ome of our intelligence,
was of an immense value.

Being now joined by the Gloucester and her prize, it was resolved that we
should stand to the northwards, and get as soon as possible to the
southern parts of California, or to the adjacent coast of Mexico, there
to cruise for the Manila galleon, which we knew was now at sea, bound to
the port of Acapulco. And we doubted not to get on that station time
enough to intercept her, for this ship does not usually arrive at
Acapulco till towards the middle of January, and we were now but in the
middle of November, and did not conceive that our passage thither would
cost us above a month or five weeks; so that we imagined we had near
twice as much time as was necessary for our purpose. Indeed there was a
business which we foresaw would occasions some delay, but we flattered
ourselves that it would be despatched in four or five days, and therefore
could not interrupt our project. This was the recruiting of our water. It
was for some time a matter of deliberation where we should take in this
necessary article, but by consulting the accounts of former navigators,
and examining our prisoners, we at last resolved for the island of Quibo,
situated at the mouth of the Bay of Panama.

Having determined, therefore, to go to Quibo, we directed our course to
the northward.

On the 25th we had a sight of the island of Gallo, and hence we crossed
the Bay of Panama. Being now in a rainy climate, which we had been long
disused to, we found it necessary to caulk the sides of the Centurion, to
prevent the rain-water from running into her. On the 3rd of December we
had a view of the island of Quibo, and at seven in the evening of the 5th
we came to an anchor in thirty-three fathoms.

The next morning, after our coming to an anchor, an officer was
despatched on shore to discover the watering-place, who having found it,
returned before noon; and then we sent the long-boat for a load of water.
This island of Quibo is extremely convenient for wooding and watering;
for the trees grow close to the high-water mark and a large rapid stream
of fresh water runs over the sandy beach into the sea, so that we were
little more than two days in laying in all the wood and water we wanted.

CATCHING THE TURTLE.

The sea at this place furnished us with turtle in the greatest plenty and
perfection. The green turtle is generally esteemed, by the greatest part
of those who are acquainted with its taste, to be