Series 1 > Journal of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-1687

244
ERSKINE’S JOURNAL
first thing we should have done, was to clear the ground to plant
and sow in, which would have soon yeelded somewhat to eat, and
of that clearing or trees cut down to build our hutts ; But this was
never regarded neither by the first people nor last. We have
spent tuo long moneths in gathering young trees here and there
through the woods to make hutts, and yet they are not built, nor
are our Batteries Mounted. I expected also that some Trade should
have been essayed, having the ship, the ‘ Litle hope,’ and tuo
sloups, that might have carried goods to any European Colonies,
and brought provisions, etc. Yea we might have found a Trade for
Gold with the Indians, especlly the Spanish Indians, who covet
much our Linnen Cloth, and get worth for it by selling it to
Spaniards. Nothing of this is minded save that some were sent in
a Sloup, that was here catching Turtle, to Jamaica, to try what
might be got there. They went five weeks agone, but are not re¬
turned, nor any word from them ; we fear some misfortune, or that
the sloup, being discovered to come from us, be seised on there.
As for war, it seems it must be carried on of one side. The
Spaniards have not only Pinkerton and those with him prisoners
(of whom we can hear nothing), but have taken several since, and
some since we came here, and on January 15th last they sent a
sloup to the mouth of our Bay to spy us ; yet nothing is attempted
by us against them : tho upon our first Arrival it was proposed by
some, and pressed by some Indians, that a party should be sent to
surprise Santa Mai’ia, or to take some Spanish prests, etc. But
this was repelled and ridiculed. I acknowledged our Circumstances
rendered all these things extremely difficult; wanting all manner
of Tools for working. And our provisions, which are very bad, are
much exhausted, and much of them altogether Damnified. Sick¬
ness at sea and shoar hath cutt off near 200 of our men. There
are now sick about 130. The hired ships are to carry off all but
400 Landmen and 200 Seamen. And if we get not supplies of pro¬
visions from Scotland before tuo moneths, I fear the Colony again
desert, which will be a great pity. I beg your hor pardon for this
Tediousness and abrupt conclusion.—I am, much hond sir, your
humble servant, Alexander Sheilds.