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leagues too far to the weft ward : For by their oblervations, they
efteemed the middle of thefe Iflands to be in 210 : 4' North, and
to bear from Botel ‘Tobago Xima S. S. E. twenty leagues diftant,
that Ifland itfelf being in 2 10 : 57' North.
After getting a fight of the Bajhee IJlands, they flood between
the S. and S. W. for Cape Efpiritu Santo ; and, the 20th of May
at noon they firft difcovered that Cape, which about four o’clock
they brought to bear S. S. W, near eleven leagues diftant. It appeared
to be of a moderate height, with feveral round hummocks
on i t ; and is exaftly reprefented in the annexed plate. As it was
known that there were centinels placed upon this Cape to make
fignals to the Acapulco Ihip when (he firft falls in with the land;
the Commodore immediately tacked, and ordered the top-gallant,
fails to be taken in, to prevent being difcovered. And, this being
the ftation where it was refolved to cruize for the galeons, they
kept the Cape between the South and the Weft, and endeavoured to
confine themfelves between the latitude of 120 : 50', and 130 : 5',
the Cape itfelf lying, by their obfervations, in 12° : 40' North,
and in 40 of Eaft longitude from Botel Tobago Xima.
It was the laft of May, by the foreign ftile, when they arrived,
off this Cape; and, the month of ‘June, by the fame ftile, being
that in which the Manila (hips are ufually expe&ed; the Centurions
people were now waiting each hour with the utmoft impatience
for the happy crifis which was to balance the account o f
all their paft calamities. As from this time there was but fmall
employment for the crew j the Commodore ordered them almoft
every day to be exercifed in the working of the great guns, and
in the ufe o f their fmall arms. This had been his praflice, more
or lefs, at every convenient feafon during the whole courfe o f his
voyage j and the advantages which he received from it, in his engagement
with the galeon, were an ample recompence for all his
care and attention. Indeed, it (hould feem that there are few
particulars of a Commander’s duty of more importance; how
much foever it may have been fometimes overlooked or mifunderftood
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