From a-board the Van Herring THE ANSWER TO THE LETTER from LEGORN Answered: In a Third Letter to a Merchant in London. SIR, SINCE my Last, I have somewhat to communicate to you, more than what formerly I sent you: And knowing you to be a Person of Trust and Integrity, and withal desirous to know how Squares go, to the Intent you may assist us in all Lawful ways (if occasion presents) I am willing to give you this farther satisfaction. SIR, Not to Trouble you with Prolixities or a vain Rehearsal of my former Letter: Let me farther acquaint you, That since my last, Our Royal Captain's Son was entertained by several Persons (of no small repute or Quality in the Ship) and: that in the great Cabin, with an Extraordinary entertainment; To give you a full Relation whereof, thus it was: Upon occasion of an Extraordinary, or rather Customary Solemnity (in respect it happeneth annually aboard our ship) Our Captain's Son was thought fit to be invited to the Entertainment, which accordingly was done with the mature Deliberation and Advice of the Principal Officers, at whose Charge this Customary Solemnity was to be defrayed: It seems our Captain's Son was so modest at the first Invitation as to give a refusal to the same, showing them several reasons to justify his absence: but being over importuned he came out of his incognito, to avoid those Acclamations the Mariners were accustomed to Salute him withal: but it seems his Privacy was discovered, and the whole Company rang him such a Peal as he went▪ that he was forced to clap both his Hands on his ears, and desire them to forbear. This is seems is (since come to our Lieutenant's ears, who though he knows not which way to help himself, yet storms like wild but the honest Mariners take so little Notice of the same, that it is e'en indifferent whether he be pacified or not. Sir. The night after this entértainment happened an occational accident worth your serious remark: which was this, There was a kind of a buzzing about the Ship, That a certain Mahometan a-board had a parcel of Arms in his , with which he designed to do the Ships company a mischief, if occasion served: but upon notice thereof given to our Captain he issued out an express Order to search for the same, (as indeed all the Ships company know him to be a person extraordinary careful in such Cases.) The person ordered to make search was reputed an honest Quarteer; but whither for gain or otherwise, I cannot say, He had no sooner received his Order: but contrary to the same, gave private notice to him, That next Morning he must make a strict search for Arms, and withal desired him to consult his own Interest. The Mahometan thereupon puts all things out of the way, and desired him to come as soon as he pleased, which the next Morning he did, and was gratifyed with a pair of old rusty Pistols, which the Mahometan pretended had formerly been his Fathers: our Searcher being so much a Knave as to take his Word for the rest. But a more narrow inspection being made into the business by an honest Mariner, he hath since informed our Council of Officers of the same (who still fit, pray God they may continue) who have thereupon issued forth an express Order to bring the Delinquent before them with all expedition, who doubtless will be sent to keep company with the rest of his f●llow Criminals in the Ships hold. Sir. This Business appeared with so foul a Face, That our Council of Officers taking particular Notice of this Action, as well as of several others too tedious here to relate) made these several Proposals following; Resolving to second them with their Lives and Fortunes, as themselves have expressed; with their utmost Integrity and Affection: viz. That they will assist our most beloved Royal CAPTAIN, as far as Fortune, Life and Estate goes, against the Mahometans, and that they will testify their readiness and hearty good will upon the first Occasion that offers, That if any Mahometan, Algerine or other disaffected Person should but make an Attempt against our CAPTAIN: (tho' without Success) to do him prejudice, as well the Officers as the honest Mariners protest Solemnly they would not leave a Bone of the Mahometans or Algerines above board to report their Treachery. Nay that which you can hardly believe, and we with Admiration hear; is this (to our unspeakable joy and Comfort be it spoken) That our Lieutenant shall be disabled from ever bearing a Captains Command a-board this Ship; thus much as to our own Ship. The Lion Rampant (where our Lieutenant is a-Board) seems to be weary of their Officer, though they dare not scarce say so; yet by several Passages betwixt them and us we are apt to believe it. The Truth of it is, The Ship is a good Ship, pray God grant her as good Officers: as for the Captains Care it is beyond measure circumspect: Without doubt were our Lieutenant a man as careful for the Ships Good and Interest; the Sailors would not complain as now they do. Sir, IN my last I gave you a small Account of the Golden Harp (now in company with us) to say the Truth, I verily believe the Algerines designed first to lay her a-board by several Conjectures that I have not thought fit here to be mentioned: but let me tell you I know this from my own Experience, as well as from the Relation of several of our Officers a-board. That neither the Mahometan nor Algerine can do us the least Damage unless our Council of Officers disagree (which God forbidden) as yet they are unanimous, and for aught I know will continue so: Out Captain resolving to die in our Quarrel rather than submit one Tittle to these Mahometans, encourages us beyond Expression: And if the Ships Company do not stand by Him with their Lives and Estates never believe man more for my sake: In a Word, The CAPTAIN, is so well beloved on Board, 'Tis impossible for me to express it, unless I should write it in Characters with my Heartblood: which I am ready now to do for our CAPTAIN and his Ships Company. Sir, In my next expect a farther Account, from Your Cordial friend (in haste) J. B. FINIS. London, Printed for T. Davies. 1681.