19b 
PORTER’S JOURNAL, 
and westward, and sometimes, but less frequently, to the south¬ 
ward, by the rapid currents; but they make every exertion to get 
back again to their favourite spot; and although the British whalers 
have, during their wars with Spain, been frequently captured here 
by Spanish cruizers 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 adjudication, still they 
continue to resort here, and will, no doubt, so long as spermaceti 
whales are to be found; and I confidently believe, that in any fu¬ 
ture war between America and England, and indeed during the 
present war, an American cruizer may be certain of finding as many 
prizes as she can man, and all fine ships, well supplied, and equipped 
in a superior manner. Should she at any time need refreshments, 
none can be better than the tortoises, turtle, and fish, with which 
the islands and sea abounds ; wood can be had in the greatest 
abundance ; and at certain seasons, no doubt, water can be obtained 
without difficulty ; and it is not unlikely that some of the islands 
furnish running streams, where ships may always get a supply ; 
but they are but little known, and I have to regret that my pur¬ 
suits did not admit of my giving them a more thorough examina¬ 
tion. 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, howe¬ 
ver, be of use to those who are really suffering for water. Colnet 
and others mention streams of water at James’ and Chatham Isl¬ 
ands, but I am induced to believe, from what I have learnt from 
my prisoners, that they owe their existence to temporary rains, 
and are similar to the place I visited 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 advisable for every vessel visiting the Gallapagos, 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, it may be supposed, derived no very agreeable 
taste or smell, but, on the contrary, produced nausea when drunk; 
