Every Post Carried Complaints To The Proprietors,
And Brought Down Instructions, Reproofs, And Exhortations To Concord.
It
had been fortunate for the proprietors, if they had removed one or both
of the commanders; but every one had too much concern to retain his
friend in post, so that private views proved the cause of public
ruin.
- Harris.
SECTION I.
Narrative of the Voyage, from England to Juan Fernandez.
Having at length a fair wind, the two ships sailed in company from
Plymouth on the 13th February, 1719. It singularly happened that the
Speedwell had still on board the whole stock of wine, brandy, and other
liquors, designed for the supply of both ships. On the 19th at night,
there arose a violent storm, and on the 20th the storm abated about two
in the afternoon, when Captain Clipperton in the Success made sail,
steering S. by E. while Captain Shelvocke in the Speedwell bore away
N.W. So that they never again saw each other, till they afterwards met
by mere accident in the South Sea.
Being now at sea without his consort, and very indifferently provided,
Captain Clipperton found himself under the necessity of using a
discretionary power of dispensing in some respect from his instructions;
but which freedom he rarely exercised, and then with the utmost caution.
In all essential points he carefully complied with the instructions,
constantly consulting with his officers, and doing his utmost to
prosecute his voyage with effect. The first place of rendezvous
appointed in case of separation was the Canaries, for which he sailed
with such expedition that he arrived there on the 6th of March.
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