Yams, Plantains, Potatoes, Oranges, limes and Beans to deal with them after the best way he could, and to present the Officers with such of the truck as he thought best; also to purchase any thing he knew we stood most in need of; also to bring me an account of what they might have to dispose of. And away they went. I had given Harry his lesson over night.
About 12 oclock the boat returned. Bell told me he had bargained for twelve Barrels of flour, and a Goat with young to be delivered to the old plantation ; A barrell of Gunpowder, Shott of different sizes, a parcell of flints, Nails, Fish hooks, Clasp knives, 2 Saws, 6 Chizzels, 2 Adzes, 5 Hatchets, 3 Axes and some other articles. He said they acted with precaution and dispatch and asked about the Guarda Costas, but that he could not learn the Captains Name. But as there were diverse articles he advised me to go off my self, saying I could pass for an Irishman and then I could please my self as I liked. Accordingly I came to that resolution and as my Lady had never been on board of any Vessel I determined to take her with me.
So Early on the morrow Off we went, My Wife, Bell and I with Owen in the Yawl, Nunez and Harry in the Old Canoa, leaving Soroteet as guard at home. When we came alongside Bell went first on board and told them that I was a Neighbour of his in partnership with him, that I was born in Ireland but had resided many years in that country, and that the Indian Woman was my Wife and the Boy my Sone. Now I had charged Owen to say that his name was Muskelly if he should be asked, but otherwise not to speak for if he did in English they would carry him away with them and he would never see me again. That was enough for him.
After we had been on board for some time I asked how they came into these parts so remote, as Gillicrankey was in Scotland. Upon this they said there might be more places of the same name, and if I did not ask too many Qustions they would tell me the fewer lies. “Well, then, faith and Soul,” said I, “I know how to keep my breath to cool my pottage.”
I bought of them a large Grind Stone, two Watches, two dozen of White Beaver hats, 5 pieces of Striped linen, Thread, Osnabrigs,2Twine. Bell produced his small Diamonds and a little fellow who seemed to be a Doctor was put to examine them and they had them for value of about 200 dollars in truck; but we observed this part of the game was plaid off under the rose or juggled up in the Round house. We bought a pair of Good Fowling pieces, another Watch for our friend Nunez, Needles, Pins, Scissors, Razors, Raven Duck, a good Telescope as that I had was but a small inferior one of the kind, some Medecines and lancets (these messmate Bell chose out), Penknives, with 2 Large Iron Pots, Cordage, a Gander and Goose with a Drake and Duck—and well did we pay for them as they had as much melted Silver of me for them as ballanced with 18 dollars. They tickled us up also in a few Quart bottles and Phials we purchased of them. We got also a Serving Mallet,3 two dozen of Sail Needles, three Marlin Spikes, and a Dozen of Small Blocks,4 Several kinds of small stuff such as Ratline, Marline, Spun yarn, &cc. Bell took notice to me of some small Red framed looking glasses and It struck me directly that they would prove fit presents to our Indian Neighbours as well as a few for our own use and we bought 3 Dozen of them reasonable; a Dozen of Table Knives and Forks, and many other articles I cannot mention.
After we had got what we wanted they seem’d uneasy for our departure and we wanted their company as little. But as we were put off from them with our last purchase some Ragamuffin fellow call’d to me and said, “Paddy, what will you take for your Squaw ?”—meaning my Betty. Now the Chap happened to be Red headed, and Bell stood up in the boat to return him this answer :
“Ye Reed Pow’d Brute, She is now remarking ye to be the most ill faced Deel she ever beheld with her twa Eine!” This turned the whole skit on him and they directly set up such a laugh that the fellow began to blackguard5 by way of a foolish revenge. But on my desiring that no answer might be returned and pulling away for the shore, a Man on the roundhouse spake to us with a small trumpet and said :
“Signior Sawny, you forgot to purchase some Oatmeal. I say, your Crawthumping Wife will flog you for that when she gets you home, you Renegade!” Upon this Order was given, “Come, run up our Anchor and hoist the jibb there!” And away they went close haled with the wind at south, and we for the Shore glad enough they had pay’d us the visit and as glad of their departure as we wanted no more of their company.
After we got all our purchase home safe we became as busy as Bees in a Barrell of Tar. We lodged our Flour in the Kitchen. I put a white Hat on each of their heads which made them all as proud as Lucifer. We fell too work on making Shirts, Shifts, trowser and the like so that in a Short time we appeared all of another Regiment, and had another of those fair traders came on our coast we were yet a match for them.
We were often very merry on the occasion and my Girl was continually on the new Subject as it was a matter all new to her. She call’d the Roundhouse the little Wigwam of the Great Men; the Hold she call’d the long Kitchen Of my country folks—but she thought they were very impudent for they look’d through her Eyes when she offered to open them. Owen and Harry’s remarks were how so many people could find victuals to Eate, and how they could carry those great heavy Shooters. Owen thought it strange to see them run up the shrouds and hall the ropes through the blocks. But the Drum was what struck them most—how they could possibly put so much noise into that thing with no more than those two little sticks.
Bell asked the favour when on board to have a Gun fired to see what effect it would have on the Indians, and they obliged with three. But when the first went off Harry ran to me, got behind my back, stared like a wild Cat, and shook like a leafe crying, “Ow, ow, ow!” Owen fell down and roar’d like a stuck pig; but it took a different effect on Betty. She stood motion less with her Eyes closed, but after a time when she came too she desired me to be going, for she was sure another such knock would shake her head off and split her heart.
