Tuesday the 25th, this day felt four great earthquakes, three of which were very terrible; notwithstanding the violent shocks and tremblings of the earth, we find no ground shifted.  Hard gales of wind at north, with heavy showers of rain.

Thursday the 27th, the disturbances increase among the people; we plainly see there is a party raised to go to the northward; we went to the lieutenant, and consulted with him what was to be done in the present exigence; myself being reckoned the projector of the scheme for going through the Streights, was threatened to be shot by Noble the quarter-master:  After having some discourse with the lieutenant, he told me, If I would draw up a paper for the captain to sign, in order to satisfy the people, that he would go to the southward, and every officer to have a copy of it, to justify himself in England, it would be as proper a method as we could take.  The paper was immediately drawn up in these words, viz.

“Whereas upon a general consultation, it has been agreed to go from this place through the Streights of Magellan, for the coast of Brazil, in our way for England:  We do, notwithstanding, find the people separating into parties, which must consequently end in the destruction of the whole body; and as also there have been great robberies committed on the stores, and every thing is now at a stand, therefore, to prevent all future frauds and animosities, we are unanimously agreed to proceed as above-mentioned.”

This paper was delivered to the lieutenant, who said that he was sure the captain would sign it, but in case of refusal he should be confined for shooting Mr Cozens, and he would take the command on himself:  And, to prevent further disturbances, the purser, as he much conversed with the rebels, it is agreed by the body of officers to send him off the island, for acting so contrary to his duty, in contempt of the articles of war, the laws of his country, and the known rules of the navy.  It was likewise agreed, that any person who engaged himself in raising parties, should be disarmed.  By this day’s proceedings, we thought the lieutenant a gentleman of resolution, but the words and actions of people do not always concur.

Friday the 28th, to-day the officers and people all appeared in arms.  The master, boatswain, gunner, and carpenter, with Mr J——­s, mate, and Mr C——­ll, midshipman, went into the captain’s tent, the lieutenant being with him.  As soon as the officers were seated, a consultation was held concerning Smith and Butler robbing the store-tent, they were sentenced to be transported to the main, or some island.  As soon as this affair was over, we talk’d to the captain of the uneasiness among the people, that there had been a long time a visible inquietude among ’em, and that we could not help seeing there were schemes form’d to obstruct our design of going to the southward.  The captain answer’d, Gentlemen, it is time enough to think of this when we are ready to go off; have not I told