’Tis to be noted that captain _Clipperton_ died before _Shelvocke_ had any thoughts of writing a book: And it’s highly probable that if _Clipperton_ were alive to answer for himself, _Shelvocke_ had never been bold enough to print such a scandalous history. And as to _Shelvocke_’s officers, they were so far from being accessary to any miscarriage, that he never consulted us on any occasion whatever; tho’ he, as well as _Clipperton_, had strict orders in all enterprizes to follow that excellent scheme framed and practised by captain _Woodes Rogers_ in his memorable voyage round the globe; which is certainly the safest method for all navigators, who mean to execute any project of this kind; and for which end _Rogers_’s printed journal was put aboard each ship. It was his rule never to undertake any thing of moment, without first calling a council of his chief officers, who in writing testify’d their approbation of, and concurrence in the execution of the design: But our captain was above confining himself to any precedents or orders, his will being the only reason for all he did, so that he never kept any journal or diary at all; which is perfectly agreeable to his resolution, and the design he first had in view, never to join the _Success_ after he lost company with her in the storm mention’d in the third page of his book: And tho’ he seems sorry at the separation, yet the _Success_ had most reason to be so, for _Shelvocke_ had the whole store of wine and brandy aboard the _Speedwell_; so that _Clipperton_ was forc’d to go a tedious comfortless voyage without any. _Shelvocke_, indeed, says he offer’d him his liquors when at sea, and the other neglected to take them in; which, if true, is not a material objection, because _Clipperton_ expecting no treachery, but a punctual meeting to the windward of grand _Canary_, the first place of rendezvous, doubtless thought it might be then time enough; but I question the fact, because _Taylor_’s journal takes no notice of their speaking with each other that day, which runs thus. “_Success Feb. 15._ these 24 hours fresh gales and squally with rain. This evening unbent our best and small bowers, stow’d our anchors, and have been oblig’d to shorten sail several times for the _Speedwell_.”