It is very odd, that Captain C——­p should now declare be never intended to go to the southward, when he publickly 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 liv’d to return to their country, the only favour he requested from them, was to declare the truth, without favour or prejudice, and this we promis’d 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 observ’d.

Saturday the 10th, little wind at N. and N.W.  Getting all ready for going off this afternoon, the captain sent for the lieutenant and me, desiring us both to go to Captain P——­n, 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, went to the lieutenant’s tent; from thence I expected, and made no doubt but he would go to Captain P——­n’s:  But when I ask’d him he refused, which very much surprised me.  I thought it very ungenerous to trifle with Captain C——­p, or any gentleman in his unhappy situation; therefore went alone to Captain Pemberton.  When I delivered him Captain C——­p’s message the answer was, I design, and must carry him prisoner to England.  I return’d, and acquainted Captain C——­p with Captain P——­n’s answer:  He ask’d 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 P——­n?  He answer’d, 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 encounter’d 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 Chili, 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 call’d 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 hang’d 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.