OFF JUAN FERNANDEZ, 683

The next contretemps arose through the tyrannical temper of Dampier,
who, with all his ability, perseverance, and firmness, was ill fitted to com-
mand men. Having quarrelled with his first lieutenant, the latter, and
eight of the crew of the St. George, taking their chests on shore with them,
left the vessel. It must be remembered, however, that the bonds of disci-
pline on board those privateers were always very loose, and that their crews
were composed of adventurers of all nations, greedy of gain and impatient
of control, The fault of the frequent outbreaks which occurred did not
always lie with the commander; but was really that of the officers and men,
who, on the slightest pretext, refused obedience to his orders.

The expedition now made sail for the island of Juan Fernandez. On the
29th of December they sighted the Falkland Islands, On the 4th of
January 1704, in latitude 57° 50’ south, they were encountered by a violent
south-west gale, which lasted several days, and during which the Cinque
Ports lost sight of her consort. After a dangerous passage round Cape Horn,
she made the best of her way for Juan Fernandez, where sho arrived on the
10th of February. On the 18th she was joined by the St. George,

In this pleasant island, which abounds in green savannahs, leafy woods,
and crystal streams, the weary crews refreshed themselves for some time.
They took in a supply of wood and water, and overhauled their shattered
ships. To economize the provisions in the ships’ stores, they caught a
number of the goats which abounded in the island, and ate them, boiled
with the tops of the delicious cabbage-palm. They also killed several sea-
lions, using the fat, in the shape of oil, to supply their lamps. Young seals
likewise fell victims to their appetite for “ fresh meat,” and their fare was
further relieved by the quantities of fish which they caught in the neigh-
bouring waters.

While enjoying the dainties of this island-Elysium, they were startled, on
the 29th of February, by the appearance of a strange sail. Immediately
they rushed on board their vessels, and hoisted all sail in pursuit. About
eleven at night the St. George came up with her. She proved to be a French
vessel of about four hundred tons, and mounting thirty guns. At sunrise the
St. George got alongside, and a desperate action ensued. For some hours
it continued with little advantage on either side. At last the fire of the
French ship began to slacken, and she was on the point of surrendering, -
when a fresh breeze sprang up, and she made sail, the Sé. George being
unable to follow from her crippled condition. She lost nine men killedjiand
at least a third of her crew were wounded; for the Cinque Ports having fallen
astern becalmed, Dampier had to bear the whole brunt of the action.

When the Cingue Ports at length came up, the crews on board both
vessels were eager to pursue the enemy; but both Dampier and Stradling
deemed it advisable to return to Juan Fernandez, and take on board the men
who, owing to their hurried departure, had been left ashore. On the 8rd of
March they came in sight of the island. A calm coming on, the Cingue