Friday the 15th, fresh gales at N.N.W. and a great sea tumbling into the bay. We are not able to ride it out, therefore, at four in the afternoon, got under sail, and stood off to sea; the southmost land bore S.W. by S. distant five leagues.
Monday the 18th, in the latitude of 36: 29 S. the north point of Freshwater-Bay bearing S.W. distant forty-four leagues, we went to an allowance of water, at a pint a man per day, having on board not above twenty gallons for thirty-three souls.
Tuesday the 19th, little wind at S. and clear weather. At four this morning saw breakers right a-head; sounded, and found five fathom; saw the land making like an island, bearing N.E. by E. distant twelve leagues; steered N. for about a mile or two, shoaled the water from two fathom to nine feet, then steer'd N.N.E. and deepen'd the water to five fathom. By the appearance of the land, we are well up the river of Plate, and do take the breakers for the English bank. Steer'd and sail'd all day E.N.E. along shore, in the evening anchor'd in a fine sandy bay; saw two men coming down on horseback, the boatswain swam ashore, and got up behind one of them, and rode away to their caravans. When we made the land, we had not one drop of water on board: Several people swam ashore to fill water, one of 'em, when ashore, drank very plentifully of water; in attempting to come off, was so weak, that he could not reach the vessel, but was unfortunately drown'd. Got one cask of water aboard, which reviv'd us exceedingly.
Wednesday the 20th, Mr Cummins and myself went ashore, four of the inhabitants came down to us on horseback. As I could talk Portugueze, I fell into discourse with them. They told me the English were still at war with the Spaniards, that they had two fifty-gun ships up the river of Plate, and one sixty gun ship cruizing off Cape St Mary's; and not above six weeks ago a seventy gun ship lying at anchor, parted from her anchors and drove on shore; that the ship was lost, and every man perish'd. They also told me they were Spaniards, Castilians, and fishermen, that they came here a fishing, the fish they took they salted and dried, then sold them at Buenos Aires. The town they belong'd to they called Mount de Vidia, two days journey from hence. I ask'd 'em how they came to live in the king of Portugal's land. They said there were a great many Spanish settlements on this side, and gave us an invitation to their caravan; we got up behind them, and rode about a mile to it, where they entertained us with good junk beef, roasted and boyl'd, with good white bread. We sought to buy some provisions of 'em, but they had none but twenty-six loaves, about as big as two-penny loaves in England, which they would not part with under four guineas. We being in a weak condition, scarce able to stand on our legs, and without bread for a long time, gave them their price. Their patron told us at the same time, if it should be known that they had supplied us, they should be all hang'd. He promis'd, if we would give him a fire-lock, he would get us some wild fowl, and as many ducks in an hour or two as would serve all the people on board. Mr Cummins sent for his fire-lock, and gave it him, with some powder and sluggs. On our coming away, finding one of their company missing with a horse, we were apprehensive of his being gone to betray us; therefore immediately went on board, got our water in, and made all ready for sailing to Rio Grand.
Thursday the 21st, little wind at N.W. and fair weather. At four this morning got under sail, steered E.N.E. At twelve saw low land stretch off to the eastward, which bore E. by S. At four the tide of flood flowing strong in obliged us to come to an anchor in a large bay, in eight fathom water; the south point bore S.S.W. the east point E.S.E.; at eight at night got under sail, steering E.S.E.
Friday the 22d, little wind at N. and fair weather. At eight this morning saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; at noon it bore W.S.W. and the north land S.E. by E.
Sunday 23d, little wind, and calm. In the morning, not seeing the land, steer'd in N.; at noon saw Cape St Mary's, bearing N.W. distant ten leagues; latitude per observation 34: 53 S. At seven in the evening, being in shore and calm, anchored in fourteen fathom water, sandy ground, the cape bearing W. by N. and the northmost land N. by E. This day departed this life Mr Thomas Clark the master, as did also his son the day following.
Sunday the 24th, the wind at S. and hazy weather. At two in the morning weighed and came to sail, steering N.E. within a league of the shore. At three in the afternoon saw three islands, the northmost of which is the most remarkable one I ever beheld, appearing like a church with a lofty tower; at four we saw three islands more, steer'd N. quarter W. between those islands, until we saw the main land. The most remarkable of these islands is about four miles from the main; they are all steep. At eight anchored in fourteen fathom, fine sand.
Monday the 25th, a fresh gale at E.N.E. and cloudy weather. At nine this morning got under sail, in order to go back to those islands to get some seal, there being great numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of provision, with the wind against us. We took the opportunity of the wind back to the islands, but were disappointed; being not able to get ashore for provisions, came to an anchor in fourteen fathom, sandy ground. Hard gales at N.N.E. with thunder, lightning and rain, all night.
Tuesday the 26th, this morning moderate gales at N.W. and fair weather, got under sail; after clear of the islands, steer'd N.E. by N. keeping along shore: It is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five leagues off the land. We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board. We have a fair wind, and not far from our desired port; so that we are in pretty good spirits. This day died the oldest man belonging to us, Thomas Maclean, cook, aged 82 years.