The Wager Disaster

by C. H. Layman

  Among the birds we generally shot was the painted goose,[23] whose plumage is variegated with the most lively colours; and a bird much larger than a goose, which we called the race-horse, from the velocity with which it moved upon the face of the water, in a sort of half flying, half running motion.[24] But we were not so successful in our endeavours by land; for though we sometimes got pretty far into the woods we met with very few birds in all our walks. We never saw but three woodcocks,[25] two of which were killed by Mr Hamilton and one by myself. These, with some humming birds, and a large kind of robin red-breast,[26] were the only feathered inhabitants of this island, excepting a small bird, with two very long feathers in his tail, which was generally seen amongst the rocks, and was so tame that I have had them rest upon my shoulders whilst I have been gathering shellfish.[27] Indeed we were visited by many birds of prey, some very large, but these only occasionally; and, as we imagined, allured by some dead whale in the neighbourhood which was once seen. However if we were so fortunate as to kill one of them, we thought ourselves very well off.

  In one of my walks, seeing a bird of this latter kind upon an eminence, I endeavoured to come upon it unperceived with my gun, by means of the woods which lay at the back of that eminence; but when I had proceeded so far in the wood as to think I was in a line with it, I heard a growling close by me, which made me think it advisable to retire as soon as possible. The woods were so gloomy I could see nothing; but as I retired, this noise followed me close till I had got out of them. Some of our men did assure me that they had seen a very large beast in the woods, but their description of it was too imperfect to be relied upon.[28]

  The wood here is chiefly of the aromatic kind: the iron wood, a wood of a very deep red hue, and another of an exceeding bright yellow. All the low spots are very swampy; but what we thought strange, upon the summits of the highest hills were found beds of shells, a foot or two thick.[29]

  The long-boat being near finished, some of our company were selected to go out in the barge in order to reconnoitre the coast to the southward, which might assist us in the navigation we were going upon. This party consisted of Mr Bulkeley, Mr Jones, the Purser, myself, and ten men. The first night we put into a good harbour, a few leagues to the southward of Wager Island; where finding a large bitch big with puppies, we regaled upon them.

  In this expedition we had our usual bad weather and breaking seas, which were grown to such a height the third day that we were obliged, through distress, to push in at the first inlet we saw at hand. This we had no sooner entered than we were presented with a view of a fine bay, in which, having secured the barge, we went ashore. But the weather being very rainy, and finding nothing to subsist upon, we pitched a bell tent, which we had brought with us, in the wood opposite to where the barge lay. As this tent was not large enough to contain us all I proposed to four of the people to go to the end of the bay, about two miles distant from the bell tent, to occupy the skeleton of an old Indian wigwam, which I had discovered in a walk that way upon our first landing. This we covered to windward with seaweed, and lighting a fire laid ourselves down in hopes of finding a remedy for our hunger in sleep. But we had not long composed ourselves before one of our company was disturbed by the blowing of some animal at his face, and upon opening his eyes was not a little astonished to see, by the glimmering of the fire, a large beast standing over him.[30] He had presence of mind enough to snatch a brand from the fire, which was now very low, and thrust it at the nose of the animal, who thereupon made off. This done, the man awoke us, and related with horror in his countenance the narrow escape he had of being devoured. But though we were under no small apprehensions of another visit from this animal, yet our fatigue and heaviness was greater than our fears; and we once more composed ourselves to rest, and slept the remainder of the night without any further disturbance.

  In the morning, we were not a little anxious to know how our companions had fared; and this anxiety was increased upon tracing the footsteps of the beast in the sand in a direction towards the bell tent. The impression was deep and plain, of a large round foot well furnished with claws. Upon our acquainting the people in the tent with the circumstances of our story, we found that they too had been visited by the same unwelcome guest, which they had driven away by much the same expedient. We now returned from this cruise, with a strong gale, to Wager Island, having found it impracticable to make farther discoveries in the barge on so dangerous a coast and in such heavy seas.

  Here we soon discovered, by the quarters of dogs hanging up, that the Indians had brought a fresh supply to our market. Upon inquiry, we found that there had been six canoes of them, who, among other methods of taking fish, had taught their dogs to drive the fish into a corner of some pond or lake, from whence they were easily taken out by the skill and address of these savages.

  The old cabal during our absence had been frequently revived, the debates of which generally ended in riot and drunkenness. This cabal was chiefly held in a large tent, which the people belonging to it had taken some pains to make snug and convenient, and lined with bales of broad cloth driven from the wreck. Eighteen of the stoutest fellows of the ship’s company had possession of this tent, from whence were dispatched committees to the Captain, with the resolutions they had taken with regard to their departure; but oftener for liquor. Their determination was to go in the long-boat to the southward by the Straits of Magellan; and the point they were labouring was to prevail upon the Captain to accompany them. But though he had fixed upon a quite different plan, which was to go to the northward, yet he thought it politic at present seemingly to acquiesce with them in order to keep them quiet. When they began to stipulate with him that he should be under some restrictions in point of command, and should do nothing without consulting his officers, he insisted upon the full exercise of his authority as before. This broke all measures between them, and they were from this time determined he should go with them, whether he would or no. A better pretence they could not have for effecting this design than the unfortunate affair of Mr Cozens, which they therefore made use of for seizing his person, and putting him under confinement, in order to bring him to his trial in England.

  Chapter 7

  Mutiny

  Wager Island, 8th October 1741. The mutiny, led by the Gunner and the Captain of Marines, breaks out into the open. Captain Cheap is arrested and left behind as the long-boat, named the Speedwell, sails for the south.

  From the journal of John Bulkeley,[31] Gunner

  We imagined, if Captain Cheap was restored to the absolute command he had before the loss of the Wager, that he would proceed again upon the same principles, never on any exigence consult his officers, but act arbitrarily according to his humour and confidence of superior knowledge. While he acts with reason we will support his command with our lives, but some restriction is necessary for our own preservation. We think him a gentleman worthy to have a limited command, but too dangerous a person to be trusted with an absolute one.

  Today I overhauled the powder, and told the Lieutenant that I had twenty-three half barrels in store, and that we could not carry off in the long-boat above six half barrels; therefore I proposed to start the overplus into the sea, and make water-casks of the half barrels, they being very proper for that purpose. I desired him to acquaint the Captain with my intention; that since he had no regard for the public good, or to anything that tended to promoting it, the Carpenter and I had determined never to go near him again. The Lieutenant declined going, fearing the Captain would murder him; but he sent the Master to him, to let him know the necessity of starting the powder. The Captain’s answer to the Master was, I desire you will not destroy any one thing without my orders.

  We now are convinced the Captain has no intention of going to the southward, notwithstanding he had lately given his word and honour that he would; therefore Captain Pemberton,[32] in order to put an end to all future obstructions, demanded our assistance to make him a prisoner for the shooting of Mr Cozens, intendi
ng to carry him as such to England; at the same time to confine Lieutenant Hamilton with him; which was readily agreed to by the whole body. It was reckoned dangerous to suffer the Captain any longer to enjoy liberty; therefore the Lieutenant, Gunner, Carpenter, and Mr Jones the Mate, resolved next morning to surprise him in his bed.

  Friday the 9th, this morning went in a body and surprised the Captain in bed, disarmed him, and took every thing out of his tent. The Captain said to the seamen, what are you about? Where are my officers? At which the Master, Gunner, Carpenter and Boatswain went in. The Captain said, gentlemen, do you know what you have done, or are about? He was answered, yes, sir; our assistance was demanded by Captain Pemberton, to secure you as a prisoner for the death of Mr Cozens; and as we are subjects of Great Britain, we are obliged to take you as such to England. The Captain said, gentlemen, Captain Pemberton has nothing to do with me; I am your commander still; I will show you my instructions; which he did to the people. On this we came out. He then called his officers a second time and said, what is this for? He was answered, as before, that assistance was demanded by Captain Pemberton to take him prisoner for the death of Mr Cozens. He still insisted, Captain Pemberton has no business with me; I could not think you would serve me so. It was told him, sir, it is your own fault; you have given yourself no manner of concern for the public good, on our going from hence; but have acted quite the reverse, or else been so careless and indifferent about it, as if we had no commander; and if other persons had given themselves no more trouble and concern than you have, we should not be ready to go from hence as long as provisions lasted.

  The Captain said, very well, gentlemen, you have caught me napping; I do not see any of you in liquor; you are a parcel of brave fellows, but my officers are scoundrels. Then turning himself to me, he said, Gunner, where’s my Lieutenant? Did not he head you? I told him, no, sir; but was here to see it executed, and is here now. One of you (says the Captain) call Mr Baynes. When Mr Baynes came, he said, what is all this for, sir? Sir, it is Captain Pemberton’s order. Captain Pemberton has no business with me, and you will answer for it hereafter; if I do not live to see England, I hope some of my friends will. On this the Lieutenant left him.

  The Captain then addressed himself to the seamen saying, my lads, I do not blame you; but it is the villainy of my officers, which they will answer for hereafter. He then called Mr Baynes again and said, well, sir, what do you design to do by me? The Lieutenant answered, sir, your officers have designed the Purser’s tent for you. Hum! I should be obliged to the gentlemen, if they would let me stay in my own tent. The Lieutenant came to acquaint the officers of the Captain’s request; but they judged it inconvenient; as Mr Hamilton’s tent joined the Purser’s, one guard might serve them both. Accordingly all his things were moved to the Purser’s tent.

  As he was coming along he said, gentlemen, you must excuse my not pulling my hat off, my hands are confined. Well, Captain Baynes! you will be called to an account for this hereafter.

  The Boatswain, after the Captain’s confinement, most barbarously insulted him, reproaching him with striking him, saying, then it was your time; but now, God damn you, it is mine. The Captain made no reply but this, you are a scoundrel for using a gentleman ill when he is a prisoner.

  When the Captain was a prisoner, he declared he never intended to go to the southward, having more honour than to turn his back on his enemies; and farther, he said, gentlemen, I do not want to go off in any of your craft; for I never designed to go for England, and would rather choose to be shot by you. There is not a single man on the beach dare engage me; but this is what I feared.

  It is very odd, that Captain Cheap should now declare he never intended to go to the southward, when he publicly gave his word and honour he would go that way, or any way where the spirit of the people led; but he afterwards told his officers he knew he had a severe trial to go through, if ever he came to England; and as for those who lived to return to their country, the only favour he requested from them was to declare the truth, without favour or prejudice; and this we promised faithfully to do. His words in this respect were as much regarded by us as the words of a dying man, and have been most punctually observed.

  Saturday the 10th, little wind at N and NW. Getting all ready for going off this afternoon, the Captain sent for the Lieutenant and me, desiring us both to go to Captain Pemberton, to know what he intended to do with him. We accordingly came, and both promised to go directly and bring him his answer. When we came out, we went to the Lieutenant’s tent; from thence I expected, and made no doubt, but he would go to Captain Pemberton’s: but when I asked him he refused, which very much surprised me.

  I thought it very ungenerous to trifle with Captain Cheap, or any gentleman in his unhappy situation; therefore I went alone to Captain Pemberton. When I delivered him Captain Cheap’s message, the answer was, I design and must carry him prisoner to England.

  I returned and acquainted Captain Cheap with Captain Pemberton’s answer. He asked me then, if the Lieutenant was with me. I told him, no, and I believe did not design it. He said, Mr Bulkeley, I am very much obliged to you, and could not think the Lieutenant would use me thus. In the evening the Lieutenant and I were sent for again. The Captain said to the Lieutenant, sir, have you been with Captain Pemberton?

  He answered, no, sir. I thought, sir, you promised me you would; however, I have his answer from Mr Bulkeley. I am to be carried a prisoner to England. Gentlemen, I shall never live to see England, but die by inches in the voyage; and it is surprising to me to think what you can expect by going to the southward, where there are ten thousand difficulties to be encountered with. I am sorry so many brave fellows should be led to go where they are not acquainted, when by going to the northward there is the island of Chiloé, not above ninety leagues, where we need not fear taking prizes, and may have a chance to see the Commodore.

  I made answer, sir, you have said that we shall be called to an account for this in England. I must tell you, for my part, had I been guilty of any crime and was sure of being hanged for it in England, I would make it my choice to go there sooner than to the northward; have not you given your word and honour to go to the southward? It is true there is a chance in going to the northward, by delivering us from this unhappy situation of life to a worse, viz. a Spanish prison. The Captain said no more but this, gentlemen, I wish you well and safe to England.

  Sunday the 11th, this morning the Captain sent for me, and told me, he had rather be shot than carried off a prisoner, and that he would not go off with us. Therefore he desired me to ask the people to suffer him to remain on the island. The people readily agreed to his request, and also consented to leave him all things needful for his support, as much as could be spared. Lieutenant Hamilton and the Surgeon chose to stay with him. We offered him also the barge and yawl, if he could procure men to go with him. The question was proposed before the whole body; but they all cried aloud for England, and let him stay and be d—ned; does he want to carry us to a prison? There is not a man will go.

  The Captain being deprived of his command in the manner above-mentioned, and for the reasons already given, it was resolved to draw some articles to be signed for the good of the community, and to give the Lieutenant a limited command. The paper was drawn up in this manner:

  Whereas Captain David Cheap, our commander in His Majesty’s ship the Wager, never consulted any of his officers for the safety and preservation of the said ship, and His Majesty’s subjects thereto belonging; but several times, since the unhappy loss of the said ship, he has been solicited in the most dutiful manner, promising him at the same time to support his command with our lives, desiring no more than to go off heart in hand from this place to the southward, which he gave his word and honour to do; and being almost ready for sailing, did apply to him some few days past, to draw up some proper articles, in order to suppress mutiny, and other material things, which we thought necessary to be agreed to before we went off; but he in the most scornful manne
r hath rejected everything proposed for the public good; and he is now a prisoner, and the command given to the Lieutenant…

  There follow a number of rules for the coming voyage, dealing with the apportionment of food and the maintenance of discipline, which were signed by most of the men about to leave.

  Tuesday 13th October. I went and took my leave of the Captain: he repeated his injunction that at my return to England I would impartially relate all proceedings. He spoke to me in the most tender and affectionate manner; and as a token of his friendship and regard for me, desired me to accept of a suit of his best wearing apparel. At parting, he gave me his hand with a great deal of cheerfulness, wishing me well and safe to England[33]. This was the last time I ever saw the unfortunate Captain Cheap.[34] However, we hope to see him again in England, that Mr Cummins and myself may be freed from some heavy imputations to our prejudice laid on us by the gentleman who succeeded him in command, and who, having an opportunity of arriving before us in England, not only in the places he touched at abroad but at home, has blackened us with the greatest calumnies; and by an imperfect narrative has not only traduced us, but made the whole affair so dark and mystical that till the Captain’s arrival the Lords of the Admiralty will not decide for or against us.