Wherefore, Suppressing All Objections To The
Contrary, We Resolved To Begin Our Course Northward, And To Follow,
Directly As We
Might, the trade way unto Newfoundland; from whence,
after our refreshing and reparation of wants, we intended without
delay, by
God's permission, to proceed into the south, not omitting
any river or bay which in all that large tract of land appeared to our
view worthy of search. Immediately we agreed upon the manner of our
course and orders to be observed in our voyage; which were delivered
in writing, unto the captains and masters of every ship a copy, in
manner following.
Every ship had delivered two bullets or scrolls, the one sealed up in
wax, the other left open; in both which were included several
watchwords. That open, serving upon our own coast or the coast of
Ireland; the other sealed, was promised on all hands not to be broken
up until we should be clear of the Irish coast; which from thenceforth
did serve until we arrived and met all together in such harbours of
the Newfoundland as were agreed for our rendezvous. The said
watchwords being requisite to know our consorts whensoever by night,
either by fortune of weather, our fleet dispersed should come together
again; or one should hail another; or if by ill watch and steerage one
ship should chance to fall aboard of another in the dark.
The reason of the bullet sealed was to keep secret that watchword
while we were upon our own coast, lest any of the company stealing
from the fleet might bewray the same; which known to an enemy, he
might board us by night without mistrust, having our own watchword.
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