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Of this number who sought to steer for America were men of first rate who wanted not money or credit, and this (above) consideration alone was enough to determine our choice of Virginia. Had we wanted other arguments, I being nearly related to Sir William Berkeley, the governor, Major Morrison had the Kings Commission to be captain of the fort, and Mr. Fox was to share in our good or bad success. My best cargaroon was his majesties gracious letter that recommended me to the governor's particular care.
About Sept. 1, 1649, we grew acquainted with Capt. John Lockyer, master of the Virginia Merchant of three hundred tons burden and force of thirty guns or more. We soon agreed with him for ourselves and servants at six pounds a head to be transported to the James River, our goods to be paid for at the current price.
On Sept. 23, we sailed. With a good beginning, we sailed about twenty days. Desiring to make the western islands which we were now near, the captain resolved to touch at Fyall Island (in the Azores) to replenish our water supply which was now about exhausted. Land was sighted at day break of October 14th.
As soon as we saluted the castle and returned thanks for being civily answered, Captain John Tatum, our countryman, did the same from his ship, The John.
The English merchants from the town came aboard soon and gave us a very civil welcome. Of these, Andrews invited me and my two companions to refresh ourselves with fruit and meat such as the island produced. We dined at his house and visited the peach trees for dessert. Later we dined with Captain Tatum on his ship. He gave us excellent wine before dinner and a handsome plenty of fish and fowl.
About October 22, we took leave of our landlord and Fyall. An
easterly wind and the trade winds favored us till we came to the heights
of Bermuda. We welcomed the sight of the island where we soon learned
the true distance from Cape Hatteras. In that latitude the seas are
generally rough and stormy, and we were in a gale that continued till Nov.
8. Then we observed the water changed and near the break of day,
the mate, Putts, called all hands on deck because of breaches. Under
the steering of the good hands of Tom Reasin, the breaches were cleared
at Cape Hatteras and the ship got out to sea. A fresh gale from the
North-West soon grew into a violent storm. Eventually, the fore top
mast and the foremast heat were broken off. The storm continued for several
days during which the mizzen masts were broken off and the forecastle lost.
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