PORTER'S JOURNAL. 



127 



CHAPTER VL 



THE GALLIPAGOS ISLANDS ; PRIZES^ 



On our first making Chatham Island, which bore, on tlie 

 morning of the 17th, northwest by north, distant about 

 thii-ty-five miles, I supposed it to be Hood's Island, a com- 

 mon stopping-place for whalers. As this was one of the 

 islands I was desirous of examining for them, I hauled in for 

 it, making a signal for the Barclay to do the same ; but 

 shortly afterwards discovered Hood's Island bearing west, 

 and bore away for it. At seven o'clock in the evening, we 

 were abreast the anchorage place on the northwest part of 

 the island, which is a good shelter from the prevalent winds ; 

 and a small island which lies off forms a secure bay, where 

 vessels lie at anchor in twelve fathoms water, clear white 

 sandy bottom. Here wood is to be obtained, and land tor- 

 toises in great numbers, which are highly esteemed for 

 their excellence, and are remarkable for their size, weigh- 

 ing from three to four hundred weight each. Vessels on 

 whaling voyages among these islands generally take on 

 board from two to three hundred of these animals, and stow 

 them in the hold, where, strange as it may appear, they 

 have been known to live for a year, without food or water, 

 and, when killed at the expiration of that time, found great- 

 ly improved in fatness and flavour. Into this bay I sent 

 lieutenant Downes with a whale-boat (I had purchased 

 from captain Randall) properly armed, to reconnoitre, and 

 directed him to make a signal on discovering vessels, in or- 

 der that we might send in our other boats ; but at ten 

 o'clock he returned, after having sounded the bay without 

 seeing any. We had entertaind strong hopes of meeting 

 enemy's vessels here, but bore the disappointment better 

 than might be expected, considering the length of time that 

 has elapsed since we have seen one of that description. 

 We now hauled off toward Chatham Island, and lay to for 

 the night, as I did not think it prudent to run for Charles' 

 Isiandj the next place I intended to visit, until I could have 



