The author’s entertainment at the fort of Concordia.

On the 11th of November the governor of Concordia sent one of his officers to us to know who we were.  For I had not sent thither since I came to anchor last here.  When the officer came aboard he asked me why we fired so many guns the 4th and 5th days (which we had done in honour of King William and in memory of the deliverance from the powder plot) I told him the occasion of it; and he replied that they were in some fear at the fort that we had been Portuguese, and that we were coming with soldiers to take their fort; he asked me also why I did not stay and fill my water at their fort before I went away from thence?  I told him the reason of it and withal offered him money; bidding him take what he thought reasonable:  he took none and said he was sorry there had been such a misunderstanding between us; and knew that the governor would be much concerned at it.  After a short stay he went ashore; and the next morning came aboard again, and told me the governor desired me to come ashore to the fort and dine with him; and if I doubted anything he would stay aboard till I returned.  I told him I had no reason to mistrust anything against me, and would go ashore with him; so I took my clerk and my gunner and went ashore in my pinnace:  the gunner spoke very good French, and therefore I took him to be my interpreter because the governor speaks French:  he was an honest man, and I found him always diligent and obedient.  It was pretty late in the afternoon before we came ashore; so that we had but little time with the governor.  He seemed to be much dissatisfied at the report my officer had made to me (of which I have before given an account) and said it was false, neither would he now take any money of me; but told me I was welcome; as indeed I found by what he provided.  For there was plenty of very good victuals, and well dressed; and the linen was white and clean; and all the dishes and plates of silver or fine china.  I did not meet anywhere with a better entertainment while I was abroad; nor with so much decency and order.  Our liquor was wine, beer, toddy, or water, which we liked best after dinner.  He showed me some drawers full of shells which were the strangest and most curious that I had ever seen.  He told me before I went away that he could not supply me with any naval stores, but if I wanted any fresh provision he would supply me with what I had occasion for.  I thanked him and told him I would send my boat for some goats and hogs, though afterwards on second thoughts I did not do it:  for it was a great way from the place where we lay to the fort; and I could not tell what mischief might befall any of my men when there from the natives; especially if encouraged by the Dutch, who are enemies to all Europeans but such as are under their own government.  Therefore I chose rather to fish and hunt for provisions than to be beholden to the Dutch and pay dearly for it too.