A true & exact history of the island of BarbadosLigon, Richard
History
A true & exact history of the island of Barbados
Ligon, Richard
Barbados -- Description and travel; Plants -- Barbados; Sugar -- Manufacture and refining -- Barbados
themselves upon any noble action, they will sell their lives at such
a rate, as none shall out-bid them; and the custome of these hazards,
makes them more valiant then other men; and those amongst them, that
do found their courage upon honest grounds; are certainly valiant in
a high perfection.
At last, a little Virgin, who was a passenger in the Ship, stood up
upon the quarter deck, like a she-Worthy, and said, that if they
would be rul’d by her, she would not only be the contriver, but the
acter of our deliverance. At whose speech, we all gave a strict
attention, as ready to contribute our help to all she commanded;
which was, that the Ship-Carpenter should make her a Distaffe and
Spindle, and the Saylers combe out some of the Occome: with which
instruments and materialls, she doubted not, but to make such a
quantity of thread, as to repair our then uselesse Sailes which
accordingly she did, and by her vertue (under God) we held our lives.
Though such an accident as this, and such a deliverance, deserve a
gratefull commemoration; yet, this is not all the use we are to make
of it, somewhat more may be considered, that may prevent dangers for
the future; and that is, the great abuse of Captaines and Masters of
Ships, who promise to their Passengers, such plenty of victualls,
as may serve them the whole voyage: But, before they be halfe way,
either pinch them of a great part, or give them that which is nastie
and unwholsome. And therefore I could wish every man, that is to go
a long voyage, to carry a reserve of his owne, of such viands, as
will last, and to put that up safe; for, if it be not under lock and
key, they are never the neer; for, the Saylers will as certainty take
it, as you trust it to their honesties; Complaine to the Master, and
you finde no remedy. One thing I have observed, let a Sayler steal
any part of the Ships provision, he shall be sure to have severe
punishment; but, if from a Passenger, though it concern him never so
neerly, his remedy is to be laughed at. These enormities are fit to
be complained on at the Trinity-house, that some redresse may be had;
for, the abuses are grievous.
Out of this danger at Sea, it has pleased the God of all mercy to
deliver me, as also from a grievous and tedious sicknesse on land, in
a strange Country; For which, may his holy Name be eternally blessed
and praised, for ever and ever.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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