NARRATIVE OR THE CRUISE. 
819 
l’Heremite, anchored in a bay on the northeast side of Juan Fernandez, probably in 
Cumberland Bay. The anchorage was on a steep bank of rock and sand, and the depth 
was so great that it was necessary to approach the shore within half musket shot to 
obtain soundings of 30 to 34 fathoms. Some of the vessels anchored first in 80 to 90 
fathoms, and then warped closer in. The valleys adjacent to the anchorage were covered 
with herbage, and the fresh water was excellent. Fish, Fur Seals, and Elephant Seals 
( Morunga elephantina), the latter being called “ Sea Lions ” by all the voyagers, including 
Anson, who figures them, were abundant, and many were killed. The flesh of the Elephant 
Seals when roasted and with the fat cut off was considered by some of the men equal 
to mutton, but others would not eat it. Goats were seen, but were difficult to approach. 
Sandalwood was growing in great quantity, and near the anchorage were some wild 
quince trees. Three soldiers and three gunners of the Vice-Admiral’s ship remained 
behind when the fleet left on April 13th. What became of them is not known, as from 
1624 to 1680 little or nothing is known of the island. 
On Christmas day 1680, the buccaneer Sharp anchored in a bay on the south 
side of Juan Fernandez Island, but finding that the winds at that season of the year 
prevailed from the southward, he shifted round to a bay on the north side of the island, 
where he moored his vessel with one anchor in 14 fathoms and a hawser fast to the trees 
on shore, the land extending from E.S.E. round by S. and W. to N. by W. Sharp must 
therefore have anchored in Cumberland Bay. Owing to the strong gusts from the hills 
the vessel parted from her moorings twice and was forced to sea, but each time recovered 
the anchorage without difficulty. At the time of Sharp’s visit the island was much 
frequented by Fur Seals and Elephant Seals, whose noise and company were troublesome to 
the men employed in watering. Fish were plentiful, and innumerable Sea Birds had their 
nests on shore. Cray-fish (a large Palinurus) were abundant, and Wild Goats so numerous 
that a hundred were salted down in addition to those killed for present use. Whilst 
employed refitting his ship, Sharp was surprised by three armed Spanish vessels approach- 
ing the island, upon which all the men employed on shore were recalled, the cable 
slipped, and they put to sea, but in the hurry of quitting the island one of the Mosquito 
Indians, named William, was left on shore, and circumstances prevented his being 
rescued. William remained on the island until March 1684, when another buccaneer 
named Cook called in for refreshments, in whose vessel were several men who had 
formerly served with Sharp. Anxious to discover whether their old shipmate yet 
survived, a boat was quickly despatched to the shore, in which were Dampier and a 
countryman of William’s named Robin, and as they drew near the land they had the 
satisfaction of seeing William standing on the beach. The interview between the two 
Indians was very affectionate, and his old shipmates were glad to welcome William 
again after his long residence in solitude, for although in the interval several Spanish 
vessels had visited Juan Fernandez, William had always concealed himself. When first 
