Chapter XVIII.
Relates how, by reason of a strong wind from the N.W., the sea ran across the track of the ships, and how they sighted a high island.
With great regret at the loss of the three best natives, though the one that remained was more free (being the same the Captain pointed out with his finger when they were seized), we proceeded on a S.E. course, with a fresh N.W. breeze, until the following day. The wind increased in force with thick weather, with flights of birds, and the night approaching, so we struck the topmasts and hove to until the 24th of April. On that day the sun was taken, and it was found that we were in 14°, the ship having drifted 20 leagues. In the afternoon, the weather having cleared up, the Captain ordered sail to be made, and when he was asked what the course was to be, he answered: “Put the ships’ heads where they like, for God will guide them as may be right;” and as it was S.W., he said it might continue so. So on that course, with little sail, we steered during the night. Before sunrise on the following day, a sailor of the Capitana named Francisco Rodriguez went to the mast-head, and cried in a cheerful voice: “Very high land ahead!” We all wanted to see it, and all looked at it together with great contentment. Much greater was their satisfaction when they came close, and saw smoke, and natives calling to the launch to come nearer.
This island was calculated to be 1,700 leagues from Lima. It is 7 or 8 leagues in circumference, forms a round hill, abrupt near the sea, the highest and best-formed I have seen. Its shape is that of a sugar-loaf with the crown cut off. It is cut like a saddle, whence a good stream of water falls into the sea. We saw crops growing, plantains, palms, and other trees. The inhabitants appeared to be of a good colour, and well made. The people were on the N.W. side, where, at a short distance from the shore, there is a bare rock. The latitude of this land is 14°, and it was named San Marcos,[1] because it was discovered on that Saint’s day.
[1] Torres calls it a very high volcano. Torquemada gives the name of “Nuestra Señora de la Luz.” The Memorial has “San Marcos.” It is the Pic de l’Etoile of Bougainville. The volcano is now extinct. Latitude, 14° 25′ S. “Merlav,” or “Star Peak,” on modern charts.