In calm weather, they come off in large boats, and plunder every vessel that passes, but seldom seize on any ship, or even molest the people, provided they allow them to take all they want.
It is very remarkable, that, although the French have always a force in these seas, their vessels are more frequently plundered than those of any other nation; and there are very few instances of ours being insulted, notwithstanding the Greeks so seldom see a British man of war.
But, for fear of accidents, we shortened sail, to convoy the Adventure, of Plymouth, which we had just overtaken.
The three Sclavonians who seized the Duchess of Tuscany, bound from Gibraltar, meant to have brought her here, but being obliged to put into Zante, they were discovered and executed.
Sunday, October 21st.
Becalmed in the scene of Falconer's Shipwreck, Crete just discernible on our right, Falcanero on our left, and Milo a-head. Lat. 36° 38′.
At dusk the wind sprang up, with violent squalls, accompanied by thunder and lightning, and soon burst forth in a furious storm.
We were now in a most unpleasant situation, Milo was become a dangerous lee shore. It was no comfort to know that there was an excellent harbour a few miles to leeward. Darkness prevented our seeing the entrance to it.
We were, therefore, obliged to haul close to the wind, and by skill, attention, and perseverance, happily weathered the most windward point of the island.
The wind then abated, and the sea became less violent; but the next morning the storm was suddenly renewed, and we were assailed more furiously than ever; but as day-light came to our assistance, we made the best of our way towards the harbour, and a pilot getting on board, we were safe at an anchor before twelve o'clock.