T H E P A C I F I C O C E A N. 37 



had before met with i and fometimes they were lb nume- ^7'^- 

 rous, that hundreds were viftble at the fame moment. v- — ^ — * 



This cahn weather was fucceeded by a frefh gale from 

 the North Weft, which lafted two days. Then we had 

 again variable light airs for about twenty-four hours; when 

 the North Weft wind returned, and blew with fuch ftrength, 

 that on the 17th we had fight of the Cape of Good Hope; Thurrdayi7. 

 and the next day anchored in Table Bay, in four fathoms Friday is. 

 water, with the church bearing South Weft A South, and 

 Green Point North Weft ^ Weft. 



As foon as w^e had received the ufiial vifit from the Mafter 

 Attendant and the Surgeon, I fent an officer to wait on Ba- 

 ron Plettenberg, the Governor; and, on his return, faluted 

 the garrifon with thirteen guns, which compliment was 

 returned with the fame number. 



We found in the bay two French Eaft India Ships; the 

 one outward, and the other homeward bound. And two or 

 three days before our arrival, another homeward bound 

 fliip of the fame nation had parted from her cable, and been 

 driven- on lliore at the head of the bay, where flie was loft. 

 The crew were favcd; but the greatcft part of the cargo 

 fhared the fame fate with the ihip, or (which amounted to 

 the fame) was plundered and ftolen by the inhabitants, 

 either out of the fhip, or as it was driven or carried on 

 fhorc. Til is is the account the French officers gave to me; 

 and the Dutch themfelves could not deny the fad:. But, by 

 way of excufmg themfelves from being guilty of a crime 

 difgraceful to every civilized ftate^ they endeavoured to lay 

 the whole blame oil the French Captain, for not applying 

 in time for a guard. 



As 



