r78 porter's) jolrxal. 



less frequently, to the southward, by the rapid currents ; 

 but they make every exertion to get back again to their fa- 

 vourite spot. Although the British whalers have, during 

 their wars with Spain, been frequently captured here by 

 Spanish cruisers sent out for the purpose ; and have, even 

 in times of peace, been seized here by the Spaniards, on 

 suspicion of having contraband goods, and sent in for adjudi- 

 cation, still they continue to resort here, and will, no doubt, 

 so long as spermaceti whales are to be found. I confident- 

 ly believe, that in any future war between America and 

 England, and indeed during the present war, an American 

 cruiser may be certain of finding as many prizes as she can 

 man, all fine ships, well supplied, and equipped in a supe- 

 rior manner. Should she at any time need refreshments, 

 none can be better than the tortoises, turtle, and fish, with 

 which the islands and sea abound ; wood can be had in the 

 greatest abundance ; and at certain seasons, no doubt, wa- 

 ter can be obtained without difficulty. It is not unlikely 

 that some of the islands furnish running streams, where 

 ships may always get a supply ; but they are little known, 

 and 1 have to regret that my pursuits did not admit of my 

 giving them a more thorough examination. I have no 

 doubt but the spring formerly mentioned at Charles' Island 

 is a never-failing one, where water may at all times be had ; 

 the distance from the sea, to be sure, is great, and but few 

 would attempt to water a ship of war from it ; it may, how- 

 ever, be of use to those who are really suffering for water. 

 Colnet and others mention streams of water at James' and 

 Chatham Islands, but I am induced to believe, from what I 

 have learnt from my prisoners, that they owe their exist- 

 ence to temporary rains, and are similar to the place I visit- 

 ed near the basin in Albemarle, where it is said water has 

 been obtained formerly. Supplies from them, however, 

 are too precarious to place any dependence on, and it is 

 adviseable for every vessel visiting the Galhpagos, to lay 

 in a good stock of that necessary article, as they may not be 

 so fortunate as myself in capturing vessels with a large 

 quantity on board, which, although contained in the oily 

 casks of a whale-ship, and from them, as may be supposed, 

 derived no very agreeable taste or smell, but, on the con- 

 trary, produced nausea when drank ; yet we considered it the 

 most valuable part of our prize. It is not improbable, that, 



